HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-08-08- ARC MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS
ARCHITECTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Council Chamber, City Hall
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
MINUTES OF AUGUST 8, 2011
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Kleindienst called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.
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William Kleindienst, Chair
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James Harlan, Vice Chair
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William Fauber
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Gary Fredricks
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Susan Secoy Jensen
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Randy Purnel
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Paul Ortega'
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Donald Wexler
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(The attendance record is from January 2011 through the meeting of August 8, 2011.
* Member Ortega's attendance record begins on August 8, 2011)
Planning Commission Members Present: No Commissioner was present
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of Minutes for meeting of July 25, 2011.
ACTION: M/S/C (Jensen /Fauber, 6-0-1, abstain Ortega) To approve the minutes of July
25, 2011.
REVISIONS TO AGENDA: None
Principal Planner Robertson welcomed Paul Ortega as a returning member of the AAC.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: Three (3) minute time limit per person on matters within the
jurisdiction of the Architectural Advisory Committee.
Joy Meredith representing Palm Springs Main Street Merchants stated that the group
supports agenda item #4 — Lobster House sign program; supports agenda item #6 Port
Lawrence; and agenda item # 7 does not support the proposed gray color change to the
Palm Canyon Drive street furniture.
AGENDA ITEM #2: Case 3.0829 MAA — Palm Springs International Airport
Thomas Nolan, Director of Airport Operations, for the construction of a 650 square foot long,
9'.7" tall block wall to replace an existing chain link fence along El Cielo Drive, Zone A,
Section 15. (GM)
Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of August 8, 2011
Chair Kleindienst stated the he has a conflict of interest with this case and recused himself
and left the Chamber.
Vice Chair Harlan assumed the Chairmanship.
Assistant Planner Mlaker gave a brief Staff report describing the location, size, design of the
proposed wall.
Director of Airport Operations, Tom Nolan described the project to the AAC. He stated that
the TSA is requiring increased security at the Airport and the proposed wall will prevent
trespassing. The presence of landscaping could aid in the possibility of someone climbing
the wall.
Barbara Marshall representing the Sunmor Community Association thanked Airport personal
for working with the community on facility related issues and Sunmor supports the proposal.
The wall will help eliminate Airport noise and jet fuel fumes.
Member Fauber asked for clarification on the exact location of the wall relative to the
sidewalk and existing low wall and if landscaping would be replaced.
Vice Chair Harlan asked if the wall would be located adjacent to the edge of the sidewalk.
He does not support the placement of the wall directly adjacent to the sidewalk.
Member Ortega asked for clarification on the height of the existing chain link fence. He
supports placing landscaping in the area between the sidewalk and the wall.
Member Purnel asked if the proposed wall height would meet TSA requirements and if the
addition of the steel tubing was necessary.
Member Jensen stated that replacing the landscaping should be encouraged.
Member Fredericks stated that if the area between the sidewalk and wall is not landscaped
the applicant should be required to place decomposed granite or other rock cover to prevent
weed growth.
ACTION: M/S/C (Fauber / Ortega, 6-0-1, abstain Kleindienst) To recommend approval,
subject to the following conditions:
2a. Wall be located four (4) feet from sidewalk edge.
2b. Area between sidewalk and wall to be covered with decomposed granite or
other rock cover.
2c. Wall return at Signature Flight Terminal to be integrated with existing walls.
Chair Kleindienst rejoined the AAC.
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Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of August 8, 2011
AGENDA ITEM #3: Case 5.1050 PD 312 / AMND SP 11-006 Smoke Tree Commons
Donahue Schriber for an amendment to the Final Development Plan for PD-312 and an
amendment to the approved sign program for the Smoke Tree Commons Shopping Center
located at 2465 East Palm Canyon Drive, Zone CSC, Section 25. (DN)
This item was removed from the agenda at the request of the applicant.
