HomeMy WebLinkAbout0117 MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
TUESDAY - JANUARY 17, 1984
2:00 P.M. - CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER
73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE
* � � � � � � � � * * * � * � � * � * a� � � * * * � * � � � � � *
THERE WAS A SHOR1' STUDY SESSION PRIOR TO THE MEETING AT 1:30 P.M., IN THE
COUNCIL CHAMBER CONFERENCE ROOM.
�,.., I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Wood called the meeting to order at 2:05 p.m.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Commissioner Richards
III. ROLL CALL
Members Present: Commissioner Crites
Commissioner powns
Commissioner Erwood
Commissioner Richards
Chairman Wood
Others Present: Ramon Diaz
Stan Sawa
Steve Smith
Phil Drell
Phil Joy
Al Cablay
Linda Russell
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: January 3, 1984
�.�.
Moved by Commissioner powns, seconded by Commissioner Crites, to approve the
minutes as submitted. Carried unanimously 5-0.
V. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION
Mr. Diaz reviewed the actions of the council for the meeting of January 12, 1984.
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. CUP 15-80 (Renewal) - FRANZ TIRRE, Applicant
Request for approval of a one year extension of time for a
conditional use permit to allow construction of a 10 unit
condominium project in the R-3 zone at the southeast
corner of Las Palmas Avenue and San Gorgonio Way.
Rec: Approve as presented by staff.
�+ Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner powns, to approve
the consent calendar item as presented by staff. Carried unanimously 5-0.
MINU'TES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
JANUARY 17, 1984
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Case Nos. C/Z 11-83, PP 23-83, TT 19824 - KEITH ANDERSON, Applicant
Request for approval of a change of zone from PR-5
(Planned Residential, 5 d.u./acre) to PR-7 (Planned
Residential, 7 d.u./acre), precise plan of design, tentative
tract map and Negative Declaration of Environmental '
Impact, to allow construction of a 140 unit condominium '0'�
project on 20 acres located on the west side of Portola
Avenue, 660 feet south of Hovley Lane.
Mr. Sawa reviewed the staff report and explained that the applicant is basing his
density request on the overall density of the approved or developed surrounding
projects, which would keep the density in the area to below 5 d.u./acre. Two
standards requiring exceptions are private patio square footage requirements and
height limit requirement.
Mr. Sawa also noted two letters were received in protest for this project from
Russell Danson and Mr. and Mrs. Mike Vano.
Commissioner Crites questioned the method used for averaging the density. Mr.
Sawa replied that it was a method used by other cities.
Commissioner Richards was concerned for the exception to the height limit. He
felt there was no justification.
Chairman Wood o ened the public hearing and asked if the applicant cared to make
a presentation.
MR. KEITH ANDERSON, 253 Paxton Ave., Salt Lake City, UT, stated that
the height limit can be revised to 30 feet if it were a problem. He explained `
the units proposed would stay in keep with other surrounding developments. "'�"�
He had met with Chaparral and Monterey Country Clubs and they expressed
favorably to this project. He also noted that the private patio can be
modified to conform to code. Mr. Anderson explained the density proposed
and believed it would still be in line with surrounding densities. He
requested approval.
Chairman Wood asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR of this matter.
MR. AL COOK, consulting architect, believed that the density was within
the general plan designation and felt that the method used could be
workable and appropriate.
MR. DEAN COLE, 72-110 Eagle, stated this project would provide the needs
of affordable housing.
Chairman Wood asked if anyone present wished to speak in OPPOSITION to this
matter.
MR. DAVE MOSS, 740 LaVerne, Palm Springs, T & D Investment
representative, stated that he did not object to the project but noted that
property along Hovley Lane should also be designated the same density. He
was in favor of affordable housing but approval of this project would be
setting a precedent.
Chairman Wood closed the public hearing.
�
Commissioner Crites, in reply to comments from Mr. Anderson, stated that the
exceptions required had been resolved but did not feel that was the issue. He was
still concerned for the density proposed.
Commissioner Richards also felt it would be incompatible to surrounding areas and
-2-
MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
JANUARY 17, 1984
in answer to a comment about affordable housing, he felt that the project should be
focusing on families with children if that was the purpose or justification.
Commissioner Erwood felt other justifications were needed to accept this proposal.
Commissioner powns wanted to see the letters from Monterey and Chapparal given
to Mr. Anderson expressing acceptability to this project. He further felt that this
matter should be continued to see if the applicant can come up with something
„�,,, different.
Chairman Wood felt that this would be the only opportunity to develop that site
into affordable project. He also felt that the proposed density from PR-5 to PR-7
was a minor adjustment. He was in favor of the project.
Commissioners Crites and Richards both felt that the project should be redesigned
to address the needs for people with families rather than possible weekenders.
