HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-02-24 PC Study Session MinutesPLANNING COMMISSION STUDY SESSION MINUTES
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
February 24, 2021
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, California
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Weremiuk called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Ervin, Hirschbein, Lewin, Song, Vice Chair Moruzzi, Chair
Weremiuk
STAFF PRESENT: Development Services Director Fagg, Assistant Planning
Director Newell, Attorney Priest, Secretary Bruggemans,
Principal Planner Robertson
PUBLIC COMMENT:
STEVE GRASHA, Director, Mission Springs Water District, referenced Item No. 1; and
suggested adding a Condition of Approval that the applicant be required to attach his project
to available or future sewage treatment facilities when building the project.
PETER DAVIES, referenced a notice of objection submitted via email and requested
including it in the record for Item No. 1.
There were no other public comments.
DISCUSSION:
Director Fagg announced the applicant for this item has withdrawn his application and the
matter will not be considered at this time.
1. PRE -APPLICATION REQUEST BY TRANSWESTERN DEVELOPMENT
COMPANY FOR A 1,400,611-SQUARE-FOOT FULFILLMENT CENTER TO
INCLUDE APPROXIMATELY 20,000 SQUARE FEET OFFICE SPACE,
WAREHOUSE SPACE, ASSOCIATED PARKING AND LANDSCAPING ON A 148-
ACRE SITE LOCATED SOUTH OF 1-10 FREEWAY ALONG TIPTON ROAD AT
THE WHITEWATER ROAD OFF -RAMP, ZONE HC. (CASE PA-20-005) (ER).
(Withdrawn at Applicant's Request.)
2. DISCUSSION ON CHANGES TO THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW PROCESS
(CASE 5.1526 ZTA) (FF).
Director Fagg narrated a PowerPoint presentation highlighting changes to the architectural
review process.
Planning Commission Study Session Minutes
February 24, 2021
City of Palm Springs
Discussion followed regarding the general review process, the importance of all architectural
materials being provided as part of the site plan review so that the Planning Commission
and City Council are able to see the architectural treatment materials as well.
Vice Chair Moruzzi commented positively on the pre -submittal conference with staff and
suggested the Chair of the ARC take on the role of planning staff in the pre -submittal
conference.
Director Fagg explained the challenges in terms of time commitments and suggested hiring
a consultant with architectural experience to take on the role at pre -submittal conferences;
and noted the City Council approved the hiring of a planner during this year's budget review.
Vice Chair Moruzzi referenced examples in the staff report and in response to his question
about when circulation would be addressed, Director Fagg noted it would be addressed in
the pre -submittal conference with staff and under step 3 with the Planning Commission.
Discussion followed regarding holding joint study sessions of the Planning Commission and
ARC and resolving design issues with the ARC, upfront, before the formal process.
Commissioner Hirschbein suggested that if staff hires a planner with architectural
experience, that he/she also have experience in urban design. He spoke about objective
design standards and being careful of mandating a color and material palette and expressed
concerns with putting the ARC at the end of the process.
Director Fagg reported that if the ARC denies an architectural application, it would be
appealable to the Planning Commission.
Commissioner Hirschbein suggested "Site Development Standards" could have a broader
definition of what the review is called.
Discussion followed regarding the down sides of the proposed changes, not compromising
design standards by expediting the process, the PDD process, the appeals process, site
development standards, issues requiring the input of the Planning Commission and
addressing findings/criteria.
In reply to Commissioner Ervin's question regarding the significance and importance of the
ARC, Director Fagg described the roles of the ARC versus the Planning Commission.
Chair Weremiuk noted that without approval of the Planning Commission, there is no project
and reported the ARC enhances the role of the Planning Commission.
Planning Director Fagg recommended trying the new ARC review process for one-year and
have staff return with a report on the effectiveness of the procedures.
2
Planning Commission Study Session Minutes
February 24, 2021
City of Palm Springs
Commissioner Ervin asked about receiving agenda packets and supporting documentation
sooner.
Commissioner Lewin agreed with Commissioner Hirschbein's comments regarding objective
design standards.
Director Fagg reported there are no fees associated with the pre -submittal conference.
Chair Weremiuk noted this is a hybrid process and the pre -submittal conference is very early
before applicants work on designs. She pointed -out the Planning Commission interviews
and appoints members of the ARC.
Vice Chair Moruzzi suggested design "guidelines" versus design "standards." He
commented about working with a subcommittee and thinks design guidelines should be
discussed as early as possible in the process.
ADJOURNMENT:
The Planning Commission Study Session adjourned at 5:45 p.m. to their regular Planning
Commission meeting at 6:00 p.m. on February 24, 2021.
Tavid Newell, AICP
Assistant Director of Planning