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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-06-25 PC Meeting MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES June 25, 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 - Chair Hudson and Chair Donenfeld ALSO PRESENT: Director Wheeler, Associate Planner Newell, Planning Admin. Coordinator Hintz, Assistant Director of Public Works Khamphou, 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 19, 2014. ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA: The agenda was accepted, as amended. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Chair Donenfeld opened public comments: FRANK TYSEN, expressed concern with height and density for Section 14 and downtown. He suggested visiting Santa Barbara, Catalina and Carmel to get away from higher density. ZANE WILLIAMSON, read Roxann Ploss' comments into the record regarding water and Section 14 plan. There being no further appearances public comments was closed. Planning Commission Minutes June 25, 2014 1. CONSENT CALENDAR: 1A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: JUNE 11, 2014 REGULAR AND SPECIAL JOINT MEETING MINUTES Approve the June 11, 2014 Regular and Joint Meeting Minutes. ACTION: Approve the June 11, 2014 Regular and Joint Meeting Minutes with amendments. Motion: Commissioner Lowe, seconded by Commissioner Weremiuk 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 2. CONT'D PUBLIC HEARING: 2A AGUA CALIENTE BAND OF CAHUILLA INDIANS (THE TRIBE) FOR THE SECTION 14 SPECIFIC PLAN COMPREHENSIVE UPDATE (CASE 5.1318-SPU) (ER) COMMISSIONER ROBERTS said that Calle Alvarado should be considered for opening up to go from the airport using Tahquitz Canyon to the Convention Center. This needs to be examined. COMMISSIONER CALERDINE commented that he is concerned with expanding the density. He asked if staff can explain the traffic engineering. CHAIR DONENFELD called upon Margaret Park. MARGARET PARK, DIRECTOR OF PLANNING & NATURAL RESOURCES, TRIBE, she addressed Item #4 of their letter included the staff report saying that it shows the original Specific Plan. The high density residential has dropped considerably and Item #5 shows anticipated slightly less density than 2007. DAN MALCOLM, SENIOR PLANNER, ACBCI, addressed the bike lanes. COMMISSIONER CALERDINE wants to look at the whole bike lane system. COMMISSIONER ROBERTS asked about extending Calle Alvarado to Tahquitz Canyon. DAN MALCOLM said they reached out to the landowner and he is not open to traffic but ok with pedestrian access. 2 Planning Commission Minutes June 25, 2014 VICE -CHAIR HUDSON said he would like to see taking a more comprehensive look at Indian Canyon Way. He supports a 2-way street and would like to see this important edge studied by the Tribe and City. COMMISSIONER WEREMIUK commented that the City will review against adopted guidelines. ACTION: Recommend adoption of the MND and approval of the proposed Section 14 Specific Plan Update to the City Council. Motion: Chair Donenfeld, seconded by Commissioner Klatchko and unanimously carried on a roll call vote. AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Klatchko, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Klatchko, Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Weremiuk, Vice -Chair Hudson and Chair Donenfeld COMMISSIONER CALERDINE proposed further study of a potential road Calle Alvarado to Tahquitz Canyon with non-standard width on 1-way and have that brought back to the Planning Commission prior to future development. CHAIR DONENFELD AND COMMISSIONER KLATCHKO accepted the amendment. 3A. KEITH ZIMMERMAN FOR A TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP, VARIANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE MINOR MODIFICATION TO SUBDIVIDE A 0.62-ACRE LOT INTO THREE RESIDENTIAL LOTS WITH REDUCED LOT WIDTHS; LOCATED ADJACENT TO ORANGE AVENUE, SOUTH OF SUNNY DUNES ROAD AND NORTH OF MESQUITE AVENUE, ZONE R-1-1) (CASE NOS. TPM 36562, 6.639 VAR AND 7.1427 AMM). (DN) ACTION: Continue to July 9, 2014. Motion: Commissioner Roberts, seconded by Commissioner Calerdine 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 3B. NORTHWOOD-PALM SPRINGS, LLC FOR A TENATIVE TRACT MAP CONVERT 104 APARTMENTS TO FOR -SALE CONDOMINIUMS AND CREATE