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HomeMy WebLinkAboutASAC Minutes - 08-19-1976CITY OF CUPERTINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA 10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, California 95014 Telephone: 252-4505 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE ARCHITECTURAL AND SITE APPROVAL COMMITTEE HELD ON AUGUST 19, 1976, IN THE LIBRARY CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL, CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA SALUTE TO THE FLAG Chairwoman Sallan opened the meeting at 7:03 p.m. with the Salute to the Flag. ROLL CALL Members present: Bond (7:05), Claudy, Irvine, Chairwoman Sallan Members absent: Blaine Staff present: Senior Planning Technician Mark Caughey INFORMAL REVIEW OF PLANNED DEVELOPMENT USE PERMIT APPLICATION: 1, 16-U-76 Terranomics Development Corporation: Construction of 90,000 sq. ft. of commercial space located at the southeast corner of the intersection of Stevens Creek Boulevard and Portal Avenue. The Senior Planning Technician reviewed site plan. Mr. Merritt Sher, 280 Battery Street, San Francisco, Mr. Bud Johnson, 1430 Franklin Street, Oakland and Mr. George R. Killam, Longs Drugs, 141 N. Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, explained their presentation and answered questions of the committee members. Concerns were: ... Possible noise intrusion on residences behind the shopping center Possibility of using Grasscrete in parking area APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of August 5, 1976 meeting Page 3, approval of Minutes of July 22, 1976, Member Bond abstained. Page 1, the second concern should read: .....loading dock (s) - for impact on residences to the east. Page 3, paragraph 3, line 5 "....The consensus of the committee was that a minimum number of curb cuts be allowed as warranted by the Public Works Department in accordance with De Anza Boulevard general guidelines." HC -172 16-U-76 HC -172 Page 2 Minutes of 8/5/76 approved as corrected MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 19, 1976 H -CONTROL MEETING Page 4, paragraph 6, last line should read, "decided that the tenant identities would be on the facade of each building." Page 9, paragraph 4, last sentence should read, "He suggested that modifying building to retain it in place would destroy historical value." Page 9, last paragraph, line 3 should read, "co effort between the developer and _the City. It is worth...." Page 10, item 1 should read: "ASAC determined this is an historical Page 12, first paragraph, second line should read, "...determinations on sign graphic types of" Page 13, under UNFINISHED BUSINESS, first line should read, "Chairperson Sallan reported on the contents of the Mayor's meeting." Page 13, item -7 -`should read: "The July 4th photographs will be available to those persons wishing to purchase them." Page 13, item 12, second sentence should read: "They requested reports be made to the rest of the committee by those people who go on tours." Member Bond moved to accept the Minutes of August 5, 1976 as corrected. Seconded by Member Claudy. Motion carried, 3-0-1 Abstain: Irvine POSTPONEMENTS: Item 5, HC -51,322.2 per request by staff. Item 10, HC -51,398.1 - withdrawn by applicant. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: Letter from Mr. Richard Kane relative to item 3. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: Chairperson Sallan said she had a call relative to HC -51,322.2 of William Herman which she had referred to staff. Chairwoman Sallan announced that no item would be initiated after 11:30 p.m. MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 19, 1976 H -CONTROL MEETING PUBLIC HEARINGS: 2. Application HC -51,264.2 - USA Petroleum Corporation 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 Staff report: Senior Planning Technician Caughey referred to modifica- tions established by the Planning Commission as related in the August 12, 1976 staff report. He pointed out several concerns relative to the landscaping proposal. Mr. Caughey pointed out the two existing light bars on the service islands were originally installed without building permits. These structures must either be removed or incorporated by committee approval into a certified sign program for this site. Slides were shown of the site. SITE: The applicant was given a copy of the site plan with changes suggested by staff. Mr. Robert Malouf, USA Petroleum, 1633 26th Street, Santa Monica, said they were willing to increase landscaped area along the southerly property line to 8 ft. Mr. Malouf said he would prefer there not be quite so much curve to area at northerly entrance on Stevens Creek Boulevard. He said to enlarge the planter between the curb cuts would make vehicular traffic awkward. After discussion, Mr. Malouf agreed to work with staff in increasing this area as much as possible. Member Irvine determined- the planter would extend to the easterly property edge. He also pointed out when the adjoining property was developed, there could be 3 curb cuts in a small distance. Staff member Caughey said the applicants were to agree to a reciprocal agreement in this regard so there would not be any new curb cuts. Architecture: Mr. Malouf displayed photos of a similar station. Landscaping: Chairperson Sallan advised the applicant that essentially the purpose of landscaping along Blaney Avenue was to screen vehicles. Mr. Malouf said they felt they were installing significant landscaping. He said the cashier needed to be able to see and be seen for security reasons. He agreed to add some shrubs although it would make it