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1989 10 24 PC Minutes CC MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION - CITY OF LA QUINTA A regular.meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall 78-105 Calle Estado, La Quinta, California October 24, 1989 7:00 p.m. I. CALL TO ORDER A. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Vice Chairman Moran. The Flag Salute was led by Commissioner Steding. II. ROLL CALL A. Vice Chairman Moran requested the roll call. Present: Commissioners Bund, Zelles, and Steding; Chairman Walling was absent. B. A motion was made by Commissioner Zelles and seconded by Commissioner Bund to excuse Chairman Walling from this meeting. Unanimous. _ C. Staff Present: Planning and Development Director Jerry Herman, Principal Planner Stan Sawa, and Principal Planner Ted Bower. D. A motion was made by Commissioner Zelles and seconded by Commissioner Bund to re-order the Agenda, moving Business Session items 1, 2, and 3 and Public Hearing item 3 to the beginning of the Agenda. Unanimous. VI. BUSINESS Vice Chairman Moran introduced the Business Items as follows: A. Continued Item - Park Proposal; a request by ESCO/Deane Homes for approval of a parkland proposal for Tentative Tract 23971; located on the northeast corner of Washington Street and Miles Avenue. 1. Principal Planner Stan Sawa presented the information contained in the Staff Report, a copy of which is on file in the Planning and Development Department. 2. The Commission discussed the matter as presented. Commissioner Bund inquired of Staff if there are any requirements for a barrier along Bradford Circle where the elevation changes along the sidewalk and the drainage area. Planning Director Jerry Herman responded that the slope is 5:1 and considered gentle enough to be safe. 3. A minute motion was made by Commissioner Steding and seconded by Commissioner Zelles to approve the plans for the park as presently designed, subject to attached conditions. Unanimously adopted. B. Time Extension for Tentative Tract 21880; a request by I.D.G. Development for a second one-year time extension for the filing of a final map for a 330-1ot subdivision on 736+ acres; located at the southeast corner of Avenue 52 and Avenida Bermudas. 1. Dr. Steven Carter of the Desert Trails Association -addressed the Commissign, requesting the consideration of a 12-foot easement along the back of the project along the mountain for a trail. 2. Principal Planner Stan Sawa presented the information contained in the Staff Report, a copy of which is on file in the Planning and Development Department. 3. The Commission discussed the request as presented. Commissioner Steding questioned whether this was the proper forum to address Dr. Carter's request. Commissioner Zelles responded that Dr. Carter was just asking for a dialogue with the Developer, and it could be made a part of the Resolution. 4. A motion was made by Commissioner Zelles and seconded by Commissioner Steding to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 89-061, recommending approval of a second one-year time extension for Tentative Tract 21880, subject to attached conditions and that an in-depth dialogue be held with Dr. Carter. MR/MINi0-24. DFT -2- Following roll call vote, the motion was unanimously adopted, with Chairman Walling absent. C. Time Extension for Tentative Tract 21123; a request by Landmark Landmark Land Company for a final one-year extension of time for the filing of a final map for a 20-lot subdivision on 6.74+ acres within the Duna La Quinta specific Plan; located generally west of Washington Street, 2800 feet south of Avenue 50. 1. Principal Planner Stan Sawa presented the information contained in the Staff Report, a copy of which is on file in the Planning and Development Department. 2. A motion was made by Commissioner Zelles and seconded by Commissioner Bund to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 89-062, recommending approval of the one-year time extension for Tentative Tract 21123, subject to attached conditions. Following roll call vote, the motion was unanimously adopted, with Chairman Walling absent. III.- HEARINGS - Vice Chairman Moran introduced the Public Hearing items as follows: C. Zoning Ordinance Amendment 89-012; a City-initiated request for revision to the current Parking Ordinance, Municipal Code Chapter 9.160; effective City-wide. 1. Principal Planner Ted Bower presented the information contained in the Staff Report, a copy of which is on file in the Planning and Development Department. 