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2017-11-02 Architectural Review Board Agenda Packet
_______________________ 1. Spokespersons that are representing a group of five or more people who are identified as present at the meeting at the time of the spokesperson’s presentation will be allowed up to fifteen (15) minutes at the discretion of the Chair, provided that the non-speaking members agree not to speak individually. 2. The Chair may limit Oral Communications to 30 minutes for all combined speakers. 3. The Chair may reduce the allowed time to speak to two minutes to accommodate a larger number of speakers. Architectural Review Board Regular Meeting Agenda: November 2, 2017 Council Chambers 250 Hamilton Avenue 8:30 AM Call to Order / Roll Call Oral Communications The public may speak to any item not on the agenda. Three (3) minutes per speaker.1,2 Agenda Changes, Additions, and Deletions The Chair or Board majority may modify the agenda order to improve meeting management. City Official Reports 1. Transmittal of 1) the ARB Meeting Schedule and Attendance Record, 2), Administrative Staff-Level Architectural Review Approvals, and 3) Tentative Future Agenda items. Action Items Public Comment is Permitted. Applicants/Appellant Teams: Ten (10) minutes, plus ten (10) minutes rebuttal. All others: Three (3) minutes per speaker.1,3 2. PUBLIC HEARING / QUASI-JUDICIAL. 3045 Park Boulevard [17PLN-00073]: Consideration of a Major Architectural Review to Allow Demolition of an Existing Office Building and Construction of a New Two-Story 29,120 Square Foot R&D Building. Environmental Assessment: An Initial Study is Being Prepared in Accordance With the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Zoning District: GM (AD) (General Manufacturing with Automobile Dealership Combing District). For More Information Contact the Project Planner Graham Owen at Graham.Owen@cityofpaloalto.org. Study Session Public Comment is Permitted. Five (5) minutes per speaker.1,3 Approval of Minutes Public Comment is Permitted. Five (5) minutes per speaker.1,3 _______________________ 1. Spokespersons that are representing a group of five or more people who are identified as present at the meeting at the time of the spokesperson’s presentation will be allowed up to fifteen (15) minutes at the discretion of the Chair, provided that the non-speaking members agree not to speak individually. 2. The Chair may limit Oral Communications to 30 minutes for all combined speakers. 3. The Chair may reduce the allowed time to speak to two minutes to accommodate a larger number of speakers. Subcommittee Items Board Member Questions, Comments or Announcements Adjournment _______________________ 1. Spokespersons that are representing a group of five or more people who are identified as present at the meeting at the time of the spokesperson’s presentation will be allowed up to fifteen (15) minutes at the discretion of the Chair, provided that the non-speaking members agree not to speak individually. 2. The Chair may limit Oral Communications to 30 minutes for all combined speakers. 3. The Chair may reduce the allowed time to speak to two minutes to accommodate a larger number of speakers. Palo Alto Architectural Review Board Boardmember Biographies, Present and Archived Agendas and Reports are available online: http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/gov/boards/architectural/default.asp. The ARB Boardmembers are: Chair Alex Lew Vice Chair Kyu Kim Boardmember Peter Baltay Boardmember Wynne Furth Boardmember Robert Gooyer Get Informed and Be Engaged! View online: http://midpenmedia.org/category/government/city-of-palo-alto or on Channel 26. Show up and speak. Public comment is encouraged. Please complete a speaker request card located on the table at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Board Secretary prior to discussion of the item. Write to us. Email the ARB at: arb@cityofpaloalto.org. Letters can be delivered to the Planning & Community Environment Department, 5th floor, City Hall, 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301. Comments received by 2:00 PM the Thursday preceding the meeting date will be included in the agenda packet. Comments received afterward through 3:00 PM the day before the meeting will be presented to the Board at the dais. Material related to an item on this agenda submitted to the ARB after distribution of the agenda packet is available for public inspection at the address above. Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at (650) 329-2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or service. Architectural Review Board Staff Report (ID # 8631) Report Type: City Official Reports Meeting Date: 11/2/2017 City of Palo Alto Planning & Community Environment 250 Hamilton Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94301 (650) 329-2442 Summary Title: City Official Report Title: Transmittal of 1) the ARB Meeting Schedule and Attendance Record, 2), Administrative Staff-Level Architectural Review Approvals, and 3) Tentative Future Agenda items. From: Hillary Gitelman Recommendation Staff recommends the Architectural Review Board (ARB) review and comment as appropriate. Background The attached documents are provided for informational purposes. The Board may review and comment as it deems appropriate. If individual Boardmembers anticipate being absent from a future meeting, it is requested that be brought to staff’s attention when considering this item. The first attachment provides a meeting and attendance schedule for the current calendar year. Also included are the subcommittee assignments, which rotate throughout the year. The second attachment transmits administrative staff-level Architectural Review approvals since the Board’s last meeting. Any party, including the applicant, may request a hearing by the ARB on the proposed director's decision by filing a written request with the planning division. There shall be no fee required for requesting such a hearing. However, pursuant to 18.77.070(b)(5) any project relating to the installation of cabinets containing communications service equipment or facilities, pursuant to any service subject to Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter 2.11, Chapter 12.04, Chapter 12.08, Chapter 12.09, Chapter 12.10, or Chapter 12.13 is not eligible for a request for hearing by any party, including the applicant. The third attachment is a Tentative Future Agenda that provides a summary of upcoming projects or discussion items. The hearing dates for these items are subject to change. 1 Packet Pg. 4 City of Palo Alto Planning & Community Environment Department Page 2 No action is required by the ARB for this item. Attachments: Attachment A: ARB Meeting Schedule Assignments (DOCX) Attachment B: Staff Approvals (DOCX) Attachment C: 2017 Tentative Future Agendas (DOCX) 1 Packet Pg. 5 2017 Schedule Architectural Review Board Meeting Schedule & Assignments Meeting Dates Time Location Status Planned Absences 1/5/2017 8:30 AM Council Chambers Canceled 1/19/2017 8:30 AM Council Chambers Regular 2/2/2017 8:30 AM Council Chambers Regular 2/16/2017 /17 8:30 AM Council Chambers Regular Peter Baltay 3/2/2017 8:30 AM Council Chambers Regular 3/16/2017 8:30 AM Council Chambers Regular 4/6/2017 8:30 AM Council Chambers Regular 4/20/2017 8:30 AM Council Chambers Regular 5/4/2017 8:30 AM Council Chambers Regular 5/18/2017 8:30 AM Council Chambers Regular Baltay/Kim 6/1/2017 8:30 AM Council Chambers Regular 6/15/2017 8:30 AM Council Chambers Regular Robert Gooyer 7/6/2017 8:30 AM Council Chambers Regular Peter Baltay 7/20/2017 8:30 AM Council Chambers Regular 8/3/2017 8:30 AM Council Chambers Regular Wynne Furth 8/17/2017 8:30 AM Council Chambers Regular 9/7/2017 8:30 AM Council Chambers Regular Robert Gooyer 9/21/2017 8:30 AM Council Chambers Regular Wynne Furth 10/5/2017 8:30 AM Council Chambers Regular 10/19/2017 8:30 AM Council Chambers Regular 11/2/2017 8:30 AM Council Chambers Regular 11/16/2017 8:30 AM Council Chambers Regular 12/7/2017 8:30 AM Council Chambers Regular 12/21/2017 8:30 AM Council Chambers Regular 2017 Subcommittee Assignments January February March April May June (Gooyer/ Baltay) (Gooyer/ Baltay) (Gooyer/ Baltay) (Baltay/ Kim) (Baltay/ Kim) (Baltay/ Kim) July August September October November December (Kim/ Furth) (Kim/ Furth) (Kim/ Furth) (Furth/ Lew) (Furth/ Lew) (Furth/ Lew) 1.a Packet Pg. 6 At t a c h m e n t : A t t a c h m e n t A : A R B M e e t i n g S c h e d u l e A s s i g n m e n t s ( 8 6 3 1 : C i t y O f f i c i a