CHC Minutes-2009-05-26MEMORANDUM June 1, 2009
TO: Dave Adams, City Manager
Steven Apple, AICP, Community Development Director
FROM: Teri Delcamp, Historic Preservation Managerl
Cultural Heritage Commission Secretary
SUBJECT: Cultural Heritage Commission Actions of May 26, 2009
This memorandum summarizes the actions taken by the Cultural Heritage Commission at
their Tuesday, May 26 meeting. No action is required unless the City Council wishes to
hold special review of an item.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Banda called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Nathan Banda, Chair
Janet Siegel, Vice -Chair
Don Tryon
Absent: Ed Nunez (excused)
Lorie Porter (excused)
Staff: Teri Delcamp, Cultural Heritage Commission Secretary
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEIN BUSINESS
Consideration of Site Plan Review (SPR) 09-001, CC McCary House Addition
(Applicant: David & Reagan Ewing) Teri Delcamp made the staff presentation and
recommendation that the Commission adopt a resolution with conditions to approve
the project. The request is to allow a 686 square foot second story addition to an
existing 1,377 square foot home. A Minor Exception for a proposed loft coverage of
36.8%, which exceeds the 35% maximum allowed for a two story house by less
than 10%, will be considered subsequently by the Community Development
Dave Adams, City Manager 2 June 1, 2009
Director. The project site is listed on the City's Inventory of Historic and Cultural
Landmarks and is situated in the Mission Residential (MRD -4,000) Zone District, is
General Plan -designated Medium High Residential and is located at 31501 La
Matanza Street at the corner of Acjachema Street (APN: 124-203-43).
Staff's analysis is that the project is consistent with the General Plan, Land Use
Code and the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic
Properties with Guidelines for Rehabilitation, and staff is recommending approval
with conditions. Staff is recommending one change to the conditions of approval as
detailed in a memo provided to the CHC members at the meeting. A letter opposing
the project from Tony and Orrie Brown was also handed out to the CHC.
The Chair opened the public hearing.
David Ewing, applicant, spoke in favor of the request and responded to various
issues raised in the letter from the Browns.
Ilse Byrnes, San Juan Capistrano resident and local historian, spoke in opposition to
the project stating she has deep concern about the character of the Mission Flats
area, and that no more alterations should be allowed in the area so as to preserve
its existing character.
Mike Secor, neighboring owner and 11 year resident on La Matanza Street, spoke
in opposition to the project, stating: he wants to keep the existing character of the
area; he has issues with other previously approved projects in the area, including
the "snow roofs previously approved for the Ewings' property; and that the project
will block his existing view of the Mission Basilica Church domes.
Orrie Brown, neighboring owner and resident on La Matanza Street, spoke in
opposition to the project, referencing the letter already provided and re -stating the
main points: although there are two physical lots it is only one parcel; there are
already three structures on the lot; they could build out to the north with a single
story addition; and other projects that had additions were approved with variances
and they do not fit in with the neighborhood.
Tom Entwhistle, Don Juan Avenue resident, spoke in opposition to the project,
stating he worked with the City on the new zoning district standards to preserve the
character, and that "minor exceptions" and variances all set precedents. He asked if
the stairwell is open or enclosed.
The Chair allowed David Ewing to address the CHC again to rebut the comments.
Mr. Ewing stated there is no private view protection ordinance in San Juan; his
parcel has always been two separate legal lots and anyone could have built a house
on the other lot at any time in the past; he was also very involved in the process for
the new zoning district standards; he believes in intelligent growth and it is not
reasonable for neighbors to prohibit a second story if the zoning allows for it.
Dave Adams, City Manager ` 3 June 1, 2009
The Chair allowed Mike Secor to address the CHC again. Mr. Secor stated the
proposed colors and post modern style do not belong in the neighborhood and it will
be an eyesore that will change the whole character of the area.
The Chair closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Tryon sympathized with the neighbors and stated the project is too
much and will not preserve the character of the area.
Vice -Chair Siegel said the project is too massive for the area. The rest of the
buildings along the street blend in until you reach this site and the addition will not
help this site blend with the character of the area.
After due consideration, Vice -Chair Siegel moved, and Commissioner Tryon
seconded, adoption of a resolution to deny SPR 09-001, subject to findings that the
project massing is not compatible with the area and will not preserve the character
of the area, subject to Resolution No. 09-5-26-1. The motion was approved
unanimously by a vote of 3-0. Staff will prepare a revised resolution for denial for the
Chair's signature.
Staff stated that before the denial becomes final there is a 15 -day appeal period
which expires at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10, 2009.
INFORMATION ITEM
None.
COMMISSIONISTAFF COMMENTS
Vice -Chair Siegel commended staff for a very successful Historic Preservation Week
including the training reception, the movie night and especially the building tour on May 16
with over 200 people participating. Staff returned the compliment to the Historic
Preservation Week Committee for a great team effort.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Banda adjourned the meeting at 5:45 p.m.
cc: Cindy Russell, Assistant City Manager
Grant Taylor, Assistant Community Development Director
Teri Delcamp, Historic Preservation Manager
Christina Gomez, Administrative Specialist
CHC Members
CHC Minutes File
Douglas Dumhart, Economic Development Manager