2006 09 26 PC Minutes
MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
A regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall
78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA
September 26, 2006
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 Quill who asked Commissioner Alderson to lead the
flag salute.
B. Present: Commissioners Ed Alderson, Katie Barrows, Rick Daniels, Jim
Engle and Chairman Paul Quill.
C. Staff present: Community Development Director Doug Evans, Assistant
City Attorney Michael Houston, Planning Manager Les Johnson,
Development Services Principal Engineer Ed Wimmer, Principal Planners
Stan Sawa and Wallace Nesbit, Associate Planner Andrew Mogensen,
Assistant Planner Eric Ceja, and Executive Secretary Betty Sawyer.
II. PUBLIC COMMENT: None.
III. CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA:
A. Community Development Director Doug Evans informed the Commission
the applicant for Public Hearing Item B had requested a continuance.
IV. CONSENT ITEMS:
A. Chairman Quill asked if there were any changes to the Minutes of the
September 12, 2006 regular meeting. There being no changes to the
minutes, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Daniels/Alderson
to approve the minutes as submitted. Unanimously approved.
V. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None.
A. Environmental Assessment 2006-574, Conditional Use Permit 2006-099,
and Site Development Permit 2006-866; a request of Trans West
Housing, Inc. for consideration of architectural and landscaping plans for
a stable, covered arena, a caretaker's residence, related accessory
building and an equestrian facility located on the east side of Monroe
Street, }'4 mile south of Avenue 54.
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Planning Commission Minutes
September 26, 2006
1 . Chairman Quill opened the public hearing and asked for the staff
report. Associate Planner Andrew Mogensen presented the
information contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file
in the Community Development Department.
2. Chairman Quill asked if there were any questions of staff.
Commissioner Daniels asked where the horse trailers would be
parked. Staff noted the location on the site plan. They do not
intend to have any trailers parked at the site for extended periods
of time. Commissioner Daniels asked why there was a concern to
have the gate to the residential portion of the tract kept open.
Staff stated it was to allow member access to the horse facility.
Commissioner Daniels asked about the alternatives to watering for
dust control. Staff explained the options that were available.
3. Commissioner Alderson asked if the street would have a median.
Staff stated there would be a left in and left out only.
Commissioner Alderson asked when the main entry would be
closed. Staff stated it would be closed at all times with a call box
. for entry.
4. Chairman Quill asked if there was a substitute for "trex". Staff
stated concrete or unflexible material was required. Chairman Quill
asked if there were any conditions at the Monroe Street access
gate that the material be something to reduce PM 10 concerns.
Staff stated the proposed pavers will do this. Chairman Quill
asked if horse trailers would be stored on site. Staff stated no
longer than 72 hours.
5. Commissioner Daniels asked why fly control measures were
proposed. Staff explained the fly control system proposed and its
effectiveness. Commissioner Daniels asked the term of the leased
pastures. Staff stated it was a 20-year lease. Commissioner
Daniels asked the elevation difference between this site and the
residences to the south. Staff stated none. Commissioner Daniels
asked if any of this site was adjacent to PGA West. Staff stated
no.
6. There being no further questions of staff, Chairman Quill asked if
the applicant would like to address the Commission. Ms. Marty
Butler, Project Manager introduced the development team and
gave a presentation on the project. She requested a revision to
Conditions 21 and 22 as mentioned by staff.
Planning Commission Minutes
September 26, 2006
7. Commissioner Daniels asked if the pastures they were leasing
belonged to the property to the north. Ms. Butler stated yes.
8. Commissioner Barrows asked if the manure storage area that was
in close proximity to the Griffin Ranch residence was of any
concern. Ms. Butler stated no. With the provisions they are
installing, they do not anticipate any concerns.
9. Commissioner Alderson asked if there were any legal conditions to
notify any potential home buyers that the manure storage would
be in this location. Ms. Butler stated yes and they were doing so.
10. There being no further questions of the applicant, Chairman Quill
asked if anyone else wanted to speak in opposition to the project.
