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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-03-09 PC Meeting MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES March 09, 2016 Council Chamber, City Hall 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 CALL TO ORDER: Chair Klatchko called the meeting to order at 1:34 pm. ROLL CALL: Present This Meeting: Commissioner Donenfeld, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton, Commissioner Weremiuk, Vice - Chair Calerdine and Chair Klatchko Absent This Meeting: Commissioner Hirschbein Staff Present: Flinn Fagg, Michael Daudt, Terri Hintz, Savat Khamphou, Glenn Mlaker, Ken Lyon, David Newell and Edward Robertson 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 6:00 pm on Thursday, March 3, 2016. ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA: Chair Klatchko reported that the applicant for Item 2B has requested to be heard prior to Item 2A since the applicant for 2A is not present. Commissioner Donenfeld previously disclosed that he is on the Advisory Board for the Neighborhood Association regarding Item 2A and in the abundance of caution he will be abstaining from participation and voting on this project. Commissioner Weremiuk noted her abstention on voting on the minutes of February 24, 2016 due to her absence. Planning Commission Minutes City of Palm Springs March 9, 2016 The agenda was unanimously approved, as amended, PUBLIC COMMENTS: Chair Klatchko opened public comments: FRANK TYSEN, Historic Tennis Club Neighborhood Organization, chairman, spoke in full support of the Item 2B., the Orchid Tree project. RANDY SCOTT, resides on Marguerite Street, questioned if funds have been acquired for the landscape improvements on a vacant lot adjacent to the new development on 34th Street. There being no further appearances public comments was closed. 1. CONSENT CALENDAR: ACTION: Approve Items 1A and 1 B as part of the Consent Calendar. Motion: Commissioner Donenfeld, seconded by Vice -Chair Calerdine and unanimously carried 6-0-1 on a roll call vote. AYES: Commissioner Donenfeld, Commissioner Weremiuk, ABSENT: Commissioner Hirschbein Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton, Vice -Chair Calerdine, Chair Klatchko 1A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: FEBRUARY 24, 2016 Approved, as submitted (noting Commissioner Weremiuk's abstention). 1 B. DIANE STEWART OWNER, FOR AN ART MURAL APPLICATION FOR AN EXISTING MURAL ON THE COMMERCIAL BUILDING AT 2481-2483 NORTH PALM CANYON DRIVE (CASE 16-003 MUR). (GM) Approved, as submitted. 2. PUBLIC HEARINGS: Item 2B. was heard out of order. Planning Commission Minutes City of Palm springs March 9, 2016 213. CAHUILLA CHURCH, LLC FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND MINOR ARCHITECTURAL APPLICATION TO RENOVATE AND ADAPTIVELY RE -USE A FORMER CHURCH SITE (CLASS 1 HISTORIC SITE NO. 23 - COMMUNITY CHURCH) AS A HOTEL, SPA AND RESTAURANT LOCATED AT 284 S. CAHUILLA ROAD, ZONE R-3 (CASE 6.1346 CUP & 3.3932 MAA). (DN) Associate Planner Newell presented the proposal to renovate and adaptively re -use a former church site as outlined in the staff report. He reported the AAC's review and recommendations of the project. The Commission had technical questions and/or requested clarification in reference to: • Verification that operating both sites as one will allow the use of a spa to the public. • Relocation of ADA parking spaces? • Can the ADA parking spaces be relocated to Cahuilla Road? Chair Klatchko opened the public hearing: RICHARD WEINTRAUB, applicant, commented that they want to ensure the project is ADA compliant and will work with staff to accommodate the parking spaces. He provided details on renovation to the property. MIKE GUERRA, lives nearby, supports the plan and believes this will be a great asset to the neighborhood. He thinks they should be allowed to use the driveway for deliveries. TIM ERKINS, spoke in favor of the project and suggested removing the 4 power poles to allow for the ADA spaces on the Cahuilla entrance. RICHARD WEINTRAUB, applicant response, reiterated that they will need to work with staff to address the ADA spaces. There being no further speakers the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Lowe thinks this is an incredible project and thanked the applicant for the changes to the project. Discussion occurred on the joint operation of the hotel and restaurant and guest arrival experience. Staff directed the Commission to the conditions ADM. 17 and ADM. 18 regarding the spa and restaurant operation. 