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HomeMy WebLinkAboutASAC Minutes 12-19-1974CITY OF CUPERTINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA 10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino Telephone: 252-4505 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE ARCHITECTURAL AND SITE APPROVAL COMMITTEE HELD ON DECEMBER 19, 1974 IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA SALUTE TO THE FLAG The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Chairwoman Sallan with the Salute to the Flag. ROLL CALL Members present: Dressler, Koenitzer, Rogers, Weinstein, Chairwoman Sallan Members absent: None Staff present: Assistant Planner Toby Kramer INFORMAL REVIEW OF PLANNED DEVELOPMENT USE PERMIT APPLICATIONS: None UNFINISHED BUSINESS Chairwoman Sallan reported Portal Plaza planting had been done. Member Koenitzer noted the Church of the Nazarene on McClellan Road had cut down most of the trees in front of the building. Landscaping had not been required because of orchard between street and building and now there are about 4 trees left. Assistant Planner Kramer said there was no ordinance covering removal of trees. Chairwoman Sallan suggested discussion of this be agendized for next meeting and that some type of presentation could be made to City Council to give interim protection to trees until an ordinance could be written. Member Rogers reported the parking lot at the Customhouse has weeds growing in it and looks very poor. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of December 5, 1974 Member Rogers noted on page 8, paragraph 3, line 4, the word "company'l should be "County". It was moved by Member Koeni.tze.r, seconded by Member Weinstein, to approve the Minutes of December 5, 1974 as amended. HC -128 Page 1 Minutes of 12/5/74 approved as amended Motion carried, 5-0 HC -123 Page 2 MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 19, 1974 H -CONTROL MEETING POSTPONEMENTS: None WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS : None ORAL COMMUNICATIONS The Assistant Planner reported the questions for the Citizens Survey should be submitted by January 9, 1975. Chairwoman Sallan noted no item would be initiated after 11:30 p.m. NEW.BUSINESS 1. "Grasscrete" presentation by Michael Wyant of Home Savings — and Loan Association. Ms. Kramer introduced Mr. Wvant after explaining that members of the City's Council, Commission and Committee had seen this approach at the Los Angeles office of Home Savings and Loan and had been most favorably impressed. Mr. Wyant gave a brief description of what they had done with ---the -_ Grasscrete in Los Angeles and displayed exhibits. Films were shown ure desnribed. This process can be used for parking lots, freeway embankments, drainage canals, patios in malls and hillside developments where mud slides area possibility. It is more costly but a new process is being developed which will reduce the cost. In answer to Member Koenitzer, Mr. Wyant said people could trip on it but the manufacturer reported that in four years there had been — - no problems in this regard. As to oil and grease drippings, the affected section would be taken out and a new section plugged in. Mr. Wyant answered Chairwoman Sallan that cost was 25% to 50% more than traditional parking lot, but the new reusable form method would reduce the cost. To offset this additional cost, Mr. Wyant said many cities were discussing considering this part of the landscaping which would allow the developer to use more land for parking and to put in less landscaping. Maintenance cost would also be a factor. Mr. Wyant answered Member Dressler the theory for using Bermude grass was that roots are below ground and only the blades of grass would be touched by the cars. He explained how the grass is dyed green in the winter; this dye turns to fertilizer and the grass returns to green in spring. MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 19, 1974 H -CONTROL MEETING Chairwoman Sallan asked to have data as it became available on cost and problems of this system. She thanked Mr. Wyant for his presenta- tion, noting she would like this presentation to be made before the other bodies of the City. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Application HC -51,058.7 of Home Federal Savings and Loan Association of San Diego requesting approval of landscaping and signing for a temporary bank building located at the northwest corner of the intersection of Scofield Drive and Saratoga -Sunnyvale Road. Continued from H -Control meeting of November 21, 1974. Staff report: Assistant Planner Kramer noted the application had been continued to give the applicant an opportunity to revise the landscaping plan and to submit an alternative proposal for the ground sign. She exhibited and described the new proposals. The Traffic Engineer had agreed to allow the sign to encroach in the corner triangle provided the sign was mounted on a pole rather than a solid base. The applicant is requesting the sign in this area because of the visual obstruction caused by the hardware store. Mr.Brett Bayne, representing Home Federal Savings and Loan Associatior explained changes that had been made to the landscaping proposal. He pointed out that the landscaping is for a three year period or until the permanent construction is done. Chairwoman Sallan questioned the two plum trees on Scofield Drive side of property. She thought these should be evergreen. Mr. Bing agreed to this change. She ascertained there was ground cover in the planters. There will not be any landscaping along wall where the single family residences abut; it was determined there would not be any activity in this area. Mr. Bing said the small tree in the parking lot might be removed if it became too large and obscured sight of the building. After dis- cussion, Chairwoman Sallan suggested an on -site inspection of situa- tion after building was up to determine if this would be acceptable. It was noted the tree would have to be removed at time of permanent construction. HC --128 Page 3 HC -51,058.7 Home Federal Savings and Loan Assoc. IiC-128 MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 19, 1974 H -CONTROL MEETING Page 4 A discussion developed regarding permanent construction. Member Weinst_ said it was his understanding there was a firm commitment to erect a permanent building within three years. Mr. Bing said it was his understand- - ---_ ing they would be either putting in a permanent building or vacating the premises within three years, depending on how business went. Ms. Kramer explained the presentation upon which approval f the temporary build' was given. She read Condition No. 10 of approval which states that a permanent building would be erected within three years or the City could • remove the temporary building at the applicant's expense. Mr. Bing assured them they expected to put up a permanent building. With regard to signing, Mr. Bing said they usually worked with pole • signs; they had thought the committee would prefer the other sign. He pointed out the drawing was out of scale as he had not had time to get a new drawing made. He had just written in dimensions. The -s=ib-was- Lu ha x _ • tree f-eif —teas-too large --for- the pole. Member Koenitzer suggested adding two feet to pole height to give it proper proportions. A discussion of proportions then ensued. Both Chairwoman Sallan and Member Koenitzer stressed the importance of 17swer rtion to sign aesthetics. to Chairwoman Sallan, Ms. Kramer explained reasons for a allowing sign in corner triangle. She suggested the sign could be -- a moved back and the solid block base could be kept, indicating on the site plan where the sign .could be placed. Member Koenitzer noted a basis --for exception would be that existing building is non -conforming to property lines and protrudes further than would be permitted. -�— Chairwoman Sallan pointed out the -committee -had to decide if (a) be comfort -able z% 1e t, ,.,; n *'lac r3 proposed, hi). if - - - - ��=S]I � - -f they would be comfortable substituting pole for solid base, an (c) comfortable with proposal as presented. Member Weinstein said he would abstain since he had voted against idea in the first place. He was comfortable with location of sign and the pole; he could not understand discussion of raising height of pole. The hearing Publi r-Koen;t ing. closed the Public Hearing. MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 19, 1974 H -CONTROL MEETING Member Koenitzer moved to recommend approval of landscaping and sign- ing for HC -51,058.7 to City Council with standard conditions, Exhibits C and F, 2nd Revision, and the following special conditions: (1) That the two plum trees in the landscaped area facing Scofield Drive be replaced with some broadleaf evergreen trees. (2) That after the building is in place if the applicant wishes to come back and discuss possibility of removing tree now existing in the front parking area, the committee will be amenable to discussing idea. (3) That the sign consist of the proposed 6'6" x 4'9" sign and be placed on top of a 7'3" pole. (4) That the sign be permitted within the proposed corner triangle on a temporary basis; that an exception be granted on the basis that