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HomeMy WebLinkAboutASAC Minutes 05-01-1975CITY OF CUPERTINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA 10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino Telephone: 252-4505 MINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE ARCHITECTURAL AND SITE APPROVAL COMMITTEE HELD ON MAY 1, 1975, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA SALUTE TO THE FLAG The meeting was opened at 7:30 p.m. by Chairwoman Sallan with the Salute to the Flag. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN Member Koenitzer moved, seconded by Chairwoman Sallan, to defer the election of officers to the regular meeting of May 8, 1975. Motion carried, 2-0 Mr. Robert Kenneth Grubb was sworn in as a member of the Architectural and Site Approval Committee by Deputy City Clerk Ellen Pagnini. ROLL CALL Members present: Grubb, Koenitzer, Chairwoman Sallan Members absent: Dressler Staff present: Assistant Planner Toby Kramer. Assistant Planner Steve Piasecki INFORMAL REVIEW OF PLANNED DEVELOPMENT USE PERMIT APPLICATION: None UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of April 24, 1975. It was agreed to defer approval of minutes to the next regular meeting.' POSTPONEMENTS: None HC -1 37 Page 1 HC -137 Page 2 MINUTES OF THE MAY 1, 1975 ADJ. H -CONTROL MEETING WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: Chairwoman Sallan read a letter of resignation from Mr. Weinstein. Means of recognition of the services of Members Weinstein and Rogers were discussed. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: Assistant Planner Kramer reported that items heard tonight would be too late to be included on City Council agenda for May 5, 1975 meet- ing. She said they would be presented as Oral Communications under "Recognition of Non -Agenda Items". If the Mayor recognized them, then they would be heard. Ms. Kramer explained the processes involved. There could be a communication from staff asking that these items be heard. - REVIEW OF CHANGE OF COPY OF SIGN FACE: 1. Federal Signs (Clark's Machine Shop) requesting change of copy of an existing sign located at 20301 Stevens Creek Boulevard. Continued from H -Control meeting of April 24, -1975. Assistant Planner Piasecki referred to exhibits on the board. He noted the special concern for sign which faces on Stevens Creek Boulevard and the sign w ich -faces to the -east hhere— is also another sign. All three signs are non -conforming. Staff feels it is important to eliminate non -conforming signs and seek approval of tenant sign for top of building. Mr. Piasecki noted samples of materials were avail- able. Slides were shown of the site and building, showing existing signs. Mr. Jim Martin of Federal Signs representing Clark's Machine Shop said his client recognized the signs that are illegal and would paint them out or take them down. They would like to keep sign over the door because the shop is off the street and it is .hard to find him. He said they are willing to cut down the square footage to get approval. He said they would like a free standing sign in front and the sign over the door. Member Koenitzer asked if they would take out the United Auto signs. Mr. Martin said that is a completely separate business and they had i no control over the United Auto signs. He indicated which signs would be painted out. MINUTES OF THE MAY 1, 1975 ADJ. H --CONTROL MEETING A discussion was held of the possibilities for getting all non -conform- ing signs on this site changed. Staff was asked about contacting the major tenant. Ms. Kramer gave examples of policies usually followed. Member Koenitzer said he did not think this application could be conditioned on United Auto Parts changing their sign, but he suggested the applicant and staff could contact them, making them aware of this discussion. HC -13 7 Page 3 With regard to the sign over the door, it was discussed whether this would require a separate application. Mr. Piasecki said the sign would not be in excess of permitted area but he thought it was too large. Chairwoman Sallan suggested approving in concept and conditioning that it meet requirements of ordinance subject to staff approval; then it would not require a separate application. Member Koenitzer ascertained this was a machine shop rather than an auto repair. It was clarified the sign would read "Clark's Machine Shop". The meeting was opened to comments from the public. There were none. Member Koenitzer moved, seconded by Member Grubb, to close Public Hearings. Motion carried, 3-0 Member Koenitzer moved to recommend approval of change of copy for Clark's Machine Shop with the following conditions: (1) That the