2018-05-18 DRC Final Minutes CITY OF ORANGE
DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
MINUTES—FINAL
April 18, 2018
Committee Members Present: Tim McCormack- Chair
Anne McDermott—Vice Chair
Carol Fox
Robert Imboden
Mary Anne Skorpanich
Staff in Attendance: William Crouch, Community Development Director
Anna Pehoushek, Assistant Community Development Directar
Marissa Moshier, Historic Preservation Planner
Robert Garcia, Senior Planner
Kelly Ribuffo, Associate Planner—Historic Preservation
Simonne Fannin, Recording Secretary
Administrative Session—5:00
Chair McCormack opened the Administrative Session at 5:15 p.m. and inquired about the
Policy/Procedural Information.
Marissa Moshier, Historic Preservation Planner stated there are no changes to the agenda. She
informed the Committee that a second community workshop will be held on the Eichler homes on
Thursday, May 3 at 6 p.m. at the library.
Committee Members provided edits to the Apri14 minutes.
Committee Member Fox made a motion to close the Administrative Session of the Design Review
Committee meeting.
SECOND: Skorpanich
AYES: Imboden, McDermott, McCormack, Fox, Skorpanich
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
MOTION CARRIED.
Administrative Session adjourned at 5:20 p.m.
City of Orange—Design Review Committee
Meeting Minutes for April 18, 2018
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Regular Session—5:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Committee Members Imboden, Skorpanich, McDermott, McCormack and Fox were all present.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
Opportunity for members of the public to address the Design Review Committee on matters not
listed on the Agenda.
There were no speakers.
CONSENT ITEMS:
(1) APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Apri14, 2018
Committee Member Skorpanich made a motion to approve the minutes from the Design Review
Committee meeting of Apri14, 2018, as emended during the Administrative Session.
SECOND: Fox
AYES: McCormack, Skorpanich, Imboden, Fox and McDermott
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
MOTION CARRIED.
AGENDA ITEMS:
Continued Items: None
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Meeting Minutes for April 18, 20]8
Page 3 of 12
New A�enda Items: .
(2) DRC NO. 4937-18 - MARRIOTT DUAL HOTEL
• A proposal for the demolition of an existing Motel 6 and Denny's to construct a new 300
dual hotel, consisting of two Marriott hotel brands, Courtyard and Residence Inn.
• 3000 W. Chapman Avenue
• Staff Contact: Robert Garcia, (714) 744-7231, r�arcia�ic citvoforan�e.org
• DRC Action: Recommendation to Planning Commission
Robert Garcia, Senior Planner provided an overview of the project consistent with the staff report.
Dennis Constranco, applicant, explained his experience with building large hotels. He stated this
particular concept was designed to resemble a resort.
Tom Bergerson, a Principal at Architects Orange, provided a visual presentation on the design of
the project, pool and amenities, parking, access and general circulation inside and outside of the
facility. They see this project as a gateway into the city and they intend to break ground in
November 2018 with the grand opening in the spring of 2020.
Diego Alessi, landscape architect provided an overview of the site landscape architecture and the
pool amenities. He stated they created an urban resort setting with strong pedestrian access from
Chapman Avenue. One of their major amenities will be a bike concierge area consisting of shared
bikes.
He provided specific details on the porte cochere and the pool features which will have an
indoor/outdoor atmosphere.
Chair McCormack provided an opportunity for members of the public to speak on this item. There
were no speakers.
Committee Member questions:
• In response to a question of the exterior grade linear lighting, Duc Hoynh, Architects
Orange, responded that the lighting will be weather protected LED which will act as an
architectural feature during the day and have a soft glow at night.
. In response to the vision for the porte cochere,Mr. Hoynh responded the canopy cover will
ha�e material to filter the heat and will cast light shadows in the arrival area.
• In response to the "M" in the landscape, Mr. Hoynh responded they are taking advantage
of the branding and will treat it as an art form at the entry. Materials are still to be
determined;however they will be of a powder coat finish and acrylic type material.William
Crouch, Community Development Director recommended that they asked the sign
designer to incorporate the theme of the City of Orange into the artwork.
• Committee Members inquired about the connection to the bike trail, Mr. Alessi explained
the guests will use a dedicated pedestrian crossing, with access from Chapman Avenue
going on to the trail.
• The Committee Members were concerned about the porte cochere being shaded at all times
and Mr. Alessi stated there will be a maintenance program with a seasonal aspect that will
City of Orange—Design Review Committee
Meeting Minutes for April 18, 2018
Page 4 of 12
move plants around accordingly. The demonstration garden will consist of decorative
plants.
