HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-04-26 � �
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CITY OF PALM DESERT
" ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
. • MINUTES
APRIL 26, 2005
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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 6 2
Kristi Hanson X 7 1
Chris Van Vliet X 6 2
John Vuksic X 8
Ray Lopez X 7 1
Karen Oppenheim X $
Karel Lambell X $
Also Present:
Phil Drell, Director, Community Development
Tony Bagato, Planning Technician
Ryan Stendell, Assistant Planner
Donna Quaiver, Senior Office Assistant
Diane Hollinger, Landscape Specialist
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: APRIL 12, 2005
Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner Oppenheim to
approve the minutes of April 12, 2005. The motion carried 6-0-0-1 with
Commissioner Gregory abstaining.
IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
A. None
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A. Final Drawinqs
1. CASE NO.: MISC 05-19
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): RM DENNIS, 100 S. Sunrise Way,
#204, Palm Springs, CA 92262-6737
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request approval of
garage addition with reduced side yard (15' -12').
LOCATION: 73-535 Pinyon
ZONE: R-1
Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner
Lambell for approval by minute motion. Motion carried 6-0-0-1 with
Commissioner Gregory abstaining.
2. CASE NO.: MISC 05-15
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESSI: BARBARA CLAUSS, 2781 W.
MacArthur B-224, Santa Ana, CA 92704
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request approval of
side entry carport at 16'6" from the curb, stuccoed and painted to
match existing house.
LOCATION: 45-896 San Luis Rey
ZONE: R-3
Mr. Bagato stated that the applicant has submitted photos and a
revised landscape plans, as directed by the ARC at their last meeting.
Several of the commissioners stated that they drove by and looked at
the existing home. Commissioner Van Vliet stated that this is a difficult
situation because some of the neighbors have done some things
without guidance. Commissioner Oppenheim asked if the proposed
driveway would go out onto San Luis Rey. AI Robinson, representative
for the applicant, was present and stated that it's actually a driveway
approach is already there. Commissioner Vuksic stated that
considering the context, it should be okay although a little more
consideration should be given to the landscape plan that shows taller
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landscape to create shadows. A suggestion was made to use ocotillo
or something architectural to work with the shadow potential on the
south and west face. Commissioner Gregory asked that the landscape
plan be given to Diane Hollinger for her review. Ms. Hollinger stated
that she hasn't had time to look at it. Mr. Robinson stated that he's
planning on adding an iron fence (3' of iron with 2' underneath it) all
the way around the fence with plantings in front of it. There's already
an existing iron gate in this area. Commissioner Hanson commented
that she doesn't have any issues with the carport addition. There is
some concern about lifting the 3' wrought iron fence up and having it
float 2' in the air. It's going to look odd. The landscaping is weak. Mr.
Stendell commented that the fence is not part of the current
application. This application is for a side-entry carport and
landscaping. Mr. Bagato stated that they have to make sure that the
fence meets the required setback. If he wants to raise it he's going to
have to move it back 15' or ask for an exception. The 3' fence is fine.
Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner
Oppenheim for approval of the carport addition subject to submitting a
revised landscape plan (showing taller landscaping material) to the
Landscape Manager for approval. Motion carried 7-0.
3. CASE NO.: PP 04-08
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESSI: KSC INC., KEN STENDELL, P.O. Box
3352, Palm Desert, CA 92261
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request change to
approved exterior color on two new office buildings.
LOCATION: 73-301 & 73-321 Fred Waring Drive
ZONE: OP
Mr. Bagato stated that the applicant is requesting a color change for
two identical office buildings on Fred Waring. The revised color board
shows one color with two different textures. It looks like everything is a
similar color. The contractor, Ken Stendell, is present to answer
questions from the commission. The original color board was shown to
the commission.
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Commissioner Hanson stated that the one thing about the building that
makes it look nice is the depth created by having multiple colors. Mr.
Bagato stated that the building steps back on the second story so you
do have that change. Commissioner Hanson stated that it needs to be
colorful. Mr. Stendell commented that they were trying to get away
from using seven or eight colors and textures and simplify the project.
He would like to submit a new color board for the commission to
review.
Action: Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner
Hanson to continue the request to allow the applicant to return with a
revised color board. Motion carried 7-0.
4. CASE NO.: MISC 05-21
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): YGNACIO HERNANDEZ, 37-675
Driscoll Street, Palm Desert, CA 92211
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request approval of
the exterior paint color of a single-family home.
LOCATION: 37-675 Driscoll Street
ZONE: PR-5
Mr. Stendell stated that the applicant has painted his house without
approval. It's two colors of blue and any dramatic color change has to
be approved by Mr. Drell and if he doesn't feel comfortable with the
change, it's referred to the ARC for their consideration. There's no
homeowner's association on Driscoll Street.