l R e p o r t ) Architectural Review Board Staff Approvals Project Description: ARB staff level review to allow the 98 square foot elevator enclosure. Applicant: Tim Proctor Address: 3420 Hillview Avenue, 17PLN-00335 Approval Date: October 26, 2017 Request for hearing deadline: November 9, 2017 Project Description: ARB staff level review for installation of a defined dog park area in the rear of Peers Park, including a fence. Applicant: Mr. Jensen Address: 1899 Park Blvd, 17PLN-00355 Approval Date: October 23, 2017 Request for hearing deadline: November 6, 2017 1.b Packet Pg. 7 At t a c h m e n t : A t t a c h m e n t B : S t a f f A p p r o v a l s ( 8 6 3 1 : C i t y O f f i c i a l R e p o r t ) Architectural Review Board 2017 Tentative Future Agenda The Following Items are Tentative and Subject to Change: Meeting Dates Topics November 16 541 Bryant Street Tier 3 WCF Vinculums/Verizon- Cluster 1 250 and 350 Sherman December7 945 El Camino Real Exterior Remodel of a two story hotel August 18, 2017 Draft-All Dates and Topics Subject to Change 1.c Packet Pg. 8 At t a c h m e n t : A t t a c h m e n t C : 2 0 1 7 T e n t a t i v e F u t u r e A g e n d a s ( 8 6 3 1 : C i t y O f f i c i a l R e p o r t ) Architectural Review Board Staff Report (ID # 8492) Report Type: Action Items Meeting Date: 11/2/2017 City of Palo Alto Planning & Community Environment 250 Hamilton Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94301 (650) 329-2442 Summary Title: 3045 Park Blvd: New R&D Building (2nd Formal) Title: PUBLIC HEARING / QUASI-JUDICIAL. 3045 Park Boulevard [17PLN-00073]: Consideration of a Major Architectural Review to Allow Demolition of an Existing Office Building and Construction of a New Two-Story 29,120 Square Foot R&D Building. Environmental Assessment: An Initial Study is Being Prepared in Accordance With the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Zoning District: GM (AD) (General Manufacturing with Automobile Dealership Combing District). For More Information Contact the Project Planner Graham Owen at Graham.Owen@cityofpaloalto.org. From: Hillary Gitelman Recommendation Staff recommends the Architectural Review Board (ARB) take the following action(s): 1. Recommend continuation of the project to a date uncertain to provide additional time for the completion of environmental analysis and refinements to the site circulation. Report Summary The subject project was previously reviewed by the ARB. An earlier staff report includes extensive background information, project analysis and evaluation to city codes and policies; that report is available online: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=58719. A copy of the report without prior attachments is available in Attachment H. The purpose of this report is to restate the comments made by the Board and detail the applicant’s response to those comments. The analysis section below builds upon the information contained in the earlier report and modified to reflect recent project changes. 2 Packet Pg. 9 City of Palo Alto Planning & Community Environment Department Page 2 The project is subject to the Interim Annual Office Limit Ordinance (PAMC 18.85.210) and, accordingly, a project decision can be made only within the timeframe for qualifying projects as outlined in the ordinance (April 1 – June 30). The applicant has requested a second hearing at this time so that any further changes requested by the Board can be made prior to a recommendation at a third and final hearing. Staff recommends that the project be continued to allow for additional time to complete the Initial Study for the project and to incorporate any project changes informed by that environmental analysis. Background On July 20, 2017 the ARB reviewed the project. A video recording of the Board’s meeting is available online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNgWy3z6D_0. The Board’s comments and the applicant’s response are summarized in the following table: ARB Comments/Direction Applicant Response The building’s materials and colors are too safe and should be updated to provide sharper and brighter textures. The frontages of both the R&D building and parking structure should be further developed and landscaped to enhance the pedestrian experience along Park Boulevard. The building and parking structure elevations have been revised significantly, along with the landscape plans. Relocate the parking structure, or if it remains in its existing configuration, enhance the setback. The parking structure remains along the Park Boulevard frontage, but the setback has been increased from 3’ to 9’. Landscaping and green screens should be added to the parking structure. Green screens, trellises, and planter boxes have been added to the upper parking deck. The seating area adjacent to the Olive Avenue should be refined to function as a more public space. The seating area has been removed and replaced with a pedestrian plaza with decorative trees. New Zealand flax should be removed from the plant list, and diversify the trees on the site. The plant list has been expanded, and New Zealand flax has been removed. Analysis1 Site Plan The site plan for the project follows the same general layout as the plans presented at the July 20th hearing, but with a number of refinements to the vehicular and bike/pedestrian circulation 1 The information provided in this section is based on analysis prepared by the report author prior to the public hearing. The Architectural Review Board in its review of the administrative record and based on public testimony may reach a different conclusion from that presented in this report and may choose to take an alternative action from the recommendation in this report. 2 Packet Pg. 10 City of Palo Alto Planning & Community Environment Department Page 3 and to the primary entrance. The uni-directional drive aisles leading into and out of the first parking garage level has been altered and now consists of a single, bi-directional ramp at the rear of the site. The drive aisle ramp leading to the upper deck of the parking garage has been shifted forward approximately seven feet in order accommodate additional surface parking and a larger trash room beneath the ramp. The bike cage that was previously proposed behind the trash room and under the ramp has been relocated into the northeast corner of the R&D building. This bike room would be served by a new pathway along the eastern edge of the site, which connects to both the surface parking lot in the rear and the sidewalk along Park Boulevard. A new walkway has also been proposed to the east of the primary drive aisle, further enhancing the pedestrian connection between the front and rear of the site. Lastly, the curved outdoor seating area located at the building entrance has been changed to an outdoor plaza with decorative trees and groups of benches. Architecture, Parking Structure The applicant has made a number of changes to the architecture of both the R&D building and the parking structure, as well as refinements to the site layout, circulation, and landscaping. The most significant change to the site plan involves the partial undergrounding of the parking structure, which reduces the height and scale of the structure from Park Boulevard. The parking structure also now proposes green screens, trellises, and planter boxes to enhance the appearance of the upper deck as viewed from the adjacent residential mixed use building at 195 Page Mill Road, and to mitigate the impact of vehicle headlights. The facade of the parking structure facing Park Boulevard, as well as portions of the east façade, include a decorative, perforated metal screen that simulates a woven fabric. The rear façade facing Caltrain includes a large green screen that covers the majority of the concrete wall. The parking structure has been further setback from the front property line (from 3 feet to 9 feet), which is consistent with the front setbacks for both 195 Page Mill Road and the subject R&D building. The increased setback allows for additional plantings, stairways, and a public seating area. Architecture, R&D Building The building proper has undergone significant refinements which include a brighter color scheme and the modification of several architectural elements. The primary exterior building materials have been changed from stone cladding and concrete to metal panels. The metal cornices have been dropped entirely, and the north and south facades now include deeply- recessed aluminum canopies with infill-glass panels. The sun screening