• In response to the chain link fence along the property line and freeway, Mr. Bergerson
stated it is a standard for Caltrans; however, staff has agreed to allow a retaining wall with
a metal tube fence on top.
• Committee Member inquired if the landscape plan was approved by the Fire Department
and Mr. Garcia stated yes.
• The pool area may be challenged by freeway noise; is an 8 foot wall sufficient and can it
be increased to 10 feet? Mr. Garcia stated they can go up to 10 feet; however it interferes
with the water quality and terrain due to the grade difference.
• In response to the signage package, Mr. Garcia stated it will return to the Committee far
final approval at a later date.
• The parapet returns need to go deep enough onto the roof so that it doesn't appear as a false
fa�ade. Mr. Alessi stated they are at least 5 feet.
• The Committee would like a detailed sample drawing of the tabular column fins and light
fixtures in the porte cochere prior to issuance of the permit.
• Being next to a superhighway, consideration needs to be made to the sustainability of the
plants, the shade factor and the scale of the plant material. This project needs a focus on
how they deal with views from the freeway. Mr. Alessi stated the plant palette has been
narrowed down and they can return to the DRC with a narrative and revised palette.
• Committee Members discussed the circulation and asked if there is a way to avoid going
back through the porte cochere with a connection to the existing driveway when exiting
the site. Mr. Burgess stated their original plan included that concept but if they did, they
would not have met the code parking requirements.
• In response to the Committee, Mr. Garcia stated the project is currently under parked.
• The Committee Members asked staff to consider relaxing the parking requirements in order
to improve circulation. Mr. Crouch stated they will work with the applicant to create a
shared surface that can be programmed differently to be used as a driveway or far parking.
Committee Members Comments:
• The Committee is pleased to see a project of this caliber.
• There are areas that are lacking detail and not called out on the plans,especially in the porte
cochere. The level of detail and vagueness makes it more difficult to approve and the
Committee would like to see detailed plans prior to the issuance of a building permit.
• Landscape materials need to be narrowed down so they have a better sense of what they
are approving.
• Abstract and elevate the design of the free-standing logo so that it is not just an "M".
• The Committee would like a detailed sample drawing of the tabular column fins and light
fixtures in the porte cochere.
• The Committee would like to see the lighting package and what it will look like during the
day and night.
• The Committee recommended removing a few parking spaces to improve site circulation
and safety.
• The trees around the pool area are meeting the requirements for the tree count; more trees
should be placed in the parking lot to provide shade.
• The Committee would like to see the paving concept prior to building permit issuance.
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• The Committee would like to review the following prior to building permit issuance: light
fixture cut sheets, landscape plan and material board, signage, acoustical fins,tubular steel
columns, more detail on the porte cochere, sound wall, trash and equipment enclosure and
artwork.
Committee Member Fox made a motion to recommend approval to the Planning Commission for
DRC No. 4937-18, Marriott Dual Hotel based on the findings and conditions that are in the staff
report with additional conditions as follows:
1. The rooftop parapet returns shall be a 5 foot minimum.
2. The following items shall return to the Design Review Committee for final determination
priar to issuance of a building permit: lighting package including fixture cut sheets and
locations with photo images of some of the more dramatic fixtures, landscape plan and
material board, signage package,more detail for architectural features for fins,tubular steel
column treatments, porte cochere, sound wall between the pool and the freeway, trash
equipment enclosures and featured artwork.
The following recommendations are included:
1. The circulation in the parking lot should be studied to consider reducing some parking
spaces to create better circulation flow and less of a bottleneck near the entry as discussed
in the meeting.
2. Trees in the parking lot should be re-allocated to one tree every five spaces, instead of one
every six spaces.
SECOND: Skorpanich
AYES: McDermott, Fox, Imboden, McCormack, Skorpanich
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
RECUSED: None
MOTION CARRIED.
Recess 7:05-7:14
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Meeting Minutes for April 18, 2018
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3) DRC NO. 4920-17 - SPICY THAI RESTAURANT
• A proposal to construct a new single level restaurant to replace a two-level fire damaged
restaurant.
• 4715 W. Chapman Avenue
• Staff Contact: Robert Garcia, (714) 744-7231, r a� r, cia(a�cit ofy oran�g
• DRC Action: Final Determination
Robert Garcia, Senior Planner provided an overview of the project consistent with the staff report.
Jonathan Matson, architect for the project stated the new restaurant will be a little bit smaller but
more functional. The basement walls and foundation were used as the base footprint; lighting and
perimeter landscaping will be nicer.
