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2002 03 13 ALRCAZ u S CF'y OF IV V ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPING REVIEW COMMITTEE AGENDA A Regular Meeting to be Held at the La Quinta City Hall Session Room 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, California MARCH 13, 2002 10:00 A.M. Beginning Minute Motion 2002-009 CALL TO ORDER A. Pledge of Allegiance B. Roll Call PUBLIC COMMENT This is the time set aside for public comment on any matter not scheduled for public hearing. Please complete a "Request to Speak" form and limit your comments to three minutes. CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA CONSENT CALENDAR A. Approval of the Minutes for February 13, 2002. BUSINESS ITEMS: A. Item ....................... Applicant ................ Location .................. Request .................. Action .................... COMMERCIAL PROPERTY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM La Quinta Palms Realty, Bruce Cathcart/Jim Cathcart West side of Eisenhower Drive at Terminus of Calle Tampico (51-001 Eisenhower Drive). Funding request for exterior improvements. Minute Motion 2002- ALRC/AGENDA rt .0 i; 0 01 ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPING REVIEW COMMITTEE B. Item ....................... Applicant ................ Location ................. Request .................. Action ................... SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2001-730 Robert Kraft, Kraft Architects Ten acre triangular parcel on the south side of Avenue 52, east of Jefferson Street Review of building elevations and landscaping plans for the Clubhouse Apartments. Minute Motion 2002- VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL VII. COMMITTEE MEMBER ITEMS Vill. ADJOURNMENT ALRC/AGENDA `�'�� 0 02 MINUTES ARCHITECTURE & LANDSCAPING REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING A regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA February 13, 2002 CALL TO ORDER 10:00 a.m. 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 Thorns. 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 Thorns 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. Capital Improvement Project 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. G:AWPD0CSAARLCA2-13-02.wpd 1 ., -i„!� (� 003 03 Architectural & Landscape Review Committee Minutes 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 takers 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 Thorns 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. G:\WPDOCS\ARLC\2-13-02.wpd 2 nn4 Architectural & Landscape Review Committee Minutes February 13, 2002 5. Committee Member Thorns 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 Thorns 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 Thorns 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 Thorns asked what the standard size was for a palm tree. Staff stated it is based on the height of the palm. Committee Member Thorns 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 G:\WPDOCS\ARLC\2-13-02.wpd 3 „-��U (� 005 Architectural & Landscape Review Committee Minutes February 13, 2002 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 spllit 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 1 1 1, 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 G:AWPDOCS\ARLC\2-13-02.wpd 4 ��� 0 0 6 Architectural & Landscape Review Committee Minutes February 13,2002 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/Thorns 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 Thorns 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 Thorns 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 00- G:AW PDOCS W RI,C\2-13-02.wpd 5 1 Architectural & Landscape Review Committee Minutes February 13, 2002 2002-007 recommending approval of Capital Improvement Project 2001-10, as recommended. Unanimously approved. D. Site Development 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 Thorns 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 Thorns asked if each building has its own accent color. Mr. Shepner stated yes. Committee Member Thorns asked if the landscape plans would come later. Community Development Director Jerry Herman stated yes, after the approval process. Committee Member Thorns 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. G:\WPDOCSW2LC\2-13-02.wpd 6 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 1 1 :20 a.m. on February 13, 2002. Respectfully submitted, BETTY J. SAWYER, Executive Secretary City of La Quinta, California G:AWPDOCSVARLCA2-13-02.wpd 7 n n q ARCHITECTURAL AND LANDSCAPING REVIEW COMMITTEE STAFF REPORT DATE: CASE NO.: APPLICANT: REQUEST: LOCATION MARCH 13, 2002 