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HomeMy WebLinkAboutASAC Minutes - 02-09-1978CITY OF CUPERTINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA 10300 TORRE AVENUE, CUPERTINO, CA 95014 Telephone: (408) 252-4505 REGULAR MEETING OF THE ARCHITECTURAL AND SITE APPROVAL COMMITTEE HELD ON FEBRUARY 9, 1978 IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM, ROOM 105, CITY HALL CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA SALUTE TO THE FLAG The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Vice Chairman Bond with the Salute to the Flag. ROLL CALL Members Present: Vice Chairman Bond, Sallan, Ripplinger Irvine (at 7:46) Members Absent: Chariman Claudy Staff Present: Mark Caughey, Assistant Planner NOTICE: Vice Chairman Bond announced that no new public hearing will be initiated after 11 p.m. If a hearing is in progress at that time, it will be continued until its completion or until midnight, whichever comes first. The meeting will adjourn by midnight. INFORMAL REVIEW OF PLANNED DEVELOPMENT USE PERMIT APPLICATIONS: None APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Mintues of Regular Meeting of January 19, 1978 Approval of minutes was deferred until the end of the meeting because all applicants were present. POSTPONEMENTS - none WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - none ORAL COMMUNICATIONS **Special Presentation by the Assistant Planning Director Regarding the Proposed Hillside Development Ordinance. This presentation was postponed to a future ASAC meeting at which all members will be present. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Application HC -51,443.1 - San Jose Building Design, Inc. (Silver Oak West) requesting approval of site, architecture, landscaping, grading and signing for the construction of a combination residential and HC -211 Page 1 HC -211 Page 2 MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 9, 1978 MEETING OF THE ASAC commercial development located at the northwest quadrant of the intersection of Stevens Creek Boulevard and Foothill Boulevard. Continued from ASAC meeting of January 19, 1978. Mr. Ron Percy was present for this application. A. Landscape Plan Mr. Percy reported that the request by the ASAC to create the illusion of depth in the planter areas between commercial building and adjoining public streets has been solved by placing photinia frazerii, a dark leaf plant, near the wall and grevellia noelli, which has a lighter green needle, closer to the street. He also noted that vinca minor will be installed instead of a lawn area in front of the complex. It was requested that the wall on the south side of Stevens Creek Boulevard be moved north to provide a minimum 5 ft. planter strip along this area. Mr. Percy reported that the wall will be moved. The ASAC had also requested at the last meeting that shrubs be added to the landscaping in informal groupings to create a less rigid landscaping style. Mr. Percy indicated that this would be done and invited ASAC members to come out to look at planting installations when they are done. He said he would modify plantings until the ASAC is satisfied with the effect created. Regarding a grade break restriction on brick sound wall, Mr. Percy commented that under no circumstances will there be more than a two -brick drop at any point. The driveway alignment at the southwest corner of the site has also been modified per staff direction. B. Sign Program Member Ripplinger noted that he still does not see the reason for a reader - board, commenting that passing motorists would not be able to see all the signs without creating a dangerous traffic situation. Mr. Percy responded that he believes the readerboard will be effective, noting that traffic tends to back up at the corner. Each sign will be a foot high and letters will be 4"-5" tall and recessed into the back- ground. There will be a maximum of 8 signs on the readerboard, depending on the number of tenants in the shopping center. Member Ripplinger noted that this would mean each business would have 3 signs; two on the outside walls and one over the business entry. Member Sallan noted that the ordinance allows a minimum of 20 sq. ft. of sign per business. This applicant's proposal would mean that each business would have only 15 sq. ft., but that there would be three signs. She noted that this does not meet the signing criteria of the ordinance. She commented that this is not a typical commercial development because the complex is oriented inward. There is only one wall sign to identify the development as Silver Oak West. If a readerboard is installed, the commercial intent would be met by having signing oriented to the street. She said she could not justify going against the signing ordinance MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 9, 1978 MEETING OF THE ASAC by allowing 8 businesses to identify themselves rather than the 6 that are normally allowed. Mark Caughey pointed out that this is a planned development, which allows ASAC the flexibility to determine signing on its own merits. He also noted that under the sign ordinance, each individual business would have the right to have 20 sq. ft. of signing. Member Ripplinger stated again that he does not think the