Architectural Review Committee Meeting

MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE Wednesday, November 20, 2013 AFTERNOON SESSION ONLY 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm FEW MEMORIAL HALL OF RECORDS, COUNCIL CHAMBERS MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Members Present: Sullivan, Latasa, Dawson, Freeman (4:02 pm), Jacoubowsky, Silva Members Absent: Kimzey Staff Members Present: Principal Planner Cole, Principal Planner Kinison Brown, Senior Planner Hopper, Senior Planner Bennett, Recording Secretary Nelson CALL TO ORDER Chair Sullivan called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm. Approval of Minutes 1. November 6, 2013 ACTION: Approved as submitted. CONSENT ITEMS At the request of a member of the public, item #3 was removed from the Consent Agenda. 2. Consider 1001 Hellam Street; Revisions to Preliminary AR Application 12-290 to Remodel and Add onto a Single-Family Dwelling; Applicant/Owner Elizabeth LaBonte; R-1-6 Zoning District; Exempt from CEQA Requirements ACTION: Adopted a Resolution approving revisions to Preliminary Architectural Review Permit 12-290 to remodel and add onto a single-family dwelling at 1001 Hellam Street with additional Conditions of Approval Committee Member Dawson, Committee Member Freeman, and Committee Member Silva recused themselves from item #2 of the Consent Agenda. Kimberly Cole suggested that finding #2 under Recommendations on page two of the Resolution be changed from “roof portico element” to the “roof ridge over the first story” for clarification. She also said special condition #6 regarding appeals in the Resolution can be eliminated as both parties have withdrawn their appeals. Ms. Cole suggested that Special Condition #8 will have the wording modified to say “roof elevations will be confirmed by a surveyor as part of the framing inspection during construction.” Ms. Kemp, attorney for the Mercurios, said she is agreeable with the staff report as revised.  Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, November 20, 2013 Ms. Cole clarified that the only Committee Members eligible to vote on the item are Committee Member Jacoubowsky, Committee Member Latasa, and Committee Member Sullivan. Committee Member Sullivan made a motion to adopt a Resolution approving revisions to Preliminary Architectural Review Permit 12-290 to remodel and add onto a single-family dwelling at 1001 Hellam Street with the modified Conditions of Approval as follows: 2. “Roof portico element” will be changed to “roof ridge over the first story” 6. Special Condition #6 will be eliminated 8. During construction (once roof framing is completed), the roof heights will be verified by a surveyor to confirm the heights match the approved plans, before further building occurs. 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 revisions to Preliminary Architectural Review Permit 12-290 to remodel and add onto a single-family dwelling at 1001 Hellam Street with added Conditions of Approval: AYES: 3 MEMBERS: Sullivan, Latasa, Jacoubowsky NOES: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSENT: 1 MEMBERS: Kimzey ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None RECUSED: 3 MEMBERS: Dawson, Freeman, Silva 4. Consider 5 Harris Court; Sign Permit Application 13-457 to Install Two Wall Mounted Business Identification Signs; Applicant Anjanette Adams for Monterey Signs; Owner Monterey Peninsula Water Management District; I-R-150-D2 Industrial, Administration, and Research District, Design and Development Control Overlay District; Exempt From CEQA Requirements ACTION: Adopted a Resolution approving a Sign Permit for two new wall mounted signs with Conditions of Approval. 5. Consider 1288 Munras Avenue; AR Application 13-443 to Remove Existing Wood Shake Roof and Replace with Round Clay Tile at Days Inn; Applicant Scudder Solar Energy Systems; Owner Nilam Patel for Hotels of Monterey Peninsula LLC; VAF Visitor Accommodation Facility Zoning District; Exempt From CEQA Requirements ACTION: Adopted a Resolution approving a change in roof design and architectural treatment for the Days Inn with Conditions of Approval. On a motion by Committee Member Sullivan, seconded by Committee Member Latasa, and carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee approved the CONSENT ITEMS: AYES: 6 MEMBERS: Sullivan, Latasa, Dawson, Freeman, Jacoubowsky, Silva NOES: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSENT: 1 MEMBERS: Kimzey ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None 2  Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, November 20, 2013 RECUSED: 0 MEMBERS: None ***End of Consent Agenda*** 3. Consider 409 Alvarado; AR Application 13-483 to Install Umbrellas in the Outside Patio Area; Applicant: Don Desai (Caffe Trieste); Owner City of Monterey; C-2 Zoning District; Exempt from CEQA Requirements ACTION: Continued to December 4, 2013 to allow the applicant time to construct a mock- up for the December 2, 2013 ARC field trip. Staff Presentation/Committee Member Questions: Ms. Cole presented the agenda report and answered Committee Members’ questions. Applicant: No applicant present. Public Comments: Waren Dewey, owner of Golden State Theater, said that he and his tenant at Sushi Moto are concerned the proposed umbrellas will block their signs. He also said that he was unaware of meeting and would like more time to review the proposed umbrella placement. Committee Member Comments: In response to Committee Member Latasa’s question, Ms. Cole said public noticing was done as a courtesy to property owners within 300 feet but was not required. Committee Member Freeman said she liked the original yellow color does not support the burgundy color of the umbrellas, and that a brighter color that compliments the brick but does not blend in would be appropriate. Chair Sullivan concurred that yellow would be a more lively option that would call attention to the business. In response to Chair Sullivan’s question, Ms. Cole said that staff chose the burgundy color out of the four colors submitted because it would blend with the building and not stand out. Committee Member Sullivan said the neighboring properties should be allowed an opportunity to see if the umbrellas block their businesses. Committee Member Silva concurred. Committee Member Dawson said view impacts of the umbrella from both directions should be considered since Alvarado Street may have two-way traffic in the future. Committee Member Silva said he likes all four of the proposed umbrella colors and that it may be appropriate to leave color choice to the applicant’s discretion. Committee Member Jacoubowsky was not in favor of dark color umbrellas and said the color should contrast from the building. Committee Member Latasa made a motion to continue the item to December 4, 2013 to allow the applicant time to construct a mock-up for the December 2, 2013 ARC field trip. On a motion by Committee Member Latasa, seconded by Committee Member Dawson, and carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee continue the item to 3  Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, November 20, 2013 December 4, 2013 to allow the applicant time to construct a mock-up for the December 2, 2013 ARC field trip: AYES: 6 MEMBERS: Sullivan, Latasa, Dawson, Freeman, Jacoubowsky, Silva NOES: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSENT: 1 MEMBERS: Kimzey ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None RECUSED: 0 MEMBERS: None PUBLIC COMMENTS None. PUBLIC APPEARANCE 6. Consider 1501 Hoffman Avenue; AR Application 13-256 for First and Second Floor Additions to An Existing Single-Story Single Family Dwelling; Applicants Toni & Dennis Hibbs; Owner Sonstar Enterprises, LLC; R-1-5 Zoning District; Exempt from CEQA Requirements ACTION: Adopted a Resolution approving Preliminary Architectural Review for a two- story addition and exterior alterations to a single-family residence with added Conditions of Approval. Staff Presentation/Committee Member Questions: Mr. Bennett presented the Agenda Report and answered Committee Members’ questions. Applicant: Toni Hibbs, owner, said that the proposed project would add an attached garage and a bedroom with a balcony. She said the garage door will have windows to provide natural lighting and that the project will enhance the neighborhood. Alan Lehman, designer, said that the home is currently very small, and they are proposing the second story over the garage to add more living space. He also said that the design is not overpowering and stands on its own. In response to Vice Chair Latasa’s question, Mr. Lehman said the raised area on the roof and stone columns will open up the space to make it feel welcoming and balance the addition. In response to Chair Sullivan’s question, Ms. Hibbs said that all of the outside buildings shown on the plans will be demolished. In response to Committee Member Silva’s question, Ms. Hibbs said that the current fence will remain but 30-40% of it will be removed. In response to Committee Member Freeman’s question, Ms. Hibbs said the front of the house will be exposed and visible from the street. Public Comments: Sharon Dwight said that a second story height of 14 feet above the floor level is not necessary and will cause view impacts for the neighbor diagonally across the street. She suggested 4  Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, November 20, 2013 lowering the roof and entry height. She also expressed concern about additional soil that has been placed in the area near the public walkway causing erosion. Committee Member Comments: In response to Committee Member Dawson’s question, Mr. Bennett said that the proposed structure is 24 feet three inches and falls below the height limit. Committee Member Jacoubowsky said he supports the project and that it would complement the unique architecture in New Monterey. Committee Member Freeman concurred. Committee Member Silva said that fiberglass windows should be used instead of vinyl and that the garage door should not include windows. He also said the portico share would likely be shaded most of the time because it is on the north side. In response to Committee Member Dawson’s question, Mr. Bennett said there is