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HomeMy WebLinkAboutASAC Minutes 05-08-1974CITY OF CUPERTINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA 10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino Telephone: 252-4505 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE ARCHITECTURAL AND SITE APPROVAL COND1ITTEE HELD ON MAY 8,1974 IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER CITY HALL, CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA SALUTE TO THE FLAG The meeting was opened at 7:50 p.m. by Vice -Chairwoman Sallan with the Salute to the Flag. OATH OF OFFICE The Oath of Office was administered to the new Committee Member Barbara Rogers by Deputy City Clerk Ellen Pagnini. ROLL CALL Members present: Dressler, Rogers, Vice -Chairwoman Sallan Members absent: Koenitzer, Weinstein Staff present: Associate Planner Robert Cowan DDC-EP MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING Approval of Architectural and Site Approval Minutes of April 17, 19 74 . Because of the absence of two committee members, it was agreed to postpone approval of minutes of previous meeting until next regul meeting. POSTPONEMENTS - None WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS A letter was received from Foothill College District requesting a temporary sign advertising DeAnza Day. It was agreed to discuss this under New Business. Vice -Chairwoman Sallan reported a letter from Walter Ward, General Manager of Vallco Park, asking to be notified at Collins School when the presentation of the regional shopping center would be heard, giving them approximately 15 minutes notice. HC -107 Page 1 iiC--107 Page 2 HC -51,162.1 PG&E MINUTES OF THE MAY 8, 1974 H -CONTROL MEETING The Associate Planner said three applications had been received too late to be included on agenda. Two were for change of copy and the third was for the temporary sign at DeAnza. The two change of copy requests were entered as items 4 and 5 on the agenda. ORAL CONMUNIC ATIONS - None PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Application HC -51,162.1 of Pacific Gas and Electric Company requesting approval of lighting and modification of landscaping for an addition to an existing substation located at the southeast corner of Blaney Avenue and Homestead Road. Staff report: The Associate Planner gave the background of the application for the benefit of the new committee member. tIt was noted it had been determined a previous landscaping approval was inadequate to provide screening of substation itself from free- way and adjoining single family homes. The applicant is proposing additional redwood trees at the southeast corner and additional shrubs on the eastern boundary to fill in gaps and act as a sound 4screen to the homes. ':Lighting proposed at an earlier meeting was for three 50' lighting Gstandards. The applicant had been asked to return with plan that would have fewer and shorter poles. The applicant is now proposing seven 18' poles. Slides were shown of site, existing facilities and landscaping. Mr. Clifford Smith, Land Representative of PG&E, answered Member Dressler that existing light poles are from 25' to 45' in height. A He explained what had been done additionally to landscaping, < referring to map which showed existing and proposed landscaping. Vice -Chairwoman Sallan asked what was the reason for 18' size poles. �' Mr. Smith said this was the best compromise that could be worked bout. This is a pole and pipe rack storage area. He explained the operations handled there. They have to maintain a certain intensity of light where these men work. Anything lower than 18' could get gannoying to men working with cranes. MINUTES OF THE MAY 8, 1.974 H -CONTROL MEETING Vice -Chairwoman Sallan asked Mr. Smith to explain the light structures. Mr. Smith said there are two 400 watt metal halide lights proposed for each fixture, with a hood on the light which will help to direct the illumination pattern. The poles are grey metal, but could be any color. The Associate Planner pointed out the poles will be 200' from property line so will not be seen. Vice -Chairwoman Sallan requested in the future that when plans are revised that they're be made more clear which was the existing and which was the proposed. She asked Mr. Smith to describe the changes being proposed. Mr. Smith said the intent was to fill in gaps where trees have not developed. Using the map, he pointed out where the plants would be placed and what plants would be used., In answer to Vice -Chairman Sallan, Mr. Smith said this would solve I the problem of infilling and screening. In answer to Member Dressler, Mr. Smith pointed out were some trees that hadn't developed at same rate causing gaps. Part of this problem was apparently water, so