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2008 01 02 ALRCa �5 �7yFC5�',„,� w9�Sw4 H OFT ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPING REVIEW COMMITTEE AGENDA A Regular Meeting to be Held at the La Quinta City Hall - South Conference Room 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, California JANUARY 2, 2008 10:00 A.M. Beginning Minute Motion 2008-001 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 November 7, 2007 V. BUSINESS ITEMS A. Item ........................ SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2007-900 Applicant ................ City of La Quinta Location .................. Southwest corner of Jefferson Street and Avenue 52 Request .................. Consideration of schematic design package for the SilverRock Resort clubhouse. Action .................... Minute Motion 2008 ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPING REVIEW COMMITTEE January 2, 2008 B. Item ........................ FINAL LANDSCAPING PLANS 2007-025 Applicant ................ Innovative Communities Location .................. Northwest corner of Avenue 52 and Jefferson Street Request .................. Review of Final Landscaping Plans for Watermark Villas interior common area and perimeter landscaping. Action .................... Minute Motion 2008 C. Item ........................ FINAL LANDSCAPING PLANS 2007-026 Applicant ................ Trans West Housing Location .................. Southeast corner of Avenue 54 and Madison Street Request .................. Review of final landscaping plans for portions of the Griffin Ranch interior common areas, including the clubhouse perimeter and mail building. Action .................... Minute Motion 2008 D. Item ........................ SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2007-894 Applicant ................ The Quarry at La Quinta Location .................. South side of Cahuilla Park Drive, west of south Jefferson Street Request .................. Consideration of architectural and landscaping plans for an expansion of a maintenance yard facility Action .................... Minute Motion 2008 E. Item ........................ SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2007-899 Applicant ................ East of Madison, LLC Location .................. Northeast corner of Avenue 54 and Monroe Street within The Madison Club Request .................. Review of Architectural and Landscape Plans for Homeowners Association mailhouse and office Action .................... Minute Motion 2008 P:\Reports - ALRC\2008\0 1 -02-08 Happy New Yeat\Agenda.doc ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPING REVIEW COMMITTEE January 2, 2008 F. Item ........................ SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2007-901 Applicant ................ Bill Sanchez, Project Manager Location .................. Northeast corner of Washington Street and Avenue 47 within The Washington Park Retail Center Request .................. Review of parking lot, landscaping, and retaining wall plans within The Washington Park Retail Center Action .................... Minute Motion 2008 VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: VII. COMMITTEE MEMBER ITEMS: Vill. ADJOURNMENT This meeting of the Architecture and Landscape Review Committee will be adjourned to a Regular Meeting to be held on February 6, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. DECLARATION OF POSTING I, Carolyn Walker, 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, January 2, 2008, was posted on the outside entry to the Council Chamber, 78-495 Calle Tampico, and the bulletin board at the La Quinta Post Office, 78-630 Highway 111, on Friday, December 28, 2007. DATED: December 28, 2007 Cr`c �t�x, eti CAROLYmWALKER, Secretary City of La Quinta, California PAReports- ALRC\2008\01-02-08 Happy New Year\Agenda.doc MINUTES ARCHITECTURE & LANDSCAPING REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING A Regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA November 7, 2007 10:00 a.m. 14"TA �iiZ�7 17 A. This regular meeting of the Architectural and Landscaping Review Committee was called to order at 10:08 a.m. by Planning Manager David Sawyer. B. Committee Members present: Jason Arnold, Bill Bobbitt, and Ronald Fitzpatrick. C. Staff present: Planning Director Les Johnson, Principal Planner Stan Sawa, and Management Assistant Betty Sawyer. II. PUBLIC COMMENT: None. III. CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA: Confirmed IV. CONSENT CALENDAR: A. Staff asked if there were any changes to the Minutes of October 24, 2007. There being no changes, it was moved and seconded by Committee Members Bobbitt/Fitzpatrick to approve the minutes as submitted. V. BUSINESS ITEMS: A. Site Development Permit 2006-895; a request of K. Hovnanian Homes for consideration of architectural and landscaping plans for three prototypical residential plans for use in Tract 30092 (Piazza Serena) located at the northwest corner of Monroe Street and Avenue 58. 1. Principal Planner Stan Sawa presented the information contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Planning Department. Staff introduced John Schuller, Edinger Architects and Steve Shirrel, Landscape Development, who gave a presentation on the project and answered questions. 2. Committee Member Fitzpatrickasked staff to confirm the location of the additional units in regard to how they relate to Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee November 7, 2007 the existing tract and if any energy efficient options were being offered. Mr. Schuller explained this was an infill project and they were offering options to allow for outdoor living components. Passive components are being incorporated to the best of their ability. Committee Member Fitzpatrick asked why solar panels were not being incorporated into the project. Mr. Crandall, K. Hovnanian Homes, stated they will be using tankless water heaters, but no solar energy options are proposed. Committee Member Fitzpatrick asked who determined the front yard turf requirement should be 50%. Staff explained this has been consistent with what the Planning Commission has recently required. Discussion followed as to how the amount of turf is determined. 3. Committee Member Bobbitt suggested that a landscape cloth be used under the decomposed granite (DG) to allow the moisture to go through and keep the DG from sinking into the soil It will help the yard maintain its appearance longer. In regard to skydecks, they are a great idea, but when you are in a tract it allows you to look down into everyone's yard. It would be nice to lay it out so it does not allow a homeowner to look into their neighbor's yard. Mr. Crandall stated they are limited on where they can place the skydeck units. 