1994-10-05 Final DRC MinutesCity of Orange
Design Review Board
MINUTES
Conference
Room "C"
Wednesday,
October 5, 1994
Board Members Present:
Board Members Absent:
David Kent
Steven Prothero
Beau Shigetomi (Chairman)
Erika Wolfe
Robert Hornacek
Staff in Attendance: Jim Donovan, Associate Planner
Howard Morris, Landscape Coordinator
Dan Ryan, Senior Planner -Historic Preservation
Administrative Session - 4: DO P.M.
Item 1)
A motion was made to approve the minutes of the meeting held on September 21, 1994 as
recorded.
by: David Kent
2nd by: Erika Wolfe
ayes: David Kent, Steven Prothero, Beau Shigetomi, & Erika Wolfe
noes: None
absent Robert Hornacek
MOTION CARRIED
City of Orange
Design Review BoarrJ Minutes
October 5, 1994
Page 2
Regular Session - S: 00 p. m.
Continued Items -
Item 2)
DRB 2991 -DANNY F. SHIELDS (R.C. COLIN CO.)
433 E. L.A VETA AVE.
Second story additioq other modifications to garage for a single family residence; R-2, or
Residential Duplex, and Old Towne Districts.
The board felt that revised plans did not address previous suggestions that the applicant should reduce the bulk
and mass of the proposed two-story structure. The applicant was advised to reduce the floor area and lower the
ridgeline. Plans show no change in the floor area and the building height remains at 22 feet (along ridgeline).
The board concurs that the design of the two-story garage is incompatible in height, scale and proportioq on
this relatively small lot, and is further not compatible with neighborhood development. The board agrees that
construction of this two-story garage could have a detrimental and adverse affect upon adjacent properties.
There was no one present to respond to these concerns. The board asked staff whether they could take an
action under these circumstances. The staff was certain that the project architect was aware of the meeting
date. Since the plans were modified to increase the amount of demolition (beyond a 50% threshold), review of
this item had to be "noticed", per requirements of the Old Towne Demolition Regulations. The applicant has
expressed some frustration about the delays associated with procedural requirements, and was somewhat
anxious to amve at a meeting date.
The board felt that adequate conditions of approval could not be prescribed to "fix" the proposal. A motion
was made to deny this proposal, for the reasons expressed within discussion.
by: Erika Wolfe
2nd by: Beau Shigetomi
ayes: David Kent, Steven Prothero, Beau Shigetomi, & Erika Wolfe
noes: None
absent: Robert Hornacek
MOTION CARRIED
City of Orange
Design Review Board Minutes
October 5, 1994
Page 3
Item 3)
DRB 2998 - SOUTHLAND CORP., 7-ELEVEN STORE No. 26764
4427 E. CHAPMAN AVE. (N.W.C. AT HEWES ST.)
Wall sign; C-1, or Limited Business District, El Modena-Chapman Avenue Improvement
Plan.
The board noted that the applicants have not revised the proposal according to previous recommendations.
Revised plans do not respect the architectural theme of the existing structure, nor the intent of the El Modena -
East Chapman Improvement Plan. There was no one present to respond to these concerns. However, the board
felt that appropriate revisions could be proscribed.
Motion: to approve the proposal subject to the following requirements:
A) The signs shall be modified so that all graphics (including stripes) are contained within
24 vertical inches, and a maximum display area of one (1) square foot per lineal foot of
building frontage.
B) In addition to the 24-inch maximum height limit, the entire sign shall be limited to the
space between existing architectural trim bands on the upper portion of the building.
C) The sign's overall width shall not exceed the width of existing storefront windows, as
proposed here.
by: Erika Wolfe
2nd by: Steven Prothero
ayes: David Kent, Steven Prothero, Beau Shigetomi & Erika Wolfe
noes: None
absent: Robert Hornacek
MOTION CARRIED
City of Orange
Design Review Board Minutes
October 5, 1994
Page 4
Item 4)
DRB 3000 -TRACT 14752 - BURNETT DEVELOPMENT CORP.
SANTIAGO CREEK, BETWEEN TUSTIN AND CAMBRIDGE STREETS
"SYCAMORE CROSSING"
Preliminary landscaping plan for creek improvements associated with subdivision and
development of the 20-acre site.
The applicants were represented by John Killen and Dave Klausen. This proposal has changed little from
its original form. The Community Services staff had a meeting with applicants to revise the planting pallet.
The boazd asks that "redbud" be removed from the list, if possible.
The board also discussed the amount of pavement required for improvements proposed for creek
enbankments, bicycle trails, and service roads. Reference was made to a cross section of the river bottom.
Mr. Killen reports that the County will not allow consolidation of bike paths and service roads for this
project.
The Community Services staff reports that some issues aze not yet resolved. The plans should provide for
mutual access between the greenbelt and the adjacent residential tract to the north, as those property owners
will pay for the maintenance of this miniature pazk. Homeowners aze not likely to appreciate the burden of
responsibility unless development affords some level of accessibility. The staff (including the Police
Department) also have concerns about levels of outdoor lighting along the recreation trail. These issues
should be resolved with the Maintenance District Engineer (Public Works Department) and Maintenance
District Coordinator (Community Services). The staff suggests that these issues be resolved independent of
the boazd's decision.
Motion: to approve the proposal as a preliminary submittal, but to require that final landscape and
imgation plans be submitted to DRB for review and approval.
