DRC 05-05-05
Design Review Committee
May 5, 2005
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 777-3308
APPROVED MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE DESIGN REVIEW
COMMITTEE HELD ON MAY 5, 2005
ROLL CALL
Committee Members present:
Marty Miller, Chairperson
Lisa Giefer, Commissioner
Committee Members absent:
None
Staff present:
Piu Ghosh and Gary Chao
Staff absent:
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
April 7, 2005
Minutes of the April 7, 2005 Design Review Committee were approved with the
following change:
Page 3, 6th paragraph, 1st line: replace "willing to forgo that for using renewable energy
sources" with "willing to exceed 55% FAR only because they are using renewable energy
sources. "
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
POSTPONEMENTSjREMOV AL FROM CALENDAR:
ORAL COMMUNICATION: None
CONSENT CALENDAR: None
PUBLIC HEARING:
1.
Application:
Applicant:
Location:
EXC-2005-09
Samantha Hollinger (Northwest Signs)
10680 S. De Anza Boulevard
2 Design Review Committee
May 5, 2005
Sign Exception to replace a monument sign at an existing commercial center (De
Anza Professional Building)
Design Review Committee decision final unless appealed.
Commissioner Giefer disclosed that her travel agent and some friends are tenants in the
building. Commissioner Giefer contacted staff and stated that since she did not have
financial interest in any of the businesses or tenants, she did not have to recuse herself.
Gary Chao introduced Piu Ghosh as the Planning Department's intern.
Staff Presentation: Piu Ghosh, Planning Intern, briefly described the sign exception.
Ms. Ghosh stated that the sign is well designed, well proportioned and allows for good
visibility. The Public Works Department has also reviewed the plans and the plans
meet the Safe Sight Triangle Standards.
MOTION:
SECOND:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
VOTE:
Commissioner Giefer moved to approve EXC-2005-09.
Chairperson Miller
None
None
2-0
2.
Application:
Applicant:
Location:
DIR-2005-03
Tom Sloan (Wildflower Condominiums)
1375 S. De Anza Boulevard
Director's Minor Modification of an existing use permit (U-2003-03, Wolf
Camera) for a landscaping plan for an approved mixed-use retail/residential
project.
Design Review Committee decision final unless appealed.
Postponed from the March 17, 2005 meeting.
Staff Presentation: Gary Chao, Associate Planner, briefly described the application.
Currently, there are 24 existing trees. The applicant is proposing to remove 9 trees,
relocate 4 existing Redwood trees and plant 13 new street trees. Staff recommends
approval based on the model resolution, which includes the City Arborist's
recommendations. Mr. Chao explained the City Arborist's recommendations.
Commissioner Giefer brought to the Committee's attention that there was a discrepancy
between the tree numbering systems that Mr. Coates (City Arborist) and what the
applicant's planting plan uses. Commissioner Giefer found this very confusing at the
project site and stated that she was not prepared to make a decision and would like to
recommend continuing the item until the Commission receives a copy of Mr. Coates
drawing which indicates his numbering system
system to reconcile it.
Design Review Committee
May 5, 2005
versus the applicant's numbering
3
Chairperson Miller suggested working through it for the reason of not delaying the
applicant any longer. Commissioner Giefer disagreed in that she felt that they did not
have enough time to study it. Once the error was recognized, she made a call to staff to
try to get the information needed was unable to obtain that information.
Chairperson Miller recommended that since everyone was present, to let the applicant
give his presentation. Commissioner Giefer agreed.
Chairperson Miller asked why 24" box trees were recommended on the west elevation
and 48" box trees on the north side. Mr. Chao stated that 48" box trees were
recommended by the City Arborist. Chairperson Miller stated that he didn't see the
reason for the 48" box trees on the north side. Mr. Chao said the intent was to replace
the Ash trees.
Discussion continued regarding the replacement trees.
Tom Sloan, Applicant/ Architect, stated that the Landscape Architect was unable to
attend the meeting. Mr. Sloan briefly discussed the future growth of the trees.
Chairperson Miller asked Mr. Sloan if was prepared to discuss the individual trees. Mr.
Sloan stated that since he did not design the plans, he did not think would be proper to
talk about it.
Gregg Bunker, Applicant, stated that whatever could be resolved that would expedite
the project would be very beneficial. Mr. Bunker stated that he was okay with the six
48" box trees on the north side. He also stated that in regards to the numbering system,
they were replacing one of one for each tree involved. Commissioner Giefer stated that
the diagram that Mr. Bunker had reconciled the numbering system and it was not
included in the packet.
Mr. Sloan explained that they were replacing one for one each tree being removed with
a healthier species. He also stated that more trees are being added as well. He feels that
if staff worked with the landscape architect and the arborist that this could be worked
out at that level.
Discussion continued regarding tree #19 and the meandering sidewalk. Mr. Sloan and
Mr. Bunker both agreed to adhere to Barrie Coates, City Arborist, suggestion, which
would be listed in the conditions of approval.
Discussion continued regarding the species of new trees being planted on the property.
Mr. Chao stated that the applicant was proposing to preserve the ash trees along the
north side of the property and the City Arborist suggested to replace them with another
species. Mr. Bunker stated that he would like to keep them, but he would probably
4 Design Review Committee
May S, 200S
replace them if the City wants to with other box trees. Mr. Bunker wanted to know why
they were considered unhealthy. Mr. Chao explained that the existing trees were in
poor structural condition and diseased and would eventually die and this would be a
good opportunity to replace them. Mr. Bunker stated if Mr. Sloan felt that way he was
in favor of that. Mr. Sloan stated that he would like to remove those trees along the
north side and replace them with something new per the arborist report.
Chairperson Miller confirmed with the applicant they were in support of the ash trees
and asked if they wanted to choose a tree. Mr. Bunker answered yes and they would
select the Brisbane box. Commissioner Giefer stated that she thought she remembered
what the Brisbane box looked like, but if it were the one she was thinking of; it would
be a very messy tree.
Mr. Chao suggested continuing the application to the next meeting. Mr. Miller stated
that he would like to get all of the issues out and so next time only a few minutes would
be needed. Discussion continued regarding the numbering system.
Chairperson Miller briefly explained that the redwood trees are on the west side of the
property and that staff's report recommends that they be replaced. Mr. Chao explained
that the condition states that staff will work with the applicant and the arborist to select
an appropriate species. Discussion continued regarding the redwood trees and the
property line. Mr. Sloan has no problem replacing redwoods with redwoods if they
grow.
MOTION:
SECOND:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
VOTE:
Commissioner Giefer moved to continue DIR-2005-03 to the next meeting.
Chairperson Miller
None
None
2-0
OLD BUSINESS:
None
NEW BUSINESS:
None
Respectfully submitted:
~~ wdL
Kiersa Witt
Administrative Clerk
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