01-24-2001 DRC MinutesCITY OF ORANGE
DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
MINUTES
for Wednesday, January 24, 2001
Committee Members Present: Alice Angus
Leonard Filner
Mark Paone
Susan Secoy (Chair)
Joe Woollett (Vice-Chair)
Staff in Attendance: Chuck Lau, Associate Planner
Howard Morris, Landscape Coordinator
Committee Member Absent: None
Administrative Session - 4:30 P.M.
The board met for an administrative session beginning at 4:30 p.m. The meeting adjourned at
approximately 7:05 p.m.
Regular Session - 5:30 PM
REVIEW OF MINUTES:
MOTION was made by Susan Secoy to approve the December January 10, 2001 minutes with
the following corrections:
Cover Page amended as follows:
For Wednesday, January 10, X998 2001
DRC 3607 -GEORGE ADAMS, Page 4, paragraph 4, sentence 6 amended as follows:
All planting sizes and ~y quantities should be specified on the landscape plans.
SECOND: Joe Woollett
AYES: Alice Angus, Leonard Filner, Mark Paone, Susan Secoy, Joe Woollett
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
MOTION CARRIED
City of Orange -Design Review Committee
Meeting Minutes for January 24, 2001
Page 2
DRC No. 3571 -ROBERT BEARD
Addition of a new second unit and modification of an existing accessory structure into a
2-car garage with workshop and storage room in Old Towne.
525 S. Orange Street (Contributing Structure)
DRC Action: Recommendation to Planning Commission
Continued from 8/9/00 meeting)
The project was presented by the property owner Robert Beard. More details have been added
to the revised plans such as window and door trims since the last meeting. The windows are
wood casement windows and the doors are multi-panel wood doors. There were also
questions as to exactly what architectural style is the new structure.
Mark Paone stated that although he was absent from the previous meeting, he has read the
meeting minutes and has visited the site to get familiarized with the project. He will be
participating in the discussion of the project tonight.
The meeting was opened for public comments:
Robert Imboden asked why is there a bathroom and sink in the storage/workshop area in back
of the garage?
Robert Beard replied that these are existing fixtures that have been approved several years ago
before he purchased the property.
Jeff Frankel asked what is the floor area ratio (F.A.R.)?
Robert Beard replied that the total square footage all structures add up to 2,300 sq.ft.
968+620+720). Since the property is 6,700 sq.ft. in size, it calculates out to .34 F.A.R.
Susan Secoy noted that the driveway is shown as being 12ft. wide. Is this existing, or is the
driveway being widened?
Robert Beard is unsure if it is existing. It has been some time since he's been to the site.
Mark Paone has observed that the plan's dimensions are inconsistent with the actual field
conditions. It should be emphasized that it is very important to provide accurate drawings for
review. In addition, there also concerns with the amount of site coverage in terms of how it
affects the overall project.
Susan Secoy stated that although she likes the single story approach (versus 2-story), there is
too much hardscape (pavement). The buildings are rather simple and understated, but it lacks
landscaping. Perhaps the site plan can be modified to create courtyard space for landscaping.
Joe Woollett recalled that at the previous meeting, the primary concern was with the
architectural style of the building. This particular style of the existing house needs lot of
landscaping around it in order to make it work. By adding even more building area to the site, it
simply worsened the situation. He is not saying that it cannot be done, but he could not support
the project as it stands.
City of Orange -Design Review Committee
Meeting Minutes for January 24, 2001
Page 3
1. DRC No. 3571 -ROBERT BEARD (Continued)
Mark Paone asked if there is another dwelling unit in back of the garage?
Alice Angus stated that it does not appear to be permitted as such. Is this structure legal?
Robert Beard replied that is not correct. The existing storage/workshop has been approved and
permitted by the City as anon-living space (i.e. not a second unit).
Leonard Filner agreed that by adding more landscaping and reducing the amount of paving
would definitely improve the project.
Susan Secoy stated that such a simple, stark, building needs a lot of landscaping around it to
make it work.
Robert Beard stated that he doesn't understand why these "new" problems were not discussed
during the previous meeting? He has worked very hard to provide a plan that meets all the City
code requirements such as parking, circulation, vehicle turnaround, usable open space, building
setbacks, etc. He is becoming frustrated with the process.
Mark Paone stated that the window proportions need to be more consistent (in reference to
similar architectural styles of Irving Gil and Lillian Rice). The existing house was built on a
raised foundation. The new unit is built on slab, but is the same height as the existing house.
Again the proportions need to be more consistent.
MOTION was made by Mark Paone to continue the project for substantial revisions based on
the above discussion.
SECOND:Susan Secoy
AYES:Alice Angus, Leonard Filner, Mark Paone, Susan Secoy, Joe Woollett
NOES:None
ABSENT:None
ABSTAINED:None
MOTION CARRIED
City of Orange -Design Review Committee
Meeting Minutes for January 24, 2001
Page 4
2. DRC No. 3609 -RICHARD & TRISH BELLO
Addition to the rear of an existing single family residence in Old Towne
222 N. Grand Street (Contributing Structure)
DRC Action: Final Determination
The project was presented by the owners Richard and Trish Bello, and their architect John
Ahern. The proposal is to add 327 sq.ft. to the rear of an existing Cottage Bungalow that was
originally constructed in 1912. The project involves removing an addition that was done in the
1950's, and re-configuration of the back porch. The intent is to match the existing style,
including the wood siding and trim details. A similar version of this project was previously
approved by the Design Review Board (DRB) back in March 4, 1998 (DRB# 3609).
The meeting was opened for public comments:
Jeff Frankel asked if the new windows are to match the existing wood windows?
Richard Bello replied: Yes.
Janet Crenshaw asked: It that a laundry porch?
Richard Bello replied: Yes.
Robert Imboden stated that he has reviewed the plans which were very detailed. He would like
to see a note added to have the new windows match the existing.
Richard Bello presented an actual sample of the wood siding to show their intention.
Mark Paone stated that the project is nicely done, although there are some details that still need
to be worked out. Mr. Paone further discussed various design issues with the applicants.
MOTION was made by Susan Secoy to approve the project with the following conditions
1. Provide line of demarcation to delineate between new construction and the existing.
2. New doors and windows shall match the existing.
3. Foundation details shall match the existing.
4. Rear elevation to show attic vent detail and wood siding.
5. Architectural notes number 8, 9, & 10 shall be modified to delete the wording "VERIFY
WITH ARCHITECT".
6. Railing detail shall be reviewed by City Senior Historic Preservation Planner for consistency
with the Old Towne Design Standards.
The approval is based on the finding that the proposed work conforms to the standards and
design criteria referenced and recommended by the Design Review Committee. The proposed
work complies with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines. The proposed
work is compatible with, and therefore will not adversely affect the use and design of existing
buildings within Old Towne.
City of Orange -Design Review Committee
Meeting Minutes for January 24, 2001
Page 5
2. DRC No. 3609 -RICHARD & TRISH BELLO (Continued)
SECOND: Mark Paone
AYES: Alice Angus, Leonard Filner, Mark Paone, Susan Secoy, Joe Woollett
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
MOTION CARRIED
1-24-00 DRC Minutes