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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-05-2001 ARC Minutes SAN LUIS OBISPO ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES March 5, 2001 - 5:00 p.m. ROLL CALL: Present: Commrs Michael Boudreau, Jim Lopes, Rob Schultz, Mark Rawson and Chairperson Charles Stevenson (one vacancy) Absent: Commr. Chandler Staff: Associate Planners Whitney McIlvaine and John Shoals PROJECTS: 1. 505 Higuera Street. MODD/ARC 90-99; Review of proposed changes to a completed project for a patio screen wall and tower sign; C-R zone; Steven Moss, applicant. Pam Ricci John Shoals, Associate Planner, presented the staff report recommending the Commission grant final approval to the project and exceptions to Parking and Driveway Standards, based on findings, and subject to conditions, as noted. The public hearing was opened. Applicant/Architect: Chuck Crotzer, Steve Pults Architects, briefly described the project. Commr. Lopes asked if they had considered putting the handicap-ramp on the south side of the building, rather than at the corner. Charlie Senn, applicant, said that they had looked at putting the ramp in a couple of different locations, which did not work. He said that placing the ramp on that side of the building would not work because it is very close the property line and would conflict the entry to the common laundry and basement. He noted that he and adjacent property owner were considering putting an employee outdoor use area between the two buildings. He didn’t have a problem with the staff recommendations and the Commission’s suggestions, but wanted to be able to work with staff on the final location of the ramp, treatment of the screen wall and the new entrance to the office space. Robert Burton, resident of 860 Osos Street #8, supports the project and encouraged the Commission to approve the building changes. ARC Minutes March 5, 2001 Page 2 The public hearing was closed. Commr. Rawson felt the proposed location is appropriate for the new accessible ramp and entry. He wanted to see the ramp moved closer to the building and screened with a low-stucco wall with landscaping. Commr. Boudreau thought the proposed location is acceptable. He agreed with Commr. Rawson that the ramp should be moved closer to the building and screened with either a low-stucco wall or decorative railing with more substantial landscaping. Commr. Schultz agreed that the new ramp should be closer to the building and screened with a wall or landscaping. Commr. Lopes felt the ramp should be on the south side of the building with access through the existing building entry. He believed the handicap-accessible parking space should be at the southeast corner of the building with a direct access to the ramp. He felt this layout would have the least impact on the landscaping at the intersection of Osos and Mill Streets. He did not believe that placing the ramp on the south side of the building would conflict with the entries to the common laundry and basement. He felt that the new ramp should be screened with a stucco wall with a decorative cap or balustrades. He suggested using a larger shrub (i.e., Rhapeolepsis Indica) to match the vegetation at the surrounding properties. He felt that the existing 4-foot high wall and arched entry should remain. He also wanted to see the new condenser unit on the inside of the building. Commr. Stevenson felt that the proposed ramp location was the most appropriate location given the site and building layout. He agreed that the ramp should be moved closer to the building to create a larger landscape planter between the ramp and the building. He also felt that the ramp should be screened with a low stucco wall and decorative cap to match the existing building. He felt that the existing 4-foot high wall and arched entry should remain in its current location. On motion by Commr. Rawson, seconded by Commr. Boudreau, the ARC granted the project final approval with conditions, as outlined in the meeting follow-up letter. AYES: Commrs. Boudreau, Rawson, Stevenson, Schultz and Lopes NOES: None ABSENT: Commr. Chandler The motion passed. 2. Citywide. ARC 42-00; Review of draft design guidelines for warehouse retail and large-scale commercial projects; City of San Luis Obispo, applicant. Pam ARC Minutes March 5, 2001 Page 3 Ricci Whitney McIlvaine, Associate Planner, presented the staff report recommending the Commission grant final approval based on findings and subject to one condition. Jim Braebeck, a representative of the Rotary Club, provided background regarding development of the memorial garden idea. Paul LeSage of the Parks and Recreation Department explained participation of the City Parks and Recreation Commission and endorsement of the City Council. The goal is to create a quiet, reflective garden. A proposal for perimeter fencing, similar to what has been used in Mitchell Park, black-coated rail fencing resembling wrought iron, was discussed. He explained the broad community support for the project. The public hearing was opened. Chuck Crotser said that he supported the project. The public hearing was closed. COMMISSION COMMENTS Commr. Lopes asked about benches and gates. He also asked if the driveway could be curved along the City creek access. Jim Braebeck said that benches have not been chosen yet. There will be two gates, one for the City staff and one for the park. The driveway can be curved along the creek access. Commr. Schultz asked if this project goes out for bid and Paul LeSage said that the donor agreement with the City provides for acceptance of improvements. Commr. Stevenson said that he had no problem with the removal of the Chinese elm tree, which is very messy. On a motion by Commr. Rawson, seconded by Commr. Lopes, the ARC approved the project, with the addition of one condition, that applicant make an effort to meander the edge of the City access way, based on findings and subject to conditions of approval. Commr. Lopes suggested a condition that applicant could ask staff to explore pruning of trees, especially the one near the power pole and retain that tree because it provides screening of the power pole. Commrs. Schultz and Boudreau said it was acceptable to explore that condition. ARC Minutes March 5, 2001 Page 4 Granted final approval based on findings and subject to the following conditions. Findings 1. The proposed park improvements are consistent with City's General Plan. Goals expressed in the Parks and Recreation Element include resident access to neighborhood parks. A goal of the Land Use Element is provision of a wide range of parks and recreation facilities for citizen enjoyment. 2. On January 16, 2001, the City Council accepted the Rotary Club offer to donate park improvements a t 170 Brook Street. 3. The proposed improvements are consistent with the Zoning Regulations, which allow walkways, fencing, and certain garden structures within the required setback, which is 20 feet from the top of bank in this location. 4. The proposed park improvements are consistent with the draft Mid-Higuera Enhancement Plan. Condition: 1. Any additional improvement details not shown on the conceptual plan shall be subject to review and approval by the Director of Parks and Recreation. 2. Meander the southern edge of the City's 15-foot wide creek access for a more natural appearance. 3. Explore pruning of existing trees to reduce tree litter and as an alternative to removing the Chinese Elm nearest the power pole at the front of the site since this tree provides screening of that power pole. AYES: Commrs. Boudreau, Rawson, Stevenson, Schultz and Lopes NOES: None ABSENT: Commr. Chandler The motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m. to a regular meeting of the Architectural Review Commission, scheduled for Monday, March 19, 2001 at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street. Respectfully submitted, ARC Minutes March 5, 2001 Page 5 Whitney McIlvaine and John Shoals, Recording Secretaries