HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-07-23 PC Meeting MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
July 23, 2014
Council Chamber, City Hall
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
CALL TO ORDER:
Chair Hudson called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner
Middleton, Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Weremiuk, Vice -
Chair Klatchko and Chair Hudson
ALSO PRESENT: Director Wheeler, Associate Planner Newell, Associate Planner
Lyon, Assistant Director of Public Works Khamphou and
Administrator Coordinator Hintz
REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA:
The agenda was posted was posted 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, July 17, 2014.
ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA:
Vice -Chair Klatchko recused himself from Item 2B due to a property -related conflict of
interest. Commissioner Roberts recused himself from Item 3B due to a property -related
,conflict of interest.
The agenda was accepted as amended.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
JAY COCKROFT spoke on Beazer Homes providing details on lot coverage and the
modifications that have been made to Plans 3 and 4.
SPENCER HOWARD, Escena resident, said he's pleased to see the open floor plans
and changes made to the project.
1. CONSENT CALENDAR:
1A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: July 9, 2014
Planning Commission Minutes
July 23, 2014
ACTION: Approve the Planning Commission Minutes of July 9, 2014, as amended.
MOTION: Commissioner Roberts, seconded by Commissioner Calerdine and
unanimously carried 7-0 on a roll call vote.
AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton,
Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Weremiuk, Vice -Chair Klatchko and
Chair Hudson
2. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
2A. CONT'D - KEITH ZIMMERMAN FOR A TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP,
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-D (CASE NOS. TPM 36562, 6.539
VAR AND 7.1427 AMM). (DN)
ASSOCIATE PLANNER NEWELL presented the proposed project.
CHAIR HUDSON mentioned this project has 3 conforming lots.
COMMISSIONER CALERDINE asked a question regarding access.
CHAIR HUDSON opened the public hearing:
MARLENE BAILEY, representing Ocean West Homes, addressed the modifications
made to the project and was available for questions.
There being no further appearances the public hearing was closed.
COMMISSIONER CALERDINE asked if home designs will come back.
ASSOCIATE PLANNER NEWELL responded no.
COMMISSIONER WEREMIUK asked for these conditions to be imposed: no turf in front
yard; smart water controllers and separate water metering.
COMMISSIONER MIDDLETON asked if homes would be pre -wired for solar.
MARLENE BAILEY responded yes.
VICE -CHAIR KLATCHKO commented that separating interior and exterior for metering is
troubling.
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COMMISSIONER ROBERTS offered Commissioner Weremiuk's third condition to be a
comment and suggested it be replaced with: house to be pre -wired for solar.
ACTION: Approve with added conditions:
1. No turf in the front yard.
2. Install and maintain smart controllers for irrigation.
3. Pre -wired for solar.
MOTION: Commissioner Weremiuk, seconded by Commissioner Roberts and
unanimously carried on a 7-0 roll call vote.
AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton,
Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Weremiuk, Vice -Chair Klatchko and
Chair Hudson
Director Wheeler reported that this item would move forward to the City Council for
review.
2B. CONT'D - 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 meeting of August 27, 2014.
MOTION: Chair Hudson, seconded by Commissioner Roberts and unanimously carried
on 7-0 on a roll call vote.
AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton,
Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Weremiuk, Vice -Chair Klatchko and
Chair Hudson
2C. FAMILY DEVELOPMENT, LLC, FOR A PRELIMINARY PLANNED
DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (PDD) IN LIEU OF CHANGE OF ZONE, A
TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP (TPM #36767), AND A TENTATIVE TRACT
MAP (TTM #36689), FOR A RESIDENTIAL GATED DEVELOPMENT OF
72 SINGLE FAMILY UNITS ON INDIVIDUAL LOTS AND 114 MULTI
-FAMILY UNITS IN 19, 6-UNIT BUILDNGS ON FOUR LOTS. THE
PROJECT IS LOCATED ON A ROUGHLY 24-ACRE PARCEL AT THE
SOUTHEAST CORNER OF TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY AND FARRELL
DRIVE. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION PURSUANT TO THE
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GUIDELINES OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT,
(CEQA) IS PROPOSED. (CASE 5.1046 PDD 232 AMND / TPM 36767 /
TTM 36689). (KL)
VICE -CHAIR KLATCHKO recused himself and left the dais at 1:54 pm.
ASSOCIATE PLANNER LYON presented the proposed project as outlined in the staff
report.
COMMISSIONER ROBERTS asked about the public benefit for the project.
ASSOCIATE PLANNER LYON addressed the items that have been submitted for public
benefit.
COMMISSIONER CALERDINE noted that gated communities have been approved in city
even though they are not consistent with the General Plan. He asked how to override the
prohibition of the gate and noted that off street parking could partially block the sidewalk.
DIRECTOR WHEELER responded to override with public benefit.
COMMISSIONER WEREMIUK commented on access issues.
