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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-11-13 f ��•�� CITY OF PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES November 13, 2007 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 16 4 Kristi Hanson X 17 3 Chris Van Vliet X 20 John Vuksic X 20 Ray Lopez X 16 4 Karel Lambell X 15 5 Nancy DeLuna X 9 1 Also Present Lauri Aylaian, Director Tony Bagato, Principal Planner Ryan Stendell, Associate Planner Renee Schrader, Associate Planner Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner Spencer Knight, Landscape Manager Janine Judy, Senior Office Assistant III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: October 23, 2007 Action: It was moved by Commissioner Van Vliet, seconded by Commissioner Lambell to approve the October 23, 2007 meeting minutes with changes. Motion carried 6-0-1-0, with Commissioner Lopez abstaining. IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS V. CASES: ARCHITECTURAL REVMW COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 13, 2007 A. Final Drawings: 1. CASE NO: MISC 06-48 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): CHRISTOPHER MCFADDEN ARCHITECT, 72-925 Fred Waring Drive Suite 204, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of detached garage with guesthouse and addition to existing master bedroom with a 17 foot 3 inch maximum roof height. LOCATION: 73-060 Joshua Tree Street ZONE: R1 Action: It was moved by Commissioner Vuksic, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to approve by minute motion. Motion carried 7-0. 2. CASE NO: N/A APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): RED CARPET CARWASH, 44- 440 Town Center Way, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of exterior paint color; Red Carpet Carwash. LOCATION: 44-440 Town Center Way ZONE: PC (3) SP Mr. Swartz stated that the new owners of this carwash recently painted the building without staff's approval and presented a color pallet for the Commission's review. Commissioner Hanson stated that she would go and take a look at the building. Mr. Spencer Knight, Landscape Manager, stated that the applicant had adjusted the landscape considerably and installed wall-to-wall artificial turf in the waiting area. It is probably below the water efficient landscape ordinance criteria, however he asked the Commission to look at it from an aesthetic point of view. GAPlanning\Janine Judy\Word Files\ARC Minutes\2007WR071113.min.DOC Page 2 of 17 ARCHITECTURAL REW COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 13, 2007 Commissioner Hanson stated that artificial turf is now being used more often. Mr. Knight stated that there is a city policy where they don't approve it because it has heat reflective problems, and then they end up installing irrigation systems in the artificial turf to irrigate it to cool it off during the summer time. It is not the image that the City wants to convey. Action: It was moved by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Lambell, to continue this item subject to the applicant submitting additional colors. Motion carried 7-0. 3. CASE NO: CUP 02-22 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): R.A. WASSERMAN COMMERCIAL, INC., 79-440 Corporate Center Drive, La Quinta, CA 92253. NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request final approval of exterior paint colors; Palm Desert Hand Car Wash. LOCATION: 41-185 Washington Street ZONE: P.C. Mr. Bagato presented paint samples that were painted as a sample on the building for Commission's review and asked for approval of painting the entire wall with the Tumble Tan color. Commissioner Lambell requested that the racing stripes be removed from the wall. Action: It was moved by Commissioner Lambell, seconded by Commissioner DeLuna, to approve subject to painting the wall Tumble Tan without stripes. Motion carried 7-0. GAPlanning\Janine Judy\Ward FilesWRC Minutes\2007WR071113.min.DOC Page 3 of 17 ARCHITECTURAL REW COMMISSION w.r� MINUTES NOVEMBER 13, 2007 4. CASE NO: PP/CUP 06-17 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): MD&R ARCHITECTS, 18207 McDurmott, Ste A, Irvine, CA 92614 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request final approval of buildings A and B; Westin Desert Willow Resort Villas. LOCATION: 39-500 Portola Avenue ZONE: PR-5 Action: It was moved by Commissioner Vuksic, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to approve by minute motion subject to review of landscape plans by the Landscape Specialist. Motion carried 7-0. 5. CASE NO: SA 07-192 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): IMPERIAL SIGN CO. 46-120 Calhoun Street, Indio, CA 92201 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of a double-sided monument sign; Monterey Shore Business Park. LOCATION: 73-080 — 74-000 Dinah Shore ZONE: S.I Action: It was moved by Commissioner Vuksic, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to approve by minute motion. Motion carried 7-0. 