HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-02-24 �`•�� CITY OF PALM DESERT
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
• MINUTES
February 24, 2009
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 4
Chris Van Vliet X 4
John Vuksic X 4
Karel Lambell X 4
Nancy DeLuna X 4
Pam Touschner X 3 1
Vacancy
Also Present
Lauri Aylaian, Director
Tony Bagato, Principal Planner
Renee Schrader, Associate Planner
Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner
Missy Grisa, Assistant Planner
Diane Hollinger, Landscape Specialist
Hart Ponder, Code Compliance Manager
Janine Judy, Senior Office Assistant
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: January 27, 2009 and February 10, 2009
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner DeLuna, seconded by Commissioner
Van Vliet, to approve the January 27, 2009 and February 10, 2009
meeting minutes. Motion carried 6-0.
IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
V. CASES:
ARCHITECTURAL REVW COMMISSION
MINUTES February 24, 2009
A. Final Drawings:
1. CASE NO: SA 09-079
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): LUIS MARISCAL, 20117 Romar
Street, Chatsworth, CA 91311
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of
wall signage: First California Bank
LOCATION: 78000 Fred Waring Drive Suite 100
ZONE: C-1
Mr. Swartz presented the project and stated that a sign program
was approved for this building in 2004 by the Architectural Review
Commission allowing for fourteen inches at the top and twelve
inches at the bottom, but the applicant is proposing eighteen inches
on all letters. Staff informed the sign company that the letters were
too large. He pointed out there are signs on the upper portion of
the building with at least one letter approved at eighteen inches.
The Commission reviewed the plans and felt that the sign was too
big and too long. Mr. Bagato pointed out that the previous sign was
eight inches plus the line at the bottom, and stated that per the sign
program twelve inches can be approved. Mr. Swartz said that
these were individual letters and the logo is a can sign.
Mr. Steve Lyle, Landlord stated that the letters for the previous 1st
Centennial Bank" sign were twelve inches with the "1 st°being larger.
The Commission questioned the size of "Realty Executives" and
the size of 1st Centennial Bank". Mr. Lyle confirmed that "Realty
Executives' was larger than fourteen. Mr. Bagato again stated that
according to the approved plans 1st Centennial Bank" showed
eight inches for the rest of the wording except for the main letter.
Commissioner Gregory said that if the sign program calls out for
twelve then why not go for twelve.
Mr. Lyle stated that the building name, 1st Centennial Bank Plaza
was named after 1st Centennial Bank and their goal now is to
rename the building First California Bank Plaza. The bank is the
anchor for this building and people have a hard time finding the
plaza because the signage doesn't stand out like a typical anchor.
They are hoping this time that the bank stands out as the anchor
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and people can find it. When first submitted the applicant
requested twelve inch letters and Mr. Lyle asked them to increase it
because he feels that the previous sign didn't work. It was too
small and their colors blended in a little bit with the building. This is
a chance for the building to look more balanced. Commissioner
DeLuna said that the new sign is so much longer than the old sign;
they have increased not only the height but the length makes it
disproportionately large.
Commissioner Touschner stated that the "Realty Executives" sign
works because it's big, red and sticks out and is located in the
center of the building in a prime location. Comparing the new "First
California Bank" sign to the old one she liked the symbol and stated
that a lot of times we see colors and symbols first before we see
names. She had two concerns; a) it was too big and b) it didn't
appear to be centered above the door and it needs to be centered
in the elevation. She could not make a decision without looking at
what it looks like on that whole elevation.
Commissioner Gregory stated that he didn't know if it was the
strong horizontal members in the architecture but the building really
has all the likelihood of being a billboard type building. From the
start, the signage on that building is very predominant.
Commissioner Touschner said that the fascia pieces where the
signage goes is very narrow and the letters where allowed to be
larger and all scaled appropriately. Commissioner Gregory thought
that the tenants who had signage on top felt that twelve inch letters
appeared smaller because they were farther away. Commissioner
Touschner felt that they are up there and you're able to see them
better. Mr. Bagato stated that technically by code second story
signs are supposed to be 50% smaller than the first floor so staff
gave them much more than what the code allowed.
The Commission discussed the length of the sign, the symbol, the
fascia and the color. They felt that the "Coldwell Banker" sign pops
and the white will actually be nice. Commissioner Vuksic said he
would like to see this in context with the building.
The Commission discussed centering the sign on the building and
Commissioner Vuksic stated that by making the whole sign smaller
would solve that problem. If the applicant needed to get the sign up
quickly it was recommended that they reduce it to twelve inches
and it could be approved at staff level. Mr. Bagato stated that staff
could approve the letter dimension and the sign being centered.
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Commissioner Touschner also recommended approving the logo
being larger than the letter size. Mr. Lyle once again stated that he
was hoping for something that was bigger than twelve inches. He
was concerned that it wouldn't look like the anchor on the corner.
