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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-09-26 MINUTES PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2000 12:30 P.M. - COMMUNITY SERVICES CONFERENCE ROOM 73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE I. 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 15 3 Ronald Gregory, Chairman X 16 2 Kristi Hanson X 12 0 Neil Lingle X 13 2 Richard O'Donnell X 15 3 Chris Van Vliet X 16 2 John Vuksic X 15 1 Guests Mr. John O'Hay Staff Present: Phil Drell, Planning Director Steve Smith, Planning Manager Martin Alvarez, Associate Planner Joe Dickinson, AIPP Commissioner Gail Santee, Senior Office Assistant II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: September 12, 2000 Commissioner Gregory moved, seconded by Commissioner Conner, to approve the minutes of September 12, 2000, meeting with one change. Commissioner Van Vliet abstained on Item IV. 3 - Joe Coker, Breeze Air. Motion carried 7-0. III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None 1 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 26, 2000 MINUTES IV. CASES A. Final Drawings 1. CASE NO.: MISC 00-21 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESSI: THERESA VASQUEZ, 42-696 Jacqueline Circle, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of 4-foot high white vinyl fence to screen camper trailer LOCATION: 42-696 Jacqueline Circle ZONE: R-1 Applicant explained that they intend to repaint house, install fencing to screen camper trailer located in side yard, and re-do landscaping on their cul-de-sac home. The main issue was the color of the fence. When asked why they had chosen white, applicant replied that this was the only color they could find for this type of fencing from retail sources; prefers vinyl to wood because it is more durable. Commissioner O'Donnell expressed concerned that vinyl may not be suitable material. As there is no record of how well it will hold up, is aesthetically unacceptable, and forwarded the suggestion of using wood. The applicant readily accepted the change from vinyl to wood, therefore providing options for other colors, than white, to match existing fence. Mr. Smith reminded applicant that Planning Department needed sign off on her revised plans and that a permit would be required from the Building Department. Action: Commissioner Gregory moved, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to approve the building of a wooden fence in a color, other than white, to match the existing fence. The motion carried 7-0. 2 NOV ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 26, 2000 MINUTES 2. CASE NO.: VAR 00-03 APPLICANT (AND ADDREa$1. BROOKE BERGH, 77-310 Wyoming Avenue, Palm Desert, CA 92211 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of carport structure with 20-foot front setback from curb LOCATION: 77-310 Wyoming Avenue ZONE: R-1 Staff reported that this carport was started several months ago without a permit. Applicant filed request for variance through Planning Commission and probably wasn't going to be approved. In the meantime, a code amendment, given first reading September 14, second reading expected on September 28, which would change setback requirement for open well- designed carport structures to minimum of 20 feet from curb face. This request meets that requirement. The code amendment has provisions: 1) Need homeowner association approval/concurrence which has been received from Palm Desert Country Club Association, they'll go along with what City prescribes, but they do want to see and approve final drawings before applicant proceeds. 2) Notice to neighbors: Staff has received 5-6 letters in support of the structure. Property to the right already has a carport structure. Upon reviewing photos of the carport, Commissioners raised questions about the structural material, the support columns, the roof, and how it would be finished. The wood columns will become water stained. The suggestion was made to have the columns seated in a stone base matching the current wainscoating on the house approximately 12 inches wide and 3 feet high in order to protect posts from water damage. Commissioner Vuksic made a suggested that the Commission accept either of two solutions: 1) to add a 12x12x36 inch stone base that matches the existing wainscoating on the house with matching facia or 2) to install a pair of 3x8's on either side of the existing posts with matching facia. Commissioner Hanson suggested that applicant revise landscaping to pull lawn sprinklers away from columns. 3 `err 1 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 26, 2000 MINUTES Action: Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to grant approval of either of the two solutions mentioned above. The motion carried 7-0. 3. CASE NO.: CUP 95-10, PP 95-6 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESSt 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: C-1 Applicant supplied Commission with letter explaining what the changes were and why they were made. Mr. Timothy Bartlett pointed out differences made to the building, including glazing, due to the original not being acceptable for Title 24. The Commission felt that the original elevation and the revised elevation are not similar. Commissioner O'Donnell reminded Commission that the original preliminary design had been approved and that there were significant changes to the building. A comparison of what was approved and the changes that were made was requested as it appears some of the dimensions were altered. Applicant again stated that the original drawing did not pass Title 24. Commission suggested that applicant's architect work on design elements rather than the working drawings and re-do elevations to show what is actually planned. Commission would like to see working drawings including one showing shadow. Action: Commissioner Gregory moved, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, for continuance to the next ARC meeting to allow applicant to provide working drawings. The motion carried 6-0-1 with Commissioner Conner abstaining. 