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HomeMy WebLinkAbout0619 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING TUESDAY - JUNE 19, 1984 2:00 P.M. - CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER 73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Crites called the meeting to order at 2:03 P.M. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Commissioner Wood III. ROLL CALL Members Present: Commissioner Downs Commissioner Erwood Commissioner Richards Commissioner Wood Chairman Crites Others Present: Ramon A. Diaz Steve Smith Phil Joy Al Cablay Linda Russell IV. ELECTION OF VICE CHAIRMAN Commissioner Wood nominated Commissioner Erwood, Commissioner Downs seconded. Carried unanimously 5-0. V. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION VI. CONSENT CALENDAR - NONE VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Continued Case No. C/Z 84-4 - STAN F. LITTLE and W. FRANK LITTLE, Applicants Approval of a change of zone from R-2 (Single Family, max. one unit per 4000 sq.ft. of lot area) to R-3 (Multiple family, one unit per 2500 sq.ft. of lot area) for 2 lots on the west side of San Rafael Avenue, approximately 220 feet north of San Gorgonio Way. Mr. Diaz explained why this item was continued from the last meeting and staff continued to recommend denial. Commissioner Richards asked when the North Highway Ill Specific Plan would be completed in order to recommend approval of this project. Mr. Diaz replied that staff is presently working on the problems and specific areas to be studied, and correlating this study with the Strategic Plan 2000. Mr. Diaz noted he would be discussing the matter with the city manager and hoped to get started within 2 to 3 weeks. vow Commissioner Richards asked if staff could give Mr. Little an idea when he could reapply for this project. Mr. Diaz explained that studies could show a need in that area other than R-3, but would not know that until staff has opportunity to talk to people who live in the area to see what their feels are, and pointed out that this was the only applicant who has expressed interest in this particular area. Commissioner Richards felt that it was unusual for staff to recommend denial and believed they had been fair to the applicant in their decision. MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 19, 1984 Commissioner Downs did not see a problem with going ahead with this project. He felt the project would be compatible to the area and if there was an individual who was willing to improve and build on that property, he should be allowed to. Chairman Crites asked staff to give an example of what might be appropriate for that area other than R-3 zoning. Mr. Diaz pointed out that an open space buffer such as a linear park could be appropriate and there were other sorts of possibilities. goo Chairman Crites asked staff again if they could give the applicant a specific time on when this study would be completed. Mr. Diaz replied about six months; he explained that staff can prioritize the areas and this can be on the top of the list. Commissioner Wood asked if the existing buildings would be effected by this study. Mr. Diaz explained that a linear park would be about 100 feet wide, not necessitating any condemning out of existing adjacent properties. He added that this may not be done but should not make that decision tougher by rezoning at this time. Chairman Crites reopened the public hearing and asked if the applicant wished to make a presentation. MR. STAN LITTLE, asked to show the commission his proposal. He referred to some exhibits and explained the design of the project, pointing out they would also include upgrading of the existing apartments. Commissioner Richards asked Mr. Little how long he had owned the property. Mr. Little replied since prior to 1950. Commissioner Wood asked Mr. Little if it would affect him financially if he did not start on this project for six months. Mr. Little replied that it would delay the project for a year, but not currently financially bound. two Commissioner Richards asked why staff had not prepared a resolution for approval. Mr. Diaz explained that findings for approval were not made by staff and if commission wished, staff could have a resolution for approval, based on the findings described by the commission for the next meeting. Chairman Crites asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to this case. There being none, the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Downs noted a finding was: 1. The project is consistent with the general plan and compatible with the surrounding area. Commissioner Richards noted another finding would be: 2. The site is physically suitable for the type of development and the proposed density is suitable. 