09-19-2007 DRC MinutesCITY OF ORANGE
DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
MINUTES -FINAL
Committee Members Present: Jon Califf
Craig Wheeler
Joe Woollett
Donnie DeWees
Committee Members Absent: Bill Cathcart
Staff in Attendance: Leslie Roseberry, Planning Manager
Ted Reynolds, Assistant City Attorney
Robert Garcia, Associate Planner
Doris Nguyen, Associate Planner
Sonal Thakur, Assistant Planner
Sharon Baik-Song, Assistant Planner
19 September 2007
Dan Ryan, Historic Preservation Senior Planner
Howard Morris, Sr. Landscape/Assessment District Coordinator
Sandi Dimick, Recording Secretary
Administrative Session - 5:00 P.M.
The Committee met for an administrative session beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Regular Session - 5:30 P.M.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:05 p.m. to the next regular meeting on Wednesday,
October 3, 2007.
City of Orange -Design Review Committee
Meeting Minutes for 19 September 2007
Page 2 of l3
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Opportunity for members of the public to address the Design Review Committee on
matters not listed on the Agenda.
No public attendees addressed the Design Review Committee on matters not listed on the
Agenda.
CONSENT ITEMS:
All matters that are announced as Consent Items are considered to be routine by the
Design Review Committee and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate
discussion of said items unless members of the Design Review Committee, staff or the
public request specific items to be removed from the Consent Items for separate action.
There were no items for consent.
AGENDA ITEMS:
6. DRC No. 4224-07 - CAMACHO RESIDENCE
A proposal to remodel a converted garage into a detached accessory second-unit,
construct covered parking and build a new kitchen addition the rear of a non-
contributing residence.
631 W. Almond Avenue, Old Town Historic District
Staff Contact: Daniel Ryan, 714-744-7224, dryan(a~cityoforan~e.org
Item was continued from the DRC meeting of June 6, 2007
DRC Action: Final Determination
Chair Wheeler recused himself from this review as he had submitted a proposal for this project at
an earlier date.
Senior Planner, Daniel Ryan provided a project overview consistent with the Staff Report.
Public Comment
Jeff Frankel, address on file, came forward to share his concerns with the Committee. He stated
that this is a substandard lot and he questioned the square footage of the structure. He also
thought that an enclosed garage was required and questioned whether there were any
improvements being made to the existing structure. Mr. Ryan answered that the FAR was .335
to .40 and that there were no improvements other than the addition to the existing structure. On a
multi-family dwelling carports have been allowed, if they are visible from the street we do
discourage that, but they are allowed per code.
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Meeting Minutes for 19 September 2007
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Vice-Chair DeWees asked for any additional public comment, there was none. The meeting was
opened for Committee discussion.
The Committee asked for clarification on what had changed since the last continuance on this
project. Mr. Ryan explained that the bedroom and kitchen have been extended. The existing
kitchen was relocated and the existing kitchen will become a bedroom. A carport will be also be
added. Discussion continued on the possible extension of the carport to cover the doorway. This
would shield entrants from rain/weather in passing from the kitchen to the carport. The addition
of windows to the existing garage and the arrangement of the door were also changes made.
Committee Member Califf asked what material the carport post were made of, and if they were
not steel what other lateral supports would be used on this structure. Mr. Ryan asked if there
would be a recommendation for a solid wall on the west elevation between the two columns and
what would be the best solution. The Committee discussed options, reviewing the plans with the
applicant.
Committee Member Woollett made a motion to approve item DRC No. 4224-07, Camacho
Residence, as presented and with the following Staff recommendations:
1. Carport Roof extension over the north door way to the house
2. Staff to review design changes to determine stability of lateral supports to the carport
3. Add plant names, size, quantity to plant legend and add irrigation sites to the plans
SECOND:Jon Califf
AYES:Jon Califf, Donnie DeWees, Joe Woollett
NOES:None
ABSTAIN:None
ABSENT:Bill Cathcart
RECUSED:Craig Wheeler
MOTION CARRIED.
