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2021 04 27 PCPLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA 1 APRIL 27, 2021 PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta REGULAR MEETING on TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021 AT 5:00 P.M. **************************** SPECIAL NOTICE Teleconferencing and Telephonic Accessibility In Effect Pursuant to Executive Orders N-25-20, N-29-20, N-33-20, N-35-20, and N-60-20 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 in the Ralph M. Brown Act (Government Code § 54950 et seq.), members of the Planning Commission, the City Attorney, City Staff, and City Consultants may participate in this meeting by teleconference. Additionally, the public is not permitted to physically attend at City Hall the meeting to which this agenda applies. Members of the public may listen to this meeting by tuning-in live via http://laquinta.12milesout.com/video/live. Members of the public wanting to address the Planning Commission, either for public comment on matters not on the agenda or for a specific agenda item, or both, must send an email notification to the Planning Commission Secretary, Tania Flores, at TFlores@LaQuintaCA.Gov, no later than 3:00 p.m. the day of the meeting, and specify the following information: 1) Full Name 4) Public Comment or Agenda Item Number 2)City of Residence 5) Subject 3) Phone Number 6) Written or Telephonic Verbal Comments The email “subject line” must clearly state “Written Comments” or “Verbal Comments.” Planning Commission agendas and staff reports are now available on the City’s web page: www.LaQuintaCA.Gov PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA 2 APRIL 27, 2021 Verbal Public Comment (via telephone or Zoom) – shall be submitted as prescribed above; the City will facilitate the ability for a member of the public to be audible to the Planning Commission and general public by contacting him/her via phone and queuing him/her to speak during the discussion or by providing a link to join the live meeting via Zoom and asking him/her to unmute at the appropriate time and/or when requested by the Chairperson. Written Public Comments – shall be submitted as prescribed above; all written comment will be distributed to the Planning Commission, incorporated into the agenda packet and public record of the meeting, and will not be read during the meeting unless, upon the request of the Planning Commission Chairperson, a brief summary is asked to be read, to the extent that the Planning Commission Secretary can accommodate such request. **************************** CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL: Commissioners Bettencourt, Caldwell, Currie, Libolt-Varner, McCune, Nieto, and Chairperson Proctor 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 by emailing written public comments or requests to provide verbal public comments as indicated above. Please limit your comments to three (3) minutes (or approximately 350 words). The 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 the Brown Act [Government Code Section 54654.2(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. PAGE 1. APPROVE MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 26, 2021 5 2. APPROVE MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 17, 2021 12 BUSINESS SESSION - NONE STUDY SESSION - NONE PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA 3 APRIL 27, 2021 PUBLIC HEARINGS Members of the public may submit written comments to the Planning Commission before a public hearing or speak via teleconference in support or opposition to the approval of a project(s). If you challenge a project(s) in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing or in written correspondence delivered to the City at, or prior to the public hearing. PAGE 1. ADOPT A RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL AMEND SECTIONS 9.50.090 AND 9.200.015 OF TITLE 9 OF THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE; CEQA: EXEMPT FROM CEQA PURSUANT TO SECTION 15061(B)(3) REVIEW FOR EXEMPTIONS – COMMON SENSE RULE; LOCATION: CITYWIDE 16 REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS - NONE COMMISSIONERS’ ITEMS - NONE STAFF ITEMS PAGE 1. CITYWIDE PROJECT UPDATES 23 ADJOURNMENT **************************** The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission will be held on May 11, 2021, commencing at 5:00 p.m. with the Call to Order, at the City Hall Council Chamber, 78495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, California. DECLARATION OF POSTING I, Tania Flores, Commission Secretary, do hereby declare that the foregoing Agenda for the La Quinta Planning Commission meeting of April 27, 2021, was posted on the City’s website, near the entrance to the Council Chamber at 78-495 Calle Tampico, and the bulletin boards at the Stater Brothers Supermarket at 78-630 Highway 111, and the La Quinta Cove Post Office at 51-321 Avenida Bermudas, on April 24, 2021. DATED: April 23, 2021 TANIA FLORES, Commission Secretary City of La Quinta, California PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA 4 APRIL 27, 2021 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 (760)777-7023, 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 (760) 777-7023. 