HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-10-03 PC Study Session MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS
PLANNING COMMISSION STUDY SESSION MINUTES
October 3, 2007
Large Conference Room, City Hall
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 2:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Present
Present
Year: FY 2007/2008
This Meeting:
to Date:
Excused Absences:
Chair Marantz X
7
2
Vice Chair Hochanadel X
9
0
Cohen X
9
0
Ringlein X
8
1
Hutcheson X
9
0
Caffery X
8
1
Scott X
9
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,
September 28, 2007.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS: (Three minute time limit.)
Chair Marantz opened Public Comments and there being none, Public Comments was
closed.
2. DISCUSSION - PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT APPROVALS FROM
JULY 1, 2005 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2006.
Craig A. Ewing provided further details on planned development district approvals from
July 1, 2005 through December 31, 2006. Mr. Ewing noted the time limits for a planned
development are:
City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Study Session
Minutes of October 3, 2007
1.) The preliminary planned development has up to two (2) years to file for final
development plans; and
2) A building permit is due within six (6) months after the final development approval
date.
Mr. Ewing said that the majority of all planning approvals go with the property except for
land use permits. The Commission discussed the process of filing time extensions and
amendments to planned developments. Staff stated that there has been a concern with
projects that are under construction and have slowed down or stopped. Mr. Ewing
reminded the Commission that each project is different. Staff noted that one of the
things that can be done is to encourage the development to take place and secure the
site from vandalism. The Commission discussed the planning and building process.
Mr. Cohen suggested improving communication between the city and the community.
Discussion was made on artwork on fencing surrounding the construction sites.
Mr. Ewing said the City's goals are to provide an agreement for each project that
requires attention addressing particular issues with that development, encouraging
development to occur, securing the site and maintaining existing improvements. Mr.
Ewing said this may include completion of a fence on one project, completion of streets
on another or the closing of a phase on yet another project.
Mr. Ewing distributed another list consisting of approved projects including tract maps.
The Commission discussed projects which have been completed. Mr. Cohen requested
staff provide further information on the construction/phasing of the Escena project. Staff
requested the Commission provide any comments they may have on any of these
projects.
Commissioner Scott noted his preference for beige construction fencing. The
Commission discussed the demolition of buildings at the Art Colony site, the Palm
Canyon project and the Desert Fashion Plaza.
Mr. Ewing noted that when the market is good, projects move along swiftly and when
the market slows only certain projects move forward. Mr. Ewing provided further details
on the concept of phasing associated with tentative tract maps, noting each phase is
examined by the engineering department to ensure that the phase works entirely
independent pertaining to drainage and streets which are clearly delineated on a map.
Mr. Ewing noted that phasing within planned developments is rarely as solid and much
tougher to administer.
3. CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS: Update.
`A
City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Study Session
Minutes of October 3, 2007
4. COMMISSION/STAFF REPORTS AND REQUESTS —
Vice Chair Hochanadel noted that the building on the corner of Ramon Road and
Caballeros surrounded with chain -link has been cleaned up.
Chair Marantz noted a new canvas sign at the storage building on the corner of Dinah
Shore and Mesquite.
Mr. Ewing reminded the Commission of next month's study session would include a
discussion on utility undergrounding.
5. ADJOURNMENT - There being no further comments, the meeting adjourned at
2:57 p.m.
ora
�.
w - .• -
3