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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-17-2003 ARC Minutes SAN LUIS OBISPO ARCHITECTUAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 17, 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 Planners Pam Ricci and Michael Codron, Transportation Associate Peggy Mandeville, Associate Engineer Bridget Fraser, and Public Works Associate Barbara Lynch ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA: The agenda was accepted as presented. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: The Minutes of February 3, 2003, were accepted as presented. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS: There were no comments made from the public. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. 755, 763, 769 Santa Rosa Street and 1060 and 1064 Mill Street. ARC MOD 97- 99; Review of revised building colors for a new office; O zone; Cliff Branch, applicant. Commissioner Root stepped down from participation on Item 1 due to his involvement in the project. Associate Planner Pam Ricci presented the staff report recommending final approval to proposed color modifications, finding that the proposed colors are consistent with previous approvals and the selected architectural style of the building. Steven Puglisi, project architect, gave a brief explanation on some of the details to the building. He noted that the plaster color is not a color coat, but paint applied. He mentioned they would like to use a darker roof tile and explained that the slate tiles on the towers are in-lieu of previously proposed metal stamped panels, because they will be easier to maintain. Commr. Lopes questioned if the colors on the cornices or gutters going to be a dark color. ARC Minutes March 17, 2003 Page 2 Mr. Puglisi replied that the gutter would mimic the plaster color. Chairperson Stevenson questioned why they did not use tile with a grille in front, as originally proposed. Mr. Puglisi replied it appeared too busy, so he went with the slate tiles instead of the stamped metal panels, concluding that this change takes some of the glitter off the building. Commr. Lopes asked if the previous metal work was done horizontally or diagonally. Mr. Puglisi replied that it was illustrated in this drawing as a series of criss-crosses. PUBLIC COMMENTS: There were no comments made from the public. COMMISSION COMMENTS: Commr. Boudreau moved to grant final approval to the proposed color and material modifications, finding that the colors are consistent with the previous approval. Seconded by Commr. Howard. Commr. Howard suggested they consider setting tiles diagonally in the towers to create an art deco design style. Chairperson Stevenson commented that he could not support the motion as it stands and expressed his support for what was proposed before the grille design. Commr. Lopes mentioned that the slate tiles play down the ornamentation of the building and that up-lighting will be important. Chairperson Stevenson commented this was a difficult project to approve because it was so different from the neighborhood, but noted he supported it because it was art deco. There was much discussion about the previous approved architecture on the building and the new proposed modification. PUBLIC COMMENT: Public comment was reopened. Cliff Branch, applicant, supported the slate and noted they have spend numerous hours of study on this and felt it is a very natural product. He noted they were “grilled out “ and felt this is a superior design. ARC Minutes March 17, 2003 Page 3 Chairperson Stevenson noted this project came back to the ARC because the architect graciously came back for input, not because the ARC had issues with the project. There were no further comments made from the public. COMMISSION COMMENTS: There was more discussion on the architectural style. AYES: Commrs. Boudreau, Howard, Lopes, and Smith NOES: Commrs. Schultz and Stevenson ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: Commr. Root The motion carried 4-2. 2. 2290 Santa Ynez Avenue. ARC 11-03; Review of a new single-family residence on a sensitive; R-1-S zone; Roland Schwartz, applicant. Associate Planner Michael Codron presented the staff report recommending approval of the proposed house design, based on findings and subject to conditions of approval. Commr. Lopes asked what the accepted setback exception is. Planner Codron replied there is no setback exception and explained building envelopes were provided to City staff as part of their review of the Use Permit process in order to get a sense of where homes were going to be developed on the lot. Commr. Boudreau asked if the mitigation was to ensure that no more than 40% of the project would be visible from Highway 101. Planner Codron replied yes. Commr. Lopes asked if there were any recommendations for a landscape plan. Planner Codron replied that a landscape plan has not yet been submitted, but the applicant has chosen the Pepper tree to focus on because it does well in this location. He noted that the Commission could suggest a better variety. Chairperson Stevenson asked if there was any discussion about eliminating the second floor. Planner Codron replied that issue was never raised. Lenny Grant, project architect, gave a brief history on the project. He explained that the home was very small and in character with the village. He expressed that they will do an excellent job as an owner/builder and mentioned they have done extensive research on the character and how it would relate to San Luis Obispo and the downtown. ARC Minutes March 17, 2003 Page 