HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-07-08 e
CITY OF PALM DESERT
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
MINUTES
J U LY 8, 2003
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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 13 0
Kristi Hanson X 10 3
Richard O'Donnell X 10 3
Chris Van Vliet X 12 1
John Vuksic X 12 1
Ray Lopez X 12 1
Karen Oppenheim X 4 0
Also Present:
Phil Drell, Director, Community Development
Francisco Urbina, Associate Planner
Tony Bagato, Planning Technician
Donna Quaiver, Senior Office Assistant
Diane Hollinger, Landscape Specialist
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: JUNE 24, 2003
Commissioner Lopez moved, seconded by Commissioner Oppenheim to
approve the minutes of June 24, 2003. The motion carried 4-0-0-3 with
Commissioners O'Donnell, Hanson and Van Vliet absent.
IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
A. None.
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A. Final Drawings
1. CASE NO.: CUP 03-04
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): BIGHORN DEVELOPMENT, LLC,
255 Palowet, Palm Desert, CA 92260
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of revised
landscaping and shade cover over the electrical panel for a private well
site.
LOCATION: 42-600 Chia Drive
ZONE: R-1
Mr. Bagato stated that the applicant has not submitted any landscape
plans for the well site. The applicant has been working on the site
based on direction given by the Planning Commission and also with the
neighbors. This case will go back to the Planning Commission on July
15, 2003 from a continuance. We could request approval of the shade
cover over the electrical. The applicant had been directed to design a
structure that would fit into the site. The structure is already installed,
per the direction of the Planning Commission. They had requested that
they would look at the site when everything was installed. Ms.
Hollinger, Mr. Knight and Greg Babbington from Bighorn met at the site
and came up with a landscape plan. A portion of the landscape has
been installed, however, we don't have a plan.
Commissioner Gregory asked Ms. Hollinger how she felt about the
landscape design. Ms. Hollinger stated that based on the meeting that
she had with the concerned homeowners, Spencer Knight, Greg
Babbington and Patrick from Ray Martin Design, the applicant was
directed to proceed with half of the work so that they could get an idea
of how it was going to look. It looked fine and is going in the direction
that was recommended, but she doesn't have a landscape plan.
Commissioner Gregory commented that this is an unusual case. We
have guidance by Planning Commission, construction before ARC
approval and a landscape plan that's being done without a plan. What
is the ARC supposed to do?
Mr. Drell stated that he's not sure why this case is before the
commission. Mr. Bagato stated that the Planning Commission directed
the applicant to return to the ARC for final approval. Mr. Drell stated
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that basically the applicant is willing to put everything in at risk and then
change it if we don't like it. It's a plan but it's a plan on a macro-scale.
Commissioner Gregory suggested that the case be continued.
Action: Commissioner Oppenheim moved, seconded by Commissioner
Lopez to continue the request to allow the applicant to submit plans.
Motion carried 4-0-0-3 with Commissioners O'Donnell, Hanson and Van
Vliet absent.
2. CASE NO.: CUP 03
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): ANDREW L. CASAS, P.O. Box 144,
Blue Jay, CA 92317
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request for approval
of roof height exception for a single family custom home and rear yard
coverage exception for a detached accessory garage.
LOCATION: 77-577 Mountain View
ZONE: RE 40,000
Francisco Urbina showed the commission an elevation of the front of
the proposed single family home on a large one-acre site on the south
side of Mountain View. The applicant is also proposing an accessory
structure that's over 3,000 square feet in the rear yard area. The
property owner collects classic cars and they want-to be able to store
six classic cars plus a 45' long motor home. The motor home requires
a greater height clearance, which is one of the reasons why they want
to go above 18' for the accessory structure. Portions of the roof of the
main house will also exceed 18' because the applicant wants to achieve
a certain pitch to the roof. They are requesting a reduction in the
standard rear yard setback for detached accessory structures. The
proposed setback is 15' when the code requires a setback of
approximately 20', which is 1' of setback for each foot of building height.
They're requesting a reduction of approximately 5' from the rear yard
setback because their objective is to create a more usable rear yard
between the main house and the garage. Staff recommends that the
Architectural Review Commission approve the applicant's request. The
exterior walls would be stucco with some portions having a stone
veneer.
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Commissioner Gregory asked if other properties in the area have a
similar lot configuration. Mr. Urbina stated that they're all rectangular
deep lots. Commissioner Gregory wondered how the neighbors felt
about the plans. Commissioner Vuksic asked what was behind the
property. Mr. Urbina stated that another single family home is behind
the property. The applicant has submitted letters from adjacent owners
stating that they don't object to the plans. Commissioner Vuksic asked
about the neighbors who are immediately south of the property. Mr.
Urbina asked Andrew Casas, applicant, if there was a letter of support
from this particular neighbor on Robin Road. Mr. Renburg, property
owner, stated that he has letters of approval from every single adjacent
property owner within 300 feet.
Commissioner Vuksic asked how the stone works on the elevation for
the single family home. Mr. Casas stated that it's decorative stone
veneer which is 2' at the furthest point and then it goes down to 18" so
the mason has some free play to give it a little bit of looseness, but yet
it's confined between 2' and 18". The stone could' be installed before
the stucco and have the stucco in between each of the stones or the
stone could be installed on top of the stucco. He would prefer the first
alternative, however, it would be more expensive. He isn't sure which
way it'll be done. There are also columns in the rear of the house to tie
in the with front elevation. Mr. Urbina stated that the designer has
changed the shape of some of the windows and brought plans for the
commission to review that reflect the changes. Commissioner Vuksic
stated that if the applicant could butt the stucco up to the stone it would
look much better than just gluing the stone on top of the stucco.
Commissioner Gregory asked how the commission feels about the side
of the detached garage as viewed by the neighbor. Commissioner
Vuksic stated that architecturally he doesn't care for it, but it seems to
be in keeping with what's around it. Commissioner Gregory
commented that he's wondering about the 18' mass so close to the
property line. Commissioner Vuksic stated that if the neighbor doesn't
care, then the commission is okay with it. Commissioner Gregory
stated that the applicant submitted a well detailed plan for review.
Mr. Drell reminded the applicant that this is the first step for the
applicant and they will have to go to the Planning Commission for
approval as well. Commissioner Vuksic thanked the applicant for
putting together a good presentation. Mr. Renburg stated that all the
properties in the area have large accessory structures. The only thing
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that they can't have is swine. They can have goats, horses, chickens,
but no swine.
Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner
Lopez for approval subject to having the plaster butted into the stone
veneer on the single family dwelling. Motion carried 4-0-0-3 with
Commissioners O'Donnell, Hanson and Van Vliet absent.
3. CASE NO.: MISC 03-23
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): EDWARD OCHOA, 77-795 Michigan
Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92211
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request approval for
construction of a 3' high wrought iron fence at edge of sidewalk.
LOCATION: 77-795 Michigan Drive
ZONE: R-1
Mr. Bagato stated that the applicant is requesting approval of a 3' high
wrought iron fence on the edge of the sidewalk. The homeowner was
not present for the meeting. The plans were included in the
commissioner's packets for their review. There is a 5' wide sidewalk on
Tennessee, which is in Palm Desert Country Club, and the applicant
would like to put a 3'-4' high wall with a combination of wrought iron and
block next to the sidewalk. Mr. Bagato drove around the neighborhood
and there are other homes that have similar 2'-3' high walls that are
along the curb. This request is consistent with other walls in the area.
Staff is recommending approval. The applicant will need an
encroachment permit if the ARC approves the request because it abuts
the sidewalk.
Commissioner Gregory stated that he doesn't mind a wall going up but
he would prefer to have some planting area between the wall and the
sidewalk so it would look a lot better. Mr. Bagato stated that for the
proposed wall height the code states that it can be 7' from the curb.
The applicant was informed that this could be approved over the
counter with an encroachment permit. The reason the applicant is here
is because he wanted the fence to be closer to the curb. If the fence
was 7' from the curb there would be approximately 2' in front of the
fence for planting. The fence will be constructed of block and wrought
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iron. Commissioner Vuksic stated that the footing should be designed
so that it goes back towards the house to allow for more room for
landscaping in front of the fence. Commissioner Lopez stated that 2'
would be enough room for plant material. He's seen plans with planting
areas that are 1' wide. Using DG and decorative rock also looks good.
Commissioner Gregory noted that the applicant was not present. Mr.
Drell suggested waiting for the applicant to be present. Commissioner
Gregory asked if the commission votes on the request, can they revisit
it if the applicant shows up? Mr. Drell stated that they can re-open the
case if the applicant arrives later in the meeting.
Action: Commissioner Lopez moved, seconded by Commissioner
Oppenheim for approval subject to (1) fence being 7' from curb, (2)
design footing so that it projects back toward the house, and (3)
appropriate landscape be installed between sidewalk and fence.
Motion carried 4-0-0-3 with Commissioners O'Donnell, Hanson and Van
Vliet absent.
4. CASE NO.: SA 03-78
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): DIANE K. STEWART / STEVE
LADDAGA, 1918 Potrero Avenue, S. El Monte, CA 91733
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request for approval
of business signage.
LOCATION: 74-480 Town Center Way, Citibank
ZONE: PC
Mr. Bagato stated that this request was previously before the
commission. There was some discussion because the ARC didn't feel
that the can sign blended in with the architecture of the building. The
request was continued with direction given to look into using individual
channel letters with a blue background instead of using a can and also
to have some kind of architectural detailing at the ends of the sign so
that it blends in with the building better. They were also asked to
decrease the blue area on the sign. The business owner doesn't want
to do anything to blend the sign into the architecture. They did do
individual pop-out letters so that only the letters would light up and not
the whole can. Unfortunately, it's still a can sign.
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Mr. Drell asked if it's rounded. Mr. Bagato stated that it's still flat. He
told the applicant last week that they didn't reduce the blue area
enough. The ultimate problem will be blending the sign in with the
architecture of the building since the owner doesn't want to do anything.
Commissioner Vuksic stated that there's too much field for the sign and
it looks like it's just stuck on the building. It's very obtrusive and he
couldn't possibly approve it. Commissioner Gregory stated that the
sign becomes an architectural element because of the mass. He asked
the applicant if the sign could be made shorter. Diane Stewart,
applicant, stated that she could make it a little bit shorter.
Commissioner Gregory commented that they can go a lot shorter. The
sign element itself is less than half the length of the sign. Ms. Stewart
stated that she could probably make the sign 14'8" as opposed to 20' in
length.
Mr. Bagato showed the commission photos of a Citibank sign in Walnut
Creek which had a lot less blue area. The commission agreed that this
sign is more in proportion than the current sign proposal.
Commissioner Vuksic stated that the word Citibank is 60% and the rest
of the sign is 40%.
Ms. Stewart stated that the business owner really wants to use the blue
background. She asked if they could reduce the sign to 12' in length.
Commissioner Lopez stated that he couldn't support the proposed sign
because it's too big and they've made the signs smaller in other cities.
The proposed sign doesn't fit on the building. It looks like an
afterthought and doesn't work with the architecture. Mr. Drell stated
that signs shouldn't disappear in the architecture. They should jump
out so that people can see them. That is the purpose of signage and
not as camouflage.
Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner
Lopez for approval subject to reducing length of sign so that the word
"Citibank" is 3/5 in proportion to overall sign with 1/5 on either side.
Sight height to remain unchanged. Motion carried 4-0-0-3 with
Commissioners O'Donnell, Hanson and Van Vliet absent.
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B. Preliminary Plans
1. CASE NO.: PP 03-11
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): RICK EVANS, 13 Esplanade, Irvine,
CA 92612
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval
of elevations for commercial/retail buildings in Wonder Palms Master
Plan of Development.
LOCATION: Southwest corner of Gerald Ford and Cook Street
ZONE: PCD
Mr. Drell stated that the location of the proposed project is at the corner
of Gerald Ford and Cook Street. Rick Evans, applicant, stated that
there was a substitute site plan that he wanted to hang up so that the
commission could see it. They were trying to work out a better
distribution of parking for the project. Mr. Drell stated that they don't
have anything that shows the whole property including Merrick's
property. Across the street is Arco and the Hampton Inn & Suites. The
City has purchased 170 acres across the southwest corner of this
section, which will probably be a golf course. In the middle of the
section will be a residential property, which has yet to be master
planned. He hopes to get the whole area master planned. The site
slopes approximately 80 feet from the bottom to the top of the
residential property. There's a sand ridge midway through the section.