an automatic sprinkling system was being was ascertained that both perimeters would have the sprinklers. where there as others, due to lack of installed. It automatic i Vice —Chairwoman Sallan noted this was a Public Hearing and asked for comments from the audience. There were none. Member Dressler moved, seconded by Member Rogers, to close Public Hearing. Motion carried, 3-0 Member Dressler moved to recommend application HC -51,162.1 to the City Council for approval subject to Exhibit E 1st Revision and E-1, 1st Revision, standard. H -Control conditions and the following conditions to apply: (1) That staff review the lighting and illumination of pole areas after installation for intensity and any over - lighting into private property. (2) That the landscaping plan is to include an automatic sprinkling system the full perimeter boundary of the easterly boundary and the southerly freeway boundary so as to provide adequate watering for the landscaping. Seconded by Member Rogers. Motion carried, 3-0 HC -107 Page 3 Public Hearin; closed HC -51,162.1 approved w/ conditions HC -107 Page 4 HC -1,334.11 1'Iercury Saving MINUTES OF THE MAY 8, 1974 H -CONTROL MEETING The applicant was notified his request had been approved and would be heard by the City Council on May 20, 1974. 2. Application HC -51,334.11 of Mercury Savings requesting approval of lighting; grading. and signing for a bank facility located southerly of and adjacent to Stevens Creek Boulevard approximately 200 ft. westerly of the intersection of East Estates Drive and Stevens Creek Boulevard. Vice -Chairman Sallan pointed out this was not a full committee and any applicant who wished to do so had the perogative of asking for a continuance. Staff report: The Associate Planner referred 'to conditions attached to this application at April 17, 1974 meeting. He explained what had happened at the City Council hearing. The Council had approved site, landscaping and architecture with additional requirement that 4' of landscaping be installed along Calabazas Creek. Tonight's application involves lighting, grading and signing. Mr. Cowan noted there are six 10' lightings proposed for parking area and five 2.1/2' fixtures serving as accent lights in front. The sign area allowed is 253+ sq. ft. 238+ is being requested. The proposed signs are single letters to be placed on front of building. Letters are red plexiglass with a black edge. Grading is technically correct. The difference in grade from the sidewalk to the finished floor of the building is approximately 2'. It was noted site is in the 25 year flood frequency area. In answer to Member Rogers, Mr. Cowan said the property is located about 200' west of Finch Avenue. Vice -Chairman Sallan asked to have location maps included in packets. Member Rogers said at the last meeting of the Public Safety Commission !there had been a discussion about students going from East Estates area to Cupertino High School by bike using macadam adjacent to creek. She wondered if there would b.e enough space for this after landscaping. I�The Associate Planner displayed an aerial photo of area. He said €when final improvements are built for this region of the creek (this will have to be a fully improved concrete type structure), it might be well to work with the Flood Control District in getting joint use of this area. The applicant might work in concert with the JPublic Safety Commission. MINUTES OF THE MAY 8, 1974 H -CONTROL MEETING Vice -Chairwoman Sallan asked the Associate Planner if a fully improved concrete channel would mean that landscaping would be coming out. Mr. Cowan said indications were that it would. Ms. Sallan said that when properties abut channels it would be fruitful to talk with the Flood Control District to discuss other alternatives in working out design plans. This could be taken to applicant and the three agencies would then work together. She expressed her concern about the loss of so much greenery and not having a good plan of how to deal with these situations. Mr. Ron Shenkman, 7812 Edington, Huntington Beach, signed in. Vice -Chairwoman Sallan asked Mr. Shenkman about plans for landscap- ing on easterly border. He said as far as easterly portion was concerned, the City Council had been surprised they were doing landscaping on someone else's property and it had been suggested the Flood Control District should be involved. Even though they are coming in with strong percentage of landscaping without fence, they do want to make sure the fence is covered in some form. They were not prepared tonight to go into detail, but they did not want an unaesthetic chain link fence and it would be covered. He displayed a colored rendering of facility to the committee members Vice -Chairwoman Sallan said she would like to