PCMIN 04 11 1995 CC
MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall
75-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA
April 11, 1995 3:00 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
A. This meeting of the Planning Commission was called to order at 3:00 P.M. by
Chairman Adolph. Commissioner Butler led the flag salute.
II. ROLL CALL
A. Chairman Adolph requested the roll call: Present: Commissioners Abels,
Anderson, Butler, Gardner, Newkirk, and Chairman Adolph.
B. Commissioner Butler moved to excuse Commissioner Barrows. Commissioner
Abels seconded the motion and it was unanimous.
C. Staff Present: Community Development Director Jerry Herman, City
Attorney Dawn Honeywell, Principal Planner Stan Sawa, Associate Planners
Greg Trousdell and Leslie Mouriquand, and Department Secretary Betty
Sawyer.
HI. PUBLIC COMMENT - None
IV. WORKSHOP
A. Zoning Ordinnnce Update: a request of staff for Planning Commission review
of proposed changes to the Zoning Ordinance.
1. Principal Planner Stan Sawa presented the information contained in
the staff report, a copy of which is on fie in the Community
Development Department. In addition, corrections that were made at
the prior meeting were reviewed and the sections to be discussed were
stated.
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2. Following a brief summary by the Larry Lawrence, Lawrence
Associates, consultants preparing the Zoning Ordinance Update,
Commissioners discussed the changes with staff and the consultants.
The following changes were made:
a. Section 9.60.030 Fences and Walls: reword the definition, add
"finish grade at the base of the fence" to measurement of fence
height, and clarify opening railings and fences less than 30-
inches. Under setback areas add City "or state" required, add
"c' to visibility at intersections. Eliminate "D" regarding
Adjustments for Height Increases. Revise and add to E.2-wood
fencing, E.4-Masonry Fencing, E.5-Material Combinations, and
E.6-Gates. Add to F-Fence Landscaping and Maintenance.
Edit and add to G-Prohibited Fence Materials.
b. Section 9.60.040. Patio Covers, Decks, and Play Equipment.
Add "uncovered decks and other structures less than 18-
inches...'' to A-Applicability. Change 3-feet to "3-1/2 feet from
any property line" to B.4. Eliminate C-Adjustments.
c. Section 9.60.050. Storage and Other Accessory Buildings.
Eliminate E-Adjustments.
d. Section 9.60.060. Garages and Carports. Add reference to
circular driveways and add the maximum height of detached
garages.
e. Section 9.60.070. Swimming Pools. B.1-Location revise to
allow "0" setback for pools within a gated community.
f. Section 9.60.100. Guest Houses. D.l-add detached guest
houses, and eliminate
g. Section 9.60.120. Pets and Other Animals. Add "other than
dog runs" to first sentence.
h. Section 9.60.130. Recreational Vehicle Parking. Eliminate
"vehicle designed and used for temporary inhabitation" from
B.Definitions. Edit C.1 regarding uses permitted in which
zones, and add screening requirements to C.6.
3. City Attorney Dawn Honeywell asked that Page 21 under Definitions
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the words "hedge or thick growth of trees" should be deleted and add
thick growth or shrubs of trees.
4. Commissioner Butler asked that the def'mitions on pedestrian and auto
access gates be expanded and clarified.
5. Commissioners Butler and Gardner discussed the pros and cons of
wood fencing and the burden of the expense of concrete fences.
6. Commissioner Anderson stated he was comfortable with improving, the
standard of wood fences. Commissioners discussed the problems that
could still be incurred.
7. Discussion followed regarding how to provide for vehicle access and
pedestrian gates.
8. Commissioner Anderson stated he did not think access gates should be
allowed in a sideyard less than 12-feet.
9. City Attorney Dawn Honeywell asked that verbiage be added to Section
9.60.030(C)(3)(e) to include the word City "and State". In addition,
Section 9.60.030(D) would require a variance and should be deleted.
Discussion followed regarding reasons for and against the section and
possible changes.
10. Chairman Adolph asked that on Page 24 - Masonry fences a statement
should be added that requires both sides of a masonry wall must be
stuccoed.
11. Commissioner Butler asked if there was a material that could be
utilized for patio covers that would not warp after the first smnmer -
Section 9.60.040 - Patio Covers.
