HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986/10/08 - MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Council Chamber, City Hall
October 8, 1986
1:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL F-Y 1986 - 1987
Present Present Excused Absences
Planning Commission This Meeting to Date to date
Larry Lapham, Chairman X 6 0
Hugh Curtis X 6 0
Hugh Kaptur 5 2
Earl Neel X 4 2
Gary Olsen X 5 0
Barbara Whitney X 3 1
Staff Present
Marvin D. Roos, Planning Director
Carol Vankeeken, Planner
Richard Patenaude, Planner
Robert Green, Planner
Margo Williams, Planner
Jerry Gonzalez, Traffic Engineer
..,� Tom Graham, Building & Safety Director
Mary E. Lawler, Recording Secretary
Architectural Advisory Committee - October 6, 1986
J. Cioffi , Chairman Absent: Tom Doczi
William Johnson Mike Buccino
Chris Mills
Gary Olsen
Barbara Whitney
Chairman called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.
M/S/C (Neel/Curtis; Kaptur absent) approving minutes of September 24, 1986 as
submitted.
October 8, 1986 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 2
CONSENT ACTION AGENDA ITEMS
Approval of architectural cases is valid for two years. The approval granted
must be exercised within that time period unless extended.
M/S/C (Whitney/Curtis; Kaptur absent)) taking the following actions:
CASE 3.758. Application by RATTNER INVESTMENTS #III for architectural
approval of revised landscape plans for a 129 unit apartment complex on
Farrell Drive between Hwy 111/Sonora Road, R-3 Zone, Section 24.
Continued to October 22, 1986 for submittal of revised plans.
CASE 3.0095. Application by the HOLT GROUP for Frank Matranga for architec-
tural approval of an office and print shop on Valdivia Way between
Campana Way/Tachevah Drive, M-1-P Zone, Section 7.
Approved, subject to the following conditions:
1. That all recommendations of the Development Committee be
implemented.
2. That detailed landscape, irrigation, and exterior lighting plans
be submitted.
CASE 3.989. Application by CARPETERIA for architectural approval of revised
--elevations for new commercial building on N. Palm Canyon Drive between
Yorba/Alvarado, C-1 and R-G-A(6) Zones, Section 3.
Restudy, noting that the roof mass should be modified to include a large
stucco area and hip roof.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT ACTION AGENDA
CASE 3.960 (Continued) . Application by the PALM SPRINGS MALL for archite-
ctural approval of working drawings for the north side of an existing
shopping center on the northwest corner of Tahquitz-McCallum Way/Farrell
Drive, CSC Zone, Section 18.
Planner (Williams) stated that the AAC reviewed the north elevation only
in working drawings; and that the originally approved glass storefront
has been removed because of building and safety requirements, and
replaced by a stucco wall , the exterior corridor deleted and replaced by
landscaping. She stated that the planters will remain.
Discussion ensued on the reasons for deleting the glassed storefronts.
Planner stated that the glass was originally approved, but with the
change in staff in the Building Division, requirements changed and a
one-hour fire wall is now necessary. She stated that there is a
sprinkler system also.
October 8, 1986 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 3
Case 3.960 (Continued)
D. Christian, 1000 South Palm Canyon Drive, project architect, stated
that the project was originally designed with the glass storefronts, but
because of a change of staff at the Building Division, the requirements
were changed and the design then changed to eliminate the 10-foot
corridor on the north elevation. He stated that a heavy irrigation
system has been provided in lieu of a sprinkler system and another exit
added. He stated that he disagreed with the Building Division
requirements and the revised plans are a compromise, that the design
meets Uniform Building Code (UBC) requirements; and that the applicant
has appealed before the Appeals Board which resulted in the compromise
shown, which eliminated the 10-foot corridor and the glass storefronts.
