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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-06-13 PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2000 MINUTES 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 12:30 p.m. Commissioners Present Current Meeting Year to Date Present Absent Present Absent Wayne Connor X 9 2 Ronald Gregory X 10 1 Kristi Hanson X 7 0 Neil Lingle X 8 0 Richard O'Donnell X 10 1 Chris Van Vliet X 10 1 John Vuksic X 9 0 Staff Present: Phil Drell, Director of Community Development Steve Smith, Planning Manager Martin Alvarez, Associate Planner Kim Chafin, Senior Office Assistant Shawn Kilpatrick, Code Enforcement Officer II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner Lingle, to approve the minutes of the May 23, 2000 meeting. Motion carried 5-0, with Commissioners Connor and Van Vliet absent. III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None. 1 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 13, 2000 MINUTES IV. CASES 1. CASE NO.: SA 00-51 APPLICANT(AND ADDRESS): PARAGON SIGNS, 77-650 Enfield Lane, Palm Desert, CA 92211 for PAPA DAN'S PIZZA & PASTA, 73-131 Country Club Drive, Suite C-9, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of new business identification signage LOCATION: 73-131 Country Club Drive, #C-9 ZONE: PC-2 Mr. Alvarez reported that the applicant requests approval to replace an existing sign with 12.5" white channel letters reading "PAPA DAN'S PIZZA & PASTA." This sign will total 16.5 square feet. Below the sign, the applicant requests approval to install two linear channel stripes, red and green in color. The applicant currently has a sign that reads "Papa Dan's Pizzeria" in 12" white channel letters on a 34" raceway. The center has a sign program that allows white and blue channel letters on a raceway. The proposed sign, in terms of size, color and location, is consistent with the sign program. The proposed red and green stripes are not colors that are approved by the sign program. Staff believes that the stripes as accents to the main sign will add interest to the otherwise bland sign program. In the past, staff and the Commission have approved ancillary logos and accents with colors that may not otherwise be approved as main copy. Staff recommends that the Commission approve the sign as presented. Action: Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to approve the plans as submitted. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioners Connor and Van Vliet absent. 2 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 13, 2000 MINUTES 2. CASE NO.: PP 99-10 APPLICANT (AND ADDRES . SIXTH STREET PARTNERS (formerly SELECT PROPERTIES), 7143 Katella, Suite B, Stanton, CA 90680 for DESERT COUNTRY PLAZA NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of revised plans for Building 3 LOCATION: 77-850 Country Club Drive ZONE: PC-2 Mr. Smith reported that the revised plans reflect the changes recommended by the Commission. Action: Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to approve the revised plans as submitted. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioners Connor and Van Vliet absent. 3. 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: Approval of revised final working drawings for school addition and landscaping LOCATION: 73-251 Hovley Lane West (Temple Sinai, formerly Southwest Community Church building) ZONE: PR-5 Mr. Alvarez reported that this item was continued from May 23, 2000 to allow the applicant to modify the working drawings to reflect the preliminary approval. 3 *400 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 13, 2000 MINUTES The applicant has submitted revised elevations that more closely resemble the preliminary approval. With exception to the use of two single windows vs. two double windows on the classrooms and minor adjustments to the air conditioning roof screens, the working drawings are consistent with the preliminary drawings. Staff believes that the two modifications from the preliminary approval are minor and do not vary significantly from the preliminary approval. The City's Landscape Manager has reviewed the plans and has no further comments. Staff does request that a landscape plan be submitted for the entire parcel (i.e., Parcel B adjacent to the synagogue). Staff recommends that the Commission review the plans for consistency and approve the plans with a condition that landscape plans be submitted for Parcel B, including the frontage. Commissioner Vuksic noted that the columns were reduced from 24 inches to 18 inches and asked why, to which Larry Robbins, the project architect, replied that the column width is consistent with column width of the existing buildings, but if the Commission feels strongly, he can change the width to 24 inches on the proposed building. Commissioner Hanson asked about the square elements on the fascia and the details on the ends, to which Mr. Robbins replied that the squares are openings into the screen walls, and they are intended to provide some detail, create a pattern and break down the scale of the building, while the detail on the ends will actually be lighting. Mr. Alvarez noted that the lighting details should be eliminated on the west elevation because they face residential uses. Commissioner O'Donnell asked about the lawn and dwarf oleanders proposed for the landscaping, to which Ron Gregory, the project's landscape architect, replied that those materials were chosen to mimic existing materials, and the applicant is willing to properly maintain the lawn area; however, if the Commission so desires, trees and berming could be added, and the dwarf oleander could be eliminated from the plan. 4 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 13, 2000 MINUTES Mr. Smith noted Commissioner Connor's absence and suggested that Commission action on the landscaping be deferred until the next meeting. Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to grant approval of the final working drawings for the architecture and continue the landscaping. The motion carried 4-0-1, with Commissioners Connor and Van Vliet absent and Chairman Gregory abstaining. 4. CASE NO.: TT 29067 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESSy U.S. HOME, 4371 Latham Street, Suite 204, Riverside, CA 92501 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of final working drawings for 18-foot high single-family residences LOCATION: 40-752 Portola Avenue ZONE: R-1 Mr. Alvarez reported that this item was granted preliminary architectural approval at the May 23, 2000 meeting subject to the following conditions: 1) adding detailing around all sides of the homes; 2) recessing windows on front elevations; 3) adding shading and detailing to the rear elevations; and 4) adjusting setbacks to create more separation between buildings. The applicant's working drawings reflect the modifications suggested by the Commission. Staff has had a chance to review the setbacks and finds that they meet the City's R-1 Zoning Ordinance requirements. 5 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 13, 2000 MINUTES The project's perimeter landscaping plan was granted preliminary approval on January 12, 2000. The working drawings have been reviewed and are consistent with the preliminary approval. The typical landscaping plans for the front yards have also been reviewed and are acceptable. Staff has suggested to the applicant that they provide a typical plant palette for a desert landscaping plan. This will be provided for staffs review, and is an item that staff can work out with the applicant. Staff recommends that the Commission grant final approval for both the architecture and landscaping. Action: Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to approve the final working drawings with the condition that one of the models feature drought tolerant landscaping. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioners Connor and Van Vliet absent. 5. 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 NEIL, 74-996 Highway 111, Indian Wells, CA 92210 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of final working drawings for a 4,706 square foot office building (Franklin Loan Center) LOCATION: 44-800 Village Court ZONE: O.P. Mr. Alvarez reported that the Commission granted preliminary approval of the elevation and conceptual approval of the landscaping plans on January 11, 2000. On February 15, 2000, the applicant received approval from the Planning Commission. The plans that were approved by the Planning Commission were modified from the ARC preliminary plans due to required changes by the Property Owners Association. 6 'fir+ 100 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 13, 2000 MINUTES The modified plans are far better in terms of architecture and site planning than the ARC original approval. The Planning Commission approved the revised plans, subject to approval from the ARC. The architectural and site planning modifications to the plan have been significantly improved. The architecture now incorporates far greater architectural relief on the building's north, south and west elevations. The plan now has a 27' landscape buffer on the building's south frontage. The site plan has been modified to allow for a joint access drive along Village Court. The project now has 21 off-street parking spaces, which meets the City's Parking Ordinance. The two modifications have been made to the drawings that the Planning Commission approved on February 15, 2000. The tower element has increased from 23' to 26' and the building parapet has been increased from 16' to 17' to screen all roof-mounted equipment. The Office Professional District allows a maximum height of 25'. The proposed building exceeds this height by 1'. Staff recommends that the building height be reduced to meet the Office Professional standards. The architectural columns and pop-outs on the south and north elevations have been changed. The south elevation now has the columns and the north elevation has the pop-outs. Staff does not see this as an issue, but as an improvement to the elevations. The City's Landscape Manager has reviewed the revised plans. Staff recommends that the Commission grant final approval subject to the comments made by the Landscape Manager. Staff recommends that the Commission grant final working drawing approval, subject to reducing the height of the tower to 25' and the comments made by the City's Landscape Manager. Action: Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to approve the final working drawings with the condition that the tower element be no higher than 25 feet at the highest point or that the applicant obtain approval of a height exception from the City Council. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioners Connor and Van Vliet absent. 7 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 13, 2000 MINUTES 6. CASE NO.: PP 99-23 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): CHRIS VAN VLIET, 75-145 St. Charles Place, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of final working drawings for a 12,768 square foot office/industrial complex LOCATION: 42-525 Melanie Place ZONE: S.I. Mr. Smith reported that the final working drawings are consistent with the previously approved preliminary plans. Action: Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to approve the final working drawings as submitted. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioners Connor and Van Vliet absent. 7. CASE NO.: PP 00-9 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): DESERT WILLOW CONFERENCE CENTER, LLC, 12011 San Vicente Blvd #350, Los Angeles, CA 90059 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of conference center hotel LOCATION: 39-000 Desert Willow Drive ZONE: PR-5 Mr. Drell reported that the project will be located at the north end of Desert Willow Drive, with the hotel to be northeast of the existing clubhouse. 8 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 13, 2000 MINUTES Bob Sonnenblick commented that the intent is to mirror the architectural design of the clubhouse by using the same stone face and coloring and exterior landscaping materials. The conference center will be two stories high, and the parking structure is designed to be as low as possible. Gin Wong, the project architect, noted that the parking structure will be sunk down so that only one level will be above ground, and the front of the structure will have heavy landscaping. Mr. Sonnenblick pointed out that the existing tees on the 10th hole of the golf course will be moved to make room for the parking structure. Commissioner Hanson was concerned about the extent that automobiles will be visible on the upper level of the parking structure. Mr. Wong pointed out that there will be a four-foot high railing around the top of the structure. Commissioner Hanson noted that SUVs, trucks and other types of high profile vehicles would still be quite visible. Commissioner Hanson was concerned about the sun reflecting off the windshields of automobiles parked on the upper level and suggested adding a trellis to create shading. Commissioner Hanson suggested that signage be incorporated into the architectural plans for the parking structure, and added that the corner of the parking structure should be included in the drawing for the gateway entrance, because she would like to see how that is going to look since she is not certain it will work well. Commissioner O'Donnell asked about the use of lawn material, to which Ron Gregory, the project's landscape architect, replied that the applicant would like to use lawn on the street side of the golf course rather than desert materials in order to provide a more lush setting, and added that there will also be lawn at the entry of the project, along with date palms, which should help to screen the parking structure. 9 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 13, 2000 MINUTES Commissioner O'Donnell liked the landscaping concept, but preferred that the Commission not take action until Commissioner Connor has had an opportunity to review the plans. Commissioner Vuksic suggested breaking down the massing on the flat wall of the south elevation of the conference center with pop-outs. Commissioner Hanson also agreed that the massing should be broken down and suggested adding roof tile or carrying the canopy element all the way to the end of the elevation. Commissioner Hanson indicated a preference for as much greenery as possible on the parking structure, and suggested a creeping vine material similar to the one at City Hall (creeping fig). Action: Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to grant preliminary approval of the architecture and landscaping. The motion carried 4-0-1, with Commissioners Connor and Van Vliet absent and Chairman Gregory abstaining. 8. CASE NO.: SA 99-76 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): A&S ENGINEERING for CIRCLE K, 207 W. Alameda Avenue #203, Burbank, CA 91502 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Remodel of existing fascia, installation of one building sign and reface one monument sign LOCATION: 45-200 Portola Avenue ZONE: C-1 Mr. Alvarez reported that the applicant is now requesting a continuance because their representative is not able to attend today's meeting. Action: Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to continue the case at the applicant's request. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioners Connor and Van Vliet absent. 