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PCMIN 04 27 1999 MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING A regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA April 27, 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 Kirk to lead the flag salute. B. Chairman Tyler requested the roll call: Present: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Kirk, Robbins, and Chairman Tyler. C. Staff present: 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: Confirmed IV. CONSENT ITEMS: A. Chairman Tyler asked if there were any corrections to the Minutes of April 13, 1999. There being no corrections, it was moved and seconded by Commissioner Robbins/Abels to adopt the Minutes as submitted. Unanimously approved. B. Department Report: None. VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS: A. Environmental Assessment 98-375. Specific Plan 98-034. and Parcel Map 29052: 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 50th Avenue. 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. Staff noted the Public Works Department requested a modification to the condition: "In the event any of the above improvements are constructed by te City prior to the applicant recording a final map pursuant to the phasing C:LMy Documents\WPDOCSXPC4-27-99.wpd 1 Planning Commission Minutes April 27, 1999 - concept approved for this Specific Plan, the applicant shall reimburse the City, at the time the final map is approved by the City Council, for the cost of that portion of the improvements constructed by the City that are required by these Conditions of Approval. 2. Chairman Tyler asked if there were any questions of staff. Commissioner Abels asked staff why a supermarket was classified as a "big box". Staff stated due to its size. 3. Commissioner Kirk asked staff how it was determined landscaping in the parking lot was needed by eliminating 5% of the parking spaces. Staff stated it was an arbitrary number to gain additional landscaping. Commissioner Kirk asked what other projects had provided additional parking over that required. Staff stated Home Depot was one example. 4. Commissioner Butler asked why staff was requesting to continue this item. City Attorney Dawn Honeywell stated the project consisted of a commercial and residential part. The Commercial portion was being presented to the Commission first to allow them the opportunity to ask questions of staff before the residential portion is presented at the next meeting and recommended for Certification of the Mitigated Negative Declaration as a complete package. 5. Commissioner Robbins asked if the applicant could be required to supply more and larger trees instead of additional landscaping areas. Staff stated this was possible. 6. Chairman Tyler asked staffhow this project compared to the Lucky's Center on Washington Street in relation to floor space. Staff stated their other project was approved by Riverside County with the same parking requirements as the City had previously had; that being one parking space for every 400 feet for the market and the other retail should is one parking space for every 300 square feet. Office uses were one per 250 square feet and restaurants were one per 50 square feet. 7. There being no further questions of staff, Chairman Tyler asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. Mike Smith, Warner Engineering representing the applicant, gave a description of the project. In regard to the parking, the applicant believes the extra parking is needed and does not agree with staffs request for additional landscaping. The applicant would like to discuss the sign program at the next hearing. He then went on to question Specific Plan Condition//24 under drainage as he would prefer a landscaped retention basin. Parcel Map Condition//33 they would like to C:LMy Documents\WPDOCS\PC4-27-99.wpd 2 Planning Commission MinUtes April 27, 1999 request the centerline to be their property only. Condition #36 they would like to make sure they are not in a "no win" situation as the adjoining property will be required to retain their own drainage. 8. Chairman Tyler asked if there were any questions of the applicant. Commissioner Abels clarified that the applicant wanted to keep the 530 parking spaces. Mr. Smith stated yes, and according to their calculations they have provided double the landscaping that is required. 9. Chairman Tyler asked the size of the parking spaces. Mr. Smith stated the parking lot in Palm Desert has stalls that are smaller than what is required by the City. Chairman Tyler questioned Parcel Map Condition #36 as the adjoining property is all residential. Mr. Smith stated they were. all residential. 10. Commissioner Abels asked if Ralphs was intending to building on the northeast comer in the City of Indio. Mr. Smith stated Ralphs was in the process, but six or seven months behind this project. 11. Commissioner Robbins asked if the applicant would agree to larger trees and more of them. Mr. Smith stated the client would not disagree to this. 12. Chairman Tyler stated he agreed large retention basins next to a thorouglffare is unattractive and asked if it could be designed differently. Mr. Smith stated the retention basin is placed where the water drains which is the front of the building. Chairman Tyler asked where the residential retention basin would be. Mr. Smith stated it would surround the CVWD site and would be a buffer between the commercial and residential projects. 