nothing in the plans to ensure a holdback for the soil next to the walkway, but said a Condition of Approval can be added to keep dirt from eroding onto the walkway. Vice Chair Latasa complimented the applicants on the design of the house and said he supports the vaulted element and the portico added for balance. Committee Member Jacoubowsky made a motion to adopt a Resolution approving Preliminary Architectural Review for a two-story addition and exterior alterations to a single-family residence with added Conditions of Approval as follows:  A retaining block/wall will be constructed near the Hoffman Avenue DG path On a motion by Committee Member Jacoubowsky, seconded by Committee Member Dawson, and carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee Adopted a Resolution approving Preliminary Architectural Review for a two-story addition and exterior alterations to a single-family residence with added Conditions of Approval: AYES: 6 MEMBERS: Sullivan, Latasa, Dawson, Freeman, Jacoubowsky, Silva NOES: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSENT: 1 MEMBERS: Kimzey ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None RECUSED: 0 MEMBERS: None 7. Consider 820 Casanova Avenue; AR Application 13-262 for the Installation of a Perimeter Fence; Applicant Bill Phillips for the Terra Vista Homeowners Association; Owner Cypress Park Homeowners Association; R-3-20 Zoning District; Exempt from CEQA Requirements ACTION: Adopted a Resolution requiring that the six foot tall aluminum picket fence be moved approximately three feet towards the middle of the site with new landscaping to be planted between the back of sidewalk and new with added Conditions of Approval. Staff Presentation/Committee Member Questions: Mr. Bennett presented the Agenda Report and answered Committee Members’ questions. 5 Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, November 20, 2013 Applicant: Eddie Hurt, architect, said that the drawing provided to the Committee Members in the packet is an as-built drawing. Bill Phillips, Cypress Park Condominium Owners Association, said that the decision made by the ARC will affect the finances of the homeowners and that moving the fence would cost $4000-$6000 and cause a trip hazard due to the slope. He said the cyclone fence and aluminum fence with electronic gate were installed to increase security and prevent insurance liability issues of pedestrians cutting through the property. In response to Committee Member Silva’s question, Mr. Phillips said there are 128 total owners on the property and about 67% are first time homeowners. In response to Chair Sullivan’s question, Mr. Phillips said it would cost around $10,000 to continue the aluminum fence around the property. In response to Committee Member Freeman’s question, Mr. Phillips said that the main view of the property is from Casanova Avenue and that the cyclone fence is ties in with the neighboring City property. Public Comments: Robert Yoha, resident of 342 Euclid Avenue, said that the cyclone fence gives the appearance of two separate properties at 820 Casanova Avenue, takes away from the open feeling of the neighborhood and is not an appropriate fencing material for a residential neighborhood. He said there is significant level ground to set back the fence three feet and that he supports staff’s recommendation as a compromise. Charles Vale, 820 Casanova Home Owner Association Board, said that installation of the fence and gates stopped pedestrians from cutting through the property and prevented the illegal parking of vehicles. He also said that moving the fence three feet could cause a dangerous drop off for pedestrians in the area. Mr. Vale said that City guidelines were followed when installing the fence so it is frustrating to now have to make modifications. Committee Member Comments: Committee Member Silva said that he appreciates the applicant’s due diligence in working with the staff, but that the installation of the cyclone fence is an affront to the neighborhood. Committee Member Dawson said he would prefer an aluminum fence around the whole complex and that splitting the cost among all the homeowners would not be a significant financial impact. Freeman concurred. Vice Chair Latasa said that the importance of landscaping and fencing described by the City Council in 1983 should be upheld today. Committee Member Jacoubowsky said he supports the staff recommendation of moving the fence with the added condition that vines are grown on the fence. Chair Sullivan said that he supports the staff’s recommendation because it is an improvement and compromise. Committee Member Silva made a motion to adopted a Resolution requiring that the six foot tall aluminum picket fence be moved approximately three feet towards the middle of the site with 6  Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, November 20, 2013 new landscaping to be planted between the back of sidewalk and new fence Conditions of Approval:  That a landscape plan incorporating drought tolerant and native plants and exact location of the fence be submitted for staff review On a motion by Committee