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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-09-11 ' k �`•�� CITY OF PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES September 11, 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 14 3 Kristi Hanson X 14 2 Neil Lingle X 11 4 Richard O'Donnell X 11 3 Chris Van Vliet X 16 1 John Vuksic X 16 1 Also Present: Phil Drell, Director, Community Development Steve Smith, Planning Manager Martin Alvarez, Associate Planner Tony Bagato, Planning Technician Gail Santee, Senior Office Assistant Spencer Knight, Landscape Manager III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: August 28, 2001 Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic, to approve the minutes of August 28, 2001. The motion carried 5-0-1 with Commissioner Lingle absent. IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS A. None 1 • L ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 MINUTES A. Final Drawings 1. CASE NO.: SA 01-101 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): PALMS TO PINES CANVAS, 69 Pinyon Pines, Box 69, 69-640 Sugarloaf, Mt. Canter, CA 92561 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of new awning and business signage for EL PASEO ANTIQUE COLLECTION LOCATION: 73-425 El Paseo ZONE: C-1 Drawings of the proposed awning and business signage were distributed to the Commission members. Action: Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to approve the request per minute motion. Motion carried 5-0-1 with Commissioner Lingle absent. 2. CASE NO.: PP 00-27 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): LAMB ARCHITECTS c/o Mark Barbour, 426 N. 44th Street, #225, Phoenix, AZ 85008 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of revised plans for a three-story, 88-room hotel on 2.1 acres (Hampton Inn) LOCATION: North side of Gerald Ford Drive, 300+/- feet west of Cook Street ZONE: Approved Commercial District Plans were on review. The elevations show the signage, however, however no details were available, therefore, signage will not be a part of this approval and will come before the Commission at a later date. GRanning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\Agmin\AR010911.min.wpd 2 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 MINUTES Mr. Knight had previously reviewed the landscape plans. He made notes on the plans and explained his comments to Mr. Barbour, the applicant. He stated he needed water calculations, the maximum water allowance for the plant factor is .5, use native soil, no wire ties on the trees (they need to be cinch ties), he needs DG specs, he asked why they were applying herbicides if they are group emitting (they won't have any way to activate the herbicide), and they need CVWD sign-off. The trees being used around the pool were not to be used elsewhere and it appears they are. His big concern was that the parking lot trees had not yet met the ordinance. They need to have a tree every six stalls and need to meet the 50 percent shade requirement by the time the trees reach maturity. Trees listed as experimental on the parking lot tree list cannot number more than 15 percent of the trees being used. Commissioner Gregory noted the plan showed plants requiring different amounts of water being planted in the same zones. What will happen is that either some of the plants will be over-watered or won't get enough water. Mr. Knight suggested the applicant's landscape architect talk to him directly. Commissioner Gregory recommended the landscape plan be re-submitted for staff approval. Commissioner Vuksic recommended returning the parapets at the end of the building to extend further into the roof to match the other extensions. Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to grant final approval subject to the landscape plan being re-submitted for staff approval and returning the parapets at the end of the building to extend further into the roof to match the other extensions. This approval does not include signage. Motion carried 5-0-1 with Commissioner Lingle absent. 3. 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 TOUSCHNER, WWCOT, 199 S. Civic Drive, Suite 10, Palm Springs, CA 92262 G:Planning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\Agmin\AR010911.min.wpd 3 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 MINUTES NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of plans and landscaping for the expansion of an existing school facility LOCATION: 47-535 Highway 74 ZONE: P The applicant is requesting final approval of both the early childhood center which is to be located in the center of the existing buildings as well as the 7th/8th grade building which backs onto the wash. Action: Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to approve the working drawings for both buildings. Motion carried 5-0- 1 with Commissioner Lingle absent. 