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 ten (10) copies of all documents, exhibits, etc., must be supplied to the Executive Assistant for distribution. It is requested that this takes 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 JANUARY 26, 2021 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2021 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the La Quinta Planning Commission was called to order at 5:02 p.m. by Chairperson Proctor. 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 Caldwell, Currie, Libolt Varner, McCune, Nieto, and Chairperson Proctor ABSENT: Commissioner Bettencourt (joined the meeting at 5:14 p.m.) STAFF PRESENT: Design & Development Director Danny Castro, Planning Manager Cheri L. Flores, Senior Planner Carlos Flores, Commission Secretary Tania Flores PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner McCune led the Planning Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance. 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 continued to monitor emails should written comments or requests for verbal comments be received. CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA Commission concurred and the agenda was confirmed unanimously with Commissioner Bettencourt being absent. ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATION - NONE CONSENT CALENDAR 1.APPROVAL OF REVISED MINUTES DATED NOVEMBER 24, 2020 CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 1 5 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 2 JANUARY 26, 2021 MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Caldwell/Libolt Varner to approve the Consent Calendar as submitted. AYES: Commissioners Caldwell, Currie, Libolt Varner, Nieto, and Chairperson Proctor. NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Bettencourt. ABSTAIN: None. Motion passed ayes 6, noes 0, absent 1 (Bettencourt). BUSINESS SESSION - NONE Commissioner Libolt Varner left the meeting due to a potential conflict of interest stemming from a business relationship with her previous employer, MSA Consulting, regarding Study Session Item No. 1. STUDY SESSION 1.REVIEW AND PROVIDE GUIDANCE ON MODIFIED DESIGN OF THE SITE AT THE CORNER OF JEFFERSON STREET AND AVENUE 50 WITHIN THE PROPOSED PAVILION PALMS SHOPPING CENTER; LOCATION: NORTHWEST CORNER OF AVENUE 50 AND JEFFERSON STREET Planning Manager Flores presented the staff report which is on file in the Design and Development Department. Chair Proctor reminded the Commission that the item being considered at this meeting is specifically focused on the corner of this development and not the entire project or any items of the project that have already been approved. DECLARATIONS REGARDING COMMISSION PUBLIC CONTACT – None Applicant’s Landscaping Architect discussed challenges associated with the power pole in that location on the property; samples of iconic corners throughout the valley and surrounding areas; brise soleil architecture concept to shield the buildings from sun/heat and provide a shaded walking path for pedestrian movement; elevated outdoor pedestrian friendly and casual seating space that could be used for outdoor dining; planting design and details as well as variations in proposed landscaping; possible landscape art and decor including fire and water features. Commission commended Architect on the new ideas and design and discussed challenges with screening noise on the corner; using monument or architecture for screening purposes; building heights adjustments; safety and ground elevation of corner patio; blending the landscape and brise soleil concept with the rest of the project; using this site for Art in Public Places. WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENT was provided by citizen, Robert Kroll, in which he expressed concerns about the aesthetics of the project including the power pole located at the corner of the site as well as other power poles identified along 6 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 3 JANUARY 26, 2021 Avenue 50 and gave support of the previously proposed taller building heights to help minimize the power poles. These written comments were previously distributed to Council, made publicly available, and incorporated into the agenda packet and public record of the meeting. The Commission provided comments of overall general support of this phase of the project and this corner of the site in particular; provided additional suggestions for design and landscape; commending the applicant’s team on providing a project plan that included innovative design concepts and incorporated requests and suggestions that were presented in previous public meetings, by both the Commission and Council; and advised the applicant to come back with additional drawings highlighting the new design elements in more detail for Council. Commissioner Bettencourt arrived at the meeting at 5:15 p.m. and confirmed that he was able to listen to the presentation from the beginning but was having technical difficulties on joining. Commissioner Libolt Varner returned to the meeting at 5:59 p.m. DECLARATIONS REGARDING COMMISSION PUBLIC CONTACT – None PUBLIC HEARINGS 1.ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 2020-0001 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A MONOPALM WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITY WITHIN THE EXTRA SPACE STORAGE FACILITY CEQA: THE PROJECT IS EXEMPT FROM CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15303, NEW CONSTRUCTION OR CONVERSION OF SMALL STRUCTURES; LOCATION: 79120 CORPORATE CENTER DRIVE (WITHIN EXTRA SPACE STORAGE FACILITY) [RESOLUTION NO. 2021-001] Senior Planner Flores presented the staff report which is on file in the Design and Development Department. Staff answered questions regarding requirements and limitations of monopalm installations. CHAIR PROCTOR DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 6:13 P.M. PUBLIC SPEAKER OR COMMENT: None CHAIR PROCTOR DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 6:13 P.M. MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Bettencourt/Caldwell to adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2021-0001 to approve a Conditional Use Permit 2020-0001 for the construction of a monopalm wireless telecommunications facility within the Extra Space Storage Facility and 7 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 4 JANUARY 26, 2021 determine that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act, pursuant to Section 15303, New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures. A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITY WITHIN THE EXTRA SPACE STORAGE PROPERTY AND FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT CASE NUMBER: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 2020-0001 APPLICANT: EUKON GROUP AYES: Commissioners Bettencourt, Caldwell, Currie, Libolt Varner, McCune, Nieto, and Chairperson Proctor. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None Motion passed unanimously. 2.ADOPT RESOLUTIONS TO RECOMMEND ADOPTION OF A SUBSEQUENT MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION (ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2020-0001) AND APPROVAL OF SPECIFIC PLAN 2020-0001, SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2020-0001, TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 2020-0001, AND VARIANCE 2020-0001 FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A 40-UNIT RESIDENTIAL APARTMENT PROJECT; CEQA: DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS PREPARED A SUBSEQUENT MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION UNDER ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2020-0001; LOCATION: SOUTHEAST CORNER OF JEFFERSON STREET AND PALM CIRCLE DRIVE [RESOLUTION NO. 2021-002] Senior Planner Flores presented the staff report which is on file in the Design and Development Department. Staff answered Commission questions regarding property ownership and maintenance responsibilities; project entrance and lane widening options; emergency service access; required variances and density changes for the project; photometric study results; distances of parking stalls to building access points. Applicant answered Commission questions regarding proximity of trash collection locations in relation to existing residences on the back side of the property. CHAIR PROCTOR DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 6:40 P.M. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Heather Michel – Project will provide more affordable housing in La Quinta for small families; in favor of the project. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Jovanni Michel – Project will provide more renting options for residents of La Quinta; in favor of the project. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Martin Koons – Resident of Westward Isle spoke of concerns of the project interfering with the views from his home; not enough time for 8 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 5 JANUARY 26, 2021 surrounding residents to review the project and its effects on their neighborhood; in opposition of approving the project at this time. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Jennifer Hill – Westward Isles resident in opposition of the project due to architectural design differences, required zoning allowance changes, increased traffic especially around the school zone, and increased residential density allowance required for the project. WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENT was provided by the citizens listed below, in alphabetical order, which was distributed to Council, made publicly available, and incorporated into the agenda packet and public record of the meeting: o Barnard, Ethan - Support o Hand, Richard – Opposition o Hill, Jennifer – Opposition o Leuthold, Valerie – Support o McGowan, Joshua – Support o Mendias, Joyce Ann - Opposition o Olsen, Vicki – Opposition o Onunwah, Collins and Claudette - Opposition o Paige, Mitchell – Opposition o Scrivner, Nancy – Support o Westward Isle HOA - Opposition Applicant and Staff answered additional Commissioner questions regarding outreach provided to the surrounding community; noticing requirement fulfillment; density adjustment and calculations; property ownership and maintenance responsibilities of certain areas of the property along Whitewater Wash; and architectural design including one and two-story building options. CHAIR PROCTOR DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 7:08 P.M. Commissioners provided additional comments regarding increasing demand for apartment availability within the City; increased traffic concerns; density and variances required for this project; the project location in relation to the image corridor; site plan’s preservation of Westward Isle residence views; concerns with changing the intended use of the