Architectural Review Committee Meeting

MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE Wednesday, March 19, 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 Bennett, City Forester Reid, Recording Secretary Nelson CALL TO ORDER Chair Latasa called the meeting to order at 4:01 pm. CONSENT ITEMS Item #5 was removed from the Consent Agenda due to Committee Member Sullivan’s concern with the outdoor seating element. On a motion by Committee Member Dawson, seconded by Committee Member Freeman, and carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee approved CONSENT ITEMS 1 through 4: AYES: 6 MEMBERS: Latasa, Freeman, Dawson, Kimzey, Silva, Sullivan NOES: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSENT: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None Approval of Minutes 1. March 5, 2014 ACTION: Approved as submitted. Other Consent Items 2. Consider 1240 Munras Avenue; Sign Permit 14-012 for One Vehicle-Oriented Freestanding Illuminated Sign; Applicant Hitesh Patel for the Pebble Hotel Group LLC; Owner Pebble Hotel Group; VAF Visitor Accommodation Facility Zoning District; Exempt from CEQA Requirements ACTION: Adopted a Resolution approving one vehicle-oriented freestanding illuminated sign, subject to staff recommended adjustments, with Conditions of Approval.  Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, March 19, 2014 3. Consider 1252 and 1262 Munras Avenue; AR Permit 13-567 for Preliminary and Final Architectural Review of an Un-Permitted Screening Structure Linking Two Motel Properties; Applicant Paul Davis; Owner Natwar Patel Family Partnership; VAF Visitor Accommodation Facility Zoning District; Exempt from CEQA Requirements ACTION: Adopted a Resolution approving the minor screening structure, with Conditions of Approval. 4. Consider 379 Larkin Street; AR Permit 14-045 for Preliminary and Final Architectural Review of a Laundry Room Addition; Applicant/Owner John Villalpando; R-3-6 Residential Medium Density Zoning District; Exempt from CEQA Requirements ACTION: Adopted a Resolution approving Preliminary and Final Architectural Review 14-045 of a laundry room addition. ***End of Consent Agenda*** PUBLIC COMMENTS None. PUBLIC APPEARANCE 5. Consider 426 Alvarado Street; AR Permit 14-079 for Preliminary and Final Architectural Review of Outdoor Seating; Applicant John Hill; Owner FRE 553 LLC/426 Alvarado LLC; PC-D Planned Community Zoning District (Downtown Specific Plan); Exempt from CEQA Requirements ACTION: Removed from Consent Agenda; Adopted a Resolution approving Preliminary and Final Architectural Review for 14-079 for outdoor seating at 426 Alvarado Street. Staff Presentation/Committee Member Questions Kimberly Cole presented the Agenda Report and answered Committee Members’ questions. Applicant John Hill, applicant/owner, said the Planning Commission and City Council asked for seven feet of sidewalk clearance and the plan gives seven and a half feet to nine feet of clearance. He also said the pavers and light post are identical to ones already on the street, and the change will be a 1915 style railing 32 inches tall. Mr. Hill said the seating will be tangent to the curbs of the planning strips. In response to Chair Latasa’s question, Mr. Hill said he is scheduled for Historic Preservation Commission review for a retractable linen Sunbrella sun shade displaying “Alvarado Street Brewery and Grill” attached above the doors and transom windows. In response to Committee Member Kimzey’s question, Mr. Hill said the seating and planters will be brought inside at night and during inclement weather. In response to Committee Member Silva’s question, Mr. Hill said no portable heaters are proposed at this time. 2  Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, March 19, 2014 Public Comments None. Committee Member Comments Committee Member Sullivan said currently there is a buffer of parking between pedestrians and the street on Alvarado, and pushing the pedestrian walkway out and around is not a good idea. Chair Sullivan aside from the sidewalk seating element he likes and has no problem with the design. Committee Member Silva said he disagrees because meandering pathways create a sense of place and a vital urban experience, and also said he supports the design. Committee Member Freeman said using pushed out seating areas will get pedestrians used to the idea of a meandering sidewalk. Committee Member Silva made a motion to adopt a Resolution approving Preliminary and Final Architectural Review for 14-079 for outdoor seating at 426 Alvarado Street. Committee Member Dawson seconded the motion. On a motion by Committee Member Silva, seconded