2024 01 09 PC MinutesCALL TO ORDER
PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2024
A regular meeting of the La Quinta Planning Commission (Commission) was called to
order at 5:00 p.m. by Chairperson Nieto.
PRESENT: Commissioners Guerrero, Hassett, Hernandez, McCune, Tyerman,
and Chairperson Nieto
ABSENT: Commissioner Caldwell
STAFF PRESENT: Design and Development Director Danny Castro, Public Works
Director Bryan McKinney, Planning Manager Cheri Flores, Senior
Planner Scott Nespor, Associate Planner Siji Hernandez, Deputy
City Attorney Jessica Sanders, and Commission Secretary Tania
Flores
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Hassett led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA — None.
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Commissioner Hassett/Chairperson
Nieto to confirm the agenda as published. Motion passed: ayes — 6, noes — 0, absent — 1
(Caldwell), abstain — 0.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS, AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS — None.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 14, 2023
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Guerrero/Hassett to
approve the Consent Calendar as published. Motion passed: ayes — 6, noes — 0, absent
— 1 (Caldwell), abstain — 0.
BUSINESS SESSION — None.
STUDY SESSION — None.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 1 of 7 JANUARY 9, 2024
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. CONSIDER A REQUEST FOR CONTINUANCE OF THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT 2022-0001 FOR ESTATES AT GRIFFIN LAKE;
CEQA: THE PROJECT IS CONSISTENT WITH PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2014-1001; LOCATION: SOUTH OF AVENUE
54, EAST OF MADISON STREET AND WEST OF MONROE STREET
DECLARATIONS REGARDING COMMISSION PUBLIC CONTACT — None
Chairperson Nieto announced the applicant for the project requested a continuance of
the public hearing to a date certain of February 13, 2024, to allow additional time for public
outreach; polled the Commission and received a consensus to approve the request for
continuance; advised the public of the option to reserve comments until the proposed
project is considered by the Commission on February 13, 2024.
CHAIRPERSON NIETO DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 5:05 P.M.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Mark Majer, Applicant and Mery Griffin Estate representative,
introduced himself and provided basic information regarding the property and stated that
the turn out for previous public outreach was not well attended due to the holidays and
that requested to continue the item to allow time to address public concerns prior to the
item being considered by the Commission; and answered questions about the current
plans for said public outreach.
Commission Secretary Flores said 26 written comments were received from La Quinta
residents listed below, in alphabetical order, opposed to the project due to disfavor of the
proposed allowance for short-term
vacation rentals (STVRs) within the development,
which were distributed to the Commission
prior to the meeting, and would be incorporated
into the agenda packet and public record for this meeting:
• Andrew Ackerman
• John Hart
• Ellen Ahearn and Eric Markell
• Larry Horwich
• George and Ellan Batavick
• Karen and Ed Jefferson
• Laura Lee Bayer
• Allen Katz
• Ted Buck
• Tanya Kozak
• Stephen Cramer
• Ryan LaFollette
• Beverly Dennis
• April and Anthony Martinez
• Ellen Dimen
• Valerie McMichael and Michael Constantino
• Joshua Dimen
• Paul and Cindy Nagy
• Tim and Lynn Downing
• Lou Pappas
• H. Scott Ellis
• Jeannette and Kurt Peterson
• Marla and Brian Glabman
• Christine Rubin
• Tim Golba
• Richard and Jennifer Wendrow
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 2 of 7 JANUARY 9, 2024
Commission Secretary Flores said 3 additional written comments were received from the
citizens listed below, in alphabetical order, opposed to the project were received after the
written public comment deadline, as noted on the agenda, which were distributed to the
Commission prior to the start of the meeting, and would be incorporated into the agenda
packet and public record for this meeting as follows:
• Green Bryant & French, LLP — legal counsel for Griffin Ranch Homeowners
Association
• Maria Lack, La Quinta
• Christopher Lack, La Quinta
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Steve Marshall, La Quinta — in support of the continuance to allow
the applicant additional time to conduct public outreach and receive community input; and
expressed disfavor of STVRs.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Thomas Hansen, La Quinta — opposed to the project due to
disruption qualities of STVRs; STVRs decreasing value of surrounding homes; noise
pollution and violations caused by STVR guests; and incompatibility with surround
community.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Patricia Carson, La Quinta — waived the request to speak.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Louis Knappenberger, La Quinta — opposed to the project due to
increased crime and trespassing concerns with STVRs; law enforcement's inability to
enforce STVR regulations, including noise violations; and additional vehicle traffic and
parking concerns.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Chuck Gilfoy, La Quinta — opposed to the project due to lack of clarity
in the Development Agreement which states "reserves the right to change" occupancy
limits in the future; and law enforcement's inability to enforce STVR regulations regarding
noise complaints.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: George Christopher, La Quinta — waived the request to speak.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Maureen Howe, La Quinta — in support of continuance due to lack of
notification and awareness of this project; opposed to the project due to disfavor of
STVRs; and questioned extension of time to provide public comment prior to project
consideration.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Gary Wexler, La Quinta — opposed to the project due to the negative
effects of STVR; and lack of notification or awareness of the project.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Commissioner Guerrero/Hassett to
continue the public hearing regarding the Griffin Estates Development Agreement to a
date certain of February 13, 2024, as recommended. Motion passed: ayes — 6, noes —
0, absent — 1 (Caldwell), abstain — 0.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 3 of 7 JANUARY 9, 2024
CHAIRPERSON NIETO CALLED FOR A BRIEF RECESS AT 5:24 P.M.
CHAIRPERSON NIETO RECONVENED THE COMMISSION MEETING AT 5:27 P.M.
