2008 01 02 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
January 2, 2008
10:00 a.m.
I. CALL TO ORDER
A. This re!)ular meeting of the Architectural and Landscaping Review
Committee was called to order at 10: 16 a.m. by Planning Director Les
Johnson.
B. Committee Members present: Jason Arnold, Bill Bobbitt, and Ronald
Fitzpatrick.
C. Staff present: Assistant City Manager Doug Evans, Planning Director
Les Johnson, Planning Manager David Sawyer, Principal Planner
Andrew Mogensen, and Secretary Carolyn Walker.
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 November 7,
2007. There being none, it was moved and seconded by Committee
Members Fitzpatrick/Bobbitt to approve the minutes as submitted.
V. BUSINESS ITEMS:
A. Site Development Permit 2007-900; a request of the City of La Ouinta
for consideration of a schematic design package for the SilverRock
Resort Clubhouse located at the southwest corner of Jefferson Street
and Avenue 52.
1 . A,ssistant City Manager Doug Evan presented the information
contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the
Planning Department.
2. Committee Member Fitzpatrick asked about ingress/egress for
the site. Assistant City Manager Doug Evans stated it was it
\/Vas defined in the SilverRock Master Plan.
Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee
January 2, 2008
3. Committee Member Bobbitt asked about a second entry. Staff
noted the second access on Avenue 54.
4. Committee Member Fitzpatrick asked if the City was
encouraging the use of solar panels. Staff stated the project
could be LEED certified even without the solar panels.
5. Committee Member Fitzpatrick asked about the architectural
style. Staff replied it was a Mexican or South American
Hacienda-type style. It was a combination of styles and not a
definite singular style.
6. Committee Member Bobbitt said the design elements were very
good, but was concerned about the extensive use of wood.
Staff replied they were aware of the maintenance concerns and
were working with the architect to minimize the use of wood.
7. Committee Member Fitzpatrick asked if there were any
concerns by the neighbors surrounding the project and had the
City contacted them. Staff said the City contacted the
neighbors within the required 500 foot radius and no negative
replies were received. He then outlined the layout of buildings
and how they would be viewed by the neighbors.
8. Committee Member Bobbitt asked about the height limitation.
Staff replied 65 feet was allowed in the Specific Plan, but the
project might not go that high. Staff has been looking at several
designs and feasibility studies for the hotel. Staff added the
landscaping designs would be brought back for ALRC review.
9. Committee Member Bobbitt said he would like to see solar
included in the design as it would give the City an opportunity
to make a statement.
10. Committee Member Fitzpatrick suggested a condition be added
to consider adding solar panels. Staff said it was already
plumbed, and the electrical was set up for solar. It was not a
question of if they would use solar, but when it would be
financially feasible.
11 . There being no further questions, it was moved and seconded
by Committee Members Fitzpatrick/Bobbitt to adopt Minute
Motion 2008-001 recommending approval of Site Development
Permit 2007-900 as recommended. Unanimously approved.
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Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee
January 2, 2008
B. Final Landscaping Plans 2007-025; a request of Innovative
Communities for review of Final Landscaping Plans for Watermark
Villas interior common area and perimeter landscaping located at the
northwest corner of Avenue 52 and Jefferson Street.
1. Associate Planner Jay Wuu presented the information contained
in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Planning
Department.
2. Staff introduced Brad Fomon, with Innovative Communities who
gave a presentation on the project and requested the California
Pepper Trees and retention basin turf remain as they had
already been installed.
3. Committee Member Fitzpatrick asked about the retention basins
and the plantings surrounding them. Mr. Fomon described how
they had changed the landscaping plans to accommodate the
trees currently planted.
4. Committee Member Bobbitt commented on the loss of all the
palms previously on site. He did like the initial project
presentation done several years ago and asked if the project
was going ahead. Mr. Fomon replied they were going ahead
with the project.
5. Committee Member Bobbitt asked if Innovative was going to go
ahead with building more units. Mr. Fomon replied they are
currently working on their models and the remainder of the units
would be built as the economic climate allowed.
6. Committee Member Bobbitt commented on the California
Pepper Trees (Schinus Molle) and stated the Commission
usually does not recommend use of these trees due to the high
attrition rate. However, he did not have a problem with leaving
those planted where they were, and suggested no more be
added.
