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PC 11-10-97
CITY OF CUPERTINO 10300 Torte Avenue Cupertino. CA 95014 (408) 777-3308 AMENDED MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION HELD ON NOVEMBER 10.1907 SALUTE TO THE FLAG ROLL CALL Commissioners present: ConUmssioners absent: Austin. Doyle. Mahoney. Chairperson Harris Roberts Staff present: Robert Cowan, Director of Community Development: Ciddy Wordell, City. Planner: Vera Gil. Planner I1 Raymond Chong. Traffic Engineer: Charles Kilian. City. Attorney APPROVAL OF MENUTES: Minutes of the October 27, 1997 regular meetihg: MOTION: SECOND: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: VOTE: Com, Doyle moved to approve the October 27, minutes as presented. Com. Austin Com. Mahoney Com. Roberts Passed 3 -0-1 1997 Planning Commission WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None POSTPONEMENTSfREMOVAL FROM CALENDAR: Application No {s): Applicant: Location: I I-EXC-97 :md 29-EA-c)7 Ron Dick 11835 Upland Way/Lot 2 Hillside Exception to construct a residence on slopes greater than 3004, in accordance with Chapter 19.40.050 of the Cupertino Municipal Code. ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: Negative Declaration Recommended PLANNING COMMISSION DECISION FINAL UNLESS APPEALED REQUEST CONTINUANCE TO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF NOV 24. 1997. Planning Commission Minutes 2 November 10, 1997 MOTION: SECOND: ABSENT: VOTE: Com. Austin moved to postpone Application Nos. 11-EXC-97 and 29-EA-97 to the December 8, 1997 Planning Commission meeting Com. Doyle Com. Roberts Passed 4-0-0 ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None PUBLIC HEARING I .Application No rs): 1145-97 AND 28-EA-07 Applicant: Thomas Boyd (All American Shopping Center) Location: NW Comer of Bollinger Road and Blaney Avanue Use Permit to construct a new 13,833 sq. f. retain store (Waigreens) and other improvements related to parking and landscaping at an existing shopping center: and to alloy, 24 hour operation at Walgreens and a drive-through window for pharmacy. ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: Negative Declaration Recommended TENTATIVE CITY COUNCIL HEARING DATE: December I, 1997 CONTINUED FROM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF OCTOBER 27. 1997 Staff presentation: Mr. Robert Cowan, Director of Community Development, explained that the video presentation was hewed September 22 when the application for 13,835 square foot building vdth a dual drive-through facility was last reviewed, at which time the planning C'ommlssioners concluded that more neighborhood input was needed. He reported that two neighborhood meetings were held and 5-6 residents attended. Issues at the neighborhood meetings included the operation of the existing center, i.e.. noise barriers along the northern boundary: trash concerns which have been a concern o~the center for some time: traffic: siting and architecture of the building; site plan: deliver3.' access; and sound wail. Mr Cowan stated that the architect would address the architectural modifications outlined in the staff repo~x Relatixe to the site modification, he noted that the driveway width on Bollinger Road has been increased to 30 feet: the driveway on Blaney Avenue has been increased from 40 to 30 feetz and the sen'ice drivewav located to the re'ar of the existing shops has been increased to 24 feet. He said that the new site 'plan rearranges some of the parking and the new design results in less landscaping in one area. He suggested one additional parking space be incorporated into the landscaping to provide a major n'ee and some landscaping treatment. He noted that the existing sound~vall would be replaced with an 8 tbot high wail. The existing pedestrian waikway ffotn La Roda will be closed as the neighbors present at the meeting did not want to see it maintained. Mr. Cowan discussed the possibility of a time-activated gate being installed in the service drive to prevent trucks from entering the rear of Tin-Tin Market. He said that a condition could be written that the developer could install a gate, and for these facilities written in a way that gives the leasehold interest of the building the abiliD' to approve or disapprove the gate. The city. has an option to enforce that. and if it is a continued problem with traffic at non-allowed delivery, times, the city could use the abatement or nuisance process to cause a gate to be installed, similar to the gate behind the Lucky's store some years ago. Mr. Cowan said that the condihon may have to be reworded which would obligate the developer to pay. for the gate. Mr. Tom Bovd. Qualhv Design Concepts. 