Saratoga is looking at amending the ordinance so that personal-service businesses can be allowed on ground floors as long as they do not front Big Basin Way.

The city council adopted a resolution of intent to amend the ordinance on July 7, and city staff will take the proposed amendment to the planning commission in August for public hearings. Following the hearings, the commission will recommend a course of action for the council.

Arlen and Jim Rosenfeld, property owners on Big Basin Way, had requested that the city amend the ordinance. Jim Rosenfeld said that if the ordinance is amended, more personal businesses might move to the back, leaving space for retail outlets on Big Basin Way.

City council members said that the aim always was to have a good mix of business in the Village. "I will support this modification. This will allow personal-service outlets on nonfrontage property," said Councilman Stan Bogosian.

In other city business on July 7, Gundy DuVall, a Saratoga resident, requested the council to reverse a planning commission decision to deny permission to remove a coast redwood tree on her property. After much deliberation, the council members decided that they want more information on the case and directed city staff to gather more information.