Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-02-23 1 • � � PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1999 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 4 0 Ronald Gregory X 3 1 Richard Holden X 4 0 Richard O'Donnell X 4 0 Frank Urrutia X 4 0 Chris Van Vliet X 4 0 Staff Present: Steve Smith, Planning Manager Martin Alvarez, Assistant Planner Jeff Winklepleck, Parks & Recreation Planning Manager Kim Chafin, Senior Office Assistant II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Commissioner Van Vliet, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to approve the minutes of the February 9, 1999 meeting. Motion carried 5-0. III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None. 1 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION FEBRUARY 23, 1999 MINUTES IV. CASES A. Final Drawings 1. CASE NO.: SA 98-1 (Amendment #1) APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS� PARAGON SIGNS for DAKOTA $1.35 CLEANERS, 77-650 Enfield Lane, Palm Desert, CA 92211 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of replacement signage LOCATION: 72-790 EI Paseo ZONE: P.C.(3) Ms. Chafin presented the staff report, indicating that the Commission previously considered this application on January 12 and February 9 1999, and the case was continued to allow the applicant to address the Commission's concerns. The applicant has resubmitted proposed sign face for the pedestal/monument can sign which addresses the Commission's concerns. Per the Commission's suggestion, the applicant proposes to delete the words "Palms to Pines Plaza" and center the word "Dakota" on the first line using a script similar to that used for the nearby A.G. Edwards business, and has also reduced the size of the "$1.35" graphic. The applicant has submitted two revised proposals for the Commission to consider with regard to size of the letters. The first proposal features "Dakota" in seven-inch letters, a six-inch "$1.35" graphic, and "CLEANERS" in eight-inch letters. The second proposal features "Dakota" in eight-inch letters, a seven-inch "$1.35" graphic and "CLEANERS" in nine-inch letters. The applicant has not resubmitted a proposal for building-mounted parapet signage. 2 , � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION FEBRUARY 23, 1999 MINUTES Staff recommends approval of the proposed revisions to the monument/pedestal sign using the plan which features "Dakota" in eight-inch letters, a seven-inch "$1.35" graphic and "CLEANERS" in nine-inch letters. Action: Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to approved the proposed revisions to the monument/pedestal sign using the plan which features "Dakota" in eight-inch letters, a seven-inch "$1.35" graphic and "CLEANERS" in nine-inch letters. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Holden absent. 2. CASE NO.: SA 98-132 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS� AD ART ELECTRONIC SIGN CORP. for OFFICEMAX, 19603 Figueroa Street, Carson, CA 90745 , NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of revisions to monument signs on Highway 111 and EI Paseo LOCATION: 73-411 Highway 111 ZONE: C-1 Mr. Smith reported that the applicant has decided to install the signage previously approved by the Commission, and recommended that the Commission table this matter. Action: Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia, to table the matter. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Holden absent. 3 �" '"�r� ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION FEBRUARY 23, 1999 AGENDA B. Preliminary Plans 1. CASE NO.: CUP 99-1 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS� TRAVIS ENGINEERING, 12453 Lewis Street, Suite 201, Garden Grove, CA 92840 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Consideration of revised architectural plans for a drive-thru restaurant (Jack In The Box), convenience store and gas bar LOCATION: Northwest corner of Washington Street and Country Club Drive ZONE: P.C.(2) Freeway Commercial Overlay District Mr. Smith reported that this matter was before the Commission on February 9, 1999, and at that time, the Commission continued the matter and directed the applicant to: 1. Add landscape areas; 2. Simplify the Jack-in-the-Box architecture (eliminate wooden posts); 3. Make the canopy architecture consistent with the Jack-in-the-Box architecture; 4. Use smooth finish stucco; 5. Reduce the tower height; 6. Add detail to the north and east Jack-in-the-Box elevations; 7. Add outdoor dining areas; and 8. Add trellises over the drive-thru window and over the entry. The revised plans have been submitted, and the north end of the site is now shown with a storage facility. 1. The Jack-in-the-Box area now has more landscaped area and a single-lane drive-thru. The 30% landscape requirement has been met without inclusion of the sloped area (32%). 2. The wooden posts have been eliminated. 3. The canopy has been revised and has radiused corners. 4. Plans still indicate textured stucco. 5. Tower heights remain as previousfy shown. 6. Trellises have been added to the north and east elevations. 4 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION FEBRUARY 23, 1999 AGENDA 7. A trellis has been added over the entry. Staff recommends that the Commission grant preliminary approval of the revised plans, subject to appropriate conditions. Carl Hoy clarified that the stucco will have a smooth finish, and trellises will be added along the drive-thru area and along the rear of the building in addition to the front elevation near the fountain, and indicated that heavy timber will be used for the trellis. Commissioner Urrutia commented that if the timber for the trellis is too small, it won't weather well in the heat. Commissioner Urrutia suggested radiusing the top and bottom edges to soften the appearance, and felt that the canopy is still a little too harsh and also needs to be softened. Mr. Hoy replied that radiusing is expensive, and he would be open to alternative suggestions regarding softening the appearance of the top and bottom edges. Commissioner Urrutia advised against using texcoat stucco. Commissioner O'Donnell asked if the height of the towers has been reduced, to which Mr. Hoy responded negatively. Commissioner O'Donnell felt that the height of the towers is excessive and does not fit in with the lower portion of the roof elements, and suggested that the 28-foot tower element be brought down to 25 feet, and that the other tower element be reduced proportionately. Mr. Hoy indicated that the tower heights will be reduced. Mr. Smith pointed out that signs will have to be lowered because they are above the 20-foot height limit. Commissioner Connor opined that the addition of landscaped areas around the project is an improvement, and the amount of plantings looks okay, but felt that the plant palette was inappropriate because both types of trees are deciduous, and the only palm tree is a Queen Palm, which won't work well in the wind. The shrubs are also marginal in terms of longevity for the climate. 