20085 Steveas Creek Blvd.. reported that they met with the residents'on two ~ccasions to address their concerns about the appearance of the Walgreans Planning Commission Minutes 3 November l 0, 1997 building as well as concerns about the existing center. Relative to the concerns fi.om some of the residents and the Planning Comrmssion about the size of the building, he discussed the modifications to reduce the visual impact of the building. The comer tower was reduced in height about 2-1/2 feet; the evelines have been lowered by 2-1/2 feet: wood beams have been introduced; the scale of the windows of the building was changed; large landscaping pots have been included on the side of the building. He said because of the controversy, over the clock, it was removed and replaced with the non-iutemally illurmnated mortar and pestle logo. He distributed a material and color board. Mr. Boyd said that the request was still for two drive-throughs, the residents were not opposed to ixvo drive-throu,,mhs and said they would potentially help in terms of preventing stacking problems through the drive-throughs. The residents Felt that tv, o would offer a benefit, but would be satisfied with one. Referring to the landscape plan. Mr. Boyd illustrated the location of the shrubs. He said that in meeting with the residents of ka Roda Drive. they felt the access was being misused by some center employees by parking on the street ~br access to their jobs. In response to Chair Hams' question about landscaping one of the triangles in the parking lot. ,'vlr. Boyd said it ~vas investigated: however he felt that it was the mare entrance to the store and creating a landscape barrier in front was not appropriate. Mr. Boyd distributed sketches of the landscape pots with annuals. Referring to the site plan. Mr. Boyd addressed the parking behind the building. He said the original plan presented on two Prior occasions indicated parking the entire length of the rear of the building and at some point because of the taper of the building with respect to the property, line. that parking was beginning to hang out into the illustrated driveway; therefore there was only about 18 feet clearance as a drive aisle behind that parking. He explained that their solution was to create a 24 foot driveway .minimum all the way through and eliminate tliose parking spaces, and proposed to strip it out so no one parks there; and widen the driveway to 24 feet. Mr. Boyd referred to the area in Ihe parking lot where Nh'. Cowan discussed the tree, and explained that the planter was shown at 7-172 feet wide, 15 feet deep. He said that Mr. Cowan felt it may be marginal for the ~owth of a sizable tree. and his suggestion was to eliminate a parking stall and increase the size of the planter so that there could be a tree and proper ground cover. He pointed out that the center would not be underparked, as there was a surplus of 21 spaces. In response to Com. Austin's questioning the rationale [br narrowing the dnxex~a.,,. 5,.Ir Boyd said that the driveway was originally to be 40 feet wide because Walgreens when th~ originally investigated the site plan, was under the impression there would be a right mm out, and a left turn out with the single mm lane in and it was reduced down to a single outbotmd lane and a single inbound lane. to 30 feet. In response to Chair Hams` question about the Tin Tin lease. Mr. Mike Tevis, lntnnsic Ventures. 1037 Florence Lane. Menlo Park. said that the lease was antiquated, silent as to modifications on the exterior. He said their legal counsel advised that access could not be restricted behind the store without a written confirmation of the lessee's consent, and it was their intention to proceed to ny and gain consent. He explained that Mr. Cowan's proposal was in the event that with good faith efforts. they were not able to gain written approval to install the gate. it would be put in when the lease expired in approximately 2 years; or the city, could use the public nuisance abatement process and obtain city approval to install the gate. He said it was his understanding that the problem was occurring in the early morning hours: however at this point, did not have any photos to prove it. Mr. Cowan noted that delivery, hours were 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.. weekends and holidays. Mr. Tevis said that he felt the meetings with the aeighborhood residenls were favorable. Planning Cormmssion Minutes 4 November 10, 1997 There was a brief discussion regarding the location of planters and bike racks. Mr. Cowan said that relative to Condition 7 language, the concept would be that the new ~mtte would be installed at such time when the lease is renegotiated for Tin Tin Market, or it' in the event the city. is forced to go through the nuisance abatement process with the resultant conclusion that a gate is necessary., the applicant would pay for that gate. Com. Doyle expressed concern about the wall on the northeast side of the building facing the remainder of the center and questioned i fit was possible to put windows in that wall or questioned if it was storage space Mr Boyd said that it was storage and referred to the Sunnyvale Walgreens which had imitanon windows, which he t'eit were not successful. Com. Do.xle said that il is a loadim, area. and covered with only one lreltis which isolates it from the remainder of the develo~pment. Mr. Bovd pointed out that Walgreens does not have tracks parked in that area for extended periods ot'tir~e and said he was willing to work on a solution ~br that area. He noted that there was very little room between the area that the truck backs in and the face of the building as ~t tapers down it the loading pad area. and said that they originally wanted to put landscaping there. but that it would be a very minor snip of landscaping. He said that anyfiung standing out from the building is susceptible to being hit by the trucks. Mr. Boyd said that their choices for solutions would be things that articulate the wall itself such as window's or shadow boxes along that length that would help break up the length and pick up