PCMIN 05 25 1999 MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
A regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hail
78-495 Caile Tampico, La Quinta, CA
May 25, 1999 7:00 P.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER
A. This meeting of the Planning Commission was cailed 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 cail: Present: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Kirk,
Robbins, and Chairman Tyler..
C. Staff present: City Attomey Dawn Honeywell, Planing Manager Christine di Iorio,
Senior Engineer Steve Speer, Principai. Planners Start Sawa and Fred Baker, and
Executive Secretary Betty Sawyer.
II. PUBLIC COMMENT: None
III. CONFIRMATION OF T}~ AGENDA:
A. Staff informed the Commission that a letter had been received from Mr. Peter Murray
requesting that the Use Interpretation, Business Item "D' be removed from the
agenda at this time. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Abels/Robbins
to approve the Agenda as amended. Unanimously approved.
IV. CONSENT ITEMS:
A. Chairman Tyler asked if there were any corrections to the Minutes of May 11, 1999.
Chairman Tyler asked that the Minutes be modified on Page 10, Item #5 to add the
wording "...that traffic signai changes were needed ..... '; Item #9 the wording changed
"The south leg needs to be added to make it complete." There being no other
corrections, it was moved and seconded by Commissioner Abels/Kirk to adopt the
Minutes as corrected. Commissioner Butler abstained. Unanimously approved.
B. Department Report: None.
VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
B. Specific Plan 83-001 Amendment #5, Site Development Permit 99-642; a request of
Century-Crowell Communities for approvai ti) modify the total unit count, revise the
boundaries to separate the Seasons from Duna La Quinta, and add a new unit type
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requirement for units necessitating retaining walls higher than four feet along the 50
foot elevation of the Channel berm contained in the Specific Plan; and approval for
three new prototype residential plans ranging in size from 1,802 square feet to 2,418
square feet within the Specific Plan.
1. Commissioner Butler asked to be excused and withdrew from the dias due to
a possible conflict of interest.
2. 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.
Staff asked that an additional condition be added for clarification to specify
that the boundaries of the Specific Plan are exclusive of the Seasons area.
3. Commissioner Abels asked if the applicant had submitted the proposed split
level residence plans elevation. Staff stated they had not.
4. Commissioner Kirk asked staff to identify the lots with the five foot and
higher retaining walls. Staff stated a five foot wall height starting with Lot
8 and increased in height up to Lot 27.
5. Commissioner Robbins asked if there was an ordinance that specified
heights of retaining walls. Staff stated the Zoning Code states in Section
9.60.030 Fences and Walls, "Fences and walls cannot exceed eight feet in
height" and defines fence or wall as any type of fence, wall, retaining wall,
sound attenuation wall, screen, or wind screen, etc. After that they need to
be separated if additional height was needed. Commissioner Robbins asked
if the proposal was in violation of any City Codes. Staff stated it was not.
6. Commissioner Abels asked if the units identified by staff are to be split level
and if the applicant was asking for approval of the units on the north side of
the street. Staff clarified the units that staff was requesting to be split level
and which pertained to the Site Development Permit. Commissioner Abels
stated that at the last meeting, the Commission asked the applicant to submit
a complete application and it appears this is still not a complete application.
Staff stated the applicant will be required to prepare plans under a Site
Development Permit to be submitted to the Planning Commission for
compatibility approval for the units on the north side of Calle.Norte.
7. Chairman Tyler asked about Attachment #3 which showed the unit length
plus the garage length, different than what was submitted at the last hearing,
and asked which one was in error. Staff stated the applicant would have to
address this.
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8. Chairman Tyler asked if the Seasons were removed would a new specific
plan be needed. Staff stated one already exists and this action will clean up
the two plans.
9. Chairman Tyler asked about the issues raised at the last meeting by some of
the residents who reside on the north side of the street and north of the lake.
