1990 12 05 DRB' N f
.IAGENDA
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
CITY OF LA QUINTA
A Regular Meeting to be held at the
La Quinta City Hall, 78-105 Calle Estado
La Quinta, California
December 5 , 1990
5:30 P-M.
I. CALL TO ORDER - Flag Salute
II. ROLL CALL
III. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Minutes of October 3rd, 17th, 1990, and November 7, 1990.
III . BUSINESS SESSION
A. Plot Plan 90-453 & Variance 90-013; Approval of plans for commercial
building at the southeast corner of Avenida La Fonda and Desert Club
Drive. Applicant: Oranco Development
B. Rotary Park; Review of site plan for City park on east side of Avenida
Bermudas at Calle Tecate.
C. Tentative Tract 23913; Review of architectural elevations and plans for
single family residences located on the north side of Miles Avenue and
east of Adams Street. Applicant: Windsor Projects
V. OTHER
A. City entry sign
VI. ADJOURNMENT
DRB/AGENDA
(J U i
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
CITY OF LA QUINTA
A regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall
78-105 Calle Estado, La Quinta, California
November 7, 1990
I. CALL TO ORDER
5:30 P.M.
A. Chairman Rice brought the meeting to order at 5:33 P.M. and
Boardmember Harbison led the flag salute. Chairman Rice asked for a
roll call.
II. ROLL CALL
A. Present: Boardmembers David Harbison, Ted Llewellyn, John Walling,
Planning Commission Representative H. Fred Mosher, Chairman Rice.
B. Absent: Boardmembers Mike Platt and Paul Anderson
III. BUSINESS SESSION:
A. Variance 90-014; A request of William and Leslie Puget for a 9 foot high
garden wall design.
DRBMIN-11/7
1. Principal Planner Stan Sawa presented the information contained
in the Staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Planning and
Development Department.
2. Boardmember Harbison felt that shrubbery could mitigate the
height of the wall.
3. Boardmember Llewellyn stated that he felt the blank white wall
with the trees was a cleaner look and the Oleanders would call
more attention to the height of the wall. He could go either way.
4. Chairman Rice agreed with Boardmember Llewellyn and felt the
architect had done a superb job with the cap and the handling of
the openings.
5. Boardmember Walling agreed but was concerned that Staff was
requesting the shrubbery.
1
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6. Planning Commission Representative Mosher stated his agreement
with the other members of the Board.
7. Mr. William Puget addressed the Board regarding his objections
to the planting of any shrubbery, due to maintenance, and the
distraction from the Jacarandas. He preferred the clean look of
a blank wall with the trees.
8. Discussion followed regarding the Hotel traffic, the height of the
wall, and the problems experienced by the Pugets.
9. It was moved by Boardmember Harbison and seconded by
Boardmember Walling to accept the design of the wall as
submitted by the architect. Unanimously approved. ,v,1w go_ua
B . Specific Plan 83-002; A request of Sunrise Company for review of a new
unit type.
1. Principal Planner Stan Sawa presented the information contained
in the Staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Planning and
Development Department.
2. Following discussion regarding the square footage, price range,
overhangs and upgrades available, it was moved by Boardmember
Harbison and seconded by Planning Commission Representative
Mosher to approve the units as submitted. Unanimously
approved.
IV. OTHER
A. City Entry Sign.
Chairman Rice stated that he had viewed the entrance to La
Quints, from Indian Wells felt that a very subtle sign would be
more appropriate. Discussion followed as to locations for the
signs.
It was suggested that the issue be continued to the next meeting
and give Boardmembers an opportunity to present any further
designs and come prepared with a list of locations.
V. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Boardmember Llewellyn and seconded by Planning Commission
Representative Mosher to adjourn to a regular meeting of the Design Review Board
on December 5, 1990, at 5:30 P.M. This meeting of the La Quinta Design Review
Board was adjourned at 6:00 P.M., November 7, 1990.
