Loading...
2003 03 11 PC Minutes MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING A regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA March 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 Fred Baker, Associate Planner Wallace Nesbit, and Executive Secretary Betty Sawyer. II. PUBLIC COMMENT' None. III. CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA' A. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Abels/Tyler to reorganize the Agenda by taking Public Hearing Item "C" first. IV. CONSENT ITEMS' A. Chairman Butler asked if there were any corrections to the Minutes of February 25, 2003. Commissioner Tyler asked that Page 5, Item "j" be corrected to read, "...air conditioning unit was put in the side yard instead of adjacent to the garage." Item "1" corrected to state, "...that a 20 foot setback would not necessarily be consistent. In some developments the property line is the back of curb, and other developments the property line might be seven to ten feet behind the curb. It depends upon what right of way widths were used." Commissioner Kirk reminded staff the Commission had inquired about the turf requirement for the Talante project, and asked staff for a report at the next meeting. There being no further corrections, .it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Tyler/Abels to approve the minutes as modified. Unanimously approved. G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\3-11-03.wpd I Planning Commission Minutes March 11, 200:3 B. Department Report: None. V. PRESENTATIONS: None VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None A. Site Development Permit 2003-760; a request of Gensler Architects for Bank of America for review of development plans for a 4,000 square foot bank facility located at the northwest corner of Highway 111 and Washington Street within Point Happy Commercial Center. 1. Chairman Butler 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 Butler asked if there were any questions of staff. Commissioner Tyler asked about Sheet 2 of 2 of the plans, which showed a shaded walkway coming from the north which stated "proposed accessible route of travel". Staff indicated this was the handicap access route from the existing parking lot. Discussion followed regarding access routes. Commissioner Tyler asked staff to explain the "balanced design for the inset tiles" Staff explained this was a recommendation of the ArChitecture and Landscaping Review Committee regarding the inset tiles that are viewed from Highway 111. It was their opinion they needed to be balanced to not look like they are out of order. 3. Commissioner Robbins asked about the rear elevation where the doors appear to be secondary access doors. Staff stated they are man doors and the mounding will hide most of the doors. 4. There being no further questions of staff, Chairman Butler asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. The applicant stated he was available to answer any questions. 5. There being no other public participation, Chairman Butler closed the public participation portion of the hearing and opened the matter up for Commission discussion. G :\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\3-11-03.wpd 2 Planning Commission Minutes March 11, 2003 6. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Abels/Tyler to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2003-010, approving Site Development Permit 2003- 760, as recommended. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Kirk, Robbins, Tyler, and Chairman Butler. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. B. General Plan Amendment 2003-090, Zone Change 2003-111, and Specific Plan 2001-055 Amendment//1; a request of California Intelligent Communities and La Quinta Redevelopment Agency to review a request to add an Office land use designation, bringing the zoning into conformance with the General Plan and modify the Specific Plan development standards and uses for the property located at the southeast corner of Washington Street and Miles Avenue. 1. Chairman Butler 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 Butler asked if there were any questions of staff. Commissioner Robbins asked if there would be single family homes adjacent to the boutique hotel. Staff stated yes. 3. Commissioner Kirk asked why they were doing an amendment instead of replacing the specific plan. Staff stated typically when there is an existing document we amend the document unless the applicant wants to completely change the orientation of the specific plan. In this case the only change is to add the "Office" component. Commissioner Kirk asked if the park was designed to serve a broader community, or does it serve those associated with this project. Staff stated it is a neighborhood park that will serve both. 4. Commissioner Robbins asked if in the existing specific plan, where it calls out 1,200 square foot detached units as the minimum size, for not less than 30% of the units, what are the remainder of the units. Staff stated they must be 1,400 square feet or greater. G :\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\3-11-03.wpd 3 Planning Commission Minutes March 11, 2003 5. Chairman Butler asked about the two story units. Staff explained no two story units could be built next to the existing single story, single family homes. 