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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1983-07-26 MINUTES PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY - JULY 26, 1983 2:00 P.M. - CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER I. The meeting was called to order at 2:30 P.M. Members Present: Ron Gregory Rick Holden Charles Martin Bernie Leung Member Absent: Al Cook Staff Present: Ramon A. Diaz Stan Sawa Patricia Armitage On a motion by Commissioner Holden, seconded by Commissioner Martin, the minutes of the July 12, 1983, meeting were approved as written. Motion carried unanimously 4-0. II. CASES: A. Final Drawings: 1. CASE NO: 177 C APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): DENNY'S, INC., 16-700 Valley View, La Mirada, CA 90637. NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval to remodel an existing restaurant and sign approval. LOCATION: Northwest corner of Highway 111 and Monterey. ZONE: C-1, S.P. Mr. Diaz reviewed the staff report and indicated that the commission had expressed concern at the study session over the landscape plan and selection of the planting materials used. The elevations were acceptable. Chairman Gregory felt a design providing a more attractive impact from the street should be presented. The trees should relate to the town center trees. Commissioner Leung recommended that the north side be softened with more landscaping. The existing concrete on the north side of the building could be replaced with planters. Commissioner Martin agreed that the landscaping should tie-in with the town center. Regarding the signs, Commissioner Leung indicated that he would like to see the yellow background on the signs toned down to an off-white or tan with a dark black frame and that the signage should relate more to the Palm Desert Town Center. Chairman Gregory stated that everyone should not be forced to use one particular band of colors. It would be a good idea to allow a toned down yellow instead of all the signs in the city being brown, rust and ivory. Mr. Ron McKenzie, representing Heath Sign Company of Los Angeles, indicated that he understood the commissioners' objectives - 1 - t ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES JULY 26, 1983 CASE NO. 177 C - DENNY'S RESTAURANT (CONTINUED): in the color selection since he is aware that the desert community appreciates earth tones but agreed with Chairman Gregory that everything should not be rust, ivory and brown. He felt an agreement could be reached over another selection of colors. Relative to the signs he asked if the problem concerning the east facing sign had been resolved. Mr. Diaz responded that it was city owned property that had been turned over to the redevelopment agency and it is not a parking lot. The east facing sign would not be permitted; however, the detached ground sign would take care of the westbound traffic. Commissioner Martin recommended a sign be placed facing the north side. The commissioners were concerned over the sign colors. After discussing the various alternatives Mr. McKenzie agreed with staff's selection of Nos. 2380, 2325 and 2418 and indicated that he would relay the message to the applicant. There was also some concern over the size of the letters on the parapet sign. The applicant indicated that they are standard sized letters which are mass produced for all the Denny's Restaurants. Commissioner Holden asked if the parapet height could be increased a couple of inches. Mr. McKenzie replied that this matter was out of his jurisdiction. Mr. Diaz recommended that the size of the letters on the parapet signs be a maximum of 20 inches. On a motion by Commissioner Holden seconded by Commissioner Martin, the final plans for the elevations were approved. In terms of the landscape plan, a more detailed plan should be submitted with special attention and information being given to the view of the building from the north side. The trees utilized on this project should tie-in with those used at the Palm Desert Town Center and all other material shown shall be called out. The signs were approved with the letters on the parapet being a maximum height of 20 inches utilizing a 2325 yellow and the freestanding sign shall have a background of 2325 yellow. The word Denny's will be in 2380 rust and the other lettering will be in 2418 brown. Motion carried unanimously 4-0. 2. CASE NO: 176 C APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): PALM DESERT BOARD OF REALTORS, 73-647 Highway 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260 and WILLIAM SEXTON, 71-537 Highway 111, RANCHO MIRAGE, CA 92270. NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of plans for an office building. LOCATION: West side of Monterey Avenue, opposite west end of Guadalupe Avenue. ZONE: R-2, S.P. - 2 - ' 1 7 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES JULY 26, 1983 CASE NO. 176 C - PALM DESERT BOARD OF REALTORS (CONTINUED) Mr. Diaz reviewed the staff report indicating that staff would recommend approval of the final plans for this case provided the perimeter walls adjacent to the front property line are relocated in accordance with the municipal code and the