strategy for the Park Boulevard facing façade (southern façade) has also changed, and the large metal louver screen previously proposed has been removed in favor of 24” deep metal shades that snap on to the window mullions. The basic building standards (height, FAR, lot coverage, setbacks) are essentially unchanged with this revision. Key Considerations Staff believes that the changes address several of the comments raised in the first staff report regarding the treatment of the site edges and compatibility with the adjacent residential mixed use project through the partial undergrounding of the parking structure and enhanced use of greenery to screen the structure. While staff continues to believe that fully undergrounded 2 Packet Pg. 11 City of Palo Alto Planning & Community Environment Department Page 4 parking beneath the building or a structure relegated to the site rear would be ideal, the changes take steps to address the residential compatibility issues and enhance the streetscape through the structure’s façade improvements. An initial study is currently being prepared for the project and will analyze the potential for environmental impacts (noise, glare, air quality, etc) related to the placement and circulation the garage. This analysis will inform staff regarding the project’s consistency with the purpose of the Performance Criteria for Multiple Family, Commercial, Manufacturing, and Planning Community Districts (PAMC 18.23.070): The visual impact of parking shall be minimized on adjacent residentially zoned properties or properties with existing residential uses located within nonresidential zones. Vehicle circulation on the site, and in particular through the two levels of the parking structure, could present difficulties due to the single entrance and the number of dead-end drive aisles. In particular, the layout of the parking structure contains four dead-ends with minimal space for a vehicle to turn around, and may pose difficulties for visitors or employees who are not provided with an assigned vehicle space. Furthermore, trucks utilizing the loading space would be required to make a three-point turn in order to return to Park Boulevard, which could present truck and vehicle conflicts. Staff recommends that the applicant consider changes to the site plan to minimize the number of conflicts and provide for a more intuitive circulation plan. Consistency with the Comprehensive Plan, Area Plans and Guidelines2 The applicable Comprehensive Plan policies that will be evaluated with the final submittal of the application are included in Attachment F. Consistency with Application Findings The ARB findings for approval are included for reference in Attachment C. Zoning Compliance3 A detailed review of the proposed project’s consistency with applicable zoning standards has been performed. A summary table is provided in Attachment E. The proposed project complies with all applicable codes, or is seeking through the requested permits permission to deviate from certain code standards, in a manner that is consistent with the Zoning Ordinance. Public Notification, Outreach & Comments The Palo Alto Municipal Code requires notice of this public hearing be published in a local paper and mailed to owners and occupants of property within 600 feet of the subject property at least ten days in advance. Notice of a public hearing for this project was published in the Palo Alto Weekly on October 20, 2017, which is 15 days in advance of the meeting. Postcard mailing occurred on October 23, 2017, which is 10 days in advance of the meeting. 2 The Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan is available online: http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/gov/topics/projects/landuse/compplan.asp 3 The Palo Alto Zoning Code is available online: http://www.amlegal.com/codes/client/palo-alto_ca 2 Packet Pg. 12 City of Palo Alto Planning & Community Environment Department Page 5 Public Comments As of the writing of this report, staff has received and responded to one public comment (Attachment G), which was also provided to the Board at the July 20, 2017 hearing. The commenter indicated that the project should be subject to the Retail Preservation Ordinance due to the site’s former use as a vehicle rental facility. However, such a use is not considered a “retail-like” use, and is therefore not subject to the Retail Preservation provisions of the Code. Environmental Review The subject project has been assessed in accordance with the authority and criteria contained in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the State CEQA Guidelines, and the environmental regulations of the City. An initial study is being prepared and will be circulated pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in early 2018 and prior to a formal staff recommendation on the project. Alternative Actions In addition to the recommended action, the Architectural Review Board may: 1. Continue the project to a date certain; or 2. Recommend project denial based on revised findings. Report Author & Contact Information ARB4 Liaison & Contact Information Graham Owen, Associate Planner Jodie Gerhardt, AICP, Planning Manager (650) 329-2552 (650) 329-2575 graham.owen@cityofpaloalto.org jodie.gerhardt@cityofpaloalto.org Attachments: Attachment A: Location Map (PDF) Attachment B: Applicant's Project Description (PDF) Attachment C: ARB Findings (DOCX) Attachment D: Performance Criteria (DOCX) Attachment E: Zoning Comparison Table (DOCX) Attachment F: Comprehensive Plan Policies (DOCX) Attachment G: Public Comment (PDF) Attachment H: July 20, 2017 Staff Report w/o Attachments (PDF) Attachment I: Project Plans (DOCX) 4 Emails may be sent directly to the ARB using the following address: arb@cityofpaloalto.org 2 Packet Pg. 13 Fry's Electronics PARKING GARAGE 139.6' 50.0' 139.6' 50.0' 567.5' 754.2' 119.7' 50.0' 119.7' 50.0' 119.7' 50.0' 119.7' 50.0' 119.7' 50.0' 119.7' 50.0' 119.7' 50.0' 119.7' 50.0' 9 50.0' 98.9' 50.1' 98.9' 50.0' 103.2' 49.2' 116.5'49.2' 116.5' 49.2' 116.5'49.2' 116.5' 49.2' 116.5' 49.2' 116.5' 49.2' 116.5' 49.2' 116.5' 49.2' 116.5' 49.2' 116.5' 49.2' 116.5' 116.5' 49.2' 116.5' 49.2' 1165' 49.2' 50 80.2' 103.2' 79.9' 110.2' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5'60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 90.0' 44.8' 90.0' 44.8' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 90.0' 44.8' 90.0' 44.8' 90.0' 44.8' 90.0' 44.8' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 50.0' 134.5' 50.0' 134.5' 55.3' 65.0' 79.4' 60.3' 79.4' 52.7'95.9' 50.0' 95.9' 51.8'109.3' 50.0' 109.3' 51.1' 119.7' 50.0' 119.3' 55.3' 105.6' 119.7 50.0' 119.7' 50.0' 119.7' 50.6' 119.7' 50.0' 119.7' 50.0' 119.7' 50.0' 32.0' 17.5'34.6' 97.9' 165.0' 137.0' 50.0' 134.5' 50.0' 134.5'50.0' 134.5' 50.0' 134.5'50.0' 134.5' 50.0' 134.5'50.0' 134.5' 50.0' 134.5'60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5'60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 48.7 134.5' 48.7' 134.5' 48.8' 134.5' 48.7' 45.0' 45.0' 134.5' 45.0 134.5' 45.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5'134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 50.0' 134.5' 50.0' 134.5' 50.0' 134.5' 50.0' 134.5' 90.0' 67.8'90.0' 67.8' 90.0' 66.7'90.0' 66.7' 90.0' 44.8' 90.0' 44.8' 31.0' 134.5' 31.0' 134.5' 59.0' 134.5' 59.0' 134.5' 70.0' 134.5' 70.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0 285.8' 257.2' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5'30.0' 134.5' 30.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5'45.0' 134.5' 45.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 65.8' 134.5' 105.8' 140.3' 0' 102.8'59.0' 102.8 51.0' 102.8' 51.0' 102.8' 110.0' 50.0' 110.0' 50.0' 110.0' 50.0' 110.0' 50.0' 110.0' 52.8' 114.8' 85.5'110.0' 25.0' 110.0' 25.0' 68.6' 142.5' 65.7' 14 45.0' 134.5' 45.0' 134.5'60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5'30.0' 134.5' 30.0' 134.5' 30.0' 134.5' 30.0' 134.5' 30.0' 134.5' 30.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5'60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 30.0' 134.5' 30.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 45.0' 134.5' 45.0' 134.5' 50.0' 134.5' 50.0' 134.5' 60.0'134.5' 88.0' 52.8' 134.5' 45.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 85.0' 134.5' 85.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5'45.0' 134.5' 45.0' 134.5'60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5'60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5'60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 45.0' 134.5' 45.0' 134.5' 45.0' 134.5' 45.0' 134.5' 30.0' 134.5' 30.0' 134.5' 30.0' 134.5' 30.0' 134.5' 70.0' 134.5' 70.