HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-03-22 PC MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
March 22, 2006
Council Chambers, City Hall
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Present: Cohen, Hutcheson, Ringlein, Roath, Shoenberger, Vice Chair
Hochanadel, and Chair Marantz.
Absent: None.
Chair Marantz called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.
REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA:
The March 22, 2006, agenda was available for public access at the City
Hall exterior bulletin board and the Department of Planning Services
counter by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 17, 2006.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS: (Three minute time limit.)
Chair Marantz opened the Public Comments.
Joyce Virtue, real estate broker representing the applicant, Dr. Mazaheri,
spoke regarding Item 6, concerning the problem with homeless people
in his property and the amount of money he's spent on trying to rectify this
situation.
There being no further comments, Public Comments was closed.
CONSENT AGENDA:
Commissioner Ringlein requested Item 2D be removed from the Consent
Agenda for further discussion.
Vice Chair Hochanadel requested Item 213 be pulled from the Consent
Agenda for further discussion.
2A. Approval of Minutes: March 8, 2006
1
M/S/C (Hutcheson/Ringlein, 7-0) To approve, minutes of March 8, 2006.
2B. Case 3.2835 - An application by D.W. Johnston Construction, to
construct two contemporary style office buildings, "Saturmino
Professional Park", on 1.83 acres, Administrative Minor Modification
pending for a 10% reduction of parking from 116 to 104 located at
1881 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Zone P, Section 13, APN 502-161-
005, 006 and 007.
Associate Planner, Diane Bullock, gave background information as outlined
in the staff report dated March 22, 2006.
David Prest, architect, was available for questions from the Commission.
Discussion was made regarding the 10% parking space reduction.
M/S/C (CohenNice Chair Hochanadel, 7-0) To approve, subject to
Conditions of Approval.
2C. Case 3.2841 -SFR - An application by Hector Romero to construct a
3,876 square foot single-family residence located at 2500 Cahuilla
Hills Drive, Zone R-1-A, Section 27, APN 513-430- 044.
M/S/C (Hutcheson/Ringlein, 7-0) To approve, subject to Conditions of
Approval.
2D. Case 3.2759 - SFR - An application by Rodney Thomas to construct a
4,354 square foot single-family residence located at 695 West Racquet
Club Road, Zone R-1-13, Section 3, APN 504-182-001.
Assistant Planner, Michael Blumson, gave background information as
outlined in the staff report dated March 22, 2006.
Discussion was made regarding the streets and front yard set -backs.
M/S/C (Hutcheson/Ringlein, 6-1/Roath) To approve, subject to Conditions
of Approval.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
3. Case 5.1090 PD 323 / TTM 33878 - An applilcation by Smoke Tree,
Inc. for a proposed Planned Development District and phased
subdivision of a 41.22 acre -parcel into a 21.05 acre area with 49
residential lots with 52 cottages and private streets located at 1850
Smoke Tree Lane, Zone R-G-A(6), Section 25.
Commissioner Shoenberger stated he has a business related conflict of
interest on Items 3, 4 and 5 and would not participate in the discussion and
vote. He left the Council Chamber at 1:56 o.m.
Contract Planner, Bernie Chase, gave background information as outlined
in the staff report dated March 22, 2006.
Chair Marantz opened the Public Hearing.
Kitty Campbell, spoke on hehalf of the owner of Smoke Tree Inn, the
adjacent property, concerned if project is approved, it would prohibit the
applicant to erect 15 - 20 units on the back acre.
Tracy Conrad, Chief Operating Officer of Smoke Tree Ranch, thanked staff
for their diligent work on their project. She gave further details regarding
the project and stated her concern with Engineering Conditions #12 and
#18.
Marvin Roos, MSA Consulting, gave a history of Smoke Tree Ranch and
further information regarding lot coverage, CFD and drainage fees. He
requested the Engineering Condition #12, regarding drainage swales, be
deleted; and Condition #18, regarding retention be modified.
There being no further comments, the Public Hearing was closed.
Marcus Fuller, Assistant Director of Public Works, proposed Engineering
Condition #12 be modified as follows: "Natural drainage swales should be
maintained adjacent to all edges of roadway pavement ... " and
Engineering Condition #18 to state, "The applicant shall accept and convey
all stormwater runoff across the property in a manner consistant with the
existing natural landscape of the Smoke Tree property" and Condition #19,
to add to the end of the sentence, "unless prior payment of fees may be
demonstrated or credit for deletion of Master Storm Drain line is approved
by the City Engineer."
Tracy Conrad requested 5,000 square feet of construction envelope.
M/S/C (Ringlein/Cohen, 6-0, 1 absent/Shoenberger) To recommend
adoption of the Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration and approval of Case
5.1090 PD 323 and TTM 33878 to City Council, subject to Conditions of
Approval; as amended: Engineering Condition #12, "Natural drainage
swales should be maintained adjacent to all edges of roadway pavement. .
."; Engineering Condition #18, 'The applicant shall accept and convey all
stormwater runoff across the property in a manner consistant with the
existing natural landscape of Smoke Tree property."; Condition #19, to add
to the last sentence, "unless prior payment of fees may be demonstrated or
credit for deletion of Master Storm Drain line is approved by the City
Engineer'; and a new Condition to shall be: "5,000 square feet of
construction envelope, as approved by Planning Director".
