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2007 07 10 PC Minutes MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING A regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA July 10, 2007 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 Paul Quill who asked Commissioner Barrows to lead the flag salute. B. Present: Commissioners Ed Alderson, Katie Barrows, Rick Daniels, Jim Engle, and Chairman Paul Quill. C. Staff present: Planning Director Les Johnson, Assistant City Attorney Michael Houston, Principal Engineer Ed Wimmer, Principal Planner Andrew Mogensen, Assistant Planners Jay Wuu and Eric Ceja, and Executive Secretary Betty Sawyer. D. Election of Chair: It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Daniels/Barrows to nominate Ed Alderson as Chair. There being no further nominations, the nominations were closed. Ed Alderson was unanimously elected as Chair. E. Election of Vice Chair: It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Daniels/Alderson to nominate Katie Barrows as Vice Chair. There being no further nominations, the nominations were closed. Katie Barrows was unanimously elected as Vice Chair. II. PUBLIC COMMENT: None. III. CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA: Confirmed. IV. CONSENT ITEMS: A. Chairman Alderson asked if there were any changes to the Minutes of June 26, 2007. There being no changes, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Daniels/Barrows to approve the minutes as submitted. Unanimously approved. o FILENAME \p C:\Documents and Settings\cwalker\Local Settings\Temporary Internet FileSlOLK5B\7~10-07 Mlnutes.dadl Planning Commission Minutes July 10, 2007 V. PUBLIC HEARINGS: A. Environmental Assessment 2007-584, Specific Plan 2007-082, and Site Development Permit 2007-885; a request of La Quinta Country Club for consideration of architectural and landscaping plans for construction of a new clubhouse, cart barn, and maintenance building; the relocation of lighted tennis courts and parking lot, and the redesign of the driving range for the La Quinta Country Club located north of Avenue 50 and east of Eisenhower Drive. 1. Chairman Alderson opened the public hearing and asked for the staff report. Assistant Planner Jay Wuu presented the information contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development Department. 2. Chairman Alderson asked if there were any questions of staff. Commissioner Quill asked about the parking lot lighting. Staff explained the lighting plan. 3. Commissioner Barrows asked if the parking lot would be lit and if the lighting proposed is decorative, and what is the reason for the lighting plan. Staff stated their concern was that there would be some type of effect as the wattage is greater than zero. 4. Commissioner Daniels asked what the distance was from the closest point of the driving range to the street. Staff stated the applicant would provide that information. Commissioner Daniels asked if there was a possibility of moving the driving range further to the north. Second, it appears the tennis courts are located in close proximity to the golf course and players could potentially be hit by balls. Staff clarified the applicant has stated it is back as far as possible. In regard to the tennis courts, the applicant believes the tennis court fences have been proposed to prevent this from happening and staff believes it is adequate. 5. Chairman Alderson stated the building height is above the allowable height. Staff stated it is over the height, but the applicant filed a Specific Plan which, if approved, will allow them to deviate from the Code requirements. 6. Commissioner Quill stated the tennis courts are proposed to be submerged and there will be four and not two courts. In addition, the lights will alsobe installed at the lower level with the tennis C:\Documents and Settings\cwalker\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK5B\7- 10-07 Minutes.doc 2 Planning Commission Minutes July 10, 2007 courts. Staff stated the light sources will rise above the height of the fence, but will be at the lower elevation with the courts. 7. Chairman Alderson asked if the fertilizer storage buildings will create any odors. Staff stated the building will be enclosed and all chemicals contained inside. Chairman Alderson asked if within the circular drive at the entrance, will there be a water feature. Staff stated the plans have it called out as desert landscape. There is no water feature proposed. 8. Commissioner Barrows asked if the lighting would be required under the City's current standards. Staff stated it is optional and the applicant has stated there is a need for it. 9. Commissioner Daniels stated the parking calculations are going from 1/35 to 1/75; is this based upon practice that the City standards are being reduced or has the need decreased. Staff stated the project has a ballroom and other associated uses or activities are not defined in the Code in regard to the number of spaces needed. Staff took a conservative position in determining the number needed. More parking is being provided than previously existed with the larger clubhouse. 