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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-01-13 � � PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION TUESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1998 MINUTES **************************************************************************************************** I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 12:25 p.m. Commissioners Present Current Meetina Year to Date Present Absent Present Absent Wayne Connor X 1 Ronald Gregory X 1 Richard Holden X 1 Richard O'Donnell X 1 Frank Urrutia X 1 Chris Van Vliet X 1 Staff Present Philip Drell, Director of Community Development 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 Van Vliet, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia, to approve the minutes of the December 23, 1997 meeting as submitted. Motion carried 3-0-1,with Commissioner O'Donnell abstaining and Commissioners Gregory and Holden absent. III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS David Dominick of Jones Drive in Palm Desert expressed appreciation for the City's support regarding the Sun Terrace project. 1 � � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 13, 1998 MINUTES IV. CASES A. Final Drawings 1. CASE NO.: SA 98-10 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS� CITY WOK, 73-040 EI Paseo, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of business identification signage LOCATION: 73-040 EI Paseo ZONE: C-1 Mr. Alvarez reported that this application involves four signs, and three of the signs will be mounted on two clock towers. On the Monterey elevation, the clock tower will feature a logo sign with 3/8" black aluminum circle with white neon copy and a rear white border. The second tower located in the rear features clocks facing north and east, which will also feature similar signs. The height of the towers exceeds 20 feet; so it will require approval from the City Council. Mr. Alvarez indicated that the fourth sign will hang underneath the archway entry to the building on EI Paseo, and is an eight-inch deep can sign, five feet in diameter, with four-inch thick channel letters, illuminated with white neon copy and a clear Plexiglas face. This sign will have a white neon border and a purple interior circle. Mr. Smith reported that a rectangular shaped, plum colored awning will hang over the main entry, and the design fits in with the signage proposed. Stewart Davis, the business owner, stated that the proposal is to incorporate the restaurant's round logo onto the existing clocks. 2 �✓ �rr�+' ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 13, 1998 MINUTES Mr. Stewart indicated that the only other signage will be under the arch on EI Paseo, and that sign will emulate the signage at the existing restaurant on Country Club Drive, although the colors will be different. The only location to place signage on the Monterey frontage without destroying the character of the building is the clock tower. Chairman Gregory asked if the clocks will be operational, to which Mr. Davis responded that he guarantees that they will be operational. Commissioner Van Vliet asked if the signs will be lit from the ground, to which Mr. Davis responded negatively, and pointed out that the clock tower signs will have recessed neon lighting. Commissioner Urrutia asked if the signs will be internally lit, to which Mr. Davis responded negatively, and Mr. Drell clarified that the sign on EI Paseo will have internally lit letters. Commissioner Urrutia indincated that the signs look fine, but suggested that the canopy on EI Paseo be semi-circular rather than rectangular so as to tie in better with the building architecture. Action: It was moved by Commissioner Urrutia, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to approve the business identification signage with the condition that the awning under the entry be semi-circular instead of rectangular in order to tie in better with the architecture of the building; and that the two rear tower signs, due to their height, be approved by the City Council. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Holden absent. 3 �rry �,ryr ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 13, 1998 AGENDA 2. CASE NO.: SA 98-1 APPLICANT(AND ADDRESS� PARAGON SIGNS for PALMS TO PINES PLAZA CLEANERS, 77-650 Enfield Lane, Palm Desert, CA 92211 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of business identification signage LOCATION: 72-790 EI Paseo ZONE: P.C.(3) Mr. Alvarez noted that the project is located in the A.G. Edwards building, and the request involves finro can signs measuring 30 inches by 12 inches, with one sign facing the south and the other facing the east. The proposal includes red copy on a white background. The A.G. Edwards sign is similarly located, and staff recommends using individual channel letters, and that the south facing sign be non-illuminated since it faces residences at Sandpiper. Commissioner Connor asked why the letter colors on the signs are different, to which Don of Paragon Signs replied that one sign already exists. Commissioner Van Vliet asked about the height of the monument sign, to which Don responded by estimating 14 feet, but noted that it is on a slope which is lower than EI Paseo; so it doesn't look too high from that perspective. Commissioner Urrutia preferred that the signs match the style of the A.G. Edwards sign, i.e., with individual letters. Chairman Gregory asked if it would be possible to illuminate the letters on the south facing sign in a more dim fashion, to which Commissioner Urrutia responded by suggesting reverse channel letters. Don pointed out that the residences at Sandpiper are considerably higher in elevation that the subject building; so he does not think those residents will be adversely impacted by an illuminated sign. Commissioner Connor suggested that the letter colors match. 