HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-09-11 ��•�� CITY OF PALM DESERT
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 11, 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 13 4
Kristi Hanson X 14 3
Chris Van Vliet X 17
John Vuksic X 17
Ray Lopez X 14 3
Karel Lambell X 12 5
Nancy DeLuna X 7 1
Also Present
Lauri Aylaian, Director
Tony Bagato, Principal Planner
Ryan Stendell, Associate Planner
Renee Schrader, Associate Planner
Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner
Diane Hollinger, Landscape Specialist
Spencer Knight, Landscape Manager
Janine Judy, Senior Office Assistant
Ill. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: August 14, 2007 and August 28, 2007
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Van Vliet, seconded by Commissioner
Vuksic, to approve the August 14, 2007 and the August 28, 2007
meeting minutes. Motion carried 6-0-0-1 , with Commissioner Hanson
absent.
IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
V. CASES:
. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
MINUTES SEPTEMBER 11, 2007
A. Final Drawings:
1. CASE NO: MISC 07-24
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): EUGENE AND BEVERLY
VORWALLER, 72-875 Park View Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of
a 6-foot block wall with 12 foot setback.
LOCATION: 72-875 Park View Drive
ZONE: R-1
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Vuksic, seconded by Commissioner
Lambell, to continue Case No. MISC 07-24. Motion carried 6-0-0-1, with
Commissioner Hanson absent.
2. CASE NO: MISC 07-47
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): ROY ASARO ARCHITECT,
42220 Green Way, Suite H Palm Desert, CA 92211
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Reconsideration
of a proposed facade enhancement for Larry Grotbeck (Maytag
Building).
LOCATION: 74-124 Highway 111
ZONE: C-1 SP
Ms. Schrader presented revisions for the facade enhancement to the
Maytag Building. A wrap around metal cladding has been proposed on
top of an overhang that would be extended on the wall without having
to incur additional structural architecture. Plans include the addition of
two (2) trees in the rear parking lot, however after review by the
Landscape Specialist they determined that there wasn't enough room
to meet the City's code requirement for the size of planter, which is 7-
foot by 9-foot. It was also determined that irrigation may be a problem.
The rear of the building does not qualify for facade enhancement
monies, so this would be completely done by the applicant.
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ARCHITECTURAL REW COMMISSION *,"e
MINUTES SEPTEMBER 11, 2007
Commissioner Van Wet asked if the applicant would be doing a new
hardscape with all new paving, in which case he felt that they could get
irrigation lines in the planter areas. Ms. Schrader indicated that the
existing parking lot is currently dirt and not paved and stated that they
could get irrigation lines in, however the Landscape Specialist felt that
it would have to be under concrete. At this time, they felt it wouldn't
work and in order to get a formidable tree that would endure, they
would need to have the trees placed in planters that are a minimum 7-
foot x 9-foot. Commissioner Van Vliet stated that he wasn't advocating
downsizing the planter size, it just seemed important to get some trees
in the back because the building is so ugly in the back. He felt that
running irrigation pipes underneath the concrete would be okay as long
as it was deep enough.
Commissioner Van Vliet mentioned the soffit and asked if it was going
against a gabled roof. Mr. Roy Asaro, Architect, answered that it
would be below the roof and designed to look like an awning. It would
be wrapped with oxidized metal to look like an overhang and attached
like an awning below the gabled ends. They would touch each end
just below where the gabled ends come down and hit at the lowest
points. It would then come across horizontally coming out 18 inches
and 15 inches tall, flush with the wall. They would also paint the drip
edge to match the oxidized metal to enhance the gabled ends. The
overhang would be located over the doors and the rest would be a clad
fascia.
The Commission discussed trees, planter size and parking. Mr. Larry
Grotbeck, owner, stated that there was a lot of room in the back
parking lot and didn't see a reason not to have 7-foot x 9-foot planters
back there. Mr. Spencer Knight, Landscape Manager, stated that a 7-
foot x 9-foot planter would fit between a standard 9-foot x 18-foot
parking stall allowing for a compact car parking space. The
Commission discussed tree expansion and turning a few parking stalls
into an area for the trees.
