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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes No. 09-51 - Appeal Planning Cmsn Decision to Deny CUP 09-180 06-25-2009 CITY OF PALM DESERT DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STAFF REPORT REQUEST: Consideration of an appeal of the Planning Commission's decision denying a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), to operate a short-term rental in an R-1 Single-family Zone, located at 77040 Utah Circle. SUBMITTED BY: Tony Bagato Principal Planner CASE NO: CUP 09-180 APPLICANT: Lisa Theodoratus 74 Crestwood Drive San Rafael, CA 94901 DATE: June 25, 2009 CONTENTS: Resolution Legal Notice Planning Commission Resolution of Denial, dated May 20, 2009 Planning Commission Staff Report, dated May 5, 2009 Planning Commission May 5, 2009, meeting minutes Exhibits Recommendation: That the City Council waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 09-51 approving Conditional Use Permit 09-180. Executive Summary: Approval of staff recommendation will overturn the decision of the Planning Commission denying a Conditional Use Permit to operate short-term rentals at a residence located at 77-040 Utah Circle. Short-term rentals in the R-1 Zone require a Conditional Use Permit. The property is hidden at the end of a cul-de-sac and abuts a golf course with tandscape to screen the rear yard. This unique setting provides privacy to the adjacent residents and the homeowner. Staff became aware of the short-term rental use due to a noise complaint filed with the City's Code Enforcement Department in July of 2008. Since July, 2008, no other noise complaints had been filed with the City's Code Compliance Department. Staff Staff Report CUP 09-180 Page 2 of 5 June 25, 2009 also contacted the Palm Desert Sheriff Station and was informed that no complaints or calls for loud noise, parties or any other possible violations had been received against this property since it has been used as a short-term rental. Planning Commission Meeting: On May 5, 2009, the application was presented to the Planning Commission for review. Staff presented the project and stated that the applicant had been using this property as a short-term rental. After staff's presentation and discussion, Commissioner Campbell stated that she believed that the applicant had a good history of renting the property and she made a motion for approval. However, several of the Commissioners stated they had concerns about residential neighborhoods having rental properties and a second to , the motion was not made. Commissioner Limont, seconded by Commissioner DeLuna, voted to deny the request. The case was continued to May 19, 2009 to allow staff to draft a resolution of denial. On May 19, 2009, the Planning Commission approved the resolution of denial on a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Campbell voting no. Discussion: I. BACKGROUND: A. Property Description: The property is located on a cul-de-sac adjacent to the Palm Desert Country Club golf course. The 2-bedroom, 1.75 baths home is approximately 1,300 square feet in area, and sits on a lot of approximately 8,500 square feet. The home has a small pool and spa in the rear. A one-car carport with an off- street parking driveway is located in the front yard. The rear yard is screened with lush landscaping. The property is well maintained and the home was built in 1962. The property is zoned R-1 Single-family and as a Conditional Use Permit, a homeowner may rent out the property for 30 days or less. The City's Code Enforcement Department received a noise complaint in July, 2008. Since that time, the City has not received any complaints about noise or loud parties. B. Zoning and General Plan Designation: Zone: R-1 9000 Single Family Residential General Plan: R-L 0-4 du/ac Low Density Residential G:�Planning\Tony Bagato\CUP 09-190 Utah CircleUune 25 CC�6-25-09 City Council Staff Rpt.doc Staff Report CUP 09-180 Page 3 of 5 June 25, 2009 C. Adjacent Zoning and Land Use: North: Open Space (OS) /Golf Course South: R-1 9000 Single-Family/ Homes East: Open Space (OS)/ Golf Course West: R-1 9000 Single-Family/ Homes II. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: For the past two years the applicant has both lived in and rented out the subject property. The house accommodates four persons. The typical renter for this location is one couple, often retired, and most often from the Pacific Northwest or Canada. The current economy has principally attracted renters seeking rental periods usually of one week. The applicant has found it difficult to secure renters for longer periods. In the past, rentals at the subject property vary between an entire month and the typical short-term of one week. The Conditional Use Permit request does not apply to rentals over 30-days. The applicant has submitted a Letter of Intent (copy enclosed). In order to ensure that neighbors are not affected by renters, the applicant provides a rental contract which in part contains the following clauses: a) No parties or functions allowed within the rental property. b) Complaints of noise or disturbances by neighbors or police are grounds for eviction. The applicant allows no more than four people and two cars on the property at any one rental period. According to the site plan (copy enclosed), the house is oriented in such a way to be set back from neighboring properties behind the carport, which minimizes the visibility of activities from the home, whether short or long term. I11. ANALYSIS: On September 14, 2000, the City Council passed Ordinance No. 966, approving a Zoning Ordinance amendment requiring a Conditional Use Permit for short-term rental of a single-family home in the R-1 zone. Short-term rentals are defined as 30 days or less. A. Purpose of Conditional Use Permit The goal of this conditional use process is to ensure that short-term rentals in G:�Planning\Tony Bagato\CUP 09-190 Utah CircleUuue 35 CC�6-25-09 City Council Staff Rpt.doc Staff Report CUP 09-180 Page 4 of 5 June 25, 2009 a single-family zone function, operate, and impact the neighborhood no differently than would typical residents while living in a long-term rental or home-ownership state. Therefore, in order for the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to be approved, the property use must meet findings that would agree with the functional expectations of home-ownership. Approval of the CUP would