2018 03 27 PCPLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA 1 MARCH 27, 2018
PLANNING COMMISSION
AGENDA
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta
REGULAR MEETING on TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2018 AT 6:00 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL: Commissioners Bettencourt, Caldwell, Currie, McCune, Proctor, Wright and
Chairperson Quill.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
At this time, members of the public may address the Planning Commission on any
matter not listed on the agenda. Please complete a "Request to Speak" form and limit
your comments to three minutes. The Planning Commission values your comments;
however in accordance with State law, no action shall be taken on any item not
appearing on the agenda unless it is an emergency item authorized by GC 54954.2(b).
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVE MINUTES OF MARCH 13, 2018
BUSINESS SESSION - None
STUDY SESSION - None
Planning Commission agendas and
staff reports are now available on the
City’s web page: www.laquintaca.org
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA 2 MARCH 27, 2018
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. VARIANCE 2018-0001 SUBMITTED BY LA QUINTA KINGDOM HALL OF JEHOVAH’S
WITNESSES PROPOSING A VARIANCE TO ALLOW FOR A NINE FOOT FRONT YARD
SETBACK FOR THE EXISTING BUILDING, ALLOW EXISTING MONUMENT SIGN TO
ENCROACH INTO THE PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY. CEQA: EXEMPT PURSUANT TO
SECTION 15301 IN THAT THE PROPOSED PROJECT CAN BE CHARACTERIZED AS
AN EXISTING FACILITY. LOCATION: 46300 DUNE PALMS ROAD.
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS - None
COMMISSIONERS’ ITEMS
STAFF ITEMS - None
ADJOURNMENT
The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission will be held on April 10, 2018,
commencing at 6:00 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers, 78-495 Calle Tampico, La
Quinta, CA 92253.
DECLARATION OF POSTING
I, Wanda Wise-Latta, Commission Secretary of the City of La Quinta, do hereby declare
that the foregoing Agenda for the La Quinta Planning Commission meeting was
posted on the outside entry to the Council Chamber at 78-495 Calle Tampico, and the
bulletin boards at 78-630 Highway 111, and the La Quinta Cove Post Office at 51-321
Avenida Bermudas, on March 23, 2018.
DATED: March 22, 2018
WANDA WISE-LATTA, Commission 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 Planning Division of the Design and Development Department at 777-
7118, 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 Commission, arrangements
should be made in advance by contacting the Planning Division of the Design and Development
Department at 777-7118. A one (1) week notice is required.
If background material is to be presented to the Commission during a Planning Commission meeting,
please be advised that eight (8) copies of all documents, exhibits, etc., must be supplied to the
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA 3 MARCH 27, 2018
Executive Assistant for distribution. It is requested that this take place prior to the beginning of the
meeting.
Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the Commission regarding any item(s) on this
agenda will be made available for public inspection at the Design and Development Department’s
counter at City Hall located at 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, California, 92253, during normal
business hours.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 1 MARCH 13, 2018
PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2018
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the La Quinta Planning Commission was called to order at 6:00
p.m. by Chairperson Quill.
PRESENT: Commissioners Bettencourt, Caldwell, Currie, McCune, Proctor,
Wright and Chairperson Quill
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Assistant City Attorney Morgan Gallagher, Planning Manager
Gabriel Perez, City Engineer Bryan McKinney, Senior Planner Cheri
Flores, Associate Planner Carlos Flores, Consulting Planner Nicole
Sauviat Criste, Commission Secretary Wanda Wise-Latta and
Office Assistant Mirta Lerma
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Bettencourt led the audience in the pledge of allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA – None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA - Confirmed
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
1. CITY-WIDE CAMERA SYSTEM PRESENTATION
City of La Quinta Public Safety Manager Martha Mendez and Public Safety Analyst
Anthony Moreno made the presentation.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Police Chief Roy Grace, La Quinta - introduced himself and shared
additional information regarding the proposed city-wide camera system.