4. CASE NO.: SA 01-102 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS: ERIC MERTEN, PO Box 179, La Quinta, CA 92253 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of wall- mounted and monument business signage for EXECUTIVE CARWASH LOCATION: 77-960 Country Club Drive ZONE: PC-2 Mr. Smith stated the car wash was nearing completion and the applicant was requesting approval of the signage. On the westerly face, there will be non-illuminated sign (color rendition distributed). On the easterly face, facing toward Washington Street, they are requesting illuminated letters with a raceway. There is an "I" beam behind the stucco panel which leaves little room to recess it. The "I" beam has wood on the top and wood across the face of it which is plastered. There is only about 5 inches between the "I" beam and wood fascia. Mr. Merten explained they would have to drill holes through the "I" beam, but there is no way to get to the "I" beam. If it were non- illuminated, there wouldn't be a problem and the easterly side could be the same as the westerly side. Mr. Merten pointed out that he does have power feed to the area. G:Planning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\Agmin\AR010911.min.wpd 4 ``f W ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 MINUTES Commissioner Vuksic asked if they could tear into the furring and the plaster, could the raceway be mounted in there. Mr. Merten responded there was not enough room to recess a raceway. The question was would it be an external raceway or a non-illuminated sign. If it were an external raceway, could it be something that could be made to look like it is supposed to be there or can it be minimized by painting or texturing. Or, will this just not work and it has to be non-illuminated? It was asked why the easterly face had to be illuminated since the car wash was not open at night. Mr. Merten stated the owners wanted it lit because it was new and they want to get the attention of the people coming across the Washington Street bridge. Mr. Merten stated that in driving up and down Washington Street you see a dozen buildings with raceways. This raceway will not be exposed; it will be painted the same color as the building. He used Blockbuster's and Desert Country Club Storage painted raceways as examples. Both are less noticeable because they are painted the same as the building. The letters will be aluminum white. Commissioner Vuksic recommended furring out the entire area behind the sign. Del Rio's Mexican Grill on Country Club and Cook was used as an example. The raceway would have a stucco finish to match the building so the can would not be visible. Only the letters would be illuminated. The rendition shown to the Commission was not accurate in its sizing of the signage to the building's facia. Mr. Merten stated the facia was 4.5 feet high and 32 feet long. The sign is 24 inches high and 23 feet long. The letters for "Executive" are 18 inches, the letters for "Car Wash" are 24 inches high. There will be no background behind the letters despite what is shown in the rendering. All that will be seen are the letters. Commissioner O'Donnell stated he would like to see an accurate portrayal and details of the letters to the facia and parapet. When shown in proportion, 24 inch letters might not be too large. Mr. Merten stated that from the street 24 inch letters were not too big. He noted that Bagel Bistro and Gold's Gym are much larger. However, they are on different buildings. He is allowed up to 50 square feet of signage, this proposal is 47 square feet. It was suggested that Mr. Merten discuss his options with the developer to see which were more favorable to them. It was noted that if they go G:Planning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\Agmin\AR010911.min.wpd 5 Vale ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 MINUTES with non-illuminated letters, there would be no problem. Illuminated letters will be more difficult. If they should decide to stay with the raceway, the goal would be to get it as recessed as much as possible. Action: Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to continue the case to allow applicant time to 1) decide if the east facing signage will be illuminated, and 2) provide Commission with accurate details on the signage and the parapet with the recommendation that should a raceway be used, it appear recessed. Motion carried 5-0-1 with Commissioner Lingle absent. 5. CASE NO.: SA 01-104 and SA 01-105 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): AMERICAN AWNING COMPANY, 44- 489 Town Center Way, Suite D-194, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of new awnings for two adjacent businesses, LORAN LORAN and IT'S SCENT-SATIONAL LOCATION: 73-199 El Paseo ZONE: C-1 Mr. Alvarez asked to have this item added to the agenda. The Commission concurred. Mr. Alvarez explained the request was for two new awnings. The words "It's Scent-sational" will come off the building and two new awnings will be installed. It's Scent-sational is giving up some of its space to a new tenant, Loran Loran. Each tenant will have an individual awning over each of the two windows. The awnings are proposed Cal style, open ended, over steel tube frames. They will be similar to The Gardens. The awnings are non-illuminated and will have lettering on them. The lettering for each tenant will go on the 12-inch high vertical facia, replacing the existing "It's Scent-sational". Letters will be 8 inches maximum. However, applicant must present the signage (lettering size and font) to staff for approval. The awning for Loran Loran will be "desert tan" color; the awning for It's Scent-sational will be "dark