also comply with the Planning Commission's conditions establishing short-term rentals as incapable of generating potential nuisances for adjacent properties. B. Findings for approval of Conditional Use Permit Municipal Code Section 25.72.070 requires that the following findings be made before granting a conditional use permit: a. That the proposed location of the Conditional Use Permit is in accord with the objectives of this title and the purpose of the district in which the site is located; • The property is zoned R-1. The manner in which the proposed use would operate would be compatible with the surrounding residential neighborhood as the expected tenancy and traffic generation is no more than that of a long term rental. Therefore, the use as a short- term rental is in accord with the objectives of this title and the purpose of the residential site. b. That the proposed location of the Conditional Use Permit and conditions under which it would 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; • The use will be conditioned to assure that it will not be detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare to the properties in the vicinity. c. That the proposed conditional use will comply with each of the applicable provisions of this title, except for approved variances or adjustments; • The proposed use complies with all the provisions of the R-1 zone. There are no variances, adjustments or exceptions in the conditional use permit request. d. That the proposed conditional use complies with the goals, objectives, and policies of the City's General Plan. O:�Planning\Tony Bagato\CUP 09-190 Utah CircleVune 25 CC�6-25-09 City Council Staff Rpt.doc Staff Report CUP 09-180 Page 5 of 5 June 25, 2009 • The proposed use is residential in nature and complies with the goals, objectives and policies of the City's General Plan. In particular, Goal 3, Policies 1 and 2 of the Land Use Element state that the City shall provide a mix of housing product that responds to the demands and opportunities associated with a residential resort community, and that land use planning shall preserve neighborhood character. As conditioned, the proposed use will provide a resort home that functions as a single family home, rather than as a second home which sits vacant most of the year. The rental use by visitors to the area will be associated with increases in shopping, dining, and golfing, all of which a consistent with a residential resort community. The short-term rentals at this property have been operated in a manner that is compatible with the R-1 zone. According to the Palm Desert Sheriff Department, from April 2007 to April 2009, no noise or loud party calls were made at the address in question. The applicant has also submitted a letter from the neighbor at 77-020 Utah Circle (two-doors away), stating that there have been no incidents regarding noise or parties, (copy enclosed). IV. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: The application is a Class 3 categorical exemption for purposes of CEQA and no further documentation is necessary. Submitted by: Department Head: Tony Bagato Lauri Aylaian Principal Planner Director of Community Development Approva• CITY COUNCILAC"�iON APPROVED v DFNiED R CEIVED OT � omer Croy MF.ETI G DATE AC or D elop t Service AYF.S: NOES: ABSI:NT: AI�STAIPi: n John . Wohlmuth vcK�FiFn Bv: City nager Origin�l on File with City Cle 's Office By Minute lMotion, directed staff to prepare a Reso�ution of Denial for presentation at the ._.._....._ next Cit�r Council Meeting. 3-0 (Ferguson,Kelly ABSENT; G:�Planning\Tony Bagaro\CUP 09-190 Utxh CircleUune 25 CC�6-25-09 City Council Staff Rpt.doc Y RESOLUTION NO. 09-5� A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO OPERATE A SHORT-TERM RENTAL IN AN R-1 SINGLE-FAMILY ZONE, LOCATED AT 77040 UTAH CIRCLE. CASE NO. CUP 09-180: WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, did on the 25th day of June, 2009, hold a duly noticed public hearing to consider the appeal by Lisa Theodoratus for the approval of the above noted; and WHEREAS, said application has complied with the requirements of the "City of Palm Desert Procedure for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality AcY', Resolution No. 02-60, in that the Director of Community Development has determined that the project is a Class 3 Categorical Exemption for purposes of CEQA and no further documentation is necessary; 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 did find the following facts and reasons to exist to justify approval of the conditional use permit: 1. The property is zoned R-1 and in the manner in which the proposed use is being operated will compatible with the surrounding residential neighborhood. The use is in accord with the objectives of this title and the purpose of the residential site. 2. The use will be conditioned to assure that it will not be detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare to the properties in the vicinity. 3. The proposed use complies with all the provisions of the R-1 zone. 4. The proposed use in residential in nature and complies with the goals, objectives and 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 City Council in this case. 2. That approval of Conditional Use Permit 09-180 is hereby granted, subject to conditions attached. RESOLUTION NO. 09- 5i PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Palm Desert Planning Commission, held on this 26th day of June, 2009, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: ROBERT A. SPIEGEL, Mayor ATTEST: RACHELLE D. KLASSEN, City Clerk City of Palm Desert, California 2 RESOLUTION NO. 09-�_ CONDITiONS OF APPROVAL CASE NO. CUP 09-180 Department of Communitv Development: 1. The development of the property shall conform substantially with exhibits on file to the Department of Community Development, as modified by the following conditions. 2. The use of the property as described in the permit 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 operation of the use 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. That the owner shall impose on tenants of the property appropriate conditions that any home owner is subject to assuring peace and privacy of the neighborhood. The applicant shall post in the premises rules of the house as follows: A. Music and noise shall be kept to a minimum before 9:00 a.m. and after 10:00 p.m. B. Tenants of the premises shall not have overnight guests who are not listed on the rental agreement. C. No parties or functions allowed within the rental property. D. Complaints of noise or disturbances by neighbors or police are grounds for eviction. 