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05-03-2006 DRC MinutesCITY OF ORANGE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE MINUTES -FINAL 3 May 2006 Committee Members Present: Jon Califf Bill Cathcart Craig Wheeler Staff in Attendance: Christopher Carnes, Senior Planner Anne Fox, Contract Staff Planner Christine Kelly, Contract Staff Planner Mari Burke, Recording Secretary Committee Members Absent: Donnie DeWees Joe Woollett Administrative Session - 5:00 P.M. The Committee met for an administrative session beginning at 5:00 p.m. The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:53 p.m. Regular Session - 5:30 P.M. City of Orange -Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for 3 May 2006 Page 2 1. DRC No. 3944-04 -MAPLE DEPOT TRANSIT ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT Final architectural details regarding doors and windows, final landscape plans, and an entry archway/trellis fora 32-unit, for-sale, residential project. 501 W. Maple Avenue (Project is located in the Old Towne Historic District and the Santa Fe Depot Specific Plan area) Staff Contact: Christine Kelly, (714) 744-7223, ckelly cr,cityoforange.org DRC Action: Final Determination Christine Kelly, Contract Project Manager, provided a comprehensive overview of the project to the Committee. She noted that since this project was last before the DRC there have been some minor changes in the architectural details. The plans that were previously approved were made available so Staff could contrast to the new ones. A review of the modifications included: 1) Storefront doors: these are made primarily with glass, surrounded by a metal frame as detailed on Page 2 in the Staff Report. 2) The windows now meet the Sound Transmission Standards which have resulted in slightly smaller, more symmetrical windows than were previously approved. 3) Landscape plans: some of the trees were removed, replaced, added and/or upgraded. 4) An entry archway trellis is being proposed at the entrance to the project. Dimensions are as provided in the Staff Report. The project architect added that the height of the building, the massing, all the materials are the same, and the footprint didn't change. All windows are operable and have now gone to single hung with the exception of transom pieces above the windows. Public Comment: Jeff Frankel, address on file, asked for further detail on the doors and if there was a comparison of how they previously looked versus what they've been changed to. The applicant response was that they've gone to a solid black, metal door, more industrial looking and fitting to the architecture. He also pointed out where the storefront doors are situated and that they do have windows. Mr. Frankel then asked about the location of the plaza trellis. The applicant's response was it is in the back of the property. Mr. Frankel then mentioned that he felt the signage was inappropriate in the district and commented he had no issue with the landscaping revisions. Janet Crenshaw, address on file, added her concurrence with the signage comment made by Mr. Frankel and further commented about the special pedestrian access from the Maple Depot project into the City parking lot which she felt encouraged overflow into the City parking lot. City of Orange -Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for 3 May 2006 Page 3 The applicant responded that additional parking spaces have been added on the site which were to discourage use of the City lot by residents of this project. The discussion then reverted to the signage issue raised by Mr. Frankel with Committee Members querying the applicant and Staff as to the objectives of the signage, the letter sizes, materials, and overall aesthetics. Mr. Frankel pointed out that although this site is not within the Plaza Historic District, Old Towne Plaza design standards could be used as a guide and that a free standing sign is not allowed anywhere in the district. Chair Califf suggested that perhaps the DRC would approve the entry/trellis elements without the signage and the applicant would come back to the Committee with a signage package for review. Committee Member Wheeler asked if the plate height of the second floor had been lowered. The applicant responded it initially was 9-1-9-1 and went to 10-1-10-1 in the front and 10-1-9-1 in the rear which allowed for the minimum clearance at the mezzanine level. Committee Member Wheeler thought the third floor consequently seemed more prominent than before. The applicant responded that the building heights haven't changed and this reflects the request to lower parapet heights in the front. Committee Member Cathcart asked if the applicant has reviewed the landscape recommendations in the Staff Report. Jackie Rodarte, The Olson Company representative, responded affirmatively. Committee Member Cathcart then indicated the need for the notes provided to be added to the final irrigation landscape plans to be submitted to the City. Also, if the street trees are Liquid Ambers they need to be a non-fruit bearing variant and the linear root barriers will be subject to the approval of the Community Services Department. Committee Member Wheeler made a motion to approve DRC 3944-04 with the following conditions: 1) The signage on the entry archway be eliminated or a signage proposal be submitted later for Committee review. 