HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-11-08 PC MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
November 08, 2006
Council Chambers, City Hall
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 1:31
p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Present
Present
Year: FY 2006/2007
This Meeting:
to Date:
Excused Absences:
Chair Marantz
X
9
1
Vice Chair Hochanadel X
9
1
Cohen
7
3
Ringlein
X
9
1
Hutcheson
X
9
1
Caffery
X
6
1
Scott
X
7
0
REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA: The 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., Friday, November 3, 2006.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: Chair Marantz opened Public Comments:
- Jono Hildner, Palm Springs, spoke in reference to Item 2C, stating his concern with
the proposed language under the Performance Agreement subsection that it does
not address what is to be accomplished towards the bond completion.
Rod Deszcz, project manager, spoke in reference to Item 2C, requested more time be
taken for further discussion and review of the density transfer policy for the Chino Cone.
- Jeff Ballinger, Best, Best & Krieger, on behalf of Century Vintage Homes, spoke in
reference to Item 2C, reiterated his concerns with re -naturalization and emphasized that
the density transfers would be difficult to attain unless the General Plan is amended.
John Pavelak, Century Vintage Homes, spoke in reference to Item 5; provided
background information and requested reduced set -backs.
There being no further appearances, Public Comments was closed.
City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Minutes
of November 8, 2006
CONSENT AGENDA:
Vice Chair Hochanadel stated he would be abstaining on Item 2C and would not
participate in the discussion and vote.
Commissioner Hutcheson and Chair Marantz requested Item 2C be pulled for further
discussion.
Commissioner Scott requested Item 2B be pulled for further clarification on the height.
Commissioner Caffery stated he would be abstaining from voting on the minutes of
October 25, 2006, due to his absence.
2A. Minutes of October 11, 2006 and October 25, 2006.
M/S/C (Hutcheson/Ringlein, 6-0, 1 absent/Cohen) (Noting Commissioner Caffery's
abstention on the minutes of October 25, 2006.) To approve, the minutes of October
11, 2006 and October 25, 2006.
2B. Case 3.2971 SFR - An application by Curtis and Steven Winters, owners, to
construct an approximate 5,038 square foot single-family residence located
at'835 West Stevens Road, Zone R-1-A, Section 10, APN: 505-043-001.
(Project Planner: Christopher Ison, Planning Technician)
Commissioner Scott requested clarification on the building height.
- John Trueblood, architect, was available for questions and requested the applicant's
name corrected as follows: Don Curtis and Steven Winters.
Commissioner Caffery requested the findings be amended to indicate the building is
proposed to conform to the allowable height and set -backs.
M/S/C (Vice Chair Hochanadel/Caffery, 6-0, 1 absent/Cohen) To approve, subject to
Conditions of Approval; as amended: The building is proposed to conform to the
allowable height and set -backs.
2C. Draft Resolution recommending to City Council a Zoning Text Amendment
for the Environmentally Sensitive Areas - Specific Plan (ESA-SP) Zone.
Commissioner Hochanadel left the council chamber at 1:45 p.m.
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of November 8, 2006
Craig A. Ewing provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated
November 8, 2006.
Commissioner Hutcheson stated his preference with the language Mr. Hildner
proposed, to "re -naturalize rather than "restore".
M/S/C (Hutcheson/Ringlein, 5-0, 1 absent/Cohen, 1 abstained/ Vice Chair Hochanadel)
To adopt the resolution, as amended:
Subsection J. Performance Agreement:
... in a form approved by the City Attorney ensuring should the improvement not be
completed as permitted, the land will be renaturalized, ensuring compliance with the
provisions of this Section and . . . City Engineer "necessary to complete such
renaturalization ... ".
Vice Chair Hochanadel re-entered the council chamber at 1:53 p.m.
3. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW: None.
MISCELLANEOUS:
4. Case SP 06-097 - An application by Best Signs Inc., for implementation of
an exterior sign program located at 5401 Dinah Shore (Agua Caliente Band
of Cahuilla Indians Tribal Administration Facility, Zone M1, Section20, APN:
680-180-037. (Project Planner: Scott Taschner, Planning Technician)
Chair Marantz stated she has a business related conflict of interest and would not
participate in the discussion and vote. She left the council chamber at 1:54 p.m.
Scott Tascher, Planning Assistant, gave background information as outlined in the staff
report dated November 8, 2006.
Commissioner Caffery stated he had a conflict of interest and would abstain from
discussion and vote. He left the council chamber at 1:55 p.m.
Chair Hochanadel requested clarification on the allowable square footage.
M/S/C (Hutcheson/Ringlein, 4-0, 1 absent/Cohen, 2 abstained/Chair Marantz/
Caffery) To approve, subject to Conditions of Approval.
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City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Minutes
of November 8, 2006
Vice Chair Marantz and Commissioner Caffery re-entered the council chamber at 1:58
p.m.
5. An appeal by Century Homes, Inc., of Staff Determination on Amendments
to Planned Developments. (Project Planner: Craig A. Ewing, Director of
Planning Services)
Craig A. Ewing provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated
November 8, 2006.
The Commission discussed in detail the planning process for minor PDD amendments
and administrative minor modifications.
Tom Hill, appellant, provided additional information.
