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HomeMy WebLinkAboutASAC Minutes - 01-20-1977CITY OF CUPERTINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA 10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino Telephone: 252-4505 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE ARCHITECTURAL AND SITE APPROVAL COMMITTEE HELD ON JANUARY 20, 1977 IN THE LIBRARY CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL, CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA SALUTE TO THE FLAG Ch. Sallan called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. with the Salute to the Flag. ROLL CALL Members present: Bond (7:55), Claudy, Irvine (7:12), Ripplinger, Ch. Sallan Members absent: None Staff present: Senior Planning Technician Mark Caughey INFORMAL REVIEW OF PLANNED DEVELOPMENT USE PERMIT APPLICATIONS: None APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Meraoer Claudy moved to continue approval of Minutes to the end of the agenda. Seconded by Member Ripplinger. Motion carried, 3-0 POSTPONEMENTS: None WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: Staff member Caughey said there was a letter pertaining to Application HC -51,002.11, item 6 of the agenda. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:None Ch. Sallan advised no public hearing would be initiated after 11:00 p.m.) HC -185 Page 1 HC -185 Page 2 HC -51,333.7 Cal Coast Sign Co. (Inprint Corporation; Public Hearings closed HC -51,333.7 approved HC -51,027.4: Northern California Savings MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 20, 1977 H -CONTROL MEETING PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. Application HC -51,333.7 - Cal Coast Sign Company (Inprint Corporation) requesting approval of signing for a commercial building located at 10625 Bandley Drive in the Valley Green Business Park. Continued from H -Control meeting of January 13, 1977. Senior Planning Technician Caughey briefly reviewed staff memo of January 14, 1977. The proposed wall sign is an 18 sq. ft. non -illuminated sign to be mounted on the decorative stone work at the extreme north end of Building 6. The background will be ivory and letters will be black. Mr. Verne Pitroff, Cal Coast Sign Company, said it would not be lighted in any manner as it was not necessary for the sign to be seen at night. Ch. Sallan questioned how this sign would compare with the existing "Smart Clinic" wall sign on the opposite end of the building. Staff member Caughey displayed a rendering of the "Smart Clinic" application. The hearing was opened for public comments. There were none. Member Claudy moved to close Public Hearings, seconded by Member Ripplinger. Motion carried, 4-0 Member Claudy moved approval of Application HC -51,333.7, subject to the standard H -Control conditions. Seconded by Member Ripplinger. Motion carried, 4-0 Ch. Sallan advised the application would be heard by the City Council at its February 7, 1977, meeting. 2. Application HC -51,027.41 - Northern California Savings request- ing approval of change of copy for an existing wall sign and an existing ground sign for a bank facility located at the north- east corner of Rodrigues Avenue and De Anza Boulevard. Senior Planning Technician Caughey displayed colored renderings of the proposed signs. He pointed out there would be no change in design concept or dimensions. Because of statements of concern regarding copy size of the wall sign contained in minutes of December 22, 1976 hearing and noted in the recent field inspection tour, it was felt this Committee should have the the opportunity to review this application. MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 20, 1977 H -CONTROL MEETING HC -185 Page 3 Mr. Dan Bias, 139 Montclair Drive, Santa Cruz, said although they would be losing 30% illumination by changing colors of the signs, they felt the proposed signing was more aesthetic and more in keeping with the building. Color chips were exhibited. The letters would be white with gold trim on rust background. Ch. Sallan noted the building was buff colored and suggested the letters should be ivory. Slides were shown of the site and building. Mr. Bias said the ivory colored letters would be opaque and even more illumination would be lost. He felt the white lettering would look better. The Committee members were agreed the signs as proposed would be a vast improvement. Ch. Sallan referred to a field tour taken by the Committee members. She noted the vault addition is very stark and suggested some plants be placed there. Mr. Bias said they would consider this. He said they were proposing an inlay to help break the starkness of that wall. It was approved and the presentation was being prepared. He thought it should be installed within 30 days. Staff member Caughey exhibited the site plan. Ch. Sallan said it had been their understanding there would be some mounding in the landscape planter area between the two driveway openings on