5. The rental agreement with each tenant shall limit occupancy to a maximum of 4 persons having a maximum of 2 automobiles. 6. That the rental agents' phone number shall be on file at all times so that staff may distribute it to interested neighbors. 7. Failure to operate in this use in a manner that is compatible to the R-1 zone shall result in a rehearing of the matter before the Planning Commission and possible revocation or modification of this permit. 3 CITY OF P �IL �I DESERT 73-510 FRED WARtNG DRIVE PALM DESERT,CAL[FORNIA 92260-257$ TEL:']GO ;q6—o6n F�vc:76o 34i-7o98 in(o@palm-descrt.org ._._...__--------...__—...—_ ----------------------.. CITY OF PALM DESERT LEGAL NOTICE CASE NO.CUP 09-190 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a pub�ic hearing will be held before the Palm Desert City Council to consider an appeal of a Planning Commission Resolution denying approval of a Conditional Use Permit for the leasing of a single-family dwelling for periods of less than 30 days, (Short-term Rental), located at 77-040 Utah Circle. _'�' . __ � _ I _�._ I nrEwr xe o�' � . � ; b� � �� I � � �wtra TA C i �'� �HA I XE _ K'l! �� CAi.EFORNtA AVE SAID public hearing will be held on June 25, 2009, 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 concerning all items covered by this public hearing notice shall be accepted up to the date of the hearing. Information concerning the proposed project 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 RACHELLE KLASSEN, City Clerk June 15, 2009 Palm Desert City Council 760 7?66417 Palm Desert-Plannig 09:14:05 a m. 05-22-2009 � /� CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA 1 � � � APPLICATIQN TO APPEAL ��� o C; � �-a DECISfON OF THE !�- I Gn r'� i 1�1 r �c�r1'1 n"1 i�� �i o ��� s �.� (Name of Determining Body) � �'�-'" -.0 r.. Case No. � �l�' �� � l `� � Date of Decision: S � �'' ��''� � � �i ��q � �= �� � ���_..: Name of Appellant �-� s � ��e-�c.�o r�,� U�S Phone 41 S 7 ZC� - ,, c>� 3'� �`r�=' � _ c:� Address �7q �� "�' Cv'�STV� C�oD �� Iv-2,� SC��'�► ��G,��L �}- ��{�U ,�c� � _._ �, Description of Application or Matter Considered: � �u.P �i --���,�-- 1��Y-� � �.�,� �����c`� ��t-� - - c� -z- �r �.1.� a 1 � ��:�_ Reason for Appeal(aftach additional sheets if necessary): C'��.1-� _ �_- (Signature of Appe FOR OFFICIAI.USE ONLY � v � Date Appeal Filed: �f a-�( �Qq� Fee Received: � Treasurer's Receipt Na _�' � ` � Received by: � Date of Consideration by City Council or City Official: Actlon Taken: Date: Rachelle D. Klassen, City Clerk < CQ�'Y 70 � . M'Vkl2ssenlWPCOqIWPDOCSIFORMS1apD110 appeal.wpd DATE� `� ! ��'�� `�"' " ' = � Rev 6l2glp2 . 2 Lisa Theodoratus `�`�� � � �� � :����i�� F'«1.� � U�SEHT, C� 74 Crestwood Drive San Rafael, CA 94901 2009 MAY 29 PM I� 4 '. 415 457-7880 /cell 415 720-5043 May 28, 2009 Reason for appeal attached to application to appeal (CUP 09-180) I am appealing this decision because I feel that the planning commission vote was not based on sufficient information on this matter. There are already existing short term vacation rental homes in my neighborhood that have valid CUP's as well as many others who do not have CUP's and are being allowed to operate with a city room tax license without being required to obtain a CUP. There are also numerous short term rentals in R1 zones in the City of Palm Desert that do not have a license and are not paying room tax. I reserve the right to add additional items to my appeal. Sincerely, v �,��-\. Lisa Theodoratus ^ � �� ' � CITY OE P � nLi� DESERT 73-5�O FRED WARING DRIVE PALM �ESERT, CALIFORNIA 92260-257$ TEL: �60 346—o6it Fnx: 760 34�-7098 info�palm-deseri,org PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING NOTICE OF ACTION Date: May 20, 2009 Lisa Theodoratus 74 Crestwood Drive San Rafael, California 94901 Re: CUP 09-180 77-040 Utah Circie The Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert has considered your request and taken the following action at its regular meeting of May 19, 2009: THE PLANNING COMMISSION DENIED CASE NO. CUP 09-180 BY ADOPTION OF PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2500. MOTION CARRIED 4-1 (COMMISSIONER CAMPBELL VOTED NO). Any appeal of the above action may be made in writing to the City Clerk, City of Palm Desert, within fifteen (15) days of the date of the decision. a�---� � ��7 ��� Lauri Aylaian, Secretary Palm Desert Planning Commission /tm cc: Coachella Valley Water District Public Works Department Building & Safety Department Fire Marshal "/tlKffO OM IF(1RFDl4F1 � ;__ i ( � PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2500 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, DENYING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR SHORT TERM RENTAL FOR PERIODS OF LESS THAN 30 DAYS IN A SINGLE-FAMILY ZONE LOCATED AT 77040 UTAH CIRCLE. CASE NO. CUP 09-180 WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert, California, did on the 5T" day of May, 2009, hold a duly noticed public hearing, which was closed and continued to May 19, 2009, to consider the request by Lisa Theodoratus for approval of the above noted; 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 exists to justify denial of said request: 1. The Conditional Use Permit does not meet the discretionary approval of the Ptanning Commission in that short term rentals in a single-family zone are not in accord with the objectives of this title and the purpose of the district in which the site is located. 2. The public record included a letter from a neighbor objecting to the use. The Commissioners thought that short—term rentals conflict with the interests of fulltime residents. This finding is reflected in the following Palm Desert Municipal Code Sections: 25.02.020. 8.3., to "Minimize conflicts between land uses created by drastic variations in intensities of use, densities and access requirements"; and 25.02.020. B.5, to "Maintain the character of Palm Desert and create the best possible living environment for residents". 