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 45.0' 134.5' 45.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5'45.0' 134.5' 45.0' 134.5'45.0' 134.5' 45.0' 134.5' 35.0' 134.5' 35.0' 134.5' 35.0' 134.5' 35.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5'60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5'60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 65.0' 134.5' 65.0' 134.5' 65.0' 134.5' 65.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 90.0' 44.8' 90.0' 44.8' 90.0' 44.8' 90.0' 44.8' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 55.0'13 60.0' 134 45.0'134.5' 45.0' 60.0' 134.5' 95.0' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5'134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 70.0' 134.5' 70.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 65.0' 134.5' 65.0' 134.5' 50.0' 134.5' 50.0' 134.5' 134.5' 50.0' 134.5' 50.0' 50.0' 134.5' 50.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5'60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 134.5' 60.0' 13 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5'60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5'30.0' 134.5' 30.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 45.0' 134.5' 45.0' 134.5' 45.0' 134.5' 45.0' 134.5' 45.0' 134.5' 45.0' 134.5' 60.0' 134.5' 70.0' 13 60.0' 134.5' 60.0' 186.2' 186.2' 159.0' 159.0'159.0' 159.0' 98.0' 98.0'159.0'159.0'159.0' 24.6' 77.9' 134.5' 134.5' 48.8' 48.8' 67.9' 67.9' 90.0' 90.0'90.0' 90.0' 66.7' 66.7' 140.3' 134.5' 45.8' 85.8' 143.0' 31.0' 149.0 119 119.5' 119.5' 50.0' 50.0' 50.0' 0'20.0' 78.5'78.5' 450.4' 263.1' 452.' 223.8'223.8'292.1' 198.4'291.2' 370.9' 188.2' 427.3' 13.9'56.2' 123.4' 19.8' EMERSON STREET RAM ONA STREET C O L O R A D O A V E N U E EL DORADO EL DORADO AVENUE EMERSON STREET LAMBERT AVENUE PARK BOULEVARD PARK BOULEVARD ALMA STREET ALMA STREET ALMA STREET PAGE MILL ROAD PENINSULA CORRIDOR JOINT POWERS BOARD PENINSULA CORRIDOR JOINT PO WERS BOARD RM-30 PF RM-30 R-2 R M-30 R M -15 LM GM GM GM (AD) CS (AD) This map is a product of the City of Palo Alto GIS This document is a graphic representation only of best available sources. Legend abc Known Structures Tree (TR) Zone Districts abc Zone District Notes Curb Edge abc Dimensions (AP) 3045 Park Boulevard Water Feature Railroad abc Zone District Labels 0' 219' 3045 Park Boulevard CITY O F PALO A L TO I N C O R P O R ATE D C ALIFOR N IA P a l o A l t oT h e C i t y o f A P RIL 16 1894 The City of Palo Alto assumes no responsibility for any errors ©1989 to 2016 City of Palo Alto gowen, 2017-06-22 15:44:21 (\\cc-maps\gis$\gis\admin\Personal\Planning.mdb) 2.a Packet Pg. 14 At t a c h m e n t : A t t a c h m e n t A : L o c a t i o n M a p ( 8 4 9 2 : 3 0 4 5 P a r k B l v d : N e w R & D B u i l d i n g ( 2 n d F o r m a l ) ) 3045 PARK BOULEVARD 399 Bradford Street Redwood City, California 94063 Tel 650-364-6453 Fax 650-364-2618 www.des-ae.com Project Description Site and Context The project site is located to the south of the Oregon Expressway, at the intersection of Olive Avenue and Park Blvd. It is a few blocks away from El Camino Real, California Avenue Commercial Area and the Caltrain Station. The north side of the site runs parallels to the Caltrain railway tracks. Adjacent uses include office and apartment buildings, as well as, single-family residential homes (Olive Avenue and Ash/Pepper area). The site area is 1.3 acres net. The existing site has a 2-story unoccupied building, asphalt-paved parking/service area and perimeter landscaping. The previous tenant of the existing building leased 10,000 sq. ft., which was used as office space and workspace for an auto-body shop. The remaining space was previously leased to non-retail tenants. Project Scope and Uses This project proposes to construct a new 2-story R&D building, a parking deck, surface parking area and landscape improvements. The total building area is 29,120 sq. ft. at 0.5 FAR. Building height varies from 31.5 feet to 35 feet (measured to top of the parapet wall and roof projection). The screen for mechanical equipment extends 10’ about the roof at 38 feet. 116 on-site parking stalls will be provided to satisfy the parking requirement @ 4 / 1,000 ratio. The project is also committed to develop a robust Transportation Demand Management plan. The location, size and scale of this project make it ideal for start-up technology and innovative companies. Site Design After the first ARB meeting, the project team reconsiders the opportunity of creating an urban plaza that is accessible to the public and serves as the project’s gateway. At the intersection of Olive and Park, the project planned for a canopy-tree lined plaza with elegant paving materials such as flag stones. The trees will be planted in grates to maximize openness of the space. Linear grids (using grates and pavers) will help organizing the trees, paving and seating benches. A paved walkway connects this plaza to the parking area at the back. The entry driveway is located to the north of this space with a min 10’ off-set from the Olive Avenue, and it separates the depressed parking deck from the R&D building (roughly 70’ apart). Incoming vehicles can either proceed to the rear surface parking area and the ramp down to the lower parking level or taking the ramp up to the parking deck. Turn-out spaces are provided at the ends of the parking lot and both levels of the parking deck. Accessible parking spaces are placed at the lower parking deck level with ramp leading back to the public sidewalk and building entrance. 2.b Packet Pg. 15 At t a c h m e n t : A t t a c h m e n t B : A p p l i c a n t ' s P r o j e c t D e s c r i p t i o n ( 8 4 9 2 : 3 0 4 5 P a r k B l v d : N e w R & D B u i l d i n g ( 2 n d F o r m a l ) ) 3045 Park Boulevard DES Project No. 10006.001 September 27, 2017 Page 2 of 3 DES Architects + Engineers, Inc. The project maintains 10’ landscape setback on the street front, the north and the south sides of the site. It also has a 5’ wide heavily landscaped frontage at the surface parking lot, along the Caltrain railway track. Building Design The massing and exterior of the R&D building is divided into four quadrants with complimentary finishes but different architectural treatments. From the south corner on Park Blvd, the building begins with a metal-panel framed glass facade that runs parallel to the street. Vertical snap-on mullions and sunshades are added to facilitate shading and daylighting. The last two window bays are slightly angled to echo the design of the lobby façade. The building then transitions to full-height glass walls topped with a roof canopy. The curtain walls gradually recess back to create an urban plaza and the canopy continue to run parallel to the street. This design gesture recalls the unique shape of the project site. Integral metal sunshades are added to emphasize the horizontal character of the architecture. The building entry will be further recessed and articulated with structural glazing, metal panel portals and a canopy similar to the roof. The Caltrain and west sides of the building take on a similar architectural language. The scale and design of the parking deck reinforces the pedestrian-friendly character of the project. Additional landscape setbacks (~ 11’ to back of sidewalk) are provided on Park Blvd. The lower parking level is now depressed 5’ below street grade so that the overall height of the deck (to top of railing) is minimized to 10’. Perforated metal screens, with artistic patterns, and landscaping wraps around the deck’s entire street frontage. The last two screen panels and stairs are slightly angled to compliment the architecture of the R&D Building. There will be five green screens / trellises hanging from the side of the garage. Each trellis is roughly 34’ wide and 14’ deep. Light-weight planter boxes will be attached to the green screens. These elements continue to the ground level as metal louvers (also act as guardrails). There will be a wide variety of vines and planting materials to “green up” the parking deck and provide shading. Lighting will also be integrated into these structures. Green screens will be installed along the garage ramp and on the back. Landscape design The project’s street frontage is softened by 10 feet wide (minimum) landscape bands that culminate into the entry plaza at the intersection of Olive and Park. The plaza creates an ample, outdoor atrium to serve as a visual and