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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-07-25 PC Meeting MinutesPLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 25, 2018 CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA Large Conference Room, City Hall 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 CALL TO ORDER: Chair Weremiuk called the meeting to order at 1:30 pm. ROLL CALL: Present: Donenfeld, Hirschbein, Hudson, Moruzzi, Calerdine, Chair Weremiuk Excused: Woods Vice Chair Staff Present: Planning Director Fagg, Attorney Priest, Planning Administrative Coordinator Hintz, Associate Planner Lyon, Engineering Associate Minjares, 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, July 19, 2018. ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA: Chair Weremiuk requested Item 2D moved to the first item under the public hearings and move Item 3A under the Consent Calendar. Calerdine, seconded by Donenfeld to accept the agenda as amended. AYES: Donenfeld, Hirschbein, Hudson, Moruzzi, Calerdine, Weremiuk ABSENT: Woods PUBLIC COMMENTS: Chair Weremiuk opened public comments: JANE GARRISON, encouraged the Planning Commission to request that City Council impose a moratorium on any applications for golf course conversions. MIKE GUERRA, resides in the Tennis Club Neighborhood, spoke in reference to Item 2B. He supports the findings in the staff report and does not see a hardship for the lot split. Planning Commission Minutes July 25, 201 a City of Palm springs TANYA MALCH, she urged the Planning Commission to request City Council impose a moratorium on golf course conversions. JUDY ELMORE, commented in reference to Item 2B, spoke in opposition of the lot split; noting that the only advantage of the lot split would be for the owner. MICHAEL JOHNSON, resides in the Demuth Park Neighborhood, supports a moratorium until the ordinance has went through the proper steps and has been finalized. DAVID HYAMS, spoke in favor a moratorium for golf course conversion. He pointed out that once the nature environment is destroyed you can't get it back. JULIE SALAZAR, spoke in favor of a golf course moratorium to preserve the land and wildlife. There being no further speakers public comments was closed_ 1. CONSENT CALENDAR: Calerdine, seconded by Donenfeld to approve Items 1A, 113, 1 C and 3A as part of the Consent Calendar. AYES: Donenfeld, Hirschbein, Hudson, Moruzzi, Calerdine, Weremiuk ABSENT: Woods 1A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: JUNE 27, 2018 STUDY SESSION MINUTES Approved, as presented. (Commissioner Hirschbein abstained on the minutes.) 1 B. ROBERT HAYES AND JAMES BURDA, OWNERS, REQUESTING TO ABANDON AND VACATE THE RIGHT-OF-WAY FOR A PORTION OF CAMINO DEL MONTE, NORTH OF CAMINO CARMELITA, ZONE R-1-13, SECTION 27 (CASE NOS. 3.529 MAJ & ENG FILE R 18-002) (FP) Approved, as presented. 1C. ROSIAN V, LLC, FOR APPROVAL OF A FINAL PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (PDD) FOR A PROPOSED RENOVATION AND ADDITIONS TO AN EXISTING 62-ROOM HOTEL TO ADD AN OUTDOOR MUSIC VENUE, AN OUTDOOR RESTAURANT USE, AN OUTDOOR COCKTAIL LOUNGE USE AND SUPPORT SPACES AT THE MONROE HOTEL (AKA INFUSION BEACH HOTEL) LOCATED AT 1900 NORTH PALM CANYON DRIVE (CASE 5.1409 PDD 387; RELATED CASES 5.1409 CUP 1 3.864 MAA 1 6.550 VAR, (APN 504-320-026, ZONE C-11 R-31 RESORT COMBINING ZONE). (KL)Approved, as presented_ Planning Commission Minutes July 25, 2018 City of Palm Springs 3A. GRIT DEVELOPMENT TO AMEND AN EXISTING SIGN PROGRAM FOR BLOCK C-1 BUILDING (ROWAN HOTEL) LOCATED WITHIN THE DOWNTOWN PALM SPRINGS SPECIFIC PLAN AT 100 WEST TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY, ZONE CBD, SECTION 15 (CASE SP 16-004 AMND). (GM) Approved, as presented. 2. PUBLIC HEARINGS: (This Item was heard out of order.) 