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PC 01-15-86 CITY OF CUPERTINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA Y 10300 Torre Avenue Cupertino, CA. 95014 (408) 252-4505 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMNIISSION HELD ON JANUARY 15, 1986 (Meeting held in the Council Chambers of Cupertino City Hall) SALUTE TO THE FLAG; 7:30 P.M. ROLL CALL: Commissioners Present: Chairman Claudy Vice Chairman Szabo Commissioner Adams Commissioner Mackenzie Commissioner Sorensen Staff Present: Robert Cowan, Director of Planning & Development Steve Piasecki, Assistant Planning Director Charles Kilian, City Attorney Bert Viskovich, Director of Public Works ITEM 6. Application No(s) . 30U-85 Applicant: Marriott Corporation Property Owner Vallco Park Ltd. Location: North side of Stevens Creek Boulevard opposite the intersection of Finch Avenue, within Vallco Vallco Park Parcel Area (Acres) : 6.0 USE PERMIT to construct a hotel (approximately 700 rooms) and convention facility with restaurants. The proposed development consists of two buildings equaling approximately 17 stories and 14 stories and a multi-level parking structure. CONTINUED FROM PLANNING COMMIISSION MEETING OF OCIOBER 28, 1985 ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: Negative Declaration TENTATIVE CITY COUNCIL HEARING DATE: January 21, 1986 Chr. Claudy initiated discussion of Application 30U-85 by describing existing general plan policy concerning hotel development in Vallco Park. The number of rooms, their distribution within Vallco Park relative to interstate 280, and control of building height have been resolved through previous general plan hearings. He stated that the principal issues before the Commission at this time are the design concept, materials and siting associated with a specific development proposal. � t PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Regular Meeting of January 15, 1986 ITEM 6 (Cont'd.) • Staff Presentation: Mr. Cowan stated that issues of land use, traffic impact, environmental constraints and the "community character" issue of siting high rise structures have been largely resolved as previous matters of policy. He then displayed a General Plan diagram illustrating overall community form and demonstrating selection of the proposed hotel site as an area for high rise buildings. He emphasized the importance of the setback requirements of the General Plan and retention of the parkway landscape concept on the Stevens Creek Blvd. frontage. He spoke of the technical issues of traffic, stating that the augmented traffic report clearly indicates that the basic constraints established by the 1983 General Plan have been met. The traffic management plan is intended to prevent neighborhood intrusion; with specific attention to the intersection of Finch Avenue and Stevens Creek Blvd. Off-street parking provided with the hotel project, at 1.5 spaces per roam,is adequate, according to the evidence presented to staff. Staff has concluded that, if adequate 'fire suppression equipment and design are included in the building, fire safety has been addressed. In response to a question by Cann. Mackenzie, Mr. Viskovich stated that Aft provisions have been worked out for layover of busses within the proposed transfer station. Cam. Adams expressed concerns regarding traffic circulation and potential flood damage to the hotel building. Mr. Viskovich explained that Cupertino has adequate plans for future traffic movement at the Wolfe/280 intersection. The building has been designed to comply with the 100 year flood requirements. Applicant's Presentation: Mr. Don Crosby, (Project Architect, stated that due to planning constraints and the master plan developed for Vallco Park, separation of the two phases of this development is appropriate from both a planning and operational standpoint. Mr. Crosby drew attention to the document that showed overall Vallco Park development and a set of three-dimensional models • ing the project and its surroundings. With regard to the mass of the building, a large base has been created on which the towers will rest. The base area will include meeting facilities, the banquet area and the lobby, Project phasing and a plan for temporary parking during the construction were described. Other siting issues described were the appearance of the parking garage, the pedestrian bridge to Finch Avenue and the swimming pool area. Above the main lo bby entry area, there will be additional service areas, mechanical areas and a limited number of meeting facilities in the first phase; in the second phase there will be additional meeting facilities and Ili more guest rooms in the tower. PLANNING 02avIMISSION MINUTES Regular Meeting of January 15, 1986 • ITEM 6 (Cont'd.) To create the first layer of interest in the architecture and to scale the mass of the building down, the flattened Z plan has been used; thus, the buildings form themselves into wings with the corridor system through the middle. Staff has already pointed out the massing of the building with respect to the slope easement requirements. Mr.Crosby added that the General Plan requirement for "sand piling" the buildings has been one of the strongest guidelines followed in their design. Strong guidelines were given with