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HomeMy WebLinkAboutASAC Minutes 05-13-1976CITY OF CUPERTINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA 10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino Telephone: 252-4505 MINUTES OF AN ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE ARCHITECTURAL AND SITE APPROVAL COMMITTEE HELD ON MAY 13, 1976, IN THE LIBRARY CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL, CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA SALUTE TO THE FLAG The meeting was called to order at 7:13 p.m. by temporary Chairperson Sallan with the Salute to the Flag. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN - Deferred to later in agenda ROLL CALL Members present: Blaine, Bond (7:55), Claudy, Irvine, Chairperson Sallan Members absent: None Staff present: Assistant Planner Steve Piasecki Senior Planning Technician Mark Caughey UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes of Regular Meeting of April 22, 1976 On page 3, condition (1) should read: "That the tennis court area be planted with grass or ground cover material and be properly maintained until such time as the tennis courts are constructed." Condition (5) should read: "......a color to match the roof." Condition (7) should read: ".....band around the building shall be left up to staff and the applicant (preferably a rust colored tone) and shall be subject to review by the ASAC upon completion and if objectionable be repainted with an approved color." On page 7, paragraph 3, last line to read, "...grant the exception as requested." Moved by Member Irvine, seconded by Member Claudy, to approve Minutes of April 22, 1976 as amended. Motion carried, 4-0 HC -165 Page 1 Minutes of 4-22-76 approved as amended HC -165 Page 2 Minutes of 5-6-76 approved as corrected MINUTES OF AN ADJOURNED MEETING OF H -CONTROL ON MAY 13, 1976 Minutes of Regular Meeting of May 6, 1976 Page 3, paragraph 8, last sentence to read, "She noted the committee was not comfortable in the role of designing signs." Page 5, paragraph 5, second line, the word "new" should be "no". On page 6, paragraph 7, the last line should read, "would be very visible and more in keeping with the tone of the industrial park." Page 6, last paragraph, the last sentence to read, "....ground sign and that having two signs would add to a proliferation of signs in West Valley Industrial Park." On page 12, last paragraph to read, "....one being proposed. The color of Bethel spire was gray in tone as contrasted with dark brown of this proposal." Page 16, paragraph 3, fourth sentence to read, "Member Irvine suggested a concrete extruding curb in lieu of the painted stripe to keep cars out of the bicycle lane. The applicant said...... Member Blaine moved to approve Minutes of May 6, 1976 as corrected. Seconded by Member Irvine. Motion carried, 4-0 POSTPONEMENTS: Item 1 postponed at request of the applicant. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: Assistant Planner Piasecki said Alice Siegrist had indicated she could not be there until 8:00 o'clock. After discus- sion of when to hear the application, the committee members agreed to hear it at the end of the agenda. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None Temporary Chairperson Sallan announced that no item would be initiated after 11:30 p.m. MINUTES OF AN ADJOURNED MEETING OF H -CONTROL ON MAY 13, 1976 PUBLIC HEARING: 1. Application HC -51,183.3 - Stephen Coulthard Postponed at request of applicant to the next regular meeting on May 20, 1976 2. Application HC -51,015.18 - Bill Moore & Associates (Wherehouse Records) requesting approval of architecture and signing for a record sales building located in the Cupertino Crossroads Shopping Center. Continued from H -Control meeting of May 6, 1976 Senior Planning Technician Caughey referred to Exhibit F and displayed colored rendering of store front proposal. Mr. Caughey said the staff was concerned over intensity of colors of graphics and felt this particular configuration was intended to function as a sign rather than architectural design. Slides were shown of the building and surrounding store fronts. Mr. Caughey pointed out that while a formal sign program for the Cupertino Crossroads Center had been approved by this committee, the records did not indicate that the background of the signs were to be white, although this was the intent. Mr. Caughey said the business next door "Foxmore Casuals" was on the agenda with a change of copy request. He answered Member Claudy that the Clothes Bin planned to retain graphic treatment. Mr. Bill Moore, 6730 Cutting Blvd., El