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1995-08-09 Final DRC MinutesCity of Orange Design Review Board M I N U T E S for Wednesday, August 9, 1995 Board Members Present: Steven McHarris Steven C. Prothero Beau Shigetomi Erika Wolfe Board Members Absent: Robert Hornacek Staff in Attendance: Jim Donovan, Associate Planner and Secretary Howard Morns, Landscape Coordinator Dan Ryan, Senior Planner The board met for an administrative session beginning at 4:30 P.M. Steve Prothero announced that he had another commitment later this evening, and would leave by 6:30 P.M. This meeting adjourned at approximately 6:50 P.M. Regular Session - S: 00 P.M. Mr. Prothero (Chair) asked other board members whether there were any comments or a motion regarding the meeting minutes for August 9, 1995. Mr. Shigetomi thought the minutes were recorded accurately, and was willing to make a motion for approval, unless anybody else had comments. (None) MOTION by Beau Shigetomi, to approve the minutes as recorded. SECOND: Steve McHarris AYES: Steve McHarris, Steve Prothero & Beau Shigetomi NOES: None ABSENT: Robert Hornacek ABSTAIN: Erika Wolfe MOTION CARRIED City of Orange • Design Review Board Meeting Minutes for August 9, 1995 Page 2 Regular Session -Consent Calendar Mr. Prothero (Chair) asked board members if there were applications that contained adequate information to convey design detail, if there were no questions for the applicant, and the proposal appeared to be appropriate for approval as submitted? Ms. Wolfe stated that she considered the monument sign proposed for Home Savings of America, 225 North Tustin Street (D.R.B. No. 3083, Item No. 4 on this agenda), by Coast Sign Company, to be acceptable as submitted. (There was no disagreement.) MOTION by Erika Wolfe, to approve the proposal as submitted. SECOND: Beau Shigetomi AYES: Steve McHarris, Steve Prothero, Beau Shigetomi & Erika Wolfe NOES: None ABSENT: Robert Hornacek MOTION CARRIED Mr. Shigetomi: Wall signs designed for First Interstate Bank, which include a sign for the top of a high-rise building at One City Boulevard West (D.R.B. No. 3084, Item No. 5 on this agenda), also by Coast Sign Company, are also an acceptable proposal. (No disagreement) MOTION by Beau Shigetomi, to approve the proposal as submitted. SECOND: Erika Wolfe AYES: Steve McHarris, Steve Prothero, Beau Shigetomi & Erika Wolfe NOES: None ABSENT: Robert Hornacek MOTION CARRIED City of Orange • Design Review Board Meeting Minutes for August 9, 1995 Page 3 Item No. 1) DRB 2944 Fairway Ventures Building elevations for senior housing project (50 units) 1800 E. LaVela Ave. Multiple Family Residential District (R-3) Steven W. Wraight & Associates The applicant was represented by Doug Chaffey, Eunice Bobert and Gary Collins, Architect. Mr. Chaffey explained that he and his partners seek approval of revised building elevations for the previously-approved project. Mr. Collins was recently contracted to fine-tune the architecture. He understands that both the board and planning commission were concerned with the institutional appearance of the project, which is an opinion that the client now shares. He was commissioned to help modify the approved plan. While the structural frame must remain consistent with approved an building permit, he attempted to redefine the architectural theme from the International Style to one that is loosely Mediterranean. Mr. Shigetomi: From what he recalled, there was more recent concern about landscaping than architecture. The landscape plans were to include rooftop and window boxes that would help mitigate building mass and the institutional appearance of the structure. He was looking forward to the review of the landscaping plan that would create a cascading effect to complement the International Style. Mr. Prothero: The planning commission's meeting minutes refer to a need to soften the corners of the building. It appears that the architect has addressed that issue. There is no need for improvement, but he wonders what else might be achieved to reduce mass? Mr. Collins: With respect to the approved plan, very little can be done without having to justify structural modifications. The foundation is just about ready to build upon, and steel is being fabricated to order. He wished he had the opportunity to redesign the project, but was hired to work within the confines of the approved plans, with only superficial changes to the building. Colored elevations of both buildings were presented for consideration. Mr. Shigetomi: Can windows be changed? (Not under the previously-stated terms of approval) To some extent, he prefers the original plan. Ms. Wolfe agreed. Mr. Collins: Part of the thinking behind the change away from the International Style was to give the residents a more comfortable atmosphere. Federal housing policy and projects of