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2016-12-21 DRC Final MinutesCITY OF ORANGE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE MINUTES – FINAL December 21, 2016 Committee Members Present: Carol Fox - Chair Robert Imboden Tim McCormack Anne McDermott Staff in Attendance: Robert Garcia, Senior Planner Marissa Moshier, Historic Preservation Planner Melissa Castillo, Recording Secretary Administrative Session – 5:00 Chair Fox opened the Administrative Session at 5:05 p.m. Chair Fox inquired if there were any Policy or Procedural information. Mr. Garcia indicated there was no Policy or Procedural information. Ms. Moshier provided samples of the proposed materials for Item (2) on the Regular Session agenda - Swift & Swift Monument Sign. Swift & Swift item will be pulled from the consent agenda during the Regular Session for further discussion. Committee Member Imboden raised concerns about the number of unpermitted demolitions occurring in Old Towne in the last few years. Ms. Moshier informed that there is a plan to present a memo to the City Council for review and possible revision of the demolition review ordinance in the upcoming year. Committee Member Imboden stated that the current demolition situation puts the effectiveness of the design standards in question. Chair Fox and Committee Member Imboden feel it is imperative to express the Committee’s concerns, and submit a letter regarding the ordinance to the City Council. The Committee will speak to Director William Crouch about this issue. Committee Members reviewed the Design Review Committee minutes for December 7, 2016. Committee Member Imboden made a motion to close the Administrative Session of the Design Review Committee meeting. SECOND: Anne McDermott AYES: Carol Fox, Robert Imboden, Tim McCormack, and Anne McDermott NOES: None ABSENT: None MOTION CARRIED. Administrative Session adjourned at 5:25 p.m. City of Orange – Design Review Committee Final Meeting Minutes for December 21, 2016 Page 2 of 14 Regular Session – 5:31 p.m. ROLL CALL: All Committee Members were present. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Opportunity for members of the public to address the Design Review Committee on matters not listed on the Agenda. Ray Hare, resident and local artist of the City of Orange, proclaimed his admiration for the City of Orange. He loves the town, especially the historical area. He lives in a home that was built in 1902 that has been restored inside. He described it as living in a new home but still feeling the roots. CONSENT ITEMS: (1) APPROVAL OF MINUTES: DECEMBER 7, 2016 Committee Member McDermott made a motion to approve the minutes from the Design Review Committee meeting of December 7, 2016, as emended during the discussion at the Administrative Session. SECOND: Tim McCormack AYES: Carol Fox, Robert Imboden, Tim McCormack, and Anne McDermott NOES: None ABSENT: None MOTION CARRIED. City of Orange – Design Review Committee Final Meeting Minutes for December 21, 2016 Page 3 of 14 (2) DRC No. 4878-16 – Swift & Swift Monument Sign  A proposal to install a new monument sign at a historic office building in the Old Towne Historic District  1006 E. Chapman Avenue, Old Towne Historic District  Staff Contact: Marissa Moshier, (714)744-7243, moshier@cityoforange.org  DRC Action: Final Determination Marissa Moshier, Historic Preservation Planner, presented a project overview consistent with the Staff Report. The applicant/owner, Janice Swift, and sign designer, Martin Neil of Caliber Signs & Imaging were present. Public Comments: Chair Fox opened the item to the Public for comments. There were no speakers. Chair Fox opened the item to the Committee for discussion:  Questioned the construction of the cabinet, the materials being used and how it would be fastened together.  Designer Martin Neil proposed the use of square tubes and aluminum sheet. Square tubes will be welded to the square structure. Fasteners will not be visible. The sign will be stationary, resting on concrete and elevated from the ground by a few inches of concrete.  Raised concerns regarding the durability of the materials. Designer stated that the finished sign will be primed and covered with two coats of paint. The paint is washable, if surface marks appear over time.  Expressed concerns about the aesthetic design in relation to the historic building and that the aluminum is being used to simulate stucco.  Committee expressed difficulty understanding how the finished product will look with the limited information on fabrication that has been provided. Committee Member Imboden made a motion to continue DRC No. 4878-16 with the recommendation that the applicant either provides specific details of the construction of the sign, durability, and appearance of the proposed materials or proposes different materials for the sign. SECOND: Anne McDermott AYES: Carol Fox, Robert Imboden, Tim McCormack, and Anne McDermott NOES: None ABSENT: None MOTION CARRIED. City of Orange – Design Review Committee Final Meeting Minutes for December 21, 2016 Page 4 of 14 (3) DRC No. 4874-16 – Cendejas Residence  A proposal to add a 712 square foot addition to a single-family residence and reconstruct a historic garage on a property in the Old Towne Historic District. The project was continued by the Design Review Committee at the December 7, 2016 meeting.  