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HomeMy WebLinkAbout0807 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING TUESDAY - AUGUST 7, 1984 7:00 P.M. - CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER 73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE A HALF HOUR STUDY SESSION WAS HELD PRIOR TO THE MEETING IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER CONFERENCE ROOM, AT 6:30 P.M. I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Crites called the meeting to order at 7:08 P.M. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Commissioner Wood III. ROLL CALL Members Present: Commissioner Downs Commissioner Erwood Commissioner Wood Chairman Crites Members Absent: Commissioner Richards Staff Present: Ramon Diaz Doug Phillips Stan Sawa Steve Smith Phil Joy Barry McClellan Tonya Monroe IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: July 17, 1984 wow Moved by Commissioner Downs, seconded by Commissioner Erwood, to approve the minutes as submitted. Carried 3-0-1 (Chairman Crites abstained.) V. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION Mr. Diaz reviewed the actions of the council for the meeting of July 26, 1984. VI. CONSENT CALENDAR NONE VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Continued Case Nos. C/Z 84-9, PP 84-24, TT 20199, and DA-8 - ROBERT L. WARD, Applicant Request for approval of a change of zone from PR-7 and R-2 (7) S.P. to AHD PR-16, a Tentative Tract Map, Precise Plan, Development Agreement, and Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact to allow a 48 unit condominium development on three acres containing ten units affordable by lower income elderly households to be located at the southeast corner of Parkview Drive and Fairhaven Drive. Mr. Diaz outlined the salient points of the staff report and explained that this case had been continued in order to receive direction from council. None was given at this time. Mr. Diaz explained that 20% of the units were for lower income senior citizen's and that the development agreement specifically limits the sale to that group. He explained that the application is for a change of zone to a higher density, a specialized affordable housing project for senior citizens, and the design of the affordable units are first floor. MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION AUGUST 7, 1984 Chairman Crites asked Mr. Diaz if the project was no longer 48 unit two story buildings. Mr. Diaz replied that the 20% affordable units are single story. The maximum height is 25' and the closest to an R-1 piece of property would be over 120' because of the position of the units. Chairman Crites asked if any letters of objection had been received. Mr. Diaz replied that one letter was received from Mr. Ed Shea, in opposition. Commissioner Downs inquired if under normal conditions, would 28 units be allowed. Mr. Diaz said yes, and explained that the applicant could address that issue. Chairman Crites opened the public testimony and asked the applicant to address the commission. MR. CHARLES MARTIN, architect, stated that the additional units allow the applicant to offer the affordable income housing to senior citizens. He explained that two bedroom one bath 800 square foot senior citizen units would cost $40,000. He felt that the location and elevations from the proposed project would be a benefit to the neighbors, and the applicant is proposing 20% affordable units to be first floor, with traffic access on Parkview Drive, rather than Fairhaven Drive as previously proposed. Commissioner Wood said that in regard to the density, 48 units contained on 3.2 acres would be 16 units an acre and asked Mr. Martin if a survey of the area had been done. MR. MARTIN replied that objections had been raised at the first meeting and that citizens were in the audience; two letters had been received in opposition to three story units being built. Mr. Martin explained that neighbors were leery of the term affordable housing, and that the development agreement could be conditioned to take care of any concerns. Commissioner Erwood asked if the driveway would be gated on both ends, and if it moo is accessible by the garages. Mr. MARTIN indicated that the fire department would have a break on Fairhaven. The applicant would like to gate the driveway if it can be worked out. Regular traffic access would be from Parkview. Chairman Crites asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR of this case. MR. HANK CLARK, 73-183 Willow Street, felt that this project would help senior citizens and would be an asset to the community. He thought this was a good location because of the nearness to the College of the Desert and the Palm Desert Town Center. Commissioner Downs asked Mr. Clark if he thought 55 years of age was a little young to be qualified for senior citizen housing. MR. CLARK replied that 55 is on the way to 60 and that some 55 year old citizens are just as needy. Chairman Crites asked if anyone present wished to speak in OPPOSITION to this case. MR. GEORGE RAYMOND, 72-862 Parkview, expressed concern regarding a fence being needed, and the land between the properties being a fire hazard. MR. ERIC WALBERG, 72-764 San Juan, was concerned about Fairhaven being extended to Parkview and traffic density. Mr. Diaz explained that Fairhaven would be extended no matter what was being developed. Also of ' concern was water runoff from the project. j mr MS. KIM KEELY, 72-860 San Juan, objected to any project of two or more stories in height, the added density, and noise from the tennis courts and swimming pool. Also of concern were the number of people in the affordable units. Ms. Shirley Nicholson, San Juan resident, expressed concern regarding the height of the project and lack of privacy. Chairman Crites explained that this height is less obtrusive than a single family unit. -2- MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION AUGUST 7, 1984 MR. WALBERG asked if the tennis courts would be lighted, and if so, the lights would shine in the windows. Mr. Martin replied that if the tennis courts were lighted, there would be a time off and they would be