PCMIN 10 08 1991 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 8, 1991 7:00 P.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER
A. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Chairwoman Barrows.
The Flag Salute was led by Commissioner Ladner.
II. PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTION OF RECOGNITION
A. Commissioner Mosher moved and Commissioner Ellson seconded a motion
to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 91-040 recognizing
Commissioner Elly Dowd for her time and effort while serving on the
Planning Commission.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Mosher, Ladner,
Ellson, Marts, & Chairwoman Barrows.
NOES: None. AB SENT: None.
ABSTAINING: None.
III. ROI,L CALL
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 Glenda Lainis, Greg Trousdell, and
Department Secretary Betty Anthony.
IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. ZoninK Ordinance Amendment 91-020; a request of the City of La Quinta
for approval to establish a new office/medical zoning district which will
include provisions for medical facilities, offices, limited retail, public
and quasi-public uses, and other land uses deemed permissible by the
Planning Commission and an Amendment to Section 9.160, Off-Street
Parking Code.
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. Staff asked that the
following changes be incorporated into the Ordinance:
Page 22, Item 1.c. delete the word "surgeon".
Page 23, Item 3.g-j, changed from Services to Retail uses.
Page 25, Item E "Lot Sizes" change depth from 600 feet to 300 feet.
Planning Commission Minutes
October 8, 1991
Page 26, Item I.e. changed to read, "Fifty percent of the on-site
parking spaces shall be covered. Phasing of the required
covered structures shall be permitted if approved by the
Planrdng Commission."
Page 27, Item M, add "and shall not exceed the height of the
building it serves."
Page 27, Item N, delete last part of sentence... "unless other
arrangements are made with the City Council."
2. Chairwoman Barrows asked Staff if the parking structure would
be allowed in other commercial areas of the City. Staff stated
they were working toward keeping that height as low as possible
and utilizing methods of hiding the structure. Discussion
followed as to alternatives.
3. Commission Ladner stated she felt that retail, drugstores and
banks under services, should be limited to a certain percentage
of the overall development. Staff suggested that drugstore be
deleted and allow pharmacy only and have an introductory
paragraph to the retail and food services stating that they have
to be an accessory use to the primary use. Following discussion
it was determined to eliminate the listing of all uses and Item #2
would read, "Establishments primarily supplemental in character
to other permitted principal uses as determined by the Planning
Commission."
4. Commissioners questioned the allowance of the helipad. Staff
stated the use could be eliminated at this time and replaced later
should the need arise or should the State or County require the
hospital to construct the helipad. The consensus of the
Commission was to delete the allowance of the helipad.
5. Commissioner Marts asked Staff to explain the purpose of the last
sentence on Page 27, Item #N. Following discussion, it was
decided to delete the last sentence.
6. Chairwoman Barrows opened the Public Hearing. Mr. Peter
Bergmann, spoke on behalf of Desert Hospital, and stated the
hospital had no objection to the deletion of the helipad in the
zone. He further explained how Desert Hospital in Palm Springs
was required to install their helipad. Discussion followed
relative to helipad use.
7. There being no further comment, Chairwoman Barrows closed the
Public Hearing and Commissioner Mosher made a motion and
Commissioner Marts seconded the motion to adopt Planning
Commission Resolution 91-041 recommending to the City Council
addition of Chapter 9.92, Office, Medical and Related Services
(OMS) to the La Quinta Municipal Code and amending Chapter
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October 8, 1991
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Mosher,
Ladner, E]lson, Marts, & Chairwoman
Barrows. NOES: None. AB SENT:
None. ABSTAINING: None.
B. Plot Plan 91-465, General Plan Amendment 91-037, Change of Zone 91-
065, and Tentative Parcel Mai) 27267; a request of Desert Hospital for
approval of a plot plan to permit a three story office/medical 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. Assistant City Engineer Steve Speer presented the Engineering
Conditions, a copy of which is on file in the Planning and
Development Department.
