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2020 01 28 PC MinutesPLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020 CALL. TO ORDER A regular meeting of the La Quinta Planning Commission was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Chairperson Caldwell. PRESENT: Commissioners Bettencourt, Currie, Libolt Varner, McCune, Nieto, and Chairperson Caldwell ABSENT: Commissioner Proctor STAFF PRESENT: Development Director Danny Castro, Planning Manager Cheri L. Flores, Senior Planner Carlos Flores, Associate Planner Sijifredo Fernandez, Commission Secretary Wanda Wise -Latta and Administrative Assistant Mirta Lerma PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Bettencourt 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 COMMUNICATION - None CONSENT CALENDAR 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES DATED JANUARY 14, 2020 MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Bettencourt/Nieto to approve the Consent Calendar as submitted. AYES: Commissioners Bettencourt, Currie, Libolt Varner, McCune, Nieto and Chairperson Caldwell. NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Proctor. ABSTAIN: None. Motion passed. BUSINESS SESSION - None STUDY SESSION 1. RECREATIONAL AND LARGE VEHICLE PARKING IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 1 JANUARY 28, 2020 Senior Planner Carlos Flores and Associate Planner Sijifredo Fernandez presented the staff report, which is on file in the Design and Development Department. Staff responded to Planning Commissioners' inquiries and clarified what is designated as public right-of-way and the use of that public right-of-way; noted that no part of a recreational vehicle (RV) can extend over a sidewalk, curb or travel way; shared statistics provided by Code Compliance regarding RVs parked on private property; clarified that RV parking is allowed in very low density residential, low density residential and medium density residential areas; confirmed that RV parking is allowed in the Cove in the front yard and without screening. Members of the Planning Commission spoke about the variety of RVs in the Cove; removing allowances for parking RVs in front yards; permitting; inhabiting parked RVs; determining how many RVs are in the Cove, how many are out of compliance and who will be impacted by RV parking restrictions; Staff clarified corner lots and the area that is considered front yard and side yard and where an RV can be parked on a corner lot. Members of the Planning Commission commented on inadequate area zoning and its impact on code enforcement; suggested the need to conduct a survey of Cove residents and how RV parking restrictions might impact them. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Ms. Evelyn Sloane, La Quinta - introduced herself and read a letter dated January 24, 2020 regarding the number of RVs and oversized vehicles parked on her neighbor's property and supported parking restrictions for RVs. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Mr. David Heckman, La Quinta - stated he is in support of Ms. Sloane's comments and is in favor of restricting recreational vehicle parking. In response to a Commissioner, staff noted that they were unaware of any requirement to use garage space before using other areas to park RVs similar to restrictions that are implemented by homeowners associations and said that there is no limit to the number of RVs that can be parked legally. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Jeff Smith, La Quinta - stated that he resides in the La Quinta Cove and suggests vigorously enforcing current codes regarding RV parking and suggested a survey be conducted and expressed concern about banning RV parking on private property. Staff noted that based on the comments by the Commission, staff would gather data by possibly conducting an audit of properties where RVs are parked or infrastructure is in place for RV parking in front yards and conduct a survey of Cove residents before a formal presentation be made to the Planning Commission. In response to a Commissioner, staff explained what a permitting process might involve. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 2 JANUARY 28, 2020 PUBLIC SPEAKER: Mr. David Heckman, La Quinta - spoke about regulations for parking of recreational vehicles in North La Quinta. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Director Castro reported that a follow up meeting about the American Express concerts regarding traffic was held on January 13, 2020. Attendees included representatives from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, PGA West HOA personnel, security, event personnel and city staff. He noted that additional meetings are planned as they continue review of the event. COMMISSIONERS' ITEMS Commissioner Bettencourt shared his thoughts about The American Express event. Chairperson Caldwell stated that she shared her thoughts about The American Express concerts with the City Council and noted that Director Castro will keep the Planning Commission apprised. STAFF ITEMS - None ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Nieto/Bettencourt to adjourn this meeting at 6:11 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, �7106. WANDA WISE-LATTA, Commission Secretary City of La Quinta, California PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 3 JANUARY 28, 2020