HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-10-10 *400
MINUTES
PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2000
12:30 P.M. - COMMUNITY SERVICES CONFERENCE ROOM
73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE
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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 15 4
Ronald Gregory, Chairman X 17 2
Kristi Hanson X 13 0
Neil Lingle X 14 2
Richard 0, Donnell X 16 3
Chris Van Vliet X 17 2
John Vuksic X 16 1
Staff Present: Phil Drell, Planning Director
Steve Smith, Planning Manager
Martin Alvarez, Associate Planner
Joe Dickinson, AIPP Commissioner
Jason Finley, Code Compliance
Gail Santee, Senior Office Assistant
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: September 26, 2000
Commissioner Gregory moved, seconded by Commissioner Conner, to approve the
minutes of September 26, 2000, meeting with one amendment: In Item IV.A.1.
THERESA VASQUEZ, Commissioner Connor, s name should be replaced by
Commissioner 0, Donnell,s. The motion carried 6-0 with Commissioner Connor
absent.
III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
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IV. CASES
A. Final Drawings
1. CASE NO.: RV 00-7
APPLICANT (AND ADDREW. MARION FERGUSON, 74-898 Leslie
Avenue, Palm Desert, CA 92260
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval to park
RV tent trailer in driveway
LOCATION: 74-898 Leslie Avenue
ZONE: R-1
Action:
Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic,
to continue the case as requested by applicant. The motion carried
6-0 with Commissioner Conner absent.
2. CASE NO.: RV 00-5
APPLICANT (AND ADDREW. WILLIAM E. LEITCH III, 74-582 Fairway
Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval to park and store
10 foot high and 20 foot long RV in front yard
LOCATION: 74-582 Fairway Drive
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ZONE: R-1
Mr. & Mrs. Leitch were present and had earlier provided the Commission a
letter describing their situation and their intent. The RV is currently parked
behind their six-foot wall. As Fairway Drive is a heavily traveled alternate
route, many of the homes are walled.
Staff sent notices to property owners within 300 feet and have received no
comments.
A suggestion was made that putting up an opaque gate would help hide the
RV, but would create a compound, which is not something the staff normally
encourages. Using landscaping on both sides of the driveway and on the
City side of the wall would provide coverage. As part of permit approval,
applicant must maintain the landscaping as long as they own this particular
vehicle.
Landscape recommendations included ficus, mesquite, or both trees on
either side of the driveway to create a canopy to hide the RV and make the
project more aesthetically appealing. Commission would like opportunity to
individually drive by the property.
Action:
Commissioner Gregory moved, seconded by 0, Donnell, to continue this
case to allow applicant an opportunity to supply Commission with gate
details and landscape design to include canopy trees on both sides of the
driveway entrance, on the outside of the wall, and plant climbing vines on the
outside of the wall. Motion was carried 6-0 with Commissioner Connor
absent.
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3. CASE NO.: CUP 00-15
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS BRENDA & MIKE SCARCELLA, 77-576
Delaware Place, Palm Desert, CA 92260
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of detached
accessory structure in rear yard.
LOCATION: 77-576 Delaware Place
ZONE: RE (40,000)
Staff provided Commissioners with drawings of proposed 14 and 12-foot high
structure. This lot is over 45,000 square feet, backing onto 8,000 square foot
lots. The lot is 321 feet deep and the rear setback is 20 feet, which meets
the minimum 1-to-1 setback ordinance.
Action:
Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to
approve this request. Motion carried 6-0 with Commissioner Connor absent.
4. CASE NO.: MISC 00-22
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS WILLIAM LeBLANC, PO Box 10271,
Palm Desert, CA 92255
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of revised entry
archway and an exception to the setback and height limit for walls and
fences.
LOCATION: 73-612 Shadow Mountain Drive
ZONE: R-3
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Staff provided Commission with revised drawings of proposed arch to
provide accurate scale drawing. Commission members who have driven by
stated an arch would be out of place and re-affirm its recommendation that
the entry columns be made more massive and installing a decorative gate
that can be arched. Gate height to be no more than six feet.