The direction that was given to Mr. Evans on how to design the project
was that the market and land uses that are obvious today are going to
change radically in fifteen years when the residential area develops and
the university develops. The university becomes the real engine and
may include a sports arena. The future opportunities are very different
from what they are today. Designing a project where the basic ground
architecture works today but didn't foresee evolving into a different sort
of project once it was oriented towards the university and also a whole
neighborhood behind it. What they came up with was the concept of
creating an internal street. Some buildings will face Cook Street, but
the real action is going to be on the internal street. There will be offices
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toward the rear of the property and parking distributed throughout the
site including angled parking on the street. They also created
architecture that wasn't monolithic in style.
Mr. Evans stated that he's spent a lot of time with staff developing the
concept of the project. They've taken it to a level of detail that probably
should be a little bit further when it comes to signage. When it comes
to the overall project, what they're trying to demonstrate is an inter-
relationship of different parts of this project to the total. Office is a very
important function and it's planned to be 135,000 square feet of garden
office. At University Drive, there is a three-story 30'-35' tall all-suites
hotel. From University through the office product at the top of the site
there is a usable walking street. They've tried to disperse the parking
so that it had parking to serve each of the individual elements as they
stand alone. Main Street is the important thing. Office is also important
because it's intended to be a generator of customers, traffic and activity
within the site. The hotel is intended to be the same way. They've
done a mixture of restaurant pads and fast food because they thought a
mixture for the different purposes, time of day, etc... is going to be really
important to the way the product gets used. They've also tried to
incorporate a variety of building shapes. The exterior of the building
along Cook Street is intended to show that the buildings are not one
sided. They want the buildings to literally feel like there's no back side
to them. There's a point where the back has to be the back, but they've
tried to disguise it as much as possible. There are two-story buildings
with office on the top floor and retail on the lower floor. This is intended
to mimic a downtown street.
Michael Robinson, project architect, and Tal Jackson, landscape
architect, were present to address the commission. Mr. Robinson has
done a lot of projects in Irvine Ranch. Mr. Jackson has done a lot of
work in Las Vegas, Newport and Palm Desert, including Marriott's
Shadow Ridge. Mr. Evans has tried to pull together a team that could
embrace the ideas the Mr. Drell and staff were suggesting for the last
six months. This is the "anti-strip mall" concept. One of the reasons
why they're trying to get two entrances on Cook Street and one
entrance on Gerald Ford is because they want the traffic to be
dispersed to those little pockets and for people to walk from there. This
is not a strip mall where you drive in one big, long entrance similar to
Desert Crossing which is a nice project but it's designed strip mall style.
There's a big, open, wide entrance where cars come in and move
around the place and then leave. The proposed project is completely
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different from that style. It's intended to distribute traffic evenly. Design
guidelines were distributed to the commissioners.
Michael Robinson, architect, stated that one of the key elements of the
site is the main street of the urban village. The concept behind the
urban village is how they've dealt with the architecture so that buildings
don't stand out and become architectural art pieces, but they're more
set into the idea that the buildings look like they've been built over time
and are more historical and tie in with the landscape. Basically, what
sets off the main street are the entries with highlighted paving and a
median strip that dies into an area where there will be directional
signage. There will be 45° parking to provide for easy in/easy out
access and direct communication to the store fronts. The idea is to
have convenient parking which is easy to get in and out of, integration
of landscaping and trying to encourage a pedestrian-type of orientation.
All the areas in front of the buildings are covered. They're either
arcades that are integrated in with the architecture or they're parts of
the building that step out over the sidewalk to create shaded areas.
The columns provide areas for vines to grow up. The hotel has been
integrated in with two high-end restaurant pads. In between the two
restaurants would be outdoor patios for each tenant. The two-story
buildings have a covered arcade below. Some points on the second
floor would be coved back so that there would be a terraced area. The
idea is to do different detail on the parapets. Some would be more
decorative and large and some would be simple. They're looking at
different ways to incorporate more open trellis work for landscape
material to grow on and allow some sun to filter through.
Commissioner Gregory expressed concern regarding future signage on
the east elevation. It appears that on some buildings the signage might
be placed pretty high on the facade, especially on the right side on the
two-story elements. He wanted to know if those buildings would have
signage. Mr. Robinson stated that the signage will be on a single level.
Mr. Drell stated that they need to see how signage will go on the
buildings, even conceptually. Mr. Evans stated that he believes that
they're going to have to have great signage on these buildings to make
them work the right way. One of the difficulties with retail is that they
can design the methodology, location and size but they're trying to
leave the result to be a little bit more creative. He has hired a sign
designer who did all the signs for the Irvine Spectrum Center and
Fashion Island. The reason why he did that is because he thinks that
the way to get the best result out of the sign program, once the criteria
has been agreed upon, is to let the image of the merchant show
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through, yet keep it in control with size, dimension, shape, color, etc...
That can make the solution dynamic rather than static.
Commissioner Oppenheim commented that the applicant talked about
the image of the merchant and questioned why they created a dramatic
sense of entry and had fast food on pad #3 and #4. Mr. Robinson
stated that there's a need for the fast food to have access. Mr. Drell
stated that pad #3 is right in the heart of the street and people are not
going to walk past it. He could possibly see pad #4 working. He asked
the applicant if they could put pad #3 somewhere else on Gerald Ford.
Mr. Evans stated that mixing it up is a good idea. He stated that his
wife taught him that when you're in a kitchen you walk in a triangle. A
lot about these buildings are that triangle. He doesn't think that people
will walk past pad #3 but he does think that it's an important element in
the highway overlay that they acknowledge the need to have people
arrive and park and not get involved in the whole center if they don't
want to.
Commissioner Gregory commented that the drive-thru on pad #3 is
contrary to what they're trying to promote with their grand scheme. Mr.
Evans did not agree. This is one issue that they haven't struggled with,
primarily because he knows that the marketplace need is there. They
had to find the right place for the fast food restaurants. There are
probably three really good pad merchants out there to serve this area
very well. They don't need ten of them to do it. Commissioner Gregory
stated that this is a different argument. He's talking about the drive thru
lane. Can people park their cars and manage to get out of the car and
walk into that particular fast food restaurant? Mr. Evans stated that
they're capable of doing that in all of them. Commissioner Gregory
stated that the pads are closer to the intersection for that particular
market, i.e. people driving on the freeway wanting a fast food place to
go to. Mr. Evans stated that it's also for the local person who is trying
to get to work and want to be quick, in and out. He may have a very
high style kind of an operation (coffee) and they will do very well here.
