2015-05-20 DRC Final MinutesCITY OF ORANGE
DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
MINUTES - FINAL
Committee Members Present: Tim McCormack - Chair
Carol Fox — Vice Chair
Robert Imboden
Anne McDermott
Craig Wheeler
May 20, 2015
Staff in Attendance: Jennifer Le, Acting Principal Planner
Marissa Moshier, Associate Planner — Historic Preservation
Lucy Yeager, Contract Planner
Kelly Christensen Ribuffo, Associate Planner
Chad Ortlieb, Senior Planner
Sharon Penttila, Recording Secretary
Administrative Session — 5:00
Chair McCormack opened the Administrative Session at 5:03 p.m.
Chair McCormack inquired if there was any Policy or Procedural information. Jennifer Le, Acting
Principal Planner, indicated there were three items to discuss. She stated the applicants for the
Lemon Grove project would be requesting their item be moved up on the agenda because they
needed to attend another meeting at 8:00 p.m.
Marissa Moshier, Associate Planner — Historic Preservation, explained that the Masonic Lodge at 71
Plaza Square would be undergoing renovation which would include window repairs, paint
abatement, repair to the blade sign, restoration of the painted signs on the north elevation, light
cleaning, and graffiti removal beginning in June and lasting for 3 months.
Kelly Ribuffo, Associate Planner, provided an update on the Blaze Pizza project. She showed the
Committee a paint sample of the medium brown paint being proposed for the exterior of the building
per DRC conditions. She met with the stained glass contractor and Ms. Ribuffo felt the contractor
had the experience and expertise to do the work. She would continue to keep the Committee
updated.
In response to a DRC request at the last meeting, Ms. Le met with the City Attorney's Office to
discuss how the DRC can get information about the City's maintenance policy for trees in the public
right -of -way as it relates to the drought conditions. She suggested for the next meeting that staff
could provide an informational memo that runs down City maintenance codes, policies, and
practices. She stated the Council recently had a lengthy conversation about the drought and
changing watering practices for City facilities. She asked the DRC to relay their concerns to the
Council member who appointed them. The DRC provided a list of concerns they would like
addressed which included maintenance practices, how Code Enforcement can be more proactive, and
type of plants and spacing being used based on the sustainable soil footprint.
Committee Member Imboden had a concern with the large amount of bricks being removed from the
Avonti Salon project as well as the removal of the chimney. Ms. Le explained that Anna Pehoushek,
Acting Assistant Community Development Director, has been monitoring the project and it has been
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Final Meeting Minutes for May 20, 2015
Page 2 of 12
consistent with staff s expectations based on the plans. Ms. Le would ask Ms. Pehoushek attend the
next meeting and provide an update..
Committee Member Fox was concerned that the protection of the plaster has not gone up on the
Blaze Pizza project. Ms. Ribuffo will discuss this issue with the contractor. Committee Member
Imboden wanted to ensure the work being done conforms to the Secretary of the Interior's
Standards.
The Committee Members reviewed the meeting minutes from the Design Review Committee
meeting of May 6, 2015.
Committee Member Fox made a motion to close the Administrative Session of the Design Review
Committee meeting.
SECOND: Robert Imboden
AYES: Carol Fox, Robert Imboden, Tim McCormack, McDermott, and Craig Wheeler
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
MOTION CARRIED.
Administrative Session adjourned at. 5:28 p.m.
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Final Meeting Minutes for May 20, 2015
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:Regular Session — 5:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
All Committee Members were present.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
Opportunity for members of the public to address the Design Review Committee on matters not
listed on the Agenda.
Barry Cottle requested their Lemon Grove item be moved up on the agenda due to another meeting
they needed to attend at 8:00 p.m. Chair McCormack found the other project applicants did not have
a problem with the request.
CONSENT ITEMS
(1) APPROVAL OF MINUTES: May 6, 2015
Committee Member Fox made a motion to approve the minutes from the Design Review Committee
meeting of May 6, 2015 as emended during the discussion at the Administrative Session:
SECOND: Craig Wheeler
AYES: Carol Fox, Anne McDermott, Tim McCormack, and Craig Wheeler
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Robert Imboden
MOTION CARRIED.
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Final Meeting Minutes for May 20, 2015
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AGENDA ITEMS
Continued Items: None
New Agenda Items:
(2) DRC No. 4765 -14 — Old Town Gateway
• A proposal to rehabilitate two contributing commercial buildings in the Old Towne Historic
District, demolish non - contributing structures, construct three two -story apartment buildings
containing 10 dwelling units with subsurface parking, and construct a trash and storage
building.
