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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-05-12 i . � +�r� PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION TUESDAY, MAY 12, 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 8 1 Ronald Gregory X $ � Richard Holden X 8 1 Richard O'Donnell X 8 1 Frank Urrutia X 8 1 Chris Van Vliet X 8 1 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 O'Donnell, seconded by Commissioner Connor, to approve the minutes of the April 28, 1998 meeting as submitted. Motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Van Vliet abstaining. III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Tim Bartlett of Palm Desert commented on the unsightly appearance of the rooftop equipment enclosures at the Gardens on EI Paseo and indicated that they are very visible, appear to be too high and are constructed of corrugated metal. Mr. Buchanan replied that the enclosures comply with the approved plans. IV. CASES A. Final Drawings 1 � `�w �..r° ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MAY 12, 1998 MINUTES 1. CASE NO.: SA 98-52 APPLICANT �AND ADDRESS): PALMS TO PINES CANVAS for MARIO'S RESTAURANT, 69 Pinyon Pines, Mountain Center, CA 92561 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of retractable awning with no signage LOCATION: 73-399 EI Paseo ZONE: C-1 Mr. Smith reported that the applicant has requested that this matter be tabled for the time being. Action: Commissioner Urrutia moved, seconded by Commissioner Holden, to table the matter. Motion carried 5-0. 2. CASE NO.: 4884 SA APPLICANT (AND ADDRESSI: IMPERIAL SIGN CO., INC. for CAM'S CORNER, 46-120 Calhoun Street, Indio, CA 92201 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Consideration of replacement monument signs LOCATION: 74-480 Highway 111 ZONE: C-1 Mr. Smith reported that work on the streets has been completed, but the landscaping will need to be reworked. Cam's Corner's signs had to be moved during street improvement work because they were located in the public right-of-way. The maximum height allowed for a freestanding sign is six feet, but the Architectural Review Commission may grant exceptions. The proposed sign is five feet high, but the "handle" projection extends above that. 2 t • ,�, ��. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MAY 12, 1998 MINUTES Chairman Gregory asked about the height of the current sign, to which Mark Ross of Imperial Signs replied that it is six feet high. Chairman Gregory indicated that he has a problem with the "handle" projection, and is concerned about the landscaping and the proliferation of signs currently cluttering the corner. Chairman Gregory indicated that he would not be in favor of allowing a sign in excess of six feet due to the clutter of signs currently at the location; however, he does like the existing freestanding sign. Commissioner Holden felt that there is a redundancy of signage at Cam's Corner, with which Commissioner O'Donnell concurred, and added that he would not want to approve anymore signage until the existing clutter of signage is cleaned up, i.e., the "arrow" sign. Mr. Ross stated that he doesn't think the proposed sign would add to the clutter. Chairman Gregory asked if the applicant would still want to redo the sign if the "Sub City" and "Mail Bag" verbiage were not allowed, to which Mr. Ross responded negatively. Action: Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Holden, to deny the request due to the clutter of existing signage. Motion carried 5-0. 3. CASE NO.: PP 97-5/CUP97-5 APPLICANT �AND ADDRESS): JOHN TURNOCK for GRAND PRIX CAR WASH, 36-720 Palm Court, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of business identification signage LOCATION: 72-880 Dinah Shore ZONE: P.C.(3) 3 i � �d ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MAY 12, 1998 MINUTES Mr. Smith reported that the project is under construction, and the applicant has proposed non-illuminated signage with black copy. The proposed signage meets code requirements; so staff recommends approval. Commissioner O'Donnell asked about the height of the largest letters, to which Mr. Smith responded by indicating 18 inches. Action: Commissioner Holden moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to approve the business identification signage. Motion carried 5-0. 4. CASE NO.: MISC 98-6/TPM 28764 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS� JOBE CONSTRUCTION, 73-213 Bel Air Road, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of four single-family residences within Ironwood Country Club LOCATION: Southeast corner of Mariposa and Jasmine Lane ZONE: PR-7 Mr. Smith reported that the proposed homes are within Ironwood Country Club, but are not within a homeowners association at this time; however, it is his understanding that the homes will be merged into an adjacent association. Mr. Alvarez reported that there are two different plans for the four homes, and all of the buildings are within the height limit; however, Architectural Review Commission approval is required due to the fact that the homes are not within an established homeowners association. Action: Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Holden, to grant final approval to the four single-family residences within Ironwood Country Club. Motion carried 5-0. 