2. Vice Chairman Moran opened the Public Hearing. No one wished to address the Commission at this time. 3. A motion was made by Commissioner Bund and seconded by Commissioner Zelles to continue the Hearing on Zoning Ordinance Amendment 89-012. Following roll call vote, the motion was unanimously adopted, with Chairman Walling absent. MR/MINi0-24 . DFT -3- A. Continued Hearing - Tentative Tract 21846 (Revision No. 2); a request by the Sunrise Company for a revision to the Tentative Tract Map to modify unit types, their locations, and increase total number of dwelling units within the tract from 367 to 434 on 56.51 acres (including lakes) in the R-2 zone. 1. Planning Director Jerry Herman presented the information contained in the Staff Report, a copy of which is on file in the Planning and Development Department. 2. Vice Chairman Moran opened the Public Hearing. Allen Levine, representing Sunrise Company, addressed the Commission to explain the request. Commissioner Steding asked the Applicants if the Medalists are higher density than other areas of PGA; if they are the highest density in PGA West. Mr. Levine responded affirmatively. Commissioner Steding asked why that particular location. Mr. Levine responded that it was a marketing decision. Commissioner Zelles asked the Applicants why can't these units be placed elsewhere in PGA vacant area. Mr. Levine responded that there is no other area that is not on a fairway. Commissioner Bund asked the Applicants if a site line study has been done. Mr. Levine used an illustration to explain the site line impact. The following citizens addressed the Commission in protest of the request: Laurie Arrants, Pete Morithroe, Kristie Franklin, William Walter, Sonny Frolin, Karen Pelletier, Robert Percibal, Mrs. Moses, Bob Pruett, Mr. Grayford, Richard Lenhardt, Anna de Lorta, Geraldine Hall, Gordon Davis, Ralph Halley, Jane Pruett, Ted Klien, Trisha Walter, Phil Pelletier, Art Markowitz. They raised concerns regarding two-story units, density, traffic, congestion, views, property values, and emergency access. Mr. Philip Smith, representing Sunrise Company, addressed the Commission to further explain the request. Commissioner Steding asked Staff if the Medalists were to be denied, would the Greens approval still be in effect. Mr. Herman responded yes. Ms. Steding asked what has been the total percentage density increase for this tract since November 1988. Mr. MR/~N10-24.DFT -4- Herman responded that it has been about 40 percent. Ms. Steding asked whether the Medalist unit type models were approved for a specific tract. Mr. Herman responded no. Ms. Steding noted that the Findings state that the Medalists' fewer curb cuts will allow more parking; she inquired that since density is higher, isn't the need for parking greater? Mr. Herman responded that it is essentially a wash. There being no further comment, Vice Chairman Moran closed the Hearing and opened the matter for Commission discussion. 3. The Commission discussed the matter in depth and determined to summarize their comments during the roll call vote on the following motion. A motion was made by Commissioner Steding and seconded by Vice Chairman Moran recommending denial of Planning Commission Resolution request 89-063 for Tentative Tract 21846, Revision No. 2. Roll call vote was held, as follows: Commissioner Bund: AYE. Wants to see better product design for the area. Also, stated earlier - that there were traffic safety concerns, and that he did not agree with Resolution Findings 6 and 8. Commissioner Steding: AYE. Unable to agree with Resolution Findings 6 and 8. Commissioner Zelles: NO. Feels the Applicant has fulfilled all requirements. Says that when a density problem is addressed, it is something that exists throughout the whole area -- to say you don't want these people here and move them somewhere else and intensify another area is not a solution. Feels that the Medalist structure, in comparison to the structure that will eventually go there, is much more attractive. Vice Chairman Moran: AYE. Doesn't like such density increase on small streets; a 40 percent increase with no additional amenities. Is not comfortable with an approval without seeing the total negative impact. Cannot agree with Resolution Findings 6 and 8. Also noted that she wants a Study Session with the City Council on the entire PGA West Specific Plan. Chairman Walling: ABSENT. The motion was carried as a denial of the request by a vote of 3-1-1; 3 for, 1 against, and 1 absent. B. Specific Plan 121-E, Amendment No. 2, and Plot Plan 89-041; a request by Landmark Land Company for approval of a Specific Plan Amendment to allow elimination of a tennis court and construction of additional hotel units; and Plot Plan approval to allow construction of 77 of the 80 requested hotel units in a two-story structure on the site where a championship tennis court presently exists, in the R-3 zone on 1.7+ acres; on the west side of Avenida Obregon, approximate ly midway between Avenida Fernando and Calle Mazatlan (championship tennis court site). 