HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-05-12 PC Meeting MinutesPLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
MAY 12, 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 at 5:30 pm.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Ervin, Hirschbein, Roberts, Song, Vice Chair Moruzzi, Chair Weremiuk
Staff Present: Development Services Director Fagg, Attorney Priest, Assistant
Planning Director Newell, Administrative Coordinator Hintz, Associate
Planner Lyon, 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,
May 6, 2021, and posted on the City's website as required by established policies and
procedures.
ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA:
Song, seconded by Roberts to accept the Agenda, as presented.
AYES: ERVIN, HIRSCHBEIN, ROBERTS, SONG, MORUZZI, WEREMIUK
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Chair Weremiuk opened public comments:
SEAN LOCKYER, representing the applicant, spoke in reference to Item #4A, provided
information on the building design of the front facade. Mr. Lockyer was available for
questions.
GREG AND NANCY HICKEY, owners, Item #4A, said they're excited about the project
and hope to bring houses to Desert Palisades similar to what you would see at Modernism
week.
There being no further speakers public comments was closed.
1. CONSENT CALENDAR:
Planning Commission Minutes
May 12, 2021
City of Palm Springs
Roberts, seconded by Song to approve the Consent Calendar. (Noting Commissioner
Robert's abstention on the minutes.)
AYES: ERVIN, HIRSCHBEIN, ROBERTS, SONG, MORUZZI, WEREMIUK
1A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: DECEMBER 17, 2020
1 B. A REQUEST FOR A GENERAL PLAN CONFORMITY REVIEW OF A
SUMMARY VACATION OF A PUBLIC UTILITY EASEMENT WITHIN
VACATED CALLE SANTA ROSA IN SECTION 14, TOWNSHIP 4, RANGE
4 EAST (ENG. FILE R 21-04-0495). (FP)
2. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
2A. DESERT PALISADES SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT FOR REVISIONS
TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES CONSISTENT WITH RECENT
CHANGES TO THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW PROCESS (CASE 5.1532
ZTA ). (FF)
Director Fagg provided an overview of the proposed amendment to the specific plan
document.
Commissioner Roberts verified that conformity reviews would occur as part of the
architectural review process and suggested that architectural review cases might be
included on the consent agenda for the Planning Commission.
Vice Chair Moruzzi and Commissioner Hirschbein verified the architectural review process
for other hillside areas in the city.
Chair Weremiuk noted that any action by the Architectural Review Committee would be
appealed to the Planning Commission.
Chair Weremiuk then opened the public hearing:
SEAN LOCKYER, architect, noted the current challenges in the getting through the
architectural review process, and supported a streamlined process.
There being no further speakers, the public hearing was closed.
Commissioner Song offered her agreement on the new process, and that Planning
Commission members may attend ARC meetings to monitor the reviews, and that most
applications for Desert Palisades are placed on the consent calendar for approval.
Commissioner Roberts offered concerns about precedent and fallout, and the ARC
performing conformity reviews. It was noted by staff that the new architectural review
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May 12, 2021
City of Palm Springs
procedures would be reviewed by the Planning Commission and City Council one year
after adoption in order to assess the effectiveness of the new procedures.
Weremiuk, seconded by Song to recommend approval to City Council.
AYES: ERVIN, HIRSCHBEIN, ROBERTS, SONG, MORUZZI, WEREMIUK
3. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE
4. NEW BUSINESS:
4A. GREG HICKEY, OWNER, PROPOSING CONSTRUCTION OF A 3,946-
SQUARE FOOT SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE ON A HILLSIDE LOT
LOCATED AT 2274 WINTER SUN DRIVE, ZONE ESA-SP PLANNING
AREA 4, DESERT PALISADES SPECIFIC PLAN (CASE 3.4203 MAJ). (KL)
Associate Planner Lyon provided an overview on the proposed hillside house as outlined
in the staff report.
SEAN LOCKYER, representing the applicant, was available for questions
Vice Chair Moruzzi does not think all the houses should look alike and is pleased to see a
variety of facades that are being proposed and approved in Desert Palisades.
Commissioner Song concurred with Vice Chair Moruzzi and appreciates how the building
architecture blends into the surroundings.
Chair Weremiuk thank Mr. Lockyer for the visual presentation to see the rock wall in
perspective.
Weremiuk, seconded by Moruzzi to approve with the following change:
1. The Ironwood and Olive trees shall be old growth trees.
AYES: ERVIN, HIRSCHBEIN, ROBERTS, SONG, MORUZZI, WEREMIUK
4B. NATIONAL SIGN & MARKETING REPRESENTING PILOT FLYING J FOR
A SIGN PROGRAM TO ESTABLISH SIGN CRITERIA FOR THE MULTI -
TENANTED FUELING STATION LOCATED AT 6605 NORTH INDIAN
CANYON DRIVE, HC ZONE (CASE SP 21-001). (GM)
Associate Mlaker presented the proposed sign program as outlined in the staff report.
Vice Chair Moruzzi said he was present at the AAC meeting when this project was
reviewed and noted there was a lot of discussion before approving the sign program.
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Planning Commission Minutes
May 12, 2021
City of Palm Springs
Moruzzi, seconded by Song to approve with conditions of approval.
AYES: ERVIN, HIRSCHBEIN, ROBERTS, SONG, MORUZZI, WEREMIUK
PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS, REQUESTS AND COMMENTS:
• Code enforcement process for abandoned hotel property
• Commissioner Lewin's resignation
• Re -opening of City facilities and status of Principal Planner position to assist with
pre -submittals and new architectural review process.
• June loth City Council review of design standards for parklets.
• No fireworks will be allowed on 4th of July.
PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
• Study session will be held on May 26th to discuss a project that includes affordable
housing.
ADJOURNMENT:
The Planning Commission adjourned at 6:55 pm to 4:00 pm, Wednesday, May 26, 2021,
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way.
David Newell, AICP
Assistant Director of Planning
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