HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-07-18- ARC Minutes
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE MINUTES
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, California 92262
(Meeting held via Zoom)
Minutes of July 18, 2022
CALL TO ORDER:
Chair Jakway called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Doczi, Lockyer, McCoy, Poehlein, Walsh, Chair Jakway
Excused Absence: Thompson, Rotman
Staff Present: Assistant Director of Planning Newell, Associate Planner Kikuchi,
Engineering Associate Minjares, Associate Planner Mlaker,
Assistant Planner Perez
REPORT OF THE POSTING OF AGENDA:
The agenda was available for public access at the City Hall bulletin board (west side of
Council Chamber) by 9:00 pm, Thursday, July 14, 2022, and posted on the City’s
website as required by established policies and procedures.
ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA:
Poehlein, seconded by Walsh to accept the agenda as presented.
AYES: DOCZI, LOCKYER, MCCOY, POEHLEIN, WALSH, JAKWAY
ABSENT: THOMPSON, ROTMAN
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
CONSENT CALENDAR: None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
1. FARRELL DRIVE PS, LLC FOR A MAJOR ARCHITECTURAL APPLICATION
TO CONSTRUCT A 64,092-SQUARE FOOT SELF-STORAGE FACILITY ON A
4.20-ACRE UNDEVELOPED PARCEL LOCATED AT 900 NORTH FARRELL
DRIVE, ZONE M-1-P, SECTION 12 (CASE 3.4313 MAJ) (AP)
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Assistant Planner Perez presented the proposed changes, based on comments from
the ARC’s June 6, 2022 meeting.
ERIC HIGUCHI, applicant, described the ARC’s previous concern relating to parking
between Buildings 1 and 3 and the long linear north-south drive-up building.
Chair Jakway asked if there’s an opportunity to increase the landscape between RV
parking area and the wall to gain additional landscape area. Mr. Higuchi responded
they will look at accommodating this landscape space but will need to verify its impacts
to the fire lane.
Chair Jakway questioned the height of the parapet on the edge of the building and if the
pop-out on the east elevation could vary more than 1 foot to provide better building
articulation. Mr. Shab, project architect, responded they could reduce the parapet at the
building edge parapet and screen the units separately, if desired by the Committee.
Member Doczi asked if the wall could be pulled back further to provide additional
landscaping at the northwest corner of the property, as well as providing a stronger
transition to the linear demarcation for the existing and proposed landscaping by
incorporating more native trees and plantings. Mr. Higuchi responded they yes to both
requests.
Member McCoy verified a glare shield would be used for the site lighting. He also
asked for clarification on operational hours of the lighting and if the applicant would
consider reducing illumination levels by 50% and/or use motion detectors to minimize
illumination during the late evening hours. Mr. McCoy also questioned a note on the
lighting plan that allowed for higher lighting intensities and whether the light poles could
be reduced more (below the proposed 20 feet height).
Chair Jakway said there are items that need to be addressed such as a berm along
Farrell that is not shown on drawings, the wall design, lowering the overall building
height and use of downspouts.
Walsh, seconded by Doczi to approve, subject to the following:
1. Addition of berm along Farrell Drive;
2. Lower the parapet by at least two feet;
3. Eliminate the white block (vertical columns);
4. Lower light standards below 20 feet;
5. Incorporate light shields;
6. Add desert landscape on north side and move wall at NW corner of site to provide
larger landscape buffer on street side of project.
AYES: DOCZI, LOCKYER, MCCOY, POEHLEIN, WALSH, JAKWAY
ABSENT: THOMPSON, ROTMAN
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July 18, 2022
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Chair Jakway requested if the applicant would be willing investigate widening the
landscape buffer on the south side of the Farrell Drive.
NEW BUSINESS:
2. KAPPE ARCHITECTS, ON BEHALF OF MICHAEL SHAHBAZ AND BRIAN
GLASER, FOR MAJOR ARCHITECTURAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE MINOR
MODIFICATION APPLICATIONS TO CONSTRUCT A 6,180-SQUARE-FOOT
SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE ON A 19,602-SQUARE-FOOT HILLSIDE LOT
LOCATED AT 850 SOUTH VIA LAS PALMAS, ZONE R-1-C, SECTION 10
(CASE 3.4329 MAJ & CASE 7.1652 AMM) (NK)
Member Lockyer recused himself from discussion and voting on this item.
Associate Planner Kikuchi presented the project as outlined in the application and staff
recommended conditions.
Member Walsh asked if parking is required for the accessory dwelling unit and how the
front setback was determined.
In response to Chair Jakway’s question, Planner Kikuchi responded that pools are
required to be setback 5 feet from street property lines.
FINN KAPPE, architect, presented pictures of another home in Desert Palisades that
were the design inspiration for the subject house. Mr. Kappe described the proposed
house in relation to adjacent properties and provided an overview of the design details
of the house and accessory structures.
BRIAN GLASSER and MICHAEL SHAHHBAZ, co-owners, said he’s been coming to
Palm Springs for a long time and wanted to make sure the home fits into the
neighborhood.
Chair Jakway questioned why the steel fence was proposed on the property line along
Ladera Circle. Mr. Kappe responded there are a number of buses that drive into the
cul-de-sac (site-seeing of the Elvis Honeymoon site) and it was intended to minimize
persons walking onto the property to take photos of the adjacent property. Mr. Kappe
described the outdoor courtyard adjacent to the master bedroom; noting that it’s private
to that space. He also responded to another question on the pool shade structure,
noting the desire to step the pool deck down and keep the shade structure slim/lean to
minimize its view and site lines.
Member Walsh questioned the pool wall height and design. Mr. Kappe responded the
pool edge is a mini-infinity edge pool and further described the design details of the pool
wall and perimeter fence.
