HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-10-24 S
��--�T---� CITY OF PALM DESERT
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
MINUTES
OCTOBER 24, 2006
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 12:35 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Commissioners Current Meeting Year to Date
Present Absent Present Absent
Ronald Gregory, Chairman X 17 2
Kristi Hanson X 17 2
Chris Van Vliet X 17 2
John Vuksic X 19
Ray Lopez X 16 3
Karen Oppenheim X 19
Karel Lambell X 18 1
Also Present
Phil Drell, Director, Community Development
Steve Smith, Planning Manager
Ryan Stendell, Assistant Planner
Diane Hollinger, Landscape Specialist
Janine Judy, Senior Office Assistant
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: October 10, 2006
Commissioner Van Vliet noted changes to the minutes.
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Van Vliet, seconded by Commissioner
Lambell, approving the October 10, 2006 meeting minutes as
amended. Motion carried 6-0-1-0, with Commissioner Hanson
abstaining.
IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
V. CASES:
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A. Final Drawings:
1. CASE NO: RV 06-04
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): DUTCH & RUTH SNIJDERS, 43-
175 Delaware Place, Palm Desert, CA 92260.
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Requesting
approval to allow the parking of a recreational vehicle/motor-home
in the street side yard of an existing single family home.
LOCATION: 43-175 Delaware Place
ZONE: RE 40000
Mr. Stendell presented photos showing the motorhome that would
be located on the side of the applicant's house, which is on the
corner. The applicant indicated that they would be planting Indian
Laurel around the perimeter to create a hedge to cover the
motorhome.
Commissioner Van Wet asked what the rule was regarding visibility
in the intersection. Mr. Stendell indicated it was 40 feet diagonally
both ways and it appeared that it met that requirement.
Commissioner Vuksic stated that his initial impression was that the
hedge would look awfully imposing on the street and only four (4)
feet from the sidewalk.
Mr. & Mrs. Snijders, the applicants indicated that there was an
existing driveway with a concrete pad and plenty of room for the
motorhome. There is no landscaping at this time, but they would
be continuing a hedge that already exists from the property next
door that would go to the front of the house. It would be the same
distance from the sidewalk with a little break for the driveway.
Commissioner Van Vliet asked how tall the motorhome was. The
applicant indicated that it was 11 feet tall with the equipment on top.
Commissioner Gregory indicated that there was a slope up from the
street to that pad and discussed the height of the grade. The pad
was about 30 inches above the curb and since the vehicle was 11
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feet tall it would actually be 13'/2 feet tall. The applicant indicated
that the hedge would be three (3) feet higher than the motorhome.
Mr. Osmoth Lane, neighbor stated that the motorhome was too big
and should be in a RV park and felt that it would decrease the value
of the neighborhood to have it parked there. The applicant asked
the neighbor if he had a chance to look at the photos that were
submitted to see how they would be covering the motorhome. Mr.
Lane indicated that he had. The applicant indicated that there are
four (4) motorhomes parked in their neighborhood and they
checked each one to see how they were screened.
Commissioner Van Vliet felt that it was impossible to screen it
adequately in that location and even though they would be
attempting to cover it up with a landscaping, it was not normal
landscaping. It would be obvious that they were trying to hide
something. He stated that he didn't know how it could fit on that
corner.
Mr. Smith indicated that regardless which direction the Commission
would take, the party who doesn't agree has the ability to appeal
this action to the Council.
Commissioner Vuksic stated that there is a building setback and
the intent of the setback is for the building mass to be a reasonable
distance back from the street. There is probably a 15-foot side
yard setback and what will essentially happen here is something
that is as massive as a building four (4) feet from the property line
instead of 15 feet.
Mr. Snijders stated that the hedge would go as far forward as the
front of the house. Commissioner Lambell stated that she would
feel very unsafe with that line of sight. Commissioner Gregory
stated he felt the hedge would be far enough back. The
Commission reviewed the line of sight requirement and felt that the
hedge would not affect the line of sight requirement.