12. Commissioner Anderson stated there should be no lumber smaller than
3 X 3. Commissioner Butler stated they should be required to be
treated as well. Commissioner Gardner stated there were treated
materials that could be used.
-- 13. Community Development Director Jerry Herman asked that additional
verbiage be added regarding the height of a detached garages.
Discussion followed regarding the height of the garage - should it be as
high or higher than a single story (28') residential unit. Following
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discussion it was determined that detached garages shah be no higher
than 17-feet.
14. Commissioner Adels what the distance was from the property line for
swimming pools. Commissioner Anderson stated no pool could be built
closer than five feet from any power pole. Discussion, already covered
by staff. Consultant Larry Lawrence stated the three feet was there to
allow an area for walking around the pool. Principal Planner Stan
Sawa asked that verbiage be added to clarify location encroachments
15. Chairman Adolph asked if a property owner could have a second
residential unit on a single lot. Staff stated it would require a
conditional use permit and the City has approved one or two.
16. Commissioner Abels asked why the City did not allow cooking facilities
in a 1200 sq. ft. second unit. City Attorney Dawn Honeywell stated it
was to discourage duplexes on a single lot. Commissioners discussed
kitchens as they related to granny fiat or guest houses.
17. Due to the hour, Chairman Adolph continued the Workshop to the
April 25, 1995. The discussion would start with Page 35-Screening.
18. Commissioners Anderson and Abels moved to continue the study.
Unanimously approved.
19. City Attorney Dawn Honeywell stated her concern regarding the
sensitivity expressed about the EIR and the fact that it was prepared
by the developer. State law allowed for the developer to prepare the
EIR but the City must adopt it as your own. She asked that during the
next meeting the Commissioners address their questions to City staff.
All discussion will be between the Commission and staff.
Chairman Adolph recessed the Planing Commission meeting until 7:00 P.M. and reconvened
the meeting at 7:05 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Continued - Specific Plan 94-09.6 - Travertine Specific Plan, General Plan
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Amendment 94-049, Environmental A~e~.~nent 94-9.87.
1. Associate Planner Leslie Mouriquand presented the information
contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on f'de in the
Community Development Department.
Commi~ioner Anderson questioned Condition//29.C as to why the
condition was changed. Senior Engineer Steve Speer stated the City
should have 110-feet wide arterial streets north of 62nd Avenue. He
clarified that the intent of the condition was to only revise the 110 feet
north of 62nd Avenue, adjacent to the project. That part of the
condition that states "to the north end of the facility ....... Avenue 62
to the south end of the maintenance facility should be" be deleted.
3. Commissioner Abels asked if this condition related to the condition on
Page 13. Senior Engineer Steve Speer stated the same language should
be deleted regarding the area north of 62nd Avenue.
4. Commissioner Anderson expressed his concern, that the revised map
contained in Attachment 9, that the area of primary concern was the
trail that is shown running through the southwestern portion of the
Travertine project and along the slope 'of the' Martinez Slide.
Condition//36 is requiring the 100-foot corridor buffer to be the new
golf course. His concern was that these are conflicting uses or at least
overlaid, and not functional. Commissioner Anderson would be in
favor of increasing the buffer at the Martinez Slide location to 400-feet
to the nearest built structure if possible in order to allow 100-feet of
buffer zone for hiking trails, and then 300-feet for the golf course. He
felt it was important to maintain access to the trail as well as the
development.
5. Chairman Adolph introduced Mr. Berkey's letter regarding Travertine
purchasing the land and giving it to the BLM as part of the iandswap.
Chairman Adolph asked staff to identify where the land was located.
Staff explained the property was located in the upper portion of the
Santa Rosa Mountains and that the BLM did retain ownership of the
Martinez Slide.
6. Community Development Director Jerry Herman explained it was the
intent of the applicant to have the access (or trail head) to the Slide on
Jefferson Street.
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7. Commissioner Anderson stated it was important to maintain the buffer
and extend the distance in Conditions #26 and #35. He would like to
see the area maintained. Commissioner Newkirk agreed.
8. Commissioner Gardner asked who would provide signage to the trails
to make the public aware of the Boo Hoff Trail. Staff explained there
was a sign at the true entrance to the Boo Hoff Trail. Staff showed the
location of the sign on the map and stated the City would eventually
mark the trail at the time Jefferson Street is completed.
