Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-18-2003 ARC Minutes SAN LUIS OBISPO ARCHITECTUAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 18, 2003 ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners Allen Root, Michael Boudreau, Rob Schultz, Zeljka Howard, Jim Lopes, David Smith, and Chairperson Charles Stevenson. Absent: None. Staff: Associate Planner Pam Ricci and Recording Secretary Irene Pierce. ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA: The agenda was accepted as presented. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: The Minutes of October 21 and November 4, 2002, were accepted as presented. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS: MaryBeth Schroeder, 2085 Wilding Lane, commented that this is America and she would like to keep it safe. There were no further comments made from the public. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. 1117 Chorro Street. ARC 156-02; Review of a remodel and addition to a existing commercial building for restaurant use; C-C-H zone; Michael Olaizola, applicant. Associate Planner Pam Ricci presented the staff report, noting this item was continued th from the January 17 meeting to allow the applicant to revise the application to respond to ARC direction. She explained the revisions and recommended approval of the proposed remodel based on findings and subject to conditions of approval. Commr. Lopes asked if there were any preferences or direction to the applicant on the landscaping. Planner Ricci explained that the landscaping plan is very conceptual and there was discussion about adding some Camellias and a climbing vine that would crawl up the wall that borders Linnea’s. Commr. Lopes asked if the previous shed structure was for controlling sound and smoke. ARC Minutes February 18, 2003 Page 2 Planner Ricci replied yes. She further explained that since the last meeting, a hearing was held for an Administrative Use Permit to allow a nightclub, which was denied by the Hearing Officer. Michel Olaizola, applicant, SLO, explained what kind of landscaping they are proposing in the back area. Jeff Bague, Project Architect, explained that the revised elevation shows a more subtle treatment to the facade remodel and felt it was better to keep the existing awning where it is and remove the upper awning. He explained the colors are subtle to create a low- key, classy-looking establishment and noted the sheds and bar were removed from the back. He mentioned the grille work in the back would mimic the gate on the front of the building. He explained the landscaping is what was originally proposed with a change to use Camellias because of their shade tolerance. Commr. Howard asked how tall the wall is in the back. Mr. Bague replied that it is 6 feet from their side of the property and 2 feet higher on Linnea’s side. He also noted that Linnea is very supportive of this project. PUBLIC COMMENTS: MaryBeth Schroeder, 2085 Wilding Lane, expressed disapproval of another pub coming to the downtown especially in a historical building. Linnea Philips, Linnea’s Café, 1110 Garden Street, noted that it has been a delightful experience working with two cooperative people who are very considerate of her needs and also expressed appreciation to the ARC for hearing this proposal. There were no further comments made from the public. COMMISSION COMMENTS: Commr. Howard moved final approval based on findings and subject to conditions as noted in the staff report, with the addition of Condition 3. The applicant shall submit a more refined landscaping plan, including irrigation details, for the review and approval of planning staff, along with plans submitted for a building permit. Seconded by Commr. Boudreau. Commr. Lopes suggested that the landscaping include vines on the rear wall to deflect sound. He requested that staff look at the grille work, expressing concern that 3-feet is too tall. Vice-Chair Schultz suggested a condition that the grille work would be submitted to the Community Development Director for approval prior to installation. Commr. Boudreau as the Second did not accept the suggested condition. ARC Minutes February 18, 2003 Page 3 There was some discussion about the grille work. In response to a question, Mr. Bague explained that the sign has not been designed yet. Planner Ricci noted they have discussed the possibility of a projecting sign or an awning signage on the valance. Commr. Lopes asked if there would be lighting for the sign. Planner Ricci replied yes, and explained that is a key component. AYES: Commrs. Howard, Boudreau, Root, Schultz, Lopes, Smith, and Stevenson NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAN: None The motion carried 7-0. 2. 211 Tank Farm Road. ARC-S 184-02; Review of a new marquee sign for Video Action Sports; C-S zone; VAS Entertainment, applicant. Associate Planner Pam Ricci presented the staff report, recommending approval of the marquee sign, based on findings and subject to a condition and code requirements. Jeb Thornburg, Indigo Architecture & Interiors, presented examples of the proposed colors, noting the final colors have not been determined but the drawings submitted are more closely indicative of those colors. He gave a brief description of the marquee sign. Jeff Reynolds, 342 Palamonte, Shell Beach, presented a photo that demonstrates the scale of the building and the color blend. He stated the building is blue and gray, and the sign would also be blue and gray. He gave a brief explanation of what the length of the façade of the building is. Commr. Lopes wondered if people need to know the full name of VAS or if they need to advertise so people know that it is Video Action Sports. Mr. Reynolds replied they are phasing out Video Action Sports since the word video is phasing itself out, so the new name is VAS Entertainment. PUBLIC COMMENTS: No comments were made from the public. COMMISSION COMMENTS: Commr. Boudreau felt this sign was an interesting blend of the old downtown art deco with modern overtones. He expressed support for the project, but would like to hear what the architect has to say about the scale that is presently being negotiated. ARC Minutes February 18, 2003 Page 4 Commr. Howard concurred with Commissioner Boudreau’s comments. Mr. Thornburg pointed out some confusion in the conditions with the neon lighting and referred to the picture to explain how the lettering would be displayed. He commented that the sign lettering is proposed to be blue. Commr. Root supported the sign closer to the top of the doors, as shown in the revised plan. He felt it is misleading to look at the sign against the backdrop of the building. He expressed concern with making the sign smaller because the arched fin that comes back should be weighted heavier to make it look less like a birthday tiara. He commented that there is no peripheral signage and suggested doing something to integrate directional signs into this program to give continuity to this site. He expressed support for the project and the way it is presented. Commr. Root moved approval for the marquee sign as submitted by the applicant, and eliminate condition 1 as worded, but replace it with moving the sign down on the parapet 8 to 12 inches to accommodate a lasting overall height in a more attractive weighting of this sign on parapet. Seconded by Vice-Chair Schultz. Chairperson Stevenson supported lowering the larger sign and felt the proportions work better. AYES: Commr. Root, Schultz, Boudreau, Howard, Lopes, Smith, and Stevenson NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None The motion carried 7-0. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION: 3. Staff: A. Agenda Forecast: Pam Ricci provided an agenda forecast. B. ARC Guidelines: Planner Ricci explained that Paul Crawford has drafted two pages for Chapter 7 for the Commission to review. She mentioned they are trying to enlist the commissions’ help in flagging the document for areas they feel are appropriate to add graphic illustrations or photographs. Chairperson Stevenson suggested that the Commissioners keep a running list on where these photographs should go. He mentioned that he and Planner Ricci could go through their draft and recommend what they feel are good candidate areas for additional graphics, and bring them back to the Commission for their reaction. ARC Minutes February 18, 2003 Page 5 4. Commission: Chairperson Stevenson commented on the Kennedy Nautilus Art appeal currently before the Council. He noted that the CAO’s recommendation was non consistent with the ARC’s recommendation, which he felt was surprising. Vice-Chair Schultz mentioned that staff should let the ARC know when there is an appeal. There was much discussion about this appeal and what the guidelines state. Commr. Lopes commented on the recent remodel of the Lamplighter Motel on Monterey Street. He felt that the vents made of galvanized steel looks cheap. He requested that staff try to catch these things and suggested they be painted the same color as the roof. Chairperson Stevenson reminded the Commission the rules regarding meeting attendance. With no further business before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m. to the next regular meeting scheduled for March 3, 2003, at 5:00 p.m. in Council Hearing Room. Respectfully submitted by Irene E. Pierce Recording Secretary