PCMIN 10 22 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 22, 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. ROLL CALL
A. Chairwoman Barrows requested the roll call. Present: Commissioners
Ladner, Marts, and Chairwoman Barrows. Commissioner Ladner moved
to excuse Commissioners Mosher and Ellson. Commissioner Marrs
seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
B. Staff Present: Planning Director Jerry Herman, Principal Planner Stan
Sawa, Associate Planners Glenda Lainis, Greg Trousdell, and
Department Secretary Betty Anthony.
III. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Public Use Permit 91-008 and Variance 91-018; a request of La Quinta
Christian Church Fellowship for approval of an expansion to an existing
church plus associated parking area on a 0.74 acre site and a variance
request to ailow: A) Increased building height limit to 23 feet, and B)
to postpone the construction of a 6 foot high masonry wall on the south
side of the project.
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 Marts asked Staff to explain the wording in
paragraph #14 in reference to fire wall.
3. Commissioner Ladner asked Staff to explain how the parking
requirement was determined. Planning Director Jerry Herman
read the Municipal Code as it relates to parking.
4. Chairwoman Barrows asked for clarification on the height being
requested. Staff stated the request was for 23 feet.
Planning Commission Minutes
October 22, 1991
5. There being no further questions of Staff, Chairwoman Barrows
opened the Public Hearing. Mr. John Bund, architect for the
project addressed the Commission and explained the purpose for
their requests. He went on to explain that the costs of the
recommended upgrades for the existing building would make the
project cost prohibitive for the church.
6. Commissioner Marts inquired if the other churches that had been
approved were restricted on their height limitation. Staff stated
they had not as they were located in a different zone.
7. Mr. Jack Clark, builder and member of the church, addressed
the Commission regarding the request and addressed some of the
concerns of the neighborhood. He further requested that the
variance be changed from a request for 23 feet to 19 feet.
8. Mr. Dane Hooper, 78-620 Tujunga, spoke in opposition to the
project stating his objection to the height, traffic, and presented
the Commission with a petition signed by those in the
neighborhood objecting to the expansion. He noted that the
church was offered financial help in relocating.
9. Commissioner Marrs asked how many families were represented on
the petition. Mr. Hooper stated 23 of the 27 families in the
neighborhood.
10. Pastor Mark Collins, applicant, spoke on behalf of the church.
He pointed out that the church had been in existence for ten
years and the purpose of the expansion was to give the members
a better facility to worship in. He further stated the school
would remain in the existing building until funds were available
to build another facility. Their plans were to demolish the
existing building in three to five years.
11. Commissioner Marts asked Pastor Co}lins if the church had been
offered any assistance in relocating as was stated by Mr. Hooper.
Pastor Collins stated he, and no one in his congregation that he
knew of, had received any such offer.
12. Commissioner Ladner inquired if the site would be used by other
groups. Pastor Collins stated the church functions and uses
would continue as they are now and they would allow other
groups to continue using their facilities.
13. Ms. Roselyn Davis, 50-925 Calle Paloma spoke in opposition to the
project, in particular the roof height, traffic from the school,
and the unsightly appearance of the existing building.
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Planning Commission Minutes
October 22, 1991
14. Mr. John Sessums, 50-845 Calle Quito, spoke in opposition to the
request based on the building codes.
15. Mr. Peter Rodho]m, P. O. Box 176, spoke in opposition to the
location of the church. He felt the expansion would cause
~-~eater impacts on the eommun/ty.
Mr. Joe Garza, 50-550 Quito, spoke in opposition to any
expansion of the church.
17. Mr. Travis Mastin, 51-205 Calle Paloma, memober of the church,
spoke in favor of the expansion and the benefits of having a
church in the community.
18. Mr. Ray Snitil, 50-925 Quito spoke in opposition to 'the project
stating objections to the height and traffic.
19. Mr. John Bund, architect for the project, spoke in rebuttal to
the objections stated. He reminded the Commission that the
church was not out of compliance with the zoning and their plans
called for the upgrading of the property which would only
improve the neighborhood.