225 W. Palmyra Avenue, Old Towne Historic District  Staff Contact: Marissa Moshier, (714)744-7243, mmoshier@cityoforange.org  DRC Action: Recommendation to Planning Commission Marissa Moshier, Historic Preservation Planner, presented a project overview consistent with the Staff Report. The applicant and property owner, Ruben Cendejas, was present for this project. Public Comments: Chair Fox opened the item to the Public for comments: There were no speakers. Chair Fox opened the item to the Committee for discussion:  Verified that the rafters proposed on the garage are 4x6.  Clarified that the garage siding and door will be wood.  Clarified the distance of the garage door in relation to property line. Confirmed discussion with the Building Official related to fire rating within 5 feet of the property line.  Discussed a condition of approval that the garage will be constructed exactly the way it is shown on the plans.  Clarified the relationship of the driveway with the garage door and house. The site plan does not show the same amount of concrete for the driveway as the garage floor plan on Sheet 2.0. The Committee and applicant discussed a resolution for the discrepancy in the driveway concrete and included it in a recommended condition of approval. Committee Member Imboden made a motion to recommend approval to the Planning Commission of DRC Item No. 4874-16 with the findings and conditions stated in the staff report with the following additional conditions: 1. The garage shall be constructed as shown on the plans presented to the Design Review Committee on December 21, 2016. If the garage cannot be constructed as shown on the plans, the design for the revised garage shall return to the Design Review Committee for review and approval. 2. The paving of the driveway shall be modified according to the notes made on Sheet 1.0 of the plans during the Design Review Committee meeting. SECOND: Anne McDermott AYES: Carol Fox, Robert Imboden, Tim McCormack, and Anne McDermott NOES: None ABSENT: None MOTION CARRIED. City of Orange – Design Review Committee Final Meeting Minutes for December 21, 2016 Page 5 of 14 AGENDA ITEMS New Agenda Items: (4) DRC No. 4777-14 – University Food Mart & Gas  A proposal to modify the canopy fascia at an existing service station in the Old Towne Historic District. The remodel of the service station was approved by the DRC on October 21, 2015. The applicant is requesting a modification to the approved design, which the Community Development Director referred to the Design Review Committee for final determination.  480 N. Glassell Street, Old Towne Historic District  Staff Contact: Marissa Moshier, (714)744-7243, mmoshier@cityoforange.org  DRC Action: Final Determination Marissa Moshier, Historic Preservation Planner, presented a project overview consistent with the Staff Report. The applicants who were present for this project were Ali Yeganeh and Dave Bartz. Ali Yeganeh mentioned that a discrepancy in the plans lead them to believe that the City previously approved 42 inches for the canopy. Contractors made an honest mistake when installing the fascia at 30 inches. Ray Hare, resident, stated he is encouraged about the remodeling, its simplicity and minimal color. He believes it is cohesive with neighborhood and is an improvement from what was previously there. Mr. Hare also likes that there is minimal signage. Dave Bartz presented a sample of the proposed blue strip to be added to the canopy fascia. Public Comments: Chair Fox opened the item to the Public for comments: There were no speakers. Chair Fox opened the item to the Committee for discussion:  Expressed that the previously approved drawing does not support the fascia size as constructed.  Asked for clarification on the proposal. Ms. Moshier and the applicant clarified that they are requesting approval of the modified design which consists of a 30 inch tall canopy fascia wrapped with an Arco blue vinyl decal and LED “laser light” strip, consistent with the brand’s signage.  Stated that the fascia is too tall and visually overwhelming. Not compatible with the building or in keeping with the style. City of Orange – Design Review Committee Final Meeting Minutes for December 21, 2016 Page 6 of 14  Unable to support approval of the modification. Drawings are inconsistent with what was constructed. Fascia is out of scale with canopy structure and has a dissimilar form to the current roof. Committee is not comfortable with approving the project just because it has already been built.  Unable to make findings to support a recommendation to approve the project. Committee Member Imboden made a motion to deny the modification to DRC No. 4777-14, University Food Mart & Gas, in that the Committee has expressed that they are unable to craft findings to support the item as described during the discussion. SECOND: Anne McDermott AYES: Carol Fox, Robert Imboden, Tim McCormack, and Anne McDermott NOES: None ABSENT: None MOTION CARRIED. City of Orange – Design Review Committee Final Meeting Minutes for December 21, 2016 Page 7 of 14 (5) DRC No. 4849-16 – Malloy Residence  A proposal to construct a 624 square foot addition to the second story of a single family residence and to convert an existing flat roof garage into a gable roof garage on property in the Old Towne Historic District. The existing residence and garage are non-contributors to the Historic District.  159 N. Shaffer Street, Old Towne Historic District  Staff Contact: Marissa Moshier, (714)744-7243, mmoshier@cityoforange.org  DRC Action: Recommendation to Planning Commission Marissa Moshier, Historic Preservation Planner, presented a project overview consistent with the Staff Report. The applicants and architect who were present for this project were Ryan & Michelle Malloy and Architect Jon Califf. Jon Califf, Architect, explained that the Malloys would like make the garage slightly wider, as it is currently a little over 18 feet and difficult to fit two vehicles. Public Comments: Chair Fox opened the item to the Public for comments: Paula Soest, neighbor, had no issue with the garage width being increased in size. She stated that the proposed modification is reasonable and that their current garage is too small. Chair Fox opened the item to the Committee for discussion:  Expressed that the addition to the house was well-designed and improved the privacy of the neighboring properties.  