HomeMy WebLinkAbout0707 MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
TUESDAY - JULY 7, 1987
7:00 P.M. - CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER
73-SIO FRED WARING DRIVE
NO STUDY SESSION WAS HELD PRIOR TO THE MEETING.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Erwood called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
11. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Ladlow led in the pledge of allegiance.
III . ROLL CALL
Members Present: Rick Erwood, Chairman
Faith Ladlow
Jim Richards
Carol Whitlock
Members Absent: Bob Downs
y Staff Present: Steve Smith
Tim Connor
Greg Holtz
Dave Yrigoyen
Tonya Monroe
1V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Consideration for approval of minutes of the June 16, 1987 meeting.
Chairman Erwood noted a correction on page 3 of 30 inches instead of
30 feet.
Action:
Moved by Commissioner Ladlow, seconded by Commissioner Whitlock,
approving the minutes as amended. Carried 4-0.
V. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION
No report was given.
%NW
MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
JULY 7, 1967
VI. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Case No. TT 20024 - WILLIAM F. CONRAD, Applicant
Request for approval of a one year time extension
for Tract 20024.
B. Case No. PMW 87-6 - RAY-AL ENTERPRISES INC., Applicant
Request for approval of a parcel map waiver to
create one parcel out of two existing parcels on
73-505 Catalina.
C. Case No. PMW 87-9 - FRED VEIGA, Applicant
Request for approval of a parcel map waiver to
create one parcel out of two existing parcels.
Action:
Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Whitlock,
approving the consent calendar by minute motion. Carried 4-0.
VII . PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Continued Case No. CUP 87-6 - RALPH AND VONNA WESTFALL,
Applicants
Request for approval of a conditional use permit
to allow conversion of nine of the existing
motel units to office professional use.
Mr. Smith explained that the applicant was requesting a continuance
to August 4, 1987.
Chairman Erwood opened the public testimony and asked if anyone
present wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to the proposed.
There being no one , Chairman Erwood requested a motion of
continuance.
Action:
Moved by Commissioner Whitlock, seconded by Commissioner Ladlow,
continuing CUP 87-6 to August 4, 1987. Carried 4-0.
2
�.rr
MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
JULY 7, 1987
8. Case No. VAR 87-1 - RALPH SANTO PIETRO, Applicant
Request for approval of a variance to section
25. 16.060 (development standards for R-1 10,000
lots) specifically to reduce the required rear
yard setback from 20 feet to 8 feet to allow
for an addition to the existing single family
dwelling at 47-817 Sun Corral .
Mr. Smith outlined that salient points of the staff report and
indicated that several letters had been received in favor of the
request. Mr. Smith recommended approval of the variance.
Chairman Erwood asked how far away the next building would be. Mr.
Smith replied that to the north there was a row of oleanders and
vacant land, and the distance would be approximately 30 feet.
Chairman Erwood opened the public testimony and asked if the
applicant wished to address the commission.
MR. RALPH SANTO PIETRO, 47-817 Sun Corral , stated that his
house is 20-25 years old and small and that is why he wishes
the variance. Mr. Santo Pietro stated that he had met with
�..r some of the neighbors and had received no negative feedback.
Chairman Erwood asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR or
OPPOSITION to the proposed.
MRS. HARRIET WITMER, 73-787 Haystack, stated that her property
was directly behind Mr. Santo Pietro's. She stated that the
property has been filled up to more than eight feet above hers
with dirt and asked how close to the eight foot setback the
construction would be.
Chairman Erwood asked Mrs. Witmer if the house was there at its
present height when she bought hers. She replied yes and distributed
some pictures. Mrs. Witmer also expressed concern regarding her
grape stake fence remaining and mud going into her pool .
Commissioner Richards noted that the plans indicated that
construction would be eight feet from the property line and asked
Mrs. Witmer if a wall were to be required if she would have a
problem with the size of it. She indicated that there was a view
but expressed a willingness to compromise. She stated that the real
problem was the eight feet above her property.
3
fir.
MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
JULY 7, 1987
MR. SANTO PIETRO described the landscaping and wall to be too
provided and stated that the wall would not be any higher than
the grape stake fences and indicated that the patio area would
not be used.
Chairman Erwood closed the public testimony.
Commissioner Ladlow asked if they could work it out between them on
the type of wall . Commissioner Richards also felt that the
commission should leave an opening for the applicant and his neighbor
to work out the height and type of wall .
Chairman Erwood indicated that on the north there should not be any
windows at a height to look out. Mr. Smith informed commission that
the fire department has certain height standards. Commissioner
Richards felt the condition should be added that staff work with the
applicant and neighbor to determine the wall height and type as well
as no visible windows to look into the yard to the north.
