Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1219 MINt�rFS PALM DESERT PLANNIING, COMMISSION MEETIlC 'IUESDAY - DECKER 19, 1989 7:00 P.M. - CIVIC (ENTER ODUNCIL CHAMBER 73-510 FRED WAFJ3 G DRIVE r.. I. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Whitlock called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chairperson Whitlock led in the pledge of allegiance. III. ROLL CALL Members Present: Carol Whitlock, Chairperson Bob Downs Rick Erwood Jim Richards Members Absent: Sabby Jonathan Staff Present: Phil Drell Steve Smith Kandy Allen Phil Joy Gregg Holtz Tonya Monroe IV. APPROVAL OF NIIMJrES: Consideration of approval the December 5, 1989 meeting minutes. Action: Moved by Commissioner Downs, seconded by Cannissioner Richards, approving the December 5, 1989 meeting minutes as submitted. Carried 4-0. V. SIT44ARY OF COUNCIL ACTION Mr. Drell summarized pertinent December 14, 1989 city council actions. VI. C(MENT CALENDAR None. MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING CLM ISSICN DEER 19, 1989 VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Case No. PP 89-29 - BOB SANDIFER, Applicant Request for approval of an 11,316 square foot building located northeast of St. Charles and Mediterranean. Mr. Joy outlined the salient points of the staff report. Chairperson Whitlock informed commission that she would be abstaining. Chairperson Whitlock opened the public testimony and asked if the applicant wished to address the cannission. MR. SVEN PUBLIC E, 29-250 Rio del Sol in Thousand Palms, asked if condition no. 5 was the TUMF fee or an additional fee. Ccrmnissioner Richards gave a brief description of the city's intent to improve access to I-10 and the Whitewater bridge. He explained that conditions no. 5 meant that the applicant would agree to join an assessment district if one was formed. After questioning by Mr. Peulicke, Commissioner Richards explained that the applicant would be moo able to vote for or against the assessment district, but if the assessment district was formed, Mr. Peulicke would agree to participate. Chairperson Whitlock asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to the proposal. There being no one, the public testimony was closed. Cannissioner Richards stated that he had no problem with the request and made a motion for approval. Action: Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Downs, approving the findings as presented by staff. Carried 3-0-1 (Chairperson Whitlock abstained). Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Downs, adopting Planning Commission Resolution No. 1402, approving PP 89- 29, subject to conditions. Carried 3-0-1 (Chairperson Whitlock abstained). 2 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING OCK IISSICN DECE MBER 19, 1989 B. Case No. PP 89-30 - PHILIP MAMJELL, Applicant Request for approval of an 18,406 square foot building south of Sheryl Avenue, 500 feet east of Cook Street. Mr. Joy outlined the salient points of the staff report. Staff recommended approval. Chairperson Whitlock opened the public testimony and asked if the ; applicant wished to address the catmission. There was no response. Cammissioner Richards asked for and received clarification on the square footage break dawn for the parking computation. Chairperson Whitlock asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to the proposal. There being no one, the public testimony was closed. Commissioner Richards stated that he was inclined to deny the project since no one was present on behalf of the applicant. Commissioner Downs suggested reopening the public hearing and continuing the case until the next meeting. Chairperson Whitlock reopened the public hearing and asked for a motion. Action: Moved by Commissioner Downs, seconded by Cnvdssioner Richards, continuing PP 89-30 to January 2, 1990. Carried 4-0. C. Case No. CUP 89-15 - ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH, Applicant Request for approval of a conditional use permit to allow construction of facilities for a religious congregation on a five acre lot on the south side of Hovley Lane, 2,300 feet east of Monterey Avenue. Mr. Smith outlined the salient points of the staff report and recommended approval. Chairperson Whitlock opened the public testimony and asked if the applicant wished to address the ccnudssion. 3 MINUPFS PALM DESERT PLANN12U C04IISSICN DEER 19, 1989 MR. KENT ATRIDGE, architect representing the church, indicated they intend to build a fellowship hall and house of worship and a sanctuary building sometime in the future. He described the architecture and landscaping that would be provided. Chairperson Whitlock asked what the time frame for the two phases would be and Mr. Atridge replied five years. Chairperson Whitlock asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITICN to the proposal. There was no one and the public testimony was closed. Action: Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Cxmtissioner Downs, approving the findings as presented by staff. Carried 4-0. Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Downs, adopting Planning C mTdssion Resolution No. 1403, approving CUP 89- 15, subject to conditions. Carried 4-0. D. Case Nos. PP 89-26 and CUP 89-9 - SECURITY PACIFIC DEVELOPmEw COMPANY, Applicant Request for approval of a precise plan of design and a conditional use permit for three (3) retail/restaurant buildings (11,156 square feet of retail and a 2,760 square foot restaurant) on the C-1 zoned property at the southeast corner of Prickly Pear Lane and El Paseo. Mr. Smith outlined the salient points of the staff report, noting that the project received Palm Desert Property Owners Association and City of Palm Desert Architectural Commission preliminary approval. Mr. Smith explained that the applicant was requesting the option of moving indoor tables out of doors in good weather and indicated that condition #9 should be reworded to add, "The applicant shall be permitted to move indoor seating to patio area, but not more than the total indoor plus 12 as determined by condition #10." Staff noted that the police department submitted camlents that they would like the site plan revised. Staff felt that the bank, as owners of the property, were the most qualified to make the decision of customer protection. Ccarission concurred that the site plan as presented was acceptable. 4 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION DECEMBER 19, 1989 i Commissioner Downs asked about enforcement of table number and Mr. Smith indicated that it would be turned over to code enforcement and on the certificate of occupancy staff could specify the specific number of seats to be allowed. Commissioner Richards stated that he would like for the restaurant operator to cane back to the commission to insure that the tenant would understand the ccmnission's intent. He stated that he would like that placed as a condition of approval. Staff mated that the item would cane to planning commission as a miscellaneous item. Chairperson Whitlock opened the public testimony and asked if the applicant wished to address the commission. MR. SANDY BAUM, 45-800 Deep Canyon in Palm Desert, distributed photographs. He addressed the issue of the number of seats, noted that they were working with Edison for undergrounding, and indicated that the police department oonnents referred to the ATM and did not feel there was a problem. He asked staff about the placement of public art within their courtyard. Mr. Smith indicated that it would be the decision of the arts commission. Commission and staff discussed the issue of calculation of art fees and placement of art. Mr. Baum also indicated that the project was providing the required parking plus one additional space. Chairperson Whitlock asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to the proposal. There being no one, the public testimony was closed. Commissioner Richards felt the restaurant should be reviewed before the tenant moved in and Commissioner Erwood asked for a specific number for the maximum table amount. Mr. Smith indicated that the health department would determine the number of tables allowed for aisle space and fire. Chairperson Whitlock reopened the public testimony to allow Mr. Baum to address the commission. Mr. Baum informed commission of the possibility that they might wish to came back in the future for a possible expansion. Mr. Smith stated that the applicant could cane back anytime to ask for the expansion. 5 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLAN DU COMMISSION DEC EMBER 19, 1989 Commissioner Richards indicated that he did not wish to mislead the applicant that an expansion would be automatically approved. He noted that there were specific conflicting parking demand hours that could occur with the bank. Chairperson Whitlock closed the public testimony and asked for a motion. Action: Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Erwood, approving the findings as presented by staff. Carried 4-0. Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner E.rwood, adopting Planning Commission Resolution No. 1404, approving PP 89-26 and CUP 89-9, subject to conditions as amended. Carried 4-0. E. Case No. PP 89-28 - ARCHISTMJMM, Applicant Request for approval of a negative declaration of environmental impact and precise plan to allow construction of six apartment units on .35 acres within the R-3 zone on the south side of Fred Waring Drive, 500 feet east of San Pablo. Mr. Smith outlined the salient points of the staff report and reco viended approval. Chairperson Whitlock asked if there was parking allowed on the street and Mr. Smith replied that there was parking allowed right now, but Fred Waring would eventually be re-striped to accommodate another lane of traffic. Upon questioning by Ccmuissioner Downs, Mr. Holtz informed commission that staff did not have a time frame as to when the re-striping might be cone; it depended on traffic demand. Chairperson Whitlock opened the public testimony and asked if the applicant wished to address the commission. MR. ED DIAZ, architect for the project, informed commission that an attempt was made to obtain the property next door, but the offer was rejected. He noted that everything in his project was per code. Chairperson Whitlock asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to the project. There being no one, the public testimony was closed. 