9. Commissioner Anderson asked if the trail was closed at certain times
of the year or during the lambing season. Staff stated they had no
knowledge of this and he did not believe they would want to have the
lambing season publicly known because hikers might explore the area
more to review this seasonal occurrence.
10. Commissioner Abels stated his concern about the water table. He
referred to a document introduced by Mr. Joseph J. Brecher showing
CVWD water table readings. Commissioner Abels stated he would like
to have more information regarding the water situation in this area.
He felt the document showed more drilling than the Commission was
aware of. Staff stated the purveyor of the site is CVWD and they have
stated in a letter to the City that they were able to provide the project
with water and sewer services. Associate Planner Cherry stated this
data was a portion of a larger report and could be used out of context.
l 1. Commissioner Anderson stated he understood that the golf course and
open space areas could be irrigated with the canal water but, in the
response to concerns, CV~ND stated the Coacheila Canal District water
would be used for these purposes. Staff stated that if the project falls
within this District, it could use the Canal water. Commissioner
Anderson asked if the project was within the District. Staff stated that
part of the project was within the District. Commissioner Anderson
stated there should be a condition requiring the applicant to use the
Canal water. Staff read the condition that applied (Condition #53.F.)
and stated they would amend it to read canal water as well. City
Attorney Dawn Honeywell pointed out that the facilities would need to
be built and the condition does not state who should build the facility.
Staff would need to make it clear in the conditions that if it is needed
the developer should be required to build it.
12. Commissioner Gardner asked about the Statement of Overriding
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Concerns and whether the improvements that are proposed would
improve traffic. Senior Engineer Steve Speer clarified what streets
would be affected. Commt~ioner Gardner asked if there would be an
impact on the existing streets. Staff stated there was an infrastructure
fee in place to handle this off-site problem.
13. Commissioner Gardner asked what the sales increase would be from a
project .of this type and what the cost of servicing it would be.
Community Development Director Jerry Herman stated there were no
records regarding such a projection. He estimated that with 100 new
houses and if they all shop in La Quinta, the City would see an increase
in revenue. Commissioner Gardner asked if there had ever been any
studies taken to determine this. Community Development Director
Jerry Herman stated to his knowledge it had never been done. New
homes always bring new people who have not shopped in La Quinta
before. Commissioner Gardner asked if staff knew what the difference
in the cost of services versus the revenue received for this area would
be. Staff stated it is not known at this time..
14. Commissioner Anderson noted in the traffic portion of the EIR, that
the traffic impacts went all the' way to Highway 111 and in the
graphics, Jefferson Street is shown as six lanes and could eventually
look like a freeway.
15. Commissioner Anderson stated his concern about the impact on the
Jefferson Street realignment. In addition, the impact the Green and
Travertine project would have on the equestrian uses. He stated his
concern for the heritage of the Valley and the equestrian uses. He felt
the City needed to carefully protect the equestrian accesses to the
mountains.
16. Commissioner Newkirk stated he agreed with Commissioner Anderson
and wondered why a tunnel of some nature could not be provided for
the horses to cross Jefferson Street. Staff explained that if a tunnel
was provided the issue of whether a horse would enter the tunnel or not
would need to be explored. City Attorney Dawn Honeywell stated that
a study should be done to determined these facts prior to grading of the
tract map as to how the equestrian uses could be incorporated into the
project.
17. Commissioner Gardner asked what provisions would be required to
mitigate the amount of stormwater runoff from the mountains.
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Community Development Director Jerry Herman explained the
developer would be required to provide protection to ensure that this
will not happen. However, the issue of stormwater would be addressed
during the tract map process. Commissioner Gardner asked if the 400-
foot buffer was enough to ensure that no damage would occur to any
life or structure. Staff stated that could not be determined at this time.
18. Chairman Adolph stated his concern about the buffer zone and the
relocation of the golf course. He wondered how the housing would be
affected as well as the school zone. In addition, he questioned the
building heights, square footage, equestrian access across Jefferson
Street, the golf course and irrigation issue, compatibility of the
adjoining properties, and the EIR. However, he accepts the staff's
recommendation that the EIR is adequate. He stated he was hesitant
to jump in when it was unknown as to how the issues would be solved.
Staff explained the details would be worked out as the project
progresses through the other applications that would be necessary to
build the project.