• Associated Application: MJSP 0788 -14
• 401 W. Chapman Avenue, Old Towne Historic District
• Staff Contact: Marissa Moshier, (714) 744 -7243, mmoshierAcityoforange.org
• DRC Action: Preliminary Review
Marissa Moshier, Associate Planner- Historic Preservation, presented a project overview consistent
with the Staff Report. She asked for the Committee's feedback on the proposed project.
Leason Pomeroy, applicant, was present to answer questions from the DRC. He discussed the
features of the project using a scale model.
Public Comments:
Chair McCormack opened the item to the Public for comments. Jeff Frankel, address on file, wanted
clarification on the 112 N. Cypress address because the DPR form stated it was a 1D and eligible for
listing but wanted to know how the determination was made that it was not eligible. He also wanted
to keep the industrial feel of this area but it appeared from the drawings that the infill development
looked contemporary. Also he wanted to make sure that there was compatibility with the
surrounding historic structures and if there was a reasonable alternative to the removal of one of the
bays on the historic building.
Ms. Moshier explained there are multiple DPR forms for the property as a whole and because of how
the addressing works on the site, there are separate DPR forms for two of the additions to the
commercial building. 112 N. Cypress is the small addition on the north side and that was coded with
the 1 D status code but it was never listed under that address as a contributor on the National Register
in the district.
Committee Member Imboden requested that staff provide not only the most recent DPR forms but
also the DPR forms for the National Register nomination in future packets.
Chair McCormack opened the item to the Committee for discussion.
The DRC asked the Applicant questions about the plans related to rehabilitation of the historic
buildings and the new construction.
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The DRC commented on the following:
• Requested the buildings on the site plans be numbered.
Restaurant Building on W. Chapman Avenue
• Had questions on the door material, height of the front parapet, skylights, openings in and
condition of the back of the building, window material, and the green wall on the addition.
Discussed proposal to add an entrance on the east elevation.
• Consensus that existing entrance on Chapman Avenue was not viable for
restaurant use and could create a dangerous situation if the door swung out onto
the sidewalk in front of the building.
• Applicant described proposal to alter one bay of historic storefront on east
elevation by removing bulkhead and adding a door. The Committee did not
support this proposal due to the level of alteration to the historic materials on a
primary elevation.
• Discussed alternatives, including using existing secondary openings on east
elevation or moving primary entrance to west side of building.
• Applicant preferred entrance on east elevation due to pedestrian traffic
from Plaza/new parking structure.
• Committee discussed either widening existing man door or using area of
truck door as a new entrance vestibule with recessed glazing.
Discussed proposal for addition to west elevation.
• Location, mass and scale look good.
• Plaster exterior may appear too residential; however, may be appropriate with a
more organic texture and materiality.
Trellis /Outdoor Dining Area
• Had questions regarding trellis materials, the gate on the back area and gate material.
• Discussed potential to break up the mass of the trellis
• Suggested making it two levels and using Wisterias on the upper level and other
shade materials below.
• Suggested lessening the mass by cutting a hole in the center
• Suggested increasing the height and retaining the simplicity of the structure,
rather than breaking up the structure into multiple parts.
• Suggested celebrating the entry on Atchison Street by adding street trees and using up-
lighting to formalize the entry.
• Location of trash enclosure on Atchison Street is more appropriate than on Cypress Street.
Pasco Connection
• Had questions on the access from the parking structure to the train station.
• Suggested adding crosswalks and bulb -outs for traffic calming and pedestrian safety.
• Felt it was time to address the design elements connecting the paseo to the parking structure.
Apartments
• Glad to see the scale model that shows the setbacks, mass and scale.
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• Have no concerns about mass, setbacks and simple building forms. Works as a large
bungalow court.
• Discussed roof forms.
• Roofs are very dominant and the bold statement may not be necessary. The notched
parapet was a very modern detail.
• Did not want the apartments to upstage the historic structures.
• Recommended lowering roofs and removing center slot.
• Discussed dormer on roof of center building.
■ Discussed possibility of a gable versus the barrel.
■ Suggested barrel form picks up the form of shaped parapet on historic
substation building and may be more residential in character.
• Discussed building features and materials.
• Liked simplicity of elevations.
• DRC had a question on the glazing on the back of the buildings. Liked use of steel
windows that gesture toward industrial character.
