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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-04-14 r � � PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 1998 MINUTES **************************************************************************************************** I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 12:30 p.m. Commissioners Present Current Meetina Year to Date Present Absent Present Absent Wayne Connor X 6 1 Ronald Gregory X 6 1 Richard Holden X 6 1 Richard O'Donnell X 6 1 Frank Urrutia X 6 1 Chris Van Vliet X 7 Staff Present Steve Smith, Planning Manager Martin Alvarez, Assistant Planner Steve Buchanan, Senior Plans Examiner Daisy Garcia, Code Enforcement Officer Kim Chafin, Senior Office Assistant II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Commissioner Holden, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to approve the minutes of the March 24, 1998 meeting as submitted. Motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner O'Donnell absent. III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None. 1 �"" �...r� ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 14, 1998 MINUTES IV. A. Final Drawings 1. CASE NO.: SA 98-43 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESSI: CGS SIGNS for BD HOLDINGS, INC. 73-885 Highway 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of monument sign for Palms to Pines West at southeast corner of Highway 111 and EI Paseo LOCATION: Southeast corner of Highway 111 and EI Paseo ZONE: P.C.(3) Mr. Alvarez reported that the site is located at the southeast corner of EI Paseo and Highway 111, and the proposed sign would be placed in front of the existing electrical transformer equipment. The purpose of the sign is to provide exposure for businesses which are not visible from Highway 111. The applicant is entitled to 70 square feet of signage, and the proposed sign is 53 square feet. The proposed monument sign would be made of stucco with Corian face material and sandblasted letters, and would be limited to three colors (black, blue and red). The sign would not be within the public right-of-way. The sign would be indirectly lit, and the area would be landscaped. The main portion of the proposed sign structure is six feet, but the projection at its highest point would be 7'9"; thus, the actual sign copy complies with the six-foot maximum height allowance. Commissioner Urrutia expressed concern that the proposed sign contains the names of seven businesses, and felt that it should adhere to the established limit of three. Chairman Gregory asked how many names are on the Columbia Center sign, to which Mr. Alvarez responded that it contains four names. Chairman Gregory felt that it would be a good idea to have a sign which hides the existing electrical equipment. Commissioner Holden noted that the equipment could be screened with landscaping. 2 ''rrr+✓ �r.r►' ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 14, 1998 MINUTES Commissioner Holden stated that the most important part of a monument sign is the monument, not the signage, because a monument sign is meant to be decorative; however, the proposed sign is more like a menu sign, and he is concerned that people driving by would have difficulty trying to read so many names on a single sign. Chairman Gregory agreed with Commissioner Holden that it is preferable to avoid excessive verbiage, and asked if there is any way to give the center a name, to which June Wachs of CGS Signs responded that this is intended as a business identification sign. Chairman Gregory suggested that the name of the center be located in the middle of the sign, and that the three largest tenants' names be included on the sign, to which Ms. Wachs responded that the name of the center is indeed located at the top of the sign, but the proposed sign includes a total of seven business names. Ms. Wachs noted that her client originally wanted a monument sign on each frontage; so the proposed sign was a compromise for both the EI Paseo and Highway 111 frontages. Chairman Gregory felt that it would be easier to have two separate signs, and Commissioner Holden added that the location of two signs would also be subject to approval. Action: It was moved by Commissioner Connor, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia, to approve the monument sign with a maximum of three tenant names, submission of a landscaping plan and making the name of the center more prominent. Motion carried 4-1, with Commissioner Van Vliet dissenting and Commissioner O'Donnell absent. Commissioner Van Vliet commented that he feels the sign is too big, and the architecture doesn't tie in with the building. 3 "'Wrr�""' rr.u.