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Home My WebLink About0416 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING WEDNESDAY - APRIL 16, 1980 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 in the City Hall Council Chambers. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Commissioner Berkey � III. ROLL CALL Members Present: Commissioner Berkey Commissioner Kryder Commissioner Miller Chairman Snyder Staff Present: Paul Williams, Director of Environmental Services Stan Sawa, Associate Planner John Dos Santos, Assistant Planner Linda Russell , Planning Secretary Others Present: Sheila Gilligan, City Clerk Chairman Snyder asked City Clerk, Sheila Gilligan, to administer the oath to Dr. Robert R. McLachlan for the seat of Planning Commissioner. Congradulations were offered by all the Planning Commission members. _' IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Minutes of regular meeting of April 1, 1980. Upon motion made by Commissioner Berkey, seconded by Commissioner Kryder, �r the Minutes were approved as submitted. Carried unanimously (5-0) . V. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS A. Correspondence from C�horal Pepper. Mr. Williams reviewed the letter received from Choral Pepper which was in regard to a request for consideration of a change of zone. Ms. Pepper explained in her letter what the previous zoning was and the purposes used for this property (corner of Larrea and Lantana) . Mr. Williams stated that Ms. Pepper is presently asking for this property to be considered for a zone change to commercial . He suggested that this letter be added to the other letters received to be considered as a pa.rt of the General Plan Update and inform her of this action. Chairman Snyder asked Staff if the updating of the General Plan would alleviate the problem. Mr. Williams stated that a General Plan Amendment would have to be filed rather than a change of zone and since it is in the process of being updated, this should be considered along with all other related letters the City has received. The Commission concurred with Staff and gave direction as suggested by Mr. Williams. B. Correspondence from Ms. Pat Marti� of Ballew-McFarland. � Mr. Williams explained that this letter dealt with the same issue previously discussed regarding acceptable uses for PDR Associates on February 20, 1980. He stated that at that time, the Commission elected to discuss Professional and General uses at a later time because of incomplete information. Mr. Williams suggested that Commission review the submitted information and consider this matter at the next meeting, adding that Staff would prepare a full report by that time. MINdTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION APRIL 16, 1980 Page -2- * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * V. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS (continued) Commissioner Berkey concurred that this should just be deferred until Staff prepares a full report. He did suggest that in the preparation that Staff should look into Resort Hotels rather than Metropolitan Hotels. He then gave a list of some hotels to be used as examples: Arizona Biltmore, Santa Barbara Biltmore, Del Coronado, Riviera, Palm Springs Spa, La Costa, � and Canyon. .� Chairman Snyder asked if the applicant cared to make any comments. "�' MR. STEVE FLESHMAN, 73-241 Highway 111, stated that the interpretation of hotel related uses was a problem because the proposed project wo��ld not have a hotel . He proceeded to explain why they used Metropolitan Hotels rather than Resort Hotels in their study. He concluded stating that they are trying to fill a void in some office uses and to create a 24-hour type complex. He asked for consideration of the second floor to be used for Professional and General office uses. Chairman Snyder asked Staff how long it would take for their report to be completed. Mr. Williams replied that it would be ready for the April 29th meeting. Commission concurred and directed Staff to get a full report on this matter with Commissioner Berkey' s suggestion to survey the hotels mentioned. Mr. Steve Fleshman addressed the Commission on the matter of a future _' study on the impact of the P.C. (4) zone in terms of how well it functions in relation to E1 Paseo. Commissioner Berkey agreed and suggested that Mr. Jim McLaughlin be asked to make a presentation to the Commission as a part of a study session. � "s VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS - NONE "�� VII . OLD BUSINESS - NONE VIII. NEW BUSINESS A. Consideration for initiation of a Public Hearing to amend the Sign Ordinance, relative to the provision of directional signs for courtyard or plaza businesses. Mr. Williams briefly explained that there was a problem of proper ide-ntification for courtyard businesses. He illustrated two examples provided pointing out the difference in size and the alternatives. He suggested that by Resolution, the Commission initiate a hearing for June 3rd. A short discussion proceeded in regard to how much would be permitted to be put on the individual businesses' signs. Upon a motion by Commissioner Kryder, seconded by Commissioner Berkey, a Public Hearing was initiated by Planning Commission Resolution No 589. Carried unanimously (5-Q) . ,,, IX. DESIGN REVIEW BOARD ITEMS. 203 MF - Mr. Sawa presented this case showing the location of the project. He stated that the Board reviewed the plans and had required some revisions. He reviewed these revisions and also showed the elevations. 204 MF - Mr. Sawa presented this case stating that the Commission previous—Ty approved this project with the secondary access on Via Cinta. He stated that the Board recommended that the secondary access be used for emergency access only and left turns be allowed from Cook Street. Mr. Sawa recommended approval . MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION APR�L 16, 1980 Page -"�- * * * * * * * * * * � * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * IX. DESIGN REVIEW BOARD ITEMS (continued) Commissioner Kryder felt that there would be traffic hazard problems if left turns across Cook Street were the only means of going south -From the project, for this reason he did not agree with the Board that the closing off of Via Cinta would be advisable. Commissioner Miller stated he wanted the access from Via Cinta to remain as a secondary access because it would create a traffic flow split. Commissioner Berkey agreed that the access from Via Cinta sh�uld remain as a secondary access also, but felt the Board was correct in allowing � left turns on Cook Street. Chairman Snyder asked if the applicant cared to add any comments. MR. JOHN BALLEW, Ballew-McFarland, emphasized what he believed was agreed and approved by the Commission at the meeting of April 1st, regarding access from Cook Street and Via Cinta. He felt that since both accesses were approved, with left turns, they should not be changed. He added that he did not foresee any traffic or stacking problems. Chairman Snyder concluded the discussion stating that the Commission determined it to be properly feasible for the Tentative Tract Map to show provisions of left turn pockets on Cook Street and Via Cinta. Staff was directed to add to the Resolution, after NOW, THEREFORE. . . No. 2, " except that on Case No. 204 MF, the Via Cinta opening shall be a secondary access. " Upon motion made by Commissioner Kryder, seconded by Commissioner Miller, -� th? Design Review Board cases were determined acceptable by Planning Commission Resolution No. 590, as amended. Carried unanimously (5-0) . At this time, Chairman Snyder expressed how much he enjoyed the job as Planning Commissioner and how important the job of the Planning Commission is. He submitted his resignation and turned the meeting over to Vice Chairman, �"` Charles Miller. X. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Continued Discussion - General Plan Update, relative to the Conservation/Open Space/Recreation Element. Mr. Williams reviewed with the Commission what remained to be reviewed, the procedures and time �le^�ent for the General Plan Update. He then turned the discussion over to Assistant Planner, John Dos Santos. The Commission continued to review these elements and gave their input to Staff. Commissioner McLachlan was excused from the meeting at 3:00 P.M. XI. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - NONE XII. COMMENTS The Commission agreed to adopt a Planning Commission Resolution thanking Walter Snyder for his services and wishing him well in his duties as Councilman. � Upon motion made by Commissioner Kryder, seconded by Commissioner Berkey, Planning Commission Resolution No. 591, was adopted. Carried unanimously (3-0). XIII. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion made by Commissioner Kryder, seconded by Commissioner Berkey, the meeting was adjourned at 3:16 p. . �:�'��`�w.�.�.✓ PAUL A. WILLIAMS, Secretary ATTEST: _ U G� � CHARLES I LER, Vice Chairman