2D. CITY OF PALM SPRINGS FOR A ZONE TEXT AMENDMENT TO ESTABLISH A CITYWIDE ORDINANCE FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF GOLF COURSES (CASE NO.5.1344 ZTA). (DN) Chair Weremiuk opened the public hearing and with no speakers coming forward the public hearing was closed. Calerdine, seconded by Moruzzi to continue to a date certain of September 12, 2018. AYES: Donenfeld. Hirschbein, Hudson, Moruzzi, Calerdine, Weremiuk ABSENT: Woods 2A. FREEHOLD COMMUNITIES, LLC, REQUEST FOR A PRELIMINARY PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT AND MAJOR ARCHITECTURAL APPROVALS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A 153-UNIT CONDOMINIUM COMPLEX ON A 16.1 ACRE UNDEVELOPED PARCEL IN PLANNING AREA 5 OF PHASE 1 WITHIN THE MIRALON PROJECT LOCATED AT 801 SUNRISE PARKWAY, ZONE PDD 290 (CASE NOS. 5.0982-PD 290 & 3.4075-MAJ). (ER) Principal Planner Robertson presented the proposed 153-unit condominium complex as outlined in the staff report. Planning Director Fagg recapped the recommended changes of the Architectural Advisory Committee and the revisions made by the applicant. Chair Weremiuk opened the public hearing: BRAD SCHUKHART, Freehold Communities, addressed the recessed windows, street articulation, and relocation of two units and provided details on the shade structures. Mr_ Schukhart was available for questions from the Commission. JACK HAYDEN, C2 Collaborative Landscape Architecture, landscape architect, addressed questions from the Commission relating to the landscape design. Planning Commission Minutes July 25, 2018 City of Palm Spnngs COLIN LIU, Robert Hidey Architects, project architect, addressed questions from the Commission relating to building colors, materials on the exterior buildings, secondary windows, roof systems, elevations and simulated views from different angles. There being no further speakers the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Hirschbein said he likes the project and it has improved. He thinks a common area pool is needed because of the long walking distance to the main clubhouse. He suggested the area where the two units were removed and he'd like to see traffic calming on the crosswalk because motorists most likely speed in an unsafe manner. Commissioner Donenfeld thinks it's a good development and the details are impressive. He said it's refreshing to see that the garage doors are not a main part of the facade of the house. Mr. Donenfeld thinks the roof lines should be flat and a public pool would be an excellent addition because there is sufficient massing in this neighborhood. Vice Chair Calerdine said he is uncertain about a public pool because it would change the economics of the project. Brad Schukhart responded that although he understands it would be a 10 minute walk to the clubhouse they strongly oppose the idea of a public pool because of the following reasons: 1. Additional cost of not only putting in a pool but also putting in restrooms and pool equipment that would create a nuisance to adjacent homeowners. 2. They believe one the strongest elements of the project is the amenity center as the central gathering place for the community. These houses are closer to the amenity center than the other units and there will be an opportunity for small plunge pools. Commissioner Hudson thinks the design team is an example of a very good one that listens and makes changes. He does not have a problem with the 2nd floor increasing in size for the roof decks because the belvederes enhance the architecture. Mr. Hudson agrees with the comments from the AAC relative to the central paseo in providing more off- set and the result is a more successful north/south paseo. He said the major change he is happy to see is the south gathering space is now truly a wonderful space. He thinks gradual humps where the intersections occur could be slightly mounded to achieve traffic calming. He agrees with the slightly sloping roof with a level fascia panel and that building colors will be reviewed in the future. Commissioner Moruzzi said that although he was not on the Commission when this project was first presented he is very impressed and agrees with most of the comments. Chair Weremiuk said that although she initially spoke in favor of a public pool; she prefers to keep the community center as the main gathering place. She agrees with the roof lines, slight street humps and thinks allowing the roof decking would be an enhancement to the project. 4 Planning Commission Minutes July 25, 2018 City of Palm springs Weremiuk, seconded by Calerdine to approve with changes. 1. Provide private access gates at the side yards of individual units that back the Miralon open space areas. 