Commission discussion followed regarding staffing, privacy, public access, public
safety, and impact on crime.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 2 MARCH 13, 2018
CONSENT CALENDAR
Chairperson Quill requested presentation of the staff report on Consent Calendar Item
No. 2 and that it be pulled for discussion and separate vote. Commission concurred.
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 13, 2018
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Bettencourt/Wright to
approve Consent Calendar Item No. 1 as submitted with the following:
Amendment to Page 4, Staff Item No. 1, second paragraph to read:
“Commission discussion followed regarding current utility sites, IID’s affiliation with the
East Valley Coalition and future utility sites that might be located within the City.”
Amendment to Page 4, Staff Item No. 4, second sentence to read:
“registered for the academy to be held April 4-6, 2018 in Monterey.”
Motion passed unanimously.
2. Pulled for a presentation of staff report, discussion and separate vote by
Chairperson Quill >>> ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA FINDING THE PROPOSED PURCHASE BETWEEN
THE CITY OF LA QUINTA AND FRONTIER COMMUNICATIONS FOR A PORTION
OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 78150 AVENIDA LA FONDA CONSISTENT WITH
THE GENERAL PLAN 2035
Senior Planner Cheri Flores presented the staff report, which is on file in the Design
and Development Department. She stated that additional recommended findings for
consistency with General Plan 2035 were provided to the Commission prior to the start
of the meeting.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Bettencourt/Currie to
approve Consent Calendar Item No. 2 adopting Planning Commission Resolution No.
2018-002 with the additional recommended findings for consistency with the General
Plan 2035. Motion passed unanimously.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. APPOINT A PLANNING COMMISSIONER AND ALTERNATE TO PARTICIPATE AS
A MEMBER OF THE EVENT SPACE AD HOC COMMITTEE
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 3 MARCH 13, 2018
Planning Manager Perez presented the staff report, which is on file in the Design and
Development Department.
At the February 13, 2018 Planning Commission meeting, Commissioners Caldwell,
McCune, Proctor and Wright had expressed interest in serving on the Event Space Ad
Hoc Committee. Commissioners Caldwell and Wright withdrew their names from
further consideration.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Wright/Bettencourt to
appoint Planning Commissioner McCune to the Event Space Ad Hoc Committee and
appoint Planning Commissioner Proctor as alternate. Motion passed unanimously.
STUDY SESSION
1. DISCUSS NON-BEDROOM CONVERSION LIMITATIONS
Planning Manager Perez presented the staff report, which is on file in the Design and
Development Department.
Commission members discussed parking; regulatory safeguards; short-term vacation
rentals; percentage of dwelling area that bedroom space may occupy in single-family
residences; and limitation of number of bedrooms based on square footage of home.
Staff appreciated the Commission’s input.
PUBLIC HEARING - None
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS - None
COMMISSIONERS’ ITEMS
Commissioner Bettencourt reported that Planning Manager Perez attended the
Bermuda Dunes Community Council meeting providing an update on the Washington
Street Apartments project. He also stated that Mr. Perez would monitor the Vista
Santa Rosa Community Council meetings and update the Commission in the future.
STAFF ITEMS
1. REPORT ON PROGRESS, CUP 2007-105 AND TPM 31876 MAYER VILLA CAPRI
Nicole Sauviat Criste, Consulting Planner presented the information contained in the
staff report, which is on file in the Design and Development Department.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 4 MARCH 13, 2018
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Marvin Roos, Palm Springs - introduced himself and stated that he
was present on behalf of the applicant. He provided background regarding the
original proposed project and current status.
Commission discussion followed regarding land use, traffic impacts; the site’s existing
environmental impact report; and future extensions of the Tentative Parcel Map.