7. Committee Member Bobbitt stated he had a problem with the
screening on the north (Citrus) side and its effects on the
residents. Mr. Fomon said there would be no serious effects as
they were working to resolve their issues with the Citrus
residents. He clarified they hoped to solve the problem with the
tlrees by installing 40-inch planter boxes with holes at the
bottom so the tree roots could grow into the ground for
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Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee
January 2, 2008
screening. Committee Member Bobbitt asked if there would be
mounding around these boxes. Mr. Fomon replied in some cases
there would be a small amount of mounding with the planter
boxes sitting on top to protect the neighbor's view. This would
make them look more integrated into the project
8. Committee Member Fitzpatrick commented on how well put
together the exhibit packet was and how easy to follow. He
then asked how the 50% turf reduction was determined. Mr.
Fomon said he was unfamiliar with the new requirements as the
project was approved prior to their implementation. He said
they were amenable to reducing the turf area, but would like to
retain the lushness of the entrance area.
9. Committee Member Fitzpatrick referenced the 50% reduction
and wanted to know what that amount was based on. Mr.
Fomon suggested staff address the comment. Associate
Planner Wuu said there was no actual percentage stated but the
recommendation was for the applicant to discuss possible turf
reduction with the Committee. Staff said the applicant
appeared to be willing to reduce the turf except for the entrance
area. Mr. Fomon noted the areas where turf would be reduced
on the exhibit.
10. Planning Director Les Johnson stated the key issue was the
project was approved under the old CVWD requirements. Staff
was encouraged that the developer was willing to make
changes even when they do not have to. The key provision, for
staff, is useable and functional turf should remain. There really
isn't much of a benefit to turfing retention areas. He added the
City respects their interest in keeping down the turf areas.
11. Mr. Fomon pointed out which turf areas must remain. Planning
Director Johnson said turf reduction was identified as a
discussion item rather than a condition. The landscaping was
conditioned to receive ALRC as well as the Planning
Commission approval. Therefore, the ALRC could recommend
conditions to the Planning Commission requiring the applicant to
work with staff on reducing turf where feasible.
12. Planning Director Johnson said the percentage wasn't as
important as the direction the applicant was going. The
reduction of turf in the retention areas would be the most
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Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee
January 2, 2008
beneficial but they would have to look at the overall turf usage
as well as function and aesthetics.
13. Committee Member Bobbitt stated the applicant is requesting
approval of his landscaping plans, but it is up to the applicant to
reduce the turf. He did not want to put a mandate on the
applicant to follow the new regulations.
14. Planning Director Johnson said even prior to the new CVWD
Ordinance, the approach of the Commission has been fairly
strong on reduction of turf unless it is areas that are of
functional value and purpose. The central area has a functional
value and purpose.
15. Committee Member Fitzpatrick asked if there was a number,
that represented 30% of the project should be turf.
16. Committee Member Arnold said there was a printed formulation
which the Committee had previously received and it was
probably about 30% or 20% of the overall site area. Planning
Director Johnson said CVWD's new regulation mandate a limit,
but there wasn't one when this project was originally presented.
17. Planning Director Johnson said staff was supportive of retaining
the turf in the areas which were functional as well as an
aesthetic focus. Staff would concur with what has been
brought forth by the applicant and that consideration be given
to reducing turf in the retention areas and maintaining turf in
areas where there is a purpose for the resident's use.
18. Committee Member Arnold asked what type of mulch was
being used. The applicant explained the original plans and what
was now being considered including use of some on-site
materials.
19. Committee Member Bobbitt commented on the Queen Palms
and the problems currently in the Valley and suggested the
applicant consider another variety. The applicant agreed not to
Lise that type of Palm for future plantings.
20. Committee Member Fitzpatrick commented on the letters from
the Citrus Homeowners' Association and asked if the applicant
was going to resolve those issues. Mr. Fomon said they were
working with the Citrus HOA and has met with all their Board
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Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee
January 2, 2008
Members on site to discuss solutions, A formal letter should be
submitted by the HOA when the project is presented to the
Planning Commission stating what had been resQlved,
21. Committee Member Fitzpatrick asked if there was any need for
color boards, architectural details and anything of that sort,
The applicant replied they had already been through that.
22. Committee Member Bobbitt had a concern about the height of
the date palms being used in a landscaped area, due to crown
drop. He suggested nursery grown date palms from 15 to 20
feet. Taller trees may not fully recover from transplanting. Mr.
Fomon said they were trying to vary the heights of the trees
and wanted the opportunity to have 40 footers to be more
consistent with the project. Committee Member Bobbitt
suggested they either have their landscape architect or a
certified arborist select the trees being brought in from outside.
