2017 03 28 PC MinutesCALL TO ORDER
PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 2017
A regular meeting of the La Quints Planning Commission was called to order at 6:01
p.m. by Chairperson Bettencourt.
PRESENT: Commissioners Blum, Caldwell, Hansen, McCune, Quill, Wright and
Chairperson Bettencourt
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Assistant City Attorney Morgan Gallagher, Planning Manager
Gabriel Perez, Principal Engineer Bryan McKinney, Associate
Planner Carlos Flores, Executive Assistant Wanda Wise -Latta and
Office Assistant Carley Votaw
Commissioner Caldwell led the Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT - None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA - Confirmed
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion - A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Wright/Blum to
approve the Planning Commission Minutes of February 28, 2017, as submitted. AYES:
Commissioners Blum, Caldwell, Hansen, McCune, Quill, Wright, and Chairperson
Bettencourt. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Motion passed
unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARING
1. Site Development Permit 2014-1004, Extension 1 (SDP 2017-0002), submitted
by SC Homes Fund, LLC for requesting a two-year time extension for the
previously -approved site development permit for 24 new single-family homes
at the Estates at Coral Mountain. Project: Estates at Coral Mountain. CEQA:
Previously assessed in conjunction with Environmental Assessment 2004-504
prepared for this project. Location: northwest corner of Avenue 60 and
Madison Street.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 1 MARCH 28, 2017
Associate Planner Carlos Flores presented the information contained in the staff
report, which is on file in the Design and Development Department. He stated
that a redlined version of the proposed changes to the previous Conditions of
Approval had been distributed to the Commission prior to the meeting.
Chairperson Bettencourt declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN at 6:08 p.m.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Nolan Reggio, Diversified Pacific, Rancho Cucamonga, CA -
introduced himself and stated that he represented the applicant. He said that
the applicant accepted the updated Conditions of Approval and he was
available to answer the Commission's questions.
Discussion followed regarding the location of two-story homes within the
project, building setbacks, applicant's options for additional time extensions to
which staff stated the applicant can apply for additional extensions provided
they do so prior to the expiration date; questioned the applicant's obligation
regarding dust control and staff responded that the applicant is in compliance.
Planning Manager Perez stated that the municipal code addresses dwellings
located next to a project, city, county or tract boundary and that they shall be
limited to one story if an existing one story is within 50 feet of the common
property line unless there is a street separating the two. He stated that in this
instance, they do not have a one-story home that is within 50 feet of the
project boundary of this tract.
Chairperson Bettencourt declared the PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED at 6:35 p.m.
Motion - A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Quill/Blum to
adopt Resolution No. 2017-005 of the Planning Commission of the City of La
Quinta, California approving a time extension for Site Development Permit
2014-1004, Site, Architectural, and Landscaping Plans for the Estates at Coral
Mountain. AYES: Commissioners Blum, Caldwell, Hansen, McCune, Quill, Wright
and Chairperson Bettencourt. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None.
Motion passed unanimously.
STUDY SESSION
Wireless Telecommunications Facilities Inventory
Planning Manager Perez presented the information contained in the staff
report, which is on file in the Design and Development Department.
Commissioners discussed the look of certain older cell towers to which staff
responded that an ordinance was adopted in 2011 requiring cell towers to be
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 2 MARCH 28, 2017
stealth or camouflaged. Discussion continued regarding how to deal with the
appearance of cell towers that were approved prior to the 2011 ordinance; and
the responsibility of maintaining a cell tower to which staff stated that it is
usually the responsibility of the wireless carrier or cell tower owner.
Commissioner Quill suggested that since the property on which Cell Site 15 is
located (78136 Francis Hack Lane) is owned by the County of Riverside that
staff contact the County to determine what conditions apply to the site.
Planning Manager Perez indicated that the next step would be to contact the
applicants and establish a timeframe for compliance with permit conditions
and exhibits; and to proceed with revocation or modification of the permit if
compliance is not achieved within the timeframe.
Commissioner Quill stated that he would like to see a legal determination as to
whether or not a minor use permit for a change to a cell tower facility is
sufficient to modify the conditions of approval to require some form of
camouflage.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Brian Tracy, Retail Net Lease Properties - introduced himself
as the owner representative for La Quinta Square and explained their plans for
the new cell tower to be located on the property located at 78611 Highway 111.
Planning Manager Perez indicated that based on the next steps moving
forward, staff would provide a report to the Commission and explained the
process to deal with any sites that remain out of compliance.
CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL - None
COMMISSIONER ITEMS
Chairperson Bettencourt presented a report on the 2017 League of California Cities
Planning Commissioners Academy.
Commissioner Blum requested staff provide an update regarding the 22 -acre site
located on La Quinta Drive west of Walmart.
Commissioner Quill shared information regarding a Salton Sea bus tour scheduled for
April 11, 2017.
Chairperson Bettencourt shared information regarding the Vista Santa Rosa
Commission meeting to be held on March 29, 2017.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 3 MARCH 28, 2017
STAFF ITEMS
Planning Manager Perez provided an update on upcoming department staff changes;
and also the status of the temporary fence as part of the mitigation measure at
SilverRock Resort.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners
Blum/Caldwell to adjourn this meeting at 7:35 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
WANDA WISE-LATTA, Executive Assistant
City of La Quinta, California
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