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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-07-19MINUTES Ju/y 19, 2007 CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION TAPE i CALL TO ORDER /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 7:30 p.m. ROLL CALL PRESENT: ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: CHAIR COMMENTS AGENDA REVIEW Commissioner Honan, Commissioner Moore, Commissioner Sim, Commissioner Teglia*, Vice Chairperson Giusti and Chairperson Prouty Commissioner Zemke Planning Division: City Attorney: Engineering Division Fire Prevention. Susy Kalkin, Chief Planner Steve Carlson, Senior Planner Girard Beaudin, Associate Planner Bertha Aguilar, Admin. Asst. II Sky Woodruff, Assistant City Attorney Sam Bautista, Senior Civil Engineer Brian Niswonger, Assistant Fire Marshall Chief Planner Kalkin noted that Chairperson Prouty would like to move item #4 to the end of the agenda. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Approval of regular meeting minutes of March 1, 2007. Motion Giusti /Second Sim to approve the Consent Calendar. Approved by a 5-0-2 voice vote. Commissioner Teglia and Commissioner Zemke -absent. PUBLIC HEARING 2. Cal Com Systems/Applicant City of South San Francisco/Owner 1121 South San Francisco Drive P06-0143: UP06-0033 & DR06-0105 (continued from Tune 21, 2007) None Use Permit and Design Review allowing a wireless communication facility comprised of a 35 foot tall monopole with three 4 foot tall panel antennas and an underground equipment vault with several cabinets, situated at 1121 South San Francisco Drive in the Terrabay Specific Plan District, in accordance with SSFMC Chapters 20.63, 20.81, 20.85 & 20.105. Senior Planner Carlson presented the staff report. Planning Commission Meeting of July 19, 2007 Motion Moore /Second Honan to continue the item to August 16, 2007. Approved by a 5-0-2 voice vote. Commissioner Teglia and Commissioner Zemke -absent. * Commissioner Teglia arrived at 7:37 p.m. 3. Robert Reinertson/applicant Robert Reinertson/owner 26 S Linden Ave P07-0031: UP07-0003 & DR07-0020 Use Permit and Design Review allowing truck rental for 30 bobtail and van type trucks, generating 100 vehicle trips per day, and site improvements including a new 575 square foot one-story office building, upgrades to the existing buildings, a new parking lot, fencing and landscaping at 26 South Linden Avenue in the Planned Industrial (P-I) Zone District in accordance with SSFMC Chapters 20.32.030 (c), 20.32.060 & 20.32.070 (a), 20.81 & 20.85 Public Hearing opened. Senior Planner Carlson presented the staff report. Rich Catanzaro, property owner's representative, noted that the property was derelict and has been cleaned up by the owners. He added that a quality tenant has been found but cannot disclose the tenant at the time. Public Hearing closed. Motion Teglia /Second Giusti to approve. Approved by a 6-0-1 vote. Commissioner Zemke -absent. Item moved afteritem # 6 underAgenda Review 4. Genentech -Bldg 50 GENENTECH INC/Owner GENENTECH INC/Applicant 680 Forbes Blvd P06-0136: UP06-0032 & DR06-0102 Building 50 -Use Permit application to allow Genentech to demolish an existing surface parking lot adjacent to Building 51 (642 Forbes Boulevard) and construct a new 168,500-square-foot R&D/Manufacturing/Lab/Office Building located at 680 Forbes Boulevard on the Lower Campus within the Genentech R&D Overlay District per SSFMC Chapters 20.39, 20.40 & 20.81 ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 5. Starbucks Armanino, Rosemary/Owner Starbucks (Zeden )ones)/Applicant 329 Grand Ave. P05-0012: UP05-0003 & DR05-0010 18 month review -Use Permit to allow a 1,776 sq. ft. coffee shop with an approximately 192 square-foot outdoor seating area. in an existing building at 329 Grand Avenue in the Downtown Commercial (D-C-L) Zoning District in accordance with SSFMC Chapters 20.26 & 20.81. s:\Mi,wutes\~Cv~.a~%zed MCwutes\2oo~\o~-i9-off izpC r~Cwutes.doc FAge 2 of 8 Planning Commission Meeting of July 19, 2007 Chief Planner Kalkin presented the staff report. Zeden Jones, Starbucks, noted that they want to keep business running in South San Francisco and noted that they added lighting in response to the previous reviews comments by the Commission. Commissioner Sim asked if the lighting was added after the last review. Mr. Jones replied affirmatively. Commissioner Sim noted that the site still appears dark. Vice Chairperson Giusti was concerned with the cleanliness of the site. She mentioned that the tables are sticky and there is litter all over the