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HomeMy WebLinkAboutASAC Minutes 10-23-1975CITY 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 OCTOBER 23, 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: Grubb, Irvine, Sallan and Chairman Koenitzer Members absent: Dressler Staff present: Assistant Planner Toby Kramer INFORMAL REVIEW OF PLANNED DEVELOPMENT USE PERMIT APPLICATION: None UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of October 9, 1975 and September 18, 1975 Minutes of September 18, 1975 On page 3, last paragraph, second line after fences, add "and safety protection." On page 3, paragraph 8, second line, insert two sentences: "The 4 ft. fence will keep younger children out yet permit adults to get over it if there is an emergency in the pond. Teenagers will probably climb any pleasingly aesthetic fence of whatever height." Member Sallan moved to approve the Minutes of September 18, 1975 as corrected. Seconded by Chairman Koenitzer. Motion carried, 2-0-2 Abstain: Grubb and Irvine HC -149 Page 1 Minutes of 9/18/75 approved as corrected HC -149 + MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 23, 1975 H -CONTROL MEETING Page 2 Minutes of October 9, 1975 Page 4, last paragraph should read "....Portal Avenue service station site. The denial is based on the applicant not satisfying the origi- nal Condition No. 11, Resolution 384, for the ....." On page 7, first paragraph, line 4, after "3% is too much", add the following: "based on most new proposals and recent approvals by this committee." On page 3,. add to second paragraph, "Improvement of the corner had not been discussed previously, but the planter on Portal Avenue was a requirement." On page 5, condition (5), delete "landscaping" and replace with "plant locations." On page 6, paragraph 10, line 3, insert the word "but" between "project" and "with". Page 7, paragraph 4, line 2, delete "neon" and replace with "sign". Put a period after the word "diminished", deleting "also the colors". :iinutes of Member Sallan moved to approve the Minutes of October 9, 1975 as 10/9/75 corrected. Seconded by Member Grubb. approved as corrected Motion carried, 3-0-1. Abstain: Irvine POSTPONEMENTS: None WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None The announcement was made that no item would be initiated after 11:30 p.m. MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 23, 1975 H -CONTROL MEETING PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. Application HC -51,339.2 - AD -ART, INC. (TERRANOMICS) requesting exception to Section 6.042 of the Sign Ordinance to allow two (2) ground signs to be located on one parcel and an overall sign program for the individual tenants for a commercial development located on the east side of Saratoga -Sunnyvale Road approximately 130 ft. south of Silverado Avenue. Continues from H -Control meeting of October 9, 1975.' Chairman Koenitzer pointed out this application covers two points: the sign exception and the overall sign program. These requests would be handled individually. Staff report: Assistant Planner Kramer noted the concerns of the committee members as expressed at the October 9, 1975 meeting were the height of the letters and that Wallpapers To Go should utilize only one name. Also samples of colors for each sign was to be exhibited and the consensus of the committee had been that a ground sign was not justified. She referred to guidelines for future tenants as presented in staff report dated October 17, 1975. Ms. Kramer said the applicant had changed the size of letters to conform to the committee's recommendation of 24 inches. However, Wallpapers To Go want to retain the two names as it is part of their logo. Mr. Mel Peterson, 1715 64th Street, Emeryville, pointed out several letters that extended below the line an inch or two. Chairman Koenitzer said this small deviation would not present a problem. Mr. Peterson pointed out the end wing had had a name blocked in on botr fascias as had been requested by the committee. He said the landlord and the other tenants feel the end store will need the two signs for identity. It was clarified that the existing ordinance allows for two signs but the new ordinance talks about one sign per tenant. This was briefly discussed. Using a demonstration kit, Mr. Peterson displayed samples of sign colo Member Sallan questioned having all the other colors in the red, pink, orange, yellow spectrum but the blue of Wallpapers To Go. Mr. Petersor said this was Wallpapers To Go logo colors. He pointed out the untenanted shops could come in for green or blue signs. Ms. Kramer suggested these applications could be approved on a staff level unless there was an extreme deviation, which would then be heard by this committee. HC -149 Page 3 HC -51,339.2 Terranomics IIC-149 I MINUTES OF TIME OCTOBER 23, 1975 H -CONTROL MEETING Page 4 Chairman Koenitzer asked if the intensity of the colors could be controlled. Mr. Peterson said this could be done by making the letters more or less opaque. Mr. Peterson said the Wallpapers To Go is a new store and their identity campaign is based on the double logo. It is an integral part of their business identity. He pointed out they are within the ordinance limita- tion. He also said they feel the end tenant should be allowed to have a sign on the frontage as well as on the parking lot. Member Grubb said his preference would have been to have all the signs of one color. Mr. Sher of Terranomics said they had already lost one tenant because they could not get adequate signing. Individual