6. CASE NO: SA 07-199 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): CASEY ALLEN, 1419 Searchlight Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90813 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of a wall sign; Verizon Wireless. LOCATION: 73-080 — 74-000 Dinah Shore ZONE: PC-3 GAPlanning\Janine Judy\Word Files\ARC Minutes\2007\AR071113.min.DOC Page 4 of 17 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION *40# MINUTES NOVEMBER 13, 2007 Mr. Bagato stated that the applicant was not in attendance and asked the Commission to review the project and recommended to continue. Mr. Swartz summarized the staff report and stated that the applicant informed him that Verizon Wireless and GoWireless had partnered-up and when they do a sign Verizon Wireless is 70% and the other 30% is GoWireless so you can't shrink the one without shrinking the other. Commissioner Van Vliet asked if these were individual letters and Mr. Swartz indicated they were all different lettering in different sizes. Commissioner Hanson stated that if they shrink and tighten up the sign it would give them the clearance that the Commission was looking for. Commissioner Gregory stated that this sign was very difficult to read. The Commission recommended that the motion include illumination on Verizon Wireless only and not GoWireless. Action: It was moved by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner DeLuna, to continue Case SA 07-199 subject to: 1) reducing and tightening the sign; and, 2) illuminate "Verizon" only and eliminate the illumination on "GoWireless". Motion carried 7-0. 7. CASE NO: SA 07-201 (HTE #07-54) APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): TRI-A-BIKE, David O'Donnel, 44-841 San Pablo, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of a wall sign; Tri-A-Bike. LOCATION: 44-841 San Pablo ZONE: C-1 Mr. Swartz summarized the staff report and recommended approval of the proposed sign with the condition that the applicant incorporates the raceway into the overall design of the building, or finding another method to hang the sign. Mr. Kim Sanson, Tankard Design and Imaging, (TDI), stated that the structure of the roof was unique and because it is an aluminum sheet metal roof it is not easily accessible. GAPlanning\Janine Judy\Word Res\ARC Minutes\2007WR071113.min.DOC Page 5 of 17 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION tow MINUTES NOVEMBER 13, 2007 Commissioner Hanson stated that the raceway was really visible and the way the detail is drawn it appears that there is a metal plate that runs all the way across with the raceway hidden behind it. Mr. Sanson stated that above the proposed "Tri-A-Bike" sign there are steel brackets that suspend over the top of the roofline coming down individually to support the raceway, which is behind the letters. The idea was to make it relatively inconspicuous, so the steel brackets are painted in a color to match the aluminum. The structure of the roof makes it difficult to do it in a different way because of the slope of the face and the fact that you can't put anything inside or behind the structure and since it is at a steep angle they had to bring the sign out vertically. Commissioner Vuksic asked if they looked at other options for signage. Mr. Sanson stated that the owner wanted it centered on that structure. Mr. Bagato asked Mr. Sanson if they considered stacking it on top of the parapet. Mr. Sanson stated that it could be an option to place it on top. Commissioner Gregory asked if the sign would have the same look if it was not illuminated and hanging over the side without the raceway. Mr. David O'Donnel, owner of Tri-A-Bike, stated that he preferred the sign to be illuminated for visibility, especially at night. Commissioner DeLuna asked if it could be placed on top without the brackets entering the raceway. Mr. O'Donnel stated that the brackets have to come up from the back because that is where all the support is. With the brackets, that would allow them to have some kind of C channel allowing them to run the electrical in there. Commissioner Hanson suggested they have the brackets come down to support the sign, getting rid of the raceway, and at each of the brackets create an architectural type light that would come out to illuminate the sign. Mr. Sanson stated that they could do that. The Commission discussed other options for the sign. Mr. O'Donnel stated that they could take a look at doing a couple of different options on whether or not they could light the sign from the top or place the sign on top. G:\Planning\Janine Judy\Word Files\ARC Minutes\2007\AR071113.min.DOC Page 6 of 17 ARCHITECTURAL REW COMMISSION vwe MINUTES NOVEMBER 13, 2007 Action: It was moved by Commissioner Vuksic, seconded by Commissioner Lambell, to continue Case No. SA 07-201 (HTE 07-54) subject to: 1) considering a non-illuminated sign with gooseneck type lighting for external lighting; or, 2) submitting additional sign options; or, 3) a freestanding sign at the top. Motion carried 7-0. 