4. Case 33623 TTM - An application by Contempo Homes for a
Tentative Tract Map to subdivide an approximate 3.42 acre parcel into
10 single family residential lots ranging from 9,754 to 19,841 square
feet located north of Via Escuela and west of Gene Autry Trail, Zone
R-1-D, Section 6, APN 677-030-019.
Chair Marantz stated she has a business related conflict of business and would
not participate in the discussion and vote for Items 4 and 5. The meeting was
turned over to Vice Chair Hochanadel. She left the Council Chamber at 2:20
p.m.
Principal Planner, Edward Robertson, gave background information as outlined
in the staff report dated March 22, 2006. He indicated this tract is one the three
subdivisions proposed by the same applicant in the same general vicinity.
Further discussion was made regarding the driveways for lots 2 and 3.
Marcus Fuller, Assistant Director of Public Works, recommended the Planning
Commission make a finding for a reduced right-of-way width less than 50 feet
for a public street otherwise the 50 feet is a standard requirement.
Chair Hochanadel opened the Public Hearing.
Lance O'Donnell, O'Donnell, Escalante Architects, gave further information
regarding the tribal trust and allottee portions, design of homes, landscaping and
reduced right-of-way.
Harriet Pierce, lives in surrounding neighborhood, voiced her concern regarding
traffic issues.
Donald Bradhurt, lives on Verona Road, concerned about traffic in this area and
on Gene Autry Trail towards the 10 Freeway.
A recess was taken at 2:39 p.m. for technical difficulties.
Returned from recess at 2:53 p.m.
Ed Torres, representing Contempo Homes, gave further information concerning
the Tribal parcel and clarified the proposed number of homes.
There being no further comments, the Public Hearing was closed.
Discussion was made regarding traffic improvements on Gene Autry Trail.
M/S/C (Ring lei n/Cohen, 5-0, 2 absent/Shoenberger, and Chair Marantz) To
recommend adoption of the Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration and approval of
TTM 33623 to City Council, subject to Conditions of Approval.
5. Case 30350 TTM - An application by Contempo Homes for a
Tentative Tract Map 30350 to subdivide an approximate 11.42 acre
parcel into 39 single family residential lots ranging from 7,926 to
14,421 square feet located south of Verona Road and east of
Whitewater Club Drive, Zone R-1-D, Section 6, APN 677-030-001.
Principal Planner, Edward Robertson, gave background information as outlined
in the staff report dated March 22, 2006. He indicated this tract is the 2nd
of three subdivisions proposed by the same applicant, as previously heard.
Marcus Fuller, Assistant Public Works Director, reported that all requirements for
City standards are being met for the local public streets.
Chair Hochanadel opened the Public Hearing.
Lance O'Donnell, O'Donnell Escalante Architects, gave further details regarding
the sidewalks, streets and curbs.
Henry Herbst, Palm Springs, owns a lot next to proposed project, voiced his
concern regarding the utility lines and the routing of construction vehicles.
There being no further comments, the Public Hearing was closed.
M/S/C (Roath/Cohen, 5-0, 2 absent/Shoenberger, and Chair Marantz) To
recommend adoption of the Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration and approval of
TTM 33623 to City Council, subject to Conditions of Approval.
Chair Marantz and Commissionner Shoenberger re-entered the Council
Chamber at 3:06 p.m.
6. Case 6.486 -VAR - An application by Dr. Reza Mezahari to allow a
wrought iron fence above the allowable height limit located at 2001
East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Zone R2, Section 13, APN 502-171-017.
Assistant Planner, Michael Blumson, gave background information as
detailed in the staff report dated March 22, 2006.
Discussion was made regarding the construction of the wall prior to
approval and the problem with homeless people at this property.
Chair Marantz opened the Public Hearing.
There being no comments, the Public Hearing was closed.
M/S/C (Ringlein/Roath, 7-0) To deny, without prejudice.
7. Case 6.487-VAR - An application by Robert Seale to allow the
construction of a two -car garage within the front yard setback located
at 280 Camino Sur, Zone R-1-A, Section 10, APN 505-222-008.
Assistant Planner, Michael Blumson, reported staff recommends to
continue this project to a date certain of April 12, 2006, per the applicant.
M/S/C (Ringlein/Vice Chair Hochanadel, 7-0) To continue to Planning
Commission meeting of April 12, 2006.
8. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW: None.
9. MISCELLANEOUS: None.
10. COMMISSION WORK PROGRAM:
* *General Plan Update -
* *Work Program Priorities and
Subcommittee Assignments -
Craig A. Ewing reported the City Council has given the Planning
Department direction regarding the Land Use Map including additional
studies on the Land Use potential and designation for the areas of the
City, north of the railroad tracks and around the Interstate 10 corridor.
11. CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS: Update.
Craig A. Ewing, reported a 3- ring binder for the "Museum Market Plaza" has
been distributed to the Planning Commission to gather information and use as a
reference.
12. COMMISSION/STAFF REPORTS AND REQUESTS -
Chair Marantz requested planning staff look into the colors at the storage
facility located at the intersection of Gene Autry and Dinah Shore.
6
Craig A. Ewing gave an update on several other projects and the upcoming
Study Session topics.
Commissioner Ringlein requested planning staff look into excessive run-off
water located north of the Albertson's Shopping Center on Sunrise Way
and Vista Chino.
13. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Chair Marantz
declared the meeting adjourned at 3:22 p.m.
7