DRBMIN-11/7
f103
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
CITY OF LA QLTINTA
A special meeting held at the La Quints. City Hall
78-105 Calle Estado, La Quints, California
October 17, 1990
5:30 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
A. Chairman Rice brought the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M. and Planning
Commission Representative Zelles led the flag salute. Chairman Rice
asked for a roll call.
II. ROLL CALL
A. Present: Boardmembers Paul Anderson, David Harbison, Ted
Llewellyn, Michael Platt, John Walling, Planning Commission
Representative Peter Zelles, Chairman Rice.
III. BUSINESS ITEMS
Boardmember Anderson moved and Boardmember Harbison seconded the motion to
change the order of the Agenda. Unanimously approved.
A. A request of Bill Puget for a preliminary review of a variance for a wall
height requirements.
1. Principal Planner Stan Sawa explained to the Board that this was
a preliminary review for design and detail of a nine foot high
wall. The item would be before the Board as an Agenda item on
November 7th for their recommendation to the Planning
Commission.
2. John Bund, Architect for the Applicant gave a description of the
wall material, landscaping and design concept.
Mr. Bill Puget, 77-600 Avenida Fernando, owner and applicant,
addressed the Board as to the reasons for the wall. Mr. Puget
explained that at present due to the grown of the Hotel they were
having a lot of trespassing, people wanting to hike the mountain
see the house. In addition, the lighting from the parking lot
glares directly into their house.
DRBMIN-10/18
Discussion followed among the Board members as to various
methods of lowering the appearance of the wall including,
landscaping methods of hiding the starkness of the wall.
Following the discussion it was decided that for security reasons
the wall should remain as it is designed. The trees and
curvature of the wall will break up the lineal look of the wall.
Staff noted columns or pilasters could be used.
B. A continued request of Transpacific Development Company for review
of a sign program for One Eleven La Quinta, located on the northeast
corner of Highway 111 and Washington Street.
1 . Principal Planner Stan Sawa presented the information contained
in the Staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Planning and
Development Department.
2. Mr. Peter Adams, spoke for the Applicant Transpacific
Development Company. He gave a presentation of the colors to
be used as well as the proposed sign designs and locations.
There would be 7-12 individual monument signs, center
identification monument signs 22-feet back from the street to be
constructed during each phase of the project.
3. Boardmember Platt stated that he agreed with the colors being
used but felt the Design Review Board should review each newly
proposed sign as it is added to the building.
4. Boardmember Walling agreed with the presentation and colors
proposed. He felt the colors would add a lot to the corner.
5. Boardmember Anderson agreed with the design and color usage,
but felt other materials should be used than plastic for the signs
as well as backlit channel signs.
6. Boardmember Harbison felt the signage should resemble those at
the Von's Shopping Center.
7. Boardmember Llewellyn approved of the proposal and stated that
he felt that a commercial project should have colors and
backlighting to help it be seen from the street.
8. Boardmember Zelles agreed with the proposal.
9. Chairman Rice felt the proposal added interest to the project,
and would be an asset to the corner.
10. Following discussion it was moved by Chairman Rice and
seconded by Boardmember Llewellyn to approve the project as
submitted with the following conditions: rY) //I1 qU oaG
DRBMIN-10/18
(M
a. Each minor tenant must be of a different colors so that
there are no consecutive colors. These to be approved at
the Staff level.
b. If additional colors or designs are requested they are to be
reviewed by Staff and referred to the Design Review
Board on an individual basis as needed.
11. Principal Planner Sawa inquired what would be the color used for
the metal returns on the letters. Mr. Adams stated that black
would be used except in cases of National Tenants which have
colors already chosen.
12. Mr. Rob Sanford, marketing agent for the project, inquired what
the turn around time would be for a tenant who wished to submit
a color change. Chairman Rice stated that it would be as short
a time as possible.
13. Following discussion, Principal Planner Sawa inquired if the
Albertson, Wal-Mart, and Payless Drugs signs were to be part of
the motion. Chairman Rice stated they were part of the motion
for approval. A vote was taken and the proposal was approved
unanimously. i;1' r y J- u
IV. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Boardmember Mike Platt and
Boardmember John Walling to adjourn to a regular
Review Board on November 7, 1990, at 5:30 P.M.
