HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Resolution _6077- PDDRESOLUTION NO.6077
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS RECOMMENDING TO THE CITY COUNCIL
ADOPTION OF A POLICY REGARDING PUBLIC BENEFITS AND
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS
WHEREAS, in 1967, the City of Palm Springs established the use of Planned
Development Districts (PDD) in order to introduce flexibility into the Zoning Code and
facilitate innovative development, including condominium and mixed use projects; and
WHEREAS, since 1967, the City has approved over 360 Planned Development
Districts, which have expanded the variety and type of housing units available in the
City, created new retailing and shopping opportunities, solved complex land use
planning problems that could not be resolved with traditional zoning and subdivision
regulations, and revitalized individual neighborhoods, the historic downtown and the
overall community; and
WHEREAS, in 1993, the City adopted a comprehensive General Plan update
which included the recognition that Planned Development Districts may include the
provision of "public benefits" in exchange for the flexibility the PDD provides the
developer regarding the application of zoning rules, such as building area, yard
setbacks, vehicle parking and open space, as follows:
C"Traditionally, planned development districts have been used to provide
flexibility and enable developers to increase buildable area and height,
and alter other standard development regulations, above that permitted by
zoning, conditioned on analyses and mitigation of impacts and contribution
of specific "benefits" to the City (e.g. additional parking, community open
space and meeting rooms, funds for community beautification, housing,
day care facilities and other similar amenities). All Planned Development
Districts shall be consistent with the General Plan.
"To implement the land use and urban design policies, it is suggested that
planned development districts be used for the following applications:
a. Provide a mechanism for exceeding the permitted building area and
floor area ratios and building heights in locations specified by land use
policy.
b. Provide a mechanism for allowing both on- and off -site density
transfers
c. Provide a mechanism for the consolidation of adjoining commercially -
and residentially -designated parcels into a single site wherein
commercial and residential buildings are located in a unified
development project, without regard for the designated commercial -
residential boundary in locations specified by land use policy.
d. Provide a mechanism for determining the appropriate type, character,
density -intensity and standards of development for the reuse of sites
currently used for public or private institutions."
(Page 1-81, Palm Springs General Plan);
and
WHEREAS, on September 6, 2006, the Planning Commission conducted a study
session on the issue of public benefits and Planned Development Districts, at which
meeting, the Commission considered the history of PDD's, various cases in which
public benefits were acquired and the type and range of public benefits that could be
required; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has concluded that it would be desirable
to establish clear guidelines for the community and staff in determining the appropriate
public benefits to be acquired in exchange for the approval of a PDD.
NOW THEREFORE, the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Springs
recommends to the City Council a policy regarding public benefits and the approval of
Planned Development Districts, as contained on Exhibit A, attached to and made a part
of this resolution.
ADOPTED this 251h day of October, 2006
AYES: 5 1 Ringlein/Cohen/Marantz/Hutcheson/Scot#
NOES: None
ABSENT: 2 1 Hochanadel/Caffery
ABSTENTIONS: None.
ATTEST:
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
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Chairman of the Planning Com fission Sed"af the PI ing Commission
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Draft Policy Statement
PLANNED DEVELOPMENTS AND THE REQUIREMENT FOR PUBLIC BENEFITS
In order to provide for the long-term improvement of the community, every application
for a Planned Development District (PDD) and every amendment thereto — including all
those enacted in lieu of a change of zone — shall include a public benefit in accordance
with the provisions listed below.
1. The concept of a "public benefit" shall be a condition of granting zoning flexibility via
approval of a Planned Development District, and is consistent with the goals,
policies and objectives of the Palm Springs General Plan.
2. The public benefit of an approved PDD shall be specifically identified by the
Planning Commission and City Council within the record of approval (resolution or
ordinance, as applicable).
3. The public benefit shall be proportional to the nature, type and extent of the flexibility
granted from the standards and provisions of the Palm Springs Zoning Code.
4. A feature, improvement or dedication may only be considered as a public benefit
when it exceeds the level of improvement needed to mitigate a project's
environmental impacts or comply with dedication or exactions which are imposed on
all projects, such as Quimby Act, public ark, utility undergrounding, etc.
5. An approved public benefit shall be one of the following types:
a. Key Features of the Project — The project incigdes features such as through-
streefs not indic.ated on the Generzil Plan, interior parks, entry features,
preservation of important buildings or natural features, energy conservation
features (e.g., LEED certified) or other specific amenities that are part of the
project but also deemed beneficial to the public; or the project fulfills site -
specific General Plan objectives for economic development or blight removal.
On -site amenities considered for public benefit status must be accessible to
the public.
b. Off -site Improvements as Public Benefit — The project includes off -site
dedications and 1 or improvements, such as widened thoroughfares with
meandering bikeways, public park lands, recreation facilities, construction of
decorative medians, or other public improvements located off the project site.
c. City "Wish List" as Public Benefit — The project provides or dedicates one or
more items desired by the City Council to improve the level and 1 or quality of
services provided by the City. The Council may, at its own discretion, create
an advance list of wants and needs as part of its budgeting process or capital
spending plan.
NO
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