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03-07-2001 DRC MinutesCITY OF ORANGE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE MINUTES for Wednesday, March 7, 2001 Committee Members Present: Alice Angus Leonard Filner (Vice-Chair) Mark Paone Susan Secoy (Chair) Joe Woollett 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 8 15 p.m. Regular Session - 5:30 PM REVIEW OF MINUTES: MOTION was made by Committee Chair Susan Secoy to approve the January 24, 2001 minutes with the following corrections: DRC #3571 -Robert Beard page 3 paragraph 5 sentence 1 amended as follows: Susan Secoy stated that such a simple, stark, building needs a lot of landscaping around it to make it work. Paragraph 4 sentence 1 amended as follows: Robert Beard stated that he doesn't understand why these "new" ~ problems were not discussed during the previous meeting? Sentence 2 amended as follows: He has worked very hard to provide a its plan that meets all the City code requirements such as parking, circulation, vehicle turnaround, usable open space building setbacks, etc. City of Orange -Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for March 7, 2001 Page 2 REVIEW OF MINUTES (Continued): DRC #3609 -Richard & Trish Bello, page 4, MOTION amended as follows: MOTION was made by Committee Chair Susan Secoy to approve the project with the following conditions: Condition 1, amended as follows: 1. Provide a line of demarcation of to delineate between new construction and the existing. SECOND:Leonard Filner AYES:Alice Angus, Leonard NOES:None ABSENT:None ABSTAINED:None Filner, Mark Paone, Susan Secoy, Joe Woollett MOTION CARRIED MOTION was made Committee Member Mark Paone to approve the February 7, 2001 minutes with the following corrections: DRC #3608 -Toyota of Orange page 2, DRC Action: amended as follows: DRC Action: ~~~^' n„+^r,.,.,;n^+.^n Recommendation to Planning Commission DRC #3611 -Chapman University ~aqe 4 paragraph 7 sentence 1 amended as follows: Committee Chair Susan Secoy stated fee{e that the building design is very intriguing, particularly in the use of geometry. DRC #3614 - Greg_& Merilynn Early Page 7 paragraph 5, sentence 10 amended as follows: The Old Towne Design Standards falls-abeam requires consideration of shadowing neighboring properties and its effects. Paragraph 7, sentence 4 amended as follows: Secretary of the Interior Standards and old Towne Design Standards strongly discourage any alteration or addition that would diminish the architectural integrity and features of a historically contributing structure, that as a result, be re-classified as be "NS" Non-Significant. Paragraph 9, sentence 2 amended as follows: But how do we deal with the Secretary of the Interior's Standard in the tesf loss of a Contributing Structure in a Historic District? City of Orange -Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for March 7, 2001 Page 3 REVIEW OF MINUTES (Continued): SECOND: Leonard Filner AYES: Alice Angus, Leonard Filner, Mark Paone, Susan Secoy, Joe Woollett NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAINED: None MOTION CARRIED The review and approval of the February 21, 2001 minutes was deferred to the March 21, 2001 meeting. City of Orange -Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for March 7, 2001 Page 4 DRC No. 3472 -CHRISTOPHER DAY Revised landscape and precise grading plans for an approved custom single-family residence in the Prospect Hills development. 557 N. Carlisle Place DRC Action: Final Determination Staff Contact: Chuck Lau, Associate Planner The project was presented by the owner Mr. Christopher Day, Bart Stryker -Engineer, and Carl Loza with Living Waters, Inc. This is a revised landscape and grading plan to show the new location of the swimming pool and terraced deck area. A site section drawing and a scaled model showing the proposed grading contour were also presented. The revisions are being made because the original approved plans were based on inaccurate civil engineering plans that resulted with an approximately 8 ft. high retaining wall at a portion of the house that extends out over the edge of slope. The meeting was opened for public comments: (None) Committee Chair Susan Secoy stated her frustration with the inaccurate plans that were approved, and felt that the DRC was mislead with the original submittal. The approved plans showed a more gradual terraced effect with large boulder elements to help soften the retaining wall situation. The proposed revised plans have significantly changed from that. How do we now deal with an existing house that was poorly situated on the site? Bart Stryker stated that the approved plans were artistic drawings that did not work in real life because it did not take into consideration the contours of the site. The revised plans are designed to terrace down to conform better with the grading contour. The staircase has also been pulled back so that lower retaining walls can be used. Committee Member Mark Paone pointed out that there are still discrepancies between the site sections, grading plans and the scaled model. The rock facing in front of the retaining walls shown on the model appears like a cultured stone