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PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 1998
MINUTES
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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 5 1
Ronald Gregory X 5 1
Richard Holden X 5 1
Richard O'Donnell X 6
Frank Urrutia X 5 1
Chris Van Vliet X 6
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 O'Donnell, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet,
to approve the minutes of the March 10, 1998 meeting as submitted. Motion carried
4-0-1, with Commissioner Connor abstaining.
III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
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IV. A. Final Drawings
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
Mr. Smith reported that the applicant has submitted revised plans which
address many of the concerns presented at the last meeting. The developer
has changed the gabled roofs to hipped roofs, and has provided a letter
indicating that the roof materials and colors will be similar to the rest of the
neighborhood, and courtyards will be added to the front yards.
Mr. Smith commented that copies of the agenda were mailed last Friday to
the residents who attended the previous Commission meeting.
Chairman Gregory asked if the homeowners have met with the developer,
to which Mark Wiseman responded that the representative of D & F was
supposed to have contacted Mr. Shillito, but as of Sunday night, that had not
happened, and Mr. Shillito had to go out of town thereafter.
Mr. Tirre remarked that he talked to Mr. Shillito at the previous Commission
meeting and indicated he was available to meet at any time. Mr. Wiseman
stated that it was Mr. Shillito's understanding that Mr. Tirre could call to set
up a meeting, but Mr. Shillito was never contacted, to which Mr. Tirre
responded that there must have been a misunderstanding, because he did
not realize he was to initiate the call.
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Chairman Gregory noted that the developer has changed the gabled roofs
to hipped roofs, has added courtyards to the front yards, and has indicated
that the roof materials and colors will match the rest of the neighborhood,
and asked if the neighbors had any other aesthetic concerns which could be
addressed by the Commission.
Mr. Wiseman stated that the neighbors are in the process of filing a
homeowners association with CC&Rs, and the neighbors are very strongly
opinionated about the square footage issue, and have concerns based on
the property they purchased. The 2,600 square feet is a very strong issue
with the neighbors, and they are willing to go through whatever process
necessary to protect their interests, because they don't want their properties
devalued.
Chairman Gregory pointed out that the Commission's purview is strictly
aesthetics and architecture.
Mr. Wiseman suggested postponing action on this case to the next meeting
so that the neighbors have an opportunity to meet with the developer.
Mr. Tirre stated that there is no market to build bigger homes on these lots;
so if that is topic the neighbors want to discuss, there is no point in meeting.
Commissioner O'Donnell suggested that the neighbors present in the
audience meet with the developer in the lobby and subsequently return to
the meeting so that the Commission may take action.
Chairman Gregory indicated that he would prefer that the Commission take
action today, and emphasized that the Commission cannot address the issue
of property value and square footage. He would suggest that the neighbors
and developer discuss issues regarding aesthetics and architecture.
Commissioner Holden noted that size has nothing to do with aesthetics,
although it does impact economics; however, the Commission has no
purview regarding the economics of a project, even though that may be a
valid concern of the neighbors.
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Following a brief ineeting between the neighbors and the developer, the
developer requested that the case be continued to the next meeting.
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Connor, seconded by Commissioner
O'Donnell, to continue the case to April 14, 1998. The motion carried 5-0.
2. CASE NO.: SA 98-36
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): QUIEL BROTHERS SIGN COMPANY for
TRIMS & MORE, 272 South I Street, San Bernardino, CA 92410
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of two non-
illuminated three-foot by five-foot signs
LOCATION: 45-120 San Pablo
ZONE: C-1
Mr. Smith reported that the business is located on the southeast corner of
San Pablo and Highway 111, and Mr. Alvarez added that the neighboring
florist will be submitting an application for approval of the signage. Mr. Smith
indicated that if the Commission approves the signage for Trims and More,
staff will be unable to issue a permit until the florist sign either becomes legal
or is removed. Mr. Atvarez stated that the floral shop will resubmit a sign
plan that will be more compatible with the building.
Mr. Alvarez reported that the proposed signage before the Commission
today is for finro non-illuminated one-piece, three-foot by five-foot signs. One
sign would be located on the San Pablo elevation, and the other sign would
be located on the Highway 111 elevation where the Carpet Empire sign was
previously located.