Chairman questioned whether or not unwired glass would be violating the
UBC requirements. Mr. Christian explained that the 10-foot corridor was
originally allowed before the staff change in Building, but that the
current staff is not comfortable with the corridor. He stated that the
mall owners want to finish the project, that the sidewalks have been
deleted and replaced with landscaping, that blank walls exist presently
at Millers' and Von's stores, and that the walls will be painted a
deeper tone. Chairman suggested a different color to the wall to retain
continuity of design. Mr. Christian stated that a deeper tone would
probably be used and requested that he be allowed to borrow the colored
elevations on the board to review the color combinations. He stated
that the corridors are required to be 20 feet to allow glass fronts and
would displace too much store area, and would require removal of curbs.
Planning Director suggested that the corridor be moved to the south, but
Mr. Christian stated that the applicant did not want to relocate them to
the south.
Commissioner Curtis stated that the revised requirements are not fair to
the applicant, but that the area needs landscaping, and some element
should tie the blank walls together. Mr. Christian explained that the
area will be shaded and without light but there will be "play" with
other materials to draw the eyes to the areas of activity (the
entrances) , and that a monochromatic color scheme is preferable for the
wall .
Planner stated that the AAC felt that the wall was like the west side of
the building and recommended that the lightness and airiness of the
original proposal be implemented.
Planner asked whether or not plants could grow in the shaded areas.
Commissioner Neel noted that it would be difficult unless the plants
were changed often, and that they would never attain any height.
Discussion continued. Planning Director stated that doors could be set
into the north side. In reply to Chairman's question, Mr. Christian
explained that doors could have some wired glass in steel frames, but it
would not be aesthetically acceptable. Discussion continued. Mr.
Christian stated that the area should not be accentuated.
October 8, 1986 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 4
Case 3.960 (Continued)
Commissioner Olsen noted that if the AAC had known that with the moving
out of the footprint of the mall the glass would be deleted, the design
would not have been approved. He stated that the purpose is to funnel
customers into the mall , which is probably not necessary since the
complex is on a major thoroughfare.
Commissioners Olsen and Whitney, in response to Chairman's question,
stated that the AAC recommended a restudy of the front (Tahquitz-
McCallum elevation) .
Mr. Christian stated that if he had deleted the sidewalk and planters,
the AAC would have approved the design. Commissioner Whitney disagreed.
Planner, in reply to Chairman question, stated that the vote would have
been split. In response to Commission's question, Mr. Christian stated
that a trellis could be provided for plants and would be preferable to
massive articulation of the wall . He stated that a complex of the size
of the mall does not have storefronts on every elevation.
In reply to Chairman's question, Planner stated that Planning staff
cannot become involved in disagreements between the architect and the
Building Division.
Commissioner Curtis stated that the mall has been a disgrace for 25
years and should have the best re-design possible; that issues with the
UBC cannot be resolved by the Commission, but that design issues can be;
that the glass storefronts are a good design and necessary. Chairman
asked if a two week delay to design trellises and landscaping would be
agreeable to the applicant. Mr. Christian replied that the revisions
would not be able to be-visualized on a drawing, that there are few design
options, that a trellis for plants could be designed, and it was his
impression that the AAC recommend deletion of the sidewalk.
Commissioner Whitney explained that the AAC was trying to find a way to
improve the design. Planner stated that the vote at the AAC was split
with some of the members wanting resolution of the problems and others
prefering the original elevation.
In reply to Chairman's question, Planning Director stated that the
Planning Commission cannot interpret gray areas addressed by UBC
requirements, and that the items would require an appeal to the Board of
Appeals.
Discussion continued on the range of concerns, including the blank
walls, the depth of the planter area, the possibility of using glass,
and the possibility of removal of the overhang on the north to soften
the design. Mr. Christian stated that the proposal would be a bad
design decision.
Chairman stated that on a project as important as the mall , he felt
uncomfortable approving a design with which the AAC was not satisfied.
Mr. Christian explained that although he appreciated the Commission's
position, the Commission would have to appreciate his, and that he had
no choice but to take the item to the City Council .
q
October 8, 1986 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 5
Case 3.960 (Continued)
M/S/C (Neel/Olsen; Kaptur absent) for a restudy, noting the following:
1. That the exterior pedestrian corridor should provide a pleasant
experience.
