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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-03-04 PC Regular Meeting Minutes .000* y"lam***1 CITY OF PALM DESERT s �l • PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION � 4ti401 = MINUTES vott si� TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 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 Staff Present: Jill Tremblay, City Attorney Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development Tony Bagato, Principal Planner Eric Ceja, Associate Planner Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner Christina Canales, Assistant Engineer Monica O'Reilly, Administrative Secretary III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Sonia Campbell led the Pledge of Allegiance. IV. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION Ms. Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development, reported that at the meeting of February 27, the City Council adopted a 20-year Strategic Plan. She said that some of the input received during the Strategic Plan will be used during the General Plan Update. On February 28, the Planning Department received proposals from four consultants to update the City's 2004 General Plan. Last, the Immo Council also approved the hillside home at 72-000 Chuckawalla Way. MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MARCH 4, 2014 V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None VI. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Planning Commission meeting of February 18, 2014. Rec: By Minute Motion, approve as presented. Upon a motion by Commissioner DeLuna, second by Commissioner Campbell, 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 of a Precise Plan and Conditional Use Permit for a health and fitness spa for pets and their owners. The project scope includes site and landscape improvements, and a 6,888-square-foot building addition with new architectural elements for an existing building located at 73-600 Alessandro Drive. Case No. PP/CUP 13-358 (Prest-Vuksic Architects, 44-530 San Pablo Avenue, Suite 200, Palm Desert, CA 92260, 4 Applicant). Commissioner John Greenwood recused himself because he is an associate of Prest-Vuksic Architects (Applicant). Mr. Eric Ceja, Associate Planner, reported that the proposed Precise Plan and Conditional Use Permit are for the operation of a combined pet and human health and fitness spa at an existing site located at the northeast corner of Alessandro Drive and San Carlos Avenue. He presented slides of site location, photo exhibits, and plans. He noted that the site is currently poorly maintained and is in disrepair. Mr. Ceja stated that the proposed use is unique. It integrates pets into a traditional gym setting while offering spa services such as massage, facials, hair salon, juice bar, locker rooms, and retail area. Other services that will be provided are a kennel, a groomer, a dog bar, and indoor dog park. He said the proposed use would operate seven days a week between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. and that it will have a limited membership. He presented the changes to the building, which were approved by the Architectural Review 2 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2014\Minutes\3-4-14 min.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MARCH 4, 2014 Commission. Mr. Ceja stated there is sufficient parking, and the proposed landscape plan is in compliance with the City's standards. He mentioned that a neighbor to the east is concerned with security and lighting, as well as outdoor r.. use and noise. Staff believes the proposed conditions help to mitigate those impacts. However, staff has concerns with the parking lot and security. Staff has conditioned the applicant to prepare a photometric study. He briefly noted a few of the conditions of approval. Staff recommended approval, and offered to answer any questions. Commissioner Campbell asked if a mezzanine already existed on the building or if it is an addition. The mezzanine is exists; however, it is being enlarged. Commissioner Nancy DeLuna inquired if the applicant is being conditioned to prepare a plan on bollard details, and is the condition acceptable to the applicant. Mr. Ceja replied that the applicant could answer that question. Commissioner DeLuna asked Mr. Ceja if she should ask the applicant about the limited memberships. Mr. Ceja responded that he would also direct that question to the applicant. Commissioner DeLuna inquired about the daily patrols. Mr. Ceja responded that staff envisions the applicant considers someone to walk the site to make sure there is no pet waste or debris at the end of the day. Commissioner DeLuna referred to one of the photos, and asked if the utilities are exposed. Mr. Ceja directed the question to the applicant. Chair Dash declared the public hearing open and asked for any public testimony IN FAVOR or OPPOSITION. MR. JOHN VUKSIC, Prest-Vuksic Architects, 44-530 San Pablo Avenue, Suite 200, Palm Desert, California 92260, stated that the owners and the contractor are present to answer any questions. Commissioner DeLuna asked if the applicant accepts the condition to provide a plan for the lighting. MR. VUKSIC responded that they have been working with the lighting consultant. They recently realized that it is going to be difficult to provide enough light in the parking lot to make it secure without any pole lighting. The applicant proposed to amend the condition to have no pole lighting along the east side that is adjacent 3 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2014\Minutes\3-4-14 min.