6. There being no further questions of staff, Chairman Butler asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. Richard Oliphant, the applicant, gave a presentation on the project. He explained that in order to meet the City's requirements for development of the site they were required to build a hotel and provide affordable housing. In order to do this they needed an amenity to attract hotel users and the medical facility will do that. It will be an elective surgery, recuperative building. It will have no emergency facility. Their proposal is for a three story Hilton Hotel. The City is requiring a development that consists of 250 keys and they could not find a hotel, except the Hilton who will build 1 34 units and 132 casitas units rented by the hotel. The boutique hotel has 30 rooms is like a "fat farm". It is a very special, private, and expensive hotel. Each unit will have its own hot tub. The food menu will be structured for those on diets. It will include exercise rooms, massages and will be similar to the "Gold Door" up by Santa Barbara. He then introduced the architect for the hotel, Mr. Bob Bonney who gave an overview of the hotel uses. He explained the hotel is a maximum of 40 feet, or three stories. It is typical of the Homewood Suites product. The casitas units along Miles Avenue, will be 33 feet in height for the two story and 22 feet for the single story. The third part is the Sanctuary Boutique Hotel. Mr. Oliphant then introduced Mr. Paul Ehline, who would be constructing the residential product. He explained there would be 27 courtyard cluster units with two story units that would be 1,250 to 1,497 square feet. On the perimeter are single story units. The entry is a simulated raised bridge with a roundabout. Between the two story units would be a view corridor of 60-80 feet to maintain the view corridors for the existing homes to the east. The single story perimeter units will be 1,420 to 1,600 square feet. Mr. Oliphant introduced Mr. Jerry Futchlke, designer of the medical facilities, who gave a presentation on the facilities. He explained the wellness center is the surgical component and a rehabilitation center with beds. There will be a courtyard between the two buildings that will also serve as a focal point. The wellness center is a specialty facility with restricted licensing. It will not have an emergency department, nor any treatment offered for infectious diseases. He G :\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\3-11-03.wpd 4 Planning Commission Minutes March 11, 2003 continued with the types of uses the medical facility would offer. Mr. Oliphant introduced Mr. Marvin Roos, engineer fOr the project who reviewed the site layout. Ms. Emily Hemphill, attorney for' the project, raised questions on the conditions. She explained the specific plan currently shows the minimum building setback at 50 feet with a landscape setback of 15 feet. This is an error and should be a minimum building setback of 20 feet with a landscape setback of 15 feet for boutique hotel as it abuts the existing residential. She indicated where the four units would be that they would be moving to accommodate the pad heights. The second request is for the single family detached residential units within the clustered units. There are six units that have a ten foot setback from the property line. The specific plan currently requires a 20 foot setback from public or private streets. They would like to request some leeway so a few of those units may have a setback of ten feet. In order to allow this, they would like to suggest that the project be conditioned in the CC&R's, for this portion of the project, that all parking has to be in the enclosed garages, or within the designated guest parking area. 7. Commissioner Robbins asked for clarification on the type of surgeries that would be performed. Mr. Oliphant stated the doctors they have spoken with are renown for their work in neurosurgery, orthopedic, vascular care, pain management, breast and prostrate management. 