2. That the exterior corridor/colonnade should be deleted and the
area put into landscaping.
3. That the overall design of the north facade/storefronts be re-
worked to soften the design.
4. That the emergency exit doors be relocated to the east ends of the
north structure if the colonnade/corridor remains.
CASE 3.0105 (MINOR) Continued. Application by RICHARD FISCHER for the Palm
Springs Spa Hotel for architectural approval of revised plans for porte-
cochere, 100 N. Indian Avenue, C-2 and C-1AA Zones (IL) , Section 14.
M/S/C (Curtis/Neel ; Kaptur absent) approving the application, subject to
the following conditions:
1. That working drawings be submitted for AAC and Planning Commission
review.
2. That all recommendations of the Development Committee be
implemented.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
CASE 5.0400-ZTA (Continued) . Initiation by the CITY OF PALM SPRINGS for
revisions to the Zoning Ordinance (all sections).
(Commission response to written comments on Draft Negative Declaration;
final approval . ) No comments received.
Recommendation: That the Commission continue the item to October 22,
1986 at the request of the Tribal Council .
Planning Director stated that the zoning text revisions have been on the
agenda for several months with little input until recently from the
Tribal Council , as staff proposed that language be incorporated into the
revised Ordinance and specifically referenced to Indian Ordinance #779
and inclusion of Indian requirements in the Zoning Ordinance for
consistency. He stated that he had explained the minor effects of the
revisions to the tribal planning consultant at a meeting, and that the
Indians are concerned that the more stringent requirements in the
industrial zones would adversely affect their properties, but that he
explained to the consultant that the requirements would improve the
general appearance and landscaping along major thoroughfares and would
discourage small lot premature subdivisions and give a guarantee with
some language revisions that smaller lot sizes could be developed with a
specific plan. He stated that in a letter to the Chairman, the Tribal
Council indicated that it was not in favor of the Ordinance as written
October 8, 1986 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 6
Case 5.0400-ZTA (Continued)
and requested that the items be specifically inserted, in total , in the
Zoning Ordinance. He stated that the appeal section fs incorporated in
the Ordinance and the agreements between the City Council and Tribal
Council will become an appendix to facilitate amendments without public
hearings before the Commission or Council , but that the Indians feel
that the industrial requirements are onerous and do not want the
standards changed. He stated that the Indians have requested that
action be delayed until they are satisfied, and that the Indians are
afraid that larger industrial lots will not be competitive, but are
consistent with other cities in the valley. He described the changes in
lot sizes proposed by staff and explained that the standards can be
altered in cases where specific development plans are proposed, but that
this is not satisfactory to the Tribal Counci which feels that the
language allows too much discretion to the Planning Commission. He
stated that there is enough industrial land left in the City for 462
years. Discussion continued on the development of small lots. Planning
Director stated that it is easier to develop large parcels rather than
small lots, that he did not know if the Tribal Council understands the
concerns to maintain flexibility, but that unless specifically invited,
people cannot attend Indian meetings, that staff will prepare a letter
to articulate the revisions, and that the City should have Indian
support for the revised Ordinance.
Chairman stated that the City should have acceptance of the Ordinance by
the Indians. Planning Director stated that the Indian appeal process is
intact in the revisions, and that the Indian concerns seem to be setback
requirements and industrial lot sizes, but that the only location where
`.. the M-1 Zone creates a major setback is on the north side of Ramon Road
next to a residential area, in which a buffer will be required. He
stated that another area of concern is addressed in a memo from the
Transportation Director and states that the Director has concern about
proposed setbacks and buffers in the "A" Zone. He stated that the
Director feels that it will cause problems on the east side of the
Airport. He explained that staff is proposing a more specific allowance
for height in excess of 30 feet on aircraft hangars, since the current
Ordinance is ambiguous and buildings are now exempt from height limits,
i .e. , the height of the Corwin Denny hangar which caused an outcry from
the neighbors. He stated that staff is reviewing a 2:1 ration of
building height to setbacks which would maintain the setbacks along Gene
Autry Trail which have been established.