Cerrito, displayed samples of actual materials being proposed. He said the colors were almost identical to those of Foxmore Casuals. These are the standard colors of their 127 stores. Mr. Moore said they had tried to use more white than blue or orange. He said the graphics are a strong point of their stores. They are keeping the white background of the sign since most of the signs in the center do have the white. Mr. Moore had brought slides showing treatment at other stores which were shown. He said Wherehouse Records is a discount operation and must have identity to maintain volume of business which is necessary to their operation. It was ascertained the letters in the graphics would be 16" and the letters in the sign would be 18". HC -165 Page 3 HC -51,183.3 Stephen Coulthard - postponed HC -51,015 .18 Bill Moore & Associates (Wherehouse Records) HC -165 MINUTES OF AN ADJOURNED MEETING OF H -CONTROL ON MAY 13, 1976 Page 4 It was determined the maximum heights of letters had not been set in sign program for the center. Member Irvine said he felt the wallpaper graphic would look better than arch graphic. He thought it would be compatible with the Foxmore build- ing. Mr. Moore said this would be satisfactory to them. Member Blaine agreed with Member Irvine that wallpaper graphic would be better. None of the members had any objection to the sign as proposed. Mr. Moore clarified that with the wallpaper graphic there would be no orange on the building. It was noted the building front of this applicant was 370 ft. from Stevens Creek Boulevard. Chairperson Sallan also said she had no problem with the sign. She was concerned about "boldness" of graphics. If they went with the wallpaper approach, an exception to the sign ordinance would have to be.made as it became signing. Mr. Moore said it could not be read from Stevens Creek Boulevard so it was not signing. He commented that no other community had ever tried to classify their graphics as signing. Member Bond commented there did not seem to be any continuity in the center. Mr. Caughey clarified it had been thought that the white background had been established but it had not. He suggested action could be taken in this regard. Chairperson Sallan asked the applicant if he would be comfortable with having sign in can approved and working out actual front of building later. Mr. Moore asked for approval of alternate graphic since three of the members had indicated it would be acceptable. He said they needed something to attract clientele. Member Claudy said he liked the wallpaper graphic facade. He suggested putting it on just one panel with the rest of the building front painted white. Member Irvine commented that while this could be construed as sign, he was partial to graphics and would hate to discourage usage of graphics. Member Blaine said she felt the graphics would require an exception since it did say what they were selling, but she would not be adverse to giving them an exception for the wallpaper graphics. MINUTES OF AN ADJOURNED MEETING OF H -CONTROL ON MAY 13, 1976 Chairperson Sallan said the procedure for granting an exception would have to be handled at another time. She explained the procedure to the applicant. She commented he might be able to come up with another design that would not require an exception. A poll of the committee members indicated four of the members would be in favor of granting the exception for the wallpaper graphics. Chairperson Sallan said she would not feel comfortable in giving a decision until she saw the exact proposal. She asked for a clearer exhibit. Mr. Moore asked for a decision on the sign. Mr. Caughey pointed out to the applicant that a request for an exception would require new filing and a new fee. The hearing was opened for public comments. There were none. Member Claudy moved to close Public Hearings, seconded by Member Irvine. Motion carried, 5-0 Member Blaine moved for approval of sign portion only of Application HC -51,015.18 with white background and 16" high letters in blue with gold outline, standard H -Control conditions. Graphics on building to be excluded. Sign to be reviewed upon completion as to light intensity. Seconded by Member Claudy. AYES: Members Blaine, Bond, Claudy, Irvine, Chairperson Sallan NOES: None Motion carried, 5-0 The applicant was notified the sign portion of application had been approved and that staff would assist him in preparing the next step in the procedure. 