HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Resolution _6204- Case 5.1222 ZTARESOLUTION NO.6204
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY
COUNCIL AMEND SECTION 93.13.00 OF THE PALM SPRINGS
ZONING CODE RELATING TO HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT
WHEREAS, Section 93.20.00 of the Palm Springs Zoning Ordinance establishes
regulations for the design, placement and use of signs; and
WHEREAS, on February 11, 2009, the Planning Commission voted to direct staff to
initiate a Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment (Case No. 5.1222) to address the
definition of "hillside area; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission conducted study sessions on the matter on April
7, October 6, and November 9, 2010 at which public meetings, the Commission
considered staff reports on the options for defining a "hillside lot" under the Palm
Springs Zoning Code; and
WHEREAS, on January 26, March 23, and June 8, 2011, the Planning Commission
conducted duly noticed public hearings on the proposed amendment, at which hearings
the Commission carefully reviewed and considered all of the evidence presented in
connection with the project, including but not limited to the staff report and all written
and oral testimony presented, and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission hereby determines that the proposed Zoning
Ordinance text amendment is Categorically Exempt under Section 15305 — Minor
Alterations in Land Use Limitations — of the Guidelines for the Implementation of the
California Environmental Quality Act and that the proposed amendment does not result
in any changes in land use or density.
THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS DOES HEREBY
RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS;
Section 1: The Planning Commission hereby finds that adoption of the proposed
Zoning Text Amendment would:
a. Provide for a more comprehensive basis for the determining which lots within
the City should be subject to review under Section 93.13 ("Hillside
Developments"); and
b. Provide a means for assuring that development on the sloping lots and higher
elevations will be appropriately evaluated and reviewed.
Section 2: The adoption of the proposed Zone Text Amendment would be consistent
with the intent of the Zoning Ordinance and the City's General Plan because it provides:
Planning Commission Resolution No. 6204
5.1222 — ZTA
June 8, 2011
Page 2 of 2
A. Assurance that development in hillside areas does not cause adverse
environmental or visual impacts.
B. Protection of neighborhood character and public views of hillside
properties by allowing for review of new development for excessive height
or bulk.
Section 3: Based upon the foregoing, the Planning Commission does hereby
recommend to the City Council amendment of the Palm Springs Zoning Code to revise
Section 93.13.00 as contained on the draft Ordinance attached hereto as Exhibit A.
ADOPTED this 8t' day of June 2011.
AYES: 6, Chair Caffery, Hudson, Conrad, Munger, Klatchko and Roberts
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: 1, Donenfeld
ATTEST:
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CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 93.13.00 OF THE
PALM SPRINGS ZONING CODE RELATING TO THE
DEFINITION OF "HILLSIDE AREA
City_ Attorney's Summary
This Ordinance adopts revised purpose statement, definition
and review criteria for Palm Springs Zoning Code Section
93.13.00 by which the City would determine and review
Hillside Development.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA,
ORDAINS:
Section 1. Section 93.13.00 shall be amended to read as follows:
This section of the Zoning Code is intended to provide for the safe, orderly
and aesthetically appealing development of hillside area. The purpose of
this section is not simply to allow additional building height, but to assure
that, to the greatest degree practicable, new and expanded development
of hillside properties minimizes grading and site disturbance, follows
existing land contours ("stepping"), reduces the physical and esthetic
impacts of construction, and enhances existing landscaping and terrain.
Section 2. Sub -section 93.13.00.A shall be amended to read as follows:
For the purposes of this Zoning Code, the term "hillside area" is defined as
any parcel of land within the city of Palm Springs which has any portion of
the lot above the mean elevation of 500 feet or has an average grade of
ten (10) percent or more, as calculated on the entire parcel excluding
required yard areas. "Average grade" shall be "S" as computed on the net
area of a parcel, excluding yards required by the underlying zone, by the
following formula:
S = 100*1*L
A
Where S = Average grade, in percent
I = Contour interval, in feet
L = Summation of length of all contours within A, in feet
A = Area, in square feet, of the parcel being considered,
less the area of all required yards.
Section 3. Sub -section 93.13.B.4.a. shall be amended to read as follows:
a. Architectural approval as governed by Section 94.04.00 of the Zoning Code.
Such architectural approval shall consider, but shall not be limited to, the
following:
Grading and the exposure, movement and placement of rock and soils,
Placement of building pads in relationship to site features and
surroundings,
iii. Architecture and design considerations, such as building arrangement,
foram, massing, materials and colors, in relationship to existing land forms,
contours ("stepping"), surrounding development and desert conditions,
iv. Screening of parking and other impervious or disturbed areas,
V. Landscaping plans in relationship to native flora and desert conditions,
vi. Sensitivity of development to existing public views and view corridors;
Section 4. The Mayor shall sign and the City Clerk shall certify to the passage and
adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause the same, or the summary thereof, to be
published and posted pursuant to the provisions of law and this Ordinance shall take
effect thirty (30) days after passage.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this day of 2011.
MAYOR
ATTEST:
JAMES THOMPSON, CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
DOUGLAS HOLLAND, CITY ATTORNEY