There appears to be a variable with a 25-30 feet setback from the edge of the
lake to sOme posts that are probably KSL's marking of the edge of the golf
course, how do the applicant's lots measure out relative to the markers, and
who has the responsibility of maintaining this area.
10. There being no further questions of staff, Chairman Tyler asked if the
applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. Kent Armstrong,
Cenmry-Crowell Communities apologized for not submitting elevations for
the split lev?!.,,u.rli.t.~..but their architects did not have the time prior to this
meeting. Their concern was to be able to start the north side units and not be
tied to the remaining split level units. Mr. Armstrong asked that the two
items be separated. City Attorney Dawn Honeywell stated this was not an
issue before the Commission. Mr. Armstrong stated he was working with the
Homeowners' Association and they had the plans for review and he believes
he had met all the conditions.
11. Commissioner Abels stated that on Calle Norte there is a parking area for the
existing homes, and asked if there was any guest parking in front of the
swimming pool, or any provision for additional parking. Mr. Armstrong
stated no, but the pool area will have twelve parking spaces with parking on
one side of the street and two parking spaces in each driveway.
12. Chairman Tyler asked who would be maintaining the property on the north
side of Calle Norte where their property ends. Mr. Armstrong stated either
KSL or Century will have to clean it up.
13. Chairman Tyler asked about the difference between the length of the house
submitted at the last meeting and now. Mr. Armstrong stated the length was
mislabeled On this exhibit.
14. Chairman Tyler asked if anyone else would like to speak regarding this
project. Mr. Wayne Nystrom, president of the Duna La Quinta HOA, stated
-- that next to the existing swimming pool there are spaces for six cars to be
parked.
15. Commissioner Robbins stated his concern was the way the retaining walls are
to be constructed on the high side of the berm. There is a safety issue even
if the wall is to be 4 or 5 feet as someone could fall over the wall. He would
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not want the wall to be more than .one or two feet in height.. Discussion
followed as to the area in concern. Staff suggested the applicant consider
using wrought iron fencing. Commissioner Robbins stated he would want
something to keep from having a straight drop off. A wrought iron fence
would be better.
16. Commissioner Kirk stated he was pleased the applicant was working with the
HOA and approves of staff's recommendations and the wrought iron fencing.
17. · Chairman Tyler asked that any.existing curb cuts on Calle Norte that are not
used, be returned to curb and gutter.
18. Mr. Armstrong stated that in regard to the four units, they are at grade. The
units at the other end have quite a separation,, as much as ten feet. With a
seven foot differential it will use up the difference. Commissioner Robbins
stated he did not believe the split level would use up the difference.
19. commissioner Abels asked the applicant how he felt about the wrought iron
fence. Mr. Armstrong stated he would use the wrought iron for the retaining
wall on Lots 8-26.
20. Commissioner Robbins asked that everything on the south side of the street
be brought back to the Commission. Staff clarified that the Specific Plan
could be approved as submitted and reserve review of the site development
permit to look at the specific elevation details. Commissioner Robbins stated
he did not want to approve Lots 1-7.
21. CommissiOner Kirk stated the confusion is staff's recommendation for
approval of a site development permit at this time. Staff stated the site
development permit has to do with the compatibility of the prototypes
submitted given the existing buildings on this street.
22. Commissioner Abels stated the confusion is that they do not have a complete
package before them. He again objects to having projects submitted in a
piece meal fashion.
23. Commissioner Kirk stated he was willing to support the site development
permit, but not the specific plan.
24. Commissioner Abels asked the applicant to work with staff to submit a
. complete package. As submitted, he would not vote for the project until it
was complete.
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25. It was moved by Commissioners Robbins to adopt Planning Commission
Resolution 99-046 recommending to the City Council approval of Specific
Plan 83-001, Amendment #4, subject to the Findings and Conditions of
Approval as amended:
a. Condition #8: prior to issuance of building permits all the units on
the south side of Calle Norte shall be redesigned and come back to
the Planning Commission including split level.
