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Home My WebLink About1997-03-25 � � �: MINUTES PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MARCH 25, 1997 ��*��*��*��*�� I. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 12:30 p.m. Commissioners Present: Current Meetin� Year to Date Present Absent Present Absent " Richard Holden X 12 2 Frank Urrutia X 11 3 Chris VanVliet X 13 1 Wayne Connor X 13 1 Richard O'Donnell X 14 0 Ronald Gregory X 13 1 Staff Present: Phil Drell Steve Smith Martin Alvarez Steve Buchanan Pat Bedrosian Donna Bitter II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: It was moved by Commissioner Hold°en, seconded by Commissioner Connor,to approve the minutes of the March 11, 1997 meeting as submitted. Motion carried 5-0, Commissioner Urrutia Abstaining. III. CASES: A. Final Drawings: 1. CASE NO.: 4805 SA APPLICANT�AND ADDRESSI: THE HAIR TEAM,73-911 Highway 111,Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of awning with signage , � .� MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MARCH 25, 1997 LOCATION: 73-911 Highway 111 ZONE: C-1 Mr. Alvarez presented photographs of the building indicating that the business was located on Highway 111 facing Presidents Plaza East. He stated that the applicant is asking for approval to install an awning over the store front overhang indicating that the overhang extends out approximately six feet and the awning would be 16'S" long in `victory green' with white letters reading"The Hair Team". Commissioner Urrutia asked if the awning mimicked the overhang. Mr.Alvarez indicated that it did as the awning was flush with the overhang and wrapped around the side. Action• It was moved by Commissioner Holden, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to approve the awning with business identification signage as submitted. Motion carried 6-0. 2. CASE NO.: 4806 SA APPLICANT�AND ADDRESSI: PALM DESERT GUN EXCHANGE, 74-478 Highway 111, Suite 4,Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of business identification signage LOCATION: 73-960 Highway 111, Suite 3 ZONE: C-1 Mr. Smith reported that the business was relocating from it's present location at the northwest corner of Deep Canyon and Highway 111 to this location just west of the Arco station at Portola Avenue and Highway 111. Mr. Alvarez added that he is having to move his business because it's present location will now be Cam's Corner. The applicant, Mr. Oliver B. Avery III, is asking for approval to move his existing sign and replace the can sign that is up now. The fascia is 32" with the sign at 37". Commissioner Holden noted that the sign did not fit on the fascia. Commissioner O'Donnell asked the size of the existing can sign. Mr. Alvarez indicated that it is 20". Mr. Alvarez indicated that the request is to relocate the existing can sign with the "Gun Exchange" sign and move the existing can sign. Commissioner Gregory 2 . , � � MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MARCH 25, 1997 asked if there was a tenant on the second floor. Mr. Alvarez indicated that Sunrise Pool Co.was the tenant on the second floor. Mr. Avery indicated that Family Foot Care is no longer there and Sunrise Pool Co. would have to submit a proposal for their own sign. Commissioner Gregory felt that the current"Gun Exchange" sign would fit better on the masonry wall, on the white side of the building,but there is a palm tree in front of it. Commissioner Urrutia felt it would be more appropriate to work with the sign that is there now. Commissioner Holden suggested using the existing"Gun Exchange"sign face and cut it down the middle moving the rifle next to the signage. Mr. Avery stated that he would rather have another sign made. Commissioner Gregory explained that the commission preferred not having a sign hanging down over the glass as he has proposed. Mr. Avery asked if he could have an approval for a new sign face for the existing can using the same colors as he proposed. Action• It was moved by Commissioner Urrutia, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell,to approve a new face for the existing cabinet sign using the same colors as proposed. Motion carried 6-0. 3. CASE NO.: 4807 SA APPLICANT (AND ADDRESSI: INLAND ELECTRICAL ADVERTISING, INC. for DESERT URGENT CARE, 1640 W. Commerce Street, Corona, CA 91720 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of business identification signage LOCATION: 74-990 Country Club Drive, Bldg. K ZONE: S.I. Mr. Smith reported that the business was located in the center at Country Club Drive and Cook Street, occupying the building south of the driveway off Cook Street next door to All Pro Pizza. He indicated that they are asking for approval of three separate signs to be placed on the east, west and north elevation utilizing red (an approved color for the center) and blue (a color not approved for the center, as the approved blue is more of a teal color). Mr. Smith presented pictures showing how the halo lit signs would fit on the building and noted that the signs were already approved by the Bishop Trust and the center manager. Commissioner Connor asked what the third 3 . � � MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MARCH 25, 1997 approved color was. Mr. Smith indicated that it was white. Action• It was moved by Commissioner Holden, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to approve the business identification signage in the colors submitted. Commission approved the non-conforming blue because the letters would be back lit with no illumination through the face. Motion carried 5-0,Commissioner Urrutia Abstaining. 