HomeMy WebLinkAboutColor Control s CITY COUNCIT 'ACTION:
I NTEROFF ICE MEMORANDtI ,/- 'l 9_142.4.al /
City of Palm Desert /4 L / lzy .A;
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: :'AIN ,y dim QTO: City Manager and City Council Wi .LF'IED
Original on File le wi;,h City Clerk's Off .
FROM: Director of Community Development/Planning
DATE: January 14, 198g OZL*
SUBJECT: Color Control
Staff has been instructed to examine the feasibility of color control on
repainting of commercial and residential structures.
In this report I shall endeavor to first, identify current procedures and
controls; secondly, focus on the problems, and thirdly, setforth a recommended
course of action.
Color controls can be established and under current procedures all new
construction and major remodels have their colors and materials approved by
the city's architectural commission. Minor remodels and single family
residences are reviewed at the staff level . When an individual is merely
repainting his business or residence there are currently no approvals required.
This procedure is not unusual and is prevalent in cities having architectural
boards (i .e. Beverly Hills and Santa Barbara) . There are committees which at
one time controlled residential colors in their community limiting them to
white or off-white ( i .e. either Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates or Palos
Verdes Estates) . Some cities have established overlay areas where colors are
limited to a specific hue or range ( i .e. earth tones, brown, off-white or
beige, City of West Covina Civic Center Overlay Zone) .
What generally prevents persons from re-painting their businesses or
residences, what might be considered a loud or garish color, is peer pressure
and good taste. However, since color is a matter of individual taste there
might be occasions that buildings are painted chartreuse and yellow.
Presently, there has been concern raised with repainting of some commercial
buildings to white; and some concern has been raised with homes that have been
painted. But it should be pointed out that there is no universal agreement
that these re-paintings are objectionable. Furthermore, on occasion the
department has found itself on the middle of a neighborhood disagreement in
which the color of one party's home becomes a battle point.
Can the city require permits and approval of structure re-paintings? Yes.
Should such an ordinance be put in place? Well . . .
First of all , because painting permits are not generally required, people will
repaint without thinking twice. So an extensive information program will be
required.
• CITY MANAGER AND CITY COUNCIL
COLOR CONTROL
JANUARY 14, 1987
Secondly, while informing licensed painters may be easy, residents will be
difficult. In addition, unless there is a constant reminder residents will
tend to forget. Finally, even with city approvals it does not assure that
one's neighbor will be happy with the colors authorized.
Thirdly, whenever a permit process and inspection are created, there is an
expectancy that quality of workmanship is part of that inspection process. It
must be clearly stated that the purpose of the color approval process is not
to assure a quality of workmanship, but rather a specific color. To be blunt,
the city cannot place itself in the position of saying we' ll guarantee a good
quality workmanship.
Staff would strongly recommend that outside of hillside areas that we permit
homeowners associations through their CC&R's to control repainting of
residential areas. In the hillside areas because of one limited number of
units, their potential city-wide impact and virtual impossibility to establish
a homeowner's group.
Recommendation:
In order to resolve some of the concerns that have surfaced recently, the
following ordinance changes could be created:
1. Require that in the city's commercial zones any change in color must be
approved by the architectural commission.
2. In the Hillside Planned Residential zones homes must be either beige,
light brown, or earth tone.
MON A. DIAZ
DIRECTOR OF COMM ITY DEVELOPMENT/PLANNING
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