HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-01-24 PC MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
January 24, 2007
Council Chamber, City Hall
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 1:32 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Present Present Year: FY 2006/2007
This Meeting: to Date: Excused Absences
Chair Marantz X 14 1
Vice Chair Hochanadel X 14 1
Cohen X 11 4
Ringlein X 13 2
Hutcheson X 14 1
Caffery X 11 1
Scott X 12 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, January 19, 2007.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS: (Three minute time limit.)
Chair Marantz opened the Public Comments portion of the meeting.
- Tom Trautmann, Palm Springs, spoke in reference to Item 6, (submitted letter) voiced
his concern that the project does not meet the zoning code regulations relating to
the set backs, yard space, open space and the parking lot; requested this project be
denied.
There being no further appearances, Public Comments was closed.
City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Minutes of
January 24, 2007
CONSENT AGENDA:
Chair Marantz noted her abstention on the Consent Agenda Item 2B.
Commissioner Caffery noted his abstention on the Consent Agenda Item 2D.
Commissioner Ringlein requested staff clarify the wording for Item 2C, condition #10,
pertaining to the on-site and off-site special event parking.
M/S/C (Hutcheson/Cohen, 7-0) To approve, Items 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D, as part of the
Consent Agenda.
2A. Minutes of November 22, 2006. Approved, as part of the Consent Agenda.
2B. Case 3.2991 SFR - An Application by Patrick Seabol, owner, to construct an
approximate 2,350 square foot single family residence located at 2347
Bisnaga Avenue, Zone R-1-B, Section 25. (Project Planner: Chris Ison,
Planning Technician) (Noting Chair Marantz's abstention.) Approved, as part of
the Consent Agenda.
2C. Case 5.1113-PD329 / 3.2903-MAJ - An Amended Planning Commission
Resolution approving project architecture and planned development district
for Case No. 5.1113-PD 329 / 3.2903-MAJ (Art Colony) a mixed-use project
consisting of 174 residential units and approximately 30,234 square feet of
commercial space located along the south side of Racquet Club Drive
between North Palm Canyon Drive and North Indian Canyon Drive, Zone PD-
113 and R-2, Section 3 (Project Planner: Edward O. Robertson, Principal
Planner) Approved, as part of the Consent Agenda, as amended: Condition
#10: The CC&R’s shall include provisions for on-site and off-site Special Events
Parking.
2D. Case 3.3016 MAJ - An application to construct a one and two story, three
unit condominium building located 2794 Junipero Avenue, Zone R-2,
Section 3. (Project Planner: Fred Lowndes, Associate Planner) (Noting
Commissioner Caffery’s abstention.) Approved, as part of the Consent Agenda.
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City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Minutes of
January 24, 2007
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW:
3. Case 3.2937-MAJ - An application by the Abbey Company for the Airport
Park Plaza to construct 2 two-story office buildings of approximately 29,740
square feet to be located at 265 North El Cielo Road, Zoned A, Section 13.
(Project Planner Edward O. Robertson, Principal Planner)
Edward Robertson, Principal Planner, provided background information as outlined in
the staff report dated January 24, 2007.
Vice Chair Hochanadel requested staff confirm the required parking spaces.
Commissioner Hutcheson requested staff confirm the existing open space for all 4
buildings.
M/S/C (Vice Chair Hochanadel/Caffery, 7-0) To approve, subject to Conditions of
Approval.
4. MISCELLANEOUS: None.
5. Case TPM 31968 - An application by Geiger, LLC, to subdivide
approximately 37.34 acres into 8 parcels for commercial and retail use
located north of Ramon Road and east of Gene Autry Trail, Zoned PD-291,
Section 17. (Project Planner: David Newell, Assistant Planner)
David Newell, Assistant Planner, provided background information as outlined in the
staff report dated January 24, 2007.
Vice Chair Hochanadel requested staff confirm the CC&Rs requirement of the property
owner's responsibility for maintenance.
Chair Marantz opened the Public Hearing.
There being no appearances, the Public Hearing was closed.
M/S/C (Scott/Caffery, 7-0) To recommend approval of TPM 31968 to the City Council,
subject to Conditions of Approval.
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City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Minutes of
January 24, 2007
6. 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: Fred Lowndes, Associate Planner)
Vice Chair Hochanadel stated he has a business related conflict of interest and would
not participate in the discussion or vote. He left the council chamber @ 1:54 p.m.
Commissioner Hutcheson stated he has a business related conflict of interest and
would not participate in the discussion or vote. He left the council chamber at 1:54 p.m.