Action:
Commissioner 0, Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to
deny applicant,s request for an archway over the entrance through the wall
and re-affirmed Commission,s earlier approval of more massive columns
and installation of a decorative 6-foot gate that can be arched stands. Motion
carried 6-0 with Commissioner Connor absent.
B. Preliminary Plans
5. CASE NO.: CUP 95-10, PP 95-6
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS TIM BARTLETT, 73-382 Salt Cedar
Street, Palm Desert, CA 92260
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of
architecture and landscape plans for art gallery/retail building
LOCATION: 74-011 Hwy. 111
ZONE:
Mr.Timothy Barlett presented working drawings and colored preliminary
plans of the building to the Commission to indicate changes made to each
elevation to meet Title 24 and to clarify where the revisions had been made.
Applicant pointed out changes in each elevation: Portola elevation: added
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cube to reduce glass and provide place to put artwork; the two columns have
been widened; double-door entries to the building are on both sides of the
cube with an adjacent courtyard. Parking lot elevation: parapet is deepened,
reduced glazing on top, canopy comes way out from the building, and raised
roof. Commission agreed that the changes were acceptable.
Action:
Commissioner Gregory moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to
approve the working drawings with the condition that rough framing
inspection will be put on hold until the landscaping plans have been
approved. Motion carried 6-0 with Commissioner Connor absent.
6. CASE NO.: SA 00-86
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS DGI SIGNS, 77-720 Springfield Lane,
Palm Desert, CA 92111 for HOSPITALITY DENTAL ASSOCIATES,77-900
Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of revised
business identification signage
LOCATION: 77-900 Fred Waring Drive
ZONE: O.P
Property is located on corner of Washington and Fred Waring. Applicant
would like to replace difficult to read present signage with channel letters and
illumination. Staff recommends reverse channel letters with a different font
that is legible during day and night. The red pineapple logo is channel letter,
but not illuminated. On the Washington Street side, there is nothing
illuminated at night. As the office is open at night, signage would be
illuminated at night on Fred Waring side. Commission recommended reverse
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channel letters in an easier-to-read font using Desert Crossing and Waring
Plaza as examples.
Action:
Commissioner Gregory moved, seconded by Commissioner O, Donnell, to
grant approval of the signage with reverse channel lettering and with
understanding that the red logo not be illuminated in the evening. The
motion carried 6-0 with Commissioner Connor absent.
7. CASE NO.: PP 00-8
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): BOB RICCIARDI, 75-090 St. Charles
Place, Suite A, Palm Desert, CA 92211 for WHITE ROCK INVESTMENTS,
INC., 1480 Foster Street, #22, White Rock, British Columbia, Canada
V4B3X7
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of landscaping
plan
LOCATION: 39-750 Garand Avenue
ZONE: S.I.
Applicant provided drawings of proposed desert-themed landscaping plan.
Action:
Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to
grant approval of the landscaping plan subject to comments by the City
Landscape Manager. Motion carried 6-0 with Commissioner Connor absent.
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8. CASE NO.: SA 00-89
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): RIOFINE NEON, 3500 Tachevah Dr.,
Suite D, Palm Springs, CA 92262 for JIFFY LUBE
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of revised
business signs and monument sign for Jiffy Lube
LOCATION: 42-275 Washington Street
ZONE: P.C.
Applicant and staff presented revised signage on the west and north
elevations of the building and a monument sign. Revised building sign is
individual letters without a raceway. The drawing could appear to have a
raceway in background; applicant has indicated that that is not the case.
Revised monument sign uses some of the stucco and tile materials,
elements, and colors from the building and contains time/temperature
readings at the bottom. Commission prefers the monument sign without the
time/temperature feature in order to reduce clutter and keep concept of
monument sign. By removing this feature, the Jiffy Lube name could be
lowered for better centering.
For informational purposes, applicant pointed out an objectional 14-foot high
wall that currently hides the service bays. Applicant would like to remove the
current wall, install a 3' wall out 5'4" from current location, and reduce the
planter to 6 feet width in order to allow room for maneuvering cars and to see
the arches in the building. Commission requested that applicant provide a
drawing of the 5 to 6-foot wall with trellis and the landscape area outside the
wall.
