Architectural Review Commission Meeting Update
Regular Meeting

December 1, 2008                    Monday                                     5:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL:      Commrs. Jim Duffy, Steven Hopkins, Zeljka Howard, Anthony Palazzo, Chris Weber, Vice-Chair Greg Wilhelm, and Chairperson Allen Root 

All of the Commissioners were present. 

ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA:   

The agenda was accepted as submitted. 

PUBLIC COMMENT:   

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

PUBLIC HEARINGS: 

1.   861 and 953 Orcutt Road.  ARCPR 151-03; Review of a plan revision proposed for the Laurel Creek project affecting the design of 112 units and request for creek setback exceptions for a perimeter trail and three residential buildings; R-4-PD zone; Watt Communities, applicant.  (Michael Codron)

On a 7:0 vote, the ARC granted final approval to the plan revisions to the project and the requested creek setback exceptions, based on findings, and subject to conditions and code requirements.  Based on the presentation provided by staff and the applicant team at the previous meeting and staff’s summary of the Commission’s purview at this meeting, the ARC was supportive of the changes that provided more functional floor plans, lower building heights, and attractive building elevations. 

2.   399 Foothill Boulevard.  ARC 106-08; Review of a new mixed-use building in the C-N-S zone; David Lopez, applicant.  (Tyler Corey)

On a 7:0 vote, the ARC granted final approval to the project, based on findings, and subject to conditions and code requirements.  The main focus of discussion was the architectural compatibility of the proposed building with the surrounding residential neighborhood.  The ARC added a condition to modify roof forms and other architectural details to improve the compatibility of the building design with the neighborhood.  They also suggested that the applicant explore the possibility of accommodating additional tree planting in the parking lot area near the south property line by the use of bulbed-out curbs to create expanded planters and allowing proposed decks to cantilever into the side yard along the west property line.

The motion to approve the project came after two failed motions.  The Commission was ultimately persuaded that the project could be conditioned to address the architectural compatibility concerns raised by neighborhood residents who spoke at the hearing.  The ARC also found that the project complied with the parameters for site development approved by the City Council earlier this year with their consideration of an appeal of a taller and more intensive development proposal for the same site. 

3.    590 Marsh Street.  ARC 53-08; Review of a mixed-use project with 7,400 square feet of commercial space and 13 residential units; C-D zone; Dave Bjerre, applicant.  (Brian Leveille)

After a presentation by staff of the project changes made to address the ARC’s direction provided with an earlier conceptual review of the project and a detailed presentation made by the project architect of the revised project, the ARC on a 6:0:1 vote (Commr. Weber recused himself because of a potential conflict of interest) granted final approval to the project, based on findings, and subject to conditions.  The ARC was very impressed with the applicant’s presentation and the changes made to respond to their prior direction.  They found the modern design of the building to be very attractive and compatible with its downtown setting and were impressed with the significant efforts to make it energy efficient.

COMMENT & DISCUSSION: 

1.           Staff: 

a.   Agenda Forecast - Pam Ricci provided an agenda forecast for the upcoming December 15^th meeting. 

b.   Budget Goals – After reviewing the consolidated goals of the various advisory bodies, the Commission had no further changes to their previously-submitted goals. 

c.  Ethics training – Pam Ricci reminded the ARC of the need to complete two hours of on-line training by December 31^st and to submit the certificate of completion to the City Clerk. 

2.           Commission: 

a.   Minutes:  November 17, 2008 - The minutes were approved as submitted. 

b.     Recent Project Review – Lessons Learned

Commr.  Hopkins mentioned that the surf store at the corner of Higuera and Morro Streets had blocked their windows by posters and set up shelves behind the windows. 

ADJOURNMENT 

The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the Architectural Review Commission regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection in the Community Development Department, 919 Palm Street, during normal business hours.