1998-04-01 Final DRC MinutesCity of Orange
Design Review Board
MINUTES
for Wednesday, April 1,1998
Board Members Present: Rick Cavecche
Tim McCormack
Steve Prothero (Chair)
Robert Reilly
Board Member Absent: Steve McHarris
Staff in Attendance: Chuck Lau, Associate Planner
Howard Morris, Landscape Coordinator
Administrative Session - 4: 30 P.M.
The board met for an administrative session beginning at 4:30 P.M. The meeting adjourned at
approximately 9:15 p.m.
Regular Session - S: 30 P.M.
The February 4, 1998, March 18, 1998 and April 1, 1998 meeting minutes were deferred to April
22, 1998.
City of Orange -Design Review Board
Meeting Minutes for April 1, 1998
Page 2
(1) DRB No. 3324
Plaza Park & Quadrant Renovation Renovation of the Old Towne Plaza area
Old Towne Plaza Old Towne Plaza Historic District
Cathcart/Begin Landscape Architects
The project was presented by Bill Cathcart -Landscape Architect. Phase I construction of the project
involves the 4 quadrants of the Plaza Square. The renovation consist of expanding the sidewalk area to
create additional pedestrian and outdoor dining area, and the construction of new planters and tree wells
with new landscape materials. Also included is the placement of new street furniture such as benches,
trash receptacles, information kiosk, etc. Phase II of the project involves the improvement of the
landscape and hardscape areas of the Plaza Park area. The project has been scheduled for the City
Council meeting on April 28, 1998. The DRB is asked to comment on the project and make
recommendations to the City Council.
Tim McCormack strongly expressed concerns with the proposed removal of the existing mature Canary
Island Pine trees at the four quadrants. The safety concerns of the Pine needle droppings and surface
roots can be mitigated with proper tree maintenance. The existing Pine trees create shadows and a sense
of history within the Plaza area that new Palm trees simply cannot create. Unless the existing Pine trees
are severely diseased and/or damaged to a point where it is necessary to remove them, replacing them
with new Queen Palms would be ashort-sighted approach. Are Queen Palms the "flavor of the month"?
The City has a tendency to replace the trees in the Plaza area every 20 to 30 years. This is a waste of tax
payer money.
Bill Cathcart replied that that the existing Pine trees were planted in the wrong locations to begin with
(approx. 8 ft. from the buildings). Furthermore, the existing Pine trees tend to have root problems with
damaging the adjacent public sidewalks. This creates a long term maintenance and liability problem to
the City. The proposed use of the Palm trees was chosen based on historical reference, not by the "flavor
of the month" approach as mentioned earlier.
Steve Prothero commented that the clustering of the new Palm trees tend to take away from the skyline
elements of the Plaza. In the 1920's and 30's, the Queen Palms were traditionally spaced farther apart
and less clustered.
Tim McCormack suggested that perhaps the Palm trees can be organized in a grid pattern similar to an
orchard.
MOTION by Steve Prothero to recommend adoption of the proposed Plaza renovation plans to the City
Council with the following comments:
1. Consider maintaining the existing Canary Island Pines and incorporate them into the new design
scheme. The positive impact of keeping the Pines (i.e. visual & historic value) verses the negative
impact (i.e. maintenance, liability, etc.) should be taken into consideration.
2. The proposed concrete and brick paving concept is appropriate, however, the paving should be
extended to delineate the front of the buildings in the form of a brick band.
3. The DRB supports the concept of extending the curb face out to create additional pedestrian sidewalk
space with new street furniture, the new diagonal parking layout, the new crosswalk locations and its
treatment.
City of Orange -Design Review Board
Meeting Minutes for April 1, 1998
Page 3
4. Two design concepts for the use of Palm trees should be further studied. Alternative #1 -The Palm
trees should be spaced further apart in a linear fashion along the street to help delineate the circular
pattern of the Plaza., Place another field of Palm trees at the quadrant corner to be subordinate to the
front row of Palms along the street. This may be accomplished with a different treatment (i.e.
size/spacing) and/or specie of Palm trees. Alternative #2 -Arrange the Palm trees in an organized
grid pattern similar to an orchard.
5. Suggest that some type of treatment such as a small street tree be provided at the new sidewalk
nodes. Alternative treatments such as a kiosk or a landscape planter element to take-up some of that
space are also suggested (line of sight for traffic should be taken into consideration). It should be
noted that these elements are not intended to compete with or distract from the building corners.
6. The Plaza area has lost some of its period style "Fussiness" due to the open areas and lack of
pathways to define rose garden areas. Suggest adding a boxwood type hedge to help define this edge
and area better.
7. Utilities should be moved underground.
8. The Plaza renovation plans should be integrated with the Master Lighting Plans to assure
compatibility and consistency.
