HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-09-12 PC Meeting MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
September 12, 2018
City Hall, Council Chamber
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: Hudson, Woods, Vice Chair Calerdine, Chair Weremiuk
Absent: Donenfeld, Hirschbein, Moruzzi
Staff Present: Planning Director Fagg, Attorney Priest, Planning Administrative
Coordinator Hintz, Associate Planner Mlaker, Engineering
Associate Minjares, 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, September 6, 2018.
ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA:
Calerdine, seconded by Hudson to accept the agenda as presented.
AYES: Hudson, Woods, Calerdine, Weremiuk
ABSENT: Donenfeld, Hirschbein, Moruzzi
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None.
1. CONSENT CALENDAR:
Calerdine, seconded by Woods to approve Items 1A and 1B (minutes of July 11, 2018
as amended) as part of the Consent Calendar. (Regular minutes of July 25, 2018 and
study session minutes of July 25, 2018 were tabled due to a lack of voting quorum.)
AYES: Hudson, Woods, Calerdine, Weremiuk
ABSENT: Donenfeld, Hirschbein, Moruzzi
Planning Commission Minutes
September 12, 2018
City of Palm Springs
1A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: JUNE 27, 2018, JULY 11, 2018, JULY 25,
2018 AND JULY 25, 2018 STUDY SESSION MINUTES
Minutes of June 27, 2018 approved as presented. Minutes of July 11, 2018 approved
as amended.
1B. A STATUS REVIEW OF A NURSERY THAT WAS ESTABLISHED IN
2009 (AS "AUNT EFFIE'S GARDENS") AT 2393 NORTH PALM
CANYON DRIVE, ZONE C-1, SECTION 3 (CASE 3.3374 MAJ). (DN)
Approved, as presented.
2. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
2A. J5 INFRASTRUCTURE ON BEHALF OF AT&T MOBILITY FOR A
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO INSTALL A WIRELESS
COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY CONSISTING OF TWELVE 8-FOOT
TALL PANEL ANTENNAS ON THE ROOF TOP OF AN EXISTING
WAREHOUSE BUILDING LOCATED AT 770 SOUTH GENE AUTRY
TRAIL, ZONE M-1, SECTION 20. (CASE 5.1438 CUP). (ER) (continued
from the JULY 11, 2018 MEETING)
Principal Planner Robertson provided an overview on the revisions made to the project
as outlined in the staff report.
Chair Weremiuk opened the public hearing.
MELISSA FRANCISO, representing AT & T, stated that the propagation of the site will
remain the same; and clarified that the height of the antennas on both elevations are
identical.
Commissioner Hudson noted concern that the parapet walls in the photo simulation are
much taller and narrow than shown in the elevations. He thinks they are very tall and
will look very strange on top of the building. He appreciates the applicant listened to
their idea that the enclosures have some type of relationship to the building architecture.
However, the replication of the circular element and pediment piece on the top
graphically is too much. Mr. Hudson encouraged more simple treatment for the rooftop
screens.
Calerdine and seconded by Hudson to approve with changes:
1. The antennas shall be fully screened on all four sides.
2. The applicant shall simplify the design of the antenna screenings.
3. Prior to issuance of building permits, the applicant shall submit to the Planning
2
Planning Commission Minutes
September 12, 2018
City of Palm Springs
Department, a landscape plan in accordance to the originally approved
landscape plan for the warehouse project.
AYES: Hudson, Woods, Calerdine, Weremiuk
ABSENT: Donenfeld, Hirschbein, Moruzzi
2B. REQUEST BY RICHARD PANTELE FOR A CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT (CUP) TO OPERATE A CANNABIS MANUFACTURING AND
CULTIVATION FACILITY WITHIN FOUR INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS
TOTALING 35,496-SQUARE FEET LOCATED ON THE EAST SIDE OF
RUPERT STREET BETWEEN 19TH AND 20TH AVENUES, ZONE M-2,
SECTION 33 (CASE 5.1437 CUP). (ER)
Principal Planner Robertson provided an overview on the proposed cultivation facility as
outlined in the staff report.
NICOLE CRISTE, Terra Nova Planning & Research, Inc. (prepared environmental
report on behalf of the City) responded to questions from the Commission pertaining to
the trip generation, breakdown of categories for uses, the manufacturing process, water
impact, odor mitigation measures and quality control.
RICK PANTELE, applicant, (responded to Commission questions) provided further
details of the grey water system, CO2 system, odor control closed -loop system, security
plan, two manufacturing methods for extraction, delivery only (no retail), quality control
and testing method.
Commissioner Woods commented that if they are promoting multi-modalism having a
shower facility available to all of their employees will make it more viable.
Calerdine, seconded by Woods to approve with added conditions:
1. Cannabis manufacturing at the Palm Springs Northern Lights facility shall be
restricted to two methods for extraction by using Rosin press and Carbon dioxide
only.
