HomeMy WebLinkAboutC. PP 07-14 Bill Lang CITY OF PALM DESERT
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: Recommendation to the City Council of Palm Desert for the approval
of a Precise Plan amendment for an extensive remodel and minor
addition to an existing 76,195 square foot retail center on a 5.15-
acre site bounded by Highway 111, Larkspur Lane and El Paseo.
The remodel includes three architectural elements forty feet in
height. The project would include the following addresses: 73-547
to 73-613 Highway 111, 45-051 Larkspur Lane, and 73-540 to 73-
580 El Paseo. Façade remodeling would include the following
existing buildings: Jensen's Market and adjacent shops facing
Highway 111, Three Dog Bakery facing Larkspur Lane, and various
shop tenants in three buildings that face El Paseo located directly
behind (south) of the Jensen's shopping center.
SUBMITTED BY: Renee Schrader, Associate Planner
APPLICANT: Bill Lang ARCHITECT: Keith Palmer, AIA
Commerce Realty Bryant Palmer Soto
149 Palos Verde Blvd. Ste E 2601 Airport Drive
Redondo Beach, CA 90277 Torrance,CA 90505
CASE NO: PP 07-14
DATE: April 1, 2008
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Approval of a Precise Plan amendment would allow the Planning Commission to
recommend to the City Council approval of the design features of a
comprehensive façade remodel with new forms and materials proposed to
upgrade and update the Jensen's "Marketplace" along the City's Highway 111
visual corridor, a building façade facing Larkspur Lane, and numerous shops
along El Paseo. Approval of the project would increase the existing 76,195
square footage of building footprints by 7,000 square feet to a total of 83,195
square foot In addition, approval of the project request would specifically allow
(1) a new building to abut existing shops on El Paseo, (2) parking lot re-striping
to increase parking and planters for shade trees, (3) upgrades to meet the new
ADA standards, and finally (4) provide a new bus stop lane and landscaping
along the Highway 111 visual corridor. The design details and comprehensive
visual impacts of the project were approved by the Architectural Review
Commission at its meeting of February 26, 2008.
Staff Report
Case No. PP 07-14
April 1, 2008
Page 2 of 7
II. BACKGROUND:
A. Property Description:
The existing architectural character of property consists of two distinctly
different components. The "El Paseo Plaza" portion consists of three low-
profile retail buildings facing El Paseo that were built in the 1980's at the
encouragement of the City to continue the El Paseo shopping district,
while screening the previously exposed rear service areas of the
"Marketplace" (Jensen's and other shops facing Highway 111).
The existing "Marketplace" can be characterized as a conventional
neighborhood shopping center built in the 1960's (anchored by Jensen's)
facing Highway 111 that was last remodeled in the 1980's. The existing
gas station on the corner of Larkspur and Highway 111 has recently
exercised a five-year lease extension and is not a part of this project at
this time.
B. Zoning and General Plan Designation:
Zone: C-1/SP General Commercial/Scenic Preservation
General Plan: C-C Community Commercial
C. Adjacent Zoning and Land Use:
North: C-1 General Commercial restaurant/retail
South: C-1 General Commercial restaurant/retail/offices
East: C-1 General Commercial restaurant/retail/offices
West: C-1 General Commercial restaurant/retail/offices
III. PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Proposed improvements include complete façade remodeling of the existing
buildings, a complete remodel of the existing parking areas with the proposed
additional floor area of 7,000 square feet of infill shop space along the El Paseo
frontage for a contiguous "boutique" street front and an overall enhancement of
the El Paseo Shopping District.
A. Site Plan:
The location and configuration of the existing building footprint areas are not
proposed to change. The site plan proposes a new 5,000 square-foot retail
space on the El Paseo side that would be constructed over an existing
small parking lot between the properties. A pedestrian path would render
access to parking proposed in the rear that includes handicap spaces.
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Staff Report
Case No. PP 07-14
April 1, 2008
Page 3 of 7
Proposed pedestrian access also allows accessibility from El Paseo to the
Jensen's "Marketplace" consistent with existing conditions.
Along the El Paseo façades, the open areas between the buildings will
become small 900 square-foot tenant spaces. An additional expansion of
200 square feet and the construction of a new 5,000 square-foot tenant
space would occur at the west end creating a total of 7,000 new square feet
of retail on El Paseo.
A metal truss is proposed over the Larkspur alley entrance behind buildings
E, F and D on the Jensen's side. This truss would unify the project as one
with the El Paseo Plaza remodel and invite pedestrians towards the shops
on the Highway 111 side. Currently, a dry cleaner tenant operates in a
space that fronts a walkway between the two main buildings on the
Jensen's market side; and whose shop-front is not readily visible. To create
greater visual interest, this area would be unified with an architectural arch
providing an opportunity for signage.
The emergency access on the site plan has been approved by the Fire
Department and it has been determined that there is sufficient circulation to
build the new 5,000 square-foot addition despite the removal of access from
El Paseo to the existing parking lot.
B. Building Description:
Each of the buildings will remain single story, but will be heightened with
contemporary Spanish Colonial type architectural cupolas and roofs. The
proposed infill areas along El Paseo would also have a heightened
appearance that would add interest with architectural elements.
