HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-01-13 PC Special Session Meeting MinutesPLANNING COMMISSION STUDY SESSION MINUTES
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
January 13, 2021
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, California
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Weremiuk called the meeting to order 4:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Hirschbein, Lewin, Song, Vice Chair Moruzzi, Chair Weremiuk
EXCUSED: Ervin
STAFF PRESENT: Planning Director Fagg, Assistant Planning Director Newell,
Attorney Priest, Secretary Bruggemans, Engineering Associate
Rick Minjares, Associate Planner Kikuchi, Principal Planner
Robertson
PUBLIC COMMENT: None
DISCUSSION:
1. INTRODUCTION OF MAJOR ARCHITECTURAL AND VARIANCE APPLICATIONS
SUBMITTED BY RIOS FOR A PROPOSED MIXED -USE PROJECT WHICH
INCLUDES TWENTY-FIVE (25) SINGLE AND TWO (2)-STORY APARTMENT UNITS
AND COMMERCIAL SPACES ON AN UNDEVELOPED 2.40-ACRE SITE LOCATED
AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF NORTH PALM CANYON DRIVE AND WEST
CHINO DRIVE, 575 NORTH PALM CANYON DRIVE, ZONE CBD & ZONE R-2,
SECTION 10 (CASE 3.4191 MAJ & CASE 6.560 VAR). (NK)
Director Fagg introduced the project and alerted the Commission against making statements
as to which way they will vote; only fact-finding questions are appropriate.
Associate Planner Kikuchi narrated a PowerPoint presentation with details of the proposed
project.
Director Fagg discussed ways for resolving the level of density related to the project.
Discussion followed regarding the Riverside County flood control plan for the adjacent parcel,
whether the area could be landscaped, the overall lot coverage of the two parcels, combined,
whether the open space includes the drive aisle, potential issues with setback requirements
with an NCC zoning designation, Fire Department requirements relative to a drive aisle and
exit onto Palm Canyon, the need for two entry and exit points and providing access for
emergency vehicles.
BRIAN ADAMS, developer, clarified their intention is not to have residents enter/exit off North
Palm Canyon but will be an emergency vehicle entry/exit only.
Planning Commission Study Session Minutes
January 13, 2021
City of Palm Springs
Discussion continued regarding the location of the Riverside County flood control parcel and
the reason for minimum density requirements in the General Plan.
MARK RIOS, applicant, thanked the Commission for considering the project and narrated a
PowerPoint presentation with details of the proposed project and spoke about reinforcing a
pedestrian community.
Commissioner Hirschbein noted there is more parking than required and asked whether the
developer would consider eliminating some parking spaces and adding areas for public uses.
MARK RIOS reported they have considered including pocket parks and stated additional
parking was provided in order to not impact the Old Las Palmas community.
Discussion followed regarding the urban form of the Chicken Ranch Restaurant, enhancing the
area on the corner along Chino Drive, matching the scale and form of the restaurant, creating
a "gateway moment", enhancing treatment of the Palm Canyon edge and increasing access to
commercial features.
Commissioner Song commented on the possibility of removing parking to enhance the corner
and address the street urban design along Palm Canyon and Chino Drive; and consider adding
a gate on West Chino Drive.
Commissioner Lewin spoke about the importance of Chino Drive; and would like to see more
ideas for the corner of Chino Drive and Palm Canyon. He thinks the street along Chino Drive
does not seem balanced and suggested the possibility of re -orienting the project, outward, to
embrace the surrounding area.
Vice Chair Moruzzi requested clarification of the 219 feet relative to a rear setback.
Chair Weremiuk voiced concerns regarding adding doors and activating the street for
pedestrians; and suggested adding other entry/exit points. Ms. Weremiuk recommended
adding shade for pedestrians along the street.
PETER MAHLER spoke about the importance of the site and noted their goal is to create a
luxury residential community.
ADJOURNMENT:
The Planning Commission Study Session adjourned at 5:51 p.m. to their regular meeting at
6:00 pm on Wednesday, January 13, 2021.
David Newell, AICP
Assistant Director of Planning