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2000 12 12 PC Minutes MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING A regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall 78-495 Calle Tampi¢o, La Quinta, CA December 12, 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 Tyler to lead the flag salute. B. Present: Commissioners Jacques Abels, Richard Butler, Tom Kirk, Robert Tyler, and Chairman Robbins. C. Staff present: Community Development Director Jerry Herman, Assistant City Attorney John Ramirez, Planning Manager Christine di Iorio, Senior Engineer Steve Speer, Principal Planners Stan Sawa and Fred Baker, and Executive Secretary Betty Sawyer. II. PUBLIC COMMENT: None. Ill. CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA: IV. CONSENT ITEMS: A. Chairman Robbins asked if there were any corrections to the Minutes of November 28, 2000. There being no corrections, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Tyler/Kirk to approve the minutes as submitted. Unanimously approved with Commissioners Abels and Butler abstaining. B. Department Report: None. V. PRESENTATIONS: A. Mr. Ken Herrick and Ms. Melani Smith of the' Planning Center gave a presentation on the Riverside County General Plan Update. - VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS: ~ A. Municipal Code Amendment to Title 8. Building and Construction. A request of the City to amend Chapter 8.13, Water Efficient Landscaping. G:\WPDOCS\PC 12-12-O0,wpd ] Planning Commission Minutes December 12, 2000 1. Staff requested a continuance of this item to allow additional time to prepare the staff report. 2. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Butler/Abels to continue this item to January 23, 2001. Unanimously approved. B.' Continued - Environmental Assessment 2000-402, General Plan Amendment 2000-071, Zone Change 2000-069, Village Use Permit 2000-004; a request of Chapman Golf Development,' LLC and the City of La Quinta for Certification of a Mitigated Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact and development plans for a 1 6,222 square foot restaurant to be located at the northeast and southwest corners of Avenue 52 and Desert Club Drive and the west side of Eisenhower Drive from Calle Tampico to Avenida Montezuma. 1. Commissioner Kirk withdrew from the dias due to a possible conflict of interest. 2. Chairman Robbins opened the public hearing and requested 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. 3. Chairman Robbins asked why the southwest corner of Avenue 52 was included. Staff explained the expansion area and discussion followed regarding the boundaries. 4. Chairman Robbins asked if there were any questions of staff. Commissioner Tyler stated under the Environmental Checklist- Section I. Aesthetics (I.a) "Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista?", the box is checked for "Potentially Significant Unless Mitigated" and to him it is a vast improvement on the environment and appears to have the wrong box checked. Staff stated the consultant who prepared the Environmental Assessment was addressing a high tower that was in the original design. What is before the Commission is a redesign and this could be a possible error. Commissioner Tyler quest!oned Section XV. 'Transportation (d) it appears the same thing has happened here, as there is no text to accommodate the designation. 5. Commissioner Tyler questioned street widths under the Village Use Permit Condition #12.B. Staff stated Desert Club Drive has a minimum lO-foot setback. G:\WPDOCS\PC 12-12-O0.wpd 2 Planning Commission Minutes December 12, 2000 6. There being no further questions of staff, Chairman Robbins asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. Tim Bay, Keith Companies representing the applicant, stated he supported staff's recommendation and was prepared to answer any queStions. 7. Chairman Robbins asked if there were any questions of the applicant. Commissioner Tyler asked Mr. Bay to explain how they reached the number of parking spaces proposed. Mr. Bay stated they prepared a parking study to show that the 190 spaces proposed will be adequate. 8. Commissioner Butler asked if golf carts could be accommodated in the future should the City pass such a plan. Mr. Bay stated it had not been addressed. 9. Community Development Director Jerry Herman stated in regard to the question concern setbacks, the only setback is what is set by the City through the design review process. 10. Chairman Robbins asked if anyone else would like to address the Commission on this item. Ms. Audrey Ostrowsky, P. O. Box 351, Palm Desert, California,. stated she disputed the proposed plan. Her lot is located within the affected area and she was not notified in a timely manner. All property owners should be notified to protect their property interest. The owner of this project should buy the commercial land that is already designated instead of buying cheaper land and rezoning it. In regard to the rezoning of the land on the west side of Eisenhower Drive, she asked why is this residential land being rezoned to Commercial. Is it to increase their property value? Assistant City Attorney John Ramirez stated he had confirmed that staff had complied with the notification requirements. 11. There being no further public comment, the public participation portion of the hearing was closed and opened for Commission discussion. 