2002 02 13 ALRC Minutes
MINUTES
ARCHITECTURE & LANDSCAPING REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING
A regular meeting held at the La Guinta City Hall
78-495 Calle Tampico, La Guinta, CA
February 13, 2002
10:00 a.m.
I. CALL TO ORDER
A. This meeting of the Architectural and Landscaping Committee was called
to order at 10:06 a.m. by Principal Planner Stan Sawa who led the flag
salute.
B. Committee Members present: Dennis Cunningham and David Thoms. It
was moved and seconded by Committee Members Cunningham/Thoms
to excuse Committee Member Bobbitt. Unanimously approved.
C. Staff present: Community Development Director Jerry Herman, Principal
Planner Stan Sawa, Planning Consultant Nicole Criste, and Executive
Secretary Betty Sawyer.
II. PUBLIC COMMENT: None.
III. CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA: Confirmed.
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR:
A. Principal Planner Stan Sawa asked if there were any changes to the
Minutes of January 16, 2002. Commissioner Thoms requested that his
name be spelled correctly on Page 2, Item #2. There being no further
corrections, it was moved and seconded by Committee Members
Cunningham/Thoms to approve the Minutes as submitted.
V. BUSINESS ITEMS:
A. ~Dital Improvement Proiect 2001-14; a request of the City for review
of architectural and landscaping plans for a new fire station to be located
on the west side of Adams Street, north of Miles Avenue.
1. Consultant Planner Nicole Criste presented the information
contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the
Community Development Department.
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February 13, 2002
2. Committee Member Cunningham asked if the roof proposed was
standing seam metal roof. Mr. Jerrin Chu, WLC Architects,
architects the project, stated originally there were two options;
one with the concrete tile and one standing seam roof. Committee
Member Cunningham stated his concern was that there is a lot of
roof and with the standing seam metal roof there is a lot more
shadow line with rifts. There should be a color chosen that would
create a little excitement to the building. This area of the City has
a lot of housing developments with a few non-residential buildings,
such as the school with a contemporary building that takes away
the constant red tile roof look. This is an opportunity to create a
little lightness to tie in with the school and the other buildings to
bring color to the area. The concrete tile would be dull. If the
standing seam is used, it should not be gray in color either, but
maybe something in the oxide reds, or maybe green to bring color.
The landscaping lends to the area. Mr. Chu stated originally they
had two options presented to the Council; standing seam and
concrete tile. The Council chose the gray cement tile to be
compatible in the area. At the same time they wanted to match
the local community and the church and therefore, they went with
the concrete tiles. Committee Member Cunningham stated he did
not know if it was within the Committee's prevue to ask Council
to revisit the subject with the ALRC input. It is a strong structure
and the idea of compatibility does not necessarily mean it needs
to be the same to be compatible. To have it blend in is a mistake.
It needs its own identity. He would ask that the City Council
reconsider their suggestion.
3. Committee Member Thoms sated he did not know if he could
support that comment. This project is adjacent to a church parking
lot, then the church further to the south and to the north is an
open park. On the east side is residential, so this would stand out
in the streetscape and the City would be criticized if we took a
City project and allowed a metal roof where there is no
justification other than some shadow lines.
4. Committee Member Cunningham asked Committee Member
Thoms if he thought the tile proposed was the right kind and color.
With each member making opposite comments, there needs to be
some direction to the architect and Council.
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5. Committee Member Thoms stated he did not think a public
building should not necessarily try to be in contrast to what the
neighborhood is. It does not need to stand out as a prominent
item. He has no issue with the red tile.