the same kind of rhythm. Com. Doyle remarked that some way to tie it in would be extremely helpful. Nh'. Boyd said that he was willing to work with staff on a color palette. There was a brief discussion about' parking space sizes, wherein Mr. Boyd said' that the site was orieinallv desi~zned for unisize parking stalls, but unfortunately Walgreens would not agree to that. He~Smd'there'~s no way within the city ordinance to mix and match full/compact with unisize, therefore it had to be designed to include full size and compact. He said that there were 86 compact sizes and 174 full size spaces. Chair Hams opened the public heating. Yh'. J. Scott Cowing. !0786 So Blaney Ave.. Capemno. said that the applicant has made an effort to include community involvement, and he felt it was a posinve proJect. He said that he still felt the traffic studies wer~ not done adequately, and that the issue of the amount of traffic or increase with the drive-through pharmacy still was not addressed. He said that the other issue was the operating hours. 7 a.m. to midnight: and that he would prefer a 10 p.m. closing. Mr. Cowing suggested that the communJ~' interactton with the developers continue as the phases move [bt~ard. He concluded that the meetings with the communi~ have had positive results Ms. Nicol Lea. 19400 Stevens Creek Blvd.. Suite 200, Cupertino. spoke on behalf of the Tin Tin Market, and said that the center has had an unfavorable liaison with the community in the past. probably due to the ownership of the center. She provided back~ound information on the Tin Tin Market operation; stating she was originally involved with the market from the standpoint of their Mountain View location approximately 7-8 years ago relative to parking issues with other stores in the Mountain View Center. The result was that Tin Tin Market continued its operations for another 5 vears and then moved to Cupertino where it has gained its reputation as a Chinese supermarket. 'vl~. kea smd that when they renewed their lease in t990. the center was not for sale. but they requested the opportanirv to'purchase the center if the opportanity arose. She said at that time the owucr was not in the m~rket to sell the property and not interested in fixing up the center. At this Planning Commission Minutes 5 November 10, 1997 time the lease comes up for renewal in 2 years and they were not aware the property had been for sale until they received notification of the hearing about the Walgreens' application. Ms. Lea said that some of the problems over the years concern the delive~ and parking area. She said that if parking spaces in the area illustrated are going to be included, it was her expectation that later no one could return and say there was a problem. She indicated that the area was a yew narrow entrance and had extremely tight access, and asked the Planning Commissioners to consider if they would park in that area themselves. She said that there was not any enticement for employees to park there, and perhaps the spaces could be reduced. Ms. Lea said that she concurred with the closure ot'the La Roda Court area because people come in and use Tin Tin dumpsters to dispose of mattresses and similar materials She smd that she did not 'know what Tin Tin Marker's posnion would be on thc securiH' gate. She pointed out that Tin Tin could request their delivery to be made at a certain time, but if the delivery company does not adhere to it. it creates another situation. She said they did not have a problem 'with the driveway: and restnping the entire parking lot would be beneficial. She expressed concern that there had not been any discussion regarding increased lio_hting in the center, which was needed because suitable lighting did not exist She said that some e~nployecs park in the parking adjacent to La Roda. Hopefully the new owners will want to restripe and repave the parking lots because it is broken up. Ms. Lea said that the new owners would like Tin Tin to spend a substantial amount of money to improve this building, including drainage. electrical, etc. which is extremely high: and they preliminarily requested a 3X increase in base rent. plus improvements, which are 14caw commitments for the space from Tin Tin, who is an anchor tenant. Tin Tin feels the Wal~eens'location will impact their parking. Tin Tin wants to be a good corporate neighbor and pan of the community; and language communication is a concern. She Smd she fek the remodeling, and beautification of the cemer is beneficial because it is a community eyesore; parking is a major concern. She said that each s~ore had individual dumpsters, and Tin Tin had to get a permit to construct a trash enclosure with gates and fences because of the objection fi.om the neighbors of being able to see the trash compactors. Chair Hams closed the public hearing at 7:40 p.m. Mr. Raymond Chong, Trail'ic En~neer, said that he prepared a memo on the back~ound on how the trip ge.4eration rates and pass-by trips were determined. He reported that it was based on the fitted cur','e equanon. He said he [~r~ared a spreadsheet and did a comparison of the possibiiiry or' mmntaining the same rate as the existing addition, and based on that. the net p.m. peak hour trips would increase by 11 trips over the previous calculations for Walgreens. By plugging in the same number as the e~isting center, it shows an increase to 12l p.m. peak hour trips