2000 08 22 PC Minutes MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
A regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall
78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA
August 22, 2000 7:00 P.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER
A. This meeting of the Planning Commission was called to order at 7:03
p.m. by Chairman Robbins who.asked Commissioner Butler to lead the
flag salute.
B. Present: Commissioners Jacques Abels, Richard Butler, Tom Kirk, Robert
Tyler, and Chairman Steve Robbins.
C. Staff present: Assistant City Attorney John Ramirez, 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 Robbins asked if there were any corrections to the Minutes of
joint meeting of July 25, 2000. There being no corrections, it was ·
moved and seconded by Commissioners Abels/Tyler to approve the
minutes as submitted.
B. Department Report: None.
V. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A. Environmental Assessment 98-367, General Plan Amendment 98-049,
Zone Change 98-088. Specific Plan 99-041, and Conditional Use Permit
2000-05, a request of KSL Development Corporation for certification of
a Final Environmental Impact Report, a General Plan Amendment to
change Low Density Residential to Tourist Commercial, a Zone Change
--
from Low Density Residential to Tourist Commercial, review of
development guidelines and standards for "Villa La Quinta" Specific Plan
a multi-phased resort timeshare; and a Conditional Use Permit to allow
timeshare development in a Tourist Commercial Zone, for the property
located west of Eisenhower Drive and north/northwest of Avenida
Fernando.
C:\My Documents\WPDOCS\PC8-22-OO.wpd
Planning Commission Minutes
August 22, 2000
1. Chairman Robbins opened the public hearing and asked for the
staff report. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio informed the
Commission that the applicant has requested a continuance of this
project to October 10, 2000.
2. There being no questions of staff or public comment, it was
moved and seconded by Commissioners Kirk/Tyler to continue this
item to October 10, 2000. Unanimously approved.
B. Site Development Permit 2000-682; a request of Anthony and Wanda
Matranga - World Gym for approval of architectural, landscaping, and site
plans for the construction of a 1 5,500 square foot commercial building
for use as a fitness center located on Lot 8 of Parcel Map 29351 within
La Quinta Corporate Center, Highway 111 and Dune Palms Road.
1. Chairman Robbins 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.
2. Chairman Robbins asked if there were any questions of staff.
Commissioner Tyler asked about where the post office will be in
relation to this project.
3. Commissioner Abels asked staff to identify on the site plan where
the gas station, USA Petroleum, was located. Staff noted its
location as well as the location of the self storage facility.
4. Commissioner Tyler asked why the decoratiVe grid pattern was
added to the second story. Staff stated because it was at a higher
elevation than the other buildings it could always be visible.
5. Commissioner Butler asked why a colored elevation was not
submitted. Staff stated the applicant would present it during their
presentation.
6. Commissioner Tyler asked why a condition had not been added
regarding the sign program. Staff stated that if it is in
conformance with the Specific Plan sign program then it is staff
approval. Commissioner Tyler asked if the lighting plan would
include parking lot lighting as none was shown on the plan. Staff
stated it will be in conformance with the Specific Plan lighting
program.
C:\My Documents\WPDOCS\PC8-22-OO.wpd 2
Planning Commission Minutes
August 22, 2000
7. Chairman Robbins asked about the grading plan specifically, it
appears the entire site will drain to the middle of the project and
has no apparent outlet, and no capacity to conform with
Conditions//12 or/113 to hold the 100 year storm on site and to
have a routed way for excess flow from the Site. Senior Engineer
Steve Speer stated the second half of the first sentence of
Condition //12 states, "or otherwise directed to its storm drain
system approved by City Engineer." Chairman Robbins asked if
there was a storm drain system on this site. Staff stated the
applicant must get the drainage to the street and once it gets to
the street it will find its way to the storm .drain system. They
have the right to present what they want to build and staff
conditions it to City standards. Chairman Robbins asked if they
could have a common retention basin or if it would have to drain
to the Channel. Staff stated they would have to redesign their
drainage system to ensure it would drain to the Channel.