3. The Conditional Use Permit for the short-term rental of a single family property would be detrimental and materially injurious to the vicinity in which it is located. The Planning Commission found that the said operation would not maintain the character of the neighborhood. The City's long-term visions for the residential districts are expressed in Goal 3, Policy 5 of the Land Use Element of the General Plan, which states that the approval of projects should optimize the ability of proposed development to complement adjoining planned and existing land uses. PLANNING COMMIS�I� J RESOLUTION NO. 2500 � NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert, Califomia, as foilows: 1• That the above recitat�Ons are true and correct and constih,�te the findings of the Planning Commission in this case. 2. That Case No. CUP 09-180 is hereby denied. PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Palm Desert City Council, held on this 19�' day of May, 2009, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: DELUNA, LIMONT, SCHMIDT, TANNER NOES: CAMPBELL ,,� ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE �- � J �ws..�--- VAN G. TANNER, Chairperson ATTEST: _-- LAURI AYLAIAN, Secretary Palm Desert Planning Commission 2 i C ITY Of Pt� l �l DE SERT 73-5�O FRED WARING DRIVE `'" PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA 92260-257$ TEL: 76o 346—o6ii F�c: 760 34i-7o98 info@palm-dcsert.org PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING NOTICE OF ACTION Date: May 6, 2009 Lisa Theodoratus 74 Cresfinrood Drive San Rafael, California 94901 Re: CUP 09-180 77-040 Utah Circle The Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert has considered your request and taken the following action at its regular meeting of May 5, 2009: THE PLANNING COMMISSION, WITH THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED, CONTINUED TO THE MATTER TO MAY 19, 2009, AND DIRECTED STAFF TO PREPARE A RESOLUTION OF DENIAL. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-1 (COMMISSIONER CAMPBELL VOTED NO). Please call if you have any questions regarding this action. Lauri Aylaian, Secretary Palm Desert Planning Commission /tm cc: Coachella Valley Water District Public Works Department Building & Safety Department Fire Marshal � �,Pfi11if0 01 tE(Y(l[U PAfEI ', ( + MINUTES ALM DESERT PLANNIN , �n�u�u�SSION MAY � �nnc Action: It was moved by Commissioner DeLuna, seconded by Commissioner Campbell, approving the April 21, 2009 meeting minutes. Motion carried 4- 0-1 (Commissioner Limont abstained). b�l• CONSENT CALENDAR A. Case No. PMW 09-65 — JAMES GAGAN AND BIGHORN DEVELOPMENT, LLC, Applicanta Request for approval of Parcel Map Waiver 09-65 to allow a lot line adjustment transferring a portion of Lot G, Tract 27520-4, to 112 Suuwat. Action: It was moved by Commissioner Limont, seconded by Commissioner Campbell, approving the Consent Calendar by minute motion. Motion carried 5-0. VIII• PUBLIC HEARINGS Anyone who challenges any hearing matter in court may be limited to raising only those issues he, she or someone else raised at the public hearing described herein, or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission at, or prior to, the public hearing. � A. Case No. CUP 09-180— LISA THEODORATUS, A licant PP Request for approval of a conditional use permit to allow the rental of a single-family residence in an R-1 zone, for periods of less than 30 days, located at 77-040 Utah Circle. Ms. Renee Schrader reviewed the staff report and recommended approval of the conditional use permit, subject to the conditions. Commissioner Campbell noted that the shortest period of rental time would be for one week, so the applicant was requesting one week at a time, or two weeks. Ms. Schrader said that was right. In the conditions, staff also included that this would be two-week rentals within a one-year period, which meant that either longer rentals are encouraged, or they go 2 �. �.� � MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMI�SION MAY S �nnct without tenants for a while. That was up to the Commission if they were agreeable to the condition or wanted to change it. Commissioner Schmidt asked how many of these exist in the city presently. Ms. Aylaian indicated that there are approximately 40 residential properties that are paying bed tax in the city at this point. Commissioner Schmidt asked if this property was subject to that provision, if approved. Ms. Aylaian replied yes, and explained that it is allowed with a conditional use permit (CUP). Short-term rentals are allowed in the R-1 zone in which this property is located. Chairperson Tanner asked if there were any short-term rentat properties in the Palm Desert Country Club area. Ms. Aylaian explained that staff began looking into this a little bit more because Ms. Theodoratus brought to staff's attention that there are other properties that are paying bed tax, but do not have conditional use permits. They started looking into that issue to see how big an issue that might be, and identified that there are a couple of properties in the Palm Desert Country Club area. It looked as if there are seven or eight in the city that have not gone through the CUP process at this point, but are paying bed tax. Based on the answer of 40 properties that do have CUPs, Commissioner Limont noted that a letter with the staff report said that there are already quite a few homes in this neighborhood operating short-term rentals. She asked if they had any idea of the percentage. Ms. Schrader said that was a comment by the applicant, and she didn't know that they had really had an opportunity to look into how many are really operating without the city's knowledge or a CUP. Ms. Aylaian further explained that typically what happened was that staff responds if there is a complaint or call about a specific location, and if there is a report that someone is operating a short- term rental property without having the proper license, they send Code out to investigate and then pursue from that standpoint. They didn't arbitrarily canvass neighborhoods looking for short-term rentals that may or may not be operating, so when it is brought to the City's attention, staff responds and investigates. Chairperson Tanner o ened the public hearing and asked the applicant to address the Commission. MS. LISA THEODORATUS, 74 Crestwood Drive in San Rafael, California, stated that Ms. Schrader explained the request. She got kind of caught in a catch-22 with this with a single mention that she was planning on doing short-term rentals. She stated that she screens people very well and endeavors to make sure she has one 3 . MINUTES � � ALM DE�ERT PLeNN�NG COMMISSION MAY S �nnc couple. She