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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-01-27 ��'` � PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 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 2 Ronald Gregory X 2 Richard Holden X 1 1 Richard O'DonneU X 2 Frank Urrutia X 2 Chris Van Vliet X 2 Staff Present Philip Drell, Director of Community Development Steve Smith, Planning Manager Martin Alvarez, Assistant Planner Steve Buchanan, Senior Plans Examiner 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 January 13, 1998 meeting as submitted. Motion carried 5-0-1, with Commissioner Holden abstaining. III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None. 1 `�rrY ,�,,,,�,r ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 27, 1998 MINUTES IV. CASES A. Final Drawings 1. CASE NO.: SA 98-15 APPLICANT ,�AND ADDRESS): IMPERIAL SIGN COMPANY, INC. for TUCSON, 46-120 Calhoun Street, Indio, CA 92201 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of double-faced monument sign sandblasted into Arizona flagstone LOCATION: 42-335 Washington ZONE: R-1 (9,000) Mr. Alvarez reported that this application involves a double-faced monument sign sandblasted into Arizona flagstone. The sign would be located in the median at the entry to the project. The sign will be eight feet high at the highest point. Mark Ross of Imperial Signs indicated that the stone will weigh 4,100 pounds. Commissioner Urrutia indicated that there should be 18 inches of soil over the top of the footing to allow planting of shrubs at the sign base. Action: It was moved by Commissioner Holden, seconded by Commissioner Connor,to approve the double-faced monument sign sandblasted into Arizona flagstone with the condition that there be 18 inches of soil over the top of the footing. Motion carried 5-0. 2 . �✓ �rir ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 27, 1998 MINUTES 2. CASE NO.: SA 98-7 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): IMPERIAL SIGN COMPANY, INC. for DESERT SLEEP CENTER, 46-120 Calhoun Street, Indio, CA 92201 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of individual channel letter sign LOCATION: 73-608 Highway 111 ZONE: C-1 Mr. Alvarez reported that the property is located on the north side of Highway 111, and the applicant requests approval of three signs: one with red channel letters fronting on Highway 111; one fronting on the corner; and one at the rear which would be non-illuminated. A can sign already exists on the building, and the applicant proposes to maintain the can sign and replace the Plexiglas with ivory background and red letters. Commissioner Urrutia suggested reducing the size of the words "mattress" and "sofa beds" on the sign facing Highway 111. Commissioner O'Donnell stated that his biggest objection is the can sign on the corner. Action: It was moved by Commissioner O'Donnell, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia, to approve the individual channel letter signs with the condition that the menu signs fronting Highway 111 have letters with a maximum height of eight inches, and that the can sign be eliminated. Motion carried 5-0. 3 � �✓ �rrw ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 27, 1998 MINUTES 3. APPLICANT�AND ADDRESSI: PALMS TO PINES CANVAS for JERRY LISS IMPORTED RUGS, 69 Pinyon Pines, Mountain Center, CA 92561 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of marquee awning with lights LOCATION: 73-470 EI Paseo ZONE: C-1 Mr. Smith reported that the applicant proposes an illuminated marquee awning in a teal color with black copy. The building is octagonal-shaped and is located in the shopping center formerly occupied by Luckys market. The canopy will project out from the building to EI Paseo, but will not cross the public right-of-way. The front of the unit will be wider than the point where it connects to the building. Chairman Gregory suggested that the front of the awning run parallel with the building. Commissioner Van Vliet objected to the shape of the awning because it does not complement the architecture of the building, with which Chairman Gregory concurred, and noted that the barrel vault style of the awning does not blend with the strong octagonal shape of the building, and he would suggest something more angular. Commissioner Holden suggested that the case be continued and that the applicant provide a rendering in more of an elevation form so the Commission can better envision how everything will look. Commissioner Connor felt that the top of the awning also needs to relate better to the building architecture. Action: It was moved by Commissioner Hotden, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to continue the case to give the applicant an opportunity to incorporate changes suggested by the Commission. Motion carried 5-0. 