2001 02 13 PC Minutes MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
A regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall
78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA
February 1 3, 2001 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 Robbins who asked Commissioner Kirk 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
III. CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA:
A. Staff stated a request had been received from Sprint PCS Wireless to
have their item heard last on the agenda. It was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Kirk/Abels to reorganize the agenda making Public
Hearing "B" item "E" and moving all other forward respectively.
Unanimously approved.
IV. CONSENT ITEMS'
A. Chairman Robbins asked if there were any corrections to the Minutes of
January 23, 2001. Commissioner Kirk asked that Page 9, Item 15 be
corrected to read, "...and landscaping, all oriented around the vehicles.",
"...Staff suggested lowering the height 15-20 .... ", and "...in the context
of what we are trying to achieve in the Village."; Page 11, Item 23
amended to read "Commissioner Kirk seconded the motion for purposes
of discussion.". Commissioner Tyler asked that Page 15, Item 2 be
amended to read, "...if the temporary Lube Shop board sign had been
approved." There being no further corrections, it was moved and
seconded by Commissioners Abels/Tyler to approve the minutes as
corrected. Unanimously approved as corrected.
B. Department Report' None.
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V. PRESENTATIONS: None.
VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A. Environmental Assessment 2001-401 and Conditional Use Permit 2001-
0,54; a request of Nextel Communications for Certification of a Mitigated
Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact and approval to install a
wireless communication antenna with Monopalm prototype design Tree
and related equipment for cellular telephone service in a 200 square foot
one story building to be located at 77-856 Avenida Montezuma (Frances
Hack Park).
1. Chairman Robbins opened the public hearing and asked for the
staff report. Staff requested this item be continued to the
Planning Commission meeting of March 13, 2001, as requested by
the applicant.
2. There being no discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Kirk/Abels to continue this item to March 27,
2001. Unanimously approved.
B. Site Development Permit .7001-689; a request of Ashbrook Communities
for review of architectural and landscaping plans for three new prototype
residential units with two facades each located at the northeast corner
of Black Diamond and Avenue 58 in Tract 291 47-2 in PGA West.
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 Butler stated his confusion about whether or not
Plan 3 would have the fourth bedroom requiring a three car
garage. Staff stated this would be reviewed during the plan check
process. As of' now it is an option.
3. Commissioner Tyler asked if this was a compatibility review. Staff
stated per our Ordinance it is a compatibility review. Discussion
followed regarding the compatibility process.
4. Commissioner Kirk asked if the compatibility review process was
for a specific plan or subdivision. Staff stated it could be both.
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5. Commissioner Tyler asked staff to elaborate on the changes
requested by the Architectural and Landscaping Committee (ALRC)
regarding the roof plan. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio stated
the ALRC requested a deviation to the elevations so they did not
appear to have the same front roof elevation and the applicant
suggested using a gable roof over the garage. They determined
that Plan B would have gable roofs.
6. Commissioner Tyler stated the ALRC requested changes to the
plant pallette as well, and he did not see a condition requiring this
to be done. Staff noted it was to be handled by the HOA.
7. Commissioner Kirk asked about Item 4 under compatibility review,
where it states "requires lush landscaping"; what requires this?
Staff stated the Specific Plan requires it. Commissioner Kirk asked
if this could be changed.
8. Chairman Robbins stated he would like to see the landscaping as
it appears in the drawings.
9. There being no further questions of staff, Chairman Robbins asked
if the applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. Richard
Krook, President of Ashbrook Communities, stated they have met
with staff and agrees with staff's recommendations.
10. Commissioner Butler asked if the applicant had any drawings of
their original design as he agrees the original design did offer a lot
of deviation. Mr. Krook stated he could give the variation but
would prefer to have the original roof design.
1 1. Commissioner Butler asked if the lush landscaping was required by
PGA West. Mr. David Know, landscape architect for the project,
stated PGA West has its own landscape plant palette and that is
what they are required to use.
1 2. Chairman Robbins asked if there was any other public comment on
this project. There being no further public comment, Chairman
Robbins closed the public participation portion of the hearing and
asked if there was any Commission discussion.
13. Commissioner Kirk stated he would like staff to look at the
applicability of compatibility. Also, the roof lines may not seem
varied, but when combined with the other architectural elements,
there is a variety. He would concur with striking this condition.
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14. Chairman Robbins asked if the City Council could deny the
applicant's request for lush landscaping and if so, could it then be
changed. Community Development Director Jerry Herman stated
it would have to be renoticed as an amendment to the specific
plan.
15. Commissioner Kirk noted that other tracts in PGA West do not
have such lush landscaping. He suggested adding a condition to
require the applicant to work with staff for the lush, but water
efficient landscaping.
16. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioner Butler/Kirk to adopt Planning Commission Resolution
2001-012 approving Site Development Permit 2001-689,' as
amended:
a. Condition #: 3.c. deleted
b. New Condition #8: The landscape plan shall meet the Water
Efficiency Ordinance within the confines of the Specific Plan -
for PGA West.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Kirk, Tyler, and
Chairman Robbins. NOES: None. ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
C. Village Use Permit 2000-006; a request of Desert Sage II, LLC for review
of exterior remodeling plans of existing restaurant and landscaping plans
for a new parking lot to be located at 78-085 Avenida La Fonda.
1. Commissioner Kirk excused himself due to a possible conflict of
interest and withdrew from the dias.
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 Abels asked if the parking complied with what is
required. Staff noted an analysis was not prepared as this is not
required for the use to operate, but was supplemental.
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4. Commissioner Tyler questioned the number of lots. Staff is
showing nine lots and the applicant shows eight. What is the
status of Lot 2. Staff stated it is an error on staff's attachment.
Commissioner Tyler asked staff to explain the changes to the
parking lot. Staff went over the proposed changes on the plan and
discussion followed regarding the circulation pattern.
5. Chairman Robbins noted he thought the alley would be used as
part of circulation pattern and asked if the pole and guy wire
would be removed.
6. Commissioner Tyler stated the driveway on the east is right in
only. Staff suggested the applicant answer these questions.
7. Chairman Robbins asked if there was a condition that requires the
restaurant to hook up to the sewer. Staff stated there was no
condition requiring this. Chairman Robbins asked that they be
conditioned to do so. Staff noted they would add the condition.
8. Chairman Robbins asked if the applicant would like to address the
Commission. Mr. Michael Allen, California Infrastructure, acting
on behalf of the applicant, gave a presentation on the project.
9. Commissioner Butler asked that the applicant explain the
circulation pattern. Mr. Allen explained that La Fonda is a one way
street and the valets would be directing the circulation on site.
10. Chairman Robbins asked about the staff's recommendation. Mr.
Allen stated the pole and guy wire would be removed' so they
could use the alley for a turnaround. Staff had no objections. Mr.
Allen stated that in regard to sewer hook up, they intend to hook
up to the sewer. Mr. Jurgen Branner, general manager, explained
the operation of the restaurant.
11. Chairman Robbins asked if there was any other public comment.
Ther.e being no further public comment, the public participation
portion of the hearing was closed and open for Commission
discussion.
1 2. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Abels/Tyler to adopt Planning Commission
Resolution 2001-01 3, Village Use Permit 2001-006, as amended.
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a. Condition 25:b. The easternmost access off Avenida La
Fonda shall be right in and right out.
b. Condition //35: add "Unless the power pole and guy wire
adjacent to the westerly driveway to the alley is relocated
or removed pursuant to Condition//1 7".
ROLL CALL: AYES: C'ommissioners Abels, Butler, Tyler, and Chairman
Robbins. NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Kirk.
ABSTAIN: None.
Commissioner Kirk rejoined the Commission.
D. Site Development Permit 2000-688; a request of Madison Development,
LLC for review of development plans for two retail buildings at the
northwest corner of Highway 111 and Washington Street.
1. Chairman Robbins opened the public hearing and 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. Chairman Robbins asked if there were any questions of staff.
Commissioner Tyler noted clerical changes on the Resolution and
stated 90% of the conditions contained in the resolution are also
in the Specific Plan; why does this need to be repeated. Staff
stated each site development permit comes in under a different
developer and the conditions are needed to ensure each developer
complies with the specific plan conditions.
3. Commissioner Butler commended staff on their presentatiOn.
4. Chairman Robbins stated he was confused between the soUth
elevation and the roof plan for Building 5; the wall on the south
elevation with the trellis seem to not agree. Staff explained the
plans as to how the trellis connects to the other building.
5. There being no further questions of staff, Chairman Robbins asked
if the applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. Rick
Wilkins, representing the applicant, stated he concurs with staff's
recommendations.
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6. Commissioner Abels asked if they had signed any tenants. Mr.
Wilkins stated Building #4 would have Tarbel Realty, Falls Steak
House, Madison Development offices, with Las Casuales Nuevas
Restaurant on the corner parcel.
7. Chairman Robbins asked if there was any other public comment on
this project.
8. There being no further public comment, Chairman Robbins closed
the public participation portion of the hearing and asked if there
was any Commission discussion.
9. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioner Kirk/Butler to adopt Planning Commission Resolution
2001-014 approving Site Development Permit 2000-688, .as
recommended.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Kirk, Tyler, and
Chairman Robbins. NOES: None. ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
E. Environmental Assessment ?000-409 and Conditional Use Permit 2000-
055, a request of Sprint PCS Wireless for Certification of a Mitigated
Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact and approval to install a 65
foot high wireless antenna with Monopalm prototype design and related
roof and ground mounted equipment for cellular telephone service to be
located at 49-499 Eisenhower Drive behind the La Quinta Hotel
Administration Offices.
1. Chairman Robbins opened the public hearing and asked for the
staff report. Planning Manager Christin~ di Iorio presented the
information contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file
in the Community Development Department. Staff passed out a
letter that had been received from Mr. & Mrs. Puget prior to the
meeting.
