HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-05-09 PC MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
May 09, 2007
Council Chamber, City Hall
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 1:38 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Present Present
This Meeting: to Date:
Year: FY 2006/2007
Excused Absences:
Chair Marantz
X
22 1
Vice Chair Hochanadel
X
22 1
Cohen
X
19 4
Ringlein
X
19 4
Hutcheson
X
21 2
Caffery
17 3
Scott
17 3
REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA:
NOTE: Chair Marantz announced a request for a continuance was made for the
following items:
Item #4, Case 5.1093 CUP - An appeal by Ken Levin; and
Item #7, Case TTM 34627, Palm Springs View Estates Mobile Home Park
The Planning Commission proceeded to hear Public Comments prior to making a
decision on the aforementioned requests.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS: (Three minute time limit.)
Chair Marantz opened the Public Comments.
-Cal Heckler, Palm Springs, spoke in opposition of Item 7 and requested this project
be heard today.
Steve Ohren, owner of the Colony Palms Hotel, requested Item 4 be heard today.
City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Minutes of
May 9, 2007
-Dick Matthews, Palm Springs, spoke in opposition of Item 7 and requested this item be
heard today.
-David Chavarria, Palm Springs, spoke in opposition of Item 6 concerned with increased
traffic flow and the high wall.
-Arlene Battishill, Palm Springs, voiced concern for traffic calming measures approved
for the Spanish Inn in September 2005; none of which have been installed as of this
date.
-Leon Abelon, Palm Springs, spoke in opposition of Item 7, concerned with the
deterioration of the infrastructure.
There being no further comments, Public Comments was closed.
Commissioner Hutcheson stated he felt since staff has all the required information to
make a recommendation for Item 7, his preference is not to continue this item. The
Commission discussed both requests for continuance and the consensus of the
Commission was to hear Items 4 and 7.
CONSENT AGENDA:
Chair Marantz noted her abstention on Item 2B.
M/S/C (Hutcheson/Vice Chair Hochanadel, 5-0, 2 absent/Scott/ Caffery) To approve,
Items 2A and 2131; as part of the Consent Agenda,
2A. Case TTM 32263 - An application by Jeffrey Parker on behalf of RSM
Arbours, LP, requesting a one-year time extension to subdivide one building
into nine office condominiums located at 1301 Montalvo Way, Zone M-1-P,
Section 7, APN: 677-461-002 and 003. (Project Planner: Bryan
Fernandez, Assistant Planner). Approved, as part of the Consent Agenda.
2B. Case 3.3033 MAJ / 3.3034 MAJ - An application by Mario Berardi on behalf
of Bera West Enterprises to construct two 5,000 square foot warehouse
buildings located at 245 Radio Road and 265 Radio Road, Zone M-1, Section
34, APN: 669-444-002 and 003. (Project Planner: Bryan
Fernandez, Assistant Planner) (Noting Chair Marantz's abstention.) Approved,
as part of the Consent Agenda.
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City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Minutes of
May 9, 2007
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW:
3. Case 5.1052 - PD 313 / TTM 33334 - An application by Michael Mueller for the
Palm Springs Racquet Club Properties, LLC, requesting approval for the
Final Development plans for previously approved PDD 313, a mixed -use
development consisting of a new 55-unit condominium complex, restaurant
and a convenience store located at 2743 North Indian Canyon Drive, Zone
PD 313, Section 3. Project Planner; Edward O. Robertson, Principal
Planner)
Chair Marantz noted her abstention. Commissioner Hutcheson noted his abstention.
There is no quorum for this item therefore this case will be rescheduled to a later date.
OTHER BUSINESS:
NOTE: The Planning Commission considered during Public
Comments the appellanVs request for a continuation of this
item. The Planning Commission decided to proceed and hear
the appeal.
4. Case 5.1093 CUP - An appeal by Ken Levin of a decision by the Director of
Planning Services for the parking and curb plan approved on April 13, 2007,
for the Colony Palms Hotel located at 572 North Indian Canyon Way.
Craig A. Ewing, Director of Planning Services, provided background information as
outlined in the staff report dated May 9, 2007. He stated staff granted the reduction to
accommodate the relocation of the parking spaces as a consequence of a court order
reducing the five foot separation to 2 1/2 feet.
Commissioner Hutcheson requested the owner of Colony Palms address any impact
which may be caused as a result of a delay to allow the appellant more time. Steven
Ohren stated they are working hard at completing the balance of work to open the
hotel. He stated the area in question is a small section consisting of only about six
parking spaces. He requested this item be heard today since he cancelled a trip to New
York to be present.
Further discussion was made pertaining to the buildings under construction and the
delay if this item is continued.