4 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 26, 2000 MINUTES 4. CASE NO.: SA 00-86 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESSy 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 Action: Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner Connor, to continue the case as requested by applicant. The motion carried 7-0. 5 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 26, 2000 MINUTES 5. CASE NO.: MISC 00-22 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESSy WILLIAM LeBLANC, PO Box 10271, Palm Desert, CA 92255 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval to add an entry archway and for an exception to the setback and height limit for walls and fences. LOCATION: 73-612 Shadow Mountain Drive ZONE: R-3 Applicant is requesting an exception to code to allow entry archway because it exceeds the six-foot height limit and the setback. The arched entry is designed within the 4-foot stucco wall. The columns are currently six feet; the top of the arch is 10 feet. Commission felt the ten-foot arch is not acceptable and suggested having applicant make the entry columns more massive and installing a decorative gate that can be arched. Gate height to be no more than six feet. Action: Commissioner Connor moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet to grant approval of entry way by making columns more massive and installing a decorative gate that can be arched. Gate height to be no more than six feet. The motion carried 7-0. 6 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 26, 2000 MINUTES 6. CASE NO.: RV 00-6 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESSY ALFRED NOLET, 74-368 Parosella, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval to park and store RV in the front yard of residence. LOCATION: 74-368 Parosella ZONE: R-1 Staff has notified adjacent property owners. There has been no written response. Noting that the RV is higher than house and so close to street, the Commission believes the RV cannot be effectively screened. Ms. Faith Ladlow and Ms. Pat Lyons, neighbors, expressed opposition to this request and noted their impression was that Planning Commission had already decided that RVs must be completely screened. Two nearby neighbors were denied permission to park and store their RVs on their properties. The entire area is being re-modeled, up-graded, and re-landscaped. Action: Commissioner Connor moved, seconded by Commissioner Lingle, to deny request to park and store RV in the front yard. The motion carried 7-0. 7. CASE NO.: MISC 00-23 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESSy ROBERT BRUNING, 73-050 Grapevine Street, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of front wall setback exception from 15 feet to 12 feet LOCATION: 73-050 Grapevine Street ZONE: R-1 7 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 26, 2000 MINUTES Applicant wishes to build a 6-foot wall on top of an existing retaining wall, thereby creating the need for a setback exception from 15 feet to 12 feet. One end of the yard is below grade and slopes to grade at other end. Due to the fact that the wall will not be stepped and due to slope, Commission recommended that wall be no higher than five feet, including cap, from average middle curb elevation. The relationship between the wall and adjacent towers will remain the same; the gate will be no higher than the wall. Applicant will be adding desert landscaping. Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to grant approval of the wall on the existing footing noting that the wall height, including cap, will not exceed five feet from average middle curb elevation. The relationship between wall and adjacent towers will remain same. The motion carried 7-0. 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: Preliminary approval of business signs and monument for Jiffy Lube LOCATION: 42-275 Washington Street ZONE: P.C. Applicant is requesting permission for two wall signs on their building and one monument sign on the shopping center's corner. Mr. Edward Baker, Vice President, Jiffy Lube, answered questions and made comments relative to the signs. Wall Signs: One wall sign is proposed for the north elevation and one on the west, around the back. Wall signs are individual channel letters in red on white face with raceway behind in order to run electric to illuminate the signs. 8 Some ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 26, 2000 MINUTES Monument sign is proposed to be located on the Washington Street elevation. The shopping center already has a monument sign on the Washington frontage and code allows only one monument. In order to approve a second monument, design has to be acceptable and it has to go before Planning Commission for an exception. Staff feels that sign is incompatible with the existing monument sign and the buildings' architecture. Discussion followed of whether to have either the wall sign(s) or the monument sign, not both types. Due to the building sitting behind a berm and its design, a wall sign may not be seen from Washington Street or be identifiable as a Jiffy Lube facility. The monument is in lieu of a wall sign on Washington frontage. Commission requested additional detailing on the monument in terms of design, illumination features, and the time/temperature readings which may be hidden by surrounding landscaping. Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commission Lingle, to continue this case in order for applicant to provide more information on 1)wall sign(s)' change of illumination to external lighting or no illumination in order to eliminate need for can and 2) additional detailing and information on placement of the monument in two versions - with and without the time/temperature feature. Motion carried 6-0-1 with Commissioner Gregory abstaining. 9 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 26, 2000 MINUTES 9. CASE NO.: SA00-92 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESSy IMPERIAL SIGN COMPANY, 46-120 Calhoun Street, Indio, CA 92201, for SELECT PROPERTIES LLC, 7143 Katella Avenue, Suite B, Stanton, CA 90680 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of sign program for shopping center, Desert Country Plaza LOCATION: 77-880 Country Club ZONE: Staff distributed additional plans showing signage on the retail buildings and the entry monument. On buildings facing the parking lot (away from the street), the signage as shown is individual channel letters in size consistent with City limits, maximum width of 75% of store frontage using either Helvetica Medium or Souvenir font, dark bronze trim caps and returns to match building color. The applicant proposes blue, red, green, orange, and black/white as well as some franchise colors being introduced. Some signs on interior buildings are shown above the 20 foot height limit. Code limits wall-mounted signs to a maximum height of 20 feet. Signs above that height will need individual approval by the City Council. Commission suggested reducing size of facia lettering to 15" to provide minimum 12" top and bottom borders, and balanced either over arches or over columns. There are three buildings with their backs to Country Club. Staff's concern is their close proximity to Country Club and that they do not need to be internally illuminated. Lettering along Country Club needs to be centered. Reverse channel letters across the back of the three buildings on Country Club and on the exposed ends of Buildings 1 and 3 was recommended. Plaza entry monument: Applicant is suggesting a double-faced, 10x60-foot monument located at plaza entrance and viewable from both the east and westbound traffic on Country Club. The monument is the same stucco as the plaza's buildings. This center is entitled to two signs. Mr. Dave Osban 10 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 26, 2000 MINUTES pointed out features and answered questions from the Commission members. As shown, it appeared that the current architecture takes up a lot of the area that may be needed for tenants' names and suggested replacing current ends with less massive looking stone and paramolding to free more space for signage. Two options were discussed: Having two single-faced monuments flanking the entrance and tucked into the landscaping or having a single double-faced sign. Action: Commissioner Gregory moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to continue the case. Applicant to provide drawings and/or plans for a double- sided monument or two single-faced monuments tucked into the landscaping berm. Applicant understands Commission's suggestions regarding 1) on buildings facing parking lot, the reduction in letter height, centered placement, and individual channel letters and may go ahead with current tenants' signage. Commission requests opportunity to see and approve that signage. 2) Reverse channel lettering, along with size and centering, on the back of the three buildings adjacent to Country Club as well as on the exposed ends of Buildings 1 and 3. The motion carried 7-0. 11 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 26, 2000 MINUTES B. Preliminary Plans 1. CASE NO.: CUP 00-11 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESSy SCHMITZ ENTERPRISES & V. CARLOS, PO Box 3992, Palm Desert, CA 92261 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of revised preliminary plans for 23-room residential care facility LOCATION: 44-555 San Rafael ZONE: R-3 Staff presented drawings of revised facility with changes made per Commission's recommendation. Action: Commissioner Connor moved, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic, to grant approval. The motion was carried 7-0. 2. CASE NO.: TT 29444 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS: TOM HALLECK, P.O. Box 696, Cathedral City, CA 92234 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of revised architecture of six models for a 32 single-family lots LOCATION: West side of Portola north of Frank Sinatra Drive ZONE: PR-5 Applicant and staff presented revised drawings of models as recommended by Commission. Action: Commissioner Connor moved, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic, to grant approval. The motion was carried 7-0. 12 IWO ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 26, 2000 MINUTES 3. 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, 10670 North Central Expressway, # 600, Dallas, TX 75231 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of two office buildings LOCATION: Northwest corner of Cook Street and Gerald Ford: 74-950 Cook ZONE: PCD, FCOZ Mr. Smith reported that applicant had requested a continuance. Action: Commissioner Connor moved, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic, for continuance. The motion was carried 7-0. 4. 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 The applicant submitted a written request for a continuance. Action: Commissioner Connor moved, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic, for continuance. The motion was carried 7-0. 13 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 26, 2000 MINUTES 5. 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 The applicant submitted a written request for a continuance. Action: Commissioner Connor moved, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic, for continuance. The motion was carried 7-0. 