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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-09-23 ARC PC Joint Study Session MinutesARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION & PLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF PALM DESERT JOINT STUDY SESSION MINUTES - *Commissioner Gregory arrived at 12:34 p.m. 1. CALL TO ORDER - STUDY SESSION A Joint Study Session of the Palm Desert Architectural Review Commission and Planning Commission was called to order by Deputy Director of Development Services Carlos Flores on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. in the Administrative Conference Room, City Hall, located at 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California. 2. STUDY SESSION TOPICS 2.1 UPDATE ON THE HILLSIDE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS Carlos Flores, Deputy Director of Development Services, provided an overview of the Hillside Objective Design Standards (ODS) and the objectives of the study session. Consultants John Kaliski and Amee Bhatt delivered presentations on the draft standards and responded to Commission inquiries. During discussion, Commissioners provided the following feedback: Viewshed and Aesthetics • Emphasize preservation of viewsheds, particularly from public rights-of- way. • Clarify and enhance ridgeline and scenic corridor protections. • Consider including a viewshed protection ordinance or more robust viewshed-related objectives. Docusign Envelope ID: 74C49139-0EF3-41F7-88FB-CE62B6BC47DC Joint Architectural Review Commission and Planning Commission Study Session Minutes September 23, 2025 2 Grading and Slope • Provide clearer direction on how grading limits apply (absolute, net, or to cut/fill individually). • Address potential unintended consequences (e.g., pushing development further upslope) and allow for discretionary action near public lands, roads, or easements. • Clarify the application of slope analysis and definition/use of ridgelines. Design Standards & Flexibility • Concerns about rigid application of standards potentially stifling strong design. • Consider introducing a clear section on exceptions and flexibility for unique site constraints. • Ensure the intent and purpose of each standard are communicated to allow for thoughtful interpretation. • Provide mechanisms for terraced or creative design approaches, especially on irregular lots. • Explore whether certain walls exceeding length limits could be allowed with exceptional design quality. Solar and Sustainability Features • Refine guidelines for solar panel placement and visibility; consider requiring south- or west-facing installations to reduce visibility. • Reevaluate setbacks for solar panels, especially the 24-inch minimum clearance; possibly increase for better performance and aesthetics. • Clarify and refine language around solar-related shading, correcting errors and ensuring appropriate sun exposure considerations. Landscape and Fencing • Define the intent behind fencing and wall limitations; ensure they support open landscape goals while still addressing functional use. • Avoid dense planting arrangements that create unintended barriers, especially where hedges are discouraged. • Clarify language in landscape sections to better reflect the balance between natural preservation and design flexibility. Design Exceptions and Discretion • Add explicit language on the process for exceptions to standards. Docusign Envelope ID: 74C49139-0EF3-41F7-88FB-CE62B6BC47DC Joint Architectural Review Commission and Planning Commission Study Session Minutes September 23, 2025 3 • Consider whether exceptions should be reviewed by the ARC or PC, rather than left to staff discretion, to ensure consistency and design integrity. • Address concerns about planner turnover and the risk of inconsistent interpretations. • Emphasize the importance of upholding design quality even when objective standards are technically met. Technical and Formatting Issues • Correct language and typos (e.g., shading times on west-facing walls). • Clarify technical standards such as Section 2.1.4 (Major Ridgeline Protection) and Section 2.4.13 (building wall length limitations). • Ensure utility visibility is addressed; undergrounding requirements should be explicit. • Refine terminology for features like “shade,” “solids,” and “secondary allowances” for better clarity. Implementation Considerations • Consider testing or applying the standards to existing local designs to evaluate real-world applicability. • Strengthen communication of the ODS to other departments, including Code Compliance, to support enforcement. • Ensure consistency with existing zoning, especially for the roughly 100 parcels within the Hillside Planned Residential Zone. 3. ADJOURNMENT The Joint Study Session adjourned at 2:19 p.m. 4. PUBLIC NOTICES _______________________________ Monique Lomeli, 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