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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Resolution _4853- Case 5.0666 TTM 30928RESOLUTION NO. 4853 OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF CASE 5.0666-B-PD-231 FOR A) PRELIMINARY PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT #231, FOR A MIXED USE PROJECT COMPOSED OF AN 18 HOLE GOLF COURSE, DRIVING RANGE (GOLF EXPANSION AREA), HOTEL, VACATION OWNERSHIP UNITS, SINGLE FAMILY HOMES, MULTI -FAMILY HOMES, (MAXIMUM OF 1450 UNITS) OFFICE, RETAIL USES, SUPPORT FACILITIES AND A ONE ACRE FIRE STATION SITE; B) APPROVAL OF TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP #30928; AND C) ADOPT FINDINGS THAT THE VACATION OF A PORTION OF THE SAN JOAQUIN RIGHT OF WAY ON A 460 ACRE SITE, LOCATED AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF VISTA CHINO AND GENE AUTRY TRAIL (HIGHWAY 111), SECTIONS 7 AND 18. WHEREAS, D.T. Pat Blew, PS Investment Company, LLC. (the "Applicant") has filed an application with the City pursuant to Section 9403.00 for a Planned Development District proposing a golf resort with an 18 hole golf course and golf clubhouse, up to 1450 residential units and a 400-450 room hotel (totally 1,900 units) including Vacation Ownership units (VOU's) on approximately 460 acre site located on the Southeast comer of Vista Chino and Gene Autry Trail (Highway 111), Section 7 and 18. WHEREAS, D.T. Pat Blew, PS Investment Company, LLC (the "Applicant") has filed an application for Tentative Parcel Map 30928 located on the Southeast comer of Vista Chino and Gene Autry Trail (Highway 111), Section 7 and 18; and WHEREAS, the Applicant has paid the required filing fees; and WHEREAS, said Tentative Parcel Map was submitted to appropriate agencies as required by the subdivision requirements of the Palm Springs Municipal Code, with the request for their review, comments, and requirements; and WHEREAS, said Tentative Parcel Map is for financing purposes; and WHEREAS, the Applicant has also filed an application for a General Plan Amendment (associated with Case No. 5.0666-B-PD 231) for the Palm Springs Classic Project with the City and Planned Development District 231 and TPM 30828 are consistent with this associated application; and WHEREAS, Planned Development District 231 includes specified development and performance standards; and WHEREAS, San Joaquin is not a General Plan street and the portions of the western 15 feet of right of way is excess right of way which the City Engineer has deemed not necessary for a local street: and WHEREAS, in 1994, the City Council certified the Palm Springs Classic Planned Development District Final Environmental Impact Report, adopted a Statement of Fact and Findings and a Statement of Overriding Considerations; and WHEREAS, the proposed development is considered a "project" pursuant to the terms of the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA'), and an Environmental Assessment and a Negative Declaration has been prepared for this Project and has been distributed for public review and comment in accordance with CEQA; and WHEREAS the Planning Commission at its June 11, 2003, meeting voted in favor of Preliminary Planned Development District #231, of Tentative Parcel Map #30928, and the adoption of findings in support of the vacation of a portion of The San Joaquin Right of Way (6- 0; 1 abstention). THE PLANNING COMMISSION HEREBY FINDS AS FOLLOWS: Section 1: Pursuant to CEQA, the Planning Commission finds as follows: a. The Final Negative Declaration has been completed in compliance with CEQA, the State CEQA Guidelines, and the City's CEQA Guidelines. The City Council has independently reviewed and considered the information contained in the Negative Declaration and finds that it adequately discusses the significant environmental effects of the proposed project (including the proposed PDD-231, General Plan Amendment, Tentative Parcel Map 30928 and Street Vacation), and that, on the basis of the initial study and comments received during the public review process there is no substantial evidence that there will be any significant new adverse environmental effects as a result of the approval of this project because mitigation measures identified in the Negative Declaration have been incorporated into the project which mitigate any potential significant environmental effects to a point where clearly no new significant environmental effects will occur as a result of the project. The mitigation measures are adopted in Exhibit A of this Resolution. The City Council further finds that the Negative Declaration reflects its independent judgement. b. The Negative Declaration adequately covers the current project proposal such that no new additional impacts will result that were not already addressed in the Final EIR and the adopted Statement of Facts and Findings and Statement of overriding