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10-02-2002 DRC MinutesCITY OF ORANGE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE MINUTE S Wednesday, October 2, 2002 Committee Members Present: Jon Califf Leonard Filner (Vice Chair) Craig Wheeler Joe Woollett (Chair) Staff in Attendance: Chuck Lau, Associate Planner Howard Morris, Landscape Coordinator Debbie Ritchey, Recording Secretary Committee Member Absent: Mark Paone Administrative Session - 4:30 P.M. The committee met for an administrative session beginning at 4:30 p.m. The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:10 p.m. Regular Session - 5:30 PM REVIEW OF MINUTES: A motion was made by Committee Member Leonard Filner to approve the September 18, 2002 meeting minutes with the following corrections: DRC #3762 Shell Gas Station page 4 paragraph 10 sentence 1 amended as follows: Committee Member Filner recommended that the applicant consider simplifying e~~ ~ ' ~ '""`'"" r b the plants by reducing the number of different varieties that already exist. DRC #3780 -Chapman Universit~Parking Lot pale 10 paragraph 6 sentence 1 amended as follows: Mr. Olsen replied it is due to e€ economics. SECOND: Jon Califf AYES: Leonard Filner, Jon Califf, Craig Wheeler, Joe Woollett NOES: None ABSENT: Mark Paone ABSTAINED: None MOTION CARRIED City of Orange -Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for October 2, 2002 Page 2 1. DRC No. 3699-02 -SAINT MARY'S SERIAC ORTHODOX CHURCH Revised building elevations for the expansion of an existing church facility. 1515 E. Taft Avenue Staff Contact: Daniel Ryan, Senior Planner -Historic Preservation DRC Action: Final Determination Continued from 9- I 1-2002 meeting) Approved as Consent Item) A motion was made by Committee Chair Joe Woollett to approve the project based on the findings listed in the staff report, and subject to the following conditions: 1. The roofing material and exterior plaster finish for the new fellowship building shall match the existing sanctuary building in terms of color and texture. SECOND: Leonard Filner AYES: Jon Califf, Leonard Filner, Craig Wheeler, Joe Woollett NOES : None ABSENT: Mark Paone ABSTAINED: None MOTION CARRIED City of Orange -Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for October 2, 2002 Page 3 2. DRC No. 3778-02 - VALDEZ RETAIL CENTER Removal of an existing wood canopy and addition of a new standing seam metal canopy. 412-420 W. Lincoln Avenue Staff Contact: Jeffry Rice, Planning Manager DRC Action: Final Determination Continued from 9-18-2002 meeting) Diane and Robert Bohack (owners/applicants), presented the project. Additional information has been submitted and plans have been revised to address the issues that were raised by the committee from the previous meeting. She also mentioned her meeting with. Brad Beyer of the Orange Police Department and that he was very helpful. Mr. Beyer suggested the use of a non- climbable chain-link fence that has smaller openings in lieu of the barbed wire. The new fence should be eight (8) feet in height to secure the back area. She asked Mr. Jeff Rice, Planning Manager, to assist them in the variance process for an 8 ft. high fence. As for lighting of the parking lot area, the building is hidden and she wanted some way to make the area brighter. Mr. Beyer conducted a light meter reading of the property and was surprised with how well the lights worked. Ms. Bohack also presented the exterior material and color samples, as well as a color rendering of the building. A motion was made by Committee Chair Joe Woollett to approve the project based on the findings listed in the staff report, and subject to the following conditions: 1. Exterior lighting shall be installed in accordance with the Orange Police Department Crime Prevention Bureau recommendations. 2. The new metal canopy shall be installed over the exposed framing of the building in accordance with the attached detail. (The canopy band to be a single plane in an east-west direction) 3. Sierra Green (Middle Sales Co.) color is approved for the metal canopy. 4. Fencing along the southern property line to be 8 ft. in height with small diamond chain link fencing in accordance with the recommendations of the Orange Police Department Crime Prevention Bureau. (Note: 8 ft. high fence requires variance approval.) 5. The existing colors that have been recently painted on the building are acceptable. SECOND: Leonard Filner AYES: Jon Califf, Leonard Filner, Craig Wheeler, Joe Woollett NOES: None ABSENT: Mark Paone ABSTAINED: None MOTION CARRIED City of Orange -Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for October 2, 2002 Page 4 3. DRC No. 3716-02 - CINGULAR WIRELESS Installation of stealth wireless communication antenna and associated equipment cabinets within an underground vault. 