HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-02-28 ARC Regular Meeting Agenda Packet
City of Palm Desert Page 1
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA
AGENDA
(HYBRID MEETING)
City Hall, Development Services Conference Room
73-510 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Pursuant to Assembly Bill 361, this meeting may be conducted by teleconference. There
will be in-person public access to the meeting location.
OPTIONS FOR PARTICIPATING IN THIS MEETING:
• Attend the meeting in the Development Services Conference Room at Palm Desert City Hall,
73510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260.
• To participate via Zoom, use the following link: https://palmdesert.zoom.us/j/83648797515,
Zoom Webinar ID: 836 4879 7515.
• To participate by telephone call (213) 338-8477 or (669) 219-2599, Zoom Webinar ID: 836
4879 7515. To provide a public comment please press *9 to raise your hand.
• Written public comment may also be submitted to planning@palmdesert.gov. Emails received
by 9:30 a.m. prior to the meeting will be distributed to the Commission. Any correspondence
received during or after the meeting will be distributed to the Commission as soon as
practicable and retained for the official record. Emails will not be read aloud except as an
ADA accommodation.
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
3. NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT: This time has been set aside for the public to address
the Architectural Review Commission on issues that are not on the agenda for up to three
minutes. Because the Brown Act does not allow the Commission to act on items not listed on
the agenda, members may briefly respond or refer the matter to staff for a report and
recommendation at a future meeting.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR: All matters listed on the Consent Calendar are considered routine
and may be approved by one motion. The public may comment on any items on the Consent
Agenda within the three-minute time limit. Individual items may be removed by Commissioners
for a separate discussion.
Tuesday
February 28, 2023
12:30 p.m.
Regular Meeting
Architectural Review Commission Agenda February 28, 2023
City of Palm Desert Page 2
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
RECOMMENDATION: Approve the Architectural Review Commission Regular Meeting
minutes of January 24, 2023.
CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER: Items removed from the Consent Calendar for separate
discussion will be considered at this time.
5. ACTION CALENDAR
A. FINAL DRAWINGS
1. CASE NO: MISC22-0010 (Continued from June 28, 2022)
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Consideration to approve a Design
Review for a façade modification to an existing Del Taco drive-through restaurant
located at 34540 Monterey Avenue.
APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: Insignia Rising, Fullerton, CA, 92837
LOCATION: 34540 Monterey Avenue
ZONE: Planned Commercial (PC-3)
RECOMMENDATION:
1. The Applicant shall bring the existing landscape into conformance with PDMC
25.52.060 and ensure that all missing, dead, dying, or significantly injured trees or
plant material is replaced.
6. NON-ACTION ITEMS
None
7. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & COMMENTS
A. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSIONERS
B. CITY STAFF
• International Lodge
• New requirements for Remote Participation for Commissioners
• MISC22-0020 – Application Update
• Subcommittee Update
C. ATTENDANCE REPORT
8. ADJOURNMENT: The next Regular Meeting will be held on March 14, 2023, at 12:30 p.m.
Architectural Review Commission Agenda February 28, 2023
City of Palm Desert Page 3
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
I hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the
foregoing agenda for the Architectural Review Commission was posted on the City Hall bulletin
board and City website not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting.
Melinda Gonzalez
Recording Secretary
PUBLIC NOTICES
Agenda Related Materials: Pursuant to Government Code §54957.5(b)(2) the designated
office for inspection of records in connection with this meeting is the Development Services
Department, City Hall, 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. Staff reports for all agenda
items and documents provided to a majority of the legislative bodies are available for public
inspection at City Hall and on the City’s website at www.palmdesert.gov.
Americans with Disabilities Act: It is the intention of the City of Palm Desert to comply with
the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all respects. If, as an attendee or a participant at
this meeting, or in meetings on a regular basis, you will need special assistance beyond what
is normally provided, the city will attempt to accommodate you in every reasonable manner.
Please contact the Office of the City Clerk, (760) 346-0611, at least 48 hours prior to the
meeting to inform us of your needs and to determine if accommodation is feasible.
City of Palm Desert Page 1
ALL ACTIONS ARE DRAFT, PENDING APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA
MINUTES
(HYBRID MEETING)
Pursuant to Assembly Bill 361, this meeting may be conducted by teleconference. There
will be in-person public access to the meeting location.
1. CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the Architectural Review Commission (ARC) was called to order by Vice
Chair McIntosh on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at 12:30 p.m. in the Development Services
Conference Room, City Hall, located at 73510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California.
2. ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Dean Wallace Colvard, Nicholas Latkovic, Michael McAuliffe, Vice
Chair Jim McIntosh, and Francisco Sanchez.
Absent: Chair John Vuksic.
City Staff
Present: Richard Cannone, Director of Development Services; Rosie Lua, Deputy Director
of Development Services; Nick Melloni, Senior Planner; Anna Dan, Assistant
Planner; Nikki Gomez, Assistant Planner; and Melinda Gonzalez, Recording
Secretary, were present at Roll Call.
3. NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT
Vice Chair McIntosh opened and closed the non-agenda public comment period. No public
comments were provided.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
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/commission-
information.
Vice Chair McIntosh opened and closed the public comment period for the Consent Calendar.
No public comments were provided.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER MCAULIFFE, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER LATKOVIC,
CARRIED 5-0 (CHAIR VUKSIC ABSENT); to approve the consent calendar.
Tuesday
January 24, 2023
12:30 p.m.
Regular Meeting
Architectural Review Commission Minutes January 24, 2023
City of Palm Desert Page 2
ALL ACTIONS ARE DRAFT, PENDING APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER MCAULIFFE, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER
LATKOVIC, CARRIED 5-0 (CHAIR VUKSIC ABSENT); to approve the Architectural
Review Commission Special Meeting Study Session minutes of December 6, 2022.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER MCAULIFFE, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER
LATKOVIC, CARRIED 5-0 (CHAIR VUKSIC ABSENT); to approve the Architectural
Review Commission Regular Meeting minutes of January 10, 2023.
CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER: Items removed from the Consent Calendar for separate
discussion will be considered at this time.
None
5. ACTION CALENDAR
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/commission-
information.
A. FINAL DRAWINGS
1. CASE NO: MISC22-0043 (Continued from January 10, 2023)
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Consideration to approve a
materials exception for an existing fence in the front yard setback of a single-family
residence located at 77100 Indiana Avenue.
APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: Theresa Illare, Palm Desert, CA 92211
LOCATION: 77100 Indiana Avenue
ZONE: Single-Family Residential (R-1)
Assistant Planner, Anna Dan, narrated a PowerPoint presentation on the item and
responded to Commission inquiries. Theresa Illare, Applicant, was present and
answered questions from the Commission.
Vice Chair McIntosh opened and closed the public comment period. No public
comments were provided. Discussion on the item ensued with Commissioners
providing comments for the project.
Following discussion, MOTION BY COMMISSIONER MCAULIFFE, SECOND BY
COMMISSIONER LATKOVIC, CARRIED 5-0 (CHAIR VUKSIC ABSENT); to approve
Case No. MISC22-0043 with the following conditions:
1. The Applicant shall submit a revised landscape plan to City staff incorporating
additional planting materials at the front yard with varying heights to screen the
wall.
2. The proposed Palo Verde tree shall be no less than a 24-inch box size as required
by the Palm Desert Municipal Code (PDMC).
Architectural Review Commission Minutes January 24, 2023
City of Palm Desert Page 3
ALL ACTIONS ARE DRAFT, PENDING APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
2. CASE NO: PP22-0004 Amendment No.1
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Consideration of an amendment to
Precise Plan (PP) 22-0004, revising the exterior architecture for a 150-unit multi-family
residential community on a 6.8-acre parcel located at 77800 Gerald Ford Drive (APN
694-520-019, and -020).
APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: Western National Group, Irvine, CA 92614
LOCATION: 77800 Gerald Ford Drive
ZONE: Planned Residential (PR-19)
Senior Planner, Nick Melloni, narrated a PowerPoint presentation on the item and
responded to Commission inquiries. Brian Gilchrist, Applicant, and Chris Williams,
Architect, presented additional details on the project and answered questions from the
Commission.
Vice Chair McIntosh opened and closed the public comment period. No public
comments were provided. Discussion on the item ensued with Commissioners
providing comments for the project.
