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HomeMy WebLinkAboutASAC Minutes - 12-22-1976CITY OF CUPERTINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA 10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, CA 95014 Telephone: 252-4505 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE ARCHITECTURAL AND SITE APPROVAL COMMITTEE HELD ON DECEMBER 22, 1976 IN THE LIBRARY CONFERENCE ROOM CITY HALL, CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA SALUTE TO THE FLAG Ch. Sallan called the meeting to order at 7:13 PM with the Salute to the Flag. ROLL CALL Members present: Bond, Claudy, Irvine, Ripplinger, Ch. Sallan Members absent: None Staff present: Senior Planning Technician Mark Caughey SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY THE CITY ATTORNEY Ch. Sallan announced that at 8 or 8:30 PM there will be a hiatus to allow for the presentation by the City Attorney. INFORMAL REVIEW OF PLANNED DEVELOPMENT USE PERMIT APPLICATIONS There were none. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of the Minutes of December 9, 1976, were postponed to January 6, 1977, per a motion by Member Claudy, seconded by Member Ripplinger. Motion carried, 4-0 WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None. HC -182 Page 1 HC -182 MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 22, 1976, H -CONTROL MEETING Page 2 PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Application HC -51,402.1 — Terranomics Corporation requesting approval of site, architecture, landscaping, lighting, grading and signing for a multi -tenant commercial shopping center located at the southeast corner of Portal Avenue and Stevens Creek Blvd. Continued from H -Control meeting of December 9, 1976. Architect Barnard Johnson resumed his presentation at the point where he had left off at the previous meeting. The plan called for a terra cotta roof, beige concrete block walls and wood tones. The hot orange tile sample presented was for the Long's Drug Store front, below the windows. This color was of great concern to Ch. Sallan, especially so since each of the store fronts in this center were to be different. She felt this intense color opened the door for other intense colors on the other stores. Mr. George Killum, staff architect with Long's, said they felt this color was appropriate on the north elevation, under the overhang. Ch. Sallan said she was looking for some kind of theme that will develop consistency throughout this center. She asked if the signs will also have these colors. The architect said every sign in the Center will have individual letters for their signs -- white face with colored edges. Ch.Sallan believes more subtle colors will do the job just as well -- or better -- than hot colors. Architect Johnson said that any time you start listing constraints you start limiting the architect. Member Claudy said he believes the hot orange on Long's is a good choice. He believes it would be a mistake to allow bright blues or purples, etc., on the other store fronts, however. He suggested conditional approval of this application that individual store fronts should be passed by this Committee. Ch. Sallan stated that if this hot pink or orange or whatever is approved, how can intense blue or purple be turned down for other store fronts in this shopping center .....precedent will already be set for hot colors. Member Ripplinger suggested that if succeeding colors are presented that are incompatible they can be turned down on that basis. Member Claudy said he would go along with earth tones for the other store fronts. Member Bond said the north side would look rather dead without an accent color. Mr. Killum said the tile is a more maintenance —free material. They are concerned about shopping carts hitting the store front and making it look untidy. Developer Merritt Sher said he does not like to come in to the City with everything at once. He would prefer to bring in individual stores as they develop. MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 22, 1976, H -CONTROL MEETING IPage HC-182 3 The trash bins have been moved to make them more accessible for the users. In regard to the rear roadway, the architect proposed traffic bumps be installed. Member Claudy was concerned about the 14", free-standing wall at the corner. He was informed this is an acoustical wall at the southwest corner. Member Claudy asked if the other stores are going to be willing to go along with the Long's-type signing. He cited the problems of Mr. Sher's earlier shopping center development on South De Anza Blvd. at Coco's. Mr. Sher said he was not ashamed of the commerci al center on South De Anza Blvd. Mr. Sher said Great Western will probably come in and ask for something different. There are three major stores and some other minor stores in this center. All the fascias will be the same; th colors of the individual -letter signs will be different. Member Ripplinger was concerned about visibility of the air con- ditioning equipment. He was assured it would all be camouflaged. Ch. Sallan said that since it was already after 8:00 PM, the landscaping