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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-01-06- ARC MinutesCity of Palm Springs ARCHITECTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Council Chamber, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, California 92262 Minutes of January 6, 2020 CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chair Rotman called the meeting to order at 3:00 pm. ROLL CALL: Committee Members Present: McCoy, Poehlein, Walsh, Vice Chair Rotman Committee Members Excused: Chair Jakway Committee Members Absent: Lockyer Planning Commission Present: None Staff Present: Planning Director Fagg, Principal Planner Newell, Associate Planner Kikuchi, 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) and the Planning Department counter by 6:00 pm on Thursday, January 2, 2020. ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA: Rotman, seconded by McCoy to move Item 2 to the Consent Calendar and Item 6 to the first item under New Business. AYES: MC COY, POEHLEIN, WALSH, ROTMAN ABSENT: LOCKYER, JAKWAY PUBLIC COMMENTS: CHRISTINE HAMMOND, on behalf of local non-profit, encouraged the AAC to require the planting of desert milkweed (Monarch Butterflies' habitat) in residential and commercial landscape development. She spoke about the massive decline of 97% of Monarch Butterflies since the 1980's. CONSENT CALENDAR: Member Walsh requested a revision on page 4 of the meeting minutes. Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes City of Palm Springs January 6, 2020 McCoy, seconded by Walsh to approve minutes (as amended) and Item 2, as part of the Consent Calendar. AYES: MC COY, POEHLEIN, WALSH, ROTMAN ABSENT: LOCKYER, JAKWAY 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: DECEMBER 2, 2019 Approved, as amended. 2. STEFAN LOY FOR A MAJOR ARCHITECTURAL APPLICATION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW 1,000 SQUARE -FOOT ARTIST STUDIO ADDITION AND A 400 SQUARE -FOOT CARPORT ON AN EXISTING SINGLE- FAMILY PARCEL LOCATED AT 2240 EAST SMOKEWOOD AVENUE, ZONE R-1-13 (CASE NO. 3.4141 MAJ). (AP) Approved, as submitted. NEW BUSINESS: (MOVED TO FIRST NEW BUSINESS ITEM.) 6. BRANDON MCCURLEY, ON BEHALF OF PARKER PALM SPRINGS, LLC., FOR A MAJOR ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW APPLICATION TO CONSTRUCT THIRTEEN (13) DETACHED BUILDINGS FOR THIRTY-TWO (32) HOTEL UNITS AND ACCESSORY USES WITH A MAXIMUM HEIGHT NOT TO EXCEED TWO (2)-STORIES, TWO (2) PARKING LOTS, AND LANDSCAPING IN THE 3.7-ACRE UNDEVELOPED PORTION OF THE PARKER PALM SPRINGS PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4200 EAST PALM CANYON DRIVE, ZONE PDD 58, SECTION 30 (CASE NO. 3.2451 MAJ). (NK) Planning Director Fagg provided an overview on the review process for the project. Associate Planner, Noriko Kikuchi, described the project as outlined in the AAC staff memorandum. PUBLIC COMMENTS: BRYAN LIBIT, Studio MMD and JUDY KAMEON, Elysian Landscapes, presented the project on behalf of the Applicant and described the design intention with the mix of architecture and landscape sub -areas. RIC MILLER, Canyon Sands resident, stated the project is misrepresented as hotel room addition, but is actually a large event center, and noted project height has an impact on adjacent residences. 2 Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes City of Palm Springs January 6, 2020 PETER NIELSEN, Canyon Sands resident, said project involves beautiful architecture, but the proposed hedges will block views from adjacent neighborhood, and argued the applicant should maintain sightlines from Linden Way. PAUL SANDMAN, Canyon Sands resident, lives in a unit facing Linden Way and questioned if there is a hedge height limit. He said that the existing hedge is not maintained. MICHELLE JOHNSON, questioned the scale of the 30-ft. high hotel building and stated the project design seems hodgepodge. Ms. Johnson said the main entrance for the existing resort is located on Cherokee, and the new project entry should be located on Cherokee as opposed to Linden. KATHY HOLMQUIST, Canyon Sands resident, expressed concern that the project will impact the sightlines to the mountain from Canyon Sand with the proposed two-story buildings. ED STEINWENDER, requested the applicant reverse the layout plan so the entry was located on Cherokee Way. MALIA DAILEY, Canyon Sands resident, said the building design was beautiful, but expressed issue with the site configuration, noting the larger width of Cherokee Way versus the narrower width of Linden Way and the applicant's decision to orient the main entry and attendant booths on Linden where houses will be directly impacted. She requested the project layout be reversed with entry on Cherokee and that the applicant underground existing power lines. JOHN KIRCHDOERFER, agrees with previous