readerboard would be effective, saying that a dangerous situation could be created as motorist tried to read the signs while moving. He suggested that a sign identifying the development as a shopping center would be better. It was pointed out that if a customer were looking for a specific store, the readerboard would be very helpful for identification purposes. Chairperson Bond noted that the proposal is much less signing than would normally be allowed, but that the benefits would be greater in terms of aesthetics for the public. Mr. Percy questioned the requirement to provide a sound barrier on the west end of the development (wall would be wrapped around from Stevens Creek Boulevard one lot deep). He noted that there are garages along part of the length and that the rest would be parking. Chairperson Bond noted that this is a Planning Commission condition, which cannot be changed by the ASAC. He suggested that Mr. Percy either go back to the Planning Commission to have the condition removed or appeal it at the City Council meeting. Mr. Percy indicated he would appeal the condition at the City Council meeting. Color slides were shown of the letter colors proposed against a background of red brick. The Silver Oak West sign would be a wood stain background. The applicantproposes a silver tree, orange copy and an outline of black. Member Sallan commented that the silver of the tree stands out very prominently, which would make a strong statement which may be overwhelming. She also noted that she does not like the orange and silver combination. She suggested that black letters be used. The tree would be 5' tall. Mr. Percy said that the tree could be black if there is a strong objection but that the theme of the center and reason for the tree on the sign was that of a silver oak. He noted that the silver could be toned down a bit so that it would not be too strong. He noted that he would like to have a tasteful development and would not install a garish sign. Member Irvine noted that he did not have any strong fear of too much silver. He stated that the sign is creative and the applicant should have a chance to express it. He suggested that the ASAC could condition the approval so that if the sign was objectionable to most members it would have to be changed. HC -211 Page 3 HC -211 MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 9, 1978 MEETING OF THE ASAC Page 4 Member Irvine went on to say that the wood will eventually get dark and that black letters may get lost. Since there were no comments from the audience Member Sallan moved and Member Irvine seconded that the public hearing be closed. Approval of Member Ripplinger moved that Application HC -51,443.1 be recommended for Application approval subject to the standard ASAC conditions 1-8 and conditions HC -51,443.1 9-13 as follows: 9. That the recommendation of approval is based upon Exhibits A, Staff Exhibit 1, B 1st revision, B-1 1st revision, C 2nd revision, E, F, Informational of this application except as may be amended by special conditions contained herein. 10. Exhibit A shall be revised at building permit level as follows: a. Provide minimum 3 ft. wide planter strip on east side of sound barrier separating commercial/residential portions of the development. b. Provide sound barrier on west property line of development as required by Condition 16 of Planning Commission Resolution No. 1713. c. Eliminate parallel parking spaces adjacent to sound barrier on south property line and provide landscape area on Permanente Road side of that barrier, subject to staff approval. d. The west -most driveway entry to the development shall be modified per staff Exhibit 1, with final approval subject to the satisfaction of the City Traffic Engineer. 11. The development landscaping plan as presented on Exhibit C 2nd Revision is approved in concept, but shall be revised at the building permit level as follows: a. Plantings at the north and east perimeters of the central open space area shall reflect greater variety of species and mixture of plant sizes. b. Ground cover in this area shall be vinca minor and photinia frazerii and grevellia noelli shall be used to create the illusion of depth. Exact positioning of plants to be subject to staff approval. c. Arrange trees and shrubs in informal clusters to reduce the formality of landscaping appearance throughout the perimeter. d. On the south site perimeter, the landscaped area along Permanente Road shall be a minimum of 5' wide. 12. The site grading plan shall be revised at the building permit level to include drainage details satisfactory to the Director of Public Works. MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 9, 1978 MEETING OF THE ASAC 13a. The sign program is to be as presented in Exhibit F with the copy color to be orange and tree color a toned down silver, all per Exhibit F4. b. Signing shall be subject to staff and Committee approval with the agreement of the applicant to change the sign if the majority of the Committee disapproves. The motion was seconded by Member Irvine. Ripplinger - yes Sallan - yes Irvine - yes Bond - yes Motion carried, 4-0 Member Sallan wished to clarify her vote. She said she voted yes, but if the sign was taken separately from the rest of the application, she would have abstained on the sign approval motion. Chairperson Bond informed the applicant that the application would go before the City Council on February 20. 