2. The facility shall be required to utilize odor prevention devices and techniques
in accordance with PSMC Section 5.45.200 and/or 5.55.200, so that cannabis
odors are not detectable off -site. Failure to adhere to this condition may require
the applicant to further modify or enhance the odor prevention systems, or may
result in the revocation of this Conditional Use Permit pursuant to PSZC Section
94.02.00.
3. The applicant shall be required to submit a security plan to the City of Palm
Springs Police Department for review and approval in accordance with PSMC
Section 5.45.210 and 5.55.210.
3
Planning Commission Minutes
September 12, 2018
City of Palm Springs
4. Bicycle racks shall be provided on site in accordance with PSZC Section
93.06.00(C)(5).
5. The applicant shall be required to install showers at the facility.
6. Cannabis testing by a third party shall be in accordance with the provisions of
Chapter 5.45 and/or 5.55 of the City of Palm Springs Municipal Code.
AYES: Hudson, Woods, Calerdine, Weremiuk
ABSENT: Donenfeld, Hirschbein, Moruzzi
A recess was taken at 2:31 pm. The meeting resumed at 2:39 pm.
2C. RADIO PS PROPERTIES, LLC FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT;
ADOPTION OF A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION; AND A
MAJOR ARCHITECTURAL APPLICATION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION
OF A 10,504-SQUARE FOOT CANNABIS CULTIVATION FACILITY
LOCATED AT 3573 NORTH ANZA ROAD, ZONE M-1, SECTION 34
(CASE 5.1441 CUP AND 3.4073 MAJ). (GM)
Associate Planner Mlaker presented the proposed construction of a cannabis cultivation
facility as outlined in the staff report.
MICHELLE WITHERSPOON, MSA CONSULTING, (representing the City on the CEQA
document), said in working with other cities they've indicated that existing facilities are
more difficult to filter the odors than newer facilities. The new buildings have updated
HVAC systems and advanced insulation so that the odor has less of an impact than the
retrofit buildings.
Chair Weremiuk opened the public hearing:
LAWRENCE GORDON, architecture designer, said they wanted to come up with a
cultivation facility that is conducive to the desert environment and keep it simple. He
said one of the things that has been a big issue is the odor control and they've worked
with the mechanical team to keep it to a minimum. He indicated extra parking has been
provided to have the flexibility of converting additional uses in the future.
MIKE COPIEN, mechanical contractor, explained the odor control measures; noting that
all flower rooms have a sealed system, split system units; negative air pressure and
filtration system.
PAUL HINRICHSEN, Upper West Side Neighborhood resident, said they've met with
the neighbors often and there's big distress over building this facility in an economically
challenged minority neighborhood. He pointed -out that this will be the 3rd cannabis-
4
Planning Commission Minutes
September 12, 2018
City of Palm Springs
related business adjacent to these residents and expressed concern with over -
concentration of cultivation facilities this area. He noted concern that the Rosa Parks
childcare is located within Egg feet of the proposed cultivation facility. Mr. Hinrichsen
said he owns a home that is more than one mile from an existing cultivation facility and
many mornings the neighborhood smells like "skunk" weed. He expressed concern with
health hazards due to the chemicals and odors emanating from cultivation of this "super
weed".
ROBERT HEINBAUGH, Upper West Side resident, (co-chair, One PS), said that they've
been working closely with code enforcement in cleaning up the residential areas and as
a result property values are slowly increasing. He said they meet frequently with the
neighborhood organization to discuss issues affecting this neighborhood and the city.
He asked the Commission to consider how this particular facility contributes to the
quality of life for this neighborhood.
LAWRENCE GORDON, applicant rebuttal, thinks the property values have went up in
this neighborhood the last few years because of the cannabis cultivation facilities. He
said childcare is not within 500 feet of the site and noted that cannabis will not be sold
to the public.
Commissioner Hudson thinks it's a simple building and the AAC has done a good job.
The actual paint sample colors are much more attractive than some of the renderings
and the building is flexible for other uses in the future. He recommends approval of the
architecture.
Commissioner Woods requested adding a shower and an additional restroom. He
would like to see the garage door match the architectural integrity of the front of the
building and prefers bike boxes because of wind in this area.
Vice Chair Calerdine noted concern with tire marks that will show on the light paver tiles
in the parking area; it's too bright and prefers darker color tiles.
Conditional Use Permit:
Chair Weremiuk said she is not comfortable approving this item because of over -
concentration and adjacent to a residential neighborhood.
Vice Chair Calerdine said he is not comfortable voting for this today because he needs
a more information on how this building compares with the odor from existing facilities.
Commissioner Hudson concurred with Vice Chair Calerdine's comments and public
testimony about the health hazards associated for the workers.
