HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-10-14 PC MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
October 14, 2009
Council Chamber, City Hall
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 1:35 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Present
Present
FY: 2009/2010
This Meeting:
to Date:
Absence:
Tracy Conrad X
4
2
Doug Donenfeld X
6
0
Doug Hudson X
4
0
Leslie Munger X
2
2
Bill Scott X
6
0
Jon Caffery, Vice Chair X
5
1
Leo Cohen, Ghair X
6
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 4:00 p.m. on Thursday,
October 8, 2009.
ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA:
The agenda was accepted, as presented.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Chair Cohen opened Public Comments:
-Charles Bennett, Palm Springs, expressed concern with the John Wessman vacant
building on Baristo Road and the abandonment of his other developments throughout
the city.
There being no further appearances public comments was closed.
Planning Commission Minutes of
October 14, 2009
1. CONSENT CALENDAR:
M/S/C (Bill Scott/Doug Donenfeld, 7-0) To approve Items 1A, 1 B and 1 C, as part of the
Consent Agenda. (Noting Commissioner Munger's abstention on the minutes of
September 9, 2009.)
1A. Minutes of September 9, 2009 and September 23, 2009
Approved, as part of the Consent Calendar. (Noting Commissioner Munger's abstention
on the minutes of September 9, 2009.)
113. Case 5.0981 PD 289 (Mesquite Villas) - A request by Marshall Ininns for a
one-year time extension for a 90-unit attached condominium complex
located at West Mesquite Avenue on the south side and west of Belardo
Road, Zone R-3, Section 22. (Project Planner: Glenn Mlaker, Assistant
Planner)
Approved, as part of the Consent Calendar.
1C. Case 5.1112 MAJ (The Legends) - A request by Marshall Ininns for a one-
year time extension for a 41-unit attached and detached cluster
condominium complex located on the north side of 34th Avenue and west of
Dinah Share Drive, Zone W-R-G-A 6, Section 20. '(Project Planner: Glenn
Mlaker, Assistant Planner)
Approved, as part of the Consent Calendar
2. OTHER BUSINESS:
2A. Case SP 09-005 - A request by 02 Architecture for implementation of a sign
program for the Palm Canyon Square Commercial Center located at 1021-
1079 South Palm Canyon Drive, Zone C-1 / R-3, Section 22. (Project Planner,
Scott K. Taschner, Assistant Planner)
Scott Taschner, Assistant Planner, provided background information as outlined in the
staff report dated October 14, 2009.
-Lance O'Donnell, representing the applicant, responded to questions from the
Commission pertaining to color and location of the signs.
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Planning Commission Minutes of
October 14, 2009
M/S/C (Bill Scott/Doug Donenfeld, 7-0) To approve, subject to Conditions of Approval,
as amended:
-It shall be the sole responsibility of the owner of the property, tenant or agent to restore
all mounting surfaces (i.e. walls, facades, windows, railings, etc.) to a condition closest
to the original condition upon removal of any sign from the premises.
-Prior to the installation of the complex identification/monument sign the applicant shall
work with staff in determining its final location.
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
3A. Case 5.1203 CUP / 6.507 VAR - A request by T-Mobile USA, Inc. for a
Conditional Use Permit to construct a 43-foot tall commercial
communication antenna within a slim -line monopole and a Variance to
reduce the side yard setback located at 1900 East Palm Canyon Drive (Club
Trinidad), Zone R-3, Section 24. (Project Planner: David A. Newell,
Associate Planner)
Commissioner Conrad noted her abstention due to a property related conflict of interest
and left the Council Chamber at 1:56 p.m.
Edward Robertson, Principal Planner, provided background information as outlined in
the staff report dated October 14, 2609.
Chair Cohen opened the public hearing:
-Monica Moretta, on behalf of T-Mobile, provided background information on their
attempts to pursue other locations in the area and explained the reduction in antenna
height from 60 to 43 feet.
-John Allen, board member, Versailles, expressed concern with additional
antennas attached to the monopole.
Donald Benway, Palm Springs, spoke in opposition to the location and suggested it
should be located adjacent to an open field.
-Suzette LaSalle; Palm Springs, expressed concern with the location and suggested it
placed next to a higher structure such as the Holiday Inn.
