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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-08-25 Y PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 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 15 1 Ronald Gregory X 14 2 Richard Holden X 15 1 Richard O'Donnell X 13 3 Frank Urrutia X 14 2 Chris Van Vliet X 14 2 Staff Present: Phil Drell, Director of Community Development Steve Smith, Planning Manager Martin Alvarez, Assistant Planner Daisy Garcia, Code Enforcement Officer Kim Chafin, Senior Office Assistant II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Commissioner O'Donnell, seconded by Connor, to approve the minutes of the August 11, 1998 meeting. Motion carried 3-0, with Commissioners Urrutia, Van Vliet and Gregory absent. III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None. 1 i ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 25, 1998 MINUTES IV. CASES B. Preliminary Approval 1. CASE NO.. C 98-13 APPLICANT(AND ADDRESS): CEC ENTERTAINMENT, INC. for CHUCK E. CHEESE, P.O. Box 152077, Irving, TX 75015 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of storefront remodel, including business identification signage and awnings LOCATION: 72-513 Highway 111, Suite H ZONE: PC-3 Mr. Alvarez reported that the front elevation features an increas in the existing parapet by four feet, adding a reverse channel letter backlit sign, a mouse logo and illuminated awnings. The building frontage is only 87 feet and the proposed signage and logo totals 95 square feet; so either the size of the logo or the letters must be reduced to meet the 75 square foot maximum allowed. The rear elevation features an eight-foot by nine-foot can logo sign. The applicant indicated that the logo could be lowered to within six inches of the letters on the front elevation, and Mr. Alvarez indicated that would be helpful in reducing the overall size of the signage. Commissioner O'Donnell indicated that he has a problem with the large mouse logo on the rear elevation, but would be willing to allow the oversize mouse logo on the front if the one on the rear were deleted and replaced with copy only, with which the applicant concurred. Commissioner Holden felt that the front elevation needs depth, to which the applicant responded by submitting a revised plan featuring a tower element. Action: Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Connor, to grant final approval, subject to the following conditions: 1) deleting the logo element on the rear elevation and allowing 24-inch copy thereon; and 2) adding the tower element to the front elevation as depicted in the revised plans. The motion carried 3-0, with Commissioners Urrutia, Van Vliet and Gregory absent. 2 fir..• �' ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 25, 1998 MINUTES A. Final Drawings 1. CASE NO.: PP 98-1, CZ 98-1, GPA 98-1 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): McFADDEN/McINTOSH ARCHITECTS for DAVID&NANCY DOWGIALO, 73-929 Larrea, Suite 1A, Palm Desert, CA 92260/P.O. Box 1682, La Quinta, CA 92253 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of remodel/addition to existing building LOCATION: 44-817 & 44-835 Portola ZONE: R-1 Mr.Alvarez reported that the Commission previously granted approval for the remodel project with the condition that the garage either be redesigned to match the proposed office building or demolished, and the applicant has now submitted plans to remodel the garage so that it matches the proposed office building. Action: Commissioner Connor moved, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to grant final approval. The motion carried 3-0, with Commissioners Urrutia, Van Vliet and Gregory absent. 3 w✓ ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 25, 1998 MINUTES 2. CASE NO.: TT 28575 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): WINMAR PALM DESERT, LLC for THE CANYONS AT BIGHORN, 50-100 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of maintenance facility LOCATION: Highway 74 frontage (south property line to Indian Hills Way) ZONE: PR-5 Mr. Drell reported that the Commission previously reviewed the plans and indicated that the building should be pushed back, and the revised plans indicate that the building is pushed back 10 feet to allow for a 25-foot berm parkway. The top of the wall has been used as the line of sight. Commissioner O'Donnell asked if it will be possible to see the top of the building as one travels north on Highway 74, to which Mr. Veto responded that it probably will be possible to see the top of the building from the hill on Highway 74. Action: Commissioner Connor moved, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell to grant final approval with the condition that the roof color be terra brown and the wall color be birch white. The motion carried 3-0 with Commissioners Urrutia, Van Vliet and Gregory absent. 4 Nwmoo ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 25, 1998 MINUTES 3. CASE NO.: DP 12-79 AMENDMENT APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): HAHN/PALM DESERT, INC., 4350 La Jolla Drive, Suite 400, San Diego, CA 92122-1233 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of mall remodel/expansion LOCATION: Highway 111 generally bounded by Monterey Avenue, Town Center Way and Rancho Grande Drive ZONE: P.C.