4. CASE NO.: 4808 SA APPLICANT,�AND ADDRE5Sl: COUNTRY CLUB AWNING & BLIND for NAPA'S TAPAS, 74-877 Joni Drive, Suite 8, Palm Desert, CA 9260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of retractable awning LOCATION: 73-900 El Paseo ZONE: C-1 Mr. Smith presented pictures of the front of the building indicating that the applicant was asking for approval of a retractable awning in forest green. The applicant, Mr. Brian Lanning, indicated that the awning would mount under the existing "Napa's Tapa's" signage as they would be eliminating the signage reading "Fine Foods, Coffee and Wine". Commissioner Urrutia asked if it would be cantilevered. Mr. Lanning indicated that once the awning is projected it would extend out 5 feet and will be 7'high from the sidewalk to the bottom of the awning. Commissioner Urrutia asked when the awning would be retracted. Mr. Lanning indicated that it would be retracted in the evenings and during heavy winds. He noted that the awning would extend across the three bays and that the address would be mounted along the top of the fascia. Mr. Smith questioned the actual proposal as it indicated that the awning would have a 10 inch scalloped valance. Commissioner Gregory asked if there would be signage on the awning. Mr. Lanning indicated that there would not be and that the valance was straight,not scalloped,in toast brown. Commission stated that they needed to see how the awning would look on the front of the building. Commissioner Urrutia felt that it might be acceptable when it was extended but questioned what it would look like when it is retracted. Mr. Lanning indicated that the toast brown material of the valance is all you would see when the awning was retracted and it matches the color of the stucco. He also presented a sample of the 4 ' � °�.r� MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MARCH 25, 1997 cream colored hardware. Commissioner Gregory felt that the signage above the awning reading Napa's Tapa's would be hidden. Mr. Bedrosian asked if the applicant will want to place the"Fine Foods, Coffee and Wine"signage somewhere else on the building. Mr. Lanning indicated that they did not. Commissioner Urrutia asked if the awning would be a problem with the adj acent stores. He indicated that he was afraid that it would block their signage. Commissioner Urrutia asked how far it would extend out past the stem wall. Mr. Lanning replied about 4 feet. Commissioner Urrutia stated his concerns about the possible impact to the signs to the west. Mr. Lanning felt that the awning did not take away the visibility of the adjacent tenant's's signage until you are walking under the awning itself. Mr. Smith asked what the purpose of the awning was. Mr. Lanning indicated that it was to provide shade for the outdoor dining area. Commissioner O'Donnell stated that he was unable to vote on the issue without seeing an actual drawing showing details. Commissioner Urrutia suggested that the applicant consider only cover two of the three bays with the awning. Action• It was moved by Commissioner Urrutia, seconded by Commissioner Connor, to continue the request directing the applicant to provide detailed drawings showing how the awning would look on the building. Commission also directed the applicant to obtain written approval from the adjacent business owners as they felt the proposed awning could block the view of the neighboring tenant's signage. Motion carried 6-0. 5. CASE NO.: TT 24254 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESSI: GOLDEN HILLS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT for SONATA II, 6963 Douglas Blvd.,Box 19, Granite Bay, CA 95746 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of final working drawings and preliminary and final approval of landscaping plan LOCATION: North of Hovley Lane, 1900 feet west of Portola Avenue ZONE: PR-5 Mr. Buchanan presented final working drawings for the model homes. Mr. Smith added that the landscaping plan was also before the commission for approval 5 . �.ri � MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MARCH 25, 1997 indicating that the commission had seen the plan at their last meeting but it was too difficult to read. Commissioner Connor noted that the commission has required in the past that at least one unit show a drought tolerant landscaping plan. Mr. Smith noted that typically they require that the developer provide and offer a drought tolerant plan. He added that the city requires that the front yards must be landscaped as well as the side yards on the corner lots. Commissioner Gregory asked if all of the landscaping could be designed with drought tolerant planting in mind and minimize the lawn area. This way they are using water wisely. Mr. Smith indicated that the city has only required that the developer design a drought tolerant plan and make it available. Commissioner Gregory felt that the developer should design all the plans with drought tolerance in mind. Commissioner Connor agreed with this approach. The representative for the applicant,Mr.Elliott, explained that they have two typical plans, one with the lawn and one with desert scape. Mr. Smith indicated that Mr. Elliott will be coming back to the commission with plans for the typical units and noted that what the commission was looking at today was an upgraded plan for the models. Action• It was moved by Commissioner Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Connor, to approve the landscaping plan as submitted for the model units subj ect to the applicant providing the city with typical landscape plans for individual units which include a drought tolerant plan that will be made available to the buyers. Commission approved the architectural final working drawings as submitted. Motion carried 6-0. 