HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-03-05 PC MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
March 05, 2008
Council Chamber, City Hall
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting has been called to order at 2:02 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Present
Present
Year: FY 2007/2008
This Meeting:
to Date:
Excused Absences:
Chair Marantz X
19
2
Vice Chair Hochanadel X
21
0
Cohen X
21
0
Ringlein X
19
2
Caffery X
20
1
Scott X
21
0
Conrad X
4
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 Department counter by 5:00 p.m.
on Friday, February 29, 2008.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS: (Three minute time limit.)
The following persons spoke in favor of a landscape redesign for the Palm Springs
International Airport:
-Paul Ortega, Palm Springs, requested the use of more native plants and less grass to
conserve water.
-Sunny Nelson, Palm Springs, voiced concern with the City's continual promotion of
non-native landscaping.
-Phillip Smith, Indio, requested the use of a native plant palette and requested an
environmentally responsible design.
-Eric Wildermeth, Palm Springs, concerned with the use of tropical plants and would like
to see the City promote a desert landscape.
-Kyle Husfloen, Palm Springs, suggested several types of desert plants and encouraged
water conservation.
City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Meeting
of March 5, 2008
-Christine Hall, Palm Desert, suggested the City should set the example for water
conservation.
-Hugh Vance, Palm Springs, expressed concern with water consumption and
encouraged the City to work with the environment.
-Mary Brantwehrl, Palm Springs, stated she would like to see the airport reflect the
beauty of the Coachella Valley.
-Renee Hersey, Palm Springs, requested a more sustainable landscape with beauty,
color and fragrance.
-Jade Nelson, Palm Springs, spoke of the extreme temperatures in the desert which
require more maintenance and water for tropical plants; encouraged use of native
desert plants and synthetic grass.
-Rebecca Navarre, Cathedral City, provided several ideas for a native desert
landscaping.
-Nancy Bentinck, Palm Springs, provided details on the Resource Conservation
Commission, a newly established group by the City; noting their involvement with
energy, water and waste disposal.
There being no further appearances, Public Comments was closed.
2. OTHER BUSINESS:
Case 3.0829-C MAJ - An application by the Palm Springs International Airport to
expand the lobby area, install new landscaping, new canopies and two new
buildings located at 3400 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Zone A, Section 18.
(Project Planner: Bryan Fernandez, Assistant Planner) (Continued from the
meeting of February 27, 2008)
Edward Robertson, Principal Planner, provided background information as outlined in
the staff report dated March 5, 2008.
Allen Smoot, Owner Representative, Palm Springs International Airport, provided further
details on the bollards, the redesign of the re-entry plaza, concession areas, the canopy
system and the changes made to the landscape and hardscape plan. Mr. Smoot
respectfully requested that the Planning Commission act on the project.
Ms. Ringlein requested Mr. Smoot address the citrus on the trees. Mr. Smoot
responded that the citrus will be picked by airport personnel and passengers noting that
the original airport landscape from the 1960's was lawn, lush flowers and citrus
trees. Ms. Ringlein commented that she is in favor of the bollard system and artificial
turf.
2
City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Meeting
of March 5, 2008
Ms. Conrad noted that she would not have removed the citrus trees and the target golf
and preferred a water feature consistent with the architecture. Ms. Conrad stated a
decrease in plant count would result when the landscape design is changed to modern
aesthetic. Ms. Conrad suggested keeping some grass to satisfy the concerns of some
of the passengers.
Mr. Scott commented that 25,000 star jasmine plants are inappropriate for the
landscape plan. Mr. Scott noted that all of the architectural concerns have been
resolved; however, the landscape and water feature require further changes.
Mr. Caffery noted that artificial turf would not be ideal because it gets very hot and the
passengers could not lay on it. Mr. Caffery was in favor of the architectural
features with the exception of changing several tropical plants to native plants.
Chair Marantz stated she has noticed many people sitting on the grass relaxing and
enjoying the sunshine and would prefer to retain a portion of the grass. Chair Marantz
was in favor of the hardscape.
Ms. Conrad clarified that she is not satisfied with the hardscape (the flatwork concrete)
and felt this is part of the landscape plan.
Mr. Cohen concurred with Ms. Conrad and stated that he is also in favor a keeping a
portion of the grass so that travelers could enjoy it.
Vice Chair Hochanadel noted the concrete color should follow suit with the existing
concrete.
M/S/C (Scott/Cohen, 7-0) To approve, as amended:
-The landscape plan shall be redesigned and resubmitted for review by the Architectural
Advisory Committee and action by the Planning Commission with specific direction to:
a.) Revise the plant palette to include more desert appropriate species; and
b.) Redesign the water feature in the courtyard to more closely represent the
modern architecture of the adjacent buildings.
Mr. Ewing noted the time -frame for an appeal of the Planning Commission decision to
the City Council
3
City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Meeting
of March 5, 2008
3. Case 5.1173 ZTA - An application by the City of Palm Springs to amend the
Palm Springs Zoning Code regarding the standards and
regulations for establishing office uses in the Central Business District (C-
B-D) zone, the downtown area generally defined as Palm Canyon and Indian
Canyon Drives, between Alejo and Ramon Roads and adjacent streets.
(Project Planner: Craig A. Ewing, Director of Planning Services)
Craig A. Ewing, Director of Planning Services, provided background information as
outlined in the staff report dated March 5, 2008.
Commissioner Conrad noted her abstention (she was not present when this item was
previously heard) and would not be participating in the discussion and vote.
Mr. Caffery noted a concern with the orientation of storefronts facing Palm Canyon
Drive and the entry off of an adjacent street. Further discussion was made.
M/S/C (Cohen/Vice Chair Hochanadel, 6-0, 1 abstained/ Conrad) To uphold Planning
Commission Resolution No. 7110; with the intent to keep offices off of Palm Canyon
Drive.
4. COMMISSION WORK PROGRAM:
" Work Program Priorities and Subcommittee Assignments
Mr. Ewing stated that the updated General Plan orientation will continue for their April
Study Session as well as the organization of the Zoning Code.
5. COMMISSION/STAFF REPORTS AND REQUESTS:
Ms. Ringlein noted that she and Mr. Caffery volunteered for a utility undergrounding
subcommittee and requested staff provide the status of this group. Ms.
Ringlein requested staff follow-up on the Sosa's Market landscaping on the corner of
Vista Chino and Gene Autry Way.
Ms. Conrad requested staff address the searchlight policy and the change of ownership
for Grill -A -Burger. Staff responded that there are provisions for permits to allow
searchlights and would forward the information on both these requests via e-mail.
Chair Marantz noted that she will not be in attendance for the April 9th Planning
Commission and the April 7th Architectural Advisory Committee meetings.
City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Meeting
of March 5, 2008
6. ADJOURNMENT -
There being no further comments the meeting adjourned at 3:34 p.m.
q
rq�wing, P
Director of Pla ni g Services
5