pole and free standing signs belonging to Clark's be removed and that the portions of the wall signs which pertain to Clark's are to be painted out. Paint to match existing wall color. (2) That the sign over the door in the rear is to be brought into conformance with the ordinance. The applicant is to bring details of that sign to staff and the applicant will make sign to conform to the recommendations of the staff as far as conformance to ordinance is concerned. Seconded by Member Grubb. Motion carried, 3-0 The applicant was notified this would not go on to City Council. It was agreed that the applicant and staff would ask United Auto Parts to consider painting out their wall signs. Public Hear- ings closed Change of Copy for Clark's approved HC -137 MINUTES OF THE MAY 1, 1975 ADJ. H -CONTROL MEETING Page 4 PUBLIC HEARINGS: HC -51,324.1 2. Application IIC-51,324.1 - Becker Instruments and Photographic Becker Optics requesting approval of site, architecture, landscaping, Instruments grading and signing for a commercial activity located adjacent and Photo- to and westerly of North Blaney Avenue approximately 270 feet graphic northerly of Stevens Creek Boulevard. Continued from H - Optics Control meeting of April 24, 1975. Assistant Planner Kramer advised this application was to consider the relocation of an existing house, functioning as an office, to a commercial site to act as administrative headquarters for the applicant. She referred to exhibits on the board, describing the revised plans. Ms. Kramer pointed out the driveway has been moved to the southern side of the lot as requested by the Planning Commission to allow for possible joint uses with the vacant property to the south making it consistent with the City's attempt to eliminate unnecessary curb cuts. The site treatment was described. Slides were shown of existing building and site of relocation. It was ascertained a fence had been proposed at rear but not on the sides. Ms. Kramer pointed out it was staff's feeling that if the property to the rear was commercial use in future they would rather ave ;..andscaping strip separating the two uses. The applicant had proposed a single -faced monument type street sign. However, they did not have enough frontage to qualify for this type of sign and would have to mount sign on the building. Applicant had been informed of this. Ms. Sharon Becker, Becker Instruments, pointed out there is no fence proposed on the new plans. Site: It was noted a 3 ft. landscaping strip on south boundary had had to be removed to make room for the driveway. Chairwoman Sallan said she would like to see this strip retained. Assistant Planner Piasecki said this would require moving the building to the north reducing the distance to the adjacent structure and thus requiring a fire wall on the north side of the building. A discussion was held on possible means of achieving landscaping areas e constraints. re: Member Koenitzer ascertained windows would be changed uld all be the same height from the ground. MINUTES OF THE MAY 1, 1975 ADJ. H -CONTROL MEETING Ms. Becker said the building would be of white stucco with dark wood trim. Landscaping: Ms. Becker said legend #1 was, an evergreen with a small yellow flower, growing to a height of 2-1/2 or 3 feet. Ms. Becker explained why landscaping had had to be removed to get required parking space. Chairwoman Sallan asked why they had not landscaped on boundary between them and 7-11 store. She noted a hedge had been proposed previously. The applicant agreed to reinstate the hedge as per original plan. It was discussed whether the hedge would look better closer to the building or to, the property line. Chairwoman Sallan suggested retaining trees #3 and #5 as had been previously proposed. The applicant agreed. Member Koenitzer suggested using raphiolepis Springtime for planter in front. Ms. Becker offered to put a hedge along south border, rather than the fence. After discussion, it was concluded there would not be enough room, given adherence to present standard conditions for driveway. Mr. Charles Becker of Becker Instruments said they had agreed to provide access and the property next to them was to provide the exit. Ms. Kramer pointed out until property developed they would need the 18 ft. for their traffic. Mr. Becker said there would never be more than 3 or 4 cars on their lot in any one day; this is strictly for administrative purposes. He would like to see more greenery and wanted to take 2 ft. off driveway and put in shrubbery. If future tenants comply with trip end requirements, they would not need a wider driveway. Chairwoman Sallan asked if narrowing driveway could be done legally. Ms. Kramer said to deviate