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MARCH 4, 2014 to the residential properties. He said that their intent is to have lighting that is not very tall, maybe about 10 feet tall, directed down and away from the residential properties. Commissioner DeLuna asked if the City agrees to the applicant's request to amend the condition. Ms. Aylaian suggested amending Condition No. 5 to read, ". . . the applicant shall submit a photometric plan and provide details for lighting in the parking areas around the site to the Community Development Department prior to the issuance of a building permit, and no pole lighting shall be installed on the east side of the project." MR. VUKSIC stated that they want to be sensitive to the neighbors, and agreed with Ms. Aylaian's suggestion. Commissioner DeLuna inquired if the brightness and the direction of the lights are regulated. I Ms. Aylaian responded that the existing Outdoor Lighting Ordinance for the City of Palm Desert requires that an applicant submit a photometric study. The study establishes the light level on the ground surface, distances from the site boundary, regulates the type of light fixture, and requires that the light stops at the property line. Commissioner DeLuna asked if there are walls around the parking lot. Mr. Ceja responded that there are walls on the east and north side of the property. Commissioner DeLuna asked how far inset would the light poles be from the wall. Ms. Aylaian responded that the details are typically worked out during the construction drawing phase. She said the electrical engineer and lighting designer will work together to identify where poles need to be located. Commissioner DeLuna inquired about the membership. MS. LORIE LOFTIS, 300 San Vicente Circle, Palm Desert, California 92260, stated that she envisions having 100 members, with classes to have possibly 15 people at a time. She said they would have trainers in the fitness and dog park areas. She also said that they are still developing the details, but they want to keep the membership at $100 per month. Chair Dash asked if animals and their owners will work out together. 4 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2014\Minutes\3-4-14 min.docx 4 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MARCH 4, 2014 MS. LOFTIS responded that the services could be coordinated at the same time. For example, pets could get groomed at the same time the pet owner is having a spa service done. Training with a fitness trainer and a dog trainer could also be coordinated. She noted that the human areas are strictly only for the humans. Commissioner DeLuna asked if there will be a grooming facility. MS. LOFTIS replied yes. ii Commissioner DeLuna asked staff if there are different health standards for animal services. Ms. Aylaian responded that there are different regulations. Riverside County governs health issues, and the City does not. Commissioner Campbell asked if dogs will be walked inside and not outside of the building. MS. LOFTIS responded that the indoor dog park area is large enough to walk the dogs. She said they also have a designated relief area outside. She noted that they would patrol the outside area and remove pet waste throughout the day. Vice Chair Stendell commented that it is a very unique idea. He mentioned he walked the property and saw gas and water piping, conduits, and a window air conditioner. He asked the architect if it is all going to be taken off and taken away. MR. VUKSIC agreed that there is a lot of stuff strapped to the outside of the building, and all items will be removed. Vice Chair Stendell also mentioned that there is an access ladder that goes from the lower to the upper roof. He asked if there will be provisions for roof access so a ladder is not visible. MR. VUKSIC responded that they have an access ladder that they are incorporating in the north tower. Vice Chair Stendell asked if the outside block walls will be resurfaced. MR. VUKSIC replied that all walls will be plastered so that they are in uniform and match the building. They will also cap the tops of the wall. Commissioner DeLuna referred to a photograph of the pipes on Alessandro Drive, and asked if they will be covered. Vice Chair Stendell said that the pipes are irrigation valves, and next to the pipes is the fire suppression infrastructure. 5 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2014\Minutes\3-4-14 min.