2009 04 14 PCT
City of La Quinta
y� Planning Commission Agendas are now
available on the City's Web Page
@ www.la-guinta.org
c��t OF Tk�'9
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 14, 2009
7:00 P.M.
**NOTE**
ALL ITEMS NOT CONSIDERED BY 11:00 P.M. WILL BE CONTINUED TO THE NEXT
REGULAR MEETING
Beginning Resolution 2009-013
Beginning Minute Motion 2009-005
I. CALL TO ORDER
A. Pledge of Allegiance
B. Roll Call
II. 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.
III. CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 24, 2009.
V. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
For all Public Hearings on the Agenda, a completed "Request to Speak' form must be
filed with the Executive Secretary prior to the start of the Planning Commission
consideration of that item. The Chairman will invite individuals who have requested the
opportunity to speak, to come forward at the appropriate time.
Any person may submit written comments to the Planning Commission before a public
hearing, may appear and be heard in support of, or in opposition to, the approval of the
project(s) at the time of the hearing. If you challenge any project(s) in court, you may be
limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing or in
written correspondence delivered to the City at, or prior to the public hearing.
A Item .................. CONTINUED SIGN PROGRAM 2006-1078, AMENDMENT
NO. 1
Applicant........... Highland Development Sign Company
Location............ North Side of Highway 111, Approximately 1,000 Feet
East of Dune Palms Road
Request ............. Consideration of a Proposed Sign Program Amendment to
Add an Additional Freestanding Monument Sign for the
Dunes Business Park.
Action ............... Staff is Requesting this be Continued to April 28, 2009.
B. Item .................. SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2008-905 AND
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 2008-112
Applicant........... Leslie Lippich Architect and Associates, Inc. for Yury
Levitan
Location............ East Side of Washington Street, Approximately 780±
Feet North of Fred Waring Drive.
Request ............. Consideration of Architectural and Landscaping Plans for
a 4,924 Square Foot Express (Self -Service) Car Wash.
Action ............... Resolution 2009- , and Resolution 2009-
C. Item .................. SIGN APPLICATION 2003-682, AMENDMENT NO. 1
Applicant........... Washington 111, Ltd. (Ads Design and Signs)
Location............ South of Highway 111 Between Washington Street and
Adams Street
Request ............. Consideration of a Proposed Sign Program Amendment to
Include Revised Monument Signs and Under -Canopy
Blade Signs.
Action ............... Minute Motion 2009-.
D. Item .................. ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 2009-097
Applicant........... City of La Quinta
Location............ City-wide
Request ............. Consideration of the Following Amendments to the La
Quinta Municipal Code: (9.160.60) - to Restrict the
Placement of Permitted Temporary Signs Within the
Public Right -Of -Way, to Reduce the Maximum Time
Period for Signs from Sixty (60) days to Forty -Five (45),
and to Eliminate Sign Size Restrictions for Exempt
Directional and Informational Signs for Public, Quai-
Public, and Non -Profits; and (9.160.020) - to Revise
Table 9-17 to Change Maximum Sign Size and Height
Restrictions for Exempt Signs.
Action ............... Resolution 2009-
VI. BUSINESS ITEM:
VII. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL:
A. Attendance Update
VIII. COMMISSIONER ITEMS:
A. Report on City Council meeting of April 7, 2009, from Chairman
Alderson.
B. Commissioner Barrows scheduled to attend the April 21, 2009, City
Council meeting.
IX. DIRECTOR ITEMS:
X. ADJOURNMENT:
This meeting of the Planning Commission will be adjourned to a Regular Meeting to be
held on April 28, 2009, at 7:00 p.m.
DECLARATION OF POSTING
I, Carolyn Walker, Executive Secretary of the City of La Quinta, do hereby declare that
the foregoing Agenda for the La Quinta Planning Commission meeting of Tuesday, April
14, 2009 was posted on the outside entry to the Council Chamber, 78-495 Calle
Tampico and the bulletin board at the La Quinta Cove Post Office, 51-321 Avenida
Bermudas, on Friday, April 10, 2009.
DATED: April 10, 2009
CAROLYN WALKER, Executive Secretary
City of La Quinta, California
Public Notices
The La Quinta City Council Chamber is handicapped accessible. If special equipment is
needed for the hearing impaired, please call the City Clerk's office at 777-7123, twenty-
four (24) hours in advance of the meeting and accommodations will be made.
If special electronic equipment is needed to make presentations to the Planning
Commission, arrangements should be made in advance by contacting the City Clerk's
office at 777-7123. A one (1) week notice is required.
If background material is to be presented to the Planning Commission during a Planning
Commission meeting, please be advised that eight (8) copies of all documents, exhibits,
etc., must be supplied to the Executive Secretary for distribution. It is requested that this
take place prior to the beginning of the 7:00 p.m. meeting.
MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
A regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall
78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA
March 24, 2009
CALL TO ORDER
7:03 P.M.
A. This meeting of the Planning Commission was called to order at 7:03
p.m. by Chairman Ed Alderson who asked Commissioner Quill to lead
the flag salute.
B. Present: Commissioners Katie Barrows, Paul Quill, Mark Weber, Robert
Wilkinson, and Chairman Ed Alderson.
C. Staff present: Planning Director Les Johnson, Planning Manager David
Sawyer, Assistant City Attorney Michael Houston, Principal Planner
Andrew Mogensen, Assistant Planner Eric Ceja, and Executive
Secretary Carolyn Walker.
II. PUBLIC COMMENT:
III. CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA:
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR:
Chairman Alderson asked if there were any changes to the Minutes of the
Regular Planning Commission Meetings of February 24, 2009, and March
10, 2009; as well as the Special Joint Meeting of March 10, 2009 which
included the Planning Commission and the Architecture and Landscaping
Review Committee (ALRC). There being no changes, or corrections, it was
moved and seconded by Commissioners Barrows/Wilkinson to approve the
minutes as submitted. Unanimously approved.
V. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A. Conditional Use Permit 2008-118; a request by Verizon Wireless for
consideration to allow the construction of a 72 foot high
telecommunications monopalm tower and 830 square foot equipment
shelter to be located at 54-001 Madison Street at Riverside County
Fire Station No. 70.
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Chairman Alderson opened the public hearing and asked for the staff
report.
Assistant Planner Eric Ceja presented the staff report, a copy of which
is on file in the Planning Department.
Chairman Alderson asked if there were any comments from the
Commissioners.
There being none, Chairman Alderson then asked if there were any
questions of staff.
The Commissioners asked for clarification of the service area chart as
shown on the overhead screen. Staff explained what each of the
color codes represented.
Commissioner Quill asked about the possible sharing of poles. Staff
explained the provisions of shared -use on towers and the difficulty of
screening additional antennas with this type of tower design.
There being no further questions of the staff, Chairman Alderson
asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission.
Mr. Robert McCormick, representative for Verizon Wireless, 27 Via
Granada, Rolling Hills, California 90274, introduced himself and said
he was available to answer questions.
Chairman Alderson asked if he was comfortable with all the conditions
in the staff report, including the height limitation. Mr. McCormick said
he was. He then explained the design and operation of the monopalm,
and the height needs. He did say they would prefer to have the full
height of 72 feet, not the 55 feet as conditioned in the staff report.
Commissioner Wilkinson asked about the existing tower of 62 feet
and the reduction of the proposed tower to 55 feet. He asked for
clarification on the height deviation. Mr. McCormick explained the
need for a separation of height between the two towers.
Commissioner Wilkinson asked about the "after" picture shown on the
overhead screen, which included a white circled area. Mr. McCormick
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explained that area was
located. He then went
shown in the green area.
just to show where the towers would be
over the whole map including the results
Commissioner Quill asked if the client was doing a ground lease from
the County or the City. Mr. McCormick said it was from the City.
Chairman Alderson asked about the location on Spanish Bay. Mr.
McCormick stated their initial objective of coverage and explained why
they chose that particular area.
Commissioner Weber asked where the Verizon towers were located on
the map. Mr. McCormick pointed them out to the Commissioners.
Commissioner Weber asked if additional towers would be needed at a
future date. Mr. McCormick said they would and explained where
they would be needed.
Commissioner Weber asked about the other tower on the property and
if it was approximately the same height as this tower. Staff gave an
explanation of the other tower and its height.
Commissioner Weber said he went to the site and commented that
this tower would blend in well. He asked if the applicant was happy
with the height: Mr. McCormick said he accepts the conditioned
height but would prefer the height they initially requested and
explained how the tower worked. He also commented on the care
and concern of the nearby landscaping.
Commissioner Weber asked if the height restriction was included so
the project would be in compliance with the City's Municipal Code.
Staff explained the Code, as well as the co -location provision, and said
it was to reduce the overall impact of the towers on the surrounding
neighborhood views.
Commissioner Weber said there was obviously a concern if coverage
was degraded significantly.
There being no further questions, or public comment, Chairman
Alderson closed the public participation portion of the meeting and
opened the matter for Commission discussion.
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There was no further discussion and it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Quill/Wilkinson to approve Resolution 2009-010
recommending approval of Conditional Use Permit 2008-118 as
conditioned. Unanimously approved.
B. Sian Program 2009-1356; a request by Eisenhower Medical Center for
consideration of a proposed Sign Program for Eisenhower Medical
Center Identification and Monument Signage at the Centre Pointe
Development located at the southeast corner of Seeley Drive and
Washington Street.
Chairman Alderson opened the public hearing and asked for the staff
report.
Assistant Planner Eric Ceja presented the staff report, a copy of which
is on file in the Planning Department.
Chairman Alderson asked if there were any questions of staff.
Commissioner Quill asked about visual impact, of the north facing
sign, on the adjacent residential area. Staff said the sign was south of
Seeley and referenced item number 3 on the map provided. Staff said
the sign actually faced northeast and would not be visible to homes
just to the east. Staff said there is some space between the building
and the existing neighborhood and it is anticipated there will be
additional development in between thus lessening the visual impact.
Commissioner Quill asked if nearby neighbors had received public
hearing notices, and were there any responses. Staff said they did
and staff received one phone call but it was of an inquiry -only nature.
Commissioner Weber asked about page three of the staff report and
the nearby Reunion Neighborhood. Staff said the Tract Map referred
to the neighborhood as the Reunion Neighborhood but it was actually
the Desert Pride development.
Commissioner Weber said the staff recommended the Express Clinic
signs be separated out. He asked if there had ever been similar sign
requests like that and asked for some background on the matter.
Staff said they haven't really seen this applied to very many projects
before but this project deals with medical use and there were
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provisions in the Sign Code that allowed it to be reviewed at staff
level. That was the reason it was not included in the staff report as
part of the overall Sign Program.
Chairman Alderson asked about the square footage of the signs and if
the square footage was within the limits of the City's Code. Staff
explained the Code and their findings that additional sign area was
needed to be architecturally compatible.
There being no further questions of the staff, Chairman Alderson
asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission.
Mr. Jim Cross with Best Signs (representing Eisenhower Medical
Center), 1515 Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, California, introduced
himself and offered to answer any questions.
Commissioner Weber said there was a question about the exact
location of the monument sign on Seeley Drive and asked if Mr. Cross
could clarify this question. Mr. Cross said they wanted to make sure
that the sign coincided with the landscape and was compatible with
the location of Seeley Drive. There is only one entrance into the
property so the sign would be close to the drive in the best visible
area and not obstructed by landscape and does not violate City code.
We know it will be at the entrance but cannot provide an exact site
plan at this time.
Commissioner Weber asked if the applicant was willing to work with
staff on this issue. Mr. Cross said he was.
Mr. Charles Morris, Project Manager for Eisenhower Medical Center,
39-000 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, California, introduced himself
and offered to answer any questions.
Chairman Alderson asked if there was any public comment.
There being no further questions, or public comment, Chairman
Alderson closed the public participation portion of the meeting and
opened the matter for Commission discussion.
Commissioner Wilkinson commented on the two entrances on Seeley;
including the emergency entrance and asked if there was a sign
application for the second entrance. Mr. Cross said that was a fire
road and there would be no sign there. Commissioner Wilkinson
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asked if that was for emergency access only. Mr. Cross said it was
and they did not want to encourage the public's use of that road.
Commissioner Quill complimented the applicant on a very thorough set
of plans with good detail.
Chairman Alderson commented it was a fine looking sign.
There was no further discussion and it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Weber/Barrows to approve Minute Motion 2009-004
approving Sign Program 2009-1356 as conditioned. Unanimously
approved.
C. Sign Program 2006-1078, Amendment No. 1; a request by Highland
Development Sign Company for consideration to add an additional
freestanding monument sign for the Dunes Business Park located on
the north side of Highway 1 1 1, approximately 1,000 feet east of
Dune Palms Road.
Chairman Alderson opened the public hearing and asked for the staff
report.
Planner Manager David Sawyer announced to the Commission that
since the writing of the staff report, a letter was received from one of
the site's property owners, expressing concerns regarding a conflict
with the application and the CC & R's of the Center. Staff presented a
memo referencing the letter and requested the item be continued to
April 14, 2009.
Chairman Alderson asked if the letter -writer, Mr. Lowden, was an
owner or a tenant. Staff said there were five buildings on the site and
he was the owner of the rear building. The letter mentions questions
regarding the number and usage of monument signs in the
development's CC & R's. He then requested an opportunity to work
with staff and the applicant to work out the details.
Chairman Alderson opened the public hearing.
There was no further discussion and it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Barrows/Wilkinson to continue Sign Program 2006-
1078, Amendment No. 1 to the meeting of April 14, 2009.
Unanimously approved.
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D. Zoning Code Amendment 2008-096; a request by staff for
consideration of the following amendments to the La Quinta Municipal
Code:
1.
To update the list of established zones (9.20.010);
2.
to identify the effective date for Low Density Residential
Zoned lots which are permitted a ten foot rear setback
(9.50.030);
3.
to identify the correct Cove Residential minimum dwelling
unit size in Table 9-2 (9.50.030);
4.
to identify provisions for the use of vinyl fencing
materials (9.50.090);
5.
to correct the Guesthouse Provisions in the Residential
Table of Permitted Uses (9.60.100);
6.
to require a Specific Plan in certain Commercial Zoning
Districts for all projects over ten acres in size (9.70.030
& 9.90.040);
7.
to identify Tobacco, Off -Site Care Sales, and Ice Skating
Related Uses in the Non -Residential Table of Permitted
Uses (9.80.040);
8.
to establish Sunset Provisions for inactive and incomplete
applications (9.200.070 & 13.04.080);
9.
to specify criteria for Modification by Application
procedures (9.200.090);
10.
to correct the Mandatory Findings of Approval for
Tentative Tract Maps (13.12.130);
11.
to specify the timing of land dedications and parkland
fees (13.48.080);
12.
to correct and remove Parkland policy references to an
outdated version of the General Plan (13.48.090 and
Appendix to 13.48).
to effect locations City-wide.
Chairman Alderson asked for clarification of the distinction of the two
resolutions requested by the staff report. Staff responded the
resolutions referenced changes under Titles 9 and 13. The resolutions
were to be split accordingly.
With that clarification, Chairman Alderson then opened the public
hearing and asked for the staff report.
Principal Planner Andrew Mogensen presented the staff report, a copy
of which is on file in the Planning Department.
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Chairman Alderson asked if there were any questions of staff.
Commissioner Quill asked about the Parkland Fees issue, as he was
confused about the timing involved. He gave the example of today's
economic timing and how it could be advantageous to a developer. He
said he would like collection to remain at the time of the Tentative
Tract Map.
Commissioner Quill asked how the fees were calculated. Staff further
explained the assessment and timing on the assessments of the
properties.
Commissioner Quill asked if they were based on the Tax Assessor's
rolls. Planning Director Johnson said it was actually done by an
appraisal to assure an accurate representation.
Planning Director Johnson also stated that the City had previously
missed some Quimby Fee collection due to the timing of the
development of land. He added that in the current market, it is to the
advantage of the developer, and is not always to the advantage of the
City. He then explained the valuation would be done just prior to the
Final Map being brought before the City Council. He added, further,
there was a five year statute of limitation on the City being allowed to
use the collected Quimby fees. He also gave examples of fees being
paid and the final map not being recorded and how the City was now
responsible for refunding those fees.
Commissioner Quill commented on these economic times being
problematic and said developers could now max out their extensions
waiting to get the property sold or developed on Tentative Tract
Maps.
Commissioner Wilkinson asked about the scenario of a development
going back to the bank or receivership and asked if there was a point
where the fees were re-evaluated. Planning Director Johnson said
what staff proposed was that the valuation would be based on the
time of the Final Map and prior to City Council approval. The formula
and the amount would have to be approved prior to it being scheduled
for City Council's acceptance of the Final Map. Then what typically
happens is the fee is either paid prior or it is paid right after City
Council approval. There is a 30-day window from City Council
approval to secure all the Subdivision Improvement Agreement Bonds
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and any other extenuating matters would have to be addressed,
including a Quimby Fee payment, before an applicant can record their
map. He said there were a few situations where there was a map still
in the tentative state, which had not been finaled yet and explained
the status of those developments and the advantages/disadvantages
of the change in the Code.
