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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-08-27 r CITY OF PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION • MINUTES AUGUST 27, 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 12 3 Kristi Hanson X 13 2 Neil Lingle X 11 4 Richard O'Donnell X 13 2 Chris Van Vliet X 14 1 John Vuksic X 13 2 Ray Lopez X 13 0 Also Present: Phil Drell, Director, Community Development Steve Smith, Planning Manager Francisco Urbina, Associate Planner Tony Bagato, Planning Technician Donna Quaiver, Senior Office Assistant Spencer Knight, Landscape Manager Diane Hollinger, Landscape Specialist III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: August 13, 2002 Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson to approve the minutes of August 13, 2002. The motion carried 5-0-0-2 with Commissioners O'Donnell and Vuksic absent. IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS A. None. 1 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 27, 2002 MINUTES A. Final Drawings 1. CASE NO.: SA 02-158 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): TNT ELECTRIC SIGN, INC., 3080 E. 29" Street, Long Beach, CA 90806 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request for business signage. Hampton Inn & Suites LOCATION: 14-900 Gerald Ford Drive ZONE: PCD/FCOZ Mr. Smith stated that the Hampton Inn is being built on Cook Street and Gerald Ford on the property to the west of the Arco station. The applicant is not present, however, Mr. Smith requested that the Commission make comments on the signage. Mr. Smith stated that what they had originally submitted was significantly larger than the current proposal. He wondered why they didn't utilize the porte cochere in front because it's 25' closer to the street. Everything that the applicant is proposing is over 20' so it does need to go through Planning Commission or Council for an exception. Commissioner Hanson stated that the monument sign needs to be lower and more monumental. Commissioner Van Vliet stated that the sign on the end that faces Cook Street should be lower. The front entry sign seems too big. Commissioner Hanson commented that maybe they have their signs so high because of the gas station sign. Commissioner Van Wet asked if they were using reverse channel letters. Mr. Bagato stated that they are through-the-face letters. Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner Lingle to continue the request to allow the applicant to (1) lower the sign on the west elevation, and (2) lower the monument sign to a maximum height of 6' and improve its aesthetics. Motion carried 4-0-0-3 with Commissioners O'Donnell and Vuksic absent and Commissioner Gregory having left the meeting. G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocs\Agmin\AR020827.MIN 2 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 27, 2002 MINUTES 2. CASE NO.: SA 02-161 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): SIMON MILLINGTON, GOLF OUTLETS OF AMERICA, INC., 75-165 Sheryl Avenue, Palm Desert, CA 92211 SIGN*A*RAMA, CHUCK TEDESCO, 41-905 Boardwalk "U", Palm Desert, CA 92211 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request for monument sign. LOCATION: 75-165 Sheryl Avenue ZONE: R1 Mr. Bagato stated that the proposed monument sign is non-illuminated and will be mounted on 6" x 6" posts. The background color is silver with blue and red vinyl letters. It will be located 12' from the right of way. There are no wall signs on the building. Commissioner Van Vliet commented that there is chain-link fencing in the backyard area. Mr. Bagato stated that this does not meet code requirements and he will look into this matter. Mr. Bagato stated that the applicant is allowed 27 square feet of signage and the maximum height is 6'. Commissioner Hanson suggested that the sign be lowered so that there is 6"-12" between the ground and the bottom of the sign because the proposed sign looks like it's sitting up too high. Chuck Tedesco, Sign*A*Rama, stated that the sign face is 4' high and there is 2' between the bottom of the sign and the ground. They are planning to plant a garden at the base of the sign. Commissioner Gregory stated that the photos show some "tired" lawn in the proposed location. If shrubbery is planted beneath the sign, they may need the sign to be high so that the plants don't hide it. Commissioner Hanson stated that she still would like the sign to be lowered. She suggested planting lantana at the base of the sign. Commissioner Van Vliet agreed as it would look more proportionate. Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Wet for approval subject to the sign being no more than 12" from G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocs\Agmin\AR020827.MIN 3 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 27, 2002 AGENDA the bottom of the sign to the ground and that the area around the sign be planted with lantana. Motion carried 5-0-0-2 with Commissioners O'Donnell and Vuksic absent. 