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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-03-18 PC Regular Meeting Minutes CITY OF PALM DESERT PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES • TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2014— 6:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBER 73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260 I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Roger Dash called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioner Nancy DeLuna Commissioner John Greenwood Commissioner Sonia Campbell Vice Chair Ken Stendell Chair Roger Dash Now Staff Present: Robert Hargreaves, City Attorney Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development Eric Ceja, Associate Planner Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner Monica O'Reilly, Administrative Secretary 111. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner John Greenwood led the Pledge of Allegiance. IV. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION Ms. Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development, reported that at the meeting of March 13, the City Council approved modifications to Tentative Tract 34179 (Monterey Ridge) that would eliminate the housing agreement between the City and the developer. She said that there was a first reading of a proposed modification to the accessory structure ordinance. However, the Council directed staff to make revisions that would enhance the protection of views and privacy for .. residents that are enjoying their backyard. MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MARCH 18, 2014 V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None VI. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Planning Commission meeting of March 4, 2014. Rec: By Minute Motion, approve as presented. Upon a motion by Commissioner Campbell, second by Commissioner Greenwood, and a 5-0 vote of the Planning Commission (AYES: Campbell, Dash, DeLuna, Greenwood, and Stendell; NOES: None), the Consent Calendar was approved as presented. VII. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None VIII. NEW BUSINESS None IX. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION to approve Tentative Parcel Map 36502 to subdivide a 2.09-acre site into four parcels (three single-family lots and one retention basin lot) located at 49-425 JFK Trail (APN 655-300-017). Case No. TPM 36502/HTE 12-410 (DRRS Holdings, LLC and Ross, Johnson and Associates, 888 Fort Street, 4th Floor, Victoria British Columbia V8W1 H8, Applicant). Mr. Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner, reported that staff met with the applicant and adjacent neighbors on March 17. It was determined that the neighbors pad height elevations were incorrect on the map. Staff recommended continuing this item to a date uncertain to allow staff, the applicant, and the neighbors to come to an agreement on pad heights. He noted that all parties have agreed to not speak at this public hearing; therefore, staff recommended not opening the public hearing. He offered to answer any questions. Commissioner DeLuna moved, by Minute Motion, to continue Case No. TPM 36502/HTE 12-410 to a date uncertain. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Campbell and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Campbell, Dash, DeLuna, Greenwood, and Stendell; NOES: None). ..r 2 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2014\Minutes\3-18-14 min.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MARCH 18, 2014 B. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of a Conditional Use Permit to replace an existing mono-palm with a new 75-foot AT&T mono-palm located at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church at 47-535 Highway 74. Case No. CUP 13-414 (AT&T Mobility, 12900 Park Plaza Drive, Cerritos, California 90703, Applicant). Mr. Swartz reported that the property is located at St. Margaret's Church on the west side of Highway 74. He noted that there are currently three mono-palms at the following heights: 1) Sprint at 711/2 feet; 2) Nextel at 621/2 feet; and 3) Verizon at 75 feet. He stated that the applicant is proposing to remove the 621/2-foot Nextel mono-palm and replace it with a 75-foot mono-palm for AT&T, and use the existing equipment shelter. He presented photos of the equipment shelter, mono-palms, and site location. Mr. Swartz said the applicant intends to conceal the antennas inside the mono-palm trunk. The mono-palm would provide coverage to south Palm Desert AT&T customers. Staff recommended approval and offered to answer any questions. Commissioner Nancy DeLuna commented that the proposed mono-palm will be much taller. She asked if it would be necessary to add live trees to shield the mono-palm. Mr. Swartz responded that the mono-palm has been in the current location since 2005, and staff has not received complaints. Staff feels it is visually screened, and staff is confident that the 75-foot mono-palm is acceptable. He added that the applicant has not removed the mono-palm. Therefore, he recommended adding a condition to have the applicant remove the existing mono-palm before final inspection of the new mono-palm so that there are not two mono-palms at the same time. Commissioner Sonia Campbell clarified that the 75-foot mono-palm would be located between two existing palms, and the grade is going downward so the mono-palm would not look as tall. Mr. Swartz replied that is correct. Vice Chair Ken Stendell asked how many mono-palms are between St. Margaret's Church and the Presbyterian Church, and what are the heights of the mono-palms. Mr. Swartz responded that he believes there is one at the Presbyterian Church, and the mono-palm is between 70 and 75 feet. Chair Dash declared the public hearing open and asked for any public testimony IN FAVOR or OPPOSITION. 3 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2014\Minutes\3-18-14 min.