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1996 04 09 PC2 r• bOFTN� PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA A Regular Meeting to be Held at the La Quinta City Hall Council Chamber 78-495 Calle Tampico La Quinta, California April 9, 1996 7:00 P.M. **NOTE** ALI. AGENDA ITEMS NOT CONSIDERED BY 11:00 P.M. MAY BE CONTINUED TO THE NEXT COMMISSION MEETING Beginning Resolution 96-011 Beginning Minute Motion 96-014 CALL TO ORDER - FLAG SALUTE - ROLL CALL PUBLIC COMMENT This is the time set aside for public comment on any matter not scheduled for public hearing. Please complete a "Request to Speak" form and limit your comments to three minutes. PUBLIC HEARINGS Item .............. CONTINUED - CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 96-0247 VARIANCE 96-026, AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 96-313 Applicant ....... KSL Recreation Corporation Location ........ West side of Avenida Carranza, south of vacated Calle Tampico Request ......... 1) Certification of the Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impact; 2) Approval to expand the existing La Quints Resort & Club Golf Course Maintenance Facility onto the adjoining lot to the east; and, 3) Approval of a deviation from the development standards of the Special Residential Zone district to allow a six-foot high wall instead of a four -foot high wall along Avenida Carranza Action ........... Continue to April 23, 1996 PC/AGENDA BUSINESS ITEMS •- None CONSENT CALENDAR Approval of the Minutes of the Planning Commission meeting of March 26, 1996. COMMISSIONER ITEMS 1. Discussion of preferred Commission membership of seven or five members 2. Commissioner report of the City Council meeting of April 2, 1996 3. Department update ADJOURNMENT STUDY SESSION Session Room NONE PC/AGENDA PH STAFF REPORT PLANNING COMMISSION DATE: APRIL 9, 1996 (CONTINUED FROM MARCH 26TH) CASE NOS.: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 96-024, VARIANCE 96-026, AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 96-313 REQUESTS: l . CERTIFICATION OF THE MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT; 2. APPROVAL TO EXPAND THE EXISTING LA QUINTA RESORT & CLUB GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCE FACHATY; AND, 3. APPROVAL OF A VARIANCE FROM THE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS OF THE SR (SPECIAL RESIDENTIAL) ZONE DISTRICT TO ALLOW A SIX-FOOT HIGH INSTEAD OF A FOUR -FOOT HIGH WALL ALONG AVENIDA CARRANZA. LOCATION: WEST SIDE OF AVENIDA CARRANZA, SOUTH OF VACATED CALLE TAMPICO (77-550 CALLE TAMPICO) APPLICANT: KSL RECREATION CORPORATION (MR. S. CHEVIS HOSEA, DIRECTOR OF REAL ESTATE) REP: MR. FORREST K. HAAG, ASLA PROPERTY OWNER: KSL LA QUINTA CORPORATION BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW: Project History The existing golf course maintenance facility is at the northern terminus of Avenida Obregon, southerly of vacated Calle Tampico (Attachment 1). On March 19, 1985, the City Council approved the maintenance facility under Plot Plan 84-088. The existing facilities were built in 1986 and include a small shop, parts storage, office, employee lockers and restrooms, and gas storage facilities. Project Request In January and February, 1996, staff received the applicant's request to expand the existing golf course maintenance facility onto the adjoining lot (0.83 acres) to the east that fronts onto Avenida STPT.6a-disk Carranza. The request involves installing new employee parking (i.e., 33 spaces), a six-foot high perimeter wall, street frontage landscaping, outdoor equipment storage, and other improvements noted on the attached exhibit (Attachment 2). Proposed access to the site is from an existing driveway on the cul-de-sac. Public Notice & Initial Hearings This project was advertised in the Desert Sun newspaper on February 20, 1996. All property owners within :500-feet of the subject area were mailed a copy of the public hearing notice. The initial public hearing; was on March 12, 1996, but no action was taken since the applicant is preparing a noise study for the project. The Commission continued the project to the March 26th agenda at the request of the applicant. Staff Comments On March 26, 1996, the Commission continued this project to April 9th at the request of the applicant because staff requested additional information to complete their applications. The required information has not been submitted, but is being prepared according to the applicant. A memorandum from Mr. Forrest K. Haag is attached requesting a continuance to May 28, 1996 (Attachment 3). RECOMMENDATION: Move to continue the public hearing to May 28, 1996. Attachments: 1. Location Map 2. Site Plan (Reduced) 3. A memorandum from Mr. Forrest K. Haag, ASLA Prepared by: Greg Trousdell, Associate Planner Submitted by: Stan Sawa, Principal Planner STPT.ft-disk Vicinity Map S*ort\h Not to Scale Existing Golf Course Protect Si Existi ng FacilitySite te Si a Calle T Attachment 1 (Vacated) Avenida Montezuma -I O U � �-- ` oo ed b > @ Case: CUP 96-0247 VAR 96-026, EA 96-313 Por. S1/2 Sec. 1, T6S R6E APN: 773-052-024 Community Park i4A orth Not to ,Scale No Attachment 2 Calle Tampico (Vacated) •OYI• An 11 i i _.J 85 �� 1 I I• c y 5 HallOz r �!E3'- FROM : rorre>st#K#HaagASLR# PHONE NO. : 714+7e66943 Rpr. 05 1993 03:57°M pl Memorandum via Fax DATE: April 4, 1996 TO: Ms. Christine de ]arid Mr. Greg Trousdel FROM: Forrest K. HRA9, ASLA Attachment 3 SUBJECT: Application Package -CUP/ Resort Maintenance Expansion Wo to our desire to adequately address the full scope. of the Noise Assessment f'or the Resort Maintenance Expansion, please accept this correspondence as a request to 1,uriher continue the CUP 96-024 and VAR 96-026 and EA96-313 U) the May 28th Planning Commission agenda. Once receiver], l will forward a copy of the draft Noise Assessment for your review. If these dates and times meet with your approval, please copy my office on the c(�rrespalndcnce reyuired to continue the agenda item, t rn;ay be reached at 714 786.8943 for further discussion if necessary. Thant: you. CC; Mr. S. Cfuvik 11080a, Mr. Scull 1kslacia, Mr. Virgil Rnhiiisop ApRt 0 4 1366 Gil( OF u GUINTA 'P"LuNth:Ga DEPARTMENT Forrest K. Haag, ASLA Design & Land Planning 14 Springnere, Irvine, CaDfornia 92714 phlfx (714) 786.8943 CITY OF LA QUINTA PO Box 1504 ° LA QUINTA, CA 92253.619-777-7067 • FAx: 619-777-7155 April 4, 1996 Mr. S. Chevis Hosea Director of Real Estate KSL Recreation Corporation 56-140 PGA Boulevard La Quinta, CA 92253 Project: Conditional Use Permit 96-024 and Variance 96-026 O For your information and records. m Copies as requested (Planning Commission Report for April 9th) O Receipt If you have any questions on the above, please contact me at 619-777-7067. Sincerely, Greg Trousdell Associate Planner GT. Enclosure c: Mr. Scott Dalecio, President and General Manager La Quinta Resort and Club PC) Box 69 La Quinta, CA 92253 Mr. Forrest K. Haag, ASLA Design and Land Planning 34 Springacre Irvine, CA 92714 Formksl CITY OF ILA QUINTA PO Box 1504 v LA QvmrrA, CA 92253.619-777-7067 • Fax: 619-777-7155 April 4, 1996 Mr. S. Chevis Hosea Director of Real Estate KSL Recreation Corporation 56-140 PGA Boulevard La Quinta, CA 92253 Project: Conditional Use Permit 96-024 and Variance 96-026 O For your information and records. xCopies as requested (Planning Commission Report for April 9th). O Receipt If you Dave any questions on the above, please contact me at 619-777-7067. ,_a� -- ner GT. Enclosure c: Mr. Scott Dalecio, President and General Manager La. Quinta Resort and Club PO Box 69 La. Quinta, CA 92253 Mr. Forrest K. Haag, ASI A Design and Land Planning 34 Springacre Irvine, CA 92714 Formksl CITY OF IAA QUINTA PO Box.1504 . LA QuiNT.4, CA 92253.619-777-7067 • FAx: 619-777-7155 April 4, 1996 Mr. S. Chevis Hosea Director of Real Estate KSL Recreation Corporation 56-140 PGA Boulevard La Quinta, CA 92253 Project: Conditional Use Permit 96-024 and. Variance 96-026 O For your information and records. XCopies as requested (Planning Commission Report for April 9th). O Receipt If you have any questions on the above, please contact me at 619-777-7067. S Greg socner GT. Enclosure c: Mr. Scott Dalecio, President and General Manager La Quinta Resort and Club PO Box 69 La Quinta, CA 92253 Mr. Forrest K. Haag, ASLA Design and Land Planning 34 Springacre Irvine, CA 92714 Formksl EMERGENCY AGENDA ITEM PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT DATE: APRIL 9, 1996 CASE: SPECIAL ADVERTISING DEVICE 96-095 REQUEST: APPROVAL OF A 32-FOOT HIGH COLD AIR BALLOON FOR A ONE -DAY OUTOOR EVENT IN THE ONE ELEVEN - LA QL INTA SHOPPING CENTER PARKING LOT LOCATION: PARKING LOT OF THE ONE ELEVEN -LA QUINTA SHOPPING CENTER (LE., WEST OF WAL-MART) ON HIGHWAY III APPLICANT: MS. LEANNA HOFMANN, PROMOTIONS DIRECTOR OF KLCX FM RADIO STATION BACKGROUND: New Application On April 8, 1996, an application was received from Ms. Leanna Hofmann, Promotions Director with the KLCX Radio Station, requesting permission to install a 32-foot high cold air balloon in the parking lot of the One Eleven -La Quinta Shopping Center (Attachments 1 and 2). The balloon will be located 300-feet north of Highway 111 and west of the existing Wal-Mart store. The applicant would like to use the balloon for a three hour period (11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.) during their "family fair" on April 13th. Ms. Hofmann estimates approximately 200-300 people will attend this promotional function. The applicant has also applied for approval of the outdoor event permit under Minor Temporary Outdoor Event 96-117 requiring the Director's approval. Staff is presently working on the Conditions of Approval for the event. Commission approval is required for the KLCX balloon. Municipal Code Provisions The Commission shall review all special advertising requests pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 5.64 of the Municipal Code. The existing Code allows the Planning Commission to approve temporary advertising devices other ,than customary permanent identification signs. This includes banners greater in size than 2-feet by 8-feet and other types of special advertising. Section 5.64.020 provides, in part, that permits may be issued for special purposes, such as grand openings and other special occasions, but not on a continuing basis for permanent advertising or identification purposes. Each permit shall be