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HomeMy WebLinkAboutASAC Minutes - 06-22-1978STATE OF CALIFORNIA, CITY OF CUPERTINO 10300 TORRE AVENUE, CUPERTINO, CA 95014 Telephone: (408) 252-4505 REGULAR MEETING OF THE ARCHITECTURAL AND SITE APPROVAL COMMITTEE HELD ON JUNE 22, 1978 IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM, ROOM 105, CITY HALL, CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA SALUTE TO THE FLAG The meeting was called to order at 7:12 p.m. by Chairman Bond with the Saluteto the Flag. ROLL CALL Members Present: Johnson, Sallan, Irvine (at 8:30), Chairman Bond Members Absent: Ripplinger Staff Present: Mark Caughey, Assistant Planner Chairman Bond reported on the results of discussions in the City as a result of the passage of Proposition 13. The ASAC wri1-1 continue, but support limitations have been imposed. These limitations involve less staff pre -hearing preparation with elimination of a written staff report and the use of 8' x 11 drawings instead of full size drawings, and discontinuation of a recording secretary, with minutes being recorded by staff in summary form. In addition, informal use permit reviews will be eliminated unless staff has a serious objection it feels must be resol by the ASAC; review of grading will be eliminated; and the landscape plans will be reviewed on a conceptual rather than detailed basis. These last steps should reduce committee meeting time, which would result in significant cost savings to the City. Chairman Bond noted that he has asked for a restatement of the ASAC's charter to reaffirm its purpose. He praised the staff and City Council for doing a good job in Cupertino, which is not in as much financial difficulty as a result of Proposition 13 as are other cities. He comment that the informal review process has been an important tool in getting some concerns across to applicants before a lot of money is spent on the projects. Member Sallan suggested that perhaps the ASAC could form some criteria which staff could communicate to applicants. This way, perennia ASAC concerns would be considered before the applicant came before ASAC with a proposal. Chairman Bond noted a solution might be to have ASAC me bers get together in study sessions to review applications informally This would give staff some direction for the applicant to follow. Member Sallan noted that the reason informal reviews were initiated is that the Committee had been getting unacceptable site applications. She now that Staff knows what the ASAC is looking for, there are few signific comments anymore. Mr. Caughey said he feels it is a good idea to bring informal reviews to the ASAC if there is a serious staff concern, but if there is not, applications will not come to the ASAC informally. Members HC -2J Page 1 r aid nt agreed. HC -220 Page 2 Approval Applicatic HC -51,458.: TINE-IES OF THE JUNE 22, 1978 ASAC i1EETING Chairman Bond said the questions "What is needed?" and "Why is it needed?" should be asked and that the ASAC should comply with the spirit of Proposition 13. Other members agreed. NOTICE: Chairman Bond announced that no public hearing will be initiated after 11:00 p.m. If a hearing should be in progress at that time, it will be continued until its conclusion or until 12 midnight, whichever comes first. The ASAC will adjourn by midnight. 1. Application HC -51,458.1 - Coast Federal Savings and Loan Association requesting approval of a comprehensive sign program for a freestanding financial building at the northwest quadrant of De Anza and Stevens Creek Boulevards. Mr. Arno Ferstenberg was present for this application. The application's sign portion was continued from ASAC meeting of June 8, 1978. Mr. Ferstenberg summarized the ASAC's comments on signing from last meeting. Differences in this proposal is elimination of parking lot directional signs, no color in the carved signs above entrances, reduction in the height of the freestanding sign from 8' to 7' with proportionate reduction in width, and toning down -of freestanding sign colors to yellow tones only. Mr. Ferstenberg also requested the addition of a small freestanding sign near the parking area at such time as the rest of the quadrant is developed. Members briefly discussed the changes and found them agreeable, with the exception of the second freestanding sign which will have to come in again at a later date for approval. Since there were no comments from the public, Member Sallan moved and Member Johnson seconded that the public hearing be closed. Motion carried, 3-0 Member Sallan commented that the Committee will need findings to justify the exception granted with addition of a freestanding sign. Mr. Caughey noted that the reason staff has supported the ground sign is because a wall sign up would disrupt the architectural concept of the building. Member Sallan commented that another solution would be if the applicant could feel the fascia carving sign is enough. Mr. Ferstenberg said the applicant would not consider this adequate signing. Member Sallan suggested findings would be that this approach more nearly balances aesthetics with economic balance per part 1.03.3 a -c of the sign ordinance. Other members agreed. Member Sallan moved that Application HC -51,458.1 be approved per the standard ASAC conditions 1-8 and conditions 9-12 as follows: 9. That the recommendation of approval is based on Exhibits G, H, F-3, Sheets 1 and 3, and F-5 of this application except as may be modified by special conditions enumerated herein. MINUTES OF THE JUNE 22, 1978 ASAC MEETING 10. Exhibit H is to exclude the freestanding sign at the rear portion of the property. 