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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-11-24 PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1998 MINUTES **************************************************************************************************** I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 12:30 p.m. Commissioners Present Current Meeting Year to Date Present Absent Present Absent Wayne Connor X 19 3 Ronald Gregory X 19 3 Richard Holden X 21 1 Richard O'Donnell X 19 3 Frank Urrutia X 19 3 Chris Van Vliet X 20 2 Staff Present: Phil Drell, Director of Community Development Steve Smith, Planning Manager Martin Alvarez, Assistant Planner Kim Chafin, Senior Office Assistant II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Commissioner O'Donnell, seconded by Commissioner Holden, to approve the minutes of the October 13, 1998 meeting. Motion carried 4-0-1, with Commissioner Urrutia abstaining and Commissioner Connor absent. III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None. 1 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION NOVEMBER 24, 1998 MINUTES A. Final Drawings 1. CASE NO.: SA 98-132 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): AD-ART ELECTRONIC SIGN CORP., for OFFICE MAX, 19603 Figueroa Street, Carson, CA 90745 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of wall sign and monument signs LOCATION: 73-411 Highway 111 ZONE: C-1 Mr. Alvarez reported that the property is a multi-tenant center which is entitled to 44 square feet of monument sign on each of its frontages on Highway 111, San Pablo and El Paseo. The applicant proposes a change of face for the existing monument on Highway 111 and also proposes the addition of one new monument sign on San Pablo. The Highway 111 frontage has an existing monument sign located on the east side of the ingress/egress drive near Coco's Restaurant, and the applicant proposes to change the existing can faces. The sign face is 44" x 9'11" and a maximum height of 6'0"for a total area of 43 square feet. The proposed sign is a yellow vinyl top and red vinyl lower background. The copy for "OfficeMax" is proposed in red with a black outline, and the lower copy is proposed in white. The applicant also proposes a new monument sign on San Pablo which would include a total of three tenant signs with 41 square feet of signage area. The proposed background colors are yellow with red copy and black outline, and the monument sign is proposed with a beige stucco finish and red brick trim cap and collars. Staff is concerned about the proposed illuminated yellow backgrounds with red copy. In order to minimize the light intensity of the signs and increase visual appeal, staff recommends use of internally illuminated routed letters with backgrounds painted to match the stucco. 2 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION NOVEMBER 24, 1998 MINUTES Staff is also concerned about the design of the existing monument sign. If the existing sign only receives a change of face, then its architectural compatibility with the proposed monument on San Pablo will be obsolete. Staff recommends that the Highway 111 sign be redesigned to match the proposed San Pablo monument sign, with the use of internally illuminated routed letters. Staff recommends approval of the monument signs with the following conditions: 1) that the Highway 111 monument sign be redesigned to match the proposed San Pablo monument sign; 2)that both monument signs utilize burgundy or cranberry routed letters, with backgrounds painted to match the stucco finish; and 3) that the exact locations of the signs be approved by staff. Mr. Alvarez noted that if the applicant exercises the option of using its federally registered trademark colors, then the City will impose a requirement that the size of the sign be reduced by 20% and that the sign be non-illuminated. Bob Mitchell spoke on behalf of the applicant and indicated a preference to use the federally registered trademark red color, to which Chairman Gregory replied that he would not be opposed to use of that red color if it is placed on a beige background rather than a yellow background. Commissioner O'Donnell preferred the cranberry color because it is darker than the red color proposed by the applicant. Action: Commissioner Urrutia moved, seconded by Commissioner Holden, to approve the proposed signage with the following conditions: 1) that the Highway 111 monument sign be redesigned to match the proposed San Pablo monument sign; 2)that both monument signs utilize Red Color 3630- 53 routed letters, with backgrounds painted to match the stucco finish; and 3)that the wall sign be installed with rheostat using Red Color No. 3630-53 individual channel letters; and 4) that the exact locations of the signs be approved by staff. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Connor absent. 