HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-04-07 PC Study Session Minutes
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
Planning Commission Study Session Minutes
April 7, 2010
Large Conference Room, City Hall
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, California
CALL TO ORDER:
Chair Cohen called the meeting to order at 2:02 p.m.
Roll Call: Present Present FY: 2009 / 2010
This Meeting: to Date: Absences:
Tracy Conrad 10 7
Doug Donenfeld X 17 0
Doug Hudson X 14 1
Leslie Munger X 11 4
Bill Scott X 16 1
Jon Caffery, Vice Chair X 14 3
Leo Cohen, Chair X 15 2
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 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday,
March 30, 2010.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: Three (3) minutes is allowed for each speaker.
Chair Cohen opened public comments; and with no appearances coming forward public
comments was closed.
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: February 3, 2010, February 10, 2010 and March 10,
2010.
M/S/C (Donenfeld/Munger, 6-0, 1 absent, Conrad) To approve the minutes of February
3, 2010, February 10, 2010 and March 10, 2010.
(Commissioners Munger and Caffery abstained on the minutes of February 3, 2010.
Commissioners Hudson and Scott abstained on the minutes of February 10, 2010 and
Chair Cohen abstained on the minutes of March 10, 2010.)
Planning Commission Study Session Minutes
April 7, 2010
2
2. DISCUSSION:
2A. 5.1222 – ZTA: Determination of Hillside Lots
Director Ewing provided background information and opened the discussion on hillside
lots. He reported that the current definition of a hillside lot is defined as “any property
that has a grade of 10% or more”. He noted that new maps that depict slope conditions
more accurately are more useful in identifying areas that are likely to be hillside.
Director Ewing summarized the draft language staff crafted from their previous study
sessions, as follows:
1. That the overall lot should be considered when measuring slope – not just
“any portion”;
2. That a lot’s required setback areas (“yards”) should be excluded from the
calculation as these edges can inappropriately alter the average slope
calculation;
3. That the minimum threshold of 10% should be maintained.
The Commission and staff discussed excluding the setbacks from the calculation,
requirement of a topographic survey, pre-existing grade, and an administrative review
process for exceeding the height limits.
The Commission concurred with the previously crafted language. Director Ewing
explained that the next step will be to notice this item and set a public hearing.
2B. 5.1235 – ZTA: Amnesty / Abatement Program for Non-Permitted Canopy
and Carport Structures
Director Ewing provided background information on the windshield survey conducted in
four single-family neighborhoods throughout the City. He spoke about the different
types of fabric covers and structure materials found in the neighborhoods.
The Commission discussed and/or commented on the construction materials, canvas
and fabric covers, safety concerns, structure heights, esthetics, building code
requirements and implementation of the amnesty program. Director Ewing provided an
overview on the application form that would be created and explained that photographs
of the existing structures would be required. Mr. Ewing concluded that depending on
the City Council’s comments this evening (Joint meeting with the AAC & Planning
Commission) the Commission may wish continue this item and provide more outreach
prior to scheduling a public hearing. The Commission concurred.
Planning Commission Study Session Minutes
April 7, 2010
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2C. Establishment of Roof Color Requirements
Director Ewing provided background information as outlined in the staff memorandum.
The Commission discussed and/or commented on roof colors and reflective roofs for
commercial and single-family homes.
Director Ewing summarized that since Commissioner Conrad had requested this topic
as a study session item and is not present at this meeting, this dialogue could be
continued to another meeting. The Commission concurred.
PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS:
Commissioner Hudson requested code enforcement follow-up on a vacant property (the
former Uptown Grill restaurant) on Vista Chino and Indian Canyon which is cluttered
with palm fronds and garbage. Staff noted a report would be forwarded to Code
Enforcement.
The Commission and staff discussed the review process for public projects and topics
of discussion for the City Council joint meeting to be held this evening with the AAC and
Planning Commission.
PLANNING DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS:
None reported.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further comments the Planning Commission meeting adjourned at 4:06
p.m. to the Joint Meeting with the City Council at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at
City Hall, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way.
__________________________
Craig A. Ewing, AICP
Director of Planning Services