HomeMy WebLinkAboutDRB 2014-09-03 #2CITY OF
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Community Development Department — Planning Division
Meeting Date: September 3, 2014
Case Numbers: ED13-073
Project Planner: Caron Parker (415) 485-3094
REPORT TO DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
SUBJECT: 610 & 620 Del Ganado Road (Christ Presbyterian Church/Montessori de Terra Linda)—
Environmental and Design Review for: 1) replacement of the existing two Montessori school
classroom portable buildings totaling 1,920 square feet with a permanent 3,682 square foot .
classroom building; 2) a 1,000 square foot detached church administration wing addition;
3) a 130 square foot addition to the rear of the education wing; and 4) re -design of the
existing front landscaping on site to create walkable entry pathways; APN: 178-113-240;
Planned Development (PD1391) Zoning District; Andrew Davis, DMARC Studios; Applicant;
Christ Presbyterian Church, owner (continued from June 3, 2014).
PROPERTY FACTS
Site Characteristics
General Plan Designation
Zoning Designation
Existing Land -Use
Lot Coverage
Required:
Proposed:
2.5 acres
Existing lot = 2.25 acres
Required: N/A
Proposed: 17.4% (17,144 sf)
Previously proposed 17.1 16,764 sf
Project
Site:
Low Density Residential
(LDR)
PD(1391)
Church and School
North:
LDR & P/QP
R5 -EA & PD 1391
Single Family & Apartments
South:
LDR
R5
Residential
East:
LDR
R5 -EA
Residential
West:
LDR/Neighborhood
Commercial NC
NC
Shopping Center
Site Development Summary
Lot Size
Lot Coverage
Required:
Proposed:
2.5 acres
Existing lot = 2.25 acres
Required: N/A
Proposed: 17.4% (17,144 sf)
Previously proposed 17.1 16,764 sf
Height
FAR
Allowed:
Proposed:
30 feet
12'6" to 16'9" maximum
Required: N/A
Proposed: 0.174 FAR
Previously proposed: .171 FAR
Parking
Setbacks
Required: Church - 25; School - 24 spaces
-Existing: 55 spaces 53 approved per UP04-19
Required: Not established. See staff report.
SUMMARY
The project site has two distinct uses, consisting of a church and a school. The project proposes to
renovate both the Christ Presbyterian Church (CPC) and the Montessori de Terra Linda (MdTL)
buildings. The project was reviewed by the Design Review Board on June 3, 2014. After discussion
and public comments, the Board's consensus was that the proposed changes to the MdTL portion of
the site (demolition of the existing two portables and replacement with one new 3,682 square foot
building) could be supported. As such, no changes to this portion of the project are proposed with this
re -submittal. Also, as before, there are no changes proposed to the sanctuary building. However, the
Board had some concerns about the location of the proposed CPC administration wing addition, and its
proximity to the driveway and side yard setback. The Board was also concerned about the existing
lighting on site. The hearing was continued, with the following Board recommendations:
1. Redesign the proposed 639 square foot addition to the administration wing in order to reduce or
eliminate the proposed encroachment into the existing driveway and side yard setback along
the north elevation.
2. Report back to the Board on comprehensive lighting, specifically addressing the existing
spotlights on the sanctuary building. A photometric study was not required.
3 In addition, the Board "suggested" the following: a) consider adding trees to the parking lot; b)
consider reconfiguring the walkway to something that is not long and straight; and c) consider
evaluating the health of the existing trees to respond to concerns about possible tree safety on
site.
The applicant.has submitted a revised plan, the specifics of which are summarized below:
1. The plan has eliminated the 612 square foot addition to the existing CPC administration building
and replaced it with a 1,000 square foot detached administration wing addition on the northwest
side of the property. The small addition proposed at the rear of the administration wing building
has been reduced from 27 square feet to 19 square feet. A new covered walkway would
connect with the existing administration building covered walkway.
2. Elimination of the proposed "breezeway" between the administration building and the sanctuary.
3. A new 581 square foot courtyard area (designed with permeable pavers) located between the
existing administration wing and the proposed new CPC administrative wing addition has been
added. This would serve as a gathering area for the congregation.
4. The front landscaping has been revised to create a walkway closer to the new CPC
administration building addition instead of using the sanctuary as the focal point for the
walkway.
5. The proposed freestanding light fixtures along the front walkway have been eliminated. New
wall sconces and LED "tapelights" are proposed for the new administration wing addition.
