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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1030 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING TUESDAY - OCTOBER 30, 1979 7:00 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 7:oo P.M. by Chairman Snyder in the City Hall Council Chambers. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Commissioner Berkey III. ROLL CALL Members Present: Commissioner Berkey Commissioner Fleshman Commissioner Miller Chairman Snyder Staff Present: Paul Williams, Director of Environmental Services Murrel Crump, Principal Planner Stan Sawa, Associate Planner John Dos Santos, Assistant Planner Linda Russell , Secretary IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Minutes of a special Meeting of October 4, 1979 Mr. Williams noted the following corrections: On page 4, second to last paragraph should read: "Commissioner Kryder expressed a concern in relation to the traffic at the intersection of the extended E1 Paseo and 44th Avenue. " INV On page 5, paragraph 6 should read: Commissioner Fleshman expressed concern for the lack of data regarding the ratio of jobs vs. the available qualified personnel . He requested that the applicant provide additional data on this matter. " B. Minutes of regular meeting of October 17, 1979 Upon motion made by Commissioner Fleshman, seconded by Commissioner Kryder, the minutes of October 4, 1979, were approved as amended; the minutes of October 17, 1979, were approved as written. Carried unanimously (5-0) . V. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Williams noted that the written communications received were those related to cases in the Public Hearing. VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Continued Case No. CUP 08-79 - PALM DESERT COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT, Applicant Request for approval of a Conditional Use Permit for Public %NW Utility purposes (with related setback and parking variance) to allow continued use of a facility containing an existing maintenance building, water well building, and living quarters (with proposed remodeling) on approximately .22 acres within the R-1, S.P. (Single Family Residential , Scenic Preservation Overlay) zone located at 44-491 Portola Avenue. MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 30, 1979 Page -2- * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued) Mr. Williams stated that the applicant requested a continuance to the November 14, 1979 meeting. Upon motion made by Commissioner Kryder, seconded by Commissioner Fleshman, this case was continued to November 14, 1979. Carried unanimously (5-0). rNw B. Continued Case No. TT 14805 - KAUL CONSTRUCTION, Applicant Request for approval of a 37 lot residential subdivision on 7.2 acres within the PR-5 (Planned Residential , 5 d.u./ac. ) zone located on the southside of Country Club Drive, between Monterey Avenue and Portola Avenue. Mr. Williams stated that the applicant requested a continuance to the November 14, 1979 meeting. Upon motion made by Commissioner Kryder, seconded by Commissioner Fleshman, this case was continued to November 14, 1979. Carried unanimously (5-0) . C. Case No. VAR 07-79 - ERNEST W. HAHN, Applicant Request for approval of a Variance to the Zoning Ordinance to increase the height of parking lot light standards from ten (10) feet to twenty-five (25) feet within the PC-3, S.P. (Planned Commercial , Regional Center, Scenic Preservation Overlay) and PR-6, S.P. , rezoned to R-3 (9) , (Multi-Family Residential , max. 1 d.u./9000 sq. ft. ) zones, generally located at the northwest corner of Highway 111 and Monterey Avenue. Mr. Williams informed the Commission that staff needed technical expertise to evaluate the request and to give specific information, therefore, requested a continuance to the meeting of December 4, 1979. Chairman Snyder asked if the applicant had been notified of this and does he concur? Mr. Williams stated that he had received a report but has not heard from him. Upon motion made by Commissioner Berkey, seconded by Commissioner Kryder, this case was continued to December 4, 1979. Carried unanimously (5-0) . D. Case No. CUP 09-78 Amendment - HUGHES INVESTMENTS, Applicant Request for approval of an amendment to a Conditional Use Permit to permit an additional two restaurants making a total of four, allowed on approximately 5.4 acres located easterly of Highway 74, between Highway 111 and E1 Paseo. This case was continued to a later time of the meeting to allow the applicant to be present. w. E. Continued Case No. CUP 09-78 Amendment - BANK OF INDIO, Applicant Request for approval of an amendment of an approved Conditional Use Permit to allow an additional 20 ft. wide entrance only driveway on El Paseo to facilitate access to a bank building on approximately 5.4 acres total Hughes Investment site) , within the C-1, S.P. General Commercial District, Scenic Preservation Overlay) zone generally located at the northeast corner of State Highway 74 and El Paseo. MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 30, 1979 Page -3- * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued) Mr. Crump presented this case stating that at the previous Planning