identities must be provided for these tenants. Mr. Peterson pointed out this center does not have an anchor tenant to draw traffic in and they are highly dependent upon individual identity. Mr. Sher said they are at least 50% under the ordinance allowance and they could not accept making the signs all one color. Chairman Koenitzer said lie could agree with individual colors for signs in a center this size. His concern was the intensity of illumination and consistency. He said it should be kept close to that of the blue as exhibited. Mr. Peterson said the intensity would be even and would be of 60 milliamps which is fairly low. Member Sallan said individual colors were acceptable and would not be a problem in the day time, but she echoes Chairman Koenitzer's comments on night time lighting. This should be conditioned to the City's satisfaction so that possible excessive intensity could be mitigated. Mr. Sher answered Chairman Koenitzer that the building has soffit lighting over the sidewalk. Mr. Peterson pointed out the neon tubes are handcrafted and cannot be changed like a fluorescent bulb. He pointed out the intensity of the neon tube is less than a fluorescent bulb. Chairman Koenitzer then turned to the discussion of two signs for the corner store. His concern was that should the area be divided, each tenant might apply for two signs. Mr. Sher said they are trying to lease to Wherehouse records and if they can only have one sign they will probably not come in. Member Sallan noted the questions of two signs was something the sign review committee would have to take up in. detail. MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 23, 1975 H -CONTROL MEETING Mr. Peterson stressed that under the present ordinance they are allowed two signs. Mr. Sher asked for a policy statement from the committee that it would be agreeable with the committee for them to have two signs if the size and color were satisfactory. Member Grubb said he saw nothing wrong with two signs. Chairman Koenitzer said since the ordinance does permit two signs and it does face two ways, he felt the two signs could be permitted. If there were two tenants, however, each tenant would only be allowed one sign. With regard to Wallpaper To Go, Member Irvine said he could accept the double logo and felt the way it was laid out it was consistent with the whole center. He ascertained there would be a redwood divider between Hatchcover and Stero Factory signs. Chairman Koenitzer summarized by referring to guidelines in staff report, the committee's interest in having an even intensity of illumination of signs - the intent was to match level of intensity of blue sign in Wallpaper To Go, colors basically acceptable and with the premise that present ordinance would permit two signs for corner store. lie would like to see the store not be divided. If there were two tenants, this could be considered again. Staff could be permitted to approve colors of new signs with the possibility of their referring to the full committee if there was any question of unsuitability of any new proposed color. Chairman Koenitzer then opened the hearing for public comments on the proposal for building signs. There were none. Member Grubb moved to recommend that Application HC -51,339.2, Ad -Art, Inc. (Terranomics), subject to standard H -Control conditions, be approved with the following conditions: (1) That the colors be delegated to staff approval on later submittals. (2) That the double corner sign be accepted with the exception in case of separate rental only one sign per rental will be permitted. (3) The following guidelines to apply for future tenants: a. The length of a tenant sign shall not exceed 70% of the shops frontage. HC -149 Page 5 HC -51,339.2 approved w/ conditions (wall signs and overall sign program. HC -149 Page 6 MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 23, 1975 H -CONTROL MEETING b. All signs shall be composed of internally illuminated individual mounted letters. of plexiglass material. c. No sign letter shall exceed 24 inches in height. d. All signs shall be mounted on thefascia of the building consistent with the method shown on Exhibit F-1 1st Revision. Seconded by Member Sallan. AYES: Members Grubb, Irvine, Sallan, Chairman Koenitzer NOES: None Motion carried, 4-0 It was announced this application would be heard by the City Council at its November 3, 1975 meeting. The discussion then turned to the request for an exception allowing a ground sign. Ms. Kramer reported the staff did not have anything to add to the previous discussion. Mr. Sher said he had seen the handwriting on the wall at the last meeting and had talked with the four tenants to the rear of the complex. They were very unhappy. If they couldn't have the ground sign, they would like to have some way of identifying the project. He asked for something small and unobstrusive that would give identity to the project. Chairman Koenitzer pointed out this was the reason they had been counseled to consider very carefully their decision to give Coco's a ground sign. Member Sallan said she felt the entire project, including Coco's, was approved for one sign. Individual wall signs will give identity since they are not that far from the street. In answer to Mr. Sher's comments on McClellan Square, she said the committee is seeking a direction that will have shopping center name represent a significant portion of overall ground sign. Member Irvine agreed and felt they would be identified by Coco's and the address. It does not seem to him to be a large enough center