2002 05 28 PC Minutes MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
A regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall
78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA
May 28, 2002 7:00 P.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER
A. This meeting of the Planning Commission was called to order at 7:09
p.m. by Chairman Abels who asked Commissioner Butler to lead the flag
salute.
B. Present: Commissioners Richard Butler, Tom Kirk, Steve Robbins, Robert
Tyler, and Chairman Jacques Abels.
C. Staff present: Community Development Director Jerry Herman, Assistant
City Attorney John Ramirez, Senior Engineer Steve Speer, Principal
Planners Stan Sawa and Fred Baker, Associate Planners Wallace Nesbit
and Martin Maga~a, and Executive Secretary Betty Sawyer.
II. PUBLIC COMMENT: None.
III. CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA: Confirmed.
IV. CONSENT ITEMS:
A. Chairman Abels asked if there were any corrections to the Minutes of
May 14, 2002. Commissioner Tyler asked that Page 5, Item 2 be
corrected to read, "The Lake La Quinta Homeowners' Association...";
Page 9, Item 4, change the word "march" to match". There being no
further corrections, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners
Tyler/Butler to approve the minutes as corrected. Unanimously approved
with Commissioner Kirk abstaining.
B. Department Report: None
V. PRESENTATIONS: None.
VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A. Environmental Assessment 2002-448, Specific Plan 2002-056, and Site
Development Permit 2002-731; a request of WG Properties, LLC for
consideration of development plans for construction of a 8,792 square
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foot office building on a 1.51 acre parcel located at the east side of
Washington Street, north of Lake La Quinta Drive, within the Lake La
Quinta project area.
1. Chairman Abels opened the public hearing and asked for the staff
report. Associate Planner Wallace Nesbit presented the
information contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file
in the Community Development Department.
2. Chairman Abels asked if there were any questions of staff.
Commissioner Kirk asked if most of the site plan landscaping
consisted of decomposed granite. Staff stated yes.
Commissioner Kirk asked if the turf was only for the future office
building, or will it be used elsewhere. Staff stated the turf along
Washington Street will be retained for the retention basin; the turf
for the future building is for dust control and aesthetics.
Commissioner Kirk asked if the Specific Plan is a requirement in
the Regional Commercial District. Staff stated no, the applicant
did so because they exceeded the 22-foot height requirement.
Commissioner Kirk asked if there was any other mechanism that
would allow them to acquire the height limit without a specific
plan. Staff stated there are provisions to allow an element to
protrude beyond the height limitations, but this did not fall within
that provision.
3. Commissioner Butler asked if the Architecture and Landscaping
Review Committee challenged the height of buildings. Community
Development Director Jerry Herman stated it is not within their
purview.
4. Commissioner Tyler asked where the 1 50 foot setback line was on'
the plans. Staff indicated what page in the staff report and
indicated the location on the site plan. Commissioner Tyler stated
he was unable to find where the applicant had specifically
requested to exceed the 22 foot height limit. Staff stated there
was no specific verbiage in the plan; it is part of the site plan
request. Staff asked if the Commission would like this clarified in
the conditions for the Specific Plan. Commissioner Tyler asked
that it be written into the Specific Plan. He asked about the three
access points off Caleo Bay, if one was omitted it would give
more parking. Discussion followed regarding the access points
and parking spaces.
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5. Chairman Abels asked if the applicant would like to address the
Commission. Mr. Robert Ricciardi, architect representing the
applicant, gave a presentation on the project.
6. Chairman Abels asked if there were any questions of the
applicant. Commissioner Tyler stated he thought the trash trucks
would have a difficult time getting in and out. Mr. Ricciardi stated
it is a minimal impact as they would be in and out before the
tenants arrived. To relocate it would require losing parking
spaces.
7. Commissioner Kirk asked if he had any concerns about changing
the architectural style on the second office building. Mr. Ricciardi
stated they would like to keep the Spanish style.
8. Commissioner Robbins asked if the second building could go to 30
feet. Community Development Director Jerry Herman stated no
and staff would condition the height limits.
9. Chairman Abels asked if anyone else would like to address the
Commission regarding this project.
10. Mr. Chuck Patelli, general contractor for the project, explained the
purpose of the two driveways on Caleo Bay was to allow for the
future second building and to give additional fire access.
1 1. There being no further public comment, Chairman Abels closed the
public participation portion of the hearing and opened the matter
up for Commission discussion.
