Loading...
2004 11 23 PC Minutes MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING A regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA November 23, 2004 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 Kirk who asked Commissioner Ladner to lead the flag salute. B. Present: Commissioners Rick Daniels, Kay Ladner, Ken Krieger, and Chairman Tom Kirk. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Ladner/Daniels to excuse Commissioner Quill. Unanimously approved. C. Staff present: Interim Community Development Director Oscar Orci, Assistant City Attorney Michael Houston, Associate Engineer Paul Goble, Principal Planner Stan Sawa, and Executive Secretary Betty Sawyer. II. PUBLIC COMMENT: None. III. CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA: Confirmed. IV. CONSENT ITEMS: A. Chairman Kirk asked if there were any corrections to the Minutes of the regular meeting of November 9, 2004. There being no corrections, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Daniels/Ladner to approve the minutes as submitted. B. Department Report: Interim Community Development Director Oscar Orci thanked the Commission for the opportunity to work with them. He witl be assuming a position with the City of Banning and believes he has benefited from the growth and learning he has had during his term in La Quinta. Chairman Kirk thanked him for his leadership and wished him well on behalf of the Commission. V. PUBLIC HEARINGS: A. Environmental Assessment 2004-526, General Plan Amendment 2004- 103, Zone Change 2004-122, Specific Plan 2004-074, and Tentative Tract Map 32879; a request of Trans West Housing for consideration of a subdivision of ± 199 acres into 303 single-family residential lots located at the southeast corner of Avenue 54 and Madison Street. G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\ 11-23-04.doc Planning Commission Minutes November 23, 2004 1 . Chairman Kirk opened the public hearing and asked for the staff report. Staff requested a continuance of the project to the meeting of December 14, 2004. 2. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Daniels/Ladner to continue the project to December 14, 2004, as requested. Unanimously approved. B. Environmental Assessment 2004-528 and Site Development Permit 2004-815; a request of Prest-Vuksic Architects/Dr. Steve Phan for certification of a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impact and consideration of development plans for a 'one story 10,000 square foot office building on a 0.83 acre site located on Caleo Bay, approximately 300 feet north of Avenue 48. 1 . Chairman Kirk opened the public hearing and asked for the staff report. Associate Planner Martin Magaña presented the information contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development Department. 2. Chairman Kirk asked if there were any questions of staff. Commissioner Daniels asked if the applicant had any objections to the Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee's (ALRC) conditions. Staff stated the applicant supported their conditions. 3. Chairman Kirk asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. John Vuksic, the architect for the project, stated he had no issues with the conditions and was available to answer any questions. 4. Chairman Kirk asked if there was any other public comment. There being none, the public participation portion of the hearing was closed and open for Commission discussion. 5. Commissioner Ladner commended the architect on his design. 6. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Daniels/Krieger to adopt Planning Commissioner Resolution 2004-091 certifying a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impact for Environmental Assessment 2004-528, as recommended. G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\ 11-23-04.doc 2 Planning Commission Minutes November 23, 2004 ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Daniels, Ladner" Krieger, Chairman Kirk, NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioner. Quill. ABSTAIN: None 7. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Daniels/Ladner to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2004-092, approving Site Development Permit 2004-81 5, as recommended by staff. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Daniels,' Ladner, Krieger, and Chairman Kirk. NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Quill. ABSTAIN: None. C. Environmental Assessment 2003-523 and Tentative Tract M:ap 32848 a request of RT Hughes Co., LLC for certification of a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impact and the subdivision of approximately 4.02 acres into 1 6 lots and miscellaneous lots for the property located on the north side of Avenue 60, approximately 700 feet west of Madison Street. 1 . Chairman Kirk opened the public hearing and asked for the staff report. Associate Planner Martin Magaña presented the information contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development Department. 2. Chairman Kirk asked if there were any questions of staff. Commissioner Daniels asked if any of the other surrounding properties were being denied access for a larger circulation pattern for their developments of their properties. Staff stated it is not necessary to tie into a larger circulation pattern. 3. Commissioner Ladner asked the size of the lots to the east. Staff stated 10,300 feet maximum. Commissioner Ladner questioned the street setback issue; will it have a cutback. Staff explained. 