There being none, Chairman Quill asked if those in favor would like
to shorten their comments. Mr. Tom Brohard, representing the
HOA for the Mountain View Estates, stated their support of the
project.
11. Commissioner Barrows asked if all their issues had been resolved.
Mr. Brohart stated yes.
12. Ms. Betty Magnum Smith, 82-470 Avenue 54, stated she
appreciates the standards that have been taken to develop this
site. She asked if the City was aware of the State and Wildlife
Grants that were available for wildlife corridors that should apply
to this project.
13. Ms. Gayle Cady, 82-831 Avenue 54, stated her support of this
master planned project. She also thanked the City for the trail
system that has been created.
14. Ms Lynda Partone 50-092 Avenida Vista Bonita, thanked the
Commission for allowing her horse to remain at this residence.
15. There being no further public comment, the public participation
portion of the public hearing was closed and open for Commission
discussion.
16. Commissioner Alderson complimented the applicant on the
development and for coordinating and working with the neighbors.
1 7. Commissioner Barrows commended the applicant on their proposal
and the on-going efforts to keep equestrian uses in the area.
Planning Commission Minutes
September 26, 2006
18. Commissioner Daniels noted the letters received at this meeting
and thanked the applicant for taking the concerns of the neighbors
seriously and working to resolve them.
1 9. Commissioner Engle agreed and commended the applicant on their
proposal and work.
20. Chairman Quill stated he too agreed and complimented staff on the
work and research that had gone into the report. He also thanked
the applicant for working with the adjoining residents to resolve all
the issues.
21 . There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioner Barrows/Alderson to adopt Planning Commission
Resolution 2006- 031 certifying Environmental Assessment 2006-
576, as recommended.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Alderson, Barrows, Daniels, Engle,
and Chairman QuilL NOES: None. ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
22. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Barrows/Daniels to
adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2006-032, approving
Conditional Use Permit 2006-099, as recommended by staff and
amended:
a. Condition 16: as in memo
b. Condition #21: Changed to 72 hours
c. Condition #22: The northerly access shall be operated by a
clicker
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Alderson, Barrows, Daniels, Engle,
and Chairman Quill. NOES: None. ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
23. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Barrows/Alderson
to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2006-033, approving
Site Development Permit 2006-866, as recommended.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Alderson, Barrows, Daniels, Engle,
and Chairman Quill. NOES: None. ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
Planning Commission Minutes
September 26, 2006
B. Sign Application 2006-1015; a request of Prest/Vuksic Architects for
consideration of a Sign Program to serve Caleo Bay Park, for the property
located on the west side of Caleo Bay, north of Avenue 48.
1 . Chairman Quill opened the public hearing and asked for the staff
report. Staff informed the Commission a request to continue the
project had been received by the applicant.
2. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioner Daniels/Alderson to continue the project to October
10, 2006, as requested by the applicant. Unanimously approved.
C. Sign Application 2006-1017; a request of Cornonel Enterprises, Inc. for
consideration of a Sign Program to serve Coronel Plaza, for the property
located at the corner of Calle Tampico and Avenida Navarro.
1 . Chairman Quill opened the public hearing and asked for the staff
report. Assistant Planner Eric Ceja presented the information
contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the
Community Development Department.
2. Chairman Quill asked if there were any questions of staff.
Commissioner Engle asked if this was consistent with the building
next door. Staff stated there is no building next door. Planning
Manager Les Johnson stated the multi-family project is yet to be
built, and the land is currently vacant.
3. Commissioner Alderson asked about the letter structures. Staff
stated it will be varied, but control the overall location and not
have a specific letter design. It will allow the business owner
some creativity.
4. Chairman Quill asked what staff was recommending to be
changed. Staff noted the sign they were recommending be
removed.
5. There being no further questions of staff, Chairman Quill asked if
the applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. Lucas
Coronel, representing the applicant, explained that their objective
was to allow the tenants of this project the flexibility for their logo
signs. He has no objection to staff's recommendation.
