PCMIN 11 26 1991 MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION - CITY OF LA QUINTA
A regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall
78-105 Calle Estado, La ~uinta, California
November 26, 1991 7:00 P.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER
A. The meeting was called to order at 7:03 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
Mosher, Ladner, Ellson, Marts, and Chairwoman Barrows.
B. Staff Present: Planning Director Jerry Herman, Principal Planner Stan
Sawa, Associate Planner Glenda Lainis, and Department Secretary Betty
Anthony.
'III. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Continued - 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 allow: 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. 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 Mosher asked Staff to clarify what the State
agencies required.
3. There being no further questions of Staff, Chairwoman Barrows
opened the continued Public Hearing. Mr. Jack Clark, spoke on
behalf of the Applicant. He clarified that the Variance
application had been withdrawn and stated they had conducted
their own noise study and found the cars leaving the church
created no additional noise. He further stated the traffic from
the church would only be traveling to the south and west.
--
PCMINll-26 1
Planning Commission Minutes
November 26, 1991
4. Mr. Dane Hooper, neighborhood resident, asked if the
Commission approved the project would they Hmit the number of
students the school would be allowed. Commissioner Ladner
explained that the Conditions of Approval did Hm~t the number of
students to 25. Mr. Hooper then asked the Comm/ssion to ~ve
the church three years to complete their project in hopes they
would be able to relocate the church.
5. Mr. John Bund, arch/tect for the pro3ect, asked the Comn~ssion
to considering the church's request to have their construction
completed in phasing.
6. Ms. Roselyn Davis, neighborhood resident, stated her objections
to the project as being the number of cars and noise. She asked
if the Applicant had complied w~th the State regulations
previously or just during th/s process. Staff stated the letter of
affidavit was written during the application process.
7. Pastor Mark Collins, spoke in behalf of the church and stated the
church had been in existence in this location for 20 years and felt
it was an asset to the community.
8. There being no further comments, Chairwoman Barrows closed
the Public Hearing and opened the matter for Commission
discussion.
9. Commissioner Ladner asked the City Attorney to recap his
opinion. Mr. John Getz, representing the City Attorney's office,
stated the City Attorney's position in regard to the legal aspect
of the proposal and status of the use.
10. Commissioner Ellson stated her support of the church and its
work in the community, but questioned the neighborhood being
able to support the expansion of the Church in this location. She
strongly felt the church needed to relocate its facilities.
11. Commissioner Ladner asked for clarification of Condition #11
regarding the school. Mr. Getz stated the Condition needed to
be reworded to clarify that only a maximum of 25 students would
be allowed unless the school submitted an application to amend
the Public Use Permit.
12. Chairwoman Barrows asked if the project were approved would
the school then become a conforming use. Staff stated it would
then become a conforming use.
PCMIN11-26 2
Planning Commission Minutes
November 26, 1991
13. Commissioner Ladner asked what the effects of the Fire
Department and Health Department inspections would be. Staff
stated that whatever requirements these Departments placed on
the church/school they would have to comply with.
14. There being no further comment, Commissioner Mosher moved
and Commissioner Marts seconded a motion to adopt Planning
Commission Resolution 91-057 approving Public Use Permit 91-008
subject to the amended conditions based on the folIowing
findings:
a. The church was a positive influence in the
community.
b. The church meets the City required zoning for the
area.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Mosher and
Marts. NOES: Commissioners Ladner,
Ellson, & Chairwoman Barrows.
ABSENT: None. ABSTAINING: None.
15. Following further discussion, it was moved by Commissioner
Ladner and seconded by Commissioner Ellson to adopt Planning
Commission Resolution 91-058 denying Public Use Permit 91-008
based on the following findings:
a. The expansion of the Church and Church School activities
would be inconsistent with the character of the
neighborhood particularly since the site in question is
surrounded by residential lots on all four sides.
b. The expansion of the Church will result in additional
traffic and noise incompatible with a residential
neighborhood.
c. There are alternative sites on which the Church could
locate.
d. The expansion of the Church in this residential
neighborhood would diminish the property values of the
surrounding area.
e. The activities of the expanded Church and School would be
inhibited by the fact that they are located in a residential
neighborhood.
f. This denial for Church expansion would not impose an
excessive burden on the Church since the existing Church
and School can still continue to operate.