the existing building encroaches into the right-of-way and creates a hardship in terms of seeing the sign if it were located outside the corner triangle. Seconded by Member Rogers. In answer to Member Dressler, Member Koenitzer explained reasons for having the pole at 7'3". Member Dressler moved to amend the motion to direct applicant to redesign sign based on City engineer's input for putting sign on narrow pole and the committee's concern for proportions of sign and bring back for approval; thereby continuing sign portion of this application. Seconded by Member Rogers. VOTE ON AMENDMENT AYES: Members Dressler, Rogers, Chairwoman Sallan NOES: None ABSTAIN: Members Koenitzer and Weinstein Amendment carried, 3-0-21 Chairwoman Sallan pointed out the motion would be on landscaping portion of application only now. VOTE ON MOTION AYES: Members Dressler, Koenitzer, Rogers, Chairwoman Sallan NOES: None ABSTAIN: Member Weinstein Motion carried, 4-0-1 HC -128 Page 5 Not ion Amendment HC -51,058.7 landscaping approved w/ conditions Sign portion continued HC -128 Page 6 HC -51,318.211E Fisherman's +( Village MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 19, 1974 Fl -CONTROL MEETING Chairwoman Sallan advised the applicant the landscaping portion of his application had been approved and would be before the City Council on January 6, 1975. The sign portion had been continued to the next regularly scheduled meeting. She explained to the applicant the committee's concern is for proportions of sign. A recess was called at 8:45 p.m. with the meeting reconvening at 9:00 p.m. 3. Application HC -51,318.211 of Fisherman's Village (Alfredo Scardina) requesting exception to Section 7.021 of the Sign Ordinance to allow an advertising area in excess of the allotted square footage for an existing restaurant located on the south side of Stevens Creek Boulevard appmrty O_frtriy o-_ an -n„P _ Continue- r©m H —Con -ro meeting of ecet er ,- 1974. " Staff report: Ms. Kramer referred to letter enclosed in-�fi.-e packet. The letter was from the applicant and dated December 11, 1974. The applicant is proposing to keep the existing sign and remove the two smaller cansfzom__thenole. __Dimension_of_ sign is '6" 5'on-a__ -- 20' pole. lides'of existing sign were shown — - € Mr. Brian Duckworth, working for Mr. Robert Dempster who was represent- ring , said ws tlieiLpoitiou that the beat not . _ part of the- sign but -is --part of the lands-caping. They feel the -Manning Commission and City Council are trying to get them to remove non -conform- ---- ing sign. The Assistant--Pl-annex explained the sign now has 148 sq. ft. and they are allowed 136 sq ft. According tisting ordinance, the City can require modification if modifications are presented. The removal of the two small cans will make it a conforming sign; however, the boat adds about 220 sq. ft. I Mr. Duckworth answered Member Weinstein that boat is not on a trailer. it is on the ground and there is landscaping around it. Mr. Duckworth gave background of situation. He referred to plaque on boat giving its historical significance. He noted they had requested comments on the 1 a-` Y__within a __.: t a= s gie a omnient habeen recpi vPr� _ Chairwoman Sallan- -directed him to --Section 10.2- n -f- -Sign O -r i5ance. - e- asked how this Section related to his letter and what findings were pertinent relative to ordinance in allowing an exception. MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 19, 1974 H -CONTROL MEETING Mr. Duckworth asked for an extension of time in order to submit writt findings on this ordinance. It had not been clear to him that this was what was wanted. He said Mr. Dempster had been called to a meet- ing in Campbell which was why he was in attendance and he was not prepared to speak at this time. Member Koenitzer suggested moving this hearing to end of the meeting. Mr. Duckworth agreed to try, although it would not be his best effort and he would prefer to have a continuation. Chairwoman Sallan ascertained this is a new application, although it had been heard several times before. The application is to remove the two sign cans and keep same sign on the pole, and the boat. It was noted City Council had decided the boat was part of the signing. Chairwoman Sallan pointed out there must be findings for an exception.; r Ms. Kramer said the letter from Mr. Dempster covered these findings. She read portions of his letter of December 11, 1974. Mr. Duckworth again asked for an extension so Mr. Dempster could respond in the manner they desired. After further discussion, Member Weinstein moved to continue to the next regular