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HomeMy WebLinkAboutASAC Minutes 02-06-1975CITY 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 FEBRUARY 6, 1975, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA INFORMAL REVIEW OF PLANNED DEVELOPMENT USE PERMIT APPLICATIONS: 1. 1-U-75 May Investment Company: Construction of a 43 -unit cluster development located approximately 375 feet westerly of the intersection of Forest Street and Vista Drive and adjacent to and southerly 'of the future extension of Lazaneo Drive between Saratoga - Sunnyvale and Vista Drive. ...Density of buildings and amount of concrete in relation- ship to landscaping ...No parking space for visitors 2. 2-U-75 W. J. Herman (Kester Property): Construction of a 68 -unit cluster development located adjacent to and easterly of Stevens Canyon Road approximately• 200 feet southerly of Riverside Drive. ...Too dense ...Create street to link Drea and Miramonte ...Access from Stevens Canyon Road ...Two units by Stevens Canyon Road should be told that road is used by dirt hauling trucks ...Visual privacy ...Fence adjacent to golf course SALUTE TO THE FLAG The meeting was called to order at 7:50 p.m. by Vice -Chairman Koenitzer with the Salute to the Flag. ROLL CALL Members present: Dressler, Rogers, Weinstein, Vice -Chairman Koenitzer Members absent: Chairwoman Sallan I -IC -131 Page 1 Staff present: Assistant Planner Toby Kramer HC -131 Page 2 Minutes of 1/23/75 approved as amended HC -51,264.1 Urich._Oil Co.. MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 6, 1975 H -CONTROL MEETING UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Vice -Chairman Koenitzer noted that neither Brentwood Market nor Advance Coiffures had painted behind signs. The Assistant Planner said this would be taken care of. The Assistant Planner reported to the committee that a second entrance is not required for second story apartments. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of January 23, 1975 Page 19, paragraph 4, first line, the word "separate" should be "second". It was moved by Member Rogers, seconded by Member Dressler, to approve the Minutes of January 23, 1975 as amended. Motion carried, 4-0 POSTPONEMENTS: None WRITTEN COMLNNICATIONS : None ORAL CONI4UNICATIONS: None Vice -Chairman Koenitzer announced no item would be initiated after 11:30 p.m. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 3. Application HC -51,264.1 of Urich Oil Company requesting approval of signing for an existing service station located on the south- east corner of Stevens Creek Boulevard and Blaney. Avenue. Con- tinued from H -Control meeting of January 23, 1975. Staff report: Assistant Planner Kramer said the letter had not been prepared in time for the meeting and distributed copies of photographs of the station and existing signs. She referred to a letter from the applicant addressed to the City Council. Ms. Kramer reported the recommendations of the committee with regard to the size of sign, landscaping under the sign and placement in corner triangle had been referred to the applicant; however, he wished to persue application as originally submitted. MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 6, 1975 H -CONTROL MEETING Member Rogers asked if there had been a response from the City to Mr. Brower's letter. Ms. Kramer said contact had been made between the City Manager and Mr. Brower. Member Weinstein questioned the sign being in the corner triangle. Ms. Kramer explained an interpretation had been made by staff that the sign could be placed in the triangle provided there was 8 ft. between the bottom of the sign and the ground. She explained the necessity of this was because of the driveway locations. Member Weinstein said either the code allowed the sign in a corner triangle or it didn't. A discussion followed. Mr. Robert Brower, Urich Oil Co., Whittier, referred to Ms. Kramer's letter of January 27, 1975, and said he would answer each recommenda- tion of the committee separately. Letters being reduced: UCO is a true independent dealer. The only advertising is the price sign and the ability of the public to easily read it as they pass the station. The proposed sign meets all City requirements in height, size and setback. Size of sign can reduced: The sign proposed is a standard Company adopted sign for which they have placed and received delivery of large quantity orders. The reasons are twofold: standardization of signs and economic relief obtained from larger orders. Mr.. Brower. pointed out trees in parkway would obscure the view of sign from one direction if it were lowered. Sign to be 8 ft. from ground: This would be met. Landscaping in corner area: Mr. Brower said they are agreeable. However he pointed out that they only have employees to man pump; there would be no one to care for landscaping. The problem of maintenance has caused them to use artifical landscaping and turf. He