123 E. Collins Avenue Staff Contact: Mario Chavez-Marquez, Assistant Planner DRC Action: Final Determination Continued from 9-4-2002 meeting) Brian Stotlemeyer with The Consulting Group, Inc., representing Cingular Wireless, stated that changes have been made to the project since the last DRC meeting. As discussed in the previous DRC, the antenna location has been moved towards the corner of Collins and Glassell, and landscaping has also been incorporated. By moving things around, it has created more parking in the parking lot. Some of the entrances/drive aisles have been closed off. Revising the site location and closing some existing driveways has provided additional parking. Committee Member Wheeler asked how the proposed antenna compared to the palm tree tower on Glassell by the 22 freeway. Mr. Stotlemeyer answered they would be similar; the Glassell one is a Date Palm with the one for this project being a Mexican Fan Palm. Committee Member Leonard Filner asked if the vault had been lowered below grade, to which Mr. Stotlemeyer answered yes, that it had the additional 12" to 3'. Part of Mr. Filner's concern was not so much the stealthing of the mono palm, but the stealthing of the corner site, to make it blend in more without any additional palms of similar species as it still stands out. Mr. Filner wondered if the applicant would be willing to add additional Washingtonias down both sides three on Glassell and three on Collins), and Mr. Stotlemeyer answered that if this were a condition of approval, they would do it. He did ask what would be the required box size. Mr. Filner said they would have to go the same height (40-45 foot -palms); they could be a minimum of 30'. Mr. Stotlemeyer said from his understanding the owner will be maintaining the area. Committee Member Filner said that if palm trees are added, the lawn needs to be removed and plants, shrubbery and ground cover need to be added within a year. A motion was made by Committee Member Leonard Filner to approve the project based on the findings listed in the staff report, and subject to the following conditions: 1. Plant 6 additional Washingtonia robusta/Mexican Fan Palms with a minimum height of 30' brown trunk height. Locating 3 along Glassell and 3 along Collins. 2. Remove the grass area along Glassell (to face a projected curb line along length of parking stalls) and along Collins (to the future property line for the length of parking stalls that face Collins). To be replaced with shrub, ground cover mixture comparable to what is in other areas. And to also include recommendations by staff. City of Orange -Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for October 2, 2002 Page 5 SECOND:Craig Wheeler AYES:Jon Califf, Leonard Filner, Craig Wheeler, Joe Woollett NOES:None ABSENT:Mark Paone ABSTAINED:None MOTION CARRIED City of Orange -Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for October 2, 2002 Page 6 4. DRC No. 3747-02 -FIELDSTONE COMMUNITIES, INC. Construction of a new 24 dwelling unit residential development. South side of Heim Avenue 300 feet east of Canal Street Staff Contact: Christopher Carnes, Senior Planner DRC Action: Preliminary Review of proposed site, building, landscaping, and walls plans. Presentation was made by David Greminger with Fieldstone Communities, Shawn Schuler of Edinger Architects, Paul Wong with Land Arch West, and Warren Williams with Development Resources. Mr. Greminger made a request to change the recommended action from Preliminary Review to Final Determination. Committee Chair Joe Woollett stated if that's what they want and are asking, the Committee would do what they could. Mr. Greminger started with a high level overview of the project design and then into landscape architecture. Committee Chair Joe Woollett made a statement that 2 of the Committee members were involved in the original acceptance of the previous entitlements and 2 were not. Committee Chair Joe Woollett asked about the perimeter walls. Mr. Williams addressed where they exist and what is proposed. There is a wall along both Mall frontages. Walls will be kept in place but will be mitigated (touch up paint). The Landscape Architect will address walls on the north and west. Committee Chair Joe Woollett stated this plan is for 8 units per acre and wondered what the other plan was for. The answer to this was not immediately available. Mr. Williams believes the current plans are for far less density but is unable to quote the numbers. Paul Wong continued with the presentation. It will be a single entrance site. They have made arrangements for atot-lot area that will be maintained by the HOA as will all maintenance streets, park areas and all perimeter landscaping). They have