PC Min 12/13/1994CITY OF CAMPBELL PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
7:30 P.M. TUESDAY
DECEMBER 13, 1994
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
The Planning Commission meeting of December 13, 1994, was called to order at
7:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers, 70 North First Street, Campbell, California by
Chairman Perrine, and the following proceedings were had, to wit:
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present:
Chair:
Vice Chair:
Commissioner:
Commissioner:
Commissioner:
Commissioner:
Commissioner:
Jay Perrine
Jane Meyer-Kennedy
I. Alne
Alana S. Higgins
Susan A. Kearns
Mel Lindstrom
Dennis Lowe
Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Present:
Community
Development Director: Steve Piasecki
Senior Planner:
Planner I:
Planner I:
City Attorney:
Reporting Secretary:
Darryl M. Jones
Gloria Sciara
Mark Rhoades
William Seligmann
Corinne A. Shinn
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: On motion of Commissioner Higgins, seconded by Commissioner
Alne, the Planning Commission minutes of November 22, 1994,
were approved (7-0).
Planning Commission Minutes of December 13, 1994 Pase 2
COMMUNICATION~
1. Letter from Daniel E. Murphy, Director of Apartment Development, Bay
Apartment Communities, Inc., re Agenda Item No. 1.
2. Letter from Mr. Jim Mackay re Agenda Item No. 2.
3. Letter from Ms. Susanne Waher re Agenda Item No. 2.
4. Eight letters from doctors/dentists re Agenda Item No. 3.
5. Revised Findings for Agenda Item No. 4.
6. Revised memorandum for Agenda Item No. 5.
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS OR POSTPONEMENT~
There were no agenda modifications or postponements.
ORAL REOUEST~
There were no oral requests.
PUBLIC HEARING
Chairman Perrine read Item No. 1 into the record.
1. SA 94-31
Public Hearing to consider the application of Arnold Pierce &
Associates, on behalf of Bay Apartment Communities, for
approval of a signing request to allow off-site advertising
signage and on-site freeway-oriented signs for the Canyon
Creek Apartments located at 500 Railway Avenue in a PD
(Planned Development) Zoning District.
Mr. Mark A. Rhoades, Planner I, presented the staff report noting the following:
· Bay Apartment Communities is seeking approval of its signing program to
include:
1. 72 square foot, freeway-oriented wall sign. Bronze 24-inch letters.
2. Temporary freeway-oriented banner signs.
3. Four 25 square foot off-site directional signs (temporary) to be located:
a. Hamilton Avenue at Highway 17 offramp.
b. Winchester Boulevard (south of San Tomas Expressway).
c. Orchard City Drive
d. Campbell Avenue
4. Applicant will negotiate with private property owners for permission to
install these temporary directional signs
· Staff is recommending two off-site directional signs instead of the proposed
four. Staff feels that the proposed Winchester & Hamilton location is too far
removed from the project to be warranted.
· Staff recommends 18-inch letters in place of the proposed 24-inch letters for
the freeway-oriented permanent signs.
Planning Commission Minutes of December 13, 1994 Page 3
Commissioner Alne inquired what the rationale was for requiring the reduction
in letter size from 24 inch to 18 inch size.
Mr. Mark A. Rhoades replied that staff found the smaller size to be adequate.
Commissioner Alne inquired if an analysis was made to determine the readability
from the freeway.
Mr. Mark A. Rhoades answered that using the smaller letters was not found to be
a major impact and acknowledged that larger letters would be slightly more
visible.
Commissioner Lowe inquired whether the signs would be back lit.
Mr. Mark A. Rhoades replied that the applicant proposes that the signs be back lit
but that staff was not supportive.
Commissioner Lowe asked whether there was a formula in place for signage.
Mr. Mark A. Rhoades answered that there is no formula for residential projects.
Therefore, this request will go forward to City Council for final approval. This
apartment complex signing request is not considered commercial in nature but
rather as residential.
Vice Chair Meyer-Kennedy presented the Site and Architectural Review
Committee report as follows:
· SARC is supportive of:
1. One 54 square foot permanent sign
2. Banner signs totaling 480 square feet.
3. Four 25 square foot monument signs.
Recommends approval for one year of until project is 75 percent occupied.
