09-13-2000 DRC MinutesCITY OF ORANGE
DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
MINUTES
for Wednesday, September 13, 2000
Committee Members Present: John Godlewski*
Susan Secoy (Chair)
Joe Woollett
Replaced Linda Boone)
Staff in Attendance: Chuck Lau, Associate Planner
Howard Morris, Landscape Coordinator
Committee Member Absent: Linda Boone
Leonard Filner
Mark Paone
Administrative Session - 4:30 P.M.
The board met for an administrative session beginning at 4:30 p.m. The meeting adjourned at
approximately 8:00 p.m.
City of Orange -Design Review Committee
Meeting Minutes for September 13, 2000
Page 2
Regular Session - 5:30 PM
REVIEW OF MINUTES:
A motion was made by Susan Secoy to approve the July 19, 2000 minutes with the following
corrections:
DRC #3532 -Orange Rotary Senior Apartments page 4 paragraph 1, sentence 2 amended as
follows:
The revisions include the addition of enhanced s~a+~p stamped concrete paving at the driveway
entrances, and new elevation plans with a modified porch entrance for the middle building.
SECOND: Joe Woollett
AYES: Susan Secoy, Joe Woollett
NOES: None
ABSENT: Linda Boone, Leonard Filner, Mark Paone
ABSTAINED: John Godlewski
MOTION CARRIED
A motion was made by Joe Woollett to approve the August 9, 2000 minutes with the following
corrections:
DRC #3458 -Paul Hudson, page 2 amended as follows:
SECOND: Linda Boone
SECOND: Susan Secoy
AYES: Susan Secoy, Joe Woollett
NOES: None
ABSENT: Linda Boone, Leonard Filner, Mark Paone
ABSTAINED: John Godlewski
MOTION CARRIED
A motion was made by Joe Woollett to approve the August 23, 2000 minutes as submitted.
SECOND: Susan Secoy
AYES: Susan Secoy, Joe Woollett
NOES: None
ABSENT: Linda Boone, Leonard Filner, Mark Paone
ABSTAINED: John Godlewski
MOTION CARRIED
City of Orange -Design Review Committee
Meeting Minutes for September 13, 2000
Page 3
1. DRC No. 3507 -SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF ORANGE
Final landscape plans for an approved replacement senior residential facility
480 S. Batavia Street
DRC Action: Final Determination
The project was presented by John Paris with Hill Partnership Architects and Tom Weir -
Landscape Architect. This is a review of the final landscape plans for phase I & II prior to
submittal of the construction documents to the Building Department for permit issuance. (The
project was approved by the Planning Commission on April 3, 2000).
Susan Secoy expressed concerns with the project's landscape frontage along Batavia Street
being rather sparse with trees. Are there opportunities for add more trees?
Mr. Weir stated there are already some existing large trees in this area (Palms, Pines, etc.).
Also, there are new Magnolia trees being proposed for this area that will have large canopies.
MOTION by Susan Secoy to approve the project with the following conditions:
1. Provide 2 additional Magnolia trees (36 inch box) along Batavia Street frontage.
2. Upgrade Mondell Pine trees to minimum 36 inch box size.
3. Prior to issuance of building permits, submit final landscape and irrigation plans to
Community Services Department for approval. (Final plans to include City required
inspection notes).
SECOND: Joe Woollett
AYES: John Godlewski, Susan Secoy, Joe Woollett
NOES: None
ABSENT: Linda Boone, Leonard Filner, Mark Paone
ABSTAINED: None
MOTION CARRIED
City of Orange -Design Review Committee
Meeting Minutes for September 13, 2000
Page 4
2. DRC No. 3549 - V.R.S.J. MEDICAL
New medical office complex with parking structure
230 S. Main Street
DRC Action: Recommendation to Planning Commission
The project was presented by Darryl Hebenstreit with Architects Orange. The plans have been
revised to incorporate the changes that were recommended by the DRC from the previous
meeting. The parking structure has been shifted 6 ft. forward to create a new landscape planter
area along the back alley. Also included were the north and south elevation plans of the
parking structure to show how the split-face blocks are being utilized to help reduce the scale of
the structure. The revised plans also showed new canopy elements and exterior lighting
fixtures along the front (east) building elevations of the office buildings to promote pedestrian
scale
Susan Secoy commended the applicant for doing a good job of addressing the DRC's
comments from the previous meeting.
MOTION by Susan Secoy to approve the project as submitted.
