HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-10-12 PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1999
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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 18 1
Ronald Gregory X 15 4
Richard Holden X 16 3
Richard O'Donnell X 17 2
Frank Urrutia X 17 2
Chris Van Vliet X 19 0
Staff Present: Phil Drell, Director of Community Development
Steve Smith, Planning Manager
Jeff Winklepleck, Parks & Recreation Planning Manager
Martin Alvarez, Assistant Planner
Kim Chafin, Senior Office Assistant
I1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
None
III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
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ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
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IV. CASES
1. CASE NO.: MISC 99-16
APPLICANT(AND ADDRESS): MICHAEL& LINDA BENEDETTO,44-301
Hazel Canyon, Palm Desert, CA 92260
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of an 18-foot
high single-family residence
LOCATION: 72-938 Joshua Tree
ZONE: R-1
Mr. Alvarez reported that the proposed single-family residence is to be 18
feet high from grade with all hipped roofs. Adjacent residences measure
approximately 16 feet. Staff recommends approval.
Action:
Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Connor, to
approve the plans as submitted. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner
Holden absent.
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2. CASE NO.: C 99-7
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): FELIPE CASTANEDA for EL MIRASOL
COCINA MEXICANA, 140 East Palm Canyon, Palm Springs, CA 92262
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of a restaurant
remodel
LOCATION: 73-325 Highway 111
ZONE: C-1
Mr. Alvarez reported that the subject property is located on the south side of
Highway 111, west of Lupine Lane. Both Cafe de Mexico and mostly
recently Moonlight Tango Cafe have occupied the existing building. The
proposed remodel consists of modifications to the existing north (Highway
111) and south elevations. The new restaurant occupying the building will
be El Mirasol Cocina Mexicana. Although not required to improve the
structure prior to occupying the building, the applicant has proposed
significant improvements to the architecture, including: 1) construction of
new exterior facades for the north and south elevations; 2) addition of
Spanish architectural elements such as a Spanish tile roof over the entrance,
Cantera stone columns and Mexican floor pavers; and 3) repainting the
building in contemporary colors.
The exterior modifications are a significant improvement to the existing
architecture. Staffs only request is that the architectural detailing be carried
around the building's east elevation and that the Commission consider an
alternative color to the proposed blue to accent the entrance. Staff
recommends the use of a dark bronze, rust or dark earth tone to substitute
the use of the blue color.
Staff recommends that the Commission grant approval with the condition that
the architectural detailing be carried around the building's east elevation and
an alternate color be considered to replace the proposed blue color.
Commissioner Urrutia asked what material will be used for the columns, to
which Felipe Castaneda responded by indicating Cantera stone.
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Commissioner Urrutia and Chairman Gregory liked the proposed blue color
because of its washed out and textured look.
Mr. Castaneda indicated that he is willing to carry the architectural detailing
around the side of the building, and noted that the wrought iron elements will
be rust colored.
Action:
Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to
approve the plans with the condition that the wrought iron be rust colored,
that the architectural detail be wrapped around the side of the building as
well as on the front elevation, and that no roof-top equipment be visible. The
motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Holden absent.
3. CASE NO.: CUP 11-80 Amendment#1
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): MAURICE LEBANOFF, 11821 Highview
Drive, Santa Ana, CA 92705
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of revised plans
for a two-unit addition to an existing apartment complex
LOCATION: 45-325 Sage Lane
ZONE: R-3
Mr. Alvarez reported that this item was continued from the May 25, 1999
meeting to allow the applicant to revise the elevations to make them more
consistent with the existing architecture. The subject property was approved
as a six-unit condominium project in 1980. The property is zoned R-3 and
totals 0.73 acres (31,132 square feet). The applicant requests an
amendment to the original Conditional Use Permit to add two, one-bedroom
units, each 850 square feet. The units will be constructed above the existing
detached garage units, and one of the 12 existing garage spaces will be
removed to allow the construction of a staircase leading to the proposed
units.