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MARCH 18, 2014 MR. TIM MILLER, 5912 Bolsa Avenue, Suite 202, Huntington Beach, California 92649, commented that they have been working on this project for three years. They decided to take Nextel's site after they found out that they abandoned it. The proposed site provides enough room for their equipment and pole. He noted that they need the 75-foot mono-palm because the antennas are concealed inside the pole. He offered to answer any questions. Commissioner Greenwood referred to map and asked if there is access to the shelter on the south side. MR. MILLER responded that they enter through the north side, and they have room to go around the tree. He mentioned that the new shelter will be smaller, and there will be more room to walk around. With no further testimony offered, Chair Dash declared the public hearing closed. Commissioner Greenwood moved, by Minute Motion, approving a Conditional Use Permit to replace an existing mono-palm with a new AT&T mono-palm located at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church, and adding to the conditions of approval that the existing Nextel mono-palm shall be removed prior to the AT&T mono-palm receiving final inspection. Motion was seconded by Vice Chair Stendell and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Campbell, Dash, DeLuna, Greenwood, and Stendell; NOES: None). Commissioner Greenwood moved, by Minute Motion, to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2622, subject to conditions. Motion was seconded by Vice •+ Chair Stendell and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Campbell, Dash, DeLuna, Greenwood, and Stendell; NOES: None). C. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of a Precise Plan to allow the construction of a 3,600-squ are-foot duplex located at 45-855 Portola Avenue. Case No. PP 13-421 (Toma Stoianovici, 40-462 Corte Placitas, Palm Desert, California 92260, Applicant). Mr. Eric Ceja, Associate Planner, reported that the property is located on the west side of Portola Avenue, north of Fairway Drive. The proposed duplex would have two units and separate two-car garages, with a shared driveway providing access onto Portola Avenue. He said each unit would have a kitchen, living area, two bedrooms, and two and a half baths. With the aid of slides, he presented plans and exhibits of the project. He noted that the Architectural Review Commission approved the plans subject to minor changes. Mr. Ceja offered to answer any questions. Commissioner DeLuna asked if there is room for a car to back out without having to back out onto Portola Avenue to exit the property. 4 GAPlanningWonica OReilly\Planning Commission\2014\Minutes\3.18-14 min.dou MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MARCH 18, 2014 Mr. Ceja responded that when staff reviewed the plans, it was determined that there is adequate turning radius for cars to get in and out of the garage. However, he is not sure if a car is able to turn around and move forward onto Portola Avenue. Ms. Aylaian interjected that she believes the Public Works Department has reviewed the plans so backing out onto Portola does not need to occur. Vice Chair Stendell commented that there seems to be adequate parking space to maneuver in and out of the garage. He asked if there is anything the City can do to ensure that the garages are used for cars, and limit parking on the driveway. Mr. Ceja replied that parking is available on Portola Avenue. He said that he anticipates the tenants would not want to park in the driveway since it would prohibit in and out access to the duplex. Ms. Aylaian added that it is a very common situation throughout the City. She said people choose to use their garage however they choose to use it. She stated that there is not an ordinance that prohibits parking in driveways. Commissioner Greenwood referred to Condition of Approval No. 2, which states the applicant must install a six-foot ADA-compliant sidewalk on Portola Avenue. He commented that he drove by the area, and noticed that the sidewalks are ow segmented. There are some properties that have a sidewalk and some do not. In addition, there are some setbacks along Portola Avenue that are very tight in front of the curb. He asked what the reason for installing a six-foot sidewalk is. Mr. Ceja responded that it is a policy that with new construction, infrastructure improvements should be installed, such as sidewalks. Commissioner Greenwood asked if it is up to the City to install sidewalks to areas that are developed to continue the circulation. Mr. Ceja replied that it would be up to the City to make those improvements. Commissioner DeLuna clarified that the proposed project will be conditioned to install a sidewalk. Mr. Ceja replied that is correct. Chair Dash declared the public hearing open and asked for any public testimony IN FAVOR or OPPOSITION. MR. TOMA STOIANOVICI, 40-4462 Corte Placitas, Palm Desert, California 92260, stated that he drives on Portola Avenue every day. He spotted the lot, i0w 5 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2014\Minutes\3-18-14 min.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MARCH 18, 2014 which has been vacant for a long time. He said that he thought it was a perfect opportunity to develop. It is a project that would benefit the City and him. He stated that he hopes the Planning Commission approves. Commissioner Greenwood commented that to the north of the site there is a pedestrian gate, as well as a vehicular gate. He asked what the intent of having a gate at that location is. MR. STOIANOVICI responded that the gate is for future access to the power pole. Commissioner Greenwood asked if the gate would be an open wrought iron gate. MR. STOIANOVICI replied that it will be a wrought iron gate with an iron mesh. He said you would not be able to see through the iron mesh. With no further testimony offered, Chair Dash declared the public hearing closed. Commissioner Greenwood commented that the sidewalk is very segmented. If the City has a plan to move forward to develop the sidewalk, then it is fantastic. If not, he questions whether or not the condition should be taken out so that the applicant does not go through that expense. He said he would rather see it landscaped if there's not going to be a sidewalk. Vice Chair Stendell tended to agree with Commissioner Greenwood. However, it is up to an expert engineer to make sure the sidewalk is compatible with adjoining lots. He said that he walks