issued for a specific period of time. PCGT.117-p Staff Comments This cold air balloon was used during the one year anniversary of the La Quinta Village Center on November 11, 1996 (i.e., MTOE 95-107 and SAD 95-086). The placement of the balloon over 300- feet north of Highway 111 will not create any problems for the community because the balloon will be on -site for a limited period reducing the potential to contribute to visual clutter. Staff supports the request provided the recommended Conditions of Approval are imposed. RECOMMENDATION: By Minute Motion 96- , approve Special Advertising Device 96-095 to allow a 32-foot high cold air balloon 300-feet from Highway 111 between the hours of 11:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M., subject to the attached Findings and Conditions of Approval. Attachments: 1. Letter from KLCX 2. Location Map 3. Conditions of Approval Prepared by: GREG TROUSDELL, Associate Planner Submitted by: CHRISTINE Di IORIO, Planning Manager PCGT.117-p II(LCX102.3 FM Classic Rock Attention: Greg Trousdell Associate Planner City of La Quinta From: Leanna Hofmann Promotions Director KLCX Radio Dear Greg s L i UltitJridia {Jc, April 4th,1996 As I mentioned on the phone last we spoke, KLCX is staging a remote broadcast and family fun event at the Wal Mart / Albertson's Center on HWY 111 in La Quinta on Saturday, April 13th from 11am to 2pm. Special events like this one are important to La Quinta business because it draws attention to the shopping/retail opprtunities and it brings folks to the location. This °family fun° event is similar to the one KLCX hosted at the La Quinta Village Center for Ralph's last fall, though it will be a bit smaller in scope. The staging on April 13th includes the KLCX 32ft cold air balloon (tethered and secured in the parking lot), the KLCX 10' X 15' EZ-UP tent, a standard -size children's "bounce house", booths from Center merchants, and a few classic cars on display. KLCX will hold free prize drawings every half-hour 11am- 2pm at our booth. The shopping center is supporting the event by having sales and buying advertising and Albertson's is planning a BBQ for the event, as well. KLCX will set up the staging of all activities on one secured and contained row of parking in the parking lot (that will not interfere with consumers parking needs). We'll have banners and placards around the center as the additional signage, nothing unusual. Enclosed, please find the necessary permit applications. Greg, thank you for your assistance. KLCX endeavors to stage this event in a legal and organized fashion: a WIN -WIN for all parties involved. Leanna 77622 Country Club Drive, Suite K - Palm Desert, CA 92211 . (619) 772-7171 - (619) 772-7177 1/21/1996 13:16 6197777155 CITY OF LA QUINTA PAGE ®6 LA VUP a k 8� 0 0 a0% S I T a J S. F 11%"l t I I T`- Pir *?A W N M ATTACHMENT 3 CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL - RECOMMENDED SAD 96-095 KLCX FM RADIO STATION APRIL 9, 1996 1. The proposed temporary cold air balloon for the Family Fair has been determined to be exempt, Class 4, Section 15304(e), from the provisions of California Environmental Quality Act because it is minor temporary use of the land having negligible or no permanent effects on the environment (i.e., carnivals, etc.). 2. The conditions stated below are deemed necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the community. CONDITIONS: 1. The cold air balloon shall be allowed, April 13, 1996 only, between the hours of 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. pursuant to the information and exhibits on file with the Community Development Department. 2. All requirements of Minor Temporary Outdoor Event Permit 96-117 shall be met including providing liability insurance which will provide insurance coverage for employees and patrons attending the outdoor event. Conap1.328 MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING A regular meeting held at the La Quints City Hall 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA March 26, 1996 CALL TO ORDER 7:00 P.M. A. This meeting of the Planning Commission was called to order at 7:04 P.M. by Chairman Abels who asked Commissioner Newkirk to lead the flag salute. II. ROLL CALL A. Chairman Abels requested the roll call: Present: Commissioners Anderson, Barrows, Butler, Gardner, Newkirk, Tyler, and Chairman Abels. B. Staff present: Community Development Director Jerry Herman, City Attorney Dawn Honeywell, Public Works Director Dave Cosper, Senior Engineer John Freeland, Planning Manager Christine di Iorio, Principal Planner Stan Sawa, Associate Planner Wallace Nesbit, and Executive Secretary Betty Sawyer. III. PUBLIC COMMENT: None IV. WORKSHOP: A. Zoning Code Revision for Incorrporation into Zoning Code Amendment 96-050 - Re- evaluation of Chapter 9 117• Equestrian Overlay Zone. 1. Commissioner Tyler informed the Commission that he had personally visited and spoken with Mr. & Mrs. Kanlian and Mrs. Reese and Mrs. Reeske. Commissioners Gardner, Newkirk, and Barrows stated they had visited with Mr. & Mrs. Kanlian only; Chairman Abels and Commissioner Butler stated they had visited the Reese Ranch; and Chairman Abels stated he had also visited the Kanlian Ranch. 