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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-04-11 � , � � � PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION TUESDAY, APRIL 11, 2000 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 6 1 Ronald Gregory X 7 0 Kristi Hanson X 3 0 Neil Lingle X 5 0 Richard O'Donnell X 6 1 Chris Van Vliet X 7 0 John Vuksic X 5 0 Staff Present: Phil Drell, Director of Community Development Steve Smith, Planning Manager Martin Alvarez, Associate Planner Kim Chafin, Senior Office Assistant Shawn Kilpatrick, Code Enforcement Officer II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to approve the minutes of the March 28, 2000 meeting. Motion carried 7-0. III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None. 1 , . , � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 11, 2000 MINUTES IV. CASES 1. CASE NO.: PP 00-3 APPLICANT(AND ADDRESS� LANDMARK SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT, INC., 620 Herndon Parkway, #200, Herndon, VA 20170 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of sports complex landscape plans LOCATION: Northeast corner of Cook Street & Gerald Ford ZONE: PCD Mr. Winklepleck reported that the proposed preliminary landscape plan has been revised pursuant to the Architectural Review Commission's direction from the February 22, 2000 meeting. These revisions include providing more detailed information for all of the landscape areas and reducing the use of the Chinese Pistache in the parking lot area. The plans have been reviewed by the City's Landscape Manager, Spencer Knight, and were found acceptable. Staff recommends that the Architectural Review Commission grant preliminary approval of the landscape plans. Chairman Gregory commented that the Southern Live Oak is not a viable tree for a parking lot and suggest replacing it with something more suitable, i.e., Jacaranda, Ironwood or Chinese Evergreen Elm. Action: Commissioner Connor moved, seconded by Commissioner Lingle, to grant preliminary approval of the landscape plans with the condition that the Southern Live Oak in the parking lot be replaced with a more suitable tree, i.e., Jacaranda, Ironwood, or Chinese Evergreen Elm. The motion carried 7-0. 2 _ . , � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 11, 2000 MINUTES 2. CASE NO.: PP 99-13 APPLICANT �AND ADDRESS� HOMA, LLC, 9200 West Sunset Boulevard, Penthouse 9, Los Angeles, CA 90069 for JIFFY LUBE, c/o Brian McNabb, 8842 Saturn Street #100, Los Angeles, CA 92235 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary landscape approval for a 3,000 square foot Jiffy Lube facility LOCATION: 42-275 Washington Street (Albertson's shopping center) ZONE: PC-2 Mr. Alvarez reported that the applicant requests approval of the preliminary landscape plan for a 3,000 square foot Jiffy Lube facility. The applicant received preliminary architectural approval on September 14, 1999 and Planning Commission approval in October of 1999. The project is located within the Albertson's shopping center, and the vacant pad fronts on Washington Street. The City's Landscape Manager, Spencer Knight, has reviewed the preliminary landscape plan, and his only comment concerns the spacing of the plant material. As illustrated on the plan, the plant material at full maturity could grow as a solid hedge or ground cover. Staff's only comment would be the small size of the tree planters on the west parking lot area. In order to meet the City's parking lot shade tree requirement, two carob trees are proposed in these 3'6" planters. Staff would prefer to see one shade tree in the west-facing planter, in front of the building. Staff recommends that the Architectural Review Commission grant preliminary approval, subject to addressing the spacing of the plant material. Action: Commissioner Connor moved, seconded by Commissioner Lingle, to grant preliminary approval for the landscaping with the condition that the parking spaces on the ends of the planters be shortened in order to accommodate shade trees. The motion carried 6-0-1, with Chairman Gregory abstaining. 3 � �. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 11, 2000 MINUTES 3. CASE NO.: MISC 00-11 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS� EUGENE & BERNADETTE WAGONER, 77-785 Mountain View Road, Palm Desert, CA 92211 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT• Approval of 6-foot high wall 6'6" feet from curb LOCATION: 77-310 Florida Avenue ZONE: R-1 (9,000) Mr. Alvarez reported that the property is located at the northeast corner of Florida Avenue and Ohio in Palm Desert Country Club. The applicant's request includes approval to replace an existing dilapidated wood fence with a new six-foot slump stone wall. The wall is proposed atong the street side yard and requires a minimum 12-foot setback from face of curb. The applicant requests an exception to the setback requirement and proposes the wall on the property line, 6'6"from the face of curb. The wall will tie into the existing residence and will not impede the line of sight. In the past, the Architectural Review Commission has granted exceptions to the setback requirement for block walls if the proposal achieves the following: 1) the proposal will be a significant improvement to the neighborhood; 2) the setback is in character with others found in the neighborhood; and 3) there are special circumstances unique to the property that limit the location of the wall. In this case, all three of the above items apply to the property. The new slump stone wall will replace a dilapidated wood fence in the exact same location. The applicant will remove all grass in front of the wall and replace it with irrigated desert shrubs, espaliered bougainvilleas, boulders and decomposed granite. There are other walls in the area that exist with similar setbacks from face of curb. The applicant has mature landscaping and a spa with decking that prevents placing the wall 12 feet from face of curb. Staff recommends that the Architectural Review Commission approve the six-foot slump stone wall on the property line or 6'6" from face of curb and authorize staff to approve a landscaping plan prior to issuance of a permit. Action: Commissioner Connor moved, seconded by Commissioner Lingle,to granted approve the plans as submitted. The motion carried 7-0. 