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2002 06 25 PC Minutes MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING A regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA June 25, 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 Robbins 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 Marc Luesebrink, 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 June 11, 2002. Commissioner Robbins asked that Page 6, Item #15 be corrected to state,"...Commissioners Robbins/Butler..."; Commissioner Kirk asked that Page 9, Item #12.A. be corrected to read: "...12 signs, and up to 487 square feet"; Item 12.B. "...seven signs, and up to 695 square feet." There being no further corrections, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Butler/Robbins to approve the minutes as corrected. Unanimously approved. B. Department Report: None V. PRESENTATIONS: A. Coachella Valley Water District representative, Ms. Carrie Oliphant gave a presentation on proposed reservoir construction in the La Quinta Cove. G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\6-25-O2.wpd Planning Commission Minutes June 25, 2002 1. Commissioner Tyler asked how it would be decided if the berm would, or would not, need landscaping in the future. Ms. Oliphant stated it would be reviewed once constructed to make that determination. 2. Commissioner Butler asked the location of the well in relation to the Tradition Country Club. Ms. Oliphant stated it is southwest of the Country Club. VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS: A. Site Development Permit 2002-741, a request of Michael Shovlin, for review of development plans for a 9,600 square foot commercial building for Big 5 Sporting Goods located on the north side of Highway 11, east of Washington Street, within the One Eleven La Quinta Shopping Center 1. Chairman Abels opened the public hearing and asked for the staff report. Principal Planner Start 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 Robbins asked how high the "Big 5" building was in comparison to the top of the Ross Dress for Less. Staff stated they are the same scale. Ross at it's highest point is 42 feet and this building is 29.5 feet. 3. Commissioner Kirk asked how much larger the Ross facade is to the "Big 5" facade. Staff stated it is twice as long. Commissioner Kirk asked what the sign requirements were contained in the Specific Plan. Staff stated tenants are allowed to request the larger sign if they are a corporate logo. For example, Carl's Jr. and McDonalds. 4. Commissioner Butler stated he has no conceptual understanding of what the building will look like when completed. 5. Commissioner Tyler stated he had a concern that it was a smaller building with a bigger sign. 6. Chairman Abels asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. Dave Smolley, representing the applicant, stated he was available to answer any questions. G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\6-25-O2.wpd 2 Planning Commission Minutes June 25, 2002 7. There being no questions of the applicant and no other public comment, Chairman Abels closed the public participation portion of the hearing and opened the matter up for Commission discussion. 8. Commissioner Robbins asked that Condition//41 be corrected to read, "fully sprinkled". 9. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Butler/Tyler to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2002-069 approving Site Development Permit 2002- 741, subject to findings and conditions as amended: A. Condition //33: Sign not to exceed size of Ross Dress for Less sign. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Butler, Kirk, Robbins, Tyler, and Chairman Abels. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. B. Tentative Tract Map 29053, Extension //2; a request of La Quinta Jefferson Fifty for approval of a second one year extension of time for a tentative tract map which creates 103 single family lots on 33 + acres located at northwest of the intersection of Jefferson Street and Avenue 50. 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 where there had been grading at the site. Staff stated they have been allowed to do so. 3. Chairman Abels asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. Mike Smith, Warner Engineering, stated the purpose of the extension is to allow time to record the second and third phases. They would like to request a change to Condition //56 to change the wording from "berming" to "mounding". Staff stated that was acceptable. G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\6-25-O2.wpd 3 Planning Commission Minutes June 25, 2002 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. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Robbins/Kirk to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2002-070 approving Tentative Tract Map 29053, Extension //2, as submitted. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Butler, Kirk, Robbins Tyler, and Chairman Abels. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. C. Environmental Assessment 2002-455, General Plan Amendment 2002- 087. and Tentative Tract MaD 30521; a request of Lido Equity Partners for Certification of a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impact for an Environmental Assessment, change of General Plan Land Use designation from Neighborhood Commercial to Low Density Residential for ten acres, and the subdivision of 43.6 acres into 147 single family and other miscellaneous lots located at the northeast corner of Washington Street and Miles Avenue. 1. Commissioner Robbins excused himself due to a potential conflict of interest and left the dias. 2. 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. 