HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Resolution _4868- Case 6.471 VARRESOLUTION NO. 4868
OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PALM
SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING CASE 6.471, AN
APPLICATION BY DEENA BRAND FOR A VARIANCE TO
REDUCE THE REQUIRED SIDE YARD SETBACK FROM 22 FEET
TO SEVEN FEET AND THE REQUIRED BUILDING SEPARATION
FROM 15 FEET TO 12 FEET, LOCATED AT 273 AVENIDA
ORTEGA, ZONE R-3, SECTION 23.
WHEREAS, Deena Brand, (the "Applicant") filed an application with the City pursuant to section
94.06.00 of the Zoning Ordinance for a variance to the required side yard setback from twenty-two feet
to seven feet for a new building and reduction in building separation from 15 feet to 12 feet, at 273
Avenida Ortega, Zone R-3, Section23.
WHEREAS, notice of a public hearing of the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Springs to
consider an application for Variance 6.471 was issued in accordance with applicable law; and
WHEREAS, on August 13, 2003, the public hearing on the application for Variance 6.471 was held by
the Planning Commission in accordance with applicable law; and
WHEREAS, on August 13, 2003, a public meeting on the application for Variance 6.471 was held by
the Planning Commission in accordance with applicable law; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has carefully reviewed and considered all of the evidence
presented in connection with the hearing on the project, including but not limited to the staff report, and
all written and oral testimony presented.
THE PLANNING COMMISSION HEREBY FINDS AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1: Pursuant to CEQA, the Planning Commission finds that this project is categorically
exempt from California Environmental Quality Guidelines (CEQA).
Section 2: Pursuant to Zoning Ordinance Section 94.06.00.B, the Planning Commission finds that:
1. Because of special circumstances applicable to subject property, including size, shape,
topography, location, or surroundings, the strict application of the Zoning Ordinance would
deprive subject property of privileges enjoyed by other properties in the vicinity and under
identical zone classirication.
In reviewing the case, the Commission finds that to deny the applicant's request would deprive
her of privileges enjoyed by surrounding properties. A substandard lot area, width and depth
provide limitations to the development of the lot as a multiple -family residence.
2. Any variance granted shall be subject to such conditions as will assure that the adjustment
thereby authorized shall not constitute a grant of special privilege inconsistent with the
limitations upon other properties in the vicinity and zone in which subject property is situated.
The applicant has provided siting and architectural design solutions that will compliment
adjacent residential properties and thereby shall not consistent a grant of special privilege
inconsistent with the limitations upon other properties in the vicinity.
3. The granting of the variance will not be materially det►rmental to the public health, safety,
convenience, or welfare orinjurlous to property and improvements in the same vicinity and zone
in which subject property is situated.
The granting of the variance will not be materially detrimental to the public health, safety,
convenience, or welfare or injurious to property and improvements in the same vicinity and zone
in which subject property is situated. City Departmental review and comment as conditions of
approval insure public health, safety, convenience and welfare have been addressed.
4. The granting of such variance will not adversely affect the General Plan of the City.
The General Plan designates Avenida Ortega and Via Entrada as local streets and the subject
site and surrounding vicinity for single family residential uses. The project does not conflict with,
nor will it adversely affect, the General Plan of the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that, based upon the foregoing, the Planning Commission
hereby approves Variance 6.471, subject to the conditions set forth in the attached Exhibit A.
ADOPTED this 13°i day of August, 2003.
AYES: Shoenberger, Marantz, Grence, Conrad, Wright, Hochanadel
NOES:
ABSENT: Matthews
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
Ni,.A. "aJA^/) z
man of the Planning Cbmmission
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
1(�y 0- " r
1 1, �
Secre ary o e Planning Commission
Ee
(D
M
U6 BY PL.ANNIN4i CUMMIb4iun
�1-?1 'a Initial ,
� __�,_.__
NPROVED BY CITY I;WKIL
we Iv Date— Ifiltial —
ivtlon a _ OrAmnee a_ .
