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2002 06 11 PC Minutes MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING A regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA June 11, 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 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, Greg Trousdell 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 28, 2002. Commissioner Tyler asked that Page 14, Item #7 be corrected to show a condition was to be added requiring the alignment of the driveways with Dulce Del Mar; Item #2 corrected to read, "Commissioner Tyler asked why the applicant was..." Commissioner Kirk asked that Page 3, Item #12 be corrected to read, "...a specific plan being solely used..." There being no further corrections, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Tyler/Robbins to approve the minutes as corrected. Unanimously approved. B. Department Report: None V. PRESENTATIONS: A. Community Services Manager John Hardcastle gave a presentation on Emergency Preparedness. Commissioners thanked staff for the presentation and the knowledge of knowing how well prepared the City G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\6-11-02.wpd Planning Commission Minutes June 11, 2002 actually is for an emergency. They encouraged staff to get the information out to the public. Chairman Abels asked that the "wheel" be printed in Spanish and Commissioner Robbins asked that the local utility companies be encouraged to participate with the City's planning. VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS: A. Site Development Permit 2002-739, a request of Summit Team, Inc. for review of architectural and landscaping plans for a single story commercial building of 5,839 square feet located on the west side of Washington Street, north of Calle Tampico within the La Quinta Village Shopping Center (Pad Site "D"). 1. Chairman Abels opened the public hearing and asked for the staff report. Associate Planner Greg Trousdell 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 staff thought the parking was adequate. Staff stated yes and confirmed that the center is over parked. 3. Commissioner Butler asked about the sign program. Staff noted the changes to the program. 4. Commissioner Tyler asked if any parking spaces would be lost. Staff stated one would be lost. Commissioner Tyler asked why the conditions regarding grading were not eliminated. Senior Engineer Steve Speer clarified the pad will be reworked and the conditions are needed for that purpose. Condition #16 could be eliminated. Commissioner Tyler questioned the caliper size of the trees in Condition #30.A. Staff stated the Commission could specify the tree height. 5. Chairman Abels asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. Dave Israelsky stated he was available to answer any questions. 6. Chairman Abels asked if there were any questions of the applicant. Commissioner Tyler asked if the applicant had any objections to the conditions as written. Mr. Israelsky stated he did not. G :\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\6-11-02.wpd 2 Planning Commission Minutes June 11, 2002 7. Chairman Abels asked if anyone else would like to address the Commission regarding this project. There being no further public comment, Chairman Abels closed the public participation portion of the hearing and opened the matter up for Commission discussion. 8. Commissioner Tyler asked if the Sheriff's Department had an issues with the plan. Staff stated the Sheriff's Department has new personnel reviewing the plans and staff included only those comments that pertained to this project. 9. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Tyler/Butler to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2002-064 approving Site Development Permit 2002- 739, subject to findings and conditions as submitted. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Butler, Kirk, Robbins, Tyler, and Chairman. Abels. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. B. Site Development Permit 2002-738; a request of Affiliated Construction for consideration of development plans for construction of a 4,500 square foot commercial office building located at the southeast corner of Washington Street and Avenue 47. 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 this was the theme of architecture for all the buildings. Staff stated yes. 3. Commissioner Kirk asked if there would only be an exterior stairwell. Staff stated yes, but there is an elevator. Commissioner Kirk asked to see the architecture illustrated in the Specific Plan to see the consistency. 4. Chairman Abels asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. John Vuksic, architect for the project, stated he was available to answer any questions. In regard to the phasing, G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\6-11-02.wpd 3 Planning Commission Minutes June 11, 2002 the building on Parcel 5 is owned by a different owner. Parcels 3 and 4 are owned by Affiliated Construction. He went on to explain the phasing of the stairwells and the other buildings. 5. There being no further public comment, Chairman Abels closed the public participation portion of the public hearing and opened the matter for Commission discussion. 6. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Butler/Kirk to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2002-065 approving Site Development Permit 2002- 738, as submitted. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Butler, Kirk, Robbins Tyler, and Chairman Abels. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. C. Certification of an Addendum to Environmental Assessment 99-389, Specific Plan 99-040, and Tentative Tract Map 29323, Extension #1/Amendment #1; a request of Cornerstone Development for recommendation of Certification of an Addendum to an Environmental Assessment, repeal of Specific Plan 99-040, and first extension of time and an amendment request for a Tentative Tract Map for the property located at the northwest corner of Fred Waring Drive and Jefferson Street. 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 Robbins asked if the Specific Plan was being eliminated. Staff stated that was one of the actions before the Commission. 