93 Planning Commission Minutes City of Palm Springs March 9, 2016 Commissioner Weremiuk asked if it's possible for the applicant work with staff to see if there is an alternate location for bay parking fronting Baristo Road. Commissioner Middleton congratulated the applicant on the exciting project and requested assurance for preservation of this property. Discussion occurred in allowing the spa for use to the public. Commissioner Weremiuk questioned if a condition could be added to allow the spa use for the public. Staff concurred with the condition: "that with greater than 50 rooms and the properties are combined"_ ACTION: Approve subject to Conditions. Motion: Commissioner Lowe, seconded by Commissioner Weremiuk and unanimously carried 6-0-1 on a roll call vote. AYES: Commissioner Donenfeld, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton, Commissioner Weremiuk, Vice -Chair Calerdine, Chair Klatchko ABSENT: Commissioner Hirschbein 2A. CONT'D - SUSAN THABIT, REQUESTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE PLACEMENT OF FIVE (5) TENNIS COURT LIGHT POLES AT A MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF TWELVE (12) FEET LOCATED AT 790 NORTH MISSION ROAD, ZONE R-1-A (CASE 5.1385 CUP). (GM) Commissioner Donenfeld left the Council Chamber at 2:28 pm. Associate Planner Mlaker provided an overview of the proposed tennis court lighting. Commissioner Lowe recalled that the Commission had reached an agreement but continued the project to allow the neighbors to comment. Chair Klatchko opened the public hearing: ROB PARKER, RGA Architects, stated that they did not have the opportunity to meet with the neighborhood association because the owner lives out of town. He indicated that the existing hedge height is closer to 14 feet and the light does not project onto the property line. RICHARD MORAN, Old Las Palmas Neighborhood Organization, vice-chairman, stated that they agree with all of the conditions except that they would like to restrict hours for lights to be turned off between 8 pm 7:00 am. 4 Planning Commission Minutes City of Palm Springs March 9. 2016 PRESCOTT GRIFFITH, lives nearby, suggested that the use should be approved for the use of tennis only. RICHARD RUSSO, lives nearby, suggested limiting the use due to the owner's lack of working with the neighbors and obtaining permit. ROB PARKER, representing the applicant, said the owner is agreeable to changing the hours of operation from 7 am to 8 pm and commented about the specific light fixtures that will be installed. There being no further speakers the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Middleton thinks 8 pm is a reasonable hour and noted that at the prior meeting a six month review was discussed for this project. She advised the public that the Noise Ordinance is quite restrictive and informed them about a smart phone application that records decibel levels. ACTION: Approval subject to Conditions, as amended: I. Light poles to be a maximum of twelve (12) feet tall. 2. Number of poles to be four (4). 3. Light fixture heads to be shielded. 4. Light fixtures not to exceed 267 Watts. 5. CUP to restrict hours for lights to be turned off between 8:00 PM — 7:00 AM 6. Automatic timer switches to be installed to lighting system. 7. Landscape to be planted to fill-in gaps and let to grow to twelve (12) feet and not cut hedge below 12 feet. 8. A review of the CUP within 6-months. 9. Lights not be used until such time that landscape screen grows to twelve (12) feet tall. 10. Install automatic motion detector on lights. 11. Place automatic timer within locked box. Motion: Commissioner Weremiuk, seconded by Commissioner Middleton and carried 5-1-1 on a roll call vote. AYES: Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton, Commissioner Weremiuk, Vice -Chair Calerdine, Chair Klatchko ABSENT: Commissioner Hirschbein RECUSE: Commissioner Donenfeld Commissioner Donenfeld re-entered the Council Chamber at 2:35 pm. 5 Planning Commission Minutes City of Palm springs March 9, 2016 2C. PALM SPRINGS PROMENADE, LLC FOR A MAJOR ARCHITECTURAL APPLICATION TO CONSTRUCT A 6-STORY, 112,862-SQ. FT. RESORT HOTEL CONSISTING OF 142-ROOMS, MEETING SPACE, RESTAURANTS, SPA AND FITNESS CENTER ON BLOCK "B-1" OF THE DOWNTOWN PALM SPRINGS PROJECT LOCATED AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF BELARDO ROAD AND MAIN STREET, ZONE CBD (CASE 3.3908 MAJ). (DN) Chair Klatchko noted that the applicant requested a continuance to March 23rd to allow them to respond to the recent changes in the Specific Plan. ACTION: Continue to the next regular meeting of March 23, 2016. Motion: Commissioner Lowe, seconded by Vice -Chair Calerdine and unanimously carried 6-0-1 on a roll call vote. AYES: Commissioner Donenfeld, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton, Commissioner Weremiuk, Vice -Chair Calerdine, Chair Klatchko ABSENT: Commissioner Hirschbein 2D. FREEHOLD CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC, REQUESTING A ONE-YEAR EXTENSION OF TIME FOR TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 31848, A PREVIOUSLY APPROVED SUBDIVISION OF 309 ACRES TO CONSTRUCT 1,239 SINGLE-FAMILY AND MULTI -FAMILY UNITS, GOLF