PC 10/13/99 - Laserfiche WebLink

Discussion ensued relating to the color of buildings, the height of the building, where cars will be parked and worked on, location of the fence, and issues relating to the spray booth. Commissioner Arkin noted he visited the property and would desire more vegetation between the project and the street. PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED Frank Auf der Maur, Jr., 4432 Pleasanton Avenue, noted that the applicant is in concurrence with staff's conditions on approval of the project. He expressed his concern with staff's requirement for black vinyl coated chain link fence around the parameter and noted the applicant would be in favor of utilizing galvanized metal chain link fencing with redwood or plastic slates that would hide the cars being worked on. He referenced the color board for the buildings and noted that galvanized sheet metal will be utilized on the building on the awnings and the drain pipes, and the applicant has inquired of staff whether it would be appropriate to paint the exhaust stack to match the building. Further, that the galvanized metal fence would architecturally match the building. He noted that currently there are no other uses in the area to create impacts on parking. Further, that vehicles parked in the area are usually from people accessing the creek and Shadow Cliffs. He noted that when the City expressed concern with cars parking on vacant lots, the applicant approached the owners of Diablo Auto Body and the cars were removed that same day. He noted that the two-hour parking requirement is still not being enforced and if parking concerns arise in the future that the applicant will address those issues. He noted that extra parking spaces are being provided and that 30 cars can park inside the building. In response to an inquiry by Chairperson Roberts, Mr. Auf der Maur noted he would desire the slats that are aesthetically pleasing and they would also remove parked cars from the public's view. Mr. Aufder Maur commented on the fencing that could be utilized, such as a sound wall, and he stated that the design will locate the fence toward the back of the property. He noted that the applicant's desire is to provide a fence that is both economical and addresses the issue of keeping the vehicles away from public view. Discussion ensued relating to a wooden fence not being secure enough, staff's recommendation for the fencing being a requirement for projects of this type, and that the fencing requested by Mr. Auf der Maur would not be detrimental to the appearance of the project. In response to an inquiry by Commissioner Maas, Mr. Auf der Maur noted he would not have a problem with moving the spray booth; however, he noted that the applicant has hired a consultant to lay out the design of the body shop in the most efficient way and this plan references what the consultant has determined is efficient. He requested that the condition read that the applicant will work with staff on either relocating it, coming up with some kind of screening, or making the ducts presentable and not being an eyesore. Further, that the exhaust stack will be moved if the issue is not ultimately resolved with staff. Kent H. Pryer, 3425 Bernal Avenue, noted he is not opposed to the design of the project or the planning for the area. He noted that the report did not state the dimensions of the exhaust stack, other than the four feet height. He inquired as to the length, width or diameter of the exhaust stack and its proposed distance from the front of the building. Mr. Pryer noted that if that exhaust stack adds only five percent to the visual of the body of the building, there should not be a problem; however, if it takes up a major portion of the building it would be a significant change. He commented that Bemal does not have any Planning Commission Minutes October 13, 1999 Page 5