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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1982/02/24 - MINUTES (2) . PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Council Chamber, City Hall February 24, 1982 1:30 p.m. ROLL CALL F-Y 1981 - 1982 Present Present Excused Absences Planning Commission This Meeting to Date to date Michael Harris, Chairman X 13 3 Carrie Allan X 14 2 Richard Service X 14 2 Paul Madsen X 14 2 Darel Harris X 14 2 David Christian X 13 3 Peter Koetting X 15 1 Staff Present Marvin D. Roos, Planning Director Douglas Evans, Planner III Carol VanKeeken, Technician Dave Forcucci , Zoning Enforcement Officer Mary L. Isenberg, Recording Secretary • Architectural Advisory Committee Present - February 22, 1982 Larry Lapham, Chairman Peter Koetting James Cioffi Chris Mills (alternate) David Hamilton Earl Neel David Christian ( interim) Absent: Hugh Kaptur Chairman called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. Approval of Minutes Minutes of the February 10, 1982 meeting, were unavailable because of processing delay during the two-day City holiday and will be reviewed at the March 10, 1982 meeting. February 24, 1982 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 2 • PUBLIC HEARINGS CASE 5.0212-CUP & 6.319-VARIANCE & TTM 17899. Application by E. WILLIAMS (Watt Industries) for a CUP to allow construction of a 7-unit timeshare/condo- minium project and a variance from rear yard setback and timeshare location requirements on the southeast corner of Arenas Road/Tahquitz Drive, R-2 Zone, Section 15. (Commission response to written comments on draft Negative Declaration, action for filing, and final approval . No comments received.) Planning Director presented a brief review of the project and stated that staff would recommend a two week continuance to address concerns of the AAC regarding elevations of the project. Chairman declared the hearing open; there being no appearances, the hearing was continued to March 10 for further review and action. CASE 6.320-VARIANCE. Application by F. APPOLLO for a variance from rear and side yard setbacks to allow existing carport and free standing open patio cover as built at 795 N. Patencio Road, R-1-A Zone, Section 10. (This action is categorically exempt from environmental assessment, per CEAQ. ) • Chairman declared the hearing open; there being no appearances, the hearing was continued to March 24, 1982 at the applicant's request. PUBLIC COMMENTS The following persons spoke in opposition to the proposed street name change from Murray Canyon Drive to William Demarest Drive or Demarest Drive (Case 11.15): J. Kreeger, 1680 Murray Canyon Drive, stated that although Mr. Demarest should be honored, a street name change would cause inconvenience to the residents of the street because of changing of addresses, stationary, credit card addresses, bank accounts, investments, etc. He stated that there are unnamed streets behind the Canyon Hotel which could be named Demarest Drive without affecting anyone. E. Kieley, 1800 S. Sunrise Way, President of the Board of Directors of the P.S. Historical Society, stated that the Society had passed a resolution in objection to the street name change since the name is an historical one in the community; that Palm Springs landmarks are rapidly disappearing; that the Historical Society is currently surveying historical sights for registration; and that the Canyons will be included in this category. She requested that • the Murray Canyon Drive name be retained and another street chosen to be named William Demarest Drive. February 24, 1982 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 3 . PUBLIC COMMENTS (Cont'd. ) Mrs. E. Kreeger, 1680 Murray Canyon Drive, stated that it would be a hardship for residents of the street to reprint literature and stationary; that the Canyon Hotel has an address on South Palm Canyon Drive and would not be affected by the street name change; that the members of the Canyon Country Club should be able to have a voice in any proposed name change; and that many years from now the name of William Demarest would not be recognized but that Murray Canyon is an established historical name. W. McNary, 1800 S. Sunrise Way, stated that Mr. Demarest should be honored by a street name because of his contributions to the community but that changing of an historic name such as Murray Canyon Drive would set an undesirable pre- cedent; that Palm Springs is just beginning to take its history seriously; that the renaming of such a street would show an official lack of interest in the history of the City; and suggested that an unnamed street would be a better recipient of the William Demarest name; and requested that the past be honored. Mrs. L. Schlecht, 