CITY OF CARPINTERIA ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD 5775 Carpinteria Avenue Meeting Date: March 28, 2013 Carpinteria California 93013 ACTION MINUTES The meeting was called to order at 5:35 p.m. by Richard Johnson, Chair. ROLL CALL Boardmembers present: Richard Johnson Scott Ellinwood Bill Araluce Rachelle Gahan Jim Reginato Boardmembers absent: OTHERS PRESENT: Approximately 6 interested persons were present. PRESENTATIONS BY CITIZENS None PROJECT REVIEW 1) Applicant: William Araluce, AIA, for Dorrance Way Group, LLC Planner: Nick Bobroff Project Number: 11-1585-DP/CDP Project Location: 4775 Dorrance Way Zoning: Planned Residential Development (PRD-20) Hearing on the request of William Araluce, AIA, agent/architect for the Dorrance Way Group, LLC, to consider Case No. 11-1585-DP/CDP for final review of a request to construct a new twostory 1,930 square foot single family residence (including an attached two-car garage) on an existing vacant parcel. The property is a 3,600 square foot parcel zoned Planned Residential Development (PRD-20) and shown as APN 003-436-022 located at 4775 Dorrance Way. DISCUSSION: Staff presented the project and noted that there had been only minor changes/updates to exterior finishes, window locations/sizes and the landscape plan from what had previously been reviewed and recommended for approval by the Board. William Araluce, project architect, presented an updated colors and materials board as well as cut sheets for proposed exterior light fixtures. He noted that the exterior colors for the units had been made a little more cheery as compared to what was originally proposed and that they tried to create a little more variety between the homes in terms of color. Public Comment: None Boardmember Discussion: The Board was fully in support of the revised project, noting that it was just as nice as the last time they reviewed it and that the minor changes that have been made to the project have been refinements to an already good project.
Continued Page 2 The Boardmembers also noted the proposed exterior colors and materials were appropriate. Boardmember Gahan commented that the proposed landscaping plan was nice and simple and generally low maintenance. She suggested that the applicants consider alternative materials to a plain concrete for any hardscape areas. At a minimum, textures or stains should be considered, or ideally, consider using a permeable material in place of concrete. Boardmember Johnson commented that he really liked the alley concept used on these three residences and that he wished it could be used more often on projects in this part of the City, as it successfully hides the garages and increases the amount of space available along public streets for on-street parking. Boardmember Johnson also inquired about the proposed wattage of any exterior lights, suggesting that at most, any lights should be no more than 60 watt equivalents. ACTION: Motion by Boardmember Ellinwood, seconded by Boardmember Reginato, to recommend final approval with the following comments: Consider alternative materials for hardscape areas (textured, permeable, etc.); and Use the minimum necessary wattage for exterior lights (60 watt equivalent maximum). VOTE: 4-0 ------------------------------------------- PROJECT REVIEW 2) Applicant: William Araluce, AIA, for Dorrance Way Group, LLC Planner: Nick Bobroff Project Number: 11-1586-DP/CDP Project Location: 4765 Dorrance Way Zoning: Planned Residential Development (PRD-20) Hearing on the request of William Araluce, AIA, agent/architect for the Dorrance Way Group, LLC, to consider Case No. 11-1586-DP/CDP for final review of a request to construct a new twostory 1,172 square foot single family residence and a detached 394 square foot two-car garage on an existing vacant parcel. The property is a 2,700 square foot parcel zoned Planned Residential Development (PRD-20) and shown as APN 003-436-023 located at 4765 Dorrance Way. DISCUSSION: Staff presented the project and noted that minor changes had occurred to the exterior finishes, window sizes and locations, and to the detailing and roof forms for the detached garage. William Araluce, project architect, presented the updated colors and material board for the residence along with cut sheets for the exterior light fixtures. He explained that the roof for the garage was switched from a hip roof to a gable and that a decorative trellis was added above the garage door. Public Comment: None
