Architectural Review Committee Meeting

MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE Wednesday, August 7, 2013 AFTERNOON SESSION 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm EVENING SESSION 7:00 pm – 11: 00 pm FEW MEMORIAL HALL OF RECORDS, COUNCIL CHAMBERS 580 PACIFIC STREET MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Members Present: Jacoubowsky, Freeman, Sullivan Latasa Members Absent: Dawson Staff Members Present: Senior Associate Planner Christine Hopper, Principal Planner Kimberly Cole, Principal Planner Taven Kinison Brown, Police Officer Jordan Tucker, Recording Secretary Halabi CALL TO ORDER Chair Sullivan called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm. CONSENT ITEMS Committee Member Jacoubowsky made a motion to approve a Consent Agenda. Committee Member Sullivan seconded the motion. Committee Member Latasa recused himself from item #2 due to his absence from the meeting. On a motion by Committee Member Jacoubowsky, seconded by Committee Member Sullivan, and carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee approved the CONSENT ITEMS: AYES: 4 MEMBERS: Jacoubowsky, Sullivan, Freeman, Latasa NOES: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSENT: 1 MEMBERS: Dawson ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None RECUSED: 0 MEMBERS: None Approval of Minutes 1. June 19, 2013 ACTION: Approved as amended. Committee Member Latasa said the header in the minutes should be altered to reflect the correct date the meeting took place. 2. July 17, 2013 ACTION: Approved as amended.  Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, August 7, 2013 Committee Member Latasa said the header in the minutes should be altered to reflect the correct dates the meetings took place. 3. Consider 591 & 599 Lighthouse Avenue; Sign Permit 13-072 for a New Multi-Tenant Sign Program; Applicant Mori Torabbeigi for Parnian Rug Gallery; Owner Katherine Congdon; C-2 Zoning District; Exempt from CEQA Requirements ACTION: Adopted a Resolution approving a Sign Permit for a multitenant sign program with Conditions of Approval. 4. Consider 409 Alvarado Street; Architectural Review 13-326 for Final Architectural Review of Tables and Chairs in the Public Right-of-Way Adjacent to 409 Alvarado Street; Applicant Don Desai (Café Trieste); Owner City of Monterey; Exempt from CEQA Requirements ACTION: Adopted a Resolution approving Final Architectural Review of tables and chairs in the public right-of-way. ***End of Consent Agenda*** PUBLIC COMMENTS None. PUBLIC APPEARANCE 5. Consider Waterfront Parking Lot (APN 001-701-012, 001-567-012, et al.); Sign Permit 13-203 for New and Revised Vehicle-Oriented Freestanding Signs and One Internally Illuminated Directory Sign; Applicant Bob Wecker; Owner City of Monterey; O Zoning District; Exempt from CEQA Requirements. ACTION: Adopt a Resolution approving the Sign Permit application with amended Conditions of Approval. Staff Presentation/Committee Member Questions: Christine Hopper presented the Agenda Report and answered Committee Members' questions. Applicant: Bob Wecker, of the Wecker Group, said the proposal utilizes up-lighting by placing a strip of LED lights across the top of the sign structure. Mr. Wecker said he is willing to decrease the height of the sign at the request of the ARC. In response to Committee Member Latasa’s question, regarding the directory sign, Mr. Wecker said the signs are printed on transparencies and can easily be reprinted to reflect any new businesses. Public Comment: Frank Donangelo, of the Cannery Row Company, said it is pertinent that the sign be visible as it references the Waterfront area and therefore the lighting and increased 2  Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, August 7, 2013 height is necessary. Committee Member Comments: Committee Member Latasa said he is in favor of the height of the proposed sign. Committee Member Sullivan concurred and said he is also in support of the proposed LED strip lighting. Committee Member Latasa made a motion to adopt a Resolution approving the Sign Permit application with amended Conditions of Approval as follows: Special: 1. That prior to the issuance of Building Permit, the plans shall be revised and submitted to the Planning Office for review and approval and shall reflect the following: a. Revise the Figueroa/Del Monte monument sign remain at its existing height and the LED strip lighting eliminated. The new directory sign shall be illuminated through the use of LED strip lighting located on the interior of the cabinet to indirectly illuminate the sign. b. The new directory sign shall not be illuminated. Committee Member Jacoubowsky seconded the motion. On a motion by Committee Member Latasa, seconded by Committee Member Jacoubowsky, and carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee adopted a Resolution approving the Sign Permit application with amended Conditions of Approval. AYES: 4 MEMBERS: Latasa, Sullivan, Freeman, Jacoubowsky NOES: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSENT: 