PCMIN 09 10 1991 MINUTES
-
PLANNING COI~ISSION- CITY OF LA QUINTA
A regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall
78-105 Calle Estado, La Quinta, California
September 10, 1991 7:00 P.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER
A. The meeting was called to order at 7:04 P.M. by Chairwoman Barrows.
The Flag Salute was led by Commissioner Ladner.
II. PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTION OF RECOGNITION
A. Co~missioner Mosher moved and Commissioner Ladner seconded the
motion to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 91 =025 recognizing Sue
Stealing for her time, effort and service to the Planning Commission.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Mosher, Ladner,
Ellson, Marts, & Chairwoman Barrows.
NOES: None. AB SENT: None.
--- ABSTAINING: None.
III. AGENDA REORDERED
A. Commissioner Ladner moved and Commissioner Ellson seconded the
motion to reorder the agenda as follows:
Public Hearing Items #1 became Item #2. PubLic Hearing Item #2
became Item #1.
Unanimoulsy approved.
IV. ROLL CAIJ.
A. Chairwoman Barrows requested the roll call. Present: Commissioners
Mosher, Ladner, Ellson, Marts, and Chairwoman Barrows.
B. Staff Present: Planning Director Jerry Herman, Principal Planner Stan
Sawa, Associate Planners Wallace Nesbit, Glenda Lainis, Greg
Trousdell, and Department Secretary Betty Anthony.
V. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Continued Public Hearing - General Plan Amendment 90-031, Change of
Zone 90-056, Specific Plan 90-016; a request of Landmark Land for
approval of a 327 acre project, including golf course, residential and
commercial uses, incorporating a 21 acre commercial site and 1208
residential units.
1. Associate Planner Wallace Nesbit presented the information
contained in the Staff Report, a copy of which is on file in the
Planning and Development Department.
2. Chairwoman Barrows opened the Continued Public Hearing.
Forrest Haag, Vice President for Landmark Land Company
addressed the Commission regarding their concerns.
3. Mr. Jorge B. Gutierrez, Executive Director, Facilities Operation
· for Coachella Valley Unified School District addressed the
Commission regarding the District's concern about development
and their lack of funds to handle the growth. He asked the
Commission to consider asking developers to fully mitigate the
cost of the school expansion. The Commission stated that even
though they sympathize with the School District, they did not
feel this development should shoulder the entire mitigation of the
problem and other projects in the area should be included in
addressing this problem.
4. Mr. Jack McGinty, Green Valley Ranches, addressed the
Commission regarding Mr. Gutierrez's request. The Commission
clarified that all builders pay school mitigation fees upon
construction of every house built in La Quinta.
5. Mr. Mike Meyers, J. F. Davidson Associates, inquired if the full
turning movement and median breaks would be as Staff
recommended. Staff stated it would be unless the Commission or
City Council modified those conditions.
8. Discussion followed between the Commission and Mr. Haag
regarding the School District's problem as well as Conditions #6,
#12, #25, #26, #30, #38, #44, #53.
9. As there was no further public comment, Chairwoman Barrows
closed the Public Hearing and opened the matter for Commission
discussion.
10. Following lengthy discussion, it was moved by Commissioner
Mosher and seconded by Commissioner Ellson to adopt Minute
Motion 91-024 recommending to the City Council certification of
the FEIR subject to findings contained in the Staff report.
Unanimously approved.
11. It was moved by Commissioner Mosher and seconded by
Commissioner Ladner to adopt Planning Commission Resolution
91-026 recommending to the City Council approval of General Plan
Amendment 90-031 as modified.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Mosher,
Ladner, Ellson, Marts, & Chairwoman
Barrows. NOES: None. AB SENT:
None. ABSTAINING: None.
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Planning Commission Minutes
September 10, 1991
12. It was moved by Commissioner Mosher and seconded by
Commissioner Marts to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 91-
027 recommending to the City Council approval of Change of Zone
90-056, as requested by the Applicant.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Mosher,
Ladner, Ellson, Marts, & Chairwoman
Barrows. NOES: None. ABSENT:
None. ABSTAINING: None.
12. It was moved by Commissioner Mosher and seconded by
Commissioner Ladner to adopt Planning Commission Resolution
91-028 recommending to the City Council approval of Specific
Plan 90-016, subject to the conditions proposed by Staff, and
modified by the Planning Commission.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Mosher,
Ladner, Ellson, Marts, & Chairwoman
Barrows. NOES: None. ABSENT:
None. ABSTAINING: None.