4. Commissioner Krieger asked about the liquefaction issue. Staff noted this would be addressed through the precise grading process. 5. Chairman Kirk asked if the land to the west would be no more than a foot differential. Staff stated there will be a partial retaining wall to retain the property to the west. Chairman Kirk asked if the adjacent property owner agreed to this being on his property. Staff stated yes. Discussion followed regarding the topography of the site. G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\ 11-23-04.doc 3 Planning Commission Minutes November 23, 2004 6. Chairman Kirk asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. Jerry Green, MDS Consulting, representing the applicant stated he agrees with the conditions and staff report. , 7. Chairman Kirk asked if the property to the west was no larger than a foot differential in grade and there is an agreement with the adjoining property owner to construct a swale on his property. Mr. Green stated this was correct. 8. Mr. Richard Hughes stated he was the developer and just wanted to thank staff and in particular Oscar Orci for all his work. 9. There being no further questions of the applicant, Chairman Kirk asked if anyone else would like to address the Commission on this matter. There being none, the public participation portion of the hearing was closed and open for Commission discussion. 10. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Daniels/Ladner to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2004-093, recommending certification of a Mitigated Negative Declaration for Environmental Assessment 2004-523, as recommended by staff. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Daniels, Krieger, Ladner, and Chairman Kirk. NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Quill. ABSTAIN: None 11 . It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Daniels/Ladner to adoþt Planning Commission Resolution 2004-094, recommending approval of Tentative Tract Map 32848, as recommended by staff. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Daniels, Krieger, Ladner, and Chairman Kirk. NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Quill. ABSTAIN: None D. Environmental Assessment 2003-522 and Tentative Tract Map 32397; a request of Foxx Homes for certification of a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impact and the subdivision of 28.42 acres into 74 lots and other common lots for the property located on the west side of Washington Street, north of Laguna de la Paz. 1 . Chairman Kirk 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 G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\ 11-23-04.doc 4 Planning Commission Minutes November 23, 2004 Community Development Department. Staff reviewed the changes submitted by the Public Works Department for Condition #20, #38, #56.A.(1 )(c), and #58.D.1. Staff also recommends the deletion of monitoring mitigation measure of the site contained n the Environmental Assessment. The Fire Department has agreed to the 1 8 foot width of the roadways and an 1 8 foot gate. 2. Chairman Kirk asked if there were any questions of staff. Commissioner Daniels asked if there was any concern about the stability of the plant material. Staff stated no. Staff went on to discuss the cross section diagrams showing the pad elevations. 3. Commissioner Daniels asked if the Laguna de la Paz Homeowners' association (HOA) had been provided copies of the condition changes. Staff stated no. Commissioner Daniels asked if the applicant had met with the homeowners. Staff stated yes. 4. Commissioner Krieger asked if the design of the wall at the west end, adjacent to Laguna de la Paz will come back to the Commission and will the homeowners' association have an opportunity to review it. Staff stated it would be a mutually (between the developer and the HOA) designed wall that will need to be approved by the Architecture and Landscape Review Committee as well as the Planning Commission along with the entire perimeter wall design. 5. Chairman Kirk asked about the east/west sections, Lot 3 to 5 aTe nota part of this tract. Staff noted Lots 5 and 2 are a part of a different tract that will be combined with tract at a later date. Its main entrance will be through this tract. Chairman Kirk asked where this new tract exists and how many lots are proposed. Staff indicated the location, at the very west sand dune area and stated ten lots were proposed. The new tract would contain the access agreements. AssistantCity Engineer Steve Speer explained this access agree,ment was already in place. Chairman Kirk questioned the blasting into the toe of the slope and asked staff to indicate the location where this was intended to take place. Staff indicated the location on the map and discussion continued. Chairman Kirk noted the Environmental Assessment did not note this to be a significant effect. Are the pad heights needed to be 60 feet for drainage? Assistant City Engineer Steve Speer stated the applicant is trying to create a number of sizable pads and keep the soil on the site. G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\ "-23-04.doc 5 Planning Commission Minutes November 23, 2004 6. Chairman Kirk asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. Jim Foxx, the applicant, stated the pad elevations are at that height due to the sewer construction c;ind he went on to explain what was being required of