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��•�� CITY OF PALM DESERT
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ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
• • MINUTES
May 27, 2014
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 12:30 p.m.
I1. ROLL CALL
Commissioners Current Meeting Year to Date
Present Absent Present Absent
Chris Van Vliet, Chair X 10
Karel Lambell, Vice Chair X 9 1
Paul �lark X 9 1
Gene Colombini X 10
Allan Levin X 9 1
Michael McAuliffe X 9 1
Jim Mclntosh X 10
John Vuksic X 10
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
III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: May 13, 2014
Action:
Chair Van Vliet moved to approve the May 13, 2014 meeting minutes.
Motion was seconded by Commissioner Clark and carried by a 7-0-1 vote,
with Clark, Colombini, Lambell, McAuliffe, Mclntosh, Van Vliet and Vuksic
voting YES and Levin absent.
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t��2CHITECTURAL RE�1N COMMISSION �
I�IINUTES May 27, 2014
�, CASES:
A. Final Drawings:
1. CASE NO: SA 14-176
APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: BEST SIGNS, INC. 1550 S. Gene
Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92264
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of
three wall signs; Flooring Innovations.
LOCATION: 74-527 Highway 111
ZONE: C-1
(',��mmissioner Vuksic recused himself and left the conference room.
Mr. Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner, presented a proposal for three
wall signs and said it is coming before the Commission because
code states that if a building has frontage over 100 square-feet the
Commission has to approve it. He said Sign 1 will be located facing
Highway 111, Sign 2 will face Deep Canyon Drive, and Sign 3 will
face the parking lot to the east. All the signs are 40-square feet and
meet the code. Staff recommends approval, with the suggestion
that Sign 2 be centered on the west element.
Commissioner Mclntosh said the sign on the west facing element is
heavy on that side in its composition and not symmetrical so to him
it works as an overall composition. The Commission agreed.
ACTION:
Commissioner Lambell moved to approve signs as presented. Motion was
seconded by Commissioner McAuliffe and carried by a 6-0-0-2 vote, with
Clark, Colombini, Lambell, McAuliffe, Mclntosh, Van Vliet, voting YES and
Levin and Vuksic absent.
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ARCHITECTURAL RE4�,,,JV COMMISSION �
MINUTES May 27, 2014
2. CASE NO: MISC 14-20
APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: PANERA LLC, 3630 S. Geyer
Road, Suite 100, Sunset Hills, MO 63127
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of
construction plans; Panera Bread.
LOCATION: 34180 Monterey Avenue
ZONE: P.C.-(3)
Mr. Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner, presented the construction
plans for the new Panera Bread restaurant and went through the
recommendations made by the Commission at a previous meeting.
The Commission reviewed and discussed the constructions plans.
Commissioner Vuksic said at the last meeting the Commission was
concerned about it all being flush on the northeast corner and
pointed out there wasn't a change in plane. They also reviewed and
discussed the rake eave detail and the trellis hardware.
ACTION:
Commissioner Vuksic moved to approve subject to: 1) the cornice on the
north elevation main building shall be less than 10" to die into the tower
element at the northeast corner; 2) rake eave detail on the north elevation
at west end shall be done in such a way to die into the main building
mass; 3) change the metal hardware on the southwest corner that
connects the trellis pieces to something more architecturally aesthetic; and
4) changes shall be reviewed by staff. Motion was seconded by
Commissioner Mclntosh and carried by a 7-0-1 vote, with Clark,
Colombini, Lambell, McAuliffe, Mclntosh, Van Vliet and Vuksic voting YES
and Levin absent.
3. CASE NO: MISC 14-162
APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: ERIC VORTRIEDE, 40-865
Avenida Estrada, Palm Desert, CA 92260
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of
residential paint colors.
LOCATION: 40-865 Avenida Estrada
ZONE: P.R.-5
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Mr. Eric Ceja, Associate Planner, presented this paint color change
and said Code Compliance responded to a neighborhood complaint
about the paint color and directed the property owner to Planning.
