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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-06-11 PC Meeting MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 11, 2014 Council Chamber, City Hall 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 CALLED TO ORDER: Chair Donenfeld called the meeting to order at 1:32 pm. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Klatchko, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Weremiuk, Vice - Hudson and Chair Donenfeld ABSENT: None 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 5:00 pm on Thursday, June 5, 2014. ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA: Commissioner Roberts recused himself on Item 2D due to a property related conflict of interest. He would not be participating in the discussion and vote on this item. Commissioner Weremiuk commented that she resides in the Escena Development and would be speaking as a homeowner on Item 2E. She would not be participating in the discussion and vote on this item. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Chair Donenfeld opened the public comments portion of the meeting and with no appearances coming forward public comments was closed. 1. CONSENT CALENDAR: Planning Commission Minutes June 11, 2014 1A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MAY 28, 2014 ACTION: Approve the Planning Commission Minutes of May 28, 2014, as presented. MOTION: Commissioner Roberts, seconded by Commissioner Lowe and carried unanimously carried 6-0-1 on a roll call vote. AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Klatchko, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Weremiuk and Chair Donenfeld ABSTAIN: Vice -Chair Hudson 2. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 2A. ROBERT W. MINER FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW OF A PROPOSED 150,560-SQUARE FOOT WAREHOUSE DISTRIBUTION CENTER LOCATED ON APPROXIMATELY 22.61 ACRES OF VACANT LAND AT 411 WEST GARNET AVENUE, ZONE M- 1-P (CASE 5.1307 CUP / 3.3688 MAJ). (DN) ASSOCIATE PLANNER NEWELL presented the proposed project as outlined in the staff report. CHAIR DONENFELD opened the public hearing: KEVIN KIERNAN, KIERNAN WEST, APPLICANT, said they are in agreement with conditions and was available for questions from the Commission. MICHAEL FA, KIERNAN WEST, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, provided details pertaining to the landscape plan. There being no further appearances the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Roberts expressed concern with the use of tree shading the parking lot in that area and questioned if alternate options were considered. KEVIN KIERNAN, APPLICANT, responded that the trees chosen are aesthetically superior and can withstand the high winds in this area. ACTION: Adopt the proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration and approve, subject to Conditions of Approval. MOTION: Commissioner Weremiuk, seconded by Commissioner Calerdine and carried unanimously carried on a roll call vote. E Planning Commission Minutes June 11, 2014 AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Klatchko, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Weremiuk, Vice -Chair Hudson and Chair Donenfeld 2B. TRIPALMSVIEW PROPERTIES, LLC, FOR A TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP TO SUBDIVIDE EXISTING LOT 10 AND LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT FOR LOT 11 TO CREATE FOUR SINGLE-FAMILY LOTS AND AN ADMINISTRATIVE MINOR MODIFICATION TO REDUCE FRONT LOT LINE DIMENSIONS IN LAS PALMAS ESTATES SUBDIVISION LOCATED AT 555 NORTH VIA MONTE VISTA, ZONE R-1-13 (CASE TPM 36706). (GM) ASSOCIATE PLANNER NEWELL presented the proposed project as outlined in the staff report. CHAIR DONENFELD opened the public hearing: ETHAN MEZRAHL, REPRESENTING TRIPALMSVIEW PROPERTIES, provided details on the use of the lot and addressed questions from the Commission. There being no further appearances the public hearing was closed. ACTION: Recommend approval to the City Council, subject to Conditions. MOTION: Commissioner Calerdine, seconded by Vice Chair Hudson and unanimously carried on a roll call vote. AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Klatchko, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Weremiuk, Vice -Chair Hudson and Chair Donenfeld 2C. LIZ AND MARK OSTOICH FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A 1,307-SQUARE FOOT CASITA AND WINE CELLAR WITH KITCHEN ON A HILLSIDE LOT LOCATED AT 660 PALISADES DRIVE, ZONE R-1-A (CASE NOS. 5.1337 CUP AND 3.1745 MAJ). (GM) Associate Planner Newell presented the proposed project as outlined in the staff report. He reported that staff has prepared CHAIR DONENFELD opened the public hearing: LIZ OSTOICH, APPLICANT, provided details on the specifics of the house and indicated that the tennis court is in a dilapidated condition. 