6. All existing spotlights on the sanctuary have been removed.
7. The proposed 4 foot high CPC monument sign on the front lawn has been eliminated and
replaced with two signs on the front wall of the CPC administration wing addition.
Per Zoning Ordinance Section 14.25.040.A, additions to non-residential structures greater than 1,250
square feet shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission. As such, the Board's recommendation will
be forwarded to the Planning Commission.
Based on review of the applicable design criteria, staff requests that the Board provide its
recommendation on whether the revised project addresses the concerns discussed at the last hearing.
2
BACKGROUND
Site Description & Setting:
The Christ Presbyterian Church (hereafter referred to as "CPC') and the Montessori de Terra Linda
(hereafter referred to as "MdTL") is located on a 2.25 acre flat lot. (Exhibit 1 - Project Vicinity Map). The
existing church sanctuary is 3,324 square feet, and also has an attached 1,655 square foot
administration wing. The administrative wing serves as an office for the pastor, and has restrooms and
a kitchen. The existing MdTL site consists of a main education wing (7,334 square feet) and two
portable classroom buildings (960 square feet each, 1,920 sf total). The site also contains a parking lot
for 55 vehicles. The project site is landscaped with areas of mature trees and lawn throughout. The
project site is bordered by a 20 foot wide public utility and walkway easement along the north and
eastern property lines, and abuts single family homes along the north perimeter area (Wisteria Way
and Wakerobin Lane). The project site also abuts a 4 foot wide "public walkway easement", located on
the adjacent property to the west (a multi -unit apartment complex for developmentally disabled adults).
Other sites near the property include a fire station, the Terra Linda Recreation Center/Pool, and a
commercial shopping center across the street.
Site History
The existing church sanctuary and attached administration wing and education wing were all
constructed in 1957. Over the years, there were additions made to both the administration and
education wings, as well as the addition of two (2) portables for use by MdTL. In 1981, the City
rezoned the property from Residential/Community Services (R-1/CSD) to a Planned Development PD
(1391) Zoning District to recognize the existing church and allow the construction of 12 units of housing
for developmentally disabled adults (located on the adjacent parcel at 626 Del Ganado Road). The PD
approved for the site PD (1391) never properly listed the Montessori school as an existing use on the
site and the PD had no specific requirements detailing the architecture, landscape or design of the
school buildings. The Community Development Department, Planning Division has determined that the
use of the site as a Montessori School is a "grandfathered" legal use and as such, the buildings as
designed are also grandfathered.
The original site development has no record of a design review permit. The first design review permit
was approved in 1997 for the installation of a 960 square foot portable classroom to be used by MdTL.
In 2008, a second 960 square foot portable classroom was approved (ED08-044). Staff finds the
existing design of the site to be functional and practical, with an abundance of trees and landscaping.
The new additions would continue the existing design qualities and materials on the site, and allow
better use of the church and school as distinct uses. In addition, the new landscaping and walkways
would enhance the entryway to the site.
Just to review the PD zoning regulations, the proposed additions would be subject to development
standards pursuant those delineated in the approved PD. However, PD (1391) is silent on
development standards. Other zoning districts in the project area include R5 -EA (Single Family
Residential- Eichler Alliance Overlay) and NC (Neighborhood Commercial). In such cases, Section
14.07.035.A of the Zoning Ordinance stipulates the following:
"When an established PD district does not contain or include site-specific regulations or spatial
standards necessary to guide and approve building additions, modifications or property
improvements, the following shall apply: A. For the proposed additions and modifications to
principle structures and primary uses, the Community Development Director shall determine,
based on development characteristics, use and density, and the contiguous zoning districts, a
zoning district adopted within this title that is most compatible to the PD District. The
regulations and spatial standards of the most compatible zoning district shall be applied,
subject to the approval of an environmental and design review permit."
The site is surrounded by a variety of land uses, both neighborhood commercial (shopping center),
residential (single family and apartment complex), and public/quasi-public community uses (fire station,
community center). Based on the mixed uses surrounding the project site and the General Plan
Designation of LDR (Low Density Residential) for the project site and the immediately adjacent
properties, staff determined the most appropriate relevant zoning designation for the PD project site
would be R5 (Single Family Residential). While the required setbacks for the R5 zone are: front yard:
15 feet; side yard: 10% of lot width (typically 5 feet); rear yard: 10 feet; and 40% lot coverage, the
Planned Development zoning allows for flexibility in site design and setbacks. In the previous
submittal, the CPC administration wing addition encroached into the side yard setback. The new site
design has eliminated this encroachment and preserved a setback akin to the established 5 foot side
yard setback in the surrounding residential properties. The new 1,000 square foot addition is at least
13 feet away from the side yard setback.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Use: There is no change to the existing uses of the site as a church and Montessori school (MdTL).
