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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-06-25 f MINUTES PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 25, 1996 ***************************************************************** I . CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 12 :20 p.m. Commissioners Present: Current Meeting Year to Date Present Absent Present Absent Richard Holden X 18 1 Frank Urrutia X 17 2 Chris Van Vliet X 17 2 Wayne Connor X 16 3 Richard O'Donnell X 19 0 Ronald Gregory (excused) X 17 2 Staff Present: Steve Smith Steve Buchanan Daisy Garcia Donna Bitter II . APPROVAL OF MINUTES: It was moved by Commissioner Urrutia, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to approve the minutes of the June 11, 1996 meeting as submitted. Motion carried 5-0 . III . CASES: A. Final Drawings: 1. CASE NO. : 4604 SA APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS) : SIGN-A-RAMA, USA for MASS MUTUAL, 41-905 Boardwalk, Suite "U" , Palm Desert, CA 92211; SWANSON FINANCIAL GROUP, L.P. , 73-261 Highway 111, Suite 6, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of revised business identification signage LOCATION: 73-261 Highway 111, Suite 6 ZONE: C-1 S.P. Steve Smith presented the plans noting that the applicant is asking to change the previously approved signage. He showed where the commission approved the Tarbell signage in red and the approved Mass Mutual in red and white. MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 25, 1996 The new proposed signage will change to blue with a change in the name adding "The Blue Chip Co. " . Commissioner O'Donnell asked if the letter size would remain the same. The applicant indicated that the letter size would be the same with a white background, black copy, and a blue chip. Action: It was moved by Commissioner O'Donnell, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to approve the revised business identification signage as submitted. Motion carried 5-0 . 2. CASE NO. : 4662 SA APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS) : PALMS TO PINES CANVAS for TREASURE HOUSE, 69 Pinyon Pines, Mountain Center, CA 92561 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of awning with signage LOCATION: 73-199 E1 Paseo, Suite C ZONE: C-1 Steve Smith presented the plans and material sample. The applicant, Ernie Brooks, indicated that it would be a painted on sign and therefore the lighting will not be a factor. Mr. Smith indicated that the awning would be 32 ' long, 4 ' high, projects 4 feet, and has two menu signs (gifts and antiques) . Mr. Brooks indicated that all the letters will be 8 inches high. Commissioner Urrutia felt that the menu signs should be smaller than the name of the business . Action: It was moved by Commissioner O'Donnell, seconded by Commissioner Connor, to approve the awning subject to a maximum of 8" letters for "Treasure House" and 6" letters for the menu signs . Motion carried 5-0 . 2 MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 25, 1996 3. CASE NO. : 4663 SA APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS) : PALMS TO PINES CANVAS for SHANNON MARTIN, 69 Pinyon Pines, Mountain Center, CA 92561 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of awning LOCATION: 73-200 E1 Paseo, Suite 1B ZONE: C-1 Steve Smith presented the drawings of the proposed awnings . The applicant, Ernie Brooks, indicated that an awning was approved a couple months ago for this business and was installed as approved. They are now removing this awning and replacing it with the proposed awning as well as 7 other small awnings which will be over each window. There is no signage on the awnings . Action: It was moved by Commissioner Van Vliet, seconded by Commissioner Connor, to approve the awnings as submitted without signage. Motion carried 5-0 . 4. CASE NO. : 4667 SA APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS) : PALMS TO PINES CANVAS for BIG A AUTO PARTS/PASTA JOES, 69 Pinyon Pines, Mountain Center, CA 92561 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of awning with signage LOCATION: 73-460 Highway 111 ZONE: C-1 Steve Smith presented the drawings for the proposed awning at the northwest corner of San Pablo Avenue and Highway 111 . There is a Big A Auto Parts on the corner with Pasta Joes at one end. The applicant, Ernie Brooks, indicated that they are asking for approval of 24" for the striping and 40" for the white. He indicated that there is burgundy striping on the original awning now. 3 MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 25, 1996 Commissioner Holden expressed how the awning should enhance the architecture of the building but now they are asking to change it to more of a typical awning. Commissioner O'Donnell felt that . Papa Joes should have the same striping instead of the proposed green. Commissioner Urrutia felt that with the way they are proposing the awning, it should be one major color all the way around, similar to what is there now. Mr. Brooks asked for an increase in the size of the banding from 6" to 12" and will ask his customer if he can stay with the burgundy. Commissioner Urrutia indicated that the banding size would depend on what it looks like. Action: It was moved by Commissioner Urrutia, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to deny the awning proposal as submitted as it becomes an overwhelming element that does not tie in architecturally with the building. Motion carried 5-0. 