✓` ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 14, 1998 MINUTES 2. CASE NO.: PP 97-13 APPLICANT �AND ADDRESSI: HOWARD HAIT HEARING FACILITY, 42-215 Washington Street, Suite G, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of preliminary landscaping plans and final working drawings for 1,200 sq. ft. office building LOCATION: 44-650 Monterey Avenue ZONE: PR Mr. Alvarez reported that the landscaping has been revised pursuant to the Commission's previous suggestions. Mr. Buchanan noted that the square footage of the office building is 1,975. Action: It was moved by Chairman Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to approve the preliminary landscaping and final architectural working drawings. Motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner O'Donnell absent. 3. CASE NO.: SA APPLICANT(AND ADDRESS): JACK WISE for SMOKY'S RESTAURANT, 92-990 EI Paseo Drive, #4, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Addition to freestanding sign LOCATION: 72-900 EI Paseo ZONE: G1 Mr. Smith reported that Smoky's Restaurant has relocated, and staff would have approved the proposed signage over the count, but the seven-foot height exceeds the six-foot maximum allowance. Mr. Smith noted that Smoky's is one of the more prominent businesses in this particular center. 4 �r'"" `�..�.r=" ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 14, 1998 MINUTES Commissioner Holden suggested that the proposed signage be approved with the condition that when one of the other businesses leaves the center, its name on the sign be removed and not replaced. Commissioner Urrutia was concerned about sticking something on top of the existing sign, to which Jack Wise responded that the addition to the top of the sign will be matching stucco. Mr. Wise noted that the business is not visible from Highway 74 or EI Paseo, so the sign is very important. Commissioner Urrutia preferred that the sign be redesigned rather than just tacking something on top of the existing sign, and noted that a new sign could easily be designed within the size restrictions. Chairman Gregory suggested removing the "Columbia Center" name and replacing it with "Smoky's Restaurant," to which Mr. Wise replied that he doesn't have the authority to do that since he is not the landlord for the center. Chairman Gregory felt that the landlord would probably be more pleased to have viable tenants than a sign with the center's name on it. Mr. Wise indicated that he has a 20-year lease for the premises. Commissioner Urrutia commented that this is really the sign for the entire center; so the landlord should be looking at the sign as a whole rather than just tacking something on to the top of the existing sign, with which Commissioner Van Vliet concurred. Chairman Gregory suggested removing the street numbers from the existing sign and replacing them with "Smoky's Restaurant." Commissioner Urrutia asked if the "Columbia Center" letters are illuminated, to which Mr. Smith responded affirmatively. Commissioner Urrutia commented that if the landlord is adamant about retaining the "Columbia Center" name on the sign, then it should be incumbent upon the landlord to redesign the sign. Action: It was moved by Commissioner Connor, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia, to authorize staff to approve a redesigned sign with or without the "Columbia Center" and street numbers. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner O'Donnell absent. 5 "�.r�'" �....� ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 14, 1998 MINUTES 4. CASE NO.: MISC 98-4 APPLICANT(AND ADDRESS): STANFORD LEONHARD ARCHITECT for FEDDERLY COMPANIES, 73-350 EI Paseo #207, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of an architectural projection in excess of six feet in the side yard of an existing single-family dwelling LOCATION: 73-397 Grapevine ZONE: R-1 (15,000) Mr. Smith noted that the purpose of the architectural projection is to screen the atrium bathroom. Action: It was moved by Commissioner Holden, seconded by Commissioner Connor, to approve the architectural projection. Motion carried 4-0-1, with Commissioner Van Vliet abstaining and Commissioner O'Donnell absent. 5. CASE NO.: MISC 98-5 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): JAMES CIOFFI ARCHITECT for ALLEN SHORES & LARRY KIESEL, 2121 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Suite 3, Palm Springs, CA 92262 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Remodel of single-family dwelling, including revisions to the garage roof structure LOCATION: 73-265 Fiddleneck ZONE: R-1 (20,000) Mr. Smith reported that the remodel was approved for much of the dwelling, and there are alterations to the roof structure over the garage to permit a loft/storage area, resulting in a 16-foot high flat roof. Since that portion of the home exceeds 15 feet, the Commission's approval is necessary. 