Commissioner Wilkinson asked about the change in valuation on those
examples. Planning Director Johnson explained that staff did not
receive a current valuation as the developers did not do a current
appraisal. The then explained the procedure staff followed to establish
the valuation.
Commissioner Wilkinson asked staff if the Tentative Tract Map were
allowed to expire would the applicant have to come back, re -apply,
and start over with a current valuation. Staff responded if the
Tentative Tract Map expired they would have to start over again.
They would then be subject to requesting a refund of those dollars.
Once they go back to the entitlement stage of the map then the City
would address it accordingly. The key issue is the requested change
is a cleaner way of approaching it and getting a true valuation of the
property.
Commissioner Quill asked about the selection of Code sections for
update and said he was very impressed with staff's thoroughness. He
expressed the fact there had been various problems, in the past,
because of minor changes such as these not being updated.
Staff explained how the list was compiled and said the Zoning Code is
an evolving document. The Commissioners were alerted to the fact
they would be seeing future updates, possibly on an annual basis.
Commissioner Quill asked about the heavy restriction of ice skating
rinks and said they should be allowed in a more zoning areas. Principal
Planner Mogensen said the Table of Permitted Uses only identified the
zones outlined in the staff report. Discussion followed on each of the
zones listed and their uses followed by an explanation of staff's
methodology of how those items were listed on that Table.
Commissioner Quill commented on the current ice skating facility and
how it was adapted for this use. He commented on the possibility of a
large commercial building being vacated and becoming available for
use as an ice skating rink. He commented that would not be an
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obtrusive use and outlined the possible nuisance issues. He added
comments on allowing this use in a Tourist Commercial area and
wanted the allowance of this use to be opened up a bit more.
Chairman Alderson asked if an ice skating rink could, basically, be
placed anywhere if a Change of Zone was requested by the applicant.
Staff responded there was a caveat on districts and the change could
be reviewed by the Planning Director. The appropriate procedure
would be to apply for a Conditional Use Permit. Staff then explained
some of the problems they had experienced with the current ice
skating facility, but said these types of uses are regional draws and
they are open to whatever direction the Planning Commission wanted
to provide.
Commissioner Quill suggested it could be considered under "PR"
Zoning.
Commissioner Barrows had some concerns on the matter of vinyl
fencing and asked if there was any potential for the inclusion of
recycled wood. Staff responded there was specific criteria for the
types of wood which could be used.
Commissioner Quill commented on the possibility of using a product
such as Trex which is a composite wood and plastic product and
Commissioner Barrows stated it could be considered a type of wood.
Staff said it would be interpreted as compatible with vinyl.
Commissioner Barrows said she just wanted to make sure it was not
prohibited.
Chairman Alderson asked if it would be viewed positively. Staff
responded it would not be viewed from the street and would probably
be viewed positively.
Staff responded they could make sure the language would provide for
a product like Trex. Commissioner Barrows commented on the
addition of Trex or recycled wood products.
Staff asked if there was a specific name of that material; instead of a
brand name. Commissioner Quill responded it was a recycled
material.
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Commissioner Wilkinson said staff might want to include the word
reinforced, in reference to the vinyl fencing; as the product might
bend.
Commissioner Barrows said unreinforced vinyl had not been used
successfully around the nature preserve.
Chairman Alderson asked if the Commissioners could add a condition
to this Section. Planning Director Johnson suggested "recycled
products" be incorporated in with the vinyl fencing material. Staff will
take the information and research if further to make whatever changes
are necessary to make it work. Staff suggested the wording should
say "vinyl or similar recycled product."
Commissioner Barrows said yes, that would work.
Commissioner Wilkinson asked what areas the ten foot rear setback
applied to. Staff responded it was Low Density Residential.
Commissioner Wilkinson commented on the City's S.O.B. law and the
Assistant City Attorney Houston responded it was included in order
for the City to be able to regulate it.
There being no further questions of the staff, Chairman Alderson
noted the applicant was the City so there would be no introduction of
the applicant. He then asked if there was anyone from the public
present who wished to make any comments.
There being none, Chairman Alderson closed the public participation
portion of the meeting and opened the matter for Commission
discussion.
There was no further discussion and it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Barrows/Quill to approve Resolution 2009-011
recommending approval of Zoning Code Amendment 2008-096 with
the following additions:
1. Section 9.40.04 of the La Quinta Municipal Code which permits
wood fencing in the rear or interior side yards, and then only if
not visible from the street will be amended to include vinyl or
similar recycled material.
Unanimously approved.
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There was no further discussion and it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Barrows/Weber to approve Resolution 2009-012
recommending approval of Zoning Code Amendment 2008-096 as
submitted. Unanimously approved.
VI. BUSINESS ITEMS: None
VII. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: None
VIII. COMMISSIONER ITEMS:
A. Chairman Alderson reported on the afternoon session of the City
Council meeting of March 17, 2009, including the discussion of
SilverRock
Commissioner Wilkinson reported on the evening session, including
details of the Monroe Dates and Mayer Villa Capri projects which were
previously approved by the Planning Commission.
B. Chairman Alderson noted he was scheduled to report back on the April
7, 2009, Council meeting.
D. Commissioner Quill suggested staff check the availability of a ULI
reference book which provides a definition of active adult
communities. He suggested this would be a very helpful book to
staff. Staff said they would look into it.
IX: DIRECTOR ITEMS:
A. Reminder of Planners Institute Conference beginning March 25, 2009.
X. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners
Quill/Barrows to adjourn this regular meeting of the Planning Commission to the
next regular meeting to be held on April 14, 2009. This meeting was adjourned at
8:34 p.m. on March 24, 2009.
Respectfully submitted,
Carolyn Walker, Executive Secretary
City of La Quinta, California
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PH # A
T-vf ot 4v Quha
INTER -OFFICE
MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Chairman and Members of the Planning Commission
FROM: Les Johnson, Planning Direct t�9
DATE: April 14, 2009
SUBJECT: Sign Application 2006-1078 Amendment No. 1
At the last Planning Commission meeting this item was continued to allow time for staff
to meet with the applicant to discuss issues that had been raised by one of the Center's
property owners.
Staff did meet with the applicant but additional time is needed before this item is ready
to return to the Planning Commission.
Staff recommends that the subject item be continued to the April 28, 2009 Planning
Commission meeting.
STAFF REPORT
PLANNING COMMISSION HEARING
DATE: APRIL 14, 2009
CASE NO.: SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2008-905 AND CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT 2008-112
APPLICANT: LESLIE LIPPICH ARCHITECT AND ASSOCIATES (FOR YURY
LEVITAN)
ENGINEER: JHA ENGINEERING
LANDSCAPE
ARCHITECT: PAUL STURWOLD ASSOCIATES, ASLA
LOCATION: EAST SIDE OF WASHINGTON STREET, APPROXIMATELY 780
FEET NORTH OF FRED WARING DRIVE
REQUEST: CONSIDERATION OF ARCHITECTURAL AND LANDSCAPING
PLANS FOR A 4,924 SQUARE FOOT EXPRESS CAR WASH
ENVIRONMENTAL
CONSIDERATION: THE LA QUINTA PLANNING DEPARTMENT HAS DETERMINED
THAT THIS REQUEST IS CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT PURSUANT
TO SECTION 15303 (CLASS 3), OF THE GUIDELINES FOR
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT. THEREFORE, NO FURTHER DOCUMENTATION IS
NECESSARY.
ZONING: COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL (CC)
GENERAL PLAN
DESIGNATION: COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL (CC)
SURROUNDING
ZONING/LAND
USES: NORTH: CC / OFFICE BUILDING
SOUTH: CC / APPROVED SHOPPING CENTER (MAYER VILLA
CAPRI)
EAST: OFFICE COMMERCIAL / MITCHELL PAIGE MIDDLE
SCHOOL
WEST: RESIDENTIAL USES IN PALM DESERT
1
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BACKGROUND
The .98 acre vacant site is located in the north end of the City, on the east side of
Washington Street between Fred Waring Drive and Palm Royale Drive (Attachment 1).
Immediately north of the site is an office building constructed within the last three
years. To the south of the site is the recently approved Mayer Villa Capri shopping
center(Attachment 2). To the east is the Mitchell Paige Middle School. A residential
tract is located to the west across Washington Street in the City of Palm Desert.
The property is mostly vacant, except for some scattered desert shrubs and a tree.
Power poles and overhead lines run adjacent to the Washington Street frontage.
The .98 acre site has 150 feet of frontage along Washington Street and 285 feet of
depth. The existing grade of the site is slightly lower than the office building site to
the north and approximately 8 feet higher than the school site to the east. The vacant
Mayer property to the south varies from approximately 2 to 4 feet lower than the
project site. A 6±foot high chain link fence has been installed by the school adjacent
to the east property line at the top of the slope.
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
A Conditional Use Permit has been filed as the Community Commercial zoning district
requires for such for a car wash. This is to ensure that the location of the car wash is
appropriate and it will not be detrimental to the surrounding uses.
DEVELOPMENT PERMIT
General:
The applicant has submitted site, architectural and landscaping plans for a 4,924
square foot express (self -serve) car wash on the site (Attachment 3). The facility
would consist of the car wash structure and out side vacuum stations.
Though designed to essentially be an automatic car wash, the proposed use will employ
2 to 3 employees at any one time, depending on the time of day and weather. Hours
of operation are proposed to be from 6 am to 10 pm, seven days a week. The
operation has the customer stay in the car while going through the car wash and either
leaves the site after the wash or may self vacuum the car before leaving. The
vacuuming is included in the cost of the car wash.
Site Design:
The car wash building would run along the south side of the site within five feet of the
property line and be set back 73' ± back from the ultimate Washington Street curb with
the car wash entrance at the east end and exit at the west end. The vacuum stations,
as well as employee parking spaces are provided adjacent to the north side of the
building. A 15 foot dedication of land is required adjacent to the existing Washington
2
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Street to widen and improve the street. A minimum 20 foot landscape perimeter is
provided adjacent to Washington Street.
The site plan shows a monument sign location near Washington Street. The details for
this and other on -site signage will be determined when a separate sign program
application is submitted.
Parking lot lighting will be provided but is not specified at this time. Lighting will be
shoe box type with recessed light sources.
Storm water will be retained in an underground retention system proposed underneath a
portion of the parking lot.
Circulation/Parking:
Site access to Washington Street via a 28 foot wide driveway near the north end of the
site. The lane adjacent to the entry will be a continuation of the deceleration for the
Mayer project immediately to the south. Cars entering the site line up in the lanes
along the north property line, pay at the pay station and circle around to the right to the
car wash entry. An escape driveway is provided midway through the pay line before
the pay station should a person wish to exit before paying. The trash enclosure is
located in this area. The operation includes automatic washing and drying of the
vehicle within the tunnel. After exiting the car wash tunnel, customers have the option
of leaving the site or using the vacuums. After vacuuming, the car exits to Washington
Street.
Twenty-four vacuum stations or spaces are provided in the center area of the site.
Two employee parking spaces are provided at the east end of the vacuuming area. This
full fills the parking requirement for car washes of this type. If needed, the vacuum
spaces can be used for short term parking. "No parking" areas are provided at the east
end of the parking lot in case all vacuum station are being used and a car needs to turn
around.
Architecture:
The car wash structure is 34 feet wide and 160 foot long with a southwest type design
except for its curved bronze 16mm polycarbonate twin wall roof. Other materials
include sand finish exterior plaster walls, cultured stone veneer, composite wood
trellises, metal lattice plant panels, wrought iron wall decor over ceramic tile inlay
accents, and decorative wall mounted light fixtures (Attachment 3 — sheet 3). The
building entrance and exit will have aluminum roll -up grills that will be down when the
car wash is closed. Architectural features include curved parapets and windows,
decorative cornices and light fixtures, and the ceramic tile accents previously described.
Plaster colors will be two shades of beige, with the trellises a redwood color and the
stone veneer shades of light tan to brown (Attachment 4).
3
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The building is rectangular in shape with three deep popouts on the north side facing
the vacuum area (Attachment 3 — sheet 2). These popouts house a restroom, a small
office, and equipment and storage areas. Between and at the extreme ends of these
popouts, trellises will be provided. Windows into the car wash are shown beneath two
of the trellises. The south side of the building will look similar to the north, with the
exception of the trellises and the fact that the popout areas extend 8" to one foot out.
The height of the building is primarily 22 feet with the exception of the entry and exit
areas which are lower at 17.5' high. The curved bronze colored polycarbonate roof
runs the length of the 160 foot long building. No roof mounted equipment is proposed.
Landscape Design:
The applicant has submitted preliminary -level landscaping plans that identify the various
trees, shrubs and groundcover proposed (Attachment 3 — sheet P1 .0). The tree palette
includes 24" box size Willow and Sweet Acacias, 24" box size Palo Verde's, 24" box
size dwarf Citrus, 36" box size African Sumacs, 15' high California Fan Palms and 36"
box size Mediterranean Fan Palms. Shrubs are desert and other low water use plants in
five and one gallon sizes. Groundcover consists of Lantana, Palm Springs Gold Fines
gravel, 5-6' boulders and rock cubble. Adjacent to the car wash building opening a six
foot high masonry wall is proposed on a portion of the south property line facing the
approved shopping center and on the east property line facing the school yard.
Trees are shown around the perimeter of the site, with a heavy concentration near the
car wash tunnel exit near Washington Street for screening. Bougainvillea vines are
shown on the building wall along the rear (south) side and on some of the trellises.
ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE REVIEW COMMITTEE (ALRC) REVIEW AND
ACTION
The ALRC reviewed this request at their meeting of April 1, 2009. Staff
recommended a number of standard conditions to the ALRC. The ALRC reviewed the
plans and agreed with those staff recommended conditions.
The ALRC discussed the colors used for the exterior of the building and said the colors
could be more dynamic than the standard earth tones proposed. However, the ALRC
did not include a recommendation to change the colors. They also noted that use of
temporary banners should be closely reviewed and regulated. The ALRC did make
recommendations regarding the proposed landscaping plan. Their action recommending
approval of the project included the following additional conditions:
1. Bougainvillea vines shall be provided on all trellises facing the vacuuming area.
2. The two 36" box size Mediterranean Fan Palms shown in the two landscape
fingers immediately north of the car wash building shall be changed to 15' bth
(brown trunk height) Washingtonia Robusta.
4
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It should be noted that just prior to ALRC review the Public Works Department
reviewed the site plan for circulation and function. As a result, the Public Works
Department requested several minor changes to the site plan to ensure that the
operation's vehicular circulation functions as safely and efficiently as possible. This
subsequently required changes to the grading and landscaping plans. Those revisions
were not reflected on the submitted plans reviewed by the ALRC. However, the
changes were of a nature that did not substantially affect the ALRC's review and
recommendations. The landscaping and grading plans have also been revised to reflect
the new site plan. No specific revisions or conditions to the ALRC recommendation are
needed to address the revised plans. The description of the project and exhibits in this
report reflect the revised plans.
PUBLIC NOTICE
This map application was advertised in the Desert Sun newspaper on April 3, 2009.
All property owners within 500 feet of the site were mailed a copy of the public
hearing notice as required by the La Quinta Municipal Code. As of this writing, one e-
mail correspondence regarding this application has been received from Michele Rose, a
resident in the Desert Breezes subdivision located on the west side of Washington
Street across from the project site in the City of Palm Desert. Ms. Rose expressed
concern regarding potential impact from the operational noise generated by the
carwash. A copy of this correspondence in attached as Attachment 5.
PUBLIC AGENCY REVIEW
All written correspondence received are on file with the Planning Department. All
applicable agency comments have been made a part of the recommended Conditions
of Approval for this case.
ANALYSIS
The General Plan land use designation and zoning designation of the project site are
Community Commercial, which permits car washes with approval of a Conditional Use
Permit. In this case the location of the car wash will have minimal impact on the
surrounding uses. Commercial uses to the north and south will be compatible. The
residential uses to the west in Palm Desert are separated by a wide heavily used street
and will therefore, not be impacted. The school play yard located to the east is
approximately eight feet lower which minimizes noise and other impacts. Additionally,
a six foot high masonry wall is proposed in front of the car wash entry opening further
increasing compatibility by buffering the impact of the carwash opening. Therefore,
the use is acceptable in the location proposed.
The height, massing, and scale of the building is appropriate for the location. The
maximum height of 22' complies with the city's image corridor requirement. The
project meets all of the dimensional requirements of Community Commercial zoning
district.
5
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Except for the bronze colored polycarbonate roof, which is an unusual material for
buildings in this area, the proposed southwest architectural style is essentially similar to
many other buildings within the City. With regard to the elongated building, since the
building's long side is orientated away from and set back from Washington Street, the
visibility of the roof as well as the mass of the building is limited from Washington
Street. In regard to a concern expressed by the ALRC about potentially significant heat
gain within the building, since the building is open on both ends and is essentially
unoccupied, excessive heat gain should not be a problem.