Commissioner Gregory suggested that they have their sign
representative submit illustrations of the entire building front
showing various letter sizes ranging from twelve to eighteen inches.
Mr. Bagato was aware that the applicant was trying to get the sign
up as soon as possible, but whatever the ARC approves today he
reminded them of the fifteen day appeal period. So if they made
the sign with twelve inch letters staff could approve it and they
could put the signs up right away. Mr. Lyle said he wanted to do it
right so he would explore different sized letters, twelve to eighteen
inches and take pictures of the entire building to view all the signs
together.
ACTION:
It was moved by Commissioner Van Vliet and seconded by Commissioner
Lambell to continue subject to submitting illustrations of entire building front
showing various letter sizes ranging from twelve inches to eighteen inches.
Motion carried 6-0.
2. CASE NO: RV 09-037
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): DEAN VEITH, P.O. Box 752,
Indio, CA 92202
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of a
request to park a boat behind a side gate in the RV driveway.
LOCATION: 43-620 Vanda Circle
ZONE: R-1 9,000
Ms. Grisa presented the project and stated that the applicant is
requesting to park an approximately thirteen foot high boat behind a
side yard gate in the recreational vehicle (RV) driveway located on
the side of the house. She stated that staff is recommending denial
due to inadequate screening. Photos taken by staff indicated that
the boat appeared to be higher than the maximum height of twelve
feet and the RV extended beyond the front roofline of the home.
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Mr. Bagato stated that this case was noticed to the neighborhood
and asked if there were any neighbors in attendance; there were
none.
The Commission reviewed the photos of the boat, gate and the
roofline. Commissioner Van Vliet stated that regardless of the
height the boat has to be screened and it's not. He said that it has
to be substantially screened between the adjacent lot and the
public street and felt that it was impossible to screen it. Ms. Grisa
stated that code reads that it be adequately screened and in staff's
opinion if it was just ending at the T-top it would be adequately
screened, but it extends too far above and cannot be removed.
Mr. Dean Veith, applicant presented additional photos of his boat
and side yard and photos of issues in his neighborhood. The
Commission discussed screening options and asked if he could
park the boat further back into the property and Mr. Veith stated
that he could go back about another three to four feet for a total of
seven feet. Commissioner Vuksic suggested that this be continued
to allow the applicant to submit additional site information after
pushing the boat further back and closer to the house. Mr. Bagato
also suggested portable pots with tall plants to help screen the
boat. The Commission was concerned with the neighbor and how
this could be encroaching on their view. The current neighbor is
okay with the boat being there, but future owners may not be happy
with it there. The Commission recommended that this be continued
to allow the applicant to tuck the boat further into the property. Mr.
Bagato informed the Commission that after the applicant submits
his changes, staff would contact the Commissioners and have them
drive by for review. He also suggested that Code Compliance take
photos of the boat once it is pushed back.
Mr. Hart Ponder, Code Manager stated that he will take photos of
the changes and that he will also check into the concerns that were
raised by Mr. Veith regarding the violations in his neighborhood.
ACTION:
It was moved by Commissioner Touschner and seconded by Commissioner
Lambell to continue subject to Code Compliance taking photos of the boat
pushed back an additional three to four feet. Motion carried 6-0.
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3. CASE NO: MISC 08-368
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): GOLFSMITH INTERNATIONAL,
INC., 11000 North 1-H 35, Austin, Texas 78753.
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of
wall signage and a fagade remodel; Golfsmith's.
LOCATION: 72-700 Dinah Shore Drive
ZONE: PC-3, FCOZ
Ms. Schrader presented the project and stated that Golfsmith's
opened on January 5, 2009 and staff allowed them a temporary
sign including the temporary lighting as shown in the photos. A
photo sim shows a can on top of a new fagade remodel which is
stone veneer. Staff is recommending illuminated individual letters
for the sign and suggests that the applicant resubmit a lighting
scheme along with a better photo sim.
Mr. Blaine Stengel, Representative stated that they were open now
for three months and are very successful and appreciate the
Commission's efforts to help them get going. They have learned
some new and interesting things about our market that they are
adjusting to. First and foremost, the iconic image of the
independent front fagade proved to be in this climate a significant
investment that their executive staff did not want to chase down any
further. So in lieu of that they tried to find something that was
cooperative with the southwest style. He then described the
proposed changes of a rock fagade and stated that there is a
variety of earth tones in the materials that would work well with the
color of their brand sign.
The Commission and the representative discussed the stone
veneer and the different materials and styles that could be used.
