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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-11-12 CITY OF PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES November 12, 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 17 2 Karel Lambell, Vice Chair X 18 1 John Vuksic X 17 2 Allan Levin X 18 1 Paul Clark X 18 1 Gene Colombini X 19 Michael McAuliffe X 15 1 Jim McIntosh X 15 1 Also Present Lauri Aylaian, Director Tony Bagato, Principal Planner Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner Eric Ceja, Associate Planner Pedro Rodriquez, Senior Code Officer Diane Hollinger, Landscape Specialist Janine Judy, Recording Secretary Cancelled meetings: 05/28/13, 10/08/13 III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: October 22, 2013 Action: Commissioner Levin moved to approve the October 22, 2013 meeting minutes. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Colombini and carried by a 7-0-1-0 vote, with Commissioner Lambell abstaining. ARCHITECTURAL REV>,,W COMMISSION MINUTES November 12, 2013 V, CASES: A. Final Drawings: 1. CASE NO: PP 12-223 APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: AUBREY COOK MCGILL ARCITECTS, Attn: Nick Fotias, 1045 14th Street, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92101 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of a sign program; Whole Foods and Nordstrom Rack. LOCATION: 44-419—44-491 Town Center Way ZONE: P.C. (3) C;iair Van Vliet recused himself from this project and left the conference room. Mr. Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner, presented a sign program for the Whole Foods and Nordstrom Rack project which was continued from a previous meeting. The applicant has since reduced the signage from 80% to 70%. He pointed out the elevations and what their sign percentages would be. The major tenants, Whole Food and Nordstrom Rack have letters that are 4'-6" in height. On the Highway 111 side they have reduced them to 4' to 3'. Staff is okay with the size of the Whole Foods sign, but felt the Nordstrom Rack sign is a little tight. The applicant has agreed to reduce the letter "K" in "Rack". Staff is recommending approval of the signage program with these changes. Commissioner Clark was concerned with the World Gym sign and asked if that would be 70% and Mr. Swartz said the size would be determined between the numbers of tenants occupying that space. Commissioner Clark asked how that compared to signs across the street at the Trader Joe's complex. Mr. Bagato said their signage meets the City's sign standards and is based on a 1:1 ratio and percentage of overall elevation. Commissioner Clark said he could see the need for a larger sign for the anchors and units next to Highway 111, but he didn't see a reason for making the signs on Fred Waring and Town Center Way bigger than what was across the street. Mr. Swartz said each center is a case by case basis and if the Trader Joe's center wants bigger signs then staff would evaluate their request. MR. DAVE MOORE, Senior VP for Harsh Investment Properties, said they are trying to accomplish a ratio of the tenant's frontage not the building frontage. They are currently in negotiations with multiple tenants for the World's Gym building with the smallest one breaking down to 3,000 square feet giving them 40' of frontage and their only sign would be 70% of that frontage for that building. G\="an niny\JanineJudyWRC\1Minutes\2013\131112min.docx Page 2 of 16 ARCHITECTURAL Rr 'EW COMMISSION MINUTES November 12, 2013 The Commission discussed the signs for the center and Commissioner Vuksic was concerned with the 4'-6" letters in some cases and said those are huge. He was okay with them on Whole Foods Market because it is a giant surface and looks good there. However, on Nordstrom Rack even if you lower them it looks like they are jammed in there. MR. MOORE said Nordstrom Rack is the largest of the three tenants and felt it would be somewhat of a challenge to restrict their largest tenant from having maximum square footage. He reminded the Commission that through their initial entitlement process they were allowed to have 42'/z' of building height. They actually scaled this back based on earlier discussion with ARC and up until today every schematic, every site plan, and every rendering that the City Council, ARC, and Planning Commission saw were 5' letters. Commissioner Vuksic stated for the record that the sign is a little big. The Commission and the applicant continued to discuss the size of the letters. Commissioner Clark asked how big the largest letter size would be on the World's Gym sign and MR. BRIAN WILLIAMS, VP of Construction for Harsh Investment Properties, said they have a restriction of a minimum of 6" from any architectural element and the percentage would be 70%. If the tenant has a 3' sign they could only have 2' letters