Portola Avenue coming from Grapevine Street, and the lack of sidewalk is impairment to the safety of a pedestrian. He stated that he would prefer a sidewalk up and down the street; however, he would leave it up to the Public Works Department and recommended leaving in Condition of Approval No. 2. Commissioner DeLuna asked if there is a City ordinance regarding new construction to include a sidewalk. Does the City plan to have sidewalks on both sides of Portola Avenue? Ms. Aylaian responded that the General Plan does show a road segment that would have a sidewalk on each side. When future development occurs, the City will impose a condition to include a sidewalk. She stated that the City does not have plans in the immediate future to build sidewalks along that area of Portola Avenue. Commissioner DeLuna commented that it is a very attractive design, and supports the City's recommendation to install a sidewalk at the proposed site. Commissioner Campbell agreed with Commissioner DeLuna's comment. 6 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2014\Minutes\3.18-14 min.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MARCH 18, 2014 Vice Chair Stendell moved, by Minute Motion, approving a Precise Plan to allow the construction of a 3,600-square-foot duplex located at 45-855 Portola Avenue. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Campbell and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: tow Campbell, Dash, DeLuna, Greenwood, and Stendell; NOES: None). Vice Chair Stendell moved, by Minute Motion, to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2623, subject to conditions. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Campbell and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Campbell, Dash, DeLuna, Greenwood, and Stendell; NOES: None). D. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of a Conditional Use Permit to operate a 6,200-square-foot ballet and dance studio within an existing 18,000-square- foot building located in the Service Industrial zone at 77-780 Country Club Drive. Case No. CUP 13-422 (Robert Reinhagen, 77-780 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert, California 92211, Applicant). Mr. Ceja reported that the property is located within the Country Club Marketplace between Park Center Drive and Harris Lane. The proposed studio will offer dance classes for groups and individuals. He said classes will be offered Monday through Saturday. Hours of operation are 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. during the weekdays, and 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. during the weekends. Mr. Ceja stated that staff conducted a parking analysis over a 10-day period. The study concluded that there is adequate parking for the proposed dance studio. Staff recommended approval of the Conditional Use Permit. He offered to answer any questions. Commissioner DeLuna asked if there are restrictions placed for the level of noise that could come out from the dance studio on Sundays. Mr. Ceja responded that the classes will occur indoors, and the applicant would have to abide the City's noise ordinance. Chair Dash declared the public hearing open and asked for any public testimony IN FAVOR or OPPOSITION. MR. RON HAGAN, representative for Mr. Robert Reinhagen,' 82-539 Hughes Drive, Indio, California 92201, stated that Mr. Reinhagen has been a 25-year resident of the Coachella Valley. He is also the founder and director of the Coachella Valley High School Academy for the Performing Arts. Mr. Reinhagen was the former Director of the Indio Performing Arts Center. Mr. Hagan mentioned that Mr. Reinhagen outgrew the space they have in Indio, and he looks forward to the Planning Commission approving the Conditional Use Permit for the dance studio in Palm Desert. He noted that all activities at the dance studio will be inside. He offered to answer any questions. low 7 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2014\Minutes\3-18-14 min.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MARCH 18, 2014 Commissioner Greenwood asked if the rolling doors would ever be open. He voiced his concern with children running out into the alleyway. MR. HAGAN replied that they have no plans to open the rolling doors. He commented that there is a possibility of opening the doors if they are bringing in a set for rehearsal purposes. With no further testimony offered, Chair Dash declared the public hearing closed. Commissioner Campbell moved, by Minute Motion, approving a Conditional Use Permit to operate a 6,200-square-foot ballet and dance studio within an existing 18,000- square-foot building located at 77-780 Country Club Drive. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Greenwood and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Campbell, Dash, DeLuna, Greenwood, and Stendell; NOES: None). Commissioner Campbell moved, by Minute Motion, to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2624, subject to conditions. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Greenwood and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Campbell, Dash, DeLuna, Greenwood, and Stendell; NOES: None). Commissioner Greenwood congratulated and welcomed the applicant to the City of Palm Desert. X. MISCELLANEOUS None XI. COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES A. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES None PARKS & RECREATION None XII. COMMENTS Ms. Aylaian reminded the Planning Commission that the Form 700 is due to the City Clerk by April 1, 2014. Vice Chair Stendell commented that he will not be able to attend the Planning Commission meeting of May 6. 8 WPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2014\Minutes\3-18-14 min.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MARCH 18, 2014 XIII. ADJOURNMENT Upon a motion by Vice Chair Stendell, second by Commissioner Greenwood, and a 5-0 vote of the Planning Commission (AYES: Campbell, Dash, DeLuna, Greenwood, and Stendell; NOES: None), Chair Dash adjourned the meeting at 6:43 p.m. ROG8R DASH, CHAIR ATTEST: LAURI AYLAIAN, SECRETARY PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION l.a■ 9 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2014\Minutes\3-18-14 min.docx