6 MINVI'ES PALM DESERT PLANNUU CC[MUSSICN DECKER 19, 1989 two Commission expressed concern with lack of parking, the large size of the units, the gating and possible stacking, the project being too much for that area, lack of turn-around space and limited visitor parking. Commission suggested various ways to make the project acceptable. Chairperson Whitlock reopened the public testimony to allow the owner to address the commission. MR. MIKE STITZINGER, property owner, informed commission that he was not in total disagreement with their convents and explained that he tried to make a turn-around area and felt that the gating would provide more privacy and indicated that an upscale apartment development was needed in the city. He indicated that he wanted to avoid lots of asphalt and felt that the swimming pool was a necessity for the project. After further discussion and various suggestions, commission and the applicant agreed that the pool area should be redesigned to accaimodate three visitor head-in parking spaces and the site plan would be approved by planning staff. Commission indicated this should be added as a condition of approval. Chairperson Whitlock closed the public testimony. Action: Moved by Commissioner Downs, seconded by Commissioner Richards, approving the findings as presented by staff. Carried 4-0. Moved by Commissioner Downs, seconded by Commissioner Richards, adopting Planning Commission Resolution No. 1405, approving PP 89- 28, subject to conditions as amended. Carried 4-0. F. Case No. TT 25436 - Z1CMS SCI-FUDT, Applicant Request for approval of a tentative tract map subdividing 8.65 acres of PR-5 zoned land located at the northwest corner of Hovley Lane and Carlotta Drive into 37 single family lots having minimum lot sizes of 7,200 square feet and minimum widths of 60 feet. Mr. Smith outlined the salient points of the staff report, explaining that this project was annexed with the understanding that the county requirements for the project would be permitted, and noting that 7 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING CU4- CSSION DECEMBIIt 19, 1989 adjacent to Havley Lane (a designated arterial street) 20 foot rear yard setbacks were required and the interior lots had been designed with wider frontages and less depth, hence the 15 foot rear yard setback being acceptable to staff. Staff recommended approval. Chairperson Whitlock o e the public testimony and asked if the applicant wished to address the commission. MR. THOMAS SCHMIDT, 75-701 Easy Street in Palm Desert, explained that he did not object to the annexation based on the understanding that his project would be approved per county standards. He described the project design and addressed the height, noting that this project was comparable to others in the area. He concurred with staff's recommendation for approval of the project. Chairperson Whitlock asked if anyone wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to the proposal; there being no one, the public testimony was closed. Staff distributed a letter dated February, 1988, from the director of cc mm dty development indicating that in exchange for the applicant's signing the petition to annex the property into the city, that for a period of five years they would have similar standards applied to them as under the county (i.e. : 7,200 square foot minimum lot sizes and two story hones). Commission agreed that the city should uphold the spirit of the letter. Commissioner Richards agreed that in this instance the spirit of the letter should be upheld, but he voiced strong opposition to the creation of 7,200 square foot lots and two story single family hones in any other instance. If commission is to consider 7,200 square foot lots and/or two story single family hones, then it should only be done following an intensive study and ultimate determination by the city council. Action: Moved by Commissioner Downs, seconded by Chairperson Whitlock, approving the findings as presented by staff. Carried 4-0. Moved by Commissioner Downs, seconded by Chairperson Whitlock, adopting Planning Commission Resolution No. 1406, approving TT 25436, subject to conditions as amended. Carried 4-0. 8 r mINU'E S PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION DECEMBER 19, 1989 w - G. Case Nos. CUP 89-11 and VAR 89-5 B & B IN6IlRANCE SERVICES, Applicant Request for approval of a conditional use permit to allow conversion of a single family residence to an office use and approval of a parking variance from four spaces to three spaces for the proposed office use. Mr. Smith outlined the salient points of the staff report, distributed pictures of the area, and recommended denial of the project. Chairperson Whitlock opened the public testimony and asked the applicant to address the ocnuLission. MR. CLAYTON BORDEAUX, 73-893 Rancine Circle in Palm Desert, discussed the fact that staff did not feel there was adequate parking and turn-around area; he disagreed. He indicated that he would be willing to fill the pool if parking in the front was not acceptable. He felt his plan as proposed was compatible with the city's proposed plan