1 MEMBERS: Dawson ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None RECUSED: 0 MEMBERS: None 6. Consider 698 Laine Street; Sign Permit 13-217 for a New Internally Illuminated Sign; Applicant/Owner Gamal Kalim for St. Mark Coptic Church; R-3-5 Zoning District; Exempt from CEQA Requirements (Continued from June 19, 2013 Meeting) ACTION: Adopted a Resolution approving the Sign Permit application with added Conditions of Approval. Staff Presentation/Committee Member Questions: Christine Hopper presented the Agenda Report and answered Committee Members' questions. Applicant: Gamal Kalim said the church was not aware they needed a permit when they decided to alter the sign. Mr. Kalim said based on input from City Staff and the ARC, the sign was lowered and a more solid base was constructed. He said with the current budgetary constraints facing the church the sign is solely for identification. 3  Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, August 7, 2013 Public Comment: None. Committee Member Comments: Committee Member Jacoubowsky made a motion to adopt a Resolution approving the Sign Permit application with added Conditions of Approval: Special: 5. That the sign face be revised to be more dimensional and high quality and the revised sign face shall be submitted to Staff for review and approval no later than September 6, 2013. 6. The spots of the sign face be removed Committee Member Sullivan said he is disappointed with the bland sign front. Committee Member Freeman concurred but said she understands the financial burden facing the church. Committee Member Latasa said the applicant should work with a professional sign company to produce a more aesthetically pleasing sign. He also expressed support of the Condition of Approval requiring the applicant to submit revised plans for final Planning Staff approval. Committee Member Freeman said the applicant should replace the plexiglass front should be replaced or cleaned. Committee Member Jacoubowsky made a motion to adopt a Resolution approving the Sign Permit application with added Conditions of Approval: Special: 6. That the sign face be either replaced with a new plexiglass sign or the gray spray paint on the surface removed and the revised sign face shall be submitted to Staff for review and approval no later than September 6, 2013. Committee Member Freeman seconded the motion. On a motion by Committee Member Jacoubowsky, seconded by Committee Member Freeman, and carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee adopted a Resolution approving the Sign Permit application with amended Conditions of Approval. AYES: 4 MEMBERS: Latasa, Jacoubowsky, Freeman, Sullivan NOES: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSENT: 1 MEMBERS: Dawson ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None RECUSED: 0 MEMBERS: None 7. Consider 1425 Munras Avenue; Sign Permit 13-232 for New Vehicle-Oriented Freestanding Signs; Applicant Phil Vanderkraats for Signs by Van; Owner Nick Patel; VAF Zoning District; Exempt from CEQA Requirements 4  Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, August 7, 2013 ACTION: Adopted a Resolution approving the proposed signs with Conditions of Approval. Committee Member Freeman seconded the motion. Staff Presentation: Christine Hopper presented the Agenda Report and answered Committee Members' questions. Applicant: Phil Vanderkraats, Signs by Van, said the hotel is virtually invisible from Munras Avenue and this design would draw attention to the hotel and Crazy Horse Restaurant in an aesthetically pleasing manner. He said the unique corner lot and visibility issues justify a third sign. In response to Committee Member Latasa’s question, Mr. Vanderkraats said he would be willing to sacrifice height of the 11 foot high sign if they were able to have three signs on the property. Public Comment: None. Committee Member Comments: Committee Member Jacowbowsky said he does not see anything wrong with a third sign in the proposed location. Committee Member Latasa concurred. Committee Member Sullivan said he supports the idea of maintaining a third sign at the corner but capping the height at eight feet. Committee Member Latasa made a motion to adopt a Resolution approving the proposed signs with Conditions of Approval. Committee Member Freeman seconded the motion. On a motion by Committee Member Latasa, seconded by Committee Member Freeman, and carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee adopted a Resolution approving the proposed signs with Conditions of Approval. Committee Member Freeman seconded the motion. AYES: 4 MEMBERS: Latasa, Jacoubowsky, Sullivan, Freeman NOES: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSENT: 1 MEMBERS: Dawson ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None RECUSED: 0 MEMBERS: None 8. Consider 1500 Mark Thomas Drive (Santa Catalina School); AR Application 13-261 for a New Three-Story Classroom Building (Building #13) and Related Site Improvements; Applicant Richard Patterson; Owner Santa Catalina School; R-1-20 Zoning District; Mitigated Negative Declaration Adopted ACTION: Continued the project to allow the building footprint be staked and an additional field trip be conducted. 