Architectural Review Committee Meeting

MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE Wednesday, February 5, 2014 AFTERNOON SESSION ONLY 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm FEW MEMORIAL HALL OF RECORDS, COUNCIL CHAMBERS 580 PACIFIC STREET MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Members Present: Latasa, Freeman, Dawson, Kimzey, Silva, Sullivan Members Absent: None Staff Members Present: Principal Planner Cole, Principal Planner Kinison Brown, Senior Associate Planner Hopper, City Forester Reid, Recording Secretary Nelson CALL TO ORDER Chair Latasa called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm. CONSENT ITEMS Chair Latasa said Staff requested to remove item #2 from the Consent Agenda. Committee Member Dawson recused himself from item #4. On a motion by Committee Member Dawson, seconded by Committee Member Sullivan, and carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee approved the CONSENT ITEMS, except item #2 which was removed from the Consent Agenda: AYES: 6 MEMBERS: Latasa, Freeman, Dawson, Kimzey, Silva, Sullivan NOES: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSENT: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None RECUSED: 0 MEMBERS: None Approval of Minutes 1. January 15, 2014 ACTION: Approved as submitted. Other Consent Items 2. Consider 50 Wharf #1 (Dominico's on the Wharf); Sign Permit 13-530 for Outdoor Display of One King Crab Pot; Applicant Vince Dorio for Dominico's; Owner City of Monterey; Exempt from CEQA Requirements ACTION: Removed from Consent Agenda; Adopted a Resolution approving a Sign Permit for outdoor display of one King crab pot with Conditions of Approval. Staff Presentation/Committee Member Questions Christine Hopper presented the Agenda Report and answered Committee Members’  Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, February 5, 2014 questions. Applicant Vince Dorio, applicant, was present but did not address the Committee. Public Comments None. Committee Member Comments Committee Member Kimzey said if the Planning Commission (PC) defined the crab pots as attention getting devices, the ARC is required to uphold that decision and deny the present application. In response to Committee Member Kimzey’s question, Ms. Hopper said the PC determined that the crab pots should be reviewed and treated as signs and not attention getting devices. In response to Committee Member Sullivan’s question, Ms. Hopper said the City’s Code Enforcement Officer will be working with Wharf tenants in general to ensure compliance and that violation of City Code is subject to citation. Committee Member Dawson made a motion to adopt a Resolution approving a Sign Permit for outdoor display of one King crab pot with Conditions of Approval. On a motion by Committee Member Dawson, seconded by Committee Member Silva, and carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee adopted a Resolution approving a Sign Permit for outdoor display of one King crab pot with Conditions of Approval: AYES: 6 MEMBERS: Latasa, Freeman, Dawson, Kimzey, Silva, Sullivan NOES: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSENT: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None RECUSED: 0 MEMBERS: None 3. Consider 15 Wharf #1 (Oceanfront); Wharf Permit 14-037 to Reopen Wharf Permit 12-366 for Exterior Alterations; Applicant Joe Anastasia; Owner City of Monterey; Exempt from CEQA Requirements ACTION: Adopted a Resolution approving Wharf Permit 14-037 to Reopen Wharf Permit 12-366 for Exterior Alterations with Conditions of Approval. 4 Consider 820 Via Mirada; AR Application P-13-557 to Remodel a Master Bedroom and Bath and Add a New 182 Square Foot Master Bathroom and Sitting Room; Applicant Gary Stowe; Owner Joseph and Amy Rheim; RE-20-D1 Residential Estate District and Design and Development Control Overlay District; Exempt from CEQA Requirements ACTION: Adopted a Resolution approving Preliminary and Final Architectural Review for the 182 square foot addition at 820 Via Mirada with Conditions of Approval (with Committee Member Dawson recusing himself). 2  Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, February 5, 2014 5. Consider 886 Cannery Row (Monterey Bay Aquarium); Sign Permit 14-022 for Outdoor Display; Applicant/ Owner Monterey Bay Aquarium; Cannery Row Zoning District; Exempt from CEQA Requirements ACTION: Adopted a Resolution approving a temporary outdoor display at 886 Cannery Row. 6. Consider 936 Munras Avenue (Inn by the Bay); Sign Permit 13-562 for Free Standing Vehicle Oriented Signs; Applicant/Owner Hermalatta and Nisha Patel; Visitor Accommodation Facility Design and Development Overlay (VAF-D2) Zoning District; Exempt from CEQA Requirements ACTION: Adopted a Resolution approving two free standing vehicle oriented signs at 936 Munras Avenue. 