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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-02-03 PC Regular Meeting Agenda Packet CITY OF PALM DESERT PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2015 – 6:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBER 73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260 ______________________________________________________________________ I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Roger Dash called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioner Sonia Campbell Commissioner Roger Dash Commissioner Nancy DeLuna Vice Chair John Greenwood Chair Ken Stendell Staff Present: Jill Tremblay, City Attorney Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development Tony Bagato, Principal Planner Eric Ceja, Associate Planner Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner Monica O’Reilly, Administrative Secretary III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Nancy DeLuna led the Pledge of Allegiance. IV. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION Ms. Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development, reported that at the meeting of January 8, 2015, the City Council had public hearings on two items that previously appeared before the Planning Commission. One hearing pertained to the easements at The Summit. The Council decided to accept the road easements that were proposed for dedication; however, they rejected the drainage easements. The other hearing was for the proposed large family day care center on Fairway Drive, which was continued to January 22. The City PRELIMINARY MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JANUARY 20, 2015 2 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2015\Minutes\1-20-15 min.docx Council directed staff to look at one more solution. Lastly, Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel requested that the issue of drive-through restaurants be brought to the City Council for discussion. Commissioner DeLuna asked if the issue of drive-through restaurants would impact the Planning Commission. Ms. Aylaian replied yes. If there is any action, proposed ordinance changes will first need to go before the Planning Commission. V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None VI. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Planning Commission meeting of December 16, 2014. Rec: By Minute Motion, approve as presented. Upon a motion by Commissioner Campbell, second by Commissioner Greenwood, and a 4-0-1 vote of the Planning Commission (AYES: Campbell, Dash, DeLuna, and Greenwood; NOES: None; ABSENT: None; ABSTAIN: Stendell), the Consent Calendar was approved as presented. VII. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None VIII. NEW BUSINESS A. SELECTION of a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson Commissioner Campbell moved, by Minute Motion, to nominate Vice Chair Ken Stendell for Chairperson. Motion was seconded by Commissioner DeLuna and carried by a 4-0-1 vote (AYES: Campbell, Dash, DeLuna, and Greenwood; NOES: None; ABSENT: None; ABSTAIN: Stendell). Commissioner Campbell moved, by Minute Motion, to nominate Commissioner Greenwood for Vice Chairperson. Motion was seconded by Commissioner DeLuna and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Campbell, Dash, DeLuna, Greenwood, and Stendell; NOES: None; ABSENT: None). Former Chairman Dash thanked staff for being extremely helpful, and thanked the Planning Commissioners. PRELIMINARY MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JANUARY 20, 2015 3 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2015\Minutes\1-20-15 min.docx New Chairman Ken Stendell thanked his fellow Commissioners, and thanked Commissioner Dash for being Chairperson for the past year. B. APPOINTMENT of Commission Liaisons for Art in Public Places and Parks and Recreation Commissions. Commissioner DeLuna moved, by Minute Motion, to nominate Chair Stendell for the Art in Public Places Liaison for the year 2015. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Campbell and carried by a 5-0 (AYES: Campbell, Dash, DeLuna, Greenwood, and Stendell; NOES: None; ABSENT: None). Commissioner Campbell moved, by Minute Motion, to nominate Commissioner Dash for the Parks and Recreation Liaison for the year 2015. Motion was seconded by Commissioner DeLuna and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Campbell, Dash, DeLuna, Greenwood, and Stendell; NOES: None; ABSENT: None). IX. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of Conditional Use Permit 14-139 to install a telecommunication tower and equipment shelter at the Palms to Pines Shopping Center located at 72-850 El Paseo. Case No. CUP 14-139 (Verizon Wireless, 15505 Sand Canyon Avenue, Bldg. D, Irvine, California 92618, Applicant). Mr. Eric Ceja, Associate Planner, stated that Verizon Wireless is proposing to install a 48-foot tall monopalm tower and an equipment enclosure. The tower is located at the northwest corner of Plaza Way and El Paseo. He displayed photo simulations of the proposed monopalm, and gave a brief description of the design. He noted that there is an existing 50-foot tall AT&T monopalm in close proximity to the proposed Verizon tower. He also noted that the municipal code has two requirements for new telecommunications towers; a 300-foot separation from residential properties, and a 500-foot radius from existing towers. The Planning Commission and Architectural Review Commission (ARC) may allow for exceptions to this requirement if the applicant designs the tower appropriately to look like a monopalm, which is being