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1999-05-19 Final DRC MinutesCity of Orange Design Review Board MINUTES for Wednesday, May 19, 1999 Board Members Present: Rick Cavecche Tim McCormack, Chair Steve Prothero, Vice-Chair Susan Secoy Board Member Absent: None Staff in Attendance: Chuck Lau, Associate Planner Howard Morris, Landscape Coordinator Administrative Session - 4: 30 P.M. The board met for an administrative session beginning at 4:30 p.m.. The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:15 p. m. City of Orange -Design Review Board Meeting Minutes for May 19, 1999 Page 2 Regular Session - S: 30 P.M. A motion was made by Tim McCormack to approve the May 5, 1999 minutes with the following corrections: DRB #3383, (Dan Arguello~pa~e 4, condition 4, sentence 1, amended as follows: 4. Maintain an 18" wide planter on each side of the new ribbon driveway along the residence and side (east) property line. (ribbon driveway to be two-three-two foot proportions) DRB #3427 (Creek View Senior Community~pa~7, paragraph 1, sentence 3, amended as follows: The building e has been shifted 5 ft. towards the front to create additional landscape area at the rear parking lot area. Paragraph 2 added as follows: The DRB discussed the use of culture stones. Traditional masonry techniques use larger stones on the bottom and then lay the stones in an ascending size to the top of the wall. The Board stated that the use of culture stones is acceptable, but cautioned that the river rock culture stones are the least acceptable. Condition 3, sentence 2 amended as follows: More attention to detail is needed based on the above discussion. SECOND: Susan Secoy AYES: Rick Cavecche, Tim McCormack, Steve Prothero, Susan Secoy NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAINED: None MOTION CARRIED City of Orange -Design Review Board Meeting Minutes for May 19, 1999 Page 3 1) DRB No. 3409 Texaco Renovation of an existing automotive 700 W. Chapman Avenue service station in Old Towne Harry Mitchell C-2 (General Business District) • Sianaae Review The revised plans were presented by the owner Mr. Harry Mitchell, and Mr. Robb Lewis - corporate sign installer for Texaco. The "FOOD MART" and "SERVICE CENTER" signs have been reduced in size, and are shown on the building elevations. The DRB again raised concerns with the overall square footage of the signs, and whether or not it meets the size limitations set forth under the sign ordinance and the Old Towne Design Standards. The applicant were allowed to bring the revised plans to the meeting without having to submit them to staff for inclusion in the DRB's packet. However, there is enough information on the plans for the DRB to make a decision based on design. MOTION by Steve Prothero to approve the project, subject to the following conditions: The "TEXACO" sign and logo are approved as submitted for the building and fuel island canopy. The use of exposed neon in an open face channel letter is consistent to the period architectural design (1950's) of the automotive service station. The "TEXACO" sign on the building shall be installed on a raceway with down-turned radius on both ends The "FOOD MART" and "SERVICE CENTER" signs to be reviewed by staff for code compliance in terms of size limitation and/or the maximum number of signs allowed. SECOND: Tim McCormack AYES: Tim McCormack, Steve Prothero, Susan Secoy NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAINED: Rick Cavecche MOTION CARRIED City of Orange -Design Review Board Meeting Minutes for May 19, 1999 Page 4 (2) DRB No. 3433 Cal-Wall Addition of a new 16,000 sq. ft. warehouse 2180 N. Glassell Street for an existing manufacturing facility Don Putzig M-2 (industrial District) • Recommendation to Plannina Commission The project was presented by the owner Don Putzig, and Rick Crane -Project Architect. The proposal is to add a new 16,000 sq.ft. warehouse behind an existing building at the rear of the property. The project has been scheduled for Planning Commission hearing on June 21, 1999. MOTION by Tim McCormack to recommend approval of the project to the Planning Commission, subject to the following conditions: 1. Replace the 6 ft. high chain link fence behind the front parking lot area with a 10 foot high split face block wall with a cap on top of the wall. The new wall shall be setback an additional 4 ft. to increase the width of the landscape planter from 10 ft. to 14 ft. 2. Increase the width of the end island planter along the south property line to 9 ft. 3. Remove existing freestanding sign(s) out of the public right-of--way and relocate the sign(s) to an area behind the property line. Add planting island at front parking row to accommodate the sign(s). 4. Provide Boston Ivy vines along new block wall. (Minimum 1 gallon size planted at 8 ft. on center) Other types of vines may be considered (i.e. Bougainvillea), but some type of armature or trellis element must be installed on the face of the wall to help train the vines. 5. Strongly recommend that the new trees match the existing eucalyptus trees along Glassell Street and the adjacent property to the north. This creates design uniformity and a stronger statement. The trees shall be minimum spaced per City standards, but preferably spaced approximately 20 to 25 ft. apart to match the spacing of the existing trees to the north. A secondary tree may be considered for use at the 2 driveway entrances. 6. Prior to issuance of building permits, submit final landscape plans to DRB for approval. 