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Design Review Committee continues paint-color request for Downey’s at 1691 Copenhagen Drive to March meeting
Summary
The committee continued a zoning‑clearance request for an exterior paint change at Downey’s shop, directing the applicant and staff to coordinate with a neighboring application and return with refined color and materials proposals.
The Solvang Design Review Committee voted to continue consideration of a proposed exterior paint and accent scheme for Downey’s Dress Shop at 1691 Copenhagen Drive to the committee’s March meeting.
Staff described the proposal as a custom red (referred to as “ace 128b” in the submittal) for the primary body with an off‑white accent on arch interiors and lower shop‑front elements. Lisa (planning staff) said the project is categorically exempt from CEQA and noted that the city’s adopted community design element references “old world Danish” color traditions but that definitive, adopted village color palettes remain pending completion of new design guidelines.
Public commenters told the committee Downey’s owner wished to keep Danish red and white hues and that the building has not been painted for more than 30 years. Dennis Beebe (resident) and other speakers urged care about where red would be applied so it does not create an awkward split gable effect.
Several committee members praised the renovation intent but expressed reservations about the current color choices and the street‑facing elevation. Committee members suggested toning the white toward cream, choosing a more organic or earthy red consistent with historic palettes, and coordinating colors with an upcoming application for a neighboring property to the east so that facades along the shared frontage are more cohesive.
City staff informed the committee that an application from the adjoining property is expected at a future meeting and recommended continuing the item so staff and the applicants could coordinate. On a roll‑call vote the committee voted 4‑1 to continue the item to the March meeting for a coordinated presentation with the neighboring applicant.
The committee asked staff to work with the applicant and proposed that when the matter returns it include refined color swatches, more complete renderings, and a landscaping/streetscape coordination plan if applicable. No final paint approval was granted at the Feb. 20 meeting.
