HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-02-04 PC Regular Meeting Agenda Packet CITY OF PALM DESERT
REGULAR PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
AGENDA
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2020 — 6:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBER
73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
IV. SUMMARY OF CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS
V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Any person wishing to discuss any item not appearing on the agenda may address
the Planning Commission at this point by stepping to the lectern and giving his/her
name and address for the record. Remarks shall be limited to a maximum of three (3)
minutes unless additional time is authorized by the Planning Commission. Because
the Brown Act does not allow the Planning Commission to take action on items not on
the Agenda, members will not enter into discussion with speakers but may briefly
respond or instead refer the matter to staff for report and recommendation at a future
Planning Commission meeting.
Reports and documents relating to each of the following items listed on the
agenda, including those received following posting/distribution, are on file in
the Office of the Department of Community Development and are available for
public inspection during normal business hours, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00
p.m., 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260, telephone (760) 346-
0611, Extension 484.
VI. CONSENT CALENDAR
ALL MATTERS LISTED ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR ARE CONSIDERED TO BE
ROUTINE AND WILL BE ENACTED BY ONE ROLL CALL VOTE. THERE WILL BE
NO SEPARATE DISCUSSION OF THESE ITEMS UNLESS MEMBERS OF THE
PLANNING COMMISSION OR AUDIENCE REQUEST SPECIFIC ITEMS BE
REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION
AND ACTION UNDER SECTION VII, CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER OF THE
AGENDA.
AGENDA
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING FEBRUARY 4, 2020
A. MINUTES of the Regular Planning Commission meeting of December 3, 2019.
Rec: Approve as presented.
Action:
B. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION to approve a Parcel Map Waiver application
for a lot line adjustment at 125 Suuwat Way (APNs 771-260-044 and 771-280-
068). Case No. PMW 19-0004 (Evergreen Capital Trust, Sumner, Washington,
Applicant).
Rec: By Minute Motion, approve Case No. PMW 19-0004.
Action:
VII. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
Vlll. NEW BUSINESS
A. SELECTION of a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson.
Rec: By Minute Motion, nominate and appoint positions.
Action:
B. SELECTION of Commission Liaisons for Art in Public Places and Parks and
Recreation Commissions.
Rec: By Minute Motion, nominate and appoint positions.
Action:
IX. CONTINUED BUSINESS
None
X. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Anyone who challenges any hearing matter in court may be limited to raising only
those issues he or she raised at the public hearing described herein, or in written
correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission at, or prior to, the public
hearing. Remarks shall be limited to a maximum of three minutes unless additional
time is authorized by the Planning Commission.
2
AGENDA
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING FEBRUARY 4, 2020
A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION for approval of a recommendation to the City
Council for a Zoning Ordinance Amendment to amend Palm Desert Municipal Code
Section 25.32.030 "Accessory Dwelling Units," Section 25.10.030, Section
25.18.040, and Section 25.99.020 to comply with recently enacted State legislation
pertaining to accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units. Case No.
ZOA 20-0001 (City of Palm Desert, Applicant).
Rec: Waive further reading and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No.
2771, recommending to the City Council approval of Case No. ZOA 20-
0001.
Action:
B. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION to adopt resolutions recommending approval
to the City Council to amend the Palm Desert Municipal Code and replace Section
25.28.030 "Medium/High-Density Housing Overlay District" in its entirety with a
new "Housing Overlay District," and apply said overlay district to parcels identified
in the City's Housing Element and parcels owned by the Housing Authority. Case
No. ZOA 19-0004 (City of Palm Desert, Applicant).
Rec: Waive further reading and adopt Planning Commission Resolution Nos.
2772 and 2773, recommending to the City Council approval of Case No.
ZOA 19-0004.
Action:
XI. MISCELLANEOUS
None
XII. COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES
A. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES
B. PARKS & RECREATION
XIII. REPORTS AND REMARKS
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
I hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the
foregoing agenda for the Planning Commission was posted on the City Hall bulletin board not
less than 72 hours prior to the meeting. Dated this 31 sc day of January 2020.
Monica O'Reilly, Recording S retary
3
CITY OF PALM DESERT
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2019 — 6:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBER
73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260
I. CALL TO ORDERfill
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Chair Ron Gregory called the meeting to order at 6:01'p.'M. I"Ilifll�ljl" ;,
II. ROLL CALL
I �
Present: Absent:
Commissioner Joseph Pradetto Commissioner Nancy DeLuna
Commissioner John Greenwood Vice-Chair Lindsay Holt
Chair Ron Gregory Also Present:
or'
Susan Marie Weber May !''�I'I'
Craig Hayes, Assistant City Attorney
Ryan Stendell, Director of Community Development
Eric Ceja, Principal Planner
Kevin Swartz, Associate Planner
Nick Melloni, Assistant Planner
Monica O'Reilly, Management Specialist II
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner John Greenwood led the Pledge of Allegiance.
IV. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION
Director of Community Development Ryan Stendell introduced Mayor Susan Marie
Weber.
On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Susan Marie Weber thanked the Planning
Commission for their service and presented them with a gift of appreciation.
V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION DECEMBER 3, 2019
VI. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. MINUTES of the Regular Planning Commission meeting of November 5, 2019.
Rec: Approve as presented.
A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION to approve a Parcel Map Waiver application for a
lot line adjustment to construct a pool at 121 Netas Drive (APNs 771-280-004 & 771-
280-069). Case No. PMW 19-0005 (Mike Stangl Palm Desert California Applicant).
Rec: By Minute Motion, approve Case No. PMW 19-0005.
Upon a motion by Commissioner Greenwood, seconded by Commissioner Pradetto
and a 3-0 vote of the Planning Commission, the Consent Calendar was approved as
presented (AYES: Greenwood, Gregory, and Pradetto; NOES: None; ABSENT: DeLuna and
Holt).
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VII. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER it,
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None
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
None
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IX. CONTINUED BUSINESS
None
X. PUBLIC HEARINGS :,;
A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION to approve an amendment to Precise Plan 13-
279 to modify the entitlements by removing eight 12-plex buildings and replacing them
with 30 new single-family homes on Lot 1 of Tract Map 36404 within Villa Portofino.
Case No. PP 13-279 Amendment No. 1 (Palm Desert Property Ventures 2 LP La
Quinta, California, Applicant).
Associate Planner Kevin Swartz presented the staff report (staff report(s) are available at
www.cityofpalmdesert.ora). He mentioned that staff received comments in favor from
Palm Desert Greens Country Club because they believe the proposed amendment would
preserve their views. Staff offered to answer any questions.
Chair Gregory asked if the original development was oriented towards seniors.
Mr. Swartz replied that it is correct. The project is still oriented towards seniors. He noted
that seniors were not buying the two-story units; therefore, the applicant has requested to
change to the project to single-story homes.
2
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION DECEMBER 3, 2019
Chair Gregory commented that one of the lots is a retention basin with lawn. He asked if
the lot is intended to be a pocket park. If so, he asked how deep is the retention basin.
The basin is seven feet deep. Mr. Swartz said the original plans indicate there is lawn in
the retention basin. However, he would ask the applicant to address the retention basin.
Commissioner Joseph Pradetto asked staff to address how the loss of 60 units affects the
Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) for the City of Palm Desert.
Per the Development Agreement, Mr. Swartz said there is a condition that Villa Portofino
must pay a fee of $1,166 per unit (66 units) in lieu of providing affordable housing. He
noted that the applicant is aware of the condition.
Principal Planner Eric Ceja added that RHNA provides an overall number of units the City
must build. For the current RHNA cycle, he said Palm Desert is on target meeting the
requirement for the number of units, even with the reduction of the 66 units at Villa
Portofino.
Commissioner Pradetto commented that there is no net positive, and the applicant would
have to pay the fee regardless.
Mr. Stendell stated that the fee was a negotiated condition. The fee was a concession in
the original approval process in 1999.
Chair Gregory declared the public hearing open and invited public testimony FAVORING or
OPPOSING this matter.
MR. BRUCE MAIZE, the representative for The Rilington Group, stated that staff did an
excellent job presenting the project as proposed. He, the architect, and the civil engineer
are available to answer any questions. Mr. Maize indicated that the bottom of the retention
basin would not be turf. He noted that the area is not accessible. They have talked to a
landscape architect to include heavy cobble and provide proper drainage.
With no further testimony offered, Chair Gregory declared the public hearing closed.
Commissioner Pradetto commented that when he looked at this case, he thought about
the action the Planning Commission took in 2018 to increase the density in the area. He
felt that the developer is asking the Commission to take a step backward. He believed the
amendment would make the residents at Palm Desert Greens Country Club happy. He
said he was going to keep an open mind; however, there was not much testimony. At this
point, he preferred to uphold the action the Commission approved in 2018.
Commissioner Greenwood understood Commissioner Pradetto's comments. However,
the development has gone through a lot of turmoil, and it is contingent for seniors. He
would like to see the development come to fruition and have a sellable model. He stated
he would like to maintain consistency with density and the General Plan. Nonetheless,
the development is a small piece of the puzzle in terms of the overall project, and the
development is viable.
3
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION DECEMBER 3, 2019
Chair Gregory commented that he has talked to many friends and colleagues who do not
like the prospect of living in a two-story home, so he has an understanding of why people
would not be interested in purchasing in a two-story development. He voiced his concern
with unsold two-story units. He was in favor of singe-story homes.
Commissioner Greenwood moved to waive further reading and adopt Planning
Commission Resolution No. 2767, approving Case No. PP 13-279 Amendment No. 1, subject
to the conditions of approval. The motion was seconded by Chair Gregory and carried by a
2-1 vote (AYES: Greenwood and Gregory; NOES: Pradetto; ABSENT: DeLuna and Holt).
B. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION to approve a Tentative Parcel Map to subdivide a
2.93-acre commercial lot into two parcels at 41725 Cook Street, and adopt a Notice
of Exemption in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Case No. TPM 37795/19-0002 (The Altum Group Palm Desert California Applicant).
Mr. Melloni outlined the salient points of the staff report and recommended approval.
Chair Gregory commented that the landscape at the site has somewhat withered
away. He asked if this is a good time to request that the landscape be brought up to
the same quality when the project was first constructed.
Mr. Stendell responded that the City would have better leverage if the Code
Compliance Division handles the landscape issue other than going through the
Tentative Parcel Map approval process. He would notify the Code Compliance
Division in the morning.
Commissioner Greenwood noticed that a fair amount of utilities are spanning between
the east and the west with the proposed subdivision. He asked if there are any
concerns with future precise plans.
Mr. Melloni replied that there are telephone lines, which services the properties to
Cook Street. He noted that the applicant would add a formal utility easement onto the
final map. Therefore, any future development of either parcel would need to conform
to the easement.
Chair Gregory declared the public hearing open and invited public testimony FAVORING or
OPPOSING this matter.
MR. STEVE HEISE, the land surveyor for The Altum Group, stated that the intention
for the subdivision is because the front building is vacant. The owner would like to sell
the building and see the building occupied. He said the utility easement is the
telephone line, and the easement would be shown on the final map.
Commissioner Greenwood asked the applicant to address the existing electrical lines.
MR. HEISE responded that Southern California Edison (SCE) has an existing
easement that covers the underground electrical lines.
With no further testimony offered, Chair Gregory declared the public hearing closed.
4
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION DECEMBER 3, 2019
Commissioner Pradetto moved to waive further reading and adopt Planning
Commission Resolution No. 2768, approving Case No. TPM 37795/19-0002, subject to the
conditions of approval. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Greenwood and carried
by a 3-0 vote (AYES: Greenwood, Gregory, and Pradetto; NOES: None; ABSENT: DeLuna
and Holt).
C. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION to approve a Conditional Use Permit to establish
a 4,842-square-foot place of worship within an existing office and industrial building at
75430 Gerald Ford Drive, and adopt a Notice of Exemption in accordance with CEQA.
Case No. CUP 19-0009 (Mount Calvary Holy Church Indio California Applicant).
Mr. Melloni reviewed the staff report. He noted that staff did not receive comments in favor
of or opposed to this matter. Staff recommended approval.
Chair Gregory inquired if there would be a problem with parking if the two churches have
a special event.
Mr. Melloni said if the City receives a complaint regarding parking, the church or churches
must work with City staff to implement a plan to mitigate parking issues.
Besides the existing church and the proposed church, Commissioner Greenwood asked
if there are businesses in the center that might have a heavy use on Sundays.
Mr. Melloni replied that the majority of the other businesses are only open during the
weekdays.
Chair Gregory declared the public hearing open and invited public testimony FAVORING or
OPPOSING this matter.
MR. JOHN GENTRY, the pastor with Mount Calvary Holy Church, stated that they are
delighted for the opportunity to be coming to Palm Desert. He offered to answer any
questions.
With no further testimony offered, Chair Gregory declared the public hearing closed.
Commissioner Pradetto moved to waive further reading and adopt Planning
Commission Resolution No. 2769, approving Case No. CUP 19-0009, subject to the
conditions of approval. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Greenwood and carried
by a 3-0 vote (AYES: Greenwood, Gregory, and Pradetto; NOES: None; ABSENT: DeLuna
and Holt).
D. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION to approve a Conditional Use Permit to expand
an existing group home from six to 10 women, including two nightly staff members at
44755 Deep Canyon Road, and adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration of
Environmental Impact in accordance with CEQA. Case No. CUP 19-0008
(HEARTbeat At 22 Palm Desert California Applicant).
Mr. Swartz provided the staff report. He mentioned that staff did not receive comments
opposing this request. He also noted that the City has not received any complaints or
5
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION DECEMBER 3, 2019
have Code violations on file for the existing group home. Staff recommended approval
and offered to answer any questions.
Commissioner Greenwood asked if the occupants have cars, and could parking be an
issue.
Mr. Swartz deferred the question to the applicant.
Commissioner Greenwood asked if the use were to change, what would happen with the
Conditional Use Permit (CUP).
Mr. Swartz explained that the CUP is specifically for a group home. If the use were to
change to medical use, the applicant would need to amend the CUP.
Chair Gregory declared the public hearing open and invited public testimony FAVORING or
OPPOSING this matter.
MS. JAN LUPIA, the representative for HEARTbeat At 22, offered to answer any
questions.
Commissioner Greenwood asked Ms. Lupia to address parking.