7. Final irrigation plans to be reviewed by Community Services Department staff. SECOND: Susan Secoy AYES: Rick Cavecche, Tim McCormack, Steve Prothero, Susan Secoy NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAINED: None MOTION CARRIED City of Orange -Design Review Board Meeting Minutes for May 19, 1999 Page 5 (3) DRB No. 3434 Horton Residence 237 N. Harwood Street Actec Engineering • Front porch modification of an existing residence in Old Towne • R1-6 (Sinale Familv Residential Distric The project was presented by the owner Mr. Ron Horton. The proposal is to modify the front porch of an existing residence by raising it approximately 39 inches in height, keeping the same pitch and extending both sides of the porch. Also, new support columns and a new gable end vent were added as part of the modification. The work is nearly completed after receiving two separate stop work orders from the City's Building Department. The existing residence is a single-story clapboard bungalow with shallow-pitched, multi-gable roof, originally constructed in 1921. The property is listed as a historically contributing structure. Rick Cavecche raised concerns with the extensive modifications which drastically changes the original character of the house. As such, he would not support the project. Susan Secoy agreed and further stated that the proposed modifications are not in keeping with the original architectural integrity of a bungalow, based on scale, proportions and some of the architectural elements that are being used which are not authentic. The new porch resembles more of a contemporary design approach rather than that of a historic structure. Mr. Horton replied that the roof was only raised slightly to cover the two sides of the porch that were covered with a flat roof approximately 20 years ago. This portion of the roof has been a maintenance problems due to rain water damage. Steve Prothero agreed with the other board members in regards to the scale of the porch that extends the full width of the house, and in relationship to the columns and plinth below, the gable end is over sized. The overall scale and width of the new gable appears overly large for the supporting columns and the porch below it. Additionally, some of the architectural elements being used (gable end vents, outlookers, etc.) are not typical of California Bungalow design. Tim McCormack asked if there were any comments from the public that are in attendance. Tom Matuzak commented that the Old Towne Design Standards states: "New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction shall not destroy historic features that characterize the property". Basically, the entire front end of house has been changed, and the applicant has done a nice job in terms construction quality. However, consideration must be given to the fact that this is a historically contributing structure, and that the Old Towne Design Standards is very clear in terms of protecting the historic integrity of the property and its surroundings Susan Secoy stated that the DRB hopes to assists the residents in Old Towne in working together to achieve the community's goal of providing a quality living environment by protecting and preserving its unique historic resources. The DRB applauds the applicant efforts of improving their property. However, there is a process that the City has established to try and get applicants to participate early on in the project planning stage to avoid any potential conflicts with the City's adopted development standards. The DRB offered the applicant the option of returning the building facade back to its original form, or to submit a new plan that is more consistent with a California Bungalow design. City of Orange -Design Review Board Meeting Minutes for May 19, 1999 Page 6 (3) DRB No. 3434 (Continued) Mr. Horton requested that a final determination be made by the Design Review Board. MOTION by Rick Cavecche to deny the project, based on the finding that proposed modifications are not consistent with the City's adopted Old Towne Design Standards which states that: Additions and Alterations to Historic Structures -New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction shall not destroy historic features that characterize the property. The new work shall be compatible with the old in terms of the massing, size, scale and architectural features, to protect the historic integrity of the property and its surroundings. SECOND: Steve Prothero AYES: Rick Cavecche, Tim McCormack, Steve Prothero, Susan Secoy NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAINED: None MOTION CARRIED City of Orange -Design Review Board Meeting Minutes for May 19, 1999 Page 7 (4) DRB No. 3436 Kragen Auto Parts • New 5,264 sq.ft. automotive parts store 910 N. Tustin Street C-1 (Limited Business District) David Abernathy The project was presented by David Abernathy with Howard Spunt and Associates, Inc. The proposal is to construct a new 5,264 sq.ft. automotive parts store at the northwest corner of Tustin Street and Collins Avenue. The site plan has been approved by the SRC (Staff Review Committee) under Minor Site Plan Review No. 94-99. Administrative Adjustment Permit No. 99-08 was also approved by the Zoning Administrator for reductions in parking and landscape setbacks. Tim McCormack raised concerns regarding the location of the new building having zero setback along the north and west property lines. This a major