4 , ,� � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MAY 12, 1998 MINUTES B. Preliminary Plans 1. CASE NO.: PP 98-7 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS� LUIS E. PEREZ, 73-867 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of precise plan to convert an existing residence into a 1,200 square foot professional office LOCATION: 73-867 Fred Waring Drive ZONE: O.P. Mr. Smith reported that the applicant requests approval to convert an existing residence into an office, and will create five parking spaces in the rear yard with access to be taken through the existing carport. Mr. Buchanan noted that the Building Department has some concerns which must be addressed: 1)the five-foot setback on the west side would have to be a one-hour wall; 2) an 8'2" clearance would be required under the canopy of the carport; 3) the facility must be made handicap accessible; and 4) a trash enclosure would be required. Mr. Smith noted that Mr. Perez has indicated that the carport can be eliminated, if necessary. Commissioner Van Vliet asked if the chain link fence will be removed, to which Mr. Perez responded affirmatively. Commissioner Holden asked if there will be a new wrought iron fence and , gate, to which Mr. Perez responded negatively, and noted that the fence is just for decoration. Commissioner Holden suggested that there be no fence and that there just be landscaping. Chairman Gregory noted that there some landscaping elements on the site plan are not called out, and Mr. Perez responded that the plan is to retain the existing bushes. Chairman Gregory asked if the applicant intends to plant any trees along Fred Waring, to which Mr. Perez responded negatively. 5 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MAY 12, 1998 MINUTES Chairman Gregory felt that the building should be made to look less like a house and more like an office building, with which Commissioner Van Vliet and Urrutia agreed. Chairman Gregory suggested that the building needs stronger changes to the architecture to make it look more like an office building, and added that this is an opportunity to enhance the attractiveness of the street scape along Fred Waring. Commissioner Connor concurred with Chairman Gregory's comments. Commissioner Van Vliet felt that the entire elevation needs to be restudied because the applicant has not really made any changes to the existing elevation. Commissioner Connor preferred that the carport be eliminated, that something be done with the elevations visible from Fred Waring and that some landscape treatments be added to the Fred Waring frontage. Commissioner Holden felt that the applicant should redo more than just the Fred Waring elevation, because the east and west elevations are also visible from Fred Waring. Commissioner Urrutia indicated that it would be possible to narrow the driveway from 24 feet to 18 feet, and that would provide more room for landscaping. He believes that the carport will have to be removed because there is insufficient clearance for a trash truck. Mr. Smith noted that the Commission is looking for upgrades in the landscaping and elevations along Fred Waring as well as the east and west elevations which can be seen from Fred Waring, and added that the applicant should consult with the Building Department regarding handicap accessibility requirements for both the interior and exterior. Action: Commissioner Connor moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to continue the case. Motion carried 5-0. 6 �r' �.r+' ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MAY 12, 1998 MINUTES 2. CASE NO.: CUP 98-5 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESSI: COX COMMUNICATIONS, 18200 Von Karman Avenue, Suite 100, Irvine, CA 92612 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of wireless communication monopole LOCATION: 77-200 California Drive (Palm Desert Country Club) ZONE: Open Space Mr. Alvarez reported that the site is within a maintenance facility of Palm Desert Country Club; so base of the equipment would not be visible from the street. The relevant issues are aesthetics and the proximity of the pole to the nearest residence. The pole would be located 200 feet from the nearest residence, and the ordinance requires a minimum separation of 300 feet; however, that issue will be addressed by the Planning Commission at its public hearing. Chairman Gregory asked if it would be possible to block the view of the pole from the nearby residences, to which the applicant responded negatively. Commissioner O'Donnell asked if the pole could be lowered and still be an effective transmitter, to which the applicant responded negatively, and added that 75 feet is the minimum height at which the pole will function properly. Commissioner Holden felt that there is no aesthetic solution for putting something 75 feet high in the air in a residential area. Mr. Smith suggested that the Commission continue the matter until after the Planning Commission conducts its public hearing, and if the Planning Commission approves the project, then it could be brought back before the Architectural Review Commission for further consideration regarding aesthetics. Commissioner O'Donnell doubted that anything 75 feet high would get aesthetic approval. 7 `�..� `�..�` ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MAY 12, 1998 MINUTES Action: Commissioner Holden moved, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to deny the request because the applicant has done nothing to make the 75- foot high tower aesthetically acceptable. Motion carried 5-0. 3. 