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HomeMy WebLinkAbout0617 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING TUESDAY - JUNE 17, 1966 2:00 P.M. - CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER 73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE NO STUDY b1t5SION WAS HELD PWfbR TO'Ttk MEETING. I. CALL TO ORDER Vice Chairman Erwood called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Wood led in the pledge of allegiance. III. ROLL CALL Members Present: Richard Erwood, Vice Chairman Robert Downs James Richards Ralph Wood Members Absent: Buford Crites, Chairman Staff Present: Ramon Diaz Phil Drell Phil Joy Steve Smith Gregg Holtz Doug Phillips Donna Gomez IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Consideration of minutes of June 3, 1986. Actiont Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Downs to approve the minutes as submitted. Carried 3-0-1 (Vice Chairman Erwood abstaining) . V. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION Mr. Diaz explained that there were no items from the last city council meeting that pertained to planning commission. MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 17, 1986 VI. CONSENT CALENDAR +� A. Case No. PMW 86-10 - PALM DESERT TOWN CENTER, Applicant Request for approval of a lot line adjustment for layer Robinson's store at town center. Action: Moved by Commissioner Downs, seconded by Commissioner Richards approving the consent calendar by minute motion. VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Continued Case Mos. PP 86-20 and VAR 86-3 - ROB COTY, Applicant Request for a five unit apartment project located at the northeast corner of San Pascual and Santa Rosa. Mr. Drell outlined the salient points of the staff report explaining that the main issues were parking and the east property line. The applicant is proposing to reduce the side yard setback from 10 feet to five feet on the east property line. The building has been oriented east-west which provides less building on the elevation facing the adjacent property. The parking that was to back onto the street has been deleted. He noted that an additional five foot dedication was required and that this plan provided more architectural advantages and recommended approval . Vice Chairman Erwood opened the public testimony and asked the applicant to address the commission. MR. ROB COTY, 41-557 Armanac Court, Palm Desert, concurred with the staff report and conditions. Commissioner Richards asked the applicant if he had contacted the owner of the adjacent property. Mr. Coty replied that the owner of the adjacent apartments resided out of town and only had a post office box number. Commissioner Richards asked if he had been notified. Mr. Drell replied that he had. Vice Chairman Erwood asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to the proposed. There being no one, Vice Chairman Erwood closed the public testimony. 2 M I NUIES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 17, 1986 Commissioner Richards expressed concern that the adjacent property owner was not present. Mr. Diaz stated that he had been notified. Mr. Drell informed commission that the adjacent neighbor built in an R-2 zone with a five foot setback, which wou 1 d be the same as was proposed for this project. Action: Moved by Commissioner Wood, seconded by Commissioner Downs adopting the findings as presented by staff. Carried 4-0 Moved by Commissioner Wood, seconded bV' Commistloner Downs adopting Planning Commission Resolution No. 1150, approving PP 86-20 and VAR 86-3, subject to conditions. Carried 4-0 B. Case No. VAR 86-2 - HASSAN ZARQEJAD, Applicant Request for approval of a side yard setback variance from 30 feet combined to 20 feet for a new house proposed on the east side of Verba Santa, 420 feet north of Ironwood Street. Mr. Joy outlined the salient points of the staff report, noting that the zoning and setbacks were set prior to city standards. He explained that the applicant was requesting a reduction of the side yard setbacks, but Informed commission that 20 feet is standard. "v* indicated that Mr. Frank Urrutia and the p operty owners across the street expressed opposition. Mr. Joy informed commission that it was approved by the property owners association and recommended approval . Commissioner Wood asked why staff was over ruling the objections for the setbacks. Mr. Joy replied that a 10,000 square foot lot requires a 20 foot combined setback. Mr. Diaz asked 1f Mr. Urruita's property meets the current setback requirements. Mr. Joy replied that he has 23 feet combined which is less than the code requirement of 30 feet. Vice Chairman Erwood opened the public testimony. MR. HASSAN ZARENEJAD, owner, stated that the staff report covered the issues. He Indicated that the setback of 30 feet was established for R-3 zoned property. He explained that a number of these lots have been divided in half, with an 80 foot lot having a 30 foot setback would be difficult. He indicated that he went through the neighborhood and measured some lots the same size as his. The existing setbacks on these lots ranged 3 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 17, 1986 from 10 feet to a maximum of 21-1/2 feet, with the average being 14.9 feet. Property owners association requested a minimum 10 foot setback. He noted that Frank Urrutia requested the larger setback on his side of the lot. Applicant stated that he was requesting a reasonable setback variance. Commissioner Richards asked the applicant the size of the home he would be building. Mr. Zarenejad replied 2100 square feet. Vice Chairman Erwood asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to the proposed. There being no one, the public testimony was closed. Commissioner Richards stated that he felt the project was good, Indicating that the applicant was building a modest size home that is right for the neighborhood. Gw miss We r Wood concurred. Action: Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Downs adopting the findings as presented by staff. Carried 4-0 Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Downs adopting Planning Commission Resolution No. 1151, approving