and 6" from the bottom and 6" from the top. MR. MOORE said they set the parameters so that it has to be within a certain architectural element. Commissioner McAuliffe said the parameters they have set in place have allowed for them to shape the signs and doing it on a percentage basis gives them more flexibility as the owner of the facility. MR. MOORE reminded the Commission that each tenant will come in for approval of their sign under this sign program. Commissioner Colombini moved to approve the signage program as presented and Commissioner Levin made the second. Commissioner Clark added that the main Nordstrom Rack wall sign is shifted down to provide relief for the letter"K". ACTION: Commissioner Colombini moved to approve as presented subject to shifting the main Nordstrom Rack wall sign down to provide relief for the letter "K". Motion was seconded by Commissioner Levin and carried by a 6-1-0-1 vote, with Commissioner Vuksic voting NO and Chair Van Vliet absent. NOTE: Staff requested that an additional item be added to the agenda. Commission concurred. It was moved by Commissioner Clark, seconded by Commissioner McAuliffe, adding Case No. PP 12-223 to the agenda. Motion carried 7-0-0-1, with Chair Van Vliet absent. GAPlanning\JanineJudy\ARC\1Minutes\2013\131112min.docx Page 3 of 16 ARCHITECTURAL REV*001 COMMISSION MINUTES `" November 12, 2013 Chair Van Vliet remained outside the conference room. la. CASE NO: PP 12-223 APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: AUBREY COOK MCGILL ARCITECTS, Attn: Nick Fotias, 1045 14th Street, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92101 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of a sign program; Whole Foods and Nordstrom Rack. LOCATION: 44-419—44-491 Town Center Way ZONE: P.C. (3) Mr. Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner, presented changes to the construction drawings for the Whole Foods and Nordstrom Rack project. MR. BRIAN WILLIAMS, VP of Construction for Harsh Investment Properties, described the addition of a pass-through window for Whole Foods, the removal of two metal canopies over the rear loading dock for Whole Foods, the creation of a split level canopy on the back of Nordstrom Rack, and the addition of a parapet on Home Goods. The Commission reviewed and approved the changes. ACTION: Commissioner Levin moved to approve the addition of a pass-through window for Whole Foods, the removal of two metal canopies over the rear loading dock for Whole Foods, the creation of a split level canopy on the back of Nordstrom Rack, and the addition of a parapet on Home Goods. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Vuksic and carried by a 7-0-0-1 vote, with Chair Van Wet absent. 2. CASE NO: MISC 13-362 APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: SIGN-A-RAMA, 41-945 Boardwalk #L, Palm Desert, CA 92211 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of revisions to an existing sign program; Waring Plaza. LOCATION: 72-670 Fred Waring Drive, Suite 201 ZONE: O.P. Mr. Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner, presented revisions to an existing sign program for Waring Plaza. The current sign program does not call out for signs for every tenant and the previous owner chose not to have a wall sign for identification. Now the new owner would like signs for every tenant placed in certain locations. Each sign would be the exact same Cil%lanning\Janine Judy\ARC\1Minutes\2013\131112min.docx Page 4 of 16 ARCHITECTURAL RF' 'EW COMMISSION MINUTES ` &W November 12, 2013 and mounted on the walls. The renderings identify each suite and the potential location of the signs. The corner suites will have signs on two elevations. He pointed out that some of the signs currently on the buildings were illegally installed and the new owner is in the process of cleaning them up. Staff was concerned with the amount of signage. MR. KIM SANSON, Sign-A-Rama, said they are trying to go for standardization and this program spells everything out exactly where their signs will be located and the type of sign the tenants may have. According to this sign program every tenant would be allowed to have a sign. They decided on an aluminum frame with scroll work with a natural colored background that is appropriate to the building. The letters will be black unless the tenant has a national approved logo. Also included in the sign program are directories on the exterior of the buildings; one large one on Building A and two smaller ones on Buildings B and C. The Commission reviewed and discussed the proposal and felt the building was way over-signed for the architecture of the building. They informed the applicant that there are a lot of buildings in Palm Desert where not every tenant receives signage. They felt that the signage doesn't help the architecture of the buildings. MR. SANSON pointed out that