PCMIN 07 14 1998 MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
regular meeting held at the La Quinta city Hall
78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA
July 14, 1998 7:00 P.M.
I: CALL TO ORDER
A. This meeting of the Planning Commission was called to order at 7:10 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,
Robbins, Tyler, and Chairman Butler.
C. Staff present: Community Development Director Jerry Herman, City Attorney Dawn
Honeywell, Planning Manager Christine di Iorio, Senior Engineer Steve Speer,
Principal Planners Stan Sawa and Fred Baker, Associate Planner Leslie Mouriquand,
and Executive Secretary Betty Sawyer.
D. Election of Chair: Nominations were opened for Chair. It was moved and seconded
by Commissioners Butler/Abels to nominate Robert Tyler as Chair and Tom Kirk as
Vice Chair. As there were no other nominations, the nominations were closed.
Commissioner Tyler was elected Chair and Commissioner Kirk was elected Vice
Chair unanimously. Chairman Tyler assumed the meeting.
II. PUBLIC COMMENT: None
III. CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA: Confirmed
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR:
A. Chairman Tyler asked if there were any changes to the Minutes of June 23, 1998.
There being no corrections, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners
Abels/Kirk to approve the minutes as submitted. Unanimously approved.
B. Department Report: None
V. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A. ]Environmental Assessment 98-358. General Plan Amendment 98-058 and Zone
Change 98-087; a request of ri. A. Andersen for Certification of a Mitigated Negative
Declaration of Environmental Impact for Environmental Assessment 98-358;
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recommendation for approval of a General Plan Amendment from Low Density
Residential to Neighborhood Commercial; and recommendation for approval of a
change of zone from Low Density Residential to Neighborhood Commercial for the
property located south of the Southwest comer of Jefferson Street and Fred Waxing
Drive.
· 1. Chairman Tyler opened the public hearing and asked for the staff report.
Principal Planner Fred Baker presented the information contained in the staff
report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development
Department.
2. Commissioner Kirk questioned staff about the letter from the City of Indio
regarding their request to have joint meetings and the time it took to receive
the letter. Community Development Director Jerry Herman stated the City
had notified the City of Indio that staff would be willing to have joint
meetings, but no further correspondence had been received from the City of
Indio.
_
3. Commissioner Kirk asked if ten acres was the standard designation for
Neighborhood Commercial zoning. Principal Planner Fred Baker stated it
was in the ten to 20 acre range. Commissioner Kirk questioned the letter
from US Homes in regards to the proposed new ten acres onto Fred Waxing
Drive. Staff stated the applicant had requested the new ten acres on Fred
Waring and since the adjoining residential tract intended to build out their
access into this tract, an entrance off Fred Waring Drive may pose a difficult
circulation pattern.
4. Commissioner Butler verified the applicant was only requesting an additional
ten acres. Staff stated this was correct. Commissioner Butler asked what the
property across the street, in the City oflndio, was zoned. Staff stated it was
zoned commercial. Commissioner Butler asked if staff knew why the City
of Indio, or US Homes had not been notified when this property was
originally designated as Neighborhood Commercial. Community
Development Director Jerry Herman stated the original ten acres site was
designated Neighborhood Commercial during the 1992 General Plan Update
and US Homes was not built until after the property had been zoned and they
have their own comer designed as Neighborhood Commercial.
5. Commissioner Robbins asked what portions of the US Homes project was
designated as Neighborhood Commercial. Community Development
Director Jerry Herman stated it was the strip of land fronting along Jefferson
Street. The area designated as Neighborhood Commercial along Jefferson
Street in La Quinta's would be longer.
Planning Commission Meeting
June 23, 1998
6. Commissioner Butler asked if the City of La Quinta was the lead agency for
the development of Jefferson Street along with Riverside County.
Community Development Director Jerry Herman stated it was.
7. Chairman Tyler asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission.
Ms. Nelda Beyha, speaking on behalf of the applicant, stated the additional
ten acres was needed for the developer to construct the project as designed.
8. Mr. Andy Langford, 44-245 Golden Rod Circle, stated they moved to their
neighborhOod to be away from the commercial. They have no problem going
to the commercial sites that now contain shopping centers. It was his opinion
that development of a commercial area in this vicinity would downgrade the
area. As it is with the existing area zoned for commercial it will propagate
the development of the area with additional commercial development.
