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2019 04 09 PC PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta REGULAR MEETING on TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2019 AT 6:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL: Commissioners Bettencourt, Caldwell, Currie, Proctor, Quill, Wright and Chairperson McCune 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 – None CONSENT CALENDAR NOTE: Consent Calendar items are routine in nature and can be approved by one motion. 1. APPROVE MINUTES OF MARCH 26, 2019 BUSINESS SESSION - None Planning Commission agendas and staff reports are now available on the City’s web page: www.laquintaca.gov 1 STUDY SESSION 1. DISCUSS DYNAMIC CHANGEABLE MESSAGE SIGNS AS PART OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY REGIONAL TRAFFIC SIGNAL SYNCHRONIZATION PROGRAM PUBLIC HEARINGS - None REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS - None COMMISSIONERS’ ITEMS STAFF ITEM 1. 2018 PLANNING STAFF METRICS ADJOURNMENT The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission will be held on April 23, 2019, commencing at 6:00 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chamber, 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, California. DECLARATION OF POSTING I, Wanda Wise-Latta, Commission Secretary, 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 April 4, 2019. DATED: April 4, 2019 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 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. 2 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2019 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the La Quinta Planning Commission was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chairperson McCune. PRESENT: Commissioners Bettencourt, Caldwell, Currie, Proctor, Quill, Wright and Chairperson McCune ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Design and Development Director Danny Castro, Assistant City Attorney Travis Van Ligten, City Engineer Bryan McKinney, Planning Manager Cheri L. Flores, Interim Senior Planner Carlos Flores, Commission Secretary Wanda Wise-Latta and Administrative Assistant Mirta Lerma PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Quill led the Planning Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - None CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA – Confirmed ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS – None CONSENT CALENDAR 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES DATED MARCH 12, 2019 MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Bettencourt/Currie to approve the Consent Calendar as submitted. AYES: Commissioners Bettencourt, Caldwell, Currie, Proctor, Quill, Wright and Chairperson McCune. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Motion passed unanimously. BUSINESS SESSION – None STUDY SESSION - None PUBLIC HEARINGS CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 1 3 DECLARATIONS REGARDING PUBLIC CONTACTS: Commission Proctor disclosed that prior to relocating to La Quinta, he looked at the site and the surrounding area on behalf of a business client. Commissioner Wright noted that he had dealt with the previous property owner. Assistant City Attorney Van Ligten indicated that no conflicts existed. No other public contacts to report. 1. SPECIFIC PLAN 2018-0003 SUBMITTED BY THE CITY OF LA QUINTA PROPOSING TO MODIFY LANDSCAPING AND SIGNAGE STANDARDS WITHIN PLANNING AREA 1 AND PERMITTING INDOOR SELF STORAGE AS AN ALLOWABLE USE IN PLANNING AREA 3 OF THE CENTRE AT LA QUINTA SPECIFIC PLAN. PROJECT: CENTRE AT LA QUINTA. CEQA: EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT ON THE BASIS THAT THE PROJECT WILL RESULT IN MINOR AMENDMENTS TO EXISTING FACILITIES AND THE REPLACEMENT AND RECONSTRUCTION OF SIDEWALKS AND LANDSCAPING (GUIDELINES SECTION 15301 AND 15302). LOCATION: SOUTHSIDE OF HIGHWAY 111, BETWEEN ADAMS STREET AND DUNE PALMS ROAD. [RESOLUTION NUMBER 2019-005] Interim Senior Planner Carlos Flores presented the staff report, which is on file in the Design and Development Department. Staff responded to Planning Commissioners’ inquiries regarding the possibility of additional indoor storage facilities within Planning Area 3 to which staff responded that there are limitations including a 500-foot setback from Highway 111 requirement that would preclude additional indoor storage facilities within the existing commercial buildings north of Walmart; and clarified that the area for the two-story indoor storage would be located within the existing building. Assistant to the City Manager Gilbert Villalpando addressed the Commission’s inquiry regarding sales tax revenue. Staff continued to respond to Planning Commissioners’ inquiries regarding vehicle storage in the self-storage area and stated that tenant improvements to the existing building would be subject to building and fire code review; explained that use of the existing building as a concert venue would be subject to use permit process as well as applicable building and fire code updates; and described the covenant held by Walmart which limits allowable uses of the building. Mr. Villalpando stated that Walmart has approved Floor and Décor as a tenant and that all proposed uses for the existing building would need to be approved by Walmart. 