HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-08-20 PC Regular Meeting MinutesPLANNING COMMISSION
CITY OF PALM DESERT
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
August 20, 2024, 6:00 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Nancy DeLuna, Commissioner John Greenwood,
Chair Joseph Pradetto, Vice Chair Lindsay Holt
Absent: Chair Ron Gregory
Staff Present: Director of Development Services Richard Cannone, Principal
Planner Carlos Flores, Principal Planner Nick Melloni
Others Present: City Attorney Oscar Verdugo; Recording Secretary Niamh Ortega
1. CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission was called to order by Vice Chair Holt
on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 6:03 p.m. in the Council Chamber, City Hall, located at
73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California.
2. ROLL CALL
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Pradetto led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. NONAGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS
Greg Hammond, Corsican Villas HOA President, noted with the potential expansion of
the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens opposite the Corsican Villas there would be
increased traffic in the neighborhood, and requested a stop sign be placed on Portola
Avenue at the entrance to his development.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by: Commissioner Greenwood
Seconded by: Commissioner DeLuna
To approve the consent calendar as presented.
Motion Carried (4 to 0)
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5.a APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by: Commissioner Greenwood
Seconded by: Commissioner DeLuna
Approve the Minutes of July 19, 2024.
Motion Carried (4 to 0)
6. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
7. ACTION CALENDAR
None.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8.a CONSIDER ADOPTING A NOTICE OF EXEMPTION AND APPROVING A
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR AN OUTDOOR PATIO FOR DINING
PURPOSES FOR AN EXISTING RESTAURANT AT 72990 EL PASEO, SUITE 3
Vice Chair Holt opened the public hearing.
Principal Planner Flores narrated a PowerPoint presentation and responded to
Commissioners' questions.
Applicant representative Zayda Braun provided a report that outlined updates to
the container siding as recommended during the previous Planning Commission
meeting.
Vice Chair Holt closed the public hearing, there being no other member of the
public wishing to speak.
Motion by: Commissioner Greenwood
Seconded by: Commissioner DeLuna
Adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2875 entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF
THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT,
CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A NOTICE OF EXEMPTION PURSUANT TO THE
STATE OF CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) AND
APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (CUP) FOR AN OUTDOOR PATIO
FOR DINING PURPOSES FOR AN EXISTING RESTAURANT AT 72990 EL
PASEO, SUITE 3.”
Motion Carried (4 to 0)
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8.b CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND
APPROVE A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND PRECISE PLAN FOR THE
LIVING DESERT ZOO AND GARDENS EXPANSION PROJECT
Assistant City Clerk Ortega announced that due to potential conflicts with the
Political Reform Act and Brown Act, this item would be continued to a future
meeting and a new public notice would be published once a new date is
determined.
8.c CONSIDERATION TO RECOMMEND CITY COUNCIL APPROVE A PRECISE
PLAN AMENDMENT FOR A 1,103 SQUARE FOOT GUESTHOUSE AT 72240
UPPER WAY WEST
Vice Chair Holt opened the public hearing.
Principal Planner Flores narrated a PowerPoint presentation and responded to
Commissioners' inquiries.
Applicant's representative Gabriel Rios provided a report on changes made to
the property including building height and enhanced mountain views.
Applicant Mike Reilly shared additional information about the adjusted distance
from the easement based on feedback received from neighbors.
Commissioner Pradetto expressed concerns relative to increased traffic in the
area of discussion due to short-term rentals; opined that the intent is to create the
most low-intensity uses possible; indicated he would prefer to see letters of
approval from neighbors of the project; and requested that the item be continued
to allow for the outreach.
Commissioner DeLuna agreed with Commissioner Pradetto and expressed that
she shared his concern.
Vice Chair Holt expressed concern relative to continuing the item as there was
no public comment in opposition and the Applicant has met any requests made
and followed all necessary rules.
Commissioner Greenwood stated that short-term rental use was not being
considered as part of this hearing; opined the project is less invasive than the
original approval; noted he did not see anything in the application that would
create too much of an issue; and indicated he was in support of moving the
project forward.
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Commissioner Pradetto indicated he was conflicted as he also agreed with Vice
Chair Holt and Commissioner Greenwood.
Motion by: Commissioner Greenwood
Adopt Resolution No. 2879 entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, CONSIDERING
A RECOMMENDATION TO THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE ADOPTION OF A
NOTICE OF EXEMPTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA), AND APPROVAL OF A HILLSIDE
DEVELOPMENT PLAN TO CONSTRUCT A 1,103-SQUARE-FOOT
GUESTHOUSE ON A PROPERTY LOCATED AT 72240 UPPER WAY WEST.”
Motion Failed for lack of a second
The motion was restated and a vote taken.
Motion by: Commissioner Greenwood
Seconded by: Commissioner Holt
Adopt Resolution No. 2879 entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, CONSIDERING
A RECOMMENDATION TO THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE ADOPTION OF A
NOTICE OF EXEMPTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA), AND APPROVAL OF A HILLSIDE
DEVELOPMENT PLAN TO CONSTRUCT A 1,103-SQUARE-FOOT
GUESTHOUSE ON A PROPERTY LOCATED AT 72240 UPPER WAY WEST.”
NOES (1): Chair Pradetto
Motion Carried (3 to 1)
9. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & COMMENTS
9.a SUMMARY OF CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS
No report.
9.b COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES
9.b.1 Cultural Arts Committee
No report.
9.b.2 Parks and Recreation Committee
No report.
9.c PLANNING COMMISSIONERS
None.
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9.d CITY STAFF
None.
9.e ATTENDANCE REPORT
The report was received with the agenda packet; no action was necessary.
10. ADJOURNMENT
The Planning Commission adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________
Níamh M. Ortega, CMC, Assistant City Clerk
Recording Secretary
_________________________
Richard Cannone, AICP, Director of Development Services
Staff Liaison
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