• Materials may be too modern and severe in this location in Old Towne.
• Suggested possibility of carrying the metal down the walls so it was not just floating
on the roof.
• Discussed importance of organic material finishes that are compatible with the
historic buildings.
• Suggested a thin strip of gravel 6 " - 8" along the sidewalk to offset the mass.
Committee Member Wheeler's Recap
• Agreed to having the existing man door widened or adding a new door in the recessed glazed
area on the east elevation.
• Requested the buildings on the next submittals be numbered.
• Asked the Applicant to consider creating a recessed door or vestibule with recessed glazing
on the east elevation, so that the door does not swing out onto the sidewalk.
• Recommended finishing the building with plaster and toning down the white color.
• Suggested locating trees to provide an opening to the patio area on the west side of the
property.
• City staff and Applicant should study the urban design for the paseo connection to the
parking structure and should include a connection to the train station. Check to see if
crosswalks can be added.
• The roofs on the apartments are too dominant. Recommended removing notches in roof
forms.
• Glazing on the ends of the residential buildings is an ideal place to use steel window frames
similar to the Digital Media Arts Center.
• Do not upstage the historical buildings.
• Think about the color of the transformer substation building, which should be different from
the residential buildings.
• Think about a narrow gravel separation between the sidewalk and buildings.
• Use a Mediterranean aesthetic for the landscaping concept and consider the sustainability of
the plants.
For preliminary review only — no action is required.
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Committee Member Wheeler made a motion to move the Lemon Grove project, DRC No. 4776 -14,
to the next position on the agenda:
SECOND: Anne McDermott
AYES: Robert Imboden, Tim McCormack, Anne McDermott, and Craig Wheeler
NOES: Carol Fox
ABSENT: None
MOTION CARRIED.
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(3) DRC No. 4776 -14 — Lemon Grove
• The project was conditionally approved by the City Council on March 10, 2015. The project
is returning to the Design Review Committee for fulfillment of project changes based on
Design Review Committee conditions of approval.
• 1148 N. Lemon Street
• Staff Contact: Chad Ortlieb, (714) 744 -7237, cortliebecityoforan e.org
• DRC Action: Final Determination
Chad Ortlieb, Senior Planner, presented a project overview consistent with the Staff Report. He
explained that of the four conditions imposed by the DRC at the previous meeting, Conditions 15
and 16 regarding tree reduction for fire department laddering and veneer wrapping were already
approved by City Council. City Council also approved the landscaping and the applicant's
landscape architect has addressed the issue of the landscaping in the bioswale referred to in
Condition 18. Condition 17, pertaining to mass reduction of the front elevation of building A, is
before the DRC tonight.
Barry Cottle, Todd Cottle, Barry Adnams, and Bob Luther were present to answer questions from
the DRC.
Public Comments
Chair McCormack opened the item to the Public for comments. There were none.
Chair McCormack opened the item to the Committee for discussion.
The DRC was disappointed in the new design expecting to see more of a change on the front
elevation of building A and had the following comments:
• The revised design appeared to add mass instead of reduce it. The elevation had a lot of
blankness and needed a visual break.
• Discussed that originally the DRC suggested making it a 2 bedroom unit on top instead of 3.
• Discussed solutions such as adding a faux balcony or a recessed arch on the second story.
The DRC asked the Applicant questions about the reduction of trees for the Fire Department
laddering and what type of trees were required by the Fire Department. Bob Luther, landscape
architect, explained the landscape design.
Committee Member Wheeler made a motion to approve DRC No. 4776 -14, Lemon Grove, based on
the findings and conditions listed in the Staff Report, and with the additional condition:
1. Recessed arches shall be created on the second story mass on the east side of building A.
SECOND: Carol Fox
AYES: Carol Fox, Robert Imboden, Tim McCormack, Anne McDermott, and Craig Wheeler
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
MOTION CARRIED.
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Final Meeting Minutes for May 20, 2015
Page 9 of 12
(3) DRC No. 4752 -14 — JR MOTEL
[Note Preliminary Review by DRC was considered on 11/5/2014]
• A proposal for construction of a 28 -unit motel on vacant property.
• 428 E. Lincoln Avenue
• Staff Contact: Lucy Yeager, 714- 744 -7239, lyeagerkeityoforange.org
• DRC Action: Recommendation to the Planning Commission
Lucy Yeager, Contract Planner, presented a project overview consistent with the Staff Report.
