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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-04-23 • , �r,, �` �T� CITY OF PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION • _• MINUTES APRIL 23, 2002 ******************************************************************************�******************** 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 6 1 Kristi Hanson X 6 1 Neil Lingle X 5 2 Richard O'Donnell X 7 0 Chris Van Vliet X 7 0 John Vuksic X 6 1 � Ray Lopez X 5 0 Also Present: Phil Drell, Director, Community Development Steve Smith, Planning Manager Tony Bagato, Planning Technician Donna Quaiver, Senior Office Assistant Spencer Knight, Landscape Manager Diane Hollinger, Landscape Specialist III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: April 9, 2002 Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner Lingle, to approve the minutes of April 9, 2002. The motion carried 7-0-0-0. IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS A. Mr. Smith welcomed Francisco Urbina, who is the newest member of the Planning Department and replaced Martin Alvarez as Associate Planner. 1 , � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 23, 2002 MINUTES A. Final Drawincts 1 . CASE NO.: C 02-01 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS� ROB SANFORD, REAL PROPERTY ASSOCIATES, 78060 Calle Estado, La Quinta, CA 92253 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approvai of architecture and landscaping. LOCATION: Northeast corner of Highway 111 and Deep Canyon ZONE: PC 2 Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell to grant approval by minute motion. Motion carried 6-0-1-0 with Commissioner Vuksic abstaining. 2. CASE NO.: CUP 02-03 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS� VERIZON WIRELESS, MINAKSHI V. HEMLANI, 4300 Latham Avenue, Suite 103, Riverside, CA 92501 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of cellular site with installation of a 57-foot monopalm. LOCATION: 74-000 Country Club (Cornerstone) ZONE: OP � Mr. Smith stated that the proposed cell site is on the northeast corner of Country Club and Portola. He presented photos of the site to the commission. He stated that Hugh Jorgensen, Architect, has brought in current plans which show two additional palms around the mono-palm. Commissioner Van Vliet stated that there should be more live palms planted around the structure. Mr. Smith stated that the whole site is very low profile including the existing palms, which are approximately 12' in height. Mr. Smith stated that he would like the applicant to head in the direction of the most recent installation that was done at St. Margaret's Church on Highway 74 where the mono-palm was installed G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocsWgminWR020409.MIN 2 , . ':� v� ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 23, 2002 MINUTES without the exterior array so that the antennae are enclosed within the tree structure. Commissioner Hanson stated that her biggest concern is how it will look from the golf course at Desert Willow. Mr. Smith stated that he thinks that they will have to lower it to get it below the wall height, which is 6' high. Commissioner Hanson asked what the landscaping is like on the Desert Willow side and she was told that there are small palms on the corner. Spencer Knight, Landscape Manager,.stated that as the palms grow in around the golf course, the mono-palm will eventually fade into the skyline but initially it will be visible. He stated that we are not fortunate like the church where they had some really tall established palms to conceal the mono-palm. Commissioner Gregory asked Mr. Knight if we were to add more palms in several groupings so that the mono-palm doesn't stand out so much, would this be acceptable. Mr. Knight commented that it would. Commissioner Hanson stated that she was concerned about whether or not it would look "weird" with a clump of palms in the middle of a low profile area. Mr. Drell stated that an oasis is a clump of palms in the middle of nowhere. Commissioner Vuksic suggested using the Desert Willows golf course property to add palms. Commissioner Gregory asked if the City would be interested in having several palms added on their side of the property line. Minakshi Hemlani, applicant, stated that she tried to negotiate with the City and they weren't interested. Mr. Smith commented that it would be one thing to say that they're not interested in the antenna and another to add three or four palm trees on their prope�ty. Ms. Hemlani stated that this was a suggestion and she had extensive negotiations with the City, but in the end the City wouldn't allow it. Mr. Drell asked who she spoke to. Ms. Hemlani stated that she spoke directly with Paul Gibson and the manager of the golf course. Ms. Hemlani stated that she believed that they were worried about the space and how it would look. Commissioner Hanson stated that she felt that it needs to look like it was intentional rather than a bunch of things stuck on this tittle corner and feels that the only way that they can do that is by spreading the trees out. � Commissioner O'Donnell commented on the detail of the plans and noticed that the diameter of the pole was not called out. Mr. Jorgensen G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocs�P,gmin�P,R020409.MIN 3 . � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 23, 2002 MINUTES stated that the base of the tower is 48" which tapers in to about 38". Commissioner O'Donnell asked if it has to be four feet in diameter. Mr. Knight stated that the one at the church is 24" at the base. Commissioner O'Donnell stated that aside from the other comments made, he has some concern about the disproportionate