1 2. Commissioner Kirk asked if the Fire Department had requested the
second access. Staff stated they did not. Commissioner Kirk
asked if the applicant could have applied for a zone change, or
was a specific plan required in order to obtained the additional
height. Community Development Director Jerry Herman stated the
Zoning Code requires the 22 foot height limit unless, there was a
hardship to allow a variance, and in this case there was none.
Commissioner Kirk stated he supported the project as it is a nice
design. He stated Commissioner Tyler's comments regarding
access and parking orientation are fair. He will vote "no" on the
Specific Plan even though he will vote "yes" on the rest of the
project because he is not in favor of a specific plan being solely
used to change the height requirements.
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13. Commissioner Tyler asked if the approved restaurant to the south
had any height variations. Staff stated no, it was 22 feet.
Commissioner Tyler questioned why there was a statement in the
conditions regarding how long it took to go through plan check.
Senior Engineer Steve Speer explained the process. Commissioner
Tyler stated it was a valid point, but did not belong in the
conditions. Staff would remove the statement.
14. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Kirk/Tyler to adopt Planning Commission
Resolution 2002-050 recommending certification of a Negative
Declaration of environmental impact for Environmental
Assessment 2002-448, as submitted:
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Butler, Kirk, Robbins, Tyler, and
Chairman Abels. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN:
None.
15. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Tyler/Butler to
adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2002-051 recommending
approval of Specific Plan 2002-056, subject to findings and
conditions as amended:
A. The future building pad elevation shall be a maximum 22
feet in height.
B. The Specific Plan shall be changed to reflect that the
building closest to Washington cannot exceed 30 feet as
indicated in the site plan.
C. Condition 20.E.: Eliminate the sentence regarding the time
required for plan checking.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Butler, Tyler, and Chairman Abels.
NOES: Commissioners Kirk/Robbins. ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
16. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Robbins/Kirk to
adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2002-052 recommending
approval of Site Development Permit 2002-731, subject to
findings and conditions as submitted.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Butler, Kirk, Robbins, and Chairman
Abels. NOES: Commissioner Tyler. ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
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A. Zoning Code Amendment 2002-072; a request of the City for a
recommendation to the City Council to add Section 9.50.055-Second
Floor Addition within an Existing Unit, to the La Quinta Municipal Code
within the Residential Zones.
1. Chairman Abels opened the public hearing and asked for the staff
report. Community Development Director Jerry Herman presented
the information contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on
file in the Community Development Department.
2. Chairman Abels asked if there were any questions of staff.
Commissioner Tyler asked staff to explain "excluding dormers".
Staff stated the purpose was to exclude dormer windows and
explained why. Commissioner Tyler asked why not allow any roof
changes within five years. Staff explained this was to prevent a
homeowner from changing their roof structure to allow room for
the second story unit. Commissioners asked that Section "C" be
deleted. Commissioner Tyler questioned allowing access from the
garage as it would require a different set of fire regulations and
should not be allowed.
3. Commissioner Butler asked if the roof's were altered would it not
have to come back to the Planning Commission for a compatibility
review. Staff stated yes, that would be a compatibility issue.
4. There being no further public comment, Chairman Abels closed the
public participation portion of the public hearing and opened the
matter for Commission discussion.
5. Commissioner Kirk supported the request with the deletion of
Section "C".
6. Commissioner Butler agreed.
7. Commissioner Tyler asked that the option for a garage access be
deleted.
8. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Kirk/Butler to adopt Planning Commission
Resolution 2002-053 recommending to the City Council approval
of Zoning Code Amendment 2002-072, as amended:
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A. Section A: Dormers are prohibited
B. Section C: Deleted
C. Section H: Delete "or garage"
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Butler, Kirk, Robbins Tyler, and
Chairman Abels. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN:
None.
D. Addendum to a Certified Riverside County Environmental Impact Report
No. 232 (SCH//9164450613444, Environmental Assessment 2002-447,
and Zone Change 2002-107; a request of Dave Twedt/Shea Homes for:
1) Certification of an Addendum to Certified Riverside County
Environmental Impact Report No. 232 prepared for Specific Plan 218,
Amendment //1 (Coral Mountain-525 acres); 2) Certification of a
Mitigated Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact for
Approximately 115 acres located within Section 34, Township 6 South,
Range 7 East, not included in Riverside County Specific Plan No. 218
Amendment No. 1; and 3) Consideration of a Zone Change for
preannexation zoning designations from Riverside County's SP (Specific
Plan), A-1-10 (Residential Agriculture), and W-2 (Planned Development)
to RL (Low Density Residential), RM (Medium Density Residential), GC
(Golf Course), and OS (Open Space) for 640 acres in Riverside County.