meeting with the provision that the attorney answer with a letter specifically addressing each sub paragraph of Section 10.2 of the Sign Ordinance. Seconded by Member Koenitzer. Chairwoman Sallan read comments of Councilman Meyers from the Minutes of October 29, 1974 Council meeting and asked Mr. Duckworth to take these into consideration in making a further presentation. Mr. Duckworth noted it was not a recommendation of the entire Council;! merely the suggestion of one councilman. Member Dressler reiterated his opposition to the continuance, giving his reasons. Member Koenitzer said he felt every opportunity should be given for the applicant to be heard. Member Rogers also felt everything should be done to help the applicant make his presentation.; AYES: Members Koenitzer, Rogers, Weinstein, Chairwoman Sallan NOES: Member Dressler Motion carried, 4-1 The applicant was notified of the continuation to the next regularly scheduled meeting. HC -128 Page 7 Motion for continuance HC -51,318.21] continued to next meeting HC -128 MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 19, 1974 H -CONTROL MEETING Page 8 UC-51,355.1 4. Application HC -51,355.1 of Donald Wiener and Paul Castaneda Donald Wiener requesting approval of a sign plan and the modification of u;d Paul Castaneda site, architecture and landscaping for a tire shop on an existing service station site located at the southwest Creek- - - St -evens -Pfrul��a�� and Pasadena--Aveaue.- _- Staff report: The -Assistant Planner noted -the property is located in _- - -- Old Monta Vista. The Planning Commission had agreed to allow tire sales in an abandoned service station site for a period of two years, during which time the precise plan line for Stevens Creek Boulevard could be completed. Condition 17 of Planning Commission Resolution No. 1367 directed this committee to limit amount of improvements required because use is temporary. She referred to the possibility of Stevens Creek Boulevard being widened and the question of whether this use would —eemp I—w-i-th-pIanc for the—new—Konta ista <— Transparencies of site plan were exhibited and proposal described. Ms. Kramer pointed out the sign proposed is approximately 49 sq. ft. and they are allowed 31 sq ft. by ordinance so the sign will have to be reduced. The sign will--be-a.-wall -_sign. red lettarc on white background. 4 , Ms. Kramer answered Chairwoman Sallan that if Stevens Creek - - Boulevard went to six lanes, the building would be practically -- - wined out. It was ascertained if the tire shop were to become permanent, they would have to return to this committee for approval of site improve — ments. Mr. Paul Castaneda said they would be putting out one or two racks to show they are in the tire business. Member Rogers ascertained the racks would not remain outside overnight. Mr. Castaneda said they would be on wheels so they could be rolled in and out of the building. Member Koenitzer noted in light of Planning Commission's recommendation plus the fact it is a temporary use, he found the landscaping plan to be trees should beuoia e acceptable. He did note the planters and the Sequoia q watered adequately and the weeds on the vacant lot should be kept cut. Chairwoman Sallan questioned use of junipers in the planters._ Mr.. Castaneda agreed to make a substitution. MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 19, 1974 H -CONTROL MEETING Member Koenitzer said he felt the tire display racks were part of the sign program. He would be concerned about the size of the racks and the text, if any, that would be put on them. Mr. Castaneda said the racks would have a small sign with the size and price of tires. Member Koenitzer suggested the advertising on it should be limited to 3 or 4 square feet. It was determined the racks would be kept within 10 ft. of the building. Mr. Castaneda agreed to reduce size of sign to conform to ordinance. The hearing was opened to public comments. There were none. Member Koenitzer moved, seconded by Member Rogers, to close Public. Hearings. Motion carried, 5-0 Member Koenitzer moved to recommend approval of HC -51,355.1 to the City Council with standard conditions, Exhibits A and B, and the following special conditions: (1) That the junipers in the planting box be changed to some other evergreen plant that will grow to 3 or 4 feet high rather rapidly. (2) That the applicant assure that the plants in the planters and the proposed Sequoia trees are properly watered to maintain full growth and health of plantings. (3) That not more than two tire racks be permitted outside building and that these be kept close to the