6 �.rr"' �,,...r� ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 14, 1998 MINUTES Mr. Cioffi commented that the architecture of the house is Mediterranean, and the owners recently closed their business and need more storage space, . so a loft was designed to accommodate their records storage needs. Commissioner Urrutia suggested a hipped roof off of the garage, to which Mr. Cioffi responded that could be done, or the plate of the front portion could be raised. Commissioner Urrutia agreed that raising the plate over the garage from nine feet to 10 feet would work well and minimize the massive appearance. Action: It was moved by Commissioner Urrutia, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to approve the remodel and revisions to the garage roof structure subject to raising the roof plate on the garage. The motion carried 5-0 with Commissioner O'Donnell absent. B. Preliminary Approval 1. CASE NO.: MISC 98-3 APPLICANT �AND ADDRESS): D & F DEVELOPMENT, 46-333 Burroweed Lane, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of 17'6" high homes LOCATION: 74-525 & 74-515 Day Lily ZONE: PR Franz Tirre of D & F Development reported that he had a good meeting with the neighbors; however, the square footage of the proposed homes is not enough to satisfy the residents; so he negotiated to add a bonus room or a three-car garage to Lots 28 and 29 and to design an optional guest house. The consensus of the neighbors was that they don't want anything less than 2,600 square feet under roof. 7 . � �� ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 14, 1998 MINUTES Commissioner Holden commented that it is understood by everyone, including the neighbors, that this Commission has nothing to do with approving the square footage of a project. Chairman Gregory noted that the applicant has already agreed to the suggestions made by the Commission at its previous meetings. Dan Shillito commented that Mr. Tirre has given a fair representation of the meeting with the neighbors, and the neighbors are indeed opposed to anything less than 2,600 square feet. Commissioner Holden pointed out that most people cannot tell the square footage of a house by looking at it from the street. Mr. Wiseman stated that the existing homes in the neighborhood range from 2,600 to 3,700 square feet, and the plans are superior to those proposed, to which Mr. Tirre replied that the quality of the proposed homes will be as good or better than that of the existing homes. Action: It was moved by Commissioner Van Vliet, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia, to approve the homes, subject to the suggestions made by the Commission at previous meetings. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner O'Donnell absent. Mr. Smith pointed out that there is a 15-day period within which to file an appeal of the Commission's decision. 2. CASE NO.: CUP 98-2 APPLICANT.�AND ADDRESS): PDH ASSOCIATES, LLC, 55-550 Riviera Drive, La Quinta, CA 92253 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of revised landscaping at east and west ends of Marriott Courtyard hotel LOCATION: 11.3 acres at the southwest corner of Cook and Frank Sinatra ZONE: PR-5 8 , �.rr�r' `�, ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 14, 1998 MINUTES Mr. Smith reported that the applicant has revised the landscaping plan on the east and west ends of the Courtyard Hotel. Bill Swank expressed appreciation to the Commission for providing suggestions, and indicated that the suggestions have been incorporated into the plans. Action: It was moved by Chairman Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Holden, to approve the area shown to be landscaped. Motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner O'Donnell absent. 3. CASE NO.: PP 98-4 and CUP 98-4 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): MARRIOTT OWNERSHIP RESORTS, INC., 6649 Westwood Boulevard, Suite 500, Orlando, FL 32809-6090 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of architecture for 102 time share units, one community pool and one community facilities building LOCATION: North side of Hovley Lane between Portola Avenue and Cook Street ZONE: PR-4 Mr. Alvarez reported that this is the last undeveloped parcel within the Marriott Desert Springs Resort, and it is 13.64 acres located between Cook Street and Hovley. The tentative map witl create 12 parcels with nine timeshare buildings, plus a community facilities building and a pool. There will be eight, 10 or 12 units per building, and the buildings will be two stories and 30 feet in height. The 32-foot setback requirement will be met. Since the buildings exceed the 24-foot height limit, City Council approval will also be required. Commissioner Van Vliet asked what is adjacent to the perimeter, to which Mr. Alvarez responded that the golf course is adjacent. 