It was also noted that the applicant should attempt to notify all the residents in the
area.
Commission concluded their discussion with the general feeling being that they
would be more inclined to continue this matter to let the developer restudy and
make necessary changes to the plan.
Mr. Diaz explained that if the density averaging is not acceptable a general plan
amendment would be recommended. He advised commission that a density of 6.25
d.u./acre can be acquired without the change of zone application. He
recommended that staff and developer get together and work out a plan with the
6.25 density.
Moved by Commissioner powns, seconded by Commissioner Commissioner
Richards, to continue this matter to February 7, 1984, for further study. Carried
�,,, unanimously 5-0.
B. Case Nos. PP 22-83 and PMVf/ 08-83 - SAMUEL I.
RUSSELL, Applicant
Request for approval of a precise plan of design, parcel
map waiver to consolidate two lots into one lot and
Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact to allow
construction of a 7,830 sq.ft. building in a service
industrial zone on the east side of Beacon Hill, 200 feet
north of Sego Lane.
Mr. Sawa reviewed the staff report and recommended approval.
Chairman Wood opened the public hearing and asked if the applicant wished to
make a presentation. The applicant was not present.
Chairman Wood asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION
to this case.
MR. BOB RITCHEY, architect, 42-600 Bob Hope Drive, requested approval
and was present to answer any questions the commission might have.
Chairman Wood closed the public hearing and asked for the pleasure of the
�.. commission.
Moved by Commissioner Crites, seconded by Commissioner Richards, to approve
the findings as recommended by staff. Carried unanimously 5-0.
Moved by Commissioner Crites, seconded by Commissioner powns, to adopt
Planning Commission Resolution No. 921, approving PP 22-83 and PMW 08-83.
Carried unanimously 5-0.
-3-
MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
JANUARY 17, 1984
C. Case No. PP 24-83 - MIKE SUKO, Applicant
Request for approval of a precise plan of design to allow
construction of a five unit apartment complex on the east
side of Ocotillo Drive, south of Verba Santa, in the R-3,
20,000 (3) zone.
Mr. Smith reviewed the staff report and recommended approval.
�
Chairman Wood opened the public hearing and asked if the applicant wished to
make a presentation. The applicant was not present.
Chairman Wood asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION
to this case.
MS. ELEANOR CRESWELL, 46-139 Verba Santa, asked if there would be air
condition units on top of the roofs.
Mr. Smith replied they would not.
MS. MARILYN BIBBY, 46-100 Verba Santa, asked how high the fence would
be between this project and her property.
Mr. Smith replied 6 feet.
MR. 7HOMAS CRESWELL, 46-139 Verba Santa, stated that Mr. Suko had
erected a 6 foot cedar fence in the rear of his property and he did not feel it
was structurally stable.
Mr. Smith replied that he was aware of the fence and assured Mr. Creswell the
matter would be looked at and taken care of.
Because there was concern expressed a condition of approval was added to read: +r�
"A 6 foot block wall on the east and north side of the property shall be installed."
Commissioner Erwood felt the applicant should have the opportunity to respond to
this condition.
Mr. Smith assured the commission the applicant was already aware of the fence
problem.
Chairman Wood closed the public hearing.
Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Crites, to approve
the findings as recommended by staff. Carried unanimously 5-0.
Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Crites, to adopt
Planning Commission Resolution No. 922, approving Case No. PP 24-83, subject to
conditions, as amended. Carried unanimously 5-0.
D. Case Nos. PP 26-83 and ADJ OS-83 - CHARLES GARLAND, Applicant
A request for approval of a precise plan of design to allow
construction of a two unit residential structure and an
adjustment to allow encroachment into a rear and front '''
setback in an R-2 zone located on the west side of Portola
Avenue, 120 feet south of Shadow Mountain Drive. �
Mr. Joy reviewed the staff report and recommended approval.
Chairman Wood o ened the public hearing and asked if the applicant wished to
make a presentation.
MR. CHUCK GARLAND, 33163 Cathedra! Canyon, stated he was prepared
-4-
MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
JANUARY 17, 1984
to meet any necessary requirements.
Chairman Wood asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION
to this request.
MR. RICHARD PETRIE, 45-620 Mountain View, was concerned for the
setback in the rear of the units. He objected to the adjustment and felt it
would create a noise impact and invasion of privacy.
�
MR. ALAN FULK, 73-950 Mountain View, was concerned about the existing
underground storm drain on his property, which drains onto Portola, and
asked what the city intends to do to assure there would not be a possible
drainage problem.
Staff noted an easement did not exist there and explained that they are aware of
the drainage structure and would be studying the situation further.
It was suggested that this matter be continued for two weeks to clarify the
drainage situation and setback concerns.
MRS. CATHY MONROE, corner of Alessandro and Portola, stated she was
very familiar with the drainage problems caused by the storm drain and felt
it was very bad.
