PC Resolution 2012-021PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION 2012 -021
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING TO
THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF GENERAL PLAN
AMENDMENT 2011 -123, APPROVING A CHANGE IN
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS FOR THE LA QUINTA
RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
CASE: GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 2012 -123
APPLICANT: LENITY GROUP, LLC
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of La Quinta,
California did, on the 25 " day of September, 2012, hold a duly noticed public
hearing to consider a request by Lenity Group, LLC to consider a General Plan
Amendment for a change in land use from Medium Density Residential to Medium
High Density Residential, generally located on Seeley Drive, East of Washington
Street, South of Miles Avenue, more particularly described as:
APN: 604 - 630 -027
WHEREAS, the La Quinta Planning Department has prepared
Environmental Assessment 2011 -617 for this project, in compliance with the
requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The Planning
Director has determined that although the proposed project could have a significant
effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because
revisions in the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent
and mitigation measures have been incorporated. Therefore, the Planning Director
is recommending that a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impact
and associated Mitigation Monitoring Program be certified; and,
WHEREAS, per SB -18 consultation requirements, the Planning
Department has forwarded information regarding the proposed amended Specific
Plan to those Tribes referenced on the Tribal Consultation List provided by the
Native American Heritage Commission and has followed up with all Tribes
requesting information or consultation and placed their recommendations for
monitoring in the Conditions of Approval; and,
WHEREAS, the Planning Department published a public hearing notice
in The Desert Sun newspaper on September 14, 2012 as prescribed by the
Municipal Code. Public hearing notices were also mailed to all property owners
within 500 feet of the site; and,
WHEREAS, at said public hearing, upon hearing and considering all
testimony and arguments, if any, of all interested persons wanting to be heard,
Planning Commission Resolution 2012 -021
General Plan Amendment 2011 -123
Lenity Group, LLC
Page 2
said Planning Commission did make the following mandatory findings
recommending approval of said Amendment:
Finding A
The project is consistent with the General Plan
The proposed General Plan Amendment is internally consistent with those goals,
objectives and policies of the general plan which are not being amended. The
purpose of the change in land use designations is to bring the appropriate land use
designations into conformance with the proposed project.
Finding B
Approval of the amendment will not create conditions materially detrimental to the
public health, safety and general welfare.
Approval of the proposed General Plan Amendment will not create conditions
materially detrimental to public health, safety and general welfare in that the
proposed change will not result in a substantial change to existing recreational
area, will not result in the loss of existing wildlife habitat, nor will it have an effect
on the conditions of the existing surrounding neighborhood. The proposed General
Plan Amendment will not result in any changed conditions and will therefore have
no effect on the health, safety, and welfare of the community or surrounding
natural environment.
Finding C
The new designation is compatible with the land use designations on adjacent
properties.
The General Plan Amendment will bring the property into conformance with the
proposed project and will have no effect on adjacent existing land uses because the
proposed residential /congregate care use is compatible with the surrounding
existing single - family residential homes, medical center, and hotel.
Finding D
The new land use designation is suitable and appropriate for the subject property.
The new land use designation is suitable and appropriate for the subject property,
in that it will allow expansion of the proposed use for residential /congregate care
uses.
Planning Commission Resolution 2012 -021
General Plan Amendment 2011 -123
Lenity Group, LLC
Page 3
Finding E
Approval of the amendment is warranted because the situation and the general
conditions of the property have substantially changed since the existing designation
was imposed.
Approval of the new land use designation is warranted because the density of the
proposed community, 10 dwelling units per acre, requires the Medium High Density
Residential land use designation, with a maximum density of 12 dwelling units per
acre.
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 correct and constitute the findings
of the Planning Commission.
2. That it does hereby recommend to the City Council approval of General
Plan Amendment 2011 -123 for the reasons set forth in this Resolution.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the La
Quinta Planning Commission held on this 25`" day of September, 2012, by the
following vote to wit:
AYES: Commissioners Alderson, Weber, Wilkinson, Wright, and Chairperson
Barrows
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
KATIE BARROWS, Chairperson
City of La Quinta, California
ATTEST:
JOHffSON, Planning Director
of La Quinta, California