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HomeMy WebLinkAboutASAC Minutes - 05-20-1976CITY 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 MAY 20, 1976, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA SALUTE TO THE FLAG The meeting was opened at 7:07 p.m. by Chairperson Sallan with the Salute to the Flag. , ROLL CALL Members present: Blaine, Bond, Claudy, Chairperson Sallan Members Absent: Irvine Staff present: Assistant Planner Steve Piasecki Senior Planning Technician Mark Caughey UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None INFORMAL REVIEW OF THE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT USE PERMIT APPLICATION: N APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of Adjourned Regular Meeting of May 13, 1976. not available at this time. POSTPONEMENTS:. None WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: Staff member Caughey relayed inquiry of City Council relative to possibility of H -Control changing meeting night. Discussion on this to be held at end of agenda. Chairperson Sallan announced that no item would be initiated after 11:30 p.m. HC -166 Page 1 HC -166 Page 2 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR H -CONTROL MEETING OF MAY 20, 1976 PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. Application HC -51,183.3 - Stephen Coulthard requesting approval of an individual tenant sign for a fresh pro- duce facility. The proposed sign deviates from the sign program presented to the Architectural and Site Approval Committee in 1968. The staff requests that the original sign program for the center be incorporated into the formal resolution accompanying this application. Said property is located in the Oakmont Square Shopping Center. Continued from H -Control meeting of May 13, 1976. Staff report: Senior Planning Technician Caughey indicated the applicant's intent to have green lettering instead of brown as was used by majority of signs in the center. He referred to colored rendering of proposed sign. Slides of the center were shown. Chairperson Sallan ascertained backgrounds of the signs were ivory rather than white. Mr. Noel Marquez, 330 Town & Country, Palo Alto, read a letter from the center's owner approving the proposed sign. The letter was then submitted to staff. Mr. Marquez said the green lettering was to represent the idea of their product, produce. He asked for approval of sign as submitted. He pointed out several additional deviations to the brown and white used in this row of signs. He noted a blue logo on one sign and a red cherry on another and asked if the green lettering could not be approved to have some green copy on the sign. Member Blaine said she was concerned about the green lettering because it was in the middle of the row of shops and would stand out. She had also thought of a green logo type addition. Member Bond said he had noticed other colors in the center but this particular format seemed to prevail along this row. He thought the committee would be more receptive to a green logo although he was comfortable with the presentation. Member Claudy felt that most of the signs did not conform to the sign program although they were of the same size and background. He felt a green accent would point out produce aspect more than the green lettering. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR H -CONTROL MEETING OF MAY 20, 1976 Chairperson Sallan said since there is color deviation in signing in the center, she could see a much darker green being used which would more nearly approach a brown. She also felt the green logo would be more creative. Since the majority of the committee agreed a green logo would be better, Chairperson Sallan asked the applicant to make another rendering, noting it could be approved by staff. The applicant was amenable to this. The hearing was opened to comments from the public. There were none. Member Bond moved to close Public Hearings, seconded by Member Claudy. Motion carried, 4-0 Member Blaine moved for approval of Application HC -51,183.3 with the modification that the sign have ivory background with dark brown letters and green logo. Design of the sign will be subject to staff approval. Selection of green and size of logo subject to staff approval. Seconded by Member Claudy. AYES: Members Blaine, Bond, Claudy, Chairperson Sallan NOES: None Motion carried, 4-0 The applicant was informed this would now be heard by the City Council at its June 7, 1976 meeting. It was then agreed that the sign program for Oakmont Square Shopping Center would be the dark brown lettering on ivory background with dark sign can. Exceptions would come before this committee. Color accents via logos are subject to staff