Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1006 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING TUESDAY - OCTOBER 6, 1987 7:00 P.M. - CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAFER 73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE NO STUDY SESSION WAS HELD. I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Erwood called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. I1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Richards led in the pledge of allegiance. Ill. ROLL CALL Members Present: Rick Erwood, Chairman Bob Downs Faith Ladlow Jim Richards Members Absent: Carol Whitlock Staff Present: Catherine Sass Tim Connor Phil Drell Bob Smith Joe Gaugush Tonya Monroe IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Consideration of September 15 and 22, 1987 meeting minutes. Action: Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Ladlow, approving the September 15 and 22 meeting minutes as submitted. Carried 4-0. V. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION Ms. Sass summarized September 24 council actions at they pertained to planning commission. V1 . CONSENT CALENDAR A. Case No. PMW 87-10 - MONTEREY INVESTMENT GROUP, Applicant Request for approval of a parcel map waiver to merge lots 2-4 and portion of lot 1 into two parcels. MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 6, 1987 B. Case No. PMM 87-11 - RAY-AL ENTERPRISES, INC., Applicant Request for approval of a parcel map waiver to allow consolidation of three existing parcels. Action: Moved by Commissioner Downs, seconded by Commissioner Richards, approving the consent calendar by minute motion. Carried 4-0. VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Continued Case No. CUP 87-10 - ARCO PETROLEUM PRODUCTS, Applicant Request for approval of a negative declaration of environmental impact and conditional use permit to allow construction of a gasoline station and mini-market at the northwest corner of Portola Avenue and Highway Ill . Chairman Erwood asked staff why this item was placed under public hearings. Mr. Drell explained that it was due to conditions of approval and new state laws relative to restrictions on selling alcoholic beverages for convenience stores. Chairman Erwood requested clarification from Mr. Connor as to reopening the public testimony . Mr . Connor replied that it would require re-advertisement. Commission discussed the new conditions and determined that conditions 6 and 7 be deleted, with the understanding that they would be discussed by city council if this item is called up. Action: Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Downs, adopting the findings as presented by staff. Vote: 2-2 (Chairman Erwood and Commission Ladlow voted no. ) Mr. Connor clarified that this no action was tantamount to a denial and the applicant has the right to appeal to city council . B. Continued Case No. ZOA 87-3 - CITY OF PALM DESERT, Applicant Request for approval of an amendment to zoning ordinance chapter 25.58.070 A & 6 to allow special limitations in the residential zone. No 2 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 6, 1987 Mr. Bob Smith outlined the salient points of the staff report. Commissioner Richards asked for clarification regarding size of sideyard setbacks. Staff indicated five feet is the minimum, depending on the zone. Commission discussed the possibility of that amount of space being inadequate, as well as older areas not having space to pull motor homes/vehicles to the back of the property. Commission also discussed the city providing a facility for this type of storage, but it was noted that there are a couple of these type of facilities, and vandalism is a big problem even with 24 hour security. 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, the public testimony was closed. Commissioner Richards suggested that the city use a conditional use permit process to receive neighbor approval . Commissioner Richards felt that there should be more citizen input and recommended a continuance to allow staff to prepare a process of approval and to send a news release to the newspapers. Chairman Erwood re-opened the public testimony for purposes of continuance. vow MR. VIC EFFINGER agreed with commission. He indicated that he was a member of the board of directors for Hidden Palms and expressed concern regarding parking problems and indicated they are against motor homes in their association CCBR's. He explained that they were having problems with someone who has several vans. Mr. Smith explained that the vans were for a home business. Mr. Effinger stated that it was against their CC&R's, but indicated that the person may be moving. He felt that parking control was a problem in the city. There being no further comment, Chairman Erwood asked for a motion of continuance. Action: Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Ladlow, continuing ZOA 87-3 to November 3, 1987, and instructing staff to prepare a news release. Carried 4-0. C. Case No. CUP 87-12 - VILLAGE BUTCHER, Applicant Request for approval of a conditional use permit to sell alcoholic beverages at 74-410 Highway 3 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 6, 1987 go Ms . Sass explained the request and recommended approval . Commissioner Ladlow asked about controls and Ms. Sass noted that if problems occur, the conditional use permit can be revoked. Chairman Erwood opened the public testimony and asked if the applicant wished to address the commission. No one came forward. 