more difficult to mow this area. HC -172 Page 3 HC -51, 264.2 USA Petroleum. Corporation C-172 I MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 19, 1976 H -CONTROL MEETING age 4 Member Irvine said he could not see any negatives to this plan. The committee agreed this would be a vast improvement. Mr. Malouf said the Pittisporum Tobira could be changed to something else or it could be kept pruned down. The committee felt this planting should be maintained at 3-1/2 or 4 ft. height. Mr. Malouf agreed to change it to some other plant, noting the same plant would be at the other end of the planter also. He agreed additional plantings of something growing to 4 ft. could be added to planting area between curb cuts. Mr. Malouf said they had planned to use ivy ground cover and trees in the 8 ft. planter strip since it isn't on their property. Chairperson Sallan said the trees should have growth at bottom. Mr. Malouf suggested using the Pittisporum. He said they would probably install a simple sprinkler system. He stressed this would not be a formal type landscaping since it is temporary. Signing: Mr. Malouf asked the committee to keep in mind that they are not a typical business. As far as square footage was concerned, they are asking for a minimal amount. He said the wall logo is the only new sign; all the others are merely changing existing sign faces. Mr. Malouf said the lights on the ground sign would not be too bright since the background was blue. It was noted that the flag pole had been deleted. A discussion was held on an outline of logo in red on blue background proposed for end of canopy. Mr. Malouf said the canopy was designed to have this addition. Member Bond said assuming the ground sign was two faced, the applicant was requesting approximately 112 sq. ft. of signing. Chairperson Sallan advised the applicant that under the ordinance they would be allowed the ground sign and one wall sign. With regard to ground sign which is existing, Mr. Malouf said the only change would be the copy and colors. Chairperson Sallan said she would prefer more subdued tones of the red, white and blue colors being proposed. Mr. Malouf said these signs are already made up and the colors are their standard colors and trade mark. Mr. Malouf said the light bars in the islands were functional. Chairperson Sallan noted that since they are illegally installed, the committee would have to decide if they should be removed or allowed to remain. The committee members agreed that the cashier sign should not be included as part of the signing. MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 19, 1976 H -CONTROL MEETING Member Irvine ascertained the light bars would be legal if the signing was no on them. He thought the logos improved their appearance. Chairperson Sallan noted that allowing the logos would be setting a precedent and would require justification for similar requests in the future. Mr. Malouf suggested taking out the USA and leaving the white outline on blue area at end of light bars. He said they would be willing to take down sign on building wall in order to keep the light bars. Chairperson Sallan explained an exception would have to be applied for as it would be more signs than they were allowed under the ordinance. She offered the applicant, a continuance in order for him to check with the company. Mr. Caughey pointed out these outlines could be considered graphics. Chairperson Sallan said she considered these outlines to be a logo and would like the City Attorney to give a ruling. She explained the options available to the applicant and the processes he would follow. Member Claudy said if the City Attorney ruled this would not be a sign he would be willing to have the light bars with the design. Chairperson Sallan opened the meeting for public comment. Mr. Dan Weistein, 10407 Vista- Knoll, Cupertino, said he saw 4 signs. As a citizen, he demanded the committee look at it as four signs. These colors and the name implies this is sanctioned by the USA. The colors are too bright and there is nothing that requires them to use these colors. Mr. Sid Nash, 1567 Kooser Road, San Jose, said he works across the street and he feels the proposed plan will be a pleasing difference from what is there now. Member Claudy moved to close Public Hearings. Seconded by Member Bond. Motion carried, 4-O Member Bond moved to approve application HC -51,264.2 with the standard H -Control conditions and the following conditions: (1) That the planting island between Stevens Creek curb cuts be increased to a minimum depth of 5 ft. (2) That the landscaping on the southerly property line should be increased to a minimum of 8 ft. and continued on to the easterly property line. HC -172 Page 5 Public Hear- ing closed HC -172 Page 6 HC -51,264 .2 approved wl conditions HC -51,002.11 Stephen Sanborn MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 19, 1976 H -CONTROL MEETING (3) The plantings on the corner of Stevens Creek Boulevard and Blaney Avenue be maintained to a maximum of 4 ft. (4) That the applicant will be presenting to staff a proposal for planting area on Stevens Creek Boulevard between the curb cuts to reflect an increase in shrubs and trees in that area. (5) Sign program to be continued. Seconded by Member Irvine. AYES: Members Bond, Claudy, Irvine, Chairperson Sallan NOES: None Motion carried, 4-0 The applicant was informed that the site, architecture and landscaping would be heard by the City" Council on September 7, 1976. With regard to sign program, the applicant was asked to bring slides of sign colors or samples of actual colors. At 9:15 p.m. a break was