3. Chairwoman Barrows asked Mr. Speer to identify the location of
the driveway and retention basin in alternative #4. Discussion
followed regarding access for the property to the south.
4. Chairwoman Barrows opened the Public Hearing. Mr. Peter
Bergmann spoke on behalf of the Applicant. Ms. Tianna
Hamilton, Barton-Asclunann Associates, traffic engineers for the
project, gave a synopsis of the traffic report they had prepared
for the project. Discussion followed regarding the different
traffic access alternatives.
5. Mr. David Hanaman, Vice President Desert Hospital Foundation
and resident of La Quinta, spoke on behalf of the project.
6. Ms. Alevis Guttke, 78-540 Saguaro Drive, spoke on behalf of the
project stating her support of the jobs the project would provide
as well as close medical services.
7. Ms. Barbara Rentle, 54-120 Diaz, spoke on behalf of the high
quality health care that would be provided to the residents of La
Quinta.
8. There being no further public comment, Chairwoman Barrows
closed the Public Hearing.
9. Commissioner Ladner inquired of Staff if other hospitals were
looking at La Quinta as a possible satellite site. Staff responded
there had been inquires from other local hospitals.
Planning Commission Minutes
October 8, 1991
10. Commissioner Ellson asked the Applicant if moving the parking
lot on the south of the project and creating a retention basin
would help with the on-site water problem. Mr. Bergmann stated
the area referred to was a for future ingress and egress to the
project.
11. Commissioner Ladner asked Staff what would happen to the
property if the project did not come to fruition. Would the
requested zoning stay or would it revert back to the original
zoning? Staff responded that it would remain unless the City
rezoned the property.
12. Commissioner Mosher asked the Applicant if their financing was
in place. Mr. Bergmann responded that the take-out financing
was in place and they were waiting for the construction funding.
13. Commissioner Ellson asked Staff how many existing traffic lights
were on Washington Street. Discussion followed as to the
existing and proposed signals, speed controls that could be
placed at the different signals, and when the signals would be
installed.
14. Commissioner Ladner inquired if the day care facility was viable.
Mr. Bergmann stated there was currently a Memorandum of
Understanding between the Bangerters and the Hospital.
15. Discussion followed between the Commissioners, Staff, and the
Applicant regarding the traffic signals and the pros and cons in
relation to the egress/ingress alternatives. Staff stated that if
signals were allowed, that a condition be placed on the project to
require the Applicant to pay for all improvements as well as the
interconnecting costs.
16. Commissioner Ladner inquired about the pull out for the bus
stop. Staff replied that the bus stop was across the street.
17. Commissioner Mosher stated that it appears that the deep
concerns about traffic in our City, has become an issue that is
out of all proportion relative to the logical and practical
application of sound and rational judgement. The concern about
becoming "another Los Angeles" with its highway congestion is
a popular topic that has become a political hot potato, bordering
on paranoia. He stated that without traffic a city cannot have a
viable residential community and without traffic a city will
definitely have no prosperous commercial possibility. He further
stated that this may be unfortunate for those who are planning
for utopia, but it is true. He stated that he was in favor of
alternative #1 for two basic and practical reasons:
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Planning Commission Minutes
October 8, 1991
A. The speedway that is now characteristic of Washington
Street is deplorable and unsafe.
B. The health and we]fare of our community will be better
served by a little longer travel time which can be
negotiated in a safe manner.
18. There being no further discussion, it was moved ' by
Commissioner Mosher and seconded by Commissioner Marts to
adopt Planning Commission Resolution 91-042 recommending to
the City Council approvai of General Plan Amendment 91-037, and
confirmation of the Environmental Determination.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Mosher,
Ladner, Ellson, Marts, & Chairwoman
Barrows. NOES: None. ABSENT:
None. ABSTAINING: None.