4. Committee Member Arnold asked if the rear yard landscaping would be done before the homeowner purchases the home. Mr. Crandall stated it is an option the homebuyer can buy. Committee Member Arnold noted that in the area where there is a sideyard gate, where the trash containers are kept, they should limit the amount of plant material for access. Mr. Shirrell stated this has been an issue to allow pedestrian access to the backyards. 5. There being no further questions, it was moved and seconded by Committee Members Arnold/Bobbitt to adopt Minute Motion 2007-029 recommending approval of Site Development Permit 2006-895, as recommended. Unanimously approved. VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: None VII. COMMITTEE MEMBER ITEMS: 9 Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee November 7, 2007 A. Planning Manager David Sawyer discussed with the Committee the role and responsibilities of the Committee. 1. Committee Member Fitzpatrick asked for clarification on what level of review the Commission was required to do at their meetings. Staff reviewed the duties of the Commission. Committee Member Fitzpatrick stated he would like to know that soils reports have been submitted. Planning Director Les Johnson stated typically they are reviewing at the design development stage. Discussion followed regarding the history of the Committee. 2. Committee Member Bobbitt asked who in the City has the responsibility to see that a project does not go further when it is not something the City wants. Planning Director Johnson stated that is a policy decision of the Council. 3. Planning Director Johnson stated that typically what is submitted to the Committee for their consideration would be a site plan, landscape plan, material sample board, and elevations. Committee Member Fitzpatrick asked that a summary sheet that identifies and orientates the project for their review be included with the staff report. 4. Committee Member Bobbitt questioned why the application stated incomplete plans will not be accepted and yet they will be given the project in phases. Staff stated that the applicant can have their project considered in phases. Committee Member Bobbitt stated the biggest problem with regard to detailed plans usually occurs with a commercial project. Staff stated at the time the elevations are prepared the applicant will submit a plant listing, but not show location and detail and staff will require them to bring back a final landscape plan. Staff is looking to the Committee for the overall aesthetic and landscaping view of the project. Staff will be revamping the applications to bring greater consistency to what is submitted and brought before the Committee. 5. Committee Member Bobbitt asked why the Committee does not review any of the Public Works projects. For example, the Avenue 52 medians are currently under construction, or the parks that are built; these plans are never brought before the Committee. Staff stated this has been the direction of the 11 Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee November 7, 2007 Council and these types of projects are not brought before the ALRC without City Council direction to do so. 6. Committee Member Arnold asked for a copy of the Village Design Guidelines. Staff would see that they were distributed to all members. VIII. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Committee Members Bobbitt/Arnold to adjourn this meeting of the Architectural and Landscaping Review Committee to a Special Meetingto be held on December 5, 2007. This meeting was adjourned at 11 :35 p.m. on November 7, 2007. Respectfully submitted, BETTY J. SAWYER Executive Secretary 53 La� •c� 04 4 � s S OF TKti�w ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE REVIEW COMMITTEE DATE: APPLICANT: ARCHITECT: LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: REQUEST: LOCATION: BACKGROUND JANUARY 2, 2008 CITY OF LA QUINTA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ALTEVERS ASSOCIATES HORTON-SHEPARDSON ASSOCIATES CONSIDERATION OF SCHEMATIC DESIGN PACKAGE FOR THE SILVERROCK CLUBHOUSE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF JEFFERSON STREET AND AVENUE 54 The Redevelopment Agency (RDA) is in the process of preparing plans for the permanent Clubhouse at the SilverRock Resort (SRR). The RDA has retained Altevers Associates as the project architect and HSA as the project landscape architect. Both firms have had extensive experience in designing golf course clubhouses including the Toscana Country Club in Indian Wells. In addition, Altevers Associates has designed several other notable local clubhouses such as PGA West, the Reserve, Stone Eagle, Thunderbird Country Club, Indian Ridge, and Mission Hills. The City Council approved the SRR Specific Plan on July 8, 2006. This Specific Plan established the site location for the Clubhouse. This site area is approximately ten acres in size and is located adjacent to the first hole tee boxes. The ALRC reviewed the site plan at its September 5, 2007 meeting. The RDA Board approved the site design and programming for the Clubhouse at its November 6, 2007 meeting. This is the first draft of the Clubhouse schematic design concept (including architecture) that will be presented to the Planning Commission and eventually the RDA Board for review and approval. In the future the ALRC will review a landscaping plan which is still being developed. Project Design Considerations: The site plan has been designed to be centrally located between the Arnold Palmer Classic Course and the second golf course. The site location and building orientation are intended to maximize views of the hillside and the existing Golf Course. The second golf course is intended to be a resort course and is yet to be designed. SRR.doc The following design objectives were established for the Clubhouse: • Maximize hillside views • Create indoor and outdoor event spaces • Accommodate 200 people for events • Provide sufficient parking for golf and event functions • Create inviting entry that features convenience for golfers and allows separate access for events. • Facilitate golf cart staging areas with sufficient area to accommodate two shotgun starts • Orientate the building and site improvements to protect the Clubhouse from the No. 1 tee • Design an outdoor event lawn which creates a unique outdoor activity space with sufficient screening (eight foot wall) from SilverRock Way The ALRC discussion should be focused on the proposed schematic plans and building architecture. Exhibits provided include a site plan, main level floor plan, lower level floor plan, reflected ceiling