19. Commissioner Anderson expressed his concern about the issue of school
mitigation fees and their admonishment that they would face a $7
million deficient at the time of buiidout. He asked why the School
District did not charge fees relative to the construction in order to have
the necessary funds. Community Development Director Jerry Herman
stated that the State allows the School District to charge a fee for each
unit built for mitigation. However, the school is now asking for money
above and beyond this fee as the State does allow them to negotiate
their fee if legislative actions are proposed. City Attorney Dawn
Honeywell stated the condition does allow them to negotiate, but it does
not require the developer to pay additional fees.
20. Commissioner Abels asked if the Planning Commission approved the
project, would it come back for further review. Staff stated no as the
Planning Commission is recommending approval of the EIR as it is now
written to the City Council. Any opposition to the project must be
challenged at this time or they lose the opportunity to challenge the
EIR.
21. Commissioner Abels stated that a lot of concerns had been expressed
and no answers had been reached.
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22. Commissioner Anderson stated that on Conditions ~r26 and #35 he
would recommend an increase in the bufferzone to 400-feet. (I.e., one
hundred feet of natural trail buffer and 300 feet of golf course.)
23. Commissioner Abels asked where a condition for equestrian crossing
would be added. City Attorney Dawn Honeywell suggested that a plan
for equestrian/hiking trails be required and that plan be brought back
to the Planning Commission for approval prior to any tract map
approval. The plan should include appropriate detail including cross
sections as well as provide a design and enough detail to show how the
entire plan would function.
24. Commissioner Abels asked if a condition needed to be added to require
the applicant to use canal water. Staff stated it would need to be
added. In addition, a new condition would need to be added that
would require the golf courses to use reclaimed water or canal water
and require the developer to construct the necessary facilities.
- 25. Community Development Director Jerry Herman clarified that
Conditions ~26, #31, #35, #62, and #93 needed to be modified to read
the same as the condition approved for the Green project. In addition,
a new condition would be added requiring a plan for equestrian/hiking
uses; Condition #66.A.3 would be modified per the Engineering
Department rewording regarding Madison street; and Condition #83
would be amended to require canal water usage whenever possible.
26. Commissioner Anderson asked if Condition #66.A and #29.C should
agree regarding the wording with respect to school mitigation. He
asked if it would be feasible for the Planning Commission to require
the project to reach an agreement with the School District. City
Attorney Dawn Honeywell stated that if the Planning Commission
agreed that the fees collected will not meet the necessary school impact,
they could require the developer to reach an agreement with the School
District. Commissioner Anderson stated that if such a growth impact
results on the school, the fees required at this time are less than
adequate.
27. Chairman Adolph discussed the number of homes that were planned
for this area and stated the impact on the schools had a potential of
being substantial. He felt the developers needed to negotiate with the
School District and agree on how to handle this impact.
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28. Commissioner Newkirk questioned whether this many homes would
generate the number of students indicated by the School District. He
understood the project would be similar to PGA West and they do not
have 1.25 students per house. He felt there should be some sort of
study to determine what figures would be correct and/or used.
29. Chairman Adolph stated that Jefferson Street is going to open this area
up for development and not all of the developments would be resort-
type developments.
30. There being no further discussion, Commissioners Abels/Butler moved
and seconded a motion tO adopt Resolution 95-012, recommending to
the City Council certification of the Final Environmental Impact
Report for Specific Plan 94-026, in accordance with the findings as
stated.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Anderson, Butler,
Newkirk, and Chairman Adolph. NOES:
Commissioner Gardner. ABSENT: Commissioner
Barrows. ABSTAINING: None.
31. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Abels/Butler to adopt
Resolution 95-013, recommending to the City Council approval of
General Plan Amendment 94-049, as proposed.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Anderson, Butler,
Newkirk, and Chairman Adolph. NOES: Commissioner
Gardner. ABSENT: Commissioner Barrows.
ABSTAINING: None.
32. Commissioners Abels/Butler moved to adopt Resolution 95-014,
recommending to the City Council approval of Specific Plan 94-026,
subject to conditions.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Anderson, Butler,
Newkirk. NOES: Commissioner Gardner and Chairman
Adolph. ABSENT: Commissioner Barrows.
ABSTAINING: None.
33. Community Development Director Jerry Herman asked for
clarification on the EIR adoption for the Specific Plan and read the
recommendation in its entirety regarding the EIR certification.
