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HomeMy WebLinkAboutASAC Minutes - 06-24-1976CITY 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 JUNE 24, 1976 IN THE LIBRARY CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL, CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA SALUTE TO THE FLAG The meeting was opened at 7:10 p.m. by Chairwoman Sallan with the Salute to the Flag. ROLL CALL Members present: Bond, Claudy, Irvine (8:00), Chairwoman Sallan Members absent: Blaine ` Staff present: Senior Planning Technician Mark Caughey INFORMAL REVIEW OF THE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT USE PERMIT APPLICATION: No APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of Regular Meeting of June 10, 1976 On page 1, add to last concern: "....Foothill Blvd. This represented minimum allowance and already included 5 ft. of City right-of-way." Page 3, last paragraph should read: "Chairwoman Sallan encouraged other residents to communicate their concerns to the City whenever they felt a need to do so." Page 6, paragraph 4, delete last sentence and include as another paragraph: "With regard to the advertising approach for bay windows, Chairwoman Sallan agreed that 10% could be construed as discriminatory. Page 6, last paragraph should read: "Chairwoman Sallan asked about study that had been requested on glass panels on bridge overcrossing Wolfe Road. Mr. Butterfield said they had provided a diagram which had been presented to the City Council. The applicant showed there would be no visual glare problem from the glass to the motorists on Wolfe Road." Moved by Member Bond to accept the Minutes of June 10, 1976 as amended. Seconded by Member Claudy. Motion carried: 2-0-1 Abstain: Claudy HC -16 8 Page 1 Minutes of 6/10/76 approved as amended HC -168 Page 2 HC -51,153.2 Shell Oil Company MINUTES OF THE JUNE 24, 1976 H -CONTROL '•{FETING POSTPONEMENTS: Staff member Caughey reported that Item 5, HC -51,264.2 had been postponed as the Planning Director felt the Planning Commission should review it relative to use permit. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: A letter had been received from Brunswick Bowling Center requesting to use the top two panels on the free standing sign. Staff member Caughey asked if the committee would like to see this application or if they would be comfortable with having staff make the judgment. The committee's consensus was that staff should handle it unless there was a question; then it could be referred to the committee. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: Chairwoman Sallan said she had received a call concerning streamers being flown at Say -On Drugs in McClellan Square. Staff member Caughey said he thought this would be treated like a temporary sign. The committee agreed to discuss this further at end of agenda. Chairwoman Sallan made the announcement that no item would be initiated after 11:30 p.m. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Application HC -51,153.2 - Shell Oil Company requesting approval of a sign modification for an existing service station located in the northwest corner of De Anza Boulevard and Stevens Creek Boulevard. Continued from H -Control meeting of June 10, 1976. Staff member Caughey said the principle concern was to see if the City could work together with Shell representative to clean up some non- conforming uses existing on each of the three applications for the Shell Company. The Senior Planning Technician answered Member Bond the main problems were advertising covering more than 25% of the window area, names and slogans on building without permit, additional free standing signs without permits, etc. Slides were shown of the site under discussion. Mr. Caughey pointed out the removable price reader board that had not been approved; the name Louie's and Service Is Our Business located on building for which there were no permits issued. Also the temporary signs in the windows. MINUTES OF THE JUNE 24, 1976 H -CONTROL• MEETING Mr. R. E. White, 841 The Dalles, Sunnyvale, said the sign would not be raised by the addition of the "Auto Care" portion. This would be incorporated into existing sign. Chairwoman Sallan ascertained the letters in the Shell logo were 18", the capital letters in Auto Care were 12" and the lower case letters were 8" to 10". Mr. White said the auto care program was an attempt to bring credi- bility into the automotive service work of service stations. It is a franchised program that Shell will enter into with their leasees. Mr. White said he hoped something in regard to Vallco Park location could be