PCMIN 06 09 1992 CC
PLANNING COMMISSION - CITY OF LA QUINTA
A regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall
78-105 Calle Estado, La Quinta, California
June 9, 1992 7:00 P.M.
I. CALI, TO ORDER
A. The meeting was called to order at 7:04 P.M. by Chairwoman Barrows
and Boardmember Marts led the flag salute.
II. ROLL CALL
A. Chairwoman Barrows requested the roll call. Present: Commissioners
Mosher, Ellson, Marts, and Chairwoman Barrows. Commissioner Ellson
moved and Commissioner Marts seconded a motion to excuse
Commissioner Ladner Unanimously approved.
B. Staff Present: Planning Director Jerry Herman, Principal Planner Stan
Sawa, Associate Planner Greg Trousdell, and Department Secretary
Betty Anthony.
III. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Conditional Use Permit 92-003: a request of Eisenhower Medical Center
and La Quinta Medical Development to construct a three story medical
center containing approximately 74,500 square feet of gross floor area
and confirmation of the environmental determination.
1. Principal Planner Stan Sawa presented the information contained
in the Staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Plan~ing and
Development Department.
2. There being no questions of Staff, Chairwoman Barrows opened
the public hearing. Mr. Paul Senzaki, representing the
Applicant, gave a presentation of the project.
3. Commissioner Ellson asked if the offices could be used for any
other purpose than medical. Mr. Senzaki stated that probably
not since, most general office businesses would want more
window area.
4. Commissioner Mosher asked if the Applicant agreed with the
conditions imposed by Staff. Mr. Senzaki stated they were in
agreement with the exception of Condition #3. They would like
the opportunity to present a specific design for the parking lot
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June 9, 1992
Hghting with poles up to 25 feet rather than be restricted to 10-
15 foot poles. Discussion followed regarding problems with
parking lot lights. Staff noted a concern to eliminate overspill
and glare due to the surrounding residentially zoned property.
5. Commissioner Ellson inquired what the lot coverage of the
building to land would be. According to her calculations it would
be 39% and the maximum allowed by the new General Plan would
be 35%. Planning Director Jerry Herman stated that we could not
impose any conditions based on the Updated General Plan.
6. Chairwoman Barrows asked if the landscaping would be
addressed later. Staff stated they would be required to submit
detailed landscaping plans for review and approval.
7. Commissioner Mosher asked if child care was to be incorporated
into the project and if it would be for employees only. Planning
Director Jerry Herman stated this was planned for future phases
and their would not be any limitations as to who the child care
would service.
8. Commissioner Ellson asked for a clarification on the spelling of
the Fringe-Toed Lizard.
9. There being no further discussion, it was moved by
Commissioner Mosher and seconded by Commissioner Ellson to
adopt Planning Commission Resolution 92-023 approving
Conditional Use Permit 92-003 and confirmation of the
Environmental Determination, subject to the conditions amending
Condition #3 as requested.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Mosher, Ellson,
Marts, & Chairwoman Barrows. NOES:
None. AB SENT: Commissioner
Ladner. ABSTAINING: None.
B. Zoning Ordinance Amendment 92-025; a request of the City to amend the
Municipal Code regarding fencing standards in the R-1 Zone District
and confirmation of the environmental determination.
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 Ellson inquired of Staff if fences would be required
in the R-1 Zone. Staff stated they would be required for the
rear and side yards. Commissioner Ellson then inquired if one
acre lots in the R-1 zone would be required to have the same
fencing. Discussion followed relative to limitations on lot sizes
required to fence their yards.
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June 9, 1992
3. Chairwoman BarrOws opened the public hearing and as no one
wished to address the Commission on this subject, the public
hearing was closed.
4. Discussion continued between the Commissioners and Staff
relative to fencing requirements and possible exceptions.
Following the discussion it was moved by Commissioner Mosher
and seconded by Commissioner Marts to continue this item for 30
days (to July 14, 1992) to give Staff an opportunity to look into
limitations on larger parcels of land.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Mosher, Ellson,
Marts, & Chairwoman Barrows. NOES:
None. AB SENT: Commissioner
Ladner. ABSTAINING: None.