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34. City Attorney Dawn Honeywell asked that the Specific Plan adoption
be reconsidered. Commissioner Anderson moved to reconsider
Resolution 95-014, and Commi~ioner Abels seconded the motion, and
it was unanimously approved.
35. Commissioners Abels/Anderson moved and seconded a motion to adopt
Resolution 95-014 recommending approval of Specific Plan 94-025,
subject to the conditions contained in the staff report and as amended.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Anderson, Butler,
Newkirk, and Chairman Adolph. NOES: Commissioner
Gardner. ABSENT: Commissioner Barrows.
ABSTAINING: None.
B. Street Name Change 95-006; a request of the La Quinta Fire Department to
rename a portion of the Old Avenue 52 to Frances Hack Lane.
1. Associate Planner Greg Trousdell presented the information contained
in the staff report, 'a copy of which is on file in the Community
Development Department.
2. Commissioner Butler if there was any intention to connect the two
portions of Old Avenue 52. Associate Planner Trousdell responded
that all the previous applications received for this area have been for
private gated communities with no access to this street. Commissioner
Butler asked if the City had any policies regarding naming streets after
people. Staff stated there was no policy for people alive or passed
away, and the only policy he was aware of was a policy passed by the
City Council for naming parks.
3. Staff clarified that previous streets name changes that had been applied
for were denied because the streets crossed different jurisdictions. This
street entire length was within La Quinta city limits.
4. Associate Planner Trousdell stated he had sent a letter of transmittal
to the current tract owner of Tentative Tract 27613 south of 52nd
Avenue (Temple Construction) and they never responded.
5. Chairman Adolph asked whether staff had spoken with the Fire
Department about re-naming the street to Fritz Burns in conjunction
with the Fritz Burns Park. Staff stated they had not spoken with them
but, since there station fronts on the street, they would prefer to have
Frances Hack Lane.
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6. There being no further questions of staff, Chairman Adolph opened
the public hearing. Mr. Robert Tyler of Velleta Drive, stated that the
way "Francis" is spelled is not the way of spelling "Frances" for a
woman. There being no further comment, Chairman Adolph closed
the public hearing.
7. Commissioner Abels stated that Ms.' Hack had done a lot for the City
and it would be more befitting to have the Community Park named
after her rather than the street. He preferred not to see streets
renamed within La Quinta. Staff stated that the City had no control
over the park. Community Development Director Jerry Herman stated
that this lane must be changed as it cannot remain Old Avenue 52.
8. Commissioner Anderson stated he agreed with Commissioner Abels,
but should the ability to rename the park fail there would be nothing
to honor her. He suggested that this item be continued until a
determination was made regarding the renaming of the Park.
9. Commissioner Gardner stated that he agreed with Commissioners
Abels and Anderson but, the Planning Commission should be doing
something to honor this Mrs. Hack. The chances of renaming the Park
were slim to none and naming the street is available. Discussion
followed relative to renaming the Park and how long the process would
take.
10. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Anderson/Abels to continue the Street Name Change
request to May 9, 1995, for the reasons of f'mding a more significant
site. Chairman Adolph asked that this decision be conveyed to the
applicant. Unanimously approved.
BUSINESS SESSION:
A. Specific Plan 90-017 (PGA West 5th Course Ex.oansion); a request of KSL for
an annual review of an approved development plan that would allow 880
dwelling units on part of an 18-hole golf course on 220 acres.
1. Commissioners Gardner and Anderson withdrew due to a possible
conflict of interest.
2. Associate Planner Greg Trousdell presented the information contained
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in the staff report, a copy of which is on ~e in the Community
Development Department.
3. Chairman Adolph asked staff if the PM 10-dust clearing plan applied
only to the clearing of the land or during the building process as well.
Staff stated it applied to both and staff would see that it was
monitored.
4. Chairman Adolph asked if there were any changes that should be noted
in the conditions. Staff replied there was nothing that they were knew
of.
5. Commissioner Butler asked staff if there was a process whereby older
tracts that come back for review before the Planning Commission, that
any changes necessary are caught at that time. City Attorney Dawn
Honeywell stated that in looking at the conditions there did not appear
to be any conditions that were different from the regular zoning
conditions. She further explained that a specific plan does not act as
-- a vested tract map to freeze anything in place.