physical resting place, seamlessly blending the pedestrian-oriented streetscape with the new buildings. The pedestrian experience is further enhanced by bike racks and two additional public seating areas on Park Boulevard. The seating area is shaded by adjacent trees and plantings provide a sense of separation from the adjacent building and sidewalk. Plantings along the property lines provide dense screening for the adjacent residential and office buildings. Evergreen trees and trellises with vines along the north-western edge of the parking 2.b Packet Pg. 16 At t a c h m e n t : A t t a c h m e n t B : A p p l i c a n t ' s P r o j e c t D e s c r i p t i o n ( 8 4 9 2 : 3 0 4 5 P a r k B l v d : N e w R & D B u i l d i n g ( 2 n d F o r m a l ) ) 3045 Park Boulevard DES Project No. 10006.001 September 27, 2017 Page 3 of 3 DES Architects + Engineers, Inc. deck create a green wall that coordinates with the adjacent balconies. A wider selection of planting materials has also been incorporated into the project. Based on previous discussion with the City, the project will add new sidewalk, street parking and landscaped bulb-outs along its frontage. Two new pedestrian crossings will be constructed to connect the existing sidewalks on the west side of Park Blvd. Sustainable design The goal of the project is to meet CalGreen and City’s Green Building benchmark. It will also apply for USGBC LEED Sliver certification (version 4.0). Sustainable design measures currently under consideration include energy-efficient HVAC systems, high-performance and bird-safe glazing, solar shading, electrical vehicle chargers, drought-tolerant landscaping and reduced outdoor water use/irrigation. 2.b Packet Pg. 17 At t a c h m e n t : A t t a c h m e n t B : A p p l i c a n t ' s P r o j e c t D e s c r i p t i o n ( 8 4 9 2 : 3 0 4 5 P a r k B l v d : N e w R & D B u i l d i n g ( 2 n d F o r m a l ) ) ATTACHMENT C ARB FINDINGS FOR APPROVAL 3045 Park Boulevard 17PLN-00073 In order for the ARB to make a future recommendation of approval, the project must comply with the following Findings for Architectural Review as required in Chapter 18.76.020 of the PAMC. Finding #1: The design is consistent with applicable provisions of the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Code, coordinated area plans (including compatibility requirements), and any relevant design guides. Finding #2: The project has a unified and coherent design, that: a. creates an internal sense of order and desirable environment for occupants, visitors, and the general community, b. preserves, respects and integrates existing natural features that contribute positively to the site and the historic character including historic resources of the area when relevant, c. is consistent with the context-based design criteria of the applicable zone district, d. provides harmonious transitions in scale, mass and character to adjacent land uses and land use designations, e. enhances living conditions on the site (if it includes residential uses) and in adjacent residential areas. Finding #3: The design is of high aesthetic quality, using high quality, integrated materials and appropriate construction techniques, and incorporating textures, colors, and other details that are compatible with and enhance the surrounding area. Finding #4: The design is functional, allowing for ease and safety of pedestrian and bicycle traffic and providing for elements that support the building’s necessary operations (e.g. convenient vehicle access to property and utilities, appropriate arrangement and amount of open space and integrated signage, if applicable, etc.). Finding #5: The landscape design complements and enhances the building design and its surroundings, is appropriate to the site’s functions, and utilizes to the extent practical, regional indigenous drought resistant plant material capable of providing desirable habitat that can be appropriately maintained. Finding #6: The project incorporates design principles that achieve sustainability in areas related to energy efficiency, water conservation, building materials, landscaping, and site planning. 2.c Packet Pg. 18 At t a c h m e n t : A t t a c h m e n t C : A R B F i n d i n g s ( 8 4 9 2 : 3 0 4 5 P a r k B l v d : N e w R & D B u i l d i n g ( 2 n d F o r m a l ) ) Performance Criteria 18.23 3045 Park Boulevard 17PLN-00073 Performance criteria are intended to provide additional standards to be used in the design and evaluation of developments in the downtown, multi-family, commercial, and industrial zones. The purpose is to balance the needs of the uses within these zones with the need to minimize impacts to surrounding neighborhoods and businesses. The criteria are intended to make new developments and major architectural review projects compatible with nearby residential and business areas, and to enhance the desirability of the proposed developments for the site residents and users, and for abutting neighbors and businesses. Assure that development provides adequate and accessible interior areas or exterior enclosures for the storage of trash and recyclable materials in appropriate containers, and that trash disposal and recycling areas are located as far from abutting residences as is reasonably possible. Consistency will be finalized prior to recommendation on this formal application. To minimize the visual impacts of lighting on abutting or nearby residential sites and from adjacent roadways. The purpose is to restrict retail or service commercial businesses abutting (either directly or across the street) or within 50 feet of residentially zoned properties or properties with existing residential uses located within nonresidential zones, with operations or activities between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Operations subject to this code may include, but are not limited to, deliveries, parking lot and sidewalk cleaning, and/or clean up or set up operations, but does not include garbage pick up. Privacy of abutting residential properties or properties with existing residential uses located within nonresidential zones (residential properties) should be protected by screening from public view all mechanical equipment and service areas. Landscaping should be used to integrate a project design into the surrounding neighborhood, and to provide privacy screening between properties where appropriate. 18.23.020 Trash Disposal and Recycling Project Consistency 18.23.030 Lighting 18.23.040 Late Night Uses and Activities 18.23.050 Visual, Screening and Landscaping 2.d Packet Pg. 19 At t a c h m e n t : A t t a c h m e n t D : P e r f o r m a n c e C r i t e r i a ( 8 4 9 2 : 3 0 4 5 P a r k B l v d : N e w R & D B u i l d i n g ( 2 n d F o r m a l ) ) The requirements and guidelines regarding noise and vibration impacts are intended to protect residentially zoned properties or properties with existing residential uses located within nonresidential zones (residential properties) from excessive and unnecessary noises and/or vibrations from any sources in abutting industrial or commercially zoned properties. Design of new projects should reduce noise from parking, loading, and refuse storage areas and from heating, ventilation, air conditioning apparatus, and other machinery on nearby residential properties. New equipment, whether mounted on the exterior of the building or located interior to a building, which requires only a building permit, shall also be subject to these requirements. The visual impact of parking shall be minimized on adjacent residentially zoned properties or properties with existing residential uses located within nonresidential zones. The guidelines regarding site access impacts are intended to minimize conflicts between residential vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle uses and more intensive traffic associated with commercial and industrial districts, and to facilitate pedestrian and bicycle connections through and adjacent to the project site. The requirements for air quality are intended to buffer residential uses from potential sources of odor and/or toxic air contaminants. In accordance with Titles 15 and 17 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, minimize the potential hazards of any use on a development site that will entail the storage, use or handling of hazardous materials (including hazardous wastes) on-site in excess of the exempt quantities prescribed in Health and Safety Code Division 20, Chapter 6.95, and Title 15 of this code. 18.23.060 Noise and Vibration Project