from standard conditions would require a variance. She suggested having the Engineering Department reevaluate driveway needs and if there is extra room, a landscaping hedge could be put in. She had understood there was not enough room. Chairwoman Sallan noted some agreement would have to be reached so it was clarified that at some point in the future the applicant might have to tear out landscaping to permit joint use and eliminate curb cut. She would be comfortable with this as there could be a landscap- ing area for x number of years. HC -13 7 Page 5 HC -137 Page 6 MINUTES OF THE MAY 1, 1975 ADJ. H -CONTROL MEETING Ms. Juanita McLaren, 22101 Lindy Lane, Cupertino, said while she was pleased the applicant wanted to put in landscaping that in view of Planning Commission's thinking, she thought it might be wise to wait on the south side until it was known how this lot would develop. Mr. Becker said it would only cost about $200.00 and if it were in for even six months, it would be worthwhile. Chairwoman Sallan noted her appreciation at hearing an applicant argue for landscaping. She was in favor of allowing the applicant to do this, keeping in mind Ms. McLaren's information that in the future this area may necessitate removal of landscaping to accomodate a common driveway. In answer to Chairwoman Sallan, Ms. Becker suggested putting in rose bushes along west side of building. It was noted they had purchased the cherry and magnolia trees and rose bushes at time of their original application. Signing: After a brief discussion, the committee members agreed they would like to see a rendering of sign proposal before making a decision. Member Grubb said efforts on the building are appreciated and it would be quite an improvement. — The-- hearing Baas then opened to public comment. There were none. -Public Hear- Member Koenitzer moved to close Public He=arings. Seconded by Member ings closed Grubb. Motion carried, 3-0 HC -51,324.1: Member Koenitzer recommended approval of HC -51,324.1 to the City approved w/j Council for site, architecture, landscaping and grading with Exhibits conditions A 2nd Revision, B-1 and C as presented at the meeting, standard conditions and the following special conditions: (1) That the windows on the south side will all have the same height. (2) That a hedge of the bush #1 as shown on the landscaping plans be planted on north property boundary. (3) That a flowering cherry tree be placed on the north side next to parking space #5. Two olive trees will be placed on Blaney Avenue frontage. MINUTES OF THE MAY 1, 1975 ADJ. H -CONTROL MEETING HC -137 Page 7 (4) That the raphiolepis be changed to the Springtime variety. (5) That additional landscaping of roses will be planted on the west side of the building. (6) That the possibility of a narrower driveway will be explored by staff with the goal of adding a hedge along south boundar of property if it is possible to narrow the driveway to provide the planting area. The staff will have approval of the hedge material to be planted in such area. This land- scaping on south boundary might have to be deleted at some future date when the adjoining property is developed to achieve coordination of ingress and egress as desired by the Planning Commission. Seconded by Member Grubb. AYES: Members Grubb, Koenitzer, Chairwoman Sallan NOES: None Motion carried, 3-0 A MINUTE ORDER to City Council that it be placed for consideration MINUTE ORDER under Non-agendized items was submitted. Chairwoman Sallan advised the applicant of placement of approved portions under non-agendized items, hoping it could be heard at the May 5, 1975 Council meeting. The signing portion is to be continued. She noted the applicant would be working with staff to see if the hedge could be planted. Ms. Sallan commented this appeared to be a dramatic improvement. At 8:45 p.m. a break was taken, with the meeting reconvening at 9:00 p.m. 3. Application HC -51,357.1 - Lohr-Turgeon Development Corporatiojl requesting approval of site, architecture, landscaping, HC -51,357.1 grading and lighting for 18 Planned Development single- I Lohr-Turgeon family cluster units located westerly of and adjacent to Development Vista Drive approximately 260 feet north of Stevens Creek Corporation Boulevard. Continued from H -Control meeting of April 24, 1975. Assistant Planner Piasecki gave background of application. He pointed out changes that had been made between this proposal and the original use permit application. HC -137 ( MINUTES OF THE MAY 1, 1975 ADJ. H -CONTROL MEETING Page 8 Mr. Piasecki described the surrounding uses. He noted that probably the most critical border is that portion along the southern property line