The church is operating under a Use Permit (UP84-24) approved in 1984 for the first CPC
administration building addition. The MdTL is operating under several approved use permits, which
allowed for the addition of two portable buildings on site and the increase in student population from
125 students to 200 students. According to the applicant, current enrollment for MdTL is 150 students
and the school is proposing to increase to 175 students. The school's core program serves one
classroom for 2 year olds, three primary classrooms (ages 3-5 years), two lower elementary
classrooms (grades 1-3), one upper elementary classroom (grades 4-6), and before/after school care.
The CPC sanctuary and administration wing hosts a variety of activities for church programs (including
Sunday school, Bible study, youth group meetings and game nights) and community services (Boy
Scouts, AA and Terra Linda HOA meetings). A homeless outreach program previously offered on-site
has been relocated off-site. The specific components of the use permit will be reviewed and
considered by the Planning Commission at a future public hearing, which will be noticed separately.
Revised Site Plan: There are no changes proposed to the new 3,682 square foot building proposed
to replace the two portable classrooms on the MdTL portion of the site. As discussed in the summary
on page 2 of this staff report, the applicant has revised the plans (see Plan Sheet T2.1) to include the
following changes, per Board recommendations:
1. The revised project has eliminated the 612 square foot CPC administration wing addition and
replaced it with a detached 1,000 square foot administration wing addition on the northwest side
of the property. The building is designed with a covered walkway to link with the covered
walkway on the existing administration building. The small addition proposed (for a janitor
closet) at the rear of the administration wing building (see Plan Sheet A2.1) has been reduced
from 27 square feet to 19 square feet.
2. The proposed "breezeway" between the CPC administration wing and the sanctuary building
leading from the front yard to the rear yard, has been eliminated.
3. A new 581 square foot courtyard area (designed with permeable pavers) located between the
existing CPC administration wing and the new CPC administrative building.
4. The front landscaping has been revised to create a walkway closer to the new CPC
administration building instead of using the sanctuary as the focal point for the walkway.
5. The proposed freestanding light fixtures along the front walkway have been eliminated. New
6"x6"x6" wall sconces and LED "tapelights" installed in soffits would be installed along the
south side of the new CPC administration wing addition (see reference F2 on Plan Sheet T2.1).
4
Also, LED tapelight strips are proposed to replace the recessed lights originally proposed for
the new MdTL classroom buildings.
6. The existing spotlights on the sanctuary building have been removed.
7. The proposed CPC monument sign on the front lawn has been eliminated and replaced with a
10.75 square foot CPC wall sign and a 28.5 square foot CPC "message board" on the front
(west) wall of the new CPC administration wing addition (displaying the pastor name and church
service times).
Architecture: The applicant has presented staff with background information on the revised design
approach (See Exhibit 2). The new detached 1,000 square foot addition has an angled roof and is
taller than the existing administration building, but lower in height than the sanctuary roof. The new
1,000 square foot addition is connected to the existing administration wing breezeway by a new
covered breezeway (see Elevation Plan Sheet A3.1). The color and materials for the revised addition
have been changed from wood siding to painted metal (roof and siding). The proposed new additions
are designed to integrate with the existing buildings on site in both height and materials. A revised
Color and Materials Board will be presented at the hearing.
Landscaping: Changes proposed to the existing landscaping on site (related to the CPC portion of
the project) are detailed on Plan Sheet T2.3A and T2.3B. All existing trees will remain on site, except
for one Pepper tree proposed to be removed in the Montessori play yard in order to create more open
play space and minimize the impact of falling berries, falling leaves and invasive roots. The main
changes to the landscaping are at the front of the property, and include removal of existing turf to
replace with permeable pavers, creating a new entry walkway. Total landscaping on site would be
reduced from what was previously proposed (45% or 44,337 square feet) to 44% (43,299 square feet).
This equates to a 6% reduction in landscaping. However, the lawn is only being reduced in order to
create a more functional system of walkways for the new campus. The new walkway design will help
enhance the existing outdoor space on site.
Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD) reviewed the previous landscape plans and responded with
standard conditions of approval regarding additional fees for the new classroom building, required use
of recycled water and review of the landscape and irrigation plans. The changes to the site do not
involve planting additional landscaping. MMWD approval of the final landscape plan will be required as
a condition of project approval.
Lighting: The proposed freestanding lights have been eliminated, to be replaced with wall sconces
and LED tapelights recessed into the eaves and soffits. The tapelights would run along the eave at the
bottom of the roofline for the new CPC administration wing and the new MdTL classroom building. All
existing spotlights would be removed, and all existing wall sconces will be replaced with downlight wall
sconces. Lighting examples were included in the DRB packet.
Signage: The proposed CPC identification monument sign located on the front lawn will be eliminated
and replaced with two wall signs on the new CPC administration wing addition. The church name will
be displayed with 6 inch channel letters suspended from the front facia (see Exhibit 4 and Elevation
Plan Sheet A3.1 and A10.2). The "message board" wall sign would be designed with a metal
background and vertical cables designed to show the name of the pastor and the dates and times for
church services. The previously proposed parking lot identification monument sign (1'6" x 15' = 22.5
square feet) will remain as previously proposed (see Plan Sheet A10.1). There is an existing 13
square foot wall sign on the MdTL education wing that will also remain (See Plan Sheet A3.3). Staff
has determined that the proposed new monument sign and wall signs comply with the parameters of
Chapter 19, and the number of signs on site (4 signs total) is minimal and is appropriate for the
location. As such, staff supports the proposed signage on site. Staff intends to process a separate
sign permit for all signs on site.
5
ANALYSIS
Overall Analysis of the revised project's consistency with the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance:
The proposed changes to the site continue to be consistent with both the General Plan 2020 Land Use
Designation for the project site - Low Density Residential (LDR), and the Zoning Ordinance, as
discussed in the previous staff report dated June 3, 2014.
Further, staff has reviewed the revised project and found that the project is generally consistent with
many of the design criteria of Section 14.25.050 of the Zoning Ordinance in that: 1) the proposed
development has been designed to integrate with the height and roof elements of the existing
administration and education wing buildings; 2) the proposed exterior colors are unified throughout the
existing building and the proposed additions; 3) the new wood slat design on the MdTL education wing
and new classroom building will enhance the walkway, screen sunlight and function as a trellis for
vines; 4) the architecture for the CPC administration wing addition is designed to add interest to the
site and reduce visual bulk by keeping the height low (16 feet), and uses large windows and doors so
the buildings will relate with the openness of the sanctuary; 5) the roof overhang or "breezeway" design
is incorporated into the new CPC administration wing addition design to create a sense of entry; and 6)
pavers have been added to the site to enhance walkways and create a strong sense of entry.
Non -Residential Design Guidelines
The revised project is consistent with the Non -Residential Design Guidelines, in that: 1) the proposed
changes to the CPC administration wing building will not encroach into the existing driveway; 2) the
new landscaping design will still create a site with a well-defined path of entry for both the CPC and the
MdTL. The existing lawn feature is nice to observe, but does not function as an optimal point of entry,
and circulation occurs around this front lawn. The proposed re -designed walkways will improve
functional access to both uses on the site.
Staff Analysis of Design Review Board Recommendations:
At the June 3, 2014 hearing, the Board made the following recommendations for project revisions:
1. Redesign the proposed 639 square foot addition to the administration wing in order to reduce or
eliminate the proposed encroachment into the existing driveway and side yard setback along
the north elevation.
2. Report back to the Board on comprehensive lighting, specifically addressing the existing
spotlights on the sanctuary building. A photometric study was not required.
3. In addition, the Board "suggested" the following: a) consider adding trees to the parking lot; b)
consider reconfiguring the walkway to something that is not long and straight; and c) consider
evaluating the health of the existing trees to respond to concerns about possible tree safety on
site.
Staff Analysis Item #1:
The applicant has directly addressed the Board's recommendations by completely relocating the
proposed CPC administration wing addition out of the driveway area and side yard setback. The
proposed addition is located in front of the existing CPC administration building, between 13 feet to 23
feet away from the north side yard property line, eliminating any encroachment into the existing
driveway area. In addition, the new location is designed with a covered walkway, replicating the
covered walkway design element in the existing administration building. The two buildings will share a
courtyard area that will serve as a gathering area. This revised design makes better use of the site
features and creates a community gathering area for CPC members.
