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2003 02 11 PC Minutes MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING A regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA February 11, 2003 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 Butler who asked Commissioner Kirk to lead the flag salute. B. Present' Commissioners Jacques Abels, Tom Kirk, Steve Robbins, Robert Tyler and Chairman Butler. C. Staff present: Community Development Director Jerry Herman, City Attorney Kathy Jenson, Planning Manager Oscar Orci, Assistant City . Engineer Steve Speer, Principal Planner Stan Sawa, Associate Planner Greg Trousdell, and Executive Secretary Betty Sawyer. II. PUBLIC COMMENT: None. III. CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA: IV. CONSENT ITEMS: A. Chairman Butler asked if there were any corrections to the Minutes of January 28, 2003. Commissioner Tyler asked that Page 13, Item A.3. be corrected to state: "Vice Chairman Tyler asked what part of the existing sign on Highway 111, near the Downey Savings Building, was being removed. Staff stated the entire sign. The Code allows one monument sign per street frontage. Vice Chairman Tyler stated he would prefer to keep the Plaza La Quinta sign per se, but just delete the hanging oval "Von's" sign. In regard to the letter size, what latitude does the Commission have? Community Development Director Jerry Herman stated the Commission has the latitude to approve what has been submitted and what will remain. Vice Chairman Tyler asked the distance being proposed to move the monument sign back from Washington Street should be specified. Community Development Director Jerry Herman stated the verbiage could be clarified to state it will be moved to the back of the inside of the curb line." There being no further corrections, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Abels/Robbins to approve the minutes as modified. Unanimously approved. ,r;, :\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\2-11-03.wpd ] Planning Commission Minutes February 11, 2003 B. Department Report: None. V.~ PRESENTATIONS: None VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None A. Specific Plan 99-036 and Site Development Permit 2002-756; a request of David and Jamie Reulman (Radio Active) for an amendment to the Specific Plan to allow certain changes to design guidelines and review of architectural, landscape, site, and lighting plans for a 15,248 square foot two story commercial building located at 78-441 Corporate Centre Drive. 1. Chairman Butler 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 Butler asked if there were any questions of staff. Commissioner Robbins questioned why the applicant was requesting a reduction of the driveway throat depth. If he remembers correctly, this was discussed extensively when it was first approved and staff strongly recommended these widths for stacking purposes. Assistant City Engineer Steve Speer stated the conditions contained in the original specific plan were those required by the Municipal Code at that time. The depth of the aisle is reflected by the number of parking spaces in the parking lot. There is a possibility to reduce some of them, but not to the level the applicant is requesting. Commissioner Robbins Confirmed the Public Works Department staff was not recommending approval of the request. 3. Commissioner Tyler stated it appears that Home Depot has no setback for their drive aisles. Assistant City Engineer Steve Speer stated there are some drive aisles without. 4. Commissioner Kirk asked if the original specific plan required a 50 foot setback. Staff stated yes, on Dune Palms Road. The gas station, which is part of this specific plan, exists to less than that standard. Staff is uncertain how this happened but, Radio Active is now asking for the same setback. Commissioner Kirk asked if · staff was requesting to retain the existing specific plan requirements, or go with the applicant's request. Staff reviewed the original specific plan development requirements. G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\2-11 -O3.wpd 2 Planning Commission Minutes February 11, 2003 5. Commissioner Robbins asked if we were pushing the parking lot back or the access to the parking lot. Staff indicated the drive aisle would have to come out another 1 1 feet before the aisle can occur; the entry bulb will be enlarged. The building could be redesigned to accomplish this driveway enhancement. Commissioner Robbins asked if the intent of the longer drive aisle was to separate the incoming traffic from the traffic inside the site. Staff stated yes, in theory. Discussion continued. Commissioner Robbins stated he thinks this is similar to the other gas station on Adams Street. He agrees with lining this up, but two wrongs don't make a right. 6. Commissioner Tyler questioned the "existing AM/PM" wording on the map. Staff stated it is a composite drawing and they are just noting it as a convenience facility to the south. Commissioner Tyler stated he could find no reference in the specific plan regarding what the street access for the shared driveway should be for Dune Palms Road. Assistant City Engineer Steve Speer stated Dune Palms Road is a Secondary Arterial with no raised median and it is almost impossible to enforce any kind of a turning movement restriction. Commissioner Tyler stated his concern was that Dune Palms Drive is currently striped with a double-double yellow line which prohibits left turns in or out of the access which has created a problem. Staff stated there is no way to create a turning pocket at this location until the other side of the street is developed and the street widened. Commissioner Tyler stated that if the police enforce the left turn movement it will create a worse situation somewhere else. He believes this situation as currently designed is impossible. Staff stated that at this particular location it is virtually impossible to enforce turning restrictions. If we don't like this then we have to change what we approve. 