PCMIN 09 08 1998 MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall
78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA
September 8, 1998 7:00 P.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER
A. This meeting of the Planning Commission was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by
Chairman Tyler who asked Commissioner Butler to lead the flag salute.
B. Chairman Tyler requested the roll call: Present: commissioners Abels, Butler, Kirk,
Robbins, and Chairman Tyler.
C.' Staff present: Community Development Director Jerry Herman, City Attorney Dawn
Honeywell, Senior Engineer Steve Speer, Principal Planner Start Sawa, Associate
Planner Leslie Mouriquand, and Executive Secretary Betty Sawyer.
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 July 28, 1998.
Commissioner Robbins noted the word CLOMAR was misspelled on Page 9, Item
# 14.. Commissioner Butler noted that under Roll Call he was listed as being the
Chairman and this should be corrected. Chairman Tyler asked that Page 3, Item #12
be corrected by changing the word "infiltration" to "filtration. There being no further
corrections, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Abels/Kirk to approve
the minutes as amended. Unanimously approved.
B. Department Report: Community Development Director Jerry Herman informed the
Commission that the joim meeting with the City Council planned for October 1,
1988, had been rescheduled for October 8, 1998, at 7:00 p.m. The September 22na
joint meeting would be at held 3:00 p.m. In addition, changes had been made to the
Zoning Code and copies would be distributed to the Commissioners as soon it was
ready.
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V. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A. Tract Map 28470; a request of Tradition Club Associates-Winchester Development
for approval to revise Condition #52 of City Council Resolution 97-28 to phase the
construction of a wall along the north and west perimeter of a triangular piece of
property north of 52nd Avenue at the west end ofAvenida Nuestra, which is part of
The Tradition Club.
1. Commissioner Kirk excused himself due to a possible conflict of interest and
left the dias.
2. Chairman Tyler opened the public hearing, asked for the staff report, and.
clarified the request that was before the Commission. Associate Planner
Leslie Mouriquand presented the information contained in the staff report, a
copy of which is on file in the Community Development Department.
3. Commissioner Robbins asked when the first Certificate of Occupancy would
be issued. Staff stated they would have to defer this to the applicant.
Commissioner Robbins challenged whether the applicant could meet this
requirement as the process would take at least three months. Staff stated it
would probably be seven or eight months before a Certificate of Occupancy
would be issued for all 20 units.
4. Chairman Tyler asked if the applicant woUld like to address the Commission.
Mr. Mike Rowe, Winchester Development spoke for the applicant and
explained the reason for the request.
5. Commissioner Butler stated he too would like to have a date certain.
Discussion followed regarding a possible solution. It was determined that the
construction of the wall would be completed before the Certificate of
Occupancy was issued for the 10~ house and Condition #52.B. would be
amended to state this.
6. There being no further public comment, the public participation portion of the
public hearing was closed and opened for Commission discussion.
7. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Abels/Robbins to adopt Planning Commission Resolution
98-063 approving Tract Map 28470, Amendment #2, subject to the
Conditions of Approval as amended:
a. Condition #52.B. Requiring the completion of the perimeter wall
prior to a Certificate of Occupancy being issued for the tenth
residential unit.
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ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Robbins, and Chairman Tyler.
NOES: None. ABSENT: Kirk. ABSTAIN: None.
Commissioner Kirk rejoined.the Commission.
B. Site Development Permit 98-628; a request of RJT Homes for approval of
architectural and landscaping plans for three new prototype residences within the
Citrus Course project specifically on Toronja and Azahar, west of Mango in Tract
28797 within The Ranch Specific Plan.
1. Chairman Tyler opened the public heating and asked for the staff report.
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. Commissioner Kirk asked if the Architectural and Landscaping Review
Committee (ALRC) had any comments. Staff stated they thought it was well
designed and added no conditions. Commissioner Kirk asked if minutes
from this meeting were available. Staff stated none had been prepared for
this meeting, but staff would see they were made available to the
Commissioners for future projects.
3. Commissioner Butler asked why the tree sizes were not called out in the staff
report. Staff noted they were called out in the conditions.
4. Commissioner Abels stated he too would like to see the ALRC minutes
included with the staff report.
5. Chairman Tyler asked that the Resolution be corrected to state "similar"
architectural designs, not "same". He also stated that the plans for each
model appeared to be the same. Staff noted the front elevations were
different, but the rear were the same.
6. Chairman Tyler asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission.
Mr. Rick New, architect for the project, spoke on behalf of the applicant, and
stated he had worked for the original developer, J.M. Peters, and the intent
of this firm was to maintain the same design as the original homes.