Commissioner Vuksic stated that we're not going to tell the applicant
what color to paint his house, but there are limitations. From personal
experience, blue and purple are really hard colors to use on a building.
A color like blue needs just the right application and right amount to
make an architectural statement. There isn't strong architecture here
that would allow a blue element. Unfortunately, this is a tough color
and I don't think that this is an appropriate application for it.
Mr. Ygnacio Hernandez, applicant, was present and distributed photos
homes and a business that are painted blue. I'm willing to paint my
garage door white. There's a house on Skyward that's painted blue
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with a white garage door and black wrought iron. If I do that it might
throw off the blue color of the house. When I painted this house, I paid
$7,500. It's warrantied for life. I didn't know that it was going to be that
blue, but by then it was already painted. The painting contractor is from
Canoga Park and they said that this is the first time that their colors
have ever been questioned and they've painted thousands of homes in
Southern California.
Commissioner Vuksic stated that every one of the pictures that was
shown to the commission has a roof tile that compliments the house.
The applicant has a roof tile that's pink against a blue house. Mr.
Hernandez stated that the new colors in the desert are dark browns and
dark oranges. I just built a pool and the last money I had was to paint
the house and now I'm tapped out. I believe that someone complained
who lives three streets away. The CC & R's for this neighborhood
states that he needs approval by the City. Mr. Drell stated that
unfortunately he didn't get approval from the City. Mr. Hernandez
stated that he made a mistake and apologized. Mr. Drell asked if the
painting company has a business license for the City. Mr. Hernandez
stated that they have a state contractor's license. Mr. Drell commented
that we might be able to negotiate with them.
Mr. Hernandez stated that his house was white originally.
Commissioner Hanson stated that she was sympathetic to the fact that
he wasn't aware of regulations. A lot of people in the general
community aren't aware of the color ordinance. Unfortunately, the style
of the home doesn't lend itself to the color blue. If the roof tile was
gray, it might be different. Mr. Drell suggested painting the roof.
Commissioner Gregory stated that all the roofs in this area are a certain
tone. It was suggested that the applicant work with his painting
contractor and Mr. Drell and negotiate a deal to re-paint the house a
more appropriate color.
Action: Commissioner Lambell moved, seconded by Commissioner
Oppenheim to continue the request to the meeting of May 10, 2005.
Motion carried 7-0.
5. CASE NO.: MISC 04-53
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): PALM DESERT HOUSING
AUTHORITY, 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260
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NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request final approval
of exterior renovations of existing apartment complex. California
Villas
LOCATION: 77-107 California Avenue
ZONE: R-2
Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner
Lambel for approval by minute motion. Motion carried 7-0.
B. Preliminary Plans
1. CASE NO.: PP 05-06
APPLICANT �AND ADDRESS): KSC INC., KEN STENDELL, P.O. Box
3352, Palm Desert, CA 92261
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval
of two new industrial buildings totaling 9,680 square feet.
LOCATION: 73-750 Spyder Circle
ZONE: SI
Mr. Bagato stated that the applicant is proposing two new
office/industrial buildings on Spyder Circle. After reviewing the
proposed elevations, Commissioner Gregory suggested that the
architect, Chris Robertson, take a look at some of the other projects
that have been recently approved in the new industrial areas of the City.
He might be able to get a feeling for some of the elements that are
used there and some of the goals that they're trying to achieve. The
applicant isn't far off but is probably going sideways on this submittal.
The mansard roof element is dated. Mr. Drell stated that the way the
mansard is terminating with the wing wall is odd. The mansard doesn't
work well in this way. Commissioner Hanson stated that there are ways
to use these elements but they should do them architecturally, as
opposed to just a simple form stuck on there. It needs more
architecture. Commissioner Van Vliet stated that they're really just two
big boxes with little architectural elements on the front. I think they're
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going to read as big boxes. Commissioner Van Vliet stated that they're
looking for roof variation, undulation, articulation, etc...
Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner
Lambell to continue the request to allow the architect to review other
approved projects in the new industrial areas of Palm Desert. Motion
carried 6-0-0-1 with Commissioner Vuksic abstaining.
2. CASE NO.: TT 33120
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): ROBERT MAYER CORP., LARRY
BROSE, 660 Newport Center Drive, Suite 1050, Newport Beach, CA
92660
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval
of revised architecture and landscaping for the commercial portion of
the project.