Consistency 18.23.070 Parking 18.23.080 Vehicular, Pedestrian and Bicycle Site Access 18.23.090 Air Quality 18.23.100 Hazardous Materials 2.d Packet Pg. 20 At t a c h m e n t : A t t a c h m e n t D : P e r f o r m a n c e C r i t e r i a ( 8 4 9 2 : 3 0 4 5 P a r k B l v d : N e w R & D B u i l d i n g ( 2 n d F o r m a l ) ) ATTACHMENT E ZONING COMPARISON TABLE 3045 Park Boulevard, 17PLN-00073 Table 1: COMPARISON WITH CHAPTER 18.20 (GM DISTRICT) Regulation Required Existing Proposed Minimum Site Area, width and depth 1 acre, no width or depth requirement 1.337 acres No change Minimum Front Yard (2) No requirement Unknown 10 feet building, 9 feet parking structure Rear Yard No requirement Unknown 64.5 feet building, 2 foot parking structure Interior Left Side Yard No requirement Unknown 10 feet parking structure Interior Right Side Yard No requirement Unknown 10 feet building Min. yard for site lines abutting or opposite residential districts No requirement Not applicable Not applicable Special Setback No requirement Not applicable Not applicable Max. Site Coverage No requirement Unknown 28,644 sf (50%) Max. Total Floor Area Ratio 0.5:1 Unknown 29,120 sf (0.5:1) Max. Building Height 50 feet, or 35 feet within 150 feet of a residential zone Unknown 35 feet to parapet and 38 feet to mechanical screen Daylight Plane for site lines having any part abutting one or more residential districts (1) 10 feet Not required Not required Employee Showers For 20,000-49,000 sf two showers are required Unknown 2 showers (1) Residential zones include R-1, R-2, RE, RMD, RM-15, RM-30, RM-40 and residential Planned Community (PC) zones. Table 2: CONFORMANCE WITH CHAPTER 18.52 (Off-Street Parking and Loading) for Research & Development uses* Type Required Existing Proposed Vehicle Parking 1/250 sf of gross floor area for a total of 116 parking spaces Unknown 116 spaces Bicycle Parking 1/2,500 sf (80% long term and 20% short term) equals 12 spaces Unknown 16 spaces (10 long term, 6 short term) Loading Space 1 loading spaces for 10,000-99,000 sf Unknown 1 loading space * On-site employee amenity space is exempted from the parking requirements 2.e Packet Pg. 21 At t a c h m e n t : A t t a c h m e n t E : Z o n i n g C o m p a r i s o n T a b l e ( 8 4 9 2 : 3 0 4 5 P a r k B l v d : N e w R & D B u i l d i n g ( 2 n d F o r m a l ) ) ATTACHMENT F COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TABLE 3045 Park Boulevard / 17PLN-00073 Comp Plan Goals and Policies How project adheres or does not adhere to Comp Plan The Comprehensive Plan land use designation for the site is Light Industrial. Land Use and Community Design Element Goal L-1: A well-designed, compact city, providing residents and visitors with attractive neighborhoods, work places, shopping district, public facilities and open spaces. Consistency will be finalized prior to recommendation on this formal application. Policy L-5: Maintain the scale and character of the City. Avoid land uses that are overwhelming and unacceptable due their size and scale. Policy L-7: Evaluate changes in land use in the context of regional needs, overall City welfare and objectives, as well as the desires of surrounding neighborhoods. Goal L-6: Well-designed buildings that create coherent development patterns and enhance city streets and public spaces. Policy L-48: Promote high quality, creative design and site planning that is compatible with surrounding development and public spaces. Goal L-9: Attractive, inviting public spaces and streets that enhance the image and character of the City. Policy L-72: Promote and maintain public art and cultural facilities throughout Palo Alto. Ensure that such projects are compatible with the character and identity of the surrounding neighborhood. Transportation Element Goal T-1: Less Reliance on Single-Occupant Vehicles. Policy T-1: Make land use decisions that encourage walking, bicycling, and public transit use. Goal T-3: Facilities, services and programs that encourage and promote walking and bicycling. 2.f Packet Pg. 22 At t a c h m e n t : A t t a c h m e n t F : C o m p r e h e n s i v e P l a n P o l i c i e s ( 8 4 9 2 : 3 0 4 5 P a r k B l v d : N e w R & D B u i l d i n g ( 2 n d F o r m a l ) ) Policy T-14: Improve pedestrian and bicycle access to and between local destinations, including public facilities, schools, parks, open space, employment districts, shopping centers, and multi-modal transit stations. Policy T-19: Improve and create additional, attractive, secure bicycle parking at both public and private facilities, including multi-modal transit stations, on transit vehicles, in City parks, at public facilities, in new private developments, and other community destinations. Policy T-20: Improve maintenance of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. Policy T-23: Encourage pedestrian-friendly design features such as sidewalks, street trees, on-site parking, public spaces, gardens, outdoor furniture, art, and interesting architectural details. Natural Environment Element Goal N-4: Water Resources that are Prudently Managed to Sustain Plant and Animal Life, Support Urban Activities, and Protect Public Health and Safety. Policy N-21: Reduce non-point source pollution in urban runoff from residential, commercial, industrial, municipal, and transportation land uses and activities. Business and Economics Element Goal B-5: Attractive, Vibrant Business Centers, Each with a Mix of Uses and a Distinctive Character. 2.f Packet Pg. 23 At t a c h m e n t : A t t a c h m e n t F : C o m p r e h e n s i v e P l a n P o l i c i e s ( 8 4 9 2 : 3 0 4 5 P a r k B l v d : N e w R & D B u i l d i n g ( 2 n d F o r m a l ) ) 1 Owen, Graham From:Owen, Graham Sent:Monday, July 17, 2017 10:28 AM To:'jack.strah@gmail.com' Cc:Gerhardt, Jodie; 'hillary.gitelman@cityofpaloalto.org' Subject:RE: 3045 Park Boulevard, Palo Alto Attachments:ORD 5407_2017 retail preservation.pdf Hello Mr. Strah, My name is Graham, I am the planner working on the project at 3045 Park Blvd. I wanted to reach out and provide you with the text of the current version of the Retail Preservation Ordinance (attached), which was amended by City Council in April of this year. The amendment dropped automotive services from the list of "retail‐like uses" (see pages 3‐4), and as a result the provisions of the ordinance do not apply to the site. Let me know if you have any other questions on the project. Best, Graham Graham Owen | Associate Planner | P&CE Department 250 Hamilton Avenue | Palo Alto, CA 94301 D: 650.329.2552 | E: graham.owen@cityofpaloalto.org Please think of the environment before printing this email – Thank you! ‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐ From: Architectural Review Board Sent: Monday, July 17, 2017 6:40 AM To: Lew, Alex; Kim, Kyu; Baltay, Peter; Gooyer, Robert; Furth, Wynne Cc: Gerhardt, Jodie; Owen, Graham; Gitelman, Hillary Subject: FW: 3045 Park Boulevard, Palo Alto ‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐ From: Jack Strah [mailto:jack.strah@gmail.com] Sent: Saturday, July 15, 2017 1:02 AM To: Architectural Review Board Subject: 3045 Park Boulevard, Palo Alto ARB: A substantial portion (all ground floor space) of this property is subject to the Retail Preservation Ordinance. Tenant was Akins Collision Repair and they occupied this building on March 2, 2015. Applicant's architects admits the automotive (retail) use in their letter included in the ARB packet, "The previous tenant of the existing building leased 10,000 sq. ft., which was used as office space and workspace for an auto‐body shop. The remaining space was previously leased to non‐retail tenants." Approving this project as office or R&D space would violate the City's Municipal Code ‐ Retail Preservation Ordinance. 2.g Packet Pg. 24 At t a c h m e n t : A t t a c h m e n t G : P u b l i c C o m m e n t ( 8 4 9 2 : 3 0 4 5 P a r k B l v d : N e w R & D B u i l d i n g ( 2 n d F o r m a l ) ) 2 Why didn't City Staff even mention this fact in their staff report? 2.g Packet Pg. 25 At t a c h m e n t : A t t a c h m e n t G : P u b l i c C o m m e n t ( 8 4 9 2 : 3 0 4 5 P a r k B l v d : N e w R & D B u i l d i n g ( 2 n d F o r m a l ) ) Architectural Review Board Staff Report (ID # 8137) Report Type: Action Items Meeting Date: 7/20/2017 City of Palo Alto Planning & Community Environment 250 Hamilton Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94301 (650) 329-2442 Summary Title: 3045 Park Blvd: New R&D Building (1st Formal) Title: PUBLIC HEARING / QUASI-JUDICIAL. 