HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-05-12 ARC Regular Meeting MinutesCITY OF PALM DESERT
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
MINUTES
MAY 12, 2020
(VIRTUAL MEETING)
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 12:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners
Chris Van Vliet, Chair
Karel Lambell, Vice Chair
Allan Levin
Michael McAuliffe
Jim McIntosh
Jim Schmid
John Vuksic
Current Meeting
Present Absent
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Also Present
Ryan Stendell, Director Community Development
Eric Ceja, Principal Planner
Kevin Swartz, Associate Planner
Nick Melloni, Assistant Planner
Russell Grance, Director Building and Safety
Monica O'Reilly, Mgt. Specialist 11
Lorena Ritchey, Mgt. Specialist II
Wayne Olson, Economic Development
Janine Judy, Recording Secretary
Cancelled meetings: 12/24/19,3/10/20, 3/24/20, 4/14/20
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None
Year to Date
Present Absent
5 1
5 1
6
6
5 1
5 1
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ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
MINUTES May 12, 2020
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: April 28, 2020
Action:
Commissioner Levin moved to approve the April 28, 2020 meeting minutes with
minor changes. Motion was seconded by Chair Van Vliet and carried by a 6-0-
1 vote, with Lambell, Levin, McAuliffe, McIntosh, Schmid and Van Vliet, voting
YES and Vuksic absent-
V. CASES:
A. Final Drawings:
1. CASE NO: PP/CUP 16-188
APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: MONTEREY CROSSING, Attm Gabriel
Rios, 1401 Quail Street, Suite 100, Newport Beach, CA 92660
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT. Consideration to
approve final construction drawings for Buildings 5 and 6 of the
Monterey Crossing Specific Plan.
LOCATION: Dinah Shore Drive/Monterey Avenue
ZONE: P.C.-3
Mr. Nick Melloni, Assistant Planner, presented a request for approval of
final construction drawings for two (2) multi -tenant retail buildings within
Monterey Crossings Center; Buildings 5 and 6. The architecture for
these two (2) buildings received preliminary approval from the
Architectural Review Commission (ARC) in December 2016. Building 5
is located along the south-western boundary of the site and will be
occupied by restaurant tenants. Building 6 is located directly east of
Building 5 and will contain retail. The plans largely match the preliminary
elevations approved by the ARC. One notable change occurs to the
north-east tower on Building 5; the proportions have been changed in
order to accommodate several site utilities and a path -of -travel from the
parking area. The elevations still substantially match the preliminary
approval. The architecture is subject to the requirements of the
Monterey Crossing Specific Plan (MCSP). The preliminary architecture
was approved based on compliance with the MCSP. Staff recommends
approval of the final drawings as presented.
Commissioner McAuliffe referred to the minor revision on the canopy
elevation on Building 6 and said this area was revised with the openings
and overall the elevation is fine.
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ACTION:
Commissioner McAuliffe moved to approve subject to submitting minor
revisions to canopy elevation. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Levin
and carried by a 6-0-1 vote, with Lambell, Levin, McAuliffe, McIntosh, Schmid
and Van Viiet voting YES and Vuksic absent.
Commissioner McIntosh recused himself from this project and remained in the meeting.
2. CASE NO: MISC 20-0012
APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: GREGORY AND JENNIFER SPATES,
73-695 O'Keefe Way, Palm Desert, CA 92211
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Consideration of a
height exception to construct a 17'-0" single family residence.
LOCATION:. 77-730 Mountain View
r0JZF_A9M
Mr. Nick Melloni, Assistant Planner, presented a request for a height
exception to construct a 4,837-square-foot single-family residence and
477-square-foot detached casita at a maximum height of 17'-0" from
finished grade; 2' above what is allowed in the RE zone. He presented
site elevations, a color board and roof plan for review. The property is a
vacant one -acre lot zoned Estate Residential (RE) located at the
northwest corner of Mountain View and Latisha Lane (Latisha). The
architecture of the proposed structure is traditional and characterized
by stucco siding, sloped tile roof, and stone veneer wainscoting. The
home's primary entrance will front upon Mountain View and feature a
three (3)-bay garage fronting upon Latisha. The structure conforms with
setbacks and development standards for the RE zone. Per section
25.10 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code (PDMC), the maximum height
for a structure in the RE zone is 15'. The Architectural Review
Commission may grant exceptions for homes to have a maximum
height of 18' based on design merit. Staff recommends approval of the
proposed home and granting the exception as proposed.