SARC is interested in seeing this project fully leased.
Commissioner Alne asked if SARC was supporting the 18 inch letters and why.
Vice Chair Meyer-Kennedy replied that SARC did support the requirement for 18
inch letters.
Commissioner Lindstrom, a member of SARC, added that the 18 inch letter size
was what was presented to SARC.
Vice Chair Meyer-Kennedy added that SARC found that to be adequate.
Planning Commission Minutes of December 13, 1994 Page 4
Commissioner Lowe asked how long the signs would be up and what plans are in
place for their removal.
Mr. Mark A. Rhoades replied that the sign approval would last one year. If the
project is not 75 percent leased, the applicant can return for an extension.
Chairman Perrine opened the Public Hearing for Item No. 1.
Mr. Mike Meyer, President of Bay Apartment Communities, Inc., address the
Commission as follows:
Asking for all the requests made in the original sign application with no
reductions.
· Stressed his company's major commitment to the City to improve the
downtown.
· Bay Apartments is spending $35 million to build 348 units with 69 very-low
income units which will help Campbell meet State requirements for
affordable housing.
· In addition, Bay Apartments is spending $600,000 to realign roadways.
· The City of Campbell has committed to reduce property taxes by $200,000 a
year for the next 20 years, a long term financial commitment by the City.
· Bonds will be issued to pay for the permanent financing.
· Their request reflects everything they believe necessary to properly advertise
the location which is slightly out of the way.
Mr. Dan Murphy, Director of Apartment Development,
Communities, addressed the Commission as follows:
Bay Apartment
He has worked closely with staff for some time now.
Bay Apartments needs to create awareness of its project and direct people to
its leasing office.
They have studied the distance from the freeway and it is 200 to 300 feet. A
minimum of 24 inch letters is required as well as back lighting to make the
signage readable from the freeway.
Feels strongly that all four requested directional signs are mandatory.
Objects to the limitation of time for the signage and finds that the 75 percent
occupancy standard is inadequate.
It takes approximately two to three years to reach stabile occupancy. For a
project to be considered successful, it requires a six month period with 95%
occupancy.
Thanked staff for its input.
Commissioner Lowe inquired whether the proposed signage was the only method
of advertising planned.
Planning Commission Minutes of December 13, 1994 Page 5
Mr. Dan Murphy replied that a full campaign was planned including newspaper
advertising, inclusion in rental guides and all other means. This project is
challenging to market as is in an out-of-the-way location.
MO~O~
On motion of Commissioner Alne, seconded by Commissioner
Lowe, the Planning Commission unanimously moved to close the
Public Hearing (7-0).
Commissioner Higgins stated that the sign request was less than Breuner's or Fry's
as far as freeway oriented signs are concerned and that this request was not out of
line.
Mr. Mark A. Rhoades clarified Finding No. 2, adding the language "Denial of this
application..." to the beginning of the sentence.
Commissioner Alne stressed the long-term commitment the developer has made
to this project and to the City as well as the City's financial commitment through a
reduction in property taxes. The City has a joint need to see this project succeed.
What is important is to reach occupancy. The Commission cannot ask for a
reduction in signs until the project as appropriately leased. Don't make it difficult
for the developer to sell this project. Get it built. Get it sold.
Commissioner Lindstrom added that the need for four directional signs is
supported and that he is not opposed to the use of 18 inch letter on the freeway-
oriented sign. Has no problem extending the time for the signs. The 75 percent
occupancy standard reflects commercial projects rather than residential.
Commissioner Lowe stated that he felt SARC has developed a good plan which he
supported.
Commissioner Higgins expressed her support with the SARC plan but with the
use of 24 inch letters for the freeway-oriented sign.
Commissioner Higgins expressed her belief that the wording needed to include
the word "Apartment" rather than simply "Canyon Creek."
Commissioner Lowe questioned the accuracy of the final drawing depicting the
larger lettering.
Mr. Dan Murphy advised that the drawing was to scale and that the lettering is
spaced closer together to allow the additional word, "Apartment," to be added
while enlarging the lettering from 18 inches to 24 inches.
Commissioner Lowe stated his intent to support the staff recommendation.