veneer that is applied to the vertical surface of the retaining wall. This is substantially different that the large boulder-like elements that were shown on the previously approved plans. Mr. Paone suggested continuing the project to have the applicant work out the inconsistencies, and to look at alternative ways to further reduce the height and impact of the retaining walls. Committee Member Leonard Filner stated that more than half of the planting materials specified on the landscape plan are not on the Fire Department's approval list for fuel modification requirements. Staff Planner Chuck Lau noted that the Orange Park Acres Association (OPA) has contacted staff and express their concerns and opposition to the proposed plan. OPA's primary objection is the extension of the pad area beyond the existing edge of slope. Staff recommends that any revised plans should first be reviewed and approved by the applicant's Homeowner Association, and by the City's Fire Department for fuel modification requirements, prior to submitting back to the DRC for final approval. City of Orange -Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for March 7, 2001 Page 5 DRC No. 3472 -CHRISTOPHER DAY (Continued) MOTION was made by Committee Member Mark Paone to continue the project based on the above discussion. SECOND: Alice Angus 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 March 7, 2001 Page 6 2. DRC No. 3610 -TACIT COMMUNICATIONS, INC. Installation of broadband wireless communication antenna on either the facade or on top of an existing 1928 Concrete Theater building (Son Light Christian Center) located within the Plaza Historic District. 172 N. Glassell Street (Contributing Structure) DRC Action: Final Determination or Recommendation to Planning Commission Depending on option chosen) Staff Contact: Jay Eastman, Assistant Planner Continued from 02/07/01 and 02/21/01 meetings) The project was presented by Cher Alpert with Tacit Communications, Inc. The plans have been revised back to its original proposal to enclose the antenna in a Radome disguised to look like a smoke vent on the building's roof. The smoke vent is located in the center of the roof so that it is less visible from public streets. A sight line study drawing has also been prepared to help determine if there are any visual impacts. The next step is to process a conditional use permit application to the Planning Commission. The meeting was opened for public comments: Jeff Frankel (384 S. Orange Street) asked what it would look like? Would it look exactly like the existing smoke vent that is already on top of the building? Can this be seen from the street? Also where are all the equipment installed? Cher Alpert replied that the Radome is slightly wider and is mounted higher than the existing smoke vent. As for the line of sight, It is not visible from the ground level looking up. You would have to be over 210 ft. away from the building before it is visible from the street. The mechanical equipments are located inside the building. Jeff Frankel stated that this is a vast improvement over the previous proposal to install the antenna panels on the facade of building. Committee Chair Susan Secoy stated that at the previous meeting, it was unclear as to what the exact dimensions of the Radome were. Cher Alpert replied that the Radome will match the existing smoke vent, and is 7'-2" high on top of the roof. Committee Member Joe Woollett stated that he did not realize at the previous meeting that the roof is significantly higher than the parapet. It appears that the roof is recessed along the edge where it meets the parapet, but it is actually raised approximately 2 ft. higher towards the middle of the roof. Committee Member Leonard Filner noticed that there is also an exposed entry hood for routing the conduits through the roof. Can the conduits be routed directly under the roof so that the antenna can be reduced by approximately 2 ft.? This in turn would reduce the height of the Radome from the proposed 7 ft. down to approximately 5 ft. above the roof. City of Orange -Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for March 7, 2001 Page 7 2. DRC No. 3610 -TACIT COMMUNICATIONS, INC. Cher Alpert thinks that it may work and that it may reduce the height of the antenna. She would have to verify this with their engineers. She is frustrated with the process because they had originally proposed the smoke vent and was told by Planning staff to change to panels mounted on the building facade. Then at the last DRC meeting they were told change it back to the smoke vent and move it to the center of the roof. Now they have just received another letter from the City stating that Planning staff would recommend denial of the project because the zoning ordinance requires screening of all roof mounted mechanical equipments. There does not appear to be any consistency with the City's handling of this application. Committee Chair Susan Secoy understands the frustration of the applicant. Although the applicant has addressed the issue of the location of the antenna, the smoke vent just seems much higher than what the DRC had anticipated. The question now is how do we make