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Member Doczi questioned the retaining walls near the east property line on the grading
plan and the transitions between the different levels. Mr. Kappe responded that most
steps will be less than 3 feet with the exception of the grade change at the transition
from the main house to the accessory dwelling unit.
Chair Jakway said the existing driveway appears to remain and suggested continuing
the natural landscape appearance.
Member Poehlein said this is an attractive project and thanked the applicant for their
efforts in addressing the site lines and neighbor concerns. He also said there could be
a garden wall (project on Chino Canyon and West Panorama) that integrates the Corten
steel panels in with the boulders of the natural landscape that flows more elegantly.
Chair Jakway concurred with Member Poehlein.
Poehlein, seconded by Doczi. to approve, subject to the following:
1. Applicant to review Corten fence to appear more natural in the landscape.
2. Evaluate use of an olive tree near the pool to soften the linear line.
AYES: DOCZI, MCCOY, POEHLEIN, WALSH, JAKWAY
ABSENT: THOMPSON, ROTMAN
ABSTAIN: LOCKYER
3. JAMES NEUHOFF, OWNER, FOR A MAJOR ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW
APPLICATION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 5,626-SQUARE FOOT
SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE ON A HILLSIDE LOT LOCATED AT 2306
WINTER SUN DRIVE, ZONE ESA-SP PLANNING AREA 4, LOT 6, DESERT
PALISADES SPECIFIC PLAN, SECTION 4 (CASE 3.4324 MAJ) (GM)
Associate Planner Mlaker presented the proposed home as outlined the staff report,
including the proposed building materials, location of the garage door, layout of the floor
plan, and other details of the project.
Chair Jakway open public comments:
JILL LEWIS, architect, provided an overview of the project; noting the various design
details of each area of the surrounding homes and outdoor spaces. Ms. Lewis
presented the landscape plan and provided additional details on the tree and plant
materials and design.
Member Doczi said there are some symbols that represent two tree types, noting there
could be a mix.
Member Lockyer asked if the engineer could explain the historical flow line.
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ALLEN SANBORN, responded the natural flow line and the retention basin used to
capture incremental increases from the home.
In response to Chair Jakway’s question on accessing the pool equipment, Ms. Lewis
said a pathway would be added.
Chair Jakway said he would like to see a gray color for the roof and appreciated the
applicant’s design in following the natural grade slope.
In response to Committee member questions, Ms. Lewis explained her plan is to use
wall-mounted cylinders to minimize view and the varying heights of the pads.
Member Walsh said the large windows on the south side could use solar control.
Member Doczi said the grading plan should be integrated with the landscape plan,
particularly relative to the retention plan.
Chair Jakway said the landscape plans appear to be incomplete, noting missing
landscape light designs, and suggested a subcommittee may be appropriate to review
those details.
In response to member Lockyer’s question, Ms. Lewis responded that roof penetrations
and vents would not be visible based on studies completed for the home.
Chair Jakway said the home is a great project.
Lockyer, seconded by Walsh. to approve, subject to a subcommittee review of the
grading and landscape/lighting plan. (Subcommittee: Doczi, McCoy)
AYES: DOCZI, LOCKYER, MCCOY, POEHLEIN, WALSH, JAKWAY
ABSENT: THOMPSON, ROTMAN
4. RICHARD MEANEY, OWNER, FOR A MAJOR ARCHITECTURAL
APPLICATION TO CONSTRUCT A 4,000-SQUARE-FOOT SINGLE-FAMILY
RESIDENCE ON A HILLSIDE LOT LOCATED 2085 DESERT FLOWER
COURT, ZONE ESA-SP PLANNING AREA 4, LOT 64, SECTION 4 (CASE
3.4328 MAJ) (GM)
Associate Planner Mlaker presented project as outlined in the staff report.
RICH MEANEY, owner, introduced himself and the development team that consist of
the architect, Garcia Studio, and the project engineer, Sanborn Architecture Group.
JORGE GARCIA, architect, described the project materials and design.
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Member Poehlein questioned if a solar panel layout is available. The applicant
indicated one is not available now, but solar will be provided.
Chair Jakway explained there is no solar control over the bedroom windows and
wondered if any were considered. Mr. Garcia said solar is provided over the social area
but did not provide any over the bedrooms to keep the design simple and clean.
Member Doczi agreed with staff’s recommendations and requested the applicant look at
wattages of landscape lights, noting 3 LED is appropriate.
Member Walsh said that while simplicity is important, details of the design are
important, noting the importance for solar control and user comfort. Mr. Garcia
responded that a sun study was done and agreed with member comments.
Chair Jakway said some undulation to the very flat surfaces could be incorporated to
address solar, creating shadow lines and more visual interest. Mr. Garcia responded
that he would like to maintain one material but will look at responding to concerns.
Walsh, seconded Poehlein to continue to allow the applicant to address the following:
1. Conscious sensitivity of the intent of solar gain.
2. Address barriers on window/doors that fully open, reducing lighting quantity
and intensity.
3. Provide roof plan that includes solar layout design and drainage.
AYES: DOCZI, LOCKYER, MCCOY, POEHLEIN, WALSH, JAKWAY
ABSENT: THOMPSON, ROTMAN
COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS:
Chair Jakway reported the ARC will be dark in August and will resume on Tuesday,
September 6th.
STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS:
Assistant Director Newell noted the City Manager submitted his resignation today but
will continue serving until September 16th.
ADJOURNMENT:
The Architectural Review Committee of the City of Palm Springs adjourned at 7:37 pm
to the next regular meeting at 5:30 pm on Tuesday, September 6, 2022, 3200 East
Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs.
__________________________
David Newell, AICP
Assistant Planning Director