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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/2/2000 - STAFF REPORTS (3) DATE: February 2, 2000 TO: City Council FROM: Director of Planning and Building CASE 3.573-A -APPEAL TO THE CITY COUNCIL BY A COUNCIL MEMBER OF A DECISION BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION TO APPROVE AN APPLICATION BY PETER PAPPAS, ARCHITECT, FOR LAMAR COMPANIES, FOR A REVISED LIGHTING PLAN FOR PALM SPRINGS MALL, 155 SOUTH FARRELL DRIVE, C-S-C ZONE, SECTION 13. APPEAL: A Council member has appealed a decision by the Planning Commission to approve a lighting plan for the Palm Springs Mall, 155 South Farrell Drive, C-S-C Zone, Section 13. The City Council may, at its direction, uphold, modify or overrule the decision of the Planning Commission. Staff will assist the City Council in preparing a resolution at the meeting. BACKGROUND At their meeting of April 14, 1999,the Planning Commission reviewed Minor Architectural Approval Application 3.573-A, a request to create a public entrance into the Palm Springs Mall immediately north of Ross for Less, to construct a new storefront and canopy at the south facade of the Mall for Ross for Less, and to construct a new loading dock and trash compaction area. The Planning Commission voted to approve the architectural approval subject to a number of conditions. Condition 23 stated that"the applicant(is)to provide a lighting study, and if it fails to comply with lighting levels as required,the applicant(is) to provide a long-term plan of action to bring the lighting into compliance." LIGHTING PROPOSAL CONSIDERED BY PLANNING COMMISSION 12/22/99 At their meeting of December 22, 1999, the Planning Commission reviewed the proposed lighting plan for the Palm Springs Mall. Section 9306.0 of the Palm Springs Zoning Ordinance provides lighting standards for parking lots. This section addresses the maximum height of lights, illumination levels, and the"evenness" of the lighting. Proposed lighting is to be a 150 watt metal halide. In contrast to the aniber colored light produced by the high pressure sodium lights, the metal halide lighting will produce a white light. Metal halide lighting is found to make people feel safer and gives a truer rendition of colors. The lighting fixture will be similar to that currently utilized on the site. Height hi this zoning district,the maximum allowable height for a light fixture is 18 feet. The applicant proposes to utilize existing light poles,thus maintaining a light height of 18 feet. Average Illumination In accordance with Section 9306.0 of the Zoning Ordinance, the average illumination in a parking area should be I footcandle. Illumination levels address the "brightness"of the site. The proposal has average illumination levels ranging from .84 to 1.53 footeandles. Ratio of Average to Minimum Light In accordance with Section 9306.0 of the Zoning Ordinance, the ratio of average light to minimum light should be 4:1. The ratio of average light to minimum light addresses the"evenness" of the light. A ratio of 1:1 indicates a perfectly even lighting presentation with no deviation between the average light and l#ja. the minimum light. A ratio of 4:1 indicates lighting where some areas are darker than others. Essentially,the average lighting is four times brighter than the minimum lighting. This results in parts of the parking lot being lighter and parts of the parking lot being darker. In the Palm Springs Mall proposal,the ratio of average light to minimum light varies from 3:1 to 25:1. Note that much of the deviation in the lighting level is due to the applicant utilizing existing pole locations. PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW AND ACTION After hearing both the staff, applicant and public comments, the Commission had discussion. This discussion included questions as to whether or not the use of floodlights aimed at the building will also throw refracted light into the sky. The Commission noted that the proposal will involve the replacement of two 150 watt high pressure sodium fixtures on each pole with one more efficient lighting fixture that will distribute the light more evenly across the parking surface. There was discussion that the flood lights casting light against the building be a high pressure sodium so as to create a contrast between the parking lot and the building, and that the flood lights be erected on every other pole rather than every pole. This would allow for accenting the architectural features. At the conclusion of the discussion,the Commission voted unanimously to approve the application with the modifications that the lighting from the flood lights be high pressure sodium and that, since the specification for the flood lights were not part of the submission, the applicant work with the staff on the location of these fixtures. Douglas . Evans Director of Planning&Building Dallas J. Plicek Interim City Manager attachments: I. Appeal Letter. 2. Planning Commission Minutes. i `.0� U , City of Palm Springs City Council • (` 0�°1�� • P, ^ 3200 Tahqui[z Canyon Way • Palm$p[mgs,California 92262 q(I pp R�\i TEL:(760)323-8200 • PAX'.