1. Chairman Abels opened the public hearing and asked for the staff
report. Associate Planner Martin Maga~a presented the
information contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file
in the Community Development Department.
2. Chairman Abels asked if there were any questions of staff.
Commissioner Tyler asked why the City was not requesting
agricultural zoning for the date farmer. Staff explained he is
grandfathered in and would be allowed to continue farming for as
long as wants to.
3. Commissioner Butler clarified it was a preannexation request.
Staff stated yes.
4. Commissioner Kirk asked for clarification on why the Planning
Commission was certifying two environmental analysis. Staff
stated the Addendum was completed because an Environmental
Impact Report (EIR) was completed for the original project. Staff
did an Addendum for the area not included in the first project.
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Commissioner Kirk asked if an agency could approve an
Addendum to an EIR that was completed by a different lead
agency. Assistant City Attorney John Ramirez stated it has been
done before on advice of the City Attorney. Community
Development Director Jerry Herman stated this was done for the
Coral Mountain project that has been annexed and for the area
that is currently before LAFCO for annexation.
5. Commissioner Robbins asked if the entire section being considered
was a part of the Zone Change and environmental before the
Commission. Staff stated yes. Commissioner Robbins stated he
would have to excuse himself due to a possible conflict of interest
and withdrew from the dias.
6. There being no questions of staff, Chairman Abels asked if the
applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. Rich
Nowland, representing Shea Homes, gave a presentation on the
project.
7. Chairman Abels asked if there were any questions of the
applicant. Commissioner Tyler questioned the property to the
west as it did not look buildable due to the levy. Mr. Nowland
stated there are two property owners in this area and they have
plans for the property.
8. Chairman Abels asked if anyone else would like to address the
Commission on this project. There being no further public
comment, Chairman Abels closed the public participation portion
of the public hearing and opened the matter for Commission
discussion.
9. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Tyler/Butler to adopt Planning Commission
Resolution 2002-054 recommending certification of an Addendum
to Riverside County Environmental Impact Report No. 232
prepared for Specific Plan 218 Amendment No. 1, pursuant to the
findings.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Butler, Kirk, Tyler, and Chairman
Abels. NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Robbins.
ABSTAIN: None.
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10. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Kirk/Tyler to adopt
Planning Commission Resolution 2002-055 recommending
certification of a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental
Impact for Environmental Assessment 2002-447, pursuant to the
findings.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Butler, Kirk, Tyler, and Chairman
Abels. NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Robbins.
ABSTAIN: None.
11. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Butler/Kirk to adopt
Planning Commission Resolution 2002-056, recommending
approval of Zone Change 2002-107 subject to the findings.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Butler, Kirk, Tyler, and Chairman
Abels. NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Robbins.
ABSTAIN: None.
Commissioner Robbins rejoined the Commission.
D. Environmental Assessment 2002-450 and Specific Plan 2002-058; a
request of Marvin Investments for certification of a Mitigated Negative
Declaration of environmental impact and review of development
principals and guidelines for a 127,517 square foot commercial complex
in nine buildings on six acres located on the south side of Calle Tampico,
between Avenida Bermudas and Desert Club Drive and the southeast
corner of Calle Tampico and Desert Club Drive.
1. Chairman Abels 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 Abels asked if there were any questions of staff.
Commissioner Tyler asked if Calle Tampi¢o had a height restriction
of 22 feet. Community Development Director Jerry Herman stated
it does have that designation; however, the Planning Commission
and City Council adopted a General Plan policy that states this
height limitation is not applicable to Calle Tampi¢o. Commissioner
Tyler asked staff to review the locations for the shared parking
areas.
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3. Commissioner Kirk asked staff to characterize the use of the
parking lot. Staff noted it is used very sparsely. Commissioner
Kirk asked why the City built this parking lot. Staff noted it was
intended to be supplemental parking for downtown uses.
Commissioner Kirk asked about the final street improvements for
La Fonda. Staff stated they are budgeted for the next fiscal year.