2. Associate Planner Wallace Nesbit presented the information contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development Department. 3. Commissioner Anderson questioned why the time for loudspeaker systems was an hour past the time allowed for lighting. Staff stated both times should be the same and would see to the correction. PC3-26 Planning Commission Meeting March 26, 1996 4. Commissioner Anderson questioned why the manure and bedding could not be spread if they were composted? Staff stated that when manure is spread with the bedding material, the bedding is known as brown waste and manure is green waste, and mixed together they degrade faster. Straw, when mixed with the manure, become easily airborne and can scatter on adjacent properties. Manure not mixed with bedding is more broken down and mixes in the soil. Commissioner Anderson asked if the two materials were composted together were they more of a problem, or was it a greater problem separately. Staff stated that if the manure and bedding were composted together it should be disposed of; only manure could be spread. Staff stated they were trying to address the amount of manure to be retained on site by determining if the land was adequate to retain the amount of nitrates the manure would generate. Instead of detailing the ordinance to address this, staff left it up to the operators of the business. Discussion followed regarding the number of horses that could be accommodated on a parcel of land. 5. Mr. Walter Hansch, Jefferson Street, spoke regarding the amount of manure that could be produced by the number of horses allowed and stated he thought it would be best to remove the manure instead of spreading. 6. Mrs. Sharon Kanlian, 50-400 Jefferson Street, stated she had serious questions about leapfrog zoning and reviewed the approved developments for this area. She felt there should be equal rights and good planning for all property owners in the area. All business must meet the same requirements. She further objected to allowing lights in an arena located so close to her home. Manure on small parcels so close to a domestic well should be removed. All equestrian facilities must have an inner fence to protect their neighbors from liability and this was not addressed in the proposed changes. The notification area should be increased to one quarter of a mile. The Planning Commission needs to provide an area where neighbors can co -exist together. 7. Mr. Sonny Kanlian, 50-400 Jefferson Street, passed out a copy of the Riverside County statements regarding domestic wells conditions and manure buildup. He stated this was not an issue between the Kanlians and Reeses. He checked with the City of Rancho Mirage on their requirements regarding the horse property located on Clancy Lane. He stated his suggestions for an equestrian facility, submitted earlier, would create a workable situation between the two uses. The situation that was created by the City needs to be corrected. The manure management, lights, loud speakers, and installation of an inner fence are a must and he will accept no other requirements. PC3-26 2 Planning; Commission Meeting March 26, 1996 8. Mr. Carl Garczynski, 44-728 Buckingham, Indio, stated he was at the meeting at the request of the Kanlians to act as a facilitator to answer any questions the Commission may have regarding the environmental conditions or air pollutants and inversion effects. 9. Mr. Robert Kuhl, 54-721 Monroe Street, stated his property was annexed to the City of La Quinta with the understanding that an equestrian facility would not be an issue. He stated it has taken years for the horse community to regain what had slowly been eroded away. He had designed his equestrian facility according to the City's regulations. His manure maintenance is to mix the manure with the soil in his arena and spread the excess on the acreage adjoining his property at the request of that property owner. He stated horse manure has no nitrate, no food value, but is an excellent soil nutrient. As a farmer he would be happy to have the manure spread on his soil. Once the manure is spread, there is no fly problem. The setbacks as proposed are not workable on his property. A twenty foot easement around the property would be a complete waste of land and would create a nuisance for everyone. Mr. Kuhl invited the Commission to visit his property before making a decision. 10. Mrs. Wanda Reese, 80-209 Avenue 50, stated she was concerned with the proposed changes regarding the maintenance of manure. The method in which she removes her manure is standard throughout the nation. Manure does mix with the soil to hold the moisture and promote vegetation growth. Manure is not stored on site nor is any manure kept next to anyone's domestic well. She had recently contacted a local farmer who is willing to haul off her manure to use for vegetation purposes. If she is required to haul every particle of manure produced it would be too costly and a hardship to their business. 