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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-05-26 � � +� � �. PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION TUESDAY, MAY 26, 1998 MINUTES **************************************************************************************************** I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was cailed to order at 12:30 p.m. Commissioners Present Current Meetina Year to Date Present Absent Present Absent Wayne Connor X 9 1 Ronald Gregory X 9 1 Richard Holden X 9 1 Richard O'Donnell X 9 1 Frank Urrutia X 9 1 Chris Van Vliet X 9 1 Staff Present 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 Urrutia approve the minutes of the April 28, 1998 meeting. Motion carried 5-0, with Chairman Gregory absent. III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None. 1 "t • � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MAY 26, 1998 MINUTES IV. CASES A. Final Drawings 1. CASE NO.: SA 98-58 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): PALM DESERT ACE HARDWARE, 74-058 Highway 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval to update existing building signs to reflect new trademark logo LOCATION: 74-058 Highway 111 ZONE: C-1 Mr. Smith presented a photograph depicting the existing signage and explained that the word "ACE" will be changed to reflect the company's red trademark logo, and the word "Hardware" will appear in black letters below the "ACE." Commissioner Van Vliet asked if the sign will be the same size as the existing sign, to which the applicant, Larry Dorn, replied that it will be pretty much the same sign, and clarified that the height of the "A" in "ACE" will be 44 inches, and the height of the letters "CE" in "ACE" will be 42 inches. Commissioner O'Donnell asked if the sign will be illuminated, to which Mr. Dorn responded that the sign will not be internally illuminated, but external lights will shine on the sign. Action: Commissioner Connor moved, seconded by Commissioner Holden, to approve the request. Motion carried 5-0. 2 � . � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MAY 26, 1998 MINUTES B. Preliminary Approval 1. CASE NO.: C 98-6 APPLICANT �ND ADDRESSI: T. MICHAEL HADLEY ARCHITECTS for ROBERT MCLACHLAN, DDS, 23042 Alcade Drive, Suite F, Laguna Hills, CA 92653 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of dental office building LOCATION: Southwest corner of Highway 111 and Portola ZONE: C-1 Mr. Smith reported that staff is in the midst of amending the parking ordinance as it pertains to medical/dental office buildings, and the amendments may impact this proposal; so the applicant was contacted and informed that staff would be recommending a finro-week continuance on this case. Action: Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Connor, to continue the case for two weeks. Motion carried 5-0. 2. CASE NO.: PP 98-10 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): 3D PARTNERSHIP, 41-865 Boardwalk, Suite 206, Palm Desert, CA 92211 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of site plan and architectural elevations for an office professional park LOCATION: Northwest corner of Frank Sinatra and Portola ZONE: PR-5 3 � 1 �� � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MAY 26, 1998 MINUTES Mr. Smith reported that the site is currently zoned residential; so the applicant will be seeking a General Plan amendment and a change of zone to create a 95,000 square foot office complex. The project will feature a two- story element on the corner, and the rest of the buildings will be single-story. One access point will be located off of Portola, and there will be two access points on Frank Sinatra. The Kaufman & Broad residential development is located to the west, and vacant lots are located to the north, south and east of the project, while Hole No. 6 of the Desert Willow golf course is located to the southeast. Dan Thornberry, the project architect, noted that the existing site is higher than the street level, and he is trying to maintain the level of single-story buildings as close as possible to existing grade. The intent is to landscape heavily and create as much green belt area as possible. He has tried to be sensitive to the height limitation on the corner. The entry to the two-story building will be taken from the rear at the second floor level. Commissioner O'Donnell asked what type of roof treatments are used at the adjacent Kaufman & Broad residential development, to which Mr. Thornberry replied that he doesn't know, but all those residential units are single-story. Commissioner O'Donnell asked about the dimensions of the two-story structure, to which Mr. Thornberry responded by indicating 135 feet by 155 feet, and added that the roof material to be used will be blue glazed roof tile. Commissioner Holden asked if the project complies with the parking requirement for a general office use, to which Mr. Thornberry responded affirmatively. Commissioner Connor asked if the applicant is being required to retain water on the site, to which Mr. Thornberry responded that the Engineering Department has indicated that will not be required. Commissioner Urrutia stated that his biggest concern is that the planter area along Frank Sinatra may not be wide enough to accommodate both landscaping and retaining walls, and noted that there are also some grade differences which need further consideration. 