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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-06-22 fir✓'' �t CITY OF PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION • MINUTES JUNE 22, 2004 **************************************************************************************************** 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 10 2 Kristi Hanson X 10 2 Chris Van Vliet X 9 3 John Vuksic X 12 Ray Lopez X 11 1 Karen Oppenheim X 12 Karel Lambell X 6 Also Present: Phil Drell, Director, Community Development Steve Smith, Planning Manager Francisco Urbina, Associate Planner Tony Bagato, Planning Technician Donna Quaiver, Senior Office Assistant Diane Hollinger, Landscape Specialist III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: JUNE 8, 2004 Commissioner Lopez moved, seconded by Commissioner Oppenheim to approve the minutes of June 8, 2004. The motion carried 5-0-1-1 with Commissioner Hanson abstaining and Commissioner Van Vliet absent. IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS A. None. 1 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 22, 2004 MINUTES A. Final Drawings 1. CASE NO.: SA 04-83 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): CHAD ADDINGTON, SIGN-A-RAMA, 41-995 Boardwalk, Suite L, Palm Desert, CA 92211 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request approval of business signage. Nations Builders Insurance Services LOCATION: 73-726 Alessandro, Suite 200 ZONE: OP Mr. Smith stated that this is the Voce building located on Alessandro. The Nations Builders Insurance Services office is occupying most of the second story of the building. The proposed signage is made of foam and brass and is non-illuminated. The foam will be 2" in thickness with mirrored gold anodized aluminum faces and gold painted edges. The letters are 13" in height and the "swoops" are 24Y2" in length. Commissioner Vuksic suggested that they use dark bronze. Commissioner Gregory commented that normally he would be against this proposal, but it's very low-key and making it bronze makes it even more low-key and that's why it's okay. Normally, I'd be a tough sell for a sign in that location. Commissioner Lopez asked about the location of the "swoops". Commissioner Hanson commented that they're so wispy that they're not offensive. Mr. Smith stated that the second floor is setback from the front edge by a significant distance. Commissioner Gregory suggested that the "swoops" be a minimum of 6" on the top and bottom of the fascia. Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic for approval subject to (1) letters being bronze, and (2) "swoops" being a minimum of 6" from top to bottom of fascia. Motion carried 6-0- 0-1 with Commissioner Van Vliet absent. GRanning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocs\Agmin\AR040622.MIN 2 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION J U N E 22, 2004 MINUTES 2. CASE NO.: C 04-04 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): PREST-VUKSIC ARCHITECTS for CHAPMAN & SONS, 72-624 El Paseo, Suite B6, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request approval of revised plans for a facade enhancement of a retail building. Chapman & Sons LOCATION: 73-740 El Paseo ZONE: C-1 Mr. Smith commented that the plans were originally approved by the Architectural Review Commission, but changes have been made on the parking lot side (facing north). The ARC has to approve the changes, per the ordinance, so that the applicant can receive money from the City's Facade Enhancement Program. The planter has been removed on the revised plans. Mr. Drell wanted to know what is in the space where the planter used to be. The building does not come out further. The sidewalk is now wider. Commissioner Gregory stated that the changes seem minuscule. Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner Gregory for approval. Motion carried 5-0-1-1 with Commissioner Vuksic abstaining and Commissioner Van Vliet absent. 3. CASE NO.: MISC 04-34 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): DAVID SHANK, 4301 W. 62ND Street, Edina, MN 55424 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request approval of 17'8" roof height for a single family residence. LOCATION: 45-731 Edgehill Drive ZONE: R-1 G:Plan ning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocs\Agmin\AR040622.MIN 3 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 22, 2004 MINUTES Mr. Bagato stated that this is a new proposed home on Edgehill, which is right up against the channel near the hillside. There are various roof heights with the highest point being 17'8". Commissioner Hanson commented that she didn't see any problem with it. Commissioner Vuksic stated that it looks nice. Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic for approval. Motion carried 6-0-0-1 with Commissioner Van Vliet absent. 