HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-03-12 PC MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
March 12, 2008
Council Chamber, City Hall
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 1:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Present Present Year: FY 2007/2008
This Meeting: to Date: Excused Absences:
Chair Marantz X 20 2
Vice Chair Hochanadel X 22 0
Cohen X 22 0
Ringlein X 20 2
Caffery X 21 1
Scott 21 1
Conrad X 5 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,
March 7, 2008.
ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA:
The agenda was accepted, as presented.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS: (Three minute time limit.)
Chair Marantz opened Public Comments and there being none, Public Comments was
closed.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Vice Chair Hochanadel requested Item 2B pulled from the Consent Calendar for further
discussion.
M/S/C (Caffery/Cohen, 5-0, 2 absent/Scott/ Ringlein) To approve, Item 2A as part of
the Consent Calendar.
City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Minutes
of March 12, 2008
2A. Case TTM 31848 (Avalon) - A request by Deborah Van Huis of SunCal
Companies for a one-year time extension for Tentative Tract Map 31848 from
May 5, 2008 to May 5, 2009 located at North Avenida Caballeros and San
Rafael Drive, Zoned PD 290, Section 35, APN’s: 669-330-016, 039 and 041.
(Project Planner: Bryan Fernandez, Assistant Planner)
Approved, as part of the Consent Calendar.
2B. Case TTM 34165 - A request by Cynthia Nelson of Nexus Development for a
one-year time extension for Tentative Tract Map 34165 from April 19, 2008 to
April 19, 2009 located at the southeast corner of Avenida Caballeros and
Alejo Road, Zone PD 321, Section 14, APN’s: 508-060-008, 009 and 031.
(Project Planner: Bryan Fernandez, Assistant Planner)
Vice Chair Hochanadel requested staff address removal of the green fence to provide a
more natural view.
Commissioner Conrad concurred with the removal of the fence. Staff responded that
unless the fencing is required for PM 10 (dust control) a condition could be added to
address this concern.
M/S/C (Vice Chair Hochanadel/Conrad, 5-0, 2 absent/Scott/ Ringlein) To recommend
approval to the City Council, of a one-year time extension from April 19, 2008 to April
19, 2009, as amended:
-Remove the green fencing and stabilize any loose dirt to control the dust, preferably
with wildflowers, subject to the approval of the Director of Public Works, as part of the
dust control plan.
3. Case 08-003 - A pre-application by Pacifica Colony Palms Lofts, LLC, to
construct a mixed-used project including first floor and second
floor retail/commercial space, 46 condominium units and subterranean
parking on an approximately 49,302 square foot lot located at 750 North
Palm Canyon, Zone PD 104, Section 10, APN: 505-303-018. (Project Planner,
Diane A Bullock, Associate Planner) The hearing will be conducted
for informational purposes only and no action will be taken at this meeting.
Diane Bullock, Associate Planner, provided background information as outlined in the
staff report dated March 12, 2008.
Commissioner Ringlein entered the Council Chamber at 1:41 p.m.
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City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Minutes
of March 12, 2008
Ms. Bullock noted that the parking calculations stated in the staff report are based on
the preliminary information given because the absolutes are not known at this time.
Chair Marantz opened the Public Hearing:
-Doug Hudson, Palm Springs, representing himself, voiced concern with the height and
mass of the project; and noted a number of in-fill projects for this area will be coming
forward in the near future.
-Nejat Kohan, Palm Springs, requested limits be placed on the height and density; and
a traffic study be imposed upon this project prior to making a decision.
-Jono Hildner, Palm Springs, requested enforcement of the zoning ordinance.
-Roxanne Ploss, Palm Springs, noted three hotel renovations including traffic
calming measures in this vicinity; she believes the impact would create a lot of stress in
this area.
-Arelene Battishill, Palm Springs, spoke in support of the project; is pleased with
the retail aspect of the project.
-Steve Oren, co-developer, provided details on the conceptual vision for the property.
Mr. Oren provided additional information on the architecture, the use
and the environmental aspect of the project.
-Carol Blum, co-developer, provided further details on their efforts in providing LEED
certification for the buildings.
-Charles Sachs, Palm Springs, concerned with the height affecting the mountain views.
There being no further comments the Public Hearing was closed.
Discussion was made on the green roofing material and an alternate design, revisions
to the site plan, setbacks and height regulations. Ms. Conrad expressed concern for
height and for businesses succeeding in this part of town.
Chair Marantz noted the quality improvements to this part of town (uptown area)
primarily due to development and remodeling within the past year.
Mr. Caffery noted that the project is very nice; however expressed concern with the
parking, height and mass of the project. Mr. Cohen concurred with the height and
parking concern.
There being no further comments the discussion was concluded on this item.
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City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Minutes
of March 12, 2008
4. COMMISSION WORK PROGRAM: * Work Program Priorities and
Subcommittee Assignments
Mr. Ewing reported a meeting with the Undergrounding Subcommittee and Engineering
staff would be set-up within the next several weeks. Mr. Ewing suggested a study
session to discuss the different levels of LEED certification.
Ms. Conrad noted the Zoning Code orientation and Planned Development Districts as
priority for the next study session.
5. COMMISSION/STAFF REPORTS AND REQUESTS:
Ms. Conrad requested Code Enforcement follow-up on non-compliance
signs along East Palm Canyon Drive.
Chair Marantz requested Code Enforcement follow-up on a yellow sign adjacent to the
Social Security building on Ramon Road.
6. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further comments the meeting adjourned at 2:45 p.m.
Craig A. Ewing, AICP
Director of Planning Services
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