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HomeMy WebLinkAboutASAC Minutes 01-19-1976CITY OF CUPERTINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA 10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino Telephone: 252-4505 MINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE ARCHITECTURAL AND SITE APPROVAL COMMITTEE HELD ON JANUARY 19, 1976 IN THE LIBRARY CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL, CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA The meeting was convened at 7:30 p.m. by Chairman Koenitzer. ROLL CALL Members present: Members absent: Staff present: Guests present: PUBLIC HEARING: Dressler, Irvine, Sallan and Chairman Koenitzer None Assistant Planner Toby Kramer Mr. Frank Mulkern, Chamber of Commerce Mr. Carl Keymann, California Electric Sign Users': Council Mr. Gordon Siebert, West Valley Electric Company Discussion of Sign Ordinance as proposed by the Sign Ordinance Review Committee. Assistant Planner Kramer gave basic background of what went into the Ordinance. She referred to the Cupertino sign survey. Slides were shown of signs throughout the City with discussions of different problems and situations represented. One problem discussed was the placement of ground signs relative to impact on adjacent lots; whether or not a restriction should be added to the sign ordinance. The maximum of 20 ft. for height of signs was discussed. The possibility of the 50 ft. setback encouraging the parking areas being placed in the front of the developments was discussed. Ms. Kramer pointed out that removable panels for shopping center signs were being asked for; also that no ground sign could be taller than the building. HC -155 Page 1 Discussion of Sign Ordinance HC -155 Page 2 MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 19, 1976 ADJ. H -CONTROL MEETING Mr. Mulkern said that in his opinion and from a businessman's view- point, the size of signs did not have an awareness of the impact on businesses. He noted that with trees and berms being required, a 12 ft. or 14 ft. sign would be obscured. He felt the committee members should be representing the community, not speaking from their personal opinions. Member Sallan noted that colors to be used in signs had not been dealt with. 'She noted, the SRC proposal that a sign advisor make recommendations_:to the committee. Illumination was another factor. Ms. Kramer said there is a meter available to test the brightness of signs. A representative has offered to come to a meeting and explain the method. Means of obtaining an objective measurement of colors and brightness were discussed. In viewing the slides, it was noted the Town Center directory sign :was in a poor location. At 9:30 p.m. a recess was called, with the meeting reconvening at 9:45 p.m. 'Assistant Planner Kramer suggested that the differences of opinion .on height of signs could be presented to the City Council for their consideration. Chairman Koenitzer suggested a list of recommenda- tions from H -Control committee could be attached to the draft of the sign ordinance when it was sent to the City Council and Planning Commission. (Member Sallan said she would question the issue of 70% coverage of frontage for wall signs. She was uncomfortable with this figure, feeling it should be lowered. She also objected to permitting three signs on shopping center signs in addition to the center's name. She preferred four panels on a rotating basis. She felt the measurement of illumination should be spoken to in more depth. Member Dressler said his main concern was the 20 ft. height. His premise was that small signs could be effective if designed properly. Member Sallan pointed out it should be stressed that 20 ft. was not automatically allowed - that this would be the absolute maximum. Wording to indicate the committee's intent as applied to lighting as well as height was discussed. MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 19, 1976 ADJ. H -CONTROL MEETING HC -155 Page 3 Member Irvine said he had not had an opportunity to study the draft but from tonight's discussion he was concerned that maybe they were trying to write too tight an ordinance rather than guide lines. More important than size was scale. An ordinance can be so tight it doesn't allow for originality or creativeness. Chairman Koenitzer said their intent was to write something that would insure acceptable signs. Ms. Kramer suggested including something that would allow for exceptional designing. This was discussed. It was noted it should be made clear that heights, areas and colors are at the discretion of the H -Control committee with maximum and minimum figures. Ms. Kramer said she would discuss the wording with the City Attorney. Member Sallan felt it should be spelled out in Section 3.04 so'tliere would be no "surprises" for the applicants. Chairman Koenitzer felt colors should be included as Section 7.17. Mr. Heymann, as a representative of the Sign Users Council, said he was in total disagreement with the proposed ordinance, especially` since it is not a self-governing code. He explained what a self- governing code was. It would not be recognized as a legal document as it was proposed. They would accept an advisory situation but not a situation that entailed an applicant going through the personal opinion of each member of the committee. Me. Heymann referred to materials that are available from the Sign Users Council. A lengthy discussion followed on the differences between what Mr. Heymann would feel was acceptable and what the committee was striving for. Mr. Heymann suggested a bonus system whereby extra square footage would be exchanged for wall signs only, shrubbery, set -back, etc. Slides of examples of signs falling within the limitations of new ordinance were shown. It was noted that some of these signs were still not good signs. Mr. Heymann was asked to present his material to the committee. February 4, 1976 was tentatively agreed upon. NEW BUSINESS: Ms. Kramer said Ralph's Market was asking for a promotional banner promotional starting January 19, 1976 for 30 days. Because of the size being banner for asked for, the request was being referred to the H -Control meeting. Ralph's :C-155 age 4 MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 19, 1976 ADJ. H -CONTROL MEETING Member Sallan suggested during the discussion that perhaps the City could talk to Ralph's about decreasing the size of their sign. talph's jMembe r Sallan moved to deny request for promotional banner in excess ,-equest denied of 100 sq. ft. Member Irvine seconded the motion. Motion carried, 4-0 Member Sallan submitted the notes of the fact finding tour taken by her and Member Irvine. Copies were to be made and distributed at the Thursday evening regular meeting. ADJOURNMENT At 11:00 p.m. the meeting was adjourned to the regular meeting of Thursday, January 22, 1976 meeting at 7:00 p.m. APPROVED: /s/ R.D. Koenitzer, Jr. Chairman ATTEST: /s/ Wm. E. Ryder City Clerk