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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-10-05 PC Regular Meeting Minutes MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION TUESDAY - OCTOBER 5, 2010 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Limont called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Members Present: Connor Limont, Chair Mari Schmidt, Vice Chair Sonia Campbell Nancy DeLuna Van Tanner Members Absent: None Staff Present: Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development Jill Tremblay, Assistant City Attorney Tony Bagato, Principal Planner Christina Canales, Assistant Engineer Tony Becker, Administrative Secretary III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Limont led in the pledge of allegiance. IV. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION Mr. Bagato stated that there were no pertinent City Council actions to report for this meeting. V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None. VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Request for consideration of the September 21, 2010, meeting minutes. moo MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 5, 201 Action: ow Commissioner Campbell noted corrections to the September 21, 2010 minutes. Commissioner Tanner moved and Commissioner De Luna seconded the approval of the September 21, 2010 meeting minutes, with corrections. Motion carried unanimously 5-0. VII. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Case No. PP-06-18/CUP 06-15, John Wang, Applicant Request for approval of a one-year time extension for PP 06- 18 / CUP 06-15 for an 88-room hotel and restraint pad located at 75-144 Gerald Ford Dr. Action: Commissioner Tanner moved and Commissioner Campbell seconded the approval of the Consent Calendar by minute motion. Motion carried unanimously 5-0. Vill. PUBLIC HEARINGS Chair Limont stated that anyone who challenges any hearing matter in court may be limited to raising only those issues he, she or someone else raised at the public hearing described herein, or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission at, or prior to, the public hearing. A. Case No. CUP 10-274 — Judith McClintic, Applicant Approval for a non-profit organization to operate a bridge card-playing facility located at 74-836 Technology Drive, Suite 104, (APN: 694-190- 066) Assistant Planner Missy Grisa presented orally her staff report to the Planning Commission including a Power Point presentation showing the parcel, parking, and facility maps of the site and the building. Ms. Grisa noted that in this particular case, there is a higher parking threshold than would be required of a typical tenant because of the nature of the service offered. Staff recommended limiting parking on the north side to 65 spaces since the other nearby tenants share that particular lot. Ms. Grisa noted that the two neighbor tenants, Cook Street Liquor and Starbucks, both acknowledge and are in favor of this business locating there. These businesses and the o 2 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 5, 201 nearby Hampton Inn have written letters regarding shared parking uses. She offered to answer any questions of the Planning Commission. Commissioner De Luna asked about the overflow parking and if there is a formal written agreement between the tenant and the Hampton Inn, or if it was just a written statement. Ms. Grisa indicated that the agreement was informal between the two parties. However, the Hampton Inn is comfortable with sharing their overflow parking. Commissioner De Luna wanted to make sure that the Planning Department was okay with that type of agreement. Mr. Bagato indicated that they are. Commissioner Tanner asked about occupancy. He thought that 80 people for 3,000 square feet seemed very small and asked if that was typical for a card-playing facility, and followed up by asking about ordinances in place that limit maximum occupancy allowed in buildings and if this met those requirements. Ms. Grisa indicated that she wasn't sure exactly how bridge games are set up, but that she didn't believe that this was an unusual instance. Mr. Bagato commented that before these applications are presented to the Planning Commission, they are checked by Building and Safety, Public Works and the Fire Marshal who also verify those requirements. Staff can verify that the maximum occupancy is allowable and, if not, then make changes as necessary. Commissioner Schmidt asked about language in the resolution Condition #2 stating that any changes would require a new hearing and asked if that meant changes in use, ownership, or to the structure...etc. Ms. Grisa indicated that with CUP's, a change in ownership would not require a new CUP. But, if the facility is vacant for over a year, then yes, a new hearing would be required. Commissioner Limont followed up by asking if the tenant were to change their hours, for example, would they need a new hearing. Ms. Grisa stated that they would. Commissioner Campbell noticed the wrong name was listed in the CUP on Item #3. Mr. Bagato stated that it was a mistake, but that the times listed were the correct times. The name would be changed on the resolution to the Duncan Bridge Center. Commissioner Limont declared the public hearing open, and asked for any comments in favor of, or in oppositions to, the proposed CUP. No persons came forward to speak. 