6. CASE NO.: 4797 SA APPLICANT(AND ADDRESSI: DGI SIGNS, 77-720 Springfield Lane, Suite B, Palm Desert, CA 92211 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of business identification signage LOCATION: 77-720 Springfield Lane, Suite B ZONE: S.I. Mr. Smith reported that the applicant was not present and that they asked that the case be continued. 6 � `�' MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MARCH 25, 1997 Action• It was moved by Commissioner Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Holden, to continue the case at the applicant's request. Motion carried 6-0. B. Preliminary Plans: 1. CASE NO.: PP/CUP 96-12 APPLICANT(AND ADDRESSI: MULVANNY PARTNERSHIP ARCHITECTS for PRICE/COSTCO, 11820 Northrup Way#E300, Bellevue, WA 98005 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of revised site plan lay-out and landscaping LOCATION: 72-800 Dinah Shore Drive ZONE: P.C. (2) Ms. Laurie Bull of Mulvanny Partnership Architects distributed 11" x 17" prospectus' showing the roof detail and landscaping. Mr. Smith noted that the location of the access off the entrance driveway was an issue that the commission asked to be addressed. The commission was concerned that the access from the driveway was too close to Dinah Shore Drive. Mr. Smith noted that the access has been moved as far north as possible yet still is taken from the first driveway off Dinah Shore Drive,west of Monterey Avenue. Mr. Smith indicated that the second issue was the landscaping and showed how additional landscaping material was added to the Monterey Avenue side. The landscaping plan was reviewed by Eric Johnson and his suggested changes were noted on the plan. These changes included changing out the north planter strip with leucophyllum frutescene comparta maintained at a height of 5 feet and changing the trees to a pinus eldarica (mondell pine) as it is a more stable tree in the high wind areas. Mr. Smith noted that the existing parking lot has mesquite trees that have been closely cropped but are still standing. Commissioner Connor felt that more trees were needed along Monterey Avenue. He added that he felt the landscaping was minimal and thought there should be more. Commissioner Urrutia indicated that there are ways to pick up additional landscaping on both outside corners. Ms. Nishihira indicated that they could radius the outside corners of the asphalt area to 7 , � � MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MARCH 25, 1997 allow for additional landscaping. Mr. Bedrosian asked if the fuel trucks will still be able to get in and out of the station easily with the moving of the access driveway. Ms. Nishihira indicated that they would. Mr. Smith added that the commission had expressed some concern with the view of the roof structure from Monterey Avenue. He outlined where this detail was shown on the prospectus. Commissioner Van Vliet asked what would be seen from the highest point. Ms.Nishihira indicated that at the highest point of the offramp you would see approximately two-thirds of the top of the roof structure. She added that they will paint everything on the structure one color (white) to help it all blend in better. Commissioner Van Vliet felt that the canopy structure still needed to be screened more and suggested additional landscaping. Commissioner Gregory suggested adding a panel on top of the canopy structure to help it look more attractive from Monterey Avenue. Commissioner Urrutia suggested using a tight wire mesh over the top of the structure, indicating that if the mesh is tight enough you won't be able to see the structure at all. Mr. Smith stated that the applicant thinks it is important to keep the location of the access driveway as presented and indicated that the public works department agreed with the revised location at least 150 feet north of Dinah Shore Drive. Ms. Nishihira indicated that their research indicates that 70% of the people purchasing gas, purchase the gas before going to the club facility and that is why they did the circulation the way they did. Commissioner Connor stated that he was still concerned with the access into the site. Action• It was moved by Commissioner Urrutia, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to grant preliminary approval of the architectural plans for the canopy itself subject to adding some type of panel or a tight wire mesh over the top of the structure to help screen it more. Motion carried 6-0. Mr. Smith indicated that this will need to be addressed on the working drawings. Action• It was moved by Commissioner Urrutia, seconded by Commissioner Connor, to approve the preliminary landscape plan subject to the following conditions: i) That it conform to the comments noted on the plan by Eric Johnson; and ii) Radius the outside corners of the asphalt area to allow for additional landscaping; and 8 . � � MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MARCH 25, 1997 iii) Landscaping plan to be modified, if necessary, to the final site plan. Motion carried 6-0. Commissioner Connor stated that he could not endorse the entire landscaping plan as submitted until the