2) If the street trees are LiquidAmbar they be non-fruit bearing. If they are not LiquidAmbar, that they be consistent with the City of Orange street tree requirements. 3) The linear root barriers will be provided subject to the approval of the Community Services Department. 4) Submit final landscape and irrigation plans to City staff for final approval. The motion was seconded by Chair Califf. AYES: Jon Califf, Bill Cathcart, Craig Wheeler NOES: None ABSENT: Donnie DeWees and Joe Woollett ABSTAINED: None MOTION CARRIED. City of Orange -Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for 3 May 2006 Page 4 2. DRC No. 4100-06 -MIKE'S PLACE A request to establish a Used Car Sales business (no service facilities) within an existing commercial structure that includes upgrades to the site improvements. 1138 West Chapman Avenue Staff Contact: Anne E. Fox, (714) 744-7229, afox cr,cit. o~ge.org DRC Action: Recommendation to the Planning Commission The project overview was provided by Contract Staff Planner, Anne Fox, wherein she highlighted this is an existing development located at the SE corner of Pepper and Chapman Avenue. The proposal is to try to reuse the existing improvements as well as upgrade the site as required to satisfy minimum code requirements for landscaping, parking lot striping, lighting, signage and the various elements. The SRC has already seen it twice and felt the project could move forward by obtaining inputs from the DRC Committee. Various departments have already provided input which have been summarized in the Staff Report. This will go on to the Planning Commission. The applicant then indicated he signed a 14-year lease for the property. There was no public comment. Chair Califf then questioned the purpose of the raised planter, the cement curb and the use of pipe and chain across the entry points to the display area. The applicant would prefer to not have the cement curbs if they are not required. Ms. Fox clarified that the planter serving the purpose of the barrier would be sufficient. She indicated the Orange Police Department would work with the applicant to address their concerns about drive off security issues implementing aesthetic suggestions provided by the DRC. Committee Member Wheeler questioned the planter size and the existing curb cut. Planner Fox indicated that where parking is not needed, the space would be brought into the landscaping plan. The direction of the lighting into the residential area was also a concern posed by Committee Member Wheeler. The applicant indicated this was existing lighting. Planner Fox added commentary provided by the Orange Police Department relative to lighting. Chair Califf stated there seemed to be adequate lighting however the aim and spillage at critical locations is what should be addressed. Planner Fox added that she thought the Orange Police Department may be willing to visit the site in the evening to try to facilitate. Committee Member Wheeler asked about the color. The applicant stated the building color was objectionable to him and his preference would be to repaint in a more neutral color. A color scheme should be presented. Committee Member Wheeler then asked Staff to discuss the proposed revisions to the planters. Planner Fox indicated that discussions have transpired with the applicant relative to a potential administrative adjustment in the vehicle display area recognizing the hardship that may be imposed by a reduction in the size of the display area. Staff advised it doesn't need to be a raised planter. City of Orange -Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for 3 May 2006 Page 5 Committee Member Cathcart expressed his concerns that the irrigation plan doesn't give anything to discuss i.e. it doesn't show legend of material, make and manufacturer, the sprinkler heads need to be triangular-not in a square pattern and the City trench requirements need to be followed. He requested a landscape irrigation plan and a planting plan which includes spacing. The City would prefer King Palms versus the Weeping Banyan. The applicant stated he had no problem with these recommendations. Chair Califf then summarized the expectations for the next review: 1) Show the required planter width on the rear (south) property line with the curbing so verifications can be done on the parking space shifts and potential impacts to the drive out area. 2) Show inclusion of the other planters with potential administrative adjustments. 3) Provide some sort of unobtrusive, locking swing gate on the entry/exit points which would address the security issue. 