11. Lighting intensity and off -site lighting intrusion shall be subject to review by the ASAC or its staff. 12. A signing exception is granted as per Section 11.01, subsection 1.03.3a -c of the sign ordinance, with the approval of a freestanding ground sign. Member Johnson seconded the motion. Motion carried, 3-0 This application will go before the City Council July 3, 1978. 2. Application HC -51,421.3 - Pacific Valley Bank requesting approval of landscaping for a two-story office building on the north side of Stevens Creek Boulevard east of De Anza Boulevard. Mr. Warren Heid was present for this application. The landscaping porti was continued from the June 8, 19-78 ASAC meeting. Mr. Heid stated he had answered all ASAC concerns from the last meeting. Low mounding has been added to the front landscaping as well as extra clumps or clusters of trees. Asked why liquid amber had been chosen for the side, Mr. Heid replied that they are pretty trees with brilliant color. They are slender and grow to 25 or 30 feet at the most. Other large trees exist in that area so when the liquid ambers lose their leav there will still be coverage. He noted that he did build up the two cor areas as ASAC had suggested and increased initial size of plantings from 5 gallon to 15 gallon. Mr. Heid added that one redwood tree may have to be removed because of its poor condition, but he will try to save it. The Committee had no further concerns with landscaping. Since there was no comment from the audience, Member Sallan moved and Member Johnson seconded that the public hearing be closed. Motion carried, 3-0 9 r HC -220 Page 3 Member Johnson moved that Application HC -51,421.3 be approved subject Approval of to the standard ASAC conditions 1-8 and condition 9 as follows: Application HC -51,421.3 9. That the recommendation of approval is based on Exhibit C-lst Revisi n of this application except as may be amended by special conditions contained herein. The motion was seconded by Member Sallan. Motion carried, 3-0 HC -220 Page 4 Approval of Application HC -51,294 .2 MINUTES OF THE JUNE 22, 1978 ASAC MEETING Public Hearings 3 and 4 were postponed until the arrival of Member Irvine because Member Johnson cannot vote on these applications due to conflict of interest. This means a quorum was not present for these two applications. Public hearings 5 and 6 were postponed because the applicants were not present at this time. 7. Application HC -51,294.2 - Helen M. Kasik requesting approval of site, architecture,landscaping, grading for a two-story office building on the south side of Homestead Road, west of Stelling Road. Mr. C.A. Frazer was present representing Ms. Kasik. Mr. Caughey presented a revised exhibit which attempts to answer staff concerns. With respect to site, staff has a concern with having a handicapped stall for parking. T`' ' resolved at the building This can be --1 v permit level. The location of the trash enclosure has been changed to answer staff's concern about it. The only architectural concern was the east elevation and this has been answered by addition of archways in relief. Landscaping concerns were also answered. Since there was no comment from the audience, Member Johnson moved to close public hearing. Member Sallan seconded the motion. Motion carried, 3-0 Member Sallan said she does not feel the Committee has adequately evaluated the landscape plan. Chairman Bond stated he is depending on staff that the applicant has mixed deciduous and evergreen varieties. Member Sallan commented on the beauty of the Japanese maple tree variety used and noted it loses its leaves in November and gets them back in March. Member Sallan : ckad what kind of watering system is being used. Mr. Frazer said a pop up sprinkler head is used and the watering is computer controlled. Mr. Caughey added that this system is a low cost solid state digital control system which has better control than mechanical units. It has control to a 2-3 minute accuracy. Mr. Frazer said that it will even take care of low watering needs and is quite a water conservation device. Member Johnson moved that Application HC -51,294.2 be approved subject to the standard ASAC conditions 1-8 and conditions 9-il as follows: 9. That the recommendation of approval is based on Exhibits A and B-lst Revision of this application except as may be amended by special conditions contained herein. MINUTES OF THE JUNE 22, 1978 ASAC MEETING 10. Exhibit A shall be revised at the building permit level to relocate the trash enclosure in a manner similar to that shown in Exhibit B- lst Revision and shall include a handicapped parking stall subject to staff approval. 