ON
Staff Analysis Item #2:
In terms of lighting, the project has eliminated all the existing spotlights on the sanctuary building,
which will eliminate the bright lights shining on the rear yards of adjacent neighbors. In addition, the 6
freestanding floodlight light fixtures (8 feet in height) proposed for the front walkway has been
eliminated. Instead, new wall sconces and LED tapelights will be installed in the CPC administration
wing addition. The new wall sconces are downlight and rated "dark sky compliant" with minimal glare
off-site. The new alternative light fixtures will significantly reduce the overall lighting in this area of the
project site. Further, the existing wall sconces on the existing MdTL education wing will be replaced
with these new wall sconce fixtures. The existing lighting fixtures along the soffits of the existing CPC
administration wing building and the MdTL education wing building will not be replaced (see references
to F4 and F7 on Plan Sheet T2.1). They have minimal light output and do not create off-site glare.
Staff Analysis (DRB suggestions/Item #3):
• The applicant consulted with Paul Johnson, certified arborist at Johnson's Tree and Garden
Service, as well as with 3 other tree companies (see attached letter, Exhibit 3). There are
variety of trees on the site, included Redwood, Birch, Monterey Pine, Oak, Sycamore, Locust
and Pear. Recommendations from the tree experts included pruning, treatment for Birch Borer
Beetle infestation, fireblight and other pests, and possibly a support cable for the one of the
redwood trees. The applicant plans to maintain the trees as instructed in the attached report,
thereby improving future safety on the project site.
No trees have been added to the existing parking lot. There is one existing tree in the center
parking row, which will remain. As part of the original application, the applicant did look into
adding trees. However, based on Fire Department comments, any change to the parking lot
would trigger expensive parking lot reconfigurations to meet current standards for fire truck
access. The parking lot is heavily vegetated along the perimeter of the property (along Freitas
Parkway and Del Ganado Road) with mature street trees. This will help to mitigate for the lack
of trees in the parking lot.
The front walkway has been re -configured based on the new location of the CPC administration
wing addition. Instead of the long straight walkway lining up directly with the sanctuary
entrance, the lawn area will remain in the center of the site and the new walkways will line up to
access the CPC administration wing/sanctuary and the MdTL classroom buildings separately.
This makes sense based on the functionality of the site as two distinct uses. It also allows the
sanctuary, with its strong architectural design, to remain at the visual center of the site.
NEIGHBORHOOD CORRESPONDENCE
A courtesy notice was mailed to all property owners and occupants within 300 feet of the subject site,
and the Terra Linda Homeowners Association. In addition, a public notice sign was posted at the site
identifying the meeting time, date, location, and scope of the project within fifteen (15) days prior to the
Board's meeting. The adjacent neighbor to the rear at 617 Wakerobin did come to the zoning counter
to review the plans .and indicated that he was pleased with the new location of the administration wing
addition. Staff received no additional public comments in response to the 15 -day notice mailed out on
August 15, 2014.
CONCLUSION
The proposed project has been re -designed based on the Board's recommended changes at the June
3, 2014 hearing. Staff supports the re -designed features proposed for the CPC administration wing
addition, and the associated changes in the front landscaping and lighting. The applicant has
considered the Board's comments and relocated the proposed CPC administration wing to the front of
the site, thereby allowing complete access to the rear walkway and utility easement via the existing
driveway. The location of the proposed addition respects the architectural design components, scale,
color, materials of the existing buildings on the site. In addition, the lighting on site has been revised
to eliminate the spotlights on the sanctuary and the proposed freestanding light standards. Instead,
the new addition will have wall scones and strips of LED tapelights under the roof eaves and soffits of
the CPC administration wing addition and the new MdTL classroom building. This will dramatically
reduce light levels on site.
Staff supports the proposed design changes and requests that the Board comment and provide
recommendations to the Planning Commission on the success of the revised plans and whether all of
the Board's concerns have been addressed.
The Board, in fulfilling its role of providing professional design advice to the City, may have additional
concerns, information requests, and may provide any additional recommendations it deems
appropriate for this design review application. Following the recommendation of the Board, the
application will be forwarded to the Planning Commission. If desired, the Board may impose conditions
at the Planning Commission level, or request that design changes come back to the Board for
consideration prior to the Planning Commission hearing.
