HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-05-10 PC Meeting MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
May 10, 2017
Convention Center, Primrose C
277 N. Avenida Caballeros, Palm Springs, CA 92262
CALL TO ORDER:
Chair Calerdine called the meeting to order at 1:32 pm.
ROLL CALL:
Present This Meeting: Commissioners Hudson, Middleton,
Weremiuk, Chair Calerdine
Absent This Meeting: Commissioners Donenfeld, Hirschbein, Lowe
Vice -Chair
Staff Present: Planning Director Fagg, Deputy City Attorney
Daudt, Engineering Director Garcia, Planning Administrative
Coordinator Hintz, Associate Planner Newell, Principal
Planner 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 4, 2017.
ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA:
Chair Calerdine reported that Item 2D will be continued due to a lack of voting quorum
on this Item. He disclosed that he has a property related conflict of interest and will be
recusing himself from the discussion and vote.
(This Item was moved to the beginning of the Agenda.)
2D. SELENE PALM SPRINGS, LLC, FOR AN AMENDMENT TO A PREVIOUSLY
APPROVED FINAL PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT 333 (PDD 333) AND
TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 35236 FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A 175-ROOM
HOTEL, 30 RESIDENTIAL UNITS AND A PARKING STRUCTURE LOCATED
AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF AVENIDA CABALLEROS AND AMADO
ROAD, (CASE NOS. 5.1132-PD 333 AMND & TTM 35236). (ER)
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ACTION: Continue to a date certain of May 24, 2017.
Motion: Vice Chair Weremiuk, seconded by Commissioner Middleton, and
unanimously carried 4-0-3 on a roll call vote.
AYES: Hudson, Middleton, Vice Chair Weremiuk, Chair Calerdine
ABSENT: Donenfeld, Hirschbein, Lowe
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Chair Calerdine opened public comments:
JOY BROWN, MainStreet, president, spoke in favor of the proposed Sign Ordinance as
presented.
JUDY DEERTRACK, spoke about the 750 Lofts project, she questioned how the
reprocessing of the project will move forward in spite of the court order to rescind all
approvals.
MIKE STEWARD, resides near the Dream Hotel, spoke in full support of the proposed
project; the developer has accommodated all of the neighbors concerns.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
ACTION: Approve Items 1A and 1 B as part of the Consent Calendar.
Motion: Vice Chair Weremiuk, seconded by Commissioner Middleton, and
unanimously carried 4-0-3 on a roll call vote.
AYES: Hudson, Middleton, Vice Chair Weremiuk, Chair Calerdine
ABSENT: Donenfeld, Hirschbein, Lowe
1A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: APRIL 12, 2017 REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES AND APRIL 26, 2017 STUDY SESSION MINUTES
Approved, as presented.
1 B. PALM SPRINGS MODERN CONSTRUCTION, REQUESTING A PARCEL MAP
WAIVER (TPM 37327) FOR A TWO (2) LOT SUBDIVISION ASSOCIATED
WITH THE 64@RIV PROJECT LOCATED AT 2000 NORTH INDIAN CANYON
DRIVE, ZONE R-3. (GM)
Approved, as presented.
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May 10, 2017
2. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
2A. CITY OF PALM SPRINGS FOR A ZONE TEXT AMENDMENT TO AMEND
SECTION 91.00.10 AND SECTIONS 93.20.01 THROUGH 93.20.11, AND TO
ADD SECTION 93.20.12 TO THE PALM SPRINGS ZONING CODE (PSZC)
RELATIVE TO THE CITY'S SIGN ORDINANCE (CASE 5.1416 ZTA). (FF)
Planning Director Fagg provided background information on the proposed amendment
to the Sign Ordinance as outlined in the staff report.
Chair Calerdine opened the public hearing:
JUDY DEERTRACK, spoke about constitutional rights relating to the Sign Ordinance
amendment.
Commissioner Hudson noted concern about the square footage of signs in residential
neighborhoods.
Commissioner Middleton said she would like to create two exemptions for security and
no solicitation signs. She is opposed to a single 16 square foot sign or two 8 square
foot signs in residential areas.
Commissioner Hudson commented on codifying real estate signs that are located
remotely off -site for open house events.
ACTION: Approve, subject to:
• Limit size of signs in residential areas to 4 square ft.
• Allow two permanent signs (security or no solicitation signs) not to exceed 112 sq.
ft. in dimension.
• No time limitations on temporary signs and limited in residential zoning districts
(remove after event if applicable).
• Allow a provision for remote real estate signs (such as open house signs and
directional signs for special events).
Motion: Chair Calerdine, seconded by Commissioner Middleton, and unanimously
carried 4-0-3 on a roll call vote.
AYES: Hudson, Middleton, Vice Chair Weremiuk, Chair Calerdine
ABSENT: Donenfeld, Hirschbein, Lowe
"Chair Calerdine expressed concern about separation of political speech and
commercial speech.
