The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2000-01-11 � � � c ' PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION TUESDAY, JANUARY 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 0 1 Ronald Gregory X 1 0 Richard Holden X 1 0 Richard O'Donnell X 0 1 Frank Urrutia X 1 0 Chris Van Vliet X 1 0 - Staff Present: Steve Smith, Planning Manager Martin Alvarez, Associate Planner Jason Finley, Code Enforcement Officer Kim Chafin, Senior Office Assistant II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner Holden, to approve the minutes of the December 8 and December 14, 1999 meetings. Motion carried 4-0, with Commissioners Connor and O'Donnell absent. III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None. 1 � � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 11, 2000 MINUTES IV. CASES A. Final Drawings 1. CASE NO.: PP 99-14 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESSI: PICK PARTNERS, P.O. Box 3958, Dana Point, CA 92629 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of plans for a mini-storage facility LOCATION: 77-850 Country Club Drive ZONE: PC-2 Mr. Smith reported that on July 28, 1999, the Architectural Review Commission granted conceptual approval of the landscape plans for the mini-storage facility and granted preliminary approval of the architecture for the mini-storage facility, and allowed the split face wall to be substituted with a painted precision block wall with split face columns and fascia on the north elevation. The final architectural plans, while they are drawn at 1/8" scale versus 1/16" scale of the preliminary plans, appear to be substantially similar to the preliminary plans. The materials and colors are the same. On Sheet A-5, building A/office, south elevation, materials and colors are not delineated. Staff recommends that the Architectural Review Commission grant final approval of the plans for the mini-storage facility subject to the materials and colors in all elevations being consistent with the preliminary approved plans. Action: Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia, to approve the plans subject to the materials and colors in all elevations being consistent with the preliminary approved plans. The motion carried 4-0, with Commissioners Connor and O'Donnell absent. 2 . � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 11, 2000 MINUTES 2. CASE NO.: SA 99-150 APPLICANT (AND ADDRES�: IMPERIAL SIGN, 46-120 Calhoun Street, Indio, CA 92201 for CURVES FOR WOMEN, 73-020 EI Paseo, Suite 3, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of business identification sign LOCATION: 73-020 EI Paseo, Suite 3 ZONE: C-1 Ms. Chafin reported that the applicant requests approval of business identification signage for Curves for Women, a fitness and weight loss center. The proposed sign is non-illuminated with enameled white background and a graphic depicting a women in red workout attire. The sign will have a black copy reading "Curves for women". The height of the letters in "Curves" will be one, 12-inch capital letter and eight-inch lower case letters. The sign will also have red copy reading "30 minute fitness & wt. loss centers." The business has 24 lineal feet of parking lot frontage, and the proposed sign is not to exceed 24 square feet. The proposed sign meets the City's Sign Ordinance requirements, and staff recommends approval of the plans as submitted. Action: Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia, to approve the plans as submitted. The motion carried 4-0, with Commissioners Connor and O'Donnell absent. 3 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 11, 2000 MINUTES 3. CASE NO.: SA 99-114 Amendment#1 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS,� HANK HAMPTON, HOOTERS RESTAURANT, 73-030 EI Paseo, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of business identification signage revision LOCATION: 73-030 EI Paseo ZONE: PC-3 Mr. Alvarez reported that Hooter's Restaurant requests approval to modify their identification business logo. The City Council found the eyes on the owl to be controversial and requested that they be removed. The applicant complied with the condition and modified all signs. At this time, the applicant would like to modify the logo by placing a pair of sunglasses on the owl, covering the "00" on the word "HOOTERS." Staff believes this modification is acceptable and ties in with the California and Palm Desert theme, therefore, staff recommends that the Commission approve the request as submitted. Action: Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia, to approve the plans as submitted. The motion carried 3-0-1, with Commissioners Connor and O'Donnell absent and Commissioner Holden abstaining. 