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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDRC_2014-05-28_AgendaPacket http://www.facebook.com/planningatascadero @atownplanning Scan This QR Code with your smartphone to view DRC Website CITY OF ATASCADERO DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE AGENDA Committee Meeting Wednesday, May 28, 2014 3:00 PM. City Hall Room 106 (1st Floor) 6500 Palma Avenue Atascadero, California CALL TO ORDER Roll Call: Chairperson Bob Kelley Committee Member Duane Anderson Committee Member Mark Dariz Committee Member Heather Moreno Committee Member Jamie Kirk APPROVAL OF AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT CONSENT CALENDAR 1. APPROVAL OF DRAFT ACTION MINUTES OF APRIL 9, 2014 City of Atascadero Design Review Committee Agenda Regular Meeting, May 28, 2014 Page 2 of 3 http://www.facebook.com/planningatascadero @atownplanning Scan This QR Code with your smartphone to view DRC Website DEVELOPMENT PROJECT REVIEW 2. PLN 2014-1495 / DRC 2014-0065 California Villas – 18 Unit Custom PD Owner/Applicant: Brown Horse LLC / Tim Roberts Engineering Address: 9405 Avenida Maria APN: 045-321-022 General Plan: High Density Residential (HDR) Zoning: Residential Multi-Family-20 (RMF-20) Project Area: 0.96 acres Existing Use: Vacant Proposed Use Eighteen (18) unit attached air-space condo development Staff Recommendation: DRC recommends to the Planning Commission approval of an 18-unit attached air- space condominium project with proposed modifications. City of Atascadero Design Review Committee Agenda Regular Meeting, May 28, 2014 Page 3 of 3 http://www.facebook.com/planningatascadero @atownplanning Scan This QR Code with your smartphone to view DRC Website 3. DRC 2014-0047 / PLN 2014-1499: PD-7 AT 10380 EL CAMINO REAL ZCH 2014-0173, TPM 2014-0101, CUP 2014-0282 COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS AND REPORTS DIRECTOR’S REPORT ADJOURNMENT The next regularly scheduled DRC meeting will be announced. Agendas, Minutes and Staff Reports are available online at www.atascadero.org under City Officials & Commissions, Design Review Committee. Property Owner: Leo Michaud, 8090 Cristobal Ave, Atascadero, CA 93422 Applicants: F.L. Henderson and Associates, 2029 Alturas Rd, Atascadero, CA 93422 Project Title: PLN 2014-1499 / DRC 2014-0047 Project Location: 10380 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422 San Luis Obispo County (APN 056-383-021) Project Description: Application for a Planned Development Overlay #7 Zone Change and associated Tentative parcel map and Master Plan of Development (CUP) to establish four (4) small lot single family residences on an existing 0.37 acre parcel. General Plan Designation: Medium Density residential (MDR) Zoning: Residential Multi-Family – 10 (RMF-10) Recommendation: DRC make recommendations to the Planning Commission and City Council regarding project architectural and site design. CITY OF ATASCADERO DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE DRAFT ACTION MINUTES Regular Meeting – Wednesday, April 9, 2014 3:30 P.M. City Hall, Room 106 (1st Floor) 6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero, California CALL TO ORDER – 3:30 pm Chairperson Kelley called the meeting to order at 3:30 pm. ROLL CALL Present: Chairperson Kelley Committee Member Anderson Committee Member Dariz Committee Member Moreno Committee Member Kirk Staff Present: Senior Planner Kelly Gleason Community Development Director Warren Frace Others Present: APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: By Committee Member Kirk and seconded by Committee Member Anderson to approve the Agenda. Motion passed 5:0 by a roll-call vote. PUBLIC COMMENT None ITEM NUMBER: 1 DATE: 5/28/14 Design Review Committee Draft Action Minutes April 9th, 2014 Page 2 of 4 CONSENT CALENDAR 1. APPROVAL OF DRAFT ACTION MINUTES OF MARCH 12, 2014 MOTION: By Committee Member Kirk and seconded by Committee Member Anderson to approve the Consent Calendar. Motion passed 5:0 by a roll-call vote. DEVELOPMENT PROJECT REVIEW 2. PLN-2014-1502 / DRC 2014-0050, 5915 / 5925 / 5935 / 5945 ENTRADA AVE PUBLIC COMMENT The following people spoke during public comment: MOTION: By Committee Member Moreno and seconded by Committee Member Anderson to recommend the approval of the project as submitted: Motion passed by 5:0 by a roll call vote. Property Owner: Brian Thorndyke, 1101 Riverside Ave # B, Paso Robles, CA 93446 Applicants: Larry Gabriel Architect, 1111 Riverside Ave # 102, Paso Robles, CA 93446 Project Title: PLN 2014-1502 / DRC 2014-0050 Project Location: 5915 / 5925 / 5935 / 5945 Entrada Ave, Atascadero, CA 93422 San Luis Obispo County (APN 029-344-019 & 029-344-034) Project