4 , �rr� `"�` ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 27, 1998 MINUTES 4. CASE NO.: SA 98-12 APPLICANT(AND ADDRESSI: GEORGE L.AVANS, D.D.S., 31-855 Date Palm Drive, Cathedral City, CA 92234 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of business identification signage/monument sign LOCATION: 73-151 Fred Waring Drive ZONE: O.P. Mr. Alvarez reported that the building is currently under construction on the south side of Fred Waring between Monterey and San Pablo. The applicant requests bronze non-illuminated plastic letters on the front elevation of the building, as well as the monument sign, and noted that the monument sign will also serve as a mail box. Commissioner Holden noted that the proposal includes three menu items, which is too many, since only two menu items are allowed. Commissioner Connor suggested that the words "adults & kids" be maintained, but that the third menu item, "twilight sedation" be deleted. Commissioner Urrutia noted that the menu items should be subordinate to the main sign and suggested reducing the size of the letters for the words "adult& kids", especially since "kids" will be in brightly colored letters which will stand out quite well. Chairman Gregory suggested that the word "kids" be reduced from eight inches to six inches, and that the word "adults" be reduced correspondingly. Chairman Gregory preferred that word "kids" only use three colors instead of four. Commissioner Connor suggested that the case be continued. 5 . ,�, . ,�, ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 27, 1998 MINUTES Commissioner Holden suggested that the monument be reduced from 48 inches in height to 42 inches. Commissioner Connor pointed out that the problem with the building sign is that the letters are too close to the top of the building, and Chairman Gregory noted that one-foot wooden posts project out of the building elevation, which makes it impossible to center the signage. Commissioner Urrutia suggested reducing the capital letters on the words "George L. Avans"to 10 inches, and that the initials "D.D.S." match the size of the lower case letters. Action: It was moved by Commissioner Van Vliet, seconded by Commissioner Connor, to approve a maximum 42-inch high and 8-foot long monument, and to continue the approval of the copy on the monument sign and the building sign to give the applicant an opportunity to incorporate layout changes suggested by the Commission. The motion carried 5-0. 5. CASE NO.: SA 98-16 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): AMERICAN AWNING for EMRICK JEWELS-SHEAR HAIR DESIGN, 44-489 Town Center Way, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of storefront canopies/signage LOCATION: 73-896 EI Paseo ZONE: G1 Mr. Smith reported that the applicant proposes two awnings for two businesses which are effectively in one building. Both awnings will be black with eight-inch white letters. 6 . � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 27, 1998 MINUTES Action: It was moved by Commissioner Connor, seconded by Commissioner Holden, to approve the storefront canopies/signage as submitted. The motion carried 5-0. 6, CASE NO.: SA 98-14 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): CHANDLER SIGNS, INC. for CONROY'S 1-800-FLOWERS, 3201 Manor Way, Dallas, TX 75235 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of business identification signage LOCATION: 73-161 Country Club Drive ZONE: P.C.(2) Mr. Smith reported that the applicant has requested continuance of this case. Action: It was moved by Commissioner Urrutia, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to continue the case at the applicant's request. The motion carried 5-0. 7. CASE NO.: TT 28295 APPLICANT.�AND ADDRESS): DESERT RESORT COMMUNITIES, INC., One Columbia, Suite 2020, Atiso Viejo, CA 92656 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of final working drawings for models and production homes LOCATION: Tract 28295 at the northwest corner of Fred Waring Drive and Deep Canyon Road ZONE: PR-4 7 , "�rr'" 'r.r�' ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 27, 1998 MINUTES Mr. Smith reported that the property is at the northwest corner of Fred Waring and Deep Canyon. Mr. Alvarez stated that the Commission previously reviewed the plans and requested trim along the windows, and the revised plans do show shutters and wood trim. Commissioner Urrutia asked if this will be a gated community, to which Mr. Alvarez responded that it designed to be a gated community with 72 units. Action: It was moved by Commissioner Connor, seconded by Commissioner Holden, to approve the final working drawings. Motion carried 5-0. 8. CASE NO.: PP 97-15 APPLICANT,�AND ADDRESSI: OLIPHANT/MATZNER, 77-900 Avenue of the States, Palm Desert, CA 92211 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of final working drawings for two-story office building LOCATION: South side of Fred Waring Drive, 300 feet west of San Anselmo ZONE: O.P. Mr. Alvarez reported that the only change is to the east elevation, where the first floor balcony has been removed. The Commission previously suggested that the south-facing balcony be screened, and the revised plans reflect that. Action: It was moved by Commissioner O'Donnell, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to approve the final working drawings. The motion carried 5-0. 