HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-12-07- ARC MinutesCity of Palm Springs
ARCHITECTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Council Chamber, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, California 92262
Minutes of December 7, 2015
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Fredricks called the meeting to order at 3:03 pm.
ROLL CALL:
Committee Members Present; Fauber, Hirschbein, Purnel, Secoy-Jensen, Song,
Chair Fredricks
Committee Members Absent: Vice -Chair Cassady
Planning Commissioner Present: Lisa Middleton
Also Present: Flinn Fagg, Ken Lyon, Glenn Mlaker and David
Newell
REPORT OF THE POSTING OF AGENDA: The agenda was posted for public access
at the City Hall bulletin board (west side of Council Chamber) and the Planning
Department counter by 10 am on Thursday, December 3, 2015.
ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA: The agenda was accepted, as presented,
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: NOVEMBER 23, 2015
M/S/C (Fredricks/Secoy-Jensen, 5-0-1 abstain/Purnel) Approve minutes as amended,
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
2. RIC GRENELL & MATTHEW LASHEY, FOR A MAJOR ARCHITECTURAL
APPLICATION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 3,857-SQUARE FOOT
Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes
City of Palm Springs
December 7, 2015
HOUSE ON A HILLSIDE LOT AND AN ADMINISTRATIVE MINOR
MODIFICATION REQUESTING AN INCREASE IN BUILDING HEIGHT
LOCATED AT 141 RIDGE MOUNTAIN DRIVE, ZONE R-1-A-H (CASE 3.3921
MAJ). (GM)
Associate Planner Mlaker presented the proposed project as outlined in the staff
memorandum. He noted that the applicant has prepared a 3-D model and computer
renderings.
JAY REYNOLDS, architect, presented 3-D physical model showing the scale, site and
topography of the proposed development.
Member Fauber verified allowable height of adjacent residence versus the pad height of
proposed residence.
Member Song verified final height of proposed house and any adjustments for
mechanical systems.
Member Hirschbein asked if height of the house will impact lots to the west and if it
would affect the views.
Member Secoy-Jensen said she is in support of the architecture as proposed (based on
model).
Member Hirschbein supports the design as proposed.
Member Fauber said it is still too tall and suggested it be limited to the height increase
granted the adjacent house.
Member Secoy-Jensen said she understands concerns about the height but does not
see that the design will impact the adjacent parcels.
Member Fauber commented that the house will block views of lots to the west and
needs to trim height from each floor.
Chair Fredricks agrees that the height is too tall and suggested 3rd floor be dropped
down without harming the integrity of the architecture.
Member Song said it feels that the design responds to the slope of the land - combined
with the large lot size the impact will be lessened.
Member Hirschbein commented that the Planning Commission will need additional
drawings and sections to understand any impacts.
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Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes
City of Palm Springs
December 7, 2015
M/S/C (Secoy-Jensen/ Fredricks, 5-1-1 Fauber, absent/Cassady) Approve as presented
with recommendations (suggestions):
1. Do a photo montage with view from the site above.
2. A story pole at highest point on the site (suggested to Planning Commission).
3. DENLAR, LLC FOR A MAJOR ARCHITECTURAL APPLICATION PROPOSING
A 2,772-SQUARE FOOT SINGLE-FAMILY HOME ON A HILLSIDE LOT
LOCATED AT 2110 NORTH LEONARD ROAD, ZONE R-1-13 (CASE 3.3817
MAJ). (KL)
Associate Planner Lyon presented the proposed changes to the project.
BRIAN DIEBOLDT, project designer, discussed the changes to the landscape plan and
driveway.
Member Purnel verified that no synthetic grass will be used; also verified color of
decomposed granite and gravel (gravel will not be used).
Chair Fredricks verified the driveway details and quantities of plants.
Member Song questioned the use of the Texas Ranger plant in front of the garage, size
of planter area and location and use of decomposed granite.
Chair Fauber supports the changes to the plan.
Member Hirschbein suggested grouping the trees and plants.
Member Purnel supports the placement of trees.
Chair Fredricks recommends changing the plant sizes from 3 gal. to 5 gal. sizes and
would like to see a variation in plant sizes as well.
