HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-07-13 ARC Regular Meeting MinutesCITY OF PALM DESERT
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JULY 13, 2021 — 12:30 P.M.
ZOOM VIRTUAL MEETING
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Van Vliet called the meeting to order at 12:31 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Commissioners
Current Meeting Year to Date
Present Absent Present Absent
Chris Van Vliet, Chair X 1 0
Karel Lambell, Vice Chair X 1 0
Nicholas Latkovic X 1 0
Michael McAuliffe X 1 0
Jim McIntosh (Left the meeting at 3:30 p.m.) X 1 0
Juan Mireles X 1 0
John Vuksic X 1 0
Also Present:
Eric Ceja, Deputy Director of Development Services
Rosie Lua, Senior Planner
Nick Melloni, Associate Planner
Kevin Swartz, Associate Planner
Melinda Gonzalez, Recording Secretary
Associate Planner, Kevin Swartz, advised there were two new commissioners
appointed to the Architectural Review Commission (ARC). At the request of Mr.
Swartz, both Commissioner Latkovic and Commissioner Mireles introduced
themselves and provided a brief summary of their professional background.
III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Associate Planner, Kevin Swartz, invited comments from attendees on items not on
the Agenda, to which there were none.
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ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JULY 13, 2021
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. MINUTES of the Architectural Review Commission meeting of June 22, 2021.
Rec: Approve as presented.
Upon a motion by Chair Van Vliet, seconded by Commissioner McAuliffe, and a
7-0 vote of the Architectural Review Commission, the minutes for June 22, 2021 were
approved as presented. (AYES: Lambell, Latkovic, McAuliffe, McIntosh, Mireles, Van
Vliet and Vuksic; NOES: None; ABSENT: None).
V. CASES
It should be noted, associated staff reports, memos, attachments and discussion on
the following items can be viewed by visiting the Architectural Review Commission
Information Center website at, httos://www.citvofoalmdesert.ora/our-citv/committees-
and-commissions/architectural-review-commission-information-center.
A. FINAL DRAWINGS
1. CASE NO: MISC 21-0016
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Consideration to approve a
request for a wall exception (material) for a 5-foot high wood fence and gate
located on the side yard facing the public right-of-way.
APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: Pamela Prest, Palm Desert, CA 92260
LOCATION: 73441 Little Bend Trail ZONE: R-1, 10,000
Associate Planner, Kevin Swartz, presented the item. Discussion on the item
ensued with Commissioners providing comments and concerns for the project.
Upon a motion by Vice Chair Lambell, seconded by Commissioner
McIntosh, and a 7-0 vote of the Architectural Review Commission, Case No.
MISC 21-0016, was approved subject to the following: 1) Wood fence and gate
will be maintained by property owner no less than twice a year including
staining and treatment of the wood, as necessary, to avoid warping and
deterioration; and 2) Any subsequent code violations regarding the gate and
fence shall result in a second review by the ARC for continued approval of the
wall exception. (AYES: Lambell, Latkovic, McAuliffe, McIntosh, Mireles, Van
Vliet and Vuksic; NOES: None; ABSENT: None).
2. CASE NO: MISC 21-0020
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Consideration to approve a
request for a facade enhancement to an existing retail commercial storefront
for Jeffrey Allen Salon.
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APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: One Eleven El Paseo, LLC, Redondo Beach,
CA 90277
LOCATION: 73580 El Paseo, Suite D ZONE: DO
Commissioner McAuliffe advised the Commission he would be recusing
himself from this item due to a conflict of interest as he is a consultant for Jeffrey
Allen Salon and will be presenting the item.
Associate Planner, Nick Melloni, presented the item. Mr. Melloni turned the
presentation over to Michael McAuliffe, applicant, who provided further details
on the project presentation. Discussion on the item ensued with
Commissioners providing comments on the project's design.
Upon a motion by Commissioner McIntosh, seconded by Commissioner
Vuksic, and a 6-0 vote of the Architectural Review Commission, Case No.
MISC 21-0020, was approved subject to the following: 1) Landscaping shall be
compatible with the surrounding area landscaping and shall be reviewed by
Planning staff. (AYES: Lambell, Latkovic, McIntosh, Mireles, Van Vliet and
Vuksic; NOES: None; ABSENT: McAuliffe).
3. CASE NO: MISC 21-0017
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Consideration to approve a
request for a wall exception (height and setback) for a 5-foot high masonry
block wall located within 8 feet of the curb face in the front yard of an existing
single-family residence.
APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: American Heritage Pool Corporation, Palm
Desert, CA 92255.