public testimony that access should be located on Cherokee due to vehicle headlights shining directly into residences fronting Linden Way. He also expressed concerns of the proposed parking plan. STEVEN SANDER, Canyon Sands resident, said he lives on Linden Way and is concerned about parking. PETER MC PHERSON, described concerns about noise -related events; safety issues related to traffic circulation; and the increase in street parking. He said there are 48 homes facing Linden Way, while all other property streets have none. He said the new project impacts homes on Linden Way. 3 Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes City of Palm Springs January 6, 2020 STEVE VAUN, discussed semi -truck parking being a past issue for the Parker hotel and was concerned this would occur again with new project. He also said the layout should be reversed with access occurring on Cherokee Way. DOUGLAS BAALSON, Canyon Sands resident, had pictures of semi -truck parking on adjacent streets to share with the Committee and was also apprehensive of additional traffic congestion that would occur with project. HARVEY LEWIS, concerned about noise with the new project, especially late at night. TONY SESTRIDGE, agreed with other speakers about access concerns with current plan. MICHAEL MC DONALD, Studio MMD, applicant rebuttal, said that the entrance on Linden Way would be more inviting entry to hotel guests and allow the hotel to have more "eyes on the street" to ensure vendors and trucks are not accessing the site from Linden Way. Vice Chair Rotman closed public comments. COMMITTEE QUESTIONS: Member Doczi asked about circulation and check -in process. (The Applicant explained the new facilities are primarily for hotel guests staying at the property and the general public would not be accessing the property from the new entrance, as there are no public amenities, such as bars, restaurants, etc.) Member Walsh confirmed the project operates separate from the existing hotel. (Applicant replied yes.) Member Walsh questioned whether a lower height was considered. (Applicant explained reasoning for building heights.) Vice Chair Rotman asked about space between existing hotel and new project. (Applicant responded existing landscape will remain and new 10-ft. buffer with new barrier wall would be added.) Vice Chair Rotman asked applicant about proposed grading and if there is any mounding. (Applicant responded there are no significant changes to topography.) Vice Chair Rotman requested the applicant explain landscape sub -areas. (Applicant described project landscape areas and indicated all materials were selected from the Coachella Valley Water District's Lush and Efficient Guidebook.) Vice Chair Rotman asked about deliveries and alleviating neighbor concerns. (Applicant responded that the intention is to keep the hotel setting private thru the proposed trees, hedges.) COMMITTEE DISCUSSION: Member Poehlein asked staff about the process on providing comments related to 0 Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes City of Palm Springs January 6, 2020 traffic. Director Fagg responded that a traffic letter had been prepared and will be considered by the Planning Commission. Member Poehlein asked if sightline studies could be done and stated additional information is needed, particularly details on building materials and street elevations. Member Poehlein expressed concern with the valet circulation plan. Member Doczi said additional trees might be needed, as current drawings are not detailed adequately to understand landscape spacing. He was concerned with the deliveries affecting adjacent residents. Member Doczi stated street corners need more enhanced treatments, but noted again that the landscape plan needs to be more detailed. Member McCoy agrees with other Committee members that the plans need to be more developed. He said, however, the landscape plan in concept is designed well. Member McCoy was concerned with valet circulation. Member Walsh thinks the project needs more cohesion and less fragmentation. Vice Chair Rotman agrees with other Committee member comments. He felt sightline studies could be helpful and that circulation, including vehicle delivery and trash, is challenging with current configuration. Vice Chair Rotman stated architecture is done well, but is not convinced on using different styles unless landscape is done successfully. Rotman, seconded by Doczi to recommend approval subject to the following conditions: 1. The applicant to submit sightline studies relative to the heights of the proposed buildings. 2. The applicant to submit a circulation plan for valet parking operation and deliveries. 3. The Final Planned Development District (PDD) package to include renderings showing all materials and additional details for AAC review. 