PCMIN 01 27 1998 MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall
78495 Calle Tampico. La Quinta. CA
January. 27. 1998 7:00 P.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER
A. This meeting of the Planning Commission was called to order at 7:02 P.M. by
Chairman Butler who asked Commissioner Abels to lead the flag salute.
B. Chairman Butler requested the roll call: Present: Commissioners Abels, Kirk, Seaton.
Tyler. Woodard and Chairman Butler. It was noted that Commissioner Gardner
arrived late.
C. Staff present: Community Development Director Jerry Herman, City Attomey Dawn
Honeywell, Planning Manager Christine di Iorio, Senior Engineer Steve Speer,
Principal Planner Stan Sawa, and Executive Secretary Betty Sawyer.
II. PUBLIC COMMENT: None
III. CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA: Confirmed.
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR:
A. Chairman Butler asked if there were any changes to the Minutes of January 13, 1998.
Commissioner Tyler asked that the minutes be corrected on Page 1, under Public
Comment, to correct the spelling of Mr. Dentley, Page 2, Item 2 change the wording
to "55-foot lots" not streets; Page 3, Item 8 be reworded to state, "the frontage for
a flag lot was a minimum of ten feet"; Page 6, Item 26 should refer to "recreation
sites"; Page 9, Item 18 add the sentence "Commissioner Tyler suggested that Section
3:11, in the future, identify which school district the project would be servicing".
There being no other corrections, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners
Kirk/Abels to approve the minutes as corrected. Unanimously approved.
IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS
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A. Specific Plan 85-006 and Conditional Use Permit 97-037; a request of KSL Land
Holdings, Inc. for approval and recommendation to the City Council of an
Amendment to the Oak Tree West Specific Plan and Conditional Use Permit to allow
interim polo/sports fields/hot air balloon activities and 6.000 square foot lots within
a minimum of 55-feet. at the northwest comer of Jefferson Street and 54th Avenue
within the Oak Tree West Specific Plan area.
1. Chairman Butler informed those in attendance that the Conditional Use
Permit application for the polo fields had been withdraw by the applicant. He
then opened the public hearing, and asked for the staff report on the Specific
Plan Amendment. Principal Planner Stan SaWa presented the information
'contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community
Development Department.
2. Chairman Butler asked if there were any questions of staff.
3. Commissioner Woodard asked staff to clarify that the amendment did not
allow any additional lots, just different size lots. Staff stated this was correct.
Commissioner Woodard asked if the original lots proposed for the Citrus
were to be custom lots, or an attached product. Staff stated originally they
were to be duplexes. Commissioner Woodard asked how this arrangement
would create more open space with narrower lots and less lot coverage. Staff
explained the smaller lots would create more open space that could be used
as common area. recreation area, 'etc., but the applicant had not identified
how it would be used.
4. Chairman Butler asked if the applicant would like to address the
Commission. Mr. Chevis Hosea, representing KSL, explained the project.
5. Commissioner Tyler asked if the site plan showed the new 55-foot lot layout
and if the improvements that were in place were for the duplexes that were
originally planned for this area. Mr. Hosea explained they were trying to
, change this development to a single family detached neighborhood and
salvage the current improvements and build their "Ryder" homes.
6. Commissioner Woodard asked Mr. Hosea what the plans were for the open
space. Mr. Hosea stated it was currently under a market research to see what
the builder and homeowners would want. At this time, no determination had
been made.
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January 27. 1998
7. Commissioner Woodard asked if the homeowners who were bu.ving their
homes were aware this area was to have attached tm/ts. Mr. Hosea stated that
the community plan identified these lots as "Cayman" lots which are airspace
condominiums.
8. Mr. Michael L. Walker. 55-940 PGA Boulevard, General Manager of the
Homeowners' Association tbr PGA West Residential Association of which
there are 1,300 homes, and is located to the south of this development, stated
he had no problem with the proposed project. He wanted clarification as to
the correct wording of the resolution that the c°nditional use permit for the
polo fields had been deleted. Staff gave him the revised resolution.
