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December 5th, 1973MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE ARCHITECTURAL AND SITE APPROUA COMMITTEE OF DECEMBER 5, 1973 IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER,CITY 'HALL CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA HC-95 I MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 5, 1973 H-CONTROL MEETING Page 2 November 21, 1973 Minutes approved HC-51,088.151 McDonnell Douglas Corporation Member Weinstein moved to approve ainutes of November 21, 1973 as corrected. Seconded by Member Koenitzer. Motion carried, 3-0-1 Chairman McLaren announced she would be absent from December 19 to January 7, 1974. She asked that Member Dressler be notified so a quorum would be present. A short discussion followed of possible future meeting dates. POSTPONEMENTS: None WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. Application HC-51,088.151 of Cal -Coast Sign Company (McDonnell Douglas Corporation) requesting approval of a sign plan for a light industrial building located at the northeast corner of Bubb Road and McClellan Road in the West Valley Industrial Park. Staff Report: The applicant is requesting an identification sign to be placed at the Bubb Road entrance on the southerly corner of the driveway on top of a 3 ft. grass mound. The color was shown on exhibit on wall. Ms. Kramer showed slides of site. i� It was ascertained the sign would be approximately 7 ft. above grade. Member Koenitzer said the sign was satisfactory but he questioned the 7 ft. However, since the mounding had been asked a for, there was not much else that could be done. Chairman McLaren pointed out that location of site would indicate need for a sign that was easily seen. Member Sallan wondered if a motion had ever been entertained for uniform signs in West Valley Park. Chairman McLaren pointed out this was the last building in the Park. Member Sallan also noted she thought the sign could be smaller. Chairman McLaren said they were entitled to the same square footage as commercial but none of the businesses had ever used full allowance. Member Weinstein expressed his appreciation that sign was not illuminated. Member Koenitzer said a sign this size could be seen at a 300 ft. range which was not unreasonable especially in view of its location. MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 5, 1973 H-CONTROL 'MEETING Chairman McLaren opened the meeting for comments from the audience. There were none. Member Sallan moved, seconded by Member Koenitzer, to close Public Hearings. Motion carried, 4-0 Member Koenitzer moved to recommend approval to City Council of Application HC-51,088.151, ,subject to standard H-Control conditions and Exhibits F and F-1. Seconded by Member Sallan. AYES:. Members Koenitzer, Weinstein, Sallan and Chairman McLaren NOES: None Motion carried, 4-0 The applicant was informed this would be heard by the City Council at its December 17, 1973 meeting. HC-95 Page 3 Public Hearing closed HC-51,088.151 approved 2. Application HC-51,330.1- of Charles R. Rifredi requesting HC-51, 330.1 approval of a sign plan for a commercial building located Charles at the northeast quadrant of Stevens Creek Bou1_evard arri I Rifredi Adriana Avenue. Staff report: The requested ::sign is a painted wall sign that will be placed along front elevation of b'.uilding Existing sign on top of building is 120 sq. ft. double-faced sign. The proposed sign is 120 sq. ft.; the applicant is `allowed 240 sq. ft.-according_to ordinance. A diagram of the proposed sign was passed among the committee members. Slides were shown of the -market and the -existing sign. It was pointed out that painted wall 'sign 'is typical of Monta Vista. Ms. Kramer pointed out that sincea lot:of the area is still in the County, the City has .not had an opportunity to establish design -guidelines or sign requirements.. Chairman McLaren felt there probably will be many studies coming forth in this ;particular area. Member Koenitzer said the sign on'.the roof was quite adequate to identify building. A sign on the .front would not be readable except, from almost directly in front.of'store. It was ascertained that the applicant intended to keep the ;existing' sign on top of the building and was requesting the wall sign as' -an additional sign. HC-95 MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 5, 1973 H-CONTROL MEETING Page 4 It was pointed out that under Section 7.23 and 7.021 of Sign Ordinance, the applicant is allowed two signs. Member Sallan reminded the committee of the Walker -Lee application when the committee recommended one sign and the Council allowed the applicant two signs because of the Ordinance wording. She said it was in the committee's jurisdiction to approve one sign and not two. It was poor design on the part of the City to allow for maximum whenever asked for. Should amend this section of Ordinance, particularly the word "entitled". Member Weinstein said he felt the Ordinance was clear and the City Council action was clear that with the interpretation of the City Attorney they are entitled to two signs. At the same time he doesn't like the idea. He hoped Monta Vista would be maintained as pseudo - rural. Since it appears that it might be a matter of only a few months until this is resolved, perhaps Mr. Rifredi would rather