HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-10-11 PC MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
October 11, 2006
Council Chambers, City Hall
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
ROLL CALL:
Present
Present
Year: FY 2006/2007
This Meeting:
to Date:
Excused Absences:
Chair Marantz
X
7
1
Vice Hochanadel
X
8
0
Cohen
X
6
2
Ringlein
X
7
1
Hutcheson
X
7
1
Caffery
X
5
0
Scott
X
5
0
Report of Posting of Agenda: The October 11, 2006 agenda was available for public
access at the City Hall exterior bulletin board (west side of Council Chamber) and the
Planning Services counter by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 6, 2006.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS: (Three minute time limit.)
Chair Marantz opened Public Comments. There being no appearances, Public
Comments was closed.
CONSENT AGENDA:
Commissioner Scott requested Item 2D be pulled from the Consent Agenda for further
discussion.
Chair Marantz stated she has a conflict of interest on Item 2B and would abstain from
the discussion and vote.
M/S/C (Ringlein/Vice Chair Hochanadel, 7-0) To approve, Items 2A, 213 and 2C, as part
of the Consent Agenda.
City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Minutes
of October 11, 2006
2A. Minutes of September 13, 2006. Approved as part of the Consent Agenda.
2B. Case 3.2956 - SFR - An application by James Cioffi, agent, to construct an
approximate 5,849 square foot single-family residence on a vacant parcel
approximately 0.57 acres located at 655 Las Palmas Heights, Zone R-1-A,
Section 10, APN: 505-360-008. (Project Planner: Chris Ison, Planning
Technician) (Noting the conflict of interest abstention of Chair Marantz.)
Approved as part of the Consent Agenda.
2C. Case 3.2908 - SFR - An application by Nadr Amirmokri, owner, to construct
an approximate 3,865 square foot single-family residence located at 3140
Marigold Circle, Zone R-1-13, Section 35. (Project Planner: David Newell,
Assistant Planner) Approved as part of the Consent Agenda.
2D. Case 3.2940 - SFR - An application by Mark Blaich to construct a single-
family residence of approximately 2,261 square foot located at 1725
Whitewater Club Drive, Zone R-1-C, Section 1, APN: 501-445-012. (Project
Planner: David Newell, Assistant Planner)
t�
Commissioner Scott requested clarification on the lot area and building coverage.
M/S/C (Scott/Ringlein, 7-0) To approve, subject to Conditions of Approval.
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW:
3. Case 3.2932 - SFR- An application by Michael Mueller to construct an
approximate 2,500 square foot second story addition on an existing 2,500
square foot single family -residence located at 2475 Cahuilla Hills Drive,
Zone R-1-A, Section 27, APN 513-430-035. (Project Planner: Ken Lyon,
Associate Planner)
Associate Planner, Ken Lyon, gave background information as outlined in the staff
report dated October 11, 2006.
The Commission requested clarification pertaining to the conditions needed for this
project to conform, set -backs and the surrounding neighborhood.
Craig A. Ewing gave additional clarification on the General Plan requirements.
The Commission discussed uni-level pads and other possible options.
Michael Mueller, owner, gave additional details and stated his preference for the project.
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City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Minutes
of October 11. 2006
M/S/C (Ring lein/Hutcheson, 7-0) To approve, subject Conditions of Approval; with the
addition of the following condition:
*A change to the pad grade of a minimum of 2 feet in the design of the dwelling,
subject to staff approval.
4. Case 3.2944 - MAJ - A Major Architectural application by Verizon to
construct a 6,000 square foot pre-engineered metal office/warehouse
building and associated site improvements located at 950 Williams Road,
Zone M-1 (Section 19 Redevelopment Project Area 4), APN 680-160-040.
(Project Planner: Ken Lyon, Associate Planner)
Associate Planner, Ken Lyon, gave background information as outlined in the staff
report dated October 11, 2006.
Commissioner Caffery requested clarification on enhancements for metal buildings.
