HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-04-12 ARC Regular Meeting MinutesCITY OF PALM DESERT
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
MINUTES
TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2022 — 12:30 P.M.
ZOOM VIRTUAL MEETING
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CA
I. CALL TO ORDER
Vice Chair Lambell called the meeting to order at 12:35 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Commissioners
Current Meeting Year to Date
Present Absent Present Absent
Chris Van Vliet, Chair
X
15 1
Karel Lambell, Vice Chair
X
15 1
Nicholas Latkovic
X
16 0
Michael McAuliffe
X
16 0
Jim McIntosh (Left the meeting at 3:55 p.m.)
X
16 0
Juan Mireles (Resigned)
8 1
John Vuksic (Joined the meeting at 12.42 p.m.)
X
15 1
Also Present:
Martin Alvarez, Director of Development Services
Rosie Lua, Planning Manager
Kevin Swartz, Associate Planner
Nick Melloni, Associate Planner
Melinda Gonzalez, Recording Secretary
III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Planning Manager, 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.
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A. MINUTES of the Architectural Review Commission meeting of March 22, 2022.
Rec: Approve as presented.
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Upon a motion by Commissioner Latkovic, seconded by Commissioner
McAuliffe, and a 5-0 vote of the Architectural Review Commission, the minutes
for March 22, 2022, were approved as presented. (AYES: Lambell, Latkovic,
McAuliffe, McIntosh, and Vuksic; NOES: None; ABSENT: Van Vliet).
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.cityofoalmdesert.org/our-citv/committees-
and-comm issions/architectu ral-review-comm ission-i nformation-center.
A. FINAL DRAWINGS
1. CASE NO: SARC 20-0004
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Consideration to approve a
master sign program for Bump and Grind Plaza located at 72221 Highway 111.
APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: Canyon Print & Signs, Cathedral City, CA
92234
LOCATION: 72221 Highway 111 ZONE: PC-4
Associate Planner, Nick Melloni, presented the item. Mr. Melloni advised this
item was brought before the Architectural Review Commission (ARC) in 2021.
The presentation was turned over to the owner, Adam Gilbert, and applicant
Canyon Print & Signs who answered questions from the Commission.
Discussion ensued with commissioners providing comments and concerns on
the item. Planning Manager, Rosie Lua, invited comments from the public, to
which there were none.
Upon a motion by Commissioner Vuksic, seconded by Commissioner Latkovic,
and a 5-0 vote of the Architectural Review Commission, Case No. SARC20-
0004 was approved subject to the following: 1) Signs which include both upper
and lower-case letters may not exceed 17 inches in height; 2) Signs which
feature all capitalized letters may not exceed a maximum height of 15 inches;
3) Revise the "Maximum signage Area" shown on the elevations on Sheets 14
and 15 to match the maximum allowed letter height; 4) Provide standards for
the logo designs so that internally illuminated cabinets are prohibited, except
for registered logos and trademarks; 5) Revise sign program to identify
maximum allowance for ascenders and descenders, deviations to these
dimensions would require staff approval; 6) Applicant will re-examine the
building name signage proportions and consider enhanced design for the letter
for a more distinctive center identity; and 7) Project revisions will be reviewed
by staff and return to the ARC should there be any items that cannot be
resolved with Applicant. (AYES: Lambell, Latkovic, McAuliffe, McIntosh, and
Vuksic; NOES: None; ABSENT: Van Vliet).
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NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Consideration of a
recommendation to the Planning Commission for approval of a Precise Plan
and a Notice of Exemption to construct five (5) new residential units (1,600
square feet) and a 1,935 square -foot addition to the existing residential home
to operate a group home for a maximum of 38 people located at 44525 Santa
Margarita Avenue.
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 advised the
Commission this item has been reviewed by ARC previously and provided
some details on the revisions made by the applicant in response to comments
previously provided. Mr. Swartz turned the presentation over to the owner, Jan
Lupia, and the architect, Tom Howell, who provided more details on the
proposed project and answered questions from the Commission.
Discussion on the item ensued with commissioners providing comments and
concerns for the project. Planning Manager, Rosie Lua, invited comments from
the public, to which there were none.
Upon a motion by Commissioner McAuliffe, seconded by Commissioner
Vuksic, and a 5-0 vote of the Architectural Review Commission, Case No.