Commissioner Hanson stated that she was very sensitive to the
fact that people want to park their RVs on their property, but there
are times when they could be hidden well enough and not have
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such an impact on the neighborhood. She felt that this would be an
impact because it was right on the street and they would be
creating a hedge that is essentially a 15-foot wall. Commissioner
Hanson made a motion for denial.
Commissioner Gregory asked for any other comments. The
applicant indicated that they would continue with the plans for the
hedge and since they have already cut the concrete and put in the
water, they would park one of their cars there instead of the
motorhome. The applicant felt that the hedge would be a great
improvement to that side of the house.
Commissioner Gregory asked if there was a requirement with
respect to code enforcement with the height of hedges. Mr. Drell
stated there wasn't a height requirement at this time.
Commissioner Gregory informed the applicants that they would
have 15 days to appeal.
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner
Oppenheim, to deny request due to: 1) negative impact to the
neighborhood; 2) exposing wooden fencing; 3) creating a hedge that is
essentially a 15-foot wall 10 feet from the curb; and 4) may create line of
sight issues. Motion carried 7-0.
2. CASE NO: SA 06-146
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): PALM DESERT
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, 73-510 Fred Waring, Palm Desert,
CA 92260.
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request approval
of monument signage at One Quail Place.
LOCATION: 72-600 Fred Waring Drive
ZONE: PR-22
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Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Lambell, seconded by Commissioner
Oppenheim, by minute motion to grant approval. Motion carried 7-0.
3. CASE NO: C 06-04
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): PFF BANK & TRUST, ROBERT
RICE, 550 North Indian Hill, Pomona, CA 91767
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request final
approval of a 3,600 square foot PFF Bank - The Village at
University Park.
LOCATION: 36-975 Cook Street
ZONE: PCD
Mr. Stendell stated that the plans showed a generator up on the
roof with no detail so staff needs the cut sheets and an explanation
of what would be happening with the generator. The rest of the
plans looked like what the Commission had previously approved.
The signage that was included with the construction drawings was
adequate and was the same as submitted in the preliminary
drawings and will be included in this request. Commissioner Vuksic
asked about the roof access. Mr. Stendell stated that the roof
access comes through an internal hatch.
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Lambell, seconded by Commissioner
Oppenheim, by minute motion to grant approval, subject to addressing
issues related to roof mounted equipment and continuing to work with
Landscape Manager. Motion carried 6-0-1-0, with Commissioner Vuksic
abstaining.
4. CASE NO: SA 06-107
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): AKC SERVICES, Inc. 31681
Riverside Dr#B, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request final
approval of installation of two (2) sets of illuminated signage -
"White Cap".
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LOCATION: 73-600 Dinah Shore Drive
ZONE: S-1
Mr. Stendall stated that his initial concern was that the signage was
a huge box sign. He received two updated versions, which in his
opinion was much better than the original submission. One
correction that he pointed out was that they were calling for 800
milli amp fluorescent and the code only allows 430 milli amps.
Commissioner Van Vliet asked for the depth of the can. The rep
indicated that it was 5 to 6 inches. Commissioner Lambell asked if
it met the square footage requirement. Mr. Stendell indicated that it
did.
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner
Lambell, to grant approval on the revised version, subject to a maximum
of 430 milli amps with an actual depth of six (6) inches on the can. Motion
carried 7-0.
5 CASE NO: MISC 06-40
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): KRISTI HANSON ARCHITECTS,
INC., 71-185 Painters Path Ste A, Palm Desert, CA 92260.
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request final
approval of a custom residence for David McClain & Merilyn
Wong.
LOCATION: 172 Tekis Place — Bighorn
ZONE: PCD
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Lambell, seconded by Commissioner
Oppenheim, by minute motion to grant approval. Motion carried 6-0-1-0,
with Commissioner Hanson abstaining.
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6. CASE NO: CUP 03-07 Amendment #1
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): VERIZON WIRELESS, 15505
Sand Canyon Avenue, Irvine, CA 92618.
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request final
approval of co-location on existing Sprint PCS 75-foot tall
monopalm.