10. Commissioner Quill stated the coach lights on the building have a tendency to bleed; is there a way to use this type of fixture and not let it bleed out. Planning Director Les Johnson stated you could put a louvered insert over the bulb to diffuse the light. Another option is to frost the glass. If the Commission is concerned they could be conditioned to do one of the options. 11 . Commissioner Engle stated he sees a shoebox light fixture as well as the coach. 12. Commissioner Quill stated the shoebox will be used at the tennis courts and the coach at the maintenance facility. 13. There being no further questions of staff, Chairman Alderson asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. Heinz Hoffman, representing the La Quinta Country Club, gave a presentation on the project. He stated he had no concerns with the conditions as proposed. He introduced Ron Sakahara, architect, Ron Gregory, landscape architect, George Prine, MDS' Consulting, and Ron Kirk, President of the HOA. C:\Documents and Settings\cwatker\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Flles\OLK5B\7-10-07 Minutes.doc 3 Planning Commission Minutes July 10, 2007 14. Commissioner Quill asked about the coach lights. Mr. Sakahara stated they could be completely shielded. The lighting in the parking lot is for security purposes. They do not want the full candle light, but will be using the shielded light source. This will also apply to the tennis court lights. The current parking lot does have lights. 15. Commissioner Barrows asked about decreasing the intensity of the lights. Mr. Sakahara stated they would work with staff to reduce the number and/or intensity. 16. Commissioner Daniels asked if the driving range could be moved further north and whether or not they have concerns regarding balls being hit in this direction. Mr. Hoffman stated they do have a concern and have self imposed a condition on their members that no drivers can be used on the driving range. The tennis courts have been placed near the short game area to help off-set concern about misdirected golf balls. 17. Chairman Alderson asked if they were agreeable with the conditions as submitted tonight. Mr. Hoffman stated they were in agreement. Chairman Alderson stated that with the added berming and fencing at the south end of the driving range, he is comfortable with the design. 18. Commissioner Barrows asked about the west and south elevations of the clubhouse. The windows could be screened for energy efficiency. Mr. Sakahara stated there may be some windows on the south side, but they are administrative offices and those will have shade covers and landscaping. 19. Chairman Alderson asked if there were any comments or questions of the public. There being no further questions and no other public comment, the public hearing was closed and open for Commission discussion. Commissioner Barrows commended the applicant on the project. 20. Commissioner Engle stated he has no objections and supports the project as proposed and conditioned. 21 . Commissioner Daniels stated this has been one of the most prestigious country clubs in the Valley and the last two years have C:\Documents and Settings\cwalker\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK5B\7-10-07 Minutes.doc 4 Planning Commission Minutes July 10, 2007 been difficult on the members to use the temporary clubhouse. He supports the project and believes his concerns are addressed. 22. Commissioner Barrows asked if the ALRC concerns are covered in the conditions and that the parking lot and tennis court lights will be shielded. Staff stated they would be working with the applicant and it is incorporated into the conditions. Commissioner Barrows asked that the west and south elevation windows of the clubhouse be addressed in regard to shading. 23. Chairman Alderson complemented the applicant on the design. He stated he is pleased they did not incorporate a water feature. 24. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Quill/Barrows to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2007-028 recommending adoption of a Mitigated Negative Declaration for Environmental Assessment 2007-082 as recommended. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Barrows, Daniels, Engle, Quill, and Chairman Alderson. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. 25. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Quill/Barrows to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2007-029 recommending approval of Specific Plan 2007-082, as recommended. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Barrows, Daniels, Engle, Quill, and Chairman Alderson. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. 26. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Quill/Daniels to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2007-030 recommending approval of Site Development Permit 2007-885, as recommended and amended: a. Condition added: Parking lot lighting shall be shielded and turned off during non-use of the clubhouse. b. Condition added: The driving range shall be monitored to see if stray golf balls land outside the driving range. c. Delete Condition 6 in its entirety and replace it with the following: "Prior to issuance of any permit(s), the applicant shall acquire or confer easements and other property rights necessary for the construction or proper functioning of the C:\Documents and Settings\cwalker\Local Settings\Temporary Internet FileSlOLK5B\7-1 0-07 Minutes.doc 5 Planning Commission Minutes July 10, 2007 proposed development. Conferred right shall include irrevocable offers to dedicate or grant access easement to the City for emergency service and for maintenance, construction and reconstruction of essential improvements. Said conferred rights shall also include grant of access easement to the City of La Quinta for the purpose of graffiti removal by the City staff or assigned agent in perpetuity and agreement to the method to remove graffiti and to paint over to best match existing. The applicant shall establish the aforementioned requirements in the 'La Quinta Country Club, Rules and Regulations' as approved by the City Engineer. " d. Delete Condition 7 in its entirety. e. Delete Condition 1 0.A.1) in its entirety and replace it with the following: "Private Entry Drive measured at gutter flow line to gutter flow line shall be 28 feet with on-street parking is prohibited, and provided there is adequate off- street parking for residents and visitors, and the applicant establishes provisions for ongoing enforcement of the parking restriction in the 'La Quinta Country Club, Rules and Regulations'. The 'La Quinta Country Club, Rules and Regulations' shall be reviewed by the Engineering Department prior to recordation." f. Delete Condition 16 in its entirety and replace it with the following: "The applicant shall design street pavement sections using CalTrans' design procedure for 20-year life pavement, and the site-specific data for soil strength and anticipated traffic loading (including construction traffic). Minimum structural sections shall be as follows: Residential 3.0" a.c./4.5" c.a.b. Primar'" Arterial 4 .!i" a.s./€i.O" c.a.b." g. Delete Condition 22.D. in its entirety and replace it with the following: "D. On-Site Commercial Precise Grading 1" = 20' Horizontal The Off Site street im!'lre'/ement I3laRs shall have separate !'llan si'loet(s) (elravm at 20 seale) that shew ti'le meaRelerinll siele'Nall(, mouRelin!l, aRel bermiR!l desillR in the sembiReel park....'ay ami laRelsca!'le setbacl( area." C:\Documents and Settlngs\cwalker\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK5B\7-10-07 Minutes.doc 6 Planning Commission Minutes July 10, 2007 h. Delete Condition 31 in its entirety and replace it with the following: "Building pad elevations on the rough grading plan submitted for City Engineer's approval shall conform with pad elevations shown on the Site Development Permit site plan, unless the pad elevations have other requirements imposed elsewhere in these Conditions of Approval. Where compliance within the above stated limits is impractical, the City may consider alternatives that are shown to minimize safety concerns, maintenance difficulties and neighboring-owner dissatisfaction with the grade differential." i. Delete Condition 34 in its entirety. J. Delete Condition 48 in its entirety and replace it with the following: "The City will conduct final inspection of habitable buildings only when the buildings have improved street and (if required) sidewalk access to publicly- maintained streets. The improvements shall include required traffic control devices, pavement markings and street name signs." ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Barrows, Daniels, Engle Quill and Chairman Alderson. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. B. Site Development Permit 2007-891 and Sign Application 2007-1150; a request of Stamko Development Co., for consideration of development plans for a :t 105,300 square foot commercial retail building (JC Penney), landscaping, parking lot, and Sign Program for the Centre at La Quinta, located south of Auto Centre Drive, east of Adams Street, and west of La Quinta Drive. 1. Commissioners Daniels, Barrows and Chairman Alderson disclosed they had met individually with the applicant in regard to the project. 