PC Resolution 2010-001PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION 2010-001
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ENABLE THE USE OF
OUTDOOR LIGHTED PLAYFIELDS AT THE COLONEL
MITCHELL PAIGE MIDDLE SCHOOL, 43-495 PALM
ROYALE DRIVE
CASE NO.: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 2008-116
APPLICANT: CITY OF LA QUINTA
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of La Quinta, California,
did on the 8'hday of December, 2009, and continued to the 12'hday of January, 2010,
hold a duly noticed Public Hearing to consider a request by the City of La Quinta for a
Conditional Use Permit to enable the use of an outdoor playfield lighting at the Colonel
Mitchell Paige Middle School located at 43-495 Palm Royale Drive, the southeast
corner of Washington and Palm Royale Drive, more particularly described as:
APN: 609-053-001
WHEREAS, said Conditional Use Permit application has complied with the
requirements of "The Rules to Implement the California Environmental Quality Act of
1970" as amended (Resolution 83-63), in that the Planning Department has
determined that the proposed Conditional Use Permit is exempt from CEQA review
under Guidelines Sections 15301 (Existing Facilities) and 15314 (Minor Additions to
Schools), in that the proposed field lighting is a minor addition to an existing school
facility; and,
WHEREAS, at said Public Hearings, upon hearings 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 said
Conditional Use Permit:
Finding A - The proposed Conditional Use Permit is consistent with the General Plan
because schools and parks are permitted land uses within the Major Community
Facilities land use designation, educational and recreational land uses which may
include additional uses such as outdoor lighting. The proposed outdoor lighting is also
consistent with the goals and policies of the General Plan because the proposed
lighting project will further enhance the joint use of an existing recreational facility. As
a result, the Conditional Use Permit is consistent with the goals, objectives and policies
of the General Plan.
Planning Commission Resolution 2010-001
Conditional Use Permit 2008-116
Colonel Mitchell Paige Middle School
Outdoor Field Lighting
January 12, 2010
Finding B - The proposed Conditional Use Permit will be compatible with the Major
Community Facilities Zoning District because outdoor lighting is identified in the Zoning
Ordinance as an approved land use with a Conditional Use Permit.
Finding C - Processing of this Conditional Use Permit for the proposed use is in
compliance with the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act. The La
Quinta Planning Department has determined that the request is exempt from CEQA
under Sections 15301 (Existing Facilities) and 15314 (Minor Additions to Schools),
because the proposed outdoor lighting is a minor addition to an existing developed
school site that is currently used as a joint recreational facility. The proposed outdoor
lighting has been designed to be focused within the existing school site and not
constitute a nuisance for surrounding property owners. As a result, no further
environmental review is required.
Finding D - Approval of this Conditional Use Permit will not be a detriment to the
public health, safety and general welfare, nor shall it be injurious or incompatible with
other properties or uses in the vicinity. The project is located within an existing school
site along a major arterial roadway. No physical changes are being proposed other
than the installation of the outdoor lighting. The project lighting plans have been
designed to minimize nuisance light spill to a negligible level as evidenced by the
photometric plans. The project will not result in a substantial change in land use from
the property's current use as a school. The project site is currently used for
recreational purposes and has existing safety fencing installed around the perimeter.
The use of the lighting will serve as a benefit to community health and welfare by
providing the public with improved and expanded access at an existing sports and
recreational facility. The use of the lighting has been conditioned to cease operations
by no later than 9:00 pm, one hour prior to the time at which a reduced nighttime
noise standard takes effect under the City's noise ordinance. The lighting will not
contribute to a noticeable increase in noise because the project is located at an existing
school and recreational facility located along a major arterial roadway. As a result, the
proposed land use is compatible with adjacent land uses and will not have an impact
on public health, safety, and welfare.
Finding E - Approval of this Conditional Use Permit is consistent with Community
Services Master Plan in that the proposed project implements a recommendation of
that plan by providing expanded hours of usage at an existing joint -use recreational
facility. The proposed project will reduce the burden on other existing recreational
facilities by providing expanded hours of operation.
Planning Commission Resolution 2010-001
Conditional Use Permit 2008-116
Colonel Mitchell Paige Middle School
Outdoor Field Lighting
January 12, 2010
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 2008-116 as per the
staff report and attachments, for the reasons set forth in this Resolution,
subject to the attached Conditions of Approval.
PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the La
Quinta Planning Commission, held on this the 12' day of January, 2010 by the
following vote, to wit:
AYES: Commissioners Barrows, Quill, Weber, Wilkinson, and Chairman Alderson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ED ALDERSON, Chairman
City of La Quinta California
ATTEST:
City of La Quinta, California
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION 2010-001
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL — FINAL
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 2008-116
COLONEL MITCHELL PAIGE MIDDLE SCHOOL
OUTDOOR FIELD LIGHTING
JANUARY 12, 2010
OPERATIONS
1. Hours of operation for the field lights shall not extend beyond 9:00
p.m.
2. Field lights shall only be operated as needed and shall promptly be
turned off when not in use.
3. The City shall maintain the ability to review or revoke this CUP and set
a new public hearing date in order to impose additional conditions to
correct issues that may arise.
BUILDING PERMITS
4. As issuance of a building permit and inspections are to be arranged
through the State Office of the Architect, the City of La Quinta shall
be notified and permitted to conduct a courtesy inspection of the
lighting prior to final installation.