HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-08-13 PC MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
August 13, 2008
Council Chamber, City Hall
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 1:84 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Present
Present
Year: FY 2008/2009
This Meeting:
to Date:
Excused Absences:
Larry Hochanadel, Chair X
5
0
Leo Cohen, Vice Chair X
4
1
Toni Ringlein X
4
1
Jon Caffery X
4
1
Bill Scott X
3
2
Tracy Conrad X
Doug Donenfeld X
3
5
2
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,
August 8, 2008.
ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA:
Craig A. Ewing, Director of Planning Services, requested the Planning Commission take
Item 2A out of order, to be heard after the public hearings. The Commission concurred.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Chair Hochanadel opened Public Comments. There being no appearances, Public
Comments was closed.
City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Minutes
of August 13, 2008
1. CONSENT CALENDAR:
Commissioner Ringlein noted her abstention on Item 1A, the minutes of July 23`d, and
Item 1 B.
Commissioner Scott noted his abstention on Item 1A, the minutes of July 9th, and Item
1 B.
Commissioner Conrad noted her abstention on Item 1A, the minutes of July 23`d;
and requested staff review the minutes of July 9ih, with respect to the motion for public
hearing Item 5.
Commissioner Caffery noted his abstention on Item 1A, the minutes of July 2nd.
Vice Chair Cohen noted his abstention on Item 1A, the minutes of July 2nd.
M/S/C (Scott/Vice Chair Cohen, 7-0) To approve, Items 1A and 1B, as part of the
Consent Calendar.
1A. Minutes of July 2, 2008, July 9, 2008 and July 23, 2008.
Approved, as part of the Consent Calendar. (Note: The abstention of Vice Chair
Cohen and Commissioner Caffery on the minutes of July 2, 2008. The abstention
of Commissioner Scott on the minutes of July 9, 2008. The abstention of
Commissioner Ringlein and Commissioner Conrad on the minutes of July 23,
2008.)
1B. Case 5.1184 CUP 16.510 VAR (Palm Springs Recycling) - Draft resolution
and modified Conditions of Approval 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)
Approved, as part of the Consent Calendar. (Noting the abstention of Commissioner
Ringlein and Commissioner Scott.)
2. OTHER BUSINESS:
The Planning Commission heard Item 2A out of order.
2A. Architectural Advisory Committee: Declaration of Vacancy and
Establishment of Terms.
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City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Minutes
of August 13, 2008
Craig A. Ewing, Director of Planning Services, provided details on the provisions
surrounding the appointment and operation of the Architectural Advisory Committee
(AAC). Staff noted that the AAC has a full seven members, but no licensed landscape
architect, as required by the Code. Staff reported Section 2.06.10e states that all
members must reside and be registered to vote within the City and it has been
determined that one member, Mr. Allen Sanborn, is not a City resident. Staff
recommends that the Planning Commission declare the position open and allow the City
Clerk to post a vacancy for a Licensed Landscape Architect. Staff indicated that a
resolution establishing the rules and regulations of the AAC would be brought back to
the Commission for review.
Commissioner Donenfeld noted the unfortunate manner in which the situation was
handled with Mr. Allen Sanborn, as well as, the necessity to abide by the residency
requirement and the appropriateness of establishing a set of rules to govern
the Architectural Advisory Committee.
Commissioner Conrad spoke in favor of maintaining "flexibility and less formality" for the
AAC meetings. Commissioner Donenfeld noted that the Planning Commission has the
authority to create the reorganization of the AAC and provide flexibility for its members,
as well.
Commissioner Caffery noted that he is pleased with the ordinance (with a few minor
changes) and the current panel of architects.
Commissioner Ringlein stated her concurrence with Commissioner's Donenfeld and
Caffery.
M/S/C (Caffery/Ringlein, 7-0) To declare one (1) Architectural Advisory Commission
position vacant.
Mr. Ewing provided details on a response letter to Mr. Allen Sanborn
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
3A. Case TPM 35958 (Desert Oasis Industrial Lofts) - An application by Avalon
Development Inc., to subdivide seven buildings consisting of fifty-eight
units, parking and landscaping on an approximate 6.55-acre parcel located
at 400 West San Rafael Drive, Zone M-1, Section 6, APN: 669-430-015 and
016. (Project Planner: David Newell, Associate Planner)
David A. Newell, Associate Planner, provided background information as outlined in the
staff'report dated August 13, 2008. Mr. Newell reported that a Negative Declaration
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City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Minutes
of August 13, 2008
was previously adopted on March 14, 2007, for this site and no further environmental
documentation is necessary.
Chair Hochanadel opened the Public Hearing:
-Andrew Kann, civil engineer for the project, was available for questions from the
Commission.
There being no further appearances, the Public Hearing was closed.
M/S/C (Scott/Caffery, 7-0) To recommend approval to the City, Council
3B. Case 5.1110 PD 3271 TTM 35999 (The Nichols Building) - An application by
CiofFi Architects for Nichols Properties, for a two-story mixed -use
commercial/residential building with covered parking and associated
landscaping on an approximate 24,167 square foot lot located at 901 North
Palm Canyon Drive, Zone C-1, Section 10, APN: 505-263-006. (Project
Planner: Ken Lyon, Associate Planner)
Chair Hochanadel noted a business -related conflict of interest and would not be
participating in the discussion or vote. He left the Council Chamber at 1:45 p.m.
