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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-07-25 PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION TUESDAY, JULY 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 11 3 Ronald Gregory X 12 2 Kristi Hanson X 9 0 Neil Lingle X 10 1 Richard O'Donnell X 12 2 Chris Van Vliet X 13 1 John Vuksic X 12 0 Staff Present: Phil Drell, Planning Director Steve Smith, Planning Manager Kim Chafin, Senior Office Assistant II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Van Wet moved, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to approve the minutes of the July 13, 2000 meeting. Motion carried 6-0, with Commissioner Connor absent. III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None. 1 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JULY 25, 2000 MINUTES IV. CASES 1. CASE NO.: CUP 00-9 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): JAVIER VILLARREAL, 77-710 Mountain View, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of an accessory building within the rear yard setback LOCATION: 77-710 Mountain View ZONE: RE (40,000) Mr. Smith reported that the Commission reviewed the plans at its July 13, 2000 meeting, but the applicant was unavailable for comment at that time, so the case was continued to today's meeting so that the applicant could be present. Commissioner Vuksic asked why the applicant chose to situate the building 32 feet from the property line, to which Mr. Villarreal replied that this building will be used to house his recreational vehicles, and he needs room to get the vehicles around the building, but he doesn't want to waste space by placing the building 50 feet from the property line, which is the prescribed setback for the structure. Commissioner Vuksic noted that the building lacks architecture and suggested adding articulation, i.e., thicker recesses on the glass and doors. Commissioner O'Donnell felt that the size of the building warrants conformance with the 50-foot setback, to which Mr. Villarreal replied that other property owners in the neighborhood have been allowed to locate accessory structures within five feet of the property line, as was allowed by the requirements of the ordinance prior to its amendment. Commissioner Hanson agreed that the building needs architecture and suggested that a parapet detail be added, and commented that she would also like to see landscape plans and a site plan indicating the driveway location. 2 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JULY 25, 2000 MINUTES Commissioner O'Donnell noted that the roll-up doors measure 12'6" in height, and given that the maximum allowed height for an accessory structure is 14 feet, he doesn't think this will work as proposed, to which Mr. Villarreal replied that he would prefer a 15 or 16 foot building height. Action: Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner Lingle, to continue the case to allow the applicant to incorporate modifications suggested by the Commission. The motion carried 6-0, with Commissioner Connor absent. 2. CASE NO.: TT 28590 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): SOUTHLAND COMMUNITIES, One Columbia, Suite 2020, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of final working drawings for a 64-lot subdivision LOCATION: Northwest corner of Fred Waring Drive and Phyllis Jackson ZONE: PR-4 Mr. Smith reported that the applicant's proposed 64 single-family residences received preliminary approval on December 14, 1999, subject to the following conditions: 1. Buildings with five-foot setbacks between buildings must have a hipped roof on one side; 2. Stucco colors should have more contrast. The applicant's final working drawings and plot plan show hipped roofs (Plan 4) on one side where five-foot and five-foot setbacks occur between buildings. The five-foot and five-foot setbacks occur 15 times throughout the project. All the setbacks meet the requirements of the City's Zoning Ordinance. Staff has reviewed the revised stucco colors and found them to provide greater contrast as requested by the Commission. 3 1*0 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JULY 25, 2000 MINUTES Staff recommends the Commission approve the final working drawings as submitted. Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic, to approved the plans as submitted. The motion carried 6-0, with Commissioner Connor absent. 3. CASE NO.: SA 00-54 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS IMPERIAL SIGN COMPANY, 46-120 Calhoun Street, Indio, CA 92201 for WACKY WICKER, 74-104 Highway 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of business identification signage LOCATION: 74-104 Highway 111 ZONE: C-1 Ms. Chafin reported that the applicant requests approval for business identification signage for Wacky Wicker, 74-104 Highway 111 (next door to Ace Hardware). The business has an existing non-illuminated sign reading "FINE RATTAN FURNISHINGS" in a teal color, mounted on the easterly portion of the south elevation (facing Highway 111). The applicant now requests signage for the westerly portion of the south elevation reading "WACKY WICKER" in 18-inch internally illuminated channel letters in a matching teal colored plex face with matching returns and bronze trim cap. The letters would be mounted on a raceway which will be painted to match the building. The applicant indicates a raceway is necessary due to lack of access through the existing wall. The proposed signage meets applicable code requirements. The letters of the existing sign appear to be 12" in height, so staff would suggest that the top of the new sign be mounted even with the top of the existing sign. Staff would also suggest that the raceway be the same height as the letters to better camouflage the edge of the raceway. 