displayed photographs illustrating type of landscaping proposed. Use of 400 milliamp lamps: The tubes used are low glare and would not be over -bright. Sign colors: Mr. Brower submitted samples of the plastic colors to be used on the sign. Mr. Brower answered Member Rogers that most of their stations are in California with a few in Nevada and Oregon. The sign is being chang because of a change in name. Member Weinstein ascertained the cost of each sign purchased in quantity was $800.00. He said since they had been in business and would probably be there indefinitely, he could not get excited about the cost. He felt that fake landscaping was utter nonsense. With regard to red and yellow colors, he would not approve such a sign as this, 16 ft. high and in corner triangle. He did not agree they needed 30 in. letters. HC -131 Page 3 I1C-131 MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 6, 1975 H -CONTROL MEETING Page 4 Member Rogers asked Mr. Browers to describe the artifical landscaping. Mr. Browers said the grass is the same as used on many sport fields. The actual cost of this landscaping exceeds natural landscaping cost. It would cost between $1500.00 and $2300.00. Member Rogers suggested it would be better then to put in a few trees and shrubs. These could be of low maintenance type and would require very little weeding. Member Weinstein said they could hire someone and put in a sprinkler system. Mr. Browers said putting in a sprinkler system would necessi- tate cutting into the concrete pad. Vice -Chairman Koenitzer noted the lot needed some greenery. He felt the employees could water the plants once a week wher they pick up the papers and other trash. He said juniper are hardy, cover well and need minimum maintenance. He also pointed out that the plastic landscaping needs maintenance also. He pointed out that the 30 in. letters can be read for 1500 ft. by the average person. In answer to Member Rogers, the cost of the sign without landscaping would be approximately $1800 to $2000. Ordering a single sign would probably double the cost. The Assistant Planner answered Member Rogers that the applicant is allowed 311 sq. ft. and proposed sign is 112 sq. ft. Mr. Browers answered Member Weinstein that the colors we. e those of their logo and appeared on everything. Member Weinstein did not feel a slight change, in color would affect the business and he felt the colors should be toned down. Mr. Browers said this would necessitate ordering a single sign. Member Rogers noted anything done to the site would be an improvement. She said most of the points raised had been met by the applicant. She did prefer live landscaping. She was of the opinion it would not be a big problem maintenance -wise. She also would like to see the sign reduced in size but could accept the colors. Member Weinstein asked the applicant to take a continuance to go back and redesign with these guidelines. Mr. Browers asked for a decision. The meeting was opened to comments from the public. There were none. Member Dressler asked Mr. Browers if he would consider using live landscaping and smaller sign. Mr. Browers said they would do the live landscaping but a smaller sign or letters would. necessitate ordering a separate sign. Public Hear- Member Rogers moved, seconded by Member Dressler, to close Public ing closed Hearings. Motion carried, 4-0 MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 6, 1975 H -CONTROL MEETING In answer to Member Weinstein, Ms. Kramer explained the sign could be allowed in the corner triangle without an exception. Apparent conflict between portions of the City code was discussed. Member Rogers moved to recommend approval of Application HC -51,264.1 to the City Council with the standard conditions and the following special conditions: (1) That the landscaping be live and subject to approval of the staff. Said landscaping to be typically that found in such areas: evergreen shrubs, rocks, ground cover, etc. Shrubs to be a height of 3 ft. (2) Small curb signs would be excluded. The curb signs were discussed. Mr. Browers explained they are 4 ft. x 5 ft. and would be seen from Blaney Avenue. Motion seconded by Vice -Chairman Koenitzer. Member Dressler said he strongly supported smaller sign and less clashing colors. AYES: Members Rogers, Vice -Chairman Koenitzer NOES: -Members Dressler--, Weinstein Motion denied, 2-2 Vice -Chairman Koenitzer explained to the applicant that a 2-2 vote meant the motion had been denied. Member Dressler moved to recommend approval of Application HC -51,264. to the City Council with the standard conditions, and the following special conditions: (1) To leave the sign pole dimension of 8 ft. (2) Reduce size of entire sign by 25% and reduce all dimensions proportionately. (3) Applicant provide live landscaping with the shrubs and ground cover not to exceed 3 ft. (4) Applicant to select alternate red and yellow colors for his sign