LOCATION: NE corner of Monterey and Country Club
ZONE: PR-7
Mr. Bagato stated that the applicant has submitted revised drawings for
the commission to review. Mr. Drell stated that he felt that the revisions
are an improvement over what they saw before. It might be a little
busy, but in general, it's pretty good. Commissioner Van Vliet stated
that iYs pretty small scale so it looks busier. Mr. Drell stated that there
are a lot of powerful elements. Commissioner Hanson stated that it
would look better if they took the stone all the way up the columns. It's
fine on the tower element on the left side. Mr. Drell commented that if
there are too many architectural elements going on, they might draw
attention away from the stores. A little simpler architecture would let
the stores do a little more to differentiate their fronts. Commissioner
Vuksic stated that iYs cohesive now. The east side of the large building
looks better. There is concern about quality issues, such as the very
tall architectural elements that pop up from the main body of the
building and to have those go back far enough so they wrap around so
they're four-sided is important. You will absolutely see the backs of
them. There is concern about the parapet heights of 22' and 20' being
too low to screen the roof-mounted mechanical equipment. It was
suggested that the mechanical equipment be located behind the tower
elements so that it's not visible.
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Commissioner Hanson stated that she likes all the proposed colors
except the blue, which is very "Cape Cod" looking. It was suggested to
use a sage-green on both the accent color and awning color. Also, the
light color that is proposed is going to look white in our desert light so it
was suggested that the applicant choose a darker color.
Commissioner Gregory commented that the applicant has done a great
job in improving the elevations from the prior submittal. Commissioner
Vuksic thanked the applicant for making a huge adjustment and
improvement to the plans. It looks fantastic.
Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner
Hanson for approval of the design with the understanding that (1) the
tower elements are going to be carried further back on the roof (in
some cases where they're only going back 8' they need to go back
further) and wrap around so they look like four-sided elements and will
be approved by staff, (2) an architectural screen element will be added
to the areas where the parapets are only 20' high and will be approved
by staff, (3) the gray-blue paint color will be changed to a more suitable
color to be approved by staff, and (4) consider adding stone veneer all
the way up on some of the column elements. Motion carried 7-0.
3. CASE NO.: PP 05-03
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): PALM DESERT ASSOCIATES,
Thomas W. Gilmer, 701 S. Parker, Suite 1000, Orange, CA 92868
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request approval of
elevations and landscaping for eleven office/industrial buildings.
LOCATION: 73-800 Dinah Shore
ZONE: SI
Mr. Bagato stated that this item was continued from the last meeting.
The most obvious change is the exterior color. Awnings were added
above the windows and there was some stepping around the towers.
Jack Selman, architect, was present and stated that they picked three
brighter colors for the buildings and the entry elements have more
detail in terms of the reveals to give it more of a contemporary feel. Mr.
Bagato stated that windows were added to building 1.
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Mr. Drell stated that the applicant should produce an exhibit that shows
the whole project with the buildings and the varying colors of the
buildings. It should be shown at eye level and not a bird's eye view.
Commissioner Gregory stated that he was concerned about the
windows on the east elevation of building 2 and also buildings 3 and 4
where the windows go down 30". He suggested that the glass be
brought down to the floor. The reason for the concern is that he felt
that the use of massing of landscaping is not going to happen in this
area. If the glass came down to the ground it wouldn't be like it was a
waste of time and money because it won't be hidden by shrubs.
Brian Fronk was present and stated that from past experience, you'd
be looking at the backs of furniture if the windows go all the way to the
ground. You'd be looking at the backs of computers and phone cords.
Commissioner Hanson stated that building 2 is so repetitive that iYs
almost distracting. My eye doesn't go where it's supposed to go. It
was suggested that they do something on the ends. Mr. Bagato stated
that the height limit is 30' and this building is only at 22' in height. He
had suggested that the building could be one story but possibly add
some height at the ends. Commissioner Hanson suggested adding
some clear story glass above the awning and raise the signage up on
the end.
Commissioner Vuksic commented that the project is evolving and it's
not quite there yet. The other projects that were approved on Dinah
Shore are much more detailed. The elements on the buildings are too
repetitive and there's no strong architectural reason to have them quite
that repetitive or simple. It looks like you're doing it because it's more
economical. The colors are intriguing and they help a lot. The
applicant stated that he'll submit a roof plan at the time of the next
meeting. All the roof ladders are internal. The exterior lights will be
decorative sconces. Commissioner Hanson suggested adding some
windows to the front that go all the way to the ground or eliminate some
windows. I like the idea of raising the end elements. Commissioner
Vuksic stated that the project is going in the right direction from the
original submittal.
Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner
Lambell to continue the request to allow the applicant to submit revised
elevations. Motion carried 7-0.
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4. CASE NO.: MISC 05-20
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): DAVID HIDALGO ARCHITECTS,
INC., 316 South 1 St Avenue, Arcadia, CA 91006
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Exterior remodel of a
commercial building in conjunction with the Facade Enhancement
program.