ground. She suggested that their staff make it a habit to go out every hour to make sure their site is clean. Mr. Jones noted that they are making a better effort to keep the site clean and added that the District Manager, Sue Brock, was in attendance to make sure these comments are responded to. He added that their staff is walking the block several times to make sure that any debris is picked up as well. Chairperson Prouty asked if a screen can be placed on the metal fence to stop debris from going into the seating area. Commissioner Teglia noted that this could be achieved with a low mesh. Mr. Jones noted that they could look into it. Commissioner Teglia noted that some of the debris is not generated by Starbucks but it gets caught in front of their site. Commissioner Honan asked if staining the concrete to a darker brown would solve keeping the stickiness and papers off the concrete. Mr. Jones stated that the concrete had not been sealed which caused it to be porous and show the coffee stains. The color was chosen to make it similar to the existing stains and the coating does not make it as sticky. Motion Teglia /Second Honan to accept the review and have an additional review of the Use Permit in 6 months. Approved by majority voice vote. Commissioner Zemke -absent. 6. Study Session DGA Planning/applicant Chamberlin Associates/owner 200 Oyster Point Blvd P07-0048: UP07-0006, TDM07-0001 & DR07-0033 Use Permit and Design Review allowing a 3-story, 83,420 square foot Research & Development building with a 2-story garage & surface parking, generating in excess of 100 vehicle trips, with 24 hour daily operation, and an open service yard, a parking rate of 2.83 spaces per 1,000 square feet instead of the minimum required rate and a Transportation Demand Management Plan to reduce traffic impacts situated at 180 Oyster Point Boulevard in the Planned Commercial (P-C) Zone District in accordance with SSFMC Chapters 20.24, 20.74, 20.81, 20.82 and Chapter 20.120. Previously Adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration assessing the development impacts. Senior Planner Carlson presented the staff report. Jennifer Von der Ahe, Chamberlin, noted that the site is being developed for Elan Pharmaceuticals. Randall Dowler and Karen Lin from DGA Architects presented the project to the Commission via PowerPoint presentation. Commissioner Sim complimented the architect and applicant for the changes done from the diagram concept to the design concept. He pointed out that the layering effect of parking, office and R&D is a new concept s:\n~%wutes\~%wctl.%zed M%v~,utes\2oo~\o~-i9-off izPC r~Cwutes.doc page s of a Planning Commission Meeting of July 19, 2007 and shows the potential of these types of buildings. Chairperson Prouty added that the design aspects used to stealth the parking were done in such a manner that make it look as part of the office building. Commissioner Teglia noted that he has been repeatedly disappointed with the 180 Oyster Point project for since it was before the Commission but felt that many of the Commission's comments were incorporated into this proposal. He suggested including water features either on the side or at the driveway and continuation of the stamped concrete up through the driveway. He noted that the second driveway is problematic. He noted that Oyster Point is a major thoroughfare and the landscaping in front may cause a safety issue. Commissioner Teglia further noted that the area around the driveway looks stark and suggested adding spandrel glass around that area to decrease the foundations impact on the building. Commissioner Honan also commended the applicant for incorporating the Commission's comments in the current rendition of the project. She reminded the architect that some water design could be incorporated to connect the two buildings. Vice Chairperson Giusti and Commissioner Moore concurred with other Commissioner's comments on the improvement of the project. Commissioner Teglia expressed that the finished building should look exactly like the renderings the Commission approves. Chairperson Prouty added that the stamped concrete should go all the way up through the sidewalk. Mr. Dowler noted that the visitors would use the south side entrance which is the main entrance. He added that the water feature is included on the plans towards the end of the driveway. Commissioner Sim suggested the curb cut and the entry to the garage off of the Oyster Point frontage be further stealthed. Senior Planner Carlson noted that staff is not convinced that the driveway entrance is