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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-05-01 PC Regular Meeting Minutes CITY OF PALM DESERT PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2018 — 6:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBER 73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Joseph Pradetto called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioner Nancy DeLuna Commissioner John Greenwood Commissioner Lindsay Holt Vice Chairman Ron Gregory Chairman Joseph Pradetto Staff Present: Jill Tremblay, Assistant City Attorney Ryan Stendell, Director of Community Development Eric Ceja, Principal Planner Nick Melloni, Assistant Planner Monica O'Reilly, Administrative Secretary III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chairman Joseph Pradetto led the Pledge of Allegiance. IV. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION Director of Community Development Ryan Stendell reported that the City Council approved The Sands project at their meeting on April 26. He mentioned many residents felt that the public hearing process was beneficial. Vice Chairman Ron Gregory asked what were the significant changes made to the project by the City Council. MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 1, 2018 Principal Planner Eric Ceja responded that there would be three three-story buildings on the site, new site perimeter improvements, permanent perimeter landscaping would be installed during Phase 1 of the project, and a new wall will be added along the southern property line that abuts Portola Country Club. During the City Council process, he said a community meeting was held with the applicant, owner of Canterra Apartments, and Portola Country Club and Venezia residents. It was determined that they were all fine with Building No. 4 (adjacent to the school) being changed back to three stories, if the other three-story buildings on the site were reduced. Chairman Pradetto interjected and asked if it was not all about the kids' safety. Mr. Ceja replied that is correct. Commissioner Nancy DeLuna asked what the height of the proposed wall is. Mr. Ceja replied eight feet. Commissioner DeLuna inquired if an eight-foot-high wall is permissible. Mr. Stendell responded that the eight-foot-high wall is permissible and noted it is a retaining wall. V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None VI. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular Planning Commission meeting of April 3, 2018. Rec: Approve as presented. B. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION to approve a Parcel Map Waiver application to adjust common lot lines at Gerald Ford Drive and Technology Drive (APNs 694- 190-086 & 694-190-085). Case No. PMW 18-0002 (MSA Consulting, Rancho Mirage, California, Applicant). Rec: By Minute Motion, approve Case No. PMW 18-0002. Upon a motion by Commissioner DeLuna, second by Vice Chairman Gregory, and a 4-0-1 vote of the Planning Commission, the Consent Calendar was approved as presented (AYES: DeLuna, Gregory, Holt, and Pradetto; NOES: None; ABSENT: None; ABSTAINED: Greenwood). 2 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2018\Minutes\5-1-18.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 1, 2018 VII. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None Vill. NEW BUSINESS None IX. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. MINUTES of the Regular Planning Commission meeting of March 20, 2018. (Continued from the meeting of April 3, 2018). Rec: Approve as presented. Upon a motion by Commissioner DeLuna, second by Commissioner Holt, and a 5- 0 vote of the Planning Commission, Continued Business was approved as presented (AYES: DeLuna, Greenwood, Gregory, Holt, and Pradetto; NOES: None; ABSENT: None). X. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of a Notice of Exemption and Conditional Use Permit to establish a 6,718-square-foot indoor baseball and softball training facility within an existing industrial building located at 73-804 Dinah Shore Drive. Case No. CUP 18-0001 (The Hitting Zone, Palm Desert, California, Applicant). Assistant Planner Nick Melloni presented the staff report (staff report is available at www.cityofpalmdesert.orq). Staff recommended approval and offered to answer any questions. Commissioner DeLuna noted that staff recommended reducing the parking requirement for the proposed use. However, a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) sometimes runs with the land. She asked if the applicant were to vacate the site and a new business takes the space, will the parking requirement still apply. Mr. Melloni responded that if the new applicant were to propose an alteration of the existing operations or floor plans, the applicant would need to apply for a new CUP or subjected to staff's review. Commissioner DeLuna asked if The Hitting Zone would be open seven days a week. Mr. Melloni replied correct. He mentioned The Hitting Zone will close on Sundays during the summer. 3 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\201B\Minutes\5-1-18.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 1, 2018 Chairman Pradetto declared the public hearing open and invited public testimony FAVORING or OPPOSING this matter. With no testimony offered, Chairman Pradetto declared the public hearing closed. Vice Chairman Gregory commented the proposed use is wonderful for the facility, with very low impacts. He also agreed with staff's recommendation to reduce the parking requirement and felt The Hitting Zone will be a nice asset for the community. He made a motion for approval. Vice Chairman Gregory moved to waive further reading and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2718, approving Case No. CUP 18-0001, subject to conditions. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Greenwood and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: DeLuna, Greenwood, Gregory, Holt and Pradetto; NOES: None; ABSENT: None). XI. MISCELLANEOUS None XII. COMMISSION MEETING UPDATES A. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES None B. PARKS & RECREATION None XIII. COMMENTS A. UPDATE on a Residential Solar Preference Ordinance. (Information Only) Chairman Pradetto asked the Commission if they had any comments concerning the update. He noted there is a contact number on the memorandum, if they have any questions. 4 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2018\Minutes\5-1-18.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 1, 2018 XIV. ADJOURNMENT With the Planning Commission concurrence, Chairman Pradetto adjourned the meeting at 6:13 p.m. OEPH PRADETTO, CHAIRMAN ATTEST: ---o RYAN STENDELL, SECRETARY PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MONICA O'REILLY, RECOROJNG SECRETARY 5 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2018\Minutes\5-1-18.docx