Architectural Review Committee Meeting

MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE Wednesday, November 5, 2014 AFTERNOON SESSION ONLY 4:00 – 7:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS FEW MEMORIAL HALL OF RECORDS 580 PACIFIC STREET MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Members Present: Latasa, Freeman, Dawson, Kimzey, Searle, Silva Members Absent: None Staff Members Present: Principal Planner Caraker, Senior Planner Hopper, Urban Forester Reid, Recording Secretary Leinen CALL TO ORDER Chair Latasa called the meeting to order at 4:03 pm. CONSENT ITEMS Chair Latasa requested that clarification be added to the third paragraph under item #1 of the minutes to read “Commissioners/committee members should not state individual objections to an item after voting on the item as part of a higher hearing body” Committee Member Dawson made a motion to approve the Consent Items with amendments to the minutes. Vice Chair Freeman seconded the Motion. On a motion by Committee Member Dawson, seconded by Committee Member Freeman, and carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee approved the CONSENT ITEMS: AYES: 6 MEMBERS: Latasa, Freeman, Dawson, Kimzey, Searle, Silva NOES: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSENT: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None RECUSED: 0 MEMBERS: None Approval of Minutes 1. October 15, 2014 ACTION: Approved as amended. ***End of Consent Agenda*** PUBLIC COMMENTS None. PUBLIC APPEARANCE  Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, November 5, 2014 2. Consider 200 Iris Canyon; AR Application 14-350 for Preliminary and Final Architectural Review and Tree Removal for a 110-Unit Residential Care Facility for the Elderly on a 8.29-acre Site; Applicant Ryan Leong, SRM Development, LLC; Owner Vincent Schwab, Marcus & Millichap; R-1 Zoning District; Residential - Low Density General Plan Designation; Mitigated Negative Declaration Adopted ACTION: Adopted a Resolution approving AR application 14-350 for Preliminary and Final Architectural Review and Tree Removal for a 110-unit residential care facility for the elderly on a 8.29-acre site located at 200 Iris Canyon Road with added Special Conditions of Approval. Staff Presentation/Committee Member Questions Elizabeth Caraker presented the Agenda Report and answered Committee Members’ questions. Applicant Paul E. Davis, project architect, said it was determined that the best use for the site is a residential care facility for the elderly and that the topography of the site guided the development of the building. Mr. Davis said the proposed project includes terracing into the hillside, modulated elevations with vertical elements, a six foot sound barrier at the property line, a color pallet taken from nature, a 6-8 foot access area around the site, and three duplexes with attached single car garages. Mr. Davis also said existing utility lines and wells on the site will be utilized. In response to Committee Member Silva’s question regarding gutters, Mr. Davis said the roof will be sloped inwards to collect rain water for plant irrigation. In response to Committee Member Searles’ question, Mr. Davis said an existing CalAM water line will provide water for fire sprinklering inside the building. In response to Committee Member Searle and Vice Chair Freeman’s question, Mr. Davis said the roof will be off-white or tan in color and will not be visible off-site due to vegetation and the building’s setback. In response to Chair Latasa’s question, Mr. Davis said the material used for the sound wall will be the same material as the retaining wall. Mr. Davis also said there is a 50 foot open space easement around the building and a perimeter fence around the site will not be needed. In response to Chair Latasa’s questions regarding screening of roof equipment and water tanks, Mr. Davis said neither will be visible from the residential units, but will both be screened. Bill Ruskin, Registered Professional Forester, said the Forest Management Plan was created around four years ago and proposes planting of many Monterey Pines to make up for the lack of young Monterey Pines in the area. In response to Committee Member Kimzey’s question, Mr. Ruskin said the City is looking to have tree replacement done at a 1:1 ratio. In response to Chair Latasa’s question regarding tree relocation, Mr. Ruskin said the landscape architect could work with the trees to see if any are eligible for transplant, and Ms. Caraker said this could be added as a Condition of Approval if the committee sees fit. 2 Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, November 5, 2014 Robert Reid, City Forester said he and Mr. Ruskin met last week to review the site, and determined the easiest and most economical approach would be to bring in Oak trees of various sizes and young Monterey Pines. In response to Chair Latasa’s questions, Mr. Reid said he has not reviewed the Forest Management Plan, but once clearing of the land is complete he will be able to better determine size, location, and types of trees for replanting. Regarding the 27 Oaks proposed for removal, Mr. Reid said it is not a common procedure to relocate grown Oaks due to the difficulty and cost. Mr. Reid also said the 500 trees removed will be replaced with local trees of varying ages and sizes. Public Comments None. Committee Member Comments Committee Member Latasa suggested that a Condition of Approval be added to include exterior details since the application includes Final Architectural Review. Committee Member Silva said he supports the project and its design, but would prefer cement plaster to the proposed El Dorado stone. He also said it is prudent to install a fence in the area near the theater to prevent headlight glare into the living units. Committee Member Searle said the project has overcome adversity with the site location and that he supports the project completely. Vice Chair Freeman concurred and said the proposed project is very impressive. Committee Member Kimzey complimented the architect’s superior job developing a project with minimal impacts on a difficult site. Chair Latasa said the