The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2007-07-25 PC MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES July 25, 2007 Council Chamber, City Hall 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 1:37 p.m. ROLL CALL: Present Present Year: FY 2007/2008 This Meeting: to Date: Excused Absences: Chair Marantz X 2 0 Vice Chair Hochanadel X 2 0 Cohen X 2 0 Ringlein X 2 0 Hutcheson X 2 0 Caffery X 2 0 Scott X 2 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, July 20, 2007. ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA: The agenda was accepted with no changes. 1. PUBLIC COMMENTS: (Three minute time limit.) Chair Marantz opened the Public Comments and there being no comments Public Comments was closed. CONSENT CALENDAR: Commissioner Hutcheson noted his abstention on Item 2B. City of Palm Springs Planning Commission Minutes of July 25, 2007 Commissioner Scott requested Item 2D pulled from the Consent Calendar for further discussion. M/S/C (Ringlein/Cohen, 7-0) To approve, Items 2A, 26, 2C and 2E, as part of the Consent Calendar. (Noting Commissioner Hutcheson's abstention on Item 213.) 2A. Draft Minutes of June 21, 2007, June 27, 2007 and July 11, 2007. Approved, as part of the Consent Calendar. 2B. Case 10.460 DIET - An application by Frank J. De Lelys for a Planning Commission Determination for vacating lot "B" and a portion of lot "A" of Parcel Map 7254, as recorded in parcel map book 30, page 65, of maps, records of Riverside County, State of California, Zone R-1-C, Section 11. (Project Planner: David A. Newell, Assistant Planner) Approved, as part of the Consent Calendar. (Noting Commissioner Hutcheson's abstention.) 2C. Case 6.0999 PD 296 / TTM 31230 - An application by Francis LaBranche (Uptown Village) requesting a one-year time extension for Planned Development District 296 and the associated Tentative Tract Map 31230 located on the northwest corner of Via Olivera and Zanjero Road, Zone PD 296, Section 3. APN 504-260-004 & 005. (Project Planner: David A. Newell, Assistant Planner) Approved, as part of the Consent Calendar. 2D. Case 3.3078 SFR - An application by Hubert Rouft to construct a 4,693 square foot single family residence located at 2932 North Sunrise Way, Zone R-1-C, Section 1, APN: 501-203-022. (Project Planner: Bryan Fernandez, Assistant Planner) Commissioner Scott requested clarification on the type of roofing tile. Jack Halloway, HPS Associated Builders Inc., responded the roofing tile is consistent with the neighborhood. Staff was in agreement. NJ City of Palm Springs Planning Commission Minutes of July 25, 2007 Staff provided clarification on the condition for R.V. parking indicating a permit is required and the R.V. will not be visible from the street. M/S/C (Caffery/Cohen, 6-1Nice Chair Hochanadel) To approve, subject to Conditions of Approval. 2E. Case 5.0856 CUP Time Extension - An application for a one-year time extension by Tahiti Group, LLC, for the development of a 65-unit hotel and two drive-thru restaurants located at 610 West Garnet Avenue, Zone M- 1-P, Section 15, APNs: 666-330-043, 058, 067 & 075. (Project Planner: Bryan Fernandez, Assistant Planner) Approved, as part of the Consent Calendar. MISCELLANEOUS 3. Case 5.0866 PD 267 / TTM 31525 Minor Final PD Amendment - An application by Andy Fraser on behalf of K. Hovnanian Homes (Four Seasons Palm Springs) to reduce minimum rear yard setback requirement from 15 feet to 10 feet located at 4000 North Sunrise Way, Zone PD-267, Section 36, APN: 669-470-031 and 669-460-005. (Project Planner: Bryan Fernandez, Assistant Planner) Bryan Fernandez, Assistant Planner, provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated July 25, 2007. The Commission requested additional information and discussed the setbacks. M/S/C (Scott/Ringlein, 7-0) To approve, subject to revised Conditions. 4. Case 5.0982 PD 290 Minor Final PD Amendment - An application by Russ Allison on behalf of SunCal PSV, LLC., (Avalon) to remove a water feature from the entry wall located near the guard house located at 801 Sunrise Parkway, Zone PD-290, Section 35. (Project Planner: Christopher Brown, Contract Planner). Christopher Brown, Contract Planner, provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated July 25, 2007. 3 City of Palm Springs Planning Commission Minutes of July 25, 2007 Commissioner Cohen emphasized the Architectural Advisory Committee's recommendation to add an art feature at this location. M/S/C (Scott/Vice Chair Hochanadel, 7-0) To approve, subject to revised Conditions. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 5. Case 5.1103 CUP / 3.2941 MAJ / TTM 33162 - An application by Palm Springs Modem Homes VI, LLC (Pedregal) to amend conditions of approval for a previously approved Conditional Use Permit, Tentative Tract Map and Major Architectural approval for the construction of 132 condominium units located at 2865 North Palm Canyon Drive, Zone R3, Section 3, APN: 504-040-047 and 048. (Project Planner: Edward O. Robertson, Principal Planner) (Continued from the July 11, 2007 Planning Commission meeting.) Chair Marantz noted her abstention and would not be participating in the discussion and vote. She left the Council Chamber at 1:58 p.m. Commissioner Hutcheson noted his abstention and would not be participating in the discussion and vote. He left the Council Chamber at 1:58 p.m. Commissioner Caffery noted his abstention and would not be participating in the discussion and vote. He left the Council Chamber at 1:58 p.m. Edward Robertson, Principal Planner, provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated July 25, 2007. Marcus Fuller, Assistant Director of Public Works, provided details on the request to eliminate the requirement to underground the existing utility lines along the southerly boundary of the project and to remove the existing street lights along Tram Way. Chair Hochanadel opened the Public Hearing: -Dennis Cunningham, applicant, representing Palm Springs Modem Homes, provided additional information using exhibits displaying the site and two adjoining properties. -Kay Hazen, Palm Springs Modern Homes, provided additional details related to the problems with Tram Way Road and the lighting. -Charles Sachs, Palm Springs, voiced concern with the effect to the landscaping and ambient lighting. There being no further appearances, the Public Hearing was closed 18 City of Palm Springs Planning Commission Minutes of July 25, 2007 The Commission discussed the power poles on Tram Way Road. Marcus Fuller, Assistant Director of Public Works, stated the engineering department strongly believes the lights on Tram Way Road serve as an important traffic safety purpose. The Commission further discussed the existing lighting and traffic accidents on Tram Way Road. Commissioner Ringlein stated she is an advocate for undergrounding and commented that the developer knew the terrain when he purchased the property. She encouraged staff to discuss undergrounding at a future study session. Commissioner Scott noted his preference to remove the utility poles and felt the ambient lighting from the landscaping and new structures would be sufficient. Commissioner Ringlein was in concurrence with the removal of the street lighting however she noted a concern with the undergrounding. Marcus Fuller stated the liability concern was discussed with the City Attorney and the applicant on February 28th and a determination was made that the developer assumes all liability when he develops a piece of property. M/S/C (Ringlein/Cohen,) To continue to the meeting of August 8, 2007, to give the two adjacent homeowners an opportunity to participate in the public hearing. MOTION AND SECOND WERE WITHDRAWN. The applicant noted his preference for the Commission to make a motion today either in favor or opposition. He does not want a continuance. M/S/C (Scott/Ringlein, 4-0, 3 abstained Hutcheson, Chair Marantz, Caffery) The undergrounding of the existing overhead utility lines along the southerly boundary to remain in effect, as required; and deletion of the lighting requirement along Tram Way Road. Chair Marantz and Commissioner Hutcheson re-entered the Council Chamber at 3:01 p.m. 6. COMMISSION WORK PROGRAM: " Work Program Priorities and Subcommittee Assignments Edward Robertson reminded the Commission that next week's study session would consist of a joint meeting with the Architectural Advisory Committee. E City of Palm Springs Planning Commission Minutes of July 25, 2007 7. CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS: Update. 8. COMMISSION/STAFF REPORTS AND REQUESTS: Commissioner Ringlein requested Code Enforcement follow-up on a wall and landscaping near the intersection of Vista Chino and Gene Autry Way near the Escena project. Mrs. Ringlein also noted the landscaping and signage at the Sosa's Market needs attention, as well. Vice Chair Hochanadel requested Code Enforcement to follow-up on a building that has insulation and chain -link on the exterior walls located at the intersection of Ramon Road and Caballeros. Commissioner Cohen voiced concern with vehicle signage throughout the city. Chair Marantz commented on the importance of the Commission visiting sites on major projects. Mr. Robertson also emphasized that staff is always available to review projects with the Commission. Marcus Fuller provided details on the City Council awarding a contract for the widening of Gene Autry Trail. 9. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further comments, the meeting adjourned at 3:16 p.m. C Ewing,. P irec or of Pla i g Services M