8. Commissioner Kirk asked why they did not apply for the site development permit at this time. Mr. Oliphant stated they had informed their neighbors they would provide as much information as possible as well as letting the Commission know how important the medical facility is to the project; there is no project without the medical facility as it is the economic engine that drives the hotel. Commissioner Kirk asked about the architectural guidelines used for the project. Ms. Margo Thiebault, engineer for the project, stated they are contained in Exhibit "C" and were not modified from the currently approved plans. Commissioner Kirk asked if the intent was to build the models as indicated in the specific plan. Ms. Thiebault stated yes. Commissioner Kirk stated the details did not appear to be shown on the plans. They are missing the arcades, trellis' as mentioned in the architectural details. Mr. Bob Bonney stated the details are preliminary on the plans shown and will not be seen at this time. Commissioner Kirk stat. ed he did not G :\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\3-11-03.wpd 5 Planning Commission Minutes March 11, 2003 see it on the medical facility either and if the architectural detail is not to be included on the actual structure, the specific plan should be changed to reflect this. Mr. Futchlick stated they will reflect the architectural designs. 9. Chairman Butler asked if the medical facility is a two story or three story building. Mr. Futchlick stated it is a two story building. 10. Commissioner Kirk asked the purpose of the park as it related to this community and why it was not integrated more into the development. Is there any limitation on what can be done. Mr. Oliphant stated it was integrated, but because the use is for more than just this development it was designed for everyone's use. The single family component is being considered as a walled community and the park would be outside the walls. Commissioner Kirk asked the location of the swimming pools. Mr. Ehline noted them on the site plan. Mr. Ehline stated the residential units are rear loaded garages and there are trails throughout the project that will be managed by a homeowners' association. Commissioner Kirk asked if the streets were private or public. Mr. Oliphant stated private and they could be designed to be 28 feet with parking on one side. Commissioner Kirk asked if the photos shown were the elevations. Mr. Ehline stated they were the idea used for the elevations. 11. Commissioner Tyler questioned the grade elevations of the site and asked if it was going to be graded on the entire site. Mr. Roos stated the high elements will be graded down so the area next to the existing homes is the same elevation. As long as they are able to drain to the Evacuation Channel then will be able to keep the elevations Iow. Commissioner Tyler noted the two major concerns were the grading and the minimum lot sizes. He asked what areas of the site will have the 4,500 square foot house sizes. Mr. Oliphant stated that at the public meeting, the concerns noted were modified so the floor plans now meet the City requirements where no more than 30% can be 1,200 square feet and the rest would be over 1,400 square feet. Commissioner Tyler questioned the lot sizes. Mr. Ehline explained the lot area owned by the property owner and the area that is common area. He explained the smallest unit is 1,200 square feet and there are no two story units along Miles Avenue. G:\WPDOCS\:PC Minutes\3-11-03.wpd 6 Planning Commission Minutes March 11, 2003 12. Chairman Butler asked if there was any other public comment. Mr. David Lippert, 78-745 Rockberry Court, presented a petition in opposition to the project. He went on to state the approved specific plan and zone change is consistent with the land use compatibility. The approved specific plan conforms and matches the adjacent properties. The proposed plan does not conform to the adjacent properties and especially the 20 foot setback. The approved parking is 1.5 parking spaces per room. The proposed is one space per room. The Medium Density Residential land use designation has been approved for the 20 acres; the proposed is 11.2 acres. The detached dwellings are approved for 7,200 square feet or 4-8 units per acres. The proposed lot size is 4,500 square foot lot. The proposed plan allows up to eight dwellings per acres. The park/retention in the approved plan it is five acres; the proposed park is three acres. Why should this be reduced when there isn't enough parkland now? On the grading, the approved is a 90 degree elevation. The proposed it is 2.5 feet higher than the existing residences. The hotel was 107-108 feet, on the proposed plan and is proposed to be 112 feet. These elevation changes will affect everyones' site lines. The 4,000 square foot lots backing up to their houses of 8,500 square feet which does not allow any view because they can't see beyond the houses. They are requesting this amendment change be denied as it does not conform to the existing zoning. 13. Mr. Gary Boydston, 78-710 Rockberry Court, asked if Dr. Letherman was present. He asked if he was the CEO of this project? In what state is the medical center registered. What is the identify of the investors and who are the doctors to be in the medical building. He would like to have the names of the successful businesses they are referring to. He asked if it is true that there is a $22 million judgement against him. How can the Commission approve a zone change when it does not comply. Is the City willing to take a risk on this person. 