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HomeMy WebLinkAbout0903 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING September 3, 1974 MIDDLE SCHOOL - 7: 00 P.M. I . CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Palm Desert Planning Commission was called to order by the Chairman at 7 : 05 P.M. on Septem- ber 3, 1974, at the Palm Desert Middle School. .. II . PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE III . ROLL CALL Present : Commissioners : CHUCK ASTON, JEAN BENSON, NOEL BRUSH, JIM McPHERSON, HENRY CLARK Absent : Commissioners : NONE Others Present : City Manager - Harvey L. Hurlburt Director of Environmental Services - Paul A. Williams City Attorney - Dave Erwin Planning Assistant - Samuel G. Freed IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. The minutes of the Planning Commission meeting of August 12, 1974, were approved as submitted. V. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - None VI . The newly appointed Planning Commissioners were sworn into office by City Manager , Harvey L. Hurlburt . The first Plan- ning Commission of the City of Palm Desert consists of Com- missioners C. Robert Hubbard, Ed Mullins, William R. Seidler, Mary K. Van de Mark, S. Roy Wilson. The new commissioners took their posts and the meeting was turned over to them by the acting planning commission. Mr. Hubbard was elected Chairman of this body. In his opening speech he praised the Council for their hard work in the past ten months and he hoped the new Planning Commission will do as well. He stated the new Planning Commission has a hard act to follow but with the excellent professional staff at hand that will make their job a little easier. He also re- lated to the public present that the new commissioners have attended studies for the last three weeks. The new commis- sioners will listen to all opponents and proponents and will do their best to make sound opinions . Commissioner Hubbard then asked for nominations for a Vice- Chairman. Commissioner Mullins nominated William Seidler, this was seconded by Commissioner Van de Mark. Commissioner Wilson asked that nominations be closed. Vote was called for AYES : MULLIN, VAN DE MARK, WILSON, HUBBARD ABSTAIN: SEIDLER ROLL CALL All new commissioners were present : Robert Hubbard, Ed Mullins, William Seidler, Mary K. Van de Mark, Roy Wilson. Planning Commission Meeting -2- September 3, 1974 VII . CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF PLANNING COMMISSION BY-LAWS Adoption of Planning Commission Resolution No. 1. Commissioner Seidler moved to approve and adopt the By- Laws Resolution No. 1 , Commissioner Wilson seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously . VIII . PUBLIC HEARING A. Continued Case No. CUP-12-74-PD - SUMMERFIELD DEVELOP- MENT CORP. - Request for conditional use permit for 142-unit condominium development to be located on approxi- mately 20. 6 acres south of State Highway 111 , east of Driftwood, north of Candlewood, and west of the City of Indian Wells. (Continued from meeting of July 29, 1974. ) - R-l+ and R-3+. Applicant requests continuance to Plan- ning Commission meeting of September 30, 1974. Commissioner Van de Mark moved and Commissioner Wilson seconded the motion to continue this hearing at the Planning Commission meeting of September 30, 1974. The motion was unanimously carried. B. Case No. Change of Zone - 01-74-PD - H. F. AHMANSON & COMPANY - Request for an amendment of the Palm Desert Zoning Ordinance from Zone R-2-7000 (Multiple Family Dwelling) to Zone C-P-S (Scenic Highway Commercial) on approximately 12. 5 acres located at the northwest corner of the intersection of State Highway 111 and Monterey Avenue - R-2-7000. Chairman Hubbard opened the public hearing and Mr. Williams gave the Staff Report which included a recommendation for tow approval. Chairman Hubbard asked if there were any opponents to this zone change. Mr. Robert Ricciardi, 73-700 Highway 111, Palm Desert , spoke against this zone change. He stated that he represented the Citizens Advisory Committee, who are concerned with the prob- lems of commercial rezoning. He stated that the Citizens Advisory Committee felt no commercial rezoning should take place until Palm Desert adopts a General Plan. As yet , he stated, we do not have an adopted General Plan. He also stated that everyone will try to get rezoning for their own gains. The Citizens Advisory Committee voted unanimously that there should be no rezoning until the overall commercial area is studied. He asked for tabling of all commercial re- zoning until a general plan is adopted. Mr. Ricciardi also commented that the Citizens Advisory Committee is a hard work- ing group and should be listened to. Mr . Ricciardi stated that developers would all try to get rezoning if this were passed. Chairman Hubbard stated this rezoning is not an approval for any development. It is being changed to conform to the Cove Communities General Plan. If any developers want to build, they would have to apply to the Planning Commission. Mr. Ricciardi then stated again that the Planning Commission should not go through with this until the general overall plan was approved by the citizens of Palm Desert . This is just a piece-meal type of development . Planning Commission Meeting -3- September 3, 1974 Commissioner Seidler related that the change made to the Cove Communities General Plan August 12, makes it necessary to change the zoning. Chairman Hubbard responded that the Planning Commission meet- ing of Aug. 12, the Planning Commission approved an amendment to the Cove Communities General Plan. In addition, the In- terim Core Plan of Palm Desert was adopted by the last