HomeMy WebLinkAboutAppeal Res 05-53 CUP 04-13 Roman Catholic Bishop of S.B. / T. McCutchen School Expansion 43775 Deep CanyonCITY OF PALM DESERT
DEPARTMENT OF GOMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: Consideration of an appeai of Planning Commission approval of
CUP 04-13 Master Plan for Sacred Heart Church to allow an
expansion of the Elementary School and construction of new
parking lots at 43-775 Deep Canyon Road.
SUBMITTED BY: Francisco J. Urbina, Associate Planner
CASE APPLICANT: Roman Catholic Bishop of San Bernardino
Office of Construction � Real Estate
Attn: Rosi Mills
1201 E. Highland Avenue
San Bernardino, CA 92404
APPELLANT
CASE NO:
Thomas W. McCutchen
24 Via Cielo Azul
Palm Desert, CA 92260
CUP 04-13
ARCHITECT: Holt Architects
41-555 Cook Street, Suite 1-100
Palm Desert, CA. 92211
DATE:
ATTACHMENTS:
June 23, 2005
A. Draft City Council Resolution
B: Legal notice
C. Appeal Application
D. April 28, 2005 City Council Minutes
E. March 24, 2005 City Council Minutes
F. Comments from city departments and others
G. Planning Commission Resolution No. 2325
H. February 15, 2005 Planning Commission Minutes
I. Correspondence received at February 15, 2005 Planning
Commission meeting
J. February 15, 2005 Planning Cornmission Staff Report
K. Planned Residential Zoning District text
L. CEQA Environmental Checklist Form
M. Plans and exhibits
Staff Report
Sacred Heart Master Plan
CUP 04-13
Page 2
June 23, 2005
Recommendation: That the City Council deny the appellant's appeal and adopt City
Council Resolution No. 05-53 affirming the Planning Commission's approval of CUP 04-
13.
Executive Summary:
On February 15, 2005, the P{anning Commission approved the request for a master plan
for the Sacred Heart Church and Elementary School. The master plan proposes
construction of eight new classrooms to accommodate an increase of 90 students from
450 to 540, a 17,026 square foot parish hali / gymnasium, and new parking lots to provide
191 additional paved parking spaces and 220 grass overflow spaces to solve an existing
shortage of off-street parking spaces during the peak winter season. If the project is
approved, the app4icant is requesting permission to install two 24' x 40' modu{ar
classrooms on the parish hall site while the permanent classrooms are under
construction. There would be 36 students, one teacher and one teaching assistant in
each of the modular classrooms. The Architectura{ Review Commission and the P{anning
Commission approved a height exception to allow the 35-foot high parish ha1{ /
gymnasium to exceed the Planned Residential zone's 24-foot height limit in order to
accommodate a 22-foot minimum interior ceiling height for recreational activities such as
basketball and to allow the building to have a gable roof to match the existing church
sanctuary building. These commissions granted the height exception because they
preferred to see an architectural design that would provide higher quality aesthetics than
a Iower boxy-looking flat roof building.
On February 28, 2005, Mr. Thomas W. McCutchen, a homeowner in the Palmira
subdivision to the east and President of the Palmira Homeowner's Association, filed an
appeal. The following grounds are stated in the appeal:
1.
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3.
That the project will be detrimental to the public hea{th, safety, or welfare
and be materially injurious to properties in the vicinity because the traffic
study for the project is inadequate as traffic circulation and parking shortage
issues have not been adequately mitigated.
That the Planning Commission public hearing notice did not mention a
height exception request for the 35-foot high parish hall/gymnasium
building.
That the project is not in compliance with the goals, objectives, and po{icies
of the city's general plan, zoning or other planning guidelines for the area.
A supplemental traffic engineering report for the project v�
2005 and an addendum was prepared on June 2, 20
Associates. The report and addendum concluded that the
�s completed on May 27,
)5 by Tom Brohard and
existing level of service at
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Staff Report
Sacred Heart Master Plan
CUP 04-13
Page 3
June 23, 2005
intersections adjacent to the project site would remain unchanged after buildout of the
master plan. For example the level of service (LOS} for the intersections of Deep
Canyon Road and Fred Waring Drive and Deep Canyan Road and Moss Rose Drive
will each remain at LOS C. With buildout of the master plan, vehicles exiting the
Palmira subdivision during the weekday morning peak period of 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
will experience an additional delay of only one second. The supplemental traffic report
also concluded that with buildout of the master plan, "the Deep Canyon Road segment
north of Fred Waring Drive will continue to operate at LOS A, even on a school day with
an afternoon game and a new evening event held in the multi-functional building."
Therefore, traffic mitigation measures previously recommended in the January 2005
George Dunn Traffic engineering report such as a secondary access from the Palmira
subdivision onto Moss Rose Drive and City staff's prior recommendation of installation
of "pork chop" type islands in the southerly church driveways on Deep Canyon Road
are no longer needed.
The master plan will add 191 new paved parking spaces and 220 grass overflow
spaces to the existing 445 paved spaces to solve the current shortage of off-street
parking spaces during the peak winter season.
While the Planning Commission hearing notice did not mention the height exception, at
the public hearing staff did state the request. The City Council public hearing notices
did mention the height exception request. The Architectural Review Commission and
the Planning Commission approved the height exception because they believed it was
justified.
The Sacred Heart Catholic Church has existed at the site since 1956 and the zoning
ordinance allows churches and other religious institutions in the R-1 zone with a
conditional use permit. Although the project site is residentially zoned, the general plan
land use designation is Public/Quasi Public Facilities.
On March 24, 2005 the City Council opened the public hearing on the appeal and
continued CUP 04-13 to April 28, 2005. On April 28, 2005, the City Cauncil continued
CUP 04-13 to a date uncertain.
I. APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION DECISION APPROVING CUP 04-13
A copy of Mr. McCutchen's appeal is attached to this staff report. The three main
issues raised in the appeal are traffic and parking, the parish hall's 35-foot height
exception, and project compatibility with the City's general plan and zoning
ordinance. Staff responses to each of these issues follows.
3
Staff Report
Sacred Heark Master Plan
CUP 04-13
Page 4
June 23, 2005
A. Traffic and Parking
Weekdav Mornina Peak Hour Traffic:
Mr. McCutchen has complained that vehicles exiting the Palmira subdivision
during the weekday morning peak hour of 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. would be
negatively impacted by the master plan because Palmira motorists already
experience delays as parents are dropping off children at Sacred Heart.
Elementary School and other motorists are arriving and leaving from
morning mass.
Resaonse: The supplemental traffic report concluded that at buildout of the
master plan, the additional 80 weekday morning vehicle trips generated by
the proposed 90-student expansion of the Sacred Heart Elementary School
would add only one second to existing delay times of vehicles exiting the
Palmira subdivision during the morning peak hour (7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Average weekday morning peak hour delay times documented in the traffic
report were 33.3 seconds on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 and 31.4 seconds
on Thursday, March 17, 2005 for vehicles exiting Via Palmira.
There exists one drop-off/pickup area south of the elementary school. To
improve traffic flow to and from the project site, the master plan proposes to
create two school drop-off-areas. The new drop-off/pick-up area will be
located north of the church and east of the school.
Shortaae of Off-Street Parkinq Spaces Durinq Weekend Worshia Services:
Mr. McCutchen's appeal states that there is a shortage of off-street parking
spaces for the church use. Mr. McCutchen has also communicated to staff
that on Sunday March 20, 2005 at 9:30 a.m. he counted 178 parked on
streets surrounding Sacred Heart Church (i.e. Deep Canyon Road, Moss
Rose Drive, Florine Avenue and Aster Drive). During the same parking
survey, Mr. McCutchen counted 41 vehicles parked in the grass overflow
parking area at Sacred Heart Elementary School.
Response: The master plan proposes to improve the existing shortage of
off-street parking spaces that exists on weekends during the peak winter
season by adding 191 paved parking spaces and 220 overftow spaces
during Christmas, New Year's Day, Palm Sunday and Easter weekends.
The master plan is not proposing any increase in the existing 1,400-seat
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Staff Report
Sacred Heart Master Plan
CUP 04-13
Page 5
June 23, 2005
church sanctuary. Furthermore, Department of Community Development
condition no. 9 states: "The Church shall not schedule any activities in the
newly constructed buildings concurrently with scheduled religious
services."
Based on the zoning ordinance off-street parking standard for churches of
one parking space for each three fixed seats in the main assembly area,
the existing 445-space church parking lots have a deficiency of 22 parking
spaces. At buildout of the master plan there will be a total of 636 paved
parking spaces and 220 grass overflow spaces on the site. It is
anticipated, however, that some people attending worship services at
Sacred Heart Church will continue to prefer to park on adjacent streets.
B. Height Exception for 35-Foot High Parish Hall
Mr. McCutchen states in his appeal that the Planning Commission hearing
notice did not mention that a height exception was requested to allow the
proposed 35-foot high parish hall / gymnasium to exceed the Planned
Residential Zone's 24-foot height limit. Mr. McCutchen's appeal does not
state why or how a 35-foot high parish hall building would be injurious to
him or be detrimental to the public health, safety and general welfare.
Resaonse: While the Planning Commission hearing notice did not
mention the height exception, at the public hearing staff did state the
request. The City Council public hearing notices did mention the height
exception request. The Architectural Review Commission and the
Planning Commission approved the height exception because they
believed it was justified and they agreed with staff that the architecture of
the proposed building would create higher quality aesthetics than a lower,
boxy looking with a flat roof.
C. Project Compatibility*With General Plan and Zoning Ordinance
Mr. McCutchen's appeal states that the proposed conditional use does not
comply with the goals, objectives, and policies of the city's general plan,
zoning, or other planning guidelines. The appeal does not state which
specific goals, objectives, and policies the conditional use would not be in
compliance with.
Response: The Sacred Heart Catholic Church has existed at the site since
1956. The zoning ordinance allows churches and other religious institutions
in the R-1 zone with a conditional use permit. Furthermore, the general
5
Staff Report
Sacred Heart Master Plan
CUP 04-13
Page 6
June 23, 2005
plan land use designation for site is Public/Quasi Public Facilities. A
supplemental traffic engineering report and an amended California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) checklist were prepared for the project.
The amended checklist concluded that the project would not have a
significant impact on the environment.
II. ANALYSIS:
A. Supplemental Traffic Engineering Report Preparted by Tom Brohard
and Associates:
On June 2, 2005 Tom Brohard and Associates completed an addendum
to the May 27, 2005 supplemental traffic engineering report for the Sacred
Heart Master Plan. The study concluded that the existing level of senrice
at intersections adjacent to the project site would remain unchanged after
buildout of the .master plan. Copies of the supplemental traffic engineering
report and addendum were distributed to the City Council with this staff
report.
The traffic impacts as a result of the school expansion will be less than
significant because the level of service (LOS) at intersections identified in
the supplemental traffic engineering report will remain unchanged.
Additionally, the Deep Canyon Road segment north of Fred Waring Drive
will continue to operate at a Level of Service A, even on a school day with
an afternoon game and a fund raising event held in the parish hall.
Construction of eight new classrooms for 90 additional students will
generate up to 200 new vehicle trips per day (130 school drop off and pick
up trips and up to 70 vehicle trips per day by nine new school employees,
visiting parents of the 90 additional students, etc.).
The generation up to 200 new vehicle trips per day (during weekdays) as
a result of the school expansion and the estimated 70 vehicle trips on
those days when an indoor sports event is held in the new parish hall /
gymnasium will not require street widening or the installation of a traffic
signal. The increase in daily vehicle trips will be partially offset by the
elimination of an estimated 63 daily vehicle trips generated by the18
existing residential units that would be demolished by implementation of
the master plan (trip generation source: Institute of Transportation
Engineers Trip Generation, 7t`' Edition).
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Staff Report
Sacred Heart Master Plan
CUP 04-13
Page 7
June 23, 2005
The new parish hall will be used for special events up to 12 times per year
(i.e. fund raising dinners). With a maximum of 800 people attending,
these events could generate up to 530 total vehicle trips. The 445
existing off-street parking spaces and the master plan's addition of 191
paved parking spaces will provide adequate off-street parking during
parish hall events. Department of Community Development condition no.
9 does not allow simultaneous use of the sanctuary and the new pairsh
hall.
Traffic Mitiqation Conditions: The project is conditioned to comply with the
conditions listed in the Public Works Department memorandum dated
May 26, 2005. These Public Works Department conditions are listed in
Appendix C of the initial study. Specific Department of Public Works
traffic conditions of approval related to traffic mitigation include the
following, which are listed in the Public Works Department memorandum
dated May 26, 2005.:
6. The project shall be subject to Transportation Uniform Mitigation
Fees (TUMF). Payment of said fees shall be at the time of building
permitissuance.
9. The new driveway shall have a 36' width, 25' returns to allow for a
two-way exit.
20. The church shall monitor student pick-up/drop-off operations after
master plan build-out and make modifications regarding grade
classifications assigned to each pick-up/drop off area as the
student mix changes per the project traffic study.
21. The Church shal! not schedule any activities in the newly
constructed buildings concurrently with scheduled religious services
per the project traffic study.
22.
23.
The Church shall continue the weekday morning mass start time of
7:45AM.
At the discretion of the City of Palm Desert, additional mitigation
shall be implemented in the following order.
a. The church shall hire a traffic
points of ingress and egres
masses on Saturday, Sunday
engineer to monitor traffic at
s at the project site during
and weekday mornings, and
7
Staff Report
Sacred Heart Master Plan
CUP 04-13
Page 8
June 23, 2005
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during AM and PM peak hours at their elementary school
and implement appropriate mitigation measures.
Staggered school starts at least 45 minutes apart.
Environmental Review
For purposes of CEQA, the proposed project will not have a significant
negative impact on the environment and staff has prepared a Mitigated
Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact.
Conclusion:
The project as conditioned meets the findings for granting a conditional
use permit. These findings are included in the City Council resolution
attached to this staff report.
Submitted by:
,..�. .1 �._.
. . �, :
Associate Planner
Approval:
Department Head:
....�.
v
� ilip Drell' �`'---
Director of Community Development
Homer Croy
Assistant City Manager for Development Services
Carlos L. Orte�a
City Manager
:
CITY Of Phil DESERT
73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE
PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA 92260-2578
TEL: 760 346-061
FAX: 760 341-7098
info@patm-desert.org
CITY OF PALM DESERT
LEGAL NOTICE &
NOTICE OF INTENT TO ADOPT A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION
CASE NO. CUP 04-13
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held before the Palm Desert City Council to
consider an appeal by Thomas W. McCutchen of the Planning Commission's approval of CUP 04-13, a
request by THE ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOP OF SAN BERNARDINO for approval of a Negative
Declaration of Environmental Impact and a master plan for the Sacred Heart Church and Elementary
School which proposes (1) construction of eight new classrooms which will allow an increase in the
number of students from 450 to 540 (90 additional students), (2) construction of a 17,026 square foot
parish hall that will include a gymnasium; a height exception is being requested to allow the 35-foot
high parish hall/gymnasium to exceed the Planned Residential zone's 24 foot height limit in order to
accommodate a 22-foot minimum interior ceiling height for recreational activities such as basketball
and to allow the building to have a gable roof to match the existing church sanctuary building, (3)
construction of new parking lots in phases to provide 191 additional parking spaces, and (4)
construction of new sports fields. The project site is located at 43-775 Deep Canyon Road.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Palm Desert has completed an Initial Study of the project in
accordance with the City's guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act. On the
basis of such Initial Study, the City's Staff has concluded that the project will not have a significant effect
on the environment, and has therefore prepared a Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration.
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SAID public hearing will be held on Thursday June 23, 2005, at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at the
Palm Desert Civic Center, 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California, at which time and place
all interested persons are invited to attend and be heard. Written comments conceming all items
covered by this public hearing notice shall be accepted up to the date of the hearing. Information
conceming the proposed project and/or negative declaration is available for review in the Department of
Community Development at the above address between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday
through Friday. If you challenge the proposed actions in court, you may be limited to raising only those
issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written
correspondence delivered to the City Council at, or prior to, the public hearing.
PUBLISH: Desert Sun
June 2, 2005
RACHELLE KLASSEN, Secretary
Palm Desert City Council
RESOLUTION NO. 05-53
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM
DESERT, CALIFORNIA, DENYING AN APPEAL AND AFFIRMING
PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVAL OF CUP 04-13 FOR A
MASTER PLAN FOR THE SACRED HEART CHURCH AND THE
SACRED HEART GRADE SCHOOL TO ALLOW EXPANSIC�N OF
THE GRADE SCHOOL, CONSTRUCTION OF A PARISH
HALUGYMNASIUM, NEW PARKING LOTS, AND NEW
PLAYFIELDS
CASE NO. CUP 04-13
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, did on the 24th
day of March 2005, on the 28t" day of April 2005, and on the 23rd day of June 2005 hold
duly noticed public hearings to a consider a request by THE ROMAN CATHOLIC
BISHOP OF SAN BERNARDINO for the above mentioned; and
WHEREAS, said application has complied with the requirements of the "City of
Palm Desert Procedure for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act",
Resolution No. 04-106, in that an initial study was prepared and concluded that the
proposed project will not have a significant negative impact on the environment and
staff has prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact; and
WHEREAS, at said public hearing, upon hearing and considering all testimony and
arguments, if any, of all interested persons desiring to be heard, said City Council finds
the following facts and reasons to justify denying the appeal and affirming the Planning
Commission approval of said conditional use permit:
FINDINGS FOR APPROVAL OF A C4NDITIONAL USE PERMIT:
That the proposed location of the conditional use is in accord with
the objectives of zoning ordinance and the purpose of the district in
which it is Iocated.
2. That the proposed location of the conditional use and the conditions
under which it will be aperated or maintained will not be detrimental
to the public, health, safety, or welfare, or be materially injurious to
properties or improvements in the vicinity.
3. That the proposed conditional use will comply with each of the
applicable provisions of the zoning ordinance, except for approved
variances or adjustments.
4. That the proposed conditional use complies with the goals,
objectives and the policies of the City's general plan.
Resolution No. 05-53
�NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Palm
Desert, California, as follows:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct and constitute the findings of
the City Council in this case.
2. That Conditional Use Permit 04-13 is hereby approved for a master plan for the
sacred Heart Church and the Sacred Heart Grade School to allow expansion of
the Grade School, construction of a parish hall / gymnasium, new parking lots,
and new playfields subject to the attached conditions.:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct and constitute the findings of
the commission in this case.
2. That approval of Conditional Use Permit 04-13 is hereby granted for
reasons subject to the attached conditions.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Palm Desert
City Council, held on this 23rd day of June, 2005 by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
ATTEST:
BUFORD CRITES, Mayor
RACHELLE KLASSEN, City Clerk
City of Palm Desert, California
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CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
CASE NO. CUP 04-13
Deaartment of Communitv Development:
The development of the property shall conform substantially with exhibits on file
with the Department of Community Development, as modified by the following
conditions.
2. Construction of a portion of said project shall commence within one year from the
date of final approval unless an extension of time is granted; otherwise said
approval shall become null, void and of no effect whatsoever.
3. The development of the property described herein shall be subject to the
restrictions and limitations set forth herein which are in addition to all municipal
ordinances and state and federal statutes now in force, or which hereafter may be
in force.
4. Prior to issuance of a building permit for construction of any use contemplated by
this approval, the applicant shall first obtain permits and/or clearance from the
following agencies:
Coachella Valley Water District
Palm Desert Architectural Review Commission
City Fire Marshal
Public Works Department
Evidence of said permit or clearance from the above agencies shall be presented
to the Department of Building and Safety at the time of issuance of a building
permit for the use contemplated herewith.
5. Applicant agrees to maintain the landscaping required to be installed pursuant to
these conditions. Applicant will enter into an agreement to maintain said
landscaping for the life of the project, which agreement shall be notarized and
which agreement shall be recorded. It is the specific intent of the parties that this
condition and agreement run with the land and bind successors and assigns. The
final landscape plan shall include a long-term maintenance program specifying
among other matters appropriate watering times, fertilization and pruning for
various times of the year for the specific materials to be planted, as well as
periodic replacement of materials. All to be consistent with the Properiy
Maintenance Ordinance (Ordinance No. 801) and the approved landscape plan.
6. The project shall
permits including,
Mitigation fees.
be subject to all applicable fees at time of issuance of building
but not limited to, Art in Public Places, TUMF and School
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7. The applicant shall construct an 8-foot high tan precision block wall along the
westerly and northerly property lines adjacent to the new playfields. The height of
the block wall may be reduced to 6 feet along the rear of adjacent residential lots
where the property owner does not want an 8-foot high block wall constructed.
8. There shall be no stadium or flood light lighting for the playfields. Use of the
playfields shall occur only during daylight hours, but in no case later than 9:OOPM.
9. The Church shall not schedule any activities in the newly constructed buildings
concurrently with scheduled religious services.
10. All activities and use of the parish shall end by 10:00 p.m. on Sunday thru Friday
and by 11 :00 p.m. on Saturday.
11. Outdoor sound systems shall be prohibited at all times.
12. The maximum number of students enrolled at the Sacred Heart Elementary school
(K-8) shall not exceed 540 students. The maximum number of students enrolled
at the Sacred Heart pre-school shall not exceed 81.
13. The project shall to comply with the outdoor lighting requirements of Chapter
24.16 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code. Construction drawings submitted for
the project shall include a lighting plan.
Department of Public Works:
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
1. All landscape maintenance on property frontages shall be performed by the
church.
2. A complete preliminary soils investigation, conducted by a registered soils
engineer, shall be submitted to, and approved by, the Department of Public
Works prior to the issuance of a grading permit.
3. All utilities shall be undergrounded.
BONDS AND FEES
4. Drainage fees, in accordance with Section 26.49 of the Palm Desert Municipal
Code shall be paid prior to grading permit issuance.
5. Signalization fees, in accordance with City of Palm Desert Resolution Nos. 79-17
and 79-55, shall be paid prior to issuance of grading permit.
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6. The project shall be subject to Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fees (TUMF)
Payment of said fees shall be at the time of building permit issuance.
7. A standard inspection fee shall be paid prior to issuance of grading permits.
DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
8. Storm drain design and construction shall be contingent upon a drainage study
prepared by a registered civil engineer that is reviewed and approved by the
Department of Public Works prior to start of construction.
9. The new driveway shall have a 36' width, 25' returns to allow for a two-way exit.
10. Complete grading and improvement plans and specifications on electronic files
shall be submitted to the Director of Public Works for checking and approval
prior to issuance of any permits.
11. Improvement plans for utility systems shall be approved by the respective
provider or service districts with "as-built" plans submitted to the Department of
Public Works prior to project final. Utility plans shall be submitted to the public
works department for improvements in the public right of way prior to issuance of
any permits.
12. Any and all offsite improvements shall be preceded by the approval of plans and
the issuance of valid encroachment permits by the Department of Public Works.
13. Pad elevations are subject to review and modification in accordance with
Chapter 26 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code.
14. Project shall retain nuisance waters on-site.
15. All new landscape installation shall be drought tolerant in nature.
16. Landscape plans shall be submitted for review concurrently with grading plans.
CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS
17. All public and private improvements shall be inspected by the Department of
Public Works and a standard inspection fee shall be paid prior to issuance of
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grading permits. No occupancy permit shall be granted until public
improvements have been completed.
18. Prior to the start of construction, the applicant shall submit satisfactory evidence
to the Director of Public Works of intended compliance with the National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Construction Permit
for storm water discharges associated with construction. Developer must
contact Riverside County Flood Control District for informational materials.
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19. Applicant shall comply with provisions of Palm Desert Municipal Code Section
24.12, Fugitive Dust Control as well as Section 24.20, Storm water Management
and Discharge Control.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
20. The church shall monitor student pick-up/drop-off operations after master plan
build-out and make modifications regarding grade ciassifications assigned to
each pick-up/drop off area as the student mix changes per the project traffic
study.
21. The Church shal! not schedule any activities in the newly constructed buildings
concurrently with scheduled religious services per the project traffic study.
22. The Church shall continue the weekday morning mass start time of 7:45AM.
23. At the discretion of the City of Palm Desert, additional mitigation shall be
implemented in the following order.
a. The church shall hire a traffic engineer to monitor traffic at points of
ingress and egress at the project site during masses on Saturday, Sunday
and weekday mornings, and during AM and PM peak hours at their
elementary school and implement appropriate mitigation measures.
b. Staggered school starts at least 45 minutes apart.
Riverside Countu Fire Department:
1. With respect to the conditions of approval regarding the above referenced
project, the fire department recommends the following fire protection measures
be provided in accordance with City Municipal Code, NFPA, UFC, and UBC or
any recognized Fire Protection Standards:
The Fire Department is required to set a minimum fire flow for the remodel or
construction of all buildings per UFC article 87.
2. A fire flow of 1500 gpm for a 1 hour duration at 20 psi residual pressure must be
available before any combustible material is placed on the job site.
3. Provide or show there exists a water system capable of providing a gpm flow of:
3000 gpm for commercial buildings.
4. The required fire flow shall be available from a wet barrel Super Hydrant(s)
4"x2-1/2" x2-i/2", located not less than 25 feet nor more than:
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PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.
150 feet from any portion of a commercial building measured via vehicular
travelway.
5. Water Plans must be approved by the Fire Marshal and include verification that
the water system will produce the required fire flow.
6. Install a complete NFPA 13 fire sprinkler system. This applies to all buildings
with a 3000 square foot total cumulative floor area. The Fire Marshal shall
approve the locations of all post indicator valves and fire department
connections. All valves and connections shall not be less than 25 feet from the
building and within 50 feet of an approved hydrant. Exempted are one and two
family dwellings.
7. All valves controlling the water supply for automatic sprinkler systems and water-
flow switches shall be monitored and alarmed per UBC Chapter 9.
8. Install a fire alarm system as required by UBC Chapter 3.
9. Install portable fire extinguishers per NFPA 10, but not less than one 2A10BC
extinguisher per 3000 square feet and not over 75 feet walking distance. A"K" type
fire extinguisher is required in all commercial kitchens.
10. Install a Hood/Duct automatic fire extinguishing system per NFPA 96 in all public
and private cooking operations except single-family residential uses.
11. All building shall be accessible by an all-weather roadway extending to within 150
feet of all portions of the exterior walls of the first story. The roadway shall not be
less than 24 feet of unobstructed width and 13'6" of vertical clearance. Where
parallel parking is required on both sides of the street the roadway must be 36 feet
wide, and 32 feet wide with parking on one side. Dead-end roads in excess of 150
feet shall be provided with a minimum 45 foot radius turn-around, 55 foot in
industrial developments.
12. Whenever access into private properiy is controlled through use of gates, barriers,
or other means, provisions shall be made to install a"Knox Box" key over-ride
system to allow for emergency vehicle access. Minimum gate width shall be 16' with
a minimum vertical clearance of 13'-6".
13. ' A dead-end single access over 500' will require a secondary access, sprinklers, or
other mitigative measures approved by the Fire Marshal. Under no circumstances
shall a dead end over 1300' be accepted.
0
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.
14. This project may require licensing by a state or county agency. To facilitate plan
review, the applicant shall prepare and submit to the Fire Marshal a letter of intent
detailing the proposed usage and occupancy type.
15. All buildings shall have illuminated addresses of a size approved by the city.
16. All fire sprinkler systems, fixed fire suppression systems and alarm plans must be
submitted separately to the Fire Marshal for approval prior to construction. Plans
for underground fire line system require approved plans.
17. Conditions subject to change with adoption of new codes, ordinances, laws, or
when building permits are not obtained with twelve months.
All questions regarding the meaning of these conditions should be referred to the Fire
Marshal's Office at (760) 346-1870; 73-710 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260
0
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.
EXHIBIT A
Pursuant to Title 14, Division 6, Article 6(commencing with section 15070) of the
California Code of Regulations.
MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION
CASE NO. CUP 04-13
APPLICANT/PROJECT SPONSO.R: The Roman Gatholic Bishop of San Bernardino
1201 E. Highland Avenue
San Bernardino, CA 92404
PROJECT DESCRIPTION/LOCATION:
The master plan proposes the expansion of the Sacred Heart Grade School that includes
the construction of eight new classrooms, a new library, lunch shade structures, a new
parish hall / gymnasium, a new playground for grades 2 thru 5, a new sports fields with a
track, a reconfigured paved parking lot with 35 spaces, a new paved parking lot with 87
spaces, and a grass overflow parking area for 220 spaces. The project site is located at 43-
775 Deep Canyon Road
The Director of the Department of Community Development, City of Palm Desert,
California, has found that the described project will not have a significant effect on the
environment. A copy of the Initial Study has been attached to document the reasons in
support of this finding. Mitigation measures, if any, included in the project to avoid
potentially significant effects, may also be found attached.
June 23, 2005
PHILIP DRELL DATE
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
10
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CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALI���R�� K��oF�1c�
P�.�.N [��SEFtT, CA
APP�ICATION TO AP����B P� 2• sB
.
DECISiON OF THE
(Name of Determining 8ody)
Case No. Cyit.�.F° O�'� - t 3
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Date of Decision: �-� � 5% a�
Name of Appeilant �'FS �c1. /2'��C-�t'7'������ Phone ��'7�oJ 77��-,3 ���
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Address ,.� � �� �-c.�s f�t�� ��Nc .�� S�t`7` C�-�i . �� � �
Description of
Application or Matter Considered: �'�r QS c�c:v�c�. �-�c�" C.P�wv�C� Cc�� �C�vo�j
t''�GcS �-� ���✓1 Qr�c cQ f«v��n�,�,z ��� hf' �a.r'i2�'t c� �
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Reason for Appeal (attach addifional sheets if necessary):
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(Signature of Appefiant)
FOR O��ICIAL USE ONLY �
Date Appea! Filed: �� a-"g—Q � �'ee Received: ,,� ��'% —
. .
Treasurer's Receipt No. �Ol„ � Received by: ����_
Date of Consideration by City Council o� City O�cial: ` 1�1 i�
Action Taken:
Date:
Rachelle D. Klassen, City Clerk
COPY To'�`�''� � � `� �
OATE � '""�-�= �
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Basis for appeal of Planning Commission Case Number CUP 04-013
1. The proposed location of the conditional use is not in accord with the objectives
of this title and the purpose of the district in which the site is located for a number
of reasons, including, but not limited to, the height variance required for the
parish hall, which variance may be included in a CUP but which does not meet
the criteria in Section 25.78 and which never was noticed.
2. That the proposed location of the conditional use and the conditions under wluch
it wouid be operated or maintained will be detrimental to the public health, safety,
or welfare, or be materially injurious to properties or improvements in the
vicinity, specifically because but not limited to the following:
• The traffic study prepared is inadequate and fails to take into account
the actual traffic counts;
• The conditions proposed do not deal appropriately with points of
ingress and egress, which should not be off of Deep Canyon, a Class C
roadway; that turn around cannot occur on private property; that the
amount of traffic generated by the church now — without any
improvements — creates a nuisance and traffic hazard as proven by
pictures and iraffic reports; that the present situation and the
improvements violate UFC requirements;
• That the Planning Commission has given no consideration to
conditions which insure compatibility of use with surrounding
developments;
• That the Planning Commission has discriminated in favor of Catholics
(and against Jews and others) in approving this CUP and specifically
the alleged height variance;
• T'hat the Planning Commission has failed to address traffic circulation;
• That the Planning Commission/staff failed to respond to comments on
the mitigated negative declaration because the comment period closed
approximately one or two hours before the hearing on this matter;
� That the mitigated negative declara.tion is insufficient given the
magnitude of this project, the demolition involved, and the severe
traffic impacts which have not been mitigated; coupled with
substantial public controversy, the project therefore requires an EIR.
• Parking on grass violates City Code without a specific variance and
PM-10 ordinances.
3. The proposed conditional use is not in compliance with all of the applicable
provisions of the Municipal Code, because the current operation of the church is
not in compliance with the Code as to pazking and the proposed use would require
a substantial parking variance that has not been addressed.
4. The proposed conditional use is not in compliance with the goals, objectives, and
policies of the city's general plan, zoning or other planning guidelines for the
area.
f� , _ ...,
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MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
XVIi. PUBLIC HEARINGS
�f
i�
APRIL 28, 2005
� A. CONSIDERATION OF AN APPEAL REGARDING PLANNING
COMMISSION APPROVAL OF AN EXPANSION OF THE SACRED HEART
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLAND CONSTRUCTION OF NEW PARKING LOTS
WITH 158 SPACES AT43-775 DEEP CANYON ROAD Case No. CUP 04-13
(Roman Catholic Bishop of San Bernardino, Applicant) (Thomas W.
McCutchen, Appellant) (Continued from the meeting of March 24, 2005).
Mayor Crites declared the public hearing apen and invited testimony in FAVOR of
or in OPPOSITION to this request. No testimony was offered.
Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, continue the public hearing to a
date uncertain to allow time for a supplemental traffic analysis to be completed and
reviewed by staff. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by a 3-0 vote, with
Councilmember Benson and Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson ABSENT.
REQUESTFORAPPROVALOFAMITIGATEDNEGATIVE DECLA ION
OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT FOR THE PORTOLA BRIDGE R THE
lq�HITEWATER CHANNEL PROJECT (NO. 647-04) (City of alm Desert,
Ap�cant) (Continued from the meeting of April 14, 2005)
M r.
�d the staff report, noting that responses had been
received as a sult of notifications that were sen t. The letter from South
CoastAir Quality anagement District request that the following statement
be included for the cord: "That mitigatio easures 3-1, 3-2, and 3-3 as
identified in the Mitig d Negative claration, be incorporated in the
construction documents the P ola Avenue Bridge Project." Upon
question by Mayor Crites, he s nded that staff had no objection to that.
Mayor Crites declared the pu
or in OPPOSITION to this rE
public hearing closed. /
�ing o n and invited testimony in FAVOR of
With no timony offered, he declared the
Councilman Spieg moved to waive further reading d adopt Resolution
No. 05-32, approving t itigated Negative Declaration of Environ tal Impact for the
Portola Bridge over e Whitewater Channel Project and adding the req ted mitigation
measures to the itigated Negative Declaration, as specified. Motion was onded by
Kelly and car ' d by a 3-0 vote, with �ouncilmember Benson and Mayor Pro Tem guson
ABSEN_
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MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARGH 24, 2005
MS. KIMBERLY LYNCH, 78-675 La Quinta, spoke as Chair of the
Development Committee, parent of a Sacred Heart student, and fourth grade
room parent. She said she wanted to be clear exactly what issues needed
to be addressed before this matter is back before Council, and she felt
strongly that any continuance was affecting the students. She said it was her
understanding that the gym height had been approved and asked if it was a
continuing issue.
Mayor Crites responded that what was approved by the Planning
Commission had been recommended to the City Council, and there had been
no approvals or denials by #he City Council as yet.
MS. LYNCH stated it was her undersianding that they needed to be clear
about communication with the residents of Palmyra and the traffic study. She
asked if there were other areas that needed to be addressed.
Councilman Spiegel said it was not just Palmira residents but every
community surrounding the church.
Mayor Crites added that it was also genera{ City residents. He said the issue
was that everything being requested was available for comment and
discussion when it is before Council.
MS. ANGELA ROVER stated that over the years, Sacred Heart Church had
expanded to accommodate the increased population in the area and had paid
for that expansion itself so the new residents could attend the already-
established church. She felt it was time for surrounding areas to give back
to Sacred Heart. She felt the traffic issue was more about Sunday traffic than
the traffic generated by the school. A traffic study had already been
completed in September, and there was a lot of discussion at the Planning
Commission meeting before the Commission recommended approval, and
she did not know if there was a need for another traffic study. She said there
was not as much traffic before Magnesia Falls connected to Deep Canyon
and before Deep Canyon went all the way through, but she felt that everyone
needed to give and take. She felt Sacred Heart Church had given quite a bit,
and now perhaps it was time for Palmira to give a little bit more to reach an
agreement.
Counci{man Spiege{ moved to, by Minute Motion continue the public hearing on the
appeal to the meeting of April 28, 2005, to allow time for a supplemental traffic analysis to
be completed and reviewed by staff. Motion was seconded by Ferguson and camed by a
4-0 vote, with Councilmember Benson ABSENT.
24
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MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 24, 2005
Recess observed 5:16 p.m. to 5:21 p.m.
�"'�' B. CONSIDERATION OF AN APPEAL REGARDING PLANNING
COMMISSION APPROVAL OF AN EXPANSION OF THE SACRED HEART
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND CONSTRUCTION OF NEW PARKING LOTS
WITH 158 SPACES AT 43-775 DEEP CANYON ROAD Case No. CUP 04-13
(Roman Catholic Bishop of San Bernardino, Applicant) (Thomas W.
McCutchen, Appellant).
Mayor Crites declared the public hearing open, noting that staff s recommendation
was to continue the public hearing to the meeting of April 28, 2005.
MS. DEBRA WORTZ noted that she and her husband had finro children who
attended Sacred Heart School. She spoke in support of the expansion and
said she felt it was important not only to her children but also to the other
children in the community who do not have the opportunity to attend because
of the limited facility.
Councilman Spiegel noted that he and Councilman Kelly had met with
several residents near Sacred Heart. It appeared to him that residents and
the church were not communicating with each other, and there was not much
input given to the community by the church. Before this item comes back to
the Council, he suggested that the church do a better job of sitting down wifh
the neighbors to explain the five-year plan, the ramifications, traffic mitigation,
what will happen to Deep Canyon, etc. Agreement also needed to be
reached with regard to the height of the gymnasium building.
Mayor Crites agreed. He said while there would probably be no argument
about this being a worthwhile thing to do, there needed to be a real focus on
tending to the issues dealing with the neighbors.
Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson added that communication needed to go both
directions, and the church had held numerous community meetings and
invited their neighbors to attend.
Councilman Spiegel suggested that the church "give it one more shot."
Associate Planner Francisco Urbina read into the record that a letter had
been received today from Father Lincoln requesting that the continuance
date be April 28`h instead of April 14th in order to allow staff sufficient time to
review the supplemental traffic analysis once it is completed. It would also
allow time for the church and architects to meet with surrounding residents
to resolve some of the issues.
22
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MINUTES
REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 24, 2005
MR. TIM HOLT, Holt Architects, spoke on behalf of Sacred Heart and noted
that a number of communiiy meetings had been held, with neighbors invited
to attend. Some of the meetings were held at the church, while others were
held at City Hall with staff. In addition, Father Lincoln had held several open
sessions at his own residence in an effort to garner interchange with regard
to the project. He said they stood ready to engage in whatever other
discussions may be appropriate and necessary in order to come back to
Council with consensus. He added that he was in favor of the continuance
to April 28"'.
MR. LOUIS GORDON, 43-551 Palmilla Avenue, said he had never been
notified of any meetings at the church, and the only notices he had received
were for the meetings held at City Haf1. He said the parish had never
contacted hirn or other members of his neighborhood, and he expressed
concern with the traffic in that area.
MR. THOMAS McCUTCHEN, 24 Via Cielo Azuf, stated that �ather Lincoln
had sent letters to the homeowners in his neighborhood once inviting them
to the church for a meeting last August. He said he had also been invited to
Father L.incoln's home at the Rectory one additional time, a meeting at which
three or four members were present, although he was not sure whether
others had been invited as well. He noted that he had also represented his
homeowners association at a number of ineetings where City staff, Father
Lincoln, and Mr. Holt were present, but he was not told he was supposed to
invite the entire community to attend. He added that he was in favor of
continuing the matter to April 28�'.
MR. NORM EASTVI/OOD, 74-474 Myrsine, said he had received no
documentation, no request, zero information on any of what is going on. He
disagreed with staff and felt that whatever was going on had been done in
secret, and he did not know of anyone who had received any communication
at ail. Another issue was the 35-foot height of the building, and he felt it was
totafly inexcusable that the City would send out a notice, without requesting
a variance �r exception, notifying the entire area that this was going to be
well over what was allowed in a residential area. He said it was his
understanding that the height restriction was 24 feet.
MR. MlCHAEL MUFFOLETTO, 23 Via Cielo Azul, spoke in favor of the
expansion. He said communities are there to serve the public. As
communities expand, community facilities (such as churches, pofice
departments, fire departments, etc.) need to expand as well. He did not feel
the homeowners of his division, Palmira, were aN opposed to the expansion;
however, they would like to see the traffic issue resolved. As far as notices
or secrecy, he did not feel the church would ever act in such a manner.
23
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CITY OF PALM DESERT
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO
Department of Community Development/Planning
Attention: Francisco Urbina
RECEIVED►
FROM
Mark Greenwood, City Engineer
MAY � � 2005
SUBJECT: CUP 4-13 Sacred Heart Church Master Plan COMMUN[TY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
CtTY OF PALM DESERT
DATE: May 26, 2005
The following should be considered conditions of approval for the above-named project.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
1. All landscape maintenance on property frontages shall be performed by the church.
2. A complete preliminary soils investigation, conducted by � registered soils engineer,
shall be submitted to, and approved by, the Department of Public Works prior to the
issuance of a grading permit.
3. All utilities shall be undergrounded.
BONDS AND FEES
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Drainage fees, in accordance with Section 26.49 of the Palm Desert Municipal
Code shall be paid prior to grading permit issuance.
Signalization fees, in accordance with City of Palm Desert Resolution Nos. 79-17 and
79-55, shall be paid prior to issuance of grading permit.
The project shall be subject to Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fees (TUMF).
Payment of said fees shall be at the time of building permit issuance.
7. A standard inspection fee shall be paid prior to issuance of grading permits.
_, �
DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
8. Storm drain design and construction shali be contingent upon a drainage study prepared
by a registered civil engineer that is reviewed and approved by the Department of Public
Works prior to start of construction.
9. The new driveway shall have a 36' width, 25' returns to allow for a two-way exit.
10. Complete grading and improvement plans and specifications on electronic files shall be
submitted to the Director of Public Works for checking and approval prior to issuance of
any permits.
11. Improvement plans for utility systems shall be approved by the respective provider
or service districts with "as-built" plans submitted to the Department of Public
Works prior to project final. Utility plans shall be submitted to the public works
department for improvements in the public right of way prior to issuance of any
permits.
12. Any and all offsite improvements shall be preceded by the approval of plans ancthe
issuance of valid encroachment permits by the Department of Public Works.
13. Pad elevations are subject to review and modification in accordance with Chapter 26 of
the Palm Desert Municipal Code. '
14. Project shall retain nuisance waters on-site.
15. All new landscape installation shall be drought tolerant in nature.
16. Landscape plans shall be submitted for review concurrently with grading plans.
CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS
17. All public and private improvements shall be inspected by the Department of Public
Works and a standard inspection fee shall be paid prior to issuance of grading permits.
No occupancy permit shall be granted until public improvements have been completed.
18. Prior to the start of construction, the applicant shall submit satisfactory evidence to the
Director of Public Works of intended compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge
Elirnination System (NPDES) General Construction Permit for storm water discharges
associated with construction. Developer must contact Riverside County Flood Control
District for informational materials.
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19. Applicant shall comply with provisions of Paim Desert Municipal Code Section
24.12, Fugitive Dust Control as well as Section 24.20, Storm water Management
and Discharge Control.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
20.. The church shall monitor student pick-up/drop-off operations after rnaster plan build-out
and make modifications regarding grade classifications assigned to each pick-up/drop
off area as the student mix changes per the project traffic study.
21. The Church shall not schedule any activities in the newly constructed buildings
concurrently with scheduled religious services per the project traffic study.
22. The Church shall continue the weekday morning mass start time of 7:45AM.
23. Atthe discretion of the City of Palm Desert, additional mitigation shall be implemented
in the following order.
I. The church shall hire a traffic engineerto monitortraffic at points of ingress and
egress at the project site during masses on Saturday, Sunday and weekday
mornings, and during AM and PM peak hours at their elemen#ary school and
implement appropriate mitigation measures..
I I. Staggered school starts at least 45 minutes apart.
4 '
���/ '�`''1
Mark Greenwood, P.E.
`c.nt u nr+u��
9 .. MENIii!!n�
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�FIARTMENi /
Tom Tisdale
Fire Chief
Proudly serving the�
unincorporated
areas of Riverside
County and the
cities of:
Banning
:
Beaumont
y
Calimesa
M
Canyon Lake
�;
CoacheUa
Desert Hot Sprin�s
M
Indian Wel1s
ind�o
Lake Eisinore
.
La Quinta
4
Moreno Val{ey
1
Pafm Desert
Perris
Rancho Mir=�ge
San Jacinto
Temecula
Board of Superv�sorG
,
�
Bob 8uster i
District 1 ,
John Tavagfione
Distnct 2
Jim Venable
District 3
Roy Wiison
District 4
Tom Muilen
District 5
' RIVERSIDE C,� �iJNTY
t�
FIRE DEPARTMENT
In cc�operatican with the
Califurnia Departmcnt c�f Forestry and Fire Protccrion
210 West San Jacinto Avenue • Perris, Cafifornia 92570 •(909} 94p-6900 • FAX (9Q9) 940-6910
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Covc �� ire Marshal's 4�cc
73710 i�rc;d Waring Drive #222 C9MMLI�;ITY D�VBLUP"+1ENT DEPARTM�NT
Palm Dcscrt Cl-�. 92260 CITY OF PALM DESERT
{760) 346-1870
.
T4: ���`'�� ��� DATE: �v /S�
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If circted, conditians aaalv to oroiect
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V6'ith respect to the conditions af approval regarding the above
refe�enced prnaect, the fire department recommends the following fire
protectiou measures be provided in accordance with City Municipal
Cade, NFPA, CFC, and CBC or any recognized Fire Protection
St�ndards:
The Fire Department is required to set a minimum fire flow for the
remode# or construction of all buildin�s ner UFC article 87.