by Committee Member Dawson, and carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee adopt a Resolution approving Preliminary and Final Architectural Review for 14-079 for outdoor seating at 426 Alvarado Street: AYES: 5 MEMBERS: Latasa, Freeman, Dawson, Kimzey, Silva NOES: 1 MEMBERS: Sullivan ABSENT: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None 6. Consider 98 Via Del Pinar; Appeal 14-050 of City Forester Decision to Deny Tree Removal Within a Single Family Residential Property; Applicants/Owners David & Barbara Morrison; R-1-10 Zoning District; Exempt from CEQA Requirements ACTION: Adopted a Resolution denying the applicant’s request to overturn a City Forester decision to deny a tree removal permit with added Conditions. Staff Presentation/Committee Member Questions Todd Bennett presented the Agenda Report and answered Committee Members’ Questions. Robert Reid was also present to answer Committee Members’ questions. Applicant David Morrison, applicant/owner, said he and his wife Barbara are mainly concerned with tenant and neighbor safety maintaining their property. Mr. Morrison said his wife has owned the property for 30 years and they have observed the cracks in the garage and concrete worsen. Mr. Morrison said he loves the tree and sees the potential of taking out the garage or driveway to accommodate it, but feels it would only continue to grow and get very large, so removal and replacement is the only option. In response to Committee Member Freeman’s question, Mr. Morrison said the house was built in the 1940’s and the tree is approximately 30-35 years old and 45 feet tall. Public Comments Phil Vanderkraats said he understands the concerns regarding safety issues and supports the tree removal because his brother cracked three ribs tripping on a sidewalk damaged by roots. 3 Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, March 19, 2014 Committee Member Comments Committee Member Kimzey said the homeowner has presented testimony expressing concern and is entitled to protect his property so tree removal seems inevitable to prevent further damage. He also said the removal of the redwood tree would not be significantly noticeable and would allow growth of the surrounding trees. Vice Chair Freeman said the tree has new growth and is one of the better looking redwoods she has seen and suggested replacing the driveway with a permeable surface. Committee Member Sullivan concurred with Vice Chair Freeman and said the driveway needs to be removed, but more information is needed to determine if the tree is causing the damage. Committee member Dawson said he supports the appeal and removal of the tree because it will only get taller and larger. He also agreed with Vice Chair Freeman that a permeable surface is appropriate for the driveway. Committee Member Silva said the tree is fabulous but was planted in the wrong spot and will continue to be a liability to the owners, so he supports its removal. Chair Latasa said anxiety expressed by applicants is usually due to leaning or threat of dropping limbs, but this is not the case and the driveway can be fixed and maintained without removing the tree. Committee Member Sullivan made a motion to adopt a Resolution denying the applicant’s request to overturn a City Forester decision to deny a tree removal permit. Vice Chair Freeman seconded the motion. On a motion by Committee Member Sullivan and seconded by Committee Member Freeman, the Architectural Review Committee moved to adopt a Resolution denying the applicant’s request to overturn a City Forester decision to deny a tree removal permit: AYES: 3 MEMBERS: Latasa, Freeman, Sullivan NOES: 3 MEMBERS: Dawson, Kimzey, Silva ABSENT: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None The motion failed. Committee Member Kimzey made a motion to adopt a Resolution approving the applicant’s request to overturn a City Forester decision to deny a tree removal permit. Committee Member Dawson seconded the motion. On a motion by Committee Member Kimzey and seconded by Committee Member Dawson, the Architectural Review Committee moved to adopt a Resolution approving the applicant’s request to overturn a City Forester decision to deny a tree removal permit: AYES: 3 MEMBERS: Dawson, Kimzey, Silva NOES: 3 MEMBERS: Latasa, Freeman, Sullivan ABSENT: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None 4  Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, March 19, 2014 The motion failed. Committee Member Silva made a motion to a adopt a Resolution denying the applicant’s request to overturn a City Forester decision to deny a tree removal permit with added Conditions as follows: 