for the block. He also informed commission that he did not have the funds available to buy additional property at this time. He did not see a problem with r.. having only three parking spaces. Commission explained problems could occur with future tenants if the proposal were approved and the property sold. After further discussion, commission felt the applicant should consider a revision that would encompass elimination of the garage and washer/dryer areas and provide a two-way driveway to the rear of the property. The applicant agreed to a one-month continuance to consider the feasibility of the proposed revision. Chairperson Whitlock asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to the proposal. There was no one and Chairperson Whitlock asked for a motion of continuance. Action: Moved by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Ccmimiissioner Downs, continuing CUP 89-11 and VAR 89-5 to February 6, 1990. Carried 4-0. 9 %NW 0 Mmqur'S PALM DESERT PLANNIM CCHKESSIM DDCEMER 19, 1989 H. Crime Nos. CPA 69-4, C/Z 89-9 and PP 89-9 - BERi M DE19MM, Applicant Request for approval of a general plan amendment, change of zone, precise plan of design and negative declaration of environmental impact for a mixed use office/restaurant project consisting of 114,800 square feet of office and an 11,000 square foot restaurant on an 11.3 acre site located on the north side of Highway 111 at the east city limit. Mr. Smith outlined the salient points of the staff report. He explained previous action and indicated that the city council was requesting a recommendation on the project from the planning commission. Staff recommended approval. Chairperson Whitlock opened the public testimony and asked if the applicant wished to address the cemmnmmission. MR. ROBERT RICCIARDI, 45-275 Prickly Pear Lane in Palm Desert, the architect for the project, relayed conversations he had with the City of Indian Wells and Mr. Schmidt an the drainage issue. He noted that he had worked with staff on the flood control and felt that everything was worked out. He noted that the Hidden Palms easement would not be used since they have built on it. He also informed commission that Embassy Suites was not returning his calls or answering letters. He felt that when the property in the back of Embassy Suites develops a condition could be placed on them for access. Mr. Ricciardi noted that when Mr. Schmidt develops, this project would have access to that traffic signal. Mr. Ricciardi explained the history of Mr. Schmidt's involvement in the lawsuit against Indian Wells challenging the general plan on the Bone development. He felt the project should be approved. Chairperson Whitlock asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVCR or OMMITICN to the proposal. 'There was no one and Chairperson Whitlock closed the public testimony. Chairperson Whitlock stated that she was still disappointed with the 11,000 square foot restaurant site because the restaurant across the street was still vacant, although she liked what was done with Hidden Palms to eliminate their problem. She also felt it was unfortunate that something could not be worked out with Embassy Suites. 10 i I bUNUTES PALM DESERT PLANNIM aommissiaN f DEMYBER 19, 1989 Commissioner Richards informed commission that he would be abstaining from the vote since he did not feel the project was good or bad. Commissioner Erwood indicated he had no comments. Cannissioner Downs indicated that he did not see anything different from the prior proposal. Action: Moved by Commission Downs to approve the findings as presented by staff. Motion died due to a lack of a second. After further discussion commission determined that no significant changes had been made (i.e. unresolved driveway connections and drainage issues) and indicated that until there were iron-clad worked out, too many problems and unresolved issues existed. Action: Moved by Commissioner Erwood, seconded by Commissioner Downs, reaffirming the August 1, 1989 action to deny the project by minute motion. Carried 3-0-1 (Commissioner Richards abstained). VIII. MISCELI,ANEaJS A. Roadway Width for Alemw-idroo Drive. Mr. Drell reviewed the history of this matter and indicated that he had spoken to Mr. Frank Goodman, who expressed opposition to the narrowing of Alessandro. He noted that public works was recommending to city council that Alessandro not be narrowed. Chairperson Vk itlock was in favor of the recommendation. She noted that the line-of-sight behind Smokey's Restaurant was dangerous. Action: Moved by Commissioner Downs, seconded by Chairperson Whitlock, endorsing by minute motion the city engineer's recommendation to city council. Carried 4-0. IX. ORAL 0344 ICATIONS MR. DAN EHRLER, 74-431 Driftwood Street in Palm Desert, expressed to commission as a citizen of Palm Desert, his appreciation for their service to the community. 11 MINUTES PAIM DESERT PLANId1I7 CCNMISSICN DECEMBER 19, 1989 t .r X. MI5 i None. XI. ADJOLAUVENT Moved by Commissioner Downs, seconded by Commissioner Richards, adjourning the meeting. Carried 4-0. The meeting was adjourned at 9:27 p.m. _1(2 RAMON A. DIAZ, secikt ATTEST: CAROL WHITLOCK, Chairperson 12