HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-01-14 ��•�� CITY OF PALM DESERT
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ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
• ' MINUTES
January 14, 2014
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 12:30 p.m.
11. ROLL CALL
Commissioners Current Meeting Year to Date
Present Absent Present Absent
Chris Van Vliet, Chair X 1
Karel Lambell, Vice Chair X 1
Paul Clark X 1
Gene Colombini X 1
Allan Levin X 1
Michael McAuliffe X 1
Jim Mclntosh X 1
John Vuksic X 1
Also Present
Lauri Aylaian, Director, Community Development
Tony Bagato, Principal Planner
Eric Ceja, Associate Planner
Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner
Pedro Rodriguez, Code Compliance Supervisor
Janine Judy, Recording Secretary
Cancelled meetings: 12/24/13,
III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: December 10, 2013
Action:
Chair Van Vliet moved to approve the December 10, 2013 meeting minutes.
Motion was seconded by Commissioner McAuliffe and carried by a 7-0-1
vote, with Clark, Colombini, Lambell, Levin, McAuliffe, Van Vliet and Vuksic
voting YES, and Mclntosh abstained.
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION January 14, 2014
MINUTES
V. CASES:
A. Final Drawings:
1. CASE NO: SA 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, stated this is a revision to the
sign program approved at the last meeting. At that meeting, sign letter
heights were limited to 12" except where smaller letter heights are
identified. Buildings A, B, and C face Fred Waring and the sign
program states that those tenants will get a main sign. So the
applicant is trying to accommodate another sign on Building C for the
Myofascial Release Clinic. In the sign program, the envelope allows
for 180" so with the length of the tenants name the applicant is
proposing three location options with 6" to 5" letters. He pointed out
the three locations where the signs could be located. Staff
recommends approval of Option B.
The Commission reviewed and discussed the location options and
agreed that the Option B location would make more sense. They also
discussed the size of the letters and asked if the letters could be
stacked. MR. KIM SANSON, Sign-A-Rama, said if the letters were
stacked they would get dramatically smaller because of the height limit
of the sign.
ACTION:
Commissioner Lambell moved to approve Option B on Building C. Motion
was seconded by Commissioner Levin and carried by an 8-0 vote, with Clark,
Colombini, Lambell, Levin, McAuliffe, Mclntosh, Van Vliet and Vuksic voting
YES.
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2. CASE NO: MISC 13-401
APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: EDGAR DIAZ 8� MARIBEL ROBAYO,
76-727 Florida Avenue, Palm Desert, CA 92211
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of
roof height above 15'.
LOCATION: 44-650 San Antonio Circle
ZONE: R-1
Mr. Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner, said this is an approval of a roof
height above 15'. He presented an aerial map of the property and
indicated the setbacks and lot coverage size. He stated that the height
allowed is a maximum of 18', but code states that anything above 15'
has to be approved by the Architecture Review Commission (ARC).
He presented a site plan and pointed out the front, rear, and side yard
setbacks and said a portion of the house, above the garage and the
main entry, goes to 16'-9". The applicant is 10' away from the
neighbors on one side and about 15' on the other side. Staff
recommends approval.
The Commission reviewed the height of the laundry room and
suggested reducing the laundry room roof height to the same height
as the garage parapet.
ACTION:
Commissioner Vuksic moved to approve subject to: 1) reducing the laundry
room roof height to the same height as the garage parapet; and 2) review and
approval by staff. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Mclntosh and
carried by an 8-0 vote, with Clark, Colombini, Lambell, Levin, McAuliffe,
Mclntosh, Van Vliet and Vuksic voting YES.
3. CASE NO: MISC 13-441
APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: WILLIAM KOHLERMAN, 5795
Lindero Canyon Road, Westlake Village, CA 91362
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of
fa�ade remodel; The Guitar Center.
LOCATION: 72-399 Highway 111, Suite A & B
ZONE: P.C.-(3)
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Mr. Eric Ceja, Associate Planner, presented a fa�ade remodel for
Guitar Center and said the applicant is requesting to make exterior
building modifications and place an architectural element above the
entrance. The architectural element includes the placement of a
perforated metal sheet attached to a metal frame, measuring 26'-6" in
length and 12' in height, and extending 6'-8" beyond the building
fascia. The proposed element will include the placement of two halo-lit
illuminated signs; a "Guitar Center" letter sign with guitar pick logo,
and a "puck" logo identifying music lessons. The proposed signs will
be required to conform to the approved sign program for Desert
Crossings and will require a sign application to be reviewed by staff.
