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Home My WebLink About2011-09-26- ARC MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS ARCHITECTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Council Chamber, City Hall 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 26, 2011 CALL TO ORDER: Chair Kleindienst called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. ATTENDANCE -YTD Present: # Absent: # Total William Kleindienst, Chair X 14 0 14 James Harlan, Vice Chair X 14 0 14 William Fauber X 14 0 14 Gary Fredricks X 11 3 14 Susan Secoy Jensen X 13 1 14 Randy Purnel 11 X 3 14 Paul Ortega * X 4 0 4 Don Thompson N/A Donald Wexler N/A (The attendance record is from January 2011 through the meeting of August 22, 2011. * Member Ortega's attendance record begins on August 8, 2011) Planning Commission Members Present: Commissioner Hudson APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of Minutes for meeting of September 12, 2011 with corrections to agenda items #3, #4, and #5 as noted. ACTION: M/S/C (Fredricks / Jensen, 6-0-1, absent Purnel) To approve the minutes of September 12, 2011, with corrections to agenda items #3, #4, and #5 as noted. 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 — Casa de Oro HOA — Tree Removal A request by Casa de Oro HOA to remove 19 diseased and damaged trees from various locations throughout the complex located at 301 Madscal Road, Zone RGA(8), Section 3. Assistant Planner Mlaker presented the Staff report and pointed out the locations of the proposed trees to be removed. He passed around the meeting minutes of the HOA authorizing the tree removal. Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of September 26, 2011 Jeff Bayer from Pro Landscaping stated that the trees slated for removal are diseased or are a possible falling hazard. The pine trees adjacent to the tennis courts are infested with spider mites. The other trees are located in areas that are not appropriate for large tree plantings which are near utility boxes or existing walls. Areas around the tree removal sites will be filled in with turf or decomposed granite. Mr. Bayer stated that his company does not remove healthy mature trees. Jesus Escamilla, Certified Arborist for Pro Landscaping stated that the pine trees are not a native species and can cause problems. Steve Sims — resident of Casa de Oro stated that the four pine trees are icons of the community and are in good shape. The pine trees have shown new growth and they provide shade. Another resident of Casa de Oro presented a petition from residents of the complex requesting a delay in the decision until such time that the residents can be notified and a community vote be taken. Chair Kleindienst stated that the four existing pine trees are large and appear to be healthy. Member Fredrick was seeking clarification on the proposal by asking if trees to be removed would be replaced. He stated that the removal of the pine trees would result in altered solar heating and shading around the tennis courts. Member Ortega asked for clarification, he stated that clear direction be given to the applicant and that a complete landscape plan of the entire complex is not necessary but should be focused in the affected areas where tree removal is proposed. AAC members discussed the proposal to remove four pine trees and other trees. Member Fauber asked for a complete landscape package for tree removal and replacement. The AAC does not have a complete scope of the proposal. Member Jensen would like a landscape replacement plan to be accompanied with the tree removal request. AAC members offered the following comments and recommendations: 2.a Applicant to submit a landscape plan for immediate areas around the proposed tree removal sites to include existing plants and replacements. 2.b Applicant to resubmit plans after approval from the Casa de Oro HOA. ACTION: M/S/C (Kleindienst / Fauber, 6-0-1, absent Purnel) To recommend a restudy per recommendations. 'rjl Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of September 26, 2011 AGENDA ITEM #3: Case Si 11-088 — Palm Springs Unified School District Operations Center Signs A request by CA signs representing the Palm Springs Unified School District for the placement of one main building identification sign and three awning signs at the District Operations Center located at 150 Chase Place, Zone M-1-P, section 18. Assistant Planner Mlaker presented the sign proposal and clarified the location of the sizes of the signs and stated that the AAC recommendation will be forward to the Planning Commission. Mike Sattley representing Palm Springs Unified School District was available for questions. Member Fredricks asked for clarification on the method of measuring the building set -back relative to the maximum allowable sign size. ACTION: M/S/C (Harlan / Fredricks, 6-0-1, absent Purnel) To recommend approval as submitted to the Planning Commission. AGENDA ITEM #4: Case 3.3607 MAA — Smoke Tree Commons A proposal by Donahue Schriber Realty Group for the replacement of storefront glass with framing and stucco finish to match the existing building for a future retail tenant within the Smoke Tree Commons shopping center located at 2465 East Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 805- 820, Zone C-S-C, Section 25. Associate Planner Newell presented the proposed exterior remodel as outlined in the staff report dated September 26, 