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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-07-2002 ARC Minutes SAN LUIS OBISPO ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES October 7, 2002 ROLL CALL: Present: Commrs. Zeljka Howard, Allen Root, David Smith, Michael Boudreau, and Vice-Chairperson Rob Schultz Absent: Commrs. Stevenson and Lopes Staff: Associate Planner Michael Codron and Recording Secretary Irene Pierce ACCEPTENCE OF THE AGENDA: The agenda was accepted as written. ACCEPTENCE OF THE MINUTES: Minutes of June 3, July 1 and July 15 were continued to the ARC meeting of October 21, 2002 due to the lack of a quorum of those present at those meetings. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no comments made from the public. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. 487 Marsh Street. ARC 164-01; Review of an expansion to a residential care facility; C-R zone; Chris Skiff, applicant. Associate Planner Codron presented the staff report recommending final approval, based on findings and subject to conditions, which he outlined. He noted the Commission had previously reviewed conceptual plans and provided direction to the applicant. Planner Codron confirmed that the demolition of the summer kitchen has been considered acceptable by the CHC. He noted the summer kitchen is the present dog grooming building and that the siding will be preserved and re-used. Chris Skiff, applicant, introduced and deferred comments to his Architects. Nigel Gomersall, applicant’s representative, responded to the comments regarding the five items addressed at the last hearing. He explained that they have attempted to reduce the size of the chimneys to make them more residential in character and have added an additional chimney. They will use a minimum 2x8 fascia, and have pushed back the gable on the south elevation. The Pinho residence has been moved back three ARC Minutes October 7, 2002 Page 2 feet, to allow for alignment of the porch. He noted that the landscape architect felt the tree would be inclined to grow towards light, be thinner in its lower branches and therefore more full at its main height, probably not being diminished in height. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mary Beth Schroeder, 2084 Wilding Lane, did not feel this facility belongs in this part of San Luis Obispo because it is the entrance to our town. She did not want to see any more Historical buildings being moved, and expressed her opposition to this expansion. Diane Sherman, 1241 Beach Street, felt the facility seems overpowering for the neighborhood. COMMISSION COMMENTS: Commr. Howard stated she felt the applicant has satisfactorily met the direction previously given by the Commission. Commr. Smith expressed his skepticism about the “patch” to the facility of the historic building. He stated his interest in historic buildings and he did not feel the proposed expansion would work well architecturally with the rest of the facility. Commr. Root felt the applicant responded adequately to the direction of the Commission and supports the project. Commr. Boudreau agreed with Commr. Root. He felt the architect did a great job and he supports the idea of leaving the original building and the ficus tree. Commr. Howard moved to grant final approval based on the findings and conditions in the staff report. Seconded by Commr. Boudreau. AYES: Commrs. Howard, Boudreau, Root, Smith and Schultz NOES: None ABSENT: Commrs. Stevenson and Lopes ABSTAIN: None The motion passed 5-0. 2. 669 Pacific Street. ARC 122-02; Review of a new wireless facility on an existing building including screening; O zone; Cingular Wireless, applicant. Associate Planner Michael Codron presented the staff report recommending final approval of the project, based on findings and subject to conditions. He noted the request is for eight antennas behind new parapet walls, extended along existing rooflines, adding that the materials will allow radio frequencies (RFs) to move freely. ARC Minutes October 7, 2002 Page 3 In response to a question form Commr. Smith, Planner Codron stated there would be no increase in the height of the building, noting there would be no line-of-sight to the antennas unless you were above it. Trisha Knight, applicant’s representative, passed around a sample of the material that will be used for the extension of the parapet wall. It is called “Radio Frequency friendly material” and is used to simulate the material that is currently on the building, using the same color paint. Commr. Boudreau asked what the rate of transmission loss is through this material as compared to transmission through air. He asked where the waves go that can’t get through the material -- do they bounce and go elsewhere? In response to the question, Mr. Knight noted that the antennas are directional and that there is very little bounce-back. They are trying to install more smaller facilities using existing buildings rather than fewer larger facilities. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mary Beth Schroeder, 2084 Wilding Lane, felt this process is defacing buildings and reducing their values. She was concerned that this concept is a temporary promotional issue that is very unattractive COMMISSION COMMENTS: Commr. Howard stated she felt this design is architecturally more appealing than others she has seen. It was the consensus of the Commission that these modifications architecturally improve the looks of the building’s roofline. Commr. Howard moved to grant final architectural approval of the project, seconded by Commr. Root. AYES: Commrs. Howard, Root, Boudreau, Smith and Schultz. NOES: None ABSENT: Commrs. Stevenson and Lopes ABSTAIN: None The motion passed 5-0. 3. 