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The units will have a maximum height of 23 feet to the top of the ridge, and
the R-3 zone allows a maximum of 24 feet. The units will be finished in the
same stucco color as the existing structures and will utilize roof tile to match
the existing units.
The revised plans depict modifications to the architecture in an effort to
match elements found on the existing units. The plans now include
balconies and wing walls similar to those found on the existing units. The
existing two-car garage doors will be replaced with single-car garage doors.
The applicant also proposes to add open trellises at the ends of the existing
garages which will contain Bougainvillea to soften the stark appearance of
the ends of the existing garages.
Staff recommends that the Commission grant preliminary approval.
Mr. Lebanoff noted that the whole building cantilevers 10 feet into the
setback.
Commissioner Van Vliet asked about the overall building height,to which Mr.
Alvarez replied that it will be approximately 23 feet.
Commissioner Urrutia noted that the Building Department may have a
problem with these plans because they only show one exit stairway, and he
believes two stairways would be required, to which Mr. Lebanoff replied that
he can add a second stairway without changing the elevations.
Commissioner O'Donnell noted that the end elevations have wing walls that
have returns one foot above grade, and the returns make the upper level
look disproportionate to the lower level, and noted that landscaping covers
the wing walls, with which Commissioner Van Vliet concurred,
Mr. Lebanoff indicated that he could add projections on the ends of the
building.
Chairman Gregory suggested that the trellis not follow the roof line, to which
Mr. Lebanoff replied that he could make it taller or lower.
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Commissioner Urrutia suggested offsetting the top story rather than
centering it over the garage, and in that manner, the building won't encroach
into the setback, to which Mr. Lebanoff replied that he thinks it will look better
centered because offsetting it will give the building a straight up projection.
Commissioner O'Donnell agreed with Commissioner Urrutia's suggested as
long as some architectural detailing is added for interest, to which
Commissioner Urrutia replied that the columns could be beefed up to add
interest. Commissioner O'Donnell felt that the building would definitely need
architectural detailing in the front.
Chairman Gregory agreed that architectural detailing is needed.
Mr. Lebanoff stated that he doesn't agree with the Commission's suggestion
to shift the entire building four feet, and is not sure what the Commission
wants, to which Chairman Gregory suggested that the applicant utilize the
services of an architect.
Action:
Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to
continue the case to allow the applicant to incorporate design changes
suggested by the Commission. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner
Holden absent.
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4. CASE NO: SA 99-74
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS PALMS TO PINES CANVAS for
ROBERT'S, 69-640 Sugar Loaf#69, Mountain Center, CA 92561
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of awning with
signage
LOCATION: 73-725 El Paseo
ZONE: C-1
Ernie Brooks of Palms to Pines Canvas presented the architectural rendering
and indicated that the only change from the original plan is the inlaid wood
posts that match the wood trim on the building.
Mr. Brooks commented that it is his understanding that the Le Peep
restaurant next door is moving and that awning may be removed, to which
Mr. Drell replied that he doubts the awning will be removed. Mr. Alvarez
pointed out that Le Peep is in a separate building.
Chairman Gregory suggested that the posts be more clearly divergent from
the rear columns, or in the alternative, that they be similar, but
proportionately smaller, to which Mr. Brooks replied that he could consult
with the client and ascertain whether or not such a modification is within the
client's budget.
Commissioner Van Vliet indicated that he has a problem with the way the
awning interfaces with the building.
Commissioner O'Donnell agreed with Chairman Gregory's suggestion.
Action:
Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia, to
authorize staff to approve revised plans if they are revised in conformance
with the direction provided by the Commission. The motion carried 5-0, with
Commissioner Holden absent.