VAR 86-2, subject to conditions. Carried 4-0 C. Case Nos. PP 86-21 and TT 21624 - SANTA ANITA DEVELOPMENT, Applicant Request for approval of a precise plan of design, tentative tract map and negative declaration of environmental impact to allow construction of a retail/commercial project of some 90,836 square feet on a nine acre site, zoned PC (4) and located at the northwest corner of Fred Waring Drive and Highway Ill. Mr. Smith indicated that the applicant had submitted a revised site plan which addressed the commissions five basic concerns of the May meeting. He explained that city council had reviewed the project on May 26 and made no comment at that time. Mr. Smith then proceeded to outline the changes to the site plan and noted that the architec- tural commission had granted preliminary approval . The architectural commission also endorsed the drive-thru restaurants and the location of the service station on the corner lot. Mr. Smith felt that the location of the service station was inappropriate in that the state 4 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 17, 1906 could control the signage and that the station should not have been Incorporated in a complete plan. He did rKA want the service station to appear as the Monterey and Country Club station has. Commissioner Wood explained that many of his friends living near the Monterey service station feel it is very attractive. He felt that a service station at that location, if properly landscaped, would be more appropriate for traffic flow reasons. He indicated that the architectural commission should have a strong hand In the design of the service station. Commissioner Richards noted that staff did an excellent job on the Monterey center. He felt that the price signs are convenient for people who wish to know prices before entering a gas station. He explained that his concern was with the overall picture of the PC 4 designation. He felt that the zoning was being twisted around to fit the proposed type of use and recommended the possibility of the property being rezoned to more appropriately accommodate the project. Mr. Diaz suggested that the commission first look at the project Itself and then determine if the zoning needs to be changed. Vice Chairman Erwood opened the public testimony and asked the applicant to address the commission. MR. JOE SEITZ, applicant, stated that he had a formal presen- tation if the commission wished to hear it. He indicated that they felt they had been reasonable to the concerns of the commission. MR. BRUCE GREENE, project architect, presented a height and a solar study which indicated that the adjacent single family homes would not be adversely affected. He explained that the gas station was to have no service or repair work only some sales of convenience items. He then proceeded to outline the changes made to the site plan. Mr. Diaz suggested that the gas islands be reduced from three to two and the landscaping increased. MR. JIM HUNTSBORO, of Mobil Oil , felt that the three islands were needed to service the needs of the customer. He indicated that they would be selling vending machine type products only and no service or repairs would be done there. Mr. Seitz noted that they had discussed having one sign on the corner that would satisfy the state. 5 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 17, 1906 a Vice Chairman Erwood asked if any one wished to speak in FAVOR or Nei OPPOSITION to the proposed project. FLORENCE LOPEZ, 4850 Pepperwood Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90808, submitted a letter which listed her concerns with the proposed project. She explained that she co-owned two homes adjacent the property which might be negatively impacted traffic noise, lighting, pollution, garbage and odors from the nearest restaurant. She was also concerned with the dust during construction, the location of equipment storage, drainage problems existing on the site and access to the homes. MR. JOE SEITZ, explained that the delivery hours will be limited to day hours only and that landscaping and buffering will provide screening from the rear of the project and the restaurant. MR. BRUCE GREENE noted that construction will be done quickly from October to early spring. During construction there will be appropriate watering to keep dust down. MR. BARRY McCLELLAN, engineer, stated that the east bound traffic would be unchanged. He explained that there is a drainage problem to which they have a solution. Santa Anita Development and D & D Development will be building a storm drain. The city engineer has agreed to extend the drainage pipe across Highway III to Fred Waring Drive. He explained that all the water from the site would be put into enclosed underground pockets. MR. JOE SEITZ indicated that they have set up a fund that offers neighbors $300 to $500 for additional landscaping on their property. With no further discussion Vice Chairman Erwood closed the public testimony. Commissioner Richards felt the developer has been generous in the changes that have been made. He thought that the service station was in an appropriate location but felt that the complete project was being stretched to f i t Into the PC 4 zoning. He noted that he would rather see a hotel development on this site. Commissioner Wood questioned counsel on the legality of approving this project under the current zoning of PC 4. He felt it was a good project that would provide services to the community. Commissioner Downs agreed with Commissioner Wood and felt that the applicant has made acceptable changes to the commissions concerns. 