4 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION J U LY 25, 2000 MINUTES Staff recommends that the Architectural Review Commission approve the plans with the condition that the top of the new sign be mounted even with the top of the existing sign and that the raceway be the same height as the letters to better camouflage the edge of the raceway. Commissioner Vuksic asked why it is not possible to place the raceway inside the building, to which Mark Ross of Imperial Sign replied that this building was constructed over 40 years ago, and it comprised of thick block and a very tight, dilapidated crawl space which makes access difficult and dangerous; therefore, a raceway on the building exterior is proposed. Commissioner Vuksic was concerned that a raceway on the south elevation will create a shadow effect, to Mr. Ross responded by drawing an example of an angled mounting that would not create a shadow. Commissioner Van Vliet noted that the existing signage is externally illuminated, and indicated that he would prefer that form of illumination be maintained, with which Commissioners Hanson and O'Donnell concurred. Commissioner O'Donnell suggested that the applicant further explore the method of illumination in an effort to avoid the use of a raceway. Action: Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to approve the following options: 1) the sign as proposed using exterior illumination instead of internal illumination, i.e., no raceway; 2) the sign as proposed with internal illumination with the condition that the words "FINE RATTAN FURNITURE" also be internally illuminated and mounted on a raceway; or 3) the sign as proposed with internal illumination with the condition that it not be mounted on a raceway, with said sign to be approved by City staff. The motion carried 6-0, with Commissioner Connor absent. 5 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JULY 25, 2000 MINUTES 4. CASE NO.: SA 00-57 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS SOUTHWEST SIGN COMPANY, 1540 Commerce Street #G, Corona, CA 92880 for ELEPHANT BAR, 73-833 Highway 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of revised signage LOCATION: 73-833 Highway 111 ZONE: C-1 Ms. Chafin reported that the applicant requests approval to modify existing signage and add an architectural treatment to the Elephant Bar Restaurant, located at the southwest corner of Highway 111 and San Luis Rey. The building has 100 feet on street frontage on each of the north, west and south elevations. Monument Sian The existing monument sign is located in a planter at the northwest corner of the property and features a white background, an elephant graphic and two palm tree graphics painted on the sign, the words "Elephant Bar" in open channel red neon letters and the word "RESTAURANT" painted on in yellow letters. The applicant proposes to replace the face of the sign with a pale yellow background. The words "Elephant Bar"will have open faced channel letters measuring 8-3/4 inches in height with double tube exposed clear red neon and clear plex faces. The word "RESTAURANT"would be cut out text backed with red plex with a black vinyl outline. Color samples are available for review. The sign meets applicable code requirements. Staff would note that the building was recently painted in earth tones since the application was submitted, although the rounded northwest corner portion of the building is still white. Staff feels that the proposed sign with yellow background and sign design does not complement the building. 6 140 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION STAFF REPORT: SA 00-57 J U LY 25, 2000 Staff suggested that the applicant develop an alternative design and consider utilizing the wall to improve the sign's visibility. The applicant prefers to reface the existing can to keep costs down, and indicated that the proposed colors are corporate colors. South (Parking Lot) Wall Sign The applicant proposes to replace the existing wall sign on the south (parking lot) elevation. The sign currently reads "Elephant Bar RESTAURANT"in internally illuminated white channel letters, with the largest letters measuring 27 inches in height and the remaining letters measuring 12 inches in height. The applicant proposes to remove the existing "Elephant Bar" white-colored letters and replace them with 14-inch red-colored internally illuminated channel letters. The existing white-colored channel letters reading "RESTAURANT" would be retained. This sign meets applicable code requirements and staff recommends that it be approved as submitted. Architectural