13. Commissioner Kirk stated he did not understand the reasons for the retention basin being placed on the frontage. Then again on the residential it is behind the supermarket. Mr. Smith stated each part had to retain its own drainage. Discussion followed regarding drainage flow for the residential and commercial projects. 14. Commissioner Kirk asked if'the applicant had discussed the difference in the parking spaces with staff. Mr. Smith stated they did not have the oppommity 15. Chairman Tyler stated he had a problem with the circulatior~ as there was no opportunity to exit and go north on Jefferson Street. Mr. Smith stated most of the business would come from the south and they did not believe there was a need for a northerly exit. C:\My Documents\WPDOCSXPC4-27-99.wpd 3 Planning Commission Minutes April 27, 1999 16. Chairman Tyler stated the delivery trucks would have to snake through the project. Mr. Smith stated they had a direct line off Jefferson Street exiting onto 50th Avenue. 17. Commissioner Kirk asked Senior Engineer Steve Speer about the circulation issues. Senior Engineer Steve Speer stated Jefferson Street is a Major Arterial and there was not enough frontage length to have a full turn movement. Avenue 50 is a Primary Arterial and they do not have 1200 feet of frontage for a full mm movement. The residential project does have a full mm on 50th Avenue and staffhad asked the applicant to join the two and the applicant did not want to do this. 18. Commissioner Robbins asked if the north access to the residential was a full turn. Staff stated no, it was to provide residents with the. ability to mm left into the'shopping center. Commissioner Robins stated his concern was that the residents could not go north on Jefferson Street. Staff stated this was true, they would have to exit on 50th Avenue and then go north on Jefferson Street or make a U mm to go north on Jefferson Street. -- 19. Chairman Tyler asked how close they were to the required 2,600 feet before a full access could be installed on Jefferson Street. Staff stated they only have 1,600 feet of frontage. 20. Commissioner Kirk asked if the City of Indio's requirements for a full mm access 'were the same. Staff stated it was unknown. The Rincon development has a full mm. When Jefferson Street is widened, Rincon will only have a left mm in. Commissioner Kirk asked if there had been any discussion with the City of Indio regarding the proposed Ralphs shopping center in regards to circulation. Staff stated a full turn intersection would require a General Plan Amendment. Staff is trying to limit the number of signals on this type of street. 21. Chairman Tyler asked if there was any further public comment. Ms. Barbara Barba, 48-806 Andorra Street, stated she lives in the Rincon development and it is a residential development with exclusive homes. There are empty store sites at Ralphs shopping center on Washington Street and the store is never busy; why are more grocery stores needed? She stated they had not received any information on this project as they live more than 500 feet from the development. She would like to know what type of residential housing is planned for the adjacent tract. They would like it to be compatible with their development. Also, what is the price range, house size, etc. The aesthetic C:\My Documents\WPDOCS\PC4-27-99.wpd 4 Planning Commission Minutes April 27, 1999 value of their development will diminish. She then questioned the left mm on Jefferson Street and asked if there was going to be a signal on 49th Avenue. Chairman Tyler stated the ultimate development of Jefferson Street is not an issue under discussion at this time. Ms. Barba stated she hoped the drainage would not go into their development. 22. Commissioner Kirk stated that if this project were denied the area is still zoned for 50 acres of commercial. The applicant is reducing the amount of commercial to 12 acres. 23. There being no further public comment, Commissioners Abels/Robbins moved to continue the public hearing to May 11, 1999. Unanimously approved. B. Continued - Site Development Permit 99-647; a request of Cenmry-Crowell Communities for approval of architectural and landscaping plans for four new prototype residences located on in Tract 21846-3 on Tanglewood in PGA West. 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 a new plot plan had been received prior to the meeting. 2. Chairman Tyler asked if there had been any changes to the building elevations. Staff stated no. Discussion followed regarding the Architectural and Landscaping Review Committee (ALRC) recommendations. 3. 'Commissioner Butler asked staff about the letter received from the homeowners' association (HOA). Staff stated the applicant should address letter. 4. Mr. Kent Armstrong, representing Century-Crowell the applicant, stated he had met with the HOA and they had reached an agreement on most of the issues. He then went over the issues. He then stated he had a problem with Condition #5 regarding the I-IVAC in the setback area. 5. Chairman Tyler asked Mr. Armstrong for a copy of the letter from the HOA. 6. Commissioner Kirk asked if they could approve the project subject to HOA approval. City Attorney Dawn Honeywell stated it is not something that is within the City's standard requirements and she would not recommend it. C:WIy Documents\WPDOCSLPC4-27-99.wpd 5 Planning Commission Minutes April 27, 1999 7. Commissioner Butler stated that if there is a five foot sideyard, there is no issue with the HVAC's location. 