would be discussed after the presentation by the City Attorney. SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY THE CITY ATTORNEY The Assistant City Attorney, Chuck Kilian, offered to answer any questions as to what this Committee's powers are and what they ar not. Since there were no questions, he proceeded with his pre- sentation. He said the primary function of the Committee is as a recommending body to the City Council. This Committee is selected by the City Council to give input. This Committee is operating under a very nebulous law. The Courts generally will uphold a reasonable request. It is becoming increasingly import- ant, however, to have Findings in addition to a motion of recom- mendation to the City Council....or of denial. Mr. Kilian stress ed the importance of this Committee's addressing each of the criteria for sign exception. Positive findings must be more detailed than negative findings. When something comes back to this Committee for a report -back, the public hearing should be limited unless there is a notice of public hearing. HC -182 (MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 22, 1976 H -CONTROL MEETING Page 4 Ch. Sallan asked the Assistant City Attorney what to do in the case where one tenant of a new shopping center makes application and really needs their sign, but the other tenants of that center will be coming in later. Attorney Kilian said phasing is one approach.that is acceptable. Ch. Sallan said she would like to establish a signing program for that particular center at the time of approval of the initial proposal. Attorney Kilian said that oftentimes, too much is put into an ordinance. This Committee has the power to recommend for approval, denial or delay. He suggested this Committee indicate they support a certain development and them make findings and supportive findings. At 8:56 PM the Committee returned to Agenda Item 1. The Terranomics landscaping plan was discussed next. Landscape Architect Michael Painter said this Committee started to review this plan at the last meeting. It has been modified slightly since then. There are two 12' wide lanes, in and out of Stevens Creek Blvd. There is a cobbled median and an attractive vertical accent with the existing palms moved. The planting along Stevens Creek Blvd. basically repeats the plantings presently along the Sears property. It is 40' from face of curb, with a double row of ash and wider at the corner. As the grassed berm slopes back to the parking lot, there will be shrubs such as oleander, star jasmine, etc. There is a pedestrian walkway at the entrance with shrubbery growing to 4.5' as well as the trees at the entrance from Stevens Creek Blvd. There will be a row of redwood trees along the back to provide a good backdrop as well as some clusters of redwoods at the corners of the project. The planting within the project is at random and informal. Member Claudy noted that the savings and loan and the restaurant are not going in at this time and he wanted to make sure some grass and a temporary sprinkler system is placed in this area until it is developed. Mr. Sher said Long's is not prepared to have the landscape plan passed on at this time. They are concerned about maintenance, etc. It was noted that the plans submitted at this meeting indicated a considerable number of additional trees than the original plan. In general, the Committee felt the landscaping plan as submitted looked very good. Grading was considered next. The Senior Planning Technician said the Public Works Department -wanted this Committee to take a look at the drainage situation. Member Irvine cautioned the City wants to screen the cars, not the buildings. MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 22, 1976 H -CONTROL MEETING HC -182 Page 5 Architect B. Johnson said they are asking for a 30' pole and rectangular section at the top of the lighting fixtures for the parking lot. Landscape Architect Painter agreed to landscape the poles areas, the same as at Vallco Fashion Park. They will use sodium rather than mercury lamps for energy conservation. Ch.Sallan announced that any sign approved at this time will sery as the signing program for the entire center. Mr. Sher cautioned that the Committee can get into trouble by being too restrictive. Members Bond and Claudy agreed that if the three major tenants can agree on a signing program that it should be carried through the entire center. Architect Johnson said they are asking for a monument sign at the corner. Ch. Sallan recommended the developer bring in drawings with the kinds of signing details requested as well as renderings.. Mr. Johnson said the "L" in Long's is 2'8" high, the field letter is 21" and the "g" is 2'4". Member Claudy asked if this center will have a name. He cautionec against another situation as at Coco's on De Anza Blvd. Since there were no further comments from the audience, it was moved by Member Bond, seconded by Member Claudy to close the Public Hearing. Motion carried, 5-0 Ch. Sallan recapped the public hearing. She again expressed con- cern about the orange tile across the front