HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-06-14 PC MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
June 14, 2006
Council Chambers, City Hall
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
ROLL CALL:
Present
Present
Year: 2006
This Meeting
to Date
Excused Absences
Dianne Marantz, Chair
X
11
0
Larry Hochanadel, Vice Chair
X
11
0
Jon Shoenberger
X
10
1
Leo Cohen
X
11
0
Marshall Roath
X
11
0
Toni Ringlein
X
10
1
Rick Hutcheson
X
10
1
REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA:
The June 14, 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 June 9,,
2006.
Craig A. Ewing requested Items 8 and 2B to be continued to the Planning Commission
meeting of June 28, 2006.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS: (Three minute time limit.)
Chair Marantz opened the Public Comments portion of the meeting.
There being no comments, the Public Comments was closed.
CONSENT AGENDA:
M/S/C (Roath/Vice Chair Hochanadel, 7-0) To approve, Items 2A and 2B as part of the
Consent Agenda.
City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Minutes
of June 14, 2006
2A. Approval of Minutes: May 24, 2006 To approve, minutes of May 24, 2006.
Approved, as part of the Consent Agenda.
2B. Case 3.2829 MAJ An application by Grant Hovakimyan to construct
approximately 7,200 square foot, 3 unit condominium building located at 551
East Vista Chino Road, Zone R2, Section 11, APN 507-022-005.
Approved, as part of the Consent Agenda, to continue to the Planning Commission
meeting of June 28, 2006.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
3. Case 3.2844, 3.2845, 3.2846 and 3.2847 MAJ - An application by Desert View
East, LLC, to construct four warehouse buildings of approximately 5,108
square foot each located at 19024 and 19070 Ruppert Street and 19021 and
19069 Newhall Street, Zone M1, Section 15, APN: 666-402-001 - 004.
Principal Planner, Edward Robertson, gave background information as outlined in the
staff report dated June 14, 2006.
He indicated the Architectural Advisory Committee requested two revisions which the
applicant has made to staff's satisfaction.
Chair Marantz opened the Public Hearing portion of the meeting.
There being no comments, Chair Marantz, closed the Public Hearing portion of the
meeting.
M/S/C (Vice Chair Hochanadel/Cohen, 7-0) To adopt, the draft Negative Declaration
and approve Case Nos. 3.2844, 3.2845, 3.2846 and 3.2847, subject to Conditions of
Approval.
4. Case 6.491 VAR - An application by Century Vintage Homes for Mountain
Gate 11 for a variance to Section 93.02.00.E (Fences, Walls and Landscaping -
Height Standards) to add two feet of glass wall to the top of the northern
portion of the existing six foot perimeter block wall of the development
located at Gateway Drive and Highway 111, Zone PD 279, Section 34.
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of June 14, 2006
Director of Planner Services, Craig A. Ewing, gave background information as outlined
in the staff report dated June 14, 2006. He indicated the applicant has stated the
reasons for the wall are primarily to block the prevailing winds and to provide protection
to the rear yard area of the homes.
Further clarification and discussion was made relating to sandblasting, maintenance
and replacement of the wall.
Chair Marantz opened the Public Hearing portion of the meeting.
Tom Hill, representing Century Vintage Homes, gave additional information.
There being no further comments, Chair Marantz, closed the Public Hearing.
Commissioner Roath requested clarification on the wall height.
M/S/C (Hutcheson/Cohen, 6-1/Vice Chair Hochanadel) To approve, subject to
Conditions of Approval.
5. Case 5.1106 CUP - An application by Omnipoint Communications Inc., for a
Conditional Use Permit for the installation of a ninety foot tall commercial
communications antenna designed as a light pole and an equipment cabinet
enclosed with a 7 foot high fence located at 450 South Sunrise Way, Zone O,
Section 13.
Principal Planner, Edward Robertson, gave background information as outlined in the
staff report dated June 14, 2006.
He indicated the applicant has secured a letter of authorization with the City to allow
them to continue with the application.
Commissioner Hochanadel requested clarification on the height of the existing poles.
Chair Marantz opened the Public Hearing portion of the meeting.
Pete Shubin, representing the Omnipoint Communications, gave additional information
pertaining to the proposed height of the antenna and the existing light poles.
Craig A. Ewing reported that he had recently visited this site and he felt that this
increase in height is consistent with the other towers which are converted into light
poles.
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Planning Commission Minutes
of June 14, 2006
Gary Lemeris, Palm Springs, lives directly across from Sunrise Park, voiced his
concern about the accessibility to the high voltage boxes enclosed in the equipment
shelter; trash in the area and proper compensation for the City.