Member Silva, seconded by Committee Member Latasa, and carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee Adopted a Resolution requiring that the six foot tall aluminum picket fence be moved approximately three feet towards the middle of the site with new landscaping to be planted between the back of sidewalk with added Conditions of Approval: AYES: 5 MEMBERS: Sullivan, Latasa, Dawson, Freeman, Silva NOES: 1 MEMBERS: Jacoubowsky ABSENT: 1 MEMBERS: Kimzey ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None RECUSED: 0 MEMBERS: None 8. Consider 2090 North Fremont Street (Beverly's Fabrics); Sign Permit 13-358 for Two Externally-Illuminated Wall Signs, One Internally-Illuminated Vehicle-Oriented Freestanding Sign and One Internally-Illuminated Awning Sign; Applicant Dylan Rivera for SignWorks; Owner Freemont Properties, Inc. dba Monterey Bldng.; C-2 Zoning District; Exempt From CEQA Requirements ACTION: Continued to the December 18, 2013 Architectural Review Committee meeting to allow the applicant to incorporate the four suggestions made in the Staff Report. Staff Presentation/Committee Member Questions: Ms. Hopper presented the Agenda Report and answered Committee Member questions. Applicant: Dylan Rivera, Signworks on behalf of Beverly’s Fabrics, said that the sign was to conform with company branding and due to cracking of the previous signs. He confirmed that the owners did not realize that changing the sign faces required a permit and also said he would like to work with the Committee to meet the needs of the City in a timely and cost effective manner. Committee Member Freeman asked if there is any leeway framing the sign so it would stand out from the building and suggested block glass or a border. Committee Member Silva said that using channel, similar to Turn12, would give the sign on Beverly’s some shape and character as opposed to the sign cabinets. Mr. Rivera said that they could route out the letters to make them protrude from the sign. Public Comments: Sharon Dwight, said that signs need to be present on Casa Verde and North Fremont Street since the building is a unique industrial building. She said that signage is needed on all sides to identify the building. Committee Member Comments: 7  Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, November 20, 2013 Dawson said it would be useful for staff to have a presentation with sign companies in the area to let them know what’s acceptable, especially with the recent code change. Ms. Hopper said that the sign companies in the area are usually very good about advising clients of need for permit. She also said that Planning Staff is looking into creating some sort of documentation to provide to business associations. Jacoubowsky said the awning sign is inappropriate and not readable from the street. He thinks that just the word Beverly’s is acceptable and not having all the additional words. Committee Member Silva said staff did an excellent job of advising the Committee Members of options. He also said he supports making the sign more attractive and interesting given that the building may be historic. Committee Member Freeman made a motion to continue the item to the December 18, 2013 Architectural Review Committee meeting to allow the applicant to incorporate the four suggestions made in the Staff Report. On a motion by Committee Member Freeman, seconded by Committee Member Jacoubowsky, and carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee continued the item to the December 18, 2013 Architectural Review Committee meeting to allow the applicant to incorporate the four suggestions made in the Staff Report: AYES: 6 MEMBERS: Sullivan, Latasa, Dawson, Freeman, Jacoubowsky, Silva NOES: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSENT: 1 MEMBERS: Kimzey ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None RECUSED: 0 MEMBERS: None 9. Consider 2000 David Avenue; Appeal 13-445 of City Forester Decision to Deny Tree Removal Within a 33 Unit Apartment Complex; Applicant Nelson Vega; Owner William R. Bickel Et Al; R-3-5 Residential Medium Density Multifamily Dwelling District; Exempt From CEQA Requirements ACTION: Adopted a Resolution denying the request to remove two pine trees. Staff Presentation/Committee Member Questions: Mr. Kinison Brown presented the Agenda Report and answered Committee Member Questions. City Forester Robert Reid gave a presentation and answered Committee Members’ questions. He said that time was spent analyzing the trees from different levels of the apartment complex. He also said that he only deals with the health of the trees, which he considers to be healthy and stable, so he denied the tree removal application and referred it to the ARC for review. In response to Committee Member Silva’s question, Mr. Reid said that he did not see any direct evidence of the tree roots damaging the wall and that the tree has likely adapted to its location. He also said that the size of the tree canopy is not necessarily reflective of the size of the root system. In response to Committee Member Jacoubowsky’s question, Mr. Reid said that he did not investigate