9. There being no further public comment, the public comment portion of the
hearing was closed and open for Commission discussion.
10. Commissioner Woodard noted that he had spoken with the City Attorney
.regarding the land purchase he was involved in with KSL. As a member of
__ a limited partnership in this proposal, he feels comfortable voting on any
issue relative to KSL, or PGA West, where he lives. It is important that the
: public be made aware of this fact.
11. There being no. further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Tyler/Abels to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 98-
005, recommending to the City Council approval of Specific Plan
Amendment 85-006, subject to the Conditions of Approval as modified:
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Kirk, Seaton, Tyler, Woodard, and
Chairman Butler. NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Gardner.
ABSTAIN: None.
CommisSioner Gardner arrived.
B. Villafe on the Green - Environmental Assessment 97-349. Specific Plan 97-031.
General Plan Amendment 97-055. Tentative Tract 98601. and Site Development
Permit 97-618; a request of Catellus Residential Group and the La Quinta
Redevelopment Agency for approval and recommendation to the City Council for
certification of a Mitigated Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact, approval
and recommendation of a Specific Plan, General Plan Amendment, Tentative Tract,
and Site Development Permit for a 26 acre, 86 family residential lot subdivision, and
118 senior apartments with recreational amenities on ten acres, reduce several street
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Planning Commission Meeting
January. 27. 1998
widths from the General Plan required 36-feet to 28- and 32-feet at the northwest
comer of Jefferson Street and 48m Avenue. The project is affordable from very low
through moderate income levels.
1. Chairman Butler informed the Commission that the applicant had requested
a continuance of this application to February 27, 1998. Community
Development Director Jerry Herman informed the Commission that
correspondence had been received from the City of Indio prior to the meeting
and would be included in their Agenda packet for February 27, 1998.
2. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Abels/Seaton to continue the
project to the Planning Commission meeting of February 27, 1998.
Unanimously approved.
Commissioner Gardner joined the meeting.
V. BUSINESS ITEMS
A. Si~,n Application 97-410; a request of Wells Fargo Bank (Quality Project
Coordinating) for approval of a modified sign to the approved sign program for a
bank mini-branch located in the Albertson's Supermarket.
1. Principal Planner Start Sawa presented the information contained in the staff
report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development
Department.
2. Chairman Butler asked if there were any questions of staff. Commissioner
Tyler asked if there had been any changes to the allowable sizes within this
development. Staff stated no.
3. Commissioner Kirk asked if there had been any changes to the Zoning Code
that would affect this proposal. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio stated
that the Zoning Code had not changed, but the Commission had just reviewed
., and approved a request of the Automobile Club for a sign that included
channel letters. Commissioner Kirk noted that was under different
circumstances.
4. Chairman Butler asked if the applicant wished to address the Commission.
Mr. Warren Degree, representing Wells Fargo, apologized to the Commission
for taking their time and went on to give a presentation and explanation on
the project. He informed the Commission that since the purchase of First
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Planning Commission Meeting
January. 27. 1998
Interstate Bank by Wells Fargo, a new corporate logo had been designed.
They had applied for Federal protection with trademark rights of which he
had a copy of the application with him. They do understand the City's
position regarding channel letters; they are however, hoping to reach a
compromise. The red and black colors are important to Wells Fargo as well
as the stagecoach, as it is their new trademark color and corporate identity.
However, as all the only other signs in the Center are channel letters, he
submitted an alternative design. He proposed using the same size sign as the
cabinet, but in-lieu of being a cabinet-style sign with a fiat plastic face, that
they be allowed to have a 9-inch individual channel letter with a four and a
half return and a non-illuminated two inch aluminum red and black
background to hide the wires from sight, with an individual logo attached.
He then showed photos of what he was proposing. This would give the
channel letter look and allow them to use their trademark colors and logo.
Discussion followed regarding the new proposal.