8. CASE NO: SA 07-202 (HTE #07-56) APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): LYLE COMMERCIAL C/O DAVE RAPP, 121 s. Palm Canyon, Ste 216, Palm Springs, CA 92262 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of a new monument and directional signage; Monterey Shore Plaza. LOCATION: 72-600 — 72-800 Monterey ZONE: Mr. Bagato stated that back in 1999 the previous monument sign had been approved, but for whatever reason the sign hadn't been built. There are seven different property owners with an association and they cannot get everyone to agree. They have proposed a new.monument sign that carries some of the features of the new buildings. He explained to the Commission where the proposed signage would be placed. Mr. Dave Rapp, representative, stated that he had received input from the businesses that they needed the signage. He mentioned that he is working with Costco, the carwash and the Costco gas station collectively for this program. Commissioner Hanson questioned the need for two signs at the intersection. She suggested reorienting the sign more horizontally to the intersection so you would see it from both sides. Mr. Rapp stated that what they had done at the far southwest corner, represented by Sign B3 and the location designated as Sign B2, is to have natural planter areas that are cut off at an angle and were proposing single sided signs that would present themselves both to eastbound and westbound traffic, as well as vehicles exiting the center across the street to maximize visibility. GAPlanning\Janine Judy\Word Files\ARC Minutes\2007\AR071113.min.DOC Page 7 of 17 ARCHITECTURAL REW COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 13, 2007 Commissioner Hanson wondered if you were going eastbound you probably would see Sign 133, and asked what the need was for Sign 131 and Sign 132. Mr. Rapp answered that they are not looking to get every business at the center visibility on the monument sign, but because of the nature of Costco itself they would be looking for exposure in a couple of different areas throughout the center. Mr. Bagato stated that those were the locations that were approved and that they actually wanted two more at the other driveway where the gas station was located and we asked them to remove those. There is no guarantee that they get the larger Sign A because that is County property and might not work on that property. Commissioner Van Vliet stated that there were too many signs and they were too big. Regardless of what was approved before, it is hard to tell from the site plan because it is such a small scale. He didn't know how far the grade goes down below the road on Dinah Shore but thought it drops off pretty significant there. Maybe an eleven-foot sign is warranted if they are three feet below the grade level. Commissioner Hanson stated that it wasn't eleven feet that it was just a little more than eight. She stated that it was just the grid thing that was eleven feet. Commissioner Van Vliet stated that the other issue was the directional signs and stated that there were a lot of tenants on each one and felt that it was confusing. Each tenant had signage on the buildings, but it was not visible until you are in the center. Mr. Rapp stated that as you are pulling out of the Costco area, it is a very busy traffic lane with no visibility to anything on the right as to what is in the other direction. There is also another main entrance after the first set of parking isles and their hope was to put a two-sided or triangular sign that would aid people as they entered the center, as well as trying to exit because that is where the primary traffic lane is. The Commission reviewed and discussed the number of directional signs and the number of businesses on each sign. Commissioner Hanson felt that the onsite signage was irrelevant to the Commission in some ways and suggested concentrating on the large ones on the end. Commissioner DeLuna asked about the color of the the on the base of the monument sign. Mr. Rapp stated that the color on the the was actually the accent the on the buildings and was brought into the signs along with the blue metal work. Commissioner DeLuna GAPlanning\Janine Judy\Word Files\ARC Minutes\2007WR071113.min.DOC Page 8 of 17 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 13, 2007 liked the construction of the sign, but felt that it was too busy and distracting down below and suggested an earth tone color. Mr. Bagato stated that there would also be landscaping that would block the base. Commissioner Gregory asked the Commission for a general consensus on the number of large signs and their locations. Commissioner Van Vliet stated that the two signs at the entry to Costco could be combined into one sign and maybe a triangular sign for 131 and B2. Commissioner Hanson asked that an accurate site plan be provided showing the signs in context of where they would be with the set back and the landscaping and superimposing them in front of the businesses. Commissioner Gregory asked the representative to show on the elevation how the landscaping might hide the base. Action: It was moved by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner DeLuna, to continue Case SA 07-202 (HTE #07-56) subject to: 1) combining entry monument signs 131 and 132 into one triangular sign; 2) providing an accurate site plan; 3) super imposing the signs in front of the buildings; and, 4) show how landscape will hide the base of the sign. Motion carried 7-0. 