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Home My WebLink About2015-01-26- ARC MinutesCity of Palm Springs ARCHITECTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Council Chamber, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, California 92262 Minutes of January 26, 2015 CALL TO ORDER: Chair Fauber called the meeting to order at 2:59 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: Commissioner Lowe Also Present: Flinn Fagg, Marcus Fuller, Douglas Holland, Ken Lyon, Glenn Mlaker, David Newell and Edward Robertson 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 2:00 pm on Wednesday, January 21, 2015. ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA: M/S/C (Cassady/Hirschbein, 7-0) The agenda was accepted, as presented. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Douglas Holland, City Attorney, introduced himself and thanked the Members for their expertise and contribution to the community. CONSENT CALENDAR: M/S/C (Cassady/Hirschbein, 7-0) To approve Items 1, 2 and 3 as part of the Consent Calendar. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: JANUARY 12, 2015 SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES. Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes January 26, 2015 Approved, as presented. 2. DENLAR, LLC, FOR APPROVAL OF A MAJOR ARCHITECTURAL APPLICATION FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE ON A HILLSIDE LOT LOCATED AT 2110 LEONARD ROAD, ZONE R-1-13, (CASE 3.3817 MAJ). (KL) Approved, as presented. 3. BARBARA FOSTER HENDERSON, OWNER, REQUESTING A MAJOR ARCHITECTURE APPLICATION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 3,521- SQUARE FOOT HOUSE ON A HILLSIDE LOT LOCATED AT 884 LA MIRADA CIRCLE (CASE 3.3819 MAJ). (GM) Approved, as presented. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 4. CABALLEROS ESTATES HOA REQUESTING APPROVAL FOR CONVERSION OF PERIMETER TURF AREA TO DESERTSCAPE ALONG SOUTH AVENIDA CABALLEROS FROM BARISTO ROAD TO ARENAS ROAD LOCATED AT 280 SOUTH AVENIDA CABALLEROS, ZONE HR (CASE 3.1878 MAA). (GM) Assistant Planner Mlaker provided an overview of the proposed project. Applicants: ELVIS and ABEL ARANDA, Grand Mark Landscape, spoke about the minor changes to the plan (more riverbed, contour and sizes of plant.) to make it more appealing. Member Purnel noted that the board had requested an increase in plant sizes; but does not show on the legend. He requested clarification on plant types not identified in the legend and questioned what the HOA's guidelines are in the design. Vice -Chair Fredricks questioned the size and type of the rubble and groundcover. Member Purnel said he finds the plan a little busy/chaotic, but overall material selection and viability is good; however, he finds a lack of rhythm in the plan. Vice -Chair Fredricks does not see massing of plant materials or differences in sizes 2 Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes January 26, 2015 Member Hirschbein asked if a subcommittee is the best way to move this forward. Member Song commented that the applicant has increased the quantity of plants. She commented that the subcommittee needs to give clear direction up front. Member Purnel made the following suggestions: • Increase some plant sizes (slower growing plants); • A little more massing and rhythm of plants; rather than individual ones scattered out. • Clarification on plants that are not labeled on the plans - ; • Identify plants to be replaced - Aurelia is a poor plant recommends alternative plant. • Greener groundcover - to make it lusher. M/S/C (Purnell/Fredricks, 7-0) Approve, subject to review with subcommittee and applicant to incorporate the comments made by the AAC. (Purnel and Fredricks) 5. O & M HR, LLC (NEXUS DEVELOPMENT CORP.) FOR THE DEMOLITION OF AN EXISTING DEVELOPMENT AND PARKING AREA TO CONSTRUCT "ABERDEEN"; A MIXED -USE PROJECT CONSISTING OF (74) ATTACHED AND DETACHED RESIDENTIAL DWELLINGS, (17) LIVE -WORK UNITS AND APPROXIMATELY 1,568-SQUARE FEET OF RETAIL ON 8.05-ACRES LOCATED AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY AND CALLE EL SEGUNDO, ZONE REO AND RA (CASE NOS. 5.1361 PD-375, 3.3820 MAJ AND TTM 36876). (DN) Douglas Holland, City Attorney, reviewed the AAC's responsibilities for Architectural Review. Associate Planner Newell provided an overview of the proposed project. Vice -Chair Fredricks noted issues with the landscape plan - does not see the landscape plan that shows the plant sizes and materials - (can be submitted with final plan). Member Song commented that landscape is not per Section 14 Plan on Tahquitz Canyon Way; and questioned the prohibition of residential use of live/work space on Tahquitz Canyon Way. Member Secoy-Jensen verified appropriateness of reviewing context. Chair Fauber asked staff to identify where in the staff report where it does not conform and what the standards are. l<3 Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes January 26, 2015 ROB ERES and CHRIS PARDO, applicants, identified the changes made to the plan. Public Comment: BETH EDWARDS HARRIS, said she would like to see the list of responsibilities of the Committee. RON MARSHALL, applauds the AAC for its comments two weeks ago; sustainability should be discussed here. BARBARA MARSHALL, spoke about the important of the Hugh Kaptur buidlings Member Cassady requested clarification of Calle Alvarado design. Member Hirschbein asked for clarification of pedestrian access through the site. Member Song asked about the width of the landscape area at