3. The project would not be detrimental to the public health, safety, and general welfare. Moved by Commissioner Downs, seconded by Commissioner Wood, to instruct staff to prepare a resolution recommending approval to the city council, based on the findings made by Commissioners Downs and Richards. Carried unanimously 5-0. moo Clarifications were made to staff by commission in regards to flexibility in zone change requests and recommendations. -2- MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 19, 1984 B. Case No. C/Z 84-10 and PM 19978 - ERNEST W. HAHN and PSOMAS & ASSOCIATES, Applicants Approval of a change of zone from PR-6, S.P. (Planned Residential, max. 6 dwelling units per acre, scenic preservation overlay) to PC (3) S.P. (Regional Commercial, scenic preservation overlay) and parcel map to divide one lot into two lots in order to allow additional parking and relocated walls and landscaping, located on the south side of Fred Waring Drive, between El Paseo and Fairhaven Drive. Mr. Diaz gave the staff report and explained that this request was for the purpose of providing additional parking for the fifth major department store soon to open at the Palm Desert Town Center. Chairman Crites opened the public hearing and asked if the applicant wished to make a presentation. The applicant was not present. Chairman Crites asked if anyone present 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 approve the findings as presented by staff. Carried unanimously 5-0. Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Wood, to adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 962, recommending to the city council approval of C/Z 84-10. Carried unanimously 5-0. Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Wood, to adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 963, approving PM 19978, subject to conditions. Carried unanimously 5-0. C. Case No. C/Z 84-7, PP 84-17, DA-6, INDIAN WELLS-PALM DESERT PARTNERSHIP, Applicant Change of zone from PR-5 to PR-7, a precise plan of design to allow construction of 73 single family detached lots and 220 apartment units and a Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact located at the northeast corner of Fred Waring Drive and Cook Street. Mr. Joy reviewed the staff report and noted a letter was received in opposition from a resident of Valley Palm Estates, west of the site, because the public hearing is during the summer rather than during the season. Staff recommended approval. Commissioner Downs asked if staff talked to Indian Wells. Mr. Joy replied yes and noted that a condition was added regarding access road on to Fred Waring Drive be moved between 600 - 650 feet within the centerline of Cook Street, which would facilitate a better intersection with the property to the south. Adjacent zoning is the same type of density. Chairman Crites asked when the legal notices were mailed. Mr. Joy replied 11 days prior to the hearing. Chairman Crites noted one of the complaints of the letter received from Mr. Daniel A. Glaser was that he did not receive notice in proper time. NOW This matter was thoroughly discussed and commission concluded that it would be an item of discussion at the next study session. Chairman Crites opened the public hearing and asked if the applicant wished to make a presentation. MR. CHUCK STROTHERS, agent, described the project and felt the city needed more single family quality housing. -3- MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 19, 1984 Commissioner Richards asked Mr. Strothers who the owners were. Mr. Strothers replied the primary owners were: Robert Richwayne and Max Freeman of Northern California. Commissioner Richards asked what the size of the units would be and the prices. Mr. Strothers replied they would range from 1100 to 1600 sq.ft. with prices of } $120,000 to $145,000. Commissioner Richards asked if the amenities would also be shared with the single family residents. Mr. Strothers replied that it was not their intention. Chairman Crites asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to this case. MS. PRUDENCE CLUVER, of Los Lagos, asked if they would be 1 or 2 story buildings. Mr. Joy replied that the apartments would be two-story, the single family one- story. Chairman Crites closed the public hearing. Mr. Joy at this time noted that an additional condition would read: "Tennis courts are to be set back 10 feet from property line and sunken 4 f eet." Commissioner Richards felt it was a good project. Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Downs, to approve the findings as recommended by staff. Carried unanimously 5-0. Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Downs, to adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 964, recommending approval of C/Z 84-7, PP 84-17, DA-6 and a Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact to the city council subject to amended conditions. Carried unanimously 5-0. D. Case No. CUP 84-5, HOUSLEY ASSOCIATES, Inc., Applicant Request for approval to allow use of an existing structure for a professional office in a multiple family residential zone located, on the south side of Larrea, 135 feet west of Lantana. Moved by Commissioner Wood, seconded by Commissioner Downs, to continue request to the meeting of July 17, 1984, at 2:00 p.m. Carried unanimously 5-0. E. Case Nos. PP 84-16 and VAR 84-2 - MR. & MRS. VICTOR MIHAJSON and ANTON BERKET, Applicants Approval of a precise plan of design to allow construction of a 4,000 sq.ft. furniture store and a variance to reduce the required front setback from 5 feet to 8 inches in the C- 1, S.P. (General Commercial, scenic preservation overlay) located on the north side of