3. Application HC -51,002.11 - Stephen Sanborn requesting approval of architectural modification to permit change in roof materials for a four unit apartment complex located on the northeast side of Alpine Drive east of Foothill Boulevard. Continued from H -Control meeting of May 6, 1976. HC -165 Page 5 Public Hear- ing closed HC -51,015.18 sign portion approved - graphics excluded HC -51,002.11 Stephen Sanborn HC -165 Page 6 Public Hear- ing closed HC -51,002.11 approved Staff to approve change in deck size MINUTES OF.AN ADJOURNED MEETING OF H -CONTROL ON MAY 13, 1976 Mr. Stephen Sanborn, applicant, said in order to retain the sky light he had planned for the roof, he would have to use a fire class rated asphalt shingle. Samples of the shingle were exhibited. After a brief discussion, the committee members found the change to be satisfactory. Mr. Sanborn said in laying out for the decks, he had found the 4 ft. as planned to be too small. He asked to increase the decks to 6 ft. This would still allow for a 42 ft. setback from the fence. The hearing was opened to public comments. There were none. Member Claudy moved to close Public Hearings. Seconded by Member Irvine. Motion carried, 5-0 Member Claudy moved for approval of Application HC -51,002.11. Seconded by Member Irvine. Motion carried, 5-0 Member Bond moved the applicant submit to the staff a change in the balcony dimensions for approval by staff. Seconded by Member Blaine. Motion carried, 5-0 The applicant was informed he should present a drawing of proposed change to staff. 4. HC -51,203.1 - Bicentennial Commission - moved to end of Public Hearings. IAt 8:35 p.m. a recess was taken with the meeting reconvening at 8:45 p.m. 1INUTES OF ADJOURNED MEETING OF H -CONTROL ON MAY 13, 1976 5. Application HC -51,015.19 - Ad Fact Signs requesting approval of an amendment to the sign program for the Clothes Bin located in the Cupertino Crossroads Shopping Center. Staff report: Senior Planning Technician Caughey referred to staff report of May 12, 1976, which suggested the committee affirm white as a uniform background color of signs in this center or that a formal sign program specify a variable color background and variable copy color for all tenant signs. With regard to the Clothes Bin application, the committee could either go with the white or with the yellow as proposed. It was ascertained the face of the building would remain as shown on the slides. A sample chip of the yellow being proposed was exhibited. Mr. Ray Stechman, 3508 West Capitol Avenue, Sacramento, said his customer's logo was the black and yellow and this was what he wanted. He said the customer had been in the center and noted there were other signs that had colored backgrounds. Slides were reshown. It was noted the signs along this row of shops were all of the white background with black lettering. Mr. Stechman answered that they would rather go to a lighter yellow than a white background. In answer to Member Claudy, Mr. Stechman said they would probably be willing to change graphics on front of building rather than go to the white background for sign. He said the owner of the shopping center had okayed the yellow background. The signs in the center which had colored backgrounds were discussed as well as a definitive sign program for the center. Member Blaine said she was concerned with the yellow background in relation to graphics on the building and other signs. Member Bond said he realized there were four white backgrounds in signs along this row but he could be comfortable with a lighter yellow background. It would not be fair to this applicant to set a color code at this point. Member Claudy said he agreed with Member Bond. He did not mind the lighter yellow itself but it did not go with existing graphic colors. HC -165 Page 7 HC -51,015 .19 The Clothes Bin HC -165 Page 8 Public Hear- ing closed HC -51,015.19 approved w/ conditions MINUTES OF AN ADJOURNED MEETING OF H -CONTROL ON MAY 13, 1976 Member Irvine said he hated to see them dictate background colors since this took imagination away from designer in that area. He agreed however that the proposed yellow was too bright. Chairperson Sallan said she did not think it was unreasonable for them to choose certain criteria. In this case, she felt it was staff's intent to have white background with varying letter styles and colors. She felt the white background with black letters would give identify and fit in with this row of shops. It was her opinion that the white background and black letters could be set as a sign program for future signing. Member Blaine suggested the applicant could use the #2325 as was used on Jerry's Pants and Things sign. The public hearing was opened to comments from the audience. There were none. Member Claudy moved to close Public