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October 07, 19700 CITY 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 OCTOBER 7, 1970 IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY HALL, CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA The meeting was called to order by Chairman Adams at 8:02 p.m., who led all assembled in a salute to the flag. Roll Call Members present: Marquez, McLaren, Ryner, Small and Chairman Adams. Also present: Chief Building Inspector Benevich and Recording Secretary Dolores White. There were no members absent from the meeting. Minutes of the Previous Meeting It was moved by Member Ryner, seconded by Member Marquez and passed by unanimous vote that the minutes of the meeting of September 23, 1970 be approved as submitted. Written Communications . Mr. Benevich introduced a letter recently received from QRS Neon Company, whose application had been subsequently placed on the pending agenda. Oral Communications After having been mutually agreed to by both applicants and discussed among the members present, it was suggested the service station applica- tion be heard subsequent to the sign application due to the extensive time required for hearing of the reconstruction application. It was moved by Member Small, seconded by Member Ryner and passed unani- mously that Items 4 and 5 be reversed for hearing on the agenda. Public Hearings 1. Application 475-HC-70, QRS Neon Company, 305 Adrian Road, Millbrae, requesting approval to reinstall existing 5' 10" x 6' 2" pole sign for 7/11 Store located at 10033 .Saich Way. While showing a rendering of the sign, Mr. Benevich reported that the reason for the application was.that the sign, previously approved by the Committee, had been inadvertently removed from its previous location. He added that the applicant was requesting approval to reinstall"the. the sign in the shopping center. HC-18 roll call minutes approved hearin,ys reversed 475-IIC-70 presentatioi Page 2 discussion landscaping comments Minutes of the H-Control Meeting, October 79 1970 Public Hearings (continued) Mr. George Britt ,.representing QRS Neon Company, came forward from the audience and indicated that the sign had been accidently removed from the standard and not replaced. At this time, Mr. Benevich showed slides of the sign in question at its 'location behind the building. Member Ryner questioned the applicant,jasking if he was aware of the condition of the landscaping beneath the sign pole to which the applicant` replied he was. Mr. Ryner then suggested the matter be continued in regard to the sign approval until the landscaping had been further examined and discussed. It was interjected by Member Small that the landscaping was the respon- sibility of the owner of the shopping center and not of the applicant. It was recommended by Member Marquez that the sign application be approved based on the condition that the owner of the shopping center , be required to come in for discussion of the landscaping. i Mr. Britt offered his agreement with Member Small, adding that the sign had already been down for some time with a substantial loss of business and to further penalize the store owner would be unfair inasmuch as the landscaping was not his responsibility,, but that of the center owner. It was moved by Member Small that Application 475-HC-70 be recommended for approval to the City Council and that any reference to the existing landscaping be discussed under new business. This motion was seconded 475-HC-70 .by Member McLaren. approved Ayes: Members McLaren, Small and Chairman Adams Noes: Members Ryner and Marquez -Chairman Adams advised the applicant that this application would again be heard by the City Council at their meeting to be held on October 19, and he suggested the applicant be present at that time. Mr. Adams added,for the record, that the reason for the nay votes in the previous application vote was the condition of the existing landscaping. 2. Application 473-HC-70, Standard Oil Company of California, P. 0. Box 730, San Jose,'requesting approval to reconstruct Standard Oil service station located at the southwest corner presentation of Stevens Creek Boulevard and Saratoga -Sunnyvale Road. presentation Chief Building Inspector Benevich showed slides of various Standard Oil .Company service stations, pointing ouL-'the various features of each for the Committee's review. HC-18 i • ®. 0 0 • Minutes of the H-Control Meeting, October 7, 1970 Public Hearings (continued) Steve Johnson of Standard Oil Company, San Jose Division, presented a group of drawings to the Committee members for their information. Chief Building Inspector Benevich described the proposed structures saying the building would have a Spanish tile roof incorporating a parapet of either, stucco or tile, and the applicant had requested the height of the canopy over the pump islands be 13 feet, 7 inches. Mr. Benevich then referred to the Phillips 66 service station located at McClellan and Stelling Road commenting that the average canopy height was approximately 12 feet. When questioned by Member Ryner as to the reason for -the proposed height, Mr. Johnson replied that there had been a high incidence of campers and trucks damaging the canopies at various Standard Oil Company service stations and it had become a policy to design the stations with the increased canopy height as a protective measure. Mr. Benevich continued his presentation by describing the orientation of the proposed structures in relation to the street, the two 8-foot signs proposed on the adjacent street portions of the property and the size of the planters which would be 9 feet allowing a 14-foot driveway area between the planters and the pump islands. He added that the applicant had proposed redwood edging along the columns to protect them from damage in the everyday use of the facility. Dale Wahlen of Standard Oil Company further described the proposed reconstruction by indicating that there would be curbs surrounding the landscaping; the edging along the columns would be brown painted steel, giving the appearance of wood, to protect the slumpstone blocks. Mr. Benevich pointed out that a survey had been