shielded. MR. MICHAEL NAY, San Juan, expressed concern over the density and the units being two story. Chairman Crites asked if anyone else present wished to speak in FAVOR or ,„ OPPOSITION. Mr. Diaz noted that a condition could be added to limit the number of people per unit to related families, and no more than two unrelated persons. Mr. Martin concurred with the added condition. Commissioner Downs asked if the line of sight was less obtrusive than a single family residence. Mr. Martin confirmed this. It was further noted that under the existing zoning two story construction is permitted. Chairman Crites noted that in addition to the previous condition, two others should be added, to take care of water runoff and maintenance of the five foot setback area. Action: Moved by Commissioner Downs, seconded by Commissioner Wood, to approve the findings as presented by staff. Carried 3-1 (Commissioner Erwood voting nay.) Moved by Commissioner Downs, seconded by Wood, to adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 976, recommending to city council approval of C/Z 84-9, PP 84-24, TT 20199, DA-8, and a Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact, subject to conditions as amended. Carried 3-1 (Commissioner Erwood voting nay.) ice.. A FIVE MINUTE RECESS WAS CALLED AT 8:30 P.M. B. Continued Case Nos. PP 84-22 and PMW 84-9 - RALPH SANTOPIETRO, Applicant Request for approval of a precise plan of design, negative declaration of environmental impact, and parcel map waiver to consolidate the site into one lot to allow construction of a 12 unit apartment project (utilizing 25% density bonus allowed by state law) in the R-2 zone located at the southeast corner of San Pablo and Santa Rosa. Mr. Smith outlined the salient points from the staff report and indicated that the applicant wished to retain the option of converting the apartments to condominiums. Chairman Crites opened the public testimony and asked the applicant to address the commission. MR. CHARLES MARTIN, architect, concurred with Mr. Smith's report. Mr. Smith explained that the agreement for One Quail Place restricted the applicant's converting the apartments to condominiums within ten years. Chairman Crites asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION of the project. Hearing none, the public testimony was closed. Action: Moved by Commissioner Downs, seconded by Erwood, to approve the findings as presented by staff. Carried unanimously 4-0. Moved by Commissioner Downs, seconded by Erwood, to adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 977, approving PP 84-22, PMW 84-9, and a Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact. Carried unanimously 4-0. -3- MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION AUGUST 7, 1984 C. Continued Case No. TT 19503 - GEORGE FOX, Applicant Request for approval of a 58 lot Tentative Tract Map and Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact for 97 acres within the HPR,D zone located west of the Palm Valley Storm Channel, north of the Palm Desert Community Center. MR. ALAN PERRIER, attorney for the applicant, asked Chairman Crites to abstain too from this case because of the location of his residence. Chairman Crites replied that he was not in an area where the project would have an economic impact. Mr. Phillips, city attorney, replied that he didn't see any conflict. Commissioners Downs and Wood concurred with Mr. Phillips. Commissioner Erwood asked if adequate notice was sent out. Mr. Diaz answered yes. Mr. Diaz reviewed the staff report, emphasizing that staff was very concerned that if the project were approved the ability to satisfactorily control development in the steeper portions of the site would be lost. Commissioner Wood asked for a clarification on the losing of control of Phase I and II if preliminary approval was granted. Mr. Diaz replied that if Phase I was given preliminary approval, Phase II would then be given preliminary approval and the commission would lose the option of moving the hillside units to flatter terrain. In approving 58 lots, the developer would have the right to develop 29 lots in Phase II (steep area). The city would be required to give him 29 lots somewhere in that area. To date, the applicant has not demonstrated that lots could be developed in that area in a manner consistent with the city's hillside regulations. Chairman Crites opened the public testimony and asked the applicant to address the commission. MR. ALAN PERRIER and MR. FOX explained to the commission the history of the case and explained where the proposed units would be placed on the hillside and showed the commission aerial photographs of the canyon. A TEN MINUTE RECESS WAS CALLED AT 10:00 P.M. The meeting was reconvened and Chairman Crites asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to the project. MR. DON STAGE, 1313 Sandpiper, and MR. ALEX TECHONMIER, Sandpiper, spoke in oppositon. Their concerns were regarding the destruction of the scenic hillside and the flood zone. Mr. Fox replied that concerns could be addressed with conditions. Mr. Fox indicated that he would like direction from the commission as to what would be acceptable. After further discussion, the commission continued this matter to the meeting of September 4, 1984, to allow the applicant's attorney and the city attorney time to prepare an agreement satisfactory to the applicant and staff that might permit development and still give the city the controls it needs. Action: Moved by Commissioner Downs, seconded by Commissioner Wood, to continue this discussion to the September 4 planning commission meeting. Carried unanimously 4-0. D. Case No. PP 84-25 - FRANK R. GOODMAN AND ASSOCIATES, Applicants Request for approval of a Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact and a precise plan of design to allow construction of a 5000 square foot commercial building in the C-1, S.P. zone on the north side of Highway 111, 400 feet east of Cabrillo Avenue. -4- MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION AUGUST 7, 1984 Mr. Sawa reviewed the staff report and recommended approval. Chairman Crites opened to public hearing and asked for the