They'll have tables and chairs and outdoor seating. If you look at the
place as it unfolds, the intention behind it is to have what you need and
have it dispersed evenly and not destroy the triangular kind of motion
that was previously described between the three buildings.
Mr. Drell suggested that he do something special to the fast food
restaurant to make it feel like it's a part of the street. Perhaps they
could enhance the paving of the drive thru lane to create a motor court
for the cars to drive through but when cars aren't there it would almost
look like it's part of the front. Usually we try to hide the drive thru aisle
but here he doesn't think they should do that because they're hiding the
building and then it looks like the back of something. They should do
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the opposite and enhance the drive thru aisle visually so that it looks
like a lane that cars are driving on sometimes and sometimes not.
When the cars are not there it would look like part of the front.
Commissioner Gregory stated that they're spending a lot of time on
this, which is probably important but he doesn't want the commission to
focus on one specific item.
Mr. Robinson stated that they've gone to a lot of effort to provide design
criteria for the tenants who are going to build the pads out. They will, in
the end, have a real consistent feel for the movements, architecture
and the colors.
Tal Jackson, landscape architect, stated that they've broken the
landscape into different zones which is outlined in the design
guidelines. Essentially, the project perimeter, which encircles Gerald
Ford, Wonder Palms and University Way utilizes more traditional desert
plantings. He has introduced a meandering sidewalk in response to
what is across the street. He has introduced canopy trees and Mexican
palms. The entry portals coming in along Cook Street and Gerald Ford
will have date palms, canopy trees and accent paving which will bring
you into the project with directional signs indicating which way to go.
He sees the entries as being very important because they disperse
traffic in different directions. The main street idea allows for 60" parking
on a two-way street. They've narrowed the street as much as possible
to eliminate the back top effect, especially during the summer months,
and to allow for pedestrian flow along both ends with a canopy tree that
sets up the old town/downtown feeling. There is an external walk to the
whole street scene as well as the walk underneath the canopy arcade.
In reality, the arcade will be used more than the exterior portion. The
date palm is the secondary, more vertical tree in the backdrop and will
be used as an accent to the retail area. It sets up a really nice, stately
street scene that leads the hotel user to the retail .edge and the retail
user to the rest of the project area. The idea is to provide customers
with a really nice pedestrian walking experience. As you're on 1-10
looking down at this center you'll be able to see the street lights and
trees and palms all lining the streets at night. This is another reason
why they ended up with a site plan the way they did, as is the future
response to the university and long-term planning. They're going to
create an urban village that's going to be a pedestrian friendly area for
users from the university to come over and long-term for the
neighborhood as well. Planning down the road and how this project is
going to interact with both uses is very important.
Commissioner Gregory commented that everyone keeps talking about
the "street scene" . Other than seeing a large number of planting bays,
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arcades and deep sidewalks, which he thinks is wonderful, he wonders
if there are any means to encourage people to feel comfortable walking
across the street. At the project entries there are enhanced paving
areas, but he doesn't know how this feels like a street scene other than
having a lot of trees. Mr. Jackson stated that by narrowing the street it
promotes interaction. Commissioner Gregory commented that the
planter on retail #4 at the entry going north/south could be moved a little
bit to the left to make a more interesting focal point for traffic going in
that direction. Mr. Drell suggested moving the planter over so that it
becomes the end of a crosswalk. Commissioner Gregory asked if
lighting will be ambient-type of lighting. Mr. Jackson stated that it
would.
Mr. Drell stated that he feels that the project, in terms of his goals, is
90% there. However, they have the same awning style bridging
different buildings, which defeats the purpose of having the buildings
look like they're different. There has to be some tweaking of the details
because it still looks like an urban village built over time but designed
by one architect. Mr. Evans stated that this is a very good point.
They've talked about this issue in endless amounts of time. They felt
like until they've received some direction from the commission, it would
be hard to get a little bit too serious about that. If the commission looks
at the design guidelines, they'll see that they address the idea of
awnings in a very unique way. The buildings need to have covers,
some of them need to have filtered light, some need to have trellises
with vines on them, some will be metal, some will be slatted metal and
some will be standing seam. What they're trying to achieve through
that is when they get into their real design development, the challenge
of the awnings will become a bigger part of it and will include the way
the signs work. They have an idea but the challenge should hold the
concept of the old buildings that are built over time. The other thing
that they think that they can do very well is to keep a uniqueness of
awning to a particular building. The one thing that they love to use but
can't use here is glass. Mr. Drell stated that what we're seeing is just a
snapshot in time and as the project evolves those issues will be
addressed.
Commissioner Gregory asked Diane Hollinger if in the two-story
building area and also the right side of retail #4, and other areas, where
there is no opportunity to meeting the shading requirements, can there
be some sort of trade off or is that something that they should be aware
of now? Mr. Drell stated that the requirement is that one in three of the
total spaces in the project be shaded. The shade requirement is overall
and there can be areas where the visibility is more important.
Commissioner Gregory asked about the parking area between the hotel
and the two-story retail #3. Mr. Drell stated that there should be
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additional shading in this area. Commissioner Gregory commented that
right now it appears to be sparse. Mr. Drell stated that they should be
sure that there is additional shading in areas where visibility is not a
problem and where there is going to be a more transient shopper,
where visibility may be more important, they may want to use palm
trees to give some shade but really get the heads above the signage.
Ms. Hollinger stated that if they're in a retail center, then every
storefront needs visibility, therefore, there won't be room to put trees.
Mr. Drell stated that there's lots of space where they're showing no
shading at all and these areas can be shaded without any problem.
Ms. Hollinger suggested minimizing the amount of palm trees. There's
still a low water use ordinance and they've got to of palms on the
plans and it's not going to work. Mr. Drell commented that they have
too many trees on Cook Street. There's no point in making the
buildings look like fronts and then covering them with a forest.
Commissioner Gregory asked if it was understood that with the fast
food restaurants they will be looking for a greatly enhanced effort
architecturally to make them "happier" as opposed to "happy". Mr.
Robinson stated that there will be consistency of architectural detail.
Commissioner Gregory commented that he wants even more because
they really have to be snappy. In the past, when we've dealt with drive
thru lanes we've tried to hide them somewhat and here they're not,
which is okay, but make them look really good.