9. CASE NO: MISC 07-40 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): ROBERT A. PITCHARD DESIGN, 41-625 Eclectic, Ste A-Z, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of a detached second unit and garage addition. LOCATION: 77-935 Delaware Place ZONE: C-1 Action: It was moved by Commissioner Vuksic, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to approve by minute motion. Motion carried 7-0. GAPlanning\Janine Judy\Word Files\ARC Minutes\2007\AR071113.min.DOC Page 9 of 17 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 13, 2007 10. CASE NO: SA 07-205 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): JMA ARCH ITECTS/JAMES MCINTOSH, 73-995 El Paseo, Suite 201, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of new monument signage and sign program; The Halt Office Building. LOCATION: 44-630 Monterey Avenue ZONE: OP Mr. Stendell stated that the elevation given to the Commission had some palm trees in front of the two elevations and he wanted to make it clear to the applicant that that the signs didn't take precedence over the landscaping, and that the landscaping stays in place. He informed the Commission that the dimensions of the signs were not on the plans and stated that they scaled to be about eight inch letters, and as long as they were in the ballpark of eight to twelve inches and scaled according to how they look on the elevations he didn't have a problem moving for approval as long as staff could work out that the sizing was consistent to what they were doing. In concept the monument sign looked pretty jazzy; there is a stained metal mountain cutting through the middle of it and Mr. Stendell felt it would lend itself to the building nicely. Commissioner Vuksic asked the applicant if it was her intent to have the finish on the mountains two different colors. Ms. Jeannette Hait, owner, stated that it would match the mountain scape on the building. They were not exactly the same but just different enough to appear more natural to give it some dimension. Commissioner Vuksic stated that he didn't see anything that indicated the dimensions as far as the depth of the sign, but the concept looked terrific. Commissioner Vuksic asked the applicant if the two purple mountains and one yellow mountain were all on one plane. Mr. Ryan Aridas, JMA Architects, stated that it was three different pieces welded together, but the depth would be the actual width of GAPlanning\Janine Judy\Word Files\ARC Minutes\2007\AR071113.min.DOC Page 10 of 17 ARCHITECTURAL REW COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 13, 2007 the material. Ms. Hait stated that this was done on the building as three separate pieces mounted and bracketed together to stabilize them. Commissioner Vuksic asked if they could do something like that with the sign. Action: It was moved by Commissioner Vuksic, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to approve subject to the metal mountain on the monument sign being three separate sheets of metal on different planes. Motion carried 7-0. B. Preliminary Plans: 1. CASE NO: PP 07-13/CUP 07-16/(HTE 07-63) APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): CRAIG SMITH, FOUNTAINHEAD INDIO, 3636 Birch Street Suite 270, Newport Beach, CA 92660 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of a new tire store facility; Fountain Head/Tire Store. LOCATION: 78-018 Country Club Drive ZONE: PC-2 Mr. Swartz summarized the staff report and recommended approval. Commissioner Vuksic stated that on the west elevation he saw columns that look like they are offset from the wall surfaces above them in brick and was not following how that is happening on the floor and roof plans. Mr. Finkle stated that it was hard to see in the plan view but it was an eight-inch block to a ten-inch block or a twelve-inch block. The block is variegated in different colors so that it wasn't monochromatic on the door and wall. By varying the block heights some relief was created and a light fixture was added to create a rhythm across the front of the building. Commissioner Hanson stated that on the east elevation they were indicating significant pilasters on the backside with the plaster, which was not evident on the floor plan and she wanted to make sure that the applicant was planning on implementing those. Mr. Finkle stated that he was working with Mr. Bagato on creating more GAPlanning\Janine Judy\Ward Files\ARC Minutes\2007\AR071113.min.DOC Page 11 of 17 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION *me MINUTES NOVEMBER 13, 2007 interest in the building and it was possible that it didn't translate. Commissioner Hanson was concerned with the shadow lines. Mr. Finkle indicated that he would revise the plans to show them. Commissioner Hanson asked if they were incorporating a roof ladder within the building and Mr. Finkle indicated they were. Commissioner Hanson asked about the two middle service bays with the metal awnings and suggested that they pull those out a little further to make it more of an architectural feature which would create a little more shadowing effect on the building as well as the front elevation. Mr. Finkle stated that they were trying to tie the two buildings together as much as they could by pulling in some of the similar elements of the other building. He indicated that they would take a look at that. Commissioner Vuksic recommended that the parapet heights be equal to or higher than the roof mounted equipment Action: It was moved by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic, to approve subject to: 1) revising plans to indicate significant pilasters on the east elevation; 2) incorporating a roof ladder into the building; 3) pull metal service bays out further to make an architecture feature; 4) parapet heights equal to or higher than roof mounted equipment; and, 5) subject to review of landscape plans by the Landscape Specialist. Motion carried 7-0. 