HomeMy WebLinkAboutASAC Minutes - 03-23-1978CITY 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 MARCH 23, 1978 IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. by Chairman Bond with the
salute to the flag.
NOTICE. No public hearing will be initiated after 11 p.m. The Committee
will adjourn at midnight. If there is a hearing in progress at
11 p.m., it will be continued until its completion or until mid-
night, whichever comes first.
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Sallan, Irvine (7:16), Ripplinger,
Chairman Bond
Members Absent: Claudy
Staff Present: Mark Caughey, Assistant Planner
INFORMAL REVIEW OF PLANNED DEVELOPMENT USE PERMIT APPLICATION:
1-U-78 Domus'Development Corporation: Construction of 21 two-story
townhouses located on the north side of Stevens Creek Boulevard
easterly of the intersection with Randy Lane
Chairman Bond asked for the location of the windows and this was pointed
out by the applicant. Member Sallan questioned the impact from Stevens
Creek Boulevard on the swimming pool. The applicant indicated that the
distance from the street is 45'. There will be substantial landscaping in
this area, as well as mounding and a fence around the pool.
Member Sallan expressed a concern that the buildings, which are basically
square, would look rather blockish. She requested that the applicant's
intent to use cedar shingles for siding be retained. If stucco is substitut
the buildings will be too plain.
2-U-78 Sobrato-Berg: Construction of a 30,300 sq. ft. light industrial
building consisting of approximately 2 acres located on the south-
east corner of Valley Green Drive and Bandley Drive.
HC -214
Page 1
HC -214
Page 2
MINUTES OF THE MARCH 23, 1973 ASAC MEETING
Concerns were expressed by Committee members as follows:
Member Sallan: The tanks to be located in the 18' high tank farm
enclosure should not be visible above the wall. The area in front
of the tank farm should be landscaped. The landscaping on the east
property line should be heavy.
Chairman Bond: The location of the trash enclosure seems to be
inconvenient. It should be located closer to user access.
The applicant raised -an objection to the requirement to install an
undulating sidewalk. He expressed a preference for a monolithic
sidewalk, citing an example on the same street where monolithic sidewalk
was permitted. There is an existing sidewalk which is monolithic.
Member Ripplinger noted that when a meandering sidewalk is installed
in a narrow place, it doesn't always look good and also affects the
type of landscaping that can be installed. Member Sallan noted that
the sidewalk should meander if that is what is in the conditions.
If meandering walks are not wanted, the conditions should not specify
them.
Member Irvine suggested that in the area of the street that is curved,
a meandering sidewalk not be required (along Valley Green Drive) , but
that along Bandley Drive, the walk should meander. Members and the
applicant agreed this would be a good solution.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of Regular -Meeting of March 9, 1978
On page 1 of the subject minutes, members abstaining were Ripplinger
and Sallan instead of Irvine and Sallan.
Member Sallan moved and Member Irvine seconded that the minutes of
the March 9, 1978 ASAC meeting be approved as corrected.
Motion Carried, 4-0
POSTPONEMENTS - None
WRITTEN COMiMUNIC ATIONS - None
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Application HC -51, 027.17 - Andrew P. Jara requesting approval of
site, architecture, landscaping, lighting, grading and signing for
a professional office building located on the south side of Pacifica
Drive, east of De Anza Boulevard. Continued from ASAC meeting of
March 9, 1978.
Mr. Jara was present for this application.
MINUTES OF THE MARCH 23, 1978 ASAC MEETING
Site
Concerns raised at the last meeting were the blind parking lot and the
location of the trash enclosure. Mr. Caughey reported that the Traffic
Engineer had also requested relocation of the handicapped parking stall
closer to the building.
Mr. Jara said that the handicapped stall was moved to the south end
of the lot close to the building.A "No Parking" stall the same width as
the handicapped stall (12') will be located opposite the handicapped sta11
for turnaround purposes. Therefore, cars pulling in to the lot and finding
it full could turn around using this space rather than backing out on
Pacifica Drive. Mr. Caughey commented that this is a reduction in the
number of required parking spaces. The reduction was justified by not
counting the breezeway as office space. The requirement is for 1 space
for every 200 sq. ft. of office space. Mr. Jara noted that this would
bring the office space available down to 9,800 sq. ft. At 200 sq. ft.
per space, the requirement would be 49 spaces. The lot will have 50
spaces.
