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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-18-2002 ARC Minutes SAN LUIS OBISPO ARCHITECTUAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 18, 2002 ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners Hana Novak, Michael Boudreau, Rob Schultz, Zeljka Howard, and Vice-Chair Jim Lopes Absent: Commissioners Mark Rawson and Chairperson Charles Stevenson Staff: Associate Planner Pam Ricci, Deputy Director Michael Draze, and Recording Secretary Irene Pierce PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mary Kopecky, Assistant City Clerk, presented Commissioner Hana Novak with a certificate of appreciation from the City of San Luis Obispo and thanked her for hard work as a Commissioner on the ARC. Josephine Malone mentioned that some subtle ways to deal with neutral content could be done in zoning. PROJECTS: 1. Citywide. ARC 42-00: Review of Chapters 6 and 7 of the draft comprehensive update of the City’s design guidelines, and Chapter 5 of the Airport Area Specific Plan; City of San Luis Obispo, applicant. Associate Planner Pam Ricci presented a staff report, highlighting the contents of Chapters 6 & 7 and discussed the revised version of Chapter 5, Community Design, of the Airport Area Specific Plan. Vice-Chair Lopes suggested that Ms. Malone address any issues she has during the discussion on the signage section of the design guideline draft. Ms. Malone reiterated her desire to discuss letters that she had previously sent to staff about proliferation of graphics on downtown storefront windows. She expressed her objection to a few storefront window displays in the downtown that are inappropriate for the public and suggested there be regulations in the guidelines on what the downtown businesses could display in and on their front windows. Vice-Chair Lopes asked Ms. Malone if she felt the guidelines should regulate signage. Ms. Malone answered yes. Vice-Chair Lopes noted that Ms. Malone suggested that the ARC regulate depictions of signs and pictures of people that are partially clothed, which are objectionable to her. ARC Minutes March 18, 2002 Page 2 Ms. Malone stated she would like the ARC to adhere to their original definition of a sign. Vice-Chair Lopes asked if she would like verbal and non-verbal content to be part of the Sign Regulations, along with a complaint process for commenting on this content that would lead to a decision regarding this at a public hearing. Ms. Malone replied yes. Vice-Chair Lopes asked if there is something missing that should be in the design guidelines. Ms. Malone replied yes. She suggested an overview of the premise or manifesto, as well as a strong policy statement. There was much discussion on signage. The public comment session was closed on signage. Chapter 6 – Site Planning and Other Design Details Commr. Howard noted a couple of changes she had on page 49, B-1 & C-1. Commr. Shultz noted some changes on page 49, B-2. Commr. Boudreau commented on page 49, A-3 & C-1. Commr. Novak suggested that site analysis be mentioned in this section. Vice-Chair Lopes suggested a little more guidance be added to D-1. Mechanical Equipment Commr. Schultz recommended that “should” be changed to “shall” on page 50, D-1. Trash/Recycling Enclosures & Services Areas Vice-Chair Lopes suggested that trash enclosures be located as far back as possible on sites (page 50 & 51 (F)). 6.2 Landscaping Design Guideline Vice-Chair Lopes suggested there be a sidebar to define what the City’s definition of landscaping is, to help guide the applicant. Vice-Chair Lopes questioned if page 53, B-1 is intended for the downtown as well. 6.3 Parking Facilities ARC Minutes March 18, 2002 Page 3 Vice-Chair Lopes commented on page 55 B-4 and suggested it say non-residential. Commr. Novak suggested there be a higher percentage of landscaping in parking and driveway areas. Vice-Chair Lopes suggested #6 be placed after #4 on page 55, C. Commr. Novak suggested adding a minimum of 6-inch curbing to C-4. The Commission asked staff to report back on the process for changing the Parking & Driveway Standards to increase the minimum percentage of required landscaping in parking lots. Long Range Planner Michael Draze left the meeting before the Airport Areas Specific Plan was discussed and suggested they discuss it at the next meeting. Vice-Chair Lopes suggested that pedestrian access be planned into projects between sites under D on Page 56. Vice-Chair Lopes suggested adding colored concrete as an alternative paving material under E on Page 56. Planner Ricci stated the Bicycle Committee would be looking at the bicycle rack standards at their next meeting. 6.6 Signs Vice-Chair Lopes suggested that C be located elsewhere. Planner Ricci suggested under pedestrians. Vice-Chair Lopes agreed. Ms. Malone asked when an update of the specific sign regulations would be reviewed by the ARC. Commr. Schultz replied that the Commission would be unable to answer that and she would need to consult staff on this issue. 