access issue was addressed. Commissioner Urrutia asked if anyone was in favor of the revised access. Ms. Nishihira indicated that she had discussed the access at length with Joe Gaugush and he thought it was more important to keep the stacking distance inside the driveway. Commissioner Gregory stated that he thought it would be better to have customers enter the station from the store side. Commissioner Holden stated that he hoped the situation at the corner will be cleaned up because right now when you are driving north on Monterey Avenue and turn left onto Dinah Shore Drive you actually have to cut off the cars coming up Monterey Avenue to be able to turn right into the center. He stated that it was a lot easier to go to the second driveway and drive back to Price Club. Commissioner Urrutia asked what guarantee do they have that people will follow the arrows. He indicated that this was a concern because there is a lot of cross traffic there. Commissioner Urrutia felt that the original access would work better. Action• It was moved by Commissioner Urrutia, seconded by Commissioner Connor, to recommend to the planning commission that the access to the service station be changed from the west side to the north side of the site and that it line up with the drive isle opposite the parking lot. Commission felt that this would also increase the landscaping width considerably. Motion carried 6-0. 2. CASE NO.: CUP O1-82 APPLICANT(AND ADDRESS): V&V ARCHITECTURE for FOUNDATION FOR THE RETARDED, 74-020 Alessandro, Suite E, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of architectural plans for addition to foundation LOCATION: 73-255 Country Club Drive ZONE: P Mr. Smith reported that in 1993 the commission reviewed a precise plan request to expand the facility at the Foundation for the Retarded and that the foundation had not 9 ' �' � MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MARCH 25, 1997 acted on that approval as yet. He indicated that the original request was 15,000 square feet and they are now looking at 25,000 square feet for the addition at the same location. The representative for the applicant,Mr. John Vuksic, indicated that the Foundation was growing rapidly and thus the reason for the request for additional square footage. Mr. Smith noted that Eric Johnson had reviewed the landscaping plan and noted his comments. Commissioner Urrutia asked if the expansion would be done in phases. Mr. Vuksic indicated that it potentially would be done in phases. Action• It was moved by Commissioner Holden, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to approve the preliminary plans for the addition as submitted. Motion carried 5-0, Commissioner Gregory Abstaining. 3. CASE NO.: PP 95-7 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESSI: B. G. JONASSON & ASSOCIATES for DENISE ROBERGE, 44-655 San Benito Circle, Palm Desert, CA 9260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of preliminary architectural plans for restaurant building LOCATION: 45-245 Portola Avenue ZONE: C-1 Mr. Drell presented the plans for the proposed elevations for the restaurant building indicating that the proposed new restaurant is now approximately twice the size as the original plans. He indicated that the architecture was similar to the existing building. Mr. Drell noted his concern with the El Paseo frontage showing how the balcony had been lengthened. He added that the plan would be going before the planning commission as an amendment to the conditional use permit. Mr. Drell noted that the applicant is also looking at acquiring property across the street on Larea for additional parking. Commissioner Gregory noted his concern with the bulk of the building already constructed on the corner as one of the things he liked about the original plan for the restaurant was to give the project some relief. He asked if this taller building was the direction the commission wanted to go on El Paseo. Commissioner Holden stated that one of the concerns the commission has had from the beginning was the parking up front. Now with the balcony out front, they will 10 � � MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MARCH 25, 1997 not be able to install the trees originally planned to help soften the building. Commissioner Holden added that they were hoping for more windows and not the back of a building. He felt that now it basically looks like there are no windows the first level and very few windows facing El Paseo. Commissioner Urrutia felt that the architecture needs to be more interesting than what is proposed and thought that the second story was unfortunate. He added that he felt the original design was much more sympathetic with the site and gave more interest to the gallery building. Commissioner Urrutia felt that it now seems like the restaurant is over-powering the gallery and that something needed to be done to make the facade more pedestrian oriented. He added that the revised proposal was inconsistent with the overall goal El Paseo is trying to achieve. The representative for the applicant, Mr. B. G. Jonasson, explained that it would be flagstone in front of the building. Commissioner Holden noted that the site plan still shows three trees in front of the building. He did not see how this will work with the balcony. Mr. Drell felt that the solution would be to move the building back and break up the building some. Mr. Jonasson indicated that the balcony would give their visitors a chance to look over El Paseo and the art