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2000 11 01 ALRC Minutes MINUTES ARCHITECTURE & LANDSCAPING REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING A regular meeting held at the La Ouinta City Hall 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Ouinta, CA November 1, 2000 10:00 a.m. I. CALL TO ORDER A. This meeting of the Architectural and Landscaping Committee was called to order at 10:05 a.m. by Planning Manager Christine di Iorio who led the flag salute. B. Committee Members present: Bill Bobbitt, Dennis Cunningham, and Frank Reynolds. C. Staff present: Planning Manager Christine di lorio, Principal Planner Stan Sawa and Executive Secretary Betty Sawyer. II. PUBLIC COMMENT: None. III. CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA: It was moved and seconded by Committee Members Bobbitt/Reynolds to reorganize the agenda to move Agenda Item #C to Item #B and Item #B to Item #C. Unanimously approved. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR: A. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio asked if there were any changes to the Minutes of October 18, 2000. There being no corrections, it was moved and seconded by Committee Members Bobbitt/Cunningham to approve the minutes as submitted. V. BUSINESS ITEMS: A. Specific Plan 2000-045. Site Development Permit 2000-677; a request of Evergreen for review of landscaping plant pallette for a commercial office complex and land, and building elevations for a drugstore to be located at the southeast corner of 50th Avenue and Washington Street. 1. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio presented the information contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development Department. G:\WPDOCSIALRCII-J -OO.wpd 1 Architectural & Landscape Review Committee Minutes November 1,2000 2. Committee Member Dennis Cunningham asked if the applicant would like to address the Committee. Mr. Mike Peroni, Dudek and Associates, introduced Tom Doczi landscape architect, Mike Mokray with Dudek and Associates, Philip Cross with Evergreen, Chris Wiseman, architect for the project. Mr. Cross reviewed the major modifications that had been made. He explained they wanted to create an architecture that was compatible with La Quinta with a Spanish influence. With the proximity to the neighborhoods to the north and west of site, they wanted to create something that would reduce the visual scale and create a more human scale at the ground level. They started to introduce the cantera stone to serve as visual relief. He then went on to describe the architecture. The office buildings will have a similar architectural character with color palettes that are similar. 3. Committee Member Bobbitt asked if staff had concerns about the view from the Washington Street bridge looking down onto the roof; is staff satisfied? Planning Manager Christine di Iorio stated it was acceptable; the applicant has provided additional information to satisfy staff's concerns. Mr. Cross stated the view from the maximum height of the bridge, you will see a finished wall height. They have done sightline studies and from a five foot eye level at the parapet height, this site is six feet below the parapet. It is impossible to see on top of the roof. They kept within the 22 foot building height limit and are still convinced the mechanical equipment will be screened. 4. Committee Member Bobbitt asked about the "beefing" around the column base. Mr. Wiseman stated they would like to keep it as proposed. It adds color, texture, shadow play and mass instead of stucco coming down that could be damaged. The mass of the stone gives a more substantial appearance. Staff stated it was just the height of the columns. Mr. Wiseman stated the scale in terms of proportions, was designed to have it in thirds to pick up the critical line around the building. Committee Member Bobbitt asked if there would be any advantage to widening out the base; he did like the use of the cantera stone. 5. Committee Member Cunningham stated the issue to him was the height of the stone. Staff stated they wanted the architect to address this issue. Committee Member Cuningham stated that in using thirds, he agrees with the architect. A three foot column, however is substantial. The arch height is the same and the G:\WPDOCSIALRCt 1-I-OO.wpd 2 Architectural & Landscape Review Committee Minutes November 1,2000 height of the cantera stone works well. It does add texture to the building and from a maintenance standpoint it will hold up better. Mr. Cross stated that especially at the entrance which will sustain the greatest damage, it was important to use the stone. It will have a medium sand finish to contrast with the highly textured and colored cantera stone. Staff recommended deleting Condition #1. 