A fire flow of ISAO gpm for a 1-hour duration at 20 psi residuai
pressure must be available before any combustibte material is placed
on the iob site.
Provide or show there exis#s a water system capable of providing a
gpm flow of:
1504 gpm far single family dwellings
2500 gpm for multifamily dwellings
3000 �um for commercial baildin�s
The required fire flow shall be �vailable from a wet barre! Super
Hyc�rant (s) 4"x 2'/z" x 2'/z", located not less than 25' nor more than:
200' from any portion af a s�ngle family dwelling measured via
vehicular travelw�y
1G5' from any portion vf a muItifamily dwelling measured via
��ehicular travelway
150' from any portion of a commercial building measured via
vehicuiar travclwav
Water Plans must be approved by the Fire Marshal and include
verification that the water system will praduce the repuired fire flow.
Plcase be advised the proposed praject may not be feasible since the
existins water mains well not meet the reauired fire flow.
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Instalt a complete NFPA 13 fire sprinkler system. This applies to all
buildings with a 3000 square foot total cumulative floor area. The Fire
Marshal shali approved khe locations of all post indicator valves and
firt� �lepartraent connections. All valves and conaections shall not be
les4 ,��an 25' from the building and within 50' of an approved
hvcl� '�:xempted are ane and two familv dwellings.
All va�vc.. �ontrolling the water supply for automatic sprinkler
systems �nd Water-flow switches shall be monitored and alarmed per
CBC C'1��nter 9.
Instafl a fire a"� -�w� :��•���� as rc�e�ired bv''"� "JBC Chanter 3.
F=�sta:` :• -.�ble fir '�e�;a,�Sa�t;i'S �' "t� 10, but not less than one
�: �:10��;. �xtinguis4. 3��U0 cs� ct and not over ?5' walking
cl��;tance, A"3"' tyj; �xtir� required in atl commercial
kitcher�;�.
�5. Install a HoodlDuct autom�+�ic fire extinguishing system per NFPA 96
in alt public and private cc uking operations except single-family
residential usa�e.
i 6. Install a dust collecting system per CFC Chapter 76 if conducting an
oneration that nroduces ai�boine �articles.
�� All building shall be access:�ile by an all-wc�ther roadway extending
to within I50' oi all portion:� of the exterior walls of the first story.
The roadway shall not be less than 24' of unobstructed width and
13' 6" oi vertical clearance. Where parallel parking is required on
both sides of the street the roadway must be 36' wide and 32' wide
with parking on ane side. Dead-end roads in excess of 150' shall be
provided with a minimum 45' radius turn-arnund 55' in industrial
deveionments.
1
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Whenever access into private propeMy is controlled through use of
gates, barriers or other means provisions shall be made to install a
"Knox Bax" key over-ride system to allow for emergency vehicie
access. Minimum gate width shall be 16" with a minimum vertical
clearance of 13'6".
A dead end single access over 500' will require a secondary access,
sprinklers or ather mitigative measures approved by the Fire
Marshal. Under no circumstance shali a dead end over 1300' be
accented.
l \y /
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24.
A second access is required. This can be accomplished by ri�vo main
access �oints from a main roadway or an emergency gate from an
adioinin� develoament. ,
This project may reqaire licensing by a state or county agency, to
facilitate plan review the applicant shall prepare and submit to the
Fire Marshal a letter of intent detailing the proposed usage and
occunancv tvne.
All buiidings shall have illuminated addresses of a size approved by
the citv.
Ail fire sprinkler systems, fixed fire suppression systems and alarm
plans must be submitted separately to the Fire Marshal for approval
nrior to construction.
Conditions subject to change with adoption of new cades, ordinances,
laws, ar when building permits are not obtained within twelve
months.
All questions regarding the meaning of these conditions should be referred to
the Fire Marshal's Office at (760) 346-1870 in Falm Desert.
Location: 73710 Fred Warin� Drive #222, Palm Desert CA 92260
Other:
�
Sincerely,
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David A. Avila
Fire 1'Viarshal
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PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2325
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING
A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A MASTER PLAN FOR
THE SACRED HEART CHURCH AND THE SACRED
HEART GRADE SCHOOL TO ALLOW EXPANSION OF THE
GRADE SCHOOL, CONSTRUCTION OF NEW PARKING
LOTS, NEW PLAYFIELDS, A PARISH HALUGYMNASIUM
AND A RECOMMENDATION Tf� THE CITY COUNCIL OF
APPROVAL OF A HEIGHT EXCEPTION FOR THE 35-FOOT
HIGH GYMNASIUM.
CASE NO. CUP 04-13
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert, Califomia, did on
the 15th day of February, 2005, hold a duly noticed public hearing to a consider a request
by THE ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOP OF SAN BERNARDINO for the above mentioned;
and
WHEREAS, said application has complied with the requirements of the "City of
Palm Desert Procedure for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act",
Resolution No. 04-106, in that an initial study was prepared and concluded that the
proposed project will not have a significant negative impact on the environment and
staff has prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact; and
WHEREAS, at said public hearing, upon hearing and considering all testimony and
arguments, if any, of all interested persons desiring to be heard, said Planning
Commission did find the following facts and reasons to exist to justify granting approval of
said conditional use permit:
FINDINGS FOR APPROVAL OF A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT:
1. That the proposed location of the conditional use is in accord with the
objectives of zoning ordinance and the purpose of the district in which it is
located.
2. That the proposed location of the conditional use and the conditions under
which it will be operated or maintained will not be detrimental to the public,
health, safety, or welfare, or be materialfy injurious to properties or
improvements in the vicinity.
3. That the proposed conditional use will comply with each of the applicable
provisions of the zoning ordinance, except for approved variances or
adjustments.
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PlANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION �VfJ. 2325
4. That the proposed conditional use complies with the goals, objectives and ;
the poiicies of the Cityr's general plan. i
NOW, THEREFORE, BE iT RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of the City
of Palm Desert, Califomia, as follows:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct and constitute the findings of
the Commission in this case.
2. That approval of Conditional Use Permit 04-13 is hereby �granted for
reasons subject to the attached conditions.
3. That approval of a height exception for the 35-foot high gymnasium is
hereby recommended to City Council.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Palm Desert
Planning Commission, held on this 15th day of February, 2005, by the following vote, to
wit: .
AYES: CAMPBELL, FINERTY, LOPEZ, TSCHOPP, JONATHAN
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
�on
ATTEST:
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PHILIP DRELL�(Secretary
Palm Desert Plafnning Cammission
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PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2325
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
CASE NO. CUP 04-13
Department of Communit� Development:
1. The development of the
with the Department of
conditions.
property shall conform substantially with exhibits on file
Community Development, as modified by the following
2. Construction of a portion of said project shall commence within one year from the
date of finai approval unless an extension of time is granted; otherwise said
approval shall become null, void and of no effect whatsoever.
3. The development of the property described herein shall be subject to the
restrictions and limitations set forth herein which are in addition to all municipal
ordinances and state and federal statutes now in force, or which hereafter may be
in force.
4. Prior to issuance of a building permit for construction of any use contemplated by
this approval, the applicant shall first obtain permits and/or clearance from the
following agencies:
Coachella Valley Water District
Palm Desert Architectural Review Commission
City Fire Marshal
Public Works Department
Evidence of said perrnit or clearance from the above agencies shall be presented
to the Department of Building and Safety at the time of issuance of a building
permit for the use contemplated herewith.
5. Applicant agrees to maintain the landscaping required to be installed pursuant to
these conditions. Applicant will enter into an agreement to maintain said
landscaping for the life of the project, which agreement shall be notarized and
which agreement shall be recorded. It is the specific intent of the parties that this
condition and agreement run with the land and bind successors and assigns. The
final landscape plan shall include a long-term maintenance program specifying
among other matters appropriate watering times, fertilization and pruning for
various times of the year for the specific materials to be plan#ed, as well as periodic
replacement of materials. All to be consistent with the Properly Maintenance
Ordinance (Ordinance No. 801) and the approved landscape plan.
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PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2325
6. The project shall
permits including,
Mitigation fees.
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be subject to aii applicable fees at time of issuance of building
but not limited to, Art in Public Places, TUMF and School
7. The applicant shall construct an 8-foot high tan precision , block wall along the
westerly and northerly properly lines adjacent to the new pla�elds. The height of
the block wall may be reduced to 6 feet along the rear of adjacent residential lots
where the property owner does not want an 8-foot high block wall constructed.
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10.
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There shall be no stadium or floodlight lighting for the pla�elds. Use of the
playfields shall occur only during daylight hours, but in no case later than 9:OOPM.
The Church shall not schedule any activities in the newly constructed buildings
concurrently with scheduled religious services.
All activities and use of the parish shall end by 10:00 p.m. on Sunday thru
Thursday, and by 11 :00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Use of an outdoor sound system shall be limited to during school hours, at an
acceptable decibel level per the City's IWoise Ordinance.
12. The maximum number of students enrolled at the Sacred Heart Elementary school
(K-8) shall not exceed 540 students. The_ maximum number of students enrolled
at the Sacred Heart pre-school shall not exceed 81.
13. If the 78-space grass overtlow parking area is used so frequently that the grass
dies over large areas, at the request of the City the applicant shall improve this
grass parking area into a paved parking lot with the same number of parking
spaces. Parking lot landscaping and lighting improvements shall be included that
comply with Palm Desert Municipal Code requirements.
14. The height of the parish hall shall be a maximum of 35 feet, as shown on the
approved development plan dated December 6, 2004, on file in the Department of
Community Development.
Deaartment of Public Works:
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
1. All landscape maintenance on property frontages shall be performed by the
church.
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PLANNING COMMISSIC?N RESOLUTION NO, 2325
2. A complete preliminary soils investigation, conducted by a registered soils
engineer, shall be submitted to, and approved by, the Department of Public
Works prior to the issuance of a grading permit.
3. All utilities shall be undergrounded.
BONDS AND FEES
4. Drainage fees, in accordance with Section 26.49 of the Palm Desert Municipal
Code shall be paid prior to grading permit issuance.
5. Signalization fees, in accordance with City of Palm Desert Resolution Nos. 79-17
and 79-55, shall be paid prior to issuance of grading permit.
6. The project shall be subject to Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fees (TUMF).
Payment of said fees shall be at the time of building permit issuance.
7. A standard inspection fee shall be paid prior to issuance of grading permits.
DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
8. Storm drain design and construction shall be contingent upon a drainage study
prepared by a registered civil engineer that is reviewed and approved by the
Department of Public Works prior to start of construction.
9. The new driveway shaA have a 36' width, 25' returns to allow for a two-way exit.
10. Complete grading and improvement plans and specifications on electronic files
shall be subrnitted to the Director of Public Works for checking and approval prior
to issuance of any permits.
11. Improvement plans for utility systems shall be approved by the respective
provider or service districts with "as-built" plans submitted to the Department of
Public Works prior to project final. Utility plans shall be submitted to the Public
Works Department for improvements in the public right of way prior to issuance
of any permits.
12. Any and all offsite improvements shall be preceded by the approval of plans and
the issuance of valid encroachment permits by the Department of Public Works.
13. Pad efevations are subject to review and modification in accordance with
Chapter 26 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code.
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PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2325
14. Project shall refain nuisance waters on-site.
15. All new landscape instailation shall be drought tolerant in nature.
16. Landscape plans shail be submitted for review concurrentiy with gr~ading plans.
CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS
17. All pubiic and private improvements shall be inspected by the Department of
Public Works and a standard inspection fee shall be paid prior to issuance of
grading permits. No occupancy permit shall be granted until public improvements
have been completed:
18. Prior to the start of construction, the applicant shall submit satisfactory evidence
to the Director of Public Works of intended compliance with the National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Generai Construction Permit
for storm water discharges associated with construction. Developer must contact
Riverside County Flood Controi District for informationai rnaterials.
19. Applicant shall comply with provisions of Palm Desert Municipal Code Section
24.12, Fugitive Dust Control as wel! as Section 24.20, Storm water Management
and Discharge Control.
4THER REQUIREMENTS
20. The Church shail monitor student pick-upldrap-off operations after master plan
build-out and make rnodifications regarding grade classifications assigned to
each pick-up/drop off area as the student mix changes per the project tra�c
study.
21. The Church shall not schedule any activities in the newly constructed buildings
concurrently with scheduled religious services per the project traffic study.
22. At the request of the City, the Church shall make adjustments in weekday mass
start time such that weekday morning mass will not conflict with the Church
schoof or area school times.
23. Applicant shall prepare and implement a traffic/parking management plan as
approved by the City.
The Church shall construct "pork chop" islands at the southerly two driveways on
Deep Canyon Road limiting access to "right-in and right-out" only. An interim
"pork chop" island configuration shal! be initiaAy installed and assessed by City
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PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2325
staff prior to installation of permanent improvements. Additional mitigation shall
be implemented as follows:
a. Opening an exit from the Via Palmira subdivision onto Moss Rose Drive, at
the discretion of the City. The cost shall be born by the applicant.
Riverside County Fire Department:
1. With respect to the conditions of approval regarding the above referenced
project, the fire department recommends the following fire protection measures
be provided in accordance with City Municipal Code, NFPA, UFC, and UBC or
any recognized Fire Protection Standards:
The Fire Department is required to set a minimum fire flow for the remodel or
construction of all buildings per UFC article 87.
2. A fire flow of 1500 gpm for a 1 hour duration at 20 psi residual pressure must be
available before any combustible material is placed on the job site.
3. Provide or show there exists a water system capable of providing a gpm flow of:
3000 gpm for commercial buildings.
4. The required fire flow shall be available from a wet barrel Super Hydrant(s)
4"x2-1/2" x2-1/2", located not less than 25 feet nor more than:
150 feet from any portion of a commercial building measured via vehicular
travelway.
5. Water Plans must be approved by the Fire Marshal and include verification that
the water system will produce the required fire flow.
6. Install a complete NFPA 13 fire sprinkler system. This applies to all buildings
with a 3000 square foot total cumulative floor area. The Fire Marshal shall
approve the locations of all post indicator valves and fire department
connections. All valves and connections shall not be less than 25 feet from the
building and within 50 feet of an approved hydrant. Exempted are one and two
family dwellings.
7. All valves controlling the water supply for automatic sprinkler systems and water-
flow switches shall be monitored and alarmed per UBC Chapter 9.
8. Install a fire alarm system as required by UBC Chapter 3.
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PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2325
9. Install portabie fire extinguishers per NFPA 10, but not less than one 2A10BC
extinguisher per 3000 square feet and not over 75 feet walking distance. A"K"
type fire extinguisher is required in all commercial kitchens.
10. Install a Hood/Duct automatic fire extinguishing system per NFPA 96 in all public
and private cooking operations except single-family residential uses.
11. All building shall be accessible by an all-weather roadway extending to within
150 feet of all portions of the exterior walls of the first story. The roadway shall
not be less than 24 fee# of unobstructed width and 13'6" of vertical clearance.
Where parallel parking is required on both sides of the street the roadway must
be 36 feet wide, and 32 feet wide with parking on one side. Dead-end roads in
excess of 150 feet shall be provided with a minimum 45 foot radius turn-around,
55 foot in industrial developments.
12. Whenever access into private property is controlled through use of gates,
barriers, or other means, provisions shall be made to install a"Knox Box" key
over-ride system to allow for emergency vehicle access. Minimum gate width
shall be 16' with a minimum vertical clearance of 13'-6".
13. A dead-end single access over 504' will require a secondary access, sprinklers,
or other mitigative measures approved by the Fire Marshal. Under no
circumstances shall a dead end over 1300' be accepted.
14. This project may require licensing by a state or county agency. To facilitate plan
review, the applicant shall prepare and submit to the Fire Marshal a letter of intent
detailing the proposed usage and occupancy type.
15. All buildings shall have illuminated addresses of a size approved by the city.
16. All fire sprinkler systems, fixed fire suppression systems and alarm plans must
be submitted separately to the Fire Marshal for approval prior to construction.
Plans for underground fire line system require approved plans.
17. Conditions subject to change with adoption of new codes, ordinances, laws, or
when building permits are not obtained with twelve months.
All questions regarding the meaning of these conditions should be referred to the Fire
Marshal's Office at (760) 346-1870; 73-710 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260.
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PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NU. 2325
EXHIBIT A
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Pursuant to Title 14, Division 6, Article 6(commencing with section 15070) of the
California Code of Regulations.
MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION
CASE NO: CUP 04-9 3
APPLICANTlPROJECT SPONSOR: The Roman Catholic Bishap of San Bemardino
1201 E. Highland Avenue
San Bernardino, CA 92404
PROJECT DESCRIPTIONJLOCATION:
The master plan proposes the expansion of the Sacred Heart Grade School that includes
the construction of eight new classrooms, a new library, lunch shade structures, a new
parish hall / gymnasium, a new playground for grades 2 thru 5, new sports fields with a
track, a reconfigured paved parking lot with 35 spaces, a new paved parking lot with 87
spaces, and a grass overtlow parking area for 78 spaces. The project site is located at
43-775 Deep Canyon Road.
The Director of the Department of Community Development, City of Palm Desert,
California, has found that the described project will not have a significant effect on the
environment. A copy of the Initial Study has been attached to document the reasons in
support of this finding. Mitigation measures, if any, included in the project to avoid
potentia!!y significant effects, may also be found attached.
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PHILIP DRELL DATE
DIRECTOR OF C MMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
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C. Case No. CUP 04-13 - THE ROMAN CATHC3LIC BISHOP OF SAN
BERIdARDINO, Applicant
Request for approval of a conditional use permit for a master plan to
expand the Sacred Heart Elementary School (K-8) including the
construction of eight new classrooms, a new library, lunch shade
structures, a new parish hall/gymnasium, a new playground for grades
2 thru 5, new sports fieids and track, a reconfigured paved parking lot
with 35 spaces, a new paved parking lot with 87 spaces, and a grass
overflow parking area for 78 spaces.
Mr. Urbina reminded Commission that in summer of 2004, Father Lincoln and
Holt Architects held two community meetings at the Sacred Heart Church to
explain the proposed master plan to surrounding property owners within a
300-foot radius. The main concern voiced at those community meetings was
potential traffic impacts from the master plan. Subsequently, on August 3,
2004, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on this case. After
hearing testimony, the Planning Commission continued the public hearing to
a date uncertain to allow time for the applicant to hire a traffic engineer to
prepare a traffic study.
Mr. Urbina summarized some of the main components of the master plan. He
indicated that it involved the construction of new buildings to provide new
classrooms for the Sacred Heart Eiementary School, as well as a new library,
shade structures, new playground and a new track and sports field. Where
the sports fie{d and track are located in this area, there were presently 18
residential apartment units. The Ghurch plans to only keep six of those units
shown in the three dup{ex buildings. The others, most of them were already
vacant and the Church has assisted in relocating the residents that used to
live there.
In addition to the expansion of the school, the purpose of expanding the
school is to accommodate 90 additional elementary school students. There is
at the present time a long waiting list of parents wanting to enroll their
children in the Sacred Heart Elementary School.
The other component of the master plan proposed construction of a new
parish hall building north of the existing sanctuary. The parish hall would
serve a dual purpose, both as a parish hall for parishioners and as a
gymnasium for the elementary school.
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He showed a cross section of the parish hall building. He explained that at its
maximum height, the building would have a height of 35 feet. The site is
zoned Planned Residential; the standard maximum base height is 24 feet or
two stories, whichever is less, in the Planned Residential zone. However,
there is a section in the Planned Residential zone that allows the Planning
Commission to grant an exception to the height based on what is proposed
on a planned development plan.
The applicant indicated that the proposed height is necessary in order to
achieve the minimum 20-foot clearance inside the building to allow activities
such as basketball and volleyball. Further, higher than the 20 feet, the
additional height is needed to accommodate some trusses to support the roof
structure. In this case, the architect has designed the building with a sloping
gable roof to match the existing metal seam roof at the Sacred Heart Church
Sanctuary. So the application involved the request of a height exception of 24
feet to 35 feet only for the parish hall building. The school buildings would be
under 24 feet in height.
Mr. Urbina also noted that a traffic study was prepared by George Dunn
Engineering. The finro main findings of the traffic study were that there is a
Level of Service F(LOS F) at the intersection of Deep Canyon Road, the
main entrance at the church driveway, and the Palmira entrance and exit. He
pointed out the location. He explained that a L�S F is achieved because
three of the ten vehicles observed during the 7:45 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. peak
morning time had to wait longer than a minute. The other seven vehicles did
not have to wait longer than a minute.
The City Engineer indicated ta Planning staff that it is not uncommon in the
city of Palm Desert at uncontrolled or unsignalized intersections for residents
to have to wait more than a minute during the morning and afternoon peak
times in order to leave a subdivision onto a major arterial street such as Deep
Canyon. The other main finding of the traffic study is that during Sunday
morning during worship services there is also some traffic congestion on
Deep Canyon and the main church driveway. This made it difficult for
residents wanting to turn left exiting Palmira. They have to wait until vehicles
that are waiting to turn left from northbound Deep Canyon turn into the
church parking lot.
Parking has been an issue at Sacred Heart in the past. In February of 2003,
Code Enforcement staff visited Sacred Heart Church parking lot on a Sunday
and observed that there were approxirnately 119 vehicles parked along Deep
Canyon Road and that of the 430 striped parking lot spaces within the church
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parking lot, there were 30 more vehicles parked above the 430. To address
that parking issue during Sunday worship services, especially during the
winter time, the master plan proposed the creation of 168 additional parking
spaces. Those spaces would be created north of the existing sanctuary
building. He pointed out on the map where an additional 35 spaces would be
located, an additional 86 spaces in a paved parking lot, and an overflow
parking area providing approximately 78 parking spaces. Staff added a
condition of approval that if the overflow grass parking area becomes so
heavily used that the turf dies and becomes large dirt areas, at staff's
discretion the applicant wauld be required to convert that into a paved
parking lot with landscaping that meets the City Zoning Ordinance
requirements.
The master plan also proposed the creation of two drop off/pick up locations
for parents dropping off and picking up their children from the Sacred Heart
Elementary School. He pointed out the location of the current drop off/pick up
area (located south of the school). Cars enter from the west and proceed to
drop off the children, then exit to the east onto Deep Canyon Road. Under
the new master plan, there would be one drop off location located south of
the school and another one created northwest of the existing school (that
would be accessed from Deep Canyon Road). The purpose of having two
drop-off locations is to facilitate traffic movement during the mornings and
afternoons. The Sacred Heart Elementary School operates from 8:00 a.m. to
3:00 p.m. Most parents drop off their children between 7:45 a.m. and 8:00
a.m. and pick up their children between 3:00 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.
Because of the new secondary school drop off, that would mean more
morning traffic traveling northbound along Deep Canyon Road and thereby
impacting residents that want to exit via the Palmira subdivision. They would
have to wait for more traffic to pass in front of them on their way to the school
before they could safely exit.
Going to the traffic study recommendations, the traffic study made six
recommendations. Two of the six recommendations were standard Public
Works Department conditions of approval, such as payment of
Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fees to fund regional transportation
improvement projects and Public Works Department review and approval of
all new proposed curb cuts and driveway locations. The other four
recommendations of the traffic study that are project specific were
incorporated into Public Works Department Conditions of Approval Nos. 20
through 23. Condition No. 20 reads, AThe Church shall monitor student pick
up/drop off operations after master plan build out and make modifications
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regarding grade classifications assigned to each pick upldrop off area as the
student mix changes per the project's traffic study. The applicant agreed to
that condition.
Condition 21 reads, "The Church shall not schedule any activities in the
newly constructed buildings concurrently with scheduled religious services
per the project traffic study." The Church agreed not to schedule any
activities in the new parish hall or in the school during worship services. So
Saturday and Sunday worship services would not be impacted by the master
plan, or any impacts would be positive through their creation of 168 additional
parking spaces. There would not be any new uses occurring at the site during
Saturday or Sunday worship services.
Public Works Department Condition No. 22 reads, "The Church shall
implement a change in weekday mass time such that weekday morning
masses would begin at 7:10 a.m. or 7:45 a.m." Mr. Urbina informed
Commission that Sacred Heart had already implemented the change in their
weekday morning mass time. Masses used to be held from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00
a.m., which created a little bit of traffic as parishioners were exiting the
church and as parents were coming to the school to drop off their children at
8:00 a.m. In late January, the Church changed the weekday start time to
7:45 a.m.
Public Works Department staff visited the site after the implementation of the
new weekday morning mass start time and did not observe any traffic
congestion or delays at the intersection of Deep Canyon Road, the rnain
church driveway, or the Palmira exit.
Condition No. 23 reads, "The Church shall construct pork chop islands at the
southerly two driveways to prevent left turn movements either from Deep
Canyon into the Church parking lot or from the Church parking lot onto Deep
Canyon." The rationale of this condition is to force more parishioners to enter
the main church parking lot via Fred Waring Drive, thereby reducing the
traffic impacts at the intersection of the Palmira entrance and the ,main
church driveway. Or to redirect parishioners to use the northerly parking lot.
However, the Public Works Department submitted a memo this afternoon
slightly amending Condition No. 23 with regards to the pork chop islands. The
new amended Condition No. 23 has a new sentence which reads, "An interim
pork chop island configuration shall be initially installed and assessed by City
staff prior to the installation of permanent improvements." In other words, the
pork chop islands are to be constructed on an interim basis and their
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effectiveness evaluated, at which time the Public Works Department would
make a determination if they should be located there permanently.
If the pork chop islands do not substantially mitigate traffic, then Public Works
Condition No. 23 has two additional requirements to be implemented. The
first additional requirement would be for the Sacred Heart Elementary School
to implement staggered school start times that would be at least 45 minutes
apart so that the morning school drop off traffic would be split in half
essentially, thereby not impacting all at one time the intersection of the
Palmira exit and Deep Canyon Road.
The third part of Condition No. 23 is if the pork chop islands and staggered
school start times do not effectively mitigate traffic issues, then the Public
Works Department would require that a secondary exit be provided from the
Via Palmira subdivision onto Moss Rose Drive.
He stated that there is currently an emergency only access from the north
end of the Palmira subdivision onto Moss Rose Drive. The developer of the
subdivision had originally intended that to be a full-time secondary access;
however, when a public hearing was held before the Council on that
subdivision, residents from Moss Rose Drive complained that they feared
that there would be too much traffic from the Palmira subdivision impacting
their residential street, Moss Rose Drive.
Staff did not think that opening up a secondary access would create a
substantial amount of traffic on Moss Rose Drive. There are only 12 homes
befinreen the secondary exit from Via Palmira along Moss Rose Drive to Deep
Canyon Road, so the additional traffic would only impact 12 of the homes on
Moss Rose Drive, not all of the homes on Moss Rose Drive. Secondly, since
the secondary exit would be an exit only, that would also minimize the
amount of new traffic impacts on Moss Rose Drive because it would be an
exit only. Staff thinks that probably at least 50% of Palmira residents would
still choose to exit via the main Deep Canyon Road exit.
Mr. Urbina informed Commission that Father Lincoln and his architect were
present and they had some' issues with the order of phasing of some of the
Condition No. 23 traffic mitigation improvements. He believed they would like
to see opening the secondary access be the first thing that is implemented,
and the Church was willing to contribute financially toward creating an
automated exit secondary access gate from the Palmira subdivision. He said
Father Lincoln could address their concerns in more detail.
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Sacred Heart Church also passed a written response to Mr. Tom
McCutchen's letter dated February 9, 2005. He explained that Mr. Tom
McCutchen is the President of the Palmira Homeowner's Association. His
February 9 letter, attached to the Planning Commission's staff report,
requested 14 specific conditions of approval to be added to this project. Staff
incorporated five of the 14 requested conditions into the conditions of
approval. Staff also distributed today a written response to the other nine
requested conditions of approval.
Mr. Urbina said there would not be any outdoor lighting on the play fields.
That was one of the conditions requested by the Palmira Homeowners
Association. Another condition of approval being recommended by staff was
that there be no outdoor broadcast systems. According to Mr. McCutchen
there were some instances in the past where the elementary school was
broadcasting some music in the morning 15 minutes before the school start
time. With staff's condition, there would be no outdoor broadcast systems at
any time.
Staff recommended that the Planning Commission adopt a resolution
approving Conditional Use Permit No. 04-13 based� on the findings and
conditions recommended in the Planning Commission resolution attached to
the staff report.
Chairperson Jonathan said he had a few questions. The staff report indicated
that the Planning Commission asked for the Traffic Engineer to prepare the
traffic study during October or November, but the staff report indicates the
traffic study was actually done in September. Mr. Urbina confirmed it was late
September when the traffic consultant actually did the traffic counts at the
site. Chairperson Jonathan said he was curious because Planning
Commission was pretty specific in saying they wanted it looked at in October
or November. He asked why it wasn't done in October or November. He
asked if there was a specific reason. Mr. Urbina said he would have to defer
that to the project representative. A specific reason had not been provided to
staff as to why that didn't occur. Chairperson Jonathan said he would come
back to that later with the applicant. He asked if he was here today. Mr.
Urbina said Holt Architects was present, although he wasn't sure if George
Dunn, the traffic engineer, was present. Chairperson Jonathan said he would
ask the applicant at the appropriate time.
Chairperson Jonathan said this might be for the applicant as well, but noted
that there are other gymnasium structures that he assumed require the same
clearance of 20 feet, but he believed they didn't step up an additional 15 feet.
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He asked if Mr. Urbina knew if that was true or not. He was trying to figure
out if there were alternatives that have been implemented in other structures
here in the city that don't necessarily go with the full 35 feet. Mr. Urbina said
yes, the Jewish Federation Community Center gymnasium that was
approved a few months ago on Portola south of Gerald Ford Drive would
have a gymnasium with a flat roof with a height of 27 feet. Having a flat roof
can reduce the height of the gymnasium structure. In the 11 x 17 cross
section diagram that was submitted this afternoon by Holt Architects, they
indicated that the building could be lowered from 35 feet to 33 feet and still
maintain the pitched roof. The architect's main objective was to try to create a
building that had a pitched roof similar to the Sacred Heart School building.
He also pointed out, as he did in the staff report, that the height of the
gymnasium/parish hall building steps up gradually from approximately 19 feet
at the perimeters, then steps up to the 35-foot height. The building is setback
68 feet from the westerly right-of-way line of Deep Canyon Road and
approximately 170 feet west of the closest residential properiy at the Palmira
subdivision. The architect could perhaps address that issue in more detail.
Chairperson Jonathan indicated that the recommendation from staff is that
the use of the parish hall end by 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and
by 11:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday to minimize late night noise and traffic
impacts. Mr. Urbina said thatwas correct. Chairperson Jonathan said thatfor
a guy who generally goes to sleep by 9:00 p.m., sornetimes even earlier,
10:00 p.m. or 11:00 p.m. seemed pretty late, so he was wondering if that time
was arbitrary or if there was a specific need to accommodate by going to
10:00 or 11:00 p.m. He asked where that time came frvm. Mr. Urbina
explained that Father Lincoln indicated that 10:00 p.m. would be preferable to
9:00 p.m. because of some activities that occur during the week, but perhaps
he could address that question in more detail and whether that time could be
changed from 10:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Chairperson Jonathan noted that one of the conditions of approval indicated
a change in weekday mass times so that mass begins at 7:10 or 7:45 a.m.
He didn't quite understand about the 7:45 since that is one of the starting
times for school. He asked if they would want mass to start at a time other
then when school starts. Mr. Urbina said yes. Staff thought that most people
attending a weekday rnass would arrive before 7:45 a.m., which is when the
majority of traffic from parents dropping their children arrive. They thought by
7:45 a.m. most of the people wanting to attend mass would already be inside
the building with their cars parked; however, if Planning Commission thought
that time should be amended to further improve the a.m. traffic situation, that
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could be done. Chairperson Jonathan agreed with him that peop{e would get
there sometime before 7:45 a.m., but similarly for the school if it starts at 7:45
a.m., they were hopefully getting there a littie before then as well. So he
would ask the appiicant about that.
As a point of clarification, Chairperson Jonathan said the staff report at one
point talks about no outdoor sound system between the hours of 5:00 p.m.
and 8:00 a.m., but the conditions of approval as reported at the meeting
tonight prohibit outdoor sounds systems at all. He asked if that was an
inconsistency in the report or if he was just misunderstanding it. Mr. Urbina
stated that the conditions of approval would supersede whatever was
mentioned in the report.
Chairperson Jonathan asked what the difference n use was between a parish
hall and a sanctuary. He asked if a parish hall was for prayer and if it was like
a sanctuary. As Mr. Urbina understood it, the parish hall would be used, the
main activities that would generate the most traffic, would be like a spaghetti
fund raising dinner for the church. Chairperson Jonathan said it was sort of
like a social hall then. Mr. Urbina said worship services would not generally
be heid in the parish hall and worship services are the ones that have the
highest trip generation.
Commissioner Lopez noted that the staff report indicated the overflow
parking on the grass and he was curious why, if this was going to be parking
that would be used every single Sunday for the most part, except for summer
time when it is very hot, the question comes up if they are going to overseed
during the fall when it is busy. He asked if there was a reason we haven't
said it should just be a paved area. Mr. Urbina said that they were allowing
the applicant the opportunity to try on a trial basis to see how the turf parking
would work. However, that was a good point. During the winter season it will
probably be used every weekend and the rye grass might not stand up very
well to the traffic. That was certainly a consideration the Planning
Commission might choose to amend that condition to require a paved parking
lot from the very beginning.
Commissioner Lopez noted that they received a lot of materials and there
was one report that parking was an additional problern during a funeral
service. He could ask the applicant, but didn't see anything regarding the
coordination of funeral services during the course of the week as it pertains
to school times. Mr. Urbina said that was a very good point and the Planning
Commission should probably consider adding a new condition requiring that
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funeral services not be scheduled to coincide with the morning or afternoon
peak school drop off and pick up periods.
Commissioner Lopez noted that all churches want to be successful and one
of the concerns that had not been discussed and brought up is if the parish
hall would be used as overflow for services. Mr. Urbina said it was his
understanding that it would not. One of the conditions being recommended is
that simultaneous use of the parish hall not occur during worship services.
Staff felt that would prevent the parish hall from being used for overFlow
worship services. Chairperson Jonathan asked if that was a condition. Mr.
Urbina said yes, it is Public Works Department Condition No. 21, "The
Church shall not schedule any activities in the newly constructed buildings
concurrently with scheduled religious services per the project traffic study."
Chairperson Jonathan said they may want to clarify that because it could be
interpreted that the religious services can take place at other locations within
the master site. Mr. Urbina said he was correct, they would not want to see
overftow worship services on the existing school buildings in addition to new
buildings. Chairperson Jonathan said they could even add a sentence that
"worship services shall be limited to the sanctuary." Mr. Urbina concurred.
Commissioner Tschopp noted that the overall construction would add enough
buildings to house an additional 190 students to the elementary school. He
asked if that was correct. Mr. Urbina said it was only 90 additional students to
the elementary school. There was a typing error in Community Development
Condition No. 12. It should state that the maximum number of students
enrolled at Sacred Heart Elementary School shall not exceed 540 students,
not 640. Current enrollment is 450, plus 90 additional students would bring
them to 540. Trying to figure the math out, Commissioner Tschopp said the
preschool program will not expand. Mr. Urbina said that was correct.
Commissioner Tschopp questioned if they were thinking with the after school
care prograrn increasing to a maximum of 150 students might be some traffic
mitigation gain from having children leave later during the day? Mr. Urbina
said yes. There is an after school care program at Sacred Heart Elementary
School and the use of that program might increase; however, they don't think
the projected increase would create substantial traffic impacts after 3:00 p.m.
On the overFlow parking, Commissioner Tschopp asked if that would be
available at all times during the weekends or when there are services and so
forth to be used before people park on the streets. It was Mr. Urbina's
understanding that it would be available for certain during weekend services;
however, he didn't know if the Church intended to restrict access to it during
the week.
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For special events or other activities that occur in the city where it is required
where they see policemen directing traffic, Commissioner Tschopp assumed
that was something that someone decided was a safety concern and they
were wanting the officers to do that and he asked if that was something the
Police Department did on their own or who exactly created that and regulated
that as necessary. Mr. Greenwood said that in the case of St. Margaret's and
the Presbyterian Church, it was a choice of the churches themselves. The
City didn't require it. Mr. Urbina said that was one of the requests made by
Mr. McCutchen of the Palmira Homeowners Association, that the church
have policemen there during worship services to help direct traffic. In staff's
response in the memo distributed this evening, staff recommended that the
Church consider training and designating some of its members to essentially
provide the same functions and to police the parking lot to help direct traffic
entering and exiting the church and making sure motorists do not park or
block fire lanes.
Chairperson Jonathan opened the public hearing and asked the applicant to
address the Commission.
MR. TIM HOLT, Principal Architect at Holt Architects, addressed the
Commission. He said he would like to address some of the questions
posed, as well. He said they have been working with staff since June
or July of 2004 to bring about solutions to the issues that have
surFaced.
They've had numerous meetings with neighborhood groups, as well
as adjacent neighbors that immediately surround the property,
particularly on the north and west boundaries. Some have voiced
concerns about the site walls and landscaping, existing large trees
that have blocked views over the years, and so on. There have been a
number of efforts to interface with the neighborhood, with the
community, in a meaningful way. They worked closely with staff,
they've engaged the traffic report as has been mentioned and he
believed the plan seeks to bring about an effort to produce a
meaningful circulation pattern within the property that is Sacred Heart.
He thought many of them have experienced throughout the valley the
difficulty with approaching elementary, middle and high schools during
the school week with regard to drop off and pick up, those critical
areas, early in the mornings and again from mid to late afternoons. So
the objective here is to bring about an on-site circulation pattern so
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.
_ ____-_•
that parents could safely drop off children onto the site and not have
to simply pull up at curbside and deal with traffic issues, as weli as
letting children out on both sides of the car. He thought the plan spoke
to that well.
The buildings were a meaningful extension of what was there. The
parish hall building was the largest of the group and it was intended to
be a very multi-functional structure. Multi-functional in that it could be
a social hall, an event for sporting activities, an event for group
gatherings, seminars, that type of thing. It was not intended to
supplement the sanctuary as a worship facility, so he thought he could
clarify that for them right now.
The purpose of that building's size and height, and he hoped to be
able to show them a little fly around of the building, the parish hall
building, if technology cooperated (through a power point
presentation). He said there is an interesting grouping of structures on
this site which he thought were appropriate and meaningful, both for
worship as well as for the educational functions that occur here. There
were exposed aggregate integral color masonry walls that for the most
part dominate the vertical surfaces of the school, the church and the
administration building. Significantly, there were copper-toned
standing steel metal roofs that characterize Sacred Heart and create a
very special aesthetic to this part of our city.
They felt that rather than bring in a building with a flat roof that was
limited in height, it would be appropriate to bring in a complementary
type of structure. The parish hall as it had been reviewed at
Architectural Review was meant to be positioned in a way that
complements the sanctuary. The building was meant to complement
the church building and from that standpoint they thought the
architectural expression was meaningful with regard to the existing
buildings on the site.
Regarding the site plan, the intent of overFlow parking, there are two
spaces on the site to review. There is an area immediately north of the
parking area that serves primarily the parish hall. That area is multi-
functional playground. They have a spectrum of age groups from
kindergarten through eighth grade which suggests a separation of
playground activities. They felt that most meaningfully, the principal
and the staff at the elementary school were excited about having
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diffsrent play areas for different age groups that can occur during the
course of the day. .
In working with their landscape architects, they came up with some
ideas they think are creative and can work well, particularly that space
that Commissioner Lopez asked about a few minutes ago. There are
78 additional overFlow parking spaces there that can be used virtually
any time. The primary point of overflow would be during peak season
worship services such as Easter, Christmas and times like that. The
balance of the time, rather than converting it to parking, because they
have essentially met the criteria regarding the parking ordinance on
the site and the capacity of vehicles to be housed on the site, would
be to enable that space to be used for an educational playground
area. They thought the multi-functional playground area there was
appropriate.
Furthermore, the football/track area is intended with a gate access to
also create overflaw potential for those peak times with an additional
150, perhaps 180 cars could be placed there for special events and
purposes. The objective is to get as many cars off the street and onto
the site as possible.
He suggested that the position of Sacred Heart Church is to accept
the conditions of approva{ that have been presented and modified,
with just a caup{e of comments about a few of them.
,
Community Development Condition No. 10 suggests and reads that
any activities and use of the parish hall shall end by 10:00 p.m. on
Sunday through Friday and 11:00 p.m. on Saturday. There had been
discussions, and he wasn't sure how that ended this way, but they
would like to request that the 11:00 p.m. hour also be considered for
Friday evening as well as Saturday because of functions they think
are appropriate for Friday night as well as Saturday night. He would
let Father Lincoln speak to the specifics of those in just a moment.
Condition No. 11 was another one that indicated that outdoor sound
systems shall be prohibited at all times. They currently have a sound
system at the site. He believed it was necessary and functional. Staff
did everything they could to be very respectful of the volume of that
sound system. They were willing to be and wanted to be good
neighbors.
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pALM DESERT P ANNING COMMISSION FEBRUARY 15, 2005
And with regard to volume control, they could talk about a number of
factors there, but the Church would like to respectfully request that the
sound system currently present on the site be allowed to expand to
the new buildings such that it could function at times other than from
9:00 to 7:00 on a daily basis.
Lastly, Public Works Condition No. 23 regarding the pork chop islands
at the two southerly driveways on Deep Canyon, there had been
significant discussion regarding those two access points. They felt
those were focal to this discussion. Internally, the parents of
preschoolers have been requested to circulate into the site from the
Fred Waring driveway and not those two locations and they then could
function as the pork chop islands might suggest in a right-turn in, right-
turn out configuratian. They respected that staff is trying to work with
them to get this done, so a temporary provision to accornplish that is
reasonable and they were in agreement with that.
Regarding staggering the school times, if that should come, he would
let the principal of the school speak to that, but he believed there
could be a hardship created for the school and for parents that have
children to at different times be required to drop them off two different
times in the morning. So that could be a point of discussion they
would like to examine a little more closely with the Commission. He
said he was present to answer any questions.
On the height of the wall, Commissioner Lopez asked if Mr. Holt could give
them an idea of how that could be accomplished going from an eight to a six
or how he would anticipate that going.
Mr. Holt said they looked at a couple of details to make the transition
between the different height walls. There are a couple of different
preferences and they wanted to be responsive to the property owners
on the other side. They were looking at a stepped condition. He didn't
have a drawing for them tonight, but one that would respect the
masonry module. They would normally be working with an 8 x 8 x 16-
inch exposed aggregate or interval color blocks and they would step
those so it would not be a simple straight linear type of step. There
would be an architectural component to it and perhaps they could
provide a drawing in the near future to illustrate it.
Regarding noise, Commissioner Tschopp noted that Mr. Holt said they
currently have an outdoor amplification sound system.
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Mr. Holt concurred.
� � � I I
Commissioner Tschopp pointed out that staff was recommending that no
outdoor system be allowed. He thought that might be per code. Yet they were
using one right now and he thought the hours Mr. Holt was asking for was a
little beyond what would normally be required in a school.
Mr. Holt said they were recognizing with that request that the parish
hall would have some use during the week. Not coinciding with the
sanctuary, but there would be a need to make announcements for
playground activity and those types of reasonable things that occur
during the course of the school week. The times he believed were
negotiable and they could work on whatever basis. He thought the
conversation that brought about this particular request was focused on
some of those night time activities where the parish hall might be used
for a Friday night special event or something like that.
He said the parish hall was designed similar to a couple of other
facilities in the desert they may have seen. Palm Valley School
happened to have a similar situation with their gymnasium where
there's a stage located at the south end of this building with finro large
doors, one which could open up and allow the stage to function to the
interior. The alternative was for the exterior door to open and that
stage could then be viewed from the exterior of the common
fellowship courtyard between the sanctuary building and the parish
hall. It would be for special events like that when they felt it would
reasonable for them to be able to use that system.
Commissioner Lopez said that was a good point, because what he was
concerned about, he was sure there needed to be a sound system and in lieu
of having a sound system that is put into a school properly, then they might
revert to the hand megaphones and electronic megaphones and those really
were rather annoying. He asked if the system they were looking at to put in
the school, he asked if they were the hanging down speakers that shoot out
or how that worked.
Mr. Holt yes, they are. He confirmed they would be in the other
buildings as well. He said they were simply asking to expand the
existing system, not to create additional volume capability or that type
of thing, but to reasonably be able to alert students and use it for
announcements and things like that.
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Commissioner Lopez asked if staff was aware that there was a system
currently in use. Mr. Drell said there isn't a code against having sound
systems. They have noise ordinances that limit sound during the day versus
the night. As long as they don't violate those, he didn't believe there was an
ordinance against outside amplified sound that doesn't exceed those
thresholds. In most situations, outside amplification is a fairly rare event in
most environments outside. With the school, it is something that is a more
continuous activity and that's when it could become more of a problem. So
that would be the motivation for limiting it. They limited it on the Jewish
Community Center and they weren't allowed an outdoor amplified sound
system.
On that same subject, Commissioner Tschopp assumed that public schools,
like everything else, are exempt from that ordinance. Mr. Drell indicated we
don't have an ordinance; we have a noise ordinance. Technically, as long as
those sounds do not exceed the noise ordinance, he wasn't aware of any
ordinance that would prohibit them other than as a condition of approval on a
specific project. But he didn't think their existing facility was in violation of an
ordinance unless someone else on staff knows of an ordinance we have that
limits them. He didn't know where they got the idea it was against code.