Following discussion, MOTION BY COMMISSIONER LATKOVIC, SECOND BY
COMMISSIONER SANCHEZ, CARRIED 5-0 (CHAIR VUKSIC ABSENT); to approve
Case No. PP22-0004 Amendment No.1 with the following conditions:
1. The applicant shall provide a 42-inch wall to enclose the patios of all ground floor
apartment units of Building Nos. 1 through 3. All ground floor patios for Building
Nos. 4 through 8 shall be enclosed by a permanently maintained 42-inch hedge or
wall, which shall be reviewed by the ARC Subcommittee at final construction
drawings. The hedge shall be installed at a height of 42 inches at the time of
planting.
2. Where the metal mesh is removed from external stairwells, the applicant shall
provide a minimum thickness of 4 inches around the border of the area where the
mesh was removed. The applicant shall provide appropriate details illustrating the
modification, including cross sections, on the final construction drawings.
3. The final construction drawings shall return to an ARC subcommittee for final
acceptance and substantial conformance review.
4. All drainage downspouts shall change color with building color change.
5. All downspouts shall be connected to the subsurface drainage system.
6. The applicant shall provide a lighter color where the exterior composite siding is
removed.
3. CASE NO: SARC22-0004
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Consideration for approval of a
comprehensive sign program for exterior signage for Palms to Pines West commercial
center.
APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: The Signs and Services Company, Stanton, CA 90680
LOCATION: 72740 El Paseo
ZONE: Office Professional (OP)
Architectural Review Commission Minutes January 24, 2023
City of Palm Desert Page 4
ALL ACTIONS ARE DRAFT, PENDING APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
Assistant Planner, Nikki Gomez, narrated a PowerPoint presentation on the item and
responded to Commission inquiries. Ryan Ybarra, Applicant Representative,
answered questions from the Commission.
Vice Chair McIntosh opened and closed the public comment period. No public
comments were provided. Discussion on the item ensued with Commissioners
providing comments for the project.
Following discussion, MOTION BY COMMISSIONER LATKOVIC, SECOND BY
COMMISSIONER MCAULIFFE, CARRIED 5-0; (CHAIR VUKSIC ABSENT) to
approve Case No. SARC22-0004 with the following conditions:
1. Prior to the issuance of any sign permit the applicant shall resubmit a revised sign
program to planning staff which omits the maximum 111 square foot sign area and
revise to state the maximum sign area for M1 is 149.38 square feet and 121.01
square feet of sign area for M2.
2. Applicant shall revise sign program to add specific language defining allowable
fonts and colors.
4. CASE NO: SARC22-0005
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Consideration for Architectural
Review Commission approval of a comprehensive sign program for exterior signage for
the Oracle Plaza.
APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: Signarama, Palm Desert, CA 92211
LOCATION: 73585 Fred Waring Drive
ZONE: Office Professional (OP)
Assistant Planner, Nikki Gomez, narrated a PowerPoint presentation on the item and
responded to Commission inquiries. Jeff Grady, Applicant Representative, answered
questions from the Commission.
Vice Chair McIntosh opened and closed the public comment period. No public
comments were provided. Discussion on the item ensued with Commissioners
providing comments for the project.
Following discussion, MOTION BY COMMISSIONER COLVARD, SECOND BY VICE
CHAIR MCINTOSH, CARRIED 5-0; (CHAIR VUKSIC ABSENT) to approve Case No.
SARC22-0005 with the following conditions:
1. Prior to the issuance of any sign permit, the applicant shall submit a revised
Sign Program to Planning Staff which includes a restriction that all exterior
signs including, window signs shall be non-illuminated on all elevations facing
existing residential uses.
2. Prior to the issuance of any sign permit, the applicant shall submit a revised
Sign Program to Planning Staff that includes a revised floor plan in the
document which clearly associates each suite number with a specific exterior
sign location.
3. The sign program shall be revised to identify all prohibited signs and comply
with Palm Desert Municipal Code Chapter 25.56.050.