1500 Murray Canyon Drive, stated that the street is scheduled to extend through Smoke Tree which is longer than the proponents of the name change have indicated; that changes to proper names are confusing and humorous and suggested that an unnamed street behind the Canyon Hotel become William Demarest Drive since she would not want to see the pioneer name of Murray lost. • The following person spoke in favor of the street name change: C. Rhodes, 2370 Yosemite Drive, past President of Canyon Country Club, William Demarest Classic Board Member, and representative of petitioners in favor of the name change, stated that the street length was not long and there are no residences on the south side; that the Canyon Hotel Manager has taken a neutral position on the name change; and requested that Herbert Bernstein's name be removed from the petition since there is a disagreement between Mr. & Mrs. Bernstein regarding the name change. He then described William Demarest's contributions to and accomplishments for the City of Palm Springs; stated that no one remembered Mr. Murray but everyone knew Mr. Demarest; that there was a precedent for changing street names to proper names since it had been done in the case of two former mayors of the City. He then read a letter from the Palm Springs Boy's Club approving the proposed street name change since Mr. Demarest's charities have contributed much money to the Club. He stated that the proponents of the change will furnish change of address cards to all those persons affected. In reply to a question by Commissioner D. Harris, Mr. Rhodes stated that Mr. Demarest does not know about the proposal since he is in poor health and does not read the newspapers but that he was sure he would be delighted. Chairman explained that there would be no rebuttal to objections to the street name change. Planning Director stated that the item was on the agenda for the Commission to adopt a resolution of intention to hold a public hearing at a future date in accordance with the Municipal Code; that no public testimony should be taken at the meeting; and that the public hearing would be published and posted. In reply to a question by Commissioner Service, Planning Director stated that the resolution is an intent to consider only and must be adopted. February 24, 1982 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 4 • PUBLIC COMMENTS (Cont'd. ) D. Hacker, Hacker Engineering, 714 Eugene Road, representing Heltzer Enter- prises regarding a time extension for TTM 17260, stated that he was present to answer questions. TENTATIVE TRACT AND PARCEL MAPS Planning Director reviewed and explained the map and the Planning Com- mission discussed and took action on the following tract map based on the finding that the proposed subdivision, together with the provisions for design and improvement, are consistent with the General Plan of the City of Palm Springs. A Negative Declaration has been ordered filed based on the finding that the project will not have a significant adverse effect on the environment and subject to conditions as outlined. TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 18216. Application by HACKER ENGINEERING for Ichi Associates for approval of a subdivision of land for condominium conversion purposes on the northwest corner of E. Palm Canyon Drive/Sagebrush Road, R-3 Zone, Section 23. (This action is categorically exempt from environmental assessment, per CEQA. ) • Planner III presented a staff report; stated that an addendum had been added regarding notification of tenants of the proposed timeshare pro- ject; and that the applicants meet all City requirements. Motion was made by Allan, seconded by Madsen, and unanimously carried approving TTM 18216 subject to all recommendations of the Development Committee and with the additional condition regarding tenant notification. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION OF INTENTION. Planning Commission adoption of resolution of intention to change street name from Murray Canyon Drive to William Demarest Drive or Demarest Drive, Section 35 (Case 11.15). Chairman stated that there were three choices: adoption of the resolution; non-adoption of the resolution; and continuance. Planning Director gave a brief history of the case and stated that more than 60% of the lessees of property along the lineal frontage of Murray Canyon Drive have signed a petition in favor of the street name change as well as the Indian owners of all the parcels; that the resolution would be an intent to consider the adoption based on the petition with an obligation to hold a public hearing; that the process is outlined in the Municipal Code; that a public hearing would be held on March 24. He described the process; and