2007 02 07 ALRC Minutes
MINUTES
ARCHITECTURE & LANDSCAPING REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING
A Regularly Scheduled meeting held at the La Ouinta City Hall
78-495 Calle Tampico, La Ouinta, CA
February 7, 2007
10:00 a.m.
I. CALL TO ORDER
A. This meeting of the Architectural and Landscaping Review Committee
was called to order at 10: 12 a.m. by Planning Manager Les Johnson.
B. Committee Members present: Bill Bobbitt, Frank Christopher and
Tracy Smith.
C. Staff present: Planning Manager Les Johnson, Principal Planner
Wallace Nesbit, and Executive Secretary Betty Sawyer.
II. PUBLIC COMMENT: None.
II. CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA: Confirmed
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR:
A. It was moved and seconded by Committee Members
Christopher/Bobbitt to approve the Minutes of January 17, 2007 as
submitted. Unanimously approved.
V. BUSINESS ITEMS:
A. Site Development Permit 2006-852; a request of Eden Rock at PGA
West for consideration of architectural and landscaping plans for a
292-unit residential complex', consisting of single-family attached
units, in the Resort Core at PGA West for the property located on the
east and north sides of PGA West Boulevard, west of the existing
Stadium Clubhouse.
1. Committee Member Bobbitt stated he had a potential conflict of
interest as he was employed by the HOA that directly adjoined
this project. He excused himself and withdrew from the
meeting.
2. Principal Planner Wallace Nesbit presented the information
contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the
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Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee
February 7. 2007
Community Development Department. Staff informed the
Committee that the architect is unable to attend the meeting.
3. Committee Member Christopher asked if the site tiered up as
you move toward the center of the project. Staff explained the
grade changes.
4. Committee Member Smith asked if the eXisting houses would
be impacted by the two-story houses proposed on the
northwest corner. Staff stated there may be some
opportunities where this could be possible. Committee Member
Smith asked if there were any other two-story units at PGA
West. Staff noted locations where other two-story units
existed. Committee Member Smith asked the purpose of the
towers. Staff stated they were viewing platforms. Mr. Louis
Swartz, applicant, stated that when the tower was designed
they wanted a village feel. The tower is in the heart of the
community to simulate this idea. Second, it is in the center so
it is not visible from outside the boundaries of the site.
5. Committee Member Christopher stated he agrees with the
architecture and staff's recommendation regarding the perimeter
wall. In regard to the window noted by staff, he has no
problem, but if the intent is to be a truly Tuscan look, the
window is out of character. It is a focal point to break up
symmetry of all the windows. He would leave it up to the
applicant. Mr. Swarts stated they were not looking for a truly
Tuscan look, but more of an old world look.
6. Committee Member Smith stated his only concern would be
that the existing homeowners do not have their privacy
impacted by either the tower or the second story units. In
regard to the landscaping, the California Pepper and mesquite
should be deleted from the plant list.
7. Mr. Bill Walter, representing PGA West HOA, private clubhouse
and stadium course stated this project will be a focal point as
the homes are behind guarded gates. They are opposed to the
project as they do not believe it represents PGA West. He
believes a hotel would be better as it would bring amenities as
well as management. This project does not have any
management which causes them safety concerns. They have
created committees to meet with the applicant and still do not
believe it belongs to PGA West.
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Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee
February 7, 2007
8. Mr. Jim Cox, representing PGA West HOA, handed out a letter
regarding PGA West development history, The Green Units are
the only units not on the fairway, but they have a water feature
with a green belt, The Medalists all face the fairway.
Subsequently, the lot sizes were restricted with the intent to
create a future development of low density homes. Since then
80% of the homes are within the 3,000 square foot size with
pools. Looking at that trend, this project does not blend with
what is existing. Being right in the middle of PGA West how do
they intend to manage security of the existing courses.
9. Committee Member Smith asked the density. Staff stated
seven units to the acre and the existing is approximately three
units to the acre. If you include all the open space/golf course
area it would probably be about one unit to the acre. Mr.
Swartz stated they have presented the project to the HOA and
will have onsite management. The price range for the homes
will be up to $1,000,000.
10. Committee Member Christopher asked if the project was within
the zoning classification. Staff stated they are asking for a
medium density zone change which will require a General Plan
Amendment. It is a change in use and therefore a reduction in
density, Committee Member Christopher stated he is sensitive
to the concerns of the community. From the architectural
point, it is a well planned and thought out project. Its suitability
to the site is not a part of this Committee's purview.
11 , There being no further questions, it was moved and seconded
by Committee Members Christopher/Smith to adopt Minute
Motion 2007-002 recommending approval of Site Development
Permit 2006-852, as recommended with the addition of
exploration of possible modification of the northwest units to be
single story, as well as additional detailing to perimeter wall
being cap. Unanimously approved.
Committee Member Bobbitt rejoined the Committee.
VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: None
VII. COMMITTEE MEMBER ITEMS: None
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Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee
February 7, 2007
VIII. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Committee
Members Christopher/Smith to adjourn this Regular Meeting of the Architectural
and Landscaping Review Committee to a Regular Meeting to be held on March 7,
2007. This meeting was adjourned at 11 :00 a.m. on February 7, 2007.
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