ARC sends 92,400‑sq‑ft self‑storage plan back for restudy, flags faux 'display' windows and RV screening

The Palm Springs Architectural Review Committee on June 15 voted 5–1 to require further study of a proposed 92,400‑square‑foot self‑storage facility planned for 900 North Farrell Drive, citing concerns about facade elements, the visibility of RV parking and the need for denser perimeter landscaping.

Staff summarized changes to the applicant’s revised design, noting lowered corner elements, additional renderings, larger boxed trees and a staff‑recommended additional landscaping condition (PL9). The project includes a two‑story building with 51 proposed RV parking stalls and a mix of materials (CMU, stucco and metal). Staff recommended approval subject to conditions, but the committee requested additional refinements.

Eric Foss, senior vice president for Legacy Built Investments, defended the corner display features and said drive‑by visibility matters to operations: "Fifty percent of our business comes from drive‑by," he said. Project architect Lance Heal told the committee the corner dioramas help communicate an interior, climate‑controlled facility type and argued they are an industry element used to differentiate product types.

Several ARC members challenged that rationale. Member Dillon and Member Elliott both said they opposed faux roll‑up display windows as an architectural device. Member Dillon said the feature felt ‘‘redundant’’ and urged the architect to design something more site‑specific for Palm Springs. Committee members also pressed the applicant to develop a denser berming and tree canopy plan to screen RV stalls from the public right‑of‑way and adjacent properties.

Staff clarified that, per the sign code, architectural features set at least 3 feet off a window generally are not treated as signage, while graphics placed within 3 feet of glass could be considered signs requiring permitting. The committee nonetheless concluded that in the current site configuration the corner elements should be re‑evaluated if the project is to better screen RVs and minimize visual impact.

A motion to restudy the project with clear, definitive landscaping/berm options, stronger tree canopy, and elimination of the faux corner display elements passed with five votes in favor and one vote opposed (Member Castro). The committee also asked for realistic street‑level renderings and confirmation of material samples when the applicant returns.

The motion means the storage project will return to ARC with a revised landscape and facade package that addresses screening, materials and signage questions before any approval is granted.