all signs were shown on the renderings, but there may be tenants who may not choose to buy a sign. MR. SANSON said the tenants will have a choice of four font styles and the letters will be acrylic black unless they have a national trade mark and color. The frame around each sign serves another purpose and that is if the tenant leaves all the owner has to do is pop out the face of the sign, leaving the frame without doing any damage to the building. This makes it easier and more cost efficient. The Commission reviewed the four font styles and the four text choices. Commissioner Lambell suggested they narrow down the choices to two font styles and eliminate the bold and italics. She feels this will help with the comments regarding the building being over-signed. Commissioner Clark asked the applicant to be specific on their font choices. MR. SANSON agreed to keep CG Times Serif and Arial Sans Serif and eliminate the bold and italics text choices. Commissioner Vuksic believes they could be setting a really dangerous precedent if this is approved the way it is. He understands they are trying to tie it into the architecture but thinks it may tend to look odd and may cheapen the look. He pointed out a variety of elevations where the signage would work. MR. SANSON stated the signs would be rather simple with non-illuminated letters and they don't have to be big because the only signs that people will see are the ones facing Fred Waring. He G1Planning\JanineJudyWRC\1 Min utes\2013\131112min.docx Page 5 of 16 ARCHITECTURAL REVS.; COMMISSION MINUTES November 12, 2013 believes there will be several tenants that will not need signage because they will be on a directory. Commissioner Vuksic said they may just have to have a common directory like a lot of office buildings have. He suggested they consider placing a statement on the sign program that they will install one sign or another but not both. MS. RANDI WOOD, Property Manager and President for the Condominium Association, and representative for the owner of all three buildings, was concerned with his suggestion and felt it would be a little unfair for anyone coming in to tell them they can't get a sign because the tenant next to them already has one. She didn't want it to affect their ability to move property because obviously they want the building to flourish. Commissioner Vuksic understood but didn't know what they would do in the situations where the signs look cluttered. MS. WOOD believes that a lot of the tenants will choose not to put up a sign. The Commission continued to discuss the sign program and the clutter created by placing too many signs together. Commissioner Clark recommended a continuance so that applicant can restudy the sign program and come up with something that will enhance the existing architecture. Commissioner Clark made a motion to continue and Commissioner Lambell seconded. Chair Van Vliet reminded the applicant to seriously consider reducing the number of signs by not giving them to every tenant. Motion carried 8-0. ACTION: Commissioner Clark moved to continue Case MISC 13-362 subject to 1) allowing only two fonts choices; CG Times Serif and Arial Sans Serif; 2) eliminate text choices bold and italics; and 3) applicant will restudy sign program. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Lambell and carried by an 8-0 vote. 3. CASE NO: MISC 13-320 APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: BRYAN RANGEL, 12439 Magnolia Blvd. #185, Valley Village, CA 91607 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Exterior building modification to an existing commercial building. LOCATION: 72-221 Hwy 111 ZONE: P.C- (3) S.P. Mr. Eric Ceja, Associate Planner, presented an exterior building modification to an existing commercial building. The site, referred to as the Las Sombras Shopping Center, includes a mix of detached single- C:'I'lanningWanineJudy\ARC\1Minutes\2013\131112min.docx Page 6 of 16 ARCHITECTURAL R' -qEW COMMISSION MINUTES 1%W November 12, 2013 story restaurant buildings: Red Lobster, Olive Garden, and Tilted Kilt; and two office and retail buildings. Of the five buildings located at the center only the two-story building, located between Red Lobster and The Olive Garden, is proposed to receive building modifications. Improvements to the overall center have been completed in the past five years, including updates to the Tilted Kilt restaurant building and the addition of Red Lobster. The applicant is proposing to make modifications to the existing building including, exterior paint color changes, removal of the existing wood trellis system, and the replacement of an existing wood staircase and railings with a new metal staircase. In addition to the proposed building color scheme modifications, the applicant is proposing to remove the existing wood trellis system that flanks the west-facing