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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-01-25 t �, � PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION TUESDAY, JANUARY 25, 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 1 1 Ronald Gregory X 2 p Richard Holden X 2 p Richard O'Donnell X 1 1 Frank Urrutia X 2 p Chris Van Vliet X 2 0 - Staff Present: Phil Drell, Director of Community Development 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 January 11, 2000 meeting. Motion carried 4-0-2, with Commissioners Connor and O'Donnell abstaining. III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None. 1 � �� � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 25, 2000 MINUTES IV. CASES B. Preliminary Plans 1. CASE NO.: TT 29579 APPLICANT (AND ADDRES�: 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 this case was continued from the January 11, 2000 meeting to allow the applicant an opportunity to consult with the City's Landscape Manager regarding his suggestions. Action: Commissioner Connor moved, seconded by Commissioner Holden, to grant preliminary approval subject the applicant incorporating the recommendations written on the plans by the City's Landscape Manager. The motion carried 5-0-1, with Chairman Gregory abstaining. Whereupon Commissioner Holden left the meeting. 2 t �. � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 25, 2000 MINUTES A. Final Drawings 1. CASE NO.: SA 99-140 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS�: ALTO SIGN, INC., 6510 Upland Street, Philadelphia, PA 19142 for GATEWAY COUNTRY, 44-495 Town Center Way, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of revised business identification signage LOCATION: 44-495 Town Center Way ZONE: PC-3 Mr. Alvarez reported that the applicanYs business identification signage request was continued from the December 14, 1999 meeting to allow the applicant to address the Commission's concerns regarding both the location of the signs and the use of raceways. The applicant has revised the signage by creating a single row of individual letters and reducing the height of the logo box. The building's north, south and east elevations have a single row of letters with a logo box centered on the building, below the row of decorative tile. The sign on the west elevation will be mounted on the drive-thru canopy structure, facing Highway 111. All signs will be mounted without raceways as recommended by the Commission and staff. The revisions made by the applicant address the concerns regarding the location of the signs and the use of raceways. The individual letters are 28" high and read "GATEWAY COUNTRY." The logo box is 33" high with black and white cow marks. Each of the four sides of the building has 64'4" of frontage and is entitled to a maximum of 57 square feet of signage. Each of the signs proposed totals 50 square feet. Staff recommends that the Commission approve the revised business identification signage with the condition that the signs be mounted without raceways and that the existing decorative tile be repaired/replaced. 3 � �►' ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 25, 2000 MINUTES Commissioner Urrutia recommended that the element on the southwest elevation which previously served as the Home Savings Bank shield be removed, and that the wall be refinished appropriately. Action: Commissioner Connor moved, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia, to approve the revised signage with the condition that the decorative tile be repaired/replaced and that the shield on the southwest elevation be removed and the wall refinished appropriately. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Holden absent 2. CASE NO.: SA 99-144 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS� MAMACITA'S MEXICAN FOOD, 74-991 Velie Way, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval additional business identification signage LOCATION: 74-991 Velie Way ZONE: S.I. Ms. Chafin reported that on December 14, 1999,the Commission considered the applicant's request for another set of channel letters with red faces reading "MEXICAN FOOD." At that time, staff expressed concern that the proposed sign and the existing signs did not match, and that the existing signs include two awnings with signage and a painted wood sign. Staff recommended that an overall sign program for the business be developed. At that time, the Commission expressed opposition to allowing signage on the parapet, and ultimately recommended that the applicant consult with his client about the Commission's suggestion that the existing wood sign be replaced with an illuminated channel letter sign and that all other existing signage be removed. 4 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 25, 2000 MINUTES The applicant has prepared revised plans which include 16-inch, illuminated channel letters to be located on the easterly end of the parapet. The letters will span a 15-foot wide area of the six-foot high parapet and are proposed to be bright red in color. The applicant also proposes to modify the existing eight-foot by three-foot wood sign. The sign currently reads "MAMACITA'S Mexican Food," and the applicant proposes that it be changed to read "MAMACITA'S RESTAURANT" in 10-inch vinyl letters. The applicant also proposes to delete the existing "MEXICAN FOOD" signage located on the awning. Staff met with the applicant, who indicated that he spoke with his client regarding the Commission's suggestions; however, the client chose not to implement those suggestions. Staff remains concerned that the proposed signs do not match, that the applicant has not developed an overall sign program for the business and has submitted a revised proposal which does not conform with the modifications recommended by the Commission. Staff recommends that the Commission not approve the application as presented. Gary Wright of Architectural Neon noted that other businesses in the area have signage on the parapet, and added that the business owner rejected the Commission's suggestions because he wants the sign to be up high to reduce the possibility of vandalism and to increase visibility for southbound traffic on Cook Street. Dante, the business owner, commented that other restaurants on Cook Street and Country Club have signs high up on their walls, and he would like the same, to which Chairman Gregory replied that those buildings were designed as restaurant with signage integrated into the building, whereas the subject building was not. Mr. Wright presented an alternative design which included the words "MEXICAN FOOD" be located just below the parapet above the window. Chairman Gregory urged the applicant to reconsider locating the proposed signage below the parapet. 