PCMINll-26 3
Planning Commission Minutes
November 26, 1991
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Ladner, E]lson,
Chairwoman Barrows. NOES:
Commissioners Mosher & Marts.
AB SENT: None. AB STAINING: None.
16. Discussion followed with the AppLicant regarding appeal rights.
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.
2. There being no discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Marts
and seconded by Commissioner Ellson to continue this matter to
December 10, 1991.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Mosher, Marts,
Lad ncr, Ellson, & Chairwoman
Barrows. NOES: None. ABSENT:
None. ABSTAINING: None.
C. Preannexation Zoning 91-068 and General Plan Amendment 91-039; a
request of Valley Land Development for a change in the boundaries for
the zoning classification of a new zoning classification and land use
designation for a portion of the property adjacent to Washington Street,
north of Fred Waring Drive.
1. At the request of the AppLicant, Commissioner Ellson moved and
Commissioner Ladner seconded a motion to continued the PubLic
Hearing to the meeting of December 10, 1991.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Mosher, Marts,
Ladner, Ellson, & Chairwoman
Barrows. NOES: None. ABSENT:
None. ABSTAINING: None.
D. 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 Ladner moved and Commissioner Ellson seconded a
motion to continue the matter to December 10, 1991, at the
request of Staff.
PCMINll-26 4
Planning Commission Minutes
November 26, 1991
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Mosher,
Ladner, Ellson, Marts, & Chairwoman
Barrows. NOES: None. ABSENT:
None. ABSTAINING: None.
E. Specific Plan 83-001, Amendment #4 and Tentative Tract 25389; a
request of M. J. Brock & Sons to amend a Condition of Approval
relating to maximum height of buildings. This request applies to the
area within TT 25389.
l. 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 Marts asked Staff to restate the units that were to
be affected. Staff stated the request was for:
91-102 - 75% 2 story
103-116 - 25' 1 story
204-212 - 50% 2 story
238-246 - 25% 2 story
247-254 - keep restriction at 25'
Staff recommended:
1-5 - 1 story 25 ft.
17-18 - 1 story 25 ft.
31-48 - 50% 2 story
91-102 - 25% 2 story
103-116 - 1 story 25 ft.
203 - 1 story 25 ft.
204-219 - 25% 2 story
238-246 - 25% 2 story
247-255 - 1 story 25 ft.
Discussion followed as to the location of two story units in
relation to the streets.
3. Commissioner Ladner asked for a clarification of what the General
Plan called for. Staff stated the General Plan calls for Tampico
and Washington Street to be image corridors and therefore two
story units are not allowed within 150 feet.
4. There being no further questions of Staff, Chairwoman Barrows
opened the Public Hearing. Mr. Mike Rowe, Keith Companies,
spoke representing the Applicant and gave reasons for their
request.
PCMINll-26 5
Planning Commission Minutes
November 26, 1991
5. Mr. Richard Niece, Brock Homes, stated their had been a change
in the market demand and therefore their need to alter the style
of home offered.
6. Commissioner Ellson questioned Mr. Niece regarding the
possibility of enlarging the sideyards. Mr. Rowe stated this
could not be done without remapping the tract.
7. Commissioner Marts asked the Applicant to clarify the ceiling
heights of the different units.
8. Commissioner Mosher asked the Applicant if there was a market
for two story homes. Mr. Niece stated they had a demand for the
two story homes. Discussion followed regarding two story units
and one story units on larger lots and the need for energy
efficient homes. The Commissioners felt the housing industry
was forcing families to buy two story units for economic reasons,
not by choice.
9. Commissioner Mosher stated he felt there was little difference
between a 24-foot single story home and a 29-foot two story
home. If the market demands it and will pay for it, then the
Commission should not inhibit the developer from producing the
product.