design flaw as there are no curb lines or any other type of buffer to protect the building from vehicular traffic on the adjacent center. Does this even meet code? There appears to be no coordination between the project site and the adjacent center. He cannot support the project as it current stands with the building located right up to the property line. Steve Prothero stated that part of the problem is that the site is being over-built with too much building square footage. This is evident by the fact that project is under-parked with reduced landscape setbacks. There are also concerns with the location of the trash enclosure and transformer out in the open in front of the store, as this is a major intersection with a strong street presence. The back of the building is partially screened by the adjacent building (formerly Trak Auto) to the west, the north elevation is still visible from public view, especially from the adjacent shopping center. Mr. Abernathy replied that this is a difficult site given its location at the street intersection. The problem is further compounded with the required right-of--way dedication for future street widening purpose (12 ft. off Tustin Street and 5 ft. off Collins Avenue). This is a separate parcel that is being developed independently from the adjacent shopping center. Rick Cavecche agrees with the above stated concerns regarding the site planning issue, but questioned if this is an appropriate design issue that should be discussed at the DRB level. The fact that zero property line is allowed by code and that the site plan has already been approved, it is difficult for the DRB to make changes to the site plan. Susan Secoy stated that the building design is very minimal with little or no articulation. The store front fascia element (metal canopy) is too large (height) and appears overbearing on the building. Steve Prothero commented that the architecture is unacceptable because it is too plain and industrial-like. The building needs more articulation and details to create some movement and more interest. This is contemporary architecture: it needs to be more creative. Mr. Abernathy stated that the building is a corporate prototype design, that it is not possible to further reduce the size of the building. As such, a final determination from the DRB is requested. City of Orange -Design Review Board Meeting Minutes for May 19, 1999 Page 8 (4) DRB No. 3436 (Continued) MOTION by Tim McCormack to deny the project based on the above discussion, and the following comments: 1. The location of the building at zero setback is not acceptable because it faces an active drive aisle and parking area of the adjacent shopping center. Recommend reducing the size of the building and/or relocating the building to create a buffer area (6" curb with landscaping) around the building. Preferably, shift the building further south and relocate the parking to the north side, and eliminating the driveway off Collins Avenue. Applicant to also obtain a reciprocal access agreement with the adjoining shopping center. If the reciprocal agreement cannot be obtained, then a landscape planter with a 6" high curb shall be provided at the property line to buffer the building. 2. The building design is very boxy and industrial in appearance. More articulation and details are needed to create more interest to the building. Also, the store front metal canopy is too large for the building facade. (The submitted color palette and material sample are acceptable, unless modified with new building design) 3. Coordinate parking lot lighting with landscape plans to avoid potential conflicts. Adjust the location of lighting fixture along Tustin and Collins to work with the spacing of the London Plane trees. Add tree to the east along Collin Avenue and space the trees equally from the center of the handicap access walk. Tree spacing along Collins to match Tustin Street. 4. The location of the Brisbane Box tree at the driveway entrance off Collins Avenue needs to be coordinated with the Fire Department connection to avoid potential conflicts. 5. Indicate location of corner freestanding sign on landscape plan. Rearrange the planting materials to coordinate with the location of the freestanding sign to avoid potential conflicts. 6. The Hibiscus along Tustin Street and Collins Avenue shall be linked together to provide a continuous hedgerow. This is necessary to create aback-drop for the freestanding sign at the corner intersection. 7. Relocate transformer to the west and reorient the trash enclosure to open towards the west. Provide vines at trash enclosure and landscape the area vacated by the relocation of the transformer. 8. Architect to resolve the conflict of having two trees being shown at the same location along the west property line. 9. The Dwarf Nandina shrub shall be the `Harbor Dwarf' variety. 10. The Swan Hill Olive tree shall be the multi-trunk variety with a minimum 30 inch box size. Preferably 36 inch box size because this tree variety is typically very small. 11. A minimum 25% of the trees shall be 24 inch box, and the remainder 15 gallon minimum per City code. 12. Provide City required street trees along Tustin Street and Collins Avenue. 13. Submit fmal site plan, building elevations, landscape plans and signage plans to DRB for approval. SECOND: Steve Prothero AYES: Rick Cavecche, Tim McCormack, Steve Prothero, Susan Secoy NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAINED: None MOTION CARRIED