7. Consider 401 Pearl Street (Jacks Park) and Hermann Drive (Via Paraiso Park); Architectural Review Permit 14-008 for Replacement Scoreboards; Applicant Scott Leavenworth (Monterey PONY League); Owner City of Monterey; Planned Community Downtown (PC-D) and Open (O) Space Zoning Districts; Exempt from CEQA ACTION: Adopted a Resolution approving replacement scoreboards at 401 Pearl Street (Jacks Park) and Hermann Drive (Via Paraiso Park). ***End of Consent Agenda*** PUBLIC COMMENTS None. PUBLIC APPEARANCE 8. Consider 100 Fernwood Avenue; Appeal 13-565 of City Forester Decision to Deny Tree Removal; Applicant/Owner Sally Calabrese; R-1-8 Single Family District; Exempt From CEQA Requirements ACTION: Adopted a Resolution denying the Applicant’s request to overturn a City Forester decision to deny tree removal permits. Staff Presentation/Committee Member Questions Kimberly Cole presented the Agenda Report and answered Committee Members’ Questions. City Forester Robert Reid was also present and answered Committee Members’ questions. Applicant Sally Calabrese, applicant/owner, said the trees have caused her stress and that one of the tree roots has penetrated the corner of her house. She also said the trees are beautiful but will continue to cause destruction so she would like to remove and replace them with something more appropriate. Public Comments None. Committee Member Comments Committee Member Silva said he has mixed feelings about the tree removal request due 3 Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, February 5, 2014 to the contradicting reports by the licensed structural engineer and Mr. Reid. Vice Chair Freeman said she supports the trees because they create a beautiful aesthetic, but that mitigating root creeping would be a continual expense and removal of the trees may be necessary due to the cost and the anxiety of the applicant. Committee Member Sullivan said he does not support removal of the trees and that they should be monitored and removed in the future if they continue to cause an impact. Chair Latasa said he supports tree removal when there is a possibility of structural damage, but the trees lean away from the house and maintenance of walkways is an issue that any homeowner could face. Committee Member Kimzey agreed that the trees appear to lean away from the house and said he does not support their removal because they are visually prominent. Committee Member Dawson made a motion adopt a Resolution granting the applicant’s request to overturn a City Forester decision to deny tree removal permits. Vice Chair Freeman seconded the motion. Committee Member Silva said he supports the motion because of the high concern of toppling expressed by the engineer, and suggested a Condition of Approval be added requiring the trees be replaced in kind. Committee Member Dawson agreed the added Condition of replacement trees, but said ornamental trees should be used instead of pines or redwoods. Motion seconder, Vice Chair Freeman, agreed to the added Condition proposed by Committee Member Dawson. Committee Member Silva said he does not support the motion if it is possible to monitor the tree roots at 24 inches below the surface. Committee Member Dawson made a motion adopt a Resolution granting the applicant’s request to overturn a City Forester decision to deny tree removal permits with the added Condition of Approval as follows: 1. The removed trees shall be replaced with ornamental trees. On a motion by Committee Member Dawson, seconded by Committee Member Freeman, and carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee moved to adopt a Resolution approving the applicant’s request to overturn a City Forester decision to deny tree removal permits with added Conditions of Approval: AYES: 2 MEMBERS: Freeman, Dawson NOES: 4 MEMBERS: Latasa, Kimzey, Silva, Sullivan ABSENT: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None RECUSED: 0 MEMBERS: None The motion failed. Committee Member Silva made a motion to adopt a Resolution denying the applicant’s request to overturn a City Forester decision to deny tree removal permits. 4  Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, February 5, 2014 On a motion by Committee Member Silva, seconded by Committee Member Sullivan, and carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee adopted a Resolution denying the applicant’s request to overturn a City Forester decision to deny tree removal permits: AYES: 4 MEMBERS: Latasa, Kimzey, Silva, Sullivan NOES: 2 MEMBERS: Freeman, Dawson ABSENT: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None RECUSED: 0 MEMBERS: None 9. Consider 2401 Del Monte Avenue (Conversion of La Quinta Inn to Hampton Inn); Sign Permit 13-494 for Four Internally Illuminated Vehicle-Oriented Freestanding Signs and Two Halo-lit Wall Signs; Applicant James McCord, AIA; Owner Del Monte Hospitality, LLC.; VAF Zoning District; Exempt from CEQA Requirements ACTION: Adopted a Resolution approving four of the six signs with Amended Conditions of Approval Staff Presentation/Committee Member Questions Ms. Hopper presented the Agenda Report and