HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-10-26 PC Meeting MinutesPLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
October 26, 2022
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: Aylaian, Ervin, Miller, Moruzzi, Chair Weremiuk
Excused Absence: Hirschbein, Vice Chair Roberts
Staff Present: Planning Director Hadwin, Attorney Priest, Administrative
Coordinator Hintz, Associate Planner Mlaker
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 9:00 pm on Thursday, October 20, 2022, and posted on
the City's website as required by established policies and procedures.
ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA:
Moruzzi, seconded by Ervin to accept the Agenda, as presented.
AYES: AYLAIAN, ERVIN, MILLER, MORUZZI, WEREMIUK
ABSENT: HIRSCHBEIN, ROBERTS
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
1. CONSENT CALENDAR:
2. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
2A. WILLIAM EDEN, OWNER, FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO
ALLOW A MULTI -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL USE IN THE C-1 ZONE; A
TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP; A MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AND
A REQUEST FOR AN ADMINISTRATIVE MINOR MODIFICATION FOR
THE DEVELOPMENT NAMED "EDEN PALM ESTATES" LOCATED AT
Planning Commission Minutes
October 26, 2022
City of Palm Springs
WEST VIA OLIVERA DRIVE, SPLIT ZONE C-1/R-2 (CASE 5.1562,
3.4326 MDP, TPM 38400, & 7.1655 AMM). (GM)
Associate Planner Mlaker provided an overview on the proposed project
Chair Weremiuk opened the public hearing:
ZAYDA BRAUN, project manger & assistant designer, clarified that based on the
parking calculation they are required to provide six parking spaces; however, they are
providing seven. She explained as far as the covered parking spaces they are required
to provide three; however, because of the symmetry of the project they are providing six
covered parking spaces. Ms. Braun said the reason for leaving the 7th parking
uncovered is due to providing access to a manhole for the engineering requirement to
provide underground drainage. Ms. Braun indicated that it's up to the designer or owner
to see if they can provide other options for the gate design.
JEFFREY JURASKY, architectural designer, said this particular area in Palm Springs is
craving a more interesting architectural statement when it comes to the residential area.
There being no further speakers the public hearing was closed.
Commissioner Aylaian questioned the choice of hardscape colors has a lot of dark
charcoal colors and without much landscaping thinks it would create a "heat" island.
Ms. Aylaian questioned if they could come up with a lighter color that would have
greater reflectivity and not heat up the area as much. Mr. Jurasky responded they
selected the darker tones to be different and the owner liked the color palette of the
black, white and orange with the buildings so close together. He said they can change
it if the Commission feels strongly about it.
Commissioner Aylaian noted in a couple of years the Washtonian Robusta Palms would
be out of scale and wondered if they would be open to the suggestion of California Fan
Palms. Mr. Jurasky responded yes that's fine.
Commissioner Moruzzi said he thinks it's a good project and will look great it that part of
town. He said he likes the colors and does not think they are too dark.
Chair Weremiuk said she agreed with the comments about the dark colors creating heat
and would like the Architectural Review Committee to take a look at this item. Ms.
Weremiuk also noted concern with management pulling the trash containers in and out.
Commissioner Miller suggested an alternative design for the gate such as a roll up gate
without any intrusion on the public sidewalk.
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Planning Commission Minutes
October 26, 2022
City of Palm Springs
Commissioner Aylaian noted concern with the two water features in front of the project
with the findings that the design is sympathetic to the desert surroundings. Mr. Jurasky
responded the water features add romantic elements to the architectural corner. He
explained it's concrete block and the water will gently step down and will recirculate.
Chair Weremiuk noted concern with the drought, and they closed down their public
fountain.
Commissioner Miller thinks the water fountains are small enough and it would be a
great design feature. He said every single-family house built has a pool and has no
problem with the water features. Commissioner Moruzzi concurred.
Aylaian, seconded by Miller to approve the application subject to conditions of approval
and added conditions:
1. The applicant shall revise the trash enclosure so that the gate does not block
the sidewalk.
2. Palm trees shall be California Fan Palms.
AYES: AYLAIAN, ERVIN, MILLER, MORUZZI, WEREMIUK
ABSENT: HIRSCHBEIN, ROBERTS
2B. CITY OF PALM SPRINGS REQUEST FOR AMENDMENTS TO THE
PALM SPRINGS ZONING CODE, CHAPTER 92.00, RELATED TO
ZONING REGULATIONS FOR CHILDCARE USES (CASE 5.1566 ZTA).
(FF)
Planning Director Hadwin provided an overview on the proposed amendment for
childcare uses as outlined in the staff report.
In response to Commissioner Ervin, Mr. Hadwin addressed the fees associated
child/daycare uses for a Land Use Permit versus a Conditional Use Permit.
Commissioner Miller questioned if the City has any regulations for childcare for outdoor
play area and/or hours of operation. Mr. Hadwin responded they refer to the State
allowance for these items and the Building Department for safety and building elements.
Commissioner Aylaian thinks this would be beneficial to the community and made a
motion of approval.
Aylaian, seconded by Miller to recommend approval to the City Council.
AYES: AYLAIAN, ERVIN, MILLER, MORUZZI, WEREMIUK
ABSENT: HIRSCHBEIN, ROBERTS
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Planning Commission Minutes
October 26, 2022
City of Palm Springs
3. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None
4. NEW BUSINESS: None
PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS, REQUESTS AND COMMENTS:
• Status of the Dream Hotel project.
PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
• Housing Element compliance.
• City Council review on Planning Commission items.
ADJOURNMENT:
The Planning Commission adjourned at 6.36 pm to 5:30 pm, Wednesday, November 9,
2022, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way.
Christopher Hadwin
Director of Planning Services
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