Additional façade enhancement through material unification and form
articulation is proposed continuously along El Paseo and on the Jensen's
market place faces. A truss element will unite the Three Dog Bakery
building along the Larkspur façade with the El Paseo buildings on their
Larkspur-facing street fronts. Signage on the Jensen's "Marketplace" side
will be more relevant as the monolithic fascias become compartmentalized
to the actual tenant spaces that they define.
C. Architecture:
The proposed architecture aims to bring both the El Paseo facades and
the Highway 111 façades into an increasingly neo-traditional, pedestrian-
friendly design vernacular; spoken with articulated interests and enhanced
entrances, which more clearly define the current buildings. On the
Highway 111 frontage, the update would remove mono-morphic fascias
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Staff Report
Case No. PP 07-14
April 1, 2008
Page 4 of 7
and repetitive pillars, which currently fail to convey any human-scale
sensibilities.
The proposed architecture is in a Contemporary Mediterranean style,
which would be expressed with barrel tile and painted stucco walls. Where
additions are being introduced on the El Paseo side, the roof materials
would match existing. A variety of awning shapes are offered in concept,
including quarter spheres over entrances where heightened cupolas are
proposed. The new architecture brings facades forward to meet the
sidewalk and the eye, and would utilize multi-shaped and multi-colored
awnings to further accent diverse frontages. Paint would be modulated on
walls to provide interest from off-white to almond shades.
The proposed remodel develops new consistent roof façade treatments
that will help to unify the two components (Highway 111 and El Paseo) of
the project, which will be renamed "El Paseo Plaza and Marketplace".
Taller infill buildings and the corner tower at El Paseo and Larkspur Lane
are intended to improve the project's stature within the El Paseo Shopping
District and complement more recent developments on El Paseo, such as
The Gardens, which is located directly across the street.
To further enhance the El Paseo frontage, it is proposed that new
sidewalk paving with special plaza treatments in front of the new infill
shops would be installed (with the City's cooperation) from the store fronts
over the property line and to the street curb wherever possible.
A new bus stop bay is proposed on Highway 111 and new landscape will
screen the parking lot. The Jensen's parking lot facing Highway 111 will
be planted with additional trees. A fresh palette of plant material will be
installed along Highway 111.
Signage and awning improvements are intended to complement the
project's new image. Separate submittals will be processed for approvals
as future tenants are identified and project details are further developed.
IV. ANALYSIS:
A. Parking:
The parking requirement for the new additions is 28 spaces and the
proposed project will provide 30. These have been essentially created due
to restriping and to the placement of parking along the building walkways
on the "Marketplace" parking lot. ADA-compliant spaces have been added
to update the project to today's standards. The project proposes to
substantially increase the number of trees in the "Marketplace" parking lot.
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Staff Report
Case No. PP 07-14
April 1, 2008
Page 5 of 7
Landscape and pedestrian paving enhancements will help encourage
customer circulation from the enhanced parking lot through retail arcades
to the shops fronting on Larkspur Lane and El Paseo.
The existing and proposed parking lot areas are as follows:
Sheet PAE-1 Existing Parking Area Exhibit
Existing Highway 111 Parking Lot(without gas station parcel) 87,376.8 S.F. 170 Spaces
Existing Service Area(Rear& Side) Parking Lot 37,949.3 S.F. 46 Spaces
Total Existing 125,326.1 S.F. 216 Spaces
Sheet PAE-2 Proposed Parking Area Exhibit
Proposed Highway 111 Parking Lot (without gas station parcel) 83,274.6 S.F. 210 Spaces
Proposed Service Area(Rear& Side) Parking Lot 33,436.2 S.F. 36 Spaces
Total Proposed 116,710.8 S.F. 246 Spaces
Net Gain for 7,000 S.F. Additional Floor Area (28 required) 30 Spaces
B. Height:
Predominant portions of existing buildings will remain unchanged. In some
portions of the proposed remodeling, the height will rise from 25 to 28 feet
(30 feet is the building height limit for roofs in the General Commercial
zone); however, cupola elements are proposed to be as high as 34 feet in
the infill portions and 40 feet on the El Paseo corners, (Section 25.56.300
allows tower elements to be 55 feet in the C-1 Zone). A 40-foot cupola is
proposed to designate the main entry to the Jensen's "Marketplace." The
only segments above the 30-foot height limit are architectural elements
that occur at the infill portions and El Paseo corners and at the Jensen's
Market entrance.
An approval from the City Council would be required to construct the 40-
foot architectural elements.
C. Density:
While tenant density is not an issue in the El Paseo Commercial District,
visual density and monotony is a negative impact. It should be noted that
the proposed upgrades would minimize the existing visual density through
the use of mass-balancing produced by added height and bulk
differentials.
D. Findings of Approval:
1. In accordance with Municipal Code Section 25.73 Precise Plan, the
Planning Commission may find that if the proposed precise plan
would substantially depreciate property values in the vicinity or
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Case No. PP 07-14
April 1, 2008
Page 6 of 7
would unreasonably interfere with the use or enjoyment of property
in the vicinity by the occupants thereof for lawful purposes or would
endanger the public peace, health, safety or general welfare, such
plan shall be rejected or shall be so modified or conditioned before
adoption as to remove said objections.