20. Ms. Catalina Porras, 50-071 Balboa, Coachella, spoke in favor of
the project stating several functions of the church that serve to
help the community.
21. Ms. Sandy Goldman, 53-245 Diaz, spoke in support of the church
and stated several reasons for the added space and expansion of
the church. She also stated she was a parent of three students
who are and had attended the school and the positive influence
it had on them.
22. Ms. Susan Collins, 53-040 Ramirez, spoke in favor of the project
and stated the positive influence a church has in the community.
23. Mr. Dane Hooper, added some rebuttal comments regarding the
number of members who do not live in the neighborhood.
Commissioner Marts asked Mr. Hooper to explain the offer he
referred to. Mr. Hooper stated that a local realtor, Mr. Rupert
Yessayian, had stated he would list and sell the property for the
church at no cost to the church as well as offering to find
another location for them.
24. Mr. Jack Clark, church member, answered questioned posed by
the neighbors in reference to property values and stated he had
looked for other property in the area and had been unsuccessful.
Planning Commission Minutes
October 22, 1991
25. There being no further public comment, Chairwoman Barrows
closed the Public Hearing.
26. Commissioner Marts asked Staff if there were any reasons to
deny the Public Use Permit. He felt there were reasons for
denying the Variance, but did not feel there were any reasons
for denying the Public Use Permit. Staff stated the Use Permit
could only be denied if reasons were found to show it to be
detrimental to the health, welfare, or safety of the community.
27. Chairwoman Barrows inquired about a method of allowing the
postponement of the wall, such as a bond or letter of credit.
Discussion followed regarding the wall requirements, the church
growth, and the need for the church to have room to grow.
28. Commissioner Ladner felt that if the church was to remain and be
allowed to expand there should be some compromises with the
surrounding neighborhood and those compromises should be the
-upgrading of the existing building and the construction of the
wall. Discussion followed as to the timing and phasing of the
upgrading and wall.
29. Following the discussion it was moved by Commissioner Ladner to
deny Variance 91-018. The motion died for a lack of a second.
30. Commissioner Marts moved to approve Variance 91-018 with the
height amended to 19 feet. The motion died for a lack of a
second.
31. Following discussion it was moved by Commissioner Ladner to
continue the matter to November 12, 1991, in order to have all
members of the Commission present. Commissioner Marts
seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Marts, Ladner,
& Chairwoman Barrows. NOES: None.
ABSENT: Commissioners Mosher &
Ellson. ABSTAINING: None.
The Commission took a five minute recess.
B. Building Moving Permit 91-001; a request of D & M Morgan for
permission to move a 1,200 square foot building located at 78-435 Cameo
Dunes Place to 54-038 Avenida Bermudas.
1. Associate Planner Glenda Lainis asked that the matter be
continued as the Applicant had not paid the fees (which were just
established by the City Council) required to process the permit.
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Planning Commission Minutes
October 22, 1991
2. Commissioner Ladner moved and Commissioner Marts seconded a
motion to continue the matter to November 12, 1991.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Marts, Ladner,
& Chairwoman Barrows. NOES: None.
ABSENT: Commissioners Mosher &
Ellson. ABSTAINING: None.
C. Plot Plan 91-466 and Variance 91-019; a request of Simon Plaza to
develop a commercial center and a variance to deviate from the C-P-S
Zone code setback standards.
1. Commissioner Marts moved and Commissioner Ladner seconded a
motion to continue the matter to November 26, 1991, at the
request of Staff.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Marts, Ladner,
& Chairwoman Barrows. NOES: None.
ABSENT: Commissioners Mosher &
Ellson. ABSTAINING: None.
D. Change of Zone 91-066 and Variance 91-017, and Plot Plan 91-467; a
request of Desert Villas, Limited, for a change of zone from R-1 Singie
Family Residential to R-2 Multi-Family Residential and the front portion
from R-2 8,000 to R-2, and a variance for a reduction of the parking
and unit size standards in order to develop a 109 unit single story
apartment complex on +9 acres of land.
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. Commissioner Ladner asked Staff to clarify how the percentage
of units was determined. Staff stated this was a part of the
Owner Participation Agreement being worked out between the
Applicant and the City Council.
