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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-05-16 PC Regular Meeting Minutes CITY OF PALM DESERT NNW PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES • TUESDAY, MAY 16, 2017 — 6:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBER 73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260 I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Nancy DeLuna called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: Commissioner John Greenwood Vice Chair Joseph Pradetto Commissioner Ron Gregory Commissioner Lindsay Holt Chair Nancy DeLuna fto Staff Present: Jill Tremblay, City Attorney Ryan Stendell, Director of Community Development Eric Ceja, Principal 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, stated that the City Council approved Zoning Ordinance Amendment 17-028 to allow drive-through restaurants on arterial streets with a freeway interchange (or planned interchanged. However, it was amended to exclude Washington Street. Chair DeLuna asked if that was the City Council's final action. Mr. Stendell replied yes. MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 16, 2017 Commissioner Gregory commented that Carlos Ortega Villas is not on Washington Street. He questioned why the City Council is concerned with drive- through restaurants interfering with Carlos Ortega Villas. wort Mr. Stendell responded that a lot of effort was put into the circulation pattern in and around Carlos Ortega Villas in an attempt to make it more walkable. City Council's direction to staff was to not make it worse. He continued that the Council also approved a contract with a consultant to prepare a Master Plan for El Paseo. Lastly, the Council authorized City staff to issue a Request for Proposals to update the City's Economic Development Strategic Plan. Chair DeLuna asked if the Highway 111 corridor, specifically backing El Paseo, is included in the Fagade Enhancement Program. Mr. Stendell replied no. In the past, the City invested heavily on El Paseo. For the future, the City would likely look at investing in programs relating to Highway 111 and San Pablo Avenue, while still keeping an eye on El Paseo. Commissioner John Greenwood mentioned that an applicant proposed a Zoning Ordinance Amendment for drive-through restaurants on Washington Street. He asked what the applicant's plans are, now that the City Council excluded Washington Street. Mr. Stendell responded that staff does not have an answer. It is likely a ..r developer will see value at the Casey's Restaurant site, whether there is a drive- through restaurant or not. V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None VI. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Planning Commission meeting of April 4, 2017. Rec: Approve as presented. B. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION to approve a Parcel Map Waiver application for a lot line adjustment at 75-580 Gerald Ford Drive (APNs 694- 170-013, 694-170-014, 694-170-022, 694-170-023). Case No. PMW 17-49 (WNRA Palm Desert 103, LP, Irvine, California, Applicant). Rec: By Minute Motion, approve Case No. PMW 17-49. Chair DeLuna requested Item B be removed for separate consideration. tort 2 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2017\Minutes\5-16-17.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 16, 2017 Upon a motion by Commissioner Greenwood, second by Commissioner Gregory, and a 4-0-1 vote of the Planning Commission, the remainder of the Consent Calendar was approved as presented (AYES: DeLuna, Greenwood, Gregory, and Holt; NOES: None; ABSENT: Pradetto). VII. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION to approve a Parcel Map Waiver application for a lot line adjustment at 75-580 Gerald Ford Drive (APNs 694- 170-013, 694-170-014, 694-170-022, 694-170-023). Case No. PMW 17-49 (WNRA Palm Desert 103, LP, Irvine, California, Applicant). Due to a potential conflict of interest, Chair DeLuna questioned who the applicant is for Case No. PMW 17-49. Mr. Stendell responded that this item is the result of a settlement agreement, which the City has been actively trying to settle with an out-of-town developer related to the Taylor Woodrow development located east of the California State University, San Bernardino Palm Desert Campus. Chair DeLuna asked if the applicant is an affordable housing developer. Mr. Stendell replied yes. L. Chair DeLuna said she does not know who the developer is. She stated that the applicant is similar to the name, location, and the nature of the industry of her employer. Therefore, out of an abundance of caution, she recused herself. Commissioner Greenwood moved to, by Minute Motion, approve Case No. PMW 17-49. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Gregory and carried by a 3-0-2 vote (AYES: Greenwood, Gregory, and Holt; NOES: None; ABSENT: DeLuna and Pradetto). Vill. NEW BUSINESS None IX. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of architectural and landscape plans for a six (6)-unit single-family home subdivision located on a vacant 0.42-acre parcel at 45-734 Highway 74. Case Nos. PP/CUP/EA 15-223 & TTM 37292 (Ms. Mary Hsu, San Marino, California, Applicant). Mr. Eric Ceja, Principal Planner, presented the staff report (staff report is available at www.cityofpalmdesert.org). He referred to Condition of Approval No. WAW 14. He said that a final Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) is not required 3 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2017\Minutes\5-16-17.