taken with the meeting reconvening at 9:25 p.m. Chairperson Sallan noted that the next item would probably be a lengthy one. She reported a request that the committee hold a special meeting to cover items not heard at this meeting. The committee agreed to meet next Thursday, August 26, 1976 at 7:30 p.m. 3. Application HC -51,002.11 - Stephen Sanborn requesting approval of modification of architecture for a four unit apartment com- plex under construction on Alpine Drive. Continued from H -Control meeting of August 5, 1976. Chairperson Sallan said she had had a written request from Mr. Richard Kane that a personal view of the property be made. She said she had done so from several of the properties impacted by this development. These owners had expressed concern about the smoke stacks at rear of property, color of building and decks. Mr. Stephen Sanborn, 23048 Granger, Los Altos, said he had decided to eliminate deck extension on back of Unit 1, making it the 6 ft. deck but running it to end of wall. He pointed out the color and the smoke stacks had been approved. He said he had spent more money than anyone in the area on his building and he felt it would be a very attractive building when it was finished. He stressed the building was not done and the landscaping was not in. MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 19, 1976 H -CONTROL MEETING It was ascertained the modification being requested tonight was for the addition of a 2 ft. 6 in. catwalk. Mr. Sanborn answered Member Claudy that the deck had to be continued to the corner of the building because of a sliding glass door. Chairperson Sallan then opened the meeting for public comment. Slides taken from the Sanborn property were shown. These showed the relationship of the building to the surrounding properties. Chairperson Sallan noted she had difficulty in discussing something until what is existing is redrawn and the modification proposed is exhibited. There should also be all the background data of this application included in their packet since there had been much activity on this application. She indicated she would prefer a continuation until this material could be supplied. Mrs. Hermann Weimer, 10447 Vista-Kno1Y;; Cupertino, complained of the dust being raised by this construction. She said the City Council had told Mr. Sanborn to grade down and he had raised the pad 2 ft. She wished they would make him take down the balcony. Mr. Paul E. Hardman, 10397 Vista Knoll Blvd., Cupertino, read a letter from Mr. Di Franco, also of Vista Knoll Blvd.,who could not be present. Mr. Hardman indicated he also would like to know just what had been approved and what had not. Mr. Sanborn reiterated his willingness to withdraw request for deck extension and to cover the chimney stacks. He said he had talked to building department about moving the chimney. He pointed out Unit 1 is 80 ft. from the property line. He had not realized it would be necessary to have approval to move window. Mrs. Weimer said there was no approval for balcony on north side. Photos were shown which displayed this addition. Mr. Caughey exhibite( plans. It was ascertained a long window had been added which had not been approved. Chairperson Sallan noted this was one application for which it would bi very appropriate for the committee to visit the site if a compromise could not be reached. Mr. Richard Kane, 10437 Vista Knoll Blvd., Cupertino, said the buildin; was awesome. A discussion was held on whether or not the committee had approved leaving the living area to the rear. Staff was to check the minutes. HC -172 Page 7 HC -172 I MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 19, 1976 H -CONTROL MEETING Page 8 Mr. Kane was assured that landscaping was reviewed after being installed to make sure it complied with conditions of approval. Slides taken by Mr. Di Franco were shown. Mr. Sanborn said he would install a solid row of trees along the rear property line. Mrs. Sanborn, 23048 Granger, Los Altos, noted this property had been zoned as multiple dwellings before the single family residences were built. She thought they should have provided landscaping from their property. Mr. Dan Weinstein, 10407 Vista Knoll, Cupertino, said his feelings were that the project as conceived is what has been put in on Alpine Drive. There have been a number of balconies going in. Some serious mistakes had been made. Some things do not look so bad in the plans but when they are built, they appear very different. As a compromise he could allow the catwalk. Since Mr. Sanborn cannot switch the living areas, it comes down to the smoke stacks which are a visual problem. If Mr. Sanborn is willing to compromise by enclosing the stacks to match the building this would attenuate the problem. Mr. Weinstein said his proposal would be to grant approval of the catwalk on Unit 4, cover the smoke stacks and grant easement shown on balcony of Unit 1. With regard to the gray color of building, Mr. Weinstein pointed out that sometimes it takes time to get used to some things. Mrs. Weiner vociferously indicated her refusal to compromise. She said she would call her lawyer in the morning unless they made him take down the deck and take out the window. Mr. Kane said he felt with landscaping on both sides that a compromise could be reached. Chairperson Sallan suggested the residents and Mr. Sanborn meet and discuss possible solutions. It was suggested that the catwalk could be cut off at end of building and the balcony on Unit 1 extend to the end of the unit. Mr. Sanborn suggested putting in opaque glass on the balcony window to alleviate privacy intrusion into