RpROWPA sWIECT TO ALL K.U0100
COIJ017IONS BY ASI'?ilE 9130*-?
EXHIBIT A
VARIANCE NO. 6.471
AND CASE NO. 3 2363
DEENA BRAND
273 AVENIDA ORTEGA
AUGUST 13, 2003
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
Before final acceptance of the project, all conditions listed below shall be completed to the
satisfaction of the Director of Planning and Zoning.
Administrative:
1. The proposed development of the premises shall conform to all applicable regulations of
the Palm Springs Zoning Ordinance, Municipal Code, or any other City Codes,
ordinances and resolutions which supplement the zoning district regulations.
1 a. The owner shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City of Palm Springs, its
agents, officers, and employees from any claim, action, or proceeding against the City
of Paim Springs or its agents, officers or employees to attach, set aside, void or annul,
an approval of the City of Palm Springs, its legislative body, advisory agencies, or
administrative officers concerning Cases 6.471 and 3 2363. The City of Palm Springs
will promptly notify the applicant of any such claim, action, or proceeding against the
City of Palm Springs and the applicant will either undertake defense of the matter and
pay the City's associated legal costs or will advance funds to pay for defense of the
matter by the City Attorney. If the City of Palm Springs fails to promptly notify the
applicant of any such claim, action or proceeding or fails to cooperate fully in the
defense, the applicant shall not, thereafter, be responsible to defend, indemnify, or hold
harmless the City of Palm Springs. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the City retains the
right to settle or abandon the matter without the applicant's consent but should it do so,
the City shall waive the indemnification herein, except, the City's decision to settle or
abandon a matter following an adverse judgement or failure to appeal, shall not cause a
waiver of the indemnification rights herein.
2. The subject multiple -family residence shall meet all other applicable regulations of the
Palm Springs Zoning Ordinance, Municipal Code, or any other City Codes, ordinances
and resolutions which supplement the zoning district regulations.
3. The variance granted shall be applicable only to the multi -family residence as specified,
and shall not be applicable to any other structures or future modifications other than
those required by this variance.
4. The Planning Commission or City Council may, after notice and public hearing, revoke
this variance for noncompliance with any of the conditions set forth in granting this
variance.
5. The time limit for commencement of construction under this variance approval shall be
two (2) years from the effective date of approval. .
6. That the property owner(s) and successors and assignees in interest shall maintain and
repair the improvements including and without limitation sidewalks, bikeways, parking
areas, landscape, irrigation, lighting, signs, walls, and fences between the curb and
property line, including sidewalk or bikeway easement areas that extend onto private
property, in a first class condition, free from waste and debris, and in accordance with all
applicable law, rules, ordinances and regulations of all federal, state, and local bodies
and agencies having jurisdiction at the property owner's sole expense. This condition
shall be included in the recorded covenant agreement for the property if required by the
City.
7. Architectural approval shall be valid for a period of two (2) years. Extensions of time
may be granted by the Planning Commission upon demonstration of good cause.
8. The appeal periods for Variance and Architectural Approval applications is a 15 calendar
days from the date of project approval. Permits will not be issued until the appeal period
has concluded.
Site plans:
9. Final landscaping, irrigation, exterior lighting, and fencing plans shall be submitted for
approval by the Department of Planning and Zoning prior to issuance of a building
permit. Landscape plans shall be approved by the Riverside County Agricultural
Commissioner's Office prior to submittal. 0
10. Prior to the issuance of building permits, locations of all telephone and electrical boxes
must be indicated on the building plans and must be completely screened and located in
the interior of the building. Electrical transformers must be located toward the interior of
the project maintaining a sufficient distance from the frontage(s) of the project. Said
transformer(s) must be adequately and decoratively screened.
Grading:
11. Prior to issuance of a grading permit, a Fugitive Dust and Erosion Control Plan shall be
submitted and approved by the Building Official. Refer to Chapter 8.50 of the Municipal
Code for specific requirements.
