HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-09-06 PC Study Session MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS
PLANNING COMMISSION STUDY SESSION
MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 6, 2006
Large Conference Room, City Hall
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Marantz called the meeting to order at 2:03 p.m.
REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA: Director of Planning Services, Craig Ewing,
reported that the agenda was posted by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 1, 2006, at City
Hall exterior bulletin board and the Department of Planning and Zoning counter.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Chair Marantz opened the Public Comments portion of
the meeting. There being no comments, Public Comments was closed.
2. DISCUSSION – Planned Development Districts and “Public Benefit” –
Craig A. Ewing gave an overview of the topic of Public Benefits. He reported that the
mention of Public Benefit is vaguely stated in the General Plan and is only mentioned
once under Planned Development Districts. There is no mention of Public Benefits in
the Zoning Ordinance and indicated that he would like to see a policy go forward to the
City Council indicating more specific details on public benefits.
Marvin Roos, MSA & Associates, guest speaker, gave a history of the Planned
Developments in the City. He stated that he began employment with the City in 1971
and the number of Planned Developments was at #10 back then.
He indicated that there were lots of sand dunes back in the 70’s and the PDD’s need to
be consistent with the General Plan. He gave a further history of the PDD’s in the 70’s
and 80’s.
The Commission discussed the pros and cons of Public Benefits for planned
developments.
Commissioner Caffery indicated that there was a time when there was no development
in the City and we may go back to those times.
City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Study Session Minutes
of September 6, 2006
The Commission discussed in detail the public benefits and below is the conclusion they
were in agreement with:
1. Key features of the project – interior parks, entry features, preservation of
important buildings and other amenities that are part of the project that are
deemed beneficial to the public.
2. Off-site improvements – dedications and / or improvements such as meandering
bikeways, public park lands, etc.
3. Wish List - Improve the level of quality of services provided to the City.
Edward Robertson, Principal Planner, reported that it has been his experience in
working with PD’s they have been clearly defined such as: A PD could not be
proposed with less than 15 acres; and there are 4 sets of guidelines. Each City can
come up with the guidelines. You need to start with a minimum size;
Craig reported that a survey of surrounding cities would be helpful. Craig reported that
the density allowed in the Zoning Code might be lower than that allowed by the General
Plan. Mixed use projects were also discussed.
Craig concluded that a follow-up from this meeting would be brought back to the
Commission.
3. CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS: Craig Ewing gave an update.
4. COMMISSION/STAFF REPORTS AND REQUESTS – Chair Marantz reminded
the Commission of the Ethics Training to be held next week.
5. Adjournment – There being no further comments, Chair Marantz, adjourned the
meeting at 3:57 p.m.
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