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Home My WebLink About2003-03-11 , . � � �� CITY OF PALM DESERT � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION • • MINUTES MARCH 11, 2003 **************************************************************************************************** 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 5 0 Kristi Hanson X 4 1 Neil Lingle X 2 3 Richard O'Donnell X 5 0 Chris Van Vliet X 5 0 John Vuksic X 4 1 Ray Lopez X 5 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: February 25, 2003 Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Lopez to approve the minutes of February 25, 2003. The motion carried 4-0-1-2 with Commissioner Hanson abstaining and Commissioners Lingle and Vuksic absent. IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None. 1 . • � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MARCH 11, 2003 MINUTES A. Final Drawinqs 1. CASE NO.: SA 03-33 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS�: BEST SIGNS, INC., 1550 S. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92264 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of sign program for Cook Street Marketplace. LOCATION: 42-150 Cook Street ZONE: C-1 Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet for approval by minute motion. Motion carried 5-0-0-2 with Commissioner Vuksic and Commissioner Lingle absent. 2. CASE NO.: PP 02-15 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): WESTWIND DEVELOPMENT, Attn: A.R. Woolworth, 77-240 Iroquois Drive, Indian Wells, CA 92210 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of a precise plan of design to construct a three-unit apartment building and a detached carport structure for three vehicles. LOCATION: 74-160 Candlewood Street ZONE: R-3 Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet for approval by minute motion subject to comments by Landscape Manager. Motion carried 5-0-0-2 with Commissioner Lingle and Commissioner Vuksic absent. 3. CASE NO.: SA 03-03 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS� IMPERIAL SIGN CO., INC., 46-120 Calhoun Street, Indio, CA 92201 G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocs�AgminWR030311.MIN 2 ' ' '� v�rr* ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MARCH 11, 2003 AGENDA NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of internally illuminated sign on Country Club Drive. LOCATION: 77-932 Country Club Drive, Club Car of the Desert ZONE: PC-2 Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet for approval by minute motion. Motion carried 5-0-0-2 with Commissioner Vuksic and Commissioner Lingle absent. 4. CASE NO.: MISC 03-10 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS� JERRY PREECE, 72-948 Willow Street, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request for approval of a new single family home with roof height exceeding 15' (17'6" maximum height proposed). LOCATION: 47-200 Desert Lily Drive ZONE: R-1 10,000 Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet for approval by minute motion. Motion carried 5-0-0-2 with Commissioner Vuksic and Commissioner Lingle absent. 5. CASE NO.: CUP 03-03 APPLICANT (AND ADDRES�: BIGHORN DEVELOPMENT, LLC, 255 Palowet, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of perimeter wall and landscaping for an abandoned public utility well site converted to a private water export irrigation well site. LOCATION: 73-375 Shadow Mountain Drive ZONE: R-3 G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocsWgminWR030311.MIN 3 . . �'' �,r,rr� ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MARCH 11, 2003 AGENDA Commissioner O'Donnell commented that he thought that they did an outstanding job on the well site, however, the homeowners in the vicinity are concerned about the ambient noise since they don't know what the noise level is going to be. Mr. Drell stated that it'll be quieter than the public utility well site. Seamless, one piece acoustical boxes have been created making the well sites quieter than they were when they were operated by the water district. Commissioner O'Donnell stated that they've been abandoned for about twenty years. Mr. Drell stated that per code they can't increase the ambient noise level. Greg Babbington, Construction Manager for Bighorn Country Club, was present and stated that the acoustical study that was performed basically indicates that the readings prior to, and the readings afterward show that with the new sound enclosures in place, the sound levels are lower than the ambient noise level in all cases. Mr. Drell stated that the metal boxes surrounding the well sites are sealed acoustical structures. Commissioner O'Donnell asked if there was a maintenance agreement. Mr. Drell stated that the Landscape Department and Bighorn are going to be working on this. The well sites will be maintained as if they are part of Bighorn Country Club with the same sort of diligence and sensitivity to the neighborhood. Diane Hollinger, Landscape Specialist, commented that she and Spencer Knight, Landscape Manager, both have a big concern with the lack of maintenance on the well sites. The Cahuilla (540) well site is one example of a well site that has not been properly maintained. There has to be something in writing with a schedule that indicates when the sites will be maintained. Action: Commissioner Gregory moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet for approval. Motion carried 3-0-2-2 with Commissioners Hanson and O'Donnell abstaining and Commissioners Lingle and Vuksic absent. 