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HomeMy WebLinkAbout0517 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING WEDNESDAY - MAY 17, 1978 1 : 00 P.M. - CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS I . CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Palm Desert Planning Commission was called to order by Chairman Berkey at 1 : 00 p .m. in the Council � Chambers of the Palm Desert City Hall . II . PLEDGE - Commissioner Kelly III . ROLL CALL Present : Commissioner KELLY Commissioner KRYDER Commissioner SNYDER Chairman BERKEY Others Present : Paul A. Williams - Director of Environmental Services Ralph Cipriani - Associate Planner Clyde Beebe - Director of Public Works Kathy Shorey - Planning Secretary IV . APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. MINUTES of the regular meeting of 11�ay 2 , 1978 of the Planning Commission . � On a motion by Commissioner Kelly, seconded by Commissioner Kryder, the minutes were approved as written; carried unanimously (4-0) . V. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - None VI . PUBLIC HEARINGS Chairman Berkey explained the Public Hearing procedures to those present . A. Case No. C/Z O1-78 - INITIATED BY PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION Request for approval of a Planning Commission initiated Change of Zone for pre-zoning approximately 1 , 047 acres from ' S ' Study to P.C. (2) (U.A. ) , R-2 8 , 000(8) (U.A . ) , R-1 12 , 000 (U.A . ) , PR-5 (U.A. ) , PR-4 (U.A. ) , O.S . (U.A. ) , PR-3 (U.A . ) , PR-10 U.A . ) or any other zone deemed appro- priate on property generally located between Country Club Drive and the Whitewater Storm Channel and between Monterey Avenue and Cook Street . �,, Mr. Williams reviewed the Staff Report and noted a map showing the proposed zoning and circulation pattern . He also referred to a letter received from Mr. Hirsch and his request for an average of R-1-7, 500 sq. ft . as a zoning designation . Chairman Berkey asked what the time restraints were on this mat- ter. Mr. Williams noted that the Commission could deliberate indefi- nently. Chairman Berkey asked for further reasoning with regard to the R-2-8, 000 zone designation . Mr. Williams noted that it is adja- cent to commercial and it is better to develop the commercial and re- sidential together to help form a buffer for the rest of the develop- ment . Minutes Palm Desert Planning Commission May 17 , 1978 Page Two Commissioner Kelly asked how accurate the summary of proposed students in the area was. Mr. Williams noted that 70% of the amount would probably be more accurate. Commissioner Kryder noted that Mr . Hirsch' s reasons for an average zoning of R-1-7500 sq. ft . are valid reasons and should be �' considered. �, ��� `�,i Chairman Berkey declared the Public Hearing and asked ifr���(� � � there was anyone wishing to speak on the matter . ,���'` 6.� J'� �ri � ` �.,� ,. '� ` F. X. MCDONALD, Long Beach, owner of 40 acres on � � ` the southwest , southwest corner of Section 9, told �/�(��- '�he Commission of his conversation with the various �'1.�- `� neighbors in the area of his sand dunes and how �� they and he were in favor of the Open Space desig- ' nation being change�. He also noted that the sand- dunes are being destroyed by 4 things : the sage brush, dune buggies , adjacent developments , and the City protecting them. Mr. McDonald stated that the whole area should be reserved as a sand dune preserve or none of it . 114R. RAFF, owner of 3. 95 acres, a homestead parcel located on Monterey and Hovely Lane , asked to have it clarified how the proposed zoning would affect the small land owner such as himself . Mr. Williams stated that as the pre-zoning was being done as a single project, individual property owners would be exempt from the minimum site area required to obtain a Change of Zone to the P-R zone . As a result , in- dividual property owners would be able to develop under the PR zone no matter what acreage they owned once the pre-zoning is approved for the entire area. � He further stated that this zoning designation would limit the area to condos and residential homes . Chair- man Berkey noted that the staff would then be the co- ordinator for all the property in the area. Mr. Raff stated that he must dedicate land for road use . Mr. Williams noted that since Hovely Lane already exists that there should be no problem. RICHARD ARNOLD, 73-722 Santa Rosa, an adjacent developer told of his experiences in other areas with sand dunes, and he noted that adjacent development would stop the sand dunes from being sand dunes as it takes sand to make sand dunes. EUNICE PIERSON, representing Mr. Hirsch, noted that Mr. Hirsch would appreciate further consideration of his request for 8,000 sq. ft . average per lot . SID HANDY, Aster Drive, 18 year resident , spoke in op- position to a open space in the middle of the City. MRS . JOHN QUINN, stated she had a petition with 56-58 signatures against the open space zoning, noting that = it is a poor concept . � DENNIS HEALY, Attorney for Mr . McDonald, spoke in op- position to the open space zoning and presented pictures of the sand dunes in the area. JIM MCKEE , 73-506 Joshua Tree , owner at Portola Country Club, stated his opposition to the open space zoning. Minutes Palm Desert Planning Commission May 17, 1978 Page Three VI . PUBLIC HEARINGS (Cont . ) A. Case No . C/Z 01-78 (Cont . ) GEORGE MARZICOLA, Fresident of Country Club Property Owners Association , noted he is generally in agreement with the proposed zoning and annexation. He stated that the extension of streets and the improvements of others should be taken into consideration with a � bridge considered on Cook Street . Further he noted that the Association is opposed to annexations because of the Excise Tax involved. RICHARD GUELICH, Santa Cruz, noted the extensive work that the Staff had put into the report on the pre- zoning and he noted his concern for the ability of the City to maintain the open space . Chairman Berkey stated that he felt the case should be continued for further review. Commissioner Kelly stated that more input is needed on the utilities in the area and the maintenance of the sand dunes . Commissioner Kryder indicated more information was needed on the traffic situation. Commissioner Snyder asked that Staff be able to answer the questions regarding maintenance of the open space and alternatives to an open space zoning designation . / On a motion by Commissioner Kryder, seconded by Commissioner Kelly, the Commission continued Case C/Z 01-78 to June 14, 1978 for further review and study; carried unanimously (4-0) . B. Case Nos . DP 03-78 and 80C - MCBAIL COMPANY, Applicant � Mr . Williams noted that these cases and Case No . TT 11791 should be continued to June 14, 1978 also due to the action of the Commission on the pre-zoning. MIKE GALLAGHER, representing the applicant, noted his agreement with the continuance. C. Case No. TT 11791 , continued as noted above . D. Case No. CUP 07-76 - HENRY TAGLE , Applicant Request for approval of an extension of time for an approved Conditional Use Permit to allow the construc- tion of a restaurant with Variances from parking re- quirements and setback requirements on property located at the northwest corner of Palm Desert Drive and San Carlos Avenue. Mr. Williams reviewed the case and noted that the Commission had approved a previous extension of one year. Chairman Berkey declared the Public Hearing open and asked the applicant if he wished to speak at this time. RICHARD HOLDEN, representing the applicant , stated `�"" he was available to answer any questions . Commis- sioner Snyder asked why the delay. Mr. Holden stated that there was a problem with funding due to the size of the interior of the restauant . Further, the only problem that now exists is the line-of-site problem but that should be resolved with the Redevelopment plans for that area of the City. Minutes Palm Desert Planning Commission May 17, 1978 Page Four VI . PUBLIC HEARINGS (Cont . ) C. Case No. CUP 07-76 (Cont . ) Chairman Berkey asked if there was anyone wishing to speak in FAVOR or in OPPOSITION to the case. Being none, he declared the Public Hearing closed. � Commissioner Kryder asked if Condition No. 11 regarding the � existing billboard would be taken care of soon . Mr . Williams stated that be�fore the applicant could start building it would have to be taken down and also it was under the Sign Amortization ruling and would have to be removed soon one way or another . On a motion by Commissioner Snyder , seconded by Commissioner Kryder, the Commission approved the extension of Case No . CUP 07-76 by Planning Commission Resolution No . 356 ; carried unanimously (4-0) . VII . JOINT HEARING WITH PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION A. Case No . GPA 02-78, City of Palm Desert , Applicant Consideration of a proposed General Plan Amendment which would incorporate the proposed Parks and Re- creation Element into the adopted Palm Desert General Plan . Mr. Williams reviewed the report and noted that the intent of the report is to propose land for a land bank for future use as parks or ope:n space. ' �; ` �'-�/��_,,,, Commissioner Kelly asked about land to be used for a motor- �� ��s . Mr. Williams stated that the Park and Recreation Commission , ,,�`" has asked that the City contact the County about land for this purpose . Commissioner Snyder referred to the Sand Dune Preserve and the opposition that was apparent during the previous public hearing. He stated that the Commission needed to make a comment on this . Commissioner Bjerke noted that at their next meeting the Commission would have comments to be presented regarding this issue. There was some discussion regarding public notice of the next Planning Commission meeting and a series of press releases to let the people know what the City is planning in the way of park and recreation for the area. A map of the proposals being made by the City would also be help�ul . Commissioner Bjerke noted the Christina Sinatra information that the Commissioners were in receipt of and he hoped that the Com- mission would have some comment to make . Commissioner Driskel stated that the Park and Recreation Com- mission is appealing for something to be done now for these kids . � She then introduced two middle-school students who wished to speak in behalf of the youth of the City. ��, � �'::�AUL DOWD, 74777 Yucca Tree Dr . , addressed the ,.,,, r � Commission noting the need for something for f �����;.