He went out to perform a site visit and feels that the paint color
does not match well with the bluish grey roof and is not compatible
with the neighborhood; which is mostly pastels. While he was out
there, he spoke with a neighbor who was not in favor of the paint
color. He presented photos of the home and the neighborhood for
review. Staff is not recommending approval of the paint color.
MR. ERIC VORTRIEDE, applicant, said he has lived at this
property since 2003 and said the selection of this color was made
by driving around the surrounding neighborhoods to get ideas from
other homes. His house needed to be painted just like many of the
homes in the neighborhood. He also mentioned they converted
their lawn to desert landscaping. He said there are two houses to
the east with colors very close to his color, along with desert
landscaping. Had he known there was any kind of restriction he
would have come in for a permit. His painter, who has worked in
the valley for 30 years, wasn't aware of this ordinance. He believes
this has increased his property value and hopes this entices his
neighbors to paint their homes. He pointed out there are several
neighbors who absolutely love this color.
Commissioner Lambell said it appears that this applicant is the first
one to make a drastic change from what currently exists in the
neighborhood. However, if one neighbor wanted to paint their
house a sky blue and another one paints theirs the color of a palm
tree, then pretty soon the street will look like a patch work quilt.
That is certainly not indicative of Palm Desert nor would it be
indicative of the applicant's neighborhood where everyone is in the
same tonal range. She explained to the applicant that he could
certainly break away from this pastel color and use a color that it is
not as strong as the yellow and still make a statement. She
suggested looking at desert colors and to paint his house
accordingly.
Commissioner Clark agreed and said he looked at the whole
neighborhood and the uniformity of the color in the neighborhood is
something that he doesn't blame people for wanting to get away
from. Trying to get away from the bland color is good, but with this
color the applicant has gone overboard. Mr. Ceja felt this wasn't
compatible with the neighborhood but understands there isn't a
need to match every house to the same color palette. However, it is
a strong color and doesn't match with the bluish grey roof tiles.
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ARCHITECTURAL REV�,�,,�IV COMMISSION �
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Commissioner Mclntosh said sometimes this color can be a good
accent color, but not necessarily a good color for the body mass of
the building because it contrasts with the neighborhood. He agrees
that the neighborhood is washed out and in need of something,
however this color jumps out. This Commission has to find the
harmony in the community and what works.
Commissioner Clark asked what the applicant can do if this is
denied. Mr. Tony Bagato, Principal Planner, said the applicant can
appeal the decision to City Council (Council). If it is denied through
Council, the applicant will have to change the color or ask for a
continuance to modify it somehow. As presented today, it would
have to change it or be denied.
MR. VORTRIEDE felt they made a very careful decision. He
admitted to feeling a little put upon with the way this matter came
up. He has done nothing but improve the property value of his
house. He understands where the City is coming from looking at it
from the prospective of the neighborhood harmony.
The Commission and the applicant discussed the entire home
being painted with one color and the architectural elements on the
home. Commissioner Vuksic said he didn't want the Commission to
mislead the applicant. He didn't think the applicant could keep the
mustard color in certain spots and add another color. Looking at the
photo this house stands out even from a distance. To be
acceptable, it will take a pretty good effort to adjust colors to make
this blend with the neighborhood.
Mr. Bagato said if this had been painted prior to 2003, the City
wasn't requiring approval at that time. However, since the current
ordinance became effective in 2004, the City has tried to inform
residents through the Brightside and press releases because this is
something that most property owners are not aware of especially
ones with HOAs.
ACTION:
Commissioner Lambell moved to deny Case No. MISC 14-162. Motion
was seconded by Commissioner Vuksic and carried by a 7-0-1 vote, with
Clark, Colombini, Lambell, McAuliffe, Mclntosh, Van Vliet and Vuksic
voting YES and Levin absent.
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N�TE:
���laff requested that an additional item be added to the Agenda. Commission concurred.
I�: was moved by Commissioner Clark, and seconded by Chair Van Vliet, adding Case
�J��. MISC 10-238 to the agenda. Motion carried 7-0-1 vote, with Clark, Colombini,
L.::�mbell, McAuliffe, Mclntosh, Van Vliet and Vuksic voting YES and Levin absent.