considerations for the approved Palm Spring Classic Planned Development. Section 2: a. A Mitigation Declaration Program will be adopted for Case No. 5.0666-B-PD-231 and, Tentative Parcel Map 30928 pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21081.6 in order to assure compliance with the above referenced mitigation measures during project implementation. These mitigation measures are incorporated by reference into the Conditions of Approval of this project as outlined in Exhibit A of this Resolution. Section 3: Pursuant to Section 94.03.00 of the Zoning Ordinance, the City Council finds that with the incorporation of those conditions attached in Exhibit A: a. The use applied for at the location set forth in the application is properly one for which a Planned Development District is authorized by the City's Zoning Ordinance. The PDD in -lieu of a change of zone may be adopted by the City Council where a zone change appears valid for specific uses, and only those uses, proposed by an applicant and where the applicant agrees to comply with all conditions imposed on the project. In this case, the applicant is proposing the use of land in a unique way requiring specialized standards and mix of uses, including various types of residential, hotel, vacation ownership, golf course, and commercial uses. These uses are located on the property in a manner that relates well internally and with the surrounding neighborhood. Conditions have been recommended that further compliments relationships between the project and surrounding properties. The PDD in -lieu of a change of zone is an appropriate mechanism to provide for a variety of design and performance standards that would otherwise be difficult to implement via conventional zoning categories. b. The use is necessary or desirable for the development of the community, is in harmony with the various elements or objectives of the General Plan, and is not detrimental to existing uses or to future uses specifically permitted in the zone in which the proposed use is to be located. i The proposed Planned Development District will facilitate implementation of the General Plan which is being amended to have a more residential character, though maintains a consistent theme for the Palm Springs Classic area which would allow a large scale planned development to occur that includes golf and tourism facilities. In order to better integrate into the neighborhood in terms of property development standards, Planned Development District 231 in -lieu of a change of zone, is being requested by the applicant. Design standards, Conditions of Approval, and mitigation measures identified through the environmental reviewprocess address traffic, trails, visual and physical relationships/issues and are therefore, consistent with General Plan policies. The proposed uses identified in the Planned Development District are in harmony with the General Plan and will be compatible with the surrounding greater resort community. The site is adequate in size and shape to accommodate said use, including yards, setbacks, walls or fences, landscaping, and other features required in order to adjust said use to those existing or permitted future uses of land in the neighborhood. The project site is 460.7 acres and is of adequate size to contain the proposed golf course, driving range (and potential golf expansion area),1450 mixed residential uses, and 450 unit hotel. Design standards and conditions of approval address issues such as bulk, mass, density, and buffers between residential and surrounding industrial uses, and height setback criteria that address proposed highrise uses near the intersection of Vista Chino and Gene Autry Trail. That the site for the proposed use relates to streets and highways properly designed and improved to carry the type and quantity of traffic to be generated by the proposed use. Access to the project is adequately available via two major thoroughfares Gene Autry Trail and Vista Chino. Chia Drive and Tachevah Drive also provide access opportunities. Main entries for the project will be developed on Gene Autry Trail and Vista Chino. Right turn entries will be provided to the Resort Village (Hotel/MFR area). Traffic evaluation and associated proposed mitigation indicates that the circulation systems is capable of carrying the type and quantity of traffic projected to be generated from the project. That the conditions to be imposed and shown on the approved site plan are deemed necessary to protect the public health, safety, and general welfare and may include minor modifications of the zone's property development standards. All proposed conditions of approval are necessary to ensure public health and safety including, but not limited to, the application of the Uniform Building Code Seismic Safety Standards, Palm Springs Municipal Code, the City of Palm Springs Fugitive Dust Control