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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-03-12 PC Study Session MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS PLANNING COMMISSION STUDY SESSION MINUTES March 12, 2014 Large Conference Room 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, California 92262 CALL TO ORDER: Chair Donenfeld called the meeting to order at 11:44 am. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Klatchko, Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Weremiuk and Chair Donenfeld ABSENT: Commissioner Lowe EXCUSED: Vice -Chair Hudson STAFF 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 7:00 pm. on Thursday March, 2014 PUBLIC COMMENTS: No comments. 1. DISCUSSION ITEMS: 1A. PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT - DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND PROCEDURE. Director Wheeler reviewed the existing ordinance to ensure implementation and discussed the on -going issues. She commented that Los Angeles's ordinance is not a panacea. Commissioner Calerdine said we may need a separate ordinance for different developments. Commissioner Roberts said he likes the flexibility; maybe need a bigger list of priorities. Chair Donenfeld said that the walled neighborhoods are problems. Commissioner Weremiuk said it's difficult to go back once a type of project is approved. Commissioner Roberts said that the times have changed. We used to not even look at Public Benefit. Planning Commission Study Session Minutes March 12, 2014 Commissioner Weremiuk said that this may get push back but we must have standards and locations where appropriate. Maybe SOL Development because of the convention center parking concerns, the walls may be appropriate. Commissioner Klatchko said that the minimum standards are appropriate and anything beyond that should require benefit to be approved. Commissioner Weremiuk said certainty is important. Commissioner Roberts said that he does not see a huge problem. The positive thing in these projects is the lower density. Commissioner Weremiuk commented that if the Commission does hold to what is adopted then some problems could be eliminated. Commissioner Klatchko said that Sunrise Alejo and Sunrise East were both PDD's. Director Wheeler said that the issue is large and to get their hands around it a subcommittee would be helpful. Chair Donenfeld appointed the subcommittee to consist of: Calerdine, Weremiuk and Roberts. Chair Donenfeld said that the walls, gates and sidewalks need to be addressed. Commissioner Roberts commented that we need solid reasons and arguments for developers today, beyond desired value to the city. We need to say that's what the general plan and zoning code require. Commissioner Roberts noted that the City of Rancho Mirage has other values than ours. Commissioner Klatchko said if the location is right for example, near the convention center, the criteria should be different. Commissioner Calerdine said that gates may be required to be open to the public for pedestrian and bike access. Commissioner Roberts reiterated that the Commission needs to point to the Zoning Ordinance and General Plan for standards. Commissioner Weremiuk said that the Commission needs to do more to give comments and require changes as necessary during the hearings. Commissioners Roberts and Calerdine agreed that the new AAC members are outstanding and the chair is excellent. They are doing a great job with this matter. +q Planning Commission Study Session Minutes March 12, 2014 Chair Donenfeld asked staff if adequate has been provided to move forward. Director Wheeler responded yes, thank you. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further comments the Planning Commission adjourned at 12:43 to their regular meeting at 1:30 pm, Wednesday, March 12, 2014, City Hall, Council Chamber, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way. % M. Margo Wheeler, AICP` Director of Planning Services 3