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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-06-12 �`•�� CITY OF PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 12, 2001 **************************************************************************************************** I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 12:30 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Commissioners Current Meeting Year to Date Present Absent Present Absent Ronald Gregory, Chairman X 9 2 Kristi Hanson X 8 2 Neil Lingle X 7 4 Richard O'Donnell X 7 2 Chris Van Vliet X 10 1 John Vuksic X 11 0 Also 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 III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: May 22, 2001 Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to approve the minutes of May 22, 2001. The motion carried 4-0 with Commissioners O'Donnell and Hanson absent. IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS A. None i ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 12, 2001 MINUTES V. CASES A. Final Drawings 1. CASE NO.: SA 01-52 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): JUNE WACHS, CALENDAR GIRLS, 73-885 Hwy. 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of revised illuminated reverse channel letter business signage for VILLAGE COUNSELING LOCATION: 73-302 Hwy. 111 ZONE: C-1 The Commission had approved the signage as presented at the May 22nd meeting with the conditions that the signage be reduced in size and centered over the three windows. The applicant presented the Commission with a slightly revised version showing a peeler pole shade structure over both the 2nd story sliding door and window, rather than just the door; adding 2x6 headers over the windows and doors on the 1st floor; and showing the smaller signage which will be 10 inch backlit letters. Mr. Alvarez reported that the signage was remaining the same as long as there is no background. It was recommended that they go with the real header - not veneer. Action: Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner Lingle, to approve the signage subject to applicant working with staff on additional details added since the last approval. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioners O'Donnell and Hanson absent. GAPlanning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\Agmin\AR010612.min.wpd 2 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 12, 2001 MINUTES 2. CASE NO.: SA 01-57 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): KEVIN PARKER, SWAIN SIGN, INC., 1384 E. Fifth Street, Ontario, CA 91764 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of business sign for DANSK LOCATION: 73-300 El Paseo ZONE: C-1 Mr. Alvarez reported the request was for two individual channel letter signs on the north and south elevations of a new El Paseo commercial building. The letters are 30 inches with white faces. The south-facing sign is above the 20-foot height limit and will require Planning Commission approval of an exception. It does meet the square footage allotment which is 60 square feet with each sign totaling 27 square feet. Commissioner Van Vliet stated the letters were too big at 30 inches. He asked if the letters were going to be downsized in consideration of the fact that they are so high. Mr. Lionel Rodriquez, Swain Sign, noted that the signage was less than half of what was allowed based on square footage. He also noted that the sign could not be placed any lower due to the building's architecture. Commissioner Van Vliet felt it could be down-sized and still get the impact across. At the 30 inch size, the signage is balanced at its current height of 23 feet. If the letters were reduced in size, the sign could come down some. Mr. Drell asked if there would be a pedestrian level sign. Mr. Rodriquez stated he did not believe there would be any. Commissioner Gregory stated that because of the fact that it is so high up, such a short word, and only 50 percent of the allowable signage, it will probably have a lot less impact. The buildings on either side have signage at 20 feet or under. Commissioner Van Vliet was concerned about setting a precedent where a sign is allowed at three feet over the limit. Mr. Drell stated it had been done several times. GAPlanning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\Agmin\AR010612.min.wpd 3 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 12, 2001 MINUTES Action: Commissioner Van Wet moved, seconded by Commissioner Lingle, to approve the signage subject to the letters being reduced from 30 inches to 24 inches on the north and south elevations. Applicant must receive approval of an exception to the height of the sign from the Planning Commission for the sign located on the south elevation. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioners O'Donnell and Hanson absent. 3. CASE NO.: PP 00-24 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): NOGLE ONUFER ASSOCIATE ARCHITECTS c/o Lindquist Development, 2398 San Diego Avenue, San Diego, CA 92110 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of revised plans for six apartment units on a 19,653 sq.ft. lot on the east side of Ocotillo Drive LOCATION: 45-500 Ocotillo Drive ZONE: R-3 (3) Mr. Alvarez displayed the revised plans noting that the Commission's requests had been met: detail on the block wall in the front to screen the parking lot, hips and gables were added to the side and rear elevations, and the recommendation for final approval was subject to the Landscape Manager's comments. Action: Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic, to approve the final plans subject to the Landscape Manager's comments. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioners O'Donnell and Hanson absent. GAPlanning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\Agmin\AR010612.min.wpd 4 140 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 12, 2001 MINUTES 4. CASE NO.: PP 00-25 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): NOGLE ONUFER ASSOCIATE ARCHITECTS c/o Lindquist Development, 2398 San Diego Avenue, San Diego, CA 92110 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of revised plans for six apartment units on a 20,050 sq.ft. lot on the east side of Ocotillo Drive LOCATION: 45-050 Ocotillo Drive ZONE: R-3 (3) Mr. Alvarez displayed the revised plans noting that the Commission's requests had been met: detail on the block wall in the front to screen the parking lot, hips and gables were added to the side and rear elevations, and subject to the Landscape Manager's comments Action: Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic, to approve the final plans subject to the Landscape Manager's comments. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioners O'Donnell and Hanson absent. 5. 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: Final approval for architecture and landscape plan for Mobil service station, convenience store, and car wash facility LOCATION: 78-005 Country Club Drive at Washington Drive ZONE: PI-2 (FCOZ) overlay GAPlanning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\Agmin\AR010612.min.wpd 5 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 12, 2001 MINUTES The architecture and landscape plans had been distributed to the Commission for its review. Mr. Smith recommended a minute motion approval without sign approval but that staff be authorized to approve the signs once they are submitted with the previously requested 12-inch border. Action: Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic, to approve the revised architectural and landscape plans. Motion does not include sign approval, however, grants staff authorization to approve the signs once they are submitted with the 12-inch border. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioners O'Donnell and Hanson absent. 6. CASE NO.: SA 01-63 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): JIM ENGLE, IMPERIAL SIGN, 46-120 Calhoun Street, Indio, CA 92201 (fax 347-0343) NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of new business signage for Andreino's LOCATION: 73-098 Hwy. 111 ZONE: C-1 Mr. Alvarez stated the applicant wished to change the existing signage which reads "Castellis" in green neon tubing and "Andreinos" in red neon tubing to the green neon "Castellis" with two red neon parallel accent bars on each side of the word. Action: Commissioner Van Wet moved, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic, to approve the signage as submitted. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioners O'Donnell and Hanson absent. GAPlanning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\Agmin\AR010612.min.wpd 6 +' ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 12, 2001 MINUTES 7. CASE NO.: SA 01-44 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): PARAGON SIGNS, 77-650 Enfield Lane, Palm Desert, CA 92211 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of revised business signage on building turret for CB Wealth Management Group LOCATION: 44-672 Monterey Avenue ZONE: OP During its last meeting, the Commission had concerns about the size, proportion, and location of the proposed signage. The Commission had requested that the signage be located on the band across the front of the building, but there is no electrical access and the applicant would have to put up an exposed raceway. Mr. Alvarez reported the revised signage has been reduced, but the location remains on the turret. Commissioner Gregory stated the Commission's earlier concerns were based on the plethora of different things within the sign - different letter styles, the logo, and intense colors . All of this was taking place on the building's important architectural element. He stated that shrinking signage helped a little bit. Should the applicant insist upon putting the signage on the turret, maybe the sign has to be simplified so it isn't so busy. Ms. Cathy Brown, the owner of CB Wealth Management, stated it was a benefit to having an identifiable company name. In this case, the name of the company is everything on the signage: CBWealth Management Group. Mr. Mark Palmer, the sign designer, stated the blue and brown colors shown are no where near what the real colors are. The terra cotta is an absolutely compatible color with this building. This is a tightly developed brand; there are not a lot of competing elements. There are two type fonts and two colors. Ms. Brown stated that if the wording were located on the front band people wouldn't be able to easily see it because clients are either making a U-turn at the light or coming from a direction that by the time the sign can be seen, you are already passed the parking lot entrance. Signage GAPlanning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\AgminWR010612.min.wpd 7 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 12, 2001 MINUTES should help people locate a building. The turret is a natural position for a sign. The colors can be toned down to be more earthy. Mr. Shawn Wells, Ms. Brown's husband, an attorney and a past member of the Claremont City Council stated he had reviewed the minutes and talked to staff about exceptions to the legal requirements. When he looks at Ms. Brown's business, what they do, and the new approach they are attempting, then go down the street to see the major brokerages with million dollar advertising that they compete against directly, that's the reason for the unique identification. He also noted the signage at night would be "shining" at the mall parking lot. Just down the street, the State Farm agency has a logo that is twice as big as the letters and is shown in four different locations, all of which are lit. The reason for the logo was to give the company a certain identity. They are taking the investment practice and the law practice and incorporating it with the idea of protecting one's security both financially and legally. It is a much more full purpose management idea and something that will grow with the times. While it may not seem to be retail, in fact, they are selling products. That explains the identity, the location, and why the building was built there. Commissioner Van Vliet noted he thought the signage was well designed. He had been opposed to the height of the signage, it was too big for the building and that normally the Commission did not allow signs to be on building parapets. If this sign could be lowered or had less impact, he wouldn't have any objection to it. Commissioner Gregory stated the Commission's preference that signage doesn't become the architecture. It prefers that signage be a part of the architecture. If this signage were reduced in size and lowered, he would be in favor of having it located on the turret. Commissioner Vuksic stated the signage should be located about 12 inches above the band. The applicant thought 18 inches would be appropriate. Mr. Wells, referring to the minutes, stated it seemed the Commission was more concerned about the location rather than the size of the signage. If the signage were lowered on the turret, would it have to be reduced in size. Commissioner Vuksic stated it looks more proportionate and appropriate when the signage size is reduced. He thought it was in a great spot, but that smaller would be better. GAPlanning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\Agmin\AR010612.min.wpd 8 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 12, 2001 MINUTES Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to approve the signage subject to using the smaller version of the signage and lowering its placement on the turret to approximately 12 inches above the band as deemed acceptable by the Planning Director. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioners O'Donnell and Hanson absent. 8. CASE NO.: SA 01-46 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): NANCY COBB, DGI SIGNS, INC., 77-720 Springfield Lane, Palm Desert, CA 92211 CAMERON NEVINS, 74-478 Hwy. 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of revised signage at Cam's Corner LOCATION: 74-478 Hwy. 111 ZONE: C-1 Mr. Cameron Nevins had provided a letter to the Commission addressing it's concerns as described during the May 22nd meeting. Mr. Christopher Blaisdell, attorney-at-law, spoke as an advocate and salesman for the project to help clear the air. He has lived in the valley for about 30 years. He stated that Mr. Nevins felt he had been blindsided by the Commission based comments made in the May 22nd minutes. He feels that the Commission is attempting to cover old ground that has already been hashed and re-hashed over and over again. Mr. Blaisdell stated he couldn't think of a nicer convenience facility between Santa Monica and Scottsdale than Mr. Nevin's due to both the City's and Mr. Nevin's hard work. He listed all of the service stations within the City's boundaries which were not many considering they serviced a city of 40,000 residents and most of those within Indian Wells. With working families, it is beneficial to get the "most bang for the buck" with one-stop shopping - food, mini-Kinkos, gas. It is the eastern portal to the City and it is something to be proud of. The landscaping problems are being resolved with the City. He pointed out the size of the signage at the McCallum Theater to which Mr. Drell replied that it GAPlanning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\Agmin\AR010612.min.wpd 9 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 12, 2001 MINUTES was State property and not within the City's jurisdiction. Mr. Blaisdell continued that Cam's Corner is a first-class project compared to every other service station, particularly those at the western entry to the City, the USA Station. Mr. Blaisdell noted that one of the issues was the bright lights under the canopy. He was confident that those could be dimmed to an acceptable standard. However, they are a safety issue for night- time patrons. In addition, the station closes at midnight when the lights can be turned off. Commissioner Gregory stated he did not have a grievance with the development. His major concern is using buildings as billboards. Because there are several businesses and because of its corner location, there is a lot of signage already there. As far as the brightness of the canopy, he is not too concerned. It is the building signage that is the subject of this application. Mr. Nevin's is aware that some signage may have to be removed in order to get the signage that is more eye-catching. Commissioner Gregory re- stated this project is at the edge of the envelope as far as pushing things and to have a request for even more stuff, the Commission has had to tighten up a little bit. Ms. Nancy Cobb, DGI Signs, stated their goal was to have "Mail Bag" and "City Pizza" towards the street because the Mobil canopy is in the way of a lot of the signage. They had considered removing the "Cam's Corner" letters and putting two monuments - one at one of the entrances and one between the palms trees at "Bash's" and the bus stop. Commissioner Van Vliet asked if Ms. Cobb had a site plan to indicate where the signs would be placed. Ms. Cobb responded that all she had right now was the photo. There are currently two monuments and another on Alessandro. They are entitled to monument signs on each frontage which means three. Commissioner Gregory stated simplification would be one way to look at it. Removing the arched "Cam's Corner" sign or if it were simplified it would help. The two Mobil gas signs with pricing located on Hwy. 111 and Deep Canyon are federally mandated. Mr. Drell suggested if the building signage was inappropriate, a solution would be to have less-cluttered signs on the highway. Commissioner Van Vliet stated that didn't solve the problem by putting them on the ground. Mr. Drell responded that businesses GAPlanning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\Agmin\AR010612.min.wpd 10 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 12, 2001 MINUTES need identification to stay in business. The ugliest building is an empty one. Mr. Nevin's had proposed in his letter removing the "City Pizza" signage on the west side and re-locating the "City Pizza" sign on the south side to a higher position. However, they would like to keep the one above the door, but will eliminate it if necessary. "City Pizza" is currently on the building three times, this would reduce it to two. Commissioner Vuksic sympathized with the applicants efforts to attract customers and not having visible signs, but he was concerned about the signs dominating the architecture. This is a good example of that. The building is a bill board. Commissioner Gregory asked about an earlier proposal of combining additional signage with the Mobil monument signs. And, was the Commission's reaction to that negative because there was too much going on. Should the Commission go along with the request and allow two more monument signs, there would be a total of four monument signs and the center identification "Cam's Corner" on the corner. The center identification sign is acceptable as is. However, removing the relatively unobtrusive sign over the front door with tile background which isn't "in your face" and putting a large sign very high up is something the Commission has a hard time approving that. Mr. Nevins responded that the proposed "City Pizza" signage on the side of the building is not to scale. The letters would be 18 inch, not the 22 inch as