PCMIN 01 26 1993 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 26, 1993 7:00 P.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER
A. The meeting was called to order at 7:04 P.M. by Chairwoman Barrows;
Commissioner Ellson led the flag salute.
H. ROLL CALL
A. Chairwoman Barrows requested the roll call. Present: Commissioners Mosher,
Ellson, Man's, Adolph, and Chairwoman Barrows.
B. Staff Present: Planning Director Jerry Herman and Principal Planner Start Sawa,
Associate Planner Greg Trousdcll, Associate Planner Leslie Blodgett, and
Department Secretary Betty Anthony.
III. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Continued public hearing on Zoning Ordinance Amendment 92-029; a request of
the City to amend Chapter 9.117 Overlay Zone for Equestrian Uses on Smaller
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 questioned Staff regarding a foal needing as much
space as a full grown horse. Staff pointed out that a foal for the first six
months will be beside the mother and is as a general rule considered to be
a full grown horse until one year of age.
3. Commissioners questioned why Staff had lowered the 1.5 acre minimum
to one acre. Staff stated that appeared to be the market in that area at
present. Discussion followed regarding how much space would
accommodate how many horses. Following the discussion, it was
suggested that for a one acre parcel the maximum number of horses would
be two, but for each additional acre, five horses per acre would be
allowed.
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4. There being no further questions of Staff, Chairwoman Barrows opened
the public hearing. Mr. Sonny Kanlian, Jefferson Street property owner,
presented a letter from himself and neighbors to the Commission asking
that the limit be established at two horses per acre, that all horses be
phased out in five years, and other requirements regarding maintenance.
Commissioner Adolph asked Mr. Kanlian who the other neighbors were.
Mr. Kanlian stated Mr. Hansch, Mr. Fraser, and Mr. Radaker.
5. Mrs. Kathy Cole, 50th Avenue property owner, stated her concern
regarding the fencing requirements. Commissioner Adolph informed Mrs.
Cole this would refer to any new construction. All existing fences would
be grandfathered in.
6. Ms. Melitis Forster, 50th Avenue property owner, stated her agreement
with the Commission on the two horses per acre and five for each
additional acre.
7. Mrs. Wanda Reese, 50th Avenue property owner, stated her agreement
with the two horses per acre and five for each additional acre.
Chairwoman Barrows asked Mrs. Reese how many horses she currently
had. Mrs. Reese stated she believed at present there were 26 horses on
14 acres. Commissioner Ellson asked Mrs. Reese how many horses
would be adequate for one acre. Mrs. Reese stated three would be
comfortable but it depended on the size and condition of the land.
8. Mr. Robert Kuhl, Monroe Street property owner, stated he felt the
minimum lot size should be 3 acres. Commissioner Marts stated his
concern that this would eliminate the family who owned one acre from
having thek one or two horses. Mr. Kuhl agreed with Commissioner
Man's and reconsidered the one acre minimum as acceptable.
9. Mr. Kanlian, stated his problem with his neighbor flood irrigating his
pastures and the erosion that took place on his driveway due to the water
and gophers. He felt the fence should be setback 15 feet from the
property line. Discussion followed regarding fencing on the property line.
10. Mrs. Cole, stated they had taken all the measures they could to control the
water problem with Mr. Kanlian.
11. There being no further public comment, Chairwoman Barrows closed the
public hearing.
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12. Commissioners discussed with Staff what is allowed in the R-1 Zone
versus the Overlay Zone. Discussion followed regarding the number of
horses that should be allowed on an acre and the fencing that would be
appropriate.
13. Following the discussion, Commissioner Adolph moved and
Commissioner Mosher seconded a motion to adopt Planning Commission
Resolution 93-001 recommending to the City Council confirmation of the
Environmental Determination and adoption of Zoning Ordinance 92-029,
Overlay Zone for Equestrian Uses on Smaller Lots, subject to an
amendment regarding the number of horses per acre as noted above.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Mosher,
Ellson, Marrs, Adolph, &
Chairwoman Barrows. NOES:
None. ABSENT: None.
ABSTAINING: None.
B. Continued Public Hearing on Change of Zone 92-073; a request of the City to
add the Equestrian Overlay Zone District designation to existing zoning
designations in order to create two new Districts.
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 asked Staff if a trail system could be incorporated
into the Canal system. Staff stated not at this time.
3. There being no further questions of Staff, Chairwoman Barrows opened
the public hearing. Mrs. Cathy Cole, 50th Avenue property owner, stated
her request to have the Overlay in her area.
4. Ms. Melitis Forster, 50th Avenue property owner, stated her support of
the Overlay for her area and thanked Staff for their work.