site; and architectural design. MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Nieto/Bettencourt to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2021-0002 to recommend adoption of a Subsequent Mitigated Negative Declaration for Environmental Assessment 2020-0001. A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT A SUBSEQUENT MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE JEFFERSON STREET APARTMENTS LOCATED AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF JEFFERSON STREET AND PALM CIRCLE DRIVE CASE NUMBER: ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2020-0001 9 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 6 JANUARY 26, 2021 APPLICANT: JIM SNELLENBERGER AYES: Commissioners Bettencourt, Caldwell, Currie, Libolt Varner, McCune, Nieto, and Chair Proctor. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Motion passed unanimously. MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Nieto/Currie to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2021-0003 to recommend approval of Specific Plan 2020-0001, Site Development Permit 2020-0001, Tentative Parcel Map 2020-0001, and Variance 2020-0001, subject to the Findings and Conditions of Approval. A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING TO THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF A SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT, TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP, SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT, AND VARIANCE FOR THE JEFFERSON STREET APARTMENTS AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF JEFFERSON STREET AND PALM CIRCLE DRIVE. CASE NUMBERS: SPECIFIC PLAN 2020-0001; TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 2020-0001; SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2020-0001; VARIANCE 2020-0001 APPLICANT: JIM SNELLENBERGER AYES: Commissioners Bettencourt, Caldwell, Currie, Libolt Varner, McCune, Nieto, and Chair Proctor. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Motion passed unanimously. REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS - NONE STAFF ITEMS 1.INTRODUCTION OF DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE TECHNICIAN, TANIA FLORES, WHO WILL BE THE PLANNING COMMISSION SECRETARY COMMISSIONERS’ ITEMS Commissioner Bettencourt and Chair Proctor requested Staff provide the Commission with printed materials for the upcoming Pavilion Palms project items. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Caldwell/McCune to adjourn at 7:32 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, 10 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 7 JANUARY 26, 2021 TANIA FLORES, Commission Secretary City of La Quinta, California 11 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 1 FEBRUARY 17, 2021 PLANNING COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021 CALL TO ORDER A special meeting of the La Quinta Planning Commission was called to order at 6:01 p.m. by Vice Chair Nieto, in the absence of Chairperson Proctor. This meeting was held by teleconference pursuant to Executive Orders N-25-20, N-29-20, N-33-20, and N-35-20, and N-60-20, 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, Caldwell, Currie, Libolt Varner, McCune, Vice Chair Nieto ABSENT: Chairperson Proctor STAFF PRESENT: Design & Development Director Danny Castro, Planning Manager Cheri Flores, Senior Planner Carlos Flores, Commission Secretary Tania Flores PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner McCune led the Planning Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA PUBLIC SPEAKER: None CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA Vice Chair Nieto recommended taking Business Session Item No. 2 first, out of respect for the time the applicant and team as they were in attendance at the start of the meeting. MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Bettencourt/Caldwell to approve the Agenda with recommendation to out BusinessSession Item No. 2 first. AYES: Commissioners Bettencourt, Caldwell, Currie, Libolt Varner, McCune, and Vice Chair Nieto. NOES: None. ABSENT: Chairperson Proctor. ABSTAIN: None. Motion passed ayes 6, noes 0, absent 1 (Proctor). CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 2 12 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 2 FEBRUARY 17, 2021 ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATION - None CONSENT CALENDAR 1.APPROVAL OF MINUTES DATED DECEMBER 8, 2020 Commissioner Bettencourt recommended changes be made to the language in discussion section of STUDY SESSION ITEM NO. 1 UPDATE ON PREPARATION OF THE 6TH CYCLE HOUSING ELEMENT FOR THE OCTOBER 2021-OCTOBER 2029 PLANNING PERIOD. MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Libolt Varner/McCune to approve Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of December 8, 2020 as ammended. AYES: Commissioners Bettencourt, Caldwell, Currie, Libolt Varner, McCune, and Vice Chair Nieto. NOES: None. ABSENT: Chairperson Proctor. ABSTAIN: None. Motion passed ayes 6, noes 0, absent 1 (Proctor). BUSINESS SESSION Business Session Item No. 2 was taken first and out of order as recommended during the confirmation of agenda. DECLARATIONS REGARDING COMMISSION PUBLIC CONTACTS – Commissioner Libolt Varner recused herself from discussion and vote on Business Session Item No. 2 due to potential conflict of interest stemming from a business relationship with her previous employer, MSA Consulting. 