4 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 11, 2000 MINUTES 4. CASE NO.: SA 99-146 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS� BEST SIGNS, 74-350 Alessandro Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260 for JENSEN'S FINEST FOODS, 73-601 Highway 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of business identification signage sign revision LOCATION: 73-601 Highway 111 ZONE: C-1 Mr. Alvarez reported that the applicant requests approval to reface the existing business identification sign. The existing sign consists of white channel letters reading "JENSEN'S FINEST FOODS AND BAKERY." The applicant requests approval to install new teal faces on the existing sign. The sign location and size will remain the same. Staff recommends the Commission approve the signage request as submitted. Action: Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia, to approve the plans as submitted. The motion carried 4-0, with Commissioners Connor and O'Donnell absent. 5 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 11, 2000 MINUTES 5. CASE NO.: SA 99-149 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS� T &V TOWING, P.O. Box 717, Thousand Palms, CA 92276 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of business identification signage LOCATION: 74-830 42nd Avenue ZONE: S.I. Mr. Alvarez reported that the applicant requests approval to install a four square foot, non-illuminated sign at 74-830 42nd Avenue. The site is a storage yard within the City's Industrial District. The directional sign consists of a 20-inch by 30-inch sign reading "T&V TOWING," with the site address. The sign will have a white background and a blue border. The letters will be blue with red trim. The address will also be in blue letters. The sign will be mounted on an existing six-foot wall that surrounds the existing storage yard. Staff recommends that the Commission approve the signage request as submitted. Action: Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia, to approve the plans as submitted. The motion carried 4-0, with Commissioners Connor and O'Donnell absent. 6 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 11, 2000 MINUTES 6. CASE NO.: C 99-7 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS� FELIPE CASTANEDA, 140 East Palm Canyon, Palm Springs, CA 92262 for EL MIRASOL COCINA MEXICANA, 73-325 Highway 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of business identification signage LOCATION: 73-325 Highway 111 ZONE: C-1 Mr. Alvarez reported that in October 1999, EI Mirasol Restaurant received approval to remodel an existing building at 73-325 Highway 111, formerly known as EI Cafe De Mexico. At this time, the applicant requests approval of the business identification signage. The proposed sign consists of black, reverse channel letters reading "EI Mirasol." The letter sizes range from 10 inches to 18 inches. The sign will also incorporate a fuchsia colored flower logo around the "o" of"EI Mirasol." The logo will have both through the face illumination and a halo effect. The signs's creative and unique design is compatible with the building, and the size, location and colors are acceptable. The sign totals 15 square feet and the building has 50 linear feet of frontage. The sign meets the size requirements of the Sign Ordinance. Staff recommends that the Commission approve the sign as submitted. Action: Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia, to approve the plans as submitted. The motion carried 4-0, with Commissioners Connor and O'Donnell absent. 7 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 11, 2000 MINUTES 7. CASE NO.: PP 99-15 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): ROBERT RICCIARDI for NICK CONTI, 75- 090 St. Charles Place, Suite A, Palm Desert, CA 92211; NICK CONTI, 74- 804 Joni Drive #8, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary and final approval of landscaping and final approval of architecture for an 8,400 square foot industrial building LOCATION: 72-710 Melanie Place ZONE: S.I. Mr. Smith recommended that the landscape plan be approved, subject to the comments written on the plans by the City's Landscape Manager, Spencer Knight. Action: Commissioner Urrutia moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to approve the landscape plans, subject to the comments written on the plans by the City's Landscape Manager, Spencer Knight, and to approve the architecture with the condition that tan-colored precision block be used. The motion carried 4-0, with Commissioners Connor and O'Donnell absent. 8 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 11, 2000 MINUTES B. Preliminary Plans 1. CASE NO.: PP/CUP 99-12 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS� NIALL SAUNDERS, 250 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of revised plans for a 12,027 square foot, two-story professional building LOCATION: 73-050 Alessandro (northeast corner Alessandro/San Jacinto) ZONE: R-3 Mr. Smith reported that this revised plan was before the Commission at its December 14, 1999 meeting. At that time, the issue of the proposed cul-de- sac on San Jacinto was not resolved. There was concern that the design of the cul-de-sac would impact on the parking lot layout and possibly the building. The applicant has provided a revised site plan (precise grading plan) which confirms that the plan is still feasible although the landscape setback between the new sidewalk and the parking spaces will be minimal. The applicant has delineated a four-foot