(3) Dave Birch, the project architect, reported that the Commission previously expressed concern regarding the boxiness of the structure; so emergency exit balconies and emergency exit stairways have been introduced to the north elevation for added articulation. The proposed building height is 66 feet at the larger auditorium and 63 feet at the smaller auditorium, with a 70- foot height at the center of the building in order to screen rooftop equipment. More subtle articulation and horizontal elements that will align with the parapets have also been added. Regarding the Commission's concern regarding height, Mr. Birch indicated that balloons were floated at 70 feet to ascertain the aesthetic impact of the building height, and all the neighbors were notified of the opportunity for input, and there was no negative response. Mr. Birch showed photographs depicting views of the test balloons from various nearby areas. Commissioner Connor commended the applicant for conducting such a thorough study, and noted that one of the biggest problems is the gaps in landscaping between the subject property and the neighboring residential properties, and asked if there is any possibility that the applicant will fill those areas in with appropriate plantings, to which Mr. Drell responded affirmatively. Commissioner Holden suggested that approval of the project include a condition that the applicant be required to fill in the landscaping gaps between the neighboring residential properties. 5 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 25, 1998 MINUTES Commissioner Holden indicated that he would like to ensure that the big planters depicted on the elevations are, in fact, implemented, to which Mr. Drell responded that it is part of the landscape plan, and the Commission should specify that the planters be part of the final working drawings. Commissioner O'Donnell asked about the proximity of the building to Monterey and Town Center Way, to which Mr. Birch replied that the owner has no problem with providing articulation; however, the setback is 35 feet, not the 18 feet which was previously indicated. Commissioner O'Donnell felt that the Commission's concerns have been addressed, although ideally he would like to see the building height lowered, to which Mr. Birch responded that everything possible has been done in that regard without jeopardizing the stadium seating arrangement of the theaters. Commissioner O'Donnell asked if anyone checked into the possibility of lowering the building into the ground, to which Skip Kuhn replied that it would add $1 million in costs to the project. Commissioner Connor asked if it would be possible to step a portion of the building back, to which Mr. Birch replied that it has already been stepped back as far as possible without jeopardizing the stadium seating arrangement of the theaters. Commissioner O'Donnell asked if the Commission will have an opportunity to review the plans for the garage, and indicated that he would be willing to grant preliminary approval for the theater building only as long as final approval is based on the entire facility, including the garage, because he does not want to approve the project in a piecemeal fashion, especially given the importance of how the garage is architecturally integrated with the theater building. Commissioner Connor noted that the parking structure will be quite dominant, and, therefore, is just as architecturally significant as the theater building. Commissioner Connor indicated that he would like to see a study addressing screen that will be required along the neighboring property as it pertains to the height of plant material, to which Mr. Birch replied that it will be part of the final landscaping plan submittal. 6 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 25, 1998 MINUTES Action: Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Connor, to grant preliminary approval of the theater building only with the following conditions: 1) Filling in the landscaping gaps on the property adjacent to the neighboring residential property; and 2) that the Architectural Review Commission have the opportunity to review plans for the garage and other parts of the remodel of the overall project. The motion carried 3-0, with Commissioners Urrutia, Van Vliet and Gregory absent. 4. CASE NO.: CUP 98-11 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): NEXTEL COMMUNICATIONS, 17275 Derian Avenue, Irvine, CA 92614 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Installation of a wireless telecommunication tower LOCATION: 75050 Merle Drive ZONE: SI Mr. Alvarez reported that the applicant has submitted a revised proposal which includes a 60-foot monopole fashioned to resemble a palm tree clustered with two live palm trees of 40 and 50 feet, respectively. Barbara Sidel of Nextel indicated that the two live Date Palms will be a fruitless variety, and the artificial palm tree monopole will be square in shape and made of a resin material, and the trunk will be made of a wood laminate material. The intention is to keep the cluster well maintained. Commissioner Holden commented that the City should require that the monopole be removed when it is no longer in use, to which Mr. Alvarez replied that the City's ordinance does require dismantling within 90 days after the facility is no longer in use. Ms. Sidle noted that the lease for the property includes a provision that the facility be dismantled after its use has been terminated. 7 ,*mow ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 25, 1998 MINUTES Mr. Alvarez suggested that landscaping be added along the chain link fence, and Ms. Sidle felt that Oleanders or some other type of hedge would be appropriate. Commissioner O'Donnell recalled that the pole was originally proposed at 85 feet and asked how the 60-foot height was derived, to which Ms. Sidle responded that push came to shove, and when approval was not granted for the 85-foot pole, the engineers reworked things, and there will now be more sites in the area, it is no longer necessary that this particular pole be so high. Action: Commissioner Holden moved, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to grant final approval with the following conditions: 1) that a maintenance agreement be executed; 2) that a demolition agreement be executed; and 3) that Oleanders be planted along the chain link fence. The motion carried 3-0, with Commissioner Urrutia, Van Vliet and Gregory absent. 