building elevation. The existing trellis is chipped, split, and in need of repairs. The applicant is proposing to remove the structure entirely and does not propose to replace it. An exterior staircase, also constructed of wood and painted to match the trellis system, will be replaced with a new metal staircase structure. The applicant is also proposing to remove the existing railings along the exterior 2"d floor walkway and replace it with a new solid wall that will be stucco and painted to match the building trim color. Staff is supportive of the applicants request to remove the existing trellis structure and to replace the staircase. The proposed improvements will remove an aging and outdated wood structure, help to update the exterior building space, and increase visibility for existing and future tenants. Staff is also supportive of the proposed building color changes and finds that the color scheme is compatible with surrounding buildings and other commercial buildings within the City. Staff recommends that the ARC approve the proposed building modifications. The Commission and the applicant reviewed and discussed the removal of the wood structure and railing. Commissioner Van Vliet felt they would lose a lot of the architecture by removing the wood structure and railing. MR. BRIAN RANGEL, representative for the owner, said the 2"d floor is vacant and the new owners want to give the building a more modern look. The Commission said removing the structure would give the building a 70s look and felt it wasn't an improvement. They felt there are better design solutions than what was being proposed. Commissioner Clark said if they remove the structure they should replace it with something that will provide some aesthetic relief. ACTION: Commissioner Clark moved to continue Case MISC 13-320 subject to: 1) re-study design solutions related to the removal of wood trellis; and 2) provide more information on construction plans. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Lambell and carried by an 8-0 vote. G:\Planning\JanineJudy\ARC\lMinutes\2013\131112min.docx Page 7 of 16 ARCHITECTURAL REV ' COMMISSION F MINUTES November 12, 2013 ( �z)mmissioner Vuksic recused himself from this project and left the conference room. 4. CASE NO: MISC 13-333 APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: EL PASEO COLLECTION NORTH, 73- 061 El Paseo #200, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of new storefront and awning; The Shops on El Paseo. LOCATION: 73-080 El Paseo ZONE: C.1, S.P. Mr. Eric Ceja, Associate Planner, presented a new store front and awning for The Shops on El Paseo. The applicant is seeking approval for facade improvements to the frontage of Suite 5, of the El Paseo Collection North, formerly occupied by Heather James. The improvements include the removal of the existing framed entry, tile work and awnings, and replacing those features with a new window system and single awning. The new awning color will be crimson red and run nearly the entire length of the store front. The applicant will add a new window system, running the length of the lease frontage, to allow for better visibility into the store. Staff is supportive of the applicant's request for improvements to the building facade and recommends that the Architectural Review Commission approve the proposed changes. ACTION: Commissioner Lambell moved to approve. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Colombini and carried by a 7-0-0-1 vote, with Commissioner Vuksic absent. (;ommissioner Vuksic remained outside the conference room. 5. CASE NO: SA 13-332 APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN, 12181 Bluff Creek Drive, 5th Floor, Playa Vista, CA 90094 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of sign program; California Pizza Kitchen. LOCATION: 73-080 El Paseo, Suite 8 ZONE: C-1, S.P. Mr. Eric Ceja, Associate Planner, presented a new master sign program for California Pizza Kitchen (CPK). The sign program consists of four building-mounted signs; one sign per building elevation. The signs consist C A 11anniny\JanineJudy\ARC\1Minutes\2013\131112min.docx Page 8 of 16 ARCHITECTURAL Rr 'EW COMMISSION MINUTES November 12, 2013 of text and logos consistent with the CPK brand. The sign program provides specifications and standards for sign type, illumination, placement, and size. Three channel letter signs for tenant identification are proposed on each of the buildings' three frontages. Each sign is approximately 25 square feet in area and will be illuminated. All signs comply with the City's sign review criteria listed in Section 25.56.030.D. Staff has no concerns with the proposed sign program and recommends that the ARC approve the program as submitted. MR. DAVID FLETCHER, Chartwell Properties, said CPK is rebranding their look and are completely redoing the inside and outside of the