HomeMy WebLinkAbout0415 MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
WEDNESDAY - APRIL 15, 1981
1:00 P.M. - CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
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I. CALL TO ORDER
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Palm Desert Planning Commission was
called to order 1:00 p.m. and due to lack of qaorum it was adjourned until
2:00 p.m. , in the City Hall Council Chambers.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Commissioner Berkey
� III. ROLL CALL
Members Present: Commissioner Kryder
Corrxni ss i oner Berkey
Commissioner McLachlan (portion of ineeting)
Commissioner Richards
Chairman Miller
Staff Present: Ray Diaz, Director of Environmental Services
Stan Sawa, Principal Planner
John Dos Santos, Assistant Planner
Linda Russell , Planning Secretary
Others Present: Barry McClellan, Director of Public Works
Eric Vogt, Fire Marshal
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Minutes of the meeting of March 31, 1981.
Motion was made by Commissioner Berkey, seconded by Commissioner Kryder, to
approve the minutes as written. Carried unanimously (5-0).
V. WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
""' A. Letter from Pacific Coast Builders, Inc. , regarding Desert Falls
Country Club (Tract 15000) . ;
Mr. Diaz explained the letter which stated that there was a misundertanding
on a revised plan for Phase I, TT 15000, on the number of units eliminated. Mr.
Diaz stated that the applicants were requesting that the number of units originally
approved, be reinstated.
Commissioner Berkey and Commissioner Kryder agreed that it was a reasonable
request and approved.
It was noted that the letter was received and filed.
VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Continued Case No. C/Z 01-81 - RANCHO DE LOS COMPAQRES, Applicants
Request for approval of a preannexation Change of Zone, upon
annexation located between Country Club Drive and Frank Sinatra
Drive (extended) and west of Cook Street.
Mr. Diaz reviewed the Commission's concerns, one of which was the 25 acre
corr�nercial development. He explained that all concerns on this matter were addressed
,�,.� i n the draft Resol uti on and recorrmended approval .
Commissioner Kryder asked if the 25 acres would have to be developed or a
portion of it. Mr. Diaz replied that on a 25 acre Development Plan one-half would
have to be developed initially.
Commissioner Berkey was concerned that 3-A-2, of the Resolution, would
preclude overlay zoning. It was agreed to amend that to read: "The future
residential density of any portion of the commercial area shall not exceed the
residential density of the adjacent zoning and development as determined by the
Planning Corr�nission. "
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PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
APRIL 15, 1981 Page Two
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VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS (cont. )
Commisserioner McLachlan expressed his concurrence with staff's recommendation.
There was discussion about the possibility of putting a portion of the
property in the (S) zone. After discussion Commissioner Kryder felt that the
request, as submitted was acceptable.
Commissioner Richards felt 25 acres was too excessive and 10 acres would be
more favorabl e. ,,,,�
Chairman Miller agreed with staff's feelings in terms of keeping the resi-
dential density as proposed and, if necessary, down zoning in the future.
Chairman Miller opened the Public Hearing and asked if the applicant wished
to make a presentation.
MR. ROBERT MCFARLAND, Ballew-McFarland, made a brief presentation indicating
why the project should be approved. He concurred with conditions and asked for
approval .
Chairman Miller asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR OR OPPOSITION
to this case. There being none, the Public Hearing was closed.
Commissioner Richards expressed his concern for the location of the
commercial development.
Mr. Diaz stated that if Commission was concerned for the undeveloped area, a
condition could be added to read: " Any undeveloped portion shall not remain in a
fallow condition but shall be landscaped as approved by the City of Palm Desert. "
Commission concurred.
There was further discussion on development of the final 122 acres of the
commercial area, which is not part of the initial development. Commissioner McLachl� �;
felt that it could be reviewed further when the Master Plan is submitted.
;
Motion was made by Commissioner Berkey, seconded by Commissioner Kryder, to
approve this case by adoption of Planning Commission Resolution No. 695, as amended.
Carried 4-1-0, with Commissioner Richards voting no.
B. Continued Case No. CUP 02-81 - ROBIN SHOU, Applicant
Request for approval of a Conditional Use Permit to allow the
operation of an electronic games arcade in a 1,000 square foot
building within the C-1, S.P. (General Commercial , Scenic
Preservation Overlay) zone, located at 73-180 Hwy 111.