the 1960's indicate that the International Style makes for a poor residential environment. And some of the architectural elements of the approved plan are incompatible with living requirements, for example: horizontal steel cables used with railing for exterior corridors. They are not child-proof, like the vertical railing he proposes now. Mr. Prothero: What you have is conflict between the International Style grammar and an elemental approach to design. The problems related to bulk and mass are relative to the architectural style. He appreciates a great deal of the work done, for example: the dark green pediment across the base of the (Continued on a following page) City of Orange • Design Review Board Meeting Minutes for August 9, 1995 Page 4 (Continued from a previous page) building. However, one obvious carryover from the International Style is the uniformly flat roofline that imposes an order over many different vertical planes of the building. Perhaps it would help to modulate the roofline, add other design elements such as a gable. He also suggests that coping be varied at each of the corners, using different materials (or molding). He and Mr. Collins discussed modulating the height of existing building parapets as a solution. Mr. Chaffey expressed concern about how such a revision might conflict with the conditional use permit that authorized approval of the project. As he recalled, there was a specific elevation they were instructed not to exceed. Jim Donovan (staff): Architectural trim is normally exempt from height and setback requirements. However, he will check the record of review, and advise Mr. Collins in the morning. (No specific restriction was found in Resolution No. PC-3-94, nor any reference made in meeting minutes.) Mr. Collins: He will prepare plans to modulate building parapets. Can the board impart conditional or tentative approval at this time? Mr. Prothero: The board can only provide direction, or act upon a specific proposal. He didn't think it would be appropriate to approve the project on a final basis, under such a vague agreement. There are only two weeks between now and the next meeting. Surely, the delay is not significant compared to the extended history of review, and the time it will take to proceed with subsequent phases of construction. Jim Donovan: Given the minor scope of revision that is anticipated for plans, would it be all right if the applicant brings the plans directly to the next meeting, rather than be required to submit plans through staff? That way, they will have several more days to make changes. (O.K.) Mr. Shigetomi reminded the applicant that the board awaits a landscape plan before the project is finally approved. MOTION by Erika Wolfe, to continue review of this item until the next regular meeting of D.R.B., scheduled for August 23, 1995. SECOND: Beau Shigetomi AYES: Steve McHarris, Steve Prothero, Beau Shigetomi & Erika Wolfe NOES: None ABSENT: Robert Hornacek MOTION CARRIED City of Orange • Design Review Board Meeting Minutes for August 9, 1995 Page S (Item No. 2) DRB 3061 Trader Joe's 8~ Sav-on Landscape and irrigation plans for joint parking facility N.W.C. Tustin St. 8~ Meats Ave. Limited Business District -Tustin RPA (C-TR) Charles Kober Associates Tustin Street Redevelopment Project Area Applicants were represented by Denise Buck and Karen Rauch. Mr. Shigetomi focused on the following issues: • More screening is needed at the northeast corner of the building, to shield the receiving area. • The planter along the entry aisle from Tustin Street should be widened. There appears to be plenty of room to make adjustments to the site plan for an additional two or three feet to this planter. There should be something more substantial planted here than Star Jasmine. • The irrigation plans need to be revised according to technical demands. After discussing these issues with landscape designers, Mr. Shigetomi negotiated the following improvements for the proposal: Landscape plan - 1. Two more trees will be added to the planter outside the screening wall, at the northeast corner of the site. The minimum size specimen will be 24-inch box. 2. The curb that forms the south edge of the planter (south side of the entry drive aisle) will be moved two feet, minimum, further south. The landscape architect will change Star Jasmine to Larissa grandiflora (Natal Plum) within this planter. The spacing between trees will be reduced, and three more trees will be added within this same planter. 3. New light fixtures will be relocated one parking space east or west of their planned locations, to avoid future conflict with anticipated growth of tree canopies (per D.R.B. minutes of May 3, 1995). Imgation plan - 1. The imgation plan will be designed as separate systems in the front yards along Tustin Street and Meats Avenue. One system should be independent when severed from the other, to accommodate street widening plans. 