The proposed plan, as designed, rather than degrade the
vicinity would upgrade and renew the weary facades on the
Highway 111 corridor, unify architecturally the El Paseo and
Highway 111 buildings, promote marketability to existing and
new tenants and remain consistent with the highest visual
quality expectations for the El Paseo shopping district. In
. addition the project proposes to improve accessibility by
conforming to the latest handicap access standards, and
proposes to provide a bus turn out and new landscaping.
Finally, parking to address proposed improvements as well
as respond to the requirements of the existing shops is
satisfied. An additional two net parking spaces have been
provided. Accessibility is improved.
2. In addition to the foregoing grounds of rejection, the Planning
Commission may also consider and take into account the exterior
architectural design, general exterior appearances, landscape,
color, texture of surface materials and exterior construction, shape
and bulk, and other physical characteristics including location and
type of public utility facilities, and if it is found that the proposed
precise plan of design, including the considerations enumerated in
this chapter would interfere with the orderly development in the
vicinity of the precise plan area, or with the existing or proposed
use thereof, such precise plan of design shall be rejected or shall
be so modified or conditioned before approval as to remove the
objections.
The proposed architectural style is iterated to convey a rich
mixture of individual storefronts and has been specified with
maximum attention to detailing of the architectural language
in such a manner as to provide a lasting positive contribution
to the built environment. Where an approval to exceed the
30-foot height limit is required, the architectural elements
enhance the street presence. The proposed materials and
forms will render an updated appearance.
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Staff Report
Case No. PP 07-14
April 1, 2008
Page 7 of 7
V. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
For purposes of CEQA, the Director of Community Development has determined
that the proposed project is a Class 3 Categorical Exemption per Section 15303
(New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) of the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
VI. CONCLUSION:
The appearance of every existing building in the project calls for enhancement
and upgrade in order to support the City's optimistic goals of attracting the best
tenants to the El Paseo Shopping District. The proposed tenant improvements
have been inspired by the successful remodel of the Uppercrust Store and the
new Diane's Beachwear Store on the El Paseo Plaza side of the property.
Approval of the facade remodel to the El Paseo Plaza and Marketplace would
promote a modern, upscale appeal that visitors to the new developments on the
El Paseo corridor could enjoy.
VII. RECOMMENDATION:
That the Planning Commission adopt the findings and adopt Planning
Commission Resolution No. , approving Precise Plan 07-14 for the El
Paseo Plaza and Marketplace, subject to conditions attached.
VIII. ATTACHMENTS:
A. Draft Resolution
B. Legal Notice
C. Architectural Review Commission Notice of Action and Minutes
D. Exhibits
Submitted by: Department Head:
—e e
R e Schra r Lauri Aylaia
Associate Planner Director of Community Development
Appr I:
Homer Croy
ACM for Dev I pment Services
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PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PALM
DESERT, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING TO THE CITY COUNCIL THE
APPROVAL OF A PRECISE PLAN AMENDMENT FOR AN EXTENSIVE
REMODEL AND MINOR ADDITION TO AN EXISTING 76,195 SQUARE
FOOT RETAIL CENTER ON A 5.15-ACRE SITE BOUNDED BY
HIGHWAY 111, LARKSPUR LANE AND EL PASEO. THE REMODEL
INCLUDES THREE ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS FORTY FEET IN
HEIGHT. THE PROJECT WOULD INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING
ADDRESSES: 73-547-73-613 HWY 111, 45051 LARKSPUR LANE, AND
73540- 73580 EL PASEO. FACADE REMODELING WOULD INCLUDE THE
FOLLOWING EXISTING BUILDINGS: JENSEN'S MARKET AND ADJACENT
SHOPS FACING HIGHWAY 111, THREE DOG BAKERY FACING
LARKSPUR LANE, AND VARIOUS SHOP TENANTS IN 3 BUILDINGS THAT
FACE EL PASEO LOCATED DIRECTLY BEHIND (SOUTH) OF THE
JENSEN'S SHOPPING PLAZA CENTER.
CASE NO. PP 07-14
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert, California, did on
the 1st day of April, 2008, hold a duly noticed public hearing to consider the request by the
BILL LANG/COMMERCE REALITY, for approval of the above noted; and
WHEREAS, said application has complied with the requirements of the "City of Palm
Desert Procedure for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act", Resolution
No. 06-78, in that the Director of Community Development has determined that the project is
a Class 3 Categorical Exemption per Section 15303 (New Construction or Conversion of
Small Structures) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and no further
environmental review is necessary; and
WHEREAS, at said public hearing, upon hearing and considering all testimony and
arguments, if any, of all interested persons desiring to be heard, said Planning Commission
did find the following facts and reasons to exist to justify approval of said request that:
1. In accordance with Municipal Code Section 25.73 Precise Plan, the Planning
Commission finds that if the proposed precise plan would substantially
depreciate property values in the vicinity or would unreasonably interfere with
the use or enjoyment of property in the vicinity by the occupants thereof for
lawful purposes or would endanger the public peace, health, safety or general
welfare, such plan shall be rejected or shall be so modified or conditioned
before adoption as to remove said objections.
