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Home My WebLink About2008-07-09 PC MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES = July 09, 2008 Council Chamber, City Hall 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 1:37 p.m. ROLL CALL: Present Present This Meeting: to Date: Chairman Hochanadel X 2 Vice Chairman Cohen X 1 Ringlein X 2 Caffery X 1 Scott 1 Conrad X 2 Donenfeld X 2 Year: FY 2008/2009 Excused Absences: 0 1 0 1 1 0 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 Thursday, July 3, 2008. ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA: Commissioner Ringlein noted her abstention on miscellaneous item, Case 08-091. Chairman Hochanadel reported Item 3 would be continued to the meeting of July 23, 2008. 1. PUBLIC COMMENTS: (Three minute time limit.) Chairman Hochanadel opened Public Comments; and there being none, Public Comments was closed. City of Palm Springs Planning Commission Minutes of July 9, 2008 2. CONSENT CALENDAR: M/S/C (Caffery/Cohen, 6-0, 1 absent/Scott) To approve Item 2A, as part of the Consent Calendar. 2A. Case 5.0856 CUP Time Extension - An application for a one-year time extension by Palm Springs Freeway Development, LLC, for the development of a 65-unit hotel and two drive-thru restaurants located at 610 West Garnet Avenue, Zone M-1-P, Section 15, APNs: 666-330-043, 058, 067 & 075. (Project Planner: Scott Taschner, Planning Technician) Approved, as part of the Consent Calendar. Case 08-091 Sign Program - An application by Ribbit Company, agent for the Riviera Hotel for one main sign and three directional signs located at the northeast corner of North Indian Canyon Drive and East Vista Chino Drive, Zone R-3, Section 2 (Project Planner: Assistant Planner, Glenn Mlaker) Commissioner Ringlein left the Council Chamber at 1:43 p.m. Glenn Maker, Assistant Planner, provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated July 9, 2008. Commissioner Caffery noted a concern with the size of the sign. Vice Chairman Cohen stated that he attended the Architectural Advisory Committee meeting when this project was presented and noted that they were very pleased with the design and size of the sign. M/S/C (Caffery/Conrad, 5-0, 1 absent/Scott, 1 abstained/ Ringlein) To approve, subject to Conditions of Approval, as amended: -Exact sitting and placement of sign shall be approved by staff at the time of building permit. Design of sign shall not include any kind of knew wall. Commissioner Ringlein re-entered the Council Chamber at 1:57 p.m. 2 City of Palm Springs Planning Commission Minutes of July 9, 2008 3. Architectural Advisory Establishment of Terms. Committee: Declaration of Tabled to the meeting of July 23, 2008. PUBLIC HEARING: Vacancy, and 4. Case 5.1176 PD-347 - An application by J.H. Farrell Partners, LLC, for a Preliminary Planned Development District to allow the construction of 25,060 square feet of office space consisting of five single -story buildings on approximately 2.74 acres located at the northeast corner of Farrell Drive and Computer Way (888 North Farrell Drive), Zone M-1-P, Section 12, APN: 507-350-038. (Project Planner: David A. Newell, Associate Planner) David A. Newell, Associate Planner, provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated July 9, 2008. Chairman Hochanadel opened the Public Hearing: -Allen Sanborn, project architect representing the developer, provided further details on the design concepts and set -backs of the project. There being no further appearances the Public Hearing was closed. Discussion occurred on the elevations and shading on the west side. M/S/C (Ringlein/Conrad, 6-0, 1 absent/Scott) To adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration, approve Case 5.1176 PD 347 and recommend approval of Case 5.1176 PD 347 to the City Council. 5. Case 5.1091 PD-324 / TTM 34190 AMND - Application by Palm Springs LLC, Lawrence Rael, to amend a previously approved condominium map TTM 34190 for Planned Development District 324; a mixed -use development on a 4.1-acre site located at the southeast corner of Alejo Road and North Palm Canyon; Zone PD 324, Section15, (Project Planner: Edward O. Robertson, Principal Planner) Edward Robertson, Principal Planner, provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated July 9, 2008. Mr. Robertson reported that the applicant is requesting an amendment to re -designate Clovelly Street from a private street to a public street. 