SECOND: Joe Woollett
AYES: John Godlewski, Susan Secoy, Joe Woollett
NOES: None
ABSENT: Linda Boone, Leonard Filner, Mark Paone
ABSTAINED: None
MOTION CARRIED
City of Orange -Design Review Committee
Meeting Minutes for September 13, 2000
Page 5
DRC No. 3559 - LIS GIUSTO
Room addition to the rear of an existing residence in Old Towne
374 N. Cambridge Street (Contributing Structure)
DRC Action: Final Determination
Continued from 8/23/00 meeting)
The project was presented by the owners Lis Giusto and Rawles Thompson. The plans have
been revised to provide more detail per the DRC's recommendation. Removal of the asbestos
siding revealed that most of the existing wood siding have been damaged or deteriorated
beyond repair. Regardless of its condition, the siding must first be removed to put on new
building paper to weather-proof the house. Although they would try to salvage as much of the
existing siding as possible, the majority of the house would be finished in new wood (cedar)
siding having the same size and profile. The windows would be wood double-hung to match
the original house.
The project was opened for public comments:
Joan Crawford asked if the existing wood siding were to be removed, would the Building
Department require structural upgrades such as plywood shear panels?
Mr. Thompson is hoping that he would not be required to upgrade because there are some
existing vertical wood panels underneath that may be adequate for shear value. This would
have to be determined by the Building Department.
Jeff Frankel inquired as to what percentage of the existing wood siding is salvageable?
Mr. Thompson stated that only about 10% would be salvageable.
Susan Secoy reiterated her support for the removal of the `bootlegged' addition. The proposed
new addition has a clear line of demarcation, and it was designed with sensitivity to the
neighborhood. As for the removal of the existing wood siding, the Secretary of the Interior
Standards was referenced. "Building Exterior -Not Recommended -Failing to identify,
evaluate, and treat the causes of wood deterioration, including faulty flashing, leaking gutters,
cracks and holes in siding, deteriorated caulking in joints and seams, plant material growing too
close to wood surfaces, or insect of fungus infestation".
Joe Woollett asked how are the building corners finished?
Mr. Thompson stated that 1x4 and 1x3 wood trims would be used to replicate the original
house.
MOTION by Joe Woollett to approve the project with the following conditions:
1. Repair and re-use existing wood windows where possible, and replace the non-conforming
vinyl windows with wood double hung windows to match the existing.
2. Repair and re-use existing wood siding where possible, and replace severely damaged
siding with new wood siding of exact size and profile.
City of Orange -Design Review Committee
Meeting Minutes for September 13, 2000
Page 6
3. DRC No. 3559 - LIS GIUSTO (Continued)
3. Building corners shall be finished with 1x4 and 1x3 wood trims to match original house.
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.
SECOND:Susan Secoy
AYES:John Godlewski, Susan Secoy, Joe Woollett
NOES:None
ABSENT:Linda Boone, Leonard Filner, Mark Paone
ABSTAINED:None
MOTION CARRIED
City of Orange -Design Review Committee
Meeting Minutes for September 13, 2000
Page 7
4. DRC No. 3577 -BARBARA ROSE
Re-painting of an existing building within the Plaza Historic District
26 Plaza Square (Contributing Structure)
DRC Action: Final Determination
Continued from 8/23/00 meeting)
The project was presented by the owner Barbara Rose, and her contractor Dimitri Chami. After
studying the photographs of various different Art Deco style buildings, the proposed colors for
the Radio Shack building has been significantly toned down. The existing canopy can be
retained, and the new awning deleted, if necessary.
The meeting was opened to public comments:
Joan Crawford prefers the Ivory color.
Susan Secoy stated that revised color scheme is more sensitive to the surrounding buildings
within the downtown district than the previous proposed palette.
Joe Woollett noted that the second story windows are recessed from the face of the building.
The base color of the building should continue through the recess and shall stop at the window
frame where there is a change of materials.
MOTION by Susan Secoy to approve the project with the following conditions:
1. Building base color shall be painted DE-118 (Natural Creme), or DE-119 (Ivory Coat).
Recommend that the applicant apply a small sample of both base colors on a blank wall,
then notify City staff to contact the DRC members for an on-site evaluation)
2. Accent trims shall be painted DE-136 (Under Brush).
3. Window frames shall be painted DE-117 (Ceramic)
4. Existing canopy shall be retained. Proposed new canvas awning is not approved.
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.
