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Home My WebLink About2001-04-10 , f � � MINUTES PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2001 **************************************************************************************************** I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was calied to order at 12:30 p.m. Commissioners Present Current Meeting Year to Date Present Absent Present Absent Wayne Connor X 5 2 Ronald Gregory, Chairman X 6 1 Kristi Hanson X 6 1 Neil Lingle X 3 4 Richard O'Donnell X 5 2 Chris Van Vliet X 6 1 John Vuksic X 7 0 Staff Present: Phil Drell, Planning Director Steve Smith, Planning Manager Martin Alvarez, Associate Planner Spencer Knight, Landscape Manager Daisy Garcia, Code Compliance Gail Santee, Senior Office Assistant II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: March 27, 2001 Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to approve the minutes of March 27, 2001. The motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Lingle abstaining and Commissioners Van Vliet and Connor absent. III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS A. Commissioner Vuksic, a member of the General Plan Advisory Committee, said he intends to talk to the consultant about getting the community design element in front of the Commission a few months in advance of the September meeting. Mr. Drell stated technically the Commission is on the subcommittee list. Commissioner Vuksic stated the material shows up two weeks before the meeting. He believes the community design element deserves more consideration. i , � , � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 10, 2001 MINUTES Mr. Drell asked if the Commission would like the consultant to come before it before even drafting something to provide rough ideas. Would the Commission like to have a special meeting. The Advisory Committee will be looking at vacant land, particularly in the north area. Commissioner Gregory asked if there were any movement towards doing master planning in a "whimsy" sense. Mr. Drell replied an idea was out there for master planning where the various internal uses are integrated in a better way so that every use does not have to its own entrance onto an arterial or a residential project where you can get to the shopping center without having to use the arterial street system, ie, walk, bike, or golf cart. The one idea that is out there is that whole communities of 50-60 years ago where you did not have the segregation of uses. Mr. Drell stated that there isn't much room, but north of Gerald Ford and the section north of Desert Willow which has already been approved for a country club. The City is trying to buy the latter which is about 460 acres. The other opportunity is the land around the college and to create a community relating to the college. Commissioner O'Donnell suggested that with something as unusual, as big, and as important as this, there should be a separate meeting. The Commission generally agreed. B. Mr. Smith reported that the Commission and staff had been allowing landscape plans to trail the final approval of buildings, putting a note on the building permit issuance to hold at rough framing for final landscape plans. The system is not working. The City Landscape Manager is finding either materials not installed per plan or it is not close to what was proposed. Commissioner Gregory stated that in the past there were times when a project was allowed to go ahead to get to the grading permit based on the approval of preliminary landscape plans. If the developer had the architectural plans and the preliminary landscape plans, he would be allowed to do the grading. But in that period of time, if they hadn't come up with an approved landscape plan at the time the grading was completed, they could not start building. Mr. Drell stated that once the Commission and staff sign off, it is out of our control and we are relying on other departments to catch these at the proper stage. At times, it hasn't been caught and the project proceeded along with the landscaping only to find the landscaping was incorrect. In the future, the City will have a landscape inspection system that will be analogous to the building permit system. There will be three or four 2 � ' � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 10, 2001 MINUTES stages of landscape installation which will allow the City to catch the mistakes before they are done. IV. CASES A. Final Drawings 1. 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: Approval of color scheme for art gallery LOCATION: 45-188 Portola ZONE: C-1 Staff presented the Commission with the proposed color scheme for the art gallery. Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to approve the color scheme. Motion carried 5-0 with Commissioners Connor and Van Vliet absent. 2. CASE NO.: MISC 01-06 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS�: DESERT WIRELESS LLC, 303 N. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92263-2724 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of 15- foot antenna for internet access LOCATION: 74-040 Hwy. 111 ZONE: C-1 Mr. Smith reported the applicant had lowered the height of the antenna from 30 to 15 feet. Commission was provided pictures of the antenna at both heights. 3 � � � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 10, 2001 MINUTES Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to approve the 15-foot antenna. Motion carried 5-0 with Commissioners Connor and Van Vliet absent. 3. CASE NO.: SA 01-35 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): DIVERSIFIED SIGNS & GRAPHICS, 5602 E. La Palma Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92807 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval to install channel-letter retail signage for RADIO SHACK LOCATION: 73-603 Hwy. 111 ZONE: C-1 Mr. Alvarez reported the applicant was requesting an update to the current signage which is red individual channel letters. The new signage will consist of white individual channel letters mounted on a non-illuminated black, aluminum background which outlines the white letters. There will also be a logo channel with a red "R" in the middle of the logo box. Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to approve the new signage. Motion carried 5-0 with Commissioners Connor and Van Vliet absent. 4. CASE NO.: CUP 01-07 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS� MIKE KOCOUR, 77-640 Robin Road, Palm Desert, CA 92211 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary/final approval of revised plans for a 40' x 44', 18' high storage garage for recreational vehicles LOCATION: 77-640 Robin Road ZONE: RE 40,000 • The staff provided the Commission with revised elevations of the 4 . � , � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 10,2001 MINUTES storage garage. The City Landscape Manager had reviewed landscape plans. Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to approve the revised plans for the storage garage subject to the Landscape Manager's comments. Motion carried 5-0 with Commissioners Connor and Van Vliet absent. 5. CASE NO.:TT 25373 APPLICANT �AND ADDRESS� RMD LANDSCAPE DESIGN SERVICES, 52-293 Avenida Madero, La Quinta, CA 92253 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of landscaping for two single family models for a 20-lot subdivision LOCATION: 73-170 Hovley Lane West (north of new Temple Sinai) ZONE: PR-5 Applicant had submitted landscaping plans for two single-family model homes. The City Landscape Manager has reviewed the plans. Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to approve the landscape plans subject to the Landscape Manager's comments. Motion carried 5-0 with Commissioners Connor and Van Vliet absent. 6. CASE NO.: RV 01-01 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS�: CASEY SORENSEN, 74-600 Old Prospector Trail, Palm Desert, CA 92260 MARK VALENTIIWO, Architect, 44-267 Monterey Avenue, #B, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of addition to and remodel of existing residence 5 , , � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 10, 2001 MINUTES LOCATION: 74-600 Old Prospector Trail ZONE: R-110,000 The staff provided elevations for the addition to and remodel of the existing residence for the Commission's review. Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to approve the remodel and addition as proposed. Motion carried 5- 0 with Commissioners Connor and Van Vliet absent. 7. CASE NO.: PP/CUP 98-16, C 98-5 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS� TIM PITTS, CENSOURCE SIGNAGE, 1500 S. Sunkist Street, Unit H, Anaheim, CA 92806 DAVID GOLDMAN, KL CHARLES & ASSOCIATES, 12631 E. Imperial Highway, Bldg. E, Suite 111, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 AMERICAN INVESTMENT GROUP/PALM DESERT, LLC, 301 Forest Avenue, #200, Laguna Beach, CA NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval for building signage for STAPLES OFFICE SUPPLY LOCATION: 72-811 Hwy. 111 ZONE: PC-3 Mr. Smith reported that signage had been excluded when the working drawings were approved. The revised signage plan has deleted the south elevation sign. The west and north signs will be "halo illumination reverse channel letters". The letters will be aluminum painted a semi-gloss white set on a smaller red tile background. Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to approve the revised signage program. Motion carried 5-0 with Commissioners Connor and Van Vliet absent. 6 , . ; � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 10,2001 MINUTES 8. CASE NO.: APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): JAMES ROLLER, CUSTOMIZED SERVICES, 500 S. Rancho Avenue, Suit A, Colton, CA 92324 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval to install generator at KESQ-TV LOCATION: 42-650 Melanie Place ZONE: SI Mr. Smith provided colored photos of the proposed generator and its location and noted that the generator is the same color as the building's wall. It is only visible from the KESQ-TV parking lot. Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to approve the installation of the generator. Motion carried 5-0 with Commissioners Connor and Van Vliet absent. 9. CASE NO.: PP 00-22 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESSI: CURTIS R. SHUPE, 73255 EI Paseo, Suite 15, Palm Desert, CA 92260 for MS. ELLEN RABB, 73- 005 Shadow Mountain Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of working drawings of 4-unit single-story apartment building LOCATION: 73-815 Shadow Mountain Drive ZONE: R-3 3,000 Mr. Alvarez pointed out the applicant had made the suggested changes: He added the tower in the center to break up the elevation and added wainscot. The City Landscape Manager is reviewing the landscape plans. � , . . � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 10, 2001 MINUTES Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to approve the revised plans subject to the Landscape Manager's comments. Motion carried 5-0 with Commissioners Connor and Van Vliet absent. B. PRELIMINARY PLANS 1. CASE NO.: CUP 94-4 Amendment #1 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): WILLIAM HARRIS, ST. MARGARET'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 47-535 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA 92260 PAM TOUSCHER, WWCOT, 199 S. Civic Drive, Suite 10, Palm Springs, CA 92262 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of revised plans for the expansion of an existing school facility LOCATION: 47-535 Highway 74 ZONE: P Revised plans were distributed to the Commission. Mr. Smith reported that on the west side of the 7`h and 8`h grade building, the applicant had added a trellis which extends six feet out from the wall. The trellis will help break up the expanse of the wall. In addition, the applicant has shown shrub material at the base and climbing the columns. It was noted that the extra tower had been removed. Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to approve the revised plans subject to the Landscape Manager's comments. Motion carried 5-0 with Commissioners Connor and Van Vliet absent. g , ' . , �`` ''�rr� ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 10, 2001 MINUTES 2. CASE NO.: PP 01-07 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS�: THE FOUNTAINS, 2020 West Rudasill Road, Tucson, AZ 85704 FRANK URRUTIA, Urrutia Architects, 73-550 Alessandro Drive, Suite 201, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of revised plans for expansion to the existing assisted- living/skilled-nursing facility at The Fountains at the Carlotta LOCATION: 41-505 Carlotta Drive ZONE: PR-10 Mr. Smith displayed the revised plans and colored elevations. The City Landscape Manager has reviewed the landscape plans and found them acceptable in concept. The applicant pointed out that they had recessed as many as twelve windows in order to break up the large, expansive walls, and added gabled roofs as seen from the courtyard. Commissioner O'Donnell expressed concern about the long horizontal ridge along the roof of the casita 8-plex buildings. The casita 4-plex buildings each have a tower element along the roof. Commissioner Hanson asked if a portion of the 8-plex roof could be raised slightly to break up the long ridge. Commissioner Vuksic stated the quality of the project was great, but he wanted to understand if there was a reason for having a long continuous ridge. The applicant stated there was not a particular reason. Commissioner O'Donnell noted the 4-plexes have a similar roof line with gables and the roof element to break up the line. He suggested a design feature for the 8-plex horizontal ridge line. He commented the applicant had done a good job of addressing the Commission's comments. He stated that roof elements or other design feature should be added to the 8-plex roof line. 9 , , , , , , �; � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 10, 2001 MINUTES The applicant noted the two 4-plexes have a tower that are roughly centered on the courtyard. He suggested putting a tower on each of the 8-plexes , resulting in four towers as viewed from the courtyard. Commissioner Vuksic stated that if you have a courtyard, you don't put a tower on every side. A tower is a focal point and not put on every side. He would prefer seeing a long ridge in order to compliment the two existing towers. Commissioner Hanson re-stated bringing a fifty-foot portion of the 8- plex roof up as little as two feet with a gable end with a plaster wall. Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to grant preliminary approval of the revised plans subject to 1) raising a portion of the 8-plex casitas roof's approximately two feet to break up the roof line and 2) the Landscape Manager's comments. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Gregory abstaining and Commissioners Connor and Van Vliet absent. 3. CASE NO.: APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS�: CORTLAND MORGAN, Architect, 6910 Woodland Drive, Dallas, TX 75226 GLENN HARRIS, Ruth's Chris Steak House, 3321 Hessmer Avenue, Metairie, LA 70002 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of architecture and landscaping for 9,007 sq.ft. Ruth's Chris Steakhouse at new location LOCATION: 74-738 & 74-740 Hwy. 111, northeast corner of Hwy. 111 and Village Court ZONE: PC-4 Mr. Smith displayed the new building's drawings to the Commission. Mr. Drell stated the applicant's goal was to have a signature building. This is not an official application, but were requesting some feedback from the Commission. io , � . � . �� ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 10, 2001 MINUTES Commissioner Vuksic stated he would like to have the architect present to hear what they have to say, but the classical details need to be abstracted a bit when dealing with such a contemporary building. The cornice detail needs to be simplified. While it is fun to be eclectic, it just cannot be so literal. The porte cochere looks like a Vegas casino and smashed into a Frank Gary building. He would like to hear the designer's comments. Mr. Drell stated that Frank Gary is consistently quirky throughout the building. One elevation is predominantly traditional and then you go around the corner. Commissioner O'Donnell stated that the building is going to be controversial and what the Commission was saying was "let's be consistent" with the concept. He agreed with Commissioner Vuksic about the porte cochere. He also stated that he had a problem with the way the dome had been finished and that the window design on the west side won't work, although they will be OK on the south side. There are small separate dining rooms facing west which will become quite hot in the summer. Staff stated applicant intended to have some type of interior window shading system. Commissioner Lingle stated the building was "ugly"; he doesn't like it at all. Action: The Commission's comments will be forwarded to the applicant 4. CASE NO.: PP 01-09, C 01-02 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS�: BILL KERR, KERR PROJECT SERVICES, 4655 Cass Street, #200, San Diego, CA 92109 for McDonalds SIXTH STREET PARTNERS I, LLC, 7143 Katella, Suite B, Stanton, CA 90680 CRHO ARCHITECTURE, 195 South "C" Street, Suite 200, Tustin, CA 92681-1066 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval architecture and landscaping plans for McDonalds. �1 � � • . r . �' � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 10, 2001 MINUTES LOCATION: Desert Country Plaza, Northwest corner Country Club & Harris ZONE: PC (2) FCOZ Mr. Smith reported that the applicant had asked that the case be continued as requested by the applicant. Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to continue the case. Motion carried 5-0 with Commissioners Connor and Van Vliet absent. VI. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 1:45 p.m. STEVE SMITH PLANNING MANAGER 12