Chairman Robbins stated that if it is going to the Channel, it seems
there should be a condition regarding nuisance water. Staff stated
the master developer of the center is conditioned, under the
Specific Plan, to drain and filter all water into the Channel.
8. Chairman Robbins asked if the applicant would like to address the
Commission. Mr. Mark Valentino, architect representing World
Gym, stated he was available to answer any questions.
9. Chairman Robbins asked if there was any other public comment,
There being none, Chairman Robbins closed the public participation
portion of the hearing and opened the project for Commission
discussion.
10. Commissioner Tyler asked that the staff report on Page 2 be
corrected to read, "south, east".
11. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Kirk/Abels to adopt Planning Commission
Resolution 2000-052 approving Site Development Permit 2000-
682, subject to the conditions as submitted.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Kirk, Tyler, and
Chairman Robbins. NOES: None. ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
C:\My Documents\WPDOCS\PC8-22-OO.wpd 3
Planning Commission Minutes
August 22, 2000
C. Village Use Permit 2000-003; a request of Coronel Enterprise, Inc. for
approval of architectural, landscaping, lighting and site plans for multi-
tenant office building located on the west side of Avenida Villa, south of
Calle Tampico, north of Frances Hack Park within "The Village".
1. Chairman Robbins 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.
2. Chairman Robbins asked if there were any questions of staff.
Commissioner Kirk stated the staff report references The Village
at La Quinta Guidelines "require", and asked whether the
Guidelines require anything. Staff noted the word should be
"recommend".
3. Commissioner Tyler stated it was his understanding the
Architectural and Landscaping Review Committee wanted the
ornamental wrought iron on the staircase. Staff stated it was
added to the conditions. Commissioner Tyler asked about the
condition that allows traffic to flow through the applicant's
parking lot to get to the adjacent property. Who requested
Condition #417. Senior Engineer Steve Speer stated it is a
common requirement to have the applicant provide reciprocal
access across the alleyways in commercial areas. The applicant
did not ask for it. The lots in this area are very narrow and the
applicants will have to provide parking in the rear. Therefore this
provision provides for an alternate way to pass through instead of
individual driveways on each lot. Commissioner Tyler asked how
far will this go, just to the next lot, or across the street? Staff
stated the easement should cascade to the end of the block.
Commissioner Tyler stated this would turn the parking lot into an
alleyway.. Staff stated it would be a parking lot. CommisSioner
Tyler stated he would prefer if access was restricted to the next
lot over and if they had trouble obtaining the two lots, they could
come in the other way so there would-not be a raceway. He
would like this added to Condition #41 that access be limited to
vacant property to the north, Lot 9. Commissioner Tyler asked
where staff was requesting a firewall on rear lot line. Planning
Manager Christine di Iorio stated it was on the north property line.
Commissioner Tyler asked how high the building wall would be.
Staff stated 1 9 feet, the top of the roof tile is 24 feet 6 inches.
Discussion followed regarding the wall.
C:\My Documents\WPDOCS\PC8-22-OO.wpd 4
Planning Commission Minutes
August 22, 2000
4. Commissioner Butler agreed that architectural detail was needed
on the wall facing the alleyway. Staff noted they could work with
the applicant to add detail.
5. Chairman Robbins suggested they use popouts. Staff noted the
Commission recommended a grid technique with the Starbucks
building.
6. Commissioner Tyler stated the parking was minimal and then the
garage is to be used' for storage, not parking. Staff stated the
intent is to be used for parking.
7. Commissioner Butler asked if this building had a garage, could this
later be used as a loft house in the Village. Staff stated it was a
possibility, but the owner would need a new or revised Village Use
Permit.
8. Commissioner Kirk asked if staff thought this was under parked.
Staff stated no.
9. Chairman Robbins stated somewhere in the Village there is a new
building was being constructed and no consideration was given for
placement of the water meter and detector check that sticks out
of the ground and no place was set aside for the fire detector
check. On this building in the front there is nothing but sidewalk
and no place for a water meter or above ground fire detector
check. When staff is reviewing plans, they need to be aware of
this.