6 arril MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 17, 1986 Mr. Phi 1 1 fps. felt that" tf* project could be approved under the current zoning but indicated that a commercial zoning wou 1 d be more appropriate. Vice Chairman Erwood stated that he would have a problem approving this project under the PC 4 zoning. He recommended that the applicant request a zone change. Commissioner Wood suggested approving this project now and ask for a study on the PC 4 zoning. Commissioner Richards suggested that staff look into the remaining PC land available in the city and discuss whether the zoning should be changed. Action: Moved by Commissioner Wood, seconded by Commissioner Downs to grant conceptual approval of the revised development plan dated June 13, 1986 and to direct staff to return with a resolution of approval with appropriate findings and conditions based on testimony and discussion given today to the meeting of July 1, 1986. Carried 3-1 (Commissioner Richards opposed) . d. Case No. PP W23 - KEN 1NOMW Applicant Request for approval of plans for a 6,000 square foot single story retail/furniture store located In a C-1 zone at the northeast corner of San Carlos and Palm Desert Drive. Mr. Drell explained that the applicant was requesting a continuance to July i5, t886. Ilk noted that the applicant *as in the process of selling the property and the buyer would like to continue with the hearing process. Vice Chairman Erwood opened the public testimony and asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION. There being no one, the public hearing was continued. Actions Moved by Commissioner Downs, seconded by Commissioner Richards continuing Case No. PP 86-23 to the meeting of July 15, 1986. Carried 4-0. 7 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNi I NG COMMISSION .TUNE 17, 1986 l E. Case No. PP W24 - ROSEWLUM i PECK, Applicants Request for approval of a negative declaration of environmental impact and a precise plan for an eight unit apartment project within the R-3 zone located on the north side of San Gorgonio Way between Las Flores Avenue and Las Palmas Avenue. Mr. Drell outlined the salient points of the staff report and recommended approval . Vice Chairman Erwood opened the public testimony and asked the applicant to address the commission. MR. WENDEL VEITH, architect, concurred with staff's findings. Vice Chairman Erwood asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to the proposed. There being no one, the public testimony was closed. Action: Moved by Commissioner Wood, seconded by- Commissioner Downs adopting } the findings as presented by staff. Carried 4-0 Moved by Commissioner Wood, seconded by Commissioner Downs, adopting Planning Commission Resolution No. 1152, approving PP 86-24, subject to conditions. Carried 4-0 F. Case No. PP/CIAO W27 - HARRY SCNNITZ, Applicant Request for approval of a precise plan/conditional use permit for a six unit senior citizen apartment project located within the R-3 Sen i or- Over 1 ay Bone on the east s i de of San Rafael , 300 feet north of San Gorgonio Way. Mr. Drell gave an outline of the proposed project and indicated that the main concern was with the parking area. He explained that the architectural commission supported the use of shade trees rather than any type of carport or garage for the shading of the parking spaces. He noted that there was adequate space for three carports to be added. i 8 1 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING 0"ISSION JU E 17, 1986 Commissioner Downs noted that he had looked at this site and found that the closest sewer hook up was approximately 350 feet away and up hill from the site. Vice Chairman Erwood opened the public testimony and asked the applicant to address the commission. MR. HARRY SCHMITZ, applicant, explained that the previous property owner was allowed to go with septic tanks which the water district approved at that time. He rvWested "the use of septic tanks for his project. He indicated that the architec- tural commission felt that trees would provide adequate protection for the parking spaces. He stated that the neighbors around the site felt that project would enhance the area. He asked if garages would be acceptable which would require a variance. Mr. Schmitz questioned the need to pay school impact fees since this was a senior project. Vice Chairman Erwood asked if any one wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to the proposed project. { -� VALERIE HALL, apartment manager, explained that she managed the apartment across the street from the proposed project and she felt that the project would be an asset to the neighborhood. Vice Chairman declared the public testimony closed. Commissioner Richards questioned if there would be any future extension of the sewers in this area. He felt that garages would be acceptable. Mr. Holtz indicated that there had been some discussion about creating an assessment district to install sewer 'sotaih and curb and gutter together in that area. Commissioner Richards felt that the applicant should be bound to join any future assessment district in that area. He stated that he did not feel trees would be acceptable for the purpose of shading the parking area and noted that three carports is reasonable. Commissioner Downs noted that a variance would not be required for the three carports. Mr. Drell explained that the school district has determined that all developments must pay the school fee therefore, the city includes this condition unless some other agreement is worked out between the applicant and the school district. 9 r.r MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 17, 1986 Actions Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Downs adopting the findings as presented by staff. Carried 4-0 Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Downs adopting Planning Commission Resolution No. 1153, approving PP/CUP 86-27 as amended, subject to conditions. Carried 4-0. VIII. NISCELLAIEOUS A. REVIEW OF PC 4 ZONING Action: Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Downs directing staff to prepare information on all available PC 4 land and present ideas and suggestions on how to address the concerns of this zoning. Carried 4-0 IX. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS MR. SANDY BAUM, 45-800 Deep Canyon, Palm Desert, CA 92260, indicated that it might be a good idea to have the city's Economic Development Advisory Committee review the Santa Anita Development project for advise and input. wo Commission felt this was a good idea. X. COMMENTS None. XI. ADJOUR NENT Moved by Commissioner Downs, seconded by Commissioner hards to adjourn the meeting at 4:05 p.m. Carr 4-0 RAMON A. DIAZ, Sec to ATTEST, I� RWOOD, Vice Chairman /dlg 10