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Meeting Minutes for 19 September 2007
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2. DRC No. 4236-07 & MNSP No. 0516-07 -STEVE AMBRIZ MEMORIAL PARK
A proposal to develop a park within the Riverbend (Del Rio) Community and includes
construction of a recreation center building, landscaping and various other amenities.
610 Riverbend Parkway
Staff Contact: Sonal Thakur, 714-744-7239, sthakur@cityoforange.org
DRC Action: Final Determination
Associate Planner, Sonal Thakur provided a project overview consistent with the Staff Report.
Public Comment
None.
Chair Wheeler opened this item to the Committee for discussion.
Applicant, Phillip Budovec, address on file, gave an overview of the rock colors and concrete
caps that will be used and noted that the areas would be finished with an anti-graffiti application
that would give the concrete a mat finish. This is a City specification.
Ms. Aranda Roseberry introduced two members from Community Services, Marie Knight and
Bonnie Hagen, that were available for additional questions from Staff.
Chair Wheeler asked how the water play area would be managed during operation. It was stated
that the water play feature would be on a City managed timer, with no lifeguard required. City
Staff added that it would be manned intermittently and run on a seasonal basis. Mr. Budovec
explained that the water feature does not use recycled water, it would be straight flushed potable
water. The up keep on anon-recycled system will be less than on a recycled water system. As
there is no reclaim system set up in the park it would not be used for landscape purposes.
Chair Wheeler had a concern on the block that was chosen, as the rest of the building had stucco
or artificial stone. Mr. Budovec explained that they have used these elements on other buildings
in the City of Orange and from a maintenance point of view it was the direction they chose for
this project.
Committee Member Woollett had questions on the shade structure and how much shade it would
actually provide. Mr. Budovec and Mr. Doll explained that there was lattice over the top to
provide shade and the park had quite a few shade trees. The Committee discussed ways to add
additional shade to this area by adding another layer to the top of the structure. Committee
Member Califf suggested the addition of 2 X 3's going in the opposite direction to add more
shade.
Committee Member Woollett asked for clarification of the block material used. Mr. Doll stated
that some of the blocks were scored, and the block is purchased in different modules and
intermixed to create a pattern. The Committee reviewed the drawings with the applicant in
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Meeting Minutes for 19 September 2007
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reference to the block being discussed.
Committee Member Califf asked if the multi-purpose room was heated and where the equipment
would be located. Mr. Doll stated that it would be contained in the attic space and the
condensers would be located outside in the rear of the building.
Committee Member Woollett spoke about the out lookers and how would they be protected from
moisture and rotting. He asked if metal would be used to protect them. Mr. Doll explained that
a metal cap could be added or on the tresses a piece of pressure treated wood could be added,
like a sleeve. Chair Wheeler asked what material the window frames would be? Mr. Doll stated
that the frames would be metal.
Committee Member DeWees discussed the door openings to make use of the space as one room.
The applicant explained that the idea was to limit access to certain parts of the building. City
Staff added that the solid double door was used vs. glass from a security standpoint and in a park
setting would work best.
Committee Member DeWees asked about the solid block partitions used in the restroom and do
they make it harder to monitor bathroom related issues? City Staff explained that in looking at
the durability in a park setting vs. the use of a standard partition, the block was used based on the
use that will be coming through the park.
Committee Member DeWees reviewed the choice of colors and questioned the reason for the
three colored roof in addition to all of the textures being used in such a small building. Mr. Doll
explained that all the colors were in a chocolate, brown and wheat color tone. He explained that
these colors were reviewed and approved by City Staff.
Committee Member DeWees made a motion to approve item DRC No. 4236-07 & MNSP No.
0516-07, Steve Ambriz Memorial Park, with the following recommendations:
1. Cap the wood on the out lookers
2. Add shade to trellis
Chair Wheeler asked Mr. Morris to give his comments regarding the Australian Tea Tree that
was noted on the design (Committee Member Cathcart had asked for clarification on this item).
Mr. Morris explained that he had spoken with the Park Superintendent, and the intent would be
to let the Australian Tea Tree grow into a hedge.
SECOND: Joe Woollett
AYES:Donnie DeWees, Craig Wheeler, Joe Woollett
NOES:None
ABSTAIN:None
ABSENT:Jon Califf, Bill Cathcart
MOTION CARRIED.