4 �rr✓ �,r ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 13, 1998 MINUTES Action: It was moved by Commissioner Urrutia, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to approve the business identification signage with the following conditions: 1) that individual letters be used at the same height as the A.G. Edwards sign (25 inches); 2) that the south facing sign be either non-illuminated or reverse channel letters; 3) that the east facing sign be illuminated in the same manner as the A.G. Edwards sign and have either blue or green letters; and 4) that the monument sign be approved as submitted. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Holden absent. 3. CASE NO.: SA 98-2 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS� PARAGON SIGNS for PAINE WEBBER, 77-650 Enfield Lane, Palm Desert, CA 92211 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of business identification signage LOCATION: 74-710 Highway 111 ZONE: O.P. Mr. Alvarez reported that the sign on the south elevation is proposed to have 31-inch dark brown reverse channel letters and is 20-feet long. This sign meets Code requirements; so staff recommends approval. The sign on the east elevation is proposed to have 36-inch dark brown reverse channel letters and is 23'3" long. Commissioner Urrutia preferred that the lettering on both signs should be the same height. Action: It was moved by Commissioner Van Vliet, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia, to approve the business identification signage with the condition that both signs have a maximum letter height of 31 inches. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Holden absent. 5 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 13, 1998 MINUTES 4. CASE NO.: SA 98-3 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): COMBS MARR ARCHITECTS for ARCO PRODUCTS COMPANY, 3750 University Avenue, Suite 175, Riverside, CA 92501 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Removal and replacement of existing canopy fascia, canopy columns and signage between columns LOCATION: 73-980 Highway 111 ZONE: C-1 Mr. Alvarez reported that the applicant proposes to remove the AM/PM logo sign on the canopy facia and replace it with the ARCO logo, which would be illuminated. Commissioner Urrutia asked if the columns will be changed, to which Ida Sanchez replied that the columns will be changed if the Commission allows, and added that the ARCO logo is a red spark which is smaller than the existing AM/PM logo. Ms. Sachez noted that the facia will be non- illuminated, and only the spark will be illuminated. Action: It was moved by Commissioner O'Donnell, seconded by Commissioner Connor, to approve removal and replacement of the existing canopy fascia, canopy columns and signage between columns, removal and replacement of existing signage canopy, canopy columns, and replacement of the existing canopy signage with company logo. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Holden absent. 6 �rr� "�ar+' ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 13, 1998 MINUTES 5. CASE NO.: PP 95-7 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): DENISE ROBERGE for AUGUSTA RESTAURANT, 73-951 EI Paseo Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of landscaping plans LOCATION: 73-951 EI Paseo Drive ZONE: C-1 Mr. Drell reported that the landscaping indicated on the plans has already been installed, and the City will be executing a landscape maintenance agreement with the property owner. Chairman Gregory emphasized that the plans should be submitted and approved prior to installation of any landscaping elements, and indicated that the applicant should be reminded of that before any future work is done. Action: It was moved by Chairman Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Connor, to approve the landscaping plans based on the presentation of quality with the understanding that any plants which don't survive be replaced in conformance with the quality indicated on the drawings, and that all future work must have plans submitted and approved in advance of planting. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Holden absent. 7 `�r�e+'' �rrr' ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 13, 1998 MINUTES _ B. Preliminary Plans 1. CASE NO.: PP 97-17, TT 28658 APPLICANT �AND ADDRESS): WESTWIND DEVELOPMENT, INC. 44-817 Del Dios Circle, Indian Wells, CA 92210 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of preliminary landscaping plans LOCATION: Southeast corner of Abronia Trail and Sunset Lane ZONE: R-3 Mr. Alvarez reported that the City's landscape consultant, Eric Johnson, has reviewed the plans and included his comments thereon. Commissioner Connor disagreed with Mr. Johnson's advice against the use of California Pepper. Chairman Gregory disagreed with Mr. Johnson's advice against the use of robustas. Action: It was moved by Chairman Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Connor,to approve the preliminary landscaping with the condition that headers which separate the grass from the planter areas be made of recycled material. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Holden absent. 8 "�rr "r..r� ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 13, 1998 MINUTES 2. CASE NO.: PP 97-12, CZ 97-11 APPLICANT�AND ADDRESSI: F & M ASSOCIATES, 2041 San Remo Drive, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary review of plans for a commercial retail center LOCATION: Northeast corner of Monterey Avenue and Country Club Drive ZONE: PR-7 Mr. Smith reported that this project will be considered by the Planning Commission next week, and it involves nine acres of land that is currently zoned residential which the applicant proposes to rezone to neighborhood commercial in order to develop a retail commercial center consisting of a Luckys supermarket, a Sav-On store on the corner with a drive-thru prescription pick-up window, a Carl's Jr. restaurant (sans drive-thru) to the east, and an ARCO gas station on the north corner. The reason for locating the ARCO station on the north corner is because a gas station currently exists at the southeast corner of the intersection of Monterey and Country Club, and the City requires 500 feet of separation between gas stations. Mr. Smith indicated that access on Country Club Drive will be right-turn in and right-turn out only, and there will be no break in the median on Country Club. There will also be access at the entry to the Merano housing development, and that intersection will have a traffic signal. There will be two driveways from which to access the property from Monterey. Mr. Smith noted that one of the relevant issues is the building height of the Luckys market, because the maximum allowable height is 30 feet, and some of the towers are nearly 40 feet in height. The prescription drive-thru lane needs softening with landscaping, although the landscaping presented is merely conceptual at this point. The delivery area at the rear of the Lucky store is approximately 16 feet higher than the finished grade of the adjacent Merano homes. Golf cart parking will be provided. There is a concern about the visual impact of the east elevation which faces the driveway to Merano. 9 '�rw+� � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 13, 1998 MINUTES Mr. Mahoney, the project architect, commented that he attempted to bring the roof down to a residential scale. Canopy trees will be used. The Sav-On building is 17,000 square feet, which is substantially smaller than the Luckys building. Full traffic circulation will be provided all the way around the project via a full driveway. The architectural style of the project has been designed to be compatible with the residences at Merano. He can make the project conform more by bringing down the height, but he would still like to maintain the proportions. Commissioner Urrutia commented that the towers don't look like tower elements, and indicated that his biggest concern is the massiveness of the building, and added that the project doesn't seem sensitive to the nearby residences with the exception of the colors and the lines. Commissioner Urrutia suggested that the towers be more distinctive. Commissioner O'Donnell noted that the east elevation of the Sav-On building appears a bit naked,with which Commissioner Urrutia agreed and suggested that landscaping be added. Commissioner Connor acknowledged that the east elevation of the Lucky building will be screened with landscaping, but noted that the plan does not show enough space for it, to which Mr. Mahoney replied that the project is overparked; so adjustments can be made. Chairman Gregory indicated that he would like to have finger bays of planters to break up the long runs or parking, with which Commissioner Urrutia concurred. Mr. Smith stated that the planter areas in the parking lot will have inner dimensions of six feet by eight feet and exterior dimensions of nine feet by seven feet; so the parking spaces at those locations will be a foot and a half shorter on each side. Chairman Gregory asked for the average grade change between Merano and the proposed project, to which Mr. Mahoney responded that it is fairly level. 10 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 13, 1998 MINUTES Chairman Gregory asked how much the grade will be dropped, to which Mr. Mahoney replied that it will be four feet in the truck area of the project. Chairman Gregory commented that this will be a major concern when the project enters the public arena. Commissioner Urrutia expressed concern regarding the southernmost entrance on Monterey because it creates a conflict with the parking arrangement on the north side of the Sav-On building. Commissioner Urrutia expressed concern regarding landscaping on both sides of the Luckys building, and emphasized the importance of the east elevation because residents of Merano will have to look at it. Commissioner Van Vliet was concerned about the building heights, particularly that of the Sav-On building due to its corner location. Commissioner Van Vliet indicated that he would prefer more architectural detail on the back sides of