Planning Commission Minutes of December 13, 1994 Page 6
MO~O~
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
This item will
1995, meeting.
On motion of Commissioner Alne, seconded by Commissioner
Lindstrom, the Planning Commission recommended approval of
the applicant's off-site signage and on-site freeway-oriented signage
request for Bay Apartment Communities, located at 500 Railway
Avenue, to include:
1. 480 square foot banners on building
2. 72 square foot sign (using 24 inch bronze letters which are to be
illuminated) to read, "Canyon Creek Apartments."
3. Four 25 square foot monument signs (temporary until project
is 95 percent leased) to be located on private property at four
locations with the property owners' permission.
by the following roll-call vote:
Alne, Higgins, Kearns, Lindstrom, Meyer-Kennedy, Perrine
Lowe
None
None
be forwarded to City Council for final approval at its January 17,
MISCELLANEOUS
Chairman Perrine read Item No. 2 into the record.
2. E 94-04
Hearing to consider the appeal of Ms. Judith De Bernardi of the
Community Development Director's decision to deny a fence
exception for a six foot high fence enclosing the front yard of
property located at 1265 Burrows Road in an R-l-10 (Single
Family Residential) Zoning District.
Mr. Mark A. Rhoades, Planner I, presented the staff report noting the following:
· Applicant proposes to place a six foot high fence at the property line in the
front yard of the residence.
· Problems have been encountered by the property owner, including littering,
loitering, property damage and theft, that the property owner attributes to the
dose proximity of a bus stop (20 feet from front door).
· Proposal includes a five foot fence, with one foot lattice at the top, for a total
of six feet in fencing.
· Zoning Ordinance requires a finding that the exception will not prove
detrimental to neighboring property owners.
Planning Commission Minutes of December 13, 1994 Page 7
The San Tomas Area Neighborhood Plan requires a front entry that is visible
from the street.
The applicant is appealing the decision of the Community Development
Director denying this fence exception.
Staff is not supportive based upon the following:
1. The San Tomas Area Neighborhood Plan requirement for a visible front
entry.
2. The belief that other options are available in lieu of fencing in the entire
front yard to the property line.
Staff is looking for visibility of the home from the street.
Vice Chair Meyer-Kennedy presented the Site and Architectural Review
Committee report as follows:
· SARC finds that the applicant's request is not unreasonable and recommends
that the applicant be allowed to place this fence at the property line for
security and privacy.
Commissioner Kearns inquired if there were any plans for landscaping.
Vice Chair Meyer-Kennedy answered that the applicant intends to incorporate
landscaping. The use of the home will be improved with the installation of the
requested fence.
Ms. Judy De Bernardi, 1265 Burrows Road, addressed the Commission as follows:
· Compared her small property to the preceding multi-million dollar
apartment complex and called her home her sum total investment.
· Stated three concerns which lead her to want to install this fence: Security,
Privacy and Aesthetics.
· Her front door is 20 feet away from the bus stop. The bus stop handles 77
buses per day.
· She has been advised by a Santa Clara Police Department Burglary Division
officer that corner lots experience 40 percent of all residential burglaries.
Close proximity to the bus stop leaves her property vulnerable as the stop
draws many people 20 feet from her home.
· Provided anecdote about finding two people standing on her porch during a
recent rain storm who were waiting for a bus.
· Has suffered theft, the destruction of small plants and a bb shot into her front
window. Her homeowner's insurance provider has notified her that they
will cover damage only one time unless she takes measures to prevent
further damage.
· Has made significant improvements to the property since her purchase of the
home last spring.
· Concerned about lack of privacy. Her conversations can be heard at the bus
stop and conversations at the bus stop can be hear in her home.
Planning Commission Minutes of December 13, 1994 Pal~e 8
Displayed a bag of trash which she collected from her front yard last weekend.
Neither the Public Works Department nor the Police Department have an
objection to her adding a fence to her front yard. Similar fencing is already in
place in the neighborhood. It harms no one.
Would appreciate the support of the Commission in this request.
Ms.
Dawn Vadbunker, 1360 Burrows Road, addressed the Commission as follows:
Asks that the Commission not approve this fencing request.
Stated that all sample fences from the area are located 15 feet or more away
from the property line.