have the application continued until entire area can be defined. Member Sallan said she would prefer to dea--_ with issues and change Ordinance rather than ask the applicant to wait for two months. She has checked with the staff and the City Attorney is looking into it. Chairman McLaren pointed out that the City Council and Planning Commission are so busy at this point and after the General Plan is revised, this issue can be discussed. Mr. Mickey Garner, sign painter representing Mr. Rifredi, said he lived in Monta Vista area. He said Monta Vista has character of its own which is quite different from Cupertino, Sunnyvale, etc. He thought Mr. Rifredi was entitled to have sign he chooses to represent his store. He pointed out Mr. Rifredi lives in Monta Vista himself and deals with the people living there daily. Mr. Garner said the sign on top of building could be considered as two signs in itself. Member Koenitzer said he lived in that area and the store has improved over the last few years. He felt the building looked better with a coat of paint then with a sign across the front that would not help in bringing in customers since it would not be seen from major areas. Chairman McLaren asked about continuing the application until there is more study of the area. She pointed out it would probably be after the first of the year. Mr. Garner said if it was a choice between continuing or denial, he would accept a continuation. Ms. Kramer pointed out there was no guarantee of when Monta Vista would be studied. Mr. Garner asked what would be acceptable and was told that staff could give him guidelines. e , MINUTES.OF THE DECEMBER 5, 1973 H-CONTROL MEETING Member Koenitzer pointed out that a continuation'would allow Mr. Garner to.discuss the committee's views with Mr. Rifredi and Mr. Rifredi could present his, Chairman McLaren agreed, suggesting to Mr. Garner that he keep in mind some of the comments of the committee members. She She also noted the existing sign can be seen from all directions, Chairman McLaren opened the meeting to comments from the audience; There were none, Member Weinstein moved,. ,seconded by Member Koenitzer; to close Public Hearings, Motion carried; .4-0 Member Koenitzer moved to continue Application HC-51,330>1 to the next regularly scheduled meeting. Seconded by Member Sall -an. AYES,. Members Koenitzer, Weinstein, Sallan and Chairman McLaren NOES- None Motion carried, 4-0 At 8-30 p.m. a recess was called with the meeting reconvening at 8:40 p.m; 3. Application HC-51,283e4 of Stoneson Development Corpora- tion requesting approval of site; :architecture, landscaping, grading and signing. for The Oaks Shopping Center located at .the northwest corner of. Mary Avenue and Stevens Creek ' Boulevard.. Continued from,H-Control meeting of November 21, 1973. Staff report: Before Ms, Kramer gave the staff report, Mr. Whitcanac distributed a letter setting forth; the; applicants reasons for oppos- .ing projected bicycle path for the Oaks Shopping Center and Sandpiper Restaurant. Ms. Kramer said issues raised at the November 21, 1973 hearing -had involved a number of revisions to site and architecture. The main point on site was the possibility of,bi'cycle path° The City's , position is it.would like a bicycle path at-some.point in the future but was not, asking for it now.-­.,Thestaff would like an area that would allow for a path in. the fixture, i eo landscaping for -12 .fto in front of property on Stevens Creek Boulevard to be desi'geed in such away that major trees and sprinkler system would 'not have to be moved in event of bicycle path .bein.q'�; installed. II -,;nor G; tP n1 a„ _ HC-95 Page 5 Public HearinE closed HC-51, 330 0 l continued HC-51, 283 e 4 Stoneson Development Corporation HC-95 Page 6 SITE MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 5, 1973 H-CONTROL MEETING There should be approximately 8' of flat area before beginning drop in grade. 4 ft. is for permanent planting and trees. Member Weinstein said in view of letter passed out, there might be a conflict in this plan with Sandpiper Restaurant. The existing landscaping does not screen cars and he would like to see this corrected. He had hoped the modification would have included this since it had been discussed at the earlier meeting. A point of continuing application was for this purpose. He cannot separate Sandpiper Restaurant and shopping center and feels this may be the only chance to get cars at Sandpiper Restaurant screened. Member Sallan pointed out the landscaping from Mary Avenue to freeway was one continuous line along Stevens Creek Boulevard and it was within the scope of this committee to speak to this point. She suggested continuing oleanders. Ms. Kramer then continued with review of site. The next issue was the pedestrian path. The sidewalk was to continue to allow for foot traffic from Monta Vista. She pointed out paths on the site plan. Staff wanted texture to be used throughout site for paths. There were no loss of parking stalls with additional paths. Member Koenitzer asked about path at western end. Mr. Schumacher, 3150 20th Avenue, San Francisco, said the State would have to be con- sulted to make a break in the fence. They would also have to apply to State for sidewalk continuation. Ms. Kramer pointed out change in parking islands. 