3045 Park Boulevard [17PLN-00073]: Consideration of a Major Architectural Review to Allow Demolition of an Existing Office Building and Construction of a new Two-Story 29,120 Square Foot R&D Building. Environmental Assessment: An Initial Study is Being Prepared in Accordance With the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Zoning District: GM (AD) (General Manufacturing with Automobile Dealership Combing District). For More Information Contact the Project Planner Graham Owen at Graham.Owen@cityofpaloalto.org. From: Hillary Gitelman Recommendation Staff recommends the Architectural Review Board (ARB) take the following action(s): 1. Recommend continuation of the project to a date uncertain and provide recommendations to the applicant on how to better meet the findings for approval. Report Summary The application is a request for major architectural review of a new 29,120 square foot (sf) two story R&D building with a two level parking structure and associated site improvements. The new building would replace an existing 17,000 square foot building on the site constructed in 1987 with approximately 10,000 square feet of floor area dedicated to office use. The existing building is less than 45 years old and is not considered a historic resource. The site is located at the intersection of Park Boulevard and Olive Avenue in the Ventura neighborhood to the west of the Page Mill Road underpass. The site has a Comprehensive Plan land use designation of Light Industrial and is zoned General Manufacturing (GM) with an Automobile Dealership (AD) Combining District. 2.h Packet Pg. 26 At t a c h m e n t : A t t a c h m e n t H : J u l y 2 0 , 2 0 1 7 S t a f f R e p o r t w / o A t t a c h m e n t s ( 8 4 9 2 : 3 0 4 5 P a r k B l v d : N e w R & D B u i l d i n g ( 2 n d F o r m a l ) ) City of Palo Alto Planning & Community Environment Department Page 2 The project is subject to the Interim Annual Office Limit Ordinance (PAMC 18.85.210) and, accordingly, a project decision can be made only within the timeframe for qualifying projects as outlined in the ordinance (April 1 – June 30). The applicant has requested an early first hearing in order to introduce the project and to seek the Board’s comments on the proposed site layout, so that change can be made prior to a recommendation by the ARB. Staff recommends that the project be continued to allow for these refinements to the site plan, and in particular, the placement of the parking structure. Background Project Information Owner: Ray Paul, Jay Paul Company Architect: Thomas Gilman, DES Architects Representative: N/A Legal Counsel: N/A Property Information Address: 3045 Park Boulevard Neighborhood: Ventura Lot Dimensions & Area: 1.337 acres Housing Inventory Site: No Located w/in a Plume: Yes, COE Plume Protected/Heritage Trees: No Historic Resource(s): Not a historic resource Existing Improvement(s): Two story office building; circa 1987 Existing Land Use(s): Adjacent Land Uses & Zoning: North: PF Zone (Caltrain ROW) West: GM Zone (Mixed Use Development) East: GM Zone (Office Building) South: ROLM, RM-30, and GM Zone (Office Building, Fry’s Site) Aerial View of Property: 2.h Packet Pg. 27 At t a c h m e n t : A t t a c h m e n t H : J u l y 2 0 , 2 0 1 7 S t a f f R e p o r t w / o A t t a c h m e n t s ( 8 4 9 2 : 3 0 4 5 P a r k B l v d : N e w R & D B u i l d i n g ( 2 n d F o r m a l ) ) City of Palo Alto Planning & Community Environment Department Page 3 Source: Google Maps Land Use Designation & Applicable Plans Zoning Designation: GM (AD) General Manufacturing District with Automobile Dealership Combining District Comp. Plan Designation: LI Light Industrial Context-Based Design Criteria: Not applicable Downtown Urban Design Guide: Not applicable South of Forest Avenue Coordinated Area Plan: Not applicable Baylands Master Plan: Not applicable El Camino Real Design Guidelines (1976 / 2002): Not applicable Proximity to Residential Uses or Districts (150'): Yes, adjacent to the west of the side Located w/in the Airport Influence Area: Not applicable Prior City Reviews & Action City Council: None PTC: None HRB: None ARB: A similar project for a 29,120 sf R&D building on the site was Recent Mixed Use project 2.h Packet Pg. 28 At t a c h m e n t : A t t a c h m e n t H : J u l y 2 0 , 2 0 1 7 S t a f f R e p o r t w / o A t t a c h m e n t s ( 8 4 9 2 : 3 0 4 5 P a r k B l v d : N e w R & D B u i l d i n g ( 2 n d F o r m a l ) ) City of Palo Alto Planning & Community Environment Department Page 4 previously reviewed by the ARB at a study sessions on November 19, 2015 and December 17, 2015. At the time, the project was being considered simultaneously with an application for the redevelopment of the site at 2747 Park Boulevard near the site. The application for 3045 Park Boulevard (14PLN-00389) was withdrawn on January 4, 2016, while the application for 2747 Park Boulevard (14PLN-00388) was subsequently reviewed by the ARB on March 17, 2016 and approved by the Planning Director on April 21, 2016. Project Description The site is located at the intersection of Park Boulevard and Olive Drive in the Ventura neighborhood. The site contains a two-story office building which recently contained a car rental business. A mixed use project is located adjacent to the western side property line, and an office building is located adjacent to the eastern side property line. The Caltrain right-of-way borders the rear (north) of the site. Across Park Boulevard to the south is an office building and an associated parking structure. The proposed project would demolish the existing building on the site and construct a new 29,120 square foot R&D building. The building would consist of two stories, and would be 31.5 feet in height from grade to the top of the roof’s parapet wall, and 38 feet in height to the top of the roof’s mechanical screen. The building consists primarily of stone cladding with aluminum window mullions, as well as metal cornices and louvered screens. Significant portions of all of the facades would consist of glass, with several spandrel sections and frit patterns. A color and materials board will be available at the hearing. The vehicular site access consists of a single driveway approach to the west of the Park Boulevard/Olive Avenue intersection. A partially sunken two-story parking structure is proposed to the west of the building, with the second level ramp oriented perpendicular to the Park Boulevard. Additional surface parking is proposed behind the building. Pedestrians would access the site via a walkway located at the Park Boulevard/Olive Avenue intersection. Most of the existing trees on the site would be removed, and a formal landscaping plan shows a full complement of trees, groundcovers, and shrubs in the site frontage, parking lot, and along the western lot line adjacent to the parking structure. Requested Entitlements, Findings and Purview: The following discretionary applications are being requested: x Architectural Review – Major (AR): The process for evaluating this type of application is set forth in PAMC 18.77.070. AR applications are reviewed by the ARB and recommendations are forwarded to the Planning & Community Environment Director for action within five business days of the Board’s recommendation. Action by the Director is appealable to the City Council if filed within 14 days of the decision. AR projects are evaluated against specific findings. All findings must be made in the affirmative to approve the project. Failure to make any one finding requires project 2.h Packet Pg. 29 At t a c h m e n t : A t t a c h m e n t H : J u l y 2 0 , 2 0 1 7 S t a f f R e p o r t w / o A t t a c h m e n t s ( 8 4 9 2 : 3 0 4 5 P a r k B l v d : N e w R & D B u i l d i n g ( 2 n d F o r m a l ) ) City of Palo Alto Planning & Community Environment Department Page 5 redesign or denial. The findings to approve an AR application are provided in Attachment C. Analysis1 Neighborhood Setting and Character The site is located in an area predominantly developed with office/R&D uses and is directly adjacent to a mixed use project containing residential units at 195 Page Mill Road. Owing to this proximity to residential uses, the project includes a screen of evergreen trees in the 10 foot setback between the parking structure and the mixed use building to the west. Consistency with the Comprehensive Plan, Area Plans and Guidelines2 The applicable Comprehensive Plan policies that will be evaluated with the final submittal of the application are included in Attachment F. Multi-Modal Access & Parking