vs. 110 p.m. peak hour trips. Factoring the past 5 trips, it would be reduced to a net gain of 6 trips over the previous scenario: therefore LOS at Bollinger and Blaney would still be a B-.C- so the project would still not have a significant impact to traffic circulation. Mr. Tevis said that they were prepared to look at a parking lot lighting plan. He Smd that there would be down lights under the eves on the Walgreens building, and he thought the existing site lighting was an issue to be worked out with staff'as part of the building permit process. He said that they planned to do site parking lot lighting per ciW code. Mr. Cowan clarified that the city, code related to the amount of lumins, the amount of light, and there are different ways to accomplish that: one is to have fewer higher poles or more lower poles. In this case because of the residential community., lower poles would be more appropriate to eliminate glare. Chair Hams sun~manzed the issues: hours of operation: trash enclosures: tree well; flower pots~qandscaping: colors: two vs. one drive-through: traffic: and trash enclosure issue. Planning Commission Minutes 6 November 10, 1997 Relative to Condition 5, Chair Hams suggested changing it to 5% of the new parking demand because it is unclear. She said that relative to Condition 7, the truck delivery has to be changed; the section on the time activated gate has to be deleted because there is no authority to do that. It will read: Truck deliveries associated with the Walgreens store or pharmacy are limited to hours defined by the Cupertino Municipal Code. At time of renewal of the Tin Tin lease, the owners will arrange for a gate to be installed to control delivery times, or should nuisance abatement be necessary prior to that time, a gate will be installed and applicant will pay for the gate improvements. A keep clear corridor shall be developed to allow access to rear parking areas. Add a lighting condition after Item 10 A lighting plan for the parking lot shall be worked out with staff prior to the issuance of the buildir~g pernnt, with lower ooles, to create less impact. Add a trash enclosure condition with Item 8. Recvclina Facilities. statim, that trash enclosures behind the stores will be part of a plan to be ,~or~ed out bv staff. The object is to eliminate the use of the trash container taking up parking spaces. Com. Doyle said that he preferred operating bouxs 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; he wanted to ensure that the trash encl~sare does not take up parkine spaces, and suggested developing a common one they can use; trees wells are suitable; flower pots are appropriate and he would like to see as many as possible; utilize the parking space in the back as much as possible, because parking will be a problem: colors axe suitable: and one drive-thro ~ugh. He expressed concern about the left turn traffic. Com. Austin said the operating hours 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. were appropriate; traffic is an issue but not solely because of Wal~eens: the enclosures should be worked out with staff. She said she was in favor of the tree webs, to give up a space for the tree gxowth. She said the flower ports were appropriate; preferred two drive-throughs for efficiency; left turn on Bollinger not a concern. Com. Mahoney said the operating hours 7 a.n'L to 11 p.m. were appropriate; amended conditions were appropriate; trash enclosure to be taken care of; tree wells suitable; use 8 flower pots; plant landscaping in the triangle: colors appropriate: one drive through: left turn not a concern. Chair Hams said she preferred the 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. operating hours; tree wells appropriate; 8 flower pots suitable: plant triangular landscapes with low growing plants. Corns. Doyle and Austin concurred. Chair Harris said that she did not care for the army peen color: preferred one drive- through: reduce ?ortico share to cover the one area only so that there would be ~eater circulation: and traffic on Bollinger was not a concern. MOTION: SECOND: ABSENT: VOTE: Com. Mahoney moved to approve the Negative Declaration on 22-EA-97 Com. Austin Corn Roberts Passed 4-0-0 MOTION: SECOND: ABSENT: VOTE: Com. Mahoney moved to approve Application 11-U-97 with changes discussed in Conditions, 5, 7.8, 10& plus reduction of drive-throughs to one: putting in 8 flower pots: adding landscaping to triangular area: hour~ of operation to be 7 a. m. ~o l l p. m. Com. Austin Com. Roberts Passed 4-0-0 Mr. Cowan reported that the application would be tbrxvarded to City Council on December 1. 1997. Com. Doyle conmtented that he was pleased to see that issues could be resolved with the help of neighborhood input, and said that the practice should be fostered. plamung Commission Minutes 7 November 10, 1997 2. Application No.(s): 10-U-97 and 27-EA-97 Applicant: Chevron Service Station Location: 10023 DeAnza Boulevard Use Permit to demolish an existing service station and build a new one, including modifications to the site plan. ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: Negative Declaration Recommended PI.ANN1NG COMMISSION DECISION FINAL UNLESS APPEALED ('ONTINUED FROM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF ©CTOBER I3. lc)'P- Staff presentation: The ~ldeo presentation reviewed the application to demolish the present ser~'ice station and construct a new service stanon with convenience store, allowing a 24 hour operation of the service station and store. The site is located at the comer of Stevens Creek Boulevard and DeAnza Boulevard. The application was presented at the October 13. 