building. (4) Advertisement on these tire racks be limited to 4 square feet total on each rack. (5) That the proposed sign on the building be reduced proportion- ately in height and length until it conforms to ordinance requirements for total square feet. Seconded by Member Rogers. Motion carried, 5-0 The applicant was notified of the approval and that this would be heard by the City Council at its January 6, 1975 meeting. HC -128 Page 9 Public Hear- ing closed HC -51, 355 .1 approved w/ conditions HC -128 MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 19, 1974 H -CONTROL MEETING Page 10 9 5. Application HC -51,002.9 of Ronald L. Dumas requesting approval landscaping and grading for a triplex ...._ located ._ln tha Cresta Subdivision, Alpine Drive, Lot 52. Dumas Member Weinstein said he would like to make a statement before the -__- staff report was given. He noted that at some point he would ask_____ to be excused from the discussion of this application as he was Ji personally interested. Member Weinstein submitted the committee should consider not hearing this application because of the following five reasons: (1) Planning Department has had request for two years to deal with this specific problem of Alpine Drive and Vista Knoll Boulevard. Nothing had been done until recently. He could not assume that landscaping is the only action that can be taken to insure visual privacy. (2) Guidelines by Mom-ber Koenitzer and enclosed in the packet assume this is only solution and does not consider the possibility of architectural treatment, placement of structure, grading, window and balcony treatment, etc. (3) After the Appleby application, staff was directed that any Future applications of this p type would be receeded -_ by letters to Vista Knoll residents. This has not been done in this case.. -_ -_ (4) After the Zubrecky application, Mr. Irwin, then Mayor, said there would be no more applications 0f this type unLfl the worked out. =s=e�_ _ ��rns = reTaa��e_to-=tMs _typc Chairwoman Sallan asked staff to comment and asked status of work �. being done by them. Ms. Kramer said they're were talking about privacy intrusion for one particular area, but it could also be applied to many other situations. Staff was not sure how to approach it at this point. She pointed out there was a great deal of pressure about other matters which had intervened. She referred to Member Koenitzer's solutr -hid1 would mitigate some harm -dne by two story building behind a singlestor. we11_ng. The application does come under Menber-Rogers ascertainad 1yor Irwin's remarks had not been a Council - action. MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 19, 1974 H -CONTROL MEETING Member Koenitzer said that his material, being referred to as guidelines) had merely been a suggestion as a starting point for discussion. Member Weinstein said if he were to make a recommendation, which he wasn't, it would be that it go to City Council with the notation that this committee has these concerns and the problem should be handled by Planning Committee with guidelines. City Council should decide what to do with this application. He said he would like to see the lots developed because of fire, vandalism, etc. If Planning Commission had zoned Alpine correctly, there would not be this problem. Member Weinstein clarified that he felt the committee should present to the City Council the problems found in this application and they should decide if application should be heard and if so, what guide- lines should be used. Member Rogers indicated she would like to hear the developer's presentation. Mr. Ronald Dumas said he was the applicant, developer and owner. In response to Member Weinstein's remarks, Mr. Dumas said the appli- cation was registered and he felt the law would say his application should be heard under the present conditions. He referred to the previous applications which he said set a precedent. He said he had talked with staff and had tried to help with privacy problem. He had removed a balcony and had set the building back 10 ft. more than the 25 ft. required. He also felt the landscaping plan was a reason- able solution. Mr. Dumas felt it would be unfair to penalize him because the City had no guidelines. Chairwoman Sallan wondered if they had the perogative not to hear the application. Ms. Kramer said it could be continued and the applicant could be asked to make a compromise. Member Koenitzer felt the applicant had a valid approach and could insist that a decision be given, if he wished, Member Rogers asked about letter from staff to concerned residents. Ms. Kramer said if application