He pointed out that Desert Crossings has two existing tenants that
have similar type architectural projections incorporated in their sign
design; Best Buy and Old Navy. Staff has reviewed the Municipal
Code regarding request for minor building alterations and architectural
projections, and finds that the proposal can be approved as it complies
with the City's development standards and design criteria. Staff had no
concerns with the proposed building modification and the addition of
the metal element and recommended approval.
Commissioner Levin asked if the Commission would also be
considering the change in awning color as part of this proposa�. Mr.
Tony Bagato, Principal Planner, said it should be considered since it
was new.
ACTION:
Commissioner Vuksic moved to approve fa�ade remodel. Motion was
seconded by Commissioner Lambell and carried by an 8-0 vote, with Clark,
Colombini, Lambell, Levin, McAuliffe, Mclntosh, Van Vliet and Vuksic voting
YES.
See note below following Case SA 13-443
Commissioner Clark moved to reconsider the previous motion to approve a
fa�ade remodel with the inclusion of a new awning. Motion was seconded by
Commissioner Lambell and carried by an 8-0 vote, with Clark, Colombini,
Lambell, Levin, McAuliffe, Mclntosh, Van Vliet and Vuksic voting YES.
Commissioner Vuksic moved to approve the farade remodel and addition of a
new awning. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Lambell and carried by
an 8-0 vote, with Clark, Colombini, Lambell, Levin, McAuliffe, Mclntosh, Van
Vliet and Vuksic voting YES.
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4. CASE NO: SA 13-443
APPLICANT AND ADRESS: PLANET YACHATS, 73725 EI Paseo
Suite 23A, Palm Desert, CA 92260
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of a
non-illuminated awning; Planet Yachats.
LOCATION: 73-725 EI Paseo, Suite 23A
ZONE: C-1, S.P.
Mr. Eric Ceja, Associate Planner, said the applicant is requesting two
new awnings at the former "Robert's" retail store location, within the
San Luis Rey Plaza. This multi-tenant building was approved in 1999
for two awnings; one on the north-side facing EI Paseo and one on the
south-side facing the parking lot. The new awnings will be beige and
solid black and their company name and logo "Planet Yachats" will be
hand-painted directly on the awnings. The proposed awning color,
black, provides distinction for the tenant and is compatible with the
buildings architecture. The size of the sign on the awnings conforms to
the maximum sign size specified in the municipal code. The previous
pole locations are still in front of the store, as well as the mountings in
the rear. Staff recommends approval.
Commissioner Colombini wanted to know the type of fabric and the
manufacturer of the awning. MR. TOM JONES, owner, said American
Awning would be making the awning with fire retardant materiat and
hand-painted graphics. Commissioner Lambell said due to fading she
recommended they submit a sample of the awning and suggested
they use Sombrella or an equal product. Commissioner Vuksic was
concerned with the hand painted graphics and wanted to make sure it
looked professional. He also suggested a flat black material.
ACTION:
Commissioner Lambell moved to approve awning subject to: 1) using
Sunbrella or equal product; and 2) submit awning fabric sample to staff for
review and approval. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Levin and
carried by an 8-0 vote, with Clark, Colombini, Lambell, Levin, McAuliffe,
Mclntosh, Van Vliet and Vuksic voting YES.
At this point, Commissioner Levin asked if the awning for Guitar Center was included in the
approval. After some discussion, the Commission confirmed that the motion did not include
the awning and made a motion to amend. See Case MISC 13-441 above.
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5. CASE NO: SA 14-06
APPLICANT AND ADRESS: THE BEST OF LA dba Mic & Moe's,
P.O. Box 6157, Beverly Hills, CA 9212
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of
awnings; Mic 8� Moe's.
LOCATION: 37-011 Cook Street, Suite 101
ZONE: P.C.-(3)
Mr. Eric Ceja, Associate Planner, said the applicant is requesting to
place two striped awnings at their restaurant; one above their main
entry, and one along Cook Street above the window areas. The
awning proposed above the entry, which faces south into the center's
parking lot, is 51' in length and extends off the building fascia by 5'.