lavender". The Commission recommended the awnings be balanced over their windows, not off-set as shown. G:Planning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\Agmin\AR010911.min.wpd 6 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 MINUTES Action: Commissioner Gregory moved, seconded by Commission Vuksic, to approve the awnings subject to aligning each awning over its respective window. Lettering will be a maximum 8" high, but must be presented to staff for approval of size and font. Motion carried 5-0-1 with Commissioner Lingle absent. B. Preliminary Plans 1. CASE NO.: PP/CUP 01-17 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): JIM HOOD, ARCO PRODUCTS COMPANY, 3350 E. Concours Street, #26N, Ontario, CA 91764 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of an automobile fuel station, car wash, and convenience store LOCATION: 74-950 Gerald Ford Drive, northwest corner of Cook Street and Gerald Ford Drive ZONE: PCD, FCOZ This project for ARCO is on the northwest corner of Cook Street and Gerald Ford Drive. EXXON/MOBIL has just recently received approval for a gas station across the street on the northeast corner of Cook Street and Gerald Ford Drive. EXXON/MOBIL's building and canopy will be built on a diagonal to the corner. The perimeter of that site is obscured with up to 8 feet in berming and landscaping. The ARCO plan proposes the building and convenience store backing onto Gerald Ford Drive, sitting in the southeast corner of the lot, with the canopy/pump island on the inside of the property in front of the convenience store running east/west. The car wash is to be located at the northwest corner near the property line with the Hampton Inn which is to the west. The elevations for the buildings and canopy are a simple, contemporary look. The major statement is the aluminum color banding. Signage will come back through for specific approval. When it comes back through, staff would be interested to know that the program includes all the intended signage as service stations seem to mushroom signage on the pumps, the cash boxes, and the trash enclosures. G:Planning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\Agmin\AR010911.min.wpd 7 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 MINUTES Landscaping: The brown areas shown on the color landscape plan are not berms, they are retention areas. The level of screening will be considerably less than what was achieved on the other corner with EXXON/MOBIL. Mr. Knight stated it appeared as though they were screening the back of the building with plant material. He stated that he could not approve the plant material spacing as it will be a nightmare for maintenance. He noted at the back of the building there were Cape Honeysuckle which will end up being balled and squared by the maintenance community. They attempted to incorporate some of the plant material and some of the design from the Hampton Inn. He had questions about the use of some of the material. It appears they haven't complied with the parking lot tree ordinance. The trees are all being shown at the same height. The larger canopy trees, as well as the other trees, should be shown indicative of the size they will grow to near maturity. It was recommended that the applicant's landscape architect talk directly to Mr. Knight. Commissioner Hanson suggested the applicant look at the recently approved EXXON/MOBIL project to see whether they would like to come back with something else. The applicant replied they were under the understanding that their architecture and landscaping was to blend in with the Hampton Inn. He asked if they could modify and make changes. Mr. Knight stated that unless the retention basins were required by the civil plan and City engineering approves it, they should eliminate the retention basins. However, they may be required. They will not be able to build 8-foot berms if that were the case. At this time, they are screening the cars from the street view by plant material. Commissioner Gregory recommended implementing some walls with plant material. The applicant stated they did have some 4-foot walls planned. The first step will be to see if they need to keep the retention basins. Mr. Knight stated that unless the master development plan requires that they maintain the same landscape as the Hampton Inn, they don't have to as far as he is concerned. He would prefer less lush landscaping. Site Planning: Commissioner Hanson's biggest concern is that Cook Street is a major access into Palm Desert. As you are coming in from the freeway, you look directly into the very tall, simple, plain canopy and into the face of the building. The project's siting across the street was done very well by angling the canopy so you don't see such a broad G:Planning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\Agmin\AR010911.min.wpd 8 rrw ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 MINUTES expanse of it. It also allows a little more landscaping by increasing the berming to shield the view into the building. The project manager replied that the shape of this property is totally different than the one across the street. In order to angle the canopy, the flow of traffic on the lot is disrupted and becomes disorganized, potentially dangerous. He noted the