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Meeting Minutes for 19 September 2007
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3. DRC No. 4244-07 & CUP No. 2663-07 - EL MODENA PARK WIRELESS FACITLITY
A proposal to establish a wireless communication antenna on a City light pole and place
support equipment in an enclosure located in El Modena Park.
555 S. Hewes Street
Staff Contact: Chad Ortlieb, 714-744-7237, cortlieb@cityoforange.org
DRC Action: Recommendation to Planning Commission
Senior Planner, Chad Ortlieb provided a project overview consistent with the Staff Report.
Applicant, Maree Hoeger, address on file, stated that currently there is only one light in the entire
parking lot and the City has provided the poles and fixtures and we would provide the actual
conduit and foundation and completing the actual installation. A third pole will be added which
we would be placing our antennas on. She added that the only changes from the previous plan
that had been submitted are the details about the trellis.
Public Comment
None.
Chair Wheeler opened the item to Committee discussion.
Chair Wheeler recommended that the trellis clips being used to connect the trellis rafters to the
beam be moved to the inside of the beam. Committee Member DeWees agreed and stated that it
would be a cleaner design if installed on the inside.
Chair Wheeler also recommended that the rafters be blocked with 2 X's on the beam line and
these would keep the rafters from twisting and help to hide the connectors.
Committee Member Woollett made a motion to approve item DRC No. 4244-07 & CUP No.
2663-07 - El Modena Park Wireless Facility with the following conditions:
1. Move trellis clips to the inside
2. Block rafters to stabilize them
SECOND: Donnie DeWees
AYES:Donnie DeWees, Craig Wheeler, Joe Woollett
NOES:None
ABSTAIN:None
ABSENT:Jon Califf, Bill Cathcart
MOTION CARRIED.
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Meeting Minutes for 19 September 2007
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4. DRC No. 4278-07 & MNSP No. 0511-07 -SANTIAGO BOOSTER PUMP STATION
A proposal to relocate the existing Santiago Booster Pump Station to accommodate the
Cannon Street/Santiago Canyon Road intersection widening (Capital Improvement
Project No. 3427).
5404 E. Santiago Canyon Road
Staff Contact: Sharon Baik-Song, 714-744-7243, sbaik@cityoforange.org
DRC Action: Recommendation to the City Council
Assistant Planner, Sharon Baik-Song, provided a project overview consistent with the Staff
Report.
Public Comment
None.
Chair Wheeler opened this item to the Committee for discussion. Committee Woollett asked
where the water was being pumped from and where it was being pumped to. The applicant
explained that the water will be pumped from two different zones within the City system. It is
potable water that is pumped from one reservoir to another.
Chair Wheeler agreed with the recommendations made by Staff regarding the landscaping,
suggesting that xeri-scape landscaping be considered to conserve water.
Howard Morris, Senior Landscape Coordinator, added that there had been plans for street
improvement on the other side of Santiago and Canyon with plans to match the landscaping. As
this did not happen they would keep the plans for this landscaping as is since they would not
need to match anymore.
Chair Wheeler read from suggestions given to him by Committee Member Cathcart for the shrub
varieties to include Parhusovehea and Red Fountain Grass. Chair Wheeler suggested the use of
Cacti and Agavi.
Mrs. Baik-Song added that the area around the pump would remain in an undeveloped state. The
City owns a portion of the property. North of the pump station is Santiago Oaks Hills, which is
County property. This would be a future site for equestrian and bike trail use.
Chair Wheeler made a motion to approve item DRC No. 4278-07 & MNSP No. 0511-07,
Santiago Booster Pump Station, with the following condition:
1. The use of native plants be followed and extended to use water conservative plants.
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Meeting Minutes for 19 September 2007
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SECOND: Donnie DeWees
AYES:Donnie DeWees, Craig Wheeler, Joe Woollett
NOES:None
ABSTAIN:None
ABSENT:Jon Califf, Bill Cathcart
MOTION CARRIED.