3. Chairwoman Barrows asked Staff to explain how the sidewalk
would be constructed in relation to the existing bridge. Staff
stated the sidewalk would not be installed at the bridge until it
was widened. Assistant City Engineer Steve Speer stated the
bridge Was proposed to be six lanes with sidewalks on both
sides.
4. Commissioner Marrs asked if the minimum unit size apartments
would be for senior only. Staff stated this would be determined
by the Owner Participation Agreement entered into by the
Applicant and City.
Planning Commission Minutes
October 22, 1991
5. Chairwoman Barrows opened the Public Hearing and Mr. Craig
Bryant spoke on behalf of the applicant and addressed the
concerns of the Commission.
6. Commissioner Ladner asked what the rent would be for these
units. Mr. Bryant stated the rent would be between $378 and
$900 per month.
7. Mr. Richard Darling, applicant, discussed other projects in the
area that were similar to this in size and costs.
8. Ms. Linda Simpson, 51-295 Guatamala, stated her concern about
the amount of traffic that would be generated and the size of the
units.
9. There being no further public comment, Chairwoman Barrows
closed the Public Hearing.
10. Commissioner Ladner and Chairwoman Barrows expressed their
desire that the Applicant allow as much senior housing as
possible.
11. There being no further discussion, it was moved by
Commissioner Ladner and seconded by Commissioner Marts to
adopt Planning Commission Resolution 91-047 recommending to
the City Council approval of Change of Zone 91-066 from R-1
Single Family Residential to R-2 8,000 Multiple Family Residential
to R-2 Multiple Family Residential.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Marts, Ladner,
& Chairwoman Barrows. NOES: None.
ABSENT: Commissioners Mosher &
Ellson. ABSTAINING: None.
12. Commissioner Ladner moved and Commissioner Marts seconded a
motion to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 91-048 approving
Variance 91-017 subject to the attached conditions.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: commissioners Marts, Ladner,
& Chairwoman Barrows. NOES: None.
ABSENT: Commissioners Mosher &
Ellson. ABSTAINING: None.
13. Commissioner Ladner moved and Commissioner Marts seconded
the motion to adopt Minute Motion 91-043 approving Plot Plan 91-
467 subject to the attached conditions. Unanimously approved.
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Planning Commission Minutes
October 22, 1991
E. Genera! Plan Amendment 91-038, Change of Zone 91-067, and Tentative
Tract 27224; a request of Seastar, Inc. and Mr. John Musial to amend
the City's Land Use Element from Very Low Density Residential to Low
Density Residential, a change of zone from R-1 20,000 to R-1 8000 in
order to subdivide +39 acres into a 98 single family tentative tract
subdivision.
1. Associate Planner Greg Trousdell presented the information
contained in the Staff report, a copy of which is on file in the
Planrdng and Development Department.
2. Chairwoman Barrows opened the Public Hearing. Mr. John
Musial addressed the Commission regarding his project. He
requested the following changes in the Conditions of Approval:
a. Condition #8 to allow the Applicant to determine the
archaeologist.
b. Condition #42 be changed to 21 feet excepting the
chimney.
c. Condition #44 be changed to 20,000 square foot lots.
d. Condition #46 to allow the homeowner the variation on
landscaping instead of requiring the developer to do the
landscaping.
e. Condition #48 be eliminated.
f. Condition #51 state perimeter wall, "ff required".
3. Commissioner Marts stated his concern of allowing a zone change
from 20,000 to 8,000. He did not believe there were enough
mitigating reasons to allow this reduction. He further asked
Staff how height regulations were determined. Staff explained
that a maximum height of 35 feet was allowed in the R-1 zone.
4. Chairwoman Barrows asked that the Applicant be encouraged to
use drought resistant planting materials. Discussion followed as
to landscaping requirements.
5. Commissioner Ladner also felt that 20,000 square feet lots should
be required in this area.
6. Discussion followed as to the need for open space and the lot
sizes of the project.