4 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 11, 2000 MINUTES 4. CASE NO.: SA 00-28 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS� ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN/SIGN, 1802 American Street, Anaheim, CA 92801 for WESTFIELD SHOPPINGTOWN, 72-840 Highway 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of revised plans for new shopping center identification signage LOCATION: 72-840 Highway 111 ZONE: PC-3 Mr. Smith reported that the applicant has resubmitted it proposal which was originally presented to the Commission on March 28, 2000. The north facing wall will have a silver metal background, pan channel letters with the word "Westfield" in red and the words "Shoppingtown Palm Desert" in black/white day/night letters. There have been no revisions made to the monument sign proposal which was presented to the Commission on March 28, 2000. The applicant indicates that all signage will be temporary, but could be in place as long as two years, depending on the timing of the anticipated mall remodel. Commissioner Connor was concerned that patching over the existing "Palm Desert Town Center" letters on the monument sign will look like a patch job and that those letters will still be visible. Commissioner Van Vliet agreed that the entire monument should be replastered to avoid a patchwork appearance. Commissioner Connor felt that the silver metal background would be too reflective, which Chairman Gregory agreed and suggested a more matte or satin finish. Commissioner Connor felt that the sign is not well designed. Commissioner Hanson suggested that the ends and the top of the sign be filled in so the sign doesn't look like it is merely stuck on the monument. 5 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 11, 2000 MINUTES Commissioner Hanson felt that the signage should match the architecture, and questioned the rationale of approving signage before the remodel plans are submitted. Chairman Gregory agreed that the monument signage should be completely refinished rather than patched over, and felt that the Commission would not be interested in reviewing any future remodel plans without a signage proposal. Commissioner Lingle thought that the proposed signage was not high quality enough to be in the City for two weeks, let alone two years, and Commissioner Vuksic agreed. Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to approve the plans with the following conditions: 1) that the silver metal background have a matte or satin finish to reduce glare, and that a sample be presented to staff for approval; 2)that the applicant be put on notice that the Commission will not review any future remodel plans unless it includes a revised sign program; 3) that the top and sides of the freestanding signs be enclosed; and 4) that the existing freestanding sign backgrounds be resurfaced to provide a quality workmanlike background so that the existing letters do not show through. The motion carried 4-3, with Commissioners Connor, Lingle and Vuksic dissenting. 6 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 11, 2000 MINUTES 5. CASE NO.: CUP 00-2 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS� McFADDEN/McINTOSH ARCHITECTS, 72-925 Fred Waring Drive # 204, Palm Desert, CA 92260 for KERRIGAN MEDICAL GROUP, 42-575 Washington Street, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of revised plans for a 3,693 square foot medical o�ce building LOCATION: 42-575 Washington ZONE: PC-2 Mr. Alvarez reported that this matter was continued from March 14, 2000. At that time, the concerns expressed by the Commission and staff pertained to the height of the structure and the lack of architectural detailing on the east elevation (facing Washington Street). The applicant has submitted revised plans to construct a 3,693 square foot medical office building referred to as Building G. The revised plans include reducing the height of the proposed building to 26 feet. The existing property has a 5,000 square foot medical office building (Building A) located at the west end of the property. Along with the approval of the existing 5,000 square foot building, the Planning Commission approved a 2,567 square foot building fronting on Washington Street. At the time of the approval, the property was rezoned from R-3 (multi-family residential), to Planned Commerciat (District). The finro buildings were approved with R-3 development standards, which include a 24-foot height limit and a 15-foot front setback. The proposed building will maintain a 15-foot front setback and will have a maximum height of 26 feet. The elements of the building above the 24-foot height limit are architectural projections. If found acceptable and an integral part of the architectural design, the Commission may recommend approval of a height exception to the Planning Commission and City Council. Building B will have stucco and roof tile colors to match the existing b�Iilding. The applicanYs landscape plan is acceptable and compatible with the City's design standards, and the City's Landscape Manager concurs. 