B. Continued Public Hearing General Plan Amendment 90-029, Change of
Zone 90-054, and Specific Plan 90-015; a request of Landmark Land
Company for approval of a 265 acre project, including golf course, and
residential uses, incorporating 1060 residential units.
1. Associate Planner Wallace Nesbit presented the information
contained in the Staff Report, a copy of which is on file in the
Planning and Development Department.
2. Chairwoman Barrows opened the Continued Public Hearing.
Forrest Haag, Vice President for Landmark Land Company
addressed the Commission regarding their concerns.
3. Discussion followed between the Commission and Mr. Haag
regarding Conditions #6, #11, #28, #31, #42, #43.A., and the
addition of a new Condition #50.
4. There being no further public comment, Chairwoman Barrows
closed the Public Hearing.
5. Following discussion by the Commission and Staff, it was moved
by Commissioner Ladner and seconded by Commissioner Ellson to
adopt Minute Motion 91-025 recommending to the City Council
certification of the FEIR subject to findings contained in the Staff
report. Unanimously approved.
Planning Commission Minutes
September 10, 1991
6. It was moved by Commissioner Ladner and seconded by
Commissioner Ellson to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 91-
029 recommending to the City Council approval of General Plan
Amendment 90-029 as modified.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Mosher,
Ladner, Ellson, Marts, & Chairwoman
Barrows. NOES: None. ABSENT:
None. ABSTAINING: None.
7. It was moved by Commissioner Ladner and seconded by
Commissioner Marts to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 91-
030 recommending to the City Council approval of Change of Zone
90-054, as requested by the Applicant.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Mosher,
Ladner, Ellson, Marts, & Chairwoman
Barrows. NOES: None. ABSENT:
None. ABSTAINING: None.
8. It was moved by Commissioner Ladner and seconded by
Commissioner Ellson to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 91-
031 recommending to the City Council approval of Specific Plan
90-015, subject to the conditions proposed by Staff, and modified
by the Planning Commission.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Mosher,
Ladner, Ellson, Marts, & Chairwoman
Barrows. NOES: None. ABSENT:
None. ABSTAINING: None.
C. General Plan Amendment 90-030, Change of Zone 90-055, and Specific
Plan 90-017; a request of Landmark Land for approval of a 220 acre
project including golf course and residential uses, incorporating 880
residential units and consideration for certification of Final EIR.
1. Associate Planner Wallace Nesbit presented the information
contained in the Staff Report, a copy of which is on file in the
Planning and Development Department.
2. Chairwoman Barrows opened the Continued Public Hearing.
Forrest Haag, Vice President for Landmark Land Company
addressed the Commission regarding their concerns.
3. Mr. Allan Levin, Sunrise Company addressed the Commission
regarding a condition which requires a facility for the
management companies. He stated this could be a great hardship
due to the number of management companies which may ultimately
exist within the project. Commissioner Ladner stated that this
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Planning Commission Minutes
September 10, 1991
is a current problem for most country clubs not having a place
for these companies and homeowners to meet and conduct
business. Discussion followed.
4. Mr. Robert Napoli, Lusardi Companies, 86-705 54th Avenue,
addressed the Commission regarding the land-locking of their
property. He asked the Commission to consider conditioning this
project to allow an easement to their property.
5. Discussion followed between the Commission and Mr. Haag
regarding Mr. Napoli's problem and Conditions #6, #10, #26, #29,
#30, #40, and the addition of a new Condition #48.
6. There being no further public comment, Chairwoman Barrows
closed the Public Hearing.
7. After discussion among the Commissioners and Staff, it was
moved by Commissioner Mosher and seconded by Commissioner
Ellson to adopt Minute Motion 91-026 recommending to the City
Council certification of the FEIR subject to findings contained in
the Staff report. Unanimously approved.
8. It was moved by Commissioner Ellson and seconded by
Commissioner Marts to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 91-
032 recommending to the City Council approval of General Plan
Amendment 90-030 as modified.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Mosher,
Ladner, Ellson, Marts, & Chairwoman
Barrows. NOES: None. AB SENT:
None. ABSTAINING: None.