Rodrigues Avenue. Mr. Jim McVey, 41650 Manwood, Fremont, said there was only 8 ft. and the landscape architect felt 10 ft. was minimum due to sloughing. He noted they had recommended additional xylosma be added in this area and this had been done. Mr. McVey said a tree had been blown down and would be replaced. The applicants agreed some shrubs would be added along the vault area. The hearing was opened for public comments. There were none. Member Claudy moved to close Public Hearings, seconded by Member Irvine.] Motion carried, 4-0 HC -185 Page 4 HC -51,02 7.41 approved (MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 20, 1977 H -CONTROL MEETING Member Claudy moved to approve Application HC -51,027.41, subject to the standard H -Control conditions. Seconded by Member Irvine. Motion carried, 4-0 Ch. Sallan advised the applicant this would be heard by the City Council at the February 7, 1977 meeting. 3. Application HC -51,202.7 - Blaze Signs, Inc. (Dean Witter) requesting approval of a wall sign for an existing free- standing financial office building located at the south end of Stevens Creek Boulevard east of Les Pavilion Office Center. Senior Planning Technician Caughey displayed a colored rendering of the proposed signing which was to be placed on the roof canopy over the main entrance_ An existing wall sign would be removed. Slides were shown of the building and adjacent buildings in the center. Ch. Sallan noted a request had been presented some time ago. At that time approval had been granted to move the existing sign to the right hand side of the building for better visibility. This had not been done. Mr. Jim Bezley, Blaze Signs, said he had gone by the building and the existing sign could not be seen from the street since it set back 108 ft. from the curb. Member Irvine ascertained the existing sign has individual metal letters illuminated by ground lights and the proposed sign would have plastic ones internally lighted. He felt the existing sign was much better and suggested it be placed on the right hand side since this had already been approved. Member Claudy agreed the existing sign was very professional looking and that the plastic letters on the roof would not be satisfactory. He would prefer the gold letters placed elsewhere to afford better visibility. Member Ripplinger asked about sign program for the complex. He referred to the other signs in the complex which seemed to be gold metal and felt this should be used by Dean Witter also. He said the size wasn't too large for building, but did not compare in aesthetics with other signs in the complex. He felt there should be a sign program for the center if there already wasn't one. MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 20, 1977 H -CONTROL MEETING Mr. Bezley asked if some color other than white would be satisfactory for the letters. Gold was the choice of the Committee members. Ch. Sallan agreed the sign as existing on the building could not be seen. She felt the center had lost a great deal of class when they had changed the ground sign to a plastic can. The proposed signing would not aesthetically fit in the character of the rest of the center. She would go with gold letters since this would go with other signs in the center but she questioned necessity for 16" letters. Mr. Bezley asked if they would approve gold unilluminated letters located as requested. Member Irvine wondered if he could speak for Dean Witter and suggested perhaps a continuation would be in order. Member Irvine said he would accept gold letters, 12" letters would be sufficient and he would question the illumination closely. Member Ripplinger said he could approve 16" gold letters externally lighted. Member Claudy advised he could accept 12" gold letters, externally light Ch. Sallan said her preference would be 12" gold letters. She felt the fascia would be the best location for the letters if it was wide enough. Member Claudy suggested 16" for capital letters D W and C and 12" for the other letters. After discussion, a compromise of 14" - 10" letters was reached. It was agreed to continue application so the applicant could bring in a rendering showing the size and location of letters. The hearing was then opened for public comments. There were none. Member Claudy moved to close Public Hearings, seconded by Member Irvine. Motion carried, 5-0 Member Irvine moved to continue Application HC -51,202.7, Blaze Signs, Inc.,to the next meeting. Seconded by Member Claudy. Motion carried, 5-0 4. Application HC -51,259.9 - Portal Plaza Shopping Center (The Homestore) requesting approval of two wall signs for a retail furniture outlet located in the Portal Plaza Shopping Center at the northeast corner of Portal Avenue and Stevens Creek Boulevard. HC -185 Page 5 Public Hear- ings closed HC -51,202.7 continued to 2/10/77 HC -51,259.9 The Homestore Staff member Caughey exhibited a color rendering of the proposed sign. HC -185 I MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 20, 1977 H -CONTROL MEETING Page 6 Mr. Caughey pointed out the proposed sign is 6 ft. in excess of square footage area permitted under the formula designated by the draft ordin- ance. He said a temporary sign permit had been given for a 30 -day period. Mr. Caughey said a second sign on the west side of the building had been proposed. This sign will measure 16 ft. in length with 24" copy. An existing ground sign will be removed. Slides were shown of the building and the temporary sign. As the slides were being shown, Mr. Caughey pointed out cracked curbing and soil that had washed down on the sidewalks. Ch. Sallan said the curbing was especially necessary because of the mounding. Mr. Caughey noted a use permit hearing would be forthcoming for area __ __ _.3 c_— 1.._.t. ,.- nninred out concern that rormerly useu LVL LL"aber .---- ----------- lighting of signs be concealed from public view and staff's suggestion that the applicant be required to furnish at the building permit level a lighting equipment detail drawing showing suitable concealment techniques. In answer to Mr. Dirk Julianus, 19765 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, Mr. Caughey explained why 122 ft. of the 142 ft. wall was allowed for sign formula. Colors of the proposed sign were displayed. Mr. Julianus suggested making the sign smaller, cutting letters out individually and mounting them 1" off the wall. This would make sign smaller and more attractive. Mr. Julianus answered Member Ripplinger they would like to illuminate it at a later date. Mr. Julianus was advised he would have to come back to this committee for approval of lighting. Member Irvine ascertained the same letter style would be used for the individual letters as this was their logo. Mr. Julianus answered Ch. Sallan the orange was used in their printings and was part of their logo. Members Bond, Claudy and Ripplinger agreed that 3'6" letters would be acceptable. Ch. Sallan pointed out larger developments used 3' signs in the adjacent areas. Mr. Julianus said the larger companies could afford to do this because they were well known and they could also furnish large amounts of advertising. He would prefer the 3'6" size. MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 20, 1977 H -CONTROL MEETING In answer to Mr. Julianus, Ch. Sallan advised the Committee would need to know exactly what lighting was intended; kind of lighting, where it would be placed, and intensity of the bulbs. Mr. Julianus said he wanted to be assured this sign could be illuminated. Ch. Sallan pointed out that orange is a very strong color and she felt the letters could be smaller. A consensus showed the Committee members felt as follows: Member Irvine - 42" letters but he was concerned about the orange color. He thought it should be toned down to a more earth -tone shade. Member Bond - 42" would be satisfactory for this amount of wall. He could be comfortable with the orange as long as it was a flat and not glossy finish. Member Claudy - 42" letters. He noted the orange needed to be displayed against the dark background of the wall so they could see how it would really look. The applicant was given some color chips and asked to have another application heard while he studied them and chose another shade. The Committee agreed to do this. 5. Application HC -51,299.5 - Myron Zimmerman (Stevens Creek Office Center) requesting approval of architecture for construction of a partially enclosed carport over three existing parking spaces in an existing office center complex located at the north side of Stevens Creek Boulevard, east of Saich Way. Senior Planning Technician Caughey referred to staff memo of January 12, 1977. Member Claudy said he agreed with the staff report that more landscaping was needed. Mr. Caughey suggested some plant that could be espaliered against the car port. Slides were shown of the site and areas of landscaping concern were pointed out. Mr. Thomas Dowdakin, 20823 Stevens Creek Boulevard, Cupertino, agreed to add these plants. HC -185 Page 7 HC -185 Page 8 Public Hear- ings closed MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 20, 1977 H -CONTROL MEETING Member Claudy said his concern was that it would be compatible to what else was in the center. Mr. Dowdakin said the insurance adjustment firm felt they needed the covered area for making assessments and this seemed to be the most logical place for it. Member Claudy noted it would have to be well signed to keep the public from using it on rainy days. With reference to staff memo regarding walls having to be one hour construction, the Committee members felt this was something that should be handled by the Building Department. Ch. Sallan instructed the applicant to bring in for staff approval a mini landscaping plan showing the use of higher plants in the planter on the east side. The hearing was opened for public comments. There were none. Member