HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-12-15 PC Regular Meeting Agenda Packet CITY OF PALM DESERT
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
r` AGENDA
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2015 — 6:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBER
73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
IV. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION
V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Any person wishing to discuss any item not scheduled for public hearing may
address the Planning Commission at this point by stepping to the lectern and
giving his/her name and address for the record. Remarks shall be limited to a
maximum of three minutes unless additional time is authorized by the Planning
Commission. Because the Brown Act does not allow the Planning Commission to
take action on items not on the Agenda, Commissioners will not enter into
discussion with speakers but may briefly respond or instead refer the matter to
staff for report and recommendation at a future Planning Commission meeting.
Reports and documents relating to each of the following items listed on the
agenda, including those received following posting/distribution, are on file in the
Office of the Department of Community Development and are available for public
inspection during normal business hours, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.,
73510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260, telephone (760) 346-0611,
Extension 484.
VI. CONSENT CALENDAR
ALL MATTERS LISTED ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR ARE CONSIDERED TO BE
ROUTINE AND WILL BE ENACTED BY ONE ROLL CALL VOTE. THERE WILL BE NO
SEPARATE DISCUSSION OF THESE ITEMS UNLESS MEMBERS OF THE
PLANNING COMMISSION OR AUDIENCE REQUEST SPECIFIC ITEMS BE
REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION AND
ACTION UNDER SECTION VII CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER OF THE AGENDA.
AGENDA
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION DECEMBER 15, 2015
A. MINUTES of the Planning Commission meeting of December 1 , 2015.
Rec: Continue to the next regular scheduled meeting.
Action:
VII. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
None
Vill. NEW BUSINESS
None
IX. CONTINUED BUSINESS
None
X. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Anyone who challenges any hearing matter in court may be limited to raising only
those issues he or she raised at the public hearing described herein, or in written
correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission at, or prior to, the public
hearing. Remarks shall be limited to a maximum of three (3) minutes unless
additional time is authorized by the Planning Commission.
A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of a recommendation to the City Council
to approve a Notice of Determination of a Negative Declaration for an
ordinance amendment to Palm Desert Municipal Code (PDMC) Sections
25.16.030, 25.28.070, and 25.99.020 to allow new and used outdoor
automotive sales in certain locations, and other modifications to auto uses
throughout the City. Case No. ZOA 15-350 (City of Palm Desert,
Applicant).
Rec: Waive further reading and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No.
2660, recommending to the City Council approval of ZOA 15-350.
Action:
XI. MISCELLANEOUS
None
XII. COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES
A. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES
2
GAPlanningWonica OReilly\Planning Commission\2015V\genda\12-15-15 agn.docx
AGENDA
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION DECEMBER 15, 2015
B. PARKS & RECREATION
C. GENERAL PLAN UPDATE TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP
XIII. COMMENTS
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
I hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California, that
the foregoing agenda for the Planning Commission was posted on the City Hall bulletin
board not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting. Dated this 11t" day of December
2015.
Monica O'Reilly, Administrarive Secretary
Please contact the Planning Department, 73510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 922601, (760) 346-
0611, for assistance with access to any of the agenda, materials, or participation at the meeting.
3
GAPlanningWonica OReilly\Planning Commission\2015\Agenda\12-15-15 agn.docx
THE MINUTES FOR THE
MEETING OF
DECEMBER 1 , 2015
WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR
REVIEW & APPROVAL
AT THE NEXT
REGULAR SCHEDULED MEETING.