PP21-0010 was approved subject to the following: 1) Applicant will contact the
Fire Department and determine if there is an option to lower the height and
potentially scale back the carport; 2) Explore options for thickening roof gable
ends located on north and south corners of the buildings; 3) Ensure existing
and newly installed roof tiles match in material and color; 4) Consider
consolidating multiple utility wells and roof access locations into one; 5)
Update renderings to accurately reflect carport positioning and height; 6) ARC
recommends the Planning Commission approve the proposed perimeter wall
height of 8 feet; and 7) Project revisions will be reviewed by staff and return to
the ARC should there be any items that cannot be resolved with Applicant.
(AYES: Lambell, Latkovic, McAuliffe, McIntosh, and Vuksic; NOES: None;
ABSENT: Van Vliet).
3. CASE NO: PP/CUP 22-0002
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Consideration to approve a
request for a recommendation to the Planning Commission for approval of a
Precise Plan, Conditional Use Permit, and a Mitigated Negative Declaration to
construct a 176-unit multi -family (affordable housing) residential community
consisting of four (4) three-story apartment buildings, five (5) two-story
apartment buildings, a single -story clubhouse, pool area, and private outdoor
recreation areas on an 11-acre parcel located at the southeast corner of
Gateway Drive and Dick Kelly Drive and west of Cortesia Way.
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APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: UHC 00357 Palm Desert, L.P. a California
Limited Partnership, Santa Ana, CA 92705
LOCATION: APNs: 694-130-017 and 018
ZONE: PR-22
Commissioner McAuliffe advised the Commission his place of residence is
adjacent to the proposed project. Commissioner McAuliffe recused himself
from this item due to a potential conflict of interest.
Associate Planner, Kevin Swartz, presented the item including highlights of
revisions made to the project in response to commissioner's comments from
the prior ARC meeting held March 22, 2022. The request is to develop a 176-
unit multi -family affordable housing residential community. Mr. Swartz turned
the presentation over to the applicant, Urban Housing Communities (UHC) and
their architect, Keith Labus, with KTGY Group Inc., who provided additional
details on the proposed revisions made to the project and answered questions
from the Commission.
Discussion on the item ensued with Commissioners providing comments and
concerns for the project. Planning Manager, Rosie Lua, invited comments from
the public, to which there were none.
Upon a motion by Commissioner Vuksic, seconded by Commissioner
McIntosh, and a 4-0 vote of the Architectural Review Commission, Case No.
PP/CUP22-0002 was approved subject to the following: 1) Explore options for
thickening base element an additional 2 inches using band accent as a cap
element on base; 2) Windows should be attached to 2x4 nailers to allow a
minimum of 2-inch recesses (not including the trim), upper -level windows
should be recessed as well; and 3) Project revisions will be reviewed by staff
and return to the ARC should there be any items that cannot be resolved with
Applicant. (AYES: Lambell, Latkovic, McIntosh, and Vuksic; NOES: None;
ABSENT: McAuliffe, Van Vliet).
4. CASE NO: PP/CUP 22-0004
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Consideration of a
recommendation to the Planning Commission for approval of a Precise Plan,
Conditional Use Permit, and a Notice of Exemption to construct a 150-unit
multi -family (affordable housing) residential community consisting of eight (8)
three-story apartment buildings, a single -story clubhouse, and private outdoor
recreation areas on an 6.8-acre parcel adjacent to Spanish Walk along the east
side of Gerald Ford Drive, north of Frank Sinatra Drive, and south of the I-
10/Railroad.
APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: Western National Group, Irvine, CA 92614
LOCATION: 75580 Gerald Ford Drive ZONE: PR-19
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Commissioner McAuliffe rejoined the meeting. Associate Planner, Kevin
Swartz, presented the item including highlights of revisions made to the project
in response to commissioner's comments given during a preliminary discussion
on this item at the ARC meeting held March 22, 2022. The request is a
proposed 150-unit affordable apartment community. Mr. Swartz turned the
presentation over to the applicant, and their architect team, TCA Architects,
who provided a more detailed presentation on the revisions made to the
proposed project and answered questions from the Commission.
Discussion on the item ensued with Commissioners providing comments and
concerns for the project. Planning Manager, Rosie Lua, invited comments from
the public, to which there were none.