shown. Since the "Mobil" monument signs cannot be made smaller and if additional signage were added to those monuments, they would have to have the same type of signage as the "Mobil" perhaps by creating a unifying background monument. Mr. Drell stated the exception to the monument signs is when the conclusion is that as opposed to wall signs this is more aesthetic. If the Commission reached that conclusion, it should recommend that to the Planning Commission which can authorize additional monument signs. Commissioner Vuksic asked if some trading could be done. If there are five monument signs (four monument and one center identification) on the project, can some of the building signs be traded. Mr. Nevins responded that he would eliminate the Alessandro sign which does little or nothing. Mr. Knight, the City Landscape Manager, suggested putting in a specimen shrub in front of the area of the center identification sign and removing the signage would simplify the project. GAPlanning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\Agmin\AR010612.min.wpd 11 err+ *400 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 12, 2001 MINUTES The two new monuments would be located on Hwy. 111 (1) and on Deep Canyon (1) with shrubs. Commissioner Gregory also asked if the unuseful sign could be removed from the side of the building. Mr. Nevins related that he had discussed signage with his tenants. They agreed with what he had proposed (in his letter) but were adamant about not losing any more signage unless they could get it up high. It took some arm- twisting to get them to drop the one "City Pizza" sign which they had paid $4,000. Mr. Drell explained that to get the monuments, the "City Pizza" sign over the door would not have to be eliminated. Mr. Nevins asked if they were getting the two monuments, losing the Alessandro monument, and lose the Cam's Corner monument or place a shrub in front of it. They don't lose any of the existing signage. Commissioner Vuksic moved to approve two additional monument signs as presented with "Mail Bag" and "City Pizza" located under "Mobil" with the understanding that the "Cam's Corner" sign on Alessandro will be removed and the "Cam's Corner" sign on the street corner of Hwy. 111 and Deep Canyon will be removed, in front of that location a shrub, chosen by the City Landscape Manager, will be planted. The motion rejected the "City Pizza" sign on the parapet of the building. Commissioner Gregory seconded the motion. Commissioners Van Vliet and Lingle opposed the motion creating a 2-2 vote and the motion did not p ass. Commissioner Van Vliet was opposed to any more signage as this is really adding more signage. Commissioner Lingle agreed, stating it might be more appropriate to have the full Commission in attendance. Commissioner Gregory asked if an acceptable means were brought forth to design integrated signage with the Mobil sign so that it will look like one schematically designed sign. Members of the Commission agreed because they wouldn't be adding additional monuments. Suggestions offered included picking up the rounded corner theme of the Mobil sign for the additional signage, perhaps using the same blue and red colors, with a plaster painted to match the building. If the background to the monument were off-white or tan, the colors of the letters could be red. Mr. Nivans noted that the sign was only 33 inches high. Mr. Drell noted that this was a case where a can sign would work better. Action: GAPlanning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\Agmin\AR010612.min.wpd 12 r ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 12, 2001 MINUTES Commissioner Lingle moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to continue the case to allow applicant to come back with alternatives for consideration of the Commission. Suggestions offered included picking up the rounded corner theme of the Mobil sign for the additional signage, perhaps using the same blue and red colors, with a plaster painted to match the building. If the background to the monument were off-white or tan, the colors of the letters could be red. This was a case where a can sign might work better. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioners O'Donnell and Hanson absent. 9. CASE NO.: MISC 01-10 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): TED GROULX, PO Box 14083, Palm Desert, CA 92255 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of remodeled business facade LOCATION: 74-111 Hwy. 111 ZONE: C-1 The Commission was presented with present-day pictures and the proposed new building facade. There is an identical building adjacent to it and that property owner does not want to make any changes. The new facade will extend almost out to the existing canopy overhang. The canopy will be eliminated. With the addition of some landscaping, the parking lot will be pushed back 3- 4 feet. A handicap parking space will be added. Mr. Drell discussed several options for additional landscaping in front of the building, including a type of palm tree that will have its head above the building. The possibility of angling the parking spaces was considered in order to provide a larger planter, but the applicant pointed out that with the additional handicap spot, angling would lose another spot, leaving 5 spots where there are currently 7. Responding to Commissioner Van Vliet's question, Mr. Groulx stated all of the roof mounted equipment will be screened by the new parapets. The working drawings will show this. Commissioner Vuksic added he would like to see how the parapets are treated as they go back towards the building. GAPlanning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\Agmin\AR010612.min.wpd 13 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 12, 2001 MINUTES Action: Commissioner Gregory moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to grant preliminary approval of the re-modeled facade subject to the working drawings showing how the parapets are treated toward the building and making sure the roof-mounted equipment in screened. Applicant to provide a landscape plan prior to final approval. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioners O'Donnell and Hanson absent. B. Preliminary Plans 1. CASE NO.: TT 30216 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): Mario Gonzales, GHA Paloma Group, LLC, 68-936 Adelina Road, Cathedral City, CA 92234 RGA Landscape Architects, Inc., 74-020 Alessandro, Suite E, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary plan approval of landscape plan for common area for a 32-lot single family housing development LOCATION: Sundance Court, west side of Shepherd Lane, 2,000 feet north of Frank Sinatra Drive ZONE: PR 5 Staff recommended approval to the landscape plan subject to the Landscape Manager's comments. Action: Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic, to grant preliminary landscape approval subject to the to the Landscape Manager's comments. Motion carried 3-0-1 with Commissioner Gregory abstaining and Commissioners O'Donnell and Hanson absent. GAPlanning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\Agmin\AR010612.min.wpd 14 NW , ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 12, 2001 MINUTES 2. CASE NO.: PP 01-15 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): GARY DeFREITAS, WESTVEST, 3991 MacArthur Blvd., #350, Newport Beach, CA 92660 THOMAS HERNANDEZ, DESIGN CLASSICS, 66-605 Thunderbird Lane, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240 (fax 288- 3738) NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of 3-unit townhouse building LOCATION: Southwest corner of Sunset Lane and Abronia Trail ZONE: R-3 The applicant is proposing a 3-unit apartment building on the southwest corner of Sunset Lane and Abronia Trail. Mr. Alvarez reported the surrounding uses were multi-family. Across the street to the east is an identical building except that it contains six units. The same architecture will be used on the new building. The building materials will consist of stucco in a slightly different color than that across the street and Spanish roof tile. It meets the height restrictions for a two-story building at 24 feet as well as the setback requirements. The Landscape Manager has made comments about the plant palette, spacing, and locations. Commissioner Van Vliet asked about the windows trim. Mr. Hernandez responded he could put on a stucco trim or shutters. On the rear elevation windows, he could put raised fur-outs as he did on Waring Court. Commissioner Van Vliet stated something was needed because the 2nd-story had good visibility. Commissioner Vuksic noted that since the 2nd-story rear elevation was all on one plane, on a 2x6 wall with nail on windows, adding a 2x4 trim on the windows would give depth. Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to grant preliminary approval subject to resubmittal of landscape plan and adding window detailing to all sides of the building via window recessing and/or fur-outs. Window details on the front elevation shall match those of the adjacent units to the east. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioners O'Donnell and Hanson absent. GAPlanning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\Agmin\AR010612.min.wpd 15 rri *40 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 12, 2001 MINUTES 3. CASE NO.: TT 30025 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): JIM SNELLENBERGER, WORLD DEVELOPMENT, 74-333 Hwy 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary architectural approval for four models for 32-home development LOCATION: Petunia Place, west side of Portola Avenue, off of Shepherd Lane, 1600 feet north of Frank Sinatra ZONE: PR 5 Mr. Alvarez expressed concern with the roofs on Models 2 & 3. Commissioner Vuksic stated he was disappointed and would like to meet with the applicants after the meeting to discuss each of the models. The Commission has approved a lot of houses in this area and it has been maintaining a standard of thick walls and nicely proportioned eaves. Mr. Lujan stated these models are top-selling models in LaQuinta and that's why the developer wanted to bring them to Palm Desert. Commissioner Vuksic noted that Plan 4 has thick walls, yet Plan 1 doesn't. Upon viewing the four stucco colors which happen to be the same as approved for Daisy Lane, the Commission felt more variation was needed as the colors were similar. It was recommended that the lightest color be changed to a darker color. Action: Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner Lingle, to grant preliminary approval subject to Commissioner Vuksic's comments, modifying the roofs on Models 2 and 3 to hip, and switching the lighter stucco color to a darker color. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioners O'Donnell and Hanson absent. GAPlanning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\AgminWR010612.min.wpd 16 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 12, 2001 MINUTES 4. CASE NO.: PP 01-13 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): CARL VOCE, 545 Via Media, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274 Robert Ricciardi, Robert H. Ricciardi AIA & Associates, 75- 090 St. Charles Place, Suite A, Palm Desert, CA 92211 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary architectural and landscape approval of two one-story and one two- story new office buildings on Alessandro between San Pascual and San Juan LOCATION: 73-720 Alessandro ZONE: OP Mr. Smith stated the Commission had seen a similar proposal in 1988. The City Council is looking at an ordinance amendment requiring additional setbacks on corners in the Office Professional and other districts. The applicant has made modifications which address those new setbacks, ie, two feet of setback for every foot of building height on corners. In the previous approval in 1991, the adjacent neighbors had expressed concern about that the driveways onto the site should be from Alessandro with no access to the side streets. In this case, the applicant has made some reconnaissance in the neighborhood and this may not be a concern this time around. Mr. Ricciardi pointed out the one-story and two-story buildings have been set back to meet the new ordinance. There will be a shade structure over 76 of the 135 parking stalls in the parking lot. He commented that the Fire Department would require more than one entry onto the site and would probably prefer having the driveways as indicated. Mr. Ricciardi commented on the architectural details including the staggered effect on each building. The one-story buildings are stepped-back to a total height of 20 feet. The two-story building is stepped back with the first element at 16 feet, the second at 25 feet. The two-story building is canti-levered between the two floors about 8-10 feet. There are a lot of in's and out's in all of the buildings. Commissioner Van Vliet noted there were "knock outs" in the parapets of