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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-08-08 PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION TUESDAY, AUGUST 8, 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 12 3 Ronald Gregory X 12 2 Kristi Hanson X 10 0 Neil Lingle X 10 2 Richard O'Donnell X 12 3 Chris Van Vliet X 14 1 John Vuksic X 13 0 Staff Present: Phil Drell, Planning Director Steve Smith, Planning Manager Martin Alvarez, Associate Planner Kim Chafin, Senior Office Assistant II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Chairman Gregory, to approve the minutes of the July 25, 2000 meeting. Motion carried 5-0, with Commissioners Lingle and O'Donnell absent. III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None. 1 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 8, 2000 MINUTES IV. CASES 1. CASE NO.: MISC 00-18 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): CITY OF PALM DESERT NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of landscaping and retaining wall for the Highway 111/Monterey intersection project LOCATION: Northeast corner of Highway 111 and Monterey Avenue ZONE: C-1 Wayne Connor commented that FirstBank realizes this improvement is necessary, but their concern is a potential problem between the existing grade at the bank and the proposed new sidewalk. The drawings show a railing that would prevent someone from toppling off the walkway into the bank property, but the bank is concerned the railing will block visibility into their site and wonder whether or not the barrier is necessary. Mike Errante of the City's Engineering Department noted that a retaining wall will be needed varying in height from 24 inches to 18 inches, and that will be four to six inches above the adjacent sidewalk; however, the City would like to keep the railing for the stairwell. Chairman Gregory suggested using some form of planter which would be wide enough to satisfy Code requirements, but would eliminate the need for railing, except at the stairwell, and added that the facility probably has enough parking that one of the parking spaces could be used for planting area. Jim McCoy of FirstBank confirmed that the facility has more than adequate parking. Action: Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic, to continue the case to allow City staff to investigate the feasibility of a raised planter concept for certain areas and removal of railing system. The motion carried 4-0-1, with Commissioners Lingle and O'Donnell absent and Commissioner Connor abstaining. 2 errIfto ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 8, 2000 MINUTES 2. CASE NO.: PP/CUP 99-12 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS). NIALL SAUNDERS, 250 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of working drawings and landscape plans LOCATION: 73-050 Alessandro (northeast corner Alessandro/San Jacinto) ZONE: R-3 Action: Commissioner Connor moved, seconded by Chairman Gregory, to grant final approval of the working drawings and landscape plans subject to further review of the landscape plans by the City's Landscape Manager (approval excluded parking lot and landscape lighting). The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioners Lingle and O'Donnell absent. 3. CASE NO.: C 00-5 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESSy FRONTIER BANK, c/o Jim Montgomery, 1245 Deer Valley Drive, Park City, UT 84060 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of working drawings and landscape plans for remodel of existing building and conversion of use to bank LOCATION: 74-175 El Paseo (east side of El Paseo south of Highway 111) ZONE: C-1 Mr. Smith reported that the plans do not reflect the Commission's previous condition regarding a trellis, to which Mr. Ricciardi replied that a trellis will be incorporated. Mr. Smith suggested that the Commission could grant approval with the condition that rough framing inspection will be put on hold until the trellis plans are submitted and approved. 3 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 8, 2000 MINUTES Action: Commissioner Connor moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to approve the plans with the condition that rough framing inspection will be put on hold until plans for the trellis have been submitted and approved by staff. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioners Lingle and O'Donnell absent. 4. CASE NO.: PP 00-8 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESSy BOB RICCIARDI, 75-090 St. Charles Place, Suite A, Palm Desert, CA 92211 for WHITE ROCK INVESTMENTS, INC., 1480 Foster Street, #22, White Rock, British Columbia, Canada V4B3X7 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of final working drawings LOCATION: West end of Desert Country Plaza, on east side of Garand Lane ZONE: S.I. Mr. Smith reported that the Commission previously had concerns regarding the exposure of the south facing elevation. Mr. Ricciardi pointed out the stripes which were added to the elevations. Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic, to approve the plans with the condition that rough framing inspection will be put on hold final landscape plans have been submitted and approved by the Commission. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioners Lingle and O'Donnell absent. 