size of the building will be reduced from the usual 4,200 square feet to 3,600 square feet which will provide more room for landscaping. Discussion followed about the possibility of moving the car wash to another location on the site. Attention was drawn to the car wash and its location near the beautiful front entry to the hotel and the hotel's swimming pool. It was suggested that maybe the car wash should be eliminated; that maybe there was too much planned for the lot. Mr. Hood stated they had worked the site plan around numerous times in their attempt to be competitive. They have been in contact with Hampton Inn as the master developer of the overall project. He explained the Hampton Inn had been required to take additional property which ate into the applicant's parcel. There are safety issues that need to be addressed including minimum distances between the building, the pumps, and the street. There is quite a flow of traffic and they need to make sure it flows smoothly and safely. This will be the first down-sized building they have put up. The current location of the car wash and the landscaping is the best site plan they could come up with in conjunction with the Hampton Inn. Commissioner Gregory stated there were two completely different uses at the entrance off of Gerald Ford that it makes the entrance to the hotel look inelegant and tacky. It is not just the architecture. There will be a lot of cars going in and out. The applicant pointed out that it was a self-serve car wash they drive in and drive out. There will be no stopping to dry off or vacuum. Commissioner O'Donnell stated the major problem was the whole site plan especially with the thought that Phase II to the north will include a drive-thru restaurant will add even a larger volume of traffic. He stated the design challenge was to make the gas station not look like a gas station. He pointed out that the architecture and the site plan both work on the recently approved site across the street. Due to the fact that this property is adjacent to the hotel, he recommended making the building and the site as unimposing as possible. It will function as a gas station, but it doesn't have to look like a usual gas station. The car wash only exacerbates the problem. They are trying to put too much on the site. G:Planning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\Agmin\AR010911.min.wpd 9 tiro ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 MINUTES Commissioner Hanson presented an alternative which placed the car wash behind the convenience store, both set at an angle in the southeast corner of the site. With the car wash behind the convenience store, people drive in one side, out the other, and it is totally bermed up and hidden. The sound is going out to the street. The canopy would also be set at the same angle as the building in the center of the site. However, there may a problem with the canopy lights being seen from the hotel rooms. The applicant stated they could work with the lights. The issue is the dimensions of the site. Commissioner O'Donnell stated what he was hearing from the applicant was that maybe the site wasn't really appropriate for the use it is being designed for. Maybe they were forcing the gas station into a smaller site than previously planned and it might not work any more. Mr. Hood stated they would look at that, however, they had been moving forward according to the what they thought was an approved master plan with an approved use for a gas station. Their underlying concern is safety. They need to be competitive and to do so they need to have all the planned elements in there. It is expensive land out there; it is an expensive community to build in. This project is probably one of Mr. Hood's highest projected costs he has ever had. They want to be a good neighbor. Commissioner Gregory asked Mr. Hood if Commissioner Hanson's suggestion had any merit, ie, nestling the car wash into the corner behind the convenience store. Mr. Hood replied they could certainly look at it, but they had to keep in mind was their stacking lane, the entrances/exits, room for the tankers, etc. Mr. Bill Gilmore introduced himself as consultant site manager for ARCO. He reviewed the diagram drawn by Commissioner Hanson. The applicants showed the Commission where the heaviest traffic would be and how much room was needed for car movement. Commissioner Hanson suggested they come back after having given some thought to the possible changes and how those changes would affect the hotel. Architecture: The applicant asked if they had to match the Hampton Inn's architecture. Commissioner Hanson stated the flavor of the Hampton is not necessarily bad, but given what is going across the street, they need to upgrade the exterior of the building. They could take the Hampton's architecture and upgrade it by adding accents and shadows. Commissioner O'Donnell is not looking for a formula building; he is looking for a building that is designed for the site. The canopy is a massive structure - it has a 4-foot facia and 2-foot cornice G:Planning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\Agmin\AR01 091 1.min.wpd 10 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 MINUTES on top of that with a 16-foot clearance, totaling 22 feet. The