HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-04-12- ARC MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS
ARCHITECTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF APRIL 12, 2010
Council Chamber, City Hall
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 3:02 p.m. by Chair Paul Ortega.
ATTENDANCE - YTD Present: # Absent: # Total
Paul Ortega, Chair
X
7
0
7
William Kleindienst, Vice Chair
X
6
1
7
Chris Sahlin
X
6
1
7
Lance O'Donnell
X
7
0
7
Michael King
X
7
0
7
Robert Parker
X
5
2
7
Patrick McGrew
X
7
0
7
Donald Wexler
X
1
1
Ana Maria Escalante
X
(Roll Call record is from January 2010 thru meeting of April 12, 2010.)
Planning Commission Members Present: Commissioner Donenfeld
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of Minutes for meeting of March 22, 2010.
ACTION: M/S/C (McGrew / Kleindienst, 7-0) To approve the minutes of March 22, 2010.
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 3.1003 — Sunrise Palms HOA
A request by Valley Landscaping for Sunrise Palms HOA for a change to desert landscaping equaling
8,340 square feet at 3000 N. Hermosa Drive. (GM)
Assistant Planner Mlaker gave a brief overview of the proposed project. He stated that the applicant
seeks approval for the removal of two turf areas located at each corner of the development along
North Sunrise Way. The landscaped areas will be a combination of trees, shrubs, cacti, and
decorative rocks and boulders. Mr. Mlaker stated that the plan requests the removal of 12 mature
palm trees and staff requests that 6 palm trees be planted in each corner area. Staff also mentioned
that the plan was reviewed by the Desert Water Agency and meets the water calculations set forth by
State law.
George Garcia, Valley Landscaping, agreed to plant a total of 12 palm trees in the corner areas and
answered questions from the AAC.
Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of April 12, 2010
Member O'Donnell stated that all landscape features must not block corner sight lines.
Members McGrew and King had no comment.
Member Sahlin asked a question about the proposed location for a wall replacement.
Member Parker was concerned with the type and location of proposed boulders. He stated that
grouping boulders is best. He also mentioned that two plants types should be changed being that
these plant types do not thrive in the desert.
Chair Ortega reiterated Mr. Parker's comments on the two plant types
ACTION: M/S/C (Parker / O'Donnell, 7-0) To recommend approval with the addition of 12 palm
trees split between the two corner areas, and landscaping not be over 3 feet in height so as to block
corner sight lines.
AGENDA ITEM #3: Case 3.3333 MAJ 1 7.1230 AMM RESTUDY of a Major Architectural
Application by Com Dyn PS, LLC for a 51-unit moderate -income townhome complex on
approximately 3.6 acres at 3130 North Indian Canyon Drive, Zone R-2 Section 2 (IL) T4/R3
AAC members offered the following comments and recommendations:
Kleindienst: Concern about concealment of rooftop mechanical units
Wexler: Make the easternmost two units in each building single story, instead of just the first
unit.
Reduce the units at both the northwest and southwest corners of the project site to
single story units.
Remove the second story windows on the eastern fagade of the easternmost second
story building.
Landscape is important to soften and buffer the aesthetic of the project.
Sahlin: Valance on the carports and relocation of the trash enclosure is an improvement.
Undergrounding the overhead electrical wire will enhance the views and overall project
aesthetic.
One-story unit and pushing back the distance from the two story portion to the
adjacent R1 zone is an improvement.
The development will enhance the community by infilling a vacant sandy site.
King: Are the units smaller in order to get the project to conform to the required setbacks
(yes).
McGrew: Project aesthetic is "hard edged"
Density and other factors requested by the Planning Commission (parking, etc) need
to be addressed.
O'Donnell: Project is harsh in its aesthetic
Project has "improved around the margins", but remains problematic.
Ortega: No comments
ACTION: M/S/C (Sahlin/Kleindienst) Move to approve as presented. Motion failed 3-4.
M/S/C (King/Kleindienst) Move to approve with the following conditions:
• Reduce units at NW & SW corners to single story in height.
• Parapets must conceal mechanical units on roofs.
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Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of April 12, 2010
• Utilities must be undergrounded
+ Eliminate windows on second story easternmost elevations (use clerestory
windows or skylights)
Motion failed 3-4
Project to be forwarded to the Planning Commission with a recommendation from the
AAC to deny.
AGENDA ITEM #4: Case SP 10-001 Oasis Commercial Building Sign Program
Lyle Commercial for a sign program for the Oasis Commercial Building (Class 1 Historic Site #55)
located at 101-121 South Palm Canyon Drive, Zone CBD, Section 15. (DN)
Associate Planner, David A. Newell, presented the proposed sign program to the Committee and
noted the staff's recommendation for main signage and accessory main signage. Alex Meyerhoff of
Escalante Architects represented Lyle Commercial for the sign program and answered questions.
Vice Chair Kleindienst believed the raceway for main signs should be standardized and was not in
favor of allowing arcade / blade signs, nor awning or umbrella signs unless they are reviewed by the
AAC.
Member McGrew recommended that the program reduce the letter sizes and that all letters be the
same size (including first letters) for main signs. Member McGrew expressed concern about total
number of signs above the first floor fascia fronting Palm Canyon Drive and believed there should be
no more than five main signs on fascia. He also agreed that the sign program should prohibit awning
and umbrella signage. Lastly, Member McGrew believed that signage for second floor tenants should
be permitted if it's not visible from the street or illuminated.
