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09-05-2007 DRC MinutesCITY OF ORANGE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE MINUTES -FINAL 5 September 2007 Committee Members Present: Jon Califf Craig Wheeler Joe Woollett Bill Cathcart Committee Members Absent: Donnie DeWees Staff in Attendance: Leslie Aranda Roseberry, Planning Manager Ted Reynolds, Assistant City Attorney Robert Garcia, Associate Planner Sandi Dimick, Recording Secretary Administrative Session - 5:00 P.M. The Committee met for an administrative session beginning at 5:00 p.m. Regular Session - 5:30 P.M. The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:00 p.m. to the next regular meeting on Wednesday, September 19, 2007. City of Orange Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for September 5, 2007 Page 2 of 9 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Opportunity for members of the public to address the Design Review Committee on matters not listed on the Agenda. No public attendees addressed the Design Review Committee on matters not listed on the Agenda. CONSENT ITEMS: All matters that are announced as Consent Items are considered to be routine by the Design Review Committee and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of said items unless members of the Design Review Committee, staff or the public request specific items to be removed from the Consent Items for separate action. There were no items moved to consent at this meeting. AGENDA ITEMS: 2. DRC No. 4257-07 -CARE CONSTRUCTION CANOPY CHANGE A proposal to replace the existing canopy roof over a walkway to a shingle roof. 1776 N. Tustin Street Staff Contact: Robert Garcia, 714-744-7231, rgarcia@cityoforange.org DRC Action: Final Determination Staff Associate Planner Robert Garcia provided a project overview consistent with the Staff Report. Public Comment No public comment was provided on this item. Chair Wheeler opened the meeting to Committee discussion asking for clarification of the roof design. Applicant, Dave Hall, presented information on a hip roof design, which would follow the contour of the roof all the way around the building. An additional concern by Chair Wheeler was with the detail of the overhang. In looking at the design he wanted clarification of the proposed construction of the open areas. Mr. Hall stated that this area would have a row of solid blocking to close off the spaces and a fascia board. Chair Wheeler added that the applicant would need to leave areas available for ventilation. Mr. Hall responded with his proposed ventilation plan, which included frieze block with predrilled holes. The recommendation to the applicant was to soften the design. City of Orange -Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for September 5, 2007 Page 3 of 9 Committee Member Woollett asked if the roof design was waterproof, as it appeared by the photos. The applicant explained that the roof underneath drains from the front of the property to the back and has been a problem in both design and function. The canvas canopy was installed across the top to try to rid this area of the water that drains onto the walkway. He also explained that there was no proposal for gutters at this time. There was further discussion on how a counter flashing and sealant would be used to. Committee Member Califf had concerns on what this would look like. The applicant stated that a surface application could be used or the installation of a counter flashing with a z-bar on top of the framing. This could be added to the plan by the engineer. Committee Member Califf added that whether or not this detail is used the material used should be material made for fascia or barge. He suggested it should be a material that would keep a good line and in five years will still appear to be an improvement. Chair Wheeler asked for any further discussion or a motion. Committee Member Califf made a motion to approve DRC No.4257-07, Care Construction Canopy Change, subject to the conditions contained in the Staff Report and additionally with the recommendation to have a counter flashing at the top that is under the existing exterior finish and consider overhang with a vented eave. Additionally, that the exposed fascia be a type of material intended for that purpose. SECOND: Craig Wheeler AYES: Jon Califf, Bill Cathcart, Craig Wheeler, Joe Woollett NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Donnie DeWees MOTION CARRIED. City of Orange -Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for September 5, 2007 Page 4 of 9 3. DRC No. 4189-07- WALGREENS A proposal to demolish the existing 26,228 sq. ft. Drug Emporium and construct two new buildings totaling 23,068 sq. ft. One building would be a 24-hour Walgreens with a drive-thru window and the second building would contain retail and restaurants. 1538 E. Chapman Avenue Staff Contact: Robert Garcia, 714-744-7231, rgarcia@cityoforange.org DRC Action: Recommendation to the Planning Commission Staff Associate Planner Robert Garcia provided a project overview consistent with the Staff Report. A variance is being requested for the landscaping requirement. Applicant, Amy Ciolek, provided background information on the existing conditions of the site. The proposal would be a significant improvement on this site. The building would be pulled away from the property line and significant landscaping improvements are planned for this site. Applicant, John Peruzzi, explained the requirement to maintain 23,000 square feet. The goal is to meet this requirement in a useable and balanced fashion. He asked for clarification from Staff on the landscaping requirement and the deficiency of trees. Mr.Garcia explained that the plan is short by approximately 20 trees and there is not enough additional landscaping in various areas of the plan. Public Comment Windy Casada, address on file, shared her concern as a property owner about the fence that