matter of the gap in the south wall is adequately addressed as well as the roof mounted equipment. The commissioners discussed this case and on a motion by Commissioner Martin, seconded by Commissioner Leung, the final working drawings were approved subject to the concerns indicated in the staff report being resolved; the air-conditioning units being relocated so that they are screened by the parapet and that those drawings be resubmitted for staff review and approval. Motion carried unanimously 3-0-1, Chairman Gregory abstained. B.Preliminary Plans: 1. CASE NO: 244 MF APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): SAN PABLO PROPERTIES, LTD., c/o M.B. JOHNSON PROPERTIES, 400 West Tustin Avenue, Suite 231, Santa Ana, CA 92703. NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of plans for a 442 unit residential development. LOCATION: Northwest corner of San Pascual and Fred Waring Drive. ZONE: PR-7, S.P. Mr. Diaz indicated that staff would recommend approval of the plans as submitted subject to the conditions set forth in the report and with the addition that a more permanent material or redesign of the windows utilizing cloth awning material shall be submitted to the commission for approval. Mr. Pete Pitassi, project architect for Kiyotoki and Associates was present to represent this case. He asked for clarification on the additional condition that was discussed at the study session. Mr. Diaz indicated that the commissioners were concerned over the use of two blue awnings made of canvas shown on the plans for the rear elevation on the single-family detached. Mr. Pitassi indicated that this was correct, they would be made of a premanufactured canvas. Mr. Diaz stated that the commissioners felt the canvas material would not last the awnings would then be taken down and the screening of those windows provided by the awnings would not be available; therefore, perhaps a more permanent material or a redesign of that elevation to provide better shading of the windows was recommended. Mr. Pitassi inquired if the concern was the longevity of the canvas material. He indicated that they would review the matter but they had previously used that company's awnings on the Hidden Palms Project and there have been no problems with them so far. He asked if they would have to resubmit the revisions through staff. Mr. Diaz replied that the revisions would have to be submitted to staff for review by the commission. Mr. Pitassi asked if he would be able to proceed. - 3 - ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES JULY 26, 1983 CASE NO. 244 MF - SAN PABLO PROPERTIES (CONTINUED): Mr. Diaz replied that the final working drawings would have to take this change into account. Commissioner Leung stated the west side of the project should have a solid wall. He felt that since every project going through this commission has been required to have one, this should not be the exception. Mr. Diaz indicated that it would have a chain link fence with landscaping. Chairman Gregory indicated that if the chain link fence is adequately landscaped and irrigated, it might look acceptable. He then asked why the chain link fence was not allowed adjacent to the civic center. Mr. Diaz replied that the purpose of the wall is to keep the impact of the more extensive development within that development as much as possible. In this case the potential uses that will be going in will be more intensive. He would not recommend a masonry wall around a public park because he felt it would be covered with graffiti, this is why a landscaped chain link fence was required. Chairman Gregory asked for the exact location of the chain link fence and if it would be provided along the San Pascual Channel. Mr. Diaz replied that it would be on the west side along the public park and the Y.M.C.A. and the masonry wall would be adjacent to the civic center. He indicated that the developer would not want people from the park looking into the development; therefore, he would make sure that it was properly landscaped. Chairman Gregory asked Mr. Pitassi if the developer would be willing to put in a block wall. Mr. Pitassi replied that the developer would concur with staff's recommendation. On a motion by Commissioner Martin, seconded by Commissioner Holden, the preliminary plans for the elevations were approved subject to the following conditions as listed in the staff report and added Condition No. 3: 1. Construction plans shall be submitted for approval to the city fire marshal prior to issuance of building permits. All conditions shall be made a part of construction and no certificate of occupancy shall be issued until completed. 2. Final construction drawings, including a final landscaping, grading, lighting, amenities, trash storage, walkway layout, irrigation plans and sign program shall be submitted to the architectural commission. No final inspection or occupancy permit shall be given by the department of environmental services to this project until the aforementioned approved plans and construction shall have been completed. 