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Van Vliet, seconded by Commissioner
DeLuna, to grant approval subject to: 1) adding two (2) trees placed in two
(2) minimum 7-foot x 9-foot planters; and, 2) applicant working with
Landscape Specialist to resolve landscaping details. Motion carried
5-0-1-1, with Commissioner Vuksic abstaining and Commissioner Hanson
absent.
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ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
MINUTES SEPTEMBER 11, 2007
3. CASE NO: MISC 07-35
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): GARY LEMON, 70446 Boothill
Road, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of
four (4) homes with a maximum of 18-foot high roof elements.
LOCATION: 73-020, 73-040, 73-060 & 73-090 Kavanaugh Court
ZONE: R1 10,000
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Lopez, seconded by Commissioner
Vuksic, to grant approval by minute motion of Lots 5, 6 and 7 and continue
Lot 8. Motion carried 5-0-1-1, with Commissioner Lambell abstaining and
Commissioner Hanson absent.
4. CASE NO: PP 05-12
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): WESTERN NATIONAL REALTY
ADVISORS, 8 Executive Circle, Irvine, CA 92807
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of
103 multi-family residences.
LOCATION: 76-000 Frank Sinatra
ZONE: PCD
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Lopez, seconded by Commissioner
Vuksic, to grant approval by minute motion. Motion carried 6-0-0-1, with
Commissioner Hanson absent.
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ARCHITECTURAL REEW COMMISSION
MINUTES SEPTEMBER 11, 2007
B. Preliminary Plans:
1. CASE NO: PP 07-08
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): PRESTNUKSIC ARCHITECTS,
44-530 San Pablo Avenue, Palm Desert, CA 92262
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of
a two-story 15,459 square foot retail/restaurant; Colonnade.
LOCATION: 73-999 El Paseo
ZONE: C-1 SP
Ms. Schrader presented a proposal to demolish the existing Picanha
restaurant. The building taking its place would be two-story with retail
on the bottom and a restaurant on the second story with contemporary
style architecture. This proposal includes a variance request for three
(3) distinct items: height increase, side setback encroachment and to
allow the building to encroach into the required commercial street
corner. The project requires an additional six (6) feet above the 30-foot
clearance for commercial and an exemption or a variance for the side
street setback. The side street setback normally would require a five
(5) foot setback from the property line, but the project would maintain a
2.5-foot setback. However, by doing so the sidewalk would remain the
same size on the entire corner so it may not have that much of an
impact. Another rationale for lessening its impact is the fact that this
second story restaurant element is set back by a 17-foot terrace all the
way around the corner. The general average heights of the
predominant pieces are between 29 feet 6 inches and 31 feet and still
within the limit. There is an elevator and the plans indicate the
handicap path of travel. The landscape plan was submitted and
reviewed by the Landscape Specialist and the comments were
included in the staff report requesting a number of changes.
Commissioner DeLuna stated that the color of the colonnade building
next door was very light and asked if that would be updated.
Commissioner Vuksic indicated that he would be meeting with the
building owner about giving the existing colonnade building a fresher
look, including paint colors.
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ARCHITECTURAL REEW COMMISSION *fto�
MINUTES SEPTEMBER 11, 2007
The Commission discussed the water features on the plans. Mr. David
Drake, designer, indicated that it was a recirculating fountain and that
they were trying to keep the alley a nice place to walk through for
parking. Commissioner DeLuna asked if they addressed LEED
standards in the design. Mr. Vuksic, architect, stated that they did not,
but they were meeting Title 24 energy calculations. Mr. Bagato stated
that City standards are above Title 24. The Commission discussed
water features and water calculations.