14. Mrs. Jan Boydston, 78-710 Rockberry Court, stated they were against the three story medical facility as it is out of place next to a residential development because of light and traffic and will also be a problem with security. She is concerned about the sirens and the number of surgeries and whether or not it will support the project. The smaller homes and lots will affect their property values. Another concern is safety; having transient people behind G :\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\3-11-03.wpd 7 Planning Commission Minutes March 11, 2003 their house. She also voiced her concern about the amount of noise that would be raised from the existing neighborhood on the "Sanctuary". 1 5. Dr. Phillip Bretz, 50-105 Grandtraverse, stated he was in favor of the project and it will be world class facility. He also commended the applicant on his presentation. 1 6. Ms. Celeste Reid, 45-440 Coldbrook Lane, stated her concerns are the height of the buildings and the Iow income housing next to their homes as well as the lot sizes. She would like a better understanding of what is Iow income. 17. Mr. Nicholas Hemes, 49-165 Washington Street, stated he is in support of the development as the City needs the tax dollars. 18. Mr. Rick Winslow, 78-830 Zenith Way, stated he was in favor of the project and if the area is to be developed, this developer is the one who can do the best job for this site. 19. Mr. Jeff Burke 47-750 Adams Street, stated he also supports the project. He appreciates the development that has taken place so far in the City and commended the Commission. 20. Ms. Karo Melkesian, 50-795 Calle Guaymas, stated she was concerned about how dense the property will be and the traffic. Currently, at peak hours the traffic is already backed up at the Highway 111 and Washington Street signals. 21. There being no other public participation, Chairman Butler closed the public participation portion of the hearing and opened the matter up for Commission discussion. 22. Commissioner Abels stated a medical facility is great and having a facility like this is needed and he would support the project. 23. Commissioner Tyler stated the grading plan is a great improvement but a condition should be added ensuring the grading is as it has been stated. In regard to the question about affordable housing, it has to do with the average income of Riverside County and you will find that it is mostly the income for our firemen, policemen and teachers. In regard to the density, he would like to see that G :\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\3-11 -O3. wpd 8 Planning Commission Minutes March 11, 2003 revisited. Other than that it is a valuable project to the City. However, it does need more work before the site development permit comes before the Commission. 24. Commissioner Kirk asked about the reduction in park size. He asked what the needs of the City were determined to be and why was the park size reduced. Community Development Director Jerry Herman explained the project to the east has a City park within the development. There is another park on Adams Street park and the idea for this park was for a smaller, more passive park that would be easier to maintain. Commissioner Kirk asked about the grading plan, if the grade would be cut back. Mr. Roos stated it would be 12 feet and the dirt would be moved to the hotel site. Commissioner Kirk asked if this was the reason the hotel was higher. Mr. Roos stated it was in relation to the casitas units to be a single level in relation to the hotel. There will be some dirt that will need to be moved. Commissioner Kirk noted the elevation changes as noted by Mr. Lippert. Mr. Roos stated his statements were correct based on a retention philosophy. Their direction was to ensure all pads are at, or below the existing adjacent homes and this is what they have done. They still need to do a balanced sheet on the site. This document will be contained in the specific plan. Commissioner Kirk suggested the grading plan be required to come back with the site development permit for approval. He asked if the subsidized housing was for the entire development. Staff stated it will be a mixed product with only moderate housing subsidized; maybe up to 40 being moderate. Commissioner Kirk asked how this project will look with this mix of uses. Will the landscaping of the entire site be managed due to the number of common area? Mr. Oliphant stated the HOA will maintain the site. The Ehline company is very detailed company with a lot of imagination given to their product. Commissioner Kirk asked if the conditions include managing the landscaping in perpetuity with a HOA. Staff would add the condition. Commissioner Kirk summarized that the park should be integrated into the residential communities as well as the medical facility. There are a lot of good elements, but maybe not tied together as well as they could be. He does want to see the park possible moved and the applicant given some flexibility to accomplish this. On the design itself he is not tied to the Spanish Colonial. He would support different designs. He supports some of Mr. Lippert's concerns and does not support the applicant's request for the setback changes. G :\WPDO'CS\PC Minutes\3-11-03.wpd 9 Planning Commission Minutes March 11, 2003 25. Commissioner Robbins stated his concern was in regard to the landscaping. There are three zones and only one is water efficient. He wants the project to conform to the Water Efficient Ordinance. He is concerned about the density. If these units were larger there still could only be two feet between the units. 