5. Commissioner Woodard asked staff to clarify their objection. Planning
Manager Christine di Iorio stated staff would be looking for a sign the same
size as originally approved by the Commission and compatible with the signs
in the Center. In regard to the proposal that Mr. Degree just submitted, staff
had not had an oppommity to analyze what he was proposing. Commissioner
Woodard asked if it was staff's opinion that the size of the sign was
inappropriate to the rest of the tenants in the Center. Staff asked if
Commissioner Woodard was referring to the original proposal or the one that
was submitted at this meeting. Commissioner Woodard asked about the
original proposal. Staff stated the proposal that was analyzed was the one
previously denied by the Planning Commission due to it being a canister sign
that was not compatible with the remainder of the Center. Staff's
recommendation is to uphold the previous decision. Commissioner Woodard
noted that the revised plan was within the size requirements. Discussion
followed. Commissioner Woodard asked if staff had any objection to the
new proposal, or would they prefer to have it referred back to staff. Staff
stated they would like to review the proposal before making a
, recommendation to the Commission.
6. Commissioner Abels suggested that due to the changes and the lack of staff's
time to review the proposal, this item be continued.
7. Commissioner Tyler asked what the proposed letter size was compared to
what is currently on the building. Mr. Degree stated the letters in this format,
would stay within the existing square footage, would be a nine inch letter.
Currently on the building is a one and a half foot by 18 inch channel letter
sign. The new proposal would include a smaller letter.
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?lanning Commission Meeting
Januarv 27. 1998
8. Commissioner Woodard asked if the applicant had' any objection to a
continuance. Mr. Degree stated it was not his intent to put the Commission
into any type of situation and bypass staff. It was his understanding that he
had traveled a great distance to present a proposal that was ultimately going
to be denied. Therefore, he had already wasted a trip as he did not have
access to a staff report prior to arriving. His only option was to offer the
Commission an alternative. Wells Fargo has no objection to reprocessing
this new submittal through staff. His only concern is whether or not the
Commission would be open to this type of design, or is the design going to
be denied no matter what. If that is the case, it is not worth their time to work
on a solution and then take up the Commission's time once again.
9. Chairman Butler stated it was his understanding that staff wanted time to
review the proposal in contrast to the previous submittal. Mr. Degree stated
it could be considered a raceway as all it does is house the wiring, but it gives
them' the effect of the colors. Chairman Butler stated the only issue was the
addition of the logo, as they were not increasing the size of the sign. Staff
noted they were changing the design which was the issue. -
10. Community Development Director Jerry Herman asked the applicant if the
owner of the Center had reviewed and approved this proposal. Mr. Degree
stated that as of this meeting, they had not. Staff asked if the owner had the
right to review and approve the signs. Mr. Degree stated they do have the
right. Staff noted that this needed to be done prior to staff's approval. Mr.
Degree stated the owner had reviewed and approved the initial sign proposal
that was denied by the City..
11. There being no 'further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Tyler/Seaton to continue this item to the Planning
Commission meeting of February 10, 1998.
12. Commissioner Woodard stated he would like to find a way to approve the
·, new proposal at this meeting.
13. Following discussion, the motion was unanimously approved.
B. Street Vacation 97-036; a request of Carmen Kelly, Shirley and Joseph Carpini for
a determination of a General Plan consistency finding for portions of Calle Sinaloa
and Avenida Morales at Avenida Montezuma.
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Planning Commission Meeting
January 27. 1998
1. Senior Engineer Steve Speer presented the information contained in the staff
report, a copy of which is on file in the Commumty Development
Department.
2. Chairman Butler asked if there were any questions of staff.
3. Commissioner Gardner asked staffwhat would happen to the property; would
it go back to the original property owners? Staff stated the land was
subdivided in the 1940's and the land owner at the time, who did the
subdividing, dedicated the land and the City has a right of way easement on
the adjacent property owners land, or Lot 24. The vacation means the City
is vacating their easement fights to the land. The underlying ownership fights
belong to the adjacent land owner.
4. Commissioner Gardner asked if this piece of property would now be placed
on the tax rolls and if someone will now pay taxes on this property. Staff
stated it does increase the size of their property and would be considered a
~ part of their property, therefore they would be responsible for the taxes.
