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2017 06 13 PCPLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA 1 JUNE 13, 2017 PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta REGULAR MEETING on TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2017 AT 6:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER 1. Roll Call 2. Pledge of Allegiance PUBLIC COMMENT At this time members of the public may address the Planning Commission on any matter not listed on the agenda. Please complete a “Request to Speak” form and limit your comments to three minutes. CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes of May 23, 2017. Beginning Resolution No. 2017-008 PUBLIC HEARING 1. Zoning Ordinance Amendment 2017-0002 submitted by the City of La Quinta recommending that the City Council amend Section 9.60.030 of the La Quinta Municipal Code, relating to standards and criteria for materials and heights for fences and walls. CEQA: Exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act, pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3), Review for Exemptions – General Rule. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL - None Planning Commission agendas and staff reports are now available on the City’s web page: www.laquintaca.gov PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA 2 JUNE 13, 2017 COMMISSIONER ITEMS STAFF ITEMS 1. SilverRock Update 2. City Council appointments to the Planning Commission ADJOURNMENT The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission will be held on June 27, 2017, commencing at 6:00 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers, 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA 92253. DECLARATION OF POSTING I, Wanda Wise-Latta, Executive Assistant of the City of La Quinta, do hereby declare that the foregoing Agenda for the La Quinta Planning Commission meeting was posted on the outside entry to the Council Chamber at 78-495 Calle Tampico, and the bulletin boards at 78-630 Highway 111, and the La Quinta Cove Post Office at 51-321 Avenida Bermudas, on June 9, 2017. DATED: June 8, 2017 WANDA WISE-LATTA, Executive Assistant City of La Quinta, California PUBLIC NOTICES The La Quinta City Council Chamber is handicapped accessible. If special equipment is needed for the hearing impaired, please call the City Clerk’s office at 777-7123, twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the meeting and accommodations will be made. If special electronic equipment is needed to make presentations to the Commission, arrangements should be made in advance by contacting the City Clerk’s office at 777-7123. A one (1) week notice is required. If background material is to be presented to the Commission during a Planning Commission meeting, please be advised that eight (8) copies of all documents, exhibits, etc., must be supplied to the Secretary for distribution. It is requested that this take place prior to the beginning of the meeting. Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the Commission regarding any item(s) on this agenda will be made available for public inspection at the Design and Development Department’s counter at City Hall located at 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, California, 92253, during normal business hours. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 1 MAY 23, 2017 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2017 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the La Quinta Planning Commission was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chairperson Bettencourt. PRESENT: Commissioners Blum, Caldwell, Hansen, McCune, Quill and Chairperson Bettencourt ABSENT: Commissioner Wright STAFF PRESENT: Assistant City Attorney Morgan Gallagher, Planning Manager Gabriel Perez, Associate Planner Carlos Flores, Executive Assistant Wanda Wise-Latta and Management Assistant Carley Votaw Commissioner McCune led the Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT – None CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA – Confirmed APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Blum/Caldwell to approve the Planning Commission Minutes of April 11, 2017. AYES: Commissioners Blum, Caldwell, Hansen, McCune, Quill, and Chairperson Bettencourt. NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Wright. ABSTAIN: None. Motion passed. BUSINESS SESSION 1. Modification of Application 2017-0003 submitted by Washington Street Urology Property, LLC proposing exterior improvements to an existing building and site. CEQA: exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15301 in that the proposed building modifications can be characterized as minor alterations to an existing facility. Location: 47474 Washington Street. Associate Planner Carlos Flores presented the information contained in the staff report, which is on file in the Design and Development Department. He stated that the applicant provided a materials board for the Commission’s review and PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 2 MAY 23, 2017 noted that the photos in Attachment No. 