2. 2017 PLANNING DIVISION METRICS
Associate Planner Flores presented the information contained in the staff report,
which is on file in the Design and Development Department.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners
Wright/Bettencourt to adjourn this meeting at 7:58 p.m. Motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
WANDA WISE-LATTA, Commission Secretary
City of La Quinta, California
STAFF REPORT
PLANNING COMMISSION
DATE: MARCH 27, 2018
CASE NO: VARIANCE 2018-0001
APPLICANT: LA QUINTA KINGDOM HALL OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES
PROPERTY OWNER: ENGLISH CONGREGATION OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES
REQUEST: VARIANCE TO ALLOW FOR A NINE-FOOT FRONT YARD
SETBACK FOR THE EXISTING BUILDING, ALLOW EXISTING
MONUMENT SIGN TO ENCROACH INTO THE PUBLIC RIGHT OF
WAY AND FIND THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
CEQA: THE LA QUINTA DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
HAS DETERMINED THAT THIS PROPOSAL IS CATEGORICALLY
EXEMPT FROM ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PURSUANT TO
PROVISIONS OF SECTION 15301, CLASS 1 (EXISTING
FACILITY).
LOCATION: 46300 DUNE PALMS ROAD
LEGAL: APN: 600-030-019
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Determine that the proposed variance is exempt from the California Quality Act, and
further recommend approval of Variance 2018-0001.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
• The City is pursuing property acquisition from the La Quinta Kingdom Hall of
Jehovah’s Witnesses (Kingdom Hall) to accommodate the Dune Palms Road
widening project planned between Highway 111 and Westward Ho Drive.
• The existing Kingdom Hall building and monument sign will conflict with
setback standards after completion of the road widening project.
• The applicant requests variance approval to allow the structures to be placed
within the required building and sign setbacks (Attachment 1)
PH 1
BACKGROUND
The City of La Quinta proposes to widen Dune Palms Road to its ultimate General Plan
width as a Secondary Arterial roadway (Attachment 3) between Blackhawk
Way/Westward Ho Drive and approximately 330 feet north of Coachella Valley Storm
Water Channel (CVSC). The road along the western edge is at the ultimate street
width. The final widened street section will consist of a 72-foot curb-to-curb street
section, which includes two 11-foot travel lanes in the north and southbound
directions, 12-foot wide raised curb median and 8-foot bicycle/cart lanes. The existing
sidewalk along the west side will remain and a new 6-foot wide sidewalk will be
placed along the eastern curb line.
Due to the required street section, it has been determined that right-of-way will be
required from all of the parcels along the eastern edge within the project limits, which
included the Authority-owned parcels, the Kingdom Hall site (Attachment 2) and the
mobile home park. Acquisition along the Kingdom Hall site will not impact the
building structure, but will require relocation of the existing monument sign. The
widening project will cause the monument sign and the existing building to be
nonconforming structures.
PROPOSAL AND ANALYSIS
The Kingdom Hall site is 1.82 acres and is improved with two buildings, landscaping,
and parking area. The City is attempting to acquire 9 feet of additional street right-of-
way along the property’s western street frontage to accommodate the road widening
project (Attachment 4).
The General Plan land use designation for the subject site is Medium Density
Residential. The Zoning designation for the subject site is Medium Density Residential
(RM) and the required minimum front building setback is 20 feet measured from a
building structure to the street right-of-way as identified in the La Quinta Municipal
Code (LQMC) Section 9.50.030, Table of Development Standards (Attachment 5). The
existing building is currently 20 feet from the existing street right-of-way and in
compliance with existing setbacks. The existing building will be 11 feet from the
future right-of-way line and therefore cause the building to be a nonconforming
structure upon road widening completion.
The existing monument sign serves as an identification sign for Kingdom Hall and is
setback approximately 3 feet from the existing street right-of-way. The City’s general
sign standards, Section 9.160.030, do not permit signs within 5 feet of a street right-
of-way (Attachment 6). The existing sign will be in the planned path of the future
sidewalk along Dune Palms Road. Currently, there is no sidewalk along the street
frontage of the subject site (Attachment 7). The applicant proposes to relocate the
sign three feet from the future sidewalk and within the future right-of-way due to the
planned reduction in landscape setback area. The existing Imperial Irrigation District
transformer located within the landscape setback limits sign visibility in locations
beyond the future right-of-way.
