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Home My WebLink About2023-02-08 PC Meeting MinutesPLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES February 8, 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, Ervin, Hirschbein, Miller, Moruzzi, Chair Weremiuk Excused Absence: Vice Chair Roberts Staff Present: Planning Director Hadwin, Attorney Jim Priest, Associate Planner Kikuchi, 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, February 2, 2023, 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, HIRSCHBEIN, MILLER, MORUZZI, WEREMIUK ABSENT: ROBERTS PUBLIC COMMENTS: NONE 1. CONSENT CALENDAR: NONE 2. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 2.A. RIOS, ON BEHALF OF OLD LAS PALMAS PARTNERS, LLC, FOR THE APPROVAL OF CHANGE OF ZONE, MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PERMIT, TENTATIVE TRACT MAP AND VARIANCE APPLICATIONS FOR A 1 Planning Commission Minutes February 8, 2023 City of Palm Springs PROPOSED MIXED -USE PROJECT WHICH INCLUDES 24 RESIDENTIAL CONDOMINIUM UNITS AND A 2,214-SQUARE-FOOT COMMERCIAL SPACE AT 2.4-ACRE UNDEVELOPED PARCELS LOCATED AT 575 NORTH PALM CANYON DRIVE, ZONE CBD/R-2, SECTION 10 (CASE NOS. 5.1541 CZ, 3.4191 MAJ/DEV, 38190 TTM, 6.560 VAR). (NK) Associate Planner Kikuchi presented the project as outlined in the staff report. Commissioner Aylaian said, as part of the subcommittee review process, they discussed the increased commercial area along North Palm Canyon, which also increased the ceiling height and depth to ensure that it remains viable and flexible commercial space. The subcommittee thought that the mixed -use nature of the development and the gate setback from Belardo differentiates this project from other residential projects and justifies the proposed gate. Commissioner Hirschbein also reported that the subcommittee thought the development would serve as more of a "downtown" experience where you might park in one location and visit multiple spaces along Palm Canyon Drive, and the proposed parking was adequate. Public Hearing: Anna Chodhury, Altium Group, environmental consultant, provided an overview of the CEQA analysis and mitigations. Brian Adamson, OLPP, developer, provided details of the revised project and was available for questions. Mark Rios, Rios, architect, discussed how the RIOS team worked to create a safe, enjoyable, and walkable community build on the legacy of exceptional architecture of the area with a contemporary take. Elizabeth Wendell, senior project designer, RIOS, architect, provided details about the proposed development including the proposed setback variance. She stated that there will be a mix of unit sizes catering to different family types; and noted that they intend to, maintain the palm trees along Palm Canyon Drive. Bob Eicholz, adjacent resident, voiced support of the changes made to the project; in particular to the transitioning of the lower heights. He thinks the project lacks the Spanish architecture in the Las Palmas area. 2 Planning Commission Minutes February 8, 2023 City of Palm Springs Commission Comments: Chair Weremiuk noted that Vice Chair Roberts was recused on this item as he owns property within 500 feet. Commissioner Moruzzi asked for clarification on the ability to landscape the county property adjacent to this site. Mr. Adamson responded that they cannot undertake any improvements on county property but that they intend to landscape the northern edge of their property line. Commissioner Miller asked whether the 5-ft setback along the north side will allow for windows on the second -story units that are facing the north easement. Mr. Adamson replied yes. Commissioner Hirschbein asked that the ARC look at trees for shading when they review the landscape plans. Commissioner Miller spoke in support of the gates. He pointed out the differences between this mixed -use project and other recent residential projects where gates have been prohibited. Director Hadwin requested consideration to remove two conditions related to the emergency access from Palm Canyon, that are no longer necessary given revisions to the plan. Hirschbein, seconded by Aylaian to approve the project subject to conditions of approval with added conditions: 1. Architectural Review Committee (ARC) shall review the architectural and landscape treatment along the north with increased enhancements. 2. Architectural Review Committee (ARC) shall review the landscape design (i.e.) possible shade trees in the interior space of the development). 3. Staff shall work with the Historic Site Preservation Board (HSPB) to install a plaque on the existing marker. 4. Delete two conditions related to the emergency access from Palm Canyon. AYES: AYLAIAN, ERVIN, HIRSCHBEIN, MILLER, MORUZZI, WEREMIUK ABSTAIN: ROBERTS 3. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE 4. NEW BUSINESS: NONE 3 Planning Commission Minutes February 8, 2023 City of Palm Springs PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS, REQUESTS AND COMMENTS: • Update on the12 @ Las Palmas gate appeal to the City Council. • Request for a list of approved projects that have lost their entitlements. • Status update on Serena Park development. • Overview of Black History month. PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT: • Staff update on the State and Local Emergency Orders and procedures for upcoming meetings. • Update on the Urgency Ordinance related to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU). • Update on the Housing Element. ADJOURNMENT: The Planning Commission adjourned at 7:04 pm to 5:30 pm, Wednesday, February 22, 2023, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way. P" I -,— Christopher Hadwin Director of Planning 112