9. Palm trees should have minimum 25 to 30 ft. brown trunk.
Public comments: Mary Anne Skorpanich, representing the Old Towne Preservation Association, stated
that all historic elements be maintained, and that the introduction of new non-period elements such as the
lighted bollards be avoided.
SECOND: Tim McCormack
AYES: Rick Cavecche, Tim McCormack, Steve Prothero, Robert Reilly
NOES: None
ABSENT: Steve McHarris
ABSTAINED: None
MOTION CARRIED
City of Orange -Design Review Board
Meeting Minutes for April 1, 1998
Page 4
DRB No. 3249
OFFSTH
City Mills Shopping Center Complex
Affinity Corporation Architects
• Elevations of new retail tenant at the City
Mills Shopping Center.
• C-2 (General Business District)
This item was withdrawn by the applicant.
MOTION by Steve Prothero to remove this item from the agenda.
SECOND: Robert Reilly
AYES: Rick Cavecche, Steve Prothero, Robert Reilly
NOES: None
ABSENT: Steve McHarris
ABSTAINED: Tim McCormack
MOTION CARRIED
City of Orange -Design Review Board
Meeting Minutes for April 1, 1998
Page 5
~3) DRB No. 3297
Salem Lutheran Church • Expansion of existing church and school
6500 E. Santiago Canyon Road facilities
Nobles & Associates -Architects . R-1 (Residential -Single Family District)
Applicant not present.
(Note: This item was moved to the back of the agenda)
MOTION by Steve Prothero to continue this item.
SECOND: Rick Cavecche
AYES: Rick Cavecche, Steve Prothero, Robert Reilly
NOES: None
ABSENT: Tim McCormack, Steve McHarris
ABSTAINED: None
MOTION CARRIED
City of Orange -Design Review Board
Meeting Minutes for April 1, 1998
Page 6
4) DRB No. 3299
Spirit & Truth Worship Center
4700 E. Walnut Avenue
Joseph Columbo
• Addition of new church facility
• R-1 (Residential -Single Family District)
The project was presented by Joseph Columbo -Project Architect, and Gary Barnes -Pastor, Spirit
& Truth Worship Center. The plans have been revised to incorporate many of the changes that
were recommended by the DRB from the previous meeting. The entire building has been pulled
back an additional 5 ft. from the east property to provide a 10 ft. side yard setback. Additional
landscaping has been provide in this area to help screen the side of the building. The building
elevations have also been revised with more architectural features and details. The entire building
is now finished in plaster rather than the previously proposed metal siding.
Rick Cavecche stated that the revised plans are substantially improved over the previous submittal.
Tim McCormack raised concerns with the lack of a conceptual landscape plan. A strong landscape
design concept is needed to fully mitigate the mass and scale of this building. He would not be
comfortable with recommending approval of this project without a more detailed landscape plan.
Steve Prothero stated that although the building is much improved, it still lacks residential scale
and character. He also would not support the project without further development of the building
plans.
MOTION by Rick Cavecche to recommend approval of the project to the Planning Commission,
subject to the following conditions:
1. Provide some type of architectural element to address the north and west elevations (i.e. trellis,
landscape walkways, etc.) to give the building more of a pedestrian scale.
2. Modify the Porto Cochere along the west elevation by pushing the support columns out further
apart towards the edge. (Proportions to be similar to the one illustrated in the colored
rendering)
3. Identify location of mechanical equipment. If architectural louvers are required for air intake,
it should be incorporated into the design of the building. A11 mechanical equipment to be
properly screened and located away from adjacent residential properties.
4. Prior to issuance of building permits, submit landscape plans to DRB for approval. Landscape
design to emphasize the use of screen trees (Pittosporum 8-10 ft. on center) along the east and
south property lines.
5. Submit signage plans to DRB for approval.
SECOND: Robert Reilly
AYES: Rick Cavecche, Robert Reilly
NOES: Steve Prothero
ABSENT: Steve McHarris
ABSTAINED: Tim McCormack
MOTION CARRIED
City of Orange -Design Review Board
Meeting Minutes for April 1, 1998
Page 7
51 DRB No. 3300
Ford of Orange
S. E. Corner Main Street & Katella Ave
Dennis Flynn Architects
• New automotive dealership facility
• C-R (Commercial-Recreational District)
The project was presented by Dennis Flynn -Architect. The revised plans reflects many of the changes
recommended by the DRB from the previous meeting.
The DRB reiterated their concerns with the storage of cars on the roof top. If this is not intended as a
display area, then the cars should be better screened. Another concern would be the installation of roof
top lighting fixtures.
MOTION by: Rick Cavecche to recommend approval of the project to the Planning Commission, subject
to the following conditions:
1. Roof top storage of vehicles shall be properly screened from public view.
2. Roof top lighting shall be properly shielded and directed away from adjoining properties to reduce
the potential impacts of spill-over lighting. Light fixtures shall be kept to minimum height to limit
public view.
