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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-05-22 r `� � ��•�� CITY OF PALM DESERT � � ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION • � ' MINUTES May 22, 2012 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 9 Chris Van Vliet X 8 1 John Vuksic X 7 2 Karel Lambell X 9 Pam Touschner X 7 2 Allan Levin X 9 Ken Stendell X 8 1 Paul Clark X 1 Gene Colombini X 1 Also Present Lauri Aylaian, Director Tony Bagato, Principal Planner Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner Missy Wightman, Assistant Planner Pedro Rodriquez, Senior Code Officer Janine Judy, Recording Secretary Cancelled meetings: 03/13/12 III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS City Clerk, Rachelle Klassen swore in the new Commissioners, Paul Clark and Gene Colombini, prior to the start of the meeting. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: May 8, 2012 Action: Commissioner Van Vliet moved to approve the May 8, 2012 meeting minutes. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Levin and carried by a 7-0-2-0 vote with Commissioners Clark and Colombini abstaining. ARCHITECTURAL R6�W COMMISSION � � MINUTES May 22, 2012 V. CASES: A. Final Drawings: 1. CASE NO: SA 11-149 . APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): WELLS FARGO, 74105 EI Paseo, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Replacement of existing signs with new wall and monument signage. LOCATION: 74-105 EI Paseo ZONE: C-1, S.P. Mr. Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner, presented the proposal for a wall sign and monument sign. The bank is located at the corner of EI Paseo and Lantana Avenue. This applicant is replacing two existing wall signs and an existing monument sign. One wall sign faces EI Paseo and the other faces Lantana Avenue. The monument sign is out front towards the corner. At night, gold letters will be illuminated on the wall sign, as well as the monument sign. The monument sign meets code at 22 square feet and the wall signs have been reduced. Staff is recommending approval. Commissioner Gregory asked if he should recuse himself since he banks at Wells Fargo. Ms. Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development asked him if he stands to financially benefit to the decision that is made. Commissioner Gregory said no. Ms. Aylaian said he would not have to recuse himself. Commissioner Gregory suggested they have a non-irrigated strip around the base of the �sign to avoid damage to the brushed chrome from irrigation spray hitting it. Mr. Swartz said the Commission could recommend that a landscape plan be provided. Commissioner Touschner wondered why one side of the sign was red and one side was gold. G:\Planning\Janine Judy\Word FilesW Minutes\2012\120522min.doc Page 2 of 12 � ARCHITECTURAL REV�U COMMISSION � MINUTES May 22, 2012 MR. TIM SEAL, Coast Signs, said this is the new.sign design with one part red and one part gold. The Commission discussed the size of the buffer area around the base of the sign. Commissioner Clark stated there were a number of dead plants in the planter area. ACTION: Commissioner Van Vliet moved to approve signage subject to: 1) remove turfi around sign and replace with DG; 2) landscape plan shall be approved by the landscape specialist prior to the issuance of a building permit, and 3) replace dead landscape along Lantana Avenue. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Lambell and carried by a 9-0 vote. 2. CASE NO: CUP 10-292 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): SPECTRUM SURVEYING 8� ENGINEERING, Attn: Todd Fisher, Program, 8390 Maple Place, Suite 110, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of a new building addition and associated equipment shelter to screen a Verizon telecommunications facility consisting of twelve antennas, two GPS antennas, and one parabolic antenna; The Living Desert. LOCATION: 47-900 Portola Avenue ZONE: P, D Public Institution with a Drainage, Flood Plains, and Watercourse zoning overlay district Ms. Missy Wightman, Assistant Planner, presented the project and summarized the staff report. She stated this case has been to Commission several times for a telecommunication facility. She said none of the previous submittals were supported by staff or approved by the Architectural Review Commission. This present submittal is significantly different from what has been submitted previously. The property is located inside The Living Desert and the new building addition is measured to the top and the final height is 37'-6" above grade and the top of the existing roof is at 25'-5"; so it is another 12'-1" above the existing height of the building. The associated equipment shelter, which hasn't changed locations from G:\Planning\Janine Judy\Word Files�A Minutes\2012\120522min.doc Page 3 of 12 ARCHITECTURAL RE�:W COMMISSION ,,� � MINUTES May 22, 2012 the previous design, measures 19'-4" by 30'-8" with a height of 10'- 8". She said everything is in compliance with code and described the addition. Staff recommends approval of this design. She indicated that a materials board was not submitted, but said the material will match the block on the fa�ade below. The stucco texture and color will match the existing on site. Commissioner Van Vliet said it wouldn't actually be block on top and asked if it would be fiberglass on