Commissioner Gregory stated that what is nice about the stone
sticking out is if they have a raceway type of sign the stone will
absorb the thickness of the sign to some degree so they won't have
the unappealing look of the sign popping out. Mr. Stengel stated
that they could come up with a furred out method to adhere the
stone to it to give it some additional relief or depth back into the
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plane and come out beyond the band that is now attached to the
building. Commissioner Gregory asked if there could be some sort
of trim piece around it so it doesn't look like it's not just stuck on.
Commissioner Touschner said that they could use corners pieces
that would return.
The Commission discussed the color of the sign and the letters.
Mr. Stengel presented photos of the building signage and the
monument signs with a red back panel with white letters. The
Commission asked how the signs would be lit. Mr. Stengel stated
that both signs are internally illuminated; the red is a red LED light
and the white will be white neon. He presented a photo of a sign
that he is working on for another store where the "Extreme" is
aluminum channel letters and black. He explained that on this
proposed sign they could make "Extreme" pop with the black letters
and leave the rest of it red, which is a smooth and classy look.
Commissioner Vuksic stated that they could also incorporate
another plane above the surface where the door is and instead of it
being imbedded surrounded by the stone have it above the door as
a surface that is in line with the edges of the stone and then
surround the front door and the sign with the stone becoming a part
of the architectural composition.
Commissioner Touschner stated for them to take a look at their
goals of what they want. If they want the red and the white, then
the stone doesn't add to that. The stone has no flexibility to it, other
than it might allow you to hide a raceway. Mr. Bagato agrees that
the stone hinders what they are trying to do and felt they would
have more opportunities with paint and signage. Commissioner
Touschner liked what was first submitted; it had energy and a
connection. Mr. Stengel stated that they would put some more
effort into dimension and relief and then resubmit the proposal. He
asked about extending the Temporary Use Permit and Mr. Bagato
stated that it wouldn't be a problem.
ACTION:
It was moved by Commissioner Lambell and seconded by Commissioner
Touschner to continue subject to working out design features with red
element and white letters on signage. Motion carried 6-0.
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4. CASE NO: SA 09-062
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): COAST SIGN INC., 1500 W.
Embassy Street, Anaheim, CA 92802
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of
wall and monument signage; Hilton Homewood Suites.
LOCATION: 36-999 Cook Street
ZONE: PCD, FCOZ
Ms. Grisa presented the project and stated that this proposal was
for three wall signs and one monument sign. She pointed out that
the sign locations were all over the twenty foot height limit as stated
in the code. Sign A on the north elevation is 37 feet from grade to
the top of the sign and the architect suggested that we measure
from the top down because they may not be able to measure that
out in the field. So staff's recommendation would be to have Sign A
two feet below the top of the building. Sign C is okay located to the
right of the front entrance. Sign B on the east elevation is in the
middle of a wall and is 37 feet, but it appears to be more like 30
feet. Staff would like to move it about four feet down so that it is at
the top of the window. Ms. Grisa stated that the two signs at the
higher height are illuminated and the one next to the entrance
would not be illuminated. Staff would recommend approval of the
wall signage with the changes mentioned, but the block monument
sign would not be approved unless it matches the architecture of
the building. Mr. Bagato stated that it is also an illuminated cabinet
and mentioned that staff is currently in the process of rewriting the
sign code which prohibits illuminated cabinets.
The Commission discussed the landscaped area that surrounds the
monument sign. Ms. Diane Hollinger, Landscape Specialist
discussed the 40-foot triangle rule, stating that they do not want
objects over a certain height in the corners by the right of way.
Commissioner Touschner was concerned that in the front elevation
there are two signs literally on top of each other. Mr. Bagato said
that the code allows one building sign and one pedestrian oriented
sign.
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Mr. Chris Polster, representative stated that the intent is that both
signs be pedestrian oriented and explained that the one higher up
on the elevation is meant to be seen from a distance and the lower
one is when a pedestrian is in the area.
Commissioner Touschner asked about the building and sign colors
and stated that without knowing the colors of the building it was
hard to determine if the signs looked good with the building. Mr.
Bagato stated that the north elevation was sort of a sage green
color and the element where Sign A is going is beige or olive green.
He said that staff hasn't approved the green yet because the
applicant has changed how they are applying the stucco, which has
modified the original colors of a forest green.
The Commission discussed how the signs appeared to be stacked.
Mr. Bagato stated that per code second story signs are supposed
to be 50% smaller than a first story sign so even though the sign
complies with the square footage it could be reduced based on how
high it is. Mr. Polster stated that the channel letters for Homewood
Suites are only fifteen inches and very high in the air, so if they start
reducing it down the signs will blend into the wall and start fading
away during the day. Mr. Bagato asked if they had an alternative
color beside the teal. Mr. Polster stated that he has not seen one
and explained that each Hilton brand has their own set of colors
and Homewood goes with the teal.
The Commission again discussed the location of the signs on the
building and felt that Sign B should be centered on the elevation
within the reveals and that consideration is given to the color of
Signs A & B in relationship to the building.