The proposed building is provided with four sided architecture minimally providing depth
and architectural detail around the building. Landscaping, especially on the north side
of the building, helps break up the linear appearance of the building. The architecture
of the recently approved Mayer project to the south is desert contemporary with flat
roofs, square corners, numerous pop -outs and recesses along with stone veneer and
metal work accents used to break up the smooth plaster walls. The exterior colors of
the Mayer project include five shades of tan to brown plus a deep green. Its roof
material will include standing seam metal in a clear anodized aluminum color. While not
matching either the Mayer development's design style or that of the Tuscan designed
office building to the north, the general southwest design of the carwash is consistent
with the theme of many developments in the community and could be considered as an
appropriate transitional design between the two adjacent styles. Whether this is
acceptable, or if the architectural design should be adjusted to be more compatible with
the adjacent Mayer development is an issue that the Planning Commission may wish to
discuss. Such discussion could also include whether the impact of the exit opening's
height can and should be reduced in some way, possibly by enclosing the arched
portion of the opening in manner that retains the decorative function of the arch.
The proposed conceptual landscaping plans are a desert -appropriate design and tree
sizes are comparable to other commercial projects. Relatively dense tree planting along
all of the perimeters minimizes visibility of the carwash structure from off -site. To
ensure the proposed trees achieve their intended screening purpose in a timely manner,
staff is recommending each of the trees located in the landscape areas adjacent to
Washington Street have 2" caliper trunks at the time of planting. Furthermore, as
previously noted the 6' high wall adjacent to the car wash tunnel entry minimizes
visibility and noise to the school play ground.
The applicant states that the water used for washing cars is recycled and subsequently
reused. Specifics on how this is done have not been submitted. However, the
applicant states the recycling system clarifier tank is equipped with an oil and sand
separator, as required by the Coachella Valley Water District. Reuse of water is
desirable and included as a condition of approval.
With regard to the concern expressed by Ms. Rose about the operational noise of the
carwash, it is unlikely, particularly during peak traffic hours, that the noise from the
carwash will be significantly greater than that of traffic on Washington Street.
0
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However, based the applicant's requested operating hours, the carwash could be in
operation up until 10:00pm and thus at a time the noise generated by Washington
Street traffic is reduced. To address this issue, staff is recommending an additional six
foot high masonry sound wall be installed in the south landscaping area along the exit
drive from the carwash structure. The exact design, location and length of the wall are
to be worked out with staff and shown on the final landscaping plans.
STATEMENT OF MANDATORY FINDINGS
Findings per Zoning Code Sections 9.210.010 F and 9.210.020 F, respectively,
necessary to approve the Site Development Permit and Conditional Use Permit can be
made and are contained in the attached resolutions.
RECOMMENDATION
1. Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit 2008-112, subject to
Conditions of Approval.
2. Adopt a resolution approving Site Development Permit 2008-905, subject to
Conditions of Approval.
Attachments:
1. Location Map
2. Composite aerial map showing project site and Mayer commercial complex
3. Development Plans
4. Color and Material Samples
5. E-mail received
Prepared by:
Stan Sawa
Principal Planner
7
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PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION 2009-
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AN
EXPRESS CAR WASH USE IN THE COMMUNITY
COMMERCIAL ZONE LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF
WASHINGTON STREET APPROXIMATELY 780 FEET
NORTH OF FRED WARING DRIVE
CASE NO.: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 2008-112
APPLICANT: LESLIE LIPPICH ARCHITECT AND ASSOCIATES
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of La Quinta,
California, did on the 14`h day of April, 2009, hold a duly -noticed Public Hearing to
consider the request of LESLIE LIPPICH ARCHITECT AND ASSOCIATES (for Yury
Levitan) for approval of an express car wash located on the east side of
Washington Street approximately 780 feet north of Fred Waring Drive more
particularly described as:
APN 609-070-047
WHEREAS, said Conditional Use Permit has been filed concurrently
with a Site Development Permit and in whole represents the development permit
application for the project as contemplated; and,
WHEREAS, the Planning Department has determined that this request
is Categorically Exempt pursuant to Section 15303 (Class 3), of the Guidelines for
Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act. Therefore, no further
documentation is necessary; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Department did publish a public hearing
notice in the Desert Sun newspaper, on the 3rd day of April, 2009, as prescribed by
the Municipal Code, with public hearing notices mailed to all property owners
within 500 feet of the property in question; and,
WHEREAS, at said Public Hearing, upon hearing and considering all
testimony and arguments of all interested persons desiring to be heard, the
Planning Commission did make the following mandatory findings to justify approval
of the Conditional Use Permit:
1. Conditional Use Permit 2008-112 is consistent with the La Quinta General
Plan, in that the project site is designated as Community Commercial (CC)
which is intended to be developed with commercial uses including the car
P:\reports-pc\2009\2-24-09\mayer villa Capri\sdp reso.doc
I
Planning Commission Resolution 2009-
Conditional Use Permit 2008-112
Leslie Lippich Architect and Associates
Adopted:
wash use proposed herein. This commercial use will therefore help achieve
the goals and permitted uses of the CC designation.
2. Conditional Use Permit 2008-112 is consistent with the La Quinta Zoning
Code in that it is conditionally permitted under the CC zoning designation
with a Conditional Use Permit. The project's proposed use is consistent with
the uses identified in the CC district and have been designed and is
conditioned to comply with the development standards of the CC district and
other Zoning Code requirements such as parking, setbacks, building heights,
and landscaping.
3. Processing and approval of Conditional Use Permit 2008-112 is in
compliance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality
Act. The La Quinta Planning Department has determined that this request is
Categorically Exempt pursuant to Section 15303 (Class 3), of the Guidelines
for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act.
4. Approval of Conditional Use Permit 2008-112 will not create conditions
materially detrimental to the public health, safety and general welfare or be
injurious to or be incompatible with other properties or land uses in the
vicinity in that the use is self contained in a building that has been designed
to be compatible with the adjacent uses. Furthermore, it is a significant
distance from nearby residential and school uses and will not create
conditions, such as noise, odors, traffic, etc. that will be detrimental to
adjacent properties.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of
the City of La Quinta, California, as follows:
1. That the above recitations are true and constitute the findings of the
Planning Commission in this case;
2. That it does hereby approve Conditional Use Permit 2008-112, as referenced
in the title of this Resolution, for the reasons set forth in this Resolution, and
subject to the attached Conditions of Approval.
7
Planning Commission Resolution 2009-
Conditional Use Permit 2008-112
Leslie Lippich Architect and Associates
Adopted:
PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City of La
Quinta Planning Commission, held on this the 14`h day of April, 2009, by the
following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
ED ALDERSON, Chairman
City of La Quinta, California
ATTEST:
LES JOHNSON, Planning Director
City of La Quinta, California
10
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION 2009-
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL - RECOMMENDED
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 2008-112
LESLIE LIPPICH ARCHITECT AND ASSOCIATES
ADOPTED:
GENERAL
1 . The use of the subject property for a car wash facility shall be in conformance
with the approved exhibits and conditions of approval contained in Conditional
Use Permit 2008-1 12 and Site Development Permit 2008-905, unless otherwise
amended by the following conditions.
2. The Conditional Use Permit shall be expire after two years of the effective date
of approval of April 14, 2009, and shall become null and void. A time extension
for this Conditional Use Permit may be requested as permitted in Municipal Code
Section 9.200.080 D.
3. Developer agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the City of La Quinta
in the event of any legal claim or litigation arising out of the City's approval of
this project. The City of La Quinta shall have the right to select its defense
counsel in its sole discretion.
The City shall promptly notify the developer of any claim, action or proceeding
and shall cooperate fully in the defense.
4. No ancillary uses such as detailing, window tinting, etc. shall be conducted on
the property unless specifically approved in writing by the Planning Director.
Additionally, no temporary structures such as tents, covers, etc. shall be placed
on the property.
p\reports — pc\2009\4-14-09\1ippich\cup pc coa.doc 11
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION 2009-
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING
DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR AN EXPRESS CAR WASH
LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF WASHINGTON
STREET APPROXIMATELY 780 FEET NORTH OF FRED
WARING DRIVE
CASE NO.: SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2008-905
APPLICANT: LESLIE LIPPICH ARCHITECT AND ASSOCIATES
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of La Quinta, California, did on the
14" day of April, 2009, hold a duly -noticed Public Hearing to consider the request
of LESLIE LIPPICH ARCHITECT AND ASSOCIATES (for Yury Levitan) for approval
of development plans for an express car wash located on the east side of
Washington Street approximately 780 feet north of Fred Waring Drive, more
particularly described as:
APN 609-070-047
WHEREAS, said Site Development Permit has been filed concurrently
with a Conditional Use Permit and in whole represents the development permit
application for the project as contemplated; and,
WHEREAS, the La Quinta Planning Department has determined that
this request is Categorically Exempt pursuant to Section 15303 (Class 3), of the
Guidelines for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act.
Therefore, no further documentation is necessary; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Department did publish a public hearing
notice in the Desert Sun newspaper, on the 3rd day of April, 2009, as prescribed by
the Municipal Code, with public hearing notices mailed to all property owners
within 500 feet of the property in question; and,
WHEREAS, the La Quinta Architecture and Landscaping Review
Committee, at their meeting on the 1s` day of April, 2009 reviewed the
development plans associated with Site Development Permit 2008-905, and
adopted a Minute Motion recommending approval to the Planning Commission,
subject to staff -recommended conditions; and
WHEREAS, at said Public Hearing, upon hearing and considering all
testimony and arguments of all interested persons desiring to be heard, the
Planning Commission did make the following mandatory findings to justify approval
for the Site Development Permit:
P:\reports-pc\2009\4-14-09\sdp 2008-905\sdp reso.doc
12
Planning Commission Resolution 2009-
Site Development Permit 2008-905
Leslie Lippich Architect and Associates
Adopted:
1. Site Development Permit 2008-905 is consistent with the La Quinta General
Plan, in that the project site is designated as Community Commercial which
permits, with a Conditional Use Permit which has been approved, and
anticipates the use as proposed. The commercial uses will therefore help
achieve the goal and permitted uses of the Community Commercial
designation.
2. Site Development Permit 2008-905 is consistent with the La Quinta Zoning
Code in that it proposes commercial uses permitted under the Community
Commercial (CC) zoning designation. The project's proposed uses are
consistent with the uses identified in the CC district and have been designed
or are conditioned to comply with the development standards of the CC
district and other Zoning Code requirements such as parking, setbacks,
building heights, and landscaping.
3. Processing and approval of Site Development Permit 2008-905 is in
compliance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality
Act. The La Quinta Planning Department has determined that this request is
Categorically Exempt pursuant to Section 15303 (Class 3), of the Guidelines
for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act.
4. The architectural design of Site Development Permit 2008-905, including,
but not limited to the architectural style, scale, building mass, materials,
colors, architectural details, roof style, and other architectural elements, are
compatible with surrounding development and with the quality of design
prevalent in the City.
5. The site design of Site Development Permit 2008-905, including, but not
limited to project entries, interior circulation, pedestrian amenities, and other
site design elements will be compatible with surrounding development and
with the quality of design prevalent in the City.
6. Site Development Permit 2008-905 landscaping, including but not limited to
the location, type, size, color, texture, and coverage of plant materials is
designed and conditioned so as to provide relief, complement buildings,
visually emphasize prominent design elements and vistas, screen undesirable
views, and provide a harmonious transition between adjacent land uses. The
project design and landscaping will serve to establish an overall unifying
influence, enhance the visual continuity of the project, complement the
surrounding project area and comply with City and CVWD water efficiency
requirements, ensuring efficient water use.
13
Planning Commission Resolution 2009-
Site Development Permit 2008-905
Leslie Lippich Architect and Associates
Adopted:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of
the City of La Quinta, California, as follows:
1. That the above recitations are true and constitute the findings of the
Planning Commission in this case;
2. That it does hereby approve Site Development Permit 2008-905, as
referenced in the title of this Resolution, for the reasons set forth in this
Resolution, and subject to the attached Conditions of Approval.
PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City
of La Quinta Planning Commission, held on this the 14t' day of April, 2009, by the
following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
ED ALDERSON, Chairman
City of La Quinta, California
ATTEST:
LES JOHNSON, Planning Director
City of La Quinta, California
14
Planning Commission Resolution 2009-
Site Development Permit 2008-905
Leslie Lippich Architect and Associates
Conditions of Approval — Recommended
Adopted:
GENERAL
1. The applicant agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the City of La Quinta
("City"), its agents, officers and employees from any claim, action or proceeding to
attack, set aside, void, or annul the approval of this Site Development Permit. The
City shall have sole discretion in selecting its defense counsel.
The City shall promptly notify the applicant of any claim, action or proceeding and
shall cooperate fully in the defense.
2. This Site Development Permit is valid for two years from April 14, 2009, unless an
extension is applied for and granted by the Planning Commission pursuant to Section
9.200.080 of the La Quinta Municipal Code.
3. Prior to the issuance of any grading, construction, or building permit by the City, the
applicant shall obtain any necessary clearances and/or permits from the following
agencies, if required:
Riverside County Fire Marshal
Public Works Department (Grading Permit, Green Sheet (Public Works
Clearance) for Building Permits, Improvement Permit)
Planning Department
Riverside Co. Environmental Health Department
Desert Sands Unified School District
M
Coachella Valley Unified School District
Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD)
Imperial Irrigation District (IID)
California Water Quality Control Board (CWQCB)
SunLine Transit Agency
South Coast Air Quality Management District Coachella Valley
15
Planning Commission Resolution 2009-
Site Development Permit 2008-905
Leslie Lippich Architect and Associates
Conditions of Approval — Recommended
Adopted:
The applicant is responsible for all requirements of the permits and/or clearances from
the above listed agencies. When the requirements include approval of improvement
plans, the applicant shall furnish proof of such approvals when submitting those
improvements plans for City approval.
A project -specific NPDES construction permit must be obtained by the applicant; who
then shall submit a copy of the Regional Water Quality Control Board's ("RWQCB")
acknowledgment of the applicant's Notice of Intent ("NO1"), prior to the issuance of a
grading or site construction permit by the City.
4. The applicant shall comply with applicable provisions of the City's NPDES stormwater
discharge permit, LQMC Sections 8.70.010 et seq. (Stormwater Management and
Discharge Controls), and 13.24.170 (Clean Air/Clean Water); Riverside County
Ordinance No. 457; the California Regional Water Quality Control Board — Colorado
River Basin Region Board Order No. R7-2008-0001 and the State Water Resources
Control Board's Order No. 99-08-DWQ.
A. For construction activities including clearing, grading or excavation of land that
disturbs one (1) acre or more of land, or that disturbs less than one (1) acre of
land, but which is a part of a construction project that encompasses more than
one (1) acre of land, the Permittee shall be required to submit a Storm Water
Pollution Protection Plan ("SWPPP").
The applicant or design professional can obtain the California Stormwater
Quality Association SWPPP template at www.cabmphandbooks.com for use in
their SWPPP preparation.
B. The applicant's SWPPP shall be approved by the City Engineer prior to any on
or off -site grading being done in relation to this project.
C. The applicant shall ensure that the required SWPPP is available for inspection
at the project site at all times through and including acceptance of all
improvements by the City.
D. The applicant's SWPPP shall include provisions for all of the following Best
Management Practices ("BMPs") (LQMC Section 8.70.020 (Definitions)):
1) Temporary Soil Stabilization (erosion control).
2) Temporary Sediment Control.
3) Wind Erosion Control.
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Page 2 of 21
16
Planning Commission Resolution 2009-
Site Development Permit 2008-905
Leslie Lippich Architect and Associates
Conditions of Approval — Recommended
Adopted:
4) Tracking Control.
5) Non -Storm Water Management.
6) Waste Management and Materials Pollution Control.
E. All erosion and sediment control BMPs proposed by the applicant shall be
approved by the City Engineer prior to any onsite or offsite grading, pursuant
to this project.
F. The approved SWPPP and BMPs shall remain in effect for the entire duration of
project construction until all improvements are completed and accepted by the
City.
Additionally, the applicant shall comply with applicable provisions for post
construction runoff per the City's NPDES stormwater discharge permit, LQMC
Sections 8.70.010 et seq. (Stormwater Management and Discharge Controls), and
13.24.170 (Clean Air/Clean Water); Riverside County Ordinance No. 457; and the
California Regional Water Quality Control Board — Colorado River Basin (CRWQCB-
CRB) Region Board Order No. 137-2008-001 .
G. For post -construction urban runoff from New Development and
Redevelopments Projects, the applicant shall implement requirements of the
NPDES permit for the design, construction and perpetual operation and
maintenance of BMPs per the approved Water Quality Management Plan
(WQMP) for the project as required by the California Regional Water Quality
Control Board — Colorado River Basin (CRWQCB-CRB) Region Board Order No.
