SPEV 2021-0008 Merv Griffin Estate 81345 Avenue 54 - Various Events (01.24.2022) DH Resolution 2022-001',5(&725
6+($5,1*RESOLUTION 2022 -
A RESOLUTION OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE DESIGN
AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF THE CITY
OF LA QUINTA APPROVING A SPECIAL EVENT
PERMIT FOR 4-11 EVENTS AT GRIFFIN ESTATE
AND FIND THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
CASE NUMBERS:
SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT 2021-0008
APPLICANT: MARK MAJER
WHEREAS, the Design and Development Director of the City of La
Quinta, California did, on January 24, 2022, hold a duly noticed Public Hearing
to consider a request by Mark Majer for approval of 4-11 events at the Griffin
Estate, generally located at 81345 Avenue 54, more particularly described as:
APN 780-130-001 & 780-130-002
WHEREAS, the Design and Development Department published a public
hearing notice in The Desert Sun newspaper on January 13, 2022, as
prescribed by the Municipal Code. Public hearing notices were also mailed to
all property owners within 500 feet of the site; 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 Director did make the following mandatory findings pursuant to
Section 9.60.170 of the Municipal Code to justify approval of said Special
Event Permit:
1. The event, as conditioned, will not be detrimental to the health,
safety, and general welfare of the community in the area of the
proposed event. City staff has reviewed, and will continue to review
and monitor, the event(s) to mitigate any potential impacts.
Conditions of approval are in place to ensure of public safety inside
and outside of the event, including adequate review by public safety
staff.
2. There is adequate area to conduct the event and to accommodate
the anticipated attendance. The ~37 acre site has more than enough
room to accommodate the proposed attendances. Conditions are in
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Special Event Permit 2021-0008
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Adopted: January 24, 2022
Page 2 of 3
place to review guest lists and attendance lists of all events, and for
City staff to provide additional conditions and mitigation as necessary
for larger crowd sizes, such as noise monitoring, security staff, public
safety staff, and/or crowd monitors.
3. Sufficient parking will be provided for the anticipated attendance.
The applicant has provided a parking plan for both onsite and offsite
parking to handle the proposed events. Conditions are in place to
help mitigate parking, such as shuttles, circulations, and potential
Traffic Control Plans.
4. Food service operations, medical facilities, solid waste facilities,
sewage disposal methods and potable water service will be provided
for all events, and be required to meet all necessary approvals per
event.
5. Fire protection plans and facilities have been provided to the
satisfaction of the fire marshal, as conditioned.
6. Security plans and facilities have been provided to the satisfaction of
the sheriff, as conditioned. The Sheriff’s department will continue to
review the events throughout the year and have conditions in place
to be able to impose or adjust additional security efforts.
7. Public roadways providing access to the event are capable of
accommodating the anticipated traffic volumes in a reasonable and
safe manner with minimal disruption to local traffic circulation, as
reviewed and approved by City’s Traffic Engineer and Sheriff’s
department. Events requiring Traffic Control will require additional
review and approval prior to each event.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Design and Development
Director of the City of La Quinta, California, as follows:
SECTION 1. That the above recitations are true and constitute the Findings of
the Design and Development Director in this case; and
SECTION 2. That the above project be determined by the Design and
Development Director to be exempt from the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15304(e), Minor Alterations to Land. This
project includes minor temporary use of land having negligible or no
permanent effects on the environment.
DIRECTOR’S HEARING RESOLUTION 2022-001
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT 2021-0008
PROJECT: GRIFFIN ESTATE
ADOPTED: JANUARY 24, 2022
Page 1 of 6
This approval authorizes the applicant to conduct the event pursuant to compliance
with all conditions of approval of this permit. The applicant must obtain any permits,
as may be required below, in order to physically set up the event.
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
Completion/confirmation prior to start of each event:
1. Up to eleven (11) indoor/outdoor events are approved within calendar year
2022. The total number of event participants, including staff, security and
guests, shall not exceed the amount provided in the application information on
file. The applicant is required to maintain a count of all event participants on-
site at all times during the event. The event count shall be maintained by
event staff at the main entrance and made available upon request by the La
Quinta Police Department, Office of Fire Marshal or City Staff.
2. Revised exhibits and specific event information for each event shall be
submitted 30 days prior to each event and will be reviewed by City
Departments. If event changes are significant from the approved event
exhibits and description, the Director may require a separate Special Event
Permit for these events and/or additions and modifications to the conditions of
approval listed in this letter. The City of La Quinta has information on file for
eight (8) of the allowed eleven (11) events.