6. Committee Member Thoms asked if the street would be improved
from the park to the church; what ill happen to that section in
front of the pumping station. Planning Consultant Nicole Criste
stated the City is responsible for the improving the length including
the pump station. Planning Consultant Nicole Criste stated there
would be wrought iron fencing on the north side to give views into
the park and the other two sides would have a block wall. He
then asked about the gate into the pump station. Staff stated it
is unknown other than a block wall. Committee Member Thoms
asked if the landscape plan calls for three palm trees and one
appears to be on top of the flag pole. Staff would note the
change. Committee Member Thoms asked what the standard size
was for a palm tree. Staff stated it is based on the height of the
palm. Committee Member Thoms stated the palms need some
height such as the California palm. He further stated he was not
comfortable with the entrance landscaping. He would like to see
the landscaping over a grading plan. This site will be at the same
elevation as the pump station. As the pump station is higher than
the park and street, so the entrance will have a gradient. The
landscape design does not seem to recognizes the height
differential. The mounding at the pump station and south of the
driveway could not occur. The entrance does not reflect the
gradient that it will probably turn out to be. The landscape plan
needs to be done over a grading plan. DG is proposed for a slope
and it does not stay on a slope very well. He has no problem with
the palette itself or the lawn versus the decomposed granite, his
concern is the design of the entrance and the design of the use of
the materials in relationship to the ground plate itself. When staff
reviews a more precise plan they should consider the grading plan
at the same time they look at the landscape plan. Also, some vine
material fixed to the concrete wall on the street side and on the
south and west side. On the streetscape between the property
line and curb, there is a meandering sidewalk that is not reflected
on the plan. The plan also calls for a pine tree and within view of
this project there are no pine trees. There is a mixture of pepper
and jacaranda and mesquite, but we do not need to introduce a
pine on this street. Find something that is already existing from
across the street.
7. Committee Member Cunningham stated he would like the block
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wall to be a split face block. It also calls for stone wainscot on
the lower portion of the building. He would suggest taking the
split face and using it in this area to soften the building. Planning
Consultant Nicole Crist stated staff could add a condition that
wainscoting be the split face block as well and have split face on
the pump station wall on all sides.
8. Committee Member Cunningham suggested a flat tile roof that
blends with the split face. If you are going to veneer the building
with the brown split face, blend the roof color to the split face,
then you have the brown with the pump station that will tie it all
together with the split face perimeter wall.
9. There being no discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Committee Members Cunningham/Thoms to adopt Minute Motion
2002-005 recommending approval of Capital Improvement Project
2001-14, subject to the conditions as amended:
1. The height of the palm trees is to be substantial.
2. The design of the landscaping along the driveway and over
the entire site shall take into consideration the grade.
3. Vine material shall be added to the wall on the street side,
west side and south side.
4. The pine trees in the streetscape shall be replaced with
something consistent with what is across Adams Street.
5. The perimeter wall shall be split face and a split face veneer
used instead of the wainscoting.
6. The roof color shall be compatible with the split face color.
Unanimously approved.
B. Site Development Permit 2001-729; a request of Michael Shovlin for
Ross Dress for Less) for review of architectural plans for a 30,187 square
foot commercial building to be located on the orth side of Highway 1.111,
east of Washington Street within the One Eleven La Quinta Shopping
Center.
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.
2. Committee Member Thoms asked about the roof color. Staff
stated it would match what is existing in the Center.
3. Committee Member Cunningham stated it is keeping with the
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Center. With regard to the color, color is getting to be the trend
and there is a lot of responsibility with color. Staff needs to ask
for the actual color chips and where the color lines break. He has
no objections to this project.
4. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Committee Member Cunningham/Thoms to adopt Minute Motion
2002-006 recommending approval of Site Development Permit
2001-729, subject to the conditions as recommended.
Unanimously approved.
C. Capital Improvement 2001-10; a request of the City for review of
architectural plans for a two story detached addition and rehabilitation of
the Historic City of La Quinta Historic Society Museum located at the
southeast corner of Avenida Montezuma and Calle Mendoza (77-885
Avenida Montezuma).
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.
2. Committee Member Cunningham stated he had no objection. He
asked if they would be using random mudded and. Mr. Paul
Johnson, architect for the project, stated he proposing to use red
boosting throughout the roof. They do not want the roof to be too
rough but do want texture and character. The stucco color will be
similar to what is existing.
