1996-03-20 Final DRC MinutesCity of Orange
Design Review Board
MINUTES
for Wednesday, March 20, 1996
Board Members Present: Richard Cavecche
Steven McHarris
Tim McCormack
Steven Prothero (Chair)
Erika Wolfe
Board Members Absent: None
Staff in Attendance: Dan Ryan, Senior Planner /Historic Preservation
Howard Morris, Landscape Coordinator
Pat Schulz, Recording Secretary
Administrative Session - 4:00 P.M.
The board met for an administrative session beginning at 4:00 P.M. The meeting adjourned at
approximately 8:30 P.M.
City of Orange • Design Review Board
Meeting Minutes for March 20, 1996
Page 2
Regular Session - S: 00 P.M.
Mr. Prothero (Chair) opened the meeting and asked whether board members had any comments about, or
revisions to, the meeting minutes for March 6, 1996.
Mr. Tim McCormack: Item No. 3 (D.R.B. 3133). Mr. McCormack referred to page 7, item number 2
within the motion and noted changing plans to plants and adding trees to vine pockets on the south
elevation.
MOTION by Tim McCormack to approve the minutes of March 6, 1996 with the following corrections:
Condition No. 2, Item No. 3 (D.R.B. 3133) shall be modified to read:
"2. Call out specific landscape plants. Also recommended are vine pockets and trees on south
elevation."
SECOND: Erika Wolfe
AYES: Richard Cavecche, Timothy McCormack, Steven McHarris, Steven Prothero, and
Erika Wolfe
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
MOTION CARRIED
City of Orange • Design Review Board
Meeting Minutes for March 20, 1996
Page 3
Regular Session - 5:00 P.M.
1) DRB No. 3134
Century Theatres
NWC Katella Ave./Main St.
Recommendation to Planning Commission
Redevelopment of a drive-in theater site as
entertainment center
CR (Commercial Recreational) District
Steven Prothero (Chair) excused himself from participating in the discussion and subsequent voting on this
project due to a conflict of interest. Steven McHarris was appointed Acting Chair for review of this item.
Rich Jensen (Consultant) introduced himself, Joe Syufy (the property owner and applicant), and their
design team: Abby Drewliner (Landscape Architect), Mark Fehlman (Architect), and Bill Truxaw (Civil
Engineer).
Mr. Fehlman presented plans and renderings. He explained how the facility is organized, and discussed
retail and restaurant components of the project. The design is art deco, utilizing the movie motif for
identification.
Abby Drewliner presented the landscaping proposal. Mexican Fan Palms are proposed to delineate
pedestrian accessways. Bird of paradise and other plants will be utilized at the pedestrian levels around the
buildings. There is also a courtyard that utilizes a water feature as a focal point.
Steven McHarris observed that building height is substantial. Tall palms are proposed in the parking lot,
but the spacing should probably be reduced (and a number of trees added) to complement the mass of the
building. He had another concern that parking areas are generally void of landscaping, except along the
accessways. Given the size of the project site, such areas would become a "sea of asphalt," unless more
trees are added to the landscape plan.
Tim McCormack agreed, suggesting there should be a ratio of 1 tree for every run of 6 parking stalls in the
parking lot. Trees maybe planted within individual diamond-shaped wells, rather than continuous planters.
From an environmental point of view, it is important to lessen the reflective heat from the asphalt and the
trees would generally contribute to a better development.
There were concerns expressed by audience members Carole Walters and Barbara DeNiro, that palm trees
create litter and attract parrots. Mrs. DeNiro felt that particular attention should be given to what gets
planted along Katella Avenue, because of the risk to motorists when high winds are blowing.
Howard Morris (staff) replied that the trees utilized will not drop fruit, sap, etc. Ms. Drewliner added that
palm trees can be (and would be) trimmed of excess fronds, and that would discourage animal life. With
proper care, the only palm fronds left on these trees will stand upright.
(Continued on the following page)
City of Orange ~ Design Review Board
Meeting Minutes for March 20, 1996
Page 4
(Continued from the previous page)
Richard Cavecche asked whether there were any regulatory issues concerning the "sail-like" sign. Jim
Donovan (staff) stated that the fin wall does not exceed the height limit for this zone. Staff considers it to
be a wall sign, and the architect is actually responding to a desire expressed by the Plaza Design
Collaborative to see a tall landmark at this location, which is aligned with the Katella Avenue corridor.
