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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-05-04 PC Regular Meeting Minutes •••'".. ...... CITY OF PALM DESERT ram, (K:AIE PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION 'A '�/r�H r MINUTES ..• =��3 4. .• TUESDAY, MAY 4, 2021 — 6:00 P.M. ZOOM VIRTUAL MEETING I. CALL TO ORDER Chair John Greenwood called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: Chair John Greenwood Commissioner Joseph Pradetto Vice-Chair Nancy DeLuna Commissioner Ron Gregory Commissioner Lindsay Holt Also Present: Craig Hayes, Assistant City Attorney Eric Ceja, Deputy Director of Development Services Kevin Swartz, Associate Planner Nick Melloni, Associate Planner Christina Canales, Land Development Technician Monica O'Reilly, Management Specialist II III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Lindsay Holt led the Pledge of Allegiance. IV. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTIONS None V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None VI. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular Planning Commission meeting of April 6, 2021. Rec: Approve as presented. MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 4, 2021 Upon a motion by Vice-Chair DeLuna, seconded by Commissioner Gregory, and a 4- 0 vote of the Planning Commission, the Consent Calendar was approved as presented (AYES: DeLuna, Greenwood, Gregory, and Holt; NOES: None; ABSENT: Pradetto). VII. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None VIII. NEW BUSINESS None IX. CONTINUED BUSINESS None X. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of a recommendation to the City Council for approval of a General Plan Amendment to establish a lower density, Tentative Tract Map 37993, and a Precise Plan for the subdivision of 23.4 vacant acres into 63 single- family residential detached lots located at the intersection of Julie Drive and Shepherd Lane; and adoption of an Addendum to the Palm Desert General Plan Environmental Impact Report (SCH No. 2015081020) in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Case Nos. GPA/PP 21-0001 and TPM 37993 (GHA Montage P.D., LLC, Cathedral City, California, Applicant). Associate Planner Kevin Swartz presented the staff report (staff report(s) is available at https://www.cityofpalmdesert.org/our-city/committees-and-commissions/planning commission-information-center). Staff recommended approval and offered to answer any questions. The applicant and his team are also present to answer any questions. Commissioner Ron Gregory inquired if the adjacent vacant rectangular property would remain zoned a Town Center Neighborhood (TCN). Mr. Swartz replied yes. Commissioner Holt asked if the Fire Department did not require a secondary access for the proposed project. Mr. Swartz responded that the Fire Department reviewed the project and they did not require a secondary access. Chair Greenwood asked if the applicant addressed the Architectural Review Commission's (ARC) comments and were incorporated into the proposed project presented by staff. Mr. Swartz replied that is correct, noting that the final drawings would go back to the ARC for review and approval. 2 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 4, 2021 Chair Greenwood inquired if there was any discussion to continue Shepherd Lane. Mr. Swartz answered that it was not discussed for this project, noting that the City never wanted a full connection from Gerald Ford Drive to Frank Sinatra Drive. Chair Greenwood declared the public hearing open and invited public testimony FAVORING or OPPOSING this matter. MARIO GONZALES, the applicant, Cathedral City, California, thanked staff and the Commission for their time. He briefly spoke of GHA's past projects and the proposed project. He stated that they responded to the ARC comments and comments by a homeowner regarding the trees. He also stated that they agree to all the conditions of approval. He and his team were available to answer any questions. Chair Greenwood asked if there is a pedestrian connection to the adjacent neighborhood along Retention A. MR. GONZALES responded that there is an easement for a water and sewer line. They are proposing to install a gate, and residents would be able to go north to Gerald Ford Drive. Chair Greenwood asked if there is pedestrian circulation to Portola Avenue by the open space and Lot 50. MR. GONZALES responded that they are proposing a small pedestrian gate that would be governed by the homeowners' association. Chair Greenwood noted the General Plan Amendment and asked the applicant why they felt the need to change the zone to a Conventional Suburban Neighborhood. MR. GONZALES said that they built Genesis at Portola Avenue and Dinah Shore Drive that had small, medium, and large lots. They received many requests for bigger lots and yards, and they felt that the