The trash enclosure was relocated so as to be more accessible. Member
Ripplinger asked if there will be a gate on the enclosure. Mr. Jara
said there will be no gate, but the dumpster will be screened from view.
He feels if a gate was installed the enclosure would either not be used,
or the gate would be left open. Member Sallan asked if there is enough
room to put some shrubbery in front of the enclosure. Mr. Jara replied
there are 2' in front of the enclosure, which will be planted. Chair-
man Bond noted that this should be stated in the conditions.
Member Irvine asked how the ramp fr
handled. He noted that the curb is
that a gradual slope is required by
that the asphalt of the parking lot
since this is the high point of the
with the handicapped code.
om the handicapped stall will be
6" higher than the parking lot and
the handicapped code. Mr. Jara said
can be brought up to sidewalk level
lot anyway. He stated he will comply
It was noted that the west driveway entrance has been increased from 28'
wide to 32' wide per staff suggestion.
Landscaping
All suggestions from the March 3, 1978 Staff report regarding landscaping
have been included. There was no further discussion regarding landscaping.
Grading and Drainage
There were no concerns raised.
Lighting
There were no concerns raised.
HC -214
Page 3
HC -214 MINUTES OF THE MARCH 23, 1978 ASAC MEETING
Page 4
Signing
A sample of the copy color and of the background color was presented
to the Committee. The copy color is a pale yellow and the background
is the same color as the wood trim on the building. Mr. Jara said
the sign picks up the detail from the trellis at the entrance.
Member Sallan asked why the sign's two sides are placed at an angle.
Mr. Jara noted that there are two entrances, two parking areas, and
he hopes to have two addresses for the building. He feels the angle
of the signs will be directional.
The staff report raised a concern about the mass of the sign, stating
that the open framework of the sign bears no apparent sympathetic
relationship to the massive look of the building. Member Sallan agreed
with Staff's view, stating that the sign may look too spindley. She
suggested that it be left at its present height (3'7") but that it be
• made from the same material as the building to give it more mass.
Member Ripplinger noted that the sign will be unobtrusive. It won't
look much like the building, but he does not object to it. Member
• Irvine said there will be enough mass for the size of the sign.
Chairman Bond said he has no problem with the sign as it is.
Since there were no comments from the audience, Member Ripplinger moved
and Member Irvine seconded that the public hearing be closed.
Motion Carried, 4-0
Approval of, Member Sallan moved that Application HC -51,027.17 be approved with
Application the exception of the signing portion subject to the Standard ASAC
HC -51,027.17 conditions 1-8 and conditions 9-13 as follows:
9. That the recommendation of approval is based upon Exhibits A 1st
revision, B, B-1, C, and Staff Information Exhibit II of this
application except as may be amended by special conditions contained
herein.
10. The proposed column/arch relief elements for the north, west and east
building elevations shall maintain the minimum dimensions; columns
and arches: 6" from wall plane; capitals: 9" from wall planes.
11. The roof purlins shall extend + 1 ft. beyond the eaveline.
12. The development landscaping plan shall be revised per suggestions
contained in Section II C of the staff report of March 3, 1978
pertinent to this project. Landscaping shall include a planting
strip at the north elevation of the trash enclosure. This strip is
to be a minimum of 2' wide and planting is to screen said wall, the
type and spacing of plants to be subject to staff approval.
MINUTES OF THE MARCH 23, 1978 ASAC €ETING
13. Grading and drainage details shall be revised to the satisfaction
of the Cite Engineer.
The :notion was seconded by Member Irvine.
Motion carried, 4-0
HC -214
Page 5
Member Irvine moved approval of Application HC -51,027.17 signing portion Approval of
subject to the standard ASAC conditions 1-8 and condition 9 as follows: Application
HC -51,027.l
9. That the recommendation of approval is based upon Exhibit F of this ;Signing
application except as may be amended by special conditions contained
herein.
