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September 09, 1970CITY OF CUPERTINO, State of California 10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, California ® Telephone: 252-4505 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE ARCHITECTURAL AND SITE APPROVAL COMMITTEE HELD SEPTEMBER 9, 1970 IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF CITY HALL, CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA The meeting was called to order by Chairman Adams at 8:06 p.m. and the assemblage was subsequently led in the flag salute. Roll 'Call Members present: Marquez, McLaren, Small, Chairman Adams. Member absent: Ryner. Also present: City Clerk and Acting City Manager Ryder, Chief Building Inspector Benevich and Recording Secretary Dolores White. Minutes of the Previous Meet EIC-16 .oll call It was moved by Member McLaren, seconded by Member Small and passed inutes unanimously that the minutes of the meeting of August 19, 1970 be pproved • approved. Communications No written or oral communications were introduced. Public Hearings 1. Application 298-HC-67, Albert A. Hoover and Associates, 701 Welch Road, Palo Alto, requesting approval to erect a 3' x 10' ground sign for Quantor Corporation, located at 19000 Homestead Road. Mr. Robert Bernstein, representing Albert A. Hoover and Associates, came forward from the audience offering to answer questions relative to this application. When asked by Chairman Adams if the proposed sign was within the ordi- nance, Chief Building Inspector Benevich replied in the affirmative. 98-HC-67 �iscussion Mr. Walter Ward, General. Manager of the Vallco Park organization, in- dicated that the plan had been reviewed and approved by their committee. Slides were then shown by Mr. Benevich and Mr. Bernstein explained that the Quantor Corporation is planning to add onto their building and it ® was proposed to erect an additional sign to be an exact duplicate of the ® sign already in existence on the premises. He added that the sign would be placed at a 90' angle to Homestead Road and would be lighted so that Page 2 298-HC-67 approved 391-HC-69 discussion 391-HC-69 Phase A approved Minutes of H Control, September 9, 1970 HC-16 Public Hearings (continued) • the illumination would be directed away from the road as is the existing sign. Upon request of Member McLaren,'a map was presented to the Committee members for their perusal. After some discussion, it was the general consensus of the members present that the sign appeared to be a favorable one. It was moved by Member Marquez, seconded by Member Small and passed by a unanimous vote that approval of Application 298-HC-67 be recommended, subject to the site plan submitted showing the sign facing Homestead Road. Chairman Adams advised the applicant to be present on September 21, 1970 when this application will again be heard before the City Council at their regularly scheduled meeting. 2. Application 391-HC-69, Sears, Roebuck and Company, 2650 East Olympic Boulevard, Los Angeles, requesting approval to install a colncrete retaining wall at the northeast corner of the Sears property on Wolfe Road. Mr. Kenneth Mendia of Charles Luckman 'Company offered a map of the proposed retaining wall for the information of the Committee members and added that the proposed wall had been approved previously by the Vallco Park Commmittee and is compatibiie with tLieir development plans. • Mr. Benevich showed slides, explaining that the raised parking lot was the point in question and it was of concern that passing motorists would have a view of the underside of the parked vehicles in the lot due to the difference in elevation. He then suggested that a review of the light standards be made at this time fior expediency. Chairman Adams asked what the height and length of the lower wall and Mr. Mendia indicated it was 20 feet•shlorter than the upper wall and the maximum height of the wall was 4 feet. IIn response to an inquiry by Member Ma Laren regarding landscaping plans, �Mr. Ward, General Manager of Vallco Pa}irk, responded that the material agreed to, and required by Vallco, wasi of a hedge type of landscaping instead of the trailing type of foliage, said hedge growing at a height to cover the underneath portions of the parked automobiles and blending into the existing landscaping. I Chairman -Adams suggested that approval of the application be divided into two phases: Phase A - retainingiwall and Phase B - lighting. It was moved by Member McLaren and seconded by Member Small that approval be recommended on Application 391-HC-6'9, subject to the Planning Depart- ment's checklist and 12 Standard Condiltions of the Architectural and Site Approval Committee, as per plot and elevation plans submitted and with a specification that this be Phase A oflthe application covering a specific portion and that a hedge is to be plaited for the landscaping along this wall., to be the type that would grow into a hedge covering the under part Of the automobiles and the lower wall�l Minutes of H Control, September 9, 1970 ® Public Hearings (continued) The vote on Phase A of Application 391-HC-69 was as follows: Ayes: Member Marquez, McLaren, Small, Chairman Adams Noes: None Absent: Member Ryner Chief Building Inspector Benevich then introduced Phase B of Application 391-HC-69 with a presentation of slides showing light standards as proposed. He said the primary concern is the height of the standards proposed in that the maximum height of the standards as submitted was in the area of 40 feet. According to the ordinance, the maximum height of standards in a commercial area is 30 feet on a 2 foot, 6-inch pedestal., He inquired if a Variance would be in order or if the matter would be forwarded to the Citv Council for their decision. Mr. Alex Nikolakopulos