the Luckys building instead of relying on landscaping, and Commissioner Connor noted that the architecture consists mostly of plaster, with which Commissioner Urrutia concurred, and suggested that something more needs to be done to get away from the massive box-like appearance, since the small overhangs are not enough. Tim Barlett noted that this project is very similar to the Luckys project on Deep Canyon at Highway 111, and asked the Commission for input regarding that project, to which Commissioner Urrutia remarked that it is more massive than he expected. Commissioner O'Donnell expressed concern about a potential safety exposure related to people climbing the wall separating the project from the residences and the loading ramp, to which Mr. Mahoney responded that there will be a six-foot wall. Commissioner O'Donnell commented that owners of abutting residential property will have a view of a very ominous wall due to the abrupt incline. 11 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 13, 1998 MINUTES Action: Commissioner Urrutia moved, seconded by Commissioner Connor, to continued the case to allow the applicant an opportunity to incorporate modifications suggested by the Commission. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Holden absent. 3. CASE NO.: CUP 97-15 APPLICANT �AND ADDRESS): H.N. and FRANCES C. BERGER FOUNDATION, P.O. Box 13390, Palm Desert, CA 92255 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of building and landscape plans for a 24,543 square foot corporate office building LOCATION: Northeast corner of Cook Street and Sheryl Avenue ZONE: S-I Mr. Smith reported that the proposat includes a two-story contemporary building with access from Sheryl toward the east end of the property and a driveway across the rear of the building along the east side. Semi- subterranean parking will accommodate 34 cars, and there will be 20 spaces of surface parking. With 4.15 acres, there is ample room to provide additional parking, but the applicant indicates that the company only has 16 employees; so staff will be recommending that the Planning Commission grant a parking adjustment as long as the applicant agrees to add more parking in the event it becomes necessary. Commissioner O'Donnell asked what type of business the Berger foundation conducts, to which Anton Berkett, the applicant's representative, replied that it is a private charitable organization. Mr. Smith noted that the applicant also owns the property to the immediate north of the project. 12 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 13, 1998 MINUTES Chairman Gregory asked if the building conforms to height requirements, to which Mr. Smith responded affirmatively. Chairman Gregory asked if the project conforms to parking requirements, to which Mr. Smith responded that staff will be recommending that the Planning Commission grant a parking adjustment as long as the applicant agrees to add more parking in the event it becomes necessary. Chairman Gregory indicated that his major concern is that the building will loom over Cook Street even though it meets the height requirements, because the top of the building will be 37 feet higher than the top of the street curb. Chairman Gregory was also concerned about how the landscape will relate, and suggested that the plans need a lot of work to soften the building. Commissioner Urrutia agreed with Chairman Gregory and added that since there is an abundance of property, he would suggest that the building be moved back further on the lot. Mr. Drell indicated that the building height could be lowered by placing the entire parking garage befow grade rather than having semi-subterranean parking. Commissioner Urrutia preferred that the building be moved back from the street, or in the alternative, having the second floor stepped back. Chairman Gregory commented that the building looks great, but will overpower anything else in the area; so a simple solution would be to push the building back so that it is 37 feet from the curb, to which Commissioner Urrutia replied that he doesn't think that would be far enough back. Mr. Berkett commented that if the building is moved back too far, the entry will be near the car wash, to which Mr. Drell responded that the applicant must bear in mind that the zone allows a car wash, as well as other industrial uses. 13 y�ww" °�,�,' ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 13, 1998 MINUTES Action: It was moved by Commissioner O'Donnell, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to continue the case to provide the applicant with an opportunity to incorporate modifications suggested by the Commission. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Holden absent. 4. CASE NO.: CUP 97-16 APPLICANT.�AND ADDRESS): MCFADDEN/MCINTOSH ARCHITECTS for WALGREENS DRUG STORE, 73-929 Larrea, Suite 1A, Patm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of revised architectural elevations and landscaping LOCATION: Southeast corner of Monterey Avenue and San Gorgonio ZONE: R-1 Mr. Smith reported that the Commission previously reviewed this case and recommended several changes, and the plans do include an extended planter area around the loading dock and a six-foot block wall next to the residences; however, severat changes recommended by the Commission, including those related to the glass entry, have not been addressed. Jim Mclntosh indicated that Walgreens is willing to make the glass entry opaque as long as it doesn't screen out the logo, and Commissioner Urrutia recalled that the idea was to make it opaque during the day. Commissioner Urrutia suggested that a planter buffer be created along the loading dock area, and stated that he is not sure what the plants to the north and west will accomplish. Commissioner Urrutia indicated that the drive-thru area still needs to be improved. 