5. CASE NO. : 4666 SA APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS) : RIOFINE NEON for COLUMBIA CENTER, 3500 Tachevah, Unit D, Palm Springs, CA 92262 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of revised monument sign LOCATION: 72-990 & 73-020 E1 Paseo ZONE: C-1 Steve Smith presented the proposed plans for the revised monument sign to replace the existing sign on E1 Paseo. The applicant presented the actual sign with the Max' s logo added. He indicated that the ordinance regulates the free standing center identification signs. In the case of Waring Plaza and Desert Crossing, they have the name of the center and two tenants on each sign and they varied the tenants . Mr. Smith noted that whatever the commissions recommendation is, the matter will end up at city council . 4 MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 25, 1996 The applicant, Joe Brandt, indicated that the reason he is asking for this revised sign is because the center has only one entry and that is on E1 Paseo. If someone misses that one entrance they have to go all the way around the block to get into the center as you cannot get into the center from Highway 111 or Highway 74 . Mr. Smith asked about changing the name of the center since the savings and loan is out of business . Mr. Brandt indicated that he still will keep the name of the center as Columbia Center. Commissioner Urrutia explained how they have approved free standing signs for other centers with a maximum of two tenants in addition to the name of the center. Commissioner Holden added that the commission has to remain consistent and would allow a new monument sign with the name of the center and two tenants names only. The commission asked Mr. Brandt if he wanted the commission to continue the request or deny it to allow him to appeal to the city council . Action: It was moved by Commissioner Connor, seconded by Commissioner Holden, to continue the request for the revised monument sign to allow the applicant to redesign the sign with a maximum of two tenant names as well as the name of the center. Motion carried 5-0 . 6 . CASE NO. : CUP 95-12 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS) : B. G. JONASSON & ASSOCIATES for TOKYO KITCHEN, 44-655 San Benito Circle, Palm Desert, CA 92260; SHIN MATSUNANGA, 75-480 Fairway Drive, Indian Wells, CA 92210 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of metal and wood awning with signage LOCATION: 73-540 Highway 111 ZONE: C-1 5 MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 25, 1996 Steve Smith reported that a conditional use permit was approved to allow Tokyo Kitchen in the unit east of Cucina Pasta on the frontage road east of San Pablo. The problem they are trying to address is the 42" high air conditioning units exposed with no parapets . Mr. Jonasson presented various options . Mr. Jonasson showed that the roof of the building sits very low and the equipment is exposed. The proposed triangle parapet is designed to hide the mechanical equipment on the roof and carry the signage over the entry to the restaurant. Mr. Jonasson noted that he is trying to clean up the elevations and incorporate direct lighting, capping off both ends . One option showed unfinished galvanized and the other option is to carry out the red accents from inside the building. Commissioner O'Donnell asked how far back the air conditioning units would sit. Mr. Jonasson indicated that the units would be approximately 15 ' to 18 ' back. Commissioner Urrutia was not sure that this solution would hide the equipment. Commissioner Holden indicated that the building department had concerns with the wood strips and directed the applicant to work with them on resolving this issue. He added that it would have to be a Class A rated roof covering that would have to be approved through the building department. Commissioner Urrutia discussed his concerns with glare and suggested using •a weathered zinc. Action: It was moved by Commissioner O'Donnell, seconded by Commissioner Connor, to approve the design in concept subject to the applicant working with the building department to address the concerns . as discussed. The applicant to return to the commission with actual colors and material samples for final approval . Motion carried 5-0 . 