Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout0819 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING WEDNESDAY - AUGUST 19, 1981 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 Vice Chairman Kryder in the City Hall Council Chambers. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Commissioner Richards III. ROLL CALL Members Present: Commissioner Berkey Commissioner Richards Commissioner Wood Vice Chairman Kryder Excused Absent: Chairman Miller Staff Present: Ramon Diaz, Director of Environmental Services Steve Smith, Associate Planner Phil Drell , Assistant Planner Linda Russell , Planning Secretary Others Present: Barry McClellan, Director of Public Works IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: August 4, 1981 Motion was made by Commissioner Berkey, seconded by Commissioner Wood, to approve the Minutes as submitted. Carried (4-0). V. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION Mr. Diaz reviewed the actions of the Council meeting of August 13, 1981. VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Continued Case No. DP 08-81 - JDF FINANCIAL CORPORATION and WILLIAM E. SEXTON, Applicants Request for approval of a commercial development plan to allow construction of a 172 unit condotel on 7.27 acres in the PC (4) ; S.P. zone located on the south side of Highway 111, approximately 300 feet east of Shadow Hills Road. Mr. Diaz stated that Cal Trans would not allow direct access to Highway 111 or slip ramps. Cal Trans felt it would create a traffic hazard; the possibility of installing traffic signals to prevent a traffic hazard was discussed with Cal Trans but they felt that the signals would be too close to the others located at Cook Street and Deep Canyon Road. Mr. Diaz indicated that the installation of a median curb was also discussed with Cal Trans but they still felt they could not allow access to Highway 111. Commissioner Richards was dismayed at Cal Trans decision and offered alternate solutions. The Commission discussed the possibility of signalization for this project and the hotel development directly across Hwy 111 (Granada Royal ). Vice Chairman Kryder opened the hearing and asked the applicant if he wished to make a presentation. MR. BILL SEXTON, Architect, explained that there would be a shopping center developing adjacent to this development, which was in the Indian Wells' city limits and they were allowed two accesses to Highway 111 from Cal Trans in San Diego. MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 19, 1981 Page Two * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS (cont. ) Discussion ensued regarding the possibility of the applicant sharing the accesses with the shopping center. Mr. Diaz advised Commission that permission would be needed by the City of Indian Wells. Commissioner Richards felt that this matter was a major problem and there were several alternatives the applicant could consider. He felt that the applicant should research the matter before any decisions are made. Commissioner Wood agreed. Commissioner Berkey believed that the solution would be to install traffic ..r signals. Commissioner Richards did not approve of the entry way as designed and was concerned if the operation of this project would be as a "hotel ". Discussion on how a Condotel is operated and used proceeded. MR. DENNIS FREEMAN, 68-713 Perez Road, Representative, explained how each unit is owned and used, stressing that it will operate as a hotel . Commissioner Berkey suggested that condition no. 21 be revised to say: "Agreements concerning the ownership and operation shall be subject to the City Attorney approval . " Mr. McClellan, Public Works Director, agreed that the only solution to the access problem would be signalization, if access to the east of the project cannot be acquired. Commissioner Berkey stated that since Mr. McClellan agreed that traffic signals would be the solution to the access problem he suggested that this matter be taken to a higher district of Cal Trans. Mr. McClellan assured Commission that he would follow-up with a letter to the District Engineer of Cal Trans. Because of concerns expressed by Commission regarding access, Mr. Diaz suggested an additional condition be added to read: "Signalized entry to the facility shall be developed from Highway 111 and aligned with the entry of the proposed hotel development on the north side of Highway 111. The plans reflecting said access shall be submitted to Planning Commission for approval ." Commission felt there were too many major problems unresolved, therefore, agreed to continue this case. Commissioner Richards also requested that the applicant give input regarding the next door development, at the next public hearing for this case. Motion was made by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Berkey, to continue this case to October 14, 1981. Carried (4-0). B. Case