was continued, it would allow staff time to send the letters out. The purpose of the letter was discusse( The Assistant Planner pointed, out this application very closely followed the guidelines suggested by Member Koenitzer. She noted the additional setback and that Member Weinstein's lot and the applicant's lot are practically level with each other. HC -128 Page 11 HC -128 Page 12 MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 19, 1974 H -CONTROL MEETING Chairwoman Sallan said the work of ?Member Koenitzer was much appreciated by the committee and the City. If the application is continued, a Minute Order could be sent to the City Council that H --Control is in a difficult position with this application and would appreciate any directions that could be given to the committee and the staff. permanent; the plants could die out. Chairwoman Sallan agreed landscap- ing is an enhancement factor ra er than solution to problem, an`3 t`ere is a need to speak to other kinds of solutions. Mr. Dumas noted that during the intermission, Member Weinstein had indicated to him it would be approved; it was only a matter of time. Member Weinstein explained his remark. Mr. Dumas asked if a delay would serve anyone's purpose. Chairwoman Sallan noted any input early on s very e1p uI This issueTnotifving residents can �b�tter dec1s1on. Chairwoman--Sallan said the committee had a choice -of hearing the application or continuing it until the residents in the area had been notified. Member Koenitzer ascertained that a month's delay would not cause undue hardship on. Mr. Dumas. The majority of the committee felt it should be continued. Chairwoman Sallan noted a- M nute Order ©uTd be sent to G ty Couric l 1 PThng for an answer by the January- 9 me-e-ting t - -_. -=t - --sta f, giving direction — to the committee; what kinds of parameter they --w -id like t into account and what kinds of solutions should- be looked at. - Member Dressler asked Mr. Dumas about putting the two story in front and the ale story in tI -- ar Mr. Dum - - the &rages in front acted as a buf-fer for street noises and this design also gave the building a Spanish flavor. Member Dressler suggested the two story -units could be placed over the garage area. Pair. Norm Bridge, architect, said he did not feel it was this committee's Sresponsibility to design the architecture; it was to evaluate it. He pointed out design is not entirely based on privacy. The developer has a right to his privacy also. Chairwoman Sallan asked the architect to consider the things he had heard and come up with -some alternatives.----- HC-51,002.9 Member Koenitzer moved to continue Application hC-51,002.9 to tne-m xt- cuatinued_ to regular meeting and reqtest -staff to notify-retdents-in -area-, ors - ncxr meeting application, both the Vista Knoll tract and .Jpine Drive area, that this is proposed and will be heard at the January 9, 1975 meeting Seconded by Member Rogers. MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 19, 1974 11 -CONTROL MEETING The Assistant Planner said the letters would be mailed out a week in advance of the meeting. AYES: Members Dressler, Koenitzer, Rogers, Chairwoman Sallan NOES: None ABSTAIN: Member Weinstein Motion carried, 4-0-1 The applicant was notified of the continuation to the next regularly scheduled meeting on January 9, 1975. Member Koenitzer moved for a Minute Order to City Council requesting guidelines for use on visual intrusion cases, considering it has been two years since the subject first came up and two applications since it first came up and still no guidelines from them and the committee would like something. Seconded by Member Rogers. Motion carried, 5-0 Chairwoman Sallan asked the Minute Order be gotten to City Council in time for the requested action by January 9 H -Control meeting. Chairwoman Sallan reiterated she would like to agendize discussion of Grasscrete presentation. It was agreed to have this done at the next relatively short meeting. Written comments on pay for the committee by Chairwoman Sallan and Member Dressler were distributed. IIC-128 Page 13 Minute Order Chairwoman Sallan suggested agendizing discussion of removal of. trees on property prior to filing application for development. It was agreed staff would agendize this at first appropriate time. Chairwoman Sallan reminded the committee that questions for the Citizens Survey should be submitted by January 9, 1975. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 11:45 p.m. to the next regular meeting on January 9, 1975 at 7:00 p.m. ATTEST: APPROVED: s/ Wm. E. Ryder Is/ C. Nancy Sallan City Clerk Chairwoman