HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes No 2851PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2851
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PALM
DESERT, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A NOTICE OF EXEMPTION
PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT AND
APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND PRECISE PLAN TO
DEVELOP AN 11,380 SQUARE FOOT FIRE STATION ON A 2.66-ACRE
PARCEL LOCATED AT 75665 GERALD FORD DRIVE (ASSESSOR’S
PARCEL NUMBER 694-160-015)
CASE NOS. EA23-0011/CUP23-0011/PP23-0011
WHEREAS, PBK Architects (“Applicant”), on behalf of the City of Palm Desert,
submitted applications for an Environmental Assessment (EA), Conditional Use Permit
(CUP), and Precise Plan (PP) for a 11,358 square foot fire station building (“Project”) located
on a 2.66-acre Project site at 75665 Gerald Ford Drive (Assessor Parcel Number 694-160-
015); and
WHEREAS, the Project site has a land use designation of Public Facility/Institutional
in the Palm Desert General Plan adopted on November 10, 2016, and a zoning designation
of Public Institution (P); and
WHEREAS, under Section 21067 of the Public Resources Code, Section 15367 of the
State California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, §
15000 et seq.) and the City of Palm Desert’s (“City’s”) Local CEQA Guidelines, the City is the
lead agency for the Project; and
WHEREAS, the Architectural Review Commission (ARC) of the City of Palm Desert,
California, did on the 9th day of January 2024, approve a design review for the Project; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the requirements of the CEQA, the State Guidelines for
Implementation of CEQA (State CEQA Guidelines) and the City of Palm Desert CEQA
Implementation Requirements, the City of Palm Desert Development Services Department
has determined that the Project will not have a significant impact on the environment and that
the Project is categorically exempt under Article 19, Section 15332 Infill Development (Class
32) of the CEQA Guidelines; therefore, no further environmental review is necessary; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert, California, did on
the 6th day of February 2024, hold a duly noticed public hearing to consider the request by
the Applicant for approval of the above-noted Project request; and
WHEREAS, at the said public hearing, upon hearing and considering all testimony and
arguments, if any, of all interested persons desiring to be heard, the Planning Commission
did find the following facts and reasons, which are outlined in the staff report, exist to justify
approval of said request:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of the City of
Palm Desert, California, as follows:
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PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2851
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SECTION 1. Recitals. The Planning Commission hereby finds that the foregoing
recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein as substantive findings of this
Resolution.
SECTION 2. Findings on Conditional Use Permit. In recommending approval of this
Project, the Planning Commission, and under Palm Desert Municipal Code (PDMC) Section
25.72.050(F), the following findings are required before granting a CUP:
1. That the proposed location of the conditional use is in accord with the objectives of
this title and the purpose of the district in which the site is located.
The purpose and intent of the Public Institution district is to provide for the orderly
establishment of public facilities, expansion of their operations, and for the orderly
establishment of quasi-public institutional uses that are compatible with and support
surrounding land uses. The proposed Project establishes a new fire station to help
continue and expand the existing City of Palm Desert fire life safety operations.
2. That the proposed location of the conditional use and the conditions under which it
would be operated or maintained will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, or
welfare or be materially injurious to properties or improvements in the vicinity.
The proposed use, as conditioned, has been reviewed to not be detrimental to the
public health, safety, or welfare, or be materially injurious to properties in the vicinity.
The Project site design has been reviewed to ensure the protection of the public
health, safety, and general welfare. The use is not one as such that will be detrimental
to public health and will be continuously reviewed and operated by City staff to ensure
continuous compliance and safety.
3. That the proposed conditional use will comply with each of the applicable provisions
of this title, except for approved variances or adjustments.
The proposed development conforms with all applicable standards of the Palm Desert
Municipal Code, including all standards of the Public Institution zoning designation.
No variances or adjustments are proposed for this development. The Project conforms
with all development standards, including building height and parking.
4. That the proposed conditional use complies with the goals, objectives, and policies of
the City’s General Plan.
The proposed use complies and is consistent with the site’s General Plan land use
designation of Public Facility/Institutional. The Project will provide fire station life safety
operations. The following General Plan Goals and Policies are achieved with this
Project:
Goal 4. Fire hazards. Existing and future development is protected from wildfire
hazards, with decreased frequency and intensity of wildfire incidents despite increased
density and urbanization within the community.