11. City Attorney Dawn Honeywell clarified that the proposed changes do recommended, on Page 26, Section 9.117.060, that existing uses be grand - fathered. Paragraph "C" of this section would read, "Conditional uses shall be required to obtain a Conditional Use Permit in accordance with Chapter/Section _. All existing uses shall file a site plan of such use with the Community Development Department..... Any expansion or improvements valued at $5,000 facilitating expansion of any existing facility, will require filing of a CUP application." This will establish the extent of the use being grandfathered. The filing of a plan shall be required within 30 days of the effective date of the adopted ordinance. PC3-26 3 Planning Commission Meeting March 26, 1996 12. Commissioner Anderson asked why a CUP would be required for an existing use and what costs were associated with the application. City Attorney Dawn Honeywell clarified the City is not requiring the filing of an application so no costs would be required. The City is only requiring a site plan be placed on file to determine existing uses that are being grandfathered. 13. Chairman Abels asked the City Attorney to describe the purpose of a CUP. City Attorney Dawn Honeywell explained the CUP application, how it would be used, and when it would be required. 14. Chairman Abels reviewed the recommendations as proposed by staff. Commissioner Anderson asked staff to clarify the section on "Definitions" on Page 18, regarding "accessory building"; what would be classified as a structure? Staff clarified a corral was not a structure or building, but a use of the property. 15. Commissioner Anderson questioned Page 20 under Permitted Uses, if an exercise area with a fence around it was a pasture and if so, how do the setbacks on Page 21, Item B.2 apply. Staff clarified that an arena and fence would be accessory uses and setback requirements would not apply. Setbacks are determined by the use. 16. Commissioner Tyler asked staff to clarify language regarding what portion of the property could be used for the keeping of horses. Staff stated the proposed changes follow the original ordinance: one horse per acre and for each additional acre you can have three horses. This is based on gross acreage. 17. Commissioner Butler clarified that the existing conditions will be allowed to continue and only if any new changes are made to the property would they be required to meet the new conditions. Community Development Director Jerry Herman stated that the existing uses are grandfathered, but if the facility were expanded, that portion that is expanded would have to comply with the proposed changes, as any new facility starting up would have to. 18. Commissioner Gardner stated that any changes to an existing facility would require adhering to the new conditions. Staff clarified that any changes beyond $5,000 would require the filing of a CUP. Staff stated this was based on the building valuation. 19. Commissioner Tyler asked if this would require the existing structure to be brought up to meet the new conditions. Discussion followed as to what portion of the facility would have to be brought up to code when the PC3-26 4 Planning Commission Meeting March 26, 1996 improvements exceed $5,000. Staff clarified it would be up to the discretion of the Planning Commission as to what should be brought up to code. City Attorney Dawn Honeywell clarified that the way the ordinance is written, the applicant would have to upgrade the entire facility. 20. Commissioner Gardner stated he thought the $5,000 limit was too low a figure and this could cause a hardship on property owner. City Attorney Dawn Honeywell stated the modifications might not cost much, but the use would be greatly changed. The Planning Commission needs to determine an amount they feel is fair. 21. Commissioner Tyler stated the new requirements should only require those uses proposed to be changed to meet the new conditions, not the existing uses that are not proposed to be changed. Everything else should be grand - fathered in and the $5,000 threshold remain. 22. Commissioner Anderson stated staff has worked very hard to reach a compromise to a conflicting use, and he is uncomfortable getting down to extreme details that could require the installation of a fence to obtain a CUP. 23. Chairman Abels stated he had a problem with Sections "G" and "H" on Page 25. This would limit the activity due to the proposed time restraints. Exceptions should be made and the use should not be limited. 24. Commissioner Barrows stated her concern regarding Item G and asked if there are existing uses where lighting occurs, or will occur with a temporary event. Staff stated it is to address the entire area. Staff is not aware of any activity that is currently regulated by the light control ordinance. There will be residential uses next door to the equestrian uses. 25. Commissioner Anderson stated he did not feel it was unreasonable to have a 9:00 P.M. deadline. Staff stated that with a use permit process, it would allow staff to determine the impact to an area to be more flexible to some of the development standards. At the time the permit is issued, conditions can be added on a case -by -case basis. 26. Commissioner Tyler questioned the temporary event use of a loud speaker as sounds can travel a long distance at night. 