HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008/05/28 - MINUTES . CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
May 28, 2008.
Council Chamber, City Hall
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 1:34 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Present Present Year: FY 2007/2008
This Meeting: to Date: Excused Absences:
Chair Marantz X 26 3
Vice Chair Hochanadel X 29 0
Cohen X 29 0
Ringlein X 25 4
Caffery X 26 3
• Scott X 28 1
Conrad X 11 1
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,
May 23, 2008.
ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA:
Chair Marantz announced Item 2B would be pulled from the Consent Calendar
and heard as a separate item.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS: (Three minute time limit.)
Chair Marantz opened Public Comments; there being no appearances Public
Comments was closed.
City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Minutes
of May 28, 2008
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CONSENT CALENDAR:
M/S/C (Caffery/Cohen, 7-0) To approve Items 2A, 2C and 2D, as a part of the Consent
Calendar.
2A. Draft minutes of May 7, 2008 and May 14, 2008.
Approved, as part of the Consent Calendar.
2B. Case 3.3216 SFR - An application by Michael Marini to construct a 4,000
square foot single-family residence on a hillside lot located at 844 Panorama
Road, Zone R-1-A, Section 3, APN: 504-211-004. (Project Planner: David A.
Newell, Associate Planner)
Chair Marantz stated that at the previous meeting she abstained on this
project; however, upon further review she does not have a conflict of interest.
David A. Newell, Associate Planner, provided background information as outlined in the
staff report dated May 28, 2008. Mr. Newell noted the applicant will be required to
• provide a hydrology study to determine the volume of increase stormwater runoff due to
the development of the site.
-Lance O'Donnell, architect for the project, provided additional information pertaining to
the natural arroyo, height, setbacks, pad location, rooftop panels and sustainable
development for the project. Mr. O'Donnell addressed questions from the Commission.
-Michael Marini, applicant, provided further details on his intent for the project.
-Felix Barthelemy, Palm Springs, voiced concern with the possibility of a lot split and the
lack of engineering and environmental studies conducted for the project.
-J.R. Roberts, Palm Springs, voiced concern with the project not fitting with the
neighborhood and possible flood issues on the site.
-Dr. Livia Kovats, Palm Springs, voiced concern with more traffic and pollution from new
construction in the neighborhood.
-Mark Puopolo, Palm Springs, voiced concern with the possible glare from the roof
panels and the impact to his view.
Further discussion occurred on a lot split, the hydrology study and proper noticing to the
adjacent property owners.
Commissioner Ringlein noted that all requirements are met and spoke in favor of the
project. Commissioner Scoff concurred.
• M/S/C (Scott/Caffery, 6-1/Conrad) To approve, subject to Conditions of Approval.
Mr. Ewing reported this action may be appealed with the City Clerk's office.
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Planning Commission Minutes
of May 28,2008
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2C. Case 3.3232 SFR - A request by Jim & Lome Etchason to construct a 4,980
square foot single-family residence located at 2280 North Sunrise Way, Zone
R-1-C, Section 1, APN: 501-283-013. (Project Planner, Scott Taschner,
Planning Technician)
Approved, as part of the Consent Calendar.
2D. Case SP 08-002 (Airport Park Plaza) - An application by Best Signs, Inc., for
a sign program for the new multi-tenanted office building located at 265
North El Cielo Road, Zone A, Section 13, APN: 502-150-011. (Project
Planner: David A. Newell, Associate Planner)
Approved, as part of the Consent Calendar.
3. Case 5.1118 CUP - An application by Clean Energy, LLC, for a Conditional
Use Permit to expand the existing compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling
facility at the Palm Springs International Airport located at 310-A El Cielo
• Road, Zone A. (Project Planner: Ken Lyon, Associate Planner)
Ken Lyon, Associate Planner, provided background information as outlined in the staff
report date May 28, 2008.
Chair Marantz opened the Public Hearing; there being no appearances the Public
Hearing was closed.
Commissioner Caffery suggested a condition be added to include regular maintenance
of the equipment area.
M/S/C (Ringlein/Cohen, 7-0) To adopt the draft Negative Declaration and approve
Case 5,1118 CUP, as amended:
-Regular maintenance of the equipment area.
4. Case 5.1179 PD 349 /TTM 35847 - An application by Casa Sandra, LLC, for a
Planned Development District and Tentative Tract Map to create a one-lot
condominium map for the conversion of an existing 39-unit apartment
complex into 39 condominium units located at 557 South El Cielo Road,
Zone R-3 Section 24, APN: 602-301-008. (Project Planner: Ken Lyon,
Associate Planner)
• Mr. Lyon reported that the applicant has requested a continuance until June 25, 2008,
to complete additional design issues.
