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2001 04 24 PC Minutes MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING A regular meeting held' at the La Quinta City Hall 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA April 24, 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 Abels to lead the flag salute. B.Present: Commissioners Jacques Abels, Richard Butler, Tom Kirk, Robert Tyler, and Chairman Steve 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. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Butler/Kirk to reorganize the Agenda by taking Business Item "A" before the Public Hearings. Unanimously approved. IV. cONSENT ITEMS: ............ A~ ~'hairm'a-n'-~3bbi-n-~ a~s'k~d if'-t'herewere any c0rrecti°n~ tO-the-Minu~es April 10, 2001. Commissioner Tyler asked that Page 2, Item //2 be corrected to read, "...turf was being requested by staff." and "...that had not been resolved."; Page 3, Item//3 correct the word "enter" and change "fifth" to "eleventh"; Page 6, Item//13 changed to read, "Quarry Road"; Page 7, Item//19 correct the spelling of "Corp" to "Corps"; and Page 20, Item //42 delete as follows, "....approving the road be reopening...". Chairman Robbins asked that Page 2, Item //3 be corrected to read, "...appeared to be lower than..."; and Page 21, Item //48 "Mr. Bob Mainiero asked if the...". There being no further corrections, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Abels/Butler to approve the minutes as corrected. Unanimously approved. B. Department Report: None. G:\WPDOCS\PC4-24-O~.wpd Planning Commission Minutes April 24, 2001 V. PRESENTATIONS: None. VI. BUSINESS ITEMS: A. Master Design Guidelines 2001-014; a request of James C. Belknap Construction for review of development standards for the Cove Residential area throughout the Cove. 1. Chairman Robbins 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. 3. There being no questions of staff nor any other discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Kirk/Abels to adopt Minute Motion 2001-009 approving Master Design Guidelines 2001-014, as recommended. Unanimously approved VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS: A. Site Development Permit .?001-697; a request of RGC Courthomes, Inc., for review of architectural plans for two new prototype residential units located at the northeast corner of Camino Quintana and Calle Mazatlan. 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 asked for clarification as to whether or not the units were detached. Staff clarified they are attached. 3. There being no further questions of staff, Chairman Robbins asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. Hal Lynch stated he was available for any questions. 4. Commissioner Kirk asked if there was any challenge to the small courtyard. Mr. Lynch explained that since there is no open space the plans were turned inward. G :\WPD 0 C S\PC4-24-O 1. wpd '~- Planning Commission Minutes April 24, 2001 5. Commissioner Butler asked if the HOA had approved the plans for compatibility. Mr. Lynch stated they were present and it is his understanding they have approved the plans. 6. Commissioner Tyler asked if this was the final buildout of Santa Rosa Cove. Mr. Lynch stated to his knowledge there were no other lots. 7. There being no one else wishing to speak, Chairman Robbins closed the public participation portion of the hearing. 8. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Butler/Kirk to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2001-049 approving Site Development Permit 2001- 697, as recommended. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Kirk, Tyler, and Chairman Robbins. NOES: None. ABSENT: None.' ABSTAIN: None. B. Site Development Permit 2001-698; a request of Jerry Walker for review of development plans for a Del Taco restaurant located at the northwest corner of Washington Street and Highway 111, within Point Happy Commercial Center 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 Abels asked if this was across from the bank that was located on the east side of Washington Street. Staff clarified it was and they would be taking access at the new entry off Washington Street. Commissioner Abels asked the location of the bus stop. Staff identified the location. 3. Commissioner Kirk asked staff to identify the location of the metal trellis recommended by the Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee. Staff noted the location on the south elevation. 4. Chairman Robbins asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. Jerry Walker, representing Del Taco, stated he concurs with staff's recommendation and was available for any questions. G:\WPDOCS\PC4-24-O1.wpd 3 Planning Commission Minutes April 24, 2001 5, Chairman Robbins asked staff to clarify if there is now proposed, or when the bike path is constructed, will there be a wall between this project and the bike path. Staff stated there was no wall. 6. Commissioner Tyler asked if there was any'perimeter wall. Staff stated there would be a retaining wall and showed the location on the elevations. 7. Commissioner Kirk stated he approved of the circulation pattern, but found it difficult to review this project in relation to the entire site. Does staff have any concerns. Staff stated it was in agreement with the Specific Plan circulation pattern. 