3 are different from the photos presented in the PowerPoint as the applicant had recently cleaned up the site. Discussion followed regarding the City’s Art in Public Places program and the reestablishment of the original grades of the retention basin as approved in the precise grading plan. Public Speaker: Craig Pearson, Pearson Architects, Inc., Palm Desert, CA. - Introduced himself and provided clarification regarding the materials and color palette to be used on the exterior of the project. Chairperson Bettencourt apologized and recused himself from the remainder of the discussion and vote on this item due to his wife’s affiliations with an adjacent business. Commissioner Blum sat as presiding officer in the Chairperson’s absence. Motion – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Caldwell/Quill to adopt Resolution No. 2017-007 of the Planning Commission of the City of La Quinta, California approving a modification by applicant to approve the design of exterior improvements to an existing building and site, and find the project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act. AYES: Commissioners Blum, Caldwell, Hansen, McCune, and Quill. NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Wright and Chairperson Bettencourt. ABSTAIN: None. Motion passed. Chairperson Bettencourt returned to the dais and resumed the duty of presiding officer for the remainder of the meeting. STUDY SESSION 1. Discussion regarding amendment to Section 9.60-030 Fences and Walls. Associate Planner Carlos Flores presented the information contained in the report, which is on file in the Design and Development Department Discussion followed regarding arched entries, setbacks from curb, right-of- ways, and wall height in relationship to finish grade. There were no objections expressed by the Commission regarding bringing a zoning ordinance amendment related to height and materials for fences and walls before the Commission in the future. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL - None PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 3 MAY 23, 2017 COMMISSIONER ITEMS Discussion of the Commission’s Summer Schedule – the Commission will be dark August 8, 2017. STAFF ITEMS 1. Home Depot Conditional Use Permit Compliance Associate Planner Carlos Flores presented the information contained in the staff report, which is on file in the Design and Development Department. 2. Village Parking Surveys Planning Manager Perez presented the information contained in the staff report, which is on file in the Design and Development Department. Commission discussion followed regarding wayfinding signs; vendor and employee parking; relaxed parking standards. 3. Planning Manager Perez introduced Senior Planner Cheri Flores to the Commission. 4. Upcoming events to honor retiring Design and Development Director/City Engineer Timothy R. Jonasson. 5. Announcement of the Developer Roundtable scheduled for Thursday, June 1, 2017 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. 6. Announcement of a Joint meeting between the City Council and the City’s Boards and Commissions scheduled for Tuesday, July 18, 2017, at the La Quinta Library. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Blum/McCune to adjourn this meeting at 7:17 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, WANDA WISE-LATTA, Executive Assistant City of La Quinta, California Page 1 of 2 PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT DATE: JUNE 13, 2017 CASE NUMBER: ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 2017-0002 APPLICANT: CITY OF LA QUINTA REQUEST: ADOPT A RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 9.60.030 OF THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO STANDARDS AND CRITERIA FOR MATERIALS AND HEIGHTS FOR FENCES AND WALLS LOCATION: CITY-WIDE CEQA: THE PROPOSED ZONING CODE AMENDMENTS ARE EXEMPT FROM ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA), PURSUANT TO SECTION 15061(b)(3), REVIEW FOR EXEMPTIONS- GENERAL RULE AND DO NOT REQUIRE FURTHER ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW. RECOMMENDED ACTION Adopt a resolution recommending to the City Council approval of Zoning Ordinance Amendment 2017-0002, approving amendments to Section 9.60.030 of the La Quinta Municipal Code (LQMC) and a finding of exemption from CEQA. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY • Amendments to LQMC Section 9.60.030, Fences and Walls, were prepared for the Commission to consider increasing the maximum front yard fence height from 5 to 6 feet and permit additional fence materials in residential districts. • The City Council adopted amendments to Section 9.60.030 on November 15, 2016, allowing greater flexibility for residential front yard courtyard entrances. BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS Staff receives routine requests from residents to allow front yard residential fence and wall construction at a height of six feet in the front yard and greater flexibility in permitted fence materials. The City’s Municipal Code (LQMC) allows for a maximum height of five feet for