Action:
Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Whitlock,
adopting the findings as presented by staff. Carried 4-0.
Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Whitlock,
adopting Planning Commission Resolution No. 1235, approving VAR
87-1 . Carried 4-0.
C. Case No. CUP 84-10 (Amendment #l) - CHRIS-LINDA, INC., Applicant
Request for approval of an amendment to an
existing conditional use permit to allow a 934
square foot expansion of Ristorante Mamma Gina
in a C- 1 (General Commercial ) zone located in
the San Luis Rey Commercial Complex, 73-705 El
Paseo.
Mr. Smith outlined the salient points of the staff report and the
background of the case and recommended approval . He noted that 19
letters had been received in favor of the expansion.
Commissioner Ladlow asked for and received clarification regarding
the definition of cafe and Commissioner Richards received
confirmation that the expansion was for a waiting area and was not
providing additional tables.
4
MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
JULY 7, 1987
Chairman Erwood opened the public testimony and asked if the
applicant wished to address the commission. After no response,
Chairman Erwood asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR or
OPPOSITION to the proposed.
MS. ELAINE LAND, a neighboring business owner, spoke in favor
of the expansion and stated that she had not found a parking
problem.
MR. BOB SORRENTO also spoke in favor of the expansion and
indicated that in the future their business would like to do a
similar expansion.
Chairman Erwood closed the public testimony.
Action:
Moved by Commissioner Whitlock, seconded by Commissioner Ladlow,
adopting the findings as presented by staff. Carried 4-0.
Moved by Commissioner Whitlock, seconded by Commissioner Ladlow,
adopting Planning Commission Resolution No. 1236, approving CUP 87-10
(Amendment #1 ) , subject to conditions. Carried 4-0.
F.r..
D. Case No. PP 86-19 Amendment #1 - FREEMAN REALTY & DEVELOPMENT,
Applicant
Amendment of a previous condition of approval
that denied access onto Hovley Lane for a 40,000
square foot office/warehouse complex located at
the southwest corner of Hovley Lane and Eclectic
Street.
Mr. Smith read the staff report.
Commissioner Ladlow asked for and received clarification regarding
adjacent property access.
Chairman Erwood opened the public testimony and asked if the
applicant wished to address the commission.
MR. DENNIS FREEMAN, applicant, stated that this property was
the only one denied access and supported staff's findings. He
noted that since the original denial of access, Marriott opened
the property across the street and were grading for the golf
5
%MW
MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
JULY 7, 1987
course. He felt that the traffic flow would be better with
access.
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 Richards, seconded by Commissioner Whitlock,
adopting the findings as presented by staff. Carried 4-0.
Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Whitlock,
adopting Planning Commission Resolution No. 1237, approving PP 86-19
Amendment #1 subject to conditions. Carried 4-0.
E. Case Nos. PP 87-23 and PMW 87-8 - ARC-ID CORP., Applicant
Request for approval of a 79,264 square foot
single-story office/industrial complex located
in an S. I . zone at the southwest corner of Cook
Street and Hovley Lane.
Mr. Smith outlined the salient points of the staff report.
Commissioner Ladlow asked if the property would face Hovley. Mr.
Smith replied that the applicant could address that question.
Chairman Erwood opened the public testimony and asked if the
applicant wished to address the commission.
MR. BILL O'KEEFE, representative, clarified that the three lots
would be combined into two lots and that landscaping would be
provided to screen the back of the building. He indicated that
one building faces Hovley.
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 Whitlock, seconded by Commissioner Ladlow,
adopting the findings as presented by staff. Carried 4-0.
6
rrI
MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
JULY 7, 1987
Moved by Commissioner Whitlock, seconded by Commissioner Ladlow,
adopting Planning Commission Resolution No. 1238, approving PP 87-23
and PMW 87-8. Carried 4-0.
F. Case No. PP 87-24 - MONTEREY INVESTMENT GROUP, Applicant
Request for approval of a 20,784 square foot
two-story office complex located in an office
professional zone at the southwest corner of
Monterey Avenue and Fred Waring Drive.
Mr. Smith outlined the salient points of the staff report and
recommended approval .
Commissioner Ladlow asked for and received clarification regarding
a sidewalk on Monterey.
Chairman Erwood opened the public testimony and asked if the
applicant wished to address the commission.
MR. RICHARD OLIPHANT, 77-900 Avenue of the States, stated that
this corner has been very sensitive and that the commission is
interested in assuring the quality of the design. He described
the design of the building and balcony and was amenable to the
conditions.
Commissioner Richards felt that it was a pleasure to look at this
building and meets most of the concerns.