11. That the owner shall sign a statement agreeing to participate in reciprocal driveway easement with the surrounding parcels. Said statement shall further agree to coordinate with the circulation system of the adjoining properties at such time as they shall be installed. The agreement shall be subject to the review and approval of the City Attorney and results be approved and submitted to the Building Department prior to issuance of building permits. The motion was seconded by Member Sallan. Motion carried, 3-0 5. Application HC -51,392.31 - Sobrato-Berg Properties (Peppermill Restau: requesting approval of site, architecture, landscaping, grading, lighting for remodeling of an existing restaurant building, and creation of a temporary parking area adjoining the south side of exist restaurant parking lot. - Property located at the northeast quadrant of Mariani Avenue and De Anza Boulevard. Mr. John Sobrato was present for this application. Mr. Sobrato explained that the expansion and remodeling will increase the number of seats by 35. The only outside changes will be reducing a sidewalk from 9' to 5½' in the rear and decrease the overhang. The restaurant will look the same from De Anza Blvd. as it does now. Members had no problem with the modifications. Since there were no comments from the audience, Member Sallan moved and Member Johnson seconded that the public hearing be closed. Motion carried, 3-0 Mr. Caushey noted that the Planning Commission has asked that the applican provide a turnaround system in the parking area. Mr. Sobrato said he has no problem with this requirement.. Member Sallan moved that Application HC -51,392.31 be approved subject to the standard ASAC conditions 1-8 and Conditions 9 and 10 as follows: 9. That the recommendation of approval is based on Exhibits A, B, and C of this application except as may be amended by special conditions contained herein. 10. Prior to issuance of development permits, the applicant shall revise Exhibit A to comply with Condition 18 of Planning Commission Resolutio 1849, in a manner acceptable to the Director of Public Works. Motion carried, 3-0 HC -220 Page t) Lng Approval of ,pplication iC-51, 392.3 1 HC -220 MINUTES OF THE JUNE 22, 1978 ASAC MEETING Page 6 Member Irvine arrived at this point in the meeting (8:30) . 3. Application HC -51,392.6 - Sobrato-Berg Properties requesting approval of site, architecture, landscaping, grading, lighting and signing for a four-story office complex at the southeast quadrant of De Anza Boulevard and Mariani Avenue. Member Johnson is not able to vote on this application due to conflict of interest. Mr. Caughey recapped the discussion of this application at the last meeting. A detailed model of the proposed building and site was presented by Mr. Sobrato and'Mr. Donald L. Koehler. Mr. Sobrato said everything is to scale. The parking lot is depressed. Trees are shown at 10 year maturity. A model of buildings that will be in the rear of the fed the ASAC could get an idea of what proposed site was also present�., so the entire complex will look like from De Anza Blvd. Member Sallan commented that she liked the angle of the building. She mentioned that the flag poles are white. Mr. Sobrato said that if they are bronze, they will have a tendency to disappear. The intent of white is to break up the horizontal effect the building conveys. Members had no concerns about white flag poles. The staff expressed concern about the use of "Ceratonia" in the parking area. Mr. Sobrato said black acacia will be used instead. Mr. Sobrato said he would like to contract grow the trees. By ordering trees a year ahead, he would have equivalent of 15 gallon trees by the time they were ready to be installed. Member Sallan expressed concern about "holes" in the landscaping which would allow motorists to see the parking area. Mr. Caughey pointed out that there will also be shrubs in the landscaping which were impractical to show in the model because of the scale. Mr. Sobrato added that there will also be mounding behind the sidewalk, which does not show up on the model very well. He noted that this is viewed as an improvement by the assessment district. There was also some concern about the positioning of 24" box specimens along the residential side of the development to reduce glare and assure the privacy of residents. Condition 26 of Planning Commission Resolution 1837 requires these 24" box specimen evergreen along the south property line as screening protection to privacy of adjoining homes. Mr. Caughey said it is not clear as to the intent of this condition, whether the trees could be placed in strategic spots or have to be solid. He said staff will check this out and approve it on the building permit level. Mr. Sobrato said he would also like to contract grow these plants. MINUTES OF THE JUNE 22, 1978 ASAC MEETING Lighting Staff noted that pole height and fixture wattage were not specified. Mr. Sobrato said they will be 30' high and 400 watts per fixture. The fixtures will be shielded on the residential side. Member Irvine noted that the fixtures are "cutoff" types and will not intrude anyway. Mr. Sobrato added that the light will be a warm goldish light as opposed to the blue-green of mercury vapor types. They