Description: Remodel of existing front facades for four (4) existing storefronts, including new colors, materials, and signage. The proposal also includes a new concrete outdoor seating area at 5915 Entrada Ave. General Plan Designation: Downtown (D) Zoning: Downtown Commercial (DC) Recommendation: DRC endorse the proposed façade modifications and outdoor seating area for the above locations. Design Review Committee Draft Action Minutes April 9th, 2014 Page 3 of 4 3. PLN 2014-1507 / DRC 2014-0051, WEST COAST AUTO & TOWING – RELOCATION TO 9199 EL CAMINO REAL Owner/Applicant: Ryan Amborn Address: 9195 and 9199 El Camino Real APN: 030-502-035 and 030-502-038 General Plan: General Commercial Zoning: Commercial Retail Project Area: 1.05± acres Existing Use: Existing auto repair and service use with vehicle storage yard Proposed Use Auto repair and service with vehicle storage yard and new accessory impound vehicle storage yard Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends the DRC provide direction on the storage yard fencing and screening requirements and the maximum size of the accessory impound vehicle storage yard. PUBLIC COMMENT None MOTION: By Committee Member Kirk and seconded by Committee Member Moreno to recommend the approval of the project as presented, with the following condition: 1. Pull back ECR landscaping to edge of driveway apron. Motion passed by 5:0 by a roll call vote. COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS AND REPORTS None Design Review Committee Draft Action Minutes April 9th, 2014 Page 4 of 4 DIRECTOR’S REPORT DRC meetings will be Action Minutes from now on and voice recorded. ADJOURNMENT – 3:48 pm. MINUTES PREPARED BY: _______________________________________ Warren Frace, Community Development Director t:\~ design review committee\minutes\minutes 2014\draft action minutes 4.09-14.docx ITEM NUMBER: 2 DATE: 5-28-14 Atascadero Design Review Committee Report In Brief - Community Development Department Alfredo R. Castillo, AICP Assistant Planner, (805) 470-3436, acastillo@atascadero.org PLN 2014-1495 / DRC 2014-0065 California Villas – 18 Unit Custom PD Owner/Applicant: Brown Horse LLC / Tim Roberts Engineering Address: 9405 Avenida Maria APN: 045-321-022 General Plan: High Density Residential (HDR) Zoning: Residential Multi- Family-20 (RMF-20) Project Area: 0.96 acres Existing Use: Vacant Proposed Use Eighteen (18) unit attached air-space condo development Staff Recommendation: DRC recommends to the Planning Commission approval of an 18-unit attached air-space condominium project with proposed modifications. Design Review Items  Site Design  Architectural Design  Circulation Background: In 2007, a developer proposed construction of 10 attached duplexes and 1 stand-alone unit. At that time, the developer had not applied for any entitlements to subdivide the property. As such, it was considered a multi-family development. Building permits were applied for and were ready to be issued, however the previous applicant did not pull the permits and construction never began. These permits were placed into the City’s ITEM NUMBER: 2 DATE: 05-28-14 Dormant Permit Program. These permits have not been formally withdrawn. A formal withdrawal of these permits will be triggered with a formal application for a planning entitlement. The site fell into foreclosure and has been subsequently bee n purchased by Brown Horse, LLC. Staff met with the applicant and their representative to determine potential uses, site layout, and other pre-application items as a part of the app licant’s project due diligence. Staff identified issues for the site and proposed project and provide those comments in a letter to the applicant. Some of those concerns included the following:  Internal Circulation;  Establishing future access connections to other vacant and existing parcels;  Ability to meet high densities with new post-construction stormwater regulations established by the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB);  Ability to meet minimum parking requirements. The applicant and his project design team further refined their design concept and site plan for Staff’s review. The applicant is seeking a Planned Development (PD) overlay to accommodate the proposed density of the project (19 units to the acre) through modifications of setback requirements. Planned Development Overlay Zone requires that a finding of public benefit be made with the approval of any planned development overlay zone request. The following planned development benefits have been established by the Atascadero City Council (January 31, 2004 strategic planning session) for projects both inside and outside of the urban core (refer to Urban Framework