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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-09-25 CITY OF PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES September 25, 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 14 3 Chris Van Vliet X 16 1 John Vuksic X 14 3 Karel Lambell X 17 Pam Touschner X 13 4 Allan Levin X 17 Ken Stendell X 16 1 Paul Clark X g Gene Colombini X 8 1 Also Present Lauri Aylaian, Director Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner Missy Nale, Assistant Planner Pedro Rodriquez, Senior Code Officer Christina Canales, Assistant Engineer Janine Judy, Recording Secretary Cancelled meetings: 03/13/12 III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: September 11, 2012 Action: Commissioner Levin moved to approve the September 11, 2012 meeting minutes with minor changes. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Stendell and carried by a 7-0-1-1 vote with Commissioner Lambell abstaining and Commissioner Colombini absent. ARCHITECTURAL REW COMMISSION ' MINUTES September 25, 2012 V. CASES: A. Final Drawings: 1. CASE NO: MISC 12-260 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): YOLANDA ALKAWASS, 20276 Majestic Drive, Apple Valley, CA 92308 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of an exception to build a carport at a reduced setback in the front yard, an addition above 15' in height, and 45% lot coverage LOCATION: 77-058 California Drive ZONE: R-1 9,000 Ms. Missy Nale, Assistant Planner, stated the applicant was not in attendance and presented the project to the Architectural Review Commission (ARC) for their comments. The applicant is requesting approval to build a carport with a reduced setback in the front yard. She presented the plans and discussed the lot coverage and setback issues. The applicant also proposes an addition to the house along with a new entry feature. This is being presented to the Commission because typically the front setback is 20' from the property line and since there is an exceptions process the applicant is proposing 20' from a curb for a front entry carport. She explained that the addition to the house is barely over the 15' requirement and in the R-1 zone you can go up to 15' and get approval over the counter or up to 18' and submit the request through ARC. It barely crosses that threshold and staff was okay with that height. She pointed out on the plans the proposed addition and stated that the part that pops up is a little thin on the side view and staff is recommending too thicken it. However, it would have to go back into the house not forward because they are already at their setback line. This goes over the 35% lot coverage and if they go over that they would have to get another exception from ARC. She stated a legal notice was mailed to surrounding properties that are within 300' of the property and staff has not received anything in favor of or in opposition to. Commissioner Vuksic wondered why the applicant put so much effort into the right elevation and said it looks forced. With it being so flat, it looks like a western storefront facade and not residential. From a style standpoint, the huge mass on the one side completely throws off the balance of the house and the full architecture of it just doesn't tie in with the rest of the house. G'.1Planningl.lanine Judy\Word Filesll ARC CommisisanUMinLdes12012U20925min.,Imx Page 2 of 8 ARCHITECTURAL RE` 7W COMMISSION MINUTES �, September 25, 2012 Commissioner Gregory recommended that the applicant take some of the Commissions suggestions and do the remodel in a way that this Commission will feel more comfortable. There should be more sensitivity with the existing architectural theme of the house and something that is more in keeping with the spirit of the neighborhood. ACTION: Commissioner Lambell moved to continue Case MISC 12-260 subject to: 1) re-evaluate the front right elevation design in keeping with the rest of the residence; and 2) evaluate how to connect the front new fagade with the old fagade beyond only painting. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Levin and carried by an 8-0-0-1 vote, with Commissioner Colombini absent. 2. CASE NO: CUP 12-257 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): CROWN CASTLE NG WEST, INC. 1100 Dexter Avenue North, Suite 250, Seattle, WA 98109 NATURE OF PROJECTIAPPROVAL SOUGHT: Consideration of a new monopalm distributed antenna system wireless node and associated equipment consisting of six antennas, one disconnect, one power pull box, and one fiber splice vault. LOCATION: Southwest corner of Cook Street and Frank Sinatra Drive ZONE: PR-5 Ms. Missy Nale, Assistant Planner, presented the project and stated that the applicant has submitted an application for a 40'-0" tall monopalm distributed antenna system wireless node. This application is different from typical monopalms in the fact that there is no associated equipment shelter above ground besides an electrical meter pedestal. Public Works was concerned with the new pavement on Cook Street. The applicant will have to do a lot of undergrounding and will have to stay out of the roadway since there is a three-year moratorium on newly paved streets. They may have