Mr. Diaz reviewed the Resolution of Approval and conditions. He noted the
applicant was not present.
Chairman Miller opened the Public Hearing and asked if anyone present wished
to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to this case. There being none, the Public Hearing
was closed.
Commission agreed that Condition No. 4 was not enforceable, therefore, it
was revised to read: "That there be one employee on the premises during the hours
of operation. "
..w
Motion was made by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner McLachlan
to approve this case by adoption of Planning Commission Resolution No. 696, as
revised. Carried unanimously (5-0).
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PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
APRIL 15, 1981 Page Three
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VI. PUBLIi; HEARINGS (cont. )
C. Case Nos. C/Z 02-81, DP 02-81, DP 03-81, TT 15633, TT 15640,
and PM 17474 - SUNRISE COMPANY and ENGINEERING SERVICE CORPORATION,
Applicants
Request for approval of (1) a Change of Zone from PC (2) SP and
P (Public Institution) to PR-4 and PR-4, S.P. (2) a Development
�lan for a 17,500 sq.ft. office building, (3) a Development Plan
for a 1,650 unit condominium project with recreational facilities
"� (4) and two Tentative Tract Maps for the 1,650 unit condominium
project, and (5) a Parcel Map to create two (2) parcels.
Mr. Sawa presented this case summarizing the staff report. He discussed the
proposed Change of Zone and residential and commercial development plans. He
noted staff's recommendation that applicant pay a $100/unit fee for fire protection
facilities. Additionally, he reviewed the Tentative Tract Maps briefly discussing
the required findings and justifications required to recommend approval to the
City Council .
Commissioner Richards asked for a clarification on the phasing of the golf
course development, which Mr. Sawa explained. He also questioned the $100/unit
fee. Mr. Diaz explained why staff felt it was necessary and noted that the developer
agreed with this condition.
There was discussion on how fees should be assessed equally to all developments
outside of the 5 minute response area. It was agreed that an Ordinance should be
adopted at a later date.
Commissioner Berkey felt that an SP overlay should be added to the gas station
located on the SW corner. Mr. Diaz agreed.
Chairman Miller opened the Public Hearing and asked if the applicant wished
to make a presentation.
r..�
MR. JACK CONLON, 41-500 Monterey, asked for,a clarification on the traffic
signalization fee. Mr. McClellan, Director of Pub1ic Works, stated it would be
$50 per unit. Mr. Diaz added that this fee is set by City Ordinance.
Mr. Conlon explained the concept behind the phasing of the project.
Commissioner McLachlan asked what the concept was for the gas station. Mr.
Conlon explained that the gas station would be available for the membership and
would be screened.
Commissioner Kryder asked if it would be open to the public. Mr. Conlon
replied that it might have to be. He noted that he concurred with the fees set
for fire protection but concurred with the suggestion of adopting an Ordinance
requiring fees for fire protection. He also explained that the existing overhead
utilities on the south side of Country Club cannot be undergrounded according to
Southern California Edison. He introduced Mr. Carl Garczynski to explain the process
of water evaporation from lakes and grass.
MR. CARL GARCZYNSKI, 44-728 Buckingham, Indio, explained why there is less
evaporation from lakes than a comparable area of turf.
MR. HARLEN GLEN, Registered Engineer, gave an example which illustrated the
point made by Mr. Garczynski .
"r Mr. Vogt, Fire Marshal , explained how he arrived at the $100/unit and felt
that the developer should participate in the funding. He also explained that the
location of the fire station, at the corner of Monterey and Country Club, would be
joint with Rancho Mirage.
Chairman Miller asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION
to this case. There being none, the Public Hearing was closed.
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APRIL 15, 1981 Page Four
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VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS (cont. )
There was discussion regarding concerns over the gas station location and
availability to the public as well as members. Mr. Diaz stated that since a
Development Plan is required for the gas station details of the design and location
could be reviewed then.
Motion was made by Corranissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner McLachlan,
to recommend approval to the City Council of Case Nos. C/Z 02-81, TT 15633, and
TT 15640, by adoption of Planning Comnission Resolution Nos. 697, 698 and 699; and ;
approve Case Nos. DP 02-81, DP 03-81 and PM 17474 by Planning Commission Resolution �
Nos. 700, 701 and 702, subject to conditions. Carried unanimously (5-0).