6. CASE NO.: CUP 03-04 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS� BIGHORN DEVELOPMENT, LLC, 255 Palowet, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of perimeter wall and landscaping for an abandoned public utility well site converted to a private water export irrigation well site. G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocsWgminWR030311.MIN 4 �' � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MARCH 11, 2003 AGENDA LOCATION: 42-600 Chia Drive ZONE: R-1 Action: Commissioner Gregory moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet for approval. Motion carried 4-0-1-2 with Commissioner Hanson abstaining and Commissioners Vuksic and Lingle absent. 7. CASE NO.: C 03-01 APPLICANT (AND ADDRES�: PAT & OSCAR'S, 72-840 Highway 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request to remove subordinate tower at Pat & Oscar's. LOCATION: 72-840 Highway 111, Westfield Shoppingtown ZONE: PC-3 Mr. Smith stated that several weeks ago the ARC approved a proposal for exterior modifications of Pat & Oscar's at Westfield Shoppingtown. The original proposal had the subordinate (right hand) tower which was to be lowered below the line of the roof and it wasn't as pronounced. The tower to the left is in place and is nearing completion. Pat & Oscar's is asking that the secondary tower be deleted from the approved plans. It was brought to the ARC at its last meeting and Dave Hokanson of Westfield Corporation asked the Commission not to act on it. We now have a letter from him indicating that it's okay to proceed. Howard Schuss, architect for Pat & Oscar's, was present to answer questions. He stated that originally the main tower would've been balanced with the secondary tower and would have also given the restaurant a little more recognition due to the additional signage. Upon further consideration, it looked like there were two entryways fighting with each other so it didn't make sense to have the second tower. This is why they would like to keep the main tower and omit the secondary tower. Commissioner O'Donnell asked if the Commission had been informed that the tower was not on the same plane as the wall. Commissioner G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocs�AgminWR030311.MIN 5 , , � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MARCH 11, 2003 AGENDA Hanson commented that they were not aware of this. It wasn't drawn like that on the plans. Commissioner Van Vliet commented that the Westfield tower and the Pat & Oscar's tower are right next to each other and are competing with each other. Mr. Schuss stated that the Westfield tower is not built yet. At the last ARC meeting, the Westfield tower was approved. Commissioner Van Vliet stated that it's unfortunate that they have a situation where they have two dissimilar elements near each other and their heights are similar as well. Commissioner Hanson commented that Westfield has way too much signage. Commissioner O'Donnell stated that the Westfield tower was approved because the Commission thought that Pat & Oscar's would still have two towers. Commissioner Hanson suggested possibly lowering the Westfield tower. Mr. Schuss stated that he thinks that the Pat & Oscar's tower looks really good, although the Westfield tower isn't built yet. The materials for the two towers are different. The towers are angled and are not on one flat plane so they don't seem to fight each other. Commissioner Hanson stated that the towers are too bunched together and with the removal of one tower, the remaining two towers are reading as a whole element. If the second Pat & Oscar's tower were left in, there wouldn't be a problem. Commissioner O'Donnell stated that the removal of one tower affects the decision that they made previously on the Westfield tower. The ARC thought that there would be three towers. Removing one tower changes everything. The Commission requested that staff invite Dave Hokanson from Westfield Corporation and a representative from Pat & Oscar's to the next ARC meeting so that they can discuss all three towers at one time. Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet to continue the request to the March 25, 2003 ARC meeting in order that the three towers (Westfield and two Pat & Oscar's towers) can be discussed in concert. Motion carried 4-0-1-2 with Commissioner Gregory abstaining and Commissioners Lingle and Vuksic absent. 