June 20th, 1973CITY OF CUPERTINO
10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino
Telephone: 252-4505
HC-8 5
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MINUTES OF THE JUNE 20, 1973 H-CONTROL MEETING
was to prepare a revised landscaping plan for portion of site where drive-
way was being relocated.
Slides were shown of different views of site, including curb cut. Mr.
Cowan pointed out where applicant was planning to plant two new Oak
trees.
Mr. Lee Bold, 16492 Camellia Terrace, Los Gatos, landscape architect,
said he thought the colored plan on table was fairly self explanatory.
He pointed out where lawn area which had been the original driveway was
being planted with dense shrubbery, and two Oak trees.
Chairman McLaren ascertained 15 gallon cans would be planted on the
east side of driveway and 5 gallon next to the fence. Member Weinstein
suggested starting with 15 gallon in both cases to which the applicant
agreed.
Member Weinstein questioned the variety of ivy cover being used and
its density. Mr. Bold said this particular variety spread quite rapidly
and if planted any closer would cause problems in a few years.
Member Dressler asked for description of several shrubs indicated on
exhibit. He also felt the larger Oak trees would balance out the
driveway.
Chairman McLaren questioned visibility of ingress and egress becoming
a safety factor at a later date. Mr. Bold explained the traffic
islands which separated the traffic flow would keep this from being a
concern.
Member Dressler, seconded by Member Weinstein, moved that Public Hearing •
be closed.
Member Weinstein moved that Application HC-51,017.2 be approved subject
to H-Control Standard Conditions and as indicated on Exhibit C. Also
subject to the following condition:
1. That the two Oak trees at the driveway entrance be of a
fifteen (15) gallon size.
Member Dressler seconded the motion.
AYES: Members Dressler, Weinstein and Chairman McLaren
NOES: None
ABSENT: Members Koenitzer and Sallan
Motion carried, 3-0
MINUTES OF THE JUNE 20, 1973 H-CONTROL MEETING
2. Application HC-51,03,5_ 13 of Vallco Park, Ltd. (Hilton Hotel)
requesting approval of.site modification, grading and land
scaping in connection with the Hilton Hotel located at -the
southeastcorner of Wolfe Road and Pruneridge Avenue
STAFF REPORT: Member Weinstein aIsked_Mra Cowan to go into back-
ground of application and in -to a little more detail since he was
new .to the committee. Mr. Cowan complied, noting,;the facility
was in a Planned Development zone and had received usepermit.
Basic elements have been approved by City Council. H-Control was
more involved at present with land`scapinge Mr. Cowan noted that
plan being shown was approved. by H-Control and parking. improvement
were now being considered. He pointed out this is the first phase
of a three tower facility.;. The final parking has not been approve
as . final parking demand for site is not known.. Member Wei:ns'tein
said he had the: feeling things were changing all the time,: so
Mr. Cowan further explained future,,plans for site,a
Mr. Cowan then explained revised parking.structure, which involves
two single level parking structures on the northern and western
frontages. The second level is approximately 10" above that.
He noted the important aspect on this is the technique used by
the architect to screen off this.second level of:parking and
type of landscaping. Chairman'McLaren noted she had sat in on
the Planning Commission meeting and this had been -gone into in
great detail.
Staff member Cowan noted at an earlier meeting there had been
concern expressed about service area on site allowing service.
vehicles to he seen from Wolfe Road. The applicant has come up
with design solution for this
Another concern which hadbeen expressed was circulation with
P .
regard to off -site changes.,Left hand turns could now be allowed
on site by the closing off of some roads.
The ultimate widening of Wolfe Road which would remove 12'' of
landscaping from present 30' was also discussed.
Mr. Cowan noted lanai structure would be changed from 3 levels to
4 levels This has been approved by City Council. The exterior
materials would remain the'sameo The elevator towers have, -'been
increased 12' above the previous approval to accommodate equipment
storage areas Another addition. will be a boiler room which will
rise 9' above roof of the tower. Structure will be visible from
Wolfe Road and Hewlett-Packard.site.o
It was noted that,applicant had lowered grading as much -as possibl
and. grading, does fun ction.