Alvarado. She commented that no landscape buffer is shown on Calle El Segundo and asked about the signage - which is not included as part of this approval. Member Purnel expressed concern about the street trees in tight spaces - it needs to be addressed on landscape plan; need street trees on El Segundo. He said landscape is under -developed. It needs to show landscape of the interior streets. Member Secoy-Jensen commented that architecture and urban design are inseparable. She noted that Calle Alvarado could be wider and questioned what the design concept is for the live/work buildings on Tahquitz. Chair Fauber asked if there are no swimming pools on Tahquitz for the live/work units. He commented that parking is short per submitted drawings; and also questioned the Calle Alvarado width. Member Cassady commented that no parking along Tahquitz will hurt the retail spaces Member Secoy-Jensen said she is struggling with the live/work design and monotony of garage doors; however, the residential behind may be appropriate. Chair Fauber said the issue is with the fourth floor. Member Hirschbein commented that what is before them now is better than what was originally proposed; however, it is monotonous. M/S/C (Cassady/Secoy-Jensen, 7-0) Deny. The Board made a finding that the project does not conform to adopted standards, and El Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes January 26,2015 recommended the following modifications: 1. Study alternatives along Tahquitz Canyon Way; 2. Provide streetscape along El Segundo; 3. Address Calle Alvarado traffic, parking and circulation issues; 4. Resubmit planting diagrams. A recess was taken at 4:33 pm. The meeting resumed at 4:39 pm. NEW BUSINESS: 6. SERGE DOROSHIN FOR A PRELIMINARY PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT APPLICATION TO DEVELOP A 32-UNIT CONDOMINIUM AND TWO LIVE -WORK UNITS LOCATED AT 262 SOUTH INDIAN CANYON DRIVE, ZONE LSC/C-1AA & C-2, SECTION 14 (CASE 5.1358-PDD 376). (ER) Principal Planner Robertson presented the proposed project. Chair Fauber questioned if tribal land is subject to city review. Member Hirschbein asked for clarification of property use to the north. Member Song questioned the landscape/streetscape requirement along Indian Canyon. CHRIS PARDO, project architect, provided additional details. Member Purnel asked about the landscape at Indian Canyon, vehicular circulation and parking for live/work. He asked about the function of gate at Calle Encilia. Member Secoy-Jensen questioned the functionality of the parking area at Indian Canyon. Chair Fauber asked if there are any guest spaces on the interior. Member Song commented on the architecture: relationship of retail to street is too bare; not well defined. She said the interior street needs trees/plantings. Member Purnell commented that the street is "harsh" feeling; it needs increased plantings. Member Secoy-Jensen commented that the vehicular entry is inadequate. Architecture is good, but exterior spaces need to be studied more; footprint may need to be reduced. Member Hirschbein stated that the density is appropriate for downtown; it needs more 5 Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes January 26, 2015 shading on Indian Canyon. Member Song commented that parking lot at Indian Canyon needs to be redesigned. Member Purnell commented that pool setbacks provide for additional plantings. Vice -Chair Fredricks said that landscape is austere; it needs more landscaping at walls. M/S/C (Fauber/Fredricks, 7-0) Approve, subject to conditions: • Rework parking / maneuvering areas. • Enhance landscaping. • Revisit the connection of retail to street. Vice -Chair Fredricks and Member Secoy-Jensen left for the remainder of the meeting at 5:08 pm. 7. SIERRA OAKS, LLC, FOR A MAJOR ARCHITECTURAL APPROVAL TO CONSTRUCT FORTY (40) SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL UNITS ON AN APPROXIMATELY 20-ACRE PALM RIDGE SUBDIVISION LOCATED AT 665 WEST RAMON ROAD, ZONE R-1-C (CASE 3.3802 MAJ). (ER) Principal Planner Robertson presented the proposed project. Member Hirschbein asked for clarification of landscape theme. Member Song asked for verification of stucco treatment on exterior; height of roof and construction details of roof. Member Purnell said plant spacing might be too tight and size of trees in front yard should be 24" box. He had questions about decomposed granite, cobble stone and chosen colors. Chair Fauber asked if there will be an HOA. Member Song asked what the motivation for removing the gates was. M/S/C (Cassady/Fauber, 5-0-2 absent Fredricks/Secoy-Jensen) Approve, subject to conditions: • The 1 gal. plants at 24" O.C. - can be spread out for greater coverage. • Minimum 24" box instead of 15 gallon trees in front yards. • Replace Palm Springs Gold - with native Decomposed Granite for the groundcover. • 24" fascia is too deep - reconsider a thinner profile. 6" Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes January 26, 2015 COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS: The Committee Members discussed the possibility of a study session to review a case study of a complex project. (It was decided not to go forward with the study session.) STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: None. ADJOURNMENT: The Architectural Advisory Committee adjourned at 5:46 pm to the next regular meeting at 3:00 pm on February 9, 2015, Council Chamber, City Hall, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs. FI hn Fagg, AICP Director of Planning Services 7