fences and walls in the front setback area bordering streets, alleys and other accessways in residential districts. The LQMC allows ornamental iron, PH 1 Page 2 of 2 tubular steel, and masonry for front or street side yard fences and wall construction. The LQMC prohibits fences in the front or side yard to be constructed of wood, vinyl, barbed wire, razor wire, or chain link. The Planning Commission discussed allowing greater flexibility for fencing materials during a Study Session on February 28, 2017. Further amendments to modify the standard for yard fence heights from five to six feet during were discussed at a Study Session on May 23, 2017. The Planning Commission expressed interest in staff preparation of amendments to the fence and walls standards for further review and consideration. The standards of Residential District Fences and Walls, Section 9.60.030, are proposed to be modified as follows (Attachment 1): • In the setback areas bordering streets, alleys and other accessways, increase the maximum fence height from five feet to six feet within the required front setback area. • Allow the Director to approve other materials for fences and walls not currently identified as allowed or prohibited, such as corrugated metal, bamboo, and glass, in the front or street side yard (Attachment 2). The proposed fence or wall shall be architecturally compatible with the main house, meet screening requirements, be of good and durable quality, and not be detrimental to public safety. AGENCY AND PUBLIC REVIEW Public Notice: This project was advertised in The Desert Sun newspaper on June 2, 2017. To date, no comments have been received from the public or other City Departments, including the Public Works, Building, Fire, and Code Compliance divisions. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW The Design and Development Department has determined that the proposed zone text amendment is exempt from environmental review under CEQA, pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3), Review for Exemptions – General Rule, in that it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility for this action to have a significant effect on the environment, and individual development plans will be reviewed under CEQA as they are proposed. Prepared by: Carlos Flores, Associate Planner Reviewed by: Gabriel Perez, Planning Manager Attachments: 1. Draft Code Amendments - Section 9.60.030, Fences and Walls 2. Fencing Material Examples PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION 2017 - ___ A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL AMEND SECTION 9.60.030 OF THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO STANDARDS AND CRITERIA FOR MATERIALS AND HEIGHTS FOR FENCES AND WALLS CASE NUMBER: ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 2017-0002 APPLICANT: CITY OF LA QUINTA WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of La Quinta, California, did on the 13th day of June, 2017, hold a duly noticed Public Hearing for review of a Zoning Ordinance Amendment to amend Section 9.60.030 of the La Quinta Municipal Code, as identified by Title of this Resolution; and WHEREAS, said Zoning Ordinance Amendment has complied with the requirements of "The Rules to Implement the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970" (CEQA) as amended (Resolution 83-63). The Design and Development Department has determined that the proposed zone text amendment is exempt from environmental review under CEQA, pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3), Review for Exemptions – General Rule, in that it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility for this action to have a significant effect on the environment, and individual development plans will be reviewed under CEQA as they are proposed. WHEREAS, the Design and Development Department published a public hearing notice for this request in The Desert Sun newspaper on June 2, 2017, as prescribed by the Municipal Code; and, WHEREAS, at said Public Hearing, upon hearing and considering all testimony and arguments, if any, of all interested persons desiring to be heard, said Planning Commission did make the following mandatory findings to recommend approval of said Zoning Ordinance Amendment to the City Council: 1. Consistency with General Plan The code amendments are consistent with the goals, objectives and policies of the General Plan. The proposed amendments are supported by Policy H-3.1, remove unnecessary regulatory constraints to enable construction or rehabilitation of housing that meets the needs of La Quinta residents, including lower income and special needs residents. 2. Public Welfare Approval of the code amendments will not create conditions materially detrimental to the public health, safety and general welfare. The amendments Planning Commission Resolution 2017 - ___ Zoning Ordinance Amendment 2017-0002 Applicant: City of La Quinta Adopted: June 13, 2017 Page 2 of 3 assist in implementation of the General Plan 2035 Housing Element and do not incorporate any changes that affect the regulation and/or provision of public services, utility systems, or other foreseeable health, safety and welfare considerations. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of the City of La Quinta, California, as follows: SECTION 1. That the above recitations are true and constitute the findings of the Planning Commission in this case. SECTION 2. That the Planning Commission does hereby recommend approval of Zoning Ordinance Amendment 2017-0002, as set forth in attached Exhibit A, to the City Council for the reasons set forth in this Resolution. PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the La Quinta Planning Commission held this 13th day of June, 2017, by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: ________________________________ PHILIP F. BETTENCOURT, Chairperson City of La Quinta, California ATTEST: ____________________________________________ GABRIEL PEREZ, Planning Manager City of La Quinta, California EXHIBIT A 9.60.030 Fences and walls. A. Purpose. For purposes of this section, “fence” or “wall” means any type of fence, wall, retaining wall, sound attenuation wall, screen or windscreen. The terms “fence” and “wall” are used interchangeably in this section to mean any or all of the preceding structures. B. Measurement of Fence Height. Except as otherwise specified in this section, fence heights shall be measured from finish grade at the base of the fence to the highest point of the fence on the interior or exterior side, whichever is higher. In addition, the following provisions shall apply to the measurement of fence height: 1. Open railings, up to forty-eight inches high, placed on top of a retaining or other wall and required for pedestrian safety shall not be included in the height measurement. 2. Fences less than thirty inches apart (measured between adjoining faces) shall be considered one structure and fence height shall be measured from the base of the lower fence to the top of the higher fence. Fences thirty inches or more apart shall be considered separate structures and their heights shall be measured independently. The director may require that the area between such fences be provided with permanent landscaping and irrigation. C. Fence Heights. The construction and installation of fences shall be in compliance with the following standards: 1. Within Main Building Area. In the area of a lot where a main building may be constructed, the maximum freestanding fence height shall be twelve feet. 2. Setback Areas Not Bordering Streets. The maximum fence height shall be six feet within any required setback area not adjoining a street. Where the elevation of an adjoining building site is higher than the base of the fence within a side or rear setback area, the height of the fence may be measured from the elevation of the adjoining building site to the top of the fence. However, fence height shall not exceed eight feet measured from either side with the exception of the RC district (see Section 9.30.040). 3. Setback Areas Bordering Streets, Alleys and Other Accessway. a. Within all districts, the maximum fence height shall be six feet within any front, rear or side setback area adjoining a public street. b. Notwithstanding other fence height restrictions, where, because of the orientation of the lots, a property line fence separates a front yard on one lot from a rear yard on an adjacent lot, the maximum fence height shall be six feet. c. Arches or trellises up to nine feet in overall height and five feet interior width may be constructed over a gate on a lot provided the arch/trellis is integrated into the fence/gate design. The Director may refer arch designs exceeding the standard to the Planning Commission for approval. d. Any portion of a building site where vehicular access is taken shall conform to the access intersection requirements of subsection (C)(4) of this section. e. City- or state-required sound attenuation walls bordering freeways or arterial highways may exceed six feet in height if so recommended by a noise attenuation study and approved by the director. 4. Adjacent to a Nonresidential Zone or Use. The maximum fence height between a residential zone or use and a nonresidential zone or use shall be eight feet. a. The height of fences, trees, shrubs and other visual obstructions shall be limited to a maximum height of thirty inches within the triangular area formed by drawing a straight line: i. Between two points located on and twenty feet distant from the point of intersection of two ultimate street right-of-way lines. ii. Between two points located on and five feet distant from the point of intersection of an ultimate street or alley right-of-way on one hand and the edge of a driveway or another alley right-of-way on the other if parkway width is less than twelve feet wide. b. For purposes of this code, “point of intersection” means the intersection of the prolongation of the right-of-way lines, excluding any curved portion joining the two lines. c. The height restrictions of this subdivision shall apply to fences, walls, trees, shrubs, vegetation, or any other material which obstructs or may obstruct visibility. D. Gates. 