Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutASAC Minutes - 04-06-1978CITY 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 APRIL 6, 1978 IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM, ROOM 105, CITY HALL, CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA SALUTE TO THE FLAG The meeting was called to order at 7:20 p.m. by Chairman Bond with the Salute to the Flag ROLL CALL Members Present: Sallan, Irvine, Chairman Bond Members Absent: Claudy, Ripplinger Staff Present: Mark Caughey, Assistant Planner INFORMAL REVIEW OF PLANNED DEVELOPMENT USE PERMIT APPLICATION: Postponed because applicant was not present. Applicants for Public Hearings were present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of Regular Meeting of March 23, 1978. Chairman Bond asked that the word "Chairperson", used in the March 23 minutes, be changed to "Chairman", and that the latter term be used henceforth when referring to him when presiding over the meeting. Member Irvine moved that the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 23, 1978 be approved as amended. Member Sallan seconded the motion. Motion carried, 3-0 POSTPONEMENTS - None WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - None ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. Application HC -51,405.1 - Nunzio Cicero requesting approval of a sign program for a commercial business establishment located at the southeast corner of Stevens Creek Boulevard and De Anza Boulevard. Mr. Nunzio Cicero of 10050 DeAnza Blvd. and Mr. Frank Mulkern of 20800 Homestead Rd., 14H were present for this application. Mr. Mulkern is from the Cupertino Chamber of Commerce. HC -215 Page 1 HC -215 MINUTES OF THE APRIL 6, 1978 ASAC MEETING Page 2 j The west wall sign is consistent with the ordinance; however, the North wall sign is 150 sq. ft., which is too large for the length of the wall. Staff suggested the sign be reduced to 75 sq. ft., which would be consistent with the ordinance. Mr. Mulkern explained that this sign was up before the ordinance was enacted and was therefore grandfathered, i.e. not subject to the new ordinance. The old ordinance said that. sign size was based on square footage, not wall dimensions. He stated that many merchants come under this grandfather clause, some of which do not even have per- mits. Mr. Cicero has two legal permits from the City and they are grandfathered. There has been no change of ownership of the business. Chairman Bond explained that when the name of the establishment was changed from Cuppola's to Cicero's, the ASAC conditioned approval of the application to the effect that the sign program would meet the new sign ordinance and that Mr. Cicero was to come back within two months after the new ordinance was to go into effect with a sign that would meet it. The change of copy makes the sign subject to the new ordinance. Mr. Cicero asked if this condition can be appealed. Chairman Bond replied that it could have been appealed at the time it was made, but not now. Mr. Cicero stated that he would like to leave the signs just as they are now, since the building will probably be torn down in a couple of years anyway. He is willing to remove the roof sign but does not think the wall sign on the north wall should be changed. Mr. Mulkern stated that he does not find the north wall sign offensive, and that there are many signs in the City that do not have any legal permits. Mr. Cicero would nearly meet the new ordinance by taking down the roof sign. Member Sallan stated that the only way the City can have all signs in conformance with the new ordinance is through changes to the signs which require applications for permits. She said she sees no evidence that the applicant would suffer hardship by conforming to the ordinance, and therefore no reason that an exception should be granted. Chairman Bond asked if Mr. Cicero received any payment from 7 -Up for the 7 -Up logo on the sign. Mr. Cicero indicated he does not. Chairman Bond suggested that this portion of the sign be removed. This would reduce the size of the sign. Members Irvine and Sallan agreed that this would be acceptable to them. Mr. Mulkern noted that this may be a good compromise since the ASAC can hold Mr. Cicero to the new sign ordinance. Mr. Cicero agreed. Since there was no comment from the audience, Member Sallan moved and Member Irvine seconded that the public hearing be closed. Motion carried, 3-O MINUTES OF THE APRIL 6, 1978 ASAC MEETING Member Irvine moved that Application HC -51,405..1 be approved subject to the Standard ASAC conditions 1-8 and conditions 9-11 as follows: 9. That the recommendation of approval is based upon Exhibits F, 1st revision and F2 of this application except as may be amended by special conditions contained herein. 