LOCATION: 74-665 '/Z Highway 111
ZONE: P
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Lambell, seconded by Commissioner
Oppenheim, by minute motion to grant approval. Motion carried 7-0.
NOTE:
Staff requested that an additional item be added to the Agenda. Commission
concurred. It was moved by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Van
Vliet, adding Case No. PP 05-19 to the Agenda. Motion carried 7-0.
7. CASE NO: PP 05-19
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): BILL MCMASTER, 21542
Surveyor Circle, Huntington Beach, CA 92646
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request final
approval working drawings for two (2) industrial buildings.
LOCATION: Spyder Circle; south of Dinah Shore (Gateway
Industrial Park)
ZONE: S-1
Mr. Smith presented working plans for two (2) industrial buildings at
Spyder Circle. He reviewed some of the elevations and they
looked the same. He did have concerns with the roof mounted
equipment and screening. The property next door to the west of
this was about 12 feet above it. There is roof mounted equipment,
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which is fine when viewed from the street, but felt it needed to be
screened off from the back because there would be residential in
the back that would see it.
Commission reviewed the working plans.
Commissioner Van Vliet stated that they should get the units in
there and have them prove that it will work. He stated that the
plans indicated that there would also be evaporative coolers up
there. Commissioner Hanson indicated that the unit itself is four (4)
feet and then there was a 6 or 8-inch curb. Mr. Smith indicated that
there was detailing in the mechanical, which was not done to scale.
Commissioner Van Vliet stated that it would have to be made clear
to the applicant that when they put evaporative coolers up there
they would have to get approval.
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Van
Vliet, to grant approval subject to staff confirming the effectiveness of roof
mounted screening. Motion carried 7-0.
B. Preliminary Plans
1. CASE NO: MISC 06-35
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): TED GROULX, P.O. Box 14083,
Palm Desert, CA 92255
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary
approval of facade improvements.
LOCATION: 73-750 El Paseo
ZONE: C-1
Mr. Drell stated that prior to any subsequent tenant improvements
(TI) or signage it would be subject to the Phase 2 Fagade
Enhancement. When the tenants come in and the applicant applies
for a TI, that plan would be accompanied by the final plans for the
front.
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Commissioner Vuksic asked the applicant if he was intending to put
in the awnings that are shown on the plans. Mr. Groulx stated that
was just for drawing purposes. It would be a plain pallet for the
tenants.
Commissioner Vuksic wanted to make a few comments for the
record on the way it was drawn. He felt that it wasn't thought out
and had concerns about quality. He didn't want to go into every
single thing that didn't match the floor plan or where it looked like it
couldn't be detailed. He felt that what was going to happen was
that the floor plan would take precedence because that is where
they poured the foundation to and it won't match the elevation.
Mr. Drell pointed out that these are preliminary plans and not
working drawings. The working drawings will be brought back for
review. He asked Commissioner Vuksic to circle the areas of
concern and indicated that when the working drawings come in,
staff would pay special attention to those areas.
Commissioner Vuksic offered to go over the items of concern with
the applicant.
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Vuksic, seconded by Commissioner
Lopez, to grant preliminary approval, subject to: 1) correction of detail
conflicts in the working drawings; and, 2) subject to Phase 2 Fagade
Improvement plans accompanying any tenant improvements or sign
approvals. Motion carried 7-0.
2. CASE NO: PP 06-11
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): STUDIO E ARCHITECTS, 2411
Second Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101.
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request
preliminary approval of architecture for World Savings Bank.
LOCATION: 73-051 Highway 111
ZONE: C-1
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Mr. John Sheehan, Architect, presented a rendering for World
Savings Bank.
Mr. Drell asked Mr. Sheehan if the landscaping depicted on the
rendering was what they would be proposing. Mr. Sheehan
indicated that it was and there would be deer grass, lantana and
some additional palms. Ms. Hollinger, Landscape Manager stated
that the landscape plans were reviewed and comments were made
and sent back to the applicant. He indicated that the landscape
architect they were working with did the landscaping for the Rancho
Mirage Library and he is familiar with desert landscaping.