10 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 13, 2000 MINUTES 9. CASE NO.: SA 99-78 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): A&S ENGINEERING for CIRCLE K, 207 W. Alameda Avenue #203, Burbank, CA 91502 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Remodel of existing fascia, one building sign and two monument signs LOCATION: 44-775 San Pablo Avenue ZONE: C-1 Mr. Alvarez reported that the applicant is now requesting a continuance because their representative is not able to attend today's meeting. Action: Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to continue the case at the applicant's request. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioners Connor and Van Vliet absent. 11 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 13, 2000 MINUTES 10. CASE NO.: PP 00-8 APPLICANT (AND ADDRES5h 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: Preliminary approval of design for four (4) industrial buildings on the east side of Garand Lane LOCATION: West end of Desert Country Plaza, on east side of Garand Lane ZONE: S.I. Mr. Smith reported that the applicant seeks preliminary architectural approval of plans for a 4-building industrial complex on the east side of Garand Lane. The project is within the Desert Country Plaza project and will be located south of the self-storage and west of the recently approved Gold's Gym building. Access is from Garand and from an internal street on the back side of the Gold's Gym building. The buildings are all one story, 22 feet in height and will be concrete tilt-up structures with sand to medium brown panel colors. The color panels are separated by two-inch recessed cement stripes. Staff has a concern with the lack of architectural interest and detail on the south elevation of Building A and the north elevation of Building B. These elevations are adjacent to the main driveway and should be more consistent with the front elevation architecture. Planter sizes in the center parking lots will need to be made larger. There is room to accomplish this. Staff recommends that the Architectural Review Commission grant preliminary approval subject to improvement to the north elevation of Building B and the south elevation of Building A. 12 `�rrM ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 13, 2000 MINUTES Mr. Ricciardi explained that he has added more articulation to the buildings, which will face Garand, and will also have recessed windows. Commissioner Vuksic asked if there would be any security problems associated with adding windows high up on the buildings, to which Mr. Ricciardi replied that there would be no problem, although the trees should grow high enough to screen the elevations, but he would be happy to add spandrel glass. Commissioner O'Donnell suggested vertical elements be added to give a pilaster appearance, break up the massing and provide a .more three- dimensional appearance on the elevations that do not have architectural features, to which Mr. Ricciardi replied that this is an industrial complex, so it doesn't really need additional architecture, and noted that it is not possible to add to the back of the buildings because they have a zero-lot line. Mr. Ricciardi indicated that he would be willing to add vertical elements. Commissioner Vuksic felt that any elevation which must be passed in order to gain access to another building should not be plain and should have more articulation. Commissioner Hanson requested that the elevations depict where the carports will be located. Chairman Gregory commented that he reviewed the landscape plans and made numerous notes; so he would suggest that the landscaping be continued. Action: Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic, to grant preliminary approval of the architecture subject to the applicant adding detailing to the blank wall sections and continued the landscaping. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioners Connor and Van Vliet absent. 13 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 13, 2000 MINUTES 11. CASE NO.: CUP 00-6 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): URRUTIA ARCHITECTS, 73-550 Alessandro, Suite 201,Palm Desert, CA 92260 for MOBIL OIL CORP, 3700 West 190th Street, Torrance, CA 90509-2929 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of revised plans for a Mobil gas station, convenience store and car wash LOCATION: 36-650 Cook Street ZONE: S.I. Mr. Smith reported that on March 11, 1997 the Architectural Review Commission, as part of the master plan approval for this area, granted preliminary approval of a gas station, convenience store and carwash. In commenting on the project at that time, members described it as "It's nice because you can't even tell it's a gas station." The applicant now requests approval of a revised plan providing the same uses except the carwash has been changed for full service to a drive-thru. No one will have difficulty telling that this project is a gas station. The 1997 plan placed the convenience store and carwash in the corner adjacent to Cook and Gerald Ford with landscape berms screening the building and carwash drive lanes. This plan also included areas of enhanced paving and roof connecting the convenience store to the gas pump area. The canopy over the gas pump islands was located in the back corner of the site at a diagonal to both Cook Street and Gerald Ford. This revised proposal is the typical Mobile layout that you see on many corners. The carwash is located to the north side of the site with a stacking lane along the east. The convenience store is located to the east side of the site facing Cook Street with the canopy (120 feet by 36 feet) and pump islands located adjacent to Cook Street (120-foot section facing Cook Street). 