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2022 01 11 PC Minutes PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 1 of 7 January 11, 2022 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2022 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the La Quinta Planning Commission was called to order at 5:01 p.m. by Chairperson Nieto. This meeting provided teleconferencing accessibility pursuant to Executive Orders N-60-20 and N-08-21 executed by the Governor of California, and subsequently Assembly Bill 361 (AB 361, 2021), enacted 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.). PRESENT: Commissioners Caldwell (via teleconference), Currie, Hassett, McCune, Proctor, Tyerman, and Chairperson Nieto ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Design & Development Director Danny Castro, Public Works Director/City Engineer Bryan McKinney, Planning Manager Cheri L. Flores, Senior Planner Carlos Flores, Associate Planner Siji Fernandez, Commission Secretary Tania Flores, Assistant City Attorney Travis Van Ligten (via teleconference) CONSULTANTS: Planning Consultant Nicole Criste with Terra Nova Planning & Research, Inc. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner McCune led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA PUBLIC SPEAKER: Alena Callimanis, La Quinta – provided information regarding water conservation, levels, and usage; opposed the Coral Mountain Resort project due to water consumption concerns; provided drone footage of proposed site. CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA – Confirmed. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 2 of 7 January 11, 2022 ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS, AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATION – None. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. APPROVE MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 26, 2021 MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Proctor/Currie to approve the Consent Calendar, as presented. Motion passed unanimously. BUSINESS SESSION – None. STUDY SESSION – None. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2021-0007 (SDP 2004-816, AMENDMENT NO. 2) AND MINOR ADJUSTMENT 2021-0010 TO AMEND SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL PLANS FOR BELLA AT PIAZZA SERENA; CEQA: THE PROJECT IS CONSISTENT WITH PREVIOUSLY CERTIFIED MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION PREPARED FOR PIAZZA SERENA (EA2001-417). LOCATION: NORTHWEST CORNER OF AVENUE 58 AND MONROE STREET DECLARATIONS REGARDING COMMISSION PUBLIC CONTACT – None. Associate Planner Fernandez presented the staff report which is on file in the Design and Development Department. Staff answered questions regarding the Minor Adjustments (MA) requested for lots 9 and 40; reductions in square footage of the units in the proposed plans, elevation height changes, garage sizes and measurements, and how square footage is calculated for projects; the Imperial Irrigation District (IID) project letter citing submittal requirements; CEQA compliance and consistency with previously approved Mitigated Negative Declaration; reasons for the MA requested and the ability to add a residential pool to each lot; public response letters and what changes were made due to these letters; exterior landscaping plans; short-term vacation rental permit allowance; solar energy provisions. CHAIRPERSON NIETO DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 5:44 P.M. Applicant Edgar Gomez of Richmond American Homes provided a brief presentation regarding the history of this phase of the project; existing homeowner and homeowner association outreach addressing architectural, landscaping, and square PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 3 of 7 January 11, 2022 footage concerns; IID and Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) ability to service the project; consistency with the residential standards, zoning code, general plan policies, and site and landscape design criteria; phasing and timeline for construction buildout and landscaping; reason for the changes to square footage of individual units; proposed location of the model homes; managing Homeowner’s Association for the new phase of the development; the Contemporary Prairie elevation architecture and design consistency; construction access through emergency access gate; pool and landscaping packages; supply chain issues and material shortages; interest and pre-sale units. Director Castro noted the Commission’s review and consideration of this item was regarding the Site Development Permit Amendment request to amend the single family residential plans for Bella at Piazza Serena. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Alena Callimanis, La Quinta – declined public comment as her questions were answered. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Carl Coggins, La Quinta – opposed the project due to garage capacity, and the design and architecture of the proposed homes. PUBLIC SPEAKER: David Crouse, La Quinta – opposed the project due to appearance, size and quality of the proposed homes including garage sizes; fireplaces as options rather than standard; price point affecting the values of the existing and surrounding homes. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Charles Hawkins, La Quinta – expressed appreciation for existing homes within Piazza Serena; provided a brief history of the project; opposed the project due to reduction in square footage of proposed homes. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Tamara Hay, La Quinta – opposed the project due to the reduction in square footage and expected base price of the proposed homes; inconsistency with architectural design of plans within the project; lack of communication with Applicant. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Donald Imoto, La Quinta – opposed the project due to decreased square footage and inconsistency of the proposed architectural design with the existing homes. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Fonda Lacerra, La Quinta – opposed the project due to decreased square footage and discrepancy in calculations of living space versus total building footprint; expressed concerns regarding the reputation of Applicant. PUBLIC SPEAKER: David Nola, La Quinta – opposed the project due to lack of communication from the Applicant, decreased square footage of the proposed units PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 4 of 7 January 11, 2022 and inconsistency with existing units and surrounding communities; use of the emergency access road for construction and safety concerns; reputation of the Applicant. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Phillip Reyes, La Quinta – declined public comment as all concerns had been addressed. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Raymond Curt Starkweather, La Quinta resident and President of the Piazza Serena Homeowner’s Association – opposed the project due to decreased square footage and inconsistency of the architectural design of the proposed units with the existing homes. PUBLIC SPEAKER: John “Randy” Young, La Quinta – opposed the project due to decreased square footage of proposed units. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Rosalie Young, La Quinta – declined to speak stating her husband addressed her concerns. PUBLIC SPEAKER VIA TELECONFERENCE: Natalie Kennel, La Quinta – opposed the project due to the negative reputation of the Applicant; lack of Applicant’s area specific knowledge and experience; lack of communication from Applicant; decreased garage size and capacity. Staff answered Commission questions regarding changes to the livable square footage versus building footprint square footage; Applicant responded to Commission questions and Public Speaker comments regarding calculated square footage, the Applicant’s reputation, and knowledge of the area. CHAIRPERSON NIETO DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 6:50 P.M. Commission discussion followed regarding architectural design; discrepancy of calculating livable square footage versus building footprint square footage; the Commission’s purview of consideration; market for smaller sized homes; amending the conditions of approval to include items discussed; real estate values of smaller homes. CHAIRPERSON NIETO DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING RE-OPEN AT 6:58 P.M. Applicant provided additional information regarding the request for the amendment. Staff provided additional information regarding the Commission’s purview as it related to this item and the La Quinta Municipal Code; Minor versus Major modification process and the 10% rule. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 5 of 7 January 11, 2022 PUBLIC SPEAKER: David Nola, La Quinta – opposed the project amendment due to decreased livable square footage and the affects this will have on the value of the existing homes within the project; the reputation of the Applicant. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Tommi Lacerra, La Quinta – opposed the project due to decreased square footage and the affects this will have on value of existing homes within the project and surrounding developments. PUBLIC SPEAKER: Jason Trada, La Quinta – opposed the project due to poor salesmanship and lack of trust of the Applicant; decreased square footage and the effects on the home values of the existing homes. Applicant responded to comments made regarding the anticipated price points of the proposed homes with floor plans as presented. CHAIRPERSON NIETO DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING RE-CLOSED AT 7:10 P.M. Commission discussion followed regarding exterior landscape; the quantity of plan type most affected by reduction in square footage; affects the proposed changes would have on the value of the existing homes; the need for compromise to finish the project; emergency access point for construction access; need for side-by-side comparison of square footage including livable space, garage size, and footprint of each plan. Commissioner Caldwell recommended a motion for continuance to allow for the Commission’s and public concerns to be addressed by the Applicant and City Staff. Assistant City Attorney Van Ligten provided instruction on procedures for continuing the hearing. Commission and staff discussed square footage calculations. CHAIRPERSON NIETO DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING RE-OPEN AT 7:17 P.M. Staff, Commission, and Applicant discussed timeline for continuation of this item. Assistant City Attorney Van Ligten clarified the differences between denying this request or continuing the item and what the Commission’s purview would be if the item was to be continued. MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Chairperson Nieto/ Commissioner Hassett to continue the Public Hearing for consideration of adoption of a Resolution to approve a new architectural plan set for Bella at Piazza Serena, a Minor Adjustment to setbacks on two lots, and find the project consistent with previously certified Mitigated Negative Declaration, to a date certain of February 8, 2022. Motion passed unanimously. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 6 of 7 January 11, 2022 2. CONSIDER NEGATIVE DECLARATION (EA2021-0010), AND GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 2020-0001, FOR THE 2022-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE AND UPDATES TO 2035 GENERAL PLAN CHAPTER IV, ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS (SAFETY ELEMENT), TAKE PUBLIC TESTIMONY, AND CONTINUE TO FEBRUARY 8, 2022; CEQA: A NEGATIVE DECLARATION WAS PREPARED UNDER ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2021-0010; LOCATION: CITY-WIDE DECLARATIONS REGARDING COMMISSION PUBLIC CONTACT – None. Planning Consultant Criste presented the staff report which is on file in the Design and Development Department. Staff answered questions regarding the removal of discretionary findings from permitting requirements found on page 104 of the agenda packet and the City’s ability to make findings related to development standards, general plan, and zoning ordinances; identifying and allocating sites for affordable housing; the City’s ability to facilitate an increase in affordable housing access; identified properties to RHNA requirements and utilization of available properties; costs associated with building affordable housing and how those figures are calculated; specific sites removed from a previous prospective affordable housing list; zoning amendments required for affordable housing overlay and development standards; converting private housing to affordable housing; state versus local control over findings; the status of Season La Quinta at Mira Flores. CHAIRPERSON NIETO DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 8:11 P.M. PUBLIC SPEAKER: None. CHAIRPERSON NIETO DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 8:12 P.M. The Commission expressed appreciation to Planning Consultant Criste and the Planning Staff for their work on preparing the Housing Element for consideration. CHAIRPERSON NIETO DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING RE-OPEN AT 8:13 P.M. MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners McCune/Proctor to continue the Public Hearing to consider adoption of a Resolution recommending City Council approval of a Negative Declaration (EA2021-0010), and a General Plan Amendment (GPA2020-0001) for the 2022-2029 Housing Element Update and updates to the 2035 General Plan Chapter IV, Environmental Hazards (Safety Element), to a date certain of February 8, 2022. Motion passed unanimously. STAFF ITEMS – None. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 7 of 7 January 11, 2022 REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS – None. COMMISSIONERS’ ITEMS Commissioner McCune requested Assistant City Attorney Van Ligten provide additional clarification relating to the calculating of residential square footage by various entities including the County Tax Assessor, City, and Real Estate Agents at a future meeting. Chairperson Nieto requested additional information on State legislature as it relates to housing including SB8, SB9 and SB10. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Proctor/Currie to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 P.M. Motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, TANIA FLORES, Commission Secretary City of La Quinta, California