8 ' �.rr `'�+r'� ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 27, 1998 MINUTES 9. CASE NO.: CUP 97-16 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): MCFADDEN/MCINTOSH ARCHITECTS for WALGREENS DRUG STORE, 73-929 Larrea, Suite 1A, Palm 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 applicant has requested that the case be continued. Action: It was moved by Commissioner Urrutia, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to continue the case at the applicant's request. The motion carried 5-0. 10. APPLICANT�AND ADDRESSI: MADISON MARQUETTE REALTY for GARDENS ON EL PASEO, 73-655 EI Paseo, Suite C, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Reconsideration of parking structure and landscaping LOCATION: 73-505 EI Paseo ZONE: C-1 Louis Kaufman appeared on behalf of the applicant and stated that the Commission gave conditional approval for the preliminary parking structure and landscaping plans at its meeting of December 9, 1997, subject to conditions. The planters on the perimeter of the parking structure have been changed to incorporate the 36-inch box trees, but the landscape architect 9 ' `�rr►' `�`' ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 27, 1998 MINUTES and client prefer to use Washingtonian Robustas rather than filiferas. Additionally, 36-inch box Museum Hybrid Palo Verdes have been inctuded at 20 feet on center spacing because the landscape architect and client prefer a more vertical tree, and the California Palm costs three times more than the Mexican Fan Palm. Mr. Drell suggested 15 foot on center spacing between the palm trees, with which Chairman Gregory concurred, and added that the canopy trees should be spaced further apart. Mr. Kaufman commented that a retaining wall would be very expensive, to which Commissioner Holden replied that he is concerned about maintenance problems in the event a sprinkler head breaks and there is no retaining wall to prevent overflow into the parking garage. Mr. Kaufman noted that the slope was engineered very carefully, and the City's Public Works Department required a letter from the soils engineer, which has been submitted. Commissioner Holden pointed out that the sandy, sloped soil is too steep and will not work, to which Mr. Kaufman replied that the idea is to keep the parking structure as open and light as possible, and the Public Works Department has signed off on the slope. Mr. Drell stated that the slope is an engineering issue, to which Commissioner Holden replied that the Engineering Department has failed here, because the slope wilt not work, and asked at what point in time the City's monetary contribution becomes a concern, to which Mr. Drell responded that the City is buying a $5 million easement, but the property owner will maintain the property. Commissioner Connor remarked that a 1.5:1 slope will work until the landscape and plant material is introduced, at which point it will fail. Commissioner O'Donnell felt that the engineers should come to the table to discuss these concerns. Mr. Kaufman commented that the size and quantity of the trees has been 10 , � `"�'". ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 27, 1998 MINUTES increased. The design of the trellises on the parking structure has been revised to incorporate wood material, as approved by the City's Building Department, and these trellises are very much like those on the retail buildings. Pairs of planters have been added at each trellis column, and the planters will measure three feet long and 24 inches deep by 24 inches wide in order to accommodate Bougainvillea plants, and will also include integral irrigation and drainage systems. No perimeter plants would be provided on the perimeter rail of the parking structure because the cost would be too great, approximately $200,000. Mr. Kaufman indicated that he has resisted the changes the Commission recommended regarding the south facades of Buildings C and E because the power of the project comes from its simplicity, and it would cost too much to add trellises to those buildings. Commissioner O'Donnell noted that the Commission has always been concerned that the parking structure should integrate with the overall project, and the Commission has always been concerned with the aesthetics of the finished look of the garage, but now the developers are making decisions based on economics rather than aesthetics, and he is very disappointed, especially since the Commission gave conditional approval, and the developer has not complied with those conditions. Commissioner Holden noted that a simplistic approach was not used for the EI Paseo frontage; so he doesn't understand why the devetoper wishes to take a simplistic approach to the rear elevations. The Commission is very concerned about the residents who live on Shadow Mountain because they will be faced with a large two-story building without any landscaping. The EI Paseo, Larkspur and San Pablo frontages look good, but the Shadow Mountain side is not acceptable. A conventional parking lot would have landscaping to break up the large stucco mass, but this project involves a parking structure instead of a parking lot. Commissioner O'Donnell commented that the Shadow Mountain frontage witl look too lineal, to which Mr. Kaufman replied that the various heights and types of trees along the street should somewhat break up the lineal appearance. 