COURSE, CLUBHOUSE, POOL, SPA, TENNIS COURTS, AND A PARK LOCATED ALONG THE NORTH SIDE OF SAN RAFAEL ROAD, EAST OF NORTH INDIAN CANYON DRIVE, SOUTH OF THE WHITEWATER RIVER AND WEST OF SUNRISE WAY, (CASE 6.0982-PD 290 / TTM 31848). (ER) Principal Planner Robertson presented the proposed time extension for Phase II of the development as outlined in the staff report. The Commission had technical questions and/or requested clarification: • The validity of the map. • Details of the original approval in 2004. • Status of Sunrise Parkway. • When was new ownership acquired? • Connection of Sunrise Way to Palm Canyon. Chair Klatchko opened the public hearing: MARVIN ROOS, MSA Consulting, provided background history on the site and gave an overview of the Sunrise Parkway construction. Planning Commission Minutes City of Palm Springs March 9, 2016 LINDA SHESTOCK, resides south of Avalon, stated that the entire stretch between Sunrise Way and Indian Canyon has no traffic mitigation and stressed the importance to have the main entrance on Indian Canyon. MICHAEL HOWARD, resides in Racquet Club Estates Neighborhood, questioned the validity of the environmental impact report that was done 12 years ago and had concern with the increase in population, noise and night lighting effects from this development. DON SCHULTZ, resides on the corner of San Rafael and Caballeros, urged that there be a requirement for Sunrise Way to be completed for this project and had concern with building heights and water usage for the new homes and golf course. HARRY COURTRIGHT, resides in Palermo development, said they are surrounded by Avalon development and agreed that the entire length of Sunrise Way should be completed to mitigate traffic on San Rafael. ROBERT HEINBOUGH, resides across the street from the project, expressed concern with traffic on Indian Canyon, building heights and water usage for the golf course. He questioned if the school district is ready for the addition of 2300 new families to this area. MARVIN ROOS, applicant, addressed completion of Phase I and Phase II of Sunrise Way, the main entry and building heights for the development. There being no further speakers the public hearing was closed. The Commission had comments and/or requested clarification on: • Development standards. • Will the golf course be developed? • The review process for what is being requested today. Commissioner Middleton questioned if the Commission has the authority to condition this approval with the completion of Sunrise to Indian Canyon, as a part of Phase I. She said she is extremely interested in considering the Sunrise Way extension. Commissioner Donenfeld shares the concerns of the adjacent property owners but realizes this development is well on its way. He is in favor of recommending a condition to City Council for review of completion of the Sunrise Way extension. Commissioner Weremiuk asked the applicant if they would be willing to accept this condition. MARVIN ROOS responded said it would be difficult to accept this and would not offer it at this point. 7 Planning Commission Minutes City of Palm Springs March 9, 2016 Commissioner Calerdine clarified that this is a recommendation to the City Council and not a condition. He proposed a slight modification to construct a minimum two-lane extension of Sunrise Way instead of a four lane road. ACTION: Recommend approval to the City Council. With a recommendation to City Council to Sunrise Way to Indian Canyon Way or extension of Sunrise Way to Indian Canyon. require the completion of the extension of as an alternative, to develop a two-lane Motion: Commissioner Middleton, seconded by Commissioner Lowe and carried 5-1-1 on a roll call vote. AYES: Commissioner Donenfeld, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton, Vice -Chair Calerdine, Chair Klatchko NOES: Commissioner Weremiuk ABSENT: Commissioner Hirschbein A recess was taken at 3:28 pm. The meeting resumed at 3:40 pm. 3. NEW BUSINESS: 3A. SMITH & HALL DESERT PROPERTIES, LLC, OWNER, FOR A SIGN PROGRAM FOR THE J.W. ROBINSON'S DEPARTMENT STORE BUILDING LOCATED AT 333 SOUTH PALM CANYON, CLASS 1 HISTORIC SITE HSPB #84 (CASE SP16-001). (KL) Associate Planner Lyon presented the proposed sign program as outlined in the staff report. Commissioner Donenfeld noted that he walked and drove down Palm Canyon (southbound) and noticed lots of clutter on both sides of the street. He prefers the monument sign should be at the maximum allowed by code and thinks the 10 ft. is too high. Commissioner Middleton concurred with Commission Donenfeld noting that this building will be extremely attractive and the occupants will be well-known based on the architecture. Commissioner Lowe thinks the monument sign is over -sized and it will interfere with the architecture of the historic building. N Planning Commission Minutes City of Palm Springs March 9, 2016 ACTION: Approve subject