10. The ASAC or its staff shall retain authority to require correction of off -site lighting intrusion impacts for any sign approved under this application. 11. The existing roof -mounted sign depicted on Exhibit F-1 and supporting apparatus, shall be removed concurrently with procedures taken to reduce the area of the painted sign on the north elevation of the subject business as per Exhibit F, 1st revision. Member Sallan seconded the motion. Motion carried, 3-0 2. Application HC -51,437.1 - Steve L. Stockwell and Lynn A. Hethcock (Spinnin' Wheels Skatepark) requesting modification of architecture for a skateboard recreation park located adjacent to and westerly of Stelling Road. Mr. Lynn Hethcock was present for this application. The applicant proposes to add a walk-up observation deck on the roof at the north edge of the clubhouse. It is intended to provide additional space for parents and spectators and possibly for media during special events . Since the proposal deletes the decorative fascia -on the north end of the building, this was discussed by the ASAC. Mr. Hethcock noted that the reason for eliminating the fascia was economic and also aesthetic. The vertical and horizontal lines created by the deck may make the north elevation look too busy if the fascia were retained. Chairman Bond asked if the deck could be dropped to the level of the fascia. Mr. Hethcock replied that the visual area would be reduced. If the deck is at the top, the whole park can be viewed. Member Irvine also pointed out that this would make the deck too low and there would be a danger of someone hitting his head on the bottom of it. Member Sallan noted she does not have a strong feeling about removing the fascia or about leaving it. Member Irvine said he does not agree that it would look better without the fascia, but that it wouldn't look bad without it. Since there was no comment from the audience, Member Sallan moved and Member Irvine seconded that the public hearing be- closed. Motion carried, 3-0 HC -215 Page 3 Approval o: App li cat i or. HC -51,405. HC -215 MINUTES OF THE APRIL 6, 1978 ASAC MEETING Page 4 Member Sallan stated she was concernedabout what the lighting of the staircase would look like. Mr. Hethcock stated it would be a bullet type of light and would be directed toward the staircase. The light would not intrude in any other area. Approval of Member Sallan moved that Application HC -51,437.1 be approved subject Application to the Standard ASAC conditions 1-8 and conditions 9-11 as follows: HC -51,437.1 9. The recommendation of approval is based upon Exhibits B-2 and B-3 of this application except as may be amended by special conditions contained herein. 10. Steel columns supporting the deck structure shall be enclosed with a natural wood wrapping, subject to staff approval. 11. Lighting facilities installed on or beneath the approved deck structure shall be adjustable to preclude off -site intrusion impacts subject to staff approval. The motion was seconded by Member Irvine. Motion carried, 3-0 This application will,go_befo re the City Council on April 17, 1978. 3. Application HC -51,002.17 - Michael G. Pisano requesting approval of site, architecture, landscaping, lighting and grading for construction of a triplex located adjacent to and easterly of Alpine Drive approximately 300 ft. from the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and Alpine Drive. Mr. Michael Pisano of 10201 Hillcrest Rd., Cupertino, was present for this application. Site - no concerns Architecture - no concerns Lighting - no concerns Gradin The Engineering Department has concerns relative to draining pattern. Mr. Pisano said he will work with the Engineering Department and Staff to rectify this situation. He indicated that the pad would not be raised, but probably lowered. Mr. Caughey indicated that if the pad has to be raised, it will come back to the ASAC. Landscaping Since there were some members of the audience concerned with the application, the hearing was opened to the public at this point. MINUTES OF THE APRIL 6, 1978 ASAC MEETING Mr. Paul Hardman, 10397 Vista Knoll Blvd, Cupertino; Mr. M.R. Rasmussen, 10387 Vista Knoll Blvd, Cupertino; and Ms. Phyllis Pisano, 10201 Hillcres Road, Cupertino were members of the audience speaking to this application Mr. Hardman said he had some serious concerns. The first was regarding grading. He said he would like to be sure no water runs on to his property from the site. The second is regarding landscaping. The 1 gallon plants proposed along the rear of the site are inadequate. He would like to see a tall screening plant or something that will blend with what is already there to provide screening and privacy for the Hardman's and for the future residents of the Pisano site. He said he has no concerns with possible blocking of