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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-05-21- ARC MinutesCity of Palm Springs ARCHITECTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Council Chamber, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, California 92262 Minutes of May 21, 2018 CALL TO ORDER: Chair Song called the meeting to order at 3:02 pm. ROLL CALL: Committee Members Present: Doczi, Jakway, Lockyer, McCoy, Rotman, Vice Chair Cassady, Chair Song Committee Members Excused: None. Planning Commissioner Present: Kathy Weremiuk Staff Present: Principal Planner Robertson, Associate Planner Lyon 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 5:00 pm on Thursday, May 17, 2018. ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA: Lockyer, seconded by Rotman to accept the agenda, as presented. AYES: Doczi, Jakway, Lockyer, McCoy, Rotman, Cassady, Song PUBLIC COMMENTS: None. CONSENT CALENDAR: 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MAY 7, 2018 McCoy, seconded by Jakway, to approve minutes, as presented. AYES: Jakway, Lockyer, McCoy, Cassady, Song ABSTAIN: Doczi, Rotman Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes May 21, 2018 City of Palm Springs UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 2. CONSERVE LANDCARE ON BEHALF OF PALM SPRINGS CHURCH OF CHRIST REQUESTING APPROVAL FOR A MINOR ARCHITECTURAL APPLICATION TO CONVERT APPROXIMATELY 7,025-SQUARE FEET OF EXISTING LANDSCAPE TO DROUGHT TOLERANT LANDSCAPE AT 1450 NORTH AVENIDA CABALLEROS, ZONE PD 161 (CASE 5.0332-MAA). (ER) Principal Planner Robertson provided details on the modifications to the proposed landscape plan. DAVID NAVARRO, Conserve Landcare, said they are removing an existing palm and ficus to accent the existing olive trees with white roses. He indicated that initially they wanted to install a rubble path but there is an issue with vandalism at the school next door. He indicated that they could use decomposed granite or not have anything to keep it consistent with what's there. Member Doczi noted the Agave seems to be one of the main features and recommended upsizing to 15 gallon size. He thinks the pathway could be eliminated. Chair Song concurred with Member's Doczi's comments. Member McCoy concurs with the previous comments and likes that they are changing out the ficus to olive trees and will be a more cohesive landscape plan. He thinks the purple fountain grass looks random on the south end wall with oleander on the north wall- and suggested other plantings could be used such as Neriums. Member Lockyer suggested an edge banding if decomposed granite is installed; otherwise it will mix together. He questioned if 318" rock could be used- (issues with vandalism and church want to protect the stained art glass piece.) He said it has improved since the previous rendering with the singular Agave in the center. He suggested a reduction in the amount of colors perhaps using Agave or Aloe that could be better grouped by varying sizes of the same type. Chair Song requested clarification on the size of boulders and pathway design- (varies in size but will not be larger than 3 feet). Chair Song said this is an improvement and the graphics help them see what landscape materials are being put together. She recapped the AAC comments: the Agave in 15 gallon size will help create an intermediate scale landscape between the sidewalk and the building. She thinks the dry Arroyo looks a bit forced and prefers a continuous foreground for the different landscape plantings. She noted the other comment that was made was having too many colors in the plant palette. 2 Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes May 21, 2018 City of Palm Springs Member Rotman agrees with the number of colors and suggested looking at the colors in the stained glass as a guide for the plant color palette. He thinks eliminating the pinks and using red, blues, yellows and white colors. Member McCoy said he likes the simplicity of the building and thinks having too many colors and plants bring your eyes to the foreground and loses the building. He noted that in the prior rendering Coprosma groundcover was shown and was very simple. He said the quantity of individual plants versus the quantity of groundcover create a gentle composition that highlight the architecture. Member Doczi commented that he does not have a problem with the variety of colors - the groupings create a pattern in the landscape and the congregation will enjoy seeing the color at different times of the year. He said they have used 314" rock instead of decomposed granite in commercial projects and is more sustainable. He thinks the way the mounding will be done will be the key to the landscape installation. Member Jakway thinks a great improvement and recommends one color for the decomposed granite; only as a foreground in front of the stained glass but not on the other side. He agrees with Member Doczi that the groupings are one color; and it does not matter that there are multiple colors. Chair Song said it is an improvement and if it's a matter of removing a couple colors or keeping the color is something they can work out with staff. Doczi, seconded by Jakway to approve subject to: 1. Remove walkways and highlight an area in front of the stained glass window. 2. Agave plants shall be 15 gallon size. 3. Location of the boulders will be used to anchor major plantings, as a feature to the landscape design. 