stated that the notice would be published and posted. February 24, 1982 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 5 • MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS/ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION OF INTENTION (Cont'd. ) Chairman stated that there evidently was not a great deal of choice and a public hearing was mandatory. Further discussion followed regarding the public hearing process required by a street name change request. Motion was made by Service, seconded by Allan, and unanimously carried adopting a resolution of intention to consider a street name change from Murray Canyon Drive to Demarest Drive or William Demarest Drive at a public hearing on March 24, 1982. DETERMINATION 10.320. Request by staff for Planning Commission determination on acceptability of classic automobile sales being permitted as a main use in the C-2 Zone. Planning Director stated that in the previous review at the February 10 meeting, a question had arisen as to the definition of a classic car and that a definition has been developed as follows: Classic Automobile Sales shall mean an automobile dealer specializing in vehicles generally at least 25 years old which are • in original or fully restored condition. Sales may include special interest automobiles manufactured within the last 25 years, such as convertibles, custom manufactured vehicles, newly manufactured replicas and other vehicles generally shown to be increasing in value based on regularly published price guides for such vehicles. Classic Automobile Restoration Garage shall mean the same as "Garage, Repair". He stated that "Garage, Repairs" are allowed in the C-2 Zone under Conditional Use Permit and that if further conditions were to be imposed, an ordinance revision would be necessary. He gave a brief description of the legislation of other cities regarding classic car sales. Discussion followed on the possibility that a precedent might be estab- lished which would allow used car sales. Commission also discussed criteria for the condition of classic cars and previous requests to allow the sale of classic cars. Planning Director stated that the consideration is a generic one and not a site specific one. Commissioner Christian suggested that reasonable wording such as "cars in showroom condition" might be used to avoid allowing used car sales. Further discussion ensued on types of conditions that can be enforced. Planning Director stated that if a determination were made allowing classic sales, they would be subject to the standards of an automobile sales agency which are adequate; that staff would support the sale of classic cars since they are a tourist attraction and bring revenue to the February 24, 1982 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 6 • MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS/DETERMINATION 10.320 (Cont'd. ) City; and that the ordinance requires annual review of car rental agencies. Price guideline publications were discussed. Planning Director stated that these booklets are published quarterly; are helpful in establishing guidelines for classic vehicles; and that staff was not proposing to allow used car lots. Discussion followed on the definition of a classic car. Planning Director stated that standard conditions with standard terminology should be formulated. Motion was made by Christian, seconded by Allan, and unanimously carried continuing the item to the March 10 agenda for final wording by staff for the determination. TIME EXTENSION - TTM 17260 (Ref. Case 3.378) . Request by WAGNER STANFORD CONSULTANTS for Heltzer Enterprizes for a 12 month time extension for TTM 17260, a subdivision of land for condominium purposes on Golf Club Drive be- tween Bolero Drive/E. Palm Canyon Drive (I.L. ) , Section 29. • Motion was made by Madsen, seconded by Koetting, and unanimously carried approving a 12 month time extension for TTM 17260 with no additional con- ditions. NOTE: The project was previously conditioned for drainage fees and school impact fees. Tribal Council comments: "Staff report and/or recommendations on this item were not received by the Tribal Planning Consultant. After consideration of the recommendation of the Indian Planning Com- mission, the Tribal Council approved the request for a first one-year time extension for TTM 17260." ARCHITECTURAL APPROVAL ITEMS The Planning Commission reviewed plans, discussed, and took action on the following items involving architectural approval subject to the conditions as outlined. CASE 3.489 (Minor). Application by M. BUCCINO FOR Canyon Villas Homeowners ' Assoc. for architectural approval of revised perimeter wall plan at 2600 S. . Palm Canyon Drive, R-2 Zone, Section 35 (Ref. Case 2.609). Discussion ensued regarding the wall , grade, height, and location. February 24, 1982 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 7 • ARCHITECTURAL APPROVAL ITEMS/CASE 3.489 (Cont'd. ) Motion was made by Christian, seconded by Allan, and unanimously carried approving the application subject to the following conditions: 1. That the masonry wall be higher in all instances than the wrought iron fencing. 