No. ZOA 08-81 - CITY OF PALM DESERT, Applicants Consideration of an amendment to Municipal Code, Chapter 25.68, concerning regulation of signs. Mr. Drell reviewed the proposed modifications to the sign ordinance and recommended a continuance for consideration of Commission and public comments. Vice Chairman Kryder opened the public hearing and asked for public testimony. MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 19, 1981 Page Three * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * VI . PUBLIC HEARINGS (cont. ) SECTION A - OPEN HOUSE SIGNS: MRS. TRISHA SHASKI , 74-425 Covered Wagon Trail , was opposed to allowing more than one sign. DEAN COLE, 74-110 Catalina, was in favor of allowing flags. .. MIKE SHASKI, 74-425 Covered Wagon Trail , was opposed in allowing flags. BERNIE LEUNG, was opposed to flags but if allowed would like them limited to periods-when salespersons are present. Commissioner Berkey stated that the Board of Realtors voted: Three in favor of the flags, and approximately eight opposed. Mr. Diaz suggested that a 6 month trial period be allowed to see if the flags would create problems. Comriiission agreed. SECTION B - OPEN SUMMER SIGNS - No Comments SECTION C - RESTAURANT MENU BOARDS - No Comments SECTION D - LAND SUBDIVISION SIGNS MIKE SHASKI, opposed the pennants. Commission agreed to prohibit pennants. SECTION E - SIGN AREA - COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL USES Commissioner Richards felt that the major problem of the present ordinance is that signs are too small . He opposed giving the Design Review_ Board authority to reduce signs below the maximum allowed. He did not believe that the applicant should be required to_appeal Design Review Board decisions in order to get adequate signage. The Commission had a discussion on why the Design Review Board should not be given this authority. Mr. Leung, of the Design Review Board, explained how they arrive at their decisions relating to signs. The Commission felt DBR had been too restrictive in the past. A FIVE MINUTE RECESS WAS CALLED AT 3:00 - THE MEETING RECONVENED AT 3:05 P.M. It was concluded that this section would be reworded to give DRB a minimum square footage allowable. SECTION G - ALTERNATIVE SIGN AREA ALLOCATION FOR SMALL COMMERCIAL COMPLEXES Commission suggested that the number of tenants not be limited. SECTION H - SIGNS IN DISTRICT AND REGIONAL SHOPPING CENTERS AND INDUSTRIAL PARKS - No Comments SECTION I - SALE AND RENTAL SIGNS ,OW Commission requested restudy of this section in terms of street frontage. SECTION J - SALE AND RENTAL SIGNS (OTHER RESIDENTIAL ZONES) - No comments SECTION K - SPECIAL EVENT SIGNS - No Comments SECTION L - REALTY SIGNS - No comments SECTION M - FREESTANDING SIGNS MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 19, 1981 Page Four * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Vice Chairman Kryder closed the public hearing. Motion was made by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Wood, to continue this matter to September 1, 1981. Carried (4-0) . C. Case No. ZOA 09-81 - CITY OF PALM DESERT, Applicant Consideration of an amendment to Municipal Code, Chapter 25.28 concerning seating for restaurants and retail food stores. Mr. Drell reviewed the staff report and recommended approval . Commissioner Berkey asked staff if additional tables were requested in the El Paseo stores, would parking be considered. Mr. Diaz replied that it would. Vice Chairman Kryder opened the public hearing and asked for input from the audience. There was none; the public hearing was closed. Motion was made by Commissioner Berkey, seconded by Commissioner Richards, to adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 736, recommending to the City Council approval of an amendment to Municipal Code, Chapter 25.28, concerning provisions for seating for restaurants and retail food stores. Carried (4-0). VII. CONSENT CALENDAR - NONE VIII. DESIGN REVIEW BOARD ITEMS Preliminary plan approvals by the Design Review Board at their meeting of August 11, 1981, requiring Planning Commission confirmation. Case No. 154 C - SOUTHLAND CORPORATION Mr. Smith briefly summarized this case and recommended approval . Motion was made by Commissioner Wood, seconded by Commissioner Richards, to adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 737, confirming the Design Review Board's action of August 11, 1981. Carried (4-0). IX. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS - NONE X. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Commission expressed their gratitude to Commissioner Berkey for his services; and instructed staff to prepare a Resolution of Commendation. XI. ADJOURNMENT Motion was made by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Wood, to adjourn the meeting at 3:53 p.m. Carried (4-0). �Y MON DIAZ, Secret ry ATTE GEORGIURYDER, Vice V irman /lr