HomeMy WebLinkAboutDRBM_01242008 MINUTES
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
January 24, 2008
MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT
Jody Cole John Chan
Tom Liden
Estok Menton, Acting Chair
Tom Hise
Alan Nicholson
MEMBERS ABSENT STAFF PRESENT
Richard Moser Pam Townsend, Senior Planner
Nick Thayer Cathy Elawadly, Recording
Secretary
The meeting of the Design Review Board was called to order by Acting Chair Menton at 3:00
p.m., at Ukiah Civic Center, Conference Room No. 3, 300 Seminary Avenue, Ukiah, California.
2. ROLL CALL
Roll was taken with the results listed above.
3. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Judy Pruden requested Design Review Board agendas be posted to the City's website.
She stated the Ukiah Planning Commission desires to have a joint meeting with the DRB
to discuss project objectives and to establish a good working relationship.
The role of the DRB has expanded so that it functions in a discretionary review capacity
when considering grant application for the Fa�ade Improvement Program and in an
advisory capacity when considering the overall design and landscaping aspects/issues
for Site Development Permit projects that will be seen by the Planning Commission. The
DRB has members who are professional in the areas of landscaping and architecture,
which is very beneficial to applicants and discretionary review bodies. The Planning
Commission supports the DRB preview projects in a `pre-application' review capacity
utilizing the Commercial Development Guideline Project Review Checklist and makes
recommendations to the Commission concerning design elements/features/treatments,
color schemes, building/roofing materials, and landscaping for projects.
There was a brief discussion concerning the Lipsey Site Development Permit/Use Permit
wherein the DRB made recommendations concerning landscaping, design, and color
scheme to the Planning Commission.
The Planning Commission agreed a storyboard that displays samples of exterior
building/roofing materials, color swatches, and/or other `reasonable' project profiles
would be helpful to the DRB when reviewing projects.
She stated the City of Ukiah — Commercial Development Design Guidelines Project
Review Checklist is a valuable tool when evaluating for quality projects and covers a
multitude of areas. The Planning Commission will use the document to assist
developers, staff, policy boards, and the public in determining project consistency with
Design Review Board January 24, 2008
Page 1
the Commercial Design Guidelines for the Downtown Design District and she
recommends the DRB consider using the document.
It was the consensus of the Members present to support having a joint meeting with the
Planning Commission.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: November 28, 2007
M/S Cole/Hise to approve the November 28, 2007 minutes, as submitted. Motion carried
by an all AYE voice vote.
5. ADVISORY PROJECT RECOMMENDATIONS;
5A. Farade Improvement Program Grant No. 05-06, Paul Chan and John Chan;
Review of paint scheme applied to building relative to Design Review Board
approval for `New State Hotel' (Dowling Building) of Ukiah at 307-347 North State
Street (002-186-13).
Senior Planner Townsend commented as follows:
➢ Staff is requesting the DRB determine whether the paint palate applied to the
building at 307-347 North State Street substantially conforms to the DRB's July
27, 2007 approval.
➢ The applicant has painted the south and east building elevations beige, rather
than a combination of beige and terra cotta as directed by the Board.
➢ The Commercial Design Guidelines encourage building facades that are varied
and articulated and that the subject building be painted two tones to differentiate
architectural details and reduce mass consistent with the Commercial
Development Design Guidelines. The applicant has applied for grant funding
under the Fa�ade Improvement Program to enhance the appearance of the
building's eastern elevation. After several meetings regarding fa�ade
improvements to the east elevation, the DRB was of the opinion that building
body (including pillars' on the east elevation) be generally beige and the east
elevator shaft, wood panel section and door trim and most southeast wall be
painted terra cotta and/or a variation thereof.
➢ Because the rear of the building faces Main Street, its presentation is very
important whereby the fa�ade improvement can be considered under the Fa�ade
Improvement Grant Program, since the objective of the Program is to focus on
building facades and those elevations more highly visible from public roads and
spaces.
The Committee discussed the paint scheme on the back side of the building:
➢ Generally agreed two tones would provide for a more architecturally pleasing
presentation and nice contrast to differentiate architectural detail and reduce
mass per the original project conditions.
➢ Reviewed methods/potential options how the applicant could receive funding
assistance under the Fa�ade Improvement Grant Program in the event he
desires not to apply the second color as opposed to having to pay for all the paint
improvements out-of-pocket, such as deducting from the grant funding those
building features that were not painted a second tone.
➢ The Committee agreed the east side of the building that fronts Main Street is
highly visible and the use of contrasting colors, as originally recommended,
would allow for a nice looking building.
Design Review Board January 24, 2008
Page 2
➢ The Committee supported the concept if the applicant is requesting grant funding
for fa�ade improvements to his building, he must be in substantial conformance
with the DRB's decision.
➢ The Committee favored the second tone be a darker color than the beige on the
building to provide for an attractive contrast and visual appearance and to reduce
building mass.
Judy Pruden commented providing for a more pronounced customer entrance other
than the existing employee entrance would be a nice feature since there is sufficient
customer parking available in the rear of the building.
Member Liden made a motion to deduct from the grant funding by pro-rating those
features that were required to be painted a second tone.
Senior Planner Townsend stated staff would not recommend this approach to the
Finance Review Committee because this allows applicants to pick and choose which
aspects of the DRB approval they desire to implement.
The Committee agreed grant funding was approved with the understanding the applicant
would paint the building as approved by the DRB where the intent is to apply a paint
scheme in substantial conformance with DRB's decision and consistent with the
Commercial Development Design Guidelines.