2. Chairman Alderson opened the public hearing and asked that the Site Development Permit and Sign Application be heard at the same time. He asked for the staff report. Principal Planner Andrew Mogensen presented the information contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community C:\Documents and Settings\cwalker\Local Settlngs\Temporary Internet Files-OLK5B\7-1 0-07 Minutes.doc 7 Planning Commission Minutes July 10, 2007 Development Department. Staff reviewed the proposed condition changes. 3. Chairman Alderson asked if there were any questions of staff. Commissioner Daniels asked the purpose of the turquoise pad. Staff stated it was a future building pad. 4. Commissioner Engle asked if the concerns raised in the e-mail correspondence received were addressed. Staff stated the issues were addressed through the previously approved Specific Plan. 5. Chairman Alderson asked if the proposed pedestrian crossing recommended by staff on Adams Street went through the retention basin. Staff stated it is intended to go around the retention basin. Chairman Alderson asked if the south elevation of the Penney's building had a band of colored masonry material where the future adjacent building will be built. Staff stated they were requesting the additional detail because all elevations would be visible for some time. 6. Planning Director Les Johnson reviewed the changes to the conditions that were made since the final report was given to the Commission. He further stated the environmental review is consistent with the development scenarios identified in the Specific Plan. That is why staff has deemed the project to be consistent with the previously approved Environmental Assessment. 7. Assistant Planner Eric Ceja presented the information contained in the staff report regarding the Sign Program; a copy of which is on file in the Community Development Department. Planning Director Les Johnson informed the Commission that staff's presentation and recommendation is based on the revised elevations that the applicant will be presenting to the Commission. 8. Chairman Alderson asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. Ms. Chris Clarke, representing Stamko Development Co., introduced her staff and gave a presentation on the project. Mr. Richard Clark, construction Manager for JC Penney and Mark Levin, Luden Architects, representing JC Penney, gave a presentation on the new elevations. C:\Documents and Settings\cwalker\Local Settlngs\Temporary Internet FileSlOLK5B\7-1 0-07 Minutes.doc 8 Planning Commission Minutes July 10, 2007 9. Commissioner Quill asked if the details noted on the rear elevation were lights. Mr. Levin stated they are security lights placed over the rear doors. They were added to this elevation. Commissioner Quill asked the location of the loading dock. Mr. Levin stated it is on the west elevation. Commissioner Quill asked the distance from the south property line and the rear elevation. Ms. Clarke stated there was a ten foot landscaping setback from the wall and an additional 60 foot fire lane to the rear of the building. Commissioner Quill stated the new elevation colors appear to be significantly different. Ms. Clarke stated it was a glitch with the copying process. They are not proposing to change any of the colors. 10. Chairman Alderson asked the total setback from the south property line. Ms. Clarke stated 70 feet. 11 . Commissioner Engle asked why not use a more contrasting color such as a bronze or brown. Mr. Levin stated it was a decision based on the contrasting materials and colors. They believe the contrast is enough between the textures. As far as a more drastic contrast, they wanted more contrast with textures rather than with colors. 12. Commissioner Daniels noted the e-mail comments that had been received in regard to the architecture being out of place with the existing architecture in the area. Ms. Clarke stated the Specific Plan has a much more modern architecture. The Sam's Club building was added to the Specific Plan at a later date. The Wal- Mart building and the accessory buildings all have modern steel and slate accents. The features on this building were to incorporate the Specific Plan theme into the design. This is the first JC Penney "green" building that will be LEED certified. Commissioner Daniels asked how "wedded" Penney's was to the red color. Ms. Clarke stated it is their corporate color/logo. Mr. Richard Clark stated the color comes out with the construction of the block building. The red box is their logo/brand. They are going to a more modern look with the use of the glass. Penney is also looking to be more energy efficient and has received awards for their energy conservation measures. 