1997 meeting, and the applicant has made all the requested amendments to the application. The staff recommends that the planmng Commission reconsider their previous request to lower the building height of the service station and adjoining convenience store because th~ feet the 29 foot height will present a more civic presence to the crossroads. Staff's recommendation is also supported by Freedman, Tung and Bottomlev. Staff also recommends approval of the 24 hour operation. The Planning Commission's recomm~dafion will not be forwarded to Ci.ty Council unless an appeal is filed in the next 14 calendar days. Ms. Vera Gil, Planner II, illustrated the reconfigured 'site plan. She noted' that the reconfiguration resulted in a loss of two parking spaces near the trash enclosure. She noted that there were photographs of the site displayed. Chair Hams asked for staff conunents on the concept of a speedy mart as part of the Heart of the City eoal for the intersection. Mr. Cowan said had there been a blank site. they would not ha~e rec~)rr~nended a serx4ce station on that comer; and said that their position of opposition was clear on the resurrection of the service station on the northeast comer. He explained that this particular stancn has a long term lease, and staff did not t~eel ~t appropriate to recommend denial, but ,sork with the applicant to develop a new format for the seawice stanon. He noted that the trend for new service stations being remodeled are with car washes and mini marts and no more service work on the premises. Ms. Gil reported on comparison numbers of other service stations. She said that the5 rmtged from 1.300 to 1,500 square foot range, with an addinonal 1.000 to 1,200 square /~et for car wasit facilities. She said that most of the canopy clearances ranged from the minimum of 14 ft. 6 ins. to 16 feet. Ms. Gil explained that at the prior presentation, the Planning Commission reached a consensus on the preference for the alternate site plan: the canopy to be lowered: the building height lowered, and additional landscaping on the Stevens Creek Blvd. frontage in the form of annuals. Two of the commissioners spoke about the site as a landmark site or changes to the building to make it a landmark building. There did not appear to be a consensus as to redesi~ing the entire building. Ms~ Gil said that the applicant has lowered the height of the building, the canopy, and added landscaping. Mr Kevin Comell. Chevron Products Co.. Bollinger Canyon Road. San Ranton passed out the architectural rendering which illustrated the changes: height of the bnilding lowered from 29 fl. 4 ms. to 21 ti. 10 ins. He noted that their original proposal was similar to the modifications being Planning Commission M/nates s N~vember 10, 1997 presented tonight; however, at the suggestion of Freedman~ Tung & Botlomley, the building was scaled upward because of the indication that the city wanted a taller structure at the intersection. The Planning Commission's input at the last presentation was that they felt it was inappropriate for the size of the site and that it should not be so tall: there was a tower effect in the center of the building. He said they used the same elements, same colors, same materials but reduced the height dramatically and scaled things proportionally. He added that the canopy height has been lowered 2 feet as well. Mr. Comell illustrated the photos taken of the various views of the hills from the present station in response to the Planning Commission's request at the previous meeting. Mr Comell outlined the modifications to the site plan. He illustrated the changes in the parking spaces and the loss of two spaces He said they.' felt parking w~ adequate as man.~ customers will leave their cars at the islands to go into the convenience shop He pointed out the small carve out of the 26 [bot landscaping setback made to gain passage. ,",ir. Comell said that colored annuals at the perimeter points would be changed seasonally on both sides of the project. He noted the ever~een vines on the back of the building which would create screening across the back of the building. Referring to the black and white perspective rendering. Mr Comell reviewed the variation of materials used in the building. He pointed out that with the new service staUon and convenience store would visually present a dramatic change to the comer location fi.om a congested site with cars parked for repairs, to a cleaner took. with a much more efficient ~eling layout, better circulation and access to the pumps and a retail building with architectural detail. Relative to the operating hours. Mr. Comell explained the appropnataness of the 24 hour operation of the service station and convenience store for the location. He noted that they have been operating the fuel pumps on a 24 hour basis for a number of years without incident and are able to address the security issues. He referred {o Condition' 4, Security, in the proposed resolution and said 'that the condition pertaining to the pa,ment for gasoline at~er 11 p.m. did not apply to the 24 hour operation. Customers will be expected to go into the store to pay for gasoline purchases