Chair McCormack provided an opportunity for members of the public to speak on this item. There
were no speakers.
Committee comments and questions:
• In response to the question regarding the guardrail, Mr. Matson stated they are made of
wood slats.
• In response to the gold painted accents that were previously on the building, Mr. Matson
stated they probably will not have enough money to include them. The Committee
expressed that it would be nice to see the painted accents.
• Trash enclosure wood beams are not called out on the plans.
• There is a discrepancy on the roof between north and east elevations versus the color
elevation.
• The Committee Members had concerns about accumulation of moisture in the basement
because the ventilation in the crawl space is below grade on the east fa�ade. Mr. Matson
stated they can provide mechanical ventilation to mitigate moisture issues.
• The guardrail is a prominent architectural feature; however detail for it has not been
provided in the drawings.
• The Committee would prefer the elimination of the Mexican Feather Grass from the
landscape plan because it is an invasive plant in Orange County.
• The beams on the arcade around the outside should be bumped up to 6" x 6" or 8" x 8"
beams in order to match the posts.
• The Committee would like concealed hardware on the arcade.
• The Committee supports the landscape plan even though it is somewhat deficient in the
number of trees because the size of the trees mitigates the shortfalls.
• The Committee suggested moving the trash enclosure to the west in order to plant
additional trees.
• The Committee recommended replacing Stipa tenuissima with Pennisetum spathiolatum in
the landscape plan
• The Committee recommended using a gutter above the decomposed granite.
• The Committee suggested using 1 gallon instead of 5 gallon Kangaroo Paws along
Chapman Avenue.
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Meeting Minutes for April 18, 2018
Page 7 of 12
Committee Member Fox made a motion to approve DRC No. 4920-17 with the following
conditions:
L The trash enclosure shall have a cover of wood beams to match the building.
2. Mexican Feather Grass shall be replaced with Pennisetum spathiolatum.
3. The beam that goes over all of the posts in the colonnade shall be an 8"x 8" beam.
4. The hardware on the colonnade shall be concealed, although bolt heads can be exposed.
5. The trash enclosures shall be shifted west by four feet with two additional Podocarpus
planted behind the enclosure.
6. Gutters shall be added where the decomposed granite occurs.
7. Fewer Coffeeberries shall be planted to allow them to grow bigger.
8. The 5 gallon Kangaroo Paws shall be replaced with 1 gallon Kangaroo Paws.
SECOND: Imboden
AYES: McDermott, Fox, Imboden, McCormack, Skorpanich
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
MOTION CARRIED.
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Meeting Minutes for April 18, 2018
Page 8 of 12
(4) DRC NO. 4928-17 —240 W. CHAPMAN AVENUE
• A request for modifications to a previously approved design for the exterior of a non-
contributing building in the Old Towne Historic District, based on conditions uncovered by
plaster removal from the building.
• 240 W. Chapman Avenue, Old Towne Historic District
• Staff Contact: Marissa Moshier, (714) 744-7243, mmoshier a�cityoforan e�.org
• DRC Action: Final Determination
Marissa Moshier, Historic Preservation Planner provided an overview of the project consistent
with the staff report.
Jim Wilson, architect for the project stated he and some of his staff were there to answer any
questions.
Chair McCormack provided an opportunity for members of the public to speak on this item. There
were no speakers.
Committee comments and questions:
• On Sheet A-2.4, Note 25 is not keyed to the correct location on the elevation and should
be corrected.
• The Committee discussed the diamond pattern of the original brick and the color of the
parapet cap.
• In response to the Committee's question on how the steel plates will be positioned on the
columns, Mr. Wilson stated they would wrap up to 6 inches around the corners to the front
because that is how far is needed to cover up the plaster material.
• In response to the question as to whether or not they considered removing the concrete and
replacing it with brick on the corners, Adam Feliz, General Contractor stated big chunks
of brick are falling out every time they try to remove the concrete. The surface is not strong
enough to have anything adhere to it.
• In response to how the light fixtures will be attached,Mr. Feliz stated there will be a surface
mount with a pancake J box instead of being recessed.
• The Committee is concerned that water will erode the bricks even further. The Committee
Members want to make sure that the solutions that are being proposed are not detrimental
to the building. They are concerned about moisture damage from exposed edges of the
bricks with a steel covering on it and would like to know if this sealer has been tested to
ensure that it works.
• Mr. Wilson stated the sealer is a penetrating sealer and is good for horizontal and vertical
surfaces and they will maintain as necessary. The Committee Members asked that all of
the different types of bricks on the building be tested with the cleaner prior to complete
application.
