12-18-2002 DRC MinutesCITY OF ORANGE
DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
MINUTES
Wednesday, December 18, 2002
Committee Members Present
Staff in Attendance:
Committee Member Absent
Jon Califf
Leonard Filner (Vice Chair)
Craig Wheeler
Joe Woollett (Chair)
Chuck Lau, Associate Planner
Jeffry Rice, Planning Manager
Khanh Le, Recording Secretary
Mark Paone
Administrative Session - 4:30 P.M.
The committee met for an administrative session beginning at 4:30 p.m. The meeting adjourned
at approximately 8:15 p.m.
Regular Session - 5:30 PM
REVIEW OF MINUTES:
Review and approval of the October 2, 2002, November 20, 2002, and the December 4, 2002
minutes were deferred to the January 8, 2002 meeting.
City of Orange -Design Review Committee
Meeting Minutes for December 18, 2002
Page 2
1. DRC No. 3734 -SYCAMORE PLAZA MEDICAL OFFICE
Review of final landscape plans and exterior building finish for a new 20,450 sq.ft. two-
story medical office building, and the relocation of an existing 1919 Craftsman residence
to the southwest corner of Culver Avenue and Clark Street.
411 S. Batavia Street (Old Towne Historic District)
Staff Contact: Daniel Ryan -Senior Planner, Historic Preservation
DRC Action: Final Determination
Mr. Mike Harrison (201 Paularino Ave., Costa Mesa), Mr. W. Skinner (3185-F Airway Ave.,
Costa Mesa) and Mr. Tom Harrison (201 Paularino Ave. Costa Mesa) presented the project. Mr.
Harrison explained that the project is brought back to the committee because the previous
landscape plans did not have the proper number of trees. The updated plan now has excess
number of trees.
Committee Member Filner concurred that the new landscape plan provides enough trees and the
correct species of trees, but he wanted to note two things, that the number of trees in the parking
lot maybe spaced too close and there is an error in one of the names of the trees. He would also
like to condition that if the existing large specimen trees are damaged, that they be replaced with
a 60-inch box size trees of the same species.
The committee then discussed the Planning Commission's condition of approval that "The
existing landscaping of undeveloped parcel of the project be maintained and enhanced per
approval of DRC". The committee concluded that the applicant will provide an automatic
irrigation system for the landscaping, provide fencing for the vacant parcel during construction,
and maintain the aesthetic value of the landscaping until the property is sold and deeded to
someone else, who will then assume the zesponsibilities.
Committee Chair Woollett addressed the second issue, the texture of the building.
Mr. Harrison addressed the issue of the textured finish of the building. Mr. Harrison presented
material samples and photos of other buildings with similar textures in the area.
Committee Chair Woollett emphasized that this project will set a precedent for the Old Towne
area, so the committee is very cautious of their decisions regarding the texture.
The committee discussed the different types of textures and the process in which they are applied
to the building, and its practical applications. The consensus is that the committee is looking for
a texture that is painted sandblasted, or lightly blown-on texture, smooth, but not flat, with trims
and the jointed treated. The applicant will need to provide actual samples for approval prior to
construction.
Public comments came from Mr. Jeff Frankel (384 S. Orange St.) who asked if the public could
participate in the reviewing of the texture samples.
City of Orange -Design Review Committee
Meeting Minutes for December 18, 2002
Page 3
1. DRC No. 3734 -SYCAMORE PLAZA MEDICAL OFFICE (Continued
Committee Chair Woollett replied that public participation is welcomed.
Mr. Harrison presented cut-sheets of the proposed lighting fixtures. He explained that the period
fixtures did not provide the required coverage, so an additional type of fixture had to be brought
in to provide the required lighting at the perimeter of the parking lot.
A motion was made by Committee Chair Woollett to approve the project subject to the following
conditions:
1. If any of the four (4) existing large specimen trees are damaged due to construction
activities within one (1) year, they must be replaced with 60-inch box size trees of the
same species.
2. The landscaping on the adjoining vacant parcel to the north shall be properly maintained
with an automatic irrigation system.
3. Building trim texture shall be smooth finish.
4. Building wall texture shall be either; 1) sandblasted and painted finish, or 2) fine blown
finish. The applicant shall apply samples of the proposed textured finishes on a large
vertical surface for final review and approval by the committee on site.