plan, roof plan, front and rear exterior elevations, side exterior elevations, and building sections. RECOMMENDATION Review the schematic design package for the SilverRock Resort clubhouse and provide comments to the Planning Commission and Redevelopment Agency. Transmitted by: Douglas R. Evans Assistant City Manager -Development Services Attachments: 1. Site Plan 2. Main Level Floor Plan 3. Lower level Floor Plans 4. Reflected Ceiling Plan 5. Roof Plan 6. Front and Rear Exterior Elevation Plan 7. Side Exterior Elevation Plan 8. Building Section Plans SRR.doc � T �a� C is S OF ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE REVIEW COMMITTEE DATE: JANUARY 2, 2008 CASE NO: FINAL LANDSCAPING PLAN 2007-025 APPLICANT: INNOVATIVE COMMUNITIES LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: TKD ASSOCIATES, INC. . j O REQUEST: REVIEW OF FINAL LANDSCAPING PLANS FOR WATERMARK VILLAS INTERIOR COMMON AREA AND PERIMETER LANDSCAPING LOCATION: NORTHWEST CORNER OF AVENUE 52 AND JEFFERSON STREET BACKGROUND The Watermark Villas, a residential project located on a 21-acre site on the northwest corner of Avenue 52 and Jefferson Street, received specific plan and tentative tract map approvals by City Council on January 6, 2004 and site development permit approval on July 6, 2004 (Specific Plan 2003-069, Tentative Tract Map 31798, Site Development Permit 2004-809) (Attachment 1). The project consists of 250 residential condominiums, a clubhouse, and other resort -related amenities. The final landscaping plans for the project are currently in the plan check process through the Planning Department, although at -risk construction and installation has begun in order to refurbish the site before the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic golf tournament in January. Specific plan condition of approval #62 requires that the final landscaping plans be reviewed by the Architecture and Landscape Review Committee, and accepted by Planning Commission. PROJECT OVERVIEW The selected pages of the Watermark Villas final landscaping plans submitted for ALRC and Planning Commission review encompass all interior and perimeter landscaping for the project, which include planting, lighting, and perimeter wall plans (Attachment 2). Landscaping plans for the future clubhouse site are not included, and will be submitted for review at a later date. The interior landscaping concept centers on the retention of an existing date palm grove and its integration into the site design. Most date palms will be left in place, while those to be relocated will be placed in common areas and around the residential buildings. The plan incorporates the use of Citrus trees around the project perimeter areas, particularly at the north and west project boundaries shared with the Citrus Country Club. Other tree species used in the project include African Sumac, Yellow Oleander, California Pepper, and Tipuana trees. Additionally, the interior landscape plan also includes open space turf areas for passive recreation and pedestrian walkways lined with accent planting and canopy trees, and a well -varied assortment of vines, shrubs, and groundcover. The perimeter landscaping concept along Avenue 52 and Jefferson Street was also expected to utilize the existing date palms in addition to water -efficient planting, a slumped block perimeter wall, and a meandering concrete path. The Watermark Villas perimeter landscaping was designed to be compatible with the existing perimeter landscaping of the adjacent residential development. ANALYSIS In general, the final landscaping plans for the Watermark Villas are acceptable. The proposed palette 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. However, although the plans remain in the plan check phase, staff believes that the following recommendations and comments/discussion points are applicable to Architecture and Landscape Review Committee and Planning Commission review of Final Landscaping Plan 2007-025: Use of Existing Date Palms: The interior landscaping concept was to take advantage of the 530 existing transplantable date palms found at the site, as indicated on the landscaping plans as "Date Palm: existing to remain" and "Date Palm: relocated". However, the majority of the date palms have since been lost due to attrition. The applicant has stated that all date palms lost would be replaced, and would therefore result in the landscaping plans being consistent with the approved Specific Plan (Attachment 3). Also, it should be noted that certain areas, particularly the turf retention area along Avenue 52, show a dramatic reduction in the use of date palms compared with the conceptual landscape plan previously approved by the City Council. Staff recommends a condition of approval that requires the replacement of the lost palms, and also recommends ALRC discuss and give potential direction on these issues. Impact on Adjacent Property (Citrus Course): Condition of approval #7 of Site Development Permit 2004-809 requires the applicant to incorporate measures outlined in letters from the Citrus Course Homeowners Association dated December 10, 2003 and June 21, 2004 (Attachment 4), which include, among other items: ■ Replacing the 24" box trees with 36" box trees along the perimeter of the project site ■ Preparation of a berm and wall plan, or typical details and section design, for the north and west property boundaries. Staff is recommending as a condition of approval that the applicant provide confirmation to staff that the measures have been complied with prior to final signature of the final landscaping plan. The following items are possible discussion points that may result in added conditions of approval: Retention Area Turf: Retention areas shall minimize the use of turf in their design as much as possible. Although the plans, which were submitted for review in early 2006, have already been approved by the Coachella Valley Water District and thus are exempt from the recent changes in CVWD water -efficient standards, staff strongly encourages turf reduction wherever possible and recommends that ALRC discuss the possibility of turf reduction within the project site. Central Park Design: The central park design needs clarification. There is no clear distinction as to the purpose of the site or corresponding path of travel across and within it. The City Council -approved conceptual landscaping plan shows a community swimming pool at this site, which has been relocated and replaced by a turf area. Staff recommends that ALRC discuss the possible reduction of turf at this location as well, and also recommends that the applicant submit a more definitive site plan of the central park area prior to signature of the final landscaping plans. Tree Selection: The use of the proposed California Pepper tree and the Tipu tree may result in maintenance issues as they are fairly sensitive to extreme weather and are easily damaged. Staff recommends that ALRC and the applicant discuss the possibility of an alternative plant type. RECOMMENDATION That the Architecture and Landscape Review Committee recommend to the Planning Commission acceptance of Final Landscaping Plan 2007-025, subject to the following staff -recommended conditions of approval and any additional conditions deemed necessary resulting from the aforementioned discussion points: 1. The applicant shall replace all date palm trees denoted on the final landscaping plans as "existing to remain" and "relocated palms" that have been lost with new date palms with brown -bark heights that vary from 20 to 30 feet. Tree heights and placement locations shall be reviewed and approved by the Planning Department prior to installation. 