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Action:
Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to
approve the monument sign with individual letters, deleting the
time/temperature feature, and to center Jiffy Lube lettering and to approve
the wall sign with Jiffy Lube logo with stipulation that letters are individual
channel letters. Motion carried 4-1-1 with Commissioner Van Vliet dissenting,
Commissioner Gregory abstaining, and Commissioner Connnor absent.
9. CASE NO.: SA 00-97
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS IMPERIAL SIGN, 46-120 Calhoun,
Indio, CA 92201 for DR. CRAIG W. CONROW
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of second-
floor business identification signage and non-illuminated directional sign
LOCATION: 73-991 Hwy. 111
ZONE:
Commission was provided drawings and photos of proposed signage and its
location on the AG Edwards Building, located on the southwest corner of
Hwy 111 and Portola Avenue by the applicant and a staff report. Applicant=s
office will be 3,000 square feet on the second floor of this building. The
signs on the Hwy. 111 and the Portola elevations are above the roof line and
would require an exception to the sign code by the Planning Commission.
The letters on these signs are 15-inch individual blue letters. The south
elevation (parking lot) sign is 14-inch blue individual channel letters; this sign
must be below 20 feet. Applicant is also requesting approval of a 4-foot
high, non-illuminated directional sign facing the parking lot.
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Chairman Gregory noted that when the Commission originally approved
signage for this building (AG Edwards), there was no mention of additional
tenants and signage to be forthcoming. Had that been the case,
Commission may have changed its recommendations and approval of the
AG Edwards signage. Commission is concerned that additional signage will
clutter the building and that the possibility of a third tenant will contribute to
the clutter.
Commission understood that the tenant is in an unfortunate situation in that
the majority of useable sign space has been used. There has to be some
give-and-take between building,s owner and it, s tenants. There is not a
good location on the north side; tenant identification on the monument sign
would be better. On east side, would be OK but more in scale. On back, a
nice placard at the entrance would direct patients to doctor,s office.
The applicant submitted amended drawings for Commission consideration
showing the signage below the roof line is not distracting and has been tied
into the building very well as it is not on the parapet, it is below the roof line.
Action:
Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commission Lingle,to deny the
request as proposed by the applicant and referred the matter back to
building owner to create an overall sign program for the building including
location, materials, and color selections for the building signage and for the
monument sign. Motion carried 6-0 with Commissioner Connor absent.
10. CASE NO.: SA00-92
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESU IMPERIAL SIGN COMPANY, 46-120
Calhoun Street, Indio, CA 92201, for SELECT PROPERTIES LLC, 7143
Katella Avenue, Suite B, Stanton, CA 90680
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NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of sign program
for shopping center, Desert Country Plaza
LOCATION: 77-880 Country Club
ZONE:
Mr. Dave Osmond provided revised signage for the Desert Country Plaza
buildings as requested by the Commission for clarification. The
Commission,s concern had been the size and location of lettering,
particularly on buildings on the interior of the center. The applicant explained
that the allowable sign area (1 sq foot for each lineal foot of frontage) would
dictate the size of each tenant,s letters. Signs under the shed roof section
will be restricted to 151, maximum height and centered over columns or
arches with space above and below the letters. Applicant responded that
they would, of course, try to center the words, but one tenant, s signage
cannot overlap another tenant,s space.
Signage on building walls closest to the street would be reverse channel
letters with size and actual location dictated by the number of letters in each
tenant, s name.
The applicant provided revised colored drawings of the free-standing, 6-foot
monument. Commission expressed approval of the changes shown,
recommending a contrasting background inset to bring letters out and a
tan/brown colored concrete base.
Action:
Commissioner 0, Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic, to
grant approval of the revised monument sign with letter colors as shown
(Exhibit A) and contrasting color background inset and tan/brown colored
concrete base. Motion was carried 6-0 with Commissioner Connor absent.