3 City of Palm Springs Planning Commission Minutes of July 9, 2008 Chairman Hochanadel opened the Public Hearing; there being no appearances the Public Hearing was closed. Graeme Rael, applicant, addressed questions from the Commission; noting that the overall traffic flow, cost and maintenance have been the _determining_ factor for this request. Commissioner Ringlein suggested a street name change to emphasize the city's history and culture in the event it becomes a public street. Further discussion occurred on the street lighting, set -backs and design. M/S/C (Conrad/Cohen, 6-0, 1 absent/Scott) To recommend approval of the proposed amendment of the condominium map to the City Council, as amended: -Allow consideration for the Homeowners Association to cover the costs associated with the street lighting. -Street name change to be studied and referred to the City Council for consideration. 6. Case 5.1184 CUP - Application by Rick Bracamonte of Palm Springs Recycling for a Conditional Use Permit to allow a recycling center at 280 Oasis Road, Zone M-1, Section 34. (Project Planner: David A. Newell, Associate Planner) David A. Newell, Associate Planner, provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated July 9, 2008. Commissioner Conrad noted the difficulty in having ample time to read the materials presented at the meeting by the adjacent property owner. Chairman Hochanadel opened the Public Hearing: -Rick Bracamonte, applicant, stated the facility has been in operation for 23 years and provided further details. Mr. Bracamonte noted that he is in compliance with the conditions, however, requested allowance of a 10 foot high wall to provide security, wind control and screening for the stacked materials. Mr. Bracamonte noted his willingness to construct the required curb and gutter and move the wall within the required set -backs. -Peter Bochnewich, counsel for the applicant, stated that the applicant first obtained the original conditional use permit in 1985 and has been in operation for 23 years. Mr. Bochnewich provided further details and noted the applicant's willingness to invest in 11 City of Palm Springs Planning Commission Minutes of July 9, 2008 the public improvements and requested a 10 year time limit. -Frank Burgess, Palm Springs, owns property across the street, expressed concern with the condition of the site affecting the value of his property. Mr. Burgess requested a continuance to the meeting of July 23rd to provide the Commission ample time to -Peter Bochnewich, applicant response, requested more time to review the materials presented at the meeting. Mr. Bochnewich reiterated the applicant's willingness to comply with the conditions and requested approval of the project. There being no further appearances the Public Hearing was closed. Commissioner Caffery spoke in favor of moving the wall within the required setbacks, improving the appearance of the property and noted that this area may not always be the right location. Commissioner Ringlein expressed concern with the length of time the applicant has operated without a permit and the upkeep of the property. Commissioner Conrad spoke in favor of deferring the street improvements to covenant and preferred a higher wall to conceal the stacked materials. Commissioner Ringlein noted that given the neglected condition of the property the street improvements would only increase the value of the property and did not agree it would be a hardship for the applicant. M/S/C (Conrad/Caffery, 6-0, 1 absent/Scott) To continue to the Planning Commission meeting of July 23, 2008; and direct staff: -To provide additional background information on complaints received on the property. -Review the materials submitted by the adjacent property owner. 7. COMMISSION WORK PROGRAM: Work Program Priorities and Subcommittee Assignments Mr. Ewing reported a request would be coming forward to initiate a zone text amendment to revise the definition of hillside areas based on their discussion at their last study session. The August study session will consist of discussion on building heights. Staff provided an update on upcoming City Council items. 5 City of Palm Springs Planning Commission Minutes of July 9, 2008 8. , COMMISSION/STAFF REPORTS AND REQUESTS: Commissioner Ringlein reminded staff that she would not be in attendance for the July 23rd meeting and Vice Chairman Cohen would be covering the AAC meeting on her behalf. Commissioner Conrad stated she would not be in attendance for the meeting of July 23rd, as well. 9. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further comments the meeting adjourned at 3:24 p.m. r g wing, A Director of Plar'Vr Services 91