There was discussion on the proposed modification to the garage roof: o Some Committee Members expressed that the proposed gable roof is appropriate for accessory structures in the historic district and is compatible with the neighbors’ garages. Acknowledged that the garage was elegantly designed and that the proposal makes the garage and property more complete and more functional for the home owner. o Other Committee Members stated that adding a gable roof will create a pattern of garages on the street that is not compatible with the pattern of development in Old Towne. Three gable roof garages in a row creates a sense of history that is not accurate for these properties. The roof pitches of the adjacent garages will also be different. Currently, the trellis and fencing screens and complements the flat roof garage.  Mr. Califf described that the intent of the garage design was to get more volume in the garage with the pitched roof. Pitched roof will also minimize the amount of water flowing towards the property line. City of Orange – Design Review Committee Final Meeting Minutes for December 21, 2016 Page 8 of 14 Committee Member Fox made a motion to recommend approval to the Planning Commission of DRC No. 4849-16, Malloy Residence, with the findings and conditions in the staff report. SECOND: Anne McDermott AYES: Carol Fox and Anne McDermott NOES: Robert Imboden and Tim McCormack ABSENT: None MOTION FAILED. Committee Member Imboden made a motion to recommend approval to the Planning Commission of DRC No. 4849-16, Malloy Residence, as presented, with the findings and conditions in the staff report with the following additional condition: 1. The roof pitch of the existing garage shall remain as it exists as the DRC was not in consensus that the modification was supported by the Old Towne Design Standards. SECOND: Tim McCormack AYES: Anne McDermott, Tim McCormack, and Robert Imboden NOES: Carol Fox ABSENT: None MOTION CARRIED. City of Orange – Design Review Committee Final Meeting Minutes for December 21, 2016 Page 9 of 14 (6) DRC No. DRC No. 4853-16 Perlas Villas  140 N. Hewes Street  Re-zoning of a vacant lot for a proposed new single story residence and 2nd dwelling unit.  Staff Contact: Robert Garcia, (714)744-7231, rgarcia@cityoforange.org  DRC Action: Recommendation to Planning Commission Robert Garcia, Senior Planner, presented a project overview consistent with the Staff Report. The applicants who were present for this project were property owner, Nick Alvino and designers, Joseph Monck and Harry Monck. Applicant expressed his satisfaction with working alongside Planner Robert Garcia and other departments to meet City standards. Applicant presented material board. Public Comments: Chair Fox opened the item to the Public for comments. There were no speakers. Chair Fox opened the item to the Committee for discussion:  Agreement with staff that the proposal is compatible and appropriate with the neighborhood.  The Committee had no issues with mass or scale.  The package lacked the South elevation  Not in support with the placement of the shower window in the front of the home, facing the street. Suggested no window or relocating restroom. Committee suggested not placing bedrooms close to the street to enhance living conditions and aesthetics of exterior elevations.  Main entry of home should be more pronounced.  The entry porch needs to be protected  Concerned with the flatness of wingwalls.  Connection to street and garage are problematic. The plans need to be revised to show the correct walkway from the garage to the home.  Plant material needed in parkway.  Provide the laundry door landing out the back, behind the front unit.  The Committee discussed column placement  Needs to come back for final landscape plan check.  Improvement needed on South and West elevations. Committee Member Imboden made a motion to recommend approval by the Planning Commission for DRC No. 4853-16 Perlas Villas with the conditions: 1. Further development of exterior elevations. 2. Further development of landscape plan and site plan, specifically to site circulation. City of Orange – Design Review Committee Final Meeting Minutes for December 21, 2016 Page 10 of 14 3. Must return back to DRC for final review and approval, prior to submittal for plan check. SECOND: Anne McDermott AYES: Carol Fox, Robert Imboden, Tim McCormack, and Anne McDermott NOES: None ABSENT: None MOTION CARRIED. City of Orange – Design Review Committee Final Meeting Minutes for December 21, 2016 Page 11 of 14 (7) DRC No. 4758-14 Wimbleton Court  The applicant proposes to subdivide one approximately 91,476 Square Foot (SF) lot into eight numbered lots and two lettered lot for eight single-family houses and one common recreation area.  6231 E. Wimbleton Court  Staff Contact: Robert Garcia, (714) 744-7231  DRC Action: Recommendation to Planning Commission Chair Carol Fox informed audience members that would like to speak about this project that the project needs to first be approved by DRC before going to the Planning Commission. The only issues DRC reviews are aesthetics. The Planning Commission hears issues regarding traffic, noise, environmental