Hearings, seconded by Member Irvine. Motion carried, 5-0 Member Irvine said he thought instead of having everything white, he felt the committee should look at each proposal separately. Chairperson Sallan disagreed that it would create a sterile program. A discussion was held on how specific a sign program could be without stifling creativity. Staff noted that a sign program had to be specific enough so that staff could feel comfortable in approving an application. Mr. Stechman said he had advised his client of the preference for a white background, but the applicant had based his submittal on the fact there are other colored signs in the center. Member Blaine said she did not think the setting of the formal sign program should be tied in with this application at all but should be considered separately. Member Blaine moved to approve Application HC -51,015.19 with the modification that the background color of the sign be white plexiglas with the black letters as in the display, standard H -Control conditions and with the light intensity subject to staff approval upon completion, approving also the painting of the can in black. Seconded by Member Claudy. AYES: Members Blaine, Claudy, Chairperson Sallan NOES: Members Bond, Irvine Motion carried, 3-2 MINUTES OF AN ADJOURNED MEETING OF H -CONTROL ON MAY 13, 1976 The applicant was notified this would be heard by the City Council at its May 17, 1976 meeting. 6. Application HC -51,299.3 - Cal Coast Sign Company (Stevens Creek Center) requesting approval of a sign program for an office complex located between Stevens Creek Boulevard and Alves Drive approximately 150 ft. west of Saich Way. Continued from H -Control meeting of May 6, 1976. Staff report: Detailed drawings of proposal for V.I.P. Realty sign to be located on the stucco wall on the east side of the northern face of the building were exhibited. Samples of the materials were also displayed. Chairperson Sallan commended the applicant on this solution. Ms. Pamela Reeder, Stevens Creek Office Center representative, said the olive tree would not obscure the signing when questioned by Member Claudy. Chairperson Sallan wanted to be sure this was clarified so there would be no possibility of a request for removing the tree at a later date. Member Bond asked Ms. Reeder's opinion on the previous application. Ms. Reeder said her preference would be the white, uniform background with black letters. In answer to Member Blaine, Ms. Reeder said the timer system would turn the sign on at dusk and turn it off at dawn automatically. Ms. Reeder pointed out a slight deviation in the placement of the sign. In response to staff's concern about the depth of the sign, Ms. Reeder said it would be fitted flush against the wall. The hearing was opened for public comments. There were none. Member Bond moved, seconded by Member Blaine, to close Public Hearings. Motion carried, 5-0 Member Bond moved to approve Application HC -51,299.3 as resubmitted on Exhibit F 1st Revision dated 5-7-76, standard H -Control conditions and subject to review by staff for lighting intensity. Colors to be as submitted to the staff. Seconded by Member Irvine. AYES: Members Blaine, Bond, Claudy, Irvine, Chairperson Sallan NOES: None HC -165 Page 9 HC -51,299.3 Cal Coast Sign Company - Stevens Creel Center Public Hear - ling closed HC -51,299.3 approved Motion carried, 5-0 HC -165 Page 10 Color for Cupertino Liquors Bldg. approved MINUTES OF AN ADJOURNED MEETING OF H -CONTROL ON MAY 13, 1976 The applicant was advised this would be heard by the City Council on May 17, 19 76 . Ms. Reeder commended the committee members for their input. Alice Siegrist requesting approval to paint the Cupertino Liquors Building located at the northwest corner of De Anza Boulevard and Rodrigues Avenue. The color shall be presented at the meeting. Staff report: Assistant Planner Steve Piasecki referred to samples of color the applicant was proposing to use for the building. Slides were shown of the building. Member Bond ascertained the entire building would be covered. Ms. Alice Siegrist said she had picked the color because she felt it was pleasing and also because the brick portion of the building would show well against it. She said there would be more remodeling later on. She referred to approval already given by this committee for upgrading the center. She described other changes being contemplated. Chairperson Sallan questioned whether the Cupertino Liquor Store sign would look well against the new color. Ms. Siegrist said it would be satisfactory. She noted the signs would be changed when the remodeling was done later. The