He strongly suggested they inspect the trees already
transplanted. He said it was not a good idea to buy trees left
over from a non-operational date grove.
23. There being no further questions, it was moved and seconded
by Committee Members Fitzpatrick/Bobbitt to adopt Minute
Motion 2008-002 recommending approval of Final Landscaping
Plans 2007-025as recommended and amended:
a. Condition added: Any new trees shall be a minimum of
20 feet and a maximum equal in height to the existing
trees
b. Condition added: Turf shall be modified as agreed upon
by staff and applicant.
Unanimously approved.
C. Final LandscapinQ Plans 2007-026; a request of Trans West Housing
for a review of final landscaping plans for portions of the Griffin Ranch
interior common areas, including the clubhouse perimeter and mail
building located at the southeast corner of Avenue 54 and Madison
Street.
1. Principal Planner Andrew Mogensen presented the information
contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the
Planning Department. Staff introduced Michael Horton who
gave a presentation on the project.
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Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee
January 2, 2008
2. Committee Member Bobbitt had no problems with the project,
but had one question about the Hybrid Mesquite trees in the
project. Mike Horton, H.S.A. Design Group, 42575 Melanie
Place, Suite 5, Palm Desert replied he thought it was an Arizona
hybrid with a better root system and less prone to tipping in the
wind. They use this tree because the City of Palm Desert
requires it because it is a better hybrid. Committee Member
Bobbitt said he would be interested in seeing how this tree
holds up.
3. Committee Member Bobbitt said it was a very good project.
4. There being no further questions, it was moved and seconded
by Committee Members Bobbitt/Arnold to adopt Minute Motion
2008-003 recommending approval of Final Landscaping Plans
2007-026 as submitted. Unanimously approved.
D. Site Development Permit 2007-894; a request of The Quarry at La
Quinta -for consideration of architectural and landscaping plans for an
expansion of a maintenance yard facility located on the south side of
Cahuilla Park Drive, west of south Jefferson Street.
1. Principal Planner Andrew Mogensen presented the information
contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the
Planning Department.
2. Committee Member Fitzpatrick asked why staff was willing to
approve a metal building for this project. Principal Planner
Mogensen said because this was a maintenance yard. Metal-
wpe buildings have been allowed in the past, if they are being
used for storage with full screening provided and not being used
as a break room or offices.
3. Committee Member Fitzpatrick asked about screening. Staff
replied that was included in the recommendations. He
suggested the ALRC might consider whether these types of
materials and the addition of the Carolina Cherries are a suitable
use to hide the building from adjacent residences.
4. Committee Member Bobbitt said he was hesitant to use the
Carolina Cherry trees and thought the Oleanders would be fine
if maintained properly. He suggested the use of an African
Sumac.
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Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee
January 2, 2008
5. Committee Member Bobbitt asked if the butler building would
be painted or textured. Chuck McBride, Architect, 77-980
Wildcat #2, Palm Desert, said it was a ribbed building and is
pre-painted wall panel. Committee Member Bobbitt asked if they
were going to use a brown color for the trim. Mr. McBride
replied they were.
6. Committee Member Bobbitt asked if the applicant had contacted
the adjacent neighbors about this project. Mr. McBride said
they had contacted the homeowners and they found the plan
acceptable.
7. Committee Member Fitzpatrick asked if there would be any type
of gravity ventilation to circulate the air. Mr. McBride said the
buildings would be fully insulated and there would be
ventilation, either mechanical or passive.
8. Committee Member Fitzpatrick asked if there was a
representative from the Homeowners Association. Mr. Steve
Beebe, 79-434 Cetrino, La Quinta, introduced himself and gave
the viewpoint from the homeowners.
9. Mr. McBride commented on the landscaping on Tom Fazio Lane,
and Cahuilla Road. He said they have a large material palette
throughout the Club and did not want to introduce a brand new
palette for one particular site. Secondarily, the Cahuilla Road
landscaping can certainly be enhanced at this point as it is
about a decade old, but unless the City is interested in doing it
there is no other developer or project that really has an
opportunity to continue the additional landscaping both in the
entry direction and towards Lake Cahuilla. It is currently desert
landscaping with homes adjacent to the south. This will end up
as a landscape island by itself and that would actually be a
detriment.