The smaller awning, proposed over windows facing east onto Cook
Street, is 22' in length and extends off the building fascia by 6'. Both
awnings are yellow with red pin striping and have a triangular shape
with returns to tie into the building fascia. In addition, the awning
design includes a 10" valance with black letters to advertise the
restaurants food. Staff did have a concern with the lettering on the
awning. Per city code, tenants are only able to advertise up two goods
or services and they currently have a building sign that advertises their
goods. In staff's review, the building sign satisfies the code. Staff felt it
was appropriate for Architecture Review Commission (ARC) to
comment on it to approve or consider it. Overall, the sizes of the
proposed awnings are well-proportioned to the stores entry and
window areas. Staff has no concerns with the awnings and how they
relate to the building. Overall, staff recommends that the ARC approve
the awning design subject to discussion on the awning lettering.
MR. BOB SIPOVAC, representative, stated that the owner has
reconsidered the lettering on the awning and has decided to remove
the lettering.
Commissioner Mclntosh thought it was odd that the awning on the
east side has rake corners and the one on the south side has hip
corners which seem to be crowding the neighboring tenant. MR.
SIPOVAC said the storefront pops out about 6' and to make it look like
the other one would make it look even odder if it didn't wrap around
the rest of the storefront. Commissioner Mclntosh asked if that gives
the neighboring tenant the opportunity to try and utilize a similar
shading element in the future since it was a south exposure. The
Commission discussed what the applicant could do to make it work.
Commissioner Vuksic said the other tenant would not be able to do an
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awning at all and would be slamming into each other. He suggested
that they dial it back so both sides are doing the same thing to give the
other tenant some breathing room.
Commissioner Lambell was concerned that the awning on the east
side doesn't have a return on it. MR. SIPOVAC said they would do the
same thing for both awnings.
ACTION:
Commissioner Lambell moved to continue Case SA 14-06 subject to: 1)
removal of lettering on awning; 2) using Sunbrella or an equal product; and 3)
submit awning fabric sample. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Levin
and carried by an 8-0 vote, with Clark, Colombini, Lambell, Levin, McAuliffe,
Mclntosh, Van Vliet and Vuksic voting YES.
6. CASE NO: SA 13-447
APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: MICHAEL WEST, 400 Galleria
Officentre, Suite 555, Southfield, MI 48034
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of wall
and monuments signs; The Gardens on EI Paseo & Saks Fifth
Avenue.
LOCATION: 73-545 EI Paseo
ZONE: C-1, S.P.
Commissioner Vuksic abstained from this project and left the conference room.
Mr. Tony Bagato, Principal Planner, said this was approval of a new
wall sign and a monument sign at The Gardens at EI Paseo (The
Gardens) and for Saks Fifth Avenue (Saks). Typically most shopping
centers have monument signs to identify the center, as well as a major
tenant or two. As you walk along EI Paseo you get to openings
between the shops and there is a metal frame that says "The
Gardens" and pole mounted signs that have flags with additional
tenants. In reviewing the proposal, there wasn't a true monument sign
for the main tenant, Saks as well as The Gardens, so they are
proposing a monument for them and also increasing the square
footage on the Saks wall sign. They are proposing an 8' tall sign with a
black pane� area that identifies Saks. The "Saks Fifth" portion is halo
illuminated, "The Gardens" identified above it will be illuminated but
the sunburst logo will not light up. This will be located in their
landscape area.
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The wall sign for Saks is located over 250' to 260' away from EI Paseo
and Saks does not have high visibility. The current letter size on the
second floor level is 18" and the bottom is only 12". In reviewing the
sign code since this building is more than 100' from the right of way
and more than 100' long the maximum size may be approved by the
Architecture Review Commission (ARC) and based on the 160 square
feet staff believes that it is proportionat on the building. The tallest
letter height is 5'-6" and that is only for the larger case letters and then
there are variations all the way down to 2'-2" for most of the smaller
script on the top level. On the bottom level, the maximum is only 2' for
the larger letter with 10" being the smallest letters. Staff is in support of
the proposed sign program.
The Commission reviewed the letter and panel height and discussed
the maximum height and design.
