HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-01-11 ARC Regular Meeting MinutesCITY OF PALM DESERT
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2022 — 12:30 P.M.
ZOOM VIRTUAL MEETING
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CA
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Van Vliet called the meeting to order at 12:39 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Commissioners
Current Meeting Year to Date
Present Absent Present Absent
Chris Van Vliet, Chair
X
11 0
Karel Lambell, Vice Chair
X
11 0
Nicholas Latkovic
X
11 0
Michael McAuliffe
X
11 0
Jim McIntosh
X
11 0
Juan Mireles (Resigned)
S 1
John Vuksic
X
10 1
Also Present:
Rosie Lua, Principal Planner
Kevin Swartz, Associate Planner
Nick Melloni, 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 December 14,
2021.
Rec: Approve as presented.
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ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 11, 2022
Upon a motion by Vice Chair Lambell, seconded by Commissioner McAuliffe,
and a 6-0 vote of the Architectural Review Commission, the minutes for December
14, 2021, were approved as presented. (AYES: Lambell, Latkovic, McAuliffe,
McIntosh, 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, https://www.citvofpalmdesert.org/our-city/committees-
and-commissions/architectu ral-review-commission-information-center.
A. FINAL DRAWINGS
None
B. PRELIMINARY PLANS
None
C. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
1. CASE NO: PP/CUP 21-0010
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary review and
discussion to provide architectural comments on a proposed group home
consisting of five (5) new residential units and a 1,935 square -foot addition to
the existing residential home.
APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: HEARTBEAT at 22, Palm Desert, CA 92261
LOCATION: 44525 Santa Margarita Avenue ZONE: R-2
Associate Planner, Kevin Swartz, presented the item. Mr. Swartz noted the
item is for discussion only to provide design comments on the architecture and
landscape concepts provided by the applicant and does not require action by
the Commission. The applicant is proposing a Precise Plan (PP) and
Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to increase the density for the existing group
home for up to (40) forty residents. The proposal includes (5) five new three -
bedroom units to the rear of the property and an addition of approximately
1,900 feet to the main residence. Mr. Swartz turned the presentation over to
the applicant and their architect, Tom Howell, who provided a more detailed
presentation on the proposed project.
Discussion on the item ensued with Commissioners providing comments and
concerns for the project.
Comments and concerns provided during the discussion include, but are not
limited to:
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ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 11, 2022
• Explore alternative options/configurations and heights for parapets
located on the (5) five three -bedroom units. Avoid one long continuous
parapet.
• Review and confirm different roof pitches provided on roof plan. (Sheet
A-102)
• Revisit details including fascia tile and drip edges/scuppers.
• Reduce 8-foot rear wall to 6 feet to conform with code.
• Review and confirm the amount of parking spaces proposed is in
conformance with requirements.
• South elevation of three -bedroom units needs more articulation. Avoid
the use of landscape in place of architecture.
• Review and clarify density that is being proposed.
• Owner is strongly encouraged to engage in community outreach efforts
for notification of the proposed project.
• Ensure all mechanical equipment are fully screened.
No formal action was taken on this item as it was brought forth solely for
commissioner's comments to the applicant.
VI. COMMENTS
In response to inquiry by Chair Van Vliet, Mr. Swartz advised he is still working with
Sinclair on submitting their landscaping plan. Sinclair has stated they are willing to
install taller shrubbery, but not larger landscaping such as trees. As to the dinosaur
statue it is not considered public art and due to its location, staff is determining if it
requires review by the ARC or if it can be approved at the staff level.
Commissioner Latkovic inquired about Senate Bill 9 (SB9). Ms. Lua reported staff
provided City Council with an urgency ordinance to address the implementation of
SB9, which allows for division of a lot/parcel and the development of additional
dwelling units on the lot. The urgency ordinance was effective immediately upon its
approval by City Council. The urgency ordinance follows state guidelines and also
establishes additional parameters and requirements to qualify for development
utilizing SB9. The goal for this ordinance is to assist in the preservation of single-family
home neighborhoods. Ms. Lua noted these requests will not come before the
Commission for review as the process is designated to be approved at a staff level.
Ms. Lua advised a link will be emailed to commissioners for the approved urgency
ordinance.
In reply to inquiry by Vice Chair Lambell, Mr. Swartz advised the Planning Commission
approved the plans for the former Pizza Hut location. The property owners are
currently negotiating with a couple of new tenants and once they are secured they will
begin construction of the new building. The property owners would like two restaurants
and two retail stores to occupy the building.
Mr. Swartz reported staff, as well as the two -commissioner subcommittee, are still
working with Avenida Palm Desert on their roof screening options. The architect
anticipates providing a concept to staff on or about January 14, 2022.
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ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 11, 2022
VII. ADJOURNMENT
With Architectural Review Commission concurrence, Chair Van Vliet adjourned the
meeting at 1:48 p.m.
Rosie Lua ecretary
Melinda Gonzalez, Recording SecrMary
rd