top. Ms. Wightman said it would be a reinforced fiber material that is designed to match. MR. BILL BOOTH, Architect, said it was a fiberglass material that will replicate the block close enough and stated they will bring samples in for the Commission. Commissioner Van Vliet stated they would like to see samples because of problems in the past with fiberglass type materials. After a few years, they fade out and it doesn't look good at all. MR. BOOTH said the industry has advanced a lot since they first started using fiberglass. There was some evolution that was necessary to make sure that it didn't weather, particularly out here. The Commission and Mr. Todd Fisher, Spectrum, discussed the weather station and security cameras that were currently on the roof. He stated they will be retocated to another location on the roof. Commissioner Gregory was curious about the existing corrugated steel mechanical screen and assumed that screening was for the air conditioning units. He asked if the air conditioning compressors would be relocated on the new tower design. MR. BOOTH discussed the mechanical equipment located within the new structure and the weather station that would be relocated as well as existing screens that will be removed. Commissioner Gregory stated this is an interesting and thoughtful response to this situation and said this is the best design he has seen yet. He said they won't make the building perhaps better, but they have made it interesting. G:\Planning\Janine Judy\Word Files�A Minutes\2012\120522min.doc PagQ 4 Qf �2 � ARCHITECTURAL REV�,V COMMISSION � MINUTES May 22, 2012 Commissioner Touschner thought it was a good solution and appreciated the fact that they showed the whole elevation because on its own it doesn't necessarily read as the best solution. When you look at that elevation as a whole, you start to see things tie in. She was concerned with the metal screens and asked how someone would get into them. MR. BOOTH said they will use the same access hatch down below to get on the roof. There will be an opportunity to have a small cut out at one end that they can walk through. Commissioner Touschner had a concern about the white on the skylight and asked if that would be too light of a color. MR. BOOTH said you couldn't see the skylight in elevation very well, but when you're on the roof it is a very white structure. He said there is an existing element, a barrel vaulfi they can use as a baseline. Commissioner Touschner said she would be comfortable with matching that. The Commission discussed the height of the equipment shelter at 10'-8". Ms. Wightman said that typical shelters are 8' high, but this one is higher because they are building housing inside the enclosure to fully enclose and cool the equipment. MR. BOOTH said this was a prefabricated modular structure and is a standard item. The wall was raised 2' higher to hide the modular structure because it is not an attractive structure. Commissioner Touschner said she would rather it be higher to hide the structure. The Commission discussed the last proposal of sharing a monopalm with T-Mobile. There was a problem with moving the antennas into the trunk, but they couldn't get enough antennas into the palm to make the site viable. MS. JENNIFER CARNEY, Verizon Wireless, said one of the main reasons they didn't go to the tree was because there were some complaints from the residents near the Living Desert. At this point, G:\Planning\JanineJudy\Word FilesW Minutes\2012\120522min.doc Page 5 of 12 ARCHITECTURAL R�W COMMISSION � • MINUTES May 22, 2012 this is the best solution for Verizon Wireless; for time, money, and environmental. Mr. B��gato said initially the applicant wanted a palm tree with the rays on the outside and staff typically wants them only in the bulb. That uvas why initially staff recommended denial of the palm tree. Then �rvhen the roof wasn't working out staff considered rays on the outside. Now, looking at this new design it is more aesthetically appealing than having a palm tree with rays on the outside. Comrriissioner Vuksic asked if they normally put them inside the trunk. MS. CARNEY said normally they keep the antennas on the outsid��. With them on the outside, they get the maximum amount of coverage with the standard array. If they are trying to attain a large roverage footprint, they definitely need to use the standard array c�f antennas on the outside. Commissioner Van Vliet was still concerned with the materials. It seems� they are trying force a lot of unusual shapes on top of this building and he doesn't see how if blends. MS. GARNEY stated they could provide the Commission with a materi,�ls board prior to the Planning Commission. Commissioner Gregory referred to Desert Crossing and said initially tile was proposed on the domes, but the developers came in with fiberglass. The developers said that fiberglass was even better than tille. It will look like new and it will never fade, but it started fading on day one. The climate here is so tough on materials and that is why there is a concern being expressed. It won't look the same as the block wall because it is different material. He questic>ned what it would look like five or ten years down the road. He woindered if it will fade and will you see fiberglass through any pigment. Ms. Wiightman said as part of the Planning Commission approval, there i;� a condition that they