3. The material on the awnings shall be changed to a more permanent means of construction or be redesigned and submitted for approval. Commissioner Holden wished to emphasize that if a window covering is needed for shade it should not be an awning. Mr. Pitassi indicated that the awnings fulfilled several functions, one being shade the other that it was an architectural element on the elevation adding a different color to the palette of the building. Motion carried 3-1, Commissioner Leung voting against. - 4 - ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES JULY 26. 1983 CASE NO: 243 MF APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): ONE QUAIL PLACE, P.O. Box 6000-333, Palm Desert, CA 92261. NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of plans for a 384 unit residential development. LOCATION: North side Fred Waring, south of Parkview, east of Palm Valley Channel. ZONE: AHD - PR-22, S.P. Mr. Diaz indicated that this item was discussed during the study session. The staff recommendation is that preliminary approval be granted subject to the five conditions set forth in the staff report and the added condition that the applicant shall submit a preliminary landscape plan indicating the material to be used, quantity and location. It was clarified by Mr. Diaz that when the original approval was presented to the planning commission the question was raised as to whether or not a six foot high solid masonry wall should be required adjacent to the flood control channel. He stated that since the only use along the channel will be for parking, the applicant would like to place a chain link fence with landscaping along the channel. The condition for the planning commission approval of this project was that "the project would provide a minimum six foot high masonry wall along all of the interior propertyline and a minimum three foot masonry wall along Parkview Avenue and Fred Waring Drive, or as approved by the architectural review commission to specifically decide on the issue adjacent to the flood control channel". There is a chain link fence along the San Pascual Channel which is narrower than the Palm Valley Channel; therefore, staff felt it would be appropriate to approve the plans as submitted. Commissioner Holden indicated that it was his understanding that there was a requirement that a swimming pool be surrounded by a six foot wall. Mr. Diaz replied that the city had not adopted the state code requiring swimming pool screening but the building department would take care of that. He understood what Commissioner Holden meant that if the outside perimeter area is not fenced off then the pool itself should be, this would be taken care of by the building department. Commissioner Holden asked if there was a setback requirement for the storage building. Mr. Diaz replied that the building will have to be cut back. Commissioner Holden noted that the carports are not weather protected and stated that at one time the definition of a carport had been discussed and it was noted that the city did not consider it to be four posts with a roof over it. The city requires that it be enclosed on three sides. Mr. Dennis Martin, applicant was present and indicated that the carports would have solid roofs over them. Mr. Diaz reminded the commission that the project is in a planned residential zone and some of the requirements can be waived as a result of the approval of the development plan. Referring to Condition No. 5 which states that "the site plan be revised in accordance with the conditions of the precise plan approval and the recent parking ordinance amendments", Commissioner Martin asked what had happened to the site plan. - 5 - ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES JULY 26, 1983 CASE NO. 243 MF - ONE QUAIL PLACE (CONTINUED): Mr. Diaz indicated that when the applicant had submitted the plan, additional parking requirements were less as presently set forth in the code. Parking requirements were subsequently increased; therefore, additional parking may have to be provided. As a result of the development agreement which is going to be executed to provide low and moderate income housing, that particular development standard can be modified as a result of the contract between the applicant and the city; therefore Condition No. 5 was necessary to take into account any eventuality. He added that the additional parking if provided will not really impact the overall layout that much. Commissioner Leung asked if Fred Waring Drive would have a three foot berm. Mr. Diaz replied that it would have a three foot masonry wall. The final landscape and grading plan would indicate this. Mr. Diaz indicated that when the parking ordinance went through there was some confusion over the count and requirements. The reason the applicant was required to provide additional parking was that the parking requirments for a one bedroom unit was increased from a ratio of lye to 1 to 2 to 1. Commissioner Leung asked if condominium requirements were different. Mr. Diaz indicated that condominiums were impacted when the ordinance was changed in that parking on private streets is no longer allowed to be computed to meet the off-street parking requirements. Mr. Martin, indicated that he was present to request a general plan configuration, approval of