facing the future potential commercial area. Upon development of this area, it will be necessary to guide any commercial development to either orient a non -intrusive landscape area along this border or provide a sound wall. The applicant is proposing a 5 ft. border on his boundary line. Another concern was the amount of parking. This has been revised to achieve a ration of 3.5 spaces per unit. This type of configuration seems to be the best alternative. Assistant Planner Piasecki pointed out there could be some type of change of material on driveway to point out use by pedestrian traffic. In answer to Member Koenitzer, Mr. Piasecki said there are no existing trees on site. Member Koenitzer asked if there was any structure planned for the pool equipment. Mr. Jerry Lohr of Lohr-Turgeon pointed out some minor changes. He answered Member Koenitzer that pool equipment would be behind structure which he located on the plan. Chairwoman Sallan said her concern with the site was the south boundary. The bare minimum of 5 ft. did not seem adequate. Mr. Lohr introduced Mr. Taro Yamagami .__Yamagami' s Nursery_i os.az or three more feet added to border by lessening yard areas. Chairwoman -- al lan said she liked t -he -_landscaping approach of the first proposal. Ms. Kramer pointed out that typically between commercial and residential developments there would be a six ft. masonry wall constructed on the commercial property. Staff's concern had been the interior living environment which this proposal spoke to. Chairwoman Sallan said from her perspective the committee's main concern was for outside impressions, what the community sees, which is why they have been spending time on major frontages and asking developers to pay attention to this. The interior has little impact on rest of the City. It was noted the masonry wall would be buffered by landscaping on both sides. Mr. Lohr asked if their landscaping would be sufficient to cover the wall. Mr. Yamagami said it would cover the wall within a few years. He also indicated street treatment similar to Vallco of Arizona Ash trees on mounded lawn. Assistant Planner Piasecki commented on addition of 2 or 3 ft. of landscaping in addition to proposed 5 ft. border, noting staff's concern about narrowing of living areas. MINUTES OF THE MAY 1, 1975 ADJ. H -CONTROL MEETING IPage HC-137 9 It was noted there was a wood fence that would be seen from the out- side. Member Koenitzer suggested putting the fence from the west property boundary to the sidewalk at driveway. The applicant agreed, clarifying however that they would need an additional 2 ft. of fence on south side. Mr. Lohr described what elevations would be seen from the exterior. With regard to lighting, Member Koenitzer said he would like to see some information on proposed fixtures, height and appearance. After a brief discussion, it was decided to continue this until lighting proposal could be submitted. Mr. Lohr said the lighting would be the standard low mushroom lights and the simple carriage lamps on the garages. He suggested submitting sample to staff and then if staff had any concerns, they could refer to this committee. This was agreeable to the committee members. Chairwoman Sallan clarified that approval of landscaping would be for final plans. The meeting was then opened to public comment. There were none. Member Koenitzer moved, seconded by Member Grubb, to close Public Public Hear - Hearings. ling closed Motion carried, 3-0 Member Koenitzer moved to recommend approval to City Council of 1HC-51,357.1 HC -51,357.1 for site, architecture, landscaping, grading and lighting !approved w/ with the exhibits as presented at meeting, the standard conditions conditi_ons I and the following special conditions: (1) That fencing similar to that used on west boundary be placed on south boundary extending easterly from the west boundary to the end of the sidewalk at the driveway which is approxi- mately half way between east and west boundaries. (2) That the applicant bring illustration of proposed mushroom free standing lights and wall mounted lights to the staff and staff shall make a determination of whether these fixtu are suitable or whether they should be reviewed by this committee. Seconded by Member Grubb. Motion carried, 3-0 HC -137 MINUTES OF THE MAY 1, 1975 ADJ. H -CONTROL MEETING Page 10 Chairwoman Sallan advised the applicant his application had been approved and would possibly be heard by the City Council on May 5, 1975, noting a special request would be made to the City Council to hear it. HC -51,283, 4. Application HC -51,283.5 - Stoneson Construction Corporation Stoneson requesting approval of site, architecture and landscaping