high block wall in the landscaped area which will extend from the north property line 84 feet to the south. The applicant indicates that he intends to add a fence to the south of the block wall, perhaps wrought iron. As the Commission will recall, the building architecture has been altered by removal of all projections which exceeded 25 feet in height, which has made the formerly exceptional building architecture fairly ordinary. Staff recommends that the Architectural Review Commission grant preliminary approval of the plans as submitted. Commissioner Urrutia felt that the project desperately needs landscaping, with which Commissioner Holden agreed and suggested that the area designated for a sidewalk be landscaped instead, and added that the neighbors would probably prefer landscaping rather than a sidewalk. 9 �+"` �rli� ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 11, 2000 MINUTES Mr. Saunders noted that the neighbors have indicated a preference for landscaping rather than a sidewalk. Chairman Gregory agreed that it would be silly to have a sidewalk when landscaping would be much more attractive and would provide better flow for the site plan. Commissioner Van Vliet reiterated his preference for the architecture that was submitted as part of the original proposal, and commented that the roof is too flat and the architecture needs a lot more work, with which Commissioner Urrutia concurred and added that this project appears to have gone in the wrong direction. Commissioner Holden commented that he dislikes the wrought iron element in the eenter of the front elevation because it makes the project's courtyard appear to be fenced in, and noted that there are no other wrought iron elements in the project; so this element appears to be just added on, with which Chairman Gregory concurred. Chairman Gregory was concerned about the mass of the building, especially since the building is set so close to the street, i.e., a 25-foot building with nine feet of landscape buffer. Chairman Gregory advised that the ground cover should be a minimum one gallon size. � Action: Commissioner Holden moved, seconded by Chairman Gregory, to grant preliminary approval with the condition that further architectural detail be added to the entry area on Alessandro. The motion failed by a 2-2 vote, with Commissioners Urrutia and Van Vliet dissenting, and Commissioners Connor and O'Donnell absent. Chairman Gregory stated that he is not comfortable with such a narrow setback, especially with such a massive building, and noted that the typical height:setback ratio is 1:1. Mr. Saunders noted that the Commission previously approved the project with a similar setback, and the only major difference is that the building is 10 �` � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 11, 2000 MINUTES smaller and lower in height. Commissioner Urrutia commented that he doesn't have a problem with the setback, but does have concern about the lack of architectural detail and the lack of variation in the building height, which produces a flat roof. Mr. Saunders indicated that he would be willing to remove the railings in order to open up the courtyard area. Chairman Gregory indicated that he would like to see a more enhanced landscape plan. Mr. Smith suggested that the Commission may wish to continue the case to the next meeting on January 25, 2000 so that the other members are present, and noted that a continuance would not hinder the progress of the project, since it is scheduled for Planning Commission on February 1, 2000. Action: Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia, to continue the case to January 25, 2000. The motion carried 4-0, with Commissioners Connor and O'Donnell absent. 11 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 11, 2000 MINUTES 2. CASE NO.: TT 29579 APPLICANT �AND ADDRESS): KRISCO, INC., 200 Pier Avenue, Suite 3, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254/ RGA, 74-020 Alessandro, Suite #, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of perimeter landscaping plans LOCATION: 73-055 Hovley Lane West ZONE: PR-5 Mr. Alvarez reported that the applicant requests preliminary approval of perimeter landscaping plans for a 16-lot, single-family subdivision. The property is located at the southeast corner of Hovley Lane West and Monterey Avenue. On December 21, 1999, the Planning Commission approved the tentative tract map. The property has 266 feet of frontage on Hovley Lane West and 616 feet of frontage on Monterey Avenue. The City's Landscape Manager, Spencer Knight, has reviewed the landscape plan and has several comments, including: 1) decrease plant population and increase overall spacing; 2) remove all use of lawn on the Monterey Avenue frontage; 3) eliminate the use of bougainvilleas on walls; 4) replace Jacaranda with evergreen tree on Monterey Avenue frontage; 5) use Pistacia Chinensis or Koelreutasia Bipinnata instead of Evergreen Ash; and 6) a minimum of two residential trees must be 24-inch box. Staff recommends that Commission grant preliminary approval, subject to the comments made by the City's Landscape Manager. Mr. Gregory indicated that it is his understanding that the City prefers not to have a lawn, but noted that the lawn conforms with the rest of the area along Monterey and Country Club. Mr. Alvarez pointed out that the City will be taking this area over as an assessment district. 