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B. Preliminary Plans
1. CASE NO.: PP/CUP 98-21
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS- ROYCE INTERNATIONAL INV. CO., 249
Las Entradas Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93108 (Portofino)
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of
revised architectural plans for villas and casitas
LOCATION: Southwest corner of Country Club Drive and Portola Avenue
ZONE: PR-5, S.O.
Staff presented revised plans for the villas and casitas at Portofino. The
height for the villas was increased from 24 feet to 29 feet 3 inches and the
casitas height was increased from 15 feet to 17 feet 4 inches. With tower
elements to 22 feet 3 inches. Buildings in excess of 24 feet must be
approved through a height exception process. The site slopes from west to
east (high to low). At the midpoint, the site is at street level. Units to the
east will appear lower(as much as ten feet below Country Club), while units
to the west end will be at or above street level. Staff noted that the applicant
can either amend the villa plans back to 24 feet or go through the
,,exception,, process.
Commission felt that the revised architecture of the villas and casitas was far
superior to that previously approved. Commissioner Hanson noted that the
revised architecture represented a significant improvement to the project and
the beauty of the project warrants a ,height exception."
Commissioner Vuksic stated that he was not inclined to ask the applicant to
modify the architecture because the scale of buildings works. In context to
the overall project, he doesn,t see where the height of the buildings,
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especially those in the interior of the project, impacts on anyone. San Tropez
to the west won,t be impacted and Palm Desert Greens is 7-8 feet above
Country Club which is 2 feet over Portofino,s closest building.
The consensus of the Architectural Review Committee was that it was not
reasonable to compromise the quality of the architecture presented to an
arbitrary height limit. Commission supported the revised project architecture
because the buildings are so well designed.
Action:
Motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner
Vuksic, to grant approval to the revised architecture for the villas and casitas
and to support a height exception for this project. Motion passed 4-0 with
Commissioners Connor, Gregory, and Van Vliet absent.
2. CASE NO.: TT 29444
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): JOHN BRETT, Hovley Estates North LLC,
77 Sedona Court, Palm Desert, CA 92211
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary architecture
plans for twenty single family residences and preliminary landscape approval
for project frontage
LOCATION: North side of Hovley Lane West, east of Monterey Avenue
ZONE: PR-5
Staff provided plans for the two models of 2,700 sqft and 3,000 sqft. Each
plan has option of alternate elevation for attached casita which meets
setback requirements. These are single story residences with an 18-foot
height maximum in a planned residential zone. Commission has in the past
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approved lots that are 60' wide that have gone onto to the Planning
Commission. Along with the requested 60' lot widths, applicant is requesting
7' and 5' side yard setbacks which have to be approved by the Planning
Commission. The 5' and 7' side yard setbacks would be next to each other
to provide 12', ie, 5' and 5' side yards would not be adjacent to each other.
Applicant intends to install hip roofs to mitigate the setbacks.
The Commission noted that the roof projections (overhangs) of 12 , reduce
the separation of the buildings by 2 feet visually. When already dealing with
reduced side setback requirements, gable roofs create a lot of visual
"connectiveness.,,
Upon entering the development, the street view is totally linear. There is no
modulation. The overall aesthetics are complicated by the size of the houses
on 60 , lots, the requested reduced side yard setbacks, and the garages
being on same line. The casitas are attached, not separate. If lots were
larger, something different could be done to break the linear look. Is it
possible to move some of the units back to create interest. Development
needs better planning to soften the linear quality. If some of the units can be
moved back from the street, perhaps street can be widened in those places
to install small landscape islands.
Architecturally, Commissioner Hanson noted that there are 2x4 walls
everywhere and that the walls needed to have thickness added in the front
to get the feel the applicant is looking for. The plans show rafter tails in
some cases but do not indicate what sizes they are. These are significant
details that could make a big difference. As these are preliminary drawings,
applicant will provide detailed plans.
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The landscaping plan has been reviewed by City,s Landscaping manager;
however, Commissioner Connor should review them.
Action:
Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner 0, Donnell to
continue the case to allow applicant time to discuss changes with staff and
to allow Commissioner Connor to review landscape plans. Motion carried 4-
0-2 with Commissioners Gregory and Commissioner Vuksic abstaining and
Commissioner Connor absent.