R7-2008-001 .
H. The applicant shall implement the WQMP Design Standards per (CRWQCB-
CRB) Region Board Order No. R7-2008-001 utilizing BMPs approved by the
City Engineer.
5. Approval of this Site Development Permit shall not be construed as approval for any
horizontal dimensions implied by any site plans or exhibits unless specifically
identified in the following conditions of approval.
PROPERTY RIGHTS
6. 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
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Planning Commission Resolution 2009-
Site Development Permit 2008-905
Leslie Lippich Architect and Associates
Conditions of Approval — Recommended
Adopted:
proposed development and shall make a good faith effort to acquire easements or
other property rights for the adjacent project's deceleration lane transition curb
reconstruction. Conferred rights shall include irrevocable offers to dedicate or grant
access easements to the City for emergency services 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 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 CC&R's for the development
or other agreements as approved by the City Engineer. Pursuant to the
aforementioned, the applicant shall submit an "AUTHORIZATION TO REMOVE
GRAFFITI FROM PRIVATE PROPERTY" form located at the Public Works Department
Counter prior to Certificate of Occupancy.
7. The applicant shall offer for dedication or other development application all public
street right-of-ways in conformance with the City's General Plan, Municipal Code,
applicable specific plans, and/or as required by the City Engineer. Dedication of Right
of Way and Landscape setbacks shall utilize contracts, approved by the City
Attorney, for perpetual maintenance, as applicable.
8. The public street right-of-way offers for dedication required for this development
include:
A. PUBLIC STREETS
1. Washington Street (Major Arterial, 120' ROW) — Per the General Plan, the
standard 60 feet from the centerline of Washington for a total 120-foot
ultimate developed right of way.
2. Deceleration Lane on Washington - An additional right of way dedication
along the project measuring Sixty -Eight (68) feet east of the centerline of
Washington Street per the Site Plan dated March 24, 2009.
3. Right of Way Extension along the Deceleration Lane Transition on
Washington Street at the La Quinta Business Center (SDP No. 2004-814) -
The applicant shall put forth a "good faith effort to attain Right of Way
dedication from the adjacent property measuring Sixty -Eight (68) feet east
of the centerline of Washington Street per the Site Plan dated March 24,
2009.
9. Right-of-way geometry for standard knuckles and property line corner cut -backs at
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Planning Commission Resolution 2009-
Site Development Permit 2008-905
Leslie Lippich Architect and Associates
Conditions of Approval - Recommended
Adopted:
curb returns shall conform to Riverside County Standard Drawings #801, and #805,
respectively, unless otherwise approved by the City Engineer.
10. Dedications shall include additional widths as necessary for turn lanes, bus turnouts,
and other features contained in the approved construction plans.
11. The applicant shall create perimeter landscaping setbacks along all public rights -of -
way as follows:
A. Washington Street (Major Arterial) - 20-foot from the R/W-P/L.
The setback requirements shall apply to all frontages including, but not limited to,
remainder parcels and sites dedicated for utility purposes.
Where public facilities (e.g., sidewalks) are placed on privately -owned setbacks, the
applicant shall offer for dedication blanket easements.
12. The applicant shall offer for dedication those easements necessary for the placement
of, and access to, utility lines and structures, and drainage basins.
13. Direct vehicular access to Washington Street shall be the access point identified on
the Site Plan dated 03-24-09, or as otherwise conditioned in these conditions of
approval.
14. The applicant shall furnish proof of easements, or written permission, as appropriate,
from those owners of all abutting properties on which grading, retaining wall
construction, permanent slopes, or other encroachments will occur.
STREET AND TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS
15. The applicant shall construct the following street improvements to conform with the
General Plan
A. OFF -SITE STREETS
1) Washington Street (Major Arterial; 120' R/W):
Widen the east side of the street to its ultimate width on the east side as
specified in the General Plan and the requirements of these conditions. Per the
General Plan, the east curb face shall be located fifty one feet (511 east of the
centerline, except at locations where additional street width is needed to
accommodate:
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Planning Commission Resolution 2009-
Site Development Permit 2008-905
Leslie Lippich Architect and Associates
Conditions of Approval — Recommended
Adopted:
a) Bus turnout (if required by Sunline Transit)
b) A twelve foot (12') deceleration/right turn only lane at
Washington Street Entry. The east curb face shall be located
sixty feet (60') east of the centerline. The required deceleration
lane shall be for the entire length of the project site.
c) At the La Quinta Business Center, SDP No. 2004-814,
reconstruct the deceleration lane transition curb to match the
curb face found in the deceleration lane (60' east of centerline)
as shown on Plan Set Number 06079 Sheet 2 of 5. All
construction work on Washington Street shall be approved by the
City Engineer.
Other required improvements in the Washington Street right-of-way and/or
adjacent landscape setback area include:
a) All appurtenant components such as, but not limited to: curb,
gutter, traffic control striping, legends, and signs, at the entrance
for pedestrian safety.
b) Provide lighting sufficient for school zone and pedestrian safety
along the ADA pathway.
c) Eight (8) foot wide meandering sidewalk.
d) Reconstruct and realign the sidewalk at The La Quinta Business
Center (SDP No. 2004-814) caused by demolition from the
proposed reconstruction and realignment of the curb along the
deceleration lane transition per Site Plan dated March 24, 2009.
e) If required, modify the half width of a fourteen foot (14') wide
raised landscaped median along the entire boundary of the
project as approved by the City Engineer.
16. The applicant shall construct all offsite improvements prior to Building Occupancy.
17. 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:
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01
Planning Commission Resolution 2009-
Site Development Permit 2008-905
Leslie Lippich Architect and Associates
Conditions of Approval — Recommended
Adopted:
Major Arterial 5.5" a.c./6.5" c.a.b.
or the approved equivalents of alternate materials.
18. The applicant shall submit current mix designs (less than two years old at the time of
construction) for base, asphalt concrete and Portland cement concrete. The
submittal shall include test results for all specimens used in the mix design procedure.
For mix designs over six months old, the submittal shall include recent (less than six
months old at the time of construction) aggregate gradation test results confirming
that design gradations can be achieved in current production. The applicant shall not
schedule construction operations until mix designs are approved.
19. General access points and turning movements of traffic are limited to the following:
Washington Street
1. Primary Access Drive: Right turn movements in and out are permitted. Left
turn movements in and out are prohibited.
20. Improvements shall include appurtenances such as traffic control signs, markings and
other devices, raised medians if required, street name signs and sidewalks.
21. Improvements shall be designed and constructed in accordance with City adopted
standards, supplemental drawings and specifications, or as approved by the City
Engineer. Improvement plans for streets, access gates and parking areas shall be
stamped and signed by qualified engineers.
PARKING LOTS and ACCESS POINTS
22. The design of parking facilities shall conform to LQMC Chapter 9.150 and in
particular the following:
A. The parking stall and aisle widths and the double hairpin stripe parking stall
design.
B. Cross slopes should be a maximum of 2% where ADA accessibility is required
including accessibility routes between buildings.
C. Building access points shall be shown on the Precise Grading Plans to better
evaluate ADA accessibility issues.
D. Accessibility routes to public streets and adjacent development shall be shown
on the Precise Grading Plan.
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Planning Commission Resolution 2009-
Site Development Permit 2008-905
Leslie Lippich Architect and Associates
Conditions of Approval — Recommended
Adopted:
E. Parking stall lengths shall be according to LQMC Chapter 9.150 and be a
minimum of 17 feet in length with a 2-foot overhang for standard parking
stalls and 18 feet with a 2-foot overhang for handicapped parking stall or as
approved by the City Engineer. One van accessible handicapped parking stall is
required per 8 handicapped parking stalls.
F. Drive aisles between parking stalls shall be a minimum of 26 feet with access
drive aisles to Public Streets a minimum of 30 feet as shown on the Site
Development Plan site plan or as approved by the City Engineer.
Entry drives, main interior circulation routes, corner cutbacks, bus turnouts, dedicated
turn lanes, ADA accessibility route to public streets and other features shown on the
approved construction plans, may require additional street widths and other
improvements as may be determined by the City Engineer.
23. General access points and turning movements of traffic to off site public streets are
limited to the access locations approved for Site Plan dated 03-24-09, and these
Conditions of Approval.
24. 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:
Parking Lot & Aisles (Low Traffic) 3.0" a.c./4.5" c.a.b.
Parking Lot & Aisles (High Traffic) 4.5" a.c./5.5" c.a.b.
Loading Areas 6" P.C.C./4" c.a.b.
or the approved equivalents of alternate materials.
25. The applicant shall submit current mix designs (less than two years old at the time of
construction) for base, asphalt concrete and Portland cement concrete. The
submittal shall include test results for all specimens used in the mix design procedure.
For mix designs over six months old, the submittal shall include recent (less than six
months old at the time of construction) aggregate gradation test results confirming
that design gradations can be achieved in current production. The applicant shall not
schedule construction operations until mix designs are approved.
26. Improvements shall include appurtenances such as traffic control signs, markings and
other devices, raised medians if required, street name signs and sidewalks.
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Planning Commission Resolution 2009-
Site Development Permit 2008-905
Leslie Lippich Architect and Associates
Conditions of Approval — Recommended
Adopted:
27. Improvements shall be designed and constructed in accordance with City adopted
standards, supplemental drawings and specifications, or as approved by the City
Engineer. Improvement plans for streets, access gates and parking areas shall be
stamped and signed by qualified engineers.
IMPROVEMENT PLANS
As used throughout these Conditions of Approval, professional titles such as "engineer,"
"surveyor," and "architect," refers to persons currently certified or licensed to practice their
respective professions in the State of California.
28. Improvement plans shall be prepared by or under the direct supervision of qualified
engineers and/or architects, as appropriate, and shall comply with the provisions of
LQMC Section 13.24.040 (Improvement Plans).
29. The following improvement plans shall be prepared and submitted for review and
approval by the Public Works Department. A separate set of plans for each line item
specified below shall be prepared. The plans shall utilize the minimum scale
specified, unless otherwise authorized by the City Engineer in writing. Plans may be
prepared at a larger scale if additional detail or plan clarity is desired. Note, the
applicant may be required to prepare other improvement plans not listed here
pursuant to improvements required by other agencies and utility purveyors.
A. On -Site Rough Grading Plan (Optional) 1 " = 40' Horizontal
B. PM10 Plan 1" = 40' Horizontal
C. SWPPP 1 " = 40' Horizontal
D. WQMP (Plan submitted in Report Form)
E.
F
Off -Site Street Improvement/Storm Drain Plan/Meandering Sidewalk
Off -Site Signing & Striping Plan
1 " = 40' Horizontal, 1 " = 4' Vertical
1 " = 40' Horizontal
The Off -Site street improvement plans shall have separate plan sheet(s) (drawn
at 20 scale) that show the sidewalk, mounding, and berming design in the
combined parkway and landscape setback area.
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23
Planning Commission Resolution 2009-
Site Development Permit 2008-905
Leslie Lippich Architect and Associates
Conditions of Approval — Recommended
Adopted:
G. On -Site Precise Grading Plan 1 " = 30' Horizontal
The Precise Grading plan shall include: Storm Drain/Underground Retention.
NOTE: A through G shall be submitted concurrently.
Other engineered improvement plans prepared for City approval that are not listed
above shall be prepared in formats approved by the City Engineer prior to
commencing plan preparation.
All Off -Site Plan & Profile Street Plans and Signing & Striping Plans shall show all
existing improvements for a distance of at least 200-feet beyond the project limits, or
a distance sufficient to show any required design transitions.
The Precise Grading Plans shall show, at a minimum; Stop Signs, Limit Lines and
Legends, No Parking Signs, Raised Pavement Markers (including Blue RPMs at fire
hydrants) and Street Name Signs per Public Works Standard Plans and/or as
approved by the Engineering Department.
"Rough Grading" plans shall normally include perimeter walls with Top of Wall & Top
of Footing elevations shown. All footings shall have a minimum of 1-foot of cover,
or sufficient cover to clear any adjacent obstructions.
The applicant shall prepare an accessibility assessment on a marked up print of the
building floor plan identifying every building egress and notes the 2007 California
Building Code accessibility requirements associated with each door. The assessment
must comply with submittal requirements of the Building & Safety Department. A
copy of the reviewed assessment shall be submitted to the Engineering Department
in conjunction with the Site Development Plan when it is submitted for plan checking.
In addition to the normal set of improvement plans, a "Site Development" plan is
required to be submitted for approval by the Building Official, Planning Director and
the City Engineer.
"Site Development" plans shall normally include all on -site surface improvements
including but not necessarily limited to finish grades for curbs & gutters, building
floor elevations, parking lot improvements and ADA requirements.
30. The City maintains standard plans, detail sheets and/or construction notes for
elements of construction which can be accessed via the "Plans, Notes and Design
Guidance" section of the Public Works Department at the City website (www.la-
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24
Planning Commission Resolution 2009-
Site Development Permit 2008-905
Leslie Lippich Architect and Associates
Conditions of Approval — Recommended
Adopted:
quinta.org). Please navigate to the Public Works Department home page and look for
the Standard Drawings hyperlink.
31. The applicant shall furnish a complete set of the mylars of all approved improvement
plans on a storage media acceptable to the City Engineer.
32. Upon completion of construction, and prior to final acceptance of the improvements
by the City, the applicant shall furnish the City with reproducible record drawings or
equal according to Engineering Bulletin 09-01.
IMPROVEMENT SECURITY AGREEMENTS
33. Prior to constructing any off -site improvements on Washington Street, the developer
shall deposit securities equivalent to both a Performance and Labor & Material Bonds
each valued at 100% of the cost of the offsite improvements required on Washington
Street.
34. Should the applicant fail to construct the improvements for the development, or fail
to satisfy its obligations for the development in a timely manner, the City shall have
the right to halt issuance of building permits, and/or final building inspections,
withhold other approvals related to the development of the project, or call upon the
surety to complete the improvements.
35. Depending on the timing of the development of this Site Development Permit, and the
status of the off -site improvements at the time, the applicant may be required to:
A. Construct all off -site improvements.
B. Construct additional off -site improvements, subject to the reimbursement of its
costs by others.
C. Reimburse others for those improvements previously constructed that are
considered to be an obligation of this Site Development Permit.
D. Secure the costs for future improvements that are to be made by others.
E. To agree to any combination of these means, as the City may require.
In the event that any of the improvements required for this development are
constructed by the City, the applicant shall reimburse the City for the costs of such
improvements.
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Planning Commission Resolution 2009-
Site Development Permit 2008-905
Leslie Lippich Architect and Associates
Conditions of Approval — Recommended
Adopted:
36. If the applicant elects to utilize the secured agreement alternative, the applicant shall
submit detailed construction cost estimates for all proposed on -site and off -site
improvements, including an estimate for the final survey monumentation, for
checking and approval by the City Engineer. Such estimates shall conform to the unit
cost schedule adopted by City resolution, or ordinance.
For items not listed in the City's unit cost schedule, the proposed unit costs shall be
approved by the City Engineer.
Estimates for improvements under the jurisdiction of other agencies shall be approved
by those agencies and submitted to the City along with the applicant's detailed cost
estimates.
Security will not be required for telephone, natural gas, or Cable T.V. improvements
GRADING
37. The applicant shall comply with the provisions of LQMC Section 13.24.050
(Grading Improvements).
38. Prior to occupancy of the project site for any construction, or other purposes, the
applicant shall obtain a grading permit approved by the City Engineer.
39. To obtain an approved grading permit, the applicant shall submit and obtain approval
of all of the following:
A. A grading plan prepared by a qualified engineer,
B. A preliminary geotechnical ("soils") report prepared by a qualified engineer,
C. A Fugitive Dust Control Plan prepared in accordance with LQMC Chapter 6.16,
(Fugitive Dust Control), and
D. A Best Management Practices report prepared in accordance with LQMC
Sections 8.70.010 and 13.24.170 (NPDES stormwater discharge permit and
Storm Management and Discharge Controls).
All grading shall conform to the recommendations contained in the Preliminary Soils
Report, and shall be certified as being adequate by a soils engineer, or by an
engineering geologist.
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26
Planning Commission Resolution 2009-
Site Development Permit 2008-905
Leslie Lippich Architect and Associates
Conditions of Approval — Recommended
Adopted:
The applicant shall furnish security, in a form acceptable to the City, and in an
amount sufficient to guarantee compliance with the approved Fugitive Dust Control
Plan provisions as submitted with its application for a grading permit.
40. The applicant shall maintain all open graded, undeveloped land in order to prevent
wind and/or water erosion of such land. All open graded, undeveloped land shall
either be planted with interim landscaping, or stabilized with such other erosion
control measures, as were approved in the Fugitive Dust Control Plan.