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 Downs, seconded by Commissioner Richards, adopting the findings as presented by staff. Carried 4-0. Moved by Commissioner Downs, seconded by Commissioner Richards, adopting Planning Commission Resolution No. 1256, approving CUP 87-12. Carried 5-0. D. Case No. PP 87-29 - DOVELAND DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, Applicant Request for approval of a precise plan of design and negative declaration of environmental impact to allow construction of a 7293 square foot ern retail commercial building on the south side of E1 Paseo, 180 feet east of San Luis Rey. Ms. Sass clarified that the square footage is 7293 per the staff report and indicated that condition #10 should read that a six foot block wall be provided to comply with code. Staff also noted that the landscaping was deficient and had concerns regarding parking, but felt that if corrected, staff could recommend approval . Commission discussed the circulation and staff indicated that the applicant could address the history of the property. Chairman Erwood opened the public testimony and asked if the applicant wished to address the commission. MR. CLEMENTE TRANCUSO, 1900 E. Tahquitz Suite B4 in Palm Springs, stated that landscaping was being provided at 15. 17 percent. He indicated that they have been trying to get an easement from City National Bank and have asked for help by the redevelopment agency and noted that approval has been held up in the bank's legal department. Commissioner Richards asked if the redevelopment agency had the power to subpoena the bank officials to state their reasons for not 4 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCT08ER 6, 1987 taw granting the easement. Mr. Connor stated that he was not aware of any laws to that effect. Commission discussed the plan's circulation and stated that it was unsafe and an alternate circulation plan should be done. Chairman Erwood asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to the proposed. MR. LEN WYNEGAR outlined the history of the property and suggested an additional curb cut on El Paseo. Commissioner Richards noted that staff prefers to see less driveways on El Paseo, but felt that this was a safety issue. Mr. Gaugush indicated that a drive would be possible if that was the commission's wish. Commissioner Richards felt that the applicant should come back one more time with two driveways and the plan should meet the requirements for parking and landscaping. MS. JO MCCART, 47-440 Robat Drive, asked what phase 11 was. The applicant indicated that the phasing had been eliminated. Ms. McCart indicated that she owns Prickly Pear Square. She stated that the applicant had tried to bat her down in low previous meetings by using the city negotiation committee and felt that it was like terrorism. She indicated that Doveland Corporation have not used the most tactful manner and stated that there was more to this case than meets the eye. She stated that commission would do well to go into this and commended commission for their interest. Chairman Erwood asked if there was a motion for continuance. The applicant indicated that a two-week continuance would be sufficient time to have new plans. Ms. Sass requested clarification as to whether or not commission would be recommending help by the redevelopment agency for the easement. Commissioner Richards stated that while an easement would be preferred, they would not hold up the project if the revised plan is acceptable. Action: Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Ladlow, continuing PP 87-29 to October 20 to allow the applicant the present a new plan. Carried 4-0. low 5 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 6, 1987 goo VIII. MISCELLANEOUS A. Case Nos. GPA 87-4, C/Z 87-6, PP 87-28 - DAVID AND MARY STOLTZMAN, Applicants Request for adoption of a resolution of denial that commission instructed staff to prepare. Action: Moved by Commissioner Downs, seconded by Commissioner Richards, adopting the findings as presented by staff. Carried 4-0. Moved by Commissioner Downs, seconded by Commissioner Richards, adopting Planning Commission Resolution No. 1257, denying GPA 87-4, C/Z 87-6, PP 87-28. Carried 4-0. 8. Coachella Valley Water District Informational Item. Commissioner Richards provided background information on the adjacent property from Wedgewood Glen and Mr. Gaugush indicated that the construction of the channel would help the property's future development. IX. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS MR. SANDY BAUM, 45-800 Deep Canyon, asked commission if it would be appropriate for Arco to appeal to the planning commission in view of the agenda Item order. Chairman Erwood stated that the item was handled in the proper manner and should be appealed to the city council . Mr. Baum also felt that oral communications should be taken at the beginning and end of the meeting, citing no. B as saying that, "comments may be deferred until such time on the agenda as the item is discussed," which is not an appropriate statement for the end of the meeting. X. COMMENTS None. aw MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 6, 1967 XI. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Commissioner Downs, seconded by Commissioner Richards, adjourning the meeting. Carried 4-0. The meeting was adjourned at 9:07 p.m. RAMON A. DIAZ, Secret ATTEST: RICHARD ERWOOD, CHAIRMAN /tm 7 wo MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING TUESDAY - SEPTEMBER 22, 1967 7:00 P.M. - CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER 73-510 FRED HARING DRIVE vamp NO STUDY SESSION WAS HELD PRIOR TO THE MEETING. I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Erwood called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Whitlock led in the pledge of allegiance. Ill. ROLL CALL Members Present: Rick Erwood, Chairman Faith Ladlow Jim Richards Carol Whitlock Members Absent: Commissioner Downs Staff Present: Ray Diaz Tim Connor v.� Dick Folkers Tonya Monroe IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: No minutes were submitted for review. V. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION Mr. Diaz explained there had not been any council meetings since the last planning commission meeting. V1. CONSENT CALENDAR None. VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. North Sphere Specific Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Report - CITY OF PALM DESERT, Applicant Request for consideration of the North Sphere Specific Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Report for the area generally located south of Interstate 10, west of Washington Street, north %NW MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 22, 1987 no of 42nd and the Whitewater Channel , and east of Monterey Avenue. Mr. Jay Claiborne of the firm Wallace, Roberts, and Todd introduced his associate Diane Ochi . Mr. Claiborne and Ms. Ochi gave a presentation on the proposed plan by outlining the proposed zones and land uses. Commissioner Richards noted that the city hired this firm to complete this study and they interviewed many people in the city to determine city goals. Commissioner Richards indicated that the consultants had outlined the mechanics of the study, but asked how this would be implemented and what the next step would be. Mr. Diaz explained that the commission should solicit comments from the audience, who probably have not had a chance to review the plan, then continue the hearing to a date certain. He stated that this would allow folks to come to the community development department to see the plan and indicated that once the environmental impact report has been completed with changes by commission and after the review period, city council would review the plan and ultimately adopt a specific plan. He felt that it would be a two to three month process. Chairman Erwood opened the public testimony and asked if anyone wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to the proposed plan. �■Mr MR. F.X. MACDONALD, 1900 East Ocean Boulevard in Long Beach, stated that he has been a real estate developer for 40 years. He indicated that the study shows a junior golf course on his property, which would result in down-zoning, citing a recent supreme court decision against this. He stated that he was vehemently against this change. MR. NICOLE CRIST, Terra Nova, stated that their firm represents several land owners of five acres parcels along Portola, Gerald Ford, and Frank Sinatra. She expressed concern for the neighborhood area parks on either end of this area, use of the neighborhood park on Gerald Ford and Portola where no parking seems to be allowed because of the intersection being a major arterial and averaging 60,000 daily trips, and indicated that she looks forward to reviewing the EIR and plan further before adoption. MR. PHILLIP MOORE, 74-070 Old Prospector, spoke as the Youth Soccer Association representative. He felt that facilities should be provided for youth sports in the north sphere, other than golf. He indicated that he was aware of the plans for the 2 �rri MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 22, 1967 civic center area, but did not feel they would be adequate. He also stated that liqhted facilities are needed. He indicated that the sports complex was being shared with the high school , which damages the field and reduces time allowed for them on the fields. MS. MARGARET SOUTHERLAND read a statement by Mr. Tom Dodson, representing Rancho Mirage Commerce Center (attached as an exhibit) . She felt that an inadequate amount of time had been given for review, noted that Riverside County zoned the property commercial , while this study would reduce it to low density residential , and noise impact from railroad tracks would be unacceptable. She also indicated that her client did not wish to become part of the City of Palm Desert. MR. GORDON PAULAS, 37-711 Peacock Circle in Rancho Mirage, representing Robert Meyer and 40 acres on the northeast corner of Monterey and Country Club. He outlined the plan's zoning designation for this property. He felt that the entry park should be half and acre instead of one acre. He stated that their was a firm interested in developing a commercial use for that corner. He mentioned traffic figures and stated that Mayor Kelly had responded to that issue by saying that the traffic r..� generation would not necessarily be attributable to the Carver Center but because Monterey is now a major access to the Interstate. He stated that he does not contest too much of the findings except the 24,000 square feet of commercial barely being enough for a convenience commercial center. As the major entry point from the city from Rancho Mirage, he did not feel 24,000 square feet would attract any good development. He questioned the 200,000 square feet of office park and thought the corner should be treated more like the corner across the street, which is approximately 9.85 commercial center and asked the commission to consider this. MR. WILLIAM DAVIS, 3921 Aruba in Huntington Beach, property owner south of Country Club Drive, expressed concern regarding rezoning for light industrial across from the entrance of the resort. He had no objections to the plan except as to how it affects the Palm Desert Resort. He suggested that it be mitigated by creating a buffer zone of landscaping to take away the severity of that zoning next to residential . MRS. SUSAN MACK, Parks and Recreation Commissioner, stated they have not had a chance to review the plan and considering the number of parks, it felt would be appropriate. MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 22, 1987 MS. ELEANOR FALK, owner of 40 acres off Cook and Portola, asked if it would be appropriate for property owners to contact the consultants directly. Mr. Diaz explained that over 6,000 notices had been sent out and if everyone wanted to contact them, they wouldn't get anything done. He suggested that items be brought to staff and he will contact them. MR. RICK MILLER, 43-595 Pomeo, stated that he was present to support Phil Moore and the youth. He felt this was a fine plan, but that more attention should be given to youth facilities. Commissioner Richards outlined the