7 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 11, 2000 MINUTES Staff recommends that the Commission review the modifications and determine acceptability. Mr. Smith noted that the applicant needs to comply with today's parking standards, which would mean a maximum 2,500 square foot building, but the applicant has indicated his intent to pursue approval for a two-story, 3,700 square foot building. Mr. McFadden emphasized that the proposed building will be architecturally compatible with the existing building. Commissioner Vuksic felt that some of the second story elements on the back side of the building just seem to hang out in space, and suggested that � the windows be recessed more. Chairman Gregory commented that the height of the building is excessive for a 15-foot setback, because such a setback is too shallow for the height, to which Mr. McFadden replied that the adjoining building is even closer to the street than the proposed building. Commissioner Vuksic felt that the elements which project above the height limit add architectural interest, and, therefore, he would have no objection to those elements. Chairman Gregory preferred that the height be lowered by one foot so that the building is only one foot above the height limit rather than finro feet above the height limit. Commissioner O'Donnell indicated that he would like to see a site plan or photo or the adjoining building since the applicant indicates it is even closer to the street than the proposed building. The consensus of the Commission was that the applicant should proceed to the Planning Commission for a decision regarding building size, height and setback because that could, in turn, affect the building architecture. Chairman Gregory indicated that he does not have a problem with a two- story building in this location, but he feels the setback should be increased. 8 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 11, 2000 MINUTES Commissioner O'Donnell agreed that the issues of building size, height and setback should be settled by the Planning Commission so that the Architectural Review Commission can properly review the architecture, because those issues may dictate the architectural design. . Action: Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Connor, to continue the case so that the applicant could get input from the Planning Commission regarding building size, height and setback which could, in turn, affect the building architecture. The motion carried 7-0. 6. CASE NO.: PP/CUP 98-16, C 98-5 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS� SECOY ARCHITECTS for PALMS TO PINES RETAIL CENTER, 45 Plaza Square, Orange, CA 92866/AMERICAN INVESTMENT GROUP/PALM DESERT, LLC, 301 Forest Avenue #200, Laguna Beach, CA 92651-001 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of revisions to preliminary elevations for former Rite Aid building LOCATION: South side of Highway 111 east of Plaza Way ZONE: PC-3 Mr. Smith reported that over a series of several meetings in 1999, the Architectural Review Commission approved plans for the remodel of Palms � to Pines East Shopping Center, including razing the westerly most buildings and replacing those with a new Rite Aid building. Rite Aid is not prepared to proceed; so the developer has brought in a new tenant. The plans have been revised to accommodate the new tenant (i.e., size increased from 16,700 square feet to 23,471 square feet). The exterior elevations remain similar. The applicanYs architect will be present to explain changes and show the Commission colored drawings. Staff recommends that the Architectural Review Commission grant preliminary approval to the revised plans. 9 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 11, 2000 MINUTES Ms. Secoy, the project architect, pointed out that the drive-thru pharmacy element has been removed. Commissioner Hanson felt that the loading dock should not be visible, and added that the EI Paseo elevation is just as important as the Highway 111 elevation. Commissioner Hanson suggested moving the entrance to the east. Commissioner Hanson suggested using a trellis type element rather than a blank wall on the EI Paseo elevation so that the area would be more shielded and have a softer look with more depth. Ms. Secoy indicated that a trellis element could be wrapped around the building as well. Commissioner Connor agreed that the EI Paseo elevation needs more depth. Action: Commissioner Connor moved, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to continue the case to allow the applicant to incorporate the Commission's suggested modifications. The motion carried 7-0. 7. CASE NO.: CUP 00-5 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS� AT&T WIRELESS SERVICES, 12900 Park Place Drive, Cerritos, CA 90703-8573 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of a 50-foot wireless freestanding telecommunication tower LOCATION: 72-885 Highway 111 (Palms to Pines Shopping Center) ZONE: PC-3 (Planned Commercial) Mr. Alvarez reported that the applicant requests approval to install a 50-foot high wireless telecommunication tower at 72-885 Highway 111. The site is located at the rear of the Palms to Pines shopping center, facing EI Paseo. The tower is proposed in a new planter box behind the existing La Jolla business. 10 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 11, 2000 MINUTES The pole and antennas will be camouflaged as a 50-foot artificial palm tree. A live 40-foot high palm tree will be placed adjacent to the tower in the same planter. The City's Commercial Communication Tower Ordinance allows towers in the Commercial District, with a minimum separation of 300 feet from residentially zoned properties. The proposed tower is within a commercial zone, but is within 300 feet of the Sandpiper residential development. This is an issue that the applicant will address with the Planning Commission. The City's Telecommunication Tower Ordinance allows towers with a maximum height of 85 feet. The towers must be compatible with the existing and adjacent properties and their design and location should minimize visual impacts. The proposed tower is 50 feet high. The artificial mono-palm tree minimizes visual impacts, and there are other palm trees in the center and adjacent properties. The artificial