size of the mono-palm with the diameter of the small palm trees. He would like to see a mono-palm with a smaller diameter pole. Ms. Hemlani stated that she wasn't sure, but she could find out from the Verizon engineering department. Ms. Hemlani stated that the tower at St. Margaret's Church is also a Verizon tower. She stated that this particular type of tower compromises their system because the antennae are within the trunk, rather than in an array. She stated that she will check with their radio frequency engineers and make sure they get the right coverage and if it works they will not have a problem proposing it. Commissioner Vuksic asked if there will be things coming out of the roof of the equipment room. Mr. Jorgensen stated that only a small antenna (18" high) will project from the structure. Mr. Smith asked if the equipment room could be sunken into the ground a couple of feet to keep it below the wall height. Mr. Jorgensen stated that he could probably bring the structure down 6". He stated that he couldn't go any lower due to water coming into the area. He suggested bringing the height down from 9' to 8'6". Commissioner Vuksic suggested putting a low-slung hip roof over the equipment room similar to the roof on the office building instead of a cap. Mr. Jorgensen stated that he could bring it down. Action: Commissioner Lingle moved, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic to continue the request to allow the applicant to revise plans with the following recommendations: (1) add more palms, (2) spread palms out, and (3) sink equipment room down lower. Motion carried 7-0-0-0. Mr. Smith asked the commission if they should be looking at changing out the existing palms along Portola at the north end of the property. He asked if it would be helpful if they put in taller palms. Commissioner Gregory did not think that it was necessary as they're about 250 feet away. G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocs�P,gmin�AR020409.MIN 4 , � `��"�' ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 23, 2002 MINUTES � 3. CASE NO.: CUP 02-02 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): VERIZON WIRELESS, MINAKSHI V. HEMLANI, 4300 Latham Avenue, Suite 103, Riv�rside, CA 92501 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of cellular site with installation of a 57-foot monopalm. LOCATION: 42-275 Washington Street (Jiffy Lube) ZONE: CPS Mr. Bagato stated that the site is located off Washington in the Albertson's Shopping Center near Jiffy Lube. He presented photos of the site to the commission. He commented that Jiffy Lube will lose some of their parking spaces and will add an equipment shelter, which will match the Jiffy Lube building. Mr. Bagato stated that there are some existing tall palms in front of the property along Washington. Commissioner O'Donnell asked why they are choosing high-profile sites. Mr. Bagato stated that the sites are selected based on coverage and the applicant did submit a coverage map. Commissioner O'Donnell wanted to know how many more towers Verizon will need in the near term. Ms. Hemlani, applicant, didn't know how many more they will need. Commissioner Lopez stated that he lives in the area near the proposed site and he stated that he has terrible reception there. He commented that they put one near the park at Palm Desert Country Club. Commissioner Hanson asked if there is an opportunity for different companies to band together to share these towers. Mr. Drell stated that this is not possible. He stated that originally they were going to try to have a few very tall poles and try to get multiple users on a pole. They ended up being 80' tall and every time another user came in another ten feet would have to be added to the pole. There has to be a ten foot separation between users. Mr. Drell stated that they decided that it was better to have more poles that were shorter and look like palms than huge towers with multiple arrays of antennae on them that were undisguised. He commented that this was a conscious decision that was made after seeing the tall, undisguised, multiple array antennae. The shorter, somewhat disguised palms were the lesser of two evils to achieve the coverage which we're required to provide by the Telecommunications Act. We have to provide them with the ability to serve their customers. G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocs�AgminWR020409.MIN 5 • � �rr�' ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 23, 2002 MINUTES Commissioner Hanson wanted to know how other cities are getting away with not providing coverage. Mr. Drell stated that we are the biggest city in the center of the valley. He stated that the companies have to show us the coverage of all of their existing poles and why they need them. Commissioner Lopez stated that he is a member of the ARC in Cathedral City and they're coming in there too. Commissioner Hanson stated that there are two cities where they are not. She stated�that they are continuing to come in and now they're picking sites that are very close to high-profile streets, in front of shopping centers and she feels that this is a problem. Commissioner Lingle asked if there is any other commission in which these go for approval other than the ARC. Mr. Drell stated that there will be a hearing with the Planning Commission �ight after the ARC sees it. Commissioner Lingle asked if the Planning Commission is sensitive to the issues raised by members of the ARC. He asked if someone else reviews this matter in terms of volume, placement and need based on the petition of the customer and that the ARC is primarily concerned with aesthetics. He suggested that the ARC send their recommendation to the Planning Commission that they have