The motion was seconded by Member Ripplinger.
Ayes - Ripplinger
Irvine
Bond
Nays - Sallan
Motion carried, 3-1
2. Application HC -51,075.422 - Hewlett-Packard Company requesting
approval of signing for an industrial building located on the south-
west corner of Pruneridge Avenue and Wolfe Road.
Mr. Joe Gutierrez, representing the architect, was present for this
application.
Chairman Bond asked why the concept of the sign has been changed.
Mr. Gutierrez replied that the original sign is of Corporate design.
The tenant of the building feels it is inconsistent with the architectural
design of the building and wishes to have something a little more
personal than plastic faces with metal frames.
Member Sallan said she does not get any color impression from the
rendering. Mr. Gutierrez said that the letters are a dark bronze
anodized aluminum which is effectively black. The background is sand-
blasted concrete in the same texture as the building. There will be two
signs, one on Wolfe Road and one on Pruneridge Avenue.
Member Sallan asked about lighting of the signs. Mr. Gutierrez stated
that there is enough light on Wolfe Road from the street and shopping
areas, so there won't be lighting for this sign. The sign on Pruneridge
will be illuminated by landscaped lighting from the shrubbery. The sign
will be lit from both sides. There is a security gate attended by a
guard at night, so night traffic along this area may be eliminated.
HC -214 MINUTES OF THE MARCH 23, 1978 ASAC MEETING
Page o
Since there were no comments from the audience, Member Sallan moved and
Member Pippiinger seconded. that the public hearing be closed.
Motion carried, 4-0
Member Sallan asked if the three trees in the area of the sign will
be relocated. Mr. Gutierrez said that these three will be removed and
replaced by new trees.
Approval oMember Ripplinger moved that Application HC -51,075.422 be approved subject
Application to the standard ASAC conditions 1-8 and conditions 9 and 10 as follows:
HC -51,075. I
422 1 9. That the recommendation of approval is based upon Exhibit F of this
application except as may be amended by special conditions contained
herein.
10. Staff shall retain authority to require correction of off -site
lighting intrusion impacts following installation of the sign
approved under this application.
The motion was seconded by Member Sallan.
Motion carried, 4-0
3. Application HC -51,312.3 - James G. Walker requesting approval of
grading for a single-family home located in Regnart Canyon.
Mr. James Walker was present for this application.
The Staff report pertaining to this application contained various
concerns from the Engineering Department and the Planning Department.
Mr. Walker said that all these concerns have been complied with in
his application for permit. He sees no problem with any of the
conditions.
Since there was no comment from the audience, Member Irvine moved
and Member Sallan seconded that the public hearing be closed.
Motion carried, 4-0
Approval of Member Irvine moved that Application HC -31,312.3 be approved subject
Application to the standard ASAC conditions 1-8 and conditions 9 and 10 as
HC -51,312.3 follows:
9. That the recommendation of approval is based upon Exhibits C (Robert
Adsero and Associates letter dated March 10, 1978) and D of this
application except as may be amended by special conditions contained
herein.
10. The subject grading plan is approved in concept; final approval of
on -site grading work shall be subject to staff approval prior to
MINUTES OF THE MARCH 23, 1978 ASAC MEETING
issuance of grading permit. Staff may refer any significant
revisions to the conceptual grading plan to the ASAC for review
prior to issuance of a grading permit.
Member Ripplinger seconded the motion.
Motion carried, 4-0
4. Application HC -51,337.2 - Victor M. Mandella (Adobe Inn) requesting
approval of site, landscaping, lighting and grading for remodeling of
parking area located at the south side of Stevens Creek Boulevard
west of Blaney Avenue.
Mr. John Flemming was present for this application. He explained that the,,
building has been there for over 30 years and that Mr. Mandella has
owned it for 17 years. During the last few rains, there has been flooding=
from the property to the west. As a consequence, the parking lot has
deteriorated. Mr. Mandella wants to restore the parking lot, add some
parking space and some landscaping. An earth berm will be built to prevent
further flooding. This berm will be landscaped. The property to the east,
which is currently being developed, is also at a higher elevation than the
Adobe Inn property. This puts the property in a "bathtub" situation.