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HC-85 MINUTES OF THE JITNE 20, 1973 H-CONTROL MEETING
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Member Weinstein questioned if landscaping would be effective if Wolfe
Road were widened and other sidewalk and berm had to be removed. He
noted closeness to new parking structure. He said he was having diffi-
culty understanding what this committee could do if everything has been
approved other than landscaping. Mr. Cowan discussed future plans and
contingencies under consideration.
Mr. Bill Tagg, architect for Vallco Park, introduced Mr. Maurice Johns, Swan
and Gesl6r., to answer questions of committee.
Mr. Johns said there was 30' of landscape barrier around perimeter which
would leave 18' of landscaping. Pruneridge Avenue would be more of a
problem because structure was higher.
With regard to parking structure, Mr. Johns said the landscape -berm
combination for structure would be 42" high plus 8-10" for deck. 6"
on top for planting should cover the tops of the cars. Cars will not
be parked against structure on Wolfe Road.
In answer to Member Weinstein, it was noted the two level parking was
necessary. With the number of cars projected on second phase, there
would not be enough parking on site without the structure.
The possibility of car rental for hotel facilities and parking spaces
that would be necessary for this service was discussed. Also shuttle
bus possibility.
Member Dressler said he supported the idea of multi -level parking,
especially with proposed landscaping and berming.
In discussing architecture, Chairman McLaren said she was concerned
about boiler location on roof. It was explained this had been part •
of their building application although it had not been indicated on
exhibits.
Member Dressler ascertained City Council had approved lanai structure
with 4 stories.
Slides were shown to illustrate Mr. Tagg's explanation of addition.
Screening would be sand -blasted concrete same as other towers. Parapet
of roof is similar to parapet of parking structure.
With regard to boiler, Mr. Tagg said the one would serve all three towers.
Member Weinstein asked .if there would be any quanta.tive amount of steam
coming out. The applicant stated there would be steam coming out of top
of building under various atmospheric conditions; he assumed it would be
on days of high humidity. Mr. Tagg pointed out the boiler would be set back
halfway in structure itself and the farther back from Wolfe Road, the
harder it would be to see. He said there would he no exposed equipment.
MINUTES OF THE JUNE 20, 1973 H-CONTROL MEETING
Mr. Michael Painter, landscape architect, then gave a detailed
description of landscaping plans, including contouring, plants
and mounding. He said 25% of new trees planted within the
property would be -boxed trees from 24" to 42" to give immediate
impact.
Regarding service area, Mr. Painter said this visual problem would
be solved by mounding and trees.
Visual problem of autos would also be solved by mounding. Trees
will be on upper level of both parking decks; trees to be evergreen.
Elms.
Mr. Painter said if it was acceptable to Highways Department, 'a
study was being made to the possibility of adding additional trees
to give a landscaped effect from freeway off -ramp. He.was using
primarily evergreen trees that will keep leaves year round.
Mr. Painter said the plans for pool area were still tentative but
this area was so surrounded it would not cause too much concern.
In discussing possibility of widening of Wolfe Road, Member Dressler
asked if.berming and mounding were there now. Mr. Johns said they
had two. ideas for that area. First choice would be to maintain
' trees without losing them;.if not, mounding and shrubbery would be.
used to achieve screening at that point.
.Planter boxes were then discussed.. Member Weinstein felt 150'
of unbroken structure was not very appealing. Mr.. Johns explained
the reasoning behind this design and landscaping in this particular
spot. Member Dressler said he could accept this idea and gave.his
reasons.
The architect, Mro Painter, stressed his preference to simplicity
in the spectrum of planting design.
The tower structure was reviewed.
'Chairman McLaren complimented the architects on the detailed
presentation.
Member Dressler moved, seconded by Member Weinstein, to close
Public Hearing.
Member Dressler moved to recommend approval of Applicat mi. HC-51,`
075.13, subject to.H-Control Standard Conditions and as indicated
on Exhibits A 2nd Revision; A-1, 1st Revision; A--2g -1st. Revision;;
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MINUTES OF THE JUNE 20, 1973 H-CONTROL MEETING
B 2nd Revision; B-1, 1st Revision; B-2, 1st Revision; B-3, 1st Revision;
B-4, lst Revision; C; C-1, D; D-1 and subject to the following additional
conditions:
1. That a plan illustrating the boiler room and cooling tower be
presented to the City Council. indicating that the screening on
these auxiliary structures are rude of the same material as that
of the elevator towers.