Commission meeting the potential problems of this request were discussed. A revised illustration was shown with 3 parking spaces eliminated. Mr. Crump further stated that the same conditions still existed, therefore, recommended denial . A short discussion proceeded regarding the entrance driveway off E1 Paseo. Chairman Snyder then asked if the applicant cared to make a statement. CARL COX, 73-127 Shadow Mountain Drive, requested to move this case to the last item of the Public Hearings in order to introduce a traffic engineer, who was not present at this time. Chairman Snyder concurred to move this case to a later time of the meeting. F. Case No. CUP 16-78 Amendment - DON DRYSDALE, Applicant Request for approval of a Second Modification to a previously approved Conditional Use Permit to operate a restaurant in the El Paseo Village project, and a related parking Variance to reduce the number of parking spaces from 55 spaces required by the Municipal Code to 26 spaces on property located on the south side of E1 Paseo between Sun Lodge Lane and Lupine Lane, within the C-1, S.P. zone. .r Mr. Crump reviewed the staff report and Conditions of Approval . He pointed out the main issue regarding this request, which was a lack of parking spaces. He also noted a number of letters had been received in favor of this request. There being no questions from the Commission at this time, Chairman Snyder asked the applicant to make a presentation. MR. CURT DUNHAM, 45-120 San Pablo, stated that he did not think condition No. 6 was necessary (which states prior to issuing an Occupancy Permit, a covenant approved by the City Attorney shall be recorded to provide for the joint use of parking) . He stated that it was not going to hurt the E1 Paseo Village. He felt that the City of Palm Desert needed people like Mr. Drysdale to operate a first class restaurant. Chairman Snyder opened the Public Hearing asking if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to this case. ROBERT OWENS, 73-125 Shadow Mountain Drive, expressed concern for the overflow parking that would occur in the residential areas. Chairman Snyder asked if anyone else had any questions. Commissioner Miller inquired about the number of seating there would be in the restaurant. wr Mr. Crump responded that a floor plan had not been submitted yet. The only controlling factor was the Fire Code. Commissioner Fleshman asked if some of the retail shops would have to be closed when the restaurant was open. Mr. Williams stated that when the restaurant was opened in total , some retail shops would have to close, under the joint use concept. MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION October 30, 1979 Page -4- * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * VI . PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued) Commissioner Kryder commented that in order to get into the joint use parking agreement, part of the restaurant would have to be closed for lunch. A discussion proceeded regarding the parking deficiency and restaurant use. Commissioner Fleshman suggested that a section of the restaurant be used as an office in order to reduce the parking spaces required. Chairman Snyder concluded the discussion stating that there should be a solution to this problem and asked if the applicant could look into other areas for parking. After consideration of the Planning Commission decision the Chairman suggested a continuance to allow the applicant to pursue other alternatives and the applicant was in agreement. Upon motion made by Commissioner Berkey, seconded by Commissioner Kryder, this case was continued to November 14, 1979. Carried unanimously (5-0) . Mr. Williams stated that all the applicants for CUP 09-78, had arrived. This case was continued. Mr. Crump presented this case pointing out that this request was for Building No. 2. He indicated that the Commission had been provided with a revised sheet for the proposed building No. 6 showing a gain of 21 parking spaces. He also noted that the Commission received a revised tally of the parking spaces. There was a short discussion regarding the parking space require- ments. Chairman Snyder asked if the applicant cared to make a presentation. RON ROBERTS, 440 Upas, San Diego, gave a lengthy explanation of solutions to the parking space problem. He stated that a Variance rather than a Joint Use procedure would be the solution. He further stated that if this request was looked at as a center, there would be adequate parking. Chairman Snyder opened the Public Hearing asking if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to this case. MR. JAMES CHOW, Architect for Straw Hat Pizza, spoke in favor of this request pointing out that people who go shopping usually stop to eat in the same shopping center (vice-versa) , therefore, parking would be used for the two, requiring less parking spaces. Chairman Snyder closed the Public Hearing. The Commission felt the parking space difficiency was not clear. They felt that perhaps to continue this request would be in order, to give the applicant a chance to give a clearer plan in relation to the parking. %NW Mr. Roberts stated that he could give the Commission all the information needed at