HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007/11/14 - MINUTES CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
• PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
November 14, 2007
Council Chamber, City Hall
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 1:35 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Present Present Year: FY 200712008
This Meeting: to Date: Excused Absences:
Chair Marantz X 11 2
Vice Chair Hochanadel X 13 0
Cohen X 13 1
Ringlein X 12
Hutcheson X 13
Caffery X 12 1
Scott X 13 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. on Friday,
November 9, 2007.
ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA:
The agenda was accepted, as presented.
Commissioner Scott commented that he will need to leave the meeting by 4:15 p.m.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS: (Three minute time limit.)
Chair Marantz opened Public Comments:
-Lalith Chandrasena, Palm Springs, spoke in regards to Item 21), thanked staff for their
hard work and was available for any questions from the Commission.
City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Minutes
of November 14, 2007
• -Ken Feenstra, Palm Springs, spoke in regards to Item 2F, The Spanish Inn, requested
that the applicant adhere to the timelines and was pleased to see commencement of the
street improvements.
There being no further appearances, Public Comments was closed.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Commissioner Ringlein requested Item 2C pulled from the Consent Calendar for further
discussion.
Chair Marantz requested Item 2F pulled from the Consent Calendar for further
discussion.
Commissioner Scott requested Item 2E pulled from the Consent Calendar for further
discussion.
M/S/C (Cohen/Hutcheson, 7-0) To approve, Items 2A, 2B and 2D, as part of the
Consent Calendar.
• 2A. Draft minutes of September 5, 2007, September 26, 2007, October 3, 2007
and October 10, 2007.
Approved, as part of the Consent Calendar.
2B. Case 3.3144 MAA - An application by The City of Palm Springs Department
of Public Works for the installation of a household hazardous
waste collection facility and community gardens located at the southeast
corner of Mesquite Avenue and Vella Road, Zone M-1, Section 19, APN: 680-
020-010. (Project Planner: Fred Lowndes, Associate Planner)
Approved, as part of the Consent Calendar.
2C. Case 3.3108 MAJ (Indian Oasis Self Storage) - An application by David J.
Gandolfo to construct a 645-unit self storage facility consisting of
10 buildings including office space, a caretaker's residence, parking and
associated landscaping on approximately 4.8 acres located at the
southeast comer of San Louis Rey Drive and Rio Blanco Road, Zone M-1,
Section 20, APN's: 680-564-007 - 011. (Project Planner: Fred Lowndes,
Associate Planner)
Commissioner Ringlein requested staff address the close proximity to another self-
storage, surrounding uses and further details on the landscape plans.
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• Craig A. Ewing reported that staff has no concerns with the proximity use since the area
is in the M-1 zone and the surrounding uses are industrial. Mr. Lowndes stated that the
Architectural Advisory Committee recommended approval of the landscape plan.
M/SIC (Hutcheson/Cohen, 7-0) To approve, subject to the Conditions of Approval.
2D. Case 3.3147 MAJ - An application by Lalith Chandrasena, owner, to
construct a 2,827 square feet professional office building located at 1801
Desert Park Avenue, Zone P, Section 1, APN: 501-312-010. (Project Planner:
Bryan Fernandez, Assistant Planner).
Approved, as part of the Consent Calendar.
2E. Case SP 07-106 - An application by BMW of Palm Springs requesting
approval for a main sign over fifty square feet located at 3737 East
Palm Canyon Drive, Zone C2, Section 30, APN: 681-070-016. (Project
Planner: David A. Newell, Assistant Planner)
Commissioner Scott requested a condition added to include, "The existing signage on
the building to be removed within 30 days of the installation of the new sign". Staff
• concurred.
Vice Chair Hochanadel suggested the new condition include, "30 days after the
occupancy permit has been issued." Commissioner Scott concurred.
M/S/C (Scott/Cohen, 7-0) To approve, subject to Conditions of Approval, as amended:
*The applicant shall be required to remove all BMW related signage at the existing
adjacent automobile dealership within 30 days of issuance of Certificate of Occupancy
for the new location.