Quinta Design Review Board was adjourned at 6:35
DRBMIN-10/18
seconded by Planning
meeting of the Design
This meeting of the La
P.M., October 17, 1990.
MINUTES
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
CITY OF LA QUINTA
A regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall
78-105 Calle Estado, La Quinta, California
October 3, 1990
5:30 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
A. Chairman Rice brought the meeting to order at 5:31 P.M. and
Boardmember Llewellyn led the flag salute. Chairman Rice asked for a
roll call.
II. ROLL CALL
A. Present: Boardmembers Paul Anderson, David Harbison, Ted
Llewellyn, Michael Platt, Planning Commission Representative H. Fred
Mosher, Chairman Rice.
B. Absent: John Walling and Mike Platt
III. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Boardmember Anderson moved and Boardmember Llewellyn seconded the
motion to approve the Minutes of September 5, 1990, as submitted,
unanimously approved.
IV. BUSINESS SESSION
A. A request of Vista Development for approval of
DRBMIN-10/3
1. Principal Planner Stan Sawa presented the information contained
in the Staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Planning and
Development Department.
2. Chairman Rice commented that these units were following the
same pattern as everything else submitted. The front elevations
are done in great detail and the rear and side yards have none.
3. Discussion followed among the Boardmembers as to how the units
are not geared to the environment. They need more shading on
the windows, either by some type of window treatment or change
in roof structure.
I
4. Mr. Bob Pippin, owner/developer of the project, addressed the
Board regarding the detail work around the windows. He
stressed that even though these units were not designed to
entirely address the desert environment, they were what the
market was selling and he needs to be able to sell his product.
5. Mr. Carl Logoni, Santa Ana Heights Architect, explained the
proposed elevations.
6. Discussion followed among the Board and Mr. Pippin as to
possible methods that could be used to give more detail to the
residences.
7. Following discussion it was moved by Boardmember Anderson and
Boardmember Llewellyn seconded the motion to approve the
architectural plans subject to additional treatment of to the side
and rear elevations. Unanimously approved. 01 /:?at y p _ p 1 ;'
B. A request of Transpacific Development Company for review of a sign
1. Principal Planner Stan Sawa presented the information contained
in the Staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Planning and
Development Department.
2. Boardmember Anderson stated that the plans submitted did not
show enough for the Board to review. They needed to see more
detail, materials, color sample and size. Discussion followed
regarding the use of plexiglass.
3. Mr. Peter Adams, addressed the Commission concerning the items
mentioned. He agreed that the rendering should show the items
discussed, and that plexiglass would not be used but wood for
the hanging signs. Also a more Southwestern look would be
given to the signs.
4. Following discussion regarding a need for detailed rendering, it
was moved by Boardmember Anderson and seconded by
Boardmember Llewelly to continue the matter to a special meeting
of the Design Review Board on October 17, 1990 at 5:30 P.M.
Unanimously approved.
V. OTHER
A. Continued discussion regarding City entry signs.
1. Chairman Rice passed out a simplified drawing of the La Quinta
Gambi logo to use in conjunction with the La Quints. sign.
DRBMIN-10/3 2
Boardmember Anderson stated that he felt the signs submitted so
far had too much style and needed to be devoid of style. They
needed to be permanent and massive but simplistic.
3. Following discussion regarding the signs submitted, it was moved
by Boardmember Llewelly to continue the matter to the next
meeting. Design ideas should be submitted prior to the next
regular meeting. Unanimously approved.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Boardmember Llewelly and seconded by Planning Commission
Representative Mosher to adjourn to a special meeting of the Design Review
Board on October 17, 1990, at 5:30 P.M. This meeting of the La Quinta Design
Review Board was adjourned at 6:46 P.M. , October 3, 1990.