3 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION NOVEMBER 24, 1998 MINUTES 2. CASE NO.: SA 98-133 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): QUIEL BROS. SIGNS, INC. for HEARING HEALTHCARE SERVICES, 272 South "I" Street, San Bernardino, CA 92410 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Monument sign LOCATION: 44-650 Monterey ZONE: O.P. Mr. Alvarez reported that this item was continued from the Commission's October 27th and November 10th meetings to allow the applicant to address concerns regarding line of sight and architectural design of the monument sign. The proposed sign was originally to be located on the south side of the ingress/egress point with a six-foot height maximum, and the revised site plan and elevations address the location and architectural design. The sign is proposed to be relocated 25 feet to the south along the property tine, 13 feet from the Monterey Avenue face of curb. The overall height has been reduced to five feet to ensure proper line of sight for vehicles exiting the site. The architectural design of the sign has been modified to reflect a more compatible design with the architecture of the existing building, and the monument sign has linear elements with curved or round columns to reflect elements found on the building architecture. The sign's exterior color and finish will match that of the proposed building. The proposed sign meets code requirements, and staff is comfortable with the revised location and architectural design, and, therefore, recommends approval of the sign as re-submitted. Commissioner O'Donnell suggested that the size of the digital time and temperature sign be reduced, to which Larry Quiel replied that the proposed sign is the smallest digital time and temperature manufactured. 4 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION NOVEMBER 24, 1998 MINUTES Commissioner Urrutia liked the design, but was concerned about the length of the sign, and suggested that it be no longer than other monument signs in the area to the south, and added that if it is necessary to reduce the length of the sign, then entire size of the sign should be reduced proportionately. Action: Commissioner Urrutia moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to approve the request subject to the length of the sign being no longer than other monument signs on the street to the south, and if the length must be shortened to meet said condition, that the proportions adjusted accordingly as well. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Connor absent. 3. CASE NO.: SA 98-150 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): Bobby & Company, 73-655 El Paseo, Suite N, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of business identification signage LOCATION: 73-655 El Paseo, Suite N ZONE: C-1 Mr. Alvarez reported that the subject property is located on the south side of El Paseo, west of San Luis Rey, and the applicant proposes to install two business identification signs reading "BOBBY & COMPANY." The signs each consist of 10-inch black metal letters located on the north and east elevations. The north facing sign will be externally illuminated with decorative lighting, while the east facing sign will be non-illuminated. The signs each total approximately 13 square feet, which is less than the maximum allowed square footage. Staff has no issues with the size, color or location of the signs, provided that the east facing sign is below 20 feet in height; therefore, staff recommends approval of the sign with the condition that the east facing sign is below 20 feet in height. 5 ;400,; ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION NOVEMBER 24, 1998 MINUTES David Fletcher, the property owner, explained that the proposal has recently changed, and the material to be used will be urethane foam, and the front sign will be 12 inches rather than 10 inches, while the side sign will be 10 inches. Action: Commissioner Holden moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to approve the applicant's revised request with 12-inch letters on the north elevation and 10-inch letters on the east elevation. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Connor absent. 4. CASE NO.: SA 98-136 APPLICANT(AND ADDRESS): JOE BRANDT, 14 Mount Holyoke, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of directory sign for San Pablo Center LOCATION: 44-795 San Pablo ZONE: P.C.(3) Mr. Drell reported the subject property is located on the west side of San Pablo, south of the Circle K. The subject property has six small retail units which have frontage on San Pablo Avenue. The applicant proposes a 36" x 65-1/2" (16 square feet) sandblasted redwood directional sign to include all six tenants. The tenant sign will be individual panels attached to the larger panel. The applicant wishes to install the sign along the San Pablo frontage between two existing palm trees (pictures will be provided). The building is set back from the street and is substantially obscured by large trees and other landscaping in and around the parking lot. Signage on the storefronts is approximately one-half of the eligible area under the ordinance. 