�he youth today after school and weekends . � A bowling alley or something to do to keep the � the youth busy. Minutes Palm Desert Planning Commission May 17, 1978 Page Five VII . JOINT H��RING WITH PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION (Cont . ) A. Case No . GPA 02-78 (Cont . ) SIDNEY JOHNSON, 72-667 Yucca Tree Dr . , addressed the Commission and stated that the Teen Center needs to be enlarged as it only really serves the youth that are in its immediate area. She also stated that a small park for Frisbie throwing, `�'"' an area for skateboarding or a motorcycle park. and in general a place where the youth can get together is what the youth want . There was some discussion between the girls and the Commissioners regarding the activities that are available to youth in the area and what the girls feel is n�eded in the way of activities . It was concluded that there is a need for numerous activities to keep the youth busy, whether it is constructive or recreational . Commissioner Kelly stated the the Commissioners should take the document regarding the Christina Sinatra Youth Center home and review it prior to the meeting of May 30, and that input be relayed to the City Council . Mr. Williams noted that Olsen park is being reworked and that the Palm Desert Community Center is getting air conditioning and this will allow the Center to have daytime activities during the summer . It was agreed by both Commissions that the subject would be discussed further at the next meeting which would be May 30, this would allow both Commissions time to review and study the issue. � On a motion by Commissioner Kelly, seconded by Commissioner Snyder , the Commission continued the Public Hearing to the meeting of May 30, 1978; carried unanimously (4-0) . VIII . OLD BUSINESS - None IX. NEW BUSINESS A. 1 . Consideration of 197�-79 Capital Improvements proposed by the City of Palm Desert . (Joint session with Parks and Recreation Commission. ) Mr. Williams reviewed the first nine proposals and indicated to the Commissioners that the City Council needs input on these items . Mr. Beebe reviewed �tem 10 and noted the streets proposed for resurfacing. A. 2 . Review of proposed landscaping �or the Palm Desert Community Park Extension . Mr. Williams noted that the proposed expansion to the Community ,�„ Park may not be done in this fiscal year , but should occur by next fall , due to budgetary problems. : Commissioner Driskel asked whose decision it was that the area for the proposed expansion of the park was not a suitable site'`�'Q�.the ��p�" Teen Center. Mr . Williams noted that it was a decision reached prior td /T�- the creation of the Parks and Recreation Commission . On a motion by Commissioner Kelly, seconded by Commissioner Kryder the Commission approved the proposed projects finding that they are in conformance with the adopted Palm Desert General Plan , by Planning Commission Resolution No . 357; carried unanimously (4-0) . Minutes : Palm Desert Planning Commission May 17, 1978 Page Six IX. OLD BUSINESS (Cont . ) B. Consideratio� of several proposed projects to be undertaken by C.V.C .W.D. Mr. Williams reviewed the proposals by the Coachella Valley County Water District and noted that Staff recommends approval as they are in conformance with the adopted Palm Desert General Plan . On a motion by Commissioner Snyder , seconded by Commissioner Kelly, the Commission found that the proposed projects are in confor- mance with the adopted Palm Desert General Plan by Planning Commission Resolution No. 358; carried unanimously (4-0) . X. DESIGN REVIEW BOARD ITEMS A. Review of Cases acted on by the Design Review Board at their meeting of May 16, 1978. Mr. Cipriani reviewed the cases noting that with re�ard to Case No. 28C that the street will be realigned per the Redevelopment Plan for the City which will change the line of site problemo The Design Review Board was concerned the the landscaping; Case No . 127MF - Design Review Board concerns were with landscaping; Case No. 80C - the applicant was asked to rework the shop locations and traffic pattern, also there is a need for more parking (�ir. Williams noted that this case should be continued and deleted from the Resolution as the related cases had been continued) ; and, Case No. 81C - the applicant presented a model of the proposed structure and noted that it will blend with the building that was previously approved. A discussion =� followed regarding the exterior design , height and back wall effect of the proposal . It was noted that the applicant will have to get a Variance for the back area involving the 10 ft . of landscaping needed. Case No. 71C - a new design concept was presented for the RB Furniture Store proposed on Highway 111 , which is much more in line with the concerns noted by the Design Review Board and the Planning Commission than the previously presented concept . On a motion by Commissioner Kelly, seconded by Commissioner Kryder , the actions of the Design Review Board with the deletion of Case No. 80C were approved by Planning Commission Resolution No. 359 ; carried unanimously (4-0) . XI . DISCUSSION ITEMS - None XII . ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None XIII . COMMENTS A. City Staff - Mr. Williams noted that the bus tour of the City had been changed to June 16 , 1978. .� B. City Attorney - Not present C. Planning Commissioners - Commissioner Kelly asked if the Commissions Study Session meeting could be held at night . It was decided that the Commission would discuss this after a new Commissioner was appointed. Minutes Palm Desert Planning Commission May 17, 1978 Page Seven XIX. ADJOURNMENT On a motion by Commission Kryder , seconded by Commissioner Kelly, the meeting was adjourned at 4 : 13 p .m. ; carried unanimously (4-0) . �r.r �- hi���3•�-�'> PAUL A. WILLIAMS , Secretary ATTEST : � GEORGE BERKEY, Chairman /ks � �