answered Committee Members’ questions. Applicant Jim McCord, applicant, said that he and the property owner are in the process of rebranding the property from a La Quinta Inn to a Hampton Inn to increase revenue, and that each brand has requirements of the types of signs and services allowed. He also said that many people are unable to find the hotel due to the roof being below view from Highway 1 and inaccurate mapping programs. Mr. McCord also said that the hotel is in a difficult position because both Holiday Inn Express and Embassy Suites have visible signs from the freeway so guests unable to find the Hampton Inn stay there instead. In response to Vice Chair Freeman’s question, Mr. McCord said they have not considered changing the address for GPS and mapping programs as the property has had the same address for a long time and it would not be good for public relations. In response to Committee Member Kimzey’s question, Mr. McCord said he has not worked on any proposal to more closely meet City guidelines because the only signs allowed are pedestrian oriented and non-building mounted. In response to Committee Member Silva’s question, Tejal Sood, property owner, said when guests call the hotel they are given correct driving directions, however many times guests book online and rely solely on mapping programs for directions. She also said the Hampton Inn will not allow any other directions besides Google Maps on their website, which sends guests to the wrong location. Ms. Sood said the hotel is also difficult to find because the site is depressed and the landscaping blocks signage. In response to Committee Member Dawson’s question, Mr. McCord said he did not propose Sign A on the side panel to replace the existing sign is because the script would have to be very small and illegible. Public Comments None. 5  Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, February 5, 2014 Committee Member Comments Committee Member Dawson said the applicant is in an unfortunate situation and that the he should explore putting a monument sign on the corner of Del Monte Avenue. Committee Member Sullivan said he supports the idea of a monument sign on Del Monte Avenue. Vice Chair Freeman said that the location is very difficult given the lake, trees, and coastal trail. She also said she agrees with staff’s recommendation, but that the ARC should compromise on the building signage since it does not face the Highway 1 and is at a distance from Highway 218. Committee Member Silva said he supports a compromise to allow a more prominent sign and that a sign on the corner of Del Monte will not resolve the way finding issue. Committee Member Sullivan said he supports a compromise on the height of Sign A, but does not support a pole sign or a sign facing Highway 1. Committee Member Kimzey said the application should be continued to allow the applicant and the City time to have a deeper discussion and reach a compromise. Chair Latasa said that allowing Sign A is a reasonable compromise. Committee Member Sullivan said a building as large as the hotel should be allowed some sort of signage on its wall. Committee Member Dawson made a motion to adopt a Resolution approving four of the six signs with findings that Sign A is primarily directed towards Roberts Avenue and that the building is lower than street level and therefore a sign over 16 feet in height is appropriate, with Amended Conditions of Approval as follows: 5. That signs A, B, and C are prohibited by code and not approved. 5. That Signs B and C are prohibited by code and not approved. Committee Member Kimzey said the applicant may be better served by a continuance to allow exploration of further options. Chair Latasa confirmed with Mr. McCord that he is in support of the motion and would not like to continue the project for redesign. On a motion by Committee Member Dawson, seconded by Committee Member Sullivan, and carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee adopted a Resolution approving four of the six signs with Amended Conditions of Approval: AYES: 5 MEMBERS: Latasa, Freeman, Dawson, Silva, Sullivan NOES: 1 MEMBERS: Kimzey ABSENT: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None RECUSED: 0 MEMBERS: None 10. Consider 6 Loma Vista Place; AR Application 13-412 for Demolition and Replacement of a Single Family Residence and Garage and Removal of One 10" Birch Tree; Applicant Steven River Gurtin; Owner Steven River Gurtin and Diana Case-Gurtin; R-1-10 Residential Single-Family Zoning District; Exempt from CEQA Requirements (Previously Reviewed December 4, 2013) 6  Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, February 5, 2014 ACTION: Application withdrawn by Applicant. 