SECOND: Joe Woollett
AYES: John Godlewski, Susan Secoy, Joe Woollett
NOES: None
ABSENT: Linda Boone, Leonard Filner, Mark Paone
ABSTAINED: None
MOTION CARRIED
City of Orange -Design Review Committee
Meeting Minutes for September 13, 2000
Page 8
5. DRC No. 3578 -CLARK HILLS
New detached second unit constructed over a garage within Old Towne
475 S. Grand Street (Contributing Structure)
DRC Action: Final Determination
Continued from 8/23/00 meeting)
The project was presented by the owner Clark Hills, and his architect John Linnert. The rear
building elevation has been revised to include corbel details and exterior lighting fixture for
better articulation at the building entrance off the alley. The overall building height has been
reduced down to 21.5 ft. per the DRC's suggestion from the previous meeting. The revised
drawings also included the adjacent residences on both sides to illustrate the project's
contextual relationship. The building footprint shows that it is the least dense property as
compared to the adjoining lots. Exterior finish is Hardi-plank siding, and windows are wood
double hung to match the existing house.
Susan Secoy stated that several letters of opposition were received by the DRC members.
The project was opened for public comments:
Luis Caballero (487 S. Grand) is the adjacent property owner to the south. He objects to the
project because it is an increase in the density of the area, and it will have a negative effect of
the parking on the street. There is not enough parking as it is. This project is not consistent
with the character of the Old Towne Historic District. The building's "footprint" versus "density"
are two different items. The project would also increase the population, and we already have a
problem as it is in this neighborhood with too many units. It would cause the area to be less
livable. When he bought his house, it was a triplex. He got rid of the tenants in there and made
it into a single family dwelling only because he wanted to reduce the density and make it a more
livable area. He objects to the east building elevation because it is not consistent with anything
along the alley. He has also conducted a title search and it does not show Mr. Hills as being
the property owner. He does not understand how an applicant who doesn't own the property
can file an application to build on it.
Angie Rosetile (492 S. Grand) resides at the corner of La Veta Avenue and Grand Street. Her
garage is to the point now, after being hit several times from on-coming traffic, it needs to be
demolished and replaced. She's been here for over 20 years, and there is no way she would
even think of putting in a rental to add to the load that we already have in the neighborhood.
She likes what had happened with the down zoning at Culver Avenue from R-2 down to R-1.
She objects very much to this project as well.
Susan Frey (405 S. Grand) resides at the corner of Culver Avenue and Grand Street. She
rents the house from her mother-in-law, who also wants to construct a 2-story second unit over
a detached garage for herself. She (mother-in-law) is retiring in a about a year, and she is
afraid that if the property were to be down zoned to R-1, she would not be able to live on the
same property and be with her grandchildren. She is requesting that it stays R-2.
Susan Secoy stated that the Design Review Committee does not have purview over zoning of
the properties. That would be reviewed at the next step, which is the Planning Commission.
City of Orange -Design Review Committee
Meeting Minutes for September 13, 2000
Page 9
5. DRC No. 3578 -CLARK HILLS (Continued)
Joan Crawford is concerned that in this particular block, as there are other different blocks in
our area, that have a higher density of second units or very large units. She feels that there
should be more of a study, on this block or any similar blocks, to see if it can handle the
additional number of units that it already has. It was pointed out earlier that we already have
parking problems, traffic problems, infrastructure problems, etc. She thinks that the City really
needs to do more to establish if that it can be added or not.
Jeff Frankel asked for clarification of the architect's explanation regarding building footprint, and
how it is the least dense in the area? Are we talking about the F.A.R.? Also, it appears that the
second story exceeds 60% of the ground floor area. Is this considered 2-story structure?
Looking at the elevations, it doesn't seem consistent with the rest of the street. It has a one
story Bungalow in front, and a 2-story structure behind that sort of looms over it. So from the
street, you see this big structure overshadowing a small house.
John Linnert replied that based on the building footprints on the property, it probably has less lot
coverage than the adjoining properties. The F.A.R. is calculated at .46, which is still well within
the maximum .70 F.A.R. allowed under the R-2 zoning. And, although the project does not
meet the strict definition of a 1'/2 story structure (i.e. 60%), it was designed as a 1% story
structure. The project will require approval of a conditional use permit by the Planning
Commission. As for the architecture, the project has been sensitively designed in regards to
scale, massing, and context with the neighborhood. The building's plate height is the same as
the single story residence next door, and its overall height has already been reduced per the
recommendation of the DRC. Also, the visual impacts would be minimal because the line of
sight slopes away from the street.