Commissioner Vuksic stated that he had some things to add to the list
of things to be wary of and that they'll be looking for. The direction of
the architecture looks good. He sees hints of Larchmont Street in
Hancock Park in Los Angeles where he can imagine the angled parking
aisles where you would want to run across the street. It would be nice
to see a lot more of it because he just sees hints of it. It's very
important to submit roof plans so that the commission can understand
what's going on. They'll be looking at different heights of elements and
how they work. Do they just go back a little ways and stop? Are they
complete forms? They want to see that they have parapet heights that
will conceal mechanical equipment and how they're getting up to the
roofs. Are the utilities well screened? Francisco brought up an
interesting point about something that he's seen before on drive thru
lanes. What they have is a classic drive thru that wraps around the
building, but maybe there are some possibilities to do that in a way
that's more creative so that the drive aisle is only on one or maybe two
sides of the building and then it somehow spits out instead of
surrounding the building. The ARC will be looking at things like the
parapets. Are they different? What are the proportions? Some areas
look pretty massive. On the plan there's a little pop-out that looks like it
goes all the way up to the roof and the cornice detail carries on across.
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Is that really what it's going to look like? These are examples of things
that the commission will be looking at. Mr. Robinson stated that the
next submittal will show the location of the signage. Commissioner
Vuksic stated that they will be looking at flashing details so that they
don't have metal cap flashing on everything.
Mr. Evans stated that the color range was chosen because of the color
of the sand and the mountains and tried to draw a contrast that's not a
conflicting kind of contrast. Mr. Robinson showed the commission the
color board. Commissioner Vuksic stated that the colors look nice. He
noticed something about 8Y2' wide parking spaces and wondered if
that's what they're going to be. Mr. Robinson stated that they're 9' in
width.
Mr. Evans asked the commission for comments on the office product.
The architecture is all part of the design guidelines because the
buildings haven't been designed at this point. However, he wanted to
get some input on that particular item. Commissioner Gregory asked if
the office park would be done in phase II. Mr. Evans commented that it
would be part of phase I. Fred Evans showed the commission the
different phasing aspects on a site plan. Commissioner Vuksic
commented on the walkway. Mr. Jackson stated- that the idea is to
collect people at a certain point and bring them into the retail area.
Commissioner Vuksic stated that he doesn't see that at all on the plan.
It looks like they've completely ignored it. Mr. Jackson stated that they
haven't worked on the landscape concept of this area. Once this is
done it will show how pedestrians will be picked up and pulled into that
area.
Mr. Evans stated that Chuck Crookhall is President of Shaw Properties.
Shaw is their office partner in this project. They've spent more of their
time trying to get a good balance of the parking so that the shaded
parking would be their primary objective. They will have quite a bit of
covered parking including carports. Commissioner Gregory asked if the
office portion is part of this particular application right now and do we
have enhanced plans to review? Mr. Evans stated that the office
portion is part of the application. Mr. Drell stated that they're talking
about a conceptual plan of a pretty ambitious project. Most of the
comments made by the commissioners has to do with details. The
applicant wants to go to the Planning Commission to be able to get
significant entitlements to know if they can do a project like this at all.
Before they start getting down to the fine points of how the paving is
going to look on the aisle on the fast food restaurant, they're probably
going to go to Planning Commission and the City Council relative to
getting approval to do this use on this property. Part of their application
involves changing the configuration of the commercial zone on this
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corner. The ARC should look at the project globally now in terms of an
overall architectural concept, overall site plan and overall theme. He's
not sure if they can call it preliminary approval but it would be approval
of the theme and the master plan so that it can go on to the Planning
Commission and City Council and they can get their basic land use
entitlement secured. Then it will come back to the ARC to work out the
details that have been coming up in this discussion. Commissioner
Gregory asked if they can give some kind of approval on the office area
without really seeing specifics. Mr. Drell stated that they could give
approval based on consistency with the architectural style of the
buildings that the commission has seen. Mr. Evans stated that they
can also review the design guidelines. Commissioner Gregory stated
that he wasn't expecting to be responding to that part now. He wanted
to know if they're looking for approval of the use of the area, circulation,
massing of the buildings, overall architectural direction and style. Every
time he sees one of those angled access spines he is concerned
because usually they don't work that well. Desert Willow is an example
where the architects laid out a spine and you can't see anything
because it's planted. The proposed pedestrian spine doesn't really go
into anything and circulation is a little "funny" there.
Francisco Urbina introduced himself as one of the planners and stated
that he and Steve Smith, Planning Manager (who was not present)
reviewed the project site plan and elevations and wanted to share some
of his comments and Mr. Smith's as well. Design can be a very
subjective thing. If you ask five different people you get five different
opinions. Their general perception on the elevations submitted was
that they appear to be rather boxy and rigid. They would like a little bit
more creativity and pizzazz. This is a major gateway entrance into the
City of Palm Desert and the architecture that they approve for this area
will, in a way, set the tone for the hundreds of acres of vacant land in
the area. The impression that he and Steve Smith had was that this
type of architecture is too commonly found in other parts of Southern
California. They didn't think that it was distinctive enough for this prime
entrance into the City. Regarding the drive thru lanes, they felt that the
drive thru on pad #3 should be relocated. Mr. Drell commented that
they've already discussed that. Mr. Urbina wanted to know what is at
the other terminus of this visual aspect.
Mr. Evans commented that when they started working with the whole
office project, one of the things that they felt really strongly about is the
importance of this project to the retail. As the project evolved, they've
shifted the office product around to enhance as much as possible. The
pedestrian walkway draws the people from the office park and brings
them down to the retail area. This is different from Desert Willow.
Commissioner Gregory asked if people are expected to be walking
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there in any form of numbers. It's mostly a visual thing, let's face it.