11. Consider 15 Pinehill Way; Appeal 13-536 of City Forester Decision to Deny Tree Removal Within a Single Family Residential Property; Applicant and Owner Marvin Quaid; PC Planned Community Zoning District; Exempt From CEQA Requirements ACTION: Adopted a Resolution approving the request to remove one pine tree. Staff Presentation/Committee Member Questions Mr. Kinison Brown presented the Agenda Report and answered Committee Members’ questions. City Forester Robert Reid was also present and answered Committee Members’ questions. Applicant Marvin Quaid, applicant/owner, said that the tree proposed for removal is bleeding and twisted and is not healthy compared the other trees in the neighborhood. He also said he has maintained the tree as recommended for the 40 years he has lived on the property and cabled it to the neighboring tree for stability. Mr. Quaid said he supports the other trees in the neighborhood but does not want this tree to fall on his house. Public Comments Dennis Duke, resident of Pinehill Way and Neighborhood Improvement Member, said he has been Mr. Quaid’s neighbor since 1979 and that he and another neighbor support the removal of the tree because they are concerned it will fall due to its health. He also said a storm five years ago caused eight trees in Skyline Forest, similar to Mr. Quaid’s tree, to fall down and damage houses. Mr. Duke said he is concerned about the trees being leashed together because if one tree falls it may take others down with it. Committee Member Comments Committee member Kimzey said he supports the removal of the tree because it does not look healthy, is not aesthetically pleasing, and appears it would hit the house if it fell down. Committee Member Silva said he opposes removal of the tree because it has not been shown to be unhealthy. Committee Member Sullivan said removing one tree may impact the other cabled tree and that removing both trees would have a visual impact on the neighborhood, so the tree should be monitored instead of removed. Committee Member Dawson said removal of the tree can be done piece by piece in order to not affect the surrounding trees. He also said the tree in question does not look healthy and the owner has expressed anxiety. Chair Latasa said he supports removal of the tree as the applicant has expressed legitimate anxiety and concern. Vice Chair Freeman also said she supports removal of the tree. Committee Member Kimzey made a motion to adopt a Resolution approving the request to remove one pine tree based on the findings that the tree is not visually prominent and extensive concern and anxiety has been expressed by the applicant. 7  Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, February 5, 2014 Committee Member Silva said that he does not support removal of the tree without the report of an arborist and only based on the property owner’s opinion. On a motion by Committee Member Kimzey, seconded by Committee Member Freeman, and carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee Adopted a Resolution approving the request to remove one pine tree: AYES: 4 MEMBERS: Latasa, Freeman, Dawson, Kimzey NOES: 2 MEMBERS: Silva, Sullivan ABSENT: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None RECUSED: 0 MEMBERS: None COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS Committee Member Kimzey said that former Committee Member Boris Jacoubowsky served for over 30 years on Committees in the City of Monterey and should be recognized for his service. Committee Member Silva recommended that the City Council pass a Resolution recognizing Mr. Jacoubowsky. Committee Member Latasa requested that Mr. Kinison Brown report back to the ARC on an appropriate way to recognize Mr. Jacoubowsky. Committee Member Silva said that the tabulation presented in the Parking Requirements of the City’s Zoning Ordinance for handicap parking conflicts with state and federal accessibility ratios. Committee Member Dawson said the North Fremont Specific Plan will be heard by the City Council on February 18, 2014 and he plans to write a letter expressing his disagreement with the parking standards decided on by the Planning Commission. Committee Member Dawson also said there is an open chair on the ARC and asked that the Committee Members let anyone who may be interested know. Chair Latasa said he does not remember the sign on the roof of the Wharf Marketplace at 290 Figueroa Street coming before the ARC for approval and asked Mr. Kinison Brown to report back to the Committee on whether it was approved by the Historic Preservation Commission. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS Mr. Kinison Brown said that staff is looking into creating a matrix for the ARC to evaluate future sign proposals to decrease the volume of the Agenda Reports. Mr. Kinison Brown also said that he will be meeting with the Chair of the ARC on the Friday prior to each meeting. 12. Planning Office Update ACTION: Received Planning Office Update 8 Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, February 5, 2014 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:57 pm. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Taven M. Kinison Brown Chair Principal Planner Architectural Review Committee 9