4 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 8, 2000 MINUTES 5. CASE NO.: MISC 00-19 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): BENMORRICH INVESTMENTS c/o KINER HURST PARTNERS 73-625 Highway 111 #F Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of single-family home in hillside at Bighorn LOCATION: Lot 1 Tekis (Bighorn) ZONE: HPR Michael Kiner, the project architect, presented a model of the proposed project and indicated that the maximum building height will be 18 feet as measured from the approved pad, because the pad is lowered 11 feet on the north side in order to accommodate the two-story element on that elevation. The home will feature a metal roof and the building colors will be indigenous to the area. The infinity edge pool which faces the north will have natural looking materials to blend in with the mountain. The Bighorn Architectural Review Board had several concerns, including: 1) that the glass railing on the patio be clear so as not to impact the view, and that the railing not have shiny or reflective caps; 2) that the area between the two levels of windows on the two-story elevation facing north have the same treatment as the window frames rather than stucco; 3)that additional landscaping or a garden wall be included on the west side to minimize the impact of the upper elevation hanging out over the side; and 4) that the chimney caps be more elongated to create more horizontal lines. Bruce Kuykendal noted that, from the clubhouse, only the top 10 feet of the building will be visible. Chairman Gregory was concerned about the impact of a massive 27 or 28- foot high structure facing north, and wondered if the neighboring property owners would have any objection to some potential view blocking elements such as berms or trees on the west side to mitigate the impact of the second- story elevation hanging out. 5 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 8, 2000 MINUTES Commissioner Hanson felt that the colors and materials should blend in more with the surrounding mountain and suggested a darker tone for the building and more use of the stone material or other textured material, and added that the two-story element should not be a problem because two-story homes are typical in that area. Commissioners Vuksic and Connor concurred with Commissioner Hanson's suggestions. Chairman Gregory indicated that he would like to see a landscape plan because he believes the landscaping will need to address some of the important issues. Mr. Kiner indicated that he will bring back landscape plans, and Mr. Kuykendal offered to run up some poles and take photographs from Highway 74 to give the Commission an idea of the impact the building height will have. Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic, to grant preliminary approval subject to: 1) building colors and textures blending in more with the surrounding mountain area; 2) submitting photographs taken from Hwy 74 demonstrating the impact of the building height; and 3) submission of landscape plans. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioners Lingle and O'Donnell absent. 6 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 8, 2000 MINUTES 6. CASE NO.: SA 00-67 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS. TIM TOWNSENDS, 73-655 El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA 92260 c/o COUNTRY CLUB AWNING, 74-885 Joni Drive, Suite 6, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of awning with signage LOCATION: 73-655 El Paseo ZONE: C-1 Ms. Chafin reported that the applicant requests approval for an awning with signage for Tim Townsends, a home furnishings store at 73-655 El Paseo, Suite H. The awning will be located above the entry and display window and will be comprised of a steel frame measuring 12 feet in height which will protrude 2'8" from the building. The fabric covering would be Sunbrella Crimson Red with ivory colored text and logo. The 24-inch high logo and the words "Tim Townsends"will be centered on the angled portion of the awning, while the words "Home Furnishings Fine Accents"will be centered on the 12- inch high flat panel at the bottom portion of the awning. All letters will be eight inches in height. Staff finds the design, color and materials acceptable, but is concerned about the height of the awning. The building is shared by several tenants, and none of the other awnings or signs extend above the fascia,whereas the proposed awning would extend nearly to the roof of the building. If the Commission feels the height is acceptable, then staff would recommend approval. Mr. Smith noted that the building owner is planning a remodel in the future, and has indicated that the proposed awning design will be compatible with the remodel. 7 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 8, 2000 MINUTES David Fletcher stated that the owners are unhappy with the existing facade because it's flat, and the dark tile is no longer manufactured, which means holes created to anchor signage are left when a tenant leaves. A conceptual remodel plan has been developed which includes raising a couple of the parapets to give each storefront more distinction. Commissioner Hanson asked when the proposed remodel will be complete, to which Mr. Fletcher replied by estimating summer of 2001. Commissioner Van Vliet stated that he would hate to see the proposed awnings on the existing building because the design is incompatible, and Commissioner Hanson agreed, especially since the remodel would not take place for another year. Chairman Gregory felt that the proposed design would not be too terribly offensive as long as the Commission has assurances about the future remodel, and suggested that approval could be given for a certain period of time. Commissioner Connor was concerned that the proposed remodel is merely in the conceptual stages, which was confirmed by Mr. Fletcher, who indicated that he cannot commit at this time to what the remodel will look like or what the other awnings will look like. Commissioner Hanson felt that the proposed awning would dwarf the existing awnings, and preferred something more on the scale of the existing awnings, with which Commissioner Van Vliet concurred and suggested that the awning also be no higher than one foot below the brown tile. Action: Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to authorize staff to approve an awning with the proposed colors and materials, but a design more on the scale of the existing awnings on the building. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioners Lingle and O'Donnell absent. 8 *010 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 8, 2000 MINUTES 7. CASE NO.: CUP 00-9 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): JAVIER VILLARREAL, 77-710 Mountain View, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of revised plans for an accessory building within the rear yard setback LOCATION: 77-710 Mountain View ZONE: RE (40,000) Mr. Smith reported that the applicant has revised his site plan so that the accessory building will not encroach into the setbacks. Action: Commissioner Connor moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to authorize staff to approve the plans given that the building is no longer proposed to be located within the setback area. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioners Lingle and O'Donnell absent. 8. CASE NO.: PP 98-2 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): FOXX DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, 74-020 Alessandro, Suite E, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of landscape plans LOCATION: 73-061 Fred Waring ZONE: O.P. Action: Chairman Gregory moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet,to approve the plans with the condition that: 1) the desertscape be extended further to the south and east and southwest driveway, thus reducing the amount of grass; 2) drip or bubbler irrigation system be used for subtropical plantings on the north side; and 3) there be no use of herbacious ground cover. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioners Lingle and O'Donnell absent. 9 *00 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 8, 2000 MINUTES 9. CASE NO.: TT 29444 APPLICANT(AND ADDRESS): TOM HALLECK, P.O. Box 696, Cathedral City, CA 92234 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of architecture of six models for a 32 single-family lots LOCATION: West side of Portola north of Frank Sinatra Drive ZONE: PR-5 Mr. Alvarez reported that the applicant seeks approval of six residential models, including landscaping, for a 32-lot subdivision. The subdivision is located on the west side of Portola Avenue, north of Frank Sinatra Drive. The Planning Commission approved the subdivision in December 1999. The homes are all under 18 feet from finished pad and are all proposed with gable end roofs. The applicant has submitted a material and color board for the models, which proposes which and off-white stucco colors with variations of concrete tile roofs. The colors do not provide for adequate variation in color; thus staff recommends the applicant provide greater variation between stucco colors. The homes meet the City's single-family residential setbacks, but where five- foot and five-foot setbacks occur with gable end roofs, staff believes this creates an imposing and unattractive condition. Staff recommends the applicant utilize at least two hip roof models and that no two gable end roofs be adjacent to each other with five-foot and five-foot setbacks (occurs eight times currently). The architectural design for the models could use additional architectural detailing. Staff recommends the Commission require that additional detailing in the form of recessed windows and fur-outs be implemented on all front elevations and additional fur-outs be added on the sides and rear elevations to add architectural interest. The City's Landscape Manager has reviewed the plans and finds the landscaping for the models acceptable. 10 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 8, 2000 MINUTES Staff recommends that the Architectural Review Commission continue the case and provide the applicant with direction such as: 1)add two hipped roof models; 2) eliminate five-foot and five-foot setbacks when two gable end roofs exist; 3) add additional architectural detailing to models, i.e., front elevation recessed, window recessing and fur-outs on all sides; and 4)create greater variation between stucco colors. Commissioner Vuksic felt that the eaves meed to be beefed up because they look too skimpy, and noted that some of the chimneys have exposed spark arrestors which need to be screened. Commissioner Vuksic pointed out a lot of weak proportions, such as the columns next to the garage and the columns along the rear elevation. Commissioner Vuksic suggested the use of some accent colors and the incorporation of some wainscoats at different heights. Chairman Gregory suggested that, in order to avoid a boxed in look, some of the gable end roofs should be eliminated where they face another gable end roof. Chairman Gregory agreed that there should be more variation in colors, and that the colors which are almost white should be avoided. Commissioner Hanson commented that the green the roof will not look good next to terra cotta roofs. Action: Commissioner Connor moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to continue the case to allow the applicant to incorporate suggestions made by the Commission and staff. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioners Lingle and O'Donnell absent. 