9. Commissioner Kirk asked if Mr. Langford knew the comer was already.
zoned for Neighborhood Commercial. Mr. Langford stated he was aware of
it and he had no objection to the ten acre comer piece, but if he had known
of the expansion he would not have bought where he did.
10. There being no further public participation, Chairman Tyler closed the public
heating and opened the case for Commission discussion.
11. commissioner Robbins asked what the northwest side of Fred Waxing Drive
and Washington Street was zoned. Community Development Director Jerry
Herman stated the land was within the County of Riverside and zoned
residential.
12. Commissioner Butler asked if the northeast comer of Jefferson Street in the
City of Indio was zoned Commercial. Community Development Director
Jerry Herman stated it was the southeast comer that was zoned commercial.
13. Commissioner Kirk stated he was concerned about the proliferation of
commercial uses. On the other hand, the increase of ten to 20 acres does
make sense due to Jefferson Street being a Major Arterial. He would
encourage staff to continue to pursue a joint planning meeting with the City
of Indio for Jefferson Street regarding architectural and landscaping issues.
14. Commissioner Abels stated he concurred with Commissioner Kirk and he
-- supported the request.
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15. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Abels/Butler to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 98-
047 recommending to the City Council Certification of Environmental
Assessment 98-358.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Kirk, Robbins, and Chairman
Tyler. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
16. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Abels/Butler to adopt
Planning Commission Resolution 98-048 recommending to the City Council
approval of General Plan Amendment 98-058.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels,. Butler, Kirk, Robbins, and Chairman
Tyler. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
17. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Butler/Abels to adopt
Planning Commission Resolution 98-049 recommending to the City Council
approval of Zoning Change 98-087.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Kirk, Robbins, and Chairman
Tyler. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
B. Environmental Assessment 98-361. Specific Plan 85-006. Amendment//3, and
Tentative Tract Map 28447; a request of KSL Land Corporation for Certification of
a Mitigated Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact for Environmental
Assessment 98-361; approval of the annexation of two parcels into Specific Plan 85-
006; and recommendation for approval of a subdivision of 11.66 acres into 49 single
family residential lots and three lettered lots for private street improvements for
property located within The Ranch Specific Plan.
1. Chairman Tyler opened the public hearing and asked for the staff report.
Associate Planner Leslie Mouriquand presented the information contained in
the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development
Department.
2. Commissioner Kirk question Condition//5 as to whether there was a need for
an access to private property. Senior Engineer Steve Speer stated there was
a need for emergency purposes.
3. Commissioner Butler asked staff to identify the northem area being annexed.
Associate Planner Leslie Mouriquand noted the area east of Park Avenue.
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4. Commissioner Kirk asked if all the conditions were founded on the City's
Zoning Code or policies. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio stated they
were.
5. Chairman Tyler asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission.
Mr. Chevis Hosea spoke on behalf of RJT Homes who owns the property.
He asked for clarification on Condition #34 as it pertained to nuisance water.
They would prefer to use the design they had been using. Condition #53 also
would not be applicable to this tract. In regard to Condition #46 which
relates to the perimeter landscaping, they would ask that only that portion of
the landscaping that fronts their tract be required.
6. Commissioner Kirk asked staff to respond to the applicant's condition
changes request.
7. Senior Engineer Steve Speer stated sand filters are not required of these
traCts. Staff would have no objection to deleting Condition #34. In regard to
Condition.#53, he would suggest only the last sentence be deleted.
8. Commissioner Butler asked how the replenishment of the aquifers is handled.
Senior Engineer Steve Speer stated the sand filter is used to dry up the wet
spots in the bottom of the catch basins. This sand filter allows clear water to
flow into the leachfield and not clog up the leachfield. Commissioner Butler
asked the applicant how he intended to do this. Mr. Hosea stated they would
prefer to use the dry wells. Once the water leaves the dry well it percolates.
9. Commissioner Robbins questioned Condition #9 as the map did not show the
area as being dedicated. The applicant stated it would be dedicated and they
have no objection.
10. Commissioner Robbins questioned Condition #29 as to what the "X" referred
to. The applicant stated it is the golf course. Commissioner Robbins
questioned Conditions #32, #33, and #45 and the need for them. Senior
Engineer Steve Speer stated Condition #29 should be re-written to direct the
storm water to the golf course. The "X" indicated all nine tracts, and
Condition #45 should be removed.
11. There being no further public comment, the public participation portion of the
-- public hearing was closed and open for Commission discussion.