2002-014 BRUCE CATHCART, JIM CATHCART LA QUINTA PALMS REALTY FUNDING REQUEST, COMMERCIAL PROPERTY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM WEST SIDE OF EISENHOWER AT TERMINUS OF CALLE TAMPICO (51-001 EISENHOWER DRIVE) The property owners, Bruce and Jim Cathcart, have submitted an application under the Commercial Property Improvement Program (CPIP) seeking funding for exterior improvements which will restore the historic building to its original condition. The improvement includes the removal of exterior air conditioning ducts. This necessitates the installation of a new ductless air conditioning unit. The total cost of the unit is estimated at $2,980.00. The applicant will provide a 10% match of $298.00, and is requesting $2,682.00 in CPIP funds. The cost estimate is attached, and states that the labor is being provided to the project free of charge. Upon ALRC approval, the applicant is required to submit a second cost estimate. In October 2000, the applicants received approval for CPIP funding in the amount of $15,000 to re -stucco the building exterior; replace vertical support posts on the front shade structure; restore plank door and wood sash windows; place Sautillo tiles on the front sidewalk; remove and replace the roof; and erect a new masonry sign and garden walls. The work was completed in May 2001. It should be noted that there are no regulations within the CPIP that preclude the award of funding to properties in succeeding years. As with other applications, a Funding Criteria worksheet is attached to this staff report (Attachment 2) to facilitate scoring. if approved by the ALRC, the application will be reviewed by the appropriate City departments for identification of appropriate approvals/permits, if any. After Receiving all appropriate City approvals, the Agency will enter into a loan program agreement with the applicants. 010 The applicant has been made aware of this meeting and has indicated that one or more persons will be present at the March 13, 2002 ALRC meeting. Prepared by: Debbie Powell, Management Analyst City Manager's Office Attachments: Submitted by: Stan Sawa, Principal Planner Community Development Department 1 . CPIP application: Bruce/Jim Carthcart, La Quinta Palms Realty 2. Funding Criteria Worksheet oil ATTACHMENTS 0va La Quinta Palmy ATTACHMENT 1 Realty February 27, 2002 La Quinta Redevelopment Agency 78-495 Calle Tampico La Quinta, CA 92253 Re: 5 1 -001 Eisenhower Dr. — CPIP Application Attn: Debbie Powell Dear Debbie, As per our telephone conversation, enclosed is a completed application for the Commercial Property Improvement Program. As you can see from the photos and cost estimate this is a simple project. If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to call. Sincerely, G - CGLz��'G> Jim Cathcart La Quinta Palms Realty 51-001 Eisenhower Drive • La Quinta, CA 92253 O (760) 564-4104 • Fax (760) 564-0344 La Quinta Redevelopment Agency . s Commercial Property Improvement Program Application Fiscal Year 2001-2002 Applicant Information Applicant Name: Jim Cathcart Applicant Phone: 7F0/564 4104 ApplicantE-Mail: lcA:talms@aol.com: Name of Business: La Quinta Palms Realty Mailing Address: 51001 Eisenhower Drive, La Quinta Business Phone: 760/564-4104 Business Fax: 760 564-0344 Property Owner: Yes: XXX No: Business Owner: Yes: XXX No: Project Information Business Location: 51001 Eisenhower Drive La Quinta Type of Business: Real Estate ProjectGoals: Restore portion of Historic building to original — Proposed Improvements: Remove exterior air conditioning ducting and replace with new air unit Total Project Cost (please attach cost estimate): $2980.00 Requested Agency Assistance: $2682.00 Applicant Match: $298.00 _ Description of Applicant Funding Sources: cash on band Proposed Project Duration: Attachments Two (2) color photographs of the property where improvements will be instailed Project sketches or plans (based upon funding level) — photos Cost estimates certification Statements If the applicant is not the owner of the subject Property, the following certification must be completed by the property owner:_ �:/flrl7c'S C/�TJiC?,4/ declare under penalty and perjury that I am the owner of property involved in this application. I acknowledge that only one (1) tenant of the subject property involved in this application may be awarded Program funding in any one (1) given fiscal year. Signature: Date: The followin/te/menji'mu'stbe completed�theappficanty and propertyowner. I/we acknowledge the filing of this application and certify that all above information is true and correct to the best of my/our knowledge and belief. I/we understand that a Building Improvement