Also, more parking will be added and an access provided to the property
to the east.
Site
Staff suggested deleting the northernmost 451 stall on east property line to
conform with the 50 ft. landscape setback depth on Stevens Creek Boule-
vard. Mr. Flemming objected to this requirement. There is a lot of
landscaping in the front; more than at any other site along that part of
Stevens Creek Boulevard. Six spaces have already been given up to land-
scaping and the applicant should not have to remove another space.
Member Irvine agreed that the space should be eliminated, but from a
safety standpoint. He stated that a car backing out of this space would
force another car trying to enter the lot at the same time to wait in the
sidewalk area.
Member Ripplinger asked why the spaces are at an angle. Mr. Flemming
said that this is to allow an 18' area for traffic between the end of the
parking stall and the building. This would allow 2 -way traffic.
Member Irvine pointed out that cars that are leaving by the Stevens Creek
entrance would be between the parking stalls and any cars trying to park
in the angled spaces along the east side. This is counter to the traffic
flow. He suggested reversing the angle of the stalls in the opposite
direction. Mr. Flemming answered that this is the way the lot has been
for many years and there has not been a safety problem. Also, they are
hoping that most of the exiting traffic will use the access to the east
when this is developed. Reversing the angle would require cars to circle
the lot to the rear in order to approach the spaces.
HC -214
Page 7
HC -2L MINUTES OF THE 'ARCH 23, 1978 ASAC ETING
Page 8
;Member Irvine stated that patrons would have to make the same movement
around the lot to the rear to leave if they use the Stevens Creek access.
Member Ripplinger noted that the configuration of the stalls at present
could be a dangerous situation. He asked if the Traffic Engineer had
!addressed this point. Mr. Caughey said that the site plan was reviewed
by the Traffic Engineer, but that reversing the angle of the stalls was
;not discussed. There is an agreement between the Adobe, the new Chrisman-
Taylor property and the Custom House proposed that will tie together all
3 parking lots . This would provide an access to the east of the Adobe
Inn property. Chairman Bond noted he would be opposed to reversing
the parking stalls.
1Mr. Flemming said he would be willing to go along with the City Traffic
;Engineer in this matter, and noted that no one suggested this as a problem
when the site plan was reviewed. If the Traffic Engineer decides the
1 stalls should be reversed, the landscaping should tie into the east
property line.
'Member Sallan stated she would rather see one stall given up per the
Staff's suggestion (if the stalls are left at the angle proposed)
in favor of more landscaping. Member Ripplinger agreed.
Another concern brought up in the staff report is the requirement for
a 6 ft. masonry barrier 'between this site and the adjoining apartment
1 complex. Mr. Flemming also objected to this requirement, saying that
i whoever builds first should be responsible for building the wall.
,When the apartment complex was built, they should have built a wall.
'This cost of building the wall would limit improvements to the Adobe
site. The applicant may just resurface the parking lot and leave the
i rest of the site as is. The extra cost would prohibit full development.
!Mr. Caughey pointed out that any condition can be objected to at the
City Council level. He suggested that this is a legal question that the
City Attorney should research and the City Council decide. Member Irvine
stated the City would have no means of forcing the apartment complex
to build the wall should the decision be that it has the responsibility
for building it, since they are not applying for a permit in this case.
Mr. Flemming said that there are just open carports facing the Adobe
Inn property from the apartment complex and he does not see why the
wall was not built when the complex was. Chairman Bond noted that
it may be a good idea to have pictures of the area in question.
Landscaping
Staff suggested addition of Silver Dollar Eucalyptus at each end of
center parking stall bank, and at irregular intervals along west perimeter
of the site. This should be changed to along west perimeter of the
parking lot because there are existing palm trees along the west perimeter
of the remaining area.