Larry Quiel commented that the business operator would like to have two
signs to take advantage of the visibility from San Pablo as well as Highway
111, and noted that Burger King has finro signs facing Highway 111, and the
neighboring pharmacy has a sign facing San Pablo as well as Highway 111.
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Mr. Quiel stated that these signs are much smaller than the previous Carpet
Empire signs, and the signs will provide an attractive form of business
identification, including the business logo.
Commissioner Urrutia expressed concern that the two signs would only be
a couple of feet apart, and both signs would be visible by those traveling
eastbound on Highway 111 and southbound on San Pablo, which would be
overkill.
Mr. Quiel stated that people traveling north on San Pablo would not see the
sign on the Highway 111 elevation, which is why a sign is needed on the San
Pablo elevation, to which Commissioner Urrutia responded that people
traveling north on San Pablo won't be able to see a sign on the San Pablo
elevation until they are right in front of the business; so a sign on that side
would not provide any advantage.
Commissioner Van Vliet asked if there are any other signs in the area that
are so close together, to which Mr. Quiel responded negatively, but noted
that the other signs in the area are larger than the signs being proposed
today. Commissioner Holden pointed out that the other buildings in the area
are much larger than the subject building.
Mr. Alvarez indicated that the business is allowed to have 20 square feet of
window signage, which could serve as their signage for the San Pablo side.
Chairman Gregory felt that the sign on the Highway 111 e�evation should be
placed lower on the building, and asked if the applicant would be willing to
work with window signage for the San Pablo side, to which Mr. Quiel replied
that the window is relatively low, and the landscaping would possibly block
it. Chairman Gregory believed that the landscaping would not be a probtem.
Mr. Smith clarified that the proposed signage is non-illuminated, and Mr.
Quiel added that it will be much smaller than the previous sign on the
building.
Chairman Gregory asked about the size of the Carpet Empire sign, to which
Mr. Smith replied that it was at least finrice as large as the proposed signage.
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Commissioner Urrutia suggested stretching out the lettering on the sign for
the Highway 111 elevation into a single line so that it may be placed above
the windows, which would provide more visibility on the Highway 111 side,
and suggested that the original design be used for the San Pablo side.
Donna of Trims and More expressed her preference for maintaining the sign
as currently designed because it matches her logo.
Commissioner Holden pointed out that the Commission would prefer that the
signs be further apart, and suggested that the applicant develop a method
to further separate the signs.
Chairman Gregory felt that a window sign on the San Pablo side will solve
the problem, and the 20 square foot allowed for a window sign is more
signage than the proposed 15 square foot sign, and the window sign could
even be ifluminated.
Donna pointed out that she has a lot of window display that would interfere
with a window sign.
Chairman Gregory acknowledged that this is a strange building positioned
at an awkward angle.
Donna asked if it would be possible to have a larger sign angled at the
corner, to which Mr. Smith replied that the business could have a 30 square
foot sign on the Highway 111 elevation if the Commission approves.
Mr. Quiel indicated that he would be interested in having a 30 square foot
sign on the Highway 111 elevation and a window sign
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Urrutia, seconded by Commissioner Van
Vliet, to approve a window sign for the San Pablo elevation and authorize
staff to approve a wall sign on the Highway 111 elevation based on the
requirements of the Commission. Motion carried 5-0.
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3. CASE NO.: SA 98-38
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): JOYCE SEHI for WELLS FARGO BANK,
P.O. Box 2653, Costa Mesa, CA 92628
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of one 1'7" by
9'11" illuminated wall sign
LOCATION: 72-675 Highway 111
ZONE: P.C.(3)
Mr. Alvarez reported that the proposal is to replace the existing 1/7" by 10'
channel letter sign with a can sign, and indicated that the facia is 20 inches,
and that there are other can signs in the center, but there are no other can
signs on this particular building.
Warren Degree spoke on behalf of the applicant and indicated that Vons will
not allow the bank to have a sign at any other location than that of the
currently existing sign.
Commissioner Van Vliet asked how far the sign will project out from the
building, to which Mr. Degree indicated eight inches.
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Holden, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia,
to approve the illuminated wall sign with a maximum four-inch depth. Motion
carried 5-0.