MR. WILLIAM SETZLER, 73-950 Mountain View, also added that many
people were not aware of the strain of the drainage structure. He asked for
a continuance.
Moved by Commissioner Crites, seconded by Commissioner powns, to continue this
matter to February 7, 1984, for further study. Carried unanimously 5-0.
� E. Case No. CUP 24-83 - H.B. FOOD SERVICES, INC., Applicant
A request for approval of a conditional use permit and
Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact to allow
construction and operation of a 6438 square foot restaurant
in a general commercial zone located on property bordered
by Alessandro and Palm Desert Drives at San Jacinto
Avenue, approximately 300 feet east of San Luis Rey.
Mr. Joy reviewed the staff report and recommended approval.
Commissioner powns asked if the applicant was aware of the possibility of Palm
Desert Drive (frontage road) becoming a two-way street. Mr. Joy replied that the
applicant was aware of this.
Mr. Diaz noted a change on Condition No. 19 to read: "Additional right-of-way
shall be dedicated and improved on Alessandro Drive to complete a 30 foot half-
street width, to include sidewalk."
Chairman Wood o ened the public hearing and asked if the applicant wished to
make a presentation.
MR. STAN SUTER, director of construction for H.B. Food, accepted staff's
recommendation and was present to answer any questions the commission
might have.
�
Chairman Wood asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION
to this case.
MR. DOUG MAVIS, 73-850 Highway 111, manager of the Palm Desert
Biltmore, asked what the operating hours would be. He is next to this
project and was concerned for the late hours and possible noise
-5-
MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
JANUARY 17, 1984
impact and vandalism. He also mentioned there could be drainage problems
in that area if a block wall is installed, causing water flow retention.
Mr. Suter replied that the hours of operation would be 24 hours.
Mr. Diaz suggested that the east side of the parking lot be used for employees only �
to minimize adjacent property impacts. �
�
�
�
Mr. Mavis was very concerned for the late hours and felt that he would experience �
trespassing, vandalism, etc. from this restaurant.
Commissioner Richards felt that the area was appropriate for the restaurant but
the applicant/developer should get together with adjacent motel manager and try
to resolve the problems together.
MR. RON HAVIS, Irvine, real estate department for H.B. Food, did not
believe this type of restaurant would create the problems expressed. Their
goal is to develop family style restaurant, similar to Denny's, with deli
items.
MRS. CATHY MONROE, felt that based on past experience this restaurant
would impact the neighborhood.
After several methods were discussed in solving the concerns of Mr. Mavis, it was
agreed that a condition could be added to read "Parking lot adjacent to Biltmore
area shall be chained off at 10:00 p.m." Applicant agreed.
MR. LARRY BLYTH, Buena Park, is owner of the lots on San Jacinto and
Alessandro, asked how many access driveways there were and their
locations.
�
Staff replied there were two driveways and noted there locations. �
Chairman Wood closed the public hearing.
Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner powns, to approve
the findings as recommended by staff. Carried unanimously 5-0.
Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner pown, to adopt
Planning Commission Resolution No. 923, approving CUP 24-83 subject to amended
conditions. Carried unanimously 5-0.
IX. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
A. Resolution of Denial for GPA 03-83 and C/Z 08-83 - MAZAHERI
Moved by Commissioner Erwood, seconded by Commissioner Crites, to approve
Planning Commission Resolution No. 925, denying GPA 03-83 and C/Z 08-83.
Carried unanimously 5-0.
B. Resolution of Approval for TT 19847 and PP 27-83 - TAVAGLIONE
Moved by Commissioner powns, seconded by Commissioner Crites, to approve the
findings as presented by staff. Carried unanimously 5-0.
�
Moved by Commissioner powns, seconded by Commissioner Crites, to approve �
Planning Commission Resolution No. 926, approving TT 19847 and PP 27-83, as ,�
amended. Carried unanimously 5-0.
X. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
MR. PaUL LITTLE, 48-838 Mescal Lane, Palm Desert, expressed how impressed he
-6-
MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
JANUARY 17, 1984
was with the planning commission and complimented them on a good job.
XI. COMMENTS
Commissioner Wood noted to all commissioners the League of California Cities
Institute in San Diego.
Commission directed staff to report on the concept of averaging densities.
�ir.rY
Commissioner Wood asked commissioners how they felt to having all the planning
commission meetings in the evenings. Commission's response was not to change
the afternoon meetings.
Commissioner Crites and Commissioner Richards suggested that perhaps the
applicants should be advised to make more efforts in contacting area neighbors
about proposed development.
XII. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 5:07 p.m. •
� `
R MON A. DI Z, Secre ary
ATTEST:
���
1,�� �v�.�st�-�
RALPH B. WOOD, Chairman
/lr
�
�
-7-