Monica O'Reill
Administrative Secretary
CITY OF PALM DESERT
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: CONSIDERATION OF A RECOMMENDATION TO THE CITY
COUNCIL TO APPROVE A NOTICE OF DETERMINATION OF A
NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR AN ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO
PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE SECTIONS 25.16.030,
25.28.070, AND 25.99.020 TO ALLOW NEW AND USED OUTDOOR
AUTOMOTIVE SALES IN CERTAIN LOCATIONS, AND OTHER
MODIFICATIONS TO AUTO USES THROUGHOUT THE CITY
SUBMITTED BY: Kevin Swartz, Associate Planner
APPLICANT: City of Palm Desert
CASE NO: ZOA 15-350
DATE: December 15, 2015
CONTENTS: 1. Draft Planning Commission Resolution No. 2660
2. Exhibit A— Section 25.16.030 "Allowed Land Uses"
3. Exhibit B— Section 25.28.070 "Freeway Commercial Overlay District"
4. Exhibit C—Section 25.99.020 "Land Use Definitions"
5. Desert Sun Legal Notice
6. Notice of Determination — Negative Declaration
Recommendation
Waive further reading and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2660,
recommending that the City Council adopt Zoning Ordinance Amendment 15-
350 to sections 25.16.030, 25.28.070, and 25.99.020 to allow new and used
outdoor automotive sales within the service industrial and the freeway
commercial overlay zoning districts, and automobile retail showrooms within
the General Commercial Scenic Preservation Zone; all subject to a
Conditional Use Permit, and other modifications to auto uses to make them
consistent with the ordinance.
Executive Summary
Staff is recommending that the Planning Commission and City Council consider expanding
the City's business portfolio and allow new and used outdoor automotive sales within the
Service Industrial (S.I.) and Freeway Commercial Overlay Zoning Districts (FCOZ), and
automobile retail showrooms within the General Commercial, Scenic Preservation (C-1,
Staff Report
ZOA 15-350: Automobile Uses
Page 2 of 7
December 15, 2015
S.P.), with all uses subject to a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). Approval of staffs
recommendation also includes modifications to existing definitions for "Automotive rental
agency", "Automotive service station", "Vehicle service", "Storage facility", and creates new
definitions for "Automotive sales", "Automobile retail showrooms", and "Automotive sales of
accessory parts and supplies".
Proiect Description / Analysis
The Palm Desert Municipal Code (P.D.M.C.) lists permitted, conditionally permitted, and
prohibited land uses for each zoning district established in the City. The use of outdoor
automotive sales and automobile retail showrooms are not listed; therefore they are not
permitted uses. Over the years, staff has received interest in car dealerships. Staff is
requesting that the Planning Commission and City Council consider adding these
businesses within the City. These uses would increase City's sales tax, create additional
jobs, and provide a different type of product to consumers.
Section 25.16.030 —Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements
This section is Table 25.16-1, which is a matrix for commercial and industrial districts and
identifies allowed uses. Use regulations within the table are shown with representative
symbols by the classifying use.
• "P" — Permitted by right
• "A" —Administrative Use Permit
• "C" — Conditional Use Permit
• "N" — Not permitted
Staff is requesting to amend Automobile and Vehicle Uses. Below is the current zoning
code.
Automobile and Vehicle Uses OP C-1 PC-1 PC-2 PC-3 PC-4 SI PI
Automotive rental agency N P N N N P P N
Automotive service station N C N C C N C N
Vehicle service and storage facility I N I N I N I N I N I N P P 25,16.040.1
Staff is requesting the following additions to Table 25.16-1
1. "Automotive rental agency'. The zoning code allows car rental companies within the
C-1, PC-4, and S.I. zones as a permitted use. The current definition is under
"Automotive sales and rentals". The definition states, "A retail establishment for the
display, sales, or rental of new or used automobiles, trucks, vans, motorcycles,
mobile homes, recreation vehicles, and boats." The intent of the land use
classification "Automotive rental agency" is strictly for car rental companies and
Staff Report
ZOA 15-350: Automobile Uses
Page 3 of 7
December 15, 2015
indoor sales. Staff is proposing to allow them in the current zones, but add a new
definition, which would only identify automotive rentals.
2. "Automotive outdoor sales new and used". Staff chose the S.I. zoning district
because the properties under this designation are not located within the commercial
core along Highway 111 and El Paseo, and are not surrounded by residential
properties. Most of the properties are adjacent to Interstate 10 and within Cook
Street Industrial Business Park area. Allowing outdoor automotive sales subject to a
CUP in these areas will allow staff and Planning Commission to review each
application on a case-by-case basis and mitigate any potential negative impacts on
the community in regards to traffic, lighting, noise, hours of operation, building
design, signage, advertising devices, and outdoor car locations. Each applicant
would be subject to Section 25.72.050 Conditional Use Permits, which must be
reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission.