4 � • ,�,� ,,r�r, ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MAY 26, 1998 MINUTES Commissioner Holden agreed that there won't be enough room for landscaped area and a retaining wall unless the City allows one to be built in the right-of-way. Chairman Gregory noted that the landscape area is 12 feet deep; so if a sidewalk and retaining wall are included, there will be no room for landscaping, to which Mr. Thornberry replied that he doesn't think there will be a sidewalk. Mr. Smith noted that Planning staff has not yet received comments about this project from the Public Works Department. Chairman Gregory indicated that he and Commissioner O'Donnell are concerned about the blue glazed roof tile, because in the past, the Commission has pushed for desert patina-type colors, and the blue color proposed for this project is rather vivid. Commissioner Van Vliet noted that the project will have a lot of roof showing. Commissioner Urrutia commented that this is a very long and linear project; so he would suggest the applicant consider subtle changes in each building for identity purposes, i.e., different colors. Commissioner Van Vliet asked how much equipment will be mounted on the roof, to which Mr. Thornberry replied that the single-story buildings will have roof-top equipment, but the two-story structure will have an equipment well located on the north side of the building. Commissioner Van Vliet asked where signage is to be placed, to which Mr. Thornberry replied that he has not considered signage. Commissioner Urrutia noted that the Commission generally discourages retail-type signage for office buildings. Chairman Gregory commented that even if there wasn't a grading problem, he would still be concerned about the narrow width of the landscape area, most of which is in the public right-of-way. Action: Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to grant conceptual approval subject to comments as stated above. Motion carried 5-0. 5 � , � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MAY 26, 1998 MINUTES 3. CASE NO.: CUP 98-4 APPLICANT �AND ADDRESS): CHEVRON PRODUCTS COMPANY, P.O. Box 2833, La Habra, CA 90632-2833 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of new 2,900 square foot food mart building to replace existing service building LOCATION: 72-801 Highway 111 at Plaza Way ZONE: PC-3 Mr. Alvarez reported that the Commission reviewed this proposal last month and suggested that the landscaping should be revised to be compatible with a desert environment. The Commission also wanted the architecture to be more compatible with the plans for the remodel of the adjacent Palms to Pines East shopping center. In response to the Commission's suggestions, the applicant has added three more parking spaces on the north side and has also added two shade trees in the parking lot. Regarding the 30-foot landscape buffer along Highway 111, the applicant is requesting that an exception be made so that there is sufficient room for fuel trucks to turn around. The project engineer noted that a diamond shaped tile detail has been added to the elevations, but there are no other architectural changes. Chairman Gregory stated that he and Commissioner Connor are concerned about the landscape plan because there are areas which propose trees that won't do well, i.e., a Washingtonian Robusta planted in too small of an area which will resu�t in damage to the surrounding concrete. On the east side, the plans call for taller plants close to the building and low ground cover between the building and the taller plants, and that won't work well. 6 , , � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MAY 26, 1998 MINUTES Chairman Gregory recailed that Commissioner Urrutia previousiy suggested laying out the parking in a different way in order to accommodate more landscaping on the south side. He believes it would have been helpful for the applicant to have the City's landscape consultant, Eric Johnson, to look at the plans first. The last time the Commission reviewed this project, it was suggested that the architecture be compatible with the new shopping center remodel. Commissioner O'Donnell commented that the addition of the diamond- shaped tile detail is not enough to make the building architecturally compatible with the center. The project engineer noted that this building has to follow Chevron's prototype. Commissioner O'Donnell asked how the island canopy ties into the front elevations on the west, to which the project engineer replied that the intent is for the convenience store to be different than the fueling area. Chairman Gregory asked if the shade structure over the pumps are being changed, to which the project engineer responded negatively. Commissioner Van Vliet agreed that the canopy should tie in with the building architecture; so the canopy may need to be upgraded. Commissioner O'Donnell indicated that he has a problem with the lack of change in the rear elevations, with which Commission Connor concurred, and noted that this four-sided building has high visibility from all sides. Mr. Buchanan suggested that someone familiar with the plans contact him because there is no access to the roof, the switch gear needs to be enclosed or brought inside, and the plans need to show handicap accessibility. Chairman Gregory stated that the revised plans simply are not what the Commission is looking for, as the Commission was hoping for more of an architectural effort to make the building compatible with the shopping center remodel in order to maintain a village character. 7 � � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MAY 26, 1998 MINUTES The project engineer asked if there is any problem with the tower, to which Chairman Gregory responded negatively and added that it might be a start; however, more of an architectural effort needs to be made. Commissioner Holden indicated that his biggest concern is that the building is terribly flat and box-like, to which the project engineer replied that the columns could be bumped out to provide more undulation. Commissioner Holden stressed the need for more relief and depth to the elevations. Commissioner O'Donnell indicated that he understands the applicant feels the functions of the store and the fueling station are different; however, he sees them as one and thinks both structures should tie together architecturally. Commissioner Holden commented that the top of the canopy should relate to the top of the building; so he would suggest using the same roof pitch or tile on both structures. The solution is not as simple as bumping things out or merely adding a few cosmetic changes, because the Commission is looking for some substantial architectural changes. Commissioner O'Donnell asked if the applicant is aware that there will be a new entry added off of Highway 111, to which the project engineer responded affirmatively. Commissioner O'Donnell noted that the additional entry will provide an even more prominent view of the east.building elevation. Action: Commissioner Connor moved, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to continue the case. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Urrutia abstaining. 8 . . � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MAY 26, 1998 MINUTES 4. CASE NO.: CUP 94-4 Amendment#1 APPLICANT �AND ADDRESS): ST. MARGARET'S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL, 47-535 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of expansion of existing school facility LOCATION: 47-535 Highway 74 ZONE: P Mr. Smith reported that the church operates a school five days per week which currently serves 140 children, and the church wishes to expand its operation to handle up to 250 children by adding six additional classrooms: four at the south end of the existing facility immediately adjacent to the existing playground and two at the north end. The existing materials and roof style will be extended onto the addition, and the south addition will be two stories, while the north will be a single-story building. Mr. Chambers stated that the two-story building will be dug into the hill because of the steep slop; so the two upper classrooms will be at the same elevation as the playground. Commissioner O'Donnell stated that he has a serious problem with the addition to the south because it is visually detached from the rest of the building and seems to float. Chairman Gregory expressed concern that any landscape solutions proposed by the Commission may not be implemented, because it took a couple of years for the tandscaping on the original project. Commissioner Urrutia asked why the roof is off center on the two-story building, to which Mr. Chambers replied that the purpose is to provide shade on the windows and entrances. Commissioner Urrutia suggested that the building overhang be made the same all the way around, with which Mr. Chambers concurred. Chairman Gregory left the meeting at 1:50 p.m. 9 • � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MAY 26, 1998 MINUTES Commissioner Urrutia suggested that the height be brought down, and asked if it is possible for the second-story floor level to come down, to which Mr. Chambers responded negatively, and noted that the floor-to-floor height is 10 feet, and he wouldn't want anything less than a nine-foot ceiling. Commissioner Urrutia asked if the back is already paved on the lower level, to which Mr. Chambers responded that some of it is paved. Commissioner Urrutia felt it would be nice to lower the building by one foot. Commissioner Van Vliet agreed with Commissioner O'Donnell that the height is too great and that the two-story building should tie in with the height of the rest of the buildings, and that the height should be lowered. Commissioner Urrutia indicated that he doesn't really have a problem with the height because of the nature of the slope, and believed that landscaping will play an important role in this project. Mr. Chambers agreed that landscaping will help a lot, and noted that there are a couple of existing trees, but they have not done well. Commissioner Urrutia stated that landscaping is a sore subject which needs to be seriously addressed, because if some substantial landscaping was implemented, it would help a lot. Commissioners Holden and Connor indicated they would abstain from participation because Mr. Chambers is a tenant of theirs. Commissioner Urrutia suggested the use of a shade structure. Action: Commissioner Urrutia moved, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to grant conceptual approval subject to reducing the top floor from 10 feet to 9 feet, extending the overhang, and submitting a landscape plan. The motion carried 3-0, with Chairman Gregory absent and Commissioners Connor and Holden abstaining. 10 . - � �' ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MAY 26, 1998 MINUTES C. MISCELLANEOUS 1. CASE NO.: MISC 98-7 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESSI: KADI C. EDGE for BILLY JANE LAMPSON, 74-710 Old Prospector Trail, Palm Desert, CA 92260/P.O. Box 6510, Kennewick, WA 99336 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of six-foot trellis on north fence within the side yard setback LOCATION: 74-710 Old Prospector Trail ZONE: R-1 Mr. Smith noted that the request is for a six-foot trellis on the north fence within a side yard, and presented photographs which staff took of the structure. Mr. Alvarez noted that the applicant also has a videotape, if the Commission is interested in viewing it. This case involves a dispute between two neighbors, and both parties are present. The trellis is proposed for the property located on the high side of the fence, and it is to serve as a temporary structure to allow the morning glory vines to grow. Commissioner Holden asked if both neighbors are in favor of the application, to which Mr. Phil Joy, the applicant's neighbor, replied that he is not sure. Commissioner Connor asked if the purpose of the trellis is to train the vine, to which Ms. Edge responded affirmatively, and added that the Director of Community Development, Phil Drell, deemed the temporary structure a fence. The problem stems from the disgruntled neighbor who has been trespassing by jumping the fence in order to access the tennis court, but will no longer be able to do so if the trellis is installed on top of the fence. Mr. Joy denied the neighbors' allegations and indicated that he would not be opposed to a solid lattice fence, but the strings which are currently in place to train the vines are unattractive. 