5. Commissioner Tyler noted that staff had requested input from a number of
sources and asked if any requests had been received. Staff explained the
process for a street vacation and stated that the information would not be
received until it was heard before the City Council as a public hearing.
6. Commissioner Woodard asked if the City would pay for new curbs and
gutters after the street vacation was completed. Staff stated the new street
improvements had been installed. Commissioner Woodard asked what
would happen to the small triangular space on the south. Staff stated the
property owner of Lot 23 could make a request to the City for the land. It is
the City's intent to clean up all these street vacations City-wide rather than
have the homeowners do it at their expense. Unfortunately, considering'the
work load that staff currently has, it is not high on the priority list. Lot 23
· ~. will probably gain the extra piece of land. Commissioners and staff
discussed why this would not be processed at the same time.
7. Commissioner Kirk asked how much it costs the applicant to go through the
process. Staff stated it is $400 plus the cost of producing the necessary
documents which could be $7-800. Commissioner Kirk asked how many
parcels of this type still exist. Staff stated about 20 or 30.
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Planning Commission Meeting --
January 27. 1998
8. There being no thrther discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Kirk/Abels to adopt Minute Motion 98-001 finding
consistency with the General Plan tbr Street Vacation 97-036. Unanimously
approved.
C. Street Vacation 97-037; a request of W. M. Doran for a determination of a General
Plan consistency finding for portions of Avenida Obregon at Avenida Montezuma.
1. Senior Engineer Steve Speer presented the information contained in the staff
report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development
Department.
2. Chairman Butler asked if there were any questions of staff.
3. Commissioner Gardner asked if Mr. Doran would acquire the property once
vacated by the City.. Staff stated he would with the exception of a 20-foot
easement across the property that would be retained for the gas company.
Commissioner Gardner asked what that would do to the use of the property.
Staff stated it would preclude any digging or building over the top with any
.
type of structure. Commissioner Gardner asked about driving over the
easement. Staff stated they would be able to use it for a driveway access.
4. Commissioner Tyler asked what the size of the vacated area would be. Staff
stated the information was not available, but it would be approximately 50-
feet wide and probably 60-feet long at the longest point, so approximately
2,000 square feet.
5. Commissioner Woodard asked who initiated this request. Staff stated the
adjacent land owner, Mr. Doran, initiated 'this request.
6. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Abels/Tyler to adopt Minute Motion 98-002 fmding
, consistency with the General Plan for Street Vacation 97-037. Unanimously
approved.
D. General Plan Consistency Finding for CVWD Projects; a request of CVWD.for a
determination of General Plan consistency for CVWD projects at the southeast comer
of Calle Tampico and Calle Rondo and the east end of Star Flower Court, east of
Blazing Star Trail.
1. Principal Planner Start Sawa presented the information contained in the staff
report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development
Department.
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Planning Commission Meeting
January 27. 1998
2. Chairman Butler asked if there were any questions of staff.
3. Commissioner Seaton asked if notices were mailed to the neighboring
homeowners. Staff stated they had not as it was not required for a General
Plan consistency finding.
4. Commissioner Woodard stated the letter from CVWD regarding. Well 6704
talks about structures and other amenities and his concern was what it would
look like. He asked if staff would be reviewing these amenities. Staff stated
the walls are already existing. CVWD was Working with the homeowners'
association regarding improvements and staff does review the plans regarding
the landscaping and meeting of setbacks. Staff explained the Commission
first approves the well site and at a later date CVWD would submit the site
development plans.
5. Chairman Butler asked if the applicant wished to address the Commission.
Mr. Todd Jorganson, representing CVWD, stated there were two sites and
A gave a description of the projects.
·
6. Chairman Butler stated the existing well site on Adams Street has no
landscaping, which raises the question of why there is a need for two well
sites so close together. Mr. Jorgansen stated that some of the well sites are
going out of service and they will be replacing them. CVWD will be
coordinating the pumping of those that are in close proximity to each other
to be sure they do not work against each other.