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Policy 4.1 Fire Preparation. The project will help maintain optimal fire readiness and
response service in coordination with Riverside County and other agencies.
Goal 7. Emergency Services. The project will help continue to provide excellent
emergency services to the community.
Policy 7.1 Quality of service. The project will provide courteous, responsive, and
efficient fire services.
Policy 7.3 Serving new growth. It will expand fire service coverage in conjunction with
new growth to ensure quality of service does not diminish.
Policy 7.8 Fire and emergency services. The project includes continued coordination
with Riverside County Fire Department to ensure continued excellent fire services.
SECTION 3. CEQA Determination. The Planning Commission finds the Project is
exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15332 Infill Development (Class 32) of the State
CEQA guidelines. Class 32 consists of projects characterized as infill development meeting
the following conditions:
a) The Project is consistent with the applicable General Plan designation and all
applicable General Plan policies, as well as with applicable zoning designation and
regulations. The proposed general institution use is consistent with the Public
Facility/Institutional General Plan land use designation and the Public Institution
zoning designation. The Project does not conflict with General Plan policies and
meets all regulations of the PDMC.
b) The proposed development occurs within city limits on a Project site of no more
than five (5) acres substantially surrounded by urban uses. The Project site is a
2.66-acre site within the City of Palm Desert.
c) The Project site has no value as a habitat for endangered, rare, or threatened
species.
d) Approval of the Project would not result in any significant effects relating to traffic,
noise, air quality, or water quality.
e) The site can be adequately served by all required utilities and public services.
SECTION 4. Project Recommendations. The Planning Commission hereby approves
CUP23-0011 and PP23-0011, subject to the findings and Conditions of Approval attached
herein as Exhibit A.
SECTION 5. Custodian of Records. The documents and materials that constitute the
record of proceedings on which these findings are based are located at the City’s office at
73510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260. Richard D. Cannone, AICP, the Secretary
to the Palm Desert Planning Commission, is the custodian of the record of proceedings.
SECTION 6. Execution of Resolution. The Chairperson of the Planning Commission
signs this Resolution, and the Secretary to the Commission shall attest and certify to the
passage and adoption thereof.
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SECTION 7. Recitals. The Planning Commission hereby finds that the foregoing
recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein as substantive findings of this
Resolution.
ADOPTED ON February 6, 2024.
JOSEPH PRADETTO
CHAIRPERSON
ATTEST:
RICHARD D. CANNONE, AICP
SECRETARY
I, Richard D. Cannone. AICP, Secretary of the City of Palm Desert, hereby certify that
Resolution No. 2851 is a full, true, and correct copy, and was duly adopted at a regular
meeting of the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert on February 6, 2024, by the
following vote:
AYES: GREENWOOD, GREGORY, HOLT, PRADETTO
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
RECUSED: DELUNA
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City
of Palm Desert, California, on March ____, 2024.
RICHARD D. CANNONE, AICP
SECRETARY
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EXHIBIT A
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
CASE NOS. CUP/PP/EA23-0011
PLANNING DIVISION:
1. The development of the property shall conform substantially with exhibits on file with the
Development Services Department, except as modified by the following conditions. Any
variation from the approved plans must be reviewed and approved by the Planning
Division prior to the building permit issuance and may require review and approval by the
Architectural Review Commission, Planning Commission, and/or City Council.
2. The development of the property described herein shall be subject to the restrictions and
limitations set forth herein, which are in addition to the approved development standards
listed in the PDMC and state and federal statutes now in force, or which hereafter may be
in force.
3. The PP shall expire if construction of the said Project shall not commence within 24
months from the date of final approval unless an extension of time is granted by the Palm
Desert Planning Commission; otherwise, said approval shall become null, void, and of
no effect whatsoever.
4. The CUP shall expire if construction of the said Project shall not commence within 12
months from the date of final approval unless an extension of time is granted by the Palm
Desert Planning Commission; otherwise, said approval shall become null, void, and of
no effect whatsoever.
5. The PP approval is for a new 11,380-square-foot building located on a 2.66-acre area.
The new building will operate as a new fire station.
6. The approved PP shall only be modified with written City approval per PDMC Chapter
25.72.030. Any proposed changes to this PP will require an amendment to the
application, which may result in a new public hearing.