the one-story buildings which helps break up the mass GAPlanning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\Agmin\AR010612.min.wpd 17 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 12, 2001 MINUTES of the parapets and not on the two-story building which is the most visible. Mr. Ricciardi responded that he was at the height limit on the two-story building and didn't have the height in the parapet to play with. He stated the roof-mounted equipment would have to be hidden on top by recessing the roof, perhaps over the hallway. Commissioner Vuksic liked the idea of making the two-story building different, but thought it could look different and still break up the mass of the parapet. Mr. Ricciardi responded he could pop out another element in the front elevation, but cannot change the straight line. The landscape concept consists of palm trees at the front of the building and umbrella-type trees along the sides and in the parking lot. There will be covered shade tree parking along the interior perimeter parking. A water fountain will be placed in the front. The applicant likes the use of turf, similar to the turf being used on the outside of Chatham Court's development on Portola. He would like to put a little grass in front and put desert plants behind it. He noted that what made Desert Willow look so good was the desert landscaping with the grass. Mr. Knight explained the way the ordinance was written in terms of water efficiency, the applicant is a little bit more than 30% and that the trend is to not landscape adjacent to city streets with turf. In the interior of projects, more turf has been allowed. The applicant noted they hadn't considered any grass behind the buildings. The "30%" was defined as 30% of a particular area, not of the entire project's landscape; it is the immediate area being worked with. Mr. Knight asked to see the water use calculations and square footage of turf. He noted that the City's specifications are more intense than CVWD's. Commissioner Gregory stated that applicants should be made aware through some form of guideline or code about what is expected regarding the installation of lawns and the 30% rule. Mr. Knight stated he was working on doing that. Action: Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic, to grant preliminary approval for the architecture subject to revisions to the 2nd-story building upper parapet line and to landscape subject to the Landscape Manager's comments. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioners O'Donnell and Hanson absent. GAPlanning\Gale Santee\wpdocsWgmin\AR010612.min.wpd 18 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 12, 2001 MINUTES 5. CASE NO.: PP 01-14 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): T. MICHAEL HADLEY, 23142 Alcalde Drive, Suite C, Laguna Hills, CA 92653 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary architectural approval of 9,070 square foot office building for Robert McLachlan, DDS LOCATION: 72-415 Parkview Drive ZONE: OP The proposal consists of a 9,070 square foot dental building for now with the addition of a second 5,300 square foot building to be located to the west some time in the future. The site is on the south side of Parkview Drive. There is an existing commercial center to the west and existing residential zones to the south and east. Parking is located between the two buildings and along back and is accessed from Parkview. The dental building consists of a clay tile roof, stone veneer and stucco siding, accented with heavy stucco trim bands. There is a heavy timber wood trellis structure with stone veneer columns and stucco bases over the southwest elevation entrance, as well as over the three middle windows on the west elevation, and over the four windows at the east of the south elevation. Commissioner Vuksic stated he liked the design, but some of the walls should be thickened - the stucco wall with the two windows on the south elevation; the stucco wall with the two windows and door on the east elevation; and the mid-section wall on the north elevation so that the windows can be recessed. The applicant commented he was trying to get some staggering of the facade. The project will consist of the same colors, materials, and landscaping as the Reserve Clubhouse. Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to grant preliminary approval subject to the north, south, and east elevation walls being made 6 inches thicker and windows recessed. A trellis may be installed on the east elevation in lieu of thickening the walls. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioners O'Donnell and Hanson absent. Landscaping: Plans indicate Crape Myrtles as the major parking lot theme tree. While it does make sense for the suggested small GAPlanning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\Agmin\AR010612.min.wpd 19 fir✓ ''' ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 12, 2001 MINUTES planters, but it is a slow growing tree and will take a long time to provide the required shade. It was recommended that the applicant use one of the trees listed in the parking lot ordinance. Action: Commissioner Gregory moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to approve the landscape plans subject to changing the Crape Myrtles to one of the trees in the parking lot ordinance. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioners O'Donnell and Hanson absent. 6. CASE NO.: PP 01-08 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS) KLAFF REALTY, 111 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 6064-3501 PREST VUKSIC ARCHITECTS, 74-020 Alessandro, #C, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of architectural modifications to existing building and new restaurant pad at southwest corner of San Pablo and El Paseo, EL PASEO SQUARE LOCATION: 73-411 Hwy. 111 ZONE: C-1 The Commission had been provided architectural plans to the existing building and new restaurant pad. The project was before the Commission several months ago and this carries through with the same architecture theme. Commissioner Gregory commented that the designs were very appropriate. Action: Commissioner Gregory moved, seconded by Commissioner Lingle, to grant preliminary approval. Motion carried 3-0-1 with Commissioner Vuksic abstaining and Commissioners O'Donnell and Hanson absent. GAPlanning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\Agmin\AR010612.min.wpd 20 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 12, 