6. Commissioner Abels asked if there was a conflict in requiring an
annual review and yet the recommendation before the Commission was
for a two year approval. Staff stated that with the activities that had
occurred it would be best to have a one year review, but it was up to
the Planning Commission. Community Development Director Jerry
Herman stated the City Attorney had informed the Planning
Commission that a two year approval did not limit the Planning
Commission from calling a specific plan back and making any changes
that were needed.
7. There being no further questions of staff, the applicant, Mr. Chevis
Hosea, representing KSL stated he would answer any questions of the
Planning Commission.
8. Chairman Adolph asked about the construction time schedule for the
golf course. Mr. Hosea stated they were trying to work through the
inventory they currently have on the partially approved projects at
PGA West before processing any new tentative tract maps. However,
they expected to eliminate their present inventory within the next three
to four years. But, as this is a private goff course, its completion would
be determined by the amount of interest it would generated.
9. Chairman Adolph when the Tom Weiskopf Signature course would be
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opened. Mr. Hosea stated they hoped by January 1, 1996.
10. Commissioner Butler asked how the dust would be controlled after the
grading was complete and before any homes were built. Community
Development Director Jerry Herman stated they were only grading the
golf course, so none was needed. If the single family lots were being
graded, they would be required to be stabilized.
11. There being no further discussion, Commissioners Abeis/Newkirk
moved and seconded a motion to approve by Minute Motion 95-015 for
a two year extension, subject to the existing conditions. The motion
was unanimous with Commissioners Gardner, Anderson, and Barrows
absent.
Commissioners Gardner and Anderson rejoined the meeting.
B. Sign Apl~lication 95-302-; a request of Imperial Sign Company for approval to
modify the master sign program for the Plaza La Quinta Shopping center to
allow an adjustment in the number of building signs allowed for the Beer
Hunter restaurant at the southwest corner of Washington Street and Highway
111.
1. Associate Planer Greg Trousdell presented the information contained
in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community
Development Department.
2. Commissioner Abels asked if the south side entrance had been closed.
Staff stated it had been closed and the entrance was now on the
northwest side of the building.
3. Commissioner Butler asked staff to clarify the location of sign //2.
Staff displayed it on the screen. Staff discussed with the
° Commissioners the location of the different signs. Commissioner asked
which signs would be illuminated. Staff gave the site locations for
those to be illuminated (i.e., logo sings only).
4. Commissioner Anderson asked if any of the signs would be externally
illuminated as he felt there were some existing bullet lights on the roof.
Staff stated that he had informed the sign contractor that if the owner
chooses to do so, it would have to be approved by staff.
5. Commissioner Anderson asked for clarification on the location of sign
3 and whether it was illmninated. Staff showed the location and stated
no illumination was being requested as there was ground lighting from
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the previous sign. Community Development Director Jerry Herman
stated the Commi~ion could determine whether or not they wished to
allow illumination or not and the project would be condition that way.
6. There being no further questions of staff, Chairman Adolph asked if
the applicant wished to speak. Mr. Jim Engle, representing the sign
company, clarified that the applicant would be using the ground
lighting to illuminate the signs and there would not be any
illumination of the signs themselves except for the graphics in the logo
itself (the deer and antlers). Discussion followed regarding the sign
and the materials to be used.'
7. Commissioner Butler asked what the Sign Ordinance allowed regarding
the signs at the center across the street (One Eleven La Quinta Center).
Staff stated that illuminated signs were allowed.. Discussion followed
regarding the materials needed to do the illumination.
8. Chairman Adolph asked staff if the request met the standards of the
Center. Staff stated the Center had no objections with the signage
request. Chairman. Adolph stated he knew of several tenants that were
unhappy with the existing sign program for the Center. Staff reviewed
previous signage that had been approved for the Center.
9. Mr. Robert Tyler, Velleta Drive, stated he was happy to see the activity
at this location as it had been empty for some time but, he did not
believe the entrance to the City should be a sports bar. He asked if this
was what the City wanted as the entrance to La Quinta. He inquired
what the hours of illumination for the signage would be and that the
Commission consider what affect this would have on the City. He felt
the number of signs should be cut back.
10. Commissioner Anderson pointed out what the increase of the signage
was and if the public objected, he felt they should reduce the signage
back to the City requirements or 50 square feet. The north side would
have two signs that would be seen from both directions and that was
redundant.