3. CASE NO.: SA 02-148 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): MARRIOTT SHADOW RIDGE, 74-000 Shadow Ridge Road, Palm Desert, CA 92211 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request for approval of revised monument sign. LOCATION: East side of Monterey between Frank Sinatra and Gerald Ford, Shadow Ridge. ZONE: PR-5 Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner Lopez to approve both options by minute motion. Motion carried 5-0-0- 2 with Commissioners O'Donnell and Vuksic absent. 4. CASE NO.: MISC 02-19 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): AMERICAN RED CROSS, MARK ROBITAILLE, 41-951 Corporate Way, Suite B, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request to erect a 30' emergency radio communications antenna on the west side of the building. LOCATION: 41-951 Corporate Way, Suite B ZONE: SI Mr. Bagato stated that the applicant is proposing a 30' antenna that will be attached to the rear of the building. He did not have any plans showing the color to present to the Commission. The building is approximately 28' in height. It was suggested that the antenna be painted the same color as the building so that it blends in. GRIanning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocs\Agmin\AR020827.MIN 4 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 27, 2002 MINUTES Commissioner Van Vliet asked if a site plan is available that shows how far the antenna is from the street. Mr. Bagato stated that the proposed antenna will be towards the middle of the lot. Commissioner Hanson asked if the antenna would be visible from the new Hovely Gardens project. Mr. Bagato stated that it will be visible above the gate. Mr. Smith stated that it would be shielded from the residential area to the south and west. Commissioner Van Vliet asked the applicant if this is their only alternative to mount the antenna on the side of the building as opposed to possibly mounting it on the roof. Tom Thompson, applicant, stated that it will be out of site if it's mounted on the side of the building. The soccer park is behind the building and there's a wall in this location. The only part that will be visible is 8' above the roof. The reason why they're mounting it against the side of the building is because the owner preferred to have a power mount on the side rather than have it mounted on the roof for security purposes. This is the same system that they have in Temecula, which has worked well. The tower is approximately 12" in diameter at the base. Action: Commissioner Gregory moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson for approval. Motion carried 5-0-0-2 with Commissioners O'Donnell and Vuksic absent. 5. CASE NO.: SA 02-159 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): PARAGON SIGNS, 77-650 Enfield Lane, Palm Desert, CA 92211 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request for monument sign. Guthy-Renker Corporate Park LOCATION: 41-500 Eclectic Avenue at the southwest corner of Cook Street and Hovley Lane ZONE: SI Mr. Smith stated that there is an existing monument sign located on the corner of Cook Street and Hovely. The applicant would like to remove this sign and replace it with the proposed monument sign. Staff did GRanning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocs\Agmin\AR020827.MIN 5 '041W *Woe ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 27, 2002 MINUTES some research on the sign with the Art Department and it was determined that it is not part of the Art in Public Places program. Francisco Urbina stated that the property is under new ownership. The new owners would like to replace the sign with a slightly curved monument sign. It will be 5' in height on a 6' base and Z in width. It will be painted aluminum with halo lighting. Staff is concerned that the proposed sign is rather simple and boxy looking and may not fully meet the zoning ordinance requirement stating that a free-standing sign has to enhance the aesthetic quality of the property. The applicant and staff are requesting comments from the ARC and direction as to their thoughts on the aesthetics of the proposed sign. Mr. Urbina stated that the picture that was submitted does not really reflect the curved sign and it looks like a can, box sign mounted on a pedestal. Mr. Smith asked the Commission if they would like the applicant to create some elements in the sign that would tie it to the building. Commissioner Van Vliet stated that this is a very dominant building. Commissioner Gregory suggested framing the sign to help alleviate part of the "can" problem. Commissioner Hanson stated that she likes the way the sign looks at night, but it lacks an anchoring to make it more of a monument sign. It looks like a sign that's just stuck out there. One suggestion is to pick up some of the red that's on the building and frame it with something to make it look a little more substantial. Don Swindel, Paragon Signs, was present to answer questions. Commissioner Hanson suggested making the sign a little thicker around the border and pick up some of the red detail that's on the building. Mr. Swindel stated that it's actually burgundy and the designer put a burgundy stripe in the middle of the sign but they