MR. GABRIEL RIOS, designer, said the area that is going over the 15'
height is only 2' and it is mainly the living room area and the center of
the kitchen. Commissioner Lambell stated that the Commission looks
for architectural significance to grant approval for a height exception.
She asked the designer what he thought was significant on this house
that sets it apart from other homes in the neighborhood. MR. RIOS said
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the owner was going with a standard design that is compatible with the
neighborhood. On the front face of the south elevation they recessed
everything and added the stone element to give it more of an
architectural feature than just a standard home. This element gives it
more of an offset and has a nice custom feel to it. Commissioner
Lambell asked the designer to consider a pop of color to balance out
the neutral color palette.
MR. JIM MCINTOSH, resident, referred to the 6' high block wall along
Latisha and asked if that was allowed by code because he thought it
was 5' high if on the property line. Mr. Melloni said the allowed height
depends on the setback relative to the face of the curb. For a 6' high
wall, it has to be 20' back with pilasters every 30', as well as additional
landscaping. He suggested the applicant revise the site plan to show
wall placement that complies with wall ordinance.
MR_ MCINTOSH agrees with the previous statement that there isn't any
architectural significance especially since the height goes from side to
side all the way across the building on a long ridge with no breakup of
the architecture. He also feels this does not stand out in the
neighborhood.
Commissioner Levin asked if there was anything going on within the
house that necessitated the additional height. MR. RIOS said the living
room currently is 10' but they did drop the ridgeline as low as they could
and used a 3:12 pitch. Commissioner Lambell said rather than having
one long element she asked if this could change at the master bathroom
closet, keeping the height in the great room and kitchen to break up that
long expanse. MR. RIOS said he will look at an area right past the living
room and possibly switching that end to a hip to break it up. He said he
will review the roof line and make revisions.
Commissioner Schmid was concerned with the blank east facing wall of
the kitchen and asked the designer to work with the articulation on that
wall. He said there is a lot of detail on the front of the house and was
concerned that with the increase in height they are just pulling that big
blank wall a lot higher.
Commissioner McAuliffe was concerned with the garage doors because
they will also be highly visible on this corner lot. He thinks if they were
to double frame that face of the wall that will help to further elevate the
quality of the home.
Chair Van Wet referred to the color board and questioned the main
color, as well as the trim color_ He and the designer discussed where
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the trim color will be located. Commissioner Lambell was concerned
with the starkness of the pure white stucco and how it relates to the
stone and bronzes. Chair Van Vliet suggested color combinations on
the different masses that may improve the starkness of the white stucco.
ACTION:
Commissioner Lambell moved to continue Case No MISC 20-0012 subject to:
1) consider adding additional color to exterior palette; 2) re-examine design of
roof line above 15' to break up the long horizontal mass of the gable form; 3)
articulate exterior expanse of eastern kitchen wall; 4) recess garage doors in a
manner similar to recessed windows; and 5) revise site plan to show wall
placement that complies with wall ordinance. Motion was seconded by
Commissioner Levin and carried by a 5-0-1-1 vote, with Lambell, Levin,
McAuliffe, Schmid and Van Vliet voting YES, McIntosh abstaining and Vuksic
absent.
3. CASE NO: MISC 20-0005
APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: 72221 HIGHWAY 111, LLC, Attn: Adam
Gilbert, 2496 E. Santa Ynez, Palm Springs, CA 92264
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Consideration to
approve facade remodel for an existing multi -tenant retail building within
the Las Sombras Center: Bump and Grind Plaza.
