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1997-11-05 Final DRC MinutesCity of Orange Design Review Board MINUTES for Wednesday, November 5, 1997 Board Members Present: Rick Cavecche Tim McCormack Steven McHarris Steve Prothero (Chair) Robert Reilly Board Members 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 8:45 P.M. City of Orange -Design Review Board Meeting Minutes for November S, 1997 Page 2 Regular Session - S: 30 P.M. Steve Prothero opened the meeting. A motion was made by Robert Reilly to approve the September 17, 1997 minutes with the following corrections: DRB 3237 (Community Services Department~pa~e 3, paragraph 3, sentence 2 amended as follows: The addition of trees ^^a ,:.~,°°~ ^+°r^ in the parking lot are not within the scope of the project. Page 3. condition #1 amended as follows: 1. Provide linear root barriers ~ in the planter area rather than just around an individual tree. DRB 3251 (Hearthstone Development Corporation) page 6, paragraph 2, sentence 3 amended as follows: Suggestions were made to use larger grove species of trees through out the site to further enhance the project and create a better living environment. Page 6, condition #1, bullet #2 amended as follows: • Final landscape plans based on the above discussion to use larger grove species of trees_ SECOND: Tim McCormack AYES: Rick Cavecche, Tim McCormack, Steve McHarris, Steve Prothero, Robert Reilly NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAINED: None MOTION CARRIED City of Orange -Design Review Board Meeting Minutes for November 5, 1997 Page 3 A motion was made by Robert Reilly to approve the October 22, 1997 minutes with the following corrections: DRB 3259 (Ewing Pro~erties~paae 7 condition #2 sentence 2 amended as follows: 2. Suggest that in areas where new street trees are to be planted that the sidewalk to 8 ft. wide with the tree well planters placed at the edge of curb face. Condition #S~sentence 2 amended as follows: 5. The rear (south) building elevation (not submitted) for major tenant "A" is approved with raised columns with capitals at the corners, and with horizontal banding and painted vertical "faux-columns" in the mid sections. SECOND: Tim McCormack AYES: Rick Cavecche, Tim McCormack, Steve McHarris, Steve Prothero, Robert Reilly NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAINED: None MOTION CARRIED City of Orange -Design Review Board Meeting Minutes for November S, 1997 Page 4 (1) DRB No. 2910 Robert B. Breskin Revision of previously approved building 200 E. Chapman Avenue elevation for an existing commercial Ronald W. Aarons, Architect building. • C-1 (Limited Business District), Old Towne Applicant not present MOTION by Steve Prothero to continue this item. SECOND: Steve McHarris AYES: Rick Cavecche, Tim McCormack, Steve McHarris, Steve Prothero, Robert Reilly NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAINED: None MOTION CARRIED City of Orange -Design Review Board Meeting Minutes for November S, 1997 Page 5 (2) DRB No. 3249 Mills Corporation Former City Shopping Center Complex David Evans & Associates • Update of Landscape and Building design of the Mills shopping Center Complex • C-2 (General Business District) The project was presented by Jerry Engen -Project Manager with Mills Corporation, and Bill Milsap -Mesa Design Group Landscape Architects. The submittal consist of site plan, landscape plan, and lighting plan. The southerly portion of the site will subsequently revised for the future widening and reconfiguration of the 22 Garden Grove Freeway and on-ramp. The parking spaces that are closer to the entrances are considered to have high turnover usage, and are slightly wider at 8'-9". The remaining parking spaces around the perimeter are standard 8'-6" wide. In regards to landscaping, many of the existing matured specimen trees including Magnolias, Coral trees, and Ficuses are to be removed and stored for replanting in specific areas. Double rows of Palms are to be planted along both sides of entry drive aisles. The DRB expressed the following concerns: • California Pepper trees requires high levels of maintenance due to its droppings. These are shown on the plan as being spaced too close together. • The Eucalyptus trees placed at the truck delivery docks are not adequate for screening purposes. These are linear type trees that does not provide dense foliage especially at the lower truck area. • The use of Crepe Myrtles along the end island planters is fairly weak. Planting only one tree in a 40 ft. long planter is inadequate, and therefore need enhancement in this area. Suggest minimum of 2 trees per planter. • The parking lot area which fronts along The City Drive between the 2 existing pad buildings lacks sufficient landscaping. Abetter solution is needed for this area. • The plans submitted does not show any signage. How does the signage interface with the landscaping? • More detail plans are needed. MOTION by Steve Prothero to continue the project for further review SECOND: Steve McHarris AYES: Rick Cavecche, Steve McHarris, Steve Prothero, Robert Reilly NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAINED: Tim McCormack MOTION CARRIED City of Orange -Design Review Board Meeting Minutes for November 5, 1997 Page 6 (3) DRB No. 3257 Rite Aid 1845 E. Chapman Avenue Nadel Architects • Facade Remodel of existing shopping center (Thrifty Drugs) • C-1 (Limited Business District) The project architect, Henry Quan -Nadel Architects, contacted staff prior to the DRB meeting and requested a continuance to the next available meeting. MOTION by Robert Reilly to continue the project to the November 19, 1997 DRB meeting. SECOND: Steve McHarris