Member Purnel suggested use of native decomposed granite instead of the Palm
Springs Gold.
M/SIC (Fredricks/Purnel, 6-1 absent/Cassady) Approve with comments to the Planning
Commission.
NEW BUSINESS:
4. COCO CABANA HOA FOR A FOR A MINOR ARCHITECTURAL
C
Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes
City of Palm Springs
December 7, 2015
APPLICATION TO REPLACE TURF WITH DESERT LANDSCAPING ALONG
THE STREET FRONTAGE AT 1881 SOUTH ARABY DRIVE, ZONE RGA(6)
(CASE 3.0814 MAA). (DN)
Associate Planner Newell presented the proposed desert conversion as outlined in the
staff memorandum.
GORD WEISBERGER, HOA president, presented the proposed desert conversion.
ELENA PETERSON, designer, explained the design.
Member Song questioned the removal of the boulders along the driveway and asked if
the retaining wall is going to remain, irrigation type in different plant areas.
Chair Fredricks verified the type of Palo Verde trees to be used and which olive trees
would be removed.
Member Fauber questioned if the plantings would fill in or if it was under planted.
Member Purnel said he is satisfied with the spacing and plant sizes.
Member Song questioned the "green carpet" next to the driveway.
M/S/C (Fredricks/Fauber, 6-1 absent/Cassady) Approve as submitted.
5. BRIAN AND LISA EBERHART FOR A MAJOR ARCHITECTURAL
APPLICATION TO CONSTRUCT A 2,313-SQUARE FOOT, SINGLE-FAMILY
RESIDENCE ON A VACANT HILLSIDE LOT LOCATED AT THE SOUTHWEST
CORNER OF CARDILLO AVENUE AND CABRILLO ROAD, ZONE R-1-C
(CASE 3.3922 MAJ AND 7.1487 AMM). (DN)
Associate Planner Newell presented the proposed project as outlined in the staff
memorandum.
Member Secoy-Jensen verified the material selections for house.
LANCE O'DONNELL, applicant, provided details and was available for questions.
Member Song verified the fascia detail and suggested retention basin should be more
organic in shape.
Member Secoy-Jensen questioned the hardship for the AMM - new construction and
program should be accommodated within the setbacks.
Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes
City of Palm Springs
December 7, 2015
Member Purnel supports "re -naturalizing" the site and would like a better definition of
re -vegetating the site.
Member Fauber supports the project but is disappointed that the new construction does
not conform to the setbacks.
MISIC (Fauber/Purnel, 6-1 absent/Cassady) Approve as submitted with condition:
1. Changes in plantings as recommended by the Committee.
6. SUNSHINE VILLAS HOA, FOR A MINOR ARCHITECTURAL APPLICATION
TO CONVERT 30,685-SQUARE FEET OF TURF AREA TO DESERTSCAPE
ALONG EAST RAMON ROAD FOR THE COMPLEX LOCATED AT 2155 EAST
RAMON ROAD. (GM)
Associate Planner Mlaker presented the proposed desert conversion as outlined in the
staff memorandum.
Chair Fredricks verified staffs recommendation for the addition of trees.
JUAN ALVARADO, landscape designer, provided details on the landscape plans.
Member Purnel verified the existing tees and if any were to be removed. He requested
clarification on the spacing of plant materials.
Member Song verified the color of the decomposed granite - (golden -brown crushed
rock).
Chair Fredricks asked if the HOA considered adding Palo Verde trees to the open -
space.
Member Song discussed the use of groundcover and suggested it should extend from
the curb to the sidewalk.
Member Purnel finds the landscape plan unorganized and suggested more massing of
the cobble and green carpet with a simple rhythm. It could be simpler by possibly
reorganizing them.
Chair Fredricks recommends adding more trees (12) 24" Palo Verde trees, massing of
plant materials, simplification of plant materials and diversity in sizes.
Member Secoy-Jensen felt that the new landscape should integrate with the existing
materials.
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Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes
City of Palm Springs
December 7, 2015
MISIC (Fredricks/Purnel, 6-1 absent/Cassady) Resubmittal with changes.