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Meeting Minutes for 19 September 2007
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5. DRC No. 4119-06 - BHALLA TRIPLEX
A proposal to demolish a 1,482 sq. ft. non-contributing one-story duplex and
construct a new two-story 3,690 sq. ft. three-unit apartment including covered and
enclosed garages.
434-440 S. Olive Street, Old Town Historic District
Staff Contact: Daniel Ryan, 714-744-7224, Bryan ,cit o~ange.org
Prior Preliminary DRC Review on February 7, 2007
DRC Action: Preliminary Review only
Senior Planner, Daniel Ryan provided a project overview consistent with the Staff Report. There
were some changes made from the last review of this project and Staff recommendations
including trying to get the FAR down to a size that would conform to Old Towne Standards.
Staff suggested doing a preliminary review for the applicant to get close enough to the standards
to take it through the Staff Review and the Environmental Process and make a finding that this
project would not be detrimental to the Historic District or neighborhood. Staff is
recommending that the DRC reiterate their direction and offer some ideas to the applicant.
Applicant Dave Bhalla, 17691 Manchester Avenue, Irvine, reviewed his plans with Staff and
noted that the difference in the covered parking is approximately 500 sq. ft.
Committee Member DeWees stated that part of the square footage discrepancy was that the
applicant was not using the footprint. He asked for clarification on the gross dimensions of
building area calculations, and added that he felt the Committee should not be reviewing this
project if the square footage was not correct. He stated that the job of the Committee was to look
at a properly prepared package with correct square footage and make comments on it.
Mr. Bhalla explained that they came up with these numbers by Autocad and that they did not
include the square footage of the storage area or the extra parking space.
Mr. Ryan added that we had made it clear to the applicant that we were going in the other
direction to reduce the mass and in reviewing the drawings they have not. He stated that
planning can get a project that would be close enough and take it through Staff Review and make
the environmental finding that the project will not have an impact on the site. We would
appreciate the comments and clear direction that the DRC would provide to the applicant.
Mr. Bhalla felt that the building was very tight with over 1,000 square feet of unused space with
the parking requirement and FAR. He also added that they would need to cut down on the
second floor and end up with atwo-bedroom unit which would not make financial sense.
Public Comment
Janet Crenshaw, address on file, came forward to share her concerns. She stated that she would
like to see the second-story on the very front part of the building set back. She also had an issue
not only with this project being on such a small lot, but that it would also be adding to the bulk
City of Orange -Design Review Committee
Meeting Minutes for 19 September 2007
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and mass of the entire neighborhood.
Jeff Frankel, address on file, came forward to share his concerns. He stated that after reviewing
the packet at the library it appeared that the bulk and mass of this project had increased. He
agreed with Staff that the FAR should be .42; the .63 is out of line. He added that this project
would have a negative affect on the neighborhood as it is incompatible with the Historic District
and that the bulk and mass would have an adverse impact.
Chair Wheeler clarified that the FAR was .47 and the new one was listed as .46 and it looked like
it stayed the same. He opened the item to Committee discussion.
Chair Wheeler felt that they had not made any gains since the last meeting. The Committee and
Staff discussed the process the applicant would need to go through if approval was denied. Ms.
Aranda Roseberry explained that if the DRC makes a final determination the project is still
subject to an appeal period. The project can be appealed to the Planning Commission if someone
chooses to do so. After the Planning Commission, someone could then appeal it to the City
Council. She added that they have been working with the applicant, but there is only so far that
they can take the project to bring it back to the DRC for their recommendations. She felt that
they were at a point with this project to have the DRC make one final round of recommendation
to bring it back one more time for a final determination.
Chair Wheeler made the following recommendations: Reduce the FAR, that the extra covered
parking space be included in the square footage and that reduction of the massing of the front
unit could be achieved by removing a bedroom. He also added that the drawings need to be
accurate and if the FAR was not reduced there could be a possibility of denial. Committee
Member DeWees agreed with these recommendations and he would be inclined towards denial
on the basis of errors on the drawings.
The Committee continued their discussion with the applicant reiterating their concerns about the
bulk and mass of the project and the need to have accurate square footages on the project. They
gave their recommendation on how the applicant could reduce the square footage of the project.