You're not going to have that many people using it. Mr. Evans stated
that he feels very strongly that it's going to happen. He could pick up
10-15 more parking spaces without it. Commissioner Gregory stated
that he's not knocking it, but it looks like a tried and true element that
they've seen many times and then it just peters off. Mr. Evans stated
that the office workers won't want to leave their parking place when
they leave the office to get something to eat. Commissioner Gregory
stated that his point is that it almost looks like two different projects
stuck together with a spine that goes nowhere. Mr. Drell stated that
they have to clearly connect it together. Commissioner Vuksic stated
that ideally that would become a pedestrian spot and the inlet into the
parking would actually be somewhere else. Mr. Evans stated that if you
look at the gateway aspect at the corner of Gerald Ford and Cook
Street he was asked specifically to keep the buildings away from the
corner and to do something important in that location. He thought that
the landscaped zone down the middle would be very inviting as people
drive by and look up towards the parking area. Commissioner Gregory
commented that he feels like they're going around in circles. He likes it,
but it stops. Mr. Drell stated that the direction is that the pedestrian
spine can't just end.
Commissioner Vuksic asked if the square footage reflects the shapes.
Mr. Robinson stated that it does. Commissioner Vuksic stated that this
concerns him because they're fairly tight. If that's the square footage
and they have architecture that they want to add to the outside, they
may not have the room. If one building is 9,550 square feet and that's
what they need, they haven't given themselves a lot of room for pop-
outs and ins and outs between that envelope and the parking. They
would end up with less than that square footage unless they have very
little buffer between the parking and the building in an effort to make it
look nice. He suggested that the architect be careful of that.
Commissioner Lopez commented that the applicant should do
preliminary water calculations for the landscape design. They'll save
themselves a lot of time and will find out what trees they can and can't
use. Think about locations for monument signage. Show locations of
bus stops. Show locations of trash areas. Morton's did a nice design
for a trash enclosure where it was designed as part of the building and
is not visible from the parking area. Where is the drainage going to be
located? Mr. Drell stated that he would hate to see deep recessions or
big black holes. They should find drainage somewhere else or do what
they did at Costco and use sub-parking lot drainage fields. He would
hate to see what happened at The Gardens on El Paseo where the
heart of the project became a drainage ditch. Commissioner Lopez
commented that the roads in shopping centers can become raceways.
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Stop signs will probably be put in certain places, but they should try to
reduce the speed of cars traveling through the shopping area. He
wasn't sure why the sidewalks come to the street curb. Mr. Drell stated
that this is a next to a highway where people are driving 60 mph. There
won't be any parking on this street so what would be the purpose of the
sidewalks coming to the curb? Mr. Evans stated that they just used it
as a design element at this point. Mr. Drell commented that he would
rather see it not meandering and have a consistent sidewalk. Ms.
Hollinger commented that the Public Works Department likes
meandering sidewalks. Mr. Drell stated that Public Works is not
designing this project. Meandering sidewalks probably make more
sense in a residential project. Mr. Evans wondered if they should even
have sidewalks on Cook Street in certain places because they want the
customer to walk through the project as opposed to along the street.
Commissioner Oppenheim commented that she sees a lot of parking
and a lot of office buildings. It's an exciting project but she's not
convinced that the "village feel" is there yet. It looks flat.
Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner
Lopez granted preliminary approval of master plan subject to (1)
reconsider location and/or design of fast food restaurant on pad #3, (2)
increase parking lot shading, per City requirements, (3) submit roof
plans, (4) show parapet cornice and cap flashing details (no exposed
sheet metal), (5) submit more detailed landscape plan, per City
requirements, (6) sign locations need to be identified on elevations, (7)
show how pedestrian landscape spine through parking lot connects to
future office park, (8) show monument sign locations, bus stops and
trash enclosures, and (9) response to comments should be submitted
for review prior to preparation of working drawings. , Motion carried 4-0-
0-3 with Commissioners O'Donnell, Hanson and Van Vliet absent.
2. CASE NO.: PP 03-06
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): SARES-REGIS GROUP, GREG
ALBERT, 18825 Bardeen Avenue, Irvine, CA 92612
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval
of architecture for a 320-unit apartment complex.
LOCATION: East of Monterey, north side of Gerald Ford
ZONE: PR-5
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Mr. Drell stated that the property is near the new Gateway project. The
purpose of the university plan is to provide a mixture of housing from
apartments, townhouses, small lot single family, large lot single family
and high density apartments. This project fits into the low end of the
high density apartments. This is more of a hybrid apartment townhouse
concept. He asked the applicant if he has a building coverage
calculation. The applicant stated that he doesn't have that number. Mr.
Drell stated that the standard building coverage for this zone is 50%.
There was some thought that the proposed coverage looks like it's
above that amount. The units are relatively large ranging from 900-
1,300 square feet. Commissioner Vuksic asked if the buildings are
double loaded because they look awfully thick. Mr. Drell stated that
there are issues with roof height as well.
Mike Boyd, architect/planner, stated that he has been working on this
project for over a year. He stated that there are direct access garages
for about half of the units. There is some surface parking on an island
within the auto court. The objective to begin with was to create four-
sided architecture, but it's really more like six to eight-sided
architecture. They've really articulated every facet of the building.
When they first started meeting with Mr. Drell over a year ago, they
wanted to create an architecture that was really going to give them off
site views with a nice street scene on Gerald Ford and the new
proposed Gateway Street. At the same time, they wanted to de-
emphasize the garages. There are two basic building types. One is a
40-plex and the other one is a 20-plex. They used these two building
types to maximize the geometry of the site. Overall, there are 320
units. They've oriented the auto courts so that you're seeing very nicely
articulated architecture. They wanted to create a townhome feel to
these apartments and not make them feel like they're a bunch of
stacked flats. They all have very unique entries. The ground floor
enters on one orientation and the second floor enters on a second story
corridor from a different orientation giving them the feeling of almost
being two-story townhomes instead of stacked flat units. The main
entrance to the project is located off Gateway and leads to the common
area which has a clubhouse, leasing center and pools. There are some
remote garages for additional parking. The apartments have 9' ceilings,
balconies and nice outdoor spaces. They've created pedestrian courts
within the building itself. Every unit has access to, some sort of open
space. They want to use deep overhangs to maximize shade and to
add shadow lines. The exterior materials include stucco and stone.
They've used a lot of parallel street parking to slow the pace of the cars
down and make it more pedestrian friendly. There will be enhanced
paving within the auto courts to break up the hard surface.
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Commissioner Vuksic commented that the plans are really neat. He's
never seen plans for single car garages with no corridor and people can
just go up stairs into their units. Mr. Boyd stated that he wanted to
create a lot variation where the building meets the sky and has used a
combination of flat parapet areas so that they can use flat roof areas to
hide the a/c condensers. They won't have any condensers on the
ground. There will be some areas on the roof for the condensers and
they have popped up elements with full hipped roofs. The height to the
lower parapets is 22' and the tower elements are 30'. Mr. Drell stated
that the applicant is going to be asking for a height exception. Mr. Boyd
commented that there is a 4:12 roof pitch so that from the ground level
you're not going to feel the full height of the ridge. It's going to be
setback pretty far.