Chairman declared the hearing open; there being no appearances, the
hearing was closed.
Commissioner Olsen expressed concern over the fact that the Corwin Denny
hangar was approved at less height and allowed more height through staff
modification.
Planning Director stated that the proposed Ordinance delineates a ratio
of height to setback, not a height limitation; and that E1 Cielo, Ramon,
Farrell , and Vista Chino would be affected.
Chairman requested that a letter be drafted to the Tribal Council
explaining that the ordinances have included a statement that the
Commission can review individual cases and planned development
districts.
October 8, 1986 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 7
Case 5.0400-ZTA (Continued)
M/S/C (Olsen/Curtis; Kaptur absent) continuing the case to October 22,
1986 at the Tribal Council request.
TRIBAL COUNCIL COMMENTS
"The Case was previously considered by the Tribal Council and reviewed
again on October 7, 1986. The Tribal Council 's comments are included in
its letter of October 7, 1986, addressed to Mr. Larry Lapham, Chairman
of the Planning Commission". as follows:
"In previous memoranda to the City Planning Commission, the Tribal
Council has commended the Commission and Planning Staff for their
efforts to update the Zoning Ordinance and with certain reservations and
exceptions, has concurred in general with the proposed revisions. Since
these revisions are City-wide in nature and will affect both developed
and undeveloped Indian trust lands, the Tribal Council has expressed its
concerns with certain proposals which may adversely affect the use and
development of these lands as well as fee lands. The Tribal Council has
also requested development of trust lands be incorporated into the
Revised Zoning Ordinance. The Tribal Council is taking this opportunity
to reiterate its previously expressed concerns and requests prior to
your Commission taking final action on this matter.
Existing agreements between the Tribal Council and City Council
(Agreement No. 1324 dated July 26, 1977, and Supplement Agreement No. 1
thereto, dated March 28, 1978) clearly provided that procedures, rules
and regulations related to zoning, use and development of Indian Trust
lands geographically located within the City of Palm Springs, be
included in the City's Zoning Ordinance. In view of the large acreage
of remaining undeveloped trust land within the City, the Tribal Council
feels very strongly that it would be both right and timely that the
following Ordinances and Agreements relating to the use and development
of Indian trust lands be incorporated into the Revised Zoning Ordinance
as a separate and distinct section. The action would be consistent with
the agreements referred to above.
a. Ordinance No. 779 of the City of Palm Springs adopted March 13,
1967, and known as "The Joint Planning Procedure Ordinance."
The references therein to various sections of Division 9 of the
Palm Springs Ordinance will have to be revised and/or updated to
conform with the text of the Revised Zoning Ordinance.
b. Ordinance No. 5 of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
adopted December 12, 1978, and known as "The Tribal Land Use
Appeal Ordinance."
C. Agreement No. 1324 between the Tribal Council and City Council
dated July 26, 1977.
This agreement established the current procedures, rules and
regulations for processing land use matters involving Indian trust
land.
The Tribal Council strongly disagreed with the proposed Property
Development Standards for the "M-I" and "M-I-P" zones. As noted
October 8, 1986 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 8
Case 5.0400-ZTA (Continued)
previously, the standards being proposed for lot areas, setbacks,
4.� landscape buffers, etc. , appear to be very restrictive when compared
with other communities that are currently experiencing significant
growth in quality industrial/business parks. There are large acreages
of undeveloped trust lands as well as fee lands included within the M-
1" and "M-1-P" zones. The Tribal Council is concerned that the proposed
development standards may not be attuned to the current market for
industrial properties and will become a deterrent to attracting the
types of industries which contribute significantly to job opportunities
and economic stabilization within a community.
