PCMIN 04 13 1999 MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
A regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall
78495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA
April 13, 1999 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 Abels 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, 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: Confmned
IV. PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTIONS:
A. Chairman Tyler presented Stewart Woodard with a Resolution of Appreciation for
his work on the Planning Commission.
V. CONSENT ITEMS:
A. Chairman Tyler asked if there were any corrections to the Minutes of March 9, 1999.
Chairman Tyler asked that Page 4 needed to have an item added opening the public
comment portion of the public hearing; Page 7, Item 19, correct the spelling of the
word Utrack". There being no further corrections, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioner Butler/Abels to adopt the Minutes as corrected. Unanimously
approved with Commissioner Kirk abstaining.
B. Department Report: None.
VI. PUBLI'C HEARINGS:
A. Environmental Assessment 98-375, Specific Plan 98-034. and Parcel Mai> ~.905¢,; a
request of Lundin Development for approval of a Mitigated Negative Declaration of
environmental impact for development principles and design guidelines of a 111,000
square foot shopping'center and subdivision of 12.5 acres into seven parcels and one
remainder parcel located on the northwest comer of Jefferson Street and 50~ Avenue.
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1. Chairman Tyler stated a request had been received from the applicant to
continue this item. It was'moved and seconded by Commissioners
Robbins/Abels to continue this item to April 27, 1999. Unanimously
approved.
B. Continued - Site Development Permit 99-647; a request of Century-Crowell
Communities for approval of architectural and landscaping plans for four new
prototype residences located in Tract 21846-3 and Tract 24317-1 in PGA West.
1. Chairman Tyler informed everyone that a request for continuance had been
received from the applicant. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners
Kirk/Abels to continue Site Development Permit 99-647 to April 27, 1999.
Unanimously approved.
C. Site Development Permit 98-619. Amendment # 1; a request of RJT Homes, LLC. for
approval of development plans for two new prototype single family houses ranging
in size from 1,984 to 2004 square feet under Specific Plan 83-001 located on the
north side of Calle Tampico, west of Park Avenue, and east of Calle Rondo in La
Quinta Fairways.
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. Staff noted the applicant had submitted two new elevations with
a modified ridge line as required by the ALRC and staff recommends
approval of the changed elevations.
2. Chairman Tyler asked if there were any questions of staff. Commissioner
Abels asked if Condition #7 should be deleted. Staff concurred that the
condition should be deleted. There being no further questiOns, Chairman
Tyler asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. Chad
Myer, Project Manager for RJT, stated he was here to answer any questions
of the Commission.
3. Chairman Tyler asked if anyone else would like to speak on this item. Mr.
Alex Kunzler, 50-340 Spyglass, questioned whether his property was directly
· in front of the proposed models as he was concerned with the dust and
wanted to be assured the lots would be landscaped. Mr. Myer stated the
models would be located across from his house and the area would be planted
or sprayed to prevent any dust problems. Discussion followed as to the
process for construction of the models and the concern for dust control.
4. There being no further public comment, the public participation portion of the
hearing was closed and opened to Commission discussion.
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5. Chairman Tyler stated he was not comfortable.with the suggested changes in
regard to the ridge line.
6. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Abels/Kirk to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 99-
024 approving Site Development Permit 98-619, Amendment #1, subject to
the Findings and Conditions of Approval as submitted.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Buffer, Kirk, Robbins, and Chairman
Tyler. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
D. Tract 28838. Amendmerlt #l; a request of Reilly Homes for approval of an
amendment to a final map reconfiguring the shape of various single family and
common lots adjacent to the intersection of Legends Way with Muirfield Avenue and
Troon Way under Specific Plans 83002 and 90-017 plans for two new prototype
single family houses ranging in size from 1,984 to 2004 square feet under Specific
Plan 83-001.
1. Chairman Tyler opened the public hearing 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. Chairman Tyler asked if there were any questions of staff. Commissioner
Robbins asked if this was just a change to the landscaping lots. Senior
Engineer Steve Speer stated that there were too many changes to lot lines to
process this as a lot line adjustment due to recent City ordinance revision.
Therefore, the proposed revisions need to be processed as an amended final
map. There being no further question, Chairman Tyler asked if the applicant
would like to address the Commission. Mr. Chris Berg, MDS Consulting,
stated he was here to answer any questions.
3. Chairman Tyler asked if anyone else would like to speak on this item: There '
being no further public comment, the public participation portion of the'
hearing was closed and opened to Commission discussion.
4. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Kirk/Abels to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 99-
025 approving Tract 28838, Amendment #1, subject to the Findings and
Conditions of Approval as submitted.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Kirk, Robbins, and Chairman
Tyler. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
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E. Specific Plan 94-025. Time Extension; a request of Mr. John Green for approval of
a time extension for the development principles and design guidelines of a master
planned community of 277 single family houses on 331 acres located south of 584
Avenue and bisected by the furore extension of Jefferson Street.
1. Chairman Tyler opened the public hearing and asked for the staff report.
Planning Manager Christine di Iorio presented the information contained in
the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development
Department. Staff noted that Condition # 16 needed to be changed to delete
"one story houses (22' high and less) shall be built within 200-feet of the
Plan's perimeter."