backs 120' along the south side of the property. The wall has been there since her property was built. She stated that the current building provides privacy as well as a sound wall that keeps the noise from Chapman Avenue down. If the existing wall is torn down and replaced with a 6'wall it will not provide her with any privacy. Also the drive-up window will conceal the alley from the remainder of the building. She is concerned with the lack of privacy and the potential for crime. The property owner added that a 24-hour store is not appropriate for this location and has concerns for her property as well as for her neighbors on Shattuck and Lincoln Avenues. Nathan and Kelly Petz, address on file, stated that the wall that is being considered for demolition is right in their backyard. Mr. Petz stated that their property has a pool that would look down from his pool to the wall and he stated his concerns for possible damage to his landscaping, as he does not see the feasibility of going from an 8' to a 6' wall. Mr. Petz also spoke about his concern in having a 24 drive-thru window, that it would add more congestion to the area. He would like the Committee to consider keeping a higher wall. Chair Wheeler opened this item for discussion by the Committee. Mr. Peruzzi gave an explanation to the Committee regarding the grade difference. The proposed finished grade will be 30.14; this is a 2' difference between the two yards. With the wall being 6' on the residents side and 8' on the retail side. City of Orange -Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for September 5, 2007 Page 5 of 9 Committee Member Woollett mentioned that he drove along this site and his experience has been that it is an area that is hard to enter and exit and it would be in the best interest of the City to have this site developed. In reviewing the photographs he stated that he was not aware that the current wall was so high. Mr. Penizzi stated that the wall is approximately 20' high on the retail side, giving the neighbors a wall height of 18'. It is 120' across the property line and the heights vary as it drops down. Committee Member Woollett asked how high could the new wall be and could the existing wall be left intact? Mr. Garcia explained that the wall could remain there. If the design required a wall higher than 6' this project would require a variance, as it is a Commercial Use Zone. Committee Member Woollett clarified that a building with a 20' high wall is permitted, but a 6' freestanding wall requires special consideration. Mr. Garcia confirmed, "yes." Chair Wheeler stated that as he reads it, if the building does not exceed 20' it could have a 0 rear property and side property line. Mr. Peruzzi explained that as an architectural firm they appear at these types of meetings all the time and their experience has been that residents typically fight them on lower wall heights. This is not the case here and they could look into a higher wall with a variance. Chair Wheeler stated that a solution could be to build right on the property line and move the drive-thru window. Committee Member Woollett discussed with the applicant his concerns for the noise and traffic factors and gave some suggestions for materials that would absorb sound better. He also stated that he is pleased with the design of the building. The Committee shared their concerns about not having enough trees and additionally concerned with their placement, if there are too many trees that the visibility could be compromised. Committee Member Califf stated that with the use of palms you would not have a problem with visibility. Mr. Garcia gave an explanation of the possibility of being under parked and that an administrative adjustment has been requested to keep the project within 10%. The Committee discussed the issue of parking and landscaping. Committee Member Califf made a recommendation of overhanging and increasing the landscape in the parking spaces that face the street. Mr. Garcia stated that as long as there is 10' along the front there would be room for overhang. Discussion continued on the placement of trees and the possible placement of additional palm trees to comply with the landscaping guidelines. Mr. Peruzzi mentioned that there are approximately 76 trees. The plans were reviewed by the Committee and the question of whether the landscape requirement was realistic based on the property lines and interior areas that would not lend themselves to landscaping. Committee Member Califf stated that the spacing of the palms could be changed to meet the requirements and that most of the landscaping is behind the building. He also mentioned that he had concerns of what planned security measures would be put in place to make the alley safer and that a higher wall would give a more secure environment. City of Orange -Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for September 5, 2007 Page 6 of 9 Committee Member Califf asked if the applicant had encountered any grading issues with bringing down the existing building. Mr. Peruzzi mentioned that their civil engineer was present at the meeting and he could answer any questions regarding grading. Committee Member Califf stated that this was outside their area and he just wanted to make sure that in removing the wall, that the grading issue was being considered, and in matching the footprint of the building to ensure that the sound and privacy to the neighbors is maintained. Mr. Peruzzi explained that they did look at various ways of setting the building and maintaining the Walgreen design theme and that the layout of the current plan seems to work best for the circulation, the drive, the pick up window and product receiving. Walgreens does not have a loading dock, and this is typical of all of their stores. They also use very high-end materials in their design. Chair Wheeler asked if the use of the existing building was considered. Mr. Peruzzi