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HomeMy WebLinkAboutASAC Minutes 06-19-1975CITY OF CUPERTINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA 10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino Telephone: 252-4505 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE ARCHITECTURAL AND SITE APPROVAL COi1MITTEE HELD ON JUNE 19, 1975 IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA SALUTE TO THE FLAG The meeting was opened at 7:10 p.m. by Chairman Koenitzer with the Salute to the Flag. ROLL CALL Members present: Dressler (7:15), Irvine, Sallan, Chairman Koenitzer Members absent: Grubb Staff present: Assistant Planner Piasecki INFORMAL REVIEW OF PLANNED DEVELOPMENT USE PERMIT APPLICATION: None UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of June 5, 1975 On page 7, paragraph 4, second line should read, "they were disappointed not to have had favorable results. He would like..." Page 9, paragraph 5, exception allowing a Page 5, modification Page 6, paragraph 7, Member Sallan moved, of June 5, 1975, as the second line should read "....comfortable with total of 5 signs." (2) "east" and "west" sides should be switched. line 2, "side" should be "site". seconded by Member Irvine, to approve the Minutes 2orrected. Motion carried, 3-0 Abstain: Dressler POSTPONEMENTS: Assistant Planner Piasecki reported there had been a request for a continuation of item, 2, Application HC -51,259..81. It was so moved by Member Sallan, seconded by Member Irvine. Motion carried, 4-0 HC -141 Page 1 Minutes of 6/5/75 approved as corrected HC -141 Page 2 }iC-51,002.11 Stephen Sanborn MINUTES OF THE JUNE 19, 1975 H -CONTROL MEETING WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None Chairman Koenitzer announced no item would be initiated after 11:30 p.m. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. Application HC -51,002.11 - Stephen Sanborn requesting approval of site, architecture, landscaping and grading for a six -unit apartment complex located at 10384 Alpine Drive, Lot 53, Tract 2527. Continued from H -Control meeting of June 5, 1975. Assistant Planner Piasecki updated situation since the last meeting. He indicated revised landscaping and architectural renderings. With regard to the pedestrian easement, Mr. Piasecki reported that it is a legally recorded easement. He said the Public Works Department felt the easement should be fully set off with fencing and lighting and would like the entire easement maintained in public use. Mr. Piasecki answered Chairman Koenitzer there was a street light on Vista Knoll Drive, but the easement at that end was not lighted. It was further ascertained that any street light planned on Alpine Drive could not be depended on for light for this easement, particularly if it was fenced. The Assistant Planner said another concern of Public Works had been the grading change on driveway which would be approximately 13-1/2%; the maximum allowed is 11%. In answer to Member Irvine, Mr. Piasecki said Public Works had had no comment about grading on adjacent property to make driveway as this was not pointed out to them. Mr. Stephen W. Sanborn, 23048 Granger, Los Altos, explained the changes he had made in redesigning the units. With regard to the driveway, Mr. Sanborn said his engineer had felt a 24 ft. driveway would be required because of emergency vehicles. The white stripe was felt to be the best solution. He strongly objected to a fence; he would rather use landscaping. It was determined there is only 24 ft. between tower and property line. Mr. Piasecki said the Traffic Engineer had indicated a willingness to decrease requirement to affect a compromise. Chairman Koenitzer pointed out the necessity for the easement as access from Alpine Drive complex to Stevens Creek School. MINUTES OF THE JUNE 19, 1975 H -CONTROL MEETING Different means of achieving the easement were discussed. It was suggested the applicant meet with the Engineering Department and the Central Fire District to work out an acceptable solution. The applicant agreed. With regard to grade change on driveway, Mr. Sanborn said this would be graded by an engineer and would not be over the maximum. With regard to architectural changes, Mr. Sanborn exhibited model and explained how he had designed around privacy intrusion problem. Mr. Sanborn described the landscaping revisions he had made to answer concerns raised at last meeting. Although lighting was not a part of this application, Chairman Koenitzer asked Mr. Sanborn if he were planning exterior lighting. Mr. Sanborn described his intent. He expressed concern of vandalism on lights in open areas. Each unit would have entry lights. The entry lights would be flush in the ceilings of the entry ways. Chairman Koenitzer suggested since this was a small project, staff could check the lighting plans and approve