to Conditions with the following changes: • The monument sign shall be reduced in size to conform to the Sign Ordinance. • Allow a more 3-dimensional effect to the "333" on the top of the monument sign. • The northernmost tenant space shall have two main signs, one facing east and one facing west. No main sign for the northernmost tenant space shall face Baristo Road. Motion: Commissioner Donenfeld, seconded by Commissioner Weremiuk and unanimously carried 6-0-1 on a roll call vote. AYES: Commissioner Donenfeld, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton, Commissioner Weremiuk, Vice -Chair Calerdine, Chair Klatchko ABSENT. Commissioner Hirschbein 3B. AGUA CALIENTE BAND OF CAHUILLA INDIANS REQUEST FOR THE VACATION AND ABANDONMENT OF A PORTION OF THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF- WAY WITHIN CALLS ENCILIA AND ANDREAS ROAD AS SHOWN ON THE AGUA CALIENTE RESERVATION MAP, NOVEMBER 1948, IN SECTION 14 TOWNSHIP 4 SOUTH, RANGE 4 EAST; (ENGINEERING FILE R 15-12). Planning Director Fagg presented the proposed street vacation as outlined in the staff report. Vice -Chair Calerdine expressed concern with conversion of Calle Encilia as a one-way northbound considering it is parallel to Indian Canyon. He asked if a traffic analysis was conducted and what the overall intent is. Assistant Director of Public Work Khamphou responded that this was a part of the traffic and circulation analysis of the Section 14 Master Plan. MARGARET PARK, Director of Planning & Natural Resources, Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, explained that the angled parking is a conceptual drawing if the City wants to pursue it and provided further details regarding the street vacation. Commissioner Donenfeld spoke in support of the street vacation. Commissioner Calerdine requested a review of the new street plan before the streets are closed or modified. Chair Klatchko noted reservations about the north/south transfer and would like to see what the Master Plan is going to be rather than making changes in the dark. However, he is persuaded by his fellow Commissioners and will vote in favor of the project. 9 Planning Commission Minutes City of Palm Springs March 9 2016 Commissioner Middleton agreed with Chair Klatchko and Commissioner Calerdine that there is a north/south issue that will get worse and thinks a serious look needs to be taken for long term plans and alternatives. She said, nonetheless, the Tribe has the right to move forward in this fashion. ACTION: Recommend approval to the City Council. Motion: Commissioner Donenfeld, seconded by Commissioner Lowe and unanimously carried 6-0-1 on a roll call vote. AYES: Commissioner Donenfeld, Commissioner Weremiuk, ABSENT: Commissioner Hirschbein 4. OTHER BUSINESS: Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton, Vice -Chair Calerdine, Chair Klatchko 4A. DISCUSSION OF APPOINTMENT OF AN ALTERNATE MEMBER TO THE ARCHITECTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE. Planning Director Fagg provided an update on the membership of the AAC and noted that Mr. Lockyer is currently serving as an alternate member. The Commission discussed the alternate member's attendance record and the upcoming expired terms and vacancies. Chair Klatchko suggested considering Sean Lockyer for the permanent position that expires in June 2016. And based upon his availability for the meetings he will be considered for the permanent position in June 2016. The alternate position will remain open until the two vacancies come up in June and applications are accepted. ACTION: Consider Sean Lockyer for the permanent position that expires in June 2016 and maintain the alternate position vacant until June 2016. Motion: Vice -Chair Calerdine, seconded by Commissioner Lowe and unanimously carried 6-0-1 on a roll call vote. AYES: Commissioner Donenfeld, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton, Commissioner Weremiuk, Vice -Chair Calerdine, Chair Klatchko ABSENT: Commissioner Hirschbein Director of Planning Fagg noted that the AAC members would like candidates with landscape architect experience. 10 Planning Commission Minutes City of Palm springs March 9, 2016 PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS, REQUESTS AND COMMENTS: The Commission made the following comments: • Status of the City Council discussion to form a subcommittee that includes a Planning Commissioner. • The Downtown Park subcommittee upcoming meeting. PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Planning Director Fagg reminded the Commission of the Serena Park Study Session that will be held on Monday, March 14th at 4:00 pm. ADJOURNMENT: The Planning Commission adjourned at 4:15 pm to a Study Session on Monday, March 14, 2016, at 4:00 pm City Hall, Council Chamber, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way. Flinn Fagg, AICP Director of Planning Services 11