4. Window signs shall be prohibited on all second story windows.
Architectural Review Commission Minutes January 24, 2023
City of Palm Desert Page 5
ALL ACTIONS ARE DRAFT, PENDING APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
B. MISCELLANEOUS
None
6. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & COMMENTS
A. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Colvard provided an update on the Cultural Arts Committee.
In response to inquiry, Deputy Director Lua, explained per the City’s ordinance,
commercial developments have the option to pay a public arts fee or install an approved
art piece.
B. CITY STAFF
Deputy Director Lua reported the City is currently working on establishing objective design
standards to develop a comprehensive program to address updates in housing laws.
Upon inquiry, Senior Planner Melloni reported Avenida Palm Desert has completed the
installation of their roof screening. During inspection staff found some discrepancies
which have since been addressed.
Senior Planner Melloni shared a PowerPoint presentation regarding the previously
established Architectural Review Commission subcommittees. Commissioners
volunteered for three new projects, Sanin Buildings, Urban Crossings, and Staybridge
Hotel, identified by staff as needing an ARC subcommittee for review of final construction
drawings.
C. ATTENDANCE REPORT
The attendance report was provided with the agenda materials. The Commission took no
action on this matter.
7. ADJOURNMENT
The Architectural Review Commission adjourned at 2:51 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Melinda Gonzalez, Senior Administrative Assistant
Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
Rosie Lua, Deputy Director of Development Services
Secretary
APPROVED BY ARC: __/__/2023
CITY OF PALM DESERT
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
To: Honorable Chair and Members of the Commission
From: Anna Dan, Assistant Planner
Date: February 28, 2023
Subject: MISC22-0010 – Consideration to approve a Design Review for a façade
modification to an existing Del Taco drive-through restaurant located at 34540
Monterey Avenue.
BACKGROUND
The Applicant, Insignia Rising, is requesting approval of a design review for a façade modification
to an existing Del Taco drive-through restaurant located at 34540 Monterey Avenue. The
restaurant is located within the Desert Gateway center located at the southeast corner of
Monterey Avenue and Dinah Shore Drive. This project previously appeared before the
Architectural Review Commission (ARC) for design review on June 28, 2022, in which the
Applicant proposed the following modifications:
1. The addition of three (3) wall light fixture structures mounted onto the tower elements on
the western, eastern, and southern facades.
2. A paint color change, repainting the building from an existing tan and accent colors to a
new color palette of white, gray, and green.
3. The removal of the existing window awnings, branded artwork, and exterior red neon
tubing underneath the cornice.
The ARC moved to continue the item with a 5-0 vote, providing the Applicant with design review
comments to be addressed in a subsequent submittal. Accordingly, on February 15, 2023, the
Applicant submitted a revised plan set for the ARC’s consideration. The Applicant’s responses to
the ARC’s design review comments are as follows:
1. Revise elevations so that paint color changes occur where building plane changes or
architectural projections occur.
a. Elevation color changes have been removed per guidance.
2. Revisit unfilled arch reliefs to incorporate additional design elements such as color
change, awnings, or art.
a. Unfilled arches revised to include existing hatched design.
3. Provide exhibits which more clearly depict the proposed light boxes, including but not
limited to a nighttime photo simulation of the building exterior.
a. Nighttime examples and enhanced detail of the lightbox have been added to the
design presentation.
MISC 22-0010 – Del Taco Façade Improvement
Page 2 of 5
February 28, 2023
4. Explore options which would allow for more harmonious architectural design between
proposed light boxes and the Gateway Center Mission Style theme such as reducing size
and increasing spacing between edge of box and building fascia.
a. Light boxes have been reduced in scale to conform with sign square footage
allowance and to not interfere with the mission style architecture.
5. Revisit color palette to incorporate colors which are compatible with the approved color
palette and architecture theme for Desert Gateway.
a. Building color has been modified to utilize Desert Gateway approved “Vanilla Ice
Cream” on all primary building surfaces.
6. Explore other design options for slatted wall light fixture.
a. Slatted wall elements have been reduced in scale and appearance, now
incorporated into the sign square footage allowance.
7. Provide a replacement awning, or other design element, where awnings are proposed for
removal.
a. Awnings have been eliminated from the building.