Planning Commission Minutes
September 26, 2006
6. There being no further public comment, the public participation
portion of the public hearing was closed and open for Commission
discussion.
7. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioner Barrows/Alderson to adopt Minute Motion 2006-
023 approving Sign Application 2006-1017, as recommended.
Unanimously approved.
D. Site Development Permit 2006-867; a request of Thomas Enterprises,
Inc. for consideration of development plans for a restaurant with
approximately 4,800 square feet of floor area, for the property located on
the north side of Highway 111, east of Adams Street in The Pavilions at
La Quinta Center.
1 . Chairman Quill opened the public hearing and asked for the staff
report. Principal Planner Stan Sawa presented the information
contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the
Community Development Department.
2. Chairman Quill asked if there were any questions of staff. There
being none, Chairman Quill asked if the applicant would like to
address the Commission. Mr. Norman Barrett, representing the
applicant, stated he was available to answer any questions.
3. Commissioner Alderson asked if there were any objections to the
conditions. Mr. Barrett stated they agreed.
4. There being no further public comment, the public participation
portion of the public hearing was closed and open for Commission
discussion.
5. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioner Alderson/Engle to adopt Planning Commission
Resolution 2006-034 approving Site Development Permit 2006-
867, as recommended.
ROLL CALL: A YES: Commissioners Alderson, Barrows, Daniels, Engle,
and Chairman Quill. NOES: None. ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
E. Site Development Permit 2006-869; a request of Washington 111, Ltd.,
for consideration of development plans for a 14,541 square foot retail
commercial building featuring up to eight minor units for the property
Planning Commission Minutes
September 26, 2006
bounded by Highway 111, Avenue 47, Washington Street, within
Washington park Commercial Center (Shops 1 and 2).
1 . Chairman Quill opened the public hearing and asked for the staff
report. Associate Planner Andrew Mogensen presented the
information contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file
in the Community Development Department.
2. Chairman Quill asked if there were any questions of staff.
Commissioner Daniels asked if this was perceived to be an access.
Staff stated it was originally a drainage easement that was later
determined to not be needed.
3. There being no further questions of staff, Chairman Quill asked if
the applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. Bill
Sanchez, representing the applicant, gave a presentation on the
project. In regard to the trash containers, they will be shared with
all tenants.
4. Chairman Quill asked if there was any other public comment, there
being no further public comment, the public participation portion of
the public hearing was closed and open for Commission
discussion.
5. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Barrows/Alderson to adopt Planning Commission
Resolution 2006-035 approving Site Development Permit 2006-
869, as recommended.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Alderson, Barrows, Daniels, Engle, and
Chairman Quill. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN:
None.
BUSINESS ITEM:
A. SOI-R01 - Tentative Parcel Map 34784; a request of Washington 111,
ltd., for consideration of a proposed project within the City's northern
Sphere of Influence for the property located on the north side of Darby
Road west of Adams Street. .
1 . Chairman Quill asked for the staff report. Staff informed the
Commission the applicant had requested the application be tabled
as they were redesigning the tract map.
Planning Commission Minutes
September 26, 2006
2. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Daniels/Alderson to
table SOI-R01 - Tentative Parcel Map 34784. Unanimously
approved.
B. Modification by Application 2006-005; a request of Kelly Pacific
Construction for consideration of a request to substitute required carports
with canopy trees for the property located at the southwest corner of
Desert Club Drive and Calle Barcelon'a.
1 . Commissioner Engle stated he had a potential conflict of interest,
excused himself and left the dais.
2. Chairman Quill asked for the staff report. Associate Planner
Andrew Mogensen presented the information contained in the staff
report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development
Department.
3. Chairman Quill asked if there were any questions of staff.
Commissioner Daniels asked if this type of request had been
approved previously. Staff stated not to their knowledge.
