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Home My WebLink About2008-09-10 PC MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES September 10, 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 2008/2009 This Meeting: to Date: Excused Absences: Larry Hochanadel, Chair X 8 0 Leo Cohen, Vice Chair X 7 1 Toni Ringlein 6 2 Jon Caffery X 7 1 Bill Scott X 5 3 Tracy Conrad X 5 3 Doug Donenfeld X 8 0 REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA: The agenda was posted 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, September 5, 2008. ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA: The agenda was accepted, as presented. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Chair Hochanadel opened Public Comments. There being no appearances, Public Comments was closed. 1. CONSENT CALENDAR: M/S/C (Scott/Vice Chair Cohen, 6-0, 1 absent/Ringlein) To approve, Items 1A, 1 B and 1C, as part of the Consent Calendar. City of Palm Springs Planning Commission Meeting of September 10, 2008 1A. Minutes of August 13, 2008. Approved, as part of the Consent Calendar. 1B. Case 5.1112 MAJ Time Extension - A request by Marshall Ininns Design Group for a two year time extension for a previously approved 41-unit, cluster -type, residential condominium project located at 34th Street and Dinah Shore Drive, Zone W-R-G-A (6), Section 20, APN: 680-180-002 and - 041. (Project Planner: David A. Newell, Associate Planner). Approved, as part of the Consent Calendar. 1C. Case 5.0981 MAJ Time Extension - A request by Marshall Ininns Design Group for a two year time extension for a previously approved 90-unit attached condominium project located on the south side of Mesquite Avenue and East Mesquite Avenue, Zone R3, Section 22, APN: 513-300-046 and -048. (Project Planner: Scott K. Taschner, Assistant Planner). Approved, as part of the consent calendar 2. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW: 2A. 5.1021 PD 303 - A request by Tahiti Partners Real Estate Development Corporation for Matthew Drive Place, LLC, for approval of final development plans for a 58-unit condominium development located at 4455 Matthew Drive, Zone PD 303, Section 30, APN: 681-170-066 and -065. (Project Planner: David A. Newell, Associate Planner). David A. Newell, Associate Planner, provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated September 10, 2008. Commissioner Donenfeld requested staff clarify the agreements used to ensure that a project will be performed on a timely manner. Director of Planning Ewing responded that not all developments require development agreements (typically a contract between the developer and the City). Subdivision agreements are used whenever a map is approved to assure that all the public improvements are installed in conformance with City standards. Director of Planning Ewing stated once approval has been granted, an entitlement has been given to the developer and is not subject for re -consideration except under the terms of the approval. He noted that each project has conditions of approval and a term limit. According to the Zoning Code, an extension may be requested. Time schedules may be included, as conditions of approval, but are not typically imposed. Director of Planning Ewing clarified that the only authority the Commission has for a time extension request is to either say yes or no. Finally, Director of Planning Ewing reported that a standard zoning approval consists of the findings by 2 City of Palm Springs Planning Commission Meeting of September 10, 2008 which the Commission or City Council judge whether a project should be approved or not. The findings do not include the financial viability or performance of the project or developer unless the redevelopment agency has a financial interest in the project. Commissioner Conrad asked what type of roofing material and color is proposed. -Phil Larsen, Tahiti Partners, responded that it will be a membrane type roof but not tar and gravel. The color will be beige to blend in with the surrounding area. M/S/C (Caffery/Donenfeld, 6-0, 1 absent/Ringlein) To approve, as submitted. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 3A. Case 5.1066 CUP AMND - (Michael's House) - An application by Michael T. Cartwright requesting an amendment of a previously approved CUP involving off-street parking conditions located at 2095 North Indian Canyon Drive, Zone R-3, Section 3, APN: 504-320-029. (Project Planner: Ken Lyon, Associate Planner) Ken Lyon, Associate Planner, provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated September 10, 2008. -Allen Downs, CEO for Michael's House, (responding to questions from the Commission) said that there are no State requirements for staff -to -bed or patient ratio; the maximum day -time staffing will be about 7 therapists; and the evening staff will include a nurse; eight staff members in total. Chair Hochanadel opened the Public Hearing. There being no appearances, the Public Hearing was closed. Mr. Lyon (responding to questions from the Commission) stated that the original CUP was under different ownership and has continued with the property despite the change in ownership. The CUP is granted to the land and controls the activity. Commissioner Conrad commented that she is very familiar with this neighborhood and the parking problems have been cause by the immediate neighbor to Michael's House. Commissioner Conrad stated that the 10% reduction is reasonable and the existing use has been working well with the Tennis Club neighborhood. -Jim Cioffi, architect for the project, (responding to questions from the Commission) provided further details on the landscape plan and noted that the wheel stops can be trip hazards. M/S/C (Scott/Caffery, 6-0, 1 absent/Ringlein) To approve the amendment to the CUP and approve the Administrative Minor Modification for off-street parking. 3 City of Palm Springs Planning Commission Meeting of September 10, 2008 3B. Case 5.1193 CUP / PD 354 (Palm Springs Treatment Center) - An application by Michael T. Cartwright requesting a Conditional Use Permit and Planned Development District 354 (PDD) to allow construction of an assisted living/substance abuse recovery center located at 168 Via Escuela, Zone R2, Section 3, APN: 504-270-016. (Project Planner: Ken Lyon, Associate Planner) Ken Lyon, Associate Planner, provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated September 10, 2008. Commissioner Scott noted a correction on page 6 of the staff report, the 4th paragraph should read, "... project has fourteen bedrooms and a total of 28 beds ... ". Staff concurred. -James Cioffi, project architect, (responding to Commission questions) provided details on the entrance to the existing and new building, shared facilities, and the courtyard and recreation space. Mr. Cioffi noted the architecture consists of 2 piece roof tile, smooth plaster, sun control grilles on the side entries and tall windows. Mr. Cioffi stated that a pedestrian crossing is not necessary since there is not much cross traffic on Via Escuela. Chair Hochanadel opened the Public Hearing. There being no appearances, the Public Hearing was closed. Commissioner Scott complimented the design team on well -thought out project. M/S/C (Scott/Vice Chair Cohen, 6-0, 1 absent/Ringlein) To approve Case 5.1193 CUP and PD 354, and recommend approval of PD 354 to the City Council, subject to the Conditions of Approval. PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS: Commissioner Donenfeld suggested a joint meeting with the Historic Site Preservation Board (RSPB) since both boards are concerned with historic preservation matters. Discussion occurred on the merits of conducting such a meeting. Commissioner Caffery recalled a previous meeting held with the HSPB and was not in favor of a joint meeting. Commissioner Scott noted that the Secretary of Interior Standards for historic structures is an important learning tool for the HSPB and the Planning Commission, as well. Mr. Ewing expressed concern with discussion of individual projects during a joint meeting consisting of both bodies. Two suggestions that were made include: The Planning Commission could attend a HSPB study session; and an HSPB designated representative could attend a Planning Commission meeting to share the board's perspectives on a project -by -project basis. The Commission concurred with this approach. 4 City of Palm Springs Planning Commission Meeting of September 10, 2008 Chair Hochanadel requested staff provide an update on the status of the public art for the shopping center on Ramon Road and Sunrise Way. Staff responded that a follow- up would be provided. Chair Hochanadel requested an update on the status of the Spanish Inn timelines. Staff responded that a report would be provided from the Building Department. The Planning Commission members volunteered to participate on the Architectural Advisory Committee, as follows: October 2008 - Vice Chair Cohen November 2008 - Chair Hochanadel December 2008 - Commissioner Caffery January 2009 - Vice Chair Cohen February 2009 - Chair Hochanadel March 2009 - Commissioner Scott April 2009 - Commissioner Donenfeld May 2009 - Vice Chair Cohen June 2009 - Commissioner Caffery July 2009 - Commissioner Conrad August 2009 - Commissioner Conrad September 2009 - Commissioner Donenfeld PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Director of Planning Ewing reported that the City Council would not be meeting tonight. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further comments the meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m. rai wing, Al Direr or of Planni ervices 5