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HomeMy WebLinkAboutASAC Minutes 03-20-1975CITY 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 MARCH 20, 1975 IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA SALUTE TO THE FLAG The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m. by Chairwoman Sallan with the Salute to the Flag ROLL CALL Members present: Rogers, Weinstein, Chairwoman Sallan Members absent: Dressler, Koeni.tzer Staff present: Assistant Planner Toby Kramer INFORMAL REVIEW OF PLANNED DEVELOPMENT USE PERMIT APPLICATION: None UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of March 6, 1.975 Page 5, last paragraph, line 4, delete the word "reasonable" and replace with "within the ordinance". Page 6, first paragraph, line 1, add the words "location of" before loading dock. Page 7, paragraph 4, line 2, insert "building wall" between "of" and; "signs" Page 8, condition (4), insert "wall" between "conceptual" and "sign" Member Rogers moved, seconded by Chairwoman Sallan, to approve the Minutes. of March 6, 1975, as amended. Motion carried, 2-0-7. Abstain: Weinstein POSTPONEMENTS: None IIIC-134 Page 1 Minutes of 3/6/75 approved as amended IIC-134 MINUTES OF THE ctARCH 20, l)75 H -CONTROL MEETING Page 2 WRITTEN COMIlUN.f.CATIONS: Letter from Nathanson's Ranch Homeowners Association relating to HC -51,362.1. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: Chairwoman Sallan said she had had a phone call regarding item 1 on agenda and she would comment on it at that time. Chairwoman Sallan also reerred to two items she had brought back from her trip dealing with ordinance and procedural rules for the Community Appearance Board of Boca Ratou, Florida, copies of which were made available to the ir.erib .rs of this commnict:ee. Chairwoman Sallan suggested the staff report be kept to a minimum •with the committee members asking questions. on particular points in order to save time. It was announced that no item would be :initiated after 11:30 p.m. PUBLIC HEARINGS: HC -51,362.l i 1. Application HC -51,362.1 - De Aaza Storage (Bruce Edwards) De Anza requesting approval, of site, architecture, landscaping, Storage grading, lighting and signing for a mini -storage facility (Bruce Edwards) located at the southwest corner of Mary Avenue and Freeway Route 280. Continued from 1i -Control meeting of March 6, 1 19 75 . Assistant Planner Kramer referred to letter from Mr. Schneider, president of Nathanson's Ranch Homeowners Association, reporting on the meeting between their organization and Mr. Edwards. De Anza Stowage Las complied with their suggestions and the homeowners are satisfied with the revised plan. She noted exhibits showing changes. Ms. Kramer noted staff had two concerns: the planters at the ends of the buildings should be increased in size and the landscaping of property adjacent to the freeway, since the Highway Department had indicated they were opposed to landscaping on right-of-way. Chairwoman Sallan suggested the appl_:icant be given a clear intent of what was wanted for screening purposes and they could come up with something that would do the job. In answer to Member Weinstein, Ms. Kramer said the sign was 5 ft. x 6 ft. of wood with carved out letters. She pointed out proposed location of sign. MINUTES OF THE MARCH 20, 1975 H -CONTROL MEETING Chairwoman Sallan referred to comment in Mr. Schneider's letter about having sign on Stevens Creek Boulevard, noting it would have to be on temporary basis. Ms. Kramer pointed out allowing a sign to be placed on City land would be setting a difficult precedent. Member Weinstein asked Mr. Bruce Edwards, 510 Madera Avenue, San Jose, to explain purpose of mini -storage. Mr. Edwards said every- thing would be inside except for boats and recreational vehicles which would be stored in one particular area. The wall height is 12 ft. and the highest door is 9 ft. x 8 ft. Member Weinstein askeE if there was a regulation prohibiting anything over 12 ft. being stored, Ms. Kramer said there was nothing in the use permit approval regarding this. Mr. Edwards said he would commit himself that nothing over 13 ft. 6 in. or 14 ft. would be stored. Chairwoman Sallan ascertained from Mr. Edwards that all eight suggestions of the homeowners association had been met. The hearing was then opened for public comment. Mr. Ray Vandervliet, 21478 Meteor Drive, Cupertino, said he was not here to oppose. He was concerned that something