Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutASAC Minutes - 10-06-1977CITY OF CUPERTINO, HC -204 STATE OF CALIFORNIA Page 1 10300 TORRE AVENUE, CUPERTINO, CA 95014 TELEPHONE: 252-4505 MD UTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE ARCHITECTURAL AND SITE APPROVAL COMMITTEE HELD ON OCTOBER 6, 1977 IN THE LIBRARY CONFERENCE ROOM, ROOM 105, CITY HALL, CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA SALUTE TO THE FLAG Chairperson Claudy called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. with the Salute to the Flag. ROLL CALL Members Present: Bond, Ripplinger, Sallan, Irvine, Chairperson Claudy Members Absent: None Staff Present: Mark Caughey, Senior Planning Technician NOTICE: Chairperson Claudy announced that no public hearing will be initiated after 11 p.m. If a hearing is in progress at that time, it will be continued until its completion or until midnight, whichever comes first. FORMAL REVIEW OF PLANNED DEVELOPMENT USE PERMIT APPLICATIONS: 27-U-77 Pete and Marlene Sulaver and Marilyn and Al Hiatt: To utilize existing structure for a restaurant/professional office. Said property is located adjacent to and northerly of Stevens Creek Boulevard approximately 150 ft. easterly of the intersection of Stevens Creek Boulevard and North of De Anza Boulevard. Original intention was to use the lower story as a restaurant and the upper', story as a real estate office. However, the office use was deleted because of inadequate parking, so the building will contain a restaurant only. Plans regarding the parking area and driveways have not been finalized due to lack of an agreement satisfactory to both the applicant and to Pacific Valley Bank, whose property is adjacent to the proposed restaurant. One parking configuration would cause the elimination of three trees and a patio area. Member Sallan spoke in favor of leaving the patio area so that if the restaurant wished to develop it for outside dining later, it could. Consensus:Members agreed that they would like to save the trees if at all possible. Note: Member Irvine was absent during this discussion. HC -204 Page 2 MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 6, 1977 ASAC MEETING 28-U-77: Terranomics Development Corporation: Construction of three commercial buildings containing approximately 46,500 sq. ft. Said property is located at the southwest corner of the inter- section of Stevens Creek Boulevard and Portal Avenue. One proposed building has two tenants: a men's and women's fashion clothing outlet and a yard goods store. Staff feels that approval of the plan should be delayed pending re-evaluation of the general plan for Stevens Creek Boulevard. Proposed architecture of the building displayed was Victorian in nature. Chairperson Claudy noted the barrenness of the east, west and rear walls. He suggested adding a window in the east and west walls to break up the blank space. He also mentioned that parking will be in front of the lot bordering on Stevens Creek, which would look like a heavy sea of cars. Members also felt that the architecture was not like any other theme of architecture in the area, and that it doesn't blend with anything. Consensus: The architecture should be compatible with other design in the area, perhaps carrying over the arches -from across the street. Member Ripplinger expressed concern about the amount of landscaping at the east side of the property. Staff reported that the area is only 14' wide and that the sidewalk will take up part of this space. Member Ripplinger said he would like to have more margin along that side. Questioned about adequate parking by Member Sallan, Mr. Caughey said that parking is determined by the kind of business in the development. For example, a restaurant allows one space for every four seats plus spots for employees on any one shift. Commercial parking is figured differently. At present, Staff is assuming that it will be 18,000 ft. of commercial. Chairperson Cllaudy commented that he does not feel that three curb cuts are needed along Portal since there are only two on Portal across the street. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of Regular Meeting of September 8, 1977. Member Sallan wishes to add a clarifying statement regarding the s�.gn at Vallco. The sentence, "Operation of the sign is what appears to be in question" should be added. Member Sallan moved and Member Bond seconded that the Minutes of Regular Meeting of September 8, 1977 be approved as amended.. Motion carried 4-0 Member Irvine abstaining Minutes of Regular Meeting of September 22, 1977 - Not available at This Time. PO STPON TENT S : There were no postponements. MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 6, 1977 ASAC MEETING WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - There were none ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - There were none PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. Application HC -51,437.1 - Steve Stockwell and Lynn Hethcock (Spinnin' Wheels Skatepark) requesting approval of a sign program for an outdoor recreation center located at the southwest corner of Stelling Road and Homestead Road. The applicant wants approval of the original sign because of the GPI Publications sign which was approved by City Council. The original Spinnin' Wheels sign includes listing of