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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-11-23 ARC Regular Meeting Minutes CITY OF PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2021 – 12:30 P.M. ZOOM VIRTUAL MEETING I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Van Vliet called the meeting to order at 12:30 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Current Meeting Year to Date Commissioners Present Absent Present Absent Chris Van Vliet, Chair X 9 0 Karel Lambell, Vice Chair X 9 0 Nicholas Latkovic X 9 0 Michael McAuliffe X 9 0 Jim McIntosh X 9 0 Juan Mireles X 8 1 John Vuksic joined the meeting at 12:32pm X 8 1 Also Present: Eric Ceja, Deputy Director of Development Services Rosie Lua, Principal Planner Kevin Swartz, Associate Planner Melinda Gonzalez, Recording Secretary III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Principal Planner, Rosie Lua, read aloud oral communications advising the public of their opportunity to speak on items not on the agenda at this time in the meeting. No public comments were provided. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. MINUTES of the Architectural Review Commission meeting of November 9, 2021. Rec: Approve as presented. MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION NOVEMBER 23, 2021 2 Upon a motion by Commissioner McAuliffe, seconded by Commissioner Latkovic, and a 6-0 vote of the Architectural Review Commission, the minutes for November 9, 2021, were approved as presented. (AYES: Lambell, Latkovic, McAuliffe, McIntosh, Van Vliet and Vuksic; NOES: None; ABSENT: Mireles). 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, https://www.cityofpalmdesert.org/our-city/committees- and-commissions/architectural-review-commission-information-center. A. FINAL DRAWINGS 1. CASE NOS: PP 21-0008, C/Z 21-0001, TTM 21-0003 (TTM 38033), and MND NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Consideration of a recommendation to the Planning Commission for approval of a Change of Zone to establish a higher residential density (8 units per acre), Tentative Tract Map 38033, and a Precise Plan to construct a 32-unit single-story condominium project, clubhouse, and pool/spa on 3.91 acres at the southwest corner of Gerald Ford Drive and Shepherd Lane. APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: Desert Luxury Apartments, Las Vegas, NV 89121 LOCATION: 36000 Shepherd Lane ZONE: PR-5 Commissioner McAuliffe advised the Commission his firm has had prior involvement with this item. Commissioner McAuliffe recused himself due to a conflict of interest. Associate Planner, Kevin Swartz, presented the item. Mr. Swartz provided the Commission a summary of the project’s history noting on May 25, 2021, the Architectural Review Commission (ARC) reviewed and approved the proposed project which included 48 condos, clubhouse, pool, and spa. On July 13, 2021, the item was brought before the Commission to approve revisions made to the project to accommodate concerns voiced by the neighbors. The ARC approved the proposed revisions. On September 7, 2021, the Planning Commission denied the proposed project citing concerns for the project’s proposed increased density and incompatibility with the surrounding single-family homes neighborhood. Consequently, the applicant withdrew their application. Mr. Swartz stated the applicant has submitted a new application with a proposed 32 condos, clubhouse, pool, and spa. Mr. Swartz presented the proposed project and noted the applicant has engaged the neighbors and provided a petition signed by many of the neighbors in support of the project. Mr. Swartz turned the presentation over to the applicant’s architect, John Danielian, who provided additional information regarding their proposed request. MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION NOVEMBER 23, 2021 3 Discussion on the item ensued with Commissioners providing comments and concerns for the project. During the meeting, public comment was provided by Kent Hanson, who resides on Scholar Lane West. Mr. Hanson voiced concerns regarding the lack of a perimeter wall, height of units, potential view of dwelling units roof tops; asserted entrance access off Shepard Lane should only be a fire lane with no public access and queried as to density for other proposed developments in the area. Upon a motion by Commissioner McIntosh, seconded by Commissioner Latkovic, and a 5-0 vote of the Architectural Review Commission, Case Nos. PP 21-0008, C/Z 21-0001, TTM 21-0003 (TTM 38033), were continued subject to the following: 1) Explore other design options which would break up the monotony of the layout, allow for widening of the community’s main street, provide additional length to driveways, and easier trash collection; 2) Consider options which would provide a break to the long continuous linear sidewalk and incorporate more design interest (meandering); 3) Consider alternative placement of HVAC units and ensure equipment is properly screened; 4) Consider undulation of garage doors by staggering the buildings; 5) Extend parapets to ensure edges are properly concealed; 6) Review plans to ensure accurate depiction of changes in plane; 7) Windows on front elevations which are street exposed should have a recess of 6 inches or more; 8) Provide a perspective of dwelling units from Gerald Ford; 9) Remove stucco short wall and consider more prominent massing on walls with veneer from front perspective, (Sheet A-6.2) as discussed; 10) Provide a sight section study to determine view from Scholar Lane; 11) Provide plan which shows internal drainage; 12) Consider incorporating side yards; and 13) Revisit placement and size of landscaping, with particular attention to driveway areas. (AYES: Lambell, Latkovic, McIntosh, Vuksic and Van Vliet; NOES: None; ABSENT: McAuliffe, Mireles). B. PRELIMINARY PLANS None C. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS None VI. COMMENTS Commissioner McAuliffe rejoined the meeting. Deputy Director of Development Services Eric Ceja provided an update on the Palm Desert Mall (Mall). Westfield has walked away from the Mall and is currently in receivership with Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) who are in charge of selling off the assets of the Mall which are under Westfield’s control. The City has engaged CBRE to communicate with JLL and other major tenants and property owners of the Mall. CBRE has relayed several of the big box retailers are doing very well with sales. JLL has been unresponsive to the City’s inquiries. Staff is working with City Council for preliminary guidance on what type of plan staff should be working toward. The City has been contacted by one of the MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION NOVEMBER 23, 2021 4 property owners who inquired about residential development. However, the City has advised all those with a vested interest that no individual proposed projects will be considered until a Master Plan or Cohesive Plan has been implemented for the entire redevelopment of the site. Associate Planner, Kevin Swartz, provided an update on Mimmo’s Italian Restaurant as requested by the Commission. Mr. Swartz shared current photos of the installed awning and approved sign. Principal Planner, Rosie Lua, shared that Commissioner Mireles has resigned from the ARC and Housing Commission. The City Council will appoint a new Commissioner in the upcoming months to fill the vacant position. Ms. Lua advised staff will be presenting bylaws for the ARC in the upcoming months for Commissioners to review. These bylaws will establish the ARC as a Commission and will set the parameters for the ARC’s composition and conduct. These revisions would also include ordinance changes which will address development standards and requirements for a complete application. In response to inquiry by Commissioner Latkovic, Ms. Lua informed there is new state legislation, SB9, taking effect January 1, 2022, which will allow residential owners to divide their lot and build duplexes on each of the divided lots and potentially accessory dwelling units as well, regardless of lot size. The City has received an opinion letter from legal counsel and are reviewing the potential impacts of SB9 and looking at ways to address the implementation of this development within the City. Ms. Lua stated she will provide information on SB10 at a future meeting. Commissioner Vuksic provided an update on the Cultural Arts Committee public engagement efforts for selection of the art sculpture to be place at the San Pablo roundabout. The public overwhelmingly voted for Sunburst. Commissioner McAuliffe shared the subcommittee for Lupine Plaza had their first introductory meeting. Mr. McAuliffe stated as information becomes available, he will share it with the ARC. VII. ADJOURNMENT With Architectural Review Commission concurrence, Chair Van Vliet adjourned the meeting at 2:27 p.m. Rosie Lua, Secretary Melinda Gonzalez, Recording Secretary