M/S/C (Hutcheson/Vice Chair Hochanadel, 5-0, 2 absent/Scott/ Caffery) To deny, and
uphold the decision of the Director of Planning Services
Craig A. Ewing reported this decision may be appealed to the City Council. The
appellant, Dr. Levin, will be notified of the decision.
City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Minutes of
May 9, 2007
5. Case 5.1060 PD 312 - An application to amend a previously approved
Planned Development District 312 (Smoke Tree Commons) for the deletion
of a driveway access connecting the Smoke Tree Commons to the Coco's
establishment located on the southwest comer of East Palm Canyon Drive
and Farrell Drive/Barona Road. (Planner: Edward O. Robertson, Principal
Planner)
Edward Robertson, Principal Planner, provided background information as outlined in
the staff report dated May 9, 2007. Mr. Robertson stated this amendment would delete
a driveway access connecting the proposed shopping center to the Coco's
establishment on the southeasterly portion of the site.
Vice Chair Hochanadel requested staff address the fire department's access to the site.
Mr. Robertson responded that the fire department has reviewed this request and has no
problem with the access to the site.
M/S/C (Vice Chair Hochanadel/Cohen, 5-0, 2 absent/Scott/ Caffery) To approve, draft
resolution.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
6. Case 3.3018 MAJ / TPM 35235 - An application by George Acres on behalfof
Centers Dynamic for the construction of a 14,000 square foot box store with
adjacent 13,600 square foot in -line retail stores in the existing Palm Springs
Market Place Shopping Center and the subdivision of approximately 6.24
acres into three parcels with parking and associated landscaping located at
the southeast corner of East Vista Chino Road and North Sunrise Way, Zone
P with PD-227, Section 12. APN: 507-301-024. (Project Planner: Fred
Lowndes, Associate Planner)
Fred Lowndes, Associate Planner, provided background information as outlined in the
staff report dated May 9, 2007.
Vice Chair Hochanadel requested staff address if the existing retention basin located
across the street is adequate to handle the extra usage. Staff responded yes it is
equipped to handle the extra usage.
Chair Marantz opened the Public Hearing:
-Ed Dietrich, Palm Springs, requested more time be allowed for noticing of the meeting
and voiced concern with the extension of the road, traffic flow and the noise problem.
-Bruck Droughton, Palm Springs, concern with the proposed road for the delivery trucks
and increased noise to the nearby homes.
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City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Minutes of
May 9, 2007
-Allen Sanborn, architect & engineer for the project, provided further details pertaining to
the original site plan and the entry access point for large delivery trucks and the loading
zone.
-George Arce, owner & developer Phase ll, thanked the Commission and staff for their
hard work and is looking forward to the development.
There being no further comments, the Public Hearing was closed.
Commissioner Hutcheson requested engineering staff address any traffic calming
devices installed on Cerritos and Chia Road. Mr. Fuller responded traffic speed bumps
have been installed on Cerritos Road and further stated that both of these streets are
collector roads (designed to connect neighboring roads to major roads).
Vice Chair Hochanadel noted this project is an enhancement for this area because this
site is used as a dumping ground.
M/S/C (Vice Chair Hochanadel/Ringlein, 5-0, 2 absent/Scott/ Caffery) To recommend
approval to the City Council, subject to Conditions of Approval.
NOTE: The Planning Commission considered a request by The Loftin Finn
for a continuation of this item to the meeting of June 13, 2007. The
Planning Commission decided to proceed and hear the case.
7. Case TTM 34627 - An application by The Loftin Firm on behalf of the owners
to subdivide the existing 184 space rental mobile home park, Palm Springs
View Estates Mobile Home Park, for condominium purposes. The site is an
approximate 25.9-acre tract and is located at 6300 Bolero Drive, Zoned R-
MHP, Section 29, APN's: 681-310-018, 681-270-003, and 007. (Project
Planner: Fred Lowndes, Associate Planner)
Fred Lowndes, Associate Planner, provided background information as outlined in the
staff report dated May 9, 2007. He reported this case was continued from the April 11th
meeting to allow the applicant time to furnish an updated Tenant Impact Report (TIR)
and have the City Attorney present at this meeting.
Vice Chair Hochanadel requested staff address the state's jurisdiction and the
Commission's role in reviewing this project. Mr. Lowndes responded the Commission's
role is to identify all the criteria has been met. He indicated the fire conditions have
been satisfied by the fire department, however, the easement concern has not been
addressed.
City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Minutes of
May 9, 2007
Chair Marantz opened the Public Hearing.
-Jon Rodrigue, The Loftin Firm representing the applicant, stated the concerns with the
flow and pressure of the fire hydrant and access to the rear gate have been resolved.
Mr. Rodrigue provided further details relating to location of the easement and the
Tenant Impact Report.
-Dick Matthews, Palm Springs, stated a discrepancy with the distance of the fire hydrant
and requested further study of the rental program.