could add burgundy to the border as well. Commissioner Hanson stated that they should double the thickness of the border and double the width on the sides, top and bottom of the sign. The base needs to be more substantial. Mr. Swindel stated that only 6" of the base is exposed. He could raise it another 6". Commissioner Hanson stated that the sign is lacking girth. Mr. Swindel stated that the sign will be a little larger with the proposed changes. Mr. Drell stated that the proposed sign is only 5' and it can be 6' in height. G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocs\Agmin\AR020827.MIN 6 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 27, 2002 MINUTES Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner Lopez for approval subject to (1) doubling the width of the border to 8% 10" with 2" deep recess, (2) increase depth and height of base, and (3) use red (burgundy) detail of building on border of sign. Motion carried 5-0-0-2 with Commissioner O'Donnell and Commissioner Vuksic absent. 6. CASE NO.: PP 02-04 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): WINDEMERE DEVELOPERS, INC., 3 Mesquite Ridge Lane, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of architecture and landscaping for a four-plex. LOCATION: 44-560 San Rafael ZONE: R-2 Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner Lopez for approval of architecture only by minute motion. Motion carried 5-0-0-2 with Commissioner O'Donnell and Commissioner Vuksic absent. B. Preliminary Plans 1. CASE NO.: VAR 02-01 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): THOMAS G. BROGAN, 42-975 Texas Avenue, Palm Desert, CA 92211 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of revised plans for remodel and expansion of a single family dwelling. LOCATION: 42-975 Texas Avenue ZONE: R-1 Mr. Urbina stated that Mr. Brogan submitted revised elevations to address Commission concerns. He removed the roof-mounted swamp cooler that was shown on the previous elevations, but the roof-mounted air conditioning unit will remain on the roof. According to Mr. Brogan, the a/c unit is already plumbed and wired in this location. The roof G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocs\Agmin\AR020827.MIN 7 +' ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 27, 2002 MINUTES height has been reduced by approximately one foot. The overhang has been reduced from 2' to approximately 1'. All the windows have a 2" x 6" pop out stucco border around them. The front master bedroom window and front entry will have a trellis shade structure projecting 2'. Mr. Brogan is proposing a two-car garage for the security of his vehicles. This would require a variance because he is only proposing a 12' setback, whereas the code requires 20'. There are some notches on the roof on the side elevations to reduce the overpowering effect of the previous gable roof. Staff is generally satisfied with the revised elevations, except for the two-car garage. Staff feels that the reduction from 20' to 12' setback is too substantial and does not meet the setback requirements and would require a variance. Staff recommends approval of the project with the exception of the two-car garage. Mr. Brogan stated that he was willing to provide a one-car side entry garage with a 16' or 17' setback from the property line, which would meet the code requirements. He has not submitted elevations, but he did indicate that this would be a flat roof structure similar to what exists now. If the Commission is inclined to approve the one-car side entry garage, staff would ask that a condition be added that a decorative window be provided on the elevation facing the street to provide aesthetic interest to the elevation. Mr. Brogan was informed that the Commission would like to see the revised elevation for the side-entry one car garage before it is approved. Commissioner Lopez asked about the width of the one-car garage. He has a one-car garage and he can only get a truck in it and not much else. Mr. Brogan stated that it would have an 8' door with one foot on each side plus 6" studs. Commissioner Lopez stated that it would be pretty small. He has a 10' opening with one foot on each side and he can pull his truck and motorcycle in but he can't pull the truck out when the motorcycle is in the garage. Commissioner Gregory asked the applicant if the proposed garage would be wide enough to drive the car in and get out of the car. Mr. Brogan stated that it would be tight. Mr. Smith stated that code would allow a 10' wide garage, which is what the applicant is proposing. He could go to 11' wide, which could accommodated at staff level. Commissioner Van Vliet has a problem with the roof-mounted equipment and commented that he couldn't support this proposal. He also doesn't think that the notches on the roof on the gable ends really do anything except make the architecture look a little weird. Mr. Brogan stated that at the ARC meeting of May 28, 2002 he was directed to "do something with the architecture" so he notched the roof so that it's not a big sheet of plywood. G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocs\Agmin\AR020827.MIN 