11 . �..�` �`�` ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MAY 26, 1998 MINUTES Commissioner Holden asked the applicant if they would like the fence to be higher for privacy purposes, to which Ms. Edge responded affirmatively. Commissioner Holden asked Mr. Joy if he has any objection with the fence being higher, to which Mr. Joy responded that he has no objection to the fence being higher. Commissioner Holden noted that Mr. Joy has no problem with the fence being higher, and the applicant would like to raise the fence to maintain privacy and prevent outsiders from jumping the fence and gaining access to their property. Commissioner Connor agreed that the strings currently in place are unattractive, and suggested that the applicant move forward with a higher wall. Ms. Edge indicated that raising the wall would be quite expensive, and she is looking for a less expensive solution to the problem. Commissioner Urrutia asked the applicant to clarify the purpose of the request, to which Ms. Edge responded that the purpose of the trellis is to train the morning glory vines as well as to provide privacy. Commissioner Urrutia felt that increasing the height of a fence for privacy purposes is a legitimate reason, and added that a similar effect could be created by planting oleanders. Commissioner Holden believed that the applicant should either go with a different type of plant material or, in the alternative, add a fence on top of the existing block wall, and indicated that the Commission would be more supportive of adding onto the fence rather than having the string to train the vines. Commissioner Urrutia suggested that lattice be added to the top of the wall, and that it be capped on top of the lattice to tie it all together, and Ms. Edge indicated that would be an acceptable solution. Action: Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia, to approve the addition of lattice with a cap on top to be added to the top of the existing wall, with a height not to exceed 6.5 feet from the low side. Motion carried 5-0, with Chairman Gregory absent. 12 � � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MAY 26, 1998 MINUTES 2. CASE NO.: RV 98-5 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): EDWARD DUFFY, 42-531 Clifford, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request to store a recreational vehicle in the front yard LOCATION: 42-531 Clifford ZONE: R-1 Mr. Smith reported that the applicant proposes to park his RV in front of the garage, thereby rendering it inaccessible. The applicant has indicated that the RV will not fit through the gate because of the roof overhang. Although there have been no complaints from the neighbors, the Code Enforcement Division did a sweep of the area and informed the applicant of the requirement to provide screening to the recreational vehicle. Commissioner Urrutia noted that the proposed solution does not comply with the code. Commissioner Hotden commented that this body is the Architectural Review Commission, not the RV Review Commission. Action: Commissioner Urrutia moved, seconded by Commissioner Connor, to continue the case to allow the applicant to propose an alternative solution since the solution presented prohibits access to the garage. The motion carried 5-0, with Chairman Gregory absent. 13 . . �; � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MAY 26, 1998 MINUTES 3. CASE NO.: MISC 98-8 APPLICANT�AND ADDRESSI: STEPHEN WIERZBINSKI, 119 East Princeton Street, Ontario, CA 91764-1708 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request for certificate of compliance to conform for a three-unit property within the R-1 district LOCATION: 72-755, 72-757 & 72-759 Sierra Vista Drive ZONE: R-1 Mr. Smith indicated that staff will be recommending that this case be continued; however, the Commissioners should review the photographs of the site to determine what type of improvements the applicant should consider. Mr. Alvarez noted that the project needs landscaping to make it consistent with the neighborhood, and added that staff will check with the County to confirm that the property has been assessed as three units. Commissioner Urrutia agreed that the project definitely needs landscaping. Mr. Alvarez noted that the fencing is falling down on one side. Action: Commissioner Urrutia moved, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to continue the case. The motion carried 5-0, with Chairman Gregory absent. 14 + . � �. ,�+� ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MAY 26, 1998 AGENDA 2. CASE NO.: SA 98-59 APPLICANT �AND ADDRESSI: STEVE THERRIAULT INTEGRATED SIGN ASSOCIATES for MARRIOTT DESERT SPRINGS RESORT AND SPA, 1160 Pioneer Way, EI Cajon, CA 92020 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of one new monument sign LOCATION: 74-855 Country Club Drive ZONE: PR-4 Mr. Smith reported that the proposed monument sign is six feet at the highest point. The existing fence is stepped back due to line of site requirements. The drawing does not show the location of the curb line, but if ineasured, it is possible to find the area where the height cannot exceed 42 inches. He would suggest that the Commission approve the proposed sign subject to the applicant working out the line of sight issue with staff. Action: Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Connor, to approve the proposed sign subject to the applicant working out the line of sight issue with staff. The motion carried 5-0, with Chairman Gregory absent. VI. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 2:40 p.m. � ` 0 � STE E SMITH PLANNING MANAGER 15