HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-04-25 1 ,
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CITY OF PALM DESERT
��- ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
• • MINUTES
APRIL 25, 2006
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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 7 1
Kristi Hanson X 8
Chris Van Vliet X 7 1
John Vuksic X 8
Ray Lopez X 7 1
Karen Oppenheim X 8
Karel Lambel X 7 1
Also Present:
Phil Drell, Director, Community Development
Steve Smith, Planning Manager
Francisco Urbina, Associate Planner
Tony Bagato, Assistant Planner
Ryan Stendell, Assistant Planner
Donna Quaiver, Senior Office Assistant
Diane Hollinger, Landscape Specialist
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: APRIL 11, 2006
Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner Lambell to
approve the minutes of April 11, 2006. The motion carried 7-0.
IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
A. None.
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A. Final Drawinqs
1. CASE NO.: SA 06-71
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): BRAD PODOSIN, 901 Dover Drive,
Suite 235, Newport Beach, CA 92660
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request approval of
business signage for EI Pollo Loco.
LOCATION: 34-620 Monterey Avenue; Gateway Shopping Center
ZONE: C1
Commissioner Hanson stated that she doesn't have a problem with the
signage. Commissioner Van Vliet asked if the signage meets the
calculations for a building of this size. It seems like they're proposing a
lot of signage for a small building. Mr. Smith stated that the signage is
about 30 square feet and they're entitled to 60+ square feet so they're
well within the code requirements. Commissioner Vuksic commented
that the signs are spaced pretty well.
Action: Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner
Vuksic for approval. Motion carried 7-0.
2. CASE NO.: MISC 06-16
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): LUCIANA LOPRESTO, 76-539 Clifton
Forge Street, Palm Desert, CA 92260
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request approval of a
6' high wall 10' from the curb.
LOCATION: 76-539 Clifton Forge Street
ZONE: R1
Mr. Smith stated that the applicant would like a 6' high wall 10' from the
curb, but the code requires that a 6' high wall be located 20' from the
curb.
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Mr. Urbina stated that the applicant is proposing a 6' high wall on the
property line, leaving 4' for landscaping in front of the wall.
Luciana Lopresto, applicant, was present and stated that she has a big
backyard with no shade, which is a reason why she wants the wall in
the front. Neighborhood dogs come into the front yard so I'm always
picking up after them. Mr. Smith asked why it needs to be 6' high. Ms.
Lopresto stated that it would be a privacy wall. Commissioner Van Vliet
asked if it could be 4' in height. Ms. Lopresto stated that she's a single
mom and she wants privacy and doesn't want solicitors coming to her
house. It would also be for safety. Commissioner Van Vliet
commented that he hates to see so many 6' high walls near the street.
Ms. Lopresto stated that there are other homes in her neighborhood
with 6' high walls.
Mr. Urbina stated that the neighbors immediately adjacent to the
applicant's house do not have block walls and if you add a wall right on
the property line, it may be very noticeable. Commissioner Van Vliet
commented that he understands the privacy issue, but neighborhoods
look better when they're more open. Ms. Lopresto stated that if she
goes back 20' then the wall would be in the area of a large tree. Mr.
Smith stated that a 42" high wall could be 7' from the curb, but in this
case it would be 10' from curb because that's where the property line is
located. Commissioner Vuksic asked about the next step. Mr. Smith
stated that it could be 5' in height and 15' from the curb. Commissioner
Hanson asked why she couldn't go 20' from curb and 6' in height and
go around the tree.
Commissioner Gregory stated that the problem the commission is
having is trying to have some type of a wall that looks good. We've had
a lot of problems in the past so we're very careful about these types of
requests. Commissioner Hanson's suggestion about having the wall
articulated to go around the tree would be a way to get some
movement in the wall so it's not just a straight line. Also, does the wall
have to be 6' tall or even 5' tall? It would be less of a neighborhood
issue if it were 5' tall and pulled back from the curb.
Commissioner Vuksic stated that it's actually higher than that if you
were standing on the sidewalk because the ground slopes up toward
the house. It would provide a lot of privacy. Commissioner Gregory
commented that the wall wouldn't conflict with the tree if it were 15'
from the curb. It would still be important to add some articulation to the
wall and not just have a straight wall. Commissioner Vuksic suggested
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adding desert landscaping to the front of the wall. The wali would be
able to be approved by staff if it were 5' tall and 15' from the curb.