and any purchases fi.om the convenience store. Chair Hams pointed out that a customer purchasmg gasoline only would have to leaxe his/her car and go into the store to pay for gasoline purchases and risk the chance of someone lurking by the car when they returned, rather than use a pass-through window by the pumps to pay for the gasoline purchase.' Mr. Comell noted that the customer would also have the option to pay at the pump with a credit card and not ha,~e to lea,. e the area of his/her car. Chair Hams noted that the hours of operation were not included in the resolution. Ms. Gil said that the hours of operation would be included. Chair Hams opened the meeting for pnblic comment. There was no one present who wished [o speak. Chair Hams noted that the current canopy has a clearance of 14' 6" and a height of 17 1~.. which is 2-1/2 feet high: the new canopy has a clearance of 14 fi. 6 ins. and a new height of 21 feet. She asked the applicant to address the canopy changes. Mr. Comell reviewed the changes to the canopy. He said that the facia was taller, with the difference in heieht explained by the different roofing material used and some height gained as a result of that partic~flar mansard design. He said it was added at the request of Tung & Bottomley in order to make ti direct tie-in between the roof on the building and the roof on the canopy. Planning Cormmssion Minutes 9 N~vember 10, 1997 Chair Hams summarized the issues: building proposal; station orientation and landscaping; hours of operation for service station; hours of operation for convenience store; rear of building; and canopy height. Com. Mahoney said that he would have liked to seen some of the features of the previous proposal from the service station across the street for the landmark location, such as waterfall, special materials, tbr a landmark site. Com. Mahoney said that for the landmark location, he felt the proposal was not distinctive; and felt he could not approve it; station orientation and landscaping is suitable: 24 hour operation on both is appropriate; canopy height as proposed at 21 feet: he was not concerned about the rear of the building He said that if something happens to the building to make it more distincuve, somethmg could be done in the back and be mt improvement Corn. Austin said that she also felt ~t was not distinctive for the comer: she felt that lowering it made it more ordinary. She suggested they review the plans tbr the prior proposal for the gas station and car wash across the street, that was sul~mitted earlier in the year. with the special features such as a waterfall for the landmark location She said when the building was higher, it was more interesting. Com. AuStin said that she did not favor the metal root's; did not see anything distinctive about the canopies, and reiterated that it was ordinary; she favored 24 hour operation for gas station only: would like security, in place: convenience store closing at 10 or 11 p.m.: she was not pleased with the design: trellis in rear of building would make it more attractive. Com. Doyle said he also felt the building was not distinctive for the landmark location; would like to have the ~lriveway off DeAnza further back from the comer if possible; try to adhere to the Stevens Creek plan, including a berm. He said the 24 hour operation for gas was suitable, but he was not in favor of the 24 hour operation for the convenience store. He said be arguments were convincing that it is an industrial and commercial sector with big boundaries and if there was a distinctive and appropriate usage, he might change his vote for the 24 hour convenience store. Com. Doyle said the canopy height should match the building; and he was not in fa3or of the metal roof; the present tile roof gives it more texture. Relative to the back side. the elevation of the building needs to be softened as much as possible; he would like to try, to tie it in with the shopping center behind it which would be difficult because as presented, it doesn't have any theme. (-hair Nm-ns said that a soeedv m,"a~ and a monument :Lre not the s,'une: and if it is going to be a speed.',' mart r'or the servi~e station, lower is better: ~t would be less obt~tsive and the redesign is effective. She said it would be either big ,and noticeable or small and unobtrusive. The height is richer than what is there now and more attractive: the pitched roof and brick trim were suitable. ShOe said she felt the station was distinctive and much higher quality than most service stations. She said she was in favor of the station and the building as redesig, ned. She said she liked metal roof: gay color was tastefid: was in favor of the 24 bout operation tbr the station but not the store. midnight closure for the store was more appropriate. Chair Hams said that the canopy height should be bro~uvtht down as it was disproportionate and 20 feet is more appropriate. She said the rear of the buildin~ is a problem, as it laces a strip of stores and would be suitable if somehow could be inte~ated into it. She said the idea ora trellis was suitable also. Discussion ensued regarding providing clear directions to the applicant relative to the design of the building. Com. Doyle said that the size of the building was not the main issue; and that bigger is not better: but it would give it some flexibility if it was very distinctive. He said he hoped there were