11. Commissioner Abels stated he agreed the signage was excessive but he
felt it was in good taste. He did not feel the signs on the west side were
too noticeable.
12. Mr. Engle stated that the applicant realized this was the entrance to La
Quinta and that was why he did not want illmnination on all signs.
The illuminated letter were only four inches in height in order to
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April 11, 1995
reduce the sign impact on the building.
13. Chairman Adolph stated that he was very strongly against too much
signage and he did not feel signs were needed on every side of the
building. However, this building has no signs on the south side and the
north is done tastefully as well as the sign facing the parking lot. He
did question the east side sign as to how well the logo could be seen as
compared to the "Sports Bar and Grill" sign. Discussion followed
regarding the signs visibility.
14. There being no further discussion it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Anderson/Gardner to adopt Minute Motion 95-016
approving Sign Application 95-302, with the stipulation that the
signage be in agreement with the City's allowable size and approved by
Staff.
15. Commissioner Abels stated that in view of the signage only being on
three sides, it should be left as submitted. Commissioners Butler and
Newkirk agreed.
16.Chairman Adolph stated he agreed with Commissioner Anderson that
the east building sign would not be seen from the street.
17. Commissioner Newkirk asked about the height of the letters on the
sign. Discussion followed.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Anderson, Gardner, and
Chairman Adolph NOES: Comgnissioners Newkirk,
Abels, and Butler. ABSENT: Commissioner Barrows.
ABSTAINING: None.
MOTION FAILED
18. Commissioners Abels/Newkirk moved to adopt Minute Motion 95-016
approving Sign Application 95-302, as submitted.
19. Commissioner Butler asked how much illumination would be seen.
Mr. Engle stated that from a distance you would see the logo and as
you get closer the lettering. He stated they were trying to sell the logo.
The lettering is smaller than wanted but, the logo is what you want to
be visible.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Newkirk, Butler. NOES:
Commissioners Anderson, Gardner, Chairman Adolph.
l~4~ll 16
Planning Commission Minutes
April 11, 1995
ABSENT: Commi~ioner Barrows. ABSTAINING:
None.
MOTION FAILED
20. Commissioner Anderson asked if the "Beer Hunter" letters on the
north side of the building corner could be removed and the logo placed
at this location. This will decrease the overall size and bring the logo
down. Mr. Engle stated he felt the applicant would agree with this.
Discussion followed.
.21. Commissioner Anderson suggested that the east side logo be placed on
the north elevation without the "Beer Hunter" letters. In addition he
suggested the lettering be stretch out on the east side of the building
(i.e., one line of copy). Mr. Engle agreed.
25. There being no further discussion, it was moved by Commissioners
Anderson/Butler to adopt Minute Motion 95-016, approving Sign
Application 95-302 as suggested above. Unanimously approved.
CONSENT CALENDAR
There being no discussion, Commissioners Gardner/Abels moved and seconded a motion to
approve the Minutes of March 28, 1995, as submitted. Unanimously approved.
COMMISSIONER ITEMS
1. Commissioner Butler gave a report of the City Council meeting.
2. Discussion relating to a newly constructed detached garage at 79-720 Iris Court.
A. Community Development Director Jerry Herman presented the information,
a copy of which is on f'de in the Community Development Department.
1. Commissioner Anderson asked if the garage addition was completed.
Staff stated it was a completed garage. Chairman Adolph asked if
anyone had seen the garage. Chairman Adolph stated the garage
looked like a barn and was not compatible with the neighborhood, but
.... he did not believe there was anything the Planning Commission could
do about it.
2. Commi.~ioner Abels asked why this did not apply to the Compatibility
Ordinance. Staff explained that the ordinance only applies to a
developer and not an individual property owner.
PC4-11 17
Pl~nninE Commission Minutes
April 11, 1995
3. Chairman Adolph explained that the property owners' association had
been disbanded and the property owners no longer had any
alternatives. Commissioners suggested that staff be directed to write
a letter to Mr. Norris explaining the position of the Planning
Commission and suggest they form a homeowners' association to deal
with these issues.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, this meeting of the Planning Commission, it was moved and
seconded by Commissioners Abels/Gardner to adjourn this meeting of the Planning
Commission to a regular meeting April 25, 1995. This meeting of the Planning Commission
was adjourned at 9:57 P.M. The motion was unanimously approved.
PC4-11 18