PCMIN 02 23 1993 CC
MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION- CITY OF LA QUINTA
A regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall
78-105 Calle Estado, La Quinta, California
February 23, 1993 7:00 P.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER
A. The meeting was called to order at 7:03 P.M. by Chairwoman Barrows who led
the flag salute.
II. ROLL CALL
A. Chairwoman Barrows requested the roll call. Present: Commissioners Mosher,
Ellson, Marrs, A<lolph, and Chairwoman Barrows.
B. Staff Present: Planning Director Jerry Herman, Principal Planner Start Sawa,
Associate Planner Greg Trousdell, and Department Secretary Betty Anthony.
III. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Tentative Tract 26444, Extension #1; a request of La Quinta Estates Partnership
for approval of a one year extension of time for a subdivision of approximately
32 acres into 98 single family lots.
1. Associate Planner Leslie Cherry presented the information contained in the
Staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Planning and Development
Department.
2. Commissioner Marrs inquired about the school fees being increased. Staff
explained why the fees had been increased.
3. Following the discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Mosher and
seconded by Commissioner Marrs to adopt Resolution 93-005
recommending to the City Council approval of one year extension of time
for Tentative Tract 26444, Extension #1.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Mosher,
Ellson, Marrs, Adolph, &
Chairwoman Barrows. NOES:
None. ABSENT: None.
ABSTAINING: None.
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B. General Plan Amendment 92-041. Preannexation Zoning 93-073. Sphere of
Influence g9, and Annexation gg; a request of Travertine Corporation to amend
the La Quinta General Plan Land Use and Circulation Map adding a new area for
a Sphere of Influence and Annexation and designating the new area as Low
Density Residential and Open Space, and zoning the area R-1 and HC (Hillside
Conservation).
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.
2. Commissioner Ellson asked Staff to clarify the County zoning and projects
they had approved for the area.
3. Commissioner Adolph stated his concern that if the property was not
annexed, the County could zone the property for whatever density they
desired. Staff clarified the annexation process and what the City proposed
to zone the property as.
4. There being no further questions of Staff, Chairwoman Barrows opened
the public hearing. Commissioner Adolph asked Mr. Berkey if he
intended to parcel/sell off any of the land. Mr. Berkey stated he did not
have any plans for the land.
5. Ms. Kathryn Kelly, representing the Sierra Club, stated her concern that
the annexation could affect the future of the existing trails and the
environmental damage that could take place if an environmental analysis
is not done. Commissioner Ellson asked Ms. Kelly to identify the trails.
6. Ms. Bern Schwenn, representing the Coachella Valley Natural History
Association, identified the trails for the Commissioners. Ms. Schwenn
went on to explain to the Commissioners the problems that could be
imposed on the public for accessibility, the danger to the different animal
species that exist, and her concern for the zoning density that was
proposed.
7. Commissioner Adolph questioned Ms. Schwenn as to whether she was
opposed to the annexation or the zoning. Ms. Schwenn stated she had no
objection to the annexation but wanted to be sure that a complete
environmental assessment was done on the area. She felt that if a
Negative Declaration was passed on the area that when a project was
proposed for the area, an environmental assessment would not be done.
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8. Commissioner Ellsonas~ 'Ms, Schwenn what she would suggest the City
do to protect the area. Ms. Schwenn stated she felt the Federal
government should buy the land and/or acquire easements.
9. Commissioner Mosher stated he felt that an extensive environmental
impact report was premature at this time. The City should wait for a
· development application in order to determine what the affect on the
environment would be at that time. Staff clarified for those attending
what a negative declaration and environmental impact report were and
how and when they are completed.
10. Mr. Hal Summers, La Quinta resident representing the Coachella Valley
Hiking Club, stated his concern about the zoning and the possible loss
and/or access to the trails.
11. Commissioner Ellson asked Staff if development of the area would
improve the roads and open the area up for more traffic to the trails.
Staff explained that a project would bring access to the area but would not
guarantee that accessibility to the trails would be provided.
12. Mr. Paul Leyn, property owner in the annexation area, stated that some
consideration should be given to the property owners to allow them to
develop their land as they desire.
13. Mr. Richard Meyer, property owner in Section 33, stated he supported the
annexation and also wanted to preserve the hiking trails and felt the area
would be better served by the City of La Quinta rather than the County.
14. Mr. Jack Becker, property owner in Sections 33, 3, and 32, stated his
support of the annexation as he felt it would give the City better control
over what happened to the land. He further stated that these property
owners put their money into this land in hopes of being able to someday
develop the property as an investment~
15. Mr. Roger Downing, property owner in the annexation area, stated that
he had tried to construct a road to his property under the County but was
unable to get approval. He stated he was in favor of the annexation but
wanted very low density.
16. Mr. Sean Abaii, property owner of 160 acres to the southeast of the area,
stated his support of the annexation.