2. Application HC -51,230.12 - Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc. (Carl's Jr. Restaurant) requesting approval of signing for a restaurant located at the southeast corner of Homestead Road and Franco Street. Ms. Caroline Northrop was present for this application. Chairperson Bond noted that the main item is whether the Committee feels there is justification for a ground sign either temporarily or permanently. If it is determined that a ground sign is permissible, then one wall sign should be removed. Color slides of the site were shown by Mark Caughey. He noted that the apartment tennis courts and the dense landscaping near the intersection of Homestead and Franco streets make visibility of the restaurant difficult until a car -has passed the Franco street access to the site. The next entrance is 250' farther. Mr. Bruce McClelland was present to represent the owners of the shopping center in which the restaurant is located. In response to a question from Member Irvine, he indicated that the owner has no other tenants at the present time for the parcel behind the restaurant. He was not sure when a tenant would come in. He said the owners would like to have Carl's Jr. have the sign with certain conditions. HC -211 Page 5 Member Ripplinger referenced Condition 17 of Planning Commission Resolution No. 1552 and commented that this should go to the Planning Commission. Mr. Caughey noted that Staff had proposed Condition 17 at the time the parcel was divided last year. The intent was to make sure there would be no more than one ground sign for the entire site. He said Staff feels the Committee should approve the sign for Carl's Jr. on an interim basis;wh n another tenant comes in, they can work out together whether another sign ortthis sign HC -211 Page 6 MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 9, 1978 MEETING OF THE ASAC would remain. Member Ripplinger said signing should tie in with the Payless parcel or be at least complementary since it is being considered as one area. She said, however, that she was not convinced that it is a hardship not to have the ground sign. Ms. Northrop noted that from the point of view of a person who is not familiar with the area, the restaurant is not noticed until the person is past it. She said she had had several people drive by the area without telling them the purpose and found that many people did not notice the restaurant. The position of the restaurant in relation to the heavy land- scaping near the entrance off Franco Street does not allow enough reaction time for people to turn in at that entrance. She noted that sales are it gn4 f4cantly below `w'hat was pry je�t�d and that 'v'isib5. SLJ is +-I,- probSEm. A poll of the Committee Members revealed that they would agree to the sign on an interim basis. Member Sallan said that it should be made clear that the sign would come down when the rest of the development is developed. Member Irvine noted that only one ground sign would be allowed, so the Carl's Jr. sign would come down. Mr. Caughey noted that Condition 10 of the staff report takes care of this. Mr. McClelland commented that when another tenant comes in (he postulated a Jr. department store) this sign would come down. Ms. Northrop stated she feels the sign should not have to come down until another sign is erected. Members did not agree with this. Member Ripplinger said that he would like to see the street address added to the sign. The applicant had no objection to this. Regarding the position of the sign Ms. Northrop noted that the location was based on the line of sight of cars going east so that a turn could be made at Franco street. Member Sallan expressed concern that the location of the sign behind the mound would make it look out of proportion. Ms. Northrop said this wouldn't be a problem. Member Ripplinger noted that the overhang of the sign into the parking area may interfere with camper or truck parking in that space. He suggested locating it near a planter box to eliminate this problem. Ms. Northrop said this is a good idea. Since there were no comments from the audience, Member Sallan moved and Member Irvine seconded that the public hearing be closed. Motion carried, 4-0 MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 9, 1978 MEETING OF THE ASAC HC -211 Page 7 Member Ripplinger moved that Application HC -51,230.12 be approved subject to Approval o.: the Standard ASAC conditions 1-8 and conditions 9-13 as follows: Application HC -51,230.: 9. That the recommendation of approval is based upon Exhibits F and F-1 of this application except as may be amended by special condition contained herein. 10. At such time as the commercially -zoned parcel to the south of the restaurant site develops, the subject ground sign shall be removed. The subject ground sign is approved, on an interim basis only, consistent with the intent of Condition 17 of Planning Commission Resolution No. 1552. 