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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-06-11 tir.r CITY OF PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION • MINUTES June 11, 2013 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 Chris Van Vliet, Chair X 9 1 Karel Lambell, Vice Chair X 10 John Vuksic X 9 1 Allan Levin X 9 1 Paul Clark X 9 1 Gene Colombini X 10 Michael McAuliffe X 7 Jim McIntosh X 7 Also Present Lauri Aylaian, Director Tony Bagato, Principal Planner Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner Pedro Rodriquez, Senior Code Officer Diane Hollinger, Landscape Specialist Spencer Knight, Landscape Manager Christina Canales, Assistant Engineer Janine Judy, Recording Secretary Cancelled meetings: 05/28/13 III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS MR. FRANK TAYLOR, resident of Palm Desert Country Club, (PDCC) respectfully suggested that the City of Palm Desert hold Palm Desert Country Club to the rest of Palm Desert's high standards. When they look at projects in the future, especially in the PDCC area, continue to look at them as one city and continue to enhance and improve the community as a whole. ARCHITECTURAL REVV COMMISSION MINUTES June 11, 2013 IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: May 14, 2013 Action: Commissioner Levin moved to approve the May 14, 2013 meeting minutes. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Lambell and carried by an 8-0. V. CASES: A. Final Drawings: 1. CASE NO: MISC 10-238 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): SHERRY SIDNEY, 915 West Crescent Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262. NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of an exterior color change; Sidney Properties. LOCATION: 73-760 to 73-790 El Paseo ZONE: C-1, S-P Mr. Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner, stated this color change was continued from two prior meetings. At each of those meetings, the applicant presented two different color changes and the Commission requested the applicant provide a photo simulation. Both times the applicant chose not to provide the photo simulations. The applicant has since hired an architect and is now requesting two different colors, along with a photo simulation. Mr. Swartz presented the photo simulation and pointed out where the colors will be applied. Staff is looking for comments from the Commission. This Commission reviewed and discussed the building and the placement of colors. Staff informed the Commission that signage and awning details will come back for review and approval. ACTION: Commissioner Vuksic moved to approve the new exterior colors and awning color. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Colombini and carried by an 8-0 vote. G',°I:mning\JanineJudy\Word Files\1ARC\1Minutes\2013\130611min.docx Page 2 of 11 ARCHITECTURAL REk,..,N COMMISSION MINUTES June 11, 2013 2. CASE NO: MISC 13-160 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): MICHAEL WEST, 400 Galleria Officentre, Suite 555, Southfield, MI 48034. NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of landscape plans, awnings, trellises, site furnishings, and landscape lighting; The Gardens. LOCATION: 73-545 Ell Paseo ZONE: C-1, S-P Ms. Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development presented the project and summarized the staff report. Acceptance of the staff recommendation will grant approval of an atypical landscape design concept. The design would deviate from City design standards in the interior of the project, but comply with spacing and materials standards on the street frontages. The project proposed involves a re-invention of the center court area, which is interior to The Gardens on El Paseo, by adding a pedestrian "bridge" with informal seating and relaxing areas, removing two of the existing trellis structures and refinishing the others, reconfiguring the stage area, removing two fountains and refurbishing two others, replacing the awning system over two escalators, and adding new landscape lighting, benches and seating, trash receptacles, ash urns, and miscellaneous site furnishings throughout the complex. The most significant work to be done comprises the project landscaping. The project seeks to remove all overgrown and poorly maintained plant material, and replace it with more appropriate material in a more sustainable environment. The project will focus on the El Paseo frontage and the interior courtyard, but will also address the Larkspur, Shadow Mountain, and San Pablo frontages. Most of the existing planting beds, turf, plant material, decomposed granite (DG) paths, irrigation, and landscape lighting will be removed from the interior of the project and the street frontage surrounding the development. Date palms and selected existing trees will remain. New landscape materials will be installed to complement the architecture and site furnishings, while allowing for clear views of tenant signage, much of which is now obscured by plant material. The current landscape materials have grown to a point where they obscure the retailers, despite attempts to prune, thin, and otherwise constrain the vegetative growth. The GAPlanning\JanineJudy\Word Files\1ARC\1Minutes\2013\130611min.docx Page 3 of 11 ARCHITECTURAL REW COMMISSION MINUTES June 