Action: Commissioner Lambell moved, seconded by Commissioner
Oppenheim to deny the request and suggested that the applicant
consider a 5' high wall 15' from the curb. Motion carried 7-0.
3. CASE NO.: VAR 06-02
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): MAXWELL FREDERIC WUTHRICH,
P.O. Box 7223, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request approval of
reduction in side yard setback to match existing as-built condition.
LOCATION: 45-644 Verba Santa Drive
ZONE: R-1 20,000
Mr. Smith stated that the applicant is proposing a room addition, which
happens to encroach into the side yard setback. They would like to
match the as-built condition. The property owner on one side has
indicated some concern about the 8' setback. The actual variance
consideration will take place at the Planning Commission in a noticed
public hearing. This is before the Architectural Review Commission
today for an architectural consideration and does not pertain to the
setbacks.
Mr. Urbina stated that even though the zoning is R1-20,000 the lot is a
little bit less than 11,000 square feet. This is a home that was
constructed in 1953 with the county and has existing 8' side yard
setbacks. Currently, the house does not have a garage. The applicant
is proposing to add a garage. The neighbor, Samuel Achlufi, is present
and he indicated that he has some concerns about the addition at 8'
setback because it will affect his views and he thinks that he may feel
more boxed in. However, he indicated that he wouldn't be opposed to
a 12' setback instead of the required 15' setback. He feels that 8' is too
close. Mr. Achlufi has 12' on his side of the wall. Commissioner
Hanson stated that Mr. Achlufi has a substantially larger lot.
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Commissioner Vuksic asked the neighbor how the addition would block
his views. Mr. Achlufi stated that if he's coming out of his garage or if
he's doing laundry and looks out his window, the extension will take
away the mountain views that he has.
Mr. William Hanousek, Sr., homeowner of 45-644 Verba Santa, was
present and stated that there is an existing wall that's 8' from the
property line. The neighbor's house has a window that's 8'4" from the
corner and is 15" wide and 4' tall, which has frosted louvered glass.
When the louvers are closed, the glass is frosted 100%. I've never
seen that window open. There's also a doorway going into the garage.
If you were in the garage, there's only one light source, which is from
the frosted louvered window.
Commissioner Gregory stated that this commission looks at design
only. What we're looking at is if the design is acceptable and if the
house conforms to the ordinance. If there's an issue between
neighbors, that should really be taken up at the Planning Commission
where the variance will be considered. Is the design such that an effort
has been made to step back the house substantially or enough to
somewhat mitigate the loss of view concerns of the neighbor? There's
also a grade change. It's an unusual situation.
Commissioner Hanson commented that there's an approximate 3'
grade difference and if the property owner put a 6' high wall on the
property line, the visual from the lower side would miss the house.
Commissioner Vuksic stated that when looking at the drawings, the
house is nicely massed with the high elements in the middle of the
house with 8' plate lines on one side and 9' plate lines on the other with
a sloped roof. The house could be almost twice that tall at the 15'
setback, which seems like it would be as imposing as the proposed
plan and no one could say anything about it. A reasonable effort has
been made to keep the house low on the edges and it's massed very
well. Commissioner Hanson stated that she felt that the plans are very
nicely done and it would be a great improvement to the community.
Maxwell Wuthrich, AIA, was present to answer questions from the
commission. The commission agreed that the architectural design was
well done. Mr. Smith stated that there will be a public hearing held at
the Planning Commission meeting, which currently has not been
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scheduled. The neighbors will receive a notice in the mail. The notices
are sent out ten days before the meeting.
Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner
Lambell for approval of the architectural design. Motion carried 7-0.
4. CASE NO.: SA 06-62
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESSI: IMPERIAL SIGN CO., JIM ENGLE
Jr. 46-120 Calhoun Street, Indio, CA 92201
JOSEPHINE D'AMICO MIGLIORE TRUST, 386 Avenida Andura,
Cathedral City, CA 92234
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request approval of
revised business signage for Serenata Mexican Bar & Grill.
LOCATION: 73-325 Highway 111
ZONE: C-1
Mr. Smith stated that the exterior wall color needed to be approved as
well as the signage. The commission had asked for a color that would
be different from the buildings next door. A color sample was shown to
the commission.