2. Strip spray heads are not compatible with the configuration of the narrow planter along the drive aisle. These will be changed to side-spray heads. 3. The controller will have to be changed to one that is authorized for outdoor use. Ms. Buck and Ms. Rauch agreed to make these changes and submit revised plans to staff for final approval. The staff reported that a certified landscape plan will have to be submitted for review by the Building Division, Community Services and Public Works departments. MOTION by Beau Shigetomi, to approve the proposal subject to revisions discussed in review. SECOND: Erika Wolfe AYES: Steve McHarris, Steve Prothero, Beau Shigetomi & Erika Wolfe NOES: None ABSENT: Robert Hornacek MOTION CARRIED City of Orange • Design Review Board Meeting Minutes for August 9, 1995 Page 6 (Item No. 3) DRB 3080 Tract Map 14061 Building elevations and a landscape plan Mountain Ave. extension, Single Family Residential District (R-1-8) North side of Santiago Creek Brandywine Development Corp. The application was presented by James L. Barisic, president of Brandywine Development Corporation. Mr. Prothero: The residential architecture looks acceptable, as proposed. He is more concerned about the lack of detail in plans for the perimeter fence. Mr. Barisic: Wrought-iron segments would be installed in between brick pilasters. After discussing the construction in more detail, Mr. Prothero concluded that the perimeter fence would be fine, so long as the finish materials used along the foundation match the face of the pilasters. Mr. Barisic agreed. Mr. Shigetomi: Trees within the common area should be upgraded to a bigger size. He and Mr. Barisic agreed to reduce the Leptospermum from 24-inch box to 15-gallon, while increasing all Melaleuka trees to 24-inch box. Howard Morris (staff) referred to prior comments made in minutes on July 19, 1995. The applicant responded with a question about the standards for the recreation trail, and sketched across-section as his proposal. Mr. Moms agreed that his intent appeared to be consistent with city requirements. Mr. McHarris advised the applicant to reduce the amount of Rosemary and eliminate Cinquefoil altogether, since Rosemary tends to spread so quickly and will soon cover the ground within the open space lot. MOTION by Beau Shigetomi, to approve the proposal subject to the following conditions: 1. All Melaleuka trees shown on the plan will be planted from a 24-inch box. Leptospermum will be planted from a 15-gallon container. 2. Potentilla verna is not compatible with water requirements for other native plant materials shown on the plant legend. Potentilla will be removed from the plan, or replaced with another plant. 3. Construct recreation trail on trail easement (along southerly tract boundary) to city standards, per Master Plan of Recreation Trails. 4. Final plans will include fence construction details to show that the masonry foundation, spanning the pilasters, will be finished in the same material as the face of the pilasters. 5. Final plans will be reviewed and approved by staff. SECOND: Erika. Wolfe AYES: Steve McHarris, Steve Prothero, Beau Shigetomi & Erika Wolfe NOES: None ABSENT: Robert Hornacek MOTION CARRIED City of Orange • Design Review Board Meeting Minutes for August 9, 1995 Page 7 (Item No. 6) DRB 3085 Robert 8~ Judy Johnson Front porch addition to single family residence 546 E. Culver Ave. Residential Duplex District (R-2) Old Towne District Mr. Johnson was present for discussion about his proposal. He intends to build a front porch that is similar to many others in the vicinity, as detailed by photographs that he submitted with this application. He is specifically interested in matching that of an existing residence at 214 East Palmyra Avenue. Mr. Prothero: It is difficult to understand exactly what is proposed, on the basis of this plan. He inquired as to construction detail: the tie into the existing roof structure, detail on columns, etc. The roof should probably be hipped at either end of the front corners of the porch, in order to remain compatible with the architectural style of this residence. Mr. Johnson agreed that his proposal was not very clear. He is experienced in construction and understands the technical requirements of the project. He explained more about what lumber would be used, and how the roof construction would be integrated with existing rafter tails. The porch rail would include 4-inch boards, with abuilt-out cap. He is not so clear on what he will do along the foundation. On this plan, he indicates wood siding. He is now considering a masonry base, and would like to use actual "river rock." (Not just "cultured stone") Mr. McHa.rris agreed that actual masonry material would be essential to the success