Regarding the sound system that Mr. Holt was requesting be expanded into
the new buildings, Commissioner Finerty asked if that was simply for
announcements only.
Mr. Holt asked Mr: .lames Brennan to step forward since he is the
principal.
DR. JIM BRENNAN, Sacred Heart School at 43-775 Deep Canyon
Road, addressed the Commission. He stated that the sound system in
question is similar to that in other Catholic schools, private schools
and public schools. They use it in the morning to gather for prayer. At
times they play some religious music. He said they were more than
willing to monitor the noise level. He said they keep it at something
that is acceptable to their neighbors. It is also used to ring bells to
change classes, to call students to the office during the day, and to
make necessary announcements. Also to monitor and control
emergency drills, fire drills once a month, earthquake and disaster
drills once to twice a year. It is a way to communicate with a large
student body in a way that is typically acceptable in schools.
22
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PALM DESERT PI�ANNING COMMISSION FEBRUARY 15� 2005
If the subject at hand is the noise level, they were more than willing to
monitor the noise level so they are good neighbors and don't invade
the privacy of those around them.
Commissioner Lopez said he would make a recommendation that this
particular condition be reworded such_that the existing sound system for the
uses just outlined should be acceptable and perhaps address any special
events that might occur on campus. This would avoid or disallow the
opportunity to set up outdoor sound systems that would have music or
bands. He thought that should probably be the direction this condition should
shoot for and allow the continued use of the .current system. Chairperson
Jonathan said they could discuss that when they got to Commission
consideration.
Regarding some of the issues brought up earlier, Chairperson Jonathan
asked if Mr. Holt knew why the traffic study was not done in October or
November as specifically requested by the Planning Commission.
Mr. Ho�t said he really didn't. He was under the impression personally
that while the requirement was brought forward in late July or early
August, it was a request specifically that the traffic study be done after
the beginning of the school year, which he believed would have been
around Labor Day, around the first of September. He thought the
impression was that moving it into September would deal with the
primary area of concern. He couldn't speak to it beyond that point.
Chairperson Jonathan asked if in his mind there would have been a different
level of activity in October/November versus September. He knew Mr. Holt
and trusted him to give an honest answer.
Mr. Holt said that as our desert season approaches, there would have
to be a consideration. He presumed that would only be reasonable.
He thought the concerns expressed were resulting from the intensity
of use in this particular area-neighborhood, seemed to center around
the fact that they have a public elementary school, a public middle
school right around the corner, they are a block and a half from Palm
Desert High, and many of them have experienced over the years what
happens right after Labor Day and he thought that was what
dominated their thinking. Sacred Heart happens to be right in the
middle of all of it.
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He said one of the things they learned in the process, and thanks to
Desert Sands Unified for seeing fit to open up Aztec Road over on
Cook Street, which had a considerable impact he understood from the
traffic study and he believed that was confirmed by the City Engineer
that a lot of traffic now exits the high school northbound onto Cook
Street and has alleviated considerably the traffic congestion in this
area.
Regarding the parish hall in terms of keeping it open in the late evening
hours, up to 10:OQ p.m. or 11:00 p.m., Chairperson Jonathan asked typically
what kind of usage/activities/events would be in that parish hall at that time of
the evening.
Mr. Holt said he would pass that question to Father Howard.
FATHER HOWARD LINCO�N, Sacred Heart Church at 43-775 Deep
Canyon Road, addressed the Commission. He informed them that the
events that would take place on a Friday or Saturday night would be,
maybe for starters, a spaghetti dinner. The reason he was concerned
about the 10:00 p.m, cutoff was because if a spaghetti dinner went
untif 9:00 p.m. or 9:30 p.m., they still have people there cleaning up.
To keep a cutoff time of 10:00 p.m. and say everyone should be out
by then would be difficult to promise. It would be few and far between
that they would be past 10:00 p.m.
They also have a great number of single people in their parish and it
was one of his hopes and kind of dreams to have a singles group, so
he would like to have a place for single people to meet and they could
get them together. But he was just concerned about saying they would
have no one there past 10:00 p.m. They don't have a lot of plans tv
use it as a total gathering of the church during the course ofi the year,
but that was his concern.
Regarding the funeral services, they were held usually at 10:00 a.m.
or 12:00 p.m. They weren't held at 8:00 a.m. or 3:00 p.m. He has
been there three and a half years and they have never had a service
during the weekdays around when school starts or ends. He also
explained that the difference between a sanctuary and parish hall is
the parish hall will be used for social purposes and the sanctuary is
where they worship.
24
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Regarding September/October, In terms of their people, they come
principally after Christmas or at least during December, so honestly,
befinreen September and October there is very little difference in their
attendance. He said they would have no restrictions to the parking lot.
There was a question about the grassy area and it would be open at
all times. They would abide, as well, by the fact that they would just
use the sanctuary for worship.
The difference in the starting times, they changed the time of the
mass to try to be good neighbors to try to alleviate the traffic problem.
The school starts at 8:00 a.m. Previously their mass started at 7:30
a.m. so mass would be over at 8:00 a.m. at the same time the parents
would be delivering the kids to the school. It had been that way since
President Kennedy worshiped at their church. He believed it has been
7:30 a.m. since that period of time. To move it to 7:45 a.m. is an
enormous change for their elderly people if they have been going
there at 7:30 for 30 years. They did that to try to alleviate the traffic
flow. This way when school starts at 8:00 a.m., they are in the middle
of mass and no one is leaving then. So they start at 7:45 a.m., they
leave the mass and they have a novena after the mass, so they are
leaving 8:20, 8:25, 8:30, well after school has started.
Chairperson Jonathan said that explained it.
MR. MICHAEL ROVER, 73-265 Willow Street in Palm Desert,
addressed the Commission. He said he is the President of the Sacred
Heart School Board and has been for about finro and a half years. He
is the parent of four children who attend Sacred Heart School and
Preschool. His oldest son, Rex, is in third grade in a class with about
35 students at this point. They are trying to reduce class sizes at
Sacred Heart and they have made a concerted effort to do that. They
made a real financial investment both as parents and as a parish to do
that.
What they've done in that regard is committed to increasing the
number of classes per grade so what they've done is they've gone
from one class to having second, first and kindergarten having two
classes, and then each year they expand and add one class so the
goal is to have two classes for K through eight. That's the main reason
for this expansion project. They started this project a few years ago
when they added the four additional classrooms which are currently
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used for the middie school classes, sixth, seventh and eighth, and a
science lab. What they needed to do now is complete that project.
At the risk of sounding presumptuous at the ripe old age of 39, he
wanted to hopefully shed some light on the history of Sacred Heart
Church. He said it was a little presumptuous because he is younger in
years, but he has been a member of the church since his baptism in
1965. At the time of that baptism the church opened up out onto Deep
Canyon. As they realize when they drive by Deep Canyon and see the
church, what used to be the front doors of the church are about 12
feet from the curb of Deep Canyon Road. It was kind of their diversion
back then when the parents were standing around drinking coffee and
eating donuts the kids would go across the street and run around
through the grapefruit and date groves and they did all kinds of things
their parents shouldn't know about. �
The reason he brought that up is because when Sacred Heart was
formed, across the street was a date grove. To the north of Sacred
Heart on Deep Canyon was no Deep Canyon. It was dirt and that was
about it. So Sacred Heart was clearly developed in that area while the
community developed around it and he thought that was important to
remember. Sacred Heart was started there in 1957. The school was
established some 28 years later through the foresight of the three
pastors who had come up in Sacred Heart at that time to develop the
school there. It was always anticipated that the parish would be
developed because it was realized even back in the 50's and 60's that
this was a developing community.
So that being said, some 14 years after the school was formed,
Palmira came along. They all remember that as if it was just yesterday
and it has been a fantastic addition to the neighborhood and is a great
looking project and they have parents in that community who love
being there because they are right across the street from their kids
school and they support the school, they support the church, and they
support Palmira.
Around about that same time, he knew that's when Moss Rose was
developed and those projects to the north and back to the wash. He
thought it was important to rernember how this thing developed and it
was important to remember that Sacred Heart has always held a key
place in that quadrant of the city. At the time it was kind of on the
outskirts. When he attended Palm Desert Middle School, they used to
26
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PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION FEBRUARY 15, 2005
_ ... . ...�.:...,.._._. ......:.... .. ..K..........:�... �...� .,_ ri,_:..�-u.�;.� _.�..,.w_.,_,_...� .._,,,....:�e...��...:_ ...� �t.....-._,_ .
walk through absolute desert from Palm Desert Middle School to
attend after schooi CCD or the Sunday School equivalent for Catholics
and there was dirt. It was interesting to think about what has
happened in that area now.
He asked Planning Commission to keep in mind what has developed,
that they haven't interspersed themselves in an area there and tried to
blow the thing up. They have had a consistent, steady growth pattern
to the point that maybe there is some impact on the neighbors, but
they try to do it in a way that is best suited to them. There has been
some impact from their development on his church as well. But
keeping that in mind, he thought it was important to remember that
Sacred Heart is part of the fabric of the community in that area.
Everything that is good that happens in Palm Desert is represented
also at Sacred Heart. They have family activities, worship, prayer, boy
scouts and girl scouts, AA meetings. They've always been a good
neighbor, they've always been respectful of the community in that
area. Indeed, all the members of the church are obviously members of
this community and have been for the last 48 years.
As a lawyer, he looks at things kind of through a different set of
lenses. There's a legal doctrine called, "Coming to the Nuisance" and
he didn't know if they could call Sacred Heart Church a nuisance, but
Sacred Heart was there and everything else kind of came to Sacred
Heart, so he wanted them to keep that in mind and keep that in
context and thought they could all work together and make this thing
the best situation possible for all the students who attend Sacred
Heart School, 434 as of today. He appreciated their time.
Chairperson Jonathan asked for testimony in FAVOR or OPPOSITION. He
stated that he had two blue Request to Speak cards. He explained that they
ask for those that are in favor of the project to go first, then those that are
opposed to go second, and then they give the applicant an opportunity to
readdress the Commission. He asked everyone to limit their comments to
three minutes or less and please make the comments relevant and pertinent
to the application before them and try not to simply repeat anything at length
that has been said before. If they are in agreement with something said
before them, just let the Commission know that rather than repeating the
entire set of comments. He said they would be at the meeting as long as they
needed to let everyone speak, so everyone would have an opportunity to
address the Commission. So they wanted to entertain comments in favor of
the application first. He had a card from Dana Carnes, which didn't indicate if
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he was in favor of opposition. (Mr. Carnes spoke fr�m the audience and said
he was in opposition.) Chairperson Jonathan said he would get to him
shortly and asked for anyone wishing to speak in favor.
MR. PHIL STEIN, 77-582 Ashberry Court, addressed the
Commission. He said he is not a member of Sacred Heart, he is of the
Jewish faith, but he is a very spiritual person. He has seen some of
the congregations in our community grow as the community has
grown. This evening the Commission approved projects that would
allow more people coming into our community and housing
developments. He did not know Father Howard Lincoln personally, but
he could only tell them from what he heard through the community or
read in the papers that this man is bringing people to our community.
He has people coming from outside of the community also. The
church is growing, spirituality is growing, and our country has grown
on the basis of family. He thought with that in mind and the growth we
have in our community that it is expected that people will have to go
somewhere to pray and the church is growing because they are
bursting at the seams. That is why he was in favor of their approval by
the Planning Commission.
MS. SHEILA THORNTON, 79-595 Rancho Santa Margarita in La
Quinta, addressed the Commission. She said she is a parent of faur
daughters, one of whom graduated from Sacred Heart in 2003 and is
now at La Quinta High School. The other three, one's in eighth grade,
one in sixth and one in fourth at Sacred Heart School in Palm Desert.
They've been in the desert four years. They moved from Los Angeles
and moved their children from a Catholic school in Los Angeles to
Sacred Heart specifically to get the kind of education they were
looking for in Catholic schools.
She had three things to address. First of all, Sacred Heart Church and
School has been around for a long time, and she knew that Mike
Rover addressed this earlier, but it has a long history and it has an
important part of what Palm Desert is about and the attraction to Palm
Desert specifically. There were so many people that attend Sacred
Heart and that have children in the school there that are impacted by
the great work that Sacred Heart is doing. She appreciated that and
wanted to acknowledge that.
Second, when they moved here four years ago they did have issues
with traffic. She knew a lot of that was alleviated with improvements in
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the road from La Quinta to Palm Desert, like the Fred Waring corridor
and Highway 111, in addition to the Palm Desert High School
improvements they've recentfy seen. But in the past year she has
seen significant improvement in the decrease in the amount of time it
takes to get into the school. Being a person and parent who is often
sneaking in at the very fast minute, she would know that. So she
found a way to go along Fred Waring and it was completely open. She
also discovered that the entry into Sacred Heart School off of Fred
Waring is very efficient and she thought the parents discover that as
they do this on a regular basis, so parents are pretty smart about that,
sa she trusted they would find that in the future.
From a practical perspective, aside from the fact that the mass
schedule at Sacred Heart she knew drew numerous people, which
was a fantastic thing for them from a church perspective, and she
knew it was a burden to the local community. The only other time she
saw really significant impacts from a traffic perspective was from 7:45
a.m. to about 8:05 a.m. It is 20 minutes to get 400 or so children into
school and then the same thing from about 2:53 p.m. to maybe 3:15
p.m. and there was a real sort of concentration of traffic far about eight
minutes and the rest of the time it is relatively easy to get in and out.
She does this all the time. She's there for after school sports, picking
up a daughter who is doing a particular extra curricular activity, for
monihly board meetings and all kinds of other volunteer activities. So
she experienced it on a daily basis and there really was no huge
impact except for those two 20-minute periods. She said the benefit of
allowing that scho4l to grow by 90 children far outweighs the
disadvantage of finrq 20-minute periods five days a week because she
thought they were making an impact on the community and were
doing a great job.
MS. GABRIELLA GAMLIN, 79-625 Rancho San Pascual in La Quinta,
addressed the Commission. She is a parent of one child who attends
Sacred Heart and she was here to, without being repetitive of the
things said in favor of the project, she was present to support it as
well. She thought it was worth mentioning as far as the traffic situation
that it obviously was not only an issue of numbers of cars, but the flow
of the movement and with the changes that have been proposed, that
would greatly mitigate the problem they see in those critical 20
minutes as Mrs. Thomtan just mentioned.
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Also, with the condition of approval that was suggested about the
staggering of children coming to school and the elementary ages, she
woufd repeat what someone else said that it would be a hardship, not
only speaking out of seffishness that it would be a hardship, not for
her because she has one child, but there are many fiamilies with many
children. It would not mitigate the problem of that concentrated traffic
because having before and after school care, she thought what most
parents would do that have several children is simply pay out of their
pocket to bring their children and place them in the before care in
order ta nat go back and forth. So she didn't think the numbers would
be reduced and would cause a hardship.
She afso supported what she had witnessed as far as funeral
arrangements in the two years she has been a parish member and
also a parent of a student there. She'd never seen funeral activity
conflict with traffic from the school. Again, she thought it had been
nicely worded about what the school brings to the community.
MR. VINCENT GIOIA, 77-724 Justin Court in Pa{m Desert, addressed
the Commission. He said he is President of the Whitehawk
Homeowners Association. He was present to speak in favor of the
project. The schoal is such an important part of this community. It
offers opportunity to families that go well beyond the nature of the
church. So many people want to go ta school that have the kind of
program that Sacred Heart has. They have an opportunity to expand
somewhat. 1t wasn't even a major expansion, it was just adding 90
students. Frankly, he sat there listening to the Commission and others
and he seemed to get the feeling that they were putting al! kinds of
obstacles in the way of trying to have this accomplished. It didn't rnake
any sense to him. This was an important project. This was reminiscent
of people who build developments near airports after the airport has
been there a long time and then they complain about the airports, "oh,
this doesn't make sense." He thought they had ta take into
consideration the irnportance that this school and this small expansion
will provide to the community as a whole. He thought that shauld carry
a lot of weight.
MR. JOE HAMMER, 74-757 North Cove Qrive in Indian Wells,
informed Commission that he has two tittle girls who attend Sacred
Heart and he also attends mass there on Sundays and Wednesdays.
The 8:00 a.m. start time they mentioned is quite important because
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that is the time they drop their kids off at scho�f. A staggering drap off
would disrupt the whole operation that they've set up in the morning.
As far as noise and lights and so on, he said they shouldn't forget they
have Palm Springs High School. He attends the football games during
the season once in a while. It goes past sometimes 14:00 p.m., 11:00
p.m., and it was plenty noisy and they use loud speaker systems
there. Maybe there was an exception to that; he didn't know. He said
they shouldn't forget that the traffic in that area is not only caused by
the Palm Springs High School, but also by the two public schools and
Sacred Heart. Considering how much traffic accumulates in the
morning between 7:45 and 8:00 a.m., it's pretty smooth overall. He
takes his children there every morning with his wife and his
experience is he's surprised how well it goes.
This community needs this expansion at this school. He's a land
owner, not a developer although he was accused of it once in a while.
They need an expansion of this Catholic school. They need an
expansion of all schools. The fact that this parish is standing up and
willing to spend the money, he is on the Finance Committee for the
school and it was substantiaf. He said let's not discourage them. The
Commission just approved several more homes by the new Lowes
and Super Wal-Mart and these peopfe wilf have children that will need
to go to school sornewhere.
There was one thing he really kind of resented in the questions earlier
about the time of worship and this new parish half, if approved, being
used for worship. Before he started going ta church at Sacred Heart,
he attended St. Francis in La Quinta and there was overtlow.
Sometimes they would overflow into the parish hall. It was so people
could worship and was the reason people go to church. In this world
we live in, all the awful things that happen, why would they want to
discourage people from going to church?
One last thing he thought the City Attorney should address, through
some of the earlier questioning, he didn't think it was any business of
this city or state or U.S. Government to question times of worship. He
has friends that are Jewish, Episcopalian, Lutheran, and they all use
their parish halls far worship. Christian, Jewish, Muslim, whatever,
there is a reason they are worshiping and he didn't think they should
be limiting times of that being done and he kind of resented that. But
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overa{1, he hoped they approved this project. It is a really goad project
and a wonderful schaol.
MR. MARK HEMSTREET, owner of Shilo Inns, informed Commission
that he has develaped a lot of real estate over the western United
States in the last 35 years, so he has been at his share of Planning
Commission and City Council meetings. He commented on the
design. it appeared that the architects along with the School Board
had come up with a very thoughtful, comprehensive master plan that
obviously took into consideration some of the issues raised by the
good neighbors tonight. He knew they have reached a consensus in
satisfying some of those issues. He knew that in talking with Father
Lincoln and some of the School Board that they truly believe in
communication and cooperation, not conflict or confrontation. They
truly want to be good neighbors.
As a parent, he was fortunate enough to have three children, plus
sponsoring another child, that have the great fortune and oppvrtunity
to attend a quality, alternative education program that Sacred Heart
offers. This is a success story. It is a wonderFul problem to have.
Talking about parking, when he receives those complaints from his
manager on occasion, his comment is what a wonderFul problem to
have. Now they have an increase in church attendance, like some of
the people commented here tonight. Again, what a wonderful free
society that we a11 enjoy and live in where people can practice their
freedom of religion. And for the parents and students that have
freedom of choice for the alternate education program which Sacred
Heart offers.
He hoped with their collective wisdom that they could all pull together
as a community and focus on the obvious benefits derived from this
proposal. Tremendous benefits. And not forget the most important
benefit is the investment in our most treasured assets, our children.
MS. ALIDA CARRILLd CARUPAS, 72-918 Bursera Way in Palm
Desert, addressed the Cornmission. She said she is a parent of a
child at Sacred Heart and has also been an instructor/teacher at
Sacred Heart. She was also with the Desert Sands Unified School
District as one of their substitutes and was also on a contract basis, so
she has worked at several of the public schools in the community. She
agreed with many of the people who have spoken, but as an
instructor, she was part of the pick up and drop off process. She could
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tell them that she was amazed that in seven minutes, from 3:00 p.m.
to 3:07 p.m., it was cleared out. It probably extends to about 3:15
p.m., but it is a very quick process.
She has also chaperoned Friday night dances for 7th and 8th graders.
She was talking about 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Students have a DJ,
they don't really dance for the first hour and mill around the cookies,
but it wasn't a wild party. It was very small and very controlled. Not
very many students because it is a small school. She said the drop off
and pick up procedures are very orderly cornpared to many of the
public schools she has had the fortune to work at from Indio Middle
School, Indio High School to Lincoln Elementary which was just
around the corner.
The entry and exit process is orderly enough where in a matter of five
to ten minutes most of the congestion is cleared. She couldn't say that
was the case when she was trying to get to a school she was
supposed to work at. She was in support of the project and hoped the
Commission agreed.
MR. JEFF PEPPLE, 140 Paseo Monticello in Palmira, addressed the
Commission. He said he is a parent of a third grader like Mr. Rover's
son, Rex. He is a parishioner at Sacred Heart and he wanted to go on
record that he and his wife specifically chose Palmira because of its
location to the church and they support the expansion.
MR. MICHAEL MUFFOLETTO, 23 Via Cielo Azul, a resident of
Palmira, addressed the Commission. He said his child also attends
the school at Sacred Heart and they are also parishioners at Sacred
Heart. He had the unique benefit of being right in the middle of this.
His wife takes his son to school every morning and being so close
they could walk, but his wife prefers the drive. So she exits their gate
and makes it across Deep Canyon right into the school parking lot.
They don't drop their child off, they park there and walk up to start his
morning. They do gather outside in a grass area. There is a P.A.
system and a little music is being played. On the few mornings he had
been there when he took his son to school, he couldn't hear the P.A.
system. He said it wasn't loud. The church and school act in a manner
that is very respectful to the neighborhood and to all the
neighborhoods that surround the church.
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Getting back to his wife puffing out of their gate, it takes her no more
than one minute to cross the street to get into the church parking area.
He thought Sacred Heart, their project, will increase their land
property values because of some of the older buildings back there
were being torn down. He hated to see them go. His father used to
live in one of them. As far as funerals were concerned, his father's
funeral was at the church and they didn't schedule funerals to coincide
with school start or drop off times. That would be detrimental to
children to see something like that, so it was true what Father Lincoln
and others had said about most funerals being at 10:00 a.m.
Lighting on the football field, or field area, concerned him. He was a
little bothered by Palm Desert High School lights and to have another
set of lights out there would interfere a little bit with him, but he
thought if there was a reasonable time set for the lighting to be turned
off there shouldn't be a problem.
Although he was in favor of the project, one of the things that
concerned him is he didn't want to give up his right to turn left out of
his gate onto Deep Canyon. He felt they should open their exit gate
which impacis the residents, those 12 houses which they spoke of
earlier. But overail he was in favor of the project and hoped that it is
dane properly and with the thoughtfulness that the residents in the
area sti11 need ta move around with the traffic congestion that is there.
Most of the traffic in the mornings for the schaol was realfy not bad. 1t
is the Sunday services which impact Deep Canyon and the parking
a{ong Desp Canyon and that needed to be addressed.
MS. CINDY FARRELI, 7 Curie Court in Rancho Mirage, addressed the
Commission. She said she has the good fortune of being the parent of
two children that attend Sacred Heart School. The last time she stood
at this podium and at this microphone she came asking the City for
the permission to put a beautiful clock tower that is now in the Civic
Center Park. She asked the City's permission to do that as she stood
there as President of the Palm Desert Ratary Club. She has spent
countless hours in community service to the city of Palm Desert
willingly, grateful to be a part of this community. She couldn't imagine
something that serves this community better than Sacred Heart
School. Denying this school the opportunity to expand and allow 90
more children to benefit from all of the wonderFul things that this parish
and school have to offerwould be a great mistake. So she echoed the
sentiments of those whv spoke before her and asked that they
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consider deeply the request before them tonight and grant Sacred
Heart's request to expand.
MS. SUE ETEBAR, 6 Macbeth Court in Rancho Mirage, addressed
the Commission. She has two children at Sacred Heart School,
Christopher in 4th grade, and a 17-month-old child she was hoping
would start preschool sometime this year. They have been in the
desert for almost five years, so it is still very new to them, but they
have grown to love everything about the desert. The mountains, the
people, everyone they have come in contact with had bee.n gracious
and kind. They started originally at another school and Sister Joan
was gracious enough to let them start mid year because they had
some issues they couldn't overcome when her other daughter was in
second grade.
She said she was born and raised Catholic and kind of ventured away
because they all fell asleep at mass and Father Lincoln brought them
back because he is such a great speaker. He made them want to
come and learn and want to enjoy their faith again. Dr. Brennan had
helped them improve and expand the school tremendously in the four
years she has been there. She wanted to speak on behalf of everyone
else that they really really hope that the City will allow the expansion
because there are so many worse things that could be going into the
corner over there than 90 more children and the ability to educate and
increase worship and fellowship on the corner over there at Deep
Canyon. They just want to support their school and our community.
MS. KIMBERLY LYNCH, a parent of five years at Sacred Heart
School and a member of the School Board, addressed the
Commission. One of the things she said hadn't been mentioned in the
discussion of the people for the project is the expansion of the athletic
facilities. Her child is in 4th grade at Sacred Heart and they participate
as a private school in track meets and things of that nature. The way
their children have to presently train for this, they have one area that
encompasses for all of their kindergarten through 8th grade and the
expansion of this school would allow their children to have the same
facilities that it seemed almost every school in this valley has, which is
what she wants for her child. She was very hopeful that they would be
able to compete with the rest of the schools by expanding their
facilities.
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Throughout the last two years on a lot of the tv media, one of the
things she thought they should ail think about is children come first.
MS. TERESA WHITE, 170 Paseo Monticello in the Palmira
development, addressed the Commission. She said she is new to
Palmira, new to Sacred Heart and has children there. Her neighbors
have been very open and accepting of them coming to the new
neighborhvod. Father Lincoln and the Sacred Heart School have
welcomed them with open arms. Being in the middle of it, as hard as it
is, hopefully they could all love one another and get along and make it
all happen for their kids.
MS. LAURA CHAVA, 73-373 Country Club Drive in Palm Desert,
addressed the Commission. She said she moved here almost five
years ago. She came from Mexico and had the blessing to have her
kids in Sacred Heart School. She said it takes a village to raise kids. If
they had this opportunity in the schools in Mexico, and just one word
from them could stop this, would be her dream. If they go and visit a
school in Mexico, they would see how the kids study there. The
opportunity they are stopping the school doing this is just
unbelievable. She loves this country and is proud to live here. She is a
U.S. citizen now and wished the kids of Mexico had this opportunity.
There was no one else wishing to speak in favor. Referring to the Request to
Speak cards in opposition, Chairperson Jonathan invited Mr. Thomas
McCutchen to address the Commission. .
MR. THOMAS McCUTCHEN, 24 Via Cielo Azul in Palm Desert,
addressed the Commission. He said he represents the Board of
Directors from the Palmira Homeowners Association. Even though he
marked his card as opposed, the Board of Directors wanted to make it
clear that the Palmira Homeowners Association supports the Sacred
Heart parish expansion and improvements as long as it's done with
the surrounding neighborhood taken into consideration and their
recommendations have been taken into consideration.
It was their understanding that the traffic study was to cover a much
larger area to include the elementary, middle schools and Palrn
Desert High School in their area, as well as the Sacred Heart School.
He believed the minutes referred to from Portola to Cook and from
Fred Waring over to Hovley when they were here in August. This
apparently was not done based on the traffic study he was provided.
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This information is based on the Planning Commission minutes back
in August of 2004.
It appears that the study concentrated on the intersection of Fred
Waring Drive and Deep Canyon down to Moss Rose, and Fred Waring
Drive down to Florine. That is the whole content of this study. It was
his understanding that Sacred Heart selected the traffic study
company without any joint effort with the City Planning Department, as
suggested in the Commission's minutes. Also, the traffic study has a
number of misspelled words, typos and some false assumptions.
Based on that, he really questioned the validity and accuracy of the
study.
For instance, the study said that the 12 duplexes that the church owns
generates approximately 105 daily trips in and out of La Paz complex
when nine of those 12 duplexes have been unoccupied for some time,
according to Father Lincoln. And since this was used as a senior, low
cost housing project for seniors from the parish, he found it pretty
amazing that it would generate 105 daily trips of seniors in and out of
24 units. Also, they equated the average number of contribution
envelopes between January and the last Sunday before Easter in
2004 to a Sunday in September saying that the envelopes increased
by about 25%; therefore, their conclusion was that the traffic and
parking needs should also, or did increase 25% during the five months
of the season in the desert.
They know that everyone who attends do not use a contribution
envelope every week. Some contribute monthly, some contribute
quarterly, some do not contribute to this church and continue to
support their parishes from wherever they come from during the
summer months. How do contribution envelopes and traffic and
parking equate? He thought it was like cornparing apples to oranges.
Plus their figures contradict that projection based on the last two
weekend masses.
He said he laid on their tables this evening the last two weekends of
the traffic study. They went to all eight masses and rode up and down
on their bikes Deep Canyon, Florine, in and out through all of the
parking lots that are provided by the church and on Saturday at the
4:00 p.m. mass, on Saturday the 5th and Saturday the 12th of
February there were 198 and 215 cars either parked on these streets
or illegally parked in the church parking lot. He found it amazing that
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40 and 55 cars were parked in the fire lane and the City has done
nothing to stop that. That was just on a Saturday afternoon. At the
later mass on Saturday, there were 38 and 35 parked along the street.
There were 93 and 88 parking spaces still available in the church
parking lot and even five of those on one Saturday were in the fire
lanes, so it certainly appeared to be that there is no one monitoring
where these people park and when they park.
On Sunday, the 9:30 to 10:00 a.m. mass was the worst offense again.
There were 235 and 144 parked along the Deep Canyon, Moss Rose,
Florine and Aster in addition to 33 and 41 parked in the fire lanes.
Again, illegal parking. On the two Sundays at 11:00 a.m., in one case
there were 41 cars parked in the fire lanes. If there was a major
disaster or major need to get emergency equipment in there, it would
be almost impossible to get them in and out of there. So this to him
refuted a lot of what the study says that it is only 25%. They need
many more than the 155 parking spots, especially with 77 being on
grass areas and not marked off. There was no way they would ever
get 77 cars parked in there unless they had somebody standing there
making them pull up very close to the car before them. So that was
something he thought needed to be looked at.
He wanted to talk about some of their recommendations and solutions
for conditions of approval for this project. The first recommendation,
as he just talked about, was that the church needed to add more off-
street parking and plan for it in the master plan. He referred to his
chart. They heard there were 158 new spaces, 77 on the overflow
grass area. There was also a note on the master plan that talked
about reduced parking area C when phase two or phase three is built,
but they didn't indicate how many parking spaces they were losing
there. That whole area that would be the new plaza is currently parked
up both sides on Saturday night and Sunday morning, so there's
some difference of opinion there in terms of the kind of parking spaces
that are going to be provided.
In addition to all the cars parked along Deep Canyon, all of those cars
and in some cases on the east side, there were 39, 20, 28, and 25.
On one Sunday there were 61 cars parked on the east side of Deep
Canyon. All of these people are jaywalking across during a heavy
traffic time, which is very dangerous, especially for the elderly that are
walking across there. He thought it was also illegal to jaywalk in our
city.
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Secondly, he understood that the City Planning Department is
recommending two pork-chop driveways, right-in and right-out, for the
existing two driveways south of the church. He had been talking about
that with the Church and with the Planning Department since they met
last August and they finally came to an agreement that might help
solve some of the problem. But their concern is that their entrance
driveway, their only entrance and exit driveway, will not become a U-
turn for all the parents coming to get their kids into school, to pull in
and pull around through their entrance so they can turn left going out
of their complex and turn right into the church parking lot. Also, if they
didn't do that they would go just beyond their driveway, make a U-turn
and come back so they could turn right into the parking lot. "No U-
turn" signs must be posted along the east side of Deep Canyon,
making it illegal to make a U-turn if this condition is going to be
accepted.
They also recommend that the church and school hire off-duty
policemen to direct traffic in and out of the parking lots and to insure
that all fire lanes are not blocked. This worked well in traffic control for
the significance in increased traffic last Wednesday for Ash
Wednesday at the 7:30 a.m. mass. He didn't know if they were on-
duty or off-duty policemen, but they were uniformed in police cars out
directing traffic in the middle of Deep Canyon. This helped get the
traffic in and get the traffic out much much faster than he was sure it
would have been with the overFlow. He didn't get all the numbers of
that morning, but they were parked practically down to Magnesia Falls
on Deep Canyon. And on both sides of Florine they were parked all
the way down to the rectory, which is at the very end of Florine. He
said all of our public schools have school crossing guards to help the
kids get safely across intersections. Why not have the same to make
sure that the cars bringing and picking up kids from school and church
are safe as well?
They recommend that all activities scheduled for the parish hall and
the gym be completed before 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Friday
nights and 11:00 p.m. on Saturday nights. He understood that the
Planning Department was recommending this as part of their
recommendations. He knew that Father Lincoln was concerned that
cleanup crews and that type of thing might be there a little later. They
are saying the event should be over by 10:00 p.rn. If he has cleanup
crews and whatever after that is necessary, the party shouldn't go on
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until 11:00 p.m. or 11:30 p.m. if it's Sunday through Thursday or
Friday night and then Saturday night, the same thing after 11:00 p.m.
Chairperson Jonathan pointed out that he was giving Mr. McCutchen some
substantial leeway in terms of the three-minute limit because .he was
representing an association, but the Commission had his letter, they had the
14 items and Mr. McCutchen was on number five, and they have had the
benefit of reading his letter, including the staff responses and applicant
responses, so they were farniliar with these issues. Rather than reiterating all
of them, he suggested that Mr. McCutchen hit the highlights or just the major
points of his opinion in the matter.
Mr. McCutchen explained that the sound system is one of the things
they have had several complaints about. He has been called at his
home with complaints of loud music, both sacred and non-sacred
music, coming from the church grounds, including the school. This
was coming at 7:45 in the morning. Father Lincoln said he didn't know
anything about it, denied it for quite a while, because he called him
right after their annual meeting last October and told him this. They
talked about it several times since. But finro weeks ago he went out
about 7:45 a.m. and there was disco music coming out of the school.
It certainly sounded like disco; it certainly wasn't sacred music coming
out of the school or the church and he called Father Lincoln. Father
Lincoln called him back and said yes, now that he changed the mass
to 7:45 a.m., it interfered with the mass, so that would stop
immediately. So that was the first time that had even been admitted
that it was happening.
They asked that the City limit the school amount, the number of
students, to what they've requested now. Plus, he thought there was
an additional one or two added to that, but this would allow for 93
additional students to be added to the current enrollment. It was their
concern that the church attendance will alsa continue to increase with
all the new homes being built in the area. This was not addressed in
the study at all. Also, as more parishioners attend mass and the
church is filled to capacity, Father Lincoln has indicated in several
meetings he had with him that the parish hall would be used as an
overflow, especially on holiday weekends.
The other thing that was not considered in the traffic study was the
increased use of the church facilities with the addition of a 17,000
square foot parish hall and gym. As various activities are scheduled
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into this facility like dinners, fund raisers and other sundry types of
evening events, this would continue to add to the parking and traffic
woes of all the surrounding neighborhoods. With the addition of the
parish hall and its continued use in the afternoon and evenings, this
would add considerably more traffic than the neighborhood is currently
used to having and along with that goes the additional noise. None of
this was addressed in the traffic study.
Mr. McCutchen said that Father Lincoln has said in the past that this
parish hall would be used only three or four times a year for main
events. But this does not consider several hundred to 1,000 or more
people at a main event evidently, because he has 6,000 to 7,000
parishioners on a weekend according to his quotes in the paper.
Father Lincoln may certainly not want to use this parish hall because it
takes up a lot of his time, but the next priest that is assigned to this
parish may have different ideas and they would like something in the
conditions that do limit this time and the growth there.
One of the things they heard for the first time tonight was that the
parish hall was going to be 35 feet high. He specifically asked this
group in August if the 24 feet, which was all they were admitting to at
that time, was within the limits required or if that required some sort of
a variance. They were told very specifically that the 24 feet was within
the limits of the area for the zoning ordinance. Now all of a sudden
this is the first time, six or seven months later, they are hearing that
the building has now grown to 35 feet. They are opposed to a 35-foot
building across the streets from their residences.
One of the other things they requested, and the City has given the
Commission an opinion on, is the no turn on red from westbound Fred
Waring to northbound Deep Canyon. They felt that if that could be
instituted, this would give their residents at least a minute or so of no
traffic coming down Fred Waring going northbound so they would
have an opportunity to get out safely. That's their concern.
Finally, they feel very strongly that a driveway off of Florine into the
church parking lot should be added. He knew this had come up before
the Council numerous times before. The residents of Florine spoke
very loudly. Now they've got 238 or 250 something homes on the east
side of Deep Canyon that are now speaking saying they need some
relief there. They have five driveways coming out of the church
parking lot with the new one added that will be sending traffic out on
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Deep Canyon and none on Florine. They thought that was totally
unacceptable.
So they as the Board of Directors of the Pal_mira Estates Homeowners
Association were hoping these concerns and suggested solutions
would receive their utmost consideration and would be approved as
conditions for the approval of this site plan.
MR. DANA CARNES, 43-550 Palmilla Circle in Palm Desert,
addressed the Commission. He heard an awful lot about the traffic
control on the east side of Deep Canyon and very little about the
people on the west side. First of all, he was in favor of the growth of
the church. He thought it was a wonderFul idea, a good concept, but
he was quite concerned about the traffic control around the church.
Since the expansion or the changes on Fred Waring, anybody thaYs
coming in and out of the west side of the church that's trying to make
an east destination has to use Deep Canyon in order to continue to go
east and turn on the two lanes they have there on Deep Canyon onto
the eastbound section of Fred Waring. Or the alternative is to cut
across three lanes of Fred Waring to go up to the Portola intersection
and make a U-turn or drive clear over to Portola and drive around the
corner to head eastbound on Fred Waring.
With the increase of the children there, his concern was they could
deal with this at this time, but what happens in the future? Right now
the classes are overloaded or have 30 children in each class. When
the classes are dropped back down to 15, 20, whatever they have in
their classes, and as the church grows again and continues to grow,
will these classes grow to 30 again and will the increase in traffic even
pick up more? �
The traffic control study they asked for back in August to be done in
October and November was to allow the City to take a look at the
"snowbirds" increasing the traffic flow along Fred Waring. Unknowing
to them, Fred Waring decided to make the traffic changes on the east
side of Deep Canyon, which caused even more of a chaos during that
time of study that was supposed to be taking place. Why it took place
in September, they didn't know. They knew the church was starting
their school time in August and again, they were looking for the
additional tra�c they were anticipating which usually shows up in
November.
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So his biggest concern is what will happen in the future with traffic.
Will it continue to grow? If it is, it is already a problem and if it
continues to grow into a bigger problem, what are they going to do
about it?
MR. MURRAY QUANCE, 22 Via Cielo Azul, addressed the
Commission. He said he's a member of the Palmira Homeowners
Association. He wanted to speak regarding the long-term plans for
Sacred Heart. He thought the short-term issues had been well
documented. His concern primarily relates, as one of his neighbors
mentioned, their major issue is Saturday and Sunday. He has heard
that Father Lincoln has initiated a yiability study with the Diocese to
close down Church of the Desert. As they might be aware, it is located
at San Pablo and Fred Waring. If this should happen, they would have
additional traffic at Sacred Heart from their 300 or so parishioners that
would most likely attend Sacred Heart. There was a town hall meeting
in December and he was informed that the Diocese is considering its
closure.
MR. JERRY HAFFLEY, 74-573 Moss Rose Drive in Palm Desert,
addressed the Commission. He stated that he is not opposed to the
expansion of the school. It's a good thing. However, the second gate,
this north entry or north exit gate onto Moss Rose was a concern to
him. It has been mentioned that it only affects 12 homes. That wasn't
true. Moss Rose is currently used for traffic from Lantana, Canyon
Crest development, including all the people who live on Moss Rose.
There's a tremendous amount of traffic from that road already. To
open up the north gate for the Palmira residents to exit and use Moss
Rose as an exit to get out onto Deep Canyon would tremendously
impact the residents of Moss Rose, Lantana, and Canyon Crest that
already use that street for transportation. So he was really opposed to
opening up that north gate.
He had a petition from everybody on Moss Rose that was available to
sign it.
Chairperson Jonathan asked if that was the City's copy.
Mr. Haffley said yes and submitted it as part of the record.
MR. PAUL SHILLCOCK, 74-582 Moss Rose Drive in Palm Desert,
addressed the Commission. Like Mr. Haffley, he wasn't present in
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opposition to the project. He didn't oppose education or religion. He
thought it was a good thing. It was a quality of life thing for the
community. He did have a letter, which he said he would submit to the
Commission secretary to become part of the formal record, but he
wasn't going to use any of his three minutes to go through the
information in that. He would leave that for them to read. He would
rather take the time to share some of his thoughts about the project.
One aspect of it that was brought up tonight was that when Palmira
was first seeking entitlements that there was a decision made that the
north gate would not be used for anything but emergency purposes.
Things haven't changed for the better since Palmira was put in.
Canyon Crest was completed; Lantana was completed; there are
some 120 homes as a minimum that use Moss Rose Drive as their
access. Quoting from traffic engineering documents, those homes
generate somewhere befinreen 1,200 and 2,600 trips per day. An
average single farnily home generating somewhere between 10 and
22 trips per day. So there was a lot of traffic on Moss Rose right now.
So he had a problem with the gate being used in addition to the main
gate that was designed to be the main access and that's what he was
really opposed to tonight.
All of them that live here chose Palm Desert for one reason or another
as a place to live. Not necessarily, and certainly not in his case, for
convenience to his workplace and that was the same case for his
neighbors. Most of them work in Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage or a
bunch like him work in Cathedral City. They chose Palm Desert for
one reason and that was quality of life, and they pay a premium for
that, but this City has always protected the quality of life of its citizens.
What they would be doing by opening up that gate is negatively
impacting the quality of life for the people who live on Moss Rose
Drive.
It was mentioned by one of the gentlemen in support that there are
people, he guessed those opposed, who could be likened to the
people who move out by an airport and then complain about the
airpork noise. That wasn't the case with people on Moss Rose Drive.
They all bought when the development, except for several of them,
when the developments were complete and they knew what the traffic
was. They knew that Lantana would use Moss Rose as their only
entrance and they accept that. They weren't there complaining about
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the existing situation. What they have here is a situation where the
airport is being built near their neighborhood.
He tried to figure out exactly what the problem was that resulted in
discussion about opening the second gate. He has lived there four
years and he knew, and it was verified by the traffic study, that there is
a problem on Sunday mornings. It was mentioned here tonight in favor
of the praject that one gentleman in particular can go from Palrnira
into the parking lot of the church on any given day in less than a
minute. The tra�c study indicated that Sunday morning is a problem
and City staff indicated that Saturday evening, which also to him was
somewhat of an issue, is not unusual and indicated that a one-minute
wait to cross at a uncontrolled intersection was not unusual. So what
they've come down to is apparently a problem with Sunday morning.
He knew all of them had been here long enough to remember a
former Community Development Director in the City who had a truism
for most situations and one that he quoted very often is that they don't
design the church parking lot to accommodate Easter Sunday crowds.
What it appeared they were doing here by changing the traffic pattern
to address a situati�n that exists for a couple of hours on Sunday
morning to him was designing the church parking lot for Easter
Sunday crowds.
What he was asking, and it turned out in the discussion that it was
going to be like the ultimate if nothing else worked, but then it
changed in Condition No. 23. What he was asking was that the
condition that the church work with Palmira to open that gate be
eliminated. (He then submitted his letter.)
MR. STEVE ROOS, 74-489 Myrsine Avenue, addressed the
Commission. He stated that his property is directly north of the church
and behind him is Deep Canyon. He agreed with Mr. McCutchen on
alrnost all of his comments, but specifically he wanted to address the
traffic study that he felt was woefully inadequate and it really sounded
like more of a whitewash of the whole traffic problem in that area.
Also, many of the folks who spoke in favor of the project don't live in
the neighborhood, so they are coming in, dropping off or picking up,
and then they are gone, so they aren't living with the problem every
day. While he was sure that Sacred Heart School, is a wonderful
school, he didn't think in its proposed expanded farm that it belonged
in this neighborhood.
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MRS. JULIE ROOS, 74-489 Myrsine Avenue, addressed the
Commission. She stated that she is pro private school. She went to
St. Theresa's herself and put five kids through the Learning Tree. So
she could appreciate a private education. She, too, felt that the
property is too small for all that school, but there's another issue that
hasn't been mentioned. The City, and she thought it came right after
they did major flood control in the area, there was a total wall across
their neighborhood and because there's a gutter about five or six feet
across between two of their houses, the kids walk through there. Now
they took the wall down so it's really easy. They don't even have to
duck under the wall. They are jaywalking, even though it's only maybe
30 feet to the corner and they could go through a cross walk and with
the way the traffic is, it would be a street wide before long, it had to
be. It was just ridiculous. So they run across Deep Canyon. She sure
hoped that a child didn't have to be killed before they did something
about it.
MR. LEWIS GORDON, 43-551 Palmilla Circle in Palm Desert,
addressed the Commission. He pointed out the location of his
residence. He said it was two and a half football fields from the P.A.
system they have now and he hears that P.A. system in the morning.