the neighboring yards. Chairperson Sallan thanked all who had come to participate in this meeting. MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 19, 1976 H -CONTROL MEETING Member Claudy moved for continuance of Application HC -51,002.11 to the next meeting of August_26, 1976. Seconded by Member Bond. Motion carried, 4 -0 4. Application HC -51,342.3 - Winchell's Donut House requesting exception to the following sections of the City Sign Ordinance Section 6.042 to allow more than one ground sign on a single lot; Section 6.044 to allow a ground sign to project over a portion of the public right of way; Section 7.021 (a) to allow a sign area in excess of three percent (3%) of the gross floor area of a commercial structure. Said business is located on the southwest corner of the intersection of Stevens Creek Boulevard and East Estates Drive within the Brentwood Market Shopping Center. Continued from H -Control meeting of August 5, 1976. N In answer to Member Claudy, Staff member Caughey exhibited approved sign program for this center. He pointed out that sign lengths are to limited to 70% of the width of the store front. This application calls for a 19 ft. 2 in. sign as compared to allowable 13 ft. The sign program would have to be amended to allow this proposal. The approved sign program specifies that all signs will have a white background; the applicants are requesting a yellow background which would also require an amendment to the sign program. It was noted that sign program also calls for wood wrap with modified corners. Mr. Clint Mullen, 30150 Ahern Street, Union City, said they are willing to take down pole sign but they would like signs as submitted. If they have to modify corners of the signs, they will. They would like to kee the tenant sign with the yellow background. Mr. Mullen answered Chairperson Sallan that 90% of their signs were the yellow background with the brown letters. Chairperson Sallan suggested the white background for the building sign but noted the yellow background could be utilized on the center sign. Mr. Mullen said he did not think his company would go for this. Chairperson Sallan pointed out she was trying to go with the City's intent of having shopping center signs conform. to sign programs alrez iri e-ff"ect-.. Mr. Mullen said he left the last meeting thinking this proposal would be acceptable to the committee. C-172 age 9 HC -51,002.11 continued HC -51, 342.3 Winchell's Donut House e HC -172 MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 19, 1976 H -CONTROL MEETING Page 10 Member Claudy said he personally preferred the yellow and brown but if it did not conform with the City's intent, the committee coud not approve it. Chairperson Sallan read the requirements of sign program for this shopping center. Mr. Mullen said the building is a muted gold and the yellow would look better than the white. He suggested just having brown letters on the building. He was advised this also would not be in conformance with the sign program. Member Bond also said he prefered the yellow background. He suggested putting a white background on east elevation and the yellow background on the north elevation since it was a separate fascia from the other signs in the center. Slides were shown of the site. The process for amending the sign program was discussed. Chairperson Sallan asked Mr. Mullen to contact his company to see if they would accept the shopping center sign program. If not, they could discuss it further. Mr. Mullen asked if the proposal would be approved if the company agreed to the white background for east elevation and the yellow background for the north elevation, and the tenant sign. Staff member Caughey reminded the committee that an exception would be required. He read the section of the ordinance relative to this. The consensus of the committee was that an exception could be granted. Member Irvine asked if the shopping center personnel had been involved in establishing this sign program. He felt every tenant should be involved. It was suggested that Mr. Mullen meet with the other tenants in the center to see if they would be interested in changing sign program. Member Claudy said he would be in favor of granting exception. He would be inclined to approve the yellow background if the other tenants agreed. Members Irvine and Bond seconded this feeling. Chairperson Sallan noted there should be rules of procedures set for the establishing of shopping center sign programs. Development of sign programs was discussed. MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 19, 1976 H -CONTROL MEETING Mr. Mullen said he thought it would be easier to put back the old sign face than to contact all the other tenants and get a change in the sign program. It was agreed that the application would be continued to the next meeting. Mr. Mullen was given a copy of Exhibit F-3, sign program for the center. Member Claudy moved to continue Application HC -51,342.3 to the meeting of September 8, 1976. Seconded by Member Bond. Motion carried, 4-0 It was noted that applicants should received copies of sign programs or other related material. It was asked that the City Attorney rule on whether or not it was necessary for the City Council to approve a committee amendment of sign program. A request for a feasibility report on use of Grasscrete was requested. ADJOURNMENT At 12:22 a.m., Member Claudy moved to adjourned to the meeting of August 26, 1976 at 7:30 p.m. Seconded by Member Bond. Motion carried, 4-0 APPROVED: /s/ C. Nancy Sallan Chairwoman ATTEST: /s/ Wm. E. Ryder City Clerk IC -172 ?age 11 IC -51, 342.3 :ontinued to )/8/76