HomeMy WebLinkAboutInformational Item - Report on Building Height Exceptions in North SphereCITY OF PALM DESERT
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: Report on Building Height Exceptions in the North Sphere
SUBMITTED BY: Steve Smith, Planning Manager
DATE: May 26, 2005
CONTENTS:
Recommendation
Background
Discussion
April 14, 2005 City Council Minutes
North Sphere Projects Exhibit
Recommendation:
By minute motion, receive and file report.
Background:
Under the "Reports and Remarks" section of the April 14, 2005 City Council
Agenda, Councilwoman Benson expressed concern that it seems that many
projects in the north sphere are requesting two-story structures. Mayor Crites
concluded the matter by requesting that staff report on height exceptions in the
north sphere (preliminary April 14, 2005 action minutes attached).
Discussion:
The base standard for building height for various zones in the city has been
established at the minimum height necessary to provide adequate interior space
and allow for proper screening of roof -mounted equipment. These height limits
allow for basic, generic architectural form to be achieved in building design.
Typically, the City expects and requires several steps above "basic, generic
architectural form." Instead of raising the basic height limit, the City provides
for "height exceptions" which must be earned through provision of superior
architecture.
Staff Report
Building Heights in the North Sphere
Page 2
May 26, 2005
These "exceptions' and tower element requests are reviewed by staff, ARC,
Planning Commission and City Council on a case -by -case basis and usually
result in superior architecture and more variety. If it is determined that a project
is not providing superior architecture, then the "height exception" or tower
request should be denied.
Staff believes that present code provisions which limit maximum building height
to the minimum necessary to achieve "basic" architectural form and then allow
"exceptions" for superior architecture works in the best interest of the city.
In the area north of Gerald Ford between Monterey and Portola we have
processed 18 projects ranging from Wal-Mart to Sares Regis to the single family
Ponderosa project. Of the 18 projects, nine have received height exceptions
which for the most part range from 2-4 feet. Wal-Mart and Lowes received
greater exceptions with Lowes up to nine feet and Wal-Mart as much as 21 feet
(see attached exhibit for details on all 18 projects).
Submitted by:
56 e e Smith
Planning Manager
Approva .
Homer Croy
ACM for Dev rment Services
Arn
Department Head:
Mill ell
Director of Community Development
Approval:
16,01
Carlos L. Ort
City Manager
(Wpdocsttm1sr\bidghts.cc2)
NORTH SPHERE PROJECTS
EXHIBIT
CASE NO.
PROJECT
EXCEPTION?
RANGE OF EXCEPTION
PP 01-30
Wal-Mart/Sams
Yes
5 feet - 21 feet
PP 04-13
Lowes
Yes
4, 6 and 9 feet
PP 03-06
Sares Regis
Yes
4 feet
TT 31071
Dolce
Yes
2.5 feet
TT 31490
Ponderosa
No
---
PP 03-21
Pres
Yes
2-7 feet
PP 04-17
Storage Depot
No
---
PP 04-19
Glass Block
Yes
3 feet
PP 04-25
State Farm
No
---
PP 04-26
Colt Security
No
---
PP 04-27
Stony Creek
No
---
PP 04-28
Stonecrest
No
---
PP 04-30
Bedrosian Tile
Yes
2-6 feet
PP 04-33
Venture Commerce Center
Yes
4.5 feet
PP 04-36
Sierra Landscape
No
---
PP 05-02
CMC Group
Yes
2-4 feet
PP 05-03
Palm Desert Associates
No
---
PP 05-06
ZJG Engineering
No
---
(Wpdocs\tm\sr\bldghts cc2)
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 14, 2005
Mayor Pro Tern Ferguson moved to, by Minute Motion, support the subject
proposed legislation and authorize the Mayor to submit the appropriate letters conveying
same. Motion was seconded by Benson and carried by a 5-0 vote.
3. Landscapina Along Magnesia Falls Drive
(Councilmember Jean M. Benson).
Councilmember Benson requested that along with the
landscaping to be installed along Magnesia Falls Drive, that
the Mobile Home Parks that border this route be pressed to
tidy up their accesses along this route.
W=> 4. North Sphere Development (Councilmember Jean M. Benson).
Councilmember Benson was concerned that as new
development is being proposed in the City's North Sphere, it
appeared it was all going to be two-story structures. She was
getting tired of having developers call and say they've already
spent $200,000 designing a building, but it's too high, and this
trend could have a deleterious effect on Palm Desert's
character. She believed there needed to be some specific
guidelines established for this area so that it would not
continue to be an issue.
Mayor Crites asked that staff return to the City Council's next meeting regarding
height exceptions in the North Sphere. Councilmembers concurred.
o City Council Committee Reports:
1. Annual Committee/Commission Recoa_ nition — Mayor Crites
reported that he and Councilmember Benson had met with
staff regarding the annual appreciation event for all of the
City's Committee and Commission members. He said a
recommendation will be forthcoming that the event be moved
to the first Sunday in October for a brunch at Desert Willow.
He added it was hoped this would help alleviate the holiday
scheduling crunch that's been experienced with having the
annual recognition mid -December.
o City Council Comments:
1. Mayor Crites expressed appreciation to Councilmember
Benson for her service as the City's representative to the
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