4. CASE NO: MISC 10-238
APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: AMERICAN AWNING, Jim Sadler,
1717 E. Vista Chino, Ste A7-416, Palm Springs, CA 92262
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Amendment to
the original approval of exterior awnings; Sidney Properties.
LOCATION: 73-760 EI Paseo
ZONE: C1-SP
Mr. Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner, said this project for sail
awnings has returned to the Commission and presented photos of
the mock-ups; one at 3' high and the other at 6' high. At the last
meeting, part of the Commission's concern with the sail awnings
was how they tie into the building and requested a better design.
They also had concerns with the pole being visible from the street.
He presented a PowerPoint with the new design proposal.
MR. SEAN PRIDY, Risk Manager with Hargrove, said this concept
was put together before they changed the storefront. They have
gone through the building and demolished quite a bit of the build-up
that was there and essentially restored the building back to a
configuration more suitable for mixed-office use and retail. The
concept is to have retail appeal from EI Paseo and with the sail
concept they were trying to come up with something more
interesting than the previous look. They realized the first submittal
of the 3' high sail awning was too low so they increased the height
to 6'. He went through the PowerPoint presentation to show the
Commission the proposed awning changes and asked them for
their guidance so they can get moving in the right direction. He
suggested that perhaps rather than one solo color the sail cloth
could be a mix of colors. MR. JIM SADLER, American Awnings,
said they could alternate the colors so that it doesn't have to be all
the burgundy color previously approved.
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� ARCHITECTURAL RE�„N COMMISSION �
MINUTES May 27, 2014
Mr. Tony Bagato, Principal Planner, said the direction from the
Commission from the last meeting was to engage an architect to
integrate this into the building. He was a little concerned that the
applicant is asking the Commissioners to help design the awning
and that is not their role.
Commissioner Mclntosh said this should be an art form, like a
sculpture to stand out similar to the sculptures down the median on
EI Paseo. He asked how the sails were relevant to this building and
how the signage will be a part of the building's composition.
MR. PRIDY said they will have an architect pull this all together to
show the Commission how this design will tie into the building. He
pointed out that the elevation on EI Paseo will have awnings with
signage, but on the San Luis Rey Avenue side they will not have
the opportunity to have signage.
The Commission and the applicant reviewed and discussed the
trellis. MR. PRIDY said the sail feature will be up on top of the
building to add height to the building and the trellis would stay to
provide shade. The Commission asked about missing trellis
members. MR. PRIDY explained that the trellis members were
damaged and already missing prior to the purchase of the building.
However, the direction from the owner is to put the members back.
Commissioner Vuksic said they are cursed with a building with
some architectural uniqueness and it is very true to that period. To
do something that is so drastically different than what is there will
take real care. He believes they are on the right track with their
current proposal and feels that it is starting to look like a sculpture
and that is what this needs. It needs to be something so drastically
different but elegant that will complement the building. MR.
SADLER feels the awnings won't take away from the look or design
of the building but they want a more updated look. Commissioner
Vuksic said if you create a free-form that will start to work. MR.
PRIDY said the photo doesn't do it much justice, but they wanted to
capture some interest and raise the eye to the overall view.
Commissioner Lambell said the devil is in the details and how
everything connects and the color will be important. It is a
significant building on EI Paseo and this Commission doesn't want
it to look like a circus tent. She reminded them again that they may
want to engage an architect to get the scale and scope of the
project so that it enhances the building as well as EI Paseo.
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Commissioner Mclntosh felt this has merit and reminded them that
the pole is just as important as the canvas. He pointed out that
there are two forces fighting each other; the pole and the canvas. If
the pole was more significant, it will help in the overall design. The
Commission will be looking for a stand-alone sculptural statement.
Commissioner Vuksic said it should look like something that just
grew there completely separate and independent from the building.
ACTION:
Commissioner Clark moved to continue based on Commissioner's
comments. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Lambell and carried
by a 7-0-1 vote, with Clark, Colombini, Lambell, McAuliffe, Mclntosh, Van
Vliet and Vuksic voting YES and Levin absent.
