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HomeMy WebLinkAbout0718 �r rrr MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING WEDNESDAY - JULY 18 , 1979 1 : 00 P.M. - CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS I. CALL TO ORDER The regularly scheduled meeting of the Palm Desert Planning Commission was called to order at 1: 00 P.M. by Chairman Snyder , 'r in the City Hall Council Chambers. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Commissioner Fleshman III . ROLL CALL Members Commissioner Berkey Present: Commissioner Fleshman Commissioner Kryder Chairman Snyder Excused Absence: Commissioner Miller Others Present: Paul A. Williams - Director of Environmental Services Murrel Crump - Principal Planner Stan Sawa - Associate Planner Patricia Smaldino - Planning Secretary IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Minutes of regular meeting of July 3 , 1979 . �r On a motion by Commissioner Berkey, seconded by Commissioner Fleshman, the minutes of July 3, 1979 , were approved as written. V. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - NONE VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Case No. VAR 05-79 - MYRA GOLDWATER REALTOR AND CALIFORNIA CANADIAN BANK, Applicant. Request for approval of a Variance from the require- ments of the Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 25. 68 . 310 to erect a freestanding joint sign located at the inter- section of Parkview Drive and Highway 111. Mr. Crump presented the Staff Report indicating that the subject location was the site of a related Design Review Case No. 113C, request for exterior remodeling of the existing commercial building. He reviewed for the Commission, the two relevant Sign Ordinance Sections. It was further explained by Mr. Crump that the applicants were seeking this "exception" to allow the joint use sign on a temporary basis. The staff recommended condition, relating new sign installation to completing the Design Review process, and the logic behind it, was speci- fically stated. He concluded the report by recommending approval of the case, subject to the conditions attached to the draft Resolution. Commissioner Kryder inquired about the term of occupancy for the California Canadian Bank, and the acceptability of the sign for permanent use; to which Mr. Crump responded that the Bank would be a temporary tenant, and that the sign would be acceptable, thereafter, for single tenant use. MINUTES VOW PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JULY 18 , 1979 Page Two Commissioner Berkey questioned if proposed condition No. 3 , was the means by which the sign approval was related back to completion of the Design Review Case. Mr. Crump answered affirmitively. There being no further questions from the Commission at this time, Chairman Snyder asked if the applicant would like to make a presentation. DEREK ASHTON, Vice President and Manager of Calif. Canadian Bank, 72-180 Highway 111, Palm Desert, addressed the Commission on behalf of the applicants stating that the Bank would occupy the subject site for a period of 7 to 15 months while new facilities were being constructed. He felt that temporary identification on the free standing sign was very important for the term of this lease. Chairman Snyder then declared the Public Hearing open, and asked if anyone wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to this proposal. There being none, Chairman Snyder declared the Public Hearing closed, and asked for the pleasure of the Commission. Commissioner Kryder moved to approve Case No. VAR 05-79 , by adopting Planning Commission Resolution No. 510 , Commissioner Berkey seconded the motion. Chairman Snyder interjected that there appeared to be valid reasons in this specific instance to justify a temporary Variance, and asked for a vote of the Commission; carried unanimously (4-0) . B. Continued Case No. CUP 04-79 - ELYNOR FALK, Applicant. COMMISSIONER FLESHMAN EXCUSED HIMSELF FROM THE MEETING DUE TO A CONFLICT OF INTEREST. �r Request for approval of a Conditional Use Permit (upon annexation) to allow for development of a 171 lot mobile home subdivision on approximately 40 acres in the RM (U.A. ) (Mobile Home Park and Mobile Home Subdivision District, upon annexation) zone located north of Merle Drive and east of Rebecca Road. Mr. Crump presented the report noting that a revised plan had been submitted with substantial design changes. He went on to describe the elements of the revised plan, and the items that had been addressed from the last meeting. It was noted that staff could recommend approval of the latest plan if three changes were made; involving provision of recreational vehicle storage, access width of hammer-head lots, and number and location of guest parking spaces. He pointed out areas where the draft Resolution would need to be amended to conform to the present request. The Commission discussed with Staff ,the concerns which lead to the continuance from the last meeting, and the necessary changes to the revised plan. Mr. Williams responded to the Commission questions.. Commission discussion focused on maintaining the approved lot size while providing the recreational vehicle storage area. Chairman Snyder asked if the applicant' s representative wished to make a presentation. MINUTES NNW r d PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JULY 18 , 1979 Page Three JOHN WILBANKS, of Ballew/McFarland, 74-075 El Paseo, Palm Desert, stated that the lack of recreational vehicle storage was an over- sight, and that they would eliminate two of the proposed lots to provide area for storage. He questioned the necessity for proposed Special Condition No. 6 , and indicate a preferance not to relocate the club house guest parking spaces. Chairman Snyder asked for further clarification of Special Condition No. 6 ; Commissioner Kryder joined the dis- cussion of hammer-head lot access with the applicant' s repre- sentative and Staff. Chairman Snyder, went further to describe amendments he felt necessary to Special Condition Nos . 5 and 6. It was concluded among the Commissioners and Staff that the conditions should be revised as follows : Continue Condition No. 5 by adding, " . . . , which shall be the two lots at the southeast corner of the project. " Add to Condition No. 6 , or solution acceptable to the Commission to be considered as a part of the subdivision map. " The Commissioners expressed concern over the detailing of the exhibit and hoped to see it resolved in the Tract map. Chairman Snyder asked if there were any further questions from the Commissioners, there being none at that time, he declared the Public Hearing open and asked if anyone wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to this proposal. There being none, he closed the Public Hearing, and asked for the pleasure of the Commission, noting the discussed Special Condition changes. It was also observed that the proposed Resolution would need corrected to reflect the deletion of two lots, and that it would now read "169 lots" . A motion was made by Commissioner Berkey to approve the case subject to the noted changes to Special Conditions Nos. 5 and 6 , but further discussion resulted in Special Condi- tion No. 7 , being amended to delete the ending phrase " . . . and relocate toward the main entrance" . On an amended motion by Commissioner Berkey, seconded by Commissioner Kryder, the Commission approved Case No. CUP 04-79 , by adopting Planning Commission Resolution No. 511, subject to the indicated changes in Special Conditions Nos. 5 ,6 , and 7; carried unanimously (3-0) . Mr. Williams asked if he might summarize the changes made for the record, as follows: Beginning under the heading of the Resolution . . . two corrections changing the word "park" to "Sub- division" , and the number of spaces to 169 lots. ,r The word "park" in the first whereas changed to "Subdivision". Under NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED . . . Subsection No. 2 , add the words " . . . 169 lots" , after annexation. Special Conditions; No. 5, add the phrase " . . . ,by removal of two lots at the southeast corner of the Subdivision. " Condition No. 6 , add the phrase, " or an agreeable solution to be approved by the Commission as a part of the Tentative Map. " Condition No. 7 , place a period after "13 spaces" , striking the remainder of the sentence. MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JULY 18 , 1979 Page Four COMMISSIONER FLESHMAN RE-ENTERED THE ROOM. VII. OLD BUSINESS - None VIII. NEW BUSINESS A. Request for consideration for City initiation of amendments to the Zoning Ordinance text `•• (Muncipal Code Sections 25. 30. 230 D, and 25. 58. 310) relative to the maximum building height and parking requirements for developments in the PC (3) (Planned Commercial , Regional) Zone. Mr. Williams presented the Staff Report noting that material had been received from the City' s traffic consultant regarding the paking demand for regional centers, compared to what is now required under our Ordinance; and, also that he wished for the opportunity to discuss with the Commission Height Standards and the realities of construction of two story facilities of the magnitude of a regional center, and the re- quirement for equipment. He concluded his report by suggesting the Commission hold a Public Hearing to consider reducing the parking requirement from 5. 