gallery. He indicated that he could break up the balcony some. Commissioner Holden asked if they would be providing handicap access to the second level. Mr. Jonasson indicated that they would not. Mr. Drell noted that the upstairs room would be for banquets and private parties. Mr. Buchanan indicated that they would be very limited on what they can do on the second floor. Commissioner Gregory felt that the building should go back to one story. Mr. Jonasson explained that they are trying to create an interesting ceiling in the restaurant building and that the second story is like a mezzanine area. Commissioner Holden felt that with no undulation in the building he would not be in favor of approving such a mass building. Mr. Jonasson indicated that he would attempt to address these concerns. Commissioner Holden felt that they could take 5 or 10 feet from the garden area. He added that if they are going up to the ma�cimum height they needed to do something out front to create some articulation. Commissioner Gregory added that there is very little landscaping to help soften the massive building and felt that it needed to be more street oriented. Mr. Drell summarized the commission's suggestions including reducing the mass of the building by cutting back on the roof line on the north elevation,pushing the building back which will provide more room for landscaping and create more architectural interest (i.e. windows, undulation) on the El Paseo side. Commissioner Urrutia added that his biggest concern is that there is no interaction with the street (pedestrians) with the parking out front. Mr. Jonasson indicated that Ms. Roberge wants the garden area to be her grand vista. Mr. Drell stated that the people sitting on the street side of the restaurant will not have a view unless they look through the restaurant to the garden. Commissioner 11 �w �' MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MARCH 25, 1997 Urrutia stated that he would much rather see an outdoor patio. Mr. Jonasson indicated that they moved the restrooms to the El Paseo side of the building and asked if adding major windows to that area and providing some undulation on the El Paseo side would address their concerns. Commissioner Urrutia felt that the plan has been designed to address the side of the sculpture garden and he was still concerned with the lack of exposure on El Paseo. Commissioner Holden stated that it was going to take a creative solution using all their suggestions. Commissioner Urrutia suggested moving the parking area and have some type of interaction with pedestrians. Mr.Drell suggested a small green house structure since it is on the north side. Mr. Buchanan stated that they need to think about a service area for the restaurant and that they would need to provide handicap access to the second story. Action• It was moved by Commissioner Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to continue the case to permit the applicant to address the issues raised in the above discussion. Motion carried 5-0, Commissioner Urrutia Abstaining. 4. CASE NO.: 97-3 C APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF PALM DESERT, 43-400 Warner Trail, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of architectural plans for addition to existing facility LOCATION: 43-400 Warner Trail ZONE: R-19,000 Mr. Smith presented the plans noting that it was Phase III of the development. Mr. Drell noted that staff has received a letter from Joyce Frisco of the Project Area 4 Sub-Co�ittee indicating that the county approved the plans for a structure very similar to this. She concurred that this plan is what they say and was approved by the county. He added that the parking area for Phase III was installed years ago and now they are building the structure. Mr.Drell indicated that the corners would radius as they do on the existing building. The representative for the applicant, Mr. Bud Kinzy, indicated that the west elevation will have false windows (decorative pop- outs) to help break up the blank wall. Mr. Drell suggested insetting some glass blocks in the pop-outs instead of stucco as proposed. Mr. Drell added that the 12 , � �, MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MARCH 25, 1997 applicant has gone back to the neighborhood reminding them that the plan was approved by the county already. Commissioner Gregory asked to see a landscaping plan. Mr.Kinzy indicated that the landscaping is existing. Commissioner Gregory felt that this was an opportunity to add more landscaping making it more interesting. Mr. Kinzy stated that there are planter areas in the parking lot and landscaping along the 6 foot high block wall. Commissioner Gregory stated that the commission usually requests that landscaping be used to shield the parking lot from the street. He added that with new trees added in front of the new building they may want to pull the turf back from the building some to keep the water from spraying onto the building. Mr. Kinzy stated that he intends on following the approved landscaping plans from the county. Action• It was moved by Commissioner Holden, seconded by Commissioner Connor, to approve the preliminary architectural plans for the addition subject to replacing the stucco with glass block in the false windows on the west elevation and provide additional landscaping to help screen the parking lot more from the street. Motion carried 6-0. IV. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 2:40 p.m. . STEVE SMITH PLANNING MANAGER SS/db 13