(760)323-8207 • TDD(760)864-9527 t� 2 ' January 6, 1-99 I am hereby appealing the decision of the Palm Springs Planning Commission, at its meeting on December 22, 1999, on Agenda Item 99, review of proposed lighting plan for the Palm Springs Mall. Jim nes Councilmember Ifi3 Post Office Box 2743 • Palm Springs, California 92263-2743 Planning Commission Minutes December 22, 1999 - Page 2 PUBLIC COMMENTS g Frank Tysen, 175 S. Cahuilla, submitted a copy,of a position paper by the governing board of the Palm Springs Neighborhood Coalition that was presented to the City .Council recently at a study session regarding lighting (copy on file in the Planning Division), and requested the Planning Commission to wait on the public hearing process to finalize the new lighting ordinance until they have had sufficient time to review it. He expressed concern about preserving the atmosphere and the night skies, and referenced the Palm Springs Mall lighting, which is on today's agenda and is of concern to them; that the new lights at Jack-in-the-Box have more glare than the previous ones; that this is a scenic corridor, and urged due consideration before reaching a decision. He further stated that the lighting issue revolves around shadows versus lighting completely, that the charm of the City is into the shadows, and there seems to be a movement for more lighting, which does not help that goal. He further stated that there are some other items on the today's agenda that are of concern, i.e., Walgreens and the signage at the El Cielo Center, and urged careful review. Phillip Tedesco, 374 Vereda Sur, stated that he wants to reemphasize Mr. Tysen's comments; that they believe that lighting should be done with great taste, and without the glare that you frequently get in commercial areas; that this corridor entrance to the City is very important, and as a member of the Palm Springs Neighborhood Coalition and the Las Palmas Neighborhood Association, he wants to make sure that they are included in discussions regarding the lighting ordinance. There being no further appearances, Public Comments were closed. Director stated that the Planning Commission has had some preliminary workshops in Study Session; that some of the Commissioners have also toured various properties and parking lots in the City and will invite members of the Coalition and other neighborhood groups to participate in future workshops, as well as a field trip,with the Commission; that the existing ordinance that has been in place for a number of years, all of the projects are reviewed in the context of that ordinance, which the Commission has recognized needs to be updated; that the working draft allows some flexibility to reduce lighting standards over what is required today; and that the working draft, which is a public document, is available, and there will be adequate time for input. i Draft Planning Commission Minutes December 22, 1999 Review of proposed lighting plan for the PALM SPRINGS MALL, located at 2365 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, C-S-C Zone, Section 13. Vice-Chairman Fontana presided, as Chairman Mills had left the meeting. Director presented the I ighting plan, noting the two different types of light fixtures which are to replace the existing fixtures (no additional fixtures being added), i.e. a new downlight metal halide fixture which will be white light, and explained the difference in coloration (white vs. amber), and stated that the parking lot lights at Jack-in-the-Box are high pressure sodium, and they were supposed to be metal halide, which are working at half capacity due to a ballast problem; that this particular project meets the City's requirements for lighting, and there will be some shadow areas, and described the change; and that the Jack-In-the Box parking lot fixtures are in at the approved location, but the manufacturer shipped the wrong lights, which were installed. He described the most significant change in the proposed lighting as being that the existing ones are high pressure sodium (amber colored), and do not look as bright (although they measure the same lighting level and are aimed straight down); that metal halide is a white light and will look brighter, and referenced comparisons, with Stater Bros (southeast corner of Vista Chino and Sunrise) being metal halide, and Albertson's (northwest corner of Vista Chino and Sunrise) being high pressure sodium. A condition of approval by the Planning Commission requested that the Palm Springs Mall look at upgrading the lights; and that the Commission is not obligated to require new lights since it requested that the applicant prepare a lighting study. Pete Pappas, Pappas Architecture, representing the owner of the Palm Springs Mall, stated that some items need to be clarified, and referenced colored dots which represented different lightfixtures with varying intended results;thatthe fixtures installed at Jack-in-the-Box are the new type of fixture that they are specifying, but the bulbs are high-pressure sodium, which are only there until the Commission approves the metal halide lighting; and that the intent is to have uniform lighting in the shopping center. He stated that they specified the metal halide lighting because people feel safer in a white light, and it gives a truer rendition of colors. He further stated that they did this lighting plan at the request of Planning Commission, and have been advised that the shopping center is marginally out of compliance with the lighting code, and they want to bring it up to compliance. Director stated that he read the plan as having the floodlights on the poles adjacent to the buildings, and was advised this morning that there is only one fixture(a down light), and that if flood lights are proposed, when