The LQMC allows the Planning Commission to consider requests for deviations from
the development standards as a Variance if the required findings can be made
pursuant to Section 9.120.030, Variances. The applicant requests variance approval to
permit relocation of the existing monument sign by encroaching 5 feet into the street
right-of-way and allow a 9-foot building front setback for the existing building. Staff is
in support of the request, and believes that it is justified due to proposed property
acquisition along the street frontage of Kingdom Hall for the road widening project.
Staff has prepared variance findings in the attached resolution for consideration by
the Planning Commission.
AGENCY AND PUBLIC REVIEW
Public Agency Review:
This request was sent to all applicable City departments and affected public agencies
on March 12, 2018. All written comments received are on file and available for review
with the Design and Development Department. All applicable comments have been
incorporated in the recommended Conditions of Approval.
Public Notice:
The public hearing notice was advertised in The Desert Sun newspaper on March 16,
2018, and mailed to all property owners within 500 feet of the site. To date, no
comments have been received. Any written comments received will be handed out at
the Planning Commission hearing.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Design and Development Department has determined that this project is exempt
from provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section
15301, Class 1 (Existing Facilities) and the Dune Palms Widening Project was reviewed
under Environmental Assessment 2016-0009. A Mitigated Negative Declaration was
adopted for the road widening project by the City Council on July 19, 2016.
Report prepared/approved by: Gabriel Perez, Planning Manager
Attachments: 1. Project Information
2. Project Area Site Map
3. General Plan 2035 Circulation Diagram
4. Site Plan- Variance Exhibit
5. Table of Development Standards- Building Setbacks, Section 9.50.030
6. Sign Placement, Section 9.160.030.G
7. Site Photos
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION 2018 -
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING VARIANCE
2018-0001 TO ALLOW FOR A NINE FOOT FRONT YARD
SETBACK FOR THE EXISTING BUILDING AND ALLOW
EXISTING MONUMENT SIGN TO ENCROACH INTO THE
PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY AND FIND THE PROJECT EXEMPT
FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
CASE NUMBERS: VARIANCE 2018-0001
APPLICANT: LA QUINTA KINGDOM HALL OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of La Quinta, California did, on
the 27th day of March, 2018, hold a duly noticed Public Hearing to consider a request
by La Quinta Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses for approval of variance from
development standards of the Medium Density Residential district, 46300 Dune Palms
Road, more particularly described as:
APN: 600-030-019
WHEREAS, the Design and Development Department published a public hearing
notice in The Desert Sun newspaper on March 16, 2018 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 desiring to be heard, said Planning
Commission did make the following mandatory findings pursuant to Section 9.210.030
of the La Quinta Municipal Code to justify approval of said Variance:
1. Consistency with General Plan
The proposed Variance is consistent with the goals and policies of the La
Quinta General Plan in that the variance will ensure the applicant is able to
protect its approved entitlements for existing buildings and structures
determined to be consistent with the General Plan under Conditional Use
Permit 2011-058, while also accommodating the 102 foot wide road right-
of-way for Dune Palms Road in the General Plan 2035 Circulation Diagram
Exhibit II-2.
2. Consistency with Zoning Code
The variance, as conditioned, is consistent with the provisions of this zoning
code as the proposed variance is not eligible for consideration of a minor
Planning Commission Resolution 2018 -
Variance 2018-0001 La Quinta Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Adopted: March 27, 2018
Page 2 of 4
adjustment and allows the planning commission at a public hearing to
consider proposals not consistent with applicable development standards.