pursue the easterly boundary. It was her understanding that the Council had eliminate( 2' of landscaping on west plus the one-way exit. There was to be 4' of landscaping along fence line. She .feels in the future they must work with the Flood Control District. She pointed out that landscaping for this stretch of property had not been reviewed. Specifics for this area were needed. She asked them to prepare an exhibit that would describe in detail what would be planted. Mr. Shenkman said they must get started. He said they could not come back with drawings because of time element. Vice -Chairwoman Sallan pointed out they had approval for most of project. She could not approve the use of ivy. She noted this was too important a frontage. She asked the applicant to think about taller growing plants that would be meaningful and come back with more definitive plan. The committee would provide directives. Mr. Mel Kapson, Mercury Savings, said landscape architect who will be doing work is reviewing entire landscaping approach. They have a local architect who is familiar with what this committee looks for. It will be the same type of landscaping as on larger areas. It will have a sprinkler system and will be tall enough to cover fence. He asked if the proposed landscaping for this area could be submitted without their coming. back. Vice -Chairwoman Sallan suggested the landscape architect might want to come to meeting, but the applicants would not have to. She noted the easterly portion of the landscaping would be continued. HC -107 Page 5 HC -107 MINUTES OF THE MAY 8, 1974 H -CONTROL MEETING Page 6 It was ascertained the grading is satisfactory. Mr. John Richter, Pasadena, signed in to answer questions about the lighting. Ile distributed exhibits of proposed fixture types. He pointed out there might be, a problem with availability and asked the committee not to specify flared or straight poles on the 10' fixtures in the parking area. Vice -Chairwoman Sallan said she preferred the flared base and asked what this would mean relative to time. Mr. Richter said it could mean as much as a six month delay. He pointed out that once the poles were located with plants around them, the base would not be seen. A concrete base would be used and would be kept low so plants would cover them. Member Dressler questioned breakability of ground globes. Mr. Richter said they were a translucent bulb of acrylic material. Intensity was discussed. Member Dressler pointed out that intensity should be subject to review after installation. Vice - Chairwoman Sallan noted intensity was something the committee was working on to make less subjective. Mr. Richter said the bulb had an opaque finish and would not be seen. After further discussion, it was agreed that since the street was adequately lighted and there were no potential dangers such as steps, fall off in land, etc. and since the applicant would prefer not to install them, the low ground lights were unnecessary. Mr. Richter described the night lighting in the building. The lights on the portico of the building are also of recessed type and are for safety purposes for persons using the "Mercury" room. These lights are on a time clock and will turn off at approximately 10:30 p.m. With regard to signing, Mr. Kapson showed samples of actual plexiglass being used in sign. Member Dressler questioned necessity of sign being so large since it sits so close to Stevens Creek Boulevard. Mr. Kapson pointed out sign does not face Stevens Creek but is at an angle. Member Rogers questioned the use of red. Mr. Kapson said there are seven existing Mercury buildings all using red. The colors are also identical to Sears. Vice -Chairwoman Sallan then read comments submitted by Member Koenitzer, who said this was an excellent demonstration of why he wanted the signing with the architecture. He could not approve these signs. He suggested signs be placed on facades about 8' off the ground. MINUTES OF THE MAY 8, 1974 H -CONTROL MEETING Vice -Chairwoman Sallan. said she had two problems with this sign. One is the size: 3'x40' on two sides of the building is excessive especially when setback does not require it. The other was the use of the color red which intensifies visual impact of sign. With regard to placing signs at 8' height on building, Mr. Kapson said the landscaping would grow higher than 8' in front of build- ing. In checking the landscaping plan, Vice -Chairwoman Sallan noted 3 Acacia trees; these grow to be approximately 40' high and would be a problem for any signing. She noted the building is about 40' from curb, and suggested two signs of 2' high x 34' wide. This would be visible and much more aesthetically pleasing. After further discussion, Mr. Kapson suggested lessening height but asked that