A FIVE MINUTE RECESS WAS CALLED AT 4:00 P.M. - MEETING RECONVENED AT 4:05 P.M.
COMMISSIONER MCLACHLAN WAS EXCUSED FROM THE MEETING.
D. Case No. ZOA 04-81 - CITY OF PALM DESERT, Applicant
Request for consideration of change in City parking requirements.
Mr. Diaz presented this case reviewing the staff report and recommending
approval .
This item was discussed by Corranission and staff and because further study
was necessary, it was decided to continue the matter to May 5, 1981.
Motion was made by Comnissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Berkey,
to continue this case to May 5, 1981, for further study. Carried unanimously (4-0).
E. Case No. ZOA 05-81 - CITY OF PALM DESERT and RITTER AND ASSOCIATES,
Applicants
Mr. Sawa presented this case reviewing the request and stated that staff J
would like a six month tr�al period to see how it worked in the Presidents' Plaza
parking lot. f�
Commissioner Kryder asked if staff observed any problems so far. Mr. Sawa
noted that trash was being put on the ground around the bins.
Motion was made by Corrmissioner Berkey, seconded by Commissioner Kryder, to
continue this case for six months. Carried unanimously (4-0).
F. Case No. ZOA 06-81 - CITY OF PALM DESERT, Applicant
Request for modification of Time Extension Procedures.
Mr. Diaz reviewed the staff report stating that the amendment would delete
the requirement of a Public Hearing for time extensions. He noted that public
input in the past had been very minimal . Staff suggested that future time exten-
sions be handled as part of the consent calendar.
Motion was made by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Berkey,
to approve this amendment by adoption of Planning Commission Resolution No. 703.
Carried unanimousiy (4-Oj.
VII. OLD BUSTNESS �
A. Case No. GPA 01-80 (continued) - CITY OF PALM DESERT, Applicant
This item was continued to the meeting of May 5, 1981.
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PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
APRIL 15, 1981 Page Five
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VIII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Mobile Homes - Zoning and Implementation of SB 1960.
Mr. Dos Santos reviewed the staff report and the options available.
Staff recommended option No. 3, which would redesignate areas currently zoned for
Mobil Homes to Single Family Conventional and Mobile Home Residential .
Commissioner Berkey asked what areas would be affected. Mr. Dos Santos
� replied that there were two annexations presently zoned RM. Commissioner Berkey
asked if there were any areas in the City that this would affect. Mr. Dos Santos
replied all existing RM zones would be affected.
Commissioner Berkey felt that legal counsel might be needed to insure that
this procedure would be in compliance with the state law.
Commissioner Kryder felt that the intent was to allow Mobile Homes on Single
Family Residential lots.
Mr. Diaz explained that while the Mobile Home Association might disagree,
staff felt that Palm Desert already permits Mobile Homes in the City.
Discussion continued regarding other available options and it was decided
that option three, as recommended b.y staff, would meet the intent.
Minute Motion was made by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Corrmissioner
Berkey, to adopt option three. Carried unanimously (4-0).
B. Request for initiation of a Zoning Ordinance Amendment to
reduce property line setback for swimming pools.
Mr. Diaz explained that Mr. Thomas G. Harris requested an amendment to
allow 3 ft. setback between a swimming pool and a property l.ine. Mr. Hill ,
""' Director of Building and Safety, gave reasons as to why he objected to this amend-
ment. Therefore, staff recorr�nended denial .
Minute Motion was made by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner
Berkey, to deny this request. Carried unanimousiy (4-0) .
IX. DESIGN REVIEW BOARD ITEMS
Preliminary plan approvals by the Design Review Board at their meeting
of April 7, 1981, requiring Planning Commission confirmation.
A. Case No. 145 C: CROCKER NATTONAL BANK - Mr. Sawa presented this case
stating that Des�gn Review Board reviewed and approved this request with conditions.
He reviewed the location and the conditions and recommended approval .
Motion was made by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Berkey,
to confirm the actions of the Board in this case, by adoption of Planning Cor►mission
Resolution No. 704. Carried unanimously (4-0) .
X. DISCUSSION ITEMS - NONE
XI. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - NONE
,,,,,, X I I. COMMENTS - NONE
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Kryder,
to adjourn the meeting at 5:10 P.M. Carried unanimously (4-0).
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ATTEST: , RA ON A. DIAZ, Secre ary
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CHA L N�Il�LE�, �i rman