AGENDA ITEM #4: Case SP 11-006 — The Lobster House
Ian Danielski of the Lobster House to implement a sign program for the multi -tenanted
building located at 440-450 South Palm Canyon Drive, Zone CBD, Section 15. (DN)
Associate Planner Newell presented the proposed sign program to the Committee as
outlined in the staff report.
Committee members requested additional information on the City's current allowances for
temporary banner signs.
Mr. Ian Danielski, owner of the Lobster House, stated that the banners would be used for
special city events, like bike weekend, film festival, etc.
Member Fauber requested that the sign program omit the allowance of temporary banners
up to six times per year. He would prefer that each business be allowed the same as the
current ordinance permits.
Chair Kleindienst was not in favor of A -frame sign for southerly tenant.
ACTION: M/S/C (Harlan / Jensen 7-0) to recommend approval, subject to the following
conditions:
4a. A -frame sign for southerly tenant shall not be permitted.
4b. The proposed temporary banner allowance shall be removed from sign
program and each tenant shall be allowed the same as currently permitted in
the sign ordinance.
AGENDA ITEM #5: Case 3.1132 MAA Sunrise Alejo HOA - Landscaping
Leon's landscaping representing the Sunrise Alejo HOA for the removal of turf within the
complex parking lot islands to be replaced with water efficient plantings located at 700 N.
Sunrise Way, Zone R-1-C, Section 12. (GM)
Assistant Planner Mlaker presented the proposed changes to the HOA landscape plan.
Mary Leon, representing the HOA stated that the proposed landscaping is similar to plantings
currently existing at the complex entrance. The plant list is based upon budget constraints
and larger plants will be placed in the larger planter bed areas.
Member Purnel asked for clarification on the proposed irrigation plan.
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Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of August 8, 2011
Member Ortega asked if the irrigation system will take into consideration the different
watering needs for the existing and new plants.
Member Fauber asked if the proposed plantings will be similar to existing new plants at the
main entrance.
Chair Kleindienst asked Staff if the Zoning Ordinance would require shade trees to be
planted within the parking lot islands.
Staff responded by quoting the Zoning Ordinance relative to shade tree requirements in
parking lots.
ACTION: M/S/C (Purnel / Fauber, 6-1, against Kleindienst) To recommend approval,
subject to the following conditions:
5a. Add desert shade trees to eight (8) largest parking lot islands.
5b. Tree box size to be no less than 24 inch.
5c. Irrigation system to accommodate shade trees.
AGENDA ITEM #6: Case 5.1091 PD 324 AMND — Port Lawrence
A request by Palm Springs LLC, Lawrence Rael, to amend a previously approved Planned
Development District 324 from a mixed -use development consisting of residential/commercial
use to a 175-room boutique hotel and retail commercial development on a vacant 4.1 acres
located at the southeast corner of Alejo Road and North Palm Canyon Drive, Zone PD 324,
Section 15. (ER)
Principal Planner Robertson provided a project description of the previously approved plan
and highlighted the proposed change of use from residential to hotel; as well as the massing,
and site layout. A site cross-section was displayed showing the proposed height of the
buildings.
Planning Director Ewing gave a brief review of the PD amendment process and reminded the
AAC that they are tasked with commenting on the change of use proposal and revisions to
the site plan. Director Ewing stated that the AAC will review this project once final elevations,
site plan, building materials, and signage are finalized.
Lawrence Rael addressed the AAC and stated that the new plan will achieve the following:
• Preserve the connections between Palm Canyon and Indian Canyon Drives.
• Provide a signature structure at the entrance to the City.
• The number of rooms proposed is directly related to the ability of the hotel to maintain
a four or five star hotel status.
• Provide adequate parking spaces for the hotel rooms and the accompanying retail.
Provide a surplus of parking spaces to be used by the general public.
• Design the hotel in a way that addresses the Indian Canyon Drive building elevation
as an integral part of the building architecture.
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Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of August S, 2011
Doug Lee — Project Architect stated that all sides of the building will be highly articulated.