4 Staff continued to respond to Planning Commissioners inquiries about the maintenance of the landscaping; irrigation, and lighting of the site. At the request of Chairman McCune, Assistant to the City Manager Villalpando provided an update regarding the Auto Center. Staff continued to respond to Planning Commissioners inquiries regarding final landscaping plan and sign program that would both be approved at staff level; explained the ability for “call up review” of a staff decision by the Planning Commission; and clarified the areas in Planning Area 1 where car pads would be located. CHAIRPERSON MCCUNE OPENED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:33 P.M. PUBLIC SPEAKER: David Rose, EPIC Management, Temecula, California – introduced himself and provided additional information about the project and addressed the Planning Commission’s inquiries regarding security related to the indoor storage facility; anticipated sales tax revenue; landscaping; and inability to utilize space as an entertainment venue. Commission Proctor recommended that attention be paid to security aspects of the project. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Dale Tyerman, La Quinta – introduced himself and spoke in support of the proposed project, hoped that consideration would be given to improving the aesthetics of the proposed project including the parking lot and landscaping and that the improvements be consistent with the Highway 111 Corridor improvements. CHAIRPERSON MCCUNE CLOSED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:42 P.M. The Commission discussed security for the indoor self-storage; upgrades to landscaping; parking lot pavement condition; landscaping and signage in Planning Area 1; and outdoor storage. Assistant to the City Manager Villalpando stated that as a condition of the lease, the parking lot will be slurry sealed and landscaping upgraded. MOTION: A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Caldwell/Wright to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2019-005 and recommend to City Council that they find the project exempt from CEQA and approve Specific Plan 2018-0003 for Center at La Quinta subject to the attached findings and the following additional conditions of approval: 1. Any tenant for self-storage will present a security plan to be reviewed by staff. 5 2. Final landscaping plan and signage for Planning Area 1 will be considered by the Planning Commission. AYES: Commissioners Bettencourt, Caldwell, Currie, Proctor, Quill, Wright and Chairperson McCune. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Bettencourt disclosed that he has a business interest that is developing a self-storage facility on Highway 62 at Dillon Road. REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS – None COMMISSIONERS’ ITEMS 1. Commissioners Bettencourt and Currie reported on their participation in the 2019 League of California Cities Planning Commission Academy held March 6-8, 2019 in Long Beach, California. Planning Manager Flores reported on her participation at the Academy. STAFF ITEMS 1. Planning Manager Flores reported on the community workshop about the Highway 111 Area Plan which was held on March 18, 2019 and spoke about the Corridor design charrettes scheduled for April 24-26, 2019. 2. Staff reminded the Planning Commission of the March 27, 2019 joint meeting of the City Council with City Boards and Commissions. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Bettencourt/Currie to adjourn this meeting at 7:12 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, WANDA WISE-LATTA, Commission Secretary City of La Quinta, California 6 City of La Quinta PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING: April 9, 2019 STAFF REPORT AGENDA TITLE: DISCUSS DYNAMIC CHANGEABLE MESSAGE SIGNS AS PART OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY REGIONAL TRAFFIC SIGNAL SYNCHRONIZATION PROGRAM RECOMMENDATION Discuss Dynamic Changeable Message Signs as part of the Coachella Valley Regional Traffic Signal Synchronization Program. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY • At the February 26, 2018 Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) Executive Committee Meeting, the Signal Synchronization Master Plan was approved, and included proposed dynamic changeable message signs. • The proposed location in the City of La Quinta is on Highway 111, mid- block between Dune Palms Road and Depot Drive/Costco. (Attachment 1) • There are two proposed options for the dynamic changeable message sign, a single direction sign and a double direction sign. (Attachment 2) FISCAL IMPACT None. Costs of equipment, installation and maintenance will be funded through the CVAG Signal Synchronization Project. BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS At the February 26, 2018 CVAG Executive Committee Meeting, the Signal Synchronization Master Plan was approved. The Signal Synchronization Master Plan includes proposed dynamic changeable message signs. CVAG identified location(s) for the proposed dynamic changeable message signs in each participating city. CVAG prepared CEQA and NEPA documents that have been approved at these specific locations, including the proposed location in La Quinta, on Highway 111, mid-block between Dune Palms Road and Depot Drive/Costco. The proposed single direction sign would be located on the north curb of Highway 111 with the sign facing westbound traffic, approximately 24 feet in STUDY SESSION ITEM NO. 1 7 height. The sign would consist of a pole and one sign extending 20 feet from the side of the pole, at a minimum clearance height of 18 feet from the road to the bottom of the sign. The sign dimensions are 6 feet tall and 15 feet in length. The proposed double direction sign would be located within the median island and face both eastbound and westbound traffic, same 24- feet height as the single direction sign. The sign would consist of a pole and two signs spanning across the pole, a “T” shape, extending about 20 feet in both directions, with the same sign dimensions as the single direction sign, but with two signs for both eastbound and westbound traffic. ALTERNATIVES Staff seeks direction on the proposed dynamic changeable message signs. The City could direct staff not to move forward with the changeable message signs, and only authorize CVAG to construct the conduit connections for potential future signs. Prepared by: Julie Mignogna, Management Analyst and Kris Gunterson, Traffic Analyst Approved by: Danny Castro, Design and Development Director Attachment: 1. Project Vicinity Map 2. Sign schematics 3. Sign Images 8 ATTACHMENT 19 10 ATTACHMENT 2 11 12 4517_SCL_CVAG_CMS_Struture_CV_LaQu_Photo0-6 CA-111, La Quinta Construction prepare to stop ATTACHMENT 313 14 4517_SCL_CVAG_CMS_Struture_CV_#04_Washington_PalmDesert Washington St., Palm Desert Click it or Ticket 15 16 TO: Honorable Chair and Members of the Planning Commission FROM: Carlos Flores, Interim Senior Planner DATE: April 9, 2019 SUBJECT: REPORT ON 2018 PLANNING STAFF METRICS The City has made major strides to improve doing business in La Quinta that include the Hub one-stop shop, development code streamlining, and online permitting system. The code streamlining from 2016-2018 reduced costs and timeframe for development review by delegating more approval authority to Planning Commission and staff. The code streamlining resulted in the following in 2018: - Seven (7) planning cases were approved by staff in 2018 that would have previously required Planning Commission approval. - Out of the seven: One (1) was a Site Development Permit (SDP), three (3) were Modification by Applicants that would have previously been considered SDP, two (2) were Sign Programs, and one (1) was a Minor Use Permit that would have previously been considered a Conditional Use Permit. TrakIt and eTrakIt software serves as the City’s plan check, project, and permit tracking systems. ETrakIt allows applicants to submit projects/permits online resulting in time and printing/travel cost savings to applicants. 2018 was the second full year of eTrakIt’s implementation and the table below shows the percentage of projects, permits, and total applications that used eTrakIt: Year Projects Permits Total 2018 36% 45% 42% 2017 28% 38% 32% TrakIt software allows tracking of staff reviews of permits/projects and determines if reviews were conducted on-time or late. The 2018 permit/project review metrics are as follows: - 93% of planning staff reviews were completed on time, out of a total of 794 reviews. - 80% assigned review time was used to complete planning reviews. - 94% of 2017 planning reviews were completed on time out of 680 reviews. 87% of 2016 planning reviews were completed on time. Attachments: 1. 2018 Planning Staff Review Performance STAFF ITEM NO. 1 17 18 4/3/2019 1 of 4 REVIEW METRICS - BY DIVISION Dept: Planning Date Range Between 1/1/2018 and 12/31/2018 Reviewers: CARLOS FLORES,CHERI FLORES,GABRIEL PEREZ,NICOLE CRISTE,PLANNING BUCKET ATTACHMENT 119