3. Building exterior finish material and color palette are approved as submitted.
4. Provide solid perimeter screen wall at employee and service parking area.
5. Provide plaster finish along the south and east elevations of the parts and service building to match
the plaster finish of the main showroom building.
6. Create positive/negative landscape spaces.
7. Provide Boston Ivy vines for perimeter screen wall at employee and service parking area.
8. Recommend use of larger planting material at areas that are not used for signage openings.
9. Recommend further studying the possibility of eliminating or spacing the street trees farther apart
10. Recommend increasing the height of the palm trees to avoid interfering with building signage.
11. Prior to issuance of building permits, submit final landscape plans to DRB for approval.
12. Submit signage plans to DRB for approval.
SECOND: Robert Reilly
AYES: Rick Cavecche, Tim McCormack, Robert Reilly
NOES: None
ABSENT: Steve McHarris
ABSTAINED: Steve Prothero
MOTION CARRIED
City of Orange -Design Review Board
Meeting Minutes for April 1, 1998
Page 8
DRB No. 3314
Childbridge Preschools, Inc.
SEC Villa Park Road & Hewes Street
Dennis Muth
Applicant not present.
• New preschool facility in un-incorporated
County area.
• Proposed R-3 (Residential -Multiple
Family District)
(Note: This item was moved to the back of the agenda)
MOTION by: Steve Prothero to continue this item.
SECOND: Rick Cavecche
AYES: Rick Cavecche, Steve Prothero, Robert Reilly
NOES: None
ABSENT: Tim McCormack, Steve McHarris
ABSTAINED: None
MOTION CARRIED
City of Orange -Design Review Board
Meeting Minutes for April 1, 1998
Page 9
(7) DRB No. 3317
Covenant Community Church New freestanding sign for an existing
221 N. Waverly Street church facility
Stewart Corporation R-1-6 (Residential -Sin le Family District)
Applicant not present.
(Note: This item was moved to the back of the agenda)
MOTION by: Steve Prothero to continue this item.
SECOND: Rick Cavecche
AYES: Rick Cavecche, Steve Prothero, Robert Reilly
NOES: None
ABSENT: Tim McCormack, Steve McHarris
ABSTAINED: None
MOTION CARRIED
City of Orange -Design Review Board
Meeting Minutes for April 1, 1998
Page 10
(8) DRB No. 3320
Trinity Episcopal Church
2400 N. Canal Street
Dennis Miller Architects
• Addition of new youth group building for an
existing church
• R1-8 (Single-Family Residential District,
8,000 sq.ft. minimum lot size)
The project was presented by Dennis Miller -Architect, and Virgina Irwin with Trinity Episcopal
Church. The proposal is to construct a new 2,200 sq.ft. multi-purpose building for their youth group
activities. This new building would replace an existing 1,440 sq.ft. modular structure in the same
location. This project has been scheduled for Planning Commission meeting on May 4, 1998.
MOTION by Tim McCormack to recommend approval of the project to the Planning Commission,
subject to the following conditions:
1. Provide landscaping along the west property line to help soften the edge and create a back drop for
the building.
2. Prior to issuance of building permits, submit landscape plans to DRB for approval.
SECOND: Rick Cavecche
AYES: Rick Cavecche, Tim McCormack, Steve Prothero, Robert Reilly
NOES: None
ABSENT: Steve McHarris
ABSTAINED: None
MOTION CARRIED
City of Orange -Design Review Board
Meeting Minutes for April 1, 1998
Page 11
(9) DRB No. 3321
Edward Lambert, Jr. New Accessory second unit housing
950 E. Fairway Drive R1-7 (Single-Family Residential District,
Joe Plemons 7,000 sq. ft. minimum lot size)
The project was presented by the owner of the property, Ms. Deva Lambert. The proposal is to
construct an accessory second housing unit on a property that is currently developed with a
single family residence. The property backs-up to the Garden Grove 22 Freeway. This project
has been scheduled for Planning Commission meeting on April 6, 1998.
MOTION by Robert Reilly to recommend approval of the project to the Planning Commission, subject to
the following conditions:
Eliminate the small gap between the building wall and the staircase. Suggest pushing the building
wall further out to the interior edge of the staircase.
Continue the second story bedroom bay window down to the lower garage level.
SECOND: Steve Prothero
AYES: Rick Cavecche, Steve Prothero, Robert Reilly
NOES: None
ABSENT: Tim McCormack, Steve McHarris
ABSTAINED: None]
MOTION CARRIED
City of Orange -Design Review Board
Meeting Minutes for April 1, 1998
Page 12
(10) DRB No. 3322
Harold Looney New replacement blade sign for an existing
402 W. Chapman Avenue retail business
Anchor Sign SPZ (Specific Plan -Santa Fe Depot Area)
The project was presented by Derek Looney. The proposal is to replace the existing blade sign
with a new sign of similar size (approx. 22 sq.ft.).
