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2008 02 26 PC Minutes MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING A regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA February 26, 2008 7:00 P.M. I. CALL TO ORDER A. This meeting of the Planning Commission was called to order at 7:03 p.m. by Chairman Alderson who asked Commissioner Quill to lead the flag salute. B. Present: Commissioners Katie Barrows, Paul Quill, Robert Wilkinson, and Chairman Ed Alderson. Absent: Commissioner Jim Engle. C. Staff present: Planning Director Les Johnson, Assistant City Attorney Michael Houston, Principal Engineer Ed Wimmer, Principal Planner Andy Mogensen, Associate Planner Jay Wuu, Assistant Planner Eric Ceja, Executive Secretary Carolyn Walker. II. PUBLIC COMMENT: None. III. PRESENTATION: None. IV. CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA: Confirmed. V. CONSENT ITEMS: A. The minutes of February 12, 2008 were unavailable for this meeting and will be reviewed at the March 11, 2008 meeting. VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS: A. Site Development Permit 2007-901; a request of Washington 111, Ltd. for consideration of development plans for a parking lot, retaining wall, and landscaping within Washington Park Commercial Center which is bounded by Highway 111, Washington Street, Avenue 47, and Adams Street, within the Washington Park Retail Center. 1. Chairman Alderson opened the public hearing and 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 Planning Department. P:\Reports - PC\2008\3-"-08\CW -pc Minutes 2-26-08.doc Planning Commission Minutes February 26, 2008 2. Chairman Alderson asked where the trees were located as discussed in Condition of Approval No. 51. Principal Planner Mogensen explained where they were and the modifications the applicant had requested. 3. Commissioner Barrows asked if a sidewalk would be occurring along Washington. Principal Planner Mogensen said there is currently a sidewalk on Washington. Commissioner Barrows said she was concerned about walkable opportunities as they are not available in some of the large shopping centers. She added she appreciated the condition of adding a sidewalk. 4. Commissioner Barrows asked about the shade requirements. She was glad the applicant was going to use the Palo Verde tree as they work well for parking lot shading. Principal Planner Mogensen referred to part of the Municipal Code describing the percentage of shading and growth requirements of the parking lot trees. Commissioner Barrows asked if there was a valuation of individual trees. Principal Planner Mogensen said there was a statement put on the plan, by the landscape architect, stating these trees would meet the requirements. 5. Commissioner Barrows asked if the water feature met the new landscaping ordinance requirements including the water source. Principal Planner Mogensen said this feature was proposed before the new ordinance went into effect. He added he did not currently have information on the source of the water but the applicant could answer that question. 6. Commission Quill asked about the sidewalk on La Quinta Centre Drive to gain access to Lowe's or Target. Principal Planner Mogensen said there is no sidewalk currently along the side of Lowe's or Target, but the plans submitted does identify a sidewalk along this portion of the project. 7. Commissioner Quill asked if there was any reasonable access from Avenue 47 into the area for pedestrians. Principal Planner Mogensen said yes there is a sidewalk along Avenue 47. Commissioner Quill asked if there was direct access into any of these structures from either Washington Street or A venue 47. Principal Planner Mogensen replied the plans were not clear and staff would have to evaluate the situation at the plan check level. 2 Planning Commission Minutes February 26, 2008 8. Commissioner Wilkinson asked about the size of the future water feature. On the site plan it showed something significantly smaller than what was shown on the landscape conceptual plan. He wondered what the water feature would look like. Principal Planner Mogensen said the water feature would be brought back through the final landscaping plans and reviewed at that level. It would be brought back to the Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee, but staff did not have an actual set size. Planning Director Les Johnson said all water features had to use a non-potable water source according to the new code and that it was brought before the Commission to provide awareness there would be a water feature incorporated into the project. He said it would probably be similar to the water feature in front of Cosi's Restaurant. The applicant would be able to expand upon this subject. 9. Chairman Alderson complimented Principal Planner Mogensen on alerting the Commission to any concerns that might be brought up and it was appreciated. He asked if the applicant was okay with the changes made. Principal Planner Mogensen said the applicant was present to answer those questions. 10. Chairman Alderson asked if they would be seeing the water feature design. Principal Planner Mogensen explained the Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee would see them, but not the Planning Commission. 11. Chairman Alderson asked about the bike route in the parking lot. Principal Planner Mogensen said the condition was included to allow for the possibility of adding bike racks in the future. 12. Chairman Alderson said the Commission had received a letter from Dick and Bonnie Holt, 47105 Via Antibes. He referred to Condition of Approval No. 54, regarding lighting fixtures, and asked if the Holt's were aware of the change of condition. Principal Planner Mogensen said he did not know if the Holt's were aware of the 18 foot height requirement. Previous phases were conditioned to be 18 feet in height on the perimeter. 