that will not be as bright and contrasting. (5) Color selection and landscaping to be approved by City staff. (6) No curb or A -frame price signs to be allowed. HC -131 Page 5 Motion HC -51,264.1 Motion denied Seconded by Member Weinstein. FTC -131 Page 6 HC -51,264.1 approved w/ conditions HC -51,014.2 Walt Hansen, D.C. MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 6, 1975 H -CONTROL MEETING Member Rogers said she did not find colors displeasing and she was concerned that this committee has a real problem. They want what is best for the City but there is a difference between dealing with a large company and a small enterprise. She did not feel this committee should be so arbitrary as to preclude the small businesses from competition. Member Weinstein reiterated this was not that small a concern and that the City Council had decreed them arbitrary on other decisions. AYES: Members Dressler, Weinstein, Vice --Chairman Koenitzer NOES: Member Rogers Motion carried, 3-1 Vice -Chairman Koenitzer advised the applicant of the approval, advising him it would be heard by the City Council at their February 18, 1975 meeting. Mr. Browers asked if the existing sign was covered by the "grand- father" clause. This was discussed. Vice -Chairman Koenitzer expressed appreciation to Mr. Browers for the upgrading of the station that had been done. 4., HC -51,014.2 of Walt Hansen, D.C. requesting approval of signing for an existing office building located at 20432 Silverado Avenue. Staff report: The Assistant Planner described location of the office complex. There is no established sign program for the center and the few signs on the building already are similar in size and mounted on the roof above the overhang. The sign meets the ordinance requirement with regard to size and location. A temporary permit by the staff was given until final approval could be obtained from H -Control. She distributed photos of the sign as it is mounted on the building. Dr. Walt Hansen, D. C., 20432 Silverado Avenue, Cupertino, answered Vice -Chairman Koenitzer that the sign was illuminated. Ms. Kramer showed a color chip of approximately color. Member Weinstein questioned if building was suitable for office. Dr. Hansen said the upgrading of the property has been done by the tenants rather than the owner. IIC-131 Page 7 Public Hear- ing closed HC -51,014.2 approved Items 5, 6 anc 7 continued MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 6, 1975 H -CONTROL MEETING Dr. Hansen answered Member Dressler that the sign has been up for about three weeks. A short discussion was held on ways in which the sign could be improved. Dr. Hansen said he had designed and made the sign himself . The meeting was opened for comments from the public. There were none. Members Rogers moved, seconded by Member Weinstein, to close Public Hearings. Motion carried, 4-0 Member Dressler recommended approval of Application HC -51,014.2 subject to the standard conditions as submitted. Seconded by Member Rogers. AYES: Members Dressler, Rogers, Weinstein, Vice -Chairman Koenitzer NOES: None Motion carried, 4-0 The applicant was advised of the approval and that the City Council would review it on February 18, 1975. NEW BUSINESS: 5. Discussion of Grasscrete. 6. Discussion of Tree Ordinance. 7. Discussion of a Landscaping Maintenance Program. Member Weinstein moved to continue discussion of items 5, 6 and 7 since Chairwoman Sallan was absent and she had a real concern regarding these. Seconded by Member Rogers. Motion carried, 4-0 Mr. Bill O'Leary, 10447 Anson Avenue, Cupertino, said he was Vice - President of the Natheson Ranch Homeowners Association. He talked at length regarding area at Mary Avenue, Casa De Anza, Oaks Shopping Center and mini -storage. His two main concerns were improving landscaping of Mary Avenue on west side and the development of the mini -storage at north end of Mary. He wanted to give the Homeowners Association a report. Ms. Kramer said she would send a letter notify- ing him when this would be discussed so he could be in attendance. Mr. O'Leary noted the area between Oaks and DeAnza is clear and this would be a good time to go ahead and plant. iii: 1.31 MINUTES OF TIIE FEBRUARY 6, 1975 II -CONTROL MEETING Page 8 I'Is. Kramer said she would check with the Public Works Department with regard to landscaping of easement area and they would be in touch with Mr. O'Leary. Member Rogers referred to barn on Mary Avenue just east of Stevens Creek Boulevard. Ms. Kramer said this is one of the oldest structures in the City. She is doing a study on historical sites and plans to save the barn, water tower and Parrish house. ADJOURNMENT At 9:28 p.m. the meeting was adjourned to the next regular meeting on February 20, 1975 at 7:00 p.m. Moved by Member Weinstein, .'adjournment seconded by Member Rogers. Motion carried, 4-0 APPROV EV : /s / C. Nancy Sc.'°an cnwcman ATTEST: /4/ Wm. E. Rydeic CctyC.e k