HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-11-22- ARC MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS
ARCHITECTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Council Chamber, City Hall
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 22, 2010
CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chair O’Donnell called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.
ATTENDANCE - YTD Present: # Absent: # Total
Paul Ortega 19 X 3 22
William Kleindienst, Chair 20 X 2 22
Chris Sahlin X 20 2 22
Lance O’Donnell, Vice Chair X 19 3 22
Michael King 20 X 2 22
Robert Parker X 13 9 22
Patrick McGrew X 20 2 22
Donald Wexler 3 N/A
Ana Maria Escalante 8 N/A
(The attendance record is from January 2010 through the meeting of November 22, 2010)
Planning Commission Member Present: Commissioner Hudson
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of Minutes for meeting of November 8, 2010.
ACTION: M/S/C (Sahlin / McGrew, 3-3-1, absent Ortega, Kleindienst, King, abstain Parker )
To approve the minutes of November 8, 2010.
REVISIONS TO AGENDA: Agenda item #6 Royal Hawaiian Estates HOA request was
pulled from the agenda do to lack of quorum.
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 5.1253 CUP / 6.524 VAR – Solar Power Inc.
A Conditional Use Permit by Solar Power Inc., for a 4.96 MW solar power generating facility
on roughly 24-acres of a 98-acre parcel located at the southeast corner of Karen Road and
19th Avenue (north of Interstate 10, west of Indian Canyon Drive). (KL)
Associate Planner Ken Lyon presented the project overview. Frances Knight and Curtis
Brake from Solar Power Inc represented the applicant. The AAC members expressed
concern about wind blown sand from the clearing and grubbing of the site and noted that if
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2
seeding with native grasses was proposed it would need regular watering to assure the
seedlings survive.
ACTION: M/S/C (McGrew / Parker 4-0-3 absent, King, Ortega, Kleindienst) To
recommend approval to the Planning Commission.
AGENDA ITEM #3: Case 3.0893 MAA – El Dorado Palm Estates
El Dorado Palms Estates HOA for the removal of 32 existing trees in the greenbelt area of
the development located at 6000 East Palm Canyon Drive, Zone RMHP, Section 29 (GM).
Assistant Planner Mlaker introduced the project by directing the AAC’s attention to a
landscape plan identifying the proposed trees to be removed. An arborist report conducted
by Pro Landscaping for the El Dorado Palms Estates HOA was discussed. Another arborist
report conducted by Tree Rite submitted by several property owners was also presented.
Staff stated that the case file contains numerous letters of support and opposition to the
request.
Christina Baine Dejardin, attorney for the applicant, El Dorado Palms Estates HOA spoke on
behalf of her client and stated that the proposed trees slated for removal are either diseased,
planted to close to homeowners property, or have root systems that are damaging tree
boxes. She also stated that the El Dorado Palms Estates HOA as an elected body has the
sole authority to remove trees. The HOA relied on an expert arborist to identify trees that
pose a liability threat to the homeowners.
Richard Close, attorney, representing the partnership owning 147 lots said that the request
should be denied. He stated that the existing trees are an important visual amenity to the
community and the removal of the trees would be detrimental.
Robert Downing from Tree Rite a Professional Arborist hired by the residents submitted an
opposing arborist report which identifies three (3) trees that pose a high risk to surrounding
property.
A representative from Pro Landscaping stated that his firm has begun the process of tree
crown reduction, however due to the close proximity of the homes to the trees, the use of a
bucket truck to trim dead branches is impossible. Cutting down of the trees is the only
feasible way to mediate the dangerous threat.
Public testimony ensued with opposing opinions on the proposal.
Member Parker thanked the audience for openly expressing their opinions on the proposal.
He stated that in most cases when a body like the AAC reviews an issue relating to tree
removal, the conversation can become emotional. He has reviewed all exhibits submitted
and in his professional opinion it appears that some of the trees are in a distressed state and
should be removed. He suggested that a third party arborist be hired by the applicant to
evaluate the greenbelt and make a recommendation on which trees pose the greatest threat.
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Member Sahlin suggested that any landscape plan should take into consideration a
staggered removal and planting schedule. The removal of a large grouping of trees may alter
the look of an area. To mitigate this effect, vegetation should be planted at varying times so
all trees don’t reach maturity at the same time. Mr. Sahlin also stated that a third party
arborist report would be helpful.
Member McGrew agreed with the comments of his fellow AAC members. He recommended
that both parties come together to solve this problem and have open dialog.
AAC members offered the following comments and recommendations:
2.a Applicant to hire a third party arborist to review existing trees located within the
greenbelt area.
2.b Report to identify trees that are at most risk of failure or doing the most property
damage.
ACTION: M/S/C (Parker / McGrew, 4-0) For re-study of proposed removal of trees based
upon a third party arborist report.