DRBMIN-10/3
STAFF REPORT
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
DATE: DECEMBER 5, 1990
PROJECT: PLOT PLAN 90-453 & VARIANCE 90-013
APPROVAL OF PLANS FOR COMMERCIAL BUILDING
APPLICANT: ORANCO DEVELOPMENT
LOCATION: SOUTHEAST CORNER OF AVENIDA LA FONDA AND DESERT
CLUB DRIVE
BACKGROUND:
This project was approved by the City Council at their meeting of October 17, 1990,
subject to amended conditions. The Planning Commission reviewed and approved
this project on September 25, 1990 subject to conditions. The Design Review Board
reviewed this project on September 5, 1990, and recommended approval subject to
a number of conditions, including a review of the plans prior to issuance of any
building permits.
SUBMITTAL:
The Applicant has submitted excerpts from the working drawings for review.
Landscaping and sign plans have not yet been submitted. No additional or new
material or color samples have been submitted.
STAFF COMMENTS:
A number of conditions (see attached) have been imposed on the approval of the
project. Staff has reviewed those and have the following comments on the
conditions :
Condition #
3. Exterior lighting fixture cut sheets and specifications must be submitted to
insure that lights do not shine or glare into adjacent properties.
5. The trash door is required to be solid metal rather than wrought iron with
wood slats.
6. The six foot high stuccoed block wall along the east property line is required
to be extended along the south property line.
7.a.& b. The sign and landscaping plans have not been submitted
e. The approval requires a decorative trowelled finish on the building per the
Village Specific Plan. The plans do not indicate the finish proposed to be
used.
STRFFRPT.031 1
f. The tile used for the step needs to be submitted and approved. Additional tile
around the scuppers also needs to be approved.
8. The condition requires decorative surface treatment to the public sidewalks,
walkways and utility easement walkway. The plans do not indicate any public
sidewalk treatment. Along the covered walkway, there will be a salt finish
border next to the sidewalk, with the balance a light broom finish. A
decorative finish to the sidewalk, somewhat different than that used on the
walkway.
9. The easterly 40 feet of the 6 foot utility easement is required to be landscaped
with the balance a decorative walkway.
10. The street tree well locations need to be determined.
13. Roof mounted equipment is required to be screened. Exact heights of
equipment is needed.
With regards to most of the items, compliance is self explanatory. All of the
corrections shall be done prior to issuance of any building permits. There are other
items which while not conditioned, still need to be clarified or approved. They are
the following:
1. The awning design and color needs to be submitted for approval.
2. The in -lieu parking space fee (2 spaces) needs to be paid prior to issuance of
a building permit.
3. The trash enclosure flooring should be concrete to avoid settling and
maintenance problems.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Design Review Board review the plans in light of the
above comments and if deemed acceptable, approve subject to Staff review of
additional corrections, or continue to next or special meeting to allow further Board
review.
Attachments:
1. Conditions of Approval for PP 90-453 and Variance 90-013
2. Portion of working drawings
STAFFRPT.031 2
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL - FINAL
PLOT PLAN 90-453
SEPTEMBER 25, 1990
* Added by City Council October 16, 1990
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
The development of the site shall generally be in conformance with the
Exhibits "A" and "B" contained in the file for Plot Plan 90-453, unless
otherwise amended by the following conditions.
The approved Plot Plan shall be used within one year of the approval date;
otherwise, it shall become null and void and of no effect whatsoever. "Be
used" means the beginning of substantial construction which is contemplated
by this approval, not including grading, which is begun within the one-year
period and is thereafter diligently pursued to completion.
3. Outside lighting shall be shielded and directed so as not to shine directly upon
surrounding adjoining property or public rights -of -way. Lighting plans
including light pole heights and light types shall be reviewed and approved
by the Planning Director prior to issuance of a building permit. Lighting shall
comply with Outdoor Lighting Control Ordinance.
4. The covered parking structure shall be architecturally similar to the main
building and shall be approved by the Design Review Board prior to issuance
of building permit.
5. Opaque metal door shall be provided on trash enclosure.
6. Six foot high masonry wall along east property line shall be extended to and
along south property line.