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: Preliminary and final approval of landscaping of Highway 74 frontage from the south property line of the project to Indian Hills Way LOCATION: Highway 74 frontage from south property line to Indian Hills Way ZONE: Mr. Smith reported that the landscaping plans were submitted to the landscape architects on the Commission, and added that the applicant has concurred with the few minor changes recommended by the City's landscape consultant, Eric Johnson. Don Veter spoke on behalf of the applicant and indicated that the maximum height of the berm is at Canyon Drive and Highway 74, and that height is 24 feet from the street grade of Highway 74. All of the berm from the north to the south property lines are at or below the approved mass grading plan heights, which range from 10 to 12 feet above the Highway 74 elevation to 20 feet. Mr. Drell noted that the original landscape plan indicated 10- to 20-foot berms, but the actual plans showed no berms over 15 feet; so the EIR made its assumptions on views based on that plan. The Public Works Department approved a mass grading plan without the Planning Department ever seeing it; so he would suggest that the Commission approve the landscaping, but not necessarily the berm elevation. 8 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MAY 12, 1998 MINUTES Chairman Gregory noted that the berms are nicely sculpted, but indicated that he would not be supportive of planting trees on top of the berms since that would add to the apparent height; so he would suggest that trees be planted on the slope of the berms. Commissioner Connor asked about the maximum height of the existing berms, to which Mr. Veter responded by indicating 20 to 23 feet above the Highway 74 street elevation. Mr. Drell believed that the berms are as high as 35 feet, to which Chairman Gregory responded that they don't look that tall. Commissioner Connor indicated that he doesn't have a problem with what is currently out there, but he would have a problem if trees were added to the top of the berms , and added that, in natural canyons, trees grow on the slopes. Dennis Ordsman, manager of the golf course, stated that the berms will be kept as a break between views inside and outside the project, and the heights are within approved limitations; however, the concerns regarding the planting of trees on top of the berms can be addressed. Mr. Veter commented that in no instance will a berm be higher than what currently exists. Mr. Drell believed that the mass grading plan was approved in error by the Public Works Department. Chairman Gregory suggested that the case be continued so that the landscape plan may be revised to show no trees being planted on top of the berms, and to allow the applicant an opportunity to work out the grading plan issues with the City. Chairman Gregory pointed out that he would not be opposed to planting trees on top of the berms if the berms were lower. Commissioner O'Donnell felt that the berms are too high, but added that he would defer to the professional opinions of the Commission's two landscape architects. Commissioner O'Donnell agreed that trees should not be planted on top of the berms. 9 . w,,,,� `'�"` ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MAY 12, 1998 MINUTES Mr. Veter pointed out that the south berm is completed, but the north berm is still under construction. Action: Commissioner Holden moved, seconded by Commissioner Connor, to continue the case to permit the applicant to work out issues related to the height of the berms. Motion carried 5-0. 3. CASE NO.: PP 98-9 APPLICANT�AND ADDRESSI: STEPHEN R. NIETO for LINO'S, 82-723 Dr. Carreon Boulevard, Indio, CA 92201 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of a site plan for a proposed Mercedes Benz automotive repair facility LOCATION: South side of Hovley Lane East, 1000 feet west of Cook ZONE: S.I. Mr. Smith reported that the site is located on Hovley across from the Marriott on the south side of the street, immediately west of the Avis car rental agency. Mr. Alvarez reported that the proposed project is 7,200 square feet, and will have four service bays in the rear. The building will have exterior plaster and split face concrete. The City's landscape consultant, Eric Johnson, has commented that the landscaping plan shows too much variety, and that there is a concern about the impact to plants from the reflection of summer heat from the pavement. Mr. Johnson has suggested that the 24-inch box Roos Lancias should be upgraded to 36-inch box, and that the Pepper tree shou�d be replaced with Holly Oak. Commissioner Connor and Chairman Gregory concurred with Mr. Johnson's recommendation about increasing the size of the trees, and suggested that the Pepper tree be replaced with either a Holly Oak or Southern Live Oak. 10 . �.r `� ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MAY 12, 1998 MINUTES Commissioner Connor and Chairman Gregory recommended that linear panel root barriers be used, and commented that the shrub on the west property line (which may be Hibiscus) is not called out on the plans, and it should be clarified. Mr. Nieto indicated that, for budget purposes, the second floor of the project may be eliminated. Commissioner Urrutia noted that there is a pattern of block on the west side, and on the front there is split face; so he would suggest bringing the decorative block around the front elevation. Commissioner Urrutia suggested that some color be added to the concrete block as well. Commissioner Urrutia noted that the plans show a six-foot masonry wall, but there are no elevations of it or the gate, which are important design elements. Commissioner Holden agreed that the elevations should show the wall and gate. Mr. Nieto indicated that the wall with be split faced block, and there wi�l be lots of landscaping. Commissioner O'Donnell asked what materials will be used for the headers and lentils on the second floor windows, to which Mr. Neito replied that it will be blue-grey plaster with a gun finish (sprayed on). Action: Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia, to grant preliminary approval subject to incorporating the following: 1) increase the size of the trees from 24-inch box to 36-inch box; 2) replace Pepper trees with Holly Oak or Southern Live Oak; 3) use linear panel root barriers; 4) clarify whether the shrub on the west property line is Hibiscus; 5) bring the decorative block on the west side around to the front elevation as well; 6) add some color to the concrete block; and 7) show elevations for six-foot masonry wall and gate. Motion carried 5-0. 