Mary Matusak (340 S. Grand) stated that it is her understanding that the Old Towne Design
Standards would supersede the zoning of the property. What about property values and the
loss of open space for the entire neighborhood? The front house has not been well kept, so
how do we know if the back unit will be maintained.
Joe Woollett stated the issue of the R-2 zoning has come up many times in the past. This is
not something the DRC has anything to do with. Although higher density may increase traffic,
parking, open space, etc., the land use issue should be addressed with the Planning
Commission and not the Design Review Committee. He agrees with the architect that the
visual line of sight is a factor with this project. The fact of the matter is that when units are built
in the rear, often times you do not notice that the buildings are there due to the line of sight from
the street. He is also concerned with buildings that are constructed along alleys, and how these
alleys are being maintained. Frankly, this is one of the more sensitive designs with respect to
the alley of any project that he has seen. Many of the existing buildings along the alleys were
constructed prior to adoption of any design standards by the City. He has looked at the
elevations carefully, and he feels that the architect has been very sensitive in terms of
architectural style and details of the project. From a standpoint of architectural review, he does
not have any complaints.
City of Orange -Design Review Committee
Meeting Minutes for September 13, 2000
Page 10
5. DRC No. 3578 -CLARK HILLS (Continued)
Susan Secoy agreed with Mr. Woollen's comments particularly with the perception of the
project from the alley. She has driven down the alley several times, and she feels that this is a
very sympathetic approach to architecturally enhancing that alley. As for the size of the new
unit, it is unfortunate that the existing front house is relatively small. The applicants are aware
of this issue and what obstacles they will be facing with this argument. In terms of the
architectural review, the project is well designed and is sympathetic to the architectural
character of Old Towne.
John Godlewski stated that the property is zoned R-2 and it does allow for 2 units on the
property. He understands the neighborhood's concerns with the cumulative impacts of higher
density within the Old Towne Historic District. That may or may not be true, but for the purpose
of this meeting with the DRC, the question is whether or not the architecture is consistent with
the Old Towne Design Standards. He feels that this is an extremely sensitive 2-story structure.
He agrees with Mr. Woollen's comment that from the visual line of sight along the street, this is
not an oppressive or looming structure. He also finds the proposed finish materials for the new
detached unit to be consistent with the Old Towne Design Standards. The issue of density is
not the purview of the Design Review Committee.
MOTION by Joe Woollen to recommend approval of the project as submitted to the Planning
Commission.
The recommendation for 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.
SECOND: John Godlewski
AYES: John Godlewski, Susan Secoy, Joe Woollen
NOES: None
ABSENT: Linda Boone, Leonard Filner, Mark Paone
ABSTAINED: None
MOTION CARRIED
City of Orange -Design Review Committee
Meeting Minutes for September 13, 2000
Page 11
6. DRC No. 3580 - VERIZON WIRELESS
New roof mounted wireless communication antenna in Old Towne
211 E. Chapman Avenue (Contributing Structure)
DRC Action: Final Determination
The project was presented by John Koos representing Verizon Wireless. The proposal is to
install a wireless communications facility at this location. The equipment room would be
constructed in the basement of the building, and the antennas would be mounted within a
fiberglass screen on the building roof top. An actual sample of the fiberglass screen was also
presented to show that it would be textured and painted to match the existing building.
Susan Secoy commended the applicant for an innovative approach for the screening of
wireless antennas.
MOTION by Susan Secoy to approve the project as submitted.
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.
SECOND: John Godlewski
AYES: John Godlewski, Susan Secoy, Joe Woollett
NOES: None
ABSENT: Linda Boone, Leonard Filner, Mark Paone
ABSTAINED: None
MOTION CARRIED
City of Orange -Design Review Committee
Meeting Minutes for September 13, 2000
Page 12
7. DRC No. 3581 -ALL-PRO REMODELING
New Freestanding sign for a contractor office
1314 E. Chapman Avenue
DRC Action: Final determination
The project was presented by Mr. Mike Willis. The proposal is to construct a single sided
freestanding sign parallel to the street due to the narrow planter area in front. All of the existing
non-conforming sign would be removed.
MOTION by Susan Secoy to approve the project as submitted.
SECOND: Joe Woollett
AYES: John Godlewski, Susan Secoy, Joe Woollett
NOES: None
ABSENT: Linda Boone, Leonard Filner, Mark Paone
ABSTAINED: None
MOTION CARRIED
9-13-00 Minutes