The latest proposals received from the Planning staff do not adequately
address the concerns and request referred to above. While the Tribal
Council appreciates the time and effort that the Commission and staff
have spent on this matter, it strongly urges that the Commission give
further consideration to the concerns and requests referred to above
prior to forwarding the Revised Zoning Ordinance to the City Council .
The Tribal Planning Consultant will be available to continue working
with staff on these matters."
CASE 5.0413-CUP. Application by ROBERT NACKOWSK I/HAWTHORNE SAVINGS for a
on i ional Use Permit to allow construction of two tennis courts in
conjunction with two single family residences on San Joaquin Drive,
t�
between San Mateo Drive/Alondra Way, R-1C Zone, Section 24.
(Categorically exempt from environmental assessment per CEQA guidelines;
final approval . )
Planner (VanKeeken) presented the staff report, discussed the
configuration of the courts, and stated that the AAC recommended denial
due to the lack of ability to integrate with the surroundings and no
room for landscaping since the house is directly above the tennis
courts. She explained that the tennis courts are recreational and
considered open space.
Chairman declared the hearing open.
R. Nackowski , 332 Promotory, Newport Beach, the applicant, explained
that the property was purchased to develop lots, but was not developed
because of the economic downturn, except that the three executives of
the ownership retained three large lots of 16,000 sq. ft. to build
personal homes. He stated that he was shocked that an apartment project
of high-density (R-3) was being built abutting his lot since he is
accustomed to transitional zoning and was not protected in any way by
the City. He stated that the configuration of his project is in
response to the high-density development, that his lots are no longer as
appealing as originally, that apartment units are only 15 feet behind
his lot, that it is ironic that an elevated tennis court structure was
approved, although not to be built, abutting his lot, but that the AAC
denied his project. He stated that the configuration of his project
will act as a buffer for his lot, that he can no longer build the
original home he planned, and that the project is a viable alternative
to the situation he inherited.
October 8, 1986 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 9
Case 5.0413-CUP (Continued)
Mrs. M. Ehrlich, 830 Calle de Flora, a neighbor, stated that the
proposed east/west orientation of the tennis court behind her property
would cause the wall to block her view of the mountains and suggested a
north/south orientation. She stated that a wall 10 feet high would
block her view.
Mr. Nackowski noted that the wall situation would not change; that there
is a chain-link fence 10 feet inside the property line which does not
obstruct the view.
Mrs. Ehrlich stated that the fence is ugly and should be reduced in
height or the project design changed. She stated that there would be
three levels of fencing if the project were approved.
R. Nackowski (rebuttal ) stated that the lots were purchased finished
with grading and pads complete and that Mrs. Ehrlich's walls were
already constructed. He stated that the project walls were built on top
of a drainage device and that building pad is 2 to 3 feet higher which
makes a difference in the wall height, and that the wall is a retaining
wall because Mrs. Ehrlich's wall is unstable. He stated that the full
impact of the chain-link fence will not be visible, except for perhaps
only three to four feet above the property line wall and should be no
problem, and that the setback to Mrs. Ehrlich's property is the required
10-foot distance.
In reply to Commission question, Planner stated that there are no line-
of-sight exhibits.
Planning Director described the walls as walls of the Montoro Estate and
Appel subdivisions, stated that the walls on the Appel property are two
courses of block higher than they should be, and that the wall height
will have to be determined at the point of building permits. He stated
that in regard to side setbacks there could be a 15-foot solid
structure, at the point of setback so the tennis courts will not block
the view any more than a structure. He stated that there is
encroachment into the rear and on the side setbacks which is the.
reason for the public hearing, and that if there were no setback
problems, the case would have been an architectural item only. He
explained that a north/south orientation would encroach into the front
setback on San Joaquin and that staff had advised Mr. Nackowski to place
the courts in their present location as a lesser impact, since the
location maintain setbacks on the east side and establishes a landscape
border along the south side of the east court to buffer the court from
the units to the south. He stated that the plan is "tight" and that a
solution would be to lower the courts 2 to 3 feet minimum and construct
an 8-foot wall , but that these remedies would be expensive.
