HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-09-11 PC Meeting MinutesPLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
September 11, 2019
Council Chamber, City Hall
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, California
CALL TO ORDER:
Chair Woods called the meeting to order at 2:20 pm.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Donenfeld, Garner, Hirschbein, Song, Vice Chair Moruzzi, Chair
Woods
Staff Present: Planning Director Fagg, Attorney Priest, Administrative Coordinator
Hintz, Engineering Associate Minjares, Associate Planner Kikuchi,
Associate Planner Mlaker, Principal Planner Newell
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 4:00 pm, Thursday, September 5, 2019.
ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA:
The agenda was accepted, as presented.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Chair Woods opened the public comments portion of the meeting:
AARON NELSON, ASIA SF PALM SPRINGS, president & chief operating officer,
requesting extending hours of entertainment to 10 pm; and that there be no distinction
between live music and recorded music. He explained that they will cater primarily to
weddings on weekends and will take all measures to comply with conditions.
STEVE AGUILAR, managing member at 1251 Montalvo (industrial building) said that
they have been working on this project since Jan. 2018 to ensure the building is 100%
compliant. He commented that they have invested a large amount of money and noted
concern with the cannabis ordinance affecting existing applicants.
AUDREY JOSEPH, spoke in reference to Item 4A, (working with the applicant on sound
attenuation). She explained that the large speakers that were hung up high have been
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City of Palm Springs
removed; and spoke about using compressor limiters and equalizers to meet the City
standards.
MARK MATTHEWS, spoke in reference to Item 4C, concerned that the run-off was filled
with dirt and when it rains they will have a serious problem.
BRAD SCHUKHART, Freehold Communities, spoke in support of Christopher Homes
(Item 4B) said they believe the architecture meets and exceeds their expectations.
They strongly encouraged the Commission to consider the architecture in relation to the
approved design guidelines.
PATRICK MCCABE, Christopher Homes, said that they started with a set of design
guidelines that set the stage for design. They have went through three (3) joint
committee meetings and have made many changes from the initial product. They are
very pleased with it and is available for questions from the Commission.
SCOTT ST. CIF, homeowner adjacent to Asia SF (Item 4A) would like to see something
in this vacant building. However, he is concerned with a company that is not from Palm
Springs and is uncertain about permitting music until 10:00 pm particularly on the
weekends.
There being no further speakers the public comment portion of the meeting was closed.
1. CONSENT CALENDAR:
Donenfeld, seconded by Song to approve Consent Calendar, as presented.
AYES: DONENFELD, GARNER, HIRSCHBEIN, SONG, MORUZZI, WOODS
1A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: JULY 10, 2019
Approved, as submitted.
1 B. TWIN PALMS NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATION, ON BEHALF OF
TWIN PALMS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC, FOR A SIGN
PROGRAM TO INSTALL A NEIGHBORHOOD ENTRY SIGN AT THE
SOUTHWEST CORNER OF TWIN PALMS AND VIA AGUILA ON
PRIVATE PROPERTY, 1800 SOUTH LA PALOMA, ZONE R-1-C,
SECTION 26 (CASE SP 19-002). (DN)
Approved, as submitted.
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2. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
2A. EHOF CANYON VIEW, LLC, FOR A TWO-YEAR EXTENSION OF TIME
FOR VESTING TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 36969, PLANNED
DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT 381 AND MAJOR ARCHITECTURAL
APPROVAL FOR AN 80-LOT SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
DEVELOPMENT ON AN UNDEVELOPED 13.25-ACRE PARCEL
LOCATED AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF EAST PALM CANYON
DRIVE AND MATTHEW DRIVE, ZONE PDD-381 (CASE 5.1384 — PD
381/3.3902 MAJ/VTTM 36969). (ER)
Principal Planner Newell presented the proposed two-year extension of time as outlined
in the staff report.
Engineering Associate Minjares provided background details on the drainage project
(Master Drainage Plan Line 41) developed by the Riverside County Flood Control
District.