11 *00 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 8, 2000 MINUTES 10. CASE NO.: MISC 00-17 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS. METRICOM, INC. c/o Gordon Bell, 510 Castillo Street, First Floor, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary and final approval of a roof-top wireless communications facility LOCATION: 74-675 Highway 111 (Holiday Inn Express) ZONE: PC-4 Mr. Alvarez reported that the applicant requests approval to install four sets of wireless communication antennas on the rooftop of the Holiday Inn Express. The antennas consist of four separate sectors with four antennas each. Three of the sectors will be mounted on the south elevation (Highway 111) and will be screened by a three-sided screen structure. The screen structure is located 18 feet back from the parapet. The remaining set is proposed at the rear of the building and will also be screened by a screen structure. The top of the building parapet is 35 feet, and the antennas and screen structure will project four feet above the parapet to a height of 39 feet. The screen structure is proposed as a solid fiberglass structure with stucco color finishes to match the existing hotel. Staff has requested additional information on the screen structure, i.e,. material and photo simulations, which were submitted today. Staff finds the proposed screens aesthetically acceptable. The City's Telecommunication Ordinance permits roof-mounted antennas in the commercial district, provided they do not exceed 50% of the building height and that they are architecturally integrated into the design of the building and compatible in terms of design, color and materials as determined by the Architectural Review Commission. The applicant indicates that the antennas will be screened by solid panel structures, which can be stuccoed and painted to match the building. These panels are designed to allow the antenna signals to penetrate the surface. 12 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 8, 2000 MINUTES Staff recommends that the Commission grant preliminary approval with the condition that stucco finish by used, painted to match the building. Action: Chairman Gregory moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to grant preliminary approval with the condition that stucco finish by used, painted to match the building. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioners Lingle and O'Donnell absent. 11. CASE NO.: TT 29468 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS : AMERICAN BEAUTY DEVELOPMENT (ABD), 16830 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 401, Encino, CA 91436 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of perimeter landscaping for 270 single family lots LOCATION: Northeast corner of Country Club Drive and Tamarisk ZONE: R-1 (12,000) Mr. Winklepleck reported that the applicant is seeking approval of perimeter landscape plans for a 270-lot single-family housing tract. The plant palate is similar to that used for the Desert Willow perimeter and the Oasis Club Drive right-of-way. There are three entryways for the project, including two off Tamarisk Row Drive and one off Country Club Drive. Washintonia Filifera hybrids are used to accentuate the entries. The plan also shows a meandering sidewalk on both frontages. The plan uses mounding wherever possible. Desert gold fines will be used in all planter areas. Staff recommends that the Architectural Review Commission approve the request subject to the City Landscape Manager's comments and a perimeter wall plan being submitted for review prior to the review of the final working drawings. Action: Chairman Gregory moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to grant preliminary approval. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioners Lingle and O'Donnell absent. 13 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 8, 2000 MINUTES 12. CASE NO.: PP 00-7 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): MAINIERO SMITH & ASSOCIATES, 777 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Suite 301, Palm Springs, CA 92262 for BASIC CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, 10670 North Central Expressway, # 600, Dallas, TX 75231 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of two office buildings LOCATION: Northwest corner of Cook Street and Gerald Ford: 74-950 Cook ZONE: PCD, FCOZ Action: Chairman Gregory moved, seconded by Commissioner Connor, to continue the case because revised plans had not been submitted. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioners Lingle and O'Donnell absent. 13. CASE NO.: PP 00-2 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): GHA HOLDINGS, INC. 68-936 Adelina Road, Cathedral City, CA 92234 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of revised architecture and landscaping for a 4,751 square foot office building LOCATION: 73-081 Fred Waring Drive ZONE: O.P. Mr. Alvarez reported that this item was last continued from the March 28, 2000 meeting to allow the applicant to implement the Commission's suggestions with respect to inconsistencies on the plans. Before granting preliminary approval, the Commission wished to see changes made to the plans, and the Commission indicated that if the details could be worked out on the plans, the project was headed in the right direction. 14 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 8, 2000 MINUTES The applicant has submitted revised plans which reflect the changes the Commission wished to be illustrated. The landscape plan has been reviewed by the City's Landscape Manager and finds it acceptable. All other recommendations made by the Commission are reflected on the preliminary drawings, and those suggestions include the following: 1) mechanical equipment will be placed on the ground, underneath the staircases and out of view; 2)the Fred Waring facing staircase will be behind a solid stone veneer wall; 3)the carports have been given a five-foot setback from the rear property line; 4)the north elevation windows include recessing; and 5) the top architectural element has been beefed up. The project meets the required setbacks and height limits for the Office Professional zone. Staff finds the architecture acceptable and compatible with other buildings in the vicinity. Staff recommends the Commission grant preliminary approval of the plans as submitted. Commissioners Vuksic and Hanson made some modifications to the plans, reflected in red pencil. Action: Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to grant preliminary approval subject to the modifications drawn on the plans in red pencil. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioners Lingle and O'Donnell absent. V. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m. STEPHEN R. SMITH PLANNING MANAGER 15