HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-05-11- ARC MinutesCity of Palm Springs
ARCHITECTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Council Chamber, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, California 92262
Minutes of May 11, 2015
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Fauber called the meeting to order at 3:00 pm.
ROLL CALL:
Committee Members Present: Cassady, Hirschbein, Purnel, Secoy-Jensen, Song,
Vice -Chair Fredricks and Chair Fauber
Committee Members Absent: None
Planning Commissioner Present: Kathy Weremiuk
Staff Present: Flinn Fagg, Ken Lyon, Glenn Mlaker and David
Newell
REPORT OF THE POSTING OF AGENDA: The Agenda is available for public access
at the City Hall bulletin board (west side of Council Chamber) and the Planning
Department counter by 12:00 pm on Wednesday, May 6, 2015.
ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA: Director Fagg noted that the applicant for Item 4
has requested the item be pulled for separate discussion.
Member Hirschbein requested the remaining items (#2, #3 and #5) pulled for separate
discussion.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
PAUL ORTEGA, spoke about the Desert Water Agency's rebate program that require
certain standards in comparison to the City's standards.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: APRIL 20, 2015
M/S/C (Secoy-Jensen/Hirschbein, 5-2 abstentions Fredricks/Purnel) Approve, as
submitted.
Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes
May 11, 2015
2. GAIN LIMITED PARTNERSHIP FOR FINAL LANDSCAPE PLAN REVIEW FOR
A PREVIOUSLY APPROVED THREE -LOT SUBDIVISION CONSISTING OF
THREE SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCES LOCATED AT 260 WEST VISTA
CHINO ROAD, ZONE PD-368 (CASE 5.1333 PD-368). (DN)
Associate Planner Newell presented the proposed project as outlined in the staff
memorandum.
BOB CUNNINGHAM, landscape architect, provided details on the proposed landscape.
Member Song questioned the use of Ocotillos under the Palm Trees as an understory
plant.
Vice -Chair Fredricks questioned the use/placement of the Ficus; and the under planting
under the Ficus.
Member Purnel noted concern with placement of the Mediterranean Fan Palm. He
questioned if the double row of Ficus at the northeast corner is necessary. He asked
about the spacing of the Bougainvillea plants and use of the Cat's Claw behind the
Ficus.
Member Song noted an issue with the density of the landscaping in the front of the wall
on Vista Chino.
Vice -Chair Fredricks noted concern with the maintenance of the Ficus; it should be kept
trimmed to a certain height. He expressed concern with the under planting under the
Ficus,
Member Hirschbein noted concern with removal of the plants.
M/S/C (Fredricks/Secoy-Jensen, 7-0) Approve with conditions:
• Trim Ficus to certain height, review selection of understory plants;
• Eliminate the Palm Trees between the wall on Vista Chino;
• Applicant to study plant spacing and density - consider less;
• Remove 2nd row of Ficus at the northeast corner.
3. CANYON VIEW ESTATES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION REQUEST TO
REPLACE PARKWAY TURF WITH DROUGHT TOLERANT LANDSCAPE AT
2400 - 2498 SOUTH PALM CANYON WAY (CASE 3.1127 MAA). (KL)
Associate Planner Lyon presented the proposed turf replacement as outlined in the
staff memorandum.
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DAVID DI MARTINI, manager, requested flexibility in the plant sizes and varieties.
Discussion occurred on the most current plans (dated May 3, 2015) that were not
submitted for review.
M/S/C (Fredricks/Fauber, 7-0) Continue to May 26, 2015, to allow the applicant to
submit revised plans.
4. CENTER COURT CLUB HOA REQUESTING APPROVAL TO REPLACE
PARKWAY TURF WITH DROUGHT TOLERANT LANDSCAPE AT 355 NORTH
AVENIDA CABALLEROS (CASE 3.1372 MAA). (KL)
Associate Planner Lyon presented the continued project for turf replacement as
outlined in the staff memorandum.
Vice -Chair Fredricks verified if the groundcover size/spacing is correct.
Member Secoy-Jensen verified the color of decomposed granite.
JOHN WHITE, applicant, spoke about the DWA rebate program and provided details
on the plant materials that had to be obtained prior to approval due to limited inventory.
Vice -Chair Fredricks verified that the plant quantities conform to the plan.
Member Songs asked if the applicant contacted staff prior to the installation. She
admonished the HOA for not working with staff on the issues.
JOHN WHITE, applicant, stated that the coverage calculations from DWA were
submitted.
Vice -Chair Fredricks thinks the plan will be adequate and should go forward. He noted
the following general comments:
• Need plant sizes on plans;
• Prefers variety in plant materials;
• Proper maintenance is important.
Member Purnel said that plant materials are adequate and will fill in.
M/S/C (Fredricks/Fauber, 7-0) Approve, as submitted.
