HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-05-24 PC MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
May 24, 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.
REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA:
The May 24, 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 May 19, 2006.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS: (Three minute time limit.)
Chair Marantz opened the Public Comments portion of the meeting.
Christie Eugenos, Palm Springs, owner of the Hideaway Hotel, spoke in
opposition of Item 5.
Sven Holme, Palm Springs, spoke in opposition of Item 5.
There being no further comments, the Public Comments was closed.
CONSENT AGENDA:
Craig A. Ewing reported that the City Engineer requested Item 2D to be removed
from the Consent Agenda to allow further discussion.
Commissioner Roath stated he has a conflict of interest and would not participate
in the discussion and vote for Item 2D.
Commissioner Shoenberger stated he has a conflict of interest and would not
participate in the discussion and vote for Item 2C.
City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Minutes
of May 24, 2006
M/S/C (Ringlein/Hutcheson, 7-0) To approve Items 2A, 213, 2C and 2E as part of
the Consent Agenda, noting the abstention of Commissioner Shoenberger on
Item 2C and Commissioner Roath on Item 2D .
2A. Approval of Minutes: May 10, 2006
Approved, as part of the Consent Agenda.
213. Case 3.2848 - MAJ - An application by Desert View East, LLC, to
construct an approximately 5,108 square foot warehouse building
located at 19115 Newhall Street, Zone M2, Section 15, APN 666-402-
006.
Approved, as part of the Consent Agenda.
2C. Case 3.2859 - SFR - An application by Marcel and Mary Latulippe to
construct an approximately 5,317 square foot single-family residence
located at 1014 Andreas Palms Drive, Zone R-1-13, Section 35, APN
512-310-035.
Approved, as part of the Consent Agenda, noting Shoenberger's abstention.
2D. Case 3.2864 - MAJ - An application by Lily of the Valley Worship
Center to replace the existing church with a larger facility located at
200 Oasis Road, Zone M-1, Section 34, APN 669-444-012.
Commissioner Roath abstained from participating in the discussion and vote and
left the Council Chamber at 1:39 p.m.
Assistant Director of Public Works, Marcus Fuller, indicated this project has
overhead utilities along the alley and seeks the recommendation of the Planning
Commission relating to a -requirement of the under grounding of utility lines or a
deferral to covenant.
John Trueblood, architect, and Pastor Johnson, requested clarification of the
under grounding of utility lines. Clarification and further discussion was made.
M/S/C (Cohen/Vice Chair Hochanadel, 6-0, 1 absent/Roath) To approve, subject
to Conditions of Approval; defer the under grounding of utility lines to covenant.
Commissioner Roath re-entered the Council Chamber at 1:49 p.m.
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2E. Case 3.2877 - MAJ - An application by Barry Loud to construct an
approximately 2,400 square foot condominium duplex located at 510
Mel Avenue, Zone R2, Section 11, APN 507-061-020.
Approved, as part of the Consent Agenda.
Clarification was made on the motion for Item 2E on the Consent Calendar.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
3. TTM 33542 1 Case 5.1038 PD 310 - An application by Via Escuela Land
Partners, LLC, (Tangerine) to amend Tentative Tract Map 33542 and
modify Development District PD 310 to remove Condition of Approval
No. 51 located at the southwest corner of Via Escuela and North Palm
Canyon Drive, Zone PD-310, Section 3, APN 504-310-035.
Associate Planner, Diane Bullock, reported a change to the staff report on page
3, 2nd to the last paragraph, the first line should read: "... of the existing bus
stop does not validate ...". She gave background information as outlined in the
staff report dated May 24, 2006.
The Commission discussed Sunline Transit's, Cal Trans' and the City's
viewpoints on bus turn -outs.
Chair Marantz opened the Public Hearing.
Eric Guinan, attorney representing the applicants, requested the elimination of
Condition #51; and reported a correction indicating it would consist of an 8 foot
cut into the property rather than a 4 foot cut. He indicated the applicant was not
advised of Condition #51 during the initial stage.
Dupont, Mark, applicant, stated the imposition of Condition #51 would require
the modification of landscaping and engineering consisting of a full re -design.