13. Commissioner Daniels asked about the access off of Adams Street and the added traffic concerns raised by the Lake La Quinta residents. Ms. Clarke stated she had met with the HOA C:\Documents and Settings\cwalker\Local Settlngs\Temporary Internet Files..OLK5B\7- 10-07 Minutes.doc 9 Planning Commission Minutes July 10, 2007 on June 27th and concerns were raised about the traffic that will be generated. This access was approved under one of the scenarios identified in a Specific Plan Amendment. The location of the access was dictated by the City. Commissioner Daniels asked about the deletion of the round-a-bout. Ms. Clarke stated that is a request of the Washington Square owner and to take it out would require a major change to the Specific Plan. Planning Director Les Johnson explained that with the approval of this project the parking stalls on one quarter of the round-a-bout would be eliminated. Staff will address the other parking stalls when future entitlements occur 14. Chairman Alderson stated the round-a-bout is a beautiful landscape screen but it could be a traffic concern with the cars parked in this area. Ms. Clarke stated the concern is the parking stalls where the cars have to back out into moving traffic. The parking stalls will be eliminated in the near future. 1 5. Chairman Alderson stated the large red sign is a gross violation of the City's Sign Ordinance. Planning Director Les Johnson stated that through the Sign Program process, the applicant can request a deviation from the Sign Ordinance. That is the request being presented to the Commission. Staff has prepared information as a comparative to the other signs that have been approved along Highway 111. Ms. Clarke stated that if you review the sign applications that have been approved for the businesses along Highway 111, you will see that they are not asking for much more than what is approved. Their application is for the JC Penney building only. The letters proposed by Penney's are six feet (293 square feet) for the north elevation and five feet in height (179 square feet) for the west elevation. She also did a comparison of what was applied for by the other businesses. In all instances the sign applications were for the sign letters only. She went on to review the different signs. Chairman Alderson asked about eliminating the sign on the west elevation. Ms. Clarke stated they have already eliminated the signs on the east and south elevations; anything further would be up to JC Penney. 16. Commissioner Quill asked if JC Penney will own the store. Ms. Clarke stated they will own the store and she will have a ground lease for a maximum of 100 years with a minimum of 25 years. Commissioner Quill asked if there was any relationship of this store to the store in Palm Desert. Mr. Clark stated none. Mr. C:\Documents and Settings\cwalker\Local Settlngs\Temporary Internet FlleSlOLK5B\7-1 0-07 Minutes.doc 10 Planning Commission Minutes July 10, 2007 Clark stated they have tried to expand the Palm Desert store and it isn't economically feasible for them to do that; therefore, they looked at where they could build another store and this location was determined to be the best. There is no intent to close the Palm Desert store. Commissioner Quill asked if there was a parapet on the 26 foot elevation. Mr. Levin stated the roof line is about 4-5 feet below. There is a parapet. 17. Commissioner Quill stated typically the retention basin and well site are deeded to the City. Ms. Clarke stated the well site was deeded in 1999 to CVWD. CVWD has not given her any intention that they will be building the well site at this time. It will be a requirement for the buildout of this site. Commissioner Quill asked if she would have any objection to a condition being added to require the walls to be constructed for the well site before a Certificate of Occupancy is issued for the Penney's building. The City does not want that site bare until CVWD builds the well site. Mr. Dale Ross, Stantec Engineering, stated CVWD as a normal procedure, will require improvement of the well site which includes the walls. When they condition that, they will build it. Commissioner Quill asked if they had any objection to doing this upon the completion of the JC Penney building. Also, the retention basin services water off of Adams Street and it does not appear to be landscaped. Ms. Clarke stated the landscaping does not go into the basin but will come up the sides. It is beyond the 20-foot setback. Commissioner Quill stated he just wants assurance that it will be landscaped. Ms. Clarke stated it will be landscaped on all sides. Mr. Chuck Shepardson, landscape architect, stated it is their intention to see that any part of the retention basin that does not show landscaping will be landscaped. The west side is currently landscaped and the remainder will be done as this building is built. Commissioner Quill asked for assurance that when the building is complete the existing landscaping along Adams Street will be cleaned up. Ms. Clarke stated the Auto Center controls this landscaping, but when she builds this building she will regain control of this landscaping and it will be maintained. As far as the well site, she is currently in