2007 05 23 ALRC Special MeetingLa
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ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPING
REVIEW COMMITTEE
AGENDA
A Regular Meeting to be Held at the
La Quinta City Hall Council Chambers
78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, California
MAY 23, 2007
10:00 A.M.
Beginning Minute Motion 2007-011
CALL TO ORDER
A. Pledge of Allegiance
B. Roll Call
II. PUBLIC COMMENT
This is the time set aside for public comment on any matter not scheduled for
public hearing. Please complete a "Request to Speak" form and limit your
comments to three minutes.
III. CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR:
Approval of the Minutes of May 2, 2007.
V. BUSINESS ITEMS:
A. Item ........................ SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2006-857
Applicant ................ Coachella Valley Housing Coalition
Location .................. Northwest corner of Dune Palms Road and
Avenue 48
Request .................. Consideration of building and landscaping plans
for the Dune Palms Neighborhood Community
Center
Action .................... Minute Motion 2007-
ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPING REVIEW COMMITTEE
VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL
VII. COMMITTEE MEMBER ITEMS:
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
This meeting of the Architecture and Landscape Review Committee will be
adjourned to a Regular Meeting to be held on June 6, 2007 at 10:00 a.m.
DECLARATION OF POSTING
I, Betty J. Sawyer, Executive Secretary of the City of La Quinta, do hereby declare
that the foregoing Agenda for the La Quinta Architectural and Landscaping Review
Committee Regular Meeting of Wednesday, May 23, 2007, was posted on the outside
entry to the Council Chamber, 78-495 Calle Tampico, and the bulletin board at the La
Quinta Post Office bulletin board. 78-630 Highway 1 1 1, on Friday, May 18, 2007.
DATED: May 18, 2007
ABEJ WYER, Executive Secretary
City of La Quinta, California
G:\WPDOCS\ALRC\Agenda.doc
MINUTES
ARCHITECTURE & LANDSCAPING REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING
A Regularly Scheduled meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall
78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA
May 2, 2007 10:00 a.m.
CALL TO ORDER
A. This meeting of the Architectural and Landscaping Review Committee
was called to order at 10:30 a.m. by Planning Manager Les Johnson.
B. Committee Members present: Bill Bobbitt, Frank Christopher, and
Tracy Smith.
C. Staff present: Planning Manager Les Johnson, Principal Planner Stan
Sawa, and Executive Secretary Betty Sawyer.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None.
CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA: Confirmed
CONSENT CALENDAR:
A. Approval of the minutes was continued to May 23, 2007.
BUSINESS ITEMS:
A. Site Development Permit 2006-868; a request of REA La Quinta, LLC
for consideration of architecture and landscaping plans for a 5,723
square foot freestanding building located on the north side of Highway
1 1 1, west of Jefferson Street, within Jefferson Plaza.
1. Principal Planner Stan Sawa presented the information
contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the
Community Development Department. Staff introduced Tom
Haberkorn, REA La Quinta, and Carlos Oliveras, KKK Architects,
representatives who gave a presentation on the project.
2. Committee Member Christopher asked if the new hybrid of
Chilean Mesquite would have the same problems that are
currently being experienced by the original Mesquites.
0 FILENAME \p G:\WPD0CS\ALRC\5-2-07.D000
Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee
May 2, 2007
3. Committee Member Babbitt stated he is still skeptical about the
tree choice as it just isn't a good choice for a parking lot tree.
They are rapid growing and are native to South America. The
roots want to stay close to the surface and are more like a large
bush. We trim them into a standard tree and the root system
cannot withstand the winds in the Valley. Mr. Haberkorn asked
for an alternative. Committee Member Bobbitt stated there are
a number of trees their landscape architect can recommend.
Mr. Oliveras stated they have already been told by their
landscape architect they have alternative trees.
4. Committee Member Bobbitt asked about the perimeter
landscaping in front of the Center in regard to whose
responsibility it will be to maintain the frontage. Mr. Haberkorn
stated it is the responsibility of Home Depot. Currently, each
property owner maintains its' own parking lot and perimeter
landscaping. He would prefer there be an association to
maintain all the landscaping. Committee Member Bobbitt asked
why a sidewalk was being requested on the west side. The
applicant stated the ADA ramp was moved because of the
steep slope. That is why the trash was moved to the west side
of the building and eliminated the ramp and moved it to the
front (south elevation). Discussion followed regarding uses and
amount of parking that would be required.