8 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 27, 2002 MINUTES Commissioner Gregory asked if it would be possible for the roof- mounted equipment to be screened in a different location on the roof. Mr. Brogan stated that he removed the swamp cooler from the new roof, as requested by the ARC. The existing roof is not being touched by the remodel and this is where the a/c unit is mounted. It's an air conditioner and heater with gas, electric and water lines connected to it. If he moved the unit he would have to re-plumb everything on the inside, fill the hole, re-pitch the roof and re-do the whole roof with shingles so that they match. This would be a huge job. The a/c unit is not visible from the front of the street. Commissioner Hanson suggested moving the utility/pantry area forward so that he could move the garage up slightly, which would allow for a two-car front entry garage. Mr. Brogan stated that this area is not part of the remodel. If he took out the utility room, he wouldn't have room for the washer, dryer and hot water heater. Commissioner Hanson stated that it looks like he's totally re-doing the kitchen/dining area. Mr. Brogan stated that they have existing walls and the new addition is going forward toward the fairway. Commissioner Gregory asked about the cost and complexity of re- locating the a/c unit. Commissioner Van Vliet stated that it could be costly. Commissioner Gregory stated that the options are to leave the a/c unit alone, remove it or screen it. Mr. Smith stated that he could also leave it alone and paint it to blend it with the roof. Commissioner Gregory asked the Commission if there are any long- range goals regarding roof-mounted equipment. Commissioner Hanson stated that it would help with the property value of the homes as the equipment is removed. Most people don't like to look at them and just because they've always been there doesn't mean that they should be left there. Mr. Smith stated that over time the goal is to bring these areas up to the level that we expect in the rest of the city. We have an interesting situation in the Palm Desert Country Club area where about half of the area is in an existing homeowner's association. Mr. Brogan stated that he received approval from the HOA. Mr. Smith commented that before the Commission establishes a definitive policy he would like to meet with the Board of Directors of the homeowner's association at the Palm Desert Country Club. If the HOA has approved Mr. Brogan's plan, then we typically defer to the association. Commissioner Gregory stated that they may have to let this one go, but Mr. Smith still may wish to meet with the HOA to ask them how they may want to change their long range thinking. They GRIanning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocs\Agmin\AR020827.MIN 9 V400 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 27, 2002 MINUTES may not be aware of what they could do for themselves. Commissioner Van Vliet stated that this could be a unique, one time only approval in this case only. Commissioner Van Vliet asked if the revised garage plans should be brought back to the ARC. Commissioner Hanson stated that staff can approve it. She highly recommended that the applicant think about moving the utility room to allow for a two-car garage. Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner Lopez for preliminary approval subject to (1) creating a one-car, side entry garage with a window on the street side elevation, (2) consider moving laundry/pantry to allow for a two-car, front entry garage if 20' setback can be met, and (3) for this submittal only, the A/C unit will remain on the roof but will be painted to blend with the roof. Motion carried 4-1-0-2 with Commissioner Lingle opposed and Commissioners O'Donnell and Vuksic absent. 2. CASE NO.: PP 02-14 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): VALLI ARCHITECTURAL GROUP, RICK WALLACE, 81 Columbia, Suite 200, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of a 83,270 square foot storage facility with rental office consisting of two single-story buildings and a two-story building over a basement. LOCATION: Painter's Path, southeast corner of Fred Waring. ZONE: PC-3 Mr. Smith stated that the proposed self storage will be located on Painter's Path at the end of Fred Waring next to Moller's Garden Center. It's an odd shaped piece of property and the applicant has been working on this for a long period of time. It required considerable efforts to work with CVWD and relocate some easements through the center of the site. The same architect designed the storage facility on Hovley next to the post office as well as the facility on Harris and Country Club. Commissioner Hanson stated that she would like to see a different use for this piece of property. Mr. Smith stated that the applicant, Stanley Cook, took the issue to the Planning Commission last October to find G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocs\Agmin\AR020827.MIN 10 Nftoe ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 27, 2002 MINUTES out how open they would be to a