Diagram) The benefits are divided into two levels, Tier 1 and Tier 2. All of the Tier 1 benefits are considered by the City Council to be mandatory elements of a Planned Development project. Tier 2 benefits will not apply to all projects but should be incorporated when applicable. PD Location Tier 1 Benefits Tier 2 Benefits Inside of Urban Core PD-7 PD-17 Custom PD’s a) Affordable / Workforce Housing b) High Quality Architectural Design c) High Quality Landscape Design d) Buffering between Urban and Suburban zones (large lot sizes, increased setbacks, landscape buffers, etc.) e) Higher density to meet Housing Element goals a) Pocket Parks in larger projects b) Trails / Walkways for Pedestrian Connectivity c) Historic Preservation ITEM NUMBER: 2 DATE: 05-28-14 DRC Action: DRC is being asked to provide review and provide input on the following items prior to the applicant formally submitting applications for the subdivision. These items include : 1. Site Design 2. Off-Site / Neighborhood Circulation 3. Architectural Design Item #1: Site Design The proposed 18-units would be accessed off of Avandia Maria, which is a private driveway for the Hidden Oaks Apartments. The parcel was granted access rights off of the private driveway as a part of the initial lot split completed in the late 1980’s. A new driveway would be constructed to allow for ac cess of the units. The project would comprise of three buildings of attached units. Each unit will have its own separate driveway for parking and a one-car garage. Site Plan ITEM NUMBER: 2 DATE: 05-28-14 Additional guest parking would be made available between Building 1 and Building 2. The driveway width of the guest parking is approximately 24-feet. Staff is recommending an access easement be included for future connections to the south of the project. These parcels are vacant and it is anticipated that they will also be developed sometime in the future (See circulation section for further discussion). A total of 51 parking spots are provided throughout the site. 36 parking spaces are provided either the garage or driveway spaces. The additional 15 spaces are provided as surface parking. This is primarily located within the parking area, however there are an additional four (4) spaces in the Community Area. Parking has been calculated assuming each unit has three bedrooms. The applicant is proposing an asphalt driveway. To enhance the landscaping and hardscaping design, the applicant is proposing “sawcut” concrete paving. No detail has been provided showing cuts. Typically staff recommends the use of decorative pavers or colored stamped concrete for these type of enhancements. Staff is recommending that the DRC direct the applicant to provide paver “ribbons” along the outer edge of the proposed decorative concrete area to transition from asphalt to concrete. Drainage will be handled through underground chambers located in the proposed community area that will collect stormwater runoff and re -percolate water underground. This will be consistent with the post-stormwater construction standards that were established by the Public Works department for consistency with new Regional Water Quality Control Board regulation. Proposed Parking Number of Units Parking Requirement Parking Spaces Required 18 2.5 spaces 45 spaces - 1 per 5 units 4 spaces Total Number of Parking Spaces Required 49 spaces Total Additional Parking Spaces 2 spaces Proposed Guest Parking / Access Easement ITEM NUMBER: 2 DATE: 05-28-14 Proposed Landscaping Plan View of Hidden Oaks – Adjoining Property Landscaping is located throughout the site include near the community siting gathering area and in planters between the proposed driveways. Additional landscaping has bee n located off of Avenida Maria to enhance proposed project entries. No project landscaping is shown on the rear of the lots, however Staff is recommending additional landscaping be added on the rear, where necessary, to shield views from adjacent units from the neighboring hidden oaks apartment development. ITEM NUMBER: 2 DATE: 05-28-14 View of Hidden Oaks – Adjoining Property Conceptual Future Neighborhood Street Alignment Item #2: Off-Site / Neighborhood Circulation As previously mentioned, primary access will be through Avenida Maria, a designated private access for the Hidden Oaks Village Apartments. As a part of the subdivision of the property, an access easement has been granted for this property as well as the adjacent parcel directly south of the proposed project. City Staff has concerns about the amount of potential units generated by this proposed development , as well as subsequent development on vacant and underutilized parcels that will use Avenida Maria. This is in addition