PCMIN 11 24 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
November 24, 1992 7:00 P.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER
A. The meeting was called to order at 7:03 P.M. by Chairwoman Barrows;
Commissioner Marrs led the flag salute.
H. ROLL CALL
A. Chairwoman Barrows requested the roll call. Present: Commissioners Ellson,
Marts, Adolph, and Chairwoman Barrows.
B. Commissioner Marrs moved to excuse Commissioner Mosher. Commissioner
Ellson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
C. Staff Present: Planning Director Jerry Herman and Principal Planner Stan Sawa,
Associate Planner Greg Trousdell, Associate Planner Wallace Nesbit, Associate
Planner Leslie Blodgett, and Department Secretary Betty Anthony.
HI. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Zoning Ordinance Amendment 92-030; a request of the City to amend Title 6 of
the Municipal Code to add requirements for fugitive dust control.
1. Associate Planner Wallace Nesbit presented the information contained in
the Staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Planning and
Development Department.
2. Commissioner Adolph asked for clarification on what the City would be
accepting.
3. Chairwoman Barrows opened the public hearing. Mr. Bob Pippin, Vista
Development stated that he had attended the Fugitive Dust hearings and
his concern was that this will cause added costs to developers. He felt the
._ bonding could be handled through the grading bond instead of
implementing additional costs by asking for an additional bond for fugitive
dust control. He further suggested the City work with the lending banks
and require a "set-aside" letter. Discussion followed regarding
-alternatives available as well as what fugitive dust is.
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4. Mr. Ed Kibby, representing the Building Industry Association, stated his
concern for the added costs to be incurred by the developer. He felt that
in todays economy, the City's should be doing all they can to help
promote construction and not add additional costs.
5. Mr. Jerry McCanis, representing Coachella Valley Association of
Governments, expressed his gratitude to the City Staff for working with
them on this ordinance. He stated this was a model ordinance and had
been created by the Technical Committee made up of different
representatives from the various Valley cities. He further explained that
the ordinance was in compliance with the Environmental Protection
Agency. Discussion followed relative to bonding. Mr. McCanis
expressed his desire to see the Planning Commission recommend approval
of this ordinance to the City Council.
6. There being no further public comment, Chairwoman Barrows closed the
public hearing. Commissioner Adolph questioned Staff about whether a
developer when he provided a performance bond if this could not be
added to it. Assistant City Engineer Steve Speer stated it could be added
to the bond. Discussion followed regarding the rewording of the bond
requirement and ways to financially secure the dust problem.
7. Following the discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Adolph and
seconded by Commissioner Ellson to adopt Planning Commission
Resolution 92-040 recommending to the City Council approval of Zoning
Ordinance Amendment 92-030, Fugitive Dust Control, as amended.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Ellson,
Marrs, Adolph, & Chairwoman
Barrows. NOES: None. ABSENT:
Commissioner Mosher.
ABSTAINING: None.
B. Specific Plan 90-018. Tentative Tract 26008, and Tentative Tract 26009; a
request of Vista Development Company for a first one year extension of time.
1. Associate Planner Leslie Blodgett 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 the block wall that will surround
the retention basin for Tract 26009 have any visibility through it. Staff
stated that Condition #14 required a decorative fence.
3. Commissioner Adolph asked if the equestrian trail would be fenced. Staff
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November 24, 1992
stated they were conditioned to provide a split rail fence.
4. There being no further questions of Staff, Chairwoman Barrows opened
the public hearing. Mr. Robert Pippin, Vista Development Company
briefly explained his request and stated he had no objections to Staff's
recommendations.
5. There being no further public comment, Chairwoman Barrows closed the
public hearing. Commissioner Ellson moved and Commissioner Man's
seconded a motion to adopt Planning Commission Resolutions 92-041
(Specific Plan 90-018), 92-042 (Tentative Tract 26008), 92-043 (Tentative
Tract 26009) recommending approval to the City Council of a first one
year extension of time, subject to conditions.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Ellson,
Marts, Adolph, & Chairwoman
Barrows. NOES: None. ABSENT:
Commissioner Mosher.
ABSTAINING: None.
C. Tentative Tract 24774; a request of Vista Development Company for a first one
year extension of time.
