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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-02-2001 ARC Minutes . SAN LUIS OBISPO ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES April 2, 2001 - 5:00 p.m. ROLL CALL: Present: Commrs. Michael Boudreau, Jim Lopes, Rob Schultz, Zeljka Howard and Chairperson Charles Stevenson (one vacancy) Absent: Commrs. Chandler and Rawson Staff: Associate Planner Pam Ricci; Development Review Manager Ron Whisenand PROJECTS: 1. 505 Higuera Street. MOD/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 Pam Ricci, Associate Planner, presented the staff report recommending the Commission approve a revised screening fence for the entry patio and a location for a wall sign on the tower, based on a finding, and subject to conditions. The public hearing was opened. Steve Puglisi, in response to a question from Commr. Lopes, explained how the proposed patio fence would coordinate with the installation of screens for ground- mounted coolers. He indicated that he was not comfortable with the recommended condition regarding the satellite dish as it had been installed by a tenant. Steve Moss explained the technological difficulties with a smaller dish here. The public hearing was closed. Commr. Howard asked Steve Puglisi where the proposed sign would be best placed for visibility. Steve Puglisi said the higher the sign, the better. Commr. Lopes asked about curve in site plan for the patio wall. Steve Puglisi said it probably would be rectilinear because it would be difficult to curve a wood fence. ARC Minutes April 2, 2001 Page 2 Commr. Stevenson asked about the possibility of a low stucco wall to screen coolers, rather than a screening fence at the prominent building corner near the intersection of the adjacent streets. Commr. Lopes mentioned that compressors make noise, which can be disruptive to pedestrians. He asked about additional landscaped screening of the transformer, which is located near the driveway off Higuera Street. Commr. Boudreau said he agreed with the changes and likes applicant’s sign. He would like to see more landscaping around the transformers and other equipment. Commr. Schultz agreed with Commr. Boudreau, including the need for additional landscaping. Commr. Stevenson pointed out concerns with consistency with approving a sign too high on the tower. Commr. Lopes said he tends to agree with Commr. Stevenson regarding the sign and would like to see a condition regarding enhanced screening of the coolers and gas meters at the southwest corner of the building. On motion by Commr. Lopes, seconded by Commr. Stevenson, the ARC granted the project approval with an added Condition #3, which discussed the need for additional screening of ground-mounted equipment, as outlined in the meeting follow-up letter. AYES: Commrs. Stevenson, Schultz, Howard and Lopes NOES: Commr. Boudreau ABSENT: Commrs. Chandler and Rawson 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 Ricci Pam Ricci, Associate Planner, presented the staff report recommending the Commission provide preliminary comments and/or direction to the city and consultant staff on the draft guidelines. The public hearing was opened. Commr. Stevenson expressed concern with the City’s Hwy 101 view corridor and the ARC Minutes April 2, 2001 Page 3 potential visual impacts of large-scale retailers. He suggested looking at utilizing landscaping clusters to help minimize the impact of long walls. Commr. Lopes pointed out that there are other types of large-scale uses that aren’t retail, like telecom uses, which have massive buildings that raise similar kinds of design issues. He mentioned that he had prepared detailed written comments on the proposed guidelines, which had been distributed to the consultant and ARC members. Commr. Boudreau suggested looking at maximizing landscaping in key areas for heightened visual amenities and pointed to the North Boulder Village Center as an example. He noted that he wants to encourage flexibility. Paul Crawford discussed how the draft guidelines included the general objective of maintaining open views of important scenic resources, but did not prescribe a quantifiable view blockage percentage (#6 in Commr. Lopes’ memo). The public hearing was closed. COMMISSION COMMENTS Commr. Howard said buildings should "face" the street and include entries where appropriate. (A.1.) Commr. Stevenson said that the Fort Collins, Colorado guidelines call for multiple entrances. Commr. Lopes said that structured parking should be top priority. Commr. Schultz suggested that landscaping design should encourage pedestrian activities and rest areas. Commr. Stevenson said that landscaping clusters provide better screening (enhance Section F) and commented on the use of berms. He mentioned that the Tustin Marketplace has good loading areas and plans for cart storage. Commr. Boudreau brought up practical concerns with both providing pedestrian walkways and minimizing parking areas. He felt that Section D., Building Design, should note what we want to see with these types of development. Commr. Howard felt that Section D should note up front that building designs need to take into account the specific features of the individual sites that they are proposed on. Commr. Stevenson suggested broadening the definition of an abutting street. He also felt that freeway-oriented signage should be discouraged. Commr. Lopes commented on the desire to provide upper-level windows for office ARC Minutes April 2, 2001 Page 4 spaces. Commr. Lopes noted that Chico was requiring liner uses with big box retailers; he added that the city might need to make changes to its zoning regulations to encourage this. He suggested the addition of solar orientation and wind protection as categories to cover in these guidelines. COMMENT & DISCUSSION Russ Kissinger of Air Vol Block, Inc. gave a presentation on the range of materials his company manufactures and applications for their use. He described the materials in distributed packets. He provided a slide presentation showing the use of materials in buildings, walls and hardscapes. He explained how adding colors to blocks can increase costs and talked about creating curves and planting areas. He said that pavers are a good way to add color and provide easy access to utilities. The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m. to a regular meeting of the Architectural Review Commission, scheduled for Monday, April 16, 2001 at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street. Respectfully submitted, Pamela Ricci, Recording Secretary