will be similar to those at Valico Fashion Plaza. Mr. Sobrato said there has been a problem with people running in to light poles. He suggested a pedestal be allowed at the base. Member Sallan objected to this and suggested a circular planter be substituted. Chairman Bond noted that a concrete pad would not be noticed from the street. Mr. Sobrato said if a planter is put in, the pole may rust out and the soil may get too acid to grow anything. Member Bond said he felt a pedestal would be acceptable if painted to match the pole (bronze). Member Irvine agreed, while Members Sallan and Johnson disagreed. Signing The applicant has asked for 3 ground signs; one at each entrance and one at a corner. Mr. Caughey noted that in light industrial zoned areas, generally only one ground sign is allowed. He also noted that this is a Planned Development so staff is comfortable with allowing the proposed signing because of the size of the signs and distance in relation to the building. The distance between signs would be about 700'. Mr. Sobrato noted that there is a utility box at the corner to control street lights, and he would like to put this underground at Four -Phase expense if possible. Mr. Caughey said this would have to be decided by the Public Works Department. Member Sallan asked why the applicant feels they need another sign. Mr. Sobrato said they wish to identify the driveway as a Four -Phase driveway and that the acreage involved justifies the signs. Chairman Bond asked the colors on the signs. Mr. Sobrato replied they are the same as the other signs on Mariani for Four -Phase. These signs, howeve will not be plastic. but cast and will be externally lighted. Member Sallan asked about putting the address on the signs. Mr. Sobrato has no problem with this. There was brief discussion as to the position of the street number. Since there was no comment from the audience, Member Irvine moved and Member Sallan seconded that the public hearing be closed. HC -220 Page 7 Motion carried, 3-0 Member Johnson abstaining HC -220 Page 8 MINUTES OF THE JUNE 22, 1978 ASAC .1EETING Approval of Application HC -51,392.6 Member Sallan moved that Application HC -51,392.6 be approved subject to standard ASAC conditions 1-8 and conditions 9-18 as follows: 9. That the recommendation of approval is based on Exhibits A, B, C, D, E and F of this application except as may be amended by special conditions contained herein. 10. Parking lot layout dimensions shall be prepared to City standards to the satisfaction of the City Engineer prior to issuance of development permits. 11. Prior to release of development permits, the applicant shall submit written documentation from an acoustical consultant detailing noise impacts, if any, beyond the property lines of the project from the proposed cooling tower equipment depicted on Exhibits A and F of this application. Said document shall include mitigation measures to relieve any off -site acoustical impact from said equipment. 12. The proposed flag poles at the north side of the building are conceptually approved by this Committee and referred back to the Planning Commission for use approval. 13. The three parking spaces at the southeast corner of the site shall be deleted in favor of landscaping. 14. The final landscape plan for the south property line shall be subject to staff review prior to release of building permits. The staff is to review with the applicant the exact positioning of the box specimen trees to insure that the intent of Condition 26 of Planning Commission Resolution 1837 is met. 15. The applicant is permitted to contract grow the landscaping, to field grow the box specimens and parking lot trees so that at the time of installation the box trees will be the equivalent of 24" specimens and the parking lot trees will be equivalent to 15 gallon trees. 16. The applicant is permitted to have the light standards resting on 2' pedestals of circular shape. The pads will be concrete and painted to match the poles. The total pole height is not to exceed 30'. 17. Lighting intensity and off -site lighting intrusion is subject to review by the ASAC or its staff. 18. The applicant is to affix a street number to both signs on the De Anza Boulevard frontage. Member Irvine seconded the motion. Motion carried, 3-0 Member Johnson abstaining MINUTES OF THE JUNE 22, 1978 ASAC MEETING HC -220 Page 9 The Committee recessed at 9:19 p.m. and reconvened at 9:34 p.m. 4. Application HC -51,392.41 - Sobrato-Berg Properties (Four -Phase Systems) requesting approval of exception to Section 7.05.1 of Ordinance No. 746 to permit a wall sign, oriented to exclusive visibility of a freeway, and situated within 660 ft. of a landscaped freeway as defined in Section 2.15 of Ordinance No. 745. Property located at the southeast quadrant of De Anza Boulevard and Freeway 280. Mr. John Sobrato and Mr. Donald Koehler were present for this application. Mr. Caughey said that although staff empathizes with the applicant, it recommends denial of this application. There is a definite policy in the sign ordinance that prohibits this type of sign. Mr. Koehler said that the sign would be located on the warehouse building facing the