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Home My WebLink About2014-04-23 PC Meeting MInutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES April 23, 2014 Council Chamber, City Hall 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 CALL TO ORDER: Chair Donenfeld called the meeting to order at 1:32 pm. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Klatchko, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Roberts, Vice -Chair Hudson and Chair Donenfeld EXCUSED: Commissioner Weremiuk ALSO PRESENT: Director Wheeler, Associate Planner Newell, Planning Admin. Coordinator Hintz and Engineering Associate Minjares 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 on Thursday, April 17, 2014. ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA: Director Wheeler reported that a request was received to continue Item 2B. The agenda was accepted, as amended. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Chair Donenfeld opened the public comments portion of the meeting: JARY COCKROFT, project manager (Beazer Homes) spoke in reference to Item 2A, expressed concern with reduction of the roof slope and requested it remain the 3-12 roof pitch to remain to allow for proper installation of tiles. He noted that the project team is available for questions. Planning Commission Minutes April 23, 2014 PAULA AUBURN, spoke in reference to Item 1B, questioned if murals should be encouraged in the City and wondered if the same review process for public art will be applied to murals. TIM O'GRADY, Davidson Communities, applicant, clarified that Item 2B is requested to be continued. There being no further appearances public comments was closed 1. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1A. LALITH CHANDRASENA FOR A SIGN VARIANCE TO INSTALL NINE (9) SIGNS ON FOUR SIDES OF AN EXISTING BUILDING AND EXCEED THE SIZE OF SIGNAGE ALLOWED ON EACH BUILDING FACE 6660 NORTH INDIAN CANYON DRIVE, ZONE H-C (CASE NO. 8.258 SIGN VARIANCE). (DN) Associate Planner Newell presented the proposed project as outlined in the staff report. The Commission requested clarification on the multiple signs in the surrounding area. TED WOOD, Signarama, representing the applicant, brought up the numerous signs approved for projects in the area. He noted that the building is dilapidated and the applicant is proposing to build a sign wall to enhance the section of Garnet and Indian Canyon frontage. LALITH CHANDRASENA, applicant, explained the purpose of the signage is to attract freeway traffic and commented on the adjacent businesses that have multiple signage. There being no further appearances the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Roberts noted that because of the location and building setback the signs are appropriate to attract freeway traffic. Vice -Chair Hudson commented that the existing building needs work and the sign wall is attractive. However, some improvements could be made to the walls to allow for better organization by stacking the sub -brand signs on the monument sign. The east and north sides are weak. He is not in favor of the monument sign with phone number and website. Commissioner Klatchko noted that the sub -brand signs are three product lines handled by this business and would like to give the applicant the opportunity to come up with a more cohesive presentation. ra Planning Commission Minutes April 23, 2014 Chair Donenfeld commented that due to the nature of the environment a variance is appropriate; however, a better design is needed. Commissioner Roberts recapped the Commission's comments: 1. Establish a hierarchy of the product brands on the monument sign walls. 2. Eliminate the website and phone number from signage; focus more on the main business. 3. Temporary signs for grand opening will be allowed within the zoning code requirements. ACTION: Table to allow the applicant the opportunity to incorporate the Planning Commission's concerns. Motion: Commissioner Roberts, seconded by Chair Donenfeld and unanimously carried 6-0-1 on a roll call vote. AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Klatchko, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Roberts, Vice -Chair Hudson and Chair Donenfeld, ABSENT: Commissioner Weremiuk 113. CITY OF PALM SPRINGS TO CONSIDER AN AMENDMENT TO THE PALM SPRINGS ZONNG CODE (PSZC) SECTION 93.20 SIGNS, TO CHANGE THE DEFINITION OF SIGNS AND ADD A DEFINITION AND ADOPT REQUIREMENTS FOR MURALS (CASE 5.1336 ZTA). (MW) Director Wheeler presented the proposed zone text amendment as outlined in the staff report. Director Wheeler clarified that the mural application would go to the AAC for review of location and impact to the neighborhood and then proceeds to the Public Arts Commission for review of content. Chair Donenfeld opened the public hearing and with no appearances coming forward the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Klatchko commented that a mural attracts attention to the business in the building even if there is no name on it. He thinks the Planning Commission should be involved in the review process. He expressed concern with the change of ownership in de -registering and terminating the covenant. He prefers that it should run with the land and go through a process of termination. Commissioner Roberts agreed that the Planning Commission should be included in the review process. 