LOCATION: 73-020 EI Paseo (Columbia Center)
ZONE: PC-3
Mr. Drell stated that he was disappointed with the back end of the
buildings and wanted them to look somewhat like a front. There is still
a service area, but the walls could be made into architectural elements.
Commissioner Hanson commented that the roof of Starbucks would
work if it didn't have the eave detail or a fascia so it looks more
contemporary. David Hidalgo, architect, was present and stated that
he prefers to keep the overhang to give it a little architectural relief.
Commissioner Hanson stated that it looks a little bit like a chalet. Mr.
Hidalgo asked if she was referring to a chalet that's in Switzerland.
Commissioner Hanson stated that the detail is country-ish. There are
ways to do a overhang that will make it a contemporary detail versus a
traditional detail. Mr. Hidalgo stated that he looked at a building down
the street that had a really interesting standing-seam metal roof.
Commissioner Hanson stated that the detail has to either be beefier or
thinner. An awning or metal trellis could be added to Quizno's on the
east elevation. The Cleaner's section would look better if the whole
face was clad in stone. It would give it a nice texture and color.
Commissioner Vuksic agreed with Commissioner Hanson regarding the
Starbuck's roof. That's the first thing that I looked at when I looked at
the elevation because it was the piece that looked like it didn't belong.
Also, the three-dimensional forms have pieces that are popped up and
don't have a lot of return, which is a concern. They need to be
complete objects to really look good. Mr. Hidalgo stated that normally
the returns are between 4'-6' back. Commissioner Vuksic stated that
he sees elements that are 3' above your normal roof height and if it's
returning 4' it's not going to look like a three-dimensional object.
Commissioner Hanson reminded the architect that you will be able to
see the roof of this building as you're coming down Highway 74.
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Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner
Hanson for preliminary approval subject to (1) Starbuck's roof revisited,
(2) parapet details are reviewed at the working drawing level, (3) stone
be added to the Cleaner's wall, and (4) cross section be provided that
shows the relationship of the mechanical equipment to the parapets.
Motion carried 6-0-0-1 with Commissioner Gregory abstaining.
5. CASE NO.: PP 04-26
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): COLT SECURITIES & INVESTMENT
SERVICES, 41-625 Electric Street, Palm Desert, CA 92260
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request preliminary
approval of a 7,408 square foot, two-story office/industrial building.
LOCATION: 34-751 Spyder Circle
ZONE: SI
Mr. Bagato stated that this proposed building is on Spyder Circle, just
south of Dinah Shore. It will be constructed of concrete tilt-up.
Commissioner Van Vliet asked if anything has changed from the last
time the commission looked at it. Bob Ricciardi, architect, was present
and stated that it was never looked at officially. It had been on the
agenda, however, Mr. Ricciardi couldn't be present so the item was
continued. Commissioner Van Vliet asked about the height of the
fascia. Mr. Ricciardi stated that it's 9'. Commissioner Van Vliet stated
that it seems like a lot of thick parapet. Mr. Ricciardi commented that
he could lower the parapet and move the air eonditioning equipment to
the rear. It won't be visible from below. Commissioner Hanson
suggested lowering a certain portion of the parapet and putting the
equipment behind the higher portion. Commissioner Vuksic stated that
overall, there's a lot of flat, exposed elements. Mr. Ricciardi stated that
if he was on the committee, he would suggest that there is some
stepping to create two different elements. Commissioner Gregory
suggested that Mr. Ricciardi pretend that he's on the committee and
design it that way. Mr. Ricciardi stated that he always starts with a
program and then goes through and has the ARC "tweak the program"
because then he's not the bad guy. I first try to do what the client
would like to achieve. If it can't be achieved then the ARC is very
helpful in that area. Commissioner Vuksic stated that Mr. Ricciardi
could actually critique this himself. Mr. Ricciardi agreed.
Commissioner Hanson suggested having open stairs. Commissioner
Vuksic stated that the east wall is exposed to the parking lot and it's
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extremely utilitarian. It's just a huge, flat wall that's 30' high with service
doors. Mr. Ricciardi stated that it actually steps back so it's 20' high.
Commissioner Vuksic stated that it's still a huge, flat wall. There's also
a flat wall on the south side, that may or may not have another building
up against it. The west elevation looks very dated. It looks like
something that you'd see on an obscure street off of Cook Street thirty
years ago. The north elevation has some potential. The suggestion
about breaking up the south elevation by having the two-story element
stepped back is a great suggestion. It needs to be revisited. Mr.
Ricciardi stated that he understands the feedback and knows what to
do.
Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner
Vukic to continue the request to allow the applicant to return with
revised elevations. Motion carried 7-0.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 2:30 p.m.
TONY BAGATO, ASSISTANT PLANNER
for STEVE SMITH, PLANNING MANAGER
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