14 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 13, 2000 MINUTES The site plan shows a broad landscape strip around the perimeter which, if effectively planted and bermed, could help to screen the canopy, pump island and carwash. The revised building architecture is contemporary and remains quite interesting. The convenience store will be 16'6" high and the carwash 16 feet. The canopy has an overall height of 19 feet with a three-foot high section The carwash and convenience store are flat roofed structures, stucco walls with accent scoring (fry rheglets). The previously approved site plan was more creative and interesting. The current site plan is functional and meets the ordinance provisions for setbacks, landscape area (30%) and building height. Staff feels that the current project needs upgrading to make it acceptable at this entry point to the City. Staff recommends that the Architectural Review Commission give the applicant direction as to improving the plan to make it acceptable. Frank Urrutia, the project architect, noted that the revised submittal contains less building square footage than the previously approved plans, and the uses are more separated than they were on the previously approved site plan. Berming will be between two and three feet high, and the site will be extensively landscaped. Landscaping will also be added around the buildings to screen the car wash. The architecture is similar in design to the original submittal. Wall signage locations are indicated on the plans, but a separate application will be made for approval of the actual signs, which will feature internally illuminated reverse channel letters with no raceways. The canopy will be comprised of stucco with metal trims, and the columns will be stucco. Rick Trice of Mobil explained that the site plan has been revised to improve security and visibility into the site. Commissioner O'Donnell indicated that the security issues are understandable, the original site plan was aesthetically superior. 15 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 13, 2000 MINUTES Ken Barden of Mobil noted that the original site plan placed the car wash on the corner, but in the revised site plan it is further back on the site. Commissioner Hanson clarified that the issue is that the revised site plan makes the canopy the predominant feature, with which Commissioner O'Donnell concurred and stated that he doesn't like gas stations that have gas pumps located on the corner, and he believes the site plan can be done differently. Commissioner O'Donnell noted that the security situation will not be improved much because the berming will reduce visibility into the site from the street. Commissioner Vuksic commented favorably on the building architecture. Commissioner O'Donnell asked about the landscaping for the site plan, to which Ron Gregory, the project landscape architect, replied that the revised site plan works better for the applicant, and noted that heavy landscaped will be used as well as berming to screen the site, which he thinks will be quite attractive. Commissioner O'Donnell pointed out that the City has had problems in the past with light spillover and glare onto the street from canopy pump stations lighting. Mr. Barden indicated that the original plan was to use Scottsdale lighting, but the plans can be changed to use flush mounted lighting to eliminate light spillover and glare onto the street. Commissioner O'Donnell asked if the pumps will have signage, to which Mr. Barden replied that the pumps will have graphics on the skirts and will also have "top hats." Mr. Urrutia reiterated that signage will be presented in a separate application. Action: Commissioner Lingle moved, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic, to grant preliminary approval of the revised plans subject to the plan incorporating flush mounted canopy lighting. The motion carried 4-0-1, with Commissioners Connor and Van Vliet absent and Chairman Gregory abstaining. 16 'wrr ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 13, 2000 MINUTES 12. 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) Mr. Smith reported that the applicant has applied for an amendment to its conditional use permit to expand the parking lot and create an outdoor recreation area. The expansion will result in moving the church facility closer to its residential neighbors. The Architectural Review Commission needs to evaluate the adequacy and appropriateness of proposed walls and landscaping. To the south of the new site is Las Brisas, and to the east is a single-family dwelling on a one-acre lot. Along the south the site is bounded by a six-foot block wall. Along the east a six-foot high concrete block wall exists for a portion of the length. The remainder of the length has chain-link fence. The entire site should be enclosed with appropriate masonry walls. The existing parking adjacent to Warner Trail north of the building is to be retained. The Architectural Review Commission should determine the level of improvement for this parking area. Staff feels that, at a bare minimum, a masonry wall (36"to 42" in height) should be required to screen the existing parking lot. Staff recommends that the Architectural Review commission grant preliminary approval of the church expansion subject to adding masonry walls to enclose the site. Chairman Gregory noted that the landscape plans do not call out the locations of the trees and shrubs, and suggested that the plans be continued since they are not complete enough for preliminary approval. 