MS. LUPIA responded that the residents do not have cars. She noted that there have
been no parking issues, and there is a total of eight parking spaces.
Commissioner Pradetto inquired if the organization has other group homes similar to
HEARTbeat At 22.
MS. LUPIA replied no.
Commissioner Pradetto asked if the program is specifically geared for women only.
MS. LUPIA replied yes.
Commissioner Pradetto asked if there is an intent to broaden the scope to men.
MS. LUPIA replied no. She communicated that they would always focus on women that
are homeless, in a crisis, and pregnant.
Commissioner Pradetto asked staff and counsel if the Planning Commission could limit
the condition that states the number of residents (12) to be restricted by gender.
Mr. Stendell pointed out that the applicant's mission is for women only. He stated that the
CUP is broad to the residents and the applicant could use the CUP in any way they wish.
Commissioner Pradetto referred to Commissioner Greenwood's point if the applicant sold
the property to someone else.
Mr. Stendell said if the use were to change, the applicant would need to amend the CUP.
6
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION DECEMBER 3, 2019
Mr. Ceja pointed out that Condition of Approval No. 8 states, "Operational changes which
increase the intensity or scope of services provided by the facility shall be subject to the
Department of Community Development review."
Board members with HEARTbeat At 22 stood up in favor of this matter.
With no further testimony offered, Chair Gregory declared the public hearing closed.
Commissioner Greenwood commented that his concerns were addressed in the
conditions and in favor of approving the CUP.
Commissioner Pradetto moved to waive further reading and adopt Planning
Commission Resolution No. 2770, approving Case No. CUP 19-0008, subject to the
conditions of approval. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Greenwood and carried
by a 3-0 vote (AYES: Greenwood, Gregory, and Pradetto; NOES: None; ABSENT: DeLuna
and Holt).
XI. MISCELLANEOUS
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None II�i��jlli,l+ Illllli
XII. COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES
;lii! i;l ,,1�,�1N!�Iljllil�l ail ��IN I�ilyir
A. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES
l� ' I'I � III�II@ill I I��IIIu„
None
B. PARKS & RECREATION
Mr. Stendell reported that the Parks & Recreation Commission did not have a formal
meeting. However, the Commission took a tour of the Family YMCA of the Desert building
on San Pablo Avenue and the Palm Desert Aquatic Center.
XIII. REPORTS AND REMARKS
Commissioner Pradetto referred to accessory dwelling units and understood there is a
new State law.
Mr. Ceja remarked that the State passed 19 laws in 2018 and 18 new laws in 2019
regarding housing. He stated that City staff has done their best to stay on top of all the
new laws, and currently working with Best Best & Krieger to make amendments to the
Accessory Dwelling Ordinance.
Chair Gregory assumed that State law supersedes any homeowner association rules.
Mr. Stendell replied yes.
If a staff report goes to the City Council regarding law changes, Commissioner Pradetto
asked staff if they are willing to share the information with the Planning Commission.
7
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION DECEMBER 3, 2019
Mr. Ceja replied that the process requires the Planning Commission to review changes to
the ordinance.
Mr. Stendell asked staff to forward some internal documents to the Planning Commission.
He noted that Mr. Ceja has a matrix of the law changes.
City Attorney Craig Hayes also mentioned they have a lot of information that they could
forward to the Planning Commission.
Commissioner Greenwood mentioned that a couple of business owners on El Paseo
approached him about concerns with the street improvements. They were not aware of
the changes until the day the changes were being done. He asked how the City is going
to communicate with the tenants on El Paseo of future changes.
6illp ,
Mr. Stendell responded that there is an opportunity for public input on December 12 with
the City Council. Additionally, if tenants approach Commissioners about changes to El
Paseo, he would appreciate having them contact Kevin Swartz. City staff is also
developing tools for a survey, and staff will be doing more walking of El Paseo. He
reminded the Commission that the changes were a,demonstration project to generate
public input.
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
With the Planning Commission concurrence, Chair Gregory adjourned the meeting at
6:51 p.m.
RON GREGORY, CHAIR
ATTEST: �
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RYAN STENDELL, SECRETARY
MONICA O'REILLY, RECORDING SECRETARY
8
CITY OF PALM DESERT
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
To: RYAN STENDELL, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
From: CHRISTINA CANALES, ENGINEERING ASSISTANT
Date: January 8, 2020
Subject: PARCEL MAP WAIVER NO. 19-0004
The above-referenced parcel map waiver has been reviewed by the Engineering
Division of the Public Works Department and found to be technically correct. Please
schedule for Planning Commission action as soon as possible.
PMW 19-0004: Applicant:
Evergreen Capital Trust
1302 Puyallup Street
Sumner, WA 98390
Representative:
Marsha Vincelette
77885 Las Montanas Road, # C
Palm Desert, CA 92211
Christina Canales
Engineering Assistant
EXHIBIT "A"
PARCEL MAP WAIVER 19-0004
LEGAL DESCRIPTION AFTER ADJUSTMENT - PAGE 1 OF 3 PAGES
PARCEL A:
PARCEL 2 OF CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE-WAIVER OF PARCEL MAP NO. 99-13 IN THE CITY OF PALM
DESERT, COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, RECORDED OCTOBER 15, 1999 AS INSTRUMENT
NO. 457540 OFFICIAL RECORDS OF SAID COUNTY, TOGETHER WITH A PORTION OF LOT "G" AS SHOWN
ON TRACT MAP NO. 27520-4 FILED IN BOOK 270, PAGES 103 THROUGH 114 INCLUSIVE, OF MAPS, IN
THE OFFICE OF THE RECORDER OF SAID COUNTY, MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:
COMMENCING AT THE MOST NORTHERLY CORNER OF SAID PARCEL 2 OF SAID CERTIFICATE OF
COMPLIANCE-WAIVER OF PARCEL MAP NO. 99-13, SAID POINT BEING THE POINT OF BEGINNING;
THENCE NORTH 66' 22' 44" EAST, 51.09 FEET;
THENCE SOUTH 52' 31' 28" EAST, 81.88 FEET;
THENCE SOUTH 21' 07' 16" EAST, 46.00 FEET;
THENCE SOUTH 32' 52' 44" WEST, 9.00 FEET TO THE NORTHEASTERLY LINE OF SAID PARCEL 2 OF
SAID CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE-WAIVER OF PARCEL MAP NO. 99-13;
THENCE ALONG SAID NORTHEASTERLY LINE, SOUTH 57' 07' 16" EAST, 38.79 FEET TO THE MOST
EASTERLY CORNER OF SAID PARCEL 2;
THENCE ALONG THE EASTERLY LINE OF SAID PARCEL 2, SOUTH 21' 42' 45" WEST, 110.49 FEET TO
THE SOUTHEASTERLY LINE OF SAID PARCEL 2;
THENCE ALONG SAID SOUTHEASTERLY LINE, SOUTH 65' 32' 26" WEST, 124.47 FEET;
THENCE CONTINUING ALONG SAID SOUTHEASTERLY LINE, SOUTH 58' 32' 54" WEST, 13.61 FEET;
THENCE NORTH 40' 50' 00" WEST, 88.26 FEET TO A POINT IN THE EASTERLY LINE OF LOT "B" OF
THE AFOREMENTIONED TRACT MAP NO. 27520-4 AND THE WESTERLY LINE OF SAID PARCEL 2, SAID
POINT BEING THE BEGINNING OF A NON-TANGENT CURVE CONCAVE NORTHWEST AND HAVING A RADIUS
OF 163.00 FEET, A RADIAL LINE THROUGH SAID POINT BEARS SOUTH 36' 35' 33" EAST;
THENCE NORTHERLY ALONG SAID CURVE AND WESTERLY LINE OF PARCEL 2 THROUGH A CENTRAL
ANGLE OF 08' 44' 19" AN ARC LENGTH OF 24.86 FEET;
THENCE CONTINUING NORTHERLY ALONG SAID WESTERLY LINE ALONG A CURVE CONCAVE NORTHWEST
AND HAVING A RADIUS OF 163.00 FEET THROUGH A CENTRAL ANGLE OF 41' 06' 18" AN ARC LENGTH
OF 116.94 FEET;
OAP` LAND
PREPARED UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF: o�c_.) .V I L`���G��2
m
4-j-v L.S. 7978
�l * Exp. 12-31-20
VICTOR L. ILLENEUVE, L.S. 7978 DATE gTEx OFF,CAS1-20 \P
EXP. 12/30/20
EXHIBIT "A"
PARCEL MAP WAIVER 19-0004
LEGAL DESCRIPTION AFTER ADJUSTMENT - PAGE 2 of 3 PAGES
PARCEL A (CONTINUED)
THENCE CONTINUING ALONG SAID WESTERLY LINE AND LEAVING THE AFOREMENTIONED CURVE, NORTH
86' 26' 10" WEST, 13.00 FEET TO THE BEGINNING OF A TANGENT CURVE CONCAVE WEST AND HAVING
A RADIUS OF 150.00 FEET, A RADIAL LINE THROUGH SAID TANGENT CURVE BEARS SOUTH 86' 26' 10"
EAST;
THENCE CONTINUING ALONG SAID WESTERLY LINE AND NORTHERLY ALONG SAID CURVE THROUGH A
CENTRAL ANGLE OF 03' 32' 17" AN ARC LENGTH OF 9.26 FEET TO THE BEGINNING OF A REVERSE
CURVE CONCAVE EASTERLY AND HAVING A RADIUS CF 60.00 FEET, A RADIAL LINE THROUGH SAID POINT
BEARS NORTH 89' 58' 27" WEST;
THENCE NORTHERLY ALONG SAID REVERSE CURVE AND WESTERLY LINE OF SAID PARCEL 2 THROUGH A
CENTRAL ANGLE OF 14' 20' 37", AN ARC LENGTH OF 15.02 FEET;
THENCE ALONG SAID WESTERLY LINE OF PARCEL 2 TANGENT NORTH 14' 22' 10" EAST, 51.32 FEET TO
THE MOST NORTHERLY CORNER OF SAID PARCEL 2 AND THE POINT OF BEGINNING.
CONTAINING 0.814 ACRES, MORE OR LESS.
SUBJECT TO ALL RIGHTS, RIGHTS OF WAY, COVENANTS AND
EASEMENTS OF RECORD, IF ANY.
LAND
PREPARED UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF: �C`��
a > m ;o
L.S. 7978
Lpi * Exp. 12-31-
31-20
VICTOR L. ILLENEUVE, L.S. 7978 DATE
EXP. 12/30/20 CA��F
EXHIBIT "A"
PARCEL MAP WAIVER 19-0004
PAGE 3 OF 3 PAGES
TRANSFER PARCEL (PORTION OF LOT "G", TRACT 27520-4 M.B. 270 PAGES 103-114 .
A PORTION OF LOT "G" AS SHOWN ON TRACT MAP NO. 27520-4, IN THE CITY OF PALM DESERT,
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, FILED IN BOOK 270, PAGES 103 THROUGH 114
INCLUSIVE, OF MAPS, IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY RECORDER OF SAID COUNTY, MORE PARTICULARLY
DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:
COMMENCING AT THE MOST NORTHERLY CORNER OF PARCEL 2 OF CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE-WAIVER
OF PARCEL MAP NO. 99-13, RECORDED OCTOBER 15, 1999 AS INSTRUMENT NO. 1999-457540 OF
OFFICIAL RECORDS OF RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, SAID POINT BEING THE POINT OF BEGINNING;
THENCE NORTH 66' 22' 44" EAST, 51.09 FEET;
THENCE SOUTH 52' 31' 28" EAST, 81.88 FEET;
THENCE SOUTH 21' 07' 16" EAST, 46.00 FEET;
THENCE SOUTH 32' 52' 44" WEST, 9.00 FEET TO THE NORTHEASTERLY LINE OF SAID PARCEL 2 OF
SAID CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE-WAIVER OF PARCEL MAP NO. 99-13;
THENCE ALONG SAID NORTHEASTERLY LINE OF SAID PARCEL 2, NORTH 57' 07' 16" WEST, 147.03 FEET
TO THE MOST NORTHERLY CORNER OF SAID PARCEL 2 AND THE POINT OF BEGINNING.
CONTAINING 4648.190 SQUARE FEET, MORE OR LESS.
SUBJECT TO ALL RIGHTS, RIGHTS OF WAY, COVENANTS AND
EASEMENTS OF RECORD, IF ANY.
LAND
PREPARED UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF:
� F �
a > rm
L.S. 7978
Exp. 12-31-20
VICTOR L. VILLENEUVE, L.S. 7978 DATE
EXP. 12/30/20 ��qTF or C A��F��\P
EXHIBIT "B" SHEET 2 OF 2 SHEETS
P.M.W. 19-0004
EASEMENT NOTES:
DENOTES A VARIABLE WIDTH EASEMENT FOR SANITARY
l 1 SEWER AND INCIDENTAL PURPOSES 1N FAVOR OF
COACHELLA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT, AS SHOWN
ON TRACT MAP NO. 27520-4, M.B. 270, 103-114.
n, DENOTES A VARIABLE WIDTH EASEMENT FOR INGRESS/EGRESS
f� AND EMERGENCY VEHICULAR ACCESS 1N FAVOR OF THE
THE CITY Of PALM DESERT, AS SHOWN ON TRACT MAP
NO. 27520-4, M.B. 270, 103-114.
j� DENOTES A PUBLIC UTILITY EASEMENT IN FAVOR OF
I J\ SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON COMPANY, RECORDED SEPTEMBER 18, 1998
AS INSTRUMENT NO. 1998-397253, OFFICIAL RECORDS.
® DENOTES A PUBLIC UTILITY EASEMENT IN FAVOR OF
GTE CALIFORNIA INCORPORATED, RECORDED AUGUST 27, 1998
AS INSTRUMENT NO. 1998--359617, OFFICIAL RECORDS,
5 DENOTES RIGHTS INCIDENTAL THERETO, IN FAVOR OF DESERT CANYON HOMES, LLC,
L 1 A WASHINGTON LIMITED LIABILITY CORPORATION, FOR INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE,
AND OTHER REPLACEMENT OF LANDSCAPING, SIGNAGE, UTILITIES, AND SUCH OTHER
PURPOSES AS DETERMINED TO BE APPROPRIATE, RECORDED JULY 9, 1999 AS
INSTRUMENT NO. 1999-309101, OFFICIAL RECORDS.