them. Mr. Sanborn then said he felt it was asking a lot of him to light up the easement. The easement on the other side is not maintained by anyone. He would like the lighting to be combined with the driveway design. He felt the white stripe would be the most practical and in the long run, the most aesthetic solution. It was ascertained the easement at easterly portion is fenced on both sides. Member Dressler said he agreed with the applicant. The meeting was then opened to comments from the public. Mr. Tom Di Franco, 10427 Vista Knoll Boulevard, Cupertino, asked about planting proposed for back property line. Mr. Sanborn described the Silver Dollar Eucalyptus which he said would grow 6 ft. to 8 ft. a year. Mr. Di Franco questioned landscaping at northeast corner, noting this was not like the Dumas landscaping which he had understood it would be. Chairman Koenitzer explained this is the only area not covered with tall plantings and would allow the applicant to take advantage of view of the Bay area. HC -141 Page 3 Member Sallan suggested 15 ga. trees could be planted rather than the 5 ga. as proposed. HC -141 Page 4 Public Hear- ings closed HC -51,002.11 approved w/ conditions HC -51,259.81 continued per request of applicant HC -51,364.1 May Invest- ment Co. IMINUTES OF THE JUNE 19, 1975 H -CONTROL MEETING Member Dressler moved to close Public Hearings. Seconded by Member Irvine. Motion carried, 4-0 Member Sallan suggested the applicant should come back as she would have trouble giving guidelines on the easement; staff and Public Works might have better solutions. Member Dressler moved to recommend approval of Application HC -51,002.11 to the City Council, subject to the standard H -Control conditions, the exhibits presented by the applicant and the following special conditions: (1) That they refer the applicant to the staff to work out specifics on grading of driveway. (2) Staff and applicant discuss easement and arrive at a reasonable solution with the recommendation of the motion being that they use a full 24 ft. driveway and stripe off the easement for pedestrian walkway. (3) Refer lighting of the project, both ground and building, to the City staff for approval. Seconded by Member Irvine. AYES: Members Dressler, Irvine, Sallan and Chairman Koenitzer NOES: None Motion carried, 4-0 Chairman Koenitzer noted the application had been approved and would be before City Council on July 7, 1975. He thanked the applicant for work- ing hard to answer problems raised by the committee and neighbors regarding visual intrusion of the project. 2. Application HC -51,259.81 - Edwin J. Myers (Canadian Pacific Bank) - continued per request of applicant 3. Application HC -51,364.1 - May Investment Company requesting approval of landscaping and lighting for a 40 -unit cluster development located approximately 375 ft. westerly of the inter- section of Forest Avenue and Vista Drive and adjacent to and southerly of the future extension of Lazaneo Drive between Saratoga -Sunnyvale Road and Vista Drive. v MINUTES OF THE JUNE 19, 1975 H -CONTROL MEETING The Assistant Planner noted the major concern involving condominium projects is the view from the exterior of the project as seen from the adjoining streets or properties. He described the proposed land- scaping for the eastern, western and frontage boundaries. The southern boundary is part of the rear yards of the various units and the land- scaping will be left to each individual owner. He referred to exhibits which detailed the proposed landscaping and lighting. Mr. Piasecki answered Chairman Koenitzer that staff felt the lighting would be sufficient without any post mounted lights in the project. Mr. Rodger Griffin, Saratoga, described the proposed landscaping. He noted they have upgraded the landscaping on perimeters of the property by using specimen trees. Mr. Griffin said they were interested in the Grasscrete but expressed concern about having it at the entrances. He felt it would make the accesses more definitive if they used the textured concrete and they would prefer to do this in this project. Member Sallan said she thought it would be an interesting perspective and she would not like it to be ruled out at this point. Mr. Griffin said they would discuss it further with the Grasscrete representative. With regard to the wall brackets, Member Sallan felt they were too fancy to be appropriate to the building design. Mr. Griffin said they had used them in other projects of like design and found them to be compatible. Member Dressler agreed with Member Sallan and asked the applicant to consider changing to another bracket more compatible to the architecture of the buildings. Mr. Griffin answered Member Dresslez that there are approximately 120 lights in the project and agreed to a fixture with more straight lines. The committee agreed