26. The motion died for lack of second.
27. Commissioner Kirk asked if Condition #8 of the Site Development Permit
spoke to this issue and does it need to. Staff stated it was needed for
clarification as the prototype being approved, they could go on either side of
the street.
28. Commissioner Kirk asked if the site development permit could be
conditioned to address only the north side of Calle Norte and the other street
and leave the issues raised separate.
29. Following discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners
Robbins/Kirk to continue Specific Plan 83-001, Amendment #5 to June 22,
1999.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Kirk, Robbins, and Chairman Tyler.
NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Butler. ABSTAIN: None.
30. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Robbins/Kirk to adopt
Planning Commission Resolution 99-046 approving Site Development
Permit 99-642, subject to the Findings and conditions as amended:
a. Condition #8: prior to issuance of a building permit all the units on
the south side of Calle Norte shall be .redesigned and approved by the
Planning Commission, including split level units.
b. Condition #9 existing curb cuts shall be removed and replaced with
curb and gutter
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Kirk, Robbins, and Chairman Tyler. NOES:
Abels. ABSENT: Commissioner Butler. ABSTAIN: None.
Commissioner Butler rejoined the Commission.
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C. Tentative Tract Map 29147; a request of KSL Land Corporation for approval of 133
single family lots, a furore development lot and other common lot subdivision on ·
172.88 acres within Specific Plan 90-017 and a portion of Specific Plan 83-002
located at the northeast comer of Avenue 58 and Madison Street abutting the existing
Tom Weiskopf Golf Course in PGA West.
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. Chairman Tyler asked if there were any questions of staff. Commissioner
Robbins asked if this tract had a condition about having an equestrian trail on
Madison Street. Staff stated a condition should be provided similar to the
tract to the north.
3. Chairman Tyler asked staff to define the meaning of "secondary access".
Senior Engineer Steve Speer stated that in Condition #39 the primary
entrance is to the north on another tract on Madison Street and the entrances
identified as "secondary access" are those in this tract.
4. Chairman Tyler asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission.
Mr. Chris Bergh, MDS Consulting Engineers, stated he agreed with the
conditions as recommended including the addition of the equestrian trail
requirement.
5. Chairman Tyler asked if anyone else would like to speak regarding this
project. There being no further public comment, Chairman Tyler closed the
public participation portion of the hearing and opened the matter for
Commission discussion.
6. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Abels/Robbins to adopt Planning Commission Resolution
99-047 approving Tentative Tract Map 29147, subject to Findings and
Conditions of Approval as amended:
a. Add to Condition #79 "perimeter landscaping".
b. New Condition #81: The applicant shall construct an equestrian trail
along the Madis°n Street frontage. The location and design of the trail
shall be approved by the City. A split rail fence shall be constructed
to separate the equestrian trail from the pedestrian sidewalk and
perimeter wall in accordance with Section 9.140.060 (Item E.3.a.) of
the Zoning Ordinance. The equestrian facilities shall match the
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improvements being installed for Tract 28838 and be completed prior
to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for the first residence.
Bonding for the equestrian facilities shall be posted prior to final map
approval
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Kirk, Robbins, and Chairman
Tyler. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
VII. BUSINESS ITEMS:
A. Master Design Guidelines 99-00; a request of Coachella Valley Housing Authority
for approval of prototype plans for different lots in the Cove area.
1. Chairman Tyler 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 asked why there was no Page 9 and 11 in the Guidelines.
-- Staff stated it was a misnumbering on the applicant's submittal.
Commissioner Kirk asked if they were required to submit a minimum number
of window elevations. Staff stated there was no minimum. Commissioner
Kirk stated there did not appear to be a lot of variation in the windows.
3. Chairman Tyler stated there was a lot of information, but no text to show
what goes with what. Four elevations and four plans, but the Guidelines do
not state which plan goes with what elevation.