1. Materials. Gates shall be constructed of ornamental iron/tubular steel and/or wood. Such gates may be placed in any location provided they meet the requirements of this section and provided any wood used is not less than a grade of construction heart or merchantable and better redwood or No. 2 and better (no holes) western red cedar, stained or painted to match or complement the adjacent wall or structure. Alternatively, if left in natural color, all wood shall be treated with a water- repellant material. Wood gates over thirty-six inches wide shall have a metal frame. Chain link gates are prohibited. Vehicular driveway gates shall be constructed of ornamental iron/tubular steel and metal if solid. If screening an RV, the gate shall be constructed of a solid opaque material. 2. Width. Pedestrian gates shall not exceed five feet in width, except that gates may be any width within sideyard setbacks of at least twelve feet. E. Fence Construction and Materials. All fencing in residential districts shall conform to the following construction and material standards: 1. Wood and Vinyl Fencing. a. Except for gates, split two rail fencing, and for equestrian fencing regulated by Section 9.140.060, wood and vinyl or similar recycled fencing materials are permitted in rear or interior side yards only, and only if not visible from the street. Wood-framed fencing with a stucco finish is a permissible in any location on the lot provided the color of the masonry or stucco matches or complements the adjacent wall or structure. Gates may be of wood in any location provided they comply with the standards of this section. b. All wood fencing shall be constructed of not less than a grade of construction heart or merchantable and better redwood or No. 2 and better (no holes) western red cedar, stained or painted to match or complement the adjacent wall or structure. Alternatively, if left in natural color, all wood shall be treated with a water-repellant material. c. All vinyl or similar recycled fencing material shall be constructed of an aluminum-reinforced non-reflective material that contains antistatic and UV-radiation inhibiting additives. d. Fence boards may be horizontal or vertical. Support posts shall be a minimum of nominal four inches by four inches redwood, pressure- treated lumber, tubular steel or block and installed per the Uniform Building Code. e. Split Rail Fencing. Split two rail fencing shall be allowed in the front yard or along the front property line with columns a maximum height of four feet and three feet for the top rail. All columns shall be cemented with footings. Materials for the columns shall be wood, brick, or block. The rails may be either wood or other non-wood products that have the appearance of split rail. A building permit shall be obtained prior to construction. 2. Ornamental Iron and Tubular Steel Fencing. Ornamental iron or tubular steel fencing may be used along the front or street side yards only. The iron or steel shall be painted to match or complement the adjacent wall or structure. 3. Masonry Fencing. Solid masonry fencing (i.e., block, rock, brick, with or without stucco covering) is permitted in any location on the lot provided the color of the masonry or stucco matches or complements the adjacent wall or structure. Precision concrete block shall not be used unless all exterior surfaces visible from outside the property are covered with stucco, paint, texture coating, or other comparable coating approved by the director. 4. Material Combinations. Combinations of two or more of the preceding materials may be used provided that the bottom one-half of the fence is constructed of a masonry material. Combinations incorporating wood materials shall only be used for the rear and interior side yards and only when not visible from the street. 5. Other Materials. Other fence materials or combination of fence materials such as, but not limited to, corrugated metal, bamboo, and glass may be permitted in the front or street side yard by the Director in conjunction with approval of a building permit for fence construction if the permit application includes a materials sample, a site plan with proposed fence alignment, photographs of the main dwelling, and the following findings are made: a. The design of the fence, including but not limited to, the architectural style, materials, colors, architectural details, and other architectural elements is compatible with a main dwelling existing on site or in development review at time of application. b. The fence meets all screening requirements. c. The material(s) are of good and durable quality. d. The material(s) will not be detrimental to the health, safety and general welfare of the community in the area. ATTACHMENT 1 9.60.030 Fences and walls. A. Purpose. For purposes of this section, “fence” or “wall” means any type of fence, wall, retaining wall, sound attenuation wall, screen or windscreen. The terms “fence” and “wall” are used interchangeably in this section to mean any or all of the preceding structures. B. Measurement of Fence Height. Except as otherwise specified in this section, fence heights shall be measured from finish grade at the base of the fence to the highest point of the fence on the interior or exterior side, whichever is higher. In addition, the following provisions shall apply to the measurement of fence height: 1. Open railings, up to forty-eight inches high, placed on top of a retaining or other wall and required for pedestrian safety shall not be included in the height measurement. 