2. Chairman Robbins asked if there were any questions of staff.
Commissioner Butler noted another monopalm had just been
approved. Staff indicated the sites where other monopalms had
been approved. Commissioner Butler stated that with each phone
company wanting its own pole, there could be a proliferation of
poles. Is there any condition requiring them to remove it if they
become obsolete. Staff stated no.
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3. Commissioner Tyler stated the information before them states the
height at 65 feet and yet it goes ten feet higher with the palm tree
leaves.
4. Commissioner Kirk stated the equipment on the roof peaks over
the top. Staff stated that was true and a condition had been
added requiring it to be painted. Commissioner Kirk stated he
would like to have the equipment below the roof line.
5. Chairman Robbins asked if the monopalm for the school was this
height. Staff stated no it was not.
6. Commissioner Tyler asked if this public hearing was duly noticed
as noted in the letter by Mr. Davis. Staff stated it was and the
letters received are from property owners on the north side of
Avenida Fernando.
7. Chairman Robbins asked if the applicant would like to address the
Commission. Mr. David Leonard, representing Sprint PCS
Wireless, stated this site was the culmination of their investigation
as to where to place a pole in this area. He explained the height
was needed to reach the signal of the nearest pole outside the
area. The demand has been increasing at the Hotel for cell
service. In regard to the equipment, it appears that from the
roofline to the highest point of the equipment box, it is ten feet
and the parapet is seven feet for a differential of three feet. Upon
doing a site review it did not appear the equipment could be seen
by anyone on the ground. However, they could move the
equipment, or paint it to hide the equipment.
8. Commissioner Butler stated the other cell service .companies will
also want to have their own poles. He questioned why this
monopalm could not be put out on the golf course. Mr. Leonard
stated that due to the layout of the Hotel and shadowing, it would
not cover the area needed. There are areas where hillsides provide
shadows to prevent coverage. The original proposal was to
incorporate the towers into the buildings themselves. This did not
work because the buildings were not strong enough to hold the
equipment.
9. Commissioner Tyler asked what would happen if it was 60 feet
Mr. Leonard stated the height is determined by site tests.
Commissioner Tyler stated his concern about the roof mounted
equipment and he would like it to be hidden below the parapet.
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10. Chairman Robbins asked if there was any other public comment.
Mr. Steve Davis, 77-500 Avenida Fernando, stated he lived right
across the street from the Hotel, and he is at a disadvantage in
regard to whether or not the monopalm would be visible from his
property and whether or not it will make any noise. He is
concerned that he was not been notified earlier of the proposed
tower.
11. Mr. Bubba Lloyd, Mazatlan, stated there had been some concern
by the residents in Santa Rosa Cove as to the location of this
monopalm but they now believe this is the best site possible. His
concern is that there may be more poles for each of the different
companies.
12 Commissioner Tyler asked about the possibility of a location that
would accommodate multiple carriers. Mr. Leonard stated the
technology of the various companies is so different that it makes
it impossible to combine them. This is far from the first site they
looked at.'
13. There being no further public comment, Chairman Robbins closed
the public participation portion of the hearing and opened the
hearing to Commission discussion.
14. Commissioner Tyler stated that due to the Federal
Communications Act, the City probably does not have much
choice. He would like to have a condition added to require that
the equipment on the roof be completely hidden.
15. Commissioner Butler questioned the health hazards. Mr. Leonard
stated there is no proven evidence that the poles cause any health
hazards.
16. .Commissioner Kirk stated he supports the proposal in its location.
17. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Kirk/Abels to adopt Planning Commission
Resolution 2001-015, recommending certification of a Mitigated
Negative Declaration of environmental impact for Environmental
Assessment 2000-409.
18. Chairman Robbins stated his concern regarding the proliferation of
towers.
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19. Commissioner Abels stated that since the advent of the cell
phones there have been several dead spots in the Cove and he
supports the project.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Kirk, Tyler, and
Chairman Robbins. NOES: None. ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
20. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Kirk/Abels to adopt
Planning Commission Resolution 2001-016, recommending
approval of Conditional Use Permit 2000-055, as amended:
a. Condition #8: Prior to issuance of a building permit the
height of the equipment shall be reduced so as not to be
visible above the mansard roof.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Kirk, Tyler, and
Chairman Robbins. NOES: None. ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
VI. BUSINESS ITEMS: None
VII. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: None.
VIII. COMMISSIONER ITEMS:
A. Commissioner Tyler gave a report of the City Council meeting of February
6, 2001.
IX. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners
Tyler/Kirk to adjourn this regular meeting of the Planning Commission to the next
regular meeting of the Planning Commission to be held February 27, 2001, at 7:00
p.m. This meeting of the Planning Commission was adjourned at 8:39 p.m. on
February 13, 2001.
Respectfully submitted,
~.~tg.~i'wyer, Ex~utive Secretary
'City oT'La Quinta, California
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