11 ' � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 27, 1998 MINUTES Chairman Gregory stated there are major practicai concerns regarding the narrow bench and steep slope, to which Mr. Kaufman responded that the developer's landscape architect and engineer have indicated that it will work. Chairman Gregory pointed out that the Commission is comprised of architects and landscape architects who have worked with this soil and weather conditions for over 20 years; so they know what will happen if these problems are not rectified. Mr. Kaufman noted that the next step for the developer is to file a format appeal. Chairman Gregory expressed concern about planting trees on the edge of a very steep slope, because they will fatl over in the wind; so he is extremely uncomfortable with this plan, since it is a prescription for problems. The type of trees being proposed also present a problem because they require more room for planting than is available, and as a result, the compacted slope will be disturbed, which will ruin the compaction. Mr. Buchanan asked if the Building Department may issue permits, to which Mr. Drell responded affirmatively, since there is no argument with the shape of the structure. Commissioner Holden felt that the shape and size of the structure have created the problems of insufficient room for landscaping and the steep slope, because if the structure were 20 feet narrower,theses problems would not exist, to which Mr. Drell responded that there would be no project if it were required to be 20 feet narrower. Commissioner Connor pointed out that the planters for the parking structure trellises will not work because they are not large enough to allow the plants to survive the summer heat. Commissioner O'Donnell asked if the Commission will have an opportunity to review the lighting plan,to which Mr. Drell replied that the Commission can review that plan if it so desires; however, the lighting ordinance adequately addresses all the issues, and the developer will be required to comply with that ordinance. 12 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 27, 1998 MINUTES Mr. Drell noted that it appears the Commission would be willing to amend Condition No. 1 of its previous conditional approval. Action: It was moved by Commissioner Connor, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia, to revise Condition No. 1 of the Commission's previous approval to read: On the Shadow Mountain Drive frontage, incorporate eight-foot brown trunk filiferas or robustas at openings of 15 feet on center, 36-inch Chilean Mesquites and 36-inch box Museum Hybrid Palo Verdes at 25 feet on center, and 12-foot minimum brown trunk palms. The motion carried 5-0. B. Preliminary Plans 1. CASE NO.: PP 98-1, CZ 98-1, GPA 98-1 APPLICANT,�AND ADDRESS): DAVID & NANCY DOWGIALO, P.O. Box 1682, La Quinta, CA 92253 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of remodel/addition to existing building LOCATION: 44-817 & 44-835 Portola ZONE: R-1 Mr. Alvarez reported that the property is located north of Highway 111 on the west side of Portola. The City's landscape consultant, Eric Johnson, has indicated that he would like three more shade trees in the parking lot and one at the north end adjacent to the three parking spaces. The building height will be a maximum of 19 feet. Commissioner Urrutia commented that the architect has done such a good job of remodeling the existing house that the garage no longer fits in architecturally with the project, with which Commissioner Van Vliet concurred. 13 �wr �s ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 27, 1998 MINUTES Chairman Gregory asked about the purpose of the proposed walkway through the desert landscape, to which Ray Lopez, the project landscape architect, replied that the client requested it. Commissioner Urrutia felt that the driveway should be moved so that it clears the portion of the garage building which projects out, to which Jim Mclntosh, the project architect, responded that the curb cut already exists. Commissioner Holden believed that the garage should either be demolished or remodeled. Commissioner Connor concurred with Mr. Johnson's comments about the shade trees in the parking area and the suggestion to loosen up the layout so that it is not so rigid. Commissioner Connor questioned the use of Queen Palms in a primarily desert palette. Chairman Gregory suggested using five-gallon Bougainvillea rather than one-gallon plants, and suggested using 15-gallon Mediterranean Fan Palms instead of five-gallon plants. Action: It was moved by Commissioner Holden, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia, to approve the remodel/addition to the existing building with the condition that Building B (garage)either be removed or remodeled to match the rest of the structure, and that five-gallon Bougainvillea be used instead of one-gallon, that 15-gallon Mediterranean Fan Palms be used instead of five-gallon, and that the comments of the City's landscape consultant (written on the plans) also be incorporated. The motion carried 5-0. 14 . �wr �.rr� ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 27, 1998 MINUTES V. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 2:30 p.m. STEV� S `' PLANNING MANAGER 15