Planning Commission Minutes
October 22, 1991
7. There being no further discussion, it was moved by
Commissioner Ladner and seconded by Commissioner Marts to
adopt Planning Commission Resolution 91-049 den~ng General
Plan Amendment 91-038.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Marts, Ladner,
& Chairwoman Barrows. NOES: None.
ABSENT: Commissioners Mosher &
Ellson. ABSTAINING: None.
8. Commissioner Ladner moved and Commissioner Marts seconded a
motion to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 91-050 den~ng
Change of Zone 91-087.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Marts, Ladner,
& Chairwoman Barrows. NOES: None.
ABSENT: Commissioners Mosher &
Ellson. ABSTAINING: None.
9. Commissioner Ladner moved and Commissioner Marts seconded a
motion adopting Planning Commission Resolution 91-051
approving Tentative Tract 27224 subject to revised conditions
(Conditions #42 and #51 as requested by the Applicant and #44
[minimum 20,000 square feet ] and #46 [ native plant use] ).
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Marts, Ladner,
& Chairwoman Barrows. NOES: None.
ABSENT: Commissioners Mosher &
Ellson. ABSTAINING: None.
IV. PUBLIC COMMENT - None
V o BUSINESS SESSION
A. Tentative Tract 24545; a request of Northstar California Corporation
for approval of a First One Year Time Extension.
1. Commissioner Marts moved and Commissioner Ladner seconded a
motion to continue the matter to November 26, 1991, as requested
by Staff. Unanimously approved.
B. Sign Application 91-157; a request of Outdoor Media Group to install a
temporary model home directional sign for the Quinterra tract.
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.
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Planning Commission Minutes
October 22, 1991
2. There being no further discussion, it was moved by
Commissioner Marts and seconded by Commissioner Ladner to
adopt Minute Motion 91-044 approving Sign Application 91-157
subject to the attached conditions. Unardmously approved.
C. Sign Application 91-155 (TT 23935); a request of GWR Development for
approval of a sign adjustment to allow additional height for temporary
signs.
1. Associate Planner Glenda Lairds presented the information
contained in the Staff report, a copy of which is on file in the
Planning and Development Department.
2. Discussion followed among the Commissioner and Staff regarding
the height of the sign. Commissioner Marts stated he felt a
precedent was being set for allowing signs to exceed the desired
height set by the City.
3. Following the discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Marts
and seconded by Commissioner Ladner to adopt Minute Motion 91-
045 approving Sign Application 91-155 subject to the revised
conditions and with the condition that the sign would be allowed
for one year only. Unanimously approved.
D. it was moved by Commissioner Marts and seconded by Commissioner
Ladner to reconsider Sign Application 91-157 in Hght of the previous
discussion. Unanimously approved.
E. Sign Application 91-157; a request of Outdoor Media Group.
1. It was moved by. Commissioner Marts and seconded by
Commissioner Ladner to adopt Minute Motion 91-046 approving
Sign Application 91-157 subject to the revised conditions and
with the condition that the sign be allowed for one year only.
Unanimously approved.
F. Tentative Tract 24950, Amendment #1; a request of Chong Lee for
approval of a First One Year Time Extension.
1. Associate Planner Glenda Lairds presented the information
contained in the Staff report, a copy of which is on file in the
Planrdng and Development Department.
2. There being no discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Marts
and seconded by Commissioner Ladner to adopt Planrdng
Commission Resolution 91-052 approving the First One Year Time
Extension for Tentative Tract 24950, Amendment #1, subject to
conditions.
Planning Commission Minutes
October 22, 1991
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Marrs, Ladner,
& Chairwoman Barrows. NOES: None.
ABSENT: Commissioners Mosher &
Ellson. ABSTAINING: None.
VI. OTHER
A. Planning Director Jerry Herman discussed the upcoming joint Planning
Commission/City Council meeting to be held on October 29th (Study
Session) and December 11, 1991, open meeting.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Commissioner Ladner and seconded by Commissioner Marrs to
adjourn this regular meeting of the Planning Commission to a regular meeting on
November 12, 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 10:57 P.M., October
22, 1991.
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