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City of Palm Springs
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• Chair Marantz opened the Public Hearing; there being no appearances the Public
Hearing was closed.
M/S/C (Vice Chair Hochanadel/Caffery, 7-0) To continue, to the Planning Commission
meeting of June 25, 2008.
5. Case 3.3010 MAJ / TTM 35601 / 7.1296 AMM - An application by Grant
Hovakimyan to allow construction of a seven unit, two-story plus basement
condominium building, subterranean parking, terraces and landscaping, and
a condominium map located at 551 East Vista Chino Road, Zone R2, Section
11, APN: 507-022-044. (Project Planner: Ken Lyon, Associate Planner)
Ken Lyon provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated May 28,
2008. Mr. Lyon noted a correction in the staff report which should be west of
Miraleste. Mr. Lyon reported that there are several issues, as noted in the staff report,
that the Planning Commission may wish to consider further restudy by the applicant.
The Commission discussed public parking, prior approvals, setback requirements,
garage entries and restrictive driveways.
• Chair Marantz opened the Public Hearing; there being no appearances the Public
Hearing was continued.
M/S/C (Ringlein/Cohen, 7-0) To continue to an undetermined date, to allow a redesign
of the project.
6. Case 5.1202 ZTA - An application by the City of Palm Springs to amend the
Palm Springs Zoning Code to establish regulations for portable 'open"
signs in front of commercial businesses. (Project Planner: Craig A. Ewing,
Director of Planning Services)
Craig A. Ewing provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated
May 28, 2008. Mr. Ewing encouraged the Planning Commission to consider options for
portable "open" signs and make a recommendation to the City Council.
The Commission discussed signage at the old plaza, storefronts on the right-of-way,
and frontage on Palm Canyon.
Further discussion occurred on a shorter "sunset' term, signs displaying more product
information, the effectiveness of "open" signs and consistency with hours of
operation. Commissioner Ringlein noted her preference for a one (1) year sunset
• clause.
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City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Minutes
of May 28, 2008
Commissioner Cohen noted that "open" signs on El Paseo are very effective in the
summertime and requested more product information on the signs. Mr. Cohen
suggested a subcommittee to review the design standards.
Chair Marantz suggested professional made signs versus hand-written signs
and weekend code enforcement to eliminate many of the downtown problems.
Chair Marantz opened the Public Hearing:
-Darron Dahle, Palm Springs, requested consideration of"A" Frame signs for downtown
businesses.
-Joy Meredith, Palm Springs, business owner and president of Mainstreet
Association, referenced a survey that was conducted revealing a preference for 'A'
Frame signs and requested consideration of a pilot program.
-Rodolfo Castillo, Palm Springs, spoke of the importance to include businesses on side
streets, the redundancy of "open" signs and requested consideration of A-Frame signs.
-Casey Jones, Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce, noted a poll was conducted on
1,000 members with 200 plus members (60%) responding in favor of A-Frame signs.
There being no further appearances the Public Hearing was closed.
• The Commission discussed the overwhelming advertisement signage for taxicabs, a
sunset clause, stringent design standards and frontage on Palm Canyon.
Commissioner Caffery stated his preference for A-Frame signs, however, expressed
concern with too much signage cluttering downtown.
M/S/C (Scott/Caffery, 7-0) To direct staff to prepare an ordinance for confirmation of the
following recommendation to the City Council:
-Portable "Open" signs to be permitted on Palm Canyon Drive from Ramon Road
to Vista Chino Road.
-To allow A-Frame signs and metal signs on a pole with a sturdy, heavy base.
-Maximum height shall be 42" and maximum width shall be 32" width.
-Sign content shall be limited to the business name and logo, major product/service,
and the word "open".
-Two (2) year sunset provision.
-Limit one sign per tenant space to be placed between the storefront and the street.
-No permit is necessary if all requirements are met.
-Sign to be professionally prepared and manufactured.
7. COMMISSION WORK PROGRAM: Work Program Priorities and
Subcommittee Assignments
Mr. Ewing reported the Utility Underground Subcommittee will meet at 1:30 p.m. on
June 4th.
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Planning Commission Minutes
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Mr. Ewing noted that the City Council's downtown sign subcommittee will be meeting to
discuss umbrellas and monument signs.
Mr. Ewing reported the City Council would be meeting to review the revised schedule
for the processing of the Museum Market Specific Plan.
B. COMMISSION/STAFF REPORTS AND REQUESTS:
Commissioner Scott concurred with Chair Marantz pertaining to the request for code
enforcement patrol during the weekends.
9. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further comments the meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m.
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