4 Commr. Smith asked if the roof tile will be concrete tile. Robert Malone, project designer, explained that it would be a composition shingle. Commr. Lopes expressed a concern about the red accent trim color and wondered if the landscape pallet could have a little more dark green. Mr. Grant replied they could go to a darker green and explained the red trim is something the applicant favored. Roland Schwartz, applicant, explained the colors they chose were authentic colors from the traditional neighborhoods in San Luis Obispo. PUBLIC COMMENTS: There were no comments made from the public. COMMISSION COMMENTS: Commr. Lopes commented there will be other houses developed in this area so he supports the second story, but expressed a concern on the red accent color and suggested another color such as green. He also expressed a concern on the landscaping and suggested having more native landscaping cascading down the retaining walls and on the side facing the freeway. Commr. Smith moved to accept this design as submitted, subject to the findings and conditions as recommended by staff. Seconded by Vice-Chair Schultz. Commr. Lopes requested an amendment to revise the landscape plan to modify the plant pallet to be a more naturalistic plant that are non-flowering in dark green tones along the retaining wall and the edge of the driveway where it faces the freeway. The motion maker and seconder accepted the amendment. AYES: Commrs. Smith, Schultz, Root, Boudreau, Howard, Lopes, and Stevenson NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None The motion carried 7-0. 3. Downtown. ARC 193-02; Review of a downtown historic street lighting program; City of San Luis Obispo Public Works Department, applicant. Associate Planner Michael Codron presented the staff report recommending approval of the light standard, based on findings and subject to conditions of approval. ARC Minutes March 17, 2003 Page 5 Bridget Fraser, Associate Engineer, gave a brief description on the many things to consider on a light system, such as height, spacing, lamp types, and maintenance cost. She explained that their recommendation for the downtown light standard is based on an attempt to reach the best balance of all the elements. She explained the importance of using a design that resembles the old fixtures. She offered a few examples of lamps and lamp poles to choose from. Commr. Smith questioned the preference of aluminum versus cast iron. Ms. Fraser replied staff prefers the aluminum due to its strength, durability, lightness and has the look of cast iron. Chairperson Stevenson questioned the location for these lights. Ms. Fraser replied that it is not definite, but would most likely start with the Downtown Association area. Chairperson Stevenson mentioned he would eventually like to see lighting coming in off the freeway along Marsh when the budget allows, feeling it would be a great entry feature. Commr. Lopes noted that the color is lighter than the City’s designated color and wondered what is the next darker shade of green. Ms. Fraser replied this is the darkest green available from the manufacturer’s standard choices, but noted they could get any custom color for an additional cost. Commr. Howard asked how the applicant felt about the scale and spacing of these poles. Dave Relyea, Prudential Lighting, explained they are trying to minimize the number of poles. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Dr. Bob McQuade, Light Designer, commented on how they came up with such a unique design that fits San Luis Obispo. Gary Wong, SLO, asked who presently maintains the streetlights. Ms. Fraser replied the City maintains the streetlights. There were no further comments made by the public. COMMISSION COMMENTS: Commr. Howard moved to approve the downtown pedestrian light standards as proposed by staff; recommended a spacing of four light poles per block per side and to ARC Minutes March 17, 2003 Page 6 come back to the ARC for review and approval of a final lighting plan. Seconded by Vice-Chair Schultz. Commr. Root expressed concerns about the lighting that is being recommended and felt the light is to create an atmosphere. He recommended they be cautious of the lumens they are putting on the street and suggested they take baby steps. Chairperson Stevenson asked if they could suggest that the wattage be reduced. Ms. Fraser responded yes, and explained they are just asking for a recommendation on spacing, noting they will come back to the ARC with a definite spacing and the wattage of luminaire that would be used. Commr. Lopes requested a condition that the color be as approximate as possible. The motion maker and seconder accepted the request for a condition. Chairperson Stevenson requested they add on to that condition that an alternative that includes a banner arm attachment for some of the poles. The motion maker and seconder accepted the request to add on to the condition. Ms. Fraser replied this could be done. AYES: Commrs. Howard, Schultz, Root, Boudreau, Lopes, Smith, and Stevenson NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None. The motion carried 7-0. 