2.ADOPT A RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING TO THE CITY COUNCIL A MODIFIED DESIGN OF THE SITE AT THE CORNER OF JEFFERSON STREET AND AVENUE 50 WITHIN THE PROPOSED PAVILION PALMS SHOPPING CENTER; CEQA: THE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS PREPARED A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT; LOCATION: NORTHWEST CORNER OR AVENUE 50 AND JEFFERSON STREET Planning Manager Flores presented the staff report which is on file in the Design and Development Department. Staff answered questions regarding requirements of Specific Plan regulatory documents and the scope of what is included in the recommendation being presented at this meeting; locations of HVAC systems; power pole location and undergrounding possibilities; phasing of the development. PUBLIC SPEAKER VIA TELEPHONIC ACCESSIBILITY: Mills, Richard (Resident) – Expressed concerns regarding ingress and regress from the development, traffic circulation, and disguising the fuel station portion of the project to increase aesthetics. 13 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 3 FEBRUARY 17, 2021 PUBLIC SPEAKER VIA TELEPHONIC ACCESSIBILITY: Namvar Leila, (Resident) – Speaker was unable to be reached for pubic comment via the telephone number provided to staff. Applicant answered questions regarding design of the project and the utility pole located on the corner; exterior open space and interior/exterior open space options; HVAC unit locations; phasing of the project; architectural design including vertical and lighting elements; approval of specific types of drive-thru establishments; proposed glass and glazing of the buildings; exterior and interior shading components; landscaping and building color palette options; interior plaza and courtyard patio and shade opportunities. Due to technical difficulties, Commissioner Bettencourt’s connection was compromised intermittently during discussion; a quorum of the Commission was present during the entirety of the discussion and meeting. MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Nieto/Currie to adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2021-0004 as recommended: A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING TO THE CITY COUNCIL A MODIFIED SITE DESIGN AT THE CORNER OF JEFFERSON STREET AND AVENUE 50 WITHIN THE PROPOSED PAVILION PALMS SHOPPING CENTER LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF JEFFERSON STREET AND AVENUE 50; CASE NUMBERS: SPECIFIC PLAN 2017-0002, TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 2017-0003, SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2017-0009; APPLICANT: LUNDIN DEVELOPMENT COMPANY AYES: Commissioners Bettencourt, Caldwell, Currie, McCune, and Vice Chair Nieto. NOES: None. ABSENT: Chairperson Proctor and Commissioner Libolt Varner. ABSTAIN: None. Motion passed ayes 5, noes 0, absent 2 (Proctor and Libolt Varner) Commissioner Libolt Varner returned to the meeting following the vote. 1.GENERAL PLAN AND HOUSING ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORTS FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2020 Senior Planner Flores presented the staff report which is on file in the Design and Development Department. Staff answered questions regarding initiatives and funding opportunities provided to developers for creating very low and low income housing within the community; encouraging mixed-use developments; possible repercussions of not meeting affordable housing requirements; status of the density study and affordable housing site study; codification of affordable housing efforts; studies or 14 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 4 FEBRUARY 17, 2021 measurable improvements to show the effictiveness of the addition of the roundabouts throughout the city. Commissioner Libolt Varner commended staff for meeting the RHNA allocation for low and very low income housing. MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Bettencourt/Libolt Varner to recommend that the City Council authorize submittal of the General Plan Annual Progress Report and the Housing Element Annual Progress Report to the Office of Planning and Research and the State Department of Housing and Community Development. AYES: Commissioners Bettencourt, Caldwell, Currie, Libolt Varner, McCune, and Vice Chair Nieto. NOES: None. ABSENT: Chairperson Proctor. ABSTAIN: None. Motion passed ayes 6, noes 0, absent 1 (Proctor) STUDY SESSION - NONE PUBLIC HEARINGS - NONE REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS - NONE COMMISSIONERS’ ITEMS - NONE STAFF ITEMS 1.2021 LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES PLANNING COMMISSIONER ACADEMY Planning Manager Flores provided information regarding the 2021 League of California Cities Planning Commissioner Academy registration. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Nieto/Caldwell to adjourn the meeting at 7:46 p.m. AYES: Commissioners Bettencourt, Caldwell, Currie, Libolt Varner, McCune and Vice Chair Nieto. NOES: None. ABSENT: Chairpersons Proctor. ABSTAIN: None. Motion passed ayes 6, noes 0, absent 1 (Proctor) Respectfully submitted, TANIA FLORES, Commission Secretary City of La Quinta, California 15 City of La Quinta PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING: April 27, 2021 STAFF REPORT AGENDA TITLE: ADOPT A RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL AMEND SECTIONS 9.50.090 AND 9.200.015 OF TITLE 9 OF THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE; CEQA: EXEMPT FROM CEQA PURSUANT TO SECTION 15061(B)(3) REVIEW FOR EXEMPTIONS – COMMON SENSE RULE; LOCATION: CITYWIDE PROJECT INFORMATION CASE NUMBER: ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 2021-0001 APPLICANT: CITY OF LA QUINTA REQUEST: ADOPT A RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL AMEND SECTIONS 9.50.090 AND 9.200.015 OF TITLE 9 OF THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE LOCATION: CITY WIDE CEQA: EXEMPT FROM ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW UNDER CEQA, PURSUANT TO SECTION 15061 (B)(3), REVIEW FOR EXEMPTIONS – COMMON SENSE RULE RECOMMENDATION Adopt a resolution recommending to the City Council (Council) approval of Zoning Ordinance Amendment 2021-0001 amending sections of Title 9 of the La Quinta Municipal Code (LQMC) and finding the action exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to 15061(B)(3), Review for Exemptions – Common Sense Rule. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Staff has proposed modifications to the LQMC Title 9 to make administrative and renumbering modifications. BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS On December 8, 2020 Planning Commission recommended that City Council adopt multiple amendments to the La Quinta Municipal Code (LQMC) relating to streamlining of processes. These amendments were approved and adopted by PUBLIC HEARING ITEM NO. 1 16 Council on January 19, 2021. Subsequent to this, Staff identified two areas that need further clarification, which are shown in redlines on Exhibit A of the proposed Resolution: Section 9.50.090 Architectural Design Standards - This section was changed from “RC District Development Standards”, which applied only to the Cove district, to “Architectural Design Standards”, which now applies the architectural design guidelines citywide. Other changes removed language that was either redundant or more appropriate in other sections of the LQMC. However, the adopted code amendments caused research difficulties for the City’s Code Compliance Division, thus, additional amendments are now being proposed to renumber the section, leaving certain numbers blank and reinstating prior provisions, for purposes of administration. No actual language within this section is being changed, removed, or modified, and is instead being reformatted to assist with administration. Section 9.200.015 Conceptual Design Review - This section was changed from “Preliminary Review” to “Conceptual Design Review” as the City distinguished the change from a Preliminary Review to a Conceptual Design Review to be compliant with California Senate Bill 330 which deals with Preliminary Review. However, Section 9.200.015(B) was not corrected to change the reference “preliminary development plan application” to “conceptual design review application”. This change is now being proposed for consistency and compliance. PUBLIC REVIEW Public Notice This project was advertised in The Desert Sun newspaper on April 16, 2021. To date, no comments have been received. Comments from other City Departments and divisions were considered. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW The Design and Development Department has determined that the proposed zone text amendment is exempt from environmental review under CEQA, pursuant to Section 15061(B)(3), Review for Exemptions – Common Sense Rule, in that it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility for this action to have a significant effect on the environment, and individual development plans will be reviewed under CEQA as they are proposed. Prepared by: Carlos Flores, Senior Planner Approved by: Danny Castro, Design and Development Director 17 PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION 2021 - XXX A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL AMEND SECTIONS 9.50.090 AND 9.200.015 OF TITLE 9 OF THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO RENUMBERING AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE SECTION CASE NUMBER: ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 2021-0001 APPLICANT: CITY OF LA QUINTA WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of La Quinta, California, did on the 27th day of April, 2021, hold a duly noticed Public Hearing for review of a Zoning Ordinance Amendment to amend two sections of the La Quinta Municipal Code, as identified by Title of this Resolution; and WHEREAS, said Zoning Ordinance Amendment has complied with the requirements of "The Rules to Implement the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970" (CEQA) as amended (Resolution 83-63). The Design and Development Department has determined that the proposed amendment is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3), Review for Exemptions – Common Sense Rule, in that it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility for this action to have a significant effect on the environment, and individual development plans will be reviewed under CEQA as they are proposed; and WHEREAS, the Design and Development Department published a public hearing notice for this request in The Desert Sun newspaper on April 16, 2021, as prescribed by the Municipal Code; 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 