HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-03-26- ARC MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS
ARCHITECTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Council Chamber, City Hall
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
MINUTES OF MARCH 26, 2012
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Kleindienst called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.
N 1 1 ClmumIYIiC -I J U
rresent:
#
Absent: #
Total
William Kleindienst, Chair
X
5
1
6
James Harlan, Vice Chair
X
6
0
6
William Fauber
X
6
0
6
Gary Fredricks
X
5
1
6
Susan Secoy Jensen
X
5
1
6
Randy Purnel
X
6
0
6
Paul Ortega
X
4
2
6
Dan Thompson
2
0
N/A
Donald Wexler
N/A
(Attendance record begins on January 2012 through the meeting of March 26, 2012.)
Planning Commission Member Present: Commissioner Munger
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of Minutes for meeting of March 12, 2012.
ACTION: M/S/C (Jensen / Purnel, 5-0-2, abstain Kleindienst, Fredricks) To approve the
minutes of March 12, 2012.
REVISIONS TO AGENDA: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS: Three (3) minute time limit per person on matters within the
jurisdiction of the Architectural Advisory Committee.
There were no public comments.
AGENDA ITEM #2: Case 3.879 MAA — Re -Study — Casa de Oro HOA
A request by Casa de Oro to remove 15 deceased and damaged trees from various locations
throughout the complex located at 301 Mariscal Road, Zone RGA(8), Section 3. (GM)
Assistant Planner Mlaker stated that this project had previously been reviewed by the AAC at
the September 26, 2011 meeting. The applicant has revised the submission based on AAC
recommendations to remove the request to eliminate four pine trees adjacent to the tennis
courts. All other requests for the removal of deceased and damaged trees remain. He
stated that attached to the AAC memo is a letter from a concerned resident requesting that
the trees not be removed. Also attached to the Staff memo is a petition from residents in
favor of the tree removal.
Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of March 26, 2012
Charles Sachs, a resident of Casa de Oro stated that the HOA had conducted a vote on the
tree removal issue and that a majority of residents did not vote in favor of the proposal. He
proposes that the trees be transplanted and the HOA conduct a second arborist report.
Steven Sims, a resident of Casa de Oro stated that he enjoys the mature landscaping
present at the complex. The HOA did not have a majority of residents in favor of the
proposal. An irrigation study showing the water usage is needed.
Jeff Bayer, Pro Landscaping, representing the applicant stated that the trees earmarked for
removal are a hazard due to their location, size, or damaged status. The trees are uprooting
sidewalks and foundations with the landscaping not planted properly. He stated that
transplanting of the larger tress is not feasible due to cost and health of the trees.
John Murphy, representing the HOA management company is concerned about the safety of
the residents. He stated that the trees to be removed are a small percentage compared to
the overall trees and landscaping in the complex. He stated that the HOA would like a
decision from the AAC.
Member Fredricks agrees with -the recommendation except for the following: Tree #1 —
replace with a 15 gallon size tree; #5 do not remove; #7 plant larger tree; #8 replace with
Washingtonian Filifera; #13 larger gallon size; #14 do not remove. Supports all other
requests.
Member Purnel agrees with Member Fredricks assessments. He stated that in some cases
trees do need to be removed when they pose potential hazards. He is in favor of the
proposal and transplanting is not feasible, however replacement is important.
Member Ortega stated that he does not support the transplanting of the trees due to health
and hazard potential.
ACTION: M/S/C (Fredrick / Ortega, 7-0) To recommend approval with the following
conditions regarding individual trees:
Tree #1 - 15 gallon size
#5 - not to be removed
#7 - new palm tree to be at least 12 feet tall
#8 - palm tree to be a Washingtonia Filifera
#13 -15 gallon size
#14- not to be removed
All other tree removal requests are recommended as proposed.
AGENDA ITEM #3: Case 5.0845 PD 262 — Final PD AMND - Estancias
Far West Industries proposes to amend a previously approved Final Development plan for 15
single-family residences within the 48-lot Estancias subdivision located at 500 Acanto Drive,
Zone R-1-13, Section 35. (DN)
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Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of March 26, 2012
Associate Planner Newell presented the proposed project. He clarified that the rear yard
walls / fences along the fairway will be a combination of block and wrought iron with a total
height of six feet; the Zoning Code allows only four and a half feet in this area but five feet is
required for rear yard pools. Some proposed roof heights exceed the zoning code limitations
near side yard setbacks which have previously been approved in the subdivision. Elevations
have been revised to one foot taller than shown in the packet; new elevations are on display
board and included in a handout. Solar on roof will be a buyer's option, but will be located
behind parapets. Driveways are proposed to be decorative pavers. The applicant has
obtained approval from the HOA; letter is part of packet provided today.