12 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 11, 2000 MINUTES Mr. Gregory requested that the case be continued so that he may have an opportunity to discuss landscaping concerns with the City's Landscape Manager, Spencer Knight, Action: Commissioner Urrutia moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to continue the case. The motion carried 3-0-1, with Commissioner Gregory abstaining and Commissioners Connor and O'Donnell absent. 3. CASE NO.: TT 29579 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): FORD PLUMLEY GROUP, LLC, 68-936 Adelina Road, Cathedral City, CA 92234 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of perimeter landscaping plan LOCATION: 73-551 Hovley Lane West ZONE: PR-5 Mr. Alvarez reported that the applicant requests approval of perimeter landscape plans �for a 16-lot, single-family subdivision. The property is located on the south side of Hovley Lane West, 1500 feet west of Portola Avenue. On December 2,1 1999, the Planning Commission approved the tentative tract map. The property has 331 feet of frontage on Hovley West and a 6,500 square foot retention basin located at the end of the cul-de-sac. The City's Landscape Manager, Spencer Knight, has reviewed the landscape plan and found it to acceptable and compatible overall with the City's design and palette criteria. A few comments were made of the use of a specific vine/espaliers. Mr. Knight suggested the use of Pyrostegia Venusta instead of Tecomaria Capesis. Staff recommends the Commission grant preliminary approval, subject to the comments made by the City's Landscape Manager. 13 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 11, 2000 MINUTES Action: Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia, to approve the plans, subject to the comments made by the City's Landscape Manager. The motion carried 4-0, with Commissioners Connor and O'Donnell absent. 4. CASE NO.: C 99-9 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): DAVID CHRISTIAN, 15 Palomino, Palm Springs, CA 92264 for BANANAZ BAR AND GRILL, 72-291 Highway 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of 68-seat patio dining area LOCATION: 72-291 Highway 111 ZONE: PC-4 Mr. Smith reported The applicant seeks approval of plans to add a patio dining area on the parking lot side of the building. The patio will provide an acceptable smoking area for up to 68 patrons. The area in question is currently a heavily landscaped area. The proposal is to enclose the patio with a low wall system and planting on the exterior and interior. At this time, we do not have an actual landscape plan. The roof system is flat with a grid system to support ceiling fans. The posts holding the roof system are similar in size to the existing entry structure to the south. The proposed patio structure is acceptable. Staff recommends that the Architectural Review Commission approve the request subject to the applicant providing a landscape plan with material acceptable to the City's Landscape Manager. Commissioner Urrutia was concerned that the planters are not wide enough, to which Mr. Christian replied that he could increase the width to 12 inches. Commissioner Van Vliet suggested using a combination of river rock and split face block for the wall as used elsewhere on the building. 14 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 11, 2000 MINUTES Chairman Gregory suggested that a revised architectural detaii be presented to the Commission when the project landscaping plan is brought in for consideration. Action: Commissioner Holden moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to grant preliminary approval, subject to the applicant providing a landscape plan with material acceptable to the City's Landscape Manager. The motion carried 4-0, with Commissioners Connor and O'Donnell absent. 5. CASE NO.: C 00-1 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESSI: JUAN CARLOS OCHOA, 73-221 Highway 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary and final approval of remodel of south and west elevations LOCATION: 73-628 Highway 111 ZONE: C-1 Mr. Alvarez reported that the applicant requests approval of a storefront remodel for the property located at 73-628 Highway 111. The applicant will be converting the existing building into a new o�ce space. The remodel consists of a 146 square foot addition to the west side of the building and a new architectural element at the southwest corner of the property. The new architectural element contains two rectangular elements bisecting each other, with a traditional clock on the upper element. The maximum height of the new element is 16 feet. The existing overhangs will remain and the building will be repainted with dark earth tones. The proposed architectural element will have a 3'6" x 4" rectangular cut-out. The applicant proposes to recess a metal logo in