19. Commissioner Mosher moved and Commissioner Marts seconded a
motion to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 91-043
recommending to the City Council approval of Change of Zone 91-
065, from R-1 Single Family Residential to OMS Office/Medical
and related services.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Mosher, El/son,
Marts, & Chairwoman Barrows. NOES:
Commissioner Ladner. ABSENT:
None. ABSTAINING: None.
20. Commissioner Mosher moved and Commissioner Marrs seconded a
motion to adopt Minute Motion 91-038 approving Plot Plan 91-465,
subject to the revised conditions (including Scheme #1 - access).
The motion passed with Commissioner Ladner and Chairwoman
Barrows voting no.
21. Commissioner Mosher moved and Commissioner Marts seconded a
motion to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 91-044 approving
Tentative Parcel Map 27267, subject to the revised conditions.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Mosher, El/son,
& Marts. NOES: Commissioner L adnet
and Chairwoman Barrows. ABSENT:
None. ABSTAINING: None.
C. Specific Plan 84-004, Amendment #1 and Tentative Tract 25154,
Amendment # 1; a request of Northstar California Corporation and Valley
Land Development 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.
Planning Commission Minutes
October 8, 1991
1. Chairwoman Barrows opened the Public Hearing and as no one
wished to address the Commission concerning the project it was
moved by Commissioner Ellson and seconded by Commissioner
Marts to table the issue as requested by the Applicants.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Mosher, Ellson,
Marts, Ladner, & Chairwoman
Barrows. NOES: None. ABSENT:
None. ABSTAINING: None.
D. Tentative Tract 26769, Condition of Approval Amendment; a request of
Qualico Development Inc. for approval of an amendment to Condition of
Approval #43.
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. Chairwoman Barrows opened the Public Hearing. Mr. Greg
Shannon spoke on behalf of the Applicant.
3. Mr. Robert Kull, 54-721 Monroe Street, spoke concerning the
issue of his property, which is in close proximity to this project,
not being in conformance with the current zoning. Staff
responded that Mr. Kull's property would be zoned for the
Equestrian Overlay and would therefore be in conformance.
4. Discussion followed as to the properties in this area that would
have the Equestrian Overlay as well as other developments being
conditioned to notify prospective buyers that this is an
equestrian area.
5. The Applicant agreed to a modification to Condition #8, requiring
disclosure to buyers that there are horses boarded in the area.
6. There being no further public comment, Chairwoman Barrows
closed the Public Hearing.
7. Commissioner Mosher moved and Commissioner Ellson seconded
the motion to modificed Condition #8 as noted above and adopt
Planning Commission Resolution 91-045 recommending to the City
Council that Condition of Approval #43 be amended as follows:
"The Applicant shall construct an eight foot meandering bike
path in the westerly parkway and landscaped setback lot along
Monroe Street in-lieu of the standard six foot wide sidewalk."
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Planning Commission Minutes
October 8, 1991
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Mosher, El]son,
Marts, Ladner, & Chairwoman
Barrows. NOES: None. AB SENT:
None. ABSTAINING: None.
E. Preannexation Zoning 91-068, General Plan Amendment 91-039; a
request of Valley Land Development to change the land use designation
from High Density Residential/General Commercial and Low Density
Residential to General Commercial, Office, Commercial,Low and High
Density Residential or other designated as deemed appropriate; and a
change of zone from R-2, C-P, R-1 to R-2, R-I, C-P and OMS or other
zone as deemed appropriate.
l. Chairwoman Barrows opened the Public Hearing and as no one
wished to address the Commission, Commissioner Ladner moved
and Commissioner Ellson seconded a motion to continue the matter
to November 12, 1991, at the request of the Applicant.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Mosher, Ellson,
Marts, Ladner, & Chairwoman
Barrows. NOES: None. ABSENT:
-- None. ABSTAINING: None.
V. PUBLIC COMMENT - None
VI. BUSINESS SESSION
A. Sign Application 91-153; a request of Qualico Development, Inc. for
approval of a sign adjustment application for subdivision signs.