7. PALM SPRINGS PROMENADE, LLC FOR AN AMENDMENT TO A MAJOR
ARCHITECTURAL APPLICATION TO MODIFY A PREVIOUSLY APPROVED
MIXED -USE BUILDING TO ALLOW RESIDENTIAL USES, ADDITIONAL
FLOOR SPACE AND CERTAIN ARCHITECTURAL CHANGES, INCLUDING
MODIFIED BUILDING HEIGHTS, ON BLOCK C OF THE MUSEUM MARKET
PLAZA (DOWNTOWN PALM SPRINGS) SPECIFIC PLAN, LOCATED ALONG
THE WESTERLY FRONTAGE OF PALM CANYON DRIVE, SOUTH OF (NEW)
MAIN STREET, ZONE CBD (CASE 3.3607 MAJ). (DN)
Associate Planner Newell presented the proposed project as outlined in the staff
memorandum.
Member Hirschbein clarified the scope of review for the AAC.
Member Secoy-Jensen clarified review criteria (2009 Specific Plan vs. Proposed
Update).
JOHN WESSMAN (applicant) and CHRIS PARDO (project designer) provided project
details and were available for questions.
Member Hirschbein verified the actual height of the retail building (where height change
is requested).
Member Song questioned how adjacent
building; details of equitone panels and
incorporate sun shading elements.
1-story spaces fit into context of 2-story
proportion of windows; and the need to
Member Hirschbein questioned the staining properties of the Cor-Ten steel; and
questioned if a subterranean level could be used instead of 2nd story.
Member Fauber thinks it has improved and likes the proportions.
Member Secoy-Jensen said overall, it is an interesting design - she cannot support
anything getting bigger or taller without guidelines.
Member Purnel hates to see the height increase but supports attracting retailers - he
questioned if bringing traditional elements to the design would help appearance of
having been built overtime.
Member Hirschbein has an issue with the height and would like to see subterranean
level instead to balance proportions.
Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes
City of Palm springs
December 7, 2015
Member Song said overall the project is good and feels that they are constrained by
time.
Chair Fredricks also concerned about time constraints.
MISIC (Song/Fauber, 4-2-1 Hirschbein/Secoy-Jensen, absent/Cassady) Approve with
conditions:
1. Lower height of D & M building or keep the height and introduce another
element to address the pedestrian setting.
2. Larger setback or bring forward infill building.
3. Additional sun shading control devices for the D & M building.
8. ARRIVE HOTEL REQUESTING A SIGN PROGRAM CONSISTING OF ONE
MAIN HOTEL SIGN AND TWO SIGNS FOR ACCESSORY RETAIL USES
LOCATED AT 1551 NORTH PALM CANYON DRIVE (CASE 15-004). (FF)
Director Fagg presented the proposed sign program as outlined in the staff
memorandum.
CHRIS PARDO, applicant, provided details on the proposed sign program.
Member Song likes the variety of sign types and confirmed the sign for the coffee shop
is not solid. Mr. Pardo confirmed that there is only one sign for the coffee shop.
Member Fauber verified the position of the parking lot signs and type of material.
Member Secoy-Jensen likes the variety of signage; and questioned if main sign will
work if restricted to the height allowed by the code.
Member Hirschbein commented on the impact of the arrive/depart sign on properties
across the street (reverse - black with white letters).
MISIC (Fredricks/Song, 6-1 absent/Cassady) Approve with recommended conditions:
• Parking lot entrance/exit signs: reverse sign box cover faces from "white
background with black letters" to "black background with white letters".
• Increase size of "Ice Cream Shop" letters.
• Eliminate "Ice Cream Shop" raceway and look at other illumination such as up or
down lighting of wall.
COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS: None.
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Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes
City of Palm Springs
December 7, 2015
STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: Staff noted there will be no second meeting for the
month of December.
ADJOURNMENT: The Architectural Advisory Committee adjourned at 6:06 pm to the
next regular meeting at 3:00 pm on Monday, January 4, 2016, Council Chamber, City
Hall, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs.
F Inn Fagg, AICP
Director of Planning Services
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