to having staff approve another choice for the light fixture. In answer to Chairman Koenitzer regarding entrance signs, Mr. Griffin said this had been discussed and they would be coming back if it was. decided to have an entry structure. The meeting was opened to public comment. There were none. Member Dressler moved, seconded by Member Irvine, to close Public Hearing HC -141 Page 5 Public Hear- ing closed Motion carried, 4-0 HC -141 Page 6 HC -51,364.1 approved w/ conditions HC -51,158.1 Lost Mine Restaurant, Inc. MINUTES OF THE JUNE 19, 1975 H -CONTROL MEETING Member Dressler moved to recommend approval of Application HC -51,364.1 to the City Council as submitted, subject to standard conditions, as presented tonight in Exhibits C, C-1 1st Revision, E, E-1, and the following special conditions: (1) That the applicant change the exposed lighting fixtures on the project to a fixture of more contemporary design to be agreed upon by the City staff and the applicant. (2) That we encourage the applicant to continue to pursue the application of Grasscrete in the project. Seconded by Member Sallan. AYES: Members Dressler, Irvine, Sallan, and Chairman Koenitzer NOES: None Motion carried, 4-0 Chairman Koenitzer advised the application had been approved and would be before the City Council on July 7, 1975. At 8:25 p.m. a recess was taken, with the meeting reconvening at F:38 p.m. 4. Application HC -51,158.1 - Lost Mine Restaurant, Inc. requesting approval of site, architecture, landscaping and lighting for an existing restaurant facility located at the. northwest corner of Miller Avenue and East Estates Drive. The -Assistant Planner said the applicant is proposing to convert the abandoned House of Pies Restaurant to a dinner house and bar with a mining theme. The existing building is 3,649 sq. ft. and another 1,134 sq. ft. will be added. Mr. Piasecki referred to architectural renderings displayed on board, describing intent of the mine theme. The existing site has a great deal of landscaping which will be supplemented. The applicant is proposing to cut out 5 ft. of the existing sidewalk in order to expand the landscaping in the front along Miller Avenue which will require an encroachment permit from the Engineering Department. Mr. Piasecki explained the revised parking plan. Some landscaping will have to be negated or they will have to enter into an agreement with the adjacent Mobil Oil Station for 5 stalls. He pointed out the location proposed for the trash enclosure. MINUTES OF THE JUNE 19, 1975 H -CONTROL MEETING The site plan, photographs and colored renderings were exhibited. Member Dressler ascertained no street parking was permitted in front of the restaurant. Mr. Piasecki explained further why the easement was necessary. Chairman Koenitzer was advised an agreement with the Mobil Oil Station for the necessary stalls had been reached. Mr. Richard Zlatunich, 3003 Moorpark background of the present building. building to modify architecturally. of intent from the Mobil Oil Station Department. Avenue, San Jose, gave a brief He said it was a very difficult With regard to the parking a letter has been filed with the Planning Mr. Zlatunich noted the landscaping had been expanded. Their approach was one of natural wood finish with a mine atmosphere. Member Sallan suggested closing the entry way off Miller Avenue which would leave accessways from Richwood Drive and East Estates Drive and eliminate a curb cut. Mr. Gene Saalwaechter, 10920 Prieta Ct., San Jose, explained that the entrance to the restaurant was at the Miller Street entry. The focus of interest is at this door. He said they could get the 46 spaces necessary on site. by decreasing landscaping on property. Member Dressler was told the two way entrance off East Estates Drive now exists. There were no questions regarding the architecture. The applicant displayed exhibits and explained proposed architecture. He also displayed photos of other "theme" restaurants. With regard to artifacts proposed at entrance, Chairman Koenitzer questioned the attractive nuisance aspect. Mr. Saalwaechter noted the existing building had been vandalized. The artifacts would be solidly installed and he was hopeful the upgrading would discourage vandalism. Chairman Koenitzer asked about the ability of youngsters to climb the trellis work, etc. Mr. Saalwaechter said this had been considered. There will be an iron gate in front that will be locked when the restaurant is closed. They were aware of the potential problems. Chairman Koenitzer said there should be a sign over entrance door. Mr. Steve Bennetzen, 225 Glengarry Road, Felton, answered Member Sallan that majority of the landscaping is existing. They are adding plant material to fit in with theme of the architecture. Member Sallan questioned having trees along wall at west elevation. Mr. Piasecki