Commissioner Lambell moved for approval. Commissioner Levin
asked if the lower signs would be illuminated. Mr. Bagato said both
signs are reverse channel illumination. Commissioner Clark seconded
the motion.
ACTION:
Commissioner Lambell moved to approve. Motion was seconded by
Commissioner Clark and carried by a 7-0-1 vote, with Clark, Colombini,
Lambell, Levin, McAuliffe, Mclntosh, Van Vliet voting YES and Vuksic absent.
7. CASE NO: MISC 13-410
APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: SAXONY GROUP, Attn: Les
Walgreens, 74-399 Highway 111, Suite D, Palm Desert, CA 92260 &
RAY ROOKER, 49410 Brian Court, La Quinta, CA 92253
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of
exterior building modifications; JM Couture.
LOCATION: 73-300 EI Paseo
ZONE: C-1, S.P.
Mr. Eric Ceja, Associate Planner, said this item was originally
considered December 11, 2013, and at that time the Architecture
Review Commission (ARC) directed the applicant to address a few of
their concerns including restudying the architecture context and
details, to submit a materials board, and to take a look at the finishes
and color of the building, and to restudy some of the details of the
building including the medallion and sign. The applicant provided new
drawings.
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The Commission discussed the black gloss on the store front.
Commissioner Clark was concerned with the glossy gold of the
columns. MR. ROOKER said they took the ARCs suggestions from the
last meeting and rather than applying the signage and the medallion
on the front they raised the parapet in the middle to give it more
identity and made the signage letters smaller; from 18" to 16". The
medallion which started at 6' is now down to 5'.
Due to equipment malfunction, the following conversation between Chair Van Vliet
and MR. ROOKER was intermittent.
Chair Van Vliet and MR. ROOKER discussed the roof return and the
parapet wall. MR. ROOKER said at the last meeting they were given
several buildings to refer to and each and every one of those buildings
had a single raised parapet incorporated with their signage. Chair Van
Vliet said typically they return back to the interior of the roof section.
Commissioner Mclntosh said you can't just have a billboard sticking up
top and that's what this looks like. His biggest concern was the color
and said this is on the north side of the street facing south and seems
out of place in the character of the street. He feels they are trying to
stand out as much as they possibly can. Even though iYs black with a
glossy finish, as well as the gold, they are going to get a lot of glare off
that building, which is not going to be very attractive.
Due to equipment malfunction, the recording secretary was not able to transcribe all
the conversations at this point.
Commissioner Mclntosh again said this seems so out of character for
the street. We are not trying to get everyone to blend in, but there is a
certain character on EI Paseo and this is so far from it. MR. MULLINS
said this is going to be their flagship store across the country and this
will be the look and feel of other locations. Commissioner Mclntosh
said he could see that concept working on an interior mall but not on
an exterior street like EI Paseo.
The Commission and MR. ROOKER discussed the parapet, the
medallion, and the columns. Commissioner Vuksic said it either has to
stay within the bulkhead or it needs to make a more elaborate
departure architecturally from the rest of the building. He doesn't feel
that this design has enough architectural merit to warrant painting the
whole building black.
MR. ROOKER requested a continuance. Commissioner Vuksic made
a motion to continue. Motion died due to lack of a second.
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Commissioner McAuliffe said it has been mentioned that this will be
the flagship store and asked if all the stores around the nation will look
like this one. MR. WES WALGREEN, founder, said that black and gold
is their color. Commissioner McAuliffe asked if they would have the
same southwestern knockoff architecture in Chicago and wherever
else they will be located. MR. WALGREEN said they would love for
every store to look like the one on EI Paseo. Commissioner McAuliffe
said the architecture has to be reflective to what it is they are selling
inside, which is very refined, high-end clothing.
Mr. Bagato recommended that staff meet with the architect and the
applicants.
ACTION:
Commissioner Lambell moved to continue Case MISC 13-41 subject to: 1)
restudy architectural context and detail; 2) re-exam finish and colors; 3)
restudy and provide details for signage and medallion specifications; 4)
rendering and drawings to match; and 5) staff to meet with applicant to
discuss ARC items. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Clark and
carried by an 8-0 vote, with Clark, Colombini, Lambell, Levin, McAuliffe,
Mclntosh, Van Vliet and Vuksic voting YES.