3. "Automobile retail showrooms". Staff's recommendation came from the request of
Tesla Motors. On December 1, 2015 the Planning Commission approved CUP 15-
317 allowing Tesla Motors to operate within a 2,615-square-foot store within the
Gardens along El Paseo. Staff processed the CUP application since the property
falls within the El Paseo Overlay, and the Planning Commission may, by way of a
CUP, approve other uses if the use is determined to be compatible with the intent of
the overlay. The Planning Commission approved the use since Tesla Motors has
distinguished itself far differently from other auto-retailers, and operates strictly out of
retail-type storefront rather than a large auto-center type setting. The intent of
allowing automobile retail showrooms in the C-1, S.P. zone would be similar to Tesla
Motors and other high-end automotive producers like Ferrari where its product line is
specialized from other auto-makers. The retail showrooms would be subject to a
CUP and reviewed on a case-by-case basis for land use compatibility, parking,
lighting, signage, and to prevent a large concentration along Highway 111 and El
Paseo.
4. "Automotive sales of accessory parts and supplies". This use was created to clearly
distinguish the difference between an accessory store that sells auto parts like Auto
Zone from a vehicle service business that performs oil changes and tire rotation like
Goodyear. These uses would be permitted in the C-1, PC-2, PC-3 zones.
5. "Automotive gasoline station". The existing classification is "Automotive service
station". Staff is proposing to change the classification since "Vehicle service" will
include automotive repair businesses, and this classification will only address gas
stations. They will continue to be subject to a CUP within the C-1, PC-2, PC-3, and
S.I. zones. A new definition is proposed, which includes minor vehicle repairs and
food sales.
6. "Vehicle service". Staff is proposing to separate vehicle service from "Storage
facility" since they are two different types of businesses. Vehicle service businesses
will continue to be permitted within the S.I. zone, but staff is proposing to allow them
Staff Report
ZOA 15-350: Automobile Uses
Page 4 of 7
December 15, 2015
within the PC-2 and PC-3 zones subject to a CUP. Currently, the City has several
vehicle service businesses within the PC-2 and PC-3 zones. This will allow staff to
review building designs such as service bays. Also, staff has provided a new
definition for vehicle service and has removed in from the existing automotive
service station.
7. "Storage Facility". Storage facilities will continue to be permitted within the S.I. and
P.I. zones. A new definition is proposed to clearly identify a vehicle storage facility.
Below is the proposed Table 25.16-1, which coincides with the above descriptions.
Automobile and Vehicle Uses OP C-1 PC-1 PC-2 PC-3 PC-4 Sl Pl
Automotive rental agency N P N N N P P N
Automotive gasoline station N C N C C N C N
Vehicle service N N N C C N P P
Automotive sales new and used N N N N N N C N
(Outdoor/ Indoor)
Automobile retail showrooms N C N N N N N N
Automotive sales of accessory parts N P N P P N N N
and supplies
Storage facility N N N N N N P P 25.16.040.1
Section 25.28.070 — Freeway Commercial Overlay District
Amendments to Section 25.28.070 "Freeway Commercial Overlay District" (FCOZ) are
proposed to add automotive outdoor sales new and used under "Conditional uses".
Currently, the "Conditional Uses" are listed below.
B. Conditional uses. Uses permitted by an approved CUP are as follows.
1. Restaurants, general, include drive-through restaurants.
2. Automobile service stations without regard to the required separation
distance provisions per Section 25.34.090 (Automotive Service Stations).
3. Convenience stores.
4. Car washes.
5. Combinations of two or more of the above uses.
6. Hotels per Section 25.34.070 (Hotels).
7. Commercial recreation and amusement establishments.
8. Mini storage.
9. Outdoor recreational vehicle and boat storage.
Staff Report
ZOA 15-350: Automobile Uses
Page 5 of 7
December 15, 2015
Staff is recommending the FCOZ, because the properties under this designation are located
in the northern portion of the City near Interstate 10. The purpose of the FCOZ is to provide
optional standards and incentives for development of specific types of commercial uses on
commercially zoned properties with freeway frontage. Whenever the FCOZ has been added
to a base zone, the owner/applicant may choose whether to use the optional FCOZ
standards or the standards of the base zone. In order to obtain approval of uses
conditionally permitted in the FCOZ, the project must utilize FCOZ standards and have an
approved specific plan.