In response to citizen concerns regarding traffic, it was stated that the primary entrance to the complex is
proposed as a signalized intersection on Katella, two (2) lanes in and four (4) lanes out. There will also be
bus stops nearby. Overall, the applicant is doing as much as possible to reduce traffic on Katella.
Mr. McCormack appreciated that a bicycle lane connection (to the Santa Ana River trail) is also part of the
project.
Mr. Cavecche complemented the design team, stating that it was an interesting project and a thorough
presentation. He inquired about signage for the project. Mr. Fehlman reiterated that the primary focal
signage proposed is the 3-dimensional Century Theatre logo, utilizing neon, similar to City Walk. A
marquee will list only the major films (perhaps 6 of the 25). Mr. Syufy added that present thinking within
the film exhibition industry is that not much business is generated from exposure to drive-by traffic, so it is
not so important to have a marquee.
Staff reported that a specific sign program will have to be prepared and submitted. Signs that are shown
on these plans should be regarded as illustrative only. The applicant is aware that some of these signs do
not conform to certain regulations in the sign code.
MOTION by Steven McHarris recommending that the Planning Commission approve the conceptual plans
subject to submittal of detailed landscaping and sign plans to the Design Review Board. Those plans
should be prepared as follows:
1. More palm trees will be added around buildings.
2. Camphor trees (or others) will be added in parking lot 1 tree per 6 stalls.
3. Add plant material to islands.
4. Provide entry accent (or specimen) trees rather than bushes (such as Oleander).
5. Reduce the height of monument signs to 15 feet, per Orange Municipal Code.
7. Provide details on all signs, finishes and hardscape.
8. Provide screening for rooftop equipment.
9. Articulate multiple layers of landscaping with varied height (organized by species) of trees.
10. Design Review Board shall review final exterior finish treatment as well as color.
SECOND: Erika Wolfe
AYES: Richard Cavecche, Timothy McCormack, Steven McHarris, and Erika Wolfe
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: Steven Prothero
MOTION CARRIED
(Continued on the following page)
City of Orange • Design Review Board
Meeting Minutes for March 20, 1996
Page S
(Continued from the previous page)
Staff Recommendations and Requirements
Provide City street tree along Main Street and tree wells per City street tree detail:
Species: Callistemon lancolatus, Lemon Bottlebrush
Size: 15 gallon (minimum)
Spacing: 45 feet o.c. (maximum)
Staking: One 3" lodge pole, 2 each corded tire tires
Root Barrier: Deep Root Corp.
Tree well size: 3 ft. x 4 ft., Standard Detail 118 & 117
City of Orange • Design Review Board
Meeting Minutes for March 20, 1996
Page 6
(2) DRB No. 3129
Unocal
5344 E. Chapman Avenue
Homes & Narver (Robert Mattox)
Demolish existing Unocal building, pumps
and canopies; replace with new pumps,
canopy car wash and cashier building.
C-1 (Limited Business) District
John Murphy and Bob Mattox, representing the applicant, presented plans to demolish the existing building
and construct a new cashier building, gas pumps and canopy car wash.
Steven Prothero (Chair) expressed concern about limited parking. Dan Ryan stated that parking was
adequate and met code requirements.
Tim McCormack suggested eliminating root problems by planting an evergreen such as Canary Island Pine
rather than Liquid Amber at the property perimeter creating a permanent screen and eliminating root
problems.
MOTION by Steven Prothero recommending Planning Commission approval subject to the following:
Set cashier building back against car wash tunnel to eliminate void space between the buildings
and/or provide barrier wings to prevent accumulating trash between buildings.
2. Tighten radius of curves on car wash approaches to provide more landscape areas.
Change Liquid Amber trees to trees with less evasive roots as Silverdollar gums or Canary Island
Pines.
Provide concrete areas around vacuum equipment and electrical transformer pad.
Provide pedestrian steps to protect landscaping if access is needed to monitoring well covers.
6. Submit final landscape, irrigation and sign plans to DRB.
SECOND: Timothy McCormack
AYES: Richard Cavecche, Timothy McCormack, Steven McHarris, Steven Prothero, and
Erika Wolfe
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
MOTION CARRIED
City of Orange • Design Review Board
Meeting Minutes for March 20, 1996
Page 7
(3) DRB No. 3130
Chapman University (Harnack)
490 N. Orange Street
Remove house from property and develop
site as a parking facility.