4. CASE NO.: CUP 03-21 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): JUAN CARLOS OCHOA, 73-626 Highway 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request final approval of a single family home in Cahuilla Hills. LOCATION: 45-815 Willow Street ZONE: HPR Mr. Smith stated that the property is located on Willow Street, which is in the hillside area. Juan Carlos Ochoa, architect, was present and stated that there won't be any changes at this time. Mr. Smith stated that the plans could be approved in the current form because they're consistent with the preliminary plans. If, due to budgetary considerations, the applicant wishes to reduce some of the stonework then he should bring it back at that point. Mr. Ochoa commented that the floor plan and site plan will remain the same. Nothing has changed from the preliminary plans. Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson for approval. Motion carried 6-0-0-1 with Commissioner Van Vliet absent. Action: Commissioner Lopez moved, seconded by Commissioner Oppenheim to add case MISC 04-36 to the agenda. Motion carried 6- 0-0-1 with Commissioner Van Vliet absent. G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocs\Agmin\AR040622.MIN 4 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION J U N E 22, 2004 MINUTES 5. CASE NO.: MISC 04-36 APPLICANT(AND ADDRESS): DESERT DESIGN BUILDERS, 42-480 Ritter Circle, #4, Palm Desert, CA 92211 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request approval of 16' roof height on a single-family residence. LOCATION: 74-210 Covered Wagon Trail ZONE: R-1 Mr. Smith commented that a small portion of the roof element is above 15'. The element is 16' in height, hence the commission would have to review it. They're maxing out the hip aspect of the roof. Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner Lopez for approval. Motion carried 6-0-0-1 with Commissioner Van Vliet absent. B. Preliminary Plans 1. CASE NO.: PP 04-13 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESSy CHRIS BRATTY, 1920 Main Street, Suite 850, Irvine, CA 92614 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of revised plans for a 135,152 square foot Lowe's Home Improvement Center. LOCATION: NE corner of Monterey Avenue and Gerald Ford Drive ZONE: Mr. Smith stated that the Architectural Review Commission reviewed plans for Lowe's at its last meeting two weeks ago. The revised plans were displayed for the commission to review. They've enclosed the roof element, added some of the pattern work that was missing in the earlier version on the rear elevation and landscaping adjacent to the Garden Center. G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocs\Hgmin\AR040622.MIN 5 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 22, 2004 MINUTES Commissioner Vuksic asked Chuck Landa, Lowe's architect, about the types of block that they intend to use. Mr. Landa stated that they're designing it so that it can be either tilt-up or split-face construction. Part of it will be precision block and part of it will be split-face block. If it's tilt-up, they would use some kind of form liners to give it the same kind of texture. Commissioner Gregory asked Mr. Landa about his approach on the blank panel to the left of the main entry on the west elevation. Mr. Landa stated that he's added banding to break up the bare surface. Commissioner Lambell asked if it would be a color change or a texture change. Mr. Landa stated that it'll be a texture change. Commissioner Vuksic stated that what they've done looks good, but hoped that in reality there's enough of a change. Mr. Landa stated that they've done a similar type of banding with a contrasting texture on another project and it does read very well, especially in a bright light situation. Commissioner Hanson commented that the overall color palette seemed awfully light. There's not going to be a lot of dissimilarity between the lavender color and precision block. Mr. Landa stated that the block will be painted. Commissioner Vuksic commented that the hues are alright, but it's amazing how the colors wash out in the desert environment. The lighter colors will look blinding white on the building. They may want to adjust the colors. Commissioner Hanson asked if all the tilt-up panels or the block would be painted. Mr. Landa stated that they would be painted. Lowe's philosophy is that they have to put a sealer on it anyway so they may as well put a colored sealer on it. Commissioner Hanson suggested that they make the colors a little darker by a shade. Commissioner Vuksic asked what was changed on the east elevation that faces the residences. Mr. Landa stated that there was concern expressed about the back of the parapet. They've closed the back of the parapet so that it doesn't look like a false front and they've done a site line study which shows that it won't be seen by the residences. Commissioner