1. Principal Planner Stan Sawa presented the information contained in the Staff Report, a copy of which is on file in the Planning and Development Department. 2. Vice Chairman Moran reopened the Public Hearing. Forrest Haag and Alej andro Mar tinez, representing the Applicant, addressed the Commission to explain the request. Melissa Layton, Property Association Manager for Santa Rosa Cove, addressed the Commission and read a statement from the Association' s Board of Directors asking for a 30-day continuance, and a letter of protest from the President of the Board. Eleanor Dowd, Judy Blum, Elaine Lloyd, Nels Sandst rom, Genevieve Lucas, and Wa lter Freidis addressed the Commission in opposition to the request. Ms. Dowd also presented to the Commission photos of parking and through-traffic/emergency access problems on Avenida Obregon. Commissioner Steding asked Staff what is the required additional parking for a 77 -room addition. Planning Director Herman responded that the parking meets the minimum requirement for the total project. MR/MIN10-24.DFT -6- Commissioner Moran asked if the location of required parking spaces is regulated. Mr. Herman responded no. Commissioner Moran asked if additional employee parking was addressed. Mr. Herman responded yes. Ms. Moran asked if the type of hotel is considered. Mr. Herman responded no. Commissioner Bund asked if the parking analysis takes into account additional hotel expansion. Mr. Herman responded that a new analysis was done for this expansion. Commissioner Bund asked the Applicant if the parking analysis takes into account the parking at the tennis club. Mr. Haag responded yes. Commissioner Zelles commented that growth in the area is inevitable. Vice Chairman Moran polled the Commission for a consensus regarding continuing the Hearing versus making a recommendation. The consensus was unanimously against continuance. There being no further comment, Vice Chairman Moran closed the Hearing and opened the matter for Commission discussion. 3. Commissioner Steding stated that she had no problem with approving the project, and that the problems aired need to be addressed at the management level with all involved agencies. Commission Zelles stated that he agreed with Commissioner Steding. Vice Chairman Moran also agreed, and stated that parking seems to be a problem - that the hotel needs to take a hard look and consider additional parking. Commissioner Bund also agreed, and recommended to all involved to get together, and if that results in no satisfaction, bring the issue to the City Council and City Staff. A motion was made by Commissioner Zelles and seconded by Commissioner Steding to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 89-064, recommending approval of Specific Plan 121-E, Amendment No. 2. Following roll call vote, the motion was unanimously adopted, with Chairman Walling absent. A Minute Motion was made by Commissioner Steding and seconded by Commissioner Zelles to recommend approval of Plot Plan 89-041, subject to conditions modified to specify in Condition 1 that the approval is for 77 MR/MINI 0- 24. DFT -7- units, and an addition to Condition 9 to include a golf cart/pedestrian access. Unanimously adopted. IV. PUBLIC COMMENT No one wished to address the Commission. V. CONSENT CALENDAR A motion was made by Commissioner Steding and seconded by Commissioner Bund to approve the minutes of the September 12, September 26, and October 10, 1989, Planning Commission meetings. Unanimous. VII. OTHER Commissioner Moran asked that the Specific Plan for PGA West be the subject of a future discussion. Commissioner Bund asked that a review of the City's life-safety support design, including access and circulation, public and private, be the subject of a future discussion. VIII. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Commissioner Steding and seconded by Commissioner Bund to adjourn to a regular meeting on November 14, 1989, at 7:00 p.m., in the La Quinta City Hall, 78-105 Calle Estado, La Quinta, California. This meeting of the La Quinta Planning commission was adjourned at 11:15 p.m., October 24, 1989. MR/MINi0-24 . DFT -8-