over 1.2 ft. would be stored here. A storage area can become a dump yard. He was also concerned about what the sign would be made of. If it was not well constructed, the kids would soon cause it to look bad. Mr. Vandervliet asked about security measures. He would object to dogs because of kids climbing the fence. It was explained there was a gate house with a guard in residence 24 hours a day. Member Weinstein said someone should be policing the place at night and he would suggest removing the living quarters so the guard could not sleep at night. Chairwoman Sallan noted the plants proposed for the wall would grow to 12 ft. or 15 ft. height. If storage would be conditioned to 12 ft. this would be satisfactory; otherwise the plants should bE of a higher growing variety. Mr. William Schneider, 10551 Castine Avenue, Cupertino, said he had reviewed the revised plans with the Association members and he read a resolution that was passed indicating their satisfaction. He noted Mr. Edwards had agreed verbally to their request regarding lighting. In answer to Member Weinstein, Mr. Schneider said the question of storage height had not been covered at the meeting so he could not comment. However, he felt any offensive object could be removed. He commented on Mr. Edward's cooperation to this point. HC -134 Page 3 [1L--134 ['age 4 "ublic Hear- ings closed LHC-51,362.1 approved w/ conditions MINUTES OF THE MARCH 20, 1975 II -CONTROL MEETING Member Rogers moved, seconded by Member Weinstein, to close Public Hearings. She expressed her pleasure at their willingness to talk and get together for their mutual benefit. Motion carried, 3-0 Member Weinstein moved for approval of IIC-51,362.1 with standard conditions, Exhibits A -2nd revision, C -2nd revision and B-lst revision, and the following special conditions: (1) Increase size of planters at ends of interior walls. (2) Staff, and if necessary this committee, have final approval of landscaping along freeway. (3) Lighting to be similar to that in Nathanson's Ranch. (4) That the sign is to be maintained in good condition. (5) That in view of the close proximity of this development to a residential area there be a height limitation placed on items stored outdoors and that height be 12 ft. The City, either through Planning Commission or City Council, should consider this problem in that there are other applications for this type of facility. (6) All conditions in the letter from Nathanson's Ranch Homeowner's Association president, W. H. Schneider to Bruce Edwards, items 1 through 8. (7) Compliment applicant and Nathanson's Ranch Homeowner's Association on. their cooperative dialogue. Seconded by Member Rogers. AYES: Members Rogers, Weinstein, Chairwoman Sallan NOES: None Motion carried, 3-0 The applicant was informed this would be heard by the City Council at its April 7, 1975 meeting. HC -51,269.11 2. Application HC -51,269.11 - Shell Oil Company requesting Shell Oil approval of the modification of site and architecture to Company an existing service station located at the northeast corner of Saratoga -Sunnyvale Road and Bollinger Road. 1 MINUTES OF THE MARCH 20, 1975 H -CONTROL MEETING Slides of the site were shown with the Assistant Planner pointing out areas of concern: the need to preserve all existing landscaping along the easterly property line, the tires and other materials which should be stored within an. enclosed area and the dumpsters which should be relocated and enclosed. Since the applicant was not present, Member Rogers moved to continue this application to the end of the agenda. Seconded by Member Weinstein. Motion carried, 3-0 3. Application HC -51,322.1 - W. J. Herman (Rancho Deep Cliff) requesting approval of site, architecture, landscaping, grading, lighting and signing for a 61 -unit single-family condominium development located adjacent to and easterly of Stevens Canyon Road approximately 200 feet southerly of Riverside Drive. Assistant Planner Kramer distributed additional exhibits and explained what these covered. Slides of the site were shown. Member Weinstein said he felt this was too high a density for this property. Ms. Kramer explained the proposal meets all requirements of the Planning Commission. Ms. Kramer noted the fence on the east property line was a concern to staff. The developer wants a chain link fence but staff would suggest a more rural type fence, such as a split rail. Ms. Kramer explained proposal for terminus of