sunlight into his yard. The second landscaping concern is relative to the type of plant proposed. The proposed plants are tulip trees, which are not good for a pool becaus they are deciduous trees and have a spreading root structure which may damage a pool. He stated a preference for some tree that is not deciduous and has a different root structure. Mr. Pisano said he has no objection to changing the trees in the rear to an evergreen with a non -spreading root structure. A hedge of Pittosporum Tenuifolium is proposed at the rear of the property. Member Sallan asked the maximum height of this shrub and noted they should be 5 gallon minimum rather than one gallon initial size. Member Irvine noted that if the initial size is 5 gallon, the centers may need to be wider. Chairman Bond summarized the Committee's agreement that the Pittosporum should remain, but at a 5 gallon initial size, the centers to be determined by Mr. Pisano's landscape architect and approved by the staff; and that proposed tulip trees be replaced with an evergreen tree with a non -spreading root system. Mr. Hardman indicated this is acceptable. Another landscaping concern was brought up by bhe staff; that is, that the proposed Quercus Ilex trees be changed to another plant because of neighborhood problems with Oak Root Fungus. Mr. Pisano agreed with this suggestion. He asked that the suggested requirement for 15 gallon initi size along the side of the site be reduced to 5 gallon. Member Irvine noted that since this is out of the public view, he does not see any problem in reducing this requirement to 5 gallon. Member Sallan agreed, and added that 1 gallon plants proposed also be changed to at least 5 gallon size. Another concern brought up by Mr. Hardman is that of safety. He noted that there are 2 pools adjacent to the Pisano site and that there are many youngsters in the neighborhood. He is concerned that equipment used while the site is being developed may knock holes in the fences, which would allow children to wander into the pool areas. He suggested that a fence be constructed on the Pisano site to preclude this. HC -215 Page 5 HC -215 Page 6 Approval of Application HC -51,002.17 MINUTES OF THE APRIL 6, 1978 ASAC MEETING Mr. Rasmussen expressed this concern also, saying that if panels were .knocked out of his fence, a child could get to the pool and possibly drown. He expressed his opinion that a permanent fence be erected. Ms. Phyllis Pisano noted that inspectors come out every few days and would see if panels were knocked from the fence. She stated that the only time there would be heavy equipment in the area would be in the very beginning when grading would be done, and at the end. Chairman Bond asked why the ASAC is involved in this particular discussion. Mr. Caughey stated that the residents feel that protection against a possible accident should be obtained. He added that the City Attorney does not feel the City can impose a condition for a permanent fence in this case. The discussion about a permanent fence should be left to the applicant and the residents of the neighborhood. Mr. Rasmussen expressed his favorable opinion regarding this developer a f the regarding landscaping, over previous ones. He approved of Lilc negotiations o__ _ saying if the right screening can be obtained it will be best for everyone. He said he does not see a need for another fence per se, but would like the protection it would afford against possible accidents. Since there were no further comments from the audience, Member Irvine moved and Member Sallan seconded that the public hearing be closed. Motion carried, 3-0 Member Sallan agreed that the ASAC has no right to impose a condition to build a fence on Mr. Pisano, but was sympathetic to the concerns of the residents. Mr. Pisano said he shares this concern, but that there is not much reason for heavy equipment and trucks to be in the area of concern.. He noted it is feasible that fences could be damaged, but the area will be monitored. He noted that all employees are bonded and carry insurance. Member Irvine moved that Application HC -51,002.17 be approved subject to the standard ASAC conditions 1-8 and conditions 9-11 as follows: 9. That the recommendation of approval is based upon Exhibits C, D, E and information. . of this application except as may be amended by special conditions contained herein. 10. Exhibit C shall be revised at the building permit level as follows: 1. The proposed hedge of Pittosporum Tenuifolium at the rear of the property shall consist of five gallon size specimens planted at a maximum o.c. distance subject to staff approval. 2. The proposed Eucalyptus Torquata on the east property line shall be a minimum 5 gallon initial size when planted. MINUTES OF THE APRIL 6, 1978 ASAC MEETING 3. A substitute specie for the Quercus Ilex and Liriodendron Tulipifera shall be approved by .staff. The substitute should be evergreen and have a noninvasive root structure. 