Skip Goodell, architect, stated he was informed the turn -out would not be
necessary if Sunline Transit did not require it.
Eric Guinan, applicant rebuttal, requested the Commission to direct planning staff
to work with a 4 foot turn -out rather than an 8 foot cut-out, if not required by Cal
Trans.
Chair Marantz closed the Public Hearing.
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Craig A. Ewing noted that Condition #51 has been a part of the process from the
initial hearing.
Further clarification and discussion was made relating to City Council's approval
of the project and the necessary requirements by Cal Trans.
M/S/C (Shoenberger/Roath, 7-0) To approve, an amendment to Condition
#51; adding the following: "Consideration of Alternative 'B' as modified with the
bumps, subject to Cal Trans' approval and subject to the requirement of a bus
turn -out at this site, at the time of the final map".
4. Case 6.490 VAR - An application by Haven Management Company to
reduce the setback requirement from twenty-five to zero for a six foot
high perimeter block wall around the Sahara Mobile Home Park
located at 1955 South Camino Real, Zone RMHP, Section 26, APN 511-
051-001 and 511-160-001.
Assistant Planner, Michael Blumson, gave background information as outlined in
the staff report dated May 24, 2006.
Chair Marantz opened the Public Hearing,
John Davis, Haven Management Company, gave additional information and
indicated the mobile home park is maintained by a non-profit corporation and felt
the wall would greatly enhance the safety to the seniors.
Ken Stecker, Palo Fiero Estates, stated they had no objections to the proposed
wall but expressed several concerns.
Andrea Gianbione, resident of Country Club Estates, stated concerns relating to
removal of the oleanders to adjoining property line.
Bob Flint, Palm Springs, resident of the mobile home park, addressed the above
speaker clarifying there would be no wall in that area.
Bob Norton, president of the Palo Fiero Estates HOA, stated they are not in
opposition to the wall but expressed concerns relating to the wall reverberating
noise.
Pat Perla, resident of Palo Fiero Estates, voiced concerns relating to speeding
vehicles.
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Bob Wuegger, (writing not clear), resident of Palo Fiero Estates, voiced his
concern regarding the unsightly view to the back yards when the oleanders are
cut down.
John Davis, applicant rebuttal, spoke regarding the area with the oleanders and
landscaping.
There being no further comments, the Public Hearing was closed.
Discussion was made relating to the oleanders, landscaping and the proposed
wall.
M/S/C (Hutcheson/Shoenberger, 7-0) To approve, subject to 'Conditions of
Approval; and add to Condition #1, "A requirement of robust landscaping along
the portions of the project that front homes, as approved by the Architectural
Advisory Committee".
A recess was taken at 3:00 p.m.
The meeting was resumed at 3:13 p.m.
5. Case 5.1089 PD 322 - An application by Wessman Holdings, LLC, for
the Palm Hotel, to construct a four-story boutique hotel with 51 rooms
including 11 suites, a restaurant, bar and pool cabanas on
approximately 36,217 square feet site located at 327 West'Tahquitz
Canyon Way, Zone R-3, Section 15, APN 513-141-013 and 004.
Principal Planner, Edward Robertson, gave background information as outlined
in the staff report dated May 24, 2006.
Discussion was made relating to the boundaries of the Downtown Design
Guidelines and clarification was made that this site is outside this area.
Chair Marantz opened the Public Hearing.
John Wessman, Wessman Development, addressed concerns from the
Commission and gave further details relating to the site plans and the Winters'
property.
Jay Gustafson, Palm Springs, encouraged this project but not on this site.
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Ed Torres, president of PSEDC, read a statement in support of the OPA signed
on June 2, 2004, by the City of Palm Springs Community Redevelopment
Agency.
Bob Helbling, Palm Springs, spoke in opposition of the project.
Aftab Dada, manager of the Hilton, voiced his support for the project.
Sheryl Hamlin, Palm Springs, spoke in opposition of the project.
Doug Smith, Palm Springs, hotel owner, spoke in opposition of the project.
Jono Hilder, Palm Springs, spoke in opposition of the project.
Frank Tysen, Palm Springs, gave clarification relating to the OPA and spoke in
opposition of the project.