5. Downspout shall be wrapped around and contoured to the horizontal trim on the building.
6. The lighting fixtures at the driveway entries and around the building-:=shall be traditional
in style. The lightingiixtures at the perimeter of the parking lot shall be rectangular
shoebox style, manufacturer and model to be reviewed and approved by staff.
7. Final landscape and irrigation plans shall be reviewed and approved by Community
Services Department staff. (Final plans to include City required inspection notes)
SECOND: Jon Califf
AYES: Jon Califf, Leonard Filner, Craig Wheeler, Joe Woollett
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mark Paone
ABSTAINED: None
MOTION CARRIED
City of Orange -Design Review Committee
Meeting Minutes for December 18, 2002
Page 4
2. DRC No. 3746 -CITY OF ORANGE
Review of directional signage program for the Old Towne area.
Old Towne Historic District
Staff Contact: Rick Otto -Senior Project Manager
DRC Action: Recommendation to City Council
Mr. Rick Otto, Sr. Project Manager introduced the project and explained the City's signage plan
for the public's benefit. He then introduced Ms. Heather Watson with Hunt Design Associates to
explain the project in further details.
Committee Member Filner asked if the signs are to be installed within the public right-of--way.
Ms. Watson replied that they will be, but on some streets, they'll be recessed two (2) feet from
the street so they will not be hit bypassing trucks.
Committee Member Wheeler asked where/what the signs would be mounted on. Committee
Member Wheeler also asked if there is a plan to address the fading color on the signs like the
current situation.
s. Watson replied that depending on the case, they maybe mounted on lampposts, or its own
posts, or existing poles. Ms. Watson replied that the plan is to use decals and then to replace
them on a schedule to counter the color fading problem.
Committee Member Wheeler asked if the kiosk would have pockets to put brochures in them and
if they will be protected from rain.
Ms. Watson replied in the affirmative for both.
Committee Chair Woollett addressed the monument signs.
Ms. -Watson gave two options: I) to use the existing monument structures, with modifications,
or 2) to make something different all together. She presented pictures for illustrations.
Public comments came from Ms. Janet Crenshaw (464 N. Shafter, Orange) who stated she is
disappointed with not seeing the brown like the old signs. She asked how the city's budget
stands for this project and whether the rest of the city will also get new signs at some point in
time. She also asked why the pedestrian signs had to be green.
Mr. Roy Shahbazlan (3808 E. Palm Ave, Orange) commented that he assumes the decal will not
peal off easily. Ms. Watson replied that the lifetime of the decals is three to five (3-5) years.)
Mr. Shabazlan also commented that he wants to make sure directional signs to bus station and
train depot will be clear. He added that the word "depot", to him, does not give an impress of a
train depot, but rather of the "Home Depot" store.
City of Orange -Design Review Committee
Meeting Minutes for December 18, 2002
Page 5
2. DRC No. 3746 -CITY OF ORANGE (Continued
Mr. Otto responded to the public's questions: 1) The design for the street names had to be the
way it is because some signs need to be double stacked. There is a total of one hundred-seventy
street signs in Old Towne (conservative number), the budget is around $65,000 for those signs
alone, so if the City's signs are to be changed, they have to be in different phases because of the
budget. 2) Concerning the funding, the City will be significantly reducing its general fund
budget, but the budget is coming from the Redevelopment Agency fund, which is a separate fund
for the signs.
Mr. Rice asked how the green pedestrian signs are mounted.
Ms, Watson replied that they would be either mounted on the surrounding buildings, with
permission, or on poles.
There was a short discussion on the types of fonts on the letter "w", which is Scala.
Committee Member Filner asked if the color of the castings on the monument signs is accurate.
Ms. Watson replied that they maybe more gray than brown, as shown.
The consensus is the committee prefers option one, which is to modify the existing monument's
structures.
A motion was made by Committee Member Craig Wheeler to recommend approval of the
project to the City Council subject to the following conditions:
1. The colors of the brackets used to mount the signs match poles, not silver.
2. A methodical plan shall be established to replace fading color for the "Orange" icon.
3. The design of the monument signs use option one, which is to keep the old monument
structures and making modifications for the design of the signs.