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5. CASE NO.: PP 99-7 and C/Z 9-2
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESSY PEARL INDUSTRIES, INC. , c/o Charlie
Sweet, 43-703 Virginia Avenue, Palm Desert, CA 92211
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of
revised plans for 256 senior residential units, community center and 99-bed
skilled nursing facility on 13.04 acres
LOCATION: West side of Fairhaven between Fred Waring and Parkview
ZONE: PR-7 to be rezoned PR-7 SO (Senior Overlay)
Mr. Smith reported that the building height has been reduced and the tower
elements removed, and Mr. Drell noted the addition of architectural detailing
on the community center consisting of an inset tile band along the roof line,
and asked if the Commission would like that detail incorporated into the rest
of the project.
Mr. Smith pointed out that 29 parking spaces on Fairhaven have also be
deleted from the plans, to which Chairman Gregory replied that in some
sensitive areas, it would be advisable to eliminate parking and substitute
landscaping, especially since the project is over-parked.
Chairman Gregory asked if any of the third story windows will look out onto
second story roofs, to which Mr. Sweet responded affirmatively, but clarified
that there will have raised planters on rollers in those areas.
Mr. Drell explained that the three-story elements have been reduced by three
feet, and added that he believes the revisions address all the concerns
previously expressed by the Commission.
Commissioner Van Vliet felt that some, but not all, of the concerns have
been addressed, i.e., the building height, but the plans do not indicate if the
awnings will be included, to which Mr. Drell replied that awnings offer good
solar protection.
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Commissioner Connor noted that the plans don't show enough technical
detail to warrant preliminary approval, and added that he doesn't have a
problem with the mass of the revised plans, and he likes the undulation,
architectural interest and textures which have been included.
Commissioner Urrutia felt that the reduced building height makes a big
difference, especially in the front where the two-story elements are set back.
Action:
Commissioner Urrutia moved, seconded by Commissioner Connor, to grant
conceptual approval of the revised plans. The motion carried 4-1, with
Commissioner O'Donnell dissenting and Commissioner Holden absent.
6. CASE NO.: PP 99 -18
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): DESERT SPORTS GROUP, Bob
McClendon, 620 Herndon Parkway, Suite 200, Herndon, VA 20170
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of
sports complex
LOCATION: Monterey and 35th Avenue
ZONE: PCD
Mr. Winklepleck reported that the applicant is proposing a 166,725 square
foot sports facility on a 16.9-acre site. The sports facility is Phase I of a
multi-phase project totaling approximately 71 acres with 644,000 square feet
of building area. Uses for future phases include retail, office and a hotel.
The subject parcel is located in the southeast portion of the 70-acre site,
approximately 1700 feet east of Monterey Avenue. The site slopes from
west to east with the sports facility pad being 30 feet below the grade of
Monterey.Avenue on average. Maximum building height proposed is 54'6"
from grade, which occurs at the circular central portion of the facility. The
majority of the facility, including the ice rink area and the court area is
proposed at 42'0" from grade.
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The sports facility is primarily a concrete tilt-up structure utilizing preformed,
prefabricated metal panels and translucent panels. The central, circular
portion of the building emphasizes the use of clerestory glazing. Proposed
colors include "terra cotta"for the site cast/precast concrete, "aspen gold"for
the metal building panels and "patina green" for the roof panels.
The conceptual landscape plan includes a plant list and tree layout. The
plan is intended to show the direction of the landscape concept for the
project.
Staff recommends that the Architectural Review Commission grant
preliminary architectural approval and continue the landscape plans.
Brian Fleener, the project architect, presented architectural renderings
depicting a 20-foot, triangular-shaped skylight element on the roof and asked
for the Commission's input on this structure, which would serve as a
monument piece to the building, mitigate the horizontal nature of the building
and would also include a climbing wall.
Commissioner O'Donnell asked if the central element will be different than
CalWall, to which Mr. Fleener responded affirmatively and noted that it will
have green tinted glazing.
Commissioner Van Vliet liked the architecture, and Commissioner Connor
indicated that he also likes the architecture and the skylight element.
Commissioner O'Donnell preferred that more detail be provided regarding
how the skylight will function, and added that he also likes the architecture.