9. It was moved by Commissioner Ellson and seconded by
Commissioner Marts to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 91-
033 recommending to the City Council approval of Change of Zone
90-055, as requested by the Applicant.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Mosher,
Ladner, Ellson, Marts, & Chairwoman
Barrows. NOES: None. ABSENT:
None. ABSTAINING: None.
10. It was moved by Commissioner Ellson and seconded by
Commissioner Mosher to adopt Planning Commission Resolution
91-034 recommending to the City Council approval of Specific
Plan 90-017, subject to the conditions proposed by Staff, and
modified by the Planning Commission.
Planning Commission Minutes
September 10, 1991
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Mosher,
Ladner, Ellson, Marts, & Chairwoman
Barrows. NOES: None. ABSENT:
None. ABSTAINING: None.
BREAK
D. Tentative Tract 26953; a request of Sunrise Desert Partners for
approval to resubdivide 5. ] acres into three lots with other lots being
used for landscaping and roadway purposes.
1. Associate Planner Greg Trousdel! presented the information
contained in the Staff report, a copy of which is on file in the
Planning and Development Department.
2. Chairwoman Barrows opened the public hearing. Mr. Allen Levin
spoke on behalf of the Applicant and explained why they were
requesting to resubdivide.
3. There being no further public comment, Chairwoman Barrows
closed the Public Hearing.
4. Discussion followed among the Commissioners regarding the need
for facilities for managment companies and homeowner
associations to meet.
5. There being no further discussion, it was moved by
Commissioner Mosher and seconded by Commissioner Marts to
adopt Planning Commission Resolution 91-035 recommending to
the City Council concurrence with the Environmental Analysis
and approva! of Tentative Tract 26953, subject to conditions.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Mosher,
Ladner, Ellson, Marts, & Chairwoman
Barrows. NOES: None. ABSENT:
None. ABSTAINING: None.
E. Plot Plan 91-464 and Variance 91-016; a request of Louis Campagna (La
Quinta Pharmacy) for approval to construct a 4,258 square foot
commercial complex.
1. Associate Planner Greg Trousdell presented the information
contained in the Staff report. A copy of which is on file in the
Planning and Development Department.
2. Chairwoman Barrows opened the public hearing. Mr. Louis
Campagna, Applicant addressed the Commission regarding his
request.
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Planning Commission Minutes
September 10, 1991
3. Commissioner Mosher and Commissioner Ladner expressed their
concurrence with the Applicant that the parking should be in the
rear of the building.
4. Commissioner Ellson addressed the condition that a building
permit could not be issued until the right-of-way vacation for
Tampico was completed. Mr. Campagna stated he would not be
able to wait for that to take place. He would be out of business
before then as he had to leave his present building. Assistant
City Engineer Steve Speer stated that the City did not intend to
start the Calle Tampico construction until after Easter, 1992.
Discussion followed as to possible alternatives. It was
determined barriers could be used adjacent to Calle Tampico to
allow construction to proceed prior to the street vacation.
5. Chairwoman Barrows closed the public hearing and opened the
matter for discussion.
6. There being no further discussion, it was moved by
Commissioner Ladner and seconded by Commissioner Ellson to
adopt Planning Commission ResoIution 91-036 approving Variance
91-016 subject to the findings.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Mosher,
Ladner, Ellson, Marts, & Chairwoman
Barrows. NOES: None. ABSENT:
None. ABSTAINING: None.
7. Commissioner Ladner moved and Commissioner Ellson seconded a
motion to adopt Minute Motion 91-027 approving Plot Plan 91-464,
subject to the modified conditions. Unanimously approved.
F. Tentative Tract 26972; a request of Dr. Joseph Dart for approval of a
tentative tract map to subdivide 9.6 acres into 15 single family lots.
1. Commissioner Ellson withdrew due to a possible conflict of
interest.
2. Associate Planner Glenda Lainis presented the information
contained in the Staff report, a copy of which is on file in the
Planning and Development Department.
3. Chairwoman Barrows opened the public hearing. Mr. Mike Rowe,
Keith Companies spoke on behalf of the Applicant.
4. Discussion followed between the Commission and the Applicant
regarding Conditions #10, #22.C., #27, #38, and #47.
Planning Commission Minutes
September 10, 1991
5. Mr. George Stearns, 51-425 Madison, property owner south of
the proposed development. He stated h/s concern re~arding why
this project was not submitted w~th the adjacent project. He
stated his objection to having such a high density project in a
rural equestrian area.