7. Commissioner Abels asked what was meant by "out of service". Mr.
Jorgensen stated they place their well sites in the best place possible to not
pick up any of the water sanitation problems that can occur over time.
8. Commissioner Tyler stated his concern about the well site planned for Calle
Rondo and Calle Tampico due to its low location for drainage in the City and
~ the collection point for nuisance water; could this be a problem? Mr.
Jorgenson stated that when they make agreements with developers, the
developer will take their water to onsite facilities. In this case they were
redirecting their water into this channel at Calle Rondo and Calle Tampico.
CVWD met with City staff and the developer, CPH, and CPH has stated they
_ would have an engineer look into this.
9. Commissioner Tyler asked if the gates would be opaque to hide what is
behind them. Mr. Jorganson stated they would hide the interior contents.
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Planning Commission Meeting
January 27. 1998
10. Commissioner Woodard asked if the Commission would review any plans on
the structures or landscaping. Staff stated no.
11. Commissioner Seaton asked about the noise mitigation. Mr. Jorganson stated
it is their goal to mitigate the noise as much as possible.
12. Commissioner Kirk suggested that a letter be sent to Mr. Levy at CVWD
asking that he give a presentation on the City's water supply. Staff was
directed to draft a letter.
13. Mrs. Barbara Irwin, 44-065 Camino La Crest& stated she was surprised to
read the City's policy on well sites and stated her concern about the well site
on Adams Street, south of the Adams Street Park. This area has been under
'development for over eight years and she has never noted any signs of
improvement on this well site in all that time. If the City is not policing the
well sites we have now, what will happen to those proposed for the furore.
14. Commissioner Tyler asked what prerogatives the City has on this type of
eyesore in the community. Staff' stated they would research the issue and
report back to the Commission.
15. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Abels/Gardner to adopt Minute Motion 98-003 finding
consistency with the General Plan for the proposed CVWD projects.
16. Commissioner Woodard stated he was concerned that this was being
approved without any design or landscaping requirements.
17. Unanimously approved.
VII CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL:
VII. COMMISSIONER ITEMS
A. Discussion relative to scheduling a date for a tour of the hillside.
1. Following discussion, Community Development Director Jerry Herman
stated the tour would be scheduled for Tuesday, February 10th at 2:30 p.m.
Staff would make the arrangements.
B. Commissioner Gardner asked if staff was aware of a fence that had been constructed
at Avenida Juarez and Avenida Montezuma made out of oriented strandboard. It is
obviously a violation to the City's Code requirements. Staff stated they would
inform the Code Enforcement Division.
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C. Commissioner Abels stated his concern about the visibility of the restrooms within
the Pizza Hut restaurant at the Vons Shopping Center. It was his opinion that a
partition should be placed in front of the Pizza Hut restrooms to block their view
from outside the restaurant.
D. Commissioner Gardner stated his concern, which stemmed from the lack of adequate
restroom fixtures at the proposed recreation facility at The Quarry. What bothers him
most is the statement that, "it meets the Code". It was his opinion the Code is the
minimum and if the Commission determines it is inadequate, they should require
additional fixtures.
E. Commissioner Tyler gave a report of the City Council meeting of January 20, 1998.
F. Commissioners Gardner and Tyler gave a report on the Planning Commissioner's
Forum in Rancho Cucamonga which they attended.
G. Commissioner Woodard spoke regarding the Bella Vista project. His concern is that
each of the Commissioners go out and visit the site. The entrance is pathetic, the
.signage is very cheap looking, the lack of landscaping, and finally the distance
between the perimeter wall to the first house. The rear yards are ten feet wide which
puts the house fight on the streets. The entrance is a glaring example of what should
not be allowed in La Quinta.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Abels/Gardner to
adjourn this meeting of the Planning Commission to a regular meeting on February 10, 1998, at 2:30
P.M. This meeting of the Planning Commission'was adjourned at 8:35 P.M. Unanimously
approved.
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