41. Grading within the perimeter setback and parkway areas shall have undulating
terrain and shall conform with the requirements of LQMC Section 9.60.240(F)
except as otherwise modified by this condition requirement. The maximum slope
shall not exceed 3:1 anywhere in the landscape setback area, except for the
backslope (i.e. the slope at the back of the landscape lot) which shall not exceed
2:1 if fully planted with ground cover. The maximum slope in the first six (6) feet
adjacent to the curb shall not exceed 4:1 when the nearest edge of sidewalk is
within six feet (6') of the curb, otherwise the maximum slope within the right of
way shall not exceed 3:1 . All unpaved parkway areas adjacent to the curb shall be
depressed one and one-half inches (1.5") in the first eighteen inches (18") behind
the curb.
42. Building pad elevation shall not differ by more that one foot higher from the building
pads in adjacent developments, or the applicant shall minimize the differences in
elevation between the adjoining properties and the lots within this development.
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.
43. Prior to the issuance of a building permit for any building lot, the applicant shall
provide a lot pad certification stamped and signed by a qualified engineer or
surveyor with applicable compaction tests and over excavation documentation.
The pad certification shall list the pad elevation as shown on the approved grading
plan, the actual pad elevation and the difference between the two, if any. Such pad
certification shall also list the relative compaction of the pad soil. The data shall be
organized by lot number, and listed cumulatively if submitted at different times.
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27
Planning Commission Resolution 2009-
Site Development Permit 2008-905
Leslie Lippich Architect and Associates
Conditions of Approval — Recommended
Adopted:
DRAINAGE
44. The applicant shall comply with the provisions of LQMC Section 13.24.120
(Drainage), Retention Basin Design Criteria, Engineering Bulletin No. 06-16 —
Hydrology Report with Preliminary Hydraulic Report Criteria for Storm Drain Systems
and Engineering Bulletin No. 06-015 - Underground Retention Basin Design
Requirements. More specifically, stormwater falling on site and adjacent tributary '/2
street area during the 100 year storm shall be retained within the development,
unless otherwise approved by the City Engineer. The design storm shall be the 1
hour, 3 hour, 6 hour or 24 hour event producing the greatest total run off. The
required volume of the underground retention system was estimated to be equal to
12,004 cubic feet per the Preliminary Hydrology and Drainage Report for La Quinta
Hand Car Wash Commercial Site dated June 3, 2008 and Revised August 22,
2008. The vault design shall be approved by the City Engineer.
45. Nuisance water shall be retained on site. Nuisance water shall be disposed of per
approved methods contained in Engineering Bulletin No. 06-16 — Hydrology Report
with Preliminary Hydraulic Report Criteria for Storm Drain Systems and Engineering
Bulletin No. 06-015 - Underground Retention Basin Design Requirements.
46. In design of retention facilities, the maximum percolation rate shall be two inches
per hour. The percolation rate will be considered to be zero unless the applicant
provides site specific data indicating otherwise and as approved by the City
Engineer.
47. The project shall be designed to accommodate purging and blowoff water (through
underground piping and/or retention facilities) from any on -site or adjacent well sites
granted or dedicated to the local water utility authority as a requirement for
development of this property.
48. No fence or wall shall be constructed around any retention basin unless approved by
the Planning Director and the City Engineer.
49. Stormwater may not be retained in landscaped parkways or landscaped setback
lots. Only incidental storm water (precipitation which directly falls onto the setback)
will be permitted to be retained in the landscape setback areas. The perimeter
setback and parkway areas in the street right-of-way shall be shaped with berms
and mounds, pursuant to LQMC Section 9.100.040(B)(7).
50. The design of the development shall not cause any increase in flood boundaries and
levels in any area outside the development.
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28
Planning Commission Resolution 2009-
Site Development Permit 2008-905
Leslie Lippich Architect and Associates
Conditions of Approval - Recommended
Adopted:
51. The development shall be graded to permit storm flow in excess of retention
capacity to flow out of the development through a designated overflow and into the
historic drainage relief route.
52. Storm drainage historically received from adjoining property shall be received and
retained or passed through into the historic downstream drainage relief route.
UTILITIES
53. The applicant shall obtain the approval of the City Engineer for the location of all
utility lines within any right-of-way, and all above -ground utility structures including,
but not limited to, traffic signal cabinets, electric vaults, water valves, and
telephone stands, to ensure optimum placement for practical and aesthetic
purposes.
54. Existing overhead utility lines within, or adjacent to the proposed development, and
all proposed utilities shall be installed underground.
All existing utility lines attached to joint use 92 KV transmission power poles are
exempt from the requirement to be placed underground.
55. Underground utilities shall be installed prior to overlying hardscape. For installation
of utilities in existing improved streets, the applicant shall comply with trench
restoration requirements maintained, or required by the City Engineer.
The applicant shall provide certified reports of all utility trench compaction for
approval by the City Engineer. Additionally, grease traps and the maintenance
thereof shall be located as to not conflict with access aisles/entrances.
CONSTRUCTION
56. The City will conduct final inspections of the habitable building only when the
building has improved parking lot and (if required) sidewalk access to publicly -
maintained streets. The improvements shall include required traffic control devices
and pavement markings.
LANDSCAPE AND IRRIGATION
57. The applicant shall comply with LQMC Sections 13.24.130 (Landscaping Setbacks)
& 13.24.140 (Landscaping Plans).
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IM
Planning Commission Resolution 2009-
Site Development Permit 2008-905
Leslie Lippich Architect and Associates
Conditions of Approval — Recommended
Adopted:
58. The applicant shall provide landscaping in the required setbacks, retention basins,
common lots and park areas.
59. Landscape and irrigation plans for landscaped lots and setbacks, medians, retention
basins, and parks shall be signed and stamped by a licensed landscape architect.
60. The applicant shall submit the landscape plans for approval by the Planning
Department and green sheet sign off by the Public Works Department. When plan
checking has been completed by the Planning Department, the applicant shall obtain
the signatures of CVWD and the Riverside County Agricultural Commissioner, prior
to submittal for signature by the Planning Director, however landscape plans for
landscaped median on public streets shall be approved by the both the Planning
Director and the City Engineer. Where City Engineer approval is not required, the
applicant shall submit for a green sheet approval by the Public Works Department.
Final landscape plans for on -site planting shall be reviewed by the ALRC and
approved by the Planning Director prior to issuance of first building permit. Final
plans shall include all landscaping associated with this project.
NOTE: Plans are not approved for construction until signed by both the Planning
Director and/or the City Engineer.
61. Landscape areas shall have permanent irrigation improvements meeting the
requirements of the Planning Director. Use of lawn areas shall be minimized with no
lawn, or spray irrigation, being placed within 24 inches of curbs along public streets.
62. The applicant or his agent has the responsibility for proper sight distance
requirements per guidelines in the AASHTO "A Policy on Geometric Design of
Highways and Streets, 5`h Edition" or latest, in the design and/or installation of all
landscaping and appurtenances abutting and within the private and public street
right-of-way.
63. Bougainvillea vines shall be provided on all trellises facing the vacuuming area.
64. The two 36" box size Mediterranean Fan Palms shown in the two landscape fingers
immediately north of the car wash building shall be changed to 15' bth
Washingtonia Robusta.
65. All trees proposed in the landscape areas adjacent to Washington Street shall have a
minimum trunk caliper of two inches measured at least 12 inches from the ground.
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Planning Commission Resolution 2009-
Site Development Permit 2008-905
Leslie Lippich Architect and Associates
Conditions of Approval — Recommended
Adopted:
PUBLIC SERVICES
66. The applicant shall provide public transit improvements as required by SunLine
Transit Agency and approved by the City Engineer.
MAINTENANCE
67. The applicant shall comply with the provisions of LQMC Section 13.24.160
(Maintenance).
68. The applicant shall make provisions for the continuous and perpetual maintenance of
perimeter landscaping up to the curb, access drives, and sidewalks.
FEES AND DEPOSITS
69. The applicant shall comply with the provisions of LQMC Section 13.24.180 (Fees
and Deposits). These fees include all deposits and fees required by the City for plan
checking and construction inspection. Deposits and fee amounts shall be those in
effect when the applicant makes application for plan check and permits.
70. Permits issued under this approval shall be subject to the provisions of the
Infrastructure Fee Program and Development Impact Fee program in effect at the
time of issuance of building permit(s).
71. The applicant shall pay the Coachella Valley Multi -Species Habitat Conservation
Plan/Natural Community Habitat Conservation Plan Mitigation Fee, in accordance
with Chapter 3.34 of the Municipal Code.
FIRE MARSHAL
72. Provide or show there exists a water system capable of delivering a fire flow 8000
gallons per minute for four hours duration at 20 psi residual operating pressure,
which must be available before any combustible material is placed on the
construction site.
73. Approved accessible on -site super fire hydrants shall be located not to exceed 200
feet apart in any direction. Any portion of the facility or of an exterior wall of the
first story of the building shall not be located more than 150 feet from fire apparatus
as measured by an approved route around the complex, exterior of the facility or
building, and no portion of a building further than 400 feet from a fire hydrant. Fire
hydrants shall provide the required flow.
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Planning Commission Resolution 2009-
Site Development Permit 2008-905
Leslie Lippich Architect and Associates
Conditions of Approval — Recommended
Adopted:
74. Prior to building plan approval and construction, applicant/developer shall furnish
two copies of the water system fire hydrant plans to Fire Department for review and
approval. Plans shall be signed by a registered civil engineer, and shall confirm
hydrant type, location, spacing, and minimum fire flow. Once plans are signed and
approved by the local water authority, the originals shall be presented to the Fire
Department for review and approval.
75. Prior to issuance of building permits, the water system for fire protection must be
provided as approved by the Fire Department and the local water authority.
76. Blue dot retro-reflectors pavement markers on private streets, public streets and
driveways to indicated location of the fire hydrant. 06-05 (located at
www.rvcfire.org)
77. Fire Apparatus access road shall be in compliance with the Riverside County Fire
Department Standard number 06-05 (located at www.rvcfire.org). Access lanes will
not have an up, or downgrade of more than 15%. Access roads shall have an
unobstructed vertical clearance not less than 13 feet and 6 inches. Access lanes will
be designed to withstand the weight of 60 thousand pounds over 2 axles. Access
will have a turning radius capable of accommodating fire apparatus. Access lane
shall be constructed with a surface so as to provide all weather driving capabilities.
78. Dead-end fire apparatus access roads in excess of 150 feet in length shall be
provided with approved provision for the turn around capabilities of fire apparatus
79, Driveway loops, fire apparatus access lanes and entrance curb radius should be
designed to adequately allow access of emergency fire vehicles. The applicant or
developer shall include in the building plans the required fire lanes and include the
appropriate lane printing and/or signs.
80. An approved Fire Department access key lock box (Minimum Knox Box 3200 series
model) shall be installed next to the approved Fire Department access door to the
building. If the buildings are protected with an alarm system, the lock box shall be
required to have tampered monitoring. Required order forms and installation
standards may be obtained at the Fire Department.
81. Street numbers shall be displayed in a prominent location on the address side of
building(s) and/or rear access if applicable. Numbers and letters shall be a minimum
of 12" in height for building(s) up to 25' in height. In complexes with alpha
P:\reports-pc\2009\4-14-09\sdp2008-905 lippich\sdp coa.doc
32
Page 18 of 21
Planning Commission Resolution 2009-
Site Development Permit 2008-905
Leslie Lippich Architect and Associates
Conditions of Approval — Recommended
Adopted:
designations, letter size must match numbers. All addressing must be legible, of a
contrasting color, and adequately illuminated to be visible from street at all hours.
82. Install a complete commercial fire sprinkler system (per NFPA 13 2002 Edition). Fire
sprinkler system(s) with pipe sizes in excess of 4" in diameter will require the project
Structural Engineer to certify with a "wet signature", that the structural system is
designed to support the seismic and gravity loads to support the additional weight of
the sprinkler system. All fire sprinkler risers shall be protected from any physical
damage. The PIV and FCD shall be located to the front of building and a minimum of
25 feet from the building(s). Sprinkler riser room must have indicating exterior and/or
interior door signs. A C-16 licensed contactor must submit plans, along with current
permit fees, to the Fire Department for review and approval prior to installation.
83. Install an alarm monitoring system for fire sprinkler system(s) with 20 or more
heads, along with current permit fees, to the Fire Department for review and
approval prior to installation.
84. Install a portable fire extinguisher, with a minimum rating of 2A-10BC, for every
3,000 sq. ft. and/or 75 feet of travel distance. Fire extinguishers shall be mounted
3.5 to 5 ft above finished floor, measured to the top of the extinguisher. Where not
readily visible, signs shall be posted above all extinguishers to indicate their
locations. Extinguishers must have current CSFM service tags affixed.
85. No hazardous materials shall be stored and/or used within the building, which
exceeds quantities listed in 2007 CBC. No class I, II or IIIA of
combustible/flammable liquid shall be used in any amount in the building.
86. Exit designs, exit signs, door hardware, exit markers, exit doors, and exit path
marking shall be installed per the 2007 California Building Code.
87. Electrical room doors if applicable shall be posted "ELECTRICAL ROOM" on outside
of door.
88. Fire Alarm Control Panel room doors if applicable shall be posted "FACP" on outside
of door.
89. Fire Riser Sprinkler room doors if applicable shall be posted "Fire Riser" on outside
of door.
90. Roof Access room door if applicable shall be posted "Roof Access" on outside of
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Page 19 of 21
Planning Commission Resolution 2009-
Site Development Permit 2008-905
Leslie Lippich Architect and Associates
Conditions of Approval — Recommended
Adopted:
door.
91. Access shall be provided to all mechanical equipment located on the roof as required
by the Mechanical Code.
92. Air handling systems supplying air in excess of 2000 cubic feet per minute to
enclosed spaces within buildings shall be equipped with an automatic shutoff. 2007
CIVIC
93. Gate(s) shall be automatic or manual operated. Install Knox key operated switches,
with dust cover, mounted per recommended standard of the Knox Company.
Building plans shall include mounting location/position and operating standards for
Fire Department approval.
MISCELLANEOUS
94. Exterior lighting shall be consistent with Section 9.100.150 (Outdoor Lighting) of the
La Quinta Municipal Code. All freestanding lighting shall not exceed 20 feet in height,
shall be fitted with a visor if deemed necessary by staff, and be turned off or reduced
to a level deemed appropriate by the Planning Director within one hour following
closing hours. Lighting plans shall be submitted with the final landscaping plans for a
recommendation to the Planning Director for his approval.
95. Signage is not a part of this approval. All signs shall comply with the requirements of
Zoning Code Chapter 9.160.
96. All parking areas shall be screened from view through the means of a landscaped
berm, a three foot high decorative masonry wall, landscaped hedges or bushes with
significant foliage, or a combination of all three methods. All screening shall be
reviewed and approved by the Planning Director.
97. No ancillary uses such as detailing, window tinting, etc. shall be conducted on the
property unless specifically approved in writing by the Planning Director.
Additionally, no temporary structures such as tents, covers, etc. shall be placed on
the property.
98. Design, color and finish of the proposed six (6) foot high sound wall shall be
approved by the Planning Director prior to issuance of a building permit.
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34
Page 20 of 21
Planning Commission Resolution 2009-
Site Development Permit 2008-905
Leslie Lippich Architect and Associates
Conditions of Approval — Recommended
Adopted:
99. All rooftop mechanical equipment shall be completely screened from view behind the
parapet. Utility transformers or other ground mounted mechanical equipment shall be
fully screened with a screening wall or landscaping and painted to match the adjacent
buildings.
100. The site shall be monitored during on- and off -site trenching and rough grading by
qualified archaeological monitors, including a Native -American monitor. Proof of
retention of monitors shall be given to the City prior to issuance of the first earth -
moving or clearing permit. The monitor shall be empowered to temporarily halt or
divert equipment to allow for City notification and analysis.
101. The final report on the monitoring shall be submitted to the Planning Department prior
to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for the project.
102 Collected archaeological resources shall be properly packaged for long term curation,
in polyethylene self -seal bags, vials, or film cans as appropriate, all within acid -free,
standard size, comprehensively labeled archive boxes and delivered to the City prior
to issuance of first Certificate of Occupancy for the property.
Materials shall be accompanied by descriptive catalogue, field notes and records,
primary research data, and the original graphics.
103. If prehistoric or historic resources are discovered during monitoring or the subsequent
construction phase, the Planning Department shall be notified immediately.
104. A program and system for recycling of used car wash water shall be implemented
and approved by the Planning Director.
105. A six foot high masonry sound wall shall be installed in the south landscaping area
along the exit drive from the carwash structure. The exact design, location and
length of the wall shall be worked out with staff and shown on the final landscaping
plans.
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Page 21 of 21
35
r
-- - - - -
- - - -
SITE
CASE MAP
cAsr= "o- SDP 2008-905
CUP 2008-112
ATTACHMENT 1
SCALE:
RTH
LIPPICH ' ]I NTS
w_i:m
� I
ATTACHMENT 3
SEE LARGE PLANS
W.
