13785 Saratoga Avenue subdivision appeal

Appellant argued the project swaps the proper order — bridge, fire access and geotechnical feasibility should be analyzed before the map is approved — and urged a CEQA review.

The applicant described her family's 85-year history on the property and said the subdivision is meant to provide affordable homes for her children and grandchildren.

Supported the original Planning Commission approval, calling the tentative map a good investment for Saratoga.

A mechanical engineer, he questioned building a fire-truck-capable bridge on the steep creek banks and the CEQA exemption.

A 48-year resident described flooding, a sycamore swept downstream, and piecemeal tree cutting; questioned the bridge location on a Valley Water easement.

Cited the city's own peer reviewer on liquefaction and lateral spreading and asked who is liable if flooding damages homes after approval without full studies.

Read a letter from absent neighbor Linda describing the creek wildlife corridor, loss of frogs, and concerns about tree removal and fire protection feasibility.

Said the map was filed relying on access over Boroni Court without the owners' easement, cited a prior tree-removal appeal, and questioned liability for the existing temporary bridge.

A civil engineer, he said bridge construction is not trivial, referenced the Highway 9 bridge rebuild for seismic reasons, and flagged the flood zone.

Asked whether a clear-span bridge over a seismically active creek constitutes an 'unusual circumstance' defeating the CEQA exemption.

Asked whether approving the map now and deferring environmental studies improperly segments the project under CEQA.

Supported the appeal, citing flood and fire concerns and the CEQA exemption.

Asked whether a swept-path analysis confirmed fire trucks can navigate Heritage Creek Court, and who would maintain the bridge long-term.

The applicants' son thanked the council for the site visit and voiced family support for the subdivision.

The applicant closed by asking the council to deny the appeal so his family can build homes for their children and grandchildren.