8. CASE NO.: C 02-06 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS� PREST-VUKSIC ARCHITECTS, 74- 020 Alessandro, Suite C, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of commercial remodel. G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocsWgmin�AR030311.MIN 6 � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MARCH 11, 2003 AGENDA LOCATION: 72-760 EI Paseo, south end of Palms to Pines central. ZONE: PC-3 Action: Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet to add the above item to the agenda. Motion carried 5-0-0-2 with Commissioner Lingle and Commissioner Vuksic absent. Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet for approval. Motion carried 5-0-0-2 with Commissioner Lingle and Commissioner Vuksic absent. 9. CASE NO: APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS� JOSE CASTANEDA1 44-800 San Jacinto Avenue, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request for an exception to roof height of a single family residence with proposed height of 17'10". LOCATION: 44-800 San Jacinto Avenue ZONE: R-1 Mr. Bagato stated that the home is located off of Portola north of Alessandro. The homes in the area are older so there are a lot of low roof lines, but the new construction is higher. The home is also near two-story office buildings on Portola and Alessandro. Staff did not have any issues with the proposal. Action: Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet to add the above item to the agenda. Motion carried 5-0-0-2 with Commissioner Lingle and Commissioner Vuksic absent. Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet for approval. Motion carried 5-0-0-2 with Commissioner Lingle and Commissioner Vuksic absent. G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocsWgmin�AR030311.MIN � . • � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MARCH 11, 2003 MINUTES B. Preliminary Plans 1. CASE NO.: PP 03-05 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): JAMES & LUCILLE FEIRO, P.O. Box 12980, Palm Desert, CA 92255 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of single story office building. LOCATION: 44-675 Deep Canyon, northwest corner of Deep Canyon and Ramona Avenue. ZONE: R-1, O.P. pending Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet for approval by minute motion. Motion carried 5-0-0-2 with Commissioner Vuksic and Commissioner Lingle absent. 2. CASE NO.: PP 03-03 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS� JEWISH SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTER, 73-251 Hovley Lane, Palm Desert, CA 92211 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of architecture and landscape for a one and two story, 54-unit senior housing facility. LOCATION: 73-251 Hovley Lane, Temple Sinai ZONE: PR, PR-SO pending Mr. Smith stated that the proposed senior housing facility is located on the west side of the Temple Sinai site. The project is subject to a proposed change of zone to increase the allowed density. The landscape plan and elevations were shown to the Commission. Pam Touschner, architect for WWCOT, was present to address the Commission. G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocs�AgminWR030311.MIN g . �rr►' �r' ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MARCH 11, 2003 MINUTES Commissioner Van Vliet commented that the elevations are on such a small scale that iYs difficult to see how the details work. Mr. Drell stated that we need more descriptive, illustrative exhibits since this is the first time we've seen this project. Ms. Touschner displayed large color renderings for the Commission to view. Ms. Touschner is one of the architects from WWCOT who has been working on this project along with the Foundation. She stated that this is an assisted living project, which currently consists of 54 units. It will be located on the same property as the Temple Sinai on Hovley Lane. There is an existing school on the site. The currently proposed project wraps around the existing water district well site property. They would like to re-work the current parking area and create a flag pole area so that there will be a drop off place. They have created a porch area that allows people to look out at the children on the playing fields. The project consists of a one story and two story building. The two story portion starts off the street at 100' from the front property line. On the west side, the finro story portion is 120' from the property line. There are some outdoor dining and outdoor patio-type areas. Mr. Drell requested that the applicant prepare a rendering showing the view from Hovley Lane and from the west. Commissioner Hanson asked Ms. Touschner what type of program her client was looking for regarding style. Ms. Touschner commented that they have an assisted living consultant working with them. They tried to create patio areas for the units. There are height restrictions, therefore, they tried to keep the building as low as possible with 8' ceilings. Another goal was