7. All conditions of the Design Review Board shall be met as follows:
a. Specific sign program shall be approved by the Design Review Board
prior to issuance of building permit.
b . Preliminary and final landscaping/irrigation plans shall be approved by
the Design Review Board prior to issuance of building permit. Final
plans not to be prepared until preliminary plans have been prepared.
Street trees with grates per specific plan are to be provided with
landscape areas (especially vines or trellis) added adjacent to street
sides of project. Landscaping fingers to be provided between parking
stalls to provide code required shading of parking area. Shade trellis
or cover, may be used in place of landscaping fingers.
CONAPRVL.004
Architectural treatment shall be added on parking lot side, and side of
building to be equivalent to street sides of building per code
requirements. Repeat trellis treatment (extend 16" out from building)
over rear doors and provide tile or other architectural treatment around
scuppers.
012
Conditions of Approval - Plot Plan 90-453 - September 25, 1990
d. Trellis structures, especially rafters, should consist of heavy beams or
be constructed of decorative metal.
e. The stucco shall be provided with a decorative trowelled finish per
Village Specific Plan.
f. The face of the steps adjacent to streets shall be provided with tile or
other decorative treatment for safety and aesthetic purposes.
g. Prior to working drawings being started, revised plans per the above
conditions, shall be submitted to the Design Review Board for approval.
8 Decoratshall be3ve sidewalk/ provided along thestreetfrontages and Villageg per the foot wide utility easement•
9. The easterly 40-feet of the 6-foot wide utility easement shall be landscaped
and irrigated.
10. Street trees with permanent irrigation system and grates shall be provided as
required by Village at La Quinta Specific Plan. Specific location, grate, tree
size and type shall be determined by Department of Planning and
Development.
11. Approval of project is subject to approval of Variance 90-013.
12. Pedestrian walkway areas shall be provided with lights from adjacent building
per C-V-C Code requirements.
13. Roof mounted equipment shall be screened as required in C-V Zone.
14. Power poles adjacent to property shall be undergrounded as part of the
development of the property or Applicant shall participate in a future
assessment district for undergrounding of existing overhead utilities.
15. The developer shall retain a qualified archaeologist immediately upon
discovery of any archaeological remains or artifacts and employ appropriate
mitigation measures during project development.
16. During construction, project site shall be maintained in a condition so as to
prevent dust and blowsand nuisance and shall provided with wind and water
erosion control measures as approved by the Planning and Development
Department and Public Works Department. _
PUBLIC UTILITIES:
17. All conditions of the Fire Marshal as stated in his letter (revised) dated
August 14, 1990, shall be met.
18. All requirements of the Coachella Valley Water District shall be met.
CONAPRVL.004
013
Conditions of Approval - Plot Plan 90-453 - September 25, 1990
19. School Fees, as required, shall be paid to the Desert Sands Unified School
District prior to issuance of a building permit.
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT:
The Applicant shall dedicate all necessary public street and utility easements
required by the City Engineer, as follows:
a. Desert Club Drive - 32-feet half width.
21. Drainage disposal facilities shall be provided as required by the City
Engineer. The Applicant shall comply with the provisions of the City Master
Plan of Drainage.
22. The Applicant shall construct street improvements for :
Desert Club Drive - 1/2 width (48-feet C-C) and
Avenida La Fonda - 1/2 width (40-feet C-C)
to the requirements of the City Engineer and the La Quinta Municipal Code
(LQMC) .
23. The Applicant shall have street improvement plans prepared by a registered
civil engineer. The street improvements, including traffic signs and markings
and raised median islands (if required by the City General Plan) shall conform
to City Standards as determined by the City Engineer and adopted by the
LQMC, (3" AC over 4" Class 2 BASE minimum for residential streets) . Street
design shall take into account the soil strength, the anticipated traffic
loading, and street design life.
24. The Applicant shall pay all fees charged by the City as required for
processing, plan checking and construction inspection. The fee amount(s)
shall be those which are in effect at the time the work is undertaken and
accomplished by the City.