8 ft. median for trees will make some short stalls. Staff recommnends trees along perimeter of property have same treatment. Member Sallan questioned use of "boxes" and it was clarified that the trees would be set into ground. With regard to architecture, staff representative said the request by committee had been that a modification be made to theater to break up massiveness of wall. Also that elevation of shops be shown. All four elevations will be similar. Another point raised was the matter of three signs. The applicant has chosen to modify color scheme. Ms. Kramer described the signs and exhibited colored drawings and samples of material to be used. Mr. Arthur Schumacher, president of Stoneson Development Corporation, noted the changes that had been suggested by the committee had been reviewed and changes in signs and buildings had been made. The bicycle path is something that will make them liable for injuries. Stevens Creek Boulevard is too highly traveled to have a bicycle path but they did study it and a design presented. He wanted their objections to having a bicycle path in front of the center noted. MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 5, 1973 H--CONTROL MEETING Member Sallan noted their prime concern seemed to be the factor of safety. If City was to have a bicycle path, the options are either in the street or on the sidewalk area. Which did he think was safer? Mr. Schumacher said he didnot think either place was feasible for bicycle traffic. Member Koenitzer said no matter what was done, bicycle crossing accesses to shopping center, freeway or Nary Avenue are a problem, but some type of bicycle lane is desirable. Chairman McLaren-said she was astounded to hear the City was consider- ing a bicycle path on this side of Stevens Creek Boulevard dead -end- ing into the freeway entrance. This was her personal opinion. Member Koenitzer said there was no way of riding west on the south side of Stevens Creek Boulevard as the law requires bicycles to be ridden in the same direction as traffic. Member Weinstein said the plan submitted by staff seems :to be good since we are in a transition period. This leaves the option for' having a path and is a reasonable way to pursue this. !Mr. Schumacher said he would not be against reservation property as long as'it did not adversely effect their over-all plan and as long as they.can come back and voice their concerns.if and when the bicycle paths are 'con- templated being installed. Staff member Kramer said in event a bicycle path -'is designed for Stevens Creek Boulevard there will be many public hearings at Planning Commission, and City Council levels and all property owners would be notified. The City would be bearing cost for most.part of putting in paths. Mt. Schumacher said the committee must decide what design should be followed on the_. landscaping for frontage. After further discussion, Ms. Kramer clarified again the intent of staff relative to the 8 ft. area. With regard to Architecture, Member Koenitzer had a question about.. easterly end of two-story building'. Mr. Robert Page of Bakke/Page, 20430--J Town Center Lane, Cupertino; said the balcony goes all the way around building and there is a one-story extention to the east. He explained modifications to -theater. --They had included 64 trellis with wood facing above it. Building ,might be able to be reduced to 25 ft. The shed roof would be replaced by 'a hip roof. Mr. Page answered: Member Sallan that the theater would face south. Chairman McLaren asked about refuse area for theater. Mr. Page pointed out refuse area on site plane Member Koenitzer asked about bicycle racks.. There are some denoted around theater, but he felt there should be more Mr. Page pgint:ed out, several other points where racks might be added. Chairman McZaren ascertained the racks were sturdy and would be firmly installed, HC-95 Page 7 HC-95 Page 8 LANDSCAPING MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 5, 1973 H-CONTROL MEETING Mr. David Heldt of Browne/Heldt Associates, 730 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, was asked by Member Sallan if he had received a copy of her guide lines., He replied he had not, but he had taken notes. She re- quested that a copy be given to him. Mr. Heldt said he had discussed the bicycle path configuration and while he also felt it was not suitable here, an agreement had been reached whereby if the level area were extended to 10 ft. and the major planting placed at least 3 ft. back it would give capability for future addition. It would limit amount of side slope grade differential which he felt would be the best way of screening. He did not feel the 3 ft. median in this particular case would be appropriate. Member Weinstein suggested there be no further discussion held on the bicycle path since this was what the City had decided on. Staff member Kramer pointed out this was tiie optimum solution as seen by the staff. Mr. Heldt said the major trees should be 4 ft. from shopping center side with at least 3 ft. from car overhang. Screening shrubbery would go between trees. Member Weinstein asked Mr. Page if he had studied the suggestion of moving the whole center back a foot or two. Mr. Page said no, but this would involve existing trees. Mr. Page suggested trees could be planted if they went to short stalls. It was ascertained street trees are 