negotiations with CVWD to take the well site back. This has not been finalized, but she would not want to be conditioned to build a wall for a well that may not be built. Commissioner Quill stated he would then like to see it landscaped as part of the entire site. Ms. Clarke stated it would be required to be approved by the Planning Director. C:\Documents and Settmgs\cwalker\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Flles..OLK5B\7-1 0-07 Minutes.doc 1l Planning Commission Minutes July 10, 2007 18. Commissioner Quill stated the proposed parking is more than what is required and staff is requesting it be downsized and the landscaping increased. What he would like to see is a berm along Adams Street where the parking spaces face Adams Street. Ms. Clarke stated they do have to meet the City requirements as well as their user's requirements. She would like to suggest that this area be set aside as employee parking. Commissioner Quill stated the concern is not only the headlights but the scenic corridor and a berm with landscaping would help to hide the view of the cars into the parking lot. Ms. Clarke reminded the Commission that the pad to the north of this site is approved for an auto mall which will be more intensely lighted. 19. Chairman Alderson asked if the retaining wall was going to be constructed. Ms. Clarke stated not exactly as they still need to determine how this could be done. 20. Commissioner Quill asked if the new technology for underground retention basins will be used. Principal Engineer Ed Wimmer stated it should work. 21. Commissioner Barrows commended the applicant on being a LEED building and would like to see it advertised more. She asked what architectural features emphasize the LEED standards. Mr. Levin stated aesthetically there will be no mechanism you can point to and say it is LEED certified, it will be included in the functions of the building. Commissioner Barrows asked if the building could be plumbed to be solar in the future. Mr. Clark stated they are always looking to see how they can improve their building, but as a company policy, it is not being considered currently. 22. There being no further questions of the applicant, Chairman Alderson asked if there was anyone else that would like to address the Commission. Ms. Betty Frith, 47-760 Via Montana, Lake La Quinta HOA, stated staff has addressed almost all of their concerns. The only issue left is that they would like to see a berm constructed along Adams Street. She would also like to ask the distance of the left turn lane from the signal at Avenue 47. 23. Mr. Jay Arnoldas, 47-935 Via Opera, stated this architecture does not meet La Quinta's standards. His concern is the traffic pattern for this site. This entrance is going to be a car magnet to C:\Documents and Settings\cwalker\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Flles..OLK5B\7-10-07 Minutes.doc 12 Planning Commission Minutes July 10, 2007 by-pass Highway 111. Left turns out of their gate are going to be made even more difficult. He would like to see the access off of Adams Street eliminated and a requirement for the berm. 24. Mr. Ron Dawson, 79-770 Rancho La Quinta, serves on the Rancho La Quinta HOA, stated there should be a different standard for those who have commercial structures off of Highway 111. Signage should be decreased as it is not on Highway 111. He asked why the loading dock is proposed for the west elevation facing residential. This is true for the sign as well. They both should be put on the east side. The future parcel on the northwest parcel will back up to Adams Street and the rear elevation will be unattractive. 25. Chairman Alderson asked if Ms. Clarke had further conditions to discuss. Ms. Clarke stated she would like to clarify that with the proposed Adams Street access it will not add any more stop signs or signals. She asked about Condition No. 76, the approved pedestrian access. She opposes this access because of the retention basin. To go around the retention basin will cause a pedestrian to enter the deceleration lane. Their ADA study has already been prepared and approved for this site. The path proposed by staff will not comply with the ADA requirements. 26. Mr. Jim Collins, 44-190 Monroe Street, Indio, stated he has done several of the ADA plans for many of the projects in La Quinta. He serves on several State boards for ADA compliance. In regard to the path of travel for the sidewalk recommended by staff, it would create a safety concern as well as being very difficult for a wheelchair to maneuver. You cannot have a cross slope that exceeds 2 percent. What is proposed by staff is not usable by the handicapped. What is proposed by Stantec Consulting is a workable plan and will meet ADA requirements. 