2. Prior to signature of the final landscaping plans by the Planning Director, the applicant shall submit plans that include all applicable measures identified in the letters from the Citrus Course Homeowners Association dated December 10, 2003 and June 21, 2004. by: UU, Associate Planner Attachments: 1 . Vicinity Map 2. Watermark Villas Final Landscaping Plans 3. Letter from Brad Fomon regarding loss of date palms 4. Letters from Citrus Course Homeowners Association Innovative communities November 29, 2007 Les Johnson Community Development City of La Quinta 78-495 Calle Tampico La Quinta, CA 92253 RE: Tract No: 31798 — Watermark Villas Landscape Plans Dear Mr. Johnson: ATTACHMENT 3 DEC — 4 2007 Cffy Of to Qulnto Planning Department This letter is to serve as a response to the Community Development Departments (CDD) request which is to have Watermark Granite La Quinta, LLC ("Owner") produce new landscape plans for the Watermark Villas project. This request has been asked of the Owners from the CDD because of the loss of date palm trees that has occurred on the projects site over the last two years. The Owner does not feel it needs to produce new landscaping plans illustrating the sites existing date palm trees because the current plan already addresses where the new date palm trees need to be installed and the existing trees need to be removed and/or relocated. Per the Specific Plan for the project it states in Section It. Development Plan: "Key to the innovative landscape design for Watermark Villas will be preserving the majority of the existing date palm trees on -site and folding the residential dwellings and other amenities into the old date palm grove." It continues to state under the heading Land Use — Development Standards: "The grading concept for Watermark Villas is essentially to preserve the majority of the existing date palm trees in -place and only remove and/or relocate those trees that would conflict with building placement and interior roadway alignment." The Owner acknowledges what is stated in the specific plan. We used good faith during the grading process to minimize the amount of trees that needed to be removed and or/relocated. During the process of removal and replacement, we could not determine nor could our arborist foresee how many of these old date palms would be lost due to attrition. We managed the trees everyday using the recommendations for watering amounts and times that were given to us by the certified arborist. In addition, the Owner is aware that a majority of the date palm trees would be required to be removed and/or relocated because of the conflicts with the building placements and interior roadway alignment. We would like the City to know that the date palm is the signature of our project's theme and identity. It is in our best interest to preserve as many date palm trees as possible. Our plan is to stay as close to the approved plans as possible in relation to the re -planting of the date palms that have now died and the date palms that will have to be relocated in the future. As always, should you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me at (760) 690- 5261. tr y y urs, Brad mon Pr ' ct Manager Cc: Peter A. Bilicki, Jr. / President Dan Dobron / Vice President 1282 Pacific Oaks Place • Escondido, CA 92029 • Tel 760-690-5200 • Fax 760-690-5201 • innovativecommunities.com ATTACHMENT 4 CITRUS COURSE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION December 10, 2003 Mr. Tom Kirk, Commissioner La Quinta Planning Commission P.O. Box 1504 La Quinta, CA 91152-1504 General Plan Amendment 03-096 Zone Change 03-117 Specific Plan 03-069 Tentative Tract Map 31798 Watermark Villas DEC 18 2003 Dear Mr. Kirk: I am writing in regard to the proposed project located at the northwest corner of Jefferson Street and Avenue 52 known as the Watermark Villas. The Citrus borders the project on its north and west sides and naturally, our community has concerns about the views from not only the homes bordering the proposed - development but also from our golf course_ our Architectural Comminee has met with the developer's representatives and they have generously made the following commitments to screen their two story villas and balconies from view from the Citrus community and golf course: Landscape: :. — --- --. ...- P _.pp __ Developer will install rows of palms as indicated on the tentauve tract ma a tcTattoti 31798. Developer will construct a 5' high by 8' wide berm and or planter boxes along the entire northerly and westerly perimeters of the Watermark Villas property and will plant mature citrus trees at no more than 20' apart. The developer assures us that the foliage of the trees will extend above the 6' high wall as indicated on the attached sketch effectively screening the villas from the Citrus community's view. In addition, planting within the 150' site line corridor on Jefferson and 52'd Avenue to be on a case -by -case basis. There are no buildings in this site line corridor. Developer will provide and plant forty trees on the Cirrus side of the 6' wall bordering our communities. The trees are to be 36" box size and will be a mix of variegated Jacaranda trees (20) and variegated (non -thorn type) Mesquite trees (20). In addition, these trees will be installed implementing standard planting methods only, no cranes will be utilized. The Citrus Course HOA will determine the exact location of each tree placement. The Citrus Course HOA will be responsible for irrieating each of the 40 new trees planted on our property and maintenance will be the responsibility of the Citrus Course HOA. Tennis Courts: - . Developer will insure that tennis court use will be limited to the hours of 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM by including this use time in the CC&R's of the Watermark Association. The developer also agrees that these hours will be strictly enforced. Lights will have an automatic timer switch that will turn off the light when not in use. Extra trees will be planted around the lighted area to prevent glare to the Citrus residents if necessary. Villa balcony use: Due to the visibility of these balconies from our community, the developer has agreed that appropriate restrictions will be incorporated into the project's CC&Rs to prevent the use of villa balconies as clothes drying areas, storage areas, and a general repository for tools, grills, toys etc. PO Bey 4772 Paim Desert_ CA 922Ci !772 < 73-j56 Aiesszncrc, Suite 5 Palm Desert, California 760,346.1161 , FAX 760.34,14.991E < r- zit: er;: c':;= e,net.cc._ v.