2. That the landscaping cn Wolfe Road be designed in anticipation
of any future widening of the street.
The motion was seconded by Member Weinstein.
AYES: Members Dressler, Weinstein, Chairman McLaren
NOES: None
ABSENT: Members Koenitzer and Sallan
Motion carried, 3-0
Chairman McLaren notified the applicant this would be heard before the
City Council on July 2, 1973.
3. Application HC-51,058.5 of Walker and Lee Real Estate requesting
approval of a sign plan for an existing office building located
at,10171 South Saratoga -Sunnyvale Road in the Town and Country
Shopping Center.
STAFF REPORT: Mr. Cowan noted this request was to install two 37.5
sq. ft. signs on what had been the old Western Market building now
housing two offices. The sign square footage is at maximum .level and
basically the cannister is in conformance with signs in entire center.
The majority of the signs in the center, with the exception of Shoe
Fair, are black on white. It was noted that some of the signs there
had not been approved and are bei.ag checked in to.
Chairman McLaren question the pylon sign in front. Mr. Cowan said this
was a matter that would be coming up for discussion in the future.
Slides were shown of the center. Mr. Cowan pointed out it was up to
H-Control whether or not they wan;.ed to keep the sign color. He noted
City Council had approved the Shoe Fair sign which was a different color
than the others.
Member Weinstein expressed his opinion the center was a disaster. Ways
and means of improving the appearance of the center were discussed.
•
MINUTES OF THE JUNE 20, 1973 H-CONTROL MEETING
Member Weinstein ascertained thickness of sign was not included,in
calculating sign size.
Mr. Tom Dunovan, Ad Art, 4550 Ee Olympic, Los Angeles, then signed
in. Member Weinstein asked why.a sign was needed that would face
Sunrise Drive since traffic is on Highway 9 and sign would be
clearly visible. Member Weinstein also questioned the intensity ofl
illumination. It was ascertained that it would be less than that
of an Arco sign.
Member Dressler noted this was the result of a system that seemed
to have gottenperpetratedby wrong kind of signs; however, he
felt the committee should be consistent
Member Weinstein moved, seconded by Member Dressler, to close
Public Hearings
Motion carried;-3-0 I
Member Weinstein said he had a _lot of difficulty in accepting two
signsas he did not see the necessity for it. Discussion was also
herd regarding getting all signs down and starting over again.
Mr. Cowan said they.were legal signs until the ordinance was
changed.
The applicant mentioned they were considering putting in a side
door. Mr. Cowan said this modification would have to be acted upon'`
by the committee and the second sign could be discussed then.
MemberWeinsteinthen moved to recommend -approval of the sign plan
of Avnlication HC-514058.5 subiect to H-Coat'ro1 Standard Conditions`
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HC-85 ( MINUTES OF THE JUNE 20, 1973 H-CONTROL MEETING
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4. Application HC-51,050.2 of Bank of America (Continental Service
Company) requesting approval of landscaping, grading, lighting
and signs for a commercial building located approximately 300
feet west of the intersection of Stevens Creek Boulevard and
Saratoga -Sunnyvale Road on the north side of Stevens Creek
Boulevard.
STAFF REPORT: Mr. Cowan put drawings on board, noting property involved
was the Saich corner. He noted application conformed with all guidelines
except signing. It was noted that during last discussion it was suggested
it might be desirable to have Saich family retain an architect to come'up
with comprehensive signing. Mr. Boyd was retained but the Saich family
wanted to wait until they found out who their major tenants would be
before having this done. Staff felt that guidelines gave enough flexibility
and did not quite agree with necessity of having an architect for single
tenant. H-Control could still pursue however if they felt it necessary.
Chairman McLaren noted it might be difficult to come up with size of
signs at this point. Member Weinstein did not agree. He felt a size
could be set and if a business wished to establish in Cupertino, they
would have to conform with that regardless of usual logo.
Mr. Cowan then gave background of Saich block. He noted there was no
problem with grading and the lighting was approved in guidelines. With
regard to signing, Mr. Cowan noted .applicant is proposing to retain
existing ground sign. Since this committee was interested in maintain-
ing low profile signing, this could be discussed. It was explained to
Member Weinstein what was meant by logo and pointed out that in order
to approve all signing, there would have to be an exception granted.