highest point on the building is 18 feet. Wherever that canopy goes, it will be higher than anything else. He hoped that in coming back with better architecture for the building, that the size of the canopy be considered. The applicant noted that a 14 feet was minimum clearance for the canopy. Commissioner O'Donnell suggested that might be a level they want to try to achieve along with reducing the size of the facia in attempt to reduce the height of the canopy. While the MOBIL canopy is the same height, they seem to have done something to make it appear less high, perhaps with columns that have architecture, plants at the base of the columns which soften the look of the canopy. Commissioner O'Donnell acknowledged all the aspects the applicants had to deal with in terms of economics, technology, and regulatory items. The Commission's perspective is what is it going to look like after it is built for the residents of the City to drive by on a day-to-day basis. The canopy dominates the site. Anyway they can minimize that would be beneficial as would some architectural and landscape treatment that would help visually and aesthetically. Mr. Hood stated they wanted both parties to be proud of it and indicated he understood which direction they needed to go. Commissioner Van Vliet pointed out that what made it look like a can- type service station were the identification bands, which identify the service station and are a form of advertisement. It gives it the look of one of the typical generic stations. It was explained that the Commission does not see signage as architecture. It would rather see architecture with some signage on it. They should match the Hampton Inn's architecture and bring it up. However, there is the opportunity to pursue other architectural styles if the master agreement allows them to do so. Commissioner Vuksic stated he liked simple and didn't care if it looked like a fueling station - it is a fueling station. But, that can be done in a way that is good architecturally. What he is looking at is simple in a corporate way, not in a good architectural way. Suggestions were offered to help improve the look of the basic box: Corinthian columns, a mansard roof with Fiberglas tiles, changing the cornice details, articulate the box in the three dimensions, a composition of forms that relate to each other, use of other materials. Even the car wash can be improved: there is the wash tunnel and its support space. Why not differentiate them in the elevations. Make sure the parapets are finished all the way around. GRanning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\Agmin\AR01 091 1.min.wpd 11 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 MINUTES It was suggested that the color scheme should be "stepped up" - don't be afraid to use attractive contrasting colors. Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to continue the case to allow the applicant the opportunity to address: 1) Landscaping: note whether the retention basins are required; replace the Cape Honeysuckles; comply with the parking lot tree ordinance and note the amount of shade provided at tree maturity; screen the cars with plants and walls; if possible, using more arid-type plants; have applicant's landscape architect talk to City Landscape Manager. 2) Siting: consider siting of canopy, car wash, and convenience store in relation to the hotel, safety, and lines of view from the streets and the hotel as well as in conjunction with the proposed drive-thru restaurant. 3) Architecture: If required to follow Hampton Inn architecture, add to it by adding accents/shadows; if not required to do so, explore other avenues; use bolder, contrasting colors; re-think the banding; attempt to minimize the visual affect of the canopy; improve the basic box look, perhaps by adding Corinthian columns, a mansard roof with Fiberglas tiles, changing the cornice details, articulating the box in the three dimensions, a composition of forms that relate to each other, use of other materials; for the car wash - differentiate the wash tunnel and its support space elevations. Motion carried 5-0-1 with Commissioner Lingle absent. 2. CASE NO.: TT 30269 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESSJ: BERNIE CAIN, CAIN COMPANIES, 1223 Wilshire Blvd., #802, Santa Monica, CA 90403 RAY MARTIN DESIGN, 52-293 Avenida Madero, LaQuinta, CA 92253 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of perimeter landscape plans LOCATION: 36-775 Shepherd Lane, west side of Shepherd Lane, north of Frank Sinatra Drive ZONE: PR 5 The Commission reviewed the landscape plans for the perimeter landscaping. Action: G:Planning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\Agmin\AR010911.min.wpd 12 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 MINUTES Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to approve the perimeter landscaping plans subject to the City Landscape Manager's comments regarding plant material and density. Motion carried 5-0-1 with Commissioner Lingle absent. 