PC Resolution 2013-002PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION 2013 -002
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING TO
THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF ZONE CHANGE 2012-
142, APPROVING A CHANGE IN ZONING DESIGNATION
FOR THE ROCK N ROLL MINI GOLF BUILDING
CASE: ZONE CHANGE 2012 -142
APPLICANT: ROCK N ROLL MINI GOLF, LLC
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of La Quinta,
California did, on the 9`" day of April, 2013, hold a duly noticed public hearing to
consider a request by Rock n Roll Mini Golf, LLC to consider a change in zoning
from Commercial Park to Regional Commercial, generally located on the southwest
corner of Dune Palms Road and Corporate Centre Drive, more particularly described
as:
APN: 600 - 390 -023
WHEREAS, the La Quinta Community Development Department has
determined that the proposed project is exempt from environmental review under
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Chapter 2.6, Section
21080 of the Public Resources Code, California Environmental Quality Act
Statutes, and Section 15061(b)(3), Review for Exemptions of the CEQA Guidelines,
and pursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1) in that the proposed use is within an
existing facility, and the change of zone will not result in an intensification of land
use on the approximately one -acre parcel; and,
WHEREAS, the Planning Department published a public hearing notice
in The Desert Sun newspaper on March 29, 2013 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,
said Planning Commission did make the following mandatory findings
recommending approval of said Zone Change:
Finding A: Consistency with General Plan
The zone change is consistent with the goals, objectives and policies of the general
plan, which are not being amended. The purpose of the change in land use
designation is to bring the appropriate land use designation into conformance with
the proposed project.
Planning Commission Resolution 2013 -002
Zone Change 2012 -142
Rock n Roll Mini Golf, LLC
Page 2
Finding B: Public Welfare
Approval of the zone change will not create conditions materially detrimental to the
public health, safety and general welfare in that the proposed change will not result
in a substantial change to an 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 zone change will not result in any
changed conditions to the exterior of the building and will therefore have no effect
on the health, safety, and welfare of the community or surrounding natural
environment.
Finding C: Land Use Compatibility
The new zoning is compatible with the zoning on adjacent properties because the
proposed miniature golf recreation center use is compatible with the surrounding
existing restaurants, medical offices, and commercial retail businesses. The zone
change will bring the property into conformance with the proposed project and will
have no effect on adjacent existing land uses
Finding D: Property Suitability
The new zoning is suitable and appropriate for the subject property in that the
property is within an existing commercial shopping center and is adjacent to
similarly zoned properties.
Finding E: Changes in Circumstance
Approval of the zone change is warranted because the situation and the general
conditions of the property have substantially changed since the existing zoning was
imposed. The La Quinta Valley Plaza, which incorporates both Regional
Commercial and Commercial Park zoning along with a Specific Plan, has developed
through the years primarily with uses consistent with the Regional Commercial land
use /zoning. This is due to the fact that the development abuts two highly - traveled
roadways, Highway 111 and Dune Palms Road. When Corporate Centre Drive is
developed to its full capacity, the plaza, including the proposed Rock n Roll Mini
Golf parcel, would have the visibility and functions of a regional commercial center
on three road frontages. Thus, a change in zoning from Commercial Park to
Regional Commercial for the subject parcel would be compatible with the
surrounding properties, land uses, and commercial functions, which are already
designated Regional Commercial.
Furthermore, with the recent adoption of the updated General Plan, the land use
designation of the property changed from Commercial Park to General Commercial.
A variety of uses that were prohibited in the Commercial Park zone are now
Planning Commission Resolution 2013 -002
Zone Change 2012 -142
Rock n Roll Mini Golf, LLC
Page 3
available as part of the Regional Commercial zone. These uses, including dry
cleaners, professional and medical offices, and restaurants, among others, are more
in line with the uses and development patterns of the La Quinta Valley Plaza.
Many of the uses that were permitted in the Commercial Park zone but are now
prohibited as part of the proposed Regional Commercial zone are industrial - related
uses, which are inconsistent with the development of the plaza, and are also
subject to additional restrictions in the La Quinta Valley Plaza Specific Plan.
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 Zone
Change 2012 -142 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 g` day of April, 2013, by the following
vote to wit:
AYES: Commissioners Alderson, Weber, Wilkinson, Wright, and Chairperson
Barrows
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
�t _
KATIE BARROWS, Chairperson
City of La Quinta, California
ATTEST
JOHNrN, Community Development Director
of La Quinta, California