proposed. Mr. Ceja stated that the existing tower cannot accommodate more antennas, and that is the reason the applicant is proposing a new antenna at this location. The applicant provided propagation maps that indicate there is a service gap in the area. He said that there is an equipment enclosure that will be located adjacent to the trash enclosure in the area. He gave a brief description of the equipment enclosure. Mr. Ceja stated that the ARC approved the proposed monopalm with two conditions: 1) to protect the existing Palo Verde trees to help screen the tower; and 2) that the equipment enclosure maintain a 12-inch setback from curb to allow additional landscape. If the monopalm is approved, staff has requested that the applicant design the monopalm to closely resemble the existing tower. He offered to answer any questions. PRELIMINARY MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JANUARY 20, 2015 4 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2015\Minutes\1-20-15 min.docx Commissioner DeLuna inquired if the conditions that were recommended were amiable to the applicant. Mr. Ceja replied yes. Commissioner DeLuna referred to the design and voiced her concern that it looks a little like a spaceship. Mr. Ceja explained that typically towers will have a bulb at the top and the fronds will extend off the bulb above and outwards to further screen the antenna and antenna arrays. Commissioner DeLuna asked if it is a bulb with short antennas, or do the antennas radiate out. Mr. Ceja responded that from the antennas there are three arrays that extend off the tower, and each array can accommodate four vertically placed antennas. Chair Stendell inquired what the height of the parapet of the Staples building is. Mr. Ceja replied that the parapet is approximately 27 feet. Chair Stendell referred to the trees across from Sandpiper, and commented that he would hate to see the trees topped or pruned. He would prefer to see them grow naturally in lieu of asking the applicant to put in a grove of trees. He asked if that was discussed with the applicant. Mr. Ceja replied yes. He said that the Palo Verdes trees need to be protected, and allowed to continue growing vertically to further screen the tower. Commissioner DeLuna asked how close the Palo Verde trees are to the tower. Mr. Ceja responded that they are within 10 feet both to the right and left. Chair Stendell inquired if one of the Palo Verde trees were to die, could the City request that the applicant plant one or two additional palm trees in that area to help mask the monopalm. Mr. Ceja said that Condition No. 6 states if the Palo Verde trees are damaged or removed, the applicant must be replace with new or suitable trees subject to Planning Department approval. Chair Stendell declared the public hearing open and asked for any public testimony IN FAVOR or OPPOSITION. PRELIMINARY MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JANUARY 20, 2015 5 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2015\Minutes\1-20-15 min.docx MR. MIKE HAYES, Spectrum Services representative for Verizon Wireless, Ontario, California, stated that they have reviewed the conditions and they are agreeable to them. He offered to answer any questions. Chair Stendell commented that he has seen smaller equipment enclosures along Highway 74. He asked why the proposed location is a large eight-foot by eight- foot tall enclosed area. MR. HAYES responded that the main reason for the eight-foot tall enclosure is for security purposes to keep people out. He mentioned that there is new technology that takes a much smaller footprint; however, it would need to tie into fiber and other sites in the area. Chair Stendell asked if the new technology will be coming to the Coachella Valley soon. MR. HAYES replied yes. With no further testimony offered, Chair Stendell declared the public hearing closed. Vice Chair Greenwood moved, by Minute Motion, to approve Conditional Use Permit 14-139 to install a telecommunication tower and equipment shelter at the Palms to Pines Shopping Center at 72-850 El Paseo. Motion was seconded by Commissioner DeLuna and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Campbell, Dash, DeLuna, Greenwood, and Stendell; NOES: None; ABSENT: None). Vice Chair Greenwood moved, by Minute Motion, to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2642, approving CUP 14-139, subject to conditions. Motion was seconded by Commissioner DeLuna and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Campbell, Dash, DeLuna, Greenwood, and Stendell; NOES: None; ABSENT: None). B. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of a Notice of Exemption in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and approval of a Tentative Parcel Map to subdivide a 2.27-acre parcel into three parcels within Canyon View Estates in Ironwood Country Club. Case No. TPM 36838/HTE 14-340 (Tom Nowlan, 73-750 Riata Trail, Palm Desert, California 92260, Applicant). Mr. Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner, stated that the 2.27-acre parcel is located at Canyon View Drive in the southern portion of Ironwood Country Club. He provided an aerial photo showing the location of the parcel. He reported that the proposed tentative parcel map will subdivide the 2.27-acre parcel into three custom-family lots, with access from Canyon View Drive. He noted that the applicant is not proposing to build the homes at this time. Each home is subject to the development standards for Canyon View Estates, and must be approved by Ironwood’s Homeowners’ Association and the City. He mentioned that the pad height elevations for each parcel are the same at 629 feet, which was approved PRELIMINARY MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JANUARY 20, 2015 6 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2015\Minutes\1-20-15 min.docx under the original tract map. However, the applicant is requesting that the Parcel 3 pad height elevation be increased by one foot to 630 feet, which would follow the natural contour lines. He stated that the proposed height elevations would not impact any viewing corridors of the surrounding properties. Mr. Swartz displayed additional photos of the surrounding parcels/properties. He stated that the development standards setbacks are five feet; however, the applicant is proposing 15 feet due to an area on the parcel that deteriorates from rain runoff. He said that the proposed subdivision complies with the zoning ordinance, general plan, and Subdivision Map Act. He noted that each potential lot owner needs to submit a grading plan and a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). If the proposed subdivision is approved, this condition needs to be added. He offered to answer any questions. Commissioner DeLuna asked what the elevation for Lot 26 is. Will the view be impacted if the grading is changed? Mr. Swartz responded that he does not know the elevation height. He stated that he does not think the view would be impacted. Commissioner DeLuna asked if Lot 26 is lower than Lot 52. Mr. Swartz replied that the elevation is not identified on the map. Commissioner DeLuna reaffirmed that the view would not be impacted. Mr. Swartz responded that the view should not be impacted. Vice Chair Greenwood asked if Public Works Engineering has reviewed and are comfortable with the natural contours and retention channel that runs along the west side of the lot. Mr. Swartz answered yes. Chair Stendell declared the public hearing open and asked for any public testimony IN FAVOR or OPPOSITION. MR. TOM NOWLAN, Palm Desert, California, stated that they have not been able to sell the 2.27 acres for the last seven years because potential buyers say it is too big. Subdividing the lot would be more palatable, and help in getting rid of the blight and the tank at the top. With no further testimony offered, Chair Stendell declared the public hearing closed. Commissioner Campbell moved, by Minute Motion, to approve a Notice of Exemption in accordance with CEQA, and approval of a Tentative Parcel Map to subdivide a 2.27-acre parcel into three parcels within Canyon View Estates in Ironwood Country Club, with an added condition to have a SWPPP submitted for review and PRELIMINARY MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JANUARY 20, 2015 7 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2015\Minutes\1-20-15 min.docx approved by the City Engineer by each lot owner before the issuance of a grading permit. In addition, allow the elevation on Parcel 3 be increased by one foot (to 630 feet). Motion was seconded by Commissioner DeLuna and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Campbell, Dash, DeLuna, Greenwood, and Stendell; NOES: None; ABSENT: None). Commissioner Campbell moved, by Minute Motion, to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2643, approving a Notice of Exemption from Environmental Impact Analysis and Tentative Parcel Map 36838, subject to conditions. Motion was seconded by Commissioner DeLuna and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Campbell, Dash, DeLuna, Greenwood, and Stendell; NOES: None; ABSENT: None). Chair Stendell wished the applicant good luck with the smaller lots. X. MISCELLANEOUS None XI. COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES A. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES Chair Stendell reported that the City Council approved the artist for the Carlos Ortega Villas artwork, and displayed pictures of the mural. He noted that there will be additional revisions to the artwork. Vice Chair Greenwood inquired if the mural would be painted. Chair Stendell replied that it will be a tile mosaic. He continued to report that the Palm Springs/Palm Desert Art Museum has finished installing new art pieces in the garden. They also have a photo exhibit from the 19th century to the present. He mentioned Palm Desert First Weekend, and distributed the museum’s exhibition schedule. He said that four artists were added to the registry, a new exhibition will be displayed in the Palm Desert Community Gallery on February 2, and a request was sent out for more people interested in being part of the Public Art Docent Program. Finally, he mentioned the new art on El Paseo has been installed. B. PARKS & RECREATION None C. GENERAL PLAN UPDATE Ms. Aylaian stated that the General Plan Technical Working Group will be meeting on Friday, January 23. XII. COMMENTS PRELIMINARY MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JANUARY 20, 2015 8 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2015\Minutes\1-20-15 min.docx Chair Stendell commented that he was rejected at the Ironwood Country Club security gate to review the proposed tentative parcel map site. Ms. Aylaian responded that she would look into getting City identification cards for Planning Commissioners who do not have them. XIII. ADJOURNMENT Upon a motion by Commissioner Greenwood, second by Commissioner Campbell, and a 5-0 vote of the Planning Commission (AYES: Campbell, Dash, DeLuna, Greenwood, and Stendell; NOES: None; ABSENT: None), Chair Stendell adjourned the meeting at 6:50 p.m. KEN STENDELL, CHAIR ATTEST: LAURI AYLAIAN, SECRETARY PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MONICA O’REILLY, RECORDING SECRETARY