Commissioner Hanson stated that she was disappointed with the
revised signage proposal. The previous sign was beautifully done and
really made the whole building. We had talked about the fact that this
location really needs a sign that would be something other than a sign
and it's just a sign.
Jim Engle, representative for Imperial Sign Company was present and
stated that they needed a sign. The challenge that they have with this
elevation is that it doesn't lend itself to signage because the wall is
narrow on both sides of the building. We're trying to do a nice sign with
Hispanic flavor using reverse channel letters. The "Cantina" sign on
the left side will be non-illuminated. I think we've done a good job in
balancing the sign work and the colors are within reason. The reverse
channel letters on "Serenata" are very nice.
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Commissioner Gregory asked Mr. Engle if they really needed the word
"Cantina". There's a lot of wording proposed for the building. Mr.
Engle thought that having wording on both sides of the building would
make it look more balanced. If you have signage on one end and not
the other, it looks unbalanced. Commissioner Gregory suggested
putting "Serenata Mexican Bar & Grill" on the left side and remove
"Cantina" and just have the numbers on the right side. The sign should
be reduced in size so that there's 18" on either side and also on the
bottom of the sign.
Action: Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner
Lambell for approval of the business signage, subject to (1) remove the
word "Cantina", (2) move the words "Serenata Mexican Bar & Grill" to
the left side of the building in the former "Cantina" location, and (3)
leave an 18" border on either side and bottom of the signage. Motion
carried 6-1 with Commissioner Hanson opposed.
5. CASE NO.: MISC 06-19
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESSI: JIM FRY, AIA, 3808 Riverside Drive,
Suite 508, Toluca Lake, Burbank, CA 91505
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request approval of a
singe-family residence with a 21' high roof height.
LOCATION: 1009 Mountain Springs Road; The Canyons at Bighorn
ZONE: PR-5
Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner
Vuksic for approval by minute motion. Motion carried 6-0-1-0 with
Commissioner Van Vliet abstaining.
6. CASE NO.: PP 05-16
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): PACIFIC POINTE PARTNERS, 3636
Birch Street, Suite 260, Newport Beach, CA 92660
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NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request final approval
of elevations for (7) new office buildings.
LOCATION: 73-510 Dinah Shore
ZONE: SI
Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner
Vuksic for approval by minute motion. Motion carried 7-0
7. CASE NO.: SA 06-75
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): BILL HENIGSMAN, TNT ELECTRIC
SIGN, INC., 3080 East 29th Street, Long Beach, CA 90806
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request approval of
two internally-illuminated monument signs for Palms to Pines.
LOCATION: 72-811 to 72-885 Highway 111
ZONE: PC
Mr. Smith stated that the proposal is for one monument sign on
Highway 111 and another monument sign on EI Paseo. The sign on
Highway 111 is a little higher at 8'. The code allows for 6' maximum
height to the top of the actual signage. We don't hold the architecture
against the height restriction. In this case the signage is 7'4" to the top
of the sign. The sign on EI Paseo complies at 6' in height.
Bill Henigsman, representative for TNT Electric Sign, was present and
stated that he's intending to use the same colors on the signage that
have been used on the buildings.
Commissioner Hanson commented that the proposed monument sign
for Highway 111 is too large. It's "in your face" and you can't even see
the palm trees along the street. Every single one of the signs on those
buildings is completely visible from Highway 111. Why do you need
such a big sign on Highway 111? It's obnoxious.
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Commissioner Gregory asked if there would be any hope of approval if
the sign were made smaller or is it that the essential design will never
work? Commissioner Hanson stated that the point is that monument
signs are appropriate when you're in a development or in an area
where you have other buildings blocking other businesses so that you
can call attention to the fact that they're there. If you can see them
from the street, what's the point in having a monument sign? All of
those buildings have huge wall signs. I fail to understand why it's
necessary.
Mr. Smith commented that the intent of the ordinance was for a center
identification sign, but now they want to identify the major tenants,
which are typically limited to three tenant names. Mr. Drell stated that
it's the minor tenants who need the signage. Commissioner Hanson
stated that they're the ones who never get it. Commissioner Van Vliet
stated that the sign needs more design to it. Mr. Henigsman stated
that they were trying to use the same materials and colors of the
buildings. Commissioner Van Vliet asked if they were going to put
three coats of stucco on the signs. Mr. Henigsman stated that they will
use three coats of stucco.