Highway III (frontage road) 80 feet west of Las Palmas Drive. Mr. Diaz gave the staff report and recommended approval. Chairman Crites opened the public hearing and asked if the applicant wished to make a presentation. -4- MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 19, 1984 MR. ANTON BERKET, 38-201 Chuperosa Lane, was present to answer any question and requested approval. Chairman Crites asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to this case. There being none, the public hearing was closed. Moved by Commissioner Downs, seconded by Commissioner Erwood, to approve the findings as recommended by staff. Carried unanimously 5-0. Moved by Commissioner Downs, seconded by Commissioner Erwood, to adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 965, approving PP 84-16 and VAR 84-2, subject to conditions. Carried unanimously 5-0. THERE WAS A TEN MINUTE RECESS CALLED AT THIS TIME. F. Case No. PM 17449 - CHAZEN CONSTRUCTION CO. and A-1 SURVEYING CO., Applicants Approval of a parcel map creating eight parcels for leasing purposes in a partially completed commercial shopping center in a regional commercial zone located at the southeast corner of El Paseo (west) and Highway 111. Mr. Smith gave the staff report and recommended approval. Commissioner Downs inquired about a finding in the staff report regarding natural heating or cooling opportunities of the development. Mr. Smith replied that this was a state required finding which allows a review of the matter for the applicant. Mr. Diaz added that this was a new required finding of the map act to make sure that the cities do not block future developments to provide passive or natural heating and cooling opportunities. Commissioner Richards concurred that staff should review the adequacy of solar access. Chairman Crites opened the public hearing and asked if the applicant wished to make a presentation. MR. FRED STRAIGHTER, representative, was present for any questions the commission might have. Chairman Crites asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to this matter. MR. DON STAGE, 1313 Sandpiper, asked for clarification on what this request was about, he was concerned if this request would change the approved development plan for that area. Mr. Straighter explained that this approval would not affect the approved precise plan or design. This was strickly for properly defining the lease descriptions. Commissioner Downs suggested that the applicant meet with the Sandpiper residents to answer any of their concerns and/or questions. Chairman Crites closed the public hearing. two Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Downs, to approve the findings as recommended by staff. Carried unanimously 5-0. Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Downs, to adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 966, approving PM 17449, subject to conditions. Carried unanimously 5-0. -5- MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 19, 1984 VIII. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS A. DA-5 (for PP 84-5) - TED MARTINEZ and VORTEX, Applicants Approval of a resolution recommending to the city council approval of a development agreement relating to terms and conditions for the renting of an approved 28 unit apartment complex located 225 feet south of the Highway 111 frontage road, between Deep Canyon Road and Shadow Hills Road. Mr. Diaz informed commission that this development agreement was consistent with other agreements previously adopted and recommended approval. Commissioner Downs asked how similar this agreement was compared to the others adopted. Mr. Diaz replied that this was exactly the same. Commissioner Richards felt the commission was obligated to maintain and monitor the units as set forth in the general plan for affordable housing and/or apartment units. Commissioner Downs agreed and stated that before too many other developments with density bonuses are approved, the few that have been approved should be monitored. Mr. Diaz stated that this application is one of the last ones and these type of projects have been put on a "holding pattern". Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Downs, to adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 967, recommending approval of DA-5 to the city council. Carried unanimously 5-0 IX. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - NONE X. COMMENTS Staff was instructed to start preparing agendas for planning commission study sessions. Staff was instructed to list as an item for the August 7, 1984, study session, legal noticing procedures (i.e. signs posted at subject properties; 300 feet limitation; mailing of legal notices on time; possibility of having agenda published in newspapers). Mr. Diaz informed planning commission was invited to attend city council study session on June 28th for discussion of hillside development, specifically George Fox property. Chairman Crites congratulated Commissioner Erwood on his election for Vice Chairman; Commissioner Wood was thanked for his efforts as Chairman of the Planning Commission. XI. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 4:06 p.m. Z,- A RAMON A. DIAZ, Secretary ATTEST: e., - r BUFORD CRITES, Chairman -6-