—.curuscoursehoa.com City of La Quinta Water Mark Villas Project Page: 2 We were also pleased to learn that the developer plans to construct a golf cart tunnel under Avenue 52 that would allow residents from both communities access to the proposed Silver Rock Ranch project. As the only contiguous neighbor of the Project, we request that we have the fight to review and "sign off on the inclusion of the above stated provisions, before the City approves their rezoning request. We further request that we be notified when detailed plans and specifications have been submitted to the City for approval, so we may have the opportunity to review these documents and make comments as part of the City,s approval process. ..,t If the City of La Quinta makes the above commitments a condition of ' ' Approval, then the Citrus Course HOA will support the development of the Watermark Villas,. If you have any questions regarding our concerns, please call me at (760) 771-6835_ Yours truly, Tom Morton, President Board of Directors Citrus Course Homeowners Association rev I cc: CCHOA Board of Directors T. H. Gallaudet III, Chair, CCHOA Architectural Committee Tom Miller, CCAM, Community Association Manager Desert Resort Management Matthew Hladek, Watermark Villas �r CITRUS COURSE. HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION June 21, 2005 City of La Quinta Community Development Department 78495 Calle Tampico La Quinta, CA 92253 ATTN : Wally Nesbit Subject: June 22, 2004 Planning Commission Public Hearing on the Site Development Permit 2004-809--Watermark Villa L. Q. LLC, Development of Lot 47 of TR 24889 Dear Planning Commission Members: The Citrus Course Homeowners Association (CCHOA) offers the following additional comments pertaining to the proposed development of the Watermark villa project. We understand that the developer is agreeable to making the changes as noted. Preliminary Landscape Plan 1) The 85 Citrus trees that are to be installed along the back of the development to shield the development from the Citrus are 24" box. These are very small rees and will take many years to mature. We believe they should be at least a 36" box size and should be so noted on the final Landscape plan. 2) It is our understanding from the developer that the Citrus trees are to be planted on mounded turf. We understood that the mounding was to be at about six feet high. There is no mounding shown on the preliminary landscape plan. This should be corrected on the final approved plan. 3) The developer plans to move and replant most of the existing date palms. The plan shows a significant number of these palms are to be located in the required flood plain area near the Ave 52 side of the development. We would like to see more of these palms located behind the development in areas fronting the Citrus. We will be happy to work with the developer to mark appropriate locations on the preliminary plan. The following comments pertain to the developer's selection of trees and plant material to be planted within the development. We are not requesting changes, but are offering these comments based on our experiences in dealing with tree and plant selections used within the Citrus_ P.O. Box 12920 Palm Desert, CA 92255 • 75061 Mediterranean, Suite B, Palm Desert, California 760.346,9000 • FAX 760,346.9997 • www.citruscoursehoa.com BI #C ot XP aubtrai cFM 0F'MF'�w ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE REVIEW COMMITTEE DATE: JANUARY 2, 2008 CASE NO: FINAL LANDSCAPING PLANS 07-026 APPLICANT: TRANS WEST HOUSING LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: HSA DESIGN GROUP, INC. REQUEST: REVIEW OF FINAL LANDSCAPING PLANS FOR PORTIONS OF THE GRIFFIN RANCH INTERIOR COMMON AREAS, INCLUDING THE CLUBHOUSE PERIMETER AND MAIL BUILDING LOCATION: SOUTH OF AVENUE 54 TO THE EAST OF MADISON STREET BACKGROUND: The Griffin Ranch project was originally approved by the City Council on January 4, 2004, as part of multiple approvals. The project as approved will be developed with 303 single-family lots over approximately 200 acres, with adjacent equestrian facilities and access to the City multi -purpose trail system. Because the project has been broken down into multiple final landscaping plan submittals, the attached final landscaping plans consist of a portion of the Clubhouse Site Development Permit 06-872 reviewed by the ALRC on October 18, 2006. The ALRC previously reviewed Final Landscaping Plans for the Clubhouse pasture area and other portions of the Clubhouse perimeter on June 6, 2007. Final landscaping plans for those areas immediately adjacent to the Clubhouse and tennis courts have not been submitted. PRIOR DISCUSSION AND CONDITONS: During the October 18, 2006 review of the Clubhouse Site Development Permit, the ALRC recommended the applicants reduce their use of turf where possible, to require shrubs to be a minimum of a five gallon size, and have the final landscaping plans returned to them for review. These requirements were adopted by the Planning Commission and have been incorporated into the submitted final landscaping plans. As these plans were submitted to the Coachella Valley Water District following adoption of the new Landscaping and Irrigation Design Ordinance, the more stringent water usage requirements have been applied to these final landscaping plans. P:\Reports - ALRC\2008\0 1 -02-08 Happy New Year\FLP 07-026 griffin ranch landscaping are rpt.doc ANALYSIS - The applicants have submitted final landscaping plans for a portion of the Clubhouse perimeter including the Mail Center. All of the proposed areas consist of desert landscaping, do not contain turf, and conform to water usage limitations. Landscape lighting identified on the plans will consist of 26 watt fluorescent fixtures which will be field inspected for proper shielding and focus. The proposed landscaping palate and