not necessary. Chairperson Prouty stated that the street is busy and adding another curb cut creates a problem. Commissioner Sim noted that the Commission prefers eliminating it. Mr. Dowler noted that that they had explored adding a deceleration lane. Ms. Von der Ahe clarified that the second driveway was needed to improve the underground circulation on the site. She noted that Fehr & Peers conducted the circulation study and found that the amount of cars entering the peak hours did not warrant a deceleration late. The Commission directed the applicant to finalize the details and return to the Commission for a Public Hearing on the project. PUBLIC HEARINGS (Cont'd) Recess called at 8:31 p.m. Item moved underAgenda Review 4. Genentech -Bldg 50 GENENTECH INC/Owner GENENTECH INC/Applicant 680 Forbes Blvd P06-0136: UP06-0032 & DR06-0102 Recalled to order at 8:42 p.m. s:~r~tCwutes~~twa~Ezect Nt~wutes~2oo~~o~-i9-off Rpc M~wutes.doc gage ~ o{g Planning Commission Meeting of July 19, 2007 Building 50 -Use Permit application to allow Genentech to demolish an existing surface parking lot adjacent to Building 51 (642 Forbes Boulevard) and construct a new 168,500-square-foot R&D/Manufacturing/Lab/Office Building located at 680 Forbes Boulevard on the Lower Campus within the Genentech R&D Overlay District per SSFMC Chapters 20.39, 20.40 & 20.81 Public Hearing opened. Associate Planner Beaudin gave a PowerPoint presentation. Chairperson Prouty and Commissioner Teglia noted that they met separately with Geraldine O'Connor regarding the application process and how this project relates to the Ten Year Master Plan. Lisa Sullivan, Director of Strategic Facilities Planning, noted the building's function is to develop medicines to combat life threatening diseases. She pointed out that they created a modern design and enhanced the landscaping of the central spine to give a more pedestrian feel to Kauffman Court. She noted that they agree with all the Conditions of Approval with the exception of the condition related to reducing the massing on the 5t" floor. She added that the time impact of the proposed design versus staff's recommendation to reduce the fifth floor massing is 6 months and it is largely due to redesigning the steel to accommodate these changes. Commissioner Teglia suggested that there needs to be some type of discussion on how the design guidelines of the Master Plan should influence the design of buildings and not get caught in time delays. Commissioner Teglia noted that the use of the design guidelines dictates the direction of the design. John Mickow, Fladd Architects, noted that the proposed project is an expansion of the process that occurs in 67 and B50 which will be connected to this building via a second floor pedestrian bridge. He proceeded to give a PowerPoint presentation of the proposed project that included an overview of open space, setbacks, height massing and materials proposed for the B50 site. Commissioner Teglia noted that the Commission is concerned with the massing in the front rather than the rear. Mr. Mickow continued with the presentation. Commissioner Teglia questioned if the Commission had seen the current design plans of the project being presented at this meeting. Associate Planner Beaudin noted that the Design Review Board (DRB) had seen this rendition of the project in December of 2006 but the Commission had not. Mr. Mickow concluded his presentation. Commissioner Teglia noted that the subcommittee met with Genentech and the architect who had responded to their comments. He noted that during the subcommittee meeting Genentech had reduced the size of the fifth floor. In the end, Genentech informed the subcommittee that the reduced floor area would not work for them functionally. He noted that the subcommittee approve pushing the glass back towards the street. He noted that the roof screening has been brought forward in the current submittal and asked the architect for clarification on the mechanical equipment. Mr. Mickow stated that on early design plans they had taken a portion of the mechanical equipment and moved it into the 5t" floor space which compromised the functional space that Genentech needs. He noted that they reconfigured the equipment on the roof and pushed back the equipment screening as far as possible without eliminating functional space in the building. Commissioner Teglia noted that the project has returned to the original floor plate but was surprised to see the elimination of the balcony in front of the office section where the metal awning was situated. Mr. Mickow