7. There being no further questions of staff, Chairman Butler asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. Bob Ricciardi, architect for the project, suggested using temporary stanchions along with signs prohibiting a left turn in until the street can be developed to its ultimate width could possible solve this situation. He also stated their site plan is an improvement over the specific plan exhibit in that they are not proposing any parkin9 on the southernmost access driveway and they have aligned their driveway with the J. Paul Building. G:\WPDOCS\PC Minu*,es\2-11-03.wpd -~ Planning Commission Minutes February 11, 2003 8. Chairman Butler asked if there was any other public comment. Mr, Bob Mainiero, engineering representative for Klein Development who is developing the six acres to the west of the USA Gas Station discuss the problem of the throat width on ' Highway 111 as it related to their project. In their opinion, the problem came with the development of the USA Gas Station. If the throat depth is measured from the point of a car backing out to the street curb, they meet the requirement. He noted the location where the problem exists on the site plan. Discussion followed as to the pattern of access to the site and why they needed relief from the condition. 9. Commissioner Kirk asked staff for their opinion on the problem. Assistant City Engineer Steve Speer stated they should be measuring out to the curb line at Highway 111, which is approximately 70 feet. Mr. Mainiero stated that if that was true, they would have no problem. 10. Commissioner Robbins asked if the driveway to the gas station is nonconforming. Staff stated it is and the applicant has the right to make their request to the Commission. If staff believes it should be different, they can recommend condition changes. The drawing in the specific plan, although it showed the access aisles, the reality is that the conditions required something different. When USA Gas developed, the conditions were not followed. 11. There being no other public participation, Chairman Butler closed the public participation portion of the hearing and opened the matter up for Commission discussion. 12. Commissioner Tyler asked for an explanation as to what they were approving. Associate Planner Greg Trousdell stated that on this exhibit, the curb transitions away from the site and the current property line transitions along Highway 111 at an offset alignment. 13. There being no discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Abels/Tyler to adopt Resolution 2003-006, approving Specific Plan 99-036 Amendment//2 as recommended. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Kirk, Robbins, Tyler, and Chairman Butler. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\2-11-03.wpd 4 Planning Commission Minutes February 11, 2003 1 4. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Abels/Kirk to adopt Resolution 2003-007 approving Site Development Permit 2002- 756, subject to the conditions as amended. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Kirk, Robbins, Tyler, and Chairman Butler. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Commissioner Kirk excused himself for the next item due to a potential conflict of interest due to the proximity of his residence to the project, and left the dais. B. Village Use Permit 2001-013. Amendment #1; a request of La Quinta Grill for an amendment to alter the building layout for two office buildings and convert the existing residential building to office use on the east side of Avenida Bermudas, between Calle Cadiz and Calle Barcelona. 1. Chairman Butler asked for the staff report. Planning Manager Oscar Orci presented the information contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development Department. 2. Chairman Butler asked if there were any questions of staff. Commissioner Robbins asked why the continuation of the sidewalk was not being addressed at this time. Staff indicated that sidewalks have not been requested for other projects in the area, but staff may wish to pursue a sidewalk in the future and this applicant is willing to provide a part of the sidewalk at this time. Commissioner Robbins asked if the sidewalk could be routed onto the property. Staff stated they could work with the applicant to accomplish this. 3. Chairman Butler asked staff to explain what was being demolished. Staff stated the amendment was to leave the existing residence and convert it to an office building instead of demolishing it. 4. Commissioner Tyler questioned the distance from Avenida Bermudas of the new building and if the code allowed this. Staff stated it was a determination of the Planning Commission. Commissioner Tyler questioned why Conditions 43-60 were being required. Staff stated these were conditions recommended by the G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\2-11 -O3.wpd 5 Planning Commission Minutes February 11, 2003 Sherif's Department and were not mandatory. Commissioner Tyler stated they should be deleted unless they specifically apply. 