Continued Page 3 Boardmember Discussion: Again, the Board felt the minor revisions were subtle improvements to the project and only served to further refine the concept. The Board was also in agreement that the slight change to the warmer colors for the exterior finish was nice. Boardmember Ellinwood explained that he felt the revisions to the garage were improvements and that it helped to better relate and architecturally tie in the garage with the residence. It may also help to better screen automobile headlights from the neighboring residence. Boardmember Reginato sought clarification on whether the exposed stone work on the raised floor foundation and elsewhere would match that shown on the drawings or the material/texture called out on the colors and material board. The applicant clarified they intended to go with the material shown on the color/materials board. Boardmember Gahan noted that while the landscape planting plan for this residence was subtly different from 5775 Dorrance Way, it still reflected a simple, easy to maintain planting plan. ACTION: Motion by Boardmember Reginato, seconded by Boardmember Ellinwood to recommend final approval with the same comments as for 5775 Dorrance Way. VOTE: 4-0 ------------------------------------------- PROJECT REVIEW 3) Applicant: Scott Ellinwood, FAIA, for Carpinteria Valley Arts Council Planner: Nick Bobroff Project Number: 13-1654-DPR/CDP Project Location: 855 Linden Avenue Zoning: Central Business (CB) with Visitor-serving Commercial (V) Overlay Hearing on the request of Scott Ellinwood, FAIA, agent/architect for the Carpinteria Valley Arts Council to consider Case No. 13-1654-DPR/CDP for preliminary review of a request to complete interim site improvements to the Carpinteria Arts Center site to improve its appearance and aid in fundraising efforts for the approved new community arts center building. The proposed improvements include new and/or replaced hardscape and landscape areas, replacement of the existing patio structure with new shade sail structures, replacement of the existing fence along Linden Avenue and new signage. The property is a 6,251 parcel zoned Central Business (CB) with a Visitor-serving Commercial (V) Overlay and shown as APN 003-262-010 located at 855 Linden Avenue. DISCUSSION: Staff presented the project and noted they were generally supportive of the project. They explained that the proposed fence would require a fence permit due to its height and placement in the front setback; he also noted that the proposed shade sail structure would require a setback modification in order to encroach into the required front setback. It was also pointed out that staff had some concerns with the color and character of the shade sails and their appropriateness for the downtown setting.
Continued Page 4 Scott Ellinwood, architect, explained that the rationale for the site improvements was to make the arts center property more interesting and intriguing in the hopes of drawing visitors in from the street. He lamented that many visitors to the City do not notice the site as it stands today or take notice of it. He also made several clarifications and suggested revisions to the project description: He explained that existing permeable areas would remain permeable; the portion of the existing lawn area that would be removed to more accurately reflect the future arts center s courtyard would be filled in with a stabilized gravel to match the chip seal used for the surrounding hardscape areas but that this former landscape area would still be permeable; The existing rear gates/fences would remain as is and may be used in the future to hang displays or informational signs during events; The Arts Council would prefer to utilize a clear polycarbonate plastic panel material for the front fence instead of the wrought iron pickets. He explained that the superstructure of the fence (posts and top and bottom rails) would still be made of the wrought iron and would give the fence its shape. He noted the Arts Council had some long-term durability concerns about the material but felt it better reflected the look and feel of the future Arts Center building; He displayed material samples for the shade sails along with color swatches of the available shades. He reiterated that the Arts Council s preferred color scheme is to use the primary colors as proposed. Public Comment: Christie Boyd, CVAC member, explained she liked the proposed improvements, including the shade sail colors, as they would help to brighten up and improve upon the existing setting which is somewhat dark and uninviting. David Powdrell, CVAC President, explained that the rationale for these improvements is to help increase awareness of the Arts Council and the future arts center. The improvements are meant to be an interim step taken that will hopefully aid in future fundraising efforts for the new arts center. He noted that he too preferred the primary colors for the shade sails as they represent the basic colors from which all art comes from and therefore can be closely identified with an arts center. He also felt that bold, bright colors would help draw attention to the site. Boardmember Discussion: The Board was supportive of the efforts to improve the site s visibility and aesthetics. They did however harbor some concerns with selected materials, colors and construction details. Boardmember Araluce noted that the bright primary colors proposed for the shade sails may not be popular with the general public. He related the example of the Tomol Park bridge as a recent example of a structure that was originally proposed in bright colors but that ultimately had to be toned down. He suggested the Arts Center use more subdued colors, perhaps picking up the approved tile glaze colors from the future arts center building. He also suggested that the applicants should explore setting the shade sail structures back farther into the lot. He thought maybe the primary colors could be used elsewhere onsite. Boardmember Araluce also asked about the specifications for the utility poles used to support the shade sails and whether the applicants had considered metal poles. The applicant explained that they hoped to find weathered gray pressure treated wood utility poles. The tops would be cut off at a 45 degree angle. He explained they looked into metal poles but they were deemed cost prohibitive, especially for what are