this more sympathetic to the historic building? Cher Alpert stated that their original intent was to disguise the antenna with a similar existing element already on the roof (smoke vent) so that it would not be noticeable. If the antenna were to be screened with a large square box around it, the screen would actually be more visible. Committee Member Mark Paone stated that there are two separate issues that need to be resolved with this design approach. The first is an issue of consistency with the Secretary of the Interior Standard, and the second is a local ordinance compliance issue. Committee Chair Susan Secoy felt that perhaps building a screen around the antenna may be more appropriate because it is reversible, which is consistent with the Secretary of the Interior Standards. The DRC has also recently approved a similar screening method for the Elks Lodge building at 211 E. Chapman Avenue. Committee Member Mark Paone was still undecided as to which design approach works best for this application. He would like to see further study with different alternatives presented. He further stressed the importance of providing accurately drawn plans so that the project approval could be properly documented. Jay Eastman -Assistant Planner, suggested that perhaps a mock-up screen could be constructed to better understand the effects of the screening. The applicant can contact staff once it is completed, and staff will then inform the DRC members to visit the site. MOTION was made by Committee Member Mark Paone to continue the project so that a mock- up screen could be constructed to better visualize its appearance on the historic building. SECOND:Susan Secoy AYES:Alice Angus, Leonard NOES:None ABSENT None ABSTAINED:None Filner, Mark Paone, Susan Secoy, Joe Woollett MOTION CARRIED City of Orange -Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for March 7, 2001 Page 8 DRC No. 3615 -OLIVE GARDEN Replacement of existing awnings with new wood trellis at an existing restaurant building. 2330 N. Tustin Street DRC Action: Final Determination Staff Contact: Chuck Lau, Associate Planner Continued from 02/21/01 meeting) The project was presented by Dave Casselman, Facility Manager with Olive Garden Restaurant. Additional information has been provided to include a colored rendering of the building showing the shade and shadow of the new wood trellis, photographs of their other restaurant locations, material samples and color palette. The revised plans also shows the base of the support post to be framed-in with 1 "x8" rough sawn cedar. All other exposed metal connecting joints would be painted with "Smoky Mtns. Cedar" (Benjamin Moore Paints) to match the wood trellis. The meeting was opened for public comments: (None) Committee Chair Susan Secoy finds that the submitted plans have adequately addressed the concerns of the DRC from the previous meeting. MOTION was made by Committee Chair Susan Secoy to approve the project as submitted. SECOND: Leonard Filner AYES: Alice Angus, Leonard Filner, Susan Secoy, Joe Woollett NOES: None ABSENT None ABSTAINED: Mark Paone MOTION CARRIED City of Orange -Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for March 7, 2001 Page 9 4. DRC No. 3617 - SAV-ON DRUG STORE New 12,507 sq. ft. retail drug store with drive-thru pharmacy. 4040 E. Chapman Avenue DRC Action: Final Determination Staff Contact: Christopher Carnes, Senior Planner Continued from the 02/21/01 meeting) Approved as Consent Item) MOTION was made by Leonard Filner to approve the project with the following conditions: 1. Delete reference to box size for Palm trees on landscape plans. The Palm trees shall be specified as 8 ft. minimum Brown Trunk Height. 2. Replace the Sweetshade tree with a Tipu tree in the middle planter of the parking lot. 3. Prior to issuance of Building Permits, submit landscape and irrigation plans to Community Services Department for approval. (Final plans to include City required inspection notes) SECOND: Joe Woollett AYES: Alice Angus, Leonard Filner, Susan Secoy, Joe Woollett NOES: None ABSENT None ABSTAINED: Mark Paone MOTION CARRIED City of Orange -Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for March 7, 2001 Page 10 5. DRC No. 3618 -JIM WOOLEY New custom single-family residence in the Prospect Hills development. 6203 E. Cliffway Drive DRC Action: Final Determination Staff Contact: Chuck Lau, Associate Planner Continued from the 02/21/01 meeting) The project was presented by the owner Jim Wooley, and his architects Hal Woods and Brian Owad with Woods Group Architects. The site layout has been revised (reversed) per the DRC's recommendation from the previous meeting. The new residence is still laid out in a stepped- down design to conform with the existing topography of the site, but it no longer extends out beyond the edge of the existing slope. The motor court at the front was reduced significantly, which allow the entire house to be shifted forward to create the necessary building setback at the rear. The new plan also shows a low retaining condition at a portion of the site that has a 2:1 built-up slope and rock facing in front of the wall. Mr. Wooley stated that he has compromised some