Commissioner Vuksic asked where the ceiling is in relation to the
window. Mr. Boyd stated that the ceiling is at a 9' plate. They have 7'8"
headers. Commissioner Vuksic stated that they have very little parapet
and wondered how they plan to conceal mechanical equipment on the
roof. Mr. Boyd stated that they will do sections and see if that has to
adjust a bit. Condensers for units of this size won't be any higher than
2Y2 high. Mr. Drell asked if they could use the higher elements to
shield the equipments. Mr. Boyd stated that they haven't worked out
the roof plan completely yet. Their goal is to hide the equipment
completely. Mr. Drell stated that this is a requirement. Commissioner
Vuksic stated that the elevation that they're showing will not provide for
that. Mr. Boyd stated that the units are actually 18" in height. Mr. Drell
stated that at Hacienda Monterey, they built screens in front of the
condenser units on the street side that look like chimneys.
Commissioner Vuksic commented that the architecture is very nice. He
really likes it. Commissioner Gregory stated that this is a dense project
and he's looking at ways to make it less dense feeling. He's wondering
if having dual sidewalks along the main spine is necessary. From a
landscape perspective, he would like to get more landscape in. He
wanted to know if they need sidewalks on both sides of the street. Mr.
Drell commented that they do need both sidewalks because people are
going to be walking down that street to the recreation area. Streets
need sidewalks. Commissioner Gregory asked if there will be
enhanced paving in the auto courts. Mr. Boyd stated that there will be
several softly blended types of enhanced paving throughout. They
weren't sure if there was going to be asphalt in the auto courts.
Rich Cremwoody, landscape architect, stated that he's been challenged
with tying in the craftsman-style architecture with Palm Desert-
Coachella Valley landscaping. One thing that came to mind was the
California soaring area at California Adventure theme park. They've
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integrated the desert landscaping and craftsman architecture with dry
stream beds, boulders, palo verde trees and mesquite trees. This has
been their inspiration. The sidewalk is meandering along the main
driveway with a dry stream bed element with boulders running up both
sides. The sidewalk terminates at the recreation center with a free-form
pool landscaped with fan palms. They are carrying the loose,
meandering feeling into the auto courts with enhanced paving with
some asphalt. Mr. Drell stated that it can't be black asphalt. It has to
be a light color, otherwise it'll be like an oven. Commissioner Gregory
stated that they shouldn't use colored asphalt. He's been involved in a
few attempts in this desert area and it really doesn't do well. The area
in the motor court is small enough that they could use colored concrete.
Is anything being done to make the additional parking area more
attractive? Mr. Boyd stated that there will be hipped roofs on the
garages with landscaped pockets at both ends to soften them.
Commissioner Gregory asked if this is a utility-type area or if some
clever thoughts they've used elsewhere, within reason, might be
considered in these areas? This is high density and a lot of units look
down on these areas. Mr. Boyd stated that they are all enclosed
garages and there are no carports. Commissioner Gregory commented
that the garages are pretty long and asked if there are breaks between
doors where they could have planters with vines growing on them to
help break it up. He also asked if there was sufficient room somewhere
to add trees, other than verticals, such as canopy trees. Mr.
Cremwoody stated that he could possibly add canopy trees at the ends
of the garages.
Commissioner Vuksic asked how they intend to get up onto the roofs.
Mr. Boyd stated that there will be some sort of a ladder system with a
metal enclosure around it so that the general public can't climb the
ladder. Commissioner Vuksic asked if the ladder was going to be stuck
on with rungs that go up and over the roofs. It doesn't sound very
good. Mr. Boyd stated that they will put them in inconspicuous places.
Mr. Drell suggested that the applicant put the ladders on the plans and
show the commission the exact locations.
Commissioner Lopez asked if the applicant can incorporate the trash
enclosures into the architecture so that it doesn't look like an after
thought. Mr. Boyd stated that he talked to the disposal company and
they've designed an enclosure that has the screening that they want to
see. Commissioner Lopez stated that they can probably do better than
the disposal company's minimum requirements. He also noticed some
thorny trees, possibly palo verdes, in an area where there may be kids.
He suggested using thornless palo verde trees. On the site plan, there
isn't a good place to park near the leasing office. If someone has a
party in the clubhouse, where are the guests going to park? They
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should provide parking areas that are easy to get in and out of. Mr.
Boyd stated that rather than condense a parking area so that it
becomes something that you don't want to see when you come into the
project, they created parallel spots along the main street for parking.
Commissioner Lopez commented that he doesn't have a good feeling
about that idea. There are only 4-5 spots close to the leasing
office/clubhouse and feels that they will need more.
Diane Hollinger commented that she didn't have sufficient landscape
plans for this project. Mr. Drell stated that the applicant will have to go
through a first rough-cut of the water calculations. Commissioner
Lopez suggested that they do a vignette instead of doing the whole
project to make sure that they're heading in the right direction. Ms.
Hollinger stated that she would prefer full plans. Commissioner
Gregory stated that the general approach for the landscaping looks
good but they have some very serious work to do as far as coming up
with a layout and seeing out the water calculations work. Mr. Drell
stated that the less area of landscaping you have, the harder it is to
meet the calcs. Before they go to working drawings, the applicant
needs to come back with a more detailed plan with the water
calculations on it so we know where they stand.
Action: Commissioner Gregory moved, seconded by Commissioner
Oppenheim for preliminary approval with the understanding that the
questions identified in the minutes will be addressed before submittal of
working drawings. Motion carried 4-0-0-3 with Commissioners
O'Donnell, Hanson and Van Vliet absent.
3. CASE NO.: MISC 03-22
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): MCA ARCHITECTS, INC., 1247
Pomona Road, #105, Corona, CA 92882
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Remodel of existing
House to Home to future retail and office/storage.
LOCATION: 72-700 Dinah Shore Drive, House to Home
ZONE: PC
Mr. Bagato stated that this item will have to go to the City Council
because there is a tower element that exceeds the 35' height limit. The
proposed colors are similar to the colors at Staples. He's
recommending a different color for the base. Mr. Drell stated that this
could be the same problem that we ran into when we tried to fiddle with
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the Staples colors. The applicant needs a different palette.