6. Mr. Tom Teigen, 50-375 Vista Montana, expressed his objection
to the density, the ingress and egress, and the issue of horses
in the close vicinity.
7. Mr. Jack McGinty, 80-820 Vista Bonita Trail, expressed the
environmental impact by the destruction of the citrus trees and
the problems expressed by Mr. Stearns and Mr. Teigen.
8. Mr. Morgan Ward, 48-800 San Pedro, Palm Desert, spoke on
behalf of the Applicant. He stated the reasoning behind the lot
sizes was because the zoning for this area allows it and it is a
marketing fact. As to the equestrian zone, there would be
disclosures notifying all potential buyers of the horses in the
area.
9. Mrs. Beth Stearns, 51-425 Madison, read a letter from Mrs.
Gabriel Giannini objecting to the project into the record.
10. Chairwoman Barrows closed the public hearing and opened the
matter for Commission discussion.
11. Commissioner Ladner expressed her concern regarding the
height limitation. She felt the limitation should be one story with
an 18-foot maximum height. In addition she felt this area should
be kept very low density for the equestrian uses.
12. Commissioner Mosher stated his concern regarding the number of
people in this area who spoke in opposition to the size of the lots
yet, this was the allowed zoning permitted by the City. Planning
Director Jerry Herman stated the property is designated Very
Low Density or 0-2 units per acre according to the General Plan
Guidelines, and the Commission could limit the project to any lot
size within that allowed densignation.
13. Chairwoman Barrows stated her concern was for the loss of the
citrus trees and would want as many trees as possible
incorporated into the development.
14. Commissioner Marts stated his objection to infringing on the
existing developments by placing such small lots in close
proximity to the equestrian area.
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Planning Commission Minutes .~
September 10, 1991
15. Commissioner Mosher inquired of the development coming before
them in October. Mr. Rowe stated this was an application
requesting 8 lots on 5 acres.
16. There being no further discussion, it was moved by
Commissioner Marts and seconded by Commissioner Ladner to
deny the project as proposed. Chairwoman Barrows asked if
there was any further discussion. Planning Director Jerry
Herman discussed with the Commission the zoning for the area
and the limitations of the Commission regarding this zoning.
Following this discussion, Commissioner Marts and Commissioner
Ladner withdrew their motion and second.
17. Commissioner Marts moved and Commissioner Mosher seconded
the motion to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 91-037
recommending to the City Council approval of Tentative Tract
26972 subject to the revised conditions including minimum 1.5
acre lots.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Mosher,
Ladner, Marts, & Chairwoman
Barrows. NOES: None. ABSENT:
None. ABSTAINING: Commissioner
Ellson.
G. Specific Plan 84-004, Amendment #1 and Tentative Tract 25154,
Amendment #1; a request of North Star Corporation and Valley Land
Development for approval to amend the Specific Plan to add
approximately 30 contiguous acres and subdivide into 75 lots with
private streets and common area with access from the Pyramids project.
1. Chairwoman Barrows opened the public hearing and stated the
matter would be continued at the request of the Applicant.
2. Commissioner Mosher moved and Commissioner Ellson seconded a
motion to continue the matter to September 24, 1991.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Mosher,
Ladner, Ellson, Marts, & Chairwoman
Barrows. NOES: None. ABSENT:
None. ABSTAINING: None.
VI. PUBLIC COMMENT - None
Planning Commission Minutes
September 10, 1991
VII. BUSINESS SESSION
A. Tract 23935; a request of the GWR Development Company for review of
an additional unit.
1. Associate Planner Glenda Minis presented the information
contained in the Staff report, a copy of which is on file in the
Planning and Development Department.
2. Commissioner Marts asked for a clarification of the detailing
requested by Staff.
3. Commissioner Ellson inquired how this unit would compare to the
other units in the area in regard to price and size. Mr. Dennis
Cunningham spoke on behalf of the Applicant and stated the
house would be in the price range of $150-155,000 and the
current houses are $175-$215,000.
3. There being no further discussion, Commissioner Mosher moved
and Commissioner Ladner seconded a motion to adopt Minute
Motion 91-028 approving the additional unit for Tentative Tract
23935 subject to the Staff recommendations. Unanimously
approved.
