Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-08-27 PC Meeting MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES August 27, 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 1:33 pm. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton, Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Weremiuk, Vice - Chair Klatchko and Chair Hudson ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: Interim Planning Director Evans, Principal Planner Robertson, Associate Planner Newell, Administrative Coordinator Hintz and Assistant Director of Public Works Khamphou 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, August 21, 2014. ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA: Commissioner Roberts noted his abstention on Item 2D due to a conflict of interest. Chair Hudson noted his abstention on Item 2D due to a financial -related conflict of interest. Commissioner Weremiuk requested the minutes of July 23, 2014 pulled for separate discussion. The agenda was accepted, as amended. Planning Commission Minutes August 27, 2014 PUBLIC COMMENTS: Chair Hudson opened public comments: JUDY DEERTRACK, who resides at Tahquitz Mesa Villas, provided an update on the construction of the Dakota project; and expressed concern with the major transport of soils that may cause public health issues. There being no further appearances public comment was closed. 1. CONSENT CALENDAR: Commissioner Weremiuk requested a change on the minutes of July 23, 2014 (regular meeting) regarding public benefits for the Jul project. ACTION: Approve the Planning Commission Minutes of May 28, 2014, and July 23, 2014 Special Joint Meeting Minutes and July 23, 2014 Regular Meeting Minutes (as amended). Motion Chair Hudson, seconded by Commissioner Calerdine and unanimously carried on a roll call vote. AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton, Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Weremiuk, Vice -Chair Klatchko, Chair Hudson 1A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MAY 28, 2014 (CORRECTED) AND JULY 23, 2014 SPECIAL JOINT MEETING MINUTES AND REGULAR MEETING MINUTES. Approve the Planning Commission Minutes of May 28, 2014, and July 23, 2014 Special Joint Meeting Minutes and July 23, 2014 Regular Meeting Minutes (amended). 1B. THOMAS JAKWAY, OWNER, REQUESTING APPROVAL FOR A MAJOR ARCHITECTURAL APPLICATION OF A 2,792-SQUARE FOOT SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE AND ATTACHED GARAGE ON A HILLSIDE LOT LOCATED AT 320 CAMINO ALTURAS, ZONE R-1-13 (CASE 3.3683 MAJ / 7.1400 AMM). (DN) Approved, as submitted. 2. PUBLIC HEARINGS: YJ Planning Commission Minutes August 27, 2014 2A. 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 NOS. 5.1321 CUP AND 6.533 VAR). (DN) Commissioner Weremiuk commented that the Commission previously requested a study session on monopoles to discuss what the other communities are requiring. Interim Director Evans responded that this application has been around for a couple months and action may be required before a workshop is held. Commissioner Weremiuk requested the staff report include cell tower requirements from other cities. The Commission discussed and/or commented on: 1. An independent engineer on a case -by -case basis. 2. Staff could gather technical information and provide it in an expanded format in the staff report. Inform the applicant about the Commission's concerns to allow them to provide more information. 3. What other cities are doing in regards to: height, the spacing and monopole versus monopalm. ACTION: Continue to a date certain of September 24, 2014. Motion Commissioner Weremiuk, seconded by Commissioner Calerdine and unanimously carried on a roll call vote. AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton, Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Weremiuk, Vice -Chair Klatchko, Chair Hudson 2B. ALFREDO ENRIQUEZ, OWNER REQUESTING APPROVAL OF A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR DEVELOPMENT OF A CASITA WITH KITCHEN THAT IS LARGER THAN 1/50TH OF THE LOT SIZE, AND A CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION PURSUANT TO CEQA, FOR A PARCEL LOCATED AT 2923 CANDLELIGHT LANE, ZONE R-1-13 / PDD (CASE 5.1347 CUP). (KL) Commissioner Calerdine clarified that he resides within 700 feet of the proposed project. 