entered into an agreement (based on recommendation from SRC) to install a landscape buffer. They have agreed with the church to put an easement in this area, which Fieldstone will do the planting and maintain for the life of the project. At that time the church will take over the maintenance of the area. The discussion continued on the walls: Setbacks Groundcover (would be low) Landscaping and plants to be used Name of project on walls entering project City of Orange -Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for October 2, 2002 Page 7 Fence along driveway Tot-Lot area (ages 2-5) Sidewalks Project signage Committee Member Craig Wheeler asked if there was any consideration in adding additional landscaping along the south and east sides to reduce visibility to businesses. Mr. Greminger answered they had discussed boundary conditions in SRC and how they would buffer that. It was determined that existing landscaping along the two edges was sufficient. Fieldstone will be adding landscaping with every unit but not rear yard landscaping. The existing landscaping on the Malls land on the east and south sides is part of the conceptual plan before the group and will be maintained by the Mall. Committee Member Filner asked about the front yard landscaping and what it entailed per unit and does this include any trees? Mr. Greminger answered irrigation, turf and planting areas, some trees will be included. Mr. Howard Morris informed Fieldstone that they would need to contact Doug Kokesh with the Street Tree Department of Public Works to coordinate street trees, size and kind (phone: 532- 6470). Next was a discussion of the building elevations. (Enhanced elevations and un-enhanced elevations were shown.) Mr. Shawn Schuler presented the elevation portion of the project. The building style is Spanish, Eclectic, Craftsman, and Italian. The following enhancements were discussed Wider Horizontal Band The Decorative Lintels Additional Pop-outs Enhanced Window Treatments Wood Shutters Committee Member Wheeler asked a question regarding side views of the homes located on Sycamore Lane being enhanced, and Mr. Schuler answered that there would be enhancements. More color boards were shown to the Committee. There will be 4 colors (per style of home) to choose from. Committee Chair Woollett's primary concern is the size of the building relative to the size of the property, landscaping, and also the lot sizes being the same size as originally but the proposed houses are bigger. He did look at what was done before and Fieldstone has addressed many of the previous concerns. Committee Member Wheeler was concerned about the appearance of the whole project and being surrounded by Wal-Mart, Radio Shack, Strouds, etc. It seems like this little island. He thinks it needs some work in the planning. City of Orange -Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for October 2, 2002 Page 8 Committee Member Filner concurs with what Committee Chair Woollett said regarding the relationship and proportion of the size of the lot with the size of the unit. The relative large residential size seems overpowering. Building enhancement helps, but it doesn't solve the problem, bearing in mind that the project is visible on 3 sides. The visual impacts are limited on the east and south sides, plus it looks basically the same even with 3 variations. The structures are oversized, and look like big boxes on small little lots. If there were a way of scaling back the 2"d stories by creating more variation between the 15' floors, that would be more palatable and something he would consider in a final decision. Committee Chair Woollett in looking at the layout again, says it looks like a continuous wall of building with slight variations with the rear yard but basically what you have is a wall of flat buildings with relative small spaces in between. It looks like they are trying to get as much building as you possibly can on a small lot. Committee Member Jon Califf looked at the previous plans and noticed the lots were smaller and the units were considerably smaller but did allow for a bit more variation in streetscape. He is also bothered by the fact that even though the plan works nicely, from the outside it looks like a large block. Committee Member Filner continued saying that to him the issue is not the front elevations; the issue is from off-site looking on to the site. It's not the lst story, which is a concern, as the wall and planting on the perimeter will cover that. It's everything above that. Everything goes the same way, straight up and down with a 10' separation. The problem is really with the 2"~ story the side and back views of the homes). The units are too much alike. Mr. Williams wanted to reiterate that the church (co-applicant) plans to build a worship center of decent size on that property which will soften that area facing Canal Street. Committee Member Filner said they would not be able to address that at tonight's meeting as they don't have the configurations for it and also it only addresses one side of the project and not the other two sides. Mr. Schuler said that there is a possibility the roof lines could have more variations. Committee Chair Woollett said it would be important for him to see a west and south elevation of the site. It's those two elevations on the 2"d level, which are important. Committee Member Wheeler suggested that a few of the homes have a cantilever on the back to bring the whole 2°d floor out a couple of feet. Committee Member Filner continued with Committee Chair Woollett's concern of placement on the lot and asked if the applicant would be willing to change the configuration of the first floor, to which they answered yes. Committee Member Wheeler also asked if some of the front enhancements could vary in depth, which also received a yes answer, and Mr. Wheeler felt this might help the streetscape. Committee Chair Woollett is concerned with what the community sees. City of Orange -Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for October 2, 2002 Page 9 Mr. Greminger asked the question, if in their efforts to present something back to the committee to address the concerns, is it acceptable to do a combination of some of the architectural enhancements plus possibly some increased landscaping along that edge. Committee Member Filner asked if they were planning on denser plant material to increase the depth. Mr. Greminger said yes, by increasing the number and size of the trees along the west side. A discussion followed regarding building bulk and mass. Different ideas were exchanged on what could be done to change the appearance of the elevations. A motion was made by Committee Member Leonard Filner to continue the project based on the above discussion. SECOND: Craig Wheeler AYES: Jon Califf, Leonard Filner, Craig Wheeler, Joe Woollett NOES: None ABSENT: Mark Paone ABSTAINED: None MOTION CARRIED City of Orange -Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for October 2, 2002 Page 10 5. DRC No. 3775-02 - SALINAS RESIDENCE The applicant proposes to build a new 1,982 square feet house and a 441 square feet garage on a 6,600 square foot vacant residential parcel. 413 N. Cypress Street (Old Towne Historic District) Staff Contact: Jeffry Rice, Planning Manager DRC Action: Final Determination Mr. Salinas presented the project and explained the changes that had been made since the last meeting. Windows Chimney French doors Trim Garage Committee Chair Joe Woollett commented that the applicant has been very responsive. Mr. Salinas said they are trying to be consistent with the neighborhood. Committee Member Wheeler said that the building massing works well. Hearing open to the pubic. Janet Crenshaw - 464 N. Shaffer, The materials used for the windows and sidings are very sympathetic to the surrounding Old Towne area and expressed her appreciation for this. Committee Member Leonard Filner asked if the trim pieces would look the same as the windows. Mr. Salinas answered that the trim pieces and window will be wood. Committee Member Craig Wheeler questioned the rafters in the garage and suggested they be either 2 x 6 or 2 x 8. He also explained to Mr. Salinas what he was looking for, and mentioned the stucco in the porch column and that it should be changed to wood. Committee Member Jon Califf said the exposed wood should be a certain type. The Committee gave Mr. Salinas some suggestions. The Committee discussed the roof materials, the garage doors, and the location of the water heater. The Committee also discussed setbacks in regards to the concrete steps and driveway. The consensus of the Committee members was that the revisions responded to their original comments. City of Orange -Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for October 2, 2002 Page 11 A motion was made by Committee Member Craig Wheeler to approve the project based on the findings listed in the staff report, and subject to the following conditions: 1. 2 x 4 rafters with 2 x 6 minimum barge boards (structural with out riggers holding it) supported by structural corbels. 2. The columns on the porch are to be smooth wood. 3. Garage doors are to look like two, separate 8' wide doors. 4. Smooth finish on the rafter board - 5" exposure. 5. Water heater placed on the inside of the building. SECOND: Jon Califf AYES: Jon Califf, Leonard Filner, Craig Wheeler, Joe Woollett NOES: None ABSENT: Mark Paone ABSTAINED: None MOTION CARRIED N:\C D D\P L N G\Council Commissions Committees\DRC\DRC 2002\10-02-02 drem.doc