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2B. REVIEW OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE HOC PDD (PLANNED
DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT) COMMITTEE REGARDING MODIFICATIONS TO
THE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT PROCESS. (FF)
Planning Director Fagg provided background details and overview on the
recommendations provided to the Commission by the PDD Ad Hoc Committee.
Chair Calerdine opened the public hearing:
MARVIN ROOS, MSA Consulting & member of the PDD Ad Hoc Committee, referenced
item #54 relating to small -lot development and item #62 relating to (modifications of
development standards).
JUDY DEERTRACK, thanked staff and the committee for their hard work; she feels this
will create tremendous change. She reminded the Commission's right to not approve a
PDD when it comes forward to them for review.
There being no further speakers the public hearing was closed.
Commissioner Middleton noted that with all the disagreements on PDD's it was a
remarkable achievement to have a group of people come up with 68 recommendations
that were almost unanimous. Ms. Middleton said the test is not whether there are no
PDD's that come before them but rather fewer PDD's and more projects by right -of -
zone.
Chair Calerdine concurred with Commissioner Middleton noting that this will be a big
change in process for the city.
ACTION: Recommend approval to City Council of the list of recommendations by the
PDD Ad Hoc Committee dated May 10, 2017, with modifications made by the
Commission (and highlighted in red):
• Correct the notation for Items #33 and #34;
• Item #37: Amend the Planning Commission recommendation to note that time
extensions for Planned Developments should be the same as the recent one
Text Amendment for other EOT applications (Case 5.1405 ZTA).
• Item #39: Amend the Planning Commission recommendation to note that the
additional public comment period is limited to comments on the motion and
cannot include additional comments on CEQA issues.
• Item #54: Amend the Planning Commission comment to include a
recommendation to pass a small -lot ordinance with a provision for common open
space.
• Item #61: Add a comment that the zoning code should be amended to include
new development types, instead of relying on the PD process.
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Item #62: Identify the citations in the zoning ordinance which grant the City
Council authority to waive development standards.
Item #66: Add language to recommend that grading standards be adopted for
hillside development.
Motion: Vice Chair Weremiuk, seconded by Calerdine, and unanimously carried 4-0-3
on a roll call vote.
AYES: Hudson, Middleton, Vice Chair Weremiuk, Chair Calerdine
ABSENT: Donenfeld_ Hirschbein, Lowe
A recess was taken at 3:00 pm. The meeting returned at 3:12 pm.
2C. LARS VIKLUND, OWNER, (D1B1A LA SERENA VILLAS) REQUESTING A
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A RESTAURANT AS AN
ACCESSORY USE TO A HOTEL LOCATED AT 339 SOUTH BELARDO
ROAD, ZONE R-3 (Case 5.1413 CUP). (GM)
Planning Director Fagg provided an update on the Conditional Use Permit for La Serena
Villas to allow a restaurant as an accessory use to a hotel.
Chair Calerdine opened public comments and with no appearances coming forward the
public hearing was closed.
ACTION: Approve with conditions subject to:
• Revise PLN 3. The restaurant shall be for the primary use of hotel
guests. For the purposes of this condition, guests of the adjoining Del
Marcos Hotel (225 W. Baristo Road, APN #513-202-002) and the Calla
Lily Hotel (350 S. Belardo Road, APN #513-203-016) shall be considered
hotel guests and may use the restaurant facility without restriction.
= Revise PLN 5. Hours of Operation. The operating hours for the restaurant
and bar shall be primarily limited to 7:00 am to 6:00 pm daily. Dinner
service may be provided until 10:00 pm up to six (6) evenings per week,
excluding Thursday evenings (VillageFest).
Motion: Vice Chair Weremiuk, seconded by Chair Calerdine, and unanimously carried
4-0-3 on a roll call vote.
AYES: Hudson, Middleton, Vice Chair Weremiuk, Chair Calerdine
ABSENT: Donenfeld, Hirschbein, Lowe
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3. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
3A. MG2 FOR AN ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW APPLICATION AND A LAND USE
PERMIT TO REVIEW THE STOREFRONT DESIGN AND OUTDOOR SEATING
SPACE FOR A PROPOSED TOMMY BAHAMA RESTAURANT LOCATED
WITHIN BLOCK C OF THE DOWNTOWN PALM SPRINGS SPECIFIC PLAN
AT 111 NORTH PALM CANYON DRIVE, SUITE 150, ZONE CBD (CASE
3.4014 MAA & LUP 17-017). (DN)
Associate Planner Newell described the two layout options in the revised plans as
outlined in the staff report.
FRANK KENNARD, Tommy Bahama, design director, said the ideal target count for
seating (interior seat count is limited) is 200 seats. He said their goal is for people to be
able to come in from off the street and interact with the bar, restaurant or retail. Mr.
Kennard explained with the tree closer to the corner it would allow a 180 seat count and
with the tree moved toward their patio the table count will drop drastically to a seat
count of 154.