6 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION NOVEMBER 24, 1998 MINUTES The proposed signage will serve both as a center identification sign and a directory for both pedestrians and automobiles passing by and entering the parking lot. While we normally limit tenant signs on monuments to three tenants due to readability concerns for cars traveling at 40 to 50 mph, the unique traffic condition created by the stop sign at San Gorgonio warrants consideration of an exception. As cars pass the center, they are typically traveling at less than 20 mph. The total area of the sign is well below the one-half wall sign area specified in the ordinance and is of an acceptable design quality. The proposed location against the screen wall is within the public right-of-way and will require Department of Public Works approval of an encroachment permit. Staff recommends approval of the center identification/tenant directory sign as submitted. Commissioner O'Donnell expressed opposition to having two lines of copy of each sign and suggested that it be reduced to one line of copy per tenant, to which Mr. Drell replied that the reduction would result in one-inch letters instead of two-inch letters, and one-inch letters would be too small to be effective. Commissioner Urrutia preferred that individual sandblasted panels be used so that the panels may be replaced as tenants move in and out. Action: Commissioner Holden moved, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia, to approve the sign with the conditions that individual, sandblasted panels be used which can be changed out as tenants change. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Connor absent. 7 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION NOVEMBER 24, 1998 MINUTES 5. CASE NO.: SA 98-149 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): ARCHITECTURAL NEON for LE PAON, 74-990 Joni Drive, Suite 3C, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of signage on north elevation LOCATION: 45-640 Highway 74 ZONE: PC(4) Ms. Chafin reported that the applicant requests approval of business identification signage on the north elevation of the existing Le Paon Restaurant building, which is located on the east side frontage road of Highway 74, approximately one-quarter mile south of El Paseo. The proposed sign consists of 13-inch high, white, exposed neon letters. The double-tube neon sign will read "Le Paon" in script, and the word "Restaurant" in block letters. The signage is to be placed directly onto the grey parapet near the west edge of the building and will encompass a width of eight feet and a height of three feet. The proposed signage totals 14 square feet, which is well within code limitations. The existing signage on the west elevation over the double-door entry to the restaurant includes a gold tone peacock graphic and the words "Le Paon" in halo-lit, script neon letters. The adjacent property to the north is vacant, and there are currently no plans for development. Imago Gallery is proposed to be located two lots north of the existing restaurant. It is staffs opinion that the proposed signage will visually enhance the north elevation, which has considerable exposure to Highway 74, and the sign complies with code requirements. Therefore, staff recommends approval of the proposed sign subject to a maximum intensity 4500 white neon. Commissioner Urrutia asked why the new sign differs from the existing sign, to which Gary Wright responded that he is not certain. Commissioner Urrutia felt that the new sign should be a duplicate of the existing sign on the west elevation. 8 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION NOVEMBER 24, 1998 MINUTES Action: Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia, to approve the signage with the condition that the type of sign be an exact duplication of the existing signage on the west elevation. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Connor absent. 6. CASE NO.: PP 96-11 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): GENERAL CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT for PACIFIC ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY, 41-865 Boardwalk, Suite 12, Palm Desert, CA 92211 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of landscaping and fencing LOCATION: 44-424 San Carlos and 73-685 Catalina Way ZONE: R-2 Mr. Smith reported that the original approval called for a four-foot masonry wall along the west side of the project setback, 12 feet from San Carlos Way. The applicant wishes to change the fence to a combination block wall and wrought iron (two feet of block with four feet of wrought iron) with a total height of six feet at the same 12-foot setback. The code allows the Architectural Review Commission to approve a six-foot fence at less than 15 feet of setback. Staff feels this fencing is preferable to the four-foot masonry wall for both the public and for the tenants in the units. This fence will provide greater security and yet not create a "prison" feel. Staff recommends that the Architectural Review Commission grant approval for a six-foot high combination wall with a 12-foot setback from San Carlos, subject to the block and wrought iron sections being similar in color to the building exterior colors, and also subject to the comments of the City's landscape consultant, Eric Johnson. 