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MARCH 4, 2014 MR. VUKSIC added that there are some utilities that need to be exposed. He stated that they are making a tremendous effort to make the building attractive, and they will attempt to screen any utilities that need to be exposed with landscape. Vice Chair Stendell asked if most of the current landscape will be taken out. MR. VUKSIC replied yes. He said that there are a few palm trees that will remain. Vice Chair Stendell referred to one of the photos, and pointed out a palm tree that seems to be growing into the building. MR. VUKSIC stated that all the skinny palm trees are going away. Ms. Aylaian noted that they submitted a landscape plan, and staff has found it acceptable. Commissioner Campbell inquired about the swimming pool, and asked if it will be removed. MR. VUKSIC responded that the pool has already been removed. No pool is being proposed. With no further testimony offered, Chair Dash declared the public hearing closed. Vice Chair Stendell commented that it is a very intriguing design for a very tired building. He commended the business plan and the architecture. Commissioner Campbell commented that she has seen Mr. Vuksic's work, and thinks the new architecture is beautiful. Vice Chair Stendell moved, by Minute Motion, approving a Precise Plan and Conditional Use Permit for a health and fitness spa for pets and their owners with the amendment of Condition No. 5 that the applicant shall submit a photometric plan and provide details of lighting in the parking lot areas, with no pole fixtures allowed on the east side of the project. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Campbell and carried by a 4-0-1 vote (AYES: Campbell, Dash, DeLuna, and Stendell; NOES: None; ABSENT: Greenwood). Vice Chair Stendell moved, by Minute Motion, to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2619, subject to conditions as amended. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Campbell and carried by a 4-0-1 vote (AYES: Campbell, Dash, DeLuna, and Stendell; NOES: None; ABSENT: Greenwood). 6 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission 2014\Minutes\3-4-14 min.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MARCH 4, 2014 B. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of a Precise Plan to approve an existing pad elevation that was increased by 1.5 feet in height at 131 Tepin Way, within the Mountains at Bighorn. Case No. PP 14-60 (Richard Pruter, PAR Development, PO Box 1455, Palm Desert, CA 92260, Applicant). Mr. Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner, reported that property is located within the Mountains at Bighorn on the west side of Highway 74. On October 1 , 1999, the Department of Public Works approved a rough grading plan for Lot 1 at 1085 feet. In November 2013, the applicant submitted a rough grading plan for Lot 1, and it was discovered that the pad elevation was 1086.5 (1.5 feet higher). He stated that the applicant is proposing to legalize the existing pad elevation as it exists today. He presented photos of the site. He said that staff supports the proposed pad height as it exists today. The pad height provides for better drainage plans, site access, and compatibility with the surrounding area. He noted that the Bighorn homeowners' association has approved the pad elevation, architecture, and landscape designs. He offered to answer any questions. Commissioner DeLuna referred to a picture in the agenda packet. She asked if one of the areas is a rock outcropping or a berm. Mr. Swartz responded that it is an outcropping that will remain. Commissioner Campbell commented that staff did not mention that the adjacent pad is higher than the applicant's pad. Mr. Swartz replied that is correct. Chair Dash declared the public hearing open and asked for any public testimony IN FAVOR or OPPOSITION. MR. RICHARD PRUTER, PAR Development, 42-240 Green Way, Palm Desert, California 92211 , offered to answer any questions. With no testimony offered, Chair Dash declared the public hearing closed. Commissioner Campbell moved, by Minute Motion, approving a Precise Plan for an existing pad elevation that was increased by 1 .5 feet in height at 131 Tepin Way within the Mountains at Bighorn. 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. 2620, 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). 7 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2014\Minutes\3-4-14 min.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MARCH 4, 2014 X. MISCELLANEOUS None XI. COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES A. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES None PARKS & RECREATION None XII. COMMENTS A. DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 1) Form 700 Statement of Economic Interest Ms. Aylaian reminded the Planning Commission that the Form 700 is due to the City Clerk April 1 , 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. OG R DASH, IR ATTEST: I LAURI AYLAIAN, SECRETARY PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION j G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2014\Minutes\3-4-14 min.docx I i