ways of taking the proposed usage and turning it into a building with character that lends itself to the ~mportance of the crossroads intersection. Com. Doyle said that the plan is to have an exceptional pt~rk across the street next to a ve~ nice hotel: on the other comer there is a very.' large brick bailding that displays very. little taste: and across the street there will hopethlly be another structure that is Planning Commission Minutes to November 10, 1997 stepped back and has public image to it; and public areas with seating and lighting and the very nice gas station on the other comer with a mini mart it doesn't blend in very well. He said they need to understand how to incorporate the four seasons theme into it and into the structure. Com. Mahoney said it was a challenge they were faced with last time, and if the site was a block away, it would be acceptable. He said previous discussions concluded that d~stinctive did not mean looking like a Disney theme or a gimmick thing, but something set apart from the ordinary.'. Mr Cowan said the other project had more landscaping features as opposed to the building features ~md the waterfhll Fle questioned whether the Plannin'.z Commissmners liked the architecture of the Chevron proposal Chair Harris commented that file ~roposai lbr the station across the ~trec: ~:~ed subtle brickwork throughout, was earthy. ,'md used concrete features other than just plain concrete. In response to an earlier question. 3,.Ir. Cowan clarified that the Heart of the City, plan specified that walls, fences, hedges, gateways, piers should be used to define public and private boundaries and/or spaces between parking areas: therefore it could be inferred that there be some type of boundaD' Chair Hams noted that there was an inference that there be some mUffed bush-like structure along the Stevens Creek Blvd. side and said that they were partial to berms although the plan does not call out tbr bet'ms. Mr. Cowan said that it appeared there ma',' be another way to approach it with additional landscaping or some other features that might help. Oom. Doyle said that the challenge is that they were being asked to be creative and come up with a different concept for a building than what was shown today, · . and it is extremely difficult to do in its particular environment. Com. Mahoney suggested' }ncorporatmg some of the feat'ares of the earlier proposal fi.om the other gas' station across the streel, which had a distinctive appearance. Mr. Cowan said he would meet with the applicant and go over the other proposal for ideas. Com. Doyle asked if there were other Chevron stations comparable to the proposal for comparison purposes that would be distinctive to the community. Mr. Comell explained that in their original applicanon, they, proposed a standard Chevron building. and the ci~"s architect, Freedman. Tung & Bottoml~ submitted a tremendous amount of input for enhancements which dramatically changed the appearance of the building: and the applicant in turn compAied and made the modific,~taons to their proposal When the :nodified proposal ~as submitted ~o the Plannin,.z, Commissmn n was done with the hope that because the consultant was expert in that urea and theoretically in rune with the city's needs and desires, and understood the Crossroads issue. that the modified de'sign would be accepied. He reiterated that there was very little of their original desi'.m remaininu in the proposal, other than underneath there is a footprint that allows them to merchandise their market. He expressed frustration that they were in the dark about the proposed changes after tbllowing the consultant's recommendations. He smd they received some veo specific and helpful input fi.om the consultant, and they. would be willing to review the plans for the previous gas station for ideas. He commented that the waterfall is a suitable tie-in for a carwash. however not necessarily a suitable element for a market, but would consider such suggestions. He questioned if the modem metal roof building was the objectionable item, and pointed out that it was necessary for a gas station, however he understood that it may be a difficult concept to accept. Mr. Comelt said that many years ago Chevron had the vision that the specific comer intersection was a grande comer and it turned out to be the hub of Cupertino. Theretbre he understood the focus and concern on Ire intersection: howe,,er, coaid not change the fact that there will be gas pumps and a canopy out there which ~s somenmes difficult to design arotmd m terms of having somethiag spectacular. planmng comrmssion Minutes I 1 November 10, 1997 Com. Mahoney recalled that in the proposal for the gas station across the street, there was a staff proposal to flip flop the gas station and have the building outside and the canopy on the inside: however, after consideration both the applicant and Planning Commission felt it would not be feasible. Com. Doyle clarified that his question was did Chevron already have any gas stations in existence that meets the standards they are trying to meet for the crossroads intersection. Mr. Comell said that he was not certain: however. Chevron had other unique designs in other communities. He said that he would research Chevron desiens for different concepts to present to the Planning Commission He ,added that they were dedica~ng a 12 fL by 12 ti piece or' land (or a piece of disunctI~ ¢ art,ao~k at the comer on tile site. He said they were flexible and were requesting as much solid direction as possible from the Planning Commission to be able to return with a suitable plan. Corns. Dosle. Mahonev and Austin agreed that rather than fine rune what has been presented. ~t would be beneficial to look 'at other more distincnve designs, with the same layout and same irbotpfint. Com. Doyle requested that photos of other options be presented for consideration. There was a consensus that it was appropriate to consider a mira mart for the location. Chair Hams summarized that there was consensus on the 24 hour operation for the service station: Com. Mahoney was in favor of the 24 hour operation of the convenience store: Com. Austin was m favor of the 11 p.m. or midnight closure of the store. Chair Hams favored the midnight closure of the store, and Com. Doyle said that it was dependent on the execution of the building and could not · render a conclusion at this time; Com. Roberts was absent. MOTION: Com. Mahbney moved ~o continue Application 10-U-97 and 27-EA-97 to the November 24~ 1997 Planning Commission meeting for further consideration of the building design and canopies. SECONT): Com. Doyle ABSENT: Com. Roberts VOTE: Passed 4-0-0 OLD BUSINESS: None NEV*' BUSINESS Chair Hams moved the agenda to Item 5. 5 Consideration of cancellation or'December 22. 1997 Planning ('ommiss~on Meeting. MOTION: SECOND: ABSENT: VOTE: Com. Mahoney moved to cancel the December 22. 1997 Planning Commission meeting Com. Doyle Com. Roberts Passed 4-0-0 There was a discussion regarding the training workshop: the January' 13 date was not workable and other possible dates were considered. Ms. Ciddy Wordell, Ci~ Planner, said that the facilitator suggested Janua~ 27, 28 and 29, or February 4.5. 10, 1 I or 12 Febmarv 4th. 6 pm.. with dinner provided was tentatively set for the workshop date. If Febru'a~y 5th at 7 pm. is chosen, dinner will not be provided. planning Commission Minutes 12 November 10, 1997 Chair Harris moved the agenda back to Item 4. 4 Report on conference attended by staff Ms. Wordell provided an update on the use of computers for planmng relative to convemng zoning ordinances, public access on the computer, use of graphics~ and use of GIS. She said that the City has been moving in that direction but have been impeded because of the demands on their computer experts on staff. She discussed the concept of urbanism, which is combining uses in one area so that you don't have to get into your car and go to the commercial area and said that many new plans are ~ombinm,_2 t', ?es of housin~ ~ith office, p~ks trod government so that people have easier access w/th pedestrians and [',icycles She noted that there were exmnptes of shopping centers that ha',e been converted into vital urban areas. Ms. Wordell reported that she had a copy of Mr. Cowan's presenlation on approaches to streamlining the General Plan review to make it more compact, less expensive, and more efficient, which will be discussed in the thmre. Chair Hams asked it' anyone anended the session entitled L~ .4nvone (7oin~ to (Jet Sued Over Their Housing Element? Sh~ Smd that she felt it would be useful to have intbrmanon on the presentation as it was an issue that keeps coming up. She requested that staff look into whether or not it was worthy in fbrmafion. Chair Harris also discussed the issue of Maintaining Retail Balance: Mom and Pop vs. the Big Box. She noted that many people were leaving the area either because incentives are being given to them to go elsewhere or they can't keep up with the wholesale retailers. Ms. Wordell said that khcheile Bjurman attended the conference and learned that Berkeley controls the retail types, which is unusual, because mostly cities do not get into the marketplace. She noted that Berkeley has'quotas on Lypes of uses and distances between them. In response to Chair Hams's question: Mr. Cowan said that the General Plan amendment she referred to was Ms personal model and that he would suggest to his colleagues that instead of having a protracted 1-1/2 year, double-submitting process, to attempt to condense it to a shorter period of time. He said that it would be done in the year 2000. He said that the 5 year mini-review was not done. as it was decided to use the mid-course correction done last summer. The 5 or 6 General Plen de'.eiopments were :o~sidered :~s ~he model for the mid-decade which was the decision to complete tins year. Ne noted dmt there 'aas not a lot of public inxoi~ement. Com. Doyle said that at some point discussion should occur with Tung & Bottomley regarding what their propos~ ['or the city is. what their ~ision is for Cupertino. and determine whether any' corrections ,are warranted.'as interaction with them has not occun'ed since working on the ch~ene. and then the Stevens Creek Heart of the City plan. He said he would like to better understand what their concept is. Mr. Cowan pointed out that the consultant uses the Heart of the City guidelines and noted that they were interested in quality architecture. A brief discussion ensued. There was a brief discussion regarding scheduling upcoming agenda items for November and December. REPORT OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION: None REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: None DISCUSSION OFNE'~SPAPERCLIPPI, GS. None