HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-06-25 PC MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
June 25, 2008
Council Chamber, City Hall
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 1:33 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Present Present Year: FY 2007/2008
This Meeting: to Date: Excused Absences
Chair Marantz X 29 3
Vice Chair Hochanadel X 32 0
Cohen X 32 0
Ringlein 27 5
Caffery X 29 3
Scott X 31 1
Conrad X 14 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,
June 20, 2008.
ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA:
Commissioner Conrad noted that she previously spoke on Item 6 as a member of the
general public, and out of abundance of fairness to the applicant; she would be
abstaining on this Item.
Vice Chair Hochanadel noted his abstention on Item 2C.
Commissioner Conrad requested Item 2C pulled from the Consent Calendar for further
discussion.
City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Minutes
of June 25, 2008
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS: (Three minute time limit.)
Chair Marantz opened Public Comments:
-Bob Elsner, chairman of the Palm Springs Airport Commission, spoke in reference to
Item 3, stated that the Airport Commission unanimously requests unconditional approval
of the revised landscape pallet and water feature for the airport.
-Mary Brent Wehrli, Palm Springs, spoke in reference to Item 3; voiced concern with
pushing this project forward and would rather see the best design the first time around.
-Ron Marshall, Palm Springs, representing the Sunmor organized neighborhood, spoke
in reference to Item 7; stated they’re in agreement with the ordinance, however,
requested the maintenance agreement to be developed and reviewed by the city
attorney.
-Jim Bartlett, Palm Springs, spoke in favor of Item 5, stated this project would be an
improvement to the neighborhood and thanked Chair Marantz for her dedication and
hard work during her appointed period with the Planning Commission.
-Frank Tysen, Palm Springs, in reference to Item 6; spoke in support of the changes
proposed by Palm Mountain.
-Robert Sneed, Palm Springs, spoke in opposition to Item 2B; concerned with the
church being directly adjacent to the pest control and the potential for health
hazards. Mr. Sneed urged reconsideration of this project.
There being no further comments Public Comments was closed.
2. CONSENT CALENDAR:
M/S/C (Conrad/Scott, 6-0, 1 absent/Ringlein) To approve Items 2A, 2B and 2D as part
of the Consent Calendar.
2A. Draft minutes of May 28, 2008, June 4, 2008 and June 11, 2008.
Approved, as part of the Consent Calendar.
2B. Case 5.1201 CUP (Family of Love Church) - A draft resolution of approval for
a Conditional Use Permit to operate a church facility located at 1301
Montalvo Way, Unit 3, Zone M-1-P, Section 7, APN: 677-461-002 and 003.
(Project Planner: David A. Newell, Associate Planner)
Approved, as part of the Consent Calendar.
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Planning Commission Minutes
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2C. Case 3.3240 SFR - An application by James McEachern & Ron Beasley for
architectural approval of a 3,845 square foot single-family residence located
on a vacant hillside lot at 656 South La Mirada Road, Zone R-1-A, Section 25,
APN: 513-260-009. (Project Planner: Scott Taschner, Planning Technician)
Vice Chair Hochanadel left the Council Chamber at 1:48 p.m.
Scott Taschner, Planning Technician, provided background information as outlined in
the staff report dated June 25, 2008. Mr. Taschner reported that the Architectural
Advisory Committee reviewed the project and voted 7-0 to recommend approval with
the two changes listed in the staff report.
Discussion occurred on the elevations and pad height. Staff provided information on
the current definition of a hillside lot.
M/S/C (Scott/Caffery, 5-0, 1 absent/Ringlein, 1 abstained/ Vice Chair Hochanadel) To
approve, subject to Conditions of Approval.
Vice Chair Hochanadel re-entered the Council Chamber at 2:01 p.m.
2D. Case 3.3248 MAA - An application by Frank Dimick of Southridge Challenge
LLC, for architectural approval of a 1,957 square foot addition to an existing
5,909 square foot residence located on a hillside at 2400 Southridge Drive,
Zone R-1-A, Section 25, APN: 510-260-005. (Project Planner: Scott Taschner,
Planning Technician)
Approved, as part of the Consent Calendar.
MISCELLANEOUS:
3. Case 3.0829-C MAJ - An application by the Palm Springs International
Airport for new landscaping located at 3400 East Tahquitz Canyon Way,
Zone A, Section 18. (Project Planner: Edward Robertson, Principal Planner)
Craig A. Ewing, Director of Planning Services, provided background information as
outlined in the staff report dated June 25, 2008.
Chair Marantz suggested that sufficient water is given to the plants that will be
relocated and noted that not as many fruit trees are proposed, as initially requested.
Chair Marantz stated that all their concerns have been addressed and spoke in favor of
the project.
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-Allen Smoot, owner representative, provided further details and noted that the revised
landscape plan includes a reduction in plant count by 20,000 plants and a 45%
reduction in water usage. Mr. Smoot stated that the design team has an objection to
the formal plant layout and respectfully requested approval of the revised landscape
plan with deletion of Conditions 4a - 4f.
Further discussion occurred the design choice for the plant pallet (formal and informal).
Vice Chair Hochanadel stated he was under the impression that the plant pallet had
been agreed upon and the design choice should be the responsibility of the project
designer.
Commissioner Conrad expressed concern with the rectangular (mid-century) fountain
and the organic plant design.
M/S/C (Scott/Vice Chair Hochanadel, 6-0, 1 absent/Ringlein) To approve, as submitted.
Staff noted this action may be appealed within 10 days.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
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: 502-301-008. (Project Planner: Ken Lyon,
Associate Planner)
Application has been withdrawn by the applicant.
