HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-04-12 PC Minutes-, CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
April 12, 2006
Council Chambers, City Hall
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Present: Cohen, Hutcheson, Roath, Shoenberger, Vice Chair Hochanadel, and
Chair Marantz.
Absent: Ringlein.
Chair Marantz called the meeting to order at 1:32 p.m.
REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA:
The April 12, 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, April 7, 2006.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS: (Three minute time limit.)
Chair Marantz opened the Public Comments. There being no comments, Public Comments
was closed.
CONSENT AGENDA:
2. Approval of Minutes: March 22, 2006
M/S/C (Vice Chair Hochanadel/Hutcheson, 6-0, 1 absent/Ringlein) To approve, minutes of
March 22, 2006.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
3. Case 6.487-VAR - Application by Robert Seale to allow a garage within the front yard
setback located at 280 Camino Sur, Zone R-1-A, Section 10, APN 505-222-008.
Chair Marantz opened the Public Hearing. There being no comments, Public Comments was
closed.
M/S/C (Vice Chair Hochanadel/Cohen, 6-0, 1 absent/Ringlein) To continue, to Planning
Commission meeting of April 26, 2006.
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4. Case 5.1099 - CUP - An application by Escena-PSC, LLC., to allow the sale of beer in
the temporary golf course clubhouse within the Escena project located at 1000 North
Gene Autry Trail, Zone PD 231, Section 7, APN 677-260-025.
Assistant Planner, Michael Blumson, gave background information as outlined in the staff report
dated April 12, 2006.
Chair Marantz opened the Public Hearing.
There being no comments, the Public Hearing was closed.
M/S/C (Shoenberger/Cohen, 6-0, 1 absent/Ringlein) To approve, subject to Conditions of
Approval.
5. Case 5.1056 PD 314 / TTM 33575 - An application by Palm Canyon 102; L.P., to
consider revisions to the project's site plan, circulation and building plans based on City
Council's and Architectural Advisory Committee's comments located at 850 and 990
South Palm Canyon Drive, Zone C-1, Section 23.
Chair Marantz stated she has a conflict of interest with Item 5 because she has an office within
500 feet of the project and would not participate in the discussion and vote. She turned the
meeting over to Vice Chair Hochanadel and left the Council Chamber at 1:39 p.m.
Commissioner Shoenberger stated he has a business related conflict of interest on Item 5 and
would not participate in the discussion and vote. He left the Council Chamber at 1:39 p.m.
Director of Planning Services, Craig A. Ewing, gave background information as outlined in the
staff report dated April 12, 2006.
Discussion was made regarding the view corridor, frontage and a sign program.
Chair Hochanadel opened the Public Hearing.
Paul Crippan, lives across the street from the proposed project and Vice Chair of
TREND, requested pop -outs or chokers for traffic calming on Mesquite.
David Hilliard, applicant, addressed concerns expressed at the City Council meeting and gave
details regarding the revisions.
Robert Rambles, representing the applicant in sales and marketing of the project, gave an
overview of the types of inquiries they have received for the proposed live/work units.
There being no further comments, the Public Hearing was closed.
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April 12, 2006
Commissioner Roath commented that he prefers elements from the original plan and the
frontage along Palm Canyon should remain commercial.
Commissioner Hutcheson stated he is in favor of this project.
M/S/C (Roath/Hutcheson, 4-0, 3 absent/Ringlein, Shoenberger, and Chair Marantz) To
recommend to City Council approval of the revised site plan; with further consideration to the
possible exposure for commercial spaces on the lower level.
Chair Marantz and Commissoner Shoenberger re-entered the Council Chamber at 2:01 p.m.
6. Case 5.1094 - CUP - An application by Scott Morgan, of Wild for the Wine, to allow wine
tasting in conjunction with a retail wine store located at 390 North Palm Canyon Drive,
Zone C-1, Section 15, APN 513-081-022.
Assistant Planner, Michael Blumson, gave background history as outlined in the staff report
dated April 12, 2006.
Chair Marantz opened the Public Hearing.
Scott Morgan, co -applicant, stated that this store looks more like a boutique than a liquor store.
There being no further comments, the Public Hearing was closed.
M/S/C (Shoenberger/Cohen, 6-0, 1 absent/Ringlein) To approve, subject to Conditions of
Approval.
7. Case 5.1050 PD 312 - An application by Donahue Schriber Realty Group, agent for the
Smoke Tree Commons, to amend the General Plan Text to allow a second grocery store
within the Smoke Tree Area Plan; to amend the General Plan Circulation Map to re-
classify a section of East Palm Canyon Drive, adjacent to the project site, as a "major
thoroughfare" in order to facilitate the elimination of the frontage; a Planned Development
involving 170,265 square feet of retail and associated Architectural Review, Zone R-1-A,
Section 25, APN 510-020-034, 510-020-039 through 510-020-048.
