DRC 03-20-08Design Review Committee
March 20, 2008
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 777-3308
APPROVED MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE DESIGN REVIEW
COMMITTEE HELD ON March 20, 2008
ROLL CALL
Committee Members present:
Committee Members absent:
Staff present:
Staff absent:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
None
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
None
Lisa Giefer, Chairperson
Jessica Rose, Commissioner
None
Colin Jung
None
POSTPONEMENTS/REMOVAL FROM CALENDAR:
None
ORAL COMMUNICATION:
None
CONSENT CALENDAR:
None
PUBLIC HEARING:
1. Application No.(s)
Applicant:
Location:
EXC-2008-05
Karen Ngo
10495 N De Anza Blvd
Sign Exception for a ground sign more than 8 feet tall measuring from the sidewalk grade
and a ground sign area exceeding 100 square feet
Design Review Committee decision final unless appealed.
Staff member Jung explained that there are two parts to this sign exception application. The
height exception is because the sign height is measured from the sidewalk grade. The ground
grade where the sign is to be located is 3' higher than the sidewalk grade so the sign would be
very limited. They have proposed a sign height of 11' 1" as measured from the existing grade.
They would also like to have a sign of approximately 116.34 square feet where the code calls for
no more than 100 square feet. Staff supports the application with the reduction from 11' 1" to
11'. Staff does not support the enlarged sign design. The sign could be designed smaller and still
not lose any readability. Chairperson Giefer asked for clarification that the address portion is not
2 Design Review Committee
March 20, 2008
counted as part of the calculation for the sign area but the center name is counted. If the sign
were reduced, what would the linear area of the sign be? It would be well under the 100 square
foot maximum. The applicant, Karen Ngo, stated that if the center name is counted in the sign
area, she would remove the center name and just have the tenant's names. They felt that due to
the curvature of the rear wall, the sign size is necessary for the tenant's name and the center's
name to be visible from the eastbound direction. Commissioner Rose asked about the proposed
letter height for the tenant names. Chairperson asked the applicant about the possibility of
moving the sign closer to the street. The applicant was reluctant to do that. The neighboring
business owner, Jane Wu, stated that she felt the height of the sign would block people's view of
her business. Chairperson Giefer asked for clarification what the setback requirement was from
the street. Staff member Jung explained that the setback is 1' from the sidewalk, but that there
appears to be an easement along the sidewalk on this lot. Commissioner Rose confirmed that
there is median landscaping that will prevent the sign from being visible from both directions of
traffic. Chairperson Giefer liked the design of the sign, but felt it was too large and could be
moved closer to the street. She suggested the applicant find out what type of easement existed on
site. She supports Staff's recommendation. Commissioner Rose agreed with Chairperson Giefer.
MOTION: Commissioner Rose moved to approve EXC-2008-05 with Staff's recommendations
SECOND: Chairperson Giefer
ABSENT: none
ABSTAIN: none
VOTE: 2-0
OLD BUSINESS:
None
NEW BUSINESS:
None
Respectfully submitted:
Beth Ebben
Administrative Clerk
g:pIanning/DRC Committee/Minutes032008