2. Chairman Tyler asked if there were any questions of staff. Commissioner
Kirk asked if this project would be required to make any changes in regard
to our current Hillside Ordinance. Staff stated that to be in conformance with
the Hillside Ordinance a conditional USe permit would need to be processed.
The cut and fill shown on the grading exhibit was recommended for removal
as it would be reviewed under a conditional use permit process.
3. Commissioner Kirk asked why a time deadline for the expiration of the
specific plan was originally imposed on the project and now staff was asking
it to be removed. Staff stated it was a process that was done on previous
projects and staff was no longer requiting deadlines.
4. Commissioner Kirk asked Why staff was asking to remove review by the
Planning Commission (Condition #7). Staff noted because it was a City
document, therefore, necessary changes could be made at any time.
5. Commissioner Kirk asked why specific conditions regarding infrastructure
improvements were not included in the specific plan and shouldn't they be
in the specific plan document. Staffnoted yes, it should be and staff will give
the applicant written directions on what will be expected.
6. Commissioner Kirk asked if Condition #81 was added to other projects. Staff
noted it was inclUded on other projects. Commissioner Kirk noted the letter
from the applicant's attorneys asked what would happen if they are unable to
reach an agreement with The Quarry. Staff noted they had no access in or out
of the 12 acres unless they reach an agreement. City Attorney Dawn
Honeywell stated there is a recorded easement from The Quarry allowing
access.
7. Chairman Tyler asked if the tract and site development permit would still
contain the time deadline. Staff stated they would remain per the Zoning
Code.
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8. Commissioner Butler asked what staff's reaction was to the letter received
from the Bureau of Land Management. City Attorney Dawn Honeywell
stated the City expects federal agencies to be responding to every project that
is proposed near the mountains. However, there is nothing in this letter to be
concerned with at this time.
9. Commissioner Robbins questioned Condition #51 as it was not relevant to
this project. Also, Condition #68.C. asked for a "water agency plan" and he
is unaware of such a plan. Senior Engineer Steve Speer stated it would be
reworded to delete any reference to the storm channel and Condition #68.C.
would be deleted.
10. Commissioner Robbins stated that Conditions-#73 appears to be in conflict
with itself as well as #74. Staff noted the last sentences would be deleted as
well as Condition #78.
11. Commissioner Robbins questioned whether Condition #84 regarding school
fees was State mandated. Staff stated it was state mandated fees.
,
12. There being no further question, Chairman Tyler asked if the applicant would
like to address the Commission. Mr. Bob Mainiero, of Mainiero Smith &
Associates representing the applicant, stated they' concurred with the
recommended conditions as submitted and corrected.
13. Chairman Tyler asked if Mr. Mainiero had any comment regarding the
easement. Mr. Mainiero stated they have an easement granted to them
through The Quarry, but have been exploring alternative routes as well.
14. Chairman Tyler asked if anyone else would like to speak on this item. There
being no further public comment, the public participation portion of the
hearing was closed and opened to Commission discussion.
15. Commissioner Kirk asked if the applicant is not successful with negotiating
the easement and they find an alternate route, would this come back to the
Commission. Staff stated it would Come back for review and approval.
Commissioner Kirk asked why time limits were placed on specific plans and
why were they discontinued. Staff noted it was a discretion of staff.
16. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Abels/Robbins to adopt Planning Commission Resolution
99-026 approving Specific Plan 94-025, Time Extension, subject to the
Findings and Conditions of Approval as amended:
a. Condition #16' Delete the first sentence.
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b. Condition #51: If any portion of the 100-year, 24-hour storm flow
from this development is to be conveyed directly or indirectly to
bodies of water subject to the NPDES, the applicant may be required
to design and install first-flush storage, oil/water separation devices,
or other screening or pretreatment method(s)-to minimize the
potential for conveyance of stormwater contamination to off-site
locations. Drainage to off-site locations and methods of treatment or
screening shall meet the approval of the City Engineer and other
agencies that have jurisdiction.
c. Condition #68.C: deleted.
d. Conditions #73 and #74 would have any reference to letters received
from CVWD or Imperial Irrigation deleted.
e. Condition #78: deleted.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Kirk, Robbins, and Chairman
TYler. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
F. Environmental Assessment 99-377 and Conditional Use Permit 99-043; a request of
Airtouch Cellular for approval of a Mitigated Negative Declaration of Environmental
impact and wireless antennas with related equipment for cellular telephone service
on an existing building within the Village Core Zoning District, at 78-080 Calle
Estado.
1. Commissioner Kirk excused himself due to a possible conflict of interest and
withdrew from the dias.
2. 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
Depaxtment.
3. Chairman Tyler asked if there were any questions of staff. There being nO
questions of staff, Chairman Tyler asked if the applicant would like to
address the Commission. Mr. Joe Richards,' representing Airtouch, stated
they were in agreement, with what was recommended by staff.
4. Commissioner Abels asked if this proposal was the same as what was
approved for the Simon building. Staff stated it was.
