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2011 01 05 ALRCWry of La Quinta ALRC Agendas are now available on the City's Web Page @ www.la-guinta.org ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPING REVIEW COMMITTEE AGENDA A Regular Meeting to be Held at the La Quinta City Hall — Study Session Room 78-495 Calle Tampico La Quinta, California JANUARY 5, 2011 10:00 A.M. Beginning Minute Motion 2011 -001 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 iv. CONSENT CALENDAR Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of December 15, 2010. P:\Reports - ALRC\2011\ALRC-1-5-11\ALRC Agenda 1-5-1l.doc V. BUSINESS ITEMS: A. Item .................. Final Landscape Plan 2010-061 Applicant ........... John Grist, Grist Associates for The Foundation Group Location ............ Pad "A", La Quinta Village Shopping Center — Northwest Corner of Calle Tampico and Washington Street Request ..... ....... Review and Approval Of On -Site Landscaping for Pad "A" at the La Quinta Village Shopping Center VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: VII. COMMITTEE MEMBER ITEMS: VIII. PLANNING STAFF ITEMS: A. Planning Commission Update IX. ADJOURNMENT: This meeting of the Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee will be adjourned to a Regular Meeting to be held on February 2, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. DECLARATION OF POSTING 1, Carolyn Walker, Executive Secretary of the City of La Quinta, do hereby declare that the foregoing Agenda for the La Quinta Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee meeting of Wednesday, January 5, 2011, was posted on the outside entry to the Council Chamber, 78-495 Calle Tampico and the bulletin board at the La Quinta Cove Post Office, 51-321 Avenida Bermudas, on Wednesday, December 29, 2010. DATED: December 29, 2010 (�Y� oa&&' CAROLYN �/ALKER, Executive Secretary City of La Quinta, California P:\Reports - ALRC\2011\ALRC_1-5-11\ALRC Agenda 1-5-11.doc L7511011111:10 ARCHITECTURE & LANDSCAPING REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING A regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA December 15, 2010 11:01 a.m. IV V CALL TO ORDER A. This regular meeting of the Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee was called to order at 11:00 a.m. by Planning Manager David Sawyer who led the Committee in the flag salute. B. Committee Members Present: Jason Arnold, Kevin McCune, and David Thorns Committee Members Absent: None C. Staff present: Planning Director Les Johnson, Planning Manager David Sawyer, and Executive Secretary Carolyn Walker CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA: Confirmed PUBLIC COMMENT: None CONSENT CALENDAR: Staff asked if there were any changes to the Minutes of November 3, 2010. There being no comments or corrections it was moved and seconded by Committee Members McCune/Arnold to approve the minutes as submitted. Unanimously approved. BUSINESS ITEMS: A. Highway 111 Corridor Landscape Design Guidelines a request submitted by the City of La Quinta for the review and discussion of the Highway 111 Corridor Landscape Design Guidelines. Planning Director Johnson presented the information contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Planning Department. Staff stated the plan was presented to the Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee to obtain their comments and feedback. Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee Minutes December 15, 2010 After general discussion, the members said they liked the general plan, but had the following comments: • Western median island needs to have icon, or entrance sign, stating "You are entering La Quinta." • Add citrus trees to the Home Depot entry feature, as well as some tile detail on the tower, possibly in natural colors. • Focus more on (pedestrian scale) light fixtures, rather than bollards, due to maintenance issues. • More use of L.E.D. and solar light fixtures. • The use of stamped concrete, in a dark brown color, instead of artificial brick. • Use larger than 1 5-gallan Italian Cypress. • The City's maintenance contract be very definitive in its specifications for proper maintenance of the plants, especially the hedges and cypress, to eliminate the "hedging" of shrubs. Also, state the contractor's accountability when the specifications are not followed. • Include the use of more succulents, where possible, in place of hedges. • State a color for decomposed granite, such as Brimstone or a Desert Gold, instead of Palm Springs Gold, for substantial cost savings. (Palm Springs Gold is only available from a single supplier.) • Minimize actual turf and replace with artificial turf, in appropriate locations. • Do not encourage the use of the Pinto Palm variety. • Mow curbing on natural turf should be 6 x 6 mow curb with no. 3 rebar, to allow machine installation, for cost savings. • No mow curbing needed where there is synthetic turf with decomposed granite (dg) next to it. • Decomposed granite (dg) shall be tamped when installed, instead of "wet and rolled." • Use of Baja or Dos Rios rock (earth tones), instead of Salt River Rock. • Make sure a sample of the Date Palm is submitted before it is planted. The Committee Members also suggested staff should go out to Southwest Rock to see how differences in rocks quarried in different areas can cause significant color variation. P:\Reports - ALRC\201 I\ALRC-1-5-1 I\ALRC MfN-12-15-10—Draft.doc 2 Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee Minutes December 15, 2010 General discussion followed regarding how City projects were handled and the target dates for the phasing of this project. Committee Member Arnold asked if the parkways were on City water. Staff explained