impact, density, zoning, etc. This project has mitigated negative declaration. DRC is only reviewing aesthetic issues related to this project. Mr. Garcia informed the committee and audience that everyone that rents or owns property within a 300 foot radius from the affected property was notified of the environmental review. All those properties within 300 feet from this project will be notified by the City of any future meetings taking place regarding the property. The notice mailed out regarding the mitigated negative declaration gives information to where the environmental report can be located, which was posted on the City’s website, at the libraries, and at City Hall at two different locations. The public review period ends at January 9, 2017. Robert Garcia, Senior Planner, presented a project overview consistent with the Staff Report. The applicants who were present for this project were Mustala Balaiwi, Yasir Jordan, Haitham A. and John Pazisin. Public Comments: Chair Fox opened the item to the Public for comments: Nam Neil Hoang stated that the project does not compliment the area. He is opposed to the aesthetics of the project. His sister, Jacqueline Hoang agreed with his comments. They both oppose to the project. Mitchell Millan, resident of 6232 E. Wimbleton Ct., adjacent to the proposed project property. Mr. Millan stated his concern with the aesthetics and lack of landscaping. Issue with the retaining walls and the proximity of the property to his home and how it will look as you enter the home. He described the long driveway and view of retaining walls. He is concerned with the elevation, it impact his privacy. He is opposed to the project. Michael Micallef, resident of 162 S. Longspur Ln., stated that the layout of the proposed project makes accessing or exiting property a nuisance. Every vehicle that enters and exits site will go by during the construction, tear phase and then when people are residing in the complex. The layout being proposed does not take into account or utilize an easement that currently exis ts off of Wimbleton Ct. Project proposes a lane that never existed which is going to change the dynamics and City of Orange – Design Review Committee Final Meeting Minutes for December 21, 2016 Page 12 of 14 aesthetics of the neighborhood. Instead of using the entryway and exit that already exists on Wimbleton Ct. They are going to be creating a difference in appearance by opening up the back portion of his neighborhood, when that is not necessary. There is going to be a negative impact on the quality of life for the people living in the neighborhood. He may change his opposition if they modify the entryway. However at this moment he opposes the project. Chair Fox opened the item to the Committee for discussion:  The Committee expressed concern with the abrupt angle of the street access on Pheasant Lane.  The Committee felt that the project was much improved and could see changes, however there were still concerns with the design.  Lot 3  The Committee expressed concern with elevations. The architectural elements do not line up.  Roof drains directly into the home.  The front elevation windows are still not symmetrical or intentionally asymmetrical, they appear to be random.  Concerned with the height of the trellis.  Offset on East elevation  Windows do not work with roof line. The Committee felt that although the plans were much improved there many random oddities in the architectural features that there were many inconsistences. The committee felt that there were a lot of details that needed to be worked out. The Committee liked the architectural style, however the execution of the intended style had not been vetted out entirely. Discussion Continued:  The architecture appeared “Bloated.”  The properties were squeezed in too tight.  Lack of landscape due to space and size of homes.  The presentation lacked three-dimensional design perspectives.  Unsightly retaining walls  Lack of privacy and sensitivity to neighbors.  The revised plans provided additional information that had not been reviewed before, which raised additional concerns.  The Committee had fundamental concerns with the site design, due to the large homes on a hillside development. City of Orange – Design Review Committee Final Meeting Minutes for December 21, 2016 Page 13 of 14 The Committee felt that the project as presented was not approval this evening and inquired from staff what their options were. Staff indicated that the Committee could continue the item to a future meeting or recommend denial. The applicant requested that the Committee recommend denial and more forward to the Planning Commission. Committee Member Imboden made a motion for DRC No. 4758-14 Wimbleton Court to the Planning Commission as non-recommended primarily based on the numerous meetings with the project team. The committee is of the consensus that the project does not uphold design community aesthetics and the project is internally inconsistent and lacks in integrated design theme; lacks sensitivity both internally and to the surrounding community. SECOND: Tim McCormack AYES: None. NOES: Carol Fox, Robert Imboden, Tim McCormack, and Anne McDermott ABSENT: None MOTION CARRIED. City of Orange – Design Review Committee Final Meeting Minutes for December 21, 2016 Page 14 of 14 ADJOURNMENT: Committee Member Imboden made a motion to adjourn to the next Design Review Committee meeting on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. SECOND: Anne McDermott AYES: Carol Fox, Robert Imboden, Tim McCormack, and Anne McDermott NOES: None ABSENT: None MOTION CARRIED. Meeting adjourned at 9:39 p.m.