Furthermore, the existing building and sign structures were constructed
pursuant to the La Quinta Municipal Code. The widening of the Dune Palms
Road requires acquisition of additional street right-of-way, which will cause
the subject Kingdom Hall building and monument sign to be inconsistent
with setback standards. Therefore, the applicant requests variance approval
to deviate from the 20-foot front building setback requirement of Section
9.50.030 Table of Development Standards for the Medium Density
Residential District by allowing a 9 foot front building setback for the
Kingdom Hall building. In addition, the applicant requests that the existing
monument sign be permitted to deviate from the sign placement standards
of Section 9.160.030.G, Sign Placement, that prohibits freestanding signs
within 5 feet of a street right-of-way and allow encroachment within the
street right-of-way.
3. Compliance with CEQA
The Design and Development Department has determined that this project
is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1) of
the Guidelines implementing CEQA California Environmental Quality Act in
that the proposed project can be characterized as an existing facility. The
subject property is less than five acres in size substantially surrounded by
urban uses, has no value as habitat for endangered, rare, or threatened
species, would not result in any significant effects relating to traffic, noise,
air/water quality, and can be adequately served by all required utilities and
public services. Furthermore, Environmental Assessment 2016-0009 was
prepared for the Dune Palms Widening Project and a Mitigated Negative
Declaration was approved by the City Council on July 19, 2016 and all
impacts related to the road widening project can be mitigated to less than
significant with the adopted mitigation measures.
4. Surrounding Uses
Approval of the proposed variance will not create conditions materially
detrimental to public health, safety and general welfare or injurious to or
incompatible with other properties or land uses in the vicinity. The existing
structures subject of the proposed variance are consistent with an existing
land use for a place of worship approved by Conditional Use Permit 2001-
058 and is compatible with zoning on adjacent properties.
Planning Commission Resolution 2018 -
Variance 2018-0001 La Quinta Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Adopted: March 27, 2018
Page 3 of 4
5. Special Circumstances
There are special circumstances applicable to the subject property such as
location or surroundings, which, when the zoning regulations are strictly
applied, deprive the property of privileges enjoyed by other properties in the
vicinity subject to the same zoning regulations. More specifically, the Dune
Palms Widening Project will reduce the size of the Kingdom Hall property
and cause the existing building and monument sign in their existing location
to be nonconforming structures pursuant to the development standards of
Section 9.50.030 Table of Development Standards and Section 9.160.030.G
General Sign Standards.
6. Preservation of Property Rights
The granting of the variance is necessary for the preservation of a
substantial property right possessed by other property in the same vicinity
and zoning district and otherwise denied to the subject property. The
request for a variance is caused by road widening activities that were not
considered when entitlements for the Kingdom Hall facilities were approved.
7. No Special Privileges
The variance’s required conditions of approval assure that the adjustment
authorized will not constitute a grant of special privileges which are
inconsistent with the limitations placed upon other properties in the vicinity
subject to the same zoning regulations.
8. No Land Use Variance
The approval does not authorize a land use or activity which is not permitted
in the applicable zoning district. Land use approvals were previously
granted for the Kingdom Hall facility through Conditional Use Permit 2001-
058.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of the City of
La Quinta, California, as follows:
SECTION 1. That the above recitations are true and constitute the Findings of the
Planning Commission in this case.
SECTION 2. That the above project be determined by the City Council to be exempt
from CEQA pursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1) of the CEQA Guidelines and consistent
with Environmental Assessment 2016-0009 for the Dune Palms Road Widening
Project.
Planning Commission Resolution 2018 -
Variance 2018-0001 La Quinta Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Adopted: March 27, 2018
Page 4 of 4
SECTION 3. That it does hereby approve Variance 2018-0001, 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 27th day of March, 2018, by the
following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
_______________________________
PAUL QUILL, Chairperson
City of La Quinta, California
ATTEST:
_______________________________
GABRIEL PEREZ, Planning Manager
City of La Quinta, California
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION 2018-
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL - RECOMMENDED
VARIANCE 2018-0001
LA QUINTA KINGDOM HALL OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES
MARCH 27, 2018
Page 1 of 1
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 Variance recorded thereunder.