5 Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, August 7, 2013 Staff Presentation/Committee Member Questions: Kimberly Cole presented the Agenda Report and answered Committee Members’ questions. Applicant: Richard Patterson, Assistant Head of School, said the Board of Trustees determined that construction of a new building would best serve the goals of the school. Pamela Anderson Brule, said retention of the tree was not feasible given the topographical characteristics of the site. In response to Commissioner Freeman’s question Ms. Brule said the design of this building ties into the various other buildings on campus in that it incorporates white stucco, a colonnade shape, wood soffits and Carmel stone. Public Comment: Peter Silva said he is in support of the project. He said the building s cleverly designed but remains visible from the highway. He said he would like the façade softened and an acoustic report. Committee Member Comments: Committee Member Freeman said she enjoys the use of Carmel stone as it minimized the separation between the two distinct architectural styles on the campus. Committee Member Jacoubowsky said he is not in favor of the modern architectural style for the site. Committee Member Latasa said the topography allows for little movement of the building to allow retention of the 48” Oak tree. Committee Member Latasa made a motion that the Architectural Review Committee continue the project to allow the building footprint to be staked and an additional field trip be conducted. Committee Member Freeman seconded the motion. On a motion by Committee Member Latasa, seconded by Committee Member Freeman, and carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee continued the project to allow the building footprint be staked and an additional field trip be conducted. AYES: 4 MEMBERS: Latasa, Jacoubowsky, Freeman, Sullivan NOES: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSENT: 1 MEMBERS: Dawson ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None RECUSED: 0 MEMBERS: None The afternoon session adjourned at 6:08 pm. RECONVENE ***Evening Session Agenda*** 7:00 - 11:00 p.m. 6  Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, August 7, 2013 Chair Sullivan called the evening session to order at 7:01 pm 9. Consider 1001 Hellam Street; AR Application 12-290 for a Remodel and Addition to an Existing Single Family Dwelling; Applicant/Owner Elizabeth LaBonte; R-1-6 Zoning District; Exempt from CEQA Requirements ACTION: Adopted a Resolution approving Preliminary Review with amended Conditions of Approval. Staff Report/Committee Member Questions: Kimberly Cole presented the Agenda Report and answered Committee Members' questions. Applicant: Aaron Johnson, on behalf of the Labonte family (applicant), said they have mitigated the privacy issues and complied with the ARC recommendations. He said they have pulled back the second story deck by an additional three feet, set back the garage deck an additional 3.5 feet, reduced the roof element over the entrance by 1.41 ft and dropped the roof ridge from 240.21 to 238.8. Greg Hietzler, the designer for the project, said the original roof pitch was 2:12. Public Comment: Christine Kemp, land use attorney for the Mercurios, said the roof was constructed without ARC review and retroactively denied due to unreasonable view impacts to the Mercurios. She said if this project is approved today today the Mercurios view and privacy will be significantly impacted. Ms. Kemp said this is due in large part to incorrect information, in regards to the original roof height, submitted to City Staff. She said they have no objection to the second story which eliminates 30% of Mercurio’s view, but they have a significant problem with the portico element and roof deck which would result in a loss of 70% of their view. Ms. Kemp requested the ARC require the roof top deck be moved to the front of the house and the deck be pulled back and the portico area be lower to 2:12. Ms. Kemp these three alterations would create an ideal situation for all parties involved. Angeli Mercurio, property owner of 1007 Hellam, said the proposed project creates views and added property value to the Labonte’s home and takes away views and value of her home. She said the roof top deck also creates privacy issues. Ms. Mercurio requested the ARC approve the project with the alterations suggested by Christine Kemp. Steve Mickle, contractor, said the original roof pitch was 2:12 and this was confirmed by three surveyors. Nagi Hanna, property owner of 1008 West Franklin Street, said the ARC has attempted to preserve the views from the property at 1007 Hellam Street, but in doing so have significantly impacted his view in his front room, game room and porch area. Mr. Mercurio, owner of 1007 Hellam Street, said he has been on the defense in attempts to preserve his view and the process has resulted in significant energy and cost to him and his family. He said at one time his children were able to see his boat in the bay from their home. Mr. Mercurio said this decision will dictate how he and his wife live for the years to come and urged the ARC to follow the prior guidance of City Council. 