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Home My WebLink About0604 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING TUESDAY - JUNE 4, 1985 7:00 P.M. - CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER 73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE � � �- �- * x � � � � x � � � � � * � * � � �- � -� * � -� � � �- * � � A ONE HOUR STUDY SESSION WAS HELD PRIOR TO THE MEETING AT' 6:00 P.M. I. CALL TO ORDER �„r„ Chairman Crites called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Wood lead in the pledge of allegiance. III. ROLL CALL Members Present: Buford Crites, Chairman Richard Erwood Jim Richards Ralph Wood Members Absent: Bob Downs Staff Present: Ray Diaz Stan Sawa Steve Smith Phil Drell Phil Joy A1 Cablay Tonya Monroe IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: r... Approval of the minutes of May 21, 1985. Chairman Crites amended the minutes on page 4 regarding his comments on access for Cook Street. Action: Moved by Commissioner Wood, seconded by Commissioner Richards, to approve the minutes of May 21, 1985, as amended. Carried 4-0. V. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION Mr. Diaz indicated that no actions from the council meeting of May 23, 1985, directly impacted the commission. VI. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Case Nos. PP 84-9, VAR 84-1, and 263 MF - RALPH SANTOPIETRO, Applicant Request for approval of a one year time extension for a precise plan of design, zone variance and architectural commission approval for fourplex on the east side of San Rafael, 230 feet north of San Gorgonio Way. B. Case No. PMW 85-14 - SUNRISE COMPANY, Applicant �r.� Request for approval of a parcel map waiver to adjust property lines and revise the legal descriptions of lots 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 87, 88, and 89 in the PR-4 S.P. zone located west and north of Running Springs Drive and Blue River Drive. Action: Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Wood, to approve the consent calendar by minute motion. Carried 4-0. MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 4, 1985 VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Case No. PP 85-5 - THOMAS E. STARR, Applicant Request for approval of a precise plan of design and negative declaration of environmental impact to allow construction of a 264 unit congregate living senior citizen retirement inn on 10.36 acres located on the east side of Monterey Avenue, 600 feet north of San Gorgonio Way. � Mr. Drell outlined the request and explained that the ultimate approval of this plan would depend on the adoption of the Palma Village Specific Plan. Commission asked for and received clarification regarding line of sight, building height, ingress and egcess, emergency access, environmental density impact, and vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Chairman Crites o�ened the public testimony and asked the applicant to address the commission. MR. THOMAS STARR, applicant, explained that this type of facility was needed in Palm Desert and outlined the benefits and amenities that would be provided. MR. BOB RICCARDI, architect, felt that the project would have little or no impact of the R-1 area and outlined the proposed parking and design. MR. HAROLD HOUSLEY, engineer, explained that water, sewers and drainage services could be provided by both the Coachella Valley Water District and Palm Desert Water District and that the drainage would be developed in two phases, with the retention in the phase two area. Mr. Housley noted that a preliminary grading and drainage study had been submitted. �.r Chairman Crites opened the public testimony and asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR of the project. MR. RON GATE, 44-269 Capri Court, spoke in support of the project and explained that it would allow him to move his mother from Orange County. MR. �OHN TESSMAN, 73-205 Guadalupe, felt that Mr. Starr's project would benefit Palm Desert. MS. BARBARA REYNOLDS, 44-760 San Clemente Circle, asked for and received clarification regarding emergency exits and traffic/visibility problems on Monterey Avenue. She suggested moving the entrance and exits to Royal Palm because she was concerned with elderly people driving on Monterey. Mr. Drell explained that we try to avoid increasing traffic on local streets. Mr. Cablay noted that as a result of the synchronization of the traffic signals, it would be safer and would reduce speeding. MRS. JUDITH LANG, 73-330 Royal Palm, requested a postponement because of a discrepency in the map on the legal notice that was mailed. She felt that the residents on the east side of San Anselmo should be sent a more precise map. Mr. Drell replied that she was correct in saying that the map did not shade all the way to San Anselmo, but that those people had received notice about the hearing and project. � Commissioner Wood indicated concern regarding the affected people. Commissioner Erwood felt that the hearing should be continued after hearing all testimony. MS. MARIA SOLFER, 44-695 San Antonio Circle, spoke in favor and felt that the date grove was aesthetically unappealing and that the proposed project was the best she had seen, and felt there would not