Commissioner Whitney stated that the tennis courts will be visible from
cul de sac and the height of the fence different on the two elevations.
Planning Director, in reply to Commission questions, stated that the
tennis courts cannot be built by right of zone and require a CUP in
..: order to meet setbacks, and that footage would have to removed from the
courts which would make them sub-standard in size.
October 8, 1986 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 10
Case 5.0413-CUP (Continued)
Commissioner Curtis suggested that the courts be sunken for better
integration into the site.
/Whitney, Lapham dissented;
M/S/C (Curtis/Olsen; Kaptur absent) approving CUP 5.0413 based on the
following findings and subject to the following conditions:
Findings
1. That the Zoning Ordinance authorizes consideration of tennis
courts within the setbacks under a Conditional Use Permit.
2. That the proposal complies with the General Plan and as condi-
tioned is not detrimental to existing or future uses in the zone.
3. That the sites are adequate in size and shape to accommodate the
proposal , and that landscaping can be added to adjust the
appearance of the court to the neighborhood.
4. That the conditions (below) are necessary to protect the public
health, safety, and welfare.
Conditions
1. That the perimeter fencing be located at the edge of the tennis
court slab with the landscaping on the outside of the fence.
2. That the courts be sunken at least 4 feet (to the height of the
existing wall ) and reviewed by staff for compliance.
3. That the perimeter walls along side and rear lot lines of both
lots shall not exceed six (6) feet in height and that walls in the
front yard and side front yard shall not exceed four and one-half
WO feet in height.
4. That all conditions of the Development Committee dated September
15, 1986, shall be implemented.
5. That permits for the tennis courts not be issued until construc-
tion has commenced on the houses.
6. That the portion of the courts visible approaching the cul de sac
from the north be screened with landscaping.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
October 8, 1986 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 11
Case 5.0413-CUP (Continued)
ARCHITECTURAL APPROVAL ITEMS
Approval of architectural cases is valid for two years. The approval granted
must be exercised within that time period unless extended.
CASE 3.0103. Application by HAROLD PALLVINY for architectural approval of
single family hillside family residence on Ridge Road/El Camino Way, R-
1-C Zone, Section 27.
Planning Director stated that staff is recommending that the 15-foot
fill on the lot be retained and that the applicants are revising their
plans. He recommended that the item be removed from the agenda pending
receipt of the revised plans.
NOTE: No action was taken.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
CASE 5.0411-MISC. (Continued) . Planning Commission review of draft EIR for
the Riverside County redevelopment Agency for projects in the City's
Sphere of Influence.
M/S/C (Olsen/Curtis; Kaptur absent) tabling the item to later in the
meeting.
CASE 5.0419-MISC. Planning Commission review of CVAG Transportation Report.
Planning Director explained that the Coachella Valley Association of
Governments (CVAG) has prepared a study of the highway system throughout
the valley as part of a Southern California Association of Governments
(SCAG)-sponsored transportation study which will re-design the SCAG
model because of the closed transportation system of the valley. He
stated that part of the study included the Master Environmental
Assessment prepared several years ago which is a computer-prepared
information system, and that one of the streets reviewed is Alejo which
has been suggested to be tunneled under the airport. He stated that the
study indicated that the Alejo extension is a logical undertaking,
although the traffic would have to increase considerably for the project
to be cost effective as an alternate route to Highway 111 and Ramon
Road. He stated that another proposal is the extension of Avenue 34
(Dinah Shore Drive) to Escoba and would affect the Palm Springs
Equestrian Center and golf course and would not be a viable plan. He
stated that staff will prepare recommendations to be reviewed by the
Commission.