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. The future monument sign location shall be submitted for approval by the Design
and Development Director to determine consistency with Variance 2018-0001
prior to relocation.
3. Any replacement or modification of the existing monument sign copy will require
approval of a separate sign permit.
Project Information
CASE NUMBER: VARIANCE 2018-0001
APPLICANT: LA QUINTA KINGDOM HALL OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES
PROPERTY OWNER: ENGLISH CONGREGATION OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES
REQUEST: VARIANCE TO ALLOW FOR A NINE FOOT FRONT YARD
SETBACK FOR THE EXISTING BUILDING, ALLOW EXISTING
MONUMENT SIGN TO ENCROACH INTO THE PUBLIC RIGHT OF
WAY AND FIND THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
LOCATION: 46300 DUNE PALMS ROAD
GENERAL PLAN
DESIGNATION: MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL
ZONING
DESIGNATION: MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL
SURROUNDING
ZONING/LAND USES: NORTH: MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL
VACANT PROPERTY
SOUTH: MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL
MOBILE HOME PARK
EAST: MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL
SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION
WEST: MAJOR COMMUNITY FACILITIES
LA QUINTA HIGH SCHOOL
ATTACHMENT 1
ATTACHMENT 2
ATTACHMENT 3
ATTACHMENT 4
La Quinta Municipal Code
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Title 9 ZONING
Chapter 9.50 RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
9.50.030 Table of development standards.*
*CodeAlert:This topic has been affected by Ordinance No. 562. To view amendments and newly added provisions, please refer to the CodeAlert
Amendment List.
A. Definitions. See Chapter 9.280.
B. Table of Standards. Table 9-2 and the illustrations in Section 9.50.040, following, set forth standards for the development of property within
residential districts. However, standards different from those in Table 9-2 shall apply if special zoning symbols described in Section 9.20.030 are
designated on the official zoning map.
Table 9-2 Residential Development Standards
Development
Standard District
RVL RL RC RM RMH RH
Minimum lot size
for single-family
dwellings (sq. ft.)20,000 7200***7200 5000 3600 2000
Minimum project
size for
multifamily
projects (sq. ft.)n/a n/a n/a n/a 20,000 20,000
Minimum lot
frontage for
single-family
dwellings (ft.)1 100 60 60 50 40 n/a
Minimum
frontage for
multifamily
projects (ft.)n/a n/a n/a n/a 100 100
Maximum
structure height
(ft.)2 28 28 17 28 28 40
Maximum number
of stories 2212 2 3
Minimum front
yard setback (ft.)3 30 20 20 20 20 20
Minimum garage
setback4 (ft.)n/a 25 25 25 25 25
Minimum
interior/exterior
side yard setback
(ft.)5, 7 10/20 5/10 5/10 5/10 5/10 10/15
Minimum rear
yard setback (ft.)7 30
20 for
new lots
and 10
for
existing
recorded
lots8 10 15 15 20
Maximum lot
coverage (% of
net lot area)40 50 60 60 60 60
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ATTACHMENT 5
Minimum livable
area excluding
garage (sq. ft.)2500 1400 1200 1400
1400
(multifamily:
750)
750 for
multifamily
Minimum
common open
area6 n/a n/a n/a 30% 30% 30%
Minimum/average
perimeter
landscape
setbacks (ft.)6 10/20 10/20 n/a 10/20 10/20 10/20
Symbol Description of Special Zoning Symbols Used as per Section 9.20.030
60-RM-10,000
17/1
60-foot minimum lot frontage, medium density residential zoning, 10,000 square foot minimum lot size, 17-foot maximum
building height at one story
RL 10,000
17/1 Low density residential zoning, 10,000 square foot minimum lot size, 17-foot maximum building height at one story
RM
17/1 Medium density residential zoning, 17-foot maximum building height at one story
RL
17/1 Low density residential zoning, 17-foot maximum building height at one story
* As shown on the approved specific plan for the project.