The Municipal Code currently requires the preparation of specific plans for land
developments within the Planned Community Development Overlay District (PCD) and
FCOZ. Under a specific plan, the Planning Commission will review each application on a
case-by-case basis to mitigate any potential negative impacts on the community in regards
to traffic, lighting, noise, hours of operation, building design, signage, advertising devices,
and outdoor car locations. Each applicant would be subject to Section 25.72.050
Conditional Use Permits, which must be reviewed and approved by the Planning
Commission.
Below is the proposed amendment. Staff has added "Automotive outdoor sales new and
used" as No. 10.
B. Conditional uses. Uses permitted by an approved CUP are as follows.
1. Restaurants, general, include drive-through restaurants.
2. Automobile service stations without regard to the required separation
distance provisions per Section 25.34.090 (Automotive Service Stations).
3. Convenience stores.
4. Car washes.
5. Combinations of two or more of the above uses.
6. Hotels per Section 25.34.070 (Hotels).
7. Commercial recreation and amusement establishments.
8. Mini storage.
9. Outdoor recreational vehicle and boat storage.
10.Automotive outdoor sales new and used.
Section 25.99.020 — Land Use Definitions
Below are the proposed definitions which coincide with the proposals above.
"Automotive rental agency" A retail establishment for the display, or rental of new or used
automobiles, trucks, vans, motorcycles, mobile homes, recreation vehicles, and boats.
"Automotive outdoor sales new and used" Automobile, mobile home, and motor vehicle
sales means service industrial establishments selling and/or renting new and/or used
automobiles, boats, vans, campers, trucks, mobile homes, recreational and utility trailers,
Staff Report
ZOA 15-350: Automobile Uses
Page 6 of 7
December 15, 2015
motorized farm equipment, motorcycles, mopeds, (golf carts, snowmobile and jet skis,
which are included under "Retail Services"). The sales of all automotives can take place
outdoors or indoors. These uses include parts for sale and repair shops only when part of a
dealership selling new vehicles on the same site. These uses do not include service
stations, which are separately defined.
"Automobile retail showrooms" The use or purpose of which shall be the marketing and
display of new automobiles, whether by sale, lease, or other commercial or financial means
to the consumer from within an enclosed building and parking structures. These uses do not
include any type of service bays, vehicle repair, battery replacement, oil changes, and tire
recapping establishments.
"Automotive sales of accessory parts and supplies" Automobile parts sales means stores
only selling new automobile parts, tires, and accessories. These uses do not include any
type of service bays, vehicle repair, battery replacement, service bays, oil changes, and tire
recapping establishments.
"Automotive gasoline station" A retail business selling gasoline or other motor vehicle fuels,
which may also provide vehicle engine maintenance and minor repair services incidental to
fuel sales. The use may also include mini-markets and other food sales, accessory towing
and trailer rental services. These uses do not include the sale, storage or repair of wrecked
or abandoned vehicles, vehicle painting, body or fender work, or the rental of vehicle
storage or parking spaces.
"Vehicle service" A facility to repair and/or store vehicles. It includes the repair of
automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, mobile homes, recreational vehicles, or boats, including
the sale, installation, and servicing of related equipment and parts. These uses include auto
repair shops, body and fender shops, wheel and brake shops, oil change shops, auto glass
sales and installation, stereo and alarm sales and installation, and tire sales and installation,
but exclude vehicle dismantling or salvage and tire retreading or recapping.
"Storage facility" These uses include the storage of operative or inoperative vehicles,
storage of parking towaways, impound yards, and storage lots for buses and recreational
vehicles, but do not include vehicle dismantling.