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 how many units were planned per acre.
Staff stated approximately 34 units per acre.
3. There being no further questions of Staff, Chairwoman Barrows opened
the public heating. Mr. Robert Pippin, representing Vista Development
company stated his concurrence with Staff's recommendations.
4. Commissioner Adolph questioned Mr. Pippin as to whether he had worked
out his water problems with PGA West. Mr. Pippin stated he had.
5. There being no further public comment, Chairwoman Barrows closed the
public heating.
-- 6. Commissioner Man's moved and Commissioner Adolph seconded the
motion to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 924344 recommended
to the City Council approval of Tentative Tract 24774 first extension of
time request, subject to conditions.
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ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Ellson,
Man's, Adolph, & Chairwoman
Barrows. NOES: None. ABSENT:
Commissioner Mosher.
ABSTAINING: None.
D. Specific Plan 92-022 and Plot Plan 92490; a request of E.F.P. Corporation (Ed
Cames) to establish development standards for a future shopping center and a
+260,000 sq. ft. commercial shopping center on a portion of a +23 acre site.
1. Associate Planner Greg Trousdell presented the information contained in
the Staff report, and noted the changes in the size of the project from
260,000 square feet to 265,000 square feet and a modification in the two
way entrance on Jefferson Street. A copy of the file can be viewed in the
Planning and Development Department.
2. Commissioner Adolph asked if the developer was asking for architectural
approval. Staff explained that they were asking for a conceptual approval
and that the Design Review Board would review the final architectural
drawings. Commissioner Adolph stated he would like to see final
architectural drawings. Commissioner Barrows stated that Condition g22
could be changed to require the project to come back before the Planning
Commission.
3. Commissioner Ellson asked Staff to clarify when sections were two story.
Staff stated the applicant would describe the project. Commissioner
Ellson further inquired if the theater traffic would have to cross the traffic
area. She suggested that the theater be switched with Building/flS.
4. There being no further questions of Staff, Chairwoman Barrows opened
the public hearing. Mr. Michael Hurst, architect for the project, gave a
detailed report of the project.
5. Commissioner Adolph asked if the overhead power poles would be put
underground. Mr. Hurst stated he would comply with the Conditions of
Approval. Commissioner Adolph stated his concern that Building 'I'
would be to close to the corner. Mr. Hurst explained that the building
would be recessed back.
6. Commissioner Ellson inquired if the flood control channel would be
covered in concrete. She was concerned about the aesthetics. Mr. Hurst
stated he had a proposal to present to the Water District.
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7. Chairwoman Barrows asked for clarification on the use of the neon
lighting. Mr. Hurst stated it was to be used as an accent to buildings
"C', "F", and 'E". It would be hooded so only the lighting would be
seen. Discussion followed regarding the lighting.
8. Commissioner Ellson asked about the window shading and if angle
parking would be provided. Staff stated that angle parking would be
required north of the center street.
9. Mr. Bud Melkesian, neighbor to the north, stated his concern about the
view of the north elevation, as well as the noise, traffic, lighting, buffers,
and graffiti on the walls. Commissioner Marrs stated that the Commission
had discussed most of these issues in study session and felt they would be
addressed in the Conditions of Approval.
10. Mr. Wally Reynolds, property owner to the east, stated that the Indian
Springs golf community to the north was concerned about the amount of
noise, traffic, lighting, buffering, and graffiti on the walls. Commissioner
Marrs stated that the issue of graffiti was addressed by the Commission
in their study session and stated that in the Conditions of Approval g20 the
noise issue would be addressed.
11. Mr. Ed Cams, Project Manager for the project, stated that the project
would maintain its own security force and would be patrolling the project
for any problems including graffiti.
12. Ms. Para Serabian, property owner to the north, asked if the City had any
plans in the near future for a bridge over Jefferson Street at the channel.
Assistant City Engineer Steve Speer stated that the City had no plans for
the immediate future for a bridge on Jefferson Street.
13. Commissioner Marrs inquired if the north entrance to the project would
line up with Vista Grande. Staff replied it would.
14. Commissioner Ellson asked Staff if the utilities would be undergrounded
and if the parking would be angled. Staff stated the utilities would be
undergrounded and angle parking would be provided.