them by CVWD for the sewer connection. In regard to the conditions and changes, he generally has no objections. Conditions #10 and #58.8.3. need clarification with the width of the street. They are proposing a 28 foot street with no parking on either side. This was acceptable to staff. They are working with the HOA at Laguna de la Paz to design the wall. 7. Chairman Kirk asked the applicant where they intended to blast the mountain. Mr. Foxx stated they have no intention to blast. They do intend to blow the sand off the rock. If the IIlive" rock has been discolored, they intend to color it to make it blend in. Chairman Kirk asked if he would have any objection to a condition being added to require them to maintain the integrity of the toe of the slope. Mr. Foxx stated he would have no objection. He went on to describe the project. 8. Chairman Kirk asked if anyone else would like to address the Commission on this matter. Mr. Charles Pariano, 48-114 Vista Cielo, Vice President of the Laguna de la Paz HOA, stated he would like to just go on record that they are working with the applicant in regard to the wall and any other issues of the wall and they hope to continue this relationship to make this a good project. 9. There being no further public participation, the public participation portion of the hearing was closed and open for Commission discussion. 10. Commissioner D.aniels noted this was a difficult piece or property to be developed, but he is excited about the entry design. 11 . Chairman Kirk commended the applicant and HOA on their ability to . work between themselves to resolve their issues and he thanked them for their work. 12. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Krieger/Daniels to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2004-095, recommending certification of a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impact for Environmental Assessment 2004-522, as recommended. G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\ 11-23-04.doc 6 Planning Commission Minutes November 23, 2004 ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Daniels, Ladner, Krieger, and Chairman Kirk. NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Quill. ABSTAIN: None 13. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Ladner/Krieger to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2004-096, recommending approval of Tentative Tract Map 32397 as recommended. e. f. G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\ 11-23-04.doc a. Condition 20: Delete and insert the following: 'IThe applicant shall provide temporary emergency-vehicle-only access to this tract via the existing driveway near the north property line, until permanent access across the adjacent landowner's land is made available providing access to the future signal at the Washington Street/Lake La Quinta Drive intersection. The applicant shall remove the temporary access improvements and install permanent improvements connecting this tract to the permanent access route within one year of the permanent access easement becoming available. " Condition #38: Delete and insert the following: 'IThe applicant shall meet and confer with the Laguna de la Paz HOA and establish a mutually agreeable landscape and wall concept along the joint property line that allows the applicant to maintain the pad elevations shown on the tentative map. The mutually agreed upon improvements shall be installed at the applicant's expense." Condition 56.A.(1 )(c): Delete the last sentence of this paragraph regarding minimum boulder clearance from the sidewalk and insert the following: II Adequate sight distance shall be provided near the sidewalk to ensure pedestrian safety. Boulders proposed for placement in the right of way shall be of a size and configuration approved by the City Engineer . " Condition #58.D.1: Delete the last sentence of this condition regarding the time frame for installation of the traffic signal at Lake La Quinta Drive.. Condition clarification regarding the connecting street be 28 feet wide. Condition added:· The toe of slope integrity shall be protected and preserved but may be cleaned up in regard to color. b. c. d. 7 Planning Commission Minutes November 23, 2004 ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Daniels, Ladner, Krieger, and Chairman Kirk. NOES: None. ABSENT: Commi~sioner Quill. ABSTAIN: None VI. BUSINESS ITEMS: A. Site Development Permit 2004-816; a request of K. Hovnanian Homes/Forecast Homes for consideration of landscape plans for Tract 20092 located at the northwest corner of Avenue 58 and Madison Street. 1 . Chairman Kirk opened the public hearing and asked for the staff report. Staff requested a continuance of the project to the meeting of December 14, 2004. 2. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Daniels/Krieger to continue the project to December 14, 2004, as requested. Unanimously approved. VII. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: None. VIII. COMMISSIONER ITEMS: IX. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Daniels/Krieger to adjourn this regular meeting of the Planning Commission to a regular meeting of the Planning Commission to be held on December 14, 2004, at 7:00 p.m. This meeting of the Planning Commission was adjourned at 7:56 p.m., on November 23, 2004. Respectfully submitted, .~-- ~ B t J. awyer, Executive Secretary City of La Quinta, California G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\ 11-23-04.doc 8