6. Committee Member Bobbitt asked what material was to be used for the trash enclosure. Mr. Cross stated it would be painted to coordinate with the colors and would be made of metal. 7. Committee Member Bobbitt asked about the date palm trees as there are a great number of Phoenix Dactylferas and they are unique, but from a safety standpoint, the crowns will fall off which have caused injuries. He is not opposed as long as they are not in high traffic areas. If they are planted in a younger state they are better than the older ones removed from a grove. If they use them only in not highly traveled areas, he has no objection. 8. Committee Member Bobbitt asked Mr. Doczi if they were having any trouble getting the standard trunk tree to reach maturity without having structural problems. Trees such as Schinus Molle and Sumac, blow over or lose their shape. Mr. Doczi stated that on the date palms they want to use them for continuity along Washington Street similar to the other developments and introduced them at the entrance and along the perimeter. They did not plan to use them within the project. Schinus Molle would be used along the streetscape on Washington Street as well. They anticipate using the younger date palms, but it is becoming more and more difficult to find them. Committee Member Bobbitt stated there was no problem using them, as long as they were planted where they would not fall on anyone. Mr. Doczi stated that in regard to the condition regarding 50% replacement, they have no problem with this and will revisit the hardscape plan to get vines on the columns. Rather than a canopy tree they would like to use an understory tree and alternate them with the palm trees. They did add trees at the southwest and northeast corner of the building, but since this was the main entry area, they felt there would be a pedestrian conflict adding the landscaping. They may use some at grade planters or pots to add to the landscaping. They will have berming at the corners to meet grade. There will be a wall to screen the parking, and they could add berming around the corner. Trees do allow the people passing by to see G:\WPDOCS\ALRCII-I-OO.wpd 3 Architectural & Landscape Review Committee Minutes November 1, 2000 through. The trees will have full size islands to allow the roots to grow. Staff asked if the use of the annual color will be the same as the Palm Desert store with the "W". Mr. Doczi stated no, it will not be used. 9. Committee Member Reynolds thanked the applicant on his presentation. He has no problems with the proposal. 10. Committee Member Cunningham stated he would like to be sure the line-of-site is correct. Mr. Cross stated is a concern of theirs as well, and they will make sure it works. 11 . Committee Member Bobbitt asked if the building is constructed and the equipment is seen, is there a condition to see that it is not visible. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio stated yes, a condition will be added. Mr. Cross asked if they would be able to add the extra two feet if they find it is needed. Staff stated it could be added to the Specific Plan as an option if there is a problem with the visibility at the time of construction. 12. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Committee Member Bobbitt/Reynolds to adopt Minute Motion 2000-020 recommending approval of the landscaping plant pallette and building elevations for Specific Plan 2000-045 and Site Development Permit 2000-677, as amended. a. Condition #1: Deleted b. Condition #3c: Deleted. c. New condition: Requiring the mechanical equipment to be hidden from sight. Unanimously approved. B. General Plan Amendment 2000-071. Zone Chanae 2000-096. Village Use Permit 2000-004. and Environmental Assessment 2000-402; a request of Chapman Golf Development, LLC for review of building elevations and landscaping plans for an 11,900 square foot restaurant to be located on the northeast corner of 52nd Avenue and Desert Club Drive. 1 . Principal Planner Fred Baker presented the information contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development Department. G:\WPDOCSIALRCII-I-OO.wpd 4 Architectural & Landscape Review Committee Minutes November 1,2000 2. Committee Member Bobbitt asked staff to identify what the grass area was to be used for. Staff stated it was for special theme functions. 3. Committee Member Cunningham stated it is a great project and he would love to see more of this type. 4. Committee Members Bobbitt and Reynolds stated they had no problems with the project. 5. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Committee Member Cunningham/Bobbitt to adopt Minute Motion 2000-021 recommending approval of building elevations and landscaping plans for General Plan Amendment 2000-071, Zone Change 2000-096, Village Use Permit 2000-004, and Environmental Assessment 2000-402 2000-045. Unanimously approved. C. Site Development Permit 2000-685; a request of Tait and Associates for review of building elevations and landscaping plans for a 3,984 square foot convenience store located on the northwest corner of Highway 111 and Washington Street within Point Happy Specific Plan. 1 . Principal Planner Fred Baker presented the information contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development Department. 