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4. CASE NO.: SA 98-39
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESSI: DR. SHAH for SOUTHWEST PAIN
CONTROL & SPORTS THERAPY, 73-345 Highway 111, Suite 102, Palm
Desert, CA 92260
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Remove sign with 10-inch
letters from front elevation and replace with 10-inch reverse channel letters
to match existing, and add 20-inch red and white logo
LOCATION: 73-345 Highway 111
ZONE: C-1 (SP)
Mr. Alvarez reported that this building currently has the maximum square
footage of signage allowed, so any amount of sign removed can be replaced;
however, the proposed sign is two times larger than the existing sign.
Larry Quiel represented the applicant and indicated that the "Vein Center"
sign will be removed from the south elevation, and the applicant would like
to add the square footage from that sign to the north elevation, to which Mr.
Smith replied that the code is quite clear on that point, and it is not allowed.
Chairman Gregory suggested that the sign be designed to conform with the
square footage requirements of the code.
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Connor, seconded by Commissioner Holden,
to approve the signage, subject to the applicant removing one square foot
of sign from the south elevation for each square foot of sign proposed to be
installed on the south elevation. Motion carried 5-0.
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5. CASE NO.: SA 98-14
APPLICANT(AND ADDRESS): CHANDLER SIGNS, INC. for CONROY'S
1-800-FLOWERS, 3201 Manor way, 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 applicant has requested a continuance to the
next meeting, and added that the applicant installed the sign originally
rejected by the Commission, and the applicant also installed a raceway,
which was specifically disapproved by the Commission. The applicant is
resubmitting its proposal because another business in the Center, Kenny
Rogers Roasters, has a raceway. The applicant has indicated that the 1-
800-FLOWERS will be removed from the can sign.
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Connor, seconded by Commissioner Holden,
to continue the case to April 14, 1998. Motion carried 5-0.
6. CASE NO.: C 98-1
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): COX COMMUNICATIONS PCS, LP,
18200 Von Karman, Irvine, CA 92612
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of an unmanned
telecommunication antenna on top of an existing building
LOCATION: 73-345 Highway 111
ZONE: C-1 (SP)
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Debbie Melvin of Cox Communications submitted photographs depicting the
proposed location of the antennae from several different perspectives,
including the second floor balcony of the building next door.
Commissioner Connor asked about the diameter of the antennae, to which
Andy Johnson of Cox Communications responded that they are six inches,
and they can be painted to match the stucco color of the building.
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Van Vliet, seconded by Commissioner
Connor, to approve the revised submission. Motion carried 5-0.
B. Preliminary Plans
1. CASE NO.: PP 97-13
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS� HOWARD HAIT HEARING FACILITY,
42-215 Washington Street, Suite G, Palm Desert, CA 92260
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of
landscaping plans for 1,200 square foot office building
LOCATION: 44-650 Monterey Avenue
ZONE: PR
Mr. Alvarez reported that the Commission granted preliminary approval for
the architecture of the office/professional building, and now the landscaping
is before the Commission for approval. Eric Johnson, the City's landscape
consultant, has listed his comments on the plans.
Chairman Gregory asked what type of ground cover is proposed, to which
Sharon Howard responded that living ground cover will not be used, and
crushed rock such as Palm Springs Gold would be used.
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Chairman Gregory asked about the boulder sizes, to which Mr. Alvarez
responded that the large boulders will be two to three feet in size, while the
small boulders will be one to two feet in size.
Commissioner Connor asked if the property is surrounded by the wall, to
which Commissioner Holden responded that it may just be a wood fence that
would be taken down to allow for a shared driveway when the adjacent lot
is developed.
Chairman Gregory noted Mr. Johnson's concerns regarding frost sensitivity
for the Ficus, as well as the suggestion to move the boulders four to six feet
from the parking spaces to avoid potential damage to automobiles., and the
24-inch box Acacia should be Salsinia instead of Saligna.
Commissioner Connor was concerned that all the plants are very low, to
which Ms. Howard replied that the planters are too narrow to accommodate
much.
Commissioner Connor felt that larger plants should be used, and that the
entire plan is under planted and needs more substance. The front needs
more landscaping, and vines on the fence would help if there is no room for
shrubs.