Ordinance, special setback criteria, and open space criteria. Section 4: Pursuant to Government Code Section 66474 (Subdivision Map Act), the Planning Commission finds that with the incorporation of those conditions attached in Exhibit A; a. The proposed Tentative Parcel Map is consistent with applicable general and specific plans. The proposed project is not consistent with the General Plan, but with the approval of the General Plan Map Amendment the project will be consistent with the General Plan. The applicant is proposing 1450 residential units and 450 hotel units and therefore, will be well within the density parameters of the General Plan and will be consistent with Case No. 5.0666-B. b. The design of improvement of the proposed subdivision is consistent with the General Plan and Planned Development District 231. Pursuant to Government Code Section 66473.5 the City Council finds that the proposed subdivision and the provisions for related right of way dedications are compatible with the objectives, polices, and general land uses and program provided in the City's General Plan. All street, drainage, and utilities improvements are subject to the standards of the General Plan and Conditions of Approval associated with Case No. 5.0666-13 will be implemented as part of future Tentative Tract Maps. C. The site is physically suitable for the type and density of development contemplated by the proposed subdivision. The Tentative Parcel Map covers a portion of a larger site (460.7 acres) that is proposed for 1450 residential units and, 450 hotel and timeshare units on 460 acres. The Tentative Parcel Map, is for financing purposes, and illustrates parcels consistent with the proposed development and will be within the maximum allowable density pursuant to the standards of the Preliminary Planned Development District 231. There will be no incompatibility issues as the subject property is surrounded by commercial uses and Vista Chino to the north, the Whitewater River and city limits to the east, the Dream Homes (residential uses) in Cathedral City to the southeast, Industrial, vacant land and Gene Autry Trail (Highway 111) to the west, and vacant land to the south. d. The design of the proposed subdivision or the proposed improvements are not likely to cause substantial environmental damage or substantially and unavoidably injure fish or wildlife or their habitat. All potential environmental impacts as a result of developing the subject property are fully disclosed in the Environmental Assessment and previous Final Environmental Impact Report. The incorporation of the mitigation measures as prescribed in the EA will ensure that any potentially significant impacts will be reduced to a level of insignificance. Therefore, the design of the proposed subdivision or the proposed improvements are not likely to cause substantial environmental damage or substantially and unavoidably injure fish or wildlife or their habitat. The design of the subdivision or type of improvements is not likely to cause serious public health problems. The Tentative Parcel Map is for financing purposes only. The subsequent design of the related Tentative Tract Maps and proposed improvements will follow the conditions of approval associated with Case 5.0666-B, including, but not limited to, the application of the Uniform Building Code Seismic Safety Standards, and the City of Palm Springs Fugitive Dust Control Ordinance in order to ensure public health and safety. The design of the subdivision or the type of improvements will not conflict with easements, acquired by the public at large, for access through or use of, property within the proposed subdivision. Vista Chino and Gene Autry Trail are already improved to major thoroughfare standards including sidewalk, curb, and gutter. The Tentative Parcel Map identifies all right of ways and easements affecting the property and provides for access to all parcels within the property and provides for dedication of public right of way. Section 5: a. San Joaquin Drive is not a General Plan street, therefore, the proposed vacation of the western 15 feet of Right of Way is consistent with the Circulation Element of the General Plan. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that, based upon the foregoing, the Planning Commission hereby approves Case 5.0666-B-PD 231 — The Palm Springs Classic Planned Development District, PD-231, and TPM 30928 with right of way dedications as noted in conditions attached to Case No. 5.0666-B, and finds that the vacation of a portion of the western right of way of San Joaquin Drive is consistent with the General Plan. ADOPTED this 11t' Day of June, 2003. AYES: Klatchko, Matthews, Grence, Marantz, Conrad NOES: ABSENT: Caffery ABSTENTIONS: Shoenberger ATTEST: CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA /Z� Secretary, lanning Commission Chairman, Planning Commissio