to make the building fit into the surrounding community. Spanish tile roofs were not a part of the discussion. They tried to use the same materials and aesthetics as the temple. The residential neighborhood consists of stucco homes so they have used stucco on the proposed building. Commissioner Hanson stated that the applicant has done a really clever job with the site plan and where the second story portion of the building is located. However, when she looks at this building she thinks it's an office building. It doesn't say "home". It really reads office building. Ms. Touschner stated that it's linear, but it's not what you would typically see in an office building with a strip window. The proposed building is broken up. Commissioner Hanson stated that if this is a place where people have to live, it should read like it's a place where people live. The materials are very nice and she likes the use of concrete block, stucco and the colors. It would take something simple G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocsWgmin�P,R030311.MIN 9 . � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MARCH 11, 2003 MINUTES such as a slightly different use of some of those materials or a different element such as an awning, that changes it from looking like a commercial building or a school to something with more of a residential flavor. Commissioner Hanson stated that she doesn't have a specific answer but there are some elements that may be appropriate to change to give it more of a residential feel. Ms. Touschner stated that she will look into this. Mr. Drell commented that she should look at it very strongly. It's a residential neighborhood so it should have a residential feel. The scale itself is going to be a problem in that neighborhood. The hard edges accentuate the alien quality of this large building in a single family dominated neighborhood. Commissioner Hanson commented that the project has a Don Wexler- type style. Ms. Touschner stated that Commissioner Hanson has a good eye and Don Wexler is her client and he is a member of the Foundation for Temple Sinai. There are people who are members of the Foundation with very strong opinions. Commissioner Hanson stated that she loves Mr. Wexler's work but she's not sure that it's appropriate in this particular location. Commissioner O'Donnell commented that the site plan is brilliant. He likes the way that the location of the building has been handled. Overall, he found the simplicity of the design more to his liking than a lot of the other assisted living facilities that he's seen. There is an elegance to the simplicity of the design. There are some things that he would encourage the applicant to look at. It probably won't meet with great approval as it's goes in front of other boards, which may be the case for good architecture. Sometimes others don't see it as well as some see it. There are some minor improvements that he would like to see and he agreed with Commissioner Hanson's comments. The materials are really nice. Maybe some of the elements with different materials could be used. There is a height limitation in this area, but maybe they could project up beyond the roof line in some cases with some elements. Ms. Touschner commented that she presented that scheme to the Foundation and it wasn't well received. Commissioner Gregory stated that the lot is balanced, as far as cut and fill. If you take a line through the porte cochere running east/west, everything to the north is sunk 3' by the time you reach the first plane of the elevation. Technically speaking, the effort was to make the building show as little as possible from Hovley Lane. It barely shows above the landscaping and the wall. Mr. Drell stated that he would like to see a more realistic rendering with the view from Hovley Lane. G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocsWgminWR030311.MIN 1� • � �` ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MARCH 11, 2003 MINUTES Commissioner Van Vliet asked about the equipment enclosures on the roof. Ms. Touschner stated that there is a parapet wall around the building. She knows where the equipment will be placed, but isn't sure how may units they will need at this point. Mr. Drell asked the applicant if the renderings were shown to the neighbors. Ms. Touschner stated that they had a community meeting at the end of February at the temple and only three people showed up. They were supportive of the project. Commissioner Van Vliet asked if a zone change was needed. Mr. Drell stated that the base zone stays the same but a senior overlay will be applied, which allows more units for senior housing. Commissioner Hanson asked if the assisted living consultant has given them any feedback on what is perceived from the exterior. She was curious to find out if there's some sort of psychology with the proposed building, which is beautiful, but is not necessarily representative of what they might live in. Ms. Touschner stated that