of Nikolakopulos Associates, 2921 Beverly Boule- vard, Los Angeles, came forward to discuss the proposed lighting. He said that the height of the standards is approximately 40 feet and in- corporated therein were four, 1000-watt units for better light distribu- tion as well as architectural effect. He added that the fixture was a costly one utilizing a diffused lens which results in far less glare than the average fixture used. He expressed a willingness to use shield- ing on the residential side of the fixtures should lighting intensity become a problem. r- Member Small questioned the maximum allowable height as set forth in the ordinance and Mr. Benevich responded that a maximum height would be 30 feet on a 2 foot, 6-inch pedestal for a total of 32 feet,6 inches. Chairman Adams requested comments from the members on the fixture only and offered his recommendation that the screening be strongly considered prior to approval of this application. Member Marquez added a.suggestion that the height of the fixture be reduced to the allowable maximum height as set forth in the ordinance. After some discussion between the Committee members, City Clerk and Acting City Manager Ryder, it was concurred that the procedure for ob- taining a Variance in this instance would involve approximately one month's time, conflicting with the proposed opening date of the Sears store. Mr. Ryder added that it was requested at a recent meeting of the City Council that light sources not be visible from beyond parking lots. Responding to a request for direction from Mr. Nikolakopulos, the members were in agreement that the proposed fixture, at a height of 32 feet, 6 inches including pedestal, would be acceptable and they were also in agreement that a shielding device should be utilized as a pro- tective buffer between the lot and the residents. HC-16 Page 3 391-•HC-69 Phase B discussion :ixture iiscussion Page 4 391-HC-69 Phase B approved sign Gresentation 437-HC-69 approved Minutes of H Control, September 9, 197i0 HC-16 Public Hearings (continued) • Mr. Ward interjected that it had been planned that two rows of trees and three rows of shrubs would be planted as a buffering element. It was moved by Member Small and seconded by Member McLaren that Phase B of Application 391-HC-69 be recommended for approval subject to plan submitted, the light standards conforming to the Ordinance requirement of 30 feet on a 2 foot, 6-inch pedestals, protection utilized to shield the homes on the westerly border of the parking lot, said protection to possibly require the use of one or twos shields in the lamp portion and that the Building Department be responsible for follow up on this action. I Ayes: Member Marquez, McLaren, Small, Chairman Adams Noes: None Absent: Member Ryner Chairman Adams informed the applicant that this matter would be heard before the City Council on September 21, 1970 and recommended he be present in the event questions shouldiarise. 3. Application 437-HC-69, 1-lodern Neon Company, 2505 Poplar Street, Oakland, requesting approval to erect a 2-1/2' x . 13' wall sign for Ken's;Stride Rite Bootery, located at 20694 Stevens Creek Boulevard, and a 3' x 16' sign .for T hoi:� MCA- Sh Oc^. store, located at 206/:0 Cte<—onS Creek Boulevard (Crossroads).! I The applicant, Frank Sellers, representing Modern Neon Company, was present for discussion purposes. Chief Building Inspector Benevich, while showing slides, described the proposed signs saying that the Ken's Stride Rite Bootery sign would have a dark green background with yellow lettering and an illuminated portion behind "Ken's" in the colors of aqua blue background with black lettering. He then showed a slide of the larger,;black and white, Thom McAn sign for the enlightenment of the Committee. I It was moved by Member Marquez and seconded by Member McLaren that approval be recommended of Application 437-HC-69. I Ayes: Member Marquez, McLaren, Small, Chairman Adams Noes: None Absent: Member Ryner �I Mr. Sellers was advised by Chairman Adams that this application would be 'heard before the City Council at their September 21, 1970 meeting. 4. Application 437-HC-69, Ad Art, 1607 Terminal Avenue, San Jose, requesting approval to erect a 3' x 16' wall sign for Country Casuals, located at 20650 Stevens Creek0. Boulevard (Crossroads).! u Minutes of H Control, September 9, 1970 Public Hearings (continued) After a brief discussion of sign colors in existence in the local shopping centers, Mr. Vernon Burgess of Ad Art, Inc., 1607 Terminal Avenue, San Jose, explained the proposed Country Casuals sign as a change of image created for appeal to the younger set and to the thinking of today. Mr. Benevich indicated that the proposed sign was in conformance with the Sign Ordinance and in keeping with specified standards. It was suggested by Mr. Ryder that the Committee act on the particular application before them which had no connection with the building, itself, and added that the Committee could request the owner of any objectionably colored building to appear before them. Mr. Benevich offered to take colored slides of the frontage of this ® particular store and other stores in the complex and, if the Committee was of the opinion that it was out of keeping,.he would be willing to advise the owner to change the colors. - It was moved by Member Small that Application 437-HC-69 be recommended for approval to the City Council. This motion was seconded by Member Marquez and the following vote was taker.: ® Ayes:- Member Marquez, McLaren, Small,Chairman Adams Noes: None Absent: Member Ryner 5. Application 474-HC-70, West Valley Sign Company, 10493 Mira Vista Road, requesting approval to paint surface lettering on front and two sides at Hoyt's Furni.ture,lccated at 20559 Stevens Creek Boulevard. ® Chief