LOCATION: 72-221 Highway 111
ZONE: P.C.4
Mr. Nick Melloni, Assistant Planner, presented a request to modify the
facade of a 17,000-square-foot multi -tenant retail building along
Highway 111. The proposal also includes landscaping modifications
which will remove all existing turf along the property's Highway 111
frontage and replace it with desert native plant species. The building is
a part of the Las Sombras Center, which was originally developed in the
early 1980s. The respective buildings within the center are currently
under separate ownership, but utilize the common parking area. The
existing architecture is characterized by Spanish inspired sloped terra-
cotta roofs, tan stucco, and a long -horizontal form with multiple breaks
in the building mass. He presented site elevations, a color board and
roof plan and said changes to the building include: new contemporary
parapets and tower forms along the western and eastern elevations;
addition of outdoor dining terraces; addition of art/mural elements along
the Highway 111 frontage; and color changes from the existing desert
beige and tan to neutral grays and painted tile roof. Architectural Review
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Commission (ARC) approval is required for all commercial facade
modifications per Palm Desert Municipal Code (PDMC) Section
25.68.020 (A). Mr. Melloni stated that staff is supportive of the overall
changes and recommends the ARC continue the case and provide
design direction. The overall character of the western facade upgrades
and eastern facade changes have potential to better match each other.
The west side features more contemporary forms, while the eastern
side retains some traditional elements, such as the inclusion of cornice
trim details. Staff would recommend the overall design more clearly
pursue one style. Staff also recommends the forms added to the eastern
elevation be simplified in a manner similar to the west elevation. Staff
also recommends the applicant diversify the variety of flowering shrubs
in the new landscape design to include more color and help add to the
visual interest along Highway 111.
MR. ADAM GILBERT, property owner, said he was excited to present
this project to the City. He purchased the building after sitting empty for
about seven (7) years and had a vision to resurrect this dying area of
the shopping center. He pushed forward with that vision that has
attracted tenants to make this an exciting retail, entertainment venue
with restaurants, coffee shops and a fitness studio. To modernize it they
are proposing a large facade improvement in order to bring the building
to the level that it can be. He pointed out that the building is 100%
vacant, as well as the old Tilted Kilt. Essentially they are dealing with a
16,000-square-foot retail shopping center in a dead portion of a
shopping center which has been difficult to get tenants to come on
board. In order to bring them on board they are proposing an exciting
new contemporary design that gives tenants the reassurance that they
are going to invest in the property and bring people in so their
businesses will be successful. Overall, the shopping center is very
eclectic in terms of the design and there are some inherent design flaws
with the building that they wanted to change. One is that the current
design provides no signage on Highway 111 which makes it impossible
for businesses to be seen because you don't know what is on the other
side. On that same note, there is no inlet directly to their building as they
are in the middle of the shopping center from Highway 111. So the
signage will be extremely important for the success of the center. The
change itself has to be significant enough to entice tenants to lease.
The tenants he has so far are not national retailers, they are all mom
and pops. He has been able to explain to them that they are going to
create something that is significant, modern, and will stand the test of
time and be willing to invest their time and money into it. Because of the
COVID-19 crisis and everything that is going on it is a very scary time
for retail_ In closing, he would like to ask the Commission for their
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recommendations and would appreciate a preliminary approval of the
project so they can move it forward.
MR. GABRIEL LUHAN, designer, presented the elevations and
described the articulation of the building. They will employ Art in Public
Places for the center, add LED recessed lighting, and improve the
landscaping, There will be separate articulations on the different roof
types and to tie the whole thing together they will add horizontal
elements and vertical elements, apply foam trim and paint the roof black
to make the building pop.
Commissioner Lambell discussed the proposed monument sign on
Highway 111 and suggested that the 8' tall sign have more articulation,
as well as more architectural significance for it to be considered for
approval. Mr. Eric Ceja, Principal Planner, said the applicant has two
(2) items on the agenda and staff wanted to make sure the building
elevations were reviewed first because that will dictate the monument
design, as well as the sign placement for the entire center. At this point,
the Commission will focus on the building architecture.
Commissioner McAuliffe commended the new building owner for taking
on a very challenging property. This property, as a gateway to Palm
Desert, has significant opportunity with a lot of challenges to overcome.