Commissioner Oppenheim commented that not everybody knows
where they're going so additional signage is needed. It's a tourist
community so if you can make it any easier for people driving down
Highway 111 than so be it. Commissioner Van Vliet stated that it just
adds more clutter.
Commissioner Vuksic stated that the sign is lacking a tremendous
amount in design. It looks very cluttered the way the tenants are on the
sign. The sign is way too big and is out of scale. It needs to be just
large enough and it has to be nicely designed with a maximum of three
tenant signs. They're proposing five tenant names. It needs to be
scaled down and re-designed to be more pleasing and limited to three
tenant names.
Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner
Lambell to continue the request to allow the applicant to return with
revised plans that show (1) monument sign scaled down in height and
overall size and redesigned to be more pleasing, and (2) maximum of
three tenant signs. Motion carried 7-0.
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8. CASE NO.: PP 01-16
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT
AGENCY, 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of
elevations for the Henderson Community Building.
LOCATION: 72-575 Highway 111 (Paseo Entrada)
ZONE: OP
Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner
Vuksic for approval by minute motion. Motion carried 7-0.
B. Preliminary Plans
1. CASE NO.: C 06-03
APPLICANT �AND ADDRESS): BRAD PODOSIN, 901 Dover Drive,
Suite 235, Newport Beach, CA 92660
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request preliminary
approval of elevations for EI Pollo Loco.
LOCATION: 34-620 Monterey Avenue; Gateway Shopping Center
ZONE: C1
Mr. Bagato stated that the site is within the Gateway Center.
Landscaping will provide additional screening of the building and it's
also located below grade. The design matches the general design of
the center, but one of the doors is off-center underneath the archway.
Commissioner Hanson stated the she felt that it wasn't quite enough
architecture. The tower element with the arch needs to have some sort
of a roof element on it. Also, the arches along the north elevation could
use a roof over it to add more detail. It was lacking in architecture.
Paul Deppy, AIA, was present to answer questions from the
commission.
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Commissioner Vuksic asked if the 19' parapet was higher than the roof-
mounted equipment. Mr. Deppy stated that the equipment will be
screened and the parapet is higher than the equipment. There is a 6'
well for the equipment. The roof access will be located inside the
building.
Ms. Hollinger stated that the applicant didn't follow the guidelines for the
center in regards to their landscaping. They still have work to do to
revise their landscape plan.
Action: Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner
Vuksic for preliminary approval subject to (1) returning the parapet two-
thirds of the distance of the width of the front element, (2) add pitched
roof to the east elevation tower, (3) add roof element to the north
elevation above columns, and (4) subject to approval by the Landscape
Manager. Motion carried 7-0.
2. CASE NO.: MISC 06-17
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): CUMMING LLC., 27201 Puerta Real,
Suite 370, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request approval of
exterior remodel of the spa building at the Marriott Desert Springs.
LOCATION: 74-855 Country Club Drive
ZONE: PR-4
Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner
Vuksic for approval by minute motion, subject to approval by the
Landscape Manager. Motion carried 7-0.
3. CASE NO.: PP 06-07
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): SERENITY OF PALM DESERT, LLC.,
P.O. Box 1135, Poway, CA 92074
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request approval of
elevations for a six-lot subdivision.
LOCATION: Highway 74 frontage road
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ZONE: R-3 18,000
Mr. Urbina stated that the applicant is proposing six lots to create six
single-family detached homes as a planned development with a
common driveway. The homes will be two-stories with two-car
garages. Technically, they meet the off-street parking requirements,
but in this case there's no room for guest parking in front of the homes
so the applicant is proposing four guest parking spaces at the rear and
in between the homes but they're only 9'2" wide. Staff is concerned
that vehicles could damage the sides of the garages. Also, the fronts
of the homes are at the opposite ends of the garages and the applicant
is proposing a curvilinear sidewalk along the sides of the site. Each
home will have a private courtyard. Lots 2 & 5 should have gates
added so that guests can access the front door without having to walk
all the way around the home. This is assuming that nobody has parked
there.
Commissioner Hanson asked how the City feels about creating parallel
parking, such as the parking at the Cuistot restaurant or suggested
having the guest parking on the street. Nobody is going to park
between the houses because they're going to damage the buildings.
