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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-07-15 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, July 15, 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 Vice Chair Greenwood led the Pledge of Allegiance. 4. NON­AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS None. 5. CONSENT CALENDAR None. 6. ACTION CALENDAR 6.a APPOINTMENT OF PLANNING COMMISSION LIAISONS TO CITY COMMITTEES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026 Motion by: Commissioner Collum Seconded by: Commissioner Meyerhoff Appoint Commissioner Collum to serve as liaison to the Cultural Arts Committee. Motion Carried (5 to 0) Docusign Envelope ID: 7A9643A6-4C7C-4756-8C4D-B42EFDF8BD83 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes July 15, 2025 2 Motion by: Commissioner Nickerson Seconded by: Chair Holt Appoint Commissioner Nickerson to serve as liaison to the Parks and Recreation Committee with Chair Holt serving as alternate liaison. Motion Carried (5 to 0) 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7.a RECOMMEND THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE A GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT AND ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO PERMIT SINGLE­FAMILY DWELLINGS AND DAY CARE CENTERS IN THE DOWNTOWN EDGE TRANSITION OVERLAY Interim Deputy Director of Development Services Flores presented a PowerPoint and responded to Commissioner questions. Chair Holt opened and closed the public hearing, with no public comments received. Commissioner Collum voiced support for the daycare center zoning change and allowing single-family homes by right in the Downtown Edge Transition Overlay (DEO) area but expressed concern about removing the 12 units/acre minimum, citing the General Plan’s intent for higher downtown density. He warned it could lead to large-lot homes and limit affordable or compact housing options. Vice Chair Greenwood supported removing the minimum density, stating it would allow flexibility, better align with surrounding uses, and increase housing opportunities without a clear downside. Commissioner Nickerson supported the city’s original dense downtown vision but noted limited progress. He cautioned that eliminating the minimum density could shift development toward suburban patterns, though it might help activate vacant lots. Commissioner Meyerhoff favored higher-density goals but acknowledged market challenges for small-lot development. He viewed the change as a way to attract moderate-density projects suited to the downtown edge. Motion by: Commissioner Meyerhoff Seconded by: Vice Chair Greenwood Adopt Resolution 2895 entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE A GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT AND ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO MODIFY THE CITY CENTER/DOWNTOWN SECTION OF THE GENERAL PLAN AND TITLE 25 (ZONING) OF THE PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE TO REMOVE MINIMUM DENSITY REQUIREMENTS AND ADD SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL AND DAY CARE CENTERS AS AN ALLOWED LAND USE TYPE” Docusign Envelope ID: 7A9643A6-4C7C-4756-8C4D-B42EFDF8BD83 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes July 15, 2025 3 Motion Carried (4 to 1) 8. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & COMMENTS 8.a SUMMARY OF CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS None. 8.b COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES 8.b.1 Cultural Arts Committee Commissioner Collum provided an update on recent actions taken by the Cultural Arts Committee. 8.b.2 Parks and Recreation Committee None. 8.c PLANNING COMMISSIONERS None. 8.d CITY STAFF None. 8.e ATTENDANCE REPORT Report on file; no action taken on this item. 9. ADJOURNMENT The Planning Commission adjourned at 6:49 p.m. Respectfully submitted, _________________________ Michelle Nance, Senior Deputy Clerk Recording Secretary _________________________ Rosie Lua, Interim Director of Development Services Staff Liaison Docusign Envelope ID: 7A9643A6-4C7C-4756-8C4D-B42EFDF8BD83