For people to say they walk on-site and not hear it was incorrect. Also,
anyone that can drive from the Palmira gate straight across into the
parking lot is making an unsafe decision. He drives that every day,
several times a day, and to shoot from Palmira during peak traffic
hours into that parking lot straight across the street was a very unsafe
move.
MR. DAVID TARRATUTA, 24 Via Cielo Azul in Palmira, stated that he
read through the traffic study. He's not an engineer, he isn't a
statistician, so when he sees lots of numbers it just confuses him. But
he did want to comment on the traffic study. It appeared to him that
this traffic study came up with no new solutions other than to open up
Palmira's back gate to solve all the traffic problems on Deep Canyon
is how he interpreted it.
There were recommendations in the traffic study that basically they
will monitor the internal parking and stuff and see if it works. The
reality is they don't monitor it. They have 40 plus cars redline parking
on weekends for three out of eight masses. They aren't going to self
monitor. He was raised in Catholic education, elementary, college and
graduate school. It makes him who he is and he believed in it. He
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thought this traffic study was short-sighted and did not encompass as
much as he thought was recommended. It is a band-aid approach. He
worked in parishes and was part of a church expansion. He has priest
friends who have done rectories, churches, parking lots and parish
halls. This study did not include any impact about how many hundreds
more cars they would have utilizing that parish hall. This parish needs
to do a 25-year study to find out how much they need to expand.
They need to consider all the options. Move the parish hall away so
they can have increased parking. They need 150 minimum paved
parking to handle standard traffic during peak time, December through
April, five months, almost half the year. There was over parking.
Some of the recommendations of the Planning Department were to
have Mr. McCutchen approach Father Lincoln to see if they could
work out some of these issues. He didn't remember specifically
because they just got some of their recommendations. It wasn't an
individual's responsibility to approach a developer. This was big
business church. There were 6,000 to 7,000 people on a weekend.
Individuals were not going to approach the leader of this spiritual
community and ask them to try things. They did that. He had been in
Palmira two years and moved from Rancho Mirage. He liked Palmira
and Palm Desert. But they did approach Father Lincoln about getting
the parking off of Deep Canyon illegally. They were parked from the
red light to the Palmira entrance for years and they approached him.
Did he announce it? Did he put no entrance on those entrances so
they wouldn't be going in there or parking there? Those were
inexpensive solutions. They were not used.
He questioned how sincere Father Lincoln's motivation was for
working with the entire neighborhood. And yet he supported Father
Lincoln in building this spiritual community. He was raised in a
Catholic community. He didn't think these figures were legitimate and
he didn't think they would solve the problem. He thought Father
Lincoln needed to consider all the options. Move the junior high
somewhere else. Move the parish hall somewhere else. He knew the
ideal was to have them all in one place, but this study didn't address
that.
He noted that Deep Canyon is marked as golf cart and bike path on
both sides. Why would the City approve that and then allow the
church to park up both sides year round? Because it wasn't just the
peak five-month season that Deep Canyon is parked on, so golf carts
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and bikes have to go out into the street. Either don't mark it or redline
both sides. The ideal is to get all the parking off Deep Canyon. It's a
busy enough road as it is. There's plenty of land space to have all the
parking on the parish grounds.
The track. He didn't know of any entity that has a track that they are
going to use for phys. ed. for their kids. His suspicion was, and it
wasn't a suspicion, there's going to be a Catholic High School. That's
been in the newspaper. This will be a feeder. They are going to want
competitive track sports. That's fine; he had no problem with that. The
question that would come up is if it's going to be after school and how
late it will all run and how much it's going to interfere. He just put that
out there for thought.
Those were the primary things he thought the Council needed to
consider in terms of looking at more options. What seemed to be the
focus tonight is that if they deal with Palmira, everything else is okay.
That's not the focus. The study was supposed to be much bigger.
That doesn't solve the increased traffic because of the parish hall. He
knew because he worked in a parish. They were going to utilize that
building to the maximurn. Retreats, wedding receptions, funeral
luncheons, whatever they can, and he didn't begrudge the parish for
doing that. He didn't think this was realistic. He supported the
expansion and wanted it approved as long as they improve and
maintain their property. It is good for the neighborhood, but it has to
be a more thought out, bigger picture expansion. They should
consider moving some of their activities elsewhere.
MR. CHARLES INDERWIESCHE, 74-484 Myrsine Avenue,
addressed the Commission. He stated that his house also backs up to
Deep Canyon. He believed that the City really needed to do another
traffic study. He took some photos of some of the traffic they have
backed up to his house every weekend. He submitted them for
distribution and said that was all he had to say.
MS. MARGARET GERTZ, 74-457 Myrsine in Palm Desert, addressed
the Commission. She said she's to the north of the property, right at
the beginning of the football field there. She has two concerns. The
first would be the outdoor lighting. She would like to make sure that at
no time outdoor lighting could be erected around the field. The other is
also limiting the broadcast system, whether it is P.A. or some other
source. Sometimes they do hear it very late at night and it was very
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disturbing. She's up at about 4:00 a.m. or 5:00 a.m., so she's in bed at
9:00 p.m. and it can be very disturbing. She thought the traffic issues
had been addressed and agreed with most of the comments made.
Chairperson Jonathan asked if the applicant would like to readdress the
Commission.
Father Lincoln agreed that there would be no lighting at all on the
field. The idea of the expansion of the school was to add additional
classrooms, but to reduce the size of the classes. So for example, K
through three they are talking about 25. Four through eight they would
top at 30 and that is the reason they are expanding the school. They
are only adding approximately 93 students. In terms of the parking,
they have a total of 588 parking places. If he was correct, if they need
one parking place for every three people, they are providing parking
for 400 more people than their church even holds.
In terms of Christ of the Desert, he is also the pastor of Christ of the
Desert. It is true that they asked for a viability study. The church
council met on that three weeks ago and while they are keeping the
parish, they are going to suppress it as a parish, but make it a mission
of Sacred Heart and that changes nothing. It's still the number of
masses there. It's just a canonical difference. So Christ of the Desert
remains.
He said it is true that people park all over. He is a priest. He loves
what he does and he tries to get as many people to church as
possible. The reason they are adding all this parking is to alleviate
peopte parking in fire zones and people parking in the street. They are
providing, as the Ci#y has said, abundant parking for the seating of
their church.
In terms of the church expanding and the people attending it, they are
pretty much at capacity now. At 4:00 p.m. on Sunday they can take no
more. At 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, during the season, they can take no
more. At 11:00 a.m., sometimes, half the time, they can take no more.
So he didn't anticipate a great number of more people coming to the
church. He was reluctant to say how many times they would use the
parish hall at night, but it certainly wouldn't be every night that they
would have 500 or 1,000 people there. There isn't enough of him to go
around to do that, but they need a parish hall for their children, for a
gym, and for their parishioners as well. Basically right now they have
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no parish hall at all. It is true that people park in the street, even when
there is room in the parking lot, and that is because they have some
very elderly people and they cannot walk from the very end of the
parking lot near Florine and Fred Waring all the way to the church
when they can park very close to the church itself on Deep Canyon.
They simply can't walk that far.
He said they don't play non-sacred music, but it is true they have had
music there at 7:45 and 8:00 a.m. They're a school and sometimes
that music is played. It is true that he told Mr. McCutchen he didn't
recognize there was music until they were celebrating a mass and in
the middle of mass there was this music. He thought in deference to
the community they would have stopped anyway, but he did not know
there was music.
He said one of the reasons they want to expand this school is their
responsibility to, and in their opinion the most precious of God's
creation, and those are kids and he believed they served the greater
community. For example, while it is only the first semester of Palm
Desert High School, he believed there are 20 kids that are tied for first
place with a perfect grade point average of 4.99. Of that 20 five
graduated last year from Sacred Heart. Currently the number one ,
physics student in the entire student body, nine through 12 at Palm
Desert, is a freshman. She has the highest grade in physics for the
entire school and she was a graduate last year of Sacred Heart. He
believed the number one student in the junior class is a graduate of
Sacred Heart and the number one student in the senior class is a
graduate of Sacred Heart. So they take that responsibility extremely
seriously and, therefore, it was their hope that they would approve this
so they can continue that responsibility they have to their children. He
trusted that answered most of the things that were brought up.
Chairperson Jonathan closed the public hearing and asked the Commission
for comments. He stated that he would make an opening remark and it
probably didn't need to be said because most people understood it, but they
weren't there to address the desirability of religion or of Catholicism, children
or education. He hoped they all understood that wasn't the issue here. When
they heard people discussing some of the impacts to the neighborhood and
to tra�c and to their neighbors, he hoped they kept that in mind. They
weren't there to oppose religion, to oppose children; they were there to deal
with the impact on the neighborhood, which they would deal with whether this
was a church, a synagogue, a store, an office or whatever. They were here to
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deal with the impacts, not the underlying use of the property in terms of its
desirability in our community or in society.
Commissioner Finerty noted that they heard a lot of people in opposition to
the project speak to the traffic study being woefully inadequate, not covering
enough of an area and she asked Mr. Greenwood for his opinion. Mr.
Greenwood explained that the purpose of a traffic study is not to just satisfy,
that's part of the. issue, to satisfy staff that the technical issues have been
met. The more important aspect to that is to address the community's
concerns. They have been working with the architect on this and asked them
to have their traffic engineer present so that he could hear the community's
concerns and address them. The engineer wasn't here tonight, so there
might be more work to do on the traffic study if that is what the community
and the Planning Commission thought. If that's what the Planning
Commission thought, then more study might need to be done.
Commissioner Finerty asked Mr. Greenwood if in his opinion, he felt the
traffic study should have encompassed a greater area. Mr. Greenwood didn't
think a greater area would have helped anything. All of the people who
expressed their concerns lived relatively within the area that was the focus of
the study. They didn't have people present from the Primrose, Portola or
Magnesia Falls area. All the people here were in the area studied. So he
didn't think studying a wider area would help. He thought addressing the
concerns that were brought up was a critical aspect of this.
Commissioner Finerty asked if he had any other suggestions from his
knowledge and experience that could help address these concerns other
than what has appeared in the conditions of approval. She asked if there was
something that could have been looked at that wasn't. Mr. Greenwood said
that potentially, he didn't think the parking issue had been fully explored. He
had a chance to go by this site recently on weekends and was surprised how
impacted the neighborhood was with parking spilling over from the church.
He didn't think the grass parking area was the answer to that. If they put
parking on grass at least three weekends in a row, that grass would turn to
dust. He didn't think a grass temporary parking area was the solution. He
thought it needed to be explored further.
He stated that he wanted to clarify something that the architect pointed out.
The completion of Aztec Road wasn't a Desert Sands project. It was a City of
Palm Desert project and we dragged vur partners through that project.
Commissioner Finerty thanked him for his comments.
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Commissioner Finerty said that she really appreciated everyone taking the
time to come out and the civil way they conducted themselves. She
understood that there was passion on each side. She could relate somewhat
to what Palmira HOA is going through. She, too, is president of her
homeowner's association at Desert Breezes and they live right across the
street from Southwest Community Church. They had their share of traffic and
PA systems. She could understand what they were going through. She also
knew that working with the church and having a cooperative body to deal with
the issues that the homeowners bring forward could make all the difference
and could go a long way to making it a nice project for all.
A number of people spoke about the greater good. And that was the side she
came down on because she believed the greater good is served by allowing
the project to go through and trying to put in as many mitigation measures to
help with the residents in Pa�mira. It is true, as pointed out, that Sacred Heart
was there and then other developments came in. So everyone that lives in
that area knew about the traffic problem. Where her concern was, was in
trying to get in the best mitigation measures from a traffic study. She wasn't
convinced that this particular study had done that and she believed Mr.
Greenwood alluded to that in his comments.
She believed that the area that will be used for overflow recreational areas
that would be grass should definitely be paved. She thought that area would
be used at least for five months out of the season in the peak times and that
the grass would look terrible and would be an eyesore if cars were allowed to
just continue to park on grass.
She wasn't certain what other parking situations and mitigation measures
could be explored. She would be interested in Mr. Greenwood's direction in
that area and perhaps would suggest and ask City staff to meet with the
traffic engineer who prepared the traffic study and see what other areas they
could look at to try and mitigate it for most homeowners.
She was opposed to opening Moss Rose Drive. She thought it was a quality
of life issue and most everyone who bought there knew full well of the traffic
problem. With regard to staggering the times, she thought it was simpler to
adjust the mass time as has been done. Therefore, it wasn't a hardship on
any of the parents. The sound system, as stated by Dr. Brennan, is needed
for emergency purposes and announcements. She knew from experience
that a sound system could be made to work with the experience she'd had
with the Southwest Community Church's sound system. Again, it was the
cooperation that was needed.
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Finally, she was in favor of the project. She was looking for staff, specifically
the City Traffic Engineer, to work with Sacred Heart's engineer in trying to
address parking solutions over and above paving that recreational area.
Chairperson Jonathan said that with the Jewish Community Center
application, Commissioner Finerty spoke rather forcefully against an
exception to the 24-foot height limitation and he didn't hear her comment on
that tonight.
Commissioner Finerty said she forgot to mention that. Referring to her notes,
she said she heard that the applicant was willing to come down to 33 feet. As
she was looking at the roof, she could see where the 24-foot level was and it
was a rather small area. She believed what she spoke forcefully against was
the tower for the Jewish Federation Center not being appropriate, but she
believed the record would show that she didn't speak against the gymnasium
height. She believed that was warranted. As explained by the architect, this
also kept it in concert with the pitched roof similar to the existing property.
With the Jewish Community Center, there was nothing existing.
Commissioner Tschopp shared Commissioner Finerty's concerns wi#h the
traffic study. He, too, thought it was inadequate. His concern was that it was
inadequate because there weren't any easy solutions. They truly had a
successful church here in our community that has been there a long time
sandwiched between several schools, a high school with a high traffic volume
and loud noise. Then there was a middle school down the road that feeds the
main artery that feeds this church. So although he had a concern with the
traffic study, he didn't know what the solutions would be except they have a
lot of people moving into the desert who want to go to certain places and in
areas that might not be all that conducive to tra�c.
He said he liked the idea of the church expanding. He did have concems with
the parking. Although the church meets the ordinance and codes for parking
requirements, it is a very successful organization and should be
complimented on it, but in the same vein it didn't meet the needs. The need
was for greater amounts of parking. He, too, would like to see that looked at
a little deeper. He thought there were some safety issues that needed to be
addressed. One was the parking on the east side of Deep Canyon and the
people walking across the street. He used to live in that area and it was
unsafe on Sunday mornings and late Saturday night when people were
coming out of church. He thought that was an issue that should be
addressed.
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� � � i l
He also thought that any organization that creates traffic problems, be it for
good purposes, should be willing to take steps to help mitigate and keep the
safety of the peopie going to those programs at the foremost. He wanted to
see a condition put into the approval that the church, if it is decided by the
Palm Desert Chief of Police or the equivalent that there is a safety issue
there, that they will employ and pay for a policeman to direct traffic during
those high volume traffic times. He thought that was an issue that could be
done through the Palm Desert Safety Commission and through the Police
Chief.
He thought that Moss Rose should be opened. He wasn't a big fan of gates
and if they Iooked at these very similar contiguous developments, to have an
exit there onto Moss Rose might mitigate some of the concerns or problems
people were having getting out at certain times and not create any really
undue heavy traffic more than a couple of times a week, if at all.
The problem they all had with this is that if it's a problem now, it will be a
problem in the future whether they did nothing now and let it be the way it is.
If this project didn't go forward, they would still have a problem there. He
thought the church was trying to make some steps here to try and correct it.
He just didn't know if they had quite looked at all the ways to correct it.
Not being a traffic engineer, he also heard one of the people in the audience
speak about a no U-turn sign on Deep Canyon and he could see where that
would be a safety issue and should also be looked at. Regarding noise, he
believed a school/a church of this magnitude would need a way to
communicate times and events to the people on the campus, but he believed
that noise level should conform to the decibel levels applied to a residential
neighborhood. And they do have new sound systems and technology that
can do that. They can put in sound systems with speakers in a place that will
keep the sound level down and on the campus. He thought that could be
done and it could be monitored.
He was in favor of the expansion, he wasn't convinced on the parking study,
but he didn't know if they spent a lot more time on the tra�c study they would
come up with better answers. The truth of the matter is it is a very busy
quadrant in Palm Desert that has some very peak periods of time that will not
be mitigated unless they build freeways in that area, and he didn't think they
were going to do that for the peak periods that occur.
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Commissioner Campbell stated that she was also in favor of the expansion.
Being there every Sunday, she sees a parking problem. They couldn't blame
Father Lincoln for being so popular. Everybody just likes to go to church
there because they have a good time and they come out there. Older people
do park in the red zones in the parking lot, so they knew there was a parking
problem and a circulation problem. In the new area for the overflow grass
area, she agreed that it should be paved and a regular parking lot. When the
new parish hall was built, there would be less parking. The duplexes that are
there that were going to be retained, possibility in the near future those might
be demolished and those areas might be used for additional parking.
As far as the Palmira residents, the school has been there for many years.
The Palmira area was empty. People with children chose that place to live
because it would be closer to the school. The other residents without children
that are older knew they would be living in an area between schools. She
noted that traffic is a lot better now that Palm Desert High School has Aztec
Road. Before the traffic was even worse. As far as a lot of the parking along
Deep Canyon, some of the residents that live north of the school were
complaining that they do have a lot of cars parked along there. It wasn't their
front yards. The wall was probably eight feet high there, so they weren't
actually seeing those cars.
Yes, there is a problem with the parking. Hopefully Mr. Greenwood and the
City staff would work with Father Lincoln, the church, and the engineer to see
if they can do something with regard to that.
Commissioner Lopez thanked everyone for attending. What they had
experienced was a process they take very seriously and even though it may
be perceived that they attempt to throw up some obstacles, it wasn't really
obstacles. It was an understanding and clarification from their standpoint so
they can come up with the best decision. That was part of the planning
process.
He was a big proponent of churches and schools in the middle of a
community. It's an anchor and part of the culture of our town and our
communities and he thought it was a very important part of our community.
He thought Sacred Heart should be commended for doing an outstanding job
of not only growing, but also inviting more and more parishioners to the
church and building to the school. This expansion is something that is
needed to accommodate both those situations.
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The concerns were the need to carefully monitor the parking situation as it
exists during the peak times, but also the traffic during the peak times. He
thought it was necessary, with all due respect, that the team and staff at the
church needed to start taking a little more responsibility on a parking
management program for the church. There was just so much the City could
do. They needed to start taking some of the responsibility on their own to
have the parishioners to at least make every effort to keep the fire lanes open
to utilize proper etiquette as it pertains to those high volume time frames.
That said, he thought it was important to do a couple of things. In the staff
report there was a recommendation that the hours be extended to 11:00 p.m.
on Friday and Saturday night, but the condition read 10:00 p.m. on Friday
and 11:00 p.m. on Saturday. He thought they should change it to 11:00 p.m.
on both nights so they can facilitate fund raisers for the church. They all knew
it wouldn't happen every weekend; five or six times a year would probably be
a lot. There was only so much fund raising and so much spaghetti.
He also thought there was a need for the sound system to be able to
communicate adequately with the students, but also during times of a fire
alarm or an emergency. He thought that needed to be monitored and they
have ordinances to that effect regarding the level of sound. They needed to
have input from the residents, as well as the school, working together to
make sure it works.
Overall he was in favor of the project. He thought it addressed a need and
was an important part�of our community and he was in favor of it.
Chairperson Jonathan also thanked and commended everyone for taking
time out of their busy personal lives to share with them their concerns. They
could witness the process that takes place there twice a month. They often
have competing needs and objectives. The applicant, in this case the Church,
has a desire, a need, a goal, an objective, and other residents in the
neighborhood have their own needs. So the Commission's challenge was to
find a way, if at all possible, to meet everyone's needs. That is the process
everyone was helping them with tonight and he thanked them for that.
He didn't think he heard anyone tonight that was opposed to the church, the
school or even opposed to the expansion. So he didn't think that was the
issue before them. So the issue was how to mitigate the effects, the
consequences of that growth. He thought there were ways to do that. The
applicant himself brought some of those solutions and the staff did a
wonderFul job in bringing forth some solutions.
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Regarding the sound system, he was initially opposed before he heard
testimony. He now understood the need for the sound system and was in
favor because it was needed for the school. He suggested that in Department
of Community Development Condition No. 11 that they allow the sound
system, within the acceptable decibel standards, but limit the use of the
sound system to school hours. That would prevent fears in the neighborhood
that there was going to be outdoor concerts and so forth at 11:00 p.m. on a
Saturday night or Friday night. �
The height of the Parish Hall and gymnasium presented an issue for him
because he thought whenever they allow inconsistencies, they open
themselves and the City to criticisms and favoritism. He thought in a very
similar application that faced a major thoroughfare rather than being fully
surrounded by neighborhood, they were pretty adamant at limiting the height
of buildings, tower elements and so forth. He saw that they were being asked
to grant a significant exception to the 24-foot height limit by going nearly 50%
beyond that to 35 feet. He didn't have a problem with that. He thought he
heard very little opposition, so he thought it was warranted. His concern was
the inconsistency. So in allowing it for this project, he personally would urge
the City Council to revisit its limitation with regard to the Jewish Community
Center and take the initiative to contact those fine people and tell them that
apparently we have a new precedent and they may wish to reconsider. So
with regard to this application, he didn't have a problem with granting the
exception to the height limit.
The Parish Hall hours, he thought the Department of Community
Development Condition No. 10 needed to be modified, assurning the
Planning Commission agreed, with Sunday through Thursday to 10:00 p.m.
and Friday and Saturday to 11:00 p.m.
The final issue was traffic. Like his fellow commissioners, he was
disappointed in the traffic study. He thought it fell short, although staff was
more subtle about it, he thought they would agree they have a right to expect
more from the study. But as Commissioner Tschopp said, they could study
the issue to death and the reality is there are a lot of cars going in and out of
a residential neighborhood and there was a limit to the mitigation that could
be put into place.
He suggested in Community Development Condition No. 13, there was
already a requirement that if the grass area, the 78-space overflow space, if
the grass deteriorates, there was already a trigger for paving. He would
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Action:
rather see grass out there and let the applicant give grass a chance. There
were some turfed parking areas that seem to work. So if they could have
green out there instead of asphalt, they should give it a shot. And the
condition was already there.
Department of Public Works Condition No. 23 suggests an elimination of
staggered start times. He thought that was a good idea until he heard the
testimony, tonight and he understood and was sympathetic to parents who
have to transport their children already back and forth and to have to do that
twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon would be a pretty significant
burden. So he suggested they eliminate that requirement in Condition No. 23.
On the other hand, he thought it would be appropriate to add a requirement
that the applicant implement a traffic and parking management plan that
might incorporate either off duty police officers like St. Margaret's and/or
volunteers. That plan should be to the satisfaction of the City. He thought that
by working together with the City and with volunteers and/or off-duty police
officers they could eliminate the illegal parking, unsafe parking along fire
lanes, and much of the inconvenience that has been presented tv the
neighborhood. If things work and at some point that wasn't needed, it would
be to the satisfaction of City staff. If there wasn't a problem, there wouldn't be
a need to do that. But he would want to add that requirement to the condition.
That same condition, No. 23, places a requirement, if necessary, to open an
exit from the Via Palmira subdivision �nto Moss Rose Drive. Again, he
suggested that be at the discretion of the City. In the event it is required, the
cost of that requirement should be burdened on the applicant. He thought
that was fair because it wasn't Palmira that was instigating the need for this,
it was the applicant.
Other than that, he thought the other issues had been addressed. He asked if
there was further discussion or a motion.
Commissioner Lopez stated that he would move for approval with the
appropriate revision to Community Development Condition No. 10, Condition
No. 11 on the sound system. Cornmissioner Finerty had a question regarding
the sound system. Chairperson Jonathan requested that the motion be
made, see if there was a second, then come back to discussion.
Commissioner Lopez continued with the revision to Condition No. 23 with
regarding staggered times and to eliminate that item. He believed those were
the revisions, but they should correct him if he was wrong. Chairperson
Jonathan asked if he was also suggesting adding the requirement for a
:
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traffic/parking management plan and burdening the applicant with the cost of
the opening, should it be required. He asked if there were questions about
the motion.
Commissioner Finerty noted that they talked about Condition No. 11 and the
PA system and Chairperson Jonathan suggested that they have the PA
system for school hours only. She didn't think that was practical because if
they have people in the Parish Hall having spaghetti dinner, or an
emergency, they were going to need access to a PA system. Chairperson
Jonathan said he thought she had a question on the motion and asked if
there was a second. Commissioner Campbell seconded the motion.
Chairperson Jonathan said that the PA system could be used in
emergencies. He thought that was intuitive.
Commissioner Finerty said they talked about the height going down to 33 feet
and she didn't hear that as part of the motion. Commissioner Campbell said it
would be 35. Commissioner Finerly asked if that was Commission's pleasure.
Commissioner Lopez said yes.
Commissioner Tschopp said that there was one other requirement they had,
Public Works Condition No. 22. His concern was that setting the times was
very arbitrary. It might be in the future that school times change and it should
be left more that the church would change as deemed necessary to assist
with traffic in the area. He didn't like the idea that they were setting a time.
Commissioner Finerty clarified that the gist was so that school and mass
didn't begin at the same time. Commissioner Tschopp understood it was in
conjunction with the other schools in the area and the verbiage needed to be
cleaned up. He didn't like to be arbitrary in case other things change ten
years from now. Chairperson Jonathan suggested adding to the condition
that it should be adjusted at the request of the City. Commissioner Tschopp
concurred.
Commissioner Finerty asked if Commissioner Lopez's motion indicated that
the overFlow parking should be paved. Commissioner Lopez said no, he was
fine with the current wording, but it would need to be followed very carefully.
Commissioner Tschopp said that Commissioner Lopez also had a good idea
with the church participating and/or having in place a traffic/parking mitigation
program. He was hoping that might be part of the conditions. Commissioner
Lopez said it was part of No. 23.
Mr. Greenwood asked for clarification regarding the parking management
plan to say that it is the applicant's architect and engineer's responsibility to
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IX.
prepare, submit to staff and staff would review it as Planning Commission's
representatives trying their best to have it crafted how they would like to see
it, and then present it to Commission. Staff is representing the Planning
Commission in getting this done. So when they ask for something to be done,
they would like it to be addressed and not to be badgered about it. Speaking
for himself, Chairperson Jonathan said that was his intent as well that the
burden is on the applicant to create the plan to the satisfaction of staff and
absolutely staff should feel free to share it with or get direction from the
Planning Commission an� make sure their objectives are being met there.
The plan that he envisioned would enumerate, recognize and confirm the
kinds of problems and challenges that have existed and then enumerate
solutions and incorporate a solution to the illegal parking, free up fire lanes
and so forth, and that it would probably include some kind of a traffic direction
assistance, whether that was an off-duty officer or volunteers. Mr.
Greenwood thanked him. Commissioner Campbell said that could all be
included in Condition No. 23 with the parking and so forth. Commission
concurred. Commissioner Lopez confirmed that was consistent with what he
had in mind and staff should incorporate that into the condition.
Chairperson Jonathan called for the vote. The motion carried 5-0.
It was moved by Commissioner Lopez, seconded by Commissioner
Campbell, adopting Planning Commission Resolution No. 2325, approving
Case No. CUP 04-13, subject to the conditions as amended. Motion carried
5-0.
MISCELLANEOUS
A. Update and Discussion about Valet Parking at Palomino's and
Augusta's.
Chairperson Jonathan asked for a brief update and discussion about
valet parking. He noted that Palomino's was no longer an issue. �
Relative to Augusta's, Mr. Drell stated that they are in violation of their
permit. Chairperson Jonathan said that was every night. Mr. Drell said
their permit only allows them to reserve one space in front and half the
parking lot in back. Chairperson Jonathan indicated that they were no
Ionger satisfied putting cones in the driveways, they were putting
entire cars there. Mr. Drell said Public Works Department and Code
.�
MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNINC COMMISSION F�Bl,lARY 15: 2005
Enforcement would be informing them that they are in violation of their
permit and/or revocation.
Mr. Greenwood asked if it was the strong feeling of the Planning
Commission that the valet ordinance is something that we support and
expect these permits to be adhered to, because frankly there were
quite a few violations out there and they tend to be overlooked. He
thought the Code Enforcement Department would appreciate hearing
that this is indeed an important problem that they should be
addressing.
Speaking personally, Commissioner Tschopp said he found valet
parking sometimes very offensive, the way the restaurants are doing
it. They are taking the most convenient spaces, they are forcing other
people that don't want to use valet parking to park way out beyond
what is anticipated, it is a money making venture for a restaurant and
when they use public parking, it really galls him to no end. To be quite
honest, the liability that the restaurants don't have that the people are
not aware of the legal issues, is just incredible. He personally would
like to see someone take a look at the entire valet parking process
and maybe even inform the public what they are getting into when
they hand their keys over. But in spite of his personal opinion, he
thought it was wholly unnecessary and being used wrongly in this city.
Mr. Greenwood said that our ordinance indeed requires valet
operators to park in the furthest away spaces. Commissioner Tschopp
said whether it was Augusta's, or Palomino's, or Morton's, all of them
don't do it. These are young kids who understand that a car could be
parked close and they would make $5 a tip to hold a car hostage or
park it two blocks down and get the same tip. They weren't dummies.
They know where to park the cars that are close and convenient for
themselves and not the public. That is the biggest travesty of the
whole thing. Mr. Greenwood said those issues he just described were
the very reasons we have a valet parking ordinance. It is the most
restrictive in the valley, he believed, so it would help them to hear the
Commission's comments and persuade Code Enforcement that this is
indeed an important issue. Commissioner Tschopp said he didn't want
to mislead him, that was his opinion. Commissioner Finerty agreed.
She has never used valet parking because of the liability. They could
just watch these kids go screeching off in the car that they take care of
so perfectly and they aren't responsible for any liability, that was true.
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Commissioner Campbell said her employee has a daughter who
started valet parking and the stories she tells, some of these guys
didn't even have drivers licenses, they are alcoholics, they are on
drugs and here they are parking very expensive cars and she would
think that the company would go ahead and require that they have
everything, but she guessed some of them do not. That's pretty scary.
When they don't get their cars back sometimes, and it happened to a
friend of theirs, when it used to be The Lodge, they couldn't find his
car and someone probably took it for a joy drive.
Chairperson Jonathan added that enforcement of the valet parking
ordinance needed to be a very high priority for Code Compliance, and
part of the reason he felt that way is they do give patrons a choice.
Some people don't want to valet and some people do, so the
ordinance accommodates those different desires and preferences.
However, the code is specific in specifying that there needs to be a
permitting process and a Iocation. He thought that was very important.
Our restaurant businesses in town need to comply with that. It
disturbed him that the one in particular that he asked about, because
he happens to see it every night, just flaunts the code, and in spite of
the City's repeated requests for them to comply, just flaunt their
disobedience. It's inappropriate and apparently others are doing it as
well.
He noted that they spend a lot of time here, many nights, working
through details about parking and the layout and the number of spots.
And all of that just goes away when they close off their parking lot,
thereby diverting much of that parking demand onto the streets and
creating a problem where they have worked so hard to avoid the
emergence of a problem. The answer was yes, he personally thought
it shvuld be a very high priority compliance issue. He thanked Mr.
Drell for following up on that issue.
Action:
None.
X. COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES
A. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES
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u � : _►► ► •►i�i • :; �; ��
Commissioner Campbeil reported that Art in Public Places would be
on the 16th.
B. LANDSCAPE COMMITTEE
Commissioner Finerty said there was a meeting. Mr. Drell said they
discussed the gated walls. There were some esoteric design decisions
about Entrada Del Paseo. Commissioner Finerty said they also talked
about the bridge. It was informational.
Mr. Greenwood noted they also addressed the Fred Waring sound
wall. He thought that might be of interest to Commission. There wasn't
enough right-of-way on Fred Waring to provide a sidewalk, which is
very unusual in Palm Desert, but there's not a lot of pedestrian traffic
there. So they were going to basically have a dual wall system there
with a low retaining wall and then an eight to ten-foot higher sound
wall just a foot and a half behind that. It wouldn't leave any room for
landscaping or sidewalk, but the discussion was about having a
decorative, he thought a very nice Iooking decorative wall, even nicer
than the existing wall on Fred Waring near the Goleta area. They also
recently at the City Council meeting deleted the sidewalk off of Florida
Avenue because of concerns of the residents that it was intrusive to
them. It was more of a burden to them than a benefit, so quite a
number of them preferred that they not do it, so they decided not to
build it. People can still walk in the street like they have for 40 years
and there hasn't been a problem.
Commissioner Finerty agreed that it was going to be a nice looking
wall.
C. PROJECT AREA 4 COMMITTEE
Commissioner Finerty reported there was no meeting.
XI. COMMENTS
A. Commissioner Lopez noted that during the course of the day they
received a copy of a letter to Charlie Inderwiesche from Buford Crites
and asked why they received it tonight. Mr. Diercks explained that Mr.
Joy was trying to respond to the Commission's desire to have an
63
�F � ..
Cl�
�'; I �'�i�, � I Sacred Heart C
urc
43-775 Deep Canyon Road • Palm Desert, Ca]iFc�rnia �2260 •(760D��6-�C 2•�: (; 60� 73��r��
`SACRED HEART CHURCH AND SCHOOErom' � � .
II�
RESPONSE TO MR. MCCUTCHEON'S L�TTER AND RECOMMENDATIONS
DATED FEBRUARY 9, 2005
1. More on-site, "paved" parking spaces as well as overflow grassed areas
must be provided to accommodate the number of cars during the winter
season as well as during peak holiday periods.
There is a significant amount of additional parking spaces included in our
plan which includes an overflow into the Sports Field. According to staff
report dated 2/15/05, the 588 parking spaces provided in our plan ere in
full compliance with the City's ordinances.
2. A two-way driveway should be opened to the church parking lot from
Florine.
As we indicated in our previous session with representatives of the City, we
would hove no objection to a two-way driveway being opened off Florine
Drive.
3. The two driveways south of the church should be combined into one
driveway. Northbound traffic on Deep Canyon would be prohibited from
turning left into this driveway south of the church. Moving this driveway
between the two current driveways would distance if from the Palmira
entrance. All outbound traffic onto Deep Canyon from this parking lot
should be required to turn right only.
The proposal of Item No. 3 would create havoc in the area of Secred Heart
Church. It would result in a prohibitive number of u-turns together with
everyone going North on Deep Canyon or Ecst or West on Fred Waring,
would be directed and forced to use only one entrance to our entire
parking lot which is that off of Fred Waring. Neither the City Engineer, nor
the Traffic Consultant consider this a viable option.
4. The Church qnd School hire off-duty policemen on Saturday afternoon
from 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon to
2
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`` ,
�
t._
direct traffic in and out of the parking lots and to insure that ALL FIRE
LANES ARE NOT BLOCKED.
For our major holidays we do hire a private security force to help in the
policing of our area including the p.arking lot. In addition, the construction
of a significcnt amount of additional parking would olleviate this
congestion.
Also, on occasion we have hired off-duty policemen ; however, they will
not take this assignment beccuse of the limited number of hours.
5. All activities scheduled for the parish hall/gymnasium must be completed
before 10:00 p.m. on Sunday through Friday nights and 11:00 p.m. on
Saturday night.
It has been our experience at Sccred Heart Church that we do not have
activities beyond the times specified in Item No. 5.
6. No flood or stadium lights will be allowed on or around the sports field or
track. Down lighting and/or security lighting would be acceptable.
We agree that we will hcve no flood or stcdium lights around the Sports
Field or Track.
7. Use of the sports field and track must be limited to the hours between 8:00
a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. No use of the track and field on the weekend.
Because of unforeseen circumstances and unknown schedules we cannot
cbide with proposals of Item No. 7.
8. No sound system will be allowed to broadcast outside the church or
school between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. on weekdays and
NO time on the weekend. We have recently been hearing loud music
broadcast outside from the school sound system around 7:45 a.m.
While we will make every effort to be a good neighbor, we cannot restrict
ourselves to Item No. 8.
9. No future additions or enlargements will be allowed to the church or
school that is not included in the master plan of Sacred Heart School and
3
� C_..
Church presently on file with the City of Pa{m Desert Planning Department.
This is the 3�d time in the fast 3-5 years the Church and Schoof have
requested additional bui{dings on their property. If the church and schoof
confiinues to increase in attendance, then they need to relocate to
somewhere other than a congesfied residentiaf area.
We dgree to comply with the conditional use permit and its related
amendments.
10. Maximum enrollment should be capped at 625 students from pre-school
thru 8th grade. This would allow for 93 additional students to be added to
current enrollment.
We agree to Condition No. 12 in the Staff Report, Dept. of Community
Development.
11. Attention should be given to laying out the church parking lot to be more
user friendly, e.g. signs, painted directional arrows on the pavement as
we11 as communicating in the weekly Parish Bulletin directing routes of
entrylexits fio be used, etc.
We will do everything that we con to make our parking lots user friendly.
12.The City of Palm Desert approve red lining the east and west si�fe of Deep
Canyon from Via Palmira (Palmira's entrancej to 2 car lengths beyond
Moss Rose. This will help abate the noise disturbance as the parish hall is
completed and in full use. It is also a safety consideration since all those
parking along Deep Canyon are jaywalking across traffic to get to the
Church, Parish Hall or School during peak traffic.
We will certainly abide with City ordinances regerding red-lining.
However, we have some very senior parishioners who need to park as
c{ose to the Church as possible. Redlining would greatly hinder the
elderfy who have great difficufty welking from attending the Parish and
practicing their faith.
13.The City of Palm Desert approve a No Turn on Red from west bound Fred
Waring to north bound Deep Canyon now that the city has lined a turn
lane on Fred Waring.
We trust in the professional opinion of the City of Palm Desert regarding this
matter.
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14. As a small gated community in Palm Desert, we do not have money in our
budget to spend $15,000.00 to add an exit gate to the north end of our
community replacing one of the emergency gates. If Sacred Heart is
willing to pay the cost of the equipment and installation we would
certainly consider that as a viable option. However, we do not want this
viewed as the solution to the traffic, parking and ingress/egress problems
for the entire neighborhood surrounding Sacred Heart campus.
Sacred Heart has held 3 separate Community Meetings regarding this
entire mctter. Two meetings were held at Sacred Heort Church and one' �
meeting was held at my home. Everyone from Palmira was invited to
these gatherings. Very few people atFended these conferences. For
example, the open house at my home was attended by a totcl four
people including Thomcs McCutcheon, and one who wcs a parent of one
of our kindergerten students and wha simply came to get an overview of �
the entire plan. We believe that there are in excess of 60 homes in the .
Palmira community. These homes are of significant value, and we are �`��-�,,
hard-pressed to believe that were the issue of traffic ingress/egress etc. a��
major issue to the occupants of Palmira that they would willingly come "�
together for an assessment of $250.00 per household to facilitate their
construction of a gate. In speaking with Mr. McCutcheon regarding this
motter, he has indicated on severcl occasions thot they are not willing to
pay that.
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C��
Date:
To:
From:
February 15, 2005
City of Palm Desert
MEMORANDUM
Planning Commission
Francisco J. Urbina, Associate Planner
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Subject: CUP 04-13, Sacred Heart Master Plan
Staff responses to 14 conditions of approval requested by Mr. Thomas W.
McCutchen, President of the Palmira Homeowners Association
In Mr. McCutchen's letter dated February 9, 2005, the Ptanning Gommission is asked to
add 14 conditions of approval to CUP 04-13 to mitigate project impacts for homeowners
within the Palmira subdivision. Staff has prepared the following written responses to the
14 conditions requested in Mr. McCutchen's letter.
1. More on-site, "paved" parking spaces, as well as overflow grassed areas must be
provided to aecommodate the number of cars during the winter season, as well
as during peak holiday periods.
Response: To alleviate an existing shortage of off-street parking spaces during
Sunday worship services in the winter season, the Sacred Heart Master Plan
proposes to increase the number of off-street parking spaces from 430 to 588 —
an increase of 158 parking spaces. A parking survey of Sacred Heart Church
conducted by City Code Enforcement staff on a Sunday morning in February
2003 revealed a parking shortage of 149 spaces during peak worship services.
There were 119 cars parked on Deep Canyon Road and 460 vehicles parked in
the church's 430-space parking lot. Staff believes the addition of 158 new off-
street parking spaces will provide sufficient off-street parking during peak
demand times.
2. A two-way driveway should be opened to the church parking lot from Florine.
ResQonse: After hearing numerous complaints from homeowners on Florine
Avenue abo.ut traffic impacts from the Sacred Heart Church and School on
Florine Avenue, the City Council directed that vehicular and pedestrian access
frorn the Church onto Florine Avenue be closed. As a result, driveways were
eliminated and the Church constructed a wrought iron fence along its Florine
Avenue boundary.
l
f
Response: This request has been fulfilled. Department of Community
Development condition of approval no. 11 prohibits outdoor sound systems at all
times.
9. No future additions or enlargements will be allowed to the church or school that is
not included in the master plan of Sacred Heart School and Church presently on
file with the City of Palm Desert Planning Department. This is the 3�d time in the
last 3 to 5 years the Church and School have requested additional buildings on
their property. If the church and school continues to increase in attendance, then
they need to relocate to somewhere other than a congested residential area.
\ '
5
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3
Response: Staff suggests that Mr. McCutchen speak to Sacred Heart Church
Pastor Father Howard Linco{n and ask Father Lincoln if he can have some
church members present in the church parking lot on Saturdays and Sundays
during worship services to help direct traffic in and out of the parking lot and to
remind motorists not park in fire lanes.
All activities scheduled for the parish hall/gymnasium must be completed before
10:00 p.m. on Sunday through Friday nights and 11:00 p.m. on Saturday nights.
Response: This request has been fulfilled. Department of Community
Development condition of approval no. 10 requires that all activities and use of the
parish shaA end by 10:00 p.m. on Sunday thru Friday and by 11 :00 p.m. on
Saturday. �
No flood or stadium lights will be allowed on or around the sports field or track.
Down lighting and/or security lighting would be acceptable.
ResAonse: This request has been fulfilled. Department of Community
Development condition of approval no. 8 states that there shall be no stadium or
flood light lighting for the pla�elds.
Use of the sports field and track must be limited to the hours between 8:00 a.m.
and 5:00 p.m. daily. No use of the track and field on the weekend.
Response: Department of Community Development condition of approval no. 8
requires that use of the pla�elds shall occur only during daylight hours, but in no
case later than 9:�OPM. Staff thinks that the homeowners association requested
days and times for use of the playfields is too restrictive because it limits
recreationaf opportunities.
8. No sound system wili be allowed to broadcast outside the church or school
between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. on weekdays and at NO time on
the weekend. We have recently been hearing loud music broadcast outside from
the school sound system around 7:45 a.m.
��
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14. As a small, gated community in Palm Desert, we do not have money in our
budget to spend $15,000.00 to add an exit gate to the north end of our
community replacing one of the emergency gates. If Sacred Heart is willing to
pay the cost of the equipment and installation, we would certain(y consider that a
viable option. However, we do not want that viewed as the solution to the traffic,
parking, and ingress/egress problems for the entire neighborhood surrounding
Sacred Heart campus.
Response: Department of Public Works condition of approval no. 23 requires
that if the co�struction of "pork chop" islands and staggered school times are not
effective in mitigating traffic impacts from the expansion of the elementary
school, the applicant shall work with the Palmira Homeowners Association to
open an exit gate from the Palmira subdivision or�to Moss Rose Drive. The
applicant has communicated to staff that Sacred Heart Church is willing to
participate in the cost of constructing an automated exit gate from the Palmira
subdivision onto Moss Rose Drive. However, no commitment has been made as to
a speciftc dollar amount.
Staff suggests that Mr. McGutchen obtain written bids from licensed contractors on
the cost to construct an automated exit gate and that these bids be shared with
Father Lincoln. Mr. McCutchen should then contact Father Lincoln to negatiate a
written agreement on the amount of the Church's financial contribution.
/i
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Paul W. Shillcock
Zoe A. Fischer
74582 Moss Rose Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92260
15 February 2005
City of Palm Desert Planning Commission
73-510 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92260-2578
Re: Mitigated Negative Declaration Hearing
Case No. CUP 04-13
Sacred Heart Church and School
Dear Commissioners,
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�M{�IMidatPlanning C�a�,,� .;�=� �reetf�
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Please accept this response letter to the Notice of Intent to adopt the negative
Declaration for CUP 04-13. I am a resident of Palm Desert, currently living on
Moss Rose Drive, whose permanent residence will be directly affected in a
negative manner by the project as proposed.
I respectfully ask the Commission and City staff to provide a full traffic impact
analysis for the Condition of Approval which requires the applicant to "work with
the residents in the Palmira subdivision (gated community) in making
the...emergency access gate...to Moss Rose Drive open for general traffic...".
The condition as written asks the applicant to attempt effectuation of a change of
local traffic circulation without any apparant supporting traffic impact analysis or
circulation effects.
Currently Moss Rose Drive carries less tra�c than most residential streets are
designed to accomodate, due to the fact that only the homes in the Canyon Crest
subdivision and the Lantana gated community use this local street to access
collector streets. Currently there are about 120 single family homes that use
Moss Rose to access Deep Canyon Road. I am not a traffic engineer, but if I
correctly understand the manuals available from the American Planning Institute
and Institute of Traffic Engineers (ITE), an average Single Family Dwelling (SFD)
generates 10-22 vehicle trips per day. Therefore, on the average today there
between 1200 and 2640 vehicles per day using Moss Rose Drive from or to
Deep Canyon Road.
