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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-02-10 PC Meeting MinutesPLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 10, 2021 CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, California (Meeting held via Zoom) CALL TO ORDER: Chair Weremiuk called the meeting to order 5:30 pm. ROLL CALL: Ervin, Hirschbein, Lewin, Song, Vice Chair Moruzzi, Chair Weremiuk STAFF PRESENT: Development Services Director Fagg, Assistant Planning Director Newell, Attorney Priest, Administrative Secretary Bruggemans, Associate Planner Mlaker, Engineering Associate Minjares REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA: The Agenda was available for public access at the City Hall exterior bulletin board (west side of Council Chamber) by 6:00 pm on Thursday, February 4, 2021, and posted on the City's website as required by established policies and procedures. ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA: Chair Weremiuk requested moving the order of agenda to consider Item 4A prior to Item 2A. Song, seconded by Lewin, to accept the agenda as amended. AYES: ERVIN, HIRSCHBEIN, LEWIN, SONG, MORUZZI, WEREMIUK Chair Weremiuk requested adding Item 5A, a Discussion on Modifications to the Architectural Review Process. Planning Director Fagg explained the item and noted it is being added as an emergency item, under the Brown Act exception, after the fact, as the matter did not come to the knowledge of the City until after the agenda was posted and there is a need to act this evening. Weremiuk, seconded by Song, to add Item 5A to the agenda. AYES: ERVIN, HIRSCHBEIN, LEWIN, SONG, MORUZZI, WEREMIUK PUBLIC COMMENTS: None Planning Commission Minutes February 10, 2021 City of Palm Springs 1. CONSENT CALENDAR: None 2. NEW BUSINESS: 2.A THE BANK DISPENSARY AND LOUNGE FOR A SIGN PROGRAM TO ESTABLISH SIGN CRITERIA FOR THE MULTI -TENANTED COMMER- CIAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 296 SOUTH PALM CANYON DRIVE, C-B-D ZONE (CASE SP 20-006) (GM). Associate Planner Mlaker presented the proposed project; discussed AAC review and recommendations and addressed the proposed signs, planter beds and restoration of the fountain. Discussion followed regarding the tenant signs, entrance to the tenant spaces, the lack of requirements relative to having separate entrances to tenant spaces, working with the applicant to reduce the height of the letters for the tenant signs, clarification of the intent of the sign program, the need for consistency in terms of the size of logos and lettering, the square footage of tenant spaces and the type of tenants the applicant is hoping to attract. In response to Vice Chair Moruzzi's question, the applicant addressed use of LED lights instead of neon. Commissioner Lewin confirmed the sign program is for two signs; one on Baristo and one on Palm Canyon and expressed support for the proposed sign program. Commissioner Hirschbein expressed concerns that multiple tenant signs will degrade the architecture and thinks there is room for a monument sign on Palm Canyon. He stated the code does not recognize the need for signage for upper story tenants. Commissioner Ervin commented on similar projects that have been approved by the Planning Commission and expressed concern about setting precedent. Commissioner Song noted that every tenant could be part of a monument sign. Vice Chair Moruzzi noted that the AAC found the proposed signage, acceptable. Associate Planner Mlaker addressed the goal of a sign program; discussed the 500- building noting the Planning Commission did not allow signage on the second and third floors. He spoke about the feasibility of a monument sign for this project, adding that the applicant did not request a monument sign for this program. JULIE MONTANTE, applicant, reported there is a 48" fountain in front of their door as well as planters; and thinks there is no room for a monument sign, and one would disrupt the look of the building. 2 Planning Commission Minutes February 10, 2021 City of Palm Springs Commissioner Lewin agreed with the applicant's comments and thinks it makes a compelling argument against a monument sign. Discussion followed regarding the location of the address on the building, room for a monument sign on the Baristo side of the building and keeping in mind that the applicant did not request a monument sign. Commissioner Song thinks the planters could provide an opportunity to design a monument sign for the tenants of the building. Chair Weremiuk expressed concern that the signs are too massive and overwhelm the sign and suggested smaller lettering. Commissioner Lewin suggested limiting the number of tenants to two. Vice Chair Moruzzi noted the second -floor space is 9,000 square feet and did not agree with limiting the lease to two tenants. Lewin, seconded by Moruzzi to approve, with a condition that all tenant signs on the building be of a uniform font with letters measuring 17", with no logos for the subtenants and limiting it to two tenants. AYES: ERVIN, LEWIN, MORUZZI, WEREMIUK NOES: HIRSCHBEIN, SONG 3. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE. 4. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 4A. REQUEST BY THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS FOR APPROVAL OF THE ANNUAL UPDATE OF THE PALM SPRINGS ZONING CODE (CASE 5.1466 ZTA). (FF) Planning Director Fagg presented the report and highlighted proposed changes to the Palm Springs Zoning Code. Discussion followed regarding consideration of changing the resort corridor overlay, the implications of having restaurants with an LUP versus a CUP, a proposal to reduce the costs of LUPs and CUPs, and related time issues, other appropriate uses for Zone P, getting a better definition of Animal Daycare, the appropriate category for Outdoor Space and the differences between Class1 and Class 2 historic structures. Commissioner Lewin spoke about Class 2 parking waivers; and the need to be intentional about where there should be future home development and expressed concerns about administrative approvals of restaurants in the Professional Zone. K Planning Commission Minutes February 10, 2021 City of Palm Springs Commissioner Hirschbein voiced concerns about administrative approvals of restaurants in the Professional Zone; noting he would like to give the public an opportunity to provide input. Commissioner Song stated she would like to better understand the appropriate distance for restaurants near residential zones encouraging that kind of flexibility of uses. Planning Director Fagg recommended continuing this item to the next Planning Commission meeting so that staff can provide additional information. Chair Weremiuk referenced the Resort Overlay Zone and thinks it would be beneficial to look at areas in terms of additional housing as a way of extending the season and increasing the use of Palm Springs as a resort area. Chair Weremiuk opened the public hearing and there being no speakers the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Lewin stated he would like to have a discussion on grocery shopping centers and whether surrounding areas would be appropriate for additional housing. Lewin, seconded by Song to continue to date certain of February 24, 2021. AYES: ERVIN, HIRSHBEIN, LEWIN, SONG, MORUZZI, WEREMIUK A recess was taken at 7:34 p.m. The meeting resumed at 7:47 p.m. 5. DISCUSSION 5A. DISCUSSION ON THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW PROCESS (FF) Planning Director Fagg presented the report; addressed revisions to the architectural review process; discussed discretionary approvals, proposed changes, revisions, and recommendations. Discussion followed regarding providing examples of downtown developments, concerns regarding the site plan being the Planning Commission's only purview, signage, the Planning Commission's continued responsibilities, maintaining the Planned Development District Process, the possibility of a different process for unique projects, reasons for the proposed changes, the need to have clear processes, City Council's direction to staff to work on this issue, appointments to the AAC through the Planning Commission, the possibility of making the AAC a subcommittee of the Planning Commission, the need to streamline processes and creating clear areas of decision -making. No action was taken on this Item. A follow-up discussion will be scheduled for the meeting of February 24, 2021. 4 Planning Commission Minutes February 10, 2021 City of Palm Springs PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS, REQUESTS AND COMMENTS: • Request for update on the status of the Tova Hotel demolition. • Commissioner Lewin requested to review grocery store shopping centers and the possibility of adding housing. • Chair Weremiuk presented a brief update on the General Plan update, specifically, the Housing Element. She requested adding the matter to the agenda of the Planning Commission's second meeting in March. • Commissioner Ervin requested consideration of changing zoning in residential areas, specifically R1 and R2 zones to allow multi -unit housing in residential areas. • Discussion followed regarding the status of other hotel projects and opportunities for in -fill within the community. CITY COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT: None PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Planning Director Fagg addressed items on the agenda for the Planning Commission's next meeting of February 24, 2021 and spoke about the professionalism of City staff and review of reports by the City Attorney's Office. ADJOURNMENT: The Planning Commission adjourned at 8:30 p.m. to a Study Session at 4:00 pm, Wednesday, February 24, 2021, City Hall, Council Chamber, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way. ,�P" David Newell, AICP Assistant Director of Planning 5