the consultant gave her more direction of what not to do rather than what they would like to see. Landscaping is important and also mobility issues showing how the residents will get to their units. They've added more elevators than they really need just to make it easier for the residents. Commissioner Van Vliet stated that the site plan is well done. He concurs with Commissioner Hanson's comments. If this building was purely on a commercial site, there probably wouldn't be an issue with the building. He's not sure how to give the elevations more of a residential flavor because he's not an architect. He likes the project overall. Commissioner Lopez commented on the colors. The main color is tan and he sees that color all the time. At Desert Willow, they went to the opposite end and used really dark colors. At first, he was taken back by it but now he's warmed up to it. The proposed building looks very commercial when it should look a little more like home. Ms. Touschner stated that they chose the tan base color so that it would match the synagogue, but maybe that's something that they need to rethink. Commissioner Lopez suggested livening it up more. Mr. Drell commented that the synagogue is a commercial building and the senior housing facility probably shouldn't look like the synagogue. The buildings should look different. Commissioner Lopez commented that outdoor seating is very important. G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocsWgminWR030311.MIN 1 1 . . � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MARCH 11, 2003 MINUTES Commissioner O'Donnell asked how far the patios are recessed. Ms. Touschner stated that they are recessed 10'-12'. Commissioner O'Donnell commented that 10'-12' is a considerable amount of recess. He feels that there isn't enough known about the details for preliminary approval. He suggested that the applicant consider the comments by the Commission and come back with the changes. Commissioner Van Vliet asked the applicant for bigger elevations with everything identified including detailing (i.e. railing details, parapet details, etc...) so that the Commission can get a better feel for the project. Commissioner Hanson stated that even hand drawn details would be sufficient. They're not looking for final details, but would like to see conceptual details. Commissioner O'Donnell commented that the screening of the mechanical equipment is a critical issue with the Commission and they would like to see how this is going to be worked out. Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner Lopez to continue the request to allow the applicant to (1) provide additional detailed drawings, (2) plans showing location and screening of inechanical equipment, (3) to provide colored renderings from Hovley Lane and the view from the west, and (4) enhance architecture to provide more residential character. Motion carried 4-0-1-2 with Commissioner Gregory abstaining and Commissioners Vuksic and Lingle absent. 3. CASE NO.: PP 03-02 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS)• METROPLEX ONE, 45-445 Portola Avenue, Suite 5, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT• Preliminary approval of revised plans for two industrial buildings totaling 30,450 square feet. LOCATION: Technology Drive ZONE: PCD Mr. Bagato stated that the original proposal was continued by the ARC to allow the applicant to make the proposed changes. One of the main concerns was that the building looked top heavy. The applicant revised the plans by changing the color scheme by putting the darker color on the lower portion of the building and raising the entries to 12' to break up some of the height. Depth was added to the cut out areas on the parapet. Fin-type details were added to the upper portion of the facade. The screening of the roof-mounted equipment was changed to have more of an architectural detail. Commissioner Van Vliet asked G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocs�,4gmin�AR030311.MIN IZ . . � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MARCH 11, 2003 MINUTES about the type of material used for the fins. Phil Smith was present and stated that on the drawings it says that they're steel, however, he thought that they might end up being aluminum so there won't be any worries about rust. Commissioner Gregory commented that previously, the upper portion of the building was overbearing and he feels that the applicant has juxtaposed the vertical element to pull it together and it looks good. Commissioner O'Donnell asked about the saw tooths on the roof. Mr. P. Smith commented that they are mechanical screens that have been integrated into the design. Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet for approval. Motion carried 5-0-0-2 with Commissioners Lingle and Vuksic absent. VI. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 1:45 p.m. STEVE SMITH PLANNING MANAGER G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocsWgminWR030311.MIN 13