P-I (Public Institution) Specific Plan
Robert Mickelson was present representing the applicant.
Howard Morris (staff) stated that street trees needed to be added on Walnut Avenue parkway.
Tim McCormack questioned the use of three rows of three types of trees.
Mr. Mickelson responded that the proposal is to match the existing lot on the other side.
It was suggested incorporating saved mature trees into new plan and/or recycle on Chapman University
campus.
MOTION by Erika Wolfe for applicant to return with a final landscape plan, with a consistent plant
palette, and incorporate saving mature trees into existing plan.
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAINED:
Steven McHarris
Richard Cavecche,
Erika Wolfe
None
None
None
Timothy McCormack, Steven McHarris, Steven Prothero, and
MOTION CARRIED
Staff Recommendations and Requirements
• Provide City street tree along Main Street and tree wells per City street tree detail:
Species: Pyrus calleryana, Bradford Pear 'Red Spire'
Size: 15 gallon (minimum)
Spacing: 45 feet o.c. (maximum)
Staking: One 3" lodge pole, 2 each corded tire tires
Root Barrier: Deep Root Corp.
City of Orange • Design Review Board
Meeting Minutes for March 20, 1996
Page 8
(4) DRB No. 3135
Luis Mendoza
628 S. Grand St. #A
James S. Karling
Second floor addition to single story duplex
residential structure.
Recommendation to the Planning
Commission on CUP to permit 2nd story. R2-
6 (Residential Duplex, 6000 sq. ft. min.)
Old Towne District
Jim Karling, architect representing the applicant reviewed the proposal with the board.
Richard Cavecche expressed concerns about design, with respect to Old Towne Design Standards, as
follows:
1. Bulk and mass of the project exceeds that of the surrounding structures.
2. Disruption of the single story context of the neighborhood.
3. Old Towne Standards do not allow parking in front of the residence.
4. Maximum driveway width allowed is 9 to 12 feet compared to 41 feet as indicated on plans.
Existing front driveway width already exceeds this limitation. The addition of two parking spaces
in front makes the situation worse while removing the only large areas of front yard landscape.
5. Potential for future owners to convert 2nd story addition into a third unit with very minor
remodeling. The board recommends recordation of a deed restriction defining the use as 2 units.
6. Recommend that the applicant consider locating the second story structure on the rear unit so as to
preserve the front yard scale.
Steven Prothero noted that code allows construction of more square footage than already exists if continued
in the existing style even though it is non-contributing. As anon-contributing structure which is adding
more area than the original structure, redesign in a contributing style would be an improvement. The
proposed solution, adding more square footage, creates definite problems; additional parking on narrow
streets, front yard parking and limited areas for recreational open space. The solution does not address
these issues adequately.
After discussing building bulk and mass and parking, Dan Ryan (staff) stated that if the applicant changed
plans to reflect addition totaling 25% less than the existing structure, parking would not be an issue. Mr.
Ryan informed the applicants that they could proceed to the Planning Commission as is, taking a chance on
the project being denied; or returning to the Design Review Board with revised plans. Mr. Karling and the
applicants agreed to restudy the proposal and return to the board with revised plans.
MOTION by Erika Wolfe to continue this item allowing the applicant to return with revised plans.
SECOND: Richard Cavecche
AYES: Richard Cavecche, Timothy McCormack, Steven McHarris, Steven Prothero, and
Erika Wolfe
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
MOTION CARRIED
City of Orange • Design Review Board
Meeting Minutes for March 20, 1996
Page 9
(5) DRB No. 3139
Thomas M. & Jeanne Crochow,
Joel Kirkpatrick
325 N. Harwood
Addition of two bedrooms, one bath and
one garage to a single family residence.
R-2 (Residential Duplex) District
Joel Kirkpatrick was present with Jeanne Crochow and presented the proposal.
The board sited concerns with the eave width not matching, windows, and exterior water heater.
Steven Prothero stated that the garage door should be masonite or wood and recommended flat panel wood
not metal sectional roll up doors.
MOTION by Steven Prothero to approve the proposal subject to the following conditions:
1. Exterior siding on addition to match existing exterior siding and match existing eave line.
2. New windows to match existing wood, double-hung windows with trim to match existing
windows.