B. Plot Plan 91-442; a request of Wilma Pacific for approval of a new
architectural unit for Marquessa on Lake La Quinta.
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. Commissioner Ellson inquired if the garage would need any
additional fire walls due to its location. Principal Planner Stan
Sawa stated that the building codes would be strictly enforced
and this would be addressed at that time.
3. There being no questions of Staff or the Applicant, it was moved
by Commissioner Ladner and seconded by Commissioner Ellson to
adopt Minute Motion 91-029 approving the new architectural units
for Plot Plan 91-442. Unanimously approved.
C. Tentative Parcel Map 26525; a request of Chuck Strother for approval
of residential unit on one parcel of the Orchard Dunes.
1. Associate Planner Glenda Minis presented the information
contained in the Staff report, a copy of which is on file in the
Planning and Development Department.
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Planning Commission Minutes
September 10, 1991
2. There being no discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Mosher
and seconded by Commissioner Ladner to adopt N~nute Motion 91-
030 approving the request for architectural elevation and color
scheme for Lot 2 of Tentative Parcel Map 26225. Unanimously
approved.
D. Street Vacation 91-016 for Specific Plan 90-015; a request of Landmark
Land Company for determination of General Plan consistency to vacate
Rancho La Quinta Road and Paseo Del Rancho.
1. Associate Planner Greg Trousdell presented the information
contained in the Staff report, a copy of which is on file in the
Planning and Development Department.
2. There being no discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Ladner
and seconded by Commissioner Marts to adopt Minute Motion 91-
031 approving findings for the vacation of Paseo Del Rancho,
Rancho La Quinta Road, 55th Avenue and other unnamed streets,
generally north of Airport Boulevard and east of Madison Street
are in compliance with the Circulation Element of the La Quinta
General Plan. Unanimously approved.
E. Street Vacation 91-017 for Specific Plan 90-016; a request of Landmark
Land Company for determination of General Plan consistency to vacate
Kaylon Street.
1. Associate Planner Greg Trousdell presented the information
contained in the Staff report, a copy of which is on file in the
Planning and Development Department.
2. There being no discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Mosher
and seconded by Commissioner Marts to adopt Minute Motion 91-
032 approving findings for the vacation of Kaylon Street between
52nd Avenue and the future extension of 51st Avenue is in
compliance with the Circulation Element of the La Quinta General
Plan.
F. Tract 23269 - La Quinta Highlands; a request of Williams Development
Company for approval of architectural elevations for Unit #5.
1. Associate Planner Glenda Lainis presented the information
contained in the Staff report, a copy of which is on file in the
Planning and Development Department.
2. There being no discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Ladner
and seconded by Commissioner Ellson to adopt Minute Motion 91-
033 approving the architectural elevations for Unit #5 for Tract
23269 subject to Staff recommendations. Unardmously approved.
1!
Planning Commission Minutes
September 10, 1991
G. Tract 24517 and Tract 25290 - Rancho Ocotil]o; a request of the Wi]Hams
Deveiopment Company for approval of~architectura! elevations for a new
unit.
1. Associate Planner Glenda Lail~is presented the information
contained in the Staff report, a copy of which is on file in the
Planning and Development Department.
2. There being no discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Ladner
and seconded by Commissioner Marts to adopt Minute Motion 91-
034 approving the architectural elevations for a new unit for
Tract 24517 and Tract 25290 subject to Staff recommendations.
Unanimously approved.
VIII. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. There being no corrections to the Minutes of August 13, 1991, it was
moved by Commissioner Mosher and seconded by Commissioner Ladner
to approve the Minutes as submitted. Unanimously approved.
IX. OTHER
A. The attendance for the Design Review Board will be as follows:
October Kay Ladner
November Donald Marts
December Fred Mosher
January Kay Ladner
February Marion Ellson
March Donald Marts
April Fred Mosher
May Marion Ellson
June Katie Barrows
July Katie Barrows
X. ADJOUR~T
A motion was made by Commissioner Mosher and seconded by Commissioner Marts to
adjourned this regular meeting of the Planning Commission to a regular meeting on
September 24, 1991, at 7:00 P.M. in the La Quinta City Hall Council Chambers. This
meeting of the La Quinta Planning Commission was adjourned at 12:10 A.M.,
September 11, 1991.
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