3 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 5, 2010 Chair Limont asked for any other discussion or questions from the Commissioners. Hearing none, she declared the public hearing closed. Action: Commissioner Campbell moved and Commissioner Tanner seconded the approval of CUP 10-274. The motion carried 5-0. Commissioner Campbell moved and Commissioner Tanner seconded the approval of the findings and adoption of Planning Commission Resolution No. 2535, approving Case No. CUP 10-274. The motion carried 5-0. B. Case No. CUP 10-297 — The Ritz at Barkingham Palace, Applicant Approval of a Conditional Use Permit to operate an upscale boarding and grooming facility for dogs and cats in a Service Industrial Zone located at 34-550 Spyder Circle, APN: 694-240-001. Commissioner De Luna recused herself from this case and exited the Chamber. Assistant Planner Missy Grisa presented orally her staff report and Power Point presentation including slides of the site, the adjacent parcels, and parking lots. The tenant would be the sole tenant occupying the building. There is a storage facility to the north and vacant lots on the other sides. There would be no significant increase in traffic; clients would be coming to pick up and drop off their pets, so the 22 spaces required for parking are adequate for staff and clients. Ms. Grisa also noted that Condition of Approval #4 should read "The Ritz at Barkingham Palace". Commissioner Campbell asked whether dog walking would take place inside the facility or outside. Ms. Grisa said that she would let the applicant speak to that. Commissioner Limont declared the public hearing open. Ms. Lori Weiner of 17 Strauss Terrace, Rancho Mirage, introduced herself to the Commission and answered that the pets would be walked outside and the handlers would have bags to clean up any messes. She added that she has talked with Burrtec about waste 4 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 5, 2010 disposal for this business. Commissioner Limont commented that there are no shade structures or trees or anything around there, and tow that she was concerned for the pets in the summer, even going outside for ten minutes. Ms. Weiner stated that in the immediate vicinity of the building there are small bushes and plants that provide some shade and the area is covered in decomposed granite (DG) and is not blacktop. Commissioner Tanner asked about Ms. Weiner's experience in the business. Ms Weiner said that, while this was a new business opportunity for her, she and her business associate have breeding experience as well as show experience with both dogs and horses for over twelve years. Commissioner Tanner asked if they were planning to breed in this facility, and Ms Weiner stated that they were not. Commissioner Tanner followed up by asking how many dogs they were planning to board, and Ms. Weiner stated that they just ordered 30 kennels. Commissioner Campbell asked about veterinary services and if a vet would come out often, or just on-call as needed. Ms. Weiner indicated that there would be an on-call vet available 24 hours a day. She stated that there would be one animal per suite and that a camera (webcam) would be in each suite. Commissioner Limont asked if someone would be there 24 hours a day and Ms. Weiner said no. Commissioner Schmidt asked for clarification since she just heard that the conditions stated that someone must be available 24 hours per day. Ms Weiner clarified by saying that a caretaker will be there 24 hours per day, but that the vet is on-call. Commissioner Limont declared the public hearing closed and asked for comments. Action: Commissioner Campbell moved and Commissioner Tanner seconded the approval of the findings and recommendation as presented by staff. Motion approved 4-0 (Commissioner De Luna Absent) Commissioner Campbell moved and Commissioner Tanner seconded the adoption of Planning Commission Resolution No. 2536, approving CUP 10- 297, subject to conditions. Motion approved 4-0 (Commissioner De Luna Absent). Commissioner De Luna rejoined the Commission at this time. tow MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 5, 201 IX. MISCELLANEOUS NONE X. COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES A. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES Commissioner Campbell stated that the meeting has not taken place yet. B. LANDSCAPE BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE Commissioner Limont stated that there was nothing to report. C. PARKS & RECREATION Commissioner Tanner commented about the Aquatic Center groundbreaking and its success, the skateboard park upgrades, and other business as usual. Commissioner Limont asked if the Committee still upholds the skate park safety rules. Commissioner Tanner reported that they do. D. PROJECT AREA 4 COMMITTEE Commissioner Schmidt had no additional comments. XI. COMMENTS Mr. Bagato provided a follow up report on the landscaping at The Reserve in response to a previous request by Commissioner Limont. He reported about a meeting between Indian Wells and Palm Desert and The Reserve, who is proposing a modification to their existing plant pallet which will require either a new EIR or a Focused EIR. The current EIR is limited to plants that are native to the Coachella Valley. The Reserve will be moving forward with the environmental analysis of their proposed modification of the plant pallet, but it will take a significant amount of time. Thus, any changes they want to make will have to be done if and after the EIR is completed and approved. Mr. Bagato also stated that the Planning Commission will have a second meeting on October 19, but will cancel the November 2 meeting because the Council Chamber is used as a polling place on election night. Commissioner Limont reiterated her request that CEQA be followed with regard to The Reserve. 6 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 5, 2010 WMW XII. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Schmidt moved and Commissioner De Luna seconded the adjournment of the meeting by minute motion. The motion carried 5-0. The meeting was adjourned at 6:27 p.m. LAURI AYLAIAN, Secretary ,ATTEST: '\ V M. CONNOR LIMONT, Chair Palm Desert Planning Commission /tb 7