Staff Report
ZOA 15-350: Automobile Uses
Page 7 of 7
December 15, 2015
Environmental Review
According to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), staff must determine
whether a proposed activity is a project subject to CEQA. If the project is subject to CEQA,
staff must conduct a preliminary assessment of the project to determine whether the project
is exempt from CEQA review. If a project is not exempt, further environmental review is
necessary. Further review from a non-exempt project would result in a Negative
Declaration, a Mitigated Negative Declaration or an Environmental Impact Report (EIR).
Generally, an EIR must be prepared if a project may have a significant impact on the
environment.
In this case, staff completed an initial study to review the potential impacts of the Zoning
Ordinance Amendment and has determined that there are no significant impacts associated
with the proposed code changes, since all new projects would be reviewed under a CUP
application. Therefore, staff has prepared a notice of intent to adopt a negative declaration
for CEQA purposes.
Submitted By:
1
4- '/J*�
Kevin Swartz, Associate Planner
Department Head:
Tony Bagato, Acting Director of Community Development
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2660
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING TO THE CITY COUNCIL
TO APPROVE A NOTICE OF DETERMINIATION OF A NEGATIVE
DECLARATION FOR AN ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO PALM DESERT
MUNICIPAL CODE SECTIONS 25.16.030, 25.28.070, AND 25.99.020 TO
ALLOW NEW AND USED OUTDOOR AUTOMOTIVE SALES IN CERTAIN
LOCATIONS, AND OTHER MODIFICATIONS TO.. AUTO USES
THROUGHOUT THE CITY `
CASE NO: ZOA 15-350
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of� Im`®evert, California, did on the
15t� day of December, 2015, hold a duly noticed public hearing to con
the request by the
City of Palm Desert for approval of the above noted; end
WHEREAS, establishing an Ordinance o allow new and used outdOor automotive
sales within the service industrial and the free�ni6y, commerct l overlay zoning`; istricts, and
automobile retail showrooms within the General Cgrpmedlaf,�Scenic Preservation Zone; all
subject to a Conditional Use Permit, and other modtfc lo`ns to auto uses will expand the
City's business portfolio and will mc�Ose the City's sates tax, create additional jobs, and
provide a different type of product to c�0s'Utters, and '
WHEREAS, amendments to On 25� Q30 "A I ed Land Uses,' Section
25.28.070 "Freeway Co t tcial Overlays Disfir► ," aril � ection 25.99.020 "Land Use
Definitions" are minor in t1 ur �In reflect th ';w y the City dews automotive uses throughout
the City; and
WHEREAS, std,applic complies with the requirements of the "City of Palm
Desert Procedure for Imm Environmental Quality Act," Resolution
No. 2015-7 ' 1 Darecto ommunity Dev t p'ment has determined that the project will not
have a gtivei�rp # on l'ie nvironment and has prepared a Notice of Determination of a
Negatifibecla ratio n4rt ccordande CEQA; and
HEREAS, at saldlpublic h tiring, upon hearing and considering all testimony and
arguments, tf.any, of all interested persons desiring to be heard, said Planning Commission
did find the fo'llowing factsd reasons to exist to justify the recommendation to the City
Council of saW',T, pest
NOW, THERIwf31;tE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AS FOLLOWS:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct and constitute the findings of the
Planning Commission in this case.
2. That the Planning Commission does hereby recommend approval of Zoning
Ordinance Amendment 15-350 as proposed.
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2660
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the Planning Commission of the City of
Palm Desert, California, at its regular meeting held on the 15t" day of December 2015, by
the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN: "
KEW TENDELL, CHAIRPERSON
ATTEST: L
u
TONY BAGATO, ACTING SECRETA M
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSjQ >� .
am
z
t
K✓.;., Y
K
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2
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2660
Exhibit "A"
Section 25 16 030 —Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements
This section is Table 25.16-1, which is a matrix for commercial and industrial districts and
identifies allowed uses. Use regulations within the table are shown with representative
symbols by the classifying use.
Below is the current table within the zoning code.
s
Automobile and Vehicle Uses OP C-1 PC-1 PC-2 PC-3 I PC-4 SI PI
Automotive rental agency N P N N N P P N
Automotive service station N C N C C N C N
Vehicle service and storage facility N N N N N N P P 25.16.040.1
Below is the proposed Table 25.16-1, which coincides wift,the descriptions, described in
s�<
the staff report.