5 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 25, 2000 MINUTES Commissioner Urrutia suggested that the revised signage include the business name, i.e., "MAMACITA'S MEXICAN FOOD," rather than just "MEXICAN FOOD,"with which Chairman Gregory concurred, and noted that it would be more attractive to use the restaurant name rather than just a menu item. Action: Commissioner Urrutia moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to approve an illuminated channel letter sign below the parapet with "MAMACITA'S" in maximum 16-inch letters and "MEXICAN FOOD" or "MEXICAN RESTAURANT" in maximum 10-inch letters, in a burgundy color to match the new awning cover which will be installed in the future, and required that the existing awning signage and the existing wood sign on the north elevation be removed. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Holden absent. 3. CASE NO.: SA 99-119 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS,� ARCHITECTURAL NEON & SIGN CO, 74- 990 Joni Drive #3C, Palm Desert, CA 92260 for JOVANNA'S, 74-063 Highway 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of replacement awning with signage LOCATION: 74-063 Highway 111 ZONE: C-1 Ms. Chafin reported that on November 9, 1999, the Commission considered the applicanYs proposal to replace the existing awning. The existing awning measures approximately two feet in height and 19 feet in length. This awning is located under the eave of the building and projects out from the building to cover the outdoor dining area and entry area. The existing awning consists of bright red material with white neon letters across the front reading "Jovanna's", and white vinyl letters on both returns reading "A Touch of Mamas"' (copies of photographs attached). 6 �+`` �► ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 25, 2000 MINUTES The applicant originaily proposed a replacement awning measuring befinreen two feet and four feet in height and 19 feet in length which will extend above the eave of the building. The awning is to consist of bright blue material, a bright red graphic and white vinyl letters reading "JOVANNA'S Bistro Grill" on the front surface facing Highway 111. The proposed awning will extend above the eave line considerably and block the view of the tile roof. Staff believed the proposed awning did not enhance the building architecture, and was of the opinion that the awning would merely serve as a bigger sign than that which already exists, and recommended that the Commission not approve the application as presented. The Commission agreed that the proposed awning did not fit in with the existing building, and Commissioner Urrutia drew some modifications on the proposed plans and suggested that the applicant make revisions. The applicant has submitted revised plans which substantially conform with the Commission's suggested modifications for the awning frame. The proposed awning would measure 19 feet wide, and would be three-and-a- half feet tall at its peak. The proposed awning fabric is to be Signmaster Color Code linen supreme (color sample to be presented at the meeting). The word "JOVANNA'S" is proposed in seven-inch high purple neon (EGL Company color code EGL-E-90), and the words "Bistro Grill" are proposed in seven-inch upper case and three-and-a-half-inch lower case neon letters in ruby (EGL Company color code EGL-Coated Ruby/Ne). Staff recommends that the Commission approve the plans as presented. Commissioner O'Donnell suggested that rheostat be required if the Commission/staff deems it necessary to lower the light intensity once the signage is installed. Action: Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia, to approve the replacement awning with signage with the condition that rheostat may be required if the Commission/staff deems it necessary to lower the light intensity once the signage is installed. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Holden absent. 7 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 25, 2000 MINUTES 4. CASE NO.: SA 00-6 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS� ARCHITECTURAL NEON & SIGN CO, 74- 990 Joni Drive#3C, Palm Desert, CA 92260 for AVIR AUDIO/VIDEO, 73-394 Highway 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of business identification signage LOCATION: 73-394 Highway 111 ZONE: C-1 Ms. Chafin reported that the applicant requests approval for business identification signage for a new business, Avir AudioNideo, located at 73- 394 Highway 111. The business has 60 feet of street frontage and is entitled to 55 square feet of signage. The applicant proposes three red, internally illuminated channel letter signs. The sign proposed forthe building entrance will read "AVIR" and will measure 24 inches in height. The two secondary signs proposed to flank the entry will read "HOME THEATER" and "AUDIO VIDEO" and will both measure 10 inches in height. The commercial neighborhood currently has a wide variety of signage style. The previous signage for the building consisted of a can sign over the entry and two secondary individual channel letter signs. The proposed signage falls within the total square footage allowed for the building. Staff finds that internally illuminated channel letters are acceptable, although reverse channel letters would are preferable. Staff finds the size of the proposed 10-inch high letters to be acceptable; however, the 24-inch high letters for "AVIR" are a little too large for staff to support. A viable compromise would be to allow the 24-inch high letters, but require that all the letters be reverse channel rather than through-the-face illumination. Staff recommends that the Commission approve one of the following options: 1. Reverse channel letters with "AVIR" in maximum 24-inch letters, "HOME THEATER", "AUDIO VIDEO" in maximum 12-inch letters; or 2. Internally illuminated channel letters with "AVIR" in maximum 18-inch letters and "HOME THEATER" and "AUDIO VIDEO" in maximum 10- inch letters. 