A ONE -LOT CONDOMIMIUM MAP ON A ROUGHLY 5.28-ACRE PARCEL LOCATED AT 1700 SOUTH ARABY DRIVE, ZONE R-3. (CASE NO. TTM 36756). (DN) 3 Planning Commission Minutes June 25, 2014 ASSOCIATE PLANNER NEWELL presented the proposed project. He noted that Admin. Condition #9 is not required for this project. COMMISSIONER ROBERTS questioned were the City stands with affordable housing needs. DIRECTOR WHEELER gave information from our Housing Element consultant regarding affordable housing. COMMISSIONER WEREMIUK said this does not mention State relocation. Do they meet requirements? DIRECTOR WHEELER responded yes. COMMISSIONER CALERDINE asked about the right turn traffic signal from Araby Drive onto East Palm Canyon. He noted that landscape is grown on Ventura. There is a movement issue and proposed a study. CHAIR DONENFELD opened the public hearing DAVID MLYNARSKI, APPLICANT, said they are in agreement with staffs conditions. They see it as benefit to project by making it owner occupied. It has been well received by occupants. There being no further appearances the Public Hearing was closed. COMMISSIONER ROBERTS said he has concerns about removing any rentals from the city's affordable housing. COMMISSIONER WEREMUIK questioned the number of parking spaces. DAVE MLYNARSKI, APPLICANT, said 160 parking spaces for 104units. They covered some that spaces that were not. COMMISSIONER WEREMIUK asked about utilities. DAVID MLYNSARSKI responded that he needs to check utilities. They have gone through along process with housing. RANDY FRIEND, APPLICANT, said it was built 10 years as condos and noted the gas and electric are separately metered. COMMISSIONER WEREMIUK asked how water is metered. DAVID MLYNSARSKI said it is group metered. Units have patios and balconies. No useable turf. n Planning Commission Minutes June 25, 2014 COMMISSIONER WEREMIUK asked what the terms are. RANDY FRIEND, APPLICANT, said they are honoring all leases. ASSOCIATE PLANNER NEWELL distributed the parking plan. COMMISSIONER KLATCHKO recollected that this originally was designed as condominiums and is appropriate. COMMISSIONER WEREMIUK inquired about a smart meter. She is concerned with loss of rental housing stock. ACTION: Approve and recommend approval to the City Council, subject to conditions. Motion: Commissioner Klatchko, 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, Chair Donenfeld DIRECTOR WHEELER said this will move forward to the City Council. 3C. STEVE HERMANN HOTELS, LLC, FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A RESTAURANT AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF A 20-ROOM HOTEL IN A NEW SERVICE BUILDING AT THE HORIZON HOTEL LOCATED AT 1050 EAST PALM CANYON DRIVE. (CASE 3.0313 MAA). ASSOCIATE PLANNER NEWELL presented the proposed project as outlined in the staff report. VICE -CHAIR HUDSON asked about landscaping and signage. COMMISSIONER KLATCHKO asked about exterior dining and shade structure. COMMISSIONER ROBERTS had concerns about shading and asked about hours of operation. DIRECTOR WHEELER responded 7am - midnight. CHAIR DONENFELD opened the public hearing: STEVE HERMANN, APPLICANT, addressed the details of operation for the hotel and noted that an outreach with Deepwell neighborhood occurred. 5 Planning Commission Minutes June 25, 2014 There being no further appearances the public hearing was closed. STEVEN HERMANN addressed Commission questions regarding shading and said they will provide moveable umbrellas. COMMISSIONER WEREMIUK asked about installing a retractable awning structure. STEVE HERMANN guaranteed the umbrellas will be sufficient. He has seen many shade options and it will be completely shaded. COMMISSIONER LOWE suggested to the applicant to look at the umbrellas at Sammy G's which are about 12 feet wide. CHAIR DONENFELD noted that retractable awnings may take away from the architecture. ACTION: Approve, subject to conditions. Motion Commissioner Roberts, seconded by Commissioner Calerdine 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 3D. DOUGLAS C. JONES FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND VARIANCE TO CONSTRUCT TWO WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES CONSISTING OF SIXTY-SIX FOOT TALL MONOPOLES, EXCEEDING THE MAXIMUM PERMITTED ZONING HEIGHT, DESIGNED AS PALM