26. Commissioner Tyler stated it is not clear if the developer will be required to cement the walls of the wash. Staff stated it will be required under the site development permit. Commissioner Tyler noted this has been a difficult piece of property to develop and was originally designed for high density apartments. 27. Commissioner Abels stated the Commission's biggest challenge will always be infill projects. 28. Commissioner Kirk asked why not adopt a specific plan that would take care govern over both the zone change and General Plan requests. City Attorney Kathy Jenson explained that a specific plan cannot override the General Plan. Staff clarified that in regard to the park, if it is to be a public park, you need the access to that park to be from everyone. If it is to be a private park it isn't accessible to the general public. 29. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Kirk/Abels to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2003-011, recommending approval of General Plan Amendment 2003-090, as recommended. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Kirk, Robbins, Tyler, and Chairman Butler. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. 30. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Kirk/Tyler to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2003-012, approving Zone Change 2003-111, as recommended. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Kirk, Robbins, Tyler, and Chairman Butler. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\3-11-O3.wpd 10 Planning Commission Minutes March 11, 2003 31. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Kirk/Abels to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2003-013, approving Specific Plan 2001-055, Amendment #1, as amended to add the following conditions: a. Condition #8: Move the last bullet point, "the Public Works Department shall consider the option to install a left turn pocket for Seeley Drive southbound north of Miles Avenue" to the "off-site improvement section". b. Condition #11: January 30, 2002 c. Condition #13: Streets shall be 28 feet wide with 1 2 foot setbacks with no parking on one side of the street for the six parcels located north of Seeley Drive and west of the Park. d. Condition #14: The grading plan shall be approved with the site development permit by the Planning Commission. e. Condition #15: The HOA shall maintain all common area landscaping in perpetuity. f. Condition #16: The landscaping shall comply with t-he Water Efficiency Ordinance g. Condition #17: The boundary between the residential development and the park may be designed with compatible uses, ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Kirk, Robbins, Tyler, and Chairman Butler. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Chairman Butler recessed the meeting at 9:25 p.m. and reconvened at 9:35 p.m. C. Environmental Assessment 2003-468, General Plan Amendment 2003- 089, Zone Change 2003-110, and Tentative Tract Map 31123; a request of Vista Encanto La Quinta, LLP, for a recommendation to certify a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impact; a request to amend the General Plan from Very Low Density Residential to Low Density Residential on 19.6 acres; a request to rezone 1 9.6 acres from Residential Very Low Density to Residential Low Density; and a request to subdivide 19.6 acres into 60 residential lots on the property located on the north side of Avenue 52, 300 feet west of Vista Bonita Trail. 1. Chairman Butler 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. G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\3-1 l-O3.wpd 11 Planning Commission. Minutes March 11, 2003 2. Chairman Butler asked if there were any questions of staff. Commissioner Tyler asked that Condition //55 be corrected to delete any reference to Fred Waring Drive and asked the distance between Vista Bonita and the easterly secondary entrance. Staff noted it had not been measured, but was approximately 400-500 feet. Commissioner Tyler asked that the specific lots be identified in regard to Condition//78. 3. Commissioner Kirk asked the distance between the two access points on this project. Assistant City Engineer Steve Speer noted the frontage on the map is approximately 300 feet. A full turning movement was allowed. The westerly access is the primary and the easterly, the secondary. One thought is that either one can be a full turn. Staff .is more inclined to think the full turning movement should be the easterly access. 