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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1015 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING WEDNESDAY - OCTOBER 15, 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 1:05 p.m. by Chairman Miller in the City Hall Council Chambers. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Commissioner Richards �.. III. ROLL CALL Members Present: Commissioner Berkey Commissioner McLachlan Commissioner Richards Chairman Miller Members Excused Absent: Commissioner Kryder Staff Present: Carlos Ortega, Acting Director of Environmental Services Stan Sawa, Associate Planner Linda Russell , Planning Secretary IV. ANNUAL ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR NEXT YEAR (1980-81) . Commissioner Berkey nominated Chairman Miller, Commissioner McLachlan seconded, to re-elect Chairman Miller as Planning Commission Chairman for the year 1980-81. Carried unanimously (4-0). Commissioner Berkey nominated Commissioner Kryder, Commissioner Richards seconded, to re-elect Commissioner Kryder as Planning Commission Vice-Chairman for the year 1980-81. Carried unanimously (4-0). r... V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Minutes of regular meeting of September 30, 1980. Motion was made by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner McLachlan, to approve the minutes as submitted. Carried unanimously (4-0). AT THIS TIME, MR. BOUMAN, CITY MANAGER, ADDRESSED THE COMMISSION REGARDING THE NEWLY APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES. Mr. Bouman informed the Commission that the new Director of Environmental Services was Mr. Ramon Diaz of West Covina. Mr. Diaz is currently the Planning Director of West Covina and he will be taking his position with the City of Palm Desert on November 17, 1980. VI. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - NONE VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Continued Case No. DP 10-80 - ROBERT R. MCLACHLAN and KURT DONAT ASSOCIATES, Applicants A request for approval of a Development Plan to allow construction of a 49 unit motel and associated 30,000 sq.ft. athletic club on *MW 3.92 acres within the PC (4) , S.P. (Resort Commercial , Scenic Preservation Overlay) zone generally located 900 feet east of Hwy 111, between Park View Drive and Cactus Drive. Commissioner McLachlan was excused from this case because of a Conflict of Interest. Mr. Sawa presented this case stating that this item was continued from the last meeting, September 30th, and since then there were two changes made to the plan. These changes were: 1) Increased setback to 45 ft for athletic club; and, 2) . A modified cul-de-sac on Cholla Drive. Mr.Sawa reviewed the site plan and recommended approval . MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 15, 1980 Page Two VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS (cont. ) Chairman Miller noted that Commissioner Berkey was absent at the last meeting but he did listen to the tape of that meeting, September 30, 1980. Mr. Sawa also noted that Commissioner Kryder was unable to attend today's meeting but submitted a letter expressing his feelings on this case. Mr. Sawa read the letter which stated Commissioner Kryder did not feel this type of development was appropriate for the proposed site because it was too close to an R-1 zone and felt a buffer zone should be considered. Chairman Miller opened the Public Hearing asking if the applicant cared to make a presentation. MR. KURT DONAT, Architect, 446 No. Newport, Newport Beach, explained that the changes were made to the plan because of the concerns expressed at the last meeting. He noted that the Oleander hedge between the project and the residential area would somewhat serve as a buffer. Commissioner Berkey asked Mr. Donat to explain the drainage plan ;in that this was one concern expressed by the nearby residents on the east of the proprosal project. Mr. Donat replied that there was no drainage plan as yet but that if the project was approved they would comply with the Coachella Valley Water District requirements for improvements to Magnesia Falls. fie added that they do recognize the problem and it would be considered. Commissioner Berkey asked Mr. Donat if they could increase the setback from the easterly property to 46 feet. Mr. Donat replied that they could. Commissioner Richards was also concerned for the flooding probelms the project might create. There was a brief discussion regarding the water flow, in which Mr. Donat explained that the on-site water would flow to Park View towards the channel . Chairman Miller asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to this project. OPPOSITION: BARBARA MOSS, 72-445 Park View, stated she was a Realtor and a neighbor and expressed her concerns on the flow of traffic, flooding, and the 23 ft. high Building. She also noted she was not legally notified. PAUL MILLER, stated that the underground drainage system was not adequate. He felt that there was a conflict of interest and objected to this. He also felt that a setback should be increased to not less than 75 feet. FAVOR: AL MURPHY, 39166 Moranga Canyon, stated he was very much interested in a development of a Racquet Club facility. He pointed out that this facility would be enclosed and there would not be noise or traffic impact to the neighboring residents. He felt the architectural design was good. Commissioner Richards explained how and why the zoning was changed in 1975. He expressed his views on the project stating that he would like the athletic building lowered 5 or 6 feet. He felt there was a motel needed in the City, therefore, was in favor of the project. Chairman Miller felt that the zoning for this area was fine but he had sympathy for Mr. Paul Miller's concerns. MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 15, 1980 Page Three VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS (Cont. ) Mr. Donat assured everyone that every means will be considered for the drainage problem and that they would divert the water in a proper fashion. He also pointed out that it would not be economically feasible to move the athletic building 75 feet from the east property line. Chairman Miller closed the Public Hearing. %NW Commissioner Berkey explained that when Palm Desert incorporated and the new General Plan was adopted, the lots on the west side of the City had not been developed over 10 years. He stated that someone came along and wanted the PC zone, Public