TREES AT A VACANT PARCEL OF LAND LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF GOLDEN SANDS MOBILE HOME PARK AT 3430 NORTH SUNRISE WAY, ZONE O (CASE NO. 5.1321 CUP AND 6.533 VAR). (DN) ACTION: Continue to July 23, 2014. Motion: Commissioner Calerdine, seconded by Commissioner Lowe 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 A recess was taken @ 2:48 pm. The meeting reconvened at 2:57 pm. 9 Planning Commission Minutes June 25, 2014 3E. SPECTRUM SERVICES (VERIZON WIRELESS) FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO CONSTRUCT A FIFTY-FIVE FOOT HIGH MONOPOLE STRUCTURE (DESIGNED AS A PALM TREE) WITH ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT SHELTER AND A VARIANCE REQUEST TO EXCEED THE MAXIMUM ANTENNA HEIGHT PERMITTED AT THE RIMROCK SHOPPING CENTER AT 4721 EAST PALM CANYON DRIVE, ZONE CDN (CASE NOS. 5.1324 CUP & 6.534 VAR) (GM) ASSOCIATE PLANNER NEWELL presented the proposed project and noted a correction in the agenda: the height of the monopole is 50 feet. He reported that the height has been reduced from the previous application. COMMISSIONER ROBERTS asked if the diagrams were submitted by the applicant and if a third party can provide these. ASSISTANT PLANNER NEWELL responded that the applicant submitted the diagrams. VICE -CHAIR HUDSON said he recalls a lot of discussion on monopoles versus monopalms and wishes to see fewer higher antennas. He wants the city to be proactive. DIRECTOR WHEELER said staff could bring back a proposed zone text amendment to address issues that the Commission has on these projects. COMMISSIONER WEREMIUK said she would like to know what the other cities are approving. She feels this does not work for this city. She said it's now 15'. Is anyone building that? They're preference is for poles. She would like to see a text amendment. Height has gone down from 70' to 50' and this appears to be a good thing. She asked about the health issues. DIRECTOR WHEELER said that is not part of a land use decision. CHAIR DONENFELD opened the public hearing: MIKE HAYES, APPLICANT, REPRESENTING SPECTRUM SERVICES, responded to the Commission's questions pertaining to the 15 foot height. He said new technology is important to design and welcomed a study session. He would like to have Verizon Wireless to be included. DOUG MC ALLISTER, VERIZON WIRELESS CONSULTANT, said the other cities pay Radio Frequency Engineers to do the study. Height has to do with site itself. MIKE HAYES, APPLICANT, said their preference is a pole not a palm. There being no further appearances the public hearing was closed. 6 Planning Commission Minutes June 25, 2014 COMMISSIONER ROBERTS said that information may be biased or incorrect coming from the applicant. He requested a meeting before they review another case. He would like a neutral source. CHAIR DONENFELD commented that poles are constantly changing. ACTION: Recommend approval to the City Council, subject to conditions. Motion Commissioner Weremiuk, seconded by Commissioner Lowe and unanimously carried on a roll call vote with the condition that the tower be a pole not a palm. AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Klatchko, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Weremiuk, Vice Chair Hudson and Chair Donenfeld CHAIR DONENFELD STATED THAT ITEMS 3F AND 3G WILL BE HEARD AT THE END OF THE AGENDA. 4. NEW BUSINESS: 4A. CHRISTOPHER MEYERS, OWNER, FOR A MAJOR ARCHITECTURAL APPLICATION FOR A REMODEL, 792-SQUARE FOOT; ADDITION AND AN ADMINISTRATIVE MINOR MODIFICATION FOR AN INCREASE IN BUILDING HEIGHT ON A HILLSIDE LOT LOCATED AT 2353 WEST CANTINA WAY, ZONE R-1-A SECTION 27 (CASE 3.3307 MAA AND 7.1417 AMM). (GM) ASSISTANT PLANNER NEWELL presented the proposed project as outlined in the staff report. COMMISSIONER ROBERTS expressed concern with setting precedence for second story homes on a hillside lots. LANCE O'DONNELL, APPLICANT REPRESENTATIVE, said the privacy issues were looked at provided details about the project. COMMISSIONER ROBERTS asked about the tree growth estimation. LANCE O'DONNEL, said whatever it takes. There's a leech field, it will grow fast. CHAIR DONENFELD asked about the height and size of tree. Is Mesquite correct? LANCE O'DONNEL said yes. E Planning Commission Minutes June 25, 2014 ACTION: Approve, subject