10. Committee Member Fitzpatrick asked about safety requirements
for the solid fuel tanks. Mr. McBride explained how the fuel
tanks were constructed. They went through the normal
entitlement process with the Fire Department and, based upon
their meetings with the Fire Marshals and with the California
Regional Water Control Board, they were going to have covered
tanks which would conform to future requirements. These tanks
would address pollution issues such as rainfall which hits the
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Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee
January 2, 2008
tops of the tanks, gathers the pollutants and may exit the site.
The tanks, themselves, will not be a problem.
11 . Committee Member Fitzpatrick pointed out there were a lot of
discussion points and asked if staff would be comfortable with
approval of this project and working with the applicant. Staff
replied this was one project that had not identified the perimeter
landscaping and this was drawn up prior to the City's current
landscaping standards. Principal Planner Mogensen said this
project had not identified full perimeter landscaping. The
Municipal Code requires landscaping but this project was
developed a very long time ago. At the time the landscaping
standards were not as stringent, and there were two
requirements needed to accomplish that goal which was: 1) to
bring it up to the City's current standards, and 2) to provide
adequate screening both through a wall and enhanced
landscaping.
12. Committee Member Fitzpatrick asked where this application
went after this meeting. Staff said it would go to the Planning
Commission. Committee Member Fitzpatrick asked if the
Committee could say they approve it in concept only or did
these other issues have to be resolved first. Planning Director
Johnson explained the approval process for this type of
application.
13. Committee Member Fitzpatrick said he would like to see a plan
that showed what they were going to do conceptually, but will
address any further issues when the final landscaping plans
come before the Committee.
14. Committee Member Bobbitt said in the past this Committee has
tried not to remove conditions, but the staff would present
these conditions to the Planning Commission. He explained
how recommendations could be made to the Planning
Commission.
15. Committee Member Fitzpatrick asked about staff's concerns
and if they were included in the Conditions of Approval. He
asked about the groundcover recommendation. Staff said the
conditions of approval met their concerns by providing the
additional landscaping and raising the wall. Committee Member
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Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee
January 2, 2008
Fitzpatrick asked
recommendations.
Condition Number 4.
about the ground cover material
Staff replied that it was included in
16. Mr. McBride asked if the Committee's recommendation was to
not only enhance, or improve, the Lake Cahuilla Road, but to
upgrade the ground cover as shown in Condition Number Four.
Committee Member Bobbitt said Mr. McBride had a valid point,
and the landscaping looks very natural. He does not want to
see any "contrived" looking landscaping, but something that
looks natural. He did not want to see any planted living ground
cover and suggested the use of rock. Staff said a large caliper
rock would be needed due to erosion.
1 7. Principal Planner Mogensen said the project will be reviewed
with Public Works and they may include additional conditions.
When the project gets completed it will most likely look
different than it does now. Mr. McBride said street
improvements will be hundreds of nothing and then all of a
sudden there will be street improvements and then we have
many hundreds of feet of nothing again. It is really putting a
major neon sign here that says "look at this project."
18. Committee Member Fitzpatrick requested an index key be
included in future plans to make it easier for the Committee to
quickly locate information.
19. There being no further questions, it was moved and seconded
by Committee Members Fitzpatrick/Arnold to adopt Minute
Motion 2008-004 recommending approval of Site Development
Permit 2007-894 with recommendations as submitted.
Unanimously approved.
E. Site Development Permit 2007-899; a request of East of Madison,
LLC. for review of architectural and landscape plans for the
Homeowners Association mailhouse and office located on the
northeast corner of Avenue 54 and Monroe Street within The Madison
Club.
1 . Planning Manager David Sawyer presented the information
contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the
Planning Department.
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Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee
January 2, 2008
2, Committee Member Fitzpatrick was disappointed in the
architecture of the building, He said it looked like a bunker with
a corridor and the plans did not have a cover sheet with an
explanation. First he noticed it is a rectangular building with
only one way in and one way out. There should be a secondary
exit somewhere. He added there were several inconsistencies in
the plans with regard to the air conditioning system and asked if
the building was intended to have air conditioning.
3. Craig Pearson, Pearson Architects, 74-260 Highway 111, Suite
#8, Palm Desert, explained it was a hallway corridor and the
occupant load was not more than lO people. He added the
building was to be air conditioned. He explained the air
conditioning system had condenser units that were on a split
system.
4. Committee Member Fitzpatrick asked if there was a certain
percentage of natural light required by the Uniform Building
Code. Mr. Pearson said this was not a residential building but a
commercial building and it was not a requirement.