4. A minimal planting scheme for both side yards shall be developed and approved by staff. 11. Grading and drainage details shall be specified to the satisfaction of the City Engineer;. any increase in finish floor or pad elevation beyond that depicted 0n Exhibit D shall be approved by the ASAC. Member Sallan seconded the motion. Motion carried, 3-0 This application will go before the City Council on April 17, 1978. The Committee recessed at 9:10 p.m. and reconvened at 9:25 p.m. 4. Application HC -51,453.1 - Robert Alerik Peepari (Do -Nut Wheel) requesting approval of site, architecture, landscaping, lighting and grading for a doughnut shop located at the southeast corner of the intersection of De Anza Boulevard and Lazaneo Drive. Mr. William Weil, 10250 N. De Anza Boulevard, Cupertino, and Mr. Robert Peepari, 4040 Moorpark Avenue, San Jose, were present for this application Mr. Weil is the owner of the Donut Wheel. Mr. Peepari is the architect for the project. Site Staff reported a concern regarding the location of the handicapped parking stall and suggested that it be moved closer to the building. Mr. Weil stated he has very few handicapped coming into his donut shop and has never seen a wheelchair in the shop for 20 years. Member Irvine noted that the requirement for a handicapped parking stall is a state law, but the locatic of the stall is not. He also noted that if the parking stall were to be moved per staff suggestion, a wheelchair would have to wheel up on the sidewalk anyway and the distance would be about the same in either position. Chairman Bond commented that hewouldrather have the extra landscaping in the corner staff proposes for the handicapped stall. Consensus - The Committee agreed to leave the handicapped stall where the applicant proposes to put it. The second site concern is regarding the trash enclosure. The applicant has relocated it in accordance with the wishes of the Planning Commission, but would like to eliminate the gates on the enclosure. Mr. Weil explainer that the trash cans would have to be moved out of the enclosure 3 times a week and returned to the enclosure. Gates would be an impediment to this movement and would be easily damaged. There is also a 6' wall which would screen the enclosure from public view. HC -215 Page 7 HC -215 ! MINUTES OF THE APRIL 6, 1978 ASAC MEETING Page 8 Member Sallan commented that.this wall would hide the enclosure from view. Chairman Bond noted that i.f gates are left off, it would be easy to leave the trash containers sticking out. Member Irvine observed that without a gate, there may be a better chance that the dumpsters would be rolled back into the enclosure. Mr. Weil noted that it would not be difficult to police the area to be sure the dumpsters would be inside the enclosure. Committee members agreed to allow elimination of the gates. A third concern regarding site was that of the bicycle rack location. Staff noted that the rack is considerably removed from the building entry and that the windowless wall in the area permits poor surveillance of bicycles. It was suggested that the racks be moved to the proximity of the entry. Mr. Weil noted that if the handicapped stall is left in the same place, the bicycle parking must be left in the same place due to'configuration of the site. The racks would-be the type in. which the wheel would be placed and the bikes would be lockable. Member Sallan suggested that the location be reconsidered and worked out with the staff. Member Irvine noted that if the racks are out of site from the shop, cyclists will park them in front of the entry anyway to allow for surveillance. Mr. Peepari suggested moving them to the corner. Chairman Bond noted that the racks could be moved to the approximate NE corner of the building. Committee members agreed. The final configuration will be subject to staff approval. A final site concern is the masonry wall surrounding the site. The applicant proposed a slumpstone wall, which is similar to the existing wall around the B.A.S. development, but without pilasters and unpainted. Mr. Peepari explained that he feels the grey color of the slumpstone would match the Donut Wheel building better. Member Sallan noted that grey may not look as good as a sandstone color. Mr. Weil commented that it may break the monotony of the brown wall. Mr. Peepari noted that if the grey color is not attractive, it can be painted at a later date. Chairman Bond noted that this wall cannot be seen from De Anza Blvd, which is the ASAC's major concern. He stated he would like to have the color subject to staff approval. Architecture The only possible concern is with