the parkways were managed by the adjacent property owners. Committee Member Arnold expressed concern about parkway maintenance if the property owner filed bankruptcy. Staff explained there would still be a property owner who was responsible for the property. Staff then explained the Code Compliance Department's part in contacting the owner and the procedures in enforcement of the maintenance of the property. The Committee Members agreed it was nice to be able to make comments on City projects and added it would also be helpful to see project irrigation plans for regular projects at the beginning of the design process. Following this procedure could avoid future problems and the City would be able to utilize the expertise of the Committee Members. Staff thanked the Committee Members for their time and comments and said a copy of the minutes would be given to the Council. V1. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: None VII. COMMITTEE MEMBER ITEMS: None Vill. PLANNING STAFF ITEMS: None IX. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Committee Members McCune/Arnold to adjourn this meeting of the Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee to a Regular Meeting to be held on January 5, 2011. This meeting was adjourned at 12:23 a.m. on December 15, 2010. Respectfully submitted, CAROLYN WALKER Executive Secretary P:\Reports - ALRC\2011\ALRC-1-5-11\ALRC MfN-12-15-10—Draft.doc 3 L5 Twit 4 OF B1#A ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE REVIEW COMMITTEE DATE: JANUARY 5, 2011 CASE NO: FINAL LANDSCAPE PLAN 2010-061 -REQUEST: TO OBTAIN APPROVAL FOR ON -SITE LANDSCAPING FOR PAD'A'AT THE LA QUINTA VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTER LOCATION: LA QUINTA VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTER — PAD 'A' - NORTHWEST CORNER OF CALLE TAMPICO AND WASHINGTON STREET (Attachment 1) APPLICANT: JOHN GRIST, GRIST ASSOCIATES PROPERTY OWNER: THE FOUNDATION GROUP ARCHITECT: JOHN GRIST, GRIST ASSOCIATES LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: JON PRIDE ZONING: NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL (CN) GENERAL PLAN DESIGNATION: NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL (NC) SURROUNDING ZONING/LAND USE: NORTH: NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL (CN) — LA QUINTA VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTER SOUTH: MAJOR COMMUNITY FACILITY (MCI - CITY HALL EAST: LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (RL) — DESERT CLUB RESIDENTS WEST: MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (RM) — SEASONS APARTMENTS PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of a Final Landscape Plan (FLP) is to provide specific design review of a FLP 2010-061 Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee Staff Report 01/5/11 - Page 1 of 6 project's proposed landscaping. The Architecture and Landscape Review Committee's (ALRC) role in reviewing this type of application is to provide the Planning Department ,with feedback and a recommendation regarding the design of the proposed landscape. To assist the ALRC in this review, the following background and analysis is provided. BACKGROUND In 2007, the Foundation Group received conditional approval of a Site Development Permit (SDP 07-879) to construct the final pad (Pad 'A') building at the La Quinta Village Shopping Center, located at the northwest corner of Washington Street and Calle Tampico. As conditioned, the applicant is required to obtain approval for "final landscape plans for on -site planting," and shall have the plans "reviewed by the ALRC and approved by the Planning Director" (Condition 54). On April 4, 2007, the Architecture and Landscape Review Committee originally reviewed the preliminary landscaping plans, and unanimously recommended approval of the project to the Planning Commission. Subsequently, the Planning Commission .reviewed and approved the project without any significant changes to the proposal, The approval of the site development permit included the following landscape -related conditions of approval (Attachment 2): 52. The applicant shall provide landscaping in the required setbacks, retention basins, common lots and park areas. 53. Landscape and irrigation plans for landscaped lots and setbacks, medians, retention basins, and parks shall be signed and stamped by a licensed landscape architect. 54. The applicant shall submit the landscape plans for approval by the Planning Department and green sheet sign off by the Public Works Department. When plan checking has been completed by the Planning Department, the applicant shall obtain the signatures of CVWD and the Riverside County Agricultural Commissioner, prior to submittal for signature by the Planning Director, however landscape plans for landscaped median on public streets shall be approved by the both the Planning Director and the City Engineer. Where City Engineer approval is not required, the applicant shall submit for a green sheet approval by the Public Works Department. Final landscape plans for on -site planting shall be reviewed by the ALRC and approved by the Planning Director prior to issuance of first building permit. Final plans shall include all landscaping associated with this project. NOTE: Plans are not approved for construction until signed by both the Planning Director and/or the City Engineer. 55. Landscape areas shall have permanent irrigation improvements meeting the requirements of the Planning Director. Use of lawn areas shall be minimized with FLP 2010-061 Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee Staff Report 0 1 /5/11 - Page 2 of 6 no lawn, or spray irrigation, being placed within 24 inches of curbs along public streets. 