Plan- ning Commission. Both show the property as being appropriate wow for shopping center commercial development . Chairman Hubbard asked if there were any other opponents, there being none, he closed the public hearing. Commissioner Mullins stated that the Citizens Advisory Com- mittee did go on record to hold off on this, but he also said it was the logical step to go forward as planned. He stated this has been on the agenda for the General Plan re- vision and there has been no one against it , it would be advisable to go forward to change the zoning. Commissioner Seidler stated that action taken to change the Cove Communities General Plan made it necessary to review the zone plan. This conforms to the General Plan, there were no comments or opposition to this area as commercial. Commissioner Van de Mark expressed concern about this prop- erty cutting into adjacent R-1 property. Mr. Williams explained that this was consistent with the zoning along the property to the south and to the east . Commissioner Seidler moved and Commissioner Wilson seconded the motion to approve the rezoning by Resolution No. 2. Resolution was read by Mr. Williams. The vote was as fol- lows : AYES: HUBBARD, MULLINS , SEIDLER, VAN DE MARK, WILSON NOES: None ABSENT : None ABSTAIN: None IX. OLD BUSINESS A. Continued Case No. P.P. 1C - R. RICCIARDI , for MARKET BASKET, INC. - Request for Plot Plan Approval for Mar- ket Basket expansion - C-P-S. (Continued from July 29) 1974. ) Mr. Williams reported to the Commission on a meeting with Market Basket representatives and with the master lease holder. Staff recommended approval of the expansion subject to eleven conditions. Mr. Williams then read the conditions. Condi- tions 3 and 8 were not acceptable to Market Basket . Chairman Hubbard asked for proponents for Market Basket . Mr. Thomas A. Killeen, 407 Hillcrest Avenue , Placentia, real estate management representing the applicant , spoke. He stated he asked for a copy of Ordinance No. 38 which he received and read. This ordinance covers underground util- ities. He felt that they do not fall into this category as they are not adding any buildings but just utilizing an ex- Planning Commission Meeting -4- September 3, 1974 isting building. He also submitted new rendering of an elevation plan for the front of Market Basket which was not the same as previously presented. He also said the front of Super X Drug store was not going to be remodeled, just the front of the Market Basket . There would be no change of existing lines or posts. He again mentioned that he does not see where they come under the Ordinance of relocating existing utility lines. Commissioner Wilson suggested that the new plans and eleva- tion go back to Staff for approval and recommendation. City Attorney Dave Erwin stated that according to Ordinance No. 38, they are not required to put the lines underground as they do not fall in this category. If they did fall under Ordinance No. 38, there would be no question whether the undergrounding would have to occur. Commissioner Van de Mark requested to know what would be in the front of the Super X Drug store area. Mr. Killeen replied that at this time they did not know, but the back would be partitioned for storage and the front would be established as retail business to blend in with the center. Mr. Williams suggested that they submit revised plans with more detail with the front area as to the retail stores. The Staff will re-evaluate the new plans and make their rec- ommendations. Commissioner Wilson moved and Commissioner Seidler seconded that the applicant be asked to submit revised plans by Sep- tember 16 at the Planning Commission meeting. The motion was unanimously carried. Mr. Bob Cragg, representing the master lessor of the Market Basket area, stated they are trying to get the center to look nicer but they have no funds allocated for sidewalks. He asked the City to help with sidewalks as they have to put in landscaping. They would like to put shops in the rear, but Market Basket does not want the shops as it would hurt the parking situation. Chairman Hubbard inquired of Mr. Cragg as to a specific lease regarding improvements , but Mr. Cragg replied they do not have this type of lease with their tenants. B. Case No. P.P. 1OMF - HAL CHAPLIN - Request for Plot Plan approval to construct a duplex on the south side of Ave- nue 44, just east of Monterey - R-2. (Continued from August 12, 1974. ) Mr. Williams called for rendering to be displayed. Mr. Williams pointed out the parking areas, and stated this con- forms with zoning of R-2. Water and sewer were available in the roadway. Mr. Williams then read seven conditions this plan is subject to, and added an eighth condition regarding trash cans be re- located from present location on plan to at least 30 feet from driveway entrance on Avenue 44. Mr. Williams stated that this has no significant effect on environmental pattern. Commissioner Van de Mark suggested that the builder relocate the dishwasher and add a pantry in the wasted space in the kitchen. The builder agreed. Planning Commission Meeting -5- September 3 , 1974 Commissioner Wilson stated he was not in favor of this type of building. He stated in his opinion this is not compatible with the college buildings in the area, and said that the cultural center is slated for that area. He said the surroundings should be upgraded. Commissioner Seidler agreed to some extent, but also felt an obligation to the people who want to develop the area and are conforming to the ordinances and are also in conformity with the zoning regulations. He stated this duplex will probably upgrade the area considerably taw and we should