proposed landscaping plans for the remodeled center were briefly discussed. Member Blaine moved the committee approve the color as submitted. Seconded by Member Bond. Motion carried, 5-0 4. Application HC -51,203.1 - Bicentennial Commission requesting approval of landscaping for a bicentennial redwood grove located at the northeast quadrant of Pacifica Avenue and Torre Avenue. Staff report: Senior Planning TechnicianCaughey referred to Exhibit C, which called for 23 Sequoia of 15 -gallon size and three Japanese Flower- ing Cherry trees at the westerly edge of the grove. A proposed walkway is located on the westerly side of the Library building leading from the existing brick plaza at the Civic Center. Material is not specified but Public Works Department suggests the same brick as exists at Plaza. MINUTES OF AN ADJOURNED MEETING OF H -CONTROL ON MAY 13, 1976 With regard to seating arrangements, staff was suggesting there be an alternative mounting scheme other than the 8 ft. x 11 ft. concrete pad as suggested on the plan. The site will be identified by a "routed" sign of copy, colors or materials as used at entrances to public parks. Member Claudy said he understood the library was overcrowded now. The logical place to expand would seem to be in the redwood grove site. He asked if this had been considered. Mr. Caughey briefly explained the City's master plan. Member Claudy indicated he felt the Library Commission should also have an opportunity to study this proposal. Member Bond questioned use of 15gal redwood plants. He had heard that the 1 -gallon grew better and the Bicentennial Committee had been talking about 5 -gallon. Mr. Caughey explained the trees were being donated at cost. The problem of root bond plants was raised and staff was urged to insure the trees were healthy before they were planted. It was suggested that a landscape architect could certify the trees prior to planting. With regard to the concrete pads, the committee members agreed they would prefer something of a more natural material be used. Mr. Caughey said Public Works Department had been considering using the cast benches such as those at Memorial Park. These are very heavy and that was one reason for the concrete pad. Chairperson Sallan said she felt aesthetically the redwood benches would blend better than the concrete. Chairperson Sallan noted the City Council should be aware of this committee's interest in having the other commissions view this proposal also. It was agreed the wood bench, C-2, Sheet 1 of 3, was the choice of this committee. The Flowering Cherry trees should be 5 -gallon size. The walkway of the used brick of existing plaza. Also brick pads instead of the concrete would be preferable. Having benches among the trees was discussed. One question raised was the possibility of having the tree roots compacted by foot traffic. HC -165 Page 11 HC -165 Page 12 Public Hear- ing closed HC -51,203.1 approved w/ conditions MINUTES OF AN ADJOURNED MEETING OF H -CONTROL ON MAY 13, 1976 The meeting was opened to public comments. There were none. Member Bond moved to close Public Hearings, seconded by Member Claudy. Motion carried, 5-0 Member Blaine moved approval of Application HC -51,203.1 with the following recommendations: (1) This shall be reviewed by the Library Commission especially in deference to any expansion of the library in that direction. (2) Benches with the back. C-2, sheet 1 of 3 (3) That the pads below the benches be changed from concrete to brick pads small in size. (4) The proposed walkway, a continuation of the plaza, be also in brick. (5) The Japanese Flowering Cherry trees be either 5 or 15 gallon plants. (6) A landscape architect certify the healthy condition (no root bound) of the redwood trees to the City Council prior to planting. (7) Consideration be given to placing benches within the redwood grove as well as on the periphery. (8) At time of future installations or additions, it will be referred back to the staff for review. (9) The sign is approved in concept subject to staff approval for specifics with the option of them placing it before this committee. Seconded by Member Bond. AYES: Members Blaine, Bond, Claudy, Irvine, Chairperson Sallan NOES: None Motion carried, 5-0 MINUTES OF ADJOURNED MEETING OF H -CONTROL ON MAY 13, 1976 NEW BUSINESS: It was agreed to table further discussion of the Tree Preservation Ordinance until some changes could be made in it. 7. Discussion of Sign Ordinance. Discussion of the Sign Ordinance was continued until the May 20, 1976 meeting in order for the committee members to study changes being proposed. Staff member Piasecki