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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-06-21 PC Regular Meeting Minutes CITY OF PALM DESERT amw PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION h MINUTES TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 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 6:00 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioner Ron Gregory Commissioner Kathleen Kelly Commissioner Joseph Pradetto Vice Chair Nancy Del-una Chair John Greenwood wow 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 Ron Gregory led the Pledge of Allegiance. IV. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION Mr. Ryan Stendell, Director of Community Development, summarized pertinent June 9, 2016, City Council actions. V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None UW MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 21, 2016 VI. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Planning Commission meeting of May 17, 2016. low Rec: By Minute Motion, approve as presented. Action: Upon a motion by Commissioner Pradetto, second by Commissioner Kelly, 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). Commissioner DeLuna noted that the clock is incorrect. VII. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None VIII. NEW BUSINESS None IX. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION to approve the demolition of an existing building, and construct a new 10,852-square-foot two-story restaurant building with a rooftop lounge located at 73-330 El Paseo. Case No. PP 16- 124 (Kristi Hanson Architects, Palm Desert, California, Applicant). Mr. Kevin Swartz, Associate Planner, presented the staff report (staff report is available at www.cityofpalmdesert.org), and offered to answer any questions. Vice Chair Nancy DeLuna referred to one of the pictures presented showing a two-story building across the street, and asked how tall the architectural projections at the peak are. Mr. Swartz responded that he is not sure of the exact height. He pointed to an area of the building that is 30 feet in height so he assumed the projection is an extra three or four feet. Vice Chair DeLuna clarified that the proposed restaurant building would be similar; however, it would be five to six feet taller that the building across the street. Mr. Swartz replied that is correct. 2 GAPlanningWonica OReilly\Planning Commission\2016\Minutes\6-21-16.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 21, 2016 Commissioner Joseph Pradetto commented that when he first read the staff report, he had the impression that a Precise Plan is required due to a technicality; however, everything else met the conditions. He realized that any sort of construction where grading is taking place requires a Precise Plan, and asked if that is correct. Mr. Swartz said that is correct. He stated a new building would require a Precise Plan. Commissioner Pradetto asked if the applicant was only demolishing the building, they would not need a Precise Plan. Mr. Swartz replied that is correct. For a demolished building, it is a permitted use. Commissioner Pradetto inquired if a notice was sent to neighbors to the south. Mr. Swartz responded that a notice was sent to neighbors that are within 300 feet. Staff received comments in favor; there were no comments in opposition. Chair Greenwood declared the public hearing open and asked for any public testimony IN FAVOR or OPPOSITION. MS. KRISTI HANSON, Kristi Hanson Architects, Palm Desert, California, commented that they are very excited about this project. She noted that the proprietor of the proposed restaurant started Yard House, and this project could be a new flagship type restaurant. She briefly explained the architecture and the vibe they wanted to create for the restaurant. She offered to answer any questions. Vice Chair DeLuna commented that there is a lot of glass in front of the building. She asked if the glass would be shaded since there are days that are really hot. MS. HANSON responded that they did a sun study, and during the summer the sun would be overhead. The sun would not come into the building very much since they face south. She mentioned that they will be using high-energy glass, and shades on the windows would be down most of the day. Chair Greenwood inquired what the program on the rooftop is. MS. HANSON explained that the rooftop would only have lounge seating. She said people could take their drinks to the rooftop, and there will be a server going to the rooftop from the second level. With no further testimony offered, Chair Greenwood declared the public hearing closed. Commissioner Gregory commented that it is a beautiful building, and it would be a real treat to have this building constructed on El Paseo. 3 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2016\Minutes\6-21-16.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 21, 2016 Vice Chair DeLuna stated that her only regret is that they will not be serving lunch. i Commissioner Kathleen Kelly applauded and is extremely excited about proposed project. She said the height and the undulation of the building connects to the mountains, and it is a project that the City would like to see. Commissioner Pradetto stated he had nothing to add and moved for approval. Commissioner Pradetto moved, by Minute Motion, to waive further reading and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2670, approving Case No. PP 16-124, subject to conditions. Motion was seconded by Vice Chair DeLuna and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: DeLuna, Gregory, Greenwood, Kelly, and Pradetto; NOES: None; ABSENT: None; ABSTAIN: None). The Planning Commission thanked the applicant and noted that it is a beautiful project. B. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of approval of a Tentative Parcel Map to subdivide an existing parcel with three buildings into three separate parcels with a reciprocal park easement for shared parking located at 41-555 Cook Street. Case No. TPM 37137 (Joe Carman, San Bernardino, California, Applicant). Mr. Swartz reviewed the staff report (staff report is available at www.cityofpalmdesert.org). Staff recommended approval, and offered to answer any questions. Commissioner Kelly clarified that there would be shared parking amongst the parcels. Mr. Swartz replied that is correct. He noted that there is a reciprocal parking easement on the map, which specifies shared parking. Commissioner Gregory asked if each building has separate utilities. He wondered how it is subdivided. For example, if parking is shared he imagines landscape maintenance is shared. Are utilities separately handled and metered? Mr. Swartz answered that he is not sure. Mr. Stendell interjected that they can ask the applicant to address the question. He added that if it is not adequately covered, he suggested that they add a condition stating a reciprocal for landscaping, trash services, etc. is included. Chair Greenwood declared the public hearing open and asked for any public testimony IN FAVOR or OPPOSITION. 4 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2016\Minutes\6-21-16.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 21, 2016 MR. BEN EGAN, Egan and Egan, Incorporated, Palm Desert, California, stated that he had nothing to add to staffs report. However, he would address the Planning Commission's concerns. He stated that the buildings were originally constructed under three separate permits and under three separate addresses. One address is on Cook Street, one is on Hovley Lane, and the other is on Eclectic Street. As part of his research of the project, the buildings are metered individually as well as sewage and water. Mr. Egan commented that his only concern would be landscaping, and a condition could be added to address that concern. He offered to answer any other questions. Commissioner Gregory commented there could be issues when there are people that are not friendly with one another. So there is some understanding between everyone, he felt that there should be an agreement for maintenance so everyone is on-board. Commissioner Pradetto also noted that one owner might want to upkeep their building more than the other owners. MR. EGAN voiced that they did not anticipate forming a complex property owners' association; however, they could add covenants and deed restrictions on the titles. Therefore, any conditions the Planning Commission would like to propose, he believed the applicant would not object. With no further testimony offered, Chair Greenwood declared the public hearing closed. Commissioner Pradetto inquired if a reciprocal easement for landscaping could be added to Condition No. 9. Mr. Stendell said absolutely; it would be appropriate to add landscaping. In regard to the upkeep of buildings, Code Compliance would monitor any issues. Commissioner Pradetto moved to approve Case No. TPM 37137, subject to adding landscaping to Condition No. 9 under the Conditions of Approval. Commissioner Pradetto moved, by Minute Motion, to waive further reading and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2671, approving Case No. TPM 37137, subject to conditions. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kelly and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: DeLuna, Greenwood, Gregory, Kelly, and Pradetto; NOES: None; ABSENT: ABSTAIN: None). Vice Chair DeLuna requested that the motion be read back to her with the condition added. Mr. Stendell communicated that the Planning Commission referred to Condition No. 9 (Public Works) for the reciprocal easement for access, drainage, parking, and landscaping between the parcels shall be provided for on the map. 5 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2016\Minutes\6-21-16.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 21, 2016 X. MISCELLANEOUS None XI. COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES A. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES Commissioner Gregory commented that most of the meeting was focused on moving an art piece from El Paseo to the San Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Visitor Center. B. PARKS & RECREATION Chair Greenwood reported that all the summer programs with the YMCA of the Desert and Desert Recreation District are in full effect. They also discussed new programs at University Park, specifically, a community garden for student classes. C. GENERAL PLAN UPDATE TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP Mr. Stendell stated that they are in the midst of the draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR); however, it should be ready for public review within the next 30 days or less. He noted that the EIR is the last hurdle of the General Plan Update. His goal is to take the General Plan Update to the City Council before the end of the calendar year. Nonetheless, the City cannot control the public review process. In regard to the Specific Plan, there has been some action on the property formerly known as University Park. He said that north of the City's 170- acres there is a new development group doing their due diligence, and they are on-board with the Specific Plan. He noted that the group has not purchased the property, but they plan on making a decision within the next 30 days. Vice Chair DeLuna asked Mr. Stendell if he would like to mention the online forum in connection with General Plan Update that was recently in The Desert Sun. Mr. Stendell explained that Peak Democracy is the City's open forum for residents to weigh in on matters pertaining to the City. The link is available on the City's website, and Palm Desert residents and businesses could share feedback on the General Plan Update. Commissioner Kelly asked if the comments are viewable. Mr. Stendell replied yes. 6 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2016\Minutes\6-21-16.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 21, 2016 XII. COMMENTS None XIII. ADJOURNMENT With the Planning Commission concurrence, Chair Greenwood adjourned the meeting at 6:31 p.m. J�OHN G EENW AlRP RSON ATTEST: i RYAN STENDELL, SE ETARY PALM DESERT PLAN ING COMMISSION MONICA O'REILLY, RECORD SECRETARY E i 7 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2016\Minutes\6-21-16.docx i