leaving the building patrons would walk into a powerful light which would be uncomfortable, and suggested that the Commission allow the applicant to light up the entry elements of the building and have some shadow patterns against the building; that this is a design issue, but flooding the entire building and increasing the lighting level in the parking lot will create a much brighter look than is existing, and that he would have recommended differently if he had known that the flood lights were there. Mr. Pappas responded to comments by staff and Commissioners, and stated that flood lights will be aimed over peoples' heads, and that they are intended to light the outside perimeter, in addition to highlighting the colors and the building; that they have had security problems at the mall and are trying to get as much light as possible so people I #q 57 Draft Planning Commission Minutes / December 22, 1999 Review of proposed lighting plan - Palm Springs Mall - Cont'd will feel safer. He further stated that the sodium lights will be changed to metal halide throughout(includingthe buildingwash lighting),creating a uniform lamping throughout the site. Commissioner Jurasky commented that the floodlights aimed at the building (above the head) will also throw refracted light. Commissioner Raya stated that the existing lighting (high pressure sodium) has been there for a number of years, and due to lamp and fixture depreciation the amount of light output is considerably lower than today's standards;that the level can be increased by adding fixtures, adding wattage, or installing a higher quality fixturethatwill allow replacing one fixture for every two on a pole;that currently there are two high pressure sodium, 150-watt fixtures on each pole, and that Mr. Pappas is taking 2 old 150-watt fixtures and replacing itwith one more efficient, more expensive lighting fixture that distributes the light more evenly across the parking surface. Regarding high pressure sodium versus metal halide, the fact that he is restricted to the wattage that was existing, and due to the voltage drop problems and existing pole placement, even with the photometrics that he provided today he is lower than the City ordinance requires in many instances, citing test zones that were evaluated. He stated that he agrees with Mr. Pappas in what he is proposing. Regarding the flood lights, Commissioner Raya suggested that applicant consider changing the lamps to high pressure sodium to give contrast between parking lot and building, as the proposed fixture has a highly refined reflector and he might be able to do every other pole, rather than every pole, and still get the effect of seeing the architectural features of building, which would address Director's concerns and the dark sky ordinance, and ultimately make it a better shopping center. Mr. Pappas affirmed that his intention is the same as stated by Commissioner Raya, which is to increase the quality of light, and that they will make minor modifications. Commissioner Caffery stated that the flood lights turn the building into a sign, which he cannot support. Commissioner Raya further explained the types and purposes of the fixtures. M/S/C (Klatchko; Matthews; 6 - 0; Mills absent) to approve the application as it submitted, with the modification that since the specifications for the fixtures (particularly the flood lights) were not part of the initial specifications, that the applicant and staff work together to decrease the number,and change to sodium bulbs, in accordance with foregoing comments made by the Commissioners. Commissioner Fontana cited problems using 250-watt metal halide lights that had to be removed because they were too bright on a project he is working on;that the light should be a subtle,accent light,instead ofwashing the building;Director stated that these are 150-watt lights, and that staff and Mr.Pappas will work together to resolve it. i January 10, 2000 Councilmember Jim Jones 1315 Manzanita Avenue Palm Springs, CA 92264 APPEAL DATED January 6, 2000 - P.S. Mall, Lighting: We are in receipt of your request for appeal of Planning Cornmission decision dated December 22, 1999, for the above mentioned project. The Appeal Hearing has been set for February 2, 2000, at 7 p.m., in the Council Chamber, City Hall, 3200 Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs. If you desire materials to be furnished to the City Council before the Hearing, you must provide 10 copies of the materials to this Office by January 27, 2000. Should you have any questions, please contact Doug Evans, Director of Planning & Building at (760) 323-8245. Sincerely, PATRICIA A. SANDERS City Clerk cc: Pete Pappas ?ALAM 3 - V a� 2 City of Palm Springs V N City Council °rroeArO 3200 Tahquitz Canyon 07ay • Palm Springs,California 92262 Cq< FO 040" TEL 06D)323-8200 • FAX,(760)323-8207 •TDD p60)864-9527 January 6, 19� I am hereby appealing the decision of the Palm Springs Planning Commission, at its meeting on December 22, 1999, on Agenda Item 99, review of proposed lighting plan for the Palm Springs Mall. `—X�-r� — Jim nes Councilmember Post Office Box 2743 • Palm Springs, California 92263-2743 lywood stage set And buss ness owners who pump a lot of money into outdoor signage insist that increased wattage is frequently all that sets them apart from the competition } Butthereissuchathing as shining too much light I,01 jon a subject The Ifuinmat IIIIIII I mg Engineering Society of