The proposed plan, as designed, rather than degrade the vicinity would
upgrade and renew the weary facades on the Hwy 111 corridor, unify
architecturally the El Paseo and Hwy 111 buildings, promote marketability to
existing and new tenants and remain consistent with the highest visual quality
expectations for the El Paseo shopping district. In addition the project
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.
Finally, parking to address proposed improvements as well as respond to the
requirements of the existing shops is satisfied. An additional 2 net parking
spaces have been provided.
2. In addition to the foregoing grounds of rejection, the Planning Commission
may also consider and take into account the exterior architectural design,
general exterior appearances, landscape, color, texture of surface materials
and exterior construction, shape and bulk and other physical characteristics
including location and type of public utility facilities, and if it is found that the
proposed precise plan of design, including the considerations enumerated in
this chapter would interfere with the orderly development in the vicinity of the
precise plan area, or with the existing or proposed use thereof, such precise
plan of design shall be rejected or shall be so modified or conditioned before
approval as to remove the objections.
The proposed architectural style is iterated to convey a rich mixture of
individual storefronts and has been specified with maximum attention to
detailing of the architectural language in such a manner as to provide a
lasting positive contribution to the built environment. Where an approval to
exceed the 30 foot height limit is required, the architectural elements enhance
the street presence. The proposed materials and forms will render and
updated appearance.
3. The proposed Precise Plan complies with each of the applicable provisions of
the zoning ordinance and is consistent with the City's General Plan.
4. The proposed project will not be detrimental to the public health, safety or
general welfare, or materially injurious to properties or improvements in the
vicinity.
5. The proposed project will be an improvement and is consistent with the
surrounding uses and complies with the goals, objectives and policies of the
City's General Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of the City of
Palm Desert, California, as follows:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct and constitute the findings of the
Commission in this case.
2. That it does hereby approve Precise Plan 07-14, subject to conditions
attached.
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Palm Desert
Planning Commission, held on this 1st day of April, 2008, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
DAVID E. TSCHOPP, Chairperson
ATTEST:
LAURI AYLAIAN, Secretary
Palm Desert Planning Commission
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
CASE NO, PP 07-14
Department of Community Development:
1. The development of the property shall conform substantially with exhibits on file with
the Department of Community Development, as modified by the following conditions.
2. Construction of said project shall commence within one (1) year from the date of
final approval unless an extension of time is granted, otherwise said approval shall
become null, void and of no effect whatsoever.
3. Prior to issuance of a building permit for construction of any use contemplated by
this approval, the applicant shall first obtain permits and/or clearance from the
following agencies:
Coachella Valley Water District
Palm Desert Architectural Commission
City Fire Marshal
Public Works Department
Evidence of said permit or clearance from the above agencies shall be presented to
the department of building and safety at the time of issuance of a building permit for
the use contemplated herewith.
4. Applicant agrees to maintain the landscaping required to be installed pursuant to these
conditions. Applicant will enter into an agreement to maintain said landscaping for the
life of the project, which agreement shall be notarized and which agreement shall be
recorded. It is the specific intent of the parties that this condition and agreement run
with the land and bind successors and assigns. The final landscape plan shall include
a long-term maintenance program specifying among other matters appropriate
watering times, fertilization and pruning for various times of the year for the specific
materials to be planted, as well as periodic replacement of materials. All to be
consistent with the Property Maintenance Ordinance (Ordinance No. 801) and the
approved landscape plan.
5. The project shall be subject to all applicable fees at time of issuance of building
permits including, but not limited to, Art in Public Places, Fringe-Toed Lizard, TUMF,
School Mitigation and Housing Mitigation fees.
6. A detailed parking lot and building lighting plan shall be submitted to staff for approval,
subject to applicable lighting standards, plan to be prepared by a qualified lighting
engineer.
7. The project is subject to the Art in Public Places program per Palm Desert Municipal
Code Chapter 4.10.
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.
8. All conditions of approval shall be recorded with the Riverside County Clerk's office
before any building permits are issued. Evidence of recordation shall be submitted to
the Department of Community Development/Planning.
Department of Public Works:
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
1. All landscape maintenance shall be performed by the property owner who shall
maintain the landscaping per the City approved landscape document package for the
life of the project, consistent with the Property Maintenance Ordinance (Ord. 801).
2. A complete preliminary soils investigation, conducted by a registered soils engineer,
shall be submitted to, and approved by, the Department of Public Works prior to the
issuance of a grading permit.
BONDS AND FEES
3. Signalization fees, in accordance with City of Palm Desert Resolution Nos. 79-17
and 79-55, shall be paid prior to issuance of grading permit.
4. The project shall be subject to Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fees (TUMF)which
shall be due at the time of building permit issuance.
5. A standard inspection fee shall be paid prior to issuance of grading permits.
DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
6. Complete grading and improvement plans and specifications on electronic files shall
be submitted to the Director of Public Works for checking and approval prior to
issuance of any permits for areas of new construction.
7. Any and all offsite improvements shall be preceded by the approval of plans and the
issuance of valid encroachment permits by the Department of Public Works.