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PREPARED BY. APPLICANT:
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VICTO VII I ENEUVE DATE PALM DESERT, CA 9226D ACTING CITY SURVEYOR
L.S. 7978 EXP. 12 31 20 L S. 85Q8 EXP. 12 31 20
STAFF REPORT
CITY OF PALM DESERT
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
MEETING DATE: February 4, 2020
PREPARED BY: Nick Melloni, Assistant Planner
REQUEST: Consideration for approval of a recommendation to the City Council for a
Zoning Ordinance Amendment to amend Palm Desert Municipal Code
Section 25.32.030 "Accessory Dwelling Units," Section 25.10.030,
Section 25.18.040, and Section 25.99.020 to comply with recently
enacted State legislation pertaining to accessory dwelling units and junior
accessory dwelling units.
Recommendation
Waive further reading and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2771,
recommending to the City Council approval of Zoning Ordinance Amendment
20-0001, to modify the Palm Desert Municipal Code sections pertaining to
accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs).
Background
An ADU is a secondary dwelling with complete independent living amenities, constructed on
a lot containing an existing single-family dwelling. They are typically attached or detached
from the existing dwelling, or in the case of JADUs, converted from a portion of the existing
dwelling such as a garage or bedroom.
In 2019, the California Legislature approved, and the Governor signed into law six bills (SB
13 and ABs 68, 587, 670, 671, 881 collectively "New ADU Laws") that amended Government
Code section 65852.2 and 65852.22 to impose new limits on the local authority to regulate
ADUs and JADUs. The New ADU Laws became effective on January 1, 2020. If a city does
not have an ADU ordinance that complies with State law, the City's own ADU ordinance is
considered null and void, and any applications are subject to standards established under
Government Code Section 65852.2. The new ADU laws address the following:
• Prohibits cities from establishing a minimum lot size requirement for ADUs and
JADUs.
• Allows any lot containing an existing or proposed single-family dwelling to have one
JADU and one ADU.
• Clarifies that cities can designate areas for ADUs based on adequacy or impacts on
water and sewer services and impacts on traffic flow and public safety.
• Prohibits cities from enforcing owner-occupancy requirements until January 1, 2025.
February 4, 2020 — Planning Commission Staff Report
Case No. ZOA 20-0001 —Accessory Dwelling Units
Page 2 of 4
• Prohibits cities from establishing a maximum size of an ADU of less than 850 square
feet for studios and one-bedroom units, and 1,000 square feet for ADUs with more
than one bedroom.
• Establishes four categories of ADUs that must be approved by cities, regardless of
any other local provisions, within a residential or mixed-use zone. Following are the
four categories:
o An ADU or JADU within the proposed or existing space of a single-family
dwelling when certain conditions for emergency egress are met.
o A detached ADU that is no greater than 800 square feet, with a maximum
height of sixteen feet (16') with a minimum four-foot (4') setback from the side
and rear property lines, regardless of any other development standards for the
property zoning.
o ADUs within a multifamily dwelling converted from non-habitable building
areas such as storage rooms, boiler rooms, attics, basements, or garages,
provided the converted space complies with the Building Code. Cities must
allow up to 25% of the number of existing units and a minimum of one (1).
o Two (2) detached ADUs on a lot with an existing multi-family dwelling provided
each unit has a maximum height of sixteen feet (16') and a minimum four-foot
(4') setback from the side and rear property lines.
• Clarifies that cities cannot require replacement off-street parking spaces for ADUs or
JADUs created through the conversion of a garage, carport, or other covered parking
structure.
• Prohibits cities from requiring parking for new ADUs within a half-mile walking
distance of public transit, within a historic/architecturally significant district, contained
within the structure of an existing single-family dwelling (JADUs), in an area requiring
parking permits or adjacent to vehicle share.
• Requires cities to review applications for ADUs and JADUs within 60 days (down
from 120 days under previous legislation). The laws also stipulate that ADUs and
JADUs must be reviewed and approved ministerially.
• Establishes limitations on cities from collecting development impact fees (DIF) based
on the size of an ADU. Generally, ADUs under 750 square feet are now exempt from
the DIF. Impact fees for ADUs larger than 750 square feet must be proportional to the
fee collected for primary units.
• Creates a narrow exemption to the prohibition for ADUs to be sold or otherwise
conveyed separately from the primary dwelling by allowing deed-restricted sales to
occur. To qualify for this exemption, the primary dwelling and ADU must be built by a
qualified non-profit corporation whose mission is to provide affordable units to low-
income households.
Project Description
The City's current regulations for ADUs were adopted by the City Council in 2017. The State
has since amended ADU legislation requiring the City to comprehensively amend the
ordinance. The proposed changes are necessary to implement new State requirements with
regard to approval procedure, parking, development standards, and definitions.
February 4, 2020 — Planning Commission Staff Report
Case No. ZOA 20-0001 — Accessory Dwelling Units
Page 3 of 4
The proposed amendment includes objective design standards for architecture, landscaping,
and historic preservation to ensure new ADUs are consistent with their property setting.
These standards require ADUs to match the architecture details, materials, and scale of the
existing unit.
The changes also include adjustments to areas ADUs are allowed. Under the previous
ordinance, ADUs were permitted in single-family residential zones. ADUs will now be allowed
in the City's multi-family and downtown mixed-use zones in accordance with the new ADU
laws. The proposed amendment will prohibit ADUs in the Hillside Planned Residential (HPR)
zone. Properties within the HPR zone are within a Very High Fire Hazard Severity zone, utilize
wells for water supply, and are accessible by private roads, which do not fully conform to
current Riverside County Fire requirements. Due to concerns regarding the adequacy of
existing water services in the area for residential and fire service and potential for adverse
impacts for emergency response, it is recommended that ADUs and JADUs be prohibited
within this zone.
Section 25.34.030 "Accessory Dwelling Units"
Palm Desert Municipal Code (PDMC) Section 25.34.030 "Accessory Dwelling Units" is
modified in its entirety to reflect the new State laws. Changes include modified definitions,
reduced parking requirements, the inclusion of the mandatory ADU approval categories,
architecture and landscaping design guidelines, and a prohibition of short-term-rentals within
all ADUs and JADUs.
Section 25.10.030 "Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements"
Proposed modifications to this section include a modification to Table 25.10-1: Use Matrix for
Residential Districts, which adds "Accessory Dwelling Units" and "Junior Accessory Dwelling
Units" as a land use category, which will be permitted in all residential zones with the
exception of Hillside Planned Residential.
Section 25.18.040 "Land Use and Permit Requirement"
Proposed modifications to this section include a modification to Table 25.18-1: Use Matrix for
Downtown Districts, which adds "Accessory Dwelling Units" and "Junior Accessory Dwelling
Units"as a land use category, which will be permitted in all downtown mixed-use zones where
residential is allowed.
Section 25.99.020 — Land Use Definitions
Updated land use definitions for"Accessory Dwelling Units" and added a definition for"Junior
Accessory Dwelling Units".
February 4, 2020 — Planning Commission Staff Report
Case No. ZOA 20-0001 —Accessory Dwelling Units
Page 4 of 4
Public Input
Public noticing was conducted in accordance with State law. A public hearing notice was
published on Saturday, January 25, 2020, in The Desert Sun. To date, the Community
Development Department has received no letters in opposition to or in favor of the proposed
ordinance amendment.
Environmental Review
This Ordinance is exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15282(h), which
establishes a statutory exemption for local jurisdictions to adopt an ordinance regarding
accessory dwelling units to implement provisions of Government Code Section 65852.1 and
65852.2.
Findings of Approval
Findings can be made in support of the amendment and in accordance with the City's Municipal
Code. Findings in support of this project are contained in the draft Planning Commission
Resolution No. 2771, attached to this staff report.
LEGAL REVIEW DEPT. REVIEW FINANCIAL ASSISTANT CITY
REVIEW MANAGER
N/A -Plg�
N/A N/A
Robert W. Hargreaves Ryan Stendell, Director of Janet Moore Andy Firestine
City Attorney Community Development Director of Finance Assistant City Manager
City Manager Lauri A laian: N/A
ATTACHMENT: 1. Draft Planning Commission Resolution No. 2771
2. Public Hearing Notice
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2771
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PALM
DESERT, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF A ZONING
ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO REVISE SECTION 25.34.030
"ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS" AND MODIFY SECTION 25.10.030
"RESIDENTIAL ALLOWED LAND USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS,"
SECTION 25.18.040 "DOWNTOWN LAND USE AND PERMIT
REQUIREMENTS," AND SECTION 25.99.020 "LAND USE DEFINITIONS"
TO COMPLY WITH STATE LEGISLATION PERTAINING TO ACCESSORY
DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS.
CASE NO: ZOA 20-0001
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert, California, did on the
41h day of February 2020, hold a duly noticed public hearing to consider the request by the City
of Palm Desert for approval of the above-noted; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert, in reviewing all the
facts and any testimony given adopts the following as its Findings in recommended approval
of the Zoning Ordinance Amendment to the City Council:
SECTION 1. Findings. The Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert hereby
finds that:
A. The City of Palm Desert, California ("City") is a municipal corporation, duly
organized under the constitution and laws of the State of California; and
B. The Planning and Zoning Law authorizes cities to act by ordinance to provide
for the creation and regulation of accessory dwelling units ("ADUs") and junior
accessory dwelling units ("JADUs"); and
C. In 2019, the California Legislature approved, and the Governor signed into law
several bills ("New ADU Laws") that, among other things, amended
Government Code section 65852.2 and 65852.22 to impose new limits on the
local authority to regulate ADUs and JADUs; and
D. The new ADU laws take effect January 1, 2020, and if the City's ADU ordinance
does not comply with the new ADU laws, the City's ordinance becomes null
and void on that date as a matter of law; and
E. The City desires to amend its local regulatory scheme for the construction of
ADUs and JADUs to comply with the amended provisions of Government Code
Sections 65852.2 and 65852.22; and
F. Failure to comply with Government Code Sections 65852.2 and 65852.22 (as
amended) as of January 1, 2020, renders the City's ordinance regulating ADUs
and JADUs null and void, thereby limiting the City to the application of the few
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2771
default standards provided in Government Code Sections 65852.2 and
65852.22 for the approval of ADUs and JADUs; and
G. The approval of ADUs and JADUs are based solely on the default statutory
standards, without local regulations governing height, setback, landscape,
architectural review, among other things, would threaten the character of
existing neighborhoods, and negatively impact property values, personal
privacy, and fire safety.
H. In accordance with the California Environmental QL�ilty Act (Pub. Resources
Code, § 21000 et seq.) ("CEQA") and the State CE2A Guidelines (Cal. Code
Regs., tit. 14, § 15000 et seq.), the City hasl�,�ICI( ermined that the revisions to
the Palm Desert Municipal Code (PDMO,)'! ere ex#Tpt from environmental
review.
SECTION 2. Amendment. The Planning' Commission of the City of
l'i Palm Desert
iI
recommends that the City Council of the City of Palm Desert,,California, approve and adopt
the Municipal Code amendment to Sections 25 34 030 25 1 �'p30, 25.18.040 ar'd 25.99.020
I uill�Ill�i�'.
as shown in Exhibit A, which is attached hereto ands 1ncorported herewith.
SECTION 3. Severability 1,t'l, ; ray section, !�)section, subdivision, paragraph,
sentence, clause, or phrase in this ordal�;an�411llr any part hl�I lof is for any reason held to be
I�Ih ,I �� , .I I�
unconstitutional or invalid or ineffective'' I� any court,of comp�t�nt jurisdiction, such decision
shall not affect the validity or effectivenessf the rI �ai'<<'�ih po"rtions of this ordinance or any
part thereof. The Plann� Ig.1.
,Cornission h'; pby'declares'" hat it would have passed each
ilk �I ill.IiclIir'll'
section, subsection, suivision, p§ragraph,l;Shtence, clause, or phrase thereof irrespective
I;Bill
of the fact that on�J�1 "� or more s� Pections, ubdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses,
or phrases be declr ` unconst�t11,inal invalid or ineffective.
"�I'I� ��I��II � '�I'�Iljll R' '�
SEC TIO., II14 Calf+ �rt�Ia Environmental Quality Act Finding. The Planning
It III O(4
Commissi'pn o ' heVlCfity of Ialm Desert finds that the adoption of this ordinance is exempt
' I' 4 ;iI 1 ryM�II,
frorr�„lICEtA review in'('aecordal e,with Section 15282(h) of the CEQA Guidelines, which
Ie
�I�I is,adoption of an ordinance regarding accessory dwellingprovidek,lp statutory exenl on fort ,
units and Iunior accessory,,!!d1rvelling units to implement the provisions of Government Code
Section 65852 1 and 6585?�II p!
�4 II 'I�) I('i
! j,l"��'!I Ill II�II�II,I'
NOW, THZ'1,F,,,,l,7bALIFORNIA,
�FOEi'+�BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF PALM D AS FOLLOWS:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct and constitute the findings for approval
of the Planning Commission in this case.
2. That the Planning Commission does hereby recommend approval to the City Council
of ZOA 20-0001.
2
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2771
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the Planning Commission of the City of
Palm Desert, California, at its regular meeting held on the 4tn day of February 2020, by the
following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
►r
LINDSAY HOLT, CHAIR
ATTEST:
:,ji4i1jj$I
LNG � f
RYAN STENDELL, SECRETARY
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSI + ,
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9 II n
ill"
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3
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2771
EXHIBIT A
25.10.030 — Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements
Table 25.10-1: Use Matrix for Residential Districts
Residential'Zoning District
(P=Permitted;A=Administrative Use Permit;L=Large Family Day Care Use Permit;C=Conditional Use Permit;
N=Not Permitted)
RE R-1 R-2 R-3 R-11V1 HPR pR Special Use
Provisions
Residential Uses
Assisted living N C C C N N C
Accessory Dwelling Unit P P P P P N P 25.34.030
Condominium N N C C N N C
Dwelling,duplex N N P P N N N
Dwelling,multifamily N N P P N N C 25.10.040.A
Dwelling,single-family P P P N N P P
Farmworker housing N N N N N N N
Group home P P P N N P P 25.10.040.13
Guest dwelling P P P N N P P
Home-based business P P P P P P P
Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit P P P P P N P 25.34.030
Manufactured home parks N N N N (' N N
Planned unit development, N N C C' N C C 25.10.040.0
residential
Transitional and supportive
housing see Note 1
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2771
25.18.040 — Land Use and Permit Requirements
Table 25.18-1: Use Matrix for Downtown Districts
Zone
Land Use Special Use Provisions
D D-0 DE DE-0
Residential Uses
Accessory Dwelling Unit P P P P 25.34.030
Assisted Living N N N C
Condominium C C C C 25.16.040.13
Dwelling,duplex C C C P 25.16.040.13
Dwelling,multifamily C' C t C P 25.16.040.13
Dwelling,single-family C C C N 25.16.040.13
Group home C C C N 25.16.040.13
Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit P P P P 25.34.030
Home-based business N N N P
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2771
25.34.030 — Accessory Dwelling Units
A. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to allow and regulate accessory dwelling units
(ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs) in compliance with California
Government Code sections 65852.2 and 65852.22.