AYES: Rick Cavecche, Tim McCormack, Steve McHarris, Steve Prothero, Robert Reilly NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAINED: None MOTION CARRIED City of Orange -Design Review Board Meeting Minutes for November S, 1997 Page 7 (4) DRB No. 3261 Ralph Zehner Addition of 5 new dwelling units and 630 E. Culver Avenue demolition of existing garage on property Bob Gibson -Designer that currently contains a single family residence. • R-2-6 (Residential Duplex District), Old Towne Mr. Ralph Zehner, owner of the property, presented the project to the DRB. Several years ago, the zoning classification along the south side of the 500 thru 800 block of East Culver Avenue was changed from R-1-6 (Residential -Single Family District, 6,000 sq.ft. minimum lot size) to R-2-6 (Residential -Duplex District), which allows for one dwelling unit per 3,000 sq.ft. of lot area. The proposal is to construct 5 dwelling units on a 66 ft. wide by 301 ft. deep (19,866 sq.ft.) parcel that currently contains an existing single family residence. The proposed site plan indicates that the existing single story front house would remain, a new 2-story duplex and rental office would be constructed in the middle, and a new 2-story triplex would be constructed at the rear of the property The proposal also includes the relocation of an existing 12 ft.. x 48 ft. storage shed to the rear of the property. A Conditional Use Permit application has been filed with this project because it is a 2-story development. However, no Variance is needed because it complies with all applicable zoning code development standards such as; on-site parking, building setbacks, drive aisle width, vehicular back-up distance, usable open space, lot coverage, etc. Mr. Zehner emphasized that the proposed 2-story structures are kept at only 25'-6", which is slightly higher than his existing single story house. Several of the adjacent properties are also developed with 2 story structures. The proposed exterior finishing material is masonite siding. Several of the architectural features such as the gable end details, attic vents, rafter ends, roof pitch, rotund columns, corner details, etc., were designed to emulate the existing front house. The doors are of a solid panel design, and the exterior stair cases are of an open see-thru design to comply with Orange Police Department Crime Prevention Bureau requirements. Steve Prothero replied: I'm not really sure why the zoning was changed to allow the higher density development. But it presents a major problem with trying to keep with the intent of the Old Towne Design Standards in dealing with the aesthetic and design issues. The DRB must make findings based upon specific design criteria as follows: • For all projects: The proposed work conforms to the standards and design criteria referenced and/or recommended by the Design Review Board for the project. • For building additions and modifications: The proposed work will neither adversely affect the significant architectural features of the building or adversely affect the character of historical, architectural, or aesthetic interest or value of the building, its site, or the surrounding area. • For new construction: The use and design of any new construction shall not adversely affect, and shall be compatible with, the use and design of existing buildings within Old Towne. City of Orange -Design Review Board Meeting Minutes for November S, 1997 Page 8 All project in Old Towne must comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Mr. Zehner asked the DRB for suggestions of how all of this can be accomplished. This is the first project that is being developed to the new density and zoning classification, however, the surrounding properties in the area are already developed with 2-story multiple family dwelling units. This is no longer a single family district. Rick Cavecche replies: According to the Old Towne Design Standards, under compatibility of the project with surrounding development and neighborhoods: • The development shall be consistent in size, scale and context with surrounding development. • The development shall not erode or adversely affect an historic resource or district. Also in regards to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines for Rehabilitation, under items NOT Recommended: • Introducing new construction onto the building site which is visually incompatible in terms of size, scale, design, materials, color and texture or which destroys historic relationships on the site. • Removing or radically changing those features or the district or neighborhood which are important in defining the overall historic character so that, as a result, the character is diminished. • Introducing new construction into historic districts that is visually incompatible or that destroys historic relationships within the district or neighborhood. Mr. Zehner asked: So it is the DRB's opinion that the proposed project is visually incompatible with the existing? If so, what specifically? Rick Cavecche replies: Specifically, the bulk and size of the project, its overall length. Mr. Zehner asked: How is bulk and size defined? Rick Cavecche replies: The number of units being proposed, the compatibility with the existing uses (mostly single family residences) in the area, and having a relatively high F.A.R. (Floor Area Ratio) as compared to the existing single family uses in the area. Also the proposed use of 8 inch wide masonite siding does not match that of the existing, and the proposed use of aluminum sliding window and door is incompatible. The amount of concrete being used through out the site is excessive. The proposed project does not