9 y.. -4001, ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION NOVEMBER 24, 1998 MINUTES Chairman Gregory agreed with most of the comments submitted by Mr. Johnson, but felt that the City should not dictate what type of tree should be used, although it should indicate what types are not acceptable. Action: Chairman Gregory moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to approved the landscaping with the condition that the City not dictate the type of trees to be used. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Connor absent. 6. CASE NO.: SA 98-145 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): IMPERIAL SIGN COMPANY for MATTRESS 4 LESS, 46-120 Calhoun Street, Indio, CA 92201 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of business identification signage LOCATION: 74-290 Highway 111 ZONE: C-1 Mr. Smith reported that Mattress 4 Less has opened for business at 74-290 Highway 111. The applicant wishes to install an 18-inch by eight-foot internally illuminated channel letter sign. The letters are to be red faced with gold trim cap. The business is located in the center of a six-unit building. The other five businesses all have painted wood signs generally with white backgrounds and black or brown copy. The building has a wood mansard roof which makes placing signs difficult. Staff is concerned that this will be the only illuminated sign in this area and will not be in keeping with other tenants in this building, and staff recommends that the Architectural Review Commission not approve the request because it is not consistent with the existing building signage. 10 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION NOVEMBER 24, 1998 MINUTES Nancy Cobb of Imperial Sign explained that the business owner is unhappy that the sign is not easily visible, and believes illumination will improve that situation. She believes the other tenants will also want similar type signage. Mr. Smith noted that the property owner did sign off on the proposal, but there is no indication that he is prepared to develop a sign program for the rest of the center. Commissioner Holden felt that a sign program for the center should be established, because if this tenant has a problem with inadequate exposure, the other tenants probably have a similar problem. Mr. Alvarez suggested that the applicant change his existing sign to a lighter background sign with a different color copy would be more visible. Commissioner Urrutia indicated that it would be difficult to approve a sign which is such a departure from the rest of the center, unless the center is willing to implement a sign program. Commissioner O'Donnell suggested that an acceptable interim solution could be a sign made of the same materials used on existing signs in the center. Commissioner Urrutia felt that the facades should be changed to accommodate channel letters for those tenants who want them. Action: Commissioner Urrutia moved, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to deny the request based on the fact that the proposal is not in keeping with the existing signs in the center. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Connor absent. 11 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION NOVEMBER 24, 1998 MINUTES B. Preliminary Plans 1. CASE NO.: PP 98-20 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): MYERS COMPANIES, 136 South Orange Street, Glendale, CA 91204 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of a 2,114 square foot office building LOCATION: 44-666 Monterey Avenue ZONE: O.P. Mr. Alvarez reported that the applicant seeks preliminary approval of the architecture and conceptual approval of the landscaping for a 2,114 square foot office building located at 44-666 Monterey Avenue. The property is located on the east side of Monterey Avenue 180 feet north of San Gorgonio, and is adjacent to the recently approved Hearing Healthcare Facility at 44-650 Monterey Avenue. The building is a single story with a maximum height of 18 feet from the finished pad, and the building will share a zero lot line on the north property line adjacent to a recently approved office building. The rear parking lot will tie into the north and will have an ingress/egress point along the south property line. The architectural design is compatible with that of the contemporary style of the adjacent building. The exterior will feature a smooth plaster finish, using four different paint colors. The proposed project meets code requirements for setbacks, height and parking requirements. Staff recommends that the two parking stalls in the rear, which will house 24- inch box shade trees, be reduced to compact stalls (9' x 15')with a minimum of a six-foot planting area. In addition, the 2'6" planter along the rear property line should be increased to 4'6"with 18' deep parking stalls to allow a greater planting area. 12 �... %.