Commissioner Hanson stated that the building was big.
Commissioner Van Vliet stated that it looked worse in the
rendering. Commissioner
Gregory stated that it could still work if the owner was forced to
back off with some of their interior goals relating to height. The
biggest concern was the top-heaviness.
Mr. Drell stated that the top element dominates and everything else
disappears so you don't see the bottom or any of the wings and
fins. Commissioner Gregory felt that if they brought the top down,
so it would be more in proportion, it would pass.
Commissioner Hanson stated that the view you would experience
more would be when coming down Hwy 74. Mr. Sheehan stated
that by the time you are within eyeshot of the building it turns and
flattens out. Commissioner Hanson stated that she loved the
building, but it was just too top heavy.
Mr. Sheehan then produced another rendering showing the top of
the building lowered by three (3) feet. The Commission reviewed
the two renderings side by side. Commissioner Hanson felt that in
the second rendering the top was now in proportion to the bottom.
Commissioner Vuksic felt that it needed more hierarchy because it
appeared to be split in the middle. He felt that they could keep that
same height, but the bottom eve needed to be higher so that the
lower piece would be larger than the upper piece. Commissioner
Hanson wondered if the landscaping made it appear to be cut off.
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Mr. Sheehan stated that they were not seeing the first 24 inches of
the glazing as a consequence of the height of the deer grass and
lantana. Mr. Sheehan asked Commissioner Vuksic if he was
suggesting they should adjust the height of the brow.
Commissioner Vuksic felt that they had lowered it just enough and
it was dramatically better, but if he had seen this rendering first he
would have reluctantly made that same comment.
Mr. Sheehan stated that on the original drawings submitted, the
horizontal brow was at the joint between the metal siding and the
storefront. It was the only thing dividing the two materials. In the
second submission, as a need to try to anchor and lower the center
of gravity, they shifted that down. Mr. Sheehan asked
Commissioner Vuksic if he was asking for that to come back up.
Commissioner Vuksic stated that he liked that detail. Mr. Drell
asked if they could raise the glass a foot. Mr. Sheehan indicated
that it would create sectional issues inside the space.
Commissioner Vuksic stated that if they couldn't raise the eyebrow
and also have the detail, then he would rather raise the eyebrow.
He stated that the way it was in the first rendering, the bottom of the
eyebrow is the same level as the bottom of the corrugated parapet,
which would raise it about two (2) feet.
Commissioner Van Vliet asked what the glass height was. Mr.
Sheehan indicated that it was ten feet. The door was eight (8) foot
with a 10-foot storefront and it goes up to a skylight.
Commissioner Gregory asked what the material was on the face of
the building above the sunshade. Mr. Sheehan answered that it
was a corrugated metal.
The Commission discussed the color for the corrugated metal
siding. There were two alternative choices of pre-finished metal.
One was a medium bronze color and the other a Terracotta red.
Commission preferred the bronze color.
It was moved by Commissioner Vuksic, seconded by
Commissioner Gregory to approve the lowered version with the
condition that the steel eyebrow be raised about 24 inches so that
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the bottom of the eyebrow is in line with the bottom of the
corrugated parapet. Motion failed 2-5, with Commissioners
Lambell, Hanson, Oppenheim, Lopez and Van Vliet voting Nay.
Commissioner Hanson stated that she liked the lowered rendering
as shown. Commissioner Van Wet stated that he liked the lowered
version as well. He still felt that it was a little top heavy, but he'd
rather see the detail.
Mr. Drell stated that with the exception of the deer grass there
wasn't any landscaping on the west side of the building. He felt
that one vertical element would satisfy, to a certain degree, the top-
heavy issue and would help to break up the mass. Commissioner
Hanson suggested placing art on the corner.
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Van
Vliet, to grant approval of revised plans depicted in the rendering with a
height of 20 feet. Motion carried 5-2-0-0, with Commissioners Vuksic and
Gregory opposing.
3. CASE NO: MISC 06-39
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): SAM SPINELLO, 27 La Plaza,
Palm Springs, CA 92262
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary
approval of store remodel for Palms to Pines Shopping Center.