-Bob Slagle, Palm Springs, addressed concerns with the Tenant Impact Report.
-Judy Farrell, Palm Springs, voiced concerns with economic displacement of the
tenants.
-Arlene Battishill, Palm Springs, addressed concern for more renters protection
especially tenants on fixed -incomes.
-Harold Baumea, Palm Springs, stated a discrepancy with the street names on the map
and problems with sewer back-up and the sidewalk widths.
-Eddie Scott, Palm Springs, stated a concern with the sidewalk widths, sewer problems
and the economic displacement of the tenants.
-Jon Rodrigue, applicant rebuttal, addressed the conversion process, the opportunity to
purchase and inspections conducted by the state on the infrastructure of mobile home
park.
-Jean Stevens, Palm Springs, addressed re -zoning of the mobile home park and a
problem with home loans for low income residents.
-Tom Bennett, Palm Springs, voiced concern for more protection of the elders.
There being no further comments, the Public Hearing was closed
Vice Chair Hochanadel requested clarification on the process of the sewer survey. Mr.
Rodrigue responded the sewer survey is currently under process and the cost is
$50,000.
Marcus Fuller, Assistant Director of Public Works, summarized staffs decision to
recommend denial, based on the Tenant Impact Report (TIR) submitted last year, it
should include 1/2 of the mobile home park is within a flood zone, emergency access is
prevented and the road is not on an easement of record.
Vice Chair Hochanadel requested staff address city liability. Staff responded that
currently the mobile home park is under state control and once converted into resident
ownership it is under local control.
Commissioner Hutcheson stated he felt Mr. Fuller summarized it well and there are too
many unanswered questions. He made a motion to deny the project.
M/S/C (Hutcheson/Ringlein, 5-0, 2 absent/Scott/ Caffery) To recommend denial to the
City Council
City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Minutes of
May 9, 2007
A recess was taken at 3:25 p.m. The meeting resumed at 3:36 p.m.
8. Case 5.1152 - To consider the Draft 2007 Comprehensive Update of the
Palm Springs General Plan and related Draft Environmental Impact Report.
(Project Planner: Ken Lyon, Associate Planner)
Ken Lyon, Associate Planner, provided details pertaining to the staff report supplement
#2 dated May 9, 2007. He noted additional comments were received from the public
after the publication date that will be addressed in a subsequent supplement.
Bill Halligan, Environmental Consultant with the Planning Center, introduced himself
and stated they are the consulting firm hired by the City to prepare the General Plan
Environmental Impact Report.
Jaime Thomas, Project Manager, provided details on the environmental review process
Chair Marantz re -opened the Public Hearing.
-Marvin Roos, MSA Consulting, requested a policy to restrict the height of landscaping
and addressed the street connection on Racquet Club and Tramway Road indicating it
would be disruptive to the neighborhood and recommended deletion.
-Fred Bell, Building Industry Associations, stated they have received numerous
concerns that have not been addressed and a final set of comments will be submitted.
-John Wessman, Palm Springs, spoke in opposition of the connection between
Tramway Road and Racquet Club.
-Arlene Blattishill, Palm Springs, voiced concern with the General Plan stating it appears
to be more retrospective than proactive and requested an exhibit displaying approved
developments, which have not been built, to get an idea of the potential traffic problems.
There being no further comments, the Public Hearing was closed.
Commissioner Ringlein suggested when planned developments are used to allow an
increase in density there should be a proportionate public benefit. The visual computer
presentation should be a required part of the planned development application process.
The Commission and staff discussed the extension of Chia Road, the Circulation
Element and the importance of preserving the multiple ways to circulate within the City.
Commissioner Hutcheson noted his preference not to include the Chia Road extension
in the General Plan. Chair Marantz noted her concern with closing -off streets and future
development. Commissioner Ringlein commented that she did not have a problem with
the Chia Road extension.
City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Minutes of
May 9, 2007
Commissioner Hutcheson requested staff address the mixed -use designation, the
prohibition of planned development districts in the Downtown Urban Design Guidelines,
to approach Caltrans for possible funding of scenic corridors, encourage the use golf
carts and/or electric vehicles, strengthen goals to encourage more green and renewable
energy and to preserve affordable housing in regard to mobile home parks.
The Commission discussed traffic concerns at the intersection of Alejo and Indian
Canyon.
The item has been continued to the meeting of May 16, 2007.
9. COMMISSION WORK PROGRAM: *Work Program Priorities and
Subcommittee Assignments
10. CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS: Update.
11. COMMISSION/STAFF REPORTS AND REQUESTS:
The Commission discussed the process of formatting the final copy of the draft General
Plan.
12. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further comments, the meeting adjourned at
4:55 p.m.
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