2. That all grade changes occur at the same time that a material transition occurs i .e. , where a wall adjoins the wrought iron fencing. 3. That the wall not exceed 4z feet in height from the existing grade. NOTE: The AAC recommended the following regarding perimeter security plans for all multi-family developments: The AAC reached a consensus and recommends that all proposed multi-family developments (condominiums and apartments) be required to design and submit detailed perimeter security plans at the time of project approval . The AAC felt that the installation should not be a mandatory requirement placed upon the developer, but that the initial design should be con- sidered at the time of architectural approval of the project. Basis for this recommendation is the difficulty homeowners' associations have en- countered in dealing with such an undertaking and that fact that initial . site development may in many circumstances dictate future design of such walls. Staff would note that a Zoning Ordinance amendment and/or Security Ordinance amendment would be necessary prior to initiation of such a requirement upon new applications. SIGN APPLICATION. Application by N. ANENBERG for Palm Springs Oil Co. for architectural approval of revised plans for gasoline price signs for businesses at 400 S. Indian Avenue, C-2 Zone ( I.L.), Section 14; and 670 S. Palm Canyon Drive, C-2 Zone, Section 23. Chairman abstained; Vice-chairman presided. Planning Director gave a brief review of the sign application and stated that the AAC recommended approval by a 7 - 0 vote at its February 22 meeting. Commissioner Christian stated that he had voted against the sign appli- cation even though it was not indicated in the AAC minutes. Commissioner D. Harris stated that it was his opinion that the top of the pole should not be lowered. Planning Director stated that the AAC had recommended a yellow background • for the service station logo. Commissioner Koetting explained that the AAC felt that the brown trim and can and separation of the colors was aesthetically helpful . February 24, 1982 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 8 • ARCHITECTURAL APPROVAL ITEMS/SIGN APPLICATION (Cont'd. ) Commissioner Christian explained that he had voted against the sign be- cause it had a poor graphic content. He stated that a sign could easily be designed more attractively. Commissioner Allan stated that she would have to rely on the judgment of the professionals on the AAC. Discussion ensued on the planter represented on the rendering. Planning Director stated that there is an unraised planter on the Shell station but no planter on the Mag station. Commissioner Service stated that the sign meets the letter of the ordi- nance but is unattractive. Motion was made by Allan, seconded by Madsen, and carried (Christian & Service dissented) approving the sign application for both locations sub- ject to the following conditions: 1. 400 South Indian Avenue - A. That the top of the pole be lowered to the height of the sign top and cap. B. That the metal can and cross support be dark bronze in color. • 2. 670 South Palm Canyon Drive - That the metal can and cross support be dark bronze in color. NOTE: Planning Director stated that a monument sign had been explored for the stations but that they created communication, visibility, and sight distance problems; and that designing a sign initially is better than redesigning an existing sign. SIGN VARIANCE 8.217. Application by IMPERIAL SIGN CO. for Gene Autry Hotel for sign variance on revised plans for directional convenience sign on the southwest portion of the property at 4200 E. Palm Canyon Drive, PD-58, Section 30 (Ref. Case 5.927-PD-58) . Zoning Enforcement Officer presented the sign on the display board. Discussion followed on the size of the sign and its visibility from East Palm Canyon Drive. Planning Director stated that approval of the ten foot convenience sign constitutes a sign variance and that there are no established grounds for a variance other than the existence of a unique condition. . The representative of Imperial Sign Co. explained that the variance was requested for better visibility and to identify the hotel as the Gene Autry Hotel since there are no vehicle entrances on East Palm Canyon Drive. February 24, 1982 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 