services provided by the skate - park (an arcade, pro shop, rentals, and snack area). Staff reported that the Council approved the GPI sign, which listed the various publications of the corporation, because they felt it was a public service to list them. The applicant feels that the original Spinnin' Wheels sign should be approved on the basis of the GPI approval. Member Sallan commented that the approval of the "Spinnin' Wheels" sign has more justification than the GPI approval because the skatepark's target is the general public, and the GPI target was a limited group of profession als. She also stated that the posts should be short of the top of the sign (in response to Member Ripplinger.ss comment that the posts should come up to the top of the sign) , because it would be more interesting. Member Irvine feels that the 5' height of the bottom of the sign from the grade level might be dangerous. At the 5' height, there is a danger that children would not see the sign and run into it. The applicant stated that children should not be under the sign because there is landscaping there; however, he agreed that it would be safer to drop the bottom one foot as a safety precaution. Comments from the audience (Mrs. O'Patty Brisco ) were that the rendering of the sign should include the landscaping that is planned for that area so that one could get a better idea of its final appearance. Member Bond moved and Member Irvine seconded that public hearing be closed. Motion carried, 5-0 A poll of Committee Members was taken. Member Bond said that he would vote against approval; he agreed with Member Salim that this sign is more deserving of approval than the GPI sign, but feels that the added words on this sign are not needed. Chairperson Claudy said that he would vote "no" for the same reason. HC -204 Page 3 HC -204 Page 4 MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 6, 1977 ASAC MEETING Member Irvine said he feels that the Council has indicated a direction in which it would like to go and that as an appointed committee, ASAC should follow that lead andapprove., this application. Chairperson Claudy commented that the Council took a sign that was identifying several separate_ent -ties which happened to be part of the same corporation. In the case of "Spinnin' Wheels", the sign is advertising services that .are being offered. He stated that people will not go to the skate park to get food, an arcade, rental, or buy equipment, but to skate; therefore, they do not need to be advertised. Member Ripplinger pointed out that the extra words do indicate that other services besides skating are available at the park. Member Bond felt that one incident of over -ruling by the City Council (in the case of GPI) does not set a precedent. If this application was denied and appealed to the Council, and then the H -Control denial was over- ruled, that would be a precedent. Mr. Stockwell, questioned as to hardship caused by elimination of the words by Member Sallan, said that leaving the words off the sign would be taking away some of the park's business. People may come just to play the arcade, for example, or buy their boards and equipment elsewhere, not knowing that the skatepark provides that service. At this- point, -Mr. Caughey asked that the matter of a change in fencing be considered before voting on the sign takes place. The applicant wishes to change the fence from a chain lintfence with redwood slats to open fencing, as suggested by the City Council. The Council is concerned about the aesthetics of a redwood slat chain link fence along Stalling Road. The Council felt that. the public might benefit more from the landscaping in the park. The applicant said that most of the skating takes place inside the runs and could not be seen from the street. He indicated that what is saved in the cost of fencing could be put into larger trees. Skating would not be visible, but the sheriff's patrol would be able to see into the park more readily. He stated that redwood slats tend to look "ratty" after a short period of time. He suggested either black or green clad chain link. Chairperson Claudy said that the original intent of the redwood slats was to discourage anyone from climbing the fence when the park is closed. The applicant noted the easier police visibility with an open fence and the benefit of being able to see the landscaping from the street. Chairperson Claudy called for a motion on the sign approval. Member Bond moved approval of Application HC -51,437.1 subject to the following condi- tions: 1. That approval granted under this resolution is for signing only, as described on Exhibit F of this application except as may be amended by additional conditions contained herein. MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 6, 1977 ASAC MEETING aC-204 Page 5 2. Exhibit F of this application shall be modified as follows: a. Overall sign height shall be dropped a minimum of one foot (11). b. The street address numbers shall be added to the sign face. 3. The applicant may elect to display the ground sign depicted on Exhibit F 1st Revision approved under Resolution No. 751 of this Committee, in lieu of that depicted on Exhibit F of this application. No more than one ground sign may be displayed on the subject site. 4. The Architectural and Site Approval Committee or its staff