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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-04-05 PC Regular Meeting Minutes;L CITY OF PALM DESERT PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES • TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016 — 6:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBER 73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260 I. CALL TO ORDER Chair John Greenwood called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Chair John Greenwood Vice Chair Sonia Campbell Commissioner Nancy DeLuna Commissioner Joseph Pradetto Staff Present: Jill Tremblay, City Attorney Ryan Stendell, Director of Community Development Kevin Swartz, Associate Planner Monica O'Reilly, Administrative Secretary III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Joseph Pradetto led the Pledge of Allegiance. IV. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION Mr. Ryan Stendell, Director of Community Development, summarized pertinent March 24, 2016, City Council actions. V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION APRIL 5, 2016 VI. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular Planning Commission meeting of March 15, 2016. Rec: Approve as presented. B. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of a two-year extension for Tentative Parcel Map 36502 located at 49-425 JFK Trail (Ironwood Country Club). Case No. TPM 36502 (DRRS Holdings, LLC and Ross, Johnson and Associates, Applicants). Rec: By Minute Motion, approve the extension (until May 6, 2018), Case No. TPM 36502. Vice Chair Sonia Campbell noted that the applicant requested a one year or two years extension. She inquired if the Planning Commission should approve the extension for two years. Mr. Stendell replied yes. Upon a motion by Commissioner Pradetto, second by Commissioner DeLuna, and a 4-0 vote of the Planning Commission, the Consent Calendar was approved as presented (AYES: Campbell, DeLuna, Greenwood, and Pradetto; NOES: None). VII. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None Vill. NEW BUSINESS None IX. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of a recommendation to the City Council to approve a Zoning Ordinance Amendment (ZOA) to Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 25.16.050 Development Standards adding a provision to allow for height exceptions within the Office Professional (O.P.) zone, subject to approval by the Planning Commission. Case No. ZOA 16-91 (City of Palm Desert, Applicant). Mr. Kevin Swartz, Associate Planner, reviewed the staff report (staff report is available at www.cityofpalmdesert.org). At the end of his report, he offered to answer any questions. 2 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2016\Minutes\4-5-16.docx MINUTES j PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION APRIL 5, 2016 Commissioner Nancy DeLuna commented that the City is currently in the process of updating the General Plan. She inquired if this height exception MW request would ordinarily be considered in the General Plan process. Mr. Swartz responded that it could. However, the request was initiated by the City Council. Secondly, the General Plan primarily focuses on the Highway 111 corridor and San Pablo Avenue. He referred to a City map and pointed to Office Professional zones. He said that staff concurred with the recommendation by the City Council to initiate the ZOA. Commissioner DeLuna asked if the ZOA was intended to be part of the General Plan process, and to be considered as a whole when it would be presented to everyone. Mr. Stendell replied that he could not say yes and agreed with Mr. Swartz. He said this is not a huge area of focus in the General Plan Update. He commented that staff felt there was not much occurring with the General Plan Office Professional zone where they should wait until after the General Plan Update process. Commissioner DeLuna commented that it is difficult to envision handling one zone without seeing how it may relate to other zones, or if there is residential interspersed without dealing with parking and massing of the buildings. She inquired why there is a rush to change the zone now when the City has the was General Plan Update process coming up in a few months. Mr. Stendell responded that the City Council directed staff to initiate the ZOA. He explained that staff does not have a concern with this specific request. Commissioner DeLuna voiced that she is struggling to approve a change of zone without a broader picture. She said that for her to make an informed decision, she is looking for a reason why the provision to allow height exceptions within the Office Professional zone was broken out. Vice Chair Campbell referred to the map and pointed out that most of the areas impacted are not in residential areas. Mr. Stendell noted that historically Fred Waring Drive used to be a Multi-Family Residential zone, and over the years it has been given a Flex zone. He explained that property owners were able to apply for a Change of Zone for an Office Professional zone. Commissioner DeLuna asked theoretically would a 35-foot building go next to a two-story apartment building. 3 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Comm ission\2016\Minutes\4-5-16.docx s I MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION APRIL 5, 2016 Mr. Stendell replied that it would depend on the context of everything. He expressed that the City of Palm Desert has been good at creating zones that are flexible to allow the City's City Council and Commissions to act upon something if it makes sense. Commissioner Del-una clarified that the height exception request could occur during the General Plan Update process. Mr. Stendell replied yes. Commissioner Pradetto said that architectural merit is subjective, and he felt that Palm Desert has done a good job in the past. He asked what it would mean when plans come through. Mr. Swartz responded that it would be something away from a rectangle or square box; however, that is why the City has an Architectural Review Commission. Chair Greenwood asked if a project comes forth to add 25 feet in height, would it go through the Precise Plan process then to the Planning Commission for review. Mr. Swartz replied that if it is a vacant site, it would go through the Precise Plan process. It would also go to the Architectural Review Commission and the Planning Commission for consideration. Vice Chair Campbell affirmed that a request would be reviewed on a case-by- case basis. Mr. Swartz answered that is correct. Chair Greenwood noted that it would give the Planning Commission the tools and the flexibility to work with buildings. He said that his only concern is looking at it in terms of further design, and pushing projects back to the Architectural Review Commission. Commissioner Pradetto commented that the idea for a height exception would give the City something in return, which is the architectural merit. Mr. Swartz replied that is correct. Commissioner Pradetto inquired if there were any discussions on any sort of measurable return, such as energy efficiencies. Mr. Swartz responded that it was not discussed. However, if the request came to the Planning Commission for review, it could be a condition of approval. t 4 GAPlanningWonica OReilly\Planning Commission\2016\Minutes\4-5-16.