Committee Member DeWees made a motion to continue DRC No. 4119-06 - Bhalla Triplex.
SECOND: Craig Wheeler
AYES: Donnie DeWees, Craig Wheeler, and Joe Woollett
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Jon Califf and Bill Cathcart
MOTION CARRIED.
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Meeting Minutes for 19 September 2007
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7. DRC No. 4225-07 - McCAUSLAND RESIDENCE
A proposal for a second story addition to an existing single-story residence.
1021 Rose Avenue
Staff Contact: Sonal Thakur, 714-744-7239, sthakur@cityoforange.org
Item was continued from the DRC Meeting of August 1, 2007
DRC Action: Final Determination
Assistant Planner Sonal Thakur provided a project overview consistent with the Staff Report.
Noting this item was continued from the August 1, 2007 meeting.
Applicant Drew McCausland stated that they took into consideration all the prior
recommendations made by the DRC such as lowering the plate heights and the roof line, they
rotated the roof, changed the siding to match what is on the existing house, and added
landscaping
Public Comment
Mary Wyman 1001 E. Rose Avenue, Orange had a concern that this property would be used as a
rental unit as Mr. McCausland does not live on this property. Currently four tenant households
reside at this property, and if this project is approved it would possibly bring more tenants into
what was once asingle-family home. This project would add more street traffic, less parking
and bring more transient residents. She also stated that more than twenty people had signed a
petition asking the DRC to deny this project.
Chair Wheeler opened this item to the Committee for discussion.
Chair Wheeler felt that atwo-story property in this neighborhood of single-story homes would
set a negative precedence and he had concerns about the FAR which would make it incompatible
for this neighborhood.
Mr. McCausland asked what FAR would be appropriate for this neighborhood. Chair Wheeler,
reviewing the plans, noted that the other residences were in the range of .21 and .22, with his
proposal being the highest at .35. The Committee clarified that their position was to look for
plans that were compatible with the neighborhood in bulk and mass and his property was
significantly higher.
Chair Wheeler commented that the applicant had done a good job of adding improvements and
incorporating the ideas that were made at the last meeting.
The discussion continued between the Applicant, Staff and Committee Members regarding the
accuracy of the square footage of the other residences compared to his proposal and how they
could go about verifying the square footage on the neighboring residences. Aerial photos were
reviewed by the Committee.
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Meeting Minutes for 19 September 2007
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Committee Member DeWees stated that although the accuracy of some of the records they were
looking at were not 100%, this is what they had for comparison. He felt that an FAR of .35
would be too large of an FAR for this area. Ms. Thakur clarified that they were at .3 and with
the second-story and garage they were at .35.
Mr. McCausland stated in looking at the photos many of the homes that do have garages now,
were not shown and that many of the additions were not included and he felt it was unfair to be
compared to square footages of residences that might not be accurate.
Committee Member DeWees asked Ms. Aranda Roseberry if there was a way to take a closer
look at the FAR on homes adjacent and across the street.
Ms. Aranda Roseberry explained that there was a possibility that they could look at floor plans
on microfiche and review existing building permits to see what the square footages were and if
additions were made. This would be the most accurate way to check the square footage for
comparison. Field records could be done, however Staff would need to be present to verify the
measurements. She also clarified that bringing in an outside agency that would be paid for by the
applicant would bring controversy as they would be accountable specifically to the applicant.
Chair Wheeler suggested that a more recent aerial could be found and it could be digitized to get
more recent information. It could be a better way to determine square footages for comparison.
He also felt that he could not approve the project with its current mass.
Mr. McCausland asked what would be agreeable for approval? Chair Wheeler responded that
the largest residence is currently .26, and having this project come in close to that would be
agreeable. Committee Member DeWees reminded the applicant that the mass and scale still
apply to the Infill Design Guidelines which are completely separate from the FAR.
Mr. McCausland stated that he understood and that he wanted to hear any additional
recommendations from the Committee on the changes that were made in the design of the
project.