restaurant. The outside in back will be enclosed to create a private dining area and the windows that face El Paseo will open up with a little seating, and a large bar in that same area to get some activity from the street. The awnings are something new and different and work well there. The signs are also a part of their new branding. The Commission reviewed the plans and discussed the individual letters with the applicant. ACTION: Commissioner Lambell moved to approve. Motion was seconded by Commissioner McAuliffe and carried by a 7-0-0-1 vote, with Commissioner Vuksic absent. Commissioner Vuksic remained outside the conference room. 6. CASE NO: MISC 13-334 APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: KING AWNINGS INC. 15571 Graham Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92649 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of awnings; California Pizza Kitchen. LOCATION: 73-080 El Paseo, Suite 8 ZONE: C-1, S.P. Mr. Eric Ceja, Associate Planner, said the applicant is requesting to replace five existing fabric awnings above the restaurant windows with a new awning structure composed of wood slats and a metal frame. The five new awning structures will be attached to the building above the restaurant windows, similar to the placement of the current awnings. The proposed wood awning structures are well-proportioned to the building and are similar in size to the existing fabric awnings. The new awnings will extend approximately 3' off the building fascia and do not impede pedestrian activity on the surrounding sidewalks. The wood material proposed for the awning is identified as "trestlewood", a reclaimed wood GAPlanning\JanineJudy\ARC\1Minutes\2013\131112min.docx Page 9 of 16 ARCHITECTURAL REVI ' COMMISSION MINUTES November 12, 2013 product. The awnings' design provides additional interest and character to the building exterior. Staff has no concerns with the awnings and how they relate to the building as they are well designed and are in line with the branding update for California Pizza Kitchen. Commissioner Levin and the applicant MR. SCOTT JUSTIN, King Awning, discussed how the awnings would be anchored to the wall. ACTION: Commissioner Lambell moved to approve. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Levin and carried by a 7-0-0-1 vote, with Commissioner Vuksic absent. 7. CASE NO: SA 13-370 APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: FX SIGNS, INC. 570 E. La Cadena Drive #1A, Riverside, CA 92507 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of two single-sided, non-illuminated monument signs; Kingston Court. LOCATION: NEC of Imperial Court/Shepherd Lane and the SWC of Kingston Court/Shepherd Lane ZONE: P.R.-5 Mr. Eric Ceja, Associate Planner, presented a request for the design of two new monument signs for the Kingston Court neighborhood. Both signs are proposed along Shepherd Lane; one facing north at Imperial Court, and one facing south at Kingston Court. The single-sided, non- illuminated monument signs are 8'-2" wide at the base and 4'-5"' in height. Each sign is angled at the street intersection for increased visibility. The monument signs provide different design elements including: a stone fagade base, a curved arch cap, and a 4-inch tall relief band around the sign. The sign has a neutral color finish that blends well with the desert-tones prevalent in the neighborhood. The sign text, "Kingston Court", includes letter heights that vary between 11" and 3". The monument signs are 4'-5" in height and under the 6' maximum permitted by the Palm Desert Municipal Code. The sign text, "Kingston Court", varies in letter height. The letter "K" is shown at 11" and appears to be forced into the narrow sign space. Staff would like the Architectural Review Commission (ARC) to discuss the letter size and its placement on the monument sign. However, the overall design of the monument sign is supported by staff and meets all development standards within Chapter 25.56. The exact location of the monument signs is yet to be determined. Several factors, including the placement of the sign within the vehicular sight triangle, proximity to the roadway, and placement along property lines, will influence the final sign locations. Because the final location will C^I'fanning\JanineJudyWRC\1Minutes\2013\131112min.docx Page 10 of 16 ARCHITECTURAL Rr- `EW COMMISSION MINUTES �%W ` November 12, 2013 be confirmed at a later date, staff is recommending that the ARC approve the design of the monument sign and allow staff to work with the applicant on final sign placement. MS. FONG LEE, FX Signs Inc., described the monument signs and said the letters were aluminum, anchored directly to the monument with a stucco background, and non-illuminated. The Commission had concerns with the sign text and the base. MS. LEE presented for the Commission's review an