56. The applicant or his agent has the responsibility for proper sight distance requirements per guidelines in the AASHTO "A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets, 5 th Edition" or latest, in the design and/or installation of all landscaping and appurtenances abutting and within the private and public street right-of-way. 78. The applicant shall work with the Planning Department to finalize the green screens location, size and plant type prior to Final Landscaping Plan approval by the ALRC. UMOT-TOMT," The applicant has submitted landscape plans for the on -site landscaping for their pad site, Pad W, at the La Quinta Village Shopping Center (Attachment 3). Landscaping The landscape plan is a desert-scape design intended to reduce water consumption at the site while enhancing the building and providing additional solar -control along the south elevation of the building. The landscape plan provides for variation in plant types, plant heights, and plant textures and colors. The overall landscape design is compatible with new perimeter landscapes in the City of La Quinta. ANALYSIS The landscape plan achieves the City's broad goal of protecting and conserving existing water resources through the use of a more drought -tolerant landscape plan. The landscape plan promotes water conservation by providing a drought -tolerant landscape design and by limiting spray irrigation and incorporating the use of drip irrigation. The landscape plan will provide a lush desert-scape appearance that achieves the goal of softening the building massing at the site and providing additional solar control on the buildings exposed elevations. Per the original ALRC comments from the April 4, 2007, meeting, the applicant has proposed the use of trellises along the building southern elevation and between the building columns. These trellises will be planted with up to four (4) Brazilian Flame Vines, in an attempt to reduce solar heat on the building's elevation and to enhance the back -of -building appearance. Since the applicant has not specified the material of the trellis, staff has placed a condition on the Final Landscape Plans for the trellis to be made of metal, which will reduce the aesthetic and maintenance issues with wood trellises. The landscape plan will incorporate three (3) "Desert Museum" Palo Verde trees and one (1) twelve foot tall California Fan Palm. In addition, the landscape plan uses several plant varieties, including Texas Rangers, Bougainvilleas, and Fountain Grass. The use of FLP 2010-061 Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee Staff Report 0 1 /5/11 - Page 3 of 6 these trees and plants is compatible with neighboring landscape designs. The Planning Commission has expressed concerns regarding the use of invasive plant species, including types of Fountain Grass. Staff has found that specific species of Fountain Grass can be invasive in certain climate zones. Therefore, staff has recommended a condition of approval that the applicant use a non-invasive Fountain Grass species. The proposed landscape plan is compatible with newer and rehabilitated perimeter landscapes in the City; however, the proposed landscape plan does not match the adjacent turf landscaped retention basin at the shopping center. The proposed landscape plan uses similar plant varieties that are incorporated in the landscape design of the shopping center, such as Texas Rangers and Bougainvillea vines. The adjacent retention basin, along the property's eastern boundary, is primarily a turf basin with mature Bougainvillea bushes and Lantana. Staff is currently processing a Final Landscape Plan (FLP 2009-052) for the conversion of the turf retention basin to a more drought tolerant desert-scape. The application that is currently in process proposes to match the applicants decomposed granite and plant variety. However, staff cannot guarantee that the applicant for the adjacent retention basin will follow through on the landscape plans; therefore, staff has concerns regarding the interim boundary and maintenance between the two properties. Although staff is supportive of the drought -tolerant design proposed by the applicant, additional consideration must be given to the eastern property line, where the decomposed granite abuts the current turf of the retention basin. Staff has proposed that the applicant incorporate a six (6) inch concrete mow strip between the areas to protect the drought -tolerant landscape plantings and to limit maintenance between the two properties. Compliance with Approved Preliminary Landscape Plan The proposed final landscaping plans are in conformance with the approved preliminary landscaping plans previously reviewed by the ALRC and Planning Commission as part of Site Development Permit 2007-879. The proposed landscaping palette and design, including irrigation, lighting, and trellis design, is consistent with all prior approvals. Compliance with Approved Conditions of Approval The proposed final landscaping plans have satisfied all relevant conditions of approval, including providing landscaping in all required setback, retention, and common areas; providing permanent irrigation improvements and this review process facilitates compliance with Condition of Approval #54. Condition of Approval #56 requires proper sight -distance standards to be met. In order to meet these standards, the applicant has placed all planting behind the sidewalk that abuts Calle Tampico. Additionally, the proposed landscaping plan is not located within any sight -distance triangles for the intersection of Washington Street and Calle Tampico. Condition of Approval #78 requires the applicant to provide "green screens" along the FLP 2010-061 Architecture and Landscaping