4. Los Osos Valley Road. ARC 5-03; Review of new landscaping medians along Los Osos Valley Road from Royal Way to western city limits; PF zone; City of San Luis Obispo Public Works Department, applicant. Commr. Howard stepped down from participation on this item due to her living in close proximity to the project. Transportation Associate Peggy Mandeville presented the staff report recommending approval of the proposed project, based on findings and subject to conditions of approval. She mentioned this is a grant-funded project through Caltrans, and noted they have received a $300,000 grant for the first phase of the medians and are hoping to receive another $150,000, for the second phase. She noted they are requesting approval of medians along the entire corridor, which starts at Royal Way out to the western city limits. Jim Burrows, Landscape Architect, presented a brief summary of the proposed landscaping in this median, and mentioned they are looking at hardscape of a river ARC Minutes March 17, 2003 Page 7 cobble for safety, visibility, and maintenance. He offered a description of the various tree types that would be used throughout the medians. He mentioned they would use a spray system for the irrigation by using reclaimed water. Commr. Root questioned the heartiness of the species that are proposed in this harsh area. Mr. Burrows replied all the plant material that has been selected is appropriate for those conditions. Commr. Root asked for a description of the different stages of maturity, and asked about the visibility above the ground cover and through or below the tree canopy. Mr. Burrows explained the ground covers would grow to under three feet. Most would be less than two feet in height. He noted City standard trees are proposed. Commr. Lopes questioned what kind of appearance are they trying to create with the trees in the median. Mr. Burrows explained they are trying to create a rhythm of trees that repeat as you pass by, rather than a line of trees. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Carolyn Smith, 1568 Cucaracha Court, expressed a concern with blocking the existing left turn driveway access to Laguna Golf Course, feeling it would lessen the number of people that come and use the golf course. She noted many seniors currently use this golf course. She felt this is a dangerous street to put a median on and expressed a concern about the safety for the people that live on this street. Gary Wong, SLO, expressed concerns with safety issues. He noted it is safer to make a quick left turn into a driveway than go down to Laguna Lane and make a U-turn because you would be in the path of oncoming traffic. He mentioned he would be working with the Irish Hills Hamlet Homeowner’s Association to provide additional input on this project. There were no further comments made from the public. COMMISSION COMMENTS: Commr. Lopes expressed concerns that this is just a center median and felt it should be done in a two-stage approach for this median. He suggested moving the turn pocket closer to the intersection on the west side of Oceanaire. Associate Mandeville replied they could look into this. ARC Minutes March 17, 2003 Page 8 Commr. Lopes offered suggestions on the landscaping to help reduce traffic speed by providing more canopy trees. He suggested investigating other tree types and offered some suggestions of types. Commr. Boudreau commented that he does not support the idea of the Police Department telling them what type of trees to plant. He suggested a few species such as Camphor or an Oak variety that would get enormous. Commr. Root expressed a concern that there were no evaluations on the pragmatics of putting these medians in, and questioned what it does to accident rates and turning movements. He wondered if the spacing of the trees is accurate and felt that a grouping of three to five trees means there is at least that much negative space between the groups. He noted he would prefer seeing a more dramatic grouping of the trees and more open space between the groups. Chairperson Stevenson questioned what the public process was that initiated this project. Associate Mandeville explained the Public Works Department asked the City Council if staff could apply for the grant, which they authorized. Notices were sent to the golf course, church, and Cedarwood to notify them beforehand. Chairperson Stevenson felt it would have been good to have a community meeting to discuss this. He noted that he supports the project and felt a left-hand turn pocket should be located at the golf course. Commr. Smith concurred with Chairperson Stevenson. Associate Mandeville explained the grant was approved, but a funding allocation follows later. Commr. Lopes moved approval with the staff findings and conditions, with modifications to Conditions 6 & 7, and the addition of Condition 8: Large growing canopy trees be added to the plant selection, including such selections as Coast Live Oak, Camphor, or other wide trees to provide visual walls for traffic calming; and add to condition 6, a sentence that any back flow preventer or irrigation device be adequately screened by landscaping and painted green; Condition 9: Utilize a closer grouping of tree clusters where appropriate within the structural habits and wider space in between clusters to create visual variety; Condition 10: The servicing treatment at the intersections shall be flat work or stamped concrete to provide a safe haven landing for pedestrians crossing, and the cobblestone will start after the aisle. Seconded by Commr. Boudreau. Associate Mandeville noted there would be a City Council Hearing for the plans and specifications, on April 15th. Commr. Root recommended that Condition 1 be reworded to involve more of the neighborhood in the decision making process. ARC Minutes March 17, 2003 Page 9 Associate Mandeville clarified that with the $300,000 the City could build the Diablo to Descanso median, which has no turning conflicts, as well as the Descanso to Prefumo Canyon median. Commr. Smith suggested this project be approved