3 Planning Commission Minutes August 27, 2014 Associate Planner Lyon presented the proposed project as outlined in the staff report. Chair Hudson opened the public hearing: (The following persons spoke in favor of the proposed project.) ALFREDO ENRIQUEZ, owner, explained that the main reason for the expansion is to allow a caregiver to live there and clarified that the casita will not be rented out. GEORGE CRAIG, resides directly across the street, said that his home has a casita and pool the same as the proposed one; he spoke in favor of the project. DON YARGER, spoke in favor of the proposed project. ALFRED ENRIQUEZ, applicant, addressed previous public testimony. (The following persons spoke in opposition of the proposed project.) LARRY KERCHNER, Luminaire resident, spoke about a lot merger that was never done; the city should restrict planned developments to keep homes the same. BRUCE TOMINELLO, Luminaire resident, said this was never disclosed and suggested flipping the structure so that the house is on the west side will have visual integrity. There being no further appearances the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Roberts suggested placing a condition that will not allow the casita to be leased. He noted the frustration coming from the public comment and addressed several of their concerns. Commissioner Calerdine noted that many homes within Planned Developments are not built as what was proposed and they come in for approval. He feels this project will be an asset to the community. ACTION: Approve, subject to conditions, as amended: -Applicant shall have a single meter for water, gas and electric through the main house. -The casita not be rentable absent the rental of the house. -House to be pre -wired for solar. -A smart water controller for landscaping irrigation. Motion Commissioner Weremiuk, seconded by Commissioner Roberts and unanimously carried on a roll call vote. 0 Planning Commission Minutes August27, 2014 AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton, Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Weremiuk, Vice -Chair Klatchko, Chair Hudson 2C. GAIN LIMITED PARTNERSHIP FOR A GENERAL PLAN LAND USE AMENDMENT FROM TOURIST RESORT COMMERCIAL TO LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL; A PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT IN -LIEU OF ZONE CHANGE TO ALLOW A SINGLE -STORY, DETACHED SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT; AND A TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP TO SUBDIVIDE APPROXIMATELY 0.91-ACRES INTO THREE RESIDENTIAL LOTS LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 260 WEST VISTA CHINO ROAD, ZONE R-3 (CASE 6.1333 GPA, PD-368 AND TPM 36686). (DN) Associate Planner Newell presented the proposed project as outlined in the staff report. Chair Hudson opened the public hearing: HUGH KAPTUR, project architect, was available for questions from the Commission. He said his clients are not anticipating going into an HOA (individual lots and reciprocal driveways) and would like to keep it as simple as possible. There being no further appearances the public hearing was closed. NEIL CURRY, representing the developer, said they are planning to step up and add solar; however, they will leave it up to each owner to decide. He explained that they will not pursue adding the gate. The Commission asked staff questions regarding the private drive (on the west side), proposed gating, easement and setbacks. ACTION: Adopt categorical exemption and approve the proposed project and recommend approval to the City Council subject to conditions, as amended: -The proposed front gate is eliminated. -The driveway within the first two properties is 24 feet wide. -Each home has a separate water controller. -No turf in the front yard. -Pre-wiring for solar for each home. Motion Commissioner Roberts, seconded by Commissioner Lowe and unanimously carried on a roll call vote. AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton, Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Weremiuk, Vice -Chair Klatchko, Chair Hudson Commissioner Roberts and Chair Hudson noted their recusal on the next item. Planning Commission Minutes August 27, 2014 A short recess was taken at 2:48 pm. The meeting resumed at 2:59 pm. 2D. THE PALM SPRINGS ART MUSEUM (PSAM), OWNER, FOR APPROVAL OF A SIGN VARIANCE REQUESTING THREE MAIN SIGNS, TWO OF WHICH ARE MONUMENT SIGNS AND A CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION PURSUANT TO CEQA, AT THE PSAM'S ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN CENTER (FORMERLY THE SANTA FE FEDERAL SAVINGS & LOAN BUILDING, A CLASS 1 HISTORIC SITE) (HSPB 54) LOCATED AT 300 SOUTH PALM CANYON DRIVE, ZONE CBD (CASE 8.259). (KL) Associate Planner Lyon presented the proposed project at outlined in the staff report. Vice -Chair Klatchko opened the public hearing and no appearances coming forward the public hearing was closed. ACTION: Approve, subject to conditions. Motion Commissioner Calerdine, seconded by Commissioner Lowe and carried 5-0-2 on a roll call vote. AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton, Commissioner Weremiuk and Vice -Chair Klatchko ABSTAIN: Commissioner Roberts and Chair Hudson. Chair Hudson and Commissioner Roberts re-entered the Council Chamber at 3:04 pm. 2E. 