8. Ms. Kelly McGilliard, Operations Manager for the Homeowners' Association (HOA), stated she has been working with the applicant to obtain approval from the HOA. The outstanding issues are the final landscaping and pool plans. The objective is to have a plan that is compatible with the HOA. They. would like to request the approval be contingent upon the remaining issues being resolved with the HOA. 9. Chairman Tyler stated the required landscaping plans are limited to the front yard and since this is a condo project the remaining landscaping is the responsibility of the HOA. Ms. McGillard stated that as a condo project the HOA will be maintaining the landscaping and therefore, is hoping for a good working relationship. 10. Commissioner Kirk asked if the applicant was required to have HOA approval before proceeding. City Attorney Dawn Honeywell stated the CC&R's require it. Commissioner Kirk stated that if the Commission approved the project, there is still a process whereby the applicant has to obtain HOA approval. Staff stated yes that was true. 11. There being no further public comment, Chairman Tyler closed the public participation portion of the hearing and opened the matter for Commission discussion. 12. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Robbins/Kirk to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 99- 029 approving Site Development Permit 99-647, subject to Findings and Conditions of Approval as submitted/modified: a. Condition #4 being deleted ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Butler, Kirk, Robbins, and Chairman Tyler. NOES: Commissioner Abels. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. C. Specific Plan 83-001, Amendment #5 and Site Development Permit 99-642; a request of Century-Crowell Communities for approval of an amendment to allow ten foot front yard setbacks where 20 feet is required, and to increase the trait count; approval of development plans for three new prototype residential plans ranging in size from 1,892 to 2,418 square feet. C:LMy Documents\WPDOCSLPC4-27-99.wpd 6 Planning Commission Minutes April 27, 1999 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. Staffnoted the applicant had submitted new plans regarding the south side of Calle Norte today. 2. Chairman Tyler asked staff to identify the lots proposed and which homes he was requesting the ten foot front setback on. Staff stated they have not been identified by lots, but they are asking for the south side of Calle Norte to have ten foot front setbacks. Commissioner Robbins asked why they were requesting the short driveway. In his opinion, there is already a problem with insufficient parking because the street is only 32 feet wide and parking is allowed only on one side. 4. Commissioner Robbins asked how the developer could put a house on a pad that is lower than the dike elevation. Senior Engineer Steve Speer stated the dike elevation is 50 feet and that elevation will be maintained within the CVWD right of way. The reduced house pad elevation will occur on private property only. $. Commissioner Abels stated it does not make sense to have a 20 foot long driveway across the street and allow five foot long driveways here. 6. Chairman Tyler asked why the Plan 3 unit length is different on the drawing than on the footprint of and Plan 37 7. There being no further questions, Chairman Tyler asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. Kent Armstrong, representing the applicant, stated the request'is null because the HOA would not approve it. The idea is to reduce the front yard setback to get a usable rear yard. They needs a variance to put the proposed plans on the lots. 8. Commissioner Butler stated the south side has a gradual grade and gets higher as you go east. In order to maintain grades, some of the property would be graded down to maintain it, then how can you keep the 50 foot elevation required ~by CVWD. Mr. Armstrong explained.. If he could have a ten foot rear yard instead of 20 feet he could meet the 20 foot front yard setback. 9. Commissioner Robbins stated he has a problem because the applicant purchased the lots knowing the problems and they are not designing a house to meet the lot constraints, but asking the City to grant approval to put their standard home on a lot that it will not fit on. C:\My Documents\WPDOCSLPC4-27-99.wpd 7 Planning Commission Minutes April 27, 1999 10. Commissioner Butler stated that the Commission was looking for more hip roofs and they are proposing gable roofs. Mr. Armstrong stated he was not required to have a gable. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio stated they did not pursue all hipped roof because the applicant proposed a mix of roof styles. Instead staff requested a change in the roof material to be compatible with the existing homes and provide a compatible color palette. 