Vuksic asked about articulating the rear elevation with some type of pattern. Mr. Landa stated that they're keeping the same patterns that were originally proposed but instead of hiding the down spout elements they're doing them in a different color to break up the linear feel to the east elevation. Commissioner Vuksic commented that he was concerned about people in the neighboring property looking at the east elevation of Lowe's. It seems like they could do something more with color and patterns in this area. Mr. Landa stated that on the G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocs\Agmin\AR040622.MIN 6 `40V ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 22, 2004 MINUTES other walls they've mainly articulated with patterns. Commissioner Gregory stated that the utility area of a building is looked at as basically a service-related space and maybe it wouldn't be too difficult to make it somewhat more interesting. Mr. Landa stated that generally he thinks about the other elevations and forgets about the back of the building. He could do some additional banding. Commissioner Vuksic commented that this could be done at a staff level. Mr. Drell asked if the banding should be done with texture or color. Commissioner Vuksic stated that he thinks that it needs both texture and color. Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner Lopez for preliminary approval subject to addressing patterning, texture and color of banding on the east elevation and the selected colors on the building being a shade darker than they're currently represented with approval by staff. Motion carried 6-0-0-1 with Commissioner Van Vliet absent. 2. CASE NO.: CUP 04-06 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): CINGULAR WIRELESS, 3345 Michelson Avenue, Suite 100, Irvine, CA 92612 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of a wireless telecommunications facility including a 65' high mono- palm and equipment shelter. LOCATION: 38-105 Portola Avenue, Santa Rosa Country Club ZONE: OS Mr. Urbina stated that staff contacted the management at Santa Rosa Country Club where the second mono-palm is proposed. There's already an existing mono-palm at Santa Rosa Country Club which is 56' in height with five live palm trees surrounding it. Staff contacted the management today and spoke to the general manager asking him if there was a possibility if the second proposed mono-palm by Cingular Wireless could relocate immediately west of the existing mono-palm. The reason for that is where the applicant for Cingular is proposing their mono-palm would be substantially closer than where the existing one is. The proposed mono-palm would only be 15' from the fronds to the property line of Palm Desert Greens mobile home subdivision and 64' from the existing mono-palm. The manager indicated that he was G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocs\Agmin\AR040622.MIN 7 ''mow° fir✓' ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 22, 2004 MINUTES open to staff's idea of having the new mono-palm immediately west of the existing mono-palm. In addition, the photo simulations that were submitted do not show the existing mono-palm. The picture was probably taken before the Verizon mono-palm was installed. Staff recommends continuance of the request and that the applicant be directed to submit revised photo simulations that show the existing mono-palm and that the applicant be directed to locate the Cingular wireless mono-palm immediately west of the existing mono-palm. Mr. Drell asked if there was an issue with the proximity relative to height. Steve Stackhouse, representative for Cingular Wireless, was present and commented that he just came from the site and Brent, the General Manager, was not there so he wasn't able to speak with him. When the photo simulations were originally shot, the Verizon site was not implemented yet. The reason for the current location was because that was the direction provided to him from the Santa Rosa Country Club management. He just checked to see how much room was available to the west of the Verizon location. There's not a lot of opportunity to the west of the site. They may come back to the commission with plans for the currently proposed location because that's where the management directed them initially and that's where they'll probably need to be. They would entertain an alternate location but at this point he would like input from the commission. Commissioner Vuksic commented that he's seen mono-palms with the antennae arrays located inside the trunk and asked the applicant if this is something that could be done with this proposal. Mr. Stackhouse stated that this is a learning process and up to a week ago, he was being advised by the engineers at Cingular that it was not possible. Their preference is to have the arrays on the outside because they