MINUTES OF THE MARCH 23, 1978 ASAC MEETING
HC -214
Page 9
Staff also suggested deleting most ground cover on Stevens Creek Blvd.
frontage in favor of lawn, and adding clusters of 15 gallon pines or
other evergreen trees, similar to the design approved for the Chrisman-
Taylor building. Mr. Flemming pointed out that there will be mounding
to the west and a retaining wall to the east. He stated that trees in
the area in question would hide the building from view. He would not
like to have large trees in the front. The Spanish motif should be re-
tained. A lawn is a maintenance problem. He noted that the property to
the east will have some lawn but that the Custom House does not, and that
none of the City median strips have lawn. Mr. Flemming would prefer
ground cover. Coyote bush would be installed. Member Sallan said she
would like to see a landscaping plan for this area.
Since there were no comments from the audience, Member Ripplinger moved
and Member Irvine seconded that the public hearing be closed.
{
Motion carried; 4-0
Member Sallan commented that she is delighted to see that the property
is being improved.
Member Sallan moved that Application HC -51,337.2 be approved subject to Approval of
the standard ASAC conditions 1-8 and conditions 9-13 as follows:
Application
9. That the recommendation of approval HC -51,337.2
is based upon Exhibits C, D and
E of this application except as may be amended by special conditions
contained herein.
10. The applicant shall sign a statement acceptable to the City Attorney
agreeing to provide reciprocal ingress/egress easements with the
adjoining properties at such time as the City can require the same from
the adjoining property owners. Said statement shall be recorded
prior to release of permits to construct the parking area improvements.
11. The northernmost 451 parking stall delineated on Exhibits C and D at
the east edge of the site shall be deleted in order to extend south-
ward the Stevens Creek Boulevard landscape setback on the east side of
the driveway.
12. The following modifications to Exhibit C shall be made prior to
issuance of construction permits.
a. Addition of 15 gallon container Eucalyptus Polyanthemos at each
end of the center parking stall bank and at the west perimeter of
the parking lot.
b. Modification of earth mounds in the landscape setback adjacent
to the Stevens Creek Boulevard frontage to a more irregular pattern.
c. Development of a formal landscaping plan including trees, ground
cover and shrubs on the Stevens Creek Boulevard frontage is to be
accomplished. Final plan is subject to informal ASAC review prior
to issuance of a building permit.
13. The Architectural and Site Approval Committee staff may review coverage
pattern and light intensity of all exterior lighting fixtures approved
'_ . 1 . ' / Ili u... I 1..v
Page 10
!under this application following their installation on -site. Final selec-
tion of pole stain color shall be approved by staff prior to field appli-
cation.
The motion was seconded by Member Ripplinger.
j Member Ripplinger stated he would -dike to discuss condition 11. He
Inoted that this eliminates one of the parking stalls. Mr. Flemming
jstated that if a wall is not required at the south property line,
he would be willing to delete this stall, but if the wall is required,
this condition would be appealed.
Chairman Bond . moved to amend the recommendation for approval to
strike out condition 11. The amendment died for lack of second.
Ayes - Ripplinger, Sallan,
Irvine, Bond
Motion carried, 4-0
A minute order, is to be sent to the City Attorney and to City Council
to the effect that the ASAC essentially wishes to grant the desires of
the applicant to upgrade the aesthetics of his property, including
comprehensive improvements of landscaping and parking lot pavement.
Standard ASAC conditions required construction of a masonry wall at the
south property line. It is unclear as the applicant's liability for
the cost of this construction and compliance with said standard condition.
It is the Committee's perception that while the responsibility appears
to rest with the applicant for the construction of the wall, this Committee
feels that the desired improvements should be granted independently of the
requirement for a wall.
The Committee was 4-0 in favor
of the Minute Order as stated
by Member Sallan.
This application will go before the City Council on April 3, 1978.
Committee recessed at 9:45 and reconvened at 9:52.
FINISHED BUSINESS - None
BUSINESS: Presentation by Mr. Russ Towne, "Water Wizard" Irrigation
Systems.
Mr. Towne could not be present. Mr. Don Welsh gave a presentation on
this system in his stead.
COMMISSION NOTES - None
OURNMENT - The meeting was adjourned at 10:37 p.m. until the next regular
meeting of April 5, 1978.
APPROVED:
TTEST:
/s/ H. Elliott Bond
Chairman
s/ Wm. E. Ryder
ity Clerk