proposal is well thought out and has a great layout. Committee Member Dawson suggested a Condition of Approval be added to the Resolution requiring staff to look at the roof material color to ensure it is acceptable. Committee Member Searle said a white roof could cause glare for residents living above the roofline. Committee Member Silva said the roofline will not be visible from any vantage points, so it is not a concern at this time. Chair Latasa requested that a Condition of Approval be added to the Resolution, since the project includes Final Architectural Review, that exterior details and the proposed pathway be deferred and handled by staff. Committee Member Dawson made a motion to adopt a Resolution approving AR application 14-350 for Preliminary and Final Architectural Review and Tree Removal for a 110-unit residential care facility for the elderly on a 8.29-acre site located at 200 Iris Canyon Road with added Special Conditions of Approval as follows: 4. Prior to building permit approval, the applicant shall submit final details for staff review that includes roof materials/colors that are beige or tan in color 5. Prior to their removal, the City Forester shall inspect any large oak tree specimens and determine whether they can be relocated to within the landscaped portion of the site. Vice Chair Freeman seconded the Motion. Committee Member Silva requested a Condition of Approval be added to the Resolution 3  Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, November 5, 2014 requiring fencing along the portion of the project adjacent to the movie theater where headlights could affect residents. Committee Member Kimzey said he does not agree with the proposed Condition of Approval and does not think it should be required. Committee Member Dawson said he anticipates the eventual installation of a fence due to lights and noise from the movie theater, and does not think it is necessary as a Condition of Approval. On a motion by Committee Member Dawson, seconded by Committee Member Freeman, and carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee Adopted a Resolution approving AR application 14-350 for Preliminary and Final Architectural Review and Tree Removal for a 110-unit residential care facility for the elderly on a 8.29- acre site located at 200 Iris Canyon Road with added Special Conditions of Approval: AYES: 6 MEMBERS: Latasa, Freeman, Dawson, Kimzey, Searle, Silva NOES: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSENT: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None RECUSED: 0 MEMBERS: None 3. Consider Recommendation to Planning Commission Regarding Amendments to the Downtown Specific Plan ACTION: Adopted a Resolution recommending that the Planning Commission recommend that the City Council amend the Downtown Specific Plan. Staff Presentation/Committee Member Questions Christine Hopper presented the Agenda Report and answered Committee Members’ questions. Ms. Caraker was also present and answered Committee Members’ questions. Public Comments None. Committee Member Comments Committee Member Dawson said the language pertaining to Standards and Guidelines in the section regarding the NHLD Design Guidelines is very well done, and should be expanded to the rest of the City. Vice Chair Freeman concurred and said the chapter is outstanding and very clear. Committee Member Silva said he has an objection to Guideline 1.78 on page 163 regarding historic styles and revival styles, and said he is concerned that the Guidelines may be taken to the extent where superior designs are discouraged. Committee Member Kimzey suggested that clarification be added to the Plan in regards to Kelvin measurements as standard S.6.4 on page 88 of the Plan says 3500K, but the technical specs say 2700k – 3500k. ***Vice Chair Freeman excused herself from the meeting at 6:18 pm.*** Committee Member Dawson said the .5 foot candles maximum listed on page 247 under Technical Specifications is too low. Committee Member Silva said Ms. Hopper and staff have done a great job and that Monterey is headed in the right direction. Chair Latasa concurred. Committee Member Silva made a motion to adopt a Resolution recommending that the Planning Commission recommend that the City Council amend the Downtown Specific 4  Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, November 5, 2014 Plan. 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 recommending that the Planning Commission recommend that the City Council amend the Downtown Specific Plan: AYES: 5 MEMBERS: Latasa, Dawson, Kimzey, Searle, Silva NOES: 0 MEMBERS: None ABSENT: 1 MEMBERS: Freeman ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None RECUSED: 0 MEMBERS: None COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS Committee Member Kimzey said he attended the recent bus tour of Art Deco and Moderne Architecture in Salinas and complimented Committee Member Dawson on his work with AMAP to put the tour together. Chair Latasa agreed with Committee Member Kimzey and the tour was fascinating. Committee Member Searle said a meeting will be held in December regarding the National Register eligibility of the old Monterey County Jail in Salinas. Committee Member Searle also said he attended the Election Night Celebration held at the Monterey County Fair Grounds on November 4, 2014. Committee Member Silva requested follow-up from staff regarding a memo he sent to former Principal Planner Kinison Brown regarding the discrepancy between the ADA parking requirements in the City’s Zoning Ordinance and state and federal requirements. Committee Member Silva also said construction on Paseo de Alvarado started two weeks ago and should be completed in approximately one year. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS 4. Planning Office Update  Update received  Ms. Hopper said groundbreaking for the project at 459 Alvarado Street took place on Monday, November 3, 2014, and she thanked the ARC for their contributions to the project. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:40 pm. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Christine Hopper Chair Senior Planner Architectural Review Committee 5