Chair Marantz stated she is not in favor of the chain link fence. Commissioner
Ringlein was in agreement and suggested additional enhancement for this project and
the surrounding area.
Commissioner Hutcheson commented that the project is consistent with the surrounding
areas and suggested the possibility of adding increased landscaping to this area.
Vice Chair Hochanadel commented that the surrounding businesses have nice
buildings and would like to see additional enhancements made to this project.
M/S/C (Vice Chair Hochanadel/Caffery, 7-0) To continue, and refer back to the
Architectural Advisory Committee to review the site for enhancements consistent with
the surrounding area.
MISCELLANEOUS:
5. SP 06-073 - An application by James Cioffi, architect for Palm Springs
Plumbing, to implement a sign program at located at 1750 Executive Drive,
Zone M-1-P, Section 6, APN: 677-040-004. (Project Planner: David Newell,
Assistant Planner)
Principal Planner, Edward Robertson, gave background information as outlined in the
staff report dated October 11, 2006.
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City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Minutes
of October 11, 2006
Chair Marantz requested clarification on the banner.
M/S/C (Hutcheson/Cohen, 7-0) To approve, subject to Conditions of Approval.
Commissioner Hutcheson stated he has a business related conflict of interest for Items
6 and 7 and would not participate in the discussion and vote. He left the council
chamber at 2:37 p.m.
6. Case 3.2462 MAJ - An application by Edward Anderholt & Norman Larsen
requesting a time extension for an architectural approval entitlement to
construct a four unit, two-story apartment complex located at 2160 Junipero
Avenue, Zone R2, Section 3, APN 504-242-012. (Project Planner: David
Newell, Assistant Planner)
Principal Planner, Edward Robertson, provided background information as outlined in
the staff report dated October 11, 2006.
M/S/C (Vice Chair Hochanadel/Scott, 6-0, 1 abstention/Hutcheson) To approve, subject
to the applicant meeting all Conditions of Approval of original entitlement approved on
May 12, 2004.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
7. Case TPM 35046 - An application by Bruce R. Ostrander on behalf of
Gordon Elkins et al, for a Tentative Parcel Map 35046 to subdivide the
airspace for an approximately 0.23-acre parcel from tenancy-! n-com mon
ownership of four attached multi -family units to condominium ownership
located at 993 East Parocela Place, Zone R-2, Section 23, APN: 508-215-
004. (Project Planner: Diane Bullock, Associate Planner)
Principal Planner, Edward Robertson, provided background information as outlined in
the staff report dated October 11, 2006.
Chair Marantz opened the Public Hearing. There being no appearances, the Public
Hearing was closed.
M/S/C (Caffery/Scott, 6-0, 1 abstention/Hutcheson) To recommend approval to the City
Council.
Commissioner Hutcheson re-entered the council chamber at 2:42 p.m.
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City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Minutes
of October 11, 2006
8. Case TPM 33054 - An application by Pegasus Financial Enterprise, LLC,
agent for New Mesquite Greens HOA and Desert Management, owners, to
subdivide land for the upcoming construction of three single-family
residential units on approximately 1.31 acres located at South Sunrise Way,
near the intersection at Mesquite Avenue, Zone W-R-1-C, Section 24, APN:
502-560-038. (Project Planner: Diane Bullock, Associate Planner)
Principal Planner, Edward Robertson, provided background information as outlined in
the staff report dated October 11, 2006.
Commissioner Scott requested clarification on Condition #43 pertaining to the parking.
Commissioner Caffery voiced his concern with the location of the drive -ways and
requested the final map to be prepared with the deletion of the driveways.
Chair Marantz opened the Public Hearing. There being no appearances, the Public
Hearing was closed.
M/S/C (Hutcheson/Caffery, 7-0) To recommend approval to the City Council; with the
addition of the following condition:
"The Tenative Parcel Map to include the deletion of the driveways and refer to
the Engineering Department for approval of the ingress and egress.
A recess was taken at 2:50 p.m.
The meeting resumed at 3:00 p.m.