MICHAEL BRAUN, applicant, addressed the tree location on the site plan.
Chair Calerdine said he's comfortable with the first option as recommended by the AAC.
Vice Chair Weremiuk prefers the placement of the original location of the tree.
ACTION: Approve plan shown in Option 1, subject to three items returning for AAC
review:
1. Seating layout and barrier detailing at raised planter.
2. Construction detailing of railing sleeve.
3. Alternate proposal for permanent bar top seating near entryway.
Motion: Chair Calerdine, no second. MOTION DIES DUE TO LACK OF SECOND.
Commissioner Hudson said their goal was to move the tree closer to its original location
with a minimum of 10 feet separation between the tree and the fence -and with that he
made a motion.
ACTION: Approve with final review by Planning Director subject to:
1. Keep the tree to its original location as close as possible.
2. Maintain a 10 ft. distance from the seating to the railing. (While trying to
maintain the seating count as proposed by the applicant.)
Planning Commission Meeting
City of Palm Springs
May 10, 2017
Motion: Hudson, seconded by Vice Chair Weremiuk, and unanimously carried 4-0-3 on
a roll call vote.
AYES: Hudson, Middleton, Vice Chair Weremiuk, Chair Calerdine
ABSENT: Donenfeld, Hirschbein, Lowe
3B. DAKOTA PS, LLC REQUESTING AN AMENDMENT TO AN APPROVED
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT TO ELIMINATE ONE UNIT AND
INSTALL A TRAILHEAD AT THE SOUTH END OF THE 6.37-ACRE
DEVELOPMENT KNOWN AS "DAKOTA" LOCATED AT 1601 SOUTH
BELARDO ROAD, ZONE PD-365, SECTION 22 (CASE 5.1310 PD-365
AMEND). (DN)
Associate Planner Newell presented the proposed amendment to eliminate one unit and
install a trailhead as outlined in the staff report.
Vice -Chair Weremiuk questioned why the water fountain was not provided and the unit
was not moved five feet away from the street as previously discussed.
Michael Braun, applicant, said they preferred not to move the house back five feet
because the side yard setbacks would be inadequate for the future homeowner. Mr.
Braun explained the park was proposed in the past because it was related to waiving of
certain fees; however they withdrew this request and the park is no longer necessary as
a condition. He said in regard to the public benefit of the project they dedicated hillside
land to the city that was approved. Mr. Braun said the drinking fountain was not
proposed because it is a maintenance hazard and the HOA would be required to
maintain it which would create an unnecessary burden for the homeowners.
Commissioner Middleton said that although she appreciates the maintenance issues
with the drinking fountain this is something the Commission requested.
Commissioner Hudson says he feels comfortable requiring the water fountain and feels
there is enough separation with the landscaping; he is comfortable not pushing the
house back five feet.
Vice Chair Weremiuk thinks it's appropriate to require the drinking fountain as a part of
the public benefit.
ACTION: Approve with conditions subject to:
1. Require a water fountain at trailhead.
Planning Commission Meeting
City of Palm Springs
May 10, 2017
Motion: Vice Chair Weremiuk, seconded by Commissioner Middleton, and
unanimously carried 4-0-3 on a roll call vote.
AYES: Hudson, Middleton, Vice Chair Weremiuk, Chair Calerdine
ABSENT: Donenfeld, Hirschbein, Lowe
4. NEW BUSINESS:
4A. REQUEST BY THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS TO AMEND PALM SPRINGS
ZONING CODE (PSZC) SECTION 92.04.01(D) TO REVISE THE STANDARDS
FOR HOTEL RESTAURANTS IN THE R-3 ZONE. (FF)
Planning Director Fagg provided an overview on the two options proposed to revise the
standards for hotel restaurants as outlined in the staff report.
Chair Calerdine and Vice Chair Weremiuk spoke in preference of the second option that
requires a Conditional Use Permit on a case -by -case basis.
ACTION: Direct staff to prepare the zone text amendment and schedule a public
hearing.
Motion: Chair Calerdine, seconded by Vice Chair Weremiuk, and unanimously carried
4-0-3 on a roll call vote.
AYES: Hudson, Middleton, Vice Chair Weremiuk, Chair Calerdine
ABSENT: Donenfeld, Hirschbein, Lowe
PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS, REQUESTS AND COMMENTS:
• Fence design on Block B-1 (Virgin Hotel) site.
• Site tour of the Dream Hotel property.
• Chair Calerdine will not be present the first meeting in June.
• Update on the 750 Lofts project.
PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Planning Director Fagg encouraged the Commission to consider all the projects on the
agenda and not to continue them.
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ADJOURNMENT:
The Planning Commission adjourned at 4:36 pm to 1:30 pm, Wednesday, May 24,
2017, Convention Center, Primrose C, 277 Avenida Caballeros, Palm Springs,
California.
Pinngg, AICP
Director of Planning Services