3 Planning Commission Minutes April 23, 2014 Chair Donenfeld noted that since the AAC's responsibility is to review projects for aesthetics this process could be eliminated and reviewed by the Planning Commission instead. Vice -Chair Hudson did not agree with the following sections of the draft ordinance: • Section 3.37.170 "Purposes'; - "City encouraging murals ... " and • (b)(6) "... not placing murals over windows, doors or vents". Commissioner Calerdine said he does not have a problem with the definition, however, expressed concern with the process. Planning Commission should replace AAC. ACTION: To recommend approval to the City Council with amendments to process. Motion: Chair Donenfeld, seconded by Commissioner Klatchko and unanimously carried 6-0-1 on a roll call vote. AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Klatchko, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Roberts, Vice -Chair Hudson and Chair Donenfeld ABSENT: Commissioner Weremiuk 2. NEW BUSINESS: 2A. BEAZER HOMES FOR APPROVAL OF FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR 72 SINGLE FAMILY HOMES WITHIN PLANNING AREAS 2A & 2B OF PD-231 (ESCENA) LOCATED AT 1000 NORTH GENE AUTRY TRAIL, ZONE W / M-1-P / PD- 231 (CASE 5.0666 PD-231 FINAL PD). (DN) Associate Planner Newell presented the proposed project as outlined in the staff report. Vice -Chair Hudson commented on the similarity of 40 homes and would like to see more variations of the roof slopes especially on the street frontages. Commissioner Roberts questioned the architectural guidelines for mid-century modern homes submitted in their packet. He struggled with this definition noting that sloped roof does not in itself identify a mid-century design and expressed concern with the design, placement and lack of emphasis on views. Chair Donenfeld commented that although he is happy to see Escena is building out, he is concerned with the design of the homes. He spoke about the small windows and encouraged more openness to the outdoors. M Planning Commission Minutes April 23, 2014 Commissioner Calerdine concerned expressed concern with the side elevations along the main frontage. Commissioner Roberts noted that many of the existing homes in Escena take advantage of the magnificent views of the mountains and the majority of the rear elevations in these models do not. He would prefer to see this go back for more work. JARY COCKROFT, Beazer Homes, stated that the initial plans brought to the AAC addressed some of the Commission's concerns. He noted that most of the homes have living space area in the back (including kitchen and dining area). Commissioner Roberts suggested to the applicant to focus more on good design. Mid- century design is more of a lifestyle incorporating the outside into the inside of the home. Vice -Chair Hudson noted reference was made to the Eichler and Alexander homes. He encouraged the design team to focus on orientation, views, roof slopes, interior spaces and natural lighting and ventilation. ACTION: Table and allow the applicant to consider: *Orientation *Size *Architectural Style - quality of life Motion: Commissioner Roberts, seconded by Vice Chair Hudson and unanimously carried 6-0-1 on a roll call vote. AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Klatchko, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Roberts, Vice -Chair Hudson and Chair Donenfeld ABSENT: Commissioner Weremiuk 2B. PALM CANYON 102 L.P., REQUESTING A ONE-YEAR TIME EXTENSION FOR A PREVIOUSLY APPROVED MIXED -USE DEVELOPMENT INCLUDING 80 TWO- STORY ATTACHED TOWNHOMES, 22 LIVE -WORK UNITS AND 15,000-SQUARE FEET OF RETAIL LOCATED AT 850 SOUTH PALM CANYON DRIVE (CASE 5.10561 PD 314) (GM) ACTION: To continue to a date certain of May 14, 2014. Motion Commissioner Roberts, seconded by Commissioner Lowe and unanimously carried 6-0-1 on a roll call vote. 5 Planning Commission Minutes April 23, 2014 AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Klatchko, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Roberts, Vice -Chair Hudson and Chair Donenfeld ABSENT: Commissioner Weremiuk PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Commissioner Roberts requested when the sign variance returns for review to include the monument sign on the site plan. He requested better quality of the black and white attachments in the staff report. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS, REQUESTS AND COMMENTS: Director Wheeler noted the CV Link presentation will be scheduled for May 14th and reminded the Commission to submit their comments regarding to the Section 14 Plan. ADJOURNMENT: The Planning Commission adjourned at 3:15 pm to Wednesday, May 14, 2014, at 1:30 pm, City Hall, Council Chamber, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way. M. Margo Wheeler, AICP Director of Planning Services 9