Commissioner Kirk stated he had met with the applicant and had
several informal discussions regarding the project.
4. Commissioner Robbins asked if staff was comfortable with the
parking being provided on site. Community Development Director
Jerry Herman stated the last projects reviewed and approved by
the Planning Commission/City Council were approved with the
shared parking policy.
5. Commissioner Tyler asked that the last sentence of Condition #21
be deleted.
6. Chairman Abels noted he too had met with the applicant in regard
to the project.
7. Chairman Abels asked if the applicant would like to address the
Commission. Mr. Wells Marvin, applicant, gave a presentation on
the project and discussed conditions he would ask the Commission
to modify or delete. Ms. Margo Thibeault, Mainiero Smith and
Associates, asked for clarification on Condition #1~2, as they
believe it will compromise their street-scene and street design and
would like to request that no specification be required on the size
of the width. They would like to work out the width of the utility
easement with Imperial Irrigation District. Condition #51, there is
an existing bus turnout on Avenida Bermudas and they are not
proposing any changes or relocation to the bus stop so they are
asking for clarification on the purpose of the condition. Condition
#52 there are existing sidewalks on most of the perimeter of the
site and clarified that where there are no sidewalks on Avenida
Bermudas they will be installing sidewalks. On Avenida La Fonda
the City will be completing the improvements and the sidewalks
are complete on Calle Tampico and Desert Club Drive. Condition
#54 there is no room for pedestrian refuse. Condition #59 there
are no retention basins on site and would like any reference to a
retention basin deleted. Condition #61 refers to the bus turn out
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again and they need clarification as to what is being required of
them. Condition #88 they believe one driveway is sufficient for
the overflow parking area.
8. Chairman Abels asked if there were any questions of the
applicant. Commissioner Kirk asked the applicant to explain the
use of the palms for the primary street trees as they will not be
providing shade. Mr. Marvin stated they are the same palms used
in the center islands on Avenida La Fonda. They are providing 1 2-
14 foot arcades to provide shade to pedestrians on every elevation
on the north side. The parking areas will have shade trees.
Commissioner Kirk asked if there was an access point between the
Arts Foundation and his project. Mr. Marvin stated there will be
a space at this location, but not sure it will be an access point.
Commissioner Kirk asked if Mr. Marvin was concerned about the
mid-block crosswalk on Desert Club Drive because of the traffic
speeds. Mr. Marvin stated he agrees with the sidewalk, but
without the refuge and not at the location indicated by staff, as
the road is not wide enough to make it practical. _
9. Commissioner Kirk asked staff to address the concerns raised.
Senior Engineer Steve Speer stated that due to the applicant's
reliance on parking that is on the far side of the street and not on
its own site, the City parking lot takes up a significant amount of
space on the west side of the street. Staff believes this will cause
a lot of mid-block crossing if crosswalks are not defined. The City
has installed it's first mid-block sidewalks on Calle Estado. The
City is proposing the same on Desert Club Drive to create the
same street scene where the pedestrian only have to cross 14-feet
of street and then the refuge and 14 feet to the other side.
Parking would not be allowed on either side of the street in this
area. The crosswalk would also be raised to create a slight speed
bump to slow traffic down. The same crosswal.k design would be
installed on Avenida Bermudas. Commissioner Kirk asked if it
would not be better to direct pedestrians down the main street
rather than to the parking lot. Senior Engineer Steve Speer stated
the location was chosen to not impede any left turns. Discussion
followed as to crosswalk designs and locations.
10. Commissioner Tyler asked staff to explain a "pedestrian refuge".
Senior Engineer Steve Speer explained it is a raised median with
raised planters and a 45-degree cut-through between for the
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pedestrian traffic and would be approximately 10 feet wide. In
regard to the other concerns raised, they would remove Condition
#55 as it is covered in the specifications. Staff would not require
a specific number of the trash receptacles until the site plans was
submitted (Condition #84). In regard to the Imperial Irrigation
District (liD) easement, staff will work with the applicant and liD
in regard to the width for the public easement (Condition #12).
Condition #52 is appropriate as written. In regard to the bus stop
(Conditions #51 and #61), the City is asking them to work with
Sunline in regard to their requirements. Condition #59, the
"retention basin" would be deleted.
11. Commissioner Tyler asked about Condition #87 which references
a letter from the Sheriff's Department, it was not contained in
their packet. Mr. Marvin stated they would work with the
Sheriff's Department in regard to any of their concerns.