proposed project was the highest and best use to have larger lots. He noted that the lots a block over to the east are going from 4,800 to 6,000-6,500 square feet. He stated that the density for the project is consistent with the neighborhood. Commissioner Gregory said that a couple of the trees selected would not provide any shade, which he would address later. He mentioned there was a lighting plan in the package. He asked if there is a conflict with the Dark Sky Ordinance if there still is an ordinance. MR. GONZALES commented that typically they have front yard and garage lighting. They have photocell lighting that is required by Title 24. If there is a conflict with the Dark Sky Ordinance, they are open to discuss the ordinance and make adjustments. Commissioner Gregory asked if tree substitutions would only be made on Julie Drive. MR. GONZALES replied yes. 3 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 4, 2021 MS. NIKI WU, the landscape architect, commented that after receiving a comment from a neighbor, they proposed smaller trees that could survive in the desert. If there are better tree recommendations, they would make any modifications necessary. Deputy Director of Development Services Eric Ceja stated that the City's lighting standards have not changed and proper shielding for all lighting sources is required. He noted that this proposal would come back for the subdivision final map. If there are concerns with lighting, it would be appropriate for staff to continue evaluating the proposal considering it is a recommendation to the City Council. MRS. MARYJO KALAMON, a neighbor, asked for the pad heights on Street D. She voiced her concern about possibly losing their privacy if the pads are too high. MR. GONZALES responded that they have proposed a landscape buffer so no one should be able to look over the wall. He stated that they are very sensitive to privacy, noting that they do not have a problem adding a block to the block wall. MRS. KALAMON mentioned that where the buffer wall is located there are beautiful old creosote plants and asked if they would be removed. MR. GONZALES apologized and replied yes, stating that they have to prepare the ground for development. However, they would be replacing the creosote plants with nice new plantings. MRS. KALAMON commented that overall she is pleased with the project, commenting that she enjoyed watching the road runners, critters, and the creosote plants. It was her personal park for 20 years and understood that changes must happen to develop the project. MR. GONZALES thanked the Planning Commission and they look forward to bringing this project to Palm Desert with larger lots. With no further testimony offered, Chair Greenwood declared the public hearing closed. Commissioner Gregory congratulated Mr. Gonzales on a very nicely done plan. He felt Mr. Gonzales has been sensitive to the neighbors' concerns. He felt that it makes sense for the proposed project to conform to the north and south neighborhoods and would vote in favor of the project. However, he would like the landscape architect to contact him regarding the trees. He stated he would be happy to help. MR. JACK HAYDEN, the principal landscape architect, stated that they would welcome working with Commissioner Gregory. Chair Greenwood asked Commissioner Gregory if he is recommending the first or second landscape proposal to the City Council. Mr. Swartz interjected that the Planning Commission could recommend a third option, which would be Commissioner Gregory to work with the landscape architect, and City staff would present the new landscape plan to the City Council. 4 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 4, 2021 Vice-Chair Nancy DeLuna asked if it would be an added condition to the motion. Mr. Swartz replied yes. Vice-Chair DeLuna moved to waive further reading and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2790, recommending approval to the City Council for Case Nos. GPA/PP 21- 0001 and TTM 37993, subject to the conditions of approval and the applicant consulting with City staff and Planning Commissioner Gregory regarding the selection of trees along the exterior perimeter and within the median along Julie Drive prior to the case going to the City Council; and adopted an Addendum to the Palm Desert General Plan Environmental Impact Report (SCH No. 201508020). The motion was seconded by Commissioner Gregory and carried by a 4-0 vote (AYES: DeLuna, Greenwood, Gregory, and Holt; NOES: None; ABSENT: Pradetto). B. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION to approve a Precise Plan of design and Conditional Use Permit to convert the existing office building into four office use tenants, including an exterior remodel, a new 850-square-foot addition to the second floor, and a new 631-square-foot garage located at 74330 Alessandro Drive; and adoption of a Notice of Exemption in accordance with the CEQA. Case No. PP/CUP 20-0006 (Prest Vuksic Greenwood Architects, Palm Desert, California, Applicant). Chair Greenwood recused himself, stating that his firm is the applicant. He left the Zoom meeting and Vice-Chair DeLuna moved forward with the hearing. Mr. Swartz presented the staff report. Staff recommended approval and offered to answer any questions. Vice-Chair DeLuna commented that she met with the applicant and discussed the nature of the businesses and whether or not the businesses would generate a lot of customers. She asked if there would be a lot of customers. Mr. Swartz responded that the use is for this project is only for professional uses and not medical uses, noting that typically medical uses consume more parking. Commissioner Gregory asked what is on the other side of Santa Ynez Avenue. Mr. Swartz responded that it is a retail area that includes a tattoo parlor, a massage parlor, and other retail uses. He noted that staff provided a notice of the public hearing and staff did not receive any comments or concerns. Commissioner Holt inquired how would the City restrict medical use for the proposed project. Mr. Swartz replied that the zone prohibits medical offices. Commissioner Holt asked what separates the property from the apartment complex. 5 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 4, 2021 Mr. Swartz said there is an existing block wall and believed it is six feet tall. However, the applicant could confirm the height. He noted that they are proposing landscaping to screen the apartments. Vice-Chair DeLuna declared the public hearing open and invited public testimony FAVORING or OPPOSING this matter. MR. JOHN VUKSIC, the applicant, mentioned that Mr. Sanin, the property owner was unable to join the meeting. He is available by phone if the Commission had any questions for him. Commissioner Gregory asked what the hedge material is that would be used between the fence and the building. MR. RANDY PURNEL, the landscape architect, responded that the hedge is Japanese Blueberry along the north and west side of the property line. Commissioner Gregory asked if the hedge would fry with the afternoon sun and reflective background. He said that he has been coming down hard on two-story buildings next to residential uses and would like to see something that would soften up the building from the residences. MR. PURNEL said that there is an opportunity for some reflective heat on a two-story building, noting that he is sensitive to long-term maintenance and water use. Commissioner Gregory said he wants to make sure whatever plant is planted that it is somewhat taller than the wall and it is softening the view of the building. With no further testimony offered, Vice-Chair DeLuna declared the public hearing closed. Commissioner Gregory thought that the project is a marvelous design and a tremendous upgrade from what was there before and would be an asset to the neighborhood. He felt the type of use would work well in that location and the landscape is great. Commissioner Holt believed that the property has been vacant for some time and felt it is a great improvement. She also felt that the neighbors would love the project. She is looking forward to seeing this project come to fruition. Vice-Chair DeLuna concurred with Commissioners Gregory and Holt. Commissioner Gregory moved to waive further reading and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2791, approving Case No. PP/CUP 20-0006, subject to the conditions of approval; and adopt a Notice of Exemption. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Holt and carried by a 3-0 vote (AYES: DeLuna, Gregory, and Holt; NOES: None; ABSENT: Greenwood and Pradetto). Xl. MISCELLANEOUS None 6 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 4, 2021 XII. COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES A. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES Commissioner Holt reported that three Commission members have terms ending in June. If they know of anyone interested in applying, they could contact the City Clerk's office. Additionally, the Commission is reviewing art for the San Pablo roundabout. When selecting art for the north end of San Pablo, Vice-Chair DeLuna commented that it might be beneficial to have something substantial to slow down traffic for safety reasons. B. PARKS & RECREATION Mr. Ceja reported that the Commission made a recommendation to the City Council to name a bench at Hovley Soccer Park honoring Mr. Paul Thompson who recently passed away. They also approved replacing the shade structure at the dog park that was damaged by the wind. XIII. REPORTS AND REMARKS None XIV. ADJOURNMENT With the Planning Commission concurrence, Chair Greenwood adjourned the meeting at 7:10 p.m. N , REE OD, AIR ATTEST: Gt, ERIC CEJ( CRETARY MONICA O'REILLY, RECOR G SECRETARY 7