8. There being no further public comment, Chairman Robbins closed the public particip, ation 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 Ables/Butler to adopt Planning Commission - Resolution 2001-050 recommending approval of Site Development Permit 2001-698, as submitted. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels,-Butler, Kirk, Tyler, and Chairman Robbins. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. C. Tentative Tract Map 29053. Fxtension //1; a request of Lundin Development Company for a one year extension of time for a tentative tract map which creates 103 single family lots on 33 acres. 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 asked if any of the conditions had changed. Staff stated only Slight modifications. 3. Commissioner Tyler asked staff to confirm that 'no changes had been made to the tract map. Staff stated that was correct. 4. Chairman Robbins asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. Mike Smith, Warner Engineering representing the applicant, stated they had questions concerning Conditions Planning Commission Minutes April 24, 2001 · . #7.B. and #46.B.3 as the radius of the culs-de-sac should be 38.5 and 38 feet respectively. Senior Engineer Steve Speer concurred. Mr. Smith stated they would also like to close the entry to the north end of the commercial site that leads to the tract of homes from Jefferson Street. It was a concern since the residential homeowners' association would be responsible to maintain the access and landscaping. Staff stated they were recommending against it because it created a long dead-end driveway in the cente~. Senior Engineer Steve Speer stated staff has tried to keep from forcing all traffic onto the Arterial street. If some of the residential traffic can have direct access to the commercial site, it would be better. 5. Commissioner Tyler asked if this site would be allowed a left turn onto Jefferson Street. Staff stated this was a right turn in and out .and a left turn in movement only. 6. Commissioner Kirk stated he concurs with staff regarding not closing the entry at the north end and asked if the developer could work with staff to resolve this' issue. Mr. Smith stated they would take it under consideration. " 7. Chairman Robbins asked if there was any other public comment. 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. Commissioner Kirk stated he sees no major issues and would support the original-conditions. 10. Commissioner Butler stated he still questions the access from the residential to the commercial. Mr. Smith stated the residential gate would be back far enough that those entering the commercial would not be able to enter the residential. 11. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioner Kirk/Abels to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2001-051 recommending approval of Tentative Tract Map 29053, Extension #1, as recommended by staff with modifications to Conditions #7.B and 46.B.3. as discussed. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Kirk, Tyler, and Chairman Robbins. NOES' None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Planning Commission Minutes April 24, 2001 D. Site Development Permit 2001-696; a request of Lundin Development Company, for review of development plans for a 74,080 square foot commercial building located at northwest of the intersection of Jefferson Street and 50th Avenue in Rancho Cielo Shopping Center. 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 the location of the drive through for the pharmacy. Staff noted the location. 3. Commissioner Tyler asked if the other uses were part of the Albertsons. Staff stated yes. 4. Commissioner Kirk asked what the north rear elevation would look like for the residential development. Staff stated there was a ten foot planter along the eight foot wall with some visibility to the residents. There is also a retention basin behind th'e wall on the residential side. 5. Commissioner Tyler stated there were no conditions about offsite improvements. Senior Engineer Steve Speer stated that every time you have in-line shops they are conditioned to comply with the Specific Plan conditions so staff does not have to repeat the same conditions as they are contained in the Specific Plan. Staff does need to add a condition in regard to the timing of the construction of the off-site improvements on Avenue 50. 6. There being no further questions of staff, Chairman Robbins asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. Roger Watts, representing Albertsons, stated there will be a wall at the rear with landscaping and wrought iron so there is quite a lot of layers between the center and the residential homes. In regard to the off-site improvements, they have no issue with a condition being added regarding the timing of those improvements. As Albertsons owns Savon Drugs they will be included in the store as well as Starbucks. The drive through however, is restricted to the pharmacy only. The store will have a bank and will have the variety of stock to compete with the other markets. G :\WPDO C S\PC4- 24-01. wpd (~ Planning Commission Minutes April 24, 2001 7. Commissioner Abels asked if there were other Savon Drug stores that had a drive through. Mr. Watts stated he did not think so as it was a new idea. 8. Commissioner Butler stated he has a problem with the perimeter wall separating the residential. Mr. Smith clarified that behind the market there is an eight foot wall and CVWD also has a wall around the well site on the other side of the wall. Then there is a retention basin and residential walls with wrought iron to separate the two sites. Commissioner Butler asked what the landscaping would look like. Mr. Smith stated there would be Acacia trees and the tract map developer has no objection to the proposed landscaping. Commissioner Butler questioned the lighting on the · rear of the building. Mr. Watts stated it is easy to direct and screen the lighting and they would be willing to do that. Discussion followed regarding the loading and unloading process. 