4. The Final Planned Development District (PDD) package to include a final landscape plan with details for AAC review. 5. The Final Planned Development District (PDD) package to include a final outdoor lighting plan for AAC review. AYES: MC COY, POEHLEIN, WALSH, ROTMAN ABSENT: LOCKYER, JAKWAY A recess was taken at 4:53 pm. The meeting resumed at 5:00 pm. 2. PINNACLE PALM SPRINGS, LLC, FOR A MAJOR ARCHITECTURAL APPLICATION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 3,383-SQUARE FOOT 5 Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes City of Palm Springs January 6, 2020 HOUSE ON A HILLSIDE LOT LOCATED AT 1731 PINNACLE POINT (LOT 3), ZONE PDD 79 (CASE NO. 3.4149 MAJ). (GM) Member's Doczi and McCoy noted a conflict of interest; and would not be participating in the discussion or vote. Walsh, seconded by Poehlein to continue to January 21, 2019, due to a lack of quorum. AYES: POEHLEIN, WALSH, ROTMAN ABSENT: LOCKYER, JAKWAY ABSTAIN: DOCZI, MC COY 4. JUNORA BRANES OF GARY WANG & ASSOCIATES, INC., ON BEHALF OF THE 1987 RUDERMAN FAMILY TRUST AND THE 1989 SACK FAMILY TRUST, TO PAINT THE EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS AND INSTALL EXTERIOR LIGHTING FIXTURES AT THE KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN (KFC) RESTAURANT LOCATED AT 725 SOUTH PALM CANYON DRIVE, ZONE C-2, SECTION 22 (CASE NO. 3.3417 MAA). (NK) Associate Planner Kikuchi presented the proposed project as outlined in the staff memorandum. Member Walsh requested clarification on the review process. GARY WANG, applicant, provided background information on the project. ERIK CHABARD, representing the franchisee, discussed brand and identity. CHRISTINE HAMMOND, resident, discussed her recollection of the original project approval 20 years ago. She said that the neighborhood provided input to ensure the design reflected Palm Springs. Member McCoy asked for specific fixture specification. He is not in support of proposed design. Member Doczi provided comments, noting concern with the current design. Member Walsh appreciated hearing the history of the building. He is not in support of the current design. Vice Chair Rotman asked what the light temperature would be- (Applicant responded 3200 Kelvin). Member McCoy said he is not in support of the changes. !J Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes City of Palm Springs January 6, 2020 Member Poehlein said it has too much red and needs re -thinking. He said regarding signage the Colonel sign should use existing recessed area. Vice Chair Rotman agrees with Committee comments. He thinks the amount of red is overbearing; the number and size of signs is excessive and inappropriate. McCoy, seconded by Walsh to deny project, as proposed. AYES: MC COY, POEHLEIN, WALSH, ROTMAN ABSENT: LOCKYER, JAKWAY 5. DAVID NAVARRO OF CONSERVE LANDCARE, ON BEHALF OF SUNRISE EAST HOMEOWNER ASSOCIATION, INC., FOR MINOR ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW APPROVAL TO CONVERT 20,000 SQUARE FEET OF TURF TO DESERT LANDSCAPE AT THE SUNRISE EAST CONDOMINIUM COMPLEX LOCATED AT 2251 EAST MESQUITE AVENUE, PD-38, SECTION 24 (CASE NO.3.1313). (NK) Associate Planner Kikuchi presented the proposed project. DAVID NAVARRO, Conserve Landscape, provided information on the project. CHRISTINE HAMMOND, nearby resident, concerned that the proposed tree — Tipu, is not native. It is a tropical tree and invasive. She expressed concern that the tree root - spread will lift sidewalks and damage asphalt; and it will drop seeds. Member Poehlein asked about the use of Tipu tree. (Applicant responded that they could use an alternate tree such as Olive tree.) Member Doczi noted a larger space behind the sidewalk in the plan. He questioned if they had considered planting trees in this area. (Applicant responded that the strip between the sidewalk and curb has been hard to maintain landscape and they chose to plant trees in between the existing pine trees. COMMITTEE COMMENTS: Member Doczi commented that the plant space is too narrow. He thinks it should be behind the sidewalk. Member McCoy concurred with Member Doczi. He said the project seems sparse. Doczi, seconded by Poehlein to approve with the following conditions: 7 Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes City of Palm Springs January 6, 2020 1. Add desert landscape behind sidewalks. 2. Group Hesperaloe parviflor with boulders. AYES: MC COY, POEHLEIN, WALSH, ROTMAN ABSENT: LOCKYER, JAKWAY COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS: None. STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: None. ADJOURNMENT: The Architectural Advisory Committee adjourned at 5:55 pm to the next regular meeting at 3:00 pm on Tuesday, January 21, 2020, Council Chamber, City Hall, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs. 2D.00 David A. Nfewell, AICP Principal Planner 8