3. The remaining three (3) events out of the eleven (11) events will require
information be submitted to City staff 30 days prior to the event. However, if
the event proposed exceeds 500 guests and/or has traffic control proposed, it
shall be submitted 90 days prior to event date.
4. This event approval does not grant approval for the annual Coachella Festival
related event that occurs at this project site. Approval of this event would
count towards the eleven (11) events allowed under this permit, but is to be
reviewed independent of this permit and information must be submitted 90
days prior to that event. Additional conditions, review, permits, inspections,
and many other aspects may be added as part of that event.
5. The applicant shall obtain all other applicable permits, if required, from the
appropriate agencies (i.e., Office of Fire Marshal, Building Department, Police
Department, Alcohol Beverage Control, etc.). This includes getting appropriate
City of La Quinta building permits for any structures that are part of any
event.
DIRECTOR’S HEARING RESOLUTION 2022-001
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT 2021-0008
PROJECT: GRIFFIN ESTATE
ADOPTED: JANUARY 24, 2022
Page 2 of 6
6. The applicant shall obtain an encroachment permit for any off-site signs. Off-
site signs shall not block the line of sight for traffic. Please contact Amy Yu at
(760) 777-7047 for assistance on obtaining an encroachment permit.
7. All vendors shall obtain a City Business License prior to each event. The
serving of food and alcoholic beverages during the event shall be subject to
the rules and requirements of the Riverside County Health Department and
State of California Alcoholic Beverage Control, respectively. The applicant shall
provide the City with proof of ABC approval prior to the event.
8. A vendor list for each event shall be provided 14 days prior to event to ensure
they have obtained City Business License.
9. Fire inspection under the current scope and details provided for the “Regular”
and “Large” special events of a wedding ceremony, or similar nature as
provided by the applicant and on file, do not require Office of the Fire Marshal
inspection for clearance to operate.
10. Planned events that have an increased attendance greater than 500 persons,
MAY require a separate specific Special Event application for permit. Contact
the City of La Quinta Planning Division and Office of the Fire Marshal to
discuss potential impacts.
11. Review of the submitted documents did not reference any planned use of
Temporary Amusement or Carnival Rides. Separate permit submittal and
approval of such is required by the La Quinta Office of the Fire Marshal.
Amusement and Carnival rides shall have current Cal/OSHA certification tag,
portable fire extinguisher with current annual service tag and be
installed/constructed on stable ground or foundation. All rides shall have a
stopping device within reach of the operator for use in case of an emergency.
Equipment Operators shall be trained in the specific operation of the particular
ride. The operator shall be in good health and of sound mind.
12. Review of the submitted documents did not reference any planned use of
tents or canopies. Therefore, tents over 400 square feet and canopies over
700 square feet require separate permit application with La Quinta Building
Division and Office of the Fire Marshal prior to installation and use, each
occurrence.
DIRECTOR’S HEARING RESOLUTION 2022-001
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT 2021-0008
PROJECT: GRIFFIN ESTATE
ADOPTED: JANUARY 24, 2022
Page 3 of 6
13. The applicant shall provide notification of each event to all properties within
500 feet of event site and/or surrounding Homeowners Associations (HOAs)
fourteen (14) days prior to each event. Notification shall include date, time,
event scope, and the name and twenty-four hour contact phone number of the
local contact person for the property and the police department. Proof of
notification shall be provided to the City of La Quinta Planning Division seven
(7) days prior to each event. In addition, the name and phone number of the
local contact person for the property shall be posted at all entrances to the
property.
14. Access and egress to all neighboring properties shall be maintained at all
times. If access and egress is not maintained, due to impacts related to the
event, to the satisfaction of the Code Compliance Division or Police
Department, the event permit may be modified, suspended or revoked.
15. The Design and Development Director may modify Conditions of Approval
regarding business hours, parking, occupancy and other operational conditions
should it be determined that after an event, the proposed uses or conditions
under which the events are being operated or maintained is detrimental to the
public health, welfare, or materially injurious to property, improvements or
other uses in proximity to the subject property, or if the subject property is
operated or maintained so as to constitute a public nuisance.
16. The Applicant and/or City staff may make modifications to circulation plan for
the events, including requiring/applying for Traffic Control to ensure of
adequate drop off during events, especially for the event of 400 people.