clarified. Noting there is a widening project on Homestead and Wolfe Roads which will impact their signs on the site, he referred to a letter from former Assistant Planner Kramer which indicated the signs would be "grandfathered". Mr. White displayed a colored rendering of the Shell sign to be erected at De Anza/Stevens Creek location and the sign to be erected at Vallco Park site. It was noted the "Auto Care" sign was 8 ft. and the Shell sign was 6 ft. Chairwoman Sallan ascertained there were no 6 ft. "Auto Care" signs made. Mr. White said the non -conforming concerns are not Shell Company problems. The approval should be conditioned so the dealers would have to remove them. Mr. White noted the free standing price sign is a Shell sign. If the area on their site allows for that additional sign, they would like to have it. Because of extreme radius and set back from adjoining restaurant, visual impact of the corner sign was impaired. The committee's concensus was that the price sign should be removed. Mr. White said the window signs are a constant problem with their leasees. He said the Shell and Service Is Our Business is their logo and is on all Shell stations. Chairwoman -Sallan ascertained Louie was aware of what was going on. Mr. White asked them to be sympathic to a businessman trying to compete with Gemco and Sears. He assured the committee that if the approval was conditioned on the removal of these non -conforming signs they would be removed. HC -16 8 Page 3 HC -168 Page 4 Public Hear- ing closed HC -51,153.2 approved w/ conditions HC -51,269.2 Shell Oil Comp any MINUTES OF THE JUNE 24, 1976 H -CONTROL MEETING Chairwoman Sallan clarified if the free standing sign were allowed to remain, other businesses would want the same exception which would create problems. The hearing was then opened to the public for comments. There were none. Member Claudy moved to close Public Hearings , seconded by Member Bond. Motion carried, 3-0 Member Claudy ascertained the Shell and Service Is Our Business would not exceed limit. He said he would be willing to approve them if permits were obtained from the City. He would like to see "Louie's" come down and he would not approve the second reader board sign. Chairwoman Sallan said she was not sure the station was not adequately identified by the ground sign without having the wall signs. - Member Claudy moved for approval of Application HC -51,153.2 subject to the standard H -Control conditions and further moved for approval of existing Shell sign and Service Is Our Business, subject to the condition that a valid permit is obtained from the City. Seconded by Member Bond. AYES: Members Bond, Claudy, Chairwoman Sallan NOES: None Motion carried, 3-0 It was noted the non -conforming signs were under the jurisdiction of the Code Enforcement Officer and did not need to be a condition of approval. Chairwoman Sallan advised the applicant this would now be heard by the City Council at their July 6, 1976 meeting. 2. Application HC -51,269.2 - Shell Oil Company requesting approval of a sign modification for an existing service station located at the northeast corner of De Anza Boulevard and Bollinger Road. Continued from H -Control meeting of June 10, 1976. Staff report: Mr. Caughey said the concerns were the same as on the previous application. MPIUTES OF THE JUNE 24, 1976 H -CONTROL MEETING Slides of the site were shown, with Mr. Caughey pointing out non - conformances of light fixture attached to free standing sign, reader board appeared to project into the public right-of-way, window signs in excess of 25%, tire sale sign, and the name of dealer plus Service Is Our Business for which no permits had been issued. Mr. Caughey also pointed out another Shell sign attached to the light pole. Mr. White told the committee members that the motor box on the existing ground sign would be covered by the addition of the Auto Care sign. He urged the City to cite the dealers to force them to operate legally and properly. Chairwoman Sallan again noted they were dealing with problems of non-conformance which should be handled by the Code Enforcement Officer. The removal of the free standing sign in this case should be a condition ofthis application; also light fixture. The hearing was opened to the public for comments. There were none. Member Bond moved to close Public Hearings, seconded by Member Claudy. Motion carried, 4-0 Member Bond moved for approval of Application HC -51,269.2 with the standard H -Control conditions and (1) That all new signs be delayed until removal of the second free standing sign. (2) If the applicant so