Fred Lowndes, Associate Planner, provided background information as outlined in the
staff report dated January 24, 2007. He indicated a revised plan has been submitted
and addressed the changes. He noted the correct zoning for this property is C-1.
Chair Marantz opened the Public Hearing.
-Andrew Bernoff, Palm Springs, lives at Villa Hermosa, stated concerns relating to the
rear and yard set-backs and the open-space; he would like the developer to set-up
a neighborhood meeting.
-Patti Shaffer, lives at Villa Hermosa, adjoining property, stated this project does not
conform to current zoning codes (a group of people in the audience stood up in support
of her statement).
-Dennis Cunningham, Palm Springs, stated his support of Item 6 and spoke highly of
the development team.
-Ralph Hitchcok, utility consultant, provided his background experience and addressed
the condition requiring the under grounding of the overhead utility lines on the westerly
side of the property. He requested an amendment to require adjacent homeowners to
cover their share of the construction on their property.
-Ernest Vincent, Palm Springs, stated that he lives nearby and is pleased to have a
mixed-use project in this area; spoke in support of the project.
-Ged Kenslea, Palm Springs, adjoining neighbor, stated his support of the under
grounding of utility lines and voiced his concern relating to the height of this project.
-Steve Nichols, applicant, stated a response letter was written relating to the concerns
of the Villa Hermosa committee and addressed the rear and side yard setbacks; he
requested approval of this project.
-James Cioffi, project architect, thanked the Villa Hermosa homeowners for being
present and indicated their willingness to work with them. He gave further details
relating to the substandard set backs at Villa Hermosa, the deck, the open space, the
location of the swimming pool, privacy issues and the rear service yard.
-Beth Nicholas, gave clarification on the wall separating Villas Hermosa, the location of
the air conditioning units; and privacy concerns with the pool area and the set backs.
There being no further appearances, the Public Hearing was closed.
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City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Minutes of
January 24, 2007
Marcus Fuller, Assistant Director of Public Works, reported that the utility under
grounding was deferred to covenant for the Villa Hermosa property. He gave further
details relating to the requirement of an assessment district.
Craig A. Ewing reminded the Commission that a planned development district allows
the City to provide flexibility from the basic zoning standards and that each planned
development is a stand alone and is no precedent to any other future action.
Commissioner Ringlein confirmed with staff the set backs and open space.
Commissioner Scott addressed a correction in the staff report which should indicate that
there is no traffic signal on El Alameda. He stated the concern seems to be the
swimming pool and it’s relation to the adjacent property; he felt this project would benefit
from revisions and encouraged the developer to meet with the neighbors.
Commissioner Caffery requested engineering staff address the concerns relating to the
requirement of the under grounding of utility lines. Further discussion was made.
Commissioner Caffery stated he reviewed the findings for the planned development
district and felt they are adequate.
Commissioner Ringlein commented that many projects have the under grounding of
utilities deferred to covenant and suggested a new effort be undertaken to remove the
power poles and lines to clear the view corridors.
M/S/C (Caffery/Ringlein, 4-1/Scott), 2 abstained/Vice Chair Hochanadel/ Hutcheson)
To recommend approval to the City Council, subject to Conditions of Approval.
Craig A. Ewing stated this project must be approved both by the Planning Commission
and City Council. He further stated that an appeal against the Planning Commission’s
action may be filed within 10 days with the City Clerk.
A recess was taken at 2:55 p.m.
Vice Chair Hochanadel and Commissioner Hutcheson re-entered the council chamber
at 2:58 p.m.
The meeting resumed at 3:00 p.m.
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City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Minutes of
January 24, 2007
7. COMMISSION WORK PROGRAM:
**General Plan Update
**Work Program Priorities and Subcommittee Assignments
Craig A. Ewing provided details on the General Plan Preview scheduled for January 27,
2007 at the Convention Center. He gave the status of the General Plan update.
8. CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS: Update.
9. COMMISSION/STAFF REPORTS AND REQUESTS:
Commissioner Ringlein requested follow-up on the landscape requirements for the new
apartment development along frontage on Vista Chino. She made a request to the City
Council for consideration of forming a sub-committee to review the downtown parking
concerns; she indicated her willingness to participate.
Commissioner Cohen reminded staff of a tree blocking a stop sign on Via Norte.
10. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further comments, the meeting was
adjourned at 3:07 p.m.
Craig A. Ewing, AICP
Director of Planning Services
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