noted trees would be inappropriate from space standpoint. HC -141 Page 7 IC -141 Page 8 Public Hear- ing closed C-51,158.1 approved w/ conditions (MINUTES OF THE JUNE 19, 1975 H -CONTROL MEETING With regard to lighting, Mr. Saalwaechter said the present facility has three 30 ft. poles. They will be using indirect lighting. He located existing light standards. They will be removing the 30 ft. pole at entrance on Richwood Drive. In answer to Member Dressler, Mr. Saalwaechter said they would like to take out all three 30 ft. poles. There is so much lighting in area already. It was discussed and decided a lighting proposal could be brought in with sign exception application. The Public Hearing was opened to comments from the audience. There were none. Member Sallan moved, seconded by Member Dressler, to close Public Hearing. Motion carried, 4-0 Member Sallan moved to recommend approval of HC -51,158.1 to the City Council with the standard H -Control conditions, Exhibit A 1st Revision and the following special conditions: (1) That the applicant enter into easement agreement with service station adjoining in order to allow for off site parking. (2) That some vines be planted on west wall of the building. (3) That the applicant is entitled to remove the three 30 ft. light poles to be replaced at later date when the applicant returns with lighting proposal. That the lighting portion of the application is continued. (4) That the applicant has the approval to use 5 ft. of the City sidewalk for landscaping on the Miller Avenue frontage and that he shall obtain encroachment permit from Public Works for this. A discussion was held about easement agreement with the service station. The Assistant Planner said the City Attorney had drawn up easement papers. He felt the agreement should be with the owner. Mr. Saalwaechter said this might be a problem. Member Irvine suggested a leasing agreement. Mr. Piasecki said three compact stalls could be added in place of land- scaping. Member Sallan asked about a waiver of the extra stalls; she would rather have the landscaping. Mr. Saalwaechter asked to be given the alternative of either getting an agreement with the owner or leasee or reducing the capacity of the restaurant. After further discussion the first condition was changed to read as follows: MINUTES OF THE JUNE 19, 1975 H -CONTROL MEETING (1) That the applicant will enter into some form of agreement that is acceptable to the City of Cupertino for off site parking to satisfy required number of parking spaces for the site. If this condition cannot be met, the applicant will reduce the seating capacity of the restaurant to comply with City parking standards. Seconded by Member Irvine. AYES: Members Dressler, Irvine, Sallan, Chairman Koenitzer NOES: None Motion carried, 4-0 The applicant was notified his application had been approved and would go before the City Council on July 7, 1975. The applicant complimented the Planning Department and thanked the H -Control committee for their help. 5. Application HC -51,075.51 - Sears, Roebuck and Company (Gene Harden) requesting approval of site and landscaping for a vapor recovery system located at the northwest corner of Wolfe Road and Stevens Creek Boulevard. Assistant Planner Piasecki noted this was a new requirement for all gasoline pumps. Regulations require a 90% reduction in vapors now escaping from gasoline pumps during the filling operation. There are two types of systems now being marketed: the Vapor Balancing System which involves no above ground equipment (which may not efficiently serve a high volume station) and the Reclaiming Above Ground System, which is being proposed here. The deadline for Phase I is July 1, 1975. Mr. Piasecki referred to the staff memo which indicated the applicant is in a unique bind as a result of the ambiguities surrounding this issue. Mr. Piasecki referred to the two alternative screening situations exhibited on the board. However, he noted it was important to determine if this is the only practical technique available to Sears for fulfilling the new requirement. This question must be answered prior to serious consideration of the appropriate method for screening. Member Sallan ascertained underground system is still being tested and further information will be available at a later date. HC -141 Page 9 HC -51,075.51 Sears, Roebuck and Company IIC-141 Page 10 HC -51,075.51 continued MINUTES OF THE JUNE 19, 1975 H -CONTROL MEETING Chairman Koenitzer determined this could be coming up for every other service station in town between now and end of the year. Since this was the first such application, it would be setting a precedent. Mr. Gene Harden, Vallco Park, answered Chairman Koenitzer that the best location for the system was close to the tanks. He noted the one alternative had been lowered by 5 ft. The