generally doesn't rent to more than one couple at a time. They are most often retired people and very quiet, so she really didn't think there wouid be any negative probiems for anyone in the neighborhood. She noted that there was aiso a letter inctuded in her application from one of her neighbors who lives on the cul- de-sac, Suzanne Tracy, who had mentioned that Ms. Theodoratus had been very conscientious about choosing people to stay in her house, and she planned to continue to do that. Her reason for trying to do the short-term rentals is that in our economy right now, most people are unable to afford a full monthly rental, and this year especially it has become a very big problem. Also, her income has gone down and this has become an issue of just trying to keep up payments on the house and that was why she was requesting this. She noted that Ms. Schrader had also mentioned the rental contract, and she wouid most certainly make sure there were no problems. Commissioner Campbell asked about how many months out of the year the home is rented. Ms. Theodoratus answered that generaily in the past she has rented just a few months out of the year, and it was usually February, March and sometimes April. She would foresee that those months would be rented in season and an occasional week throughout the summer because not that many people really want to be here in the heat. Commissioner Campbell noted that she wanted to keep it rented as much as possible, and understood that. Ms. Theodoratus explained her goal was to rent a couple of months during the winter so that she could kind of make it through the year. Commissioner DeLuna recalled that Ms. Theodoratus mentioned her mailing address is in San Rafael and asked if that meant that she did not reside locally. Ms. Theodoratus said that this was a secondary home for her and her husband. They live in San Rafael, which is in the San Francisco area. Commissioner DeLuna said that in effect, Ms. Theodoratus was an absentee landlord. 4 , MINUTES ��� �� PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY � �nnq Ms. Theodoratus said she is, but she has a property manager who does take care of the house while she isn't here, who also takes care of the cleaning and maintenance. So everything was well taken care of. Commissioner DeLuna pointed out that Condition No. 4 under Department of Community Development addresses some negative impacts that could occur from a short-term tenant: music, noise, overnight guests, parties or functions. If Ms. Theodoratus has someone in her home for a week and some of these conditions occur, how would Ms. Theodoratus enforce the rules? Ms. Theodoratus said she would have her property manager go to the residence and ask the people to vacate. Commissioner DeLuna asked if she had any way of enforcing that. Ms. Theodoratus didn't know the legality of doing that, and indicated that it has never been an issue. She didn't rent to anyone under 25 years of age and when she screens people who call looking for a rental, she can generally pick up that people are retired and they are pretty much going to be sitting in the yard and playing some golf. There were no other questions of the applicant. Chairperson Tanner asked if anyone in the audience wished to speak in FAVOR of or in OPPOSITION to the proposal. There was no one and the public hearing was closed. He asked for Commission comments. Commissioner Campbell thought the applicant had a good record with what she has been doing in the past. There haven't been any complaints or any police calls. She thought she was doing a very good job, and understood what she was trying to do. It is a quiet location, not surrounded by a lot of homes. She moved for approval. Commissioner Limont noted that there was a letter from a neighbor that isn't in agreement with this rental, and that made it difficult when it wasn't unanimous. She agreed with Commissioner Campbell in that Ms. Theodoratus was doing an excellent job and was coming forward with some great suggestions on how to screen renters. Her concerns were that she honestly believed that neighborhoods needed to be protected. People buy into these neighborhoods and these are their primary residences, their primary homes, and where they live. When they've had renters in the past, as good or as not as good as they are, it changes the atmosphere and 5 .� MINUTES �`�� � t� � PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMIS�ION MAY � �nnq character of the neighborhood. It was just noticeable. Her concern is that when Palm Desert put in R-1 zoning, it was so they would maintain the character of our neighborhoods. Her concern is, and Ms. Theodoratus is probably a terrific landlord, but she is a distant landlord. It was terrific that she had a property company to manage it, but she had concerns about having Palm Desert starting to morph into rental neighborhoods, even if it's just one neighbor who says this is my primary residence. That was her biggest concern. Chairperson Tanner shared Commissioner Limont's thought process. He recognized that these are tough economic times and understood that, but at the same time this is a neighborhood that was developed for primary dwellers. He knew that there were rental properties in there, and understood that, but not short term. He didn't want to see Palm Desert Country Club turn into a one-week, two-week rental property area. So he was not in favor of this moving forward. He noted that there was a motion on the floor and asked for a second. There was no response; the motion died due to the lack of a second. Action: It was moved by Commissioner Limont, seconded by Commissioner DeLuna, to deny Case No. CUP 09-180. Ms. Aylaian noted that staff would need to prepare a resolution of denial that would come before the Commission at the next meeting. After discussing the matter further, keeping the public hearing closed, Commissioner Limont amended her motion, and Commissioner DeLuna amended her second, to continue the matter to May 19 and instructed staff to prepare a resolution of denial. Motion carried 4-1 (Commissioner Campbell voted no). B. Case No. ZOA 09-104— CITY OF PALM DESERT, Applicant Request for a recommendation of approval to the City Council of a zoning ordinance amendment updating and revising Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 25.68, Signs. Mr. Bagato gave a power point presentation, reviewing the staff report in detail. He recommended approval. 