the shape of the letter "O" and add clear plex background with black six-inch metal letters reading "Ochoa &Associates." The sign will be lit with a recessed lighting, flush with the top of the rectangular opening. The proposed remodel brings a unique architectural interest to the otherwise 15 ,�„ '�r1M'' ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 11, 2000 MINUTES plain building. The architectural design is compatible with the existing building and surrounding properties. The signage is acceptable and consistent with the sign ordinance, and staff recommends the Commission grant approval as submitted. Chairman Gregory suggested that, as a condition of approval, the property owner be required to keep the clock in working order, to which Commissioner Holden replied that he would prefer the clock be replaced with a decorative architectural element, especially in light of the history of problems related to keeping such clocks operational. Mr. Ochoa expressed a strong desire to retain the clock, and noted that the only other clock on Highway 111 is at Eldorado Bank, but that is a digital clock. Commissioner Urrutia felt that the proposed building improvements are good, but the landscaping needs to be enhanced to complement the proposed architecture, and added that he would like the applicant to submit a landscape/hardscape plan. Action: Commissioner Urrutia moved, seconded by Commissioner Holden, to grant preliminary approval of the architecture with the condition that the applicant submit landscape/hardscape plans, including the trash enclosure, and replace the clock face on the tower element with a suitable architectural feature. The motion carried 4-0, with Commissioners Connor and O'Donnell absent. 16 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 11, 2000 MINUTES 6. CASE NO.: PP 97-14 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): MIKE HOMME, P.O. Box 258, Palm Desert, CA 92261 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of plans for a mixed-used office/commercial complex LOCATION: Northeast corner of Country Club/Portola ZONE: O.P. (zone change to P.O.P. pending) Mr. Smith reported The applicant is proposing a 38,000 square foot office/commercial complex on 3.8 acres at the northeast corner of Portola and Country Club. The site is currently zoned O.P., and a change to P.O.P (Planned Office Park) district is proposed which, if approved, will allow ancillary commercial uses. The project takes its main access from Portola north of Country Club and has a proposed access at its east limit onto Country Club. There is also an egress at the north limit of the site to Portola. The current site plan shows nine buildings around the perimeter of the site with a large landscaped area at the corner. Earlier architecture was quite conceptual and was treated as such by the Architectural Review Commission. Revised elevations were presented. Staff recommends that the Architectural Review Commission review the revised elevations and determine acceptability. AI Cook, the project architect, pointed out that the total building square footage has been reduced by 4,000 square feet in order to make the courtyards larger and widen the entry. Commissioner Urrutia felt that the proportions are strange, i.e., the height of the building in relation to the pitch of the roof. Mr. Cook indicated that he will provide a revised roof study showing a greater roof pitch. 17 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 11, 2000 MINUTES Action: Commissioner Holden moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to grant preliminary approval. The motion carried 4-0, with Commissioners Connor and O'Donnell absent. 7. CASE NO.: PP 99-24 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): ROBERT RICCIARDI, 75-090 St. Charles Place, Suite A, Palm Desert, CA 92211 for MAX BRIGGS & DAVID NE11, 74- - 996 Highway 111, Indian Wells, CA 92210 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of 4,706 square foot office building LOCATION: 2 Village Court ZONE: O.P. Mr. Alvarez reported that the property is located at the corner of Village Court and Village Center Drive. The site is part of a recently approved office subdivision. Commission will recall Paine Webber was the first building approved and built as part of the subject subdivision. The property is zoned O.P., Office Professional, and totals 18,796 square feet. The applicant proposes to construct a 4,700 square foot o�ce building. The building is single-story with a tower element having a maximum height of 24'6". The building has plaster fur-outs or molding around the windows, doors and roof parapet. The roof consists of red mission tile with the tower element having six-inch and eight-inch outriggers. Stucco colors are light tan colors with bronze aluminum mullions on the frames and on the windows. The building's architectural design is typical of what exists at the Paine Webber building and at the Indian Wells office complex to the east. The architectural design could be a little more innovative. Staff would like to see a more creative design that incorporates architectural relief on