B. Preliminary Plans:
1. CASE NO: PP 13-421
APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: TOMA STOIANOVICI, 40-462 Corte
Placitas, Palm Desert, CA 92260
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval
of architectural and landscape design for a new duplex.
LOCATION: 45-855 Portola Avenue
ZONE: R-2
Mr. Eric Ceja, Associate Planner, said the applicant is seeking
approval for a 3,600 square foot duplex structure on a residentially
zoned vacant parcel, north of the intersection of Fairway Drive and
Portola Avenue. The duplex is comprised of two, 1,278 square foot,
attached residential units with rear yard covered patios, and separate
two-car garages. The units have identical floor plans comprised of two
bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, a kitchen, and living and dining
rooms. Each unit will also have a two-car side-entry garage with a
shared driveway providing access onto Portola Avenue. The property
is within the City's R-2 residential single-family zoning district. The R-2
district allows duplex units as a permitted use subject to the approval
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of a Precise Plan application. The remaining non-building portions of
the lot will be landscaped with drought-tolerant plantings. Overall, the
landscape design fits well to the site and the proposed duplex design.
A portion of the landscape area along the northern property line
contains very few plantings to allow utility vehicle access to the power
pole located at the back of the property. Staff recommends that the
Architecture Review Commission (ARC) approve the applicant's
request to construct a duplex at this property as the proposed
development meets the development standards contained in the
Municipal Code.
The Commission discussed the vehicle access area for the power pole
located at the back of the property. MR. ANDRES PEGUERO,
architect, said they are making an access area because the power
pole is located on this property. MR. TOMA STOIANOVICI, applicant,
thought it was a good idea for the utility vehicles to have access to the
power pole.
The Commission noticed that a wood fence was proposed for the front
of the property and Mr. Ceja said they can make a condition at the
Planning Commission that it be changed to block wall. They discussed
with the applicant what type of materials he can use for the fence and
gate.
The Commission discussed the windows and suggested some
architectural relief to help the elevation. They also discussed the 1" x
1" band at the bottom of the building. Commissioner Mclntosh stated
this duplex needs something because what is proposed is very stark
and uninteresting. Commissioner Levin pointed out the location of the
gas and power meters and said the return wall will have to be moved
back so the meters will be accessible to the utilities. Commissioner
Vuksic suggested that the applicant drive around the city and look at
examples of what they can do to add a layer to the front. Thickening
the front will help a lot because it will allow them to have layers of
detail.
ACTION:
Commissioner Lambell moved to continued Case PP 13-421 subject to: 1)
adding architecture relief on door and window openings to improve elevation;
2) move return walls back for access to utitities; and 3) addition of decorative
block wall in the front of the property. Motion was seconded by Commissioner
Colombini and carried by an 8-0 vote, with Clark, Colombini, Lambell, Levin,
McAuliffe, Mclntosh, Van Vliet and Vuksic voting YES.
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C. Miscellaneous Items:
None
VI. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES UPDATE — Commissioner John Vuksic
Commissioner Vuksic reported on the recent Art in Public Places meeting (AIPP).
The Art and Essay contest theme, What I Want to Be... selected by high school
students, will be on exhibit from April 24 to June 5, 2014 with awards presented on
May 14, 2014. The exhibit, The Suboken Project: Presenting... is on display in the
Palm Desert Community Gallery until January 31, 2014. The Fine Art Fair was held
at the Palm Springs Convention Center. Four public art documentary films will be
presented on the third Thursday in January, February, March and April at the UCR
campus. The Palm Springs Museum at Palm Desert will host Free Friday Evenings
on the first Friday of every month; cultural events, free lectures, and perForming arts.
On Wednesdays, there will be free yoga sessions in the museum gardens.
VI1. COMMENTS
The Commission discussed the JM Couture project.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
Upon a motion by Commissioner Lambell, second by Commissioner Levin, and an 8-
0 vote, with Clark, Colombini, Lambell, Levin, McAuliffe, Mclntosh, Van Vliet and
Vuksic voting YES, the Architectural Review Commission meeting was adjourned at
2:15 p.m.
�
TONY BAGATO, PRINCIPAL PLANNER
SECRETARY
.�
JA JUD
RECORDING SECRETARY
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