13. Chairman Alderson asked about Condition Of Approval No. 26 which references a dustless groundcover. Principal Planner Mogensen said gravel is considered to be a dustless ground cover 3 Planning Commission Minutes February 26, 2008 and would be similar to what was used at the JC Penney's site. Chairman Alderson wanted to be assured there would be dust control in the unpaved area. Principal Planner Mogensen said a larger caliper stone would be used for dust control. 14. There being no further questions of the staff, Chairman Alderson asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. . 15. Applicant's representative, Bill Sanchez, Washington 111, Ltd, 80-618 Declaration Avenue, Indio, gave an explanation of what they were going to be planting to assure the recommended shade requirements. He added they do not have the water feature designed yet, but were hoping to incorporate it into a monument feature. He also addressed the question of the sidewalks and used the report attachments to show where they would be located. He said there is currently no sidewalk access on Avenue 47 and none proposed but they would be working with staff to modify that. They will also be working with staff to provide dust stabilization. 16. Chairman Alderson asked if there are any questions of the applicant. 17. Commissioner Quill asked the applicant if there was a problem with providing access from Avenue 47 and Washington Street. Mr. Sanchez said no. Commission Quill said it would be a problem walking down Avenue 47 without having to use a shortcut from Avenue 47 and Washington Street. Mr. Sanchez said they'd much rather have people use a sidewalk than a shortcut. 18. Commissioner Barrows said it would be conducive to include a sidewalk in that area. Mr. Sanchez said there would be a bus stop in that area and they had planned to provide access. 19. Commissioner Quill commented on the utilization of bike racks in shopping centers. 20. Chairman Alderson asked if the Commission was going to see a grading plan with storm drains. Planning Director Johnson said it would not come back to the Commission but it would go through .the Public Works Department. 21 . There being no further questions of the applicant, Chairman Alderson asked if there was any public comment. 4 Planning Commission Minutes February 26, 2008 22. There being no public comment, the public hearing was closed and the item was opened for Commission discussion. 23. Commissioner Barrows requested the applicant try to be creative with the water feature and encouraged him to eliminate the water feature all together. She added she appreciated the applicant's favorability to add walkability to the project. 24. Commissioner Quill agreed the water feature was for no other use than a monument and agreed it should be eliminated. He described some of the problems involved with the maintenance of a water feature. He agreed with Commission Barrow's suggestion and also in adding a condition for additional sidewalks. 25. Commissioner Wilkinson was concerned about the retaining walls, sidewalks, and the slopes with regard to ADA requirements. Planning Director Johnson clarified the retaining walls were really screening walls and would not be an ADA hinderance. 26. Chairman Alderson asked staff about the retaining wall landscaping and the source of irrigation. Planning Director Johnson said the landscaping was at the back of Lowe's and there was sufficient area to add vines irrigated through a bubbler system. Principal Planner Mogensen said there was existing landscaping.' 27. Chairman Alderson asked if the applicant had access to that water. Planning Director Johnson said it would not be difficult to add. 28. Commissioner Wilkinson asked if this was a screening wall versus a retaining wall. Staff replied it was a retaining wall. 29. Commissioner Barrows asked if the 18 foot height requirement would satisfy the lighting concerns. Principal Planner Mogensen said it would. 30. Chairman Alderson said the lighting seemed to affect houses across Avenue 47 and it appeared there were four or five offending light standards. He asked if these could be hooded. Principal Planner Mogensen said there were two lights currently in place along La Quinta Center Drive (which were circled on the Power Point presentation) that have been reversed to face away from the street. The applicant would do the same to all lights 5 Planning Commission Minutes February 26, 2008 along A venue 47. Planning Director Johnson said there was a photometric plan which would be reviewed by staff and if additional screens, or hoods, were needed staff would work with the applicant. 31 . There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Barrows/Quill to adopt Resolution 2008-008 approving Site Development Permit 2007-901, as recommended and amended: a. Condition added: Water feature be eliminated. b. Condition added: Applicant to provide sidewalk access along Washington Street and Avenue 47 along parking lot. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Barrows, Quill, Wilkinson, and Chairman Alderson. NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Engle. ABSTAIN: None. B. Sign Application 2006-1022, Amendment No.1; a request of Accretive La Quinta Partners, LLC for consideration of a Sign Program Amendment for permanent business identification signage for the La Quinta Medical Center located at 47-647 Caleo Bay Drive, East of Washington Stret, North of Avenue 48, South of Lake La Quinta Drive. 1 . Chairman Alderson opened the public hearing and asked for the staff report. Associate Planner Jay Wuu presented the information contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Planning Department. 2. Chairman Alderson asked if there were questions of staff. 3. Chairman Alderson asked if the sign construction and configuration were within the legal limits and were the same as those currently on the building. Associate Planner Wuu replied yes. Chairman Alderson asked if the applicant was asking for any special consideration. Associate Planner Wuu replied no. 4. There being no further questions of staff, Chairman Alderson asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. 