27. Commissioner Gardner asked if standards are established for this Equestrian Overlay District, would the Planning Commission have to look at other areas in the City where light and sound are currently involved and equate one PC3-26 5 Planning; Commission Meeting March 26, 1996 against another. If this is allowed in one neighborhood would it not be allowed in another? City Attorney Dawn Honeywell stated the purpose of an overlay zone is to have standards that are unique to a specific area. 28. Chairman Abels directed staff to make the changes as discussed and bring them back to the Commission on April 23rd for review of the entire Zoning Ordinance. 29. Commissioner Anderson stated in the interim he would like to visit other horse facilities in the City. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio stated staff would continue to work on the Ordinance and Commissioners who so chose to, could visit other sites and discuss it again at the April 23rd public hearing. 30. Commissioner Barrows stated the proposed changes would apply to any parcel located within the Equestrian Overlay Zone. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio stated it would apply to any property that the regulations currently apply to. 31. Chairman Abels clarified that staff was to proceed with the changes and bring them back on April 23rd for the public hearing. V. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Continued Conditional Use Permit 96-024 Variance 96-024 and Environmental Assessment 96-313; a request of KSL Recreation Corporation, Inc. for certification of the Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impact; approval to expand the existing La Quinta Resort & Club Golf Course Maintenance Facility onto the adjoining lot to the east; and approval of a variance from the development standards of the Special Residential Zone District to allow a six-foot high wall instead of a four -foot high wall along Avenida Carranza. Commissioners Anderson and Gardner withdrew due to a possible conflict of interest. 1. Chairman Abels stated the applicant requested a continuance of this item to the Planning Commission meeting of April 9, 1996. 2. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Barrows/Tyler to continue the item to April 9, 1996. Unanimously approved. Commissioners Anderson and Gardner rejoined the meeting. PC3-26 6 Planning; Commission Meeting March 26, 1996 VI. BUSINESS ITEMS A. Cove Area Urban Forestation Project No. 95-10; a request of the City for approval of a conceptual reforestation design plan adjacent to the Bear Creek Bike Path. 1. Senior Engineer John Freeland presented the information contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development Department. He presented additional visual aids provided by the Arts Foundation showing the art project to be incorporated into the Bike Path. He went on to describe the entire path regarding the plants to be used. 2. Commissioner Barrows stated that if the intent was to highlight the native cultural, the project should use native local species. 3. Commissioner Barrows discussed with staff the proposed trees and asked if this was the correct list of trees for this zone or period in time. Mr. Ray Lopez clarified this was a plant list that would become a working drawing and went on to explain how the plant list was developed. The Plan for the Bike Path consisted of incorporating proposed plant material with the existing vegetation. 4. Commissioner Butler asked if there had been any provision for the maintenance of the landscaping. Senior Engineer John Freeland stated the maintenance would be addressed by the Lighting and Landscaping District plans. Public Works Director Dave Cosper stated that when the Lighting and Landscaping District was approved, the dollars were budgeted for the maintenance at that time. 5. Commissioner Tyler asked if additional dollars would be needed. Public Works Director Dave Cosper stated the design was created to be simple to keep maintenance costs at a minimum. 6. Commissioner Butler stated he thought he had seen a memorandum stating the homeowners would be watering the trees. Senior Engineer John Freeland stated that as a part of the tree reforestation program, if a tree were to be planted in front of someone's house they would be responsible for watering it. These trees however, are not a part of the Bike Path design. They are to be planted throughout the cove. 7. Commissioner Butler asked if a safety problem existed without lighting the path and would this cause additional costs due to the park concept. Public Works Director Dave Cosper clarified that the overall scheme was to enhance a facility that is already there. Commissioner Butler stated that by enhancing this the City would be bring more people thereby increasing the City's 110-26 7 Planning; Commission Meeting March 26, 1996 responsibility. Public Works Director Dave Cosper stated that hopefully, more people would use the trail. It is currently open and staff did not believe the planting of the trees would create any more of a liability problem. 