LOCATION: 72-855 Highway 111
ZONE: PC-3
Mr. Smith stated that this item had been continued from the last
meeting because the architect wasn't present and the Commission
had some questions regarding the thickness of the vertical fagade.
Commissioner Vuksic stated to the architect that they had some
comments about the thickness of the parapets because a couple of
them appeared to be very thin and the thickness of the columns
holding up the tower elements appeared spindly.
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Mr. Alan Sanborn, Architect agreed that the parapets should be
thicker and asked the Commission for their recommendation on the
thickness. Commissioner Vuksic suggested 18 inches on the wall,
plus the cap detail and the columns could probably use another
foot. Commissioner Hanson suggested that on Backstreet Bistro to
do something that would thicken it up as it comes around. Mr.
Sandborn stated that he would make the changes and bring them
back as working drawings.
Commissioner Gregory stated that at the last meeting he
mentioned that a little more detailing was needed. Mr. Drell
suggested that the stucco finish be hand-troweled with radius
corners. Commissioner Hanson requested that the brow above the
opening not be a huge bull nose and asked if it could be recessed.
Commissioner Vuksic asked if the areas in the tower that appeared
to be recessed in the drawings would actually be recessed. Mr.
Sandborn stated that those areas would be recessed with a
different color. He stated that they would not use the typical
bullnose piece and said that part of the problem was trying to
design something that would sit on that existing roof without having
to tear it apart too much.
Mr. Drell stated that a new design for monument signage was
submitted for this project.
It was moved by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by
Commissioner Vuksic, to add signage to the agenda. Motion
carried 7-0.
Mr. Drell felt that this signage had some architectural style to it and
was a lot more interesting than the previous design, which was
basically a stacked plastic can. Commissioner Van Vliet asked
what the height of the sign was. Mr. Sanborn indicated that it was
10 feet in height. Commission reviewed the signage proposal and
indicated that this sign had a lot of surfaces and was very creative.
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Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Vuksic, seconded by Commissioner
Oppenheim, to grant approval of remodel and monument signage, subject
to: 1) addition of 18 inches to wall depth, plus cap detail; 2) increase width
of columns by one foot; 3) stucco finish to be hand-troweled with radius
corners; 4) addition of recessed areas in the tower; 5) brow not to be the
typical bullnose piece. Motion carried 7-0.
4. CASE NO: C 05-04
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): CARVER COMPANIES, 74-947
Highway 111, Indian Wells, CA 92210-7113.
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request
preliminary approval of revised elevations for Parcel 17 at Desert
Gateway Shopping Center.
LOCATION: 34-380 Monterey Avenue
ZONE: PC
Commissioner Vuksic commented to Mr. Carver that he saw
elements on the north elevation that he didn't see on the floor plan
and stated that the elements need to be there otherwise it probably
wouldn't be built properly. According to the plans there were
recessed elements in the walls and he saw four (4) niches that
were huge and he didn't see anything there. He stated that they
needed to have adequate depth on them because they were nice
elements. There are colonnades on the west elevation as you
come around the corner to the north where it just stops. It's no
longer a three-dimensional piece and it just has a thin end to it. He
stated that he saw the same thing on the east elevation for a
different colonnade and stated that they could close that up if they
needed to; and on the south side he suggested closing that up or
thicken up the element to finish that detail. Mr. Carver stated that
one of the elevations was a way to get around the back.
Commissioner Vuksic stated that the parapet on the west elevation
looked half as thick in the roof plan than how it appeared on the
elevation. The roof plan shows the parapet at one (1) foot thick and
the elevation shows it as two (2) feet thick, so it needed to be
thickened up to two (2) feet.
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Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Vuksic, seconded by Commissioner
Hanson, granted preliminary approval, subject to: 1) providing adequate
depth of the recessed wall elements; 2) close up colonnades or thicken
elements; 3) thicken up parapet on west elevation to two (2) feet. Motion
carried 7-0.
