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HomeMy WebLinkAbout0514 MINUTES - PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING WEDNESDAY - MAY 14, 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 at1:00 P.M. by Chairman Miller in the City Hall Council Chambers. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Commissioner Berkey III. ROLL CALL � Members Present: Commissioner Berkey Commissioner Kryder Commissioner McLachlan Chairman Miller Staff Present: Paul Williams, Director of Environmental Services Stan Sawa, Associate Planner Linda Russell , Planning Secretary Others Present: Clybe Beebe, Director of Public Works Martin �ouman, City Manager Dave Ortegal , Fire Marshal A. Seating of New Planning Commissioner Mr. James Richards took the Oath of Office during study session; he was welcomed and seated on the Planning Commission. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Minutes of regular meeting of April 29, 1980. Mr. Williams noted two corrections: �... Page 2, 8th paragraph, second sentence; delete "for the climate". Page 4, under ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, second paragraph; amend to read "Mr. Williams explained that the project had not yet cleared environmental review". V. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - NONE VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Case Nos. DP Q3-$0 and VAR 03-80 - STEIN-BRIEF/UISTA, Applicant Request for approval of a Development Plan to construct a 414 unit hotel/condomini,um complex with maximum yield of 828 hotel rooms, a 21,365 square foot racquet club and 50,000 square feet of commer- cial and professional spaces and a Variance to allow additional ingress/egress points from adjacent streets, deviation from perimeter landscaping screening standards and deviation from parking requirements for public assembly spaces, on approximately 29.29 gross acres, within the PC (4) , S.P. (Planned Commercial , Resort, Scenic Preservation Overlay) zone, generally located at the south- west corner of Highway 111 and 44th Avenue. Mr. Williams presented this case stating that all Public Notices had been � sent out. He began by pointing out the location and the �oning for the proposed project. Mr. Williams then described the layout and proposed uses, which included: Hotel/Condominium complex, Racquet Club, Restaurant, Commercial Shops, Office/Prof- essional Building, and a commercial Bank. Mr. Williams indicated that the zoning standards related to the PC Zone were questioned by the City Council and Planning Commission, but felt that it could be modified by the approval of a Development Plan. Mr. Williams related to the Commission three requested exceptions to the Development Standards by the applicant, which Staff fe1t were justified. He then reviewed the variances requested which were in regards to access points, screening and parking for tournament events. Staff recommended that the requested variance for access points and screening be granted but the parking spaces variance not be granted. MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY �4, 1980 Page Two ********************************************************************************** VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS (Continued) The primary concerns related to this project were pointed out by Mr. Williams as being: (1) Office Building -- Staff's recommendation was to reserve that area for future building site to be compatible with that Development; and, (2) a Commer- cial Bank, which Staff recommended to not be considered. In regards to Hotel Operation, Mr. Williams felt that as long as the operation was the same as a hotel , multiple ownership would not create a problem. He also indicated there were a few design considerations which were addressed in the Special Conditions. ,� Mr. Williams concluded his presentation stating that Staff felt that the overall project site, design, and proposed uses, were acceptable (except for the Bank and Office Building) . He briefly reviewed some of the conditions and recom- mended approval subject to the specific conditions stated. Commissioner Berkey asked if there were any changes made to the major access point to conform with Clyde Beebe, City Engineer. Mr. Williams replied that it would be considered as a part of the subdivision map, which the applicant was willing to review thoroughly at that time. Commissioner McLachlan asked why the courts were separated from the rest of the project. He was concerned in terms of adequate parking. Mr. Williams explained briefly why the applicant designed it that way and did feel there was sufficient parking. Commissioner Berkey expressed a concern for the condition which stated that the owners of the units were limited to 30 days occupancy which was tied together with the C.C. & R's. Commissioner Berkey noted that the City does not enforce the C.C. & R's and felt that further clarification was needed. Commissioner Richards felt that this was not a Resort Hotel because the Hotel did not have any facilities for dining or large groups, and the ti�sity alloweu for this zoning was not in conformance with the required Resort Hotel amenities. ,,,� Commissioner Berkey also noted that Special Condition No. l, second paragraph, needed a better clarification. It was agreed to change that condition to read as follows: "Hotel Lobby Building, containing 3,300 sq. ft. , including 1,200 sq. ft. of ancillary commercial space. " Chairman Miller opened the Public Hearing and asked for the applicant to make a presentation. MR. DAVID STEIN, Owner, briefly explained why they acquired that location and what the future plans were. He also explained why they were using the concept of individual ownership. He felt that the total design, including the professional office building and bank, was favorable to this area. MR. JIM SMITH, Stein-Brief/Vista Group, addressed three Special Conditions, which were Nos. 2, 3, and 4. In regards to No. 2 (Office building) Mr. Smith felt that office uses were ancillary uses to a Resort Hotel and asked that the Commission consider this conditian. He objected to No. 4 stating that this condition was too strict in terms of what furnishings can be used. He stressed that this complex would be used as a hotel . Commissioner Richards pointed out that there are no dining facilities and conference rooms. Mr. Stein stated that there could be conference rooms included. Commissioner