2. Provide additional shade trees at the Desert Common Park. 3. Add plantings that attract butterflies, birds and bees to the landscape palette. 4. There shall be no decomposed granite in the open space areas; use only 318th rocks. 5. Revise proposed 1 % slope roofline for Elevations 4A, 4XA and 5A to create the appearance of a complete level roof plane. 6. The design to conform to the Miralon design guidelines. 7. Provide traffic calming devices subject to the approval of the Fire Marshall. AYES: Donenfeld, Hirschbein, Hudson, Moruzzi, Calerdine, Weremiuk ABSENT: Woods 2B. FOUNTAIN VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT REQUEST FOR A TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP TO SUBDIVIDE A 1.7-ACRE PARCEL INTO TWO SINGLE- FAMILY RESIDENTIAL LOTS AND AN ADMINISTRATIVE MINOR MODIFICATION (AMM) APPLICATION FOR A 10 PERCENT REDUCTION OF THE REQUIRED LOT WIDTH IN THE R-1-A ZONING DESIGNATION FOR THE PARCEL LOCATED AT THE WESTERN TERMINUS OF WEST SANTA ROSA DRIVE; ZONE R-1-A; SECTION 15 (CASE TPM 36922/7.1482 AMM). (ER) Principal Planner Robertson presented the proposed request to subdivide a 1.7-acre parcel into two single-family lots as outlined in the staff report. NICOLE CRISTE, Terra Nova Consulting, responded that the slope is conservation area (Big Horn habitat) located above the buildable area and described the adjacency guidelines (requirements for types of landscaping, lighting and noise levels). Vice Chair Calerdine noted concern that there is a 5'-6' deep channel immediately adjacent to the road and is not shown in the drawings. He would assume with a vertical channel there would be a fall protection for people and animals. Chair Weremiuk opened the public hearing: MARVIN ROOS, representing the applicant, noted that there are not many 1-acre lots in the city. He stated that they will provide a terminus turnaround for fire trucks and large vehicles; and pointed out that Riverside County Flood Control vacated the flood easement. Mr. Roos clarified the foundation and chimney of the historic site is intact on the hillside and their intention is to preserve it. He stated that they are requesting for an AMM to finish the neighborhood in a consistent way. Planning Commission Minutes July 25, 2018 City of Palm Springs RODNEY REED, MSA Consulting Inc, civil engineer, stated that the existing drainage will be preserved and improved. He explained that each house would be required to mitigate the increase of storm runoff. Mr. Reed addressed questions from the Commission. There being no further speaker the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Moruzzi said he is not comfortable that they do not have sufficient information that the "Tahquitz Ditch" does not exists underneath this property. Vice Chair Calerdine said he's concerned that the alternative drainage channel is not shown on the tentative map and would be uncomfortable approving the alternatives. He's very concerned about having a 5'-10' channel there and does not think it's appropriate for the area. Commissioner Hirschbein spoke in opposition of the 6' deep vertical channel in this area. He expressed concern with the idea of having two houses on this lot that would not be so special. Commissioner Donenfeld verified that any hillside development would come for review before the Planning Commission- (yes). Chair Weremiuk said she has concerns with the historic resources, runoff water and the location of the property especially access for the neighborhood. She thinks it will be more detrimental to the neighborhood to have two houses built on this very narrow road. Ms. Weremiuk thinks it's a difficult site and is very concerned with the drainage ditch in the proposal. Calerdine, seconded by Donenfeld, to deny. AYES: DonenfeId, Hirschbein, Hudson, Moruzzi, Calerdine, Weremiuk ABSENT: Woods A recess was taken at 3:30 pm. The meeting resumed at 3:45 pm. 2C. SMITH & HALL DESERT PROPERTIES, INC. FOR BEVERAGES & MORE, INC. FOR AN AMENDMENT TO A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT ISSUED TO A LIQUOR STORE ("BevMol") TO ALLOW OUTDOOR SHOPPING CART STORAGE AT 333 SOUTH PALM CANYON DRIVE, ZONE CBD, SECTION 15 (CASE NO.5.1392 CUP & HSPB #84). (DN) Planning Director Fagg reported staff has requested to table the item at the