8. Commissioner Tyler questioned who the work would be performed by. Senior Engineer John Freeland stated the Grant would pay for the irrigation system and installation. The City would go out to bid to have it installed by a licensed contractor. Commissioner Tyler asked if the water feature was being approved by the Planning Commission. Staff stated they were asking the Planning Commission to approve the entire design. Commissioner Tyler stated that if the water feature was included he would not be in favor of it as he was concerned about the danger of attracting wild animals to an urbanized area. 9. Commissioner Gardner commended staff on the obtaining the Grant. Public Works Director Dave Cosper clarified the process was started by the previous Parks and Recreation Director Clint Bohlen. Upon his leaving Senior Engineer John Freeland assumed the responsibility. Commissioner Gardner asked staff to clarify which four trees were required under the Grant. Mr. Ray Lopez noted the trees that had been required. 10. Chairman Abels commended staff on their work on the plan. 11. Commissioner Barrows asked that the plant species used in the upper Zone 1 be native to the area. She stated her concern about the location of the ornamental plants. Senior Engineer John Freeland explained that due to the evolution of time, people went from natural to ornamental and back to the native which is used presently. She stated this is a great theme, but it does not belong in this location. 12. There being no further discussion it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Gardner/Newkirk to adopt Minute Motion 96-010 to recommend approval to the City Council of the Cove Area Urban Forestry Project No. 95-10 as submitted. Approved on a 5-2 vote with Commissioners Barrows and Tyler voting no. B Plot Plan 94-522 - Revised (Bogan Villas); a request of Dan Featheringill, DODCO Construction for an interpretation of Condition #16.5. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio presented the information contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development Department. PC3-26 8 Planning; Commission Meeting March 26, 1996 2. Commissioner Anderson stated he was aware of the problem and he agreed that a landscape hedge would be the only solution. 3. Commissioner Gardner stated he thought the walls could go around the planter areas. Staff went on to explain the site limitations. 4. Mr. Dan Featheringill addressed the Commission regarding the problem and showed a drawing of the site. Commissioner Anderson asked if solid continuous landscaping would be used. Mr. Featheringill stated yes. 5. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Butler/Barrows to adopt Minute Motion 96-011 approving the substitution of a wall with a continuous three foot high hedge along the east property line of the parking lot. Unanimously approved. C. Tentative Tract 25363; a request of Century -Cromwell Homes for approval of five new prototype single family residences. Principal Planner Stan Sawa presented the information contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development Department. Staff pointed out that Condition #9 should be deleted. Staff suggested this be replaced with "the model home complex for this tract shall be on Lots 1, 2, 3, within Tract 26188. No model home complex for this tract located outside of this project shall be used." 2. Commissioner Anderson asked if the exterior materials would remain the same as Tract 26188. Staff stated it would be the same and a sample was on file. In addition, the homes to the north already have the existing colors and materials. 3. Commissioner Tyler asked if this tract falls under the Compatibility Ordinance. Staff stated no as there were no prior homes approved for this tract. 4. Mr. Dennis Cunningham, Century Homes, addressed the Commission regarding a problem they had with Condition #2.b. The trellis units required on the rear of the south and west facing units are costly and they would like to offer it as an option to the buyer. He had spoken with the Building and Safety Department regarding Title 24 requirements. They concurred that the trellis may not be needed to meet Title 24 requirements. PC 3-26 9 Planning Commission Meeting March 26, 1996 5. Commissioner Tyler asked Mr. Cunningham how many people who have purchased homes in this area opt for the bonus room. Mr. Cunningham stated it was about 50% of those purchasing. 6. Commissioner Anderson asked about the floor plan for the 2X Plan; a three bedroom house with optional master bath. He questioned why a home buyer would want the master bath as an option. Mr. Cunningham stated it was a market driven product and the unit was being received well. 7. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio explained that Title 24 homes have adequate shading and would be addressed on all elevations Commissioner Anderson stated that when the trellis was originally required by the Planning Commission, under the requirements of Title 24, you were able to average the units, which meant the trellis helped the lowest insulated units. The new Title 24 would address this problem as each unit would is evaluated in a worst case scenario. What was required before is no longer needed. 