3. Chairman Abels asked if there were any questions of staff. Commissioner Kirk asked if the changes in the circulation pattern are due to responding to concerns expressed by nearby residents. Staff stated yes. 4. Commissioner Tyler asked why the lots could not be graded to the same height as the existing lots that abut this project on the east between Bradford Circle and Forbes Circle. Also, did a sound study require the sound wall. Staff stated the study was done in compliance with the environmental study. Commissioner Tyler asked about the height restrictions on Miles Avenue. Staff stated G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\6-25-02.wpd 4 Planning Commission Minutes June 25, 2002 the height limit was 22 feet within 150 feet. Commissioner Tyler asked why the gate off Via Sevilla could not be constructed earlier than anticipated (Phase 4). 5. There being no further questions of staff, Chairman Abels asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. Mike Smith, Warner Engineering, gave a presentation on the project and stated they have no problems with the conditions as submitted by staff. The reason for the height of the lots is due to the contours of the site. 6. Commissioner Kirk asked why the phasing was changed. Mr. Smith stated it was the applicant's request. It is based on how the marketing people believe they can sell the homes. Commissioner Kirk asked if the gate on Via Sevilla could be constructed earlier than planned. Mr. Smith stated it was probably based on financing ability. 7. Commissioner Butler stated that if there was a five foot wall and a one foot differential in height currently, they would need to put a one foot extension on the existing wall. Mr. Smith stated that was true. 8. Commissioner Tyler asked about the type of homes to be built. Mr. Mike Osborne, developer, stated the homes would be one story high single family residences. 9. Commissioner Butler asked for clarification on the turning movements. Staff clarified it would be right turn in/out and left turn in on Miles Avenue. 10. Commissioner Butler asked about the phasing of the wall. Senior Engineer Steve Speer stated a project is normally conditioned to have the entire perimeter wall installed with the first phase. 11. Chairman Abels asked if anyone else would like to address the Commission on this project. Mr. Rudy Acosta, 78-595 Carnes Circle, stated he resides at the end of the cul-de-sac on Carnes Circle, and his experience with prior developers in the area has been anything but pleasant. Currently there is a six foot wall between himself and the proposed development. Is this proposal planning to share the existing wall. They do not want the same G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\6-25-02.wpd 5 Planning Commission Minutes June 25, 2002 experience they had with the Santiago development which ended up with a 8-9 foot wall. He also asked what the rear yard setbacks would be. Another concern is that the construction be monitored so they do not get trash int© their backyards. Staff stated the rear yard setback is 20 feet. The Typical lot width is 70 feet and the depth is 110 feet. 12. Ms. Linda Broom, 78-380 Via Sevilla, asked where the primary entry to the project would be located as she is concerned about the speed traffic traveling along Via Sevilla. It was her understanding that her development was trying to install a gate to their project in the future, and wondered how it would affect this development. Senior Engineer Steve Speer stated it is impossible to gate a project with a public use street as her development currently has. Ms. Broom asked if a speed bump or some other method to slow the traffic could be installed. Also, when would the traffic light be constructed at Washington Street. Senior Engineer Steve Speer stated that the signal would be installed when the warrants are high enough to require the installation along with cooperation of with the City of Indian Wells. In regard to traffic calming methods, the City has different alternatives that could be considered. 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 Kirk stated he supports the project and compliments the applicant on their efforts to resolve the circulation issues that had been raised prior to this meeting. He would also like to ensure the project would not have double walls and asked if a condition could be added. Senior Engineer Steve Speer stated they do have to have the consent of each property owner on the east side of the existing wall before any modifications can be made. Second, the existing wall has to be determined to be structurally sound. The alternative is to tear down the existing wall and build a new one again, with the consent of the existing property owners, or build the double wall. Commissioner Kirk asked if the project could be conditioned to be single story. Staff stated they are restricted to 22 feet, but they could build a two story house within that height. G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\6-25-O2.wpd 6 Planning Commission Minutes June 25, 2002 15. Mr. Mike Osborne, stated that all homes are proposed to be single story and he would not be opposed to a condition being added. 16. Commissioner Butler stated the one foot grade difference is an issue in regard to the properties to the east. If the one foot were removed, would it not resolve the problem? Mr. Osborne stated the foot is needed for water run-off. Discussion followed regarding the grading and wall height. Mr. Joseph Swain, partner in the development, stated that to arbitrarily lower the pads without knowing the effect it would have on the development is difficult as it could cause some major drainage problems. If they can lower the pads without effecting the drainage, they will do so. 17. Commissioner Kirk asked if traffic controls could be installed on Via Sevilla to address the concerns of the residents on Via Sevilla. Senior Engineer Steve Speer stated it is a policy issue that the City Council has not adopted to date. There are other speed control methods that could be used. Staff is currently collecting data in this area to determine the travel speed. Speed bumps can cause more problems than issues they solve. In addition, it is not a preference of the Fire Department. 18. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Kirk/Butler to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2002-071 recommending certification of a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental Impact for Environmental Assessment 2002-455, subject to the findings. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Butler, Kirk, Tyler, and Chairman Abels. NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Robbins. ABSTAIN: None. 19. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Tyler/Kirk to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2002-072 recommending approval of General Plan Amendment 2002-087, subject to the findings. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Butler, Kirk, Tyler, and Chairman Abels. NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Robbins. ABSTAIN: None. G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\6-25-O2.wpd Planning Commission Minutes June 25, 2002 20. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Tyler/Butler to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2002-073, recommending approval of Tentative Tract Map 30521, subject to the findings and conditions as amended: A. Condition //36: Lot heights shall be as similar to the adjoining development pad heights without affecting the drainage on the project site without exceeding one foot in height. B. Condition //87: There shall be no two story units constructed in the tract. C. Condition //88: The applicant shall retain a traffic engineer to provide traffic calming measures for the tract to the satisfaction of the Public Works Department, prior to recordation of the final map. D. Condition//89: At the perimeter boundary locations where the existing wall is too short to comply with the City's wall height requirement with respect to the new lots within the new tract, the applicant shall first contact the owner(s) of the existing wall and offer to: 1) increase the existing wall height if the existing wall is structurally capable of handling the increased height; or 2) remove the existing wall and replace it with a new wall that is high enough to comply with the LQMC. If the existing wall owner(s) do not unanimously consent to one of these two alternatives, after a reasonable amount of time and coordinating effort has been given to achieving a mutual solution, the applicant may construct a second wall adjacent to the existing wall provided the new wall is aesthetically consistent with a majority of the wall aesthetics encountered. The gap between the new wall and the existing wall shall be filled with pea gravel and capped if the gap is larger than two inches (2"). ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Butler, Kirk, Tyler, and Chairman Abels. NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Robbins. ABSTAIN: None. Chairman Abels recessed the meeting at 8:33 p.m. and reconvened at 8:37 p.m. Commissioner Robbins rejoined the Commission. G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\6-25-O2.wpd 8 Planning Commission Minutes June 25, 2002 E. Site Development Permit 2002-743; a request of Mel Rudman/Prest Vuksic Architects for review of development plans for construction of a 5,000 square foot commercial office building located on the southeast corner of Washington Street and Avenue 47. 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 the height limit of the building. Staff stated that Pad 5 is limited to 28 feet in height. 3. Chairman Abels asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. John Vuksic, architect for the project, gave a presentation on the project and stated he was available to answer any questions. 4. There being no questions of the applicant nor any other public comment, Chairman Abels closed the public participation portion of the hearing and opened the matter up for Commission discussion. 5. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Tyler/Kirk to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2002-074 approving Site Development Permit 2002- 743, subject to findings and conditions as submitted. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Butler, Kirk, Robbins, Tyler, and Chairman Abels. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. VII. BUSINESS ITEMS: A Site .Development Permit 2002-742; a request of Toll Brothers, Inc. for review of architectural and landscaping plans for ten new single family prototype residential units with two different designs for each prototype and project perimeter landscape plans for Mountain View Country Club located at the northeast corner of Jefferson Street and Avenue 52. G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\6-25-O2.wpd ~) Planning Commission Minutes June 25, 2002 1. Chairman Abels 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 Robbins asked about the landscaping plans for the prototype units. Staff stated they met all the requirements of the Code. 3. Chairman Abels asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. Forrest Haag, representing the applicant, gave a presentation on the project and stated he was available to answer any questions. 4. Chairman Abels asked if there were any questions of the applicant. There being no further public comment, Chairman Abels closed the public participation portion and opened the matter for Commission discussion. 5. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Butler/Robbins to adopt Minute Motion 2002-012, approving Site Development Permit 2002-742, as submitted. Unanimously approved. VIII. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: None. IX. COMMISSIONER ITEMS: A. Chairman Abels gave a report on the City Council meeting of June 18, 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 July 9, 2002, at 7:00 p.m. This meeting of the 'Planning Commission was adjourned at 9:47 p.m. on June 25, 2002. Respectfully submitted, G :\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\6-25-02.wpd ! 0