8. Pad elevations are subject to review and modification in accordance with Chapter 26
of the Palm Desert Municipal Code.
9. Landscape installation shall be drought tolerant in nature and in accordance with the
City's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (24.04).
10. Landscape, grading, and utility plans shall be submitted for review concurrently.
11. Full public improvements, as required by Section 26 of the Palm Desert Municipal
Code, shall be installed in accordance with applicable City standards including:
•
Construction of bus bay/deceleration lane on Hwy. 111 which shall be 10' in
width to allow for increased landscaping.
•
Construction of 5' wide sidewalk west of Hwy. 111 entrance and 6' wide
sidewalk east of entrance-decreasing in width adjacent to palm trees and
drainage facility.
•
Rights-of-way necessary for the installation of the above referenced
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.
improvements shall be reviewed by the city prior to the issuance of any
permits associated with this project.
CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS
12. All public and private improvements shall be inspected by Public Works and a
standard inspection fee shall be paid prior to issuance of grading permits. No
occupancy permit shall be granted until public improvements have been completed.
13. Applicant shall comply with provisions of Palm Desert Municipal Code Section
24.12, Fugitive Dust Control as well as Section 24.20, Storm water Management
and Discharge Control.
14. Prior to the start of construction, the applicant shall submit satisfactory evidence to
the Director of Public Works of intended compliance with the National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Construction Permit for storm water
discharges associated with construction. Developer must contact Riverside County
Flood Control District for informational materials.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
15. Project shall not block off the parking space of the neighboring property to the west
unless proof of an agreement is furnished to the City.
16. Relocation and necessity of any new handicap parking shall be determined by the
Building and Safety Department. No on-street handicap parking on El Paseo will be
allowed to serve this project.
Building & Safety Department:
1. Project must conform to the current State of California Codes adopted at the time of
plan check submittal. The following are the codes enforced at this time:
2007 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE (Based on 2006 IBC)
2007 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE (Based on 2006 UMC)
2007 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE (Based on 2006 UPC)
2007 CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE (Based on 2005 NEC)
2007 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE
2007 CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
2007 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE
2. An approved automatic fire sprinkler system shall be installed in every building
(except R3 occupancies) where the total accumulation of gross floor area is 3000
square feet or more. (Reference City of Palm Desert Ordinance 1054)
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PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.
3. Compliance with Ordinance 1124, Local Energy Efficiency Standards. The
requirements are more restrictive than the 2005 California Energy Standards. Please
obtain a copy of the Ordinance for further information.
4. A disabled access is required to be submitted to the Dept of Building and Safety for
plan review of the site accessibility requirements as per 2001 CBC Chapter 11 B and
Chapter 10.
5. All exits must provide an accessible path of travel to the public way. (CBC 1006.1 &
1127B.1)
6. Detectable warnings shall be provided where required per CBC 1133B.8 and
1127B.5(8). The designer is also required to meet all ADA requirements. Where an
ADA requirement is more restrictive than the State of California, the ADA
requirement shall supercede the State requirement.
7. All contractors and subcontractors shall have a current City of Palm Desert Business
License prior to permit issuance per Palm desert Municipal Code, Title 5.
8. All contractors and/or owner-builders must submit a valid Certificate of Worker's
Compensation Insurance coverage prior to the issuance of a building permit per
California Labor Code, Section 3700.
9. Address numerals shall comply with Palm Desert Ordinance No. 1006 (Palm Desert
Municipal Code 15.04.110 through 15.04.160). Compliance with Ordinance 1006
regarding street address location, dimension, stroke of line, distance from street,
height from grade, height from street, etc. shall be shown on all architectural building
elevations in detail. Any possible obstructions, shadows, lighting, landscaping,
backgrounds or other reasons that may render the building address unreadable shall
be addressed during the plan review process. You may request a copy of Ordinance
1006 from the Department of Building and Safety counter staff.
10. Please contact Debbie Le Blanc, Land Management Specialist, at the Department of
Building and Safety (760-776-6420) regarding the addressing of all buildings and/or
suites
Riverside County Fire Department:
1. With respect to the conditions of approval regarding the above referenced project,
the fire department recommends the following fire protection measures be provided
in accordance with City Municipal Code, NFPA, CFC, and CBC or any recognized
Fire Protection Standards:
The Fire Department is required to set a minimum fire flow for the remodel or
construction of all buildings per UFC article 87.
2. A fire flow of 1500 gpm for a 1-hour duration at 20 psi residual pressure must be
available before any combustible material is placed on the job site.
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PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.
3. Provide or show there exists a water system capable of providing a gpm flow of 3000
gpm for commercial buildings.
4. The required flow shall be available from a wet barrel Super Hydrant (s) 4" x 2 'h "x
21", located not less than 25' nor more than 150' from any portion of a commercial
building measured via vehicular travel-way.
5. Water Plans must be approved by the Fire Marshal and include verification that the
water system will produce the required fire flow.
6. Install a complete NFPA 13 fire sprinkler system. This applies to all buildings with a
3000 square foot total cumulative floor area. The Fire Marshal shall approve the
locations of all post indicator valves and fire department connections. All valves and
connections shall not be less than 25' from the building and within 50' of an
approved hydrant. Exempted are one and two family dwellings.
