Architectural Review Commission Meeting Update
Regular Meeting

March 5, 2007                          Monday                                 5:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL:      Commrs. Zeljka Howard, Jim Lopes, Anthony Palazzo, Greg Wilhelm, Steven Hopkins, Vice-Chair Allen Root, and Chairperson Michael Boudreau 

All of the Commissioners were present. 

ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA:  

The order of the agenda was not modified. 

PUBLIC COMMENT: There was no public content other than on regular agenda items. 

PUBLIC HEARINGS: 

1.        1043 Ella Street.  ARC 21-06; Review of a 16-unit residential airspace condominium conversion project (Vista de la Ciudad Apartments); R-2 zone; Brian Rolph, applicant.   (Brian Leveille) 

On a 7-0 vote, the ARC approved the project, based on findings and subject to conditions.  Overall, the ARC found that revised plans addressed their previous direction and that the proposed changes would result in a much improved project appearance.  The ARC modified the condition regarding screening between private decks to shorten the height and further limit the extent of the wing walls and added conditions regarding building colors, dormer design, and gutters and downspouts. 

2.        1001 Higuera Street. ARC 9-07; Review of a proposal to expand the outdoor patio for an existing restaurant (Firestone Grill); C-D zone; David Billingsley, applicant.  (Brian Leveille) 

On a 7-0 vote, the ARC approved the project, based on findings and subject to conditions.  Discussion focused on the design of outdoor lighting supports and patio wall along Higuera Street.  Conditions were added to modify the columns and brackets of the lighting supports to be more Art Deco in style to coordinate with the building and to lower a small portion of the Higuera Street patio wall to make it look less imposing. 

3.        1136 Walnut Street. ARCPA 121-05; Review of public art for proposed new Islamic Center; R-4 zone; Iqbal Family Foundation, applicant.   (Phil Dunsmore) 

Following a brief discussion about the color and materials used for the art, the ARC on a 5-0-2 vote (Vice Chair Root and Commr. Palazzo recused) approved the public art installation as proposed, based on findings and subject to conditions.  

4.        3180 Broad Street. ARCMI 181-06; Review of new signs, canopy and convenience store remodel; C-S zone; Gloria Hicks, applicant.  (Phil Dunsmore) 

Following a discussion that focused on light levels for the canopy, the ARC on a 6-0-1 vote (Commr. Wilhelm recused) approved the remodel to the service station canopy and convenience store as recommended by staff with a condition to eliminate the proposed LED lighting on the canopy fascia.  

5.        625 Toro Street. ARC 176-05; Review of a 10-unit residential condominium development; R-4 zone; Narnaji Enterprise, applicant.   (Jaime Hill) 

On a 6-0-1 vote (Commr. Palazzo recused), the ARC granted final approval to the project, based on findings, and subject to conditions and code requirements.  Discussion focused on the proposed location and design of needed sound walls and the possible shifting of the trash enclosure.  The ARC stressed that as much of the existing landscaping along the Highway 101 corridor should be retained, and modified Condition No.10 to clarify the extent of the site area where vegetation may need to be cleared and replaced with low-growing plants to protect sight distance. They also added conditions regarding gutters and downspouts and window trim colors. 

COMMENT & DISCUSSION: 

6.        Staff: 

A. Agenda Forecast – Pam Ricci provided an agenda forecast for the 3-19-07 meeting, noting that it would primarily be a study session to talk about draft solid waste guidelines and utility features in street yards.   

7.        Commission: 

A. Minutes: February 20, 2007 - The minutes were approved as submitted. 

       B.   Recent Project Review – Lessons Learned 

       The ARC reviewed information and photos provided by staff of the installed South Street sound wall, which was a Caltrans project.  The ARC was displeased with the appearance of the wall and voiced disappointment that their direction was not followed in terms of how materials were used.  They asked staff to draft a letter outlining their concerns to send to Caltrans.      

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. to a regular meeting scheduled for Monday, March 19, 2007, at 5:00 p.m., in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street.