to go through the landscape area with the plans reviewed by the landscape manager to make sure they are not affecting any major root development. Staff recommends approval of the proposed monopalm design. Typically, an applicant must locate the faux palm among live palms or plant three to five live palms adjacent the faux palm to further disguise it. By moving the proposed project back to 17'-6" from the face of the curb and locating it among existing California Fan Palms, staff believes that no additional palms are needed, and it will further disguise a site that is immediately adjacent a heavily traveled public roadway. GAPlanningVanineJudyMordFileslt ARC CommisisonHMinutes12o12V2o425min.dcwx Page 3 of 8 ARCHITECTURAL RE .W COMMISSION ' MINUTES % September 25, 2012 The Commission reviewed the plans and was concerned that the faux palm is not nestled in with the other palm trees in that area. They suggested pushing the palm farther back within the other palm groupings. Ms. Susan Magansen, representative for Crown Castle, said the existing trees are 27' to 28' tall and they are proposing top of frond 40'. So the top of structure is closer to 32' with the fronds. They have been working diligently with staff trying to find the best location for this palm. They do have some flexibility, but going farther back would be a little more difficult from a construction standpoint because they would more than likely be disturbing the existing palms. It would be a difficult endeavor, but not impossible. She felt that construction would certainly disturb the palm trees. The Commission reviewed the plans and recommended moving the proposed faux palm tree behind the block wall onto the Desert Willow property or move it further back closer to the block wall. They asked the applicant to restudy the location and palm groupings. ACTION: Commissioner Lambell moved to continue Case CUP 12-257 subject to: 1) move the facility to inside the wall or locate it more within the existing palm group; 2) submit a detailed site plan; 3) add additional palms in groupings, if necessary; and 4) present new photo simulations of revised proposal. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Stendell and carried by an 8-0-0-1 vote, with Commissioner Colombini absent. 3 CASE NO: MISC 12-261 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): TERRY ARCHER, 77185 Michigan Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92211 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval to construct a new carport 20' back from face of curb; per Section 25.16.090, C. LOCATION: 42875 Massachusetts Circle Ms. Aylaian indicated that Mr. Archer, who was not in attendance, requested that his case be continued. The applicant is appealing the necessity of building a carport and would like to have that issue addressed before staff will consider the case. ACTION: Commissioner Stendell moved to continued Case MICS 12-261 due to applicant's request. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Levin and carried by an 8-0-0-1 vote, with Commissioner Colombini absent. G.\Planning\Janine JudyMord Fileskl ARC Commisison\7Minutes\2012\12t1925min.dncx Page 4 of 8 ARCHITECTURAL RE'- -W COMMISSION MINUTES "" 1%0 September 25, 2012 4. CASE NO: CUP 12-231 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): LOS ANGELES SMSA LP, dba Verizon Wireless, 15505 Sand Canyon Avenue, Building D104, Irvine, CA 92618 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of installation of a new Verizon Wireless 68' monopalm with 12 antennas at 60' centerline, a parabolic antenna, an 11'-6" equipment shelter, 2 GPS antennas, a 6' decorative block wall, a 4' solid metal gate, a new 5' x 8' concrete pad for a 30kw generator, coaxial cable runs from radios to antennas, telephone conduit, and a new 200A dedicated electrical service to meter. LOCATION: 73251 Hovley Lane ZONE: PR-5 Mr. Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner, presented the project and stated that the applicant is proposing a 68' monopalm located at Temple Sinai on Hovley Lane West. He presented a slideshow of the location and pointed out the location of the monopalm, the equipment enclosure, and a Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) enclosure. The applicant is proposing a monopalm just on the outside of the wall. The monopalm is 40 yards from homes. The applicant is proposing four live palm trees to surround the monopalm averaging in height from 25', to 30' to 35'. This will go to the Planning Commission and the neighbors will receive a legal notice. Staff is recommending additional palm trees ranging in size from 45' to 35' to help screen the monopalm since it is 68' tall. The tallest existing palm tree is 35'. MR. MIKE HAYES, representative, said this is a full coverage site and they will need the equipment and the additional height. They have been working in this area for several years and have had numerous sites that have been shot down in the area. The ring is very limited and they have limited options because of the residential neighborhood. He feels they have found the best location in the area and believes it will be a positive site. He pointed out that all the neighbors have palm trees in their back