regard to the architectural skin of the building, the second layer of interest. This project needs to be consistent with the Vallco Park Project, regionally appropriate and needs to recognize and enhance the concept of the urban core that exists in the city plan. One of the strongest elements in the architectural fabric of this community has been the glassy or crystalline effect. For this reason glass is a strong architectural element in this structure. In the second phase the two buildings will be linked together with a similar crystalline glass connection. To create the . third layer of interest, balconies have been placed around the perimeter of the project with glass rails. Elsewhere, a solid rail containing planters will provide a soft, greening effect to the edge of the buildings. To carry through with this concept, the upper floor 410 balconies have been removed; this will present what appears to be a two story glazed element. This creates a strong cap for the building. A cornice-like effect terminates the structure as you reach the roof line. The final layer of interest exists in the shape of the towers themselves. They are a series of solid elements that capture various internal shapes at the end of each wing and at the corners of the building. By carefully combining theSe four different layers of architectural treatment in a well balanced manner, we will create a structure that would be interesting when viewed straight-on, and would present a variety of aspects as you progress around it. In addition to the glass-like material which is the major material of the building, we are proposing an acrylic panel system for the side walls and infill walls; these create the secondary and tertiary layers of architectural interest. Staggering of the face of the building at the port cochere is an attempt to maintain consistency of the sand pile concept. Coloration of the building will be a light beige, buff or sandstone for the walls to soften them and to bring the building into proper scale. Glass is to be green with a very slight blue tint. In massing the buildings, every effort has been made to ensure that the project will be strong, camplete and that it will stand on its own in the first phase; likewise, when the second phase is built, that the towers . will connect properly and will make a unified statement. PLANNING COM IISSION MIIIUTES Regular Meeting of January 15, 1986 ITEM 6 (Cont'd.) • Chr. Claudy asked where the fire escape stairs were located. Mr. Crosby responded that they are enclosed in the shaft that goes up the outside wall. They are typically located at the extremes of each of the wing. It is their intent to mound the earth adjacent to the parking garage on Stevens Creek Blvd. so that the first level of the parking lot is totally invisible; heavy planting in this area 'will make the second level of the parking structure invisible also. In conclusion, Mr. Crosby restated the intent to develop a project that is consistent with the master plan guidelines, that recognizes the importance of the building within its location, and attempts to make a strong urban statement. Cam. Adams asked if the parking structure would precede the second unit. Mr. Crosby stated that this question should be addressed to Marriott and Vallco. However, his assumption is that existing parking within the area would be relied upon for temporary use while construction is going on. Cam. Adams stated a concern regarding architectural compatibility with future development near the hotel. Mr. Crosby responded by observing that the combination of materials and shapes they propose provides opportunity for coif lementary development on surrounding properties. Mr. Crosby described the life safety systems of the building in response • to a question by Com. Adams regarding whether we have a hazard control plan to deal with problems like earthquakes. Cam. Adams did not feel the issue was addressed adequately by the applicant. Mr. Cowan confirmed that a number of special sessions have been held to deal with these safety issues as required by the General Plan. In response to Chr. Claudy's question, Mr.' Crosby stated that mechanical equipment will by screened by a parapet wall.l Chr. Claudy, while recognizing that the "Marriott sign request is a separate issue, stated that he did not feel Cupertino residents would look favorably upon the proposed Marriott sign. , Mr. John Burdick, Marriott Corporation, And Mr. Bill Stadler, San Francisco made themselves available for questions. Mr. Stadler explained to Con. Szabo that through marketing analysis Marriott has determined that a stabilized occupancy of 76% is expected. Most of this business will came from commercial travelers and convention activity. The Marriott representatives explained that,initial occupancy percentage might be low; timing of second phase construction will depend on success of the first phase. In response to the question of fire safety, it was explained that Marriott • builds beyond code to ensure the life safety of occupants. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Regular Meeting of January 15, 1986 • ITEM 6 (Cont'd.) In response to the question by Chr. Claudy, Mr. Stadler noted that the project lease requires construction of the phase two parking garage ahead of the phase two tower. He further noted that surrounding sites will be available for parking temporarily during construction. Public Safely Agencies Presentation: Mr. Doug Sporleder, Fire Chief, stated that during the General Plan hearings, the possible introduction of high rise structures was discussed. The proposed use of tool caches and acquisition of another ladder truck would offset same of the need for additional personnel. Break: 9:45-10:00 ITEMS 7, 8 and 9 MOTION: Cam. Adams moved that Agenda Items 7, 8 and 9 be continued until January 27, 1986. SECOND: Cam. Sorensen VOTE: Passed 5-0 Public Comment: Agenda Item 6 0 1) Ms. Jacqueline Schuette, 19133 Anne Lane, Cupertino, expressed the following concerns: - Scale and height of the building - Parking, especially during the evening hours on the weekend. - Safety for high school students in the area - Use of mirrors in blind traffic areas - Sewer capacity in the area - Density of the next expansion - Landscaping and width of the sidewalk Chr. Claudy explained that the other buildings on the Vallco area model are part of a future office ccanplex. Mr. Viskovich answered the concerns regarding public works. Mr. Crosby stated, in response to Cam. Mackenzie's question, that the glass to be used is more green than blue Cam. Adams asked for further clarification on the landscaping by the parking structure. Chr. Claudy suggested an additional 10 feet of landscaping adjacent to Stevens Creek Blvd. Cam. Sorensen noted in the Architectual and Site Approval Committee Minutes that the appearance of the phase two elevated parking structure on Stevens Creek Blvd. was of concern to the Cammmittee also. Chr. Claudy stated that this is the major concern the Commission has about the project. • Cam. Sorensen also expressed concern about the old oak tree on the site and the Architectural Committee's suggestion that there be a display of local historical interest within the project. Marriott representatives stated that Marriott policy is to incorporate points of local interest in all of their buildings. I V III PLANNING COMMISSION MINNUTFS Regular Meeting of January 15, 1986 ITEM 6 (Cont'd.) 1110 Coin. Adams expressed concern regarding spatial intrusion due to the he i t of the proposed buildings. Mr. Cowan and Mr. Piasecki discussed probable visibility of the building from various locations in Cupertino. Chr. Claudy's final comments included the issues of the nightlife that will accompany the hotel''bar and restaurant areas and the potential problem of parking. Mr. Viskgvich assured the Commission that the situation has been carefully assessed. ', Consensus was noted on the issues of the general design and placement of the building, the entrance off of Finch Avenue and the fire department's requirement for equipment. Chr. Claudy stated that all aspects of the building seem satisfactory with the exception of the number of parking spaces and the landscaping concerns along Stevens Creek Blvd. With to landscaping,ping, 30 feet framthe curb is viewed as too close; deletion of the second half of, condition 23 of the staff report is recommended. Mr. Gary Black, traffic consultant, statedl thatthe highest parking ratio they found was 1:1 spaces per room. The recommended design value is the 90th percentile day; the ratio was 1:36 parking spaces per roam. What is being recommended here is 1:5 spaces. Cam. Szabo stated that parking of this kind is basically self-regulating. 410 The potential loss of customers will dictate to hotels and shopping centers to provide sufficient.parking-spaces, MOTION: Com. Szabo, to close the Public Hearing. SECOND: Cam. Sorensen 1, ;'- - ' VOTE: Passed 5-0 MOTION: Cam. Mackenzie, that the Commission find that the previously prepared Environmental Impact Report for the General Plan adequately addresses this project., In adeition, the specific findings are that the proposed changes are minor to the degree that no significant environmental impact, which was not previously considered, has been introduced; second, that there are no significant changes in the environment as a whole which would require a new environmental assessment; third, that there is no new information of substantial importance to the project that would require a new environmental statement. SECOND: Cam. Sorensen VOTE: Passed 5-0 MOTION: Can. Adams moved for approval of Application 30.47-85 subject to Model Resolution conditions 1-15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22; condition 23 to be modified to delete the latter sentence; condition 24 specifying that the sign is not a part of this application and that the street frontage landscape design be submitted to ASAC and City Council review, with the intent that the existing street landscape theme be carried through on the hotel site SECOND: Cam. Szabo VOTE: Passed 5-0 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Regular Meeting of January 15, 1986 ADJOURNMENT: Having concluded its business, the Planning Commission adjourned at 11:15 P.M. to the next Regular Meeting of January 27, 1986 at 7:30 P.M. Attested: /s/Dorothy Cornelius Dorothy Cornelius, City Clerk Approved by the Planning Commission At the Regular Meeting of January 27, 1986: /s/John Claudy John Claudy, Chairman lir N1NUAN15 (P MINDTES86)