AGENDA ITEM #4: Case 3.1018 MAA – Pepper Tree Inn
Pepper Tree Inn for the repaint of six (6) buildings to white color, relocation of main reception
area and three new patio doors located within the Las Palmas Business Historic District at
645 North Indian Canyon Drive, Zone R-3, Section 10. (GM)
Assistant Planner Mlaker gave a brief overview of the proposal by directing the AAC’s
attention to the presentation boards and two colored renderings showing a new main
entrance, small walled courtyard area, and patio areas on the rear of the west guest building.
He also stated that this property is a contributing structure located within the Las Palmas
Business Historic District. The boards also contained pictures of existing conditions relative
to a repaint started without City approval.
Carol Blum, hotel partner, stated that the building is being painted white. She wishes to paint
all remaining elements of the Inn white. The existing natural wooden beams are deteriorating
and painting them will help preserve them.
Hugh Gaspar, architect outlined the location of the proposed new entrance, and the three
new patios. He stated that a complete landscape plan will be submitted for review.
Member McGrew mentioned that the desert climate does not treat exposed wood elements
well. He stated that he can support the use of white on certain areas of the buildings,
however the painting of the wood elements is unfortunate. The AAC will review any new
proposed signage and landscaping.
Member Sahlin stated that while some buildings had natural wood, it was more common for
wood elements to be painted brown but also in a variety of colors, blue, green, black and red
but not painted entirely white. He encouraged the applicant to seek authentic designs from
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the past to use as guidelines. Painting the building all white is a mistake.
Member Parker suggested moving the interior courtyard pool fencing into landscaped areas.
AAC members offered the following comments and recommendations:
3.a Provide a complete paint scheme identifying which building elements will be painted
individual colors.
3.b Submit sample of main entrance door style for review.
3.c Submit landscape plan for review.
ACTION: M/S/C (McGrew / Sahlin, 4-0) To recommend approval of the location of the
main entrance, three new patio doors, and walled courtyard. Re-study of building paint with
the submittal of a complete paint scheme.
Commissioner Hudson left the Chamber at 4:45 PM
AGENDA ITEM #5: Case 3.3262 MAA – Janijian Residence
Insun Janijian owner for the construction of an eight (8) foot tall retaining wall in the rear yard
of a hillside lot located at 148 West Camino Descanso, Zone R-1-B, Section 27. (GM)
Assistant Planner Mlaker gave a brief overview of the proposed rear yard wall.
Member Parker asked if the eight foot tall wall would require some kind of railing to prevent
falls.
Member Sahlin suggested that a railing be placed on top of the wall but back from the wall
edge.
Member McGrew stated that he supports the project and mentioned that this property
constructed in the 1920’s may be one of the first houses built in the Mesa section of the City.
Vice Chairman O’Donnell stated that the bench height at the top of the wall may be an
opportunity. The applicant may consider berming up the lower side of the wall.
ACTION: M/S/C (Parker / McGrew, 4-0) To recommend approval with a possible railing
on top of the wall.
AGENDA ITEM #6: Case 3.0182 MAA / HD 2 – Royal Hawaiian Estates
Royal Hawaiian Estates for refabrication and reinstall of tiki apexes removed from “outrigger
beams” at 1774 South Palm Canyon Drive, Zone R-2, Section 26. (GM)
This item was pulled from the agenda due to a lack of quorum.
ACTION: No Action taken.
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AGENDA ITEM #7: Case 3.2664 MAA / 7.1349 AMM Re-study – 3130 Barona Road
Casey Colley & Jose Mendez for architectural approval of a two-story addition to an existing
single-family residence located on a hillside lot at 3130 Barona Road, Zone R-1-B, Section
35. (DN)
Associate Planner David A. Newell provided information on the proposed addition and noted
that this item was restudied at the last AAC meeting. Mr. Joseph Cicchini, representing
Casey Colley and Jose Mendez, provided additional information.
AAC members offered the following comments and recommendations:
7.a Overhang on west elevation should extend at least thirty inches.
ACTION: M/S/C (O’Donnell / Sahlin 3-1-3; opposed, McGrew; absent, King, Kleindienst &
Ortega) To recommend approval, subject to the above-noted comment.
Member McGrew was opposed because he felt that the new roof element did not provide
good composition to the overall design.
CHAIRMAN / COMMITTEE / STAFF COMMENTS:
Principal Planner Robertson addressed the question of the 400 foot noticing radius for
proposed projects. He stated that the City Attorney has been invited to attend an AAC
meeting to address this issue. However, the City Attorney is not able to attend a Monday
afternoon meeting. A possible time may be during a joint meeting with the AAC and Planning
Commission.
Mr. Robertson stated that AAC vacancies have been declared and the City Clerk has begun
the process of seeking candidates. He mentioned that members reaching their term limits
may apply for re-appointment after one-year.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further comments, the AAC meeting adjourned at 5:07 p.m.
_______________________________
Edward O. Robertson
Principal Planner