sign maker be allowed to determine length. A footage of a maximum 150 sq. ft. was suggested by Vice -Chair- woman Sallan. The Associate Planner noted it should be a proportional reduction. Vice -Chairwoman Sallan suggested there are deeper tones in red and asked the applicant to explore this possibility. Mr. Kapson said they did not want to produce anything unattractive or unappealing. He would hesitate to commit to a specific shade of color but agreed to look into it. Vice -Chairwoman Sallan opened the hearing to comments from the. audience. There were none. Member Dressler moved, seconded by Member Rogers, to close Public Hearing. Motion carried, 3-0 Member Dressler moved to recommend application HC -51,334.11 to the City Council for approval subject to H -Control standard conditions, Enclosures Resolution No. 389, Memorandum of May 2, 1974, Exhibits E, F and site plan recommended by staff and the following additional conditions: (1) Applicant is to prepare a definite landscaping plan compatible with the remainder of the site for the 4' landscaping section along the easterly boundary on Calabazas Creek for the review by H -Control committee. (2) That the staff review intensity of parking lot lighting along westerly boundary and in the landscaping area behind the building after installation. HC -107 Page 7 Public Hearin closed HC -51,334.11 approved w/ conditions HC -107 Page 8 Old West Ste Ouse - Sign Ch an ge of Copy MINUTES OF THE MAY 8, 1974 H -CONTROL MEETING (3) Remove the five landscaping lights that are 2-1/2' tall in front of the building. (4) That the sign letters be reduced to 24" in height and the total sign area be reduced proportionately not to exceed a maximum of 150 sq. ft. (5) To compliment the applicant for his presentation, his . cooperation and building design. Seconded by Member Rogers. AYES: Members Dressler, Rogers and Vice —Chairwoman Sallan NOES: None ABSENT: Members Koenitzer and Weinstein Notion carried, 3-0 Vice -Chairwoman Sallan noted the application had been approved and would be heard by the City Council on May 20, 1974. REVIEW OF CHANCE OF COPY OF SIGN FACE: 3. Cal Coast Sign Company (Old West Steak House) requesting change of copy of an existing sign located at 10041 N. Saratoga -Sunnyvale Road. Staff report: The Associate Planner displayed a rendering of the proposed change of copy. He noted the primary change was in the color scheme. Slides were shown of the existing sign. Mr. Vernon Pitroff of Cal Coast Sign Company noted there are some reds that are so opaque they are no good on illuminated signs. Member Dressler asked if the owner would consider using the color of the building on sign instead of a red. Mr. Pitroff said that color was not available in plexiglass. He also pointed out that since Bob's Big Boy had opened, this business had fallen off by 40%. He submitted samples of two shades of red for the committee to consider. Vice -Chairwoman Sallan asked if the sign could be seen if it were not illuminated and Mr. Pitroff pointed out the existing sign is an illuminated one. The existing sign is approximately 30 sq. ft. MINUTES OF THE MAY 8, 1974 H -CONTROL MEETING Vice -Chairwoman Sallan said that going from what is there now to what is being proposed is not aesthetically acceptable to her. There are other alternatives to a red background. Mr. Pitroff pointed out the owner was trying to draw attention to a business that is having a problem because of a red sign right up the street. The purpose of a sign is to draw attention to it. Vice -Chairwoman Sallan then asked if the applicant would consider a continuance and come back with another sign. Mr. Pitroff said he did not see any alternative. Ike knew what the owner was ask- ing for and thinks he is entitled to it. He is in competition with a red sign up the street and this sign is not that offensive to that many people. Vice -Chairwoman Sallan explained she was concerned with the possibility of every business requesting illuminated red background signs to he competitive with others. In answer to Vice -Chairwoman Sallan's suggestion of reversing the colors, Mr. Pitroff said he did not think the owner would accept that; also it would be confusing with the Shell Station sign next door. Member Dressler said he would be willing to recommend a Minute Order approving this request. However, due to her newness on the committee Member Rogers did not wish to cast the deciding vote. After further discussion, it was agreed to continue this to the next regular meeting of May 22, 1974 At 10:00 p.m. the meeting was recessed, reconvening at 10:09 p.m. 4. Natural Bubbles Staff report: The Associate Planner showed slides of shop located at the corner of Highway 9 and Stevens Creek Boulevard in the old Cali building. The sign is 4' x 8' and