17 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 13, 2000 MINUTES Mr. Drell indicated that this is an opportunity to upgrade the landscaping on the existing parking lot, and Mr. Smith suggested that the applicant might be wise to add a 36-inch of 42-inch wall. Chairman Gregory pointed out that the parked cars need to be screened from both roads, either with landscaping or a wall. Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic, to continue the case to allow the applicant to incorporate the Commission's suggested modifications. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioners Connor and Van Vliet absent. 13. CASE NO.: P 00-8 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): TARLOW & ASSOCIATES, 17802 Mitchell, Irvine, CA 92614 for APPLEBEE'S NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of architecture for a 4,734 square foot Applebee's restaurant LOCATION: 74-995 Frank Sinatra Drive (southwest corner of Frank Sinatra and Cook Street) ZONE: PR-5 Mr. Alvarez reported that the subject property consists of an undeveloped pad located within the Marriott Courtyard and Residence Inn project. The 26,920 square foot pad has frontage on Frank Sinatra and Cook Street. The pad has been approved for a restaurant use pending architectural approval by the Architectural Review Commission and approval of the precise plan. The proposed restaurant totals 4,734 square feet and has a maximum height of 30'6". The majority of the roof structure has a height of 23'6". The building has a combination of hip roof and parapet walls with an entry tower element. The building has a trellis attached to the building on the east elevation. The roof will be tiled in a terra cotta color and the exterior stucco is a Mexican sand color. Cornice, trellis and stucco trim colors consist of dark browns. 18 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 13, 2000 MINUTES The architecture appears to be out of scale. The building has two-story height characteristics, but is only a single-story building. Although the building has a tiled hip roof, its architectural elements are inconsistent with the adjacent buildings (i.e., Marriott Residence Inn/Courtyard). Staff suggests further attention be given to utilizing the architectural elements and features found on the adjacent structures. The City's Landscape Manager has reviewed the plan and has the following comments: 1) plant palette is acceptable; 2) spacing of plant material should be at the plant's mature size; and 3) the applicant should call out the tree types. Initial review by the City's Engineering Manager indicates that a row of parking at the Cook Street entrance may be incompatible and pose a safety issue. If this row of parking is eliminated, staff recommends that landscaped planter be utilized in this area. The front elevation has 59 feet of building frontage and is entitled to 54.5 square feet of signage. The front elevation has two signs. The first sign reads "Applebee's" and totals 30 square feet. The sign consists of a nine- inch deep can sign with a red apple logo and white channel letters mounted on the can. Two rows of exposed neon border the "Applebee's" letters. The sign background is green and is illuminated. The second sign consists of 14-inch green individual channel letters reading "Neighborhood Bar& Grill." The sign totals 23.5 square feet and is mounted below the Applebee's sign. The two signs combined total 70-84 square feet and meet the maximum size allowed by the Sign Ordinance. The left and right side elevations each have 95 feet of building frontage and are allowed up to 72.5 square feet of signage. Both elevations have two signs. The first sign reads "Applebee's" and totals 47.34 square feet. The sign consists of a nine-inch deep can sign with the red apple logo and white channel letters mounted on the can. Two rows of exposed red neon border the "Applebee's" letters. The sign background is green and is illuminated. The second sign consists of 14-inch green individual channel letters reading "Neighborhood Bar& Grill." This sign totals 23.5 square feet and is mounted below the Applebee's sign. The two signs combined total 70.84 square feet and meet the maximum size allowed by the Sign Ordinance. 