2011. Mr. Michael Osborne of Donahue Schriber Realty Group presented the project and was available for questions. He stated that the sporting goods tenant uses the front interior wall for display purposes, and they would like the appearance of a "big -box" retailer. Vice Chair Harlan noted his concern with glass removal and suggested the use of tile for portions of the removal. Member Jensen was not opposed to glass removal; however, she would like some articulation element on wall. Member Fauber was not in favor of glass removal; he suggested installing a permanent wall behind windows and consider "blacking -out" windows so they are not transparent. He also recommended removing a portion of the overhang to better pronounce entry. AAC members offered the following comments and recommendations: 4.a Propose alternative design so store appears as a "big box" store; 4.b Provide a comprehensive plan showing front elevation of entire complex frontage; 4.c Provide hardscape redesign adjacent to modified building. 3 Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of September 26, 2011 ACTION: M/S/C (Kleindienst / Jensen 6-0-1, absent Purnel) To restudy per above recommendations. AGENDA ITEM #5: Case SP 11-005 — Ross — Sign Program Amendment An application by the Charles company for an amendment to an existing sign district to allow additional signage for the proposed "Ross Dress For Less" retailer within the Springs Shopping Center located at 5200 East Ramon Road, Zone M-1-P, Section 17. Associate Planner Newell presented the proposed amendment as outlined in the staff report dated September 26, 2011. He noted the approved sign program and subsequent approved addendum was available for review below the posted exhibits. Mr. Jeff Cross of Best Signs, Inc. presented the project and was available for questions. Mr. Frank Tysen expressed concern of excessive signage in the City of Palm Springs and of the proposed sign district amendment. Vice Chair Harlan would like all signage to conform to approved sign district requirements. Member Fauber requested that the main sign be reduced to four foot high letters. He was not in favor of a white background for the main sign or the proposed pedestrian signs on both sides of pedestrian entry and below the canopy. Member Fredricks would like main sign smaller and more information on the proposed temporary banners. Member Ortega was not in favor of temporary banners. Chair Kleindienst felt the main sign was too large and that there was too much neon proposed. He was not in favor of the main sign having a white background — color should be muted. No oval signs on both sides of entry should be permitted but fine with blade sign below canopy. AAC members offered the following comments and recommendations 5.a Reduce size of main sign; 5.b No neon face for main sign (prefer backlit signage); 5.c Background color of main sign shall not be white; 5.d Remove oval signs on both sides of store entry; 5.e Allow blade sign below overhang; 5.f Remove all temporary grand opening signs and allow only one grand opening sign as permitted by the sign district and zoning code; Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of September 26, 2011 5.g Provide exhibits on proposed monument signage; 5.h Provide exhibits on any proposed directional signage; 5.i Provide information on proposed wall lighting. ACTION: M/S/C (Jensen / Kleindienst 6-0-1, absent Purnel) To restudy per above recommendations. AGENDA ITEM #6: Case SP 11-008 — The Sun Center - Sign Program An proposal by YESCO for the implementation of a sign program at the Sun Center complex located at 611 South Palm Canyon Drive, Zone PD-77, Section 22 & 23. Associate Planner Newell presented the sign program to the Committee. Member Ortega asked for clarification on previous approvals for signage and sign programs at the retail center. Mr. Robert Mountain of YESCO was available for questions. Vice Chair Hudson of the Planning Commission commented that the applicant's exhibits appeared to be an inventory of existing signage rather than a comprehensive sign program. Chair Kleindienst asked the applicant to provide a more comprehensive sign program to define future signage. Mr. Frank Tysen spoke on signage at the center. AAC members offered the following comments and recommendations: 6.a Provide a comprehensive sign program that addresses future signage; 6.b Provide an analysis of sign permits issued and existing signage at the center. ACTION: M/S/C (Kleindienst / Harlan 6-0-1, absent Purnel) To restudy per above recommendations. CHAIRMAN / COMMITTEE / STAFF COMMENTS: Principal Planner, Edward O. Robertson invited Mr. Don Thompson, the new alternate AAC member who was sitting in the audience area to introduce himself to the Committee. Chair Kleindienst welcomed him aboard and wished him well. The Chair also raised the issues of illegal signs at three different locations. The signs are at the following locations: • A grand opening sign at the Home Depot • TKD sign at the Sun Center • Signs all over the place at the Albertsons Shopping Center Staff announced to the Committee that the Code Enforcement has already been notified and actions have been initiated. Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of September 26, 2011 ADJOURNMENT: There being no further comments, the AAC meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m. Ellward O. obertson Principal Planner 171