Page IofI
Stan Sawa ATTACHMENT 4
From: michele rose [mickeyrose8003@yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2009 9:26 AM
To: Stan Sawa
Subject: PROPOSED CAR WASH & Royal Palm development
To Whom it May concern:
I seriously object to the car wash being considered for this location. First, it's too close to
residents, the noise, from the wash and the blow dry is loud, they are open 24 hr 7 days, so there
would be no break from the distrubing noise. I just moved because of a car wash that came into
our neighborhood, and distroyed our quality of life, by having to deal with the continual loud
blowing, and the heavy machines spraying water. Self service is worse, they never close.
We already have 2 car washes on Washington st., one self service at the Mobil station, and
another car wash full services a short distance across from Walgreen on Washington st. HOW
MANY CAR WASHES DO WE NEED. AT LEAST THOSE CAR WASHES ARE FAR
AWAY FROM RESIDENTIAL AREAS.
This entire development will bring more traffic, and noise to our community, what are they
doing to mitigate the noise levels? are sound walls going up to protect Desert Breezes residents
from the increased noise? Are there any plans for traffic signal, or any other protections to guard
our quality of life.
Many of us relocated to this area for it's beauty and peace. THIS IS NOT LOS ANGELES, SAN
DIEGO, OR ANY OTHER BIG CITY. PLEASE DON'T DEVELOPE IT AS IF IT WERE. I
HOPE THE ARCHITECTURE IS LOW, SO THAT WE DON'T LOSE OUR VIEW OF THE
MOUNTAINS.
A Very concerned Citizen
Michele Rose
43518 Via Magellan Dr.
Desert Breezes
Palm Desert, Ca. 92211
323 206-2793
39
4/9/2009
Page 1 of 2
Stan Sawa
From: David Sawyer
Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2009 4:52 PM
To: Stan Sawa
Subject: FW: 1685--SDP 2008-905 & CUP 2008 112--Car Wash Plans
Stan, here is Marvin's email. This will need to be copied, distributed and read into the record at the public
hearing tonight.
David Sawyer
Planning Manager
City of La Quinta, California
760-777-7125
dsawver(o la-auinta.orq
From: Roos, Mary [mailto:MRoos@msaconsultinginc.com]
Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2009 4:14 PM
To: David Sawyer
Cc: Tim Jonasson; Les Johnson; Ed Wimmer; De La Torre, Julian; RJ@mayercorp.com
Subject: RE: 1685--SDP 2008-905 & CUP 2008 112--Car Wash Plans
David: Having reviewed the proposed Conditions of Approval for the car wash adjacent to the Mayer Villa
Capri project, I want to express a concern on behalf of the Robert Mayer Corporation over the proposed
requirement for a deceleration lane for the car wash entry on Washington Street.
The City of La Quinta requires a deceleration lane any time a project generates a minimum of 50 trips
during a peak traffic hour. It is unlikely that a car wash as is being proposed would generate that sort of
peak hour traffic. The staff did not require a traffic study thus no professional analysis was made on the
topic. Staff has indicated that the applicant had suggested some type of deceleration lane even though
the normal requirements could not be met.
We are concerned that the condition, as written, would create an offset curb condition at our northern
driveway. This offset could be confusing and possibly dangerous to motorists exiting that driveway and
needing to accelerate and merge with northbound traffic. We would propose that the condition of
approval state that the driveway curbs not be offset and that the deceleration transition start northerly of
our approved entry.
On a landscape note, the plan is not clear but does not appear to show any ground cover between the car
wash and the property line. We would hope that the space would be covered with the decomposed
granite and rockscape that is shown elsewhere on the plan and not left as bare earth
Thanks for the consideration
Marvin D. Roos, AICP
Director of Design Development
MSA Consulting, Inc.
From: Roos, Mary
Sent: Monday, April 13, 2009 5:43 PM
To: 'Ed Wimmer'
Cc: Tim Jonasson; 'Les Johnson'
Subject: 1685--SDP 2008-905 & CUP 2008 112--Car Wash Plans
Ed: thanks for the follow up voice mail that indicated that the deceleration lane being cited in Conditions
8.A.2 & 3 was dealing with the property to the north. I assume that the property to the north is the La
Quinta Business Center (DDP No. 2004-814)? I'm a bit confused about which driveway access the decel
lane is for (LQ Business Center?) and why the car wash folks have to dedicate "an additional right-of-way
(dedication) along the project measuring Sixty -Eight (68) feet east of the centerline of Washington
Street? It sounds like we're adding another lane, particularly since there isn't the normal language about
a transition where the property adjoins the Mayer property.
4/14/2009
Page 2 of 2
Thanks, again, and it would appear that with your explanation that I won't have to attend the Commission
meeting.
Marvin D. Roos, AICP
Director of Design Development
MSAL CONSFUTING, INC.
YLIINNING • CP 1Li?NCI\LUUNG • LAND SURVEYING
34200 BOB HOPE DRIVE
RANCHO MIRAGE. CA 92270
760.320.9811 • FAX 760 323,7893
www MSACansuLnucI x.cam
f�fRh, urn M4A in,y-^'n,i9«''"' .i I"7P✓A N,',xc �t.n-.UC, ti': r�. : , "Z rc.'! pi rt ••,� t'�.^
n r 1 n i) 1100
PH#C
STAFF REPORT
PLANNING COMMISSION
DATE: APRIL 14, 2009
CASE NO: SIGN APPLICATION 2003-682 AMENDMENT #1
APPLICANT/
PROPERTY OWNER: WASHINGTON 1 1 1, LTD.
REQUEST: CONSIDERATION OF A SIGN PROGRAM AMENDMENT
TO INCLUDE REVISED MONUMENT SIGNS AND UNDER
CANOPY BLADE SIGNS
LOCATION: SOUTH OF HIGHWAY 111 BETWEEN WASHINGTON
STREET AND ADAMS STREET
ENVIRONMENTAL
CONSIDERATION: ON -PREMISE SIGNS ARE CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT
UNDER CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15311(a)
GENERAL PLAN
DESIGNATION: CR (REGIONAL COMMERCIAL)
ZONING: RC (REGIONAL COMMERCIAL)
SURROUNDING
ZONING/LAND USE: NORTH:
REGIONAL COMMERCIAL (CR)
SOUTH:
LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (RL) /
COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL (CC)
EAST:
REGIONAL COMMERCIAL (CR)
WEST:
LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (RL)
BACKGROUND:
Building pads within the Washington Park retail center have been approved through
multiple Site Development Permits in accord with the Washington Park Specific
Plan (SP 87-011, Amendment No. 4). Existing major tenants of Washington Park
include Target, Office Depot, Lowes, Cost Plus World Market, Trader Joe's, and
Lumpy's. Major tenants are defined in the sign program as those businesses having
square footage over 10,000 square feet. The most recently completed building
pads are Shops 3, 4, and Sub -Major 5. A Site Development Permit to construct
landscaping and a parking lot for Phase 4, located at the southwest corner of
Washington Street and Avenue 47, was approved by the Planning Commission on
February 26, 2008. The current Sign Program was approved by the Planning
Commission on April 8, 2003 under Minute Motion 2003-007 (Attachment 1).
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SIGN PROGRAM PROPOSAL:
The applicant is requesting to amend the sign program for Washington Park
(Attachment 2) by identifying new monument signs, permitting the use of under -
canopy blade signs, increasing the maximum allowable square footage per frontage
(but not the calculation method) for major tenants from 100 to 150 square feet,
and updating the existing sign program with clearer text and graphics. The majority
of the proposed sign program amendment is in accord with the existing sign
program standards. No changes are proposed to the method and formula for
calculating allowable sign area, mounting, materials, or design criteria.
Modifications to the Building Signage Provisions
Although the allowable sign area calculation method remains unchanged, the
amended sign program would increase the maximum permissible sign allowance per
frontage for a major tenant's individual sign from 100 to 150 square feet, and
would increase the maximum aggregate allowable sign area from 150 to 200
square feet (Attachment 2, Pg.2). The permissible sign area allowance for Target
remains unchanged at a maximum aggregate 275 square feet.
Tenants located on end units having three sides with street or parking lot frontage
are permitted in the amended sign program to have one sign on all three sides. This
standard had previously been administratively applied to Pad 1 located on the
corner of Highway 111 and Adams Street to accommodate Verizon, but will apply
to all future building pads with a similar situation.
Blade Signs
The amended sign program proposes to permit each individual tenant one under -
canopy or wall -projecting hanging blade sign (Attachment 2, Pg.10). Blade signs
are required to consist of a three-dimensional double-faced logo limited to 3 foot 6
inches by 2 feet in size. Blade signs would only be permitted at storefront
locations.
Monument Signs
The amended sign program proposes to replace all of the existing shopping center
monument signs with a new and larger design, add two new monument signs
along Washington Street, and adjust the location of an approved but unconstructed
monument sign from a driveway along Adams Street to the southwest corner of
Adams Street and Highway 111. All of the signs will consist of internally -
illuminated routed acrylic lettering (pop -out lettering) on solid aluminum panels,
supported by a fabricated aluminum cabinet.
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The proposed monument signs range in size from approximately 41 to 127 square
feet, larger than the existing monument signs which range from 17.5 to 35.5
square feet in size. While the current monument signs identify up to three or four
individual tenants, the proposed signs will permit up to seven individual tenants'
identification. In addition, unlike the current ground -mounted monument signs, the
proposed signs are elevated approximately two feet above the ground and are one
to three feet higher than the existing monument signs. The Sign Ordinance defines
a monument sign as "a freestanding sign mounted on a low -profile solid base or a
fence, or a freestanding wall, as distinguished from support by poles." The code
does not reference that monument signs be designed ground -flush.
Sir -Plan
fiA urrurrietti
misting Approved
Proposed Approximate
o
Location
Monument :sign Face
Monument Sign Face
AS" 1-10
are Footage
Square Footage
A.1
Highway 111 and La
32.45
88
Quinta Center Drive
A.2
Hwy 111 and
35.5
88
Simon Drive
8 1
Hwy 111 and
Adams Street
Not in Existing Program
127
CA
Avenue 47 and La
28.7
44.5
Quinta Center Drive
C 2
Washington Street
17.5
41
Driveway
C.3
Washington Street
Not in Existing Program
41
and Simon Drive
C.4
Washington Street
Not in Existing Program
41
and Avenue 47
ANALYSIS:
The amended sign program seeks to add new and larger monument signs, increase
the maximum permitted sign area, and permit tenant use of under -canopy blade
signs.
Staff has no objections to the inclusion of blade signs to the sign program. These
signs are intended to be primarily visible by pedestrians and their size and location,
as proposed, will not contribute to visual or aesthetic clutter. The proposed use of
blade signs is compatible and consistent with other sign programs.
The proposed increase in maximum aggregate sign area per building frontage from
100 to 150 square feet for major tenants would not exceed that of other sign
programs in the Regional Commercial corridor. The total permitted aggregate sign
area of all sides will be capped at 200 square feet. The proposed maximum
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3
permitted sign area of 150 feet per frontage would be substantially less than other
existing "major tenants" such as Best Buy (425 square feet), Bed Bath and Beyond
(250 square feet), and Sam's Club (566 square feet). As a result, findings can be
made to support this increase.
Approval of the sign program will result in larger than average monument signs and
an increase in the number of monument signs located along Washington Street.
The proposed V-shaped monument sign to be located at the corner of Adams
Street and Highway 111 would be one of the largest approved monument signs on
Highway 111.
Per the City's Municipal Code, the maximum allowable sign area for a single
monument sign is a maximum of 50 sq. ft. per sign and 100 sq. ft. aggregate for
all monument signs. Per Section 9.160.090[E], Sign Adjustments, additional signs
and sign area can be granted "to allow a sign that is compatible with other
conforming signs in the vicinity."
Staff conducted a review of similar sign programs within the Highway 111 corridor
and found the average monument sign has a sign face area of 50 square feet. Sign
size or area is defined in the code as the entire area of the sign face, including
nonstructural perimeter trim but excluding structures or uprights on which the sign
is supported. This sign face measurement method applies to all signs.
1 orriparable Shopping ionters
Existing Monument Signs Face Area*
(approximate face square feet, per side)
111 La Quinta (Stater Bros., Big 5, etc.)
50, 150 (oldest of these sign programs)
Dune Palms (99 Cents, Smart and Final)
50
Jefferson Plaza (Home Depot)
49
Komar Desert Center (Costco, Bevmo)
50
Pavilions (Henry's, Best Buy)
20, 65
Sam's Club
45
Centre at La Quinta (Wal-Mart)
62
La Quinta Valley Plaza
50
Proposed Washington Park Monument Signs
88, 44.5, 41, 127
- 'Sign size or area shall be defined as the entire area of the sign face, including
nonstructural perimeter trim but excluding structures or uprights on which the sign
is supported" (9. 160.030[E)). Sources: Existing approved Sign Programs.
Because Washington Park has the most perimeter street frontage of any shopping
center within the City, findings could be made that support permitting the shopping
center two additional monument signs, due to the shopping center's layout. There
are some existing and planned internal building pads, such as Shops 1 through 3,
which are not adjacent to, or readily visible from, a public right-of-way. Section
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9.160.090 of the Sign Ordinance permits adjustments and additions to Sign
Programs "to overcome a disadvantage as a result of an exceptional setback
between the street and the sign or orientation of the sign location," or "due to an
unusual lot shape, the street frontage is excessively narrow in proportion to the
average width of the lot."
Because the proposed monument signs along Highway 111 are larger than average,
staff does not believe that findings can be made to support permitting larger
monument signs along Highway 111. As a result, staff recommends that the
applicant substitute the 88 square foot "A.1 and A.2" monument signs along
Highway 111 with the 41 to 44 square foot "C.1 through C.4" monument signs
located along Washington Street and Avenue 47. Although these staff -
recommended monument signs are approximately a foot shorter and narrower in
overall size than the existing monument signs along Highway 111 (Attachment 1,
Exhibit C & E), they have approximately 10 square feet more sign face area than
the existing monument signs.
In addition, staff recommends the applicant reduce proposed monument sign "B.1,"
proposed at the corner of Adams and Highway 111, to a maximum of 65 square
feet per face, in order to be consistent with the existing monument sign located
across the street at the Pavilions shopping center. This opposite Pavilions
monument sign is a double -sided 8'x18' size, supported by two stack -stone pillars
and consisting of 65 square feet of sign face area. The proposed V-shaped
Washington Park monument sign at this corner (Attachment 2, Pg.14) is 9'x19'
and is also supported by stack -stone pillars, but has a greater sign face area of 127
square feet per face.
FINDINGS:
The Planning Commission may exercise discretion to provide additional flexibility in
the application of the regulations of the Sign Ordinance through their review of a
Sign Program. The following findings can be made in support of Sign Application
2003-682 Amendment #1:
Finding A - Sign Application 2003-682 Amendment #1, as recommended, is
consistent with the purpose and intent of Chapter 9.160, in that sign standards
contained within the sign program either comply with the general provisions of the
sign code or have met the findings required in order to deviate from the sign
standards as set forth in Chapter 9.160.
Finding B - Sign Application 2003-682 Amendment #1, as recommended, is
consistent with the previously approved Specific Plan 89-011 Amendment No.4, in
that the design and placement of the signs is in accord with the design standards
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and general layout identified in the Washington Park Specific Plan.
Finding C - Sign Application 2003-682 Amendment #1, as recommended, is
harmonious and consistent with all signs as proposed under the Sign Program, due
to the common use of letter type and size, color and location of signs.
Finding D - Sign Application 2003-682 Amendment #1, as recommended, is
harmonious with and visually related to the subject buildings as the scale of the
signs and letter sizes used accentuate the building design.
Finding E - Sign Application 2003-682 Amendment #1, as recommended, is
harmonious with and visually related to surrounding development, as it will not
adversely affect surrounding land uses or obscure other adjacent conforming signs.
Finding F- Sign Application 2003-682 Amendment #1, as recommended, is
compatible with other conforming signs in the vicinity, specifically the size and
height of similar wall and monument signs of other commercial shopping centers
located on Highway 111 and Washington Street and within the Regional
Commercial zoning district.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Minute Motion approving Sign Application 2003-682 Amendment #1 as
submitted, subject to the following conditions:
1. Per Section 9.160.050, monument sign locations shall be located a minimum
of five (5) feet outside of the public right-of-way. The final placement of all
monument signs shall be reviewed by Public Works for conformance with
traffic sight distance standards prior to issuance of a building permit. Exact
monument sign locations shall be subject to issuance of a sign permit
consistent with the Sign Program and the City's Zoning and Building Code
requirements.
2. The applicant shall remove the proposed "A.1 and A.2" monument signs
located along Highway 111 and replace them each with one of the "C.1 or
C.2" designated monument signs to be located along Washington Street or
Avenue 47.