+e ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION NOVEMBER 24, 1998 MINUTES Staff recommends preliminary approval of the architecture and conceptual approval of the landscaping, subject to conditions recommended by staff and implementation of the comments made by the City's landscape consultant, Eric Johnson. Chairman Gregory suggested that trees be planted a minimum of three feet back from the curb, to which Mr. Drell replied that, according to the Public Works Department, the curb will be moved seven feet to accommodate the widening of Monterey Avenue. Chairman Gregory noted that the street widening will create a conflict in the planter area. Action: Commissioner Holden moved, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to grant preliminary approval for the architecture and conceptual approval for the landscaping, subject to conditions recommended by staff and implementation of the comments made by the City's landscape consultant, Eric Johnson. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Connor absent. 2. CASE NO.: C 98-21 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): JOHN STEIGERWALDT for MARK MOSCROP, 73-960 Highway 111, Suite 5, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of outdoor storage garden area with landscaping LOCATION: North side of 42nd Avenue, 1000 feet west of Cook Street ZONE: S.I. Mr. Alvarez reported that the 1.16-acre property is located on the north side of 42nd Avenue west of Cook Street, and is zoned Service Industrial (S.I.). The applicant intends to file a Precise Plan application before the Planning Commission for approval of an outdoor stone display garden and sales office. The sales office consists of a 20' x 60' modular building with a maximum height of 11'. The building will be finished with wood siding stained in grey. 13 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION NOVEMBER 24, 1998 MINUTES The modular unit will be located in the front portion of the site 72 feet away from the property line, and customer parking will be provided along the south property line, while employee parking will be located along the west property line. The sales office will be adequately landscaped with the use of 24-inch box California Peppers, Brazilian Pepper and Queen Palms. The remainder of the site consists of an outdoor display garden and an enclosed storage yard, and the display garden will have a nine-foot wide meandering path starting and ending behind the sales office. The path will have a number of concrete pads for display of various types of stone products sold by the business, and the path will be landscaped with a variety of desert plants and trees. The 55' x 120' storage yard is proposed at the northwest portion of the site, and this area will have access from 42nd Avenue and will be used for loading and unloading of materials. This area will be fully enclosed with an eight-foot slump stone wall on the south and chain-link fence with green shade fabric on the perimeters. The Commission can grant an exception to the use of chain-link fence in instances where it will not be visible from the public street and when found to be compatible with the adjacent properties. In this case, staff supports the use of chain-link along the perimeter since it will not be visible from the street and is compatible in the Service Industrial district. Staff has no issues with setbacks, height, architectural design or landscaping, and the proposed use and design is compatible in the industrial district; therefore, staff recommends that the Commission grant preliminary approval for the architecture and landscaping. Commissioner Van Vliet expressed opposition to a modular building and preferred a more permanent structure. Chairman Gregory concurred with the comments expressed by the City's landscape consultant, Eric Johnson, and noted that the applicant's landscape consultant also agrees. 14 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION NOVEMBER 24, 1998 MINUTES Commissioner Urrutia felt that the landscape architect did a nice job with the landscaping, and suggested that the building entry be improved with a more expansive deck on the front, as well as a trellis structure and a stucco finish. Commissioner Urrutia suggested that the building would have a more permanent look of it were lowered by sinking the foundation. Commissioner Van Vliet suggested that the windows also be changed, and felt that the building needs so much improvement that it would probably be better to just build a different structure. Chairman Gregory agreed that the structure should look more like a real building from the public right-of-way, i.e., overhangs, sunken foundation, screening of a/c equipment, stucco finish, etc. Action: Commissioner Urrutia moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to approve the landscaping, subject to compliance with the comments submitted by the City's landscape consultant, and continued approval of the architecture. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Connor absent. 