to the existing 92 units a lready utilizing Avenida Maria as an entry/exit from the Hidden Oaks Apartment. With the proposed project, an additional 95-115 homes may use Avenida Maria. Typical residential development yields approximately 10 trips a day. T his may add an additional 950 to 1,150 trips daily to the Avenida Maria / El Camino Real intersection at build out. Staff will require the applicant perform a traffic analysis as a part of the environmental documentation to ensure traffic volumes will be at an acceptable level. An additional concern is future neighborhood connectivity. The City’s Fire Department is ITEM NUMBER: 2 DATE: 05-28-14 Proposed Secondary Fire Access concerned with access to future development. Staff is requesting that the applicant place provide a future access easement in the parking lot driveway. It is proposed that this driveway will continue on in the future interconnecting new neighborhoods and providing additional ingress and egress for residents and the fire department. As a part of the preliminary review of the project, Staff recommended to the applicant that a secondary emergency only access be shown. The applicant revised the proposed project to show this access. Based on the submitted site plan, Staff has determined that a secondary emergency access will not be necessary as the site plan now meets the fire safety requirements to provide adequate services to the proposed units. ITEM NUMBER: 2 DATE: 05-28-14 Perspective View of the Proposed Development Surrounding Development Architecture Item #3: Architectural Design The proposed project is located on a vacant parcel adjacent to the southwestern pueblo style Hidden Oaks apartments and late 1970’s early 80’s apartment complex known as the “the oaks”. The proposed 18-unit development design is a departure from both these styles, as well as the typical residential development that has been constructed over the last few years. The proposed development utilizes a “modern” architectural theme with the use of box shapes in both vertical and horizontal elements, a mix of materials, and a darker color palette compared to the soft, earth-tone type of colors utilized in the majority of the City’s new residential developments. The proposed architecture has a similar architectural feel to some newer projects located in San Luis Obispo such as the Monterey Mix located off of Monterey Street in the Downtown, as well as the recently renovated former Player’s Restaurant off of El Camino Real. ITEM NUMBER: 2 DATE: 05-28-14 Building 3 – Preliminary Elevation Proposed Elevation The proposed architecture fully represents the intent of a “high quality” architectural design intended for Planned Developments. Modern architecture has not been completed here in the City, however many higher density development s are trending towards these type of architectural design due to its ability to help alleviate the appearance of density. The proposed use of elements such as pop -outs, differing materials, and colors help to reduce the bulk and mass of the buildings , thereby helping to reduce the overall feel of the development that is considered high density (18 units to acre, as proposed). A mix of materials is proposed to be utilized throughout the development. Those materials include hardie plank siding in various color trims, corrugated steel for both horizontal and vertical siding, stone for use as trims around columns and define entryways, and darker accent colors to tie the materials together. The applicant has included a color and material sheet. Staff recommends that the DRC direct the applicant to work with staff to provide a materials board showing steal, wood siding, and color trim to ensure the materials are consistent with proposed architecture elevations. The 2nd story is proposed to be cantilevered to accommodate the proposed floor plan. This cantilevered story adds to the architectural character of the proposed development. Setbacks will be modified as a part of the Planned Development Overlay zone to allow for this architectural feature. ITEM NUMBER: 2 DATE: 05-28-14 Proposed Floor Plans The largest units for the proposed development will include first floor living area with the kitchen, living room, and garage. The 2nd floor will include three (3) bedrooms and two (2) bathrooms. There are a total of fourteen (14) 3-bedroom units. Four (4) two-bedroom units have been included that split the bedrooms between the 1st and 2nd floor. These are smallest units in the development. Parking calculations are based on bedrooms and Staff has conducted a parking analysis based on 3-bedrooms for each unit, thus if the applicant moves forward with the four(4) 2- bedroom units, additional