Chairman Gregory suggested larger shrubs and/or the introduction of live
ground cover which would look better from the street.
Ms. Howard indicated that she prepared these plans based on the sizes and
plants listed in the brochure provided to her by Mr. Johnson.
Chairman Gregory suggested the use of larger boulders, and expressed
concern that only one 24-inch tree is planned for the front, to which Ms.
Howard replied that there is not enough room to accommodate two mature
trees.
Rod Murphy indicated that three to four foot boulders could be used, and finro
24-inch and two 36-inch Mediterranean Fan Palms could also be included.
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Commissioner Connor suggested increasing the tree in the front from a 24-
inch tree to a 36-inch tree, and Chairman Gregory recommended moving it
more toward the center, and moving the Mediterranean Fan Palms closer to
the street to allow for more foundation planting.
Commissioner Connor felt that the design is too hodge podge and should
have more massing of plants and a softer look.
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Connor, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia,
to continue the case to April 14, 1998. The motion carried 4-0-1, with
Commissioner Holden abstaining.
V. MISCELLANEOUS
1. CASE NO.: CUP 98-2
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): PDH ASSOCIATES, LLC/MARRIOTT
COURTYARD/RESIDENCE INN, 55-550 Riviera Drive, La Quinta, CA 92253
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request for comments
on hotel project
LOCATION: Southwest corner of Frank Sinatra and Cook
ZONE: PR-5
Mr. Smith reported that the applicant has submitted a site plan and
elevations for the proposed development to be located at the southwest
corner of Frank Sinatra and Cook Street. The proposed development
involves a three-story Marriott Courtyard hotel and a finro-story Residence Inn
hotel on an 11.4-acre site, and the applicant seeks conceptual approval.
Bill Swank stated that this is the prototype for the Courtyard.
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Commissioner Urrutia asked if this will be the same type of product and scale
as the Courtyard hotel in Palm Springs, to which Mr. Swank responded
affirmatively.
Mr. Swank stated that he is purchasing the site from the Redevelopment
Agency, and needs a Conditional Use permit and approval of the
Architectural Review Commission.
Commissioner Holden felt that the architecture looks fine, but expressed
concern regarding the proposed landscaping and the site plan. The three-
story building should have more than five to six feet of landscaping. The
adjacent golf course has natural desert landscaping; so this project should
have a transition area that ties in with the golf course so that lush grass isn't
located right next to the desert.
Mr. Swank stated that there will be a transition area, but the landscaping for
the resort will be oasis style rather than desert.
Commissioner Urrutia stated that the site plan for the Residence Inn looks
good and has enough open area. He would agree with Commissioner
Holden's comments regarding the landscaping around Courtyard hotel, and
indicated that he would like to see architecture similar to the Courtyard hotel
in Palm Springs.
Commissioner Urrutia suggested that the office building and spa building tie
in better with the larger buildings.
Mr. Swank noted that the project is over parked, so some spaces could be
used for additional landscaping, to which Chairman Gregory responded that
he would like a lot more than five feet of landscaping around the Courtyard
hotel and would suggest converting an entire row of parking to landscaping.
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Van Vliet, seconded by Commissioner
O'Donnell, to grant conceptual approval, subject to applicant revising the
landscape plan in the transition area between the project and the golf course
and adding more landscaping around the three-story building. Motion carried
5-0.
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2. CASE NO.: HD PP 98-1
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): TOM ADLER, 4290 Randolph Street, San
Diego, CA 92103
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of hillside
development of single-family residence
LOCATION: Edgehill Road west of the channel (APN 628-020-017)
ZONE: HPR
Mr. Smith reported that the request is for a new single-family residence in the
defined hillside area. The subject property is currently vacant. The applicant
has submitted a landscape plan and a colored rendering of the home, which
will be on the south side of the property fronting onto the access road.
Commissioner Van Vliet asked about the height of the building, to which Mr.
Adler responded that it will be 13 feet high.
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner O'Donnell, seconded by Commissioner
Holden, to approve the dwelling and landscaping as proposed. Motion
carried 5-0.
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VI. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 2:35 p.m.
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S EVE SMITH
PLANNING MANAGER
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