6. 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 a mixed use neighborhood commercial project. LOCATION: 74-945 Sheryl, west side of Cook Street, north of Whitewater Storm Channel: The Wells at Palm Desert ZONE: R-1, proposed PC-2 The project involves the conversion of the existing golf driving range to a mixed-use neighborhood center. The existing 9-hole golf course will be maintained. The Commission was provided with elevations for the proposed development to be completed in three phases. Phase 1 consists of a restaurant, gas station/convenience store with a water feature, and several retail/office buildings; Phase 2 will be a 40-lane bowling alley; and Phase 3 will be additional office buildings. 14 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 26, 2000 MINUTES The property is currently zoned residential. Applicant is applying for conversion to mixed-use zoning. The entire development is walled along Sheryl. The grade is fairly level and does not go to the wash. It becomes more dramatic just beyond this property. The plans have been before the Planning Commission as a discussion item and received favorable review. Adjacent residences will be granted easements to this property if and when required. Phase 1: The gas station will be a reverse design with the food mart at the corner including a cascading waterfall. The reverse layout softens the approach to the commercial buildings. The restaurant is single-storied with a turreted entry with a three-tower elevation facing the parking lot.; the tallest is 27 feet. There is a covered dining patio at the rear of building. There will be two two-story office/retail buildings with a common courtyard and connecting 2nd-story bridge. The architectural theme is contemporary Mediterranean. These buildings have windows facing into the courtyard. There are some windowless elevations as seen from street. Phase 2: Bowling center is in an architectural contemporary design and is completely different and more dynamic than the rest of the development. The bowling alley has 40 lanes, split into two wings containing 16 and 24 lanes respectively. The center is centrally located within the city and near the high school. The estimated cost is $110,000/lane to build, excluding land costs. It has been designed so that charities and private groups can reserve a wing for their activity while not disturbing or being disturbed by others. Visitors can go upstairs to the observation area to watch the games below. Applicant feels the bowling center would be complementary to the adjacent golf course and would provide better circulation of people throughout that area of the city with more lighting and a better security presence. The view line from the street is less than one foot. Phase 3 will be additional office buildings with the same architectural design as those in Phase I. Landscaping: The landscape is primarily turf, date palms, and Rhus Lancea. The plant palette contains limited desert material. It is the opinion of the Commission that the amount of turf will cause unnecessary problems with the Council. It was suggested that the desert palette be expanded which makes upkeep easier. 15 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 26, 2000 MINUTES Discussion followed concerning the architecture. Commissioner Vuksic stated that the one-story restaurant appeared long at 130 feet and suggested it would be reasonable to break up that dimension. The somewhat ornate turreted entry doesn't seem to relate to rest of the architecture. It was noted that the office/retail buildings have blank walls, particularly against the adjacent residences. The applicant explained that the overhang will give some shadow effect to it and that the blank walls can be surfaced and textured. Commissioner Hanson suggested that one of the end parapets could be set back adding definition to the wall. Several detail options were offered. Opportunity for great views of mountains, however, there may be a needfor those blank walls to serve as storage within the second-story offices. Windows are being considered on north and west walls. It will be a marketing issue. There was concern that within the one center there are two designs. Applicant stated that he had planned it that way so the recreation area would be separate from office buildings/restaurant/gas station. In comparison to the bowling alley, the other buildings are too boxy. All pyramid towers appear to be the same height while the bowling alley has ups and downs, plays in shapes, and adds interest. Applicant stated that he intended to use colors or materials to maintain some form of dramatic tie to the bowling alley. Commission suggested that some of the bowling alley's contemporary style be incorporated into the other buildings, in particular focusing on roof lines. With cost in mind, Commission suggested that the buildings in Phase 1 be revised and shown to the Commission. Once approved, applicant would apply same revisions to the other phases. The Commission also requested a topographic site plan. Action: Commissioner O'Connor moved, seconded by Commissioner Connor, to continue this case. Applicant will return with 1) revisions to Phase 1 buildings incorporating some of bowling alley's contemporary elements, particularly along the roof lines and adding detail to the blank walls, 2) a topographic site plan, and 3) a revised landscaping plan replacing some turf, especially at the prominent corner, with a more desert-friendly palette. The motion carried 6-0-1, with Commissioner Van Vliet abstaining. 16 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 12, 2000 MINUTES V. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 4:00 p.m. STEVE SMITH PLANNING MANAGER 17