noted that the balcony space was not usable and they were forced to wall it off because of the Building Code s:\NtCwutes\~%wal%zed M~wutes~2oo~\o~-z9-off Rpc rniv~.utes.doc page s o f g Planning Commission Meeting of July 19, 2007 treating the area as occupied space. Commissioner Teglia asked if the balcony could be approved. Associate Planner Beaudin noted that the Building Division would have to respond to this issue as it pertains to Building Code standards. Commissioner Teglia suggested removing the balcony in the back of the building and replacing it in the front. He stated that he does not see how this will affect the buildings functionality. Mr. Mickow noted that the braces behind the building is the primary structure of the building that extends from the foundation to the roof of the structure. He stated that by pushing the west elevation back, the seismic system of the building would need to be modified. Commissioner Sim stated that the subcommittee and Genentech were moving in the right direction. He noted that the "X" bracing effect is a seismic element and noted that the glass can be set on the inside. He stated that the subcommittee was led to believe that the outer portion of the building was comprised of offices and conference rooms and had some flexibility with the space. He asked if the seismic element can be used as an opportunity to create an innovative fagade without losing square footage. Mr. Mickow noted that they do not want to change the structure since that would require redesigning of the construction drawings because it affects the working schedule. Commissioner Moore asked if there were elements of the proposal before the Commission that weren't discussed with the subcommittee. Chairperson Prouty clarified that several variations were presented to the subcommittee but the proposal before the Commission was not presented to the subcommittee. Ms. Sullivan noted that there were aspects of .the April design that Genentech liked and tried to figure out how to incorporate them and not impact the steel order. She noted that they did not look at undressing the building and noted that the architectural style is a classic elegant style. Commissioner Sim stated that the previous submission with the setbacks came out of the DRB meeting. He noted that the 5t" floor should allow the "X" brace to project vertically to further articulate it. Commissioner Honan was concerned with speculations of a breakdown in communication and hoped that this has not occurred. She expressed her concern with having a meeting held with a proposal that the Commission has never seen and was uncomfortable about voting on this project. Commissioner Teglia noted that this was not a communication problem and the Commission was blind sided with the current proposal. He noted that during the Master Plan review process this building's massing was noted as a concern along the Forbes frontage. He added that the April submission met the Commission's needs but they wanted to soften the massing a bit more. He stated that the terrace does not have to be usable. He pointed out that he could vote in favor of the April submittal or staff's recommendation. He asked Ms. Sullivan if the April submittal would work for Genentech. Ms. Sullivan noted that the April submittal meets the conditions of staff's recommendation. She stated that the current proposal was a modern statement and the DRB asked for changes. She noted that they worked hard from December to April to make the changes and felt that the communication broke down during the study session, which resulted in Genentech asking for a subcommittee. She added that both of the proposals will work but they are supporting the current proposal due to the time constraints. Chairperson Prouty asked for clarification from Ms. Sullivan if the April scheme was workable for them. Ms. Sullivan replied that Genentech does not agree with staff's recommendation and will go with the scheme that can be built sooner, which is the December scheme enhanced with the landscaping and all other changes made since then. Commissioner Teglia noted that moving the mechanical equipment into the building was slowing down the process and taking away from the usable space. He added that the floor plate is identical and the only change is the terrace at the top, which can be unusable, provided solely for massing relief. He pointed out s:\Mi~.utes\~%walCzed M~wutes\2oo~\0~-29-0~ RPC Miwutes.doc Page 6 of 8 Planning Commission Meeting of July 19, 2007 that there will need to be additional information on how Genentech