Drea Road and Rancho Deep Cliff Drive which would make them available for emergency vehicular access. Member Rogers ascertained all exhibits show the applicant's agree - meat with what was recommended. Member Rogers inquired about line -of -sight privacy. Ms. Kramer explained there are no windows on rear wall and fencing and land- scaping treatment had been used to mitigate privacy problems. It was felt that in some cases internal privacy should be left up to the individual. Member Weinstein asked if this was considered a Planned Development, There are too many condominiums and it is too dense. Chairwoman Sallan pointed out they must deal with the proposal. She ascertain( there were no changes made at Planning Conunission level on the density. HC -134 Page 5 HC -51,269.1.1 moved to end of agenda HC -51,322.1 Rancho Deep Cliff MINUTES OF THE MA[HC[i 20, 1975 Ii -CONTROL MEETING !'age 6 Mr. W. J. Herman, developer, signed in. With regard to site, it was determined the emergency vehicular access area on Drea Road would require more study and final approval at staff level. With regard to the chain link fence on east property line, Mr. Herman said a rail type fence would not give them any security. The residents will be older people and security would be important to them. He pointed out the chain link fence is green plastic coated and would be covered with vines. Member Weinstein suggested having a concrete .column with thin slats between. He said it would give as much security and look better. 1r. Herman said he would not be opposed to this. The committee agreed they would like to see something more creative than the chain link fence. The preservation of existing trees along property line was discussed. Regarding architecture, Mr. Herman answered Member Weinstein that the only two story buildings would be the last two at south end of the property. In answer to Member Rogers, Mr. Herman explained changes being proposed for barn. Chairwoman Sallan noted the proposal calls for red tile roofs on all units while most roofs in the area are shake. Member Weinstein ascertained this was real tile, not the imitation plastic type. Chairwoman Sallan suggested there might be changes to be made along the fence at eastern boundary. Mr. Herman explained treatment they are considering. Chairwoman Sallan said she had had comments from a resident in the area concerning the Mulberry trees being proposed; these perhaps should be evergreen trees. Mr. Ken Schmidt, 339 S. San Antonio Road, Los Altos, said the Mulberry trees are the fruitless variety used for flowering effect and large leaves. Their 15 ft. growth pattern would not block view of hills for the residents. Further input had been received from a resident in the area concern- ing ice plant usage. This tends to freeze in that area; also there is the white fly which infests this plant. Mr. Schmidt said the insects can be controlled. He agreed there is a problem in the Bay area with freezing but there are other factors which favor use of ice plant, such as it is fast growing, easily established and will provide rapid protection against erosion on steeper portions. MINUTES OF THE MARCH 20, 1975 H -CONTROL MEETING In answer to Member Weinstein, Mr. Schmidt said the Pampas grass was used only in the remote areas. Member Weinstein questioned the use of Monterey Cypress in this climate. Mr. Schmidt admitted he might be gambling with this choice and that was why he was using 5 -gallon size plants. With regard to grading, Chairwoman Sallan pointed to the necessity for preserving existing trees on the site. In discussing lighting, it was ascertained the tennis courts will not be lighted. Mr. Herman distributed photos of light standards and explained how they would be used. Member Weinstein said this was an excellent light design. Member Weinstein questioned necessity of sign on wall. Mr. Herman pointed out the wall was already there and the sign was for purposes of identifica.t:i_on. He said after the project was completed and if the owners wanted to take the letters off, this could be done. Member Rogers asked why there was a sign at Drea Road since there would not be access there. Member Weinstein agreed the one on Stevens Creek Road was sufficient. Member Rogers commented she thought this was a well planned application. The hearing was then opened for public comments. Mr. John Finn.emore, 22374 Riverside Drive, Cupertino, said his property looked into the units. He