3. Monument sign "B.1 " shall be reduced and redesigned to a maximum of 65
square feet per sign face, to be consistent in size with the Pavilions
monument sign on the opposite corner. The final design of monument sign
B.1 shall be reviewed and approved by the Planning Director with the sign
permit application.
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4. Prior to the issuance of any sign permits, a final Sign Program (with text and
graphics) shall be submitted to the Planning Department incorporating any
amendments or conditions of approval by the Planning Commission.
Prepared by:
Andr J. Mogensen, AICP
Pri al Planner
Attachments:
1. Existing Sign Program
2. Proposed Sign Program
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ATTACHMENT 1
Washington Park
MASTER SIGN PROGRAM
La Quinta, CA
Prepared by:
Pacific Neon Sign Company
April 10, 2003
A_gnrpred
1cCg is r-ning Commtsslon :.
0 Ci?y Ccuncif
0 Community Dzv. DopL ;(
Initials
Case No. VA a16 —C.8'L—
Exhibit --
0 With Conditions
avgr
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
Purpose
GENERAL INFORMATION
Electric & Illumination
Construction
Installation/Removals
Prohibited Signs
Exceptions
Designs/Submittals
PROGRAM OVERVIEW - FREESTANDING SIGN
Shopping Center Monument
Shared Monuments
PROGRAM OVERVIEW - TENANT SIGNS
Major Tenants
Minor Tenants
Banners & Temporary Signs
Window Graphics
IV
INTRODUCTION
Purpose
Washington Park Master Sign Program has been established to provide a
professional sign and graphics program that is beneficial to The City of La Quinta,
Washington Park tenants, and the public. In support of this objective, the following
qualities were blended into the design and scope of work within this program:
Creative and original designs
Integration with project architecture
High quality workmanship and materials
This program can be divided into two general categories. First are the freestanding
signs. These include: the Washington Park shopping center sign, and the Shared
monument signs.
The second category of signs, are the tenant signs, which serve to identify individual
tenants and their services. The tenant signs consist of wall signs, including
illuminated channel letter and logo signs. A diversity of lettering style and
alternating use of color and sign type will be encouraged.
Process
Each tenant or lessee will be provided with a copy of the tenant sign guidelines and
criteria as theirfirst step in obtaining signs within Washington Park. This criteria will
be entitled "Washington Park Master Sign Program" and will be a part of the tenant
lease agreement. Tenants will be required to comply with this criteria. All tenants
are required to contact the City of La Quinta for all required permits before having
any sign fabricated or installed. The City requires a permit for all signs prior to
installation.
Finally, the "General Information", section located at the beginning of this document
spells out the conditions and general scope for both categories of Freestanding and
Tenant signs.
10
H. GENERAL INFORMATION
The following section outlines the acceptable scope of work, quality standards and
materials for Washington Park.
A. . Electrical and Illumination
1. All fabrication and installation shall comply with Underwriter's
Laboratories requirements and specific state and local codes. All
components shall bear the U.L. label indicating approval and be
manufactured and installed by a U.L. certified shop.
2. All conductors, transformers, ballasts, and other equipment shall be
concealed.
3. Primary electric service to all tenant signs shall be placed on tenant's
electric service. Tenant will provide time clocks and photocells for use
in conjunction with the electric service.
4. The illumination of all sign components shall be uniform in intensity
over all of the illuminated surfaces. No noticeable hot spots or
shadows will be allowed.
5. Illumination and electric specifications must appear on all shop
drawings.
6. All glass housings, electrodes, tube supports, glass tubing, high
voltage cable, led lighting components, and all miscellaneous
components shall be of first quality industry standards and listed with
Underwriter's Laboratories.
B. Construction
1. All bolts, fastenings, clips, conduits, etc. shall be hot -dipped
galvanized iron or equal. Where externally mounted, all items shall
be painted to match the exterior color of the surfaces mounted
thereon.
n
11
II. GENERAL INFORMATION, cont
2. All manufacturers/installers are advised that prior to final acceptance,
authorized representative of the landlord may inspect each sign for
conformance. Any signs found not to be in conformance will be
rejected and removed immediately or modified as needed by the
tenant or tenant's contractor.
3. No substitutes will be accepted by the landlord whatsoever unless so
indicated in specifications and approved by both the landlord (owner)
and The City of La Quinta.
Three sets of drawings are required prior to start of any work detailing
all specifications and methods of construction and must be approved
by the landlord.
C. Installation / Removals
All penetrations of any building structure required for sign installation
shall be neatly sealed and continuously maintained in watertight
condition.
2. All contractors for installation, removal or service must be fully
licensed and must provide the landlord with certificate of insurance
prior to commencing any work.
3. All methods of attachment to any structure must be detailed on
drawings and be approved by the landlord (owner) and The City of La
Quinta.
4. Sign removals shall include the patching and repairing of entire work
area plus the repainting of any "ghosted" areas or as directed by the
landlord.
D. Prohibited Signs
Conformance to the guidelines for signs at Washington Park will be
strictly enforced. Any illegal non -conforming or unapproved signs are
strictly forbidden.
2. Flashing, moving, animated, blinking, or audible effects are prohibited.
5
12
II. GENERAL INFORMATION, cont.
3. Any sign on a vehicle parked, which indicates its use is for the
purpose of advertising a particular tenant, service or product is
prohibited.
4. Signs that are movable or transportable.
5. Temporary signs other than those allowed by the sign ordinance of
The City of La Quinta and as described in this Sign Program, are
prohibited. In no case, shall any temporary banners or similar displays
be attached or affixed to any permanent freestanding signs.
E. Exceptions
1. Any changes from the Master Sign Program must be submitted to the
landlord (owner) and The City of La Quinta for review and approval.
2. All applications for exceptions must be accompanied by color
renderings, samples, shop drawings, and will be subject to a
modification of the Master Sign Program process.
F. Designs / Submittals
It is expected that professional designers will prepare artwork for all
tenants and that such artwork will include scaled schematic drawings
and specifications.
2. Submittals will be made to the landlord (owner) and to The City of La
Quinta for approval before any such work may begin. Work started
without approval will be considered non -conforming and will be
subject to immediate removal.
13
Ill. PROGRAM OVERVIEW - FREESTANDING SIGNS
This section describes in general terms the freestanding signs. For graphic representation
and details see "Exhibits" section. No additional freestanding signs shall be allowed.
A: Shopping Center Monument
1. Purpose: The Shopping Center Monument sign is designed to help
landmark the Center and major drive entry along Washington St.
2. Description: There will be one internally illuminated Shopping Center
Monument, which will be located on the north west side of the primary
Center entrance from Washington Street.
3. The Shopping Center Monument is to be 4' 10" high with a 2' high X
12' wide face area. Copy to read Washington Park.
B: Shared Monument signs
Purpose: The Shared Monument signs are designed to help
landmark the project, and anchor tenants.
2. Description: There will be four internally illuminated pad monuments,
The structure will have internally illuminated panels, with routed
aluminum background and acrylic graphics.
3. The Pad monument is to be 8' high, with a 4' 2" high X 12' wide tenant
face area. Excluding Target and Lowes, tenant letter size on the
sign(s) shall be no more than 16" in height. No more than three
tenants are to be identified on each sign, except the pad monument
east of La Quinta Center Drive in front of Target shall have no more
than four tenants and the pad monument west of Lowes between
Lowes and Simon Drive shall have no more than four tenants. The
property owner is to determine which tenants shall be represented on
these signs.
14
IV. PROGRAM OVERVIEW - TENANT SIGNS
A. Major Tenants
Major tenants constitute the primary anchor stores located within Washington
Park, with building area greater than or equal to 10,000 square feet. The
following information will describe the sign program particular to the major
tenants. This shall be applicable to major tenants with building area greater
than or equal to 10,000 square feet only in the buildings identified on the site
plan attached in the Exhibit. All other tenants shall be designated minor and
pad tenants as defined below.
1. The major tenant signs shall be internally illuminated individual channel
letters, which shall conform to the standard described in the "General
Information" section of this document. Letters are to be fabricated with
aluminum returns and backs, 3/16" acrylic faces, and 3/4" trimcap or
similar size aluminum retainer.
2. Excluding Target, individual sign size allowance is limited to 1 square foot
of sign area per lineal foot of primary building frontage up to a maximum
of 100 square feet of total sign area per tenant. No single tenant's
aggregate sign areas shall exceed a maximum of 150 square feet of total
sign area, if multiple signs are allowed. Irrespective of the maximum
areas specified in this subparagraph 2 that are a part of this sign program
approved by the City of La Quints, individual tenant signs and aggregate
sign areas are subject to subjective approval by Landlord that may be
less than those allowed within this sign program.
3. Target shall be allowed a total aggregate sign area of no greater than 275
square feet.
4. The use of corporate logos, trade styles and colors shall be in
conformance with the City of La Quinta sign ordinance.
5. Sign area is to be calculated per the City of La Quinta sign ordinance.
6. Major tenants with a building area greater than or equal to 10,000 square
feet that are located at the corner of Washington Street and Ave 47 and
HWY 111 and Adams Street will be allowed to have three building
mounted signs, with an aggregate total not to exceed 50 square feet.
15
IV. PROGRAM OVERVIEW - TENANT SIGNS, cont.
B: Minor and Pad Tenants
The minor and pad tenant signs shall be internally illuminated channel
letters, which shall conform to the standard described in the "General
Information" section of this document. Letters are to be fabricated with
aluminum returns and backs, 3/16" acrylic faces, and 3/4" trim cap or
similar size aluminum retainer.
2. The use of corporate logos, trade styles and colors shall be in
conformance with the City of La Quinta sign ordinance.
3. Tenants that do not have an established sign program will be
encouraged to consult professional design firms in order to develop a
sign program that meets the goals stated in this document.
4. The signs shall be sized to appropriately match the scale of the
secondary tenant's building walls/fascia. Sign size allowance is 1
square foot of sign area per lineal foot of primary building frontage.
The letter height shall be limited to 24" letters.
5. Sign area is to be calculated per the City of La Quinta sign ordinance.
6. It is intended that the tenant identification signs be implemented using
imaginative and varied designs that are appropriate to the sign area
allowed for each individual tenant.
16
IV. PROGRAM OVERVIEW - TENANT SIGNS
C: Banners & Temporary signs
Grand Opening banner type signs will be allowed for all tenants.
Banners are to be in accordance with provisions of the City of La
Quinta sign ordinance, regarding temporary signs and banners.
2. Banners are not to be affixed in a permanent manner to any
building face or structure. Repairs due to damage caused to
buildings or structures by temporary banners will be the
responsibility of the tenant.
3. Seasonal d6cor is to be allowed as approved by the property
owner, and shall have a consistent theme throughout Washington
Park. In no case shall individual tenant seasonal d6cor intrude on
common areas, without express written approval of the landlord
(owner).
D. Window Graphics
It is intended that the window graphics assist the shopper in an informative
and readable manner, but not clutter the doors and/or windows on which
they are displayed.
Tenant may display on either the entry door or adjoining window, but
not on both, the following:
Honored Credit Card Decals (maximum of three (3))
Company Name and/or Logo (limited to 6" x 10" area)
Three (3) Lines of Copy (limited to product or service
description, business hours and address).
2. Neon window signs shall comply with U.L. standards and will be
permitted only with landlord approval.
3. Rear entry signs shall be upper case helvetica medium type -style
numerals and/or letters. Materials will be Scotchcal Vinyl or equal,
color to be white. Letter height shall be 3" and centered horizontally.
Copy will be limited to tenant name and address. Top of sign will be
to
17
6' from grade.
V. SIGN APPROVAL
Building mounted and monument signs shall be approved by the City of La Quinta
Community Development Director.
11
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EXHIBIT
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31
WASHINGTON III, LTD
80-618 DECLARATION AVE
INDIO, CA 92201
November 8, 2005
City of La Quinta
Community Development Dept.
CIO Fred Baker
78-495 Calle Tampico
La Quinta, CA 92253
Subject: Washington Park — Pad I Building Signage Sizes
Mr. Baker,
760-775-7967 PHONE
Per our conversation on Monday November 7, 2005, Washington 111, LTD understands the
following to be acceptable to the City of La Quinta:
760.775-8329 FAX
Suites 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 are allowed one sign on the front elevation and a second sign on
the rear elevation of the building. The size of each sign is based on 1 square foot of signage
per linear foot of frontage on the elevation it is on. This will allow each tenant to have two
signs of equal size if so desired by the tenant.
Suites 1, Z and 9 are allowed one sign on the front elevation and a second sign on the rear
elevation of the building. Each sign size is limited to one square foot of signage per linear
foot of frontage on the elevation it is on. In no event shall the aggregate of both the front
and rear signs exceed 50 square feet. Suites I and 9 are allowed to have signage on the side
elevations of the building.
All other signage requirements and guidelines must be per the Washington Park Master Sign
Program approved on April, 8, 2003.
I have attached a copy of the Pad I building for reference.
Call me should you have any questions.
Sincereely,,
g(
Bill Sanchez
Construction Manger
Office 760-342-2674
Fax 760-342-4046
32
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PH#D
PLANNING COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
DATE: APRIL 14, 2009
CASE NO.: ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 2009-097
APPLICANT: CITY OF LA QUINTA
REQUEST: CONSIDERATION OF THE FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS TO THE
LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE: 1.) TO RESTRICT THE
PLACEMENT AND MAXIMUM TIME PEROID OF PERMITTED
TEMPORARY SIGNS WITHIN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
(9.160.060); 2.) TO REVISE TABLE 9-17, TO REMOVE
MAXIMUM SIGN SIZE AND HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS FOR
EXEMPT SIGNS (9.160.020).
LOCATION: CITY WIDE
GENERAL PLAN/
ZONING
DESIGNATIONS: NOT APPLICABLE
ENVIRONMENTAL
DETERMINATION: THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT REVIEWED THE ZONING TEXT
AMENDMENTS UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) AND HAS
DETERMINED THAT THE AMENDMENTS ARE EXEMPT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 15061(B)(3) OF THE CEQA
GUIDELINES.
BACKGROUND:
The City Council has raised concern with the placement of permitted temporary
signs, including event signs, directional signs and political signs, within the City's
public right-of-way. Councilman Kirk raised concerns over the aesthetic impacts and
safety concerns associated with sign placement within the public right-of-way. The
issue has been reviewed by City Council during their meetings on February 5,
2008, May 20, 2008, June 17, 2008, and July 15, 2008. At the July 15, 2008,
meeting, the City Council directed Staff to review and amend the municipal code
with regards to temporary sign placement, the maximum time period for sign
placement, and procedures for sign removal.
1
PROPOSAL:
The Zoning Code amendments proposed apply solely to the sign provisions
contained within Section 9.160 of the Zoning Code. The proposed amendments
include changes to prohibit sign placement within the public right-of-way, to reduce
the maximum time period for signs from sixty (60) days to forty-five (45), and to
eliminate sign size restrictions for exempt directional and informational signs for
public, quasi -public, and non -profits.
Code Changes
Exempt Signs §9.160.020 (Zoning Exhibit A)
Table 9-17 provides sign type, location, and maximum size standards for exempt
signs. Exempt signs are considered minor, temporary and incidental, and therefore
exempt from obtaining a sign permit with the Planning Department. Table 9-17
contains nineteen (19) sign exemptions. The exemptions apply to home and
business placards, temporary "For Sale" and "Lease" signs, holiday signs and
displays, directional and warning signs, etc.
Item 15 of the table provides a sign exemption for directional and information signs
for public, quasi -public, and non-profit signs along the public right-of-way. The
current sign provision limits sign height to a maximum of six (6) feet and limits the
maximum sign area to six (6) square feet. In order to provide additional sign
opportunities and additional review of sign proposals for large community events
the Planning Department seeks to remove the maximum sign height of six (6) feet
and to remove the maximum sign area of six (6) square feet for signs listed in item
15 of this section. The proposed changes would allow the Planning Director and
Public Works Director additional discretion and flexibility in reviewing signs for
events hosted/promoted by public, quasi -public and non-profit groups.
Permitted Temporary Signs §9.160.060 (Zoning Exhibit B)
Part F of Section 9.160.060 identifies placement restrictions for permitted
temporary signs. Signs which are considered permitted temporary include garage
sale, seasonal sales signs, and political signs. Sign placement along public streets is
restricted to a minimum setback of five (5) feet measured from edge of pavement.
Event signs and election signs are currently placed within the center median of the
public right-of-ways, which does not meet the intent of the sign setback. Signs
placed within the center median create a visual hazard for drivers, negative
aesthetic impact to landscape medians and shoulders, and pose a danger to anyone
wanting to place or remove a sign from the center median. The proposed code
amendments would prohibit temporary signs from being placed within the public
2
right-of-way, and would limit the maximum time period for sign placement from
sixty (60) days to forty-five (45) days.
ANALYSIS:
The purpose of this code update is to prohibit placement of temporary signs within
the City's public right-of-way and to allow additional discretion and flexibility to
staff in reviewing directional and informational signs for public, quasi -public, and
non-profit organizations. The code update has come at the request of the City
Council as concerns have been raised regarding the aesthetic impact of election and
event sign placement within the center medians.