9 • ARCHITECTURAL APPROVAL ITEMS/VARIANCE 8.217 (Cont'd. ) Discussion followed on positioning of the sign. The representative of the sign company stated that the application was for a single-faced sign, not a double-faced one. Planning Director stated that in a corner condition, staff would recom- mend elimination of signs where possible. Discussion followed on the size and type of the sign proposed. Motion was made by Service, seconded by Allan, and unanimously carried approving Sign Variance 8.217 as submitted. SIGN APPLICATION. Application by HEATH AND COMPANY for Liquor Barn for architectural approval of sign for business located in the Safeway market at 350 S. Palm Canyon Drive, C-B-D Zone, Section 15. Zoning Enforcement Officer presented the sign on the display board. Discussion ensued on the appropriateness of the "Warehouse Prices" portion of the sign. Commissioner Allan stated that this type of wording will establish a pre- cedent. Planning Director stated that the City Attorney feels that content of a sign cannot be controlled since it could be an incorporated name but staff has discouraged this type of wording; that liquor stores are allowed in the C-B-D Zone; and that the Commission could eliminate the offensive wording but would probably not receive support from the City Attorney. Discussion followed on precedents established such as the signs for "Repeat Boutique" and "Discount Duds". Commissioner Allan stated that if the business is a warehouse, it should be located in that type of zoning but that the wording is offensive in the building's present location. Chairman commented that it could be part of a title as a fictitious name. Planning Director stated that the words "Liquor Barn" will be illuminated from behind but not the words "Warehouse Prices" Commissioner Service stated that he would not vote for the sign as pro- posed since it is an affront to the downtown businessmen and community. Motion was made by Christian, seconded by D. Harris, and carried (M. • Harris dissented) approving the sign application subject to the following conditions: 1. That the alternate plan with free-standing letters is approved. February 24, 1982 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 10 • ARCHITECTURAL APPROVAL ITEMS/SIGN APPLICATION (Cont'd. ) 2. That there be a dark bronze metal can on each individual channel letter. 3. That there be a dark bronze metal can on the free-standing logo. 4. That the logo be reduced in size to the height of the capital letters. 5. That the words "Warehouse Prices" be deleted. 6. That the face be plexiglass #2380 rust with a flat finish. CONSENT AGENDA The following items are routine in nature and have been reviewed by the Planning Commission, AAC, and staff. No further review is required, and all items are approved by one blanket motion upon unanimous consent. Motion was made by Madsen, seconded by Service, and unanimously carried approving the following applications subject to all conditions of staff, Development Committee and the AAC as follows and ordering the filing of a • Negative Declaration as indicated: TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 18373. Application by L. ZEHFUSS for L. Schwartz for approval of a division of one parcel into three on the northwest corner of Via Donna/Paseo El Mirador, R-1-AH Zone, Section 11. (Commission response to written comments on draft Negative Declaration. No comments received. ) Condition: 1. That all recommendations of the Development Committee be met. 2. That all mitigative measures identified in the environmental assessment/initial study be implemented. CASE 3.268. Application by R. GREGORY for E. Babic for architectural approval of landscape plans for a 61-unit apartment/condominium complex on El Mirador between Mel Avenue/North Indian Avenue, R-3 Zone, Section 11. Conditions: 1. That the easterly parking areas be restudied for the addition of trees between the carports and the property line. • 2. That the proposed trees for the bay parking landscape projection be replaced with carobs (minimum 24" boxes) or alternate. February 24, 1982 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 11 CONSENT AGENDA/CASE 3.268 (Cont'd. ) 3. That the bay parking areas be constructed with decorative paving. Materials and design shall be approved by staff prior to instal- lation. 4. That shrub materials be added at the top of the mound along Indian Avenue to facilitate a visual buffer between the parking areas and the street scene. 5. That 80% of all street trees be 24" boxes or greater in size. 6. That swales and/or an alternative solution be provided to reduce overflow of landscape irrigation on the sidewalks, streets, and other hardscape features. 