The project does not propose any structural modifications to the existing building or attached
trellises. Exterior signage, including wall signs and directional signs, are shown on the plan set
but not included in the scope of the ARC review. Exterior signage will be subject to staff review
for conformance with the Desert Gateway Design and Signage Guidelines.
PROJECT SUMMARY
A. Property Description
The project site is an existing Del Taco drive-through restaurant located at 34540 Monterey
Avenue. The site is comprised of one parcel totaling 1.13 acres (49,223 square feet),
containing one (1) single-story restaurant building with a total floor area of 2,260 square feet.
The parcel contains 34 regular and two accessible parking spaces. The restaurant was
approved as part of a larger development project per Case No. PP/CUP 01-30 by adopted
City Council Resolution No. 03-27. The original façade and architectural elevations of the Del
Taco restaurant were preliminarily approved by the ARC in 2005.
B. Adjacent Land Use and Zoning Designation
Table 1 – Adjacent Land Use and Designations
Existing Uses General Plan Zoning
Project Site Retail-
commercial
Regional Retail Planned Commercial
(P.C.-3)
North Retail-
commercial
Regional Retail Planned Commercial
(P.C.-3)
South Retail-
commercial
Regional Retail Planned Commercial
(P.C.-3)
East Retail-
commercial
Regional Retail Planned Commercial
(P.C.-3)
West Retail-
commercial
Outside Jurisdiction (City of
Rancho Mirage)
Outside Jurisdiction (City
of Rancho Mirage)
MISC 22-0010 – Del Taco Façade Improvement
Page 3 of 5
February 28, 2023
C. Project Description
The Applicant is requesting approval of a design review for a façade modification to an existing
Del Taco drive-through restaurant. The project was previously brought before the ARC on
June 28, 2022, and the item was continued to a date uncertain. In summarizing the ARC’s
comments, the Applicant was requested to revise the design of the light fixtures, revisit the
color palette, and provide a replacement for the removed awnings and branded artwork
(Reference Attachment #3).
On February 15, 2023, the Applicant submitted a revised plan set with the following
modifications:
Wall Light Fixtures
The three slatted wall light fixtures are constructed as illuminated cabinets mounted on the
southern, eastern, and western building facades. Each cabinet is made of a 5” x 3” x 3/16”
aluminum angle frame and 3” x 1” x 0.63” aluminum vertical slats painted black. Improved
design specifications show that the vertical slats are formed by alternating rear and front-
facing aluminum U-channels. The front-facing aluminum U-channels have a 6500K white LED
module fixed to the center with a green translucent vinyl lens. The nighttime rendering
captures the effect of the green vinyl lens on the light output. Additionally, the size of all the
fixtures were reduced to a 6 1/2" x 13 1/4" rectangle with a maximum surface area of 75
square feet. The wall light fixtures project a maximum of five (5) inches from the building
fascia.
Paint Colors
The exterior paint color palette was modified and reduced to two colors. The primary building
color and cornice are painted Benjamin Moore (BM) #2154-70 Vanilla Ice Cream, and the
wainscotting and building trim are painted Sherwin-Williams (SW) #0077 Classic French Gray.
Under the direction of the ARC, the Applicant removed the accent colors and painted banding
to allow paint color changes to occur only when there is a change in the building plane or
architectural elevation.
Awnings and Arches
The project proposes removing the existing awnings and branded artwork along the northern
and southern elevations. Despite the ARC's recommendation to reincorporate these
elements, no new features are shown. Additionally, the Applicant revised the arch reliefs to
include the existing crosshatched design.
ANALYSIS
Development Standards
The project is subject to the development standards set forth by the Palm Desert Municipal Code
(PDMC) for the Planned Commercial (P.C.-3) zoning district. The project does not propose any
changes to the site plan, landscape plan, or existing parking facilities. All modifications are limited
to the exterior façade, and no structural alterations to the site are required to facilitate those
changes.
MISC 22-0010 – Del Taco Façade Improvement
Page 4 of 5
February 28, 2023
ZONING ORDINANCE SUMMARY
Revisions to retail and commercial facades are subject to review and approval of a design review
by the Architectural Review Commission pursuant to PDMC Section 25.68.020 (A)(1) and (A)(2).