1. Exploratory work will be done after removal of the driveway to see if pruning of the roots is feasible. If determined pruning would have an adverse effect on health of the tree, another request for removal can be entertained by the ARC. Committee Member Dawson seconded the motion. On a motion by Committee Member Silva, seconded by Committee Member Dawson, 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 a tree removal permit with added Conditions: AYES: 6 MEMBERS: Latasa, Freeman, Dawson, Kimzey, Silva, Sullivan NOES: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSENT: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None Committee Member Silva excused himself from the meeting at 5:08 pm due to a possible conflict of interest. 7. Consider 301-375 Alvarado Street; AR Permit 14-024 for Preliminary and Final Architectural Review of a Mixed Use Development and Outdoor Seating; Applicant John Valenti (Paseo de Alvarado Associates); Owner ABV Associates; PC-D Planned Community Zoning District (Downtown Specific Plan); Infill Environmental Checklist - Finding of No Further Review for CEQA; Visual Simulations Have Been Provided in Lieu of Staking ACTION: Adopted a Resolution approving Preliminary and Final Architectural Review 14-024 for 301-375 Alvarado with added Conditions of Approval. Staff Presentation/Committee Member Questions Ms. Cole presented the Agenda Report and answered Committee Members’ questions. Applicant Herny Ruhnke, Wald Ruhnke and Dost, said he has been working with the original property owners for the past 2 years to create a project to enhance the downtown area and community. He also said the design includes sophisticated soundproofing, STC 40 rated vinyl windows, and security fencing. In regards to the street tree, Mr. Ruhnke said they studied ways to prevent removal, but removal is a good compromise to make the plan work. In regards to the fence, Mr. Ruhnke said vertical metal pickets are proposed with a solid panel behind, painted in a color to complement the building. In response to Committee Member Kimzey’s questions, Mr. Ruhnke said the apartments will use 5 acre feet less water per year than the former night club, 50-60 tenants are proposed, tenant parking will be in the existing parking structure, and the units will be rentals and not condominiums. Mr. Ruhnke also said heating for the outdoor seating is not currently proposed. 5 Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, March 19, 2014 In response to Committee Member Sullivan’s question, Mr. Ruhnke said the window manufacturer is VPI out of Canada and the existing roof material is concrete tile. In response to Chair Latasa’s question, Mr. Ruhnke said the detail of the railing will not change but will be raised slightly and chamfers could be added to the outdoor seating area at the request of the ARC. Public Comments None. Committee Member Comments Committee Member Dawson said he supports the plan and the overall improvement it will bring to the downtown area. Chair Latasa and Vice Chair Freeman concurred. Committee Member Kimzey said the proposal is an impressive contribution to the downtown area, but he is concerned with the additional residents and reduction to parking on Alvarado it will bring. Committee Member Sullivan said he does not support the project due to the outdoor seating element being identical to Café Trieste as the outdoor seating areas were intended to be unique from one another. He said the proposal should be redesigned specifically addressing the fencing material, tree grates, and roof style. Committee Member Sullivan also said the project should be adjusted to accommodate the street tree and avoid disrupting the pattern on the street. Chair Latasa agreed that the tree proposed for removal has visual importance and suggested a replacement tree. Committee Member Dawson said the outdoor seating is 42 feet wide and if it were limited to 35 feet the tree could remain. Vice Chair Freeman said the tree is a small issue compared to the enormity of the project and that understory trees and plants embellishing the entry of the apartment would be appropriate. Committee Member Dawson made a motion to adopt a Resolution approving Preliminary and Final Architectural Review 14-024 for 301-375 Alvarado. Committee Member Kimzey asked to add a Condition to maintain the 7 foot sidewalk clearance between the fence and curb as directed by the City Council. The motion maker agreed to the added Condition and Committee Member Kimzey seconded the motion. Committee Member Latasa said a Condition for a replacement street tree should be required. The motion maker and motion seconder agreed to the added Condition. Committee Member Dawson amended his motion to adopt a Resolution approving Preliminary and Final Architectural Review 14-024 for 301-375 Alvarado with the added Conditions of Approval as follows: 1. The final construction drawings shall be labeled to include a minimum 7’ sidewalk clearance around the outdoor seating area consistent with the City Council direction. 