Claudy moved to close Public Hearings, seconded by Member Irvine. Motion carried, 5-0 Member Bond moved for approval of HC -51,299.5, subject to standard H -Control conditions and with the subsequent conditions: (1) That the landscaping be changed to include shrubs or vines which after a three year growth period would be a minimum of half -way up the facing wall. The final landscaping plan is subject to staff approval. HC -51,299.5 Seconded by Member Claudy. approved w/ condition Motion carried, 5-0 Ch. Sallan advised this would now be heard by the City Council at the February 7, 1977 meeting. Mr. Julianus then returned to the meeting and discussion of Application HC -51,259.9 was resumed. Mr. Julianus said he had planned to use enamel paint on the sign and none of the chips seemed to do much for his sign. Ch. Sallan suggested he get a piece of wood the color of the background and paint different shades of orange on it. Member Irvine said he should have two pieces of wood so the letters would overlay as they would on the wall. MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 20, 1977 H -CONTROL MEETING The Committee members agreed that his temporary sign permit should be extended until a sign had been approved. Ch. Sallan suggested Mr. Julianus work with both 3 ft. and 3-1/3 ft. letters, noting her preference for the 3 ft. The hearing was opened for public comments. There were none. Member Claudy moved to continue Application HC -51,259.9. Seconded by Member Bond. Motion carried, 5-0 At 8:45 p.m. a recess was taken with the committee reconvening at 8:55 p.m. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None NEW BUSINESS: 6. Application HC -51,002.11 - Stephen Sanborn: Informal review of staff -approved modifications to landscaping plan for a triplex on Alpine Drive. Ch. Sallan ascertained Mr. Sanborn had received a copy of the letter submitted by Mr. and Mrs. DeFranco, regarding the type of Ceanothus planted. Staff member Caughey said the landscaping had been inspected by Mr. Piasecki. He pointed out a few changes made from the approved plan which Mr. Sanborn explained. A discussion was held on the two types of Ceanothus, Mountain Haze and Ray Hartman. There was a discrepancy noted in the description of the Mountain Haze type between an article in the November 1976 Sunset Maga- zine and the Sunset Western Garden Book. Ch. Sallan noted it would have been better if these issues had been handled between themselves, but since it had reached this point, it was the responsibility of this Committee to make a decision. It was ascertained the plants were already in the ground. Mr. DeFranco; 10427 Vista Knolls Blvd., Cupertino, said the plants were only 18 in. tall. HC -185 Page 9 HC -51,259.9 continued HC -185 Page 10 MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 20, 1977 H -CONTROL MEETING Mr. Douglas Hill, 161 N. Second Street, Campbell, said there were 9 Mountain Haze plants along fence and 3 Ray Hartman planted on the mound. It was noted the plan called for 10 plants instead of 9. Mr. Caughey said the City was holding a portion of a bond until this issue was settled. Ch. Sallan pointed out the plants had been planted before being submitted to staff for approval. After further discussion, the Committee members agreed they would have accepted the choice of "Mountain Haze" as described in the Western Garden book. • Mr. DeFranco said he was intending to plant screening material in his own yard. The hearing was opened for public comment. Mrs. D. R. Sanborn, 10384 Alpine, Cupertino, when they started talking about making them take things up and replacing them they were going too far. They have tried to do everything to make this a lovely area. She noted they had hired a landscape architect. Member Claudy noted there are tree shrubs with 6 ft. trunks so the screening portion would be above the fence when it was planted. With regard to this application, since he would have approved it from the description in Western Garden book, he would go along with what was planted. Member Bond agreed with Member Claudy. Since the original plan called for 10 plants, he suggested another be added. Mr. Sanborn agreed to plant a Ray Hartman variety. Ch. Sallan advised the plants should be watered and gotten off to a good start. Mr. Sanborn said that was Mr. Hill's job and he was sure it would be done. Mr. Caughey said a two foot extension could be built on top of the fence if Mr. DeFranco and Mr. Sanborn wanted to share the cost. Mr. Sanborn said he would not share in the cost at this point. . Mr. DeFranco said he appreciated everything Mr. Sanborn had done and all he cared about was that a reasonable choice of shrub that would do the job be made. He said it would take 4 years before these 18 in. plants would even clear the fence. After more discussion, Mr. Sanborn agreed to add one more Ray Hart- man Ceanothus. MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 20, 1977 H -CONTROL MEETING Member Bond moved to close Public Hearings. Seconded by Member Irvine. Motion carried, 5-0 Mr. Caughey advised recommendation should be on informal basis to advise staff what to do; this would not go before the City Council. Member Bond moved to recommend to staff that they approve the land- scaping with the addition of one more Ray Hartman Ceanothus. The applicant agreed to do this. Member Irvine pointed out the plant should be added in an effective place for screening. Several of the Committee members felt they were being forced to infringe on the rights of one or another resident in this continuing skirmish and that both parties should take steps to attenuate the situation. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes of December 9, 1976 Page 3, paragraph 4 should read: "The live oak trees may remain at 15 -gallon size but should allow for sufficient.....". Page 4, paragraph 9, delete the second sentence. Page 6, last paragraph, first sentence should read: ........said he was misled from the beginning by the shopping center." Moved by Member Bond, seconded by Member Ripplinger, to approve the Minutes of December 9, 1976. Motion carried, 5-0 Minutes of December 22, 1976 Page 3, delete the first paragraph. Page 3, last paragraph, line 12 should read, "criteria for sign exception. Positive......". Page 6, delete fourth paragraph from the bottom. (HC -185 Page 11 Public Hear- ing closed 4inutes of L2/9/76 approved as amended HC -185 Page 12 Minutes of 12/22/76 approved as amended Minutes of 1/6/77 approved as corrected MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 20, 1977 H -CONTROL MEETING Page 7, last paragraph, line 7, add "on the overpass" after chain link fence. Page 8, insert the following between first and second paragraphs. "The applicants agreed to investigate (a) the adding of plants along west side mound to reduce visual impact of underground lighting and (b) the planting along chain link fence of overpass." Moved by Member Bond, seconded by Member Ripplinger, to approve the Minutes of December 22, 1976. Motion carried, 5-0 Minutes of January 6, 1977 Page 2, second paragraph should read: "Member Irvine felt that this development is taking advantage of the zero lot line concept with its narrow side yards. He felt the 8 ft. side yard should be a minimum of 12 ft." Page 2, under ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, replace"Ch. Sallan"with"Mr. Caughey." Page 3, paragraph 6, add after "improvements consisting of the traffic divider on Portal Avenue." Page 3, paragraph 8, second sentence should read: "Member Claudy would like to see the curb opposite the store painted red so the customers won't park along there." Page 3, last paragraph should read: "....the orange tile. The issue of color clash was discussed. This was not particularly objectionable to most of the Committee." Page 5, second condition should read: "Planter island curbs at the front of the buildings shall be painted red to prevent parking." Page 5, condition 9, second line should read, "....classic with brick red return with gold...". Page 6, last line, should read,"be removed from the courtyard." Moved by Member Claudy, seconded by Member Bond, to approve the Minutes of January 6, 1977 as corrected. Motion carried, 5-0 MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 20, 1977 H -CONTROL MEETING HC -185 Page 13 Mr. Caughey displayed and described proposed sign for Downey Savings. He noted copy size and sign can had not been changed. Ch. Sallan noted she had investigated and found she could read the McClellan Square sign of white letters against a wood background and it was smaller. She suggested the applicant could keep the wood background, adding white letters for greater contrast. She did not want to see the plastic can and would not approve it. Member Irvine agreed. The consensus was that the majority of the Committee members would like to see individual white letters against the wood background. INTER COMMISSION NOTES Mr. Caughey referred to a book put out by the Water District and noted he knew of no project that had used any of the shrubs listed in the book. He suggested that in view of the water shortage it might be well to stress the use of these plants. Member Claudy recommended a book he had gotten from the library entitled "Ornamental Trees". Mr. Caughey said the discussion of the sign ordinance draft at the January 24th Planning Commission meeting would probably be at the end of the agenda. The Committee members agreed to assemble at that meet- ing at 9:30 p.m. Member Irvine pointed out a sign program at the shopping center at the corner of Foothill Blvd. and Homestead Avenue, noting it was very nice. The tour taken by the Committee members was briefly discussed. ADJOURNMENT At 10:40 p.m. the meeting was adjourned to January 24, 1977 at 9:30 p.m. APPROVED: /s/ C. Nancy Sallan Chairwoman ATTEST: /s/ Wm. E. Ryder City Clerk Downey Savings Sig