1 2. Commissioner Tyler asked staff why this rezoning on Eisenhower Drive was being proposed. Community Development Director Jerry Herman stated it was an attempt to bring the zoning around the Cove into conformance and compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. G :\WPDOCS\PC 12-12-OO.wpd 3 Planning Commission Minutes December 12, 2000 1 3. Commissioner Tyler stated the is always concerned about parking in the Village and every restaurant currently has a severe parking problem; however compared to those, this is a major step forward. They do not have the opportunity for shared parking and he is comfortable with the project. 1 4. Commissioner Butler stated he is very comfortable with the project and believes it will be a benefit to the citizens of La Quinta. 1 5. Commissioner Abels stated he too believes it will be an asset as it is very well designed and the rezoning of Eisenhower Drive is also to the benefit of the City. 1 6. Commissioner Tyler asked if this property was originally a part of the Tradition project. Staff stated that was correct. 17. Chairman Robbins stated this could be the catalyst for the downtown area and he is glad to see it develop. He too is concerned about the parking and asked how the parking ratio at the Cliffhouse compared to this. Community Development Director Jerry Herman stated the Cliffhouse restaurant was designed under a different parking requirement. He went on to explain how the parking spaces were provided. Chairman Robbins stated he was concerned that this restaurant will have the same problem with parking as the Cliffhouse currently has trying to find more parking spaces. 1 8. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Butler/Abels to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2000-087, recommending to the City Council certification of a Mitigated Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact for Environmental Assessment 2000-402 according to the findings. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Tyler, and Chairman Robbins. NOES: None. ABSENT' Commissioner Kirk. ABSTAIN: None. 19. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Abels/Tyler to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2000-088, recommending to the City Council approval of General Plan Amendment 2000- 071, as submitted. G:\WPDOCS\PC 12-12-00.wpd 4 Planning Commission Minutes December 12, 2000 ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Tyler, and Chairman Robbins. NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Kirk. ABSTAIN: None. 20. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Tyler/Abels to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2000-089, recommending to the City Council approval of Zone Change 2000-096, as submitted. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Tyler, and Chairman Robbins. NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Kirk. ABSTAIN: None. 21. It was moved and seconded by Commissioner Butler/Abels to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2000-090, recommending to the City Council approval of an amendment to the Village Design Guideline boundaries. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Tyler, and Chairman Robbins. NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Kirk. ABSTAIN: None. 22. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Abels/Butler to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2000-091, recommending to the City Council approval of Village Use Permit 2000-04, subject to conditions. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Tyler, and Chairman Robbins. NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Kirk. ABSTAIN: None. Commissioner Kirk rejoined the Commission. C. Site Development Permit 2000-686; a request of Century Crowell Communities for review of ten single family prototype architectural plans for a subdivision of 206 homes to be located on the west side of Jefferson Street, between Fred Waring Drive and Miles Avenue. 1. Commissioner Butler excused himself due to a possible conflict of interest and left the dias. G:\WPDOCS\PC 12-12-00.wpd 5 Planning Commission Minutes December 12, 2000 2. 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. 3. Chairman Robbins asked if there were any questions of staff. Commissioner Tyler asked if Plan 5L should be conditioned to not be placed along the western boundary. Staff stated it is a Code requirement and therefore it is not necessary to condition the project. Commission Tyler asked about the option in the Heritage Plan. Staff stated it was a three car garage. 4. Chairman Robbins asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. Ms. Marty Butler, representing Century-Crowell Communities, stated she concurs with staff's recommendations. 5. Chairman Robbins asked if there were any questions of the applicant. Commissioner Kirk asked if they had any objections to staff's conditions. Ms. Butler stated she had no objections. 6. Commissioner Tyler asked the applicant to identify if this project was Century-Crowell Communities or Century Vintage as noted on the exhibits. Ms. Butler stated they are the same company. Commissioner Tyler asked if any of the proposed prototypes are currently being built in La Quinta. Ms. Butler stated yes, and identified where. Commissioner Tyler asked if they were inviting the parking of the RV or boat parking on the side yard. Ms. Butler stated any RV or boat parking will have to comply with City regulations. Commissioner Tyler asked about the seven garden foot wall noted on the plans. Ms. Butler stated it is to be a six foot garden wall and the plans would be corrected. 7. Chairman Robbins asked if anyone else wanted to speak regarding this project. There being no public comment, the public participation portion of the hearing was closed and open for Commission discussion. 8. Commissioner Abels stated this is a great project and commended Century-Crowell Communities on their progression of improving their product with each new tract. 