5. Mr. Sonny Kanlian, Jefferson Street property owner, stated his opposition
to the Overlay District being placed in District//3. He felt this was a
different type of area and was not conducive to horses. He further stated
that he would like to have the Overlay include that if the Overlay was
approved the property owners could not sell the property as horse
property. He then elaborated on the amount of manure generated by the
horses and his concern for the water table dropping.
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6. Mr. Bob Kuhl, Monroe Street property owner, stated his support of the
Overlay Zone.
7. Mr. Gary Lohman, representing Mr. Radaker, 50th Avenue property
owner, stated his support of the Overlay District except for//3 due to the
amount of commercial development that was planned for this area.
8. Ms. Kay Menefee, Indio resident boards horse on 50th Avenue, supports
the Overlay Zone.
9. Mrs. Wanda Reese, 50th Avenue property owner, stated her support of
the Overlay District as she would like to continue the lifestyle she is
currently living. She further stated that this was not an isolated strip of
horses. She noted that on both sides of 50th Avenue residents had horses.
10. Mrs. Julie Reeske, La Quinta resident and trainer for horses in EOD #3,
stated her support of the Overlay District. If EOD #3 was not allowed
she would be without a job.
11. Mrs. Cathy Cole, 50th Avenue property owner, stated she wanted to -
continue her lifestyle and she felt that horses could co-exist in a residential
area. In addition, she did not want to lose the rural atmosphere of the
12. There being no further public comment, Chairwoman Barrows closed the
public hearing.
13. Commissioner Adolph asked Staff if trails would be incorporated into
EOD #3 and tie into the Madison Street system. Staff stated that at the
present they were not planned for in this area. The General Plan would
have to be amended to show this. Staff further stated that Indio had a trail
system planned for the north side of 50th Avenue.
14. Commissioner Ellson stated that she did not feel the Commission should
determine the outcome of individual property owners property.
Economics would eventually determine the future of the property.
15. Commissioner Mosher addressed the proposal that would have provided
that if present owners subject to the Equestrian Overlay, should sell their
property the equestrian use would cease and in any event after five years
of equestrian use the property would revert to R-1 zoning. Commissioner
Mosher expressed his opinion that imposing what amounted to life estate
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on pcol~aty would go beyond the police power of the City and would
undoub~dly prove to be illegal.
16. Chairwoman Barrows stated her support of the EOD for this area and the
continued rural lifestyle that exists.
17. There being no further discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Mosher
and ~__~cconded by Commissioner Ellson to adopt Planning Commission
Resolmion 93-002 recommending approval of the Environmental
Dete~on and adoption of Change of Zone 92-073, as proposed.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Mosher,
Ellson, Marrs, Adolph, &
Chairwoman Barrows. NOES:
None. ABSENT: None.
ABSTAINING: None.
Planning Commissioners took a break 8:57-9:04 P.M.
C. Continued Public Heating on Specific Plan 92-022 and Plot Plan 92-490-
Jefferson Sql; a request of EFP Corporation (Ed Carnes) for approval of
development s:andards for a future shopping center and to develop a +251,550
sq. ft. commevzial shopping center on a portion of a +23 acre site.
1. Associae 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. Commis6oner Mosher asked if the items Council and the Design Review
Board ~quired to be addressed had been answered. Staff stated that with
the new drawings they had been addressed.
3. Comm~oner Ellson asked Staff to clarify the southerly a~ right turn-
in only on Jefferson Street. Staff stated that the Engineering Department
had made a change and that in the Conditions of Approval 41.C. should
be deleaed and 42.C. should be changed to read, 'Applicant shall provide
signage and traffic control devices along entry drives as required by the
City ~eer."
4. Commi,~x-ioner Adolph asked Staff if the driveways on Highway 111 had
been approved by Caltrans. Staff stated they had been approved.
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5. There being no further questions of Staff Chairwoman Barrows opened the
public hearing. Mr. Michael Hurst, architect for the project, addressed
the Commission regarding each of the issues raised by the City Council
and the Design Review Board.
6. Following the discussion regarding each of the issues, Commissioner
Mosher asked Mr. Hurst if they had any objections to the Staff's
Conditions of Approval. Mr. Hurst replied they did not.
7. Commissioner Ellson stated her concern for the signage colors. Mr.
Hurst stated that their plans were to require standarization of signs. She
further asked if the neon tubing would be exposed. Mr. Hurst stated it
would not be exposed.
8. Commissioner Adolph stated his concern regarding the blue tile on the
columns. He felt it was too strong and should be made smaller so as not
to dominate.
9. There being no further public comment, Chairwoman Barrows closed the
public hearing.
10. Commissioners discussed with Staff the wording in the Conditions of
Approval regarding the 'exposed' neon tubing. Following the discussion,
it was determined that the word Nexposed. would be eliminated from the
conditions. In addition, Condition 41.C.1. would be eliminated and
renumbered, and Condition 42.C. would be changed to read as stated
above.