approval. Staff member Caughey clarified why the committee was being asked to reaffirm the sign program. Member Claudy moved to establish a sign program for Oakmont Square Shopping Center with the following conditions: (1) Sign can to be 21" high with length proportionate to build- ing frontage (2) Sign can to be dark brown steel, ivory background with dark brown lettering. Color accent, such as logo, to be allowed subject to staff approval. Seconded by Member Blaine. Motion carried, 4-0 HC -166 Page 3 Public Hear- ing closed HC -51,183.3 approved w/ Modification Sign Program for Oakmont Square Shopping Center HC -166 Page 4 HC -51,088.1E Sobrato Berf MINUTES OF THE REGULAR H -CONTROL MEETING OF MAY 20, 1976 2. Application HC -51,088.181 - Sobrato Berg requesting approval of site, architecture and landscaping for an addition of a tank farm for a recently approved light industrial building located at the northeast corner of McClellan Road and Bubb Road. Staff report: Staff member Caughey showed slides of the site. With reference to the exhibit of proposal, he noted it was difficult to follow shielding plans. He explained what was being proposed. Mr. Caughey explained difference in this proposal and original site plan. He said there was ample parking space. He pointed out there might be a problem in type of landscaping on periphery of tank farm because of the material being stored in the tanks. Mr. Carl Berg, of Sobrato Berg, explained how they had carried walls of building out and around and noted it was very expensive. He explained use of materials which would afford plenty of venting which was needed. Mr. Berg said there was a -_ _ibility two ducts would show above the shielding but these would e painted to match the building. With regard to landscaping, Mr. Berg said they had told there could be no planting around the tank farm that would allow leaves to fall inside. He said they hada-lso been to=itaat anything planted there probably would not last through the first year. He said with excessive landscaping on McClellan Road, the building would not be seen in one year, much less the tank farm. Mr. Berg answered Chairperson Sallan there were redwood slats behind the chain link fence and redwood cap on top. Mr. Berg answered Member Blaine there would be some type of acid stored in the tanks and when they were washed down, it could kill the plants. He assured the committee that the storage would be within all the controls. It was ascertained the tanks are set on 12" to 14" concrete slabs. The possibility of adding curbing to contain drainage was discussed. Member Bond said with the landscaping in parking lot, the tanks would be screened nicely. He felt the cement slabs could have curbs, to contain any spillage. Member Claudy said with the mounding on McClellan and parking lot landscaping, he found no problem with the minimal landscaping around the tank farm. In answer to Chairperson Sallan, Mr. Berg explained why the tank farm had been set at this location. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR H -CONTROL MEETING OF MAY 20, 1976 Staff member Caughey answered Member Blaine that they had not talked to anyone as to why plants could not be used here. Mr. Berg said amount of activity was one reason. He offered to put in more plants but asked to have it kept low. Member Blaine said something had to be put along there. Mr. Berg said he would check and if there was no valid reason they would be happy to put something around tank farm subject to staff approval. Chairperson Sallan indicated to the applicant that both staff and the committee would like to know what the reason might be. Mr. Berg assured the committee that landscaping would be carried around McClellan frontage. The only piece that will not have landscaping will be where the next building will go in. He answered Chairperson they had no idea when this construction would be done; he hoped within the year. Member Claudy referred to temporary covering of grass or ground cover and use of portable sprinklers for the undeveloped portion. Mr. Berg said with landscaping along McClellan and mounding this area would from a practical point of view be screened. Member Bond asked about bicycle racks. Mr. Berg said they weren't included in plans but they would be happy to have them. Staff member Piasecki noted the original approval had called for an employee eating area. Mr. Berg pointed out where it was to be installed and described their plans. Chairperson Sallan felt the islands closest to the tank farm should have an evergreen tree rather than deciduous. The applicant agreed to this change. The hearing was opened for public comment. There were none. Member Blaine moved to close Public