On all the units, the second floor pops out away from the bottom floor
by 6". Kurk McKinley, AIA, was present and stated that that only
happens on Plan 1 and it's set back on Plan 2. Commissioner Hanson
stated that this creates a 5' setback between buildings because of the
projections. Mr. McKinley stated that they can actually have a 4'
setback as long as there are no openings on those elevations. This is
a one-lot subdivision so there are no property lines between the units.
Commissioner Hanson commented that the renderings looked great
except that they're not accurate. The renderings show lots of very
deep shadows on all the windows and they sit in 4" or 6" walls. Mr.
McKinley stated that they're going to set the windows in a 2 x 6 wall
with a 2 x 2 nailer. Commissioner Hanson stated that the rendering
makes it look like the windows are recessed 12". Mr. McKinley stated
that his staff took "artistic liberty". The recesses are actually 4". The
accented arch window has more of a recess. Commissioner Hanson
stated that they need to add some kind of architectural treatment on
the blank walls on the east elevations on Lots 1 and 6. Mr. McKinley
suggested putting free-standing arbors with vines in those areas.
Commissioner Hanson wanted more of an architectural treatment, as
opposed to a landscaping treatment. It was suggested that the wall on
the front of the units be 4' in height with a 1' iron piece on top so that
they can add splash pools to the yards. Commissioner Vuksic stated
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that the cantilevered elements need to be more than 6". The shadows
shouldn't be larger than what they would be. I'm okay with the 2 x 2
nailers, if that's what they really do on some of the windows but the
elements where there are offsets need to be more substantial. In
cases where they're 6", they need to be at least 12" to make it start to
look like the way it's represented on the renderings. Mr. Drell
commented that the buildings are a little bit too big for the site.
Commissioner Gregory stated that he personally isn't ready to give an
approval on this project. The fact that Commissioners Vuksic and
Hanson had to go through such an elaborate list of items to allow for it
to be approved today shows that there really needs to be information
indicated on the plans. I think it should be continued. There are a lot
of things that need to happen. The good news is that you're getting a
favorable response, but there's so much that the commission would like
to see that it would be important for us to see it first before we give you
preliminary approval. I'd like to see how the removal of the guest
parking will change the landscaped areas to make it more attractive.
The focal point where a person drives into the project is going to
change. From a site planning perspective, the articulation of
architectural planes at 4", 5" and 6" is so minimal. The colored
drawings, while very nicely done, are misleading. We're being fooled
and we need to see what it will actually look like. Right now it looks like
there's a lot more depth than there actually is. Mr. McKinley stated that
he can add more depth in certain areas, such as along the walkway,
from 6" to 12". Commissioner Hanson stated that she didn't feel like
their list was that bad. If we ask them to come back for a reiteration of
this but still gave them okay for the design development aspect to allow
them to keep moving. Mr. McKinley stated that he doesn't have a
problem doing all the things that the commission listed. The problem is
going to be getting a variance for putting required on-site parking on the
street. That's a wild card. Mr. Drell stated that they shouldn't worry
about that. The real problem would be convincing people that you're
going to squeeze cars into a 9' physical space between the buildings.
Normally you would have a 9' parking space, but it's next to another 9'
parking space and you share some space in between. Given the fact
that the project is pretty short on significant landscaped area, it's tough
either way. The other solution would be to make the buildings a little bit
smaller. If you can get the guest parking areas to 11', then that
problem will probably go away. The buildings are a little tight.
Commissioner Hanson suggested making Lots 2 & 3 and Lots 4 & 5 as
zero lot line and join the buildings. Mr. McKinley stated that this would
present an insurance issue. Mr. Drell stated that maybe they don't
have to actually join them, but put them 3/4" apart. The applicant
stated that he didn't want to do that because it's a great benefit for the
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buyer to have a detached home. Mr. Drell stated that the problem is
that they're a little bit squeezed on the site. Commissioner Hanson
stated that if she was given an extra 3' in her yard, as opposed to 3'
between the buildings, I think that's a negative. Mr. Drell stated that the
only benefit is that you have windows that would allow natural light. Mr.
McKinley stated that they're bathroom windows and stair well windows.
Commissioner Hanson stated that if you want to keep the guest parking
on-site, then that's the way to do it. Or you can fight for street parking,
which may not be a big argument because there's nothing else fighting
for that space on the street.
Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner
Vuksic for preliminary approval subject to (1) front walls to be 4' in
height with 1' of wrought iron or decorative block for a maximum of 5' in
height, (2) use 2 x 6 walls with 2 x 2 nailers, (3) add architectural
element to east elevation on Lot 1 and Lot 6, and (4) applicant shall
return with a solution to guest parking and suggested moving the guest
parking to the street, as opposed to between the buildings. Motion
carried 7-0.
4. CASE NO.: MISC 05-03
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): ALLEN BIXEN, 41-865 Boardwalk,
Suite 106, Palm Desert, CA 92211
CHARLIE MARTIN, 73-733 Highway 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request preliminary
approval of revised elevations for a facade enhancement of Matsuri
Restaurant, Pete Carlson's Golf& Tennis, and Chinese Antiques.
LOCATION: 73-741 Highway 111
ZONE: C-1
Charlie Martin, architect, was present and stated that he had problems
with the roof structure on his last design, therefore, he had revised
elevations to present to the commission. It was suggested by the
engineer to saw-cut away from the building one foot in front of the
existing structure and then building up vertically. We really simplified
the structure and stayed right in line with the existing building. What I
did in terms with dealing with the color we would actually paint the
building so that the commission could look at it. Blues and greens are
Pete Carlson's favorite colors. The Japanese restaurant will have red
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accents and the building on the north elevation will have signage on the
windows and added copper awnings and details. There are three
owners of these buildings. I chose to use five shades of gray and that
would be the base that would go around everything, but at different
levels. The windows would all be re-done with possibly a black finish.
The risers on top of the Pete Carlson store are copper and also on the
awnings that come out over the Chinese Antique store on the north
elevation. Most of the roof heights are 16'. Everything around that
area is around 14'. The equipment is hidden on the roof.
Commissioner Gregory asked about the material being used over Pete
Carlson's. Mr. Martin stated that it's corrugated metal which is curved
and rolls over the top until iYs cut off by a vertical line of the wall so
there's air and light through the top. The weather will soften the metal
to a gray color. Commissioner Gregory stated that he was concerned
about the use of corrugated metal. I like it in certain places, but my
concern with the improvement to the center is fun in a funky way, but
I'm wondering if we need to draw the line somewhere because of Palm
Desert's general quest for "slickness" and use some other type of
material than corrugated steel. Maybe some other type of steel can be
used. Mr. Martin asked if he was worried about color or the word
"corrugated". Commissioner Gregory stated that corrugated metal
frightens him immensely. I like corrugated metal, but was wondering if
a more enhanced-type of material could be used. For example, a
standing-seam roof or something that's more finished looking so the
building has a more finished quality. Mr. Martin stated that his client is
concerned about the cost of the renovation. The corrugation is a
structural element that helps it to span to its next support. Standing
seam won't work. Commissioner Gregory stated that he was
concerned that it won't look "finished". Mr. Drell commented that the
issue of the galvanized steel, the bike shop on San Pablo has used
galvanized steel and it takes a long time to patina and it looks like it's
unfinished for a long, long time. Commissioner Gregory stated that the
bike shop doesn't bother him because the galvanized element is very
small. Mr. Martin suggested painting the steel. Mr. Drell stated that
there are more fundamental issues with this project that need to be
addressed before we get down to the fine points of the finish on certain
elements.
Commissioner Vuksic commented that he's concerned about the depth
of the facade. How will it look three dimensionally? Also, there's a
building next to it (Los Casuelas) which has a lot going on and it's very
different architecture. It's hard to imagine these two buildings side by
side. The proposed renovation is very creative. I could see this more
easily in place where it wasn't surrounded by other buildings, especially
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buildings with strong architectural identities like what's going to be
happening on the right side of this. With that said, I would have a real
tough time approving this. I think it needs to be developed three
dimensionally. I would be concerned that the way that the plans are
drawn, there's a lot of room for interpretation which is scary on a
remodel because I can see the change orders coming in and you could
end up with a real disaster. Mr. Drell asked what he thought of the
forms. Mr. Martin commented that he included drawings that show that
the facade has depth. Commissioner Vuksic stated that he's
concerned about the roof because it doesn't have a lot of depth. Mr.