4. Commissioner Kirk stated the window elevation appears to be exactly the
same. The first elevation labeled 1280, if that is an elevation the entire
facade has no articulation above the openings. Staff stated the drawings show
the difference in the elevations. The photos show existing homes to illustrate
what they have built. Commissioner Kirk stated he is not in favor of this and
would not want to approve it as submitted.
5. There being no further questions of staff, Chairman Tyler asked if the
applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. Bill Standafer,
construction manager for Coachella Valley Housing Coalition, stated the
elevations will fit on either Plan. The difference is whether it is a three or
four bedroom house. There are three elevations. Discussion followed
regarding the difference between the elevations.
6. Commissioner Robbins stated the photos do not match the plans submitted.
They do, however, show the type of houses built by the Coalition and he
believes they are a great looking house and fit in with the community.
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7. There being no further discussion, staff was directed to work with the
applicant to submit more detailed Guidelines and bring this item back to the
Commission at a later date. Unanimously approved.
B. Sign Application 99-460; a request of Golden Spoon Yogtm/Ul~aneon Sign
Company for approval of a deviation to an approved sign program to permit
corporate signs fro a new business.
1. Chairman Tyler 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.
2. Chairman Tyler asked if there were any questions of staff. Commissioner
Abels asked why staff was requesting the applicant remove the yogurt cup
from the sign. Staff stated it is not a part of the corporate logo for Golden
Spoon, but a product symbol.
3. Commissioner Robbins asked why Starbucks was allowed their round logo
sign. Staff stated it is their corporate logo.
4. Commissioner Kirk asked staff if the signs had been installed and is there a
penalty for doing this. Staff stated added fee is required for installing them
before approval.
5. There being no further questions of staff, Chairman Tyler asked if the
applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. Jerry Murdock,
Ultraneon Signs, apologized for installing the signs prematurely. Two of the
three signs were installed and they were requesting three.
6. Chairman Tyler asked why the third sign had not been installed. Mr.
Murdock stated the north elevation was not installed due to being notified by
the City that they did not have approval.
7. Commissioner Robbins asked how the applicant felt about the removal of the
cup of yogurt. Mr. Larry Lanning, owner of Golden Spoon, stated the
conditional use permit shows it is frozen yogurt versus the other type.
8. Chairman Tyler asked how many Golden Spoons there were in California.
Mr. Lanning stated 35 in Southern California and some do have the cup of
yogurt.
9. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Abels/Butler to adopt Minute Motion 99-006, as
recommended by staff. Unanimously approved.
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C. Sign Application 99-351. Amendment #1; a request ofU. S. Signs for Auto Zone
(formerly Chief Auto Parts) for approval of a deviation to an approved sign program
to permit new corporate signs for an existing business.
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. Staff offered an additional
alternative being the largest bar stripe cannister that can be shorter than
shown. The first two alternatives being the stripe painted or provided on a
'non-illuminated flat material surface.
2. Chairman Tyler asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission.
Mr. Tom Stacey, U.S. Signs, sign contractor for Auto Zone, stated that in
regard to staff's comments, .the sign meets the City's square footage
requirements. The stripes are the same construction as what the letters are
and are considered in the industry as illuminated channel letters. The
difference is that it is not copy but part of their federally registered trade mark
and provides a uniform and tasteful look. All the letters and stripes are five
-- and a quarter inches in depth and typically a canister sign is usually deeper
and lit with fluorescent illumination. That is not the case in their signs. The
signs are internally illuminated with neon as the lighting source, however it'
is not an exposed neon application, the neon is concealed within the letter. He
went on to describe the materials to be used to make up the sign. Auto Zone
has deviated from their standard application of an exposed neon application
which is very bright, and enclosed the neon to comply with City standards.
He noted that several of the other businesses within the Center have internally
illuminated logos as part of their signs.