Modifications to circulation may include additional measures to ensure drop off
and pick up of guests does not create any issues along Avenue 54 or any
other surrounding streets.
17. The events shall have Noise Control Plans in place, and approved by Staff,
that will allow for monitoring of noise and allowances for Staff to ensure noise
control measures are in place for the event.
Completion/confirmation during the event:
18. The set-up and operation of the events shall be consistent with the attached
exhibits and event information on file.
DIRECTOR’S HEARING RESOLUTION 2022-001
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT 2021-0008
PROJECT: GRIFFIN ESTATE
ADOPTED: JANUARY 24, 2022
Page 4 of 6
19. Security personnel shall be easily identifiable to the public by the provision of
uniformed personnel. All designated private security personnel must be
licensed by the State of California and possess a valid private security license.
20. Certain areas providing access to the event area are public and, as such,
general public access may not be denied or restricted in any manner that
extends beyond the limits of this event as approved.
21. The applicant shall conform to the City’s Noise Ordinance (Municipal Code
Section 9.100.210) and specifically the following noise limitations during the
event:
Before 10:00pm: Sixty-five decibels (65 dB(A))
After 10:00pm: Fifty decibels (50 dB(A))
If the noise consists entirely of impact noise, speech or music, or any
combination thereof, each of the noise levels specified above shall be reduced
by five dB(A).
22. Portable generators shall be shielded to prevent accidental contact with
guests. Extension cords shall be ground-secured to prevent tripping. Any
lighting shall be directed away from surrounding roadways and surrounding
residential properties. No spot or searchlights are permitted.
23. Surrounding roadways and intersections shall remain readily accessible for
passage of emergency response vehicles and private vehicles. There shall be
no queuing of vehicles along all surrounding roads for the purposes of
dropping off for, picking up for, or entering the event.
24. If parking at any event exceeds what is approved, the parking options for the
next event will need to be modified and submitted to the Planning Division 30
days prior to the next event.
25. Roadways/traffic aisles to structures and activities in and around the event will
be maintained accessible to emergency vehicles at all times. Parking monitors
shall wear light-colored clothing and reflective vests as needed. Flashlights
shall be used after dusk.
26. The event is subject to spot inspections by the Police Department and/or City
staff to ensure compliance with the conditions of this letter.
DIRECTOR’S HEARING RESOLUTION 2022-001
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT 2021-0008
PROJECT: GRIFFIN ESTATE
ADOPTED: JANUARY 24, 2022
Page 5 of 6
27. No fireworks, or open flame, or any other device emitting flame or fire or
creating a glow capable of igniting combustibles shall be permitted.
28. No designated fire lanes, fire hydrants or any other Fire Department
appliances shall be blocked or obstructed. Fire lanes shall be clearly identified
in an approved manner throughout the event grounds by posting “NO
PARKING FIRE LANE” or other approved means. All motor vehicles shall be
parked in designated parking areas.
29. Generators (and/or internal combustion power sources) shall be separated
from buildings, temporary membrane structures, tents, canopies by a
minimum of 20 feet and be isolated from contact with the public [CFC
3107.16]. Additional fuel containers will not be allowed to be stored with the
generator. Each generator will need to have a 10BC fire extinguisher, with a
current service tag (within one year). Combustible material (including trash)
shall be kept clear of the generators.
30. Extension cords shall be over-current protected and/or ground-fault
interrupter protected. No additional taps are to be in any device. All extension
cords shall be of 12/3 gauge wire or greater with approved connectors.
31. Installations of rope or string lighting shall be in compliance with the
manufacturer specifications. Consideration for the number of “chains”
connected to a single outlet shall be given.
32. At least one 2A10BC fire extinguisher, with a current service tag (within one
year), shall be provided at all vendor booths that are cooking. One Class K
type fire extinguisher, with a current service tag (within one year), shall be
provided for each vendor booth with a deep fat fryer. Deep fat fryers shall be
located outside tents and protected from the public, unless otherwise directed
or approved by The Department of Environmental Health and the Office of Fire
Marshal.
33. All L.P.G. tanks (empty or full) shall be secured with a chain or other approved
device to prevent tipping over/unintentional movement and kept a safe
distance from open flame. The pressure relief vent should be pointed away
from any open flame.