Motion failed.
John Chan desires to be in substantial conformance with the DRB's approval of the
color scheme and would be amenable to painting the other features of the building as
approved by the DRB on July 27, 2007 a darker/deeper tone. He commented on other
design features and window treatments he considered for the building.
M/S Liden/Hise to require the applicant paint the building as originally directed in order
to be in substantial compliance with Fa�ade Improvement Program Grant No. 05-06.
Motion carried by an all AYE voice vote.
5B. 3:30 p.m. Site View: The Design Review Board will reconvene at project
site: Fa�ade Improvement Program Grant 07-05: Pre-Application, Dave Hull,
remodel building exterior (paint roofing), landscaping, parking and signage of 376
E. Gobbi Street (APN 002-312-10).
Senior Planner Townsend commented the applicant proposes to refurbish the building
exterior with paint, windows or doors, roofing, landscaping, repaving of the parking lot,
fencing, lighting and signage to update the building. Specifically, the plans include:
➢ A re-roof using composition shingle or clay tile roof;
➢ Stucco ranch styling building and support posts.
➢ Install lighting on face of building.
➢ Install a wrought iron fence between the planter and sidewalk along the south
frontage together with landscaping. Limb the canopy of the existing redwoods to
discourage people from loitering around the phone booth in and around the
planter in front of the subject building.
➢ Install an additional set of doors and energy efficient windows.
➢ Consider may be given to installing new signage.
Design Review Board January 24, 2008
Page 3
➢ Provide for an enclosure for the recycling bins.
➢ Repair and reseal the parking lot.
➢ Install landscaping along the north parcel boundary between the mobilehome
park and retaining wall adjacent to the parking lot that wraps around the building
to the north.
➢ Review the root system for the existing trees to avoid having to undermine the
retaining wall or parking area.
Staff recommends:
➢ The installation of tree planters for the west elevation between the building and
parking lot to provide a break in the row of parking and cool the parking lot.
➢ Install a street tree in the planter adjacent to the flag pole to increase shade and
walkability along Gobbi Street.
➢ Consider whether stucco or another treatment may be more effective and/or
architecturally compatible with the existing buildings in the neighborhood as
opposed to the application of a lighter color palate and/or additional
amenities/treatments.
Dave Hull commented on his project intent, issues with the existing Redwood trees and
corresponding problems with the root system, and the continuing nuisance of people
loitering in front of the commercial building and on the east elevation. He confirmed the
use will remain professional office. He intends to remodel the interior of the building. He
welcomes input from the DRB and will come back to the Board with a conceptual
site/landscaping plan for further discussion.
The Committee and applicant discussed the project with the following suggestions:
■ There was discussion relative to the Redwood trees with regard to possibly
removing one or all, scale of the trees in proportion to the building, ways to
prevent loitering under the trees, and damage to the sidewalk from the tree
roots. It was noted the trees have been limbed up. Raywood Ash is the
adopted street tree for Gobbi Street. Judy Pruden indicates this particular tree
species is not recommended by Releaf and recommends the applicant consult
with arborist John Phillips.
■ The applicant presented ideas about the planter area. Liquid Amber is not
preferred due to potential impacts to sidewalks. While Crepe Myrtle is
attractive, it should not be used in the parking lot, along the sidewalk, or on
the south elevation because it is not shade producing.
■ The applicant indicated the existing parking lot trees will be replaced since
they do not provide shade and have not thrived. It was suggested
landscaping and parking lot improvements be coordinated with the Selzer
building to the west. Parking lot trees should provide sufficient shade and be
able to withstand parking lot heat. It was also suggested the applicant consult
with John Phillips and Nick Thayer regarding parking lot trees and/or other
trees for the site.
■ Consider adding tree(s) in the planter in front of the joint parking lot, adding
landscaping or treatment along the west side of the stairs and southwest
corner of the building and possibly adding some landscaping between the
west elevation and parking lot. Parking standards allow a percent of parking
stalls to be 16' in length thereby gaining space for planters. Provide a
handicap space adjacent to the building where the grades allow.
Design Review Board January 24, 2008
Page 4
■ There was discussion concerning allowing excess water from the parking lot
to drain into vegetated planter. However, the applicant does not plan to
regrade the parking lot, which currently drains to the center of the travel lanes.
■ There was discussion concerning the building roof/entryway having a stronger
roof presence, which could be accomplished by modifying the parapet wall or
by adding interest to the entryway with alteration of the parapet. The applicant
desires to leave the stairs that provide focus for an expressed entryway.
■ In terms of elevation materials, it was suggested the applicant consider wood
posts/columns such as the `Santa Barbara' look rather than stucco columns
due to potential expansion problems.
■ There was discussion concerning placement of the proposed wrought iron
fence whereby it was suggested it be constructed at the sidewalk rather than
on top of the existing retaining wall allowing for a pleasing presentation.
■ Avoid chain link fencing where visible from major thoroughfares.
■ The applicant is considering moving the existing sign to the west.
6. MATTERS FROM STAFF
6A. Downtown Ukiah-Perkins Street Corridor Form-Based Zoning Code
Amendment, City of Ukiah Planning and Community Development Department:
Review and comment on proposal.
The Members deferred discussion of this item to January 31, 2008
7. MATTERS FROM THE BOARD
7A. Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
The Members deferred this matter to January 31, 2008.
8. SET NEXT MEETING/ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:18 p.m.
Estok Menton, Acting Chair
Cathy Elawadly, Recording Secretary
Design Review Board January 24, 2008
Page 5