The Performance Criteria for the Multiple Family, Commercial, Manufacturing, and Planning Community Districts (PAMC 18.23) contain applicable standards for the subject site. 18.23.070 contains standards for parking areas, and indicates that the purpose of the section is the following: PAMC 18.23.070: The visual impact of parking shall be minimized on adjacent residentially zoned properties or properties with existing residential uses located within nonresidential zones. Staff is concerned about the location of the proposed parking structure, which would have a 10 foot setback from the western side property line and a 15 foot setback from upper floor residential balconies. Landscaping in the form of evergreen trees is proposed in this setback, although staff does not believe that landscaping alone can minimize the visual impact of the parking structure and associated lighting, therefore staff asks the ARB to suggest refinements that would help the project better meet the intent of the Performance Criteria and Findings for Architectural Review. The applicant is proposing to partially underground the first level of parking, so that views from the residential balconies will be over the structure. Staff has two suggested options that include the provision of underground parking and the relocation of the structure towards the rear of the site, which abuts the Caltrain right-of-way. A formal transportation analysis will be performed in conjunction with the Initial Study for the project. In general, bicycle and pedestrian access to the building is well positioned and 1 The information provided in this section is based on analysis prepared by the report author prior to the public hearing. The Architectural Review Board in its review of the administrative record and based on public testimony may reach a different conclusion from that presented in this report and may choose to make alternative findings. A change to the findings may result in a final action that is different from the staff recommended action in this report. 2 The Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan is available online: http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/gov/topics/projects/landuse/compplan.asp 2.h Packet Pg. 30 At t a c h m e n t : A t t a c h m e n t H : J u l y 2 0 , 2 0 1 7 S t a f f R e p o r t w / o A t t a c h m e n t s ( 8 4 9 2 : 3 0 4 5 P a r k B l v d : N e w R & D B u i l d i n g ( 2 n d F o r m a l ) ) City of Palo Alto Planning & Community Environment Department Page 6 appropriately planned, with a large outdoor seating area shown immediately to the right of the drive aisle. The building’s 10 foot front yard setback pushes the active areas of the site towards the street, providing a positive pedestrian scale for the site that is compatible with other developments on Park Boulevard. Consistency with Application Findings The ARB findings for approval are included for reference in Attachment C. As discussed above, staff believes that project refinements to the parking structure are needed in order to better meet the Architectural Review findings, in particular, Finding #2. ARB Finding #2: The project has a unified and coherent design, that: a. creates an internal sense of order and desirable environment for occupants, visitors, and the general community, b. preserves, respects and integrates existing natural features that contribute positively to the site and the historic character including historic resources of the area when relevant, c. is consistent with the context-based design criteria of the applicable zone district, d. provides harmonious transitions in scale, mass and character to adjacent land uses and land use designations, e. enhances living conditions on the site (if it includes residential uses) and in adjacent residential areas. Zoning Compliance3 A detailed review of the proposed project’s consistency with applicable zoning standards has been performed. A summary table is provided in Attachment E. The proposed project complies with all applicable codes, or is seeking through the requested permits permission to deviate from certain code standards, in a manner that is consistent with the Zoning Ordinance. As mentioned earlier, the project is subject to the Interim Annual Office Limit Ordinance (PAMC 18.85.210), which restricts net office/R&D development in certain areas of the City to 50,000 sf per fiscal year. A guideline document for the annual office limit program is included at the following link: http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/51297. The proposed project would construct a new R&D building with 29,130 sf of floor area, to replace approximately 10,000 sf of floor area in the existing 17,000 square foot structure on the site dedicated to office use, for a net increase of approximately 19,130 sf of qualifying square footage. The interim ordinance is set to expire on November 26, 2017, and Planning staff is developing draft language for both an extension of the interim ordinance through June 30, 2018, as well as an adjusted, permanent ordinance. If extended, the interim annual limit would mean that the proposed project can receive an ARB recommendation, but cannot be approved until after March 31, 2018 and must compete against other projects for approval if the sum total of approval-ready projects exceeds 50,000 square feet of office/R&D. 3 The Palo Alto Zoning Code is available online: http://www.amlegal.com/codes/client/palo-alto_ca 2.h Packet Pg. 31 At t a c h m e n t : A t t a c h m e n t H : J u l y 2 0 , 2 0 1 7 S t a f f R e p o r t w / o A t t a c h m e n t s ( 8 4 9 2 : 3 0 4 5 P a r k B l v d : N e w R & D B u i l d i n g ( 2 n d F o r m a l ) ) City of Palo Alto Planning & Community Environment Department Page 7 Environmental Review The subject project has been assessed in accordance with the authority and criteria contained in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the State CEQA Guidelines, and the environmental regulations of the City. An initial study will be prepared and circulated pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) prior to a formal staff recommendation on the project. Public Notification, Outreach & Comments The Palo Alto Municipal Code requires notice of this public hearing be published in a local paper and mailed to owners and occupants of property within 600 feet of the subject property at least ten days in advance. Notice of a public hearing for this project was published in the Palo Alto Weekly on July 7, 2017, which is 13 days in advance of the meeting. Postcard mailing occurred on July 10, 2017, which is 10 days in advance of the meeting. Public Comments As of the writing of this report, no project-related, public comments were received. Alternative Actions In addition to the recommended action, the Architectural Review Board may: 1. Recommend project denial based on revised findings. Report Author & Contact Information ARB4 Liaison & Contact Information Graham Owen, Associate Planner Jodie Gerhardt, AICP, Planning Manager (650) 329-2552 (650) 329-2575 graham.owen@cityofpaloalto.org jodie.gerhardt@cityofpaloalto.org Attachments: x Attachment A: Location Map (PDF) x Attachment B: Applicant Project Description (PDF) x Attachment C: ARB Findings (DOCX) x Attachment D: Performance Criteria (DOCX) x Attachment E: Zoning Comparison Table (DOCX) x Attachment F: Comprehensive Plan Policies (DOCX) x Attachment G: Project Plans (DOCX) 4 Emails may be sent directly to the ARB using the following address: arb@cityofpaloalto.org 2.h Packet Pg. 32 At t a c h m e n t : A t t a c h m e n t H : J u l y 2 0 , 2 0 1 7 S t a f f R e p o r t w / o A t t a c h m e n t s ( 8 4 9 2 : 3 0 4 5 P a r k B l v d : N e w R & D B u i l d i n g ( 2 n d F o r m a l ) ) Attachment I Project Plans Hardcopies of project plans are provided to ARB Members. These plans are available to the public online and by visiting the Planning and Community Environmental Department on the 5th floor of City Hall at 250 Hamilton Avenue. Directions to review Project plans online: 1. Go to: https://paloalto.buildingeye.com/planning 2. Search for “3045 Park Boulevard” and open record by clicking on the green dot 3. Review the record details and open the “more details” option 4. Use the “Records Info” drop down menu and select “Attachments” 5. Open the attachment named “3045 Park Boulevard Project Plans” 2.i Packet Pg. 33 At t a c h m e n t : A t t a c h m e n t I : P r o j e c t P l a n s ( 8 4 9 2 : 3 0 4 5 P a r k B l v d : N e w R & D B u i l d i n g ( 2 n d F o r m a l ) )