ARC Minutes 2022-06-20
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ACTION MINUTES
MEETING OF THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITEE
June 20, 2022, 2:30 p.m.
Hybrid City Hall Conference Room/Virtual Zoom Meeting
300 East Branch Street, Arroyo Grande
Committee Members Present: Jon Couch, Lori Mainini Hall, Warren Hoag,
Bruce Berlin
Committee Members Absent: Kristin Juette
Staff Present: Community Development Director Brian
Pedrotti, Planning Manager Andrew Perez,
Associate Planner Patrick Holub
Given the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in San Luis Obispo County, and in compliance with
Assembly Bill (AB) 361, which allows for a deviation of teleconference rules required by the Ralph M.
Brown Act, this meeting was held by teleconference.
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1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Hoag called the Meeting to order at 2:30 pm.
2. ROLL CALL
Chair Hoag performed the roll call. Committee Member Juette was absent.
3. FLAG SALUTE
Chair Hoag led the flag salute in the absence of Commitee Member Juette.
4. AGENDA REVIEW
None.
5. COMMUNITY COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
None.
6. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
7.a Approval of Minutes
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(PEREZ)
Moved by Jon Couch
Seconded by Bruce Berlin
Approve the Minutes of the June 6. 2022 Regular Meeting.
AYES (4): Jon Couch, Lori Mainini Hall, Warren Hoag, and Bruce Berlin
ABSENT (1): Kristin Juette
Passed (4 to 0)
8. PROJECTS
8.a Consideration of Administrative Sign Permit 22-002; New Wall Signs for an Existing
Business; Location – 161 Traffic Way; Applicant – Nittaya Pichan, Tasty Thai
Associate Planner Holub presented the staff report and provided information about the project
location, design aspects of the proposed signage, and the purpose of the hearing is to provide
feedback to the applicant on the as-built signs.
Kelly Keane, representative for the business, offered solutions to make the signs conform with
the Design Guidelines and answered questions from the Committee.
The Committee acknowledged that the project site identifies more closely with the Traffic Way
auto-related uses rather than the historic character of the Village and would take that into
consideration when reviewing the signs. The Committee was supportive of the colors, but wants
to see the yellow mansard element removed to make the signs more compatible with the
building. However, the Committee concluded that the signs need to be modified to meet the
Design Guidelines. It suggested adding a border and creating depth or dimensionality. The
Committee also offered suggestions to make the signage more effective such as using a
hierarchy to prioritize the most important information and create branding. In conclusion, the
Committee suggested using only one wall sign per street frontage, framing the signs to add
depth, and removing the yellow embossed element under the as-built signs.
Moved by Warren Hoag
Seconded by Jon Couch
Continue to a date uncertain to allow the applicant to modify the signage in accordance with the
suggestions from the ARC.
AYES (4): Jon Couch, Lori Mainini Hall, Warren Hoag, and Bruce Berlin
ABSENT (1): Kristin Juette
Passed (4 to 0)
8.b Substantial Conformance Determination for Conditional Use Permit 21-005; Location –
211 E. Branch St.; Applicant – Eric and Jill Von Berg; Representative – Jennifer Martin
(PEREZ)
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Planning Manager Perez presented the staff report explaining the history of the project, the
nature of the modifications requested, and the purpose of the substantial conformance
determination hearing.
Eric and Jill Von Berg, project applicants, described the purpose of the modifications is due to
rising construction costs. They explained how the floorplan would change without the elevator
and how ADA access would be provided.
The Committee spoke in support of the project modifications because they would not diminish
the aesthetic of the building. It was commented that it was a sensible change that is practical
when considering the current economic environment. The Committee appreciated the proposed
addition of a mature olive tree to soften the building facade where the exterior staircase was
eliminated from the design.
Moved by Bruce Berlin
Seconded by Lori Mainini Hall
the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) determined that the proposed revisions to the
project are in substantial conformance with the original approval.
AYES (4): Jon Couch, Lori Mainini Hall, Warren Hoag, and Bruce Berlin
ABSENT (1): Kristin Juette
Passed (4 to 0)
9. DISCUSSION ITEMS
None.
10. COMMITTEE COMMUNICATIONS
Committee Member Hall inquired about the status of the parklets in the Village.
Vice Chair Berlin asked where the public can submit ideas about creating a creekside path to enhance
pedestrian access and the status of the remodel at 134 E. Branch St.
11. STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
Planning Manager Perez introduced Building Permit Technician Erica Caseras to the Committee.
Planning Manager Perez announced that the Regular Meeting scheduled for July 4th will be cancelled
due to the holiday.
Planning Manger Perez provided an update about the status of the ordinance to implement SB 9.
12. ADJOURNMENT
The Meeting adjourned at 4:39 pm.
/s/ Warren Hoag, Chair
/s/ Andrew Perez, Associate Planner