5. CASE NO: PP 03-10
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): GILL DESERT PROPERTIES,
INC., 6503 Scotts Valley Drive, #D, Scotts Valley, CA 95066
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of roof
mounted equipment on a two-story building.
LOCATION: 41-990 Cook Street
ZONE: OP
Mr. Smith indicated that the applicant set-up the screen wall mock-
up for review as directed by the Commission at the last meeting.
They also moved the unit at the northeast corner of the building
further to the west, which allows them to push the screen wall along
the east side further to the west.
Mr. Clint Brown, the Superintendent of Business Park of the Desert,
presented some photos of the units that were screened. The unit
that
was visible from the east side of the property was moved. They
used a flat sheet metal material for the screen wall to mimic the
surface of the smooth plaster and the screen would go all the way
around the perimeter of the building. Two colors samples were
used and they felt that the best thing to do would be to match the
top border color. From the top view, if they go with the same
materials and color, it will mimic the outer perimeter of the existing
parapet.
Mr. Drell stated that he did not understand why the units had to be
at the edge of the building. The units that remained in the center
aren't visible, but the ones at the edge are. He asked Mr. Brown to
explain why they had to be moved.
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Mr. Brown explained that in order to duct into the suites on the
second floor they had to move those units. Mr. Drell stated that
they have placed some ducts on the roof in a couple of areas and
those ducts aren't visible either. The issue is that if they put ducts
on the roofs at two
feet they would probably not be seen as badly as having units at six
(6) feet. Mr. Brown said to consider that there are currently 22 units
and it originally called for 22 7-ton units. Each unit requires a 22-
inch supply and return ducts. They did not have the space to get all
the ducts in by placing all of them the way they where. They did
not have enough height.
Mr. Drell asked why they didn't put the ducts on the roof. Mr.
Brown stated that efficiency was horrible. Mr. Drell stated that they
could have been insulated and there were boxes that would allow
for R-38. Mr. Brown stated that they had to do that in the hallway
because they couldn't get mainline ducts running in the hallway.
Mr. Drell stated that in all the pictures, with the exception of the end
units, you don't see any of the ones in the center. In terms of
visibility, the only ones with the problems are the ones that they
moved. Commissioner Van Vliet agreed and asked why they
couldn't shift them and doghouse structure them up on the roof to
get the ducts over them. Mr. Brown stated that the inside units
were shells and would be used for tenant improvements and the
Association would be responsible for the outside of the building.
They were limited in choice getting it to run down the hallway
perpendicular to the seam lines.
Commissioner Van Vliet stated that they had both supply and return
underneath the unit coming down, so why couldn't they shift that
unit and dog-house the supply and return to come over since they
would only be 24 inches high and could go back into the same hole.
Mr. Brown stated they would be visible. On one side there are 30-
inch SSIs, eight (8) foot on the side and the subtotals running that
way. He indicated that they had removed a 54-inch unit. Mr. Drell
stated now they were down to 48 inches and they couldn't see
those other units, the only ones that could be seen are the ones
that were pushed out to the edge.
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Commissioner Van Vliet didn't understand why they couldn't shift
the units over and run the ducts on the roof over and come back in
the same hole again. They wouldn't be doing anything different
structurally. Mr. Brown stated that they would still have to put up a
screen wall. Mr. Drell stated that it would be half the size, so
instead of being four (4) to five (5) feet it would be two (2) feet and
be located further back from the edge. They would have at least an
18-inch parapet. Mr. Brown stated that in the Hovley picture they
wouldn't be gaining that much. You would see maybe two (2) feet
of it compared to 18 inches. Mr. Drell stated that you wouldn't see
any of those units. Commissioner Hanson pointed out that it's the
difference between how much of one unit you would see from
another unit. For instance, you would see six (6) inches above that
parapet verses 18 inches. Commissioner Van Vliet said that a
screen wall might still be required, but it would be shifted in.
Mr. Drell stated that from the east side looking west you couldn't
see the center units at all. The parapet size varies and in all the
pictures that have been presented the only units that are visible are
the ones at the ends or the ones that have been pushed out. The
problem they were going to run into is when they go to Council to
ask for an increase in the height they should have an absolutely
positive solution.