The use of a bus stop is a public activity.
Stressed the importance of good visibility and lighting and neighbors looking
out for neighbors.
Expressed concern for safety of property owner in that someone could be
waiting in her yard, hidden behind the fence.
Stated that should a young woman be waiting at the bus stop and require
assistance, no one would notice.
Recommended a fence located closer to the house.
Reminded that the San Tomas Area Neighborhood Plan calls for front entry
visibility and an openness of neighborhood. This request would negatively
impact the neighborhood and would not be aesthetic for the surrounding
neighbors.
Advised that other neighbors have installed fencing but shorter so that
visibility is not impacted.
Chairman Perrine inquired whether the property line has been established.
Mr. Mark A. Rhoades replied that the property line depicted in the sample
drawing is correct.
Ms. Pat McCullough, 771 Old Orchard Road, addressed the Commission as follows:
· Agrees that exceptions to the San Tomas Area Neighborhood Plan should
not be allowed.
Ms. Deborah DiSalvo, 1376 Burrows Road, addressed the Commission as follows:
· Recently moved into the area in August.
· Very high traffic for a small two lane road with Los Gatos commuters
zooming by at 70 miles per hour.
· Wanted to put up a fence herself at one point.
· Was informed about the San Tomas Area Neighborhood Plan by her
neighbor, Dawn Vadbunker, and is inspired by its goals.
· Would like to see something other than a large fence on the property.
Planning Commission Minutes of December 13, 1994 Page 9
Commissioner Alne discussed the following:
· There are obligations to living in a city.
· Within the City there are 80 bus stops which represents a bus stop in front of
roughly one home out of every 100.
· Individual rights give way to necessary systems. This is a price that sodety
has to pay.
· If the bus stop is moved, it then becomes another property owner's problem.
· Remedies are available for illegal activities.
· The illegal activities plaguing the applicant are of a nature that no one is
ready to do anything about, such as littering.
· According to one person who addressed the Commission, the applicant has
the obligation to watch out for people at the bus stop.
· Visited the area and found lots of 6 foot fences in front yards in that vicinity
where the front door is not visible. In fact, he found one home with a 10-foot
fence.
· Applicant seeks to insulate herself from these illegal activities.
· The applicant has agreed to take responsibility for emptying a trash can if the
Transit Authority will install one at the bus stop. The Santa Clara County
Transit Authority has agreed to install the trash can as long as the City of
Campbell indemnify's them from liability.
· Applicant deserves some slack. In fairness, he feels the request should be
granted.
Commissioner Lowe stated that it saddens him to hear of the problems of the
applicant and the need for security but feels that the 6 foot fence is a "quick fix"
solution. Questioned whether a fake brick and wrought iron might not be used
instead of wood. A wrought iron fence would close off the property while still
allowing visibility.
Commissioner Alne asked, "what about the other fences?"
Commissioner Lowe replied that the Commission was dealing with this one fence
request only.
Commissioner Lindstrom advised that he too had visited the neighborhood and
felt that the proposed fence fits in with the area and is in character.
Chairman Perrine clarified that most of the fences are at least 15 feet from the
property line.
Commissioner Lindstrom opined that the fence proposal will flow with the other
fences and that, in fact, this property almost looks out of place without a fence.
Planning Commission Minutes of December 13, 1994 Page 10
Vice Chair Meyer-Kennedy presented the Site and Architectural Review
Committee report as follows:
· SARC took into consideration the San Tomas Area Neighborhood Plan.
· The property owner has rights and something needs to be done for their
privacy and use of living space.
Commissioner Alne stated that there are other properties with fences at the
roadway.
Ms. Audrey Fitzgerald, 1265 Burrows Road, addressed the Commission as follows:
· The house is very close to the street. Therefore, there is no room to go back
15 feet before putting in the fence.
Commissioner Alne added that to require the 15 foot setback, the applicant is left
with an unusable front yard with only five feet separating the fence from the
house.
Commissioner Lowe stated his disbelief that this proposal could receive support
just because other homeowners have installed fences in front of their homes.
Commissioner Higgins announced her support of the SARC position and the
comments made by Commissioner Alne. Supports applicant's proposal.