Martin asked him which roof he wanted to talk about. Mr. Martin stated
that the large roof over Pete Carlson's has a top piece that would go
back over the roof 8' and there's a 4' wide piece that rolls up on top of
it. Commissioner Vuksic stated that it looks like a building. It's way
wider than it is deep.
Commissioner Hanson commented that she likes the Matsuri remodel
in its simplicity. IYs interesting. The red square details are interesting
and fun. The Chinese Antique remodel is okay, but I'm not as keen on
the Pete Carlson section of the building. It's "in your face" and it
reminds me of ship port holes. It doesn't say anything about Pete
Carlson's golf. Not that it has to, but it's such a departure. I just
wonder what it is and why it's like that. The front doesn't relate to the
back so I have a lot of trouble with that section. The other end of the
building where the mountain scene is located isn't great. I'd rather see
you do something rather plain on that wall and plant it heavily with
bamboo or do something really great with some big long bamboo sticks
that could be architecturally done. I would down play the middle part.
Commissioner Vuksic suggested that the architect look at what's been
approved next door. Mr. Martin stated that he was here first and this is
an older building. Mr. Drell suggested that we find out the status of the
Los Casuelas building and figure out if they're actually going to build it.
Commissioner Van Vliet asked Mr. Martin if he were to design this
building from scratch and you weren't trying to work with an existing
structure and you could take it down to the ground, would you design it
this way? Mr. Martin stated that he probably wouldn't, but he has to
deal with three owners that are all wanting something. If you took this
down, you could have three architects and then you'd be looking at
three different buildings. I can certainly change the Pete Carlson
section and make it more like the other two tenants. I need to deal with
sun issues on the south elevation because there's a lot of activity out
there so I do need overhangs. Commissioner Hanson commented that
she's not offended by the corrugated metal roof element. It's the other
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things that are with it. It seems like everything is fighting itself on the
Pete Carlson section where I think there's much more continuity on the
other sections.
Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner
Vuksic to continue the request to allow the applicant to return with
revised elevations that show the project in 3-D and revising the Pete
Carlson section of the building. Motion carried 7-0.
5. CASE NO.: TPM 34437/CUP 06-03
APPLICANT LAND ADDRESS): GERALD FORD BUSINESS PARK,
LLC., 74-399 Highway 111, Suite M, Palm Desert, CA 92236
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request preliminary
approval of a mixed-use project including 99,000 square feet of retail
and restaurant space with two drive-thrus and eight two-story office
buildings totaling 80,000 square feet.
LOCATION: 75-300 Gerald Ford Drive
ZONE: SI
Commissioner Hanson commented that she thought that the project
looked great.
Commissioner Vuksic stated that they're proposing a lot of signage on
the north side. I think that a little more needs to happen. It needs
some articulation because right now it has almost none. If you're going
to have that many signs on it, it deserves something. On the buildings
themselves, I thought they were great. My only concern was on the
parapets. You have some parapets that I know you're going to see the
ends of, especially on the one-story buildings where you might have a
facade element that's 20' or 30' wide on the front and it returns just a
couple of feet past the next shorter parapet and iYs going to look like a
little thing is stuck on there. You need to run the parapets back so that
those things look like forms. They should be a minimum of two-thirds
of the width of the element so if it's 20' wide, it needs to go back 14'.
Mr. Urbina stated that the applicant submitted a sign program. They're
asking for four monument signs on Gerald Ford Drive. The length of
the project is only 600'. Commissioner Vuksic asked the applicant why
they need three monument signs at the entry. The applicant stated that
they were trying to distinguish the difference between the office space
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in the back and the retail space in the front. We wanted to have some
options on the spacing of the signs on the site and then maybe cut
back on the signs that they felt weren't needed. The commission felt
that one monument sign would be sufficient for a project of this size.
Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner
Van Vliet for preliminary approval subject to (1) limited to one
monument sign, (2) return with articulation on parking structure, and (3)
approval by the Landscape Manager. Motion carried 7-0.
6. CASE NO.: MISC 06-18
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): ROBERT RICCIARDI, 75-090 St.
Charles Place, Suite A, Palm Desert, CA 92211
HAROLD McCORMICK, 25-501 Crown Valley, Mission Viejo, CA
92694
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request preliminary
approval of exterior remodel of a commercial building in conjunction
with the City of Palm Desert's Facade Enhancement Program.