Commissioner Connor pointed out that a number of the plants on the plant
list won't work because they are subtropical, but added that he does like the
site plan.
Action:
Commissioner Urrutia moved, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to
grant preliminary approval of the plans as presented. The motion carried
5-0, with Commissioner Holden absent.
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7. CASE NO.:
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS: ALFRED H. COOK, AIA for O. MICHAEL
HOMME, 73-301 Pinyon Street, Palm Desert, CA 92260
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of office park
with 40,260 square feet of building space on 3.778 acres
LOCATION: Northeast corner of Portola and Country Club
ZONE: O.P.
Alfred Cook, the project architect, noted that the material consists of split
face 4-foot by 16-foot concrete veneer block with a green metal roof, and the
windows will be bronze or smoked glass with bronze frames, and added that
the intent is to start by building one large building and one small building,
and adding the other buildings in phases.
Action:
Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to
grant conceptual approval of the plans as presented. The motion carried 4-
0-1, with Chairman Gregory abstaining and Commissioner Holden absent.
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8. CASE NO.: C 99-6
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESSL ROMACORP, INC. 9304 Forest Lane,
Suite 200, Dallas, TX 75243
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of
landscape plans
LOCATION: 73-155 Highway 111
ZONE: C-1
Commissioner Connor commented that the plans are not in conformance
with the suggestions previously made by the Commission, with which
Commissioner Urrutia concurred and commented that the applicant would
benefit from the services of a landscape architect.
Action:
Commissioner Urrutia moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to
continue the case with a strong recommendation that the applicant hire a
landscape architect. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Holden
absent.
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9. CASE NO.: PP 99-8
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESSI: J.D. MECHANICAL, INC., 74-894 42nd
Avenue, Palm Desert, CA 92260
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of final working
drawings for a 10,372 square foot industrial building
LOCATION: 39-655 Entrepreneur Lane
ZONE: S.I.
Mr. Alvarez reported that the proposed 10,456 square foot industrial building
received preliminary approval at the Commission's June 22nd meeting, and
the approval was subject to comments made by the City's landscape
consultant, Eric Johnson regarding the parking lot shade tree sizes and
potential overlapping of trees along the south property line. The Planning
Commission granted approval of the Precise Plan on July 20, 1999.
The final elevations are consistent with the preliminary drawings, with the
exception of one item. The preliminary elevations indicated a building height
of 20 feet, while the final drawings indicate a maximum height of 22 feet.
Staff believes this is a minor modification and will recommend that the
Commission find the drawing in substantial conformance with the preliminary
approval.
The final landscape plan does not show modifications suggested by the
Commission and the City's landscape consultant. The tree sizes along the
rear parking lot indicate 15-gallon shade trees (Mesquites), while the City
requires a minimum 24-inch box. There is a potential for trees along the
south property line to overlap with the adjacent property's large, mature
shade trees. Staff recommends that the Commission require the elimination
of the trees, while maintaining the planter along the south property line.
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Staff recommends that the Commission grant final approval, with the
condition that the parking lot shade trees be a minimum 24-inch box in size
in order to meet the City's requirements, and that the proposed trees along
the south property line be eliminated in order to avoid conflict with the
existing shade trees located along the adjacent property to the south.
Action:
Commissioner Connor moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to
approve the final working drawings with the condition that 15-gallon
Mediterranean Fan Palms be used on the south side instead of Malo Lucas,
and that the three Mesquites on the north side be replaced with Malo Lucas.
The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Holden absent.
10. CASE NO.: SA 99-109
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS TOP OF THE LINE SIGNS for CASALUCI
PHOTOGRAPHY, P.O. Box 179, La Quinta, CA 92253
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of business
identification signage
LOCATION: 44-780 San Pablo
ZONE: C-1
Mr. Smith reported that he received a phone call from the applicant this
morning requesting that this application be withdrawn.
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V. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 3:00 p.m.
STEVE SMITH
PLANNING MANAGER
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