Commissioner Kearns also stated her support of the applicant's request. She
suggested the addition of landscaping in front of the fence and an entry gate.
Chairman Perrine suggested that the fence step back beyond the bus stop. He
inquired whether the applicant might consider a compromise design and bring
that design to the next meeting.
Ms. Judy DeBernardi, 1265 Burrows Road.
· Stated that she was willing to install landscaping.
· Advised that the lattice work at the top of the proposed fence would be cut to
allow the existing branches of the trees to remain.
· Discussed the fact that a $1,200 front window requires replacement which she
wants to have done before Christmas.
· Would rather not delay a decision to the next meeting.
Chairman Perrine called a 10-minute break at 9 p.m.
Chairman Perrine reconvened the meeting at 9:09 p.m.
Planning Commission Minutes of December 13, 1994 Page 11
Commissioner Lowe stated that the fence was not aesthetic and would serve only
to isolate the homeowner. The only difference between this property owner and
any other is the bus stop. Proposed denial of the request.
MO~O~
On motion of Commissioner Meyer-Kennedy, seconded by
Commissioner Lindstrom, the Planning Commission approved a
fence exception for property located at 1265 Burrows Road in an R-I-
10 (Single Family Residential) Zoning District, per the drawing on
Attachment #5 with the following changes:
1. Move fence back two feet from property line and landscape the
two-foot strip in front of the fence.
2. Add an entry gate into the property at the driveway side of the
lot.
This motion was approved by a vote (6-1; Commissioner Lowe
voted no).
Ms. Judy DeBernardi accepted the changes to her fencing proposal and agreed to
comply with the landscaping and requirement for a gate.
Mr. Steve Piasecki, Community Development Director, announced that this
decision is final unless appealed within 10 days.
Chairman Perrine read Item No. 3 into the record.
3. SA 94-38
Hearing to consider the application of Pro Signs, on behalf of
Winchester & Hamilton Medical & Dental Center, for
approval of a signing request for an additional freestanding
sign located on property located at 1580 S. Winchester
Boulevard in a C-1-S (Neighborhood Commercial) Zoning
District.
Mr. Mark Rhoades,
·
Planner I, presented the staff report as follows:
Applicant is seeking to replace an existing freestanding sign.
Site is located at the comer of Winchester Boulevard and Hamilton Avenue
with San Jose Camera hiding the building from the comer.
Currently, there are two signs on Winchester Boulevard. One advertising
the drug store and the second advertising the medical center.
The applicant is proposing three signs in all.
Staff recommends the following:
1.
Reduction of the height of the monument sign on Hamilton Avenue
from 13 feet to 10 feet.
Reduction in the number of tenant panels included on the sign for the
center.
Planning Commission Minutes of December 13, 1994 Page 12
o
Removal of the individual names of the doctors and dentists from the
sign.
Removal of one sign on Winchester Boulevard.
Commissioner Alne inquired why staff was seeking the elimination of the
individual names from the sign.
Mr. Mark A. Rhaodes replied that the sign was unreadable by people driving by
on the busy road with that amount of copy. The sign represents visual clutter.
Commissioner Lowe mentioned that the purpose for the sign is to help patients
locate the building. The point about the sign, with all names included, creating
visual clutter is a valid one.
Vice Chair Meyer-Kennedy presented the Site and Architectural Review
Committee report as follows:
· SARC is supportive but requires the simplification of copy on the sign by the
removal of the individual panels.
· Limit the Hamilton Avenue sign to 44 square feet.
· Two freestanding signs to be reduced by 6 square feet.
Commissioner Alne inquired whether Hughes Dental represented the entire
group of was one of many tenants in the building.
Mr. Mark A. Rhoades stated that he would defer that question to the applicant.
Mr. Bob McCann, Pro Signs, addressed the Commission as follows:
· Hughes Dental is the third floor tenant. Eleven individual professionals
have offices on the first and second floors.
Commissioner Alne inquired why it was necessary to list all doctors/dentists on
the sign. Would not one sign work for the whole group.
Mr. Bob McCann replied that each tenant was individual professional business.
Vice Chair Meyer-Kennedy presented the Site and Architectural Review
Committee report as follows:
· SARC had a problem with the 14 names at street level and recommends
placing the individual names on a sign closer to the building to help patients
locate their doctor/dentist.
