PCMIN 04 13 1993 PLANNING COMMISSION- CITY OF LA QUINTA
A regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall
78-105 Calle Estado, La Quinta, California
April 13, 1993 7:00 P.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER
A. The meeting was called to order at 7:08 P.M. by Chairwoman Barrows and
Commissioner Mosher led the flag salute.
H. ROLL CALL
A. Chairwoman Barrows requested the roll call. Present: Commissioners Mosher,
Ellson, Marts, Adolph, and Chairwoman Barrows.
B. Staff Present: Planning Director Jerry Herman, Principal Planner Stan Sawa, and
Department Secretary Betty Anthony.
HI. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Zoning Ordinance Amendment 93-032; a request of the City for an amendment
to the R-1 Zoning Ordinance.
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. He further explained the changes made to Exhibit "A".
2. Commissioner Ellson inquired why two acres were required to have
sheep. Commissioner Adolph questioned why only rabbits or chicks.
Why could a property owner not have both. Discussion followed
regarding the limitations on sheep, chickens, rabbits, etc.
3. Commissioner Ellson asked about building heights and lot lines. Staff
stated the Commission could make any changes they so desired.
Discussion followed regarding building heights.
-- 4. Chairwoman Barrows opened the public heating and as no one wished to
speak, closed the public heating.
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April 13, 1993
5. Commissioners discussed with Staff possible building heights. Following
the discussion, Commissioner Ellson moved and Commissioner Mosher
seconded a motion to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 93-009
recommending approval of Zoning Ordinance Amendment 93-032, R-1
Zone, to the City Council with the following changes:
a. The noncommercial keeping of horses, sheep, or goats provided
they are kept not less than one hundred feet from any street and
fifty feet from any property line. A maximum of two horses,
sheep, goats, or any combination thereof up to two animals per lot
shall be allowed.
b. Building height shall not exceed two stories, with a maximum
height of 28-feet.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Mosher,
Ellson, Marrs, Adolph, &
Chairwoman Barrows. NOES:
None. ABSENT: None.
ABSTAINING: None.
B. Plot Plan 93-495; a request of Simon Plaza for approval to develop a mixed use
commercial project consisting of a four story office building, a 44-lane bowling
alley, fitness center, restaurant or bank, eye institute or office, parking structure,
and related parking.
1. Chairwoman Barrows stated the applicant had requested a continuance of
the project. She opened the public hearing and asked if anyone wished to
speak regarding the project.
2. Mr. Paul Fisher, representing Desert Outdoor Advertising, stated their
concern that their parcel (604-050-001) would be of no value should the
project be approved as their would not be enough land left to build upon.
Planning Director Jerry Herman stated the proposed development does not
include Desert Outdoor Advertising property. The City is trying to
acquire the land for the necessary right-of-way for Washington/Highway
111 widening to accommodate the turning movement.
3. There being no further discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Man's
and seconded by Commissioner Ellson to continue this matter to May 11,
1993.
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ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Mosher,
Ellson, Marrs, Adolph, &
Chairwoman Barrows. NOES:
None. ABSENT: None.
ABSTAINING: None.
C. Public Use Permit 93-014; a request of PacTel Cellular for approval to operate
a 116-foot high monopole for cellular telephone use and 12' X 30' support
building.
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. Chairwoman Barrows opened the public hearing. Mr. Bob Ballmaier,
representing PacTel Cellular addressed the Commission.
3. Commissioner Marts questioned Mr. Ballmaier about meeting their own
conditions for site approval. Mr. Ballmaier stated that no site would be
-- able to meet all the conditions. Their objective was to locate with the
least amount of objections. Commissioner Marrs stated it would be
difficult for the developer to sell homes with the monopole in this
location. Mr. Ballmaier stated he had contacted Landmark Land but they
had stated there was no land available.
4. Chairwoman Barrows asked Mr. Ballmaier to identify the site locations in
Indian Wells and Thousand Palms. Mr. Ballmaier stated he did not have
that information with him and was unable to do so. Discussion followed
regarding the present site locations.
5. Commissioner Ellson asked why the monopole was needed. Mr.
Ballmaier explained the need to improve service and to meet the Public
Utilities Commission requirements. She then inquired if there were
competitors who would be wanting the same request. Mr. Ballmaier
stated that was possible. Questions followed regarding other locations and
the City's emergency services.
6. Mr. Dick McKnickie, representing Imperial Irrigation District, stated that
PacTel enhanced their services. Their tower ranged between 150'-200'
and was located on 58th Avenue.
7. Commissioner Adolph asked Mr. McKnickie if there were any lights on
the pole. Mr. McKnickie stated it met the Federal Communications
Commission requirements. Mr. McKnickie stated that when they annexed
to the City they asked that no undue restrictions be placed on their site.
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8. Chairwoman Barrows asked why the monopole could not be located on the
property on 58th Avenue. Mr. Ballmaier stated that through all their
testing, the proposed site was the best location. An alternate site could
actually hurt the system.
9. Mr. Forrest Haag, representing Landmark l.and Company stated his
objections to the project.
10. Commissioner Mosher asked if the original conditions were signed. Mr.
Haag stated they were.
11. Mr. Ballmaier stated there were no recorded CC & R's and the agreement
was with IID.
12. Commissioner Man's stated that even though the proposed use may be
safe, it would be difficult to sell homes with the tower in their back yard.
He further stated he had no objection to the need, but the location needed
to be moved. Chairwoman Barrows agreed with Commissioner Marrs and
asked Staff if alternate sites could be located.
13. Commissioner Mosher stated that there existed a need to accommodate
utility companies, but in this instance a different location was needed.