5. CASE NO.: SA 98-95 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): SCOTT ARCHITECTURAL GRAPHICS for SAKS FIFTH AVENUE, 1275 North Dutton Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95401 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Amendment to previously approved signs at The Gardens on El Paseo to add halo-lit letters on the east and west elevations of the Saks Fifth Avenue building LOCATION: The Gardens on El Paseo ZONE: C-1 Mr. Drell reported that the Commission previously approved signage for Saks for the parking deck elevation, and now the applicant requests addition larger illuminated (halo lit) signs on the side of the second level. Michael Birch of Scott Architectural Graphics indicated that the applicant is trying to create a layering of elements to add a sense of retail interest to the entry, and clarified that the signs will not be visible from Larkspur or San Pablo except right at the point of entry. 8 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 25, 1998 MINUTES Mr. Drell indicated that there is a concern about the impact illuminated signage will have on the residents along San Pablo and suggested that the signage on that elevation be non-illuminated. Commissioner O'Donnell asked about the letter size, to which Mr. Birch responded by indicating 18 inches. Action: Commissioner Connor moved, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell to grant final approval with the condition that the signage along the west elevation be non-illuminated. The motion carried 3-0, with Commissioners Urrutia, Van Vliet and Gregory absent. 6. CASE NO.: SA 98-96 APPLICANT(AND ADDRESS): PALMS TO PINES CANVAS for ALEXANDRE, 69-640 Sugarloaf Avenue #69, Mountain Center, CA 92561 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of awning with no signage LOCATION: 73-061 El Paseo ZONE: C-1 Mr. Alvarez reported that the proposal includes a black canvas awning with no signage. Action: Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Connor, to grant final approval of the project as presented. The motion carried 3-0, with Commissioners Urrutia, Van Vliet and Gregory absent. 9 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 25, 1998 MINUTES 7. CASE NO.: SA 98-97 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): PALMS TO PINES CANVAS for CHINA GARDEN, 69-640 Sugarloaf Avenue #69, Mountain Center, CA 92561 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Change in awning color and new signage LOCATION: 73-196 Highway 111 ZONE: C-1 Ernie Brooks of Palms to Pines Canvas reported that his client has indicated that obtained previous approval for a yellow awning, and had one for a while, but then changed it; however, his client would now like to install a yellow awning which will be translucent. Commissioner O'Donnell felt that the bright yellow color should be softened, especially since it is proposed to be illuminated, and suggested either the Buttercup or Vanilla color in which the Sunbrella fabric is available, and added that he would not be supportive of bright yellow plastic, and would only support illumination of the panel over the entry. Action: Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Connor, to grant final approval with the following conditions: 1)that the awning be made of Sunbrella fabric in either the Buttercup or Vanilla color; 2) that illumination be permitted only under the entry panel with the remainder of the awning to be non-illuminated; and 3) that the sign "China Garden" and the words "lunch" and "dinner" be sewn on. The motion carried 3-0, with Commissioners Urrutia, Van Vliet and Gregory absent. 10 rr ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 25, 1998 MINUTES 8. CASE NO.: SA 98-101 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): MAMACITAS RESTAURANT, 74-991 Velie Way #4, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of a canvas awning and signage LOCATION: 74-991 Velie Way#4 ZONE: S.I. Mr. Alvarez reported that the restaurant is located at the corner of Cook and Velie, and the proposal is to install an awning in the recessed area of the front elevation which would include eight-inch, beige colored letters. Action: Commissioner Holden moved, seconded by Commissioner Connor, to approve the plans as submitted. The motion carried 3-0, with Commissioners Urrutia, Van Vliet and Gregory absent. 11 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 25, 1998 MINUTES 9. CASE NO.: RV 98-4 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): OSBURN J. KINKADE, 74-850 Leslie Avenue, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval to park a recreational vehicle in the front yard of a residence LOCATION: 74-850 Leslie Avenue ZONE: R-1 Mr. Alvarez reported that the Commission previously considered this case and continued the matter to a meeting in August. Mr. Smith noted that the applicant was not present and indicated that the Zoning Ordinance Review Committee will be addressing this issue in September and suggested that the matter be continued. Action: Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Connor, to continue the matter to the first meeting in November. The motion carried 3- 0, with Commissioners Urrutia, Van Vliet and Gregory absent. V. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 2:00 p.m. STEVE SMITH PLANNING MANAGER 12