HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-11-04 PC Regular Meeting Agenda Packet
CITY OF PALM DESERT
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2014 – 6:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBER
73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260
______________________________________________________________________
I. CALL TO ORDER
Vice Chair Ken Stendell called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present: Absent:
Commissioner John Greenwood Chair Roger Dash
Commissioner Sonia Campbell
Commissioner Nancy DeLuna
Vice Chair Ken Stendell
Staff Present:
Jill Tremblay, City Attorney
Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development
Tony Bagato, Principal Planner
Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner
Monica O’Reilly, Administrative Secretary
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner John Greenwood led the Pledge of Allegiance.
IV. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION
Ms. Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development, reported that at the
meeting of October 9, 2014, the City Council voted to establish a public hearing
on November 11, 2014, for the decision to accept or reject a dedication of
drainage easement from The Summit.
V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None
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VI. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. MINUTES of the Planning Commission meeting of October 7, 2014.
Rec: By Minute Motion, approve as presented.
B. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of lot line adjustments at Marriott Shadow
Ridge (APNs 694-350-043, 694-350-044, & 694-350-045). Case Nos. PMW
14-316 & PMW 14-317 (Marriott Ownership Resorts, Inc., 6649 Westwood
Boulevard, Orlando, Florida 32821, Applicant).
Rec: By Minute Motion, approve lot line adjustments, Case Nos. PMW 14-
316 & PMW 14-317.
Upon a motion by Commissioner Campbell, second by Commissioner DeLuna,
and a 4-0-1 vote of the Planning Commission (AYES: Campbell, DeLuna, Greenwood,
and Stendell; NOES: None; ABSENT: Dash), the Consent Calendar was approved as
presented.
VII. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
None
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
None
IX. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of adoption of a Notice of Exemption of
Environmental Impact, and approval of an amendment to Conditional Use
Permit 07-09 to allow three massage therapy rooms within an existing
massage business (Japan Spa) located at 73-981 Highway 111. Case No.
CUP 07-09 Amendment No. 1 (Jun Qing Gu, 73-981 Highway 111, Palm
Desert, California 92260, Applicant).
Mr. Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner, stated that the property is located on the
southern frontage road of Highway 111. He displayed photos of the building and
parking lot. He noted that the Planning Commission approved Conditional Use
Permit (CUP) 07-09 to allow a massage establishment (Japan Spa) within a 600-
square-foot suite. It was originally approved with a maximum of three massage
therapists, an open room with two massage tables, two reflexology seats, two
shiatsu tables, a reception area, and an enclosed lunchroom. He said that the
applicant is proposing to amend the existing CUP to convert the suite into three
72-square-foot massage therapy rooms, with a massage table in each room. The
project also includes a staff lounge, receptionist area, and a corridor area. He
also said that the applicant is proposing to employ two therapists that are State
certified. He noted that the hours of operation would remain the same. He briefly
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went through the conditions of approval. Mr. Swartz stated that staff recommends
approval, and he offered to answer any questions.
Commissioner Nancy DeLuna asked if the owner were to sell the establishment,
would all the subsequent owners be conditioned by the CUP.
Mr. Swartz replied yes. He stated that all CUPs stay with the property.
Commissioner DeLuna inquired if there has ever been any police activity at
Japan Spa.
Mr. Swartz responded that not at this location.
Commissioner Sonia Campbell asked how much time is each massage.
Mr. Swartz deferred the question to the applicant.
Commissioner Campbell inquired if the applicant is comfortable with the
conditions.
Mr. Swartz replied yes.
The applicant communicated to Mr. Swartz that massages would last one hour.
Commissioner DeLuna asked if Condition No. 4, which limits the maximum of two
massage tables is being removed from the original CUP. Is it correct that
Condition No. 7 supersedes Condition No. 4 so there are no more than three
tables on the premises?
Mr. Swartz responded that is correct.
Vice Chair Stendell declared the public hearing open and asked for any public testimony
IN FAVOR or OPPOSITION.
With no testimony offered, Vice Chair Stendell declared the public hearing closed.
Commissioner Greenwood suggested that the applicant hire a qualified architect
or designer to draw the plans. He noted that the applicant may be required to
meet building and safety codes.
Vice Chair Stendell requested that staff explain the permit process to the
applicant.
Commissioner DeLuna asked Commissioner Greenwood if he is concerned that
there will not be enough room for the proposed use if the plan is given to a
professional architect or designer.
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Commissioner Greenwood responded that the current plan is very schematic. He
understands that the areas are currently divided by curtains and not by walls. It is
a very tight place that is only 600 square feet. He stated that before the applicant
goes much further, the applicant should have someone look at the plan from a
building and safety code standpoint.
Commissioner DeLuna asked if the CUP conditions would have to be amended
again if there is not enough space for three massage rooms.
Mr. Swartz responded that the Planning Commission would be approving three
massage therapy rooms.
Commissioner DeLuna clarified that it could be up to three rooms; however, it
could be only two rooms.
Mr. Swartz replied that is correct.
Commissioner Campbell moved, by Minute Motion, to 1) Adopt a Notice of
Exemption of Environmental Impact, and amend the existing CUP to allow three
massage therapy rooms; 2) Amend Resolution No. 2454 removing Condition of
Approval No. 4; and 3) Amend Resolution No. 2454 Condition of Approval No. 3 to have
a maximum of two employees. Motion was seconded by Commissioner DeLuna and
carried by a 4-0-1 vote (AYES: Campbell, DeLuna, Greenwood, and Stendell; NOES:
None; ABSENT: Dash).
Commissioner Campbell moved, by Minute Motion, to waive further reading and
adopt Resolution No. 2637, subject to conditions. Motion was seconded by
Commissioner DeLuna and carried by a 4-0-1 vote (AYES: Campbell, DeLuna,
Greenwood, and Stendell; NOES: Dash).
X. MISCELLANEOUS
None
XI. COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES
A. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES
Vice Chair Stendell reported that the Art in Public Places Commission ranked the
three finalists for the mural at Carlos Ortega Villas. He also reported that the art
on El Paseo is in the process of being changed.
B. PARKS & RECREATION
None
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C. GENERAL PLAN UPDATE
Commissioner Greenwood mentioned that he attended a General Plan Update
workshop to discuss the Highway 111 Corridor. He stated that it was an exciting
event, with a lot of amazing ideas. He commented that the consultant is doing a
fantastic job. He said it is a great process to be a part of, and he is looking
forward to great things coming from it.
XII. COMMENTS
None
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
Upon a motion by Commissioner Greenwood, second by Commissioner
Campbell, and a 4-0-1 vote of the Planning Commission (AYES: Campbell, DeLuna,
Greenwood, and Stendell; NOES: None; ABSENT: Dash), Vice Chair Stendell
adjourned the meeting at 6:20 p.m.
KEN STENDELL, VICE CHAIR
ATTEST:
LAURI AYLAIAN, SECRETARY
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
MONICA O’REILLY, RECORDING SECRETARY