B. Effect of Conforming. An ADU or JADU that conforms to the standards in this section
will not be:
(1) Deemed to be inconsistent with the City's General Plan and zoning designation
for the lot on which the ADU or JADU is located.
(2) Deemed to exceed the allowable density for the lot on which the ADU or JADU
is located.
(3) Considered in the application of any local ordinance, policy, or program to limit
residential growth.
(4) Required to correct a nonconforming zoning condition, as defined in subsection
C. This does not prevent the City from enforcing compliance with applicable
building standards in accordance with Health and Safety Code section
17980.12.
C. Definitions. For the purposes of this Section, the following definitions shall apply.
(1) "Accessory Dwelling Unit" means an attached or a detached residential
dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more
persons and is located on a lot with a proposed or existing primary residence.
An accessory dwelling unit also includes the following:
a) An efficiency unit, as defined by Section 17958.1 of the California Health
and Safety Code; and
b) A manufactured home, as defined by Section 18007 of the California
Health and Safety Code.
(2) "Accessory Structure" means a structure that is accessory and incidental to
a dwelling located on the same lot.
(3) "Complete independent living facilities" means a permanent provision for
living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as the
single-family or multifamily dwelling is or will be situated.
(4) "Efficiency Kitchen" means a kitchen that includes each of the following:
a) A cooking facility with appliances.
b) A food preparation counter or counters that total at least 15 square feet
in area.
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2771
c) Food storage cabinets that total at least 30 square feet of shelf space.
(5) "Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU)" means residential unit that:
a) Is no greater than 500 square feet in size,
b) Is contained entirely within an existing or proposed single-family
structure,
c) Includes its own separate sanitation facilities or shares sanitation
facilities with the existing or proposed single-family structure, and
d) Includes an efficiency kitchen, as defined by this in subsection (c) (4) of
this Code.
(6) "Living area" means the interior habitable area of a dwelling unit, including
basements and attics, but does not include a garage or any accessory
structure.
(7) "Nonconforming Zoning Condition" means physical improvement on a
property that does not conform with current zoning standards.
(8) "Owner" means the property owner on the latest equalized property tax
assessment roll. If the Owner is not a natural person or group of natural persons
(e.g. the Owner is a trust or corporation), then the Owner(s) shall designate a
natural person for the purpose of satisfying the owner occupancy requirements
set forth in Subsection (E)(6). The Owner(s) designated natural person(s) shall
reside on-site shall have authority to bind the owner in all matters related to the
site, and shall not pay rent or other compensation, nor provide services to the
owner.
(9) "Owner-occupancy" means an Owner currently resides on the property in
either the Primary Dwelling Unit, ADU or JADU.
(10) "Passageway" means pathway that is unobstructed clear to the sky and
extends from a street to one entrance of the ADU or JADU.
(11) "Primary Dwelling" means an existing single-family dwelling, or the larger of
two proposed dwellings.
(12) "Proposed Dwelling" means a dwelling that is the subject of a permit
application and that meets the requirements for permitting.
(13) "Public transit" means a location, including, but not limited to, a bus stop or
train station, where the public may access buses, trains, subways, and other
forms of transportation that charge set fares, run on fixed routes, and are
available to the public.
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2771
(14) "Tandem Parking" means a parking design in which two or more automobiles
are parked on a driveway or in any other location on a lot, lined up behind one
another.
D. Approvals. The following approvals apply to ADUs and JADUs under this section:
(1) Building-permit only. If an ADU or JADU complies with each of the general
requirements listed in subsection (D), it is allowed with only a building permit in
the following scenarios:
a) Converted on Single-family Lot: Only one ADU or JADU on a lot with
a proposed or existing single-family dwelling on it, where the ADU or
JADU:
(i) Is either contained within the floor area of a proposed single-
family dwelling; contained within the existing floor area of an
existing single-family dwelling; or contained within the space of
an accessory structure, plus up to 150 additional square feet if
the expansion is limited to accommodating ingress and egress.
(ii) Has exterior access that is independent of that for the single-
family dwelling.
(iii) Provides minimum side and rear setbacks sufficient for fire and
safety, as dictated by applicable building and fire codes.
b) Limited Detached on Single-family Lot: One detached, new-
construction ADU on a lot with a proposed or existing single-family
dwelling (in addition to any JADU that might otherwise be established
on the lot under subsection D(1)a) above, if the detached ADU satisfies
the following limitations:
(i) The side- and rear-yard setbacks are at least four feet.
(ii) The total floor area is below 800 square feet.
(iii) The total height of the structure, as measured from grade to the
top of pitch, is 16 feet or less.
c) Converted on Multi-family Lot: Multiple ADUs up to 25 percent of the
total multi-family dwelling units, but no less than one unit, are allowed
within portions of existing multifamily dwelling structures that are not
used as living area, including but not limited to storage rooms, boiler
rooms, passageways, attics, basements, or garages, provided that each
converted ADU complies with state building standards for dwellings.
d) Limited Detached on Multifamily Lot: No more than two detached
ADUs on a lot that has an existing multifamily dwelling if each detached
ADU satisfies the following limitations:
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2771
(i) The side- and rear-yard setbacks are at least four feet.
(ii) The total floor area is 800 square feet or smaller.
(2) ADU Permit.
a) Except as allowed under subsection (D)(1) above, no ADU shall be
created without obtaining a building permit and an ADU permit in
compliance with the standards set forth in subsections E and F below.
b) The City may charge a fee to reimburse it for costs incurred in
processing ADU permits, including the costs of adopting or amending
the City's ADU ordinance. The ADU-permit processing fee is
determined by the Director of Building and Safety and approved by the
City Council by resolution.
(3) Process and Timing.
a) An ADU permit is considered and approved ministerially, without
discretionary review or a hearing.
b) The City must act on an application to create an ADU or JADU within
60 days from the date that the City receives a completed application,
unless either:
(i) The applicant requests a delay, in which case the 60-day time
period is tolled for the period of the requested delay, or
(i i) In the case of a JADU and the application to create a junior
accessory dwelling unit is submitted with a permit application to
create a new single-family dwelling on the lot, the City may delay
acting on the permit application for the JADU until the City acts
on the permit application to create the new single-family
dwelling, but the application to create the JADU will still be
considered ministerially without discretionary review or a
hearing.
E. General ADU and JADU Requirements. The following requirements apply to all
ADUs and JADUs that are approved under subsections D(1) or D(2) above:
(1) Zoning.
a) An ADU or JADU subject only to a building permit under subsection D(1)
above may be created on any lot in a residential or mixed-use zone,
with exception to the City's Hillside Planned Residential (HPR) Zone.
b) An ADU or JADU subject to an ADU permit under subsection D(2)
above may be created on a lot that is zoned to allow single-family
dwelling residential use or multifamily dwelling residential use, with
exception to the City's Hillside Planned Residential (HPR) Zone
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2771
(2) Fire Sprinklers. Fire sprinklers shall be required in an ADU if sprinklers are
required in the primary residence.
(3) Rental Term. No ADU or JADU shall be rented for a term that is shorter than
28 days. An ADU or JADU is not eligible for a Short-Term Rental permit.
(4) No Separate Conveyance. An ADU or JADU may be rented, but no ADU or
JADU may be sold or otherwise conveyed separately from the lot and the
primary dwelling (in the case of a single-family lot) or from the lot and all of the
dwellings (in the case of a multifamily lot) except where allowed for qualifying
units under Government Code Section 65852.26.
(5) Septic System. If the ADU or JADU will connect to an onsite water-treatment
system, the owner must include with the application a percolation test
completed within the last five years or, if the percolation test has been
recertified, within the last 10 years.
(6) Owner Occupancy.
a) All ADUs created before January 1, 2020 are subject to the owner-
occupancy requirement that was in place when the ADU was created.
b) An ADU that is created after that date but before January 1, 2025, is not
subject to any owner-occupancy requirement.
c) All ADUs that are created on or after January 1, 2025, are subject to an
owner-occupancy requirement. A natural person with legal or equitable
title to the property must reside on the property as the person's legal
domicile and permanent residence.
d) All JADUs are subject to an owner-occupancy requirement. A natural
person with legal or equitable title to the property must reside on the
property, in either the primary dwelling or JADU, as the person's legal
domicile and permanent residence. However, the owner-occupancy
requirement of this paragraph does not apply if the property is entirely
owned by another governmental agency, land trust, or housing
organization.
(7) Deed Restriction. Prior to issuance of a building permit for an ADU or JADU,
a deed restriction must be recorded against the title of the property in the
County Recorder's office and a copy filed with the Director of Building and
Safety. The deed restriction must run with the land and bind all future owners.
The form of the deed restriction will be provided by the City and must provide
that:
a) The ADU or JADU may not be sold separately from the primary dwelling
except where allowed for qualifying units under Government Code
Section 65852.26.
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2771
b) The ADU or JADU is restricted to the approved size and to other
attributes allowed by this section.
c) The deed restriction runs with the land and may be enforced against
future property owners.
d) The deed restriction may be removed if the owner eliminates the ADU
or JADU, as evidenced by, for example, removal of the kitchen facilities.
To remove the deed restriction, an owner may make a written request
of the Director, providing evidence that the ADU or JADU has in fact
been eliminated. The Director may then determine whether the
evidence supports the claim that the ADU or JADU has been eliminated.
Appeal may be taken from the Director's determination consistent with
other provisions of this Code. If the ADU or JADU is not entirely
physically removed, but is only eliminated by virtue of having a
necessary component of an ADU or JADU removed, the remaining
structure and improvements must otherwise comply with applicable
provisions of this Code.
e) The deed restriction is enforceable by the Director of Community
Development or his or her designee for the benefit of the City. Failure
of the property owner to comply with the deed restriction may result in
legal action against the property owner, and the City is authorized to
obtain any remedy available to it at law or equity, including, but not
limited to, obtaining an injunction enjoining the use of the ADU or JADU
in violation of the recorded restrictions or abatement of the illegal unit.
(8) Certificate of Occupancy. A Certificate of Occupancy shall not be issued for
an ADU or JADU prior to the Certificate of Occupancy for the primary dwelling.
F. Specific ADU Requirements. The following requirements apply only to ADUs that
require a Ministerial ADU permit under subsection D(2) above.
(1) Maximum Size.
a) The maximum size of a detached or attached ADU subject to this
subsection shall be 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit
and 1,000 square feet for a unit with two bedrooms. No more than two
bedrooms are allowed.
b) An attached ADU that is created on a lot with an existing primary
dwelling is shall be limited to 50 percent of the floor area of the existing
primary dwelling.
c) Application of other development standards in this subsection F, such
as FAR or lot coverage, might further limit the size of the ADU, but no
application of FAR, lot coverage, or open-space requirements may
require the ADU to be less than 800 square feet.
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2771
(2) Floor Area Ratio (FAR). No ADU subject to this subsection shall cause the
total FAR of the lot to exceed the maximum permitted floor area ratio allowed
for the underlying zoning designation, subject to subsection F(1)c) above.
(3) Lot Coverage. No ADU subject to this subsection F shall cause the total lot
coverage of the lot to exceed the maximum lot coverage allowed for the
underlying zoning designation, subject to subsection F(1)c) above.
(4) Minimum Open Space. No ADU subject to this subsection F shall cause the
total percentage of open space or landscaping of the lot to fall below the
minimum required open space percentage for the underlying zoning
designation, subject to subsection F(1)c) above.
(5) Height.
a) A single-story attached or detached ADU may not exceed 16 feet in
height above grade, measured to the peak of the structure. In no case
shall an ADU exceed the height of the primary dwelling unit.
b) A detached ADU may not exceed one story.
(6) Passageway. No passageway, as defined by this section, is required for an
ADU.
(7) Parking.
a) Generally. One off-street parking space is required for each ADU. The
parking space may be provided in setback areas or as tandem parking,
as defined by this section. Such parking space shall be ten (10) feet
wide by twenty (20) feet-deep for covered spaces and nine (9) feet wide
by eighteen feet and six inches (18'-6") deep for open spaces.
b) Exceptions. No parking under subsection F(7)a) is required in the
following situations:
(i) The ADU is located within one-half mile walking distance of
public transit, as defined by this section.
(ii) The ADU is located within an architecturally and historically
significant historic district.
(iii) The ADU is part of the proposed or existing primary residence,
converted non-living, or a converted accessory structure under
subsection D(1)a) above.
(iv) When on-street parking permits are required but not offered to
the occupant of the ADU.
(v) When there is an established car share vehicle stop located
within one block of the ADU.
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2771
c) No Replacement. When a garage, carport, or covered parking structure
is demolished in conjunction with the construction of an ADU or
converted to an ADU, those off-street parking spaces are not required
to be replaced.
(8) Architectural Requirements.
a) All architectural details of an ADU shall match the style, materials,
colors, and quality of the primary dwelling.
b) The materials and colors of the exterior walls, roof, eaves and windows
and doors shall match the appearance and architectural design of the
primary dwelling.
c) The roof pitch, roof type, roof shape and roof material shall match the
primary dwelling.
d) All roof and ground-mounted equipment shall be fully screened from the
adjacent public right-of-way and adjacent properties. Masonry walls,
landscaping, or architectural features may be used to provide screening
and prevent a direct line of sight.
e) All exterior lighting shall comply with Chapter 24.16 of the Palm Desert
Municipal Code and shall be limited to down-lights or as otherwise
required by the building or fire code.
f) The ADU must have an independent exterior entrance, apart from that
of the primary dwelling. The ADU entrance must be located on the side
or rear building fagade, not facing a public-right-of-way.
g) The interior horizontal dimensions of an ADU must be at least 10 feet
wide in every direction, with a minimum interior wall height of seven feet.
h) Windows and doors of the ADU may not have a direct line of sight to an
adjoining residential property. Fencing, landscaping, or privacy glass
may be used to provide screening and prevent a direct line of sight.