4) Obtain a point by point printout of the lighting levels from the manufacturer if it's available or have them visit the site (preferably with the Police Dept. in attendance) to conduct the survey and make a plan. While adequate lighting is the goal, he cautioned to be cognizant of not lighting up the adjacent resident's bedroom. 5) Provide a color scheme. 6) Provide signage detail. 7) Provide a full irrigation plan. A motion to continue the project was provided by Chair Califf with a second by Committee Member Wheeler. AYES: Jon Califf, Bill Cathcart, Craig Wheeler NOES: None ABSENT: Donnie DeWees and Joe Woollett ABSTAINED: None MOTION CARRIED. City of Orange -Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for 3 May 2006 Page 6 3. DRC No. 4102-06 - T-MOBILE (Main Library Cellular Tower) Proposal for stealth wireless antennas and related equipment within the tower element of the new expanded Main Library. 407 E. Chapman Avenue (Within the Old Towne Orange Historic District) Staff Contact: Dan Ryan, (714) -744-7224 or dryan(a,cityoforange.org DRC Action: Final Determination The project overview was provided by Nora Jacob, Library Services Director. She indicated the purpose for the stealth antennas is two-fold: 1) cell service in the downtown area is poor to non-existent 2) this provides a continuing revenue source for the City of Orange She advised that as the proposal progressed the major concern was visibility from the outside of the building and indicated she is confident with the design proposed the antennas will not be visible. The interior walls and flooring will be reinforced and electrical outlets will be added. The tower windows were planned to be tinted. Public Comment Janet Crenshaw, OTPA, questioned if the antennas will be taking up space that was previously planned for history. The location of the antennas was then provided by Ms. Jacob. She indicated the antennas would not be situated in any public access area; instead, would be integrated into the tower area, only accessible by the Team Mobile folks. Ms. Crenshaw then asked about the purpose of the windows. Ms. Jacob responded that the windows have always been there as an architectural enhancement. Jeff Frankel, OTPA, asked about the Section 106 review, how it relates to the stealth and if it is subject to public noticing. Ms. Jacob replied it is exempt; however they do go through the 106 review and it will be an item on the Council agenda May 23, 2006. Mr. Frankel then asked if there are any health issues associated with the stealth installation. Scott Longhurst from Trillium Telcom Services provided the response that there are no concerns and further, they undergo a complete NEPA study. Committee Member Wheeler indicated that due to placement of the antennas and the use of transparent glass he was concerned that during certain times the shadows of the antennas on the glass would be visible. Flo Mead, Trillium Telcom Services, responded that the lighting would be coming up from below and they may use a translucent film on the window to ensure they would not be visible. Committee Member Wheeler suggested the film be applied from the inside. City of Orange -Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for 3 May 2006 Page 7 Ms. Jacob indicated this solution would be passed along to LPA. The use of sheer window coverings that match the other window coverings will also be explored. Ms. Jacob noted where the emergency door access is located and advised that T-Mobile technicians would access the antennas via that door. Chair Califf then questioned if the height of the parapet was sufficient to hide the air conditioning condensers. The response was affirmative. Committee Member Wheeler made a motion to approve the project subject to the windows in the vicinity of the antennas be tinted or frosted on the interior to reduce visibility from the outside into the tower and of the antennas. The motion was seconded by Chair Califf. AYES: Jon Califf, Bill Cathcart, Craig Wheeler NOES: None ABSENT: Donnie DeWees and Joe Woollett ABSTAINED: None MOTION CARRIED. City of Orange -Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for 3 May 2006 Page 8 4. DRC No. 4103-06 - CENTEX HOMES Proposal for 61 detached, two-story, single-family residences. Planning Area No. 3 -Del Rio Planned Community (West of Glassell Street and North of Lincoln Avenue) Staff Contact: Christopher Carnes, (714) 744-7225 or ccarnes(c~cit. of~ge.org DRC Action: Final Determination A project overview was provided by Chris Carnes. Centex's proposal has a modified courtyard where the driveway provides access to the four rear units off a private street. The SRC has reviewed the site plan and there will be slight modifications. The applicant advised they took a lot of the comments offered by the DRC of their review of Planning Areas 1B and 2B and proactively implemented them into this