North America studied commercial lighting and j concluded that many com pames use five tunes the amount of light necessary for effective marketing "Business lights are out of control," says Nancy Clan ton,a lighting designer who helped the i E s draft new tji"xilJ,l ' � o guidelines recommending > that outdoor lighting be re duced as much as 80% r ' Antdight activists say • I it's possible to fight crime III residential areas without whiting out the sky."We're mnot suggesting you live in the dark. We're saying it's m time to keep lights on the j ' '•" ground where we need 2 under way from the Australian Outback to them,"says Tim Hunter,co-founder of thewho cares about light pollution. Astronomers, sure. Britain's Sherwood Foresr, according to I.D.n.,who contends that at least 30%ofall the International Dark-Slry Association light is needlessly cast into the sky. In- But also folks who just want to see the stars again i deed,the solution to man light-pollution ' �Le in which boasts 3,6 i0 members in 3 a, Y tronomers trying to protect mountaintop 70 countries. problems may be as absurdly simple as By DAN CRAY LOS ANGELFS uttin shields around outdoor bulbs to telescopes from the encroaching glaze of The lights won't win], out without a P g OR YEARS, THE TOWERING BUTTES urban sprawl, is fast becoming a national fight. Homeowners view brightly lighted prevent their beams from traveling above along Interstate 40 in Arizona were concern.Legislationto"bag the beam,"as streets as a crime deterrentand tend to feel the horizon., ■ surpassed in majesty only by the one campaign refers to it, is pending in ! Y fv~ deserts night sky—a ceding of ink glit- four states,including New York and Mas- tering with stars and frosted with irides- sachusetts. Last summer Texas and New cent wisps of Milky Way.Today,however, Mexico enacted tough laws to restrict out- . J the once pristine views from I-40 and var- door lights, and just last week officials in ' ious scenic byways across the U.S.are be- Fauquier County,Va.,joining hundreds of ing whitewashed by floodlit roadside busi- regional enforcement efforts,voted unani- nesses whose commercial glow obscures mously in favor of similar restrictions. 0 the heavenly lights for miles around. Even Inuits living 200 miles north of the - - e _ "The stars are an endangered species," Arctic Circle have reportedly begun to rnmplainsWmi Brewer,aMorongoValley, complain about the lights. Calif., artist who purchased five acres of Thanks in part to the publicity sur- .•^' '„__ desert property for its starry vista in 1996 rounding Comet Hale-Bopp and other but is now mired in squabbles with the heavily hyped celestial events, light POI- owners of whit she considers grossly over- lution went from anonissue to something lit homes and businesses. "Ruining the that's on everyone s mind,'says Maryann „- c sky,"she says,"is no different from ruining Amen,adocumentary-film maker and an e let the view of Yosemite." amateur astronomer in Putnam Valley, Light pollution, a term coined by as- N.Y. Efforts to curb light pollution are ; TIME,JANUARY 3I,2000 i RESOLUTION NO. 19734 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA PROVIDING A DECISION ON AN APPEAL BY COUNCIL MEMBER OF A DECISION BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION TO APPROVE AN APPLICATION BY PETER PAPPAS, ARCHITECT, FOR LAMAR COMPANIES, FOR A REVISED LIGHTING PLAN FOR PALM SPRINGS MALL, 155 SOUTH FARRELL DRIVE, C-S-C ZONE, SECTION 13. WHEREAS in accordance with Section 9306.C.4 ofthe Palm Springs Zoning Ordinance all commercial and industrial establishments are requiredto provide night-lighting throughout required parking areas at all hours of customer and employee use; and WHEREAS in approving Minor Architectural Approval application 3.573-A for the Palm Springs Mall, the Planning Commission required as Condition ofApprovalnumber23 thatthe applicantprovide alighting study; and WHEREAS the Planning Commission,at its meeting ofDecember22,1999,reviewed the required lighting study for compliance with Section 9306.C.4 of the Palm Springs Zoning Ordinance; and WHEREAS,the Plarmnig Commission,upon concluding its review,found that the proposed lighting plan is in substantial compliance with the requirements outlined in Section 9306.0 ofthe Pahn Springs Zoning Ordinance; and WHEREAS,it is the finding ofthe City Council that the Planning Commission erred in drawing this conclusion; and WHEREAS,it is the finding ofthe City Council that the utilization ofhigh pressure sodium lights rather than metal halide lights will result in better compliance with the intent and requirements outlined in Section 9306.0 of the Palm Springs Zoning Ordinance. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Palm Springs,that the decision by the Planning Commission to approve an application by Peter Pappas,Architect,for Lamar Companies,for a revised lighting plan for Palm Springs Mall, 155 South Farrell Drive,C-S-C Zone, Section 13 is modified and the proposed lighting plan is approved provided high pressure sodium lighting rather than metal halide lighting is utilized. The Planning Commission's decision to refer decisions on the flood lights to staff is upheld and made part of this resolution. Adopted this 2Id day of February, 2000, AYES: Hodges, Jones, Oden, Reller-Spurgin, Kleindienst NOES: None ABSENT: None ATTEST: CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA By City Clerk City Manager REVIEWED & APPROVED AS TO FORM