proposed facilities for the civic center site and Ms. Ochi described in more detail plans for a school and adjacent recreational areas. MR. PHIL BURNS, 28-552 La Cumbrey in Laguna Nigel , owner of property at Portola and Gerald Ford. He stated that he has spoken to 12 owners of property in the area and all are concerned with how the plan slices through the boundaries of their property. He also wanted to know if the city would purchase the property at fair market value if the owners do not agree with the plan. Commissioner Richards stated that was one consideration that will be rIi taken under discussion. Mr. Diaz also explained that if property owners are ready to develop, they still have the rights to develop under present zoning and if a conflict comes about, decisions will have to be made. MS. MARY DRURY, speaking as a Palm Desert resident, noted that a recent transportation study had been completed by SCAG calling for Tamarisk Row Drive (Kansas) to be an extension of Dinah Shore, called the mid-valley parkway. However, the plan did not mention the existence of that. She noted that a north parkway Is called out that appears to take the place of the Tamarisk Row Drive and gives a connection point of Dinah Shore to the west but not a termination point. She asked what is being planned for the north parkway and where it terminates to the east. Mr. Diaz stated that Tamarisk Road will end at Frank Sinatra at Avondale and didn't know what it would be called. MR. MIKE SMITH, 73-080 E1 Paseo, stated he was representing several clients opposing the proposed specific plan, People's Mortgage, who own a full mile on Monterey Avenue and currently have 20 acres zoned commercial and 300 acres of PR-5, of which they feel the plan would be detrimental . Also 4 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 22, 1967 representing Gale Messick, 72 acre owner adjacent to railroad tracks with property proposed to be zoned PR-3 and he feels it should remain industrial . MR. JAMES PETERSON, 76-551 Daffodil Drive in Palm Valley, commended the planning commission and the city for their foresight in preparing this plan before development gets on top of them. He felt that the consultants had worked with the environment in developing the plan. He liked the parks, shelter belts, but realized it might be difficult to implement and encouraged the city to maintain the natural features. He also discussed bikepaths. MR. ROB SHAPIRO, 6523 Hisperia in Recida, stated that he owned several five acre parcels and indicated that the bikepaths go right through his property. He said he had plans to develop and wanted to know if he should wait until the bikepaths are In. Mr. Diaz replied that if Mr. Shapiro has development plans and is ready to file, he could bring them into the office or make an appointment to discuss it. MR. LIONEL STEINBERG, 57-800 Philmore in Thermal , complimented the city council , planning commission and WRT for a great low attempt to achieve a 20 year plan, and felt it was a good plan and workable with a few changes. He Indicated that 20 acres of commercial has been changed to parks and suggested adding the adjoining 20 acres on Portola and Frank Sinatra to make an outstanding park and indicated the city should act expeditiously. He felt that the commercial zoning should be respected and also encouraged the city to move forward with this. MR. RICHARD SMITH, Smith Peroni & Fox, representing the property owner on the northeast corner of Frank Sinatra and Monterey, indicated the property is in Rancho Mirage, but shown on this plan. He stated that it was on the Palm Desert side of Monterey, but if the city wishes to deannex the property, they will have to be more lucrative. He also represents property owners in the county area and suggested that the city needs to look at consistency with county zoning, because there is no reason to annex into Palm Desert if they are happy with county zoning. MR. RICHARD OLIPHANT, 77-900 Avenue of the States, indicated he was representing Country Club Care Center in section 4. During the presentation he had not heard the consultant explain 5 ir.. MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION SEPTEMKR 22, 1987 uses for medical centers and updated the commission on the law progress of their project. He wanted to make sure they were identified on the section 4 map. Mr. Diaz explained that the moratorium is over and Mr. Oliphant could proceed. MR. DAN STICKLES, 74-360 Angeles Camp, stated that he felt that the hotels should build the dormitory housing on their own grounds and have security to take care of it. Chairman Erwood indicated that the public hearing would remain open and asked for commission comments. Commissioner Richards congratulated the firm on identifying the goals of the city. He felt that several valid items of concern had been brought up, i .e. dormitory housing. Commissioner Whitlock also indicated that she would like more information on the dormitory housing. Chairman Erwood noted the concerns voiced affecting Palm Desert Resort, the freeway zoning, and industrial areas. Mr. Diaz recommended that this be continued to a Tuesday other than regular planning commission meeting dates. Commission decided on October 27. Commissioner Ladlow suggested that information be made available, Mr. Diaz concurred and noted that this would allow sufficient time for parks and recreation commission review. UAW Action: Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Ladlow, continuing this matter to October 27, 1987. Carried 4-0. V111 . MISCELLANEOUS None. IX. ORAL CON MUN[CATIONS None. X. COMMENTS None. 6 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 22, 1987 XI. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Chairman Erwood, seconded by Commissioner Whitlock, adjourning the meeting. Carried 4-0. The meeting was adjourned at 9:08 p.m. RAMON A. DIAZ, Secrete ATTEST: t . RICHARD ERWOOD, Chairman /tm 7 r..