Commissioner Shoenberger stated he has a business related conflict of interest on Item 7 and
would not participate in the discussion and vote. He left the Council Chamber at 2:08 p.m.
Director of Planning Services, Craig A. Ewing, gave background information as outlined in the
staff report dated April 12, 2006.
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Craig A. Ewing, reported that a memorandum has been submitted requesting revisions
to Engineering Conditions #7 and #70.
Discussion was made regarding a proposed new traffic signal and further clarification of the
AAC's recommendations of the revised site plan.
Chair Marantz opened the Public Hearing.
Jeff Chambers, Vice President of Development with Donahue Schriber Realty Group,
commented that they have been working with this project for the past 2 1/2 years and is
available for any questions.
Mike Lieberman, Donahue Schriber Realty Group, requested approval of the revised site plan
with the opportunity to go back to the AAC for the building elevations. He gave further
details regarding parking, shading, landscaping and pedestrian access. He addressed the
Architectural Advisory Committee's concerns. He requested Condition #14, page 3, to eliminate
the 4' wall and keep a chain link fence in the rear of the center; Condition #22, page
5, pertaining to the new title 24, Energy Code, requiring white reflective coating on
the commercial buildings instead of earth tone in color; Condition #24, page 5, consideration for
the site being on an alluvial fan, pertaining to the screening of the mechanical
equipment; Condition #26, page 5, regarding the perimeter wall, requested the back as a view
corridor to the habitat area, Condition 27, page 5, regarding the texture of the building,
requested modification to state, "to work with the AAC concurrence and Condition #42, page 6,
to eliminate the required islands, since they have provided more than the required
landscaping and Engineering Condition #23, page 11, regarding the 12 foot wide sidewalk and
bicycle lane, requested it remain as much landscaping as possible.
Craig A. Ewing recommended to modify Condition #22, "regarding Title 24, Energy Code,
subject to approval of Planning Director.
Kitty Campbell, property manager of Smoke Tree Inn, adjacent property, voiced concerns
regarding the Noise Ordinance and delivery to the stores.
John Raymond, Director of Community & Economic Development, stated he regarded this as
a positive project and felt that if this project was changed it could create a number of other
problems.
There being no further comments, the Public Hearing was closed
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Discussion was made regarding the parking spaces, drive-thru stacking spaces and
ingress/egress for delivery trucks.
Commissioner Roath stated he felt the architecture does not match with Smoke Tree, is in favor
of keeping the frontage road and the addition of another traffic signal would be a mistake.
Discussion was made regarding the applicant's request for mofications to certain Conditions of
Approval.
Commissioner Hutcheson stated he felt there were many open issues with respect to parking,
the traffic signal and the clustering of the buildings. He is in favor of a continuance for the
project.
Chair Marantz commented that she is not in favor of this project with this configuration.
The applicant was given the opportunity to state his preference for this project. Michael
Leberman, applicant, stated he has tried a number of different site plans with the tenants
involved in obtaining the necessary parking and vehicular/truck traffic flow and indicated they
would be keeping this site plan. He respectfully asked for denial of this project.
M/S/C (Roath/Vice Chair Hochanadel, 3-2/Hutcheson, and Chair Marantz, 2 absent/Ringlein,
and Shoenberger) To deny, Case 5.1050 PD 321.
Commissioner Hutcheson stated he is more in favor than against this project and he would vote
against the motion of denial. He felt the applicant would have benefited more from a
continuance.
8. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW: None.
MISCELLANEOUS:
9. Case 5.0666-B, PD 231 / TTM 32233-2 An application by, Lennar Homes of Southern
California, for final development plans for 240 single-family residences in Planning Areas
713, 7C, 9A and 9B within a previously approved Planned Development District 231
Escena located at the southeast corner of Gene Autry Trail and Vista Chino Drive.
Commissioner Shoenberger re-entered the Council Chamber at 3:11 p.m.
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April 12, 2006
Associate Planner, Diane Bullock, reported the following errors: on the staff report, page 3,
under Architectural Features the date should be July 13, 2005 not July 13, 2006; and on the
resolution, the 2nd paragraph should be July 16, 2003 not July 16, 2006.
She gave background information as outlined in the staff report dated April 12, 2006.
A video presentation was shown displaying the architectural features of the 3 different styles of
"modern" homes.
Joseph Gogas, Lennar Homes of Southern California, gave further details regarding the styles
of the homes.