Slides were shown of structure and site including existing signs.
The total number of signs requested for the site, including the
logos, is five which is also more t'.iart the allotted square footage;
two signs are allowed for a commercial building.
Mr. Larry Carducci, 600 San Pablo A,.,enue, Albany, California, gave
basic landscaping description. He laid they had tried to conform to
earlier suggestions of H-Control and zig-zag parking landscaping
increased parking facilities. There was quite heavy landscaping
between building and street.
Mr. Carducci said Bank of America had three policies with regard to
landscaping: (1) everything must -)e evergreen, (2) trees must be a
minimum of 12' high and (3) ground cover is planted on basis of 9"
spacing, giving a very effective gr-)und covering as quickly as possible.
Member Weinstein complimented the landscaping with regard to line of
sight, noting cars would not be seen'. He then asked about the circu-
lation pattern which was explained by Mr. John Boyd, 454 Forest Avenue,
Palo Alto.
MINUTES OF THE JUNE 20, 1973 H-CONTROL MEETING
Member Weinstein questioned several plants and Mr. Carducci
described them and explained why that variety was chosen
It was noted there was no problem in grading.
Member Weinstein questioned the -wood poles of proposed lighting
standards. It was explained this had been chosen for the site.
He also questioned height and intensity. Further discussion was
held with regard to lighting.
Mr. Anthony Andrich, Continental Services, 260 Fifth Street, San
Francisco was asked if applicant would consider Caking the street
sign down. Mr. Andrich said according to their calculations the
signing meets requirements of square footage. He explained size
of each sign_an how they had arrived at totals
Member Weinstein said, landscaping was good but questioned having
so many signs. Mr. Andrich said this was a policy of Bank of
America introduced many years ago. Member Weinstein asked if
he had to select between Bank of America spelled out or logo,
which would he choose Mr. Andrich said they keep the one that
spelled out. Bank of ,America
After further discussion, it was suggested keeping logo on the
building and lowering the pylon to low monument profile which has
been shown as desired guideline for Saich block. Mr. Andrich noted
building was leased for 25 years and their agreement included
certain signing privileges.
Chairman McLaren noted her appreciation of change in building
appearance.
Member Weinstein said he would only go for low monument sign and one
logo. He also brought up the height of light standards again.
Member Dressler said this had been discussed thoroughly and 15' had
been allowed.
.{ Member Dressler then suggested approving landscaping and continuing
the signing until Bank of America had been contacted.
Chairman McLaren said she did not recall any specific height of
sign being stipulated and she advocated visibility of signing for
people in business.
With regard to staff recommendation that the short segment of the
median along the eastern driveway be installed and landscape-d.at
this time and a bond for one-half of the median, the bonding was
agreed to.
f Member Dressler moved, and Member Weinstein seconded,_ that the.Public
Hearing be closed.
Motion carrel, 3-0
HC-g5
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MINUTES OF THE JUNE 20, 1973 H-CONTROL MEETING
Member Weinstein questioned the median strip. He felt either this part
of landscaping should be included or continue the whole thing. Chairman
McLaren said since bonding was being made, this would be no problem.
Mr. Carducci said the strip was such a small area, that due to irrigating
requirements and conceptual plans on a whole, paving would be best for
this area.
Mr. Cowan said that irrigating system would have to be guaranteed before
they could get a building permit. Mr. Andrich said this was a legal
problem since Bank of America could notapprove something that is not
part of their development.
A discussion was then raised about whose responsibility this portion of
the landscaping and improvement would be.
Member Weinstein moved to recommend ;approval of landscaping, grading and
lighting subject to H-Control Standard Conditions and as indicated on
Exhibits Cl E, and F and subject to -he. following additional conditions:
1. That the signing be continued o a later date.
2. That the applicant_ shall install the right travel lane denoted
within the adjacent easterly easement and shall provide a pre-
formance bond to guarantee completion of one-half of the con-
struction and landscaping of the median strip within the
northerly and easterly roadway easements.