41
Automobile and Vehicle Uses OP C-1 PC-1 I PC-2 I PC-3 PC-4 SI PI
Automotive rental agency N P N N N P P N
Automotive gasoline station N C N C C N C N
Vehicle service N N N C C N P P
Automotive sales new and used N N N N N N C N
(Outdoor/ Indoor)
Automobile retail showrooms N C N N N N N N
Automotive sales of accessory parts N P N P P N N N
and supplies
Storage facility N N N N N N P P 25.16.040.1
v
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3
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2660
Exhibit "B"
Section 25 28 070 — Freeway Commercial Overlay District
Amendments to Section 25.28.070 "Freeway Commercial Overlay District" (FCOZ) are
proposed to add automotive outdoor sales new and used under "Conditional
uses."Currently, the "Conditional Uses" are listed below.
Below is the proposed amendment. Staff has added "Automotive outdoor sales new and
used" as No. 10.
B. Conditional uses. Uses permitted by an approved CUP are as follows.
1. Restaurants, general, include drive-through restautants.
2. Automobile service stations without regard.t ` the require! Separation distance
provisions per Section 25.34.090 (AutomotNe Service Stations)
3. Convenience stores. `
4. Car washes.
5. Combinations of two or more of the aboveps -
h, r
6. Hotels per Section 25.34.070 (Hotels).
7. Commercial recreation and amusement establishments.
8. Mini storage.
9. Outdoor recreational vehicle and boat§10,age.
10.Automotive outdoor sales new ar1�f fused
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4
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2660
Exhibit "C"
Section 25.99.020 — Land Use Definitions
"Automotive rental agency" A retail establishment for the display, or rental of new or used
automobiles, trucks, vans, motorcycles, mobile homes, recreation vehicles, and boats.
"Automotive outdoor sales new and used" Automobile, mobile home, and motor vehicle
sales means service industrial establishments selling and/or renting new and/or used
automobiles, boats, vans, campers, trucks, mobile homes, recreational and utility trailers,
motorized farm equipment, motorcycles, mopeds, (golf carts, snowmobile and jet skis,
which are included under "Retail Services"). The sales of all automotives can take place
outdoors or indoors. These uses include parts for sale and repair shops only when part of a
dealership selling new vehicles on the same site. These uses do not include service
stations, which are separately defined.
"Automobile retail showrooms" The use or purpose of which shall be the marketing and
display of new automobiles, whether by sale, lease, or other commercial or financial means
to the consumer from within an enclosed building and parking structures. These uses do not
include any type of service bays, vehicle repair, battery replacement, oil changes, and tire
recapping establishments.
"Automotive sales of accessory parts and supplies" Automobile parts sales means
stores only selling new automobile parts, tires, and accessories. These uses do not include
any type of service bays, vehicle repair, battery replacement, service bays, oil changes, and
tire recapping establishments.
"Automotive gasoline station" A retail business selling gasoline or other motor vehicle
fuels, which may also provide vehicle engine maintenance and minor repair services
incidental to fuel sales. The use may also include mini-markets and other food sales,
accessory towing and trailer rental services. These uses do not include the sale, storage or
repair of wrecked or abandoned vehicles, vehicle painting, body or fender work, or the
rental of vehicle storage or parking spaces.
"Vehicle service" A facility to repair and/or store vehicles. It includes the repair of
automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, mobile homes, recreational vehicles, or boats, including
the sale, installation, and servicing of related equipment and parts. These uses include auto
repair shops, body and fender shops, wheel and brake shops, oil change shops, auto glass
sales and installation, stereo and alarm sales and installation, and tire sales and installation,
but exclude vehicle dismantling or salvage and tire retreading or recapping.
"Storage facility" These uses include the storage of operative or inoperative vehicles,
storage of parking towaways, impound yards, and storage lots for buses and recreational
vehicles, but do not include vehicle dismantling.
