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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-07-22 CITY OF PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION ' MINUTES July 22, 2014 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 14 Karel Lambell, Vice Chair X 13 1 Paul Clark X 13 1 Gene Colombini X 14 Allan Levin X 12 2 Michael McAuliffe X 13 1 Jim McIntosh X 14 John Vuksic X 14 Also Present Tony Bagato, Principal Planner Eric Ceja, Associate Planner Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner Pedro Rodriguez, Code Compliance Supervisor Janine Judy, Recording Secretary III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: July 8, 2014 Action: Chair Van Vliet moved to approve the July 8, 2014 meeting minutes with changes. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Clark and carried by an 8-0 vote, with Clark, Colombini, Lambell, Levin, McAuliffe, McIntosh, Van Vliet and Vuksic voting YES. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES July 22, 2014 V'. CASES: A. Final Drawings: 1. CASE NO: MISC 10-238 APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: PREST-VUKSIC, 44530 San Pablo Avenue, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Amendment to the original approval of exterior awnings; Sidney Properties. LOCATION: 73-760 El Paseo ZONE: C-1, S.P. Commissioner Vuksic recused himself from this project, and remained in the conference room. Mr. Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner, presented revised awning exhibits for Sidney Properties. Following up on one of the recommendations at the last meeting the owner hired an architect and the plans have been submitted for review. They are now proposing five awnings; one on El Paseo and four on San Luis Rey. He presented elevations and pointed out that the awnings would not be attached to the building, but would be in a concrete base right in front of the building with nothing projecting into the right-of- way. He described the locations for each of the awnings and passed around the materials board for review. Staff is recommending approval of this design. MR. JOHN VUKSIC, Prest-Vuksic Architects, said they tried to create something that was organic; like it that just grew there. The building has a modern style with some very strong lines. Rather than do something that was architectural, which would be difficult to tie into the building, they went in a completely different direction. He described the awnings and said the color will be burnt orange and the building currently is a cream color with some gray/green accented areas. The awning color works better with the building because it complements the building to provide some interest and drama. Commissioner Levin was concerned with the low hanging point and asked if a pedestrian could walk into the corner of it. MR. VUKSIC said that was a good point and assured the Commission they will G; 'Ianninc\JanineJudy\ARC\1Minutes\2014\140722min.doox Page 2 of 14 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES July 22, 2014 make sure there is enough clearance. They discussed the varying heights of the awnings and planters. MR. VUKSIC said the trellis structure discussed at the previous meeting will be removed. They felt it would be too cluttered to have the sail awnings, the trellis structure, and the building. By removing the trellis it opened up the space. Commissioner McAuliffe asked if there was any architectural lighting on the sail awnings. MR. VUKSIC said lighting was not proposed, but thought it might be a neat idea to have them light up at night. Commissioner McAuliffe said the awnings were such a nice addition to the building and with the lighting, they will pop at night. ACTION: Commissioner Levin moved to approve subject to consideration of adding landscape up-lighting. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Lambell and carried by a 7-0-1 vote, with Clark, Colombini, Lambell, Levin, McAuliffe, McIntosh, Van Vliet voting YES and Vuksic absent. 2. CASE NO: MISC 14-230 APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: L.T. DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION, 58350 Bonanza Drive, Yucca Valley, CA 92284 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of awnings; Clementine. LOCATION: 72-990 El Paseo, Suite 3 ZONE: C-1, S.P. Mr. Eric Ceja, Associate Planner, presented a proposal for the addition of awnings for Clementine's. Currently there is only one awning above the entrance and they are proposing four additional ones. The existing material is no longer available so they will re- skin the existing awning to match the four new ones. Staff recommends approval. The Commission reviewed the colors for the awnings and asked if there was a sample. Mr. Ceja said the applicant was bringing a sample and a rendering, but was not yet in attendance. GAPIanningUanineJudyWRC\1Minutes\2014\140722min.docx Page 3 of 14 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MiNU'TES July 22, 2014 Commissioner Lambell asked about the placement of awnings #2 and #4 and asked if it was the linear line they were trying to duplicate over each opening and Mr. Ceja said they want to carry around their frontage. He also pointed out that the actual rendering was angled incorrectly and said the awnings will all come straight off the building. The Commission suggested continuing this project to such time as the applicant's possible arrival. ACTION: Commissioner Clark moved to continue to such time as the applicant's possible arrival. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Levin and carried by an 8-0 vote, with Clark, Colombini, Lambell, Levin, McAuliffe, McIntosh, Van Vliet and Vuksic voting YES. Tiie commission then took up the rest of the agenda. Following the applicant's arrival at 2:15 p.m., the following action occurred. Commissioners Vuksic and McIntosh left at 2:15 p.m. and 2:25 p.m. respectively. MR. TODD JONES, representative, presented a sample of the awning fabric and said the colors will be a dark blue with a navy blue stripe. Commissioner Levin asked what was happening with the split in the plane and MR. JONES said it will have a jog in it and then come back down. ACTION: Commissioner Lambell moved to approve. Motion was seconded by Commissioner McAuliffe and carried by a 6-0-2 vote, with Clark, Colombini, Lambell, Levin, McAuliffe, and Van Vliet voting YES and McIntosh and Vuksic absent. G 1F1IannincWanine Judy\ARC\1Minutes\2014\140722min.docx Page 4 of 14 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES July 22, 2014 3. CASE NO: MISC 14-199 APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: HERB JACKSON, P.O. Box 12665, Palm Desert, CA 92255 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of a single-family home at a proposed height of 18' located on a vacant lot. LOCATION: 637-320-030; a vacant property on the south side of Robin Road, east of Warner Trail ZONE: R-E Commissioner McAuliffe recused himself from this project and left the conference room. Mr. Eric Ceja, Associate Planner, reminded the Commission that this was continued from the last meeting because they were concerned with how large and boxy the roof structure was. He stated that the applicant has submitted modifications to the roof design and pointed out the change in elevation. Commissioner Vuksic said this was definitely an improvement and moving in the right direction. However, he was still concerned with the sensitivity to proportions and design; specifically around the windows. It appears that all the windows are the same height with a lot of flat walls, particularly above the windows. He said he doesn't see a lot of tailoring around the windows and thought there was an opportunity to break up that front. He suggested creating other little roof elements in those areas. Commissioner Clark asked if decorative pop-outs on the windows or frame could help. Commissioner Vuksic said it would help if the columns and windows were widened and related to each other. It is something that the Commission reviews on tract homes, but this is much more than a tract home. MR. HERB JACKSON, applicant, discussed his dreams of building this home and getting a VA loan. He wants to build this as a legacy for his three children. He talked about doing all types of work to the house after moving in; stone work around the windows and around the back. He is hoping the Commission considers all these issues in their evaluation. To do all the revisions that the Commission has recommended would cost an additional $15,000 to $20,000. He GAPlanning\Janine JudyWRC\1Minutes\2014\140722min.docx Page 5 of 14 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES July 22, 2014 voluntarily moved the pad back another 10' from the street to make the 18' height look a little better and not have such an impact on the neighbors or the neighborhood. MR. JONATHAN PELEZZARE, residential designer, discussed the changes they made to the plans and felt it was a very handsome building. He stated that with landscaping and trees the house will look fantastic. He wanted to put in gables but the client would rather have the roof come down to an eave. He raised the front door to 10, and the windows up to 8'. Since his client wanted the higher ceilings, he was able to give him almost 12' in the living room and the kitchen. He described the slope of the roof and said this is not a normal roof slope for a tile roof. The amount of roof you see is in proportion to the building and is very minimal. The 18' is only at the ridge which is down the very center of the building. MR.JACKSON said this has been an eyesore for the neighbors for several years now and they have come by to thank him for building on the lot. This plan looks better than at least three homes on the street. MR. PELEZZARE said this is the plan that his client wants and he feels that he has made it as attractive as he could. He said it comes down to whether we allow his client to have the house he wants or do we want to make it something that we want. Commissioner Lambell said this is not an emotional thing that this Commission is doing; it is something for the City of Palm Desert. The Commission and the applicant discussed the stucco finish and the color. MR. JACKSON said it would be smooth stucco with a lighter color. He was planning on Italian clay roof tiles but, due to the cost, he will now go with concrete with a nice color to complement the neighborhood. Commissioner Clark and the applicant discussed the colors and MR. JACKSON said the plans do not show the colors because he still has to determine the colors and where they will be located. He thought this review was just for the height. Commissioner Colombini said the colors also have to be reviewed by this Commission. Commissioner Levin asked what was being approved. MR. TONY BAGATO, Principal Planner, said the Commission would be approving the