additional rendering for the sign text, "Kingston Court". The Commission suggested increasing the spacing so it didn't look forced into the narrow sign space and to thicken the base. They also discussed the stone material on the signs and questioned if that material was used in the housing complex. The applicant was unsure. Commissioner Lambell made a motion to continue subject to providing staff with the type of material used on the base, as well as indicating where the rock material is located in the complex. MS. LEE said even though the community is really small the board wanted the signs to be noticeable. Commissioner Lambell felt that it could be noticeable and not look so commercial. Commissioner Levin made the second adding that the base is widened at least 12 to 18". Chair Van Vliet asked for further discussion. The Commission discussed widening the base to at least 18". Commissioner Lambell didn't want to constrict it to 18" because it may need to be something else in order to gain the offset. She amended the motion to say wider than 12". ACTION: Commissioner Lambell moved to continue Case SA 13-370 subject to: 1) widening the 12" base; and 2) applicant shall work with staff on final placement of sign. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Levin and carried by an 8-0 vote. 8. CASE NO: MISC 13-371 APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: ERAN SHAHAR, 3255 Fernwood Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of paint change and awnings. LOCATION: 73-180 El Paseo ZONE: C-1, S.P. Mr. Eric Ceja, Associate Planner, stated the applicant proposes two exterior building modifications to the existing building to include the removal of a barrel canopy and to re-skin the end awnings to a royal blue color and a new white ivory paint treatment along its El Paseo frontage. The two, non-structural, roman columns that help frame the building will GAPlanning\JanineJudy\ARC\1Minutes\2013\131112min.docx Page 11 of 16 ARCHITECTURAL REV ' COMMISSION MINUTES "' ''� November 12, 2013 remain in place and will also receive an updated paint color. The proposed changes to the existing awning structure require Architecture Review Commission (ARC) approval. The barrel awning structure, centered on the building frontage, is eight feet in height and extends off the building fascia by approximately 6'. The design of the large structure is outdated and staff is supportive of its removal. The proposed changes to the awnings conform to the City's development standards and are consistent with the character of recent exterior updates to El Paseo buildings. Section 25.34.110 requires ARC review of any building color which is significantly changed in hue, shade or intensity. The building color change is a significant departure from the building's current chocolate paint color; however, the change of building color to a lighter white color tone is consistent with recent color changes to buildings along El Paseo. Staff is supportive of the building color change and finds that it is compatible with surrounding buildings along El Paseo. Staff recommends that the ARC approve the proposed building modifications. MR. ERAN SHAHAR, representative, said they will be painting the exterior of the building. re-skinning the canopy, and using the same lettering on the awning. They are proposing signage to the awning and will submit a request to Planning at a later date. ACTION: Commissioner Vuksic moved to approve. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Lambell and carried by an 8-0 vote. B. Preliminary Plans: 1. CASE NO: MISC 13-206 APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: AUTO ZONE DEVELOPMENT CORP. Attn: Mitch Bramlitt, 123 South Front Street, Memphis, TN 38102 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of a new building design and landscape plan: Auto Zone. LOCATION: 34-860 Monterey Avenue ZONE: P.C. (3) Mr. Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner, stated this was continued from a previous meeting and reminded the Commission of the 10' slope on Monterey and Dick Kelly. Some of the discussion at the last meeting dealt with the offsets and punch detail and he pointed out the changes to the elevations. He said they also brought out the roof on all four corners to beef it up. The applicant also submitted a line of sight study because there was some concern about the HVAC equipment being visible. Staff pointed out that the applicant has made the modifications and this is a better design. Landscaping has been preliminary approved by the Landscape Specialist. C':','lanning\Janine Judy\ARC\1Minutes\2013\131112min.docx Page 12 of 16 ARCHITECTURAL Rr' `EW COMMISSION MINUTES 1%W November 12, 2013 Commissioner Vuksic and the applicant discussed recessing the punch details about 12", shifting the mechanical units down a few feet, concealing the roof access and