Brian Berkson of Far West Industries provided further details on the proposal. The existing
rear yards of the fairway lots contain a mix of solid block walls and combination block and
wrought iron installations. The proposed rear yard walls / fences along fairways would be
block on the bottom half and wrought iron on the top half. All block walls are proposed to be
stucco; a sample of the stucco is provided for review.
Vice Chair Harlan was comfortable with front yard wall heights but felt they should be outside
of setback. He asked that site sections be provided to analyze side setback impacts.
Windows should be setback (recessed). He liked the color palettes proposed but requested
more detail be shown on the elevations plans.
Chair Kleindienst was not in favor of a six foot high block wall along the fairway. He felt the
plans lacked articulation and needed to show movement and three -dimensionality.
Members Ortega and Purnel were impressed with proposed plant selection and sizes.
Member Jensen expressed concern of pool equipment location and felt the equipment
should be moved away from street.
AAC members offered the following comments and recommendations:
1. Provide re -articulation of facades showing more dimensional relief;
2. Supply complete elevations showing building heights and materials;
3. Provide site sections that include side yard setbacks;
4. Provide previously approved drawings for next AAC review;
5. Recommend relocation of pool equipment out of front yard area;
6. Provide rear yard wall / fence typicals for fairway lots;
7. No full height block walls at rear yard fairway lots;
8. Provide curb location relative to property line;
9. Restudy lower height of front yard wall or locate outside of setback;
10.Consider providing 3-dimensional drawings of homes with shadowing, perspectives,
etc.;
11.Need dimensions on drawings of wall heights (Plan 2E was referenced at meeting).
ACTION: M/S/C (Harlan / Kleindienst 7-0) For re -study based on the above comments.
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Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of March 26, 2012
AGENDA ITEM #4: Case 3.1762 MAA - Jiao Restaurant
A request to construct a wood and steel patio trellis, exterior pick-up window and landscape
changes at Jiao Restaurant located at the Corridor Shops, 515 North Palm Canyon Drive,
Zone CBD, Section 15. (GM)
Assistant Planner Mlaker stated that this project was previously reviewed by the AAC at the
February 21, 2012 meeting for informational purposes only. Staff has worked with the
applicant to identify existing utility easements located in the area of the proposed patio
structure.
Brent Kanbayashi, project architect explained the proposed planter design system along with
a discussion of the living wall concept. He stated that a horizontal wood element will be
affixed to the aluminum steel planters.
Member Ortega stated that he is optimistic that the proposed planters will be able to sustain
living plants in the desert. He suggests that a more organized design be used for the living
walls.
Member Purnel stated that plant selection will be key for the planting concept to work in the
desert heat. Plant types like aloe and cacti may work.
Vice Chair Harlan asked for clarification on the color of the aluminum trellis structure, and the
overhead canopies. Can there be a Plan "B" if the concept does not work?
Member Jensen stated that a complete materials board for paint color, fabric color, wood
style and planting material be submitted.
Chair Kleindienst stated that he does not support the planter design. He is concerned that a
change in the planter design may result in revised elevations of the entire trellis.
Member Fredricks would like to see further research on the plant material selections.
ACTION: M/S/C (Kleindienst / Purnel, 7-0) To recommend approval with the following
comments:
1. Planters to be supported every four feet
2. Horizontal wood to be fastened to the aluminum planters.
3. Wood material to be selected by applicant.
4. Applicant to conduct research and propose a planting list to be reviewed by a sub
committee made up of Purnel, Ortega, and Fredricks.
5. AAC to review trellis if new design results in changes that will alter the appearance
of the structure.
Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of March 26, 2012
CHAIRMAN / COMMITTEE / STAFF COMMENTS:
Commissioner Munger informed the AAC that the Planning Commission will be seeking
guidance for the use of decomposed granite as part of a landscape plan.
Member Ortega invited the AAC members to attend the 7th Annual City Garden Tour to be
held on April 15th, 2012 from 1:00 — 4:00 PM. Information will be sent out.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further comments, the AAC meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m.
Principal