Review committee Staff Report 01/5/11 - Page 4 of 6 south elevation of the building as a means of screening the back of building. The applicant has proposed to place four (4) trellises, one between each column, along the back of the building. Staff's intention with the condition was for the applicant to provide solar control and screening to the back of building. The applicant has met this condition with the proposed use of a trellis. Compliance with Standard Code Requirements The plans have not been stamped approved by a certified landscape architect; however the applicant has stated that the plans were approved by the Riverside County Agricultural Commissioner, although no evidence of said approval has been provided. The plans are currently being reviewed by the Coachella Valley Water District, completion of which will be required prior to Planning Director approval. Staff has reviewed these landscape plans and has determined them to be in compliance with water efficiency standards set by LQMC Section 8.13 Water Efficient Landscaping. Lighting No outdoor or landscape lighting is proposed as part of this landscape plan. Sustainability The landscape architect has prepared a landscape plan that achieves the goal of reducing water consumption at the site by providing a desert landscape design. In addition, the grouping of plants and trees along the south property line will provide additional shade along the buildings south elevation; thereby reducing the amount of sun and heat along the buildings most exposed elevation. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Architecture and Landscape Review Committee adopt a minute motion recommending to the Planning Director approval of Final Landscape Plan -2010-062 for the Foundation Group, as the plans are consistent with the preliminary landscaping plans submitted as part of Site Development Permit 2007-879, and are in compliance with all conditions of approval as adopted by the Planning Commission on July 3, 2007, subject to the following Conditions of Approval: 1 The applicant, in order to distinguish between properties and to limit maintenance between the properties, shall provide a six (6) inch wide concrete mow strip along their eastern property line. 2. The applicant shall use metal trellises in the location specified on the landscape plans. The metal trellises shall be painted to match the building. 3. The applicant shall ensure that the plantings for "Fountain Grass" are a non- invasive Fountain Grass plant species. FLP 2010-061 Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee Staff Report 01/5/11 - Page 5 of 6 4. The Final Landscape Plans shall be stamped by a landscape architect with a valid California license prior to final signature and approval by the Planning Director. These landscape plans are not final until such stamp is provided to the Planning Department. 5. The applicant shall furnish proof of CVWD approval of the landscape plans prior to final signature and approval by the Planning Director. These landscape plans are not final until evidence of said approved is provided to the Planning Department. Prepared by: A ERIC CEJA Assistant Pla er ATTACHMENTS 1 . Location 2. Landscape Conditions 3. Plan Set FLP 2010-061 Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee Staff Report 01 /5/11 — Page 6 of 6 ATTACHMENT ATTACHMENT 2 PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION 2009-023 CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL - APPROVED Site Development Permit 2007-879, Time Ext. 1 The Foundation Group September 8, 2009 development or when directed by the City, whichever comes first. LANDSCAPE AND IRRIGATION 51. The applicant shall comply with LQMC Sections 13.24.130 (Landscaping Setbacks) & 13.24.140 (Landscaping Plans). 52. The applicant shall provide landscaping in the required setbacks, retention basins, common lots and park areas. 53. Landscape and irrigation plans for landscaped lots and setbacks, medians, retention basins, and parks shall be signed and stamped by a licensed landscape architect. 54. The applicant shall submit the landscape plans for approval by the Planning Department and green sheet sign off by the Public Works Department. When plan checking has been completed by the Planning Department, the applicant shall obtain the signatures of CVWD and the Riverside County Agricultural Commissioner, prior to submittal for signature by the Planning Director, however landscape plans for landscaped median on public streets shall be approved by the both the Planning Director and the City Engineer. Where City Engineer approval is not required, the applicant shall submit for a green sheet approval by the Public Works Department, Final landscape plans for on -site planting shall be reviewed by the ALRC and approved by the Planning Director prior to issuance of first building permit. Final plans shall include all landscaping associated with this project. NOTE: Plans are not approved for construction until signed by both the Planning Director and/or the City Engineer. 55. Landscape areas shall have permanent irrigation improvements meeting the requirements of the Planning Director. Use of lawn areas shall be minimized with no lawn, or spray irrigation, being placed within 24 inches of curbs along public streets. 56. The applicant or his agent has the responsibility for proper sight distance requirements per guidelines in the AASHTO "A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets, 5" Edition" or latest, in the design and/or installation of all landscaping and appurtenances abutting and within the private and public street right-of-way. MAINTENANCE 57. The applicant shall comply with the provisions of LQMC Section 13.24.160 (Maintenance).