parking will be available for guests. Staff recommends that the DRC direct the applicant to work with Staff for any proposed floor plan changes that do not adversely affect the proposed architectural design. All units contain a 3rd floor “study” or loft area with a ceiling height no greater than 8-feet and sloping towards the rear portion of the unit. This area has been reviewed by City Staff for consistency with the California Building Code (CBC) and Fire Code to ensure no additional points of exit would be required. The proposed study is within the code requirement that does not require additional exiting. Trash receptacles are located in the garage. Without a formal application, Staff has yet to contact Waste Management on whether they can serve the project with their ga rbage trucks for individual curb-side pick up or whether Waste Management will require a common trash area. If common trash/recycle bins are required, Staff recommends that the DRC direct the applicant to work with Staff on placement and screening materials that is consistent with the project’s design theme. Summary of Recommendations: ITEM NUMBER: 2 DATE: 05-28-14 1. Provide paver “ribbons” along the outer edge of the proposed decorative concrete area to transition from asphalt to concrete at project entry driveway and intersection. 2. Remove secondary emergency access previously requested by Staff. Replace with additional landscaping and/or locate common trash / recycling bins if required. 3. Applicant to work with staff to provide a materials board showing steal, wood siding, and color trim to ensure the materials are consistent with proposed architecture elevations 4. Applicant to work with Staff for any proposed floor plan changes that do not adversely affect the proposed architectural design. 5. If common trash/recycle bins are required, applicant will work with Staff on placement and screening materials that is consistent with the project’s design theme. Attachments: Attachment 1: Location Map Attachment 2: Architectural Examples Attachment 3: Applicant Package t:\- 14 plns\pln 2014-xxxx- avienda maria\drc\drc 2014-0065-avenidamaria.ac.docx ITEM NUMBER: 2 DATE: 05-28-14 Attachment 1: Location Map Proposed Site ITEM NUMBER: 2 DATE: 05-28-14 Attachment 2: Architectural Examples Players Restaurant – Modern Architecture Example Monterey Mix – San Luis Obispo ITEM NUMBER: 2 DATE: 05-28-14 Attachment 2: Architectural Examples Southwood / Laurel Townhomes – San Luis Obispo ITEM NUMBER: 2 DATE: 05-28-14 Attachment 3: Applicant Package – See Attached ITEM NUMBER: 3 DATE: 5-28-14 Atascadero Design Review Committee Report In Brief - Community Development Department Kelly Gleason, Senior Planner, (805) 470-3448, kgleason@atascadero.org DRC 2014-0047 4-unit small lot single-family residential in multi-family residential zone Planned Development Overlay #7 (PD-7) Owner/Applicant: Leo Michaud Address: 10380 El Camino Real APN: 056-383-021 General Plan: Medium Density Residential (MDR) Zoning: Residential Multi- Family-10 (RMF-10) Project Area: 0.37 acres Existing Use: Vacant Proposed Use Four (4) unit small lot residential single family development Staff Recommendation: Design Review Items  Site Design  Architectural Design Project location: 10380 El Camino Real ITEM NUMBER: 3 DATE: 05-28-14 Background: In March of 2014 the owner submitted an application for a Zone Change, Master Plan of Development (CUP) and 4 lot Tentative Parcel map to establish a 4 unit small lot single - family development in a multi-family residential zone on south El Camino Real. The applicant is requesting this development consistent with the standards of the Planned Development #7 (PD-7) overlay zone which was originally established in 1987 to allow for the creation of detached single-family homes on individual lots within the City’s multi- family zoning district. As with all Planned Development overlay d istricts, certain development standards are modified in exchange for high quality architectural and site design, affordable housing provisions, and the establishment of financial mechanisms to cover any increased costs to police and fire services associated with the new development. Establishment of a Planned Development Overlay Zone requires that a finding of public benefit be made with the approval of any PD zone change request. The following planned development benefits have been established by the Atascadero City Council (January 31, 2004 strategic planning session) for projects both inside and outside of the urban core (refer to Urban Framework Diagram) The benefits are divided into two levels, Tier 1 and Tier 2. All of the Tier 1 benefits are considered by the City Council to be mandatory elements of a