1 2. Commissioner Kirk noted that on Exhibit 1 3, on the north side of
Main Street, there are two covered arcades, one with the arches
which is outstanding and the other with a tiled pitched roof, where
the parapet walls does not work. Mr. Marvin stated the look is to
resemble the La Quinta Hotel shops. They want a variety of
building styles with arcades to resemble the Santa Barbara look.
In regard to the location of the crosswalk on Desert Club Drive he
would prefer to have it at the end of the Main Street and again he
does not think it would be appropriate to have a refuge at this
location. There is no room on Desert Club Drive. In regard to the
utility easements, this site is surrounded by existing street and
they could have built it out without putting any streets through it.
They can service with water and power all the buildings from the
perimeter. If they have to put a five or ten foot easement on
either or both sides of the street, it eliminates their ability to make
the tree well sizes adequate for the palm trees. They are
requesting they be able to work this out with liD In regard to the
Sunline, if the City owns the street and accommodates Sunline, it
should remain within the City's purview as to where the bus stop
should be placed and not be up to Sunline.
13. Chairman Abels commended the applicant on his proposal and
asked if there was any other public comment. There being no
further public comment, the public participation portion of the
public hearing and opened the matter for Commission discussion.
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14. Commissioner Robbins stated it is what the Village needs and he'
is generally in favor of the shared parking.
15. Commissioner Kirk agreed and stated he looks forward to the site
plan. The applicant has made some strong points on the
conditions and the applicant should be able to come to a
compromise with staff on the conditions.
16. Commissioner Butler agreed it has been a long time coming and he
is glad to see the project in process.
17. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Kirk/Tyler to adopt Planning Commission
Resolution 2002-057 recommending to the City Council
certification of a Mitigated Negative Declaration for Environmental
Assessment 2002-450, as recommended.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Butler, Kirk, Robbins Tyler, and
Chairman Abels. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN:
None.
18. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Kirk/Robbins to
adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2002-058 recommend
approval of Specific Plan 2002-058, subject to the findings and
conditions as amended:
A. Condition//12: Delete
B. Condition//21 -' Delete the sentence referring to the time for
plan check.
C. Condition//51: Delete the word "relocate"
D. Condition//54: Delete as it will be reviewed during the site
development permit process for Phase II and III.
E. Condition //55: Delete
F. Condition//59: Delete the word "retention basin".
G. Condition//61: Delete as it will be reviewed during the site
development permit process for Phase II and III
H. Condition //84: Delete
I. Condition //88: Provide one driveway rather than two.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Butler, Kirk, Robbins Tyler, and
Chairman Abels. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN:
None.
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Chairman Abels recessed the meeting at 9:00 p.m. and reconvened at 9:05 p.m.
E. Environmental Assessment 2002-451 and Site Development Permit
2002-736; a request of Tenet Care California, Inc. for Certification of a
Mitigated Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact and review of
building elevations and landscaping plans for a 25,486 square foot
medical facility located on the east side of Washington Street between
Avenue 47 and 48.
1. Chairman Abels 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 Abels asked if there were any questions of staff.
Commissioner Tyler asked why the access on Caleo Bay is not
aligned with Dulce Del Mar. Staff explained it was for shielding to
the accesses to their project.
3. Chairman Abels asked if the applicant would like to address the
Commission. Mr. Jim Henry, representing the applicant, gave a
presentation on the project. In regard to the off-set driveway they
would like to shield the traffic so those exiting would be able to se
into the other development. Following discussion, it was
determined to line up the two access points.
4. There being no further public comment, Chairman Abels closed the
public participation portion of the public hearing and opened the
matter for Commission discussion.
5. Commissioner Tyler stated it was a great addition to the
neighborhood, meets the heights limits, the parking is adequate,
but he would like the driveways aligned.
6. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Tyler/Butler to adopt Planning Commission
Resolution 2002-059 recommending to the City Council
Certification of a Mitigated Negative Declaration of Environmental
Impact for Environmental Assessment 2002-451, as
recommended.
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ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Butler, Kirk, Robbins Tyler, and
Chairman Abels. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN:
None.
7. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Butler/Kirk to adopt
Planning Commission Resolution 2002-060 recommend approval
of Site Development Permit 2002-736, subject to the findings and
conditions as amended:
A. Condition #16: Delete the sentence regarding plan check
timing.