comply with the 01d Towne Design Standards. Mr. Zehner asked: How can the project be made to compatible with Old Towne? Rick Cavecche replies: Eliminate the project. Mr. Zehner stated: No, eliminating the project would not be feasible. The project is designed to comply with every City code requirement. The use of concrete is mandated by City code to City of Orange -Design Review Board Meeting Minutes for November 5, 1997 Page 9 provide a 25 ft. back-up distance for vehicles. The amount of open space exceeds the minimum code requirement. Tim McCormack: The excessive use of concrete and the lack of landscaping makes the project seem very harsh. It appears that very little effort have been made to soften the project with some type of vegetation. Robert Reilly: Although the project meets the minimum code requirements, it does not translate to a well deigned project. The DRB is looking at this from a design standpoint of what is aesthetically pleasing to the neighborhood and to the community. The project as proposed does not meet that in any way, shape, or form. Steve Prothero invited comments from the public. Shannon Tucker: It is unfortunate that Mr. Zehner was caught in the middle during the Zone Change of East Culver Avenue. The City has not yet fully resolve all the issues dealing with the inherent problems of balance between historic preservation and high density/multiple family development. Steve McHarris: In dealing with the issue of each individual details of the project, most items can be remedied such as changing to wood windows, wood siding, and adding landscaping, etc. However, in looking at the bigger picture and reviewing the project on a broader sense such as bulk and mass in relationship to not just Culver Avenue, but to the entire historic district as a whole, the cumulative effects of all these different issues being discussed cannot be mitigated with the number of units being proposed on this site. Steve Prothero offered Mr. Zehner the option of either continuing the project for revisions per the above discussion, or taking an action to make a recommendation to the Planning Commission. Mr. Zehner concurred with continuing the project to the November 19, 1997 meeting, in order to re-evaluate the project based on the board's comments and suggestions. MOTION by Rick Cavecche to continue the project to the November 19, 1997 DRB meeting. SECOND: Steve McHarris AYES: Rick Cavecche, Tim McCormack, Steve McHarris, Steve Prothero, Robert Reilly NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAINED: None MOTION CARRIED City of Orange -Design Review Board Meeting Minutes for November S, 1997 Page 10 (5) DRB No. 3263 North Hills Realty 2901 E. Katella Avenue Superior Electrical Advertising • New freestanding sign for existing office building • O-P (Office Professional District) The project was presented by Randy Potts -Superior Electrical Advertising. The proposal is to construct a new 7 ft. high freestanding sign for an existing office complex. MOTION by Steve Prothero to approve the project subject to the conditions: 1. Corner post to be 8"x 8" in lieu of the 6"x 8" shown on plans. The base to be widen proportionally to accommodate the additional 2" post width 2. Sign background (white) to be opaque, with illuminated (red) text. 3. Provide mow strip around base of sign. SECOND: Rick Cavecche AYES: Rick Cavecche, Tim McCormack, Steve McHarris, Steve Prothero, Robert Reilly NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAINED: None MOTION CARRIED City of Orange -Design Review Board Meeting Minutes for November 5, 1997 Page 11 (6) DRB No. 3264 David & Michelle Bennett 6203 E. Cliffway Drive • New single family residence • R-1-40 (Residential -Single Family District) David and Michelle Bennett, owner of the property, presented the project to the DRB. The proposal is to construct a custom designed, 2-story single family residence of approximately 6,890 sq.ft. in size (including garages) on a hill side view lot. This project is being brought to the DRB as a condition of approval to Tract 13913. Tim McCormack suggested adding several trees planted randomly adjacent to the building to help soften the building, while still maintaining its view MOTION by Rick Cavecche to approve the project, subject to the following condition: 1. Landscape and irrigation plans must be reviewed and approved by the Fire Department to ensure compliance with City Fuel Modification requirements. SECOND: Steve McHarris AYES: Rick Cavecche, Tim McCormack Steve McHarris, Steve Prothero, Robert Reilly NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAINED: None MOTION CARRIED City of Orange -Design Review Board Meeting Minutes for November S, 1997 Page 12 (7) DRB No. 3266 Vons Food & Drug 2864 N. Tustin Street Dennis Stout • Wall signs for an existing supermarket within a shopping center • C-TR (Commercial -Tustin Street Redevelopment District) The project was presented by Tim Pitts, Heath & Company. The proposal is to retain the existing 5 ft. high "VONS" wall sign installed on one of the tower element on the building, and to install a new "FOOD & DRUG" wall sign on the second tower element. The existing "Wells Fargo" sign would be relocated to the left side of the building. The market's new name is now "Non's Food & Drug". The increased length of the new sign cannot physically fit on one tower element, and therefore it is being split up to fit on two tower elements. MOTION by Rick Cavecche to approve the project as submitted. SECOND: Tim McCormack AYES: Rick Cavecche, Tim McCormack Steve McHarris, Steve Prothero, Robert Reilly NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAINED: None MOTION CARRIED