11. One existing wall -mounted sign on the restaurant building shall be remov�d concurrent with, or prior to, installation of the ground sign. 12. The subject ground sign shall be positioned in the Homestead Road frontage planter strip in a manner restricting the overall height of the sign to a maximum 12 ft. above adjoining sidewalk level, and preventing any portion of the sign from overhanging the sidewalk. Exact positionin of the sign will -be subject to staff approval. 13. The street address shall be added to the ground sign below the main message panel. Member Sallan seconded the motion. Member Sallan moved to amend the motion so that the wall sign on the north elevation of the restaurant is the one that will be kept and the east sign - should be removed. Member Ripplinger seconded the amendment. Ms. Northrop stated that the ordinance does not say she has to remove a particular sign, just that one has to be removed. She stated she should have the right to decide which sign stays. Member Sallan said that the intent is to have signs where there are none. Leaving the easterly sign up would mean two signs oriented to the same direction. She feels this double exposure is undesirable. Member Ripplinger agreed that Member Salla has a point, but that he does not think the Committee can be that constrains g in interpreting the ordinance is this case. Member Irvine said he does not agree with the amendment. He feels it should be up to Cari's Jr. since the sign is to increase their business and this decision should be made by them. Member Bond agreed with Member Irvine, but because he feels regulating this would be over -regulating by a governmental body. The vote on the amendment was as follows: Ripplinger - yes Sallan - yes Irvine - no Bond - no The amendment is defeated on a tie vote. HC -211 Page 8 (MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 9, 1978 MEETING OF THE ASAC The vote on the motion for approval of the application was as follows: Ripplinger - yes Sallan - yes Irvine - yes Bond - yes Motion carried, 4-0 The Committee recessed at 9:28 and reconvened at 9:40. Mr. Martin Oakley, representing Dividend Development Corp. regarding the mini -storage complex at the 280 Freeway and Blaney Avenue, reported that the City Council disagreed with .the solution of making the buildings painted concrete block with flush grouting. The developer has gone back to wood frame with stucco and will sprinkle the building. Member Irvine asked if the cost of water damage insurance had beeh investigated. Mr. Oakley noted that the water damage, should there be a fire, would be confined to a small area and that the fire insurance for a sprinkled building would be less. He said he had wanted to inform the ASAC of the decision to change. Chairperson Bond stated that the ASAC should get some sort of feedback from the City Council when one of the Committee's conditions on an application is overturned. Member Sallan suggested that a minute order to that effect be written. This would allow the Committee to be more familiar with the wishes of the Council. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of Regular Meeting of January 19, 1978. Deferred from beginning of the meeting Minutes were corrected as follows: Page 7, Paragraph 1, second sentence should read, "Member Sallan noted that this need not be the case and that planter boxes, if kept free of garbage, may discourage people from throwing garbage." Page 7, Paragraph 2 under Signing, second sentence; the word "determine" should be changed to "affect". Member Sallan moved and Member Ripplinger seconded that the minutes of the January 19, 1978 meeting be approved as amended. Motion carried, 4-0 UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None NEW BUSINESS Mark Caughey noted that Condition 8 of the ASAC standard conditions should be changed because the moratorium on landscaping has been lifted. Staff feels this condition should have the information regarding drip emitter system installation, drought resistent plantings, etc. MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 9, 1978 MEETING OF THE ASAC HC -21, Page Member Irvine suggested another look be taken at the requirement for drip emitter systems. In conversations with various landscape architects, he ha found that the drip system is not working as well as they had thought. The system just drips and has no force behind it. This causes the system to become clogged with dirt frequently, and the condition is not noticed until the plants begin to die from lack of water. Member Irvine said that the requirement to install at least 50% drought-resistent plantings should be retained, but the drip emitter should not be stipulated. Chairperson Bond said that he would like to see the installation of the Home Federal system. Member Sallan noted that this would only allow the Committee to see installation and not whether the system works or not becau e there is plenty of water now and the effectiveness of the drip: -.system could not be determined. Member Irvine suggested a landscape architect should be consulted regarding the drip emitter requirement. INTER COMMISSION NOTES Member Ripplinger reported on the Mayor's luncheon of February 9, 1978. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m. until the next regular meeting of February 23, 1978. APPROVED: Js/ H. Elliott Bond Vice Chairman ATTEST: City Clerk