placed against the building. He distributed a drawing of proposed sign. Mr. Carl Trugilia said they would be selling assorted soaps, oils and shampoos, all biodigradable. They were interested in a can that would jut.;forward as did several others on the building. The shop is so small and with nothing up no one can find it. He pointed out people are paying attention to light and traffic and can easily miss their shop. In the future they would like to have a sign that stood out. Vice -Chairwoman Sallan asked if this was to be a temporary sign. The Associate Planner clarified this was for a change of copy of existing sign. The applicant could make request for a later sign and return before the committee. HC -107 Page 9 Old West Steak House Sign - continued to 5/22/74 Change of copy - Natural Bubbles HC -107 MINUTES OF THE MAX 8, 1974 H -CONTROL MEETING Page 10 Minute Order Member Dressler recommended a Minute Order to approve change of copy on an existing sign at a property located at 10070 Old Highway 9, Cupertino. The sign copy to read "The Natural Bubbles Soap" with their store number, 10070, as presented on Exhibit A attached to application form, file number 51500 dated May 5, 1974. Seconded by Member Rogers. Motion carried, 3-0 The applicant was notified his change of copy had been approved. Clint's Ice 5. Clint's Ice Cream Cream - Change of Copy Staff report: The Associate Planner said the business is located in McClellan Square. An overall sign plan was approved. Clint's is requesting a slight deviation. The sign conforms to approved can and background but are asking to add Soda Fountain and other items. to name. Specific products sold in establishments have not been approved for addition to signs. Mr. Carl Sedore, 13363 Pastel Lane, Mountain View, said there are two existing stores, one in Los Altos and one in Mountain View. They are now adding one in Cupertino. They are not advertising products per se, but are establishing logo in a new area where they are not known. They are not a restaurant and not strictly ice cream. He described proposed sign. Vice -Chairman Sallan said basically the committee feels Soda Fountain is out, Clint's is in and Ice Cream is debatable. She also questioned the color blue being used. Member Dressler questioned two types of lettering being used. Mr. Sedore said the containers have the Clint's in script and Ice Cream in block letters. Member Rogers ascertained the sign would be illuminated. Minute Order After further discussion, Member Dressler recommended a Minute Order to approve the sign as proposed for Clint's Ice Cream and to delete from the approval the words "Soda Fountain" and "Sand- wiches". The word Clint's to be designated according to the plan maroon color 8060 with the word Ice Cream in turquoise designated 8712 as per the exhibit. The sign lettering Clint's Ice Cream is to be redesigned to fit the can proportionately. Motion carried, 2-1 Sallan - No The applicant was notified the change of copy had been approved. MINUTES OF THE MAY 8, 1974 H -CONTROL MEETING INFORMAL REVIEW OF PLANNED DEVELOPMENT USE PERMIT APPLICATIONS: 6. 20-U-73 Westfield Company: Construction of two light industrial buildings at southeast corner of Tantau and Pruneridge. Vice -Chairwoman Sallan indicated this is an informal review primarily concerned with site layout, location of buildings, architecture and landscaping. Specifics are not being considered at this time. Staff report: The Associate Planner said this application had had a first hearing before the Planning Commission. EIR was required. EIR report and neighborhood concerns had been dis- cussed. The concerns dealt with truck base oriented to single- family homes, driveway access to Pruneridge and buffer. Most of Vallco Park has 25' of landscape as buffer; this has masonry wall 10'6" in height which is an option based on ordinance. Member Dressler ascertained the wall in back is 6'. Renderings were displayed. The Associate Planner referred to an intercity agreement with Santa Clara that no roof will be higher than 16'. This is 17'. Santa Clara has indicated this deviation would be acceptable. Air conditioning screening would be another 36". Landscaping plans were discussed. Vice -Chairwoman Sallan asked about landscaping provision for creek side. There could be trees along creek side with 2-1/2' of low ground cover. Member Dressler suggested rounding corners of landscaping area in driveway to allow more room for truck traffic. The 12' truck doors were discussed. Doors would not be used to same extent as if this were a warehouse type operation. Tall landscaping would be provided so doors would not be seen. Vice -Chairwoman Sallan summarized. The committee did not see anyl major change in orienting of building. Architectural theme - no comments. Landscaping - some attention might be paid to creek side for additional greenery.' Access should be provided for to screen entrance and round landscaping area to allow more room for traffic circulation. HC -107 Page 11 20-U-73 Westfield Comp any HC -107 Page 12 5-U-74 Litronix MINUTES OF THE MAY 8, 1974 1i -CONTROL MEETING 7. 