Construc- for a maintenance shop and trash enclosure within The Oaks tion Corp. 1 Shopping Center located at the northwest corner of Mary Avenue and Stevens Creek Boulevard. Continued from H -Control meeting of April 24, 1975. Assistant Planner Piasecki gave background of application, noting there have been several revisions since original approval, none of which altered the original approval for a -refuse enclosure. A storage facility is now being requested. The proposed facility includes a garage and workshop as well as a refuse holding yard. The increase in building area has resulted in a loss of approximately 40% of landscaping. The major concerns involves the two parking spaces immediately adjacent Itfcile t_y_t?_proximtY. _of the east wall to the property line. There appears to -be a potential safety hazard if autos are backing out of either of these spaces at the same time The proximity of the east wall to the property line may become a future problem should right-of-way be deemed necessary for road widening or pedestrian sidewalk or bicycle right-of-way, in which case there would be no landscaping in front of this site. Mr. Guy Iuschiqno, project manager for Stoneson Construction Corpora- tion, said he had not been project manager when other proposal had been made. He said they thought by putting a setback and storage fence around it, it would be more decorative plus their getting a big trash bin -for cuttings, etc. from the large area of shopping center and Sandpiper which they serve. There will be two men at work constantly. He pointed out there will be a truck stored in garage. Also facilities for workmen. Member Koenitzer suggested extending building back to provide storage space but making it narrower. Mr. luschiqno gave several alternatives, saying they would put in as much landscaping as was wanted. He spoke to the equipment that is needed to maintain a shopping center. MINUTES OF THE MAY 1, 1975 ADJ. H -CONTROL MEETING After further discussion, Chairwoman Sallan suggested continuing this since time was not a factor to the applicant. Her concerns were landscaping, visibility issue raised, possibility of narrow- ing facility. She advised the applicant to give this his best thought processes to come up with optimum solution. Mr. Piasecki said staff would like to work with them so that it could be as close to use permit approval as possible. The applicant was agreeable to this. Member Koenitzer moved to continue Application HC -51,283.5. Seconded by Member Grubb. Motion carried, 3-0 NEW BUSINESS: Assistant Planner Kramer said Mr. Tom Branch from Bullocks was here to discuss possible modification to the exterior of Bullocks store by changing the color of material. Mr. Branch submitted samples of colors. The previous was buff and the present proposal is for a chocolate brown. In answer to Chairwoman Sallan, Mr. Branch said the change was being made because the designer felt the darker shade would reduce size of building visually and was a better backdrop for the landscaping. A sample of the brick being used by mall was exhibited. Slides of a Bullocks store in San Diego of proposed color were shown. Member Koenitzer ascertained everything would be the same except the color of the walls. Chairwoman Sallan pointed out there would not be the contrast originally planned. Mr. Branch said this had been considered. Chairwoman Sallan opened this for public comment. Ms. Barbara Rogers, 19764 Auburn Drive, Cupertino, asked if this had been discussed with Vallco. She also reiterated her concern about another in a series of modifications on the center. Mr. Branch said all of Vallco representatives had been informed and the reaction had been favorable. Chairwoman Sallan expressed her amazement that this was being changed at such a late date. She did not think it would be unreasonable to ask for a rendering of how the store would look rather than trying to envision from a 2 inch chip. She expressed her concern also about the many modifications. Mr. Branch said they have tried to keep changes to a minimum. Bullocks has only asked for this and one other at south entrance. HC -137 Page 11 HC -51,283.5 continued HC -137 Page 12 Public Hearings closed MINUTES OF THE MAY 1, 1975 ADJ. H -CONTROL MEETING Chairwoman Sallan said she thought there should have been a letter from the designer listing reasons for changes and a visual representa- tion. She felt this was too informal a basis for such a major piece of development in the City. Mr. Branch said the construction schedule of the job made a problem as they will be ready for walls within a few days. If the change is not approved, they will have to go back to original which they feel is not