11 _ :� � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MAY 12, 1998 MINUTES 5. 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: Preliminary approval of revised building elevations LOCATION: Southwest corner of Frank Sinatra and Cook ZONE: PR-5 Mr. Smith reported that the Commission has previously reviewed this project, and revised roof and elevations have been submitted by the applicant. Bill Swank of PDH Associates submitted a roof plan for the Commission's review, and commented that although the Commission discussed raising the parapets, he and his team looked at that, but it just didn't work. Commissioner Holden felt that the applicant has addressed the Commission's concerns in a satisfactory manner. Commissioner Urrutia reported that he met with the applicant prior to today's meeting, and he thinks the roof design is better than the previous proposals; however, the accentuation of the vertical elements makes the building appear too tall, so he would suggest accentuating the horizontal elements in order to reduce the apparent height of the structure. Mr. Swank indicated that he believes the vertical elements could be accentuated through color on the columns. Action: Commissioner Urrutia moved, seconded by Commissioner Holden, to grant preliminary approval of the revised building elevations subject to the horizontal lines being accentuated (as opposed to the vertical lines being accentuated). Motion carried 5-0. 12 . ,� •,,�� ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MAY 12, 1998 MINUTES 6. CASE NO.: C 98-5 APPLICANT �AND ADDRESS): URRUTIA ARCHITECTS for Palms to Pines East shopping center, P.O. Box 13750, Palm Desert, CA 92255 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Remodel of existing shopping center, excluding Columbia Center and Chevron station LOCATION: South side of Highway 111 east of Plaza Way ZONE: P.C.(3) Mr. Urrutia directed the Commission's attention to the elevations and indicated that the total square footage will be less than what currently exists. The parking areas have been redesigned, with the exception of the spaces along EI Paseo, and as a result, some parking spaces will be lost. A new ingress/egress point has been approved by CALTRANS between the intersections of Plaza Way/Highway 111 and Highway 74/Highway 111. The entrance on Plaza Way will be moved down a bit. The front facades have been redesigned to accommodate covered walkways. The pyramid elements on the roof will be constructed of inetal. Chairman Gregory asked if the project design accommodates signage for the businesses, to which Mr. Urrutia responded affirmatively. Mr. Urrutia commented that Mr. Drell had suggested that the building currently housing Staples and Big 5 should be broken up into two buildings, and that is being done. Commissioner Holden noted that the E� Paseo entry passes behind Smoky's, which is commonly littered with crates and employees on smoking breaks; so he would suggest that something be done to improve that area. Mr. Connor noted that the Date Palms will be 12- to 15-gallon brown trunk, and the other trees will vary from 24-to 48-gallon depending on location and species. The shrubs used for screening will be 15-gallon, and the rest will be five-gallon. The vines will also be 15-gallon. Chairman Gregory expressed support for the project. 13 , + � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MAY 12, 1998 MINUTES Action: Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner Holden, to grant preliminary approval. Motion carried 4-0, with Commissioners Connor and Urrutia abstaining. C. Miscellaneous 1. CASE NO.: RV 98-4 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESSI: 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 property is west of Cook Street north of the channel. The RV is 7'10" by 23'4". The ordinance requires a six-foot screen. There is a 34-foot pine tree with a 24'4" canopy directly in front of the space where Mr. Kinkade parks his RV; so the RV is screened from the street, but it can be seen from the right-hand side. The applicant has indicated he would like to provide screening for the right-hand side, and would request input from the Commission. Commissioner Van Vliet asked what the grade difference is from the street, to which Mr. Kinkade responded that it is approximately two feet higher than the street grade. Commissioner Urrutia asked about the height of the RV, to which Mr. Kinkade replied that it is eight feet high, not counting the roof-mounted air conditioning unit. Chairman Gregory noted that the Commission could grant an exception if the RV were adequately screened, but the proposed plans do not adequately screen the vehicle. 14 . . �, �' ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MAY 12, 1998 MINUTES Mr. Kinkade indicated that he plans to plant landscaping that will grow up to 18 feet. Chairman Gregory noted that the Commission has no photographs of the site, and suggested that the case be continued to allow the applicant to bring in photographs so that the Commission may get a better idea of the situation. Mr. Kinkade indicated that he will be on vacation for two months, and requested that the matter be taken up after he returns. Action: Commissioner Urrutia moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to continue the case to the first meeting in August. Motion carried 5-0. VI. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 2:40 p.m. _.__ ---- � , ST V SMITH PLANNING MANAGER 15