B. Condition #66: Prior to issuance of a grading permit the
applicant shall submit a revised site plan showing the
driveways aligning with the Dulce Del Mar to be approved
by the Community Development Director.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Butler, Kirk, Robbins Tyler, and
Chairman Abels. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN:
None.
F. Environmental Assessment 2002-441 and Tentative Tract Map 30378
a request of Rod Vandenbos for Certification of a Mitigated Negative
Declaration of environmental impact and approval to subdivide 9.13 acres
into 8 residential lots and other common lots located at the southwest
corner of Avenue 51 and Madison Street.
1. Chairman Abels 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 Abels asked if there were any questions of staff.
Commissioner Tyler asked why the applicant was responsible for
the full width and not the half width of the street in Condition #8,
#56. Staff would correct the conditions to only require 55 feet on
the west side. Commissioner Tyler asked if "Beth Circle" was the
proposed name for the access off of Madison Street. Staff stated
that is the existing name of the street. The applicant will be
applying for a street name change at a later date. The site is
mapped and recorded but there are no streets. Commissioner
Tyler asked about the issues raised in the letter from Mrs.
McGinty. Staff stated some of the issues are at the Commission's
discretion. In regard to the partially finished building, it is a
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permitted storage building. Commissioner Tyler asked if the
property is rezoned, is the second building permitted. Staff stated
the applicant intends to convert the building to a guest house or
garage.
3. Commissioner Kirk asked what justification does the City have to
require the applicant to retain the citrus. Staff stated the applicant
has stated his desire to do so, therefore staff conditioned it. The
first row and maybe the second row is intended to be integrated
into the setback landscaping. Commissioner Kirk asked if the City
could do this if it was not a mitigation measure. Staff stated yes.
4. Chairman Abels asked if the applicant would like to address the
Commission. Mr. Rod Vandenbos, 79-110 Christian Court, the
applicant, gave a presentation on the project.
5. Commissioner Tyler asked if the trees abutting the Green Valley
Ranches development would be retained. Mr. Vandenbos stated
the goal is to keep as many of the trees as possible, but several
are damaged and not worth retaining. He is working with the
neighbors to resolve the issues. The "agricultural building" is
being finalized and will be used for farming equipment and
supplies.
6. Mr. David Turner, Coachella Valley Engineers, questioned
Conditions #8 which has now been addressed by staff. Condition
#22. A., B., & C they would like to request "bonded for" rather
than "prepared". Condition #36 they need some flexibility in
regard to the pad heights to allow them to retain as many of the
trees as possible. Conditions #42 and #45 they would like to
request the maximum percolation rate be four to six inches per
hour rather than two inches and the retention depth not exceed
four feet. Condition #56.A. 1 .a.b. if a six foot meandering sidewalk
and 14 foot multipurpose they would not be able to retain as many
trees. They would like to request waiting to see what the City of
Indio requires for across the street and work in conjunction with
them. Condition #56.B and #60 they would like to request the
same, see what the City of Indio requires across the street. They
would like some flexibility in regard to the turning movements.
Condition #66 they would like to have deleted.
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7. Commissioner Butler asked if the street improvements would be
bonded for future construction of the streets. Mr. Turner stated
yes. Commissioner Butler asked the reason for the right turn
restriction. Senior Engineer Steve Speer stated it is required by
the General Plan. In regard to the turning movement, staff would
be willing to wait to see what develops on the other side of the
street.
8. Commissioner Tyler asked if there was any conservative effort
with the City of Indio to design this street. Staff stated there was
none not at this time.
9. Commissioner Kirk asked about the retention basins and
percolation rates. Staff stated the percolation rate, size, and
depth are determined by City Ordinance. If you do on-site, on-lot
retention, the Ordinance calls for the lots to be no smaller than
two and one half acres. The intent is to keep it shallow to keep
it safe.
10. Commissioner Tyler asked about the pad height. Staff stated
there are no pads. Discussion followed regarding the pad
elevations. Mr. Vandenbos stressed the need to have a full
movement. Staff stated the only way it can be changed is with
a General Plan Amendment
11. There being no further public comment, Chairman Abels closed the
public participation portion of the public hearing and opened the
matter for Commission discussion.
12. Commissioner Tyler stated at this time this street is not a major
street. He asked if a General Plan Amendment could be applied
for to address the entry. Community Development Director Jerry
Herman stated it would require amending the General Plan.
13. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Robbins/Kirk to adopt Planning Commission
Resolution 2002-061 recommending to the City Council
Certification of a Mitigated Negative Declaration of Environmental
Impact for Environmental Assessment 2002-441, as
recommended.
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May 28, 2002
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Butler, Kirk, Robbins Tyler, and
Chairman Abels. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN:
None.
14. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Robbins/Kirk to
adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2002-062, recommend
approval of Tentative Tract Map 30378, subject to the findings
and conditions as amended:
A. Condition #8: the applicant shall construct 55 foot half
width
B. Condition #22.A.: The applicant shall contribute to the
design cost.
C. Condition #22.B: Delete.
D. Condition #22.C: The applicant shall construct the
perimeter landscaping
E. Conditions #36 & 37: Delete
F. Condition #56A.l.a.b.: The applicant shall construct a 10-
foot multipurpose trail.
G. Condition #87: Preserve one row of existing citrus trees on
the north perimeter of the project.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Butler, Kirk, Robbins Tyler, and
Chairman Abels. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN:
None.
H. Site Development Permit 2001-721; a request of Coachella Petroleum,
Inc. for consideration of a shade structure for a vehicle service area
located at 78-988 Highway 111 (Jiffy Lube).
1. Chairman Abels opened the public hearing and asked for the staff
report. Associate Planner Wallace Nesbit presented the
information contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file
in the Community Development Department.
2. Chairman Abels asked if there were any questions of staff.
Commissioner Tyler asked if the shade structure would be visible
from Adams Street. Staff stated yes.
3. There being no further public comment, Chairman Abels closed the
public participation portion of the public hearing and opened the
matter for Commission discussion.
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Planning Commission Minutes
May 28, 2002
4. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Tyler/Butler to adopt Planning Commission
Resolution 2002-063, approving Site Development Permit 2002-
721, as recommended.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Butler, Kirk, Robbins Tyler, and
Chairman Abels. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN:
None.
VII. BUSINESS ITEMS:
A Sign Application 2002-616; a request of Graphic Resources for
Champion Cadillac (formerly Simon Motors) for review of existing signage
to reflect new ownership and new sign types located at the southwest
corner of Simon Drive and Highway 111
1. Chairman Abels asked for the staff report. Community
Development Director Jerry Herman presented the information
contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the
Community Development Department.
2. Chairman Abels asked if there were any questions of staff.
Commissioner Tyler asked staff to explain the disadvantage in
Finding "B". Staff explained the location.
3. Chairman Abels asked if the applicant would like to address the
Commission. Mr. Skip Berg, Graphic Resources, representing the
applicant gave a presentation on the sign program. He requested
maintaining the 12-foot sign at the corner of Simon Drive and
Highway 111.
4. Chairman Abels asked the height of the other monument signs on
Highway 111. Staff stated they are all eight feet. In regard to the
pennants, banners, and balloons, additional height can be allowed
if there is a disadvantage. In this instance, there is no
disadvantage.
5. Commissioner Robbins stated he was not opposed, but did not
know what mechanism could be used. Staff stated they can
appeal it to the City Council, but it will require a specific plan.
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Planning Commission Minutes
May 28, 2002
6. There being no further public comment, Chairman Abels closed the
public participation and opened the matter for Commission
discussion.
7. Commissioner Robbins asked if there was a provision to allow the
pennants. Staff stated if pennants were determined to be an
alternative sign, they could be permitted.
8. The Commission determined that the requested pennants and flags
are not alternative signs and that the applicant needs to apply for
a specific plan.
9. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Robbins/Butler to adopt Minute Motion 2002-010,
approving Sign Application 2002-61 6, as recommended.
Unanimously approved.
VIII. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: None.
IX. COMMISSIONER ITEMS:
A. Discussion regarding a joint meeting with the City Council on June 5,
2002.
B. Commissioner Tyler gave a report on the City Council meeting of May
21, 2002.
X. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners
Robbins/Kirk to adjourn this regular meeting of the Planning Commission to a regular
meeting of the Planning Commission to be held June 11, 2002, at 7:00 p.m. This
meeting of the Planning Commission was adjourned at 10:24 p.m. on May 28, 2002.
Respectfully submitted,
)
/
uetty~LJ. Sawyer, ~xecu~ive ~ecre~ary
City of La Quinta, California
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