to warrant a free standing sign. Mr. Sher said they would settle for even a street number sign no higher than one foot. Member Sallan said this was the reason for considering overall sign program at planning stage. When they make their decision, they must live by it. MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 23, 1975 H -CONTROL MEETING Chairman Koenitzer then opened the hearing for public comments. There were none. Member Sallan moved to close Public Hearings, seconded by Member Irvine. Motion carried, 4-0 Member Sallan moved to recommend the sign exception portion of Applica- tion HC -51,339.2 be denied. (1) Findings in the denial largely rest on the fact that original condition on the property was that it was permitted one ground sign. It currently has that ground sign in the form of Coco's Restaurant. (2) The committee also finds that the signing as approved on the wall signs this evening in the earlier portion of the application represents adequate signing and should give proper identity to those tenants in the shopping center. Seconded by Member Irvine. AYES: Members Grubb, Irvine, Sallan, Chairman Koenitzer NOES: None Motion carried, 4-0 Chairman Koenitzer advised the applicant that the denial could be appealed to City Council and a written request to staff should be submitted within 5 days. This would be heard at the City Council's November 3, 1975 meeting. At 8:50 p.m. a recess was taken with the meeting reconvening at 9:00 p.m. IC -149 'age 7 Public Hear- ing closed RC -51, 339.2 Exception fo ground sign denied 2. Application HC -51,002.11 - STEPHEN SANBORN requesting modifica- HC -51,002.11 tion of site, architecture, landscaping and grading for a four- Stephen unit apartment complex located on the north side of Alpine Sanborn Drive approximately 100 ft. east of Foothill Boulevard. Staff report: Assistant Planner Kramer referred to previously approved plans and new proposal as exhibited. There would only be four units under present plan instead of previous six. She explained architectural and site layout changes made. Ms. Kramer pointed out possibility of visual intrusion from second sto balconies. Although mitigating measures were provided by planting screen along the rear property, an additional measure might be to require the second story balconies to he deleted. HC -149 I MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 23, 1975 H -CONTROL MEETING Page 8 Mr. Stephen Sanborn, 12829 Alta Tieria Road, Los Altos Hills, said the main reason for changing his proposal was difficulty in getting financing for his original proposal. He showed photos he had taken from a 12 ft. ladder facing the rear of the property to show visual intrusion would not be a problem. Member Sallan spoke to issue of privacy intrusion, noting upstairs living units will invite more use of the balconies. Mr. Sanborn said one thing the lot had going for it in spite of all the restraints of easements and towers was the view. If the living units were on the lower floor they would look out on the driveway and the towers. He felt the balconies created "privacy shells". Site: Member Irvine said the arguments for second story living area were well taken, but for the same reason, it didn't apply to the left hand unit. Mr. Sanborn said plumbing cost was another factor. Mr. Sanborn said this arrangement gave the tenant a spacious feeling and some view of the foothills. A brief discussion was held on ways of moving units to provide more setback at the rear. Mr. Sanborn said he had spent many hours doing this and this was the best solution he had found. At 9:10 p.m. Member Sallan left: Architecture: No comments. Grading: No comments. Landscaping: It was noted the legend needed to be changed to show oleanders included with the Eucalyptus trees. Chairman Koenitzer pointed out there might be problems with the oleanders if the tenants had young children. 'I`he hearings were then opened to public comment. Mr. Tom DiFranco, 10427 Vista Knoll Boulevard, Cupertino, said with regard to having living areas on second floor, the committee should consider the fact that there is a view facing the opposite direction. If the living areas were facing the front of the lot, both units could have a view. Mr. Sanborn said his plans were open to both views and offered to change the living and dining areas so the living area would be facing the front and the dining area to the rear. Mr. DiFranco said he objected to having the dining room to the rear also. MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 23, 1975 H -CONTROL MEETING Mr. Richard Kane, 10437 Vista Knoll Boulevard, Cupertino, said he had discussed this situation with Mr. DiFranco and was in complete agree- ment with his presentation. Mrs. Jean Sanborn, Los Altos, said there had been apartments on Alpine Drive when the houses on Vista Knoll were developed. The people who are living in the single family homes have done nothing in the way of landscaping to give them privacy. As far as the second story living area, people don't sit by the window all day. She, felt the tenants in the fourplex and the single family residences should all get along. There being no further comments, Member Irvine moved to close Public Hearings. Motion carried, 3-0 Member Irvine said he thought it was a good move to switch the living and dining areas in the left hand unit. The balconies will help in that they will act as a screening device and being off the dining area will not be used that much. The right hand unit did not need switching. Member Grubb agreed. He felt Mr. Sanborn's