Architectural Review Commission Meeting Update
Regular Meeting

February 7, 2005                        Monday                                   5:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL: Commrs. Allen Root, Zeljka Howard, Jim Lopes, David Smith, Greg Wilhelm, Vice-Chair Michael Boudreau, and Chairperson Charles Stevenson

All of the Commissioners were present. Commr. Lopes arrived around 5:20 p.m.

ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA: 

The order of the agenda was not modified.

PUBLIC COMMENT: 

There was no public comment other than on regular agenda items.

PUBLIC HEARINGS:

1. 690 Higuera Street. ARC 212-04; Review of a street façade modification and canvas awning for creekside patio dining; C-D-H zone; Joseph and Debbie Silvestri, applicant. (Buzz Kalkowski)

On a 7-0 vote, the ARC granted final approval to the project, based on findings and subject to conditions and code requirements. The ARC felt that the proposed changes would be an enhancement and make the restaurant space more inviting from both the street and creek sides of the building. Commission discussion focused on the height of the façade doors, the height of the rear canopy, and the use of heaters under the canopy. The Commission deleted conditions related to the use of heaters, relying on the building permit plan check process to deal with the potential code issues with their use.

COMMENT & DISCUSSION:

2.        Staff:

1. Agenda Forecast

Pam Ricci provided an Agenda Forecast. 

3.        Commission:

1. Minutes: January 18, 2005. 

The minutes were approved as submitted.

2. Recent Project Review – Lessons Learned.

Commr. Root mentioned that the lighting at the new Cole Motors site had good shielding, but that there seemed to be some undesirable refraction. In terms of site lighting, there was general discussion regarding what the Commission had approved and what still had not been completed. Staff suggested that a future memo could be prepared once lighting was all installed and functional to provide some background and analysis of the situation.

Commr. Boudreau mentioned that the new homes being built on Buena Vista seemed to appear larger and more prominent than depicted on the visual analysis and elevations that the ARC had reviewed. Commr. Lopes thought that the City might require story poles in the future for some sensitive development on especially prominent sites.

Chairperson Stevenson suggested that the City publish Best Management Practices (BMPs) for parking lot drainage. Staff indicated that the Public Works Department is working on that and that a future study session could be arranged to discuss this important topic in more detail.

Commr. Smith inquired about a new structure at the rear of 1720 San Luis Drive questioning its location in close proximity to the creek bank.

Since three Commissioners would be absent from the 3-21-05 regular meeting because they will be attending the APA National Planning Conference in San Francisco, the ARC suggested that the meeting be rescheduled for 3-14-05 if possible.

The meeting ADJOURNED about 6:10 p.m. to a special joint meeting of the Planning Commission and Architectural Review Commission scheduled for Wednesday, February 9, 2005 at 6:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 990 Palm Street.