John Stiles, Palm Springs, spoke in support of the project.
John Wessman, applicant rebuttal, read a portion of the OPA and gave additional
information.
There being no further comments, the Public Hearing was closed.
Commissioner Roath stated his opposition to the proposed project.
Commissioner Shoenberger stated his views relating to the OPA agreement and
the role of the Planning Commission.
Commissioner Hochanadel stated his concurrence with Commissioner
Shoenberger.
Commissioner Hutcheson voiced his concerns relating to set -backs and felt the
project is out -of -scale with the neighborhood; is opposed to the project.
Commissioner Ringlein stated she is 90% in agreement with Commissioner
Shoenberger's statement.
Chair Marantz stated her only concern was the minimal amount of parking
spaces; she is in favor of the project with the 73 parking spaces required.
Assistant Director of Public Works, Marcus Fuller, reported the
following revision to the resolution to include a reference to General
Plan Policy 7.1.6 "To allow a reduction of Right -of -Way width to 45' on Cahuilla
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City of Palm Springs
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Road and include a finding of consistency with the Circulation Element of the
General Plan for a Vacation of the westerly 5 foot of Right -of -Way on Cahuilla
Road".
M/S/C (Shoenberger/Ringlein, 5-2/Hutcheson, and Roath) To recommend
approval to the City Council; subject to the requirement of providing 73 parking
spaces.
6. SP 06-031 - An application by Wessman Development for a sign
program for the Mercado Plaza located at 155 South Palm Canyon
Drive, Zone CBD, Section 15, APN 513-143-019.
Assistant Planner, Michael Blumson, gave background information as outlined in
the staff report dated May 24, 2006.
Chair Marantz stated she attended the AAC meeting and there was a concern
with the kiosk.
Martha Higgins, property manager for Wessman Development, stated they
originally had a sign program and gave further details relating to the tenant signs
and the kiosk.
Commissioner Ringlein stated that it is a hardship for some businesses who have
no visible signage.
M/S/C (Ring lei n/Hutcheson, 7-0) To approve, subject to Conditions of Approval.
7. MISCELLANEOUS: None.
8. Case 5.1008 CUP - Setting a Public Hearing for a recommendation to
revoke a Conditional Use Permit at the Inn Exile Hotel located at 545
Warms Sands Drive, Zone R2, Section 23.
Director of Planning Services, Craig A. Ewing, gave background information as
outlined in the staff report dated May 24, 2006.
John Kendrix, Palm Springs, gave additional information relating to the removal
of the prohibited signage and letters from Code Enforcement.
Don Keating, Palm Springs, indicated that the hotel has been a constant source
of problems for the neighborhood and requested a public hearing.
Vice Chair Hochanadel stated this is an issue for Code Enforcement
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Commissioner Shoenberger stated that it appeared the applicant has made an
effort to resolve the problems. He felt if additional problems should arise then
this should come back to the Commission.
M/S/C (Shoenberger/Cohen, 7-0) Conditional Use Permit to remain in effect, until
further notice.
9. COMMISSION WORK PROGRAM:
"*General Plan Update- Ken Lyon gave the status of the General Plan
Update.
"*Commission Work Program Priorities and Subcommittee
Assignments- None.
10. CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS: Update.
Craig A. Ewing gave an update on the Joint Meeting with the City Council,
Planning Commission and the Architectural Advisory Committee held on May 31,
2006. He indicated the June 7, 2006 Planning Commission Study Session will
be dedicated only to the discussion of the draft Chino Cone Ordinance.
11. COMMISSION/STAFF REPORTS AND REQUESTS -
Craig A. Ewing reported today will be Michael Blumson's last day attending the
Planning Commission meeting. His last day of employment with the City will be
June 2, 2006.
Chair Marantz submitted pictures for Code Enforcement to follow-up relating
to prohibited signage at two locations in Palm Springs.
Marcus Fuller gave additional information relating to the $1.4 grant for the
gateway entry landscape project on Gene Autry and Vista Chino. He indicated
funds have been secured and this item would be coming back to them for an
appointment to a sub -committee.
12. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further comments, the meeting was
adjourned at 5:04 p.m.
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