3 Planning Commission Minutes June 11, 2014 HUGH KAPTUR, APPLICANT REPRESENTATIVE, spoke about the design of the house and addressed questions from the Commission. There being no further appearances the public hearing was closed VICE -CHAIR HUDSON AND COMMISSIONER ROBERTS spoke in favor of the design. Discussion occurred on the roofing materials. ACTION: Approve, subject to Conditions of Approval. Motion Chair Donenfeld, seconded by Commissioner Lowe and unanimously carried on a roll call vote. AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Klatchko, Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Weremiuk, Vice Chair Hudson, Chair Donenfeld, Commissioner Lowe 2D. LOLA COFFEE, LLC, FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A 1,966- SQUARE FOOT COCKTAIL LOUNGE LOCATED AT 1101 NORTH PALM CANYON DRIVE, ZONE C-1 (CASE 5.0687 CUP) (GM) Commissioner Roberts recused himself due to ownership issue in close proximity. He would not be participating in the discussion and vote and left the Council Chamber. ASSOCIATE PLANNER NEWELL presented the proposed project as outlined in the staff report. CHAIR DONENFELD opened the public hearing: JAIME KOWAL, APPLICANT, provided details on the proposed project There being no further appearances the public hearing was closed. COMMISSIONER WEREMIUK requested standard language relating to outdoor noise be added to the conditions. She thinks this is a great use for this area. ACTION: Approve, subject to Conditions of Approval. MOTION: Commissioner Calerdine, seconded by Commissioner Weremiuk and carried 6-0-1 on a roll call vote. AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Klatchko, Commissioner Lowe, Vice -Chair Hudson and Chair Donenfeld ABSTAIN: Commissioner Roberts Commissioner Roberts re-entered the Council Chamber at 2:17 pm. 2 Planning Commission Minutes June 11. 2014 2E. ESCENA FOR AN AMENDMENT TO A PREVIOUSLY APPROVED PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (PDD) LOCATED AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF GENE AUTRY TRAIL AND VISTA CHINO ROAD (CASE 5.0666 PD 231 AMND). (MW) Commissioner Weremiuk left the dais and was marked absent. The Commission took a recess at 2:18 pm. The Commission reconvened at 2:34 pm. DIRECTOR WHEELER presented the proposed project as outlined in the staff report. COMMISSIONER ROBERTS questioned if this project is coming forward as a piece- meal instead of the entire area. CHAIR DONENFELD opened the public hearing: EMILY HEMPHILL, LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE APPLICANT, provided background information on the original approval of the development. She indicated that they went to the City for clarification and were told that the setbacks were 15 feet. She said no additional studies are needed unless significant impacts have been found. MARVIN ROOS, MSA Consulting (representing the applicant), commented on there being no functional problems with the driveway setbacks at 18 feet. KATHY WEREMIUK, Escena resident, requested denial of the driveway setbacks in Planning District 7 from 20 feet to 15 feet. CHRISTOPHER PARMAN, Escena resident, described the building standards that were approved for PDD 231 and builder's violation of abiding to these requirements. ARDINE WILLIAMS, Escena resident, outlined the development standards that were approved and requested a full Architectural Review SCOTT BIGBIE, Escena resident, commented that the question is always where will the residents park and there are always more cars than what you think. He said it's better to resolve this issue at the design stage. STEPHEN ELSON, Escena resident, spoke in opposition to any changes in the driveway setbacks. TOM STEWART, Escena resident, spoke in opposition of allowing reduced driveway setbacks. 19 Planning Commission Minutes June 11. 2014 SCOTT PRINGLE, Escena resident, said that new construction on reduced driveway setbacks does need to be approved. RAY LAGO, representing Steve Crawford, the resident is in a wheelchair and it is imperative that emergency vehicles are able to get access to the homes. MICHAEL RODLAND, representing Edmund Emmons, spoke in opposition to the reduced driveways. He said no builder has the right to decrease the driveways. MARK HOLLENSWORTH, Escena resident, wants the driveway setbacks to be in conformance. RON DE GENOVA, Escena resident, commented that the reduced setback to 15 feet will produce a health and safety hazard for the residents. RICK TAYLOR, Escena resident, requested this project be reviewed by the AAC. IRMA CARDENAS, Escena resident, spoke about the urgency of providing emergency vehicles access to the houses. BRYAN WILSON, Escena resident, spoke in opposition of reduced driveways. EMILY HEMPHILL, applicant rebuttal, she indicated that the developer acted on good faith from email correspondence from staff. There being no further appearances the public hearing was closed. CHAIR DONENFELD said this is not the way good business is done. If an error was done in the approval of the reduced setbacks, we should move forward from here to correct the situation. ACTION: Deny. MOTION: Commissioner Roberts, seconded by Commissioner Lowe and carried on a 6- 0-1 roll call vote. AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Klatchko, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Roberts, Vice -Chair Hudson and Chair Donenfeld ABSENT: Commissioner Weremiuk Commissioner Weremiuk returned to the dais at 3:52 pm. 2F. AGUA CALIENTE BAND OF CAHUILLA INDIANS (THE TRIBE) FOR THE SECTION 14 SPECIFIC PLAN COMPREHENSIVE UPDATE (CASE 5.1318- SPU) (ER). 