be a problem with traffic for elderly people and expressed support for the project. -2- MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 4, 1985 Chairman Crites asked if anyone present wished to speak in OPPOSITION to the project. MR. CHUCK LANG, 73-330 Royal Palm, felt that the traffic was very bad and expressed concern regarding traffic problems. Mr. Lang asked if these units could be converted to rentals. Mr. Drell replied that the zoning ordinance would not allow a change because of specific restrictions (i.e. age limits). Mr. Lang asked if the project could be converted to a convalescent ,.,,., home. Mr. Drell indicated that if it were converted the traffic would be even less, but that because of the strict state regulations it would be difficult to convert. MR. KIGER BARTON, 44-509 San Anselmo, indicated that he was concerned regarding two story, drainage, the wall by his swimming pool, and a drop of the lot due to grade incline. MRS. GEORGIA BARTON, 44-509 San Anselmo, expressed concern regarding the density in family neighborhoods and losing the R-1 zoning and the traffic from construction and construction vehicles of the water retention basin and mosquitoes breeding there. MRS. LANG indicated that Commissioner Richards being right that everyone had received a map but stated that it was a misrepresentation of what was being proposed and stated that it would be brought up in a court action and noted that having 70-80 years olds in the kitchens would create a fire hazard. She felt the project would be good located somewhere else. She indicated that older people are forgetful and stated that she has great- grandparents and that she knew senility sets in, sometimes during people's 60's. She explained that she has gone into her grandfather's trailer and smelled gas. He didn't smell it and he didn't know how to take care of the problem. She was concerned about 264 people in their 70's and 80's not being able to take care of themselves. Another concern she had was the r,�...� emergency access because her house is three blocks from that access. She stated that old people have a tendency to die, sirens would create a noise problem, children playing in the streets might see a dead person, and emergency vehicles might hit one of the children who play in the street. Mr. Diaz stated that some of the concerns could be eliminated by condition (i.e. all appliances being electrical, emergency access onto San Anselmo could be closed, construction vehicles access could be taken off of Monterey Avenue and a wall built on San Anselmo in phase I, and the units would be sprinkled. Mr. Starr indicated that he had arranged with Mr. Barton to deed him 5-7 feet by Mr. Bartons pool wall. He indicated that the water retention basin could weather a two hundred year storm. Mr. Starr stated that he had tried to meet with Mr, and Mrs. Lang two to three months ago. He noted that there would be 24 hour security. Commissioner Wood expressed concern regarding the effect of this project on the area. Mr. Housley indicated that based on a meeting with the city engineer, it was felt that a temporary retention area should be provided for a 100-200 year storm. He felt that the owner would not allow mosquitoes. He stated that the project would be fully contained by a block wall. He explained that the project would have a street going around it and that the street to the north would be relatively low and indicated that there would be a minor fill in that area. " Commissioner Richards noted that the property owners were notified that a project would be in their area within 300 feet and was against rescheduling the hearing. He noted that the property owners did receive a notice. Commissioner Erwood felt that since there was a question of legality the safe course of action would be to continue the matter. Commissioner Wood concurred. Chairman Crites felt that the citizens in the area were aware of the upcoming hearing and should have attended the public hearing, but that he would be -3- MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 4, 1985 sympathetic to a motion for continuance. Mr. Diaz indicated that staff would send out notices again because of the threat of legal action, and suggested that the commission continue this hearing to a date certain. Chairman Crites indicated that only new issues that had not been discussed would be heard. Action: Moved by Commissioner Wood, seconded by Commissioner Erwood, to continue +� Case No. PP 85-5 to the meeting of June 18, 1985, to insure that all San Anselmo residents received an amended legal notice. Carried 3-1 (Commissioner Richards voting no.) A FIVE MINUTES RECESS WAS CALLED AT 8:45 P.M. B. Case No. CUP 85-1 - SANTA FE, Applicant Request for approval of a conditional use permit to allow creation of a "second senior housing unit" within an existing single family home in an R-1 zone at the northeast corner of Tampico Drive and Fairhaven Drive. Mr. Drell explained that this was the city's first application for a granny flat and outlined the request. He indicated that the only concern of staff was the size of the septic tank. Chairman Crites opened the public testimony and asked the applicant to address the commission. MR. WOODROW VASQUET, 39-341 Palm Greens Parkway, indicated that staff was recommending approval and concurred. Commissioner Wood asked the applicant if he would be renting the unit out. Mr. Vasquet concurred. ■rrl� Chairman Crites asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to the request. Hearing no one, Chairman Crites closed the public testimony. Commissioner Wood indicated that he was against the request. Action: Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Erwood, adopting the findings as presented by staff. Carried 3-1 (Commissioner Wood voting no.) Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Erwood, adopting Planning Commission Resolution No. 1047, approving CUP 85-1, subject to conditions. Carried 3-1 (Commissioner Wood voting no.) C. Case Nos. PP 85-9 and PM 20945 - lst BANK OF PALM DESERT, Applicant Request for approval of a precise plan of design, parcel map, and negative declaration of environmental impact to allow construction of a two story bank, consolidation of lots, and realignment of the frontage road around the east and north perimeter of the site, in the C-1, S.P. (general , commercial district with a scenic preservation overlay) on .85 acres located at the northeast corner of Monterey ° Avenue and Highway 111. � Mr. Sawa outlined the request and explained that this area was part of the Palma Village Specific Plan and recommended approval with condition no. 3 under public works amended to read, "Installation of curb and gutter, matching paving on street A and in alley and sidewalk on Monterey and Palm Desert Drive - north (Highway 111)." -4- MINU'I'ES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION 7UNE 4, 1985 Chairman Crites inquired about landscaping. Mr. Sawa indicated that there would be sidewalks on Monterey and Highway 111 with landscaping around the building and spread out in the parking lot. Chairman Crites opened the public testimony. MR. ROGER REISHER, 74-629 Arroyo Drive, indicated that he had been working on this project for 1S'i years. He indicated that the first section of �., two-way frontage road work would be completed with the project. He noted that Mr. Sabby Jonathan and Mr. Dick Oliphant were directors, Mr. Joe Foust the engineer for the frontage road, and Mr. Rick Holden the architect. MR. RICK HOLDEN, 73-330 El Paseo, indicated that the project would be a benefit to the city and that the landscaping provided would be nice. MR. JOE FOUST, 1450 N. Tustin Avenue in Santa Ana, indicated that traffic would be restricted to right turn only - no left onto Highway 111 would be allowed. Chairman Crites expressed concern regarding traffic problems. "The commission and Mr. Foust discussed ingress and egress on to and from Highway 111 and potential traffic hazards. They discussed the extension of the median to help reduce those hazards. Chairman Crites asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to the proposal. MR, CHARLIE MILLER, Little Bend Trail, spoke in favor of the project but was concerned with the proposed landscaping. He felt that trees on that corner would obstruct visibility to his business. Mr. Holden indicated that consideration would be given to this request. �,.. Mr. Holden noted that a condition of approval was that a three foot wall surround the project. He indicated that they would like the option of a wall or berm. Staff indicated there would be no problem with having the corner bermed. Chairman Crites closed the public testimony. Commissioner Richards felt that the project was the best one so far, but was concerned about the traffic. Action: Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Wood, adopting the findings as presented by staff. Carried 3-1 (Chairman Crites voting no.) Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Wood, adopting Planning Commission Resolution No. 1048, approving PP 85-9 and PM 20945, subject to conditions as amended. Carried 3-1 (Chairman Crites voting no.) D. Case Nos. PP 85-4 - ARTHUR MOSS, Applicant Request for approval of a precise plan of design and negative declaration of environmental impact to allow construction of a 31,700 square foot professional building (28,250 square feet rentable) on a 46,000 square foot site located at the southwest corner of Fred Waring Drive and '� Monterey Avenue. Mr. Drell explained that the approval of the request was contingent upon the approval of the Palma Village Specific Plan. Staff recommended approval. Chairman Crites opened the public testimony and asked the applicant to address the commission. -5- MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 4, 1985 MR. CHARLES MARTIN, architect, stated that the applicant was MOSS CENTER ENTERPRISES and described the project and explained the mitigation measures taken to reduce the concerns of adjacent residents. He stressed that no windows would overlook into rear yards. Chairman Crites asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to the proposed project. MR. PHIL NETTLEY, 44-112 Acasia Drive, expressed concern regarding +r■ii landscaping, wall height, and the possibility of trees shedding into his yard and trees interfering with power poles. Mr. Diaz explained that the landscaping plan would have to be approved and that the utility poles would be undergrounded. Mr. Cablay indicated that the applicant would sign an agreement to join an assessment district. Commission indicated that the undergrounding should be done as soon as possible. MR. BILL WILSON, 44-144 Acasia, spoke regarding privacy and line of sight and amount of fill. Mr. Cablay indicated that three feet was the maximum level of fill allowed. Chairman Crites closed the public testimony. Commissioner Richards felt that this project was acceptable with the utility poles undergrounded and felt that Mr. Martin did a good job with underground parking. Action: Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Wood, adopting the findings. Carried 3-1 (Commissioner Erwood voting no.) Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Wood, adopting Planning Commission Resolution No. 1049, approving PP 85-4, subject to conditions as amended. Carried 3-1 (Commissioner Erwood voting no.) � E. Case Nos. PP 85-8 - LYNDALE MANOR, Applicant Reguest for approval of a negative declaration of environmental impact and a precise plan of design to allow construction of a 2738 square foot commercial building in the C-1 (general commercial) building at the northwest corner of San Carlos and Frontage Road. Mr. Smith outlined the salient points of the staff report and recommended approval. Chairman Crites opened the public testimony and asked if the applicant wished to address the commission. The applicant concurred with staff's report. Chairman Crites asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to the proposal. There being no one, the public testimony was closed. Action: Moved by Commissioner Wood, seconded by Commissioner Erwood, adopting the findings as presented by staff. Carried 4-0. Moved by Commissioner Wood, seconded by Commissioner Erwood, adopting ""� Planning Commission Resolution No. 1050, approving PP 85-8, subject to conditions as amended. Carried 4-0. -6- MINU'TES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 4, 1985 F. Case Nos. PP 85-12 and PMW 85-12 - DOUGLAS GRIFFITHS, Applicant Request for approval of a 9,600 square foot, two story office building in a C-1 zone and a negative declaration of environmental impact located at the southwest corner of San Carlos Avenue and Alessandro Drive. ,.,� Mr. Joy outlined the main facts of the staff report and recommended approval. Chairman Crites opened the public testimony and asked the applicant to address the commission. MR. BOB RITCHEY, 45-120 San Pablo, indicated that he had no problems with the conditions, but that he had some questions regarding several of the conditions regarding fire marshal conditions, utility undergroUnding, and sidewalks. The commission felt the Mr. Ritchey should contact the fire marshal to resolve his questions regarding the fire marshal's conditions. Action: Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Wood, to continue this matter to June 18, 1985. Carried 4-0. G. Case No. ZOA 85-2 - CITY OF PALM DESERT, Applicant Request for consideration of an amendment to the Palm Desert Municipal Code, Chapter 25 (zoning ordinance) adding section 25.24.25, which would permit private schools and coileges, not including art, business or trade �r.. schools or colleges, with approval of a conditional use permit. Mr. Sawa explained that the amendment was a result of a request by an interested party and commission's direction to staff to initiate proceedings. Commissioner Erwood felt that the meaning was not clear and suggested the deletion of "not including art, business or trade schools or colleges" from Exhibit 'A.' Commission concurred. Chairman Crites opened the public testimony and asked if anyone wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to this matter. T'here being no one, the public testimony was closed. Action: Moved by Commissioner Erwood, seconded by Commissioner Wood, adopting Planning Commission Resolution No. 1051 as amended and recommending approval of ZOA 85-2 to the city council. Carried 4-0. VIII. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS Chairman Crites asked if there was any comment regarding the progress report on the One Quail Place program. There was no comment. r IX. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None. X. COMMENTS Commission instructed the secretary to contact Dave Erwin to find out why there has not been legal representation at the last two meetings. -7- MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 4, 1985 Commissioner Wood commented that if a commissioner would not be attending a commission meeting, it would be a matter of courtesy to notify the secretary. Commissioner Richards explained that it was not always possible. Mr. Diaz introducted Ms. Sue Kilday of the sheriff's department. He explained that she would be taking Mr. Gowey's place in administration. Commissioner Erwood commented that he would like to keep the length of the agenda/meetings down. � Chairman Crites indicated that he would not be attending the next meeting. XI. AD70URNMENT Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Erwood, to adjourn the meeting. Carried 4-0. T'he meeting adjourned at 10:47 .m �r/ � ��' _•,� ^-� `/� , t• ,� ✓ y-r`... '✓'� / ' RAMON A. DIAZ, Sec et ST: RICH ERWO D, Vice Chairman /tm ..A � -8-