** As provided in the underlying base district.
*** A minimum lot size of 20,000 sq. ft. shall be required of new lots created within subdivisions of 10 acres or less in size located south of Avenue 52 and west of Monroe Street.
1 Minimum lot frontage on cul-de-sacs and knuckles shall be 35 feet. Minimum lot frontage for flag lots shall be 15 feet.
2 Not including basements. Also, notwithstanding above table, the maximum structure height equals 22 feet for all buildings within 150 feet of any general plan-designated image corridor,
except in the RC zone, which is 17 feet.
3 For non-garage portions of dwelling only. Also, projects with five or more adjacent single family dwelling units facing the same street shall incorporate front setbacks varying between 20 feet
and 25 feet or more in order to avoid streetscape monotony.
4 For all but RVL district, minimum garage setback shall be 20 feet if “roll-up” type garage door is used. Also, for side-entry type garages, the garage setback may be reduced to 20 feet in the
RVL district and 15 feet in all other residential districts.
5 The following are exceptions to the minimum side setbacks shown: For interior side yards in the RL, RM and RMH districts, if the building is over 17 feet in height, the setback is five feet
plus one foot for every foot over 17 feet in height or fraction thereof, to a maximum setback of ten feet. The additional setback may be provided entirely at grade level or a combination of at
grade and airspace above the 17-foot building. For RH, five feet minimum plus one foot additional setback for every foot of building height above 28 feet, or fraction thereof, up to a
maximum setback of 15 feet when said height above 17 feet is located between five and ten feet from said side yard property line. For interior setbacks, if the building is over 28 feet in height
the setback is ten feet plus one foot for every foot over 28 feet in height or fraction thereof, to a maximum setback of 15 feet. The additional setback may be provided entirely at grade level or
may be a combination of at grade and airspace above the 28-foot building height.
6 Common open area and perimeter landscape requirements do not apply to single-family detached projects unless a specific plan is required. Common open area equals percent of net project
area. Perimeter landscape setbacks are adjacent to perimeter streets: first number equals minimum at any point; second number equals minimum average over entire frontage (thus, 10/20).
See Section 9.60.240 and additional landscape/open area standards.
7 Rear and side yard setbacks for residential units abutting the image corridor shall be a minimum of 25 feet with the exception of RVL zone district where it only applies to the side yard.
(Ord. 550 § 1, 2016)
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Page 2 of 29.50.030 Table of development standards.
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La Quinta Municipal Code
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Title 9 ZONING
Chapter 9.160 SIGNS
9.160.030 General sign standards.
A. Applicability. Signs in the city of La Quinta, including exempt, permanent, semipermanent and
temporary signs, are subject to the general standards of this section.
B. Planned Sign Programs. Planned sign program review is required, per the provisions of Section
9.160.090D, for submissions which: (1) include three or more permanent signs; (2) are in conjunction
with review of a site development permit by the planning commission; or (3) include a request for a sign
adjustment to a sign previously approved under a planned sign program.
C. Interpretation of Provisions. Where a matter of interpretation arises regarding the provisions of this
chapter, the more specific definition or more rigorous standard shall prevail. Whenever the director
determines that the application of any provision of this chapter is uncertain, the issue shall be referred to
the planning commission for determination.
D. Application of Standards. If the director determines that a staff-reviewed sign does not conform to
one or more of the general standards set forth in this section, the applicant shall be given the option of
modifying the sign or applying for a minor adjustment.
E. Measurement of Sign Area. Sign area shall be measured as follows:
1. Basic Rule. 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.
2. Window Signs. Window sign area shall be considered to be the entire area of any sign placed
on or inside a window and not painted directly on the glass. For signs painted directly on the glass,
area measurement shall be the same as that for wall signs, following.