15. There being no further public comment, Chairwoman Barrows closed the
public hearing and opened the matter for Commission discussion.
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16. Following discussion regarding the location of the theater and parking,
Commissioner Adolph moved and Commissioner Ellson seconded a
motion to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 92-045 recommending
to the City Council approval of Specific Plan 92-022 and Plot Plan 92-490
subject to the amended conditions and confirmation of the Environmental
Determination.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Ellson,
Marrs, Adolph, & Chairwoman
Barrows. NOES: None. ABSENT:
Commissioner Mosher.
ABSTAINING: None.
E. Plot Plan 91-456, Amendment #1; a request of the Koenig Companies for
approval of an amendment to allow the reduction of the size of the project from
116,600 square feet to 85,650 square feet on 9.25 acres reduced from 11.8 acres.
1. Principal Planner Start 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 questions of Staff, Chairwoman Barrows opened the public
hearing. Mr. John Koenig, applicant, stated his concurrence with the
Staff's recommendations but added his concern about being able to meet
the 50% parking lot shading. He further went on to explain the art
project proposed for the project.
3. Commissioner Adolph asked if the trellis proposed on the Tampico side
would be screened. Mr. Koenig stated there would be a screened wall on
the south side so the parking lot would be sheltered from the street.
Discussion followed regarding the west wall.
4. Commissioner Adolph stated his concern that the delivery trucks would
not be able to make the turn to exit onto Washington Street. Mr. Koenig
stated the project would be designed to be sure they could. Discussion
followed regarding shop g2 north elevation and potential trash problems.
5. There being no further public discussion, Chairwoman Barrows closed the
public hearing.
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6. Commissioner Ellson asked for a clarification of the 'qualified cultural
resources management firm'. Staff stated this was a new name for the
archaeological firm.
7. There being no further discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Marrs
and seconded by Commissioner Ellson to adopt Minute Motion 92-038
approving Plot Plan 91-456, Amendment #1, subject to the amended
conditions. Unanimously approved.
IV. PUBLIC COMMENT: - None
¥. BUSINESS SESSION:
A. Sign Approval 92-159; a request to install a shopping center identification sign,
directional signs and multiple building signs for a future office/commercial
facility planned on 5.5 acres.
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 Adolph asked what the percentage of square footage was
to the building and if the amounts met City Code. Staff stated they did
meet the Code requirements. Commissioner Adolph stated his concern for
a "mish/mash" of signs.
3. Mr. Skip Berg, applicant, discussed with the Commission and Staff signs
#7, #8, ~, #e, ~ff, #15, #17, and #20.
4. Commissioner Adolph asked the applicant how important the
embellishments were on the signs. Mr. Berg stated they were for
aesthetics only.
5. Following a lengthy discussion on the various signs, it was moved by
Commissioner Marts and seconded by Commissioner Ellson to adopt
Minute Motion 92-039 approving Sign Approval 92-159 subject to the
amended conditions. Commissioners Ellson, Man's, and Chairwoman
Barrows voted AYE. Commissioner Adolph voted NO. Commissioner
Mosher was absent. The motion passed 3-1-1.
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VI. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. There being no corrections Commissioner Ellson moved that the Minutes of
November 10, 1992, be approve as submitted. Commissioner Marts seconded
the motion and it carried unanimously.
VH. OTHER -
A. Planning Director Jerry Herman asked the Commission if they wished to hold
their December 22, 1992 meeting. Following discussion, it was moved by
Commissioner Marrs and seconded by Commissioner Adolph to cancel the
Planning Commission meeting of December 22, 1992. Unanimously approved.
B. Planning Department Secretary Betty Anthony reminded the Commission of the
Art in Public Places meeting to be held December 3, 1992, at the La Quinta
Middle School at 7:00 P.M.
A motion was made by Commissioner Marrs and seconded by Chairwoman Barrows to adjourn
this regular meeting of the Planning Commission to a regular meeting on December 8, 1992,
at 7:00 P.M. at the La Quinta City Hall Council Chambers. This meeting of
the La Quinta Planning Commission was adjourned at 11:26 P.M., November 24, 1992.
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