plan. Committee Member Wheeler questioned the use of the siding in Plan 1, the Ranch style. The applicant responded they usually use a hardy board product. On the Monterey style he asked if the door could be slightly recessed. The applicant agreed to look into this. On Plan 2 the two left windows on the second floor of the front elevation are showing as high windows yet they don't appear to be higher on the illustration. The applicant responded they are in fact higher. Committee Member Cathcart commented that the plant list is correct. Chris Carnes advised that as was discussed at the last review, he has confirmed that structures with side elevations visible to the public must receive the same architectural treatment as proposed for the rear elevations (per the Staff Report). This also applies to the window treatments. Committee Member Wheeler noted that on Plan 2, the Ranch, the siding doesn't appear to continue around the corner on the first level as it does on the second level. The applicant advised the way the plan is tucked into the auto ports, it's not visible. Committee Member Wheeler requested the first level be wrapped an additional two feet and the second floor siding be extended so as to not stop at the window jam. The applicant agreed. Chair Califf moved to approve DRC No. 4103-06 subject to the suggested inputs from the Committee and the suggestions contained in the Staff Report. The motion was seconded by Committee Member Cathcart. AYES: Jon Califf, Bill Cathcart, Craig Wheeler NOES: None ABSENT: Donnie DeWees and Joe Woollett ABSTAINED: None MOTION CARRIED. City of Orange -Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for 3 May 2006 Page 9 5. DRC No. 4104-06 - LENNAR HOMES Proposal for 60 detached, two-story, single-family residences Planning Area No. 3 -Del Rio Planned Community (West of Glassell Street and North of Lincoln Avenue) Staff Contact: Christopher Carnes, (714) 744-7225 or ccarnes(a~cityoforang_e.org DRC Action: Final Determination The project overview was provided by Chris Carnes during which he noted this also is the second half of the review of the Del Rio Planned Community, with Planning Areas 1 and 2 already having completed review and approval. Committee Member Wheeler asked for clarification as to the number of architectural styles to be incorporated, citing the design guidelines. Mr. Carnes indicated the Del Rio Development Plan requires three different architectural styles for projects in Planning Areas No. 1 and 2, but allows for the use of only one architectural style in Planning Areas No. 3 and 4. Committee Member Wheeler then noted that the elevations in these plans seem to be very much alike and this project differs to what the DRC has already seen where the architectural styles have visible differences. The applicant responded they were trying to create something that is homogeneous. While he contrasted Plan 2A with 2B, Committee Member Wheeler stated that although he likes similar forms he questioned whether they conform to the guidelines. Committee Member Wheeler then requested that the setbacks be addressed to eliminate the starkness which is now apparent due to the similarities between the plans. Suggestions were provided by Chris Carnes for consideration. A discussion ensued around the aesthetics of the second story of rear elevations and the use of enhancements. Committee Member Wheeler indicated that the quality of this project doesn't appear to be equivalent to that of the previous projects and that there doesn't seem to be any differentiating characteristics that you could pinpoint as a Monterey. Chair Califf requested some revisions to the facades to create a greater style differentiation between the two styles. Specifically, the Monterey models should be tweaked to make them more characteristic of Monterey. In addition, Committee Member Wheeler asked for a privacy study for the second floors with the enhancements, and an increased variation on the front setbacks. Committee Member Cathcart asked that the plant materials be consistent with plant varieties used elsewhere in Del Rio Planned Communities. The landscape architect could talk with Howard Morns and match the palette with the others previously used. City of Orange -Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for 3 May 2006 Page 10 A motion to continue DRC No. 4104-06 - LENNAR HOMES, with the guidance and instruction of the DRC as noted by Staff was made by Chair Califf, seconded by Committee Member Wheeler. AYES: Jon Califf, Bill Cathcart, Craig Wheeler NOES: None ABSENT: Donnie DeWees and Joe Woollett ABSTAINED: None MOTION CARRIED. City ofOrange -Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for 3 May 2006 Page 11 A motion to adjourn until the next scheduled session was made by Committee Member Wheeler, seconded by Chair Califf. AYES: Jon Califf, Bill Cathcart, Craig Wheeler NOES: None ABSENT: Donnie DeWees and Joe Woollett ABSTAINED: None MOTION CARRIED.