2. The replacement street tree shall be a location and type as determined by City staff. 6  Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, March 19, 2014 On a motion by Committee Member Dawson, seconded by Committee Member Kimzey, and carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee adopt a Resolution approving Preliminary and Final Architectural Review 14-024 for 301-375 Alvarado with the added Conditions of Approval: AYES: 4 MEMBERS: Latasa, Freeman, Dawson, Kimzey NOES: 1 MEMBERS: Sullivan ABSENT: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSTAIN: 1 MEMBERS: Silva Committee Member Sullivan said he does not agree with the fence design being exactly the same as Café Trieste. Chair Latasa said he disagrees since the site is far enough away from Café Trieste to not look repetitive. Due to a staff request, Chair Latasa said that item #9 of the agenda would be heard before item #8. 8. Consider 296 Lighthouse Avenue; Sign Permit 13-360 (Second Submittal) for Sign Program for Multi-Tenant Building; Applicant Phil Vanderkraats; Owner A.G. Davi; C-2 Community Commercial Zoning District; Exempt From CEQA Requirements ACTION: Adopted a Resolution approving three new signs and the sign program, subject to staff recommended adjustments, with added Conditions of Approval. Staff Presentation/Committee Member Questions Mr. Kinison Brown presented the Agenda Report and answered Committee Members’ questions. Applicant Phil Vanderkraats, applicant, said that the building has been difficult to create a sign program for, and changing the background color for a sign also changes the company logo so individual letters or a cut out logo should be used. Mr. Vanderkraats said limiting the Dickman Avenue sign to ten square feet would make it unreadable, and because there is an entrance on that side, 16 square feet conforms to codes. Public Comments None. Committee Member Comments Committee Member Kimzey said making the wall sign on Dickman Avenue symmetrical with the existing Subway wall sign is reasonable and does not overwhelm the available space. Committee Member Dawson said he would recommend a larger sign on Dickman Avenue for visibility. Chair Latasa concurred. Vice Chair Freeman said the proposed Mattress Nation wall sign should be equal in size to the existing Subway wall sign. Committee Member Kimzey made a motion to adopt a Resolution approving three new signs and the sign program, subject to staff recommended adjustments, with added Conditions of Approval as follows: 6. The wall sign on Dickman Avenue will not exceed 16 square feet in size. 7  Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, March 19, 2014 Chair Latasa seconded the motion. On a motion by Committee Member Kimzey, seconded by Committee Member Latasa, and carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee adopted a Resolution approving three new signs and the sign program, subject to staff recommended adjustments, with added Conditions of Approval: AYES: 5 MEMBERS: Latasa, Freeman, Dawson, Kimzey, Sullivan NOES: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSENT: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSTAIN: 1 MEMBERS: Silva 9. Consider 711 Cannery Row; Sign Permit 14-038 to Replace the 1988 Sign Program for Multi-Tenant Building; Applicant Phil Vanderkraats; Owner The Cannery Row Company LP; CR Cannery Row Commercial District; Exempt From CEQA Requirements Action: Adopted two Resolutions approving the new multitenant sign program and a new 36’ sculptural sign, with added Conditions of Approval. Staff Presentation/Committee Member Questions Taven M. Kinison Brown presented the Agenda Report and answered Committee Members’ questions. Applicant Frank Donangelo, Cannery Row Company, said there was a seismic retrofit on the building, so anything done to the building would not be harmful because of the wooden frame behind the corrugated metal. He also said the Cannery Row area is an industrial area without a great lighting scheme, so signs with internal or neon illumination increase business immensely. Mr. Donangelo said a new sign program will improve the appearance of the building. Phil Vanderkraats, applicant, said it would behoove the restaurant and the City to have a giant artichoke because of its