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The action before you today requests that the 62 homes in Palmira have their
trips added to Moss Rose Drive in order to apparently accommodate a once-a-
week traffic nuisance at the intersection of Deep Canyon Road at the Palmira
gate. However, if that once-a-week nuisance is diverted full time to Moss Rose
Drive it would add 640 to 1408 vehicle trips per day to our existing traffic; a
significant impact equaling a 50% increase! It would also, with a maximum
vehicle trip generation scenario, result in the designed traffic load of a local street
(3500 trips per day) being exceeded.
This decision may not seem like a"significant impact" to City staff, but it is
certainly a significant impact to my neighbors and my family. We are asking that
this Condition of Approval be removed from the project CUP and that the church
and the City find another solution to the once-a-week traffic nuisance on Deep
Canyon; rather than diverting it to our street on a 365 day per year basis.
�
i
Residents Signature
We, the undersigned, do hereby petition against the conversion of the emergency gate at
the north end of Paseo Montecillo to an entrance and/or exit frorn the Palmira Courtyard
Estates in Palm Desert, California. The conversion of this gate will result in additional
tr�c on Moss Rose Drive. Presently, Moss Rose Drive has excessive traffic resulting
from Moss Rose Drives, Lantanas, and a good majority of Canyon Crests community's
residents, services personnel, and visitors using Moss Rose Drive as the main entrance
and exit to Deep Canyon. Adding the potential for 62 additional homes using Moss Rose
Drive as their entrance and/or exit to Palmira would be detrimental to the Moss Rose
residents, and would substantially add traffic to the severely congested neighborhood
street.
Please c�nsider the residents of Moss Rose and not a11ow the subject gate conversion.
1 -'"�
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We, the undersigned, do hereby petition against the conversion of the emergency gate at
the north end of Paseo Montecillo to an entrance andlor exit from the Palmira Courtyard
Estates in Palm Desert, California. The conversion of this gate will result in additional
tr�c on Moss Rose Drive. Presently, Moss Rose Drive has excessive traffic resulting
from Moss Rose Drives, Lantanas, and a good majority of Canyon Crests community's
residents, services personnel, and visitors using Moss Rose Drive as the main entrance
and exit to Deep Canyon. Adding the potential for 62 additional homes using Moss Rose
Drive as their entrance andlor exit to Palmira would be detrimental to the Moss Rose
residents, and would substantially add traffic to the severely congested neighborhood
street.
Please consider the residents of Moss Rose and not a11ow the subject gate conversion.
Residents Signature Residents Name and Address
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We, the undersigned, do hereby petition against the conversion of the emergency gate at
the north end of Paseo Montecillo to an entrance andlor exit from the Palmira Courtyard
Esta.tes in Palm Desert, California. T'he conversion of this gate will result in additional
traffic on Moss Rose Drive. Presently, Moss Rose Drive has excessive traffic resulting
from Moss Rose Drives, Lantanas, and a good majority of Canyon Crests community's
residents, services personnel, and visitors using Moss Rose Drive as the main entrance
and exit to Deep Canyon. Adding the potential for 62 additional homes using Moss Rose
Drive as their entrance and/or exit to Palmira would be detrimental to the Moss Rose
residents, and would substantiall� add traffic to the severely congested neighborhood
street.
Please consider the residents of Moss Rose and not allow the subject gate conversion.
Residents Signature Residents Name and Address
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CITY OF PALM DESERT
To:
From:
Date:
Subject:
Planning Commission
Mark Greenwood, City Engineer
February 10, 2005
Deep Canyon Road Traific Study
REGEIV'ED
FEB 15 ZOQS
COMhfUNITY e�$VELOPM�'f DEPARTI�BNT
C1TY UF PALM DESERT
At the August 3�d planning commission meeting, the Commissioner Jonathan requested
that a study of traffic issues be done for the area between Portola And Cook, particulariy
with the extension of Magnesia Falls Drive from Portola to Monterey. The traffic study
for the Sacred Heart Church Master Plan studies issues related to the church. Public
Works staff has compiled the following information to assist the commission in
understanding the traffic in the area.
The peak traffic time in the area is roughly between 7am and 8am. This is due to #he
schools in the area starting around this time and commuters traveling to jobs that start
at the approximate same time that travel through the area. Staff observed the parking
lot at Sacred Heart Church to be nearly full for morning mass, which also adds to the
traffic.
The start time for the schools in the area is as follows;
Palm Desert High School 7:45 am
Palm Desert Middle School 7:55 am
Lincoln Elementary School 7:45, 8:Q0, & 8:10 am
Sacred Heart ?:45 mass, 8:00 School
The drop-off area for Lincoln and Palm Desert Middle School is on Magnesia Fa{Is Drive
to alleviate complaints from Rutledge Drive residents. The intersection of Rutfedge and
Portola is barricaded for eastbound t�affic.
For Lincoln School, the city constructed a turn-out area alongside the street for drop-
offs, with the traffic then dispersing either; a) a u-turn on Magnesia Faffs Drive, b) a
right-turn on Rutledge, or c) continuing east-bound on Deep Canyan.
PUBLIC W(JRKS DEPARTMENT
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
G:1PubWorksITEMPLATESIdeep eanyon rd. tra�c study.dot
� �
The drop-off area for Palm Desert Middle School is in a parking area off Magnesia Falls
Drive. Parents may enter this lot from an eastbound or westbound direction at the west
end of the parking lot and may exit left or right on Magnesia Falls Drive at the east end
of the lot.
A recent newspaper article from a resident at the intersection of Deep Canyon and
Buttonwood prompted a response from the mayor that. analyzed the extension of
Magnesia Falls Drive that occurred in April of 2004. Vehicle counts taken at the bridge
in October of 2004 averaged 286 eastbound and 311 westbound. during the 7am to
8am peak time. Very little of this traffic continued on to Fred Waring Drive due to added
stop signs and the construction of Aztec Road.
Up until last year, there was considerable stacking of vehicles for the !eft turn movement
from southbound Deep Canyon to eastbound Fred Waring that would extend to the
entrance of Via Palmira. The stacking was considerably worse from eastbound Fred
Waring to northbound Phyllis Jackson entering the high school, resulting in the
construction of Aztec Road that provides access to the high school from Cook Street.
With the construction of Aztec Road, resulting traffic counts during the peak time from 7
am to 8 am on southbound Deep Canyon Road north of Fred Waring Drive, decreased
from 608 vehicles averaged during the week of January 15-21, 2002, to 304 vehicles
February 3`d, 2005. Stacking also decreased through signal timing.
Staff observed significant street parking from Sacred Heart Church besides the usual
service times, most recently February 10�' and February 12�', resulting from funerals.
'
1�1,,rff►► �I'`i I
Attachment: letter to Charlie Inderwiesche
cc:
G:IPubWorks\TEMPLATESIdeep canyon rd. traffic sludy.dot
�� CITY OF ��l�l DESERI
OFfICE OF THS MAYOA
February 1, 2005
73-5 IO FRED WARING DRIVE
PALM D&SERT, CALIFORNIA 9 2 2 60-2 5 7$
'r�L: �60 346-06 i i
F�x:76o 34�-0574
cicyhail�ci.palm-dcserc. ca. ua
Charlie and Angie Inderwiesche
74-484 Myrsine Avenue
Palm Desert, California 92260
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Inderwiesche:
This is both in response to your letter of August 11, 2004, as well as to your
comments noted in a recent Desert Sun article. In laoking at the reasons cited by
you in your request for a heightened wall I find that most of issues you have
mentioned aze not directly the concern of the City. As examples, you note that
school children have "hopped our fence because it is too low." This may or may
not be a liability for you but certainly it is not anything caused by the City of Palm
Desert.
Secondly, you note that it is "uncomfortable for us to use our swimming pool
because people can see us." Again, that is not an issue having anything to do with
cunent street improvements or changes in traffic patterns but has been true as long
as Deep Canyon has been a public thoroughfare. Regarding the issue of "not�
being able to open our blinds in the evening," because people can see into our
home, again, if this is tnte, it was true before the street improvements were made.
Regarding your cornment about the increase in traffic since the City opened
Magnesia Falls, I would call attention to a traffic study I have included from
January of 2002, which lists traffic totals of over 5,000 as well as a traffic study
from January 2005, which list total traffic counts of approximately 3,700. Rather
than an increase in traffic, which by the way was projected in the Environmental
Impact study, there appears to have been a decrease in traffic. I believe a major
cause of this decrease is likely to have been the completion of Aztec Road at Palm
Desert High School which allows both students and others to enter and exit the
facitity from Cook Street. Since traffic volumes and noise Ievels are directly
related, noise levels may be lower now than before the project due to decreased
traffic volumes.
�
iI f��NI1pOM1t[IIl111�1t�
r
` �
�
- February 1, 2005
Charlie and Angie Inderwiesche
Page 2
Regarding the issue that it is "noisier than it was before," the Environmental
Impact Report which relating to noise and noise prediction models which was a
part of the Public Review process when the Environmental Impact document was
proposed noted that "future noise level presented in this study actually overstate
the exterior noise impacts" and that further noise mitigation was not required to
meet the City of Palm Desert's exterior noise or interior noise standards. These
were part of our open public discussions at the time of approval and certainly if
indeed you did perceive there were the potential for future problems, that would
have been the time to have cammented on that. However, I have taken the
opporiunity on two separate occasions since The Desert Sun article was published
to go out to tlie stop sign, once in the morning at approximately 8:00 a.rn. for'/z
hour and another time neaz 5:00 p.m. for again approximately Y: hour and listen to
see if I heard what I considered to be excessive screeching tire noise, honking or
engine rerrving, and I heard no such phenomena. This is not to say that those
things do not occur, but there are no data that appear ta show that they rise to a
level necessary for further noise abatement.
I may agree with your comment that "cosmetically it would benefit our
neighborhood" referring to a new wall. Hawever, those cosmetic benefits are for
the benefit of individual homeowners and need to be paid for by individual
homeowners.
To restate my apening comments most of the reasons cited for asking for a bl�ck
wall are not issues that have direct relationship to the City of Pa1m Desert, and
those cited having to da with tra�c increases simply do not appear to be factuaily
true.
Sincerely, � '�
;,
,
�
� , .
BUFORD A. CRITES
MAYOR
BAC:wjm
CITY Of Pfll{� aESERi
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. CONCLUSiONS
The results of this noise analysis indicate that the existing soundwalis will provide
adequate noise mitigation for homes located throughout the Magnesia Falfs Drive
lmprovement Project study area including those homes iocated on Deep Canyon Road '
north of Buttonwood Drive. No additional noise mitigation is required to meet the City of
Palm Desert 65 dBA CNEL exterior noise standard or the 45 dBA CNEL interior noise
standard.
The homes iocated befinreen the San Pablo Avenue and Portola Avenue near the
proposed extensio� will experience a signif+cant increase in the vehicle noise impacts.
However, it is important to note that the noise leve(s at these iocations wi11 remain below
the 65 dBA CNEL exterior noise level standard.
The predicted existing and future noise levets presented in this study actuafly overstate
the eacterior naise impacts. The noise prediction modet produced exterior noise levels that
were higher than the noise leve! measurement collected in the backyard of hornes located
on Silk Tree Lane. i'his worst-case analysis also did not account for the additional 4 dBA
noise atte�uation wili that will be provided through the app{ication of an asphaft rubber hot
mix (ARHM�.
While no additional noise rnitigation is required to meet the City of Palm Desert exterior o�
interior noise sta�dards, severaf mitigation measures were identified in the "Summary of
Recommenda#ions" section of tF►is report. These additiona{ noise mitigation measures will
heip to minimize the short-term noise impacts associated with the project construction
and the long-term traffic related noise.
32
.
0
m
d,
�
TABLE 3
- EX1STfNG TRAFFIC NOISE PREDICTION MODEL 1NPUTS
(WITH PROPOSED ALiGNMENT)
VEHICLE MIXZ
VEHICLE . MEDiUM HEAVY
ROAD� SEGMENT COUNT' AUTOS TRUCKS TRUCKS
Magnesia Falfs Drive e10 Monterey Ave. . 496 � 444 52 _
Magnesia Fails Drive , e/o San Pablo Ave. 263 238 27 -
Magnesia Falls Drive w/o Portola Ave. � 296 265 � 3'1 - �
Magnesia Falls Drive � e!o Portola Ave. � 1,176 � 1,054 122 � - �
Mag�esia Falis D�ive � e!o Rutledqe Way 897 � 804 93 + - f
Deep Canyon Rd. � No Buttanwood Dr. 854 76� I gg � _ �
Deep Canyon Rd. ' � No Fred Wa�in� Qr. � 1,419 1,271 , 148 � - �
Portala Avenue . � n/o Maqnesia Falis Dr. � 2,102 � 1,883 � 219 � - �
5PEED
(MPH)
40 �
40
4a
40
40
40
35
45
' Source: Magnesia Fails Dr. Improvement Project Tra�c Study, prepared by RKJK 8 Associates, Inc. on 10/27/00.
Z Based on a vehicle mix of 90% Autos and 10% Medium Trucks. -
J:IUcJobs1003 i 81Exce►1[00318-05.x1s)T3
23
� � .
I �,. .
TABLE 4
�;
FUTURE TRAFFiC NOISE PREDICTION MODEI, lNPUTS
(WiTH PROPOSED AL.IGNMEN�
VEHICLE MIXZ
VEHICLE - MEDIUM HEAVY
� ROAD SEGMENT COUNT' AUTOS TRUCKS TRUCKS
Magnesia Falis Drive eJo Monterey Ave. 693 621 72 -
Magnesia Falts Drive eio San Pablo Ave. 368 330 38 -
' Magnesia Falls Drive w/o Portola Ave. 334 � 299 35 -
' Magnesia Fa{is Drive e!o Portota Ave. 1,290 1,156 134 -
Magnesia Falls Drive e/a Rutledge Way 1,340 1,201 139 -
Deep Canyon Rd. • n!o Buttonwood Dr. 1,231 � 1,103 128 -
Deep Canyon Rd. n/o Fred Warinq Dr. 1,750 1,568 182 -
Portola Avenue ,, , nlo Magnesia,.Falis D�. 2,476 _, 2,218 258 -
�
SPEED
(MPH)
40
40
40
40
40
40
35
45 .
' Source: Magnesia Fails Dr. fmprovement Project Traffic Study, prepared by RKJK & Associates, Inc. on 10/27/00.
Z Based on a vehicfe mix of 90°!o Autos and 10% Medium Trucks.
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CITY OF PALM DESERT
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: Planning Commission
DATE: February 15, 2005
CASE NO: CUP 04-13
REQUEST: Approval of a Master Plan for Sacred Heart Church and Elementary
School located at 43-775 Deep Canyon Road.
APPLICANT: Diocese of San Bemardino
Office of Construction & Real Estate
Attn: Rosi Mills
1201 E. Highland Avenue
San Bernardino, CA 92404
ARCHITECT: Holt Architects
41-555 Cook Street, Suite 1-100
Palm Deserk, CA. 92211
I. BACKGROUND:
A. SETTING OF PROJECT SITE
The master plan site (1,400 feet deep by 479 feet wide) is located on the north
side of Fred Waring. The site bordered by Deep Canyon Road on the east and
Florine Avenue on the west. The southerly half of the site has an approved
conditional use permit allowing a church, a pre-school, and an elementary
school (Kindergarten thru 8th grade). The northerly half of the site currently has
18 apartments with a recreation building and swimming pool. Most of the
apartments are vacant and the master plan proposes to remove 14 units, the
recreation building, and the swimming pool.
B. JUNE/JULY 2004 COMMUNITY MEETINGS WITH NEIGHBORING PROPERTY
OWNERS
In June 2004 and July 2004, Father Howard Lincoln, Pastor of Sacred Heart
Catholic Church, and Holt Architects held finro community meetings to explain to
surrounding property owners that the master plan proposes the expansion of the
Sacred Heart School through the construction of eight new classrooms, a new
library, a new parish hall / gymnasium, new parking lots with 163 spaces, and
new sports fields. The main issue raised at the community meetings was traffic
impacts from build-out of the master plan. A few residents that live adjacent to
the proposed track and sports fields expressed concern that the an 8-foot high
block wall proposed along the northerly and westerly perimeters of the sports
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STAFF REPORT
FEBRUARY 15; 2005
CUP 04�-13
�
fieids would block views from their rear yard. The appiicant agreed to lower the
proposed 8-foot wall to 6 feet for those property owners that did not want an 8-
foot high wall along their rear property line.
C. AUGUST 3, 2004 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
On August 3, 2004, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on this case.
After hearing testimony, the Planning Commission continued the public hearing
to a date uncertain to allow time for the applicant to hire a traffic engineer to
prepare a traffic study during October or November. A copy of the minutes of the
August 3, 2004 Planning Commission meeting is attached to this staff report.
D. SITE ZONING AND GENERAL PLAN
The southerly half of the master plan site is zoned R-1-9000 (Residential Single-
Family, 9000 square foot minimum lot size) and is designated Public/Quasi Public
on the General Plan Land Use Map. The northerly half of the site is zoned PR-4
(Planned Residential, 0-4 du/ac) and is designated Residential Low Density (0-4
du/ac) on the General Plan Land Use Map. Schools and places of worship are
allowed in these zones with the approval of a conditional use permit.
E. ADJACENT ZONING AND LAND USE:
North: P.R. 4/ Multi-family Residential
South: R-1 / Single-family Residential
East: P.R. 4/ Single-family Residential
West: R-1 / Single-Family Residential
II. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The master plan proposes the expansion of the Sacred Heart Elementary School (K-8)
that includes the construction of eight new classrooms, a new library, lunch shade
structures, a new parish hall / gymnasium, a new playground for grades 2 thru 5, a new
sports fields with a track, a reconfigured paved parking lot with 35 spaces, a new paved
parking lot with 87 spaces, and a grass overFlow parking area for 78 spaces.
A. Architecture:
On December 14, 2004 the Architectural Review Commission granted
preliminary approval of the proposed project. The architectural style of the new
school buildings and parish hall / gymnasium is contemporary, matching the
existing school buildings and the existing church. The majority of exterior wall
areas will be constructed with alternating horizontal bands of light red colored
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STAFF REPORT
FEBRUARY 15, 2005
CUP 04-13
`
split face and precision blocks. A few sections of exterior walls will have beige
stucco finish.
The new school buildings will have flat roofs with heights varying from 12'-4" to
16'-4". These buildings will have roof-mounted air conditioning equipment that
will be screened by parapet walls. The new school buildings will have copper-
colored metal fascia canopies with vertical seams to match the existing school
buildings.
The new parish hall / gymnasium will have sloping metal seem roofing in a
copper color. In addition to a gymnasium, the floor plan of this building shows
conference rooms, a kitchen, a stage, a janitor's room, a maintenance work
room, restrooms, and storage rooms. The perimeter areas of the building will
have lower roof heights ranging from 19'-2" to 22'-0". Vertical building walls
then "step up" from these lower roofs to support a higher 35'-0" for the roof area
over the gymnasium part of the building.
B. Purpose of New Parking Lots
The purpose of providing 163 new parking spaces is to alleviate an existing
shortage of off-street parking spaces during Sunday worship services in the
winter season. A parking survey of Sacred Heart Church conducted by City Code
Enforcement staff on a Sunday morning in February 2003 revealed a parking
shortage of 149 spaces during peak worship services. There were 119 cars
parked on Deep Canyon Road and 460 vehicles parked in the church's 430-
space parking lot. After the new parking lots are built, there will be a total of 588
parking spaces on the site.
The master plan complies with zoning ordinance off-street parking requirements.
The following table summarizes the number of off-street parking spaces required
for each use in the Sacred Heart Master Plan and the number of parking spaces
provided.
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STAFF REPORT
FEBRUARY 15, 2005
CUP 04-13
SACRED HEART MASTER PLAN PARKING CHART
IBUILDING OR AREA
IPROPOSED PARKING
IEXISTING PARKING
IEXISTING PARKING AREA A
EXISTING PARKING AREA B
EXISTING PARKING AREA C
IEXISTING PARKING TOTAL
IREDUCED PARKING
I AREA C - PLAZA
REDUCED PARKING TOTAL
NEW PARKING
NEW PARKING AREA D
( NEW PARKING AREA E -
GRASS
:I�'�'17_L'�L1I:L�%�t_7�
STANDARD QTY FACTOR REQUIRED PROVIDED
291
99
40
430
-5
-5
86
77
163
PROPOSED PARKING TOTAL
Ratio of Building SF to Parking: 1
Space per 215 SF
PARKING REQUIREMENTS
PRE-SCHOOL
STUDENTS
STAFF
588
1 SPACE PER 3 8�
STUDENTS
1 SPACE PER 10
STAFF
0
3 27
1 10
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� FEBRUARY 15, 2005
CUP 04-13
PRE-SCHOOL TOTAL
SCHOOL
STUDENTS (K-8)
STAFF
SCHOOL TOTAL
ADMINISTRATION
STAFF
MEETING ROOMS
ADMINISTRATION TOTAL
1 SPACE PER 3 450 3
STUDENTS
' 1 SPACE PER 37 1
STAFF
1 SPACE PER � 2 �
STAFF
1 SPACE PER 35 2,400 35
SF
37
150
37
187
12
69
81
SCHOOL & ADMINISTRATION 305 588
PARISH HALL
ASSEMBLY AREA 1 SPACS PER 35 �,697 35 248
MEETING ROOMS 1 SPACS PER 35 2�296 35 66
STAFF 1SPACE PER 6 1 6
� STAFF
PARISH HALL REQUIREMENT 314 588
SANCTUARY
ASSEMBLY AREA 1 SPACE PER 3 1 400 3 467 �
PEOPLE '
SANCTUARY REQUIREMENT 467 588
INOTE: CLASSROOMS & ADMINISTRATION, PARISH HALL, AND SANCTUARY ARE NON-SIMULTANEOUS
USE.
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STAFF REPORT
FEBRUARY 15, 2005
CUP 04-13
C. Purpose of Sacred Heart Elementary School (K-8) Expansion
The purpose of the school expansion is to construct eight new classrooms to
accommodate 90 additional students to reduce class size and alleviate a long
waiting list of parents wanting to enroll their children in the school, to provide
expanded outdoor recreation areas, and to provide a gymnasium for indoor
recreation. The elementary school currently has 450 students, 24 teachers, and
4 administrative staff. The school expansion would add 9 new teachers and the
enrollment would be expanded to 640 students. The number of administrative
staff would remain unchanged. The school operates from 8:OOam to 3:OOpm
Monday thru Friday. The school provides after-school care for 110 students,
which finishes at 5:30pm. The master plan will expand the after-school care
program to a maximum of 150 students.
The school currently has one drop-off/pick-up area in the small 40-space parking
lot located on the north side of the church and east of the school. The master
plan proposes to create a second drop-off/pick-up area in the new 87-space
parking lot to be located northeast of the existing 40-space lot.
The existing Sacred Heart Pre-School operates Monday thru Friday from
8:OOam to 12:OOpm. After school care (from 12:OOpm to 3:OOpm) is provided
for a maximum of 20 children. There are no plans for expanding the pre-
school.
C. Parish Hall Use During Non-School Hours
During weekday evenings the Church anticipates that some of the meeting rooms
in the parish hall will be used for Bible study, alcoholics anonymous meetings,
Knights of Columbus meetings, and other Church group meetings. Father
Howard Lincoln, pastor of Sacred Heart Church, also anticipates that the parish
hall may also be used during weekday or weekend evenings for fundraising
dinners an estimated three to five times per year. Staff is has placed a condition
of approval requiring that uses of the parish hall end by 10:00 p.m. Sunday thru
Thursday and by 11:00 p.m. by Friday and Saturday so as to minimize late night
noise and traffic impacts on residents in the vicinity.
E. Phasing of Master Plan Improvements
The master plan will be implemented in the following phases.
Phase 1:
a. Demolition of 9 existing residential duplex apartment buildings (18 units), a
clubhouse and swimming pool.
b. Construction of new playground for grades 2 thru 5.
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STAFF REPORT
FEBRUARY 15, 2005
CUP 04-13
c.
d.
e.
f.
9•
h.
�
Traffic impacts from build-out of the master plan was the main concem
expressed last summer by area residents, including the Palmira Homeowners
Association. As a result, the applicant was required to hire a traffic engineer to
analyze traffic impacts from build-out of the master plan site. A traffic study was
completed on January 8, 2005 by George Dunn Traffic Engineering. Traffic
counts of vehicles at driveways and intersections at the project site and the
immediate vicinity were taken on the following dates:
Saturday, September 25, 2004
Sunday, September 26, 2004
Tuesday, September 28, 2004
Construction of new pla�elds (including track).
Construction of new 78-space overflow grass parking area.
Construction of 6,668 square feet of additional ciassroom space (finro classrooms
for grade 4 and finro for grade 5).
Construction of new lunch shade structures.
Construction of a new 87-space parking lot with access from Deep Canyon Road.
Relocation of a playground for kindergarten and first grade.
Phase 2:
a. Construction of a 17,590 square foot parish hall that will
stage, food preparation area, restrooms and storage areas.
b. The modification of an existing parking lot/playground
reduced/reconfigured parking lot.
include a gymnasium,
into a plaza area and
Phase 3:
a. Demolition of an existing single family home fronting on Florine Avenue.
b. Construction of 5,587 square feet of additional classroom space (two classrooms
for grade 7 and two for grade 8) that includes a library and restrooms. The project
site is Iocated at 43-775 Deep Canyon Road.
ANALYSIS:
A. Traffic Impacts & Access:
The existing church parking lot has three driveways on Deep Canyon Road and
one on Fred Waring Drive. Vehicle and pedestrian access from Florine Avenue
to the Sacred Heart Church property was closed years ago per directive of the
City Council after residents to the west complained to the Council that too many
vehicles were being parked on Florine Avenue and adjacent side streets during
Saturday and Sunday worship services at Sacred Heart Church. The lack of
access on Florine Avenue, a local street, has had the effect of directing more
church and school traffic onto Deep Canyon Road, which is classified as a
collector street on the General Plan Master Plan Circulation Network Map.
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STAFF REPORT
FEBRUARY 15, 2005
CUP 04-13
On the north half of the master plan, finro new driveways wiil be created from to
provide access from Deep Canyon Road to the new 87-space paved parking lot,
to the six apartment units that will remain, and to the new 78-space grass
overflow parking area.
Fatistinar Tra�c lssues: The main existing traffic issues identified in the traffic
study were:
1. Traffrc Conqestion on Sundays Durinp Worship Services: On Sundays during
the 15-minute period before and after the 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. masses,
some traffic congestion occurs at the intersection of Deep Canyon Road and
the two southerly church driveways just north of Fred Waring Drive. During
the 15 minutes before worship services, a line of vehicles typically forms in
the Deep Canyon Road painted median as motorists wait to make a left turn
into the church parking lot. After worship services finro lines of vehicles form in
the church parking lot waiting to exit onto Deep Canyon Road via one of the
two southerly driveways. At the same time vehicles are waiting to enter and
exit the church parking lot, there are also vehicles traveling north.and south
on Deep Canyon and vehicles trying to safely exit the Palmira subdivision
onto Deep Canyon Road. The Palmira entrance is located about 20 feet
north of main driveway to the church parking lot.
Table 2 on page 26 and Table 4 on page 30 of the traffic study shows existing
traffic level-of-service and average delay times during Sundays and
weekdays, respectively, for intersections adjacent to the master plan site.
2. Traffic Level-of-Service F af Infersection of Dee� Canvon Road/Main Church
DrivewauNia Palmira & Lonq Wait Times for Motorists Exitina Palmira
Subdivision on Weekdays from 7:45AM fo S:OOAM: Table 5 on page 30 of
the traffic study traffic show level-of-service F(Forced Flow/Excessive Delays)
at the intersection of Deep Canyon Road, the main church driveway, and Via
� Palmira. However, it should be noted that the level-of-service F was assigned
to this intersection because 3 of the 10 vehicles observed waiting to exit the
Palmira subdivision during the peak 15-minute morning period had to wait
longer than 50 seconds. Two vehicles waited 84 seconds and one vehicle
waited 140 seconds. Classes at the Sacred Heart Elementary School begin
at 8:00 a.m. and most parents drop off their children befinreen 7:45 a.m. and
8:00 a.m.
Future Tra�c Leve%of-Service Ca/cu/afions at Master Plan Build-Out: The
intersection of Deep Canyon Road, the Church Center (Main) Driveway, and Via
Palmira is the one that would receive the most traffic impacts main from build-out
of the master plan. The increased traffic impacts are a result of the expansion of
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STAFF REPORT
FEBRUARY 15, 2005
CUP 04-13
the Sacred Heart Elementary School to accommodate 90 additional students and
the creation of a second drop-off/pick-up area north of the church and east of the
school. Peak traffic impacts will occur during weekdays from 7:45 a:m. to 8:00
a.m. and from 3:00 p.m: to 3:15 p.m. These are the tirnes that parents drop off
and pick up their children at the Sacred Heart Elementary School.
Table 14 on page 55 of the traffic study shows future level-of-service calculations
for intersections bordering the master plan site as a result of build-out during the
peak winter season. The intersection of Deep Canyon Road, the Church Center
(main) Driveway, and Via Palmira is projected to have a level-of-service F during
weekday mornings from 7:45 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. This intersection is already at a
level-of-service F during weekday mornings, although traffic volume is low. The
traffic study reports that only 10 vehicles were observed on September 28, 2004
exiting the Palmira subdivision during this 15-minute period. For the same
intersection, the traffic study projects a future level-of-service D during the
afternoon school pickup time of 3:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Appendix A of the traffic
study defines the various traffic levels-of-service.
Tra�c Studv Recommendations:
The traffic study made six recommendations (see page 63 of the traffic study) to
mitigate tra�c impacts from build-out of the proposed master plan. The six
recommendations have been incorporated into Public Works Department
conditions of approval for the project.
The first two traffic study recommendations require City approval for driveway
locations and improvements and payment of regional traffic impact fees (TUMF).
These are standard conditions of approval that apply to all projects.
The other four recommendations are project specific and have been incorporated
as Public Works Department conditions of approval nos. 20-23, which .are listed
below. The sixth traffic study recommendation to create a secondary access to
the Palmira subdivision on Moss Rose Drive has been modified by the Public
Works Department to require that two new traffic mitigation measures be
implemented first before considering opening a Moss Rose Drive exit (see
condition no. 23 below).
Public Works Department Traffic Mitiaation Conditions of Approval:
20. The church shall monitor student pick-up/drop-off operations after
master plan build-out and make modifications regarding grade
classifications assigned to each pick-upldrop off area as the student mix
changes per the project traffic study.
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STAFF REPORT
FEBRUARY 15, 2005
CUP 04-13
21. The Church sha!! not schedule any activities in the newly constructed
buildings concurrently with scheduled religious services per the project
traffic study.
The Church has agreed to not schedule any activities in the new parish
hall or the school during worship services.
22. The Church shall implement a change in weekday mass time such that
weekday morning mass will begin at 7:10 or 7:45AM.
Since late January 2005, masses are held Monday thru Friday from 7:45
a.m. to 8:15 a.m. Previous weekday masses were held from 7:30 a.m.
to 8:00 a.m. The new 7:45 a.m. mass start time has reduced traffic
volume and congestion during the 7:45 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. morning peak
period. In late January 2005, Public Works staff visited the Sacred Heart
Church parking lot to observe traffic movements. Staff did not observe
any traffic congestion or delays at the intersection of Deep Canyon Road
during the peak 15-minute period of 7:45 a.m. to 8;00 a.m.
23. The church shall construct "pork chop" islands at the southerly two
driveways on Deep Canyon Road limiting access to "right-in and right-
out" only. At the discretion of the Planning Commission, additional
mitigation shall be implemented in the following order.
a. Staggered school start times at least 45 minutes apart.
b. Opening an exit from the Via Palmira subdivision onto Moss Rose Drive.
The Church has agreed to financially participate in converting the existing
manually operated metal emergency gates at the north end of the Palmira
subdivision into automated gates. The original subdivider of the Palmira
tract had intended to provide two full-time access points to the subdivision.
However, residents on Moss Rose Drive asked the City Council to make
the northerly access an emergency-only access. There are 12 homes
located on Moss Rose Drive between Deep Canyon Road and the west
and the Paseo Montecillo secondary access from the Palmira subdivision
(62 homes).
Letter from Palmira Homeowners Association: On February 9, 2003, staff
received a letter (copy attached to staff report) from Mr. Thomas W.
McCutchen, President of the Palmira Homeowners Association (HOA).
10
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STAFF REPORT
FEBRUARY 15, 2005
CUP 04-13
`..
The letter identifies 14 conditions of approval that the HOA wants added to
master plan. Staff has incorporated four of the HOA's recommended
conditions into the CUP 04-13 conditions of approval (i.e. converting two
church driveways on Deep Canyon Road into "right-in, right-out" only
movernents to prohibit left turns, time limits on evening use of parish
hall/gymnasium, no stadium or flood lights on sports fields, and capping
maximum student enrollment).
The Palmira HOA is also requesting that the church finance the
implementation of a secondary exit from the Palmira subdivision via Paseo
Montecillo onto Moss Rose Drive as the traffic study recommends. The
HOA wants the Moss Rose access to be an exit only, with no entry
allowed. The Public Works Department, however, in condition no. 23
requires that the Moss Rose Drive access only be implemented if two new
traffic mitigation measures being recommended (e.g. converting two
church driveways on Deep Canyon Road into "right-in, right-out" only
movements to prohibit left turns and staggering school starting and ending
times) that were not identified in the traffic study fail to improve traffic
conditions on Deep Canyon Road between Fred Waring Drive and Moss
Rose Drive.
The traffic study recommends creating an exit on Mass Rose Drive for
Palmira residents to improve the existing and projected level-of-service F
for the intersection of Deep Canyon Road and the church's center (main)
Driveway and Via Palmira. Table 19 on page 61 of the traffic study shows
that with the secondary exit from Palmira subdivision and assuming a
traffic diversion of at least 50% percent from the main Palmira exit to a
Moss Rose Drive exit, the traffic level-of-service would improve from F to
C during the weekday AM peak period (7:45 a.m. t� 8:00 a.m.)
Planning staff, Public Works staff, and the applicant will be prepared to
respond to the other conditions of approval being requested by the
Palmira HOA at the February 15, 2005 Planning Commission meeting. As
of the writing of this staff report, Planning staff had not had an opportunity
to discuss the other 10 conditions requested by the HOA with Public
Works Department staff and the applicant.
B. Play Fields & Perimeter Walls, Night Lighting, & Outdoor Broadcast System
To reduce noise and errant balls impacts from the new play fields on adjacent
single family residents to the west on PalmiNa Circle and to the north on Myrsine
Avenue, the applicant is proposing construction of an 8-foot high block wall and
the planting of an evergreen row of shrubs that will form a hedge at maturity. The
applicant has agreed to lower the proposed 8-foot high wall to 6 feet for those
11
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STAFF REPORT
FEBRUARY 15, 2005
CUP 04-13
V. RECOMMENDATION:
�
That the Planning Commission adopt Resolution approving CUP 04-13
subject to the attached conditions.
VI. ATTACHMENTS:
A. Draft resolution
B. Legal notice
C. Agency comments
D. Letters from Palmira Homeowners
E. August 3, 2004 Planning Commission Minutes
F. Master Plan Traffic Study prepared by George Dunn Engineering
G. Project Plans
. .
Prepared by ,�� _
rancisco J. Ur a �
Associate Planner
�-----�
Reviewed and Approved .b�---� � _
P}iilip Dr ��'`�
Director f Comm ty Development
` omer Croy
Assistant Cit anager for Development Services
13
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STAFF REPORT
FEBRUARY 15, 2005
CUP 04-13
\
property owners that do not want an 8-foot high wall constructed along their rear
property line.
To address concems from nearby residents that do not want night lighting of the
pla�elds, Department of Community Development condition no. 8 states: "There
shall be no stadium or flood light lighting for the pla�elds. Use of the pla�elds
shall occur only during daylight hours."
To address evening and weekend concerns about noise from outdoor broadcast
speakers at the school and church, Department of Community Development
condition no. 11 states: "No outdoor sound system will be allowed to broadcast
outside the church or school between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. on
weekdays and at no time on weekends."
C. Letter from Palmira Homeowner Lorne M. Schlotzhauer (32 Via Cielo Azul)
In addition to the letter received from the Palmira Homeowners Association
President discussed on page 10 of the staff report, on February 9, 2005 staff also
received a letter from Mr. Lorne M. Schlotzhauer expressing concerns that build-
out of the master plan will create increased traffic and noise, possibly lead to
future night lighting of the sports fields, and create diminished property values for
homes in the vicinity.
Staff resaonse: With the recommended conditions of approval, project traffic and
noise will be mitigated. Department of Community Development condition no. 8
prohibits night lighting of the sports fields.
D. Environmental Review
For purposes of CEQA, the proposed project will not have a significant negative
impact on the environment and staff has prepared a Mitigated Negative
Declaration of Environmental Impact.
E. Conclusion:
As conditioned, the project complies with applicable zoning ordinance
development standards. Therefore, the findings for granting a conditional use
permit can be affirmed. These findings are included in the Planning Commission
resolution attached to this staff report.
���
�,_.
��_.
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSI4N OF
THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CAUFORNIA, APPROVING
A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A MASTER PLAN FOR
THE SACRED HEART CHURCH AND THE SACRED
HEART GRADE SCHOOL TO ALLOW EXPANSION OF THE
GRADE SCHOOL, CONSTRUCTION OF A PARISH
HALUGYMNASIUM, NEW PARKING LOTS, AND NEW
PLAYFIELDS.
CASE NO. CUP 04-13
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Palrn Desert, California, did
on the 4th day of February, 2003, hold a duly noticed public hearing to a consider a
request by THE ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOP OF SAN BERNARDINO for the above
mentioned; and
WHEREAS, said application has complied with the requirements of the "City of
Palm Desert Procedure for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act",
Resolution No. 04-106, in that an initial study was prepared and concluded that the
proposed project will not have a significant negative impact on the environment and
staff has prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration of Environm�ntal Impact; and
WHEREAS, at said public hearing, upon hearing and considering all testimony and
arguments, if any, of all interested persans desiring to be heard, said Planning
Commission did find the following facts and reasons to exist to justify granting approval of
said conditional use permit:
FINDINGS FOR APPROVAL OF A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT:
1. That the proposed location of the conditional use is in accord with
the objectives of zoning ordinance and the purpose of the district in
which it is located.
2. That the proposed location of the conditional use and the conditions
under which it will be operated or maintained will not be detrimental
to the public, health, safety, or welfare, or be materially injurious to
properties or improvements in the vicinity.
3. That the proposed conditional use will comply with each of the
applicable provisions of the zoning ordinance, except for approved
variances or adjustments.
4. That the proposed conditional use complies with the goals,
objectives and the policies of the City's general plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of the City
of Palm Desert, California, as follows:
�
�
1. That the above recitations are true and correct and constitute the findings of
the commission in this case.
2. That approval of Conditional Use Permit 04-13 is hereby granted for
reasons subject to the attached conditions.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Palm Desert
Planning Commission, held on this 15th Day of February 2005, by the following vote, to
wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
ATTEST:
SABBY JONATHAN, Chairperson
PHILIP DRELL, Secretary
Palm Desert Planning Commission
�,. .
�,.
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
CASE NO. CUP 04-13
Department of Communitv Development:
1.
The development of the properly shall conform substantially with exhibits on file
with the Department of Community Development, as modified by the following
conditions.
2. Construction of a portion of said project shall commence within one year from the
date of final approval unless an extension of time is granted; otherwise said
approval shall become null, void and of no effect whatsoever.
3. The development of the property described herein shall be subject to the
restrictions and limitations set forth herein which are in addition to all municipal
ordinances and state and federal statutes now in force, or which hereafter may be
in force.
4. Prior to issuance of a building permit for construction of any use contemplated by
this approval, the applicant shall first obtain permits and/or clearance from the
following agencies:
Coachella Valley Water District
Palm Desert Architectural Review Commission
City Fire Marshal
Public Works Department
Evidence of said permit or clearance from the above agencies shall be presented
to the Department of Building and Safety at the time of issuance of a building
permit for the use contemplated herewith.
5. Applicant agrees to maintain the landscaping required to be installed pursuant to
these conditions. Applicant will enter into an agreement to maintain said
landscaping for the life of the project, which agreement shall be notarized and
which agreement shall be recorded. It is the specific intent of the parties that this
condition and agreement run with the land and bind successors and assigns. The
final landscape plan shall include a long-term maintenance program specifying
among other matters appropriate watering times, fertilization and pruning for
various times of the year for the specific materials to be planted, as well as
periodic replacement of materials. All to be consistent with the Property
Maintenance Ordinance (Ordinance No. 801) and the approved landscape plan.
6. The project shall
permits including,
Mitigation fees.
be subject to all applicable fees at time of issuance of building
but not limited to, Art in Public Places, TUMF and School
7. The applicant shall construct an 8-foot high tan precision block wall along the
westerly and northerly property lines adjacent to the new pla�elds. The height of
the block wall may be reduced to 6 feet along the rear of adjacent residential lots
where the property owner does not want an 8-foot high block wall constructed.
C �.
8. There shall be no stadium or flood light lighting for the pla�elds. Use of the
pla�elds shall occur only during daylight hours, but in no case later than 9:OOPM.
9. The Church shall not schedule any activities in the newly constructed buildings
concurrently with scheduled religious services.
10. An activities and use of the parish shall end by 10:00 p.m. on Sunday thru Friday
and by 11 :00 p.m. on Saturday.
11. Outdoor sound systems shall be prohibited at all times.
12. The maximum number of students enrolled at the Sacred Heart Elementary school
(K-8) shall not exceed 640 students. The maximum number of students enrolled
at the Sacred Heart pre-school shall not exceed 81.
13. If the 78-space grass overflow parking area is used so frequently that the grass
dies over large areas, at the request of the City the applicant shall improve this
grass parking area into a paved parking lot with the same number of parking
spaces. Parking lot landscaping and lighting improvements shall be included that
comply with Palm Desert Municipal Code requirements.
Deaartment of Public Works:
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
1. All landscape maintenance on property frontages shall be performed by the
church.
2. A complete preliminary soils investigation, conducted by a registered soils
engineer, shall be submitted to, and approved by, the Department of Public
Works prior to the issuance of a grading permit.
3. All utilities shall be undergrounded.
BONDS AND FEES
4. Drainage fees, in accordance with Section 26.49 of the Palm Desert Municipal
Code shall be paid prior to grading permit issuance.
5. Signalization fees, in accordance with City of Palm Desert Resolution Nos. 79-17
and 79-55, shall be paid prior to issuance of grading permit.
6. The project shall be subject to Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fees (TUMF).
Payment of said fees shall be at the time of building permit issuance.
7. A standard inspection fee shall be paid prior to issuance of grading permits.
DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
� C�.
8. Storm drain design and construction shall be contingent upon a drainage study
prepared by a registered civil engineer that is reviewed and approved by the
Department of Public Works prior to start of construction.
9. The new driveway shall have a 36' width, 25' returns to allow for a two-way exit.
10. Complete grading and improvement plans and specifications on electronic fites
shall be submitted to the Director of Public Works for checking and approval
prior to issuance of any permits.
11. Improvement plans for utility systems shall be approved by the respective
provider or service districts with "as-built" plans submitted to the Department of
Public Works prior to project final. Utility plans shall be submitted to the public
works department for improvements in the public right of way prior to issuance of
any permits. ,
12. Any and all offsite improvements shall be preceded by the approval of plans and
the issuance of valid encroachment permits by the Department of Public Works.
13. Pad elevations are subject to review and modification in accordance with
Chapter 26 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code.
14. Project shall retain nuisance waters on-site.
15. All new landscape installation shall be drought tolerant in nature.
16. Landscape plans shall be submitted for review concurrently with grading plans.
CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS
17. All public and private improvements shall be inspected by the Department of
Public Works and a standard inspection fee shall be paid prior to issuance of
grading permits. No occupancy permit shall be granted until public
improvements have been �completed.
18. Prior to the start of construction, the applicant shall submit satisfactory evidence
to the Director of Public Works of intended compliance with the National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Construction Permit
for storm water discharges associated with construction. Developer must
contact Riverside County Flood Control District for informational materials.
�_ \
19. Applicant shall comply with provisions of Palm Desert Municipal Code Section
24.12, Fugitive Dust Control as well as Section 24.20, Storm water Management
and Discharge Control.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
20. The church shall monitor student pick-up/drop-off operations after master plan
build-out and make modifications regarding grade classifications assigned to
each pick-up/drop off area as the student mix changes per the project traffic
st�dy.
21. The Church shall not schedule any activities in the newly constructed buildings
concurrently with scheduled religious services per the project traffic study.
22. The Church sha// implement a change in weekday mass time such that weekday
morning mass will begin at 7:10 or 7:45AM. �
23. The church shall construct "pork chop" islands at the southerly two driveways on
Deep Canyon Road limiting access to "right-in and right-out" only. At the
discretion of the Planning Commission, additional mitigation shall be
implemented in the following order.
a. Staggered school start times at least 45 minutes apart.
b. Opening an exit from the Via Palmira subdivision onto Moss Rose Drive.