zone change. The property is currently zoned commercial. In order to go to the proposed use, they need a change of zone to service industrial, which is what Moller's is zoned. Planning Commission stated that they would prefer to see a nice, upscale restaurant in this location, homes or a park. Mr. Cook has been proceeding in hopes of getting a zone change. Last week someone came to the office and would like to build a restaurant on the property. This makes the opportunity for a zone change much more difficult. The applicant was informed that the City is going to allow the other party with the restaurant proposal to perform. If they do, then the storage facility would not proceed. If they don't perform, then we would proceed with a public hearing on this application. Rick Wallace, architect, stated that about ten years ago this property was zoned service industrial and it was changed to commercial as part of the Desert Crossing environmental process. Commissioner Hanson commented on the center section of building A and the simulated metal doors. She suggested using anything but metal doors. She suggested using trellises with vines. Mr. Wallace suggested using spandrel glass in the area where the scored stucco is. Mr. Cook stated that everybody uses storage units but nobody wants to admit to it. They constantly fight the stigma of an old storage facility with a row of 25 garage doors with a cyclone fence around it. There's a 700-unit storage facility in Rancho Mirage that's all single story and metal and there's only one unit available. The majority of the use is commercial. A lot of the small businesses can't afford to rent a large property so they use storage facilities for their merchandise. The demand is outrageous. Commissioner Hanson stated that she would still like to see another use for this property. It's such an intimate, romantic spot and it seems like a waste to have a storage facility there. This should be a space where people could go to enjoy this area. Commissioner Gregory stated that if they are going to build a storage facility it should look as nice as possible. He suggested using clay tile roof on the roof sections. Commissioner Hanson suggested adding some really great lanterns to building A as well as a trellis so that vines could be trained to grow on it. Mr. Wallace suggested using some spandrel glass in this area. Commissioner Hanson would like him to add mullions. Commissioner Van Vliet asked where the mechanical equipment will be installed. Mr. Wallace stated that the mechanical equipment will be GRIanning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocs\Agmin\AR020827.MIN 11 `0100 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 27, 2002 MINUTES installed internally, except for the condenser units which are internal on the site. There is no roof-mounted equipment. Commissioner Gregory asked about a materials board. Mr. Wallace will bring a material/color board when they return for final approval. David Avila, Fire Marshall, was present to see if the applicant had any questions regarding the Fire Department conditions. These are general conditions that they'll be receiving. When the contractor submits the final building plan, specific issues will be addressed. Action: Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson for preliminary approval subject to (1) applicant submitting material/color board, (2) adding trellis structure for vines as well as lanterns and mullions to scored area on Building A, and (3) using clay tile on roof sections. Motion carried 5-0-0-2 with Commissioners O'Donnell and Vuksic absent. 3. CASE NO.: TT 30738 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): GHA PALOMA GROUP, LLC, 68-936 Adelina Road, Cathedral City, CA 92234 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of landscaping for (95) single family lots. LOCATION: Southeast corner of Portola and Hovley Lane ZONE: PR 5 Mr. Smith stated that the proposed landscaping is on the south side of Hovley, west of Carter Elementary School. The plans arrived on the morning of the meeting and the Landscape Manager and Specialist did not have an opportunity to review them. He suggested taking the opportunity to note our concern with respect to the depth of the landscaping on Hovley Lane. Along Portola, the landscape depth is substantial at approximately 12'. However, the landscape depth narrows down to about 4' on Hovley Lane. There are trees shown on the plans along Portola, but none along Hovley. The landscape depth should be more consistent with what they show along Portola. Mario Gonzales, applicant, stated that they have been conditioned by the City to add a right turn pocket lane starting at Portola heading north at the corner. They are doing this to accommodate the issue that they have with Carter Elementary School. During the school year, traffic G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocs\Agmin\AR020827.MIN 12 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 27, 2002 MINUTES gets backed up so they've been asked to add a right turn lane on their frontage. There is a buffer between the Marriott and the