undertaken relative to the various canopy heights giving figures ranging from 9 feet, 11 inches to a high of 12 feet, adding that the Planning Department recommends a maximum height of 12 feet. After some diccussion, it was mutually agreed by the members that the application approval be divided into four segments: Phase A - approval of the architecture, Phase B - approval of the landscaping, Phase C - approval of the signs and Phase D - approval of .the lighting. When asked by Chairman Adams if all lighting had been shown in the plans, Mr. Whalen indicated all had been shown with the exception of the driveway lighting. He said the remainder were to be low-level lights as shown in the slides of the Milpitas service station. Member Ryner was in agreement with the Planning Department as to the height of the canopy proposed being excessive aria -also liked the idea presented by Mr. Benevich of the.roof being half stucco and half tile. Mr. Ryner questioned Mr. Wahlen as to why two signs were needed and ® he replied that, due'to the station not being of a standard design, it was possible that the station could not be identified from any great distance away. HC-18 Page 3 discussion and present tion continued � I Page 4 IMinutes of the H-Control Meeting, October 7, 1970 HC-18 architecture comments Phase A approved Phase B landscaping discussion Public Hearings (continued) An.exchange of ideas f-fs'llowed some of which were: the possibility of using one corner sign instead of two'signs as proposed, canopy height comparisons, pump locations on the islands and the possible dressing up of the existing telephone booths to compliment the building. Member McLaren then questioned the applicant as to the enclosure proposed for a refuse area on the property and Mr. Wahlen described the receptacle as being 8 feet x 20 feet, opening at the top with slumpstone veneer and gates to tie'in with the building architecture. Chairman Adams suggested the possibility of the inside and outside drive areas near the pump islands being ofidifferent levels in lieu of a higher canopy. This suggestion was deemed unsatisfactory due to the fact that the area would have to be graded and; further, that it would be impossible to control which side of the island the customer would enter on. It was then suggested that the three entrances of the Tube bays could be located at the rear of the main structure instead of the front as shown and Mr. Johnson explained the reason1for the entrances being as they were was lack of rear area for easy access to the bay area. He also added if this entrance location was changed, the bad side of the building would be facing the shopping center area. It was moved by Member Small that Phase A, referring to the building architecture on Application 473-HC-70, be recommended for approval to the City Council, subject to the plot plan submitted; that the pump canopy be reduced in height to 12 feet, 6 inches, the same height as the main building; compliance to the Planning Department checklist; the roof to be a combination of Mission tile and stucco; the slumpstone columns be constructed beneath the canopy as shown on the plan and that the telephone company be contacted relative to possible updated designs of telephone booths to coordinate with the new building. This motion was seconded by Member Ryner and the following vote was taken: Ayes: Members Marquez, McLaren, Ryner, Small and Chairman Adams Noes: None Discussion was begun of Phase B, landscaping, and Member Ryner inquired if there were any plans for vending machines outside of the building to which Mr. Wahlen responded that the refreshment area would be enclosed within the building. Mr. Ryner then questioned the possibil- ity,of a planter box being located ati the rear of the building and Mr. Wahlen explained that there would be parking spaces in the rear area. • 9 • i It was a concern of the members that�the landscaping might not be visible if not properly planted and Mr. Wahlen described the various locations of planted clusters for accent and explained that many of the shrubs would have 30-inch spreads with heights varying from 12 inches to 24 inches. is • • 0 • 0 Minutes of the H-Control Meeting, October 7, 1970 Public Hearings (continued) It was moved by Member Marquez and seconded by Member Ryner that Phase B of Application 473-HC-70, pertaining to the landscaping, be recommended for approval to the City Council, subject to the Architectural and Site Approval Committee checklist, Planning Commission comments, if any,• and as per plot plan submitted with the stipulation that the C-1 junipers as shown on the rendering be of minimum heights of between 12 inches to 24 inches with a 30-inch spread. Ayes: Members Marquez, McLaren, Ryner, Small and Chairman Adams Noes.: None The discussion continued to Phase C pertaining to the signs proposed on the property. HC-18 Page 5 Phase B approved Chairman Adams reiterated the possibility of placement of one corner sign sign instead of the two signs as proposed and Member McLaren voiced her discuss opinion that the two signs would be preferred in this case. Chief Building Inspector Benevich informed the members that several service stations throughout the City had been using the canopy roof sign which was not pleasing, adding his agreement with Mr. Adams that the corner sign is very effective provided it was within the Sign Ordinance. He continued that promotional signs had also become quite,a nuisance when placed on the standards,to which Mr. Ryner quickly commented that this particular station had no light standards available for such signs. As a point of information, Mr. Wahlen related to the members that his company only allowed two signs, one being for credit cards honored and the other for stamps, and added that all others have been.eliminated for display purposes. It was proposed by Mr. Benevich that sign approval on this application be continued for clarification of the Sign Ordinance in allowing place- ment of a service station sign in the corner triangle rather than two signs on the road frontages. After Chairman Adams asked Mr. Wahlen if it was agreeable -with him to continue this matter and he agreed, it was moved by Member McLaren and seconded by Member Marquez that Phase C of Application 473-HC-70 involving the signs be continued for clarification of the Sign Ordinance relative to sign placement on the property. Ayes: Members Marquez, McLaren, Ryner, Small and Chairman Adams Noes: None After a brief introduction of Phase D, lighting, it was suggested by Member Ryner that mushroom type fixtures with lighting at 360° and of a 24-inch to 36-inch height utilizing a dish top be used. Mr.