5. Committee Member Fitzpatrick asked about a ceiling fan. Mr.
Pearson said that would be developed in the final documents.
He referred to Section 87.0 where it denotes the components of
the ceiling.
6. Committee Member Fitzpatrick asked about the recession of the
windows. Mr. Pearson said the windows were in a two by six
wall and there was a canopy for shading.
7. IVIr. Pearson responded to Committee Member Fitzpatrick's
comments on the building's architecture. He said the intent
was to tie this building in with the approved maintenance
building so they appeared to be one compound. They have
gates that will separate each of them and will be behind walls
where the general public would not see them.
8.
Committee Member Fitzpatrick commented on the
elevation and asked if there would be glass in those doors.
Pearson said there would be.
east
Mr.
9. Committee Member Fitzpatrick asked about the grading plan.
Mr. Pearson said they were all compliant and Building and
Safety would do the final review.
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Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee
January 2, 2008
10. Committee Member Fitzpatrick asked about the color board.
Planning Manager Sawyer said staff did have the color board
but it was unavailable for the meeting. He explained this
project would be going to the Planning Commission for approval
but would come back to the ALRC for the final landscaping plan
approval.
11 . Committee Member Bobbitt said he didn't care for the
architecture, but he respected the fact it needed to be tied in
with the maintenance building. He asked how the homeowners
would receive their mail. Staff replied the Post Office would
deliver the mail to this building and the Homeowners'
Association staff would then separate and detiver it to each
residence. The applicant has indicated this plan has the
approval of the Post Office.
12. Committee Member Bobbitt asked about the meeting room.
Jeff Prevost, 80955 Avenue 52, La Guinta, Vice President of
the Madison Club, explained the facility would be used primarily
for the mail as explained above. The purpose of the conference
room was for HOA meetings. They have monthly and annual
meetings and the HOA can have meetings in that room.
13. Committee Member Bobbitt asked if there were going to be very
many people showing up at this building. Mr.. Prevost said they
would be more administrative-type activities. If there were a
large meeting it would be held at the Clubhouse. The other
purpose would be for their monthly Design Review meetings.
14. Committee Member Bobbitt said he did not care for the design
of the building but it would be very functional for a maintenance
building. Mr. Prevost said he appreciated the Committees'
comments on the design of Madison Club since they are very
proud of what they do. He commented the buildings would be
screened in and would not have a lot of visual impact on the
development. Committee Member Bobbitt agreed since it would
be landscaped and would not be seen from the perimeter at all.
15. Committee Member Arnold commented they would not want to
include anything that would not look good in this development.
Mr. Prevost said it comes down to cost. They are putting their
dollars in the highly visible buildings and not the smaller
structures such as this one.
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Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee
January 2, 2008
16. There being no further questions, it was moved and seconded
by Committee Members Bobbitt/Arnold to adopt Minute Motion
2:008-005 recommending approval of Site Development Permit
2:007-899 as recommended. Unanimously approved.
F. Site Development Permit 2:007-901; a request of Bill Sanchez for
review of parking lot, landscaping, and retaining wall plans within The
Washin!~ton Park Retail Center located on the northeast corner of
Washinl~ton Street and Avenue 47 within The Washington Park Retail
Center.
1. Principal Planner Andrew Mogensen presented the information
contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the
Planning Department.
2. Committee Member Fitzpatrick asked about the location of the
ADA path. Staff showed its location.
3. Committee Member Fitzpatrick asked about the location of a
large water feature on Washington and Avenue 48. Staff
identified the location and replied it was actually on A venue 47.
4. Committee Member Fitzpatrick asked how many parking spaces
were involved. Staff replied they did not have that exact
number. Committee Member Fitzpatrick asked if there was
some formulation used for the parking spaces. Staff said the
formula was 4 parking spaces per thousand for this Specific
Plan.
5. Committee Member Fitzpatrick asked about regulations on the
hand rail. Staff pointed out the placement and gave a
description of materials to be used.
6. Committee Member Fitzpatrick commented on the key or master
page again. Planning Director Johnson said the old projects
would not have this key page, but that staff is updating the
application requirements so that all new projects would have it
included.
7. Committee Member Fitzpatrick asked about carports in the
parking lot. Principal Planner Mogensen replied the Municipal
Code requires carports for 30% of a parking lot if it is being
used for office or medical, but since this project is retail it
would be optional.
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Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee
January 2, 2008
8. Committee Member Bobbitt asked why they are looking at a
landscaping plan before there are even buildings involved. Staff
replied the Municipal Code requires a Site Development Permit
application for a parking lot.