Planned Development project. Tier 2 benefits will not apply to al l projects but should be incorporated when applicable. PD Location Tier 1 Benefits Tier 2 Benefits Inside of Urban Core PD-7 PD-17 Custom PD’s a) Affordable / Workforce Housing b) High Quality Architectural Design c) High Quality Landscape Design d) Buffering between Urban and Suburban zones (large lot sizes, increased setbacks, landscape buffers, etc.) e) Higher density to meet Housing Element goals a) Pocket Parks in larger projects b) Trails / Walkways for Pedestrian Connectivity c) Historic Preservation The project has been reviewed by staff and is currently in the second round of plan check. Staff is requesting input regarding site and architectural design from the DRC to ensure the City’s required findings of “superior project design” can be recommended to the Planning Commission and City Council. ITEM NUMBER: 3 DATE: 05-28-14 DRC Action: DRC is being asked to provide direction to staff regarding the following: 1. Site Design 2. Architectural Design Item #1: Site Design The existing lot is approximately 90-feet by 180-feet fronting El Camino Real. Based on the existing lot size and configuration, the applicant is proposing a single loaded driveway along the southern property line with 4 approximately 4000 sf lots along th e shared driveway. There is an existing drainage swale at the rear of the property which is designated as a jurisdictional wetland by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Per PD-7 standards, each lot shall have a minimum frontage of 45 -feet along the project accessway and meet the minimum setback requirements as outlined in the chart below. Front yard at residence 15 feet Side yards (combined) 10 feet Side yard (corner lot) 12 feet Rear yard (single-story) 10 feet Rear yard (two-story) 15 feet El Camino Real Front door with covering Site Development Plan ITEM NUMBER: 3 DATE: 05-28-14 The units, as Individual waste storage (Bin pick up on El Camino Real could be an issue) Share driveway / common maintenance Fire Department turn around All parking in driveways and garaged Typical yard landscape areas by developer Fenced drainage swale Fenced rear yards to be landscaped by owner El Camino Real Single-family residential house on a small 4,000 square foot lot Front door with covering ITEM NUMBER: 3 DATE: 05-28-14 designed, meet all setback standards outlined by the PD-7 text. In addition, each lot meets or exceeds the minimum PD-7 lot coverage, open space, and landscape coverage standards. Staff Recommendations: Staff is requesting DRC direction on the following items: 1. Trash storage and service The applicant is proposing individual cans for each residential unit to be stored within the screened side yard area. Lot 1 is proposed to have a 4 -foot, 6-inch side yard for the storage of trash receptacles. Staff is concerned that this width may be inadequate for this purpose. Additionally, per staff conversations with Atascadero Waste Alternatives, trash pick-up service will require that individual bins be placed at the curb of El Camino Real. AWA will not utilize the shared driveway for individual trash service. Staff has concerns regarding the use of El Camino Real for bin placement for 4 units. Each bin must be placed 3 -feet apart and there is a potential for up to 12 bins along the project frontage. Staff recommends that the DRC provide direction regarding trash storage and facility type as outlined below: a. If individual bins are recommended, direction is requested regarding the width of the side yard storage area for lot 1. Increasing this side yard width would result in a reduction in the frontage for lot 2 below the minimum 45-foot PD-7 standard; however, direction can be given for staff to proposing findings for modification of this standard to City Council based on the presence of the drainage/wetland feature at the rear of the site which limits the flexibility of certain site design elements, mainly the fire department turn-around and landscaped setbacks to such. b. If a communal dumpster is recommended, staff will direct the applicant to design the facilities with appropriate landscape screening. Such facilities would likely be located adjacent to the fire department turn -around and would be subject to the approval of Atascadero Waste Alternatives . ITEM NUMBER: 3 DATE: 05-28-14 2. Fencing at drainage easement The applicant is proposing a wrought iron view fence along the length of the drainage easement. Staff is recommending that the fencing be removed and only maintained to define the rear yard area for unit 4. Item #2: architectural Design The applicant is proposing 4 of the identical units within the development with wood siding and