shall ret authority to review lighting intensity for signs approved under this application in accordance with Section 7.01 of Ordinance 746. Member Sallan seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Member Bond - pass Member Ripplinger - yes Member Sallan - pass Member Irvine - yes Chairperson Claudy - abstain Member Sallan commented that the issue is the additional copy and whether it is necessary or unnecessary. The sign ordinance says that signs shall be kept as simple as possible; however, it also says that wording shall relate solely to the business or service offered on the property. Members were divided as to whether the additional words proposed advertising or identify. After further discussion, Member Bond changed his vote to yes, and Member Sallan abstained. Final vote was as follows: Motion carried, 3-0 Member Sall an and Chairperson Claudy abstaining Member Bond called for a minute order to the City Council requesting clarification of the GPI approval. Member Sallan commented that she would like to know at which point additional copy becomes advertising and where is it merely identification. Regarding the change in fencing, Chairperson Claudy polled the Committee Members. All members were in favor of allowing the change from chain link with redwood slats to open chain link in either green or black. A minute order will be sent to Council reflecting this .Member Ripplinger added a corn ment that the park may be faced with the problem of kids climbing the fence The Committee recessed at 8:43 p.m. and reconvened at 8:54 p.m. HC -204 I MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 6, 1977 ASAC MEETING Page 6 PUBLIC HEARINGS (CONT.) 2. Application HC -51,444.1 -Green Leaf Gardening requesting approval of exception to Section 5.04 of Ordinance 746 to permit installation of an off -site directional sign. Said property is located on the north side of Stevens Creek Blvd., west of Southern Pacific Railroad right of way. The purpose of the proposed sign is to direct people back into the office from Stevens Creek. The sign will cover 18 square ft. It would be a one- sided sign facing east. The Staff suggests that the sign be lowered to 4 ft. so as to be at a minimal level above the planter area. Member Bond agreed with the recommendation to lower the height of the sign, as did all other Members. Member Irvine questioned whether the absence of the sign created a hardship to the business. Applicant indicated a significant degree of confusion of customers. The applicant also mentioned that the sign would be one- sided because a guard rail would obscure one side of the sign. It was suggested that junipers or some other drought -resistant plant be planted in the planter box; applicant agreed to this. Chairperson Claudy suggested that another small sign be put on the office itself to further eliminate confusion. Comments from the audience (Mrs. Brisco ) were that in Monta Vista, where this company is located, one is dealing with small business and the area wishes to take on a Western pioneer motif. She suggested that perhaps an original mural be painted on the wall facing east. Member Bond moved and Member Ripplinger seconded that public hearing be closed. Motion carried, 5-0 Approval of Member Ripplinger moved approval of Application HC -51,444.1 subject to HC -51,444.1 standard ASAC conditions 1-8 and conditions 9-13 as follows: 9. That the recommendation of approval is based upon Exhibits F and F-1 of this application except as may be amended by special conditions contained herein. 10. Permission to display the off -site direction sign shall be limited to the above -named applicant only. At such time as the current applicant ceases to occupy the site or at such time as the "Green Leaf Gardening Service" business name changes, the subject sign shall be removed. 11. The existing projecting sign can attached to the south facade of the retail building adjacent to Stevens Creek Boulevard shall be removed prior to issuance of a building permit for the off -site directional sign. 12. The overall height of the sign should be lowered to 4 ft; sign should be at a minimal height above planter area. MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 6, 1977 ASAC MEETING 13. Landscaping in the form of junipers will be planted in the planter. Member Bond seconded the motion. Motion carried, 5-0 Suggested findings in support of exception to Section 5.04 of Ordinance 746. 1. Pursuant to Section 11.01 of Ordinance 746, the Committee finds that granting of exception to Section 5.04 of the Sign Ordinance will minimize practical difficulties associated with locating the subject business and is within the purpose and intent of Ordinance 746 as stated in Section 1.03.2, Criteria 1, 2, 4, 5 and Section 1.03.2, Criteria a, S. SUBCONCLUS IONS A. Placement of the off -site sign in the planter area adjacent to the east wall of the Shell Service Station will enhance effectiveness of the sign, and promote citizen/merchant convenience by aiding identity of the Garden Service driveway entrance. B. Placement of the proposed sign within the planter area described on Exhibit F-1 will promote harmony between the functional and aesthetic qualities of the sign and landscaping elements. PUBLIC HEARINGS (CONT.) 3. Application HC -51,422.1 - May Investment Company requesting