of the Long's buildin The lighting and signing are to be continued. Member Irvine asked if the Long's people could "live with" some- thing more subdued. He was not too concerned about the orange detail because it is on the north side and there is a 14' covered walkway in front of the store front. Member Ripplinger would like to see use of more earth tones. Mr. Killum asked the Committee's opinion of the regular Long's script sign -which they use in all their locations. There was no concern registered here. HC -182 Page 6 HC -51,402.1 continued MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 22, 1976, H --CONTROL MEETING Moved by Member Claudy, seconded by Member Bond to continue application HC -51,402.1 to January 6, 1977. Motion carried, 5-0 The clients were advised to bring in their complete package at their next hearing. Ch. Sallan called a recess at 10:00 PM. The meeting reconvened at 10:15 PM. 3. Application HC -51,075.402 - Vallco Park, Ltd., requesting approval for signing and landscaping for the J. C. Penney store located at the northeast corner of Wolfe Road and Vallco Parkway. Details contained in the December 20, 1976 staff report were reviewed. Mr. Walter Ward, Vallco Park General Manager, said all this information has been furnished to the H -Control Committee. The signing locations were approved earlier this year. This was merely a recap for the benefit of the new Committee Members and a request for approval of the signing and landscaping for the J. C. Penney Store to be located on the east side of Wolfe Road between Interstate 280 and Vallco Parkway. Drawings, renderings and colored photographs were submitted and reviewed. Member Claudy said he appreciated the quality of the sign proposal. The light intensity of the internally -lit signs was discussed. The Penney signs were compared with the existing Bullocks and Sears signs. Member Irvine's opinion was that the size of the letters in the signs should be considered in relation to the size and scale of the building. It was learned that all the signs are individually, internally lit including the automotive center sign. The automotive center will be open evenings, along with the other stores, so they also need to have lighted signs. The signs are white —white, which somewhat bothered Ch. Sallan. She did not want the lighted signs to be too intense. MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 22, 1976, H -CONTROL MEETING IPage HC-182 7 Landscaping was reviewed next. Landscape Architect Michael Painter presented the landscape plan. Ch. Sallan noted the City has been assured there will not be full view of a great expanse of cars in the parking lot from the streets. She was concerned about Section C, located in the lower right corner of the submitted drawing. Mr. Painter said the vines on the slope will continue on up the side of the building. Star jasmine will trail over the edge of the planter boxes. The parking lot slopes up to the second floor of the building, so it will be 16' above Wolfe Road. The tree, shrub and vine planting program was next reviewed by Mr. Painter. This includes berming, a tapered retaining wall and a bridge which follows the second floor wall. There will be groupings of specimen redwood trees. There will be a pedestrian crosswalk to the restaurant area. There will be 14' high shrubbe and trees along the west side of the parking lot, which should effectively screen it from Wolfe Road. In response to Ch. Sallan's direct question, Mr. Painter stated that in his opinion, the proposed landscaping will effectively screen the cars in the parking lot from Wolfe Road. Along Wolfe Road, by the restaurant, there will be a strip of grass, two rows of ash trees, ivy, redwood trees and evergreens wherever there is space enough. This landscaping will go in at the time that area is developed. Mr. Walter Ward, Vallco General Manager, said the restaurant proposal will be coming into the City for approval shortly. Mr. Painter next reviewed Exhibit C-1 landscaping plan for the mall entrance, including the bicycle parking area. In regard to landscaping in general, Member Bond said the land- scaping along the west side of Wolfe Road is very "native" --- like, mostly weeds. Mr. Painter said it is supposed to be wild flowers and clover. He assured the Committee this area will be "fixed up". There will be shrubs along the bicycle route. Ch. Sallan said this Committee would like the view from the free- way to be mostly trees. Mr. Painter said this will happen. Ther are 6 rows of trees, beginning with the redwood trees along the edge of the freeway. He said 20% will be specimen trees. Ch. Sallan would like the larger size plants along the perimeter of the development. She asked if ivy or something could be planted along the chain link fence on the overpass. Mr. Painter said a vine such as wisteria or roses could go there now. HC -182 Page 8 HC -51,074.402 approved MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 22, 1976, H -CONTROL MEETING Mr. Walter Ward discussed the practicality of this planting, stating it would probably be just torn down by