Chairman Erwood asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR or
OPPOSITION to the proposed.
MR. WILLIAM WILSON, 44- 144 Acacia, felt that two story
development would block views and have a negative impact on
existing homes.
MR. PHIL NETTLEY, 44-112 Acacia, felt this proposal was better,
but expressed concern regarding line of sight and privacy. He
felt that trees provide a tremendous damage to pools and
discussed planting mature landscaping. He felt that what is
seen on the plans is what should be provided now, not five or
ten years from now. He stated that visibility from the building
was his main concern.
�. 7
MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
JULY 7, 1987
MR. JOHN OUTCAULT, 74- 133 El Paseo, commented on changes
requested by the architectural commission. He felt that the
neighbors do deserve their privacy and stated that their
utmost would be done to provide it. He described the
landscaping and tree size that would be provided.
Commissioner Richards asked if there would be any problem planting
mature trees right away and if some type of tree could be used to
reduce the problem of leaves in Mr. Nettley's pool . Mr. Outcauit
replied no, but explained that any type of deciduous trees will
lose their leaves.
MR. NETTLEY also commented on the undergrounding of the utility
lines along the back side of the property.
Commissioner Richards explained that joining an assessment district
to underground utility lines was part of the conditions of approval .
Mr. Holtz indicated that he did not know who would act as lead
agency. Commissioner Richards requested that the city be the lead
agency headed by the public works department. Mr. Smith suggested
that this be made as a separate motion.
Commissioner Ladlow asked if there were any parking lot lighting
provisions. Mr. Oliphant replied that the landscape lighting was
very bright and more attractive to the buildings and less offensive
to neighbors.
Mr. Nettley asked about the ingress and egress to the north going
through from Sonora to Fred Waring and expressed concern regarding
drainage. Commissioner Richards explained that separate ingress and
egress easements have to be done with the neighbors. Mr. Oliphant
addressed the issues of drainage direction. Commissioner Richards
felt that an alley way should not be created.
Chairman Erwood closed the public testimony.
Commissioner Richards felt that a condition ##12 should be added
regarding the landscaping. Mr. Smith stated that it would read that
the landscape area on the west side be planted with assiduous and
deciduous plant materials; materials to be determined by the
architectural commission. He explained that Mr. Nettley would be
invited to attend that architectural commission meeting.
8
MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
JULY 7, 1987
w
Action:
Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Whitlock,
adopting the findings as presented by staff. Carried 4-0.
Moved by Commissioner Whitlock, seconded by Commissioner Richards,
adopting Planning Commission Resolution No. 1239, approving PP 87-24
subject to conditions. Carried 4-0.
Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Ladlow,
by minute motion directed staff, headed by public works, to initiate
the formation of an assessment district for purposes of
undergrounding utilities from Sonora to Fred Waring since the
majority of lots are through development stage on Monterey along the
west side. Carried 4-0.
Vill. MISCELLANEOUS
A. Redevelopment Plan and Environmental Impact Report for Project
Area No. 2 - CITY OF PALM DESERT, Applicant
Request for review of the proposed plan.
�.. Mr. Yrigoyen outlined the salient points of the report to commission.
Commission felt that this approval was a result of extensive study
and moved to approve the resolution.
Action:
Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Chairman Erwood, adopting
the findings as presented by staff. Carried 4-0.
Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Chairman Erwood, adopting
Planning Commission Resolution No. 1240, recommending approval of the
Redevelopment Plan and Environmental Impact Report for Project Area
No. 2 to the city council . Carried 4-0.
B. Request for Clarification - CHARTER COMMUNITIES, Applicant.
Request for clarification of Condition No. 12 of
Planning Commission Resolution No. 1155 for lot
line adjustment associated with a senior housing
project.
,� 9
MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
JULY 7, 1987
MW
Staff explained that there was some misunderstanding regarding the
point of measure for the six foot adjustment.
After extensive discussion between Norm Reynolds, Keiger Barton, and
the commission, it was determined that the lot line adjustment
should achieve one foot west of the existing 10 inch block wall .
Mrs. Georgina Barton also addressed the commission with comments
regarding an exchange of property and the construction of the wall .
Action:
Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Ladlow,
clarifying that the lot line adjustment achieve at least one foot
west of the existing 10 inch block wall , by minute motion. Carried
4-0.
IX. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
X. COMMENTS
None.
XI . ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Commissioner Ladlow, seconded by Commissioner Whitlock,
adjourning the July 7, 1987 meeting. Carried 4-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:02 p.m.
,:• ; ,tea
1 RAM N A. DIAZ, Sec to
ATTE
41CHDERWOOD, Chairman
/tm
10