7. The approved CUP shall only be modified per the guidelines outlined in PDMC Chapter
25.72.050(I).
8. All construction documentation shall be coordinated for consistency, including, but not
limited to, architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, landscape and
irrigation, grading, and street improvement plans. All such plans shall be consistent with
the approved entitlement plans on file with the Development Services Department.
9. Prior to the issuance of a building permit for the construction of any use or structure
contemplated by this approval, the Applicant shall first obtain permits and or clearance
from the following agencies:
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Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD)
City of Palm Desert Public Works Department
Riverside County Fire Department
City of Palm Desert Land Development Division
City of Palm Desert Planning Division
City of Palm Desert Building and Safety Division
Evidence of said permit or clearance from the above agencies shall be presented to the
Building & Safety Division at the time of issuance of a building permit for the use
contemplated herewith.
10. This Project is subject to the Art in Public Places requirements in Chapter 4.10 of the
PDMC.
11. Final lighting plans shall be submitted per PDMC Section 24.16 for any landscape,
architectural, street, or other lighting types within the Project area.
All exterior lighting sources shall be fully shielded and directed downwards and is subject
to approval by the Development Services Department. Luminaries with total lamp lumens
above 16,000 lumens shall not be used. Prior to the building permit issuance, the
Applicant shall submit plans for outdoor lighting as required by PDMC Section 24.16.030
and include glare ratings and color temperature for all exterior light fixtures.
12. Prior to the building permit issuance, the Applicant shall submit a landscape construction
application for approval by the Development Services Department and Coachella Valley
Water District. Final landscape and irrigation documents shall be prepared by a
landscape architect registered with the State of California and shall be submitted to the
Development Services Department and the CVWD for review and approval. All sheets
shall be signed by the landscape architect and shall include the license number and the
expiration date. The landscape plan shall conform to the preliminary landscape plans
prepared as part of this application and shall include dense plantings of live landscape
material. All plants shall be a minimum of five (5) gallons in size, and all trees shall be a
minimum 24-inch box in size.
A. The Applicant shall submit final landscape construction plans to the Palm Desert
Development Services Department for review and acceptance prior to submittal to
CVWD.
13. All Project irrigation systems shall function properly, and landscaping shall be maintained
in a healthy and thriving condition. The maintenance of landscaping and the irrigation
system shall be permanently provided for all areas of the Project site, as well as walkways
and the portion of public right-of-way abutting the Project site (parkways). Furthermore,
the plans shall identify responsibility for the continued maintenance.
14. Prior to the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy, the Project landscape architect shall
submit written certification to the Public Works Department or Planning Division that the
landscaping and irrigation have been installed per the approved landscape plan.
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15. All exterior ground-mounted and rooftop equipment and all appurtenances thereto shall
be completely screened from public view by walls or roof screens that are architecturally
treated to be consistent with the building. The final construction plans shall include
appropriate drawings demonstrating how such equipment is to be screened from view.
16. All roof drainage systems and devices shall be designed such that they are fully screened
from view from all public streets. Drainage devices, including but not limited to down-
spouts, shall not be located on any street-facing building elevation or area that is clearly
visible from the public right-of-way. Drainage devices shall be fully integrated into the
building structure and located within the exterior walls of the structure.
17. All ground-mounted utility structures including, but not limited to, transformers, HVAC
equipment, and backflow prevention valves shall be located out of view from any public
street or adequately screened using landscaping and/or permanent screening devices.
18. Exterior building elevations showing building wall materials, roof types, exterior colors,
and appropriate vertical dimensions shall be included in the development construction
drawings.
19. All roof access ladders shall be located on the inside of the building and shall be fully
screened by rooftop parapets.
20. The Applicant or any successor in interest shall comply with all applicable local, state,
and federal laws and regulations.
21. A copy of the herein-listed Conditions of Approval shall be included in the construction
documentation package for the Project, which shall be continuously maintained on-site
during Project construction.
22. Exterior signage shall comply with Chapter 25.56 of the PDMC.
23. Prior to a permit issuance, the Applicant shall submit plans for the final design of all site
fences and walls subject to review and approval by the Palm Desert Development
Services Department. The design of the walls shall be consistent with the height,
material, and design on the approved conceptual site plan dated June 9, 2023. This
includes the proposed screening fence attached to the existing skate park fence.