190 Santa Rosa Street. ARC 11-02; Review of a new telecommunications facility and improvements to Santa Rose Park, including replacement of two ball field lights; PF zone; Cingular Wireless, applicant. ARC Minutes October 7, 2002 Page 4 Associate Planner Michael Codron presented the staff report, recommending final approval to the project, based on findings and subject to conditions and code requirements, which he outlined. Vice-Chair Schultz asked if there is currently lighting at the location. Planner Codron stated that there is. The current lighting has more horizontal spill and the light sources are more visible than the new ones would be. The current lights have an impact on the neighborhood, but the new lights can be properly shielded. Vice-Chair Schultz asked about the size and location of the equipment storage buildings at the park. Planner Codron noted there is a storage container that is being removed. Commr. Howard asked if the height of the light sources will be higher in option A, and asked how would the intrusion of light would affect the neighborhood. Planner Codron responded that the greater height allows the light to focus more directly down to a specific area and gives more opportunity to shield the actual light source. He added that a condition is proposed to address the light and shielding issue. Commr. Smith asked if the trees are to screen or to decorate. Planner Codron responded that the trees are to enhance, as opposed to screen. He noted the parking lot is being reduced in size so there will be more room for trees. Gordon Bell, applicant’s representative, explained that the existing parking lot will be re- striped so that no parking spaces will be lost, and additional grass area near the ball field will be added. The applicant is proposing to add more parking towards Santa Rosa Street. Mr. Bell explained that these improvements are part of a Capital Improvement Program that the Parks Department has wanted to accomplish but hasn’t had the funding for. This is also a rent abatement program where the applicant will not start paying rent until the improvement costs are abated. Commr. Smith asked if vines could be grown up these poles to help with camouflage. Planner Codron stated he’s never seen it done. Commr. Boudreau stated the vines would eventually become a maintenance problem. The applicant responded that the vines would be a problem when climbing the poles for maintenance reasons. He noted the size of the proposed poles is 24 inches, tapering down to 21 inches in diameter; the existing poles are 18 inches, tapering down to 14 inches. ARC Minutes October 7, 2002 Page 5 Commr. Boudreau asked for an explanation regarding the location of the transmitters on the poles which dictates the diameter of the poles. Mr. Bell explained that in Option B, the diameter of the pole is 36 inches to enclose the equipment internally. A smaller diameter pole could be used, but cabling would have to be moved to the outside of the pole. He also noted they had met with the Parks and Public Works Departments to review the project. They discussed walkways and landscaping. Two equipment enclosures will be added to house the Parks Department equipment, eliminating the cargo storage container. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mary Beth Schroeder, 2085 Wilding Lane, felt this would ruin the intent of Santa Rosa Park and any others that are used in the same manner. She opposed the project. She expressed that it is possible that the RFs are carcinogenic and should be looked into. COMMISSION COMMENTS: Commr. Howard asked the applicant to address the issue of health. The applicant stated that RF waves are obviously propagated by the systems. The harmful radio waves are 1-2 feet in front of the antenna. These poles, being 70 feet above ground, emit only 0.02% of allowable RF waves as set by FCC for the general population. Commr. Root asked about the proposed color for the poles. Mr. Bell replied it is currently galvanized steel, similar to the existing poles. Commr. Howard stated she favors Option A. Commr. Root noted his support for Option A and the galvanized color, and indicated this is a win-win situation, because our park needs these upgrades. Commr. Howard moved to grant final approval, based on findings, and subject to conditions, mitigation measures, and code requirements listed in the staff report, with a modification to Finding #2 to delete text to end with the word camouflaged, and add conditions 6 and 7, as follows: 6. Improvement plans shall include detailed lighting specifications for the new light poles. These fixtures may need to be shielded to minimize spill and glare while at the same time achieving the lighting needs of the ball field. A note shall be included on the improvement plans that “After installation, the new ball field lights may need to be modified or shielded if the Community Development Director determines that they emit excessive glare.” 7. Trees shall be added between Santa Rosa Street and the main parking lot, adjacent to the parking lot closest to the ball fields where possible, and behind the new antenna/light pole closest to the skate park. Acceptable tree varieties shall be those from the City’s street tree list and shall exclude eucalyptus and pine varieties. Seconded by Commr. Smith. ARC Minutes October 7, 2002 Page 6 AYES: Commr. Howard, Smith, Root, Boudreau and Schultz. NOES: None ABSENT: Commrs. Stevenson and Lopes ABSTAIN: None The motion carried 5-0. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION: 4. Staff Agenda Forecast October 21, 2002; Motel Inn, Children’s Museum and potential public art for Kennedy Fitness Center. November 4, 2002; Mural on apartment building in the old town area. Zaca Creek Development new industrial building. New Hotel on Calle Joaquin November 18,2002: Single family homes in an area of sensitive sites. A proposal by the SLO Non-Profit Housing Corporation to build a senior housing facility for 42 units off of Johnson Avenue and Sierra Way. st Commr. Howard asked about the field trip that was discussed for October 21.. Planner Codron confirmed the tour and stated the commissioners are to assemble at 3 st p.m. in the Council Hearing Room on October 21. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m. to the next regular meeting scheduled for October 21, 2002 at 3:00 p.m. for a field trip, then reconvening to the Regular Meeting at 5:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted by Ginger Christensen Recording Secretary