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 16, 2017 for this project; therefore, staff recommended to strike Condition of Approval No. 14. Staff recommended approval and offered to answer any questions. ..r Chair DeLuna asked what the access way and walkway space is for Lots 3 and 4, if someone is parked in the guest parking spaces. Mr. Ceja said the space is three and a half feet wide, which is the minimum between the property line wall and the home. People using the guest parking spaces may have to walk to Frontage Road and use the sidewalk to get access to the front door. Chair DeLuna inquired if the project would have Mexican fan palms. Mr. Ceja replied he did not think there would be Mexican fan palms. Commissioner Greenwood asked what the reason to strike Condition of Approval No. 14 is. Mr. Ceja responded that a WQMP is a standard Department of Public Works condition for most projects. This project does not meet the requirements; therefore, a WQMP is not needed. Chair DeLuna inquired what the fencing material is between Lots 4, 5, and 6 along the outside perimeter. ..r Mr. Ceja replied that along the project perimeter there would be a block wall. On Frontage Road, staff is requiring that the applicant builds the wall in a manner that is consistent with the property to the south. The walls in between the units would be made of a vinyl fence material, which was approved by the Architectural Review Commission (ARC). Chair DeLuna asked if it is correct that the block wall at the back of the property goes to the top of the berm. Mr. Ceja replied that is correct. Commissioner Greenwood pointed to the retaining wall on the east side of the project. He asked if it is going to be a raw masonry or stucco wall. Mr. Ceja stated that he does not recall if the retaining wall would be stucco, but he does know that it would not remain as a masonry wall. Staff would require the applicant to paint or use a decorative block. Mr. Ceja commented that if Commissioner Greenwood had a concern with the wall, he can ask the applicant to clarify. 4 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2017\Minutes\5-16-17.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 16, 2017 Commissioner Lindsay Holt asked if the existing landscaping that lies along the eastern boundary of the site belongs to the adjacent property. Mr. Ceja responded that it belongs to the adjacent property. He noted that it is an overgrown oleander bush that has spread beyond the property line. Commissioner Holt inquired if the oleander is going to be removed and replaced with new landscaping between the berm and the property line. Mr. Ceja replied yes. Commissioner Holt asked if there would be a homeowners' association (HOA) to take care of the landscaping. Mr. Ceja replied that is correct. Commissioner Gregory commented it is helpful there is a similar project already constructed, which is a nice development. He referred to the landscaping and noted that Desert Museum trees grow quickly to approximately 40 feet in diameter. He felt it was a larger species than what should be used for this project. He recommended the Palo Brea or the Sonoran Palo Verde trees, which do not grow as large or as quickly. The Agave that is indicated on the plans is shown as one gallon, which is too small. He stated that the industry standard is a five-gallon Agave. Lastly, he stated that the Pennisetum is a great plant. However, for this project, he does not know if it would be maintained in a way where it is cut back every year. He suggested a different plant that would probably last longer. Mr. Ceja noted that Condition of Approval No. 7 requires a final landscape plan to be reviewed and approved by the Department of Community Development. In addition, all plants shall be a minimum of five gallons and trees shall be a minimum of 24-inch box sizes. Commissioner Greenwood pointed to the north and south of the property line and a note on the site plan indicating a "3'-6" High Planter Wall Separate Permit. See Civil." He asked for clarification on what the wall is. Mr. Ceja said he is not sure if it is the existing six-foot high property line wall, and deferred the question to the applicant. Commissioner Greenwood also asked if there is an established agreement between homeowners in terms of people not parking in the main driveway. Mr. Ceja responded that the HOA would have rules established in the Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs). low GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2017\Minutes\5-16-17.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 16, 2017 Mr. Stendell interjected that the main driveway also serves as a fire lane. So there are a couple of different mechanisms to keep people from parking in the main driveway. + Chair DeLuna declared the public hearing open and invited public testimony FAVORING or OPPOSING this matter. MR. JEFF MORSTEIN, representative for Ms. Mary Hsu, Murrieta, California, stated he has worked in Palm Desert in the past. He built Lantana and Palmira developments off of Deep Canyon Road and Fred Waring Drive. He felt that the City would be happy with the proposed project. He offered to answer any questions. Commissioner Greenwood asked what type of material would be used on the wall located at the east side of the property. MR. MORSTEIN replied that it would be a stucco block wall. Commissioner Greenwood asked staff if the wall would be reviewed by the ARC. Mr. Ceja replied yes. Commissioner Greenwood asked what the intent is for the planters on the north and south of the property. MR. MORSTEIN said the intent is to create private patio space for the homeowners. Commissioner Greenwood commented that there might be a discrepancy with the planters. He said he sees it on the landscape plans; however, no plantings are shown. After looking at the site plan more closely, MR. MORSTEIN stated he would have to check with his architect and civil engineer. Commissioner Holt assumed that the drainage plan would be similar to the existing project to the south. She asked if the materials used for the driveway would be similar too. MR. MORSTEIN responded that they debated using stamped-colored concrete or pavers. He stated that they will work with staff to make sure materials used for the driveway is acceptable. Commissioner Holt commented that she really liked the look of the existing driveway to the south. 