Committee Member DeWees stated that he would like to see more information that reflects the
comments from the last review such as the plate lines and the heights of the elevations called out
on the plans. An additional layer of information would be needed on these plans. Chair Wheeler
suggested that he would like to see stucco on the front of the house as well as a bigger vent to
match the existing building and agreed with Committee Member DeWees about more details
added to the plans. There were no further comments from the Committee.
Chair Wheeler made a motion to continue DRC No. 4225-07 -McCausland Residence.
SECOND: Donnie DeWees
AYES: Donnie DeWees, Craig Wheeler, Joe Woollett
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Jon Califf, Bill Cathcart MOTION CARRIED.
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Meeting Minutes for 19 September 2007
Page 13 of 13
8. DRC No. 4252-07 - CORTEZ RESIDENCE
A proposal to construct a 590 sq. ft. addition to the existing 2°d floor of a two-story
single-family residence.
517 N. Hamlin Street
Staff Contact: Doris Nguyen, 714-744-7223, do uyen ,cityoforange.or~
Item was continued from the DRC Meeting of August 1, 2007
DRC Action: Final determination
Planning Manager, Leslie Aranda Roseberry provided a project overview consistent with the
Staff Report
Applicant, Alan Eakin, 13602 Falmouth Drive, Tustin stated that he was pleased with the design
and that the recommendations made in the last review session were made. The fireplace had
been moved inside, the pop outs were now on sheet 2 of the garage, and the large windows had
been changed.
Public Comment
None.
Chair Wheeler opened the item to the Committee for discussion. There was none.
Committee Member DeWees made a motion to approve DRC No. 4252-07 -Cortez Residence
with the Staff recommendations.
SECOND: Craig Wheeler
AYES:Donnie DeWees, Craig Wheeler, Joe Woollett
NOES:None
ABSTAIN:None
ABSENT:Jon Califf, Bill Cathcart
MOTION CARRIED.
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Meeting Minutes for 19 September 2007
Page 14 of 13
9. DRC No. 4269-07 - BENNER REMODEL
A proposal to modify a side entrance door, install a new concrete landing and modify
two bathroom windows on a 1912 Craftsman Bungalow.
412-416 S. Orange Street, Old Towne Orange Historic District
Staff Contact: Daniel Ryan, 714-744-7224, dryan(a cit~oforange.org
DRC Action: Final Determination
Senior Planner Daniel Ryan provided a project overview consistent with the Staff Report.
Public Comment
Janet Crenshaw, address on file, came forward to comment on this item. She stated that she felt
the design was on the right track and agreed that the iron railing should be restored to a
bungalow style.
Jeff Frankel, address on file, came forward to comment on this item. He asked if the door that
was being relocated was an original door? He also stated that he was concerned if there would
be any removal of historic fabric and in reviewing the Staff Report he did not see any notes about
the work that was being done on the porch. His final question was whether there were any plans
to restore the garage?
Applicant, Maureen Benner, answered that the iron railing would be returned to the original style
of wood. The door that was currently on the house was not the original door; we would use a
door that matches the other doors on the house. She also stated that the garage had a roof cave in
and they planned to restore it and on the porch they had sanded and filed the original wood.
Chair Wheeler asked what were the plans for the external plumbing. Ms. Benner stated that the
external plumbing had been moved internally and had been replaced.
Committee Member DeWees made a motion to approve DRC No. 4269-07 -Benner Remodel
with the recommendations contained in the Staff Report and the recommendation to add a
Craftsman Style railing.
SECOND: Craig Wheeler
AYES: Donnie DeWees, Craig Wheeler, Joe Woollett
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Jon Califf, Bill Cathcart
MOTION CARRIED.
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Meeting Minutes for 19 September 2007
Page 15 of 13
REVIEW OF MINUTES: August 15, 2007
The Committee reviewed the August 15, 2007 minutes and made recommendations for
corrections. The Committee did not vote on approval as a quorum was not in attendance. These
minutes would be approved at a future meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Committee Member Woollett to adjourn to the next regular meeting on
Wednesday, October 3, 2007.
SECOND: Donnie DeWees
AYES: Donnie DeWees, Craig Wheeler, Joe Woollett
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Jon Califf, Bill Cathcart
MOTION CARRIED.