design is consistent with prior approvals. The Planning Department had no comments or issues with the submitted plans and found them to be in accord with the existing conditions of approval and conceptual landscaping plans submitted and approved during the Site Development Permit process. The plans have already been stamped approved by both the Coachella Valley Water District and the Riverside County Agricultural Commissioner. RECOMMENDATI Staff recommends adoption of a minute motion accepting the landscaping plans for review and approval by the Planning Director. Transmitted by: AN W J. MOGENSEN Ppcipal Planner Attachments: Final Landscaping Plans for the Mail Center and Portions of the Clubhouse Perimeter. P:\Reports - ALRC\2008\01-02-08 Happy New Year\FLP 07-026 griffin ranch landscaping alrc rpt.doc M 04 � o� Tit!t 4 a S CFM OF ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE REVIEW COMMITTEE DATE: JANUARY 2, 2008 CASE NO: SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2007-894 APPLICANT: THE QUARRY AT LA QUINTA ARCHITECT: DESIGN BUILD STRUCTURES, INC. REQUEST: CONSIDERATION OF ARCHITECTURAL AND LANDSCAPING PLANS FOR AN EXPANSION OF A MAINTENANCE YARD FACILITY LOCATION: SOUTH SIDE OF CAHUILLA PARK DRIVE, WEST OF SOUTH JEFFERSON STREET BACKGROUND The Quarry is a private residential subdivision originally approved by the Council under Tentative Tract Map 27728 in May of 1993. The existing maintenance yard was approved under Plot Plan 93-504 on July 27, 1993. Later additions to the development include the Quarry Retreat approved by the City Council in 1998 and the Quarry Ranch approved in 2002. The proposed maintenance yard expansion area is within a portion of the Quarry identified in Quarry Retreat Specific Plan 98-032 for use as a parking area, but has been historically used for landscaping waste storage. The existing maintenance yard is located across Cahuilla Park Road from the Lake Cahuilla Recreational Area located to the north and is within 80 feet of residences located across Tom Fazio Lane to the south. The maintenance yard is approximately 6 to 8 feet lower than Tom Fazio Lane, separated by a 6 foot retaining wall and a 4 foot 6 inch block wall. The maintenance yard currently has a 6,250 square foot stucco - sided building and paved yard surrounded by a 6 foot high stucco block wall. Cahuilla Park Road is paved but lacks curb improvements and sidewalks. The existing perimeter landscaping along Cahuilla Park Road lacks groundcover and consists of a handful of Mesquite trees and a row of oleanders. The existing maintenance yard gate accessing Cahuilla Park Road consists of painted metal bars and is unscreened. PROPOSAL: The applicants are proposing to expand the existing maintenance facility by constructing three attached garages, a chemical mixing area, a wash rack, relocating the existing fueling tanks, constructing 15 covered parking spaces, providing new outdoor material storage bins, installing a sight -obstructing entry gate, and expanding the existing yard further to the east (Attachment 1). All of the buildings are proposed to be constructed of metal sided structures with a standing seam metal roof and a 3 foot 4 inch split face concrete block base. The metal siding will consist of a birch color and the roof material and block base are identified as being brown in color. The applicants are proposing to construct new material storage bins and a sunken roll - off landscaping waste dumpster within the new expansion area. The applicants will relocate and construct new block walls around those portions of the expansion area which may be visible to the adjacent parking area and residences. No buildings are proposed to be constructed within the expanded portion of the maintenance yard. The applicants have submitted a conceptual landscaping plan identifying a plant palate consisting of Shoestring Acacias, Texas Mesquites, Citrus trees, Washington Fan Palms, Blue Rangers, and Oleanders (Attachment 2). The applicants are proposing to provide additional screening with landscaping along Tom Fazio Lane rather than increasing the height of the existing 4 foot 6 inch block wall. The applicants have not identified a ground cover material in the conceptual landscaping plans. ANALYSIS - The existing maintenance yard is located within close proximity to a County recreational area and existing adjacent residential properties. As a result, staff has encouraged the applicant to enhance the existing perimeter landscaping and screening around the site. Landscaping along the perimeter of the maintenance yard was planted many years ago and is in need of improvement. Staff has been hesitant to recommend the use of metal buildings for maintenance areas due to the desert climate and aesthetic standards but, because the proposed buildings are intended to be used for storage purposes rather than as offices or break rooms, staff finds them to be acceptable on the condition that they are screened from view from both the adjacent park and neighboring residences. Although the maintenance yard elevation is about 8 feet lower than the adjacent residences, the proposed 16 foot high maintenance buildings, as proposed, would extend a few feet above the existing 4 foot 6 inch block wall located along Tom Fazio Lane. Due to the visibility of the metal buildings from adjacent residences, staff recommends the applicant raise the existing block wall to 6 feet in addition to the enhanced landscaping identified on the plans. The conceptual landscaping plans do not identify a ground cover material and include gaps between plantings along portions of Cahuilla Park Road. Staff recommends the applicant place new landscaping with decorative groundcover along the entire maintenance yard perimeter of Cahuilla Park Road and replace a few of the original Oleanders with an improved screening specimen such as Carolina Cherry. Staff also recommends that the applicant plant an erosion -resistant ground cover along Cahuilla Park Road due to the perimeter slope at this location being greater than 3 to 1. RECOMMENDATION: Review the development plans and if acceptable, recommend to the Planning Commission approval of Site Development Permit 2007-894, subject to the following Conditions of Approval: 1. Final landscaping and irrigation plans shall be prepared by a licensed landscape professional, shall be reviewed by the ALRC and Public Works Director, and approved by the Planning Director prior to issuance of the first building permit. An application for Final Landscape Plan Check shall be submitted to the Planning Department for final landscape plan review. Said plans shall include all landscaping associated with this project, including perimeter landscaping and be in compliance with Chapter 8.13 (Water Efficient Landscaping) of the Municipal Code. The landscape and irrigation plans shall be approved by the Coachella Valley Water District and Riverside County Agriculture Commissioner prior to submittal of the final plans to the Planning Department. 