11. Chairman Tyler asked how high the retaining wall was on Exhibit "D". Mr. Armstrong stated it was five feet and has a 3:1 slope that comes down to a fiat area. 12. Commissioner Kirk asked if the unit length was different on the existing units. They have a 17 foot setback and no restricted rear yard. Staff stated they are adjacent to the golf course. 13. Commissioner Abels stated that as proposed he does not agree with the project. 14. Chairman Tyler asked if anyone else would like to speak on this item. Mr. - Ken Landis, 78-020 Calle Norte, addressed Exhibit "A". He stated he bought his home on the other side of the lake because of the view and now they are proposing units that are packed next to each other and will resemble none of the existing units. They need a green belt or separation between the buildings. 15. Mr. Wayne Nystrom, 78-094 Calle None, president of Duna HOA, originally supported the project because the houses would be the same size and detached. However he has not seen any landscaping plans or pool renderings. The average setback for driveways is 20 feet and 15 feet for a rear yard. They are afraid because this is the smallest street and parking is already limited. At this comer 17 feet is unacceptable. Basically, they have no problem with the project, but they do not want to sacrifice driveways for a two one story houses. 16. There being no further public comment, the public participation portion of the hearing was closed and opened to Commission discussion. 17. Commissioner Abels stated the parking has not been addressed, but the streetscape is not compatible. 18. Commissioner Kirk stated he is encouraged that the HOA is willing to work with the applicant. He has a hard time understanding the request and when the applicant submits a revision at the last minute before the Commission, he has even more concerns. He is not against the request, but apprehensive. C:\My Documents\WPDOCS\PC4-27-99.wpd 8 Planning Commission Minutes April 27, 1999 19. Commissioner Butler stated he agrees with what has been stated and agrees with staff's recommendations as he believes it will address the neighboring homeowners concerns. 20. Commissioner Robbins stated he was not in agreement with any deviations to the setbacks. 21. Commissioner Abels stated he is not against development, but this project should be revisited with the issues raised by staff. 22. Chairman Tyler stated he had a problem with Exhibit "B", but his main concern is that if you stand on top of the berm and look south or southwest with a view of the fairway and mountains, the developer stated they are down in a hole and plans a retaining wall that is a travesity. 23. Commissioner Abels stated that due to the concems raised he would like to move to continue this item. 24. Commissioner Butler stated that the project proposed for the south side is not - in question. Staff stated the street proposed is 28 feet with 20 foot front yard driveway setbacks. 25. Commissioner Abels stated he too felt there should be less units proposed. 26. Commissioner Butler asked if the Commission was asking the applicant to redesign both sides of the fairway. Discussion followed as to the open space. City Attorney Dawn Honeywell clarified that the specific plan has not been built out and they are allowed the number of units requested. However, as the applicant has opened the specific plan to revisions the Commission has the oppommity to make any modifications they deem necessary. 27. Chairman Tyler asked if the applicant would like to have a continuance. Mr. Armstrong stated he would withdraw the request and redesign the houses. 28. There being no fimher discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Robbins/Abels to continue Specific Plan 83-001, Amendment #5, to May 25, 1999. Chairman Tyler recessed the meeting at 9:13 p.m. and reconvened at 9:18 p.m. D. Tentative Tract 29136; a request of KSL Land Corporation for approval to subdivide 286.6_+ acres into lots for future residential golf, course, private streets, and related miscellaneous uses. C:\My Documents\WPDOCS\PC4-27-99.wpd 9 Planning Commission Minutes April 27, 1999 1. Chairman Tyler opened the public heating 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. Chairman Tyler asked if the letter from Coachella Valley Unified School District should be of any concern. City Attorney Dawn Honeywell stated it was their standard letter requesting additional funds. 3. There being no further question, Chairman Tyler asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. Chris Bergh, MDS Consulting, representing the applicant, stated they concurred with staff recommendation and the conditions. 4. Chairman Tyler stated there were three prospective well sites and one was right in the middle of the residential area and asked if they would have to keep it there. Mr. Berg stated it was due to an existing private well site that will be retained. 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. 6. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Kirk/Butler to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 99- 030 recommending to the City Council approval of Tentative Tract 29136, 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. VII. BUSINESS ITEMS: A. Continued - 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 Stan Sawa presented the information contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development Department. CAMy Documents\WPDOCS\PC4-27-99.wpd 10 Planning Commission Minutes April 27, 1999 2. Chairman Tyler asked if there were any questions of staff. Commissioner Kirk asked about Condition #11, what does staff want with Plan 2. Staff stated they were looking for a new dimension to the rear elevation by asking the applicant to include a front facing gable to stagger the roof line. 3. There being no further questions of staff, Chairman Tyler asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. Kent Armstrong, representing Century-Crowell Communities, stated they concurred with staff's recommendation. 4. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Abels/Robbins to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 99-031 approving Site Development Permit 99-648, 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. B. Sign Application 94-257, Amendment #1; a request of Domino's Pizza for approval of a deviation to an approved sign program to permit a new corporate sign for an existing business located within the One Eleven La Quinta Shopping Center. 1. Chairman Tyler 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. Chairman Tyler asked if there were any questions of staff. Commissioner Kirk asked if the sign program allowed 50 square feet per sign as they are going to a total of 104 square feet. Staff stated they are going larger on all the signs, but they are within the allowable sqUare footage per sign. 3. Chairman Tyler stated there had been some recent court rulings regarding what a city can do with national logos. City Attorney Dawn Honeywell stated there had been some with regard to allowing corporate signs.and the changing of it, but the City can still control size and style of sign. The protection is in regard to the logo, colors, and name. 4. There being no further questions of staff, Chairman Tyler asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. Rick Zanini, Dominos Pizza, stated last year Dominos changed their signs and all franchises were being required to meet the demand of Dominos. In regard to staff's suggestion to opaque the sign background on the south facing sign, it is his opinion it will not last. Businesses in the shopping center already have cannister illuminated signs. C:\My Documents\WPDOCSLPC4-27-99.wpd 1 1 Planning Commission Minutes April 27, 1999 5. Commissioner Kirk asked staff if other businesses in the center had canister signs. Staff stated they were approved as logo signs only as opposed to the main identification sign that are all individually mounted channel letters. 6. Commissioner Robbins asked if the blue arch was back lit. Staff stated no, it is internally illuminated. However, they can opaque the blue background so the letters are only seen at night. 7. Commissioner Kirk stated he appreciated staff's recommendation, and asked if they could give the applicant some latitude to work this out with his corporate office. 8. Commissioner Robbins stated he may not be able to order their standard sign, but he could have a custom sign built to meet their requirements and still comply with their corporate demands. 9. Commissioner Abels suggested allowing the applicant to research that option with his corporate office. 10. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Robbins/Kirk to adopt Minute Motion 99-004 approving Sign Application 94-257, Amendment #1, subject to the Findings and Conditions of approval as amended a. The blue and red background shall be opaque. The motion passed with Commissioner Abels voting no. C. Capital Improvement Project 98-11; a request of the City for approval of parkway landscaping on Calle Rondo, from Avenida Nuestra to Calle Tampico. 1. Chairman Tyler asked for the staff report. 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 Tyler asked if there were any questions of staff. Commissioner Kirk questioned whether the plants proposed were native materials. City Attorney Dawn Honeywell stated they were a part of the City's approved plant list. 3. Commissioner Kirk asked if this much turf was needed. Senior Engineer Steve Speer stated yes, it is a 3:1 slope at many locations up and down the Storm Channel to keep from eroding. C:hMy Documents\WPDOCSLPC4-27-99.wpd 12 Planning Commission Minutes April 27, 1999 , ! 4. Chairman Tyler stated drainage grades go through the golf course, and asked w~t the slab of concrete was for. Staff stated it is at the east end of La 1 Fot~da for erosion control and water passes through the wall and the concrete is there for erosion control. 5. Commissioner Kirk asked if there would be any discussion regarding public area landscaping during the General Plan Update. Staff stated they would note it. 6. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by CommissionerS Abels/Robbins to adopt Minute Motion 99-005 approving Capital Improvement Project 98-11. Motion passed with Commissioner Kirk voting No. VIII. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: None. IX. COMMISSIONER ITEMS: A. Chairman Tyler gave a report on the City Council meeting of April 20, 1999. B. Commissioner X. 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 May 11, 1999, at 7:00 p.m. This meeting of the Planning Commission was adjourned at 10:04 P.M. on April 27, 1999. Respectfully submitted, . ~PO, Executive d~a~ Secretary City }fi'La Quinta, California C:LMy Documents\WPDOCS\PC4-27-99.wpd 13