a sensitivity to this and want to make sure that the issues are appropriately addressed and that our decisions are based on each individual application before us. He expressed his concern about the number of proposed cell sites. Mr. Drell suggested that the cellular companies submit a master plan for the City so that we can review it. He stated that every mono-palm thaYs gone in, people are pretty happy with. Commissioner Gregory�stated that the first ones were horrendous. Mr. Drell stated that the first one had a square trunk. Commissioner Gregory asked if the commission feels comfortable that this particular location could be made to work if the mono-palm with real palms clustered around it could be made to work on this site. Commissioner Vuksic stated that he was okay with it as it was set in behind the building and will have four other palms nestled around it. Commissioner Gregory stated that after looking at the photograph that it could be made to work in this location, but would like them to use the narrower pole. Action: Commissioner Gregory moved, seconded by Commissioner Lopez to approve this design subject to using a mono-palm with a smaller diameter within a cluster of four live palms. Motion failed 3-4. G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocs�AgmiM,4R020409.MIN 6 . , �iw'' � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION . APRIL 23, 2002 MINUTES Commissioner O'Donnell stated that he does not think that they have enough information to know why these sites were selected, as opposed to lower profile sites, nor do we have information about the near-term saturation by the multiple satellite companies that are requesting poles here in the City of Palm Desert. He stated that he will continue to oppose any approval until he gets that information. Commissioner Gregory commented that technology is advancing and the towers will not be a long-term permanent thing. Mr. Drell indicated that the towers would be removed when they were no longer needed. Ms. Hemlani stated that she receives a search ring from Verizon and she looks in that particular area because that's where they're lacking coverage and where they have a dead zone. She then goes out and looks for at least three sites to offer to Verizon. She stated that this is number three on her list because the other sites wouldn't work since there isn't enough space, or the landlord isn't interested, etc... She stated that the currently proposed site is so close to Washington because she was trying to maintain the 300' separation distance from the residential zone. Ms. Hemlani commented that there are a lot of residential zones in that area, limiting their choices. Mr. Drell stated that with the stealth design she can ask for a waiver of the 300' separation. Commissioner O'Donnell stated that it would be much more appropriate for a proposal like this to be in the back of the shopping center. He stated that the closer these towers get to the public right of way the more difficult they become to look aesthetically pleasing. Ms. Hemlani stated that there is a residential zone behind the shopping center as well as to the right and left. She commented that she felt it would be better to have the tower closer to a commercial area than a residential area. She stated that they tried to disguise the shetter pad and the equipment so it fits in with the architecture of the shopping center. Commissioner Hanson asked if there might be ten sites to choose from rather than three within the target area. She asked if there are more sites available that she didn't even consider. Ms. Hemlani stated that it's been very difficult to find three sites within the search ring as potential sites. Commissioner Hanson stated that she feels that the proposed.site is in too prominent of a location and is "in the face" of everybody who walks in and out of that shopping center. She stated that generally they have tried to put them in places that are mostly near the rear of buildings, towards the sides of buildings or in the back of parking lots and this one is right in front and she has an issue with that. G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocsWgminWR020409.MIN � � , � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 23, 2002 MINUTES Commissioner Lopez stated that a mono-palm was installed in the Palm Desert Country Club park and was wondering if they could put another one in there. Mr. Jorgensen stated that the mono-palm on Highway 74 is very hard to see and he had a lot of trouble finding it. He commented that we are dealing with the same kind of thing in the back of Jiffy Lube and they can put in that type of landscaping and they have plenty of room to do it. Commissioner Hanson stated that the tower on Highway 74 has about fifteen palm trees in front of it. Action: Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Lingle to continue the request to allow the applicant to locate a more appropriate site. Motion carried 7-0-0-0. 