5 spaces per 1, 000 square feet of gross floor area to 5 spaces per 1, 000 square gross leaseable area; and, increasing maximum building height from 30 feet to 35 feet. Chairman Snyder indicated his reluctance to initiate a hearing to reduce these standards. Commissioner Kryder clarified the need to conduct a hearing on these matters, and offered his evaluation of parking law in nearby regional centers. Discussion regarding building height, was continued by Commissioner Fleshman, followed by an exchange of thoughts on these matters between the Commission and Staff. It was concluded that it might serve a purpose to have a hearing and receive more information. On a motion by Commissioner Berkey, seconded by Commissioner Kryder, the Commission initiated a Public Hearing for Case No. ZOA 03-79 , by adopting Planning Commission Resolu- tion No. 512; carried unanimously (4-0) . B. Case No. TT 14968 Request for comments from the City of Indian Wells. Mr. Crump presented the background of this matter requesting that Staff be authorized to transmitt a response letter indicating concern for City review,of portions of the project within Palm Desert corporate limits, recommending a special condition regarding undergrounding of a transmission line now existing on the west side of Toro Peak Road, and any other matters the Commission deemed appropriate. The Commission viewed the Tentative Map exhibit and discussed with Staff the inclusion of an additional response item relative to the improvements along Portola Avenue. It was directed by Chairman Snyder that Staff be authorized to transmitt the concerns as discussed, with the other Commissioners unanimously concuring. VOW MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JULY 18 , 1979 Page Five IX. DESIGN REVIEW BOARD ITEMS A. Consideration of continued Case. No. 116C, BEN BARNUM, Applicant. Mr. Williams referenced a letter from Mr. Ben Barnum indicating his desire for a continuance , Mr. Williams noted the next meeting date would be July 31, 1979; and, the matter was continued. Mr. Crump advised the Commission that the agenda and minutes should be revised to reflect an added item "IX. B. " , as a result of the rescheduled meeting of the Design Review of July 17 , 1979; and, it was so noted. B. Consideration of cases acted on by the Design Review Board at their re-scheduled meeting of July 17 , 1979 . Mr. Sawa reviewed the cases (176 MF, 180 MF, 117C) , and pointed out the revisions requested by the Design Review Board. On a motion by Commissioner Kryder, seconded by Commissioner Berkey, the actions of the Design Review Board at their meeting of July 17 , 1979 , were approved by Planning Commission Resolution No. 513; carried unanimously (4-0) . X. DISCUSSION ITEM A. Transmittal from Coachella Valley Association of Governments relative to comments on list of possible control measures proposed for inclusion r,.. in the AQMP for the Southeast Desert Air Basin. Mr. Williams introduced the item noting that it would be an opportune time to receive Commission comments on the pro- posed control measures. Mr. Crump further explained that there would be a number of additional review steps , and that the Commission would have subsequent review opportunities of a more refined plan. Discussion followed concerning the merits of the approach and the contents of the document. The Commissioners concured that there were control measure subjects which required special technical expertise. Comments from Commissioners closed on a note of reser- vation regarding implementation of the measures. It was determined that no official action need be taken by the Commission, as Staff would forward comments. B. Discussion of the use of Solar panels within the Palm Desert Property Owners Association boundaries. Mr. Williams reviewed correspondence on the subject; followed by brief Commission comments concuring with Mr. Williams wam response. XI . ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JULY 18 , 1979 Page Six XII . COMMENTS A. City Staff The Commission and Public Works Director briefly discussed the status of the frontage road project. B. Planning Commissioners Commissioner Berkey called the Commission' s attention to the April 30 , 1979 Report from Security Pacific Bank. He reviewed data it contained regarding the number of building permits issued by the top 20 cities in Southern California during 1978; pointing out that Palm Desert stood number 3 in single-family dwellings and number 9 , overall. Commissioner Berkey further noted that Palm Desert did not receive a ranking for multipal dwelling permits issued, and expressed interest in seeing more land made available for multifamily use when the General Plan update is considered. His summary commentary was that we need to be alert to the need for more multipal zoning. Mr. Williams concured with Commissioners Berkey' s analysis, and stated that it had been a subject of discussion with the City Council. Chairman Snyder offered his views on the subject pointing out the individual character and philosphy of the City, and the need to view additional multipal uses in the total context of the City. XIII. ADJOURNMENT On a motion by Commissioner Berkey, seconded by Commissioner Kryder, the meeting was adjourned at 2 : 35 P.M. ; carried unanimously. PAUL A. WILLIAMS, Secretary ATTEST: WALTER SNYDER, Ch rman /cam