freeway. The logo is 4' high and letters are 2' high. He noted that the site only has 1 sign, but is a 35 acre site. The existing sign is right near the Peppermill Restaurant. The sign proposed would lessen confusion. Member Sallan noted that it may be nice to know what building it is from the freeway, but this does not justify an exception. She also commented that she does not see how it will lessen confusion. Member Sallan moved that Application HC -51,392.41 be continued. ContinuancE Member Irvine seconded that motion. of Applica- tion HC -51•, Motion carried, 3-0 392.41 Member Johnson abstaining 6. Application HC -51,075.406 - Vallco Park. Ltd. requesting approval of addition to sign program for regional shopping center to permit addition of one tenant sign on the exterior of Phase Two Mall Shops. Mr. Bill Tagg was present for this application. Mr. Tagg noted that the lower level of the shopping center will be called "Down Under" and will include an ice skating rink, international restaurar and market stalls. He described the proposed sign as fairly low key; the background being a brick wall, a windmill in red and brown with a white background and white letters. The words "ice skating", "restaurant' and "market stalls" will be below the windmill in white 8" letters. The size of the windmill is approx. 6' x7', which is a small sign for the size of the wall. The colors brown and red were chosen because the brown is being repeated from other parts of the center and the red is a repeat from the skating rink. Mr. Tagg noted that the arrow pointing to the center is also white. White has also been used in other parts of the center. Member Sallan asked how far from the viewer the sign will be. Mr. Tagg said 60'-70'. She said she does not feel the arrow is necessary, Mr. Caughey commented that it does tend to balance the sign's effect. HC -220 Page 10 MINUTES OF THE JUNE 22, 1978 ASAC MEETING pproval of pplication C-51,075.40 Since there was no comment from the audience, Member Johnson moved and Member Irvine seconded that the public hearing be closed. Motion carried, 4-0 Member Johnson said he had some question as to whether the arrow to the side of the windmill is necessary, but is happy with the rest of the sign. Member Irvine moved that Application HC -51,075.406 be approved subject to the standard ASAC conditions 1-8 and condition 9 as follows: 9. That the recommendation of approval is based on Exhibit F and F-1 of this application except as may be amended by special conditions contained herein. The motion was seconded by Member Johnson. Motion carried, 4-0 This application is approved and will not have to go before City Council. 8. Application HC -51,381.2 - Applicant has asked for a continuance. INFORMAL REVIEW OF PLANNED DEVELOPMENT USE PERMIT APPLICATIONS: 10-U-78 The O.K. Earl Corporation/John Gray (Home Federal Savings and Loan Association): to construct approximately 15,500 sq. ft. office building and receive conceptual approval for an additional future office building consisting of approximately 17,400 sq. ft. Said property is located on the southeast corner of Stevens Creek Boulevard and Miller Avenue in a P (Planned Development with commercial, industrial, residential use intent) zone. The architectural intent is to tie the two Home Savings buildings together (one exists across the street). The ASAC would like to see some sort of transition between the proposed building and the Mercury Savings building; which will be between the two Home Savings buildings. Members felt there should be landscaping along the east property line. 11-U-78 Michael Del Monaco (Anthony's Pier): to construct a "formal sit-down" restaurant consisting of approximately 7,500 sq. ft. on a 1.38 acre parcel located on the southwest corner of the intersection of North De Anza Boulevard and Highway 280 in a P (Planned Development with commercial, industrial, residential use intent) zone.• The only concern raised by members was that there be adequate landscaping along the freeway frontage. The 5' allowed is only a bare minimum, and there should be more if possible. MINUTES OF THE JUNE 22, 1978 ASAC MEETING HC -220 Page 11 15-U-78 Hare, Brewer & Kelley, Inc.: to construct a single -story retail furniture store consisting of approximately 20,160 sq. ft. ++ located on the north side of Stevens Creek Boulevard approxi mater 300 ft. westerly of Portal Avenue. II The Committee has a concern about the architecture and its compatibility with other structures in the area. Member Sallan said she felt the building would be better without the steeple. Members objected to the driveway in the front and suggested that a similar effect could be obtained by using a sidewalk. 16-U-78 Vallco Park, Ltd.: Co construct a two-story industrial manufactur'ng and office building consisting of approximately 158,000 sq. ft. on a 17 acre parcel located at the north side of Vallco Parkway approximately 1500 ft. easterly of Wolfe Road in a MP (Planned Manufacturing) zone. The Committee had no concerns. The meeting was adjourned at 10:25 p.m. until the next regular meeting of July 6, 1978. APPROVED: /s/ H. Elliott Bond Chairman ATTEST: /s/ Wm. E. Ryder City Clerk