said he had not seen the latest revisions. Ms. Kramer showed him the photos of the light standards being proposed. Mr. Finpemore said he was concerned about the long units without any trees breaking up the lines. He wondered how many trees there would be. Ms. Kramer showed him the revised landscaping plan. I-fr. Herman said after the first year Tic did not think either property would be troubled with visual intrusion. Mr. Schmidt said their main concern had been the Riverside residents view and explained their proposed solution. He said they had tried to keep the trees down so they would not interfere with the view and yet would soften the effect of a blank wall.. HC -134 Page 7 -1.34 MINUTES OF THE MARCH 20, 1975 iI-CONTROJ, METING Pa!Ec' 8 Mr. Dennis Kobca, architect for Rancho Deep Cliff, explained how the offsets in roof line and the shrubs would break up the long concrete look of rear wall. In answer to Member Weinstein, Mr. Kobca said they had minimized windows because of privacy and questioned his suggestion of adding wood trim. Mr. Finnemore ascertained the. roofs would be of variegated shades. Ile also noted he was in favor of a temporary sign. Mr. Finnemore said he had not heard anything about this committee's concern on density being expressed at any of the Planning Commission meetings he had attended and he was upset about this. rMr. Tom Twerdahl, 22354 Riverside Drive, Cupertino, said he had attended many meetings regarding this property. He has been all architect since 1939. He is firmly in support of this application. 9He would like the property to stay as it is but since this wasn't realistic, he was happy with this proposal.. Public Dear.. ! Member Weinstein moved, seconded by Member Rogers, to close Public ic, gs closed Hearings. Motion carried, 3-0 Member Rogers moved for approval to City Council. of Application HC -51,322.1 with the exhibits as shown and standard conditions, and the following special conditions: (1) That the applicant will return after looking again at the fence along the golf course and discussing with staff; that landscaping in that area might be subject to change. (2) That the sign on Drea Road will be omitted. (3) That staff will have approval for emergency access on Drea Road for safety and landscaping. (4) That the trees shall be protected during grading operations as shown. (5) To compliment applicant on quality of his proposal. Chairwoman Sallan ascertained replacement of damaged landscaping was covered under standard conditions. The motion was seconded by Chairwoman Sallara. MINUTES OF THE MARCH 20, 1975 H -CONTROL MEETING AYES: Members Rogers, Weinstein, Chairwoman Sallan NOES: None Motion carried, 3-0 Chairwoman Sallan advised the applicant this would be heard by the City Council on April 7 and noted the portion that was continued was on the fencing along the eastern boundary. Member Weinstein wanted the minutes to reflect there had been reasonable concern expressed about density of houses on site. If the density had been arrived at by slope density formula, it might be wise to reexamine this formula. He repeated there are too many houses in this element. Chairwoman Sallan asked about input to Planning Commission on informal hearings. Ms. Kramer explained the density was set at zoning hearing prior to informal hearings. At 10:05 p.m. a recess was called with the meeting reconvening at 10:18 p.m. 4. Application HC -51,322 - Ditz-Crane requesting approval of landscaping for the sound wall in Montebello West located at the southeast quadrant of Stevens Creek Boulevard and Foothill Boulevard.. Since the applicant was not present, NeT-liter Rogers moved to continue this application to the end of the agenda. Seconded by Member Weinstein. Motion carried, 3..0 5. Application HC --51,140.1 - Lucky Stores, Inc. (Gemco) request ing approval of a modification of architecture to the exist- ing Gemco store located at the northeast corner of Stevens Creek Boulevard and Saich Way. The Assistant Planner said she had no continents except.to recommend that some minor landscaping be done on Stevens Creek Boulevard frontage to help achieve a. more pleasing development for the City from a community point of view, even though application was for a modificationto truck area at rear of property. She noted staff's suggestion that the applicant phase additional improvements on the site in proportion to the budgetary constraints of the company. HC -134 Page 9, HC -51,322.1 approved w/ conditions HC -51, 322 Di t: z -Crane moved to end of agenda -IIC-51,148. 