DRC 02-01-07
Design Review Committee
February I, 2007
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 777-3308
APPROVED MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE DESIGN REVIEW
COMMITTEE HELD ON February I, 2007
ROLL CALL
Committee Members present:
Cary Chien, Chairperson
Gilbert Wong, Commissioner
Committee Members absent:
none
Staff present:
Aki Snelling
Staff absent:
none
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
none
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
A letter was received from Kathleen Hendriksen, 10510 Deodara Drive, regarding Item #2. She
expressed concerns regarding the possibilities of windows or a skylight in the other three walls
of the proposed addition. She wanted to make sure the Committee knew she would like opaque
glass to be installed in the windows facing her house.
POSTPONEMENTSjREMOV AL FROM CALENDAR:
None
ORAL COMMUNICATION:
none
CONSENT CALENDAR:
none
PUBLIC HEARING:
none
OLD BUSINESS:
1.
Application:
Applicant:
Location:
EXC-2006-13
Michael Inouye (Potsticker King)
19634 Stevens Creek Blvd
Sign Exception for exposed neon on an illuminated sign at Marketplace
Shopping Center
Design Review Committee decision final unless appealed
2 Design Review Committee
February I, 2007
Staff member Snelling explained that the applicant had been asked to reduce the brightness of
the exposed neon lighting on their new sign by putting something over the neon to obscure the
brightness or install a dimming device that would produce the same effect. Staff has viewed the
sign since the dimmer was installed. The brightness is now comparable with the other signs in
the shopping center. She has not received any complaints or comments from the restaurant's
customers or neighbors. Chairperson Chien asked if there had been any complaints prior to the
sign's alteration. He was told that the only concern voiced was from a Planning Commissioner.
The applicant, Michael Inouye, said that the owner was pleased that he was able to have a
dimmer installed rather than to have to replace the sign. The sign is now operating at 75%. A
member of the public mentioned that she thought the sign was not as bright as before and also
voiced her concerns regarding the palm tree replacement at the shopping center. Commissioner
Wong agreed that the sign looks better now. He felt that the dimmer installation was a great
compromise. Chairperson Chien agreed that the sign looks good and wanted to make sure the
applicant intends to keep the wattage at 75%.
MOTION:
Commissioner Wong moved to approve application EXC-2006-13 with the
condition that the exposed neon remain at the reduced light level
Chairperson Chien
None
None
2-0
SECOND:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
VOTE:
2.
Application:
Applicant:
Location:
R-2006-49
Steve Benzing (Murray Residence)
10501 N. Portal Ave.
Residential Design Review for a new 676 square foot second story addition and
an exception for front and rear setbacks
Design Review Committee decision final unless appealed
Staff member Snelling explained that the Application is back before the Committee after making
some design revisions at the request of the Committee at the October 2006 meeting. The
applicant has decided not to go forward with their Minor Residential application as a result of the
new design changes. The design changes include insetting the second story addition H2-feet in
the front and rear, adding an eyebrow roofing element to break up the mass of the elevation,
removing the second story side balcony and putting in windows with a glazing treatment for
privacy. The surrounding neighbors have signed the privacy planting protection waiver. Staff is
happy with all of the changes except for the inset of only Biz-feet. The Design Review
Committee had recommended a 2-foot inset at the last meeting. Staff member Snelling feels the
2-foot inset would be better. Commissioner Wong asked for clarification on the 3 rear window
heights. They all will be 24 inches and glazed. The project's architect, Steve Benzing, recapped
the history of the project. He explained that they did their best with the new design to meet the
requests of the Design Review Committee. He explained that if the applicant were to inset the
second story by the requested 2- feet, they would lose a lot of space in the interior of the existing
rooms and stairwell as well as losing the vaulted, open space of the family room. Chairperson
Chien asked what the new size of the addition is. The addition has been reduced from 676 feet to
618. A neighbor, John Hartley, stated that as long as the new windows were glazed, he had no
concerns with the addition. Commissioner Wong stated that he was glad that the neighbors had
worked with the applicant to come to an agreement about the windows. He liked the new design
3 Design Review Committee
February I, 2007
and felt that the explanation of the reduced inset was well presented. Chairperson Chien
concurred with Commissioner Wong's remarks.
SECOND:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
VOTE:
Commissioner Wong moved to approve application R-2006-49, changing the
resolution to state approval is based on the plan sets reviewed on February I,
2007 showing a second story inset of 1 Y;-feet.
Chairperson Chien
None
None
2-0
MOTION:
NEW BUSINESS:
none
Respectfully submitted:
bc/c g&bi.tt
Beth Ebben
Administrative Clerk
g:planning/DRC CommitteejMinutes020107