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PC 01-11-1993 • CITY OF CUPERTINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA 103.00 Torre Avenue Cupertino, CA. 95014 (408) 252 -4505 . . , MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION HELD ON JANUARY 11, 1993 SALUTE - TO THE FLAG: ROLL' CALL' ;. Commissioners Present: Chairman. Fazekas Vice Chairperson Mann Commissioner Mackenzie Commissioner Mahoney Commissioner Austin Staff present: Robert Cowan, Director of Community Development Colin Jung, Associate Planner APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MOTION:, Com. Mackenzie moved to approve the Minutes of December -- 14, 1992. SECOND: Com. Mahoney VOTE: Passed 5 -0 POSTPONEMENTS OR NEW AGENDA ITEMS: - None WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: - None ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: - None CONSENT CALENDAR: - None PUBLIC ; HEt' RINGS : 1. Application No(s): 15 -TM -89 (Amended) ' Applicant: Kier & Wright Property Owner: Harry Gheno Location: East side of Blaney Ave. between Rodriguez Ave. and Hall Ct. 5taffPresentation: Planning Director Cowan presented the staff report;ated January 11, 1993. He stated the applicant seeks approval for a one year extension to the tentative map and to amend the ;trge He noted the amendment involves three trees, whxch1,4aere in poor condition when the map was approved and the arborist._recommends they be removed. He stated staff did look at PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Regular Meeting of January 11, 1992 Page 2 the trees and concur with the arborist. Chr. Fazekas opened the public hearing. Applicant Presentation: Mr. Harry Gheno, property owner, stated the redwood trees have suffered because of the drought and can not be saved at this time. Chr. Fazekas closed the public hearing. Com. Austin feels the trees can not be saved at this time and would support staff's recommendation. MOTION: Com. Mackenzie moved to approve 15 -TM -89 (amended) for a one year extension subject to the findings and subconclusions of the hearing. SECOND: Com. Austin VOTE: Passed 5 -0 MOTION: Com. Mackenzie moved to recommend that the map be amended to delete protection for the three trees, subject to the findings and subconclusions of the hearing. SECOND: Com. Austin VOTE: Passed 5 -0 2. Application No(s): 8 -TM -76 (Amendment) Applicant: Mr. and Mrs C.T. Ma Property Owner: Same Project Location: 21627 Rainbow Drive Staff Presentation: Associate Planner Jung presented the staff report dated January 11, 1993. He stated the amendment to the Tentative Map is to allow for the construction of accessory structures outside the building envelope. He stated the Tentative Map does provide a mechanism for property owners to expand the building envelope subject to Planning Commission approval. Mr. Jung passed out photos of the site condition. He noted the applicant has completed geological and soils reports and the site is constrained by several factors as outlined in the staff report. Mr. Jung stated the City Geologist recommends that the City staff give close attention to the engineering design recommendations when reviewing the building plans. He stated condition 18 of the Tentative Map addresses the grading and staff recommends the building expansion to allow the proposed pool and terrace /arbor. Staff does not recommend approval for the sports court as it is visually intrusive. Mr. Jung outlined the elevations proposed. Applicant Presentation: Mr. David Groezinger, Architect, stated he agrees with the staff report except for the sports court. He noted the geologist indicated that if the sports court is built correctly it would provide better stability and drainage to the property. He • PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Regular Meeting of January 11, 1992 Page 3 feels there is a potential for landslides without the sports court. He noted the landscaping proposed will address the visual impact problem. Mr. Groezinger stated the intention of the sports court is for the property owner's children as there are no other flat areas on the property. Mr. C.T. Ma, 21627 Rainbow Drive, stated the proposed sports court is 2100 s.f. and does not feel this is extensive. He noted the court will be used by his family for different activities. Regarding visual impact, Mr. Ma stated the court will be totally hidden from neighbors. Chr. Fazekas closed the public hearing. Com. Mackenzie stated he would support staff's recommendation. He feels the sports court entails too much grading. Com. Austin concurred with Com. Mackenzie. She also expressed concern about the pool sliding downhill. Mr. Jung stated the City Geologist's main concern was the extent of -- the proposed improvements to the lot itself. He noted the Geologist did express concern about the close proximity of the proposed structures to the adjacent resident. Com. Austin stated she is not in favor of the pool or the sport:; court. Com. Mann spoke in support of staff's recommendation. She notpi she did visit the site and the sports court will require too mu;'- grading. She also expressed concern about the pool sliding. In response to Com. Mann's question regarding cut and fill, m.-. Jung stated there will be minimum grading for the arbor. Com. Mahoney spoke in support of staff's recommendation. He st:3t the sports court would be visually intrusive. Chr. Fazekas spoke in support of staff's recommendation. He ,e, the sports court would be too close to the property line ,-1 intrusive to the property below. MOTION: Com. Mahoney moved to approve 8 -TM -76 (Amended) to al. the pool and arbor, subject to the findings v -: subconclusions of the hearing SECOND: Com. Mackenzie VOTE: Passed 4 -1 NOES: Com. Austin • PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Regular Meeting of January 11, 1992 Page 4 3. Application 81,043 - Zoning Codification: Minor amendments to zoning ordinances. The zoning ordinances were recently reformatted and consolidated. Several additional amendments are needed to correct and clarify the changes resulting from that process. Staff Presentation: Planning Director Cowan presented the staff report reviewing the changes in section 1 through 6, as outlined in the staff report. MOTION: Com. Austin moved to recommend approval of 81,043 - Zoning Codification subject to the findings and subconclusions of the hearing. SECOND: Com. Mann VOTE: Passed 5 - 4. Application No(s): 10 -U -92 and 19 -EA -92 Applicant: Westfield, Inc. Property Owner: Same Location: Corner of Stevens Creek Blvd. and Wolfe Road - Staff Presentation: Planning Director Cowan presented the staff report dated January 11, 1993. He stated the purpose of the discussion is to look at the design of the parking structure for the Sears parking lot. Mr. Cowan reviewed exhibits presented by the applicant. He stated the Council indicated that the structure should look more like a building as opposed to a parking structure. Chr. Fazekas opened the public hearing. Applicant Presentation: Mr. Jim Eller, representing Westfieli, stated there was no discussion at the Council meeting regarding the integration concept, architecturally. He noted they are under a time frame and would like to move forward. Mr. Terry Ferrera, Architect, presented three plans to he Commission. Plan A, concept plan, informally submitted to Council. Plan B, format submitted to Planning Commission. Plan modification of Plan A addressed at this hearing. Mr. Ferreri reviewed the design concepts. He stated ASAC recommenge: integrating the walkway within the structure and Westfield agree with this. He noted his preference is Plan C. In response to Commissioners questions, Mr. Ferrera stated the upper levels are setback. He feels lowering the structure into the ground does not serve any purpose. He stated the height has not been raised in plan C. Mr. Ferrera noted at the location of th signs the structure will be closed and the remainder will be lent opened. He noted there may be ventilation problems if the parking structure was closed -in more than what is proposed. • PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Regular Meeting of January 11, 1992 Page 5 The Commissioners discussed the cross section of the three proposals. Mr. Ferrera stated the cross section is similar for all three plans. Com. Mackenzie stated the parking structure should be lightened up. He suggested alternating solid panels with open grills and vines. He stated the grills and vines should be a light color as should the solid panels. He stated the upper levels should not be recessed, but brought out to catch the sunlight. Chr. Fazekas expanded on Com. Mackenzie's comments, he stated it should be a screen or louvered effect. The screens should be brought forward to catch the light. Mr. Ferrera stated this would be easier to do on the first level, but more difficult on the upper level. Com. Mackenzie stated the walkway should be incorporated into the structure. Mr. Demitri Vazelakis, Westfield. Inc. stated Westfield supports - either plan A or C. He stated landscaping will be incorporated and the colors proposed are similar to the existing building. He feels the end product will not look like a parking structure. Com. Austin spoke in support of plan B. She noted the landscaping will be important and would also support the rounded tower effect. She would like to see the walkway go into Sears and the Cinema. Com. Mackenzie spoke in support of plan C. He reiterated his comments regarding the screening and using light colors. Mr. Ferrera stated any changes in the walkway proposed must be discussed with Sears. Chr. Fazekas spoke in favor or plan A or C. He would support small arches across the entire facade. Com. Mahoney spoke in support of plan C. He feels this is a good compromise between plans A and B. He supports using light colors and the tower elements should be more like a building. Com. Mann stated the towers proposed are too high and bulky. She stated this structure should flaw with the Sears building. She stated the mass should be cut and she support arch concept. Com. Austin also spoke in support of plan C. She stated she is not in support of tieing this structure into the Sears building. Com. Mahoney stated the structure should be compatible with Sears. • PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Regular Meeting of January 11, 1992 Page 6 Chr. Fazekas stated the structure should be free standing, should emphasis the arches, no stucco, use light colors and high quality materials. The Commissioners discussed the walkway. Com. Mann stated she would like to see the walkway pedestrian friendly and continued to the bus stop. The Commissioners voted on the following: 1. Towers in plan C. 5 -0. 2. Plan C, in general, going in the right direction. 5 -0. 3. Plan C to reflect the arches of Plan A. This should be investigated. 2 -0 -3 (Austin, Mackenzie, Mahoney abstain). 4. Prefer concrete. 5 -0. 5. Prefer separate covered walkway along the structure. Investigate pulling tower elements out. 4 -1 (Mackenzie No). - Com. Mackenzie spoke in favor of a walkway inside the structure. 6. Prefer pedestrian walkway as shown on plan C. Investigate architectural element over the gaps. Explore the possibility of incorporating the bus shelter, but no trees to be disturbed. 5 -0. 7. Should use highly reflective surfaces as seen from Stevens Creek Blvd. 4 -1 (Mann No). Com. Mann stated she is not in support of enclosing the openings of the structure. 8. Use planter boxes to make the parking structre look like a building. 5 -0. 9. Architectural element should be the same on all sides. 5 -0. MOTION: Com. Mackenzie moved to adopt the 9 points above and recommend to the City Council to review a set of drawings to incorporate the 9 points. The plans should come back to the Planning Commission for review. SECOND: Com. Austin VOTE: Passed 4 -1 NOES: Com. Mann REPORT OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION: Com. Mann reported on the Affordable Housing Committee. She noted they are working on the proposal that came in from the Companies. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Regular Meeting of January 11, 1992 Page 7 Chr. Fazekas reported on the Mayors luncheon. REPORT OF DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: - None DISCUSSION OF NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS: Com. Mahoney commented on the article by Mayor Szabo regarding affordable housing. He stated it is not clear how he got his ratio. Chr. Fazekas stated it is Com. Mackenzie's and his last meeting and he thanked the Commission. ADJOURNMENT: Having concluded business, the Planning Commission adjourned at 9:55 P.M. to the next Regular Meeting of January 25, 1993 at 6:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Catherine M. Robillard, Recording Secretary Approved by the Planning Commission at the Regular Meeting of January 25, 1992 /s/ Daryl Fazekas Daryl Fazekas, Chairman Attest: /s/ Dorothy Cornelius Dorothy Cornelius, City Clerk