HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-01-18 PC Regular Meeting Minutes CITY OF PALM DESERT
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2022 — 6:00 P.M.
ZOOM VIRTUAL MEETING
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chair John Greenwood called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present:
Chair John Greenwood
Vice-Chair Nancy DeLuna
Commissioner Ron Gregory
Commissioner Lindsay Holt
Commissioner Joseph Pradetto
Also Present:
Craig Hayes, Assistant City Attorney
Martin Alvarez, Director of Development Services
Eric Ceja, Deputy Director of Development Services/Economic Development
Rosie Lua, Principal Planner
Jessica Gonzales, Senior Management Analyst
Monica O'Reilly, Management Specialist II
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Vice-Chair Nancy DeLuna led the Pledge of Allegiance.
IV. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTIONS
Director of Development Services Martin Alvarez summarized pertinent City Council
actions from the meeting of January 13, 2022.
V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None
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PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JANUARY 18, 2021
VI. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. MINUTES of the Regular Planning Commission meeting of December 21, 2021.
Rec: Approve as presented.
Upon a motion by Vice-Chair DeLuna, seconded by Commissioner Holt, and a 5-0
vote of the Planning Commission, the Consent Calendar was approved as presented
(AYES: DeLuna, Greenwood, Gregory, Holt, and Pradetto; NOES: None).
VII. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
None
Vill. NEW BUSINESS
None
IX. CONTINUED BUSINESS
None
X. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION to adopt a Notice of Exemption in accordance
with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and approval of a Precise Plan
(PP) and a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to demolish the former Pizza Hut building
and construct a new 7,500-square-foot retail and restaurant building located at
72310 Highway 111. Case No. PP/CUP 20-0002 (Nadel Architects, Inc, Los
Angeles, California, Applicant).
Note, the staff report(s) and Zoom video of the meeting are available on the City's
website. Click on the following link to access: www.planninq-commission-
information-center.
Vice-Chair DeLuna disclosed that she works for a company that is involved with a property
in the Housing Element; therefore, she recused herself.
Ms. Nicole Criste, Terra Nova Planning, the City's consultant, Palm Desert, California,
presented a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Housing Element update. She
recommended that the Planning Commission continue this item to February 1, 2022, to
allow staff to work with the Department of Housing and Community Development to
finalize details of the Housing Element. She also recommended opening the public
hearing, taking public testimony, and leaving the public hearing open to the February 1
meeting.
Chair Greenwood declared the public hearing open and invited public testimony FAVORING
or OPPOSING this matter.
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PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JANUARY 18, 2021
Ms. Liliana Figueroa and Mr. Mark Stein, with CPMC Realty, Palm Desert, California,
voiced their concern with the designation for affordable housing units on their client's
site.
Commissioner Pradetto moved to, by Minute Motion, leaving the public hearing open
and continuing Case No. GPA 21-0002 to February 1, 2022. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Gregory and carried by a 4-0 vote (AYES: Greenwood, Gregory, Holt, and
Pradetto; NOES: None; ABSENT: DeLuna).
B. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of a recommendation to the City Council for
approval of a Zoning Ordinance Amendment to modify Palm Desert Municipal Code
Section 25.34.060 regarding Timeshare Projects. Case No. ZOA 22-0001 (City of
Palm Desert, Palm Desert California, Applicant).
Principle Planner Rosie Lua gave a PowerPoint presentation reviewing the staff report in
detail and recommended approval to the City Council.
At this point, staff and the City Attorney responded to questions asked by the Planning
Commission.
Chair Greenwood declared the public hearing open and invited public testimony FAVORING
or OPPOSING this matter.
With no testimony offered, Chair Greenwood declared the public hearing closed.
The Planning Commission concurred with the direction that the City is taking regarding
timeshare projects.
Commissioner Pradetto moved to waive further reading and adopt Planning
Commission Resolution No. 2805, recommending approval to the City Council for Case No.
ZOA 22-0001. The motion was seconded by Vice-Chair DeLuna and carried by a 5-0 vote
(AYES: DeLuna, Greenwood, Gregory, Holt, and Pradetto; NOES: None).
XI. MISCELLANEOUS
None
XII. COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES
A. CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE
Commissioner Holt mentioned that she shared the San Pablo Corridor Art Plan and the
details for the meeting scheduled on Monday, January 24 at 11:30 a.m. to discuss the
plan.
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PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JANUARY 18, 2021
B. PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
Mr. Alvarez stated that the Planning staff presented a concept plan for a park on Gerald
Ford Drive and near Interstate 10. Staff hoped that the City would develop the park in
two to three years.
Chair Greenwood asked for the status of the Portola Avenue interchange.
Mr. Alvarez responded that currently, the project is not feasible due to needing
additional funding. Staff would discuss funding during the budget process and the City
Council.
XIII. REPORTS AND REMARKS
None
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
With the Planning Commission concurrence, Chair Greenwood adjourned the meeting
at 7:19 p.m.
HN REEN O D, CH
ATTEST:
MARTIN ALVAREZ, SECRETARY
MONK 'REILLY, REC DING SECRETARY
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