B. Preliminary Plans:
1. CASE NO: CUP 14-121
APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: AT&T MOBILITY, 1265 N. Van
Buren St., 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 this request is for an
installation of a stealth communication facility that will replace the
existing church spire with a cupola at the same height of the
existing spire of 40'. The cupola will be designed to be
architecturally compatible with the church; stucco, with paint and
red roof tiles to match the existing church. Per code, the City
encourages these new facilities to be stealth on new or existing
commercial buildings. The City also regulates tower heights and
this tower complies with the code. There are recessed panels
incorporated into the cupola design and staff is recommending that
something be done there. They are also proposing a 160 square-
foot equipment shelter located on a flat portion of the church's roof
enclosed by a 6' high stucco screen wall that will be painted to
match the existing screen walls of the church. He presented photos
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of the cupola, equipment shelter and the surrounding area.
Because of the location of the equipment shelter 130' away they
will lay down black rubber mats as a walkway on top of the roof tile
for added safety. These mats will be placed at the back of the
building and not visible from Country Club and staff is
recommending that these pads match the roof color to blend in
better. Staff is also recommending that conduit running from the
equipment enclosure to the cupola not be exposed on the outside
of the building, but rather it should run underneath the building's
roof. Staff is recommending approval based on its architectural
compatibility with the existing building.
The Commission discussed using spandrel glass on the cupola to
match the windows on the church. MR DAVE KAZMER, AT&T
representative, said they cannot use glass because it reflects or
refracts the frequency. Instead they will use Radio Frequency
Panels (RFPs) so all radio frequencies can push through. The
RFPs will be painted a lighter black or a grey to match the tint on
the church windows.
Commissioner Vuksic discussed the cupola's design and
suggested articulating the recess panels on the cupola with arches
on the tops instead of it looking so utilitarian. The Commission and
MR. KAZMER discussed structural loads.
Commissioner Lambell felt that the black mats on the roof are not a
good idea. MR. KAZMER said the rubber mats would be placed on
a sloped area that is not visible from the public right-of-way. It will
be behind the cupola and recessed all the way to the equipment
shelter. He said they can color match the mats to the Spanish tiles.
The Commission discussed the conduit line, the height of the
building, and the screening wall. Commissioner Vuksic suggested
that the panels on the cupola mimic the church windows with
customized FRP louver vents with a pattern to match the mullions.
MR. KAZMER said they will look into that. However, it will come
down to cost. Each project has a certain budget they have to stick
to and when they get into details like this it keeps adding costs. He
wanted the Commission to be aware of their budget.
The Commission and the applicant discussed the roof tiles, roof
access and creating some architectural interest and suggested
submitting photo sims with the changes.
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ACTION:
Commissioner Vuksic moved to continue subject to 1) roof tile on the
cupola to match existing roof tile; 2) revise service walk color to match
existing roof tile; 3) articulate the recess panels on the cupola with arches
on the tops; 4) mimic the church windows with customized FRP louver
vents with a pattern to match the mullions; and 5) provide photo sims.
Motion was seconded by Commissioner Clark and carried by a 7-0-1 vote,
with Clark, Colombini, Lambell, McAuliffe, Mclntosh, Van Vliet and Vuksic
voting YES and Levin absent.
C. Miscellaneous Items:
None
�'I. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES UPDATE — Commissioner John Vuksic
Commissioner Vuksic informed the Commission that the May meeting was
cancelled.
��II. COMMENTS
Staff discussed changes to commercial antennas and the wood picket fence on
Minnesota Avenue that was called up for review by the City Council.
�'lll. ADJOURNMENT
Upon a motion by Commissioner Mclntosh, second by Commissioner Lambell,
and a 7-0-1 vote, with Clark, Colombini, Lambell, McAuliffe, Mclntosh, Van Vliet
and Vuksic voting YES, and Levin absent, the Architectural Review Commission
meeting was adjourned at 1:10 p.m.
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T'f;)NY BAGATO, RINCIPAL PLANNER
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F;I} DING SECRETARY
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