EXHIBITS
1. 'Vicinity Map
2. Architect's updated project description and design analysis, dated August 5, 2014
3. Tree Health Assessment, Dated July 30, 2014
4. Proposed CPC administration building wall signs
Full-sized plans, 11"x 17" plans/color renderings, and lighting spec sheet and photos of existing light
fixtures on site provided to the DRB members only.
cc: Andrew Davis, DMARC Studio
62o Del Ganado
SCALE 1 :1,270
Foo 0 100 200 300
FEET )k
EXHIBIT I
DAVIS MAD DRYARCHITECTURES TUDIO
DMARC s t u d i o
San Rafael Community Development Department
Planning Division
PO Box 151560
San Rafael, CA 94915-1560
415.485.3085
RE: Updated Design Review Application, Site & Building Improvements
Christ Presbyterian Church & Montessori de Terra Linda
610-620 Del Ganado Road
San Rafael, CA 94903
Dear Community Development Department,
1414 Fourth St. #2008
San Rafael, CA 94901
t: 415.258.9100
f: 415.258.9191
AUG G5?014
PLANNING
This letter is provided to update the project description and explain our responses to issues raised by the
Design Review Board on June 3, 2014 and is intended to be complementary with our project explanation letter
initially provided with the application.
Administration Wing Redesign
In response to the Design Review Board's concerns, the proposed addition located at the north end of the
Admin Wing as well as all new courtyards and connections to the rear of the property have been abandoned. In
lieu, a new structure Is proposed in the front yard, and alterations to the Admin Wing have been greatly reduced
and consist of minor renovations and door and window replacement. The proposed addition is a free-standing
1,000 square -foot structure which can be Internally subdivided to two smaller spaces, and will be used to house
meeting and classroom functions for the Church as well as for other community groups which will continue to
meet at the Church — such as Boy Scouts and the Terra Linda HOA. The Church previously shared space In the
existing Ed Wing with the Montessori, but this arrangement has been discontinued — meaning the addition is
proposed to replace functions already occurring on-site, and do not stem from an objective to expand or
intensify the Church's activities.
The addition is located on the same geometry as the existing Admin Wing. It is tailor than the Admin Wing in
order to provide a space that will be proportioned for larger meeting groups, but Is several feet lower than the
Sanctuary, so that the Sanctuary retains its primary importance and signature over the collection of structures
occurring on the site. The addition is connected to the existing Admin Wing breezeway by a now covered
walkway structure, which is turned at the Del Ganado face of the structure to mark this as a main entry to the
Church's side of the site. Together with the existing Admin Wing and Ed Wing breezeways, the new breezeway
will frame the front lawn bordering Del Ganado. The monument sign previously proposed has been abandoned
in lieu of utilizing the new structure to support identification, address, and messaging sign functions, which will
strengthen the structure as an entry gate to the Church. The gap between the old Admin Wing and new
structure will be paved and is Intended to be used as an intimate outdoor meeting space in parallel with its
connection with the front, public lawn.
Exterior Lighting
In response to the Design Review Board's concern regarding night-time light pollution, exterior lighting has been
redesigned in several ways. First, the existing flood lights (attached to the eaves of the Sanctuary) which were
Page 1 of 2
Exhibit 2
D AVIS Y ADD RVARCHITECTURESTUDIO
®IV ARC studio
previously proposed to remain intact will now be removed. Site lighting at the front and labyrinth -side of the site
will be provided with "Dark Sky Compliant" wall -sconces which have an LED lamp and which direct light down
only. These fixtures will be located +/- 8' above grade, which will also control and reduce the spread of the light
beam coming from the fixture, compared to the flood lights which were located 18' or so above grade. The
existing wall mount light by the Pastor's Office exterior door (an unshielded fixture which projects light in all
directions) will be replaced by the same Dark Sky Compliant fixture replacing the floodlights. Lighting on the
Admin Wing addition as well as the Montessorl's new classroom building has been revised to a simple, low -
wattage LED tapelight that can be integrated with the exterior wood ceiling and will provide low level ambient
light directed down only. In the context of describing exterior lighting, it is worth noting that by eliminating the
previously proposed Church additions and renovations which faced the rear of the property, there are no new
window or doorway openings which could, at night, project light towards abutting residential structures.