starting with the area at Diablo past Descanso to Prefumo Canyon. Commr. Lopes questioned if this would be a problem for staff. Planner Mandeville explained if redesigns to the other section were required, they would have to find additional monies to hire the landscape architect to do that. Chairperson Stevenson stated that Council is asking the ARC to approve the landscaping of this median. Commr. Lopes revised the first part of the motion to say approve the design of LOVR median project and approve the landscape design and pallet of the LOVR median project based on findings and subject to conditions; and reword condition 1 to say that the neighborhood should be involved in the discussion of the landscape median project at public meetings and have input on the design. There was discussion about the design and traffic concern issue surrounding this median. AYES: Commrs. Lopes, Boudreau, Root, and Stevenson NOES: Commrs. Smith and Schultz ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: Commr. Howard The motion carried 4-2. Chairperson Stevenson noted the process to appeal this decision. 5. Foothill Boulevard. ARC and ER 188-02; Review of proposed replacement bridge and ancillary road improvements, and environmental review; City of San Luis Obispo Public Works Department, applicant. Associate Planner Michael Codron presented the staff report recommending final approval to the project, based on findings. Barbara Lynch, Public Works Department, commented this project will make the creek more visible than it currently is. She noted the replacement bridge will look like a typical bridge. Chairperson Stevenson questioned why they do not have a more interesting railing. Ms. Lynch explained that they do not hold the purse strings on projects and explained they develop these projects in a very minimalistic way in terms of cost. ARC Minutes March 17, 2003 Page 10 There was discussion on the funding for this project. Commr. Root suggested getting more money for the railing through public art. Commr. Lopes asked if this bridge has the metal approach rails that are on Elks Lane. Ms. Lynch explained the only place they are proposing guard railing is for a short distance along the driveway to the apartment building, which is very close to the southwest corner. Commr. Lopes asked if the project is a Caltrans design. Ms. Lynch replied it is what is called Barrier Rail, which is a standard detail for Caltrans. Commr. Lopes asked if this could be modified to provide a texture or other type surface treatment on the wall. Chairperson Stevenson explained that Caltrans has an approved stamp process which is formed right on the spot. Ms. Lynch explained that metal forms are used to build barrier rails. Chairperson Stevenson suggested adding pigment or a stain in the concrete. PUBLIC COMMENTS: There were no comments made from the public. COMMISSION COMMENTS: Commr. Boudreau moved approval of the project as noted in the staff report, with additional conditions: 1. that a pilaster detail at the end of each wall (a total of four), be applied to the beginning of the bridge. and at those four locations there be an art piece or element that would embellish the bridge design. 2. Customize the rail or add to the railing with art money to change coloring and design and have the same performance requirements that are required. Seconded by Commr. Howard. Commr. Lopes suggested rock facing to bring it back to its natural setting, or investigate whether it could be a texture or some kind of surface, such as a wood or block texture. He also suggested planting Sycamores near the bridge. Commr. Boudreau added to the motion that art money be used to embellish the railing and consider embellishment at each end. Commr. Lopes requested an amendment to add a condition 3 that Sycamore replacement is as close to the bridge as possible for scale. The amendment was accepted by the motion maker and seconder. ARC Minutes March 17, 2003 Page 11 AYES: Commrs. Boudreau, Howard, Root, Schultz, Lopes, Smith, and Stevenson NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None The motion carried 7-0. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION: 6. Staff: A. Agenda Forecast: April 7, 2003: Pizza Hut Remodel; Sears & Mervyns; ARC Guidelines Hillside Development Standards. Chairperson Stevenson mentioned that Obispo Beautiful Association is having an th annual dinner on June 12, with a deadline of April 14 for submittal of nominations. There was discussion on the staff’s recommendation differing from the Commission’s action. Commr. Lopes suggested they ask the Chairperson to talk to the Community Development Director about the process of notifying ARC members when recommendations differ, and to work out a better process that gives the Commission advance notice of appeals at the time it is filed, and also to discuss an improvement on the current practice of making a recommendation in conflict with the ARC recommendation. Chairperson Stevenson noted that Community Development Director Mandeville stated that in the future, the Planning Division would notify the ARC of a different CAO recommendation during the ARC meeting prior to the Council’s consideration. It was noted that this is Vice-Chair Rob Schultz’ last meeting. 7. Commission: Chairperson Stevenson mentioned that Commissioner Lopes is up for reappointment and Bob Vessely is the new nominee. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m. to the next regular meeting scheduled for April 7, 2003, at 5:00 p.m. in Council Hearing Room. Respectfully submitted by Irene E. Pierce, Recording Secretary