Hearings, seconded by Member Bond. Motion carried, 4-0 Staff member Piasecki ascertained the roof line wraps around on two sides only. It was explained why it had to be open and that the tanks would not be seen from any location by traffic driving by. HC -166 Page 5 Public Hear- ing closed The public hearing was reopened. Public Hear- ing reopened HC -166 Page 6 Public Hear- ing reclosed HC -51,088.18] approved w/ conditions HC -51, 385 .1 Edmund F. Schnieders (MINUTES OF THE REGULAR H -CONTROL MEETING OF MAY 20, 1976 'Chairperson Sallan asked if something could be designed that would not look so open. Mr. Berg said they had tried to solve this problem and it would be handled with landscaping if necessary. Public Hearing reclosed. Member Claudy moved for approval of HC -51,088.181 subject to the conditions that (1) landscaping plans for area of tank farm be subject to review by staff for mitigating conditions as per the discussion at the public hearing. (2) Applicant will to the maximum extent feasible replace deciduous trees in the parking islands near tank farm with evergreen trees. Seconded by Member Bond. I AYES: Members Blaine, Bond, Caughey, Chairperson Sallan NOES: None Motion carried, 4-0 Chairperson Sallan advised the applicant this would be heard by City Council on June 7, 1976. Staff approval should be obtained before this meeting. At 8:05 p.m. a break was taken with the meeting reconvening at 8:12 p.m. 3. Application HC -51,385.1 - Edmund F. Schnieders requesting approval of site, architecture, landscaping, grading and lighting for a 106 -unit townhouse complex located at the northwest corner of Homestead Road and De Anza Boulevard. Chairperson Sallan thanked staff for red -lining concerns on the plans. Staff report: Staff member Piasecki displayed aerial photo and site plan. Slides were shown of the site and surrounding areas. Staff member Piasecki listed concerns. With regard to seven trees to be retained, he noted a landscape architect should submit plans to ensure their preservation and that a barrier be placed around the drip line of trees prior to construction start. Mr. Piasecki referred to revised proposal for recreation area. He pointed out necessity for landscape screening for existing uses; also several other points. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR H -CONTROL MEETING OF MAY 20, 1976 Staff member Piasecki noted the applicant is proposing to use an asphalt shingle roof material. He pointed out high visability of these roofs and questioned whether shakes would be more appropriate. Mr. Piasecki said the Public Works Department had not had a chance to review grading. Mr. Paul Kiniade, representing Edmund Schnieders, signed in to answer these concerns. Site: The committee was satisfied with recreation area proposal. Fencing program was discussed. Mr. Kiniade displayed photos of the type of fencing being proposed and indicated placement on site plan. It was ascertained the sound wall had been removed from the plans. Member Claudy felt the exhibited fence was not acceptable. Mr. Roger Presburger, Landscape Architect, tried to illustrate fence intent. It would be earth tone with setbacks with trees. There would be plant areas in front of the fence also. Samples of fencing material were displayed. Member Claudy ascertained plans for fencing along orchard would have to be resubmitted. Architecture: With regard to roof, Chairperson Sallan asked for staff clarification of their concerns. Mr. Piasecki said the material was not used in the community to any great extent. It would stand out and cheapen the project from a visual viewpoint. Mr. Craig Combs, architect, displayed sample of roof material. He said this was not an inexpensive roof. It is fire rated with a 20 year life expectancy. It was ascertained the roll up garage doors would be used with automatic controls on those areas indicated. In answer to question about fire places, Mr. Combs said the fire places are gas type so the only vent will be like a heater vent. They will satisfy code and will be painted out to match the roof. Mr. Presburger answered Member Bond that wrought iron fencing will be used around the pool. HC -166 Page 7 HC -166 I MINUTES OF THE REGULAR H -CONTROL MEETING OF MAY 20, 1976 Page 8 f Chairperson Sallan polled the committee regard the roof material to be used. Member Bond said he had examined the roofs at the Village development and could see no objections to using the shingle. Member Claudy had no problem with the asphalt shingle. Member Blaine said she liked the shake better but she was more concerned with fire safety in a development of this density so would go with the shingle. Chairperson Sallan said it was her feeling