Riverside Countv Fire Department:
With respect to the conditions of approval regarding the above referenced
project, the fire department recommends the following fire protection measures
be provided in accordance with City Municipal Code, NFPA, UFC, and UBC or
any recognized Fire Protection Standards:
The Fire Department is required to set a minimum fire flow for the remodel or
construction of all buildings per UFC article 87.
2. A fire flow of 1500 gpm for a 1 hour duration at 20 psi residual pressure must be
available before any combustible material is placed on the job site.
3. Provide or show there exists a water system capable of providing a gpm flow of:
3000 gpm for commercial buildings.
4. The required fire flow shall be available from a wet barrel Super Hydrant(s)
4"x2-1/2" x2-1/2", located not less than 25 feet nor more than:
�...
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTI�N N0.
�rt
150 feet from any portion of a commercial building measured via vehicular
travelway.
5. Water Plans must be approved by the Fire Marshal and include verification that
the water system wil! produce the required fire flow.
6. Install a complete NFPA 13 fire sprinkler system. This applies to all buildings
with a 3000 square foot total cumulative floor area. The Fire Marshal shall
approve the locations of all post indicator valves and fire department
connections. All valves and connections shall not be less than 25 feet from the
building and within 50 feet of an approved hydrant. Exempted are one and finro
family dwellings.
7. All valves controNing the water supply for automatic sprinkler systems and water-
flow switches shall be monitored and alarmed per UBC Chapter 9.
8. {nsta{I a fire alarm system as required by UBC Chapter 3.
9. 4nstall portable fire extinguishers per NFPA 10, but not less than one 2A10BC
extinguisher per 3000 square feet and not over 75 feet walking distance. A"K" type
fire extinguisher is required in all commercia! kitchens.
10. Instal! a Hood/Duct automatic fire extinguishing system per NFPA 96 in all public
and private cooking operations except single-family residential uses.
11. All building shall be accessible by an all-weather roadway extendir►g to within 150
feet of all portions of the exterior walls of the first story. The roadway shall not be
less than 24 feet of unobstructed width and 13'6" of vertical clearance. Where
parallel parking is required on both sides of the street the roadway must be 36 feet
wide, and 32 feet wide with parking on one side. Dead-end roads in excess of 150
feet shall be provided with a minimum 45 foot radius turn-around, 55 foot in
industrial developments.
12. Whenever access into private property is controAed through use of gates, barriers,
or other means, provisions shal! be made to install a"Knox Box" key over-ride
system to allow for emergency vehicle access. Minimum gate width shall be 16' with
a minimurn vertical clearance of 13'-6".
13. A dead-end single access over 500' will require a secondary access, sprinklers, or
other mitigative measures approved by the Fire Marshal. Under no circumstances
shaA a dead end over 1300' be accepted.
7
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PLANNING COMMISSfON RESOLUTfON NO.
�
14. This pro}ect may require licensing by a state or county agency. To facilitate plan
review, the applicant shall prepare and submit to the Fire Marshal a letter of intent
detailing the proposed usage and occupancy type.
15. All buildings shal! have iAuminated addresses of a size approved by the city.
16. All fire sprinkler systems, fixed fire suppression systems and alarm plans must be
submitted separately to the Fire Marshal for approval prior to constructivn. P4ans
for underground fire line system require approved plans.
17. Conditions subject to change with adoption of new codes, ordinances, laws, or
when building permits are not obtained with twelve months.
All questions regarding the meaning of these conditions should be referred to the Fire
Marshal's Office at (760) 34fi-1870; 73-710 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260
0
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PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO.
EXHIBIT A
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Pursuant to Title 14, Division 6, Article 6(commencing with section 15070) of the
California Code of Regulations.
MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION
CASE NO: CUP 04-13
APPLICANT/PROJECT SPONSOR: The Roman Catholic Bishop of San Bernardino
1201 E. Highland Avenue
San Bernardino, CA 92404
PROJECT DESCRIPTIONlLOCATION:
The master plan proposes the expansion of the Sacred Heart Grade School that includes
the construction of eight new classrooms, a new library, lunch shade structures, a new
parish hall / gymnasium, a new playground for grades 2 thru 5, a new sports fields with a
track, a reconfigured paved parking lot with 35 spaces, a new paved parking lot with 87
spaces, and a grass overflow parking area for 78 spaces. The project site is located at 43-
775 Deep Canyon Road
The Director of the Department of Community Development, City of Palm Desert,
California, has found that the described project will not have a significant effect on the
environment. A copy of the Initial Study has been attached to document the reasons in
support of this finding. Mitigation measures, if any, included in the project to avoid
potentially significant effects, may also be found attached.
February 15, 2004
PHILIP DRELL DATE
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
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CITY OF PALM DESERT �
LEGAL NOTICE �
NOTICE OF INTENT TO ADOPT A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION
CASE NU. CUP 04-13
NOTICE lS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing wiA be held before the Palm Desert Planning
Commission to consider a Conditional Use Permit request by THE ROMAN CA7HOLIC
BISHOP OF SAN BERNARDINO for a master plan f�r the Sacred Heart Church and School
which will be implemented in the following phases: Phase 1: (a) demolition of 9 existing
resi�iential duplex units, c{ubhouse and swimming pool; (b) construction of new playground for grades
2 thru 5; (c� construction of new playfields (including track}; (d) construction of new 78-space
overflow grass parking area; (e) construction of a 6,668 square feet of additional classroom space for
grades 4 and 5, (� construction of new lunch shade structures; (gj construction of a new 87-space
parking Iot with access from Deep Canyon Road and (h) relocation of a p{ayground for kindergarten
and first grade. Phase 2: (aj construction of a 17,590 square foot parish hall that will include a
gymnasium, stage, food preparation area, restrooms and storage areas; (b) the modification of an
existing parking lot/playground into a plaxa area and reduced/reconfigured parking lot. Phase 3: (a)
demolition of an existing sing{e family home fronting on Florine Avenue; (bj construction of 5,587
square feet of additional classroom space for grades 7 and 8 that includes a library and restrooms.
The project site is located at 43-775 Deep Canyon Road.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Palm Desert has completed an Initial Study of the
project described above. This Initial Study was completed in accordance with the City's
guidelines implementing the Califomia Environmental Quality Act. This initial study was
undertaken for the purpose of deciding whether the project may have a significant effect on the
environment. On the basis af such Initial Study, the City's Staff has concfuded that the project
will not have a sign�cant effect on the environment, and has therefore prepared a Draft
Negative Declaration/Mitigated Negative Declaration. The Initial Study reflects the independent
judgment of the City. The project site is not on a hazardous waste list compiled pursuant to
Govemment Code Section 65962.5. This project is not considered a project of statewide,
regional or areawide significance. The praposed project will not affeet highways or other
facilities under the jurisdiction of the State Department of Transportation. A scoping meeting
will not be held by the lead agency.
Copies of the Initiaf Study and Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration are on file at City Hail, and
are available for public review. Comments witl be received until February 15, 2005. Anyone
wishing to comment on this matter must submit such statements, in writing, to the City prior to
this date. Comments of all Responsible Agencies are also requested.
At its meeting on Febn.�ary 15, 2005, the Planning Commission wifl consider the Draft Mirtigated
Negative Declaration. If the Planning Commission finds that the project will not have a
significant effect on the environment, it may adopt ihe Mitigated Negative Declaration. This
means that the Planning Commission may proceed to consider the_ project without the
preparation of an Environmental Impact Report.
SAID public hearing will be held on Tuesday, February 15, 2005, at 6:00 p.m. in the Councif
Chamber at the Palm Desert Civic Center, 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California,
at which time and place all interested persons are invited to attend and be heard. Written
comments conceming ali items covered by this public hearing notice shall be accepted up to
the date of the hearing. {nformation concerning the proposed project and/or negative
declaration is availabte for review in the Depa�tment of Community Development at the above
address between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you
challenge the proposed actions in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or
someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence
delivered to the Planning Commissian (or city council) at, or prior to, the public hearing.
PUBLISH: Desert Sun PHILIP DRELL, Secretary
January 25, 2005 Palm Desert Planning Commission
�
�.
NOTE: 4ne of the recommended conditions of approval for the proposed project that will be
considered at the Planning Commission public hearing on February 15, 2005 is that Sacred
Heart Church work with residents in the Palmira subdivision in making the existing north
emergency access gate from the Palmira development to Moss Rose Drive open for general
traffic per the project traffic study recommendation.
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CITY OF PALM DESERT
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO:
.��
Department of Community Development/Planning
Attention: Francisco Urbina
Mark Greenwood, City Engineer
SUBJECT: CUP 4-13 Sacred Heart Church Master Plan
DATE: February 9, 2005
��LEIVED
� �8 D 9 2005
�;OMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
�ITY OF �ALM DESERT
The following should be considered conditions of approval for the above-named project.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
1. All landscape maintenance on property frontages shall be perFormed by the church.
2. A complete preliminary soils investigation, conducted by a registered soils engineer,
shall be submitted to, and approved by, the Department of Public Works prior to the
issuance of a grading permit.
3. All utilities shall be undergrounded.
BONDS AND FEES
�
5
0
Drainage fees, in accordance with Section 26.49 of the Palm Desert Municipal
Code shall be paid prior to grading permit issuance.
Signalization fees, in accordance with City of Palm Desert Resolution Nos. 79-17 and
79-55, shafl be paid prior to issuance of grading permit.
The project shall be subject to Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fees (TUMF).
Payment of said fees shall be at the time of building .permit issuance.
7. A standard inspection fee shall be paid prior to issuance of grading permits.
���.
DESIGN REQUiREMENTS
�
8. Storm drain design and construction shall be contingent upon a drainage study prepared
by a registered civi{ engineer that is reviewed and approved by the Department of Public
Works prior to start of construction.
9. The new driveway shall have a 36' width, 25' �eturns to allow for a two-way exit.
10. Complete grading and irnprovement plans and specifications on electronic files shall be
submitted to the Director of Public Works for checking and approval prior to issuance of
any permits.
11. Improvement plans for utility systems shall be approved by the respective provider
or service districts with "as-built" plans submitted to the Department of Public
Works prior to project final. Utility plans shall be submitted to the public works
department for improvements in the public right of way prior to issuance of any
permits.
12. Any and all offsite improvements shall be preceded by the approval of plans andhe
issuance of valid encroachment permits by the Department of Public Works.
13. Pad elevations are subject to review and modification in accordance with Chapter 26 of
the Palm Desert Municipal Code.
14. Project shail retain nuisance waters on-site.
15. All new landscape installation shall be drought tolerant in nature.
16. Landscape plans shalf be submitted for review concurrently with grading plans.
CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS
17. All public and private improvements shafl be inspected by the Department of Public
Works and a standard inspection fee shall be paid prior to issuance of grading permits.
No occupancy permit shall be granted until public improvements have been completed.
18. Priar ta the start of construction, the applicant shall submit satisfactory evidence to the
Director of Public Works of intended compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) General Construction Permit for storm water discharges
associated with construction. Developer must contact Riverside County Fload Control
District for informational materials.
cfi.. �_
19. Applicant shall comply with provisions of Palm Desert Municipal Code Section
24.12, Fugitive Dust Control as well as Section 24.20, Storm water Management
and Discharge Control.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
20.. The church shall monitor student pick-up/drop-off operations after master plan build-out
and make modifications regarding grade classifications assigned to each pick-up/drop
off area as the student mix changes per the project traffic study.
21. The Church shal! not schedule any activities in the newly constructed buildings
concurrently with scheduled religious services per the project traffic study.
22. The Church shal! implement a change in weekday mass time such that weekday
morning mass will begin either at 7:10 or 7:45AM.
23. The church shall construct "pork chop" islands at the southerlytwo driveways on Deep
Canyon Road limiting access to "right-in and right-out" only. At the discretion of the
planning commission, additional mitigation shall be implemented in the following order.
I. Sta�gered school starts at least 45 minutes apart.
!I. Opening an exit from Via Palmira onto Moss Rose Drive.
Mark Greenwood, P.E.
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Tom Tisdale
Fire Chief
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Proudly serving thE� �
unincorporated
areas of RiversidE
County and the
cities of:
Banning
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Calimesa
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Canyon Lake
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Coachella
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Desert Hot Sprinc�s
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Ind'+an Wells
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Lake Elsinore
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La Quinta
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Moreno Valley
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Palm Desert
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Rancho Mir�ge
5an Jacinto
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Temecufa
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RIVERSIDE t..,,�UNTY
FIRE DEPARTMENT
In cooperation ��ith che
Califc�rnia 17�partmei�t oE Forestiy an�i Fire Prutcctiun
210 West San Jacinto Avenue • Perris, Californie 92570 •(909) 940-6900 • FAX (909) 940-6910
4..�• �..... �._. . . , .. . ,1','.l _�` }.
Cove �� ire Marshaj's Uffice
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(7fi0) 3�}6-1870
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TO: a� � ^ . DATE: �i /S/
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REti :(�(,�/� O Lf r( 3
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�f circled, conditions apalv to proiect
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Board o( Supefv+sors ,
Bob Busler f
D�str{ct 1 �
John Tavagf�one
oiscrict 2
J'rm Venable
Oistrict 3
Rpy Wilson
District a
Tom Mulien
D�strir.l 5
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With respect to the condirions of approval regarding the above
r�ferenced project, the fire departmeat recommends the fo�lowing fire
Rrotectian measures be provided in accordance with City Municipai
C'ode, NFPA, CFC, and CBC or any recognized Fire Protection
Standards:
The Fire Department is requrred to set a minimum fire flovv for the
remodei or construc#ion of all buildin�s uer UFC article 87.
A fire flaw of 1540 gpm for a 1•hour duration at 20 psi residual
pressure must be avaelable befare any combustibte material is placed
on the iob site.
Provide or show there exists a water syskem capable of providing a
gpra flow of:
1500 gpm for single famity dwelliugs
2500 gpm far multifamity dwellings
3000 �;�m for commercial buildin�s
The required fire flow shall be available from a wet barrel Super
Hydrant (s) 4"x 2'/:" x 2'/:", located not less t6an 25' nor more than:
200' frorn any portion of a single family dweiling measured vi�
vehicular travelway
IG5' frnm any portion of a multifamily dwelling measured via
W�ehicular travelway
150' from any portion af a commercial beilding measured via
vehicular traveiwav
Water Plans must be approved by the Fire Marshal and include
verification that the water system will nroduce the reauired fre flow.
Please be advised the proposed project may not be feasible since the
existin� water mains will not meet the reqaired fire f1ow.
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14
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16.
I»stall :� cc�mplete NFPA 13 fire sprinkler system. This applies to all
bui{dings with a 3a00 square foot total cumulative tloor area. The Fire
Marsha{ shatl approved the Iocations of ali post indicator valves and
fir�� •Iepartment connections. AiI valves and connections shall not be
les:, `}an 25' from the building and within �0' of an approved
hvcf� '�xemoted are one and hvo familv dweliin�*s.
All va�v�.� �c�ntroiting the water supply for automatic sprinkler
systems :���d VVater-flow switches shall be monitored and alarmed per
CBC (�'::��nter 9.
Install a fire �� --�, �:q �;t�-_� �� rer��aired bv �'�- :JBC Chaater 3.
�� .sta: «bie fix �aa�� ;3,r;;�•s � i 10, but not less than one
.� ,IOB-. ...xtinguis� 3�40 �_• ;;t and not over 75' watking
c! � atancc�. A"� "' ty�.� �xtir� required in all commercial
1�itChe�;i.
Install a HoodiDuct autom�tic fire extinguishing system per NFPA 96
in all public and privat� c� vking operations except single-family
residentia! usa�e.
Instali a dust collecting sy:»tem per CFC Chapter 76 if conducting an
oaeration that produces ai�ba��ne narticles.
�� A[I building shall be access: ►le by an all-we:�ther roadway extending
to within l50' of all portion:� of the exterior walls of the first story.
The roadway shall not be less than 24' of unobstructed width anc!
13' 6" of vertical clearance. Where parallel parking is required ore
both sides of the street the roadway must be 36' wide and 32' wide
with parking an one side. Dead-end roads in excess of ] 50' shall be
provided with a minimum aS' radius turn-around 55' in industrial
develonments.
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Whenever access into private property is cantrolled through use of
gates, barriers or other means provisions shall be made to install a
"Knox Box" key over-ride system to allow for ernergency vehicle
access. Minimum gate width shall be 16" with a minimum vertical
clearance of 13'6".
A dead end single access over 500' will require a secondary access,
sprinklers or other mitigative measures approved by the Fire
Marshal. Under no circumstance shall a dead end over 1300' be
accented.
r°� �
20. A second access is required. This can be accomplished by two main
access points from a main roadway or an emergency gate from an
adioinin� development.
� This project may requere licensing by a state or county agency, to
facilitate plan review the appficant shall prepare and submit to the
Fire Marshal a ietter of intent detailing the proposed usage and
�
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4.
occupancv tvpe.
Al! buildings shalf have illuminated addresses of a size approved by
the citv.
Af! fire sprinkler systems, fixed fire suppression systems and alarm
plans must be submitted separately to the Fire Marshal for approva!
nrior to canstruction.
Conditions subject to change with adoption of new codes, ordinances,
laws, or when building permits are not obtained within twelve
months.
Ali questions regarding the meaning of these conditions s6ould be referred to
the Fire Marshai's Office at (760) 346-1870 in Palm Desert.
Location: 73710 Fred Waring Drive #222. Palm Desert CA 92260
Other:
���
Sincerely,
�
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David A. Avila
Fire Marshal
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CITY OF .PALM DESERT
BUIL.DING 8� SAFETY DEPARTMENT
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
To: Francisco J Urbina, Associate Planner
From: Sam Szymanski, Plans Examiner
Date: December 14, 2004
Subject: CUP 04-13, Sacred Heart Church/School Master Plan & Expansion
I have reviewed the limited materials provided for the above project and have four
comments at this time.
1. New buildings and classroom additions would be required to comply with City
Ordinance 1054 regarding fire sprinkler system requirements. This item would
primarily be addressed by the Fire Marshal for approval.
2. All vehicular access gates require approval from the Fire Marshal and a separate
permit from the Dept. of Building & Safety.
3. Demolition permits require a demolition bond, asbestos abatement and AQMD
approval prior to issuance to a C-21 Cantractor licensed in the State of California.
4. Site accessibility shall be provided throughout the new project areas. Areas of
concem are:
• Student drop off/pick up area
• Sports field storage shed
• New play field area
• Pedestrian gates and walkways
• Lunch area
• Access from the public sidewalk
G:\Planning\Francisco UrbinalWord DatalCUPs�CUP 04-13, Sacred HeaA Church Master Plan, 43-775 Deep Canyon RoadlBldg & Safety conditions.doc
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E5TABLlSHED lN 1918 AS A PUBLfC AGtrt�.Y
COACHELLA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT
POST OFFICE BOX 1058 • COACHELLA, CALIFORNIA 92236 • TELEPHONE (760) 398-2651 • FAX (760) 398-37i1
OfFICERS:
DIRECTORS:
JOHN W. McFADDEN, PRESfDENT STEVEN B. ROBBINS,
PETER NELSON, VICE PRESIDENT GENERAL MANAGER-CNIEF ENGINEER
TELLIS CODEKAS MARK BEUHLER,
ASST.GENERAL MANAGER
RUSSELL KITAHARA JISLIA FERNANDEZ, SECRETARY
PATRICIA A. LARSON J�.�lUai37 1 g� ZOOS DAN PARKS, ASST. 70 GENERAL MANAGER
REDWINE AND SHERRIII. ATTORNEYS
File: 0163.1
0421.1
0721.1
Department of Community Development
City of Palm Desert
73-510 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, California 92260
Gentlemen:
� �� �._:- ��a � Y �..a �
.��'�� � � 2005
' ;?;E�::+ti1�'I.S' DE`1r".I.OPl�E?V'T IIEPARTMFNi
��:TY ^F PALM DESERT
Subject: Conditional Use Permit No. 04-13
This area lies on the sandy area in the northern portion of Pa1m Desert and is cansidered safe
from regional stormwater flows except in rare instances.
This area is designated Zone B on Federal Flood Insurance rate maps which are in effect at
this time by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Since the stormwater issues of this development are local drainage, the District does not need
to review drainage design further.
The District will furnish domestic water and sanitation service to this area in accordance with
the current regulations of this District. These regulations provide for the payment of certain
fees and charges by the subdivider and said fees and chazges are subject to change.
This area shall be annexed to Improvement District Nos. 54 and 80 of the District for
sanitation service.
Plans for grading, landscaping and irrigation systems shali be submitted to the District far
review. This review is for ensuring efficient water management.
TRUE CONSERVATION
USE WATER WISELY
CJ.
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Department of Community Development
City of Palm Desert -2- January 1 S, 2005
If you have any questions please contact Kesi Sekhon, Stormwater Engineer, extension 229Q.
Yours very t�ly,
: � �,;�,�; � !�,� � r
- �%��� ----_.
� , �.
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Mark L. Johnson
Director of Engineering
cc: Jeff Johnson
Riverside County Departrnent of P'ublic Health
82-675 Highway 111, CAC Building, Second Fioor, Room 209
Indio, California 92201
KS:md\eng�sw\jan�cup 04-13
050616-3
COACNEIIa VAILEY WATER 61STRICT
�r
February 9, 20Q5
City of Palm Desert
Attn: Planning Commission
73-510 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92260-2578
Re: Case No. CUP 04-13 Sacred Heart Church
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�;f}t,�j�L'NiTY �E;� �_"s';i!�NT �LPARThtENT
r,t.r�, . � := S:t,!� nEs��T
As per the Lega1 Notice of intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration regazding the
above mentioned case, we the homeowners of Palmira Estates (62 homes) aze expressing
the following concerns with the proposed pmject and the recent Traffic Study for Sacred
Heart Church arid School Master Plan Exparision:
General observarions of the traffic study: I question the reliability of the study based on
the number of misspelled words, typos and false assumptions. For example one
assumption in the report is that the twelve duplexes are occupied (page '� and create an
estunated 105 trips (page 41) in and out of that complex daily that will be reduced once
the duplexes are vacant. The reality is that nine out of twelve duplexes ha.ve been vacant
for a significant period of time. Therefore, there wil2 be minimal reduction of tra.ffic if or
when the last three duplexes become vacant. Another assumption is that there will be
165 additional parking spaces. This assumes you can get 77 cars parked in the new grass
overflow parking area when not lined off. .Also, does the 165 new spaces take into
ac:count the loss of parking north of the church when the new plaza and parish hall are
completed?
A second assumption is that 165 parking spaces will be adequate to have a1i the
parishioners parking on church property rather than on Deep Canyon and Florine or
parking in the redlined fire lane areas in the current pazking lot. The method used to
determine this number does not appear to be accurate. On Februazy 5 and 6, 2005, we
counted the total number of cars parked on Deep Canyon, Florine, Moss Rose and in the
redlined fire lane areas during ALL EIGHT MASSES for the weekend. This provides a
much more accurate account of how many paved spaces are necessary to accommodate
the expanding parish. The 4:00 p.m. mass had 19$ cars parked on Deep Canyon (93),
Moss Rose (16), Florine (49) and in the redlined areas of the parking lot (40). The 9:30
a.m. mass had 144 cars parked in those azeas (77 on Deep Canyon, 6 on Moss Rose, 28
on Florine, 33 in the rediined church parking lot areas). The 11:Op a.m. mass had 140
cars pazked in those areas (67 on Deep Canyon, 3 on Moss Rose, 29 on Florine and 41 in
the redlined church parking lot azeas. ALL parking spaces were filled in the church
parking lot at these three masses. A number of cars at these three masses were still
driving around the parking lot looking for parking spots twenty minutes after mass had
started. It is obvious an additional $6 "paved" pazking spaces is not adequate for the
regular parking. There needs to be at least 150 "paved" parking spaces not 86 paved
spaces plus or minus 77 unpaved spaces used as overIIow. There needs to be an
additional 75 grass overflow pazking spac�s besides the 150 paved spaces. Hopefully tius
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will accommodate the even higher numbers expected for holiday weekends and make up
for the unknown number of lost parking spaces in the proposed plaza area in phase II.
For six out of eight masses there were cars pazked on Deep Canyon even though there
was pazking available in the church parking lot during three of those six masses.
The method used to calculate "seasonality" pazking (page 29, table 3) and traffic flow by
utilizing the nwnber of donation envelopes received during peak and non-peak periods is
not reliable (829 average envelopes received each weekend during peak and 663 average
for regular season, 25% increase}. What is the correlation between envelope usage and
actual parking used and tra�c flow on Deep Canyon? Some people donate once a
quarter or once a month? How many people use their envelopes every single weekend
that they attend? Where is the information validating this type of correlation? Anather
assumption in the report is that the average 829 envelopes received each weekend fram
January 4�' to Apri14�' 2004, (12 weeks) is a reliable predictor of the number of pazking
spaces needed and the amount of traffic that will be on Deep Canyon Father Lincoln has
indicated in the past that he has 6,000 to 7,000 parishioners a weekend. How does this
correlate with the number of envelopes used and nwnber of cars necessary to transport six
to seven thousand people for weekend Mass?
Chairperson Jonathan indicated. that the concerns were traf�c, parking, ingress, and
egress. He believed a study from "Portola to Cook" was appropriate given the level of
expansion requested and number of schools in the congested area. Any study was to
include "trafic, parking and traf�ic flow." He also believed a parking management
program should be considered (Commission minutes dated August 3, 2004. Reference
page 18 bottom paragraph and page 19 top hal�. Response: Tbis study is not as bmad as
recommeaded (Portola to Cook). It does not adequately address the three primary areas
to be studied, e.g. traffic, parking and. traff'ic flow (ingress/egress). It makes a single
recommendation to open up the north emergency exit gate in Palmira to solve the
parking, traff'ic and ingress/egress concerns. This idea was given to Father Lincoln prior
to this study as something the Palmira Boazd was considering. The study mentioned the
parish was willing to redline the east side of Deep Canyon as long as the City of Palm
Desert agreed to it.
This study makes inim�, �cific recommendations for the parish to consider in
addressing the serious traffiic, parking and ingress/egress issues. It recommends that
Palmira adjust by opening their emergency gate and this apparently would alleviate the
congestion for increased traffic on Deep Canyon and solve our other concerns as well. Tt
is impossible to project the increased traffic on Deep Canyon with a new parish ha11. It
does not recommend opening a driveway to the church parking lot from Florine as an
option. It does not make recommendations for exit only or right turn only driveways in
the south parking lot off Deep Canyon. Sacred Heart Church and Schaol options are
much greater than wha.t is being proposed if Father Lincoln is serious about looking at
ALL options. Another alterna,tive would be to provide bus transportation to and from
school. A.nother option wauld be to combine masses that are less than 50% full. This
would not decrease the numbers hut would combine the number of times the traffic is an
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issue. Other churches/parishes that are land locked have located properiy elsewhere for
their schooI and/or church, e.g. Svuthwest Community Church moved from Hovley to
Fred Waring and Washington.
RECOIVIlVIENDATIONS F4R CONDITIUNS OF APPROVAL:
1, More an-site, "paved" parking spaces as well as overflow grassed azeas must be
provided to accommodate the number of cars during the winter season as well as during
peak holiday periods.
2. A tworway driveway should be opened to the church parking lot from Florine.
3. The two driveways south of the church should be combined into one driveway.
Northbound traffic on Deep Canyon would be prohibited from tuming left into this
driveway south of the church. Moving this driveway between the two current driveways
would distance it from the Palmira entrance. All outbound traffic onto Deep Canyon
from this parking Iot should be required to turn right only.
4. The Church and School hire off-duty policemen on Saturday afterncaon from 3:30 pm
to 7:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 7:30 am to I2:00 noon to direct traffic in and out of the
pazking lots and to insure that ALL FIRE LANES ARE NOT BLOCKED.
5. AlI activities scheduled for the parish halUgymnasium must be completed before 10:00
pm on Sunda.y through Friday nights and 11:00 pmt on Saturday night.
b. No flaod or stadium lights will be allowed on or around the sports field or t�ack.
Down lighting and/or security lighting would be acceptable.
7. Use of the sports field and track must be limited to the hours between 8:00 am and 5
pm daily. No use of the track and field on the weekend.
$. No sound system will be allowed to bmadcast outside the church or school between
the hours of 5:00 pm and 8:00 am on weekda.ys and at NO tirae on the weekend. We
ha.ve recently been heazing loud music broadcast outside from the school sound system
around 7:45 am.
9 No future additions or enlazgements will be allowed to the church or schooi that is not
included in the master plan of Sacred Heart School and Church presently on file with the
City oiPalm Desert Pianning Department. This is the 3`d tune in the last 3-S years the
Church and School have requested additional buildings on their property. If the church
and school continues to increase in attendance, then they need to relocate to somewhere
other than a congested residential area
10. Maximum enrollment should be capped at 625 students from pre-school thru 8�'
grade. This would allow for 93 additional students to be added to current enrollment.
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11. Attention should be given to laying out the church pazking lot to be more user
friendly, e.g. signs, painted directional arrows on the pavement as well as communicating
in the weekly Parish Bulletin directing rautes of entry/exits to be used, etc.
12 . The City of Palm Desert approve red Iining the east an.d west side of Deep Canyon
from Via Palmira. �Palmira's entrance) to 2 car lengths beyond Moss Rose. This will help
abate the.noise disturbance as the parish ha11 is completed and in full use. It is also a
safety consideration since all those pazking along Deep Canyon are jaywalking across
�c to get to the Church, Parish Hall or School during peak �c.
13. The City of Palm Desert approve a No Turn on.Red from west bound Fred Waring to
north bound Deep Canyon now that the city has lined a turn lane on Fred Waring.
14. As a small gated community in Palm Desert, we do not ha.ve money in our budget to
spend $15,000.� to add an ex,it gate to the north end of our community replacing one af
the emergency gates. ff Sacred Heart is willing to pay the cost of the equipment and
installation we would certainly consider that as a viable option. However, we do not want
this viewed as the solution to the traffic, parking and i.ngressiegress problems for the
entire neighborhood surrounding Sacred Heart campus.
We, as residents of the Palmira Estates Homeowners Association, are hoping that these
concerns will receive your utmost consideration and will be approved as conditions for
approval for the site plan Sacred Heart Church Case No. CUP Q4l 3.
Sincerely,
"� � � /� /�w C�� �"'_
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Thomas W. McCutchen
President, Palmira Homeowners Associarion
24 Via Cielo Azul
Pa1m Desert, CA 92260
760-773-3774
Psdat(c�dc.ri.com
c: Father Howard Lincoln
Holt Architects .
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February 6, 2045
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FE�3 u � 2005
Palm Desert Planning Commission
City of Palm Desert
73-510 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92260-2578
� �nt,��i�.�n���r� �,��, �. .� . �� 4�� �,:�x�:eTMENT
!'iTY QF PALM DESERT
Dear Sir or Madam,
My name is Lorne Schlotzhauer; I am a homeowner in Palmira Estates, which is Iocated
directly across from Sacred Heart Church, on Deep Canyon.
I would like to express my concerns with regazd to the proposed master Plan for
additional School Buildings and Parish Center, for Sacred Heart Church.
From my courtyard I look directly onto the children's slides and play area. During
season, every school day at approximately 7:45am I already have to listen to disco/rock
music and or announcements of some kind from a loud speaker and the sounds penetrate
my closed windows. I cannot enjoy a morning cup of coffee out side at this time due to
the loudness of the speakers.
T'he church currently rents out their facilities, for weddings and various festivals during
the year. On these occasions I have to listen sometimes until 10 or 1 1pm all kinds of
very loud music and announcements in various languages. Aga.in my friends and me are
unable to have a peaceful time on a beautiful evening in my courtyazd. This is where my
pool, barbecue and fire pit are located.
Now that we are in season, getting out of Palrnira in the rnorning to go to work or go
golfing in my golf cart is a fight and very dangerous due to the proximity of our mutual
driveways.
I recently had my house up for sale and found that because of the church and schools
proximity to my home, I was down valued by between 25 and $50,000 under other homes
in the area. I have since taken my home off of the market until this situation is resolved.
I chose my horne in Palm desert and Palrnira because of the type of city Palm Desert was
a.nd the realtors told me the church could not expand because it was land locked. Well
that was a lie and I accept tha.t. However, I feaz that if this expansion goes through, I will
lose even more of the Peace I desirecl and value to my home.
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Traffic will more than doubie, noise from school and Church activities, from what I
understand will more than triple and there is the possibility light going in on the proposed
soccer field. This to me means less peace and lower property values for all. I belong to
Southwest Community Church and they moved to a new location in Indian Wells, rather
than have a problem with our neighbors on Hovely.
I hope tha.t you will take into consideration my personal needs as well as everyone else
who lives in the area of Sacred Heart Church. My wife is Catholic and we have nothing
against the church far religious reasons. Its quality of life and property values that bother
me the most.
Sincerely,
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Lorne M. Schlotzhauery
32 Via Cielo Azul
Palm Desert, CA 92260
760-862-1218
marty. Schlotzhauer@timken.com
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PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
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There being no further questions, Chairperson Jonathan ooened the
public hearing and asked the applicant io address the Commission.
MR. DANA KELSTROW, 74-780 42ND Avenue in Palm Desert,
stated he is half-owner of the building, along with his partner, who
owns Glasstone, and clarified that Glasstone wil{ use 80% of the
building, with the remainde� of the building to be used by tenants.
He stated that the building wit! be a beautifut addition ta the area.
Chairperson Jonathan closed the public hearing and asked the
Commission fo� comments.
Commissioner Campbett complimented the building architecture.
Action:
.. It was- moued h� -Commissior�er Finerty, seconded by Camrx�issioneF
Campbefl, approving the findings as presented by staff. Motion carried
5-0. .
1t was moved by Commissioner Finerty, seconded by Commissioner
Campbeli, adopting Planning Commission Resoiution No. 2283, approving
PP 03-23, subject to conditions. Motion carried 5-0.
Commissioner Campbell moved, seconded by Commissioner Tschopp, to
direct staff to initiate a zaning ordinance amendment with regard to
clarification of parking requirements for a mixed use office/warehouse
building under the Service Industrial zoning district. Motion carried 5-0.
7 C. Case No. CUP 04-13 - THE ROMAN CATH�LIC BISHOP OF SAN
BERNARDINO, Applicant
Request for approval of a conditiona{ use permit for a
master plan for the Sacred Heart Church and School which
invoives demolition af nine existing residential duplex units,
clubhouse and swimming pool, construction of 6,668
square feet of additionaf classroom space, construction of
new lunch shade structures, a new 86-space parking lot
with access from Deep Canyon, relocation of a playground,
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PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
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construction of a 17,590 square foot parish hall including
a gymnasium, stage, food p�eparation area, restroams and
storage area, modification of an existing parking lot/
playground into a plaza area and reduced/reconfigured
parking lot, demolit+on of an existing single family home
fronting on Flo�ine Avenue and construction of 5,5$7
squa�e feet of additional classroom space, a{ibrary and
restrooms. The project is located at 43-775 Deep Canyon
Road.
Mr. Urbina reviewed the saiient points of the statf report. He emphasized
that the sanctuary area will not be increased, and noted that there have
been compiaints, especially during the winter season, about visitors
parking on Deep Canyon and causing potential tratfic safety issues for
the Palmyra gated subdivision to the east of Deep Canyon as well as
____._ other nearby swbdi�isions: �e �ode En#aFcement Division co�ducted a --
traffic count two winters ago on a Sunday during peak wo�ship services
and found in the church parking lot there were 30 more cars parked there
than there were striped parking spaces, and there were 1 19 cars parked
on Deep Canyon. Those parking issues would be addressed if this master
plan were approved, as it proposes to add a total of 168 additional
parking spaces. Additianally, the master plan would provide two drop-
off/pick-up areas for the Sacred Heart Elementary School. Currently,
there is only one drop-off/pick-up area.
Mr. Urbina reported that Fathe� Lincoln, the pastor of Sacred Heart
Church, held two community meetings with the residents in the
neighborhoods: one in June and one last week. Unfortunately, the title
cornpany for the first meeting had only pravided a 300-foot radius (abels
for the south half of the church parcel, but the church site actually
consists af two parcels. The app{icant ordered new maiting labels to
include a 300-foot radius for the north part of the rnaster plan expansion,
and all those property owners were notified of tonight's public hearing.
Mr. Urbina noted that the parish hall wifl serve a duat use, both as a
gymnasium for the expansion of the schoo( and also for church functions.
There were two letters received recently from residents across the street
on Deep Canyon expressing concern that the parish hall could cause
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additional traffic in the evenings due to bingo, fund raising dinners or
other events.
Mr. Urbina stated that the ather issue raised in the cornrnunity meetings
were the heights of the proposed eight-foot high block wail around the
perimeter of the track and field areas. Most people are in agreement with
eight-foot high block walls, but one or two property owners want oniy a
six-foot high block wall and no evergreen trees planted there in order to
preserve their views. Father Lincoln has indicated willingness to
accommodate those requests.
Mr. Urbina exptained that the main issue which arose at the community
meetings, particularly last week's meeting, was traffic impacts on Deep
Canyon. Several residents expressed concern that the current situation
with only a painted median on Deep Canyon creates a t�affic safety
- k�azard: The cansensu�-was that a-#iaffie-st�dy sFiould be do�e for this
site. One of the residents who lives on Racine Avenue, which is just
north vf the existing duplexes, spoke to him tonight and stated that if
traffic counts are done as part of the traffic study, she would prefer that
they be done at least in mid-November when the snow birds are back and
when school is in session, not only at Sacred Heart Church, but also
Palm Desert High School and other nearby schools.
Mr. Urbina commented that because of the issues raised at the
cammunity meetings held by Father Lincotn, staff would like to change
its recommendation from a two-week continuance to a continuance off
calendar to a date uncertain, because it is unknown how long it will take
to prepare the traffic study. A{so, part of tonight's meeting is to take
testimony from residents to identify issues they would like the traffic
study to address.
Mr. Urbina noted that tast Friday he and City Engineer Mark Greenwood
met with residents from the Palmyra Homeowners Association as well as
other nearby residents, and they identified that some of the traffic issues
� they would like addressed include the possibility of a median at least
from Fred Waring Drive to approximately the second entrance near the
existing church administration building. The main purpose of the master
plan would be to add more classroom space, library space, the
gymnasium/parish hall and the play fields. There will be no night lighting
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AUGUST 3, 2004
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in the play fields, and the school would close at 5:00 p.m. Hawever, one
resident pointed out that there may not be night lighting proposed at this
time, but perhaps the church will want it later. Staff indicated that a
condition of approvai c�uld be included that prohibits night tighting, and
any proposed change in that regard would necessitate a pubtic hearing to
consider an amendment to the conditionai use permit.
Mr. Urbina stated that some residents want assurance that along with
creation of the 168 additional parking spaces, additionat curbing along
the west side of Deep Canyon be painted red to force people to avoid
parking on the street and instead park on the church property, and the
City Engineer will consider whether or not it is appropriate to include that
issue in the future traffic study.
Mr. Urbina concluded by stating that the staff recommendation is to
_. - e�ntinue CUP 04-13 to a date u�certain-, -and�dded that staff would re-
advertise the public hearing to al(ow time for a traffic study ta be
prepared.
Commissioner Campbell asked how the three duptexes wouid be used,
to which Mr. Urbi�a �eptied that elderly �esidents cu�rently live there and
he believes they wiU remain, pursuant to the proposed master site plan.
He noted that many of the other units are already vacant and will be
demolished as a result of imptementatian of this plan, and the church is
assisting those residents with relocation costs.
Chairperson Jonathan asked who witl conduct the traffic study, to which
Nlr. Urbina replied that the appiicant would conduct the traffic study. Mr.
Urbina added that one of the residents on Racine Avenue has indicated
they would like the traffic counts done at least in mid-November when
the snow birds are in town and school is in session; however, he does
not know how the applicant or the Planning Commission feels about that.
There were no other questions and Chairperson Jonathan opened the
public hearing and asked the applicant to address the Commission.
FATHER HOWARD LINCOLN, pastor of Sacred Heart Church,
stated that he agrees with the figure of 120 cars, and believes
that study was done during the height of the season. He also
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agreed with the additio� of 166 parking spaces and stated that
much more parking is needed for the church.
Father �incotn noted that the three existing dup{exes are currently
inhabited by senior citizens, and the church has no intention of
asking those people to move. However, at some point when the
residents pass away or sirnply choose to relocate, the church
couid choose to dernolish the duplexes and provide additional
parking, though the church may aiso chaose to retain one of the
units in the event an associate pastor is brought on board.
Father Lincoln explained that there are already twa kindergartens,
and the intent is to double the size of the classroom and reduce
the size of the ctass. There is a waiting list in every grade except
eighth grade. The�e are two first grades, and there will be three
seEond grades, and tk�e plan is- to add ane grade each year.
Father �incoln emphasized that the size of the sanctuary will not
be increased. The hall/gymnasium wilt principally be a gymnasium.
He daesn't know how frequently it will be used by the parish, but
current{y during the season there are 6,000 to 7,000 people
attending the church, and the existing meeting hall accommodates
100 people. He has been asked how frequently the
gymnasium/hall would be used by the parish during the year, and
his only ►-esponse is that this year, there were only three meetings.
He clarified there wilt be no bingo, and there wilt be no night
lighting of the play fields. He indicated that there will be spaghetti
dinners fram time to time.
Farther l.incoln expressed wi{lingness to do a traffic study.
Chairperson Jonathan asked how much time would be required to
conduct a traffic analysis, and whether there is a preference as to ,when
that analysis would take place.
Father Lincoln stated that if the church waits until mid-November
to canduct the parking study, then the master plan will not be
completed in time to add a second third grade. The school
semester commences the last Monday of August, and the
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AUGUST 3, 2004
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preference is to conduct the study after the start of school, if the
Planning Commission is satisfied with that timing.
Chairperson Jonathan asked when the applicant would be ready to come
back to the Commission if the traffic study were conducted in late
August or early September.
Father Lincoln stated he does not know how long it takes to
complete a traffic study, but the church would be prepared to
come befo�e the Commission as soon as the traffic study is
completed.
Chairperson Jonathan asked if the church would be ready to come back
to the Commission by the first meeting in October.
-- Fathef-ttrrcoln was comfortable with that date: ---
Mr. Drell believed that the first meeting in October may not be enough
time, because if the counts are done at the beginning of September, the
traffic analysis has to be prepared and submitted to the City Traffic
Engineer for review. Sometimes the City Traffic Engineer will deem the
study incomplete and �equire additional work. Therefore, he would
suggest the first meeting of Novernber would be more reasonable;
however, it is so far in the future that staff wouid want to re-notice the
public hearing anyway.
Mr. Urbina pointed out that the first Tuesday in November is an election
date, which may not be an appropriate evening to have the public
hea�ing.
Commissione� Finerty recalled that the Commission has previously
avoided holding meetings on election nights.
Mr. Drell noted that the public hearing could be held on the first
Wednesday of November.
Commissioner Tschopp observed the dramatic difference in traffic in this
area between the season and the off season, and asked if any traffic
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PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
AUGUST 3, 2004
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study conducted in August or September could be adjusted to address
traffic volumes for the six months of the season.
Mr. Joy comrnented that the Public Works Department's main concern
about traffic counts down Deep Canyon is that they be performed after
school commences, and added that the other thing to be factored in is
the opening of Aztec Road on Cook Street, which is believed will result
in significantly decreased traffic on Deep Canyon.
Mr. Drell noted that traffic impacts from events which occur at the site
on the weekend are dwarted by the traffic impacts created by the
operations which occur during the week. He indicated that there are
relatively current counts from last season along Fred Waring, which was
confirmed by Mr. Joy.
- - - - ComrnissivnEr Tschopp�-asked-about current enrolfinent: -- -- -
Father Lincoln indicated the current enrollment is 532, which
includes 83 students in pre-school, and emphasized . that
classrooms are proposed to be added so that the number of
students. in each class can be reduced, thus approximately 92
students would be added over the next five years.
Chairperson Jonathan asked if the church has set a maximum size for
expansion, after which point another church facility at a different location
would be required.
Father Lincoln stated that the master plan provides for the ultimate
expansion.
Chairperson Jonathan explained that this pubtic hearing will be continued
so there will be additiona! opportunity for public testimony, and invited
anyone present to address the Commission regarding this matter.
MR. THOMAS MC CUTCHEN, 24 Via Ceilo Azul in Palm Desert,
stated he is the president of the Palmyra Homeowners
Association, and indicated the HOA has two main concerns. The
first issue is the traffic engineering study, and the concern is not
regarding the traffic going down Fred Waring or on Deep Canyon,
11
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PALM DESERT PL.ANNING COMMISSION
AUGUST 3, 2004
�.
but is more related to how the church gets its visitors in and out
of the parking lot. At this time, the church has two driveways,
and the one north of the church is typically c{osed during the
week, but is open on the weekends. The church now proposes to
adcf two more driveways, and the conce�n is the amount of traffic
coming in during the week between 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. The
residents of Palmyra have one ingressiegress paint directiy across
from the church, and it is nearly impossibie to use that
ingresslegress point between 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. and also
between 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Mr. McCutchen suggested that two of the church access points be
one-way exits with a right-turn only, thereby taking the school
traffic off of Fred Waring, and also suggested the possibility of
having a one-way entry off of Florine.
Mr. McCutchen remarked that the schoal will be adding nearly 100
students to the enrotlment, and this could add another 75-100
. cars every morning, so it is hoped that the traffic study would
show some way to get the students in and out of the schoal
without everyone using the Deep Canyon route.