10. Chairman Robbins asked if the applicant would like to address the
Commission. Mr. Zeke Coronel, applicant, stated he would work
with the Commission and/or staff to improve the building.
1 1. Commissioner Tyler stated he was glad to see a building being
built in the Village. He had already expressed his concern on the
'blank wall facing the alley. Mr. Coronel stated his designer Skip
Lynch may have some ideas. He would suggest landscaping, or
popouts. Commissioner Tyler suggested he work with staff to get
-- some additional architectural details.
1 2. Commissioner Abels stated he was in favor of project but would
like to see more detail on the plans so the Commission can come
to a conclusion. The information presented is sketchy.
C:\My Documents\WPDOCS\PC8-22-00.wpd 5
Planning Commission Minutes
August 22, 2000 -
1 3. Mr. Skip Lynch stated he had submitted colored renderings, and in
referenCe to the alley elevation, the wall is recessed and windows
could be added on the top floor. There will be buildings in front
sometime in the future, that is why they did not add the detail. As
it relates to the water meter, it is their hope to have it located
under the stairwell where it will be out of the way.
14. Commissioner Tyler asked if the applicant had any objection to
providing access through his parking lot for the adjoining property
owner when he developed his property. Mr. Coronel stated he had
no objection. Commissioner Tyler asked if he had any objection to
paying for the improvements for the north one-half of the alley
only along his frontage. Staff would revise the condition.
1 5. Chairman Robbins asked if there was any other public comment,
There being none, Chairman Robbins closed the public participation
portion of the hearing and opened the project for Commission
discussion.
16. Commissioner Kirk agreed with all suggestions and approved of
the windows for architectural detail, but in regard to the cascading
parking, he agrees with staff's recommendation because of the
alleys and dense network of streets, it is an opportunity to make
the parking for those lots more efficient. The City will be able to
take out some of the asphalt on future projects and maybe even
increase the floor area ratio.
17. Chairman Robbins stated he agrees with staff's recommendation.
18. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Abels/Tyler to adopt Planning Commission
Resolution 2000-053 approving Village Use Permit 2000-003,
subject to the conditions as submitted/amended:
a. Condition #9b: revised to state "along the property
frontage".
b. Condition #41: corrected to state the property to the north
c. Condition #42: add "prior to issuance of building permit
staff is to work with the applicant to provide design
articulation on the south elevation,-i.e, windows along the
second floor.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Kirk, Tyler, and
Chairman Robbins. NOES: None. ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
C:\Mv Documents\WPDOCS\PC8-22-OO.wDd (~
Planning Commission Minutes
August 22, 2000
C. General Plan Amendment 2000-069, Specific Plan 90-015 Amendment
#3, Specific Plan 90-017 Amendment #1, Tract 28838 Amendment #1,
Tract 29136 Amendment #1, and Tract 29147 Amendment #2; a
request of KSL Development Corporation/Forrest Haag 1 .) to amend the
General Plan Policy 3-6.3.2 to require Arterial streets to have sidewalks
only on one side if a multi-purpose trail is required on the other side of
the street; and 2.) To amend the above-noted specific plans and tracts
to eliminate the required sidewalk on the east side of Madison Street for
the property, located on the east side of Madison Street, north of Airport
Boulevard to 58TM Avenue.
1. Chairman Robbins 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 Robbins asked if there were any questions of staff.
Commissioner Kirk commended the applicant on his presentation.
3. Chairman Robbins asked if the applicant would like to address the
Commission. Mr. Forrest H'aag, representing KSL, Stated he had
no questions.
4. Chairman Robins asked if there was any liability regarding horses
and people on the same path. Staff stated Council recommended
it be multi-purpose and not exclusively an equestrian trail.
5.. Chairman Robbins asked if there was any other public comment,
There being none, Chairman Robbins closed the public participation
portion of the hearing and opened the project, for Commission
discussion.
6. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Abels/Tyler to adopt Planning Commission
Resolution 2000-054 recommending approval of General Plan
Amendment 2000-069.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Kirk, Tyler, and
Chairman Robbins. NOES: None. ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
C:\My Documents\WPDOCS\PC8-22-OO.wpd 7
Planning Commission Minutes
August 22, 2000
7. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Abels/Butler to
adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2000-055 recommending
approval of Specific Plan 90-01 5, Amendment//3, subject to the
Findings and Conditions of Approval as submitted.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Kirk, Tyler, and
Chairman Robbins. NOES: None. ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
8. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Kirk/Tyler to adopt
Planning Commission Resolution 2000-056 recommending
approval of Specific Plan 90-017, Amendment//3, subject to the
Findings and Conditions of Approval as submitted.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Kirk, Tyler, and
Chairman Robbins. NOES: None. ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
9. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Kirk/Abels to adopt
Planning Commission Resolution 2000-057 recommending
approval of Tract 28838, Amendment//1, subject to the Findings
and Conditions of Approval as submitted.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Kirk, Tyler, and
Chairman Robbins. NOES: None. ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
1 0. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Abels/Kirk to adopt
Planning Commission Resolution 2000-058 recommending
approval of Tract 29136, Amendment//1, subject to the Findings
and Conditions of Approval as submitted.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Kirk, Tyler, and
Chairman Robbins. NOES: None. ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
11. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Abels/Tyler to
adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2000-059 recommending
approval of Tract 29147, Amendment//2, subject to the Findings
and Conditions of Approval as submitted.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Kirk, Tyler, and
Chairman Robbins. NOES: None. ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
C:\Mv Documents\WPDOCS\PC8-22-OO.wDd 8
Planning Commission Minutes
August 22, 2000
D. Site Development Permit 99-653. Amendment //1; a request of KSL
Development Corporation/Forrest Haag for redesign of the Norman Golf
Course Maintenance Facility northwest corner of Tiburon Drive and
Airport Boulevard within the Norman Course.
1. Chairman Robbins 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 Robbins asked if there were any questions of staff.
Commissioner Tyler asked if there was a wall between the
maintenance yard and golf course. Staff stated there was a six or
seven foot high wall.
3. Chairman Robbins asked if there was a wall on the south side.
Staff stated a perimeter wall six feet in height is constructed.
4. Commissioner Tyler asked the height of the peak of the roof.
Staff noted the highest point was 14 feet, the original structure
was slightly over 19 feet.
5. Chairman Robbins asked if it would be seen from Airport
Boulevard. Staff noted it would not if they provide the heavy
landscaping as recommended.
6. Chairman Robbins asked if the applicant would like to address the
Commission. Mr. Forrest Haag, representing KSL, stated it is a
conversion of a building to a more efficient shed building. It is a
Iow profile as compared to the previous design. His only concern
'is in regard to the condition which requires 72" box trees. The
perimeter landscaping that covers Tiburon and Airport Boulevard
which are approved by CVWD, have 42" box. He is requesting a
compromise of a 60" box trees. The Code requires 24" box trees
and they went to a 42" box tree, as it is at their entrance.
7. There being no questions of the applicant, Chairman Robbins
asked if there was any other public comment. There being none,
Chairman Robbins closed the public participation' portion of the
hearing and opened the project for Commission discussion.
8. Commissioner Abels asked staff why they were asking for a 72"
box as he agrees with the applicant that a 60" box tree would be
sufficient.
C:\My Documents\WPDOCS\PC8-22-00,wpd ~)
Planning Commission Minutes
August 22, 2000
9. Commissioner Butler asked staff if the requirement to use fast
growing trees wouldn't satisfy the problem. Staff stated that was
a possibility, but even with a fast growing tree, it will be two or
three years before it will effectively screen the building.
10. Commissioner. Abels asked if 72" was ever required before. Staff
stated it was not required very often. Commissioner Abels
suggested specifying the calipher instead of box size. Staff
suggested height in order to get the building screened.
11. Commissioner Butler state, d the problem is to screen the building
and suggested staff work with the applicant to adequately screen
the building.