Ken Lyon, Associate Planner, provided background information as outlined in the staff
report dated August 13, 2008.
Chair Cohen questioned if the AAC's recommendations were taken into consideration.
Staff responded that the applicant and design architect were amenable to the AAC's
recommendations.
Chair Cohen opened the Public Hearing
-Jim Cioffi, project architect representing the applicant, provided background information
on the prior Planning Commission approval and withdrawal of the project. Mr. Cioffi
noted that the overhead pool deck has been eliminated and essentially the project is
designed as previously approved.
-Daniel Argyros, one of the owners of John's restaurant, expressed support for the
proposed project; he felt this project is a great step for revitalizing North Palm Canyon.
There being no further no appearances, the Public Hearing was closed.
Commissioner Conrad spoke in favor of the project noting that this project is a true
mixed -use project and is very well done.
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City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Minutes
of August 13, 2008
Commissioner Ringlein questioned if energy efficiency elements were incorporated into
the project. Mr. Cioffi responded that provisions have been made for solar on the top
roof and for the overhang extensions for shading.
M/S/C (Conrad/Donenfeld, 6-0, 1 abstained/ Chair Hochanadel) To recommend
approval of Case 5.1110 PD 327 and Tentative Tract Map 35999 to the City Council.
Chair Hochanadel re-entered the Council Chamber 2:03 p.m
3C. Case 5.1160 PD 341 / TPM 35989 (Convention Center Commons) - An
application by O & M Tahquitz, LLC, for a mixed -use development consisting
of two hotels of up to 306 rooms, retail/commercial and office space use.
The proposed site is located on the northwest comer of Tahquitz Canyon
Way and Hermosa Drive, Zone REO/C-1-AA, Section 14 (IL). APN: 508-070-
028 and 040. (Project Planner: Edward O. Robertson, Principal Planner)
Edward Robertson, Principal Planner, reported a memorandum from staff was
distributed to the Planning Commission recommending changes to the project's
conditions of approval. Mr. Robertson provided background information as outlined in
j the staff report dated August 13, 2008.
Commissioner Scott requested clarification on the final calculation of open space. Mr.
Robertson noted that with the inclusion of the decorative drives and auto courts the
open space is 63% (exceeding the high-rise ordinance requirement).
Chair Hochanadel opened the Public Hearing:
-Corey Alder, president of Nexus Company, stated that they are in agreement
with staffs report and are available for questions from the Commission.
There being no further appearances, the Public Hearing was closed.
Mr. Alder provided further details on the sun and shadow studies conducted for
placement of the swimming pools, the landscaping for the courtyard space, fenestration
and final elevation plans.
Commissioner Conrad expressed appreciation for the height and density of the project.
Discussion occurred on the construction phase, environmental and energy conservation
and pedestrian linkage.
City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Minutes
of August 13, 2008
Dave Barakian, Director of Public Works, provided clarification on the traffic study that
was performed and noted that the conditions of approval require construction of a signal
light on Hermosa Drive and Tahquitz Canyon Way.
M/S/C (Scott/Vice Chair Cohen, 7-0) To adopt the draft Mitigated Negative Declaration
and recommend approval of PD 341 and Tentative Tract Map 35989 to the City Council,
as amended:
Inclusion of: Planning Department - Project Specific Condition
-Condition #1. - All components of the proposed project shall participate on a fair share
basis in a Community Facilities District or other funding mechanism for Fire Department
equipment, facilities and/or personnel, when such a mechanism is implemented by the
City.
-Deletion of Engineering Conditions #28, 29 and 32.
-Revised Engineering Condition #27 — All sanitary facilities shall be connected to the
public sewer system. The on -site sewer system shall not connect to any existing or
proposed sewer manhole, and shall connect to any existing or proposed sewer main
with a standard sewer lateral connection in accordance with City of Palm Springs
Standard Drawing No. 405. No more than two lateral connections shall be made to the
public main on Tahquitz Canyon Way.
PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS:
Mr. Ewing noted that study sessions for larger projects may take place as long as the
projects are properly noticed. Staff provided direction pertaining to protocol during the
study sessions. Commissioner Ringlein requested study sessions are provided for
larger projects.
Discussion occurred on the Brown Act, conduct of the AAC meetings and provision of
project packets for the members of the AAC.
Commissioner Caffery suggested placing a section of the zoning code on the Planning
Commission agenda to expedite the review process. Staff noted that certain sections
would require more in-depth discussion such as "hillsides" and "measuring of building
heights". Commissioner Ringlein suggested forming a subcommittee to move forward
with the zoning code amendment.
Commissioner Scott noted that he would not be available to attend the August 25th AAC
meeting. Commissioner Ringlein offered to cover the AAC meeting for him.
City of Palm Springs
Planning Commission Minutes
of August 13, 2008
PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Mr. Ewing reported that City Council is off for the month of August.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further comments the meeting adjourned at 3:07 p.m.
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