Mr. Brown stated that when you look inside the building and see all
the equipment and view the elevations with which they had to work
with, you would get a better enlightenment of how to run the ducting
and why the units are being pushed to the edge. Regardless, the
screen wall would still be there and they would try to make it look
aesthetically nice as possible.
Commissioner Gregory stated that the Commission was trying to
help them with a solution because they would be slammed when
they go to Council and they know that the applicant was resisting
because there was a slew of problems. Mr. Brown stated that he
understood, but he thought he was at the meeting because of the
issues with the screen wall being acceptable as opposed to what
the equipment would be doing inside the building.
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Commissioner Van Wet stated that what they were asking for
wouldn't effect what they were doing inside the building. Mr. Brown
clarified what the Commission was asking them to do and that
would be to move the units back, build two (2) to four (4)
doghouses and move the screen wall back. Commissioner Van
Vliet suggested doing a study to see how far they could get them in.
Mr. Brown stated that they have looked into that and this is where
they wound up and everything else is relative.
Commissioner Van Vliet stated that Mr. Brown didn't understand
what they were saying and asked him why he kept going back to
the same meaningless point. Mr. Brown stated that he understood
that they were preparing him for the height issues when this would
go to Council. Mr. Drell stated that this board had the same
obligation to ask if the only solution would be to raise the building
four (4) feet.
Mr. Brown stated that in the original drawings the screen wall was
shown. Mr. Drell stated that they did not build what the plan shows.
By moving that screen wall further to the edge they created a
tremendous impact with the line of sight. He asked why couldn't
they do what was shown in the drawing. Mr. Brown stated that he
could give a hundred different reasons why the units were spread
out. Mr. Drell stated that if the ductwork could go through the
roofing in the exact same place, it would be better to have 18
inches or two (2) feet on the roof than to have a four (4) foot bump.
From the line of sight, a two (2) foot bump almost disappears and
probably would not be visible at all while a four (4) foot bump
requires a large screen.
Mr. Brown explained that the A/C has a bottom funnel flow and
wouldn't be able to go out the side. Commissioner Van Vliet stated
that it could be done if they changed the unit. Commissioner
Vuksic asked if a down flow unit could be modified to be a side flow
unit. Commissioner Van Vliet stated that it would probably be hard
and they would have to ask the A/C installer. Mr. Brown stated that
it would probably raise the unit another four (4) feet.
Commissioner Gregory stated that he understood that they were
heroically trying to keep the units they have because it would be
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frightfully expensive to make the changes. Mr. Brown stated that it
would be very expensive to make changes and felt that this had
been very well thought out and explained that they had to move the
ducts because there was no other way to get the ducting through
there.
Commissioner Gregory stated that they have hit a brick wall and
this wasn't working. The applicant had given them the explanation
of why the units were there, however it won't work and now there
was a problem. He stated that they might have to get other units to
make it work. Pushing the units back in the way the plan originally
indicated was a way that might work and the Commission could
possibly support that. He said that it might still be a little high, but
felt that it would only be a few inches, and at least the screen wall
would be moved back away from the edge so you wouldn't see it
nearly as much. Right now two (2) feet is visible so if it was moved
you might only see an inch or so. Mr. Drell asked if there were
other views from the building where you could see the center units
other than from the north and south. Mr. Brown stated that you
could probably see them from Cook Street and from the north.
Commissioner Lambell stated from Hovley you could see the east
side.
George Baker, Developer/Owner stated that he understood that it
matches everything around the other buildings that have the
parapets; it matches aesthetically. Commissioner Lambell stated
that if they had come in with that at the very beginning it would
have been much easier. Mr. Baker stated that he wished his
architect had done that. He inherited the architect along with the
plans. Commissioner Lambell stated that what they have now is a
two fold problem; one is looking at this equipment which we
adamantly jump through hoops to not have to look at, and the
second problem is they were way over the height limit; which was a
big issue specifically with this building. The big issue now is the
height problem not how it can be screened. You need to
investigate some alternative air conditioning. Mr. Baker stated that
they would review the screen wall and the height on the approved
set of plans and work from that envelope.