3. CASE NO.: PP 01-24 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): MIKE FILING, TOPMAN BUILDERS, INC., PO Box 673, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of plans and landscaping for a 12-unit apartment complex at 44-555 San Rafael LOCATION: 44-555 San Rafael ZONE: R-3 Having reviewed the plans for this and case PP 01-23, the Commission felt the applicant should be present as the project would need significant revisions in terms of site layout and architecture. Issues brought up were how the balconies were secured and the parking spaces, Mr. Smith explained that one of the lots had a senior overlay and there would be a request for a senior overlay on the other lot. Senior overlays are for projects directed at persons age 62 and older. The overlays only require one parking space per unit. Staff's concern is that the units are all 770 square feet each and may have more than one driver per unit. He stated the interpretation would have to be made that the units are studios in order to get that parking ratio. The plans indicate they are one-bedroom units without a door. Action: Commissioner Gregory moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to continue the case to allow the applicant the opportunity to be present as the Commission believes significant revision will be required in terms of siting and architecture. Motion carried 5-0-1 with Commissioner Lingle absent. G:Planning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\Agmin\AR010911.min.wpd 13 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 MINUTES 4. CASE NO.: PP 01-23 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): MIKE FILING, TOPMAN BUILDERS, INC., PO Box 673, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of plans and landscaping for a 12-unit apartment complex at 73-811 Santa Rosa Way LOCATION: 73-811 Santa Rosa Way ZONE: R-2 SO Having reviewed the plans for this and case PP 01-23, the Commission felt the applicant should be present as the project would need significant revisions in terms of site layout and architecture. Issues brought up were how the balconies were secured and the parking spaces, Mr. Smith explained that one of the lots had a senior overlay and there would be a request for a senior overlay on the other lot. Senior overlays are for projects directed at persons age 62 and older. The overlays only require one parking space per unit. Staffs concern is that the units are all 770 square feet each and may have more than one driver per unit. He stated the interpretation would have to be made that the units are studios in order to get that parking ratio. The plans indicate they are one-bedroom units without a door. Action: Commissioner Gregory moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to continue the case to allow the applicant the opportunity to be present as the Commission believes significant revision will be required in terms of siting and architecture. Motion carried 5-0-1 with Commissioner Lingle absent. 5. CASE NO.: PP 01-20 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): MR. & MRS. BUTLER, 133 Chelsea Circle, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary architectural approval for a 2,366 square foot duplex LOCATION: 74-230 Candlewood Street G:Planning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\Agmin\AR010911.min.wpd 14 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 MINUTES ZONE: R-3 Mr. Bagato described the site and elevations as displayed to the Commission. He expressed staffs original concern with the side-by- side garage doors on the front elevation and the 35+ foot expanse of concrete driveway. He also noted that the windows and sliding glass doors on the east and west elevations did not have sun protection. Staff presented an alternative design with side entry garages or carports which would eliminate the garage doors along the street frontage, decrease the driveway width, and increase the amount of front yard landscaping. Mr. Butler expressed concern with the idea of side entry garages and a shared driveway. He feels that the residents might park in the shared driveway creating access problems for the garages. After discussing these items with the applicant, the applicant submitted a revised plan elongating one garage 2 feet longer than the other and creating a separate roof line on the garages to enhance the architecture along the street. An architectural projection was added to the east and west sides of the building to provide some relief from sun exposure. Staff remains concerned that there is too much garage and not enough house from Candlewood Street. He had suggested side-entry garages or carports with possible allowances in the setbacks. This would show a little more of the residential architecture. However, Mr. Butler had concerns about people parking in the middle and blocking access to the garages. The rest of the neighborhood is single storied residences with some apartments. The Commission expressed concern about drainage in the valley between the two hip roofs over the garages. There is the possibility of it leaking if not done properly. Commissioner Gregory asked for an explanation of how the roof worked. Mr. Butler distributed pictures of the neighborhood and asked to address some of the issues. 