5. SANDCLIFF; HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION REQUEST TO REPLACE
PARKWAY TURF WITH DROUGHT TOLERANT LANDSCAPE AT 1800
SOUTH BARONA ROAD (CASE 3.349 MAA). (KL)
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May 11, 2015
Member Cassady noted his abstention due to a property -related conflict of interest and
left the Council Chamber.
Associate Planner Lyon presented the proposed turf replacement as outlined in the
staff report.
Member Song asked about staff's recommendation to group plant species together.
QUINN WRIGHT, applicant, said they participated in the city's lawn buy-back and DWA
rebate program and provided a brief summary on the geometric landscape design and
plant materials.
Vice -Chair Fredricks questioned if anything is proposed to separate the inert materials.
(No, they will abut each other.) He asked about the inert materials and plant sizes.
Member Song asked if the condition about plant groupings is necessary.
Member Secoy-Jensen asked how to separate the inert materials.
Member Hirschbein asked about the placement of fence post cacti.
Member Purnel said it needs header board/separator between the decomposed granite
and 3/4" crushed rock.
Vice -Chair Fredricks made the following comments:
• Prefers more diversity of sizes;
• Cactus and Ocotillo should be 15 gallons;
• Needs header board between the decomposed granite and 3/4" gravel;
• Maintenance is essential for geometric landscape.
Member Purnel questioned if the landscape will dominate the architecture; the design is
very bold.
Member Secoy-Jensen noted concern with the strong geometry; but supports the
project.
Member Hirschbein said he does not think the design of landscape is detrimental to the
architecture.
Member Song questioned the radial treatment (at Morongo Trail and Barona Road) of
8" crushed rock versus angled treatment elsewhere. She also questioned the
contrasting color of the crushed rock - the decomposed granite needs to be more
subtle.
Chair Fauber questioned the radial treatment at the corner.
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May 11, 2015
Member Purnel said he supports the geometric approach and would like the applicant
to review cool versus warm contrast of the rock materials.
M/S/C (Fredricks/Fauber, 6-1 abstained Cassady) Approve with conditions as follows:
• Recommendation to install effective barrier/header between the 3/4" and
decomposed granite;
• Ocotillo, fence post cactus (Opuntia robusta - should be 15 gallon size);
• Remove staff condition #1, #2, #3 and #4
A recess was taken. The meeting resumed.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
6. FOUR SEASONS HOMEOWNER'S ASSOCIATION FOR ARCHITECTURAL
APPROVAL OF ROUGHLY 37,000-SQUARE FEET OF LANDSCAPE
IMPROVEMENTS ALONG SUNRISE WAY AND AT BOTH WESTERLY AND
EASTERLY ENTRIES FROM SUNRISE WAY, 3800 FOUR SEASONS
BOULEVARD, ZONE PD-267 (CASE 3.2962 MAA). (DN)
Associate Planner Newell presented the proposed project.
Chair Fauber asked questions pertaining to the phasing plan.
LES YOUNG, board member, requested moving forward with the plan and encouraged
implementation of both phases of the turf replacement.
Member Purnel said he appreciates the changes and requested clarification on the
location of the Arizona River Rock usage.
Member Hirschbein verified that all mow curbs would be removed.
Member Purnel questioned the one gallon plant sizes.
Vice -Chair Fredricks said he likes the massing; however, he recommends plant material
sizes as follows:
• 1 gallon size for the Pink Muhly grass;
• 15 gallon size for the Century plant (only where used as an accent).
Member Purnel commented he likes the massing and spacing. He suggested the
Agave Americana and Lantana be spaced 5 ft. on center in median (or use a smaller
Agave) to avoid overcrowding.
M/S/C (Purnel/Cassady, 7-0) Approve with conditions
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Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes
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• Pink Muhly grass in 1 gallon size;
• Agave Americana in 15 gallon size;
• Agave Americana and Lantana spaced 5 ft. on center in median.
NEW BUSINESS:
7. HORIZON VILLAGE RESIDENTIAL MOBILE HOME PARK REQUESTING A
MINOR ARCHITECTURAL APPROVAL TO REPAINT COMMUNITY AND
OFFICE BUILDING AND FRONT WALL ONE MAIN COLOR WITH TRIM
COLOR LOCATED AT 3575 EAST PALM CANYON DRIVE, ZONE RMHP
(CASE 3.3393 MAA). (GM)
Member Secoy-Jensen noted a property -related conflict of interest and left the Council
Chamber.
Assistant Planner Mlaker presented the proposed building repaint
ELIZABETH KUYKENDALL, resident manager, commented that the painting of the
front entrance area will modernize the area and the existing building will be freshened
up with the blue color.
Member Song questioned the paint scheme on the signage.
Vice -Chair Fredricks questioned the color of the mechanical equipment screen and roof
flashing on the office building.
Member Cassady asked the applicant to verify the shade of the turquoise color.