LOCATION: 45820 Mountain View Avenue ZONE: R-1
Associate Planner, Nick Melloni, presented the item. Discussion on the item
ensued with Commissioners providing comments and concerns for the project.
Upon a motion by Commissioner McIntosh, seconded by Vice Chair
Lambell, and a 7-0 vote of the Architectural Review Commission, Case No.
MISC 21-0017, was continued subject to the following: 1) Provide a more
detailed plan and rendering which accurately reflect proposed materials and
overall request; 2) Redesign the wall to incorporate more design interest
through the inclusion of materials which are compatible with the existing home,
increase the undulation to break up the plane of the wall, and potentially add a
decorative wall cap; and 3) Consider options to increase the wall setback from
the curb face such as modifying the pool size, and shape to allow for more
conformance to requirements of the Fence and Wall Ordinance (Palm Desert
Municipal Code 25.40.080). (AYES: Lambell, Latkovic, McAuliffe, McIntosh,
Mireles, Van Vliet and Vuksic; NOES: None; ABSENT: None).
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4. CASE NO: SARC 21-0008
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Consideration to approve a
request to install a new awning with neon signage for Mimmo's Italian
Restaurant and Bar.
APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: Riofine Neon, Cathedral City, CA 92234
LOCATION: 73540 Highway 111, Suite #4 ZONE: DO
Associate Planner, Nick Melloni, presented the item. Mr. Melloni noted this item
started as a code compliance case as the owner did not obtain a permit or City
approval for modifications made to the awning to accommodate an expansion
of the restaurant. Discussion on the item ensued with Commissioners providing
comments and concerns for the project.
Upon a motion by Vice Chair Lambell, seconded by Commissioner
McIntosh, and a 7-0 vote of the Architectural Review Commission, Case No.
SARC 21-0008, was continued subject to the following: 1) Break up the awning
length, avoid a single uninterrupted length of awning; 2) Explore other options
for awning including material, style and design; 3) Revisit neon sign and
consider options which incorporate a more artful design; and 4) Provide more
detailed plans and renderings. (AYES: Lambell, Latkovic, McAuliffe, McIntosh,
Mireles, Van Vliet and Vuksic; NOES: None; ABSENT: None).
B. PRELIMINARY PLANS
1. CASE NO: MISC 21-0019
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Consideration to approve a
request for architectural elevations and a landscape plan for 196 units; 64
duplex units, 84 cluster units, 48 single-family homes, and a recreation building.
APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: Lennar Homes, Corona, CA 92879
LOCATION: University Park TTM 36342 ZONE: PR-18
Associate Planner, Kevin Swartz, presented the item. Mr. Swartz introduced
the applicant who provided a detailed presentation for the project. Discussion
on the item ensued with Commissioners providing comments and concerns for
the project.
Upon a motion by Vice Chair Lambell, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic,
and a 7-0 vote of the Architectural Review Commission, Case No. MISC 21-
0019, was continued subject to the following: 1) Windows for all plans should
be recessed; 2) Avoid the use of elevated landscaping; 3) Pot shelves should
not be used in place of architecture; 4) Enhanced features should be provided
for all street exposed lots; 5) Revisit material for fascia detail, avoiding the use
of wood; 6) Walls for porches and Recreation Center should be thicker; 7)
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Consider a change in plane between top and bottom of home for Desert Prairie
plan; 8) Revisit brick elements throughout all plans; 9) Provide illustration which
includes venting and solar panels to demonstrate how they interact with
proposed roof's architecture; 10) Revisit color palette, specifically "Stark
White"; and 11) Tree selection should be mature and durable enough to
withstand high wind exposure. (AYES: Lambell, Latkovic, McAuliffe, McIntosh,
Mireles, Van Vliet and Vuksic; NOES: None; ABSENT: None).
2. CASE NOS: PP 20-0010/TPM 38033/CZ and GPA 20-0002
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Consideration of a
recommendation to the Planning Commission for approval a 48-unit
condominium project on four acres at the southwest corner of Portola Avenue
and Gerald Ford Drive. The project includes a Change of Zone from five (5)
dwelling units per acre to twelve (12) dwelling units per acre, a General Plan
Amendment, a Precise Plan application, Tentative Parcel Map 38033, and a
Mitigated Negative Declaration for environmental purposes.
APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: Desert Luxury Apartments, Las Vegas, NV
89121
LOCATION: 36000 Shepherd Lane ZONE: PR-5
Commissioner McIntosh excused himself from the meeting at this time due to
a conflicting scheduled obligation.
