CORONADO DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. Regular Meeting September 23, 2009

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1 CORONADO DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Regular Meeting The regular meeting of the Coronado Design Review Commission was called to order at 3 p.m., Wednesday,, at the Coronado City Hall Council Chambers, 1825 Strand Way, Coronado, California, by Chairperson Reed. MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: Commissioners Hammett, Jones, Reed, and Shallan Commissioner Turpit Peter Fait, Associate Planner Martha L Alvarez, Recording Secretary, Minutes Preparer APPROVAL OF MINUTES The Minutes of September 9, 2009, were approved as amended. DIRECTOR S REPORT Mr. Fait reported, as a follow-up to an item that had previously been heard by the Commission on July 22, 2009, (DR 6-09 William Perkins), that the Commission had appointed a subcommittee consisting of Commissioners Jones and Shallan to meet with Mr. Perkins to approve the stucco color, roof material, and exterior light fixtures. Commissioners Jones and Shallan confirmed they would arrange to meet with Mr. Perkins next week. COMMITTEE REPORTS Chairperson Reed reported that she attended yesterday s Public Art Subcommittee meeting. Ms. Reed stated that the Port s urban tree public art titled My Bike as well as the project proposed for the Coronado golf course are on hold pending Port action. Commissioner Jones reported that the Historic Resource Commission met last Wednesday. One topic of discussion was the pending appeal of the Historic Resource Commission s decision to deny a Historic Resource Alteration permit for 1127 F Avenue. This item will be heard at the City Council meeting of October 6, Mr. Fait clarified that City Council is requesting that alternative Coronado locations for the Port s public art My Bike be presented for their consideration. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS AND OTHER MATTERS There were no members of the public wishing to speak at this time.

2 2 APPLICATIONS FOR REVIEW DR UNION BANK Request for design approval for new signs at 800 Orange Avenue. Mr. Fait presented the staff report as outlined in the agenda. Vice Chair Shallan asked about staff s recommendation to not permit an exposed raceway or conduit for any signs. Mr. Fait said this condition is included for the City s protection. The applicant s representative, Jim Symons, JGS Permit Service, rd Street, commented that the signs have LED lighting which is low energy. PUBLIC COMMENT There were no members of the public wishing to speak at this time. COMMISSION DISCUSSION COMMISSION ACTION VICE CHAIR SHALLAN MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE REQUEST AS SUBMITTED, WITH THE CONDITION THAT NO EXPOSED RACEWAY OR CONDUIT BE PERMITTED FOR ANY SIGNS. COMMISSIONER HAMMETT SECONDED THE MOTION. AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Commissioners Hammett, Jones, Reed, and Shallan. Commissioner Turpit. The motion passed with a vote of 4-0. There is a 15-day appeal period. DR 9-09 CITY OF CORONADO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY Request for design approval for an exterior remodel of an existing 11-unit apartment at 840 G Avenue in the R-3 (Multiple Family Residential) Zone. Mr. Fait presented the staff report as outlined in the agenda.

3 3 The applicant s representative, Jon McMillen, RSG, 9548 Vista Aleta, Valley Center, gave a brief overview of the request and made himself available to answer questions. Mr. Fait commented that one of staff s recommendation is that the existing dumpster or trash area be enclosed. However, after visiting the site, it was discovered that any type of enclosure, particularly with gates, would mean that one parking space would be lost. Staff is recommending that the dumpster or trash area not be enclosed. Vice Chair Shallan asked if it is possible to vertically screen the area. Hector Magnus, Architect, 3370 Jackdaw Street, San Diego, explained the design challenges he encountered with the remodel of the building. Harry Mestayanek, Ivy Landscape Architects, 324 Cedar Street, San Diego, introduced the landscape plan. Chairperson Reed asked about the Mexican Fan palms. She said that her experience is that they grow very tall and look like telephone poles. She asked if Mr. Mestayanek has considered another type of palm that may be more esthetically pleasing to the area. Mr. Mestayanek suggested a Queen palm as a suitable lower growing alternative. Vice Chair Shallan asked about other tree varieties for that area. He commented that the palms are out of sorts because there are so few in that area. Mr. Mestayanek said the palms give it a mid-century look and provide some height or lift to the landscape without blocking some of the façade. Commissioner Shallan asked about the width between the masonry wall and the building. Mr. Mestayanek said it is about five or six feet. He stated that the area is intended to store bikes by having them hang vertically. Chairperson Reed questioned whether persons would actually store their bikes vertically. Vice Chair Shallan agreed and suggested that another area be designed for bike racks as he does not feel this area works well for that purpose. Mr. Magnus agreed. Vice Chair Shallan asked if they had considered artificial turf instead of lawn. Mr. Mestayanek said this was considered as an option; however, there is no turf planned for this project.

