Citation in context
June 6, 2016 — Meeting Minutes
Cited passage
Smith agreed that if Hanley is not the entrance, then he agrees it should be moved. Chairman Lichtenfeld stated that he believes this to be over-signed; there are too many signs.
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Mr. McIntosh asked about moving Sign E to the south side entrance.
Chairman Lichtenfeld stated that could be considered. He referred to staff’s report in that the signs are oversized. He noted that Bonhomme Avenue is a slow moving street compared to Hanley Road.
Mark Winings stated that he does not understand the Hanley Road signs.
Sherry Eisenberg commented that Sign A seems to fit in with the elevation but that Sign D seems oversized.
Chairman Lichtenfeld asked if Sign D is curved.
Mr. McIntosh replied “yes”. He referred to Page 12 of the submittal; noting that this is a key sign for them. He reminded everyone that “The Grill” letters are smaller.
Chairman Lichtenfeld agreed that this is the most prominent sign; however, there is more glass above and below than what appears on Page 6.
Mr. Smith informed the members that the line drawing is not an accurate representation.
Chairman Lichtenfeld asked if the goal is to have letters that “float”.
Mr. Smith replied “yes”.
Sherry Eisenberg stated that she would like consistency between Signs A and D.
Mr. Smith assured the members that if it doesn’t look good, it will come down. He added that the intention is that the glass “disappear”, especially at night.
Pepe Finn voiced her concern regarding a reflection off the glass.
After a lengthy discussion back and forth regarding the various proposed signs, it was noted that the sign on the door is translucent and that the requested signage is still over the sign allotment.
Mark Winings made a motion to approve the signs with the condition that the staff review and approve Signs C (confirm translucency) & E (relocation to south side and resize). The motion was seconded by Craig Owens and unanimously approved by the Board.
SITE PLAN REVIEW/ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW - NEW CONSTRUCTION – SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE – 639 LANGTON
A revised sign package has been submitted by the applicant that shows an overall reduction in the square footage of signage. The proposed signs (listed in the following
2 chart) exceed the allowable size permitted by the Sign Regulations and will require approval of a sign modification. The wall signs are constructed of silver/nickel channel letters and are halo- illuminated.
Location/ Facade Type Permitted signage Size (5/2) Difference (5/2) Size (6/6) Difference (6/6) Carondelet Ave.-Front Wall & Front Entrance Stone Plinths Wall Sign, Wall Plaques (2) 25 sf (total for façade) 77.3 sf (wall sign), 4 sf (wall plaques) +56.3 sf (225%) 32.5 sf (wall sign), 4 sf (wall plaques) +11.4 sf (46%) Front door- Carondelet Ave. Decal 3 sf 4.59 sf +1.59 sf (53%) 4.59 sf +1.59 sf (53%) Front Wall- Hanley Rd. Wall Sign 25 sf 98 sf +73 sf (292%) 44.88 sf +19.88 sf (79%) Parking Structure- Hanley Rd. Wall Sign 25 sf 51.52 sf +26.52 sf (106%) 27.84 sf +2.84 sf (11%)
The front wall signs for the previous tenant measure 45 square feet combined.
The proposed signs feature high quality design and materials. With the exception of the tenant panel on the existing monument sign, the signs exceed the allowable size permitted and the regulations state that modifications should only be granted due to unusual conditions of the building or site. The applicant has provided their justification for the requested sign modifications in writing and is included with the packet. The following are points paraphrased from the applicant’s submittal:
• “The Capital Grille” brand name is comprised of three words which makes adhering to a small allotment of square footage difficult. • The signage size is calculated using a single rectangle around the entire sign which is deceiving because the signs are comprised of capital and lower case letters. Dead-space (non-signage area) is included in the total sign size. • The wall sign facing Carondelet Avenue does not exceed 5% of the front wall area. • The east elevation facing Hanley Road is unique due to its separation from the corner as well as changes in grade. • The parking structure wall is currently void of identification and the sign is intended to aesthetically dress the wall and assist motorists in locating the parking. • The site overall is unique due to the grade change along Hanley Road.
