Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-17-2015 ARC Draft Minutes of 08-03-15 Architectural Review Commission Minutes Monday, August 3, 2015 Regular Meeting of the Architectural Review Commission CALL TO ORDER A Regular Meeting of the San Luis Obispo Architectural Review Commission was called to order on Monday, August 3, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room, located at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California, by Chair Wynn. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Patricia Andreen, Ken Curtis, Amy Nemcik, Allen Root*, Vice-Chair Suzan Ehdaie, and Chair Greg Wynn * Commissioner Allen Root arrived at 5:07 p.m. Absent: Commissioner Angela Soll Staff Present: Senior Planner Phil Dunsmore, Associate Planner Rachel Cohen, and Recording Secretary Sarah Reinhart ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA The agenda was accepted as presented. MINUTES By consensus, the Commission approved the Minutes of the Architectural Review Commission meetings of July 13, 2015 and July 20, 2015, as amended. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS There were no members of the public desiring to speak. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. 730 Boysen Avenue, ARCH 1182-2015: Review of a new six-unit residential project. The project is categorically exempt from environmental review (Section 15332: Infill Projects); R-4 zone; Zac Missler, applicant. Associate Planner Cohen reviewed the contents of the staff report, recommending that the Commission adopt a resolution approving the proposed six-unit multifamily residential project including adoption of a categorical exception from environmental review, based on findings and subject to conditions. City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle Architectural Review Commission Minutes of August 3, 2015 Page 2 Commissioner Curtis requested that staff provide documentation of similar setbacks to be included in future site plans. Staff answered questions regarding accessibility of emergency vehicles, bio retention area, bicycle storage and the potential availability of open spaces within the project. Truitt Vance, project designer, reviewed the size and scope of the project, noting that there are significant constraints due to the lot’s narrowness; explained that the pavers will be solid concrete and bicycle storage will be available on-site and within garages; concurred with staff’s recommendation. Commissioner Root recommended improving the design aesthetics, in particular the angular shed roof in the west elevation and the front elevation’s design. Chair Wynn opined that the site plans work well, but suggested the applicant refine the elevations. In response to inquiry from Chair Wynn, Mr. Vance stated he would not oppose an added condition to continue working with planning staff to refine the elevations in the site design. In response to inquiry from Vice-Chair Ehdaie, staff pointed out, that there will be no low-income housing provided in this project. PUBLIC COMMENTS Wedad Nelson, San Luis Obispo, spoke in opposition to the proposed project; expressed concern that the subject lot is too small to accommodate six residential units; asserted that students are overcrowding existing units and worsening neighborhood traffic and noise; pointed out two other projects were recently approved near North Chorro which lacked parking. Robert Travis, San Luis Obispo, related opposition to the proposed project; advised that parking is already impacted in the Boysen and Chorro neighborhood; urged the Commission to downsize the project and recommended that additional on-site parking be required; suggested that the existing units be used as affordable housing. There being no others desiring to speak, Chair Wynn closed the public hearing. COMMISSION COMMENTS Senior Planner Leveille advised that the project complies with density, land use, and parking requirements and is compatible with the neighborhood. Chair Wynn suggested adding additional conditions requiring garages to be used for parking only and increasing the number of short-term bicycle parking. City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle Architectural Review Commission Minutes of August 3, 2015 Page 3 Commissioner Curtis opined that conditions requiring garages to remain clear for purposes of parking would not be effective; conveyed support for ensuring high standards in new development, possibly creating new standards for high density areas. Chair Wynn expressed concern regarding the location of gas meters and their proximity to car movement; recommended that gas meters to be relocated or be enclosed. Commissioner Andreen stated that if a bold color is used, it must be used in more than one area; recommended that the accent color be used on the divide panels, chimney areas, and a third color be added. Commissioner Nemcik spoke in support of reducing articulation and noted inconsistencies in the placement of the kickers. Commissioner Andreen conveyed support for the applicant to work with staff regarding elevations, colors, and articulation issues. Chair Wynn recommended that the project be broken up into larger more proportional masses, adding some horizontal breakdown along the Boysen elevation and changing the plate height in zones where the shed is raising up by positioning the eyebrow to 12 ft. instead 9 ft.; encouraged staff to ask for elevations in the site plans. Commissioner Root expressed support in braking up the project, with a level of articulation that creates visual interest; suggested a more coordinated and a less articulated project. Commissioner Curtis spoke in agreement of having less articulation and agreed that the shed roof is out of place. Commissioner Andreen noted that she is relying on staff’s representation that the adjacent units are of similar setbacks, asked staff to include proportions of the adjacent setbacks to be included in future projects. Commissioner Nemcik spoke in support of adding a planning condition, “the applicant shall maintain the garages for the purpose of adding vehicles at all times, and should include clause in lease agreements”. There were no further comments made from the Commission. City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle Architectural Review Commission Minutes of August 3, 2015 Page 4 On motion by Commissioner Nemcik, seconded by Commissioner Root, to grant final approval of the proposed six-unit-multifamily residential project including adoption of a categorical exception from environmental review, based on findings and subject to the following revisions: a. Finding 4. The front yard setback exception request is consistent with the Zoning Regulations because the proposed setback is consistent with the existing neighborhood pattern and retains an open area within the neighborhood. b. Condition 3. The applicant shall extend the utility closet to include and enclose the fire riser and backflow preventer to the approval of the community development director. c. Condition 7. The applicant shall refine accent color scheme, cohesive design and articulations to the satisfaction of the Community Development Director. d. Condition 10. Each unit shall provide 1 short-term bicycle parking on site and 2 long-term bicycle parking spaces within each dwelling or accessory structure (e.g. garages) and the project shall add 5 short-term bicycle spaces. Bicycles shall be parked vertically or horizontally with at least the rear tire resting at floor level. The building plan submittal shall include details and detail references for the proposed bicycle parking facilities and/or racks. The building plans shall provide a detailed site plan of any racks. Show all dimensions and clearances to obstructions per city standard. AYES: Commissioners Andreen, Curtis, Ehdaie, Nemcik, Root, and Wynn NOES: None RECUSED: None ABSENT: Commissioner Soll The motion carried on a 6:0 vote. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION 2. Staff: a. Agenda Forecast Senior Planner Dunsmore provided an agenda forecast of upcoming projects. City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle Architectural Review Commission Minutes of August 3, 2015 Page 5 3. Commission: Commissioner Andreen noted a new redesign of a supermarket on Foothill Plaza. Commissioner Root noted signage on the east side of 101 near Calabasas that does not include corporate color schemes; suggested standing up against color schemes that are not in harmony with the community. Commissioner Curtis inquired regarding an email which was sent out regarding Terrace Hill. Commissioner Andreen commented on an email received from Ron Combs regarding the importance of trees. Chair Wynn noted that there have been two appeals to the City Council regarding the bowling alley project. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 6:31 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sarah Reinhart Recording Secretary