(9) Landscape Requirements.
a) Evergreen landscape screening must be planted and maintained
between the ADU and adjacent parcels as follows:
b) At least one 15-gallon size plant shall be provided for every five linear
feet of exterior wall. Alternatively, at least one 24" box size plant shall
be provided for every 10 linear feet of exterior wall.
c) For a ground-level ADU, plant specimens must be at least six feet tall
when installed. As an alternative, for a ground level ADU, a solid wall or
fence of at least six feet in height where allowed may be installed.
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2771
d) All landscaping must be drought-tolerant.
e) All landscaping must be from the City's approved plant pallet.
f) The ADU and primary dwelling must use the same driveway to access
the street, unless otherwise required for fire-apparatus access, as
determined by the fire marshal.
(10) Historical Protections. The following requirements apply to ADUs on real
property that is listed in the California Register of Historic Resources or
Landmark as defined under Chapter 29.20 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code:
a) All additions and modifications affecting the exterior of the primary
dwelling shall be subject to obtaining a Certificate of Appropriateness in
accordance with Title 29 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code
b) Additions and exterior modifications shall preserve the architectural
character, and retain any distinctive stylistics features of the existing
research and be subject to design standards identified under Chapter
29.60.080 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code.
G. Fees.
(1) Impact Fees.
a) No impact fee is required for an ADU that is less than 750 square feet
in size.
b) Any impact fee that is required for an ADU that is 750 square feet or
larger in size must be charged proportionately in relation to the square
footage of the primary dwelling unit. (e.g., the floor area of the primary
dwelling, divided by the floor area of the ADU, times the typical fee
amount charged for a new dwelling.) "Impact fee" here does not include
any connection fee or capacity charge for water or sewer service.
(2) Utility Fees.
a) Converted ADUs and JADUs on a single-family lot, created under
subsection D(1)a) above, are not required to have a new or separate
utility connection directly between the ADU or JADU and the utility. Nor
is a connection fee or capacity charge required unless the ADO or JADU
is constructed with a new single-family home.
b) All ADUs and JADUs not covered by subsection G(2)a) above require
a new, separate utility connection directly between the ADU or JADU
and the utility. The connection is subject to a connection fee or capacity
charge that is proportionate to the burden created by the ADU or JADU,
based on either the floor area or the number of drainage-fixture units
(DFU) values, as defined by the Uniform Plumbing Code, upon the
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2771
water or sewer system. The fee or charge may not exceed the
reasonable cost of providing this service.
H. Nonconforming ADUs and Discretionary Approval. Any proposed ADU or JADU
that does not conform to the objective standards set forth in subsections A through
G(2) of this section may be allowed by the City with a conditional use permit, in
accordance with the other provisions of this title.
25.99.020 — Land Use Definitions
Accessory Dwelling Unit. An attached or a detached residential dwelling unit that
provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons and is
located on a lot with a proposed or existing primary residence. An accessory
dwelling unit also includes the following:
a) An efficiency unit, as defined by Section 17958.1 of the California Health
and Safety Code; and
b) A manufactured home, as defined by Section 18007 of the California
Health and Safety Code.
Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit. A residential unit that:
c) Is no greater than 500 square feet in size,
d) Is contained entirely within an existing or proposed single-family
structure,
e) Includes its own separate sanitation facilities or shares sanitation
facilities with the existing or proposed single-family structure, and
f) Includes an efficiency kitchen, as defined by this in subsection (c)(4) of
this Code.
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2771
EXHIBIT B
25.10.030 — Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements
Table 25.10-1: Use Matrix for Residential Districts
Residential'Zoning District
(P=Permitted;A=Administrative Use Permit;L=Large Family Day Care Use Permit;C=Conditional Use Permit;
N=Not Permitted)
RE R-1 R-2 R-3 R-IM HPR PR Special Use
Provisions
Residential Uses
Assisted living N (' C C N N C
Accessory Dwelling Unit P P P P P N P 25.34.030
Condominium N N C' C N N C
Dwelling,duplex N N 1, P N N N
Dwelling,multifamily N N P P N N C 25.10.040.A
Dwelling,single-family P P 1, N N P P
Farmworker housing N N N N N N N
Group home P P P N N P P 25.10.040.13
Guest dwelling P P P N N P P
Home-based business P P P P P P P
Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit P P 1' P P N P 25.34.030
Manufactured home parks N N N N C N N
Planned unit development, N N C C N C C 25.10.040.0
residential
Transitional and supportive see Note 1
housing
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2771
25.18.040 — Land Use and Permit Requirements
Table 25.18-1: Use Matrix for Downtown Districts
Zone
Land Use Special Use Provisions
D D-O DE DE-0
Residential Uses
Accessory Dwelling Unit P P P P 25.34.030
Assisted Living N N N C
Condominium C C ' C C 25.16.040.13
Dwelling,duplex C ' C ' C P 25.16.040.13
Dwelling,multifamily C C' C P 25.16.040.13
Dwelling,single-family C ' C C N 25.16.040.13
Group home C ' C ' C N 25.16.040.13
Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit P P P P 25.34.030
Home-based business N N N P
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2771
25.34.030 - Accessory Dwelling Units
requiremeRts herein are inteRded te Gemply with the requiremeRtS of state law.
YR4) shall be permitted within those resideRtial ZOR*Rg distrk)t ideRtified PR Table 25.1-0-
with the requirements of this SeGtieR and other appliGable provisieRS of this tatle.
C. Requirements. ApplicatiORS fer an aGGessery unit must meet the fGllGWiRg
1. The parGel MUSt GeRtain aR existing and permitted primary resideRtial unit.
2. The aGc-essory unit shall provide Gemplete and independeRt living faGiliti
separate from the primary unit.
by the GoaGhella Valley Water DistriGt and shall not adversely impad vehiGula
but are RGt required to, be metered separately
3. The accessery URit shall have adequate sewer and water services as determ
from the primary unit.
detached,4. The aGc-essery unit may be
area of the existing primary unit.
5. The living area of a detaGhed or attaGhed aGGessery unit shall Rot eXGeed
perGent of the fleor area of the permitted and GC)RStrLAGted primary UR9t but On RG
evien� t be less than 400 square feet er evneed 1 ,200 square feet in area.
F The i root shall only he for rental purposes or personal use of the property ewngK_
setbacks,7. The aGGessery unit may not be seld separately f rem the priM.-aPy,
8. ARY Rew GORstruc-tieR associated with the aGGessery unit shall GeMply Wit
parking buildiRg o
height, landSGape, and des!gR
standards contained within the base ZeRiRg district and shall net alter the geReral
appearaRGe of the primary Unit as a single-family residence
9. The aGGeSSGry unit and all related improvements inGlydiRg a garage or carp
shall archoteGturally matGh and/or be eempatible with the design ef the Primary YRit.
bedroom withiR a garage 9F Garport, Lip te a maximum of twe spaGes. Off street
parkingrequirements may be eliminated nF rnE)dified under the felleWiRg
circumstances:
a. No off street parkiRg is requ'red for aGcessory units IGGated within ene-half
(i/2) mile of public transit
h. 7 Te acne unit
cry nit is located within an architects gall y and hictnrinally
Ah
significapt historic district
of the existing primary snit
of the accessory Uni+
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2771
e. Ne off street parking Is required when a Gar share vehiGle 06 leGated within
nv l�ne hlno of the accessory unit
the D. The . I ;t shall be owner-oGGUpied. if the property ewner is Linable te OGGHPY
It shall remain unoGeupied during perieds In whiGh the aGGessory
e
dwelling unit is rented. In Re instanGe may beth uRits be rented. A GevenaRt
memorializing thus requirement shall be reGOrded agaiRSt the Property priGr to ssuan
of the nertifina+e of nnni ipaRGY for the nr�nesser�i rfieiellinry i init
r ... ��_.� _..._.
E___Density lim�i_�.rits don't apply. 4n annessery unit whirh r•nnfnrmc to these
requirements-
shall Ret be GORSidered to exceed the allnwablp deRSity for the let upen which it
located, and shall be deemed te be a residential use GC)nSisteRt with the General P
and 7nninn and Land Use QrdinonGe designation fer the lot
A. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to allow and regulate accessory dwelling
units (ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs) in compliance with
California Government Code sections 65852.2 and 65852.22.
B. Effect of Conforming. An ADU or JADU that conforms to the standards in this
section will not be:
(1) Deemed to be inconsistent with the City's general plan and zoning
designation for the lot on which the ADU or JADU is located.
(2) Deemed to exceed the allowable density for the lot on which the ADU or
JADU is located.
(3) Considered in the application of any local ordinance, policy, or program to
limit residential growth.
(4) Required to correct a nonconforming zoning condition, as defined in
subsection C. This does not prevent the City from enforcing compliance with
applicable building standards in accordance with Health and Safety Code
section 17980.12.
C. Definitions. For the purposes of this Section, the following definitions shall apply.
(1) "Accessory Dwelling Unit" means an attached or a detached residential
dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or
more persons and is located on a lot with a proposed or existing primary
residence. An accessory dwelling unit also includes the following:
a) An efficiency unit, as defined by Section 17958.1 of the California
Health and Safety Code; and
b) A manufactured home, as defined by Section 18007 of the California
Health and Safety Code.
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2771
(2) "Accessory Structure" means a structure that is accessory and incidental to
a dwelling located on the same lot.
(3) "Complete independent living facilities" means a permanent provisions for
living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as the
single-family or multifamily dwelling is or will be situated.
(4) "Efficiency Kitchen" means a kitchen that includes each of the following:
a) A cooking facility with appliances.
b) A food preparation counter or counters that total at least 15 square
feet in area.
c) Food storage cabinets that total at least 30 square feet of shelf space.
(5) "Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU)" means residential unit that:
a) Is no greater than 500 square feet in size,
b) Is contained entirely within an existing or proposed single-family
structure,
c) Includes its own separate sanitation facilities or shares sanitation
facilities with the existing or proposed single-family structure, and
d) Includes an efficiency kitchen, as defined by this in subsection (c)(4) of
this Code.
(6) "Living area" means the interior habitable area of a dwelling unit, including
basements and attics, but does not include a garage or any accessory
structure.
(7) "Nonconforming Zoning Condition" means physical improvement on a
property that does not conform with current zoning standards.
(8) "Owner" means the property owner on the latest equalized property tax
assessment roll. If the Owner is not a natural person or group of natural
persons (e.g. the Owner is a trust or corporation), then the Owner(s) shall
designate a natural person for the purpose of satisfying the owner occupancy
requirements set forth in Subsection (E)(6). The Owner(s) designated natural
person(s) shall reside on site, shall have authority to bind the owner in all
matters related to the site, and shall not pay rent or other compensation, nor
provide services to the owner.
(9) "Owner-occupancy" means an Owner currently resides on the property in
either the Primary Dwelling Unit, ADU or JADU.
(10) "Passageway" means pathway that is unobstructed clear to the sky and
extends from a street to one entrance of the ADU or JADU.
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2771
(11) "Primary Dwelling" means an existing single-family dwelling, or the larger of
two proposed dwellings.
(12) "Proposed Dwelling" means a dwelling that is the subject of a permit
application and that meets the requirements for permitting.
(13) "Public transit" means a location, including, but not limited to, a bus stop or
train station, where the public may access buses, trains, subways, and other
forms of transportation that charge set fares, run on fixed routes, and are
available to the public.
(14) "Tandem Parking" means a parking design in which two or more
automobiles are parked on a driveway or in any other location on a lot, lined
up behind one another.
D. Approvals. The following approvals apply to ADUs and JADUs under this section:
(1) Building-permit only. If an ADU or JADU complies with each of the general
requirements listed in subsection (D), it is allowed with only a building permit
in the following scenarios:
a) Converted on Single-family Lot: Only one ADU or JADU on a lot
with a proposed or existing single-family dwelling on it, where the ADU
or JADU:
(i) Is either: contained within the floor area of a proposed single-
family dwelling; contained within the existing floor area of an
existing single-family dwelling; or contained within the space of
an accessory structure, plus up to 150 additional square feet if
the expansion is limited to accommodating ingress and egress.
(ii) Has exterior access that is independent of that for the single-
family dwelling.
(iii) Provides minimum side and rear setbacks sufficient for fire and
safety, as dictated by applicable building and fire codes.
b) Limited Detached on Single-family Lot: One detached, new-
construction ADU on a lot with a proposed or existing single-family
dwelling (in addition to any JADU that might otherwise be established
on the lot under subsection D(1)a) above, if the detached ADU
satisfies the following limitations:
(i) The side- and rear-yard setbacks are at least four-feet.
(ii) The total floor area is below 800 square-feet.
(iii) The total height of the structure, as measured from grade to the
top of pitch, is 16 feet or less.
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2771
c) Converted on Multifamily Lot: Multiple ADUs up to 25 percent of the
total multi-family dwelling units, but no less than one unit, are allowed
within portions of existing multifamily dwelling structures that are not
used as living area, including but not limited to storage rooms, boiler
rooms, passageways, attics, basements, or garages, provided that
each converted ADU complies with state building standards for
dwellings.
d) Limited Detached on Multifamily Lot: No more than two detached
ADUs on a lot that has an existing multifamily dwelling if each
detached ADU satisfies the following limitations:
(i) The side- and rear-yard setbacks are at least four-feet.
(i i) The total floor area is 800 square feet or smaller.
(2) ADU Permit.
a) Except as allowed under subsection (D)(1) above, no ADU shall be
created without obtaining a building permit and an ADU permit in
compliance with the standards set forth in subsections E and F below.
b) The City may charge a fee to reimburse it for costs incurred in
processing ADU permits, including the costs of adopting or amending
the City's ADU ordinance. The ADU-permit processing fee is
determined by the Director of Building and Safety and approved by the
City Council by resolution.
