DRC 01-06-2010 Design Review Committee
January 6, 2011
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 777 -3308
APPROVED MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF
THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE HELD ON January 06, 2010
ROLL CALL
Committee Members present: Winnie Lee, Chairperson
David Kaneda, Commissioner
Committee Members absent Marty Miller, Commissioner
Staff present: George Schroeder
Staff absent: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
December 2, 2010
Minutes of the December 2, 2010 Design Review Committee meeting were approved
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
None
POSTPONEMENTS/REMOVAL FROM CALENDAR:
None
ORAL COMMUNICATION:
None
CONSENT CALENDAR:
None
PUBLIC HEARING:
1. Application No.(s): ASA- 2010 -07
Applicant: Jon Ennis (Saratoga Capital)
Location: 7373 Fallenleaf Ln
Director's Minor Modification to allow enhancements to the existing courtyard facade and
associated landscaping at an apartment complex
Design Review Committee decision final unless appealed.
Staff member Schroeder explained that the Fallenleaf Apartments are in the R -3 zone. The R3 Ordinance
requires that any exterior design changes be approved by The Design Review Committee. The applicant
is proposing to remove the decaying front facade consisting of a catwalk, trellis and stairwell system.
They propose to add a new decorative terra cotta wall, a metal entryway feature and new stairwells to
access the second floor apartments. They are also proposing to update the look of the courtyard area by
resurfacing with decorative paving, installing a BBQ counter, benches and fencing around the pool.
Landscaping changes include planting trees and shrubs. Staff supports the project with two conditions;
add articulation /features to reduce the visual mas of the proposed 12' terra cotta walls, and ensure
2 Design Review Committee
January 6, 2011
compliance with the Water Efficiency Landscape Ordinance. The project falls into the scope of the new
Ordinance so the applicant will need to provide information regarding what kinds of vegetation they
will be planting and how much landscaping area will be replanted.
Commissioner Kaneda asked for clarification of the existing design and if the proposed decorative
paving will be re- surfacing existing paved areas or new. The applicant explained that they are just
texturing existing concrete paving, not creating any new paved areas. Chair Lee asked about the concrete
area beside the apartment doors. The applicant said that they were not re -doing any areas other than the
courtyard. She also asked Staff for ideas on how the applicant could reduce the visual scaling of the terra
cotta walls. Staff member Schroeder said that they could perhaps use patterns or off -sets but it's really
up to the architect to present their ideas for Staff review. Commissioner Kaneda commented that he did
not like the current proposed design and wants to have the applicant modify the look of the walls. The
architect explained that the idea behind the design is to create an updated look. The current entry way is
not inviting and is confusing with two pathways leading onto the site. The trellis attached to the existing
entryway is rotting and blocks natural light into the front facing apartments and courtyard. They are
planning on re- creating the entryway wall with unique concrete patterning, changing the layout to
provide more natural light reaching into the courtya rd and apartments. The new wall design will make
the courtyard more open and inviting while giving it a contemporary, sculptural feel. The new design
will include lighting to add visual interest at night as well. The new stairwells will be standard
manufacture- produced and un- supported by the new entry wall.
Commissioner Kaneda appreciated the need for a wall to protect the privacy of the courtyard activities,
but would like the applicant to work with Staff to come up with a solution to satisfy the Committee's
desire for a more articulated wall to further enhance the entrance area. He feels that the current design
looks like one very large blank wall. He added that if they add any more paving, they use impervious
materials. Chair Lee agreed that a more prominent and inviting design for the entry feature would be
better.
MOTION: Commissioner Kaneda moved to approve ASA- 2010 -07 with the above mentioned changes.
SECOND: Chairperson Lee
ABSENT: none
ABSTAIN: none
VOTE: 2 -0
OLD BUSINESS:
None
NEW BUSINESS:
None
Respectfully submitted:
Beth Ebben
Administrative Clerk
g:planning/DRC Committee/Minutes010611