evaluate this at this time and anything that upgrades an area should be looked upon favorably. Chairman Hubbard stated he is in favor of it and con- siders it an upgrading for the college. He stated we cannot hold people back until certain things go ahead. He felt this certainly upgrades the area and is in favor of it. Commissioner Mullins moved and Commissioner Van de Mark seconded the motion to approve Resolution No. 3 subject to Staff' s previous seven conditions and also the new condition number eight. Vote was called for: AYES: HUBBARD, MULLINS, SEIDLER, VAN DE MARK NOES : WILSON The motion was carried. Chairman Hubbard with the concurrance of the Commission continued the discussion of the Industrial Service Zone UAW to the end of the meeting. X. NEW BUSINESS A. Case No. P.P. 30SF - CAROLE BROWNLEE - Request for Plot Plan approval to permit construction of a second single-family residence on a lot on the north side of Alessandro, west of San Pasqual, R-2 . This was recommended for approval by Staff, subject to conditions. Mr. Williams read the conditions. Commissioner Seidler asked Mr. Williams if applicant had agreed to the conditions. Staff did not hear from the applicant and was not certain if applicant received a copy of the conditions as they were mailed on Thursday and did not know if they were received. In view of the fact that the Commissioners were not sure if the applicant knows and agrees to the conditions, Commissioner Seidler moved and Commissioner Mullins seconded that Case No. P.P. 30SF Carole Brownlee be con- tinued to the next Planning Commission meeting. Motion ... unanimously carried. IX. OLD BUSINESS (continued) Chairman Hubbard returned to Old Business and continued discussion of Proposed I-S (Industrial Service) Zone. Mr. Williams stated this is in rough draft form. The purpose of the Cove Communities General Plan is for an area of service commercial. Staff wanted to know if Planning Commission Meeting -6- September 3, 1974 they were going in the right direction. This has been discussed with a number of people and there will probably be a public hearing sometime in October. There will be study sessions and further research on other similar zones. It will be studied to see if anything has been overlooked. Staff would prefer not to go through with it and then find it not to be adequate. Chairman Hubbard responded that he is well aware of the need for commercial related type buildings for a City the size of Palm Desert, but he did not think we need M-I type of thing. He did not believe there was enough demand for M-I Many things should not be in this type of zoning and he thought the buildings should all be attractive. No park- ing in front - no loading docks. Parking should be in the rear. He mentioned several types of businesses that would not be compatible with this area, such as fruit and vegetable packing firms, tanning firms, canneries, etc. Chairman Hubbard said this should be studied extensively in study sessions. Chairman Hubbard asked for any speakers on this zone. Mr. George Ritter, 73-899 Highway 111, spoke saying he represented Frank Keenan, Sam Russell, Bob Green and Cliff Swanson as principals in a 29 acre tract on Cook Street which is supposed to be annexed to the City. He stated that Palm Desert has more restrictions than the County and he is in agreement that the County did not adequately serve this community. He stated this is the only area for the type of uses mentioned and it is needed so that our people do not have to drive 10 to 15 miles to get services that should be provided for in this community. They must be put in our community. He stated *AW that most contractors have no place to park their trucks and so they park them in front of their homes. This area needs many different types of services. He felt that the landscape setup in the zone is not the only way to land- scape. It should be scattered plantings instead of land- scaping along property lines on 10 ft. strips. The plan needs much study. Parking requirements are excessive in the Ordinance, a 20o wasteful land usage. Parking discussion is a must in the study sessions. In his opinion, the Ordinance covers many things correctly. Chairman Hubbard stated that the variance or conditional use permit may be appropriate for a number of the uses outlined in the draft report. He went on to indicate a number of uses stated in the draft zone that he con- sidered to be inappropriate. He indicated the purpose of this statement was to give Staff some preliminary direction and was of the opinion that this matter should be discussed at a number of study sessions before any hearing should be held on the matter. With concurrence of the Commission, the matter was referred back to Staff. XI. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None XII. COMMENTS Now A. City Staff - None B. City Attorney - None C. Planning Commission - Commissioner Seidler said he hoped people would bring proposals in to the Commissioners in plenty of time as it is hard to assess them at the last minute. The Planning Commission, as well as the Staff, needs time in evaluating the proposals. He also thanked the Planning Commission Meeting -7- September 3 , 1974 Council for staying and lending their physical support. Mayor Clark told the Commission they did a fine job. City Attorney stated he is available to help the Planning Commission at all times. XIII. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Seidler moved and Commissioner Van de Mark seconded the meeting be adjourned. The motion was unani- mously carried. The meeting was adjourned at 8 : 57 P.M. bw PAUL A. WILLIAMS, Secretary tow ATTEST: C. ROBERT HUBBARD, Chairman Yrr.