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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-11-09 PC Meeting MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES November 09, 2016 Council Chamber, City Hall 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 CALL TO ORDER: Chair Calerdine called the meeting to order at 1:30 pm. ROLL CALL: Present This Meeting: Commissioner Donenfeld, Commissioner Hirschbein, Commissioner Hudson, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton, Vice -Chair Weremiuk, Chair Calerdine Absent This Meeting: None. Staff Present: Flinn Fagg, AICP, Director of Planning Services, Michael Daudt, Deputy City Attorney, Terri Hintz, Planning Administrative Coordinator, Savat Khamphou, Senior Civil Engineer, Noriko Kikuchi, Assistant Planner, David Newell, Associate Planner 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, November 3, 2016. ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA: The agenda was accepted, as presented. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Chair Calerdine opened public comments: ERIC CHIEL, co-chair, ONE PS, distributed copies of the newly published "Neighborhood" guide to the Commission for informational purposes. There being no further speakers public comments was closed. Planning Commission Minutes City of Palm Springs November 9. 2016 1. CONSENT CALENDAR: Commissioner Middleton requested a change to the minutes of October 13, 2016. Commissioner Lowe noted his abstention on the minutes of October 13, 2016, due to his absence. 1A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: SEPTEMBER 28, 2016 AND OCTOBER 13, 2016. ACTION: Approve minutes of September 28, 2016 and October 13, 2016 (as amended); noting Commissioner Lowe's abstention on the minutes of October 13, 2016. Motion: Vice -Chair Weremiuk, seconded by Commissioner Lowe and unanimously carried on a roll call vote. AYES: Chair Calerdine, Vice -Chair Weremiuk, Commissioner Hirschbein, Commissioner Hudson, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton, Commissioner Donenfeld 2. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 2A. NEW CHURCH II, LLC FOR MODIFICATIONS TO AN APPROVED MAJOR ARCHITECTURAL APPLICATION AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO RENOVATE THE EXISTING HISTORIC COMMUNITY CHURCH AND ORCHID TREE BUNGALOWS FOR ADAPTIVE RE -USE, AND DEMOLISHING PORTIONS OF THE SITE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF A HOTEL WITH ACCESSORY SPA, RESTAURANT AND MEETING SPACE ON A 3.1-ACRE SITE LOCATED AT 222 S. CAHUILLA ROAD, ZONE R-3, SECTION 15 (CASE NOS. 5.1345 CUP, HSPB 23, HSPB 72 & 3.0678 MAJ). (DN) Associate Planner Newell provided an overview of the proposed revisions to the previously approved project. The Commission had technical questions pertaining to: • Maximum number of approved rooms. • Restoration of the church. • Can the garden wall be preserved (rehabilitated) as recommended by the HSPB? • Reduction of 4 parking spaces to rehabilitate a historic structure. • Placement of units on the 2nd story. • Is there a required increase in the amount of parking spaces for the 64 rooms? • Three different types of architectural designs. z Planning Commission Minutes City of Palm Springs November 9, 2016 • In -fills on the elevation voids. • Hours of operation. Chair Calerdine opened the public hearing: RICHARD WEINTRAUB, owner/applicant, explained that most of the changes are coming from the high -end operator. He provided details on the number of rooms; noting that historic records show more rooms were previously built. Mr. Weintraub spoke about the architectural style approved by the Architectural Advisory Committee. JOHN NANOS, Historic Tennis Club Neighborhood resident, commented the 4 additional parking spaces will compromise the flood wash and distract the traffic flow on Baristo Road. RICHARD WEINTRAUB, applicant response, clarified that the project exceeds the parking requirements. There being no further speakers the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Lowe asked the applicant if he would have done the architecture differently. Mr. Weintraub responded that it was strongly suggested/implied by the Architectural Advisory Committee that they wanted to see more of a Spanish style architecture on anything new that was built on the Cahuilla side. The Commission discussed the different architectural styles for the project. The applicant said he is not in favor of matching the architectural style on Cahuilla Road to the approved Belardo Road because it will start the process all over again. Vice -Chair Weremiuk spoke in favor approving the project subject to a minor change and appointing a subcommittee for final review of the architecture. Commissioner Hudson thinks the project is beautiful. He questioned if the terracotta tile on the top of the building would be the first thing to go. (The applicant agreed.) He thinks the building would be more successful without the Spanish tile and feels this is a fairly simple thing to move through the process with minor changes. Commissioner Hirschbein thinks the previous designs were wonderful and concurs with Commissioner Hudson. He said the terracotta tile will make it look dull and supports the director's suggestion to approve the layout, parking and removal of the 4 parking spaces. Commissioner Donenfeld agreed that making the new construction all one type of architectural design will