Rick Cavecche felt comfortable with the aesthetic of the sign, however, raised concerns with the
overall sign area exceeding the 8 sq.ft. limit allowed under the Old Towne Design Standard.
Steve Prothero was concerned with the use of neon lighting. Although the Old Towne Design
Standard does not specifically prohibit the use of neon, whether or not it is appropriate for the
historic downtown area is the concern. Recommend removal of neon which extends out beyond
the sign face.
The applicant explained that the new replacement sign is similar in size to the existing one, and
that neon is already being use on many existing signs within the Old Towne area.
MOTION by Rick Cavecche to continue this project for the applicant to resolve the code compliance
issue regarding the size of the sign with staff.
SECOND: Steve Prothero
AYES: Rick Cavecche, Steve Prothero
NOES: None
ABSENT: Tim McCormack, Steve McHarris
ABSTAINED: Robert Reilly
MOTION CARRIED
City of Orange -Design Review Board
Meeting Minutes for April 1, 1998
Page 13
11) DRB No. 3323
Kings Fish House New restaurant tenant at Century Stadium
1521 W. Katella Avenue Promenade
Architects Design Consortium C-R (Commercial -Recreation District)
The project was presented by Steve Prothero -Architect. The proposal is to construct a new
theme restaurant at the new Century Stadium Promenade. The design concept is to emulate a
New Orleans fish house situated in an old warehouse building at a street corner. Although the
signage plan is not a part of this submittal, the board is being asked to comment on the design
concept of incorporating signage as part of the restaurant's theme.
The DRB expressed concerns with the view of the trash enclosure and service entrance area
being exposed to Katella Avenue. Perhaps the addition of pilasters on the wall and landscaping
can be used to better dress-up this area. Another issue of concern is signage. Although the
numerous wall signs on the building is used intentionally as part of the design theme, the DRB is
concerned with the issue of code compliance, and also consistency with the board's policy on
ancillary signs.
MOTION by Robert Reilly to approve the project, subject to the following conditions:
1. Recommend adding brick veneer pilasters at the corners of the wall at the service entrance
area, and adding a brick cap on top of the wall.
2. Recommend adding landscape planter adjacent to the trash enclosure and plant with Boston
Ivy.
3. Provide screen tree in the planter finger area in front of the service entrance area.
4. Submit signage plans to DRB for review.
SECOND: Rick Cavecche
AYES: Rick Cavecche, Robert Reilly
NOES: None
ABSENT: Tim McCormack, Steve McHarris
ABSTAINED: Steve Prothero
MOTION CARRIED
City of Orange -Design Review Board
Meeting Minutes for April 1, 1998
Page 14
(12) DRB No. 3325
Todai Restaurant Wall sign for new restaurant tenant at Mall
2203 N. Tustin Street of Orange
Yoon Ko C-TR (Commercial -Tustin Street
Redevelopment District)
(This item was approved on the Consent Calendar)
MOTION by Robert Reilly to approve the proposed new wall sign as submitted.
SECOND: Tim McCormack
AYES: Rick Cavecche, Tim McCormack, Steve Prothero, Robert Reilly
NOES: None
ABSENT: Steve McHarris
ABSTAINED: None
MOTION CARRIED
City of Orange -Design Review Board
Meeting Minutes for April 1, 1998
Page 15
(13) DRB No. 3315
Jan West
193 North Lemon Street
James Ward Architect
• Replacement detached garage for an
existing residence in Old Towne
• SPZ (Specific Plan -Santa Fe Depot Area)
The project was presented by James Ward -Architect, and the owner Dr. Jan West. The
proposal is to demolish the existing detached garage, and construct a new larger garage with a
widened driveway to provide for additional parking spaces for the existing tenants.
The DRB was generally comfortable with the new garage, however, there were concerns with the excessive
amount of driveway pavement area.
MOTION by Rick Cavecche to approve the proposed replacement detached garage, subject to
the following conditions:
1. The existing driveway and drive approach shall be maintained at its present width, and not to
be widened.
2. Provide vertical board fence in lieu of horizontal clapboard fence.
3. Provide clapboard siding for the new garage to match the existing residence.
4. Provide wood window for the new garage to match the existing residence.
5. Recommend use of wood flat panel garage door.
SECOND: Robert Reilly
AYES: Rick Cavecche, Steve Prothero, Robert Reilly
NOES: None
ABSENT: Tim McCormack, Steve McHarris
ABSTAINED: None
MOTION CARRIED