2. Exterior lighting shall comply with Section 9.100.150 (Outdoor Lighting) of the La Quinta Municipal Code. 3. All trash enclosures, block walls, and materials storage bins shall be painted a color consistent with the buildings. 4. The applicants shall install an erosion -resistant groundcover and provide updated and enhanced screening landscaping for the entire maintenance yard perimeter along Cahuilla Park Road. The applicant shall replace some of the original Oleanders with an improved screening material such as Carolina Cherry. These landscaping improvements shall be identified for review and approval on the Final Landscaping Plans. 5. The applicants shall raise the existing block wall along Tom Fazio Lane to 6 feet in height, when measured from the street side. 6. The proposed entry gate shall be painted to match the adjacent wall. Transmitted by: rew J. Mogensen rincipal Planner Attachments: 1. Site plans and elevations* 2. Large format landscaping plans *A materials board shall be provided to Committee members during the ALRC meeting. BI #E ' 0 � y S OF iKF'°w ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE REVIEW COMMITTEE DATE: JANUARY 2, 2008 CASE NO: SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2007-899 APPLICANT: EAST OF MADISON, LLC ARCHITECT: PEARSON ARCHITECTS, INC. (CRAIG PEARSON) LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: LS 2000 INC. (TRACY SMITH) REQUEST: REVIEW OF ARCHITECTURAL AND LANDSCAPE PLANS FOR HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION MAILHOUSE AND OFFICE LOCATION: NORTHEAST CORNER OF AVENUE 54 AND GARY AVENUE WITHIN THE MADISON CLUB Background: The Madison Club is located on the east side of Madison Street, between Avenue 52 and Avenue 54. The Madison Club design was approved by the City Council in 2004 as an amendment to the Hideaway Specific Plan and Tentative Tract Map, with construction of the golf course, streets, and several club buildings and structures completed. The subject property is located behind a CVWD well site that is on the northwest corner of Monroe Street and Avenue 54 (Attachment 1). The subject site contains the golf course maintenance complex, which was completed approximately one year ago. The complex is bordered by Gray Avenue on the west where the maintenance complex entrance is located and Humboldt Boulevard on the north. Across Humboldt Boulevard to the north will be custom single family residences that are part of the Madison Club. The facility includes a 14-space public parking area on the west portion of the site with 28 additional maintenance complex employee parking spaces on the eastern portion of the site. The employee parking spaces are separated by a lockable sliding gate which is open during the day. P:\REPORTS- ALRC\2008\01-02-08 HAPPY NEW YEAR\SDP 2007-899 MADISON CLUB RPT.DOC Proposal: Proposed is a one story 1,163 square foot building that will function as a homeowner association office and mailhouse for the country club residents (Attachment 2). Mail would be delivered from the post office to the mailhouse building and then be distributed to the individual homes by the Association. A small meeting room will accommodate HOA meetings. The proposed location for this structure is within the western end of the public parking lot area of the maintenance complex. Construction of the building will require removal of two parking spaces on the west end, a portion of the parking aisle and the adjacent planter area. This will not detrimentally affect the use of the parking lot and circulation. The architectural design of the proposed building will match that of the maintenance building to the east. The building will be a flat roof structure with a double parapet. Plant -on columns will be placed on the corners and spaced around the building. Small windows are shown on the north and south sides of the building. Over the south and east facing windows and entry door will be metal awnings. The flat roofed building will be 14' high. Exterior wall colors are medium brown plaster, with a slightly darker shade of brown for the trim, awnings, columns, doors and miscellaneous ornamentation. The wall height is approximately 6-feet tall, and is placed on a low berm. The building pad is slightly lower than the adjacent streets. The landscaping plan shows proposed planting around the building. Planting shown consists of low water use shrubs, vines and ground covers. Except for the groundcover (one gallon) the plants will be five gallons in size. The planting materials are similar to those used in the maintenance complex. Analysis: The architectural design matches that of the adjacent maintenance building. The building is not in an area readily visible or accessible to the residents of the community. Additionally, the building will likely not be visible from Avenue 54 to the south. Recommendation: Recommend to the Planning Commission approval of Site Development Permit 2007- 899, as submitted. P:\REPORTS - ALRC\2008\01-02-08 HAPPY NEW YEAR\SDP 2007-899 MADISON CLUB RPT.DOC Attachments: 1. Location Map 2. Architectural and landscaping plans Prepared by: S60ffl - Stan Sawa, Principal Planner P:\REPORTS - ALRC\2008\01-02-08 HAPPY NEW YEAR\SDP 2007-899 MADISON CLUB RPT.DOC Attachment 1 CASE No. � AY I f o u� n Y✓ ❑ AVENUE 54 CASE MAP SDP 2007-899 SITE 1� ri ORT SCALE: EAST OF MADISON, LLC NTS BI #F � T La� •cy� o� 5 tip 4 XP QuIarcu �FM of rye °w ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE REVIEW COMMITTEE DATE: CASE NO: APPLICANT ARCHITECT REQUEST: JANUARY 2, 2008 SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2007-901 BILL SANCHEZ, PROJECT MANAGER KKE, ARCHITECTS REVIEW OF PARKING LOT, LANDSCAPING, AND RETAINING WALL PLANS WITHIN THE WASHINGTON PARK RETAIL CENTER LOCATION: BOUNDED BY HIGHWAY 111, AVENUE 47, WASHINGTON STREET, AND ADAMS STREET, WITHIN THE WASHINGTON PARK RETAIL CENTER BACKGROUND: Building pads within the Washington Park retail center have been approved through multiple Site Development Permits in accord with the Washington Park Specific Plan (SP 87-01 1, Amendment No. 4). Existing phases of Washington Park include Target, Circuit City, Office Depot, and Trader Joe's. The most recently completed phases are Shops 3, 4, and Sub -Major 5 containing the recently opened Lumpy's golf store. A temporary driveway currently exists across the proposed site, which was required as a condition