will handle the roof screening. He noted that if Genentech continues with the current building, they will need to review it again and questioned if the April submission works for Genentech. Commissioner Moore felt that Genentech needs a building that can be built faster and the subcommittee should have expedited the process. He noted that he is willing to move the process along for the reason of saving lives. Chairperson Prouty pointed out that the subcommittee was appointed to streamline the project so that it would return to the Commission for the approval process. Chairperson Prouty asked what had occurred during April and July to render a change to a larger building and asked if Genentech feels the can revert to the April project. Ms. Sullivan replied that they would like the Commission to take action on the project. Commissioner Honan noted that the Commission's choices are to approve, deny or continue the project and asked if Genentech would change the proposal if the public hearing was continued. Ms. Sullivan replied that a continuance would not make an improvement because they have worked on the project for eight months. Commissioner Honan asked if Genentech is in favor of the April plans for Building 50. Gary Saunders from Plumbers and Steamfitters Union spoke in favor of the project because it will create many jobs for their members. He noted that this project is about saving lives in a larger scheme and that the Commission should approve the project as submitted. Commissioner Moore noted that when the choice is between aesthetics and saving lives he will choose the latter. Commissioner Teglia noted that Genentech is the best employer in the county and would like to get Genentech through the process and what slowed the process down is some internal planning issues at Genentech. Mr. Saunders noted that Genentech is a medicine manufacturing company and is not in the business of building award winning architectural buildings. William Nack from Building Trades Council also spoke in favor of the project and noted that the proposal is consistent with the Genentech Master Plan. Public Hearing closed. Commissioner Teglia clarified that the City has been working with Genentech. He noted that with the time constraint that Genentech has, he is inclined to approve the April 2007 proposal with staff's recommendations. Commissioner Sim added that the additional changes, for example the horizontal lantern design for the bridge, glass etc..., be incorporated. He pointed out that if this proposal would have been presented to the Commission he would have tried to work with their needs. He noted his surprise about how the current building design came to the Commission. Commissioner Moore also noted his surprise in the current proposal and asked staff if they also were surprised to see the building change. Chief Planner Kalkin noted that the plans that were in the Commission's packet were seen by staff only recently but it was not presented to the Commission prior to the meeting. She noted that staff's recommendation is based on the presented plan while trying to address the issues raised by the DRB and Planning Commission. Motion Teglia: To approve the proposed project based on the proposed findings of approval and subject to the proposed conditions of approval in staff's recommendation with the addition that staff and Genentech return to the Commission with a better rendition for approval of the mechanical screening. Second Honan. Chief Planner Kalkin clarified that the Commission is moving the recommendation of staff subject to the s:\M%v~utes\~~waltzed M%wutPS\2oo~\o~-2y-off iz.PC t~nCwutes.doc page ~ of e Planning Commission Meeting of July 19, 2007 modified conditions that were distributed tonight with an additional condition regarding the roof screening. Commissioner Teglia noted that this was correct. Roll call vote Ayes: Commissioner Teglia, Commissioner Sim, Commissioner Moore, Commissioner Honan, Vice Chairperson Giusti and Chairperson Prouty Noes: None Abstain:None Absent: Commissioner Zemke Approved by roll call vote. ITEMS FROM STAFF Chief Planner Kalkin asked that the Commission adjourn the meeting to the Special Joint meeting of July 24tH and cancel the August 2"d meeting. Consensus of the Commission to do so. ITEMS FROM COMMISSION None ITEMS FROM THE PUBLIC None AD]OURNMENT 10:33 P.M. Motion Teglia /Second Honan to adiourn the meeting. .~/~ e' Sus~Kalkin " Secretary" to the Planning Commission City of South San Francisco SK/bla s:\M%wutes\~~wctl%zed M%wutes\2oo~\o~-zy-off R.pC n~Cv~.utes.doc Page g o f g