25. Delivery vehicles shall be parked in on -site parking lot at rear of building at
all times, when such parking is available.
CONAPRVL.004
3
d
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL - FINAL
VARIANCE 90-013
SEPTEMBER 25, 1990
This Variance must be used within one year of approval unless approved for
an extension pursuant to City requirements. No extension shall be granted
unless Plot Plan 90-453 is also extended. The term used means the beginning
of substantial construction of the building.
2. This Variance shall not be effective until and unless Plot Plan 90-453 is
approved.
3. Prior to issuance of a building permit, cash in -lieu payment for two parking
spaces shall be paid to the City in an amount determined by the Public Works
Department. Per unit cost to be based on cost to provide a parking space in
City parking lot. The money collected may be released to a City created
Parking District or used in the furtherance of general parking improvements
In the Village commercial area, at the option of the City.
4. All requirements of Plot Plan 90-453 shall be met.
5. Should a use be proposed which requires additional parking spaces, a cash in -
lieu payment equal to the number of additional spaces shall be paid to the City
prior to issuance of building permit or business license, whichever comes
first.
CONAPRVL.003
01'
BI-2
STAFF REPORT
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
DATE: DECEMBER 5, 1990
PROJECT: ROTARY PARK - REVIEW OF SITE PLAN FOR CITY PARK
LOCATION: EAST SIDE OF AVENIDA BERMUDAS AT CALLE TECATE
BACKGROUND:
The site in question is owned by the City. The La Quinta Rotary Club has
volunteered to design and build a park on a portion of the site.
PROPOSAL:
The site plan includes parking for 20 cars, 3 formal picnic area, limited lawn areas,
3 restrooms, and drought -tolerant landscaping.
RECOMMENDATION:
Review plans and determine acceptability.
STAFFRPT.032
1
Il 1
BI-3
DATE:
PROJECT
APPLICANT:
ARCHITECT:
LOCATION
BACKGROUND:
STAFF REPORT
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
DECEMBER 5, 1990
TENTATIVE TRACT 23913; APPROVAL OF ARCHITECTURAL
PLANS FOR SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCES
WINDSOR PROJECTS
THE SMETS ARCHITECTURAL GROUP
NORTH SIDE OF MILES AVENUE, EAST OF ADAMS STREET
The Tract is a 116 lot subdivision approved in 1988. The Applicant has purchased
the subdivision from the original subdivider.
PROPOSAL:
Three floor plans varying from 2071 to 2593 square feet in area (excluding the
garage) are proposed. Two plans are one story with the last two stories in height.
Three elevations are proposed for each plan.
Architectural style varies from Mediterranean to Southwest with exterior materials
consisting of stucco, wood, trim, tile, accents and a multi -colored tile roof. Colors
are earth tones with Southwest accent colors, and a brown/beige roof tile.
STAFF COMMENTS:
1. Front elevations are attractive and well proportioned.
2. Eave overhangs, except over front door entrees are generally minimal.
3. Except for one or two bay windows or fireplaces, the side and rear elevations
are plain and should have some additional architectural treatment through the
use of stuccoed popouts around windows and/or doors.
RECOMMENDATION:
Review plans in conjunction with Staff comments and determine acceptability. The
Design Review Board recommendation will then be forwarded to the Planning
Commission.
Attachments:
1. Vicinity map
2. Architectural plan
STAFFRPT.032
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,./ DESIGNING URBAN CORRIDORS
COMMUNITY ENTRYWAYS
Some roadways serve as primary entrance routes to a
community or a< gateways to an entire region. These
streets and roads have a special place in the hierarchy of
urban corridors due to their important role in conveying
first impressions to visitors and in shaping community
identity jor local residents. In rural areas. entryw-a%s pro-
vide an area of transition between counts and city in
urban areas. the}help to mark the boundaries between
communities whose ditterences might othem ise go unno-
1n5(allmg attract':,, ; Clc omc 9 jn5 of Comrn I.Mtb crlf rani e- L a
snnplr mni rrlan;T!— t" um,!rore thr
appearance o' loca: retry;om.dor, .\c-r�shcmcsrgn<W
Eugrnr Oregon rbeiOtc' irrrr 5"o rt In contrast to fl7e all-tO
-
fanuhar,aneryaett, ar; being :named from pn�'ate
donations
02J
ticed. Entryways also provide information to motorists
by directing them to areas of interest and by providing
insights into the historical, cultural, and economic foun-
dations of the area.