8 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 25, 2000 MINUTES Gary Wright of Architectural Neon indicated that an 18-inch maximum height on the letters would be acceptable. Commissioner Van Vliet preferred that the letters be reverse channet at an 18-inch height maximum. Commissioner Urrutia preferred the second option recommended by staff, and that the color be along the lines of burgundy or rust red rather than the bright red color proposed. Action: Commissioner Urrutia moved, seconded by Commissioner Connor, to approve illuminated channel letters with "AVIR" in maximum 18-inch letters and the secondary signage in maximum 12-inch letters, with the condition that staff approve a color in a burgundy or rust red tone. The motion carried 4-0-1, with Commissioner Van Vliet abstaining and Commissioner Holden absent. 5. CASE NO.: SA 00-4 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): COMMERCIAL SIGN COMPANY, 7422 Varna Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91605 for ESCADA, 73-811 EI Paseo, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of business identification sign LOCATION: 73-811 EI Paseo ZONE: C-1 Mr. Smith reported that applicant proposes to install a reverse channel, brass letter sign reading "ESCADA," and staff recommends approval. Doris Bennett of Commercial Sign Company was available to answer questions. Action: Commissioner Urrutia moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to approve the plans as submitted in reverse channel brass letters. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Holden absent. 9 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 25, 2000 MINUTES 6. CASE NO.: SA 00-5 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): ELECTRO-LITE SIGNS, 9333 Ninth Street, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 for WELLS FARGO HOME MORTGAGE, 74-390 Highway 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of business identification signage LOCATION: 74-3390 Highway 111 ZONE: C-1 Mr. Smith reported that staff recommends approval of the non-illuminated signage with the condition that the sign height be a maximum of 12 inches, and that the letters and the length be reduced proportionately. Action: Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia, to approve the non-illuminated sign with a signage height maximum of 12 inches, and the letters and length to be reduced proportionately. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Holden absent. 10 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 25, 2000 MINUTES 7. CASE NO.: PP/CUP 98-5 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS� MARRIOTT OWNERSHIP RESORTS, INC., 6649 Westwood Boulevard, Suite 500, Orlando, FL 32809-6090 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of final working drawings for the central facilities building LOCATION: 36-750 Monterey ZONE: PR-5 Mr. Smith reported that the Commission granted preliminary approval of the plans in July, and staff recommends that the Commission grant final approval at this time. Action: Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia,to grant final approval. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Holden absent. B. Preliminary Plans (continued) 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� Reconsideration for preliminary approval of revised ptans 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 This matter was continued from the January 11, 2000 due to a tie vote. 11 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 25, 2000 MINUTES 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. The building plans have been revised since the last meeting. The slate panels have been added back at the second story level. Mr. Saunders also noted that he created a port look to the entrance by setting back the iron gates, and also lowered the overall building height by one foot. Mr. Saunders clarified that Type 2 construction will be used, as well as deep reveal, and 8" or 12" block walls plus furring. Commissioner Urrutia felt that the revised plans were a vast improvement. Chairman Gregory believed that the sidewalk requirement on Alessandro should be withdrawn so that additional landscape buffer could be included, but if the sidewalk is to be required, he would suggest that it be as narrow as possible in order to accommodate as much landscaping as possible. Chairman Gregory recommended the elimination of the sidewalk on the west (San Jacinto) side. Action: Commissioner Urrutia moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to grant preliminary approval and recommend elimination of the sidewalk on the west side (San Jacinto). The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Holden absent. 12 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 25, 2000 MINUTES 3. CASE NO.: CUP 11-80 Amendment#1 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESSI: 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 Bob Ricciardi, the project architect, noted that finro-foot projections with recesses have been added to the east and west elevations. Action: Commissioner Urrutia moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to approve the revised plans as submitted with the condition that landscaping plans be submitted along with final working drawings. The motion carried 5- 0, with Commissioner Holden absent. 