5-U-74 Litronix: Constructing storage buildings for Litronix facility in Vallco Park Staff report: This facility is located at Tantau Avenue and Home- stead Road. Plan is to install four storage buildings and fence off parking area. Vallco Park and Litronix working together to make sure buildings interface with existing buildings. Will not be seen from exterior. It was agreed this is an internal matter in Vallco Park and there were no comments. 8-U-74 8. 8-U-74 Security Pacific National Bank: Construction of Security Pacifi bank building on northeast corner of National Bank Saratoga -Sunnyvale Road and Pacifica Drive Staff report: The Associate Planner displayed PD for 3-1/2 acres approved by Commission and Council. He described the circulation pattern. Member Dressler questioned use of such a large amount of concrete at entrance. After discussion, the following points of concern were noted: (1) Large expanse of cement between parking stalls. (2) Widen landscape strip down center or on edge of property. (3) Corners of landscaped areas should be rounded off. 9. Temporary Sign for DeAnza Days Mayor Reed Sparks introduced a request from Foothill College District for permission to have a temporary sign on corner of Stelling Road and Stevens Creek Boulevard. The sign is already in place and they would like to keep it until June 2, 1974 when DeAnza Days are concluded. He displayed an exhibit of sign. Minute Order After a brief discussion, a Minute Order was recommended to approve request for sign advertising DeAnza Days. Motion by Member Rogers, seconded by Member Dressler. Motion carried, 3-0 MINUTES OF THE MAY 8, 1974 H -CONTROL MEETING 10. 6-U-73 Vallco Regional Shopping Center: Construction of Shopping Center adjacent to Wolfe Road immediately north of Sears Store Using a model board, the architect explained building layouts, underground parking and mall. Member Dressler commented on incompatibility of Sears' roof and what is being proposed. Mr. Gordon commented an attempt would be made to have Sears modify their parapet. The architect explained traffic circulation of trucks to service bases, in response to a question by Member Rogers. Vice -Chairman Sallan noted she had thought more greenery would have been obtained from reduction of store areas. Mr. Ward explained why there was not as much land obtained as thought. It was noted State requirements for handicapped would be follow- ed. It will be possible for anyone to get on any level in center. Vice -Chairwoman Sallan said her concern was that whole complex should integrate with existing, landscaping -wise, in particular an improvement made to Sears' perimeter. Her other concern was to have more landscaping both on Wolfe Road frontage and in parking lots. Member Dressler questioned parking for financial area. Dedicated walkways were discussed and provision for future pedestrian traffic. Mr. Walter Ward explained proposed bicycle traffic circulation. Vice -Chairwoman Sallan suggested more landscaping on Wolfe Road by eliminating first row of parking stalls to increase buffer from minimal 25' to at least 40' wherever possible. Member Dressler suggested walkways from furtherest parking areas. With regard to architecture, the committee would prefer to see Penny's tie in with rest of center and would like to see Sears' conform. Vice -Chairwoman Sallan asked if this could be continued over to next meeting so two members of committee who were absent could be involved. Mr. Ward invited them to come to Vallco Park to see model. HC -107 Page 13 6-U--73 Regional Shopping Center iC-107 Wage 14 MINUTES OF THE MAY 8, 1974 11 -CONTROL MEETING UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Vice -Chairwoman Sallan read a memo submitted by Member Koenitzer concerning Mr. Sisk's memo on Sign Ordinance. After a discussion, Mr. Cowan suggested an informal neeting with City Attorney and staff. Hearings on sign ordinance will be continued at 5/22/74 meeting. Vice -Chairwoman Sallan left news clippings for staff to Xerox. The Associate Planner noted overall guidelines for Highway 9 should be considered soon. It was suggested an interim standard condition should be added to allow for review of lighting after installation. ADJ OURN.IENT At 12:37 a.m. Member Dressler moved for adjournment to next regular meeting. Seconded by Member Rogers. ATTEST: /s/ Wm. E. Ryder City Clerk Motion carried, 3-0 APPROVED: /s/ C. Nancy Sallan Vice Chairman i