iconic nature in Castroville and as the Artichoke Festival will now be held at the Monterey Fairgrounds. Mr. Vanderkraats said the proposed sculpture will add to the uniqueness of Cannery Row and allow the restaurant owner to be successful. In response to Committee Member Sullivan’s question, Mr. Vanderkraats said the sign will be made of corrugated tin, kiln dried cedar, high density urethane and non-fade acrylic paint. In response to Chair Latasa’s question, Mr. Vanderkraats said internal illumination was discussed for the letters of “Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner” but the current proposal is for gooseneck lighting from above. In response to Committee Member Kimzey’s question, Mr. Vanderkraats said the restaurant wants the ability to incorporate a mural in the future, and would like the existing neon signs within the windows to be allowed to remain. Public Comments None. 8  Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, March 19, 2014 Committee Member Comments Committee Member Dawson asked if the Committee would support internal illumination of the artichoke sculpture and Committee Member Sullivan and Vice Chair Freeman were in support. Chair Latasa said he does not support internal illumination and said Sopporo Restaurant was allowed internal illumination by the ARC and it is very bright. Committee Member Sullivan said he likes the overall effect and design of the sign but would prefer that it was fully rounded and set out from the building. Committee Member Freeman said she likes the artichoke because signage on Cannery Row is an art form and part of its unique identity. Committee Member Kimzey said he supports internal illumination for the artichoke sign but is concerned with the sign program allowing 40 or more signs and creating a cluttered look. He said there should be a separate vote for the giant artichoke and the sign program. Chair Latasa said the clutter of signs on the building is an existing condition. Committee Member Kimzey made a motion to split the action into two votes and adopt a Resolution approving the giant artichoke sculpture with added Conditions of Approval as follows: 5. Tasteful internal illumination is approved for the artichoke sculpture sign. Committee Member Dawson seconded the motion. On a motion by Committee Member Kimzey, seconded by Committee Member Dawson and carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee adopting a Resolution approving the giant artichoke sculpture with added Conditions of Approval: AYES: 3 MEMBERS: Freeman, Dawson, Kimzey NOES: 2 MEMBERS: Latasa, Sullivan ABSENT: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSTAIN: 1 MEMBERS: Silva Vice Chair Freeman asked if the motion maker would amend the motion to approve the Sign Program as proposed. The motion maker did not agree to the amendment. Committee Member Kimzey made a second motion to continue the remaining signs and Sign Program for redesign to lessen the impact on the historic property. The motion had no second. Committee Member Dawson made a motion to adopt a Resolution accepting the proposal of the wall and fin signs as submitted, without murals and with the neon at the tarot card reader location remaining as is. Committee Member Sullivan seconded the motion. 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 accepting the proposal of the wall and fin signs as submitted, without murals and with the neon at the tarot card reader location remaining as is: 9  Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, March 19, 2014 AYES: 4 MEMBERS: Latasa, Freeman, Dawson, Sullivan NOES: 1 MEMBERS: Kimzey ABSENT: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSTAIN: 1 MEMBERS: Silva COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS Committee Member Dawson said he and Chair Latasa attended the City Council Meeting on March 18, 2014 to support Boris Jacoubowsky who received a proclamation for his 45 years of service to the City. Chair Latasa said at the Mayor’s Meeting on March 10, 2014 he learned that the Planning Commission did not support the ARC’s recommendation of 1.5 parking spaces in the North Fremont Specific Plan. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS 10. Planning Office Update  Received update  Mr. Kinison Brown said the candidate for the City Manager position pulled his name from consideration.  Mr. Kinison Brown also said City Council appointed a new ARC member, Don Searle, at the March 18, 2014 meeting. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:12 pm. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Taven M. Kinison Brown Chair Principal Planner Architectural Review Committee 10