LOCATION: 73-320 EI Paseo
ZONE: C-1
Commissioner Hanson had a question about the roof element in the
middle that looks like it's floating. It's floating about 5' from the glass
line. Commissioner Van Vliet commented that it's not that far off of the
upper roof overhang and it's only about 8". Commissioner Hanson
stated that that overhang goes all the way back to 5' so the middle part
sticks down below it. The applicant was not present to explain the
elevation. Commissioner Vuksic agreed that it looks like it's hovering
out there. Also, the parapets need to be returned two-thirds of the
width of the element so it looks like a mass. The other parapets that
have the stepped detail need to be thicker (at least 12" but would prefer
18"). A drawing was produced by the commission that illustrates a
solution to the floating element issue.
Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner
Gregory for preliminary approval subject to (1) modifying the top middle
element that appears to be floating by recessing the element, per
sketch drawn by the Architectural Review Commission, and (2) return
parapet two-thirds of the width of the element. Motion carried 7-0.
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7. CASE NO.: PP 06-05/TT 34626
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): W.L. HOMES, LLC., dba JOHN
LAING HOMES, 255 E. Rincon Street, Suite 100, Corona, CA 92879
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request approval of
198 condominium units.
LOCATION: Intersection of College Drive and University Park Drive
ZONE: PR
Commissioner Hanson questioned that applicant and wanted to know
why they have stairs at the entrance of all the units going up to the front
doors. The applicant stated that they have a raised entry and then it
drops down into the great room. Commissioner Hanson commented
that it's probably a wasted effort, but you can do it either way. People
don't like stairs if you don't need them. Some of the exterior colors
need to be changed. When you do arched doors and then have a
straight door within them, I always find that that's sort of a cheesy look.
I'd rather see you bring the door up and make the door taller or bring
the arch down so you can't see the top of the door. On Elevation A, the
arches change at the doorway and it doesn't look right. A discussion
was held between the commission and the architect and pages of the
packet were marked up for the architect to make changes. The packet
will be kept on file.
Commissioner Vuksic asked if the fascias were made of wood and he
wasn't clear how the wood interacts with the plaster underneath them.
The architect stated that the wood goes underneath the eave.
Elevation B shows wood and foam and wondered if they had done that
before. The applicant stated that they had. Commissioner Vuksic
stated that they have very little recess on a lot of the windows, but I
think it's okay because of the style and what you've done in other spots
and the way you've treated those. Use a 2x 3 nailer to get a little bit of
recess. There is concern on the rear elevation of Plan 2570. It looks
like you got tired there. The architect stated that they have enhanced
those elevations as well as the side elevation. Commissioner Vuksic
stated that there are pop-outs on the second floor with no relationship
to what's happening below at the garage and they really hit the
openings below in very odd spots. What kind of roof tiles are going to
be used? The roof tile shows a mixed color tile.
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Commissioner Lopez asked about the location of the air conditioning
units. The applicant stated that they're on the ground. Commissioner
Lopez commented that every project shows beautiful pictures and you
go by million dollar homes and they have trash cans sitting outside
because nobody has made an effort to create a space for them. Most
of the time, they end up in the garage. He suggested that their
landscape architect provide screening for the trash cans or have strong
CC & R's. It would be a mistake to have the trash can storage in the
garages because of the heat in the summertime.
Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner
Lambell to continue the request to the meeting of May 9, 2006 if the
applicant has submitted revised elevations which include the following:
(1) Clarify exterior color options to be removed, (2) Plan 1628-A: Study
detail above garage door., (3) Plan 1628-C: Re-study shutter colors.,
(4) Plan 2107-A: Study doorway arch detail, (5) Plan 2107-B: Study
doorway arch width, (6) Plan 2107-B-Right: Re-study trim detail under
left window, (7) Plan 2570-A: Study detail over garage door, (8) Plan
2570-A-Right: Study scalloping over sliding glass door, (9) Plan 2570-
A-Rear: Study removal of trim around small windows, (10) Plan 2570-B
& C: Study trim detail on rear elevation, (11) Plan 2570-C-Front: Study
offset door, (12) Three-plex-A-Left: Study blank wall section and
building offset at left end, (13) Use 2" x 3" nailers on windows, (14) Plan
2570-Rear: Study pop-outs for relationship to garage.
Motion carried 7-0.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 3:15 p.m.
STEVE SMITH
PLANNING MANAGER
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