Traffic Engineer explained that the study addresses the improvements
constructed by the year 2010 and the Alejo tunnel would not be done by
that time. He stated that staff requested that SCAG restudy Gene Autry
Trail and the Whitewater Bypass which were not reviewed in depth, and
also that the development of the airport on the east side of the
terminal be reviewed for traffic impacts. He stated that the proposal
to extend Avenue 34 was requested to be deleted; that other alternatives
October 8, 1986 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 12
Case 5.0419-MISC (Continued)
such as widening Ramon Road to six lanes are viable. He explained that
SCAG will be reviewing developer Ernie Hahn's proposal for a bypass
north of the Palm Canyon Wash in Palm Springs, but that the proposal
would be costly because of condemnation of property to obtain right-of-
ways. In reply to Chairman's question he stated that the Whitewater
Bypass has not been abandoned, but only the portion linking with Highway
111 north of the wash along the dike, extending to Gene Autry Trail
north of the golf course remains. In reply to Commission question, he
stated that Alejo would be extended to the Panorama area, that the
Cathedral City Master Plan shows linkage with Alejo, and that Duvall
Road would also be extended. He stated that a portion of Alejo may be
deleted from the Cathedral City General Plan as a thoroughfare because
of the residential characteristics of the area and because the road does
not go anywhere.
In reply to Commissioner Olsen' s question, Traffic Engineer stated that
the issue generated by development of the east side of the Airport will
be reviewed by SCAG. He stated that original figures for traffic
generation in the study came from trip generation on the west side, but
that the City is requesting review of the traffic impact from the east
side.
Commissioner Olsen stated that the main terminal will remain
indefinitely, and that the traffic impacts on the east side should be
reviewed. Traffic Engineer stated that SCAG reviewed the past growth
trends in the valley to determine trip generation and the amount of
build-out in 2010 using 1984 traffic volumes for modeling.
Note: No action was taken (discussion item only) .
CASE 5.0420-MISC. Planning Commission review of Commission annual report for
M/S/C (Curtis/Neel ; Kaptur absent) continuing the item to October 22,
1986.
ARCHITECTURAL APPROVAL ITEMS (Continued)
Approval of architectural cases is valid for two years. The approval granted
must be exercised within that time period unless extended.
CASE 5.0275-PD-147. Application by DESERT FASHION PLAZA for alternatives for
punch list items; C-B-D Zone, Section 15.
Planner (Green) described the applicant's solutions to the items on the
punch list as follows:
1. Trellis light source screening.
Planner stated that Council did not want to be able to view the
exposed light sources and that the applicant is proposing an
opaque coating on the outside of the glass or on the bulb, and
October 8, 1986 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 13
Case 5.0275-PD-147 (Continued)
that the AAC preferred the application be on the glass shroud
�..� because in changing the bulbs the coating would disappear.
2. Parking structure lights.
Planner stated that the applicant proposed a plexiglass covered
shroud around the entire light fixture which would be placed on
hinges or slide on channels. He stated that the AAC felt that the
metal caps proposed were not necessary and recommended that the
shroud be extended instead. He explained that the texture on the
plexiglass is white diffusing acrylic plastic with a smooth
surface; and that the light source cannot be seen behind the
shroud. He stated that the trellis lighting is a heat resistant
paint on the glass with the light emanating around the sides.
Discussion ensued on the appearance of the proposed coating of the
lights. Consensus was that the applicant should install alternate
lighting proposals for review by the Commission in the field.
Planning Director stated that the proposal eliminated the trellis
lighting which is what the applicant is trying to light.
Chairman stated that the lighting should be flood lamps for
uniformity and that he had doubts about the painting proposal .
Planner stated that the lighting situation was discussed at length
with the applicant and finally the applicant appealed to the City
Council .
3. Kiosk design.
AAC recommended restudy of applicant's proposal .
M/S/C (Whitney/Curtis; Kaptur absent; Neel dissented) taking the
following actions:
1. Trellis light source screen.
One alternate to be approved, subject to Commission field review
of three alternate lighting solutions installed in bays.