6 MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 25, 1996 7. CASE NO. : 4570 SA APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS) : HEATH AND COMPANY SIGNS for WELLS FARGO BANK, 3225 Lacy Street, Los Angeles, CA 90031 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of illuminated wall sign at Vons LOCATION: Vons Market - 72-675 Highway 111 ZONE: C-1 Mr. Smith reported that the applicant was before the commission earlier this year and they have been waiting for the city to change the code to implement these signs . He noted that Von' s has "Food" and "Drug" menu signs now so there is no problem with the existing signage. The proposed signage would be gold letters that will be placed on the beam. Action: It was moved by Commissioner Connor, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia, to approve the signage as submitted. Motion carried 5-0 . 8. CASE NO. : CUP 96-15 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS) : V & V ARCHITECTURE for DENISE ROBERGE, 74-020 Alessandro, Suite E, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of landscaping plan for parking lot LOCATION: Southwest corner of Portola Avenue and Shadow Mountain Drive ZONE: R-3 Steve Smith presented the proposed plans for the southwest corner of Portola Avenue and Shadow Mountain Drive. He stated that he had not received comments from Eric Johnson as yet on the proposed plan. Commissioner Urrutia questioned the wall being located outside the 7 %iwaw �✓` MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 25, 1996 property line. Commissioner Holden felt that the landscaping should be moved outside the wall, moving the wall closer to the asphalt. Mr. Smith informed the applicant that he can not place a wall outside the property line without getting an encroachment permit from the public works department. Commissioner Connor felt that the proposed masonry wall should be continued to the existing wood fence. He added that the bottle trees are not to be used as parking lot shade trees and felt that the rhus lancea should be carried all the way through especially because it is in a residential area. Commissioner Holden felt that the landscaping should be moved to the outside of the wall . Action: It was moved by Commissioner Connor, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to grant final approval to the proposed plans subject to the following conditions : 1) Move landscaping to outside of wall; 2) Delete parking space #21 to create more room for landscaping outside of wall; 3) Masonry wall extended at the southeast corner; 4) Continue rhus lancea throughout; 5) Replace wheel stops with curbs . Motion carried 5-0 . B. Preliminary Plans: 1 . CASE NO. : PP/CUP 96-5 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS) : RICK MURO for PINNACLE ATHLETIC CLUB, 74-040 Highway 111, Suite B, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of revised preliminary architectural and landscaping plans for health club facility LOCATION: 72-960 Fred Waring Drive ZONE: O.P. The case was continued at the applicant' s request. 8 MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 25, 1996 2 . CASE NO. : CUP 96-18 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS) : McFADDEN & McINTOSH ARCHITECTS for CAM' S CORNER, 73-929 Larrea, Suite 1A, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of revised preliminary architectural and landscaping plans for fuel station/convenience store LOCATION: Northwest corner of Highway 111 and Deep Canyon Road ZONE: C-1 Steve Smith noted that the case was before the commission two weeks ago and back with revised plans to include landscaping. The applicant, Chris McFadden, outlined the revised elevations and landscaping indicating that they were willing to add mesquites per Eric Johnson' s request. He showed the added 24" to 36" berming on the corner noting that there is a 48" grade change between the highway and the pad. Mr. McFadden noted how they modified the north elevation to meet Mr. Goedecke' s concerns . He indicated that the outside entry to the restroom was eliminated and five feet of the building width was eliminated in order to take the landscaping right up to the windows . Mr. McFadden noted that there are 28 parking spaces with two handicap spaces. The building coverage is 16% of the site with 16-1/2% of landscaping. Commissioner Van Vliet asked how much room was between the sidewalk and the building for landscaping on the Allesandro side. Mr. McFadden replied that there was 6 feet of sidewalk and 6 feet of landscaping. Mr. Dennis Goedecke asked what would be visible from the windows on the north side. Mr. McFadden indicated that half of the building would be the video store and half would be the convenience store. Mr. Goedecke asked if there would be advertisements in these windows . Mr. McFadden replied that right now there is no signage plan for those windows . Mr. Smith noted that there could be permanent window signage in those windows since it is a commercial building. 