Commissioner Alne asked how many panels would be allowed on a retail
freestanding sign.
Planning Commission Minutes of December 13, 1994 Page 13
Mark A. Rhoades replied that anywhere from 3 to 7 depending on the size of the
center and size of the sign. He added that a simplified sign design would help
identify the center.
Chairman Perrine inquired whether the applicant would be able to develop a
simplified sign design if the item were to be continued.
Commissioner Alne stated that the existing proposal incorporates too many
panels.
Mr. Wayne Hop, Owner of 1580 W. Hamilton Avenue.
· Each tenant deserves recognition. It is difficult to leave some out and include
others. This is intended as an effective means of advertising for each tenant.
Commissioner Alne gave the example of his own dentist located in a medical
center that is identified only by the center's name and not by the individual names
of all practicing at that center. There is more on this sign than the Planning
Commission would be willing to accept.
Mr. Wayne Hop advised that the building is 200 feet from Hamilton Avenue and
the building cannot be seen from the street. Therefore the building is difficult to
find.
Commissioner Alne opined that the reader of this sign will be driving down the
road at 45 miles per hour. That person would be able to read "Hamilton &
Winchester Medical & Dental Center" but would have to stop on the sidewalk to
read the names of 14 individual panels.
Commissioner Higgins suggested that professionals such as doctors, dentists
and/or attorneys do not obtain business by people driving by the street. Agrees
with staff that the sign is too cluttered.
Chairman Perrine stated that the Commission agreed with the applicant's need for
signage but that readability was important. Asked them to work out an
alternative design. Suggested that the sign read, "Hamilton & Winchester
Medical & Dental Center, 1580 W. Hamilton Avenue."
MOTION:
On motion of Commissioner Meyer-Kennedy, seconded by
Commissioner Lowe, the Planning Commission unanimously
moved to continue this item for 30 days to the January 10, 1995,
meeting (7-0).
Planning Commission Minutes of December 13, 1994 Page 14
Chairman Perrine read Agenda Item No. 4 into the record.
4. SA 94-39
Hearing to consider the application of Cai Neon, on behalf of
Kirkwood Plaza Shopping Center, to allow a modification to
an existing freestanding sign located at 1630 W. Campbell
Avenue in a C-1-S (Neighborhood Commercial) Zoning
District.
Ms. Gloria Sciara, Planner I, presented the staff report as follows:
· Applicant seeks to modify a previously approved Sign Permit.
· The original approval requires an individual raised letter design.
applicant no longer wishes to utilize these raised letters.
· Staff is not supportive of the request for modification for two reasons:
1.
The
The change will not integrate with the sign program approved for the
center.
A desire to keep the signage consistent for the center.
Commissioner Alne asked why the applicant was seeking the change.
Ms. Gloria Sciara replied that the applicant has stated a cost factor and the fear of
vandalism.
Commissioner Lowe inquired how many tenant panels were involved.
Ms. Gloria Sciara replied that three tenant panels were involved.
Chairman Perrine asked how many of the tenants wanted the waiver.
Ms. Gloria Sciara replied that all three were looking for the waiver.
Vice Chair Meyer-Kennedy presented the Site and Architectural Review
Committee report as follows;
· SARC recommends approval of the staff position to deny the modification in
an effort to maintain the architectural compatibility.
Mr. Craig Maynard, Cai Neon Signs.
· Apologized for his inattentiveness when the original approval was made by
the Commission.
· Seeking to use lexan faces for the sign panels, a material which resists
vandalism and weather.
· Individual letters resist glue and cannot be done in the lexan material.
· Installing the individual letter signs require several steps and is labor
intensive.
· Agrees with the need to coordinate the signing program
Planning Commission Minutes of December 13, 1994 Page 15
Stated that the Wing Center (directly across the street) has a sign done exactly
as he is proposing.
Commissioner Lindstrom advised that the Wing Center sign was done as it was
approved to be done. The approval for the Kirkwood Plaza required the raised
lettering.
Commissioner Alne clarified the intent of the Commission was to provide
consistency in the signage for the center. If the applicant were to change the
portions of the sign already installed (raised letters) to lexan materials it could be
supported because it would be consistent.