5. Committee Member Bobbitt suggested they sod the area instead
of stolens.
6. Committee Member Smith asked if there was existing grass at
the east end and make sure it ties in with the existing.
7. There being no further questions, it was moved and seconded
by Committee Members Bobbitt/Christopher to adopt Minute
Motion 2007-010 recommending approval of Site Development
Permit 2006-868, as recommended by staff and amended as
follows:
a. The Chilean mesquite tree shall be replaced.
b. Sod to be used instead of stolens
Unanimously approved
VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: None
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Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee
May 2, 2007
VII. COMMITTEE MEMBER ITEMS:
A. Staff informed the Committee that the July 4`h regular meeting is a
City Holiday and the Committee Meeting would need to be moved to
July 5`h.
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There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Committee
Members Bobbitt/Christopher to adjourn this Regular Meeting of the Architectural
and Landscaping Review Committee to a Special Meeting to be held on May 23,
2007. This meeting was adjourned at 10:35 a.m. on May 2, 2007.
Respectfully submitted,
BETTY J. SAWYER
Executive Secretary
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ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE REVIEW COMMITTEE
DATE: MAY 23, 2007
CASE NO: SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2006-857
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ARCHITECT: INTERACTIVE DESIGN CORPORATION
LANDSCAPE
ARCHITECT: RGA LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS, INC.
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REQUEST: CONSIDERATION OF BUILDING AND LANDSCAPING PLANS FOR
THE DUNE PALMS NEIGHBORHOOD COMMUNITY CENTER
LOCATION: NORTHWEST CORNER OF DUNE PALMS ROAD & AVENUE 48
BACKGROUND
The Dune Palms Neighborhood apartment complex, located on the northwest corner of
Dune Palms Road and Avenue 48, received Specific Plan and Site Development Permit
approval on April 4, 2006 (SP 2006-078, SDP 06-857) (Attachment 1). The currently
vacant project area, which encompasses approximately 14.8 acres, is approved to be
developed into a ±220-unit affordable high -density apartment complex (Attachment
2). The original Site Development Permit approval focused on the residential units, and
identified that plans for the Community Building would be submitted at a future date
for review and approval. For this meeting, the applicant is requesting consideration of
the structure and design of the Community Building, as well as associated landscaping
plans.
PROJECT REQUEST
Community Building:
Included with this proposal are plans of the approximately 8,352 square foot
Community Building, which include a neighborhood community center, childcare center,
and pool area (Attachment 3, Sheet A1). Vehicular access to the project site is off of
the central driveway leading from Dune Palms Road. Pedestrian pathways are also
provided throughout the complex that connects the Community Building to the
apartment units. A total of seven parking spaces are proposed, including two ADA-
accessible spaces, which complies with the number of spaces required in the Specific
Plan.
The Community Building, like the apartment units, has been designed to reflect a
Mission Revival architectural style, and includes use of red clay S-tile roofing, off-white
hand -trowelled stucco walls, French doors, aluminum -framed arched windows, and
round concrete columns. Strategically -placed decorative metal bars, covered patios,
and other design elements provide architectural articulation to the various building
facades (Attachment 3, Sheet A3). The proposed gable -styled roofs have pitches at
3'/2:12 (Attachment 3, Sheet A2).
The Community Building features two facilities that share a common wall, with each
facility having different interior functions and characteristics. The two-story community
center, at approximately 3,573 square feet, features a large lobby/reception area,
computer lab, meeting room, large community room, kitchen facilities, and an office
(Attachment 3, Sheet Al). The community center also houses the Manager Unit and
includes a community pool area. An exterior entrance and stairwell at the rear (north
side) of the community center leads to the 1,466 square foot 2nd-story Manager Unit,
which includes three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two balconies (Attachment 3,
Sheet Al). The community center facility, at the highest ridgeline, is approximately 24
feet in height (Attachment 3, Sheet A3). The community pool area, located adjacent to
the community center facility, includes shaded arcade areas, storage space, and
restroom facilities (Attachment 3, Sheet Al).