3. Committee Member Thoms asked about the existing door and if
there was any connection to the paved area. Staff stated it would
stay as it is historical.
4. Committee Member Thoms asked about the planters. Mr. Johnson
stated the planters would be added to the top of the pavement.
They would be detached and protected to retain it for historical
purposes. Additional planters would be added as well. All existing
trees will be retained as much as possible. Committee Member
Thoms asked about the four palms and stated they should be used
as an accept; four are too much and they should be replaced and
a desert scheme used. If shade is wanted use the Palo Verde.
5. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Committee Members Cunningham/Thoms to adopt Minute Motion
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Architectural & Landscape Review Committee Minutes
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2002-007 recommending approval of Capital Improvement Project
2001-10, as recommended. Unanimously approved.
D. Site Develooment Permit 2001-728; a request of Stamko Development
Company for review of architectural and landscaping plans for a retail
shopping center, plant nursery, garden center, auto repair, specialty shop,
nd an auto service station, in conjunction with Retail Building "B".
1 . Community Development Director Jerry Herman presented the
information contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file
in the Community Development Department. Staff asked the
material and color of the canopy for the proposed gas station. Mr.
Bill Parrish, architect for the project, stated it would be made out
of metal and would be blue and painted to match.
2. Committee Member Cunningham asked if the applicant wanted to
give a presentation. Mr. Gary Shepner, Perkowit, gave a
presentation on the project.
3. Committee Member Cunningham asked if the fonts shown on the
elevations would be used for the signage. Mr. Shepner stated it
was their hope. Committee Member Cunningham stated it bring
an identify to each of the retail centers. The design is modern and
contemporary and not over the top which is good. This will work
with the other new buildings in the area. He likes the metal work
in the front as it is proportionate.
4. Committee Member Thoms asked where the accent red color
would be used. Mr. Shepner stated it would be used where the
blue is shown on the elevation. Committee Member Thoms asked
if each building has its own accent color. Mr. Shepner stated yes.
Committee Member Thoms asked if the landscape plans would
come later. Community Development Director Jerry Herman
stated yes, after the approval process. Committee Member Thoms
stated he would like to see that there is some kind of landscape
statement made, other than a sea of trees, at the entrance to tie
it together. Ms. Chris Clarke, the applicant, stated this is an
addition to the auto center and the same theme will flow over to
this project for the entire 90 acres. Statements have been made
and awards won for the Highway 11 landscape theme.
5. Committee Member Cunningham stated the auto center was done
in conjunction with the City's landscaping plans.
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Architectural & Landscape Review Committee Minutes
February 13,2002
6. Committee Member Thoms stated he concurs with the landscape
statement, but does not see it in the plans. There is no statement
being made here. Ms. Clarke stated the monument signs and
landscaping will be carried over to this project. She went on to
explain the design. Discussion followed regarding the landscaping.
Mr. Chuck Sicre, landscape architect gave a presentation on the
materials to be used. He explained that when the detailed
drawings are made it will allow for a better concept.
7. Committee Member Cunningham stated that if the architectural
elements on the front of the buildings were carried over to the gas
station it would soften up the look of roof structure, it would add
to the statement of the project.
8. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Committee Member Cunningham/Thoms to adopt Minute Motion
2002-008 recommending approval of Site Development Permit
2001-725, subject to the conditions. Enhance the landscape entry
statement. Unanimously approved.
VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: None
VII. COMMITTEE MEMBER ITEMS: None
VIII. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Committee Members
Cunningham/Thoms to adjourn this regular meeting of the Architectural and
Landscaping Review Committee to a regular meeting to be held on March 6, 2002.
This meeting was adjourned at 11 :20 a.m. on February 13, 2002.
Respectfully submitted,
~~'v(6W. /
~~I1:%~YE~Executive Secretary
City of'La Quinta, California
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