11, 2013 landscaping is now an impediment to the success of the businesses, which are an important part of Palm Desert's retail portfolio. The Taubman Company, new owners of The Gardens, has identified a plan to remedy this situation. The project under consideration will change the ambiance of The Gardens to be crisper, more polished, and more sophisticated. It will use materials, finishes, textures, and plant arrangements that are more formal than the current ones. Staff recommends approval of this landscape renovation project subject to such conditions as are enumerated by Public Works. MR. DARRYL HERRING, Taubman Company, stated they acquired this property in 2011 and are taking a great interest in this asset. This project is appropriate and timely and with the Commission's approval they stand ready to make a very significant upgrade in this property. MR. RANDY METZ, Landscape Architect, Grissim, Metz, Andreise Associates, praised the amount of interaction with the city staff. There are unique things they are trying to do here that are not so common, but the input from staff has been very valuable. It is important from a retail standpoint to retain tenants and attract new tenants; they want to put the retail fresh back. A PowerPoint presentation of the project pointed out what they will be doing for The Gardens. The landscaping will be more desert appropriate and more sustainable with water usage significantly less than current usage. He described all the changes to the outdoor court area including the seating areas, changes to trellises and fountains, and the types of landscape and lighting that will be utilized. They are hoping that most of these materials are left to grow to their natural forms especially on the perimeter. The Commission and the applicant discussed the issue of securing the outdoor seating. The applicant replied that they have done a lot of these outdoor spaces in retail projects and have found that the stuff doesn't walk away. MR. BOB FLIDAY, Manager of The Gardens, said they have done something similar to this at the El Paseo Village and he doesn't think it would ever be necessary to remove the furniture itself, but if need be they can always remove them. He pointed out they also have 24-hour security. Commissioner Lambell said it will be significant whatever they choose to anchor it with and the Commission would want to know what that would be. It goes along with the whole look of the project. GA 1inning\JanineJudy\Word Files\t ARC\1 Minutes\2013\1 30611 min.docx Page 4 of 11 - ARCHITECTURAL RE' ,00 W COMMISSION MINUTES June 11, 2013 The Commission and the applicants discussed the possibility of identifying the plant species and thought it would be of some value to the public. The applicants said they will take that into consideration. The Commission discussed the 2nd floor parking structure with the trellises and planters. MR. METZ said the landscaping has been replanted but the planters are fiberglass which absorbs the heat. They do have some materials there now that seem to be working. One of the things being considered is removing the planters and putting in a larger shade structure. Commissioner Clark asked if the water usage issues have been discussed with the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD). MR. METZ said they have submitted a package for their review and he feels confident that they will get approval. Their interaction with CVWD has been positive since they will be reducing the amount of water usage. The Commission and the applicant discussed the interior having a more formal arrangement of desert landscaping and the exterior having an organic concept, matching the city standards. MR. METZ said the grand court area is more like a combination of that. Some of it is a little more architecturally arranged and some of it is not. It is a blending of those two ideas within this space. Commissioner McAuliffe discussed the re-patterning along El Paseo and asked the applicants to be mindful of how the pavers are laid out and how it is integrated. The words he keeps hearing over and over again are high-end, luxury, artful, uncommon, and he thinks they are spot on with all of those descriptions. However, he was a little surprised to see the biggest plant choice in the heart of the whole project was Lantana. It is not something that he would ever associate with high-end luxury. The way it grows is unstructured and the way it gets trimmed makes it really look awful. He didn't know how this would be maintained and thought if it is allowed to grow out and trail it might be more successful. There are countless examples around the valley where it was planted adjacent to the sidewalk and it grew over and was trimmed incorrectly. MR. METZ said they intend to let the Lantana do its natural thing and not cut the material on this project. If it starts to get too thick, they will pull it out and replant. They are aware of this concern and it will all be a part of the maintenance. Commissioner McAuliffe said the other specimen choices are thoughtful, sculpted, GAPlanningWanineJudy\Word Files\1 ARC\1Minutes\2013\130611min.docx Page 5 of 11 ARCHITECTURAL REV REVftW COMMISSION MINUTES June 11, 2013 and artful and Lantana is not the plant material to be featured. He also mentioned the Bluebells in the planter in