Member Fauber stated that he supports the hotel use but was concerned about the
screening of the parking structure. He inquired if the number of parking spaces can be
reduced? He also expressed concerns on the proposed building facing Alejo Road being a
five -story elevation.
Member Jensen reminded the applicant that the Indian Canyon side of the building can not
be treated as back of the house.
Member Ortega stated that from reviewing the proposed site plan it appears that Indian
Canyon Drive does not contain enough interaction with the street.
Member Purnel stated that he is concerned with the proposed building elevation height along
Alejo Road and the treatment of Indian Canyon Drive.
Vice Chair Harlan stated that a revised site plan should include a stronger connection
between Palm Canyon and Indian Canyon Drives, he prefers the previously approved plan.
He also stated that the proposed motor court should be more visible and well designed. The
spa lobby could act as a focal point on the Indian Canyon Drive elevation. He concluded by
urging the applicant to avoid hiding all the major attributes of the development behind the
structures on all sides.
Chair Kleindienst supports the proposed use as well as the proposed parking lot space
counts. He stated that he is confident that the property owner will propose an interesting
design and disguise the parking structures. He compared the proposed height of the building
along Alejo Road to the existing condition on the north side of the Hyatt along Amado Road.
Indian Canyon Drive elevations must address the back of house activities and be sensitive to
the street. He asked if retail will be included on the Alejo Road side of the building.
ACTION: M/S/C (Kleindienst / Fauber, 7-0), for a re -study with the final designs to be
presented to the AAC for review subject to the following comments:
• Clearer definition of uses along Indian Canyon Drive
• Create a sense of arrival at the corner of Alejo and Palm Canyon Drive; make it a
stronger focal point.
• Consider a use along Alejo that complements Francis Steven Park across the
street
• Massing along Alejo Street and Indian Canyon to be more articulated; consider
staggering the massing
• Conduct additional studies on how Indian Canyon Drive can be activated, by
introducing such uses as restaurants and other destination retails that can also be
used by hotel guests
• Incorporate design elements to take advantage of traffic along Indian Canyon
• Parking structure to be more visually pleasing
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Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of August 8, 2011
• Create an exposure for all the good elements within the interior of the project that
are hidden behind the buildings.
• Trash enclosures to be well screened from public views
AGENDA ITEM #5: Case CM 08-2011 — Downtown Street Furniture - Repaint
City Manager's request to evaluate new colors for downtown street furniture. (ER)
Diana Shay, Development Coordinator for the City presented a proposal to repaint existing
street furniture two colors: gray or repaint benches and trash receptacle terra cotta. Staff
presented color samples and pictures of existing and repainted street furniture. Staff
requests feedback from the AAC on this issue.
Member Ortega asked if the furniture had been recently painted. He asked if the gray color
has been used previously by the City.
Member Fauber stated that if the gray paint chips, it will expose the underlying terra cotta
paint.
Member Jensen said that from her observation, the gray paint is already chipping.
Chair Kleindienst sated that he does not support the change in color to gray.
Vice Chair Harlan said that he liked the gray and a change is needed.
Member Fredericks stated that if the gray color is used the shade should incorporate more
blue, and the benches look dated. He suggested painting the furniture the same green color
as the existing light poles.
Member Purnel stated that a change is needed and he does not dislike the proposed gray
color.
ACTION: M/S/C (Kfeindienst / Fauber, 2-5) To recommend that the color remain terra
cotta — Motion fails
ACTION: M/S/C (Harlan / Ortega, 7-0) To recommend a restudy of the paint color after
the proposal has been reviewed by the Palm Springs Main Street Committee.
CHAIRMAN / COMMITTEE / STAFF COMMENTS:
Member Jensen informed staff that she will not be available to attend the August 22, 2011
AAC meeting.
Principal Planner Robertson stated that the Planning Commission has appointed Dan
Thompson as an alternate to the AAC.
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Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of August 8, 2011
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further comments, the AAC meeting adjourned at 5:10 p.m.
E&vard O.tR6bertson
Principal Planner
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