HomeMy WebLinkAboutDRB 2011-11-08 #3 CITY OF
Community Development Department – Planning Division
Meeting Date: November 8, 2011
Case Numbers: ED10-83
Project Planner: Katie Korzun – (415) 485-3134
REPORT TO DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
SUBJECT: 700 Francisco Blvd W (VW/Audi) – Review of lighting details for the construction of a new
VW/Audi car dealership; APN: 018-014-49, -29, -12; Francisco Blvd. West Comm’l Zone;
Chatfield Construction Applicant; Francisco Blvd Investors LLC Owner; Francisco Blvd. West
Neighborhood.
PROPERTY FACTS
Site Characteristics
General Plan Designation Zoning Designation Existing Land-Use
Project Site: General Commercial Francisco Blvd. West
Comm’l
Vacant
North: General Commercial FBWC Toys R Us Center
South: General Commercial FBWC Current VW/Audi dlr.
East: General Commercial FBWC Days Inn Motel
West: Public/Quasi Public P/QP SMART liner\
BACKGROUND
On September 18, 2007, the Board recommended approval of site, elevation, landscaping and sign
plans for the new dealership with a condition that lighting return for detailed review. On October 16,
2007, the Board accepted a lighting concept with a condition for Board review of working drawings and
the specific lighting fixtures prior to the issuance of building permits. On November 13, 2007, the
Planning Commission approved the Environmental and Design Review Permit with the Board’s
suggested condition on lighting.
The applicant returned to the Board on March 3, 2009, with a lighting proposal that the Board found to
be unacceptable. The following direction was given to the applicant by the Board:
• Resolve the lighting levels around the entire building;
• Get a more definitive lighting plan, one that emulates the RAB Motors dealership;
• Double-check the photometrics;
• Every other wall light around the building could be eliminated and still have more than enough light;
• Clarify what the pairs of outdoor lights are doing up against the building;
• Details on wattage and justification for lighting out front is needed;
On January 19, 2011, the applicant returned with a façade change (ED10-83, UP10-11-003, SP10-004)
that substantially changed the front elevations. The Board found these to be well done and
recommended approval with the comment that a lighting plan must come back to the Board with a
complete photometric prior to issuance of building permits. Minutes from the March 3, 2009 and the
January 19, 2011 Board meetings are attached.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The applicant has completely revised the lighting proposal by eliminating the exterior wall lights with the
exception of the rear wall, using pole lights to illuminate the car storage and display areas, eliminating
2
the 1000 watt lights, and reducing the average level of illumination. Specifically, there will be 18 foot
high single lamp pole lights in the car storage areas at the rear and sides of the building, in the front
display areas and on the podium level (type A on the photometric). One double head light will be in the
front (type B on the photometric). All these pole lights will be 400 watt. Four wall mounted lights will be
on the rear elevation, illuminating the rear storage area, and will be 150 watt (type C on the
photometric). Fourteen wall mounted lights will be used to illuminate the ramp up to the podium and
the podium level (type EXL on the photometric). These lights are the interior podium area and are not
visible from the street. Cut sheets on each of the lights are included in the plans provided to the Board.
The photometric indicates an average fc of 1.5 and a maximum of 15.5. The brightest areas are the
display areas in front of the building; the storage areas to the side and rear are less bright.
In the 2007 building design, the front elevations had large window areas that opened into high display
areas with no provision for recessed lighting. The Board was concerned that hanging pendant lights
would be used that would be visible sources of bright light. With the 2011 façade changes, the amount
of exterior glass is reduced and drop ceilings and soffit areas are provided. The interior lighting
scheme now consists of recessed lights. Sheets E2.13 and E2.17 show the interior lighting proposals
for both the Audi and the VW wing. Photos of existing dealerships lighting are also included.
Staff is in the process of compiling lighting plans approved by the Board for a variety of uses, focusing
primarily on service stations, auto dealers and surface parking lots. The Service Station and Auto
Dealer portions are complete, and the survey in its current form is attached for comparison purposes.
ANALYSIS
The issues raised by the Board in 2009 have been resolved. The 15 to 18 fc used in the front display
areas have been reduced to 12 fc or less. All the wall mounted lights on the perimeter of the building
have been removed except in the rear. Overall, the average light levels have been reduced and the
pole light heights reduced. Staff would note that the Planning Commission’s approval requires a review
and adjustment period after installation.
NEIGHBORHOOD CORRESPONDENCE
No notice was mailed as this meeting is a review of details. No comments have been received to date.
CONCLUSION
Staff requests final direction and action for the lighting proposal. The 90 day lighting review is included
in the Planning Commission approval of the ED.
EXHIBITS
1. Vicinity Map
2. Minutes of the March 3, 2009 and January 19, DRB meetings.
3. Draft Lighting Survey
Project plans have been distributed only to the DRB members
CC:
Christy Newport, Chatfield Construction, 710 South Beckman Road, Lodi, CA 95240