2. Fences less than thirty inches apart (measured between adjoining faces) shall be considered one structure and fence height shall be measured from the base of the lower fence to the top of the higher fence. Fences thirty inches or more apart shall be considered separate structures and their heights shall be measured independently. The director may require that the area between such fences be provided with permanent landscaping and irrigation. C. Fence Heights. The construction and installation of fences shall be in compliance with the following standards: 1. Within Main Building Area. In the area of a lot where a main building may be constructed, the maximum freestanding fence height shall be twelve feet. 2. Setback Areas Not Bordering Streets. The maximum fence height shall be six feet within any required setback area not adjoining a street. Where the elevation of an adjoining building site is higher than the base of the fence within a side or rear setback area, the height of the fence may be measured from the elevation of the adjoining building site to the top of the fence. However, fence height shall not exceed eight feet measured from either side with the exception of the RC district (see Section 9.30.040). 3. Setback Areas Bordering Streets, Alleys and Other Accessway. a. Within all districts, the maximum fence height shall be five feet within the first ten feet of the required front setback area (measured from the street right-of-way) and six feet within any front, rear or side setback area adjoining a public street. b. Notwithstanding other fence height restrictions, where, because of the orientation of the lots, a property line fence separates a front yard on one lot from a rear yard on an adjacent lot, the maximum fence height shall be six feet. c. Arches or trellises up to nine feet in overall height and five feet interior width may be constructed over a gate on a lot provided the arch/trellis is integrated into the fence/gate design. The Director may refer arch designs exceeding the standard to the Planning Commission for approval. d. Any portion of a building site where vehicular access is taken shall conform to the access intersection requirements of subsection (C)(4) of this section. e. City- or state-required sound attenuation walls bordering freeways or arterial highways may exceed six feet in height if so recommended by a noise attenuation study and approved by the director. 4. Adjacent to a Nonresidential Zone or Use. The maximum fence height between a residential zone or use and a nonresidential zone or use shall be eight feet. a. The height of fences, trees, shrubs and other visual obstructions shall be limited to a maximum height of thirty inches within the triangular area formed by drawing a straight line: i. Between two points located on and twenty feet distant from the point of intersection of two ultimate street right-of-way lines. ii. Between two points located on and five feet distant from the point of intersection of an ultimate street or alley right-of-way on one hand and the edge of a driveway or another alley right-of-way on the other if parkway width is less than twelve feet wide. b. For purposes of this code, “point of intersection” means the intersection of the prolongation of the right-of-way lines, excluding any curved portion joining the two lines. c. The height restrictions of this subdivision shall apply to fences, walls, trees, shrubs, vegetation, or any other material which obstructs or may obstruct visibility. D. Gates. 1. Materials. Gates shall be constructed of ornamental iron/tubular steel and/or wood. Such gates may be placed in any location provided they meet the requirements of this section and provided any wood used is not less than a grade of construction heart or merchantable and better redwood or No. 2 and better (no holes) western red cedar, stained or painted to match or complement the adjacent wall or structure. Alternatively, if left in natural color, all wood shall be treated with a water- repellant material. Wood gates over thirty-six inches wide shall have a metal frame. Chain link gates are prohibited. Vehicular driveway gates shall be constructed of ornamental iron/tubular steel and metal if solid. If screening an RV, the gate shall be constructed of a solid opaque material. 