HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-02-17 PC Regular Meeting MinutesPLANNING COMMISSION
CITY OF PALM DESERT
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
1. CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission was called to order by Chairperson Holt
on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 6:00 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 Meyerhoff led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. NONAGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
To approve the consent calendar as presented.
Motion Carried (4 to 0)
5.a APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approve the Minutes of February 3, 2026.
Motion Carried
6. ACTION CALENDAR
None.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
7.a CONSIDERATION OF A PRECISE PLAN AND TENTATIVE TRACT MAP TO
ALLOW DEVELOPMENT OF 156 SINGLEFAMILY RESIDENCES AT THE
SOUTHWEST CORNER OF FRANK SINATRA DRIVE AND PORTOLA
AVENUE (CASE NOS. PP250006, EA250006, AND TTM 250005
(TTM39307))
Chair Holt and Vice Chair Greenwood disclosed for the record that each had met
separately with the applicant.
Siji Fernandez, Senior Planner, narrated a PowerPoint presentation and
responded to Commissioner inquiries.
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February 17, 2026
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Kim Molina, applicant representative, provided a report and responded to
Commissioner inquiries.
Rob Bernheimer, attorney representing the applicant, responded to
Commissioner inquiries.
David Hubbard, attorney representing the applicant, explained that the project
qualifies for a CEQA exemption under Section 15183 because it is consistent
with the 2016 General Plan and zoning designations analyzed in the certified
Environmental Impact Report (EIR), with no new significant or peculiar impacts
identified, providing an independent basis for approval in addition to the
addendum.
Chair Holt closed the public hearing there being no members of the public
wishing to speak.
Motion by: Vice Chair Greenwood
Seconded by: Commissioner Nickerson
1. Adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2913 entitled, “A
RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A PRECISE PLAN FOR THE
DEVELOPMENT OF A 156 UNIT SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
COMMUNITY LOCATED AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF FRANK
SINATRA DRIVE AND PORTOLA AVENUE AND ADOPTING AN
ADDENDUM TO THE PREVIOUSLY APPROVED INITIAL STUDY AND
MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION PURSUANT TO THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) (CASE NO.
PP/EA 25-0006)” as amended to include “and find that the project also
qualifies for an exemption under 15183 of the CEQA Guidelines.” add a
condition requiring the applicant “The Applicant shall construct a median
opening at the northerly Portola Avenue driveway to accommodate a
northbound left turn lane int the development, providing a minimum 200-
foot storage length. The design shall account for the existing southbound
left-turn movement from Portola Avenue onto Retreat Circle North and
shall be subject to review and approval by the City Engineer.” and to
revise and reformat Condition No. 62 to correct a clerical error.
2. Adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2914 entitled, “A
RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A TENTATIVE TRACT MAP
FOR A 156 UNIT SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY
LOCATED AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF FRANK SINATRA DRIVE
AND PORTOLA AVENUE (CASE NO. TTM25-0005 (TTM 39307))” as
amended to include to include “and find that the project also qualifies for
an exemption under 15183 of the CEQA Guidelines,” to omit Condition
No. 28 and to amend Condition No. 10 to add language as the following
“and the landscape within the City right-of-way.”
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
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February 17, 2026
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8. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & COMMENTS
8.a SUMMARY OF CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS
Rosie Lua, Director of Development Services, provided an update on recent
actions taken by the City Council.
8.b COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES
8.b.1 Cultural Arts Committee
Commissioner Collum provided an update on recent action taken by the
Cultural Arts Committee.
8.b.2 Parks and Recreation Committee
None.
8.c PLANNING COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Meyerhoff requested that the Planning Commission be invited to
the library groundbreaking ceremony.
Vice-Chair Greenwood, with support from Commissioner Nickerson, requested
consideration of objective design standards for single-family residential
development.
8.d CITY STAFF
None.
8.e ATTENDANCE REPORT
Report provided; no action taken on this item.
9. ADJOURNMENT
The Planning Commission adjourned at 7:11 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________
Michelle Nance, Assistant City Clerk
Recording Secretary
_________________________
Rosie Lua, Director of Development Services
Staff Liaison
Approved by the Commission on 03/03/2026
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