7. That the proposed Celotex Marby roof tiles are not acceptable. (Alternative materials to be submitted for AAC approval . ) ARCHITECTURAL APPROVAL ITEMS (Cont'd. ) CASE 3.491 (Minor) . Application by the CITY OF PALM SPRINGS for architectural approval of a photovoltaic solar array on City property behind City Hall , • Section 13. Planning Director presented the staff report and explained that the City would provide the grading, pad, and the security fencing around the pro- ject. Commissioner D. Harris suggested that wood slats be incorporated into the chain link fencing for a softening effect. Discussion followed on the appropriateness of the wood slats. Consensus was that the slats break and rattle in the wind and that landscaping would be more effective. Commissioner Service suggested that the City place the solar array on airport land which would provide more security and cost less. Planner III stated that location was discussed at the AAC meeting and that it was felt that it should be close to City Hall to provide the City with solar power; that it was too heavy to place on the City Hall roof; and that it would be in place for three years. Commissioner D. Harris suggested that if wood were not used, vinyl strips or a painted fence would have a softening effect. Discussion followed on the feasibility of a wood slatted fence and land- scaping of the area. • Motion was made by Christian, seconded by Madsen, and unanimously carried approving the photovoltaic solar array application subject to the following conditions: February 24, 1982 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 12 ARCHITECTURAL APPROVAL ITEMS/CASE 3.491 (Cont'd. ) 1. That a security chainlink fence be installed. 2. That landscape materials be provided to reduce the aesthetic impacts of the fence and the array. NOTE: Commissioner Service suggested that the City consider a solar farm on the airport in the future. SIGN APPLICATION. CONTINENTAL ADVERTISING for Smith's Food King for architectural approval of a main sign for a market in a neighborhood shopping center at the southeast corner of North Palm Canyon Drive/Racquet Club Road, PD-113. Section 13 (Ref. Case 5.0127-PD-113). Chairman abstained; Vice-chairman presided. Discussion ensued on the number of abstaining Commissioners. Motion was made by Allan, seconded by Madsen, and unanimously carried (Christian, Koetting, D. Harris & M. Harris abstained) approving the sign application subject to the following condition: . That the sign color match the existing Smith's sign located at the Sunrise Square shopping center. ITEMS FOR RESTUDY The following items were removed from the Planning Commission agenda pending restudy. Application will be rescheduled for hearing only after revised submittals have been processed. CASE 3.438-Revised. Application by P. KOLODEJ for architectural approval of revised plans for a single family hillside residence at 2111 Leonard Road, R- 1-A Zone, Section 3. Restudy of the elevations and site plan. CASE 2.984-Revised. Application by R. MOUNT for architectural approval of revised plans for perimeter wrought iron fence for condominium project on Vista Chino between Via Miraleste/N. Indian Avenue, R-3 Zone, Section 2. Restudy for submittal of a comprehensive wall development plan including grading, landscaping, wall and parking details and full street elevations. February 24, 1982 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 13 ITEMS FOR RESTUDY (Cont'd. ) CASE 3.304/TTM 15945-Revised. Application by J. COTTON for architectural approval of revised plans and map for four, 4-unit apartments on Avenida Caballeros between Vista Chino/Cottonwood Road, R-2 Zone, Section 11. Restudy noting the following concerns: 1. That solar control on the east/west/south elevations be provided. 2. That the beam element within the patio area be a rough sawn glue-lam beam. 3. That the parking court area be restudied to soften the appearance via an architectural and/or landscape element. 4. That a revised preliminary landscape plan be submitted. COMMISSION REPORTS, REQUESTS AND DISCUSSION Planning Director introduced the new Planning Technician, Carol Vankeeken, who has 13 years of experience in planning and engineering. • Planning Director suggested that the Commission consider the AAC comments regarding perimeter security fencing. Planning Director stated that action had been taken to remove the outside electronic game machines at Brandy's in the downtown area. Planning Director stated that registration had been made for the Com- missioners for both the City/County Conference and the C-VAG Conference. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to discuss, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 3:30 p.m. PLANNING DIRECTOR MDR/mi WP •