2001 MINUTES 7. CASE NO.: APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): PREST VUKSIC ARCHITECTS, 74-020 Alessandro, #C, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of architectural remodel to north elevation for Foundation for the Retarded LOCATION: 73-255 Country Club Drive ZONE: P The Foundation has a grant for Phase 1 for an architectural remodel of the north elevation to enhance the entries. Phase 2, scheduled for next year, will consist of stone work and colonnades. The intent is to match Building 3 which is further back on the site with the same materials and same architecture. The Commission agreed that it was beautiful. Action: Commissioner Van Wet moved, seconded by Commissioner Lingle, to grant preliminary approval. Motion carried 3-0-1 with Commissioner Vuksic abstaining and Commissioners O'Donnell and Hanson absent. C. Miscellaneous 1. CASE NO.: PP 01-03 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): SABBY JONATHAN, COOK STREET ASSOCIATES, LLC, 42-620 Caroline Court, Suite 120, Palm Desert, CA 92211 ALLEN SANBORN, SANBORN ARCHITECTURE, 1227 S. Gene Autry Trail, #C, Palm Springs, CA 92264 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Commission to view revised plans architectural plans for a 16,000 square foot office/industrial building LOCATION: Northwest corner of Cook Street and Sheryl Avenue ZONE: OP GAPlanning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\Agmin\AR010612.min.wpd 21 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 12, 2001 MINUTES Mr. Smith reported this case goes back before the City Council on June 141h. There were a few minor revisions to the architecture to be shown to this Commission. He pointed out that the treatment on the east and south elevations has been extended around the corners to the west and north elevations. Action: Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic, to endorse the revisions stating they were an improvement. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioners O'Donnell and Hanson absent. 2. CASE NO.: CUP 01-08 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): BILL BEAMER, 02 WIRELESS SOLUTIONS, 8300 Utica Avenue, #245, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 Hank Hohenstein, 9090 Calle Escorial, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Discussion of 26" diameter flag pole for 50-foot freestanding telecommunications tower LOCATION: 47-535 Hwy. 74 (St. Margaret's Church) ZONE: P The case was before the Commission on April 24th and received approval conditioned on the flag pole's color. During the Planning Commission meeting on June 5th, the applicant showed the diameter at 26 inches rather than the 16 inches seen by this Commission. The Planning Commission felt it should be returned to this Commission in order to confirm it's recommendation with the larger flag pole. The applicant distributed photos of a similar installation in San Diego with the 16-inch diameter, 35-foot high flag pole. Mr. Ed Krugman introduced himself as 02 Wireless' Site Acquisiton Specialist. He stated that proportionately, in the design characteristics, they are the same. He wanted to show the consistent shape from top to bottom. He explained the Federal GAPlanning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\Agmin\AR010612.min.wpd 22 w° ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 12, 2001 MINUTES Communications Commission licensed Verizon to operate within a certain band frequency and range. Because of that, they are limited to the kind of antenna equipment that is available to do the job. Sprint, in comparison, is a different section of the radio frequency band, doing a different kind of work, and using a different technology so they can use a different size and shape of antenna. In order to accommodate concealing the antennas inside a pole, it requires a 26-inch diameter. There has to be room for the cable and have the antennas inside the fiberglas cover. The flag poles are designed to accommodate the local conditions of wind shear as well as stipulate in the design flying two 6x10-foot flags, instead of the just one. St. Margaret's Church has asked to fly their own flag as well as the American flag. The pole and the fiberglas container at the top can be any color. The paint over the fiberglas will be designed to withstand the local conditions. Commissioner Gregory stated this was clearly not a flag pole, it is a substantial installation. Commissioner Van Wet asked how far the flag pole could be pushed back on the site. Mr. Harris, St. Margaret's Parish Administrator, stated this was the only spot for it because there is an adjoining equipment room. If the flag is moved elsewhere, an additional building would have to be added to the built-out site. The only option would be more palm trees which he would rather not do. He felt that by color-coating the pole to a color that would blend in and disappear. The proposed flag pole is shorter than the highest trees on the lot. Commissioner Gregory asked if the structure could be an artificial palm tree instead of a flag pole. Mr. Krugman stated one of the things that came up in front of the Planning Commission was looking for alternatives since so many artificial palm trees are located within the community. This was a viable alternative. Commissioner Gregory responded that this was at one of the major entries into town, it is also right where Haystack Road meets Hwy. 74. Mr. Krugman stated it would be dilemma for him to find another location on the church property that is acceptable. If they get too far away from the current location, they'll have to build an equipment shelter. GAPlanning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\Agmin\AR010612.min.wpd 23 %%� *40 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 12, 2001 MINUTES Mr. Hank Hohenstein stated the height had always been at 50 feet. Part of the advantage was taking out an existing structure from which a flag was flown and replaced it with another. From the visible impact coming down Hwy. 74, what will be seen are the two flags flying, not the diameter of the pole. Commissioner Gregory disagreed stating this was not a beautiful thing and everyone is trying to make it work. Commissioner Lingle asked if landscaping and color were around the base and the flags were proportionate to the size of the pole. These are going to be big flags. He stated it was do-able, but there have to be some conditions with it, ie, colors, location, and landscape. It