2. Parking structure lighting.
Approved, subject to deletion of metal caps and extension of the
plastic lenses beyond the ends of the fixture to screen the
fixture from view from below.
3. Kiosk design.
Restudy, noting that the structures do not integrate well with the
architecture and recommending that a metal/wood structure be used.
Note: Commissioner Neel dissented stating that he feels that the
location of the lights is inappropriate.
October 8, 1986 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 14
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS (Continued).
CASE 5.0411-MISC. (Continued) . Planning Commission review of draft EIR for
e Riverside County e evelopment Agency for projects in the City's
Sphere of Influence.
M/S/C (Curtis/Neel ; Kaptur absent) removing the case from the table.
Planning Director stated that the item was continued from August by
staff to review the notice of preparation of an EIR for a series of
redevelopment projects in Riverside County, including two areas within
the City's northern sphere. He recommended a two-week continuance for
further staff review and comment, and stated that staff had concerns
that the sphere area planning by the County did not follow City
guidelines and also that fiscal impacts of continued development in the
County and fiscal impacts of redevelopment areas in case of annexation
should be analyzed.
M/S/C (Curtis/Neel ; Kaptur absent) continuing the case to October 22,
1986.
CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS. Planning Commission update of City Council Actions.
- CASE 5.0275-PD-147. Council upheld most of the Commission and AAC
recommendations on the DeBartolo punch list. Council deferred two
items as not being part of the original approval . Council
�..�' discussed the City/DeBartolo's agreement with DeBartolo
respresentative Gordon Osborn.
City Council/Economic Development Commission Meeting.
Joint meeting to discuss downtown cleanup program involving zoning
enforcement efforts and the criteria for architectural
improvements in the downtown was cancelled. Staff will give a
further report after the re-scheduled meeting.
Water Task Force Report. Prepared by Palm Springs Project
Committee which is not an official citizens committee. Ideas in
the report not subscribed to by the Desert Water Agency or City
Council . DWA stand on water issues is influenced by outside
forces and the Agency's position is difficult to determine.
Chairman stated that the water agency would have more knowledge
than the task force concerning future water problems.
Commissioner Neel stated that much water evaporates from the ponds
and never percolates underground and that the water agency should
install 24-inch casings to create suction to bring the water below
ground level . Planning Director stated that if a water shortage
develops, moratoriums can be established within two weeks.
Graffiti . Commissioner Whitney reported graffiti on walls in the
downtown and on walls on Gene Autry Trail .
Seminar. Planning Director requested to know as soon as possible
ice_Commissioners planned on attending the Planning Commission
Institute Seminar.
October 8, 1986 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 15
CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS (Continued)
Planning Commission Study Session: October 15, 1986, 3:00 p.m. ,
Large Con erence Room, City Hall .
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss Chairman adjourned the
meeting at 4:00 p.m.
PI anm !rector
MDR/ml
WP/PC MIN
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Council Chamber, City Hall
October 22, 1986
• 1:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL f-Y 1986 - 1987
Present Present Excused Absences
Planning Commission This Meeting to Date to date
Larry Lapham, Chairman X 7 0
Hugh Curtis X 7 0
Brent Hough X 1 -
Hugh Kaptur X 6 2
Earl Neel X 5 2
Gary Olsen - 6 1
Barbara Whitney X 4 1
Staff Present
Marvin D. Roos, Planning Director
Siegfried Siefkes, Assistant City Attorney
Carol Vankeeken, Planner
Robert Green, Planner
Margo Williams, Planner
Mary E. Lawler, Recording Secretary
Architectural Advisory Committee - October 20, 1986
fii c'h:.a i Ducc i ro
• William Johnson
Chris Mills
Gary Olsen
Tom Doczi
Barbara Whitney
Chairman called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.
M/S/C (Curtis/Neel ; Olsen) approving minutes of October 8 as submitted.
There were no Tribal Council comments.
ADMINISTRATIVE NOTE:
Chairman welcomed new Planning Commissioner Brent Hough, local insurance
agent, to the Commission.