3. Individual Letters. The area of wall or window signs composed of individual letters painted on
or otherwise affixed to the wall or window shall be considered to be the area within the single
continuous perimeter encompassed by a straight-line geometric figure which encloses the extreme
limits of the letters or other characters.
4. Double-Faced Signs. If a sign is double-faced with only one face visible from any ground
position at one time, its sign area shall be considered to be the area of either face taken separately.
Thus, if the maximum permitted sign area is twenty square feet, a double-faced sign may have an
area of twenty square feet per face.
5. Three-Dimensional Signs. If a sign has three or more faces, its sign area shall be considered to
be the sum of the areas of each individual face. Thus, if a sign has four faces and the maximum
permitted sign area is twenty square feet, the maximum allowable area for each face is only five
square feet.
6. Separated-Panel Signs. The sign area of open or separated panel signs, i.e., those signs having
empty spaces between copy panels, shall be considered to be the entire area encompassed by the
sign face, including the empty spaces between panels.
F. Measurement of Sign Height. Sign height shall be measured as follows:
1. Building-Mounted Signs. The height of building-mounted signs shall be measured from the
average finish grade directly beneath the sign.
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2. Freestanding Signs. The height of a freestanding sign shall be measured from the top of curb of
the nearest street (or the edge of pavement of such street where there is no curb) to the top of the
sign or any vertical projection thereof, including supporting columns and/or design elements.
However, in cases where the director determines that a freestanding sign is not oriented to any
particular street or is too far from such a street to reasonably apply the foregoing standard, sign
height shall be measured from the average finish grade at the base of the sign.
G. Sign Placement.
1. Setback From Street. Freestanding signs shall not be located within five feet of a street right-of-
way nor within a corner cutoff area identified in Section 9.100.030D.
2. No Off-Premises Signs. All signs shall be located on the same premises as the land use,
business and/or activity identified by the sign, unless specifically permitted to be off-premises
under the provisions of this chapter, or incorporated and approved as part of a temporary use permit
application.
3. Utility Lines. No sign shall be located closer to overhead utility lines than the distance
prescribed by California law or by the rules duly promulgated by agencies of the state or by the
applicable public utility.
4. Traffic Safety. No sign shall be located in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision of
pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
5. Public Right-of-Way. No sign shall be located within, over or across a public right-of-way
unless specifically permitted in this chapter.
H. Illumination. Illumination from or upon any sign shall be shaded, shielded, directed or reduced so as
to avoid undue brightness, glare or reflection of light on private or public property in the surrounding
area so as to avoid unreasonably distracting pedestrians or motorists. “Undue brightness” is illumination
in excess of that which is reasonably necessary to make the sign reasonably visible to the average person
on an adjacent street. Illuminated signs which face or are adjacent to residentially zoned property shall
be restricted to minimize the illumination, glare or reflection of light which is visible from the
residentially zoned property.
I. Maintenance. Any sign displayed within the city, together with supports, braces, guys, anchors, and
electrical components, shall be maintained in good physical condition, including the replacement of
defective parts. Exposed surfaces shall be kept clean, in good repair and painted where paint is required.
The director may request the director of building and safety to order the repair or removal of any sign
determined by the director to be unsafe, defective, damaged or substantially deteriorated.
J. Landscaping of Freestanding Signs. All freestanding signs shall include, as part of their design,
landscaping and/or hardscaping about their base so as to prevent vehicles from hitting the sign, to
improve the overall appearance of the installation, and to screen light fixtures and other appurtenances.
The applicant shall maintain all landscape areas in a healthy and viable condition.
K. Inspection. All sign owners and users shall permit the periodic inspection of their signs by the city
upon ten days’ notice.
L. Specific Plan Standards to Apply. Signs to be located within the boundaries of a specific plan or
other special design approval area shall comply with the criteria established by such plan or area. (Ord.
550 § 1, 2016)
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Site Photos- La Quinta Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses
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