to recommend approval of said Zoning Ordinance Amendment to the City Council: 1.Consistency with General Plan The code amendment is consistent with the goals, objectives and policies of the General Plan. The proposed amendments are supported by Policy LU-1.2 for land use decisions to be consistent with General Plan policies and programs and uphold the rights and needs of 18 Planning Commission Resolution 2021-XXX Zoning Ordinance Amendment 2021-0001 Applicant: City of La Quinta Adopted: April 27, 2021 Page 2 of 3 property owners and the public; The proposed changes are administrative in nature and do not create any conflicts with the General Plan. 2.Public Welfare Approval of the code amendment will not create conditions materially detrimental to the public health, safety and general welfare. The amendment streamlines the development review process and clarifies language in the municipal code and does not incorporate any changes that affect the regulation and/or provision of public services, utility systems, or other foreseeable health, safety and welfare considerations. 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 Planning Commission does hereby recommend approval of Zoning Ordinance Amendment 2021-0001, as set forth in attached Exhibit A, incorporated herewith by this reference, to the City Council for the reasons set forth in this Resolution. PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City of La Quinta Planning Commission, held on this the 27th day of April, 2021, by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: 19 Planning Commission Resolution 2021-XXX Zoning Ordinance Amendment 2021-0001 Applicant: City of La Quinta Adopted: April 27, 2021 Page 3 of 3 ___________________________ MICHAEL PROCTOR, Chairperson City of La Quinta, California ATTEST: _________________________________________ DANNY CASTRO, Design and Development Director City of La Quinta, California 20 EXHIBIT A 9.50.090 Architectural Design standards. In addition to the requirements of Chapter 9.30 (Residential Districts) and Chapter 9.60 (Supplemental Residential Regulations) the following shall be required for homes: A. Requirements. 1.Architectural Design Guidelines. The city council shall, by resolution, adopt architectural design guidelines to be used as guidelines in reviewing landscape materials, architectural style, exterior building materials, colors, and mass and scale; 2.Architectural Variety. Duplication of houses having the same architectural design features on the front elevation of other houses located within two hundred feet of each other shall make provisions for architectural variety by using different colors, roof treatments, window treatments, garage door treatments, and methods; 3.[Reserved] 4. [Reserved 5. [Reserved] 6. [Reserved] 7. [Reserved] 8.Landscaping. All front and exterior side yards shall be landscaped to property line; 4 9. The landscaping shall include trees, shrubs and ground cover of sufficient size, spacing and variety to create an attractive and unifying appearance; 5 10. An irrigation system shall be provided for all areas required to be landscaped; 6 11. The landscaping shall be continuously maintained in a healthy and viable condition; 12. Screening. Refuse containers and bottled gas tanks shall be concealed by view- obscuring landscaping, fencing or walls, as referenced in Screening Section 9.60.140(B)(1)(e); 13.[Reserved] 14. Lighting. All exterior lighting shall be located and directed so as not to shine directly on adjacent properties, as referenced in Outdoor Lighting Section 9.100.150(F)(4); 15.[Reserved] 7 16. Earth fill shall not exceed what is necessary to provide minimum required drainage to the street; 9.200.015 Conceptual Design Review A. Any potential project applicant has the option to file a conceptual design review (CDR) to ascertain anticipated conditions, requirements and costs associated with a proposal. This allows the applicant to be informed of any potentially significant issues which may affect any decision to pursue the project. This process offers the following advantages: 1. Provides a comprehensive overview of city applications, fees, and other requirements necessary to obtain project approval, in writing; 21 EXHIBIT A 2. Provides previous project background which can speed up the formal approval process when the project is submitted; 3. The written information can be used as the basis for an estimate of project costs, in order to determine a project’s viability. Submittal for this process shall include completion of an application and supplemental documentation as determined by the director. B. Within thirty calendar days of receipt of a preliminary development plan conceptual design review application, a review letter shall be issued to the applicant, incorporating all comments received during the review period. 