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION APRIL 5, 2016 Chair Greenwood declared the public hearing open and asked for any public testimony IN FAVOR or OPPOSITION. With no testimony offered, Chair Greenwood declared the public hearing closed. Commissioner DeLuna commented that she does not have a problem with considering concepts with height exceptions. As the City moves forward, she would like to see a unified and concerted overall analysis of the City's future. They first went through the Strategic Plan process with a good set of conditions. Thereafter, they went into the General Plan Update process with much at stake for the City's future. She said there is an orderly process in place for a timely transition, keeping the bigger picture in mind. She asserted that there is no reason to pervert that process to pull out one aspect, and have it considered separately or prematurely when it could be part of an entire process. She felt it is not in the City's best interest to consider one portion at a time before the entire General Plan Update is presented. Commissioner DeLuna moved to continue this request to a date uncertain. Chair Greenwood stated that he understands Commissioner DeLuna's point. He felt the General Plan Update focused as a big picture, and looked at specific nodes such as the Highway 111 corridor and San Pablo Avenue. He said the Office Professional zone is fairly intermittent, with the majority of it already developed. He also said that in his professional practice, he does a lot of office buildings. With the existing height limits, it is difficult to design a two-story building at 25 feet, and still maintain the design aesthetic and screening requirements. Chair Greenwood commented that the General Plan Update does not necessarily limit or play a large factor in the Office Professional zone. The ZOA is something that would benefit the City now, and he would like to see it move forward. Commissioner DeLuna asked how long before they have the General Plan Update presentation. Mr. Stendell responded that hearings for the General Plan would go through the summer months. He noted that the draft document is going out to the public at the end of the week. In the best case scenario, they are looking at fall for the final approval. Vice Chair Campbell concurred with Chair Greenwood, and commented that most of the areas are already built. For many years architects have complained that ceilings are too low and there is not enough room for equipment. With that said, she moved for approval. Commissioner DeLuna interjected that she already made a motion to continue the request to a date uncertain. She inquired if the height exception provision is aim only for new construction. 5 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2016\Minutes\4-5-16.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION APRIL 5, 2016 Mr. Stendell replied yes. Commissioner DeLuna asked if a property owner wants to add 10 feet to an i existing building, would the City not approve it. Mr. Stendell responded that it would need to be reviewed by the Architectural Review Commission and the Planning Commission for approval. Jill Tremblay, City Attorney, made clear that Commissioner DeLuna made a motion to continue this matter to a date uncertain, so it could coincide with the General Plan Update. She stated that there needs to be a second to the motion or Commissioner DeLuna could amend or withdraw her motion. Commissioner DeLuna asked if there is not a second, does she need to withdraw her motion. Ms. Tremblay replied no. Chair Greenwood asked the Planning Commission if there was a second to Commissioner DeLuna's motion. There was none. Commissioner Pradetto commented that architectural taste change so it is good to have the flexibility of the Architectural Review Commission and the Planning Commission. However, he would like to have something more measurable. He Nei would second Vice Chair Campbell's motion, but first asked if it would be a bad metric to include buildings be LEED certified in the motion. Mr. Stendell responded that LEED in staffs opinion is not a good metric. He explained that the City has no authority because the LEED certification does not happen until one or more years later. He would prefer a metric that is more measurable. Commissioner Pradetto remarked that it sounds like LEED is on staffs mind when processing an item; therefore, he would second the motion. Vice Chair Campbell moved to waive further reading and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2667, approving Case No. ZOA 16-91. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Pradetto and carried by a 3-1 vote (AYES: Campbell, Greenwood, and Pradetto; NOES: DeLuna). Commissioner DeLuna noted that her NO vote is one of timing and not wanting to do it now. X. MISCELLANEOUS None ..r 6 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2016\Minutes\4-5-16.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION APRIL 5, 2016 XI. COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES A. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES None B. PARKS & RECREATION Chair Greenwood reported that the Parks & Recreation Commission had presentations, and discussed concussion protocol for youth sports. They also discussed park review and capital improvement plans. He announced that the YMCA of the Desert and Desert Recreation District are both holding their annual fundraising golf tournaments within the next two months. He mentioned that the City is going to have a new app in the next two to three weeks. Mr. Stendell and Chair Greenwood briefly explained the app, which is called Palm Desert In Touch. Mr. Stendell provided the Planning Commission with a rack card pertaining to the Vision San Pablo event scheduled for Saturday, May 7. Commissioner DeLuna clarified that the hours for the event is 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; however, there will be no formal activity until 5.30 p.m. Mr. Stendell replied there will be activities all day long, with most activities in the evening. Vice Chair Campbell asked if she could pick up more rack cards to put in her store. Mr. Stendell said he would deliver the cards to her store. Please let him know if anyone wants more cards. C. GENERAL PLAN & SPECIFIC PLAN UPDATE Mr. Stendell mentioned he is close to getting the draft document out to the public, and would soon have a schedule of the process. XII. COMMENTS Mr. Stendell commented that the City Council will interview seven or eight individuals for the open Planning Commission seat on Friday, April 8. 7 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2016\Minutes\4-5-16.docx 6 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION APRIL 5, 2016 XIII. ADJOURNMENT With the Planning Commission concurrence, Chair Greenwood adjourned the meeting at 6:35 p.m. JO-NN G EENWOOD, AIRPE SON ATTEST: RYAN STENDELL, SECRETARY PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MONICA O'REILLY, RECOR I G SECRETARY I 8 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2016\Minutes\4-5-16.docx