Commissioner Vuksic stated that it's deceiving because when you look
at the color elevations they don't jump out at you. Mr. Drell stated that
the board has the real color samples and the color elevations use
colored pencils. There's a little more brown in the color elevations and
that's the direction that they have to go. They should put a little more of
the brown into the oranges and the golds. Commissioner Gregory
asked if the applicant could be given direction that the colors indicated
with the colored pencils is close, but we might need some color chips to
verify it. Mr. Drell stated that the commission is to look at the
architecture and the color, but there's no landscaping.
Commissioner Vuksic stated that it wasn't clear as to what was going
on and wondered if the box was there and they're adding stuff to it. Ed
Franklin, applicant, stated that the building is existing and used to be
House to Home. The building has been on the market for lease since
January 2002 and they haven't had one single tenant user interested in
the building. The retail environment has drifted away from these large
box-type users. The building is approximately 100,000 square feet.
They would like to take the front 60,000 square feet of the building and
divide it into four different retail tenancies. The back 40,000 square feet
of the building, which faces the freeway, will be divided into as many of
seven tenancies for light industrial/service center-type uses. What
currently is a single tenant building may very well evolve into as much
as an eleven tenant building. They're completely open minded about
the colors. They want something that works. The building is buried in
back of a shopping center with no true surface street exposure and the
building is well below grade. The intent of the two towers would provide
for signage for the four retail tenants. They're trying to give the site
some identities. Mr. Drell stated that two other tenants that have been
in the "hole" with you have been successful, i.e. Jet Spas and Office
Furniture. They're in a hole behind Costco.
Commissioner Vuksic commented that there's no roof plan. He wants
to make sure that the forms that are shown will translate into three
dimensional forms that will go way back onto the roofs rather than
becoming flat facades. He suggested that the cornice detail go around
rather than stopping and basically getting sawed off. Vandana Kelkar,
AIA, stated that she can do that. Commissioner Vuksic stressed to staff
that it's a lot easier to interpret if they have a roof plan.
Commissioner Lopez stated that it looks good and he likes the
movement. It's quite an improvement; hopefully it works. He asked if
there are any planting pockets. Mr. Drell stated that he would like to
see a rehab landscape plan at least for the front of the building. Ms.
Hollinger stated that the existing trees need to come out. The applicant
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needs to enhance the landscaping. Mr. Drell suggested that the
applicant meet with Ms. Hollinger to get some advice on rehabilitating
the landscaping. Mr. Franklin stated that the rear of the building will be
for light service center-type uses and will not be a pedestrian oriented
area. With regard to the front of the building, currently there is some
landscaping in planters. The economics of this project is not
necessarily what the focus of this meeting is, but this type of space is
going to ask for 70-85 cents per square foot. This is not a big ticket
type of project. They're exceptionally budget conscious. Ms. Hollinger
commented that once one of those eucalyptus trees falls down on a car
because you didn't take them out, they might re-visit that. The parking
lot trees need to come out.
Commissioner Vuksic asked the applicant to use something other than
metal cap flashing on the parapets. Ms. Kelkar commented that this.is
a standard method. Mr. Drell stated that people have found other
solutions that seem to work. People do great designs and then put a tin
can on the top which spoils it. Are the alternatives to cap flashing
significantly more expensive? Commissioner Vuksic stated that he
doesn't think that it's more expensive. He never uses cap flashing.
The Staples building is an example of cap flashing on a building and it's
amazing how irregular it is. It picks up shadows and looks awful. Mr.
Drell stated that cap flashing tends to `oil can". Everything is nice,
clean, sharp and crisp and then you see some aluminum foil wrapped
across the top. Mr. Franklin stated that this building is behind Costco
and has no surface street frontage at all. Mr. Drell stated that they're
going to great efforts to make the building look sharp so why spoil it
with the edge?
Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner
Oppenheim for preliminary approval subject to (1) submitting revised
color samples, (2) submitting roof plans, and (3) wrap cornice detail
around to the sides of the building. Motion carried 4-0-0-3 with
Commissioners O'Donnell, Hanson and Van Vliet absent.
4. CASE NO.: CUP 03-07
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS: SPRINT PCS, GARY CASSEL, 30802
S. Pacific Coast Highway #K1, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval
of revised plans for a 70' tall monopalm for Sprint PCS.
LOCATION: 74-665Y2 Highway 111, SCE Substation directly south of
Del Taco.
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ZONE: P
Mr. Bagato stated that this was previously before the commission. The
main issue was that no additional live palms could be put on the site
because Edison wouldn't allow it. The applicant visited Del Taco and
the owner is going to rent out his land to add palm trees for screening.
The applicant has returned with the same proposed tower which is 70'
tall to the top of the fronds, 65' to the antennae. He's now adding five
proposed live palms on the Del Taco property. The palms will vary in
height from 48', 50', 40', 42' and 44'. Staff is recommending approval.
Commissioner Lopez commented that he drove by the site a few times
and based on the location he doesn't have a problem with this proposal.
Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner
Oppenheim for approval. Motion carried 4-0-0-3 with Commissioners
O'Donnell, Hanson and Van Vliet absent.
5. CASE NO.: PP 01-07 Amendment#1
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS: THE FOUNTAINS, 2020 West Rudasill
Road, Tucson, AZ 85704
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval
of wing addition with ten assisted living units.
LOCATION: 41-505 Carlotta Drive
ZONE: PR-10
Frank Urrutia, architect, stated that they are proposing a wing addition
to the existing facility. The casitas are on the opposite end of the site.
Commissioner Vuksic asked if the new wing ties into the existing
architecture. Mr. Urrutia stated that the building that's there now has an
all tile roof. He didn't want to duplicate what was there and tried to
come up with something that's a little more contemporary that will tie
into the building. The new wing is more in keeping with the entrance
that was done a couple of years ago. The landscape plan will follow.
Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner
Oppenheim for approval. Motion carried 3-0-1-3 with Commissioner
Gregory abstaining and Commissioners O'Donnell, Hanson and Van
Vliet absent.
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*410
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
JULY 8, 2003
MINUTES
VI. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 3:15 p.m.
STEVE SMITH
PLANNING MANAGER
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