17. Mr. Steve Merritt, property owner in the annexation area, stated his
support of the annexation.
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? 18. There being no further public comment, Chairwoman Barrows closed the
public hearing.
19. Commissioner Adolph asked Staff if the area had to be rezoned. Staff
stated yes and explained the. annexation and prezoning process.
Commissioners discussed with the Staff the reasons for zoning and filing
a negative declaration at this time. Commissioner Ellson inquired if there
was a way to add a stipulation to require protection of the trails and
wilderness. Staff stated a policy could be made in the General Plan to
flag this.
20. Commissioner Mosher stated he felt language should be added to protect
the trails.
21. Commissioner Ellson moved and Commissioner Adolph seconded a
motion to continue this matter to their next meeting of March 23, 1993,
in order to give Staff time to review ways of protecting the trails and
wilderness in the area. Unanimously approved.
Chairwoman Barrows recessed the meeting from 8:48 P.M. to 8:52 P.M.
C. Zoning Ordinance Amendment 93-033; a request of the City to amend the
Municipal Code (Title 9, Planning and Zoning) pertaining to screening and/or
prohibition of roof mounted mechanical and similar equipment in commercial and
residential zones.
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 Marrs asked Staff asked if the existing equipment and
satellite dishes would be grandfathered. Staff stated that satellite dishes
would be addressed separately at a later time.
3. There being no further questions of Staff, Chairwoman Barrows opened
the public hearing. There being no one wishing to speak on the subject,
Chairwoman Barrows closed the public hearing.
4. Commissioner Mosher moved and Commissioner Adolph seconded a
motion to adopt Resolution 93-006 recommending to the City Council
approval of Zoning Ordinance Amendment 93-033 regarding screening
and/or prohibition of roof mounted and ground installed mechanical and
similar equipment and confirmation of the environmental determination.
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ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Mosher,
Ellson, Marts, Adolph, &
Chairwoman Barrows. NOES:
None. ABSENT: None.
ABSTAINING: None.
IV. PUBLIC COMMENT: - None
V. BUSINESS SESSION:
A. Continued General Plan Consistency Finding for Coachella Valley Water District;
a request of the Coachella Valley Water District for General Plan Consistency
Finding for CVWD projects.
1. Mr. John Corella, Domestic Engineer representing CVWD, explained that
the District had 9 wells that pump to a main reservoir off Bermudas and
they will be working with the City on the aesthetics and street
improvements regarding the construction of the projects. He stated that
the proposed reservoir would be below grade level visually; the reservoir
would have a berm if it is visible; and they will submit plans to the City
when CVWD proposes to build. They are looking into the erosion of the
current berm to see why the well is now visible.
2. Commissioner Adolph asked if the pumping stations are above ground.
Mr. Corella stated they were and went on to explain the process. He
stated the well sites are usually a half acre in size and soundproofed to
ambient level at the perimeter wall.
3. Commissioner Ellson asked if the landscaping would be replaced on the
existing and future sites. Mr. Corella stated they would plant native
landscaping.
4. Chairwoman Barrows stated she would like to see native landscaping used
in all instances. She further stated her concern about the new roads being
constructed. Mr. Corella stated they will be using the existing roads
except for the lower well which will have some scaring but the alternative
would be to create a new site for the well which would create a greater
disturbance.
5. Commissioner Mosher asked if the system was a gravity flow. Mr.
~ Corella stated it was.
6. Discussion followed between the Commissioners and Mr. Corella
regarding the operation of the reservoirs.
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7. Following the discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Mosher and
seconded by Commissioner Man's to adopt Minute Motion 93-012
determining that the projects as proposed by CVWD are consistent with
the General Plan. Unanimously approved.
B. Street Vacation 93-023; a request of Keith Companies to vacate Wagon Road and
a public easement in favor of the Southern Pacific Land Company south of 52nd
Avenue, east of the Coachella Canal.
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.
2. Commissioner Ellson inquired about a discrepancy in the maps. Staff
stated they were an earlier version.
3. There being no further discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Ellson
and seconded by Commissioner Adolph to adopt Minute Motion 93-013
approving Street Vacation 93-023 as being in compliance with the General
Plan and the Vista Santa Rosa Specific Plan. Unanimously approved.
VI. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Commissioner Ellson asked that the Minutes of February 9, 1993, be amended
on Page 6, Item #B to read" .... of colors being installed throughout the City and
there should be some way of requiring the shopping centers to have the centers
exterior colors neutral." There being no further corrections, it was moved by
Commissioner Marrs and seconded by Commissioner Ellson to approved the
Minutes as amended. Unanimously approved.
VII. OTHER- None
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Commissioner Adolph and seconded by Commissioner Mosher to
adjourn this regular meeting of the Planning Commission to a regular meeting on March 23,
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 9:34 P.M., February 23, 1993.
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