desires we would permit the Service Is Our Business and Swenson's Shell Service to remain. Seconded by Member Claudy. AYES: Members Bond, Claudy, Chairwoman Sallan NOES: None ABSTAIN: Member Irvine Motion carried, 3-0-1 Chairwoman Sallan announced this application would now be heard by the City Council at the July 6, 1976 meeting. HC -168 Page 5 Public Hear- ing closed HC -51,269.2 approved w/ conditions HC -168 Page 6 Public Hear- ing closed i HC -51,075 .46 approved w/ conditions MINUTES OF THE JUNE 24, 1976 H -CONTROL MEETING 3. Application HC -51,075.46 - Shell Oil Company requesting approval of a sign modification for an existing service station located at the southwest corner of Homestead Road and Wolfe Road. Continued from H -Control meeting of June 10, 1976. Chairwoman Sallan said this application had a few different constraints on it. She read a letter from Toby Kramer to Mr. Orisek dated November 7, 1975 which provided insight into the situation. Chairwoman Sallan ascertained the sign would be the 6 ft. Shell and the 8 ft. Auto Care panel. Slides were shown of the site. Mr. White pointed out location of sign which is set back approximately 8 ft. to accomodate the Valico entry sign. He said the existing price sign would be moved back to allow for widening of the street. Chairwoman Sallan said she felt the Auto Care sign should be 6 ft. long also rather than having the 1 ft. extension on each side of the Shell panel. Mr. White agreed and said the committee should so condition the approval. Chairwoman Sallan noted the price signs are a result of very unusual circumstances and can readily be shown to be an unusual situation. The hearing was then opened for public comments. There were none. Member Bond moved to close Public Hearing, seconded by Member Claudy. Motion carried, 4-0 Member Claudy moved for approval of Application HC -51,075.46 subject to the standard H -Control conditions and the further conditions: (1) That the Auto Care sign be a length of 6 ft. rather than 8 ft. (2) Existing Service Is Our Business on the building be approved subject to a valid permit being obtained from the City. Seconded by Member Bond. AYES: Members Bond, Claudy, Irvine, Chairwoman Sallan NOES: None Motion carried, 4-0 MINUTES OF THE JUNE 24, 1976 H -CONTROL MEETING Chairwoman Sallan advised the applicant that this request would also be considered by the City Council at the July 6, 1976 meeting. She expressed appreciation of cooperation received from Mr. White. Mr. White again encouraged them to have the Code Enforcement Officer cite dealers on illegal signs, as the company could rarely do anything until the dealers were cited. 4. Application HC -51,015.18 - Bill Moore & Associates (Wherehouse Records) requesting exception of Section 7.021 of the Sign Ordinance to allow a total sign/graphics area equalling an amount in excess of that permitted by the Sign Ordinance. Said property is located within the Cupertino Crossroads Shopping Center located on the southwest corner of Stevens Creek Boulevard and De Anza Boulevard. Staff report: Mr. Caughey gave a brief background of application. Slides were shown of the store front and surrounding shop fronts. Mr. Caughey pointed out approximately 36% of the total area of frontage would be covered with decorative graphics and would seem to maintain a sound ratio of negative to positive design area. Member Irvine ascertained the whole column would be covered including a wrap -around area. Mr. Caughey pointed out indication of orange color on sign. Mr. Bill Moore, 6730 Witing Boulevard, El Cerrito, said there would be no orange; only two shades of blue and the white. In answer to Chairwoman Sallan, Mr. Moore said he did not have a colored render- ing to present the committee but had left one with the staff earlier. Using plastic chips, he identified the shades of blue. Chairwoman Sallan advised they were dealing with a sign exception in approving this approach since this would be construed to be signing. They must therefore set criteria as presented in Section 10.4 which she read. Member Irvine said he felt (b), (c), (d) and (e) were satisfied. Members Bond and Claudy agreed. Chairwoman Sallan said she thought (a) was more applicable. HC -168 Page 7 HC -51,015.1 Whe rehouse Records [C-168 'age 8 Public Hear- ing closed C-51,264.2 rich ontinued MINUTES OF THE JUNE 24, 1976 H -CONTROL MEETING Chairwoman Sallan asked how signing in window was generally treated. Mr. Moore said when there is a sale they do have the promotional paper signs which are placed in windows although they prefer to have the windows free to show