whether the wall could be repaired without damaging the tree. 8 Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, November 20, 2013 In response to Committee Member Silva’s comment regarding the effect of effervescence on the wall, Mr. Reid said he does not have knowledge in that area being that he is not an engineer. Applicant: Nelson Vega, applicant, said that although the two trees proposed for removal are healthy they have grown very large and are too close to the wall. He also said that a new drain field is needed at the bottom of the wall and which would require removing five to six feet of ground and roots from the area, which would likely kill the trees. Mr. Vega said that the only option is to remove the trees and that it would be a burden to require the property owner to do repair work without removing the trees, putting the surrounding neighbors in danger. He also said he is willing to plant replacement trees. Steve Mayone, structural engineer, said that the trees have grown to be a nuisance on the buildings and he has had experience with seemingly healthy Monterey Pines falling on houses. He said he has looked at all the options and does not know how to address the drainage behind the wall without digging which will destabilize the trees. He also said the main goal is maintenance and being proactive in preventing the wall from buckling in the future. Steve Mickel, Mickel Construction, said he is very experienced with retaining and basement walls and the only way to waterproof the wall is from the bottom. He said at least four feet of room is necessary for shoring and workers. He also said that he supports trees, but leaving the tree and digging to fix the wall will create a safety hazard. In response to Committee Member Dawson’s question, Mr. Mickel said that drilling at the base of the wall to resolve the efflorescence issue is not an option because it would cause water to spill on the floor of the carports and decrease property value. Public Comments: Sharon Dwight, president of New Monterey Neighborhood Association, said the New Monterey Area Plan requires that prominent, healthy trees, such as the two on David Avenue, are retained. She also said that any tree has the possibility of falling, and that since the area is an urban forest the trees to be worked with and not removed since new trees take many years to mature. Committee Member Comments: Committee Member Jacoubowsky said that the wall should be fixed correctly and questioned whether the tree would be severely damaged with four feet of excavation. Chair Sullivan said that some exploration may be needed to investigate the geometry and location of the tree roots. Vice Chair Latasa said that that he supports the applicant’s request and sufficient concern and anxiety have been demonstrated to warrant removal of the two trees. Chair Sullivan supports Mr. Reid’s opinion that trees can adapt to their environment and said he cannot support the appeal without additional information. Committee Member Silva concurred. Chair Sullivan reopened applicant comments. Mr. Mayone said that the tree is so healthy due to the water in the area and in the wall. Chair Sullivan reopened public comments. Ms. Dwight said that the deterioration of the wall may be due to the construction of the property and not the tree. 9 Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, November 20, 2013 In response to Committee Member Silva’s question, City Forester Reid said that an exploratory dig could be conducted to get a better understanding of the soil and location of roots. In response to Committee Member Silva’s second question, Mr. Mayone said exploratory digging would not impact the wall. In response to Chair Sullivan’s question, City Forester Reid said exploratory digging could be done by a construction team with the supervision of a forester. Committee Member Silva made a motion for the applicant to do exploratory work to better define the growth of the roots followed up with an evaluation by the City Forester. Mr. Vega said that he would prefer a denial from the ARC so he could bring his appeal before the Planning Commission. On a motion by Committee Member Jacoubowsky, seconded by Committee Member Dawson, and carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee adopted a resolution denying the request to remove two pine trees: AYES: 4 MEMBERS: Sullivan, Dawson, Freeman, Jacoubowsky NOES: 2 MEMBERS: Latasa, Silva ABSENT: 1 MEMBERS: Kimzey ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None RECUSED: 0 MEMBERS: None COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS None. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS Mr. Kinison Brown confirmed that the Committee prefers holding their meeting from 4:00- 7:00 pm without a break. Mr. Kinison Brown also said that he will bring a draft of the end of year summary to the City Council for Chair Sullivan's review at the December 4, 2013 meeting. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 7:17 pm. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Taven M. Kinison Brown Chair Principal Planner Architectural Review Committee 10