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. Commissioner Ellson asked if the sign was to be illuminated.
Staff responded that the sign would not be illuminated but the
landscaping lighting may reflect on the sign.
3. There being no further comment, Commissioner Mosher moved
and Commissioner Ellson seconded the motion to adopt Minute
Motion 91-039 approving the sign adjustment as submitted.
Unanimously approved.
B. Tentative Tract 23269 - La Quinta Highlands; a request of Century
Homes for approval of architectural elevations for four units.
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.
Planning Commission Minutes
October 8, 1991
2. Commissioner Ellson stated she felt the smallest floor plan was an
ideal plan for a handicapped person. She asked the Applicant if
they had considered marketing it as such. The Applicant stated
they had not, but appreciated the comment.
3. There being no further comment, it was moved by Commissioner
Ladner and seconded by Commissioner Marts to adopt Minute
Motion 91-040 approving four architectural elevations for lots 79-
94, 96-148, 245-261 for Tract 23269, as recommended by Staff.
Unanimously approved.
C. Tentative Tract 24545 - The Pyramids; a request of Northstar California
Corporation for approval of a First One Year Time Extension.
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 Ladner asked if this request was in compliance with
the Development Agreement. Staff requested that this matter be
continued to October 22, 1991, in order to verify compliance with
the Development Agreement.
3. There being no further discussion it was moved by Commissioner
Ladner and seconded by Commissioner Mosher to continue the
matter to October 22, 1991. Unanimously approved.
D. Tentative Tract 23995, Extension #1; a request of A. G. Spanos for
approvai of a First One Year Time Extension.
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. Commissioner Ellson stated her concern regarding the density of
the project as well as allowing commercial development in this
part of the City. She felt this needed to be reviewed in light of
the General Plan update.
3. Following discussion relative to Commissioner Ellson's concern,
Commissioner Mosher moved and Commissioner Ladner seconded
a motion to adopt Minute Motion 91-041 directing Staff to set this
matter for Public Hearing to re-examine the project.
Unanimously approved.
E. Tentative Tract 24890, Extension #1; a request of J. M. Peters for
approval of a First One Year Time Extension.
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Planning Commission Minutes
October 8, 1991
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. There being no comment, it was moved by Commissioner EIlson
and seconded by Commissioner Ladner to adopt Planning
Commission Resolution 91-046 approving the First One Year Time
Extension for Tract 24890.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Mosher, Ellson,
Marts, Ladner, & Chairwoman
Barrows. NOES: None. AB SENT:
None. ABSTAINING: None.
F. Street Vacation 91-018; a request of the City for a General Plan
consistency to allow vacation of portions of Calle Tampico between
Avenida Bermudas and Eisenhower Drive.
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. There being no comment, it was moved by Commissioner Mosher
and seconded by Commissioner Ellson to adopt Minute Motion 91-
042 declaring findings that the vacation of portions of Calle
Tampico between Eisenhower Drive and Washington Street are in
compliance with the Circulation Element of the General Plan.
Unanimously approved.
VII. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Commissioner Mosher moved and Commissioner Ellson seconded a motion
to approve the Minutes of September 24, 1991 as submitted.
Unanimously approved.
VIII. OTHER
A. Following discussion, Commissioner Mosher nominated Commissioner
Ladner to serve as the Planning Commission representative on the
Environmenta! Conservation Committee. Commissioner Ellson seconded
the motion and it carried unanimously.
B. The Commissioners asked Staff to prepare a report for the
Commissioners regarding how building heights are determined and
recommended. This report would be brought before the Commission at
their meeting of November 12, 1991.
C. The issue of communication with the press was brought up for
discussion.
Planning Commission Minutes
October 8, 1991
IX. ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Commissioner Mosher and seconded by Commissioner Marts to
adjourn this regular meeting of the Planning Commission to a regular meeting on
October 22, 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 10:27 P.M., October
8, 1991.
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