the shingle was a plus since it represents an aesthetic diversity in the community"and would b -e attractive. Landscaping and Fencing: Revised plans that would speak to staff concerns on interior problems were submitted. Mr. Presburger said the fencing seen from the green area will be 6' high with trees and shrubs and vines in front of it. FHA had requested no partially open fences. They will be stained to match dark trim on units. Mr. Presburger described entry into units. He described paving as being cobble stamped concrete. He described use of grass blocks to extend green area. The perimeter will have a planter area of approximately 6 ft. In answer to Chairperson Sallan, Mr. Presburger described plant types and landscaping treatment across Homestead Road frontage. Chairperson Sallan notified the applicant that all major frontage plants were to be of 5 -gallon size. Mr. Presburger said ivy would be used to grow up the walls and eventually cover them. Chairperson Sallan said she would like to see the vine treatment continued on wall at Mobil property. She questioned importance of wall in light of proposed vines that would eventually cover it. Member Claudy agreed this landscaping treatment should make the wall adequate. Mr. Presburger said there would be 100% irrigation coverage of public area. Chairperson Sallan noted the 7 ft. planter makes an important difference. Mr. Presburger answered Mr. Piasecki that they planned on irrigating public right of way. He said they would also prepare a plan showing fence of rear area and provision for preservation of trees. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR H -CONTROL MEETING OF MAY 20, 1976 The use of Heavenly Bamboo was discussed. It was agreed since it was confined in concrete it would be satisfactory. It was noted barriers should be installed around existing trees prior to any grading. Mr. Piasecki explained intent of condition to the applicant, who agreed to this condition. Mr. Kiniade said there would be trees planted immediately along the north side. They will be on the water system that will take care of existing trees also. Grading: Will be subject to Public Work Department review. Mr. Presburger answered they felt the 3 ft. difference in pad was necessary to minimize impact of wall from residents' side. Member Blaine questioned how this would affect the noise impact then. Mr. Presburger said this was a technical question and he wasn't sure how to answer it. This was discussed. Mr. Kiniade answered that lowering the pad would create a drainage problem. Mr. Piasecki suggested conditioning it that the pad would be as low as technically possible. Lighting: To be subject to staff approval. 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 to approve Application HC -51,385.1 with the following conditions: (1) That the applicant submit plans to staff in the form of protection of trees now existing that will be saved, prior to any grading permit. Plans shall include provision for barrier. (2) The pool location will be as resubmitted in the recent sketch. (3) That there will be screening on the L.O.O.F. and Mobil Station as discussed. (4) That the grading will be subject to Public Works review. HC -166 Page 9 Public Hear- ing closed HC -166 Page 10 HC -51, 385 .1 approved w/ conditions HC -51,075.45 Vallco Fashion Park MINUTES OF THE REGULAR H -CONTROL MEETING OF MAY 20, 1976 (5) That the garage doors will be roll up type throughout with automatic door openers as recommended by the set back. (6) West wall design concept subject to staff approval. (7) That there will be vines on the street side of the perimeter wall facing De.Anza and Homestead under all the pear trees. (8) Applicant to be responsible for irrigating all planting in public right-of-way. (9) Landscaping plan C-1 1st Revision, subject to staff review. (10) Pad heights along De Anza and Homestead shall be as low as technically possible, subject to staff approval. (11) Lighting to be subject to staff approval. Lighting intensity subject to review by staff after installation. (12) All other H -Control conditions. Seconded by Member Claudy. AYES: Members Blaine, Bond, Claudy, Chairperson Sallan NQES: None Motion carried, 4-0 The applicant was notified to submit any modifications for staff review prior to City Council meeting of June 7, 1976. 4. Application HC -51,075.45 - Vallco Fashion Park requesting approval of architecture for height extension on an exist- ing precast concrete wall located along the westerly side of Sears starting south of Wheaton Drive and running northerly along the perimeter road approximately 600 ft. Staff report: Senior Planning Technician Mark Caughey showed slides of area under discussion. Samples of material to be used on accoustical baffle structure were displayed. It was noted that from a sound absorbing stand -point this solution was acceptable. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR H -CONTROL MEETING OF MAY 20, 1976 Mr. Bill Tagg, representing Vallco Park, said they planned to have the structure visually match the existing wall. He answered Member Blaine that the wall would not be able to withstand any heavier addition and the trees might have to be disturbed. Mr. Tagg answered Member Bond that the trees will have to be pruned to some extent. It was noted the residents are concerned about privacy. Mr. Tagg said the maintenance man had pruned trees without the knowledge of Vallco. They would have preferred them to branch out close to the ground. The meeting was opened to public comments. Mr. Ed Oliver, 10128 Denison Avenue, Cupertino, said he had indicated his concerns to Mr. Ward but there seemed to be no indication that they had been taken into consideration. Mr. Caughey clarified that an effort had been made to contact each person on their mailing list. Mr. Oliver challenged processes referred to in letter of May 14, 1976. The alternate designs had not been presented as feasible alternatives. He did not agree that trees would have to be up -rooted. He said the alternatives had been presented on basis of "would you object" not "would you like it". He had polled other owners and 5 would prefer block addition and one was indifferent. Mr. Oliver said the TV inside houses was visible from bike path. Mr. Oliver said there was doubt about Vallco's maintaining of wall. There is reservation about durability of wall. He noted the proposed design would not withstand barrage of kids. The concerns of wall design were of durability, aesthetics and maintenance. With regard to height of wall, this is a heavily trafficed roadway and wall should be 8 ft. Mr. Oliver referred to conditions for building permit for "steps to mitigate environment and other impacts on neighbors." He said the loading ramp was directly in back of his home. There are trucks going in and out all the time. 8 ft. is not sufficient because of the echo chamber. It should also be high enough so kids can't climb over it. HC -166 Page 11 Mr. Oliver said there is a hole in the wall which had been reported to Vallco. It was eventually poorly patched. HC -166 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR H -CONTROL MEETING OF MAY 20, 1976 Page 12 Mr. Oliver spoke to erosion process taking place. The usable space of Vallco has not been used, they have used the buffer zone. In conclusion, Mr. Oliver said he felt this proposal was economically oriented. Chairperson Sallan assured Mr. Oliver the committee valued his input. She summarized his concerns as she understood them. Member Blaine asked Mr. Oliver how high he thought the fence should be at Wheaton Drive and behind the loading zone. Mr. Oliver said in talking to Mr. Ward, Mr. Ward had mentioned the wall behind Bullock's area was 10 ft. to 12 ft. He could not answer the question specifically. Mr. Oliver answered Member Blaine the wall is 6 ft. from the residential side. In answer to Member Bond's question about buffer zone being eroded, Mr. Piasecki said technically Mr. Oliver was correct. Member Claudy asked if there was a requirement of height in relation to grad difference. Mr. Caughey read condition 22. Mr. Caughey affirmed that the houses could be seen into but felt an additional 2 ft. would mitigate this. Chairperson Sallan noted that any feedback from the community should be handled immediately and this should be brought to the attention of Mr. Ward. The concern of proper maintenance should be expressed. Mr. Tagg said he had an agreement that five people signed on the proposal submitted. He explained that concrete with block cap would require uprooting of the trees. As far as maintenance was concerned, Mr. Tagg said their fences are maintained as well as any in the City. Their landscaping is maintained better than the City's. He said Vallco has agreed in writing to main- tain the walls. He said he was not aware of any hole. Mr. Will Lester, Vallco Park, explained the hole in the wall. It is on Sear's property at the corner of Sears and Portal Plaza properties. When the two walls came together because of a telephone pole, they were not square. It was the responsibility of Mr. George Anderson, an elderly person. He had requested Vallco Park to repair it and they had said they would do it. There was a delay but it is repaired now on a temporary basis until they can get approval to do it right. Mr. Tagg pointed out the redwood being proposed is very durable. They would be willing to have it conditioned for an 8 ft. wall. As far as accoustics was concerned, their accoustical engineer had determined there would be little difference between 8 ft. and 10 ft. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR H -CONTROL MEETING OF MAY 20, 1976 Mr. Tagg said he could understand the committee's concern over changes but said the size of the project made it unavoidable. Mr. Tagg answered Chairperson Sallan that 9 ft. was probably the maximum height for this approach. Mr. Lester said he had received calls from individuals objecting to intrusion from bike paths. He recognized this intrusion and this wall was their attempt to correct it. He said there was no possibility of wall being level because of contour changes. He noted Mrs. Oliver had said she felt this would be sensible approach. He said the personal contacts he had made were satisfied with this proposal and he felt it was aesthetically acceptable. Mr. Lester said Sears had difficulty maintaining wall at end of Wheaton Drive because kids insist on going over it. He suggested this wall might break this pattern. He said if citations were issued, this wall would not be climbed. Mr. Oliver then rebutted several issues. Member Blaine asked staff to read condition 22 of use permit relative to this wall. Mr. Caughey did so. Member Blaine said she thought Mr. Ward was incorrect in thinking that Vallco Park was not obligated to replace wall but only to extend it. It was her understanding that the committee could require Vallco Park to replace the wall. This was discussed. Chairperson Sallan said it was up to this committee's discretion to determine height of the wall as well as composition and that did not exclude the possibility of replacing wall. Mr. Tagg said the intent of Planning Commission was for adding to the wall, not replacing. Copies of condition 22 were distributed by Mr. Caughey. Chairperson Sallan said she was reluctant to approve something where there seemed to be a discrepancy between developer and residents. She proposed input from the residents as to what they felt would be an optimum solution. Mr. Oliver said he would be happy to contact the residents. Member Bond suggested the residents and Vallco Park representatives get together and come back with a consensus of what was acceptable. Member Claudy agreed, noting it should be held somewhere neutral. He suggested planting pyracantheus along the end of Wheaton Drive. HC -166 Page 13 HC -166 Page 14 HC -51,075.45 continued MINUTES OF THE REGULAR H -CONTROL MEETING OF MAY 20, 1976 Chairperson Sallan suggested the application be continued until the residents and Vallco Park could get together and come back with a compromise solution. Member Blaine moved to continue Application HC -51,075.45 to the meeting of June 10, 1976. Seconded by Member Bond. Motion carried, 4-0 NEW BUSINESS (6) Discussion of location for Architectural and Site Approval Committee meetings. After discussion, it was agreed that starting with the June 10, 1976 meeting, H -Control would meet in the Library Conference Room on a trial basis. At the end of three months, an evaluation would be made, or sooner if concerns came up. It was agreed to keep H -Control meetings on Thursday nights. (5) Discussion of Sign Ordinance It was noted this fourth draft was not recommended by the Sign Review Committee. City Council should see what came out of Sign Review Committee and then what was being proposed by the Planning Commission for comparison. Several minor changes were noted. One major concern was Section 3.04.2. Chairperson Sallan pointed out that since H -Control represents the community, it would be tantamount to taking approval out of community's sphere of influence. Staff member Piasecki suggested they could ask Planning Commission to approve this concept for a limited period of time to see if it functions. Chairperson Sallan suggested having a committee member sit in on sign process and if concerns are expressed, the proposal would come before this committee. She suggested the chairperson could be the representative. When it became apparent that the ordinance could not be covered because of time, the members agreed to submit their copies of the ordinance containing their suggested changes to staff. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR H -CONTROL MEETING OF MAY 20, 1976 It was noted that the City Council should see suggestions being submitted for changes in the fourth draft. ADJOURNMENT At 12:25 a.m. Member Bond moved to adjourn to the next regular meeting of June 10, 1976 at 7:00 p.m. Seconded by Member Claudy. Motion carried, 4-0 APPROVED: Is! C. Nancy Sallan Chairman ATTEST: Is/ Ellen Pagnini Deputy City Clerk HC -166 Page 15