-Judy Moran, Palm Springs, questioned why this project was considered in a residential
area and requested several restrictions on the project.
-Monica Moretta, (responded to questions from the Commission) addressed funding,
property owner authorization of location, placement of antennas and coverage area.
There being no further appearances the public hearing was closed.
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Planning Commission Minutes of
October 14, 2009
M/S/C (Doug Donenfeld/Leslie Munger, 5-1/Doug Hudson), 1 abstained/ Tracy
Conrad) To recommend approval of Case 5.1203 CUP and Case 6.507 VAR to the City
Council, subject to Conditions of Approval.
Director Ewing reported that this action may be appealed to the City Council within 10
days.
Commissioner Conrad re-entered the Council Chamber at 2:24 p.m.
A recess was taken at 2:24 p.m.
The meeting resumed at 2:33 p.m.
3B. Case 5.1231 PDD 356 / TTM 36185 (formerly Case 3.3333 MAJ) - A planned
development district application and a condominium map by Community
Dynamics Inc. for a 51-unit moderate -income for -sale condominium
townhomedevelopment with off-street parking, landscaping and recreational
areas on an approximately 3.6-acre site located at 3130 North Indian Canyon
Drive, Zone R-2. (Project Planner: Ken Lyon, Associate Planner)
Ken Lyon, Associate Planner, provided background information as outlined in the staff
report dated October 14, 2009.
Chair Cohen opened the public hearing:
-Steve Roberts, Vice President, Community Dynamics, provided an overview of the
project including the projected homebuyers, courtyard design, pedestrian walkways,
guest parking, architecture, common amenities, sustainability features. and landscaping.
-Joy Smith, Palm Springs, commented on the excessive amount of residential
properties that have become rentals in the city and emphasized that the project is not
feasible.
-Lynn Calerdine, president, PSEDC, stated that the PSEDC reviewed the project and
supports the development particularly the affordable and sustainable aspects.
-Donna Chaban, Palm Springs, expressed concern about the impact to the historic
homes in the neighborhood and spoke in opposition to the project.
-Tom Carnase, Palm Springs, concerned with the high density that will cause
congestion, noise and pollution.
-Ginger Pigott, spoke about CEQA requirements and consideration of the surrounding
historical buildings and the cumulative impact on the environment.
-Claire Victor, Palm Springs, expressed concern with the numerous amount of
uncompleted developments in the city and with the increase of traffic, noise and air
quality from this project.
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Planning Commission Minutes of
October 14, 2009
Public Hearing (cont'd)
-Christopher Daily, Palm Springs, read a statement from Robert Ember, stating his
opposition to the project due to the density, obstructed views and lack of utility
undergrounding.
-Brian McQuire, Palm Springs, spoke about the loss of privacy to his home
and pool; noting that he does not oppose the development but requests significant
changes.
-James Pigott, spoke in opposition to the proposed project.
-Bruce Bushore, Palm Springs, spoke in support of the project; noting that development
in this area will be an improvement to the neighborhood.
-Jim Iserman, Palm Springs, recommended that an environmental report be completed
and requested considerable changes to the project.
-Scott Kennedy, board member, Racquet Club Neighborhood Association, expressed
concern with the carports adjacent to the historic homes and with the lack of utility
undergrounding.
-Tamara Stevens, Palm Springs, spoke in favor of the project; noting the quality of this
development on the blighted parcel will be an asset to the city.
-Don Soja, Palm Springs, commended the developer for their willingness to work with
the neighborhood.
-Gary Johns, expressed concern with the distance of the detached carports to the
homes and suggested lowering the density and creating attached garages.
-Allen Camarillo, Palm Springs, spoke about the great views from his house and
expressed concern with crime in the area.
-Loren Bloch applicant rebuttal, addressed density, setbacks, carports, preservation of
views and quality of development.
There being no further appearances the public hearing was closed
Director Ewing provided an overview on CEQA requirements, the initial study and staffs
conclusion that the project qualified for a Categorical Exemption as an infill project.
The Commission discussed and/or commented on the landscape plans, views, housing
growth, site plan and development agreement.
M/S/C (Tracy Conrad/Leslie Munger, 6-1/Vice Chair Caffery) To continue, to a date
uncertain with direction that the project return to the Architectural Advisory Committee:
-To consider varying the height of the units and decreasing the density.