Commissioner McAuliffe advised the Commission he would be recusing
himself due to a conflict of interest as he is a part of the advisory team for this
item.
Associate Planner, Kevin Swartz, presented the item. Mr. Swartz noted this
item was brought before the Commission at the Architectural Review
Commission meeting held May 25, 2021. Discussion on the item ensued with
Commissioners providing comments and concerns for the project.
Upon a motion by Commissioner Vuksic, seconded by Commissioner
Mireles, and a 5-0 vote of the Architectural Review Commission, Case No. PP
20-0010/TPM 38033/CZ and GPA 20-0002, was approved subject to the
following: 1) Consider extending parapet ends 18 to 24 inches on two-story roof
plan. (AYES: Lambell, Latkovic, Mireles, Van Vliet and Vuksic; NOES: None;
ABSENT: McAuliffe, McIntosh).
3. CASE NO: PP 19-0006
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Consideration of a
recommendation to the Planning Commission to approve a new single -story,
3,452 square -foot residential duplex.
APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: Kola Olatunbosun, Palm Desert, CA 92260
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LOCATION: 73721 San Nicholas Way ZONE: R-2
Associate Planner, Nick Melloni, presented the item. Mr. Melloni noted this will
be the commission's third review of this item. Mr. Melloni stated the project is
a significant improvement to the previously proposed plan and is overall a good
design, therefore, staff recommended approval of the project as presented.
Discussion on the item ensued with Commissioners providing comments and
concerns for the project.
Upon a motion by Vice Chair Lambell, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic,
and a 6-0 vote of the Architectural Review Commission, Case No. PP 19-0006,
was continued subject to the following: 1) Consider adding and/or extending
overhangs to avoid runoff along the building walls; 2) Chimney on elevation
should be revised to reflect the rendering; 3) An interior roof drain should be
added for drainage on eyebrows; 3) All windows on the north elevation should
be recessed; 4) Replace the existing east and west fences with a new fence or
wall material which is permitted by the Palm Desert Municipal Code. (AYES:
Lambell, Latkovic, McAuliffe, Mireles, Van Vliet and Vuksic; NOES: None;
ABSENT: McIntosh).
C. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
1. SELECTION of Ad -Hoc Subcommittee Member for Lupine Plaza.
Associate Planner, Kevin Swartz, advised the Commission, during the
pandemic, City Council authorized the temporary closure of a portion of Lupine
Lane to allow the setup of tables and chairs for public use. City Council has
directed staff to solicit proposals for the purpose of permanently closing this
portion of Lupine Lane to create an outdoor plaza area. The Request for
Proposals (RFP), is requesting services for Architecture, Engineering and
Landscaping. City Council has authorized the City to create an Ad Hoc
Subcommittee once the RFP has been awarded.
The subcommittee will be comprised of a member from City Council, Parks and
Recreation Commission, Art in Public Places, City Staff, Architectural Review
Commission, Planning Commission, and members of the public from
surrounding businesses. Deputy Director of Development Services, Eric Ceja,
advised it is anticipated the subcommittee will meet approximately three times
to provide comments on design and be champions for the project. At the
request of several Commissioners this item was deferred to the next meeting
to allow Commissioners time to consider volunteering for the subcommittee.
2. Member Update Form and Ethics Training for Commissioners
Recording Secretary, Melinda Gonzalez, advised the Commission they were
provided an annual Member Update Form which requests their most current
contact information. Commissioners were requested to complete and return
these forms to the recording secretary at the next meeting or by email.
Additionally, Mrs. Gonzalez advised Commissioners are required to complete
ethics training and will be receiving an email from the recording secretary with
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ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JULY 13, 2021
a link to complete the required two hour minimum ethics training. At the
conclusion of the ethics training, Commissioners will receive a certificate of
completion. Commissioners were requested to print, sign and provide the
certificate of completion to the recording secretary at the next meeting or by
email.
VI. COMMENTS
Former ARC Commissioner, Allan Levin, took an opportunity to say a proper goodbye
after twelve years on the Commission. All Commissioners thanked Mr. Levin for his
time as an ARC Commissioner. Mr. Levin also commented cases such as Lennar on
today's agenda, which require substantial time, should have their own meeting.
Commissioner Vuksic requested City staff try to avoid allowing incomplete and/or
inaccurate submittals to be presented to the Commission.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
With the Architectural Review Commission concurrence, Chair Van Vliet adjourned
the meeting at 4:32 p.m.
Eric Ceja, Secietary
r I n
> l A fM"L"1i
Melinda Gonzalez, Recording Sectary
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