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Home My WebLink About2020-10-20 PC Regular Meeting Minutes1 CITY OF PALM DESERT PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2020 — 6:00 P.M. ZOOM VIRTUAL MEETING I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Lindsay Holt called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioner Joseph Pradetto Commissioner Ron Gregory Commissioner Nancy DeLuna Chair Lindsay Holt Absent: Vice -Chair John Greenwood Also Present: Craig Hayes, Assistant City Attorney Ryan Stendell, Director of Community Development Eric Ceja, Principal Planner Kevin Swartz, Associate Planner Nick Melloni, Assistant Planner Christina Canales, Engineering Assistant Monica O'Reilly, Management Specialist II III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Ron Gregory led the Pledge of Allegiance. IV. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTIONS Director of Community Development Ryan Stendell summarized pertinent City Council actions from the meeting of October 15, 2020. Chair Holt asked if there were changes to the Short-term Rental Ordinance, would staff bring the ordinance back to the Planning Commission for a public hearing. Mr. Stendell responded that the ordinance exists in Chapter 5 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code, thus not within the purview of the Planning Commission. However, like the 2017 item, it will likely come to the Planning Commission for review and comments. MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 20, 2020 V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None VI. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular Planning Commission meeting of October 6, 2020. Rec: Approve as presented. B. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION to approve a one-year time extension for Precise Plan and Conditional Use Permit for the Monterey Crossing commercial development located at the northeast corner of Monterey Avenue and Dinah Shore Drive. Case No. PP/CUP 16-188 (Fountainhead Development, Newport Beach, California, Applicant). Rec: By Minute Motion, approve a one-year time extension for Case No. PP/CUP 16-188, until November 7, 2021. Chair Holt noted that the staff report states the entitlements are valid until November 7, 2019. She asked if the date should be November 7, 2020, or did the entitlements expire last year. Principal Planner Eric Ceja responded that the staff report is incorrect. The entitlements are valid until November 7, 2020. Upon a motion by Commissioner Pradetto, seconded by Commissioner DeLuna, and a 4-0 vote of the Planning Commission, the Consent Calendar was approved as presented (AYES: DeLuna, Gregory, Holt, and Pradetto; NOES: None; ABSENT: Greenwood). VII. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None VIII. NEW BUSINESS None IX. CONTINUED BUSINESS None X. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION for approval of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and Tentative Parcel Map (TPM) to allow the conversion of an existing four -unit apartment development from rentals to for -sale condominiums, and adoption of a Notice of Exemption in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Case Nos. CUP 20-0002/TPM 20-0001 (Lane Desian Build. Hermosa Beach. California, Applicant). 2 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 20, 2020 Assistant Planner Nick Melloni presented the staff report (staff report(s) are available at www.cityofpalmdesert.org). He noted that the owner met the 60-day requirement for notifying the tenants of the conversion. He and the applicant were available to answer any questions. Commissioner Nancy DeLuna asked if each unit has covered parking. Mr. Melloni replied, yes. Chair Holt declared the public hearing open and invited public testimony FAVORING or OPPOSING this matter. MR. GARY LANE, the applicant, Hermosa Beach, California, shared that they bought the property approximately a year ago and did an extensive remodel to make the units as nice as possible. He stated that he intends to convert the apartment units into condominiums; however, he does not intend to sell them at this time. He may consider selling the units in three or four years, which depends on certain situations. At this time, the tenants will not be impacted. When the time comes to sell, he will notify the tenants and compensate them accordingly. Mr. Lane commented that he read Planning Commission Resolution No. 2781, and is fine with all the findings. He offered to answer any questions. Commissioner DeLuna asked if an existing tenant decided to move, would he sell or re - rent the unit. MR. LANE responded that he would re -rent the unit. Commissioner Gregory commented that he visited the site and found the property to be well kept and attractive. He said he is fine with the intended use. MS. LISA PEARL, a tenant, Palm Desert, California, commented that she joined the meeting for informational purposes. She said the applicant already answered most of her questions. She asked the applicant if she could consider safely landed and able to settle into her unit. MR. LANE replied, yes. Again, he does not intend to sell for at least three to four years. With no further testimony offered, Chair Holt declared the public hearing closed. Commissioner DeLuna moved to waive further reading and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2781, approving Case Nos. CUP 20-0002/TPM 20-0001, subject to the conditions of approval; and adopt a Notice of Exemption in accordance with CEQA. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Pradetto and carried by a 4-0 vote (AYES: DeLuna, Gregory, Holt, and Pradetto; NOES: None; ABSENT: Greenwood). Chair Holt thanked Mr. Lane and commented that his work is lovely. The community also appreciates his work. 3 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 20, 2020 B. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION for approval of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application for approval of a 1,025-square-foot professional real estate office on the ground floor fronting El Paseo located at 73260 El Paseo, Suite 3A, and adoption of a Notice of Exemption in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Case No. CUP 20-0008 (Lane Design Build, Hermosa Beach, California Applicant). Associate Planner Kevin Swartz outlined the salient points in the staff report. He and the applicant were available to answer any questions. Commissioner DeLuna commented that some real estate offices place pictures of property listings on the window, which can have a cluttered look. She asked if there is a recommendation or a ruling regarding signage on the window. Mr. Swartz answered that the City would not want to have windows cluttered with signage. Staff did discuss this concern with the applicant, and the applicant assured staff that they would not clutter the window with listings. MR. BENJAMIN LEASKOU, the applicant, Palm Springs, California, commented that they have other offices and do not display brochures, flyers, or pictures on their windows. He feels that it looks cheap. It is not who they are, and want to have a beautiful upscale office. Commissioner Gregory noticed that the elevation indicates a new sign and landscape that is quite attractive. He asked if the applicant is including the landscape. Mr. Swartz replied yes, and noted that the applicant also submitted a landscape plan. Commissioner Gregory stated that the landscape looks great. Commissioner DeLuna asked if agents would have meetings late in the evening. Mr. Swartz responded that staff does not typically regulate hours for other businesses. Therefore, staff wanted to leave it open to the applicant. Chair Holt declared the public hearing open and invited public testimony FAVORING or OPPOSING this matter. Mr. Swartz noted that staff did not receive any comments in favor or opposed to the proposed use. With no further testimony offered, Chair Holt declared the public hearing closed. Commissioner Pradetto moved to waive further reading and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2782, approving Case No. CUP 20-0008, subject to the conditions of approval; and adopt a Notice of Exemption in accordance with CEQA. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Pradetto and carried by a 4-0 vote (AYES: DeLuna, Holt, Gregory, and Pradetto; NOES: None; ABSENT: Greenwood). MR. LEASKOU thanked the Planning Commission. E [J MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION XI. MISCELLANEOUS None XII. COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES A. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES OCTOBER 20, 2020 Chair Holt stated that she shared the Desert X presentation with the Planning Commission. She said the art pieces look interesting, and she is looking forward to visiting the pieces next year. B. PARKS & RECREATION ►Ii, it XIII. REPORTS AND REMARKS Mr. Stendell noted that staff has items for the meeting of November 3, which is Election Day. He asked if the Planning Commission would be available. The Planning Commission responded that they would be available. XIV. ADJOURNMENT With the Planning Commission concurrence, Chair Holt adjourned the meeting at 6:30 p.m. ATTEST: RYAN STENDELL, SECRETARY MONICA O'REILLY, RECO NG SECRETARY 5