really so desirable as the one they are requesting. Member Koenitzer noted that at some point, all changes should be brought in at once as they can't get a project feel on these individual pieces. To some extent it changes the entire appearance of the. building, it changes the contrast with the mall and there is nothing to illustrate the overall effect on the mall. He wondered where they should draw the line. Chairwoman Sallan said if modifications are to be made there should be a procedure established and it should be a formlized procedure documented to show the committee why it was a more valid proposal than the original. (She would like to say that from now on Vallco would have to do the staff work with pictures, models, etc.) A policy statement could be made to this effect so that any developer would understand what would be rpnuired for modifications to the original--prcposal._ Ms. Kramer noted there are major modifications and minor modifications. f.ruIiLu-S llan- sa± - 9hc would leave tni i-xa,ation-__to_ taiL_' discretion. Ms. Kramer pointed out that the committee's action on this would be sent to the City Council. Mr. Branch reiterated the need for having a decision within a short. time. Chairwoman Sallan noted this had been a public hearing and wanted the records to so indicate. Member Koenitzer moved to close Public Hearings. Seconded by Member Grubb. Motion carried, 3-0 Member Koenitzer moved to recommend approval to the City Council of change of Bullock's color from original proposal to color designated as Plouchere No. 226. I MINUTES OF THE MAY 1, 1975 ADJ. H -CONTROL MEETING Chairwoman Sallan wanted to request applicant to provide written statement why this is an appropriate way to go and if possible to show a visual impression of what it will look like. This would form a basis for documentation for change. Seconded by Member Grubb. Motion carried, 3-0 Chairwoman Sallan reiterated she would like to see a policy statement as to procedure for developers to follow in requesting modifications. Chairwoman Sallan asked Mr. Branch what had happened to the ash trees along Vallco. Ms. Kramer answered that the trees had been taken out. Member Koenitzer made a motion for a MINUTE ORDER to City Council requesting they do hear the items forwarded from this meeting at the City Council meeting of May 5, 1975, apologizing for inconvenience by having special meeting at date and time after the Council agenda was made up. Seconded by Chairwoman Sallan. Motion carried, 3-0 Member Koenitzer moved for a MINUTE ORDER to City Council requesting they provide suitable recognition for services of Members Weinstein and Rogers. Seconded by Chairwoman Sallan. Motion carried, 3-0 Mr. Piasecki reported on items of concern from previous meetings. Regarding lights on DeAnza tennis courts spilling onto McClellan Road, these are City controlled lights. The Engineering Department says they are ready to order parts to put shades on the lights on McClellan Road side. HC -137 Page 13 MINUTE ORDER MINUTE ORDER Payless plants - Mr. Ross Smith had contacted Payless and they have said the plants will be moved out of the driveway right-of-way. IiC-137 Page 14 MINUTES OF THE MAY 1, 1975 ADJ. H -CONTROL MEETING Truck selling lobster tails: They do have a license and have clearance with the Health Dept. Member Koenitzer noted lie wondered about their parking on such busy streets as Stevens Creek Boulevard where he had seen them. This could create a traffic hazard. Mr. Piasecki said the truck driver would be contacted about this. Church of Nazarene: Ms. Kramer said there are no plans for main building that will go in front. Chairwoman Sallan said she thought the trees should stay until building was imminent. Member Koenitzer pointed out again landscaping had not been required in front because of trees and now there were no trees. McClellan Square: Mr. Piasecki said he had talked to Mr. Cowan about this. The only thing they can lean on is standard condition No. 13 which requires maintenance of approved plants. There could be some low structure or barrier which would keep bicycles off the mounds. In this regard, Chairwoman Sallan said what was needed was.a sub- committee that could be responsible for (a) pointing out areas that need maintenance, (b) looking them up to find out original requirements and (c)then telling them what needs to be done. Mr. Piasecki said Mr. Smith might be getting some help. TI- DJ0UR12N211ENT At 10:40 p.m. the meeting was adjourned to the next regular meeting of May 8, 1975 at 7:00 p.m. Moved by Member Koenitzer, seconded by Member Grubb. ATTEST: /s/ Wm. E. Rider City Clerk Motion carried, 3-0 APPROVED: /s/ C. Nancy Sallan Chairwoman