2F. Case 6.1012 CUP / TTM 31104 - A request by Nejat Kohan, on behalf of the
Spanish Inn, Inc., for a two-year time extension to renovate the
hotel, convert hotel to condominiums and construct new condominium
building located at 640 North Indian Canyon Drive, Zone R3, Section 11,
APN: 507-183-003 and 007. (Project Planner: Bryan Fernandez, Assistant
Planner).
Mr. Ewing provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated
November 14, 2007.
Chair Marantz requested staff keep the Commission informed if any of the timelines are
not kept.
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• Commissioner Caffery noted that he does not have an objection to give the applicant an
extra couple of months to complete the extensive street improvement plan. Staff noted
that typically when a map is recorded prior to the completion of public improvements a
bond is required.
Commissioner Hutcheson stated his preference to keep the timetable, as presented,
with no changes.
Commissioner Scott stated he could not vote for this project because he felt a slowdown
would occur during December and January and thus giving the applicant more time to
complete the street improvements would be appropriate.
Commissioner Caffery stated it would be a safer plan to extend it the additional three
months for the street improvements and require a bond and secure it.
M/S/C (Hutcheson/Ringlein, 5-2/Scott/ Caffery) To approve, one-year time extension to
September 7, 2008, subject to Conditions of Approval.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
• 3. Case 5.1172 ZTA - An application by the City of Palm Springs to amend the
Palm Springs Zoning Code regarding the standards and regulations for
the development of Condominium Hotels. (Project Planner: Craig A. Ewing,
Director of Planning Services) (Continued from the October 24, 2007
meeting.)
Staff noted that the City Attorney has requested this item be continued to no date
certain as more work is required before the ordinance will be ready for a public hearing.
M/S/C (RingleinNice Chair Hochanadel, 7-0) To continue to an indefinite date.
4. Case 6.1175 PD 346 / TTM 28308 - An application by Southeast RE
Holdings, LLC., for a Planned Development District and Tentative Tract Map
to subdivide 3.22 acres into seven single-family residential lots and one
professional office lot located at 657 South Sunrise Way, Zone R-1-C and
RMHP, Section 23, APN's: 508-231-005 and 010. (Project Planner: Fred
Lowndes, Associate Planner)
Fred Lowndes, Associate Planner, provided background information as outlined in the
staff report dated November 14, 2007. Mr. Lowndes reported that the time-limit has
expired requiring the filing of a new application.
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• Commissioner Scott noted a correction on condition #7, it reflects three (3) professional
lots and should be one (1) professional lot. Staff agreed with the correction.
Chair Marantz opened the Public Hearing:
-John Sanborn, representing the developer, requested engineering condition #12 and
#13, regarding the widening of Sunny Dunes Road and construction of a new catch
basin, to be deleted since these items have been completed.
There being no further comments, the public hearing was closed.
MIS/C (Scott/Cohen, 7-0) To approve, subject to Conditions of Approval, as amended:
"Condition #7 - The Final Development Plans shall show seven (7) residential lots and
one (1) professional lot.
"Engineering Condition #12 - deleted.
'Engineering Condition #13 - deleted.
5. Case 5.0988 CUP-AMND - An application by Wessman Development to
• amend a previously approved Conditional Use Permit to allow
additional signage at Tahquitz Square (Del Taco) located at 1700 E. Tahquitz
Canyon Way / 102 N. Sunrise Way, Zoned C-1-AA, Section 13. APN: 502-065-
018 & 502-065-008. (Project Planner: David A. Newell, Assistant Planner)
David Newell, Assistant Planner, provided background information as outlined in the
staff report dated November 14, 2007. Mr. Newell reported that one letter of opposition
was received.
Chair Marantz opened the Public Hearing:
-Martha Higgins, property manager for Wessman Development, requested approval of
the one monument and two fascia signs and stated that many fast-food restaurants
in the city have 3 signs and feels a precedent has been set.
-Doug Maio, Loren Signs, requested approval of the signs for visibility, proper marketing
and traffic management.
-David Allen, representing Del Taco, reported that this building has greatly improved
and requested the amount of signs be consistent with the competitors.
There being no further appearances, the Public Hearing was closed.
Commissioner Cohen commended the applicant for the building improvements and
requested further discussion on the signage.