5. Chairman Tyler asked if anyone else would like to speak on this item. There
being no further public comment, the public participation portion of the
hearing was closed and opened to Commission discussion. ,
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6. Commissioner Abels stated he was glad to have this site approved to improve
the wireless communications in La Quinta.
7. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Abels/Butler to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 99-
027 Certifying a Mitigated Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact for
.. Environmental Assessment 99-377.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Robbins, and Chairman Tyler.
NOES: None, ABSENT: Commissioner Kirk. ABSTAIN: None.
8. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Abels/Buffer to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 99-
028 approving Conditional Use Permit 99-043, subject to the Findings and
Conditions of Approval as submitted.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Robbins, and Chairman Tyler.
NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Kirk. ABSTAIN: None.
Commissioner Kirk rejoined the Commission.
VII. BUSINESS ITEMS:
A. Site Development Permit 99-648; a request of Century-Crowell Communities for
approval of three new prototype residences and landscaping plans located south of
Desert Stream Drive on the west side of Dune Palms Road in Tract 27519 (Aliso Del
Rey).
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.
2. Chairman Tyler asked if there were any questions of staff. Commissioner
Abels asked if the issues with the Golf School had been resolved. Staff noted
it was in the process and the tract map had a condition requiring it to be
· resolVed.
3. Commissioner Kirk asked if the Architectural and Landscaping Review
._ Committee's request for additional conditions had been addressed. Staff
noted Conditions g4, #10, #11, and #12 all addressed their concerns.
4. Commissioner Butler asked staff to explain the clipped gable as he did not
believe it added anything to the ridge line. Staff noted they were not
concerned with the clipped gable as much as the applicant breaking up the
ridge line. The building must take a jog or change in its elevation on any
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future proposals. As this project was further along in its development stages,
the ALRC was recommending the applicant provide alternatives that do not
necessarily require a change to the building footprint. This applicant has nOt
submitted any changes per their request, but they are conditioned to have the
changes approved by staff. Discussion followed regarding potential
alternatives to changing the ridge line.
5. Chairman Tyler stated he had a concern with Plan 5 in regard to the master
bedroom and the retreat room.
6. There being no further questions, Chairman Tyler asked if the applicant
would like to address the Commission. Mr. Ed Knight, representing Cenmry-
Crowell Communities, .stated they would work with staff to change the ridge
line on the two prototypes. In regard to the Plan 5, they did remove the wing
walls that allowed the retreat room to be converted to a bedroom.
7. Chairman Tyler asked when the applicant would be submitting the altemative
designs for the ridge lines. Mr. Knight stated they would be ready in about
45 days. The screening for the golf school is costly and to date Mr. Hopkins
has agreed to let them put the fence on the school property.
8. Commissioner Butler asked if the air conditioning for Plan 5 would be
upgraded to accommodate the bedroom option on the garage. Mr. Knight
stated it was included in the Title 24 calculations.
9. Commissioner Butler stated he would like to see the new drawings come
back to the Planning Commission. Commissioner Kirk concurred, that due
to the nature of the tract and the location, he too would like to see it come
back to the Commission. Commissioner Robbins concurred; he did not
believe there was that much difference between the front elevations or the
rear elevations and both should be addressed.
10. Commissioner Abels stated he would like to see this item continued to give
the applicant time to make changes to the elevations. Mr. Knight stated he
would prefer the continuance.
11. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Butler/Kirk to continue Site Development Permit 99-648 to
April 27, 1999, to give the applicant time to change the building elevations
on the facade in regard to roof height as well as design articulation for more
diversity.
VIII. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: None.
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IX. ' COMMISSIONER ITEMS:
A. Chairman Tyler gave a report on the City Council meeting of April 6, 1999.
B. Commissioner Abels asked if staff had made the changes to the staff reports and
conditions as discussed at the joint meeting. Staff stated they had been discussed and
staff would be highlighting those conditions that are an issues in the staff repons..
Commissioner Abels asked that a prototype be submitted to them'for their input.
Staff stated they would have something to the Commission at their next meeting.
C. Chairman Tyler asked why they had not been asked to review the sign for the new
"Nails" business in the One Eleven La Quinta Shopping Center. Staff noted that as
long. as they meet the requirements per the sign program they are not required to
come before the Commission.
D. Commissioner Abels stated the Sedgeway Group Economic Development study
should be read by the Commission. He also asked that all mail addressed to the
Commission be mailed to them directly.
E. Commissioner Robbins asked where in the ordinance were minimum garage sizes
addressed. Staff noted they were in the parking standards..Commissioner Robbins
asked that the minimum depth be looked at as he believes the 20-foot depth is too
small in relation to the new sport utility vehicles. Staff noted the height of the sport
utility vehicles would not fit in the garages either. Discussion followed regarding
garage sizes. Commissioner Butler stated he would also like to have side or rear
loaded garages. Community Development Director Jerry Herman stated that if they
are dealing with the vehicle size, the Commission will have to address the uncovered
space size as well. If they increase the size of parking spaces, it will increase the
amount of concrete in the front yard.
X. 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 May 11, 1999, at 7:00 p.m. This meeting of the Planning Commission was
adjourned at 8:24 P.M. on April 13, 1999,
Respectfully submitted,
finta, California
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