Findings for ARC decisions of design review applications are listed under PDMC Section
25.68.040 as follows:
A. That the proposed development conforms to any legally adopted development standards.
The proposed project is in conformance with the legally adopted development standards
set forth by the PDMC for the P.C.-3 zoning district. Modifications to the site consist of
paint color changes and new signage on an existing building. The existing building was
approved per Case No. PP/CUP 01-30, by adopted City Council Resolution No. 03-27.
The proposed modifications do not alter the building size or use; therefore, it is deemed
conforming.
B. That the design and location of the proposed development and its relationship to
neighboring existing or proposed developments and traffic is such that it will not impair the
desirability of investment or occupation in the neighborhood; and that it will not
unreasonably interfere with the use and enjoyment of neighboring existing or proposed
developments and that it will not create traffic hazards or congestion.
The restaurant building is located within the Desert Gateway commercial center and is
subject to the Desert Gateway Design and Signage Guidelines. The design guidelines
regulate all building materials, color, form, scale, and signage for conformance with the
Santa Barbara Mission architectural style. The proposed modifications include an exterior
paint color change and new cabinet light fixtures. The color palette utilizes neutral colors
(white and gray) that are compatible with the surrounding development. Although Classic
French Gray is not listed in the design guidelines, the color's strategic placement maintains
visual continuity and balance. Therefore, the paint color would not detract from the
shopping center's desirability. The exterior light fixtures are unique within the context of
the Desert Gateway center. If conditioned appropriately to limit glare and lumen output,
the design may not affect the desirability of the center. The project is not expected to
generate traffic hazards or congestion as the scope of work is limited to the exterior
facade.
C. That the design and location of the proposed development is in keeping with the character
of the surrounding neighborhood and is not detrimental to the harmonious, orderly, and
attractive development contemplated by this title and the General Plan of the City.
The proposed exterior paint colors and wall light fixtures are consistent with the Desert
Gateway design guidelines and the physical characteristics of regional retail districts in
the General Plan. The color palette is subtle and appropriately applied to complement the
existing treatments and details of the building; therefore, it is in keeping with the
surrounding commercial center. Although different from the wall sconces typical of the
Santa Barbara Mission architecture style, the wall light fixtures are modified in scale to
maintain visual balance and harmony. As well as painted to match the building.
MISC 22-0010 – Del Taco Façade Improvement
Page 5 of 5
February 28, 2023
D. The design and location of the proposed development would provide a desirable
environment for its occupants, as well as for its neighbors and that it is aesthetically of
good composition, materials, textures, and colors.
The proposed color palette is compatible with the existing buildings in the Desert Gateway
center and maintains the balance and visual coordination required by the design
guidelines. However, the wall light fixtures are unlike the aesthetic of the Santa Barbara
Mission architecture style. The illuminated cabinets are constructed of aluminum to form
a slatted wall design that mimics contemporary architecture. The light fixtures act as
decorative tower elements, which are not listed in the approved façade treatments of the
design guidelines.
E. That the proposed use conforms to all the requirements of the zone in which it is located
and all other applicable requirements.
The proposed project conforms with the legally adopted development standards of the
PDMC for the Planned Commercial zoning district, including the restaurant land use and
built form. A summary of the conformance with these development standards is included
above.
F. That the overall development of the land shall be designed to ensure the protection of the
public health, safety, and general welfare
All the modifications proposed in this project are limited to the exterior building façade.
These modifications will not alter the land use, site plan, landscape plan, or parking
facilities. The project preserves pedestrian walkways and connections to the right-of-way
and does not obscure views or unduly detract from other buildings in the center. Therefore,
it does not present any adverse impacts to the protection of the public health, safety, and
general welfare.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff finds that the exterior color scheme modifications comply with the Desert Gateway Design
and Signage Guidelines and that the revised design of the three light fixtures is compatible with
the existing center. Staff recommends that the ARC determine the requirements of the findings
have been met and approve the design review with the following condition of approval:
1. The Applicant shall bring the existing landscape into conformance with PDMC
25.52.060 and ensure that all missing, dead, dying, or significantly injured trees or
plant material is replaced.
Any modifications required by the ARC should be added to the motion as conditions of approval.