6 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2017\Minutes\5-16-17.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 16, 2017 MR. MORSTEIN communicated that they will not use black asphalt. �. MS. MARY HSU, applicant, San Marino, California, stated that they were fortunate to work with very good staff to help guide them to design a project that would be compatible with the community. She offered to answer any questions. With no further testimony offered, Chair DeLuna declared the public hearing closed. Commissioner Gregory commented that making a decision on this project is easy because it is continuing from what was done before, which was done very well. Commissioner Holt agreed with Commissioner Gregory and had no additional comments or questions. Chair DeLuna thanked the applicant. They did a very good job with the architecture and conforming to the neighborhood. She also thanked the applicant for being very detailed and working with staff and the ARC. Commissioner Greenwood asked if the motion should include staffs recommendation to strike Condition of Approval No. 14. Mr. Stendell replied yes. In addition, if the Planning Commission feels strongly in regard to the type of species to be used for landscape, he recommended adding too them to the Conditions of Approval. However, if the Commission prefers that staff work with the applicant, then Condition of Approval No. 7 would handle those concerns. Chair DeLuna asked if the Planning Commission needs to specify the block wall to be stuccoed. Mr. Stendell replied yes; it would be helpful to have clarity. Commissioner Greenwood moved to waive further reading and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2694, approving Case Nos. PP/CUP/EA 15-223 and TTM 37292, with the following amendment(s) and/or condition(s): 1) strike the Department of Public Works Condition of Approval No. 14; 2) newly constructed block walls shall be stuccoed, meet architectural guidelines, and reviewed by the ARC; and 3) Condition of Approval No. 7 should include comments made by Commissioner Gregory. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Holt and carried by a 4-0-1 vote (AYES: DeLuna, Greenwood, Gregory, and Holt; NOES: None; ABSENT: Pradetto). Chair DeLuna thanked the applicant for choosing to do business in the City of Palm Desert. 7 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2017\Minutes\5-16-17.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 16, 2017 X. MISCELLANEOUS None M' XI. COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES A. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES Commissioner Holt reported that the Art in Public Places Commission (AIPP) approved a new sculpture to be installed at the Desert Crossings Shopping Center to replace the previous sculpture that was vandalized. AIPP discussed artwork to be placed in the Palm Desert Community Gallery. They also discussed ways in which to increase interest in next year's art and essay contest since they had fewer applicants this year. Lastly, they discussed keeping Desert X installations in Palm Desert longer than April 30. B. PARKS & RECREATION Mr. Stendell reported that the YMCA of the Desert provided an update in regard to Easter in the Civic Center Park. Friends of the Desert Mountains also provided an update on a valley-wide trail program. XII. COMMENTS . r Chair DeLuna commented that the City spent more than two years updating the General Plan. She would like to know ways the Planning Commission could help to ensure that they are keeping an eye on the long-term vision. For instance, the General Plan shows a plan to transform Highway 111 into a boulevard, with new landscaping and bike lanes. How does a project in the General Plan become a reality? Mr. Stendell responded that in the short term, City staff would present projects through the Capital Improvements Projects budget to the City Council. Some of the improvements that come through the General Plan would happen through the development process. However, there are going to be a lot of improvements where the City may have to step up and look at a long-range funding plan. He noted that the San Pablo Avenue and Presidents Plaza improvements made its way into the Capital Improvements Projects budget this year. Chair DeLuna announced that the American Planning Association Inland Empire Chapter is having an awards dinner on Thursday, May 18 in Riverside. The City is receiving an award for the General Plan. Mr. Stendell stated the City has received the Comprehensive General Plan of the Year Award for jurisdictions under 100,000 residents. The Inland Empire Chapter recommended that Palm Desert submit for the statewide American Planning 'w 8 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2017\Minutes\5-16-17.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 16, 2017 Association award. He mentioned that the Congress for the New Urbanism awarded the Form-Based Codes Driehaus Foundation Award for the Palm Desert University Neighborhood Specific Plan. Chair DeLuna expressed that the awards the City has received is a reflection that others have recognized the good work the City has done. Congratulations to everyone involved! XIII. ADJOURNMENT With the Planning Commission concurrence, Chair DeLuna adjourned the meeting at 6:45 p.m. NANCY D UNA, CHAIR ATTEST: 1W RYAN STENDELL, SECRETARY PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION f MONICA O'REILLY, RECO NG SECRETARY 9 GAPlanningWonica OReilly\Planning Commission\2017\Minutes\5-16-17.docx