Chair Woods opened the public hearing:
DONALD POVIENG, on behalf of Canyon View, requested a two-year extension to
allow them time to work with the Riverside County Flood Control. He explained that
once plans are approved and released they would overlay the plans with theirs and
update them accordingly.
There being no further speakers the public hearing was closed.
Commissioner Donenfeld said they typically want to keep people on a shorter time
extension period, however, since there are many entities involved in the planning of this
project (Riverside County Flood Control District and City of Palm Springs) he is in favor
of the two-year extension.
Commissioner Hirschbein would like to see the re -design landscape plan come back to
the Commission because it is a significant change to the site plan.
Donenfeld, seconded by Moruzzi to approve with the following change:
1. Revised landscape plan to return to Planning Commission for review.
AYES: DONENFELD, GARNER, HIRSCHBEIN, SONG, MORUZZI, WOODS
2B. AN APPEAL BY MARK HODGIN OF THE TWIST PALM SPRINGS,
REPRESENTING ZALEKA VIA LOLA, LP AND LERANAX VIA LOLA,
LP, REQUESTING THE PLANNING COMMISSION TO REMOVE
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CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL ENG 3 THROUGH ENG 11 FOR THE
APPROVAL OF A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (CUP) TO CONVERT
THE EXISTING SEVENTEEN (17) SHORT-TERM RENTAL UNITS TO
HOTEL UNITS AT THE TWIST LOCATED AT 140 WEST VIA LOLA,
ZONE R-2/C-1, SECTION 10 (CASE NO. 5.1482 CUP). (NK)
Associate Planner Kikuchi presented the appeal to remove conditions of approval as
outlined in the staff report.
JOEL MONTALVO, Assistant Director of Engineering Services, provided details on the
street improvements on the site.
Chair Woods opened the public hearing:
TIM BRINKMAN, appellant, provided history on the parking lot, renovation on the entire
property and parking, restaurant build -out and ADA compliant parking spaces, entrance
to the restaurant and breezeway to the unit.
There being no further speakers the public hearing was closed.
Commissioner Hirschbein said he is uncomfortable requiring the appellant to modify the
area around his property at this time. He thinks if the appellant was building or adding -
on to the property it would trigger these conditions. He thinks this is unfair to require
him to make the street improvements.
Commissioner Donenfeld concurred with Commissioner Hirschbein; the appellant
complied with the change of the law (converting the short-term rental units to hotel
units). He will be voting against staff's recommendation.
Commissioner Garner thinks ADA requirements should be met. In addition, there is
more development in this area and more people will be using this back area.
Commissioner Song concurred with Commissioner Garner and thinks the parking
spaces need to be ADA compliant.
Hirschbein, seconded by Donenfeld to approve, subject to:
1. Delete Conditions of Approval Eng. 3 through 11.
AYES: DONENFELD, HIRSCHBEIN
NOES: GARNER, SONG, MORUZZI, WOODS
MOTION FAILED.
Commissioner Garner said that they need to be thinking more about sidewalks and
access in the downtown area, as we are becoming a walking city.
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Commissioner Donenfeld said he agrees that these are important parts of the city's
infrastructure. He thinks that in this particular case the facts do not merit this type of
relief.
Garner, seconded by Song to approve, subject to:
1. Require Conditions of Approval ENG 3 — 5.
2. Delete ENG Conditions 6 — 11.
AYES: GARNER, SONG, MORUZZI, WOODS
NOES: DONENFELD, HIRSCHBEIN
A recess was taken at 4:03 pm. The meeting resumed at 4:12 pm.
3. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE.
4. NEW BUSINESS:
4A. ASIA SF PALM SPRINGS, LLC FOR A LAND USE PERMIT
AMENDMENT TO MODIFY HOURS AND OPERATIONS OF THE
OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT / MUSICIANS THAT ARE PERMITTED
AS AN ACCESSORY USE TO A RESTAURANT LOCATED AT 1555
SOUTH PALM CANYON DRIVE, ZONE PD-131 / I.L. (CASE NO. LUP
19-063). (DN)
Associate Planner Newell provided an overview on the proposed request to modify
hours of operation as outlined in the staff report.