4. CASE NO.: CUP 02-04 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESSL DELTA GROUPS ENGINEERING; TODD SMITH for AT&T WIRELESS, 5 Park Plaza, Suite 1400, Irvine, CA 92614 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of 65' wireless telecommunication antenna tower designed as a mono-palm with associated equipment shelter. LOCATION: 72-876 42"d Avenue (Stor America Self Storage) ZONE: S I Mr. Bagato stated that the proposed tower is 65' high and located on the property of Stor America Self Storage. Todd Smith, applicant, stated that there is a 10'-12' drop in elevation at the corner of the site that he had originally proposed the tower. He stated that he would like to use that location if he could compensate for the elevation loss. He commented that with the 65' height limit that is imposed on.the tower it would give them an effective height of approximately 52'-55'. He stated that he's not opposed to the location if there's some way to utilize a 75' tower to compensate for the loss in elevation. Commissioner O'Donnell suggested using the west side near the existing Pac Bell site approximately 150'-200' to the south, which is a G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocsWgmin�AR020409.MIN g • . � '`'�"� ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 23, 2002 MINUTES slow grade and they wouldn't lose the signal because of height. Mr. Todd Smith stated that is an access way and the entrance off Eclectic is where the majority of the traffic is. Commissioner O'Donnell stated that he is suggesting a site near the middle of the third building from the left. Mr. Todd Srnith stated that people drive in with wide loads, heavy loads and large moving trucks so they do need considerable space to move around. Mr. Todd Srnith asked the commission what their primary objection is to the proposed site. Commissioner Van Vtiet stated that it is on a major entry to the City. Mr. Todd Smith stated that there are existing mono- palms to the north and to the south that are right along Cook Street. Commissioner Van Vliet stated that they are set back from Coqk Street and are not right on Cook Street. Mr. Todd Smith stated that the best location is on the southwest corner, but there is an elevation loss and would like to get an exception on the height. He stated that he's allowed 65' with a mono-palm. Commissioner O'Donnell suggested that the applicant talk to his engineers and see if the tower could be 70' instead of 75'. Mr. Todd Smith stated that he will do that and look at the mid- location as well. He commented that there may be some concern by the property owner because it does require space for the tower and the equipment shelter. Mr. Steve Smith stated that the commission prefers the type of mono- palm that was instatled at St. MargareYs Church without the array, narrower base, etc... Mr. Todd Smith stated that they will use a three sector, four panels of antennae per sector with the panels being 4" x 8" depending on the frequency. Commissioner O'Donnell asked what the diameter of the pole is. Mr. Todd Smith stated that depending on height they are usually approximately 24" at the base. Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet to continue the request to allow the applicant to move location to the southwest corner of the site. Motion carried 7-0-0-0. G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocslAgmin�P,R020409.MIN 9 . , '�rrr'" �` ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 23, 2002 MINUTES 5. CASE NO.: CUP 02-06 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS� CINGULAR WIRELESS c/o THE CONSULTING GROUP, INC., 18500 Von Karman Avenue, Suite 870, Irvine, CA 92612 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of wireless communications facility (65' mono-palm) and a 10' x 16' equipment shelter. LOCATION: Civic Center Park at southeast corner of San Pablo and Magnesia Falls Drive ZONE: P (Public) Mr. Smith stated that the proposed cell site is at the northeast corner of the Civic Center Park. He presented a color drawing to the commission. Mr. Bagato stated that Spencer Knight's major concern was that he would like the live palms to vary in height. Commissioner Gregory commented that this is an extrao�dinarily good site. He stated that if they can conform to the City Landscape . Manager's request for palms of varying height to somewhat disguise it, he feels that this would be an acceptable location. Mr. Bagato stated that the Monterey Association has been informed and there are no objections from the association. Mr. Knight requested to be present when the mono-palm is installed for palm placement. He stated that he has had some leeway with different manufacturers to make some alterations to the mono-palm regarding frond placement and color. Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic for approval, subject to approval by Landscape Manager. Motion carried 7-0-0-0. Commissioner Van Vliet asked about the height of the equipment enclosure. The applicant, Maree Hoeger, stated that it will be 4' above grade. She commented that when she originally submitted the plans the G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocsWgmin�AR020409.MIN 1� � , `� � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 23, 2002 MINUTES equipment enclosure was going to the 5' above grade. She commented that she is sinking it down below grade. Commissioner O'Donnell stated that everything looks good on the project, but he wishes that there was a little bit more detail on the building. 6. CASE NO.: CUP 02-05 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS� DELTA GROUPS ENGINEERING, TOD SMITH for AT&T WIRELESS, 5 Park Plaza, Suite 1400, Irvine, CA 92688 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of 65' wireless communications facility including a 65' mono-palm and 12' x 20' equipment shelter. LOCATION: 74-700 Highway 111 ZONE: PC/PR-5 Mr. Smith stated that this mono-palm is proposed toward the rear at the north end of the site at Embassy Suite. He commented that it's shown in the area between the tennis courts and fencing and the perimeter fencing so that it will back up to the office professional lots on Village Court to the east. He presented a photograph of the site taken from Village Court to the commission. Mr. Smith stated that there are existing, fairly tall palms along the north end of the tennis courts. Commissioner Hanson asked if there's a coverage map for this site. Mr. Todd Smith, applicant, stated that he does not have one. Commissioner