Commissioner Woods thinks the security for these types of facilities is much higher than
other buildings. He thinks the odor is a nuisance and needs to be investigated. He
Planning Commission Minutes
September 12, 2018
City of Palm Springs
would like to see code enforcement check to see if there is a problem with old
technology in the existing facilities; and the issue of over -concentration needs to be
looked at.
Woods and seconded by Calerdine to continue to a date certain of October 10, 2018.
AYES: Hudson, Woods, Calerdine
ABSENT: Donenfeld, Hirschbein, Moruzzi
ABSTAIN: Weremiuk
2D. IDENTITY MUTUAL, LLC, REPRESENTING QUICK QUACK CAR
WASH FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND A MAJOR
ARCHITECTURAL APPLICATION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A
2,942-SQUARE FOOT AUTOMATIC CAR WASH ON A PAD SITE
WITHIN THE PALM SPRINGS MARKETPLACE SHOPPING CENTER
LOCATED AT 1717 EAST VISTA CHINO ROAD, ZONE CSC, SECTION
21 (CASE 5.1"5 CUP AND 3.4090 MAJ). (GM)
Associate Planner Mlaker presented the proposed request for construction of the
automatic car wash as outlined in the staff report.
Chair Weremiuk opened the public hearing:
JOEL WALTER, Identity Mutual, on behalf of the applicant, provided details of the other
Quick Quack locations in the Coachella Valley, signage, landscape maintenance and
vehicle circulation on the site.
JERRY CRUZ, Sunrise Vista Chino Neighborhood Organization, representative,
welcomed this business and requested the landscape be maintained.
JOEL WALTER, representing applicant, addressed questions from the Commission
relating to the recycled water, window material, lighting plan and hours of operation.
ELENA ALINA PETERSON, Desert Modern Landscape Design, clarified that the
landscape rendering is not showing 100% of the materials and the landscape flowering
will attract wildlife (bees, birds, etc.).
Calerdine, seconded by Woods to approve with changes:
N.
Planning Commission Minutes
September 12, 2018
City of Palm Springs
1. Landscape maintenance shall be conducted on a regular basis to ensure that:
A.) the health of the plant material is sustained; B.) the appearance of the site
remains orderly; C.) all associated equipment is in working order; and D.) the
landscape does not create potential hazards to the visitors and the general
public.
2. Area designated for sign above wash tunnel to be painted a similar color to
main body of the building or to match roof.
AYES: Hudson, Woods, Calerdine, Weremiuk
ABSENT: Donenfeld, Hirschbein, Moruzzi
2E. CITY OF PALM SPRINGS FOR A ZONE TEXT AMENDMENT TO
ESTABLISH A CITYWIDE ORDINANCE FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT
OF GOLF COURSES (CASE NO. 5.1444 ZTA). (DN) (CONTINUED
FROM THE JULY 25, 2018 MEETING).
Calerdine, seconded by Woods to continue to a date certain of October 3, 2018.
AYES: Hudson, Woods, Calerdine, Weremiuk
ABSENT: Donenfeld, Hirschbein, Moruzzi
2F. CITY OF PALM SPRINGS FOR A ZONE TEXT AMENDMENT TO
SECTIONS 91.00.10, 93.05.00 AND 94.03.00 OF THE PALM SPRINGS
ZONING CODE (PSZC) RELATING TO DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
FOR PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS (PDD) AND THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR PROCESSING PDD APPLICATIONS. (FF)
Continued from the July 11, 2018 Meeting)
Calerdine, seconded by Woods to table item and re -notice to a later date.
AYES: Hudson, Woods, Calerdine, Weremiuk
ABSENT: Donenfeld, Hirschbein, Moruzzi
3. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None.
4. NEW BUSINESS:
4A. DISCUSSION ON A ZONE TEXT AMENDMENT TO ESTABLISH A
CITYWIDE ORDINANCE FOR THE TRANSFER OF DEVELOPMENT
RIGHTS (CASE NO.5.1450 ZTA). (DN)
7
Planning Commission Minutes
September 12, 2018
City of Palm Springs
Calerdine, seconded by Hudson to direct staff to prepare a public hearing notice and
schedule the ordinance at a special meeting on October 3, 2018.
PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS, REQUESTS AND COMMENTS:
• Upgraded data base (electronic system) for case review reminders.
• Approved projects with GIS mapping.
• Status of Oswit Canyon.
• Palm Springs ModCom Annual Awards.
• Encouraged diverse groups to apply for Boards and Commission vacancies.
CITY COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT: None.
PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
• City Council review on the Miralon Multi -Family Development.
• Special Planning Commission Meeting will be held at 12:00 pm on October 3,
2018.
ADJOURNMENT:
The Planning Commission adjourned at 4:23 pm to 1:30 pm, Wednesday, September
26, 2018, City Hall, Council Chamber, 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs,
California.
Flinn Fagg, AIC
Director of Planning Services
L-1