4. There being no further questions of staff, Chairman Butler asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. Matthew Hladeck, the applicant, stated the distance between the two access points is 382 feet. They have no preference as to which one should be primary. The street design is to not be a straight line development. 5. Chairman Butler asked if there was any other public comment. Dr. Robert Jones, Jr., 80-748 Vista Bonita Trail, stated the reason he was interested and bought his property was to have the rural atmosphere. His concerns are the aesthetics and the need for a transition between the two projects. The height restrictions are 22 feet and their height restrictions are 18 feet. The zone change appears to be spot zoning. The population and housing was sparse in this location and to use that as an excuse to now allow the higher density is not right. Lastly, he has a concern about the traffic issues. 6. Ms. Shirley McGinty, 80-820 Vista Bonita Trail, gave a history of the area and stated a lot of consideration was given when the annexation took place. They were guaranteed this area would remain rural. This project will affect their property values. 7. Mr. Kjell Ostbye, 80-645 La Docena Trail, voiced his opposition t.o this project. They moved here five years ago and were ensured by the City the zoning would remain the same. They are now looking G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\3-11-O3.wpd 12 Planning Commission Minutes March 11, 2003 at 20 acres that are going to be developed with high density. The property to the west of this is a nursery. He requested this zoning be retained. 8. Mr. Stewart Woodard, 80-880 Vista Bonita Trail, asked if Avenue 52 was a Primary Arterial and noted that Jefferson Street and Avenue 52 are some of the busiest streets in the Valley. If you take the two access points from this project, and the ones from the Polo Estates you do not meet the limited accesses for a Primary Arterial street. We are surrounded by Iow density because of the golf courses. This project does not have a golf course. He asked if this project would be a left turn only. Staff stated one access would have a full turning movement and the other would be limited. The easterly entrance barely exceeds the distance for a Primary Arterial street. The westerly entrance is 1,200 feet between this project and the Hideaway. Either access qualifies for a full turn movement. The Polo Estates will be a left turn in and a right turn in. Mr. Woodard asked that at least the lots adjoining the Polo Estate lots be limited in size and decreased the height limit at 18 feet. 9. Mr. Holmes, 80-800 Vista Bonita Trail, stated he is opposed to this zone change because he did research on what the adjoining property was zoned and purchased his home based on that information. His second concern is the traffic onto Avenue 52. 10. Mr. Hladeck stated he did a study in regard to property values and found that this project would not affect any adjoining properties. In regard to traffic, The Hideaway will be widening Avenue 52 to its full width as part of their development conditions which should alleviate traffic concerns. 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 Robbins stated he shares the concern of changing the zoning. If they did not change the zoning, it would only reduce the number of houses backing up to half acre lots to three. 13. Commissioner Kirk stated his concern is not the density, but rather changing the General Plan project by project. If this request was being considered in the context of the General Plan update he G :\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\3-11-03. wpd 13 Planning Commission Minutes March I 1, 2003 would agree with it, but he cannot support the reqUest just to generate more money on a piece of land. He has sympathy for the neighbors concerns. 14. Chairman Butler stated he concurs with the comments made so far, but if the zone change is not allowed there could still be a problem with the property to the west of this site. He understands the applicant's desire to develop the lots for the best economic value. 15. Commissioner Tyler asked if there was an Equestrian Overlay on this site. Staff stated no. He asked if the project could be stipulated to have no more than three units per acre. Staff stated yes, as the General Plan allows up to four units to the acre. 16. Commissioner Kirk asked if the mitigation measures contained in the environmental compliance could be conditioned on the density to mitigate the problem. City Attorney Kathy Jenson stated the designation is up to a certain number of units. You can approve less than the maximum number. Staff stated the Commission could increase the lot size to reduce the density, or state the density cannot exceed a certain size. 17. Commissioner Tyler noted the Polo Estates is a premier subdivision in the City, but there are a lot of empty lots which may indicate there isn't presently, a need for this size lot. 18. Commissioner Abels concurred that the size of the lots was not adequate for this site. 19. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Abels/Tyler to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2003-014, denying certification of Environmental Assessment 2000-468, as recommended. 20. Commissioners Abels/Tyler withdrew their motion. 21. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Abels/Tyler to adopt Minute Motion 2003-006, denying the project. G :\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\3-11-03. wpd 1 4 Planning Commission Minutes March I 1, 2003 ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels, Kirk, Robbins, Tyler, and Chairman Butler. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. D. Sign Application 2003-682; a request of Dale Frank for review of a proposed sign program for 'the Washington Park Commercial Center bounded by Washington Street, Highway 111, Adams Street, and Avenue 47. 1. Chairman Butler asked for the staff report. Staff informed the Commission the applicant had requested a continuance of this project to March 25, 2003. 2. There being no discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Abels/Robbins to continue Sign Application 2003- 682 to March 25, 2003. Unanimously approved. VII. BUSINESS ITEMS: A. Continued - Sign Application 2002-616, a request of Graphic Resources for Desert Automotive, LLC for a revision to a previously approved sign program for the car dealership located at the southwest corner of Simon Drive and Highway 111 1. Chairman Butler 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 Butler asked if there were any questions of staff. Commissioner Tyler asked the location of the monument sign. Staff noted it was at the corner of Highway 111 and Simon Drive. 3. Commissioner Kirk asked for an explanation of the staff report in regard to the square footage of the sign. Staff stated it is 134 square feet more than what was approved. 4. There being no further questions of staff, Chairman Butler asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. Skip Berg, representing the applicant, gave an explanation of how the signs got installed larger than what was approved. G :\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\3-11 -O3.wpd 15 Planning Commission Minutes March 11, 2003 5. Chairman Butler asked if there were any questions of the applicant. Commissioner Tyler asked, about the sign squeezed between the two buildings facing west. Mr. Berg stated it is to be seen from the corner of Washington Street and Highway 111. Commissioner Tyler recommended it be eliminated. Mr. Berg stated it is 56 square feet. 6. Commissioner Kirk noted the sign program had been considered by the Commission and after a lot of thought and discussion, a program was approved. Now the owner has installed signs that were illegal and is requesting approval of that illegal installation. Based on this information he suggested the request be denied. 7. Chairman Butler asked if there was any other public comment on this item. There being no further public comment, Chairman Butler closed the public participation portion and opened the matter up for Commission discussion. 8. There being no discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Kirk/Abels to adopt Minute Motion 2003-007, denying Sign Application 2002-616. Unanimously approved. B. Appeal of Public Nuisance Cases 7397 and 7398; a request of Donald and Patricia Cross for consideration of an appeal of a Public Nuisance Determination for the property located at 78-570 Saguaro Road. 1. Staff informed the Commission that the applicant had submitted a letter asking for a continuance of this item to the Commission meeting of March 25, 2003. 2. There being no discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Abels/Kirk to continue Public Nuisance Cases 7397 and 7398 to March 25, 2003. Unanimously approved. C. Discussion of Zoning Issues, a request of staff for review of zoning issues pertaining to front yard setbacks and review of the side yard setback summary. 1. Chairman Butler asked that this item be continued to the meeting of March 25, 2003. Unanimously approved. G :.\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\3-11-03. wpd 16 Planning Commission Minutes March 11, 2003 VIII. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: None. IX. COMMISSIONER ITEMS' A. Commissioner Abels gave a report of the City Council meeting of March 4, '2OO3. 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 March 25, 2003, at 7:00 p.m. This meeting of the Planning Commission was adjourned at 10:37 p.m. on March 11, 2003. Respectfully submitted, :"' ' "' ' '" ~ ~,~~w .~.r, ~ut~'~e ~'ecreta y City of L.~Quinta, California 'G :\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\3-11-03.wpd 17