-To consider more input from the community.
-To communicate with City Council subcommittee.
-Site plan be reconsidered and parking be integrated into the units.
Commissioner Conrad left the Council Chamber at 4:21 p.m., for the remainder of the
meeting.
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Planning Commission Minutes of
October14, 2009
3C. Case PA 09-005 - A pre -application by Steve George Tappan for a proposed
assisted living facility known as "Legacy Palm Springs" with 104 beds in 86
units, dining, common activity areas, outdoor patios and gardens located on
a 1.43-acre parcel located at 1000 North Palm Canyon Drive, Zone C1 and
R3.. (Project Planner: David A. Newell, Associate Planner) The hearing will
be conducted for informational purposes only and no action will be taken at
this meeting.
Director Ewing noted Commissioner Munger's abstention due to the possibility of a
conflict of interest and would not be participating in the discussion. Ms. Munger left the
Council Chamber at 4:22 p.m.
Commissioner Donenfeld disclosed' that he attended a presentation held by Mr.
Sahlin, a project representative.
Chair Cohen disclosed that he met with the applicant for a presentation, as well.
Edward Robertson, Principal Planner, provided background information as outlined in
the staff report dated October 14, 2009.
-Scott Easton, representing the applicant, expressed appreciation for any comments
from the Commission.
-Chris Sahlin, project architect, provided an overview on the site,
adjacent developments and project design.
Chair Cohen opened the public hearing; there being no appearances the public hearing
was closed.
The Commission discussed and/or commented on the urban planning and design of the
project, the location, vehicular access on Indian Canyon and adding more streetscape
along Palm Canyon.
The Commission unanimously encouraged the applicant to consider incorporating a
restaurant or commercial use on Palm Canyon.
3D. Case 3.3369 MAJ - A Major Architectural application by the City of Palm
Springs to construct a one story, 19,210-square foot animal care facility on a
3-acre parcel located at the southeast corner of Vella Road and Mesquite
Avenue; Zone "O" (Open Lands). (Project Planner: Edward 0. 'Robertson,
Principal Planner)
Commissioner Munger re-entered the Council Chamber at 4:42 p.m.
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Planning Commission Minutes of
October 14, 2009
Edward Robertson, Principal Planner, provided background information as outlined in
the staff report dated October 14, 2009..
Chair Cohen opened the public hearing:
-Allen Smoot, project representative, provided an overview on
the neighborhood meetings that were held and addressed the parking.
-George Myers, project architect, provided details on the facility layout including an
adoption lobby, animal training room and courtyard. Mr. Meyers also addressed the
parking needs and the incorporation of recycled water.
Stephen Boyd, Palm Springs, spoke in favor of the location adjacent to the park and
urged approval of the project.
-Lynn Thompson, commented on the need for a larger facility for animals.
-Carol Haskell, Palm Springs, (board member, Demuth Park Neighborhood) stated that
the majority of members are in favor of the facility and spoke in favor of the facility.
-Tanya Petrovna, Palm Springs, spoke in support of the facility.
-Dolores Alvarez, Palm Springs, property manager located across the street, spoke in
full support of the facility.
There being no further appearances the public hearing was closed.
M/S/C (Doug DonenfeldNice Chair Caffery, 6-0, 1 absent/Tracy Conrad) That the
Planning Commission adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) and approve
Case 3.3369 MAJ, subject to the Conditions of Approval.
PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS:
Vice Chair Caffery clarified that he did not support the continuance for Item 313,
Case 5.1231 / PDD 356 because of the density of the project.
Commissioner Munger requested clarification on the protocol for accepting materials
during the meetings. Director Ewing explained the process and reminded the
Commission of the opportunity to continue a project if additional time is required to
review the materials.
Vice Chair Caffery clarified (in regards to the Desert Sun article) that he is not in support
of temporary banners and prefers more restrictive regulations.
PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Director Ewing provided an update on the upcoming City Council meetings.
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Planning Commission Minutes of
October 14, 2009
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further comments the Planning Commission adjourned at 5:21 p.m. to
Wednesday, October 28, 2009, at 1:30 p.m., City Hall, Council Chamber, 3200 East
Tahquitz Canyon Way.
ra Ewing CP
Director of P n ing Services
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