7. All valves controlling the water supply for automatic sprinkler systems and Water-
flow switches shall be monitored and alarmed per CBC Chapter 9.
8. Install a fire alarm system as required by the UBC Chapter 3.
9. Install portable fire extinguishers per MFPA 10, but not less than one 2A10BC
extinguisher per 3000 square feet and not over 75' walking distance. A "K" type fire
extinguisher is required in all commercial kitchens.
10. Install a Hood/Duct automatic fire extinguishing system per NFPA 96 in all public
and private cooking operations except single family residential use.
11. All building shall be accessible by an all-weather roadway extending to within 150' of
all portions of the exterior walls of the first story. The roadway shall not be less than
24' of unobstructed width and 13' 6" of vertical clearance. Where parallel parking is
required on both sides of the street, the roadway must be 36' wide and 32' wide with
parking on one side. Dead-end roads in excess of 150' shall be provided with a
minimum 45' radius turn-around 55' in industrial developments.
12. All buildings shall have illuminated addresses of a size approved by the city.
13. Provide fire riser access across front exterior of building.
14. Fire Department radius shall be not less than 31' inside and 52' outside.
15. These buildings require full fire alarm systems.
16. Add three (3) Fire hydrants to service front of Jensen's Market.
17. New building shall be fully sprinklered.
8
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.
18. Existing buildings may be progressed with sprinklers.
19. Provide letter and date of completion of sprinkler system.
20. Conditions subject to change with adoption of new codes, ordinances, laws, or when
building permits are not obtained within twelve months.
Coachella Valley Water District:
1. Plans for grading, landscaping, and irrigation systems shall be submitted to the
District for review to ensure efficient water management.
9
CITY Of POlM DESERT
•
73-510 FRED WARIN(; DRIVE
PALM DESERT,CALIFORNIA 92260-2578
r i. : TEL:760 346-0611
,.��.!:4•/.. I FAX:760 341-7098
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• CITY OF PALM DESERT
LEGAL NOTICE
CASE NO.PP 07-14
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held before the Palm Desert Planning
Commission to consider a request by Commerce Realty, to approve a Precise Plan
amendment for an extensive remodel and minor addition to an existing 76,393 sq. ft. retail
center on a 5.15 acre site bounded by Highway 111, Larkspur Lane and El Paseo. The project
would include the following addresses: 73-547-73-613 Hwy 111, 45051 Larkspur Lane, and
73540- 73 580 El Paseo. Façade remodeling would include the following existing buildings:
Jensen's Market and adjacent shops facing Highway 111, Three Dog Bakery facing Larkspur
Lane, and various shop tenants in 3 buildings that face El Paseo located directly behind (south)
of the Jensen's shopping plaza center.
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I} I d ( ISAID public hearing will be held on April 1, 2008, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at the
Palm Desert Civic Center, 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California, at which time
and place all interested persons are invited to attend and be heard. Written comments
concerning all items covered by this public hearing notice shall be accepted up to the date of
the hearing. Information concerning the proposed project and/or negative declaration is
available for review in the Department of Community Development at the above address
between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you challenge the
proposed actions in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else
raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to
the Planning Commission at,or prior to,the public hearing.
PUBLISH: Desert Sun LAURI AYLAIAN, Secretary
March 19,2008 Palm Desert Planning Commission
..........
..".
_•.
CITY OF PHLffi DESERT
• 73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE
lY PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA 92260-2578
"• �/111111 TEL: 760 346-0611
FAX: 760 340-0574
info@palm-desert.org
March 6, 2008
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION ACTION
CASE NO: PP 07-14
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): BILL LANG, COMMERCE REALTY, 149 Palos
Verde Blvd Ste E, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of a Precise Plan
amendment and architectural review for an extensive remodel and minor addition
to an existing 76,393 sq. ft. retail center: El Paseo Plaza and Marketplace
(Jensen's)
LOCATION: 73-547 to 73-613 Highway 111
ZONE: C-1 SP
Upon reviewing the plans and presentations submitted by staff and by the
applicant, the Architectural Review Commission granted approval subject to
including bridgeway/archway.
Date of Action: February 26, 2008
Vote: Motion carried 4-1-0-1, with Commissioners DeLuna voting
NO and Commissioner Vuksic absent.
(An appeal of the above action may be made in writing to the City Clerk of the
City of Palm Desert within fifteen (15) days of the date of the decision. Any
amendments to this approved plan would need to be re-submitted to Commission
for approval.)
STAFF COMMENTS: It is your responsibility to submit the plans approved
by the Architectural Review Commission to the Department of Building
and Safety.
CONTINUED CASES: In order to be placed on the next meeting's agenda,
new or revised plans must be submitted no later than 9:00 a.m. the
Monday eight days prior to the next meeting.