12. The grading plan shall show the disposition of all cut and fill materials. Limits of site
disturbance shall be shown and all disturbed areas shall be fully restored or landscaped.
Architectural:
13. No exterior downspouts shall be permitted on any facade on the proposed building(s)
which are visible from adjacent streets or residential and commercial areas.
14. Perimeter walls shall be designed, installed and maintained in compliance with the
corner cutback requirements as required in Section 9302.00.D.
15. The design, height, texture and color of building(s), fences and walls shall be submitted
for review and approval prior to issuance of building permits.
16. The street address numbering/lettering shall not exceed eight inches in height.
17. An exterior lighting plan in accordance with Zoning Ordinance Section 93.21.00,
Outdoor lighting Standards, shall be submitted for review and approval by the Director
of Planning and Zoning prior to the issuance of building permits. Manufacturer's cut
sheets of all exterior lighting on the building, in the landscaping, and in the parking lot
shall be submitted for approval prior to issuance of a building permit. If lights are
proposed to be mounted on buildings, down -lights shall be utilized. A photometric study
shall be required for all parking areas, driveways and entries.
18. Submit plans meeting City standard for approval on the proposed trash and recyclable
materials enclosure prior to issuance of a building permit.
19. Details of pool fencing (material and color) and equipment area shall be submitted with
final landscape plan.
Parking:
20. Handicapped accessibility shall be indicated on the site plan to include the location of
handicapped parking spaces, the main entrance to the proposed structure and the path
of travel to the main entrance.. Consideration shall be given to potential difficulties with
the handicapped accessibility to the building due to the future grading plans for the
property.
21. Compact and handicapped spaces shall be appropriately marked per Section 9306.00C
22. Curbs shall be installed at a minimum of five (5) feet from face of walls, fences,
buildings, or other structures. Areas that are not part of the maneuvering area shall
have curbs placed at a minimum of two (2) feet from the face of wails, fences or
buildings adjoining driveways.
Miscellaneous:
23. No sirens, outside paging or any type of signalization will be permitted, except approved
alarm systems.
24. No outside storage of any kind shall be permitted except as approved as a part of the
proposed plan.
25. This project shall be subject to Chapters 2.24 and 3.37 of the Municipal Code regarding
public art. The project shall either provide public art or payment of an in lieu fee. In the ID
case of the in -lieu fee, the fee shall be based upon the total building permit valuation as
calculated pursuant to the valuation table in the Uniform Building Code, the feeing being
112% for commercial projects or 114% for residential projects with first $100,000 of total
building permit valuation for individual single-family units exempt. Should the public art
be located on the project site, said location shall be reviewed and approved by the
Director of Planning and Zoning and the Public Arts Commission, and the property
owner shall enter into a recorded agreement to maintain the art work and protect the
public rights of access and viewing.
Ee
DATE: August 13, 2003
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: Director of Planning and Zoning
CASE 6.471 VARIANCE - AN APPLICATION BY DEENA BRAND FOR A VARIANCE TO
REDUCE THE REQUIRED SIDE YARD SETBACK FROM 22 FEET TO SEVEN FEET AND
THE REQUIRED BUILDING SEPARATION FROM 15 FEET TO 12 FEET, LOCATED AT 273
AVENIDA ORTEGA, ZONE R-3, SECTION 23.
RECOMMENDATION
That the Planning Commission approve the variance request to variance to reduce the required
side yard setback from twenty-two feet to seven feet and the minimum required building
separation from 15 feet to 12 feet for a new building containing two apartment units and eight
garages at an existing apartment complex, located at 273 Avenida Ortega, Zone R-3, Section
23, subject to the conditions outlined in the attached Resolution. In addition, the applicant has
submitted architectural application for Case No. 3.2362.