He thinks the owner has articulated very well with what needs to happen
and applauds him for taking this on this ambitious path of changing the
flavor of the architecture from something a lot more traditional in form to
something that is a lot more contemporary and feels they have done a
lot of creative things to take it in that direction. He was concerned with
the more contemporary forms as they get placed along the facade of
the building and said how they interact and engage with the existing
form of the building is going to be critical. He referred to a sloping form
and said how that element actually turns back or doesn't is going to
either make or break this. As it is presented now, these forms are going
to look like they are just pushed up against the building and not an
integral part of the architecture. He referred to the little returns on these
elements and said how they relate to the existing form will be critical
because they will be visible given that they are tapering forms. Those
things really need to be carefully studied otherwise this will come across
as a Hollywood set and he doesn't think that is either acceptable nor the
owner's intent. There also seems to be a mix of both very traditional
architectural forms and some of the more contemporary and he thinks
they are just wrestling with each other. He referred to the patio rail forms
that are a very traditional design that are fighting against the
architecture. On the Highway 111 side, there are forms that have a very
traditional cornice element on them and then there are all the other
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newly introduced forms that are crisped edged. He thinks they have to
take the design completely in this contemporary direction and said not
to introduce more of these traditional elements. There are enough of
those in there already that they have to overcome. He feels these are
little things that can be tidied up that will just further strengthen what
they are trying to accomplish.
Commissioner McIntosh wanted to thank the building owner for taking
this on because the Commission has seen projects come through a few
times with unsuccessful solutions. This is a particularly difficult retail
environment that hasn't proven successful for many years. He couldn't
think of another center that is laid out like this where a lack of exposure
is the problem. He is concerned that the monument sign or signage
alone is not going to be enough to trigger the energy needed to make
this a successful project. He feels it would be wise to look at a case
study of another center with a similar concept and layout. He asked the
owner if he has looked into that. MR. GILBERT said he hasn't looked at
other case studies but agrees that signage alone won't fix this center. It
will take substantial work both in form and the right kind of tenant mix.
In addition, they will be doing things along the lines of public art and
social media to get people there, such as the food truck festival they
held in the parking lot. Again it will not only be the architecture, it will
take a lot of work, time and energy and not being a passive landlord.
They are working on all these things in addition to the facade.
Commissioner McIntosh said he appreciates their enthusiasm because
he thinks citizens want to see this project become successful. He and
the property owner discussed creating a pedestrian pass -through from
Highway 111 to the west side of the building that would allow travelers
to see into the center instead of seeing just the back side of the
buildings. There is a real synergy that happens in a pedestrian
environment. When people see activity, they tend to want to stop and
find out what is going on and to be a part of it. They will never get that
opportunity with the way it is configured right now. This is an unusual
site with chronic problems from the beginning and it might need a really
bold move to really make it successful. The Commission and the
applicant reviewed the center on Google Earth and MR. LUHAN pointed
out the existing areas that are similar to a pass -through. He said the
existing areas don't do anything for the site as they are mainly used for
trash enclosures.
Commissioner McIntosh said some of the comments about trying to
convert this more traditional style of architecture to something
contemporary has its challenges and cautioned them about painting the
roof tile black. That might work in other areas but this is a very dusty
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environment but after a couple of heavy dust storms the black the will
look terrible. MR. GILBERT said they initially proposed keeping the red
tile roof but didn't think it would blend with the contemporary look. He
said they are to hearing the Commission's thoughts for any color
combinations.
Chair Van Vliet commended the owner for their efforts in trying to put
this together as this has been an extremely difficult project. He felt that
no matter what they do to the architecture on the Highway 111 side it
still may not be enough to get people into that center. He thought they
could focus on doing something on the parking lot side to create
something that attracts people into the center. He said the changes will
have to be fairly significant and not minor in nature to get through this
Commission.
MR. GILBERT is betting they can solve this problem and thinks the
signage will be a huge factor in that. He appreciates all the comments
and said they will be putting a lot on the line for this project to make it
work. He will take the Commission's comments and suggestions, make
changes to the drawings, and continue working with staff to move this
along.
Commissioner Lambell feels they need to get rid of the traditional
architecture and the cornices at the two tower elements. She feels this
will trigger some other changes as they look at the Highway 111 side.
She suggested they get the architecture stabilized and approved then
the Commission can move on to the signage.
Commissioner McAuliffe made an edit to Commissioner Lambell's
comment regarding the cornices. He said it's not that the cornices
should necessarily go away. There are plenty of examples of great
contemporary cornices. The ones they are seeing here are a very
traditional profile and thinks that is the conflict. If they want to remove
them that is one direction, but if they can be done in a contemporary
profile that is also certainly acceptable.
