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HomeMy WebLinkAbout0706 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING TUESDAY - JULY 6, 1982 7:00 P.M. - CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Kryder called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Commissioner Wood III. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioner Richards Commissioner Wood Chairman Kryder Excused Absent: Commissioner Crites Commissioner Miller Staff Present: Ray Diaz Stan Sawa Steve Smith Phil Joy Linda Russell Barry McClellan IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: June 1, 1982 Moved by Commissioner Wood, seconded by Commissioner Richards, to approve the minutes as submitted. Carried unanimously (3-0). V. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION Mr. Diaz reviewed the actions of the meeting of June 24, 1982. VI. CONSENT CALENDAR All matters listed on the consent calendar are considered to be routine and will be enacted by one roll call vote. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless members of the planning commission or audience request specific items be removed from the consent calendar for separate discussion and action. A. Case No. DP 07-81 and TT 17103 - BERNARD SOLOMON, Applicant Request for approval of a one year and 18 month time extension for a development plan and tentative tract map. Moved by Commissioner Wood, seconded by Commissioner Richards, to approve time extension. Carried unanimously (3-0). VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Case No. VAR 02-82 - PALM DESERT MEDICAL CENTER AND IMPERIAL SIGN COMPANY, Applicant Request approval of a variance to allow an increase in building signage from a maximum of 90 square feet to 116 square feet in the PC (3), S.P. zone, at 72-205 Highway 111. Mr. Diaz reviewed the staff report stating that the medical center is leasing a portion of the Great Western building and would like to have increased signage in order to be identified and seen easily, but Great Western, as landlord, has utilized most of the square footage allowed by code. Because findings could not be met staff recommended denial. -1- MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JULY 6, 1982 Chairman Kryder opened the public hearing and asked if the applicant wished to make a presentation. MR. ROBERT GEORGE, of Imperial Sign Co., represented the applicant and presented slides showing various signs in the city and surrounding areas. He stated that the medical facility wanted proper identification like other businesses and also stressed the importance for proper sign visibility because of emergency needs. Chairman Kryder asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR of this case. FREDERICK W. HODGES, 47-111 Monroe, Indio, on behalf of the National Medical Development Corporation, stated that they would not have signed the lease with Great Western if they had known about Great Western's sign and unwillingness to decrease their signage. He stressed the need for adequate signage noting that this facility would provide urgent medical care and be open until 11:00 p.m. DR. PAUL DELUGE, Chief of Medical Center, read a letter from Mr. Ed Mullins, stating his support of the variance and felt it was urgently needed to provide proper identification. Mr. Mullins indicated in his letter that people had asked for directions to the medical center but were unable to find it. Dr. Deluge also stated that there had been a number of people having difficulty in finding the facility. He urged approval. DR. BAXTON, Physician at the center, stated that there is a diagnostic center in the building for vascular diseases. He also stressed the importance of people finding the facility without any inconvenience. DR. GEORGE GLANCZ, Orthopedist, explained that any care in the emergency room at Eisenhower Medical Center for a fracture normally would take hours and in this facility there would not be waiting time. He requested approval. Chairman Kryder asked for a clarification on whether this facility does provide emergency treatment or not. .ram DR. GLANCZ explained that a person with a minor injury would wait for hours in the hospital emergency room, the injury could be diagnosed immediately in the medical center and if it was minor it could be taken care of there but if it's determined to need further emergency care, direction to a specialist could be provided. CARL CARLSON, staff radiologist and owner of the Palm Desert Radiology Labratory, across the parking lot from the medical center also stressed the need for the sign and requested approval. Commissioner Richards asked if his hours would coincide with the medical center. Mr. Carlson replied that someone would either be there at the labratory or on call. Mr. Diaz asked Mr. Carlson if the center is equipped for a cardiac arrest. Dr. Deluge replied that there is equipment there. MR. DARWIN OAKLEY, retired police captain in Indio, indicated that based on his experience and confirmation by Captain Scott and Lt. Kennedy of Indio Police the lack of signage could be a safety factor. MR. LEONARD BLANK, of Indian Wells, also urged approval. MR. FLOYD MARCO, of Marco's Chocolate Factory, that many people came into his shop for directions to the medical center, and some had come back not being able to find it. MRS. MARILYN DELANEY, Palm Desert business owner, stated that she had been a patient trying to find the center and confirmed it was a problem. She felt the community needs this type of facility. MR. DAVE OFSTEDAHL, of Fireside Pharmacy, expressed his support. -2- MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JULY 6, 1982 KATHLEEN TUMPANE, patient of Dr. Deluge, expressed her support. RON GREGORY, Landscape Architect, explained that the design review board denied this request, but aesthetically, in his opinion the sign is attractive. Chairman Kryder asked if anyone wished to speak in OPPOSITION to this case. There being none, the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Wood