piping is now in the process of being installed. He described further the proposed methods of screening. Mr. Ed Slzak, H & E Engineering, 1455 W. Oak Avenue, Fullerton, said 47 states have legislation dealing with this same subject. He explained the systems further. The above ground system being proposed will satisfy the APCD, Sears needs in the future and the community. Mr. Slzak answered Member Sallan that the Vapor Balancing System on the basis of present information would handle low volume type operation. This system will satisfy any volume operation. A discussion was held on the advantages and disadvantages of the two systems. Member Sallan said before deciding on aesthetics she wanted to know whether or not the underground system could be used for high volume use. In answer to Chairman Koenitzer, Mr. Slzak described what the screened unit would contain and why it was open on one side. Chairman Koenitzer felt it should be on the other end of the service station shed since having it at this end of the building will make a definite hazard for traffic. He also suggested it be designed to match the Sears exterior. Member Dressler ascertained there would be little noise associated with the system. At 10:10 p.m. Member Dressler left the meeting. Chairman Koenitzer suggested moving to other end of building, adding door and then adding some greenery. Member Sallan felt the traffic flow on the Sears site should be studied and more thought could be given to design and location in light of questions raised. She also asked for pictures of the San Diego installa- tion. Mr. Piasecki said he would like time to contact San Diego. After further discussion, Member Sallan moved Application HC -51,075.51, Sears Vapor Recovery System, be continued to the next regular meeting so the applicant has an opportunity to consider the site location of the recovery system as well as an opportunity to redesign in such a way as to be aesthetically attractive as it can be, and compatible with existing structures on the site. Seconded by Member Irvine. Motion carried, 3-0 MINUTES OF THE JUNE 19, 1975 H -CONTROL MEETING 6. Application HC -51,002.12 - John Matherson requesting approval of site, architecture, landscaping and grading for a four -unit apartment complex located on the west side of Alpine Drive approximately 330 ft. north of the intersection with Oasis Court, The Assistant Planner said this was a very straight forward project presenting no significant privacy intrusion problems.. It meets all setback requirements and parking requirements. Mr. John Matherson, 10301 Alpine Drive, Cupertino, signed in to answer questions of the committee. There were no questions or comments on the site. With regard to architecture, Chairman Koenitzer suggested there be an internal railing placed between balcony of Unit 3 and entry way for Unit 2. Mr. Matherson agreed. Mr. Matherson answered Chairman Koenitzer's questions on several plants indicated on the legend. Chairman Koenitzer suggested tall plants on both sides of the building. Mr. Matherson explained why he would rather have the ground cover. The hearing was opened to comments from the public. There were none. Member Sallan moved, seconded by Member Irvine, to close Public Hearings Motion carried, 3-0 Member Sallan moved to recommend approval of Application HC -51,002.12 to the City Council with. standard H -Control conditions, enclosed Exhibits A, B, C, and D. Seconded by Member Irvine. AYES: Members Irvine, Sallan and Chairman Koenitzer NOES: None Motion carried, 3-0 The applicant was informed this application was approved and would go before the City Council on July 7, 1975. NEW BUSINESS: Member Sallan suggested staff give a status report on City Council action on H -Control recommendations so the committee would be aware of what conditions were changed. HC -141 Page 11 HC -51,002.12 John Matherson Public Hear- ings closed HC -51,002.12 approved HC -141 Page 12 a MINUTES OF THE JUNE 19, 1975 H -CONTROL MEETING Chairman Koenitzer asked about the land at Stevens Creek Blvd. and Freeway 85. There had been shrubs and weeds that hid the parking lot. This has now been leveled. Member Sallan remembered there was a discussion on requiring additional landscaping there. Mr. Piasecki said some inquiries had been received as to what could be done in this area. Staff would check into it. Member Sallan questioned whether new employee under "CETA" funding would be checking on weeds, landscaping maintenance and other violations. Mr. Piasecki said the new employee would be working on signing. ADJOURNMENT At 10:38 p.m. Chairman Koenitzer moved the meeting be adjourned to the next regularly scheduled meeting on July 10, 1975 at 7:00 p.m. Seconded by Member Sallan. ATTEST: /s/ Wm. E. Ryder City Clerk Motion carried, 3-0 APPROVED: /s/ R. D. Koenitzer, Jr. Chairman I