ACTION:
Commissioner Lambell moved to continue Case No. MISC 20-0005 subject to:
1) design new tower elements and parapets to appear four-sided and
integrated into the building design; 2) carefully study the mix of traditional and
contemporary forms; 3) revise design of the Highway 111 frontage to feature
more contemporary details and forms and remove more traditional elements
on the additions; 4) review case studies of other projects with a similar concept
and layout; 5) explore the possibility of a pedestrian path or architectural "pass -
through" from Highway 111 to the west side of the building; 6) consider a
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different color for roof tile; and 10) update the patio rails to feature a
contemporary design. Motion was seconded by Commissioner McIntosh and
carried by a 6-0-1 vote, with Lambell, Levin, McAuliffe, McIntosh, Schmid and
Van Vliet voting YES and Vuksic absent.
4. CASE NO: SARC 20-0004
APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: 72221 HIGHWAY 111, LLC, 2496 E.
Santa Ynez, Palm Springs, CA 92264
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT. Consideration to
approve a new sign program and monument sign for existing retail
building: Bump and Grind Plaza.
LOCATION: 72-221 Highway 111
ZONE: P.C.-4
Mr. Nick Mellon!, Assistant Planner, presented a request to establish a
new sign program for the updated Bump and Grind Plaza building. The
sign program will establish signage design standards for the seven (7)
tenant suites in the building. Signage includes: nine (9) tenant wall signs
on the west elevation; seven (7) tenant wall signs on the east elevation;
one (1) building identification sign on the east elevation; and, one (1)
monument sign along the Highway 111 frontage. The signage
standards are clean and consistent with the general signage standards
established by the Palm Desert Zoning Ordinance under Chapter 25.56
— Signage. The monument sign is designed in a contemporary style
Inspired by the updated facade. It is constructed from routed aluminum
cabinets and stands at a maximum height of 8'-0". A comprehensive
sign program is required for all multi -tenant buildings with three (3) or
more tenant spaces per Palm Desert Municipal Code (PDMC) Section
25.56.100. The Architectural Review Commission (ARC) is the approval
authority for comprehensive sign programs per PDMC Section
25.68.060 (C). Staff recommends approval of the proposed sign
program standards for the wall signs and require applicant to update
exhibits based on the updated elevations for MISC 20-0005.
Commissioner Lambell understands the need for this 8' high monument
sign to draw people's attention to the center and said this needs to be
looked at in relationship to the rest of the building once the architecture
is determined.
Chair Van Vllet pointed out all the signage on the back of the building
and was concerned that there would be a lot of variation in the signs.
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He asked about can signs, logos, color, letter sizes and illumination. Mr.
Melloni said what is allowed are channel letters, acrylic face or the non -
dimensional flush mounted letters. MR. GLENN DAVIS, Signarama,
said they want the signs to conform to the City's sign ordinance and the
sign program is being designed to mimic a similar look and feel as seen
in many shopping centers that surround the Highway 111 corridor in the
mixed -use shopping centers. They want the signage to be flexible in
terms of size and proportion and in harmony with the architectural
element of the new center's facade, but they also want to allow flexibility
and style and application on a case by case basis. There will be
guidelines to steer tenants into a uniform proportion in a similar look and
style but they don't want to restrict it to just reverse channel or face -lit.
MR. ADAM GILBERT, property owner, said all of their signs are in
conformance with the actual code that is allowed. They didn't ask for
anything over and beyond based on the lateral length of the wall where
it will be applied. The only sign that is a little larger than what the code
allows is the main sign, Bump and Grind Plaza, that will be located
above the art on the center of the building to give name recognition to
the center itself. Commissioner Levin asked for the size of the letters.
MR. DAVIS didn't know the actual height of the individual letters but
thought they would probably go with something in the 24" range given
the overall 47" sign area height they are asking for. Commissioner Levin
requested the applicant to label all sign dimensions, letter heights and
spacing on fascia. MR. DAVIS stated he will include the dimensions in
the sign program.
Commissioner Levin referred to the monument sign and stated the
rendering didn't match what was being proposed. After some
discussion, MR. GILBERT said they will make those changes.