14 � `r.� ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 13, 1998 MINUTES Commissioner Urrutia referenced the north and west building elevations and stated that they have some architectural interest, but the other elevations are lacking, and recalled that the Commission previously suggested offsetting the walls. Chairman Gregory asked about the purpose of the island planter, to which Mr. Mclntosh replied that it is for circulation purposes, though he now believes it would be better to move it next to the building. Chairman Gregory expressed concern that the northwest driveway off the alley is dangerously close to Monterey, and suggested that it be eliminated, especially if the northeast entry is moved to the west. Commissioner Urrutia agreed with moving the northeast entry to the west, and suggested that the parking area be moved to the east in order to create a better buffer between the residential area. Mr. Smith reported that one of the neighbors, Mr. Whittey, who was an appraiser with the County for 27 years, is vehemently opposed to this project because he believes it will decrease his property value. Mr. Smith noted that this project also requires a zone change; so it will be a rather lengthy process. Commissioner O'Donnell suggested that tall palm trees be used to screen the east elevation. Mr. Mclntosh indicated that the planter on the west could be brought around the corner. Commissioner Connor suggested a canopy type tree for the north and south perimeter, and agreed that the northwest entry could create a traffic problem. 15 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 13, 1998 Action: It was moved by Commissioner O'Donnell, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to continue the case to provide the applicant an opportunity to more fully incorporate the modifications which were suggested by the Commission at its meeting of December 9, 1997. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Holden absent. Commissioner Gregory left the meeting at 2:35 p.m. A. Final Drawings 6. CASE NO.: PP 97-2 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): KIRKPATRICK ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS A.I.A. for EL PASEO RETAIL BUILDING, 1811 Centinela Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90404 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of final working drawings LOCATION: 73-670 and 73-680 EI Paseo ZONE: C-1 Mr. Smith reported that the Commission previously reviewed and approved the final working drawings for this project, and directed that the height of the roof-mounted equipment be reduced; however, the applicant now wishes to screen that equipment. Commissioner Urrutia suggested that the screening be stuccoed to match the building. 16 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 13, 1998 MINUTES Action: It was moved by Commissioner Urrutia, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to approve the final working drawings with the condition that the screens for the roof-mounted equipment be stuccoed to match the building. The motion carried 4-0, with Commissioners Gregory and Holden absent. A. Preliminary Plans 4. CASE NO.: PP 84-39 Amendment #1 APPLICANT�AND ADDRESS): LEEDS & STRAUSS for VACATION INN, 11975 EI Camino Real, #103, San Diego, CA 92103 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of preliminary landscaping plans for hotel remodel/addition LOCATION: 74-695 Highway 111 ZONE: P.C.(4) Mr. Alvarez reported that Eric Johnson, the City's landscape consultant, has reviewed the plans and has indicated that he sees no problems. Action: It was moved by Commissioner Connor, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell,to approve the preliminary landscaping plans as submitted. The motion carried 4-0, with Commissioners Gregory and Holden absent. 17 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 13, 1998 MINUTES 5. CASE NO.: C 98-1 APPLICANT �AND ADDRESS): ARCHON GROUP for DONALD PALMIERI, 350 South Grand Avenue, Suite 4600, Los Angeles, CA 90071 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Conceptual approval to open up rear facing buildings, add planter walls and trellises, revise tower, revise paint and upgrade landscape to better screen service areas and open up new glazed areas LOCATION: South side of Highway 111 between Fred Waring Drive and Painter's Path (Los Sombres) ZONE: P.C.(4) Mr. Alvarez reported that the applicant seeks conceptual approval to open up the rear facing buildings and add windows, planter walls and trellises. Action: It was moved by Commissioner Van Vliet, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell to give conceptual approval to the plans as submitted. The motion carried 4-0, with Commissioners Gregory and Holden absent. V. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 2:45 p.m. STEV SMITH PLANNING MANAGER 18