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Mr. Baker stated that there was nothing on his conditions that said
that the building had to be 25 feet. Commissioner Gregory asked if
that was an error on the part of the plan checker with the City. Mr.
Baker stated that Conditions of Approval is what governs a project
and when he purchased the property from Gill Desert Properties
there was nothing in the conditions that indicated that the building
height was 25 feet. Mr. Drell stated that the maximum height in the
OP zone is 25 feet and it doesn't have to be conditioned.
Mr. Baker stated that they could screw him on that, but he has been
doing this for about 24 years and he usually would govern things off
of
the Conditions of Approval. Mr. Drell stated that you are governed
by City Ordinances and the fundamental height limit in that zone is
25 feet. He told Mr. Baker that he couldn't fundamentally change
sensitive items of architecture without coming to the City, and they
were not the only ones doing that. The problem is that there is a
gap between the dry wall inspection and the final inspection and
that is when all the mechanical equipment gets added and people
have been quite cavalier in improvising when they put in the
mechanical equipment. Mr. Baker stated that he didn't know the
equipment got moved. So what they need to do is move everything
back within that screen wall, per the approved plans and bring it
back here after that has been completed and bring the screen wall
where it should be. Mr. Drell stated that after moving everything
they might find that they only have to add about six (6) inches to the
main fascia and it might work.
Commissioner Van Vliet asked if the screen wall was shown on the
working drawings but not on the preliminary plans. Mr. Drell stated
that they did not. Technically it is the applicant's obligation to
produce to us working drawings that are consistent with the
preliminaries and just because the plan checker didn't catch it,
doesn't change an entitlement or create an amendment to City
Ordinance. He stated that even a four (4) foot screen wall would
have been a problem. He felt that they should first do the
relocation and then take a look at it. It might require little screening
or none at all, except on the ends. The ideal situation would be not
to have a screen wall on the east side to impact Mr. Pratt's view.
Mr. Baker indicated that they would try to pull them away from Mr.
Pratt's view as best as they could.
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Commissioner Lambell stated that they would have to pull them
back, but they would still have to stay below the 25 feet or they
have to go to Council. Mr. Drell stated that we would work it one
step at a time. Commissioner Van Vliet stated that they would not
be able to stay below 25 feet. Commissioner Vuksic stated that if
they go to Council with this whole history and with a picture that
shows that the units are not visible, they could try to pull it off.
Mr. Patrick Pratt stated that the screen wall that they put up was not
acceptable to him. It wasn't the look that was approved with the
building. From his line of sight the screen wall was not small and
was probably at least three (3) to four (4) feet tall. The City
approved the building at 25 feet and it should have been built to
those standards. He came to the Planning Department six (6)
months ago when they first put the units up on the roof and told the
Staff that he could see that the units were not going to be below the
roofline. Staff explained to him that there was low profile units and
other types of units they could use and if they have to make them
put those units in they would so they would be below the line. Now
it's a little late to be saying that they have this problem and they
need the additional height. Moving it back might take care of most
of the problem. The solution of a parapet wall all the way along the
boundary is not something he would prefer. There are probably
three (3) or four (4) units that he is actually impacted by, so it would
be better for him to have the units screened individually than to put
a parapet wall 150 to 160 feet along the building.
Commissioner Gregory stated that Mr. Pratt was indicating a
willingness to make this work. It was nice to see that everyone was
in concurrence. Mr. Pratt indicated that he is willing to work with
them, but he emphatically told them that what is there now is
unacceptable.
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Vuksic, seconded by Commissioner
Hanson, to continue that matter to allow the applicant to relocate air
conditioning units away from the edge and allow a representative from the
Commission to site check. Motion carried 7-0.
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C. Miscellaneous Items
None.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Commissioner Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic, to
adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 7-0. The meeting was adjourned at 2:15
p.m.
S EVE SMITH
PLANNING MANAGER
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