Hearings were made and there were no arguments at that time. He, therefore, felt that strict attention should be given to the existing zoning. lie motioned to approve this case with the following revisions: Standard Condition No. 10: "Curb, gutter, sidewalk or approved pathways, and tie-in paving and drainage shall be provided in conformance with City Standards and/or as required by the Director of Public Works. " Add Special Condition No. 13: "Increase setback between Athletic Club and east property line from 45 feet to 46 feet. " The motion was seconded by Commissioner Richards and unanimously approved by adoption of Planning Commission Resolution No. 647. Carried (3-0-1) with Commissioner McLachlan abstaining. B. Continued Case Nos. C/Z 02-80, CUP 12-80, and 219 MF - WATT INDUSTRIES, Applicant A request for approval of a Change of Zone from PR-7, S.P. (Planned Residnetial , 7 d.u./ac. maximum density, Scenic Preservation) to R-2 (6) , S.P. (Single Family Residential , %ON 6000 sq.ft./d.u. maximum density Scenic Preservation), a Conditional Use Permit and Related Design Review Case to allow the construction of 128 single family zero lot .line dwelling units and associated recreational amenities on 18.72 acres located at the northeast intersection of 44th Avenue and the Palm Valley Storm Channel . Mr. Sawa presented this case reviewing the staff report. He stated that the proposed zoning would allow a variety in housing choice and would be consistent with the Housing Element. He described the proposed project design pointing out that this project would have to coordinate with the street improvement designs being prepared for the Regional Shopping Center. He further explained the dwelling unit approach, driveways, and the architectural design. Mr. Sawa stated that the Design Review Board reviewed this case and continued it because of concerns; he reviewed those concerns and stated that .the _revised plans were approved subject to conditions. He reconriiended approval . Commissioner Richards was concerned for the units that are next to the channel . He asked Mr. Sawa what type of protection would be provided. Mr. Sawa explained that there would be a 6 foot block wall and in addition to that there would be channel landscaping or bank rip-rap. Commissioner McLachlan asked what type of street parking would be available. Mr. Sawa stated that there would be enough space provided for a driveway and a one-car on-street parking for each unit. tow Chairman Miller opened the Public Hearing asking if the applicant cared to make a presentation. BETTY WILLIAMS, President of Watt Industries, explained that this type of housing development is lacking and this development would be needed for the Hahn Center employees. She added that this would fill the Housing Market for the lower income citizens With prices between $103,000 to $113,000. MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 15, 1980 Page Four * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS (cont. ) MR. STAN MORRIS, Consulting Engineer, 73-255 E1 Paseo, also explained how the project would be protected from the storm channel . Chairman Miller aksed if there was anyone present who wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to this case. There being none, the Public Hearing was closed. Motion was made by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner McLachlan, to approve this case by adoption of Planning Commission Resolution No. 648. Carried unanimously (4-0). C. Case No. TT 13881 - DAME CONSTRUCTION COMPANY and WEBB ENGINEERING, Applicants. Request for approval of a Tentative Subdivision Map (Phases III and IV of an expired Tentative Tract Map) to allow 294 dwelling units on approximately 111 acres within the PR-5 (Planned Residential , max. 5 d.u./ac. ) zone located on the west side of Portola Avenue and north of the Whitewater Storm Channel . Mr. Sawa noted that a letter was received from the applicant requesting a continuance to an indefinite time. Chairman Miller opened the Public Hearing asking if anyone wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to this case. There being none, motion was made by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner McLachlan, to continue this case indefinitely. Carried unanimously (4-0) . VIII. OLD BUSINESS - NONE IX. NEW BUSINESS moo A. Presentation of Resolution of Commendation for L. Clyde Beebe. Chairman Miller presented a Resolution of Commendation to Mr. Beebe, former Public Works Director. Mr. Beebe accepted the Resolution and expressed his gratitude. B. Resolution of Commendation for Murrel Crump. Motion was made by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner McLachlan, to approve the Planning Commission Resolution No. 649, commending Murrel Crump, former Principal Planner. Carried unanimously (4-0). C. Designation of Acting Zoning Administrator and Acting Secretary to the Planning Commission. It was noted that Stan Sawa would be designated as Acting Zoning Administrator and Acting Secretary to the Planning Commission until the new Director of Environmental Services begins his position. V. DESIGN REVIEW BOARD ITEMS - NONE XI. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. New requirements for notification of Public Hearings. Staff informed the Commission that in addition to the present requirements it would be required from the applicant to also provide a list of addresses of all parcels within 300 feet of the project. After some discussion the Commission also asked Staff to consider posting signs near the proposed projects. MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 15, 1980 Page Five * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * XI. DISCUSSION ITEMS (cont. ) B. Information Packet on General Plan to be sent to residences. Mr. Sawa informed the Commission that the Information Packets would be sent out sometime in early November. Commissioner McLachlan felt that the terminology would be confusing to the public and should be revised using simpler wording. The Commission concurred and r.. requested Staff to revise the summary. XII. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - NONE XIII. COMMENTS Commissioner Richards inquired about the development off of Cook. Mr. Ortega informed him that it would be a Sports Center. XIV. ADJOURNMENT Motion was made by Commissioner Berkey, seconded by Commissioner Richards, to adjourn the meeting at 2:55 P.M. MIN SAWA, Acting Secretary ATTEST: CHARL S MIL ER, Chairman /lr