M/S/C (Roath/Cohen, 6-0, 1 absent/Ringlein) To approve, the final plans for residential plane in
Planning Areas 7B, 7C, 9A and 9B are in substantial conformance with the previously approved
PD 231; subject to a re -study by the Architectural Advisory Committee.
10. Case 5.0988 CUP / 6.478 VAR - An request by Wessman Development for a time
extension of Case 5.0988 CUP and 6.478 VAR to allow a continuation of an existing
drive-thru entitlement located at 102 North Sunrise Way in the Tahquitz Square Shopping
Center, Zone C-1-AA, Section 13, APN 502-065-018.
Assistant Planner, Michael Blumson, gave background history as outlined in the staff report
dated April 12, 2006.
Commissioner Shoenberger stated that the Carl's Jr. which was previously at this location has
moved because they did not have a drive-thru. He felt a drive-thru would not work in this
location because of the tight quarters unless there is a total re -design of the building.
Martha Higgins, on behalf of Wessman Development, spoke regarding a Reciprocal Easement
Agreement for the ingress/egress. She requested a continuance or approval of the time
extension.
Discussion was made regarding the options for this site if this project is denied.
M/S/C (Shoenberger/Cohen, 6-0, 1 absent/Ringlein) To deny, Case 5.0988 CUP and Case
6.478 VAR.
Chair Marantz stated that the previous tenant has moved to a new location which has more
space for drive-thru but during certain times of the day traffic is blocked all the way to Ramon
Road and she emphasized the importance of not allowing traffic to block Sunrise Way.
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11. Case 5.0954 PD 242 / TTM 28308 - A request by Desert Chapel for a time extension of
the previously approved Tentative Tract Map and Planned Development located 657
South Sunrise Way, Zone RMHP/R-C-1, Section 23, APN 508-240-010.
Assistant Planner, Michael Blumson, gave background history as outlined in the staff report
dated April 12, 2006.
Michael Blumson further indicated that the Planned Development was approved in lieu of the
change of zone; creating the R-2 Land Use which allows Professional Uses on a Conditional
Use Permit.
Commissioner Shoenberger stated he felt it was a very nice plan when it was first presented
and it would be good to go forward with this plan.
M/S/C (Shoenberger/Cohen, 6-0, 1 absent/Ringlein) To recommend to City Council approval of
a one-year time extension for Case 5.0954 PD 242 and TTM 28308 until April 12, 2007.
Commissioner Roath commented that is refreshing to see 1/4 acre lots come before the
Commission.
OTHER BUSINESS:
12. SP 06-034 - An application by Riofine Neon Signs to amend the previously approved
permanent sign for Dale's Lost Highway Restaurant located at 125 East Tahquitz Canyon
Way, Zone CBD, Section 15, APN 513-144-001.
Assistant Planner, Michael Blumson, indicated the applicant has brought forward a revised sign
to a previously approved main sign.
Chair Marantz recalled when this main sign was approved, she specifically commented against
temporary banners being placed without prior approval. This business now has paper and
canvas banners everywhere.
Fenye Score, RioFine Neon Sign Company, commented the building is very unique and the
placement for the sign is the designated area for a main sign. She stated her company did not
put up the temporary banners.
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Commissioner Roath suggested installing 2 signs and placing them lower on the
building where they could be seen by pedestrians and motorists.
Discussion was made regarding the additional requests for more signage.
M/S/C (Hutcheson/Cohen, 5-1/Roath, 1 absent/Ringlein) To approve, subject to Conditions of
Approval.
Chair Marantz suggested to the applicant to notify the owner that she does not approve of all
the temporary banners on the building.
13. Initiation of a Zone Text Amendment, as outlined in Section 94.07.01 and relating to
Section 94.06.01 "Minor Modifications".
Associate Planner, Ken Lyon, gave background information as outlined in the staff report dated
-1 April 12, 2006. He added if the Commission initiates this Zone Text Amendment process, staff
` l will draft language for the Commission's review in a noticed Public Hearing.
M/S/C (Cohen/Hutcheson, 6-0, 1 absent/Ringlein) To initiate a Zone Text Amendment.
14. COMMISSION WORK PROGRAM: * *General Plan Update:
Ken Lyon gave an update regarding City Council's direction to study the area along the 1-10
corridor. He would be providing an on -going monthly update to better understand the General
Plan Update continuing process.
Commissioner Cohen reported the Block Grant program has moved forward and tonight it will
be presented to City Council
15. CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS: None to report.
16. COMMISSION/STAFF REPORTS AND REQUESTS -
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April 12, 2006
Discussion was made regarding traffic signals in the City.
Ken Lyon reported that the current Traffic Study is pending until the Land
Use Plan is finalized.
17. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Chair Marantz
declared the meeting adjourned at 4:12 p.m.
Fw�iAnnin
of PServices
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