6 �... (" . � oR . IG1NAl D���,b�..�d� P� PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. os/,9�0� ,,.�,�,., A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, DENYING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR SHORT TERM RENTAL FOR PERIODS OF LESS THAN 30 DAYS IN A SINGLE-FAMILY ZONE LOCATED AT 77040 UTAH CIRCLE. CASE NO. CUP 09-180 WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert, California, did on the 5 day of May, 2009, hold a duly noticed public hearing, which was closed and continued to May 19, 2009, to consider the request by Lisa Theodoratus for approval of the above noted; 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 exists to justify denial of said request: 1. The Conditional Use Permit does not meet the discretionary approval of the Planning Commission in that short term rentals in a single-family zone are not in accord with the objectives of this title and the purpose of the district in which the site is located. 2. The public record included a letter from a neighbor objecting to the use. The Commissioners thought that short—term rentals conflict with the interests of fulltime residents. This finding is reflected in the following Palm Desert Municipal Code Sections: 25.02.020. B.3., to "Minimize conflicts between land uses created by drastic variations in intensities of use, densities and access requirements"; and 25.02.020. B.5, to "Maintain the character of Palm Desert and create the best possible living environment for residents". 3. The Conditional Use Permit for the short-term rental of a single family property would be detrimental and materially injurious to the vicinity in which it is located. The Planning Commission found that the said operation would not maintain the character of the neighborhood. The City's long-term visions for the residential districts are expressed in Goal 3, Policy 5 of the Land Use Element of the General Ptan, which states that the approval of projects should optimize the ability of proposed development to complement adjoining planned and existing land uses. �, � PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 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 Planning Commission in this case. 2. That Case No. CUP 09-180 is hereby denied. PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Palm Desert City Council, held on this 19th day of May, 2009, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: VAN G. TANNER, Chairperson ATTEST: LAURI AYLAIAN, Secretary Palm Desert Planning Commission 2 �� �_ CITY OF PALM DESERT DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT REQUEST: Approval of Conditional Use Permit to aflow the rental of a single family residence in an R-1 Zone for periods of less than 30 days located at 77040 Utah Circle. SUBMITTED BY: Renee Schrader, Associate Planner APPLICANT: Lisa Theodoratus 74 Crestwood Drive San Rafael, CA 94901 CASE NO.: CUP 09-180 DATE: May 5, 2009 I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Approval of Conditional Use Permit would allow the applicant to rent a single family residence, located in the Palm Desert Country Club, at 77040 Utah Circle, for periods of less than 30 days. II. BACKGROUND: A. Property Description: The property is located on a cul-de-sac adjacent to the Palm Desert Country Club golf course. The 2-bedroom, 1.75 bath residence is approximately 1,300 square feet in area, and sits on a lot of approximately 8,500 square feet. The home has a small pool and spa in the rear. A one-car carport with an off- street parking pad is located in the front. The rear yard is screened with lush landscaping. The property is welt maintained. The home was built in 1962. B. Zoning and General Plan Designation: Zone: R-1 9000 Single Famity Residential General Plan: R-L 0-4 du/ac Low Density Residential C. Adjacent Zoning and Land Use: North: OS Open Space Golf Course South: R-1 9000 Single-Family Residential Homes East: OS Open Space Golf Course West: R-1 9000 Single-Family Residential Homes Staff Report � � � Case No. CU�P 09-180 May 5, 2009 Page 2 of 5 III• PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The two bedroom house is a second home for the applicant. The location is an ideal setting for persons who wish to rent vacation accommodations in a resort setting. The short term rental aspect of the property was brought to the city's attention in July of 2008, through a Code Compliance complaint. For the past two years the applicant has both lived in and rented out the subject property. The house accommodates four persons. The typical renter for this location is one couple, often retired, and most often from the Pacific Northwest or Canada. The current economy has principally attracted renters seeking rental periods usually of one week. The applicant has found it difficult to secure renters for longer periods. In the past, rentals at the subject property vary between an entire month and the typical short-term of one week. The Conditional Use Permit request does not apply to rentals over 30-days. The applicant has submitted a Letter of Intent (copy enclosed). In order to ensure that neighbors are not affected by renters, the applicant provides a rental contract which in part contains the following clauses: e) No parties or functions allowed within the rental property. k) Complaints of noise or disturbances by neighbors or police are grounds for eviction. The applicant allows no more than 4 people and 2 cars on the property at any one rental period. According to the site plan (copy enclosed), the house is oriented in such a way to be set back from neighboring properties behind the carport, which minimizes the visibility of activities from the home, whether short or long term. IV. ANA_; On September 14, 2000, the City Council passed Ordinance No. 966, approving a Zoning Ordinance amendment requiring a Conditional Use Permit for short-term rental of a single-family home in the R-1 zone. Short-term rentals are defined as 30 days or less. A. Purpose of Conditional Use Permit The goal of this conditional use process is to ensure that short-term rentals in a single-family zone function, operate, and impact the neighborhood no differently than would typical residents while living in a long-term rental or home- ownership state. Therefore, in order for the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to be approved, the property use must meet findings that would agree with the