willingness to rotate the upper areas was a fair concession. He suggested the complaintants might want to put in a few trees also. It was noted the findings of the Housing Law and Earthquake Protection Article 4 study would be implemented into plans prior to the issuance of a building permit. Member Irvine moved to recommend approval of Application HC -51,002.11, Stephen Sanborn, with the standard H -Control conditions and Exhibits A 3rd Revision and B 2nd Revision, and the following special conditions: (1) Reverse the living and dining room locations in the left hand, or north, unit. (2) Landscaping to be modified as marked on exhibit to show oleanders in place of Eucalyptus. Seconded by Member Grubb. AYES: Members Grubb, Irvine and Chairman Koenitzer NOES: None Motion carried, 3-0 The applicant was notified this would be heard by the City Council at its November 3, 1975 meeting. HC -149 Page 9 Public Hear- ing closed HC -51,002.1' approved wl conditions HC -149 Page 10 HC -51,333.1] Cal -Coast Sign (A*AAA Mini - Storage) Public Hear- ing closed MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 23, 1975 H -CONTROL MEETING 3. Application HC -51,333.11 - CAL COAST SIGN COMPANY (A*AAA MINI - STORAGE) requesting approval of a sign plan for a mini -storage facility located in the south west quardrant of Saratoga -Sunnyvale Road and Freeway Route 280. Staff report: The Assistant Planner gave a brief background of this ,application, noting a temporary ground sign had recently been granted. As yet, a sign program for the entire planned development has not been proposed. Rather than requesting a permanent ground sign, the storage facility is now requesting a wall sign. Ms. Kramer used the elevation exhibit to show where the sign would be located. Staff's concern was the height of the building being 10 ft. and the sign being 4 ft. wide. The colors of the sign are typical white background with red and blue letters which will be internally illuminated. Ms. Kramer pointed out the building is a buff slumpstone. Staff was suggesting a wood trim be used as sign cabinet. Mr. Vern Pitroff, 845 Reed Street, Santa Clara, said the wall was 11-1/2 ft. high. He said they planned to paint the sign cabinet to make it match the wood trim on the building. Chairman Koenitzer pointed out that when the restaurant was built the sign would not be seen from Saratoga -Sunnyvale Road. Mr. Pitroff said if the sign would be hidden, he was sure the Mini -Storage owners would do something about it. Mr. Pitroff showed samples of colors and said any of the reds, whites or blues could be used. Chairman Koenitzer stressed they would like the lowest rating florescent tubes used. The hearing was then opened for public comments. There were none. Member Irvine moved to close Public Hearings. Seconded by Member Grubb. Motion carried, 3-0 Member Irvine moved to approve Application HC -51,333.11, Cal Coast Sign Company (A*AAA MINI -STORAGE), subject to standard H -Control conditions, Exhibit F and the following conditions: (1) That the level of illumination of sign be inspected and approved after installation by staff. MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 23, 1975 H -CONTROL MEETING I HC -149 Page 11 (2) That the frame of the sign match the wood trim of the building. (3) That the colors be as selected by the committee: Blue - #324, Red - #124, and White - #430. Seconded by Member Grubb. AYES: Members Grubb, Irvine and Chairman Koenitze.r HC -51,333.11 NOES: None approved w/ conditions Motion carried, 3-0 Chairman Koenitzer advised the applicant this would be heard by the City Council at their next meeting on November 3, 1975. A discussion was then held on the wording of Resolution 569 pertaining to HC -51,259.81, California Canadian Bank. Chairman Koenitzer stressed it was the intention of the committee that the application was denied unless the planter was installed. Ms. Kramer reported a continuation had been requested at the City Council level by Mr.Meyers until they could get a letter from Standard Oil. Chairman Koenitzer clarified the committee's intent was that an occupancy permit could not be gotten for the bank if the landscaping was not approved. He felt the resolution as written did not reflect the committee's intent that the application should be denied unless the landscaping was installed. After a discussion, it was agreed a Minute Order would be sent to Minute Order City Council stating their intention on Resolution 569 was that the re Resolutic: application be denied unless they met Condition No. 14, landscaping 569 - Calif. on western portion of Portal Avenue. Seconded by Member Grubb. Canadian Bank Motion carried, 2-0-1 Abstain: Irvine NEW BUSINESS: Ms. Kramer reported the sign ordinance draft was now being reviewed by the staff. Chairman Koenitzer reported the sign at the Shell Station on the corner of Stevens Creek Boulevard and Saratoga -Sunnyvale Road was sticking out in street again. the small, building in Rifredi's parking a Chairman Koenitzer asked if was in Cupertino. He reported the newspaper stands and a sign made it impossible to walk on the sidewalk in front of the small building. c •.I •Y) J'ag: 12 MINUTES OF TUE OCTOBER 23, 1975 11 -CONTROL 111;ETING Member Irvine asked about the lot adjacent to the Mini -Storage, noting the trees have been cut down. Ms. Kramer reported this was allowed. ADJOURil1ENT .At 10:40 p.m. the meeting was adjourned to the next regular meeting on November 6, 1.975 at 7:00 p.m. ATTEST: /s/ Wm. E. Ryder City Clerk APPROVED: /s/ R.D. Koenitzer, Jr. Chairman