get better coverage with that design. The engineers have now said that they can put the antennae inside the trunk such as the existing mono- palm at the Bighorn Country Club area. Mr. Urbina commented that sometimes the issue with locating the arrays inside the trunk is that the space is limited for the number of antennae and you might end up with a higher artificial palm tree in order to get the same number of antennae. Staff's preference would be that the arrays be located inside the mono-palm, but it could result in a higher mono-palm. Mr. Stackhouse stated that it would diminish the coverage and power of that particular site and what it can accomplish and in doing so, you have a need for another structure located in some other proximity to this site to make up the difference. You're not accomplishing as much coverage as you might have originally. G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocs\Agmin\AR040622.MIN 8 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION J U N E 22, 2004 MINUTES Commissioner Lopez asked about the thickness of the trunk. Mr. Stackhouse stated that they're generally 24" in diameter. Commissioner Lopez asked about the microwave dish located at the top of the mono-palm. Mr. Stackhouse stated that they have hard wire land line connections to this site. The reason that they like to employ the microwave dishes when possible is for any other site that may not have hard wire connectivity so they could do a back haul connection via the microwave dish. Commissioner Lopez commented that he's seen microwave dishes on other cell sites and they don't look very good, but he's never seen one on a mono-palm and wasn't sure what it would look like. He asked the applicant if there are any that are already installed that he could look at. Mr. Drell stated that we've had a few but he doesn't go looking for them so he's never seen them. Mr. Urbina stated that there's one at Eclectic and 42"d Avenue in the storage facility. As long as the dish is painted to match the trunk and if the diameter doesn't extend too far outside the trunk it'll probably be hard to see. Mr. Stackhouse commented that it would be painted to match the trunk. Commissioner Vuksic stated that he felt that they would be better off to go with the better looking version that really goes away and you never really know that it's there and have more of them. Commissioner Gregory asked how much taller the mono-palm would be if it had internally located arrays. The current proposal for a mono-palm with external arrays would be 65' in height. Would a mono-palm with internal arrays be 75' in height? Mr. Stackhouse commented that this is a fair question, but he would have to check with the engineers. Commissioner Gregory stated that the mono-palm is configured to look like a date palm and wondered if the same type of live palms should be planted, as opposed to Mexican fan palms. Mr. Stackhouse stated that there is a specific reason why they would like to use date palms. Some time in the past, Cingular had a Mexican fan-design mono-palm. One of the fronds came loose and evidently struck somebody and there was a lot of litigation involved. The date palm is a much more rigid and stout structure so they have only used date palm-type mono-palms. When jurisdictions have asked for additional live palms around the tree, they've offered to use date palms and/or Mexican fan palms. He felt that Mexican fan palms would be acceptable in this particular site. Commissioner Gregory suggested that the City's landscape staff will look at the proposal. In the past, when the mono-palm is much more up front they've been more concerned. This proposal seems to be G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocs\Agmin\AR040622.MIN 9 iL ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 22, 2004 MINUTES pretty close to City streets. Mr. Smith stated that it's set back pretty far from the street, but it is close to the residents in the area. Commissioner Lopez commented that date palms are really a crop rather than an ornamental plant. They're susceptible to diseases and pests but the fan palms seem to be stronger so he'd rather see a live fan palm than a dead date palm even though they don't match the mono-palm. Diane Hollinger suggested that the mono-palm fronds be a lighter green so they look more natural. Action: Commissioner Lambell moved, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic to continue the request to allow the applicant to (1) have antennae arrays located within the trunk of the mono-palm, (2) submit revised photo simulations, and (3) relocate mono-palm further to the north. Motion carried 6-0-0-1 with Commissioner Van Vliet absent. VI. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 1:10 p.m. STEVE SMITH PLANNING MANAGER GRanning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocs\Agmin\AR040622.MIN 10