• The Committee would like frosted white light bulbs in the canopy instead of clear.
• The Committee agreed to the use of a smooth brown coat for the plaster on the rear
elevation of the building.
Committee Member Imboden made a motion for approval of DRC No. 4927-18, recognizing the
conditions and findings included in the staff report with the following additional conditions:
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Meeting Minutes for April 18, 20l 8
Page 9 of 12
• Each type of brick existing on the building shall be individually tested for the removal of
existing debris and sealing. The Historic Preservation Planner shall be allowed to review
and approve that process prior to commencing.
• Exterior light bulbs in the canopy shall be frosted.
• The rear of the building shall be finished with a brown coat plaster finish only, with no
color coat, and rendered with a smooth finish.
. When working with the existing signage on the building, the applicant shall respect the
City's intent to preserve old signage.
SECOND: Skorpanich
AYES: McCormack, Imboden, McDermott, Fox, Skorpanich
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
MOTION CARRIED.
City of Orange—Design Review Committee
Meeting Minutes for April l 8, 2018
Page 10 of 12
(5) DRC NO. 4929-17 ACTIVCARE ASSISTED LIVING
• A proposal to construct a new single story, 72 bed licensed memory care facility on a vacant
lot.
• 2629 E. Chapman Avenue
• Staff Contact: Kelly Ribuffo, (714) 744-7223, kribuffon,cit ofy oran�g
• DRC Action: Recommendation to Planning Commission
Kelly Ribuffo, Associate Planner provided an overview of the project consistent with the staff
report. She explained that due to the project being landlocked there are three items of concern:
1. The compatibility of the architecture with surrounding development.
2. Sixty-two trees are required for this project; however the Landscape Plan calls for 60 in
order to provide the appropriate fire access.
3. The plant palette for the Landscape Plan should incorporate more of the natural landscape
to blend in with the adjacent Santiago Creek.
Kevin Moriarty, with Active Care Living, the developer and the operator of the community,
stated that their goal is to achieve a final product that is warm, homelike and inviting to the
residents as well as their visitors. The materials used to build this facility are identical to the
ones that were used to build a facility in Yorba Linda last year.
Chair McCormack provided an opportunity for members of the public to speak on this item. There
were no speakers.
Committee Members questions and comments:
• The Committee Members and staff discussed the property's General Plan designations
and reasons for requiring a CUP.
• In response to whether or not the access road will be widened, Mr. Moriarty stated it will
stay as is, however they will improve the aesthetics.
• The Committee Members were pleased with the architecture and style and stated that it
provides a residential feel.
• The landscape could be modified and more reflective of the nearby creek, possibly with
more Sycamore trees and more native plants that are drought tolerant.
• Many of the trees seem to be on Loretta Drive; the Committee recommended using
Sycamore trees or London Plane trees/Platanus acerifolia on the street and placing more
trees on the actual project site.
• The landscaping on north side of the building could be simplified.
• The project needs to be less of an infill project and more acknowledging of the Creek.
• Instead of the Queen Palm and Pygmy Date Palms, the Washingtonia filifera should be
considered at the entrance of the facility.
• The Committee recommended a native landscape palette around the perimeter of the site
to ground the building in its surrounding with a more familiar/recognizable landscape in
the courtyards.
• The Committee agreed that they would like to see the landscape and irrigation plan
returned to the DRC for final review.
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Meeting Minutes for April 18, 2018
Page 11 of 12
Committee Member Imboden made a motion for a recommendation to the Planning Commission
on DRC No. 4929-17, Active Care Assisted Living, with the required findings and conditions
provided by staff with the following additional condition:
• The revised and updated landscape plans shall be more reflective of the surroundings
adjacent to the Creek and shall be returned to DRC for review and approval prior to
issuance of a building permit.
SECOND: Skorpanich
AYES: McCormack, Imboden, McDermott, Fox, Skorpanich
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Ms. Ribuffo asked the Committee if they would accept less than the code-required 62 trees for
the project.
Committee Member Imboden responded that the Committee has previously approved projects
that were slightly deficient on the tree count based on the mitigated use of larger tree species.
Bill Crouch stated the Chair offered to meet with the applicant; therefore they can discuss that at
that time.
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Meeting Minutes for April 18, 2018
Page 12 of 12
Committee Member Imboden made a motion to adjourn to the next Design Review Committee
meeting on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at 5:00 p.m.
SECOND: Skorpanich
AYES: McCormack, Imboden, McDermott, Fox, Skorpanich
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
MOTION CARRIED.
Meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m.