9. Commissioner Tyler aSked if the pharmacy would be' open 24 hours. Mr. Watts stated the decision on the hours are usually based on the area, traffic and competition. However, it would be governed by the Specific Plan. Commissioner Tyler asked if they saw the need for an external recycling center. Mr. Watt stated if there was, it would not be by Albertsons. 10. Chairman Robbins asked if there was any other public comment. There being none, Chairman Robbins closed the public participation portion of the hearing. 1 1. Commissioner Kirk commended the developer on the project and noted--this was the first project they had reviewed .that did.not have any turf. 12. Commissioner Butler stated his initial concern was the rear landscaping, but after the explanation, he is comfortable with the design. 1 3. Chairman Robbins stated his concern was with the market's rear elevations as well. He does believe it is better, but the building still has no architectural detail and trees may or may not cover it. Before he could support it he would have to see additional detail. DiScussion followed regarding the rear elevation. Staff stated they had discussed this with the applicant and this is the result of those discussions. Community Development Director Jerry Herman stated the CVWD wall would block the loading area and there G:\WPDOCS\PC4-24-O1.wpd Planning Commission Minutes April 24, 2001 would be landscaping in the retention basin as well. In addition, the commercial site will be built first and those buying the homes will know it exists before purchasing. Also, the pad for Albertsons is at 37 feet above sea level and the residential pads are at 41 feet and the building is 28 feet high. 14. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Kirk/Tyler to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2001-052 approving Site Development Permit 2001- 696, as modified: a.Add Condition to require applicant to work with staff to increase the rear articulation of the market. b. Add Condition that Avenue 50 improvements shall be completed prior to final inspection of the first building. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Kirk, Tyler, and Chairman Robbins. NOES: None. 'ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. E. Environmental Assessment ,°001-41 4. General Plan Amendment .:)001- 076. Zone Change 2001-099. Specific Plan 2001-053 and Tentative Tract Map 30096; a request of Puerta Azul Partners, LLC for certification of a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impact; amend the General Plan and Zoning Land Use designation from Tourist Commercial to Medium Density Residential; review of development standards and design guidelines for 127 resort villa units; and review of a tentative tract · map to subdivide 19.64 acres into 1 27 residential lots located at 57-325 Madison Street, north of Avenue 58. 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 was any discussion regarding any two story units backing up to PGA West. Staff stated any two story units would have the required setbacks. 3. Commissioner Abels asked where the two story units would be lOcated. Staff stated there were no two story units allowed next to a single story less than 50 feet from the adjoining property line. G:\WPDOCS\PC4-24-O 1.wpd 8 Planning Commission Minutes April 24, 2001 4. Commissioner Butler asked how many pools there would b~. Staff stated two were proposed. 5.Commissioner Tyler asked about the adjoining zoning. Staff stated it was all Low Density Residential. 6. Commissioner Kirk stated he could not make sense of the phasing plan. The Specific Plan states two phases and yet did not explain them. Staff clarified there was no line distinguishing the two phases. Commissioner Kirk stated his other concern was parking. Staff stated they were required two parking spaces per unit and the applicant was requesting 1.637 per unit. Commissioner Kirk stated the Specific Plan states an average of one space per unit. Staff stated one parking space per unit and one space for off site parking. The applicant's proposal states .that only one car per unit would be needed and if a guest comes to visit, there is off-site parking. 7. There being no further questions of staff, Chairman Robbins asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. Mark Rockwell, Pacific Land Management, the applicant, gave a presentation of the project. 8. Commissioner Kirk asked about the phasing. Mr. Rockwell stated all infrastructure would be completed first. The great house and pool on the front end would be in the first phase. All streets and' homes would be constructed 1 2-1 6 at a time for the first phase. 