enhance the overall view of the project. He noted that the very high horizontal windows on Cahuilla Road remind him of a motel 6 and encouraged Planning Commission Minutes City of Palm springs November 9, 2016 more creativity for the project. He otherwise supports the project and does not want to put the applicant through the bureaucracy process again and would like to see it go for final review by a subcommittee. Commissioner Middleton commended the applicant on an outstanding project and is looking forward to it. ACTION: Approve with changes to Condition PLN 3 as follows: e. The applicant shall submit details for the infill treatment of windows and other elevations voids on the Church building. The treatment shall be approved by HSPB prior to issuance of permit and differentiated from the adjacent walls through recessing material, using material/color different than existing or proposing other acceptable treatment. f. The applicant shall not remove the low garden wall along Baristo Road and shall relocate the parking spaces from Baristo Road frontage to another acceptable location. g. The applicant shall submit revisions to the hotel building elevations for approval by a Planning Commission subcommittee. Revisions shall involve modifications to the tile cornice detail and west elevation windows such that the buildings match the style of the proposed building fronting Belardo Road. The Subcommittee shall consist of: Hudson, Hirschbein and Donenfeld. Motion: Vice -Chair Weremiuk, seconded by Commissioner Donenfeld and unanimously carried on a roll call vote. AYES: Chair Calerdine, Vice -Chair Weremiuk, Commissioner Hirschbein, Commissioner Hudson, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton, Commissioner Donenfeld 2B. PRG INVESTMENT & MANAGEMENT INC., FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION FOR A RESTAURANT AND BAR AT THE HOLIDAY HOUSE HOTEL (FORMER CHASE HOTEL), LOCATED AT 200 W. ARENAS ROAD, ZONE R- 3 (CASE NO. 5.1400 CUP). (FF) Planning Director Fagg provided an overview on the proposed request to add a restaurant facility at the existing hotel as outlined in the staff report. The Commission had technical questions pertaining to: • Hours of operation for dinner service. 2 Planning Commission Minutes City of Palm springs November 9, 2016 Chair Calerdine opened the public hearing: JAMES CIOFFI, project architect, explained this is a low-key, tranquil hotel with no loud pool parties. He commented that the existing liquor license is being transferred from Sparrows and food service is primarily for hotel guests. SCOTT TIMBERLAKE, local realtor, spoke in favor of the proposed restaurant use and thinks it will be an asset to the city. JAMES CIOFFI, applicant response, provided details on the neighborhood meeting that was held. There being no further speakers the public hearing was closed. ACTION: Approve, subject to conditions as amended: • Dinner service allowed until 10 pm. Motion: Commissioner Lowe, seconded by Vice -Chair Weremiuk and unanimously carried on a roll call vote. AYES: Chair Calerdine, Vice -Chair Weremiuk, Commissioner Hirschbein, Commissioner Hudson, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton, Commissioner Donenfeld A recess was taken at 2:43 pm. The meeting resumed at 2:53 pm. 2C. CITY OF PALM SPRINGS FOR A ZONE TEXT AMENDMENT TO AMEND THE PALM SPRINGS ZONING CODE (PZSC) REGARDING THE LOCATIONAL STANDARDS FOR MEDICAL CANNABIS FACILITIES IN THE E-I ZONING DISTRICT; TO ADD THE MEDICAL CANNABIS MANUFACTURING FACILITY AND MEDICAL CANNABIS TESTING FACILITY USES TO THE C-M, M-1-P, M-1, M-2 AND E-I ZONING DISTRICTS; AND TO ADD THE MEDICAL CANNABIS DISPENSARY USE TO THE C-2, H-C, M-1-P, M-1, M-2 AND A ZONING DISTRICTS (CASE NO. 5.1218-E ZTA). (FF) Planning Director Fagg provided an overview on the Zone Text Amendment to modify the City's existing standards for medical cannabis uses. 5 Planning Commission Minutes City of Palm Springs November 9. 2016 The Commission had technical questions pertaining to: • State regulatory ordinance. • Is there a safety concern cultivating Cannabis with the large-scale wind energy equipment in the E-'I zone? Vice -Chair Weremiuk suggested considering changing Section C "... within 500 feet of a "church" because churches are often located in strip malls. Chair Calerdine opened the public hearing: FREDRICK NOBLE, clarified that these projects are not intended to be inside wind farm land but rather adjacent to it. He said this land is not adjacent to residents, schools or churches. JOY BROWN-MEREDITH, president, Joy of Life Wellness Center, spoke in favor of the proposed zone text amendment. RICK PANTELLE, spoke in favor of the proposed Cannabis zone text amendment; and clarified the definition of: dispensary, collective and coop. There being no further speakers the public hearing was closed. ACTION: Recommend approval to City Council as modified: • Delete the word "church" in Section C relating to located "... within five hundred (500) feet". Motion: Commissioner Middleton, seconded by Commissioner Lowe and unanimously carried on a roll call vote. AYES: Chair Calerdine, Vice -Chair Weremiuk, Commissioner Hirschbein, Commissioner Hudson, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton, Commissioner Donenfeld 3. NEW BUSINESS: 3A. INCHA LOCKHART, OF WESTERN SIGN, FOR A SIGN PROGRAM AMENDMENT FOR BROKEN YOLK CAFE, A MULTI -TENANT COMMERCIAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 