yards and feels this monopalm will blend in with the neighborhood palm trees. Commissioner Gregory said these neighbors have been vocal in the past and asked if anyone has talked with them to get some feedback. Mr. Swartz indicated that staff was not required to notify the neighborhood for ARC. However, it will be advertised when it goes to Planning Commission. He presented additional photos of the location and the neighborhood. Staff is concerned that the monopalm would GAPlanning\Janine Judy\Word Files\7 ARC Commisiwn\lMinutes\2012\120925min.d«:n Page 5 of 8 ARCHITECTURAL REW COMMISSION ` MINUTES September 25, 2012 be located in a sensitive location with residential around it and noise due to a backup generator that needs to be operated once every two weeks. MR. HAYES informed the Commission that the generator is diesel and the omissions and decibels fall within the standards. It will also be timed to go off so that it does not impact the neighbors. The Commission discussed reducing the height by 1' to 2' and moving the enclosure wall adjacent to the CVWD wall bringing it closer to the street. Mr. Swartz suggested that the applicant consider putting up story poles and the Commission agreed. Commissioner Levin had a concern that the tallest proposed tree at 40' would not hide the 68' high monopalm. He asked if the tree could be lowered. MR. HAYES said they might be able to lower it, but the object is not to block the monopalm because you would lose the effectiveness of it since the microwave is a straight line of sight. The Commission discussed the height of the monopalm and live palms and recommended that the additional trees be taller than proposed to mitigate the height of the monopalm. They also discussed the 10'-11" structure and recommended that additional planting be provided to mitigate the height from the neighbors. The Commission also discussed moving the monopalm out to the street and felt it would be less impacting. The applicant suggested separating the tree from the enclosure by putting the tree out at the street and placing the enclosure butt up against the CVWD enclosure. ACTION: Commissioner Clark moved to continue Case CUP 12-231 to restudy the proposed location and the addition of more live palms. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Lambell and carried by an 8-0-0-1 vote, with Commissioner Colombini absent. G.%Planning\JanineJudy\Word Files\I ARC Commisison\7 Minules\2012\l20925niuiA x Page 6 of 8 ARCHITECTURAL RE' 7W COMMISSION MINUTES lvow September 25, 2012 5. CASE NO: MISC 12-215 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): JEFF MASSNICK, 47-530 Via Montigo, La Quinta, CA 92253 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of facade enhancement on the current Forest Lawn mortuary building. Landscaping and color changes to the bungalows and cottages will come back to a date uncertain. LOCATION: 44-660 San Pablo Avenue ZONE: O.P. Mr. Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner, stated this was continued from a previous meeting. He said the applicant was here today for a facade enhancement to the existing Forest Lawn Mortuary building. The landscaping and the color change to the bungalows, and other changes for the cottages will come back at a later date. MR. JOHN VUKSIC, architect, said they are proposing a simple facade enhancement to upgrade it to be more leasable as a medical office building. He described the proposed changes. The Commission and the architect discussed the location of signage and the existing windows. MR. JEFF MASSNICK, owner, said they will revisit the windows based on the needs of the tenants. ACTION: Commissioner Levin moved to approve. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Stendell and carried by a 7-0-1-1 vote, with Commissioner Vuksic abstaining and Commissioner Colombini absent. B. Preliminary Plans: None C. Miscellaneous Items: None GAPlanningWanine JudyMord Files\1 ARC Commisison\1Minutes\2012\120925mta.dcex Page 7 of 8 ARCHITECTURAL RE W COMMISSION • MINUTES September 25, 2012 VI. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES UPDATE — Commissioner John Vuksic Commissioner Vuksic reported on the recent Art in Public Places (AIPP) meeting. He discussed the upcoming events for The Palm Springs Museum in Palm Desert. The art piece at Desert Willow has been relocated to another location in the country club. The AIPP Commission is now in the process of choosing next year's theme for the Art and Essay contest. New art pieces along the median on El Paseo will be placed the first two weeks in November. VII. COMMENTS The Commission was notified that the meeting for October 23, 2012 will be cancelled due to the planners attending the American Planning Association conference in Rancho Mirage on October 22 to 24, 2012. VIII. ADJOURNMENT Upon a motion by Commissioner Stendell, second by Commissioner Levin, and a 8- 0-0-1 vote with Commissioner Colombini absent, the Architectural Review Commission meeting was adjourned at 2:05 p.m. LAURI AYLAIAN, DIRECTOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MEETING SECRETARY ANINE JU Y RECORDING SECRETARY G.\PlanningWanine Jud/1Word Filesll ARC Commisisonll Minutes\2012\1211925min.deox Page 8 of 8