ACTION: M/S/C (McGrew / King, 4-1, opposed Kleindienst, 2 abstained O'Donnell and Sahlin)
To re -study the sign program with the following comments:
4.a Palm Canyon Drive main sign letters should be back -lit cutout letters, uniform in size;
4.b Prohibit blade / arcade signs;
4.c Prohibit awning / umbrella signs;
4.d Second level signage should be permitted for individual tenants as long as it isn't seen from
any streets.
AGENDA ITEM #5: Case 3.2795 SFR Revision — Schultz Family Trust
Schultz Family Trust to incorporate a rooftop view patio to a previously approved single-family
residence located at 587 Camino Calidad, Zone R-1-A, Section 22. (DN)
Associate Planner Newell provided background on the proposed single family residence. Ray Ryans,
represented the owners, gave a presentation on the proposed rooftop view patio.
Member Parker noted that landscaping should be used to screen views into the property located to
the south.
ACTION: M/S/C (Sahlin / McGrew 5-2, opposed Parker and O'Donnell) To recommend approval
as submitted.
AGENDA ITEM #6: Case 3.3295 MAA— Carneil Building
Plaza Investments for the repaint of the Carvell Building to desert colors located at 196 N. Palm
Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of April 12, 2010
Canyon Drive. (GM)
The applicant Michael Pitt made a brief presentation on the paint scheme. He stated that the goal of
the repaint will be to freshen up the look of the building.
Member O'Donnell stated that he supported the color scheme but requests that the paint be flat.
Member McGrew suggested to the applicant that paint scrapings be conducted on the building to
verify the original paint colors.
Member King stated that he would support another paint scheme other than what was presented.
Member Sahlin supports the effort to freshen up a property and supports the repaint scheme.
Member Parker — stated that the repaint scheme will not harm the architectural integrity of the
building.
Vice Chairman Kleindienst supports the repaint.
Chairman Ortega stated that the paint scheme appears heavy.
ACTION: MIS/C (Kleindienst / Parker, 4-3, opposed McGrew, Ortega and King) To recommend
approval as submitted.
AGENDA ITEM #7: Case SP 09-001 Sign Program Amendment — El Paseo Building
Christopher Anthony Antiques requesting an amendment to the previously approved sign program for
the El Paseo Building to include one eight square foot internally illuminated sign cabinet affixed to the
southwest corner of the building, at 800 North Palm Canyon Drive. (GM)
Member Sahlin recused himself from the discussion.
Assistant Planner Miaker presented the proposal for one 8 square foot internally illuminated sign box
affixed to the building corner. He mentioned that the location of the proposed sign will be in the
general area as the historic designation plaque for the El Paseo Building. A new location for the
plaque will need to be addressed by RSPB. Staff recommended that a reduction in the cabinet size
to mitigate the illumination and the position of the sign at eye -level. A more appropriate size may be
20" x 36" instead of 25" x 48".
The applicant stated that he will be removing the existing sign facing Palm Canyon Drive once the
new lighted sign is mounted. He stated that his current signs are inadequate and are not visible at
night.
Member O'Donnell is concerned for the new location of the historic plaque.
Member Parker asked the applicant if he had looked at illuminating the existing signs either from
above or from behind.
Member McGrew likes the existing signs and does not support a new light box.
Member Ortega asked for the business hours of operation.
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Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of April 12, 2010,
ACTION: Motion made by Kleindienst to recommend approval, no second — motion failed.
ACTION: M/S/C (Parker . / McGrew, 5-1-1, opposed Kleindienst, abstained Sahiin) To
recommend re -study of sign with resubmittal proposing additional ways to illuminate existing signs, no
light box.
AGENDA ITEM #8: Case SI 10-030 — HSPB 22 — Bill's Pizza
A request for a new awning to include valance signs, five window decal signs and a re -paint of front
fagade at La Plaza, 119 South Indian Canyon Way. (GM)
Assistant Planner Mlaker presented the proposal to include a new green hanging awning/skirt with
multiple signs, signs on the windows, and a re -paint of the underside of the overhang. He stated that
as presented the number and size of the signs meets the standards of the sign ordinance.
Sign -a -Rama representative was available to answer questions.
Member Kleindienst asked what type of structure will support the awning?
Member O'Donnell stated that above this tenant space sits a second floor bungalow. He stated that
he has no immediate concerns about the proposal.
Member McGrew stated that La Plaza is a very important historic building and over time it is
unfortunate that the original character has been altered. Originally, awnings were used for solar
control. In regards to the proposal, he stated that a simpler design would be better and does not
support the application as submitted.
Member King compared this tenant space to another space across the plaza. This applicant should
limit the length of the awning/skirt to match imagevilie. Make the submittal not so complicated.
AAC members offered the following comments and recommendations:
8.a Shorten the awning/skirt to mirror others present to 16" in length.
8.b Reduce the number of signs on the awning.
8.c Paint the overhang to match others.
8.d No problem with proposed signs on glazing.
ACTION: M/S/C (McGrew / King, 6-0-1, abstained Sahlin) To recommend re -study of
awning/skirt sign.
CHAIRMAN / COMMITTEE / STAFF COMMENTS:
Member Parker asked staff about the newly installed light bollards at the corner of East Tahquitz
Canyon Way and Sunrise Way. The glare from the lights is great.
Principal Planner Robertson stated that staff is reviewing approved landscape plans and the City's
lighting ordinance for compliance:
In addition, Mr. Robertson presented to the AAC a recent article from the American Planning
Association magazine regarding CEQA.
ADJOURNMENT:
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Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of April 12, 2010
There being no further comments, the AAC meeting adjourned at 6:04 p.m.
Edward q. f be son
Principal Planner
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