Commissioner McAuliffe asked if the font or fonts are going to be
corporate fonts and who will decide that. He also asked if they were
allowing different colors for the fonts and corporate logos and if so, how
will that be consistent or change between what is on the building and
on the monument sign. He said all that needs to be spelled out in the
sign program text at the front of the package. MR. GILBERT said they
want to be as flexible as possible because there will be a lot of different
types of businesses. Commissioner McAuliffe said the variety is
certainly fine but it would be appropriate to spell out what those
parameters are as they are defining their sign program. As the graphics
present, it looks like everything is the same font, color, size, etc.
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ACTION:
Commissioner Lambell moved to continue Case No. SARC 20-0004 subject to:
1) submitting updated building elevations based on design changes to fagade
update (Case MISC 20-0005); 2) clearly label all sign dimensions, letter heights
and spacing on fascia; 3) submit updated renderings; 4) clarify what fonts will
be permitted on monument signage in the design guidelines section of the
program; and 5) update and further articulate the monument sign based on the
architecture of the main building. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Levin
and carried by a 6-0-1 vote, with Lambell, Levin, McAuliffe, McIntosh, Schmid
and Van Viiet voting YES and Vuksic absent.
5. CASE NO: MISC 20-0011
APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: SEAN AND KIM SMITH, 47-817 Sun
Corral Trail, Palm Desert, CA 92260
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Consideration to
approve a new side -entry carport 16' from curb.
LOCATION: 47-817 Sun Corral Trail
ZONE: R-1, 10,000
Mr. Kevin Swartz, Associate Planner, presented a request for a new
side -entry carport 16' from curb and presented the renderings and a
landscape plan for review. The proposed carport is 519 square feet and
is designed to blend into the existing home, while maintaining the
Spanish architectural style. In order to accommodate the carport, some
existing native landscaping will be removed. The property is zoned R-1,
10,000 and the front yard setback is 20' from property line. In older
neighborhoods, the Zoning Ordinance encourages rehabilitation of older
dwelling units and provisions for shaded parking by allowing a side -entry
carport structure 16' from curb. In approving such a setback, the
Architectural Review Commission (ARC) must make a determination that
a reduced setback will not have a negative impact on the neighborhood,
and that the design of the structure is compatible with the existing home.
The design and scale of the proposed carport is compatible with the
existing home and provides for a nice architectural feature. Installation
of the proposed carport would not impact the existing on -site circulation.
Staff recommends approval of the proposal with a condition clarifying
that the Commission require the applicant to, if feasible, preserve as
much existing landscaping as possible.
Chair Van Wet asked for clarification on the area where an overhang
and sliders were located_ MS_ KIM SMITH, property owner, said the
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overhang will remain and said the designer didn't draw it into the picture.
The Commission reviewed the elevation showing the roof cover on it.
Chair Van Vliet hoped it wouldn't be too visible and thought it would look
odd. He asked if the back wall of the carport would be up against that
and MS. SMITH said the carport will have to be 2' behind it because
there is a natural built-in bench behind it underneath the palapa so it
won't allow them to build it right on top of the palapa. Commissioner
Lambell suggested the applicant ask the designer to submit corrections
to the east elevation to show the existing covered area and bench.
Commissioner McAuliffe referred to the windows being added to the
side of the carport and feels that the tops of the windows are crowding
the vegas and given the height of the other openings in the building
those windows seem high. He thinks they would look better if they were
pulled down to possibly be in line with the head of the slider window and
the other window to the right of it. He said just having a little bit of that
stepped parapet above will make that carport visually read a lot
stronger.
ACTION:
Commissioner Lambell moved to continue Case No. MISC 20-0011 subject to
1) submitting corrections to east elevation to show existing covered area and
bench; 2) lower windows on the side of carport to avoid crowding and to visually
read stronger; and 3) update lighting on east elevation. Motion was seconded
by Commissioner McAuliffe and carried by a 6-0-1 vote, with Lambell, Levin,
McAuliffe, McIntosh, Schmid and Van Vliet voting YES and Vuksic absent.
B. Preliminary Plans:
1. CASE NO: MISC 20-0006
APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: QUICK QUACK DEVELOPMENT,
LLC, Attn: Efrain Corona, 1380 Lead Hill Blvd #210, Roseville, CA
95661
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Consideration to
approve a new car wash building within the Monterey Shore Shopping
Center: Quick Quack Car Wash.