7. There being no further public comment, the public participation portion of the
public heating was closed and open for Commission discussion.
8. Chairman Tyler asked the applicant what the developer planned for the
triangular portion of land in the middle of the project. Mr. Chad Meyer,
developer, stated they were required to bond for this area to remain as open
space. Chairman Tyler asked that any unused curb cuts be remmed to curbs.
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9. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Abels/Butler to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 98-
064 approving Site Development Permit 98-628, subject, to the condition as
modified, adding a requirement that curb cuts be restored.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Kirk, Robbins, and Chairman
Tyler. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
C. Site Development Permit 98-629; a request of KSL Desert Resort, Inc. for approval
to add a 2,882 square Foot Fitness center addition to the Tennis' Pro Shop and
construct an adjacent 1,288 square foot Movement Center.
1. Chairman Tyler opened the public hearing and asked for the staff report.
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. Commissioner Kirk asked about compliance with the California
_
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in regard to Specific Plan 121-E. Staff
clarified the Environmental Assessment related to the resort application
which had been approved by the Commission at an earlier date. At that time
the applicant informed the Commission this application would be back at a
later date.
3. Chairman Tyler asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission.
Mr. Larry Scheerer spoke on behalf of the applicant.
4. There being no further public comment, the public participation portion of the
public heating was closed and open for Commission discussion.
5. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Abels/Robbins to adopt Planning Commission Resolution
98-065 approving Site Development Permit 98-629.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Kirk, Robbins, and Chairman
Tyler. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
VI. BUSINESS ITEMS:
A. Interpretation of Use; a request of Mark J. Hastings, Owner/Director - First School
of the Desert to process childcare facilities under a conditional use permit in Low
Density Residential Zones.
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1. Chairman Tyler asked for the staff report. Community Development Director
Jerry Herman presented the information contained in the staff report, a copy
of which is on file in the community Development Department.
2. Chairman Tyler asked if there were any questions of staff.
3. Commissioner Kirk asked if the applicant was intending to submit an
application for a child care project at a future date. He also asked staff if this
procedure was traditional of what other cities do in regard to a potential
applicant. Staff stated yes.
4. Commissioner Abels asked if there was a potential location. Staff stated it
was unknown as there was no application before the Commission at this time.
5. Commissioner Kirk asked if a General Plan Map was available to determine
the location of the Primary and Secondary Arterials. Staff noted those streets
that were classified as Primary Arterials on a map and stated the intent was
not to allow child care facilities within the residential district, but on the
Arterial streets adjacent to the developments. The streets noted were Fred
Waxing Drive, Miles Avenue, Avenues 48, 50 52, 54th, Airport Boulevard,
58th' and 60th, Eisenhower Avenue, Calle Tampico, Washington Street,
Adams Street, and Dune Palms Road south of Highway 111, Jefferson Street,
Madison Avenue, and Monroe Street.
6. Commissioner Kirk asked if 150 children was the dividing number between
the large and small child care facility and asked what the requirements would
be for a medium sized child day care facility. Staff stated anything above 150
would be in a commercial zone and anything between 14 and 150 would be
allowed adjacent to a residential development.
7. Chairman Tyler stated that most of the traffic would be during the times of
dropping the children off and picking them up. Staff noted the traffic
circulation would be addressed during review of an application.
8. Chairman Tyler questioned whether high density areas should be eliminated
from areas where child care facilities would be allowed. Staff noted the areas
that are currently zoned for high density.
9. Commissioner Kirk stated he disagreed. If a child care facility could not
afford the cost of the land it should be up to them and not determined by the
Commission.
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10. Mr. Mark Hastings stated he had no other questions, but would be available
for any questions. Chairman Tyler stated he had driven by both of their
current operations and they would be a benefit to any neighborhood.
Chairman Tyler asked what their current occupancy was for these facilities.
Mr. Hastings stated one was 60 and the other 100.
11. Chairman Tyler asked if there had been any problems with the neighbors of
their current operations. Mr. Hastings stated this was an issue raised in Palm
Springs and they had to appeal their application to the City Council for
approval. This was their reason for making their inquiries to the City before
tying up any land.
12. Chairman Tyler asked if they were currently experiencing any traffic
problems. Mr. Hastings stated the only times were during the drop off and
pick up times for the parents and it was not a traffic jam. Chairman Tyler
noted the streets being considered by the City would be busier than those
currently being used by the applicant in the other cities. Staff noted this item
would be considered during the application process of a conditional use
permit after an application was submitted.