An investigation of community priorities conducted in
the early 1980s by Loveland, Colorado, revealed that local
residents placed a very high priority on improving the
community's appearance. As proof of that commitment,
voters approved a one -cent sales tax hike in 1984 to fund
a number of improvement projects in the city. The fol-
lowing year, a local beautification program, including an
entryway beautification plan, was developed to provide
a physical planning framework and implementation
strategy for their efforts.
The city's entryway improvement plan recommends
both public and private activities to enhance the overall
visual quality of the two state highways that bisect the
town. As a major gateway to Rocky Mountain National
Park and other recreation areas in the state, the city expe-
riences a great deal of tourist traffic. Recommended
improvement strategies were, therefore, developed to
encourage travelers to stop and enjoy the unique charac-
ter of the city. Improving roadway area visual quality was
also viewed as an important step in promoting local eco-
nomic development and business recruitment efforts.
Design schemes for city entry points constitute just one
of an array of techniques used by Loveland to encourage
visual continuity in its entryways. Other features of the
plan that are intended as unifying elements include pub-
lic art and sculpture to signal the location of important
public open spaces; the installation of landscape features
and artwork at the approach to the older parts of the city;
pedestrian -oriented streetscape designs in the downtown
area: development of a "city center' image at the inter-
section of the two highways through the use of landscap-
ing and other design elements; and a unified design for
public street signs and information devices throughout
the corridor The plan also divides the two roadways into
a number of districts based on their natural and built fea-
tures District -specific design guidelines. which are
intended to highlight the character of individual stretches
along the corridor, are also recommended by the study.
A number of financing methods are being considered
as means of implementing the public improvement pro-
gram in Loveland- Program costs may be paid through
general revenues. percent -fur -art funds, park and recrea-
14
tion funds, special improvement districts, private dona-
tions, and capital improvement program funds.
According to Loveland planner Larry Gamble, the
entryway beautification guidelines have served as the
foundation for a set of development standards now used
by the community. Those planning guidelines not yet
incorporated into local regulations have also served to pro-
vide a clear message to developers about the city's expec-
tations for thoughtful and attractive site planning along
important corridor routes.
Carlsbad, California, also developed entryway design
strategies as part of a communitywide corridor enhance-
ment study. In addition to identifying 13 important cor-
ridor routes, the city's scenic corridor study contains
recommended design guidelines for 15 "Community Iden-
tity Entries" According to the study recommendations,
welcome signs and entry monuments are to be installed
at various locations throughout the city. Suggestions
about the types of monuments, signs, and landscaping
to use vary according to the entry's visibility and usage
patterns. The study provides design guidelines for private
developers who may have to construct entry signs as a
condition of development approval. As with the Loveland
approach, signs and monuments at entry points are just
one component of an integrated, public -private entryway
improvement program that seeks to promote the concept
of entrances as areas rather than as specific points on a
map.
Three overriding goals provide the foundation for the
Eugene, Oregon, entrance beautification study: to improve
the city's image: to enhance the experience of entering the
city; and to direct visitors to major points of interest by
providing useful roadside information signs.
To date, the cites entrance beautification study has
served as the impetus for two spinoff efforts —a compre-
hensive inventory of public signs along major roadway
corridors and an improvement program for those signs,
and a survey of private parking lots designed to identif}
and encourage the upgrading of facilities that do not com-
ply with local landscaping and buffer standards. The
study also served as the impetus for the Eugene City
Councils approval of designs for four monuments and
welcome signs to be located at selected entrances to the
city. Design of the entrywa% monuments was financed by
capital improvement program funds construction and
installation funding will come from private donations.
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