(3) Process and Timing.
a) An ADU permit is considered and approved ministerially, without
discretionary review or a hearing.
b) The City must act on an application to create an ADU or JADU within
60 days from the date that the City receives a completed application,
unless either:
(i) The applicant requests a delay, in which case the 60-day time
period is tolled for the period of the requested delay, or
(i i) In the case of a JADU and the application to create a junior
accessory dwelling unit is submitted with a permit application to
create a new single-family dwelling on the lot, the City may
delay acting on the permit application for the JADU until the
City acts on the permit application to create the new single-
family dwelling, but the application to create the JADU will still
be considered ministerially without discretionary review or a
hearing.
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2771
E . General ADU and JADU Requirements. The following requirements apply to all
ADUs and JADUs that are approved under subsections D(1) or D(2) above:
(1) Zoning.
a) An ADU or JADU subject only to a building permit under subsection
D(1) above may be created on any lot in a residential or mixed-use
zone, with exception to the City's Hillside Planned Residential (HPR)
Zone.
b) An ADU or JADU subject to an ADU permit under subsection D(2)
above may be created on a lot that is zoned to allow single-family
dwelling residential use or multifamily dwelling residential use, with
exception to the City's Hillside Planned Residential (HPR) Zone
(2) Fire Sprinklers. Fire sprinklers shall be required in an ADU if sprinklers are
required in the primary residence.
(3) Rental Term. No ADU or JADU shall be rented for a term that is shorter than
28 days. An ADU or JADU is not eligible for a Short-Term Rental permit.
(4) No Separate Conveyance. An ADU or JADU may be rented, but no ADU or
JADU may be sold or otherwise conveyed separately from the lot and the
primary dwelling (in the case of a single-family lot) or from the lot and all of
the dwellings (in the case of a multifamily lot) except where allowed for
qualifying units under Government Code Section 65852.26.
(5) Septic System. If the ADU or JADU will connect to an onsite water-treatment
system, the owner must include with the application a percolation test
completed within the last five years or, if the percolation test has been
recertified, within the last 10 years.
(6) Owner Occupancy.
a) All ADUs created before January 1, 2020 are subject to the owner-
occupancy requirement that was in place when the ADU was created.
b) An ADU that is created after that date but before January 1, 2025, is
not subject to any owner-occupancy requirement.
c) All ADUs that are created on or after January 1, 2025 are subject to an
owner-occupancy requirement. A natural person with legal or equitable
title to the property must reside on the property as the person's legal
domicile and permanent residence.
d) All JADUs are subject to an owner-occupancy requirement. A natural
person with legal or equitable title to the property must reside on the
property, in either the primary dwelling or JADU, as the person's legal
domicile and permanent residence. However, the owner-occupancy
requirement of this paragraph does not apply if the property is entirely
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2771
owned by another governmental agency, land trust, or housing
organization.
(7) Deed Restriction. Prior to issuance of a building permit for an ADU or JADU,
a deed restriction must be recorded against the title of the property in the
County Recorder's office and a copy filed with the Director of Building and
Safety. The deed restriction must run with the land and bind all future owners.
The form of the deed restriction will be provided by the City and must provide
that:
a) The ADU or JADU may not be sold separately from the primary
dwelling except where allowed for qualifying units under Government
Code Section 65852.26.
b) The ADU or JADU is restricted to the approved size and to other
attributes allowed by this section.
c) The deed restriction runs with the land and may be enforced against
future property owners.
d) The deed restriction may be removed if the owner eliminates the ADU
or JADU, as evidenced by, for example, removal of the kitchen
facilities. To remove the deed restriction, an owner may make a written
request of the Director, providing evidence that the ADU or JADU has
in fact been eliminated. The Director may then determine whether the
evidence supports the claim that the ADU or JADU has been
eliminated. Appeal may be taken from the Director's determination
consistent with other provisions of this Code. If the ADU or JADU is
not entirely physically removed, but is only eliminated by virtue of
having a necessary component of an ADU or JADU removed, the
remaining structure and improvements must otherwise comply with
applicable provisions of this Code.
e) The deed restriction is enforceable by the Director of Community
Development or his or her designee for the benefit of the City. Failure
of the property owner to comply with the deed restriction may result in
legal action against the property owner, and the City is authorized to
obtain any remedy available to it at law or equity, including, but not
limited to, obtaining an injunction enjoining the use of the ADU or
JADU in violation of the recorded restrictions or abatement of the
illegal unit.
(8) Certificate of Occupancy. A Certificate of Occupancy shall not be issued for
an ADU or JADU prior to the Certificate of Occupancy for the primary
dwelling.
F. Specific ADU Requirements. The following requirements apply only to ADUs that
require a Ministerial ADU permit under subsection D(2) above.
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2771
(1) Maximum Size.
a) The maximum size of a detached or attached ADU subject to this
subsection shall be 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit
and 1,000 square feet for a unit with two bedrooms. No more than two
bedrooms are allowed.
b) An attached ADU that is created on a lot with an existing primary
dwelling is shall be limited to 50 percent of the floor area of the
existing primary dwelling.
c) Application of other development standards in this subsection F, such
as FAR or lot coverage, might further limit the size of the ADU, but no
application of FAR, lot coverage, or open-space requirements may
require the ADU to be less than 800 square feet.
(2) Floor Area Ratio (FAR). No ADU subject to this subsection shall cause the
total FAR of the lot to exceed the maximum permitted floor area ratio allowed
for the underlying zoning designation, subject to subsection F(1)c) above.
(3) Lot Coverage. No ADU subject to this subsection F shall cause the total lot
coverage of the lot to exceed the maximum lot coverage allowed for the
underlying zoning designation, subject to subsection F(1)c) above.
(4) Minimum Open Space. No ADU subject to this subsection F shall cause the
total percentage of open space or landscaping of the lot to fall below the
minimum required open space percentage for the underlying zoning
designation, subject to subsection F(1)c) above.
(5) Height.
a) A single-story attached or detached ADU may not exceed 16 feet in
height above grade, measured to the peak of the structure. In no case
shall an ADU exceed the height of the primary dwelling unit.
b) A detached ADU may not exceed one story.
(6) Passageway. No passageway, as defined by this section, is required for an
ADU.
(7) Parking.
a) Generally. One off-street parking space is required for each ADU. The
parking space may be provided in setback areas or as tandem
parking, as defined by this section. Such parking space shall be ten
(10) feet-wide by twenty (20) feet-deep for covered spaces and nine
(9) feet-wide by eighteen feet and six inches (18'-6") deep for open
spaces.
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2771
b) Exceptions. No parking under subsection F(7)a) is required in the
following situations:
(i) The ADU is located within one-half mile walking distance of
public transit, as defined by this section.
(ii) The ADU is located within an architecturally and historically
significant historic district.
(iii) The ADU is part of the proposed or existing primary residence,
converted non-living, or a converted accessory structure under
subsection D(1)a) above.
(iv) When on-street parking permits are required but not offered to
the occupant of the ADU.
(v) When there is an established car share vehicle stop located
within one block of the ADU.
c) No Replacement. When a garage, carport, or covered parking
structure is demolished in conjunction with the construction of an ADU
or converted to an ADU, those off-street parking spaces are not
required to be replaced.
(8) Architectural Requirements.
a) All architectural details of an ADU shall match the style, materials,
colors, and quality of the primary dwelling.
b) The materials and colors of the exterior walls, roof, eaves and
windows and doors shall match the appearance and architectural
design of the primary dwelling.
c) The roof pitch, roof type, roof shape and roof material shall match the
primary dwelling.
d) All roof and ground-mounted equipment shall be fully screened from
the adjacent public right-of-way and adjacent properties. Masonry
walls, landscaping, or architectural features may be used to provide
screening and prevent a direct line of sight.
e) All exterior lighting shall comply with Chapter 24.16 of the Palm Desert
Municipal Code and shall t be limited to down-lights or as otherwise
required by the building or fire code.
f) The ADU must have an independent exterior entrance, apart from that
of the primary dwelling. The ADU entrance must be located on the
side or rear building fapade, not facing a public-right-of-way.
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2771
g) The interior horizontal dimensions of an ADU must be at least 10 feet
wide in every direction, with a minimum interior wall height of seven
feet.
h) Windows and doors of the ADU may not have a direct line of sight to
an adjoining residential property. Fencing, landscaping, or privacy
glass may be used to provide screening and prevent a direct line of
sight.
(9) Landscape Requirements.
a) Evergreen landscape screening must be planted and maintained
between the ADU and adjacent parcels as follows:
b) At least one 15-gallon size plant shall be provided for every five linear
feet of exterior wall. Alternatively, at least one 24" box size plant shall
be provided for every ten linear feet of exterior wall.
c) For a ground-level ADU, plant specimens must be at least six feet tall
when installed. As an alternative, for a ground level ADU, a solid wall
or fence of at least 6 feet in height where allowed may be installed.
d) All landscaping must be drought-tolerant.
e) All landscaping must be from the city's approved plant pallet.
f) The ADU and primary dwelling must use the same driveway to access
the street, unless otherwise required for fire-apparatus access, as
determined by the fire marshal.
(10) Historical Protections. The following requirements apply to ADUs on real
property that is listed in the California Register of Historic Resources or
Landmark as defined under Chapter 29.20 of the Palm Desert Municipal
Code:
a) All additions and modifications affecting the exterior of the primary
dwelling shall be subject to obtaining a Certificate of Appropriateness
in accordance with Title 29 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code
b) Additions and exterior modifications shall preserve the architectural
character and retain any distinctive stylistics features of the existing
research and be subject to design standards identified under Chapter
29.60.080 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code.
G. Fees.
(1) Impact Fees.
a) No impact fee is required for an ADU that is less than 750 square feet
in size.
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2771
b) Any impact fee that is required for an ADU that is'750 square feet or
larger in size must be charged proportionately in relation to the square
footage of the primary dwelling unit. (E.g., the floor area of the primary
dwelling, divided by the floor area of the ADU, times the typical fee
amount charged for a new dwelling.) "Impact fee" here does not
include any connection fee or capacity charge for water or sewer
service.
(2) Utility Fees.
a) Converted ADUs and JADUs on a single-family lot, created under
subsection D(1)a) above, are not required to have a new or separate
utility connection directly between the ADU or JADU and the utility.
Nor is a connection fee or capacity charge required unless the ADO or
JADU is constructed with a new single-family home.
b) All ADUs and JADUs not covered by subsection G(2)a) above require
a new, separate utility connection directly between the ADU or JADU
and the utility. The connection is subject to a connection fee or
capacity charge that is proportionate to the burden created by the ADU
or JADU, based on either the floor area or the number of drainage-
fixture units (DFU) values, as defined by the Uniform Plumbing Code,
upon the water or sewer system. The fee or charge may not exceed
the reasonable cost of providing this service.
H. Nonconforming ADUs and Discretionary Approval. Any proposed ADU or JADU
that does not conform to the objective standards set forth in subsections A through
G(2) of this section may be allowed by the City with a conditional use permit, in
accordance with the other provisions of this title.
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2771
25.99.0A2(0�/�— Land Use Definitions p unit,
�t+'/�1r� }�C1}� �
Accessory dwelling
unit. n dwelling unit, attaG ed er de ached, that pr/1\/1dresideRtial uses. it shall include permaneRt previsiens fer IIV!Rg, sleeping, �C
eating,c;omplete independent living farilities for one or more persons en a parcel zoned
Gooking, and sanitation en the same parGel as the Single-family dwelling is situat__
An aGGeSSGry dwelling Unit is not counted as part ef the maximum allowable deR-,�
frnr aRY Inning d'Strin+
Accessory Dwelling Unit. An attached or a detached residential dwelling unit that
provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons and is
located on a lot with a proposed or existing primary residence. An accessory
dwelling unit also includes the following:
a) An efficiency unit, as defined by Section 17958.1 of the California
Health and Safety Code; and
b) A manufactured home, as defined by Section 18007 of the California
Health and Safety Code.
Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit. A residential unit that:
c) Is no greater than 500 square feet in size,
d) Is contained entirely within an existing or proposed single-family
structure,
e) Includes its own separate sanitation facilities or shares sanitation
facilities with the existing or proposed single-family structure, and
f) Includes an efficiency kitchen, as defined by this in subsection (c)(4) of
this Code.
CITY OF PALM DESERT
PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
DATE: February 4, 2020
PREPARED BY: Eric Ceja, Principal Planner
REQUEST: Consideration of approval to adopt resolutions recommending
approval to the City Council to amend the Palm Desert Municipal Code
and replace Section 25.28.030 "Medium/High-Density Housing
Overlay District' in its entirety with a new "Housing Overlay District,"
and apply said overlay district to parcels identified in the City's
Housing Element and parcels owned by the Housing Authority.
Recommendation
Waive further reading and:
1. Adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2772, recommending to the
City Council approval of Zoning Ordinance Amendment 19-0004 to replace
Section 25.28.030 "Medium/High-Density Housing Overlay District" in its
entirety with a new "Housing Overlay District" of the Palm Desert Zoning
Ordinance.
2. Adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2773, recommending to the
City Council approval of Zoning Ordinance Amendment 19-0004 to apply
the "Housing Overlay District"to parcels of land identified in Exhibit A of the
resolution.
Background Analysis
On January 10, 2019, the City Council directed staff to form an ad-hoc "Affordable Housing
Subcommittee"for the following:
• Review the City's affordable housing and planning policies.
• Review existing planning policies from around the State.
• Perform a comparative analysis of available affordable housing with other Coachella
Valley cities.
• Explore affordable housing policy options for the City of Palm Desert.
Throughout 2019, Community Development staff from the Planning and Housing Divisions
worked with Councilmembers Harnik and Kelly to perform the tasks mentioned above. In
October 2019, staff held an open house at City Hall and presented the findings and policy
recommendations to the public. Based on that meeting, the subcommittee has initiated a
February 4, 2020 — Staff Report
ZOA 19-0004: Housing Overlay District
Page 2 of 4
Zoning Ordinance Amendment (ZOA) to establish a new and voluntary Housing Overlay
District.
Project Description
Housing Overlay District:
The proposed ordinance replaces the existing "Medium/High-Density Overlay District"
(MHDO) with a new "Housing Overlay District" (HOD). The HOD intends to incentivize the
development of affordable housing units in the City by providing optional development
standards for housing developers that choose to dedicate at least 20% of all housing units
constructed at affordable rents. By utilizing the HOD, housing developers are provided the
following:
• Flexible development standards.