Commissioner Hochanadel requested clarification on City's compensation for the lease
of this site.
Mary Brent Wehrli, Palm Springs, voiced her concern relating to the City receiving
proper compensation for leasing property for cell tower antennas.
There being no further comments, the Public Hearing was closed.
Commissioner Shoenberger requested clarification relating to possible future changes
at the stadium and the City's protection. Craig A. Ewing reported that Condition #5
provides protection to the City.
Note: Vice Chair Hochanadel made a motion of denial; The motion was seconded by
Ringlein. MOTION FAILED.
M/S/C (Hutcheson/Shoenberger, 6-1/Vice Chair Hochanadel) To recommend approval
`) to City Council, subject to Conditions of Approval.
6. Case 6.488 VAR - An application by Walter K. Bowman, M.S. Landscape, for
a variance to Section 92.05.03.E (Yards) to reduce the required setbacks
from 10 feet to 5 feet for the construction of carports within the setback
area located at 302 South Calle Encilia, Zone HR, Section 14, APN 508-092-
002.
Director of Planning Services, Craig A. Ewing, gave background information as outlined
in the staff reported dated June 14, 2006.
Chair Marantz opened the Public Hearing portion of the meeting.
Walter Bowman, representing M.S. Landscape, available for questions and stated he is
in agreement with the conditions of approval.
There being no further comments, Chair Marantz, closed the Public Hearing.
M/S/C (Vice Chair Hochanadel/Cohen, 7-0) To approve, subject to Conditions of
Approval.
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City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Minutes
of June 14, 2006
7. Case 5.1070 PD 317 / TTM 30047 - An application by Newport Federal (Eagle
Canyon) for a proposed Planned Development District 317, Tentative Tract
Map 30047. The Planned Development would allow the construction of 75
single-family homes and 155 town homes on approximately 60.24 acres of a
117 acre parcel. -
Commissioner Shoenberger stated he has a business related conflict of interest and
would not participate in the discussion and vote. He left the Council Chamber at 2:20
p.m.
Contract Planner, Nicole Criste, provided background and detailed information as
outlined in the staff report dated June 14, 2006.
She indicated that the architecture for this is site is consistent with Specific Plan
Requirements.
She gave further details using the power point presentation.
Chair Marantz requested clarification on the single and double loaded streets
and density transfer.
Commissioner Hutcheson commented this area is very rocky and requested
clarification on the existing boulders.
Vice Chair Hochanadel requested clarification on the level of the pads.
Commissioner Cohen requested clarification on the street width and parking.
Commissioner Hochanadel requested clarification on the hydrology drainage flowing to
the neighboring golf course.
Chair Marantz opened the Public Hearing portion of the meeting.
James Watson, representing the applicant, requested additional time to speak, gave the
background history to this project. He gave detailed information on the boundaries of
the 117 acre parcel and the Specific Plan amended in 2003. He used the Power Power
presentation additional details.
He indicated one of the most obvious challenges in the land planning effort was the
hydrology solution on this site.
He gave an outline on the infrastructure benefits to the City and the Community.
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David Tom, (name unclear) spoke about the challenges and balance involved in
working with this project; indicated staff has been very supportive and gave further
details using the Power Point presentation relating the architecture and landscape.
Howard Baerad, Palm Springs, has lived in Andreas Hills for 20 years, spoke in favor of
the project on the basis of the traffic and flood problems in this area.
Dana Stewart, Palm Springs, read a letter submitted from residents on Milo Drive,
relating to Hillside development.
Linda Williamson, Palm Springs, lives in the area, spoke in favor of the project and
commended the developer for addressing the traffic problems in this area.
Charles Sachs, Palm Springs, requested this project be put on hold because of a
potential economic downturn; spoke in opposition of this project.
Jono Hilder, chair of Save our Mountains, stated his concerns relating to this site being
another alluvial fan.
Lee Goodsell, Palm Springs, spoke in favor of the proposed project and commented
that the developer chose smart and responsible development.
Vic Gainer, Palm Springs, requested consideration for boulder crushing and consistency
in the density transfer of projects.
James Watson, applicant rebuttal, commented that they have worked very
diligently and requested approval of this project.
There being no further comments, Chair Marantz, closed the Public Hearing portion of
the meeting.
A recess was taken at 3:41 p.m.
The meeting resume at 3:56 p.m.
Chair Marantz requested clarification the width of streets and set -backs.
Further clarification and discussion was made relating to the parking bays, catch basins,
the trail on conservation land, set -backs for the garages, flood control and drainage.
Craig A. Ewing gave clarification relating to density transfer.
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City of Palm Springs
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Commissioner Roath commented that this site would benefit from a development such
as Smoke Tree Ranch. He liked the architecture but felt the project is too crowded.