Parking Lot Trees
Any renovations to the parking lot — i.e. re -striping, reconfiguring, or adding new parking lot features like planters
— mandate that the reconfigured parking lot comply will current municipal parking standards as well as CA Fire
Code which requires, for example, a 28 -foot inside turning radius for fire apparatus. Compliance with these
requirements will drastically reduce the parking count as well as greatly expanding the project scope. Due to
these reasons, parking lot trees cannot be included in the project scope. It is worth noting that the parking lot is
bounded by mature vegetation which largely screen it from the public way and provides a healthy landscape
presence for the parking area.
Sanctuary Walkway Design
The originally proposed walkway, on axis with the Sanctuary and making anew, direct connection to Del
Ganado Road, has been eliminated from the design. A new walkway will connect the Admin Wing to Del
Ganado alongside the new Meeting Room, roughly parallel with the driveway and side property line. This new
entry path is covered, and works with the context of circulation patterns already existing on-site. The front lawn
remains an identifying feature of the Church's side of the campus, which people will continue to circulate
around. Additionally, we kept the new walkway to the periphery to the greatest extent possible since the
location of the new structure reduces the lawn.
Health of Existing Trees
The Church has actively engaged with a series of tree experts to evaluate and develop a plan of action for care
of all of the trees on site, including those in the rear yard easement which were a cause of concern for neighbors
and the DRB. Please refer to the attached letter from Bill Mixsell, Christ Presbyterian's Building and Grounds
Committee Chair, for a detailed account of the evaluation and plan of action for care of the trees. Maintenance
Is in order, which the Church is in process of undertaking, and no trees will have to be removed.
Regards,
endrew D
DMARC studio
Page 2 of 2
clocChrist Presbyterian Church in Terra Linda
July 30, 2014
Dear Design Review Board,
Per your request at our last hearing, the following is an inventory and assessment of the health of the trees at 620 Del
Ganado.
The trees are of unknown ages and a variety of species. Since our first hearing, I have met with Paul Johnson, certified
arborist, of Johnson's Tree and Garden Service (415-456-8125), Jeff Calderon of Valley Trees (415-297-1042), Mike from
Treemasters (415-233-4863), and Mike from Bartlett Tree Experts (415-472-4300), and put together this assessment:
Fronting Del Ganado Road, a row of Locusts stands along the edge of the lawn. No infestation was reported. These trees
could be pruned to enhance appearance.
On the lawn are Birch trees. They have a Birch Borer Beetle issue. Mike at Bartlett has viewed and treatment is scheduled.
East of the sanctuary are a cluster of Redwoods. One part leans, and could be eliminated or supported with cable.
The parking lot area has Oaks and some hedges. Some Sycamore Moth and Bacterial Wet -wood conditions exist. The pear
trees show signs of Fire Blight. Treatment and trimming were suggested, which we plan to do.
Behind the church office wing and sanctuary are six Monterrey Pines, about which some DRB members expressed interest
at our first hearing. The San Rafael City Arborist, Dave Davenport, determined that these trees are on CPC property. Call
him at 485-3377 for further info. The tree experts we consulted have advised that we prune these trees and keep watch
over them to remove any dead wood or deal with an infestations as they occur, and that they may very well continue to
flourish for many more years. As an alternative, they said we could remove the trees; however, there was no consensus
that this
drastic action needed to be taken at this time.
In order to be good stewards of the trees themselves, the natural habitat our trees create, and the shade and beauty they
provide to the neighborhood, we plan to prune, treat, and care for these trees, monitor them, and to provide end of life care
when needed.
Best regards,r��
Bill Mixsell
CPC Buildings and Grounds Committee Chair
AUG 0 5 2014
Rev. Linda Lane-Bortell, Pastor 620 Del Ganado Road
Eric Olbekson, Music Director San Rafael, California 94903
Susan MacKenzie, Office Administrator 415-479-2712
415-479-7092 FA
PLANNING
Exhibit 3
SK -01
DAVIS MADDRY ARCHITECTURE STUDIO
DMARCst u d i o
1414 Fourth st #200b
San Rafael, CA 94901
t: 415.258.9100
1: 415.258.9191
www.dmarestudio.com
-- -.--__......._....__-__........_.__...__.__.._...... __............... _..._. _.................. I
Scale: 1'-0" Christ Presbyterian Church & Montessori de Terra Linda
Title: Building Signage Detail 610-620 Del Ganado Road
0M. A/AO -1 _
26, 2014
1319
Exhibit 4