3. Commissioner Butler asked if this developer was responsible for the Jefferson Street improvements. Senior Engineer Steve Speer explained this portion of the improvements was part of the Phase II Jefferson Street Improvements and will be funded for the Budget Year 2005-06, and will be publically installed. The applicant will be responsible for reimbursing the City for their portion of Jefferson Street. G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\6-11-02.wpd 4 Planning Commission Minutes June 11, 2002 4. Commissioner Robbins asked if the north side of Fred Waring Drive would be widened. Staff noted there was a length of about half a mile that would not be completed as it is in the County. Staff also noted that Fred Waring Drive had been downsized to a four lane Arterial. 5. Commissioner Tyler asked if the strip of land to the northeast of this project was within the City limits. Community Development Director Jerry Herman noted this piece and the right of way up to Country Club Drive were in the City. Commissioner Tyler noted that the water purveyors needed to be identified in the conditions and asked that the stacking lane at the entrance be increased to three cars. 6. There being no further questions of staff, Chairman Abels asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. Marvin Roos, engineer for the project, stated they concurred with most of the conditions. Some of the conditions they had issue with were: Condition//23, rough grading, they would like to request 6 inches. Condition //38, they would request 3/10's of a foot for the perimeter and up to one, or two feet for the interior to allow them to work with the utility companies. 7. Commissioner Robbins stated the grading plan would already have these issues resolved. Senior Engineer Steve Speer stated that in this location there are elevations on a tentative map and staff is asking them to live with the perimeter elevations very precisely. Mr. Roos has noted that during the rough grading it is hard to pin down the interior grading and that is why they are asking for relief. Staff is allowing for this through the substantial compliance review to alleviate any sensitive issues that may be there on this project. 8. Mr. Roos asked about Condition //48 if it could be changed to read, "...be retained in the required landscaped parkways and required landscape setback..." Condition //65 clarification is needed as to the distance. Condition //69 clarified to be Myoma Dunes Water Company. 9. Commissioner Tyler asked if the 20,000 square foot lots would be amenity lots. Mr. Roos stated they would be estate lots. Commissioner Tyler stated he is very pleased with this new design and the larger lots. G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\6-11-02.wpd Planning Commission Minutes June 11, 2002 10. Chairman Abels asked if anyone else would like to address the Commission on this project. 11. Mr. Jay Steele, Kingston, stated his lot abuts this project and he would like to know what will happen to the wall that separates this project from the Bermuda Dunes Country Club to protect their security. He also asked if the access on Fred Waring Drive would be a right turn in only. Senior Engineer Steve Speer stated it would be a right turn in and out and left turn in. Mr. Roos stated they anticipate the phasing to be the south end first, and the wall would be built in Phase I and the rest of the wall in Phase II. 12. Ms. Chris Clarke, Stamko Development Company, stated she owns the triangular piece to the northeast of this project and she is very concerned about the grading. In addition, she asked who is paying for the Jefferson Street improvements. Senior Engineer Steve Speer stated the improvements would be publically funded. Ms. Clarke asked about the turning movement on Jefferson Street. Staff stated three movements would be allowed. Staff stated that in regard to the street improvements, staff has a hard time making an applicant reimburse for streets that are installed. The policy therefore, has been that if the street is installed prior to a project submitting application, no reimbursement can be required unless an assessment is done prior to the map. Community Development Director Jerry Herman stated that if Ms. Clarke comes in with a project before the City lets the contract out for Phase II of the street improvements, she will be required to reimburse the City. Ms. Clarke stated she is very interested in the wall and grades as they are extreme in this area. 13. There being no further public comment, Chairman Abels closed the public participation portion of the public hearing and opened the matter for Commission discussion. 14. Commissioner Robbins stated this is a vast improvement over the other project proposed for this site. 15. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Robbins/Butler to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2002-066 recommending certification of an Addendum to Environmental Assessment 99-389, subject to the findings. G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\6-11-02.wpd (~ Planning Commission Minutes June 11, 2002 ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Butler, Kirk, Robbins, Tyler, and Chairman Abels. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. 16. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Kirk/Tyler to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2002-067 recommending repeal of Specific Plan 99-040, subject to the findings. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Butler, Kirk, Robbins, Tyler, and Chairman Abels. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. 17. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Butler/Kirk to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2002-068, recommending approval of Extension //1 for Tentative Tract Map 29323, Amendment//1, subject to the findings A. Condition //4: Add Myoma Water District. B. Condition //23: Change to note all footings shall have a minimum six inches of cover except where there is a slope ratio greater than 2:1. C. Condition //38: Change to "3/10's of a foot on the perimeter and one foot on the interior." D. Condition //48: add the words "required landscape parkways or required landscaped setback." E. Condition //59: Change to require three car stacking. F. Condition //65: Add, "within professional standards." ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Butler, Kirk, Robbins, Tyler, and Chairman Abels. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Chairman Abels recessed the meeting at 8:41 p.m. and reconvened at 8:47 p.m. VII. BUSINESS ITEMS: A Sign Application 2002-618; a request of Stamko Development Company for review of a sign program for the Centre at La Quinta Retail Buildings located on the south side of Highway 111, east of La Quinta Centre Drive. G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\6-11-02.wpd Planning Commission Minutes June 11, 2002 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 Kirk asked if the freestanding gas signs were discussed before. Staff noted the sign program was part of the Site Development Permit previously approved, but the applicant withdrew their request at that time. Commissioner Kirk asked if the City has ever approved a single use with this many signs. Staff noted different projects and the number of signs for each location. 3. Commissioner Tyler asked what staff was recommending for the gas station. Staff stated no pricing on the canopy, or at the corner of Highway 111. The requirement for gas pricing signs is that they be visible from the adjoining streets. Commissioner Tyler asked about the colors for the gas station. Staff stated they would be as they appear on the example and similar to Walmart. 4. Commissioner Kirk asked for clarification on the amount of signage for Retail Building "A". Staff stated 442 square feet is recommended. 5. Commissioner Robbins stated the square footage does not agree either. Staff clarified the number of signs and total square footage. 6. Commissioner Kirk asked if the City ever approved signs that indicated advertising for a tenant of this size. Staff stated no. Commissioner Kirk asked if there was any legal issue. Assistant City Attorney John Ramirez stated not usually in regard to content. You usually address size. Potentially it could raise issues. Commissioner Kirk asked if the Sign Ordinance stipulated anything in regard to the specified use and not allowing advertising. Discussion followed. Assistant City Attorney John Ramirez stated that in regard to banning the slogan, he does not have an answer at this time, except to say it will raise an issue and is subject to challenge. G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\6-11-02.wpd 8 Planning Commission Minutes June 11, 2002 7. Chairman Abels asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. Ms Chris Clarke, Stamko Development Company, gave a presentation on the sign program. In regard to staff's recommendation, they would only like to request a gas pricing sign closer to Highway 111. Mr. Bill Parrish, representing Walmart on their signage, stated they have reduced the number of signs and amount of footage. They agree with staff's recommendation on the gas station sign, but would like to keep the logo portion on each side as it is the corporate logo. Aisc, they would like to have the second pricing sign off of Highway 111. 8. Chairman Abels asked if there were any questions of the applicant. Commissioner Tyler asked for clarification on the gas station sign. Mr. Parrish stated he was requesting 40 square feet and for the logo to be included in that figure. Staff had no objections. Commissioner Tyler asked if the word "Always" was considered part of Walmart's normal signage. Mr. Parrish noted that for the expanded store, yes. 9. Commissioner Robbins clarified the expanded signage is 695 square feet. Mr. Parrish explained the request. 10. Commissioner Butler asked if the applicant's request for a second monument gas pricing sign could be given. Staff stated it was at the Commission's discretion. Mr. Parrish asked that for Phase I they would like to have 481 square feet. The total square footage is 695 square footage. Phase I would have 12 signs and Phase 2 would be reduced to seven signs. 11. There being no further public comment, Chairman Abels closed the public participation and opened the matter for Commission discussion. 12. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Kirk/Robbins to adopt Minute Motion 2002-011, approving Sign Application 2002-618, as amended: A. Phase I'. Would have a total of 12 signs, and up to 487 square feet. B. Phase 2: The sign number will be reduced to a total of seven signs, and up to 695 square feet. C. Retail "A" as recommended. D. Retail Shops as recommended. G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\6-1 1-O2.wpd 0 Planning Commission Minutes June 11, 2002 E. General Signage as recommended. F. Gas Station: One price sign located at the corner of Auto Center Drive and La Quinta Drive; a total of two signs for a total of 80 square feet. Unanimously approved. B. Compatibility Review; a request of Jai Nettimi for review of a deck in the rear yard of an existing two story home located at 79-390 Paseo Del Rey. 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 Robbins stated it looks the same as a patio. 3. Commissioner Tyler asked if the adjoining property owners were notified. Staff stated no, but the apPlicant did have the homeowners' association approval. 4. There being no applicant present, Chairman Abels asked that the matter be continued, the adjacent property owners notified, and the applicant asked to address safety issues. 5. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Tyler/Robbins move to continue the project to July 9, 2002, asking the applicant to submit a drawing to scale and notify the adjoining neighbors. Unanimously approved. VIII. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: None. IX. COMMISSIONER ITEMS: A. Chairman Abels gave a report on the City Council meeting of June 4, 2002. G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\6-11-02.wpd ] 0 Planning Commission Minutes June 11, 2002 X. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Robbins/Butler to adjourn this regular meeting of the Planning Commission to a regular meeting of the Planning Commission to be held June 25, 2002, at 7:00 p.m. This meeting of the Planning Commission was adjourned at 9:45 p.m. on June 11, 2002. Respectfully submitted, ---~-~e~y J~yer,~Execut~ve Secretary City o[.L~ Quinta, California G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\6-11-02.wpd ! ]