9 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 14, 1998 MINUTES Action: It was moved by Commissioner Holden, seconded by Chairman Gregory, to grant preliminary approval of architecture for 102 time share units, one community pool and one community facilities building. Motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner O'Donnell absent. 4. CASE NO.: PP 98-6 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): ROBERT O. BRIGGS AND W. MICHAEL HAY, 16672 Milikan Avenue, Irvine, CA 92606 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Prefiminary approval of landscaping and architectural elevations for three industrial buildings LOCATION: West side of Entrepreneur Lane south of Gold's Gym ZONE: S.I. Mr. Smith reported that this project is to be located within an existing industrial park. Changes will be made to the lighting plans. The property is comprised of two lots, and the parcel map will create three lots. There will be two driveways, and access easements will be granted. The driveway area between Buildings 1 and 2 is 30 feet, and the area between Buildings 2 and 3 is 29 feet. Mr. Briggs noted that these buildings will be similar to the building around the corner. Commissioner Connor asked if the proposed project meets parking requirements, to which Mr. Smith responded that as a warehouse with ancillary office use, it does meet parking requirements. Commissioner Van Vliet was concerned about the back area becoming a yard space and thereby force people to park in the street. Commissioner Holden felt that the parking lots don't flow. 10 , wr.,•� 'r.r+"' ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 14, 1998 MINUTES Mr. Smith pointed out that this project will go to the Planning Commission for approval of a precise plan, and the Planning Commission may very well impose a condition that the driveway be kept open to grant mutual access. Commissioner Holden noted that there is a two- to three-foot strip between the fence and the property line on Lot 2, to which Mr. Briggs replied that he would have no problem with landscaping that area, but he is not certain how the Fire Department would feel about that; however, landscaping next to a tilt up building is always a good idea. Chairman Gregory suggested that trees be added for shade. Commissioner Urrutia stated that he doesn't have a problem with the area between Buildings 1 and 2, but between Buildings 2 and 3 something is needed to soften the appearance of the walls. Mr. Smith noted that in Lot 3 there are five to six parking spaces which could be a problem in that cars could potentially back into the side of Building 2. Commissioner Urrutia noted that code permits a minimum 24-foot driveway, and there could be a five-foot planting alongside. Mr. Briggs stated that, in his experience, wide driveways are better than narrow driveways. Chairman Gregory suggested a five-foot wide planter on the north side of Building 2, and that the size of the plant material be increased. Commissioner Urrutia indicated that his biggest concern is that all the buildings look alike, and he would prefer some individuality, which could easily be accomplished with color and/or texture; however, the size and shape of the buildings is acceptable. Commissioner Van Vliet agreed with Commissioner Urrutia that the buildings should have some variation. Action: It was moved by Commissioner Urrutia, seconded by Commissioner Connor, to grant conceptual approval, subject to incorporating the suggestions made regarding the architecture and landscaping. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner O'Donnell absent. 11 . `r..�'' '"'✓' ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 14, 1998 MINUTES 5. CASE NO.: CUP 97-15 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESSI: H.N. and FRANCES C. BERGER FOUNDATION, P.O. Box 13390, Palm Desert, CA 92255 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approvai of building and landscape plans for a 24,543 square foot corporate office LOCATION: Northeast corner of Cook Street and Sheryl Avenue ZONE: S-I Mr. Smith reported that this project was reviewed by the City Council who referred it back to the Commission; however, the applicant has indicated that he would like to withdraw, and is not present today; so staff would suggest that the matter be tabled. Action: It was moved by Commissioner Urrutia, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to table the case. Motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner O'Donnell absent. IV. A. Final Drawings (continued) 6. CASE NO.: PP 96-11 APPLICANT �AND ADDRESSI: GENERAL CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT for PACIFIC ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY, 41-865 Boardwalk, Suite 12, Palm Desert, CA 92211 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of final working drawings for 20-unit assisted living complex LOCATION: 44-424 San Carlos and 73-685 Catalina Way ZONE: R-2 12 � .