functional expectations of home-ownership. Approval of the CUP woufd also � � Staff Report Case No. CUP 09-180 May 5, 2009 Page 3 of 5 comply with the Planning Commission's conditions establishing short-term rentals as incapable of generating potential nuisances for adjacent properties. B. Findings for approval of Conditional Use Permit Municipal Code Section 25.72.070 requires that the Planning Commission make the following findings before granting a conditional use permit: a. That the proposed location of the conditional use permit is in accord with the objectives of this title and the purpose of the district in which the site is located; • The property is zoned R-1. The manner in which the proposed use would operate would be compatible with the surrounding residential neighborhood as the expected tenancy and traffic generation is no more than that of a long term rental. Therefore, the use as a short-term rental is in accord with the objectives of this title and the purpose of the residential site. b. That the proposed location of the conditional use permit and conditions under which it would 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; • The use will be conditioned to assure that it will not be detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare to the properties in the vicinity. c. That the proposed conditional use will comply with each of the applicable provisions of this title, except for approved variances or adjustments; • The proposed use complies with all the provisions of the R-1 zone. There are no variances, adjustments or exceptions in the conditional use permit request. d. That the proposed conditional use complies with the goals, objectives, and policies of the City's General Plan. • The proposed use is residential in nature and complies with the goals, objectives and policies of the City's General Plan. The short-term rentals at this property have been operated in a manner that is compatible with the R-1 zone. According to the Palm Desert Sheriff Department, from April 2007 to April 2009, there were no noise or loud party calls at the address in question. The applicant has also submitted a letter from the neighbor at 77020 � � � �� . Staff Report Case No. CUP 09-180 May 5, 2009 Page 4 of 5 Utah Circle (two-doors away), stating that there have been no incidents regarding noise or parties, (copy enclosed). V. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: The application is a Class 3 categorical exemption for purposes of CEQA and no further documentation is necessary. VI. PUBLIC NOTICE: The public hearing notice was published in the Desert Sun newspaper and mailed to neighbors within a 300-foot radius on April 22, 2009. A letter was received in opposition of the Conditional Use Permit, which is enclosed. VII. CONCLUSION: Short-term rentals in the R-1 Zone require a Conditional Use Permit. The property is hidden at the end of a cul-de-sac and abuts a golf course with landscape to screen the rear yard. This unique setting provides privacy to the adjacent residents and the homeowner. Staff reviewed the matter with Code Compliance staff who indicated there have been no complaints about this applicant's operation, since July 9, 2008. Staff has also reviewed the Police reports for the property during the last two years. There are no police records of complaints received or police responses to this address. VII. RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission adopt the findings and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. , approving CUP 09-180 subject to conditions attached. Staff Report ( � Case No. CUP 09-180 May 5, 2009 Page 5 of 5 VIII. AITACHMENTS: A. Draft Resolution B. Vicinity Map C. Letter from Applicant D. Letter from neighbor at 77020 Utah Circle E. Letter from neighbor at 43365 Tennessee Avenue F. Site Plan Submitted by: Department Head: ,----� - � �- r--���1,�_< �,_,:G';t.,t� ,,�e.�� �'� _ , Renee Schr r Lauri Aylaian Associate Planner Director of Community Development Approval: Homer Croy ACM for Development Services ( �� PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING OF A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT ALLOWING SHORT-TERM RENTAL OF A SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING LOCATED AT 77040 UTAH CIRCLE. CASE NO. CUP 09-180: WHEREAS, theH Pianning Commission of the City of Palm Desert, California, did on the 5 day of May, 2009, hold a duly noticed public hearing to consider the request by Lisa Theodoratus for the approval of the above noted; and WHEREAS, said application has complied with the requirements of the "City of Palm Desert Procedure for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality AcY', Resolution No. 02-60, in that the Director of Community Development has determined that the project is a Class 3 Categorical Exemption for purposes of CEQA and no further documentation is necessary; 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 approval of the conditional use permit: 1. The property is zoned R-1 and in the manner in which the proposed use is being operated will compatible with the surrounding residential neighborhood. The use is in accord with the objectives of this title and the purpose of the residentiat site. 2. The use will be conditioned to assure that it will not be detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare to the properties in the vicinity. 3. The proposed use complies with all the provisions of the R-1 zone. 4. The proposed use in residential in nature and complies with the goals, objectives and 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 09-180 is hereby granted, subject to conditions attached. C � �,_ ' PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Palm Desert Planning Commission, held on this 5�' day of May, 2009, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: VAN G. TANNER, Chairperson ATTEST: LAURI AYLAIAN, Secretary Palm Desert Planning Commission 2 l �� PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL CASE NO. CUP 09-180 Department of Communitv Development: 1. The development of the property shall conform substantially with exhibits on file to the Department of Community Development, as modified by the following conditions. 2. The use of the property as described in the permit shall commence within one year from the date of final approval unless an extension of time is granted; otherwise, said approval shall become nulf, void and of no effect whatsoever. 