entry points, parking locations, building elevations and anything necessary to go into working drawings. In addition, although not on the plans he requested that they be allowed to use mounding and meandering walkways on both Parkview and Fred Waring Drive. Regarding the parking, Mr. Martin indicated that he had designedin exactly the same driveway configuration of two to one parking using all standard parking spaces throughout the site. It does reduce some of the green area in the parking area but he has complied with the city requirements. Mr. Martin further requested that the concept of streams and meandering walkways throughout the project be addressed and also the location of the recreation facilities and the approval thereof and if the general concept is acceptable to the commission, then he would like to propose that rather than submitting preliminary landscape plans that he be permitted to submit full working drawings with the knwoledge that if there are extensive changes required due to palette, size or quantity that we would have to bare the cost of those changes and at that time, he would also submit final lighting plans. He would also submit all of the colors and materials but would like to propose that red mission tile be used. Regarding the three foot wall along Fred Waring and Parkview Mr. Diaz indicated the code requires that the parking areas be screened by a three foot wall, mound or landscaping. Staff's experience has been that mounding is generally less than three feet and landscaping is less than full screening when submitted; however, if the commission wishes to modify that condition subject to the final landscape plan, then that can be presented and the board can approve it. Commissioner Gregory did not support the need for a continuous three foot wall because if landscaping is required to be three feet high it would screen the parking area. - 6 - vwr ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES JULY 26, 1983 CASE NO. 243 MF - ONE QUAIL PLACE (CONTINUED) Mr. Martin asked if there could be a reverse approval where he would only be required to provide a three foot wall if he can't adequately demonstrate that through mounding and landscaping the parking could not be adequately hidden. On a motion by Commissioner Holden, seconded by Commissioner Martin, the preliminary approval of plans was granted subject to the following five conditions as listed in the staff report and added conditions 6,7,8 and 9: 1. Construction plans shall be submitted for approval to the city fire marshal prior to issuance of building permits. All conditions shall be made a part of construction and no certificate of occupancy shall be issued until completed. 2. Final construction drawings, including a final landscaping, grading, lighting, amenities, trash storage, walkway layout, irrigation plans and sign program shall be submitted to the architectural review commission. No final inspection or occupancy permit shall be given by the department of environmental services to this project until the aforementioned approved plans and construction shall have been completed. 3. The landscape plans shall include details of the perimeter walls and fences. 4. Plans shall be provided for the restrooms and storage buildings. 5. The site plan shall be revised in accordance with the conditions of the precise plan approval and the recent parking ordinance amendments. 6. A preliminary landscape plan shall be provided, outlining material, quantity and location prior to the final landscape plan being submitted. 7. A chain link fence shall be permitted adjacent to the westerly property line along the flood control channel. 8. Planting shall be provided along the entire boundary. 9. The storage building shall meet city setback requirements. Motion carried unanimously 4-0. 3. CASE NO: 190 C APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): FLYING J, INC., P.O. Box 678 Brigham City, Utah 84302. NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of plans for a new convenience store and service station. LOCATION: Southeast corner of Highway 111 and Fred Waring Drive. ZONE: PC-4, S.P. Mr. Diaz indicated that this case had been discussed at the study session and the commission had decided that the landscaping would have to be more extensive in order to make the facility more compatible with projected uses in that area. - 7 - w ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES JULY 26, 1983 CASE NO. 190 C - FLYING J, INC. (CONTINUED) Commissioner Holden felt the metal fascia and panel on the three sides should be made the same on the fourth side, Commissioner Leung agreed. The commissioners agreed that since it is such an important corner, there should be heavy landscaping to help screen the building. Chairman Gregory stated that a lot of the material used for the landscaping is not common to this area, the main problem is that it is deciduous and is being used in large quantities. In this area people prefer evergreen. Desidous shrubbery is almost never used in this area because of the nature of this community, it would be bare at the time when most people are in the area and it is important that the window of this town