3. Chairman Tyler stated the stripes in the pictures (handed out by the applicant)
and sketch appear to be different. Mr. Stacey explained the length is never
any longer than eight feet on the 8th bar. The letters for this store are not as
large. Chairman Tyler stated the letters are not a solid mass and the
illuminated area is broken up. Mr. Stacey stated the letters as well as the
stripes are illuminated. The #8 bar is illuminated and no brighter than the
other bars. Chairman Tyler stated the City's concern is to keep the light
down to comply with the Dark Sky Ordinance. Mr. Stacey stated the tops of
the letters are blocked out to keep the light from going upward.
-- 4. Commissioner Kirk asked if the existing Chief Auto sign, where the color
strips that are smaller than these, was illuminated. Staff stated it is an
illuminated can sign.
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5. Chairman Tyler asked if the stripe goes before or after the words. Mr. Stacey
stated it varies. Typically they go to the left. It depends on where the street
is located. Staff stated that in Palm Springs the sign is different than this
proposed sign. Mr, Stacey stated it is'not one of their installations. They
installed the sign on the Auto Zone store in Cathedral City. Auto Zone is
trying to retrofit where they can.
6. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Abels/Kirk to adopt Minute Motion 99-008, approving Sign
Application 96-351, Amendment #1, as recommended.
' 7. Commissioner Robbins stated he had two issues: first he does not like the
orange color as it does not fit with the community; it is too bright. Second,
the long bar is too long and disProportionate in size. He would like to see the
length of the long bar reduced.
8. Commissioner Butler stated the bars appear to be more red and the pictures
submitted do not show what it will look like at night. He concurs with staff's
recommendation.
9. Commissioner Kirk stated he concurs and supports staff' s recommendation.
10. Commissioner Robbins asked if the Commission shared his concern with the
length of the 8th bar. Staff stated there was some confusion with the motion
because there are three options being offered to the applicant: one being to
shorten the length, second to paint it out; and third to construct it out of
metal. If they chose to cut the length in half, the Commission is also asking
that it not be illuminated. Discussion followed regarding the options
available to the applicant.
11. Mr. Stacey stated that if the 8th bar needs to be shortened, Auto Zone would
concur. His concem is that if the lighting is not an issue, they do want the 8th
· bar illuminated as it is a part of their trade mark. If it is not illuminated it will
appear to be a nonfunctioning light and could cause maintenance problems.
12. Commissioner Kirk stated he understood that all eight bars would not be
illuminated. Mr. Stacey asked why the other business in the Center be
allowed and not theirs.
13. Commissioner Robbins asked legal counsel for her opinion. City Attorney
Dawn Honeywell stated that if this is how their trademark is registered then
it cannot be changed. Discussion followed as to what is currently approved
in the Center and what is considered a trademark. :
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14. Commissioners Abels and Kirk withdrew their motion.
15. Commissioner Robbins asked for a legal opinion as to whether or not the
stripe is a trademark. City Attorney Dawn Honeywell stated it appears to be
a part of the trademark. Discussion followed and it was noted that the 8t~ bar
of the stripe is shorter in the trademark registration. This proportion was
deemed desirable by the Commission.
16. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Abels/Kirk to approve Sign
Application 96-351, Amendment #1 as submitted by.the applicant with the
8~ bar reduced in length per their trademark. Unanimously approved.
VIII. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: None.
IX. COMMISSIONER ITEMS:
A. Chairman Tyler asked if there was any comment on the correspondence received
from Centrex Homes regarding a street name change. It was moved and seconded
by Commissioners Robbins/Abels to place this item on the next agenda.
Unanimously approved.
B. Chairman Tyler asked if there was any comment regarding the Planning
Commission's summer meeting schedule. It was moved and seconded by
Commissioner Abels/Robbins to be dark the first meeting of August. Unanimously
approved.
C. Chairman Tyler gave a report on the City Council meeting of May 18, 1999.
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 June 8, 1999, at 7:00 p.m. This meeting of the Planning Commission was
adjourned at 9:10 P.M. on May 25, 1999.
~pect~lly submitted,
ecutive Secretary
City Quinta, California
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