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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-01-26 �r� `� PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1999 MINUTES **************************************************************************************************** I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 12:30 p.m. Commissioners Present Current Meetinq Year to Date Present Absent Present Absent Wayne Connor X 2 0 Ronald Gregory X 1 1 Richard Holden X 2 0 Richard O'Donnell X 2 0 Frank Urrutia X 2 0 Chris Van Vliet X 2 0 Staff Present: Steve Smith, Planning Manager Daisy Garcia, Senior Code Enforcement Officer Kim Chafin, Senior Office Assistant II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Commissioner Van Vliet, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnetl, to approve the minutes of the December 8, 1998 meeting. Motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Gregory absent. 111. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None. 1 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 26, 1999 MINUTES IV. CASES 1. CASE NO.: C 98-22 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): ROBERT RICCIARDI & ASSOCIATES for OCEAN PROPERTIES DEVELOPMENT CORP. 75-090 St. Charles Place, Suite A, Palm Desert, CA 92211 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of two, two-story office buildings LOCATION: Southeast corner of EI Paseo and Highway 111 ZONE: C-1 Mr. Ricciardi presented revised plans which showed more stepping in and out of the elevations, that the pilasters are stepped at the tops, and that the black windows had been eliminated. Mr. Ricciardi indicated that there will be 12 inches of shadowing on the windows, and the tint will be bronze or grey. Mr. Ricciardi indicated that the site plan has not changed. Commissioner O'Donnell asked if the colors of the existing building on the site will be incorporated into the plans for the new buildings, to which Mr. Ricciardi replied that the existing building will be repainted, and adocane stone will also be incorporated into the existing building so that it ties in better with the new buildings. Mr. Ricciardi noted that the client does not wish to use a trellis system to tie the buildings together as the client doesn't feel there is anything to gain by such a system, especially since the buildings are so far apart and each building is on a different parcel. Commissioner Van Vliet asked if there will be any raised planters on the new buildings, to which Mr. Ricciardi responded negatively. Sam Rasmussen noted that hardscape and fountains will be added. Commissioner Urrutia felt that more articulation with the glass surfaces is needed and asked what will be done in that regard, to which Mr. Ricciardi replied that some horizontal elements could be added in certain areas. Commissioner Urrutia indicated that he would like to see more attention to 2 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 26, 1999 MINUTES detail, and would also like the sheerness of the curtain wail softened, to which Mr. Ricciardi responded by indicating that could be accomplished. Commissioner Connor asked about the corner radius, to which Mr. Ricciardi responded by indicating two to three inch radiusing of corners will be provided. Commissioner O'Donnell believed that the buildings should be connected, and felt that the corner building should be tied in with the existing building, to which Mr. Ricciardi replied that the buildings are on separate property, and, therefore, cannot be tied together, although a trellis could be added between the existing building and the easterly building. Commissioner O'Donnell felt that the applicant should have presented a revised site plan, to which Mr. Ricciardi replied that the only change to the site plan is that the edges are being brought out to get good distance from overhangs. Commissioner Holden asked if the building has been pushed three feet closer to Highway 111, to which Mr. Ricciardi responded affirmatively. Commissioner Holden pointed out that L.G.'s Steakhouse will not be visible from Highway 111 if the project is developed in the manner presented. Commissioner O'Donnell felt the changes are moving in the right direction, but the project is not yet ready for approval. Commissioner O'Donnell further commented that the developer is missing an opportunity to do something with the empty space, and having separate buildings does not enhance the project. Although the landscape improvements are valuable, Commissioner O'Donnell felt that they don't address the architectural issues which the Commission raised at the last meeting. Commissioner Connor was concerned about the close proximity of the building to the street, to which Mr. Rasmussen replied that the Highway 111 frontage only accounts for one-third of the project frontage, and added that the developer will be meeting with representatives of Kaiser Grill and L.G.'s Steakhouse to develop an exterior patio space. 3 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 26, 1999 MINUTES Mr. Rasmussen indicated that there is an opportunity to develop a freestanding trellis system to create a link between the corner building and the existing building. The focal point of the project will be the fountain on the corner, and adjacent to that at the major entry points multiple height date palms will be planted to provide up and down movement. The EI Paseo frontage will have a very clean desert look. Commissioner Urrutia asked how many property owners are involved, to which Mr. Rasmussen responded by indicating there is only one property owner. Commissioner Holden observed that there will be a lot of landscaping and hardscape treatments on the interior of the project which will not be visible from Highway 111. Commissioner Urrutia agreed that the project is headed in the right direction, but is not quite there yet. Commissioner Urrutia felt that the project will have great landscaping, but his main issues are with the east corner of the west building. Commissioner Urrutia noted that the pop-outs are an insensitive solution to keeping the view corridor open. Commissioner Urrutia noted that the two-story element is located right on Highway 111 and suggested that the second floor be stepped back, that some trellis structures be incorporated into the project, and that the walkway be continued between the parking spaces and the building to help the pedestrian connection. Commissioner Van Vliet felt that the building edges are too sharp. Commissioner Urrutia noted that the majority of the parking is located in the rear of the project and asked if that parking area will be for tenants, to which Mr. Rasmussen replied that most of the tenant parking will be in the carport area in the rear of the project. Commissioner Urrutia asked if there are any plans to landscape the back of the restaurant, to which Mr. Rasmussen responded affirmatively. Commissioner O'Donnell asked what type of carports are intended, to which Mr. Rasmussen responded by indicating cantilevered carports. Action: Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Connor, to 4 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 26, 1999 MINUTES continue the project to allow the applicant to incorporate modifications suggested by the Commission. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Gregory absent. 2. CASE NO.: SA 99-7 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): JOHN HOWENSTINE, INC. for ISLANDS FINE BURGERS & DRINKS, 3188-J Airway Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92660 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of business identification signage LOCATION: 72-353 Highway 111 ZONE: PC-3 Mr. Smith reported that the applicant's intent is to revise the existing sign package, and although the proposed colors are not totally within the approved color scheme for Desert Crossing Shopping Center, they are Island's federally registered trademark colors. Mr. Howenstine noted that the existing signage consists of reverse channel letters and the logo, and indicated that the new signage will also be halo lit. Commissioner Urrutia asked about the size of the existing signs, to which Mr. Howenstine responded by indicating a size of 7'6", and added that the size of the proposed signs is 12 feet. Commissioner O'Donnell stated that he has no problem with the proposed sign for the Highway 111 elevation, but he does have a problem with the proposed sign for the tower element in that the sign appears too large. Mr. Howenstine noted that the traffic speed in this area is quite fast, and the tower only projects out one foot from the building. Commissioner O'Donnell expressed dislike for the proposed colors in that they appear very bright, especially the yellow color, and felt that the sign on the tower element should be smaller. Action: 5 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 26, 1999 MINUTES Commissioner Holden moved, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia, to approve the plans as submitted. The motion carried 3-2, with Commissioners O'Donnell and Van Vliet dissenting, and Commissioner Gregory absent. 3. CASE NO.: SA 99-9 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): CITY SIGNS for PALM SPRINGS SAVINGS BANK, 9245 Dowdy Drive, #13, San Diego, CA 92126 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of business identification signs LOCATION: 72-625 Highway 111 ZONE: C-3 Ms. Chafin reported that the subject building, formerly occupied by American Savings Bank, fronts the south side of Highway 111. TGI Friday's is located directly behind the building, and Washington Mutual Bank also fronts Highway 111 to the east. The applicant is requesting approval of four can signs with rounded corners, each featuring identical copy in translucent blue vinyl. Three of the four can signs would be illuminated. The sign for the north elevation (Highway 111) would be approximately 42 square feet, while the two signs for the south elevation (rear) and would be approximately 27 square feet each, and the sign for the west elevation (also visible from Highway 111) would be approximately 42 square feet. The applicant indicates the reason for requesting can signs is an anticipated buy-out of the company in May, at which time the business name will change, thus necessitating a change in signage. The applicant wishes to avoid the expense of channel letter signs which will ultimately have to be replaced. 6 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 26, 1999 MINUTES Signage for the previous tenant consisted of illuminated channel letters, and the other major tenants in the center also have channel letters. Although the applicant indicates that the name will change in May, there is no guarantee of that. For aesthetic reasons, staff prefers channel letter signs, and is concerned about damage to the stucco caused by installing and removing "temporary" can signs, as well as the legal implications and difficulties associated with requiring the applicant to remove signage by a date certain in the event there is a delay or cancellation of the anticipated buy-out. The applicant currently has tastefully designed temporary banners which staff feels are a better alternative to "temporary" can signs. Staff recommends that the Commission deny the request, and authorize staff to work with the applicant regarding extending the existing banner permit, as well as any exterior illumination thereof. A representative of Palm Springs Savings Bank was present and indicated concurrence with the staff recommendation. Action: Commissioner Urrutia moved, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, rejected the proposed can signs and approved the existing temporary banners for a period of 90 days. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Gregory absent. 4. APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): RICHARD PRICE & ASSOCIATES, INC. for AVONDALE GOLF CLUB VILLAS, 27127 Calle Arroyo, Suite 1905, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary review of typical landscape plan for models LOCATION: Avondale Country Club ZONE: PR-3 Mr. Smith presented a copy of the landscaping plan for the models and 7 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 26, 1999 MINUTES units, and indicated that the Commission is not being asked to consider perimeter landscaping at this time. Action: Commissioner Connor moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, granted preliminary approval of the typical landscape plan for the models and units within the project. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Gregory absent. 5. CASE NO.: PP 95-6 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): BARTLETT COMMERCIAL for NEVADA BOB'S, 73-382 Salt Cedar Street, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of 4,548 square foot retail commercial building LOCATION: Southeast corner of Highway 111 and Portola ZONE: C-1 Mr. Smith reported that this property was originally owned by the City, but was sold at a reduced price because the buyer agreed to design the project in a manner acceptable to the City. The project features twice as much parking as would normally be required due to the need to upgrade parking in the area, and the building is smaller than would be altowed in order to make room for landscaping in excess of the City's usual requirements. Action: Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to approve the plans as submitted. The motion carried 3-0-2, with Commissioners Connor and Urrutia abstaining, and Commissioner Gregory absent. 8 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 26, 1999 AGENDA 6. CASE NO.: TT 28295 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): SOUTHLAND COMMUNITIES, One Columbia, Suite 2020, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of six-foot high garden wall on street side yard LOCATION: Northwest corner of Fred Waring Drive & Deep Canyon Road ZONE: PR-4 Mr. Smith reported that this application has been withdrawn at the applicant's request. V. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 2:00 p.m. STEPHEN R. SMITH PLANNING MANAGER 9