the front walk, and asked how they typically grow. MR. METZ said in that area it is very restricted and only a few feet wide and they desire to have a softening in that edge. They are looking for a fuzziness to occur along that edge of the walk. If it gets to a point where it is no longer attractive, they will replace it. Commissioner McAuliffe suggested taking a look at Sunnylands in Rancho Mirage. It is very structured, organized and upscale. Commissioner Van Vliet came back to the parking structure and said it has always been something that has been less than attractive to the city and the landscaping has never been able to screen it. Hopefully the oak trees going in will help screen it. MR. METZ said putting the trees in will look fantastic for years and years to come and will enhance that whole edge. ACTION: Commissioner Lambell moved to approve subject to re-evaluating the use of Lantana and Bluebells in areas designated. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Levin and carried by a 7-0-1-0 vote, with Commissioner Vuksic abstaining. 3. CASE NO: MISC 13-191 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): DEL TACO, P.O. Box 11527, Palm Desert, CA 92255 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of exterior paint colors; Del Taco LOCATION: 74-617 Highway 111 ZONE: C-1, S.P. Mr. Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner, presented the color change proposal for Del Taco. He presented the color pallet and said the Del Taco Corporation has approved new colors. Mr. Swartz said the colors were desert appropriate and staff is recommending approval. G:'°lanning\JanineJudy\Word Files\1ARC\1Minutes\2013\130611min.docx Page 6 of 11 ARCHITECTURAL REIN COMMISSION + MINUTES June 11, 2013 The Commission reviewed the color placement on the building. Commissioner Vuksic liked the colors but was concerned with approving them since he couldn't tell what it would look like. MR. JERRY WALKER, franchise owner, said these colors have already been applied to the Monterey store. He said he's not changing the tile like they have done in some locations and is trying to stay with earth tones to keep it natural. Commissioner Vuksic again said he liked the colors but it was hard to look at the photos provided and picture what it would look like. MR. WALKER asked the Commission if they could give him a minute so he could retrieve a photo. The Commission agreed and in the meantime, Mr. Swartz pulled up a Del Taco store on the internet for an example of the new colors. The Commission reviewed that store. The Commission suggested that the applicant submit a photo simulation for this location with the new colors. Commissioner Clark asked the applicant if he could handle a two-week continuance. MR. WALKER said they are starting the project this coming Sunday, June 16. He also indicated that they are doing a complete renovation on the inside. Mr. Swartz suggested that the applicant obtain a photo simulation and submit it to staff to be forwarded to the Commission for comments. Mr. Bagato said the Commission will have to grant preliminary approval of the colors today based on review of a photo simulation. If the Commission has concerns, then it will have to return to the next meeting. The Commission discussed the colors and their placement. Commissioner Clark made a motion to approve colors, with the exception of the green, subject to review and approval by staff. There was no second and the motion died. The Commission continued discussing the colors and the approval process. Mr. Bagato said if the Commissioners were not comfortable with not seeing it on the building, then it should be continued. GAPlanning\JanineJudy\Word Files\1 ARC\1 Minutes\2013\1 30611 min.docx Page 7 of 11 ARCHITECTURAL REV COMMISSION MINUTES June 11, 2013 The Commission had some concerns with the amount of red on the building. In the past, this Commission has approved colors but reserved the right to review it on site so that if the red was too much then the applicant would need to revisit that element. Mr. Swartz asked the applicant if he was willing to paint it with the approved colors and if upon visiting the site the Commission felt it was too much red, the applicant would have to use another color on the red in certain areas. The applicant did not respond. The Commission once again reviewed the photo of another Del Taco store and discussed the placement of the colors. Commissioner Clark said there is a certain principal of not approving something without seeing the whole building, but personally thought the colors were okay. For the record, he stated this was not the preferred way of approving projects, but for the urgency of the applicant he recommends approval. Commissioner Lambell explained to the applicant that this Commission normally receives the information prior to the meeting and they could have gone by another store that had already been painted to review the colors. Commissioner Clark made a motion to approve as submitted, subject to review and approval by staff. Commissioner Lambell made the second. Chair Van Vliet asked if there were further comments. Commissioner Vuksic again stated that he was not comfortable with approving the colors without knowing what it would look like. Commissioner Clark amended his motion to exclude the color green. Commissioner Lambell agreed to the amendment. ACTION: Commissioner Clark moved to approve the exterior colors with the exception of green, subject to review and approval by staff. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Lambell and carried by a 6-1-0-1 vote with Commissioner Vuksic voting NO and Commissioner McIntosh absent. G:,FlanningUanineJudy\Word Files\1 ARC\1Minutes\2013\130611min.docx Page 8 of 11 ARCHITECTURAL REVi, W COMMISSION MINUTES June 11, 2013 B. Preliminary Plans: 1, CASE NO: MISC 13-182 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): GHA COMMUNITIES / KNIGHTSWOOD VENTURES, LLC, 30-875 Date Palm Drive, Suite C, Cathedral City, CA 92234 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of 15 single family homes on Cosmopolitan Lane. LOCATION: Cosmopolitan Lane ZONE: P.R-5 Mr. Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner, presented preliminary plans for 15 single family homes called the Signature Series. There are two plans and the lot sizes range from 9,000 sq. ft. to 13,000 sq. ft. Each plan has four different designs and the colors are pretty standard. A color scheme was passed around. Setbacks, lot coverage, and the height meet the development standards for the tentative tract map. The materials are painted stucco, concrete, tile roofing, and 2 x 4 stucco pop-out frames on the windows. Some of the homes have awnings and courtyards. The applicant will be doing the landscape along Sheppard Lane and at the main entry they are proposing a block wall. He discussed the landscape material for each plan. Staff is recommending approval subject to conditions submitted by Public Works regarding WQMP. The Commission discussed the materials used between the sidewalk and the walls. MR. CHUCK SHEPARDSON, HSA Design Group, said they will re-establish a previously approved plan that was done for Sheppard Lane back in 2005. They will change the pallet up a little, but the irrigation is already out there. The HOA will maintain this area. Commissioner Levin asked about the ends of the property line walls. He recalled that the Commission required pilasters on the end rather than just looking at the end of a 6" block. MR. MARIO GONZALES, GHA Communities, said it was GHA's discretion to do that and they used a slump stone wall. It was stacked and painted to match the house on every individual wall and a cap was added to give it a little detail. Commissioner Vuksic had some minor concerns with Plan 1 on floor plan 1 of 1. He mentioned the thin walls on the garage door GAPlanning\JanineJudy\Word Fi1es\1 ARC\1Minutes\2013\130611min.docx Page 9 of 11 ARCHITECTURAL REVV COMMISSION *40 MINUTES June 11, 2013 and suggested the wall be thicker just to create the reveal. On the main plan, he suggested making the door leading to the junior master suite/den option bedroom 4" thicker. He also mentioned the eaves. When the eaves wrap around the side of the house they end really abruptly. He feels those returns need to be farther back than what is shown and suggested going back 15'. MR. GONZALES said they have been very successful with the current 16 lots they have sold off for University and are now moving up to these 15 lots. These lots are a step up because these lots are larger and their intention is to kick up the spec in their elevations. He and the Commission discussed the returns on the eaves, the screening of utilities, and trash containers, and the opportunity for solar. ACTION: Commissioner Lambell moved to preliminary approve the plans submitted with changes to Floor Plan 1: 1) thicken roof fascia; 2) thicken recess on garage door; 3) increase the depth of doors on Junior Master Suite/Den; 4) eaves shall return 15'; and 5) final landscape plans and conditions by Public Works shall be reviewed and approved. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Levin and carried by a 7-0-0-1 vote with Commissioner McIntosh absent. C. Miscellaneous Items: None V1. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES UPDATE — Commissioner John Vuksic Commissioner Vuksic reported on the Art in Public Places meeting held on May 15, 2013. City Council renewed the contract for the maintenance of all artwork. Four additional artists have been added to the registry. The Community Gallery will start its summer exhibits July 1. The landscape painting workshop in the park was a big success. The film series ended with an overall attendance of about 800 people. AIPP has only received four artist applicants for the painting of traffic boxes along Fred Waring, so the deadline was extended and will be discussed at the next meeting. Vil. COMMENTS The Commission asked for an update on Case No. MISC 13-32; David Narz. Mr. Swartz stated that City Council approved the carport subject to beefing up the columns and concealing all hardware. G:l11 inningWanine JudyNord Files\1 ARC\1Minutes\2013\130611min.docx Page 10 of 11 ARCHITECTURAL RE4,.W COMMISSION MINUTES June 11, 2013 VI11. ADJOURNMENT Upon a motion by Commissioner Clark, second by Commissioner Lambell, and a 7-0-0-1 vote, with Commissioner McIntosh absent, the Architectural Review Commission meeting was adjourned at 2:45 p.m. TONY BAGATO, PRINCIPAL PLANNER SECRETARY a JANI �JUDYO R DING SECRETARY GAPlanning\JanineJudy\Word Fi1es\1 ARC\1 Minutes\2013\13061 1 min.docx Page 11 of *Ao