24. Future modifications to site walls or fences shall require approval by the Director of
Development Services. The use of barbed wire, razor wire, and spiked pickets for fencing
is prohibited.
LAND DEVELOPMENT DIVISION/PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT:
25. The following plans, studies, and exhibits are hereby referenced: Preliminary Grading
Plan Discover Palm Desert, prepared by CivTec, dated December 2023.
26. Any condition of approval as part of this Project may be modified, revised, or removed
by the City Engineer and Development Services Director if it is determined that it is not
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required for a City project and/or to match with offsite improvements on Gerald Ford
Drive.
27. It is assumed that easements shown on the preliminary grading exhibit are shown
correctly and include all the easements that encumber the subject property. A current
preliminary title report for the site will be required to be submitted during the technical
plan review. The Applicant shall secure approval from all, if any, easement holders for
all grading and improvements, which are proposed over the respective easement or
provide evidence that the easement has been relocated, quitclaimed, vacated,
abandoned, easement holder cannot be found, or is otherwise of no effect. Should such
approvals or alternate actions regarding the easements not be provided and approved
by the City, the Applicant may be required to amend or revise the proposed site
configuration as may be necessary.
28. It is understood that the conceptual exhibits correctly show acceptable centerline
elevations, all existing easements, traveled ways, and drainage courses with
appropriate flows. If final design requires that the Applicant amend or revise these
exhibits it must have approval by the City Engineer.
29. The Applicant shall comply with Palm Desert Ordinance No. 843, Section 24.20
Stormwater Management and Discharge Ordinance.
30. All utility extensions within the site shall be placed underground unless otherwise
specified or allowed by the respective utility purveyor.
31. Prior to a grading permit, the Applicant shall prepare a final grading plan for the site. No
grading or other improvements shall be permitted until a final grading plan has been
approved by the City Engineer. Grading plans and all grading shall conform to the
approved Conceptual Grading Plan, the California Building Code, Palm Desert
Municipal Code Title 27 Grading, and all other relevant laws, rules, and regulations
governing grading in the City of Palm Desert.
32. The grading plan shall provide for acceptance and proper discharge of all off-site
drainage flowing through the site. Should the quantities exceed the street capacity, the
Applicant shall provide adequate drainage facilities and/or appropriate easements as
approved by the City Engineer.
33. Pad elevations, as shown on the conceptual exhibit, are subject to review and
modification per Chapter 27 of the PDMC and approved by the City Engineer.
34. Prior to approval of the grading plan, the Applicant shall prepare a detailed final
hydrology and hydraulics report for approval of the City Engineer. The report shall
encompass the entire Project area and comply with all relevant laws, rules, and
regulations governing the City of Palm Desert.
35. All drainage and storm drain improvements shall be designed per PDMC Title 24,
Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District’s standards for the
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Drainage Element of the Palm Desert General Plan, and all other relevant laws, rules,
and regulations governing grading in the City of Palm Desert.
36. Prior to approval of the grading plans, the Applicant shall provide the City Engineer with
evidence that a Notice of Intent (NOI) has been filed with the State Water Resources
Control Board. Such evidence shall consist of a copy of the NOI stamped by the State
Water Resources Control Board or the Regional Water Quality Control Board or a letter
from either agency stating that the NOI has been filed and their WDID number is
depicted on the Grading Plan before approval.
37. Prior to the issuance of a grading permit, the Applicant shall submit a PM10 application
for review and approval. The Applicant shall comply with all provisions of PDMC Section
24.12 regarding Fugitive Dust Control.
38. Where grading involves import or export, the Applicant shall obtain relevant permits,
from the Public Works Department where the material is coming from or going to,
including import/export quantities and hauling route.
39. Prior to a grading permit, it shall be the sole responsibility of the Applicant to obtain any
and all proposed or required easements and/or permissions necessary (if any) to
perform the grading shown on the grading plan exhibit. Proof shall be provided to the
Development Services Department prior to the issuance of a grading permit, to the
satisfaction of the City Engineer and Development Services Director.
40. It is assumed that the grading and the provisions for stormwater mitigation shown on
the conceptual grading exhibit and report can comply with all requirements of the City
of Palm without substantial change from that shown. Prior to approval of the grading
plan for the PP, a final stormwater mitigation plan shall be submitted for review and
approval by the City Engineer. The plan shall incorporate and optimize the use of best
management practices (BMPs) for the development.
