CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
DESIGN REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
JUNE 25, 2025
Subcommittee Members
Present:
Chair M. Steven Camp, Vice Chair Bart Crandell and
Committee Member Cameron Cosgrove
Subcommittee Members
Absent:
None.
Staff Present: Christopher Wright, Senior Planner
David Carrillo, Associate Planner
Chair Camp called to order the Design Review Sub-Committee Regular Meeting for City of San Clemente at 3:02 p.m. on June 25, 2025.
1. MINUTES
A. Review and file minutes of the Design Review Subcommittee (DRSC) Special Meeting on April 9, 2025.
There being no changes to the April 9, 2025 Special Meeting of DRSC, Subcommittee Vice Chair Crandell moved to approve the Minutes. Member Cosgrove seconded the motion and the Motion carried 3-0.
2. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
A. Public Hearing Project (PHP) 25-214 for Conditional Use Permit 25-223/ Development Permit 25-224/Tentative Tract Map 25-225/ Discretionary Sign Permit 25-263, Luminar Business Park
A request for the Design Review Subcommittee to consider a new industrial complex with 11 new buildings on vacant land, in conjunction with a Master Sign Program and a condominium subdivision for individual ownership of each building.
Senior Planner Wright asked subcommittee members if anyone had any project related communications to disclose. Chair Camp stated that he had a site visit and had a few conversations with Rick Lutzky, Owner’s Representative. Vice Chair Crandell visited the site, but did not have any conversations.
Associate Planner, Carrillo, asked the applicant Rick Lutzky to introduce those in attendance: Diana Melendez, Ware Malcomb Architectural Project Manager; DRAFT
Design Review Subcommittee Meeting Minutes June 25, 2025 Page 2 Francisco Arias, Ware Malcomb Director of Design; Yumi Chen, Ware Malcomb Designer; Travis Ebbert, RLA Landscape Architect; Rob Johnson, President of Johnston Pacific Real Estate; and Noah Ramos, Ware Malcomb Civil Engineer.
Associate Planner Carrillo summarized the staff report, and provided an updated master sign program that was not included in the staff report for review.
One public comment was received from Amanda Quintanilla. Amanda expressed concerns with increased traffic in the area, and referenced previous issues with the Amazon project, the need for more trees, and questioned the lack of space for deliveries. Amanda obtained clarification from the applicant that the condominium request is for the industrial suites, and not residential units.
The Design Review Subcommittee (DRSC) discussed the project, and made the following comments either individually or as a group:
• Simplify the architecture, as there may be “too much art” in it. • Signage lacks the symbols used in the architecture.
• Accents and colors can date buildings, but a sophisticated program can create a more timeless design.
• Proposed landscaping does not connect to the buildings and has not been given enough thought.
• Improve the rear of building #2 which faces the pedestrian pathway and ridgeline trail.
• Enhance landscaping to integrate it into the development and reinforce wayfinding. Create rhythm and interest with the landscape, possibly with different themes for each building.
• Comply with the General Plan Hillside Policies that require planting of landscaping to blend in with the hillside.
• Supported the idea of trees in the HOA hill area adjacent to the project site, if possible.
• Signage and graphics should have a matte or flat finish to avoid reflections. • Provide accurate simulations that show the project softening into the hillside for inclusion in the Planning Commission/City Council staff report. • Provide visuals that show how buildings relate with each other and the entire site to better understand setting and surroundings. • The Planning Commission will focus on the proposed land use, especially the conditionally-permitted use in building #1, and not on design. • Focus on improving landscaping and signage, particularly the monument signs.
• Provide the vision for the proposed commercial recreation use in building #1 and internal circulation.
• Emphasize the role of on-site management in maintaining the site, including parking.
• The entrances should make a statement with monument signs and landscaping to convey an upscale feel.
Design Review Subcommittee Meeting Minutes June 25, 2025 Page 3 • The project identification sign should be six feet tall with 64 square feet of copy. Halo lighting is acceptable for this sign.
• The entry portals have more flexibility in terms of zoning ordinance compliance since they are intended as a statement, not advertising. • The Master Sign Program allows the maximum sign area per tenant to exceed 64 square feet, for the corner suites.
• Enhance the architecture with landscape elements. Consider hierarchy, vertical versus horizontal aspects, and tenant signage.
The Subcommittee supports the project moving forward to the Planning Commission/City Council, and suggests the applicant work with staff to address recommended design changes.
3. NEW BUSINESS
None.
4. OLD BUSINESS
None.
5. ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
None.
6. ADJOURNMENT
Adjourned to the next Regular Design Review Subcommittee meeting on July 23, 2025 at 3:00 p.m., San Clemente City Hall, First Floor Community Room, 910 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, CA.
Respectfully submitted,
_______________________________
M. Steven Camp, Chair
Attest:
_______________________________
Christopher Wright, Senior Planner