The other facility within the Community Building consists of a childcare center. The
approximately 3,313 square foot child care center features a lobby/reception area, an
office, kitchen facilities, a large classroom area, and an approximately 2,200 square
foot outdoor play area. A shaded outdoor arcade area with ceiling fans is also provided
outside of the childcare facility (Attachment 3, Sheet A1). The height of the childcare
facility, at the highest ridgeline, is approximately 15 feet (Attachment 3, Sheet A3).
Landscaping:
The landscape plan for the Community Building identifies a plant palette consisting of
trees, shrubs, and groundcover consistent with what was approved as part of the
original Site Development Permit and Specific Plan (Attachment 3, Sheet 11).
Landscaping throughout the Community Building facilities is plentiful and is designed
to complement the architecture of the building.
The applicant proposes the use of Tipu trees, Purple Leaf Plum trees, a variety of small
and large accent shrubs, and groundcover within the landscape setback along Dune
Palms Road and in the areas immediately surrounding the Community Building.
Mexican Fan Palms are proposed to be used in the pool area, and vines such as
Bougainvillea and Cape Honeysuckle are proposed to be utilized on the fencing
throughout the project site. A cobble walkway provides pedestrian access from Dune
Palms Road into the complex. Raised planters, colored concrete, and enhanced paving
are proposed to delineate all courtyards, pathways, patios, and pool decking. The
applicant is also proposing landscape lighting at various locations throughout the
project site (Attachment 3, Sheet 11). Low wattage path lights are proposed to be
placed a various locations around the building. Up -lighting of the trees around the
project site are done with a low wattage fluorescent up -light. Walls are proposed to
be lit up using low wattage wall washers placed around the pool and outdoor lawn
areas (Attachment 3, Sheet 11 — 12).
Walls, fences, and gates throughout the Community Building site have several different
design elements. A maximum five-foot high meandering perimeter concrete masonry
unit (CMU) wall is proposed along Dune Palms Road; the precise location of this wall
will be dependent upon a final grading plan and noise impacts considerations. The same
CMU wall also runs along the interior of the project site at a maximum six -feet in height
along the play area, and also adjacent to the pool area along with a five-foot high pool
fence. The fences and landscaping together effectively screen the pool area and
outdoor play area (Attachment 3, Sheet A4).
ANALYSIS
Staff finds that the overall architectural style and design of the proposed Community
Building to be acceptable. Staff has no significant issues with the proposed community
center, childcare center, community swimming pool, and landscape palette, as they are
appropriate and well -designed. The Mission Revival architecture and layout of the
Community Building is compatible with the development guidelines given in the
approved Specific Plan for the Dune Palms Neighborhood. Staff is recommending,
however, that the applicant install additional solar protection measures, such as the
awnings approved for the apartment units as part of the original Site Development
Permit, for the three Manager Unit bedroom windows on the 2"d-story of the west -
facing building elevation, and two kitchen/living room windows on the 2Id-story of the
east -facing building elevation. The remaining Community Building windows are either
adequately shaded or located in a minimally -used space.
The Community Building facility is also designed with an adequate separation of
vehicular and pedestrian circulation, and also provides sufficient screening from Dune
Palms Road and neighboring residential units. Additionally, the strategic placement and
minimal use of outdoor landscape lighting results in a safe and secure environment,
while having a minimal negative visual impact on the surrounding areas.
In general, the landscape palette presented is acceptable. The proposed species of
plants, which are taken from the approved plant list in the Specific Plan, provide
diversity, while having the characteristics of being functional and low water users.
Canopy and accent trees are fully utilized in complementing the architecture and layout
of the Community Building. Thorough use of shrubs and vines effectively screens trash
enclosures, parking areas, and other project aspects.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommend to the Planning Commission approval of Site Development Permit 2006-
857, subject to the following Conditions of Approval:
1. Final landscape plans for on -site planting shall be reviewed by the ALRC and
approved by the Community Development Director prior to issuance of first
building permit. Final plans shall include all landscaping associated with this
project.
2. The applicant shall install additional solar protection measures on the three
Manager Unit bedroom windows on the 2"d story of the west -facing building
elevation, and two kitchen/living room windows on the 2"d story of the east -
facing building elevation
Prepared by:
Wuu, Assistant Planner
Attachments:
1. Vicinity Map
2. Dune Palms Neighborhood Site Plan
3. Community Building Submittal Packet
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