Building Inspector Benevich explained, with the assistance of visual aids, that this request was for approval of the painting of an "Unpainted" sign on the front of the existing building and one "Furniture" sign on each of two sides of the building. He said the maximum allowable square footage is 67.2 square feet and the -applicant has requested approval of. same. After inquiries relative to both existing window signs, Mr. Benevich advised the signs were of the 35% allowable as specified in the Ordinance. It was moved by Member Small that approval be recommended of Application 474-HC-70 per plans submitted; however, there was no second to this motion. It was then noved by Member Marquez and seconded by Member McLaren that .Application 474-HC-70 be disapproved, as is, and that the applicant return with a more appropriate sign for submission to the Committee. Ayes: Member Marquez, McLaren, Chairman Adams -Noes: Member Small Absent: Member Ryner HC-16 Page 5 437-HC-69 discussion 437-HC-69 ip---VP +74-HC-70 iiscussion +74-HC-70 disapproved A Page 6 recently approved application discussion rules and policies discussion draft review I September 1.71 Minutes of H Control, September 9, 197'10 Public Hearings (continued) i The applicant was informed of his righ'it to appeal this action within 5 days. I Unfinished Business I Member Small pointed out that conditions recently imposed on a newly approved application (Mr. Rifredi, app4cant) had not been completed. Mr. Rifredi had not accomplished the paving as planned, the landscaping in front of the building had not been None and the pine trees, originally said to be 6 feet in height were actually in the area of 2 feet tall. Mr. Small suggested that this situatioin be further investigated by the Building Inspector and brought back for additional discussion at the next meeting. l , In continuing, Member Small referred to another situation in existence at the Standard Oil service station located at Saratoga -Sunnyvale Road and Stevens Creek Road, saying that hejrecently was informed by a person on the premises that all landscaping and site plans had been approved by the Planning Commission. He requested clarification on this point. In response, Mr. Benevich indicated this station had plans to renovate their station and,.inasmuch as this sta'Ition was in existence prior to his becoming Chief Building Inspector,�the Planning Department requested the owner obtain a Use Permit. The applicant was granted a Use Permit through the Planning Commission subsequently and a representative from the Standard Oil Company offered to gi�le Mr. Sisk, Mr. Yarborough and Mr. Benevich a tour of other existing stations with similar landscaping in the immediate area. This tour has not taken place as yet and, therefore, the application has not comi before the Architectural and Site Approval Committee for approval. HC-16 40 Member Small also inquired as to the progress being made on the Texaco service station located on Highway 9 and Homestead Road, to which Mr. Benevich replied that he will request that a zoning violation be recorded with the Planning Department with official action to be initiated. Member Small indicated a plywood wall had been erected to hide the tires at this same stationland Mr. Benevich then replied that this is not covered by the present ordinance and action could only be taken if a Use Permit had been issued. He added that a Sign Permit has been refused until the station has;been cleaned up. i The subject of rules and policies was introduced in line with the revised ordinance as pertains to the Architectural and Site Approval Committee and after some discussion, the members'Iwere informed by Mr. Ryder that the said rules and policies have been requested for submission to the City Council by October 5, 1970. i It was suggested by Chairman Adams thalt Member McLaren work with Member • Ryner on a draft of these rules and policies of operation, to explain the 12 Standard Conditions and to offer any other thoughts or suggestions they might have. It was mutually agreed that the draft would be reviewed on Thursday, September 17, 1970, commencing at 7:00 p.m. in the Conference Room with Acting City Manager Ryder. f 0 Minutes of H Control,. September 9, 1970 0 Unfinished Business (continued) 11 0 F-] L City Clerk and Acting City Manager Ryder stressed the necessity of having these rules and comments in his possession no later than September 22, so that they could be prepared for the subsequent meeting of the City Council. Mr. Ryder informed the members of the upcoming joint meeting of the City Council, Planning Commission and Architectural and Site Approval Committee scheduled for September 28. New Business Member McLaren suggested that the Enco service station located at Highway 9 and McClellan Road be checked as they are displaying a sign showing work performed. Mr. Benevich responded that this type of sign, often hung on an arm, is used by several stations throughout the area doing specialized work. It is, he continued, not a violation of the existing ordinance. Member McLaren then questioned the approval of the new Tate's Country Inn sign to which Mr. Benevich assured her that the sign was in conformance with the ordinance,inasmuch as the only change has been in the lettering used and the sign size has remained the same in square footage. Adj ourp_ment It was moved by Member McLaren, seconded by Member Small and passed unanimously that the meeting be adjourned to Thursday, September 17, 1970, commencing at 7:00 p.m. in the Conference Room for a review of the Architectural and Site Approval -Committee's draft of policies and rules. The meeting was adjourned at 9:58 p.m. "A Submitted for approval: Recording Secretary HC-16 Page 7 joint meeting September 28 sign discussion adjournment