of the project. He expressed a concern that finish material does not appear as new, when complete. Mr. Prothero summarized discussion with Dan Ryan (staff, asking that he continue to work with the applicant. They agreed that Dan could authorize final approval, subject to review of building plans. MOTION by Steve McHarris, to approve the proposal subject to final review and approval by the Senior Planner, Historic Preservation. SECOND: Beau Shigetomi AYES: Steve McHarris, Steve Prothero, Beau Shigetomi & Erika. Wolfe NOES: None ABSENT: Robert Hornacek MOTION CARRIED City of Orange • Design Review Board Meeting Minutes for August 9, 1995 Page 8 (Item No. 7) DRB 3086 Corning Development Corp. 934-970 N. Tustin St. Facade remodel and sign program for a shopping center 1525-1605 E. Collins Ave. Limited Business District (C-1) James McGlothlin, AIA NCARB Tustin Street Redevelopment Project Area Jim Donovan (staff): This application does not specifically comply with limits to display area, pursuant to the sign code's criteria of one square foot per lineal foot of building frontage. The architect misread the provision for corner parcels, and assumed a provision of 1.5:1 on the front elevation. Jim McGlothlin was present to discuss the proposal. He explained that he is mainly here to present the planned modification to the underlying structure, at this time. Each tenant sign would be replaced through subsequent applications. He brought a colored elevation to this meeting. The architecture is a straight- forward extension of the supermarket building. He would match the exterior color and plaster finish between existing and new construction. (Mr. Prothero excused himself from review of this and all subsequent items, because he had another meeting to attend.) Mr. Shigetomi: The signs all run together on this elevation. There should be a buffer, and the applicant should define a limit to the width of each sign. He recommends 60 percent of each tenant bay. Mr. McHarris agreed that space should be required between each sign. He has no problem with the architecture, but if the signs are left to run into one another, the overall appearance will be one of monotony. Some forethought should be given to the organization of the signs. Tim Donovan (staff): The revised sign code will allow signs to be stacked to a greater height, subject to limits on display area. Mr. McGlothlin: The signs are not specifically proposed at this time. His computer plotted this elevation, and the lettering is not necessarily to scale. Each tenant would use red channel letters to match the "Lucky" sign. MOTION by Steve McHarris, to approve the proposed building modification as submitted. However, the sign program will consist of red channel letters, limited to a display area of one square foot per linear foot of leased frontage, a maximum width of 60 percent of leased frontage, and an overall height limited to a ratio of 2:3 the parapet wall (or 5'-4" per Orange Municipal Code). SECOND: Erika Wolfe AYES: Steve McHarris, Beau Shigetomi & Erika Wolfe NOES: None ABSENT: Steve Prothero & Robert Hornacek MOTION CARRIED City of Orange • Design Review Board Meeting Minutes for August 9, 1995 Page 9 (Item No. 8) DRB 3087 (Recommendation: Conditional Use Permit 2123-95) Consolidated Freightways, Inc. Building elevations for planned expansion of a truck terminal 2102 N. Batavia St. Industrial District (M-2) Carlile, Coatsworth, Shankweiler Northwest Redevelopment Project Area Architects The applicant was represented by Jeff Carlile, architect. Discussion focused on the landscape plan. Mr. Shigetomi felt that more should be done to address the entryway. The site has a long access driveway, and it would help to put more trees near the street. Mr. Carlile: There may be a problem in that clearance should be preserved for truck access. Also, the continuous planters along both sides of the paved driveway are only about 18 inches wide. Mr. Shigetomi: Your landscape architect has already selected a relatively small tree for those four that are shown in the front yard. Growth will not interfere with truck access, and 18 inches is wide enough to accept these trees. Jim Donovan (staff: Are there any comments about the building? Mr. McHa.ms: They appear to be matching the existing structure. Ms. Wolfe: Agreed... MOTION by Erika Wolfe, to approve the subject to the addition of 5 trees to the landscape plan, 3 in the planter along the south edge of the entry drive aisle, and 2 in the planter on the north. These trees will match Crepe Myrtle's that are proposed at the front of the property, will also match the spacing for other trees shown on the plan (30 to 40 feet), and will be planted from 24-inch boxes. SECOND: Steve McHarris AYES: Steve McHarris, Beau Shigetomi & Erika Wolfe NOES: None ABSENT: Steve Prothero & Robert Hornacek MOTION CARRIED