19 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 13, 2000 MINUTES The rear elevation has no signage proposed. Staff cannot support the use of exposed neon on the border of the can sign. If the neon can be concealed behind a channel or reveal, staff can support the use of it as an accent. The building's east, west and north elevations have 4'6"x 60" and 4'0"x 8'0" awnings over the windows and entry. The awning colors consist of three stripes: green, sand and rust colors. Staff recommends that the Architectural Review Commission continue the matter and direct the applicant to address the architectural design, particularly the building height. Mr. Drell noted that this is part of Desert Willow so the landscaping should be reflective of the resort landscaping. The consensus of the Commission was that the architecture was out of scale, especially since the building has two-story height characteristics, but is only a single-story building. Mark Tarlow, the project architect explained that the applicant wanted the roof-mounted equipment to be screened from view from the upper floors of the hotel. Commissioner Vuksic felt that it would be unreasonable to expect the applicant to screen the equipment from that perspective, and Mr. Drell added that the City does not require that it be screened from that height. Action: Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to deny approval of the plans as submitted due to the lack of proper proportions. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioners Connor and Van Vliet absent. Mr. Tarlow submitted an alternate plan which still provides screening for the roof-mounted equipment. Commissioner Hanson commented favorably on the rock material for the exterior, but indicated that does not like the green trim around the top of the building on the existing facility in Rancho Mirage, and suggested that the applicant go with brown tones rather than green. 20 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 13, 2000 MINUTES Commissioner Vuksic felt that the tower element on the revised plan was too tall and should be reduced two feet. Commissioner Hanson noted that the prevailing winds in this area are very strong and suggested that the applicant may wish to provide some type of wind screening for the patio area. Commissioner Hanson felt that the stone exterior treatment on the tower should be extended higher up on the tower so that it is even with the roofline of the main building. Commissioner Vuksic felt that the parking lot elevation should have a trellis element similar to the one on the rear elevation. Commissioner Hanson recommended tapering the tower to give it more mass at the base. Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to continue the landscaping to allow the applicant to incorporate modifications and granted preliminary approval of the architecture with the following conditions: 1) reducing the tower element two feet and tapering it out towards the bottom to provide more mass; 2) adding a trellis to the parking lot elevation similar to the one on the rear elevation; and 3) using brown tones on the trim around the top of the building instead of green tones. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioners Connor and Van Vliet absent. 21 • Nome ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 13, 2000 MINUTES 14. CASE NO.: MISC 00-18 APPLICANT (AND.ADDRESS): BOB HESS, 73-480 Sunny Trail, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of a RV storage facility (garage) LOCATION: 73-480 Sunny Trail ZONE: R-1 (43,560) Mr. Smith reported that this matter was before the Architectural Review Commission at its May 23, 2000 meeting when the Commission continued the matter to allow the applicant to look into relocating the proposed structure. On May 25, 2000, he and Commissioner O'Donnell visited the site and discussed the matter at length. While location the structure to the east of the main building would have certain advantages, it would place it much closer to the residence to the south. The applicant has left the structure in the yard north of the existing dwelling. The pad height has been lowered some 13 inches, a hip roof system added that is the same height at the peak as the main dwelling, the overhead door has been lowered to the bare minimum necessary to get the RV inside (13 feet high) and the structure is now connected through a breezeway to the main dwelling. Staff recommends that the Architectural Review Commission review the revised plans and determine acceptability. Commissioner O'Donnell felt that, based on his visit to the site, the pad would need to be dropped another two feet in order to make the applicant's revised plan work. Action: Chairman Gregory moved, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to approve the facility with the condition that the eave line height matches the eave line of the existing residence and that trees be planted around the structure to soften the appearance, particularly for the west and south. The motion carried 5-0, with Commissioners Connor and Van Vliet absent. 22 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 13, 2000 MINUTES 15. 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 revised plans for an addition to a single-family dwelling LOCATION: 40-900 Centennial Circle ZONE: PR-5 Mr. Smith reported that the application with withdrawn because the parties had reached agreement. V. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 3:45 p.m. STEPHEN R. SMITH PLANNING MANAGER 23