3. CASE NO.: CUP 00-14
APPLICANT(AND ADDRESS): LEE CHOITZ, RHL DESIGN GROUP, INC.,
1201 South Beach Blvd., Suite 207, La Habra, CA 90631-6366, for MOBIL
OIL CORPORATION, 3700 West 190th Street, #TPT2, Torrance, CA 90509
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of a
1,152 square foot car wash facility and expansion of existing convenience
store
LOCATION: 78-005 Country Club Drive at Washington Drive
ZONE: PI-2 (FCOZ) overlay
This case is the re-design of the current building, s three service bays into
an extended convenience store and the building of a new car wash facility.
Photos and elevations were presented to Commission. Mr. Bob Supernau
was present as the applicant,s representative.
A southwest desert theme will be carried through from the adjacent shopping
center. Mr. Alvarez stated that the desert theme could be better integrated
into existing facility. Staff has discussed with applicant reducing the ample
driveway and providing additional landscaping to help screen the car wash
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facility. It was noted that the center was originally designed to have a
southwestern desert look and the proposed car wash architecture has
nothing in relation to that theme. The reverse gas station is welcome, but the
remodel presents an opportunity for improvement to all four sides of the
existing building and the car wash building.
The existing site landscaping is dismal and applicant has been asked to
submit a revised comprehensive landscape plan which the City,s Landscape
Manager will review.
The submitted signage drawings on the convenience store show can signs
as well as a new monument sign at corner for fuel pricing. Commission
recommended having the name set into and become part of the architecture.
While current signage is probably typical in relation to their corporate design,
Commission would like to have applicant make it more unique as this is a
gateway corner to the City and a good opportunity for both Mobil and the City
to come up with a good product.
Action:
Commissioner 0, Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic, to
continue the case to allow applicant opportunity to provide revised
architectural plans indicating a stronger southwestern desert theme on all
four sides of the existing building and the new car wash facility; to attempt
putting company,s name on the building through the re-designed
architecture, to provide a monument sign plan encompassing the southwest
desert theme, and to present an all-around upgraded landscaping plan
including reducing asphalt area and replacing with landscape to assist in
hiding car wash facility. The motion carried 6-0 with Commissioner Connor
absent.
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4. CASE NO.: PP 00-21
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): RICHARD M. HUGHES, The Hughes
Company, 73-550 Alessandro, Palm Desert, CA 92260
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of
revised plans for a mixed-use neighborhood commercial project.
LOCATION: 74-945 Sheryl, west side of Cook Street, north of Whitewater
Storm Channel
ZONE: R-1, proposed PC-2
Mr. Jorgensen described the changes made to the landscape plan,
emphasizing that there would be no turf and the area would be covered with
boulders and slabs in colors of Arizona gold and/or Palm Springs gold.
Vegetation will include mesquites, yuccas, fan palms and lantanas.
Office/retail buildings: Commission had expressed concern about lack of
glass on these two-story buildings and the resultant block look. Applicant
has changed to hip roof line reducing the number towers, the balconies are
set back with an over 8' overhang for good sun control on windows, and has
picked up bowling alley roof angles. The corner balcony has raised planters
on second floor. Commissioner Gregory mentioned that raised planters can
be problematic. Applicant explained that the planters would be 18 to 20"
deep and are incorporated into a drainage system as he had done in a hotel
project in Palm Springs.
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Restaurant: Applicant has defined entry area by creating an adjacent
outside patio. Architecture contains in and outs for definition and has picked
up elements of the bowling alley. Considerable effort has been made to
mitigate concerns of abutting residential lot by modifying architecture to
relieve as much congestion and sight problems as possible. Commission
feels comfortable with changes made to architecture in Phase I buildings.
Action:
Commissioner Gregory moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to
approve the revised preliminary architectural drawings. Motion carried 5-0
with Commissioners Connor and Van Vliet absent.
V. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 3 :00 p.m.
STEVE SMITH
PLANNING MANAGER
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