shingles. The projecting roof element on unit 1 has been designed to wrap around to the El Camino Real frontage where a trellis feature has also been applied to the façade for visual interest. The applicant is proposing a muted beige color scheme with taupe trim accents and white window features. Per PD-7 standards, the upper floor must be designed to step back from the ground floor façade, particularly at the rear façade, to avoid massing incompatible with small lot developments and increase opportunities for architectural articulation. The associ ated PD-7 standards include provisions requiring that the second floor be a maximum of 75% of the main floor area and that the rear setback increase from 10 -feet to 15-feet for the upper floor. Although, the project as designed meets the minimum standards set forth in the PD-7 code text, staff does have some concerns regarding the massing of the front façade and diminished articulation due to the lack of material and color variation throughout the project. Overall, staff is supportive of the repetitive f orm for this size development as it provides for a cohesive theme within a small 4 unit development. However, staff does ITEM NUMBER: 3 DATE: 05-28-14 recommend minor changes to enhance the articulation of the facades and reduce the visual mass of the unit along the shared driveway. Staff recommended architectural refinements: 1. Front façade massing The proposed units include an upper second floor that overhangs the garage by up to 4-feet. While this feature adds to the recessed nature of the garage, it also increases the mass and scale of the façade fronting the shared driveway. In addition, the entry feature protrudes a maximum of 3-feet from the façade, which is insufficient as a usable space and limits the ability of this element to contribute to the human scale of the front of the unit. Based on this, staff has provided the following recommendations to soften the bulk of the front façade. a. Garage door clarification Staff recommends clarification that the garage doors be of architectural Architectural grade doors with dark accent color Redesign entry feature to be more porch like. Not so tall and with more depth. Masonry accents along base of building Add eave overhangs with timber accents to create depth and shadows on the façade. ITEM NUMBER: 3 DATE: 05-28-14 grade and that they be painted a darker accent color to minimize their façade dominance. b. Porch usability and scale Staff recommends that the width of the porch be extended to a minimum of 5-feet to provide some usable area and that the roofline be lowered to provide for a more human scale. 2. Architectural articulation The applicant is proposing a design that contains a variety of layering elements such as decorative columns, horizontal banding, and decorative gable end treatments that add to the visual interest of the project. Staff recomme nds the following minor modifications to enhance the articulation of the proposed design features. a. Variety of Materials Staff recommends introducing some masonry or faux-stone accents along the base of the building. b. Enhanced overhangs Contrasting accents along base of building Deep eave overhangs with timber accents to ITEM NUMBER: 3 DATE: 05-28-14 Staff recommends extending the eave overhangs on the pop-out features and adding timber accents to create depth and shadows o f the façade, increasing the articulation throughout the project. Summary of Recommendations: 1. Trash storage: Staff recommends a communal trash dumpster and enclosure adjacent to the fire department turn-around. 2. Fencing: Staff is recommending elimination of the fencing at the terminus of the shared driveway. Permanent fencing of the wetland area is not required by CDFW. 3. Garage Doors: Staff recommends architectural quality painted a darker accent color complementary with the final color schemes for the units. 4. Porch Usability: Staff recommends increasing the size of the front porches to create usable space and emphasize the human scaled façade element by lowering the roofline. 5. Materials: Staff recommends adding material and color variety throughout the facades including some masonry or faux-stone accents along the base of the building and overhanging eaves with timber brackets. Attachments: Attachment 1: Location Map Attachment 2: Site Plan Attachment 3: Elevations Attachment 4: Color and Materials Board t:\- 14 plns\pln 2014-1499 - 10380 ecr pd 7_michaud\05 28 14 drc sr pd_7.docx ITEM NUMBER: 3 DATE: 05-28-14 Attachment 1: Location Map ITEM NUMBER: 3 DATE: 05-28-14 Attachment 2: Site Plan ITEM NUMBER: 3 DATE: 05-28-14 Attachment 3: Elevations ITEM NUMBER: 3 DATE: 05-28-14 Attachment 4: Color and Materials Board