LOCATION: 73320 Dinah Shore Drive
ZONE: PC-3
Mr. Kevin Swartz, Associate Planner, presented a request to construct
a new 3,384-square-foot carwash building with vacuum cleaning
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stations on parcel 8 of the approved Monterey Crossings commercial
center. He presented renderings and a color board for review. He
reported that the building features a contemporary design characterized
by desert appropriate beige, tan, brown, dark yellow colored stucco
finishes and masonry veneer. The project includes a desert landscape
plan along Dinah Shore Drive, and around the building. Also included is
a design for metal canopies to shade the vacuum cleaning stations. The
building features a parapet at an average height of 23' with a tower
element up to 29'. All roof -top equipment will be adequately screened.
The proposed carwash is located in an area subject to the Monterey
Crossings Specific Plan (MCSP). This document establishes allowed
uses and design guidelines for all future buildings on the 18 acre site.
The MCSP establishes the Architectural Review Commission (ARC) as
the approval authority for future buildings within the plan, provided said
building is within the scope of the original entitlement. The ARC reviews
new buildings for compliance with MCSP guidelines for building design,
materials, and development standards. Staff provided comments to the
applicant on their original submittal, which included a large amount of
stone. The updated design is more in keeping with all applicable
requirements of the MCSP. Staff recommends approval of the proposed
carwash as presented.
Commissioner Lambell asked where the roof access was located. MR.
EFRAIN CORONA, Quick Quack, said it is located inside the equipment
room. He then pointed out another exterior roof ladder for the
quarterback station and stated there is not enough room for an interior
roof ladder because the room is too small. Commissioner Lambell said
exterior ladders are not allowed in the City. After much discussion, MR.
CORONA said they may be able to find some extra room by revising
the footprint.
Commissioner Levin and MR. CORONA discussed the secondary exit
and Mr. Swartz suggested they obtain a determination from Fire
whether the secondary exit is needed next to the trash enclosure.
Commissioner Larnbell said the renderings looked weak and suggested
they beef it up. MR. CORONA asked if she was referring to the depth of
cap flashing at the top of the parapet. Mr. Eric Ceja, Principal Planner,
said the comment made by Commissioner Lambell regarding the
thickness or thinness of the architecture is appropriate. He pointed out
that the material itself is approved in the specific plan and one of the
challenges they have is using the material that has been identified for
the entire shopping center and bring that into each and every building
within the center itself. MR. CORONA said they matched the center at
8".
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Commissioner McAuliffe said he is comfortable with the form of the
building as presented in the prospective and renderings provided by the
applicant. He would be concerned if there were other technical issues,
for instance, with the roof plan or equipment not being screened. If staff
is comfortable then he is comfortable.
Commissioner McIntosh asked if this was a part of the original master
plan that they have been reviewing for the past couple of years. Mr.
Ceja answered yes and said the specific plan shows this portion of this
shopping center as automotive uses. However, he did not previously
see a Quick Quack or other type of carwash. Commissioner McIntosh
asked if this was adjacent to the CarMax and Mr. Ceja said it is a bit
away but it is pushed up against the eastern property of this shopping
center which is close to CarMax,
Commissioner McIntosh said from what he has seen he has no problem
with the architecture. However, because some of the plans were
missing from the Commissioner's packet, he doesn't want to go on
record that he's approving a project without having a full set of drawings
to review. Mr. Ceja suggested the Commission grant preliminary
approval for the architecture and staff will email the missing set of plans
to the Commissioners for review. If there is a major concern that arises,
staff will relay that to the applicant to correct the items as they are
preparing their construction drawings. He reminded the Commission
that the construction drawings will come back to the Commission for
final review.
ACTION:
Commissioner Lambell moved to preliminarily approve subject to: 1) relocating
exterior roof ladder for the quarterback station to an interior space; and 2)
obtain determination from Fire whether the secondary exit is needed next to
the trash enclosure. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Levin and carried
by a 6-0-1 vote, with Lambell, Levin, McAuliffe, Schmid and Van Vliet voting
YES and McIntosh and Vuksic absent.
C. Miscellaneous Items:
None
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VI. COMMENTS
Discussion of exterior roof ladders.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Levin moved to adjourn the Architectural Review Commission meeting
at 2:55 p.m.
ERIC CEJA
PRINCIPAL PLACNE
SECRETARY
iSJf ! JUD
RDING SECRETARY
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