The following are points paraphrased from the applicant’s submittal:
• “The Capital Grille” brand name is comprised of three words which makes adhering to a small allotment of square footage difficult. • The signage size is calculated using a single rectangle around the entire sign which is deceiving because the signs are comprised of capital and lower case letters. Dead-space (non-signage area) is included in the total sign size. • The wall sign facing Carondelet Avenue does not exceed 5% of the front wall area. • The east elevation facing Hanley Road is unique due to its separation from the corner as well as changes in grade. • The parking structure wall is currently void of identification and the sign is intended to aesthetically dress the wall and assist motorists in locating the parking. • The site overall is unique due to the grade change along Hanley Road.
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In staff’s opinion, the applicant has identified unusual conditions primarily with the design of the signs themselves, not with the building or site. The building is highly visible from Hanley Road and Carondelet Avenue, and staff is of the opinion that the number and size of the proposed signs is not compatible with the character of the surrounding area and therefore, recommends denial of the requested sign modifications.
Mr. Smith stated that they are back again with modified plans; noting that they have considerably reduced the signage they are requesting. He stated that Sign E has been relocated to the parking structure entry along South Hanley and is now only 2.84 square feet over the allowable size of 25 square feet; (Signs A-D face Carondelet Avenue)-Sign A has been reduced to be comparable in size to Sign D (24” channel letters each); Sign C (vinyl door decal) and Sign B they consider ancillary signs [Sign F (tenant panel sign} is a non-issue. He stated that they are 56 square feet over what’s allowed by Code; however, if the ancillary signs are excluded for that calculation, that overage would be reduced by 11.4 square feet. He advised the members that this amount of signage is less than used for this market and that their locations in Kansas City & Chicago have far more signage. He added that if this were a stand-alone building, he feels this new proposal is a good compromise and respectfully asked for approval.
Chairman Lichtenfeld stated that he believes that Sign E is still in the wrong place; it is not where the restaurant’s customers will park.
Mr. Smith agreed, noting however that this sign gives people advance notice to get into the left turn lane.
Chairman Lichtenfeld asked where their customers will enter the parking area.
Mr. Smith replied “ideally off Hanley”; noting that valet will take place on Carondelet.
Chairman Lichtenfeld questioned if the building owner is okay with entering off Hanley.
Mr. McIntosh asked if Chairman Lichtenfeld is proposing moving Sign E further south.
Chairman Lichtenfeld replied “no”; adding that he does not believe it belongs on Hanley Road at all.
Mr. McIntosh asked if he thinks it belongs along Bonhomme Avenue.
Chairman Lichtenfeld stated that it should be where patrons enter.
Mr. Smith agreed that if Hanley is not the entrance, then he agrees it should be moved.
Chairman Lichtenfeld stated that he believes this to be over-signed; there are too many signs.
The motion was seconded by Craig Owens and unanimously approved by the Board. SITE PLAN REVIEW/ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW - NEW CONSTRUCTION – SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE – 639 LANGTON
5 Lauren Strutman, project architect and David Volz, project civil engineer, were in attendance at the meeting. Also in attendance were the homeowners.
