HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-11-01 PC Study Session MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS
PLANNING COMMISSION STUDY SESSION
MINUTES
November 1, 2006
Large Conference Room, City Hall
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
ROLL CALL: Present: Chair Marantz, Vice Chair Hochanadel, Cohen, Ringlein, Caffery
and Scott.
Absent: Hutcheson
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Marantz called the meeting to order at 2:01 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, October 27, 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.
Ralph Coomber, Palm Springs, spoke relating to the cellular towers on his property on
Executive Drive.
2. DISCUSSION — Cellular Towers -
Craig A. Ewing reported that a large number of applications for cellular towers have come
through to the Planning Commission in the last few years and we are expecting more. The
Commission has raised questions. He indicated that David Newell, who has been processing
most of the Conditional Use Permits, has organized today's Study Session.
David Newell, Planning Assistant, reported that the Commission has expressed concern that
there are too many cell towers and the idea of co -locations. Less towers and more carriers on
one tower has been the consensus. He indicated that there are height limitations placed on
certain zones within the City. He provided background details relating to zoning and
restrictions.
He introduced the speakers and provided their background:
James Wilkenson, T-Mobile Wireless,
Jerry Anderson, Inland Empire Pre -Construction Manager
City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Study Session Minutes
of November 1, 2006
James Wilkerson, T-Mobile Wireless, responded to questions from the Commission pertaining
to height limitations, current sites within the City over 30 feet in height and level of enhancement
for subscribers.
The exact locations of sites for existing and entitled cellular towers were shown on the map.
The Commission discussed in detail co -locators and the trade-offs.
Baldadine Hamrath, Independent Contractor, provided additional information relating to co -
locations within cities and the simplification of due process making easier to encourage co -
locations.
The Commission and staff discussed in detail the process of making co -locations more
appealing, the amount of existing cellular towers and entitled projects.
The process of co -locations and maximum heights were discussed at length.
Commissioner Caffery suggested classifying the types of cellular towers as follows: Type I, a
monopole, the most restrictive and Type II, with 2, 3 or 4 co -locators included in the CUP and
the additional co -locators only requiring staff approval. The encouragement of co -locators was
discussed with allowance for higher height limits.
The lack of cellular service in the south end of the City was discussed.
Jerry Anderson, stated that the average planning process from start to finish in Palm Springs
typically takes four to six months.
Chris Saunders, lives in South Palm Springs and works for a number of carriers, stated that it is
very difficult to find a site that is compatible with the ordinance. She gave further details
regarding to a site in Andreas Park that has been researched for about 2 years.
David Newell provided additional details relating to Commercial / Professional Zones pertaining
to height limitations and communication antennas.
Craig reported an overview of today's study session:
Staff can research other surrounding cities to see how they deal with regulations of the
telecommunications industry such as Cathedral City, Palm Desert and Indio.
2. Explore what can be done to encourage co -locations and the language of conditioning
CUP's both for the first antenna builder to make provisions for co -locations and for future
developments.
3. Mapping heights- See what the height limits are in the current ordinance.
2
City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Study Session Minutes
of November 1, 2006
3. CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS: Update.
4. COMMISSION/STAFF REPORTS AND REQUESTS - Craig reported that a large
measure of backlog projects have been processed and newer ones are coming forth.
Commission Caffery suggested correspondence with the Tribe relating to their comments on
cellular towers.
Discussion was made relating to construction fences
5. ADJOURNMENT — There being no further comments, the meeting adjourned at 3:55
p.m.
3