The Campbell Reporter

News

San Tomas owner can build home, but city requires modification first

By Cathy Weselby

San Tomas neighborhood resident Larry Schmierer received unanimous approval from the planning commission to build a single-family residence, but not without conditions to his proposed design.

Schmierer plans to build a 1,861-square-foot manufactured home at 973 Crockett Ave., on a lot that borders Smith Creek.

Planning staff reviewed Schmierer's blueprint, which is governed by San Tomas Association Neighborhood Plan guidelines, and recommended changes to the design that would maintain the "spirit" of the neighborhood, which is part of the guideline requirements.

The planners wanted the owner to add at the front and rear of the home clerestory windows that incorporated 16-inch deep overhangs.

A clerestory is a wall that is higher than the roofline with a window to let in additional light.

The planners also wanted Schmierer to add shutters to the windows. Both were a condition of approval on March 27.

Schmierer asked the commission to approve the plan without the rear clerestory requirement. He said adding the clerestory would take up too much ceiling space, and interfere with installation of the lighting and fire sprinklers. He added that the rear clerestory would not even be seen, since it was in the rear and faced the creek.

Dennis Chan, a neighbor who lives on Crockett, supported Schmierer and asked the commission to consider the fact that the back of the house does not face another residence.

Planning Commissioner Bob Alderete pointed out that a clerestory in the back would break up the roof plane.

"The fact that it can't be seen from the street--it can be seen from somewhere," Alderete said.

Planning Commissioner George Doorley also saw merit in the use of the clerestory.

"I don't want to be cavalier about adding money to a design, but getting away from the shoebox look is the intent of the San Tomas plan, and I think adding the clerestory would balance the plan's guidelines with minimum compromise," Doorley said.

Acting community development director Jackie Young Lind told the commissioners the planning staff researched the possibility of adding a frame for a California roof, but the home design would not accept the weight. The only available option was a clerestory.

The commission discussed other alternatives with Schmierer, but in the end, voted to adhere to the San Tomas Association Neighborhood guidelines.

The San Tomas Area Neighborhood Plan is a set of policies written to preserve the unique character of the San Tomas area.