Mr. Vuksic mentioned that the reason for the exception of the setback
on Lupine is that the property line on Lupine is further back from the
curb than it is at El Paseo. They thought it was reasonable to have the
width equal on El Paseo and Lupine for continuity. Mr. Bagato stated
that it was consistent with how far The Gardens were from the street,
so they were not asking for anything above and beyond the normal.
Mr. Vuksic referred to the issue of height and stated that the only part
that exceeds the height limit was the tower element on the corner. He
indicated that they have worked to keep it at 10% of the overall roof
area. Mr. Bagato stated this was not considered a variance and
referred to Section 25.56, which says tower elements that shall exceed
10% floor area can be approved over the height and would require
approval by City Council. The only variance would be for the setback
and the daylight triangle. He discussed the daylight triangle and stated
that it didn't make sense on El Paseo on the properties with small lots
to have a 30-foot tall building set back 60 feet from the corner. It
wouldn't be possible for a retail/pedestrian street building. He stated
that they would like to come up with a plan that would be more specific
to El Paseo; parking, architecture, setbacks, landscaping and
hardscaping, so that these issues can be addressed in the future.
Commissioner Van Vliet stated that because the top floor steps back it
doesn't dominate the corner like some buildings could.
The Commission reviewed and discussed landscaping. Mr. Spencer
Knight, Landscaping Manager, had concerns with this being such a big
building on a small lot and stated that it was under-landscaped and
didn't meet the City's parking lot tree ordinance. He said that this was
always a problem with El Paseo and the space dedicated to
landscaping was minimal at best with not much canopy over the
hardscape. Ms. Diane Hollinger, Landscaped Specialist, stated that
there were a lot of tall plants and a lot of low plants but nothing in the
middle. She suggested having medium size plants to help break up
the huge expanse of building and stated that they could have pots that
have greenery in them. Mr. Drake agreed with their suggestions.
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ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION �wr
VI
MINUTES SEPTEMBER 11, 2007
Commissioner Lopez referred to the pots on the staircase and asked if
they were movable or attached to the building. Mr. Drake stated that
the ones out in the front were a fire element and would be used by the
restaurant to attract attention. The other pots going up the side stairs
would alternate between fire elements and planters. Mr. Knight stated
that there would be a problem with maintaining the plants. He
suggested that they discuss that issue when reviewing the landscape
plans.
The Commission discussed the issues with the irrigation and
maintenance of the pots. Commissioner Lopez stated that
maintenance of the pots were an issue. He indicated that it wasn't how
they looked but problems with the irrigation. For instance, how the
valve sticks on or how they are on too long, then you have a puddle
and a mess at the base of them and asked if they would be putting in a
drain to alleviate that problem. Mr. Drake stated that they would have
a small dry well area underneath for overflow and bringing the irrigation
up through the concrete. Mr. Gregory stated that it would be to
compacted and it would do it all over again. Mr. Drake stated that
there would also be an internal irrigation that would be used.
Commissioner Lopez stated again that a drain of some sort was
needed.
Commissioner Lopez questioned the size of the palm trees proposed
for the front of the building. He indicated that they appeared to be only
one foot or less from the building and didn't feel that they could get the
palms in that location. The Commission and the Landscape Manager
discussed the size and location of the trees. Mr. Knight indicated that
it would take a higher level of scrutiny to get things in and get it close
enough that it might have a chance of working.
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Lambell, seconded by Commissioner
DeLuna, to grant approval subject to: 1) the landscape plan being
reviewed and approved by the Landscape Specialist; and, 2) the
Conceptual Grading Plan being resubmitted to show the requested
comparative data and dimensions of adjacent properties to the satisfaction
of the Public Works Department. Motion carried 5-0-1-1, with
Commissioner Vuksic abstaining and Commissioner Hanson absent.
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ARCHITECTURAL REEW COMMISSION
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C. Miscellaneous Items:
None.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Commissioner DeLuna, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet,
to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0-0-2, with Commissioners Lambell and
Hanson absent. The meeting was adjourned at 1:15 p.m.
TONY BAGATO
PRINCIPAL PLANNER
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