5. Case 5.1168 CUP - An application by Iliya Kleinman requesting a
Conditional Use Permit to allow the construction of approximately 44,000
square feet of commercial-retail buildings with two drive-through facilities
located at the northwest corner of North Indian Canyon Drive and Rosa
Parks Road, Zone C-1, Section 34, APN: 669-414-023. (Project Planner:
David A. Newell, Associate Planner)
David Newell, Associate Planner, provided background information as outlined in the
staff report dated June 25, 2008.
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Discussion occurred on the color of the buildings, signage and realignment of the road.
Chair Marantz opened the Public Hearing:
-George Hoeing, designer for the project, addressed the color of the buildings and
provided further details. Mr. Hoeing noted his opposition to condition #23 pertaining to
the loading space requiring the elimination of 20 to 30 parking spaces; fire condition #5
pertaining to the fire access road and #46 pertaining to installation of a traffic signal.
-Bruce Bushore, project manager for Palermo, voiced concern with the type of fast-
food tenants in this area and noted a preference for more upscale restaurants.
There being no further appearances the Public Hearing was closed.
-Scott Ventura, fire division chief, noted that the applicant has mitigated the fire access
behind the building and requested condition #5 remain, as is, with the exception of the
mitigation concern which has been addressed.
Further discussion occurred on the installation of a traffic signal, provision of a fair share
agreement and the increase in volume of traffic due to the size of the buildings and the
two drive-throughs.
-Kaman Kazemi, project engineer, noted their willingness to eliminate one of the drive-
throughs to decrease the volume of traffic.
M/S/C (Caffery/Cohen, 6-0, 1 absent/Ringlein) To approve, subject to Conditions of
Approval, as amended:
-Condition #46A to include in the event the land use is revised decreasing the volume of
traffic the applicant shall submit a revised traffic study.
-Condition #46B to include a reimbursement agreement for traffic mitigation measures.
-Deletion of Engineering Condition #23.
-Fire Condition #5: Fire department access roads/driveways shall be provided so that
no portion of the exterior walls of the first floor of any building will be more than 150 feet
from such roads, subject to the approval of the Fire Chief.
A recess was taken at 3:01 p.m.
The meeting resumed at 3:16 p.m.
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City of Palm Springs
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6. Case 5.1162 PD 342 / 5.1162 GPA (Palm Mountain Resort and Spa) - An
application by Pacific Hospitality Group for a Planned Development District
and a General Plan Amendment to renovate an existing 120-room hotel to a
160-room hotel and install new landscaping located at 155 South Belardo
Road, Zone R-3, Section 15, APN:513-142-001. (Project Planner: Edward O.
Robertson, Principal Planner)
Commissioner Conrad would not be participating in the discussion and vote. She left
the Council Chamber at 3:16 p.m.
Edward Robertson, Principal Planner, provided background information as outlined in
the staff report dated June 25, 2008. Mr. Robertson reviewed the additional conditions
and changes recommended by the the Public Works Department.
Chair Marantz opened the Public Hearing:
-Tim Ellis, applicant, provided further details on the revisions pertaining to the density,
parking and landscaping. Mr. Ellis noted the support they have received from the
business community and downtown merchants.
-Craig Blau, adjacent hotel owner, expressed concern with insufficient parking and the
grandfather status given to this project.
-Tim Ellis, applicant response, addressed the parking concerns and noted that a
significant reduction in traffic/trips would result with removal of the restaurant.
-Tom Doczci, landscape architect, stated that the existing parking lot has been
improved and meets city standards within the new guidelines.
There being no further appearances the Public Hearing was closed.
Commissioner Scott spoke in favor of the project and suggested imposing a
requirement for the owner of the hotel to provide adequate parking management
resources.
M/S/C (Scott/Caffery, 5-0, 1 absent/Ringlein, 1 abstained/ Conrad) To approve the
Planned Development District and recommend approval of the General Plan
Amendment and Planned Development District to the City Council, subject to the
attached Conditions of Approval, as amended:
-Owner shall provide adequate parking management resources to make full and
effective use of all vehicle spaces shown in the approved site plan.
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7. Case 5.1206 ZTA - An application by the City of Palm Springs for a Zoning
Ordinance amendment related to the establishment of policies and standards for
neighborhood entry signs in residential zones. (Project Planner: Craig A. Ewing,
Director of Planning Services)
Mr. Ewing provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated June
25, 2008.
Discussion occurred on the details of a maintenance agreement, private signs on the
public right-of-way, removal of the signs and neighborhood boundaries.
Vice Chair Hochanadel suggested adding a sunset provision for the opportunity to
review at a later time.
Commissioner Conrad concurred with Commissioner Scott regarding the allowance of a
sign in a public right-of-way.
Chair Marantz opened the Public Hearing:
-Ron Marshall, addressed concerns from the Commission and provided further details
regarding the sign design and maintenance.
There being no further appearances the Public Hearing was closed.
M/S/C (Conrad/Cohen, 5-1/Vice Chair Hochanadel), 1 absent/Ringlein) To approve and
forward recommendation to the City Council, as amended:
-The sign shall only be allowed within the boundaries of the neighborhood association
but may be located in the adjacent public right-of-way.
8. COMMISSION WORK PROGRAM: * Work Program Priorities and
Subcommittee Assignments
Mr. Ewing reported that the July 2nd study session would include recognition to Dianne
Marantz for her six years of service, as well as discussion on the definition of hillside
lots and heights. Staff provided details on the current Planning Commission vacancies.
9. COMMISSION/STAFF REPORTS AND REQUESTS:
Chair Marantz thanked her fellow Commissioners, the AAC and staff for their support
during her tenure with the Planning Commission.
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Planning Commission Minutes
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10. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further comments the meeting adjourned at 4:27 p.m.
Craig A. Ewing, AICP
Director of Planning Services
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