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12. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Butler/Kirk to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 98-
050 recommending to the City Council Certification of a Mitigated Negative
Declaration of Environmental Impact for Environmental Assessment 98-361.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Kirk, Robbins, and Chairman
Tyler. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
13. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Abels/Robbins to adopt
Planning Commission Resolution 98-051, recommend to the City Council
approval of Specific Plan 85-006, Amendment #3, subject to the findings and
conditions.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Kirk, Robbins, and Chairman
Tyler2 NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
14. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Kirk/Abels to adopt Planning
Commission Resolution 98-052 recommending to the City Council approval
of Tentative Tract Map 28447, subject to findings-and conditions as
amended:
a. Condition #29 the "X" would be changed to 1-9 for Tract 24890;
b. Condition #33 changed to indicate the water would be retained on the
golf course;
c. Condition #34 deleted;
d. Condition #45 remove "and street improvements";
e. Condition #46 include after "Park Avenue adjacent to the tract";
f. Condition #53 delete the last sentence.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Kirk, Robbins, and Chairman
Tyler. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
C. Environmental Assessment 98-363 and Tentative Tract Map 28797; a request of RJT
Homes, LLC. for Certification of a Mitigated Negative Declaration of Environmental
Impact for Environmental Assessment 98-363 and recommendation for approval of
a subdivision of 11.81 acres into 53 single family residential lots and two lettered lots
for property located within The Ranch Specific Plan.
1. Chairman Tyler opened the public heating and. asked for the staff report.
Principal Planner Stan Sawa presented the staff report, a copy of which is on
file in the Community Development Department.
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2. Commissioner Kirk asked if this item would be approved by the Planning
Commission. Community Development Director stated if they had not been
approved previously, then they would go both to the Architectural and
Landscaping Review Committee and the Planning Commission.
3. There being no further public comment, the public participation portion of the
public hearing was closed and open for Commission discussion. Mr. Chevis
Hosea questioned Conditions #30 and #53. Staff stated the corrections.
4. There being no other public participation, Chairman Tyler closed the public
.. participation and opened to Commission discussion.
5. Chairman Tyler questioned Condition #33 in regard to the utility
improvements. Senior Engineer Steve Speer stated that under the Specific
Plan the utilities are considered as a whole. In this situation, the applicant
and KSL have worked out the improvements with IID.
6. Commissioner Kirk asked if the improvements were in the applicant's best
__ interest and therefore had no objection to the condition. Chairman Tyler
stated his concern was who was legally responsible to see they are completed.
7. Chairman Tyler asked about the tract map at the end of the cul-de-sac as
some of the lots appear to be open space. Will they have access to the cul-de-
sac. Mr. Hosea stated this was a landscape transition between the design of
the two tracts. Chairman Tyler asked if the existing curb cuts would be
repaired. Mr. Hosea stated they would be. In regard to the liD requirements,
when property is sold to another developer, they are responsible for all on-site
improvements and KSL is responsible for all off-site improvements.
8. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Abels/Butler to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 98-
053 recommending to the City Council Certification of a Mitigated Negative
Declaration of Environmental Impact for Environmental Assessment 98-363.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Kirk, Robbins, and Chairman
Tyler. NOES' None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
9. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Kirk/Butler to adopt Planning
Commission Resolution 98-054, recommend to the City Council approval of
-- Tentative Tract Map 28797, subject to' findings and conditions as amended:
a. Condition #29 changed to reflect the water will be retained on the
golf course and the "X" would be changed to indicate Tracts 1-9;
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b. Condition #30 will be removed
c. Condition #42 will include a requirement for curb cut improvements
and sidewalk improvements would be deleted;
d. Condition #51 deletion of the last sentence.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Kirk, Robbins, and Chairman
Tyler. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
VI. BUSINESS ITEM: None.
!
VII. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: None.
VIII. COMMISSIONERS ITEMS.
A. Chairman Tyler gave a report of the Council meeting of July 7, 1998.
B. Commissioner Abels recommended that the Planning Commission go dark on
August 11th and 28th . Following discussion it was determined the Commission
would go dark for the month of August.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Abels/Robbins to
adjourn this regular meeting of the Planning Commission to the next regular meeting of the Planning
Commission to be held on July 28, 1998, at 7:00 p.m. This meeting of the Planning Commission was
adjourned at 8:15 P.M. on July 14, 1998.
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