15 *480r ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION NOVEMBER 24, 1998 MINUTES 3. CASE NO.: PP/CUP 98-19 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): SELECT PROPERTIES for DESERT COUNTRY PLAZA, 515 Lambert Road, Suite C, Brea, CA 92648 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of a commercial center including retail, restaurant, self storage, industrial and hotel uses and conceptual approval of landscaping plan LOCATION: North side of Country Club, north of Harris and west of Desert Country Circle ZONE: PC(2) Mr. Smith reported that the 20.5-acre site is zoned PC(2) (District Commercial) with the Freeway Commercial Overlay. The applicant is seeking approval of a master plan of development that includes a broad range of uses, i.e., hotel, mini storage, retail center uses, drive-thru restaurant and gym. The mini storage and drive-thru restaurant are permitted in the Freeway Commercial Overlay zone. The project includes three access points to the Country Club, one full intersection aligned with Harris Lane, and one ingress only and one right in/right out only. The project also has two points of access to the east (Desert Country Circle) and three access points to the industrial park to the west. The site plan has been laid out with the mini storage across the northerly third of the site with access to the east and west and an internal connection of the main portion of the center. At the west end of the site adjacent to the existing industrial park, a 100-room hotel is proposed. Between the hotel and the mini storage, 12 industrial buildings are proposed. The southeasterly portion contains the main retail component and includes a series of five satellite pads adjacent to Country Club, one of which is a proposed drive-thru restaurant. On-site driveway circulation is generally acceptable; however, the Fire Marshal has some concerns with turning radii. 16 awe ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION NOVEMBER 24, 1998 MINUTES At this time, we only have building elevations for the three main retail buildings located toward the center of the site. It is intended that these buildings will set the overall project architectural theme. The architecture is basically contemporary Spanish with a colonnade which extends across the front of these buildings to provide shade for pedestrians. The typical building height is 24 to 26 feet with three tower elements and an archway ranging in height from 32 feet to 42 feet. The zone height limit is 30 feet. The City Council can approve tower elements in excess of 30 feet. Recently, the Council rejected a 50-foot tower in favor of a maximum 40-foot tower. The architecture and towers are not dissimilar to those at 111 Town Center (Best Buy). The applicant has provided a conceptual landscape plan. While sizes and location are indicated, actual material is not called out. Further review will be necessary when the material is known. The plan does provide an eight- foot high berm to screen the drive-thru lane on the proposed restaurant, Pad 4. Planting on this berm will be important. The main entry driveway for Country Club will be enhanced paving. Staff suggests that all entry points have this enhanced treatment for a depth of 75 feet. Staff recommends that the Architectural Review Commission grant preliminary approval for the architecture only for Buildings 6, 7 and 8, and that this become the architectural theme for the remainder of the project. Commissioner Urrutia asked about the height of the tower, to which Mr. Smith replied that it is 41'8", and added that the landscaping is in excess of what is normally required because the Freeway Overlay District has higher requirements, and the proposed project meets those requirements. Commissioner Van Vliet asked about the roofing materials, to which Rick Blomgren replied that clay tile is proposed. Chairman Gregory asked if the finish materials on the front elevations are painted stucco, to which Mr. Blomgren responded affirmatively, and noted that the rear buildings will be masonry. 17 .w %Noe ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION NOVEMBER 24, 1998 MINUTES Mr. Blomgren announced that prospective tenants have been established for most of the buildings, while the applicant will develop the hotel, and the intent is for the entire project to look like a retail center from the street. Commissioner Holden was concerned that Buildings 1 through 5 will look like chain-type business buildings such as McDonald's and Payless Shoes, while the architecture for Buildings 6 through 8 will look nice, to which Mr. Blomgren replied that the intent is for all the buildings to look the same. Commissioner Holden acknowledged the intent, but commented that, in the past, the reality has been that in order to get leases signed, the buildings taken on the look of the chain business that proposes to occupy the site. Commissioner Holden preferred that the buildings interact more rather than having an independent look, to which Mr. Blomgren replied that the marketing of Buildings 2 and 3 are anticipated to be retail, and not just a single-use food service, and Building 4 will be a drive-thru restaurant, while Building 5 will house a sit-down restaurant. Commissioner Holden preferred that the buildings be more clustered and that pedestrian areas be developed in between. Chairman Gregory suggested that different materials be used on the front elevations rather than just using different color paints, with which Commissioner Urrutia concurred. Chairman Gregory recommended that the area between Buildings 6 and 7 be developed into more of a pedestrian area so that the arch element is more effective. Commissioner Holden felt that several of the small archways could be combined into single arches for a better effect, and felt that the tower unit should serve as the focal point of the project, with which Commissioner Urrutia concurred. Commissioner Van Vliet advised that the applicant should ensure there is adequate landscaping in the front of the large buildings. Commissioner Holden expressed concern regarding the position of the three- story hotel, because it does not appear that there is much room behind it. 18 �.. `NOW, ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION NOVEMBER 24, 1998 MINUTES Action: Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner Holden, to grant conceptual approval for the architecture. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Connor absent. C. Miscellaneous 1. CASE NO.: RV 98-7 APPLICANT ,(AND ADDRESS): CARL T. ANDROFF, 76-792 California Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92211 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of front yard development plan with a block wall and planting to store and park an RV LOCATION: 76-792 California Drive ZONE: R-1 Mr. Alvarez reported that the applicant seeks approval to park and store a recreational vehicle (RV)in the front yard of his residence at 76-792 California, and proposes to enclose his front yard with a six-foot high block wall, leaving a 10-foot long wood gate in the front for access. The ordinance permits RVs in front yards as long as they can be adequately screened, and the ordinance describes adequate screening as a minimum six-foot solid fence, wall, hedge or other landscaping on all sides, in accordance with City standards. The applicant intends to add five, 24-inch box trees along the east and front side to provide additional screening for the RV, and on the west, the applicant proposes a six-foot block wall in addition to a row of existing trees which are seven feet in height. The wall is proposed at 12'6" behind the curb, which is at the property line. The City's setback from face of curb for front yard walls is 15 feet. In some cases, the Commission allowed the reduction in setback, provided that the wall was aesthetically compatible and the setback area landscaped appropriately to mitigate the reduction in setback. 19 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION NOVEMBER 24, 1998 MINUTES In this instance, the applicant is proposing a six-foot tan precise block wall with 24-inch box trees in front of the wall. Based on the ordinance requirements, the proposal meets City standards, with the exception of the 12'6"setback for the block wall. Staff believes that the setback reduction can be justified with appropriate landscaping as approved by the Commission and recommends approval of the six-foot block wall, 12'6" from the face of curb, and additional landscaping to screen the RV. Commissioner Van Vliet asked about the length of the RV, to which Carl Androff replied that it is 30 feet long and 10'4" high. Commissioner O'Donnell felt that the RV completely detracts from the architecture of the building. Chairman Gregory asked if there are any other similar walls in the area, to which Mr. Alvarez responded affirmatively, but noted that those walls do not necessarily have building permits. Chairman Gregory stated that he has a problem with large vehicles being parked in front of homes. Mr. Smith reported that, if approval is granted, staff will then circulate a notice to the neighbors to give them an opportunity to voice objections, if any. Commissioner Holden indicated that he understands the applicant's problem; however, the aesthetics are simply unacceptable. Action: Chairman Gregory moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to deny the applicant's request. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Connor absent. 20 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION NOVEMBER 24, 1998 MINUTES 2. CASE NO.: PP 98-21 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): BOB BIGLER NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Presentation of proposed health and wellness resort for seniors LOCATION: Southwest corner of Country Club and Portola Avenue ZONE: PR-5 Bob Bigler presented renderings of the proposed project, which includes one- and two-story homes, an assisted living facility and a skilled nursing facility. The finished elevations on Portola for the assisted living and skilled nursing facilities are 25 feet, which is 10 feet below Portola, but the ordinance limits the height to 24 feet above finished grade; so the buildings will be sunk to have less exposure to the street. The natural grade is five feet above Portola. The height was originally measured incorrectly, and it now appears that the buildings will be 25 feet. Commissioner Van Vliet wondered why the taller buildings are not being placed in the interior of the project. Commissioner Holden felt that the large buildings don't have any of the feel that the small buildings have. Mr. Bigler indicated that he would like to have mounding around the perimeter and weave wrought iron fencing between the mounds as an alternative to building a solid block wall. V. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 3:00 p.m. STEVE SMITH PLANNING MANAGER 21