3. The operation of the use 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. That the owner shall impose on tenants of the property appropriate conditions that any home owner is subject to assuring peace and privacy of the neighborhood. The applicant shall post in the premises rules of the house as follows: A. Music and noise shall be kept to a minimum before 9:00 a.m. and after 10:00 p.m. B. Tenants of the premises shall not have overnight guests who are not listed on the rental agreement. C. No parties or functions allowed within the rental property. D. Complaints of noise or disturbances by neighbors or police are grounds for eviction. 5. The rental agreement with each tenant shall limit occupancy to a maximum of 4 persons having a maximum of 2 automobiles. 6. That the rental agents' phone number shall be on file at all times so that staff may distribute it to interested neighbors. 7. Failure to operate in this use in a manner that is compatible to the R-1 zone shall result in a rehearing of the matter before the Planning Commission and possible revocation or modification of this permit. 3 �,. ., . � � ITY Of Pfll (� DES � � j 73-5�o F��WnxiNc DRtve PALM DESERT,CALIFORNIA 922G0-2578 Teta 760 ;46-06�� Fnx:760 ;qi-7oq8 info@palm-deurc.org CITY OF PALM DESERT LEGAL NOTICE CASE NO.CUP 08-190 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing wili be held before the Palm Desert Planning Commission to consider a request by Lisa Theodoratus to approve a Conditional Use Permit for the leasing of a single-family dwelling for periods of less than thirty days, (Short-term Rental), located at 77-040 Utah Circle. utah clrcl�300'buMar L1--L-L—L_L1ave �i/ ,,'pQ�``'.`�1r RP� ( ���1 t� 9 0� r�'��y `ym � � ,� , OKLAHOM4 A VE �,; UT I� ,� l � �.�,I 'NL�,Nq 4� ��.KENTUCKYAVf � . ` ` \ . � 2 2 � oaN�A AVE """'."—'CALIPORNIA AVE"—'—" _""GP�- � SAID public hearing will be held on May 5, 2009, at 6:00 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 concerning all items covered by this public hearing notice shall be accepted up to the date of the hearing. Information concerning 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 Planning Commission at,or prior to, the public hearing. PUBLISH: Desert Sun LAURI AYLAIAN, Secretary April 22, 2009 Palm Desert Planning Commission City of Palm Desert ArcIMS Map Output Page l of 1 Cit of Palm Desert Ma < � ro ,�;� � �,,, *" '� ,�°'"�, �. �� � � a � �� � . � �'�. „ z � '���— �� ��� � . � � � � �: :�, � � � � ,� � �:� �� . �� ��-, � ��. .� � . ,,a � �� ,� '�� �� �� �W ��k''i ,��t y�' �. � . � � .'` `;r,, ,!'iG�����Y� � http://cpdgis/servlet/com.esri.esrimap.Esrimap?ServiceName=CityOverview&ClientV ersi... 4/29/2009 . . ___. � � ,-�, f..,,_. . - - t __ �^, `�. �7a�� � � un4N �l���.e �_� ....,,�w......,.�.�,..w..... _, _.._..�.�.. � '�� �-�� c�3 r ��'-'--___.. � � � � �, r f... `5.,_.. ��..�..�. �. � . �. Lisa Theodoratus 74 Crestwood Drive San Rafael, CA 94901 415 457-7880 office/415 720-5043 cell April 16, 2009 Renee Schrader City of Palm Desert Planning Department 73-510 Fred Waring Drive Palm Desert, CA 92260 Re: 77040 Utah Circle, CUP application I am requesting a conditional use permit for my home located at 77040 Utah Circle, Palm Desert. The CUP is for short term rentals in a R1 zone. The 1,300 square foot house is located in Palm Desert Country Club on an 8,500 square foot lot adjacent to the golf course. There are already quite a few homes in this neighborhood operating as short term vacation rentals. The house has finro bedrooms and two bathrooms and is accommodated to sleep four persons. We have a one car carport as well as an additional off street parking pad. The typical renter for this location is one couple, often retired, and most often from the Pacific Northwest or Canada. In the current economic downturn renters are looking for shorter rental periods usually of one week making it very difficult to find renters willing to pay for monthly rentals. In order to ensure that neighbors are not affected by renters my rental contract in part contains the following wording — e) No parties or functions al�owed within the rental property k) Complaints of noise or disturbances by neighbors or police are grounds for eviction I would also like to point out that at the time the original complaint of"house being rented as vacation rental, loud parties and such" was made to code compliance on July 9, 2008 by a "reporting party", I had been the only person at the house for over two months with the exception of workers who installed insulation in my attic on July gtn. I am also enclosing a letter written by my neighbor Suzanne Tracy who lives at 77-020 Utah Circle which is two doors away. Suzanne has told me she has never heard noise coming from my house or witnessed a party there of any kind. Sincerely, Lisa Theodoratus ' f \. .. �-- � � l January 18, 2009 To Whom It May Concern: Dear Sirs, I have been a resident of Utah Circle in Palm Desert, California ' , since 1970_ My neighbor, Lisa Theodoratus, asked me to write this letter in re seasonal renters who have stayed at her home on Utah Circle. ference to the I have been very pleased with the renters who have stayed here o i wish afl the homes with occasionai occupants or renters wo n Utah Circle. renters as thoroughly as Lisa does. uld check the There has not been one incident of wild parties or loud noisy eo I ' house. P p e in her As a matter of fact, many months ago, I asked one of the nei hbors very close to Lisa's house if they were disturbed by the seasonal renters they complimented Lisa on her thorough selectio 9 Who lives stated they had never been disturbed by any rente��rthisers and they further house. I am not opposed to Lisa continuing to rent in this way since she is conscientious of the other neighbors and their needs. so Very Sincerely, 1;f �� � . � Suzanne Tracy 77-020 Utah Circle Pafm Desert, California 92211 � ��` . _ �` REC�IVED April 26, 2Q09 Ai'i� t y ��g :011iiliUN1TY DBVBLppl1�N!'�gp� Palm Desert Planning Commission C1TTp1►pAI,kD� Legal Notice � Case No. CUP09-19 In response to changing the legal rental time from one rnonth to Less than thirty days,we find less than acceptable. I did not buy My have home with the thought I would be raising a family in A vacat;�n ;c;,ial community. There is no positive effect on this ne(ghborhood with this change. . � � . ^ , �".���/� everly Shafey� 43365 Tenn�see Paim Desert,CA 92211