Hanson asked if this tower would provide coverage to Indian Wells. Mr. Todd Smith stated that it will cover some of Indian Wells. He stated that this is the number one needed site in the state of California at this time with the highest demand for AT&T coverage. Commissioner O'Donnell stated that sometimes the pole is so dominating that we forget to look at the equipment building. He stated that the proposed building is "pretty ugly". Mr. Todd Smith stated that this is not a fair rendition as they "worked this up at the last minute". He stated that there's an existing storage building at the tennis courts which is consistent with the architecture on the premises and it's their intention to model it after that architecture with a pitched tile roof. He commented that the plans call out a 7' x 20' building. Mr. Smith stated that there is G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocs�AgminW,R020409.MIN 1 1 . , �r +'`r� ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 23, 2002 MINUTES an issue with the setback on the building as iYs right against the property line. Mr. Todd Smith stated that he spoke to someone on the phone who said that there is a zero setback on commercial zoning. Mr. Smith stated that there is a 20' setback. Mr. Smith commented that he could ask for a waiver given its Iocation and height. Mr. Smith suggested relocating the building only to a place where it meets the setbacks. Mr. Todd Smith stated that he could find another spot on the property. Action: Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner Lingle for approval subject to staff's review of location and architectural design of equipment structure. Motion carried 7-0-0-0. Mr. Smith stated that he would like to add an item to the agenda since there are three weeks between meetings. Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet to add the following item to the agenda. Motion carried 7-0-0-0. 7. CASE NO.: MISC 02-10 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS� DIAZ, 76-727 Florida Avenue, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of 6' high cedar or redwood fence. LOCATION: 76-727 Florida Avenue ZONE: R-1 Mr. Smith stated that the rear yard fencing backs up to Fred Waring. The applicant is building a new home on this property and the plans call for a masonry wall, however, the City is going to put in a new masonry wall of some type. Mr. Smith stated that we don't know what type of wall is going to be built by the City or when iYs going to be built. He stated that if he uses a material thaYs different, then we're going to end up knocking his wall down to put up another wall. The applicant would like to build a cedar or redwood 6' high fence. Action: Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell for approval, subject to the fence being temporary. Motion carried 7-0-0-0. G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocsWgmin�P,R020409.MIN IZ . , �r" � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 23, 2002 MINUTES B. Preliminary Plans 1. CASE NO.: CUP 02-10 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS� DERVIEUX, INC., 73-505 Juniper Street, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of freestanding restaurant. Cuistot Restaurant LOCATION: Southwest corner of EI Paseo & Highway 111 . ZONE: OP Mr. Smith stated that this item has been withdrawn at the applicant's request. 2. CASE NO.: CUP 02-07 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS�, PATHFINDER COMMUNITY OF THE RISEN CHRIST, 73-850 Fairway, Box 12, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of church building. LOCATION: Alessandro/San Jacinto ZONE: R-3 Mr. Smith stated that staff has had some concern with the site planning, particularly with the respect to the parking which is only located on the public right of way. Mr. Smith suggested that commission take a look at it with respect to the architecture and whether changing the site plan would alter the exterior dimensions of the building. Charlie Martin, Architect, stated that if it does it will only be 1'-2'. Diane Hollinger, Landscape Specialist, commented that they should choose plants that have leaves on them in the winter. She stated that they chose all deciduous plants, which would be bare during the winter. Commissioner Gregory asked Mr. Martin to make a presentation to explain what he's doing. GPlanning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocs�Agmin\AR020409.MW 13 . , � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 23, 2002 MINUTES Mr. Martin stated that originally he designed a two-story building and took it to the Planning Commission. He commented that the City had planned a cul-de-sac at the end of San Jacinto which would be separated frorn the street by the sidewalk. Mr. Martin objected to this and took it to the Planning Commission and City Council. He stated that he continued to work on this project and eventually developed the currently proposed plan. He stated that currently the City would retain the public parking and the church would give the easement to the City. Mr. Martin stated that the Fire Department and Public Works were happy with the whole thing, but there have been some changes and he will put a gate in for pedestrian access. Mr. Martin stated that he ended up going away from the two-story element because of the site lines coming up the street. He stated that now the building is 20' at the peak. He commented that there's no steeple or cross on top of the building. The roof will be corrugated metal roof with smooth metal going back to a clear story with glass going all the way around the building. The windows on the street side are small and high. Commissioner Vuksic stated that this plan is "extremely refreshing". He described it as a "wonderfully gentle piece of desert architecture". Commissioner O'Donnell asked how far the small windows are recessed. Mr. Martin stated that they will be recessed at least one foot. Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson for preliminary approval of architecture. Motion carried 7-0-0-0. 3. CASE NO.: TT 30503 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS�: GHA PALOMA GROUP, LLC, 68-936 Adelina Road, Cathedral City, CA 92234 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of fourteen single-family homes and freestanding casitas. LOCATION: Tract 30503, Northwest corner of Frank Sinatra and Portola Ave, east of Shephard Lane. ZONE: R-1 Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell to grant preliminary approval by minute motion subject to G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocslAgmin�AR020409.MIN 14 � � �,�;�r' ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 23, 2002 MINUTES comments by Landscape Manager. Motion carried 6-0-1-0 with Cornmissioner Gregory abstaining. VI. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Van Vliet expressed his concern regarding roof-mounted mechanical equipment. He stated that he noticed it on the new university building on Cook Street where all the equipment is on top of the building and nobody has bothered to screen it or incorporate it in with the original architecture. He stated that the commission goes to great pains to make sure that this doesn't happen and it happens to a lot with new buildings where the equipment is too high and it's visible. Cornmissioner Gregory stated that he doesn't think that the commission has any control over the university buildings. Mr. Smith stated that there is a meeting with the university and he will try to pass this information along to them. Commissioner Hanson stated that the equipment could easily be screened. Mr. Drell stated that Westfield made a pre-emptive appeal to Council on the design of the parking structure, which the Council has approved. He commented that the second submittal by Robinson's May was approved by the Council. Commissioner Van Vliet disagreed with Mr. Drell that the ARC had granted preliminary approval to the parking structures. Upon review of the minutes, it was determined that only conceptual approval and not preliminary approval was given. The minutes listed specific improvements, which the applicant was to make prior to submission for preliminary approval. Mr. Drell stated that he spoke to the Westfield representative and told him that if the commission asks for something and they don't intend to change anything, just be honest and say that they're not going to change anything. At that point, the commission could deny them and it would go to Council in the normal process. Cornmissioner Van Vliet commented that part of the confusion�was that the Council thought that the ARC gave them preliminary approval. Mr. Drell stated that this goes back to the term "conceptual approval". He commented that we should avoid the word "approval" for anything other than preliminary approval. He stated that we can make comments suggesting that the applicant is on the right track, but stay away from the word "approval" or "conceptual approval". The Commission disagreed and felt that the minutes were clear, especially concerning the revisions requested. Mr. Drell stated that the next issue that's coming up with Westfield is landscaping. He commented that they don't have to bring the parking lot up to current standards, but what they have to do is restore the existing landscaping and redesign all the planters, per our new standard. Westfield intends to preserve the narrow planters with three trees G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocs�Agmin�AR020409.MIN I S _ �,r '�w� ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 23, 2002 MINUTES � between the parking spaces, take out the trees, excavate the planters, excavate the areas between the parking spaces, put in structui-al soil which will retain air circulation and then put permeable pavers over the parking lot on top of the structural soil. He stated that in terms of the design of the planters, they are meeting our standards. In terms of the number of trees, they are reproducing the same number that they have removed. Mr. Drell stated that the City is specifying what type of trees to plant in the new redesigned planters. Mr. Drell stated that the other aspect of the landscape plan is the landscaping around the buildings and parking structures. Mr. Drell stated that there is no standard and will be our normal judgement call. He is suggesting that this remediation be handled by Diane Hollinger, Spencer Knight and Phil Drell. Mr. Drell stated that the commission moved the project significantly, design wise, from where they started. Commissioner Van Vliet commented that it could've been so much better. Commissioner Hanson stated that she understands the process of being pre-empted but she felt that it would've been nice if they wouldn't been told that they were going to be pre-empted rather than finding out from someone else. Mr. Drell stated that Westfield went to the Council at a study session on the various designs. The Council was told that if they don't start in two weeks, they won't be done by Thanksgiving. Commissioner O'Donnell stated that they should go directly to Council for everything else they want. Commissioner Van Vliet stated that the landscape plans for Westfield should go directly to Council because ARC approvals apparently are not necessary on this project. VII. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 2:10 p.m. STEVE SMITH PLANNING MANAGER G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocsWgmin\AR020409.MIN 16