1. Design not compatible with the neighborhood: Mr. Butler noted the photos showed two apartment complexes on the lefthand side with 13 parking spaces perpendicular to Candlewood. On the right side, there is another apartment complex with only the four garage doors and their dumpster seen from the street. Across the street is a single family home with a converted garage. Next door to that is another single G:Planning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\Agmin\AR010911.min.wpd 15 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 MINUTES family home with a converted garage. Mr. Butler stated his plan would be an asset to the neighborhood. 2. The 35-foot wide driveway: Mr. Butler stated they could break up the driveway by putting a three-foot wide planter down the center which would aide in the appearance of two different homes. Commissioner Gregory asked if it could be more than 3-feet wide as there is a little more than five feet between the garage doors. He stated that at 3-feet, any tree planted in there could rip up the concrete. The wider the better for the planter. 3. Common driveway serving two garages facing each other: Mr. Butler stated there would not be enough room to maneuver vehicles. Carports were not an option as they are unsightly and would provide reduced income on the property. Mr. Drell stated the reason carports had been suggested was because often times garages are used for storage and cars are parked outside. Carports on the other hand are not used for storage and the cars are parked under them. Mr. Drell stated that staff was opposed to the front elevation being dominated by garages and should not be an acceptable architectural option. After looking at the photos, Commissioner Gregory noted that Candlewood wasn't really a residential street, per se. He asked if the driveway could be enhanced with decorative material. Mr. Drell stated it looked like two garages and looked like a back alley. It's not an acceptable front to a residential building. Commissioner Vuksic asked if the two garages could be side by side and turned together to face the east. They would need 55 feet in the front to turn the two garages (15 foot setback, two 20 foot garages); there is 46 feet with the 15-foot setback. However, this changes the aspect of the residences. One would have the garages in front of it; the other would be open. Commissioner Hanson suggested allowing the building to be set back further into the lot. Commissioner Hanson pointed out there are 2:9 and 12 pitch, an 8 and 12, and 4 and 12 pitch roofs. Anypitch under 3:12 would require two layers of roofing. She asked if they had considered doing some flat roofing. Commissioner Hanson attempted to draw better alternatives. Commissioner Gregory stated he understood staff concerns, however, he felt that some of those concerns can be addressed by working with the roof line, more attractive concrete, and landscape layout to make it feel more residential. Commissioner O'Donnell stated that by adding a 4-5 foot wide planter along the center of the driveway with substantial G:Planning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\Agmin\AR010911.min.wpd 16 *W 1400 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 MINUTES growth and a tree or two in it, he does not have an objection to the two 2-car garages. This is certainly an upgrade to the rest of the neighborhood. The roof issue is a separate issue. Commissioner Vuksic stated it was more than just working out the roof details. The building is in need of some articulation. The eave looks as though it is a 2x4. It needs some added richness. The drawings need to articulate what is actually going on. The mass of the roof needs to be broken down. Action: Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic, to continue the case to allow the applicant the opportunity to address the Commission's concerns: 1) add a 4-5 foot planter down the middle of the driveway with substantial plantings and one or two trees; 2) consider using decorative paving on the driveway; 3) re-assess the roof line and provide accurate drawings; 4) consider the feasibility of putting the two 2-car garages to the side; 5) the building needs articulation: the eave looks as though it is only 2x4; needs some added richness; the drawings need to articulate what is actually going on. Motion carried 5- 0-1 with Commissioner Lingle absent. C. Miscellaneous 1. City of Palm Desert's Architectural Awards Program Mr. Drell explained the program to the Commission. The Commission would like to understand why the program is being initiated and which body would be making the final decision. They asked under what terms would be the building(s) be judged, ie, public face, how it functions. They asked if awards would be given to different types of buildings, ie, industrial, commercial, custom homes, tract homes, re-modeled commercial, re-model residential, retail center, tenant improvement, and apartment/condos. Mr. Drell had suggested that the voting be left to the City's residents via the monthly newsletter. Mr. Drell will attempt to get further clarification. G:Planning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\Agmin\AR010911.min.wpd 17 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 MINUTES 2. Discussion of Desert Gateway Shopping Center The discussion was continued as the representatives for the project were not present. VI. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 3:00 p.m. STEVE SMITH PLANNING MANAGER G:Planning\Gale Santee\wpdocs\Agmin\AR010911.min.wpd is