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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-06-10 PC Study Session MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS PLANNING COMMISSION STUDY SESSION MINUTES June 10, 2015 1 11:30 AM Large Conference Room, City Hall 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, California CALL TO ORDER: Vice -Chair Klatchko called the meeting to order at 11:35 am. ROLL CALL: Present This Meeting: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton, Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Weremiuk and Vice -Chair Klatchko Absent This Meeting: Commissioner Lowe Staff Present: Flinn Fagg, AICP, Director of Planning Services 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 4, 2015. PUBLIC COMMENT: Judy Deertrack, representing ABCD (Advocates for Better Community Development) expressed concern that the proposed small lot ordinance not be processed as a Planned Development, due to the unlimited discretion given under the Planned Development (PD) process and the fact that the PD process is used in place of a variance. DISCUSSION ITEM: 1. REVIEW AND DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED SMALL -LOT SINGLE- FAMILY ZONING DISTRICT STANDARDS. Staff provided a PowerPoint presentation on the proposed small -lot zoning district, and detailed the efforts of the Planning Commission Subcommittee in developing the draft ordinance. City of Palm Springs Planning Commission Study Session June 10, 2015 The Commission had the following individual comments and questions: • Commissioner Calerdine stated that current zoning regulations don't address the market demand, and that the purpose of the proposed zoning district is to provide regulations for small -lot development. • Commissioner Roberts indicated that the proposed zoning district was intended to "take a bite" out of current PD regulations and close existing loopholes. He also stated that the proposal would make zoning work better and create higher quality neighborhoods. Commissioner Roberts suggested that a larger, publicly - noticed meeting should be provided to assist with public outreach on the proposed ordinance. • Commissioner Weremiuk cited problems with existing small -lot developments, including guest parking issues, the "canyon effect" between units, and unusable side yards. Commissioner Weremiuk noted that the public outreach could include the One PS organization, and the local board of realtors. She also suggested that covered rear porches be excluded from lot coverage calculations. • Commissioner Middleton stated that she likes the predictability of the proposed regulations and suggested that one large public hearing where all stakeholders could be involved should be considered for the public input process. She commented that the 50% lot coverage allowance was very good, but noted issues with the proposed approval process for small -lot subdivisions. • Vice Chair Klatchko questioned if the proposed regulations could function as an overlay district instead a rezone application so as to reduce the entitlement timeframe for small -lot developments. He requested an analysis of existing small -lot developments, showing the zoning that was in place prior and how the proposed regulations would impact the developments. • Commissioner Weremiuk requested that the Toll Brothers development at Escena be included in the list of examples of small -lot development. • Vice -Chair Klatchko reviewed the open space requirements, and noted a discrepancy in the driveway requirements relative to street width. He also suggested that provisions be made for shorter driveways to allow for flexibility. • Commissioner Middleton suggested that there should be an incentive for having houses face the external streets as opposed to facing inward. She noted issues with the roof decks citing noise and privacy issues and suggested that they be limited to one-story portions of the residence only or subject to additional restrictions. Commissioner Middleton discussed the impacts of individual pools relating to water conservation measures, and suggested that incentives be provided for a community pool (rather than multiple individual pools). City of Palm Springs Planning Commission Study Session June 10, 2015 Commissioner Weremiuk noted that the proposal didn't address materials, and noted concern with corrugated metal fences. She suggested that standards be proposed for perimeter walls. Vice -Chair Klatchko allowed for public comment after the Planning Commission discussion. The following public comment was made: Judy Deertrack, representing ABCD, supported the use of a standard process and regulations for residential development. She suggested that environmental review of the ordinance should begin early in the process so that concerns could be addressed. Staff answered questions from the Commission and concluded the presentation ADJOURNMENT: The Planning Commission adjourned at 12:55 pm to the regular meeting at 1:30 pm, Wednesday, June 10, 2015, City Hall, Council Chamber, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way. F nn Fagg, AICP Director of Planning Services