palm tree fits in with the landscaping found in the surrounding areas. All supporting mechanical equipment will not be visible or placed indoors. The City has approved a similar tower design in the Industrial District on Merle Drive. That mono-palm was approved as a 60-foot tower. Staff recommends that the Commission approve the tower with the following conditions: 1) that the applicant enter into a maintenance agreement for the life of the project; and 2) that the applicant receive approval from the Planning Commission for approval of a conditional use permit and for an exception to the 300-foot separation from residential zoned properties. David Leonard spoke on behalf of AT&T and indicated that Sandpiper's HOA Board is supportive of the proposal. Commissioner Van Vliet asked if it would be possible to either lower the height or incorporate the antenna into the building, to which Mr. Leonard replied that the pole isn't even as high as the company really needs; so the company will be asking for additional locations. 11 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 11, 2000 MINUTES Commissioner Connor suggested that Filifera be planted next to the palm instead of Robusta. Action: Chairman Gregory moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to approve the plans with the condition that a third live palm tree (Filifera) be added. The motion carried 6-1, with Commissioner Van Vliet dissenting. 8. CASE NO.: PP 00-4 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS� BOB RICCIARDI, 75-090 St. Charles Place, Palm Desert, CA 92211 for L.V. INVESTMENTS, LLC, 75-150 St. Charles Place, Palm Desert, CA 92211 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of a 12,766 square foot auto part industrial building and a 5,000 square foot industrial building LOCATION: 42-100 Beacon Hill ZONE: S.I. Mr. Alvarez reported that the subject properties are on the east side of Beacon Hill, south of Hovley Lane East. The site is located in the Service Industrial District and backs up to the Coachella Valley Water District property. The site consists of four lots totaling 58,000 square feet. The applicant seeks preliminary approval to construct two industrial buildings. Building 1 totals 12,766 square feet and will be located on the southerly parcels of the four parcels. Building 2 totals 4,900 square feet and will be on a single lot. Building 1 has single- and two-story elements with a maximum height of 26 feet. The building will be centered between two parking lots and will have finro ingress/egress points from Beacon Hill. The building is a concrete tilt-up structure with off-white and grey exterior paint colors. The building meets the setback and height requirements for the Industrial District. 12 , � . � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 11, 2000 MINUTES The City's Landscape Manager, Spencer Knight, will review the landscaping plan. Staff has a concern with the planter sizes for the required shade trees. On the south end of the property, staff recommends the use of a seven-foot wide planter. The parking IoYs center planter and the building's south planter should have seven-foot rectangular planters to accommodate required shade trees. Building 2 is a single-story building with a maximum height of 20 feet. The building will have a single ingress/egress from Beacon Hill. The building will also be a tilt-up concrete structure. Exterior colors have not been submitted. This building also meets the setback and height requirements for the Industrial District. Staff has a concern with the lack of architectural interest and detailing on this building. The bulding appears as a shell with no architectural detailing or relief. Staff cannot recommend approval of the building without additional attention given to the south and west elevations. Staff also has a concern with the planter sizes for the required shade trees. On the south end of the property, staff recommends the use of a seven-foot wide planter. Seven-foot rectangular planters should be used to accommodate the required shade trees on the south property line. Two separate landscaping plans are inconsistent and should be consolidated into one plan. This will ensure consistency, particularly on the property line separating Building 2 with Building 1. Staff recommends that the Architectural Review Commission continue the matter to allow the applicant to address concerns regarding the architecture on Building 2 and both landscaping plans. Mr. Ricciardi pointed out that almost all the glass is recessed, and the building also featured rounded corners. Commissioner Vuksic felt that the office space portion does not need to be two stories high, with which Commissioner O'Donnell agreed. 13 - . � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 11, 2000 MINUTES Chairman Gregory agreed with the comments written on the landscape plans by the City's Landscape Manager, and suggested that the applicant incorporate those comments into the plans. Commissioner O'Donnell was concerned about the lack of architectural detail on Building 2. Commissioner Connor stated that even though Building 2 is a tilt-up building, it still needs more architectural detail, and that does not mean just sprucing it up with different colors. Commissioner Vuksic suggested that something be done to soften the appearance of the front elevation on Buitding 2, and suggested that the windows need to be more recessed. Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to grant preliminary approval for Building 1 with the condition that the comments of the City's Landscape Manager be incorporated into the landscape plans, and to continue Building 2 to allow the applicant to incorporate modifications suggested by the Commission. The motion carried 6-1, with Commissioner Connor dissenting. V. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 2:15 p.m. STEPHEN R. SMITH PLANNING MANAGER 14