this time, and that a continuance was not necessary. Commissioner Fleshman pointed out that this request does function as a center, but was not in proper zoning. The Commission agreed to give the applicant time to present to them alternatives for the parking space problem, the Chairman reopened the hearing and moved this case to a later time of the meeting. MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 30, 1979 page -5- * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued) G. Case No. PM 15550 - JAKE EBERLE, Applicant Request for approval of a Parcel Map to consolidate two (2) lots into one parcel on approximately .52 acres within the R-2, S.P. (Single Family Residential Scenic Preservation Overlay) zone generally located at the Northwest corner of San Gorgonio and San Pablo Avenues. Mr. Crump presented this case explaining why it would be necessary to dedicate and improve the right-of-way on San Pablo. If this was satisfied the request would be acceptable. He then reviewed the conditions. Chairman Snyder opened the Public Hearing asking if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to this case. There being none, the Public Hearing was closed. Upon motion made by Commissioner Berkey, seconded by Commissioner Kryder, case No. PM 15550 was approved by adoption of Planning Commission Resolution No. 542. Carried unanimously (5-0) . H. Case No. TT 15366 - SILVER SPUR ASSOCIATES, Applicant Request for approval of a Tentative Tract Map to subdivide an administrative and models complex within Ironwood Country Club located at the southeast corner of Irontree Drive and Mariposa Drive. Mr. Crump described the purpose of the map, which was to define lots for existing models, proposed models, and future models and also for the administration sales complex. He pointed out on the map the access v,r, to the proposed models through the administration building. Commissioner Fleshman left the room at this time because of a conflict of interest. Chairman Sndyer asked if the applicant cared to make a presentation. LARRY SPICER, 49-200 Mariposa Drive, gave a short presentation for this request. Chairman Snyder declared the Public Hearing open asking if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to this case. There being none, he declared the Public Hearing closed. On a motion made by Commissioner Miller, seconded by Commissioner Berkey, case No. TT 15366 was approved by Planning Commission Resolution No. 543, subject to conditions. Carried 4-0 (Commissioner Fleshman Abstained) Commissioner Fleshman returned to the Council Chambers at this time. THERE WAS A 10 MINUTE RECESS AT 8:20 P.M. . . . .THE MEETING RECONVENED AT 8:30 P.M. I. Case No. DP 13-79 - SAN CLEMENTE GROUP DEVELOPMENT CORP. , Applicant Request for approval of a Development Plan to allow construction of 51 condominium units on approximately ten (10) acres within the PR-7 (Planned Residential , Maximum 7 d.u./ac. , Scenic Preservation Overlay) zone located west of Fairhaven Drive and south of Parkview Drive. MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 30, 1979 Page -6- * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued) Mr. Crump presented this case noting that this request has received a Negative Declaration. He then used the illustrations in describing r,.. the areas to the north, south, east and west of the project. He reviewed the staff report describing what would be involved in the development of this project. He stated that the Design Review Board reviewed these drawings and noted that they preferred to see the water element reduced. He concluded by reviewing the alternatives of the proposed Fairhaven Street. Chairman Snyder asked if the applicant cared to make a presentation. MR. BOB CRAUSE, San Juan Capistrano, Developer, stated that the Engineer for the project was present for any questions. Chairman Snyder declared the Public Hearing open asking if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to this case. There being none, the Public Hearing was closed. A short discussion proceeded on what might be developed on the west side of the project. Commissioner Fleshman asked Mr. Crause if he understood the Design Review Board's condition regarding the reduction of the lake. Mr. Crause replied stating that there would be no problem in reducing the size of the lake. %NW Upon motion made by Commissioner Fleshman, seconded by Commissioner Kryder, this case was approved by adopting Planning Commission Resolution No. 544, with Special Condition Nos. 2 and 3 deleted. Carried unanimously (5-0). VII. OLD BUSINESS - NONE VIII. NEW BUSINESS - NONE IX. DESIGN REVIEW BOARD ITEMS A. Consideration of cases action on by the Design Review Board at their meeting of October 23, 1979. Mr. Sawa presented this case stating the Design Review Board approved a guard house located at the westerly end of Portola Avenue just west of Mesa View Drive, and this guard house is similar to the one at the entrance of Mariposa Drive. He concluded by recommending approval . Upon motion made by Commissioner Berkey, seconded by Commissioner Kryder, this case was approved by Planning Commission Resolution No. 545. Carried (4-0) , Commissioner Fleshman abstained. %NW B. Security