5 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION FEBRUARY 23, 1999 AGENDA Mr. Hoy stated that the plant palette can be changed, but the proposed palette was developed after his landscape architect toured the area to determine the types of plants currently being used. Chairman Gregory explained that the area has been landscaped "willy nilly," and since most of the area is outside City boundaries, City landscape standards have not been used. Chairman Gregory commented that the size of the trees should be increased to a two-inch minimum caliper, and added that he is concerned about the slope on the south side of Washington Street where lawn is indicated on the plans, because a lawn simply won't work well on a 2:1 slope; so he would suggest a different type of ground cover. The Red Bird of Paradise shrub should be used sparingly because it only blooms during the summer, and he would also advise against using Plumbago because it won't work well in this location. Commissioner Urrutia noted that the plans call for 6" X 6" trellis materials, and suggested 12" X 12" material instead. Chairman Gregory suggested enhanced paving around the entry and fountain, i.e., colored or stamped concrete. Action: Commissioner Connor moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to grant preliminary approval subject to incorporating the Commission's suggestions. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Holden absent. 2. CASE NO.: C 98-5 APPLICANT(AND ADDRESSI• AMERICAN INVESTMENT GROUP/PALM DESERT LLC for PALMS TO PINES EAST SHOPPING CENTER, 301 Forest Avenue, Suite 200, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT• Clarification of interpretation of preliminary elevations and landscape plans LOCATION: South side of Highway 111 east of Plaza Way 6 �wr+�` v� ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION FEBRUARY 23, 1999 AGENDA Susan Secoy, the project architect, presented colored elevations. Mr. Smith explained that the City Council reviewed the project and directed that the tower elements be reduced to no more than 40 feet, but that resulted in flat pyramids; so the maximum height of the tower elements was revised to 46 feet. RiteAid is relocating from the center of the project to the end of the project which fronts on Plaza Way, Highway 111 and EI Paseo. Staff met with the architects last week to review revised elevations. The Commission is being asked to review the revised elevations and clarify whether or not this is a close enough interpretation of what was previously approved. Ms. Secoy pointed out that the original plans called for palm trees along the sidewalk next to the building, but the revised plans have moved those trees out to the parking lot because there was insufficient room in the pedestrian areas for the palms. Commissioner Urrutia commented that the EI Paseo elevation is very sensitive, and the original intent was to hide the canopy, but the revised plans show that it is open and does not screen off the cars. Also, the blank wall beyond the drive-thru needs architectural treatment. Chairman Gregory noted that the two stepped columns for the drive-thru have been changed in the revised plans, and indicated that he prefers the original design because the proportions are more pleasing. Chairman Gregory commented that the landscaping plan looks rather nude, and felt that there are opportunities to add landscaped areas adjacent to the building, and the developer shouldn't rely on vines to provide significant landscaping. Commissioner O'Donnell stated that he has a problem with removing the palms next to the building because it removes the buffering element and leaves the wall along EI Paseo even more exposed. Chairman Gregory suggested additional landscaping on the Plaza Way elevation since there won't be much pedestrian activity in that area. Commissioner O'Donnell asked what impact these changes will have to the overall center, to which Mr. Smith replied that the rest of the center will be in keeping with the architecture for this building. 7 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION FEBRUARY 23, 1999 AGENDA Chairman Gregory felt that these plans are in line with the original plans, but there are enough changes to warrant a second look by the Commission. Commissioner O'Donnell indicated that he really liked the original plans. Action: Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to continued the case to allow the applicant to incorporate changes suggested by the Commission. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Holden absent. 3. CASE NO.: MISC 99-3 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESSI: KSC, INC., P.O. Box 3352, Palm Desert, CA 92261 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of garage within required front yard setback LOCATION: 73-553 Broken Arrow Trail ZONE: R-1 Mr. Smith reported that this street is a long cul-de-sac that has been developed for quite some time. In the past, the Homeowners Association has taken an adamant stand that the Code shall be upheld, and the new HOA President has indicated that, at this point, the HOA is prepared to fet the City's ordinances prevail. The past President, Gene Rozenboom, has submitted letters urging the City to uphold the zoning standards, and he and Mr. Patton sent faxes urging the Commission to uphold the 20-foot setback standard and not grant a Variance. Staff would note that the proposal is to permit the applicant to use tje setback averaging formula that is allowed by the Code. The question is whether or not the garage door should be 30 feet from the curb instead of the required 32 feet, and staff does not feel the difference is significant. 