maintain the facilities. For example, monopalms lose their fronds or sometimes the bark falls off in the wind or the live palms die. So there is a way to go back and require them to repair and maintain it. G:\PlanninglJanine Judy\Word FilesW Minutes12012\1::0522min.doc Page 6 of 12 � ARCHITECTURAL RE�;v COMMISSION ;,,� MINUTES May 22, 2012 Commissioner Gregory asked Commissioner Van Vliet if the comments made by staff mitigated his concerns with the materials. Commissioner Van Vliet said no. He was concerned that the applicant will own this structure on top of someone else's building and was thinking the worst case scenario. Commissioner Lambell said she detests monopalms. She personally likes what is happening here as opposed to one or two monopalms with their array sticking out. She is okay with this structure. However, she stated she was concerned with the materials and asked the applicant to provide a materials board. MR. BOOTH said they will contact the fiberglass manufacture and get their answer on how resolute the material is as well. Commissioner Levin asked the applicant to provide photos of the fiberglass material that has been used here in the desert. Commissioner Touschner made a motion to approve with conditions and Commissioner Lambell seconded. Commissioner Vuksic said he appreciates how the applicant is wrapping the screens around the corners as another layer and said it is important that they not reduce them in the final construction documents. ACTION: Commissioner Touschner moved to approve subject to: 1) white louvers shall match color on adjacent buildings; 2) provide a photo of modular structure behind 10' block wall; 3) provide a materials board, and 4) changes to be reviewed by Commission prior to construction drawings. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Lambell and carried by a 6-1-0-2 vote, with Commissioner Van Vliet voting NO and Commissioners Clark and Colombini abstaining. G:\Planning\JanineJudy\Word FilesW Minutes\2012\120522min.doc Page 7 of 12 ARCHITECTURAL R ' ':W COMMISSION � � MINUTES May 22, 2012 3. CASE: NO: SA 12-148 APPL,ICANT (AND ADDRESS): COSMOPAWLITAN CAFE, 73- 200 EI Paseo, Suite 3B, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATIJIRE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of an awning with signage; Cosmopawlitan Cafe. LOC�►TION: 73-200 EI Paseo, Suite 3B ZONE:: C-1 Ms. Nlissy Wightman, assistant planner, presented this project and summ�arized the staff report. She states this proposed projects meets; all code requirements and staff recommends approval. The (�ommission and the applicant discussed the sides of the awning that are wedged in between the two buildings and the stainir�g that will occur from rain water trickling down. They discu:�sed a bracket that could be installed that would allow some space between the awning and the building. It was recommended the g��p be at least 1", but not more than 1'/z" and the bracket connection shall be an attractive one. Commissioner Vuksic stated the design concept was wonderful, but they r�eed to make sure they don't find themselves with a huge maintenance problem. He suggested approval of the concept and asked to see the details of how this will be connected. He suggested it could be an attractive connection to provide you with a little ��it of space so you don't have stuff caught in between the awnin�g and the building. � Commissioner Clark pointed out that the text on the adjoining signs was w�hite and the text for this sign was proposed for multi-color. Commissioner Gregory asked if there was a sign program. Mr. B��gato said there was no sign program and mentioned that all signs on EI Paseo can be different, with some discretion. It is a matter of compatibility with the building. Comrriissioner Van Vliet said this promotes uniqueness with different colors. G:\Planning\JanineJudy\Word FilesW Minutes\2 0 1 211 20 52 2min.doc Page 8 of 12 � ARCHITECTURAL RE�V COMMISSION �;' MINUTES May 22, 2012 Commissioner Touschner made a motion to approve and Commissioner Lambell seconded. Commissioner Vuksic stressed that the connection be an attractive one. ACTION: Commissioner Touschner moved to approve subject to: 1) gap on side of awning shall be an attractive connection, being at least 1" but not more than 1'/2"; 2) staff to review connection detail. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Lambell and carried by a 9-0 vote. 4. CASE NO: MISC 12-140 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): MARJORIE SOLE, 43-305 Illinois Avenue, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of a new carport 20' from the curb. LOCATION: 43-305 Illinois Avenue ZONE: R-1, 9,000 Mr. Tony Bagato, Associate Planner, presented the project and stated this is an approval of a new carport 20' from curb. This was a Code Enforcement issue regarding the illegal conversion of a garage. The applicant bought this house after the single car garage was already converted to living space and Code discovered it was done without a permit. Ms. Sole went to the County of Riverside and found there was no record of a permit. Under the residential sections in the municipal code you are supposed to have a 20' setback from the property line. Under Section 25.16.090 Exceptions to Single Family Setbacks one of the exceptions is for older homes that are trying to upgrade and a carport 20' from the curb is allowed, not from the property line. In this case, the property line is 12' from the curb, so she would have to be 32' from the curb because the house is not that far from the curb. The applicant is proposing a carport that will be 18' to the post to meet the code at 20' from curb and the overhang will come over another 2'. This neighborhood was noticed for this hearing and staff did not receive any opposition and no neighbors were in attendance. The applicant took her proposal to the Palm Desert County Club Architecture Review and received approval.