Berkey stated that there would be a Public Hearing on the � PC (4) Zone on June 3rd and felt that this was not the time to consider the pro- posed uses. MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY �4, 1980 Page Three ************************************************************************************ VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued) Mr. Stein stated that he could not justify the uses but would wait until the Public Hearing. He stated that he would like to label the office building and bank as ancillary 1 and 2 now, and later bring more information to the Commission. Commissioner Richards explained that the City enforces a Transient Occupancy Tax, he felt that the hotel/condo complex would affect the revenue stream for the � City. Mr. Stein briefly explained the financial aspects of the project. Commissioner Kryder explained to the applicant that they should keep in mind that the Office Building is not an ancillary use to the Hotel . Mr. Stein felt that there is a compromise between Planning and Applicants and asked for consideration. Chairman Miller asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to this case. MR. DON STAGE, 1313 Sandpiper, addressed his concern over the possible building of a bridge across Painters Path. Mr. Williams indicated that the Staff's recommended"Conditions of Approval recommend a cul-de-sac in that area. Mr. Stage was also concerned that the year round rental might not succeed. Mr. Stein explained that if it failed it would fail as any other hotel , but was certain it would succeed. Mr. Stage pointed out that if it failed the individual owners would then have a problem of renting thei,r. units. Commissioner Kryder asked the applicant if the common property would be shared by the owners. Mr. Stein stated that they would have private membership. Commissioner McLachlan also explained why the project would be successful if they included a dining area and convention center. Commissioner Berkey stated that the Commission was not prepared to act "�" on this project at this time and that there were a lot of unanswered questions that could be solved in time. He felt a continuance was in order. Motion was made by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Kryder, to continue this case to June 18th. Carried unanimously (5-0) . VII. OLD BUSINESS - NONE VIII. NEW BUSINESS A. Coachella Valley Water District - construction of an eight inch diameter collection sewer within E1 Cortez Way, between Portola Avenue on the west and Santa Ynez on the east, an approximate length of 1,300 feet. Mr. Williams recommended that the Planning Commission find the project to be in compliance with the Palm Desert General Plan. Motion was made by Commissioner Berkey, seconded by Commissioner Kryder, to adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 597, finding this project to be in compliance with the Palm Desert General Plan. Carried unanimously (5-0) . � IX. DESIGN REVIEW BOARD ITEMS Consideration of cases acted on by the Design Review Board at their meeting of Apri1 22, 1980. Case No. 113 C - Mr. Sawa presented this case giving the location and background. He stated that the Board reviewed it and required some revisions. Mr. Sawa reviewed those revisions and recommended approval . There was some discussion in regards to the revisions. The Commission felt they were good revisions and upon motion made by Commissioner Kryder, seconded by Commissioner Berkey, this Design Review Board action was approved by adoption of Planning Commission Resolution No. 598. Carried unanimously (5-0) . MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 14, 1980 Page Four ********************************************************************************* X. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Determination of suntan booths as personal service. Mr. Williams reviewed the letter received by Madeline Brechlin. He stated that the Staff reviewed the Ordinance and found that it was a "stand alone" acitivity. He pointed out that the length of stay from customers was short and the parking required seemed excessive. He recommended that it be determined as a Personal Service. By Minute Motion the Commission agreed to approve suntan booths as ' Personal Services ;when provided as a single use. `� B. League of California Cities statement concerning Proposition 9, the State Income Tax Reduction Initiative. There was no comment from the Commission on this matter. C. Referral of proposed Council Resolution setting forth funding and timing program to meet the required conditions for the development of a regional center. THERE WAS A FIVE MINUTE RECESS Mr. Williams explained that the City Council has scheduled a Public Hearing on June 5th in regards to the funding and timing of the required conditions for the Palm Desert Town Center. The Council referred the nroposal to the Planning Commission for comments. Mr. Williams then asked Mr. Bouman, City Manager, to present the program. Mr. Bouman gave a lengthy detailed presentation on the program, referring to Exhibit A of Resolution No. 80-58. The 'tab�e included (for each project) : estimated cost; the responsibility of the cost; and, remarks and estimated date of completion. #: The Commission discussed on the matter, and one point Commissioner Berkey � brought up was in reference to the Affordable Housing, which was to be funded by UDAG. He stated that it should be clarified that the City is considering proposed revisions to the General Plan on some locations for greater density and the possibility of rezoning. After some discussion on that matter the Commission determined that the proposed program provides for the mitigation measures and conditions as approved by the Commission when the project was review. XI. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - NONE XII. COMMENTS Mr. Williams addressed the Commission on three matters: (1) The Columbia Savings and Loan undergrounding was compeleted and Landscaping should be completed within the month; (2) The Hope Lutheran parking lot is in sequence with the approval of Planning Commission; (3) Mrs. Gallo expressed her opposition to the parking lot across Fairway. XIII. ADJOURNMENT Motion was made by Commissioner Kryder, seconded by Commissioner Richards, � to adjourn the meeting at 3:50 P.M. ��-f'� ,,,�j � �� � ��, `����o�,���_��,�-�.- PAUL A. WILLIAMS, Secretary ATTEST: �a � CH S MI LER, airman /lr