Susan Istenes explained that this is a request for consideration of a site plan associated with the proposed construction of a 1-story, 2,420-square-foot (excluding the basement) single-family residence with an attached, rear-entry, at-grade garage. The height of the proposed residence is 19 feet 1/8 inches as measured from the average existing grade to the mean height of the roof. The plans show the HVAC units located at the rear of the home and screened by a wood fence. Trash will be stored in a 40-square-foot trash enclosure located adjacent to the driveway and will be screened by a wood fence and gate. The Clayshire Urban Design District limits impervious coverage to 40 percent of the total lot area and allows an increase in impervious coverage based on the garage placement. For this project, the allowable impervious coverage may be increased to 55 percent for the inclusion of an attached, at-grade, rear-loading garage. The existing impervious coverage on site is 41.7 percent. The new plans increase the impervious coverage to 46.2 percent, which is below the maximum allowable impervious coverage of 55 percent. The existing storm water runoff, according to the MSD 15 year, 20 minute calculations, is 0.68 cubic feet per second (CFS). The proposed runoff is 0.7 CFS, which represents an increase in 0.01 CFS. To mitigate the increase in storm water runoff, two downspouts on the rear of the home will be piped to a drywell in the rear yard. All other downspouts will be piped to two pop up bubblers in the front and rear yards. The Public Works Department finds the storm water plan acceptable. The proposed landscape design features a variety of trees, shrubs, perennials and ground covers that are appropriate for the size of the site and character of the neighborhood. The landscape plan shows the removal of 112 caliper inches of deciduous trees, of which 106 caliper inches requires replacement, and proposes 106 caliper inches of new deciduous and broadleaf evergreen trees. The City’s contracted landscape architect is of the opinion that the proposed trees are suitable for the site. The site plan states that all driveways, sidewalks, curbs and gutters are to be installed in accordance with the standards prescribed by the Public Works Department. Exterior lights are proposed above the garage and exterior doors and will not exceed 75 watts. Susan noted that the height, setbacks, and impervious coverage as proposed are in conformance with the requirements of the R-2 Single Family Dwelling District and the Clayshire Subdivision Urban Design District. Storm water will be adequately managed on site, and the landscape plan features a variety of plant material that is appropriate for the size of the site and character of the neighborhood. Staff is of the opinion that the project meets the criteria for site plan approval and recommends approval with the condition that to ensure the future maintenance and operation of the rain garden, the applicant shall record the approved site plan with St. Louis County, and submit proof of recording to the City prior to the issuance of a building permit.
Ms. Strutman presented the proposed site plan to the members. She explained that this is a new one story home in Clayshire on a level lot that will feature a rear entry garage and one AC unit on the south side of the home.
Mr. Volz presented a color rendering map of the existing drainage and the proposed drainage. He noted that there are 3 pop-ups; 2 in the rear.
Volz presented a color rendering map of the existing drainage and the proposed drainage. He noted that there are 3 pop-ups; 2 in the rear.
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Chairman Lichtenfeld stated that his color renderings/maps are very helpful. He added that they haven’t seen a single-story home here.
Chairman Lichtenfeld solicited additional comments.
None were received.
Chairman Lichtenfeld asked if staff’s recommendation of approval was acceptable.
Ms. Strutman replied “yes”.
Hearing no further questions or comments, Mark Winings made a motion to approve the site plan with staff’s recommendation. The motion was seconded by Pepe Finn and unanimously approved by the members.
The architectural aspects of the project were now up for review.
Susan Istenes explained that the basic massing of the proposed home is articulated on all sides with windows, doors, accent materials, and variations in roof forms. The home to the south (645 Langton) was constructed in 1951 and is +/- 7 feet 5 inches shorter than the proposed home (as measured from the mid-point of each roof). The home to the north (633 Langton) was constructed in 1949 and is +/- 6 feet 6 inches shorter than the proposed home (as measured from the mid-point of each roof). As required by Section 410.385 of the Clayshire Subdivision Urban Design District, to avoid tall, blocky building forms, new structures shall incorporate a transition in height and scale through one of six possible techniques. According to the applicant, the proposed design increases the side yard setback one foot for every five feet the height of the structure exceeds the height of the adjacent structure at the side yard. The southern side yard setback has been increased an additional 1 feet 6 inches, and the northern side yard setback has been increased an additional 2 feet 6 inches. Clayshire Subdivision has traditionally been dominated by the use of standard size brick in a variety of red tones, although the original brick has been painted in some instances. The primary building material for the proposed home is light tan brick with stone accents. The proposed roof is clad in slate grey colored architectural asphalt shingles. White casement and double-hung windows are proposed. A 9.5-foot wide exposed aggregate driveway is proposed on the east side of the home that leads to a rear-entry, at-grade attached garage with a white garage door. No new fencing or retailing walls are proposed at this time. Susan noted that the project as proposed is in conformance with the requirements of the R-2 Single Family Dwelling District and the Clayshire Subdivision Urban Design District, that staff is of the opinion that the design is compatible in terms of mass, height, and design with existing nearby homes and recommends approval as submitted.
Ms. Strutman presented a color rendering of the proposed home to the members. Material samples were also presented.