1 Lucky Stores, Inc. (Gemco) nC-1 34 MINUTES OF THE. MARCH 20, 1975 H -CONTROL MEETING Page 10 The previous and present proposals were exhibited. Chairwoman Sallan stated the real point was that this was one of the most unattractive sites in Cupertino. At the barest minimum there should be some landscaping along Stevens Creek Boulevard. She pointed out.: there are strong feelings about aesthetics of this site. She could not imagine them wanting to remain a community eyesore. Member Weinstein supported her remarks. Mr. Gary Westernoff, Manager of Genco, said he felt a certain amount of frustr.a.t::i.on. They had at one point tried to come to some meeting of the minds but the City had made impossible. demands. This is now a entirely different project; a new proposal. They are trying to improve. inadequate and unsafe loading conditions. They are being asked to put additional landscaping on site because they want to improve loading conditions and this is unreasonable. Member Rogers said she understood their concern about unsafe loading conditions but it was in this committee's providence to ask them to add landscaping. Mr. Westernoff said they are not interested in any landscaping. Mr. Westernoff said it ias an additional $10,000 landscaping condition that caused the earlier proposal to collapse. He spoke of. City's refusal to compromise. He said safety was the prime concern of their request for a truck pit. After further. discussion, Member Rogers said she felt they should be talking about application on hand. Chairwoman Sallan noted the landscaping along Stevens Creek Boulevard would cost much less than modifications previously proposed. Mr. Westernoff said they are now in a new fiscal year. In answer to Member Weinstein, Mr. Westernoff explained modifications being proposed and why they were felt to be necessary. Member Weinstein said screening could be used to make the loading dock. more aesthetically acceptable. Mr. Westernoff said the committee could propose it and they would consider it. Chairwoman Sallan wondered if Lucky Stores had been made aware of the high priority the City is placing on getting some improvement to the aesthetics of this site. It is unfair to ask residents of this community to look at one portion of the site without consider- ing upgrading of entire site. She felt in addition to the truck bed, some kind of landscaping on Stevens Creek Boulevard should be added as a start to upgrading the site. MINUTES OF THE MARCH 20, 1975 H -CONTROL MEETING Member Weinstein suggested a scheduled plan for improvements. Member Rogers, after further discussion, said she saw nothing useful being served except a hardening of positions. She would be happy to see some landscaping in front and would like to see truck pit screened in some fashion. She would like applicant to come back with proposal showing screening for the truck pit so it would be attractive from Alves and Bandley as a starting point. The hearing was opened for public comment. There were. none. Mr. Westernoff said they would look at screening of truck pit. He could not speak to further landscaping. Member Weinstein urged them to plan for long range improvement of this site. Chairwoman Sallan asked if a letter to his management of these concerns might be profitable. Mr. Westernoff said it could not hurt. Chairwoman Sallan pointed out the committee's interest in making the City look good. Mr. Westernoff showed photos of existing site and explained proposed changes to loading dock area. It was clarified that by screening, the committee meant landscaping of the wall. Ms. Kramer asked if something could be done about the cartons, dumpsters, etc. shown in open area in back. Chairwoman Sallan asked if there was a cheaper way to solve safety problem which would allow them to put the money into some landscap- ing along Stevens Creek Boulevard. Mr. Westernoff said this was an $24,000.00 improvement. It would cost $25,000.00 to put 8 ft. of landscaping along Stevens Creek Boulevard. Mr. Westernoff said he had reviewed each meeting with management. There would not be any change except perhaps they would consider some screening of truck pit. He answered Member Weinstein there would not be even a plan at this time. This application is to improve, function and safety of this area. Chairwoman Sallan suggested giving IL one last effort. She