Attachment: 1. Project Plans (February 28 ARC)
2. Project Plans (June 28 ARC)
3. ARC Notice of Action dated July 12, 2022
4. Applicant Response Memorandum dated February 9, 2023
5. Desert Gateway Design & Signage Guidelines
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ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
NOTICE OF ACTION
July 12, 2022
Insignia Rising
P.O. Box 2918
Fullerton, CA 92837
Subject: Consideration of a design review for a façade modification to an existing Del-
Taco drive-through restaurant located at 34540 Monterey Avenue.
The Architectural Review Commission of the City of Palm Desert considered your request and
took the following action at its meeting of June 28, 2022:
By Minute Motion, the Architectural Review Commission continued Case No. MISC22-0010
subject to the following: 1) Revise the elevations so that paint color changes occur where
building plane changes or architectural projections occur; 2) Revisit unfilled arch reliefs to
incorporate additional design elements such as a color change, awnings, or art; 3) Provide
exhibits which more clearly depict the proposed light boxes, including but not limited to a night
time photo simulation of the building exterior; 4) Explore options which would allow for more
harmonious architectural design between proposed light boxes and the Gateway Center
Mission Style theme such as reducing size and increasing spacing between edge of box and
building fascia; 5) Revisit color palette to incorporate colors which are compatible with the
approved color palette and architectural theme for Desert Gateway; 6) Explore other design
options for the slatted wall light fixture; and 7) Provide a replacement awning, or other design
element, where awnings are proposed for removal. The motion carried with a 5-0 vote. (AYES:
Lambell, Latkovic, McAuliffe, Van Vliet, and Vuksic; NOES: None; ABSENT: McIntosh).
Any appeal of the above action may be made in writing to the City Clerk of the City of Palm Desert
within 15 days of the date of the decision.
If you have any questions, please contact Associate Planner, Nick Melloni, at (760) 346-0611,
Extension 479 or nmelloni@cityofpalmdesert.org.
Sincerely,
ROSIE LUA, SECRETARY
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
cc: File
February 9, 2023
MISC22-0010 Del Taco Notice of Action
Rosie Lua, Secretary
Architectural Review Commission
Response to the July 12, 2022, Architectural Review Commission Palm Desert Modification:
The following actions have been taken to conform with the Architectural Review Commission guidance:
1. Elevation colors changes have been removed per guidance.
2. Unfilled arches have a hatched design, now featured.
3. Nighttime examples & enhanced detail of the light box have been added to the design presentation.
4. Light boxes have been reduced in scale to confirm with sign square footage allowance & to not interfere
with the mission style architecture.
5. Building color has been modified to utilize Desert Gateway approved “Vanilla Ice Cream” on all primary
building surfaces.
6. Slatted wall elements have been reduced in scale & appearance, now incorporated into the sign square
footage allowance.
7. Awnings have been eliminated from the building which makes the architecture appear more in line with
the surrounding architecture.
Sincerely,
David Conners
Hilton Displays LLC
CITY OF PALM DESERTATTENDANCE REPORTAdvisory Body: Architectural Review CommissionPrepared By:Year 2023 2022MonthDate 10-Jan 24-Jan 14-Feb 22-Feb 8-Mar 22-Mar 12-Apr 26-Apr 10-May 24-May 14-Jun 28-Jun 12-Jul 26-Jul 9-Aug 23-Aug 13-Sep 27-Sep 11-Oct 25-Oct 8-Nov22-Nov 13-Dec 27-DecColvard, Dean WallacePP-PPPPPPAP-11Latkovic, NicholasPP-P- PPP P P PP- - - PPPPPP P P -00McAuliffe, MichaelPP-P- PPPA P PP- - - PAPPPP P P -22McIntosh, JamesPP-P- P PA P P PA- - - P PAPPA A P -55Sanchez, FranciscoPP-PPPPP P P -00Vuksic, JohnPA-P- PPP P P PP- - - PPPPPP P A -22Vacancy00Palm Desert Municipal Code 2.34.010:2023M. Gonzalez2022 2022Twice Monthly: Six unexcused absences from regular meetings in any twelve-month period shall constitute an automatic resignation of members holding office on boards that meet twice monthly.Total Unexcused AbsencesJan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep2022 20222022 2022 2022Total AbsencesOct Nov Dec2022 2022 2022