HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-01-25 PC Meeting MinutesPLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
January 25, 2023
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, Hirschbein, Miller, Moruzzi, Vice Chair Roberts, Chair
Weremiuk
Excused Absence: Ervin
Staff Present: Planning Director Hadwin, Attorney Jim Priest, Assistant Planning
Director Newell, Planning Technician Bruno, Administrative
Secretary Bruggemans
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, January 19, 2023, and posted on
the City's website as required by established policies and procedures.
ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA:
Chair Weremiuk, seconded by Commissioner Roberts to accept the agenda, as
amended.
AYES: AYLAIAN, HIRSCHBEIN, MILLER, MORUZZI, ROBERTS, WEREMIUK
ABSENT: ERWIN
PUBLIC COMMENTS: NONE
CONSENT CALENDAR: NONE
2. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
2A. DTPS B-3 LLC FOR AN EXTENSION OF TIME FOR MAJOR
ARCHITECTURAL AND TENTATIVE TRACT MAP APPROVALS
ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SIX STORY, 73,300-
SQUARE FOOT MIXED USE BUILDING (MULTI -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
CONDOMINIUMS AND COMMERCIAL) WITH 45 FOR -SALE
RESIDENTIAL UNITS AND GROUND
ON BLOCK "B" OF THE DOWNTOWN
AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF
WAY; 200 NORTH BELARDO ROAD,
MAJ & TTM 37935 EOT). (DN)
Planning Commission Minutes
January 25, 2023
City of Palm Springs
FLOOR COMMERCIAL LOCATED
PALM SPRINGS SPECIFIC PLAN
BELARDO ROAD AND MUSEUM
ZONE CBD (CASE NOS. 3.3908
Assistant Planning Director Newell presented project as outlined in staff report. He
explained the extenuating circumstances that the applicant faced including the
determination by the Department of Industrial Relations that prevailing wage applies to
this project, as well as delays created by the ongoing pandemic.
PUBLIC HEARING:
MICHAEL BRAUN, applicant, stated that the City of Palm Springs has been working
with the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) since 2019 to resolve this issue. Mr.
Braun said as a Charter City, Palm Springs is exempt from prevailing wages under
State Law, but that the DIR is not accepting that position. He said their biggest hurdle is
the court hearing with Department of Industrial Relations and final plan check.
There being no further speaker the public hearing was closed.
Vice Chair Roberts requested a more detailed update on the financing of the project.
Mr. Braun responded that they plan to start the project in September or October,
pending resolution of the issue with DIR.
Commissioner Aylaian suggested language to be added to Finding No. 3.
Vice Chair Roberts, seconded by Commissioner Miller to adopt resolution determining
no CEQA review is necessary and approving a one-year extension of time with changes
in added language:
1. Modify language on Finding No. 3, at the end of second paragraph add: ".. .
and the project and it's environment remain substantially consistent with
those analyzed in the previously approved environmental impact report."
AYES: AYLAIAN, HIRSCHBEIN, MILLER, MORUZZI, ROBERTS, WEREMIUK
ABSENT: ERWIN
Chair Weremiuk commented that this was the situation they envisioned when they were
looking at an extension. She will be very excited to see this project move forward.
2B. DAYSTAR HOTELS LLC FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND A
LAND USE PERMIT TO OPERATE A RESTAURANT OFFERING
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Planning Commission Minutes
January 25, 2023
City of Palm Springs
PUBLIC SERVICE WITHIN AN EXISTING HOTEL LOCATED AT 450
EAST PALM CANYON DRIVE, ZONE R3, (CASE NOS. 5.1568 CUP &
LUP 22-056). (RB)
Planning Technician Bruno presented the project as outlined in the staff report.
The Commission requested clarification about adequate parking for the general public,
live music and hours of operation.
Commissioner Aylaian questioned if the City could waive a federal mandate for two
required A.D.A. parking spaces, as the proposed project only provided one. Attorney
Priest responded if the total parking requirement is being reduced with the waiver, then
the accessible parking requirement is reduced, as well.
Vice Chair Roberts thinks it will be a lovely addition. He confirmed with staff that
allowing 50 seats would require 6 additional parking spaces.
Commissioner Hirschbein asked about pedestrian access into the project. The
applicant said they want to be sensitive to neighborhood and access to the project will
be on Palm Canyon.
Commissioner Miller noted concern about having an outdoor restaurant and bar open
until midnight in a residential neighborhood. He also had concerns with the guest drop-
off on Palm Canyon and suggested the Commission re -visit the parking plan in 3 to 6
months after opening.
Commissioner Aylaian stated she would support the condition that the restaurant stop
serving food and beverage at 10:00 pm, non -amplified music, and to revisit the parking
plan in six -months.
Commissioner Moruzzi stated support of signage.
Commissioner Hirschbein requested as part of the conditions that public pedestrian
access be restricted to Palm Canyon.
Roberts seconded by Chair Weremiuk to approve the project, subject to conditions of
approval with added changes:
1. Allow 50 seats, waiving the additional parking requirements;
2. Hours of operation for food and drinks to end at midnight, allowance of non -
amplified music until 10:00 pm;
3. Allow small signage plan, as permitted by the zoning code;
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Planning Commission Minutes
January 25, 2023
City of Palm Springs
4. An administrative review of public access restrictions, parking plan and other
complaints to be reviewed within one year of opening. Staff to return to
Planning Commission if changes are needed.
AYES: AYLAIAN, HIRSCHBEIN, MILLER, MORUZZI, ROBERTS, WEREMIUK
ABSENT: ERWIN
3. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE
4. NEW BUSINESS: NONE
PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS, REQUESTS AND COMMENTS:
• Update on California's COVID-19 State of Emergency for conducting meetings
by teleconference.
• Changes to the Urban Lot Splits and ADU Zone changes.
• Update on The Thompson Hotel.
PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
• Update on the Planning Commission gate appeal for the 12 @ Las Palmas
development.
• Update on upcoming items for the next Planning Commission meeting.
• Update on the Planning Department's review process of applications and the on-
line permitting system.
ADJOURNMENT:
The Planning Commission adjourned at 7:04 pm to 5:30 pm, Wednesday, February 8,
2023, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way.
noL-
ristopher Hadwin
Planning Director
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