applicant's presentation. MR. FRANK GOODMAN, applicant, concurred with the staff report as presented. Chairman Crites asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to the case. There being none, the public hearing was closed. Action: Moved by Commissioner Downs, seconded by Commissioner Wood, to approve the findings as presented by staff. Carried 4-0. Moved by Commissioner Downs, seconded by Commissioner Wood, to adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 978, approving PP 84-25 and a Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact, subject to conditions. Carried unanimously 4-0. E. Case No. PP 84-26 - EUGENE E. DOMS, Applicant Request for approval of a Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact and a precise plan of design to allow construction of an industrial building with 6000 sq.ft. in the S.I., S.P. (Service Industrial with a Scenic Preservation Overlay) zone on .34 acres located on the south side of Mediterranean, just east of Boardwalk. Mr. Sawa reviewed the staff report and recommended approval. mow Chairman Crites asked for any questions. Commissioner Downs asked if this was the same contractor who built Ace Hardware. Mr. Sawa replied that he did not have that information. Chairman Crites opened the public hearing and asked for the applicant's presentation. MR. BILL O'KEEFE, representative, asked for clarification of condition #6, regarding the option of using a berm in place of a wall. Commissioner Downs asked if the walls of the building would be waffle-crete. Mr. O'Keefe answered that it would. Mr. Diaz explained that the applicant would need to apply to the Architectural Review Commission for approval of a berm. Chairman Crites asked if there were any additional questions; hearing none, the public hearing was closed. Action: Moved by Commissioner Wood, seconded by Downs, to approve the findings as presented by staff. Carried 4-0. Moved by Commissioner Wood, seconded by Commissioner Downs, to adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 979, approving PP 84-26, subject to conditions, and a Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact. -5- MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION AUGUST 7, 1984 F. Case No. PP 84-27 - DON BROWN, Applicant Request for approval of a negative declaration of environmental impact and precise plan of design to allow construction of an industrial building with 6000 square feet in the S.I., S.P. (service industrial with a scenic preservation overlay) zone on .35 acres located on the south side of Mediterranean at Boardwalk. Mr. Diaz reviewed the staff report and recommended approval. Chairman Crites opened the public hearing and asked for the applicant's presentation. MR. BILL O'KEEFE, representative, concurred with the review. Chairman Crites asked if anyone wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to this case. There being none, the public hearing was closed. Action: Moved by Commissioner Downs, seconded by Commissioner Erwood, to approve the findings as presented by staff. Carried 4-0. Moved by Commissioner Downs, seconded by Erwood, to adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 980, approving PP 84-27 and a Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact. Carried 4-0. G. Case No. CUP 84-7 - M. EARL MORLEY, Applicant Request for approval of a conditional use permit and Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact to allow construction and use of a 5,180 sq.ft. single story office building in a multifamily residential zone located on the , east side of Las Palmas Avenue 130 feet north of Palm Desert Drive. Mr. Joy reviewed the staff report and recommended approval. Chairman Crites opened the public hearing and asked for the applicant's presentation. MR. SVEND PEULICKE, representative, asked for a clarification of condition number 19 and 26. Mr. Joy replied that the conditions would be corrected for the final resolution. Chairman Crites asked if anyone wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to this case. There being none, the public hearing was closed. Action: Moved by Commissioner Downs, seconded by Wood, to approve the findings as presented by staff. Carried 4-0. Moved by Commissioner Downs, seconded by Wood, to adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 981, approving CUP 84-7 and a Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact, as it pertains thereto, subject to conditions. Carried 4-0. j VIII. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS Mr. Diaz explained to the commission that minutes that have been approved will not be placed in packets unless changes have been made to them. -6- MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION AUGUST 7, 1984 Commission concurred. IX. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - NONE X. COMMENTS Commissioner Wood noted that at the last meeting a one hour study session was ,.. requested before meetings and asked that the city council receive draft minutes before each council meeting. Mr. Diaz replied that it was not always possible for the minutes to be done that quickly, and indicated that the council would be receiving an annotated agenda the day following the planning commission meeting that would outline the actions of the commission. Commissioner Wood was concerned that a commissioner be present at the council meetings to help clarify the events at planning commission meetings. Chairman Crites agreed that this would be helpful on cases of a controversial nature. Commissioners Erwood and Downs concurred. Chairman Crites asked that the following items be discussed during study session at the next meeting: 1. Concept of changes of zone. 2. General plan designation versus specific zoning designation. Chairman Crites inquired into the status of the information pamphlet. Mr. Diaz replied that one would be worked on. Commissioner Wood asked about the northside plan. Mr. Diaz replied that it was proceeding along with the year 2000 strategic plan. XI. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Crites adjourned the meeting at 11:08 P.M. AMON A. DIAZ, Secret ry ATTEST: BUFORD C ITES, airman Am . ,%... -7-