stated that it is contaminated with asbestos and has some seismic issues. Ms. Ciolek added that operationally it would be less than ideal. Chair Wheeler expressed his concern of the change in the fence for the residents and what could be done to address their concerns and not make such a dramatic change in their environment. Committee Member Woollett stated that he had concerns with the site plan. The requirement for the landscape can be addressed by doubling up on the queen palms. He shared that he was uncomfortable with the site plan and Chair Wheeler stated that he did not like the alley. Mr. Peruzzi stated that there is definite mechanics to these stores. Operationally and logistically the store set up and the placement of the drive-thru works to keep the patrons in and out. Committee Member Califf asked for the height of the building excluding the towers. Mr. Peruzzi stated that the Walgreens is 30' from the property line, there is storage above which makes the height 26' and the retail 18' tall. He added that understanding their concerns the applicant would be willing to increase the wall height up to 12', which is 8' lower than what is there. He continued that they are also working with building requirements and trying to fit this all into d1c design. Committee Member Califf stated that visually looking at a 30' building, 30' away and in between that building there is a 12' high wall to ensure that the lighting would be adequate without spillover. The combination of a higher wall and the height of the building would address the sight line and sound impacts. He would be in favor of carrying the wall along the residential zone that would take it all the way to the end of the building. Mr. Peruzzi asks if the DRC made that recommendation would it be supported or do they need to fight the ~~ariance. The Committee stated that they make a recommendation to the plan and that would then go to the Planning Commission. Chair Wheeler made the recommendation for a wall of 10-12' in height along the property line. Committee Member Woollett stated that he had concerns over the security issue and he would feel better if there were security cameras installed. Ms. Ciolek stated that security cameras were part of the plan. City of Orange -Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for September 5, 2007 Page 7 of 9 Committee Member Woollett had concerns over issuing a variance for the deficient parking and he felt that the additional parking could be handled with just a slight reduction in the square footage of the building. Committee Member Woollett made a motion to approve to the Planning Commission DRC No. 4189-07, Walgreens, with the following conditions that the wall be 12' high along the property line and that the lighting along the southern portion of the west property line and the area north of the south property line be provided with light fixtures to be mounted on the wall, and that the additional trees be added to meet the minimum requirement and the conditions contained in the Staff Report, with the exception of items 2 and 3. Committee Member Cathcart added that after approval he would like Community Services to receive a detailed planting and irrigation plan following these requirements. Committee Member Califf added that they would also encourage the applic~u~t that wherever possible to decrease the paved area of the parking stalls from 18' to 16' and increase the overhang with the landscaping. This recommendation was added to the motion. SECOND: Jon Califf AYES: Jon Califf, Craig Wheeler, Joe Woollett, Bill Cathcart NOES: None ABSENT: Donnie DeWees MOTION CARRIED. City of Orange -Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for September 5, 2007 Page 8 of 9 4.DRC No. 4248-07 -DUBBIN SECOND DWELLING UNIT A proposal to build a new detached second dwelling unit of 496 sq. ft. and a new detached two-car garage. 523 N. Orange Street Staff Contact: Robert Garcia, 714-744-7231, rgarcia@cityoforange.org DRC Action: Final Determination Committee Member Califf recused himself due to the business relationship that he has with the applicant. Staff Associate Planner Robert Garcia provided a project overview consistent with the Staff Report. Public Comment No public comment was provided on this item. Chair Wheeler opened the meeting to Committee discussion. Committee Member Cathcart commented on the various phases of the construction and received clarificati~~n from Staff that the second dwelling unit is what the Committee would be reviewing. The Committee reviewed the plans and consulted the applicant, Mr. Durbin, for clarification on some of the materials being used. Committee Member Woollet asked what type of material would be used in the ribbon drive. Mr. Durbin stated that there is currently grass in this area and that would remain with irrigation that is cun-ently in place. Committee Member Cathcart made a motion to approve DRC No. 4248-07, Durbin Second Dwelling Uuit, with the recommendations contained in the Staff Report. SECOND:Joe Woollett AYES:Bill Cathcart, Craig Wheeler, Joe Woollett NOES:None ABSENT:Donnie DeWees RECUSEI):Jon Califf MOTION CARRIED. City of Orange -Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for September 5, 2007 Page 9 of 9 REVIEW OF' MINUTES: July 5, 2007 Chair Wheeler stated the minutes had been reviewed during the Administrative Session. A motion w~is made by Committee Member Woollett to approve the minutes of the July 5, 2007 meeting with revisions as noted. SECOND:Bill Cathcart AYES:Bill Cathcart, Craig Wheeler, Joe Woollett NOES:None ABSTAIN:None ABSENT:Donnie DeWees, Jon Califf RECUSED:None MOTION CARRIED. ADJOURNMENT: A motion was made by Committee Member Cathcart to adjourn to the next regular meeting on Wednesday, September 19, 2007. SECOND:Craig Wheeler AYES:Bill Cathcart, Craig Wheeler, Joe Woollett NOES:None ABSENT :Donnie DeWees, Jon Califf RECUSED:None MOTION CARRIED.