4. Rock to be 318" instead of decomposed granite. 5. Plant colors to be in groupings as presented in the landscape plan. AYES: Doczi, Jakway, Lockyer, McCoy, Rotman, Cassady, Song NEW BUSINESS: 3. GULF AMERICA GROUP, LLC, OWNER, REQUESTING APPROVAL OF A MAJOR ARCHITECTURAL APPLICATION FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A 3,700 SQUARE FOOT SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE ON A HILLSIDE LOT LOCATED AT 2465 WINTER SUN DRIVE, ZONE ESA-SP PLANNING AREA 4, LOT 24, DESERT PALISADES SPECIFIC PLAN (CASE 3.4081 MAJ). (KL) 3 Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes May 21, 2018 City of Palm Springs Associate Planner Lyon presented the proposed single-family hillside house located in the Desert Palisades Specific Plan as outlined in the staff memorandum. BOB SMITH, owner of Lot 24, (MSA Consulting), provided background history on the site and introduced the design team. FINN KAPPE, Kappe Architects, said they think they have put forward a good project that will contribute to the overall legacy of modem residential architecture in Palm Springs. He said the post -and -beam vernacular translated nicely to steel and follows the topography of this specific site; he described the project using a computer simulation. Member Jakway noted that the roof, eave and rough structure look very thin and requested clarification- (it will be 6" perimeter gutter system all around the building with post -and -beam steel and metal decking). He verified if a preliminary Title 24 has been done- (yes, it is compliant). Member Doczi thinks they've done a beautiful job with the proportions and the way the structure integrates into the site. Member Lockyer questioned where the down sprouts/gutter system- (gutter system is all around the perimeter of the roof and will be using rain chains to drop the water into the architectural catch basins at select locations and are step roofs). Member Rotman asked about the screening area between the carport and fire pit- (a sliding door for flexible space). He requested clarification about the location of the ravine in relation to the pool and type of fencing material for pool area- (open 2x2 corten steel posts that stagger around the property and will rise up vertically so you can see through it; it will have rusted tones that will blend in with the desert landscape and boulders mixed with open fencing that step naturally and creates the kind of protection that's required. Chair Song asked about the location of the mechanical system- (underneath the raised house); what type of form will be used on the concrete and how it will be treated- (light sandblasted or sand -broom finish and filled with compact rock or decomposed granite); were pavers considered- (would like to keep the concrete bridging from inside to outside). She said it's an amazing structure; however she pointed -out that the driveway has earth tone patterns and then goes into flat concrete- (a finish could be added to appear less urban). Member Rotman thinks it's a beautiful project and well -thought out. Member Lockyer suggested softening the exposed aggregate concrete or re - naturalizing the hardscape in the front yard and potentially in the rear. He suggested 4 Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes May 21, 2018 City of Palm Springs minimizing the amount of fencing and by using more boulders and less built material so that the lines are not so rigid. Member McCoy thinks it's a beautiful design and concurs about the comments on the paving textures. Member Doczi noted that it looks like the garage encroaches into the side yard setback - (the roof eave projects into the side yard setback but is a permitted projection). He questioned if there is adequate space to locate the mechanical equipment in this area. He appreciates the minimalism in landscape design but thinks there will be desire to have a filter between the houses- the northwest comer has a view of the canyon and suggested an open or lacy type of tree that does not impair the view on the northwest side. Member Jakway questioned the reality of putting the mechanical and pool equipment under the bedroom. The A/C condensers will need vents and will probably end up in a walled service area in the yard. Chair Song thinks they have done a spectacular job and recapped the AAC concerns. Jakway, seconded by Lockyer to recommend approval to the Planning Commission with changes: 1. Concrete finish on flatwork. 2. Final location of mechanical units. 3. Additional tree on the northwest corner. 4. Pool fencing. AYES: Doczi, Jakway, Lockyer, McCoy, Rotman, Cassady, Song COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS: • Building Code requirements for types of pool fencing. (Are boulders acceptable?) • Consideration of filtering views for future houses coming into the Desert Palisades development. • Design Guidelines for the Desert Palisades Specific Plan is available on the Planning department webpage. • Status of the "Welcome to Palm Springs" entry sign that was removed on North Palm Canyon. STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: None. 5 Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes May 21, 2018 City of Palm Springs ADJOURNMENT: The Architectural Advisory Committee of the City of Palm Springs will adjourned at 4:32 pm to the next regular meeting at 3:00 pm on Monday, June 4, 2018, Council Chamber, City Hall, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs. fInFagg, AICP Director of Planning Services 31