Signs located within the center median of public right-of-ways create a visual
impediment to drivers, create a potential safety hazard to those placing and
removing the signs, and can be an aesthetic nuisance to the landscape median.
Prohibiting such signs from being placed in the public right-of-way may limit
visibility and exposure of these signs, especially in areas with gated communities
where many Homeowner Associations (HOA) prohibit temporary signs.
Amending the exemption section of sign code will allow greater flexibility and
control for approval of such signs by the Planning and Public Works Directors. The
code amendment only applies to exempt signs which are for public, quasi -public,
and non-profit uses, such as the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic and the La Quinta Arts
Festival. The amendments maintain the requirement for these signs to be reviewed
and approved by the Planning and Public Works Director; however, the amendment
allows additional discretion to the directors in reviewing the maximum number and
maximum size of signs within exemption #15.
The current maximum posting period for permitted temporary signs is sixty (60)
days. The code amendment will reduce the maximum time length from sixty (60)
days to forty-five (45). The reduction in the number of days is likely to have
nominal impact overall, with the greatest impact expected to be on those who vote
by mail potentially before the majority of signs are installed. However, the
amendment will encourage such signs being placed closer to the actual event.
CEQA:
The approval of the Zoning Ordinance Amendments has been determined to be
exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The activity of
amending the sign ordinance is covered by the general rule that CEQA only applies
to projects which the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment.
Future projects that may be affected by changes to the ordinance would be
3
reviewed under CEQA individually, and would have their impacts addressed under
CEQA.
Public Notice:
This request was published in the Desert Sun newspaper on April 4, 2009. To
date, no letters have been received. A copy of this request has been sent to all
applicable public agencies and City Departments. Any comments from public
agencies have been included in the recommended conditions of approval.
STATEMENT OF MANDATORY FINDINGS:
Findings to recommend approval of the Zoning Ordinance amendments can be
made and are contained in the attached Resolution.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Adopt Planning Commission Resolution recommending approval of Zoning
Code Amendment 2009-097 to the City Council.
Prepared by:
L. I�
Eric Ceja
Assistant Planner
Attachments:
1. Exhibit A (Section 9.160.020)
2. Exhibit B (Section 9.160.060)
2
EXHIBIT A
9.160.020 Exempt signs.
A. Signs Not Requiring Sign Permits. The signs listed in Table 9-17 following do not
require a sign permit nor shall their area and number be included in the aggregate area or
number of signs permitted for any premises or use. However, this exemption shall not be
construed as relieving the sign owner of the responsibility of. (1) obtaining any building
or other permits required for sign erection, if any; (2) proper sign maintenance; or (3)
compliance with applicable provisions of this chapter or of any other law or ordinance.
Exempt signs shall not be illuminated nor placed within any public right-of-way unless
specifically permitted herein below.
Table 9-17 Exempt Signs Not Requiring a Sign Permit*
Sign Type
Placement
Maximum
Illumination
Area
1. Official notices issued by any court or
n/a
n/a
n/a
public body or officer and notices posted
by any public officer in the performance
of a public duty or by any person giving
legal notice
2. Within residential districts, address or
Building-
1 sq. ft.
Required
identification signs
mounted
aggregate
3. Signs located in the interior of any
n/a
n/a
Yes
building or enclosed outdoor area which
are designed and located to be viewed
exclusively from within such building or
outdoor area
4. Tablets, stained glass windows or dates of
Building-
3 sq. ft.
No
erection cut into the surface of a wall or
mounted or
pedestal or projecting not more than two
freestanding
inches
S. Directional, warning or informational
n/a
n/a
Yes
signs required by or authorized by law or
by a governmental authority, including
signs necessary for the operation and
safety of public utility uses
6. Incidental accessory signs and placards
Window or
3 sq. ft.
No
(e.g., open/closed signs, six signs
building-
aggregate
maximum per premises)
mounted
7. Temporary decorations clearly incidental
n/a
n/a
Yes
and customary and commonly associated
with any national, local or religious
holiday, provided such signs are erected
no earlier than forty-five days from the
applicable holiday and removed within
twenty-one days after the applicable
holiday.
8. Sculptures, fountains, mosaics and design
n/a
n/a
Yes
features which do not incorporate
advertising or premise identification
9. Property signs (e.g., "No Trespassing,"
Building-
3 sq. ft.
Yes
"No Parking," etc.),
mounted or
informational/directional signs (e.g.,
freestanding
"Restrooms," "Exit," etc.) and warning
signs (e.g., "High Voltage")
10. Vehicular directional signs used to
Building-
3 sq. ft.
Yes
identify street entrances and exits,
mounted or
maximum three feet if freestanding
freestanding
11. Directional pavement marking
n/a
n/a
n/a
12. Newspaper stand identification
n/a
3 sq/ ft/
No
13. Within commercial districts, chalkboards
Building-
3 sq. ft.
Indirect only
or small placards (e.g., restaurant menu
mounted
boards)
* In this table:
"n/a" means not applicable or no restriction
"Building -mounted" means signs mounted flush -to -wall only
Table 9-17 Exempt Signs Not Re iring a Sign Permit (Continued)
Maximum
Sign Type
Placement
Area
Illumination
14. Vending machine signs and automatic
n/A
n/a
Yes
teller signs
15. Directional and nonprofit public
Freestanding
No
information signs for public, quasi -
public, and nonprofit uses on public or
n/a
private property, adjacent to an Arterial
thoroughfare. Number, shape, location
and height of signs shall be approved by
the director of community development
and public works
16. Within commercial zones, temporary
Window-
No one
No
information window signs fronting on a
mounted
window
street, parking lot or common on -site
sign shall
area, not covering more than 25% of the
exceed 4'
area of the window(s) within which they
high or 8'
are placed for a period not to exceed 14
long (32 sq.
days nor more than 6 times per calendar
ft.)
year. No more than 3 signs per elevation
with windows may be installed at any
one time
17. Within residential zones, temporary
Building-
7 sq. ft.
No
decorative flags clearly incidental which
mounted
may or may not be associated with any
national, local or religious holiday
18. Temporary for sale, lease, open house,
Freestanding
6 sq. ft., 4
No
or rent signs located on the subject
feet high.
property. One sign per street frontage.
Aggregate
not to
exceed 12
sq. ft.
19. Temporary for sale, lease, open house,
Freestanding
12 sq. ft. 6
No
or rent signs located on commercial/ten
ft high.
acre residential parcels in one
Aggregate
ownership. One sign per street frontage
not to
exceed 24
sq. ft.
Signs in residential districts requiring a
See Section 9.160.040
permit
Signs in nonresidential districts requiring a
See Section 9.160.050
permit
Temporary and semipermanent signs
See Sections 9.160.060 and 9.160.070
B. Repainting. The repainting of a sign in original colors shall not be considered an
erection or alteration which requires sign approval unless a structural, text or design
change is made. (Ord. 394 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2003; Ord. 293 § 1 (part), 1996; Ord. 284
§ 1 (Exh. A) (part), 1996)
EXHIBIT B
9.160.060 Permitted temporary signs.
A. Definition. "Temporary sign" means any nonilluminated sign which may require a
sign permit and which is intended to be posted for a maximum of sixty= forty-five (451
days. Temporary signs include without limitation: political campaign signs, garage sale
signs and seasonal sales signs.
B. Maximum Time Periods. No temporary sign shall be posted for more than ei*ty
forty-five (45) consecutive days nor shall such temporary sign or sign displaying similar
messages regarding the same event, if any, which is the subject of such temporary sign be
reposted upon the same site, or any site which is visible from the original site, within
ninety days of the removal of the original temporary sign. In addition, all temporary signs
shall be removed within seven days after the occurrence of the event, if any, which is the
subject of the temporary sign. (For example, a temporary sign advertising a garage sale
on a particular date, or a temporary sign promoting a candidate in a particular election).
The date of posting and permit number shall be permanently and legibly marked on the
lower right-hand corner of the face of the sign.
C. Maximum Sign Area. Except where an approval is obtained under subsection F
of this section, temporary signs placed on public property may not exceed six square feet
in area and temporary signs placed on private property may not exceed twelve square feet
in area. The aggregate area of all temporary signs maintained on any private property
parcel of real property in one ownership may not exceed twenty-four square feet. Area
shall be calculated on the basis of the entire sign area, as defined in Section 9.160.030.
D. Maximum Height. Freestanding temporary signs which are placed on public or
private property shall not exceed six feet in height. Temporary signs which are posted,
attached or affixed to private multiple -floor buildings shall not be placed higher than
eight feet or the finish floor line of the second floor of such buildings, whichever is less,
and temporary signs which are posted, attached or affixed to private single -floor
buildings shall not be higher than the eaveline or top of wall of the building. All heights
shall be measured to the highest point of the surface of the sign.
E. Maximum Number. In no case shall the total number of temporary signs for any
permit exceed fifty.
F. Placement Restrictions. Temporary signs shall not be posted within the public
right-of-way, or on sidewalk surfaces, mailboxes, utility boxes, electric light or power or
telephone wires, poles or appendages, hydrants, trees, shrubs, tree stakes or guards,
public bridges, fences or walls, fire alarm or police telegraph systems, drinking fountains,
life buoys, life preservers, lifesaving equipment, street signs or traffic signs or signals.
Temporary signs shall not be posted within the public right-of-way and shall not be
Located ;mod--aa closer than five feet from the edge of the paved area of any public
road or street. Temporary signs shall be placed no less than two hundred feet apart f%)M
identical or substantially similar temporary signs and shall not be visible simultaneously
with the boundaries of the city. Temporary signs shall not be posted in a manner which
obstructs the visibility of traffic or street signs or signals or emergency equipment.
G. Sign Permit Required. Any person, business, campaign organization, or other
entity who proposes to post more than five temporary signs on private or public property
shall make application to the community development department for a sign permit. To
insure sign removal upon expiration of the permitted posting time, a refundable deposit as
established by city council resolution shall be paid in conjunction with the issuance of the
sign petmit.
1. Statement of Responsibility Required. Each applicant for a temporary sign permit
shall submit to the community development department a statement of responsibility
certifying a natural person who will be responsible for removing each temporary sign for
which a permit is issued by the date removal is required, and who will reimburse the city
for any costs incurred by the city in removing each such sign which violates the
provisions of this section.
2. Standards for Approval.
a. Within ten business days of the community development department's receipt of a
temporary sign permit application, the community development director shall approve or
disapprove such application. If the director disapproves an application, the notice of
disapproval shall specify the reasons for disapproval. The director shall approve or
disapprove any permit application for temporary signs based on character, location and
design, including design elements such as materials, letter style, colors, sign type or
shape, and the provisions of this section.
b. The director's decision with respect to a permit application for a temporary sign
may be appealed to the planning commission.
H. Maintenance and Removal of Temporary Signs.
1. Maintenance. All temporary signs shall be constantly maintained in a state of
security, safety and good repair.
2. Removal from Public Property. If the city determines that a temporary sign
located on public property is unsafe or insecure, is a menace to public safety or has been
constructed, erected, relocated or altered in violation of this section, it may be removed
summarily. If the sign contains identification, the owner shall be notified that the sign
may be recovered within five days of the date of notice.
3. Removal from Private Property. If the city finds that a temporary sign located on
private property is unsafe or insecure, is a menace to public safety or has been
constructed, erected, relocated or altered in violation of this section, the city shall gi}ie
written notice to the owner of the temporary sign, or the person who has claimed
responsibility for the temporary sign pursuant to subsection F of this section, that the
temporary sign is in violation of this section, shall specify the nature of the violation, and
shall direct the owner of the temporary sign or responsible person to remove or alter such
temporary sign. If the city cannot determine the owner of the sign or person responsible
therefore, the city shall post such notice on or adjacent to each temporary sign which is in
violation. If the owner of the temporary sign or the person responsible therefore fails to
comply with the notice within five days after such notice is given, the temporary sign
shall be deemed abandoned, and the city may cause such temporary sign to be removed
and the cost thereof shall be payable by the owner or person responsible for the
temporary sign to the city.
I. The placement of temporary signs for existing commercial businesses during the
construction of any department of public works contract over forty-five days in length,
where the ingress and egress points to a commercial establishment, have been interrupted,
and further when the construction/modification of the public street involves a distance of
more than three thousand feet in length, the above regulations pertaining to temporary
signs and the associated processing fees, shall not be enforced for the duration of the
department of public works street contract. However, the placement of temporary signs
must not interfere with site visibility for vehicular movement.
J. A grand opening banner is allowed on each building street frontage within six
months of the business opening with a sign permit. The signs shall consist of light -weight
fabric or similar material attached to the building wall below the eave line for a period
not to exceed thirty days. The signs shall be nonilluminated and its size shall not exceed
thirty-two square feet. (Ord. 293 § 1, 1996; Ord. 284 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 1996)
10
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION 2009-
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING TO THE CITY COUNCIL
APPROVAL OF ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 2009-097, 1.) TO
RESTRICT PLACEMENT OF PERMITTED TEMPORARY SIGNS WITHIN
THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY AND TO REDUCE THE MAXIMUM TIME
PEROID FOR SIGN POSTING FROM SIXTY (60) DAYS TO FORTY-FIVE
(45) DAYS (9.160.060);AND 2.) TO REVISE TABLE 9-17 TO
REMOVE MAXIMUM SIGN SIZE AND HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS FOR
EXEMPT SIGNS (9.160.020).
CASE NO.: ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 2009-097
APPLICANT: CITY OF LA QUINTA
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of La Quinta,
California, did on the 141h of April, 2009, hold a duly noticed Public Hearing for
review of a Zoning Ordinance Amendment to restrict the placement of permitted
temporary signs within the public right-of-way, and to revised table 9-17 "Exempt
Signs" for the removal of maximum sign height and maximum sign area; and
WHEREAS, said Zoning Ordinance Amendment has complied with the
requirements of "The Rules to Implement the California Environmental Quality Act
of 1970" (CEQA) as amended (Resolution 83-63) in that the La Quinta Planning
Department has reviewed the Amendment under the provisions of CEQA, and has
determined that the Amendment is exempt pursuant to Section 15061(B)(3),
Review for Exemptions of the CEQA Guidelines; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Department published the public hearing
notice in the Desert Sun newspaper on April 4, 2009, as prescribed by the
Municipal Code; and
WHEREAS, at said public hearing, upon hearing and considering all
testimony and arguments, if any, of all interested persons wanting to be heard,
said Planning Commission did make the following mandatory findings
recommending approval of said Zoning Ordinance Amendment:
1. The proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment is consistent with the General
Plan, insofar as it implements existing City policies that are in conformance
with those in the General Plan; removes inconsistent, conflicting, and
incompatible portions of text; and allows for continued high aesthetic quality
of public right-of-ways in the City. Because the amendments are corrections,
clarifications, or minor revisions to the current policies and interpretations,
11
Planning Commission Resolution 2009-
Zoning Ordinance Amendment 2009-097
April 14, 2009
the code amendment is consistent with the goals, objectives and policies of
the General Plan.
2. Approval of the Zoning Ordinance Amendment will not create conditions
materially detrimental to the public health, safety and welfare, and will have
no impacts on the public health, safety and welfare.
3. The Zoning Ordinance Amendment has been determined to be exempt from
the California Environmental Quality Act in that the proposed changes to the
Municipal Code will have no effect on the environment.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of
the City of La Quinta, California, as follows:
1. That the above recitations are true and constitute the findings of the
Planning Commission in this case.
2. That the Planning Commission does hereby recommend approval of Zoning
Ordinance Amendment 2009-097 as set forth in attached Exhibits A through
C to the City Council for the reasons set forth in this Resolution.
PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the La
Quinta Planning Commission, held on the 14`h day of April, 2009, by the following
vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
ED ALDERSON, Chairman
City of La Quinta, California
ATTEST:
12
Planning Commission Resolution 2009-
Zoning Ordinance Amendment 2009-097
April 14, 2009
LES JOHNSON, Planning Director
City of La Quinta
13
VII. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN
MATERIAL
Planning Commission
Attendance Tracking
July 2008 - March 2009
Ed Alderson
Katie Barrows
Robert Wilkinson
Paul Quill
Mark Weber
07/08/08
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
07/22/08
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
08/12/08
No Meeting
No Meeting
No Meeting
No Meeting
No Meeting
08/26/08
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
09/09/08
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
09/23/08
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
10/14/08
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
10/28/08
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
11/12/08
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
11/25/08
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
12/09/08
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
12/23/08
No MeetingNo
MeetingNo
MeetingNo
Meetin
No Meetin
01/13/09
Present
Present
Absent
Present
Present
01/27/09
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
02/10/09
No MeetingNo
MeetingNo
MeetingNo
MeetingNo
Meetin
02/24/09
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
03/10/09
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
03/24/09
Present
Present
Present
I Present
Present