said the committee could react to the proposals being sent from the Planning Commission. He was asked to check on the proposed date for hearing of the ordinance by the City Council. Election of Chairman and Vice -Chairman Member Blaine nominated Ms. Sallan for Chairperson. Member Bond moved to close nominations, seconded by Member Claudy. AYES: Members Blaine, Bond, Claudy, Irvine NOES: None Motion carried, 4-0-1 Abstain: Sallan Member Bond nominated Ms. Blaine for Vice -Chairperson. Member Claudy moved to close nominations, seconded by Member Irvine. AYES: Members Bond, Claudy, Irvine, Chairperson Sallan NOES: None Motion carried, 4-0-1 Abstain: Blaine In response to a suggestion by Member Blaine, staff member Caughey said staff would design a form that would aid applicant in following through steps in procedures. Chairperson Sallan suggested having study sessions to go over various items periodically for any concerns that might arise regarding procedures. HC -165 Page 13 HC -165 MINUTES OF ADJOURNED MEETING OF H -CONTROL ON MAY 13, 1976 Page 14 A brief discussion was held on the sign program for the Crossroads Shopping Center. It was noted a meeting with owner, tenant, and staff input would be helpful. Staff was asked to check on approval for signs with the colored backgrounds. It was stressed that it should be made clear to tenants that they will not have to change their signs now; the program would apply to future applications. Chairperson Sallan asked staff to pinpoint those centers that needed sign programs. Member Bond said he had read articles by attorneys of other cities. It was felt that Ordinance 306 is questionable if a developer took a city to court. They were saying if you con't have more specifics than aesthetics as a basis for ruling, the developer would win every time. It was agreed to discuss this at a later time. Member Bond was asked to submit material he had received from other attorneys for inclusion in study. With regard to a field trip around the City and its impact on the Brown Act, several suggestions were discussed. Member Bond said he liked the idea of having the members and staff going together and sharing their input. Member Bond also raised the question of meeting with the developers. He was in favor of getting input from developers, homeowner groups and private citizens. It was suggested a study session could be scheduled on items they would like discussed (signs, landscaping, etc.), inviting residents, business community and developers to share in them. Staff member Piasecki noted it could be advertised in Cupertino Scene rather than specify who would be coming. This was to be discussed further at a later date. Chairperson Sallan announced that as chairperson she would be attending City Council meetings when controversial issues were forwarded from this committee. Staff member Piasecki asked for input on letter regarding cable TV. Several items that could be covered were suggested: agendas of City meetings, a visit to Vallco, shopping center sign ordinance, opinion poll, historical architecture, etc. Mr. Piasecki reported on bike lane at corner at McClellan Road and Stelling Road. He said the Traffic Engineer felt that placing bikes on the sidewalk would not be safe for either pedestrians or cyclists. An alternative was cutting sidewalk in half and providing wider strip for bikes. There would be the additional cost of moving two signal lights. Staff would continue to study. MINUTES OF AN ADJOURNED MEETING OF H -CONTROL ON MAY 13, 1976 Staff member Piasecki pointed out there was an olive tree where the vault to Northern California Savings & Loan was proposed. He asked if the committee would like this concern expressed. It was noted the tree was not shown on site plan presentation by applicant. The committee was unanimous in their desire to have the applicant assure them the tree would be preserved or relocated in approved spot. With regard to enforcement of sign violations, staff member Piasecki distributed a list of signs now being processed. Chairperson Sallan noted it would be helpful to have other concerns of the committee listed in the same manner. Staff member Piasecki said he would like to get the feeling of the committee related to other issues that could be standardized. In response to Member Irvine, Mr. Piasecki explained the Winchell Donut sign situation. ADJOURNMENT At 11:45 p.m. Member Claudy moved to adjourn to the next regular meeting on Thursday, May 20, 1976 at 7:00 p.m. Seconded by Member Blaine. Motion carried, 5-0 APPROVED: Is/ C. Nancy Sallan Chairwoman ATTEST: Is/ Wm. E. Ryder City Clerk HC -165 Page 15