8 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION FEBRUARY 23, 1999 AGENDA Commissioner Van Vliet asked how far the carport is from the street, to which Ken Stendel, the property owner, responded by indicating it is currently 37 feet, and the proposal is that the garage be 30 feet from the street. Joe Gaugush, the next door neighbor to the south, immediately adjacent to the proposed garage, stated that he has lived at this location for six years, and the existing structure is a detriment to the neighborhood, and he feels the proposal would be a dramatic improvement to the property. Mr. Gaugush felt that the finro-foot exception would not have a negative impact, and noted that he would be the one most impacted by the project. Mr. Stendel presented a petition containing signatures of three adjacent property owners indicating they have no objections to the project. Commissioner O'Donnell felt that two feet would not make much difference aesthetically, especially since the project will be a major improvement. Commissioner Van Vliet reported that he drove by the existing residence and doesn't feel that it is an eyesore, to which Mr. Gaugush replied that he lives next door, and he considers it a major eyesore. Commissioner Van Vliet was opposed to having the garage doors facing the street, and noted that the high element where the pedestrian entry gate would be is right on the setback line, which is close to the street, and suggested that the entire house be moved back two feet. Commissioner Urrutia suggested pushing the pedestrain entry structure back so that it is behind the front garage line. Action: Commissioner Urrutia moved, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to approved the garage within the required front yard setback as requested with the condition that the pedestrian entry structure be pushed back behind the front garage line. The motion carried 3-2, with Commissioners Connor and Van Vliet dissenting and Commissioner Holden absent. Whereupon Commissioner Holden joined the meeting. 9 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION FEBRUARY 23, 1999 AGENDA 4. CASE NO.: MISC 99-4 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS� ROBERT LEECH, 73-570 Grapevine, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT• Approval of over height wall within the front yard setback LOCATION: 73-570 Grapevine ZONE: R-1 Mr. Smith reported that this issue involves an over height wall that will exceed the six-foot height by a maximum of two feet in order to permit entry doors in the wall. The over height section involves only a small portion of the total wall length. Jay Milo explained that the intent is to have a privacy gate. Action: Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to grant approval. The motion carried 5-0. 5. CASE NO.: TT 29045 APPLICANT (AND ADDRES�• JOHN STEIGERWALDT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT for LA PALOMA HOMES, 73-960 Highway 111, Suite 5, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of perimeter landscaping LOCATION: South side of Hovley Lane, 2400 feet east of Monterey Mr. Alvarez reported that the City's landscape consultant has included comments on the plans. 10 �wrv" �` ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION FEBRUARY 23, 1999 AGENDA Action: Commissioner Connor moved, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to approve the plans, subject to incorporating the comments by the City's landscape consultant, Eric Johnson. The motion carried 5-0. 6. CASE NO.: PP/CUP 99-3 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS� HOLDEN & JOHNSON ARCHITECTS for SEAN KEARNEY, 44-267 Monterey Avenue, Suite A, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT• Preliminary approval of a two-story 7,500 square foot office building at the southwest corner of Fred Waring Drive and Acacia Drive LOCATION: Southwest corner of Fred Waring Drive and Acacia Drive ZONE: O.P. and R-1 Mr. Smith reported that the property is comprised of two lots, south of Fred Waring Drive on the west side of Acacia. The building is located on the north lot which is zoned O.P., and the parking lot is on the southerly lot which is zoned R-1. A code amendment will be processed to permit parking lots in the R-1 zone to serve an adjacent O.P. facility. The proposed building will be two stories and a maximum of 22 feet in height. The second floor elements are set back significantly in excess of the first floor, i.e., the first floor is 6,056 square feet, while the second floor is 1,444 square feet. The building architecture is attractive and acceptable. The north setback (street side yard) witl require a variance from 15 feet to 0 feet. This will be consistent with the setbacks on the lots to the east and west. Staff recommends that the Architectural Review Commission grant preliminary approval for the building architecture. 11 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION FEBRUARY 23, 1999 AGENDA Action: Commissioner Urrutia moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to grant preliminary approval. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Holden abstaining. 7. CASE NO.: MISC 99-2 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS.�• CITY OF PALM DESERT, 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT• Approval of colors for shade structure in skate park LOCATION: South of dog park and north of electric recharging station at Civic Center ZONE: O.S. Mr. Winklepleck reported that the skate park plans have been approved, and staff is working with the manufacturer regarding a shade structure over the seating/rest area. The Parks and Recreation Commission visited the site and chose terra cotta and desert sand as the two colors to be used for the shade structure. Commissioner Urrutia drew an alternative design and suggested that staff speak to the manufacturer about the feasibility of implementing such a design. Action: Commissioner Connor moved, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to approve the proposed colors and directed staff to investigate the feasibility of redesigning the structure. The motion carried 5-0. 12 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION FEBRUARY 23, 1999 AGENDA V. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 2:00 p.m. STEPHEN R. SMITH PLANNING MANAGER 13