1 2. Commissioner Kirk suggested staying with a 42" box as requested
by the applicant as minimum, and work with applicant to achieve
the desired landscaping.
1 3. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Tyler/Abels to adopt Planning Commission
Resolution 2000-060 approving Site Development Permit 99-653,
Amendment//1, subject to the conditions as amended'
a. Condition //28' Require a minimum of a 42" box tree and
work with staff to reach the desired heavy landscaping.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Kirk, Tyler, and
Chairman Robbins. NOES: None. ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN' None.
VI. BUSINESS ITEMS:
A. Temporary Use Permit 2000-256; a request of KSL Desert Resorts, Inc.
for approval of 10th Annual Mariachi Festival to be held on September 2
and 3, 2000, at the La Quinta Hotel and PGA West Tennis Fitness
Center.
1. Chairman Robbins 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.
C:\My Documents\WPDOCS\PC8-22-OO.wpd ] 0
Planning Commission Minutes
August 22, 2000
2. Chairman Robbins asked if there were any questions of staff.
Commissioner Tyler asked if there had been any problems in the
past years. Staff stated they knew of none.
3. Commissioner Butler stated its acceptable as long as the
homeowners are satisfied.
4. Chairman Robbins asked if the applicant would like to address the
Commission. Mr. Maury Mortensen, Director of Security Loss
Prevention for K SL Desert Resorts, explained the parking and
lighting for the parking lots. They will be notifying homeowners
within 500 feet of the lights that will be used. There will be
providing more than 272 for overflow parking spaces; closer to
600-700 spaces. There would be three Riverside County Sheriffs
at each of the locations on Avenida Fernando, the main entry to
the Hotel and directing traffic at 50th Avenue and Eisenhower
Drive as the flow can be heavy at the 6:00 p.m. hour. In addition,
they will have volUnteers as well as the Hotel's own security
people watching cars inside the complex. Shuttle service will be
provided to move people back and forth from the Hotel.
5. Commissioner Tyler asked if the dirt would be treated. Mr.
Mortensen stated they would be doing so.
6. Chairman Robbins asked if there was any other public comment,
There being none, Chairman Robbins closed the public participation
portion of the meeting and opened the project for Commission
discussion.
7. There being no further discussion, itwas moved and seconded by
Commissioners Kirk/Abels to adopt Minute Motion 2000-012
approving Temporary Use Permit 2000-256, subject to the.
conditions as submitted. Unanimously approved.
B. Temporary Use Permit 2000-255; a request of A to Z Party Rentals for
approval of a meal and seating tent for 500 people from August 26,
2000 to September 3, 2000 for the Los Flores parking area at the La
Quinta Hotel.
1. Chairman Robbins 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.
C:\My Documents\WPDOCS\PC8-22-OOiwpd ] ]
Planning Commission Minutes
August 22, 2000
2. Chairman Robbins asked if there were any questions of staff.
Commissioner Kirk questioned whether the Commission should be
conditioning every event at the Hotel to have a temporary use
permit. Staff stated it was only required when the public parking
areas are taken out of use.
3. Chairman Robbins asked if there was any other public comment,
There being none, Chairman Robbins closed the public participation
portion of the meeting and opened the project for Commission
discussion.
4. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Abels/Butler to adopt Minute Motion 2000-013
approving Temporary Use Permit 2000-256, subject to the
conditions as submitted. Unanimously approved.
VII. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: None.
VIII. COMMISSIONER ITEMS:
A. Commissioner Tyler gave a report of the Council meeting of August 1 5,
2000.
IX. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners
Tyler/Butler to adjourn this regular meeting of the Planning Commission to the next
regular meeting of the Planning Commission to be held September 1 2, 2000, at 7:00
p.m. This meeting of the Planning Commission was adjourned at 8:20 p.m. on August
22, 2000.
Respectfully submitted,
~cutive Secretary
City of La Ouinta, California
C:\My Documents\WPDOCS\PC8-22-OO.wpd ] 2