HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-05-25 PC Studay Session MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS
PLANNING COMMISSION STUDY SESSION MINUTES
Wednesday, May 25, 2016 1 11:30 AM
City Hall, Council Chamber
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
CALL TO ORDER:
Chair Klatchko called the meeting to order at 11:35 am.
ROLL CALL:
Present This Meeting: Commissioner Donenfeld, Commissioner Hirschbein,
Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Weremiuk, Vice -Chair
Calerdine, Chair Klatchko
Absent This Meeting: Commissioner Middleton
Staff Present: Flinn Fagg, Michael Daudt, 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, May 19, 2016.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None.
DISCUSSION ITEM:
1. TOUCHSTONE DEVELOPMENT INC, FOR A PRE -APPLICATION MEETING
TO REVIEW A PLANNED SMALL LOT SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT ON A VACANT 18.06-ACRE PARCEL
LOCATED AT THE SOUTH EAST CORNER OF EAST PALM CANYON
DRIVE AND PALM HILLS DRIVE, ZONE UR, SECTION 29 (CASE NO. PA16-
003). (ER)
Principal Planner Robertson provided an overview of the proposed development.
Commissioner Weremiuk questioned how the lawsuit impacts this project; is this site
identified for affordable housing in the housing element and if it meets the proposed
Small Lot Ordinance.
Planning Commission Study Session Minutes
City of Palm Springs
May 25. 2016
Vice -Chair Calerdine said he would like to compare it to the Small Lot Ordinance
regulations. He questioned if the road on the north impacts submission.
Commissioner Donenfeld said that a comparison with the proposed Small Lot
Ordinance is needed.
Commissioner Hirschbein questioned what the density is for the buildable portion of the
site and asked for clarification of Urban Reserve references.
Commissioner Donenfeld questioned if the proposed project conforms to the General
Plan and the purpose of the Urban Reserve Zone.
Commissioner Hirschbein asked about the Palm Hills subdivision status.
JAMES HIRSCH, applicant, Touchstone Communities, described the proposed
development and was available for questions.
Commissioner Lowe asked about the drainage system and questioned if natural is
better. He questioned what percentage would be considered for affordable housing as
a public benefit.
Commissioner Donenfeld asked the following:
• Is there a walk path and drainage on the canal?
• Are you enhancing the wash?
• Are pools an option or will all the homes include them?
• Any thoughts on providing community pools?
• Grading of the site - is the site flat?
Commissioner Hirschbein questioned if the utilities will interfere with the trees in the
front yard.
Chair Klatchko expressed concern about the landscaping and had the following
questions:
• Drainage channel and what amenities are available to the public?
• Driveways are not long enough for parking - where is the guest parking?
• Issues for environmental remediation?
Vice -Chair Calerdine said he's worried about the developability of the parcel to the north
versus the drainage and infrastructure. He's concerned about the wall treatment,
treatment of the trail, retention areas do not always work, concerned with the views and
arrangement of units outside of June Beetle area.
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Planning Commission Study Session Minutes
City of Palm Springs
May 25, 2016
Commissioner Lowe noted concern about the parking (for landscape, pool and service
vehicles).
Commissioner Weremiuk made the following comments:
• Will the habitat of the June Beetle be impacted by water?
• Will there be rock crushing? (No.)
• is the 18' driveway and road width adequate?
• Lot sizes are too small.
• Too many garage doors.
• Concern about gates.
• Recreation area size is a plus.
Commissioner Donenfeld made the following comments:
• Density is less than General Plan - does it anticipate Multi -Family?
• Project needs to be opened up - too urban and dense.
• Gate is okay (no connectivity to other neighbors).
Chair Klatchko questioned what the responsibility is relative to the high density.
Commissioner Weremiuk said the city needs more condos and rental housing.
Commissioner Hirschbein made the following comments:
• Parking (for guests) is an issue.
• Must also consider density in site layout/building relationship.
• Trailhead should be a public amenity - encourage trail use.
Chair Klatchko thanked the applicant for bringing forth the project as a pre -application
and allow the Commission to provide comments.
ADJOURNMENT: The Planning Commission adjourned at 1:05 pm to their regular
meeting at 1:30 pm, Wednesday, May 25, 2016, City Hall, Council Chamber, 3200 East
Tahquitz Canyon Way.
Fli n Fagg, AICP
Director of Planning Services
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