Treatment The applicant proposes to add an architectural treatment slightly below the roof line on the rounded northwest corner portion of the building. The proposed treatment consists of an irregular shaped diamond pattern made of aluminum, painted satin black and pin-mounted to the wall. The diamonds are to be halo lit with turquoise colored neon. Staff recommends that the Architectural Review Commission: 1) provide direction regarding the proposed reface of the monument sign; 2) approve the south (parking lot) elevation wall sign as submitted; and 3) approve the proposed architectural diamond-pattern treatment. Chairman Gregory was concerned about the proposed internally illuminated white background for the monument sign, to which the applicant replied that the white background will not be illuminated. Commissioner Vuksic felt that it would be better to have a wall-mounted sign on the round wall rather than a monument sign, with which Commissioner Van Vliet agreed. The applicant commented a wall sign would be more expensive than refacing 7 *40 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION J U LY 25, 2000 MINUTES the existing monument sign, and the client would prefer to keep costs down. Commissioner Hanson suggested that the background for the monument sign be a brown color to match the brown color used on the building, with the trim in red to match the red trim on the building and red letters. Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic, to approve the monument sign with a brown background which matches the brown tone used on the building (color to be approved by City staff) and a red trim around the can which matches the red trim on the building. The motion carried 4-2, with Commissioners Lingle and Van Vliet dissenting and Commissioner Connor absent. Commissioner O'Donnell felt that the parking lot sign was too linear and suggested stacking it, and also expressed concern about the use of a raceway. Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to approve the parking lot wall sign with the condition that the words "ELEPHANT BAR" be stacked over the word "RESTAURANT" in channel letters with no raceway and a maximum 4500 white neon with rheostat and #2793 red plex face. The motion carried 5-1, with Commissioner Lingle dissenting and Commissioner Connor absent. Action: Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to approve the diamond pattern architectural treatment as proposed. The motion carried 6-0, with Commissioner Connor absent. 8 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION J U LY 25, 2000 MINUTES 5. CASE NO.: SA 00-58 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS)- DGI SIGNS, 77-720 Springfield Lane, Palm Desert, CA 92211 for HOSPITALITY DENTAL ASSOCIATES, 77-900 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of revised signage LOCATION: 77-900 Fred Waring ZONE: O.P. Ms. Chafin reported that the applicant received approval for its existing signage in March 1999 and now requests approval to remove the existing non-illuminated wall sign on the east (Washington Street) elevation and replace it with red internally illuminated channel letters and an internally illuminated channel pineapple logo graphic. The proposed signage would be located on the fascia, and the letters reading "HOSPITALITY" would measure nine inches in height, while the letters reading "DENTAL ASSOCIATES"would measure 12 inches in height. Each letter would have a black outline. The pineapple logo graphic would measure 38 inches in height and would be green and white in color with black trim. The entire sign length would total 21 feet. The applicant intends to retain the existing signage located on the fascia of the south (Fred Waring Drive) elevation. This is a reverse channel wall sign which is halo lit with white neon and features red opaque letters in an artistic script font reading "Hospitality Dental Associates." The existing sign on the east (Washington Street) elevation contains a dark green colored grid pattern background, which seems to make the letters difficult to read. In traveling southbound Washington Street, staff found it difficult to read the bottom portion of the sign due to partial obstruction from the perimeter wall, but relocating the sign to the fascia should eliminate that problem. 9 1*0 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION STAFF REPORT: SA 00-58 JULY 25, 2000 Staff would note that the existing sign on Fred Waring utilizes a script font style, while the applicant has proposed a block style for the Washington Street elevation. The applicant prefers the block style because it is more legible. Staff would suggest that method of illumination on the east elevation sign be the same as the south elevation, i.e., reverse channel (white neon) as opposed to through the face illumination for the text. Illuminating the pineapple logo through the face is appropriate because the colors are achieved through vinyl overlay and would not be discernible if the logo was halo-lit. Staff recommends that the Architectural Review Commission approve the sign with the condition that illumination method for the text match that of the existing sign on the east elevation, i.e., reverse channel (white neon) rather than through the face illumination. Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic, to approve the plans with the condition that illumination method for the text match that of the existing sign on the east elevation, i.e., reverse channel (white neon) rather than through the face illumination. The motion carried 6-0, with Commissioner Connor absent. 10 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JULY 25, 2000 MINUTES 6. CASE NO.: SA 00-59 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): DOWNEY SIGN & LIGHTING, 12037 Regentview Avenue, Downey, CA 90241 for ONE QUAIL PLACE NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of entrance identification signage LOCATION: 72-600 Fred Waring Drive ZONE: PR-22 AHD Ms. Chafin reported The applicant proposes to replace two existing entrance identification signs for One Quail Place Apartments, located at 72-600 Fred Waring Drive. The south entrance signage on Fred Waring Drive is located within an 8' X 24' landscaped planter. The existing four-color wood sign measures approximately 10 feet long and consists of the words "ONE QUAIL PLACE APARTMENTS" with a quail graphic on both the front and back of the sign. The north entrance signage on Parkview is located within a 6'X 14' landscaped planter, and is a replica of the sign located at the Fred Waring entrance. The applicant proposes to replace these two signs with two, four-sided columns measuring 6' in height, and each side will measure 2'6" in width. Each sign will be centrally located in the planters. The columns will be constructed of Douglas Fir framing and will be finished with a custom mixed charcoal color stucco having a standard smooth finish. The words "ONE QUAIL PLACE" will be made of sand-colored sintra letters attached flush to the column. The words "LUXURY APARTMENTS" and the telephone number will be the same charcoal color placed on a 3/16" sand-colored plexiglas mounted flush with the surface. The column for the Fred Waring entrance will have signage on three sides, while the column for the Parkview entrance will have signage on two sides. Both signs will be externally lit. The proposed signage meets applicable code requirements, and staff finds them aesthetically acceptable and recommends that the Architectural Review Commission approve the plans as submitted. 11 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION J U LY 25, 2000 MINUTES Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic, to approve the plans with the condition that uniform letter size be used for the text "ONE QUAIL PLACE." The motion carried 6-0, with Commissioner Connor absent. 7. CASE NO.: CUP 99-7 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): LES SURLOW, 78-640 Autumn Lane, Palm Desert, CA 92211 for ROBBINS & BROWN, 14955 Califa Street, Van Nuys, CA 91411 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary and final approval of revised landscaping LOCATION: 73-251 Hovley Lane West (Temple Sinai, formerly Southwest Community Church site) ZONE: PR-5 Mr. Smith reported that the revised plans have been reviewed by the City's Landscape Manager, who recommends approval. Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic, to grant preliminary and final approval of the revised plans. The motion carried 5-0-1, with Commissioner Gregory abstaining and Commissioner Connor absent. 12 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JULY 25, 2000 MINUTES 8. CASE NO.: MISC 00-17 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS. URRUTIA ARCHITECTS, P.O. Box 13750, Palm Desert, CA 92260 for CITY OF PALM DESERT NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of carports at Civic Center parking lot LOCATION: 73-510 Fred Waring ZONE: P Frank Urrutia presented a model of the proposed design, which incorporates an abstract palm tree graphic found on the City's official seal. The design includes a double cantilever structure. The column base will be split face block, with the columns and remaining structure material comprised of steel. The metal roof will be ivory on top to reflect heat and terrace green underneath. The truss colors will be in two tones of rust. The structures will be lit from underneath. The space above the planters will be open to allow palm trees to grow, and the planters will be landscaped primarily with rock and some shade tolerant shrubs. Action: Commissioner Gregory moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson,to grant conceptual approval of the plans as submitted. The motion carried 6-0, with Commissioner Connor absent. 9. CASE NO.: CUP 00-7 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF PALM DESERT, 43-400 Warner Trail, Palm Desert, CA 92211-8213 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of landscaping and walls associated with proposed expansion of church facility LOCATION: SE corner Warner Trail and Robin Road, 43-400 Warner Trail ZONE: R-1 (9,000) and RE (40,000) 13 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JULY 25, 2000 MINUTES Mr. Smith reported that the plans have been reviewed by the City's Landscape Manager, who recommends that the Commission grant preliminary and final approval. Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic, to grant preliminary and final approval of the plans as submitted. The motion carried 6-0, with Commissioner Connor absent. 10. 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: Review and comments on conceptual plans for two office buildings LOCATION: Northwest corner of Cook Street and Gerald Ford: 74-950 Cook ZONE: PCD, FCOZ Gordon Stein, the project architect, presented a floor plan and model for two, 20,000 square foot buildings. The contemporary designed, tilt-up concrete buildings are intended to house high tech companies, one of which will be DISC headquarters (Digital Internet Services Corporation). The landscaping for the project will be similar to that at Desert Willow. The inner courtyard features an architectural element that will connect the two buildings, and desert colors will be used. Commissioner O'Donnell commended the architect for a very creative design of a concrete tilt-up building, with which the other Commissioners concurred. Commissioner Gregory noted that the proposed colors are cool tones, and suggested that warmer tones be used. 14 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JULY 25, 2000 MINUTES Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner Lingle, to grant conceptual approval of the plans as submitted. The motion carried 6-0, with Commissioner Connor absent. 11. CASE NO.: DP 12-79 AMENDMENT APPLICANT(AND ADDRESS): WESTFIELD CORPORATION, INC. 11601 Wilshire Blvd, 12th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90025-1748 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of preliminary plans for exterior remodel of Westfield Shoppingtown Palm Desert LOCATION: Highway 111 generally bounded by Monterey Avenue, Town Center Way and Rancho Grande Drive ZONE: P.C.(3) David Hokanson of Westfield and the architecture team presented plans, renderings material samples for the proposed architecture and landscaping. Commissioner Hanson was concerned that the proposed improvements to the Westfield-owned portions of the mall will make unimproved areas, i.e., Macy's, Robinsons and J.C. Penney, appear less attractive. Commissioner Hanson commented that since that parking structure will be the primary element on the north elevation, it needs to look as good as possible and suggested that the stone veneer proposed to be used throughout exterior elevations of the building also be introduced into the parking structure. Commissioner O'Donnell agreed that the parking structure needs as much architectural interest as possible. Commissioner O'Donnell asked how the top level of the parking structure will be shaded, to which Mr. Hokanson replied that it will not be shaded. Commissioners O'Donnell, Gregory, Van Vliet and Hanson stressed the need for shading on the top level of the parking structure. Commissioner Lingle pointed out that five to 10 years from now the Valley may have a year- round "season," so the mall improvements should be developed accordingly. 15 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION J U LY 25, 2000 MINUTES Commissioner O'Donnell commented favorably on the proposed materials and the design for the new monument sign. Mr. Hokanson noted that the proposal includes a total of five monument signs in order to have one at each entry. Commissioner O'Donnell indicated that he likes the proposed monument sign for the Plaza Way entry, but feels the other signs should not be as large. Mr. Hokanson preferred that the monument signs on San Gorgonio and Town Center Way also be large. Commissioner O'Donnell stated that he would not like Westfield signs on the walls, and that the monument signs should suffice as far as advertising the Westfield name, with which Commissioner Hanson agreed. Chairman Gregory explained that the Commission generally doesn't like signs high up on buildings because it detracts from the architecture, to which Mr. Hokanson replied that he would be willing to stipulate to a maximum letter height of 48 inches on the wall signs. Commissioner O'Donnell suggested that any bus shelters for the transit terminal should be integrated into the building architecture, and suggested that the proposed design of any west-facing bus shelters provide proper shade. Commissioner Vuksic liked the proposed improvements, but felt that they should be integrated throughout the mall exterior. He suggested that the proposed monument sign be modified slightly so that the word "Westfield" appears as a free floating element above the box containing the words "Shoppingtown Palm Desert" so that "Westfield" ties in more with the sign structure. Commissioner O'Donnell asked how money much the City is contributing to this project, to which Mr. Drell replied that the City will be providing approximately $10 million for the parking structure. Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to grant conceptual approval subject to incorporating modifications suggested by the Commission. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioners Connor and Lingle absent. 16 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JULY 25, 2000 MINUTES V. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m. STEPHEN R. SMITH PLANNING MANAGER 17