M/S/C (Hutcheson/Vice Chair Hochanadel, 6-0, 1 absent/Cohen) To deny, with
direction to planning staff to proceed with the requirement for minor amendments to
Planned Developments be reviewed by the Planning Commission.
6. Case 5.0909 CUP - Setting a Public Hearing for a recommendation to
revoke a Conditional Use Permit at the Viceroy (former Estrella Inn) located
at 415 South Belardo Road, Zone R-3, Section 15. (Project Planner: Craig A.
Ewing, Director of Planning Services)
Craig A. Ewing provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated
November 8, 2006.
M/S/C (Caffery/Ringlein, 6-0, 1 absent/Cohen) To set a noticed Public Hearing to
consider revocation of the Conditional Use Permit.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
7. Case 5.1110 / PD 327 - An application by Cioffi Architects for Nichols
Properties to develop a 2-story mixed -use commercial / residential building
with covered parking and associated landscaping on an approximate 0.60-
acre parcel located at 135 West Hermosa Place, Zone C-1 / R-2, Section 10,
APN: 505-263-006. (Project Planner: Diane Bullock, Associate Planner)
(Continued from the meeting of October 25, 2006.)
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City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Minutes
of November 8, 2006
Commissioner Hutcheson stated he has a business related conflict of interest and
would not participate in the discussion and vote. He left the council chamber at 2:13
p. M.
Vice Chair Hochanadel stated he has a business related conflict of interest and would
not participate in the discussion and vote. He left the council chamber at 1:13 p.m.
Commissioner Caffery stated he has a conflict of interest.
James Cioffi, applicant, addressed concerns with the adjoining property line pertaining
to the stairwell and is working with the neighbors to resolve this issue. He requested a
continuance to the meeting of December 13, 2006.
Due to a lack of quorum this Item will be continued and re -noticed for the meeting of
December 13, 2006.
Vice Chair Hochanadel and Commissioner Hutcheson re-entered the council chamber
at 2:16 p.m.
8. Case TPM 31968 - An application by Geiger, LLC, to subdivide
approximately 37.34 acres into 10 parcels located at the northeast corner of
Ramon Road and Gene Autry Trail, Zoned PD 291, Section 17. (Project
Planner: David Newell, Assistant Planner)
Craig A. Ewing requested this Item to be continued to an indefinite date; a new notice
will be published and mailed.
Chair Marantz opened the Public Hearing. There being no appearances, the Public
Hearing was closed.
M/S/C (Ringlein/Vice Chair Hochanadel, 6-0, 1 absent/Cohen) To continue, to an
indefinite date.
9. Case 5.1120 CUP / 3.2926 MAJ - An application by Westgroup Riviera, LLC.,
to allow the addition of a spa to the existing Mediterranean Building within
the 480-room Riviera Hotel complex reviewed in conjunction with Major
Architectural Application, Case 3.2926, for exterior faAfA§ade and
landscape renovations located 1600 North Indian Canyon Drive, Zone R-3,
Section 2, APN: 501-090-014. (Project Planner: Diane Bullock, Associate
Planner)
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Associate Planner, Diane Bullock, provided background information as outlined in the
staff report dated November 8, 2006.
She indicated a letter of concern was received from a neighbor pertaining to noise and
unnecessary traffic hazards because the use of the hotel is available to the public.
Commissioner Caffery stated his concern with flow of the driveways.
Commissioner Ringlein stated her concern with the inconvenience of public parking.
Chair Marantz opened the Public Hearing.
- Noel Heller, applicant, available for questions and requested clarification on the
following conditions: #5 pertaining to Cultural Resources, #16 pertaining to the
roof material in earth tone color, #46, pertaining to fire sprinklers and #103 pertaining
to the public sewer system.
- Steve Rossi, architect, addressed the parking concerns.
There being no further appearances, the Public Hearing was closed.
Commissioner Scott complimented the applicant on the restoration of the hotel. He
voiced his concern with the parking and suggested the hotel provide valet service.
Commissioner Caffery reiterated his concern with the driveways.
Scott Ventura, Fire Division Chief, stated that the applicant has complied with the
required emergency access points.
Marcus Fuller, Assistant Director of Public Works, addressed the concerns pertaining to
the driveways and access points.
Commissioner Hutcheson spoke in favor of the project and complimented the
applicant on the design. Chair Marantz concurred.
Further discussion was made pertaining to the driveways and access points.
M/S/C (Scott/Vice Chair Hochanadel, 6-0, 1 absent/Cohen) To approve, subject to
Conditions of Approval.
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Planning Commission Minutes
of November 8, 2006
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10. COMMISSION WORK PROGRAM:
*General Plan Update
*Work Program Priorities and Subcommittee Assignments
Craig A. Ewing reported that the Commission has worked through the majority of the
backlog of major projects. He indicated that staff would be providing an end of year
report.
Vice Chair Hochanadel requested a City map indicating all of the approved projects that
have not been constructed.
11. CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS: None reported.
12. COMMISSION/STAFF REPORTS AND REQUESTS -
Commissioner Scott suggested a study session be held pertaining to the Section 14
Plan and discussion of parking concerns at the Convention Center.
13. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further comments, the meeting adjourned at
3:05 p.m.
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