9. Commissioner Tyler asked if all remnants of the Sculpture Park would be removed.- Mr. Rockwell stated there were a few pieces that they would like to give to the community. They will be keeping one on site. The house and all other structures will be destroyed. 10. Commissioner Butler asked about the lake. Mr. Rockwell stated there is a small pond that is very deteriorated and would be removed. 11. Commissioner Abels stated this was a good and interesting project, 1 2. Commissioner Tyler questioned the "Great House", Mr. Rockwell explained the purpose and use. Planning Commission Minutes April 24, 2001 13. Commissioner Kirk asked what the children would do. Mr. Rockwell stated there are amenities in close proximity for children as well as bicycle rentals and the pools. 14. Chairman Robbins asked if there .was any other public comment. There being none, the public participation portion of the hearing was closed and open for Commission discussion. 1 5. Commissioner Kirk noted this was a good use of the specific plan and the product was designed accordingly. His concern was in respect to phasing and homes being constructed before the amenities. Another concern is the large use of turf and perhaps what they should do is limit the amount of turf outside the golf amenities. 1 6. Commissioner Butler stated the comment was good, and perhaps they could change the area around the residential units. Staff stated it would be governed by the homeowners' association. 1 7. Commissioner Kirk stated he would recommend only a percentage of turf be allowed. 1 8. Chairman Robbins stated he concurs with Commissioner Kirk and also, the Specific Plan does not address any type of water efficiency. He would prefer to give them flexibility, but require less use of water. Mr. Rockwell stated they have a vested interest in minimizing the turf themselves. They believe there will be key areas for the turf, but also recognize that turf is high maintenance. 19. Chairman Robbins suggested that the use of turf be minimized where possible and then use the Water Efficiency Formula with a multiplying factor of .6. 20. Commissioner Kirk Stated that until the Commission understands the use of the Water Efficiency Ordinance he would rather use just a simple percentage of turf to be allowed. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio suggested have the Specific Plan be modified prior to submittal of a grading plan adding language regarding water efficiency and minimizing the amount of turf. Discussion followed r.egarding alternatives. Following discussion, it was determined that language would be added to the conditions requiring water conservation measures and using a .6 multiplier in conjunction with the Water Efficiency Ordinance. G:\WPDOCS\PC4-24-01 .wpd ] 0 -- Planning Commission Minutes April 24, 2001 21. Commissioner Tyler asked why this application could not be processed under the Tourist Commercial (TC) zoning that is currently there. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio stated staff would prefer not to because the TC designation does not allow for residential. Staff has prepared a modification to the Tract Map Condition #67. This would also be modified in Condition #65 of' the Specific Plan. Condition #1 of the Specific Plan and Tentative Tract Map would also be modified. 22. Ms. Emily Hemphill, attorney for the applicant, stated that in regard to the conditions, they would have no objection as long as the 60 day time frame was per calendar year. 23. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Abels/Butler to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2001-053 recommending certification of Environmental Assessment 2001-414, as recommend. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Kirk, Tyler, and Chairman Robbins. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. 24. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Abels/Tyler to adopt Planning Commissioner Resolution 2001-054 recommending approval of General Plan Amendment 2001-076, as recommended. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Kirk, Tyler, and Chairman Robbins. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. 25. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Abels/Tyler to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2001-055 recommending approval of Zone Change 2001-099, as recommended. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Kirk, Tyler, and Chairman Robbins. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Change Desert Sands Unified School District to Coachella Valley Unified School District. 26. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Kirk/Abels to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2001-O56 recommending approval of Specific Plan 2001-053, subject to the conditions as amended. G:\WPDOCS\PC4-24-01 .wpd ! ! Planning Commission Minutes April 24, 2001 a. Condition #1: Add "The subdivider and his agents or assignees also agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City of La Quinta in defending any action arising out of a challenge to the Conditions, Covenants and Restrictions (CC&R's) discussed in Condition No. 65. b. Condition #2:Change Desert Sands. Unified School District to Coachella Valley Unified School District. c. Condition #41 .A.: Delete (Madison Street) d. Condition #50.B.: Delete the "Note". e. Condition #63: At the end of the first sentence add "at the west end." f. Condition #65: The Conditions, Covenants and Restrictions (CC&R's) for the project shall include a provision which states that the project is one intended for vacation use and that any users or occupants of the unit, including owners, shall not remain in the unit for a period that exceeds six months of any calendar year. The CC&R's shall further provide that when any owner is not in residency at his unit, said owner may rent his unit, provided however, that said ~- ' owner shall be'required to collect and pay to the City Transient Occupancy Tax on all transient rentals in accordance with the City's then existing Ordinances. The CC&R's shall also include a provision that allows the City to enforce the provision of the CC&R's (concurrently with the homeowners' association) that contain the above conditions. Further, the CC&R's also contain a provision that precludes the CC&R's from being changed by any party without the prior approval of the City. Prior to issuance of the first building permit, applicant shall submit a copy of final CC&R's to the City for compliance review of this condition. g. Condition #66: The final Specific Plan shall be modified prior to issuance of a grading permit to include in the concept landscape plan to minimize the use of turf where possible and enhance water conservation. The Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (Chapter 8.1 3) requirements shall be applied with the modification substituting a factor of .6 for .8 as an adjustment factor for the Annual Maximum Applied Water Allowance (Chapter 8.13.030 B.2). h. Condition #67: The final Specific Plan shall be modified prior to issuance of a grading permit to define the proposed Phasing Plan. Phase I shall include off-site and on-site G :\WPDO C S\PC4-24-O 1. wpd ] ~- Planning Commission Minutes April 24, 2001 utility and street improvements, recreational and other amenities. i. Condition //68: Prior to issuance of a grading permit, the final Conditions of Approval shall be incorporated in the final Specific Plan document. Applicant shall work with staff to correct internal document inconsistencies prior to final publications of Specific Plan document. The final Specific Plan shall be modified prior to issuance of a grading permit to clarify the parking table on Page 25 of the Parking Study (7.5) ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Kirk, Tyler, and Chairman Robbins. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. 27. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Abels/Kirk to adopt Planning Commission Resolution · 2001-O57 recommending approval of Tentative Tract Map 30096, subject to the conditions as modified: a. Condition//1: Add "The subdivider and his agents or assignees also agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City of La Quinta in defending any action arising out of a challenge to the Conditions, Covenants and Restrictions (CC&R's) discussed in Condition No. 65. b. Condition//3: Change Desert Sands Unified School District to Coachella Valley Unified School District. c. Condition//45.A.: Delete (Madison Street). d. Condition//54.B.: Delete "Note" e. Condition//66: At the end of the first sentence add "at the west end." f. Condition//67: The Conditions, Covenants and Restrictions (CC&R's) for the project shall include a provision which states that the project is one intended for vacation use and that any users or occupants of the unit, including owners, shall not remain in the unit for a period that exceeds six months of any calendar year. The CC&R's shall further provide that when any owner is not in residency at his unit, said owner may rent his unit, provided however, that said owner shall be required to collect and pay to the City Transient Occupancy Tax on all transient rentals in r_ .~ ~A~Dnn r q~ pr~. ~ Zl.- C) 1. wnd J 3 Planning Commission Minutes April 24, 2001 accordance with the City's then existing Ordinances. The CC&R's shall also include a provision that allows the City to enforce the provision of the CC&R's (concurrently with the homeowners' association) that contain the above conditions. Further, the CC&R's also contain a provision that precludes the CC&R's from being changed by any party without the prior approval of the City. Prior to issuance of the first building permit, applicant shall submit a copy of final CC&R's to the City for compliance review of this condition. g. Condition #68: Phase I shall include off-site and on-site utility and street improvements, recreational and other amenities. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Kirk, Tyler, and Chairman Robbins. NOES' None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. VII. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: None. VIII. COMMISSIONER ITEMS: A. Community Development Director notified Commissioners of the Country Club of the Desert invitation. B. commissioner Tyler gave a report of the City Council meeting of April 17, 2001. IX. 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 8, 2001, at 7:00 p.m. This meeting of the Planning Commission was adjourned at 9:39 p.m. on April 24, 2001. Respectfully submitted, er, Exe__... v'~' Secretary City of-Ea~Quinta, California ~.~WPDnCS.~.4-2 4-01. wpd ! 4