to conditions, as amended: • Shall meet all requirements set by City Engineer. • 36" box Mesquite to shield adjoining 2353 Cantina Way. • Property to be continuously maintained. Motion: Commissioner Klatchko, seconded by Commissioner Lowe 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 4B. MARK TEMPLE, OWNER, FOR A MAJOR ARCHITECTURAL APPLICATION FOR A NEW 3,502-SQUARE FOOT HOUSE ON A MODIFICATION REQUESTING AN INCREASE IN BUILDING HEIGHT AT OCATED AT 771 LA MIRADA DRIVE, ZONE R-1-A, SECTION 22 (CASE 3.3733 MAJ AND 7.1423 AMM) (GM) ASSOCIATE PLANNER NEWELL presented the proposed project as outlined in the staff report. ACTION: Approve, subject to conditions. Motion: Commissioner Roberts, seconded by Commissioner Weremiuk 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 4C. PALM SPRINGS PROMENADE, LLC FOR ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW OF BLOCKS A AND B OF THE DOWNTOWN PALM SPRINGS RENOVATION PROJECT LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST AND SOUTHWEST CORNER OF ANDREAS ROAD AND PALM CANYON DRIVE, RESPECTIVELY; ZONE CBD. (CASE 3.3605 MAJ AND 3.3606 MAJ). (DN) DIRECTOR WHEELER presented an overview on the proposed project. COMMISSIONER CALERDINE questioned Block A parking access. Behind Block A is that pedestrian only? Where will the loading actually occur? ASSOCIATE PLANNER NEWELL addressed the access points. 0 Planning Commission Minutes June 25, 2014 VICE -CHAIR HUDSON asked if there is language in the Specific Plan that requires 3D images, to see them together. COMMISSIONER LOWE questioned if there would be a model. He would like a model for such a huge project. COMMISSIONER ROBERTS expressed frustration in how it will work together. COMMISSIONER KLATCHKO said he attended the AAC meeting when this project was presented and noted that they received the staff report last minute and were not prepared. He reported the comments from the AAC: they felt pressure earlier, colors did not match board, shading concern and floor plan is Block B may change regarding tenants. ASSOCIATE PLANNER NEWELL distributed a perspective rendering of the entire project. EMILY HEMPHILL, LEGAL REPRESENTATION FOR THE APPLICANT, reiterated that the project and part of the financing agreement will be reviewed by the City Council in July. She said that it is very critical of moving forward through the Planning process to show to prospective tenants. MICHAEL BRAUN, APPLICANT, provided details pertaining to the project. VICE -CHAIR HUDSON commented on the following: Block A is truly architecture; Block B has fallen apart; certain portions of the buildings are designed one way and the other part is being designed a different way. It's mundane and not up to the high standard of the development. COMMISSIONER WEREMIUK asked what about the width of Market Street and type of materials. She would like 4' continuous shade around the building and questioned if Block B includes storefronts? She likes Block A, however, colors feel heavy. MICHAEL BRAUN said they will certainly have colors return to the Planning Commission. COMMISSIONER WEREMIUK said attention to detail in rear is important. Market Street and Paseo must be as user friendly as Palm Canyon. COMMISSIONER ROBERTS said he met with Michael Braun earlier this week and thinks Block A is heavy and "blocky". He would like to move this forward. Block B needs to connect to other buildings architecturally. He suggested moving it forward and possibly have it come back with a subcommittee for design, material and color review. He said the Specific Plan is very clear on the requirements. Cooling systems are not shown. He sees miles and miles of concrete. Move this forward and come back with better design. 