10. There being no further discussion, it was moved by
Commissioner Ladner and seconded by Commissioner Mosher to
adopt Planning Commission Resolution 91-059 and Resolution 91-
060 recommending to the City Council concurrence with the
Environmental Analysis and approva! of Specific Plan 83-001,
Amendment #4 and Condition of Approva! amendment to Tentative
Tract 25389, First Extension of Time as recommended by Staff.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Mosher,
Ladner, ELlson, Marts, & Chairwoman
Barrows. NOES: None. AB SENT:
- None. ABSTAINING: None.
IV. PUBLIC COMMENT - None
V. BUSINESS SESSION
A. Tentative Tract 24545; a request of Northstar California Corporation
for approval of First One Year Time Extension of Time.
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.
PCMINll-26 6
Planning Commission Minutes
November 26, 1991
2. Commissioner Ladner asked Staff if the Development Agreement
was in place. Staff stated that all conditions had been met at this
time.
3. There being no further discussion, it was moved by
Commissioner Mosher and seconded by Commissioner Marts to
adopt Planning Commission Resolution 91-061 recommending to
the City Counci! approval of the First One Year Time Extension
of Time for Tentative Tract 24545 based on the Development
Agreement being in full force.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Mosher,
Ladner, Ellson, Marrs, & Chairwoman
Barrows. NOES: None. AB SENT:
None. ABSTAINING: None.
B. Plot Plan 9]-468; a request of the Automobile Club of Southern
California for approval of a plot plan to allow the construction of an
office building.
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 trees were required along
Washington Street. Staff stated that the Master Developer would
be providing the landscaping along Washington Street.
3. Commissioner Ladner asked that more native landscaping be
provided. Staff stated that the Applicant had planned for a more
lush landscaping around the building and the Design Review
Board had approved the plant pallet.
4. Commissioner Marts stated that the Design Review Board had
discussed the signage program felt the signage was covered in
the Conditions of Approval.
5. Commissioner Ellson inquired if trees would be required on the
south and west side for sun protection. Staff stated they would
be plus the building plans called for overhangs on all four sides
to help shield the windows.
6. There being no further discussion, it was moved by
Commissioner Mosher and seconded by Commissioner Ladner to
adopt Minute Motion 91-048 approving Plot Plan 91-468 subject to
the Conditions of Approval. Unanimously approved
PCMINll-26 7
Planning Commission Minutes
November 26, 1991
C. SR Adjustment 91-004; a request of Linda Babior for useage of a
standing seam metal roof and curved wall sections.
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. Julia Takahashi, architect for the project, gave a presentation
of the project.
3. Commissioner Ladner asked if the garage met the City setback
requirements. Staff stated they did.
4. Ms. Patricia Aplet, owner of property across from the Applicant,
asked if the roof material would reflect the sun onto their
property. Ms. Takahashi stated that the material would not
reflect onto their property.
5. There being no further discussion, it was moved by
Commissioner Ellson and seconded by Commissioner Mosher to
adopt Minute Motion 91-049 approving SR Adjustment 91-004
subject to the Staff recommendation. Unanimously approved.
D. Plot Plan 91-466 and Variance 91-019; a request of Simon Plaza, Inc.,
for a approval of a mixed use commercial complex on five and one half
acres.
1. At the request of the Staff, it was moved by Commissioner
Ladner and seconded by Commissioner Marts to continue this
matter to the next meeting of December 10, 1991, to give Staff an
opportunity to review the Traffic Study that had just been
received. Unanimously approved.
VII. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Commissioner Ellson asked that the Minutes of November 12, 1991, be
amended to show that she voted no on Specific Plan 88-012 and
Tentative Tract 23995 request for a First One Year Time Extension.
Commissioner Mosher moved and Commissioner Ellson seconded a motion
to approve the Minutes of November 12, 1991, as corrected.
Unanimously approved.
VIII. OTHER
A. Commissioner Ladner gave a report of the Water Symposium that she
attended.
B. Commissioner Ellson asked that the City's requirements for sideyard
setbacks be placed the next agenda.
PCMINll-26 8
Planning Commission Minutes
November 26, 1991
IX. ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Commissioner Ladner and seconded by Commissioner Mosher
to adjourn this regular meeting of the Planning Commission to a regular meeting on
December 10, 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 9:42 P.M., November
26, 1991.
PCMINll-26 9