2. Committee Member Cunningham asked about the location of the building. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio stated it is right off the Highway 111 signal entrance. Staff has worked with the developer of the site to be consistent with the other buildings in the project. 3. Mr. Steve Frank, Tait and Associates, stated they have been working with staff to reach an agreement on the canopy design. 4. Committee Member Cunningham stated this is an extremely sensitive site. The Cliffhouse Restaurant is located on the other side of the rock, which is gorgeous. The restaurant design is almost what they are looking for on the site. What needs to happen is for the architect to go over and look at the Cliffhouse and come real close to it architecturally. This is a nice looking gas G:\WPDOCSIALRCII-I-OO.wpd 5 Architectural & Landscape Review Committee Minutes November 1, 2000 station, but this site is very important and in his opinion they have to go to the extremes to make it comparable with the Cliffhouse. He understands that it is a gas station and it needs to resemble that, but it needs to be on the scale of the Cliffhouse architecturally. 5. Committee Member Reynolds asked what other developments would be built on this site. Staff explained that the developer has stated there will two fast food restaurants as well as a major sit- down restaurant. Other specific uses are not known at this time. 6. Committee Member Reynolds, asked if the property was under two ownerships. Principal Planner Fred Baker stated Madison Development is now the owner of the entire site. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio stated the grading plan has been approved and they are now working on the pad areas. There was a Specific Plan developed with design guidelines which outlined the elements that had to be followed. 7. Committee Member Cunningham stated he would like to see the stone work used on the Cliffhouse utilized here. He would not condition it to be real stone, but a good veneer stone. The use of smooth stucco finish, open tails on the roof element on the high part of the building needs to be similar to the Cliffhouse, with raised mudded tile to warm it up. The canopy needs revision. Maybe a trellis type with beams closing off the center section, similar to the Rancho La Quinta guardhouse to soften up the trellis- gas bays. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio clarified it would have a smooth trowel finish. Committee Member Cunningham reiterated how sensitive this corner is and how important the design is to this site. Staff stated that under the Specific Plan they are using a flat clay tile roof tile. As to the stone veneer the reference to the Coronado Virginia Light, the Specific Plan states the cantera stone with the Cafe Two could be used. Mr. Frank noted it the wording "like material", which in their opinion, this is. 8. Committee Member Bobbitt stated he agrees with Committee Member Cunningham and this is the first proposal for the site. He does not believe the design is reflective of what is wanted on this corner. It needs to lend itself more to what the Cliffhouse looks like. 9. Committee Member Cunningham stated the Specific Plan is a guideline and it could be expanded upon. G:\ WPDOCSIALRC 11-1-00. wpd 6 Architectural & Landscape Review Committee Minutes November] , 2000 10. Committee Member Reynolds stated he hates to see Highway 111 being developed into a string of gas stations with fast foods. This corner is far more important. Some special treatment needs to be added to this site. He does not understand why so many gas stations are needed in the same area. 11. Committee Member Cunningham stated the proposal is getting there, but needs more work. They need to review the stone work. Wood is not a good material to use on the exterior; it needs a smooth stucco finish. The colors are not an issue. Curving is not right, it should be rectangular or square and the canopy needs to have a trellis look around the perimeter to soften it with knee braces or corbels, or some type of architectural treatment. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio asked what material should be used on the knee braces or corbels; was he referring to metal material? Discussion followed regarding possible suggestions. 12. Committee Member Cunningham stated he was not challenging the Specific Plan conditions. Staff stated the applicant is constrained by what is approved in the Specific Plan. Committee Member Cunningham asked that they at least use the Coronado instead of the Cantera stone. 13. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Committee Member Bobbitt/Reynolds to adopt Minute Motion 2000-022 recommending approval of the building elevations and landscaping plans for Site Development Permit 2000-685, as suggested. Unanimously approved. a Canopy redesign as suggested with a trellis look using the beam element used on the building b. Smoothed trowel finish c. Use of Coronado "Virginia Ledge" stone D. Site Development Permit 2000-665; a request of Steven Walker Homes for review of landscaping plans for model homes and common areas for Tract 29347 in Specific Plan 90-015 (Norman Course). 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. Mr. Dan Beals, representing Steve Walker Homes, stated he is looking forward to the project and is available to answer any questions. n.\UJDrV,r",\ AT prl1_1.0n urnrl 7 Architectural & Landscape Review Committee Minutes November 1,2000 3. Committee Member Bobbitt asked the applicant to explain the landscaping. Mr. Beals stated the front yards will be typical, as shown. The rear yards will be as the property owner designs it, but all landscaping will be maintained by the homeowners' association. Committee Member Bobbitt asked if the watering would be on a timer. Mr. Beals stated a master timer with common area water. 4. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Committee Members Cunningham/Reynolds to adopt Minute Motion 2000-023 recommending approval of the landscaping plans for Site Development Permit 2000-685, as recommended. Unanimously approved. E. Commercial Propertv Improvement Proaram 2000-003; a request of Mary Hope Franco, La Quinta Video and Paging for a funding request to install new landscaping fence, and awning with illuminated sign for the property located at 78-040 Avenida La Fonda. 1 . Management Analyst Britt Wilson presented the information contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development Department. 2. Committee Member Cunningham asked what the existing stucco was. Ms. Franco stated the owner wants to put in a bid to repaint. The canopy will change color to match the building color when selected by the owner of the building. 3. Committee Member Reynolds asked about the fencing on the perimeter. Staff stated it is an existing fence. The new fence will replace the street side fence. 4. Committee Member Bobbitt asked if the guidelines were for the front or entire building. Staff stated it is for external facade improvements. Committee Member Bobbitt stated the landscaping is only as good as it is maintained. Ms. Franco stated there is a gardener and flowers will be planted in the planters. Committee Member Bobbitt commented that one of the bids from one of the landscape contractors, is not legal as he is not licensed and should be removed. Staff reminded the Committee that a commitment is signed by the applicant to requirement them to maintain the site as part of the agreement to receive the money. G:\WPDOCS\ALRCII-I-OO.wpd 8 Architectural & Landscape Review Committee Minutes November I, 2000 5. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Committee Member Bobbitt/Reynolds to adopt Minute Motion 2000-024 recommending approval of the funding for the building elevations and landscaping plans for Commercial Property Improvement Program 2000-003, with a score of 72.5. Unanimously approved. F. Commercial Property Improvement Proqram 2000-004; a request of Michael & Annie Fischer, Village Park Animal Hospital for a funding request to construct a block wall along the west property line for the property located at 77-895 Avenida Montezuma. 1 . Planning Manager Christine di Iorio presented the information contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development Department. 2. Committee Member Reynolds asked if the block wall was on the west side only. Ms. Fischer stated it will be on the west and south side. Staff stated there is a wall and gate on the north side. 3. Committee Member Bobbitt asked if it is block or slumpstone. Ms. Fischer stated they had not made that decision. Committee Member Bobbitt stated that it needs to match the existing building. 4. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Committee Member Bobbitt/Reynolds to adopt Minute Motion 2000-025 recommending approval of the funding for a block wall for Commercial Property Improvement Program 2000-004, with a score of 83. 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/Reynolds to adjourn this regular meeting of the Architectural and Landscaping Review Committee to a regular meeting to be held on December 6, 2000. This meeting was adjourned at 11 :46 a.m. on November 1, 2000. ~~eCtfUII: jbmitted, t_R}yl/tf;Yf!-Lw';r- / B8TX J( SAWYER, Executive Secretary . ,/ Cityof La Quinta, California n