HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-07-10 PC Adjourned Meeting Minutes - Study SessionCITY OF PALM SPRINGS
PLANNING COMMISSION STUDY SESSION MINUTES
JULY 10, 2013
Large Conference Room, City Hall
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
CALL TO ORDER:
Chair Donenfeld called the meeting to order at 11:42 am.
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioner Calerdine, Chair Donenfeld, Commissioner
Klatchko, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Roberts,
Commissioner Weremiuk
Absent: Vice -Chair Hudson
Also Present: Planning Director Wheeler
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 pm, Wednesday,
July 3, 2013.
ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA:
The Planning Commission accepted the agenda as presented.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None.
1. DISCUSSION: PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS (PDD'S)
Director Wheeler introduced the study session material by reviewing the staff
report and backup, the material on the proposed General Plan amendment to
alter categories and density ranges was discussed.
Planning Commission Study Session Minutes
July 10, 2013
:ommissioner Roberts indicated that his biggest issue is that the Planned
levelopment District Ordinance allows wholesale deviation from code;
antamount to a variance, without requisite public benefit. He asked about the.
)le of staff.
lirector Wheeler indicated that developers bring in projects with full expectation
iat Planned Development is the one way they wish to proceed.
ommissioner Klatchko asked about findings.
irector Wheeler indicated that currently the code requires the Conditional Use
ermit findings to be made even though the action is in lieu of rezoning.
hair Donenfeld believes that the ordinance is inadequate, conditions need to be
etter.
ommissioner Weremiuk added that design standards are also needed while still
allowing flexibility for developers.
Commissioner Roberts mentioned having different standards for different areas,
with better public benefit.
Commissioner Calerdine discussed importance of zoning compliance with the
General Plan and that overlay zoning may be considered.
Commissioner Weremiuk shared an example from Santa Monica where public
benefit was negotiated, for example contributing toward existing Day Care
Centers rather than building new.
Commissioner Calerdine said Neighborhood Organizations have lists of
prioritized Capital Improvement Projects for their neighborhoods that could
be used to determine public benefit.
Chair Donenfeld felt that public benefit must be off -site so that it is public.
Commissioner Weremiuk added but not sustainability, which benefits the entire
community.
Commissioner Klatchko added if we don't use overlays it's important to refer to
underlying zoning.
Commissioner Roberts brought up the important issue of gated communities.
He doesn't see Palm Springs like Rancho Mirage with "miles of aisles." We need
to look at this sooner than later.
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Planning Commission Study Session Minutes
July 10, 2013
Commissioner Calerdine said the General Plan has a policy prohibiting gated
communities with walls around entire neighborhoods. We need creative
remedies like non -revocable public access to bicyclists and pedestrians.
PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS, REQUESTS AND COMMENTS:
The Planning Commission asked for a Planning Commission / City Council Workshop to
follow up.
PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT: None.
ADJOURNMENT: The Planning Commission Study Session adjourned at 1:12 pm to
Wednesday, July 10, 2013, at 1:30 pm City Hall, Council Chamber, 3200 East Tahquitz
Canyon Way.
Zee
M. Margo Wheeler, AICP
Director of Planning Services
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