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•
Commissioner Caffery stated he did not see a problem with the fascia sign on
Tahquitz Canyon Way.
Vice Chair Hochanadel noted he does not have any concerns with this request because
the existing sign is difficult to read when driving by.
Chair Marantz concurred with Vice Chair Hochanadel and noted a concern that no other
signs are placed on the windows.
Commissioner Hutcheson commented that this would not have been his first choice for
a fast-food location but at this stage he felt it is a reasonable request.
M/S/C (Caffery/Scott, 7-0) To approve, subject to Conditions of Approval, as amended:
*To allow the additional fascia sign.
'No lit window signs
Staff reported the resolution of approval would be back to the Commission under the
Consent Calendar.
•
6. Case 5.1180 ZTA - An application by the City of Palm Springs to amend the
Palm Springs Zoning Code relating to establishment of
transportation terminals as a use permitted pursuant to a
Conditional Use Permit in the C-2 and M-1 zones. (Project
Planner: Craig A. Ewing, Director of Planning Services)
Craig A. Ewing provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated
November 14, 2007.
Chair Marantz opened the Public Hearing:
-Paula Auburn, chair of Sunrise Vista Chino Neighborhood Coalition, spoke in support
of the amendment relating to transportation terminals.
There being no further appearances, the Public Hearing was closed.
M/S/C (Hutcheson/Ringlein, 7-0) To recommend approval to the City Council.
. J
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•
7. Case 6.1165 PD344 / TTM 35766 - An application by The Trails at Palm
Springs, LLC., to construct a mixed-use project including
a wellness center, fitness center, offices, retail commercial space
and a 350+ room hotel on 17.2 acres located at the northwest
comer of Mesquite Avenue and South Palm Canyon Drive, Zone C-
1, C-2 and R-3, Section 23, APN's: 508-171-005, 006, 008, 613
-250-014, 046 and 047. (The hearing will be conducted for
informational purposes only and no action will be taken at this
meeting.)
Chair Marantz noted a conflict of interest due to her business property location is within
500 feet of the project and would not be participating in the discussion. She left the
Council Chamber at 2:33 p.m.
Commissioner Hutcheson noted his abstention and would not be participating in the
discussion. Commission Hutcheson left the Council Chamber at 2:33 p.m.
Mr. Ewing reported this is a study session (for informational purposes only) and no
action will be taken on this project at today's meeting.
• Nicole Criste, Contract Planner, provided background information as outlined in the staff
report dated November 14, 2007. Ms. Criste reported that the vacant MacMagruder
Chevrolet property and the Rock Garden restaurant would be demolished if the project
is approved. Ms. Criste provided details relating to the site plan, including a medical
office building, a fitness center, a retail commercial building, a professional office
building, a multi-structure hotel and a parking structure. Ms. Criste noted that the
southern portion of the site is designated Indian land and provided an overview on the
setback sections, building heights and parking requirements.
Mr. Ewing reiterated that the analysis of setback rules as they apply to this project is not
yet complete and noted that the main purpose is to present the overall concept.
Chair Hochanadel requested staff address the anticipated completion of the Belardo
Road extension. Marcus Fuller responded that completion is expected in the year 2011,
since this is a federally funded project and includes environmental review and tribal
involvement.
The Commission requested clarification and discussed the setbacks on the Tahquitz
Creek side, retail building height, calculation of the average height of grade, parking and
the view corridors from east to west.
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8. COMMISSION WORK PROGRAM:
. Work Program Priorities and Subcommittee Assignments
Mr. Ewing reported that the appointment of the undergrounding subcommittee will be on
the next agenda.
9. COMMISSION/STAFF REPORTS AND REQUESTS:
Mr. Ewing provided an update on the City Council meeting scheduled for tonight.
Commissioner Ringlein reported a code enforcement complaint on San Rafael and
Indian Canyon Way (Julian's Market) regarding the landscaping upkeep and vehicle
storage on the parking lot.
Vice Chair Hochanadel requested staff follow-up on their request for the Board and
Commissioner's Dinner. Staff will be following up.
• 10. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further comments the meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m.
ai ing, Al
Dire r of Plan ' g Services
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