of approval for Site Development Permit 2005-838 involving Shops 4 and Sub -Major 5. The most recent ALRC review of Washington Park was Site Development Permit 2006-869 for Shops 1 and 2 on September 6, 2006, located between the existing Stein Mart and Cost Plus, which were approved by the Planning Commission on September 26, 2006 and are currently under construction. PROJECT PROPOSAL: The applicant is proposing to construct a parking lot, retaining wall, and landscaping to serve the adjacent future building pads. Section 9.150.020 of the Zoning Ordinance PAReports- ALRC\2008\01-02-08 Happy New Year\SDP 2007-901 Washington Park ALRC.doc requires that all parking facilities are subject to approval by a Site Development Permit application. All building pads and associated screening walls identified on the landscaping plans will be reviewed under separate Site Development Permits at a later date. The applicant's proposed landscaping plan identifies a plant palate and landscaping design consistent with the Specific Plan and previously constructed phases of Washington Park. The perimeter street design will continue the same design used along the adjacent portion of Washington Street, which utilizes a combination of Mexican Fan Palms, Mulgas, Ironwood, Purple Orchids, and Palo Verde trees with a meandering sidewalk bounded by decomposed granite with lantana, bougainvillea, and other accent shrubs. A future water feature has been identified at the corner of Washington Street and Avenue 47. Some landscaping along the immediate perimeter of the building pads will be reviewed under separate future Site Development Permits. The applicant has identified decorative paving to be installed along building frontages and certain intersections. Decorative paving material will consist of colored and stamped concrete. Although the landscaping plans identify what appears to be a brick pattern, the final design will be consistent with those designs used on the existing phases of Washington Park. Due to a six foot elevation difference between the rear of the existing Lowe's store and this proposed phase 4 development, the applicant is requesting to construct a retaining wail along the rear parking area of a future major tenant within phase 4. This retaining wall will consist of split -faced blocks consistent with the previous phases and the adjacent retention basin retaining wall. The building code will require a 42" guardrail placed on top of the proposed retaining wall, which was not identified on the elevations. IA111 FAW&S1;*3 The proposed plans identify a parking lot layout and landscaping palate consistent with the approved specific plan. The proposed landscape palate is consistent with the specific plan and landscaping planted within the other phases of Washington Park. Staff suggests limiting the use of Crape Myrtle trees on the Final Landscaping Plans due to the level of maintenance involved. Staff recommends that the final landscaping plans identify enhanced landscaping with significant foliage to screen the rear of all future building pads, that the applicant ensure that all trees within the parking areas provide adequate shading, and that the details regarding the large water feature located at the corner of Washington Street and Avenue 48 be reviewed under the Final Landscaping Plans. The applicants have identified an ADA accessible path of travel extending through the center of the southernmost parking area. Staff recommends that this path of travel be relocated along the inside of the landscaping planters located adjacent to the driving P:\Reports - ALRC\2008\01-02-08 Happy New Year\SDP 2007-901 Washington Park ALRC.doc aisle and that the applicant provide landscaped islands on both sides of this path. Staff anticipates this path to be well utilized by pedestrians traveling between the inner and outer building pads. Providing landscaped islands on either side of this path across the parking lot will encourage walking and provide pedestrians some shade and protection from parking lot traffic. Large -format color landscaping plans will be made available during the ALRC meeting. Attached are the proposed plans for your review, comment, and discussion (Attachment 1). ITEMS FOR THE COMMISSION TO CONSIDER: Recommend to the Planning Commission approval of the architectural and landscape plans for Site Development Permit 2007-901 with the following considerations: 1. Final landscaping and irrigation plans shall be prepared by a licensed landscape professional, shall be reviewed by the ALRC and Public Works Director, and approved by the Planning Director prior to issuance of the first building permit. An application for Final Landscape Plan Check shall be submitted to the Planning Department for final landscape plan review. Said plans shall include all landscaping associated with this project, including perimeter landscaping, shall be certified to comply with the 50% parking lot shading requirement, and be in compliance with Chapter 8.13 (Water Efficient Landscaping) of the Municipal Code. The landscape and irrigation plans shall be approved by the Coachella Valley Water District and Riverside County Agriculture Commissioner prior to submittal of the final plans to the Planning Department. 2. Final Landscaping Plans shall identify enhanced landscaping with significant foliage to provide improved screening for the rear of all future building pads and any loading zones. 3. A more detailed design of the proposed water feature to be located at the corner of Washington Street and Avenue 48 shall be reviewed as a part of the Final Landscaping Plans. 4. All sidewalk, decorative paving, and retaining wall building materials shall be consistent with those used in previous approved phases of Washington Park. 5. All trees located within the parking area shall have a minimum trunk caliper of 2.5 inches and height of 10 feet. All trees within the parking area shall meet or exceed the shading requirements specified under section 9.150.080 of the Parking Ordinance. Should the proposed Palo Verde shading coverage be deemed insufficient, the applicant shall utilize an alternative tree from the existing plant palate. P:\Reports - ALRC\2008\01-02-08 Happy New Year\SDP 2007-901 Washington Park ALRC.doc 6. The applicant shall relocate the ADA accessible path of travel within the south portion of the parking lot to a location adjacent to the proposed landscaped islands and provide an additional landscaped island on along the opposite side of the path. Transmitted by: Andr 79J. Mogensen Prin ipal Planner Attachments: 1 . Landscaping and Site Development Plan Package P:\Reports - ALRC\2008\01-02-08 Happy New Year\SDP 2007-901 Washington Park ALRC.doc