HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-09-09 ARC Regular Meeting MinutesARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
CITY OF PALM DESERT
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
1. CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the Architectural Review Commission was called to order by
Chairman McIntosh on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 12:33 p.m. in the Council
Chamber, City Hall, located at 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California.
2. ROLL CALL
3. NON--AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
4. BUSINESS ITEMS
4.a CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE A SIGN PROGRAM FOR AN EXISTING,
MULTITENANT COMMERCIAL BUILDING AT 72-171 HIGHWAY 111
Kayleen Aguirre, Assistant Planner, narrated a PowerPoint presentation and
responded to Commission inquiries.
In response to Commission inquiries, Carlos Flores, Deputy Director of
Development Services, clarified the conditions of continuance provided by the
Architectural Review Commission at its June 24, 2025, meeting.
Glenn Davis, Signarama, applicant, responded to Commission inquiries and
provided clarification regarding the number of tenant spaces and allowable
signage within the sign program.
Chair McIntosh opened the public comment period. There being no members of
the public desiring to speak, the public comment period was closed.
Docusign Envelope ID: 74C49139-0EF3-41F7-88FB-CE62B6BC47DC
Architectural Review Commission Regular Meeting
September 9, 2025
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Motion by: Commissioner Vuksic
Seconded by: Commissioner Sanchez
To approve the proposed sign program for an existing, multi-tenant commercial
building at 72-171 Highway 111, as presented.
Motion Carried (6 to 0)
4.b CONSIDERATION OF REVISED DESIGN REVIEW FOR A FAÇADE
MODIFICATION TO EXISTING STOREFRONT FOR RESTORATION
HARDWARE LOCATED AT 73100 EL PASEO, SUITES 3–10.
Payton Thomas, Assistant Planner, delivered a PowerPoint presentation and
responded to questions from the Commission.
Brian Foust, of Foust Architecture and project applicant, presented an overview
of the proposed project revisions.
David Fletcher, building owner's representative, expressed support for the
proposed revisions and addressed questions from the Commission.
Mike Resnik, RH Architects, provided clarification regarding landscaping
decisions at the rear of the building.
During the course of discussion, Commissioners expressed the following:
• Concerns about the proposed western elevation.
• Support for retaining the existing palm trees.
• Need for sconces or other design elements to the rear entrance to
enhance visual continuity with the front façade.
• Concerns about the recessed awnings, suggesting they be extended by
three feet to create greater architectural depth.
Motion by: Commissioner Vuksic
Seconded by: Commissioner Sanchez
To find that the revised project, Case No. MISC24-0023 (Revision), continues to
satisfy all findings required for design review approval, and to approve the
request subject to the following conditions:
1. The awnings shall be finished in “Heather Beige,” matching the provided
physical material sample.
2. The awning depth shall be increased to 36 inches.
3. Wall sconces shall be installed on either side of the back entry.
Motion Carried (6 to 0)
4.c CONSIDERATION OF A RECOMMENDATION TO PLANNING COMMISSION
FOR THE APPROVAL OF A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (CUP25-0004) FOR
Docusign Envelope ID: 74C49139-0EF3-41F7-88FB-CE62B6BC47DC
Architectural Review Commission Regular Meeting
September 9, 2025
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A NEW TEMPORARY MONOPOLE COMMUNICATION TOWER LOCATED AT
75178 GERALD FORD DR
Deputy Director Flores delivered a PowerPoint presentation and responded to
questions from the Commission.
Daisy Uy Kimpang, Associate Director of Verizon Southern California Division,
provided an overview of the intent for both the temporary and permanent
facilities, noting a target completion timeline of four to six months, and responded
to Commission inquiries.
Eric Fulsang of Fulsang Architecture, Inc. addressed questions regarding the
proposed movable landscaping elements, explaining the decision to maintain
plants in above-ground planter boxes to avoid disturbing the ground at the
temporary site.
During the course of discussion, Commissioners provided feedback and
suggested the addition of two 24-inch box shrubs in temporary containers along
the north and east sides of the temporary enclosure.
Motion by: Commissioner Sanchez
Seconded by: Commissioner Gregory
To determine that the requirements of the findings have been met based on the
analysis, and to approve the request with the addition of two 24-inch box shrubs
in temporary containers placed on the north and east sides of the temporary
enclosure, recommending approval of the request to the Planning Commission.
Motion Carried (6 to 0)
5. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
The Commission recessed at 1:53 p.m. and reconvened at 1:58 p.m. with six members
present.
5.a COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES
5.a.1 Cultural Arts Committee
None.
5.a.2 ARC Subcommittee
None.
5.b CITY STAFF
Deputy Director Flores reported the following:
• A joint study session with the Planning Commission on objective design
standards for the Hillside Area is tentatively scheduled for September 23,
2025.
Docusign Envelope ID: 74C49139-0EF3-41F7-88FB-CE62B6BC47DC
Architectural Review Commission Regular Meeting
September 9, 2025
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• The development community has requested a pre-application process for
ARC design review; staff is reviewing this option and will provide an
update at a future meeting.
• The City Council approved the appointment of Chris Escobedo as
permanent City Manager, pending contract finalization.
• The City Council voted to continue allowing decks on El Paseo under the
state mandates which expire in June 2026.
• Staff may return in early 2026 to propose an extension of the deck
program.
5.c ATTENDANCE REPORT
The attendance report was included with agenda materials; no action was taken.
6. REQUESTS FOR ACTION
None.
7. ADJOURNMENT
The Architectural Review Commission adjourned at 2:06 p.m.
8. PUBLIC NOTICES
_____________________________________
Monique Lomeli, CMC, Senior Deputy Clerk
Recording Secretary
__________________________________________
Carlos Flores, Deputy Director of Development Services
Staff Liaison
APPROVED: 10/14/2025
Docusign Envelope ID: 74C49139-0EF3-41F7-88FB-CE62B6BC47DC