27. Commissioner Quill stated he believes that people who live in the apartment complex to the south of this project would rather have a pedestrian access before the street access. Mr. Collins stated this will encourage a mid-block crossing which is extremely dangerous. 28. Chairman Alderson asked if staff could work this out with the applicant. Planning Director Les Johnson stated the intent was never to encourage a mid-block crossing. The intent was to C:\Documents and Settlngs\cwalker\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files-OLK5B\7-1 0-07 Minutes.doc 13 Planning Commission Minutes July 10, 2007 provide a connection into this project without going all the way up to the street access. Ms. Clarke stated she proposed a different access for the Aventine residents but was told by staff that the Sheriff's Department has asked that no access be allowed to the rear of the building. Staff stated the intent of the pedestrian access was not just for the Aventine residents, but for everyone in this area. Ms. Clarke stated she believes an access could be made at the southerly end of La Quinta Drive. 29. Commissioner Barrows stated she would like to see that both options be considered. Staff stated they would like to pursue it first with the Sheriff's Department. 30. Ms. Clarke stated she also had a concern with Condition No. 75, regarding the berms. She would like to recommend they add on to the retention wall up to Lot B and increase the height two to three feet, so that it runs the entire length from the Aventine property line to Lot B. Planning Director Les Johnson stated the condition is written to allow her to do as she is requesting. It lists all the alternatives and would be identified on the landscape plans that will come back to the Architecture and Landscape Review Committee and Planning Director for final approval. Ms. Clarke asked to discuss Condition No. 72, requiring the lights in the parking lot be dimmed or turned off at the close of business. This is a 24-hour center so they do not turn their lights off. Typically this is up to the tenant, and this has not been required on any of their parking lots. 31 . Chairman Alderson asked about the removal of the sign on the west elevation. Since it is going to be behind another building and the well site it potentially will not be seen. Mr. Clark stated they opted to keep this sign because there is no time frame for the development of the future building or well site. To them it is an opportunity for recognition. In addition, the letters will be illuminated. 32. Mr. Steve Holmes, Stantec Consulting, stated the left turn lane will match the left turn at Avenue 47. The island will be modified to continue on. Figure 2.1 on the plans is the preliminary grading and drainage plan which does show the grade elevations. 33. Mr. Rob Dawson, Rancho La Quinta, stated that in regard to the lights, Walgreens was conditioned by the City to reduce their C:\Documents and Settings\cwalker\local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK5B\7-10-07 Mlnutes.doc 14 Planning Commission Minutes July 10, 2007 lights at the close of business. 34. There being no further questions of the applicant and no other public comment, the public hearing was closed and open for Commission discussion. 35. Commissioner Quill asked for verification that Building Area 2 was not being approved at this time. Planning Director Les Johnson stated that is true. Commissioner Quill asked if it will require a specific plan amendment. Staff stated no, it will be a site development permit only. The 100 foot setback requirement in the Specific Plan relates to auto center uses and not retail. Retail must have a substantial setback with no measurement defined. Staff is discussing with the applicant as to what distance "substantial" means. It will be addressed before approval of the future building pads. Commissioner Quill asked if this approval in any way gives approval to the future building pad. Staff stated no; the applicant was requested to remove the word "permissible" from this application as the pads will require their own site development permits. Commissioner Quill stated he does not agree with any changes to Condition Nos. 72, 75, 76 as requested by the applicant. In addition to the west side pedestrian access he would like to have another added on the eastern boundary. The future development vacant sites also need to be landscaped in the interim as well as the well site. All existing landscaped areas shall be cleaned up before a Certificate of Occupancy is issued. He would also like a reduction in the security lighting along the rear of the building. Lastly, they need to do something about the signage. 