High fencing along the southern property line must be removed as part of the project. The
board would also like to see dual fencing eliminated wherever possible. While
Community Services Staff reports that some azeas on the south edge of the bicycle trail
may be fenced off to eliminate access, and to provide a buffer for adjacent residential
development, the board is concerned about azeas where spaces may be proposed within a
distance of (6) six feet or less, in between.
by: David Kent
2nd by: Steven Prothero
ayes: David Kent, Steven Prothero, Beau Shigetomi & Erika Wolfe
noes: None
absent: Robert Hornacek
MOTION CARRIED
(Continued on the following page)
City of Orange
Design Review Board Minufes
October 5, 1994
Page 5
Item 4)
DRB 3000 - BURNETT DEVELOPMENT CORP. -TRACT 14752
SANTIAGO CREEK, BETWEEN TUSTIN AND CAMBRIDGE STREETS
"SYCAMORE CROSSING'
(Continued from the previous page)
Staff Recommendations & Requirements
The applicant is currently negotiating with the Community Services Departient to discuss requirements
within the conditions of approval for Tract 14752. The following landscape issues aze being reviewed and
discussed:
A. CREEK CHANNEL IMPROVEMENTS
• Provide bicycle/pedestrian trail per City Recreation Trails Master Plan requirements and
standards.
Lighting of the bicycle/pedestrian trail needs to be provided for public safety and reduced
liability risk to the City and Landscape Assessment District (LMD).
Another major concern of Community Services is the lack of access to open space for
residents at the west end of the development. The addition of a pedestrian bridge or trails
needs to be added to improve circulation across the creek channel.
Provide signage identifying the Wet Meadow azea. The selection and maintenance of plant
material in this azea will differ from the project since it will be regulated by the California
Department of Fish and Game.
B. LANDSCAPING AND IRRIGATION
• Modifications to the mixed Raparian Woodland and Urban Forest plant palettes has been
changed to the satisfaction of the Community Services staff.
• All landscape planting and irrigation systems shall comply with City Standazds and
Specifications for Public Works Projects.
• Landscape Plans and Specifications shall be approved by the Assessment District
Coordinator prior to final submittal to the DRB.
C. LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT (LMD)
• Santiago Creek development shall be maintained by a LMD.
D. DEVELOPER AGREEMENT
• Applicant shall enter into an agreement with the City for the dedication of pazk and in lieu
of fees.
City of Orange
Design Review Board Minufes
October 5, 1994
Page 6
New Items -
Item S)
DRB 3005 -ORANGE COMMERCE CENTER
505 S. MAIN ST. (S.E.C. LA VETA)
Two freestanding signs at a commercial hi-rise building; C-2, or General Business
District, Southwest R.P.A.
The board reviewed photographs, material boards and color samples with the applicants who were
primarily represented by Michael Corbin, DSR Associates. The board considered these elements to be
somewhat dated. Mr. Corbin agreed, stating that his intent was to coordinate the design with that of the
existing commercial high-rise, which was developed around 1975.
Motion: to approve the proposal as submitted.
by: Erika Wolfe
2nd by: David Kent
ayes: David Kent, Steven Prothero, Beau Shigetomi & Erika Wolfe
noes: None
absent: Robert Hornacek
MOTION CARRIED
Staff Recommendations & Requirements
Department of Public Works street improvement plans may affect the precise location of future property
lines. Installation of these signs must be coordinated with those plans.
City of Orange
Design Review Board Minutes
October 5, 1994
Page 7
Item 6)
DRB 3006 -DRUG EMPORIUM
1538 E. CHAPMAN AVE. (FORMER BUILDER'S EMPORIUM STORE)
Insta112 new wall signs; minor revision to building's exterior; C-1 District, Tustin St.
R.P.A.
Staff reported that the applicant was not expected to have a corporate representative at this meeting, and
that the redevelopment agency is participating in this proposal. Because the height of individual channel
letters exceeds 24 inches, a variance application must be submitted, reviewed and approved before the
proposal would be permitted.
While the board acknowledges that the existing building is somewhat distant from the street, it questions
whether greater height is necessary to the extent that it is proposed. The board also feels that proposed
structural improvements do no suil=iciently link the sign to the building. Without a more substantial
attachment to the facade, this sign is considered to be a roof sign, which is expressly prohibited by Orange
Municipal Code 17.78.050(k). The board also noted that Drug Emporium will enjoy some rather
substantial display area on each of two non-conforming signs located on Chapman Avenue and Tustin
Street frontage.
Motion: to approve the proposal subject to the following conditions:
A) Dimensions for the overall height of the wail sign facing Chapman Avenue
shall be reduced by one (1) foot.
B) The lintel that spans the new entryway shall be similarly reduced, to 6'-0"
and "return" upon the face of the building, so that the sign is united with the
facade.
C) The wall sign facing Tustin Street should be reduced to a 24" maximum.
The board also questioned whether the applicants could retain these large signs. Staff replied that the sign
code allows non-conforming signs to remain standing until an applicant makes application for a permit to
modify that sign, or unless it is accidentally destroyed. (Orange Municipal Code Section 17.78.170)
by: Steven Prothero
2nd by: Erika Wolfe
ayes: David Kent, Steven Prothero, Beau Shigetomi & Erika Wolfe
noes: None
absent: Robert Hornacek
MOTION CARRIED
Adjournment: 6:1 S P. M.