HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Resolution _6321- Case 5.1252 GPARESOLUTION NO.6321
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA,
RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE
CASE 5.1252 GPA, A GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT TO
ALLOW RENEWABLE ENERGY USES WITHIN THE "D"
(DESERT) LAND USE DESIGNATION OF THE 2007 PALM
SPRINGS GENERAL PLAN LAND USE ELEMENT.
WHEREAS, the City of Palm Springs adopted its General Plan on October 17, 2008 by
resolution 22077; and
WHEREAS, Garnet Solar Power Generation Station 1, LLC ("Applicant") has initiated a
General Plan Amendment to the Land Use Element of the 2007 General Plan;
specifically, adding the following text to the Desert designation on page 2-11,
"... Renewable energy uses are also Permitted outside the boundaries of the Palm
Springs International Airport Influence Areaprovided the necessa environmental
analysis has occurred."; and
WHEREAS, a notice of public hearing of the Planning Commission of the City of Palm
Springs to consider Case 5.1252 GPA, consisting of a General Plan Amendment to
allow renewable energy uses within the Desert Land Use designation was given in
accordance with applicable law; and
WHEREAS, on March 13, 2013, a public hearing on the application was held by the
Planning Commission in accordance with applicable law; and
WHEREAS, the proposed project is considered a "project" pursuant to the terms of the
California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA"), and an Environmental Assessment has
been prepared for this project and has been distributed for public review and comment
in accordance with CEQA; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has carefully reviewed and considered all of the
evidence presented, including but not limited to the staff report, and all written and oral
testimony presented.
THE PLANNING COMMISSION HEREBY FINDS AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1: A Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) has been completed in
compliance with CEQA, the State CEQA Guidelines, and the City's CEQA Guidelines.
The Planning Commission found that, with the incorporation of mitigation measures, the
General Plan Amendment will have a less than significant impact on the environment.
The Planning Commission independently reviewed and considered the information
contained in the MND prior to its review of this Project and the MND reflects the
Planning Commission's independent judgment and analysis.
Planning Commission Resolution No. 6321 March 13, 2013
Case 5.1252 GPA Page 2 of 3
Section 2: The Planning Commission believes the amendment will implement the
following:
General Plan Priority:
• Establish the City as a leader in efficient use of resources: land,
water, and energy. Promote energy efficiency and the efficient use of
natural resources. Promote the development of alternative energy
industries and use of alternative energy sources such as wind and
solar in new and existing construction to minimize resource depletion
and conserve resources for future generations. (Page 1-12)
General Plan Policies:
RC8.2 Support and encourage the use of alternative energy sources,
such as cogeneration, solar, wind, ethanol and natural gas, fuel
cell technologies, and other alternative and sustainable fuel
sources and generating industries to provide more reliability in
the supply of electricity to the City and to promote the
development of clean, sustainable, and alternative energy
industries in the City...
RC8.10 Require appropriate review and environmental clearance of
solar generation, cogeneration facilities, mining, and wind
energy conversion systems related to commercial uses to
ensure proper sitting and operation.
RC8.13 Make the maximum use of solar electric capabilities on an
individual and community wide basis.
CD29.6 Encourage the use of solar energy systems and energy- and
wafer -conserving appliances.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that, based upon the foregoing, the Planning
Commission hereby recommends that the City Council approve Case 5.1252 GPA,
amending the Desert designation within the Land Use Element of the 2007 General
Plan to read as follows:
Desert (I dwelling unit per 10 acres). This designation is intended to
identify areas to be retained to protect natural, scenic, and wildlife
resources unique to Palm Springs and to identify areas where minimal
development is desired to protect people and property from environmental
hazards such as blowsand associated with the undeveloped desert floor
areas. Residential development in this area is permitted as long as it does
not exceed 1 unit per 10 acres and is incidental to the overall desert use.
Cluster development is encouraged to respond to the environmental
sensitivity of the area. Other permitted uses in this land use designation
include recreational facilities and public facilities that comply with the
intent of the goals and policies identified in the General Plan. Where
mineral deposits are present or are found within areas designated for
Planning Commission Resolution No. 6321
Case 5.1252 GPA
March 13, 2013
Page 3of3
Desert land use, mineral extraction is permitted, provided that appropriate
buffers are established to minimize conflicts between residential and
mining uses and the appropriate environmental analysis has been
conducted. Renewable energy uses may also be permitted, if located
outside the boundaries of the Palm Springs International Airport Influence
Area, and provided the necessary environmental analysis has occurred.
ADOPTED this 13th day of March 2013.
AYES:
4, Weremuik, Vice Chair Hudson, Roberts, Chair Donenfeld
NOES:
None
ABSENT:
3, Calerdine, Klatchko, Munger
ABSTAIN:
None
ATTEST: CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
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Edward O. Robertson
Principal Planner
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