3. That the applicant shall additionally fully improve the
Stevens Creek Boulevard entrance to the easterly easement
including complete landscaping of the entrance median.
4. That an irrigation system be iiist.alled at this time in the small_
median strip on the easterly easement of the site to ensure future
landscaping.
Seconded by Member Dressler.
AYES: Members Dressler,
NOES: None
ABSENT: Members Koenitzer
Weinstein and Chairman McLaren
and SalLan
Motion carried, 3-0
Chairman McLaren informed the applic„at this would be heard before the
City Council on July 2, 1973.
MINUTES OF THE JUNE 20, 1973 H-CONTROL MEETING
5. Application HC-51,209.1 of Harry W. Falk (Any Mountain)
requesting approval of modification of site and architecture
for existing commercial`building located at the corner of
Greenleaf Drive and Saratoga -Sunnyvale Road in the Rancho
De Arza Shopping Center.
STAFF REPORT: Mr. Cowan commented this was a unique building.
The application was requesting the addition of a storage area f
of approximately 255 sq. ft. to the rear of the Any Mountain
store. The roof overhang exists. It was noted other stores have
storage areas in the rear.. i
Slides were shown The same material would be used on the addi-
tion as is on existing building. One elevation was commented on
since this area would be exposed to public from'Mariani Mini=Mall.
Mr. Randal J. Falk, P. 0. Box 460, Cupertino, said there would be I no exterior door.
In viewing the slides,. garbage on outside of -building was noted £
and discussed. Mr. Falk.said.the building should have been designel
differently to include garbage.. He also noted if new zoning went
through the adjacent property might be residential and -a fence {
would have to be built.
Different ways to handle the garbage problem were discussed. Mr.
Cowan noted in Los Gatos there -is a new ordinance which requires
merchants to keep garbage in enclosed place. In one case a
separate structure.had to be built and this.had proved very
effective.
Mr; Falk said it was not his, request really, and he was not
in a position to add several hundred dollars worth of structure
to house garbage at this time, Chairman McLaren asked Mr: Falk
' to be cognizant of this problem and to try to resolve it.
Mr. Hoffman, Any Mountain owner, said his request was for addition'
storage area and they were not high garbage users.
After further discussion, during which Chairman McLaren said most
property owners had been cooperative and interested'in.`improving
the appearance of their property, she said she also felt it was
not fair; for Mr. Hoffman to have to provide screening.
Member Weinstein said he felt the city should consider revision
of .ordinance. It was not ,fair to .require .one tenant to. provide
- service for all other tenants, but sir. Falk as owner, -should be a
responsible He said he would like to see a plan that``with a
slight addition would enclose the garbage cans.
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MINUTES OF THE JUNE 20, 1973 H-CONTROL MEETING
Member Dressler moved to recommend approval of the site and architecture
modification subject to H-Con.trol Standard Conditions and as indicated on
Exhibits A. A-1, B and B-1. Seconded by Member Weinstein.
AYES: .lmbers Dressler, Weinstein and Chairman McLaren
NOES: None
ABSENT: Members Koenitzer and Sallan
Motion carried, 3-0
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Mr. Zub rycky (Application HC-51,002.5) Tract 2769, Lot 47, La Cresta
Subdivision, Alpine Drive , spoke to the staff . about changing the
trees as stipulated when his application was approved.
After a brief discussion, it was the concensus of the committee that
a change should not be Made since this had been fully discussed when
the application had been considered.
NEW BUST_NESS:
Chairman McLaren said there had been complaints that the 76 Station
on the corner of Stevens Creek Bouievard and Bubb Road had what
appeared.to be abandoned or junk cars at the rear of the station.
Also that major overhauls appeared to be a part of their business
rather than the grease and oil lubrications which were allowed.
These violations are to be checked out by Staff.
Another violation noted was that of some residents on Lindy Lane
where the cliff backs the houses, some owners are building platforms.
It was to be checked to see if these are in violation of ordinance.
ADJOURNMENT
At 9:35 p.m. Member Dressler moved, seconded by Member Weinstein, to
adjourn to meeting of July 5, 1973 at 7:30 P.M.
ATTEST:
/s/ Wm. E. Ryder '
City Clerk
;lotion carried, 3-0
APPROVED:
/s/ Juanita McLaren
Chairman