AARON NELSON, applicant, responded to questions from the Commission pertaining to
the sound monitoring.
AUDREY JOSEPH, sound expert, said they will be purchasing a compressor limiter and
explained equalizer so that the music will run through their equipment so they can
control the pressure of the speaker and limit sound levels.
Commissioner Donenfeld thinks that with the Infusion Beach model they have moved
forward. There are self -regulators that will lower the music if they sense the sound is
getting higher; and there are soundboards, as well. He said that they would hear from
the neighbors if it were working or not.
Commissioner Garner thinks they should review the project sooner than 6 months
because there were many complaints at this property. Also, because the hours for
music will be extended from 6 pm to 10 pm.
Garner, seconded by Song to approve with changes:
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1. Periodic review at three and six months from the date of business opening.
2. Live entertainment shall be limited to 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.
AYES: DONENFELD, GARNER, HIRSCHBEIN, SONG, MORUZZI, WOODS
4B. REQUEST BY CHRISTOPHER HOMES FOR THE APPROVAL OF
FINAL PLANNED DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR 70 SINGLE-FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL UNITS WITHIN PHASE 1 OF THE MIRALON
DEVELOPMENT LOCATED AT 801 SUNRISE WAY, ZONE PDD 290,
SECTION 35 (CASE 5.0982-PD 290 / TTM 31848-1). (ER)
Principal Planner Newell presented the final development plans as outlined in the staff
report.
Commissioner Garner said that all of the subcommittee suggestions have been met;
and they really liked the project. She said there was minimal discussion.
Commissioner Song verified with the applicant if they can eliminate the control joints by
one-third and adding rafters to this area. (Yes, they can work with staff.)
Donenfeld, seconded by Song to approve with changes:
1. The control joints shall be reduced.
2. The applicant shall add rafter extensions on the shed roof eaves.
AYES: DONENFELD, GARNER, HIRSCHBEIN, SONG, MORUZZI, WOODS
4C. PINNACLE PALM SPRINGS, LLC, FOR A MAJOR
ARCH ITECTURALAPPLICATION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A
4,527-SQUARE FOOT HOUSE ON A HILLSIDE LOT AND AN
ADMINISTRATIVE MINOR MODIFICATION FOR A REDUCTION IN THE
FRONT YARD SETBACK AND AN INCREASE IN BUILDING HEIGHT
LOCATED AT 1730 PINNACLE POINT (LOT 10), ZONE PDD 79.
(CASES 3.4099 MAJ & 7.1561 AMM)
Associate Planner Mlaker presented the proposed hillside house as outlined in the staff
report. He reported that they are requesting a front yard setback from 25 feet to 18 feet-
, which is consistent with the rest of the development.
Engineering Associate Minjares provided background information on the off -site grading
and restoration of the Swale area.
Hirschbein, seconded by Donenfeld to approve with changes:
1. Eyebrow element above garage door shall be lowered.
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2. Design of perimeter fencing shall be reviewed by AAC if Building Code
requires.
AYES: DONENFELD, GARNER, HIRSCHBEIN, SONG, WOODS
NOES: MORUZZI
PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS, REQUESTS AND COMMENTS:
• Review of Cannabis Ordinance.
• Status of Tova Hotel.
CITY COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT: None.
PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
• September 25t" meeting will begin at noon.
• Commissioner Song will not be present at 9/25/19 meeting.
ADJOURNMENT: The Planning Commission adjourned at 5:22 pm to 12:00 pm,
Wednesday, September 25, 2019, City Hall, Council Chamber, 3200 East Tahquitz
Canyon Way.
Flinn Fagg, AIC
Director of Planning Services
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