Continued Page 5 proposed to be temporary improvements. Boardmember Reginato asked about the diameter of the support poles and raised some concerns with any potential toxicity of utility-style poles. The applicant explained they would use standard 12-inch diameter poles that slightly taper toward the top. The poles could be routed to run any conduit inside for lighting, etc. He noted the newer, pressure treated poles tended to be less toxic than the old creosotestyle poles. Boardmember Reginato explained he liked the general idea of the shade sail structures as they relate to the ocean and tie in with the similar shade sails used in the Carpinteria State Beach picnic areas but that he felt the colors should be switched out to shades that match the tile colors for the new arts center building. With respect to the fencing material, he thought the polycarbonate plastic sheeting could be interesting and might work; he inquired if it could be installed in such a way that sections could be removed/replaced if needed. He also suggested that the top and bottom rails of the fence be round rather than square. Mr. Ellinwood responded that yes, the fence could be designed and built in such a way that the polycarbonate panels could be replaced. He noted he preferred square rails for the fence super structure as it would be easier to cleanly secure the panels to the fence frame. Boardmember Gahan explained she was split on the colors of the shade sails. She understood the desire for the primary colors but still held a slight preference for the subdued ocean colors. She was glad to see that the existing green areas would remain permeable. Boardmember Johnson asked if any changes were proposed to the gallery/office building. Mr. Ellinwood explained that no changes were proposed at this time, other than possibly applying a fresh coat of paint. With respect to the landscaping, Boardmember Johnson thought the proposed improvements looked fine. He did however suggest the Arts Council look into what it would take to get the street tree trimmed back as that may improve the site s visibility. Concerning the shade sails, he noted he did not mind the primary colors but thought the shade sails could be reduced in size and/or moved back five feet or so (given their size and height), if there were concerns about them being too large and too visible. He noted steel support poles would be nice and that wood poles may need tie backs to provide adequate tension and prevent the poles from twisting or leaning over time. Boardmember Araluce asked whether anything could be done to increase the transparency of the gallery building itself in an effort to make it more visible and inviting. He suggested adding French Doors and/or larger windows. Boardmember Johnson asked for additional details on the construction and text for the proposed sign. Mr. Ellinwood explained they would use MDF forms for the concrete sign, chamfer the edges slightly, and perhaps give the sign face a light sandblast, smooth finish. The lettering would be approximately six inches high, incised ¾ inches deep in something similar to a Century Gothic font style. ACTION: Motion by Boardmember Araluce, seconded by Boardmember Reginato to recommend preliminary approval with the following comments: Use the muted colors for the sunscreens; Wood poles to support the sunscreens; Move the front support pole five feet into the interior, adjust the others accordingly;
Continued Page 6 The polycarbonate fence material is preferred (with dull galvanized posts); The darker chip seal color should be used; and Try to get transparency into the gallery with a large window facing Linden Ave. VOTE: 4-0 OTHER BUSINESS: NONE CONSENT CALENDAR: Action Minutes of the Architectural Review Board meeting held February 21, 2013. ACTION: Motion by Boardmember Johnson, seconded by Boardmember Araluce to approve Action Minutes of February 21, 2013. VOTE: 4-0 (Gahan Abstain) MATTERS REFERRED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION/CITY COUNCIL None MATTERS PRESENTED BY STAFF- None ADJOURNMENT Chair Johnson adjourned the meeting at 7:00 p.m. to the next regularly scheduled meeting to be held at 5:30 pm on Thursday, April 11, 2013 in City Council Chambers. All Boardmembers thought they would be in attendance. Secretary, Architectural Review Board ATTEST: Chair, Architectural Review Board