Pacific Site Mr. Sawa presented this case noting that this was only a discussion item. He stated that this site was reviewed and approved by the ORB and subsequently denied by the Planning Commission and City Council . The applicant has now submitted a revised plan that will provide a retail building and bank with a drive-thru with egress to Portola Avenue. He stated there would also be a driveway on Larrea and Prickly Pear Lane. He then asked for input from the Commission. MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 30, 1979 Page -7- IX. DESIGN REVIEW BOARD ITEMS (continued) Commissioner Fleshman was concerned for the driveway on Larrea being too close to the intersection. He asked if it could be moved over. RON ROBERTS responded to the question stating that it would not be a problem moving it over. He added that any additional problems in the future would be resolved. AT THIS TIME TWO PUBLIC HEARINGS WERE CONTINUED. . . . D. Case No. CUP 09-78 Amendement HUGHES INVESTMENTS, Applicant Mr. Williams stated that Staff and the applicant were in agreement as to the space difficiency and there were 5 options to take. He then reviewed the options, one being that if the request was determined as a part of a shopping center it would have a surplus of 40 spaces. Commissioner Fleshman asked if the 21 spaces on the Frontage Road would be included, if this were approved. Mr. Roberts illustrated on the map how this would be done. Commissioner Fleshman pointed out that the restaurants would be competing against each other and because they are not long sit-down type restaurants they would have a great turnover, therefore, requiring less parking. Commissioner Kryder asked if the Staff felt the parking was adequate. Mr. Williams felt there would be no problem in the evenings and and if this request was used as a shopping center there would be adequate parking during the day also. Commissioner Berkey stated that the Resolution should include a statement saying that the Commission has acknowledged this as a center and should be treated as a center. Commissioner Miller disagreed on this stating that this request originally was not for a shopping center and should not be changed. After a long discussion on this matter Chairman Snyder asked staff if the property is evaluated as a commercial center. Mr. Williams responded stating that this request was comparable to the Smith's Food King situation and it was as close as you can get to being a shopping center. Chairman Snyder asked if anyone wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to this case. There being none, the Public Hearing was closed. Upon motion made by Commissioner Fleshman, seconded by Commissioner Berkey, this case was approved by adopting Planning Commission Resolution No. 546, as amended. Carried 4-1, Commissioner Miller voted No. �.r E. Case No. CUP 09-78 Amendment - BANK OF INDIO, Applicant At this time, the applicant, Mr. Carl Cox, stated that a plot plan was sent to Cal Trans, who stated there would be no problem with this driveway. He also contacted an engineer, who was present. Chairman Snyder opened the Public Hearing. MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 30, 1979 Page -8- * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * E. Continued Case No. CUP 09-78 Amendment - BANK OF INDIO (con't) MR. HARRY KRUEPER, Consulting Traffic Engineer, 568 No. Mountain View Ave. , San Bernardino, presented a report to the Commission, which explained why the access on E1 Paseo would not create a traffic problem. Chairman Snyder closed the Public Hearing. He stated that he was not in favor of this and still believed, after evaluating the intersection, that it would be a dangerous situation. Mr. Beebe explained that even with signals at the intersection there would still be a problem of traffic backing up. He stressed that he was not in favor of the proposed access. Commissioner Kryder indicated that he believed it would not be a dangerous situation and pointed out that Cal Trans officials and a qualified traffic consultant, who had reviewed the plans, seemed to agree on this point. Chairman Snyder pointed out that simple alternatives were given to the applicant, but were refused. Mr. Williams also pointed out that this area was pedestrian oriented. Commissioner Kryder again expressed his views in this matter and made a motion to approve this case. The motion was dropped due to lack of a second. Motion was made by Commissioner Berkey, seconded by Commissioner Fleshman, to deny this case by adopting Planning Commissioner Resolution No. 547, as written. Carried 4-1, Commissioner Kryder voted No. +wr X. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - NONE XI. COMMENTS Commissioner Miller expressed his views on certain cases that were presented during the meeting. Commissioner Berkey asked to be updated on the Frontage Road situation. Mr. Beebe stated there would be minor changes but these changes would not be made until they let the Frontage Road function for a while. XII. ADJOURNMENT Upon Motion made by Commissioner Kryder, Seconded by Commissioner Berkey, the meeting was adjourned at 10:28 P.M. PAUL A. WI LIAMS, Secretary saw ATTEST: W LTER SNYDER, Chair n /lr