look attractive. The bottle brush trees shown are very narrow, they should be increased or another tree should be selected. He did not recommend the use of groundcover in a large area because in a couple of years it would become woody and die out in certain spots due to the climate. As turf is being used at the rear, he would rcommend switching turf with some other complementary annuals or perrennial flowering materials. Commissioner Martin indicated that it was a nonarchitectural building and did not see any problem with the elevations except for the fascia on the back elevation. He would like to see trees along the elevations hiding the fascia. Commissioner Leung asked if it would be a new building. He indicated that it wouldn't be impossible to design an attractive gas station and pointed out the Chevron Gas Station at the Palms to Pines Center as an example. Chairman Gregory agreed with Commissioner Leung that there are some attractive gas stations. Commissioner Holden indicated that there might be some potential problems too with the screening of the air-conditioning and heating equipment. Chairman Gregory indicated that if the gas station was going to be approved on the basis of the landscaping being acceptable, he would be looking much more closely at the landscape plan expecting to see increased material, bigger material and far more attention to detail. He also stated there should be more maintenance systems to keep it looking good in the long run. He then asked if the applicant would be willing to go to the expense of upgrading the landscaping. Mr. John Tilford replied that he was sure the owner would prefer to spend the money on the landscaping than on the building. Commissioner Martin asked if the landscape plan was prepared locally. Mr. John Tilford replied that it was not. Chairman Gregory indicated that the material specified would not do well in this area and reiterated that the owner should take into consideration that it is important that the landscaping look good in the winter which is the city's busiest season. On a motion by Commissioner Leung, seconded by Commissioner Holden, the preliminary plan was approved subject to the following two conditions as listed in the staff report and added conditions 3,4,5, and 6: 1. Construction plans shall be submitted for approval to the city fire marshal prior to issuance of building permits. All conditions shall be made a part of construction and no certificate of occupancy shall be issued until completed. - 8 - ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES JULY 26, 1983 CASE NO. 190 C - FLYING J, INC (CONTINUED): 2. Final construction drawings, including a final landscaping, grading, lighting, amenities, trash storage, walkway layout, irrigation plans and sign program shall be submitted to the architectural commission. No final inspection or occupancy permit shall be given by the department of environmental services to this project until the aforementioned approved plans and construction shall have been completed. 3. The metal panel shall be the same on all four elevations. 4. Heavier landscaping shall be utilized to screen the interior area, said landscaping shall reflect the concerns raised at this meeting. 5. The applicant shall submit a preliminary landscape plan for approval. 6. Attention shall be given to screening of air-conditioning and heating equipment because it may be difficult to screen the material if mounted on the roof. Motion carried unanimously 4-0. III. DISCUSSION ITEMS: 1. Proposed Car Wash: Mr. Sawa indicated that the Palm Desert Town Center would be requesting approval of a conditional use permit for a car wash. The applicant would like to get the commissioners' input informally because they would like to submit plans for preliminary and final approval. Commissioner Martin felt the elevations didn't look strong enough, he indicated that there was too much red tile for that type of building. Chairman Gregory indicated that there should be a stronger fascia especially on the west side and he would like to see some form of landscaping along the blank wall areas. 2. Awnings at Igal's: Commissioner Martin indicated that the plans for this case had been lost and he would like to know if he could submit them individually to each member of the commission. The commissioners felt this would be acceptable. 3. Market Basket Center: Commissioner Holden stated that although the applicant had been requested to return the roof around the back, he had noticed that it comes right into the air- conditioning equipment sitting on the roof. Mr. Diaz indicated that there would be a building to cover it. 4. Terms of Office: Mr. Diaz reminded the commission that they had requested that numbers be drawn to decide their terms of office. - 9 - • \♦ ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES JULY 26, 1983 4. Terms of Office (Continued): Numbers were drawn and the following terms of office were selected: Commissioner Gregory 1 Year Commissioner Holden 2 Years Commissioner Leung 2 Years Commissioner Martin 4 Years Commissioner Cook 4 Years IV. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 4:15 P.M. MON A. DIAZ, Secretary /pa - 10 -