•Ryner then questioned the use of directional lighting as it relates to intensity. hase C ontinued Page 6 Phase D lighting presentation Phase D approved Minutes of the H-Control Meeting,'October 7, 1970 HC-18 Public Hearings (continued) • Mr. Wahlen statgd.that�.the lighting suggested is not directly visible and is of a low-level type. Chairman Adams announced, after a brief dialogue,that it appeared to be the consensus of the Committee that low-level lighting should be placedat each side of the entrances !to the service station. In response to Member Ryner's voiced concern as to the intensity of. the lamps, Mr. Benevich informed theimembers that the City Council had authorized a limit of 1.5 foot candles. Mr. Ryner suggested that the motion contain a condition that no exposed fluorescent lamps be allowed on the premises with the excerption of those utilizing a diffuser for shielding purposes. Mr. Wahlen described the lighting which was to.be enclosed with a plastic covering, eliminating any directional light radiation, and added that it would be flush- mounted with no visible light source. The main concern expressed by Chairman Adams was the prominence of the under -the -canopy lighting from the street, as it is from the existing Sears auto repair center location. After further exploration of the proposed lighting, it was moved by Member Ryner and seconded by Member McLaren that Phase D of Applica- tion 473-HC-70, site lighting, be approved for recommendation to the City Council subject to the plot plan!and elevation plan submitted, the 12 Standard Conditions of -the Architectural and Site Approval Committee, conditions of the Planning�Commission as shown on their checklist with the additional conditions that all fluorescent light fixtures on the exterior of the structure be shielded by a diffuser and that landscaping lights be of a low intensity of less than 1.5 foot candles and located no more -than'36 inches from the ground. Ayes: Members Marquez, McLaren, Ryner, Small and Chairman Adams Noes: None Mr. Wahlen and Mr. Johnson were advised that the application would be heard by the City Council on October 19, 1970 and suggested that they be.available for comment at that time;. He further informed the gentlemen that clarification of the Sign Ordinance, pertaining to placement of a corner sign,would be made at the next regularly scheduled meeting of this Committee subsequent to further investiga- tion. 1. After Chairman Adams had marked the colored plans approved as to Phase A, B and D, Mr. Benevich offered his appreciation for the applicants' efforts in upgrading the service station since they had not originally been issued a Use Permit from the City but sub- sequently applied for one when requested and, further, volunteered to appear before the Committee in this regard. He added that about twenty service stations had been toured from Menlo Park to Milpitas and the applicants had been cooperative in every way. Minutes of the H-Control Meeting, October 5, 1970 Unfinished Business When questioned as to City Councilmen's comments at the last meeting relating to the proposed Rules and Regulations of the Architectural and Site Approval Committee, Mr. Benevich replied that the discussion was brief but they had been approved to become effective on October 8, 1970. Members McLaren and Ryner were commended by Chairman Adams for their instant response and extensive time devoted to the preparation of the preliminary draft of these rules. As requested recently by Member McLaren, Mr. Benevich showed slides of the signs in existence at the Crossroads Shopping Center located at the corner of Stevens Creek Boulevard and Sunnyvale -Saratoga Road. The various signs were discussed, including the sign in front of Country Casuals which Member McLaren had recently indicated was objectionable to her. The Country Casuals sign was reviewed by the Committee and it was the general opinion that the sign in existence was not censurable and further discussion was concluded on this matter. The Committee was informed by Chief Building Inspector Benevich that this would be the last meeting he would be attending and he expressed his appreciation for the cooperation given to him by the Committee members. Chairman Adams responded that the Committee, too, was grateful for the excellent work done by Mr. Benevich in assisting them in the past: New Business All present were notified that all future meetings of the Architectural and Site Approval Committee will be held at 7:30 p.m. instead of 8:00 p.m. as done previously. This new time, he added, will be in accordance with the new Rules and Regulations which will be in effect at the next regular- ly scheduled meeting. Mr. Benevich mentioned that there would be a meeting held at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 8, 1970, in the library conference room for the purpose of re -vamping the application format. Discussion continued wherein Chairman Adams related the suggestion of the City Council that any applications not approved by this Committee be explained in more detail than had been done previously. A short discussion ensued during which the subject of landscaping.at the Saich Way location was explored by the Committee members and Mr. Benevich. 11 HC-18 Page 7 )olicy Iiscussion .-eview )f existing ign neeting tii :hange ;eneral Iiscussion r Pac;c 8 Minutes of the 11-Control Mec October 7, 1970 A('; j ournment ,ijouriunent It was moved by Menber. Marquez, seconded by Member Small and passed unanimously that the mecLing be adjourned. The meeting was declared adjourned by the Chairman at 10:17 p.m. APPROVED: i i i /s/ V. J. Adams, Jr. Chairman ATTEST: /s/ Wm. E. Ryder City Clerk j i 1 •