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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-21-2014 ARC MinutesSAN LUIS OBISPO ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES April 21, 2014 ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners Patricia Andreen, Ken Curtis, Suzan Ehdaie, Amy Nemcik, Allen Root, and Vice -Chair Greg Wynn Absent: Chairperson Michelle McCovey -Good Staff: Senior Planner Pam Ricci, Supervising Civil Engineer Hal Hannula, and Recording Secretary Diane Clement ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA: The agenda was accepted as presented. MINUTES: The minutes of April 7, 2014, were approved as presented. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON - AGENDA ITEMS: There were no comments made from the public. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. 890 Foothill Blvd. ARC 27 -14; Review of a shopping center fagade remodel, demolition of three buildings, and construction of a new 20,000- square foot building, parking lot upgrades, including minor parking space reorientation with new landscape planters, and project signage including possible exceptions to the sign regulations; C -R -S zone; NKT Real Properties, LLC, applicant. (Marcus Carloni) Senior Planner Ricci presented the staff report, recommending adoption of the Draft Resolution (Attachment 1) which grants approval to the project but directs the applicant to return to the ARC with a revised design for Building 6 and a formal sign program, based on findings, and subject to conditions. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Senior Planner Ricci stated that a letter was received from James Lopes, SLO, former ARC member, concerning the dark gray building color for this project. She noted that the comments were well stated, but did not demonstrate that the project is in conflict with the Community Design Guidelines. Carol Florence, Principal Planner, Oasis Associates, representing the applicant, explained that this is an interim project due to the City's projected changes in circulation that will realign North Chorro Street to run directly across Foothill through the main entrance to University Square across the applicant's property, including through the ARC Minutes April 21, 2014 Page 2 proposed Building 6. She stated that the applicant accepts the language in Conditions 11, and 12 with the additional wording to clarify that the requirements pertain to new improvements, but wants to eliminate the last two sentences of Condition 26. She requested that the transit stop requirement in Condition 33 be removed as it is not practical or achievable because it encroaches on the gas station and impacts one of the Foothill entrances. She also stated that a mixed use parking reduction will be requested to accommodate restaurant tenants in Buildings 1, 4, and 9. Andy Neff, architect, described the changes made to the project to address issues discussed in the staff report focusing on the modifications to Building 6. Ken McKently, architect, stated that the applicant wants to provide consistency in signage while also having some individuality in the design of the lettering such as lettering mounted vertically on canopies. Ms Florence stated that the applicant will comply with the sign ordinance but would like current tenants to be able to keep their signs and would prefer a policy that offers three City- approved options for signage rather than having individual tenants coming back to the ARC for each sign. She stated that the proposed 16 -foot tall identification signs on Foothill are necessary because vehicle parking would block the view of signs that are shorter. She noted that the applicant considered the second sign location to be on North Chorro, not Foothill, and that the design team considers the identification signage to be in scale and proportion given the layout of the center and its relationship to the adjacent roads. PUBLIC COMMENT: Dr. Stephen Quist, owner of a medical practice on Boysen, supported the identification signage as proposed by the applicant because it will help the renovated center be successful and will be easier for drivers to see when coming into the City on Highway 1. There were no further comments made from the public. COMMISSION COMMENTS: Commr Andreen stated that she is not sold on the newly proposed brick for Building 6 because it differs from the brick on other buildings. She stated that she is looking for elements that bring the buildings together and described the proposed design as a little "jumpy." She noted that she is neither for or against the thinner pilasters but likes the gray color. Commr Root stated he supports the revised Building 6 design and the pilasters are fine as originally presented. He mentioned the interim design of the center with a projected lifetime of only 10 -15 years. Commr Curtis noted that he is reluctant to make a final decision when new materials have just been presented at a meeting. He stated that his preference is to go along with the original staff recommendation to bring the project back for a future review. He noted ARC Minutes April 21, 2014 Page 3 that he prefers the thinner pilasters but thinks that there are more welcoming, brighter colors than dark gray for the entrances. He emphasized that a large investment is being made in the center and it cannot be known for sure if it will be replaced in 10 -15 years and thus he thinks it is important to have time to look at the new design presented today. Commr Nemcik supported the design updates presented at the meeting including the reduction in stucco, the thinner pilasters and the scale. Commr Endaie stated that she is supportive of the new changes and that the gray is beautiful but she would prefer something livelier and brighter. Commr Wynn stated that he is comfortable supporting the redesigned Building 6. He noted that finding that the revised plans satisfy the concerns included in Condition 1 allows the Building 6 design to move forward. Commr Andreen stated that her main concern with the site plan is the two -way lane adjacent to North Chorro. Commr Wynn agreed and stated that the design should slow vehicle traffic here. Commr Curtis stated he is generally supportive of the site plan but is disappointed there was not more improvement to site circulation and that some details remain unresolved such as the bus turnout and accommodation for storm water drainage. Commr Endaie stated that she is okay with the site plan. There was general consensus to approve the site plan. Commr Wynn stated that the decision on signage should not be rushed into and Condition 2 should remain in effect. There was consensus to retain Condition 2. Senior Planner Ricci noted that Condition 11 applies to new construction shown as part of the current project plans and later improvements and thus applies to Building 6. After discussion there was consensus to retain Conditions 11, 12, and 23. Supervising Civil Engineer Hannula stated that Condition 23 applies to just the areas being altered and that the entire parking area would get new striping when it is repaved. He noted that Condition 26 is a code requirement but deleting the last two sentences it is acceptable as long as there is a clear understanding with the applicant about what is required. There was consensus to delete the last two sentences of Condition 26. Based on direction provided by staff and the discussion at the meeting, Commr Wynn stated that Condition 33 would; remain as written in the resolution. On motion by Commr Andreen seconded by Commr Nemcik to approve the Draft Resolution approving the project with these additions: 1) Correct the title description to be consistent with the action 2) Modify Condition 1 to read: "The Architectural Review Commission supported the revised design of Building 6 presented at the April 21, 2014 meeting." 3) Add the following sentence to the end of Conditions 11 & 12: "This condition_ applies to new construction shown as part of the current project plans and later improvements. 4) Delete the last two sentences of Condition 26. ARC Minutes April 21, 2014 Page 4 AYES: Commrs. Andreen, Ehdaie, Nemcik, Root, and Wynn NOES: Commr Curtis RECUSED: None ABSENT: Commr McCovey -Good The motion passed on a 5:1 vote. 2. Staff: a. Agenda Forecast by Senior Planner Ricci 1) May 5, 2014: Serra Meadows design guidelines and possibly a new four home project on Grand Avenue 2) May 19, 2014: Marigold monument sign 3) June 2, 2014: proposal to develop multistory residential buildings in the parking lot behind the Bank of America building and adjacent to the old French Hospital site on Marsh Street and the remodel of a warehouse building on the east side of Higuera for CalTrans offices. 3. Commission: a. Commr Endaie noted that the Marsh Street Commons project on Nipomo at Marsh Street has towers /parapet painted orange but she does not remember seeing that color scheme submitted to the ARC. She also pointed out the tree removal on Garden Street in preparation for a new project that makes the street look "naked." b. Commr Wynn noted that trees have been cut down at a new location for Heritage Oaks Bank. There was a discussion of the need for an ARC Commissioner to be part of the City's tree committee. This will be on the next agenda. c. Commr Andreen asked about building color changes for existing buildings. Senior Planner Ricci stated that there is no mandate for the City to oversee color choices except when a new or remodel project comes before the ARC. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted by, Diane Clement Recording Secretary Approved by the Architectural Review Commission on May 5, 2014. Lauri6 Thomas Administrative Assistant III