• Expedited application processing.
• Waiver of a Planning Commission public hearing.
• Density Bonuses in accordance with State Density Bonus provisions.
• Reduced parking standards.
• Potential waiver of City development impact fees.
The HOD does not require property owners or residential housing developers to utilize the
incentives provided in the overlay district. Rather, the HOD intends to encourage voluntary
participation by developers to create new affordable housing units.
Applicability
As recommended by the subcommittee, the HOD will be applied to parcels owned by the
Housing Authority and properties, developed or undeveloped, and identified in the City's
Housing Element. In discussing where to apply the HOD, the subcommittee looked at
Housing Authority properties and the City's Housing Element. Housing Authority properties
traditionally are developed with units at affordable rents, and generally receive density
bonuses and parking reductions. There are two Housing Authority parcels recommended to
receive the HOD. One property is located at the Desert ARC campus on Country Club Drive
that is entitled to have 36 housing units for persons with special needs. The second property
is an undeveloped 1.26-acre parcel located at the southeast corner of San Pascual Avenue
and Santa Rosa Way. The Housing Authority anticipates soliciting developer interest in this
parcel later this year.
In 2013, the City Council adopted the Housing Element and established a minimum number
of housing units for 10 parcels north of Frank Sinatra Drive. Two of those parcels: the
Vineyard Apartments and Sage at Ponderosa are developed or under construction. The
other eight parcels remain vacant or currently under review with the Planning Department
for new housing development. Applying the HOD to all 10 parcels will provide property
owners an option to build affordable units on the parcels or build market-rate units. In the
past, Planning staff has negotiated an affordable housing requirement for these parcels.
The negotiations have resulted in significant delays, and many interested developers have
G:\Planning\Eric Ceja\Case Files\ZOA\ZOA 19-0004 Housing Overlay\PC Staff Report(ZOA 19-0004).doc
February 4, 2020 — Staff Report
ZOA 19-0004: Housing Overlay District
Page 3 of 4
chosen not to develop. The HOD will minimize the need to negotiate unduly and incentivize
developers to provide affordable units within their projects. The map below identifies the
parcels (included in Resolution No. 2773.
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Medium/High-Density Housing Overlay District:
The MHDO was established in 2013 as part of the comprehensive Zoning Ordinance
Update. The purpose of the MHDO was to allow higher density residential development
north of Frank Sinatra Drive in the undeveloped areas of the City previously referred to,
"University Park Area." In 2017, the City adopted a comprehensive General Plan update
and the University Park Neighborhood Specific Plan. These documents provided policies
that increased zoning densities and established neighborhood design criteria for the
University Park Area. In 2018, the City updated the zoning standards and densities to be
consistent with the General Plan. As such, the MHDO is no longer necessary. Rather than
remove the overlay from the Zoning Ordinance, staff recommends replacing the overlay
with the new HOD.
Environmental Review
The Director of Community Development has determined that the proposal to amend the
Zoning Ordinance for the creation of the Housing Overlay District will not have an impact on
G:\Planning\Eric Ceja\Case Files\ZOA\ZOA 19-0004 Housing Overlay\PC Staff Report(ZOA 19-0004).doc
February 4, 2020 — Staff Report
ZOA 19-0004: Housing Overlay District
Page 4 of 4
the environment. Any development proposal that qualifies under the overlay zone will require
an environmental review as part of the review of that project.
Findinqs of Approval
Findings can be made in support of the project and in accordance with the City's Municipal
Code. Findings in support of this project are contained in Planning Commission Resolution
Nos. 2772 and 2773, attached to this staff report.
LEGAL REVIEW DEPT. REVIEW FINANCIAL ASSISTANT CITY
REVIEW MANAGER
N/A N/A N/A
Robert W. Hargreaves Ryan Stendell, Director of Janet Moore Andy Firestine
City Attorney Community Development Director of Finance Assistant City Manager
City Manager, Lauri A laian: N/A
ATTACHMENTS: 1. Draft Planning Commission Resolution No. 2772
2. Draft Planning Commission Resolution No. 2773
3. Public Hearing Notice
4. Housing Commission Minutes of January 8, 2020
G:\Planning\Eric Ceja\Case Files\ZOA\ZOA 19-0004 Housing Overlay\PC Staff Report(ZOA 19-0004).doc
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2772
A RESOLUTION BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PALM
DESERT, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF A ZONING
ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO AMEND AND REPLACE SECTION
25.28.030 "MEDIUM/HIGH-DENSITY HOUSING OVERLAY DISTRICT"
WITH A"HOUSING OVERLAY DISTRICT," AND TO PROVIDE INCENTIVES
FOR THE VOLUNTARY CONSTRUCTION OF AFFORDABLE RENTAL
UNITS IN NEW RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS
CASE NO: ZOA 19-0004 ;a'll� 11
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert, California, did on the
41h day of February 2020, hold a duly noticed public hearing to consider the request by the City
of Palm Desert for approval of the above-noted; and
WHEREAS, the City Council, at their meeting of January 10, 2019, formed an
"Affordable Housing Policy Subcommittee" and directed the subcommittee to explore
affordable housing policy options; and
WHEREAS, the subcommittee reviewed policy options and met with stakeholders, and
recommended moving forward with a Zoning Ordinance Amendment to establish a "Housing
Overlay District" to incentivize the development of new housing units at affordable rents; and
WHEREAS, the Housing Overlay District provides optional incentives for property
owners and housing developers, who restrict at least 20% of all project units at affordable rents,
by providing expedited application processing, potential development impact fee waivers,
density bonuses, and reduced parking standards; and
WHEREAS, Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert, in reviewing all the facts
and any testimony given adopts the following as its Findings in recommended approval of the
Zoning Ordinance Amendment to the City Council:
SECTION 1. Findings. The Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert hereby
finds that:
A. The City of Palm Desert (the "City"), California, is a municipal corporation, duly
organized under the constitution, and laws of the State of California.
B. The Planning and Zoning Law authorizes cities to establish by ordinance the
regulations for land use and development.
SECTION 2. Amendment. The Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert
recommends that the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, approve and adopt
the Zoning Ordinance Amendment to replace Section 25.28.030 Medium/High-Density
Housing Overlay District with a "Housing Overlay District" as shown in Exhibit A which is
attached hereto and incorporated herewith.
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2772
SECTION 3. Severability. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph,
sentence, clause, or phrase in this ordinance or any part thereof is for any reason held to be
unconstitutional or invalid or ineffective by any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision
shall not affect the validity or effectiveness of the remaining portions of this ordinance or any
part thereof. The Planning Commission hereby declares that it would have passed each
section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase thereof irrespective
of the fact that one (1) or more subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses,
or phrases be declared unconstitutional, invalid, or ineffective.
SECTION 4. California Environmental Quality Act Finding. The Planning
Commission of the City of Palm Desert finds the adoption of this ordinance to be categorically
exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental _Quality Act (CEQA) from
environmental review.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AS FOLLOWS:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct and constitute the findings for approval
of the Planning Commission in this case.
2. That the Planning Commission does hereby recommend approval to the City Council
of ZOA 19-0004.
PASSED, APPROVED,AND ADOPTED by the Planning Commission of the City of Palm
Desert, California, at its regular meeting held on the 4" dq,pf,February2020 by the following
vote, to wit: ;i�ljl��i�!i��ii���u�iiilllllfl���� ��uii!illilll�l!Illlu�
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
IIIII!�
ABSENT: !f'Quq r i
ABS I!!�� I.
LINDSAY HOLT, CHAIR
ATTEST:
RYAN STENDELL, SECRETARY
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
2
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2772
EXHIBIT A
25.28.030 Housing Overlay District
A. Intent. The intent of overlay district is to incentivize the development of affordable
housing units in the City of Palm Desert.
B. Purpose and applicability. The purpose of the Housing Overlay District (HOD) is to
provide optional standards and incentives for the development of a wide variety of
housing developments, which provide a minimum of 20% of all units dedicated as
income-restricted. The overlay zone is generally applied to properties identified in the
City's Housing Element and Housing Authority owned properties as shown in Figure
25.28-1. Wherever the HOD has been added to a base zone, the applicant may choose
whether to use the optional HOD standards and/or the standards of the base zone.
C. Uses permitted by approved precise plan and conditional use permit. Uses
permitted or conditionally permitted in the R-2 and PR zoning districts may be approved
through an Architectural Review application process. Housing types applicable to the
HOD include, but are not limited to, single-family detached/attached, duplex units, and
multi-family development, either for rent or for sale.
D. Development standards. Development standards shall be flexible to ensure efficient
site planning and neighborhood compatibility and to 'reflect the unique requirements of
integrating income-restricted units into market-rate housing developments. Flexibility to
the base zone development standards may be utilized as part of the design review of an
Architectural Review application. Design guidance contained in Section 25.20
"Downtown District Design Guidelines," and within the University Neighborhood Specific
Plan shall be followed.
E. Affordable Housing Requirement. To be eligible for the provisions of this chapter,
rental housing development within the HOD shall provide a minimum of twenty percent
(20%) of all units within the project at income=restricted rents, or at least one (1) unit for
smaller residential projects. All fractional'units shall be rounded up to the next whole
number.
F. Density and intensity. Project densities are established in the Zoning Ordinance and
on the Zoning Map. Any mixed-use and residential project under this Chapter is eligible
for a density bonus as allowed under State law. Formulas for density bonuses are
contained in Palm Desert Municipal Code Chapter 25.34.040.
1. Unit sizes. Minimum allowable unit sizes in square feet (sf) shall vary according to
presence or absence of common project amenities. Each unit shall contain, as a
minimum, a kitchen including two (2) burners, an oven, a refrigerator/freezer, a sink,
counter space, and storage.
3
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2772
G. Parking requirement.
1. Parking ratios based on bedroom count shall be calculated as follows:
Table 25.28-1: Parking Required for Housing Overlay
Bedroom Count Parking Ratio
Studio / 1 Bedroom 1.50 per unit
2 — 3 Bedrooms 2.00 per unit
H. Development Impact Fees: Any mixed-use or residential project eligible under the
overlay district may be subject to a fee waiver of City fees for all income-restricted units
including plan check and inspection fees. The remainder of the project may be eligible
for a reduction in fees if funding sources are available with the City's Affordable Housing
funds.
IIIoil�
,,y!4
4
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2773
A RESOLUTION BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PALM
DESERT, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING APPROVAL TO THE CITY
COUNCIL OF A ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO APPLY THE
HOUSING OVERLAY DISTRICT TO HOUSING AUTHORITY PARCELS AND
PARCELS IDENTIFIED IN THE CITY'S HOUSING ELEMENT (APNS: 623-
370-014, 627-120-013, 685-010-005, 694-120-028, 694-130-016, 694-130-
017, 694-190-087, 694-200-014, 694-200-024, 694-510-001, & 694-510-013)
CASE NO: ZOA 19-0004
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert, California, did on the
41" day of February 2020, hold a duly noticed public hearing to consider the request by the
City of Palm Desert for approval of the above-noted; and
WHEREAS, the City Council, at their meeting of January 10, 2019, formed an
"Affordable Housing Policy Subcommittee" and directed the subcommittee to explore
affordable housing policy options; and
WHEREAS, the subcommittee reviewed policy options and met with stakeholders, and
recommended moving forward with a Zoning Ordinance Amendment to establish a "Housing
Overlay District" to incentivize the development of new housing units at affordable rents; and
WHEREAS, the subcommittee reviewed which properties to apply the Housing
Overlay District recommended starting with Housing Authority parcels and those parcels
identified in the City's Housing Element; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert, in reviewing all the
facts and any testimony given adopts the following as its Findings in recommended approval
of the Zoning Ordinance Amendment to the City Council:
SECTION 1. Findings. The Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert hereby
finds that:
A. The City of Palm Desert (the "City"), California, is a municipal corporation, duly
organized under the constitution, and laws of the State of California.
B. The Planning and Zoning Law authorizes cities to establish by an ordinance the
regulations for land use and development.
SECTION 2. Amendment. The Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert
recommends that the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, approve and adopt
the Zoning Ordinance Amendment creating the Housing Overlay District and applying the
overlay to parcels as shown in Exhibit A which is attached hereto and incorporated herewith.
SECTION 3. Severability. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph,
sentence, clause, or phrase in this ordinance or any part thereof is for any reason held to be
unconstitutional or invalid or ineffective by any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision
shall not affect the validity or effectiveness of the remaining portions of this ordinance or any
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2773
part thereof. The Planning Commission hereby declares that it would have passed each
section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase thereof irrespective
of the fact that one (1) or more subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses,
or phrases be declared unconstitutional, invalid, or ineffective.
SECTION 4. California Environmental Quality Act Finding. The Planning
Commission of the City of Palm Desert finds the adoption of this ordinance to be categorically
exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) from
environmental review.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AS FOLLOWS:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct and constitute the findings for approval
of the Planning Commission in this case.
2. That the Planning Commission does hereby recommend approval to the City Council
of ZOA 19-0004.
PASSED, APPROVED,AND ADOPTED by the Planing Commission of the City of Palm
Desert, California, at its regular meeting held on the 4I11' "' of February 2020 by the following
vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES: A��ii�
II
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
�, IiII � ���h�� Ifllllll�lii�►lill����l� I � �;� ,� �b
LINDSAY HOLT, CHAIR
ATTEST: �l�;j,i
RYAN STENDELL, SECRETARY
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
2
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2773
EXHIBIT A
A
- Open Space 6
Conventional Suburban Neighborhood
Rural Neighborhood E� F"
Golf Course&Resort Neighborhood G
Small Town Neighborhood 4
Town Center Neighborhood r
® Employment H
B
Industrial
Public Facility/Institutional !:
Resort&Entertainment
- Regional Retail ,<
Suburban Retail center
Neighborhood center
Downtown
A. zK.
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f PALM DESERT
GENERAL PLAN/
_. HOUSING ELEMENT
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City of Palm Desert
PLANNING COMMISSION
RESOLUTION NO.