2. CASE NO: DA 07-02, PP 07-11, CUP 07-14 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): LARKSPUR ASSOCIATES, LLC, 73-626 Highway 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of a 154-room boutique hotel; El Paseo Hotel. LOCATION: 45-400 Larkspur ZONE: C-1 Mr. Bagato summarized the project and presented an aerial of the proposed hotel and stated that they are processing a development agreement because it is over the number of units that would be allowed. Parking will be provided underground and is consistent GAPlanning\Janine Judy\Word Files\ARC Minutes\2007\AR071113.min.DOC Page 12 of 17 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION *QM01 MINUTES NOVEMBER 13, 2007 with what the code requires. This project is a three to two story project with the three-story project located closer to the El Paseo side and has been approved over the 30-foot height limit in this area. Then it steps down to two-story ranging from 24 feet and a little taller with some of the roof elements. He had some concerns with the proposed architecture and thought it was a little busy with a blending of too many styles. They are proposing solar panel equipment in the roof area and trying to meet LEAD certification from a silver standpoint. There will also be a five star restaurant open 24 hours along with a bar area. Mr. Juan Ochoa, Architect, stated that it was their intent to mix contemporary and traditional architecture. Since a lot of the project faces west they added shading elements. The domes are skeletons not solid and are similar to the Starbucks on Cook Street. The height of the hotel is 31 feet with the tallest single element reaching 44 to 45 feet height. Commissioner DeLuna asked if there were 181 parking spaces. Mr. Bagato stated that the parking would be a deck and a half below with two cars in each stall; used like a lift. Mr. Ochoa described how the underground parking would be designed. Commissioner DeLuna asked about the number of rooms the hotel and the larger condominium type units would have and Mr. Ochoa answered that the hotel would have 154 rooms, and the condominium type units would have a total of 48 rooms. Mr. Bill De Leeuw, owner, stated that the southern half of the project is 16 condominiums that encompass 48 rooms. The lower density is towards Shadow Mountain and the higher density is down the other way. Mr. Ochoa presented a power point presentation of the project and described the different elements. Commissioner Gregory stated that it was architecturally different and appeared as though it was two different projects. Commissioner Hanson stated that the service area in the front was in an awkward location and urged the applicant to relocate that to another location. Mr. De Leeuw stated that they have been working on finding another location for the service area. Commissioner Hanson asked how this project would be serviced for deliveries. Mr. Ochoa stated the trucks would park in the turnout area on the street. GAPlanning\Janine Judy\Word FilesWRC Minules\2007WR071113.min.DOC Page 13 of 17 ARCHITECTURAL REW COMMISSION 140 MINUTES NOVEMBER 13, 2007 Commissioner Hanson asked about the main circular drive. Mr. Ochoa outlined the steps leading up to the common level, the ramp for parking and the common landing areas. Commissioner Hanson stated that everything that was surrounding the units on San Luis Rey were very low and horizontal in scale, as well as Shadow Mountain and stated that this project was vertical and even though they are only 24 feet tall it would feel much taller because of the verticality of every element. She suggested that something be introduced that would bring more horizontality back into the project and simplify the elements. Mr. Ochoa indicated that he would submit an alternate horizontal element to the Commission for their review. Commissioner Hanson stated that there was a lot of mixing of elements that seems interesting, but it appears that they haven't decided what they want. She expressed that the product seemed really interesting and the location is great, but she stated that the applicant should respond to the environment that is low slung horizontal. Mr. Ochoa stated that they would create alternate elevations modifying some of the elements and expressed that they needed to respond to The Gardens because they have much more of those vertical elements. Commissioner Vuksic expressed that they never intend to dictate style and stated that this style was interesting and called it Moorish. He felt that any style that is done just needs to be done well. He stated that Moorish architecture tends to be very thick; however he sees a lack of thickness. He suggested increasing the thickness on the columns to create more of a base, keeping the same kind of massing and scale on the hotel and condos, and avoid substituting thickness with surrounds on windows. Commissioner Van Vliet expressed his concern regarding screening in the back near the residential area. Mr. De Leeuw stated that they have met with eight of the ten homeowners and they have asked for a wall to be placed there to separate the two properties and a