approval of site, architecture, landscaping, grading and lighting for construc- tion of four duplexes located on the north side of Walnut Circle Nortl approximately 125 ft. east of the intersection of that street with Foothill Boulevard. SITE Member Ripplinger expressed concern about the closeness of. the fireplace protrusion to the fence. He feels it is too close. Member Irvine expressed concern about the grading of the site. Applicant indicated that there is a problem with drainage because of the uneven grade. Some of this will be leveled off; a retaining wall will have to be built where there is still a differential. ARCHITECTURE The Committee saw no problem with the proposed architecture. LANDS CAP ING The landscaping plan seemed acceptable to the Committee Members. Member Sallan questioned the fact that an irrigation system is not required. Mr. Caughey explained that the homes are privately owned and are not limited to drip irrigation or drought -resistant plants. They are not HC -204 Page 7 HC -204 Page 8 Approval of Application HC -51,422.1 MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 6, 1977 ASAC MEETING required to install any irrigation system because they could have been developed singly. The reason the application has come up before the Committee is that R-2 zoning requires additional architectural review. Member Sallan suggested that it might be a good idea to do away with this additional review requirement and treat such developments as single family zoning. Chairperson Claudy expressed concern about whether there wouldbe a side gate for garbage. This will be taken care of at the building permit level. Comments from the audience (Mrs. Brisco ) were that there is no landscaping around the development recently built on Stevens Creek Boulevard near Foothill Boulevard and adjacent to the Mobil station. She feels that it looks very bare. Member Bond moved and Member Ripplinger seconded that the public hearing be closed. Motion carried 5-0 Member Sallan moved that Application HC -51,422.1 be recommended for approval subject to Standard ASAC conditions 1-8 and conditions 9-13 as follows: 9. That the recommendation of approval is based upon Exhibits A, B, B-1, and C of this application except as may be amended by special condi- tions contained herein. 10. Prior to issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall obtain certification from a licensed landscape architect that 50% minimum of plantings to be installed on the subject site are drought - resistant. Minimum size five -gallon shrubs shall be used on all street frontage planting locations. 11. Prior to issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall obtain written permission from each adjoining property owner on the north boundary of the subject development to install a redwood retaining wall and fence in excess of 6 ft. in height. All costs associated with -removal of existing fences along said north boundary shall be borne by the applicant. 12. Proposed Liquidambars adjacent to back of walk should be located farther back from walk and "staggered" to reduce uniformity of appearance. 13. Additional shrubs should be planted on the street side of redwood fences separating duplexes subject to Staff approval. Member Irvine seconded the motion. Motion carried, 5-0. The application will go before the City Council for approval on 10/17/77. MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 6, 1977 ASAC MEETING I HC -204 Page 9 UNFINISHED BUSINESS Mr. Caughey reported that the mini -storage sign which was visible from 280 has now been taken down. He further reported that he has written to Dean Witter, but there has not been enough time for a response to be received. Mr. Caughey read the Staff report regarding the moving sign at Valico Park. The report says that the intent of the sign was not to be a moving sign. The tape recording of the meeting was unclear and he was not able t discern parts of the conversation. _. NEW BUSINESS Mr. Caughey indicated that he has not had time to work on the new Standard conditions for the Committee. Chairperson Claudy suggested that there be a variety of standard condition which could be referred to by number when approving an application. Mr. Caughey indicated that although there are things which need to be specifie depending on the application, there is a need for a standard set of condi- tions to be added to all applications. Member..Sallan suggested that the conditions be divided into categories for architecture, landscaping, grading, lighting, site and signing. Chairman Claudy reported that he recently attended a California League of Cities convention. He commented that none of the programs had to do with site and architectural control or landscaping except one which was given regarding building safety design and space between buildings. Chairperson Claudy noted that public safety and creative architecture and landscaping are often at odds. Most of the workshops had to do with the topic of a general plan for cities. A Minute Order will be written by Staff requesting clarification of the GPI sign approval by City Council, and what criteria should be used in deciding what is clutter and what is necessary on a sign. Meeting was adjourned by Chairperson Claudy at 10:32 p.m. APPROVED: Is/ John Claudy Chairman Is/ Wm. E. Ryder City Clerk