10 Planning Commission Minutes June 25, 2014 CHAIR DONENFELD said some basic elements are very important esp. shading, user- friendly and comfortable amenities. The colors shown are very dark. MICHAEL BRAUN talked about the development which will include a misting system, umbrellas and street furniture, water features and free- Wi-Fi. This will return along with the landscape plan. VICE -CHAIR HUDSON said it will take much more than colors or materials to make this a better building. He does not feel confident with this project and it does not incorporate any solar elements. ACTION: Approve, subject to conditions, as amended: • Shading and cooling plan to return. • Review lighter color palette and materials to return. • Improve architectural style for Block B • Passive energy conservation to return. • Condition ENG#36 to be removed and in ENG63 remove reference to Market St. and ENG82 #2 change north to south and add to last sentence "to be relocated north" COMMISSIONER WEREMIUK proposed a substitute motion: ACTION: Applicant to move forward; to review colors and materials, shading and misting system. COMMISSIONER CALERDINE prefers strong statements in order to move forward. COMMISSIONER ROBERTS said this convoluted and is not about the building size. COMMISSIONER WEREMIUK withdrew her motion. COMMISSIONER ROBERTS proposed an amendment to the motion: • Redesign Block B within current size. • Adhere to guidelines • Passive energy for shading and solar to return. • Building A - different colors and materials. COMMISSIONER KLATCHKO said not a redesign and proposed an amendment: • When tenants return shade, solar, misting and landscaping must be a part of proposal submitted. 11 Planning Commission Minutes June 25, 2014 COMMISSIONER LOWE agreed with Vice -Chair Hudson and does not think its right to move forward when so many items are not agreed upon. COMMISSIONER CALERDINE proposed an amendment to his motion: Improve the architectural style for Block B. Accepted by CHAIR DONENFELD. COMMISSIONER WEREMIUK said come back with landscape plan of Paseo. COMMISSIONER ROBERTS said architectural style needs to be approved separately. Motion: Commissioner Calerdine, seconded by Chair Donenfeld and carried 6-1-0 on a roll call vote. AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Klatchko, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Weremiuk and Chair Donenfeld NOES: Vice Chair Hudson A recess was taken at 5:28 pm. The meeting reconvened at 5:34 pm 3F. CITY OF PALM SPRINGS FOR A ZONE TEXT AMENDMENT TO AMEND THE PALM SPRINGS ZONING CODE (PSZC) SECTION 94.02.01 RELATING TO LAND USE PERMITS. (CASE 5.1343 ZTA) (MW) COMMISSIONER ROBERTS noted a conflict of interest due to property ownership in the area and would be abstaining from the discussion and vote. He left the Council Chamber. DIRECTOR WHEELER presented the proposed project as outlined in the staff report and discussed the administrative procedure. JOHN RAYMOND, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY AND REDEVELOPMENT, addressed the boundaries of the proposed amendment and the opportunities for this type of development. ACTION: Recommend approval to the City Council. Motion: Commissioner Weremiuk, seconded by Commissioner Lowe and carried on a roll call vote. AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Klatchko, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Weremiuk, Vice Chair Hudson and Chair Donenfeld ABSTAIN: Commissioner Roberts Commissioner Roberts re-entered the Council Chamber at 5:48 pm 12 Planning Commission Minutes June 25, 2014 3G. CITY OF PALM SPRINGS FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE LAND USE AND HOUSING ELEMENTS OF THE GENERAL PLAN AND VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE PALM SPRINGS ZONING ORDINANCE TO BECOME CONSISTENT WITH STATE HOUSING AND LAND USE LAWS, CITYWIDE (5.1332- GPA/ZTA). (ER) ACTION: Continue to July 9, 2014. Motion: Commissioner Roberts, seconded by Commissioner Lowe 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 PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS, REQUESTS AND COMMENTS: 1. PRESENTATION: Commendation to Chair Donenfeld was presented by Vice -Chair Hudson. COMMISSIONER ROBERTS commented that he will be out from Aug. 29 - Sept. 19th. COMMISSIONER WEREMIUK wants to know about the housing inventory and requested a study session to discuss cell towers. COMMISSIONER ROBERTS requested full elevations on all sides in context. PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT: DIRECTOR WHEELER reported that she wants to conduct a workshop on July 23rd at 11:30 am. ADJOURNMENT: The Planning Commission adjourned at 6:00 pm to Wednesday, July 9, 2014 at 1:30 pm at City Hall, Council Chamber, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way. 6 M. Wargo Wheeler, FAICP Director of Planning Services 13