7.1 Creekside Development Commr. Novak commented she would like the creek setback area to appear in a more natural setting. There was much discussion on creekside development. Planner Ricci noted there would be edits to this Historic Resource Preservation section. ARC Minutes March 18, 2002 Page 4 It was the consensus of the Commission to have the Airport Area Specific Plan come back on the next meeting. 2. 210 Tank Farm Road. ARC 113-01; Review of a proposed health club including two structures totaling 47,000 square feet, and outdoor recreation facilities; and height exception to allow a 37-foot high building where a 35-foot high building is allowed; M-SP zone; Kevin Kennedy, applicant. Associate Planner Pam Ricci presented the staff report recommending final approval to the project. Commr. Novak asked how they were able to figure out the fissures on the Hydrology Report. Mr. Hamrick explained that the soils engineer did borings on the site and determined there were some granular fissures that would accept site drainage. Bob Tartaglia, further discussed the proposed drainage system and how it took advantage of the natural underlying geologic features. Commr. Novak asked if they would be creating trenches. Mr. Tartaglia replied yes. Commr. Boudreau asked about planned infiltration devices. Mr. Tartaglia explained that they are plastic units that are 34-inches wide and 16-inches high with louvers on the side, which are easier to install and gives more capacity underground. Vice-Chair Lopes questioned the height of the standpipes and where would they be located on the landscape plan. Planner Ricci replied they would be 18-inches to 2-feet tall and defined their location on a map. Vice-Chair Lopes asked for an explanation on the building height exception. Mr. Hamrick explained when the building was first designed, he had a 35-foot height limit with the parapet. He noted that further soils and grading analyses recommended that the building site be raised with a 24-inch thick base of compacted sand to provide better drainage. Vice-Chair Lopes noted that they had lowered the towers. Mr. Hamrick explained that the towers were lowered, but they are still at the same elevation. ARC Minutes March 18, 2002 Page 5 Commr. Howard questioned if it were true that a photovoltaic system would take 50 years to recover the cost of installing such a system. Mr. Hamrick explained he has researched this and his electrical engineer claims the payback is 50 years for this photovoltaic system. Vice-Chair Lopes noted the comment on dual tree planting in the parking lot planters and asked if there was a reason they couldn’t go forward with this. Terry Lee, Landscape Architect, explained they could go forward with dual tree planting, but that when two trees are designated for a single location, there are issues with overlap, which hinders survivability. Vice-Chair Lopes asked if the planter would have a tree at each end next to the drive aisle. Mr. Lee replied yes. He explained as they mature over time, they may have a problem with the trees overcrowding each other in the center. PUBLIC COMMENTS: There were no public comments. COMMISSION COMMENTS: Commr. Howard stated she was in support of staff’s recommendations if the applicant agrees with the conditions. Commr. Schultz stated he was in favor of approving the project but had some concerns with the design of the play area. Comr. Boudreau stated that he felt that it was a good-looking building. Commr. Novak suggested there be two trees in the parking lot aisles. Mr. Lee asked if she would be in favor of the Acacia Tree. Commr. Novak replied that would be fine. Mr. Lee noted that he was looking for tree varieties that would grow well in wet clay soils, and that a flowering plum or cherry could be substituted for the bottle brushes. Vice-Chair Lopes voiced his concern on how well the pool would be screened from the wind. He liked the building architecture, but wanted to insure that diagonal views of the Santa Lucias were maintained through the site. Commr. Novak moved to grant final approval, based on the findings and subject to the conditions in the staff report, with inclusion of recommendations made by the ARC Minutes March 18, 2002 Page 6 Commissioners to incorporate two trees in the parking lot planters and to reduce the amount of callistemon bottlebrush; to substitute an alternative flowering species; and add Condition 7 to reduce the amount of Camphor Trees along Tank Farm Road to allow for scenic vistas and visual corridor through the site. Seconded by Commr. Howard. Vice-Chair Lopes suggested adding an amendment to Item 4 to change standpipe to drain inlets. The amendment was accepted. AYES: Commrs. Novak, Howard, Boudreau, Schultz, and Vice-Chair Lopes. NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioners Rawson and Chairperson Stevenson. ABSTAIN: None. The motion carried 5-0. With no further items before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted by Irene Pierce Recording Secretary