0 *f10atlf/(l(1W
ARCHITECTURAL RE'w IEW COMMISSION
MINUTES FEBRUARY 26, 2008
2. CASE NO: PP 07-14
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): BILL LANG, COMMERCE
REALTY, 149 Palos Verde Blvd Ste E, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of a
Precise Plan amendment and architectural review for an extensive
remodel and minor addition to an existing 76,393 sq. ft. retail
center: El Paseo Plaza and Marketplace (Jensen's)
LOCATION: 73-547 to 73-613 Highway 111
ZONE: C-1 SP
Ms. Schrader presented the project and summarized the staff
report. She stated that this request is for a Precise Plan
amendment for an extensive remodel and minor addition to an
existing 76,393 sq. ft. retail center on a 5.15 acre site bounded by
Highway 111, Larkspur Lane and El Paseo with an addition of
7,000 square feet of a new building that would face El Paseo.
Façade remodeling would include the following existing buildings:
Jensen's Market and adjacent shops facing Highway 111, Three
Dog Bakery facing Larkspur Lane, and various shop tenants in
three buildings that face El Paseo located directly behind (south) of
the Jensen's shopping plaza center. On the El Paseo side there is
some infill going on where right now there are empty spaces, which
are like vacant courtyards that are not really functional and they are
proposing to fill them with retail. The parking is about four spaces
over what is required. It would be restriped and bring parking all
the way up to actual buildings along the Jensen side and would
take away the diagonal parking and redo the trees for shade.
Handicap has also been addressed and the Fire Department has
preliminarily approved this new layout of circulation patterns so that
does not need to be a concern.
Mr. Keith Palmer, Architect, stated that this center was built back in
the 60s and was remodeled in the 80s. There are two components;
the shopping center portion that faces Highway 111, and the lower
scale shop buildings that face right on to El Paseo. The property
over the years has gotten old, tired, and run-down and ownership
would like to give it a new shot in the arm and bring it up to speed
by tying the Jensen's portion in better architecturally to what is
going on in the El Paseo area. One of the advantages of doing the
infill additions on El Paseo would make a continuous shopping
I'L nniiig Juan:Jody Word 11.,`AH( %mots 2VOOAR080226 do, 6
'ARCHITECTURAL ReviEW COMMISSION
MINUTES FEBRUARY 26, 2008
frontage along that edge. By doing that they are able to create
some higher architectural elements and create some more variety
in the street frontage there. They are also proposing a tower
element on the corner that would anchor the whole complex and
give a more prominent image to the El Paseo frontage. They are
not proposing any additional square footage to the shopping center
portion, but they are proposing some architectural treatments that
help enhance the façade that is there now. Currently the façade is
monotonous and a continuous run of stucco with a few signs, which
are not coordinated with the front entrances or the leased space
they are associated with. What they want to do is create more
scale and village atmosphere. One fairly easy way to do that is to
create some taller roof elements over the existing ones that will
give more prominence to some of the major tenants; create more
interest; get more ins and outs; add more variety of color for the
plaster veneer; create an entrance tower element for Jensen's;
create a link between the shop buildings by creating an archway
that can facilitate signage for the tenant that is buried in the back;
remodeling to the smaller shop buildings; create some variety with
the signs and columns; and create some awning type elements that
would relate specifically to the tenants. A lot of challenges in this
center is working around current leases and trying to get
opportunities for some of those tenants to expand or improve their
situation. They have gone through all of the city groups and
agencies in reviewing the site plan, worked out solutions for the
handicap access for the bus lane, the deceleration lane,
landscaping improvements, and repaving. They have turned the
parking to 90 degree parking, which allows them to pick up
additional parking to support the added footage and create more
shade in the parking lot. They would like to work with the City to try
to make enhancements in the entire sidewalk frontage along El
Paseo to attract better tenants to the center.
Mr. Bill Lang, Owner, stated that since they have been out
marketing new tenants with this program they have been able to
attract more and more national and large regional tenants which
are a benefit to El Paseo and to this end of the City. They feel that
it is a very important area and wanted to give it the importance that
it requires.
Mr. Palmer stated that they are introducing cupola type elements at
the higher building elements and on the corners of the Jensen's
side so that they tie the two centers together. They felt that that
helps to add more architectural character and to get away from the
(. mug J:minc Judy\Word f.es\ARC Mmwes'2008'AR0802_(,Joc 7
'ARCHITECTURAL REvIEW COMMISSION
MINUTES FEBRUARY 26, 2008
strip mall look. He stated that between the El Paseo buildings and
the Jensen's shopping center portion is a service drive that the
owners thought would be an advantage to visually making some
kind of a connection between those two buildings. So part of their
design includes an optional truss like element that would span
between those two buildings to create some connection between
the two. The same architectural metal work motif would be used in
the high portions of the bays of the Jensen's center. Commissioner
Hanson stated that she really liked that idea because right now it
looks like a service area and it would stop your eye from
transferring back into that space. Mr. Lang stated that they would
also be using landscaping and making that back front section look
more like retail space.
Mr. Palmer stated that they were hoping today to get the
Commissioners nod to go on to Planning Commission and get the
project moving. They are trying to do the construction during the off
season summer months so that these phases and remodel can be
available for the retailers when the high season comes in.
Commissioner DeLuna stated that she understood their wish not to
have something look like a strip mall and have differentiation;
however all of the cupolas are over the height limit of 30 feet. In
fact, they have one over Jensen's at 42 feet, another one at 40 feet
and three at 34 feet. She was troubled by the height exception.