9. Commissioner Kirk stated he concurs with Commissioner Abel's and Commissioner Tyler's comments on the diversity of the units. G :\WPDOCS\PC 12-12-O0.wpd {~ Planning Commission Minutes December 12, 2000 10. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Kirk/Abels to adopt Minute Motion 2000-023, approving Site Development Permit 2000-686, as submitted. Unanimously approved. Commissioner Butler rejoined the Commission. D. Right of Way-C 2000-02; a request of the City for closure of vehicular traffic along a 100 foot long segment of Buttercup Lane, east of Goldenrod Circle. 1. Chairman Robbins opened the public hearing and 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 Robbins asked if there were any questions of staff. Commissioner Butler asked is the north/south street did go out to Fred Waring Drive, Jefferson Sreet, and Miles Avenue. Staff stated that was correct. 3. Commissioner Tyler questioned the use of the word "unanimous", as not everyone who lives in the Cactus Flower tract was present at the meeting and to use the word ."unanimously" is misleading. 4. Commissioner Kirk asked if the City wanted to open this street up in the future, would it be possible. Staff stated the future subdivision to the east will probably be re-subdivided to construct a house at this location. Staff is proposing to retain the right to public access. 5. Commissioner Butler asked where the pedestrian access would go if the applicant were to constructed a house at this location. Staff stated the applicant has not proposed it at this time. Should they do so, the City will ask for an "L" shape cul-de-sac allowing for a ten foot opening. 6. Chairman Robbins asked if anyone else wanted to speak regarding this project. Mr. Brad Phoenix, 44-1 20 Goldenrod Circle, stated he spoke unanimously for the last two streets abutting this project, that they were requesting the closure be approved. G:\WPDOCS\PC 12-12-O0.wpd Planning Commission Minutes December 12, 2000 7. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Abels/Butler to adopt Minute Motion 2000-025, finding the street segment proposed for closure to be no longer needed for motorized vehicular traffic and closure to be consistent with the General Plan. Unanimously approved. VI. BUSINESS ITEMS: A. Finding of General Plan Conformity for 25 Coachella Valley Water District Capital Projects Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65401; a request of the City for a General Plan conformity for various locations throughout the City. 1. Chairman Robbins stated he had spoken with the City Attorney regarding a conflict of interest and was informed that he does not have a conflict of interest 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 how they could make any determination on the maps that were difficult to read. 3. Commissioner Tyler stated several of the projects noted were already finished, or will be finished this month. If CVWD is not required to meet any City Codes why is the Commission reviewing this request. Staff noted it is a Government Code requirement that CVWD ask the City to make a General Plan consistency finding. 4. Commissioner Tyler noted a water main is to be installed along Washington Street between Delaware Street and Fred Wring Drive. Why was this not done during the reconstruction of Washington Street. Chairman Robbins stated the City of Palm Desert was offered to have this done during the reconstruction of Washington Street and the City declined the opportunity. 5. Commissioner Kirk asked if the projects had been Completed, did it affect the City's findings. Staff stated it did not. Commissioner Kirk noted as an example, that there could be an opportunity for a water trunk line to be constructed in an open space area which would be out of conformity with the City's General Plan, but in this instance he sees no objections. G:\WPDOCS\PC 12-12-O0.wpd 8 Planning Commission Minutes December 12, 2000 6. Chairman Robbins asked if there was any other public comment. There being no further discussion; it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Kirk/Tyler to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2000-092, confirming a finding of conformity with the La Quinta General Plan for certain CVWD capital improvement projects to be located throughout the City. 7. Commissioner Tyler stated that previously the Commission was asked to approve a project after the fact and now here they were being asked to do the same thing. Chairman Robbins stated these projects are on-going and this should be a continuation of projects that were approved in the prior years budget. Unanimously approved. VII. CORRESPONDENCE.AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: A. Community Development Director Jerry Herman informed the Commission of a luncheon being prepared for staff and all Boards and Commissions by KSL on December 20th at noon and everyone was invited. VIII. COMMISSIONER ITEMS: A. Commissioner Tyler gave a report of the City .Council meeting of December 5, 2000. B. Commissioner Abels remarked about an article in the newspaper that contained erroneous comments and suggested staff contact the City Council to see how it could be responded to. IX. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Abels/Tyler to adjourn this regular meeting of the Planning Commission to the next regular meeting of the Planning Commission to be held January 9, 2001, at 7:00 p.m. This meeting of the Planning Commission was adjourned at 9:21 p.m. on December 12, 2000. Respectfully submitted, B~t~awyer, Executive Secretary City of La Quinta, California G :\WPDOCS\PC 12-12-00. wpd 0