SAVAT KHAMPHOU, Assistant Director of Public Works, said there is no access
proposed onto Farrell and it would require a study.
DIRECTOR WHEELER outlined the Architectural Advisory Committee's comments.
CHAIR HUDSON opened the public hearing:
VINCE BARBATO, FAMILY DEVELOPMENT, said they have worked with staff,
neighbors, market and as a group to make it work for everyone. He indicated that the
market demands walls and gates.
MARVIN ROOS, MSA CONSULTING INC., applicant representative, stated that building
heights need to be reviewed on a case -by -case basis and spoke about inconsistency with
the general plan pertaining to gates. He spoke about private street width.
ARNOLD COSSOY, resides directly across the street, said they prefer walls and gates
for this development. They do not want traffic and parking on Baristo and prefers an
interesting wall.
KAREN TUBBAH, resides at Sundial, said she is pleased with the project for this site.
She indicated that Farrell is too busy to provide access, the development must have walls
and homes should not have frontage on the street.
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RICHARD PASS, resides at Sundial, said the majority of the residents are in favor of
gated community; however, three stories should not overlook their property.
RUDY HERRERA, applicant, explained that their traffic consultant concluded that an
ingress and egress could not work on Farrell.
OWEN KAUFMAN, reside at the stables across the street, (representing Los Compadres
HOA) commented that with college coming to the mall site and school traffic between
7:15 am — 8:30 am traffic is too heavy on Baristo. He does not want solar panels facing
south toward his property.
BOB MEISSNER, Los Compadres HOA, commented that a community wall is preferable
on this site.
VINCENT BARBATO, applicant, responded that they will have flat roofs with parapets for
solar and addressed the street width.
COMMISSIONER ROBERTS commended the applicant for the outreach to the
neighbors. He expressed concerns with: access on Farrell, the 5' setbacks, the 3 stories
are too dense and lack of public benefit. He would like to see more open space, no gates
and an improved streetscape.
COMMISSIONER WEREMIUK said she is uncomfortable with 24' with streets and noted
that the surrounding neighborhood is 2 stories.
COMMISSIONER MIDDLETON said walls make sense in this location; however, roof
decks are an invitation to noise disaster; she is concerned about roof decking. She
prefers widening of the street and elimination of the sidewalks.
COMMISSIONER LOWE said he is generally opposed to gated communities; however,
this is a unique site and the walls and gates are okay for this project.
CHAIR HUDSON stated that walls and gates at this location are appropriate but they
must have a pedestrian gate along Baristo. He disagrees with widening of the street. He
suggested studies be done in terms of how to use parallel parking spaces to add more
guest parking. The developer should give the roof decks more attention.
DIRECTOR WHEELER stated that the General Plan for the site allows only 2 stories and
24' in height.
COMMISSIONER WEREMIUK disagreed with Chair Hudson's street parking discussion.
She agrees with Commissioner Roberts that 5' is too narrow between structures.
ACTION: Approve with added conditions:
1. Provide at least 10 feet in distance between the single family units.
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2. Provide 28 feet internal streets consistent with the General Plan.
3. All structures shall not exceed 24 feet and/or 2 stories.
4. Provide pedestrian gates at yards of all single family units on Baristo and Farrell
Drive.
5. No roof structures allowed above a second story.
6. The applicant shall provide all public benefits proposed in the applicant's 5-22-14
letter except the entry sign. Public benefits also to include (imposed by the
Planning Commission):
A. Submit a comprehensive archival record on the history of World War II era tie -
downs and other related structures on the site. Provide a full interpretive
center display for public viewing (photos, narrative, etc.) within the open space
at the southwest corner. Review and approval is required from the Historic
Site Preservation Board and Planning Commission.
B. Photovoltaic systems must be installed on all multi -family buildings.
7. Perimeter wall design must be changed to add more undulation and landscaping
must be enhanced. Modifications must be reviewed by Architectural Advisory
Committee and Planning Commission.
8. No turf is allowed in the front yards on all single family units. Turf is allowed in
common areas in the multi -family area.
9. Adjacent to the 3 common swimming pools, expand enclosures around the pool
areas to incorporate usable outdoor recreational area.
10. Provide irrigation with "smart controllers" for all parts of the development.
MOTION: Commissioner Roberts, seconded by Commissioner Calerdine and
unanimously carried 6-0-1 on a roll call vote.
AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton,
Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Weremiuk and Chair Hudson
ABSTAIN: Vice -Chair Klatchko
2D. CITY OF PALM SPRINGS FOR A GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT TO
CHANGE CURRENT LAND USE DESIGNATIONS FROM SMALL HOTEL
TO CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT; LOCATED WEST OF BELARDO
ROAD, NORTH OF BARISTO ROAD, EAST OF LUGO ROAD AND
SOUTH OF ARENAS ROAD; AND SOUTHWEST OF TAHQUITZ DRIVE
AND CAHUILLA ROAD (CASE 5.1322 GPA). (DN)
ACTION: Table.