262 SOUTH PALM CANYON DRIVE, ZONE CBD (CASE SP 16-O03). (NK) Planning Commission Minutes City of Palm springs November 9, 2016 Assistant Planner Kikuchi provided an overview of the proposed Sign Program Amendment to include four (4) additional signs as outlined in the staff report. The Commission had technical questions pertaining to: • Former tenant in building. • Temporary banner sign. • Number of signs allowed. • Directional sign in the parking structure does not include information. • Downtown parking structure. Commissioner Donenfeld commented that he attended the AAC meeting when this item was discussed that one of the issues was the "breakfast lunch" sign on the awning. He recalls the owner saying they are very concerned that this is not a restaurant where dinner is served and is a specialty operation. He is somewhat sympathetic to their concern in identifying to passerbys that the restaurants to serves only breakfast/lunch. The Commission requested clarification on the height of the signs and AAC's recommendations. Vice -Chair Weremiuk said she has a concern with the "breakfast lunch" sign and setting precedence. Commissioner Hirschbein does not think "breakfast/lunch" is necessary and will set precedence. He said signs need to be limited to trade names only. Chair Calerdine suggested the directional sign could say "passageway to Palm Canyon Drive". OSCAR BABB, applicant, responded to questions from the Commission pertaining to stipulations for signs in their franchise agreement. ACTION: Approve, subject to Conditions as amended: 9. The awning sign (Sign #A) shall be changed from "Breakfast/Lunch" to the business name, "Broken Yolk Cafe". 2. The proposed main sign (Sign #D) (fascia panel/plaque sign) and the directional arrow on the east (rear) elevation of building shall be eliminated from the amended Sign Program. 3. The applicant may install a generic directional sign subject to review and approval by the Planning Department staff. Motion: Commissioner Hirschbein, seconded by Vice -Chair Weremiuk and unanimously carried on a roll call vote. Planning Commission Minutes City of Palm Springs November 9, 2016 AYES: Chair Calerdine, Vice -Chair Weremiuk, Commissioner Hirschbein, Commissioner Hudson, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton, Commissioner Donenfeld 3B. PALM SPRINGS PROMENADE FOR A SIGN PROGRAM TO ESTABLISH CRITERIA FOR THE COMMERCIAL BUILDING LOCATED AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY AND BELARDO ROAD ON BLOCK C-1 OF THE DOWNTOWN PALM SPRINGS SPECIFIC PLAN, ZONE CBD, SECTION 115 (SP 16-004). (DN) Associate Planner Newell provided an overview on the proposed sign program for the hotel building currently under construction on Block C-1 as outlined in the staff report. The Commission had technical questions pertaining to: Does the Downtown Palm Springs Specific Plan include a sign program? Sign uniformity. Commissioner Middleton said she attended the AAC meeting when this was reviewed and noted concern with the size of the sign on the east elevation. Commissioner Hirschbein likes the sign program; however, he's concerned that the building is not built -out enough to make this judgment call. He prefers tabling this item until the building is more fully constructed to make a more informed decision. Commissioner Hudson noted concern with the sign facing the mountain and thinks it should be smaller and lower. Commissioner Donenfeld agreed that the sign is too large; however, he stated a sign is needed in this area. Commissioner Middleton suggested reducing the west facing sign by 112 of the size. Commissioner Hudson suggested centering the sign in the white box and reducing the size by 113. JIM CROSS, Best Signs Inc., representing the applicant, agreed a sign is needed and does not have a problem reducing the sign but is concerned with reducing it by a certain percentage. He explained that the ratio in the sign ordinance is confusing and people should be allowed to be creative. ACTION: Approve, with conditions subject to: Planning Commission Minutes City of Palm springs November 9, 2016 • Final approval of the west elevation sign per Subcommittee review (Hudson, Middleton and Lowe). Motion: Chair Calerdine, seconded by Commissioner Middleton and carried 6-1-0 on a roll call vote. AYES: Chair Calerdine, Vice -Chair Weremiuk, Commissioner Hudson, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton, Commissioner Donenfeld NOES: Commissioner Hirschbein PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS, REQUESTS AND COMMENTS: None. PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Planning Director Fagg provided an update on: • The draft public meeting schedule. • Criteria for extensions of time applications. • Joint study session with the Sustainability Commission will be held at 11 am on December 14, 2016. Vice -Chair Weremiuk noted that she will not be in attendance for the December 14th meeting. Planning Director Fagg announced a lecture will be presented by Commissioner Hudson at the Art Museum on December 3rd and encouraged the Commission to attend. ADJOURNMENT: The Planning Commission adjourned at 3:47 pm to a Study Session on Wednesday, December 14, 2016, at 11:00 am, City Hall, Large Conference Room, followed by the Regular Meeting at 1:30 pm, Council Chamber, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way. Flinn Fagg, AlCFt Director of Planning Services