juveniles. The applicants agreed to investigate (a) the adding of plants along west side mound to reduce visual impact of underground lighting and (b) the planting along chain link fence of overpass. Ch. Sallan commented on the intense light of the underground parking on the west side of Wolfe Road. Mr. Ward said the shrubbery, as it develops, will shield this from Wolfe Road. He said they have received compliments on how well lit it is. Member Bond suggested that if the shrubbery shields the underground parking from the moving traffic along Wolfe Road that this could encourage problems as far as safety is concerned. Since there were no more comments from the audience, it was moved by Member Irvine, seconded by Member Bond to close the public hearing. Motion carried, 5-0 Moved by Member Bond, seconded by Member Claudy to approve application HC -51,074.402 with the standard H -Control conditions, for the signing and landscaping per Exhibits C, Cl, F and Fl. Motion carried, 5-0 Ch. Sallan asked the Senior Planning Technician to make a list of the extra plantings agreed upon by the Vallco representatives. 2. Application HC -51,403.1 - Any Mountain, Ltd. (Eldon R. Hoffman) requesting approval of landscaping for a commercial building located at the southeast quadrant of Mariani Avenue and De Anza Blvd. Continued from H -Control meeting of December 9, 1976. The Senior Planning Technician reviewed the staff's concerns about this application. There are 79 parking spaces. Parking will overhang the bomanite space. In regard to the averaging concept of the 25' buffer along Mariani Avenue, it appears the plan is somewhat deficient. After some discussion, the Committee agreed that the deficient parking spaces could be devoted to sub -compact cars. It was the Committee's opinion that the applicant had more than enough parking spaces for all but their annual sale, for which the parking will be grossly inadequate. Landscape Architect Michael Painter reviewed the landscape plan which is designed to create a_mountain-type atmosphere with aspens, redwoods, alders, mounds of grass and rocks set in cement. The bus stop structure will be a City/developer/County Transit District effort. Mr. Painter feels it should have a very simple design that ties in with the landscaping. MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 22, 1976 H -CONTROL MEETING IPage HC-182 9 Mr. Painter answered Member Ripplinger that the De Anza Blvd. frontage is 200'. Mr, Painter agreed to Ch. Sallan's request for addition of some shrubs along the dog run. Member Irvine brought up the matter of the placement of the sign. He wondered if it will receive proper exposure in its present location. Since this will undoubtedly be a problem, C. Sallan asked that it be redrawn and reviewed again by this Committee. Member Irvine asked if the once -a -year overflow parking had been addressed at previous hearings. Member Bond said that it had, and Any Mountain has indicated they will work out something with the adjoining parking lot. Member Ripplinger noted the staff report indicated the mounding is excessive. Mr. Painter said he is trying to hide the parking. Member Claudy asked if this is a part of the Assessment District. Mr. Painter said that it is. The problem here involved run-off and mowing of this high mound. Since there were no further comments from the audience, it was moved by Member. Claud -y, seconded by Member Bond to close the Public Hearing.' Motion carried, 5-0 Moved by Member Claudy, seconded by Member Bond to approve applica tion HC -51,403.1, subject to the standard H -Control conditions and the following further conditions: Additional shrubs to be planted on the south side of Mariani Avenue between the two groups of red- woods between the two curb cuts; additional plants to be added along the south property line in an extension of the arbutus uniet in an easterly direction from the back and additional shrubs to be planted on the same side extending westerly from the frontmost grove of redwoods. The final plan is to be modified in such a manner as to reflect an average of 25' along Mariani Avenue front- age and this may be accomplished by conversion of certain parking spaces in the northeasterly corner of the side to compact spaces. The sign location as displayed on Exhibit C 1st Revision is not approved and final approval of the sign is subject to an amendment of the previous approval. Motion carried, 5-0 HC -182 Page 10 MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 22, 1976, H -CONTROL MEETING NEW BUSINESS Ch. Sallan announced the CommissionersDinner is set for January 21st. The Senior Planning Technician was instructed to write up the findings on Measurex and a special meeting was to be called for Thursday, December 30, 1976, for 12:00 noon at City Hall. Lunch will be served. In addition to discussions on Measurex, this Committee would also discuss their recent City tour. ADJOURNMENT Since it was past midnight, Ch. Sallan adjourned this meeting to 12:00 noon, December 30, 1976, at City Hall. ATTEST: /s/ Wm. E. Ryder City Clerk APPROVED: /s/ C. Nancy Sallan Chairwoman