8. Commissioner Barrows asked if this was something the property owner would install at a later date. Mr. Cunningham stated this was why they would like to offer it as an option. Their experience showed that where they had installed them they were either being removed or modified by the homeowners to meet their needs. 9. Commissioner Anderson stated the four -foot trellis was to small to be of much use. Commissioner Newkirk agreed. 10. Commissioner Butler asked if the concrete stoop was still being required. Staff stated it was a standard requirement of the UBC under doors. Mr. Cunningham stated that when a pool is installed it is generally removed. 11. Following discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Tyler/Newkirk to adopt Minute Motion 96-012 approving the five prototype single family residences for construction, subject to the conditions with the deletion of Condition #2.b. and the addition of Condition #9: "the model home complex for this tract shall be on Lots 1, 2, 3, within Tract 26188. No model home complex for this tract located outside of this project shall be used." Unanimously approved. D. Sign Application 96-336 and Plot Plan 94-543; a request of Alibaba Farzaneh - Skip Berg, DGI, for approval of a deviation to the sign program for the La Quinta Village Shopping Center to allow wall mounted restaurant signs and approval of a minor amendment regarding the exterior trim color for a free-standing restaurant. PC3-26 10 Planning; Commission Meeting March 26, 1996 Commissioner Anderson withdrew due to a possible conflict of interest. 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. Commissioner Tyler suggested that the logo be eliminated and relocated to the north face for better visibility as well as to mitigate the glare of lighting on the neighboring residents. The applicant's other restaurant in Palm Desert, "Club 74", has no such logo, therefore this is not a corporate logo. 3. Commissioner Butler asked if an exterior illuminated sign on the awning, would create more glare. Staff stated it would not if it were angled down. Discussion followed regarding the lighting source and how the awning was to be illuminated. 4. Mr. Skip Berg, DGI, speaking on behalf of the applicant stated he was unsure as to whether or not you could illuminate the awning externally. This requirement would require hood type lighting and would be unattractive. Regarding the affect on the neighbors, the awning could be opaqued to reduce the glare by only illuminating the letters. He stated that if they were not allowed to internally illuminate the sign, they would rather not light it. Regarding the size reduction for the east and north elevation, they would prefer to keep the size requested. Regarding the logo, he would agree to removing the logo to keep the size of the "Sesame" sign on the east elevation. 5. Commissioner Tyler stated that during the daytime the large sign canister would be seen. Mr. Berg stated this type of sign construction has never been done in the desert and went on to explain the procedure and how the mass would be reduced due to the procedure. He would be using fluorescent light or a grid neon in a bigger mill to be a warmer light enclosed with the power source on the back. 6. Commissioner Gardner asked if the north elevation would be obscured by the pad to be constructed in the future. Staff stated there was no pad at the sign location, but rather a pad is located to the north of the Taqueria restaurant and Video Depot. 7. There being no questions of staff or discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Barrows/Butler to adopt Minute Motion 96-013 approving a deviation to a sign program for the La Quinta Village Shopping Center to allow the restaurant signs and approval of a minor amendment regarding the exterior trim color for a free-standing restaurant with the following conditions: 110-26 11 Planning Commission Meeting March 26, 1996 1. A building permit shall be obtained for the five signs with the following modifications: a. The logo on the east building elevation shall be deleted. b. The brown vinyl awning material shall be opaque. C. The sign on the north side of the building shall be reduced to 22-square feet to match the size of the south side sign. 2. The final plans showing the required changes as well as trim to be painted, shall be reviewed and approved by the Community Development Department. Unanimously approved. Commissioner Anderson rejoined the meeting. VI. CONSENT CALENDAR A. There being no corrections to the Minutes of March 12, 1996, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Gardner/Newkirk to approve the Minutes as submitted Unanimously approved. VII. COMMISSIONER ITEMS A. Commissioners reviewed the Expense Travel Policy with staff and discussed the different sessions each Commissioner had attended at the League of California Cities Conference. B. Staff stated a copy of the Urban Sprawl article had been passed out for the Commissioners information. C. Commissioner Gardner reported on the City Council meeting of March 19, 1996. VIII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Butler/Barrows to adjourn this meeting of the Planning Commission to a regular meeting on April 9, 1996. This meeting of the Planning Commission was adjourned at 9:44 P.M. Unanimously approved. PC3-26 12