7 Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, August 7, 2013 Liz Labonte said her family has been very accommodating and have complied with all decisions throughout this ordeal. Vince Dorio, general contractor, said he did work on the addition to the residence at 1007 Hellam Street 12 years ago and their view was panoramic. He said today that view is blocked. John Pisto said he is here to speak for his nephew Sam Mercurio. He said his nephew is a victim. Mr. Pisto said this situation is a result of back room deals with the Planning Office and questioned why the issuance of a Permit in fault was never investigated. Committee Member Comments: Committee Member Sullivan said the roof as well as the roof pitch should be dropped to the original 237.71 height and said the upper deck can be pulled to the front of the property. Committee Member Latasa said it does not appear as though there is a total loss of view from the property of 1008 West Franklin Street. Committee Member Jacoubowsky said he is not in support of including a deed restriction in the Conditions of Approval. Committee Member Sullivan said he does not favor the 2:12 roof pitch and said the ridge height should be set at 237.71 and the upper floor deck could be set further into the second story. Committee Member Sullivan made a motion to adopt a Resolution approving Preliminary Architectural Review with amended Conditions of Approval as follows: 5. The deck located above the garage shall have an increased setback from Hellam Street of an additional 8’. 6. The second-story deck shall have an increased setback of 3’ from 1007 Hellam and 4’ from Hellam Street. 7. The roof pitch over the main portion of the roof shall be a 2:12 pitch. The pitch over the roof portico shall be defined by a ridge height of 237.71. 8. The applicant shall prepare a deed restriction for City staff review and approval so as to ensure that no deck furniture, vegetation, fencing, etc. extend above the deck railing. The deed restriction shall be recorded prior to issuance of a Building Permit. Committee Member Latasa seconded the motion. On a motion by Committee Member Sullivan, seconded by Committee Member Latasa, and carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee adopted a Resolution approving preliminary review with amended Conditions of Approval. AYES: 3 MEMBERS: Latasa, Jacoubowsky, Sullivan NOES: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSENT: 1 MEMBERS: Dawson, 8  Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, August 7, 2013 ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None RECUSED: 1 MEMBERS: Freeman 10. Consider Recommendation to City Council to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration and Adopt the Downtown Specific Plan ACTION: Continued the Downtown Specific Plan to the August 21, 2013 meeting to allow further Review. Staff Report/Committee Member Questions: Kimberly Cole presented the Agenda Report and answered Committee Members' questions. Public Comment: Nelson Vega, Commercial Property Owners Association, said the Downtown Specific Plan is not perfect but it is a long overdue improvement for the downtown area. Jerry Anderson, Saucito Land Company, said he has been an avid participant of the public hearing process and would like to see the plan adopted. However, he said he is concerned with the closure of Polk Street, the traffic link at Jefferson Street and Tyler Street, and the future of Bonafacio Place He commended Planning Staff for their hard work. Tom Mangold, property owner on Polk Street and Calle Principal, said he is support of the general idea of the Downtown Specific Plan but not in favor of the closure of Polk Street or the use of traffic circles. Committee Member Comments: Committee Member Freeman made a motion to continue the Downtown Specific Plan to the August 21, 2013 meeting to allow further review. Committee Member Latasa seconded the motion. On a motion by Committee Member Freeman, seconded by Committee Member Latasa, and carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee adopted a Resolution approving preliminary review with amended Conditions of Approval. AYES: 4 MEMBERS: Latasa, Jacoubowsky, Sullivan, Freeman NOES: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSENT: 1 MEMBERS: Dawson ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None RECUSED: 0 MEMBERS: None CONTINUED PUBLIC COMMENTS COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS None. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS 9 Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, August 7, 2013 None. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:52 PM. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Chair Architectural Review Committee 10