screening of the mechanical equipment. Mr. Peepari noted that the screening provided should be adequate while keeping the building at a low profile. There were no Staff or Committee concerns with architecture. Landscaping Staff had no concerns with. landscaping. Chairman Bond noted he would like to see some tall plants along the blank wall in,the rear elevation. Mr. Peepari noted that some of the proposed plants will attain a height of 7' to 8'. Member Irvine observed that the concrete mowing strip proposed may be too wide at 8". Mr. Peepari said he would consult the landscape architect to see if they can be reduced to 6". MINUTES OF THE APRIL 6, 1978 ASAC MEETING Grading Mr. Peepari noted that grading will be worked out with the City Engineer. There were no grading concerns from the Staff or Conu-nittee. Lighting Member Irvine noted that the business is open 24 hours a day and asked if a dark parking lot would be a problem. Mr. Peepari noted that there is a street light on the corner, which would provide adequate parking lot lighting. Member Irvine stated that from a liability standpoint, it may be a good idea to have parking lot lighting. He suggested the solution would be to see how much lighting is coming from the street and determine from there if parking lot fixtures would be necessary. Mr. Weil said he would install lighting if it was found to be needed. This was acceptable to the Committee. Signing Signing was not proposed at this time, but Mr. Weil indicated that he may want to have a ground sign instead of a wall sign. He will have to come back to the Committee to obtain a sign permit. Since there were no comments from the audience, Member Sallan moved and Member Irvine seconded that the public hearing be closed. Motion carried, 3-0 Member Sallan moved that Application HC -51,453.1 be approved subject to the Standard ASAC conditions 1-8 and conditions 9-14 as follows: 9. That the recommendation of approval is based upon Exhibits A, B and C of this application except.as may be amended by special conditions contained herein. 10. Final configuration of the parking area layout is subject to approv of the Director of Public Works prior to issuance of development permits. 11. Secured bicycle parking racks shall be placed on the site in a loca- tion permitting surveillance thereof from within the building; the type, and number of said bicycle racks, and location near the North- east corner of the building shall be subject to staff approval prior to issuance of development permits. 12. The color of the proposed masonry wall depicted on Exhibit A shall b subject to staff approval. HC -215 Page 9 Approval of Application HC -51,453.1 HC -215 1 MINUTES OF THE APRIL 6, 1978 Page 10 13. Final drainage solution the City Engineer. 14. Final lighting solution staff review prior to is ASAC : EE 1 1N is shall be configured to the satisfaction of for the parking area shall be subject to ssuance ' of development permits. The motion was seconded by Member Irvine. Motion carried, 3-U This application will go before the City Council on April 17, 1978. Drawings and samples of wood stains for the first 3 storefronts in the developing shopping center at Portal and Stevens Creek Blvd. were presented for the Committee's review. Committee members expressed agreement with the design and appearance of the store fronts. INFORMAL REVIEW OF PLANNED DEVELOPMENT USE PERMIT APPLICATION: 3-U-78 George Savage .and Leon Fr_ngadakis: Construction of a 3,800 sq. ft. dental laboratory on the north side of Pacifica Drive approximately 200 ft. easterly of De Anza Boulevard. (Postponed from the beginning of the meeting) . Member Sallan made a general comment regarding ASAC preliminary reviews, to the extent that the reviews be highlighted as ASAC input to the Planning Commission instead of being couched in the staff report. Committee Members agreed. The following concerns were brought out regarding this preliminary review: - 1. Bomanite border should be continued on all 4 sides of the paved area. 2. The location of the handicapped stall should be closer to entrances. 3. The location of the trash enclosure should be reconsidered because the proposed place is the focal point of the driveway and highly visible. The Committee noted that the laboratory will be a very handsome building if built as proposed. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Staff reported that the Adobe Inn was found to be responsible for building the wall to the rear of the site; but that the northernmost stall can stay. The election of a new Chairman and Vice -Chair an will be conducted at the next meeting. NEW BUSINESS - None INTER CO,)/,% ISSlON NOTES - None ADJOURNMENT - The meeting was adjourned at 10:37 p.m. APPROVED: ATTEST: /s/ H. Elliott Bond /s/ Wm E. Ryder Chairman City Clerk