PCMIN 01 28 1992 MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION - CITY OF LA QUINTA
A regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall
78-105 Calle Estado, La Quinta, California
January 28, 1992 7:00 P.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER
A. The meeting was called to order at 7:25 P.M. by Chairwoman Barrows.
The Flag Salute was led by Commissioner Ellson.
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, and Associate Planner Greg Trousdell.
III. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None
IV. PUBLIC COMMENT - None
V. . BUSINESS SESSION
A. Setback Adjustment 92-090; a request of Thomas Plouffe for a rear yard
reduction of eight feet to allow a rear yard patio cover.
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. Commissioners Marts and Mosher asked Staff to clarify their
recommendation.
3. Mr. Thomas Plouffe, applicant, addressed the Commission
concerning his request.
4. Discussion followed relative to the Applicant's options.
5. There being no further discussion, it was moved by
Commissioner Marts to adopt Minute Motion 92-004 approving
Setback Adjustment 92-090 as submitted. Commissioner Ellson
seconded the motion and it carried with Commissioner Ladner
voting NO.
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B. Draft Sign Ordinance; a request of Staff for Planning Commission
review.
1. Planning Director Jerry Herman gave an explanation of the
purpose and origin of the Ordinance.
2. Commissioner Ellson questioned Page 8, Section H, "credit cards
accepted" sign should include door as location; Page 14, Section
I, needs a word inserted; and same page second line should be
Planning Commission; Page 17, Section 4, Hne 5, the size of the
sign stating 3' on each side needs to be clarified as to what "side"
means. Discussion followed relative to allowable sign footage.
3. Planning Director Jerry Herman pointed out other areas that
Staff felt needed be clarified.
4. Commissioner Ellson questioned the use of temporary banners.
Discussion followed regarding the new length of time they are
allowed.
5. Commissioner Ellson questioned the size of pole signs and
whether landscaping would be required. Staff stated the height
is controlled by the Building Department and landscaping is
included in the ordinance.
6. Chairman Barrows questioned whether owner/builder advertising
signs. Discussion followed as to pre-existing illegal signs.
7. Commissioner Ellson questioned second story signs. Staff stated
the Ordinance still allows the Planning Commission to determine
what will be allowed over two signs.
C. Adult Entertainment Ordinance; a request of Staff for Planning
Commission review.
1. Planning Director Jerry Herman gave an explanation of the
purpose and origin of the Ordinance.
2. Commissioner Mosher asked what caused this ordinance to be
originated. Planning Director Jerry Herman stated that inquires
had been made of the City and Staff felt it should be addressed
before an application is made.
3. Commissioner Ellson questioned Page 3, Paragraph B, Section 4,
the wording "under 18 years of age" should not be restricted as
to age. It should be better defined as this could relate to a
dance studio, a college, etc. Also Paragraph J should be
modified. Discussion followed as to how this could be restricted
and yet not allow the undesirable.
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4. Commissioner Ellson asked that the distance from a school be the
same as the walking distance for students as defined by the
School District Transportation Policy.
5. Commissioner Marts asked if these businesses are restricted by
age. Staff stated they are not. Discussion followed.
6. Commissioner Ellson expressed her concern that the Over]ay be
extended. Discussion followed as to how this could be done.
D. Draft Historical Society Ordinance; a request of Staff for Planning
Commission review.
1. Planning Director Jerry Herman stated that the way the
Ordinance is drafted the Ordinance calls for another committee.
Staff would prefer that this be modified to be reviewed by the
Planning Commission.
2. Commissioner Ellson felt there might be a need to have a short
time committee assigned to locate the historical sites and then let
it be monitored by the Planning Commission.
3. Chairwoman Barrows felt that in addition it might be wise to have
a representative of the Historical Society serving on the Planning
Commission and Design Review Board for assistance.
4. Councilman Sniff stated his support of creating a new committee
rather than having the Planning Commission have the added
duty. He suggested the committee only meet quarterly or as
needed. The Commission concurred with his statement.
5. Discussion followed as to whether there were any dwellings that
were 100 years or more.
6. Chairwoman Barrows stated that she would like to see recognition
of the paleontological and historical sites and incorporated these
into development designs, such as the Mall, to recognize these
features. A short time committee may be able to lend some
expertise.
7. Commissioner Ellson inquired if some of the Historical Society
members could lend any information on some of the historical
agricultural sites in La Quinta.
8. Chairwoman Barrows asked that Page 3, Paragraph 7 and 8 add
agricultural significance.
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9. Discussion followed regarding minor changes in the ordinance
such as the committee member should have extensive knowledge
in La Quinta history and is a long term residence.
VI. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Commissioner Ellson asked that the Minutes of January 14, 1992, be
amended as follows: Page 3, Item 13 the word "pallet" be spelled
"palette". There being no further correction, Commissioner Mosher
moved and Commissioner Marts seconded a motion to approve the
Minutes as corrected. Unanimously approved.
VII. OTHER
A. Planning Director Jerry Herman briefly reviewed City Council action on
various projects with the Commission.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Commissioner Mosher and seconded by Commissioner Ladner
to adjourn this regular meeting of the Planning Commission to a regular meeting on
February 11, 1992, at 8:30 P.M. in the La Quinta City Hall Council Chambers. This
meeting of the La Quinta Planning Commission was adjourned at 8. P.M., January 14,
1992.
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