22 TO: Honorable Chair and Members of the Planning Commission FROM: Cheri Flores, Planning Manager DATE: April 27, 2021 SUBJECT: PROJECT UPDATES Highway 111 Planning Lisa Wise Consulting and GHD, Inc. have been hard at work preparing draft plans for the Highway 111 Corridor. Staff is currently reviewing the draft Sample Form Based Code document and will present to Planning Commission and City Council at a joint study session in May. Housing Element Staff continues to work with Terra Nova to complete the draft of the Housing Element. Feedback collected from the January workshop and various presentations to Council and Commissions has been incorporated into the draft. Staff has identified housing inventory sites, required for Housing Elements, that cover the City’s Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allotment. Staff anticipates sending the draft to the state department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) in a few weeks. Following HCD’s review, the Housing Element will be finalized and reviewed by the Planning Commission and Council for final adoption later this year. SilverRock Staff continues to review entitlements, engineering and building plans for the Montage Hotel, Montage Residences, Conference Center, Pendry Hotel, Golf Clubhouse, Pendry Residences and Golf Bungalows. A study session was held on April 20 with updates on activity at the site by the developer. The link to that recording is included below. https://laquinta.12milesout.com/video/meeting/805bc85f-0388-4bf2- 8156-519450e2c7c3 Wave at Coral Mountain The project consists of a Specific Plan to allow for a 15-acre wave pool with an associated hotel/hospitality component, 600 residential units, a neighborhood commercial center and a community farm. Staff continues to work with the applicant in preparing their environmental documentation and special studies and design review for the rest of their applications which include a General Plan Amendment, Zone Change, Specific Plan Amendment, Tentative Tract Map, Development Agreement, Site Development Permit and Environmental Assessment. It is anticipated that the applications will come before the Commission in late 2021. STAFF ITEMS NO. 1 23 2 Travertine The project proposes a revision to their existing Specific Plan to reduce the number of residential units from 2,300 to 1,200, reduce hotel rooms from 500 to 100 and reorganize land use patterns on the site. Staff continues to work with the applicant in preparing the environmental documentation for the project. Applications include a General Plan Amendment, Zone Change, Specific Plan Amendment, Tentative Tract Map, Development Agreement and Environmental Assessment. The applications are still under review at this time. It is anticipated that review of this project development will come before the Commission in late 2021/early 2022. Signature at PGA West Condominiums The project proposes a revision to the approved plan types for the condominiums within the Signature at PGA West project. A total of 100 condominium units are approved for this project and 14 have been built. The proposal includes an amendment of their existing Site Development Permit to change the architecture of the units and revise the layout. It is anticipated that this application will come before the Commission in Summer 2021. Village Mixed Use Projects The City has Site Development Permit proposals for two different mixed- use projects within the Village Commercial (VC) district, one located on the southeast corner of Desert Club Drive and Avenida La Fonda and the other on the northwest corner of Calle Cadiz and Desert Club drive. Both include commercial uses on the ground floor and residential uses above. It is anticipated that each of these applications will come before the Commission in Summer 2021. Projects Under Construction •Grocery outlet Location: NWC Calle Tampico and Washington Street Description: New grocery store in former Ralph’s building Under construction •Carmela Location: NW corner Monroe and Avenue 53 Grading and building to finish the remaining single-family homes in this tract after architectural changes. •Rancho Santana SW corner of Monroe Street and Avenue 52 Grading and building to finish the remaining single-family homes in this tract after architectural changes. •Signature single family homes Signature at PGA West within PGA West community Grading to finish the remainder of the 106 single family units to be built. 24 POWERPOINTS PLANNING COMMISSION APRIL 27, 2021 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING APRIL 27, 2021 1 Planning Commission Meeting April 27, 2021 Planning Commission Meeting April 27, 2021 PH1 – Admin Code Amendments 1 2 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING APRIL 27, 2021 2 Background •Planning Commission recommended approval of new code updates on December 2020, which were adopted by Council January 2021 Proposal •Subsequent to this, Staff identified two areas that need further clarification for administration: –Section 9.50.090 Architectural Design Standards and Section 9.200.025 Conceptual Design Review 3 4 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING APRIL 27, 2021 3 Section 9.50.090 •This section was changed from Cove specific standards to Citywide standards to remove reduncancy or move to a more appropriate section •This caused research difficulty for City’s Code Compliance division •Currently proposed amendments are done to renumber the section for purposes of administration only, no changes to context. Section 9.200.015 •This was changed from Preliminary Review to Conceptual Design Review •Staff noticed an error within the section that is being changed for consistency 5 6 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING APRIL 27, 2021 4 Recommendation •Approve a resolution recommending City Council approve of Zoning Ordinance Amendment 2021-0001 7 8