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Home My WebLink About2016-05-17 PC Regular Meeting Minutes CITY OF PALM DESERT Now PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES • TUESDAY, MAY 17, 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: Commissioner Nancy Del-una Commissioner Ron Gregory Commissioner Kathleen Kelly Commissioner Joseph Pradetto Chair John Greenwood Staff Present: Douglas Phillips, City Attorney Ryan Stendell, Director of Community Development Eric Ceja, Principal Planner Christina Canales, Assistant Engineer Monica O'Reilly, Administrative Secretary III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair Greenwood led the Pledge of Allegiance. IV. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION Mr. Ryan Stendell, Director of Community Development, summarized pertinent May 12, 2016, City Council actions. V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 17, 2016 VI. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Planning Commission meeting of April 5, 2016. rrr Rec: By Minute Motion, approve as presented. B. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of a one-year extension for Tentative Parcel Map 36700 at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church located at 47535 Highway 74. Case No. TPM 36700 (St. Margaret's Episcopal Church, Palm Desert, California, Applicant). Rec: By Minute Motion, approve the extension (until May 20, 2017), Case No. TPM 36700. Action: C. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION to adjust a lot line to obtain additional square footage at 1008 Cahuilla Falls (APNs 652-320-023 & 652-320-030). Case No. PMW 16-92 (Cahuilla 2015, LLC, Palm Desert, California Applicant). Rec: By Minute Motion, approve Parcel Map Waiver 16-92. Action: D. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION to merge two lots at 72372 Southridge Trail (APNs 652-070-017 & 652-070-016). Case No. PMW 16-115 (Francis J. Jules, Dallas, Texas, Applicant). Rec: By Minute Motion, approve Parcel Map Waiver 16-115. Action: Upon a motion by Commissioner Pradetto, second by Commissioner DeLuna, and a 5-0 vote of the Planning Commission, the Consent Calendar was approved as presented (AYES: DeLuna, Greenwood, Gregory, Kelly, and Pradetto; NOES: None; ABSENT: None; ABSTAIN: None). VII. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None 014 2 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2016\Minutes\5-17-16.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 17, 2016 Vlll. NEW BUSINESS A. APPOINTMENT of a Vice Chairperson. Commissioner Pradetto moved, by Minute Motion, to nominate Commissioner DeLuna for Vice Chairperson for the remainder of the year 2016. Motion was seconded by Chair Greenwood and carried by a 4-0-1 vote (AYES: Greenwood, Gregory, Kelly, and Pradetto; NOES: None; ABSENT: None; ABSTAIN: DeLuna). B. APPOINTMENT of a Liaison for the Art in Public Places Commission. Vice Chair DeLuna moved, by Minute Motion, to nominate Commissioner Gregory to be the Art in Public Places Liaison for the remainder of the year 2016. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kelly and carried by a 4-0-1 vote (AYES: DeLuna, Greenwood, Kelly, and Pradetto; NOES: None; ABSENT: None; ABSTAIN: Gregory). IX. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION to construct a new 2,800-square-foot classroom for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (S.T.E.M.) at Sacred Heart Catholic School located at 43775 Deep Canyon Road. Case No. PP 16-075 (Sacred Heart Catholic School, Palm Desert, California, Applicant). Mr. Eric Ceja, Principal Planner, presented the staff report (staff report is available at www.cityofpalmdesert.org). He stated that the applicant is proposing a new building that offers an additional curriculum; it does not increase school enrollment. Therefore, parking was not evaluated for the proposed project. Staff recommended approval and offered to answer any questions. Vice Chair Nancy DeLuna referred to the playground equipment located at the end of the property. She asked if the playground equipment is an addition or a replacement of what used to be at that location. Is the size adequate for the equipment? Mr. Ceja referred the question to the applicant. Commissioner Joseph Pradetto inquired if there are plans for solar panels on the roof of the proposed new building. Mr. Ceja replied that he would let the applicant answer the question. Chair Greenwood declared the public hearing open and asked for any public testimony IN FAVOR or OPPOSITION. 3 GAPlanningNonica OReilly\Planning Comm ission\2016\Minutes\5-17-16.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 17, 2016 MR. MATT ACTON, Holt Architecture, Rancho Mirage, California, responded to the questions from the Planning Commission. He said that in previous construction the campus built photovoltaic canopies over the parking lot to the south. He said the playground equipment is a like for like swap of playground area. FATHER HOWARD LINCOLN, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Palm Desert, California, expressed that the proposed project is something they dearly want because it significantly improves the academics of their school. He stated that they have the funds for the construction of the classroom, and hoped the Planning Commission approved the request. With no further testimony offered, Chair Greenwood declared the public hearing closed. Vice Chair DeLuna commented it is an excellent use of land, and they have done an excellent job designing the building so it fits into the existing surroundings. It is also a step forward academically for the students and moved for approval. Vice Chair DeLuna moved, by Minute Motion, to waive further reading and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2668, approving Case No. PP 16-075, subject to conditions. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kelly and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: DeLuna, Gregory, Greenwood, Kelly, and Pradetto; NOES: None; ABSENT: None; ABSTAIN: None). B. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION to construct an 8,579-square-foot community center building, and 36 dwelling units for special needs adults at the Desert Arc campus located at 73255 Country Club Drive. Case No. PP/CUP 16-102 (Allied Real Estate Partners, Santa Monica, California, Applicant). Chair Greenwood stated that he resides in Sagewood development, which is adjacent to the proposed project. He is also the president of the homeowners' association. Therefore, he recused himself from the proceedings. Mr. Ceja reviewed the staff report (staff report is available at www.cityofpalmdesert.org). He noted that prior to the meeting the Planning Commission received updated plans for the proposed project. The updates are based on comments made by the Architectural Review Commission (ARC) on the building's architecture. In addition, there are changes to the grading plan that reflect better drainage. Mr. Ceja pointed out two conditions of approval: 1) Any type of lighting in the parking lot or landscape area must be bollard type lighting fixtures not to exceed a height of five feet; and 2) Landscape plans shall be submitted for City staff approval. City staff recommended approval and offered to answer any questions. Commissioner Pradetto asked if the Planning Commission received the updated plans before the ARC could review them. 4 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2016\Minutes\5-17-16.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 17, 2016 Mr. Ceja responded that the ARC reviewed the plans the Planning Commission received in their packet, subject to making some changes. The plans submitted prior to the meeting are updated with the recommended changes made by the ARC. Commissioner Ron Gregory commented that his experience with bollard lighting you need a lot more fixtures, and asked if the applicant is aware that there might be an additional cost. Mr. Ceja replied that the applicant is aware of the condition. He noted the condition does not limit additional lighting on the carport structures located on the eastern property line. Commissioner Gregory referred to the landscaping required to provide screening between the two-story units and the adjacent residential properties. He asked if 15 to 20 years down the road, would the landscaping still be there to provide a significant barrier. Is there a condition that the landscaping could be looked at again to make sure it is still screening? Mr. Ceja said that with the landscape plan, which is reviewed by City staff and the Coachella Valley Water District, they could continue to follow up through the years with the assistance of the Code Compliance Department and the property maintenance ordinance. Vice Chair DeLuna declared the public hearing open and asked for any public testimony IN FAVOR or OPPOSITION. MR. KIRK SAUNDERS, Architect, Laguna Beach, California, briefly explained the design intent of the site plan. He mentioned that they chose to use pre-fab units for the residential units so they could minimize the time the project is under construction. Mr. Saunders also mentioned that there would be a minimal parking demand since the tenants do not have cars. He said that they met with the neighbors, and they feel they have addressed their concerns. He offered to answer any questions. Commissioner Kathleen Kelly commented there was very little attendance at the second meeting with the neighbors. She asked if there was a follow-up meeting with the neighbors that had concerns at the first meeting. Mr. Ceja responded that he attended both meetings. At the first meeting, it was predominately attended by the neighbors. The applicant introduced the proposed project, and the use of hedging or landscape to help screen views. He stated neighbors were satisfied; therefore, neighbors did not attend the second meeting. MR. SAUNDERS stated that this is his first project in the City of Palm Desert and City staff has been wonderful, cooperative, and supportive. He appreciated the efforts City staff has made. 5 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2016\Minutes\5-17-16.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 17, 2016 Vice Chair DeLuna thanked the applicant for recognizing City staff; staff is exceptional. �i With no further testimony offered, Vice Chair DeLuna declared the public hearing closed. Commissioner Pradetto commented that when he was first appointed to the Planning Commission, he was told that parking plans would be one of the biggest things that the Commission would be focused with and it has been true. He stated that he is not concerned with parking, and felt the applicant has gone above and beyond and moved for approval. Commissioner Pradetto moved, by Minute Motion, to waive further reading and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2669, approving Case No. PP/CUP 16-102, subject to conditions. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kelly and carried by a 4- 0-1 vote (AYES: DeLuna, Gregory, Kelly, and Pradetto; NOES: None; ABSENT: Greenwood; ABSTAIN: None). X. MISCELLANEOUS None XI. COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES A. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES ' Mr. Stendell reported that the Art in Public Places Commission (AIPP) discussed the new El Paseo exhibition. AIPP also discussed the merits of purchasing an art piece from the existing art exhibition on El Paseo. B. PARKS & RECREATION None C. GENERAL PLAN UPDATE TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP Mr. Stendell announced the Joint City-Planning Commission Study Session scheduled for Thursday, June 9 at 2:00 p.m. in the Administrative Conference Room regarding the City's General Plan Update process. Vice Chair DeLuna thanked Mr. Stendell and staff with the Vision San Pablo event. She said that the event was a preliminary implementation of something that the General Plan Update process focused on and thought it was important looking forward into the City's future. The Planning Commission agreed. 6 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2016\Minutes\5-17-16.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 17, 2016 XIII. COMMENTS Mr. Stendell commented that there are a couple of new faces on the Planning Commission. He said if they had any questions to let staff know. Chair Greenwood welcomed the new Commissioners. XIV. ADJOURNMENT With the Planning Commission concurrence, Chair Greenwood adjourned the meeting at 6:42 p.m. JO N REENW D, \CH JbfPERSON ATTEST: f _ RYAN STENDELL, SECRETARY PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MONICA O'REILLY, RECOR G SECRETARY 7 G1Planning\Monica Meilly\Planning Commission\2016\Minutes\5-17-16.docx