was suggested that the applicants return with some sort of simulation with the actual size of the flags and with some of the other options that had been mentioned. Commissioner Lingle stated he would prefer continuing the case to have it heard before a full Commission because this is going to be an issue of significant debate. Commissioner Van Vliet stated he didn't want to mis-lead the applicants by saying if they paint the pole a different color, leave it in the same location, and change the flag sizes that they would get support. Commissioner Vuksic stated the Commission was debating about something when they didn't know what it looked like. Mr. Harris asked about the possibility of forming a courtyard in front of the new school building that is going in. Moving the flag pole to the center of that quad may be within the necessary distance to the present equipment shed and be away from the street. Action: Commissioner Lingle moved, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic, to continue the case to allow applicant the opportunity to provide Commission with a simulated photo of the 26" diameter flag pole and to consider other locations. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioners O'Donnell and Hanson absent. GAPlanning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\Agmin\F1R010612.min.wpd 24 *40 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 12, 2001 MINUTES 3. CASE NO.: 01-12 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): DESIREE DOERLER, D•ZIGN, 21 Queen Street East, Suite 404, Brampton, Ontario, CANADA L6W 3P1 GLENN HARRIS, Ruth's Chris Steak House, 3321 Hessmer Avenue, Metairie, LA 70002 RICHARD PRICE & ASSOCIATES, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS, 27127 Calle Arroyo, #1905, San Juan Capistrano, CA NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Landscape plans for Ruth's Chris Steak House at new location LOCATION: 74-738 & 74-740 Hwy. 111, northeast corner of Hwy. 111 and Village Court ZONE: PC-4 Mr. Smith reported the Planning Commission had approved the project. Mr. Knight presented the proposed landscape plan for the Commission's review explaining this is a unique piece of architecture and he wanted to treat the landscape specifically. Mr. Price, the landscape architect, does about 60-70% of their work in the desert. The site is unusual because along Hwy. 111 there is existing lawn and they are trying to interface that. As well there is different landscaping already in existence along Village Court and along the back side which is adjacent to an office building. The architecture of the restaurant has a lot of things happening. The key elements in the landscaping are the strong date palms coming down the street and lower scale date palms into the project as an entry feature. Moving into the project there are Albizia (Silk Trees) as the parking lot tree. Because of the color and scale, Jacaranda would be used as an accent around the building to play off the building color. The lawn will be continued along the outer perimeter backed up by Deer Grass to screen the cars. Mr. Price stated the only difference between himself and Mr. Knight is that Mr. Knight would like larger spaces between the plants. He would prefer putting them closer but separate the curb and the paving from the plants and let the plants grow to the edges. However, there are different conditions. The porte couchere has a GAPlanning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\Agmin\AR010612.min.wpd 25 low a ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 12, 2001 MINUTES different plant palette because of shade and water requirements. It will be mostly desert-themed otherwise attempting to work with the existing landscape. As you get closer to the building, there might be Mediterranean Fan Palms and other plants that might not be considered indigineous to the desert, but work in the desert. Mr. Knight stated it was over-planted; the plant population is too high. The Albizia is not on the parking lot tree list. It can be replaced by whatever is on the parking lot tree ordinance. The site was originally over-planted. Usually, sites get more intense as you get closer to the building and less intense towards the street. In this case, the plant population along the street is high along with the turf. Should he allow a higher plant population than normal because of the character of the building or should he require that the plants be spaced out to be more arid. The applicant noted they were taking out a row of the Baccharis "Centennial" which is in front of the Texas Ranger. Mr. Knight recommended taking the turf out and decreasing the planting by about 60%. But since there is so much already in, they intend to cut it back. Currently, the Texas Ranger is not being maintained and it is about 4 feet high. The applicant intends to cut it back after it blooms. These two steps should come closer to Mr. Knight's expectations. Mr. Knight asked the Commission if this case should be allowed to go with a little more lush planting or go with the standard. Commissioner Gregory responded that this type of restaurant is a place of entertainment. People will come in the evenings. Whatever will look nice at night and provide the ambiance that people are looking for when they are spending a lot of money for dinner. He would agree with having heavier plantings close to the building. Further away from the building, there is no need. Mr. Knight noted he was satisfied for the most part, aside from the Albizia, with the selection of materials. He will work with applicant to fine tune the perimeter and parking lot. Action: Commissioner Gregory moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to approve the landscape plans subject to the Landscape Manger's comments. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioners O'Donnell and Hanson absent. GAPlanning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\Agmin\AR010612.min.wpd 26 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 12, 2001 MINUTES 4. Discussion of Architectural Element of General Plan Action: Commissioner Lingle moved, seconded by Commissioner Gregory, to continue this discussion to the next meeting. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioners O'Donnell and Hanson absent. VI. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 3:10 p.m. STEVE SMITH PLANNING MANAGER /gs G:\Planning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\Agmin\AR010612.min.wpd 27