landscaping plan will be developed. Mr. Ochoa stated that they have played with the concept of offsetting the upper units and create planters, and stair stepping four to five feet from the second to the third floor to provide extra screening. G:\Planning\Janine Judy\Word Files\ARC Minutes\2007WR071113.min.DOC Page 14 of 17 ARCHITECTURAL RErEW COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 13, 2007 Commissioner Van Vliet felt that there wasn't enough planting opportunity with the main level, as it appears to be mainly hardscape. Mr. Tom Dorsey, TKD Landscaping, stated that they would be incorporating a containerized system of planting and irrigation. Commissioner Van Wet asked if the air conditioning equipment would be going on the roof. Mr. Ochoa indicated that the equipment area would be in the basement and stated that the details had not been worked out at this time. Commissioner Van Vliet stated that it would probably have to go on the roof. He asked if the roof access was flat roofed with a parapet around them and wanted to know how tall they were. Mr. Ochoa stated that they were around eight feet. Commissioner Van Vliet questioned the height of the building on the north end stating it was almost 40 feet tall from the lower grade and the 33 feet shown in the plans was somewhat misleading. Commissioner Van Vliet asked if the pools on the upper deck were flush with the deck level or were they raised. Mr. Ochoa answered that they were raised about eighteen inches. Commissioner DeLuna was troubled about the amount of water consumed with the pools on the upper decks. She stated there were thirteen bodies of water and given the prediction of the water shortage, she was wondering if there was some way to address the use of water. Mr. De Leeuw stated that they would address that and said that the pools were not large and none were excessively deep. He stated there were three main pools and that it may be possible to eliminate one, but felt that it would detract from the project. He didn't know how much water a pool uses, but expressed that landscaping uses more water than a pool does. Commissioner DeLuna stated that she understood from a marketing standpoint what they need to provide to a client, and stated that she was just trying to be conscious of what may be coming in terms of water cutbacks and usages and asked them to be very effective in the use of water. Mr. De Leeuw expressed their willingness to take a look at that issue. Mr. Knight asked the applicants to have their non-traditional landscaping plans reviewed by the landscaping staff. They seemed to be a significant part of the architecture design and if they prove not to pass inspection than they would have an issue in terms of the design. Mr. Ochoa asked what the issues were. Mr. Knight G1Planning\Janine Judy\Word Flles\ARC Minutes\2007\AR071113.min.DOC Page 15 of 17 ARCHITECTURAL REW COMMISSION r.r# MINUTES NOVEMBER 13, 2007 stated that they were not strong proponents of planters in the desert because they are hard to maintain and then end up with fake plants or nothing planted in them. The City is looking for sustainability. Mr. Ochoa indicated that he would submit some information regarding the containerized planting system that has been proven to work. Mr. Knight stated that it has not been proven here in the desert. Mr. Dorsey described the system and the proposed landscape plans. Commissioner Gregory suggested that they have an alternate plan just in case it doesn't work. Mr. Bagato asked the Commission for comments regarding the current location of the proposed trash enclosure in the front entry and wanted to know if they felt that it should be relocated away from the main entry. The Commission reviewed the plans and discussed other options with the applicant. Commissioner Lopez stated that the planters appeared really small. He also asked if there would be pedestrian circulation to the east or north end or would it be a green area inside the property line. Mr. Ochoa stated that it would be a green area. Commissioner Hanson suggested pulling the main circular drive back to get more landscaping. Mr. Ochoa indicated that they would work with that idea. Action: It was moved by Commissioner Vuksic, seconded by Commissioner DeLuna, to continue Case No. DA 07-02, PP 07-11, CUP 07-14 subject to: 1) introducing horizontal elements into the project and simplifying the elements; 2) increase thickness on columns and create more of a base; 3) keep same kind of massing and scale on hotel and condos; 4) avoid substituting thickness with surrounds on windows; 5) main level needs additional landscaping against the buildings; 6) submit roof plan with parapet heights; 7) relocate trash enclosure away from the main entry; 8) pull main circular drive back to get more landscaping; and, 9) review of landscape plans by the Landscape Specialist. Motion carried 7-0. GAPlanning\Janine Judy\Word Files\ARC Minutes\2007\AR071113.min.DOC Page 16 of 17 ARCHITECTURAL REW COMMISSION *40#1 MINUTES NOVEMBER 13, 2007 C. Miscellaneous Items: None. VI. ADJOURNMENT It was moved by Commissioner Lopez, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 7-0. The meeting was adjourned at 2:15 p.m. TONY BAGATO PRINCIPAL PLANNER GAPlanning\Janine Judy\Word Files\ARC Minutes\2007\AR071113.min.D0C Page 17 of 17