14. Mr. Ballmaier stated his concern that the system is a network and it will
pull from other networks to handle the load and eventually it will
overload.
15. Commissioner Adolph inquired if PacTel could utilize the IID tower at
58th Avenue. Mr. Ballmaier stated the system would not tolerate any
further distance.
16. Commissioners discussed with Staff and Mr. Ballmaier alternate sites and
the problems incurred by the proposed site.
17. There being no further discussion, Chairwoman Barrows closed the public
hearing. Commissioner Adolph moved and Commissioner Marrs
seconded a motion to adopt Minute Motion 93-015 denying the project
based on the following findings:
a. The proposed use has been determined to be detrimental to the
health, safety, and welfare of the community.
b. The monopole has been determined to be not compatible with
surrounding land uses and approved residential development.
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c. The resulting installation of an 116 foot high pole would be
incompatible with the existing low profile utility equipment of
Imperial Irrigation District (IID).
d. The monopole is detrimental to the positive aesthetic quality of the
area due to its negative impact on the overall panoramic view.
e. The proposed location does not comply with the applicant's own
criteria which indicates that the use should be in an area with the
least population density and/or property that will provide natural
screening to the public at large.
IV. PUBLIC COMMENT: None
V. BUSINF3S SESSION:
A. Specific Plan 89-014; a request of Transpacific Development Company for
approval of an amendment to the approved sign program.
-- 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 Adolph asked if any further monument signs would be
permitted. Staff stated no further would be allowed.
3. Mr. Colm Macken, representing TDC explained why they were making
the request.
4. Commissioners discussed with Staff and Mr. Macken the monument signs
there were presently on Highway 111 and the tenants that would be listed.
5. Following the discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Mosher and
seconded by Commissioner Ellson to adopt Minute Motion 93-016
approving the amendment to the sign program as requested with the
understanding that no further sign adjustments of this nature would be
approved. Unanimously approved.
B. Sign Application 93-207; a request of Clothestime for approval of a deviation
from the sign program at One Eleven La Quinta Center to allow corporate
-- signage.
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.
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2. There being no questions, it was moved by Commissioner Mosher and
seconded by Commissioner Adolph to adopt Minute Motion 93-017
approving Sign Application 93-207 as requested. Unanimously approved.
C. Specific Plan 84-003; a request of Cusack Radaker Development Company for
approval of a one year extension of time.
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 if specific plans had any limitations as
to how long they could be extended for. Staff explained.
3. Mr. Gary Lohman, representing Cusack Radaker Development stated the
reason for their request.
4. Commissioner Mosher asked Mr. Lohman if there were any objections to
any of the Conditions of Approval. Mr. Lohman stated they were
concerned that if any of the conditions had been met they would not be
required to resubmit (Conditions//5, 6, 7, ll.e., ll.f., ll.g., ll.b., 17).
Staff stated they would not be required to resubmit for condition that have
been satisfied.
5. Commissioner Adolph asked Mr. Lohman how viable the hotel was. Mr.
Lohman stated it was feasible and discussed the various studies that had
been completed on the project. Discussion of room rates followed.
6. Commissioner Ellson asked what was happening with the trees. Mr.
Lohman stated that as many trees as possible would be retained.
7. There being no further discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Mosher
and seconded by Commissioner Adolph to adopt Minute Motion 93-018
approving Specific Plan 84-003, two year extension of time and subject
to the Conditions of Approval. Unanimously approved.
D. General Plan Consistency Finding; a request of Coachella Valley Water District
for review of General Plan consistency for their project on Fred Waring Drive
east of Dune Palms Road.
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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. Following discussion regarding location, it was moved by Commissioner
Ellson and seconded by Commissioner Marrs to adopt Minute Motion 93-
019 approving the General Plan Consistency Finding for the Coachella
Valley Water District project. Unanimously approved.
E. Street Vacation 93-024; a request of the city to vacate the south half of Calle
Tampico from Eisenhower Drive to its westerly terminus (Avenida Carranza).
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. Chairwoman Barrows inquired of Staff if the comer lots would get half
of the vacated portion and the bike path the other half. Staff stated they
would.
3. There being no further questions, it was moved by Commissioner Marrs
and seconded by Commissioner Adolph to adopt Minute Motion 93-020
approving Street Vacation 93-024. Unanimously approved.
F. Resolution to Merge Redevelopment Area #1 and #20; a request of the City to
approve the preliminary plans for the merged La Quinta Redevelopment Project.
1. Planning Director Jerry Herman introduced Mr. Frank Spevacek with
RSG who presented the staff report. A copy of which is on file in the
Planning and Development Department.
2. Commissioner Ellson asked if the funds would be distributed over the total
area rather than one. Mr. Spevacek went on to explain the distribution
and answer further questions of the Commission regarding income and the
advantages of the merging.
3. There being no further discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Mosher
and seconded by Commissioner Ellson to adopt Planning Commission
Resolution 93-010 recommending approval to the City Council as
submitted.
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ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Mosher,
Ellson, Marts, Adolph, &
Chairwoman Barrows. NOES:
None. ABSENT: None.
ABSTAINING: None.
VI. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Commissioners asked that the Minutes of March 23, 1993, be amended on Page
3 to show that Chairwoman Barrows abstained from voting; that Audrey
Ostrowsky be noted under public comment as a property owner; and on Page 5,
Item 6.a. a spelling correction. Commissioner Mosher moved and Commissioner
Adolph seconded a motion to approved the Minutes as amended. Unanimously
approved.
VH. OTHER- None
VHI. ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Commissioner Adolph and seconded by Commissioner Marrs to adjourn
this regular meeting of the Planning Commission to a regular meeting on April 27, 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 9:01 P.M., April 13, 1993.
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