north side of Hovley with some scattered trees. Spencer Knight stated that as the Landscape Manager, he has an issue with this plan. Just because the applicant has been conditioned to add a turning lane, it doesn't have to come out of the landscaped area. Mr. Gonzales stated that some of the lots have backyards along Hovley and his standards include rear and front yard landscaping. Commissioner Hanson stated that the problem is that the plans basically show 4' of cobblestone with some vines and a straight wall the entire length of the wall. Mr. Gonzales stated that they do have an easement break between Portola and the school. There is an angled wall on the corner of Portola and Hovley where they've enhanced the landscape. They also have an angled wall on the northeast corner. Commissioner Gregory stated that he was at the meeting where this issue was brought up and he was encouraged to move ahead this way. He was following the guidance that he was given. Mr. Gonzales said that he could amend the tentative map to create a 9' planter area adjacent to Hovley. Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet to continue the request to allow the applicant to increase the planting area adjacent to Hovley Lane to 9' from the wall to the back of the sidewalk to allow for appropriate landscaping. Motion carried 4-0-1- 2 with Commissioner Gregory abstaining and Commissioners O'Donnell and Vuksic absent. 4. CASE NO.: CUP 02-20 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): SBA NETWORK SERVICES, INC./ CINGULAR WIRELESS, 3151 Airway Avenue, Suite F-120, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of revised plans for installation of wireless telecommunications tower with equipment shelter. LOCATION: 100 Kiva Drive (Bighorn Maintenance Yard) ZONE: PCD Mr. Smith stated that the applicant has returned with two options. G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocsWgmin\AR020827.MIN 13 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 27, 2002 MINUTES Mr. Bagato stated that this case was continued from July 23, 2002. The applicant was asked to look for an alternative site or look into using a faux boulder telecommunications tower on the hillside. The applicant has returned with two new proposals, one for a flag pole and the other for a mono-tree. The tower will be 50' in height. Commissioner Hanson asked the applicant, Doug Kearney, why he couldn't find a site closer to the maintenance building. Mr. Kearney stated that there is a sidewalk in that area. Commissioner Hanson suggested a site by the sand pile/volleyball area. Mr. Kearney stated that this area is too close to the homes and he didn't feel that Bighorn would allow a tower in this site. Commissioner Hanson asked if Mr. Kearney went up near the houses to see whether or not the proposed flag pole would be visible from the backyards of some of those homes. Diane Hollinger asked if the applicant looked for a site on Cahuilla Way where it makes the turn so that it's not in such a visible area. Mr. Kearney stated that Bighorn approved the proposed site as the preferred location. Commissioner Van Vliet asked about the diameter of the flag pole. Mr. Kearney stated that the unit on top is approximately 22" in diameter. Commissioner Lopez asked if more than one service could utilize the flag pole or the mono-tree. Mr. Kearney stated that this is possible, but most carriers want a location that is at least 50' in height. Ms. Hollinger asked if the flag would have to be illuminated at night. Mr. Kearney stated that it would need lighting or the flag would have to be taken down at night. Bighorn has not responded to the new proposals and are still reviewing the plans. They're leaving the decision up to the City at this point. Commissioner Hanson asked about the mono-tree. Mr. Kearney stated that the mono-tree would be about 20' higher than the existing trees. Ms. Hollinger stated that there are mesquite trees in front of the site and the proposed tree is a broad-leaf tree. Mr. Kearney stated that it's not going to be a broad-leaf tree. The manufacturer told Mr. Kearney that they can manufacture leaves to mimic the mesquite or palo verde trees that are on the site. Commissioner Van Vliet stated that mesquite trees get really big. Commissioner Hanson stated that if they can manufacture a mesquite tree, that would be great. David Avila, Fire Marshal, asked how big the equipment shelter is. Mr. Kearney stated that it's 10' x 16' and is enclosed by an existing 8' wall. G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocs\Agmin\AR020827.MIN 14 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 27, 2002 MINUTES Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet for preliminary approval subject to (1) mono-tree to resemble a mesquite tree, and (2) applicant to submit a sample of proposed mono-tree branch and a scale drawing. Motion carried 4-0-0-3 with Commissioners O'Donnell, Vuksic and Gregory absent. VI. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 2:10 p.m. STEVE SMITH PLANNING MANAGER G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocs\Agmin\AR020827.MIN 15