2020 05 12 PC MinutesPLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
TUESDAY, MAY 12, 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.
This meeting was held by teleconference pursuant to Executive Orders N-25-20, N-
29-20, N-33-20, and N-35-20, executed by the Governor of California in response
to the state of emergency relating to novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
and enabling teleconferencing accommodations by suspending or waiving specified
provisions of the Ralph M. Brown Act (Government Code § 54950 et seq.).
PRESENT: Commissioners Bettencourt, Currie, McCune, Nieto, Proctor and
Chairperson Caldwell
ABSENT: Commissioner Libolt Varner
STAFF PRESENT: City Attorney William Ihrke, Design & Development Director
Danny Castro, Planning Manager Cheri L. Flores, Senior Planner
Carlos Flores and Commission Secretary Wanda Wise -Latta
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chairperson Caldwell led the Planning Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Chairperson Caldwell shared teleconference meeting protocoâ–º.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
There were no requests to speak under the 'Public Comment on Matters Not on the
Agenda' section of the meeting and Staff will continue to monitor emails should
written comments or requests for verbal comments be received.
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Currie/Proctor to
approve the Consent Calendar as submitted. AYES: Commissioners Bettencourt,
Currie, McCune, Nieto, Proctor and Chairperson Caldwell. NOES: None. ABSENT:
Commissioner Libolt Varner. ABSTAIN: None. Motion passed.
ANNOUNCEMENTS PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATION -
None
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 1 MAY 12, 2020
CONSENT CALENDAR
With reference to the May 12, 2020 Planning Commission meeting, Commissioner
Bettencourt said he respectfully disagreed with Director Castro's comment that
fiscal impact assessment is not a matter for the Planning Commission's
consideration when reviewing a project and shared his views.
With regards to Commissioner Bettencourt's comments, Chairperson Caldwell
inquired if the subject could be discussed at a future meeting and City Attorney
Ihrke noted he could discuss with Director Castro and staff on how most
appropriately to bring the matter back to the Commission.
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES DATED FEBRUARY 25, 2020
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Bettencourt/Currie
to approve the Consent Calendar as submitted.
AYES: Commissioners Bettencourt, Currie, McCune, Nieto, Proctor and Chairperson
Caldwell. NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Libolt Varner. ABSTAIN: None.
Motion passed.
BUSINESS SESSION - None
STUDY SESSION
1. 2019 STATE OF CALIFORNIA HOUSING LEGISLATION
Planning Manager Flores and City Attorney Ihrke presented the staff report which is
on file in the Design and Development Department.
The Planning Commission thanked City Attorney Ihrke for the presentation.
Staff responded to Planning Commission inquiries and comments regarding the
implementation of housing standards; impact of standards on the Cove and lack of
parking requirements; impacts on homeowner associations; and allowable number
of public hearings under the Permit Streamlining Act. Staff discussed remedies
should auxiliary dwelling units (ADU) or junior ADUs be used as short-term vacation
rentals; and added that applicants seeking a City building permit for ADUs are
required to record a covenant that states ADU cannot be rented for less than 30
days.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - None
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS - None
COMMISSIONERS' ITEMS
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 2 MAY 12, 2020
Commissioner Bettencourt brought to the Planning Commission's attention that the
Governor's Office issued a document entitled, "COVID-19 Industry Guidance for
Dine -In Restaurants" and shared his thoughts regarding the challenges.
STAFF ITEMS
Director Castro provided an update on City operations and services.
Commission Secretary Wise -Latta noted that no electronic written comments or
requests to share verbal comments were received during the Planning Commission
meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners
Bettencourt/Proctor to adjourn at 7:05 p.m. Motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
L
WANDA WISE-LATTA, Commission Secretary
City of La Quinta, California
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 3 MAY 12, 2020