4. CASE NO.: CUP 99-15 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESSI• COLUMBIA PARCAR CORP., 73-168 Highway 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval to display golf cars in front of building, behind a fence LOCATION: 73-168 Highway 111 ZONE: C-1 Mr. Smith reported that the applicant has filed for approval of a conditional use permit to allow the outdoor display of golf carts at the above-noted property. The Planning Commission considered the request at its December 21, 1999 meeting and continued the matter to allow the applicant to submit improvement plans for the property. The Planning Commission basically felt that if it was going to permit outdoor display of inerchandise that it should receive significant improvements to the property in return. 13 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 25, 2000 MINUTES The applicant has submitted plans to add a four-foot (4) tall plywood along the front and sides (eight feet back from the front). This will be piywood and painted dark green to match the existing trim. The applicant has also provided a plan to modify the hardscape area in front of the building by adding an astro-turF carpet, tee markers, an astro-turf green with flag and to paint the concrete green also. Staff, in its report to the Planning Commission, had requested that the golf carts be placed in its normal operating environment (i.e., grass, trees, shrubs, etc.) The Planning Commission went a step further and requested improvements to the building as well. The plans as presented, while they are a step in the right direction, do not go far enough in creating a "normal operating environment," so staff cannot recommend approval. Staff recommends that the Architectural Review Commission review the plans and determine acceptability and perhaps offer improvement ideas. David Coombs of Columbia ParCar indicated that the carts are not left out over night, and expressed a preference to remove the existing fencing. Commissioners Urrutia and Gregory agreed that the wrought iron fencing should be removed. Commissioner Urrutia indicated that he would like to see a revised proposal for the frontage that incorporates a more natural looking setting, and suggested that something more substantial than plywood be used on the parapet, with which Commissioner O'Donnell concurred. Commissioner Van Vliet disagreed that the golf course type setting should be created because it would not be compatible with the surrounding commercial area, with which Commissioner Connor concurred. Commissioner Urrutia felt that the front area should be softened up with some plant material, and Commissioner Connor agreed that planters could be incorporated, but he would not suggest planting grass to emulate a golf course environment. Action: � Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia, to continue case to allow the applicant to make modification incorporating the Commission's suggestions. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Holden absent. 14 �r+''" `�' ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 25, 2000 AGENDA C. Miscellaneous 1. CASE NO.: MISC 00-3 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS)• DESERT CANYON HOMES, 45-350 San Luis Rey Avenue, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT• Approval of hillside home LOCATION: 125 Suuwat Way ZONE: PCD Mr. Drell reported that the proposed 7,093 square foot residence is located on a previously graded master planned hillside lot at The Mountains at Bighorn. The average height of the structure is 16 feet, but there are numerous rooflines with a "chasm" appearing to split the residence in half. Contained in the square footage is a 2,092 square foot basement and a 587 square foot loft in the rear of the structure. Extensive use of cultured stone veneer and copper colored roof and fascia help the residence to blend with the surrounding desert varnished rocky hillside. A City Council decision on August 26, 1999 dictated that any hillside home must be brought to that body for review until hillside standards are adopted, with prior ARC recommendation. This home is scheduled for Council review on 1/27/00, and ARC comments will be forwarded orally at the meeting. Another reason for ARC review is that the original pad size was 9,437 square feet, and the proposal increases this to 14,201. This type of increase, as dictated by agreement, must be brought to ARC. The plan retains natural rock outcrops that partially screen the site, while final landscape plans shall incorporate extensive use of permeon rock on the pad edges to soften the edge and renaturalize fill slopes. The residence will be primarily visible to other Bighorn residents and has received approval from the HOA. 15 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY,�,�2000 MINUTES Staff recommends that the Commission review and approve plans subject to extensive use of permeon rock on pad edges and fill slopes. Commissioner Van Vliet was concerned about the massiveness and the height of the building. Commissioner Connor suggested that native trees be planted at the street to screen the building from Highway 74. Action: - Commissioner Urrutia moved, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to approve the plans with the condition that stone veneer be used on the walls. The motion carried 4-0-1, with Chairman Gregory abstaining and Commissioner Holden absent. 2. Discussion of draft ordinance regarding parking lot tree requirements Spencer Knight, the City's Landscape Manager, reported that the idea is to require that people show proof that they are certified arborists before they are issued business licenses to work in Palm Desert. Commissioner Urrutia suggested that the City offer a maintenance certification program of its own if certification is mandated, and Chairman Gregory felt that such a program should be offered free of charge. Whereupon Commissioner Urrutia left the meeting. Action: Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to accept the draft ordinance. The motion carried 4-0, with Commissioners Holden and Urrutia absent. V. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 3:00 p.m. STEVE SMITH PLANNING MANAGER 16