Upon a motion by Commissioner McAuliffe, seconded by Commissioner
Vuksic, and a 5-0 vote of the Architectural Review Commission, Case No.
PP/CUP22-0004 was approved subject to the following: 1) Revisit parapets to
ensure all ends are concealed and/or returned inward enough to provide the
appearance of a three-dimensional mass; 2) Revisit typical parapet detail and
refine the design to demonstrate concealed detail edges; 3) Staff will confirm
flashing details are concealed against clean edges and is included in
construction documents; 4) Landscaping should have provisions in place which
ensure it is well maintained and watered properly; 5) Applicant will be mindful
of the need for noise mitigation measures; 6) Applicant shall call for a planning
inspection during framing to ensure parapets are built and concealed as
approved and utility equipment is screened appropriately; and 7) Project
revisions will be reviewed by staff and return to the ARC should there be any
items that cannot be resolved with Applicant. (AYES: Lambell, Latkovic,
McAuliffe, McIntosh, and Vuksic; NOES: None; ABSENT: Van Vliet).
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Consideration of a
recommendation to the Planning Commission for approval of a Precise Plan,
Tentative Parcel Map, and Environmental Assessment to develop a 241-unit
multi -family residential apartment community including 10 three-story apartment
buildings, a two-story clubhouse, private outdoor recreation areas, and related
off -site improvements on a 10.49-acre parcel located at the northwest corner of
Gerald Ford Drive and Technology Drive.
APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: Palm Communities, Irvine, CA, 92618
LOCATION: NW Corner of Gerald Ford Drive and Technology Drive
ZONE: Millennium Specific Plan Area 8, PR-22
Associate Planner, Nick Melloni, presented the item including highlights of
revisions made to the project in response to commissioner's comments given
during a preliminary discussion on this item at an ARC meeting held in
November 2021. The applicant is proposing an affordable housing
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development including 241-units as a two phased project. Mr. Melloni turned
the presentation over to the applicant and their architect, Bill Atkins, who
provided a more detailed presentation on revisions to the proposed project.
Discussion on the item ensued with Commissioners providing comments and
concerns for the project. Planning Manager, Rosie Lua, invited comments from
the public, to which there were none. Due to a conflicting obligation
Commissioner McIntosh left the meeting at 3:55 p.m.
Upon a motion by Vice Chair Lambell, seconded by Commissioner
McAuliffe, and a 4-0 vote of the Architectural Review Commission, Case No.
PP22-0003 was approved subject to the following: 1) Carry tan color
transitions on third -story balcony columns into interior column areas; 2)
Extend tan color at building entries further back from the front elevation; 3)
Ensure extensions on window trims remain and are not squared off; 4) Add
trim around windows through the use of 2X4 nailers to increase window
recessing where no recess is proposed; 5) Add a color change between the
first floor and upper -floors where building is one solid color; 6) Incorporate flat
arch balcony design in addition to the corbeled rectangle arch on residential
buildings; 7) Thicken the column on the second level balcony area located on
the community building, (Right Side Elevation); 8) Revise the exposed wood
truss eave tails and explore other options for design which includes the use of
non -warping material; 9) Remove Washingtonia Robusta (Mexican Fan Palm)
from the proposed landscape palette and use Washingtonia Filifera (California
Fan Palm) or another similar palm; 10) Applicant shall utilize single -trunk
shade tree specimens which are resistant to high winds common in the area.
The applicant shall add a note of this condition on the landscape plans; 11)
Provide an updated landscape palette which identifies quantities for proposed
shrubs, groundcovers, and accents; 12) Provide enhanced pedestrian entry
gates for a pedestrian connection directly to the sidewalk along Gerald Ford
Drive and to the future park site; and 13) Project revisions will be reviewed by
staff and return to the ARC should there be any items that cannot be resolved
with Applicant. (AYES: Lambell, Latkovic, McAuliffe, and Vuksic; NOES:
None; ABSENT: McIntosh, Van Vliet).
B. PRELIMINARY PLANS
None
C. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
None
VI. COMMENTS
Planning Manager, Rosie Lua, informed the Commission staff had no comments to
provide and invited comments from commissioners, to which there were none.
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VII. ADJOURNMENT
With Architectural Review Commission concurrence, Vice Chair Lambell adjourned
the meeting at 4:21 p.m.
Rosie Lua, Secretary
Melinda Gonzalez, Recording lecretary