9 • err' `wry MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 25, 1996 Commissioner Holden discussed his concerns with using landscaping for screening because if it is not maintained properly it is not effective. Commissioner Connor agreed that landscaping is not a solution for screening. He also discussed his concerns with the small amount of area that is devoted to landscaping noting that the commission made such an issue on landscaping for the Lucky' s center across the street and they were able to provide it. Commissioner Connor asked Mr. McFadden if he had explored other possibilities of the site plan. Mr. McFadden replied that he did explore other possibilities but because he is limited to the reverse access to the site, the owner is still requesting the pumps be located up front. Commissioner Urrutia felt that there are other ways that this can be mitigated, and there are other examples in the valley where this issue has been mitigated. Mr. Bartlett replied that they had investigated all of these issues. Mr. Tim Bartlett felt that changing the lay-out of the site plan would seem like putting the pumps up on a pedestal . He added that the city engineer felt that this proposal was a good solution to the circulation problem. Commissioner Holden explained the commission' s concerns regarding the screening and they are asking that there is not a gas station that looks like a gas station at the entrance to the city. He added that he still could not see how a safe left hand turn could be made out on Allessandro. Mr. Bartlett indicated that they can not make it not look like a gas station. Commissioner Connor asked why they had to have three islands noting that it would give a lot more of an area to work with as far as berming, walls, and landscaping if they were to eliminate one island. Action: It was moved by Commissioner O'Donnell, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia, to continue the request to allow the applicant to redesign the site plan. Motion carried 5-0 . 10 MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 25, 1996 3. CASE NO. : PP 96-6 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS) : REAL PROPERTY ASSOCIATES, 1706 "B" Newport Blvd. , Costa Mesa, CA 92626 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of preliminary plans for 9200 square foot commercial center LOCATION: North side of Highway 111, approximately 505 feet east of Deep Canyon Road ZONE: P.C. (4) Steve Smith presented the proposed plans noting that the site was on the southeast side of the new Lucky' s site. It is 350 ' deep by 100 ' wide. He reported that Rob Sanford is proposing a center facing west. The parking complies for the size proposed. The same architect who did the adjacent Lucky' s center is the architect for this project. Commissioner Connor felt that the east elevation needed some architectural and landscaping treatment because it will be visible from Embassy Suites . Commissioner Urrutia felt that the west and north elevations were nice but discussed his concerns with the south elevation. Mr. Sandford indicated that the east elevation sits down about 3 or 4 feet and then there is a fence. He felt that landscaping could be added if necessary. Mr. Sanford indicated that this elevation would not be visible from Embassy Suites and Highway ill . Commissioner Holden suggested placing trees and wrapping some of the architectural treatment around on the east side. Commissioner Urrutia was not sure that the landscaping on the east side would be sufficient. He wants to make sure that you are not looking at a warehouse standing from the Embassy Suites site. 11 MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 25, 1996 Action: It was moved by Commissioner Van Vliet, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to grant preliminary approval to the plans subject to the following conditions : 1) Add landscaping on the east side; 2) Add landscaping planters on the west side; 3) Wrap the north and south elevation elements around to the east side of the building; 4) Reduce the height visibility on the south elevation. Motion carried 5-0. 