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) Associate Planner Newell presented the proposed project as outlined in the staff report. Chair Hudson opened the public hearing: (The following persons spoke in opposition of the proposed amendment.) STEVE HUFFMAN, resides at St. Baristo Condominiums, expressed concern with being put into the business district zone on this block. RONALD IAMELE, resides in the Historic Tennis Club area, expressed concern with the height, density and noise. I3 Planning Commission Minutes August27, 2014 MARINA ROSSI, small hotel owner in the area (adjacent to Lugo Lofts), commented that Lugo Lofts was approved for one and two story buildings. She said that the top 10 hotels in the city are hotels with under 20 rooms. NICK SABBAGH, resides adjacent to St. Baristo Condominiums, said three stories will affect the properties in this area; it will impede people's privacy. RICHARD WEINTRAUB, representing Cahuilla Church, said he has been working with the neighbors and Historic Tennis Club Organization board to come up with a project that retains the low density and low open -space. He said they are looking to create a project that will blend into the fabric of the neighborhood. LAURIE ALAYIAN, caddy corner to proposed area, suggested one way to clean it relatively easy would be to amend the General Plan to redefine small hotel designation based on something other than hotel rooms per acre; a great neighborhood to be preserved. TIM ERKINE, expressed concern with the height, parking, and traffic congestion; suggested keeping it consistent. MARIN URSESEU, expressed concern with a large hotel right behind his backyard; he said it would be devastating to them. DR. MICHAEL MCQUARTER, said as an architect the history of the town is always preserved and is not opposed to development but preservation of history. FRANK TYSEN, chairman, Historic Tennis Club Neighborhood Organization, said that the Tennis Club District is what makes this town unique. This will jeopardize the tourist industry and destroy the neighborhood. JUDY DEERTRACK, said that the consistency is already there; the general plan needs to be concurrent with the land entitlement coming up. There being no further appearances the public hearing was closed. Interim Planning Director Evans said after listening to the public testimony staff would like to provide further review and bring back more information on this project. Commissioner Weremiuk commented that the CBD raises issues for land uses that are not compatible and should go in a different direction. Commissioner Lowe said he is in favor of voting no; staff can come back and redefine the problem and offer solutions. 7 Planning Commission Minutes August 27, 2014 Commissioner Middleton concurred with the Commission and congratulated Mr. Weintraub for reaching out to the neighborhood organization. Vice -Chair Klatchko expressed a preference to allow staff to come back with this item after further review has been conducted. He requested when this project returns that staff explain the distinction between the underlying zoning and a general plan designation and how they interact. Commissioner Calerdine asked why this needs to be done now and how it is related to the two pending projects. Is there an issue between the existing uses and the general plan? Commissioner Weremiuk said she prefers this project come back and is more interested in tweaking the small hotel zone. Commissioner Roberts said he is inclined to deny the project and would prefer it come back as a new project. ACTION: To deny. Motion Commissioner Lowe, seconded by Commissioner Roberts and motion fails, 2-5, on a roll call vote. AYES: Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Roberts NOES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Middleton, Commissioner Weremiuk, Vice -Chair Klatchko, Chair Hudson MOTION FAILED. ACTION: To continue and direct staff to bring back an alternative that will strengthen the existing Tennis Club land uses and make them consistent with the small hotel zoning designation. Motion Commissioner Calerdine, seconded by Commissioner Weremiuk and carried 5- 2-0 on a roll call vote. AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Middleton, Commissioner Weremiuk, Vice -Chair Klatchko, Chair Hudson NOES: Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Roberts Director Evans clarified this item was continued to the next meeting of September 10, 2014. 8 Planning Commission Minutes August 27, 2014 2F. BARISTO GROUP, LLC FOR A ZONE CHANGE FROM R-3 TO R-2 AND AN AMENDMENT TO A PREVIUOSLY APPROVED PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (PD-288) FOR THE THIRD AND FINAL PHASE OF THE PD INCLUDING NEW ARCHITECTURE AND SITE CHANGES FOR THE 11 REMAINING UNITS ON THE VACANT LAND LOCATED ON THE EAST SIDE OF LUGO ROAD, BETWEEN ARENAS ROAD AND BARISTO ROAD. (CASE 5.0977- PD288 AMND, ZC AND TTM 36626). (DN) Chair Hudson opened the public hearing and with no appearances coming forward the public comment was closed. ACTION: To continue the public hearing to a date certain of September 24, 2014. Motion: Commissioner Weremiuk, seconded by Commissioner Lowe and unanimously carried on a roll call vote. AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton, Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Weremiuk, Vice -Chair Klatchko, Chair Hudson 3. NEW BUSINESS: 3A. THE COACHELLA VALLEY ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP (CVEP) REQUESTING APPROVAL OF A SIGN PROGRAM AND A CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION PURSUANT TO CEQA AT THE CVEP ACCELLERATOR CAMPUS LOCATED AT 2901 EAST ALEJO ROAD, (ZONE A). (KL) Associate Planner Lyon presented the proposed project as outlined in the staff report. Commissioner Roberts expressed concern with the placement of the large names on the building which may add confusion. LESA BODNAR, CEVP, explained the importance of keeping the signs and noted the remoteness of the street. ACTION: Approve, subject to conditions. Motion Vice -Chair Klatchko, seconded by Commissioner Middleton and unanimously carried on a roll call vote. AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton, Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Weremiuk, Vice -Chair Klatchko, Chair Hudson 0 Planning Commission Minutes August 27, 2014 3B. PALM SPRINGS PROMENADE, LLC FOR ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW OF BLOCK A OF THE DOWNTOWN PALM SPRINGS RENOVATION PROJECT LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF ANDREAS ROAD AND NORTH PALM CANYON DRIVE, ZONE CBD (CASE 3.3605 MAJ). (DN) Associate Planner Newell presented the proposed project as outlined in the staff memorandum. MICHAEL BRAUN, applicant, thanked the Commission in assisting to move the project forward in terms of standards (not the design). CHRIS PARDO, Chris Pardo Design, described the modifications to the project including shading, massing and architectural detail. Mr. Pardo spoke about the lighting, the color, the fin element, awning and elevations. Vice -Chair Hudson commented that this project has vastly improved and the biggest changes are some of the balconies on the Palm Canyon elevations. Vice -Chair Hudson said likes the idea of the wood on the undersides of the overhangs, the coloration of the building and the angled fin elements. Commissioners Roberts disclosed that he met with the applicant numerous of times at their request. Mr. Roberts said that the warmth added to a blocky building is very admirable. He commented that at the last meeting the Commission approved nothing more than the building size and the architecture had to come back completely different. He does not like seeing the buildings in a piece meal and is very disappointed Building B is not being presented. He would like to see the entire project come back. Commissioner Lowe agreed this is a big improvement; however, he does not like the fin and would like to see something more modern. He suggested a scale model so they can see what the project looks like. Commissioner Middleton expressed concern with the west side and prefers something more attractive for the north side between Block and the Hyatt hotel. Commissioner Weremiuk concurs with Commissioner Roberts and is not comfortable with a piece meal project and would like to see it come before them as a whole project. She feels very strongly about seeing Block B which they had more concerns. ACTION: To continue to a date uncertain; and direct the applicant to come back with updated computer simulations or a 3-D model that includes different perspectives and elevations of Buildings A, B and C, as a cohesive design. Motion Commissioner Roberts, seconded by Chair Hudson and unanimously carried on a roll call vote. 10 Planning Commission Minutes August27, 2014 AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton, Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Weremiuk, Vice -Chair Klatchko, Chair Hudson Direct staff to review the DVD and correct the staff report and determine that this is not a color and shading revision but an architecture revision. Staff to provide a DVD (unedited copy) of Commissions comments on this project to the City Council. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS, REQUESTS AND COMMENTS: Commission Middleton provided an update on the Tahquitz Canyon Median subcommittee meeting that was recently held. Commissioner Weremiuk provided an update on the meetings held by the Water Task Force subcommittee. Interim Director Evans asked the Commission to appoint a subcommittee group for the Palm Springs Promenade project to review the landscape and shading. Chair Hudson appointed himself and Commissioner Weremiuk to the subcommittee. Commissioner Roberts noted that he would not be in attendance until September 19th. PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Interim Director Evans spoke about a few minor changes to the proposed lighting ordinance going for review to the City Council. ADJOURNMENT: The Planning Commission adjourned at 5:03 pm to Wednesday, September 10, 2014, at 1:30 pm, City Hall, Council Chamber, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way. D uglas Evans Interim Director of Planning Services 11