- Staff likes to see a G:\Planning\Janine Judy\Word FilesW Minutes�2012\120522min.doc Page 9 Of �2 ARCHITECTURAL R�,i:W COMMISSION ,,,� • MINUTES May 22, 2012 carpoi�t that is significant in size to keep any warping from occurr•ing. The contractor is proposing 4 x 4 posts with the brackets hidder� within the construction. The overhead beams will be 2 x 2 from c:enter and the header 4 x 8. Staff is recommending approval. The C;ommission discussed the size of the beams and posts to avoid twisting and warping and how the metal connectors will be hidder� in the construction. Comrr�issioner Stendell said the structural aspect of this plan is the Buildir�g Department's responsibility. He sees so many problems with th�e design holding up. Comrriissioner Clark said he drove through this neighborhood and said this plan needs a little more work so that it is compatible with the neighborhood. Comm�issioner Lambell was concerned with approving something that lo��ks like this because other people in the neighbor would want one ju�st like it. Personally, she doesn't like the add-on carports and the City doesn't want a bad looking structure. If the applicant paints the c��rport the same color as the house, it will practically disapp�ear. It is unfortunate the applicant bought the house knowing there vvasn't a garage or carport. Commissioner Van Vliet agreed that even if it works structurally it doesn't mean it will look good. A lot of things may be structurally sound, but it will sag like crazy and it will look bad. They need to make major revisions to it. He didn't understand how they didn't have ��ny shear value in it. It's not connected to the roof and wondered what will keep it from going down like a house of cards. The building department will require something on that. It will need a lot of� redoing to make it work. Commissioner Stendell said the concept warrants approval, but the Building Department will want a lot more than the plan being presented. He said the Architectural Review Commission will then review the construction drawings when they come back to make sure that it is aesthetically appealing. Comm'��issioner Van Vliet said the applicant should consult with the buildin�� department for structural requirements and materials and then br�ing the plans back to this Commission. G:\PlanningGlanineJudy\Word FilesW Minutes\2012\1?0522min.doc Page 10 of 12 ARCHITECTURAL RE�,.V COMMISSION �� MINUTES May 22, 2012 The Commission discussed the ordinance for covered parking in residential zones. Several citations were issued by Code Enforcement for converted carports in this area. Commissioner Gregory made a motion to form a sub-committee consisting of Commissioners Lambell and Clark to tour Palm Desert Country Club to take pictures of carport structures and submit to this Commission for review. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Touschner and carried by a 9-0. ACTION: Commissioner Van Vliet moved to continue Case No. MISC 12-140 subject to: 1) consult with the building department for structural requirements and materials; 2) design the carport to better match the house with more detail, and 3) construction drawings shall return to ARC for review. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Colombini and carried by a 9-0 vote. B. Preliminary Plans: None C. Miscellaneous Items: None VI. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES UPDATE — Commissioner John Vuksic Commissioner Vuksic updated the Commission on agenda items from the last Art in Public Places meeting: One sculpture was purchased by the City from the 2011/2012 EI Paseo Invitational Exhibition for placement of the vacant art pad on EI Paseo just west of Highway 74. The docent program is winding down for the summer and will start up again in September. An art piece will be placed in the motor court of the Westin at Desert Willow. There have been complaints that the DeMille Ram has been removed. The Art in Public Places Commission may decide to place an art piece on that corner. The gargoyle fence is now up at the soccer park. The Commission discussed the art pieces in the atrium lobby at Coachella Valley Water District. G:\Planning\Janine Judy\Word Files�P,Minutes\2012\120522min.doc Page 11 of 12 ARCHITECTURAL R6�:W COMMISSION � � MINUTES May 22, 2012 VII. COMMENTS The Commission cliscussed the large gray electricai box located at the Red Lobster facing High�way 111. Mr. Bagato stated there is a box on the structural elevation, but it wa.sn't called out. The Commission recommended screening it. Mr. Bagato will reviE:w the preliminary drawings. VIII. ADJOURNMENT Upon a motion by ��ommissioner Lambell, second by Commissioner Levin, and by a 9-0 vote the m�seting was adjourned at 2:00 p.m. JAN ' JUDY REC DING SECRETAR;Y G:\Planning\Janine Judy\Word FilesW Minutes\2012\`20522min.doc Page 12 of 12