Vice -Chair Fredricks recommends the white color on the entry -wall noting that it would
make the sign more visible; he is concerned that trim is too bright.
Member Hirschbein said he is fine with the color of the sign as it is and recommends a
darker gray or lighter color for the trim.
Member Song recommends to use the Canadian Lake for the trim and wall cap; use
white or a light gray for the exterior and entry walls.
Member Purnel supports Member Song's recommendations; the bold colors fade
quickly and the blue color is inconsistent with the desert environment.
Chair Fauber said blue is fine but is concerned about painting the trim a contrasting
color.
Vice -Chair Fredricks said that roof flashing and mechanical screens should be the
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Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes
May 11, 2015
same muted color of the building.
M/S/C (Song/Fredricks, 6-1 abstained Secoy-Jensen) Approve with conditions:
• Work with staff based on the recommendation of the AAC.
(Walls white and the Canadian Lake for the trim, fascia, etc.)
8. GEOFF MCINTOSH OF BERNIE'S LOUNGE & SUPPER CLUB TO
RENOVATE THE BUILDING LOCATED AT 250 SOUTH PALM CANYON
DRIVE FOR A RESTAURANT & COCKTAIL LOUNGE (CASE 3.3850 MAA).
(KL)
Member Secoy-Jensen re-entered the Council Chamber.
Associate Planner Lyon presented the proposed project to renovate the building as
outlined in the staff memo.
Member Song verified use of the corrugated metal.
Chair Fauber questioned unspecified materials and glazing along the street front
facade.
MIGUEL TALOYA, designer, provided details pertaining to the building design, walls
and exterior.
RAND HOWELL, owner, responded to questioned from the Board.
Member Hirschbein questioned the A/C system. The applicant described how the
system works in conjunction with the glazing.
Vice -Chair Fredricks verified the actual stone being used on the facade and water
feature.
Member Song verified the steel posts at the exterior. She made the following
suggestions:
• Use of the eyebrow feature along glazing at southwest side of building;
• Widen the stone feature adjacent to the front door;
• Questioned the use of metal wall surface adjacent to the front door;
• Questioned the use of metal wall surface adjacent to outdoor dining area.
Member Hirschbein asked for clarification on valet parking and building entrance.
Member Secoy-Jensen said a lot of design elements need to be resolved but supports
the direction. She said it needs a curb canopy at the front entrance- for a sense of
entry and arrival and elimination of the water feature.
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May 11, 2015
Member Hirschbein noted concern with the stone (look at the historic buildings in town
to assist with stone choice) and said the shiny metal is inappropriate for the
environment.
Member Song discussed the proportion of the windows and use of eyebrows.
Vice -Chair Fredricks made the following comments:
• Would like to see a sample of the translucent material;
• Better information on the location and type of exterior metal;
• Tree and plant sizes on landscape plan;
• Discouraged the use of annuals
• Elimination of water feature.
Member Purnel asked about shade requirements for the parking lot.
M/S/C (Fredricks/Fauber, 7-0) Resubmit with incorporation of the AAC comments.
9. ROBERT SCHATZ FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW HILLSIDE SINGLE
FAMILY RESIDENCE ON A ROUGHLY 22,406 SQUARE FOOT LOT
LOCATED AT 2379 NORTH LEONARD STREET, ZONE R-1-B. (CASE 3.3852
MAJ). (KL)
Associate Planner Lyon presented the proposed single-family home on a hillside.
Chair Fauber verified that no waivers were being requested.
Member Secoy-Jensen questioned if notices have been received from neighbors.
RANDY AGOR, project architect, was available for questions from the Board.
Member Secoy-Jensen asked about the material used for they fascia (metal) and
complimented the rendering.
Member Song questioned the HVAC system, insulation of roof, material of soffit and
phasing of the project.
Vice -Chair Fredricks made the following suggestions on the plant materials:
• Trees should be 36" box;
• Agaves/Aloes may vary between 5 gallon and 15 gallon;
Member Purnel complimented the design and landscape.
Member Cassady verified the eave projections from the main house - (8 ft.).
M/S/C (Cassady/Fredricks, 7-0) Approve and recommend:
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• Increase box size for trees: 5 and 15 gallon for Aloes and Agaves.
COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS:
The Board commented on the following items:
• Sunrise Racquet Club - discrepancy of plans and actual installation;
• Status of gabion walls at Lyons Restaurant;
• Desert Isle turf removal;
• Morrison Development - construction of canopy in front of yard;
• Add maintenance standards to landscaping guidelines;
• Enforcement issues with conforming to landscape plans;
• Street trees - pay attention to tree removal.
STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: None.
ADJOURNMENT:
The Architectural Advisory Committee adjourned at 6:22 pm to the next regular meeting
at 3:00 pm on Tuesday, May 26, 2015, in Council Chamber, City Hall, 3200 East
Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs.
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Flinn Fagg, AICP
Director of Planning Services
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