pointed out landscaping makes an enormous difference. People do respond to aesthetics in a community. She thought a letter from this committee would be appropriate. Mr. Westernoff asked them to specify depth of landscaping being insisted upon.. Chairwoman Sallan said she would confer with staff and the letter would be written within the next several days. HC -134 Page 11 11C--134 P�: g,e 12 HC -51,269.11 Shell Oil Company IIC-51, 269 , 11 approved w/ conditions MINUTES OF THE MARCH 20, 1975 H --CONTROL MEETING Member Weinstein moved to continue application to the next: regular meeting and urge applicant to return with plan showing some land- scaping to dock pit and some expression of long range thought for upgrading of site. Seconded by Chairwoman Sallan. Member Rogers said she could not second a motion to continue a plan predicated on safety measures. Member Weinstein said there had to be some attempt to get some ray of hope to get this site upgraded. A discussion followed. AYES: Member Weinstein, Chairwoman Sallan NOES: Member Rogers Motion carried, 2-1 Chairwoman Sallan advised this application would__ be continued to the next regularly scheduled meeting of April 10, 1975. 2. Application HC -51,269.11 After a short discussion, Member. Weinstein moved to approve Application IHC-51,269.11, subject to standard conditions and in accordance with exhibits A, B, B--1. and- B--2, and staff recommendations for the following: (1) All existing landscaping along the easterly property line during and after construction of .the proposed. fence shall be preserved. (2) The existing tires and all other outside materials shall be stored within the enclosed portion of the building or storage shed. (3) T'he.existing garbage dumpsters should be relocated to the southeasterly corner of the rear of the building and completely enclosed utilizing a suitable fencing material matching the existing building. The colors of the proposed addition shall match the color of the existing building wall. Seconded by Member Rogers. Motion carried, 3-0 MINUTES OF THE MARCH 20, 1975 H -CONTROL MEETING 4. Application HC -51,322 - Ditz - Crane Applicant was still not present. Staff reported on recommended changes. Member Rogers ascertained the applicant was aware of and agreeable to these recommendations. Member Weinstein moved to approve Application HC -51,332, subject to standard conditions and the following special conditions: (1) That ten evergreen pear tree (Pyrus Kawakawi) shrub be replaced with ten Pyrus Callerycna. (2) That there be an automatic time clock on the sprinkler control unit. (3) Irrigation be subject to approval by Public Works Department. Seconded by Member Rogers. Motion carried, 3-0 6. Discussion of the Architectural and Site Approval Process Assistant Planner Kramer reported City Council had continued discussion of this to their April 7 meeting. Since Member Weinstein had not been present at previous meeting, he gave his feelings on the subject. He was in favor of eliminating paper work time demand on staff but he felt any dissolution of this committee would cause the City to suffer. He was not sure the committee needed an architect or landscape architect. lie did not feel the Planning Commission has any outstanding record on what they have done and does not think they can handle everything; nor has City Council. He did not think things should be changed. Ile did not see much value in Mr. Silk's. memo. Chairwoman Sallan reviewed the discussion at last meeting. The value of the committee is apparent; the process of evaluation might be modified. HC -134 Page 13 HC -51,322 Ditz-Crane HC -51, 322 approved w/ conditions Member Rogers distributed copies of her written comments. MI nU ES. OF THE MARCEI 20, .1.975. 1-COUTRUL NESTING A discussion was held on the advantages and disadvantages of having an architect and a landscaping architect on the coumi.ttee. Chairwoman Sail an asked arced mcimbcr to write their_ comments and she would present a written consensus to the City Council. Chairwoman Sailnii referred to copies of ord:Lnence of .Boco Raton. She suggested ihi s might be a way for this commit, Lee to go. She did not know ol- may place that said what was expacted in the way of aesthetics for this City. AD') OURLRIEN.C -At 12:05 - a.m. the meeting was adjourned to the next regularly scheduled meeting on April 7, 1975 at 7:00 p.m. A PROVED : /s/ C. Nancy Sallan_ Chairwoman ATTEST: Is/ Wm. B Ryder City Clerk