5. There being no further questions of staff, Chairman Butler asked ' if the applicant would like to address the 'Commission. Mr. Ken West, project superintendent for the project, stated he was available for any questions. He would agree with the removal of the conditions indicated by Commissioner Tyler. 6. Chairman Butler asked if there was any other public comment. Ms. Audrey Ostrowski, P. O. box 351', La Quinta, stated she has no objections to the project, except for the parking. As there is not enough parking for the area, people' will be using her lot for parking which is an on-going problem for her. 7. There being no other public participation, Chairman Butler closed the public participation portion and opened the matter up for Commission discussion. 8. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Abels/Robbins to adopt Resolution 2003-008, approving Site Development Permit 2001-01 3, Amendment//1 as amended: a. Conditions //43-60: eliminated ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Robbins, Tyler, and Chairman Butler. NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Kirk. ABSTAIN: None. Commissioner Kirk rejoined the Commission. VII. BUSINESS ITEMS: A. Street Name Change 2003-01 4, a request of Old Town La Quinta, LLC for adoption of a Resolution of Intent setting March 25, 2003, as a Public Hearing date to consider a Street Name Change from Avenida Buena Ventura to Main Street, east of Avenida Bermudas, south of and parallel to Calle Tampico. 1. Chairman Butler 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. G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\2-11-O3.wpd 6 · Planning Commission Minutes February 11, 2003 2. Chairman Butler asked if there were any questions of staff. Commissioner Tyler questioned who the owners were referred to in the staff report. Staff stated it was over 60% of.the property owners whose property fronts onto the street. 3. There being no further questions of staff, Chairman Butler closed the public participation portion and opened the matter for Commission discussion. 4. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Robbins/Abels to adopt Resolution 2003-009, setting March 25, 2003 as the date for a public hearing to consider Street Name Change 2003-014. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Kirk, Robbins, Tyler, .and Chairman Butler. NOES. None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. B. Site Development Permit 2002-759, a request of Sedona Homes for review of prototype architectural plans for four residential unit types to be constructed in Tract 29894 located northeast of the intersection of Jefferson Street and Avenue 54 with The Hideaway. 1. Chairman Butler 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 Butler asked if there were any questions of staff. There being no questions of staff, Chairman Butler asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. Lance Alcama gave a brief review of the project. 3. Commissioner Tyler stated his concern regarding the number of plans with wood trim and the amount of maintenance it will take. Mr. Alcama stated the garage doors are not wood, but a wood-like material and the wood doors are treated to withstand the weather. 4. There being no further discussion, Chairman Butler closed the public participation portion and.opened the matter for Commission discussion. G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\2-11-03.wpd 7 Planning Commission Minutes February 11, 2003 5. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Tyler/Abels to adopt Minute Motion 2003-003, approving Site Development Permit 2002-759, as recommended. Motion passed unanimously. ' C. Discussion of Zoning Issues, a request of staff for review of zoning issues pertaining to: drive throughs, gas stations, side yard setbacks, compatibility, and second story definitions. 1. Chairman Butler asked for the staff report. Planning Manager Oscar Ordi gave the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development Department. 2. Vice Chairman Butler commended staff on the report. Due to the complexity of the material, he suggested this item be continue to a separate meeting. Staff recommended taking these issues one at a time at future meetings. 3. Commissioner Robbins concurred with placing them on the agenda one at a time. 4. Commissioner Abels suggested a study session to review the items. 5. Commissioner Tyler asked that gas stations be separated from the other drive throughs. Staff suggested taking them in order one at a time at the next meeting. VIII. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: None. IX. COMMISSIONER ITEMS: A. Commissioner Butler gave a report of the City Council meeting of February 4, 2003. B. Commissioner Tyler reported on the presentation by Mr. Oliphant on the Centerpoint project. He also noted the opening of Kohl stores in the Ontario Mills and in Temecula. G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\2-1 1 -O3.wpd 8 Planning Commission Minutes February 11, 2003 X. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Abels/Robbins to adjourn this regular meeting of the Planning Commission to a regular meeting of the Planning Commission to be held February 25, 2003, at 7:00 p.m. This meeting of the Planning Commission was adjourned at 8:25 p.m. on February 1 1, 2003. Respectfully submitted, City o.f_~ Quinta, California G :\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\2-11-03.wpd ~)