Case No. ZOA 19-0004
Date: 2/4'2020
3
CITY OF PALM DESERT
LEGAL NOTICE
CASE NO. ZOA 19-0004
NOTICE OF INTENT OF THE PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION TO APPROVE A
RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING APPROVAL TO THE CITY COUNCIL OF A ZONING
ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO ESTABLISH A HOUSING OVERLAY DISTRICT AND TO
APPLY THE OVERLAY DISTRICT TO HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTIES AND
PROPERTIES IDENTIFIED IN THE CITY'S HOUSING ELEMENT; AND ADOPT A NOTICE OF
EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
The City of Palm Desert (City), in its capacity as the Lead Agency under the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), has determined that this Zoning Ordinance Amendment
(ZOA) is exempt from CEQA review pursuant to Section 15060(c)2 in that the proposed action
will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment,
and Section 15061(b)3 in that the ZOA to establish the overlay zone will not result in a direct
impact to the built environment, and that specific projects within the overlay zone will be evaluated
in accordance with CEQA when a development application is filled. Therefore, the Director of
Community Development is recommending that the Planning Commission adopt a Notice of
Exemption under the CEQA guidelines.
Project Location: The Housing Overlay District (HOD) is intended to be applied to the following
parcels as identified by Assessor Parcel Numbers: 622-370-014, 627-122-013, 685-010-005,
694-120-028, 694-130-017, 694-130-021, 694-190-087, 694-200-014, 694-200-024, 694-310-
006, 694-510-001, and 694-510-013.
Code Amendment Description:
The HOD is intended to incentivize the development of affordable housing units in the City by
providing optional development incentives. By opting to utilize the HOD, property owners agree
to provide 20% of all housing units at affordable rents. In doing so, the property owner is eligible
for flexible development standards, density bonuses in accordance with State law, reduced
parking ratios, expedited application processing, and potential waiver of certain development
impact fees.
Recommendation: Staff is recommending that the Planning Commission adopt a resolution
supporting the changes to the Zoning Ordinance, and allow the item to move forward to a public
hearing with the City Council.
Public Hearing: The public hearing will be held before the Planning Commission on February 4,
2020, at 6:00 pm.
Comment Period: Based on the time limits defined by CEQA, your response should be sent at
the earliest possible date. The public comment period for this project is from January 25, 2020,
to February 4, 2020.
Public Review: The ZOA is available for public review Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to
5:00 p.m. at City Hall. Please submit written comments to the Planning Department. If any group
challenges the action in court, the issues raised may be limited to only those issues raised at the
public hearing described in this notice or in written correspondence at, or prior to the Planning
Commission hearing. All comments and any questions should be directed to:
Eric Ceja, Principal Planner
City of Palm Desert
73-510 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 346-0611, Extension 384
eceja@cityofpalmdesert.org
PUBLISH: DESERT SUN RYAN STENDELL, Secretary
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V. NEW BUSINESS
A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of recommendation to the Housing Authority Board
and City Council to approve the Housing Overlay District for the establishment of an
affordable housing incentive policy to be presented at a future meeting.
Senior Management Analyst, Jessica Gonzales provided a brief summary of the request
before the Commission and introduced Principal Planner, Eric Ceja for the presentation
of the Housing Overlay District,
Mr. Ceja provided a short introduction of himself. He then provided a summary of the
background to the Housing Overlay District, stating last year City Council appointed a
subcommittee including Mrs. Gonzales, himself and council members, Jan Harnik and
Kathleen Kelly, to explore affordable housing policies for the City of Palm Desert. After
reviewing a range of different policies, the subcommittee is recommending a zoning
ordinance amendment which establishes a Housing Overlay District.
Mr. Ceja explained the Housing Element Plan submitted to the State contains
requirements that the City is mandated to perform, specifically the Regional Housing
Needs Assessment (RHNA) which requires the City to plan for a number of housing units
to be built during an eight year cycle, with the upcoming cycle to begin 2021. The City has
had many proposals come forward for residential developments which has led to staff
being tasked with looking at ways to achieve additional affordable housing for each of
these developments. Previous negotiations with developers have been individualized
resulting in a variety of different incentives being provided and applied to each project.
City Council requested staff research the possibility of devising a standard policy for
incentives offered to interested developers, instead of individualized negotiations of
incentives for each project.
Mr. Ceja further stated Mrs. Gonzales and he reviewed the City's goals and policies in the
General Plan, Strategic Plan, and the Housing Element to see what policies are
established at the city level that are similar which specifically address affordable housing.
They also looked at a metric of how best to view housing as a whole for the City. Their
research found a jobs housing balance of one and a half jobs for every household was
promoted by both the American Planning Association and the Building Industry
Association. They also reviewed RHNA. The State has determined 1.3 million homes will
need to be built in Southern California over the next eight year cycle which begins in 2021.
An estimated 2,700 of those homes are to be built in the City of Palm Desert. The
proposed affordable housing units will vary from very low income to above moderate
income. Director of Community Development, Ryan Stendell, commented in the last five
years the City has built less than 100 units per year, so this metric is very ambitious.
Reviewing the RHNA Cycles, in 1998 the City met its overall goal for total number of units
required. However, in 2007, recession hit and the State eliminated Redevelopment
Agencies which significantly cut into the City's ability to develop housing. The City was
ultimately unable to meet RHNA's goal number. With the end of the current RHNA cycle,
2014 through 2021, the City was able to meet the required production numbers based on
private market development and Housing Authority projects that have been completed,
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PALM DESERT HOUSING COMMISSION JANUARY 8, 2020
specifically, the Carlos Ortega Villas. Mrs. Gonzales noted these numbers also include
projects that have been approved, but are not yet constructed.
Mr. Ceja stated Mrs. Gonzales and he used the metric of one and a half jobs for everyone
household promoted by the American Planning Association and the Building Industry
Association to see how the City of Palm Desert compares to this standard.
A review of Palm Desert's portfolio reveals approximately 1,700 units built which are
currently in operation with 245 committed units in the very low income category. Upon
inquiry as to whether these are rental properties or owner occupied, Mrs. Gonzales
explained there are four different housing categories. The first being the fifteen Housing
Authority communities, the second category are 350 developer provided units which are
through a housing agreement utilizing a density bonus, the third category are owner
occupied, which are single family homes offered at the Falcon Crest and Desert Rose
communities as well as infill homes built through self-help and Habitat for Humanity of the
Coachella Valley. The fourth category, Entitles, is a combination of all categories. Of the
approximately 1,700 units, 725 are dedicated to very low income households, 719 to low
income, and 308 for moderate income households. Seniors occupy just over 700 of the
units and nearly 500 units are occupied by households with children under the age of 21.
Additionally, almost half of the total units are maintained by a female head of household.
Mr. Ceja reported Mrs. Gonzales and he conducted thorough research and review of the
other cities valley-wide to see how Palm Desert compares. Results for Palm Desert
indicated there are approximately 2 people per household with 1.14 jobs available per
household. While not quite at the 1.5 ratio that is advocated for, Palm Desert is doing
better than most cities in the Coachella Valley,
Councilmember Kelly, commented the large number of retirees in the Coachella Valley
influences the overall numbers. There is an expectation of fewer jobs per household as a
consequence of the retiree population occupying so many homes. Discussions amongst
the subcommittee members have observed that Palm Desert is the employment center of
the Coachella Valley therefore, efforts should be made to ensure there is sufficient
housing to support the employees in Palm Desert.
Mr. Ceja reported approximately 4.5% of Palm Deserts housing stock is dedicated to
affordable housing. Mrs. Gonzales and he did extensive research to determine what other
affordable housing policy options are available around the state. There have been a
number of changes at the State level in the last two years including 18 new housing laws
passed in 2018 and 19 new housing laws passed in 2019.
These new laws include items which would streamline the process for development.
Permits will still be required for projects such as building an accessory dwelling unit or a
new addition to a home, however, the City would be limited with its ability to deny the
development of these types of structures. Additionally, there are new California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) clearances and guidelines related to housing that have
been implemented to assist with expediting the development of housing with the State.
Their research also revealed many cities were creating an affordable housing overlay
district, which is the policy before the commission. Other cities fee schedules were also
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reviewed. Staff had considered the possibility of a no net fee, which would allow fees to
essentially stay the same, however, a portion would be allocated to affordable housing.
At the policy committee level it was not recommended to move forward with this
alternative, though, this is still an option which may be considered in the future.
There has also been discussion regarding the need to identify Housing Authority
properties and taking a more assertive approach to market these properties for
development. With the release of the new RHNA numbers staff will need to be strategic
with how these properties are released and developed. In larger cities, an inclusionary
housing ordinance has been implemented which requires developers to set aside a
portion of that development for affordable housing. This policy has received mixed reviews
and is not currently in practice within the Coachella Valley, therefore, it is not an option
being entertained at this time.
Mr. Ceja referenced the current Housing Overlay District policy before the commission,
stating its intent is to incentivize affordable housing units. This policy would be voluntary
and would be applied to properties that have been identified in the City's housing element
as well as Housing Authority properties. This is an optional standard, should a developer
choose to allocate 20% of the units within their housing project as income restricted units,
they are eligible for the incentives offered in the policy.
Commission Buller inquired as to the origin of the incentives being proposed in the policy,
did staff receive feedback or input from the development community or are they from other
city policies.
In reply, Mr. Ceja stated initially, City staff met exhaustively with the Building Industry
Association, Desert Valley Builders Association, Coachella Valley Housing Coalition and
other affordable housing developers to get a better understanding of what impedes their
ability to develop affordable housing. What staff learned was that requiring certain items
can make it difficult for developers to finance their projects, however, they approved of an
option to have incentive standards available to them. Additionally, staff reviewed other
cities who had overlay district policies, finding the majority offered development standard
flexibility, some type of expedited process through the City, and a density bonus. Staff is
hoping there are enough incentives within this policy to entice developers to provide
affordable housing units as part of their project.
Chair Mireles observed the identified properties for the overlay district are all north of Fred
Waring and asked if there was a reason for this.
Mr. Ceja replied the identified properties are already part of the established housing
element and others are already owned by the Housing Authority, making these ideal areas
to slowly start the implementation of this policy. He noted this policy could be applied to
additional areas in the future.
Councilmember Kelly added the City is trying to avoid over populating areas and
drastically altering the character of established neighborhoods without community input
and public hearing. These properties have already been identified as very suitable for this
kind of development.
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Vice Chair Ballard asserted the issue seems to be the percentage of loss to property
values.
In reply, Councilmember Kelly stated the issue is lifestyle as well as property value, adding
many people have moved to the area because they want to escape urban density.
Vice Chair Ballard commented there are a number of different things that will rely on the
success of this program. He noted they will need to adapt new standards of appraisal for
example, adding he can see many positive and negative aspects to this program. He
stated one of the issues his client has come up against is the community's unwillingness
to have affordable housing in their area. Vice Chair Ballard expressed it will be a challenge
to present this program in a positive light, and felt it should be taken to the real estate
community to see how this will affect them. He stated he feels the overlay is a great idea
and agrees with the recommended policy.
Director of Community Development Ryan Stendell agreed that the implementation of this
policy will not be easy, however, it is a good start toward the future of affordable housing.
Vice Chair Ballard inquired about the possibility of approaching the Marriott, adding they
have the land and the means to build.
Councilmember Kelly asserted affordable housing requires extensive expertise because
the funding sources are varied and complex, it is a specialty. There are entities with this
specialty in the Coachella Valley, and many more resources outside of our area which we
may be able to entice to the City. It would be difficult to convince entities that do not
already possess an expert on staff to take this opportunity. It would a greater prospect for
success to identify and entice entities that are already involved in the affordable housing
industry within the surrounding vicinity.
Mrs. Gonzales explained this policy is intended for communities being developed that
would not have 100 percent affordability provided as part of that community. This policy
is meant to encourage private developers, who did not plan otherwise, to include 20% of
their units as affordable housing, so they can take advantage of the incentives which come
along with this inclusion.
Chair Mireles expressed concerned regarding the designated areas being concentration
in one area adding he would like to see it spread more throughout the City.
Councilmember Kelly commented that our current affordable housing communities are
located throughout the City. The area designated in the overlay district are where the City
has the most vacant land available for development. This proposed area currently has
housing communities like Genesis, already developed and the allocated areas for
affordable housing are approximately 25% of the overlay district, so a noticeable
concentration of these developments are avoided.
Mrs. Gonzales reiterated that the developments would not be one hundred percent
affordable, it would be 20% of the units in any given development which would prevent a
concentration of affordable households. Additionally, since these areas are vacant land
they provide the best opportunity for developers to take advantage of the density bonus
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and other offered incentives, which in turn allows the City to yield a greater number of
affordable units.
Commissioner Buller observed some of the incentives and strategies mentioned in the
housing overlay district were items that were negotiated with the developer for the Sands
project.
In reply, Mr. Ceja stated this was correct, adding the State already allows a density bonus
and notes the number of concessions a City should offer. The overlay district policy uses
some of those density provisions and further defines the incentives which would be
available as a standard to any developer who chooses it as an option.
Upon inquiry by Commission Buller, Mr. Stendell stated the map provided is part of the
General Plan adding the designated overlay district areas are zone as planned residential.
Chair Mireles commended the City for being aggressive about addressing the issue of
affordable housing.
Upon a motion by Vice-Chair Ballard, second by Commissioner Guinaw, and a 6-0
vote of the Housing Commission the Consent Calendar was approved as presented
(AYES: Ault, Buller, Ballard, Guinaw, Mireles, and Morrison; NOES: None; ABSENT:
None).
VI. CONTINUED BUSINESS
None
VII. OLD BUSINESS
None
VIII. REPORTS AND CO TS
A. C mission Members Remarks and Requests
Mrs. Gonzales introduced staff member, Chris Gerry, commenting she invited him to
the meeting so that he can provide more detailed information on the City's efforts to
help the homelessness in our community.
Management Analyst, Chris Gerry, gave a brief introduction of himself. Mr. Gerry
informed the City has a local homeless outreach program which includes two
Riverside County workers dedicated to the City of Palm Desert. These county staff
workers are contracted through Riverside University Health Systems, which is part of
their mental health department. They work in our community essentially full time and
drive throughout the community in a County vehicle looking for individuals who are
homeless. Mr. Gerry stated those in homeless advocacy have found that continual
relationship building with homeless individuals builds trust which allows the workers
to help them with their current situation and the eventual goal of participation in the
Housing First model program. Initial contact by the workers with the homeless in the
community will normally include a conversation and an offer of water, coffee, help and
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