36. Commissioner Barrows stated she agrees with keeping Condition No. 72 as written and does not agree that the parking lot lighting cannot be decreased after the store closes. She would also like to have language added that the wall will screen the parking lot from view of vehicles driving on Adams Street. She would like to see a condition added that the applicant shall work with staff and to provide an improved pedestrian access on the west and see if there is the potential for an access at the eastern portion of the site. 37. Commissioner Engle stated he has no problem with the two signs as proposed. C:\Documents and Settmgs\cwalker\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files..OLK5B\7-1 0-07 Minutes.doc 15 Planning Commission Minutes July 10, 2007 38. Commissioner Daniels stated the applicant mentioned the proposed Adams Street access has already been approved. Staff stated Specific Plan in Amendment No.4 approved this as well as being identified in the Tentative Parcel Map. Commissioner Daniels stated that if one of the pads becomes a 24-hour business, it will keep all the parking lot lights on. He agrees with removing the small amount of turf at the corner. He also has no problem with the signs as proposed although the west sign should be scaled down. 39. Chairman Alderson stated he has three concerns, one is traffic. This is a shopping, retail shopping corridor. Most of the traffic for this site will come down Highway 111 and not down Adams Street. Second, on the building itself, he would like to see more color variation so it is not so bland. Third, he does believe the sign on the west side could be reduced in size, but he could live with it as proposed. 40. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Quill/Barrows to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2007-031 approving Site Development Permit 2007- 891 as recommended and amended: a. Condition 75: Add "...combination of berm and/or wall..." b. Condition 76: The applicant shall work with staff to provide pedestrian accesses on the west and east". Final design shall be ADA compliant and approved by the Planning Director. c. Condition added: Future Building Pads 1 and 2, shall be temporarily landscaped. d. Condition added: The turf at the northwest corner of La Quinta Drive along the access road shall be removed. e. Condition added: A wall around the well site shall be constructed or the land temporarily landscaped, with CVWD approval. f. Condition added: The applicant shall work with staff to increase the contrast in the colors on the building exterior. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Barrows, Daniels, Engle, Quill and Chairman Alderson. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. 41. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Quill/Daniels to C:\Documents and Settings\cwalker\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK5B\7-10-07 Minutes.doc 16 Planning Commission Minutes July 10, 2007 adopt Minute Motion 2007-010 approving Sign Application 2007- 11 50 as recommended by staff and as amended a. Condition No.1: Deleted. b. Condition No.2: "The east elevation sign shall be eliminated in its entirety." Unanimously approved. BUSINESS ITEMS: A. Sign Application 2007-1135; a request of Coast Signs, Inc. for Pacific Western Bank, for consideration of a Sign Program to serve the Pacific Western Bank building, located at 78-080 Calle Estado, approximately 280 feet from Desert Club Drive. 1. Chairman Alderson 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 Alderson asked if there were any questions of staff. Commissioner Engle asked why staff was recommending the removal of the west sign. Staff stated because it is not seen by any traffic. 3. Commissioner Daniels asked why staff was recommending a ten percent decrease in the sign size. Staff stated to be consistent with the other signs in the City. 4. Chairman Alderson asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. Ms. Roy Courtney, representing Coast Signs, Inc., gave a presentation on the project and requested they be allowed to keep the west facing sign. 5. There being no further questions of the applicant and no other public comment, the public comment portion was closed and open for Commission discussion. 6. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Daniels/Quill to adopt Minute Motion 2007-011 approving Sign Application 2007- 1135 as submitted by the applicant. Unanimously approved. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: None. C:\Documents and Settings\cwalker\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK5B\7-1 0-07 Minutes.doc 17 Planning Commission Minutes July 10, 2007 r I COMMISSIONER ITEMS: A. Staff gave a review of the City Council meeting of July 3, 2007. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Daniels/Barrows to adjourn this regular meeting of the Planning Commission to a regular meeting to be held on July 24, 2007. This regular meeting was adjourned at 10:36 p.m. on July 10, 2007. Respectfully submitted, 'X!~ ~ w ,Executive Secretary a Quinta, California C:\Oocuments and Settings\cwalker\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OlK5B\7-10-07 Minutes.doc 18