DIRECTOR’S HEARING RESOLUTION 2022-001
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT 2021-0008
PROJECT: GRIFFIN ESTATE
ADOPTED: JANUARY 24, 2022
Page 6 of 6
34. Accumulation of combustible material (including trash) will be prohibited near
any ignition sources within 30-feet of the perimeter of tents and membrane
structures. Such waste shall be stored in approved containers and removed
from the premises not less than once a day.
35. Review of the submitted documents did not reference any planned use of
Mobile Food Preparation Vehicles (i.e., Food Trucks). Therefore, it is required
that any planned use of mobile food preparation vehicles equipped with
appliances that produce smoke or grease-laden vapors shall be approved by
separate permit application each occurrence. Site plans identifying proposed
location(s) of the vehicle(s) along with list of vendors contracted for the
service shall be included in the submittal. Vendors, vehicles and equipment
are required to comply with CFC Section 319 as well as obtain a City Business
License.
36. Smoking shall be permitted only in designated areas. Other areas shall have
approved “No Smoking” signs conspicuously posted and maintained.
37. Review of the submitted documents did not reference any planned use
Fireworks, pyrotechnics, fire performers and/or open flame; and shall require
a separate permit and approval by the Office of the Fire Marshal.
Completion/confirmation after the conclusion of the event (if necessary):
38. The event sites used shall be left clean and in its original manner after the
event. Temporary trash receptacles shall be provided in and around the event
areas. All event areas shall be left free of debris at the end of each day’s
activities, and after the event concludes.
39. The City of La Quinta Police Department reserves the right to bill the event
sponsor for any lost police time, equipment, and/or any unforeseen loss that
may occur due to the event that requires police action.
40. Any damage to public hardscape caused by this event shall be repaired as
directed by the City Engineer. This includes but is not limited to sidewalks,
curb and gutter, landscaping, and pavement especially within the surrounding
public streets.
ATTACHMENT 1
October 11, 2021
City of La Quinta
Design & Development Department
Attn: Carlos Flores
78495 Calle Tampico
La Quinta, CA 92253
RE: MERV GRIFFIN ESTATE – APPPLICATION FOR 2022 MAJOR TEMPORARY USE PERMIT
Filing Fees – to be submitted with application ($2,108.00)
Application Information:
1.Description of Activities:
•Saturday wedding events, late afternoon services followed by early evening receptions
•Equipment set ups will be 1 day before on Fridays
•Max number of people working per event is estimated at 30-40
•Please see MGE Reservation Summary for max attendance at one time
•Please see MGE Reservation Summary for attendance per day
•No portion of activities to occur within a public right-of-way
•Use of mobile silent generators for all power related event issues, including amplified
music.
2.Site Plan:
•Project name is Merv Griffin Estate, site plan attached to application (scale is 1” = 50’)
•Property address is 81345 Avenue 54, La Quinta 92253, this a 40-acre private estate
property which is exclusively gated and surrounded by walls on all sides, to the north is
Avenue 54 which separated by a 12’ wall.
3.Supplemental Information:
•Traffic Control Plan – all events are anticipated to utilize mini-coaches for shuttling
guests to and from the property. There will be nominal use of private vehicles and Uber.
Applicant will submit a TCP (if required by the City) approx. 90 days before the event or
asap.
•Noise Control Plan – same as above
•Use Agreement – N/A
•Encroachment Permit – N/A
•Evidence of Additional Insurance – City to confirm if the scope of these wedding events
is considered as major events. Historically, this has not been the case.
•Waste Reduction – N/A
ATTACHMENT 2
MERV GRIFFIN ESTATE
RESERVATIONS SUMMARY
AS OF OCTOBER 12, 2021
CLIENT EVENT TYPE GUESTS EVENT DATE (S)NOTE
1 Orban Wedding 150 2/11/22, 2/12/22
private serivce with lunch on 2/11/22, private evening
reception on 2/12/22 (150 guests per event)
2 Dubay Wedding 150 2/26/2022 private afternoon service with evening reception
3 Sonnennfeld Wedding 150 3/12/2022 private afternoon service with evening reception
4 Klump Wedding 150 3/26/2022 private afternoon service with evening reception
5 Elsissy Wedding 150 3/31/2022 private afternoon service with evening reception
6 Wilson Wedding 150 4/9/2022 private afternoon service with evening reception
6 Conway Wedding 200 10/22/2022 private afternoon service with evening reception
7 Urquhart Wedding 400 10/29/2022 private afternoon service with evening reception
TOTALS
ATTACHMENT 3
ATTACHMENT 4