ACTION:
It was moved by Commissioner Touschner and seconded by Commissioner
DeLuna to continue subject to: 1) consideration needs to be given to the
color of Signs A and B in relationship to the color of the building; 2)
reconsider the layout of Sign A, possibly making it horizontal to allow
placement centered over the entrance way; 3) relocate Sign B on the
backside so the top of it is no higher than the top of the window, and
centered between the reveals to the north; 4) The location of Sign C is fine;
5) monument sign needs to reflect the architecture and color of the building;
lit cans are not approvable. Motion carried 5-0-1-0, with Commissioner
Vuksic abstaining.
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5. CASE NO: CUP 08-247
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): VERIZON WIRELESS, 15505
Sand Canyon Avenue, Building D 1st Floor, Irvine, CA 92618
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of
installation of a 70 foot faux mono-palm telecommunications facility.
LOCATION: 73-750 Dinah Shore Drive
ZONE: S.I.
ACTION:
It was moved by Commissioner Vuksic and seconded by Commissioner
DeLuna to continue; the applicant was not in attendance. Motion carried
6-0.
6. CASE NO: PP 06-18
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): PATRICK YANG, 529 E. Valley
Blvd., Suite 228-A, San Gabriel, CA 91776
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of
plans for a four (4) story hotel, 88-unit hotel with restaurant and
related amenities; Candlewood Hotel.
LOCATION: 75-144 Gerald Ford Drive
ZONE: PCD
ACTION:
It was moved by Commissioner Lambell and seconded by Commissioner
Touschner to continue; for further review of plans. Motion carried 6-0.
B. Preliminary Plans:
None
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C. Miscellaneous Items:
None
VI. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Commissioner DeLuna, seconded by Commissioner Touschner
to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 6-0. The meeting was adjourned at 2:15
p.m.
TONY B GATO
PRINCIPAL PLANNER
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��•�� CITY OF PALM DESERT
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
MINUTES
February 10, 2009
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 3
Chris Van Vliet X 3
John Vuksic X 3
Karel Lambell X 3
Nancy DeLuna X 3
Pam Touschner X 2 1
Vacancy
Also Present
Lauri Aylaian, Director
Tony Bagato, Principal Planner
Renee Schrader, Associate Planner
Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner
Diane Hollinger, Landscape Specialist
Hart Ponder, Code Compliance Manager
Janine Judy, Senior Office Assistant
111111. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: January 27, 2009
Action:
Minutes to be approved at the next meeting.
IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
V. CASES:
ARCHITECTURAL REW COMMISSION ""0
MINUTES February 10, 2009
A. Final Drawings:
1. CASE NO: MISC 09-56
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): PATRICK CARNEY, 47260 Rose
Sage Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of
a single family addition; 17 feet in height.
LOCATION: 47260 Rose Sage Court
ZONE: R-1 12,000
The Commission discussed the materials and color for the project
and recommended that any color change be submitted to staff for
review and approval.
ACTION:
It was moved by Commissioner Vuksic and seconded by Commissioner
DeLuna to grant approval by minute motion; submit any color changes to
Staff for review and approval. Motion carried 6-0.
2. CASE NO: MISC 09-57
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): GARY WRIGHT, 44-829 Cabrillo
Avenue, Palm Desert, CA 92260
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of
an RV permit to park utility trailer in driveway.
LOCATION: 44-829 Cabrillo Avenue
ZONE: R-1
Mr. Swartz presented the project and stated that the code allows for
a utility trailer to be parked in the driveway if there is no room on
the side, rear or in the garage as in this case. He presented photos
of the location of the trailer. As seen in the photos, the trailer is
screened by a hedge and cannot be seen unless you are directly in
front of the home, and coming from the other direction the courtyard
screens it. This is consistent with other RVs and boats in the
neighborhood. Commission discussed landscaping measures and
recommended that the hedge remain the same depth and height as
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it is currently. The Commission and Mr. Hart Ponder, Code
Manager discussed his concerns with approving it as a trailer and
not as a RV. Commissioner Vuksic felt that it was important to
know that there was screening elements on both sides of the trailer;
a courtyard and a hedge. He stated that it was pretty hard to notice
it as you were driving by.
ACTION:
It was moved by Commissioner Vuksic and seconded by Commissioner
Lambell to grant approval for utility trailer only, subject to hedge remaining
the same depth and height as it is currently. Motion carried 6-0.
B. Preliminary Plans:
None
C. Miscellaneous Items:
None
VI. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Commissioner Van Vliet, seconded by Commissioner Lambell to
adjourn the Architectural Review Commission meeting to the Planning
Commission Meeting on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. Motion
carried 6-0. The meeting was adjourned at 12:40 p.m.
TONY B GATO
PRINCIPAL PLANNER
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