Mr. Craig Maynard stated that the difference would be negligible and most people
would not notice a difference. Clarified that the use of raised letters was a
requirement raised by staff and he simply did not catch it.
Commissioner Alne inquired if the goal was simply to used raised letters or to
offer the appearance of raised letters.
Ms. Gloria Sciara replied that the appearance of raised letters was the goal.
Mr. Craig Maynard stated that the client was not supportive because some
corporate lettering/logos do no include raised letters.
Commissioner Lowe inquired whether any vandalism had occurred yet.
Ms. Gloria Sciara replied that not as far as she was aware.
Commissioner Lowe mentioned his appreciation for the area with the walkways,
landscaping. He often passes by the area.
Commissioner Alne stated that if consistency is a valued goal, staff must be
invested with authority to maintain consistency. He is inclined to support the
staff position.
MOTION:
On motion of Commissioner Alne, seconded by Commissioner
Meyer-Kennedy, the Planning Commission unanimously moved
to deny this request for a modification to a sign approval for a
freestanding sign located at Kirkwood Plaza Shopping Center, 1630
W. Campbell Avenue in a C-1-S (Neighborhood Commercial)
Zoning District (7-0).
Ms. Gloria Sciara offered to work with the applicant to develop an alternative that
will offer the appearance of raised letters.
Planning Commission Minutes of December 13, 1994 Page 16
Chairman Perrine agreed that if staff can develop an acceptable alternative with
the applicant they should do so.
Chairman Perrine Read Agenda Item No. 5 into the record:
5. Selection of Architectural Advisor and Landscape Advisor for 1994795.
Mr. Darryl M. Jones, Senior Planner, presented the staff report as follows:
· Professional organizations were notified that the positions of Architectural
Advisor and Landscape Advisor were open.
· Three candidates for Architectural Advisor were interviewed on December 1,
1994, by a selection committee comprised of Commissioners Alne and
Lindstrom.
· The selection committee recommended that the incumbent continue for an
additional year of service.
· The candidates will be notified by letter and the two not selected will be
encouraged to apply again next year.
Commissioner Alne presented the selection committee report as follows:
· He and Commissioner Lindstrom met with the three applicants and then
discussed the qualifications of each with staff.
· All three candidates are highly qualified and it was difficult to select one.
However, the selection committee recommends the reappointment of Mr.
Jeff Bowlsby for a second year. Ms. Susan Landry, the Landscape Advisor, is
also willing to serve a second year. No other parties applied for the position
of Landscape Advisor.
Commissioner Lowe apologized to the Commission for missing the selection
committee meeting due to a work conflict.
MOTION:
On motion of Commissioner Lindstrom, seconded by
Commissioner Alne, the Planning Commission unanimously
moved to reappoint Mr. Jeff Bowlsby as the Commission's
Architectural Advisor and Ms. Susan Landry as the Landscape
Advisor (7-0).
REPORT OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
The written report of Mr. Steve Piasecki, Community Development Director, was
accepted with the following highlights:
· City Council item No. 4 does not require a Site and Architectural approval.
Planning Commission Minutes of December 13, 1994 Page 17
The General Plan is a document of the City Council. An application went
before City Council on December 6, 1994, to request a Zone Change for
property located on San Tomas Aquino Road. This matter must receive the
permission of the Council before it can be brought to the Planning
Commission for consideration, review and a recommendation to the
Council. The Council has allowed the consideration of this General Plan
Amendment which will come before the Planning Commission soon.
Chairman Perrine announced that the election for Chair and Vice Chair will take
place at the next Planning Commission meeting, December 27, 1994.
Mr. Darryl M. Jones announced that at the meeting of December 27, 1994, the
Commission will consider one project consisting of five separate housing sites on
Van Dusen Lane.
ADJOURNMENT
The Planning Commission meeting adjourned at 10:13 p.m., to the next Planning
Commission meeting of December 27, 1994, at 7:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers,
City Hall, 70 North First Street, Campbell, California.
SUBMITTED BY:
APPROVED BY:
ATTEST:
Jay Perri~, Chalrpers~
Steve Piasecki,"Secretary