She noticed that they have a lot of architectural differentiation and
she didn't feel that they need the extra added height that goes over
the limit. She thought the wonderful architecture that they have
does it well without having to exceed the height limit. Mr. Palmer
stated that they did consider the height limit and felt that it was
worthwhile to add an architectural projection and felt that the
proportions are better with it. They feel that the cupolas help tie in
the El Paseo frontage and the Larkspur frontage. Mr. Lang stated
that what sold him on the cupolas was that the roofs on the El
Paseo side are so flat and low that you would need them in order to
overcome those low roofs.
Commissioner Hanson stated that as an architect she felt that
height limits were sort of arbitrary and from her standpoint when
she looks at that it has a lot more pizzazz with it than without it
because it does visually draw your eye up. She also felt that it was
answering to what is across the street at The Gardens, which is
very tall and very vertical. Mr. Lang stated that the thing that
exacerbates the problem is the slope of the terrain for The
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( (
'ARCHITECTURAL REvIEW COMMISSION
•
MINUTES FEBRUARY 26, 2008
Gardens, which is uphill quite a bit. Mr. Bagato stated that from a
zoning standpoint the height limit is listed as 30 feet in the
commercial zone, but the section of the zoning ordinance general
provision 25.56 does say that tower elements, which are spirals,
towers, cupolas, and chimneys, can be above the height limit.
They are allowed because we expect some elements of the
buildings to go over to provide variation. Commissioner DeLuna
asked even if it was up to 42 feet. Mr. Bagato stated that the
ordinance states that you can have it up to 25 feet above the height
limit of the zone; so it would be 55 feet in the commercial zone. He
added that it is carefully reviewed by staff.
Commissioner Lambell stated that at the moment that whole area
seems to be so flat and she is pleased to see the cupolas from the
standpoint that it will encourage pedestrian walking along that area.
Currently there is absolutely no incentive to walk back and see
what is behind Three Dog Bakery; in fact it is a negative. Mr. Lang
stated that part of their thinking was to walk around and look at
different ways on how you see their site. They spent some time up
at Tommy Bahamas looking over at what you could see. It creates
a lot of interest on a lot of different levels because you view our
center not only standing on the street or on the corner, but also
from the second level of The Gardens. So they really wanted to
encourage people to cross the street and come over and see what
is going on there.
Commissioner DeLuna stated that she didn't have much of a
problem with the 34 foot cupolas on the front, but she did with the
40 and 42 foot cupolas. She stated that the one in the Jensen's
center isn't as noticeable, but the 40 foot column cupola on the end
is 10 feet over what the height requirement is. She understands
the necessity or the desire to have architectural relief and
differentiation and the 34 feet doesn't bother her as much as the
two that are over 40 feet. Mr. Lang stated that Tommy Bahamas
across the street dwarfs that corner. Commissioner Van Vliet
stated that he didn't have any problems with the towers and felt that
it enhances the architecture. Commissioner DeLuna stated that
she didn't object to it from an architectural perspective, it was just
the height and if you accept one then all of a sudden everyone else
wants to come in at 42 and 44 feet. Commissioner Hanson stated
that it relates to architecture and how it ties together. Sometimes
we say no because the height isn't appropriate, and is not
architecturally interesting. It would be approved on a case by case
basis. Mr. Bagato stated that we look at it by the ordinance and the
(, PI.mring,Jungle Judy Wm(d Pdcs ARC While]'2OON.A HO110226 dac 9
/ARCHITECTURAL REvIEW COMMISSION
- MINUTES FEBRUARY 26, 2008
ordinance allows for the towers and we are not trying to approve
the whole building over the height limit. We look at things in
context with the code. Commissioner Van Vliet stated that the vast
majority of these buildings are well under the height limit; it's not
like a huge mass up at 34 feet going straight across. Mr. Palmer
stated that if you were to average the height, the percentage of
floor area that exceeds it is probably less than 2% of the whole
center. Commissioner Lambell asked what size the cupolas were.
Mr. Palmer answered that they were eight feet by eight feet.
Commissioner Hanson made a motion for approval and
Commissioner Gregory asked if the motion could include putting a
little pressure on the applicant to put that archway there because
that will really help that spot. Mr. Lang stated that they were in
complete agreement. •
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Hanson and seconded by Commissioner
Lambell, to grant approval subject to including the archway. Motion
carried 4-1-0-1, with Commissioner DeLuna voting NO and Commissioner
Vuksic absent.
3. CASE NO: CUP 07-17, PP 07-15
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): THE ROBERT L. MAYER TRUST
OF 1982, 660 Newport Center Dr. #1050, Newport Beach, CA 92660
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary
approval of architectural design for a proposed Precise Plan to
construct 121 senior community care and healthcare units on 8.63
acres: Oakmont Senior Living.
LOCATION: 73-050 Country Club Drive
ZONE: PR-7
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Hanson and seconded by Commissioner
Lambell, to grant approval by minute motion. Motion carried 4-0-1-1, with
Commissioner Gregory abstaining and Commissioner Vuksic absent.
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