Rebate Agreement must be signed and authorized by Ile La Quinta Redevelopment Agency RrjQ[ to oommenan any ork n th project. Signature: Date: Signature: Date: Please return the completed application, with required attachments, to: City of La Quinta Redevelopment Agency C/o Maria casillas 014 78-495 Calle Tamnirn 4" Yn t1RR nI __.. rage No. of Pages BIGHORN HEATING & COOLING Ca lic # 774901 P.O. Box 4543 PALM DESERT, CA 92261 (760) 773-3969 Fax (760) 773.3471 PROPOSAL SUBMITTED TO PHONE DATE STREET JOB NAME CITY. STATE and ZIP CODE JOB LOCATION Gtu .r, A ARCHITECT DATE OF PLANS JOB PHONE We hereby submit specifications and estimates for: SS , '--�% Li %. F7 �7 U.F-/ n A-' J (� rat" N.ur,1a/z I. jAcl .,_,7. y_ We prOpm hereby to furnish material and labor — complete in accordance with above specifications, for the sum of: dollars (s —� Payment to be made as follows: J� All material is guaranteed to be as specified. All work to be completed in a workmanlike manner according to standard Any deviation from Authorized practices. alteration or above specifications Signature I_ LLL f ` involving extra costs will be executed only upon written orders, and will become an extra charge over and above the estimate. All agreements contingent upon strikes, accidents or delays beyond our control. Owner to carry fire, tornado and other necessary insurance. Note: This proposal may be Our workers are fully covered by Workman's Compensation Insurance. _ withdrawn by us if not accepted within��-� days. Arreptaure of proposal— The above prices, specifications and conditions are satisfactory and are hereby accepted. You are authorized Signature to do the work as specified. Payment will be made as outlined above. Date of Acceptance: Signature To Reoroer. FUNDING CRITERIA WORKSHEET ATTACHMENT 2 BUILDING AND STRUCTURAL IMPROVEMENTS: This includes the reconstruction or removal and replacement of structurally unsound or non- conforming uses (i.e. signs), and other improvements that enhance the general appearance of the subject property. Scale 0-10 points x Category Weight = weighted score SCALE AND QUALITY OF FACADE IMPROVEMENTS: This may include the reconstruction or removal and replacement of signs, awnings/canopies, exterior wall finishes, doors and windows, decorative roof treatments, and landscaping to the entrance and visible sides of the subject property. Sensitivity to adjacent land uses must be considered. 25 Scale 0-10 points x Category Weight = weighted score STIMULATION OF PRIVATE INVESTMENT: Proposed improvements must make the Project Area more attractive and visible to customers, neighboring merchants, and residents. Special consideration of up to 10 additional points will be provided for those improvements related to the creation of new businesses, or the expansion or relocation of existing businesses within the Project Area. 10 Scale 0-10 points x Category Weight = weighted score OTHER: This may include improvements related to historic preservation, unique structural and site design, and the promotion of cultural, educational, and/or recreational. opportunities. 10 Scale 0-10 points x Category Weight = weighted score APPLICANT MATCHING FUNDS: Applicants may receive up to 5 points for exceeding the required 10% applicant funding match. 10 Scale 0-5 points x Category Weight = weighted score Total of all weighted scores: divide by 10 = (FINAL SCORE) (70 points required to receive funding) Mu 1.` 1 T�< j�('i •+ fi \i. � �.�. ' � � f e 1 q yl � y �, ��� �� x t—'� �,'; � _ ' '� �Sr e ` a :4 -�� `�'. M y '.: , ARCHITECTURAL AND LANDSCAPING REVIEW COMMITTEE STAFF REPORT DATE: MARCH 13, 2002 CASE NOS.: SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT (SDP) 2002-730 REQUEST: REVIEW OF BUILDING ELEVATIONS AND LANDSCAPING PLANS FOR THE CLUBHOUSE APARTMENTS LOCATION: 10.76 ACRES TRIANGULAR PARCEL ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF AVENUE 52, EAST OF JEFFERSON STREET APPLICANT: REPRESENTATIVE: ZONING: GENERAL PLAN DESIGNATION: SURROUNDING ZONING/LAND USE CLUBHOUSE ASSOCIATES, L.L.C. ROBERT KRAFT, KRAFT ARCHITECTS LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (LDR) LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (LDR) NORTH: LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (LDR) SOUTH: LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (LDR) EAST: LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (LDR) WEST: NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL INC) The currently vacant triangular 10.76 acres project site is located on the south side of Avenue 52, approximately 600 feet east of Jefferson Street; with the All American Canal on the eastern property line. The applicant