height, but in approving the height, they have to look at the design in relationship to the character. Commissioner Levin and the applicant discussed the proposed walls and MR. JACKSON described the walls on the sides and the rear of the property and said there will also be a wall in the front to G\'Ianninc\Janine Judy\ARC\1 Minutes\2014\140722min.dou Page 6 of 14 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES July 22, 2014 hide the utilities and the air-conditioning unit. Mr. Bagato said all new homes are required to have a 5' high wall on the street side to enclose the property if there is not one already. Chair Van Vliet said the applicant is telling this Commission that he will enhance the house at a later date, however, he felt that once this is approved, the applicant doesn't have to do anything more than this. He said all proposed plans should be on the renderings at the beginning. MR. JACKSON said he doesn't have the money and if you drive through the neighborhood you would see at least two or three homes that don't look half as good as this one does. Chair Van Vliet said they have no way to compel the applicant to improve the house in the future. Commissioner Clark said this is not relevant. The Commission has to look at what is before us today and assume what is going to be there. While everyone makes improvements to their home over time, that could happen a year from now or 20 years from now; or never. Commissioner Vuksic said he might disagree on whether there are homes in this neighborhood that are better articulated than this. He said articulation is the most important thing. At this point, he doesn't think the basic massing was done well and the stone isn't really going to help. This Commission doesn't tend to hold houses to a really high standard, but we do hold them to some standard. The Commission is not trying to design this house. We are trying to develop a minimal standard that is acceptable. This is the same standard we use for tract homes that are half this size. He feels this isn't a lot to ask for. He suggested adding more layers to the front to get it up to that standard, as well as more layers around the windows and adding more roof forms. The applicant needs to do a little more of that, as well as tailor the massing around the window forms so they look like they are working together. Commissioner McIntosh said contrary to what the applicant believes this Commission is not here to give applicants a hard time. We have a responsibility to the community to approve homes because it has architectural merit. He suggested that the applicant drive up and down the street to get a better grasp of the context of where he is building. He thought there wasn't a single house on that street that was 18' tall. He has a lot of compassion for the applicant and his budget but if he builds the home at 15' tall it wouldn't come before this Commission. He is hearing about the applicant's budget and feels he could design a lower building that would save him a lot of grief. And even though we are not here to G:\Planning\JanineJudyWRC\1Minutes\2014\140722min.docx Page 7 of 14 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES July 22, 2014 discuss his budgetary issues, he feels for the applicant and some thought should be given to that. Chair Van Vliet suggested that instead of having 12' or 13' high ceilings the applicant could lower the entire roof structure creating less height on the inside and save lots of money. MR. PELEZZARE said he suggested that to the applicant. MR. JACKSON asked what would happen if he lowered the house to 15'. Mr. Bagato said staff would review the plans over the counter and it wouldn't be critiqued any more than beyond what the overall standards are. Commissioner Vuksic and MR. PELEZZARE discussed the level of articulation on the front elevation. Commissioner Vuksic said to keep it simple. He thinks the pop-out hip roof on the side is a good move to help break it up. Commissioner Lambell wants this applicant to have his dream home and something to be proud of in the City of Palm Desert, but this isn't it. She moved for a denial based on what has been submitted and discussed to date. Chair Van Vliet asked if this is a denial as opposed to a continuance. Commissioner Lambell said there was enough work here that needs to be done and felt it needed to be denied rather than applying this band-aid and that band-aid. Chair Van Vliet called for a second to this motion. The motion died due to lack of a second. Commissioner McIntosh asked for clarification on denial versus continuance. Mr. Bagato said if it is denied, the applicant can ask for an appeal and move forward or he could redesign it and come back to ARC. Commissioner McIntosh asked what would benefit the client at this point. Mr. Bagato said if the applicant wanted to seek an appeal to the City Council, a denial would allow him to do that. Chair Van Vliet said the other option would be to allow this Commission to continue it and allow the client to decide what direction he wants to take and come back in two weeks. MR. JACKSON said he would like to come back. Commissioner Lambell amended her motion and moved for a continuance. Chair Van Vliet asked for further discussion. Commissioner Colombini said that when it comes back, it should include the exterior color and the mechanical equipment in the front should be screened. Commissioner Vuksic made the second. G 'lanninca\JanineJudy\ARC\1Minutes\2014\140722min.docx Page 8 of 14 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES July 22, 2014 ACTION: Commissioner Lambell moved to continue subject to 1) adding more articulation on the front elevation; 2) tailor the massing around windows; 3) provide screening for ground-mounted equipment; and 4) submittal of a materials board. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Vuksic and carried by an 8-0 vote, with Clark, Colombini, Lambell, Levin, McIntosh, Van Vliet and Vuksic voting YES and McAuliffe absent. NOTE: Staff requested that an additional item be added to the Agenda. Commission concurred. It was moved by Chair Van Vliet, seconded by Commissioner Lambell, adding Case No. ODP 13-210 to the agenda. Motion carried by a 6-0-2 vote, with Commissioners McIntosh and Vuksic absent. 1. CASE NO: ODP 13-210 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): CAFE DES BEAUX-ARTS, 73- 640 El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of new awning: Caf6 Des Beaux-Arts. LOCATION: 73-520 El Paseo ZONE: C-1, S.P. MR. SERGIO GARCIA, representative, presented the 12" overlay to be placed in front of the awning. He said there is also a 1" offset for the metal band as recommended and said they will also have LED rope lighting inside the overlay. ACTION: Commissioner Lambell moved to approve. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Levin and carried by a 6-0-2 vote, with Clark, Colombini, Lambell, Levin, McAuliffe and Van Vliet voting YES and McIntosh and Vuksic absent. GAPlanning\JanineJudy\ARC\1Minutes\2014\140722min.docx Page 9 of 14 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES July 22, 2014 B. Preliminary Plans: 1. CASE NO: CUP 14-121 APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: AT&T MOBILITY, 1265 N. Van Buren Street, Anaheim, CA 92807 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of a stealth commercial communication facility; Palm Desert Oasis Seventh-day Adventist Church. LOCATION: 74-200 Country Club Drive ZONE: P.R.-5 Mr. Eric Ceja, Associate Planner, said back in May of this year the Commission saw plans to add a cupola to the Seventh-day Adventist Church on Country Club Drive. At that meeting, the Commission reviewed the plans and made recommendations to enhance the cupola, ensuring that the roof tile matches the existing roof tiles, revising the color of the service walk to match the roof tiles, and to articulate the recess panels on the cupola so the arches will match the design of the church. The applicant has revised their construction drawings and staff is recommending approval. Commissioner Vuksic said at the last meeting they discussed the thinness of the columns between the openings, yet they still looked pretty thin. It appears that they cut down on the openings by curving the bottom and felt it doesn't look like the neo-classic architecture of the building. He suggested they leave the bottom more horizontal and use the extra mass to thicken up the columns. MS. SHANNON NICHOLS, representative, asked if they would prefer to see the windows flat at the bottom instead of rounded by matching the window detail exactly and the Commission said yes. Commissioner Vuksic asked if the columns between the openings could get a little bit thicker. MS. NICHOLS said she would check into that and was sure that they could make the material out of radio frequency transparent material. She understood that at the last meeting the Commission asked for windows that had openings that matched the windows of the church. The architect should have made it flat and more proportional; however this was not done. She stated that she didn't have a problem doing that. G\ 'lanning\Janine Judy\ARC\1Minutes\2014\140722min.docx Page 10 of 14 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES July 22, 2014 ACTION: Commissioner Clark moved to preliminary approve subject to 1) previous recommendations shall be reviewed by staff; 2) elevation revisions to be reviewed by staff prior to the Planning Commission meeting; 3) the bottom of the windows shall be horizontal; and 4) the columns between the openings shall be thicker. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Vuksic and carried by an 8-0 vote, with Clark, Colombini, Lambell, Levin, McAuliffe, McIntosh, Van Vliet and Vuksic voting YES. 2. CASE NO: MISC 14-130 APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: KRISTI HANSON ARCHITECTS, 72-185 Painters Path, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of a new 22,397 square-foot building to house 52 luxury cars for Bighorn residents; The Vault. LOCATION: 182 Metate Place ZONE: P.C.D., D Mr. Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner, said this project is known as The Vault and it has been before this Commission previously as a preliminary discussion. He described the project and where it will be located in Bighorn. He mentioned that the Planning Commission recently approved a Development Plan for the Mountains at Bighorn and established pad elevations, building heights, and setbacks. The building height for all new homes and structures will be 20'. He pointed out that this structure complies with that condition. This lot was approved for either an amenity use or a residential lot. The applicant is proposing a 22,400 square-foot amenity lot. This will be a vault for the residents of Bighorn to house their luxury cars. He presented a site plan, landscape plan, and story pole photos for review. This was advertised to 82 homes within Bighorn, as well as the County and Silver Spur. Staff did not hear from any of the residents. MR. STEVE CORNER, architect, said their major concern was the massing and the overall feel of the building; which is an auto storage building. They were also concerned with the view from outside Cahuilla Hills and discussed the landscape plan to help with the massing. He pointed out that due to the size of the existing Mesquite trees, you cannot see the bulk of the building from anywhere to the northwest of Cahuilla Hills. Most of their concern GAPlanning\JanineJudyWRC\1Minutes\2014\140722min.docx Page 11 of 14 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES July 22, 2014 was down on the lower portion and from the Silver Spur Estates. The building will be air-conditioned and will have five units on the roof, which will be screened from view on all sides. They decided to screen the units just in case of any possibility of viewing. Commissioner Clark asked if this would move on to the Planning Commission or will this Commission have the final decision. Mr. Swartz said this Commission will have the final approval since City Council approved the development plan for Bighorn. The Commission and staff discussed the grading plan, lighting, lounge, and outdoor deck. Commissioner Clark was concerned with noise to the adjoining properties and asked how that was controlled. Mr. Bagato said the City has a standard noise ordinance that all homeowners must comply with. Mr. Swartz pointed out that lighting was not proposed for the outdoor deck and MR. CORNER said there would only be lighting on the covered roof. The outdoor deck is covered and will have recessed can lights in that area. There will be no lights outside of that area other than a few up- scape lights for some of the large trees. Chair Van Vliet was concerned with parking and MR. CORNER stated there will only be one employee on staff and they anticipate only golf carts being allowed up at this site. If they do have an event, they will park off site and the guests will be shuttled to The Vault. Commissioner Levin pointed out a wash bay area and MR. CORNER said Public Works reviewed that and suggested creating a drain on the outside. Mr. Swartz informed the Commission that a Water Quality Management Plan was approved. Commissioner Vuksic noticed that the forest of Mesquite trees below The Vault are shown on the slope and wondered how they will do in that area. MR. CORNER said they worked with the Bighorn Landscape Committee on this area. They will most likely flatten this area a bit on certain portions to be able to get a base for the trees and still get large enough trees to break up the whole area. Commissioner Levin was concerned with the 15% slope of the driveway coming into The Vault. He and the applicant discussed this and Mr. Swartz said they will check with Public Works. G 'Ianninc\Janine Judy\ARC\1Minutes\2014\140722min.docx Page 12 of 14 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES July 22, 2014 Commissioner McIntosh referred to a house to the north just below The Vault and felt this was the only real impact of The Vault off-site. MR. CORNER said that was one of the concerns with the Bighorn Committee who worked with the homeowner to provide better plantings along that slope. Mr. Swartz said he spoke with Carl Cardanelli with Bighorn who has given renderings to the Silver Spur Mobile Home Association. Chair Van Vliet was concerned with the impact and visibility to the neighbors, as well as the lighting and suggested down lighting. MR. CORNER agreed and said there is also a glass railing that could get some reflection and they have discussed going to a cable rail type system on the edge to make sure there is no reflection. Bighorn has a very stringent lighting ordinance for up-lighting and down-lighting and he understands that looking up at the underside of the roof could be a concern because the recessed can lighting may be too bright. The Commission continued to discuss the lighting, valet parking, and the "In" and "Out" traffic flow of the vehicles entering and exiting The Vault. Commissioner McAuliffe referred to the pathway from the street down to The Vault and said there is about a 22' drop with no barrier and felt this could be hazardous. He suggested that this area be planted heavily. MR. CORNER agreed that the planting should be heavier so someone doesn't get off the path and over to that area. ACTION: Commissioner Lambell moved to preliminary approve subject to: 1) reviewing outdoor lighting; and 2) adding landscaping to the path of travel on the rear slope. Motion was seconded by Commissioner McIntosh and carried by an 8-0 vote, with Clark, Colombini, Lambell, Levin, McAuliffe, McIntosh, Van Vliet and Vuksic voting YES. C. Miscellaneous Items: None GAPlanning\JanineJudyWRC\1Minutes\2014\140722min.docx Page 13 of 14 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES July 22, 2014 Vil. COMMENTS None VII. ADJOURNMENT Upon a motion by Commissioner Lambell, second by Commissioner McAuliffe, and a 6-0-2 vote, with Clark, Colombini, Lambell, Levin, McAuliffe, and Van Vliet voting YES, and McIntosh and Vuksic absent, the Architectural Review Commission meeting was adjourned at 2:30 p.m. TONY BAGA , PRINCIPAL PLANNER C' =CRETARY E J U 1= CARDING SECRETARY G 1'lanninc\Janine Judy\ARC\1Minutes\2014\140722min.docx Page 14 of 14