SECOND: Leonard Filner
AYES: Jon Califf, Leonard Filner, Craig Wheeler, Joe Woollett
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mark Paone
ABSTAINED: None
MOTION CARRIED
City of Orange -Design Review Committee
Meeting Minutes for December 18, 2002
Page 6
3. DRC No. 3781 -CITRUS COMMUNITY APARTMENTS
Construction of a new two-story 29-unit affordable housing development
Northwest corner of Chapman Avenue and Citrus Street
Staff Contact: Karen Sully, Planning Manager
DRC Action: Recommendation to Planning Commission
Continued from 12-04-02 meeting)
Mr. Robert Mickelson, Mr. Ernie Aguilera/Cathcart/Begin (134 S. Glassell Ave. Ste B), and Mr.
Noel Hart (153 E Cypress St. Orange) introduced the project. Mr. Mickelson went into details,
using the blueprints and pictures as illustrations, the changes that have been made since the last
presentation.
Public Comments included:
Ms. Kimberly Bottomley (1005 Arbor Way, Orange) who commented she feels this project does
not fit into the present community that's there.
Mr. John Baker (1051 Arbor Way, Orange) commented that the development's elevation allows
the tenants to see into this backyard, which he is not comfortable with. Also, he expressed that
this project is too large for the area.
Mr. Gerald Mayes (1042 W. Arbor Way, Orange) concurred with Mr. Baker.
Mr. Roy Shahbazian (3808 E. Palm Ave, Orange) commented that affordable housing should be
close to public transit and this particular location is close to the train station and Main St., which
has bus surface streets. He is concerned about the landscaping not allowing for pedestrian
access.
Committee Member Filner asked if the Cedar tree would be bonded. Other than needing to see
the final plan before construction, he does not see any other issues concerning landscaping that
needs to be addressed.
Mr. Rice replied to Committee Member Filner's question, stating that a condition could be set,
after entitlement, for the Cedar tree to be bonded.
Committee Member Wheeler asked if there should be considerations for raising the rear wall for
the neighbors' privacy. Mr. Mickelson replied that it has been discussed, and it would require a
variance. His thoughts on this matter is that he does not want to create an illusion that this
project needs to be walled off from the rest of the world.
Committee Member Filner suggested that this privacy issue could be addressed by increasing the
height of the trees that will be there, to act as a wall for the public's concerns.
The committee and the applicant then discussed the possibility of using the trees to act as a wall
on the western section of the property for the resident neighbor's privacy.
City of Orange -Design Review Committee
Meeting Minutes for December 18, 2002
Page 7
3. DRC No. 3781 -CITRUS COMMUNITY APARTMENTS (Continued
Committee Chair Woollett addressed the need for access ways to the street. Mr. Mickelson
pointed out the planned pedestrian walkways on the drawings, two on Chapman and one on
Citrus.
The Committee then discussed the elevation of this building in reference to the Old Towne area.
Committee Chair Woollett pointed out that this building is not meant to match Old Towne, but is
a transition from the Old Towne area to the rest of the Orange community.
Committee Member Wheeler and Mr. Mickelson discussed the parapet and the roof options.
A motion was made by Committee Chair Joe Woollett to recommend approval to the Planning
Commission subject to the following conditions:
1. The value of the cedar tree on southeast corner shall be determined and a bond shall be
required; such bond posting of the tree shall ensure replacement after one year of
construction.
2. Final landscape plans shall be submitted to the Design review Committee (DRC) prior to
the issuance of any building permits.
3. Podocarpus trees on the west segment of the north property line shall be planted at a
minimum of thirty-six (36) inch box specimen(s).
4. Pedestrian walkways shall be added/extended to project perimeter sidewalks east of the
westerly drive, at the east end of the walk along the north side of the building, and
between the east building and the building west of it (Buildings Two and Three.)
5. The south elevation(s) of the west building shall conform to the floor plan(s).
6. Final floor plan(s) and four-sided elevations approved by the Planning Commission shall
return to the Design Review Committee (DRC) prior to issuance of any building permits.
7. This recommendation includes approval of project materials board dated December 18,
2002.
SECOND: Leonard Filner
AYES: Jon Califf, Leonard Filner, Craig Wheeler, Joe Woollett
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mark Paone
ABSTAINED: None
MOTION CARRIED
N:\C D D\P L N G\Council Commissions Committees\DRC\DRC 2002\12-18-02 drem.doc