2. Width. Pedestrian gates shall not exceed five feet in width, except that gates may be any width within sideyard setbacks of at least twelve feet. E. Fence Construction and Materials. All fencing in residential districts shall conform to the following construction and material standards: 1. Wood and Vinyl Fencing. a. Except for gates, split two rail fencing, and for equestrian fencing regulated by Section 9.140.060, wood and vinyl or similar recycled fencing materials are permitted in rear or interior side yards only, and only if not visible from the street. Wood-framed fencing with a stucco finish is a permissible in any location on the lot provided the color of the masonry or stucco matches or complements the adjacent wall or structure. Gates may be of wood in any location provided they comply with the standards of this section. b. All wood fencing shall be constructed of not less than a grade of construction heart or merchantable and better redwood or No. 2 and better (no holes) western red cedar, stained or painted to match or complement the adjacent wall or structure. Alternatively, if left in natural color, all wood shall be treated with a water-repellant material. c. All vinyl or similar recycled fencing material shall be constructed of an aluminum-reinforced non-reflective material that contains antistatic and UV-radiation inhibiting additives. d. Fence boards may be horizontal or vertical. Support posts shall be a minimum of nominal four inches by four inches redwood, pressure- treated lumber, tubular steel or block and installed per the Uniform Building Code. e. Split Rail Fencing. Split two rail fencing shall be allowed in the front yard or along the front property line with columns a maximum height of four feet and three feet for the top rail. All columns shall be cemented with footings. Materials for the columns shall be wood, brick, or block. The rails may be either wood or other non-wood products that have the appearance of split rail. A building permit shall be obtained prior to construction. 2. Ornamental Iron and Tubular Steel Fencing. Ornamental iron or tubular steel fencing may be used along the front or street side yards only. The iron or steel shall be painted to match or complement the adjacent wall or structure. 3. Masonry Fencing. Solid masonry fencing (i.e., block, rock, brick, with or without stucco covering) is permitted in any location on the lot provided the color of the masonry or stucco matches or complements the adjacent wall or structure. Precision concrete block shall not be used unless all exterior surfaces visible from outside the property are covered with stucco, paint, texture coating, or other comparable coating approved by the director. 4. Material Combinations. Combinations of two or more of the preceding materials may be used provided that the bottom one-half of the fence is constructed of a masonry material. Combinations incorporating wood materials shall only be used for the rear and interior side yards and only when not visible from the street. 5. Other Materials. Other fence materials or combination of fence materials such as, but not limited to, corrugated metal, bamboo, and glass may be permitted in the front or street side yard by the Director in conjunction with approval of a building permit for fence construction if the permit application includes a materials sample, a site plan with proposed fence alignment, photographs of the main dwelling, and the following findings are made: a. The design of the fence, including but not limited to, the architectural style, materials, colors, architectural details, and other architectural elements is compatible with a main dwelling existing on site or in development review at time of application. b. The fence meets all screening requirements. c. The material(s) are of good and durable quality. d. The material(s) will not be detrimental to the health, safety and general welfare of the community in the area. CORRUGATED METAL FENCING EXAMPLES ATTACHMENT 2 BAMBOO FENCING EXAMPLES GLASS FENCING EXAMPLES 78-495 Calle Tampico | La Quinta | California 92253 | 760.777.7000 | www.La-Quinta.org TO: Honorable Chair and Members of the Planning Commission FROM: Gabriel Perez, Planning Manager DATE: June 13, 2017 SUBJECT: REPORT ON COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION The City Council at their regular meeting of June 6, 2017 considered and approved appointments to the City’s boards and commissions for open positions. Applications were considered for three Planning Commission positions with terms to begin July 1, 2017. The Council also elected to fill a vacancy left by the resignation of former Commissioner John Hansen. The appointments to the Planning Commission include: • Philip Bettencourt (reappointed for a new 3-year term) • Mary Caldwell (reappointed for a 3-year term) • Michael Proctor (appointed to a 3-year term) • Loretta Currie (2-year term to fill Commissioner Hansen’s vacated position) The City Council designated Commissioners McCune and Wright as the two design professionals required on the Planning Commission. The Council adopted Ordinance No. 546 on October 4, 2016 to eliminate the Architectural and Landscape Review Board (ALRB) and expand the Planning Commission from 5 to 7 members. Two members of the Planning Commission are required to have a strong background in architecture or landscape architecture. SI 1