4. There being no further questions of staft Chairman Quill asked if
the applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. Mark
Powell, representing the applicant, stated his purpose for
requesting the removal of the carports and planting of canopy
trees. He showed a picture of the proposed trellis treatment.
5. Commissioner Barrows asked what the trunk size would be. Mr.
Powell stated a 36-inch box size that would have a 12-foot radius
coverage. Staff stated it would take 4-6 years to reach that
growth size. It will start out with a seven foot coverage size.
6. Commissioner Alderson asked if the building was occupied. Mr.
Powell stated they have one signed tenant with a temporary
certificate of occupancy. They have not planted any trees or
constructed the carport till this item was heard before the
Commission. It has taken them several weeks to get to this point.
Mr. Powell stated the trellis and trees would add more to the
architectural design of the building. It is their belief the carports
will detract from the design.
7. Commissioner Barrows suggested adding more trees as the trees
proposed will only cover eight spaces. Mr. Powell stated he would
not object to adding more trees.
Planning Commission Minutes
September 26, 2006
8. Commissioner Alderson stated the original approval called for a
trellis. Is this the original design that was submitted. Mr. Powell
stated yes.
9. Chairman Quill asked if the trellis was required by the Commission
or submitted by the applicant. Staff stated the Commission did
approve the trellis. Chairman Quill asked why the Commission
would have required the carports on this building and not the
adjoining project. Community Development Director Doug Evans
stated staff would need to research the issue as the building is not
finished. The intent of the Code is to have a positive shading
statement. This could be designed to give better shade. We are
not discussing the design, but what the Code requires. If the
Commission wants to find a reason for not requiring the carports,
they will need to state findings in their motion.
10. Commissioner Daniels stated it appears to be a consistent
requirement. Community Development Director Doug Evans stated
it was an interpretation of the applicant as to whether or not it
should be required. Staff is evaluating parking in the Village and
trying to interpret the Code as proposed. It does give the
Commission discretion to not require the carport. Findings could
be made to allow the modification.
11 . There being no further public comment, the public participation
portion of the meeting was Closed and open for Commission
discussion. Commissioner Barrows asked a comparison of
carports and trees. Community Development Director stated
carports are instant shade and trees are subject to growth and
trimming patterns. It is an added value amenity that tenants like.
12. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Alderson/Daniels to
adopt Minute Motion 2006-025, denying Modification by
Application 2006-005, as recommended. Unanimously approved
Commissioner Engle rejoined the Commission.
VIII. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: None.
IX. COMMISSIONER ITEMS:
A. Community Development Director Doug Evans informed the Commission
the Parks and Recreation Master Plan Focus Group scheduled for October
Planning Commission Minutes
September 26, 2006
20, 2006 at 12:00 noon could not be reschedule due to scheduling
conflicts. Commissioner Daniels informed the Commission he would not
be able to attend. Commissioner Barrows stated she had a conflict with
a trail dedication at 11 :30 a.m. Staff would discuss the issue with the
Community Services Commission Director.
B. Assistant City Attorney Michael Houston reminded the Commissioners of
the Ethics training to be held on October 2, 2006 at 6:30. This is a
mandatory training, but the Commission has the option of attending the
in-house training or a self test is available. Other alternative sites are
available, as long as they are not State trainings.
C. Community Development Director Doug Evans informed the Commission
the next Joint City C?uncil/ Planning Commission meeting will be October
24, 2006 and asked for any suggestions for agenda items.
Commissioner Barrows asked for the timing of the water conservation
ordinance. Staff stated they were looking into the CVWD program to see
how the City will proceed.
D. Community Development Director Doug Evans explained that tentative
tract map extensions would be administratively approved unless there
was an appeal.
D. Review of City Council meeting of September 19, 2006.
X. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners
Daniels/Alderson to adjourn this regular meeting of the Planning Commission to a
regular meeting of the Planning Commission to be held on October 10, 2006. This
meeting of the Planning Commission was adjourned at 9:01 p.m. on September 26,
2006.
Respectfully submitted,
a Ye~r;;cretary
uinta, California