asked if the sign was so important why was the concern not discussed at the time of the lease. MR. HODGES replied that the matter of the signage was discussed with Great Western and they were assured that there would be no problem. Commissioner Wood expressed his reluctance to grant a variance after working for so long on the sign ordinance and felt that the matter of the signs was not looked into properly. Commissioner Richards explained that he agreed this medical center is greatly needed and felt that many signs presently in the city are not visible. He was in favor of granting a variance only on the basis that there are unusual circumstances. Chairman Kryder agreed that it is difficult to find the medical center but felt that this matter has put the planning commission in a difficult position, and no matter how much the commissioners feel they agree with the problem it is something that should be resolved by the tenant and landlord. Chairman Kryder asked staff if a double face freestanding sign could be used as an alternative. Mr. Diaz replied they could not. After further discussion it was determined that this facility is not for emergency purposes and other alternatives could not be used unless the sign ordinance is revised. Moved by Commissioner Wood, seconded by Chairman Kryder, to waive further reading and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 806, denying VAR 02-82. Carried 2-1 (Commissioner Richards voting Nay). A FIVE MINUTE RECESS WAS CALLED--THE MEETING RECONVENED AT 8:21 P.M. B. Case No. C/Z 06-82 (UA) - CITY OF PALM DESERT, Applicants Consideration of a negative declaration of environmental impact and a preannexation change of zone from R-1 12,000 (Riverside County) to PR-5 (UA) for 160 acres located at the northeast corner of Portola Avenue and Country Club Drive. Mr. Sawa reviewed the staff report and indicated that there were no negative responses received. Staff recommends approval. Chairman Kryder opened the public hearing and asked if anyone wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to this case. There being none, the public hearing was closed. Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Wood, to adopt reasons for recommending this change of zone. Carried 3-0. Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Chairman Kryder, to waive further reading and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 807, recommending approval of C/Z 06-82 (UA). Carried 3-0. C. Case No. DP 02-82 - DESERT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH, Applicant tow Request for approval of a negative declaration of environmental impact and a development plan to allow construction of a church with related facilities in the PR-5 zone located on the south side of Hovley Lane, approximately 1325 feet east of Monterey Avenue. Mr. Sawa reviewed the staff report and indicated staff's concerns were height of the buldings (one being 50' in height), blowsand, parking lighting. Staff is recommending a -3- MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JULY 6, 1982 6 ft. wall be provided on the east-west property lines to minimize impact on adjacent residential properties. Staff recommended approval. Commissioner Wood asked staff's recommendation of the building height problem. Mr. Sawa stated that there were no elevations submitted but commission could approve the development plan as the phases are developed. Mr. Diaz recommended that the development plan be approved separately without the 50' high building. There was some discussion on this matter. Chairman Kryder opened the public hearing and asked if the applicant wished to make a presentation. MR. JIM THAYER, Architect, explained that the building itself does not need to be 50' in height. The reason they were asking for that height was because they would like to put a cross up next to the sign which would exceed the 301. He also stated that the other buildings need not exceed the 30 ft. He asked that Condition No. 7 be amended so that they do not have to provide a wall on the easterly property line in Phase I. Mr. Diaz noted that the sign and the cross would have to be approved by design review board but staff felt there should be no problem. Chairman Kryder asked if anyone wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to this case. There being none, the public hearing was closed. Moved by Commissioner Wood, seconded by Commissioner Richards, to adopt findings for Development Plan 02-82. Carried 3-0. Moved by Commissioner Wood, seconded by Commissioner Richards, to waive further reading and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 808, approving Development Plan 02-82, with Condition No. 7 amended as follows: "Six (6) foot high (on both sides) decorative block wall shall be provided as part of Phase I along west and south (if deemed necessary by the city) property lines, to satisfaction of city; said wall on easterly property line may be constructed with the beginning of Phase II or when development occurs to the east, whichever occurs first." Carried 3-0. D. Case No. PM 18729 - LAKESIDE PROPERTIES, INC., Applicant Request approval of a parcel map to consolidate seven industrial parcels into one lot in the S.I. zone located on the north side of Mayfair Drive at State Street. Mr. Diaz reviewed the staff report and recommended approval. Chairman Kryder opened the public hearing and asked if the applicant wished to make a presentation. The applicant was not present. Chairman Kryder asked if anyone wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to this case. There being none, the public hearing was closed. Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Wood, to adopt findings approving Parcel Map 18729. Carried 3-0. Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Chariman Kryder, to waive further reading and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 809, approving Parcel Map 18729. Carried 3-0. VIII. DESIGN REVIEW BOARD ITEMS Preliminary plan approvals by the design review board at its meetings of June 8, 1982, and June 22, 1982, requiring planning commission confirmation. A. Case No. 238 MF - SUNRISE COMPANY - Preliminary approval of site plan -4- MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JULY 6, 1982 for Lakes Country Club at southeast corner of Country Club Drive and Cook Street. B. Case No. 171 C - PALM DESERT FLORIST AND CARL COX - Preliminary approval of plans to remodel an existing building at 73-847 Highway 111. Mr. Smith gave a brief report and recommended approval. taw Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Chairman Kryder, to approve design review board's actions. Carried unanimously (3-0). C. Case No. 162 C - JAMES CHARLTON c/o White Sheet - Appeal of design review board approval of May 27, 1982 Oral presentation). Mr. Smith reviewed this case indicating that the applicant had requested two changes to the plan: 1) rear window treatment deleted, and, 2) perimeter wall being redesigned to 3 ft. painted concrete block. The board felt the window treatment on the north should be retained and the perimeter wall be matched to the building exterior. MR. JAMES CHARLTON, explained the reasons for the requested modifications. Commission supported the board with regards to the window treatment but after reviewing the applicant's request agreed that the perimeter wall may be modified. MR. RON GREGORY, member of the design review board, was present and indicated that the board did not feel strongly about the wall treatment in front but did feel the north elevation window treatment should be retained. Moved by Commissioner Wood, seconded by Commissioner Richards, to approve requested modification of wall treatment on front of building; rejected requested modification of north elevation window treatment. Carried 3-0. t. D. Case No. 737 SA - ELDORADO BANK - Appeal of design review board denial of June 22, 1982, for freestanding sign at 73-301 Highway III (Oral presentation). Mr. Smith reviewed this matter stating that the concerns of the design review board were too many elements and the sign should be simplified. Staff recommended approval of the appeal. MR. ROBERT GEORGE, Imperial Sign Co., was present for any questions and requested approval of the appeal. MR. RON GREGORY, member of the design review board, felt that the sign was not attractive and described it as too busy. The commission felt the sign was attractive and although they were reluctant to go against the actions of the board, in this case they felt the sign was acceptable. Moved by Commissioner Wood, seconded by Commissioner Richards, to approve requested appeal. Carried unanimously (3-0). IX. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS A. CGO ENTERPRISES (ROLAND SWEET) - Request for consideration to decrease sign of multiple family units. Mr. Diaz reviewed the letter submitted by Mr. Sweet and explained that this request pertains to the apartment units on Monterey Avenue. A new ordinance (No. 297) was adopted, giving the planning commission the option to modify the unit sizes based on three issues: 1) Efficiency of design; 2) Useability of the unit by the ultimate occupant; -5- MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JULY 6, 1982 and, 3) Compatibility of the dwelling to the area. Mr. Sweet is requesting the following: 305 sq.ft. for studios; 755 sq.ft. for two bedrooms; and, 1,113 sq.ft. for three bedrooms. MR. ROLAND SWEET, 73-535 Pinyon Street, explained that the units in question have been upgraded in terms of landscaping and they will be like new apartments but they are slightly undersized to meet the current ordinance. Commissioner Wood asked if it were possible to combine units to bring them up to required sizes. Mr. Sweet replied that the layout would have to be completely changed. Commissioner Richards felt that this was an unusual circumstance because these units existed prior to city incorporation, relocated and would not create a significant impact. Chairman Kryder was concerned with setting a precedent but because of the units being relocated, for this reason it could be allowed. Commissioner Wood noted that because the city allowed these units to be relocated there was no agreement to overlook city ordinances. He felt that the requested studio size was too small. He asked the applicant if it were possible to redesign the units to conform to city codes. Mr. Diaz indicated concern over whether the findings for such a granting could be made for studio apartments. Mr. Sweet explained that the electrical, plumbing and air conditioning would need modification. It would also require a new site plan, all meaning that it would not be economically feasible. Moved by Chairman Kryder, seconded by Commissioner Richards, to approve request to decrease unit size. Carried 2-1 (Commissioner Wood voting Nay). B. LETTER from Mr. Richard K. Raymond requesting a zoning ordinance amendment pertaining to setbacks for patio covers in residential zones. C. LETTER from J.P. Construction, Inc., requesting a zoning ordinance amendment pertaining to setbacks in S.I. (Service Industrial) zone. Mr. Diaz reviewed the letters and recommended initiation of zoning ordinance amendments. Moved by Commissioner Wood, seconded by Commissioner Richards, to initiate requested zoning ordinance amendments. Carried unanimously (3-0). D. UPDATE on activities of CVAG Technical Planning Subcommittee. This matter was reviewed and discussed during study session. E. UPDATE on proposed Riverside County General Plan. Mr. Diaz gave an update on this matter and commission expressed their opposition to the proposed County General Plan. X. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - NONE XI. COMMENTS - NONE -6- MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JULY 6, 1982 XII. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Wood, to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 p.m. Carried unanimously. W � , RA ON A DIAZ, Secreta ATTEST: /,,. . ,0. GEOR D. RYD hairman /lr -7-