proposes eighteen buildings with eight different floor plans and similar elevations. Floor plans are one and two bedrooms (some with dens) ranging in size from 752 square feet to 1,308 square feet. Proposed are 149 apartment units for the project. Buildings are one, two, and three stories with a maximum 40' height and 5:12 roof pitch. AAARC staff rpt. SDP 2002-730.wpd 019 All buildings are proposed to have a similar contemporary design, each proposed building will be covered with flat concrete tile and walls will have a stucco finish. The proposed roof style is a gable style with pyramid and dome style roofed stairwells with flat concrete tile and ceramic tile respectively. Also proposed is a twenty two foot high 6,000 square foot 'I" shaped Clubhouse with a similar design using the same materials as the proposed units. All proposed windows for the apartments are multi -pane with slider glass doors. Aluminum frames are proposed for all windows including the sliding glass doors that lead to outdoor patios or balconies covered with stained wood trellis'. All three story buildings are proposed to have garages (with roll -up wood panels) and storage with two levels of dwelling units above the garages. Carport structures are freestanding with support posts located at the front of the stall; they are 12 feet high and custom constructed prefabricated painted steel with fabric roofs. The Landscaping Plan identifies a pallette of plant material consisting of shrubs, groundcover, and trees for the entries, the setbacks , the on -site planting areas, and the building perimeter planters. For the required landscape setback on Avenue 52 the applicant proposes 26 "Desert Museum" Palo Verde trees. California Fan Palms and Mexican Fan Palms accent the two gated project entries and entry wall on Avenue 52; Queen Palms surround and define the pool area. Date Palms are scattered throughout the courtyards and walkways. A variety of additional trees for shade and accent are proposed (all with 1.25 to 1.5 calipers) throughout the site. They include: Hong Kong Orchid Tree, Flame Tree, Palo Brea, Chinese Pistachio, Chilean Mesquite, Pomegranate, and Texas Mountain Laurel. Colored pavers are proposed to delineate courtyards, pathways, patios, and pool decking. FINDINGS: The Committee is required to comment on the following findings: Architectural Design - The architectural design of the project, including but not limited to the architectural style, building mass, materials, colors, architectural details, roof style, and other architectural elements are compatible with the surrounding development and with the quality of design prevalent in the city. 1. The project is compatible with surrounding future land uses in that it is mainly residential in appearance and will be consistent with the quality of design in the area including architectural features and details, color, and roof treatment and the quality of prevalent surrounding design. AAARC staff rpt. SDP 2002-730.wpd 020 Landscape Design - Project landscaping, including but not limited to the location, type, size, color, texture, and coverage of plant materials has been designed so as to provide relief, complement buildings, visually emphasize prominent design elements and vistas, screen undesirable views, provide a harmonious transition between adjacent land uses and between development and open space, provide an overall unifying influence, enhance the visual continuity of the project, and complement the surrounding project area, ensuring lower maintenance and water use. 1 . The proposed landscaping plan includes adequate landscaping treatment along Avenue 52, the parking lot areas, landscape setbacks, the interior of the site including the courtyards, walkways, and the perimeter of the buildings. The plant palette material is compatible with the proposed design and Zoning Code requirements. The proposed landscaping plan includes Date Palms trees in undesirable high use activity locations including pedestrian corridors and courtyards. Staff recommends eliminating the use of Date Palms trees in the landscape palette and substituting it with another palm tree type such as California Fan Palm or Mexican Fan Palm. Recommend to the Planning Commission approval of the architectural style and landscaping plan for Site Development Permit 2002-730, subject to the following condition: 1 . Eliminate the use of Date Palms trees in the landscape palette and substitute it with another palm tree type such as a California Fan Palm or a Mexican Fan Palm. Attachments: 1 . Site Plan, Elevations, and Landscape Plan Prepared by: Fred Baker, ICP Principal Planner A:\LARC staff rpt. SDP 2002-730.wpd 021