MOTION: Vice -Chair Klatchko, seconded by Commissioner Lowe and unanimously
carried on a 7-0 roll call vote.
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AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton,
Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Weremiuk, Vice -Chair Klatchko and
Chair Hudson
3. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
3A. 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.
CHAIR HUDSON stated for the record he had met with the applicant to review the
elevations.
COMMISSIONER WEREMIUK noted she too had met with the applicant and also noted
she was on the Homeowners Board for Escena in a different part of the development, not
the one under consideration. She disclosed that she discussed this matter with the City
Attorney.
KELTIE COLE, applicant, provided an overview on the modifications to the project
including floor plans and landscaping.
JARY COCKROFT, applicant, explained the access points for the development.
COMMISSIONER WEREMUIK asked to have these conditions added: no turf in front
yards and smart water controllers to be installed.
KATIE COLE, applicant, indicated permeable pavers for the driveways were cost
prohibitive and noted that the homes will be pre -wired for solar.
ACTION: Approve with two additional conditions:
1. No turf in the front yards.
2. Smart water controllers to be installed.
MOTION: Commissioner Roberts, seconded by Commissioner Lowe and unanimously
carried on a 7-0 roll call vote.
AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton,
Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Weremiuk, Vice -Chair Klatchko and
Chair Hudson
Planning Commission Minutes
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3B. DAVID SALYER, OWNER FOR A NEW 502-SQUARE FOOT GARAGE
ADDITION ON A HILLSIDE LOT AT 925 PANORAMA ROAD, ZONE R-1-
A, SECTION 3. (CASE 3.3740 MAJ).
COMMISSIONER ROBERTS recused himself and left the Council Chamber at 4:10 pm.
ASSOCIATE PLANNER NEWELL presented the proposed project as outlined in the staff
report.
COMMISSIONER LOWE commented that he sat through the AAC meeting when this
project was heard and they reviewed it extensively.
ACTION: Approve with the Architectural Advisory Committee conditions.
MOTION: Commissioner Weremiuk, seconded by Vice -Chair Klatchko and
carried on 6-0-1 roll call vote.
AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton,
Commissioner Weremiuk, Vice -Chair Klatchko and Chair Hudson
ABSTAIN: Commissioner Roberts
3C. WESSMAN HOLDINGS, REQUESTING A ONE-YEAR TIME EXTENSION
FOR A PREVIOUSLY APPROVED 54,122-SQUARE FOOT RETAIL AND
OFFICE CENTER NAMED CROSSLEY POINTE LOCATED AT THE
NORTHHWEST CORNER OF EAST SUNNY DUNES ROAD AND
CROSSLEY ROAD, (CASE 5.1164 / PD 343)
ASSOCIATE PLANNER NEWELL presented the proposed project as outlined in the staff
report.
ACTION: Approve.
MOTION: Commissioner Calerdine, seconded by Commissioner Weremiuk and
unanimously carried on 7-0 roll call vote.
AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton,
Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Weremiuk, Vice -Chair Klatchko and
Chair Hudson
3D. WESSMAN HOLDINGS, REQUESTING A ONE-YEAR TIME EXTENSION
FOR A PREVIOUSLY APPROVED PLANNED DEVELOPMENT
DISTRICT FOR A 79-LOT SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL LOT
SUBDIVISION ON APPROXIMATELY 42-ACRE SITE KNOWN A
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CRESCENDO LOCATED ALONG WEST RACQUET CLUB ROAD AND
SOUTH OF TRAMWAY AND WEST VISTA GRANDE ROAD, ZONE R-1-
A, PDD294, SECTION 3. (GM)
ASSOCIATE PLANNER NEWELL presented the proposed project as outlined in the staff
report.
COMMISSIONER CALERDINE stated that his firm worked on the EIR in 2007 and he
can participate in the discussion and vote.
JOHN WESSMAN provided details on Block A. He would like to come back for the next
meeting.
ACTION: Approve with conditions as submitted.
MOTION: Vice -Chair Klatchko, seconded by Commissioner Calerdine and unanimously
carried on a 7-0 roll call vote.
AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton,
Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Weremiuk, Vice -Chair Klatchko and
Chair Hudson
PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS, REQUESTS AND COMMENTS:
The Commission thanked Director Wheeler for her service to the city.
COMMISSIONER WEREMIUK stated she and Chair Hudson have been asked to sit on
the interview panel for the new planning director.
PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Director Wheeler expressed her appreciation to the Commission and indicated that it had
been a wonderful experience working with them.
ADJOURNMENT:
The Planning Commission adjourned at 4:30 pm, to its regularly scheduled time at 1:30
pm Wednesday, August 27, 2014, City Hall, Council Chamber, 3200 East Tahquitz
Canyon Way.
M. -arg /heeler, FAICP
Director of Planning Services
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