Commissioner Hutcheson commented that with a project of this scale there are
always trade-offs and overall he felt this would be an excellent project for the City of
Palm Springs.
Commissioner Cohen voiced his support of the project.
Commissioner Ringlein stated her support of the project; but was only opposed
to a gated community. She commended the developer for all their effort with the
hydrology and streets.
Commissioner Hochanadel stated his support of the project but prefers garages to
include set -backs.
Chair Marantz stated she felt this is a good project and suggested the use of the garage
as parking for vehicles rather than a storage area.
M/S/C (Vice Chair Hochanadel/Cohen, 5-1/Roath, 1 absent/Shoenberger) To
recommend approval to City Council, subject to Conditions of Approval.
Commissioner Shoenberger re-entered the Council Chamber at 4:26 p.m.
8. Zoning Ordinance Amendment for Chino Cone and Adjacent Areas -
Consideration for an amendment to the Palm Springs Zoning Ordinance and
establish new development standards for the Chino Cone and adjacent
areas located southwest of Highway 111 and generally bisected by Tramway
Road. Adjacent areas also affected by the proposed project include lands
north of the Chino Cone along the southwesterly edge of Highway 111.
Craig A. Ewing requested this Item be continued to the meeting of June 28, 2006.
Chair Marantz opened the Public Hearing portion of the meeting.
Dana Stewart, Palm Springs, spoke in reference to the Coachella Valley Water District
Management Task Force report indicating a water shortage and the importance of air
quality within developments.
There being no further comments, the Public Hearing, is continued until June 28, 2006.
M/S/C (Cohen/Vice Chair Hochanadel, 7-0) To continue to Planning Commission
meeting of June 28, 2006.
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City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Minutes
of June 14, 2006
9. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW: None.
MISCELLANEOUS:
10. Case SP 06-007 -An application by Censource for review of a sign program
for the Tahquitz Plaza Shopping Center located at 101 North Sunrise Way,
Zone RA, Section 14, APN 508-070-042.
Principal Planner, Edward Robertson, gave background information as outlined in the
staff reported date June 14, 2006.
Commissioner Cohen reported that the Architectural Advisory Committee reported that
they are pleased with the changes made to the monument signs.
M/S/C (Roath/Cohen, 7-0) To approve, subject to Conditions of Approval.
11. Case 10.455 - A request for Determination of Use finding that open
space/parks be a permitted use in any Professional (P) Zone.
Director of Planning Services, Craig A. Ewing, gave background information as outlined
in the staff report dated June 14, 2006.
M/S/C (Hutcheson/Vice Chair Hochanadel, 7-0) To adopt the draft Resolution of
Determination.
12. Appointment of Planning Commissioner to the Project Team for the Gene
Autry Trail Gateway Landscape Improvement Project.
Assistant Director of Public Works, Marcus Fuller, gave details relating to the role of the
project team.
The Commission appointed Commissioner Cohen to the project team.
13. COMMISSION WORK PROGRAM:
* *General Plan Update
* *Work Program Priorities and Subcommittee Assignments
Craig A. Ewing gave an update on the review of draft Community Design Element. He
further indicated that the Traffic Analysis for the draft Land Use program should be
completed within the next week.
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14. CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS:
Craig reported that there will be no City Council Study Session tonight.
15. COMMISSION/STAFF REPORTS AND REQUESTS -
Commissioner Ringlein reiterated her request to Parks & Recreation to follow-up on the
maintenance of the park benches and trash receptacles on Palm Canyon Drive, as well
as, the trash clean up at the Stadium located at Sunrise Park.
Craig A. Ewing gave an update on Code Enforcement staff and the Administrative
Citations program, as well as another pro -active program to be initiated shortly.
Chair Marantz requested clarification relating to a timeline schedule for several of
projects under renovation. Craig A. Ewing gave further clarification relating to the status
of these projects and additional details relating to historic preservation of older
buildings.
Commissioner Cohen voiced his concerns relating to the tenant vacancies at the Desert
Fashion Plaza.
Vice Chair Hochanadel reported a safety hazard at a construction site between Ramon
Road and El Segundo. He stated that a construction fence is blocking the view of on-
coming traffic. Craig A. Ewing reported that this would be reported to the Building
Department.
Discussion was made relating to the pre -application process which was addressed at
the Joint Meeting with the City Council.
Commissioner Ringlein suggested to the Commission that the Commissioner
responsible for attending the Architectural Advisory Committee meeting report the
comments for project on the agenda.
16. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further comments, the meeting was
adjourned at 5:05 p.m.
Di e r o Plann' g Services
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