9. Zoning Ordinance Amendment for Chino Cone and Adjacent Areas - To
consider an amendment to the Environmentally Sensitive Area -Specific Plan
(ESA-SP) Zone. (Project Planner: Craig A. Ewing, Director of Planning
Services)
Craig A. Ewing requested a continuance to the meeting of October 25, 2006.
Chair Marantz opened the Public hearing. There being no appearances, the Public
Hearing was closed.
M/S/C (Ringlein/Cohen, 7-0) To continue, to the meeting of October 25, 2006.
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City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Minutes
of October 11. 2006
10. Case 5.1042 PD 311 / TTM 33514 - An application by South Palm Canyon
LLC, agent for Wayne & Frances Lee, for a proposed Planned Development
District to allow the development of 125 condominium units and
approximately 39,000 square feet of commercial space on an approximate
2.67-acre site located at 450 - 490 South Palm Canyon Drive, Zone C-B-D,
Section 15, APN: 513-214-004, 005 and 513-214-010, 011. (Project Planner:
Edward Robertson, Principal Planner) (Cont'd from 9/27/06)
Principal Planner, Edward Robertson, provided background information as outlined in
the staff report dated October 11, 2006.
Commissioner Scott requested clarification pertaining to the comment made in the Final
Environmental Impact Report by the Fire Chief.
Chair Marantz opened the Public Hearing.
-Brian Linnekans, applicant, spoke about the process and indicated that they have gone
through 7 major revisions. He expressed the design challenges of the project and
gave additional information.
-Ana Escalante, architect, spoke of the benefits to the City and indicated all the
concerns have been addressed.
-Lance O'Donnell, architect, spoke about the Downtown Urban Guidelines relating
to the massing of the buildings going east / west. He gave further details relating to the
parking, pedestrian activity and energy efficient features of the project.
-Ed Torres, PSEDC, spoke in support of this project and requested approval.
-Rob Firth, Palm Springs, spoke in favor of the project and commended the developer.
-Ernie Vincent, Palm Springs, spoke in favor of the project and of the importance of the
revitalization of downtown.
-Joy Meredith, Palm Springs, spoke in favor of the project.
-Ziva Hillenger, Palm Springs, spoke in favor of the project and requested approval.
-Jim Stuart, Palm Springs, spoke in favor of the project and urged approval.
-Char, Palm Springs, spoke in favor of the project.
-Marvin Roos, MSA Consulting, commented that they prepared the environmental
documentation and provided further information.
-Bob Nelson, Palm Springs, Palm Springs, commented that he has traveled all over the
world and has seen many mixed use projects.
-Jim Gurney, Palm Springs, thanked staff and the development team; spoke in favor of
the project.
-Tamara Stevens, Palm Springs, spoke in favor of the project and requested approval.
There being no further appearances, the Public Hearing was closed.
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City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Minutes
of October 11, 2006
Commissioner Cohen thanked the developer for listening to the people and suggested
to the applicant that the balconies be kept clean and not cluttered.
Tom Doczi, Palm Springs, provided additional details relating to the landscaping and the
water feature proposed on the corner of Indian Canyon Way.
Commissioner Scott voiced his concern with the density and mass of the project and
gave several suggestions.
The draft resolution was distributed and reviewed with the Planning Commission.
M/S/C (Vice Chair Hochanadel/Cohen, 7-0) To approve the project Architecture, certify
the Final E.I.R. and approve PD 311, subject to Conditions of Approval.
11. COMMISSION WORK PROGRAM:
*General Plan Update
*Work Program Priorities and Subcommittee Assignments
Craig A. Ewing gave an update relating to the housing element and the land use.
12. CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS: Update.
13. COMMISSION/STAFF REPORTS AND REQUESTS -
Commissioner Caffery suggested further discussion be made relating to metal buildings.
Vice Chair Hochanadel requested clarification on permits for outside vendors on the
corner of Palm Canyon and Baristo Road.
14. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further comments, the meeting adjourned at
4:31 p.m.
of Plan'nind Services
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