Mr. McCutchen stated that the HOA is also concerned about the
new parish hatllgymnasium, which is to be used as a gymnasium
for the children during the day, and three or four times a year
wouid alsa be used during the evening. The HOA be4ieves that if
this facility is to be built, the parishioners wil{ want to use it more
than just three or four tirr�es a year, and the HOA is concerned that
residents on the north end of tF�e complex and those on the east
side of Deep Canyon wiil be hearing a lot of evening noise as
people leave the parish hali in the evening around 1 1:00 p.m. He
suspected that as the years go by, the hall will receive more use.
The HOA suggests that Deep Canyon be red curbed and posted
with no parking signs down to Moss Rose or possibly further, and
that would at least restrict the noise to the parking lot area.
Mr. McCutchen stated that residents along Via Cielo Azul are also
concerned about the height of the parish hall, as it would impact
the only view to the mountains from this cul-de-sac street. He
12
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PALM DESERT PLANNiNG COMMISSION
AUGUST 3, 2004
��._
noted that the height limit for the single-family residential district
is 18 feet, and a planned residentiai district height limit is 24 feet
or two stories, whichever is lower. He asked fo� clarification on
the height limit which would appfy to this property.
Chairperson Jonathan asked if the proposed 24-foot height is an
exception which requires a variance, to which Mr. Drell replied that a
church use requires approval of a conditional use permit, and by
defiinition, the standards which apply to a single-family home do not
apply to a church, so the standards are as approved when dealing with
a church.
Chairpersan Jonathan asked if the CUP woutd allow 24 feet, to which
Mr. Drett rep{ied that a CUP alfows an exception to the standards that
app{y to a single-fami{y hame, and the church architecture includes
- - -. - - -- � f�at�rres whicM--exeeed 24-�eet in Meigl�t. - -
Mr. Urbina pointad out that the north half of the site is zoned Planned
Residentiai with a maximum four dwelling units per acre, and the height
iimit there is 24 feet. The proposed parish hall is to be located within
that zoning district a�d does compty with the 24-foot height limit.
Mr. Dretl asked if Mr. McCutchen was suggesting that a line of sight
study be conducted which wouid indicate the impac#,of whatever height
is proposed on existing views.
Mr. McCutchen responded affirmatively and also indicated he
wou{d like some type of condition of approvai or assurances that
the parish half will not be used for meetings all hours of the day
and evening, because it wiil create additionat t�affic. In terms of
parking aiong Deep Canyon, the City did red cu�b the area from
Fred Waring to the Palmyra entrance on both sides of the street,
and that has helped tremendously in terms of line of sight so that
drivers no longer have to pull out into the intersection in order to
see traffic. He believed that additianal red curbs would ensure
safety for the parishianers as weli as residents.
Mr. McCutchen stated that the residents are also concerned about
the use of the piay field, because the understanding is that it will
13
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PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
AUGUST 3, 2004
�
be used as a soccer field as well as a track for the students, and
that it would not be used after 5:00 p.m. The residents are
concerned that eventually lights would be added for evening play
or the parish festival or other evening events, and the noise level
and lights would negatively impact the peace and quiet of the
neighborhood. He indicated the residents would like some
condition ot app�oval or assurance that the use of the play fields
wilt not evolve into evening use or include loudspeakers or lights
after 5:00 p.m.
Mr. McCutchen remarked that there are approximately 238 homes
on the east side of Deep Canyon and there are four entrances for
residents along Deep Canyon, so the residents are concerned
about additionai traffic on Deep Canyon.
�� � --� MS. MARGARE�' GERTS, �4-457 Mercine �4venue in Patm Desert,
agreed with the comments made by Mr. McCutchen. She stated
that the main concern is additional t�affic from Fred Waring all the
way down Deep Canyon to Magnesia Falls, and noted that traffic
has increased tremendously with the additional schools. She
noted that the four-way stop which was installed on Buttonwaod
is very ineffective, as some drivers fail to stop. She suggested
that the traffic study include the school grounds as well as the
traffic flow dvwn to Magnesia Falls. She suggested that a median
should be considered to prohibit left turn movements vff Deep
Canyon into the first twa entries to the church.
Ms. Gerts noted that at last week's meeting with the Traffic
Department, staff indicated that Deep Canyon traffic counts were
over 20,000, which is close to the volumes along Monterey
Avenue.
Mr. Joy noted that more accurate nurnbers have been developed which
indicate counts of 5,282 per day, and added that this count was
conducted January 15 - 21.
Ms. Gerts requested that the traffic study be done after the
seasonal residents return. She requested that a condition of
14
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PALM DESERT PLANNING CUMMISSIC�N
AUGUST 3, 2004
�
approva! prohibit lighting on the play field and no use of the field
after sunset.
MR. STEVEN ROOS, 74-459 Mercine Avenue in Palm Desert,
asked for clarification on where all the new parking spaces would
come f�om, because the description given thus far doesn't seem
to add up to 166 new parking spaces.
Chairperson Jonathan noted that some of the new parking spaces will
come from the new grass overflaw parking area, which includes 177
spaces.
Mr. Roos believed that adding red curb furth�r down Deep Canyon
past the church wouid push parking even further down Deep
Canyon if there is insufficient parking on site, and he believed that
-sbo�ld b�-avoided. ._ ..._ _ ----- - ._ . _ . _ .
MR. DANA CARNES, 43-550 Palmilla Circle in Palm Desert,
commented that since the City has developed the beautiful islands
down Fred Waring, they've cut off all the eastbound exits out of
the west side of the proposed project, so whenever residents go
east to access Fred Waring, they must make right turns, then ga
up to Portola and make a U-turn in order to head east, unless they
use Deep Canyon. On nurrierous occasions on Deep Canyon,
thase turning onto Deep Canyon off Fred Waring are into the two
turning lanes into oncoming traffic to the intersection, so this is a
major problem at this intersection.
Mr. Carnes remarked that public school semester commences
September 9t'', and he concurs with the residents who believe the
traffic study should be delayed after school starts and the snow
birds return. He noted that the lights from the high school shine
into his back yard and his family can hear cheering during the
football games. He requested that no lighting be allowed on the
play fietd because it would destroy the views to the east. He
further suggested that down lighting be used for parking areas in
order to preserve views to the east.
15
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PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
AUGUST 3, 2004
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MS. SUMMER LITTLE, 74-413 Mercine Avenue, was concerned
that her existing rnature landscaping not be disturbed when the
church's perimeter wall is constructed, and that the existing
fences not remain and thereby create an empty alley in which
debris could collect. She suggested that the new wall be attached
to existing fences or walls and that existing fences be rernoved.
She was also concerned about lighting and dumpsters.
Mr. Drell noted that in order to actually build the wall, permission wiil be
requested to go on neighboring property, and therefore, the neighbors are
in a positian to negotiate with the mason regarding specifics.
Chairpe�son Jonathan clarified that the residents should be aware that
the City's ability to direct the applicant only extends to what the
applicant does on its own property, but it is not unusuat during the
- course of ctevetvprnent for an applicant-to vr►ork with-�adJacent-proRerty
owners.
Ms. Little noted that it is her understanding that the church
property is two feet lower than the adjacent residential properties,
such that the eight-foot wall will function as a six-foot wal! frorrt
the residents side, but will be eight feet high from the church's
side.
Mr. Joy commented that the Pubtic Works Department has requested,
but has not yet received, a grading plan for this praject.
Mr. Urbina cornmented the height of the wall from the high side wi(I be
eight feet.
MR. TIM HOLT, 41-555 Cook Street in Palm Desert, introduced
hirnseif as the project architect, and noted that there is an average
differential in the grades.from the back yards of the residences
along the west side of the chu�ch property. He stated that the
grade on one side is 171.00, and on the other side of the property
line at the base of proposed wall the differential is a little more
than one foot at 169.92, and then the proposed athletic field will
stope away from the property line lower toward the center of the
area of activity.
16
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PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISStON
AUGUST 3, 2004
C�
Mr. Holt indicated that he is currently negotiating with staff
regarding the planting along this wall. Some praperty owners have
indicated they would prefer landscaping, while others are more
interested in preserving their views, and the applicant is committed
to working with the residents to establish the most preferable
condition for as many property owners as possible.
Mr. Holt stated that the other issue discussed with the neighboring
property owners was the relative height of the watl, and some
owners prefer an eight-foot dimension as measured from the
residence side, while others more interested in preserving views
prefer a wail height of six feet from the residence side. Mr. Holt
noted that with staff's cooperation, the applicant has committed
to working with the neighboring property owners in an effort to
make them as happy as possible with regard to that treatment.
MR. LOUIS GORDON, 43-551 Palmilla Circle in Palm Desert,
believed it would be impossible to co�duct an adequate traffic
study in the area during the manths of August and September. He
stated he has lived in the area for three years and has driven his
children to the elementary and middle schools in this area for six
years, and therefore, has had the opportunity to observe traffic in
the area increase tremendously. Southbound Deep Canyon
heading towards Fred Waring getting into the eastbound turn lane
there is a line of traffic sitting in the turn lane to enter the church
parking tot, so that is an obvious issue. He believed a divider may
help, but was concerned about pushing traffic further down Deep
Canyon.
Mr. Gordon opined that the intersection of Fred Waring and Deep
Canyon is unsafe for eastbound turns du�ing the peak hours.
Traffic has increased since the median was instatled on Fred
Waring. He agreed that installation of the median was a beautiful
adjustment, but it has forced residents onto Portola for a U-turn in
order to head eastbound unless they go onto Deep Canyon. He
wondered how long it would take for a traffic study of the
intersection.
17
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PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISStON
AUGUST 3, 20(J4
�
Mr. Gordon asked if there is any opportunity for students to be
shuttled to the schaal rather than dropped off by parents.
There being no one else wishing to address the Commission, Chairperson
Jonathan invited the appiicant to make rebuttai comments.
Mr. Hoft remarked that the church concurs with the need for a
traffic analysis and a circulation study rega�ding this particular
intersectian. There is an overall project schedule, and the church
is working with the City Engineer regarding the crite�ia that should
be included in the traffic study such that when it comes back to
the Commission, there will be reasonable substance to it from the
standpoint of scope and focus. The church prefers not to do the
study twice and prefers not to have it prolonged any longer than
necessary.
Mr. Holt emphasized the precise need which church feels this
master plan addresses with regard to internal circulation is drop-
.afflpick-up of students at the two critical times of the day. If one
traverses many of the public streets su�raunding public schovls in
the enti�e valley one sees numerous examples of how this isn't
working very well. Hovley Lane is an example of how vehictes are
backed up inta public lanes, which is both dangerous and
inconvenient for circu{ation. What the ch�rch has attempted to da
with this plan is to create two very intentionat drop-off and pick-up
areas within the site to allow for this to occur safely without
interrupting main street traffic. This occurs in two different areas
in order to respect two different age groups, and it is of pa�amount
concern to the parish and the leadership of the church. The point
is the access in and out of the site are the areas that shouid be
studied, and the neighbors have fiocused on some areas there that
are important as well.
Chairperson Jonathan asked the Commissianers for comments.
Mr. Joy reported that the Public Warks Department requests that the
scope of the study also include a parking study as well as a traffic study.
:
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PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
AUGUST 3, 2004 �
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Chairperson Jonathan asked what parameters a traffic study conducted
by the City would include, i.e., Deep Canyon, Fred Waring, Magnesia
Falls.
Mr. Joy replied that the study will include whatever the Commission
requests, but the Department's primary tocus would be access to the
site itself as well as Fred Waring and Florine.
Commissioner Finerty was certain that the City Engineer is aware of the
traffic problems which current�y exist and therefore wilt ensure that the
study is done properly.
Mr. Drell noted that traffic engineers who do business with the City
indicate that the City's review of traffic studies is quite rigorous, so he
wouldn't be surprised if the study includes Magnesia Falls to Portola, as
- �- the studies usually go -ane signat beyorrd--the obviaus to see what the
additional traffic impact would be. He noted that the internal circulation
would also be addressed.
Mr. Urbina asked if the Commission would be interested in having the
parking study include the number of cars parked on Deep Canyon on a
Sunday during October.
Mr. Drelt noted that since the applicant is adding parking, then existing
parking conditions will only improve, so surely a study is not wanted that
ends up killing the project, and then everything gets worse. Obviously,
the only question is whether the additional parking spaces warrant red
lining the curb atong Deep Canyon, but as has been discussed, if the curb
is red lined, and there is still excess parking, then the red lining just
pushes the parking down the street. The issue of red lining would be an
ongoing management issue to see how the new use pans out and
whether parking restriction is warranted, therefore, red lining is always
an option.
Chairperson Jonathan observed that he heard both the applicant and the
neighbors voicing concerns regarciing traffic, parking, ingress, and egress.
He believes this is a good opportunity, given the scope that the church
wants to expand its school and recreation components, to take a study
which looks at all the issues involving the area from Portola to Cook
19
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PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
AUGUST 3, 2004
, �_..
Street and perhaps even share expenses. He stated there are three
schools and severai churches which dump traffic into a very confined
area, and believed it is an oppartune time to look at atl the issues
affecting the area and how best to mitigate those in the future.
Therefore, he wanted a more comprehensive scope involving the traffic,
park'rng and traffic flow.
Commissioner Tschopp suggested that a traffic analysis, circulativn study
and parking study be done for the appropriate areas as determined by
staff. He noted that the neighbors are concerned about lighting and
noise and suggested that the appticant consider CC&R's o� covenants or
some type of restriction that will assure the residents that years from
now they won`t need to worry that lights will be added, in addition to
any conditions that the Commission may impose as part of the CUP
process.
Chairperson Jonathan encouraged the applicant to alsa consider a parking
management program. He commented that he can't imagine a
gymnasium floor woulct last very long if it is used on a frequent basis for
functions that require tables and chairs.
Chairperson Jonathan noted that the consensus of the Commission is to
delay the traffic study until after the public school semester has
commenced, and it is not necessary to wait until January ar the height
of the season.
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Finerty, seconded by Commissioner
Campbell, continuing Case No. CUP 04-13 to a date uncertain. Motion
carried 5-0.
IX. MISCELLANEOUS
A. Case No. PP 04-07 - ALLAN ZYLSTRA, Applicant
Per Planning Commission direction, presentation of a
resolution denying a precise plan ta construct a two-story
�
�
LEGEND
� Pick-UplDrop-ORPdnt
�1'EQRG�[�U�N � SaaedHeaRSchoollChurch-TrafficStudy
i�rcY�►wil ea��lal, I
�����' �����
C N
��St"!i'\' v�1F,4 �'vV\tg^TJEFA.R?,11E.\'T �
;�i' ' o,,, � :r;;
Figure 23
Master Plan Pick-Up and Orop-Off Circulation Plan
25.24.010
C6apter ZS.?A
PR P'LANNED RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
Sectians:
25.24.010
25.24.OZ0
25.24 025
25.24.027
251A.030
Z5.?4.040
Z5.24.050
25.Z4.�55
ZS.Z�L.060
25.?.4.090
Z5.24.110
25.?A.120
25.2A.130
25.24.140
?S.Z4.1S0
?S.Z4.160
25.24.170
25.24.180
25.?A.1�0
25.24.200
25.Z4.210
25.24.220
25.24.?30
25.241.40
25.?A.250
25.24.260
25.24.270
25.?�i.T.80
25.24.290
25.24.300
25.24.301
25.24310
25.?A31A
25.24.321
25.24.330
(Palm Desert 7-95)
�
Uses perimitted by approv� �
P� P�TM
Conditional nses.
I,�tge fam�y day care Lomes.
Pt��g,r,.�.�;,�,.,.
��
Ma�imom project deasities.
Mas�num deosity for KattoraaWe
P���
�$�P�P�
reqninmen/s.
Deaign review d project.
Devdop�eat s4�arda ap�baa
OQ-stireet parl� and loading
reqnir�nts.
Utllttks.:. .
Si�ne, � .. ,
Oats�e storage.
�S�
Trash i�andling.
Siie pian review.
Specint standatds-
Miaimnm P�roject sre�.
N� Prnjed wi+dth
11�8�oi� p�o,je�� pai�ter setba�ck.
Maadm�mt �o�t 6�m� co�verag�
Mini� lot ace�.
Minimum yards—Developmeat
standsrda.
Mi�oimum a ., r , � � ..� , �i , ; , betweea sides
oi bnildfmg�..
Minimnm commoo open spsce.
Bnildiog Leig6�
Maamum dwelling nnits per
bn�ding.
Reqniced width of priv�te roads.
RV park standards.
�P�
Building setbacks from tbe pLanned
street line.
Twastory smgle-family detached
bniiding setbacks from project
perimeter.
Approved criterls.
25.?�4.010 Ptupose.
It is tlu p�upose of the PR disorict to provide f� �eui-
b�ity in d�velopmenE. cxeattive and �aginative design, and
tt� develop�►«►t of parals of laad as cooidiaated projects
invdving a mixhue of r�sideadal deasities aod housing
types. and community facilities, both public and privaae.
The PZt district is futther inoended to prnNide fa d�e .
optimum integ�ation of utbaa and aatural amenities withio
developments. The PR dist�ict is aLso establis6ed to giv�
a iand developer �sura�oe �at innovative aa�d unique land
de.wdop�reat �niques will be givea �asonabk �
ation fa� appsoval and W provide tlu city with ass�ranccs
that th�e comPle� Pro,jact will contain tl�e character envr
si�ed at the time of appc�oval.� (Oid. 94 � 1(part), 1975:
F.�chibit A � 25.141)
25.?A.OZO Uses pami�ted by apprnvs�l of pcecise
P�a
Ptrnditted uses in the PR disttict ac� as follows:
A Resideatial real estate developments, as de�nod
in the Business aad Professions Code;
8. Mixdues of .n�idential with coantry club related
commu+cial uses;
C. Rclated accesscxy t�ses;
D. SmaU faaWy dxy, c.a�+e bomes. (Otd. 742 $15,1994;
Ord. 516 § 2(Bxhibit A).(patt), 1987: Ord. 299 (pazt).
1982; Ord.128 � 1(part);1976: Ord. 94 § 1(part),1975:
Fxh�bit A � 25.1422, . � . ., .
25.1,4.0?S C�ditloaai, asea.
The follo�ving uses may bc permittod subjoct to a�ndi-
tional use penni�
A Commnnity facilities;
B. Commetcial recreational uses not dir�ctty related
to a peiasitbed nsidentisl devalopment;
C. Institutional facilities;
D. Resott hotel with a maximum eighteen units per
gross acre, and related commezcial uses;
E. Utility facilities;
F. Private schools aad coll�ges;
G. Ra�reational vehicle patks. (Ord. 516 � 2(Exhibit
A) (part), 1987: Ord. 445 $ 2(part), 1985; Ord. 441 § 2,
1986; Ord. 427 § 2, � 1985�
25.24.OZ7 Large famly day care 6omes.
Large family day care homes are pamitted subject to
a use pernut ptu�suant w Chapter 25.27A of this code. (Ord.
742 § 16, 1994)
Z5.24.030 Prefiliag procednre.
Prior tio the svbmittal of the c�mple�e official applicadon,
an applicant must pre-fil� a preliminary draft of d�e required
380
25.24.030
�am�ts and slc�cfi plaos foc th� pcojoct with th� d�
of envimnnrentat srrvKes fac raview. It s6att be the respon-
sibility of the diroctor of cnvironn►eatai setvices to coat�ct
iat�cested dagarm�ent aad a$ency P�� n8��8
nxessary m�oetings with the applicant ARer rcvicw. the
dihec�or of e�v�tat sarvices s6all fiani.�la d�e applicant
with writt�a coamnants �+egarding the project, iacluding
3$0-1 (Patm Daert 7-95)
25.�A.030
�ppropxia0e cxommendations ro infana and assist the
applic�t �a ta R'��B � fsnat compone�ts oi tbc
app�ication. i0r'd- 94 § 1(Pffit). 1973: E�f�ibit A§
25.14-3.�i)
25.24�040 �►� P�e.
To initia�e the. r�'vi�► R�oce�s. tl�e �Alicast sha11 file
a petitiae� fa a ch�nge of zone m a PR discrict along with
a plan and sapportiieS docuinauatiot► � reqvited
�n S�ixtia► 2S?A Q60 widr dwe pianni+►B cemm�sion thmugh
the pianninf divisraa office of d�e d�daeert of e,�►viRvn-
mentat savicea. 'The planning commissian shalt i�aid a
pub4c Irc�ing m conaider the petiboa fat a change to a
P'it disoritx ard dr� accompm�eyinL P� P�- ��8�
of zeoe �r►d aec�Yu+6 I�� P� � be s+�bjact
t� app�val by ar�nance of d�e cihr coun�cil. (O�rd. ?.99
(psut), 1g82; Ocd. 94 $ 1(P�rt� 1g75: Exltibit A g
25.14-3.02)
2324.030 Mao�imas projat demities.
'T1�e n�aximimn project de�sity simU be at eacpc� in
dweD'mg units pa �ross sicae of not �e�o�e thae tlre numbet
faibwing the za�nin= symbol PR. �
'I'he city co�ncit shali de�amiae the dansitna to be al-
lowod withir each PR d�tria at tl�e �isra tl�e ie�veived
P�� aie re�onod and aa d�si�n�led cn d+e xoning
map wid�in the foUowing rang� one to aghGaen dwelling
w�its mac�imum per avar�ge gtoas �ae►'IUe dansity desig,na-
ti�on shatl inean dwelln�g units per aversge g�oss acre.
Fa� e�cample. PIt•� me�ns a piannod residential devel-
opmaK with seven unib pa` gto�t acre. (Ord. �4 ¢ 1(part).
l9'7S: F.xhibit A� 25.14 4)
Z3.24A3S Maximum d�sity �or "aPrordabk
Prol��-„
Fer �ajects cflntaining at kast twsncjr perccnt units
atia�ble Oo low incane hausehoWs as deiuued by tl�
Rive:rside County Housin8 Authaity, a maxirrn�m density
of twenty-five ciwelling units pet a�cre may be albarod by
precis� pL�n.'Ta be eligibk fa tl�is p�og,yam. d�e devetePei'
must enta into a dev�bpmec�t a�rnent Pe� ChaP�r 2537
which wiU be the zonin� designa�tion and ►he prais� plan
approvai b affordabta ho�sing parfamv�ct snr�rds. (Ord.
34 t Exhibit A, 1983)
15.7A.060 Rezaoiog sed preei�e plaa
requiremeab.
A. Thc planning commissan may initiat� �t its discte-
tion the rezoning of propetties. according Do tNe pr�ovisions
of ChaQtar 2i.$4. In c�ses of ciry iniaated cezon'sng. the
chang� of mne petition may be processod atonr: an aQ-
pmvad p�+xise plaa as s�t fa�tb iu Chaptcr 25.73 s�aU be
�4� 1� � �Y ��oPm��-
B. Rr,�oning initia�ed by aay perso� cr aSa�cy odrer
YI�, {/6'iQ�m�� i rr'. o�i�iiJ���Jr��a���
set fati� ia Cl�aptar 25J3. (O�d. 299 (pattj. 1982: ON.
94 � t(p�. 1975: E�ubit A� 25.145j
2524.0�90 Desig� review or project.
Wid►ut cne yea�r fdbwing the 6na1 appsovat of tho pe-
cise piaa. tht �t shaU fil� fat tl�a design t�v�w af
the pcoject by f ling the u�fae�tia�► �eqaiced ia C'hapta
25.'�0. The de,gign rn.wi�ear p�ocess, ia addidan � ib nonnat
fi�iin�. shali daas tfie p+ai�e . �.�, � � ��� � �. pians and
P�� � PL�ns in � car►pli�x wid� d�e
P�� P�• P�� �aa bp the apptticant does
nat invol�►� a d�nge o� one ar mae af the follo�vin�
A. Y'wla�e any pn�vision of tt�e zoaing a�r�u�nc�
B. Vary the lot air.�t tequ'ucment� by mora tha� ta�
P�� .
C. Involve a teduction of mae diaa ben pacmt of
tlw a� re�a'ved fot thG canmon vpa� apace and�oc n.s�bi�
� � . . .:
D. Incne�te or d+e�ase tbe tioor � lx�oposed M►
more th�n oen percon� • '
E. �ncr�e� d�e to�d g�auand �a c�nra�od bry b�t�n�s
by more dqa five pecccn� - •
Ii it is deeerma�ed tioat ehe plan� a�ae not in�su�at
complia�xx. an ;�n� a�►diar a ne�v preciae p�ni shaU
be proceased tlua�gh tbe cit�► as app�p�ia�: (Ord. 29�
(pact), 1982: Ocd. 94 .$ 1(Pact�. 1�"FS:� F.�hibit A�
25.14-5.03) �
381
ZS.Z4.110 Derdapanest staad�rds applicabk.
All arcas on the precise plaa shall be subject m tl�e Eat-
lowing:
The snnd�rds fa d�vefupn�nt of PR district� set farth
ia this ch�pter and any suppk�nental sta��ds fa the
planned communiry designated in the pteci�ee plan,
In addition. the foiloaring devebpment �andards af
Sectia�s ZS34.120 tht�ugh 2524310 shatl appiy. (Ord.
299 (p�rt). 1982: Chd. 94 � 1(p�tt). 1975:, Fachibit A§
25.14-6)
tr.Ln De.en 7.9Z)
?.SZ4.120 OR-sbrcet parkia: aad ta9d'mg
require�ne+ots.
AU paridng and loa�ing simlt comply with d� pavisia�s
of Chapter 2S.S8. (Ord. 94 $ 1(part).1975: Exhibit A�
2S, I4-6.01(1))
2524.I30 Utilities.
For provisions ceg�tding utilities. set Secdvn ?5.56.090.
(Ord. 94 § I(paR); i97S: Eattibit A§ 25.14-601(2))
2s.2a.iao �
1�S.Z4.140 Si�as.
Alt signs shait be in canpliance with Chaptar 25.60.
(Ord. 94 � 1(paR). 1975: Euhibit A� 23.146.01(3))
25.24.150 O�Iside �a
Na► antside sta�age shaU e:ceed the height af actual
perimeter �ing. (Ocd 94 � 1(Pait).197S: Exldbit A
4 u.ia-6.oicay)
1.5.7Ar160 Scteeii��.
p11 screa� tequi[anetxs far davelopments �ridua d�e
PR di4drit.K shatl be debermin .1 by the design �vie�► boa�d
during its site pba nwi�w r, � r r r i;, ga. (O�d. 94 g 1(pa�t).
1975: Euhibit A 5 ZS.I46.OI(S�)
2s.?,a�.17o Tra�i 6a.dli�.
't"rash handling fac,ilides shail be pcovtded far aU devd-
optnents �vilhin die PR disaict with the except�on of
single-family dttached dweWn�s. A tra�h eaclos�te wiil
be provided for aU but exc�pted +�es. m�less d�e po�w�ed
l� of the traab a��ea is campie�ely a�clo�d by aralls
.� or MWd'u►gs. Tl�e haa�ding tras� enclo��ee shall be
... co�ornc�d of mssom�r blocic. No Uagh simt� be albwcd
. ro eaGend above a beyond tl�e encbs�+o. (Ord. 94 g i
. (part). 19iS: Exhib� A¢ 25.14-f�01 fb;) '
25.?A.180 Site pi�s revitw. , . ._
�? • A site plan rovieMr � prescribed iin C'hap�er 25.70 slrrli
�, be eeynired befae a b�e8 I�K� �`� ��Y
�... devebqnent in the PR di�rict. (OM. 9� � 1(p�tk 1975:
Exhibit A � 25.14-6.01(�)
25.24.190 Speci�l st�sd�rda.
1n addidon to roquiring aII d�.welopnxnt pl� to canply
to the following speciat stzindards of Sxtioos 25.24.200
through 25.24310 d�e ciry cour�cit andl�or planning c�m-
missian may impose such oUties ca�ditions to tNe der►el-
opmeM pian at it deems noce�cy or desitabie in caerying
out the general ptapose and intent of this ct�aptet. (ON.
94 4 1(Part). 1475: Exhibit A� ZS.14-6.02)
Z5.24.200 Mini�uo� pt�oject ar,ea.
Projects of kss than seven dwelting units pa aae shall
have a minimwn area of five aa+ea.
Projects of seve,n ro tighoeen dweUiog units per acn
shaU have a minimum area of ten acres. (O�d. 94 41(Part),
l975: Exhibit A§ 25.14- 6.02(1))
1S.?A2I0 Mioimuo� project widt6.
Projects of less than seven dwelling units per acre shall
have a minimum width of ta►o hundrod fifty fa,�
• Pcojats of seven d� aghtiden dwelling unitt per acre
shaL have a minimnm width of fiv�e hund�ed fea. (Oed.
94 � 1(part). I975: Eachibit A� 2S.14b.02(2))
?S.?�4.Z20 Mioi�mo project paimeter setba�dc.
The minimum painte�t setb,dc shalt be tw�nty fat
han aU , N, �, r �,., Wks a�dj�t oo r,�i4dn8 a P�'oPased
pablic sataa. (Ckd. 94 � 1(prt). 1975: Fachbit A g
25.14-6.02(3))
Z3.?A.?.30 Mi�� pra►ject ba�din= . �� �.„� ,,; ..
P�ojecb of leaa than�xv�ai d�reWnng unib pec aue ab�tl
hsva a ma:inwm bw�diai rovaa�e of fanj► Pe�.
Projecta oi scva� w dgheee�a dM►euin� uait4 per acse
shall hsv� a rnazimmn buildinS ���Y P��-
c�a. sa � i c�c), i�s: �c a§ zs.ia-s o�ua))
2SZ4.tA0 Mioimuo bt uea.
For a singk-famity ddached the minim�un bt area shall
be as approved bY the dtvelopnent PI�.
Fa� s �ingle-fam�r aKacl�ed the m�imam lot a�ea shatl
be taro tho�nd Sve hundred squ�e 6eet.
Foir a two-family darellin� thc.,�iniaium 1ot area shall
be �hree thouaand squ�e feet: �.-. . .
Fa� mul�piafamily bu�ag� d� mini�nun bt aea shail
be as ap�pn�ved oa tbe davelopi�nt pl�. �(Ocd. 44 g i
(part), 1975: fixhibit A � 25.146.02(�} �
. 25.�4.�50 Miaimor �stdr-D�.wetopm'e�t
.. . � .. ,: .4 . . .� ,
A. r� s��-�ay sa�a. cao-�uy a�w��s
and multiple-fanWy buildings� ttw minimum F�an� side
and t�pr yards sliall be as approvrd on @IC davebpmeat
Ptan- Howova. thene shaU be a�epaz�e priwate yard with
a wta! area of at least tt�ee hunde+od twenty squar�e fat
adjacent Go pch dwtWn$ unit unk�sa a�ivalent al�ve
arranganentt of patio� are �pe�oved aad pro�vided
B. AU single•stocy. single-faenily datad�ed buildings
shaU comply with the povisions of Cha�pter 23.16 with
the majaily of lot sizes detcrmining ihe standand.
C. All tao-stocy. singb-tamily demchod building.s slral!
comply to the folbwing developn�ent standatds:
1. Minimum front yard. twe�► fee�
2. Minimurn �eaz ya�d, twenry-five fett;
3. Minimum side yard, 6ft�en fat;
4. Maximurn building co�age. twenty-fiv�e pereeM.
D. Socond-story windows facing side yazds of singlo-
stay homes shatl be five feet eight inches minimum in
height from floot.
E. Hll two-smry. singk-farnily t�c�nes shalt be oompaa-
ble with s�trrounding uses. (Ord. 665 (Eat�ibit A(part)).
1992: Ord. 94 $1(part).1975: Eahibit A$ 25.14-6.02(�)
«+ � �-�� 382
u.za.z6o
25.1A.260 Mioimas sepac�tioe betwee� sides of
bu��i.
For singk-s0�rp, singte-f�nily detachad buildings tha�e
shall be a minimum of oen fea bawan sides.
For two-story. singk-family deh�ched buiWings there
shail be a minimma of tNirey feet betaeen taro-story do-
mems. (Ord. 663 (Exhibit A(patt)). 1992: Chd. 94 § 1
(Part). 1975: Exhibit A � 25.146.0R(7?)
2524270 Mi�isrs com� oPea spsc+e.
A Projab oE less d�n seven dwelling unib pa ac�e
shal! have a mitummum canmon apen spaa of fiftY pac�ent
� u i � �
B. p[OjEC13 Of SCVCA tQ Cf$�KCq1 f1WGu111� W1liS pC[
aQe sha11 have a minienum counnwn opa� spax of fachr
peneent of d�e net a�ea.
C. At katt fifty peReM � all req�i�ed common open
sp�a shau be appo��ima�ey kwd. de.cned as na rnoe�e
than thirb�u and aie-half Peneent �'ade.
D. The cummoa apai sp�ce s1�aU be land aithin th�
�oml de+relopn�t sile ueed 6or cac�on�l. aicludin= b�u7d-
ings u�ai for neaieation pu�poses. parics a esv�lal
p�uposes .for enja�yment bp accupants of the d�vebprneM
and �eir gu�esb. a dodu�ted to the city far pubtic p�rki.
E. Canm�on open� space shalt not inciude publi�c er
piva�e saeds. driveways. priva�e ya�ds. ot p�aaa ard
P�S �(Ord. 94 g 1(part). 1975: Eahibit A�
ZS.14-6.02i8})
?5.24.28� . Buildin� 6e�6t,
The ma�cimum building height in a Pit district shall be
twer�y-fo� fat a ta►o-story. whichever is kss. (Or�d. 663
(Exhibit A(patt)).1992: Ord. l4 § 1(pact).1975: Exl�ibit
A � 25.14-6.02(9))
383
25.24.290 Maxi�um dwellio� usit� pa� bu�dis�.
The maximum number of dwelling units pet buildin�
shall be as approved. (Ord. 94 � 1(part), 1975: Ea�bibit
A § ZS.I4-6.02 (10))
25.24.300 Required widtb o� private roadg.
With no parking, the pcivate t+oads sh�tl be thirty fxt
wide.
With parlang en one �de, thirty-two fxt wide. With
parking on two sides. faty fat wide. Tbe roadways shaU
be a minimum of asphalde wncrete with concreete curbs
3nd gutt+ers as approved by the dirrctor of envieonmental
services. S1anel�rds of design and con�hvcaon of madways.
both public and private. within the prvject may be madifie�
as is deemed appropriate by the city. �speciaUy where it
is found that the development pi,an provides for the separ�
tion of vehicular and pedestrian circuL�6on patterns and
pcovides for adoquste off-str+at parking facilitues (O�d.
94 � 1(QaR). 1973: fixhibit A� 25.14-6.02 (11))
cR1m uexn 7-9'!)
Z5.1A�.'i01 RV park staad�ds
'fhe fottowing sdndards apply to rareatia�al vehicle
P� .
A. � 11+Gnimum p�oject size of five acre�
B. Maaimnm da�aily of tNreive sp�ces Per acc�
C. Munimum sp�ce a�ea of one dwussnd 6ve hund�ed
•9ua�e fat. minimwa dime��sion twrty 6eet b�► fiEtY fe�
D Minimmn forty pacent common opea
�.r{��rr,.i � �n �
0. � �� � ��� � �� ��
�9Ntl1�j/-6VC fOCi �1 COIAb1118bOf10f Sn[-fOOi 1118SOtlly W8�(
and land�a�n` �o sc:een sll ra�e+esaon vehicle�
F. tnarior p�petty linea �p be bow�dod by six-faot
ma'onry walt and at teast �en� fieet of Im�Capa&
G. Projec�s may be singte-use ar developed as p�rt
of s lar�ar �sort ar r�ide.mdal devdopmen�
H. RV parlrs shait be � as s oia�sicnt ooeupan�.y
�
' M �� � U� �7Yf1 ,� � M� Mli i: i�
facil;tiea a�t waitea canmaeial airxtiy as�acia�ed �ri� �
P�Y � � �d bp Pi�nin8 cornmission. (Ord.
4+iS .�.2� 19$S) . . .
2S.E4310 •� La�ceptioas. .
'�Ue standard� af Sxtiont 25?A.120 tln+oagh ?5.24300
slrall be naq�ed unlesa modifiod by tl�e daveloptndM pian.
(Old. 94 $�.�rt}. 1975: F.xhibit A� 25.14-6 02(1�j .
2S1A320 Bui�d'mg setbacks hoa tYe plaaoed
street lisa
The minimwn setbacJ� in aU nsidential developmeMs
wi� the PR di�cict shadi be the dosig�tod disdnces 6am
the ultima0e right-of-way line of the atrxtt spxif�d in
thia titk �lesa wtwwise pcvvided in this section:
A Freeway. fiRy fa�
B. ARerial. thuty-taro fa�
C. Secondaiy. thirtytwo fee.t;;
D. Coikcta. twenry fee�
E. I.�cal, twa�ty feet (ON. 94 § 1(pat), ig'15: F.xtubit
A 4 25.14'n
2524321 Two-story, single-f�oil� detacbed
building setbacks froev projed
perimeter.
A. The minimum sotback from the projoct perimetu
fa two-story singk-family det�ched Muidings sl�all be one
hundred fat or one tot Qepth. whichev�r is moc�.
�
u2a.�2i
s. n�e pl�g aonn�oe rnay waiv�e inlor;or semad� .
requu�Ge►ea�ts �vhea adjacent de�►elopmaits a�e planned .
simultanoously. (Ord. 665 (Exhibit A (part)� 1992�
1524.33d Appcovsl crita�ia.
The planning conuaission andla' city cauncil maY eP-
Pcnv�e a d�veJopmant pian a�ly afta f�n� tuat d�e eeqfoee-
ments of thi�s �tle �ad dher a�da�nces ai�ting tbe p�oper-
ty have bea� �t"ied. In geanting such app�ovai. the ciry
council may impa�a and enface such speci5c vo�tions
as o� sila developmaK. P��f ���6 �t�,
main�enance and opaation a4 it � eecessary b carry
ouc che pu�poaes of tl� 6de and c�,e ge�d pla�i.
AU developmmt with6� tlre PR di�ict ahalt comply
with dx d�►ebpmeeit pian as app��ved and a�do�ed b�►
the city ooancil. (Ord 94 � 1(P�tj. 1975: Fa�tu'bit A#
u.ia-s)
cp.�, � �.n� 38a
ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST FORM
1. Project Title: CUP No. 04-13
2. Lead Agency Name and Address:
City of Palm Desert
73-510 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, CA. 92260
3. Contact Person and Phone Number: Francisco J. Urbina, Associate Planner,
(760) 346-0611 ext. 485
4. Project Location: 43-775 Deep Canyon Road
5. Project Spor�sor's Name and Address:
The Roman Catholic Bishop of San Bernardino
1450 North "D" Street
Sac� Bernardino, CA. 92405
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Attn: Father Howard Lincoln
43-775 Deep Canyon Road
Palm Desert, CA. 92260
6. General Plan Designation: Public/Quasi Public for southerly half of site and
Residentia! Low Density (0-4 du/ac) for northerly half of site
7. Zoning: R-1-9000 for southerly half of site, and PR-4 for northerly half
8. Description of Project: (Describe the whole action involved, including but not limited to
later phases of the project, and any secondary, support, or off-site features necessary
for its implementation. Attach additionai sheet(s) if necessary.)
The master plan proposes the expansion of the Sacred Heart Elementary Schooi (K-8)
that includes the construction of eight new classrooms to accommodate 90 additional
students (enrollment wiil increase from 450 to 540), a new library, lunch shade structures,
a new parish hail / gymnasium, a new playground for grades 2 thru 5, a new paved
parking lot that will increase the number of paved parking spaces in two stages. {n the
10-year interim stage, the paved parking will increase from 445 to 608 (an increase of
163), and new sports fields with a track that wi{I also be used as grass over flow parking
area will also provide an additional 220 spaces on the play for special events three
times per year (i.e. Palm Sunday, Easter and Christmas masses). The total number of
spaces wiU be 828. !n the final stage, an additional duptiex bui{ding will be removed.
This will bring the paved parking tota{ to 636 (an increase of 191). The 220 special
CITY/RVPUB/2002/313785
FORM "J"
Page 1 of 33
event spaces will remain. The total number of spaces will be 856.
On May 17, 2005, the City received a letter from the project architect, Holt Architects,
revising the CUP 04-13 appiication to allow the instaliation of two 24' x 40' modular
classrooms for use while the permanent classrooms are under construction. There will
be 36 students, one teacher and one teaching assistant in each of these classrooms.
The master plan site (1,400 feet deep by 479 feet wide) is located on the north side of
Fred Waring. The site bordered by Deep Canyon Road on the east and Florine
Avenue on the west. The southerly half of the site has an approved conditional use
permit allowing a church, a pre-school, and an elementary school (Kindergarten thru 8�'
grade). The northerly half contains nine (9) residential duplex buildings with a
recreation building and swimming pool. Most of the apartments are vacant and the
master plan proposes to remove 14 units, the recreation building, and the swimming
pool.
Phase 1: (a) Demolition of 9 existing residential duplex apartment buildings (18 units), a
clubhouse and swimming pool; (b) construction of new playground for grades 2 thru 5; (c)
construction of new playfields (including track); (d) construction af 163 new paved parking
spaces and 220 spaces on a grass play filed for special events three times per year. (e)
construction of a 6,663 square feet of additional classroom space (two classrooms for grade 4
and two for grade 5), (f) construction of new lunch shade structures; (g) construction of a new
87-space parking lot with access from Deep Canyon Road and (h) relocation of a playground for
kindergarten and first grade. Phase 2: (a) Construction of a 17,026 square foot parish hall that
will include a gymnasium, stage, food preparation area, restrooms and storage areas; (b) the
modification of an existing parking lot/pfayground into a plaza area and reduced/reconfigured
parking lot. Phase 3: (a) Demolition of an existing single family home fronting on Florine
Avenue; (b) construction of 5,649 square feet of additianal classroom space (two classrooms for
grade 7 and two for grade 8) that includes a 4ibrary and restrooms. Phase 4: Demolition by
January 1, 2016 of a duplex building so that anly two of the existing nine duplex buildings would
remain permanently at build out of the master ptan. Construction of 28 additional paved parking
spaces.
The project site is located at 43-775 Deep Canyon Road.
The Sacred Heart Elementary School currently has 450 students enrolled in grades
Kindergarten thru 8�' grade. The school operates from 8:OOam to 3:OOpm Monday thru
Friday. The school provides after school care which finishes at 5:30pm and currently has a
maximum of 110 kids. Implementation of the master plan will result in the construction of
four new classrooms (finro for 7�' grade and two for 8�' grade) to accommodate 90
additionai students, will add three new teachers and three administrative support staff, and
wilf expand the after school care program to a maximum of i50 students. .
The existing Sacred Heart Pre-School operates Monday thru Friday from 8:OOam to
12:OOpm. After school care (from 12:OOpm to 3:OOpm) is provided for a maximum of 20
children. There are no plans for expanding the pre-school.
Sacred Heart Church holds weekday mass Monday thru Friday from 7:45am to 8:30am. In
January 2005, Sacred Heart Church changed the starting time of the weekday worship
CITY/RVPUB/2002/313785
• i �/
Page 2 of 33
service 7:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. so traffic volumes generated by the church and by the
schooi are spread out and do not overlap. This change implements a recommendation of
the original traffic study prepared for the master plan by George Dunn & Associates
(January 2005). The change in weekday mass start time has alleviated morning peak hour
traffic at the site as parents dropping off their children at Sacred heart Elementary School
are not leaving at the same time as people that were leaving morning mass.
The Planning Commission approved CUP 04-13 on February 15, 2005. On February 28,
2005 Mr. Thomas W. McCutchen filed an appeal to the City Council of the Planning
Commission's decision approving CUP 04-13. On March 24, 2005 the Ciiy Council opened
the public hearing on the appeal and continued CUP 04-13 to April 28, 2005. On April 28,
2005, the City Council continued CUP 04-13 to a date uncertain.
In March 2005, a new traffic engineer (Mr. Tom Brohard) was hired by the applicant to
prepare a supplemental traffic study. New traffic counts at the CUP 04-13 master plan site
were conducted on March 15 (Tuesday), 17 (Thursday), and 20 (Sunday), 2005.
A supplemental traffic engineering report was completed by Tom Brohard on May 27,
2005. An addendum to this report discussing master plan impact at the intersection of
Moss Rose Drive and Deep Canyon Road was completed on June 2, 2�05. A copy of the
addendum and the supplemental traffic engineering report with their findings and
conclusions are attached to this new CEQA environmental checklist form as Appendix A-1
and Appendix A, respectively. The supplemental report explains differences in the
methodology between the original traffic study completed by George Dunn and Associates
(January 2005) and the supplernental traffic study completed by Tom Brohard (May 2005).
Surrounding Zoning, Land Uses and Setting:
North: R-1-9000 / One-story single family homes (Palmira gated subdivision)
East: PR-4 & PR-4, N/ One-story single famify homes
South: R-1, SP / One-story single family homes
West: R-1-9000 / One-story single family homes
10. Other public agencies whose approval is required (e.g., permits, financing approval, or
participation agreement):
Riverside County Fire Marshal, Coachella Valley Water District
APPENDIXES:
Appendix A-1: June 2, 2005 Addendum to Supplemental Traffic Engineering report
prepared by Tom Brohard (May 27, 2005)
Appendix A: Supplemental Traffic Engineering Report prepared by Tom Brohard (May
27, 2005)
Appendix B: Mitigation, Monitoring and Reporting Plan.
