HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-11-04 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, November 4, 2025, 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 Collum led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. NONAGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by: Vice Chair Greenwood
Seconded by: Commissioner Meyerhoff
To approve the consent calendar as amended.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
5.a APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by: Vice Chair Greenwood
Seconded by: Commissioner Meyerhoff
Approve the Minutes of October 21, 2025.
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
6. ACTION CALENDAR
None.
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7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
7.a CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE A 546 SINGLE FAMILY UNIT RESIDENTIAL
COMMUNITY LOCATED ON SOUTH OF FRANK SINATRA DRIVE AND WEST
OF PORTOLA AVENUE (APN: 620170009)
Commissioner Nickerson announced his recusal due to potential financial conflict
and left the meeting room.
Carlos Flores, Deputy Director of Development Services, noted for the record
that the Chair and Vice Chair held a pre-meeting informational session with the
applicant to review the item, emphasizing that it was informational in nature.
Mr. Flores explained that the project located south of Frank Sinatra Drive and
west of Portola Avenue includes multiple applications—a precise plan,
environmental assessment, and three tentative tract maps. He requested that the
Planning Commission open and continue the public hearing for Tract Maps
39159 and 39160, the precise plan, and environmental assessment to November
18 to finalize conditions of approval, while proceeding with consideration of
Tentative Tract Map 39276 (the financing map) for approval.
By vote, the Commission continued those items to November 18, 2025.
Following the continuance, Mr. Flores narrated a presentation and responded to
member inquiries regarding Tentative Tract Map 39276.
Chair Holt opened the Public Hearing.
Kim Molina, of Blue Fern, the applicant, responded to member inquires.
Gaylord Flynn, Palm Desert resident, expressed concerns about the 10-foot
spacing, potential wall or boundary treatments, and limited opportunity to review
project details prior to the meeting.
Vicki Schneider, Palm Desert resident, expressed concern about approving the
financing map without seeing detailed site plans and asked if there would be
future opportunities for input.
Dave Stonebrook, Palm Desert resident, asked for clarification on the financing
versus construction responsibilities, wall height consistency, availability of
recreation areas and open space, and the presence of high-voltage lines on the
property.
Ralph Perry, Palm Desert resident, expressed concern that the proposed 500-
plus units on small lots could increase traffic and crowding near Palm Desert
Greens.
Leslie Cruz, Palm Desert resident, expressed support for the project but
requested clarification on the timeline, potential builder changes after approval,
and opportunities for residents to provide input on future modifications.
Ted Iverson, Palm Desert resident, opposed the project citing inadequate
setbacks and loss of privacy for Palm Desert Greens homeowners, stating earlier
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assurances of greater separation and road buffers had been removed, resulting
in higher density and homes too close to existing properties.
Chair Holt closed the Public Hearing with there being no others wishing to speak.
Vice Chair Greenwood stated that while the project is divided into phases, the
forthcoming subdivision map would provide adequate detail for informed
decisions, noting the proposed density and design show strong consideration for
the surrounding community, and expressed support to approve the financing map
as presented.
In response to an inquiry made by Commissioner Collum, staff confirmed they
are coordinating with outside agencies that submitted public comments regarding
environmental mitigation measures and will provide detailed responses at the
next meeting.
Commissioner Meyerhoff noted the project’s thoughtful approach to redeveloping
a former golf course, commending its balanced density, compatibility with
surrounding neighborhoods, and overall considerate design.
Motion by: Commissioner Meyerhoff
Seconded by: Commissioner Greenwood
Open a public hearing for PP/EA25-0003, TTM 391159, and TTM 39160 and
continue the public hearing to November 18, 2025.
Motion Carried (4 to 0)
Motion by: Vice Chair Greenwood
Seconded by: Commissioner Meyerhoff
Adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2906 entitled “A RESOLUTION OF
THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 39276 FOR FINANCING
AND CONVEYANCE PURPOSES LOCATED SOUTH OF FRANK SINATRA
DRIVE AND WEST OF PORTOLA AVENUE; CASE NO. TTM 39276 Master
Infrastructure Map"
Motion Carried (4 to 0)
7.b RESOLUTION TO AMEND APPROVED VESTING TENTATIVE TRACT MAP
37506 TO REVISE PAD ELEVATIONS WITHIN AREA 4 OF THE UNIVERSITY
PARK SUBDIVISION, GENERALLY LOCATED NEAR THE SOUTHWEST
CORNER OF UNIVERSITY PARK DRIVE AND COLLEGE DRIVE.
Bobby Keatinge, Associate Planner, narrated a PowerPoint presentation and
responded to member inquires.
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Chair Holt opened and closed the public hearing there being no one wishing to
speak.
Motion by: Vice Chair Greenwood
Seconded by: Commissioner Nickerson
Adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2903 entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF
THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AMENDMENT NO. 4 TO VESTING TENTATIVE
TRACT NO. 37506 FOR REVISIONS TO APPROVED BUILDING PAD
ELEVATIONS WITHIN PLANNING AREA 4 OF THE UNIVERSITY PARK
SUBDIVISION, AND FINDING THE PROJECT IS CONSISTENT WITH THE
UNIVERSITY NEIGHBORHOOD SPECIFIC PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
REPORT.”
Motion Carried (5 to 0)
8. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & COMMENTS
8.a SUMMARY OF CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS
None.
8.b PLANNING COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Nickerson provided an update on recent actions taken by the
Parks and Recreation Committee.
8.c CITY STAFF
8.c.1 ATTENDANCE REPORT
Report on file; no formal action taken on this item.
9. ADJOURNMENT
The Planning Commission adjourned at 7:38 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_______________________________
Michelle Nance, Senior Deputy Clerk
Recording Secretary
_________________________
Rosie Lua, Director of Development Services
Staff Liaison
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