the building's west and south elevations. Other than the proposed molding on the windows and doors, the building elevations are plain. The City's Landscape Manager, Spencer Knight, has reviewed the plans and has made comments on the plans. At this point, the plans are not at a preliminary stage. The location and spacing of the shrub material is not 18 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 11, 2000 MINUTES called out. Mr. Knight also recommends the applicant use an alternate tree that qualifies as a parking lot shade tree along the parking lot areas. The parking lot shade trees should be given sufficient planter area to avoid vehicle damage and for roots to expand. Staff recommends the use of rectangular planters with six feet of dirt and compact parking spaces. At this time, staff is asking the Commission to review the architectural concept for the design of the building. Mr. Smith reported that staff met with the applicant on Monday, January 10, 2000 to address the concern that although the building conforms to the office parking requirements, the intensity of the floor plan justifies additional parking, and as a result of that meeting, the applicant agreed to increase the number of parking spaces from 16 to 19. Action: Commissioner Holden moved, seconded by Chairman Gregory, to grant conceptual approval of the landscaping and preliminary approval of the architecture subject to the conditions set forth in the staff report. The motion carried 4-0, with Commissioners Connor and O'Donnell absent. 8. CASE NO.: PP 99-25 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESSI: ROBERT RICCIARDI, 75-090 St. Charles Place, Suite A, Palm Desert, CA 92211 for KERRY MEIER, 42-502 Melanie Place, Palm Desert, CA 92211 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of 14,832 square foot industrial/office building LOCATION: 75-200 Merle Drive ZONE: S.I. Mr. Alvarez reported that the property is located on the north side of Merle Drive within the City's Service Industrial District. The property consists of a rectangular lot totaling 37,993 square feet. The applicant proposes to construct a single industrial building totaling 14,832 square feet. The building consists of both single- and second-story elements. The two-story 19 �` � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 11, 2000 MINUTES ' element will be used as office, sales and display areas. The maximum height of the two-story element is 26 feet. The majority of the building is warehouse space with a maximum height of 22 feet. The building's exterior finish consists of painted precision block and stucco finishes. The building will have a zero lot line along the west side, adjacent to an existing industrial building also located at the property line. The project meets all the setback requirements of the Service Industrial District. Stucco colors consist of light tan colors with bronze aluminum frames on the windows. Staff has concerns with the precision block exterior finish used along the south facing loading dock. This is a highly visible elevation that faces the public right-of-way. Staff recommends this area be finished in stucco to match the rest of the south elevation. All other precision block exteriors will be painted to match the stucco color. Staff would also recommend that a seven-foot planter be used along the west and north property lines. With a block wall footing and the parking lot curb, the parking lot trees would still have six feet of dirt if a seven-foot planter were used. The applicant proposes to utilize an existing six-foot chain-link along the east property line. The ordinance requires that the development utilize a masonry wall or dense hedge and landscaping to the satisfaction of the Architectural Review Commission. The landscaping plan does not call out the type of shrubs used along the east property line or the spacing of the plants. Staff cannot recommend to the Commission whether the proposed landscaping is sufficient to meet the perimeter screening requirements of the Service Industrial District. The City's Landscape Manager, Spencer Knight, has reviewed the plans and has made comments on the plans. At this point, the plans are not at a preliminary stage. The quantity and spacing of the shrub material is not called out. Mr. Knight also recommends the applicant use an alternate tree to replace one of the Acacia species in the parking lot and that the high water use shrubs such as the Photina and Indian Hawthorne not be used in conjunction with the other low water use plants. Staff recommends a continuance of the landscaping plan. 20 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 11, 2000 MINUTES Staff recommends the Commission grant preliminary architectural approval subject to the following conditions: 1)that a stucco exterior finish be used on the entire south facing elevation; 2) that a seven-foot planter be used along the eas and north property lines; 3)that a masonry block wall be used on the eas property line or appropriate landscaping screening to the satisfaction of the Architectural Review Commission; and 4)that the Commission continue