2 Planning Commission Minutes June 11, 2014 DIRECTOR WHEELER presented the proposed project as outlined in the staff report and recommended the Commission take testimony and continue to the next meeting. CHAIR DONENFELD opened the public hearing: MARGARET PARK, Director of Planning, provided a presentation showing a timelines of the actions taken, circulation element, bike path, proposed land use changes, noteworthy changes to permitted uses, development standards revisions, new consolidated development incentives. There being no further appearances the public hearing was closed. BILL DELOFROM, Tribe Consultant, provided details regarding the streets. DANIEL MALCOLM, Tribe Senior Planner, addressed questions from the Commission. COMMISSIONER CALERDINE questioned the road standards and angled parking on Calle Encilia and El Segundo. Have slower speed so appropriate for use of sharrows. He asked about the traffic implications and density. COMMISSIONER KLATCKO asked questions regarding the streets. DANIEL MALCOLM responded Hermosa Drive extension to match the city. COMMISSIONER ROBERTS commented on the great map and questioned if the bike lane is angled. He noted that the use of PDD to establish setbacks is not the best. COMMISSIONER KLATCHKO concurred. VICE -CHAIR HUDSON commented on protecting the bike lanes. COMMISSIONER CALERDINE does not like the bike lanes outside the parking. CHAIR DONENFELD thanked Margaret Park for the informative presentation. ACTION: Continue to June 25, 2014. MOTION: Chair Donenfeld, seconded by Commissioner Lowe and unanimously carried 7-0 on a roll call vote. AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Klatchko, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Weremiuk, Vice -Chair Hudson and Chair Donenfeld ►/ Planning Commission Minutes June 11, 2014 A recess was taken at 4:23 pm. The meeting reconvened at 4:33 pm 2G. CITY OF PALM SPRINGS TO AMEND THE PALM SPRINGS ZONING CODE SECTION 91.00.10 - DEFINITIONS AND SECTIONS 92.00, 92.01, 92.02, 92.03 AND 92.04 -PERMITTED, ACCESSORY AND CONDITIONALLY PERMITTED USES AND TO REPLACE 93.23.14 - ACCESSORY APARTMENT HOUSING IN ITS ENTIRETY (CASE 5.1341 ZTA). DIRECTOR WHEELER introduced the item and asked for input on specific issues. COMMISSIONER WEREMIUK offered that rental should be allowed for 30 day periods or more to serve as housing not vacation rentals. DIRECTOR WHEELER discussed that the proposal is for only one accessory second unit on any lot. State law requires up to 1200 square feet and 30% of primary unit size allowed ministerially. She indicated that staff's proposal was to allow up to 50% of primary unit with Conditional Use Permit. CHAIR DONENFELD opened the public hearing and with no appearances coming forward the public hearing was closed. COMMISSIONERS discussed the matter and recommended up to 99% of primary unit be allowed to be considered with Conditional Use Permit. ENGINEERING ASSOCIATE MINJARES advised the Commission about this type of approval would trigger certain requirements. ACTION: Recommend approval to City Council, as amended. MOTION: Commissioner Weremiuk, seconded by Commissioner Lowe and unanimously carried on a 7-0 roll call vote. AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Klatchko, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Weremiuk, Vice- Chair Hudson and Chair Donenfeld 3. NEW BUSINESS: 3A. VIVANTE PALM SPRINGS, LLC, FOR ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW OF FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR THE FIRST PHASE OF PD-341, INCLUDING AN ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY OF APPROXIMATELY 148,000 SQUARE FEET, SITE LANDSCAPING AND OFF-STREET PARKING ON A VACANT LOT n Planning Commission Minutes June 11, 2014 LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF EAST TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY AND HERMOSA DRIVE (CASE 5.1160 PD-341 FINAL PD). (DN) ASSOCIATE PLANNER NEWELL presented the proposed project as outlined in the staff report. COMMISSIONER ROBERTS asked if it is corrugated metal on the roofs only. PLANNER NEWELL said yes. COMMISSIONER WEREMUIK asked if there is gate access to Hermosa. ROB ERES, APPLICANT, responded that the pedestrian gate with vehicle access at northeast is not in the plan. He said there are pedestrian gates on the south side. COMMISSION KLATCHKO questioned a vehicle entry on Hermosa Drive. ROB ERES said yes on the southerly gate on Hermosa Drive for pedestrian use. VICE -CHAIR HUDSON expressed appreciation for the applicant's effort addressing the AAC's comments. COMMISSIONER WEREMIUK expressed concern with the dirt lots and would like to see the soil treated. ACTION: Approve, subject to conditions, as amended: • Find improvement to blue sand. MOTION: Commissioner Weremiuk, seconded by Vice -Chair Hudson and unanimously carried on a roll call vote. AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Klatchko, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Weremiuk, Vice -Chair Hudson and Chair Donenfeld DIRECTOR WHEELER reported this is a final action. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS, REQUESTS AND COMMENTS: COMMISSIONER KLATCHKO thanked Commissioner Lowe for attending the AAC meeting on his behalf. w Planning Commission Minutes June11,2014 PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT: DIRECTOR WHEELER reminded the Commission about the June 17th and June 26th upcoming events. She asked for volunteers for the water subcommittee. Commissioners Calerdine and Weremiuk volunteered. ADJOURNMENT: The Planning Commission adjourned at 5:24 pm to Wednesday, June 25, 2014, at 1:30 pm, City Hall, Council Chamber, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way. )/- 1/1 argo Wheeler, FAICP Director of Planning Services 10