4 4 Vice Chairi Shallan said he was concerned about losing all of the lawn area because there would not be a play area for children residing in the apartments. Chairperson Reed asked about the feature wall. If metal is used, will it be powder coated. Mr. Magnus replied yes. Chairperson Reed asked the maintenance involved if wood is used. Mr. Magnus replied that the wood would require higher maintenance because it would need to be treated every year. Chairperson Reed asked if the landscape/hardscape meet the coverage requirements for permeable surfaces. Mr. Fait said the City has landscape requirements for new development; however, it is not generally applied to a redevelopment project. Commissioner Hammett asked if the Commission would consider selecting an Orchid Street. Mr. Mestayanek said he prefers a white flowering tree because of the overall color palette. Vice Chair Shallan asked about the maintenance of the trees. Mr. Fait responded that the landscape maintenance is on contract. Commissioner Jones commented that trees with magenta or red flowers would not go well with the orange colored doors. PUBLIC COMMENT There were no members of the public wishing to speak at this time. COMMISSION DISCUSSION Commissioner Hammett said he was pleased with the proposed request including the landscaping, barbeque area, and proposed palm trees. He agreed that the bike racks may be an issue and suggested that the area under the stairs may be a possible location. He stated he did not have an issue with any of the colors. Commissioner Jones agreed with the height of the palm trees being in scale with the two story structure; however, she has no issues with the palm trees. She also feels that children need a play area, but is pleased with the overall concept. She concurs that the parking space should be kept, and likes the color palette. She said she would like more storage area for the residents; although

5 5 she understands space is limited. She also questioned the practicality of maintaining a feature wall made of wood. Chairperson Reed clarified that the feature wall will not make or break the building. She would prefer to see material used that are almost maintenance free. She agreed that the applicants have done a great job of updating the building. The front landscaping softens the look of the front of the building; however, she agrees that play space is being taken away. She said she loves palm trees; however, the height issue is important for scale. She asked if there are other options that would not take up additional space, but would provide the softness of a Canopy tree. She would prefer to see King or Queen palms. She is pleased with the color palette. Vice Chair Shallan said he likes the colors and agreed that if the appropriate materials are used for the feature wall, it would fine. He would like to see other types of trees instead of the Palm trees. He suggested that two bike racks be placed, preferably underneath the stairwells; some type of vertical cover screen the dumpster/trash area; and that a children s play area be provided on the property. He said the interior courtyard is great as is the barbeque area. Mr. McMillen said that finding a suitable location for the play area is challenging as there is limited space. He suggested the interior courtyard may be more appropriate for this purpose. Chairperson Reed said there was not much space to build a play area and questioned its amount of use by children living there. She asked if there were any parameters established for play areas in redevelopment housing. Staff indicated there is not. Commissioner Hammett suggested there may be some areas which should contain turf, even though it would not be used as a play area. Chairperson Reed asked about what the residents may want to see in the front yard. Mr. Mestayanek suggested the residents may want to have landscaping in the front. Vice Chair Shallan said it appears that they are moving in the direction of making a living area but asked if the space was being maximized. Commissioner Jones said there is much ground cover around the trees. She suggested eliminating some of the ground cover and replacing it with some turf. She suggested that living space may be more desirable to the residents living there. Vice Chair Shallan said he does not feel the space is designed well enough to be able to accommodate the number of residents living there. Chairperson Reed said it is important to keep the elements of giving it the cozy appeal of a small room. It should not look like a concrete lawn. She suggested increasing the hardscape on some

6 of the ground cover areas. Vice Chair Shallan suggested making an outdoor living area. Chairperson Reed said it could be done within the proposed design. Mr. Mestayanek said the Commission s requests could be accommodated. COMMISSION ACTION 6 COMMISSIONER HAMMETT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE REQUEST AS SUBMITTED, WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS: 1. THE FRONT PATIO BE ENLARGED; 2. THE FRONT BIKE RACK BE RELOCATED. COMMISSIONER REED SECONDED THE MOTION. AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Commissioners Hammett, Jones, Reed, and Shallan. Commissioner Turpit. The motion passed with a vote of 4-0. There is a 15-day appeal period. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:14 p.m. Rachel A. Hurst Director of Community Development, Redevelopment & Housing Services