request of the applicant. Calerdine, seconded by Hirschbein to continue to a date uncertain. AYES: Donenfeld, Hirschbein, Hudson, Moruzzi, Calerdine, Weremiuk Planning Commission Minutes July 25, 2018 City of Palm Springs ABSENT: Woods 3. NEW BUSINESS: 3B. WOODBRIDGE PACIFIC GROUP, LLC, REQUESTING APPROVAL OF FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR 44 SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL UNITS FROM A PREVIOUSLY APPROVED PRELIMINARY PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (PDD 290) IN PHASE 1 OF THE MIRALON DEVELOPMENT LOCATED AT 801 SUNRISE WAY, ZONE PDD 290, SECTION 35 (CASE 5.0982- PD 2901 TTM 31848-1). (ER) Principal Planner Robertson provided an overview on the proposed final development plans for 44 single family units in Phase 1 of Miralon as outlined in the staff report. Planning Director Fagg recapped the comments and recommended changes from the Architectural Advisory Committee relative to the architecture and landscaping. TODD CUNNINGHAM, Woodbridge Pacific Group, applicant, provided details on footprint, elevations, lot coverage, architectural designs, privacy walls and landscaping. Commission Comments: Commissioner Hudson said that although he understands having the majority of the rear of the houses face the mountains; he expressed concern with the flat rear facade and the alignment of all the houses. He likes the alternating easement idea for the shared yards but thinks with some creativity they can add more variety. He pointed out that the houses on the south also do not have nice courtyards. Mr. Hudson said as an architect he can't read the drawings and does not think there is much difference in the three elevations and everything is blocky. He thinks this project needs a major restudy and believes there are ways of solving these concerns that will take more than looking at reglets and block wall details. Commissioner Morozzi concurs with Commissioner Hudson and thinks all the houses look the same. Commissioner Hirschbein said he's struggling with the uniformity of the facades in terms of the layout; and made some suggestions such as flipping the layout. He thinks if the architecture was good it would not exacerbate the other. Commissioner Donenfeld concurred with Commissioners Hudson and Hirschbein; noting that they clearly have problems with setbacks. He said the elevations not only on the front of the house but all four sides are not very articulate and distinctive. He thinks a major restudy is needed. Chair Weremiuk said that the exterior elevations don't feel differentiated to her and she'd like to see more variety. She thinks the reciprocal easements have not been utilized in any way. Ms. Weremiuk said the street feels repetitious, the rear and side properties are not 7 Planning Commission Minutes July 25, 2018 City of Palm 5pnngs articulated and the windows do not look interesting and take away from the property on the front elevation. She would like to see understory plants that attract butterflies, birds and bees included in the revised landscape plan. Commissioner Hudson said he'd like to see a 3D image of the elevations which could be very simple. Calerdine, seconded by Hudson to continue to a date uncertain for a restudy. AYES: Donenfeld, Hirschbein, Hudson, Moruzzi, Calerdine, Weremiuk ABSENT: Woods 4. DISCUSSION: 4A. MORATORIA AND THE ASSOCIATED REQUIREMENTS UNDER CALIFORNIA STATE LAW. Attorney Priest provided a general overview on the requirements for City Council to establish a moratorium ordinance. He was available for questions from the Commission. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS, REQUESTS AND COMMENTS: • Ad Hoc Subcommittee Meetings: Small Lots, Demolition and Downtown Park CITY COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT: • Council Member Middleton spoke briefly about several items. PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT: • The Planning Commission is going dark for the month of August and the next scheduled meeting is on September 12, 2018. ADJOURNMENT: The Planning Commission adjourned at 5:35 pm to 1:30 pm, Wednesday, September 12, 2018, City Hall, Council Chamber, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way. Flinn Fagg, AICP Director of Planning Services a