13. Commissioner Robbins asked if they were still allowed in the commercial
zones. Staff stated they were.
14. Chairman Tyler asked if they required an applicant to submit a conditional
use permit in the commercial zones. Staff stated they would.
15. Commissioner Kirk asked if their business in Palm Springs was on Arterial
or Secondary Streets. Mr. Hastings stated he was uncertain as to what the
streets were classified and explained where the child care was located.
16. Chairman Tyler asked if anyone else wished to speak regarding this issue.
17. There being no further public comment, the public participation portion was
closed and open for Commission discussion.
18. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Abels/Butler to adopt Minute Motion 98-006 adopting the
following as the Interpretation of Use for child day care facilities.
"Child day care facilities, centers, and preschools up to 150 children
are permitted with a conditional use permit in the following zones:
Low Density Residential (RL), Medium Density Residential Districts
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(RM), Medium High Density Residential Districts (RMH), and High
Density Residential Districts (HDR), when adjacent to a Primary or
Secondary Arterial street."
Unanimously approved.
B. Sign Application 98-430; a request of W. Simmons Mattress for approval of a
deviation to the sign program to permit corporate signage for a new business within
the One Eleven La Quinta Shopping Center west of WalMart on the north side of
Highway 111.
1. Chairman Tyler asked for the staff report. Principal Planner Start Sawa
presented the information contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on
file in the Community Development Department. Staff distributed a picture
of the site plan.
2. Commissioner Butler asked how staff could recommend modification of the
sign if it was part of the corporate sign. Staff stated that at the time of .
review, it was staff's understanding the requested changes were not part of
the corporate sign.
3. Commissioner Robbins noted that each of the signs were not identical.
4. Chairman Tyler asked if the "diamond" had any depth to it. Staff stated it
was approximately 1/8" thick.
5. Commissioner Robbins asked if they were illuminated. Staff noted the
diamond was and the mattress was not.
6. Mr. Mark Ross, Imperial Sign Company, spoke on behalf of the applicant,
and clarified that the red and yellow colors used in the background were a
part of the corporate logo. The applicant is negotiable to any changes to the
sign except changing the colors.
7. Commissioner Kirk asked what materials are currently being used for the
diamond. Mr. Ross stated a 1/8" aluminum that could be painted'. By using
plastics they cannot control the color of the paints. Commissioner Kirk asked
staff if other tenants had requested variances to the sign program. If so, what
did they consist of. Staff stated corporate signs and logos had been allowed;
-- the style of the letters varied from the approved program, and in some cases
the signs were larger. Commissioner Kirk noted this sign was considerably
smaller than it could be to meet the sign program.
8. Commissioner Butler stated corporate signs have been allowed in the past
and asked what part of the sign would be illuminated. Mr. Ross stated only
"W. Simmons".
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9. Commissioner Robbins stated he too had a problem denying the sign
application when others had been approved.
10. Chairman Tyler stated the Rancho Mirage sign had a darker background than
the bright red proposed for this location and suggested a darker color would
soften the appearance. He then asked what the depth was of the white letters.
Mr. Ross stated 5-6 inches deep to house the neon.
11. Chairman Tyler asked if the background was painted on, would that eliminate
staff's concerns? Staff stated it would. Chairman Tyler suggested using a
darker maroon color to soften the appearanCe.
12. Chairman Tyler asked if anyone else wished to speak regarding this issue.
13. There being no further public comment, the public participation portion was
closed and open for Commission discussion.
14. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Kirk/Robbins to adopt Minute Motion 98-007 approving
Sign Application 98-430, with the modification to the background color to
be more of a maroon.
16. Commissioner Kirk acknowledged stafffor pointing out their concem and not
just accepting the corporate logo. He also thanked the applicant for being
responsive to the Commission's concerns.
17. Unanimously approved..
VII. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL:
A. Chairman Tyler noted the invitation to the INCO Homes opening. City Attorney
Dawn Honeywell noted that if they should attend, it should be noted in their Form
for reporting "Statement of Economic Interest" for anything received in excess of
$50.00.
VIII. COMMISSIONERS ITEMS.
B. Chairman Tyler gave a report of the Council meeting of August 18, 1998 and
September 1, 1998.
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ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Abels/Butler to
adjourn this regular meeting of the Planning Commission to the next regular meeting of the Planning
Commission to be held on September 22, 1998, at 7:00 p.m. This meeting of the Planning
Commission was adjourned at 8:27 P.M. on September 8, 1998.
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