BACKGROUND
The subject property has a lot area of 16,345 square feet, which is substandard in area. It is an
irregular corner lot, with street frontages on Avenida Ortega and Via Entrada. The parcel also
backs to an alley. The site has width of 111 feet adjacent to Avenida Ortega, and a depth of
100 feet on Via Entrada and 168 feet of alley frontage. The alley backs up to a commercial
district. The lot is substandard in area, width and depth. The R-3 zone minimum lot standards
provide a minimum depth of 150 feet and a minimum width of 130 feet for corner lots siding
local or collector streets. The zone required a minimum areas of 20,000 square feet.
The site is partially developed with a five unit apartment complex. The applicant proposes to
construct a two story apartment building above eight garage spaces.
R-3 Requirements
Proposed
Open space
45%
47
Parking
6
11
Building Height
24'
22'
Setbacks
Front
25'
25'
Side
22'
7' (Variance)
Rear (to alley)
5'
5'
Building Separation
15'
12' (Variance)
ANALYSIS
During staffs investigation and analysis of this application, the surrounding multi -family
residential area was surveyed to see if there were any other residences with similar site
conditions to the situation represented in this application. Staff found that the requested side
yard setback and building separation is consistent with existing fully permitted development in
the adjacent multi -family neighborhood.
The City of Palm Springs Engineering Department has reviewed the project for compliance with
departmental standards and have provided no conditions of approval.
FINDINGS FOR A VARIANCE
In accordance with Section 94.06.00.B of the Zoning Ordinance, the following four conditions
must be met before the Planning Commission may grant a variance.
Because of special circumstances applicable to subject property, including size, shape,
topography, location, or surroundings, the strict application of the Zoning Ordinance
would deprive subject property of privileges enjoyed by other properties in the vicinity
and under identical zone classification.
The subject property is substandard in area, width and depth and is also a corner lot.
As the proposed building abuts an alley, the face of the proposed garages meet the
required 25' setback distance from the opposite side of the alley. The proposed building
would match the existing setback to the alley of other adjacent buildings in the vicinity. A
number of buildings in the areas have similar side yard setbacks and reduced building ID
separation. Therefore, special circumstances are applicable to the subject property that
justify variance from the strict application of the Zoning Code.
2. Any variance granted shall be subject to such conditions as will assure that the
adjustment thereby authorized shall not constitute a grant of special privilege
inconsistent with the imitations upon other properties in the vicinity and zone in which
subject property is situated.
City Staff has provided conditions of approval that will assure that the request will not
constitute a grant of special privilege. Specific architectural design elements have been
included in the proposal that will create a visual perspective consistent with the existing
original buildings on the site, as well as with other properties in the vicinity and zone in
which the subject property is situated. These include:
The building will be constructed of smooth stucco;
The building will have balconies; and
The building will have two-piece, mudded clay tile,
3. The granting of the variance will not be materially detrimental to the public health,
safety, convenience, or welfare or injurious to property and improvements in the same
vicinity and zone in which subject property is situated.
The granting of the variance will not be materially detrimental to the public health,
safety, convenience, or welfare or injurious to property and improvements in the same
vicinity and zone in which subject property is situated. There are no conditions required
by Engineering or Building.
4. The granting of the variance will not adversely affect the General Plan of the City.
The General Plan designates Avenida Ortega and Via Entrada as local streets and the
subject site and surrounding vicinity for multiple family residential uses. The project
does not conflict with, nor will it adversely affect, the General Plan of the City.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND NOTIFICATION
The subject property is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per
Section 15303, which states that the new construction of small structures including the addition
of up to six multi -family apartment units and Section 15332, which states that projects
characterized as in -fill development meeting specific conditions as outlined in Article 19,
Categorical Exemptions, Section 15332(a)(b)(c)(d) and (e) of the California Environmental
Quality Act shall be categorically exempt from further environmental assessment. All property
owners within 400 feet of the subject property have been notified of the public hearing. As of
the preparation of this report, staff has received one telephone inquiry from an adjacent
property owner requesting further information regarding the project's design.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Vicinity Map
2. Resolution
3. Conditions of Approval
.L
VICIN.ITY'MAP
AWNIV A mr • PALMERA Is {
r
• $Vf O --
1
lb
I11 tT/!1• I
LM Tyr #-
S AE MIDA
MORQGQ
1 ;5 �df
r � l
` r
„e
82 21 "` 9
QITY OF. PALM SPRINGS
6.471 E5QRIPTION
AE2U QNT Deena Band . Ipp�icatian fntvarlance to � sde.
lard setback at an apartment,0 fBic lkt ,
2178 AvenidaOrbegaF Zone RA 090VOR 28.
RESOLUTION NO.
OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PALM
SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING CASE 6.471, AN
APPLICATION BY DEENA BRAND FOR A VARIANCE TO
REDUCE THE REQUIRED SIDE YARD SETBACK FROM 22
FEET TO SEVEN FEET AND THE REQUIRED BUILDING
SEPARATION FROM 15 FEET TO 12 FEET, LOCATED AT 273
AVENIDA ORTEGA, ZONE R-3, SECTION 23.
WHEREAS, Deena Brand, (the "Applicant') tiled an application with the City pursuant to section
94.06.00 of the Zoning Ordinance for a variance to the required side yard setback from twenty-two
feet to seven feet for a new building and reduction in building separation from 15 feet to 12 feet, at
273 Avenuiida Ortega, Zone R-3, Sec6on23.
WHEREAS, notice of a public hearing of the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Springs to
consider an application for Variance 6.471 was issued in accordance with applicable law; and
WHEREAS, on August 13, 2003, the public hearing on the application for Variance 6.471 was held
by the Planning Commission in accordance with applicable law; and
WHEREAS, on August 13, 2003, a public meeting on the application for Variance 6.471 was held by
the Planning Commission in accordance with applicable law; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has carefully reviewed and considered all of the evidence
presented in connection with the hearing on the project, including but not limited to the staff report,
and all written and oral testimony presented.
THE PLANNING COMMISSION HEREBY FINDS AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1: Pursuant to CEQA, the Planning Commission finds that this project is categorically
exempt from California Environmental Quality Guidelines (CEQA).
Section 2: Pursuant to Zoning Ordinance Section 94.06.00.13, the Planning Commission finds
that:
1. Because of special circumstances applicable to subject property, including size, shape,
topography, location, or surroundings, the strict application of the Zoning Ordinance would
deprive subject property of privileges enjoyed by other properties in the vicinity and under
identical zone classification.
In reviewing the case, the Commission finds that to deny the applicant's request would
deprive her of privileges enjoyed by surrounding properties. A substandard lot area, width
and depth provide limitations to the development of the lot as a multiple -family residence.
2. Any variance granted shall be subject to such conditions as will assure that the adjustment
thereby authorized shall not constitute a grant of special privilege inconsistent with the
limitations upon other properties in the vicinity and zone in which subject property is situated.
The applicant has provided siting and architectural design solutions that will compliment
adjacent residential properties and thereby shall not consistent a grant of special privilege
inconsistent with the limitations upon other properties in the vicinity.
3. The granting of the variance will not be materially detrimental to the public health, safety,
convenience, or welfare or injurious to property and improvements in the same vicinity and
zone in which subject property is situated.
The granting of the variance will not be materially detrimental to the public health, safety,
convenience, or welfare or injurious to property and improvements in the same vicinity and
zone in which subject property is situated. City Departmental review and comment as
conditions of approval insure public health, safety, convenience and welfare have been
addressed.
4. The granting of such variance will not adversely affect the General Plan of the City.
The General Plan designates Avenida Ortega and Via Entrada as local streets and the
subject site and surrounding vicinity for single family residential uses. The project does not
conflict with, nor will it adversely affect, the General Plan of the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that, based upon the foregoing, the Planning Commission
hereby approves Variance 6.471, subject to the conditions set forth in the attached Exhibit A.
ADOPTED this 13th day of August, 2003.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
Chairman of the Planning Commission
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
Secretary of the Planning Commission
Ee