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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-11-12 PC Study Session MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS PLANNING COMMISSION STUDY SESSION MINUTES November 12, 2014 Large Conference Room, City Hall 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 CALLED TO ORDER: Chair Hudson called the meeting to order at 11:32 am. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton, Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Weremiuk, Vice - Chair Klatchko and Chair Hudson ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: Planning Director Fagg and Principal Planner Roberts 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 10:00 am on Tuesday, November 4, 2014. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None. DISCUSSION ITEMS: 1. REVIEW OF CELL TOWER REGULATIONS. Discussion: • Presentation by Dennis Hurvitz, PE, of Desert Engineers, regarding cell tower technology and coverage. • Commissioner Roberts voiced concerns about cell tower height and the accuracy of coverage maps. He expressed a preference for evaluating applications on a case -by -case basis, and was comfortable with the city's current cell tower ordinance. However, he would prefer that there be independent consultation and neutral analysis of coverage maps, and offered that applicants should pay for any additional costs related to this review. • Commissioner Weremiuk noted that the city's ordinance is outdated and needs to be updated to properly address height, setbacks, and adequate guidelines for review of cell tower applications. She also noted a preference for monopoles versus the "monopalm" design. She also suggested that applicants need to Planning Commission Study Session Minutes November 12, 2014 show the locations of all their towers as part of any new applications, and that wireless equipment should be inconspicuously mounted on the new hotel buildings that are being proposed. The Commissioner noted any new ordinance would need the support of City Council, and that the goals for cell tower regulation for both groups should be aligned. • Chair Hudson noted that residents may prefer the monopalm design, but the monopole is necessary to get co -location of equipment. He also suggested that the city needs a coordinated master plan for cell towers, and to look ahead at continued growth in wireless usage. • Commissioner Middleton noted that context is important when installing a monopalm tower and that an isolated monopalm is of no value. • Commissioner Lowe questioned if there were other technologies available to screen or disguise cell towers equipment. He also suggested that a map should be prepared, locating all current cell tower within the city, and to distinguish which towers are monopoles and which are monopalms. The Commissioner felt that the city should increase its review fee to pay for independent analysis of the coverage maps submitted with cell tower applications. • Commissioner Calerdine noted that coverage maps prepared by cell tower companies rely on a standard set of variables, and can be accurate as long as the assumptions are correct. He also recommended that it's important to understand the net current cell coverage and how a new tower improves coverage in the decision making process. • Vice Chair Klatchko suggested that companies need to provide a map showing all coverage for the company, and agreed that the city's ordinance is out of date. He also noted that the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) process is still an appropriate means for reviewing cell tower applications, and that changing technology may reduce the required height of towers in the future. • The Commissioners questioned if the city could require co -location of providers on cell towers and if allowing added height would get greater co -location and reduce the overall number of towers. Direction to Staff: 1. Staff to begin work on an updated cell tower ordinance. 2. A cell tower subcommittee should be appointed to work with staff in the development of a new ordinance. 3. Staff to investigate the use of an independent consultant or peer review in the evaluation of coverage maps, as well as any associated costs. 4. Staff to prepare a map of all existing cell towers within the City of Palm Springs, noting the carrier and type of tower. 2 Planning Commission Study Session Minutes November 12, 2014 2. REVIEW OF THE PROCESS FOR MAKING FINDINGS OF FACT IN PLANNING COMMISSION DELIBERATIONS. Discussion: • Director Fagg gave a presentation outlining the purpose of findings of fact in quasi-judicial proceedings and discussed how findings can be used to communicate the intent of the Planning Commission to City Council. Director Fagg explained that findings of fact are the specific facts about a case which you use to make your decisions relevant to code requirements, testimony, CEQA documents, etc. He provided an example of a major law case that supported the need for findings. Director Flinn presented guidelines for the types of findings and provided examples of a specific list of criteria why the project conforms or does not conform to code requirements. • Commissioner Calerdine said the findings may be a challenge to get them out in writing. • Director Fagg noted the AAC makes a quick list of key points discussed during the project and presents them when making a motion. • The Commission discussed working on being more specific when making a motion. Direction to Staff: 1. Staff to assist the Commission in making findings for their decisions. 2. Provide the Commission a list (at the dais) with the guidelines for making findings. 3. REVIEW OF PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT DISCUSSION FROM MARCH 2O14 STUDY SESSION. Discussion • Director Fagg reviewed the City Council's adopted policy statement regarding the public benefit requirements for Planned Development Districts. In addition, handouts and minutes from previous study sessions on the topic were reviewed. • Commissioner Weremiuk noted that we need to adjust our standards and provide options. The Commissioner also stated that PDD developments should include a mixed -use component, and recommended that there be a minimum acreage threshold for use of the PDD process. 3 Planning Commission Study Session Minutes November 12, 2014 • Commissioner Roberts suggested that the Sol development was a good example of providing public benefits, through the provision of an artistic walkway, trees donated to Ruth Hardy Park, and the incorporation of sustainable features. He further suggested that there should be a menu of choices in providing amenities that qualify as a public benefit. • Commissioner Calerdine recommended that a small -lot ordinance be developed; he also recommended that public benefits be proportional to the degree of waivers requested, and questioned if the City would allow any amenities that aren't accessible to the general public to be included. • Vice -Chair Klatchko suggested that off -site amenities should be allowed as part of public benefits and those amenities should be superior to that which is generally required by code. He discouraged the approach of "buy your way in" in terms of deviations from code requirements. • The Commissioners also noted that not every large development should utilize the PDD process, nor should small-scale projects utilize the PDD process. The concept of contributing to the completion of Measure J projects was also discussed as a means to address public benefit requirements. Direction to Staff: 1. Staff was directed to reconvene the PDD subcommittee (Calerdine, Roberts, Weremiuk). 2. Staff to develop a small -lot single-family zoning district for use in place of the PDD process. 3. Revise/expand the public benefit requirements for PDD developments (as a separate process from the PDD subcommittee). PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS, REQUESTS, AND COMMENTS: • Staff was directed to review the report on historic districts that had been prepared by Craig Ewing. ADJOURNMENT: The Planning Commission adjourned at 12:53 pm to 1:30 pm, Wednesday, November 12, 2014, City Hall, Council Chamber, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way. Flinn Fagg, AICP Director of Planning Services 112