Chih Chun Huang, applicant, was present to answer questions from the DRC.
Public Comments:
Chair McCormack opened the item to the Public for comments. Jim Sigas, address on file, is the
property owner to the west of this project. Even though he was glad there is something proposed for
the property, he was concerned with the lack of visibility of his restaurant since the proposed
building will be 4' from his property and 26' high. He requested the project be flipped and have the
parking lot on the west side.
Chair McCormack opened the item to the Committee for discussion.
The DRC asked the Applicant questions about the plans related to the possibility of flipping the
proposed project, the codes being met as far as setback and height requirements, landscaping and the
window over the cantilever on the east elevation.
• The DRC commented on the following: Applicant did everything the DRC had requested and
their concerns have been addressed from the last meeting. Privacy for the single family
residential uses to the rear was greatly improved.
• Discussed that the visual impact to the business on the west side would not be substantial.
• Concern with the west fagade in terms of landscaping and exposure to the sun. Discussed
adding an additional 2 junipers for a stronger landscape statement and discussed limitations
due to Fire Department requirements. Concern that the proximity of the building to the
property line is only 4'.
• Suggested using four 5- gallon blood red trumpet vines on the trellises on the west fagade.
Committee Member Wheeler made a motion to recommend approval to the Planning Commission
for DRC No. 4752 -14, JR Motel, based on the findings and conditions listed in the Staff Report, and
with the additional conditions:
1. The window on the second floor directly over the cantilever on the east elevation toward the
south end of the wall shall be moved so it does not fall over the line of the cantilever.
2. Four 5- gallon blood red trumpet vines shall be added to the trellises on the west side of the
building.
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With the following recommendation:
1. Change the plane of the rear solid railings on the second level on the south side to give more
animation to that elevation.
SECOND: Carol Fox
AYES: Carol Fox, Robert Imboden, Tim McCormack, Anne McDermott, and Craig Wheeler
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
MOTION CARRIED.
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Final Meeting Minutes for May 20, 2015
Page 11 of 12
(4) DRC No. 4786 -15 — Wendy's Restaurant
• A proposal for a fagade renovation to an existing fast food restaurant.
• 3739 W. Chapman Avenue
• Staff Contact: Kelly Ribuffo, (714) 744 - 7223, kribuffo(j�cityoforange.org
• DRC Action: Final Determination
Kelly Christensen Ribuffo, Associate Planner, presented a project overview consistent with the Staff
Report.
Dan Osran and Peter Panchev were present to answer questions from the DRC.
Public Comments
Chair McCormack opened the item to the Public for comments. There were none.
Chair McCormack opened the item to the Committee for discussion.
The DRC asked the Applicant questions about the plans related to the pilaster by the drive thru
window, the location of the railing on the front elevation, lighting in the recessed entry area, use of
the spandrel glass on the left elevation on site plan A2.2, and the material and color of the tiles.
The DRC commented on the following:
• Use wall sconces in the recessed entry area on the west side like the one on the east
elevation.
• Suggest having the spandrel glass on the east elevation all the same so it appears consistent.
• The tiles proposed in a running bond pattern read more like a stone veneer and feel heavy. A
stacked bond pattern will look aesthetically better for a tile that reads more like wood, and
will take away the heaviness.
Committee Member Wheeler made a motion to approve DRC No. 4786 -15, Wendy's Restaurant,
based on the findings and conditions listed in the Staff Report, and with the additional conditions:
1. On the east elevation on the north end where a different type of spandrel glass is shown for
two windows, either the spandrel glass shall be eliminated or replaced with insulated clear
glass if possible or, if not possible, both elements on that window grouping shall have the
spandrel glass so the horizontal line is the same.
2. Wall lights shall be added at the entry recess on the west side to match the wall light shown
on the east elevation.
3. Tile material shall be applied in a stacked bond instead of running bond.
SECOND: Robert Imboden
AYES: Carol Fox, Robert Imboden, Tim McCormack, Anne McDermott, and Craig Wheeler
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
MOTION CARRIED.
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Final Meeting Minutes for May 20, 2015
Page 12 of 12
ADJOURNMENT:
Committee Member Wheeler made a motion to adjourn to the next regularly scheduled Design
Review Committee meeting on June 3, 2015.
SECOND: Carol Fox
AYES: Carol Fox, Robert Imboden, Tim McCormack, Anne McDermott, and Craig Wheeler
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
MOTION CARRIED.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.