4 . CASE NO. : CUP 96-19 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS) : SANTA FE HOMES OF AMERICA, INC. for PORTOLA PROFESSIONAL OFFICE BUILDING, 74-170 Highway 111, Suite B, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of preliminary plans for residential conversion to office use and expansion LOCATION: Northwest corner of Portola Avenue and Alessandro Drive ZONE: R-3 Steve Smith presented the plans for the proposed office conversion noting that they will be before the planning commission on July 16th. It is an existing home and they are proposing an addition in the front. Commissioner Urrutia asked what the setback requirements were. Mr. Smith indicated that on the Portola Avenue side there is a 14 foot dedication for the widening of Portola. They will get credit for that. Commissioner Holden asked about setbacks on Allesandro. The applicant indicated that they are asking for a variance on that side. Mr. Smith noted that the Arco station across the street has a 5 ' setback on Allesandro and so they should get the same. Commissioner Holden discussed his concerns with the 5 ' setback on Allessandro because it would defeat the purpose of what the commission is trying to do along Allesandro with a buffer between Highway 111 and the 12 lft ' MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 25, 1996 north side of Allesandro. He felt that it needed more than a 5 ' landscape area to soften it up. Commissioner Connor agreed and felt that there was too much going on as there is a whole strip of building and only 18" of landscaping. Commissioner Holden suggested adding some undulation to the building to allow for pockets of landscaping. Commissioner Urrutia discussed his concerns with the parking against the walls and building. He added that it would lighten up the site some if the addition was smaller and therefore decreasing the parking. Action: It was moved by Commissioner O'Donnell, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to continue the request to allow the applicant to redesign the site plan addressing the following concerns: 1) Redesign parking area so it is not directly against the walls and building; 2) Provide some undulation in the building to allow for pockets of landscaping; 3) Increase 5 ' setback along Allessandro; 4) Addition of raised planter at corner of Allessandro and Portola. Motion carried 5-0 . 5 . CASE NO. : 422 C APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS) : PACIFIC BELL MOBILE SERVICES, 2955 Red Hill Avenue, Suite 100, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of revised location and plans for wireless communication tower LOCATION: On roof of Palm Desert Town Center ZONE: P.C. (3) Steve Smith reported that the applicant had changed the site from the Palms to Pines Center to the roof of the Town Center Mall, west of Pennys . 13 vftw *we MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 25, 1996 Action: It was moved by Commissioner Van Vliet, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, approved the revised location and plans as submitted. Motion carried 5-0 . 6 . CASE NO. : 420 C APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS) : PACIFIC BELL MOBILE SERVICES, 2955 Red Hill Avenue, Suite 100, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of revised location and plans for wireless communication tower LOCATION: Behind Gold' s Gym off Entrepreneur Lane, north of Country Club Drive ZONE: Steve Smith reported that the applicant had changed the site from Woodhaven Country Club to a site behind Gold' s Gym, up against the tamarisk trees along Interstate 10 . Action: It was moved by Commissioner Van Vliet, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to approve the revised location and plans as submitted. Motion carried 5-0 . C. Miscellaneous : 1 . CASE NO. : APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS) : LANCE ALACANO for THE EPPINGER RESIDENCE, 73-221 Haystack Road, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of plans for single family residence above 15 ' in height LOCATION: 130 Vista Royale ZONE: 14 MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 25, 1996 Steve Smith presented the plans indicating that the home was in Vista Paseo where most of the homes are 17 ' to 18 ' in height. Mr. Buchanan indicated that the height of the home was 17 ' 2" . Mr. Smith noted that this lot may be one of the lots which was restricted to 15 feet through a deed restriction. If this is the case, then this approval will be moot because the deed restriction was arrived at through agreements with adjacent developments . Action: It was moved by Commissioner Van Vliet, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to approve the plans for the single family residence as submitted provided that the lot in question is not one of the lots subject to 15 foot height limit through deed restrictions . Motion carried 5-0 . V. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 2 :40 p.m. STEV SMITH PLANNING MANAGER SS/db 15