�,�. tir�,�.� ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 14, 1998 MINUTES Mr. Smith reported that the applicant is requesting 20 parking spaces, and that five be waived as long as they are kept available if they become necessary in the future; however, the ptans submitted do not show those five spaces. The applicant indicated that he is not sure what happened to those five spaces, but Mr. Smith is correct that there is supposed to be room for five more spaces. Mr. Smith suggested that the case be continued two weeks since the drawings are substantially different than the preliminary drawings, with which the applicant concurred. Action: It was moved by Commissioner Urrutia, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to continue the case at the applicant's request. Motion carried 5-0,with Commissioner O'Donnell absent. 7. CASE NO.: SA 98-14 APPLICANT�AND ADDRESSI: CHANDLER SIGNS, INC. for CONROY'S 1-800-FLOWERS, 3201 Manorway, Dallas, TX 76235 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Reconsideration of business identification sign to add raceway LOCATION: 73-161 Country Club Drive ZONE: P.C. (2) Mr. Alvarez reported that the Commission approved signage for this location back in January, but at that time, the applicant did not know that a raceway was required for the building; so the applicant installed a raceway and used a green background to hide the raceway from view. The applicant now requests approval of the raceway and green background. 13 , '�,�,r�" ''„r"� ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 14, 1998 MINUTES Commissioner Urrutia commented that he doesn't have a problem with the green background because the Commission previously indicated that green would be acceptable (even though it is not included in the center's sign program) as long as the proposed size of the sign was reduced, and the size was indeed reduced. Action: It was moved by Commissioner Van Vliet, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia, to approve the raceway and green background. Motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner O'Donnell absent. B. Final Drawings (continued) 6. CASE NO.: C 98-1 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESSI: WAYNE C. CONNOR & ASSOCIATES, for DONALD PALMIERI, 44-267 Monterey Avenue, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of landscaping along the south side of Highway 111 from Fred Waring and Painter's Path LOCATION: South side of Highway 111 befinreen Fred Waring and Painter's Path ZONE: P.C.(4) Commissioner Connor reported that the proposal is to remove a number of utility screen walls and relocate the equipment as necessary to gain more landscape area. The area will also have architectural treatments such as trellis structures. The low retaining wall between the Olive Garden Restaurant and Bananaz will be removed, and a slope will handle the grade and planting. Most of the existing landscaping will be removed and replaced. Action: It was moved by Chairman Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to grant preliminary approval of the landscaping plan. Motion carried 3-0-1, with Commissioners Connor and Holden abstaining and Commissioner O'Donnell absent. 14 . . "�w.r�' `'.,"':' ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 14, 1998 MINUTES 7. CASE NO.: PP 97-8 APPLICANT�AND ADDRESS): WAYNE C. CONNOR&ASSOCIATES for O. MICHAEL HOMME, 44-267 Monterey Avenue, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of landscaping for a 12,500 square foot single-story professional office/medical building LOCATION: North side of Fred Waring between Monterey Avenue and Acacia Drive ZONE: O.P. Mr. Alvarez reported that the City's landscape consultant, Eric Johnson, reviewed the plans and found them to be outstanding. Action: It was moved by Chairman Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Holden, to grant final approval of the landscaping plan. Motion carried 4-0-1, with Commissioner Connor abstaining and Commissioner O'Donnell absent. V. MISCELLANEOUS Appointment of two representatives to the subcommittee to review the Palma Village/Commercial Core Area Specific Plans Commissioners Holden and Van Vliet volunteered to serve on the subcommittee. 15 , �� �� ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 14, 1998 MINUTES VI. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 2:35 p.m. . - � _ _. � r _ ST VE SMITH PLANNING MANAGER 16