approval of the landscaping plan to allow the applicant time to address the City's comments. Chairman Gregory believed that the trees along the back property line should be spaced more effectively because there are more trees than are necessary, and suggested flaring out the driveway. Commissioner Holden strongly believed that the loading dock should be screened. Commissioner Urrutia recommended moving the loading dock back far enough to get in a six-foot gate to hide the dock, and added that he would also suggest an overhang to project out over the loading dock to make it less obvious. Mr. Ricciard stated taht no materials would be stored in the fenced yard parking area. The Commission agreed that an overhang should be used, and suggested that it extend out eight feet from the top of the roll-up door to make it less obvious from the street, and also suggested that the door appear to be recessed. The Commission was concerned that the fenced yard area designated for daytime parking will ultimately be used as a storage area, and Mr. Smith confirmed that there have been problems of that nature cropping up in the S.I. area, and the resulting problem is a lack of available parking spaces on the street. The Commission agreed with the staff recommendation that the south facing loading dock elevation consisting of precision block exterior finish be finished in stucco to match the rest of the south elevation. Action: Commissioner Holden moved, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia, to grant preliminary approval subject to incorporating the Commission's and staff's suggested modifications. The motion carried 3-0-1, with Commissioners Connor and O'Donnell absent and Commissioner Van Vliet abstaining. 21 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 11, 2000 MINUTES 9. 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 finro-unit addition to an existing apartment complex LOCATION: 45-325 Sage Lane ZONE: R-3 Bob Ricciardi, the project architect, noted that wood was added to the fascia, as was wood trim, to make the building look more like the existing architecture. Mr. Lebanoff indicated that the Commission's approval is needed so that he can get financing to enhance the property. Chairman Gregory believed that additional landscaping was needed to screen the property from the street. Commissioner Urrutia suggested adding some architectural interest to the ends of the elevations, especially facing the street, i.e., glass with pop outs or an overhang or a secondary roof. Commissioner Urrutia felt that it is not necessary to make the project conform with the existing buildings, although the project should complement the existing architecture. Action: Commissioner Urrutia moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to grant conceptual approval to allow the applicant to incorporate the Commission's suggestions. The motion carried 4-0, with Commissioners Connor and O'Donnell absent. 22 . � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 11, 2000 MINUTES C. Miscellaneous 1. CASE NO.: MISC 00-1 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS)� TRA ASSOCIATES, 12600 Central Avenue, Chino, CA 91710 for ANTHONY CORONA, 40-900 Centennial Circle, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT• Approval of 1,477 square foot addition to a single-family dwelling LOCATION: 40-900 Centennial Circle ZONE: PR-5 Mr. Smith noted that approval of this project should be contingent upon the applicant obtaining concurrence from the property owner to the south. Action: Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia, to approve the plans as submitted, subject to the applicant obtaining concurrence from property owner to the south. The motion carried 4-0, with Commissioners Connor and O'Donnell absent. 23 . � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 11, 2000 MINUTES 2. CASE NO.: MISC 00-2 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS�. EUSEBIO HERNANDEZ, 71-251 Vander Veer Road, North Shore, CA 92254 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of six-foot(three feet biock/three feet wrought iron) front yard fence, seven feet from the curb LOCATION: 42-532 Rebecca Road ZONE: R-1 Mr. Alvarez reported that this is the first step in improving a property located within a neighborhood which needs a lot of improvement. The applicant is requesting an exception to the setback which allows a four-foot wall to be as close as seven feet from face of curb, but requires that walls over four feet and up to six feet be located 15 feet from face of curb. The adjacent property owner to the soufh has a seven-foot setback, and staff recommends approval, subject to the applicant submitting a landscape plan which is acceptable. Action: Commissioner Holden moved, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia, to grant approval subject to the applicant submitting a landscape plan for the area in front of the wall which is acceptable to staff. The motion carried 4-0, with Commissioners Connor and O'Donnell absent. V. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 3:00 p.m. STEVE SMITH PLANNING MANAGER 24