11. Following the discussion, Commissioner Mosher moved and
Commissioner Ellson seconded a motion to adopt Planning Commission
Resolution 93-003 recommending to the City Council approval of the
Environmental Declaration and approving Specific Plan 92-022 and Plot
Plan 92-490 subject to the revised conditions as stated above.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Mosher,
Marrs,& Chairwoman Barrows.
NOES: Commissioners Ellson &
Adolph. ABSENT: None.
ABSTAINING: None.
D. Plot Plan 92-494 - The Lube Shop; a request of The Lube Shop (Peter Sturgeon)
for approval of building plans for a lube shop and coin operated self ear wash in
the One Eleven Shopping Center.
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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. Commissioner Ellson asked Staff why the utility lines could not be
undergrounded. Staff replied that Imperial Irrigation would not
underground any power lines of this size.
3. Commissioner Ellson inquired about screening of the bays on the south
side. Staff stated that the doors would roll up during the day and the
Adams Street side had landscaping. Staff further stated that the sign color
and sign program would be submitted at a later date.
4. There being no further questions of Staff, Chairwoman Barrows opened
the public hearing. Mr. Peter Sturgeon, owner, stated the building would
conform to the shopping center requirements for parking, signage, and
colors. He further stated that the employees would be parking in the
centers employee parking area.
5. Commissioner Adolph asked what the ground surface of the car wash
consisted of. Mr. Sturgeon stated it was concrete with metal roll-up
overhead doors painted to match the building.
6. Mr. Gary Knutson, architect for the project, explained to the
Commissioners the landscaping plan.
7. Commissioner Adolph asked what the hours of operation would be. Mr.
Sturgeon stated they were open fill 5:30 P.M. on weekdays, 5:00 P.M.
on Saturday, and closed on Sunday. The car wash, as it was self
operated, was open 24-hours a day.
8. Commissioner Adolph asked how the hoses would be kept. Mr. Sturgeon
stated they were on reels in the ceiling.
9. There being no further public comment, Chairwoman Barrows closed the
public hearing.
10. There being no discussion, Commissioner Mosher moved and
Commissioner Marrs seconded a motion to adopt Minute Motion 93-006
approving the Negative Declaration of Environmental Impacts and Plot
-- Plan 92-494, subject to conditions. Unanimously approved.
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IV. PUBUC COMMENT: - None
V. BUSINESS SESSION:
A. Minor Temporary Outdoor Event 92-045 (Amendment g2); a request of
Thunderbird Artists (Judi Combs) for amendment to dates for fine art shows.
1. Principal Planner Start Sawa presented the information regarding additional
requested show dates contained in the Staff report, a copy of which is on
file in the Planning and Development Department.
2. Commissioner Adolph asked Staff if they anticipated any problems. Staff
stated there had never been any and they did not anticipate any problems.
3. Chairwoman Barrows requested Condition 20 be eliminated allowing the
screening to be removed and allow the artists to utilize the entire area for
their display observing the required setback from Highway 111.
Chairwoman Barrows and other commissioners felt that the screen
provided as much, if not more, a distraction as not having any screening.
4. There being no further comment, Commissioner Marrs moved and
Commissioner Ellson seconded a motion to adopt Minute Motion 93-007
approving Minor Temporary Outdoor Event 92-045, Amendment fi2,
subject to the revised conditions.
B. Street Vacation 93-022; a request of the City to vacate Avenida Buena Ventura
and a public alley between Avenida Bermudas and Desert Club Drive.
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. Mr. Herman further informed the Commission that General
Telephone, Imperial Irrigation, and Palmer Cable had lines in the alley
and these would have to be addressed.
2. There being no questions of Staff, Commissioner Mosher moved and
Commissioner Ellson seconded a motion to adopt Minute Motion 93-008
adopting findings that the vacation of the street and alley is in compliance
with the adopted La Quinta General Plan and the downtown Village
Specific Plan. Unanimously approved.
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VI. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Commissioner E11son asked that Mrs. Reese be changed to Mr. Reese on pages
6. There being no further corrections Commissioner Ellson moved that the
Minutes of January 12, 1993, be approved as submitted. Commissioner Ma'rs
seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.
VII. OTHER
A. Planning Director Jerry Herman discussed the League of California Cities
Planners Institute with the Commissioners. Those attending would notify Staff
as soon as possible if they were attending.
VIII. AD.IOURNMENT
A motion was made by Commissioner Marts and seconded by Commissioner Adolph to adjourn
this regular meeting of the Planning Commission to a regular meeting on February 9, 1993, at
7:00 P.M. at the La Quinta City Hall Council Chambers. This meeting of
the La Quinta Planning Commission was adjourned at 10:19 P.M., January 26, 1993.
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