5. Applicant's representative, Chris Bush, 474 South Westbridge Circle, Anaheim, said she was available to answer any questions. 6 Planning Commission Minutes February 26, 2008 6. Chairman Alderson asked if there were any questions of the applicant. 7. There being no questions of the applicant, Chairman Alderson asked if there was any other public comment. 8. There being no public comment, the public hearing was closed and the item was opened for Commission discussion. 9. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Barrows/Quill to adopt Minute Motion 2008-007 approving Sign Application 2006-1022, Amendment No. 1 as recommended. Unanimously approved. VII. BUSINESS ITEMS: A. Modification By Applicant 2008-009; a request of Stamko Development Company for consideration of a request to modify an existing sign program to allow for neon elements to be incorporated into tenant sign design for Parcel 1, Centre at La Quinta, located at the southwest corner of Dune Palms Road and Highway 111 . 1. Chairman Alderson 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 Planning Department. 2. Chairman Alderson asked if there were any questions of staff. 3. There being no questions of staff, Chairman Alderson asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. 4. Mr. Russ Beckner, representing Stamko Development said he did not realize the Sign Program did not allow neon without a certain type of modification. He wanted to let the Commission know Stamko is proud to have this tenant and happy with the sign. 5. Mr. Carl Mc Peters, (potential tenant for Jumpin Juice & Java) 81250 Chiraco Avenue, Indio thanked Stamko Corporation and the Commission for the opportunity to address them. He stated this is a corporate sign. He thought the sign was very attractive 7 Planning Commission Minutes February 26, 2008 and his research showed neon signs were very well accepted. He thanked the staff for their due diligence and said they will comply with the conformity of the sign per the standards of the City's Municipal Code. 6. Chairman Alderson asked if there was any other public comment, there being none, the public hearing was closed and the item was opened for Commission discussion. 7. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Barrows/Quill to adopt Minute Motion 2008-008 accepting the Modification by Applicant 2008-009 as recommended. Unanimously approved. VIII. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: None IX. COMMISSIONER ITEMS: A. Planning Director Les Johnson gave a review of the Council meeting of February 19, 2008. B. Planning Director Les Johnson gave an overview on implementation of the Phase I Golf Plan which had been postponed to the April 15th City Council meeting. C. Chairman Alderson asked what date the Eden Rock hearing was postponed to and was told April 1, 2008. D. Pedestrian Issues: 1. Commissioner Barrows asked about Commission Quill's Comments on the sidewalk/walkability issue and asked if this could be incorporated as a standard condition in future commercial developments; especially along Highway 111. She was interested in what ways the Commission could address this issue. Planning Director Johnson said he appreciated this subject had been brought up on this project. Staff would be looking at this issue in future reviews and a standard would be used if practical. Staff is interested in the City being pedestrian-friendly, and is open to guidance from the Commission, but he asked if at this time the 8 Planning Commission Minutes February 26, 2008 Planning Commission would continue to have trust in the Public Works and Planning Departments to look at these issues. If the Commission wanted to see something more definitive staff would certainly look at that. 2. Commissioner Barrows said she was interested in what other communities had done and wondered if there were standards that could be used. Planning Director Johnson said there are standards but they are more institutional, such as ADA. One of the things they hoped to do with Mr. Sanchez' project was to make it a priority on how to link the.sidewalks to make them more walkable and useable. 3. Commissioner Quill said he had seen various suggestions by urban planners about pedestrian access, even including big box retail centers. He said the Commission tried to force JC Penney, with very little cost, to make the site more accessible to the folks in the nearby apartments, without success. Now the tenants have to walk around to obtain access to the JC Penney site, because the Commission's suggestion was overruled. He said he would like to see a standardized way to handle pedestrian accessibility. Planning Director Johnson said there are some great resources, such as those presented by CVAG about a year and a half ago, with regards to walkability. They actually gave the City a compliment on the elevated crosswalks. Staff is researching ways to encourage walkability, as well as a strategic plan, to encourage walkability in the Village. Staff is going to enhance what we have been encouraging in the past few years and certainly wants to see the opportunity of a more green-friendly community. The City wants to encourage energy savings by encouraging people to walk versus driving in the City. He asked if staff could do some further research and report back, on this discussion Item, in the next 60 or 90 days. 4. Chairman Alderson said there might be a problem with standardizing walkability access due to differences in the project. 5. Commissioner Quill suggested standardizing walkability/ accessibility be added as a requirement for projects on the major thoroughfares as it could affect how the applicants layout their sites. 9 Planning Commission Minutes February 26, 2008 X. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Alderson/Barrows to adjourn this regular meeting of the Planning Commission to a regular meeting to be held on March 11, 2008. This regular meeting was adjourned at 8:03 p.m. on February 26, 2008. ReiectfUIIY submitted, . {Wf/lU IVu;fVv Carolyn yI'lalker, Executive Secretary City of La Quinta, California 10