Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-04-02 PC Study Session MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS PLANNING COMMISSION STUDY SESSION MINUTES April 02, 2008 Council Chamber, 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 Dater Excused Absences: Chair Marantz X 22 2 Vice Chair Hochanadel X 24 0 Cohen X 24 0 Ringlein 21 3 Caffery 21 3 Scott X 23 1 Conrad X 7 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, March 28, 2008. 1. PUBLIC COMMENTS: (Three minute time limit.) Chair Marantz opened Public Comments. There being none, Public Comments was closed. 2. DISCUSSION - General Plan Orientation - Response to Questions Ken Lyon, Associate Planner, reported that at the previous study session several questions were asked regarding the mixed -use percentages and small hotels. Mr. Lyon noted that the General Plan says a "preferred mix of uses" and does not indicate "shall' or "encourage" thereby the City is willing to entertain multiple types of uses such as residential or commercial for a certain area. Mr. Lyon clarified that the General Plan does not require only one type of use but encourages several types of uses. Discussion occurred on the Palm Springs Mall, the uptown area and older existing industrial and residential areas within the City. Planning Commission Study Session Minutes of April 2, 2008 Chair Marantz noted how many developers are currently struggling with their mixed -use project. Mr. Ewing explained that mixed -use projects are very difficult to develop because the financial industry is geared toward either residential or commercial development, but not both. Aspects of each type require separate financing. Building in high -dense areas and high construction costs also complicate mixed -use development. Staff provided an overview on small hotel preservation and land use policies. Discussion occurred on parking, conversions, density, and compliance with the zoning code regulations. Mr. Lyon provided a summary on green technology and design consideration examples. Staff noted that the City Council's direction was more on the "quality of development and architecture" rather than focusing on a certain style. The Commission agreed that this overview has been very helpful. Vice Chair Hochanadel requested a hard -copy of the General Plan Map for the Commission. 3. DISCUSSION - Zoning Code Orientation Mr. Ewing provided an overview on the history of the zoning ordinance. Staff noted that public health and safety is regulated by the building department; and the general welfare of the people is regulated by the zoning ordinance. Staff reported that the key element of the zoning code is to divide the city into zones. Mr. Ewing provided details on the different types of zones and announced that an updated zoning map (including zone changes and planned development districts) would be completed very soon. Staff noted that the zoning ordinance states, "If uncertainty exists to any zone boundary the commission shall interpret the map and determine such boundary." Staff presented a map identifying all the properties with a 10% to 30% slope. Mr. Ewing suggested the Commission could form a subcommittee to review the properties, on a site -by -site basis, and delineate the hillside lots on the map. Staff reported that on an internal level staff is looking at ways to determine "natural grade" to meet the height requirements. Further discussion occurred on the definition of hillside lots and the review process. Mr. Ewing provided an overview on the remaining three chapters of the Zoning Code, as follows: 92.00 - Zoning Regulations - (includes permitted uses, development standards and setbacks) 93.00 - General Conditions - (includes the rules and regulations for building heights, off-street parking and special standards) 2 Planning Commission Study Session Minutes of April 2, 2008 94.00 - Procedures - (rules of issuance for conditional use permits, variances and rules for the Architectural Advisory Committee) Staff provided further details pertaining to non -conforming buildings or structures known as the "grandfather" status. Mr. Ewing reported that zoning amendments would be coming forward to the Commission noting that many definitions need to be redefined such as: building heights, adult day-care, dance studios, group homes, office -medical, open -space, compact parking, slopes, temporary use and signage. Staff reiterated that height and the hillside definition are definitely the most important ones. 4. DISCUSSION - Downtown Outdoor Display Items - Mr. Ewing reported that the Commission reviewed and approved a Land Use Permit for a determination to allow books as outdoor display items and requested further review of the design standards. Mr. Ewing said the first concern was the size of the display area and suggested each one be reviewed on a case -by -case basis since every storefront will be different. Staff reported that the City Council has approved outdoor displays; noting that this should not be the dominate use but rather ancillary to the use. Chair Marantz expressed concern with portable fold -up tables; noting her preference for "good quality" display racks. Mr. Luciano Ramirez requested allowance of a small sign (on the display rack) to indicate the books are for sale. Mr. Ramirez noted many homeless people walk by his store and assume the books are free. Commissioner Scott was in favor of outdoor displays. Mr. Ramirez encouraged everyone to visit his bookstore. Staff noted that there is some discretion for the director to allow signs of public safety and convenience in order to avoid the mistaken assumption of free goods and decrease the possibility of theft. Mr. Ewing provided a recap noting that each case would be reviewed on a case -by -case basis with the design standards presented (including length, width and height) for outdoor displays. 5. COMMISSION/STAFF REPORTS AND REQUESTS - Chair Marantz expressed concern with the excessive amount of red curbs and lack of parking within the city. 3 Planning Commission Study Session Minutes of April 2, 2008 6. ADJOURNMENT - There being no further comments the meeting adjourned at 4:07 p.m. 4