not cut into cornice detail, and the north parapet element shall return back 2/3 of the width of the element. He stated the standard is having the units no higher than the parapets, but if it means those parapet heights will go up quite a bit, they will need to inform the Commission because that could change the way the building looks. ACTION: Commissioner Vuksic moved to preliminary approve subject to: 1) mechanical unit height shall be lower than parapet height; 2) punch detail in architecture shall be recessed 12"; 3) roof access from enclosure shall remain concealed and not cut into cornice detail; 4) north parapet element shall return back 2/3 of the width of the element; and 5) preliminary approval of landscape design. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Clark and carried by a 7-0-1-0 vote, with Commissioner Lambell abstaining. 2. CASE NO: PP/HDP 13-198 APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: PINNACLE INTERNATIONAL REALTY GROUP, Attn: Mike De Cotiis, 911 Homer Street, #300, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6132W6 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of single family residence 5 acres within the hillside. LOCATION: 72-000 Chuckawalla ZONE: HPR Mr. Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner, said this proposal is for a 4,000 square foot single family home including a 473 square foot detached garage on the hillside. The hillside ordinance allows no more than 4,000 square feet for houses, including garages and accessory structures so the applicant is asking for an exception for the additional 473 square feet. Also they are only allowed to grade about 10,000 square feet but they are requesting about 15,000 square feet. These two exceptions will go to public hearing with the Planning Commission and City Council for review and approval. He presented a PowerPoint presentation of the property along with story poles indicating the position of the home; up to 18'. He described the home and landscape plans that will blend in with the hillside landscape and presented a materials board for review. Staff is recommending preliminary approval of the single-family residence. MR. PETER KREUK, Landscape Architect, discussed the retaining wall, the control of water run-off and erosion control. He referred to the materials board and said the materials were carefully chosen so the house blends into the desert. It was located very carefully on the existing GAPlanning\Janine Judy\ARC\1Minutes\2013\131112min.docx Page 13 of 16 ARCHITECTURAL REV ;' COMMISSION MINUTES *Oi November 12, 2013 plateau and below the ridgeline behind it. The building is very simple, modern, with open glass to the site with large overhangs in order to provide a lot of shading in the summer to keep it cool. They worked with staff to get a glass that would not be highly reflective with a high insulation value. The pool deck blends in with the desert around it with warm toned colored concrete. They are working with staff on adjusting the landscape plan to take off the DG around the driveway for a much more natural look and incorporating a few more trees around the building itself to soften as it transitions to the desert. The building itself starts at 10', 14', and then 18' in the center so it is a fairly low slung building that sits comfortably on the plateau. Commissioner Clark asked if there were hillside interest groups interested in this project. Mr. Swartz stated there is one individual who is opposed to the access way, but not the architecture. Commissioner Clark was referring to groups within the City regarding hillside development. Mr. Tony Bagato, Principal Planner, said there have been at times interested people, but not necessarily a formal group. We have changed the ordinance several times and this will be one of the first houses in the past six years that we have seen going forward for consideration. People within 4,000' of this property will be notified for the public hearing and we'll see if there are any concerns at that time. The Commission and the applicant discussed the roof material, the HVAC units and the ducting. MR. KREUK said the approach they want to make is to have the A/C units on the ground, but they haven't gone on to the next stage regarding the ducting. Commissioner Colombini said they need to take a good look at the system. Commissioner Vuksic said as they get into the details of the HVAC equipment that it doesn't change the look of the house. The Commission and the applicant discussed the south facing windows, solar exposure, and the grading footprint to protect the rock outcroppings, as well as ridgelines in the area. They requested the applicant to bring to staff any deviations to the plans before the final drawings. They also suggested maintaining as much of the natural rock outcroppings as they can. The Commission and the applicant discussed the plant material on the property, as well as desert scrub and native trees. They asked if there was landscaping areas around the house. MR. KREUK stated there is a fair amount of planting in certain areas, but right now there is nothing planned for the pool or deck area. ACTION: Commissioner Lambell moved to preliminary approve. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Vuksic and carried by an 8-0 vote. G\ tanning\Janine Judy\ARC\1Minutes\2013\131112min.docx Page 14 of 16 ARCHITECTURAL R'_ W COMMISSION MINUTES *%Wool November 12, 2013 3. CASE NO: PP/DA 12-213 APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: PD GOLF OPERATIONS, LLC, 77200 California Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92211 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval to construct a maintenance building on existing site; Palm Desert County Club. LOCATION: 77-200 California Drive ZONE: O.S. Mr. Tony Bagato, Principal Planner said this is a request for preliminary approval of the design of a maintenance facility on an existing site at the Palm Desert Country Club. This went to the Planning Commission for a public hearing to try to get approval of the temporary location. However, on the day of the meeting he did some research and decided there was no reason why the applicant couldn't build on the previous location. The applicant then withdrew their request for the temporary location and will move forward with building the facility in the previous location. He presented a PowerPoint presentation of the location. He described the set-backs, landscaping, the pre-fabricated 14' tall metal building, and the berming. The current site will be torn down, cleaned up and re- incorporated back into the golf course. Commissioner Colombini said the applicant still had not addressed his previous concerns regarding the details for the mechanical system and the installation properties. MR. TED GENEREUX, Golf Course Superintendent, pointed out that the air conditioning units were illustrated on the plans in the south west corner of the building. The offices in the corner are the only units that will be air-conditioned; the rest of the building will have a swamp cooler. The Commission discussed having a ductless system for each office. The Commission and the applicant reviewed the block wall that will run around the entire facility. The applicant pointed out the areas for the restrooms, offices, employee lounge, storage area for irrigation, parts storage, the area for chemicals and pesticides with an outdoor access, and the area for green waste. MS. PHYLLIS HARKINS, Association Manager for the Palm Desert Country Club Association (Association), said she was here today mostly for information purposes. She stated that the Association has not been communicated to with regards to any plans that the golf course is doing. She wanted to point out that Joe Mann Park is the Association's land. She expressed that anything that impacts what is being done adjacent to the Association's land should be communicated to them. One of the concerns the Association had was the dirt that continues to come out onto their streets which makes a mess on California Drive. She said there is a GAPlanning\JanineJudy\ARC\1Minutes\2013\131112min.docx Page 15 of 16 ARCHITECTURAL RE ,. COMMISSION MINUTES November 12, 2013 huge issue with all the sand and it would be to their benefit to see this finished. The Commission and staff discussed paving the access roads. MR. GENEROX said they will pave everything since it will be in their best interest. Commissioner Vuksic asked the Commission if they were satisfied with the screening of the facility. Commissioner Clark suggested that some sort of temporary landscaping is needed on the east. Mr. Bagato said they could make a condition that the building is accepted based on screening and staff can work with the applicant during construction. Ms. Diane Hollinger, Landscape Specialist, said to keep in mind that the hedges from the Joe Mann Park site are pruned by the City and mentioned to the Commission and the applicant not to depend on that to help screen that building. Commissioner Clark suggested adding to the motion to adequately screen the building. ACTION: Commissioner Clark moved to preliminary approve. Motion was seconded by Commissioner McIntosh and carried by an 8-0 vote. C. Miscellaneous Items: None VI. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES UPDATE —Commissioner John Vuksic November meeting not held as of this date. VII. COMMENTS None V'ill. ADJOURNMENT Upon a motion by Commissioner Lambell, second by Commissioner Levin, and an 8-0 vote, the Architectural Review Commission meeting adjourned at 3:43 p.m. V TONY BAGATO,'PRINCIPAL PLANNER c'!'_CRETARY :- Ji`; E JUDY I: DING SECRETARY G\ ianningWanineJudy\ARCNMinutes\2013\131112min.docx Page 16 of 16