80 ft. apart with stalls 10 ft. on center. Member Weinstein suggested 50 ft. centers with short stall at each tree. Mr. Heldt pointed out no other trees along Stevens Creek Boulevard are placed at 50 ft. centers. He said the plan as proposed was a balanced proposal. It would not be appropriate to have 50 ft. centered trees in this small area. Member Sallan asked how the flat 4 ft. with 2 ft. drop could be planted to screen automobiles. Mr. Heldt felt they should go to 7 ft. landscaping area. At time of planting there would be 1 ft. above drop; planning to use Raphiolepis on top of mound. Member Weinstein asked if they were planning to continue landscaping all the way past The Oaks sign to the east. Mr. Heldt said safety and visibility of ground sign were tuo concerns. Member Weinstein said 2 ft. of planting would do something to screen cars and still not interfere with visibility. Chairman McLaren asked Mr. Heldt to summarize what he felt could be done to frontage with regard to landscaping. Mr. Heldt said 4 ft. planting on 2 ft. mounding would give 6 ft. screening. He pointed out where the trees and low shrubs were planned around perimeter. MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 5, 1973 H-CONTROL MEETING Member Weinsteinstressed permanent landscaping should be planned for 4 ft. of area Member Koenitzer wondered.if the 3 ft. median would be necessary. Staff member Kramer clarified this was not a recommendation from Planning Commission; it was from the staff. Different widths and types of medians were discussed. Mr. Heldt said he needed at least a 6 ft. flat area to make a 3 ft„ slope. Ms. Kramer pointed out trees and irrigation system should be placed far enough from the paths so that trees would not be damaged. Member Sallan'said the grade drop would not be a slope. She did not want the Raphiolepis but rather something that would grow at least 6 ft. to 10 fta total. This would be consistent with guide lines. The intent of guide lines is that complete screening be accomplished at time of planting. Mr. Heldt named several plants that could be .used, Member Weinstein asked for more trees along Stevens Creek Boulevard. The applicant agreed that two more trees could be included. Member Sallan _said the Agapanthus should be changed from 1-gallon cans to 5-gallon cans Member Weinstein suggested landscaping could help control vandalism around theater sign. Member Sallan questioned lack of landscaping at entrance. Mr. Heldt said they wanted a feeling of openness and pointed -out where'_landsca ing on other side of entrance would serve as screen. Mr, Roy Cooper, 988 Market Street, San Francisco, spoke to the theater sign. He had hired Ad -Art in addition to his regular staff. The sign is at minimum space. The colors have been changed. Member Weinstein said he was convinced that everything had been done regard ing sign for theater and felt the colors were an improvement. Member Koenitzer agreed. Member Weinstein said`he would like to know about plans for`Sandpipe Restaurant sign. He felt the signs were tied in and should be dis- cussed., Staff member Kramer explained :all three signs would be part of exception Chairman McLaren opened the meeting to the public for comments. There were none, Member Weinstein moved, seconded by Member Koenitzer, to close'` Public Hearings. Motion carried, 4-0 HC-95 Page 9 SIGNING HC-95 Page 10 HC-51,283.4 approved w/ conditions MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 5, 1973 H-CONTROL MEETING Member Sallan moved to approve Application HC-51,283.4, recommending approval to the City Council with standard H-Control conditions and attached exh�bits. This approval is to include the signing on the shops only. The following conditions are attached: Relative to Site: (1) The potential concrete area to be a maximum total of 11 ft. This to represent a possible future bicycle path and exist- ing sidewalk. 6 ft. would be a permanent landscaped strip and 6 ft. additional would be landscaping of temporary nature, with the possibility that if there is no bicycle path this temporary landscaping can be added on to by the applicant into a more permanent and aesthetic type landscaping. (2) The addition of two sidewalks to be shown on the site plan as per the staff recommendation and that these walkways further be characterized by some type of textured approach. (3) That two additional bicycle racks be installed on the site - as per developer's suggestion. Relative to Landscaping: (1) The applicant is to employ the use of the plant Raphiolepis. This to be along the Stevens Creek frontage from the point where the new landscaping is to be installed east to the parking entrance of the Sandpiper Restaurant. (2) The addition of two more Holly Oak trees (15-gallon size) on the Stevens Creek frontage in the permanent area. (3) That the shrub choice be changed from oleander as per the developer's suggestion to a variety unnamed at this point but that will have a growth height of 6 ft. to 8 ft. tall evergreen. The intent of it is to screen the automobiles at the soonest time. Seconded by Member Koenitzer. AYES: Members Koenitzer, Weinstein, Sallan and Chairman McLaren NOES: None Motion carried, 4-0 The applicant was notified this would be heard by the City Council at its December 17, 1973 meeting. 0' MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 5, 1973 H-CONTROL MEETING 4. Applica.tion.HC-51,283041 of Stoneson. Development Corpora- tion requesting exception to Section 6.13 of the Sign Ordinance to allow the installation of two additional ground signs for The Oaks Shopping Center located at the northwest corner of Mary Avenue and Stevens Creek Boule- vard. Continued from H-Control meeting of November 21, 19730 Staff report: The. Senior Planning Technician said the Sandpiper Restaurant has indicated they would like to keep their existing sign so there would be three ground signs for one site. Mr. Schumacher said there are three parties involved. Application is submitted by °Stoneson.. but they -feel they need all three signs Chairman McLaren asked if their lease agreement with Sandpiper included a ground sign, Mr. Schumacher said the agreement possibly read to this intent..He would not want to see a beautiful building such as this cluttered with signs Consideration should be given because of location, the shape of 'the property and its being adjacent to the freeway. It was ascertained that applicant is pleading hardship as all three signs are necessary. Mr. Page pointed out they were not asking for a sign on Mary Avenue. Member Weinsteinagreed that all three signs are needed, His point is Sandpiper is now going to ask that their sign be permanent. Since all signs will be rust and cream, he wondered if the existing sign would blend in or should the color be changed. It was agreed existing sign would blend well and was an attractive sign, Mr, Ron Wh.itcanack, 110 Na 3rd Street, San Jose, asked which Ordinanc exception would come under. This was. clarified. Member Koenitzer referred to history of Sandpiper Restaurant sign and said this seemec' to be a case where the committee had tried to look to the future and. he got the feeling a fast .ball had been pitched down the center. Chairman McLaren said because oflocation she did not see that the Sandpiper sign was unreasonable. Further discussion was held on history of Sandpiper Restaurant sign and possible means of avoiding this situation inthe future, H C-95 Page 11 HC-51, 283 0 41 Stoneson Deve lopmen t Corporation Chairman McLaren opened the meetingto comments from the audience There were none. Member Weinstein moved to close Public_Hearings o Seconded by Member Public Hearing' Sallan o closed Motion carried, 4-0. r HC-95 Page 12 HC-51,283.41 Exception approved MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 5, 1973 H-CONTROL MEETING Member Weinstein moved to recommend to City Council that Application HC-51,283.41 requesting a sign exception be approved, allowing three ground signs fronting Stevens Creep Boulevard. (1) Theater presents unique situation requiring exception for it to be a commercial viable operation and despite difficulty he has had with certain aesthetics of what is now considered a large sign, the committee feels it is necessary because of nature of theater. (2) Existing Sandpiper sign be allowed based on fact that it does not detract aesthetically from the development and in fact might be more preferable than sign on building which according to sign ordinance would be allowed. (3) The Oaks is allowed as center sign. Seconded by Member Sallan. AYES: Members Koenitzer, Weinstein, Sallan and Chairman McLaren NOES: None Motion carried, 4-0 The applicant. was notified this would be heard by the City Council at its December 17, 1973 meeting. At this point, Chairman McLaren commended Member Sallan for the time spent on guide lines. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Member Koenitzer asked staff to make copies of two rough drafts he was submitting on landscaping ordinance. Staff member Kramer brought to the attention of the committee an error that had been made on a previous application. At last meeting a resolution for Bob's Big Boy had changed two 15-gallon liquid ambar trees to 5 gallon evergreens. The applicant had proposed the 15 gallon size. Ms. Kramer read the resolution and Council minutes which per- tained to this. Amendment to Resolution I An amendment was made that conditio-i 2 on Resolution No. 344 be deleted No. 344 i and that the two 15-gallon Liquid A-nba-r trees be changed to two 15-gallon ( evergreen trees. A discussion was held on a possible meeting with professional landscapers and nurserymen. It was decided that a meeting would be postponed until after the first of the year. It was ascertained that the interim guide lines would be submitted to City Council. MINUTES OF THE DECEI.,I$ER. 5, 1973 H-,CONTROL MEETING HC-95 Page 13 The landscaping at Bumbleberry was discussed. Member Sallan asked if the committee would like to have the landscaping investigated on a professional level. She had made an on -site inspection and submitted a report to staff. She contends the planting is non- conforming to approved plans Staff will investigate. Member Koenitzer asked to have a Mobil station at Stevens Creek and Stelling checked to see if it still had old cars with no rear wheels or axle sitting in front of it. NW BUSIiiESS A review of restrictions on mobile motor homes was discussed. ADJOURN LENT At 11:25 p.m. Member Weinstein moved, seconded by Member Koenitzer, to adjourn to the next meeting on December 19, 19-730 _lotion carried, 4-0 APPROVED: /s/ Juanita McLaren Chairman ATTEST: /s/ Wm*. E. Ryder City Clerk