V. PUBLIC COMMENT: - None
V. BUSINESS SESSION
A. Plot Plan 92-485; a request of Dan Featheringill-DoDco Construction to
convert an existing single family home into a chiropractic office on 0.94
acres in a Commercial Village "The Core" Zone District.
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 questions of Staff, Mr. Dan Featheringill,
applicant, addressed the Commission regarding Conditions
#12.I., #17.C., #25.b., #26, and #35.
3. Commissioner Ellson inquired about the limited number of parking
spaces prOvided. Staff replied that the future building would
provide the required parking additionally, on-street parking is
available.
4. It was noted that where noted in the conditions, Avenida La
Fonda should be changed to Calle Fortuna.
5. Commissioner Ellson asked if the Village Specific Plan required
a specific type of tree. Staff stated that on some streets certain
types of tree~ were required. It was determine that possibly a
Blue Palo Verde could be used on Desert Club Drive rather than
the Brazilian Pepper recommended in Condition #12. I.
6. Chairwoman Barrows asked if landscaping would be required.
Staff stated they would be required to landscape or screen the
parking lot.
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June 9, 1992
7. Mr. Featheringill addressed the Commission and Staff relative to
the time limit to use the structure. He was uncertain as to
whether it would be financially feasible to recover the costs in
two years as recommended in the conditions. Commissioner
Mosher suggested different wording to allow the applicant two
years and possible a one year extension.
8. There being no further questions it was moved by Commissioner
Mosher and seconded by Commissioner Marts to adopt Minute
Motion 92-019 approving Plot Plan 92-485 subject to the amended
conditions. Unanimously approved.
B. Plot Plan 92-484; a request of Richard and Patti McCormick to develop
a small take-out pizza restaurant in the Commercial Village "The Core"
Zone District.
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 did comment that
a request had been made of the Applicant to change the wording
on Condition #27 to allow for either a licensed architect or an
architectural contractor.
2. Commissioner Ellson stated she again had a problem with the
amount of parking. Staff stated this was a take-out business and
they are only required to provide parking for the public area.
and employees. Discussion followed regarding the parking.
3. Fo~llowing the discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Marts
and seconded by Commissioner Ellson to adopt Minute Motion 92-
020 approving Plot Plan 92-484 subject to Condition #27 being
amended as stated above. Unanimously approved.
C. Agenda item Plot Plan 92-485 reconsidered; Planning Director Jerry
Herman stated that Mr. FeatheringiH had requested the Commission
reconsider his project. Commissioner Ellson moved and Commissioner
Marts seconded a motion to reconsider Plot Plan 92-485. Unanimously
approved.
1. Planning Director Jerry Herman stated that Mr. Featheringill was
again concerned that two years would not be enough time to
recover the cost involved in the upgrading of the present
structure and give him the opportunity to acquire a loan for the
new building.
2. Following discussion it was moved by Commissioner Mosher and
seconded by Commissioner Marts to amend their motion and adopt
Minute Motion 92-019 approving Plot Plan 92-485 subject to the
amended Condition #35 allowing three years for the current
structure with a one year time extension. Unanimously
approved.
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June 9, 1992
D. SR Adjustment 92-006; a request of Bruce Swan, Better Building
Company, to install a 5'0" high stucco wall along Calle Sinaloa on the
existing property line.
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 questions of Staff, it was moved by Commissioner
Ellson and seconded by Commissioner Mosher to adopt Minute
Motion 92-021 approving SR Adjustment 92-006 subject to
conditions. Unanimously approved.
VII. OTHER - None
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by-Commissioner Mosher and seconded by Commissioner El]son to
adjourn this regular meeting of the Planning Commission to a regular meeting on June
23, 1992, at 7:00 P.M. in the La Quinta City Hal] Council Chambers. This meeting
of the La Quinta Planning Commission was adjourned at 8:20 P.M., June 9, 1992.
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