interior of shop. He noted the window signs do have a habit of going up and staying up until the store is contacted. He said the managers realize they have to stay within 25% of window area. He said the signs are primarily white. Chairwoman Sallan pointed out the committee was granting an exception to signing and the applicant should be sensitive to this fact and not add more window signs. The hearing was opened to public comment. There were none. Member Claudy moved to close Public Hearings. Seconded by Member Bond. Motion carried, 4-0 Member Bond moved approval of Application HC -51,015.18 with standard H -Control conditions. Exception granted as it meets Section 10.4, (b) , (c) , (d) , and (e) are applicable. Colors are to be equivalent to blue chips #2050 and 2648. Seconded by Member Irvine. AYES: Members Bond, Claudy, Irvine, Chairwoman Sallan NOES: None Motion carried, 4-0 Application was approved and would go before City Council on July 6, 19 76 . At 8:45 p.m. a recess was called with the meeting reconvening at 9:00 p.m. 5. Application HC -51,264.2 - USA Petroleum Corporation (Urich Enterprises, Inc.) requesting approval of site, architecture, landscaping and signing for the remodeling of an existing service station located at the southeast corner of Stevens Creek Boulevard and Blaney Avenue. Application continued as per staff request. MINUTES OF THE JUNE 24, 1976 H -CONTROL MEETING 6. Application HC -51,058.9 - Ad -Art, Inc. (Shoe Fair) requesting approval of a ground sign for an existing commercial building located at 10171 South De Anza Boulevard. Staff report: Senior Planning Technician Caughey described proposed sign. Concern was expressed over white panel on bottom. Mr. Vernon Burgess, 1079 Almarida Drive, San Jose, said planters and curbing had been put in as approved on prior application. He noted the blank panel on bottom would be enclosed. Slides were shown of the site and building. It was noted the new sign would not project over public right-of-way, and colors would match sign on fascia. Mr. Burgess said the bottom panel would be for the other major tenant. Chairwoman Sallan'said that while they were within ordinance, in looking at Shoe Fair sign on roof and then having ground sign, she felt it would be an over abundance of Shoe Fair signing. Mr. Burgess said the ground sign was meant to be seen from further down the street and to identify the center. Mr. Burgess pointed out the slide shown was an old photo that did not show the new landscaping that had been done. Member Claudy-ascertained the bottom panel of the sign would be white plastic and would be illuminated. Mr. Jim Finch, 1261 Russell Avenue, Los Altos, indicated the tenant name would be in the bottom panel within two months. The applicant agreed to shade the bottom panel down so it would not be glaring while it was vacant. Mr. Burgess said if there was not a tenant by the time the sign went in, they would cover it up. Chairwoman Sallan asked them to bring in their proposal for covering the panel in for approval by staff. Member Irvine questioned what control they would have on the usage of the bottom panel. Mr. Finch said the intended tenant's logo would not clash with the Shoe Fair sign. It was agreed by the committee to condition this application that the staff or committee would look at future signing for this ground sign. Member Irvine ascertained the slumpstone would be a color to match the building. HC -16 8 Page 9 HC -51,058.9 Shoe Fair HC -168 Page 10 Public Hear ing closed MINUTES OF THE JUNE 24, 1976 H -CONTROL MEETING The hearing was opened for public comment. There was none. Member Bond moved, seconded by Member Claudy, to close Public Hearings. Motion carired, 4-0 Member Claudy moved for approval of Application HC -51,058.9, subject to standard H -Control conditions and (1) The blank panel in lower half of the sign will be covered in a manner suitable to staff if there is no new tenant sign to go into panel at the time. (2) When the second tenant sign comes up, staff will review it and refer it to H -Control committee if they so desire. Seconded by Member Bond. HC -51,058.9 AYES: Members Bond, Claudy, Irvine, Chairwoman Sallan approved w/ NOES: None conditions Motion carried, 4-0 Chairwoman Sallan announced the approval of this application and that it would be heard by the City Council at the July 6, 1976 meeting. Member Irvine said there was a third way to look at amperage. He had discussed this with Mr. Burgess during recess and had asked him to come speak at the June 28, 1976 meeting. Mr. Burgess said 425 milliamps could be used instead of 800 milliamps. This uses less electricity. He said if the sign is soft and non -glaring, it can be read much more easily. He said if he could not come to the meeting, he would put this information into writing and submit it for review at the meeting. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: The committee expressed their appreciation to Mr. Caughey for his "What happens now.. "form. Mr. Caughey explained what form the final printing would take. Member Irvine suggested including a space for continuance of an application. Also the inclusion of a "Remarks" column for those applications which were partly approved and partly continued. MINUTES OF THE JUNE 24, 1976 H -CONTROL MEETING This form would be given to the applicant at the close of the hearing. It was suggested that it be initialed by the chairperson before being given to the applicant. Mr. Caughey was asked to add to the form, the information that "If there are conditions, you will receive them in the mail." Also add "Thank you for your cooperation with the City." Senior Planning Technician Caughey reported on his conversation with Mr. Adams, City Attorney, relative to field trips by the committee. Mr. Adams said he thought this could be arranged as an adjourned meeting. Announcement could be made of this fact and the City would be reponsible for providing transportation. He said there was no problem with having all the members driving together in one car. Member Irvine suggested getting a synopsis from the City Attorney on what the Brown Act really meant. A discussion was held on field trips the committee would like to take. A tenantive date of Saturday, August 14, 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon, was set. It was reported that signs on Security Pacific Bank and California Canadian Bank were broken. Chairwoman Sallan noted this was the kind of thing that should be included on their "tally sheet" and carried until it was finally resolved. Staff member Caughey concurred. Member Claudy mentioned he felt the cellotex board in the Council Chambers was a disgrace. Chairwoman Sallan reported the concrete support for the Drexel Furniture Store sign was white and the building was a clay color. Staff was to follow up on this concern. In response to Chairwoman Sallan, Staff member Caughey reported A&W had come in for an application regarding the orange roof. NEW BUSINESS: Staff member Caughey was complimented on getting out an excellent summary of findings from meeting of June 23, 1976 so quickly. HC -168 Page 11 Mr. Caughey said these would be rewritten with any corrections or additions before being submitted to City Council. C-168 age 12 MINUTES OF THE JUNE 24, 1976 H -CONTROL MEETING Item 1. Second paragraph should read, "......Page 1 of the June 11, 1976 memo (suggested changes by ASAC to PC after second draft) should be...." Item 2. Add another paragraph to include Resolution (6406 - Interim Sign Guidelines, since this would be the special design criteria. Item 3. After discussion, it was agreed to delete a) and following paragraph. Item to read as follows: shopping center should be second sign is a necessar the building and they are sign. "Tenants located on a corner building of a permitted two signs provided that the 7 part of the architectural design of not identified permanently on the ground With regard to Administrative Procedure, it was stressed the committee's two chief concerns about placing review and approval with the.. Planning Director were the limiting of citizen input and the loss of process for obtaining upgrading on sites. Mr. Caughey pointed out that it would be Mr. Piasecki and himself who would be working with the applicants. They would be looking for what they think the committee would want. Any time the applicant did not cooperate, the application could be sent to this committee. Chairwoman Sallan said she would speak to this at the meeting with the City Council. It should be stressed that the committee is very concerned about this issue. Section 7.07 - Illumination, there was concern that lamberts did not really indicate degree of illumination. Chairwoman Sallan noted she thought subjective criteria was needed. Concerns should be itemized. Section 2.26 - Political Signs: a suggestion had been made to require a deposit on political signs on non -occupied property. Section 6.03.3 should be included. Staff member Caughey was asked to flag those items that were being asked to be changed. ADJOURNMENT At 10:38 p.m. the meeting was adjourned to Monday, June 28, 1976 at 7:30 p.m. ATTEST: APPROVED /s/ Wm. E. Ryder Is/ C. Nancy Sallan City Clerk Chairwoman