41. All post-construction BMPs shall be designed based on the City of Palm Desert’s
maximum infiltration criteria of one (1) inch/hour.
42. Conveyance of emergency overflow shall flow along the historic path. The depth of the
ponding/overflow shall be a minimum of 1-ft below the proposed finished floor
elevations.
43. Prior to the issuance of a grading permit, the Applicant shall submit for review and
approval of the City Engineer a final Geotechnical Report that includes project-specific
recommendations.
44. Prior to the issuance of a precise grading permit, the Applicant shall submit grading,
paving and utility improvement plans for all onsite improvements for review and approval
of the City Engineer.
45. The following existing improvements shall be made in accordance with accessibility
regulations as:
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A. Sidewalks/walks
B. Shared-use paths/multi-purpose paths.
C. Curb ramps
D. Driveway approaches crossings
E. Parking spaces
46. Improvements that are non-compliant with the accessibility standards in effect at the
time of construction or alteration, shall be brought up to current accessibility standards.
This work shall be incorporated into the scope of this Project and shall be completed
prior to acceptance by the City.
47. Improvements that are compliant with the accessibility standards in effect at the time of
construction shall be depicted on the construction plans with detailed specifications for
the running and cross slopes of all pedestrian walkways, with locations, dimensions and
grades of maneuvering spaces and landings, width of sidewalk, and vertical clearance
from obstructions. The accessibility of existing improvements will be verified by City
inspection staff upon completion of the project. Discrepancies between documented
existing conditions and existing conditions as measured by City staff shall be remedied
and brought up to accessibility standards as part of the Project.
48. Prior to the start of grading activities, the Applicant shall install all erosion and dust
control mechanisms for the site as approved by the City Engineer.
49. Upon completion of grading work, the Project’s Engineer of Record shall certify to the
completion of grading in substantial conformance with the approved grading plans and
the recommendations of the geotechnical report approved for this Project.
50. Applicant shall coordinate plans to be consistent and align with any offsite work
proposed concurrently and/or in future.
51. Prior to the building Certificate of Occupancy, the Applicant is responsible for the
completion of construction of all improvements for which plans are required.
BUILDING AND SAFETY DIVISION:
52. This Project shall comply with the latest adopted edition of the following codes:
A. California Building Code and its appendices and standards.
B. California Commercial Code and its appendices and standards.
C. California Plumbing Code and its appendices and standards.
D. California Mechanical Code and its appendices and standards.
E. California Electrical Code.
F. California Energy Code.
G. California Green Building Standards Code.
H. Title 24, California Code of Regulations.
I. California Fire Code and its appendices and standards.
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53. Upon formal submittal, provide a detailed summary of occupancies per building and/or
areas of the Visitor Center (Center/Reception Area, Support areas, storage, etc.) and
Gallery.
54. The accessibility provisions of CBC Chapter 11B apply to this Project. Please
demonstrate and identify existing and new compliance of parking (both standard and
EV accessible), paths of travel, restrooms, kitchen, breaks areas, etc.
55. The Applicant shall coordinate directly with:
Riverside County Fire Marshal’s Office
CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department
Main: (760) 863-8886
77933 Las Montañas Road, Suite 201
Palm Desert, CA 92211
56. All trash enclosures are required to be accessible. Provide an accessible path of travel
to the trash enclosure. Trash enclosures shall comply with the minimum requirements
established by Section 8.12 of the PDMC.
57. All contractors and subcontractors shall have a current City of Palm Desert Business
License before permit issuance per PDMC, Title 5.
58. All contractors and/or owner-builders must submit a valid Certificate of Workers’
Compensation Insurance coverage before the issuance of a building permit per California
Labor Code, Section 3700.
59. Address numerals shall comply with Palm Desert Ordinance No. 1351 (PDMC Section
15.28). Compliance with Ordinance 1351 regarding street address location, dimension,
stroke of line, distance from the street, height from grade, height from the street, etc.,
shall be shown on all architectural building elevations in detail. Any possible obstructions,
shadows, lighting, landscaping, backgrounds, or other reasons that may render the
building address unreadable shall be addressed during the plan review process. The
Applicant may request a copy of Ordinance 1351 or PDMC Section 15.28 from the
Building and Safety Division counter staff.
END OF CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
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