CITY/RVPUB/2002l313785
F�RM "J"
Page 3 of 33
Appendix C: Public Works department memorandum dated May 26, 2005 with
conditions of approval
Appendix D: Fire Department memorandum dated June 15, 2004 with conditions of
approval..
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED:
The environmental factors checked below would be potentia�ly affected by this project,
involving at least one impact that is a"Potentially Significant impact" as indicated by the
checklist on the following pages.
❑X Aesthetics
❑ Biological Resources
❑X Utilities / Service Systems
❑ Hazards & Hazardous
Materials
o Mineral Resources
❑ Agriculture Resources
❑ Cultural Resources
❑X Hydrology / Water Quality
❑ Noise
❑ Recreation
❑ Mandatory Findings of
Significance
❑X Public Services
�XAir Quality
❑XGeology / Soils
� Land Use / Planning
❑ Population / Housing
❑XTransportation ! Traffic
DETERMINATI4N (To be completed by the Lead Agency):
On the basis of this initial evaluation:
❑ I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the
environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
❑X I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the
environment, there will not be a significant°effect in this case because revisions in
the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A
MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
C� I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment,
and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required.
0 I find that the proposed project MAY have a potentially significant or potentially
significant unless mitigated � impact on the environment, but at least one effect 1)
has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal
standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier
analysis as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be
CTTY/RVPUB/2d021313785
Page 4 of 33
FORM "J"
addressed.
❑ I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the
environment, because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed
adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable
standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or
NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are
imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required.
< <
�"''� June 2. 2005
Ffancisco J. Urbin , Associate Planner Date
CITY/RVPUB/2002/313785
FORM "J"
Page 5 of 33
EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS:
1) A brief explanation is required for all answers except "No Impact" answers that are
adequately supported by the information sources a lead agency cites in the parentheses
following each question. A"No Impact" answer is adequately supported if the referenced
information sources show that the impact simply does not apply to projects like the one
involved (e.g. the project falls outside a fault rupture zone). A"No Impact" answer should
be explained where it is based on project-specific factors as well as general standards (e.g.
the project will not expose sensitive receptors to pollutants, based on a project-specific
screening analysis).
2) All answers must take account of the whole action involved, including off-site as well as on-
site, cumulative as well as project-level, indirect as well as direct, and construction as well
as operational impacts.
3) Once the lead agency has determined that a particular physical impact may occur, then the
checklist answers must indicate whether the impact is potentially significant, less than
significant with mitigation, or less than significant. "Potentially Significant Impact" is
appropriate if there is substantial evidence that an effect is significant. If there are one or
more "Potentially Significant Impact" entries when the determination is made, an EIR is
required.
4) A Negative Declaration: Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated" applies where
the incorporation of mitigation measures has reduced an effect from "Potentially Significant
Impact" to a"Less than Significant Impact." The lead agency must describe the mitigation
measures, and briefly explain how they reduce the effect to a less than significant level
(mitigation measures from Section XVII, "Earlier Analyses," may be cross-referenced).
5) Earlier analyses may be used where, pursuant to the tiering, program EIR, or other CEQA
process, an effect has been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative declaration.
Section 15063(c)(3)(D). In this case, a brief discussion should identify the following:
a) Earlier Analyses Used. Identify and state where they are available for review.
b) Impacts Adequately Addressed. Identify which effects from the above checklist were
within the scope of and adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to
applicable legal standards, and state whether such effects were addressed by
mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis.
c) Mitigation Measures. For effects that are a Less than Significant with Mitigation
Measures Incorporated, describe the mitigation measures which were incorporated or
refined from the earlier document and the extent to which they address site-specific
conditions for the project.
6) Lead agencies are encouraged to incorporate into the checklist references to information
sources for potential impacts (e.g. general plans, zoning ordinances). Reference to a
previously prepared or outside document should, where appropriate, include a reference to
CITY/RVPUB/2002/313785
FORM "J"
Page 6 of 33
the page or pages where the statement is substantiated.
7) Supporting Information Sources. A source iist should be attached, and other sources used
or individuals contacted should be cited in the discussion.
8) This is only a suggested form, and lead agencies are free to use different formats;
however, lead agencies should normally address the questions from this checklist that are
relevant to a project=s environmental effects in whatever format is selected.
9) The explanation of each issue should identify:
a) the significance criteria or threshold, if any, used to evaluate each question; and
b) the mitigation measure identified, if any, to reduce the impact to less than significance.
SAMPLE QUESTION
Issues:
AESTHETICS. Would the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic
vista?
The new school buildings and parish
hall/gymnasium will use building materials,
colors and roof designs similar to existing school
buildings and the existing church sanctuary. The
City's Architectural Review Commission granted
preliminary approval of building elevations,
materials and colors on December 14, 2004.
The project will not have a substantial adverse
effect on a scenic vista. The site not in a scenic
preservation overlay district.
Mitiaation: No mitigation is necessary.
Less Than
Significant
Potentially With Less
Mitigation Than
SignifiCant Incorporated Significant
Impact Impact
❑ o ❑
No
Impact
�
Monitorina: No monitoring is necessary.
b) Substantially damage scenic resources,
including, but not limited to, trees, rock
outcroppings, and historic buildings within a
❑ o ❑
�X
CITY/RVPUB/2002/313785
FORM "J"
Page 7 of 33
Issues:
state scenic highway?
The project will not substantially damage scenic
resources as there are no trees, rock
outcroppings, historic buildings or other scenic
resources on the site.
Mitiaation: No mitigation is necessary.
Monitorina: No monitoring is necessary.
c) Substantially degrade the existing visual
character or quality of the site and its
surroundings?
The project site is already developed with a
church, a school, parking lots, 12 duplex
apartment structures, a clubhouse and a
swimming pool: The clubhouse, swimming pool
and nine duplex apartment buildings will be
demolished to provide room for construction of
new school buildings, parking lots, school
playfields. An existing parking lot and school
recreation area will be reconfigured to provide
room for construction of a new 17,0260 square
foot parish hall/gymnasium.
Construction of the parish hall that will include a
gymnasium; a height exception is being
requested to allow the 35-foot high parish
hall/gymnasium to exceed the Planned
Residential zone's 24 foot height limit in order to
accommodate a 22-foot minimum interior ceiling
height for recreational activities such as
basketball and to allow the building to have a
gable roof to match the existing church
sanctuary building,
Development of the project site will impact the
visual character of the site, but the impacts are
expected to be less than significant. The parish
hall's architecture is similar to and will
compliment the architecture of the Church.
CITY/RVPUB/2002/313785
Potentially
Significant
impact
❑�
Less Than
Significant
W ith
Mitigation
Incorporated
❑
Less
Than
Significant
impact
►:�I
FORM "J"
No
Impact
.�,
Page 8 of 33
Issues:
Mitiaation: No mitigation is necessary.
Monitorinq: No monitoring is necessary.
d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare
which would adversely affect day or nighttime
views in the area?
Development of the project site will produce new
light due to the installation of new light poles ins the
new parking area, but the impact will be less than
significant as project lighting is conditioned to
comply with Chapter 24.16 (Outdoor Lighting
requirements) of the Palm Desert Municipal Code).
Mitiaation: Project is conditioned to comply with
outdoor lighting requirements of Chapter 24.16 of
the Palm Desert Municipal Code.
Monitorina: Monitoring will be provided by Planning
and Building & Safety Departments.
II. AGRICULTURE RESOURCES. In determining
whether impacts to agricultural resources are
significant environmental effects, lead agencies
may refer to the California Agricultural Land
Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997)
prepared by the California Dept. of Consenration as
an optional model to use in assessing impacts on
agriculture and farmland. Would the project:
a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or
Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland),
as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the
Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of
the California Resources Agency, to non-
agricultural use?
The project site does not contain farmland and is
CITY/RVPUB/2002/313785
Potentially
Significant
Impact
0
u
Less Than
Significant
W ith
Mitigation
I ncorporated
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Less
Than
Significant
Impact
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FORM "J"
No
Impact
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Page 9 of 33
Issues:
currently developed with a church, parking lots,
a pre-schooi, and elementary schooi, school
play areas, 12 duplex residential apartment
buildings, a clubhouse, a swimming pool and
private streets.
Mitiaation: No mitigation is necessary.
Monitorina: No monitoring is necessary.
b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use,
or a Williamson Act contract?
The project site is not zoned for agriculture and
there is no existing Williamson Act contract.
Mitiaation: No mitigation is required.
Monitorinq: No monitoring is necessary.
c) Involve other changes in the existing
environment which, due to their location or
nature, could result in conversion of Farmland,
to non-agricultural use?
The project site and surrounding properties are
not being used for agricultural uses. Therefore,
development of the project site will not result in
the conversion of farmland to non-agricultural
use.
Mitiaation: No mitigation is necessary
Monitorinq: No monitoring is necessary.
CITY/RVPUB/2002/313785
Potentially
Significant
Impact
L■J
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Less Than
Significant
W ith
Mitigation
Incorporated
0
u
Less
Than
Significant
Im pact
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No
Impact
❑X
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Page 10 of 33
Issues:
III. AIR QUALITY. Where available, the significance
criteria established by the applicable air quality
management or air pollution control district may be
relied upon to make the following determinations.
Would the project:
a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the
applicable air quality plan?
Development of the project site will not conflict
with or obstruct implementation of the
applicable air quality management plan.
Mitiaation: To control dust during future grading
and construction of the project site, the project
is conditioned to comply with the City of Palm
Desert Grading Ordinance, which includes dust
control.
Monitorinq: Public Works and Building & Safety
Departments.
b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute
substantially to an existing or projected air
quality violation?
Development of the site will not violate any air
quality standard or contribute substantially to an
existing or projected air quality violation.
Mitiaation: To control dust during future grading
and construction of the project site, the project
is conditioned to comply with the City of Pa1m
Desert Grading Ordinance, which includes dust
contro{.
Monitorinq: Bui{ding & Safety and Public Works
Departments.
c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net
CITY/RVPUB/2002/313785
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Cl
❑
Less Than
Significant
W ith
Mitigation
tncorporated
❑X
❑X
Less
Than
Significant
Impact
0
C
No
Impact
❑
0
0 ❑ ❑X C
FORM "J"
Page 11 of 33
Issues:
increase of any criteria pollutant for which the
project region is non-attainment under an
applicable federal or state ambient air quality
standard (including releasing emissions which
exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone
precursors)?
The Coachella Valley is a region that is non-
attainment for PM10 (fugitive dust}. However,
the proposed development will not result in a
cumulatively considerable net increase of any
criteria pollutant for which the project region is
non-attainment under an applicable federal or
state ambient air quality standard.
Mitiqation: To control dust during future grading
and construction of the project site, the project
is conditioned to comply with the City of Palm
Desert Grading Ordinance.
Monitoring: Public Works and Building & Safety
Departments.
d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial
pollutant concentrations?
Development of the site will not expose
sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant
concentrations since the supplemental traffic
engineering report prepared by Tom Brohard
(May 27, 2005) projects that the expansion of
the Sacred Heart Elementary School only 40
additional inbound morning trips and 40
additional outbound morning trips (80 trips total
during AM peak hour increase) by parents
drooping off and picking up school children. Mr.
Brohard's traffic study states that the school
expansion will result in 25 additional vehicle
trips into the site during the mid- afternoon hour
surrounding the 3:00 p.m. dismissal and 25
additional outbound vehicle trips during the
CITY/RVPUB/2002/313785
Potentially
Significant
Impact
❑
Less Than
Significant
W ith
Mitigation
I ncorporated
�
Less
Than
Significant
Impact
�
FORM "J"
No
Impact
■m
Page 12 of 33
Issues:
same mid-afternoon hour (50 between 2:30 and
3:30 p.m.). The supplemental report forecasts a
total of 200 additional daily trips with the
expansion of the school by 90 students
including 80 trips during the AM peak hour, 54
trips during the mid afternoon dismissal hour,
and 70 trips at other times on weekdays. The
pollution generated by this projected increase in
vehicle trips as a result of the elementary school
expansion (200 total per day) is not expected to
be substantial. The pollution generated by
vehicles dropping off and picking up school
children be not be concentrated since the
existing single drop-off / pick up location will
modified to create two drop-off / pick up
locations.
Mitiaation: No mitigation is necessary.
Monitorinq: No monitoring is necessary.
e) Create objectionable odors affecting a
substantial number of people?
Implementation of the proposed master plan for
the project site will not create objectionable
odors affecting a substantial number of people.
Mitiaation: No mitigation is necessary.
Monitorinq: No monitoring is necessary.
CITY/RVPUB/2002/313785
Potentially
Significant
Impact
�
Less Than
Significant
W ith
Mitigation
Incorporated
�
Less
Than
Significant
Impact
J
I��l�i�i�
No
Impact
■D'.�
Page 13 of 33
IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES. Would the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly
or through habitat modifications, on any species
identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special
status species in local or regional plans,
policies, or regulations, or by the California
Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service?
Implementation of the proposed master plan for
the project site will not have a substantial
adverse effect, either directly or through habitat
modifications, on any species identified as a
candidate, sensitive, or special status species in
local or regional plans, policies, or regulations,
or by the California Department of Fish and
Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any
riparian habitat or other sensitive natural
community identified in local or regional plans,
policies, and regulations or by the California
Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service?
Implementation of the proposed master plan for
the project site will not have a substantial
adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other
sensitive natural community identified in local or
regional plans, policies, and regulations or by the
California Department of Fish and Game or U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service.
Mitiaation: No mitigation is necessary.
Monitorinq: No monitoring is necessary.
C
❑■
c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally ❑
protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of
the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited
to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through
direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption,
CITY/RVPUB/2002/313785
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FORM "J"
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Page 14 of 33
or other means?
The project site does not contain federally
protected wetlands. Therefore, implementation
of the proposed master plan for the project site
will not have a substantial adverse effect on
federally protected wetlands as defined by
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including,
but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal,
etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological
interruption, or other means.
Mitiqation: No mitigation is necessary.
Monitorinq: No monitoring is necessary.
d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any ❑
native resident or migratory fish or wildlife
species or with established native resident or
migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of
native wildlife nursery sites?
e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances
protecting biological resources, such as a tree
preservation policy or ordinance?
f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted
Habitat Consenration Plan, Natural Community
Conservation Plan, or other approved local,
regional, or state habitat conservation plan?
d, e& f. Implementation of the proposed master
plan for the project site will not interfere
substantially with the movement of any native
resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or
with established native resident or migratory
wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native
wildlife nursery sites, will not conflict with any
local policies or ordinances protecting biological
resources, and will not conflict with the
provisions of an adopted Habitat Consenration
Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or
other approved local, regional, or state habitat
conservation plan.
CITY/RVPUB/2002/313785
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❑ ❑
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FORM "J"
Page 15 of 33
Mitiaation: No mitigation is necessary.
Monitorinq: No monitoring is necessary.
V. CULTURAL RESOURCES. Would the project:
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of a historical resource as defined
in Section 15064.5?
b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of an archaeological resource
pursuant to Section 15064.5?
c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique
paleontological resource or site or unique
geologic feature?
d) Disturb any human remains, including those
interred outside of formal cemeteries?
a, b, c, & d. Implementation of the proposed
master plan for the project site will not cause a
substantial adverse change in the significance
of a historical resource as defined in Section
15064.5, will not cause a substantial adverse
change in the significance of an archaeological
resource pursuant to Section 15064.5, will not
directly or indirectly destroy a unique
paleontological resource or site or unique
geologic feature, and will not Disturb any human
remains.
Mitipation: No mitigation is necessary.
Monitorinq: No monitoring is necessary.
VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS -- Would the project:
a) Expose people or structures to potential
substantial adverse effects, including the risk of
loss, injury or death involving:
i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as
delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo
CITY/RVPUB/2002/313785
❑ ❑
❑ ❑
❑ ❑
❑ ❑
❑ ❑X
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FORM "J"
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Page 16 of 33
Earthquake Fauit Zoning Map issued by the
State Geologist for the area or based on otlier
substantial evidence of a known fauit? Refer to
Division of Mines and Geology Special
Publication 42.
ii) Strong seismic ground shaking?
iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including
liquefaction?
iv) Landslides?
b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the {oss of
topsoil?
❑ ❑X
❑ ❑
❑ ❑
❑ ox
c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is ❑
unstable, or that would become unstable as a
result of the project, and potentially result in on-
or off-site landslide, lateral spreading,
subsidence, liquefaction or collapse?
d) Be {ocated on expansive soil, as defined in
Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code
(1994), creating substantial risks to life or
property?
❑
e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting o
the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater
disposal systems where sewers are not
available for the disposal of wastewater?
a, b, c, d, & e. Although the site is not in an
Alquist-Priolo special studies zone, the San
Andreas Fault is located approximately seven
miles to the north. The project site is not in a
liquefaction area. The project will not utilize
septic systems as it will be hooked up to a
public sewer system.
Mitiaation: The Building & Safety Department
will review construction drawings for future
buildings on the project site and will check
CITY/RVPUB/2002/313785
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FORM "J"
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Page 17 of 33
drawings for compliance with seismic standards
in the Uniform Building Code applicable to the
project site's groundshaking zone. The project
is conditioned to require the submittal of a soils
report at the time a grading plan is submitted for
plan check.
Monitorina: Monitoring will be provided by the
Building & Safety Department and the Public
Works Department.
VII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS.
Would the project:
a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through the routine transport, use,
or disposal of hazardous materials?
b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through reasonably foreseeable
upset and accident conditions involving the
release of haiardous materials into the
environment? �
c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous
or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or
waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or
proposed school?
❑ ❑
� ❑
0
d) Be located on a site which is included on a list ❑
of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant
to Government Code section 65962.5 and, as a
result, would it create a significant hazard to the
public or the environment?
e) For a project located within an airport land use
plan or, where such a plan has not been
adopted, within two miles of a public airport or
public use airport, would the project result in a
safety hazard for people residing or working in
the project area?
f) For a project within the vicinity of a private
airstrip, would the project result in a safety
CITY/RVPUB/2002l313785
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FORM "J"
Page 18 of 33
hazard for peopie residing or working in the
project area?
g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere � ❑ ❑ ❑X
with an adopted emergency response plan or
emergency evacuation plan?
h) Expose people or structures to a significant risk ❑ ❑ ❑ C�X
of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires,
inciuding where wildlands are adjacent to
urbanized areas or where residences are
intermixed with wildlands?
A, b, c, d, e, f, g& h. Impiementation of the
proposed master plan for the project site will not
create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through the routine transport, use,
or disposal of hazardous materials, will not
create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through reasonably foreseeable
upset and accident conditions involving the
release of hazardous materials into the
environment, will not emit hazardous emissions
or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous
materials, substances, or waste within one-
quarter mile of an existing or proposed school,
and will not be located on a site which is
included on a list of hazardous materials sites
compiled pursuant to Government Code section
65962.5 .
The project site is not within an airport land use
plan and is not within the vicinity of a private
airstrip.
The proposed project will not irnpair
implementation of or interfere with an adopted
emergency response plan or emergency
evacuation plan.
The project will not expose people or structures
to a significant risk of loss, injury or death
involving wildland fires. There are no wildlands
with significant amounts of combustible
materials at or adjacent to the project site.
CITY/RVPUBl2Q02l313785
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Page 19 of 33
Mitiaation: No mitigation is necessary.
Monitorina: No monitoring is necessary.
VIII. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY. Would
the project:
a) Violate any water quality standards or waste
discharge requirements?
b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or
interfere substantially with groundwater
recharge such that there would be a net deficit
in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local
groundwater table level (e.g., the production
rate of pre-existing nearby wells would drop to a
level which would not support existing land uses
or planned uses for which permits have been
granted)?
G ❑X ❑
❑ ❑ ❑X
c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern ❑
of the site or area, including through the
alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a
manner which would result in substantial
erosion or siltation on- or off-site?
d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern
of the site or area, including through the
alteration of the course of a stream or river, or
substantially increase the rate or amount of
surface runoff in a manner which would result in
flooding on- or off-site?
■❑
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e) Create or contribute runoff water which would ❑
exceed the capacity of existing or planned storm
water drainage systems or provide substantial
additional so.urces of polluted runoff?
f) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality?
g) Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard
area as mapped on a federal Flood Hazard
Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other
CITY/RVPUB/2002/313785
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Page 20 of 33
flood hazard delineation map?
h) Place within a 100-year flood hazard area
structures which would impede or redirect flood
flows?
i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk
of loss, injury or death involving flooding,
including flooding as a result of the failure of a
levee or dam?
j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow?
a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, & j. Implementation of the
proposed master plan for the project site will
create impervious surfaces and will affect
drainage due to increased surface runoff from
development of impervious surfaces on the
project site. Development of the site will not,
however, alter the course of a stream or river.
Grading plans for the project will be reviewed by
the City's Public Works Department for
compliance with Clean Water Act and National
Pollution Discharge and Elimination System
(NPDES) water quality protection requirements
to prevent ground water pollution from urban
runoff resulting from development of the site.
The project will not degrade water quality or
contribute runoff which would exceed the
capacity of an existing or planned storm water
drainage system or provide additional sources
of pollution runoff or which would contribute to
flooding on or off the site. The project site is not
within a 100-year flood hazard area or near a
dam or flood control levee. Therefore, the
project will not expose people or structures to a
significant risk of loss, injury or death involving
flooding.
Since the project site is not hilly and is not
adjacent to a hill or mountain or a coastal plain,
development of the site will not expose people
to inundation by a seiche, tsunami, or mudflow.
CTTY/RVPUB/2002/313785
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Mitiaation: The project is conditioned for
submittal of grading plans subject to review and
approval by the City's Public Works
Department. Grading plans will be reviewed to
ensure proper drainage of the developed site,
prevention of flooding, and for compliance with
NPDES requirements.
Monitorina: Monitoring will be provided by the
Public Works Department.
IX. LAND USE AND PLANNiNG. Would the project:
a) Physically divide an established community?
Devetopment of the site will not physically divide
an established community.
Mitiaation: No mitigation is required.
b) Conflict with any applicable iand use plan,
poiicy, or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction
over the project (including, but not limited to the
general p1an, specifiic plan, local coastal program,
or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose of
avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect?
implementation ofi the proposed master plan for the
project site will not conflict with any appficable land
use plan, poiicy, or regulaiion of an agency with
jurisdiction over the project (including, but not
limited to the general plan, specific plan, local
coastai program, or zoning ordinance) adopted for
the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an
environmental effect.
No mitigation is required.
c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation
plan or natural community conservation plan?
The project site is already developed with urban
uses. Implementation of the master plan will
alter existing devetopment on mostly the north
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half of the site. Therefore, implementation of
the master plan wiil not conflict with any
applicable habitat conservation plan or natural
community conservation plan.
Mitioation: No mitigation is necessary.
Monitorinq: No monitoring is necessary.
X. MINERAL RESOURCES. Would the project:
a) Result in the loss of availability of a known
mineral resource that would be of value to the
region and the residents of the state?
b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally
important mineral resource recovery site
delineated on a local general plan, specific plan
or other land use plan?
Implementation of the proposed master plan for
the project site will not result in the loss of
availability of a known mineral resource and will
not result in the loss of in the loss of availability
of a locally-important mineral resource recovery
site delineated on a local general plan, specific
plan or other land use plan recovery site.
Mitiaation: No mitigation is necessary.
Monitorinq: No monitoring is necessary.
XI. NOISE. Would the project result in:
a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise
levels in excess of standards established in the
local general plan or noise ordinance, or
applicable standards of other agencies?
b) Exposure of persons to or generation of
excessive groundborne vibration or
groundborne noise levels?
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c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient
noise levels in the project vicinity above levels
existing without the project?
d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in
ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above
levels existing without the project?
e) For a project located within an airport land use
plan or, where such a plan has not been
adopted, within two miles of a public airport or
public use airport, would the project expose
people residing or working in the project area to
excessive noise levels?
f) For a project within the vicinity of a private
airstrip, would the project expose people
residing or working in the project area to
excessive noise levels?
Construction of eight new classrooms for 90
additional students will result in an increase of
up to 200 additional vehicle trips per day (130
school drop off and pick up trips and up to 70
other vehicle trips per day by nine new school
employees) and visiting parents of the 90
additional students, etc.).. . It is anticipated that
each of the nine new employees may arrive
early in the morning, drive off-site for lunch, or
stay after the 3:00 p.m. dismissal. If each of the
nine new employees drove off-site for lunch,
each employee would generate four vehicle
trips per day, a total of 36 vehicle trips per day.
The 200 new vehicle trips per day as a result of
the school expansion are not expected to
generate excessive noise levels. The noise
from these vehicle trips wilf be partialiy offset by
the elimination of an estimated i 20 daily vehicle
trips generated by the18 existing residential
units that would be demolished by
impfementation of the master plan (trip
generation source: Institute of Transportation
Engineers Trin Generation. 7�' Edition).
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Construction of new playfields and the addition
of 90 new students to the schools will generate
additional noise when students are outdoors
during recess and participating in sports
activities, but this new noise is not expected to
be excessive.
Construction of the new parish hall will result in
this building being used an estimated 12 times
per year for special event functions by
parishners (i.e. fund raising dinners) and such
events will generate additional vehicle trips. This
new noise is not expected to be excessive.
Mitiqation: No mitigation is required.
Monitorinq: No monitoring is required.
XII. POPULATION AND HOUSING. Would the project:
a Induce substantial population growth in an area, �
either directly (for example, by proposing new
homes and businesses) or indirectly (for
example, through extension of road or other
infrastructure)?
b Displace substantial numbers of existing
housing, necessitating the construction of
replacement housing elsewhere?
c Displace substantial numbers of people,
necessitating the construction of replacement
housing elsewhere?
a, b and c. Expansion of the Sacred Heart
Elementary School and construction of the
parish hall/gymnasium will not induce
substantial population growth in the area
because these new facilities will serve existing
Palm Desert residents and existing parishners
Implementation of the master plan will not
displace substantial numbers of existing
housing, necessitating the construction of
replacement housing elsewhere, and will not
displace substantial numbers of people,
necessitating the construction of replacement
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Page 25 of 33
housing elsewhere. Although the 18 senior
housing rental units will be demolished by
implementation of the master plan, this is not a
substantial number of housing units. The
Sacred Heart Church will assist financially in the
relocation of displaced residents.
Mitiaation: No mitigation is required.
Monitorina: No monitoring is required.
XIII. PUBLIC SERVICES. Would the project:
a Result in substantial adverse physical impacts
associa#ed with the provision of new or
physically altered governmental facilities, need
for new or physically altered governmental
facilities, the construction of which could cause
significant environmental impacts, in order to
maintain acceptable service ratios, response
times or other performance objectives for any
of the public services:
Fire protection?
Police protection?
Schools?
Parks?
Other public facilities?
Implementation of the master plan will not have
an impact on parks and other public facilities.
Expansion of the Sacred Heart Elementary
School and construction of the new parish
hall/gymnasium may generate some new calls
for Fire and Police Department senrices, but
the impact will be less than significant.
Expansion of the existing Sacred Heart School
to accommodate 90 new students will have a
positive impact on existing public schools in the
area by possibly reducing existing use of
portable classrooms, or relieving pressure to
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expand school facilities to accommodate 90
additional students.
Mitipation: The project is conditioned to
comply with the conditions listed in the Fire
Department memorandum dated June 15,
2004. These Fire Department conditions are
Appendix D of the initial study.
Monitorinq: Monitoring will be provided by the
Fire and Building & Safety Departments.
XIV. RECREATION. Would the project:
a Increase the use of existing neighborhood and ❑ ❑ ❑ oX
regional parks or other recreational faciiities
such that substantial physicai deterioration of
the facility would occur or be accelerated?
b Does the project include recreational facilities CJ ❑ �X �
or require the construction or expansion of
recreational facilities which have an adverse
physical effect on the environment?
Implementation of the Sacred Heart includes
construction of new sports fields for the
Sacred Heart Elementary School. There is no
existing or proposed night lighting of these
sports fields. Implementation of the master
plan will not have an adverse physical effect
on the environment.
Mitiaation: No mitigation is necessary.
Monitorinq: No monitoring is necessary.
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XV.. TRANSPORTATION / TRAFFIC. Would the
project:
a Cause an increase in traffic which is
substantial in relation to the existing traffic
load and capacity of the street system (i.e.,
result in a substantial increase in either the
number of vehicle trips, the vofume to capacity
ratio on roads, or congestion at intersections)?
b Exceed, either individually or cumulatively, a
level of service standard established by the
county congestion management agency for
designated roads or highways?
c Result in a change in air traffic patterns,
including either an increase in traffic levels or
a change in location that results in substantial
safety risks?
d Substa.ntially increase hazards due to a design
feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous
intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm
equipment)?
e Result in inadequate emergency access?
f Result in ir�adequate parking capacity?
g Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or
programs supporting alternative transportation
(e.g., bus turnouts, bicycle racks)?
Build-out of the master plan will increase the
number of paved off-street parking spaces from
445 to 636. The overall total, including 220
additional special event overflow spaces on the
play fields, will be 856.
Development of the project will generate new
vehicle trips (reference Supplemental Traffic
Engineering Report prepared by Tom Brohard
dated May 27, 2005attached to this CEQA
CITY/RVPUB/2002/3 1 37 85
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Page 28 of 33
Environmental Checklist Form as Appendix A,
and June 2, 2005Addendumto Supplemental
Traffic Engineering Report). The new vehicle
trips generated by expansion of the Sacred
Heart Elementary School and construction of
the new parish hall / gymnasium will result in an
increase in traffic on existing streets, but the
impact will be less than significant. The project
will also be required to pay signalization and
TUMF impact fees.
Construction of eight new classrooms for 90
additional students will result in an increase of
up to 200 additional vehicle trips per day (130
school drop off and pick up trips and up to 70
vehicle trips per day by nine new school
employees, visiting parents of the 90 additional
students, etc.) It is anticipated that each of the
nine new employees will drive to work. Some or
all of these new employees may arrive early in
the morning, drive off-site for lunch, or stay after
the 3:00 p.m. dismissal. If each of the nine new
employees drove off-site for lunch, each
employee would generate four vehicle trips per
day, a total of 36 vehicle trips per day.
The estimated potential of up to 200 new
vehicle trips per day (during weekdays)
generated as a result of the school expansion
and the estimated 120 vehicle trips on those
days when an indoor sports event is held in the
new parish hall / gymnasium will not require
street widening or the installation of traffic
signal. The increase in daily vehicle trips will be
partially offset by the elimination of an estimated
63 daily vehicle trips generated by the18
existing residential units that would be
demolished by implementation of the master
plan (trip generation source: Institute of
Tr�nsportation Engineers Tria Generation. 7�'
Edition).
Construction of the new parish hall will result in
this building being used for special events (i.e.
fund raising dinners) by members of Sacred
Heart Church for an estimated number of
events of up to 12 times per year. With a
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maximum of 800 people attending, these events
could generate up to 530 total vehicle trips.
The 445 existing off-street parking spaces and
the master plan's proposed increase to 636
paved spaces at build out (608 spaces during
the first 10 years) will provide adequate off-
street parking during parish hall events. Build-
out of the master plan will increase the number
of existing off-street parking spaces from 445 to
653, an increase of 191 paved parking spaces.
The parish hall, church sanctuary, pre-school
and grade school will not be used
simultaneously.
Implementation of the master plan will not result
in an increase in air traffic patterns, will not
substantially increase hazards due to a design
feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous
intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm
equipment), will not result in inadequate
emergency access, inadequate parking
capacity, and will not conflict with adopted
policies, plans, or programs supporting
alternative transportation (e.g., bus turnouts,
bicycle racks).
The traffic impacts as a result of the school
expansion will be less than significant because
the level of service (LOS) at intersections
identified in the supplemental traffic engineering
report will remain unchanged. Additionally, the
Deep Canyon Road segment north of Fred
Waring Drive will continue to operate at a Level
of Service A, even on a school day with an
afternoon game and a fund raising event held in
the parish hall.
Mitiaation: The Supplemental Traffic
Engineering Report prepared by Tom Brohard is
Appendix B of the initial study. The project is
conditioned to comply with the conditions listed
in the Public Works Department memorandum
dated May 26, 2005. � These Public Works
Department conditions are listed in Appendix C
of the initial study.
Monitorinq: Monitoring will be provided by
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Public Works Department, Building & Safety,
and Planning Departments.
XVI. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS. Would
the project:
a Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of
the app{icable Regional Water Quality Controi
Board?
b Require or result in the construction of new
water or wastewater treatment facilities or
expansion of existing facilities, the
construction of which could cause significant
environmental effects?
c Require or resuit in the construction of new
storm water drainage facilities or expansion of
existing facifities, the construction of which
could cause signifiicant environmental effects?
d Have sufficient water supplies available to
serve the project from existing entitlements
and resources, or are new or expanded
entitlements needed? In making this
determination, the Gity shall consider whether
the project is subject to the water supply
assessment requirements of Water Code
Section 10910, et. seq. (SB 610), and the
requirements of Government Code Section
664737 (SB 221).
e Result in a determination by the wastewater
treatment provider which serves or may serve
the project that it has adequate capacity to
serve the project's projected demand in
addition to the provider's existing
commitments?
f Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted
capacity to accommodate the project's solid
waste disposal needs?
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g Comply with federal, state, and local statutes ❑ ❑ ❑X �
and regulations related to solid waste?
The project is conditioned to obtain clearance
from the Coachella Valley Water District
(CVWD) prior issuance of building permits.
CVWD has stated in a letter dated January 18,
2005 commenting on the project that it is
willing to provide water and sanitation service
to the project in accordance with District
regulations. Development of the project site
will contribute to increased storm water runoff
and drainage impacts, but these are
anticipated to be less than significant. The
project grading plan will be reviewed by the
Public Works Department to ensure that
drainage impacts are adequately mitigated.
Construction of four new classrooms and the
parish hall/gymnasium will generate solid
waste, but the impact is anticipated to be less
than significant. The project will served by
landfills (i.e. Lambs Canyon & Eagle
Mountain) with sufficient permitted capacity to
accommodate the project's sotid waste
disposal needs. The project will comply with
federal, state, and local statutes and
regulations related to solid waste.
Mitipation: Project is also conditioned to
obtain clearances from CVWD for provision of
water and sewer service to the project site
prior to the issuance of building permits. The
project is also required to submit a grading
plan for review by the Public Works
Department.
Monitorinq: Monitoring will be provided by
P�anning, Building & Safety, and Public Works
Departments & CVWD.
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XVii. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE
a Does the project have the potential to degrade
the quality of the environment, substantially
reduce the habitat or a fish or wildlife species,
cause a fish or wildlife population to drop
below self-sustaining levels, threaten to
eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce
the number or restrict the range of a rare or
endangered plant or animal or eliminate
important examples of the major periods of
California history or prehistory?
b Does the project have impacts that are
individually limited, but cumulatively
considerable? (A Cumulatively
considerable� means that the incremental
effects of a project are considerable when
viewed in connection with the effects of past
projects, the effects of other current project,
and the effects of probable future projects.)
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c Does the project have environmental effects o ❑ ❑ �X
which will cause substantial adverse effects on
human beings, either directly or indirectly?
The project site is already developed with urban uses. Implementation of the master
plan will modify the north half of the project site with new urban uses. The project will
not cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, will not
eliminate a plant or animal community, ar eliminate important examples of the major
periods of California history or prehistory.
Mitiaation: No mitigation is required.
Monitorinq: No monitoring is required.
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COM1�4t3N1TY,�E�E PALM DESERTARTMENT
SUB.lECT: A�fdend�Mn t+o Sr�p1s+� T�dtic . Report�fo� �a�acr+sd
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3
APPENDIX C
To CEQA Environmental Checklist Form
CITY OF PALM DESERT
INTERC?FFICE MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
DATE:
Department of Community DevelopmenUPlanning
Attention: Francisco Urbina
Mark Greenwood, City Engineer
CUP 4-13 Sacred Heart Church Master Ptan
May 26, 2005
RECEIVED
MAY 7 6 20Q5
COMMliNiTY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
CITY OF PALM DESERT
The following should be considered conditions of approval for the above-named project.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
1. All landscape maintenance on property frontages shall be perforrned by the church.
2. A complete pre{iminary soils investigatian, conducted by � registered soils engineer,
sha11 be submitted to, and approved by, the Department of Public Works prior to the
issuance af a grading permit.
3. AA utilities shall be undergrounded.
BONDS AND FEES
�
5.
0
Drainage fees, in accordance with Section 26.49 of the Palm Desert Municipal
Code shall be paid prior to grading permit issuance.
Signalization fees, in accordance with City of Palm Desert Resolution Nos. 79-17 and
79-55, shall be paid prior to issuance of grading permit.
The project shall be subject to Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fees (TUMF).
Payment of said fees shall be at the time of building pe�mit issuance.
7. A standard inspection fee shall be paid prior to issuance of grading permits.
r..
t
DESIGN REQU{REMENTS
8. Storm drain design and construction shall be contingent upon a drainage study prepared
by a registered civil engineer that is reviewed and approved by the Department of Public
Works prior to start of construction.
9. The new driveway shall have a 36' width, 25' returns to allow for a two-way exit.
10. Complete grading and improvement plans and specifications on e{ectronic files sha{! be
submitted to the Director of Public Works for checking and approval prior to issuance of
any permits.
11. Improvement plans for utility systems shall be approved by the respective provider
or service districts with "as-buiit" plans submitted to the Department of Public
Works prior to project �nal. Utility plans shall be submitted to the public works
department for improvements in the public right of way prior to issuance of any
permits.
12. Any and all offsite improvements shall be preceded by the approval of plans ancthe
issuance of valid encroachment permits by the Qepartment of Public Works.
13. Pad elevations are subject to review and modification in accordance with Chapter 26 of
the Palm Desert Municipal Code.
14. Project shaN retain r�uisance waters on-site.
15. All new landscape installation shall be drought tolerant in nature.
16. Landscape plans shal! be submitted for review concurrently with grading p{ans.
CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS
17. All public and private improvements shall be inspected by the Department of Public
Works and a standard inspection fee shall be paid prior to issuance of grading permits.
No occupancy permit shall be granted until public irnprovements have been completed.
18. Prior to the start of construction, the applicant shall submit satisfactory evidence to the
Director of Pub{ic Works of intended compliance with the Nationaf Pof{utant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) General Construction Permit for storm water discharges
associated with construction. Developer must contact Riverside County Flood Control
District for informational materials.
l
19. Applicant shall comply with provisions of Palm Desert Municipal Code Section
24.12, Fugitive Dust Controf as welf as Section 24.20, Storm water Management
and Discharge Control.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
20.. The church shall monitor student pick-up/drop-off operations after master plan build-out
and make modifications regarding grade classifications assigned to each pick-up/drap
off area as the student mix changes per the project traffic study.
21. The Church shall not schedule any activities in the newly constructed buildings
concurrently with scheduled religious services per the project traffic study.
22. The Church shall continue the weekday morning mass start time of 7:45AM.
23. Atthe discretion of the City of Palm Desert, additional mitigation shall be implemented
in the following order.
I. The church shall hire a traffic engineerto monitor traific at points of ingress and
egress at the project site during masses on Saturday, Sunday and weekday
momings, and during AM and PM peak hours at their elementary school and
irnplement appropriate mitigation measures..
II. Staggered school starts at least 45 minutes apart.
� �
.�r� �����.
Mark Greenwood, P.E.
�� RIVERSIDE t�..��.JNTY
FIRE DEPARTMENT
�ftRS',
�t�10! C04�JJ
�, ----_
� _ � �='
„��
� ea��rriwr
Tom Tisdale
Fire Chief
i�
Proudly serving ihc: i �
unincorporated � ,
areas of Riverside i �
County and the ; �
cities of: ; �
Banning
0
Beaum4nt
�
Calimesa
�
Canyon Lake
�s
Caachelta
�
In coc�peration with the
(:a{ifc�rnia Uepartment of Fe�restry and f�ire Pr�t�ctiun
210 West San Jacinto Avenue • Perris. Califomia 92570 •(909) 940-6900 • FAX (909} 840-6910
�.� � .�a � ��j` �.� �
' ; ,. � �#
.:.��- , �;:�
Cove Firc Marshai's Qtiiee
737I0 I�rai Waring Drivc; #222
1'alm Dcscrt CA 9?26U
(7bt)) 346-1870
;:9MVfLtiITY DEVELOP5iE1�T llEPART:tilEti2
CITY OF PALti DESERT
APPEIVDIX D
,���_ To CEQA Environmental Checklist Form
TO: DATE: �o/%s��
r
�zl �.� �� ��
REF: �,i/� D �f ''j 3
U
if circled, conditions apalv to prt►iect
�
Desert Hot Sprinc�s
0
lndian Wells
?
�ndio
�
lake Elsinore
O
La Quinta
�
Moreno Vafley
�
Palm Desert
�
Perris
0
Rancho Mirage
�
San Jacinto
�
Temecula
Board of Superv�sors
Bob Buster
District t
Joh� Tavagl�nn�;
oistnct 2
Jim venable
District 3
Roy Wilson
Districi a
Tum MuI1Fn
Distnc.i 5
i�
Ili
�i .
3.
�.
�
6.
; 7.
i�
,; �;,
i�
�I�
��
;! �o.
With respect to the conditions of approval regarding the above
referenced project, the fire department recommends the foIIowing fire
pratection measares be provided in accordance with City Muaicipal
Code, NFPA, CFC, and CBC or any recognized Fire Protection
Standards:
The Fire Department is required to set a miaimum fire flow for t6e
remodei or constrection of all buildin�s oer UFC article 87.
A fire flow of 1500 gpm for a 1-hour duration at 20 psi residual
pressure must be available before any combustible material is placed
on the iob site.
Provide or shaw there exists a w$ter system capable of providing a
gpm flow of:
1504 gpm for single family dwellings
2504 gpm for mulNfam�ly dwelGngs
300a �pm for cammercial buildin$s
The required fire flow sball be available from a wet barrel Super
Hydrant {s) 4"a 2'!:" x 2'/z", located not less than 25' nor more than:
204' from any portian of a single family dwelling measured via
vehicular travehv�y
iG5' from any portion of a mnitifamily dwelling measured via
vehicular travelway
tS0' from any portion of a cammercial building measured via
vehicular travelwav
Water Plans must be �pproved by the Fire Marsha! and include
verificatiaa that the water system will c►roduce the reQnired fire flow.
Please be advised rhe prnposed praject may not be feasible since the
existin� water mains wili not rneet the reauired fire flow.
( , C_._.
il
V
�
14
Install a complete NFPA 13 fire sprinkler system. This appGes to all
buildings with a 3000 square foot total cumulative floor area. The Fire
Marshal shall approved the iocations of all post indicator valves and
firr department connections. All valves and connections sball not be
less . han 25' from the building and within 50' of an approved
hvdr. ° F,xemated are one a�d two familv dwellings.
All vawe:+ �ontrolling the water supply for automatic sprinkler
systems and Water-flow switches shall be monitored and alarmed per
cBc c1��►pter 9.
Instali a fire ��� ��� �3�w�r� as reneured bv �'"� :SBC Chaater 3.
le,stai� : .�ble fii ����t,;��ii�s j: � 10, but not less than one
�.'.IOB: �:xtinguist. 3�4Q s�- �t and not over 75' walking
di�;tance. A"I-"' typ �xtin required in all commercial
kitchens.
�15. lnstall a HoodlDuct autom�tic fire extingaishing system per NFPA 96
in atl public and private cc �king operations except single-family
residenti�l usa�e.
i 6. Instail a dast coilecting sy:.tem per CFC Chapter 76 if conducting an
oneration that nroduces airbar�ne narticles.
�� Atl building shall be access� t►le by an all-weather roadway extending
to within 1.50' of ali portian; of the exterior walls of t6e first story.
The raadway shall not be less than 24' of unobstructed width and
13' 6" of vertical clearance. Where parallel parking is required on
both sides of the street the roadway must be 36' wide and 32' wide
witb parking on one side. Dead-end roads in excess of 150' shall be
provided with a minimum 45' radius turn-around SS' in industrial
developments.
i
19
Whenever access into private property is controlled through use of
gates, barriers or other means provisions shafl be made to install a
"Knox Box" key over-ride systezn to allow for emergency vehicle
access. Minimum gate width shall be 16" with a minimum vertical
clearance of 13'6".
A dead end single access over S00' will require a secondary access,
sprinklers or ather mitigative measures approved by the Fire
Marshal. Under no circumstance shall a dead end over 1300' be
acce�ted.
C �
20.
�
\'�'
23
�.
� second access is required. This can be accomplished by two main
access points from a main roadway or an emergency gate from an
adioinin� develoament. ,
This project may require licensing by a state or county agency, to
facilitate plan review the applicant shall prepare and su6mit to the
Fi.re Marshal a letter of intent detailing the proposed usage and
occupancV tvpe.
All buildings shall riave illuminated addresses of a size approved by
the citv.
Alt fire sprinkler systems, fixed fire suppression systems and alarm
�lans must be submitted separately ta the Fire Marshal for approval
prior to construction.
Conditions subject to change with adoption of new codes, ordinances,
laws, or when building permits are not obtained within twelve
months.
Alt questions regarding the meaning of these conditions should be referred to
the Fire Marshal's Office at (760} 346-1870 in Palm Desert.
Location: 73714 Fred Warin;� Drive #222. Palm Desert CA 92260
Other:
��
Sincerely,
/�
( y
David A. Avila
Fire Marshal