of the views in order to achieve a workable site plan that could be approved by the DRC. The meeting was opened for public comments: (None) Committee Chair Susan Secoy stated that she is far more comfortable with the revised plans than previous submittal. As she has mentioned before at the previous meeting, the stepped- down building pad design seem very sensitive to the topography. Committee Member Mark Paone asked if may be an opportunity to do some contour grading with the adjoining property (557 N. Carlisle Place) to achieve a better grade transition between the two lots? It is suggested that it would be beneficial for the two property owners to meet and discuss this issue further. Committee Member Leonard Filner recommends that the landscape plan incorporate the use of planting materials that are on the Fire Department's approved list for fuel modification requirements. MOTION was made by Committee Member Mark Paone to approve the project with the following conditions: 1. The site plan, building elevations, exterior finish materials and color palette are approved as submitted. 2. Submit final landscape plans to the DRC for approval. SECOND: Alice Angus 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 March 7, 2001 Page 11 6. DRC No. 3620 -DENTAL ARTS CENTER New freestanding sign for an existing medical office building. 2401 W. Chapman Avenue DRC Action: Final Determination Staff Contact: Chuck Lau, Associate Planner The project was presented by the Owner Dr. Paul Braun and Brian Carey with Carey Signs. The proposal is to construct a new freestanding sign to provide proper identity for the tenants. The sign is triangular shaped because it provides better visibility and it is more interesting than a typical rectangular box. The sign is internally illuminated with an opaque background so that only the lettering lights up at night. The meeting was opened for public comments: (None) Committee Chair Susan Secoy asked if the sloping the roof could be modified or eliminated? Perhaps a flat roof with a cornice treatment matching the existing building would be more appropriate. Also, the sign should be shifted further away from the freeway on-ramp and centered between the 3rd and 4`" windows so that it appears more balanced in front of the building. MOTION was made by Committee Chair Susan Secoy to approve the project with the following conditions: 1. Signage colors and materials are approved as submitted. 2. Eliminate the sloping the roof and change it to a flat roof with a cornice detail to match the existing building. 3. Overall height of the sign not to exceed 14 feet 4. Shift the sign towards the east so that it is located between the 3rd and 4t" window from the west edge of the building. 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 March 7, 2001 Page 12 7. DRC No. 3621 - SEPULVEDA CONSTRUCTION New custom single-family residence in the Prospect Hills development. 495 Carlisle Place DRC Action: Final Determination Staff Contact: Chuck Lau, Associate Planner The project was presented by Brian Oslin, Project Designer and Brent Sepulveda. The proposal is to construct a new 5,800 sq.ft. 2-story custom house on a terraced lot. The house is setback a considerable distance from the back edge of slope to avoid any retaining wall conditions. Committee Chair Susan Secoy stated that the columns seemed rather thin and disproportioned with the rest of the house. Brian Oslin agreed. He would have no problems widening the columns to make it more proportional to the house. MOTION was made by Committee Member Mark Paone to approve the project with the following conditions: 1. Widen the columns (min. 20 inches wide) at the back of the house. 2. Submit final landscape plans to DRC for approval. SECOND: Leonard Filner 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 March 7, 2001 Page 13 8. DRC No. 3622 -ORANGE COMMERCE TOWER New tenant wall signage for an existing 12-story office building. 505 S. Main Street DRC Action: Final Determination Staff Contact: Chuck Lau, Associate Planner Approved as Consent Item) MOTION was made by Committee Member Mark Paone to approve the project as submitted. 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 March 7, 2001 Page 14 9. DRC No. 3623 - BRENT SEPULVEDA Room addition for an existing single-family residence in the Prospect Hills development. 518 Carlisle Place DRC Action: Final Determination Staff Contact: Chuck Lau, Associate Planner The project was presented by the owner Brent Sepulveda and Brian Oslin, Project Designer. The proposal is to add approximately 1,622 sq.ft. of area above a single story garage space of an existing residence. A revision has been made to the submitted plans to add window elements along the south elevation to achieve better articulation. All finish materials and colors would match the existing house MOTION was made by Committee Member Mark Paone to approve the project with the following conditions: 1. Add window elements along the south elevation to match the existing house. SECOND: Susan Secoy AYES: Alice Angus, Leonard Filner, Mark Paone, Susan Secoy, Joe Woollett NOES: None ABSENT None ABSTAINED: None MOTION CARRIED DRC 3-07-01 Minutes