3. Relocate water heater to garage.
4. Garage door, roll-up style, to be flat panel or raised panel wood sectional roll up type.
5. Entry door to be period wood panel door.
6. Ribbon type driveway at least to the front setback line of the residence.
7. Recommend, but not require, turf block in turn around pad at rear as an alternative to concrete
proposed.
SECOND: Erika Wolfe
AYES: Richard Cavecche, Timothy McCormack, Steven McHams, Steven Prothero, and
Erika Wolfe
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
MOTION CARRIED
City of Orange • Design Review Board
Meeting Minutes for March 20, 1996
Page 10
(6) DRB No. 3140
Frank Valdez (Andy's Ace
Hardware)
420 W. Lincoln Avenue
Bill Henigsman
Wall sign proposal for existing retail use;
one set of 30" to 40" channel letters.
C-2(General Business) District
Bill Henigsman presented the proposal along with the applicants.
Steven Prothero stated that code does not allow exposed raceways on signs.
Mr. Henigsman responded that the raceway supports the letters and houses the electrical components.
After much discussion suggesting using the raceway as an underscore to the sign and eliminating visibility
of exposed conduits serving the canopy, it was determined by the board and the applicants to continue this
item to the next meeting.
MOTION by Erika Wolfe to continue this item enabling applicants to return to the board with revised
plans.
SECOND: Steven Prothero
AYES: Richard Cavecche, Timothy McCormack, Steven McHarris, Steven Prothero, and
Erika Wolfe
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
MOTION CARRIED
City of Orange • Design Review Board
Meeting Minutes for March 20, 1996
Page 11
(7) DRB No. 3141
Chevron, USA
1702 N. Tustin Street
Robert Fiscus & Associates
Replace existing pole sign with new
monument sign at an auto service station.
C-TR (Commercial) District; Tustin
Redevelopment Project Area
Ted Grove, with Robert Fiscus and Associates, presented the proposal.
MOTION by Steven Prothero to approve the proposal with the following conditions:
1. Remove self serve sign with pole sign.
2. Remove foundation for sign minimum one (1) foot below grade.
3. Use opaque background on price sign.
4. Square off landscaping at sign planter and utilize annual color boarder around sign.
SECOND: Timothy McCormack
AYES: Richard Cavecche, Timothy McCormack, Steven McHarris, Steven Prothero, and
Erika Wolfe
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
MOTION CARRIED
City of Orange • Design Review Board
Meeting Minutes for March 20, 1996
Page 12
(8) DRB No. 3142
Kevin McConnell
2075 N. Tustin Street
New freestanding cabinet sign to replace
existing double-pole sign.
C-TR (Commercial) District; Tustin
Redevelopment Project Area
Kevin McConnell presented the proposal.
The board raised concerns regarding sign height and setback.
MOTION by Steven Prothero to approve the sign with modifications as listed:
1. Opaque background.
2. Addition of illuminated address 6" on sign keystone or base.
3. Staff to verify sign height and location with the applicant. Proposed sign height requires sign to be
set back from driveway to eliminate driveway site line requirements.
SECOND: Timothy McCornack
AYES: Richard Cavecche, Timothy McCormack, Steven McHarris, Steven Prothero, and
Erika Wolfe
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
MOTION CARRIED
City of Orange • Design Review Board
Meeting Minutes for March 20, 1996
Page 13
(9) DRB No. 3143
John & Lisa Bishop
265 N. Shaffer
Second story room addition to single story
residence.
Recommendation to Planning
Commission on CUP to permit 2nd story.
R-2-6 (Residential Duplex, 6000 sq. ft.
min.)
Old Town District
Richard Cavecche excused himself from participating in the discussion and subsequent voting on this
project due to a conflict of interest (neighbor to applicants).
The board discussed design concerns on the apparent floating 2nd story addition with a lack of visible
support, top heavy design. The board did not consider the applicants design rational of building layout
dictated by existing minor landscape as rational for the floating second story. The board recommended
continuing the project for design revisions giving the second story a stronger design base at the ground
level. The applicant concurred.
MOTION by Steven Prothero to continue this item.
SECOND: Steven McHarris
AYES: Timothy McCormack, Steven McHarris, Steven Prothero, and Erika Wolfe
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: Richard Cavecche
MOTION CARRIED