9. Bill Sanchez, Construction Manager for Washington 111, Ltd.,
80-618 Declaration Avenue, Indio, said the site plan and site
configuration had been approved via their Specific Plan. He said
the building locations and the configurations were approved, as
well as the ingress/egress locations. The submitted the
landscaping because the want to start on improvements in the
parking lot and the landscape as there are some leasing
negotiations on these possible buildings. The actual footprint of
the buildings might change within the pad location and at that
point they would come in with an additional site permit for
those buildings.
10. Committee Member Bobbitt asked if the parking lot spaces were
based on the amount of square footage. Principal Planner
Mogensen said they were but those numbers were decided
during the Specific Plan application. Planning Director Johnson
went over the calculations used for the parking space
determination.
11 . Committee Member Bobbitt wanted to go back to the size of
the planters in the parking lot, for the trees, which was an issue
he brought up 10 years ago. These planters in the parking lot.
He could not tell from the plans what size the planters were and
if they were in the shape of diamonds. Mr. Sanchez replied they
were four-by-fours. Committee Member Bobbitt said he had a
problem with that. He thought the City had changed their
specifications to a larger size. Principal Planner Mogensen said
the planters were identified on the plans as being nine feet wide
and square.
12. Mr. Sanchez said this particular phase had a new, local
landscape architect and he suggested they move away from the
diamond design.
13. Committee Member Bobbitt asked if the City's design guidelines
dictated a certain size planter. Planning Director Johnson said
he thought they did, but he didn't know if they guidelines were
ever changed. They would need to check the City's minimum
standards and report back to the Committee. He wasn't sure
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Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee
January 2, 2008
what the minimum standard was but he was pretty sure it was
a four-by-four.
14. Committee Member Bobbitt said he had a bit of problem when
he got on the Committee originally and each the City Council
interviewed him for a new term they asked him what kind of
progress he had made. One of the issues was regarding the
planting of trees and their discussion led him to believe they all
had the same understanding. He now believes that may not be
true and asked how he could be assured his recommendations
from the past ten years were being followed. Planning Director
Johnson replied that such changes must be made via the
Municipal Code Amendment process. He couldn't speak about
the last ten years, but would keep the Committee apprised of
any future amendments.
15. Committee Member Bobbitt said he does not have many issues,
but one of them is the size of trees. He realized it would impact
the amount of parking spaces by increasing the size of the
planter boxes. He asked staff to follow up on the size of the
planter to make sure it would not be four feet. The percentage
of trees that survive in those little squares is very low. Principal
Planner Mogensen added the Coachella Valley Water District
(CVWD) had new standards for the size of tree wells and
thought it was five feet.
16. Committee Member Bobbitt said he would not be happy with
five feet either. It should be a minimum of six feet and ideally
eight feet. Staff asked his opinion of a four-by-nine in this
siituation. Committee Member Bobbitt answered he was a
Certified Arborist and did a lot of studying on trees, especially
attrition as in the case of the Peppers and the Mesquites. He
finds that the architects rarely go back to a project ten years
later. He then explained how the plantings should be handled
and what could happen if done incorrectly.
17. Mr. Sanchez said they would work with staff to come up with
an adequate planting area.
18. Committee Member Arnold said he liked the plant palette.
19. Committee Member Bobbitt said the overall project was fine
with the exception of the tree wells.
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Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee
January 2. 2008
20. Mr. Sanchez explained the tree plantings for Target and the
areas with security cameras that had to be trimmed.
21. Committee Member Bobbitt said the Acacia trees in the Target
parking lot were pretty good trees and should do fairly well.
22. There being no further questions. it was moved and seconded
by Committee Members Fitzpatrick/Bobbitt to adopt Minute
Motion 2008-006 recommending approval of Site Development
Permit 2007-901 as submitted. Unanimously approved.
VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: None
VII. COMMITTEE MEMBER ITEMS:
A. Committee Member Arnold asked if the Committee Members could
receive a copy of the Village Design Guidelines. Staff replied they
would be sent to the Committee Members.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Committee
Members Fitzpatrick/Bobbitt to adjourn this meeting of the Architectural and
Landscaping Review Committee to a Regular Meeting to be held on February 6,
2008. This meeting was adjourned at 12:40 p.m. on January 2, 2008.
Respectfully submitted.
Liu-t-ILfJU (J)dlJvu
CAROL y~ WALKER
Executive Secretary
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