G:\Planning\Kevin Swartz\Word\ZOA 15-350 Auto sale code changes\Planning Commission Resolution.doc
5
CITY OF PALM DESERT
LEGAL NOTICE
CASE NO. ZOA 15-350
NOTICE OF INTENT TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL TO THE CITY COUNCIL FOR
CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT A ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO ALLOW NEW AND
USED AUTO SALES WITHIN THE SERVICE INDUSTRIAL ZONE AND FREEWAY
COMMERCIAL OVERLAY ZONE SUBJECT TO A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT, AND
ALLOW AUTOMOBILE SHOWROOMS WITHIN THE GENERAL COMMERCIAL ZONE AS A
PERMITTED USE. ALSO, MINOR AMENDMENTS TO MUNICIPAL CODE SECTIONS
2516.030 25.28.070, AND 25.99.020 TO REFLECT THE NEW ZONING ORDINANCE
AMENDMENT
The City of Palm Desert (City), in its capacity as the Lead Agency for this project under the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), completed an Initial Study to review the potential
environmental impacts of adopting the Zoning Ordinance Amendment and have determined that
the proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment will not have a negative impact on the environment
as individual development proposals will undergo additional environmental review as part of the
Conditional Use Permit process prior to any development.
Project Location: City-wide, within the Service Industrial zone, Freeway Commercial Overlay
zone, General Commercial zone, and General Commercial, Scenic Preservation zone.
Recommendation: Staff is recommending that the Planning Commission adopt a resolution
supporting the changes to Zoning Ordinance and allow the item to move forward to a public
hearing before the City Council.
Public Hearing: The public hearing will be held before the Planning Commission on December
15, 2015, at 6:00 pm.
Comment Period: Based on the time limits defined by CEQA, your response should be sent at
the earliest possible date. The public comment period on this project is from November 30,
2015 to December 15, 2015.
Public Review: The Zoning Ordinance Amendment is available for public review daily at City
Hall. Please submit written comments to the Planning Department. If any group challenges the
action in court, issues raised may be limited to only those issues raised at the public hearing
described in this notice or in written correspondence at, or prior to, the Planning Commission
hearing. All comments and any questions should be directed to:
Kevin Swartz, Associate Planner
73-510 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 346-0611
kswartz@cityofpalmdesert.org
PUBLISH: DESERT SUN TONY BAGATO, Acting Secretary
November 30, 2015 Palm Desert Planning Commission
NEGATIVE DECLARATION
1. Name or description of project: Specific Plan Ordinance
1 2. Project Location— Identify street City-wide
address and cross streets or
attach a map showing project site
(preferably a USGS 15' or 7 112'
topographical map identified by
quadrangle name):
3. Entity or Person undertaking
project:
A. City of Palm Desert
Kevin Swartz, Associate
Planner
B. Other(Private)
The Lead Agency, having reviewed the Initial Study of this proposed project, having reviewed the written
comments received prior to the public meeting of the Lead Agency, and having reviewed the recommendation
of the Lead Agency's Staff, does hereby find and declare that the proposed project will not have a significant
effect on the environment. A brief statement of the reasons supporting the Lead Agency's findings are as
follows:
Approval of the ordinance would expand the City's business portfolio and allow new and used outdoor
automotive sales within the Service Industrial (S.I.) and Freeway Commercial Overlay Zoning Districts(FCOZ),
and automobile retail showrooms within the General Commercial, Scenic Preservation (C-1, S.P.), with all
uses subject to a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). Approval of staff's recommendation also includes
modifications to existing definitions for "Automotive rental agency", "Automotive service station", "Vehicle
service", "Storage facility", and creates new definitions for "Automotive sales", "Automobile retail showrooms",
and "Automotive sales of accessory parts and supplies".
The Lead Agency hereby finds that the Negative Declaration reflects its independent judgment. A copy of the
Initial Study is attached.
The location and custodian of the documents and any other material which constitute the record of
proceedings upon which the Lead Agency based its decision to adopt this Negative Declaration are as follows:
City of Palm Desert
73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260
Phone No.: (760) 346-011
Date Received
for Filing:
Staff
Negative Declaration FORM"E"