WITH COMMISSIONERS GUERRERO, HASSETT, HERNANDEZ, McCUNE, AND
TYERMAN PRESENT.
2. CONSIDER ADOPTING A RESOLUTION APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT 2023-1000 FOR A TIME EXTENSION TO CUP2022-0011 FOR A 75 -FOOT -
TALL TEMPORARY TELECOMMUNICATION MONOPOLE WITH ASSOCIATED
EQUIPMENT ENCLOSURE WITHIN THE LA QUINTA RESORT PROPERTY;
CEQA: THE PROJECT IS EXEMPT FROM CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15303, NEW CONSTRUCTION OR
CONVERSION OF SMALL STRUCTURES; LOCATION: 49499 EISENHOWER
DRIVE
DECLARATIONS REGARDING COMMISSION PUBLIC CONTACT — None
Senior Planner Nespor presented the staff report which is on file in the Design and
Development Department.
Staff answered questions regarding the temporary and permanent structure types and
reasons for the delay in construction and installation of the telecommunication facilities.
CHAIRPERSON NIETO DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 5:36 P.M.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Brett Smirl, applicant and Project Manager for Coastal Business
Group representing AT&T, introduced himself and answered Commission questions
regarding the status of the temporary and permanent facilities; provided a proposed
timeline of the installation of the temporary structure; and explained the reasons for the
delay in construction and installment of the previously approved structures.
Commission Secretary Flores said that no written public comment had been received and
that there were no requests to speak on this item.
CHAIRPERSON NIETO DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 5:39 P.M.
The Commission expressed consensus to approve a time extension for this project.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Chairperson Nieto/Commissioner
Guerrero to adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2023-001 to approve Conditional
Use Permit 2023-1000 approving a time extension for an approved temporary monopole,
and determine that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act,
pursuant to Section 15303, New Construction or Conversions of Small Structures, as
recommended:
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LA
QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A TIME EXTENSION FOR A
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 4 of 7 JANUARY 9, 2024
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TEMPORARY
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITY WITHIN THE LA QUINTA
RESORT AND FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
CASE NUMBER: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 2023-1000
APPLICANT: COASTAL BUSINESS GROUP
Motion passed: ayes — 6, noes — 0, absent — 1 (Caldwell), abstain — 0.
3. CONSIDER ADOPTING A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE SITE DEVELOPMENT
PERMIT 2023-0004 FOR A NEW MIXED-USE RESIDENTIAL AND
ART/GLASSBLOWING STUDIO; CEQA: THE PROJECT IS CONSISTENT WITH
THE PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT WHICH WAS
PREPARED FOR THE VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN (EA2016-0012); LOCATION:
78095 CALLE CADIZ
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 details of the site plan, including setbacks and height
for the Village Commercial zone; fire and general safety standards for glassblowing
studios; and area maintenance between perimeter walls.
CHAIRPERSON NIETO DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 5:51 P.M.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Ken Parsons, applicant and Architect for the project, introduced
himself and provided additional information regarding fire and building safety regarding
the proposed use; and the reduction in parking spaces provided.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Jason McQuaid, applicant and owner of McQuaid Studio, introduced
himself and provided a brief history of his company and art; additional information
regarding commercial insurance for the studio; air quality, fire safety, and building safety
measures taken regarding the glassblowing studio; proposed use of residential units on
the site; expected furnace noise levels.
Mr. Parsons provided additional information regarding the site design, architectural style,
and massing of the buildings.
Commission Secretary Flores said that no written public comment had been received
regarding this item.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: George Christopher, La Quinta — expressed concerns regarding the
limited size of the residential units and number of stories per building in relation to City
standards and building code.
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PUBLIC SPEAKER: Betty Saidel, owner of neighboring business Old Town Artisan
Studios — in support of the project and said that there was no noise heard from the existing
temporary studio to her business in proximity.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Larry Bakstad, La Quinta, and neighbor to the proposed project — in
support of the project and the art community.
CHAIRPERSON NIETO DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 6:08 P.M.
The Commission expressed its general support for the project; Commission discussion
followed regarding appreciation for the art and mixed-use components of the project; that
the applicant being a long term resident; the additional benefit to other local commerce;
the project providing short -stay opportunities for students; the unique buildings
architecture; concerns regarding minimum square footage for residential units within
commercial zoning; building materiality and design components, including large walls at
east and west side elevations; lot lines and setbacks on the site.
CHAIRPERSON NIETO DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING RE -OPEN AT 6:17 P.M.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Mr. Parsons provided additional design information, particularly
regarding the east and west building walls of concern; setbacks and property lines; and
building and property ingress and egress.
Detailed discussion with the Commission, Architect, and applicant followed regarding
architecture; using some of the interior wrapping materials on the exterior of the buildings
to provide additional design elements on the east and west side facades to the greatest
extent possible, and additional glazing in the form of clerestory windows at the east side
of the building. Architect and applicant were agreeable to adding Conditions of Approval
to this effect.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Craig Bagus, La Quinta — in support of the project and suggested
adding glass tiles to the design to promote the glassblowing studio.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: George Christopher, La Quinta — in support of the project;
questioned the residential units being used as STVRs; suggested EV charging stations
and Art in Public Places on the site; and promoted utilizing the roof as a patio deck or a
barbeque area for the residential units.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Nicole McQuaid, co -applicant — introduced herself and made
additional suggestions regarding art displays and metal design components as
architectural treatments to the building design.
CHAIRPERSON NIETO DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 6:47 P.M.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Chairperson Nieto/Commissioner
Hassett to adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2023-002 to: 1) approve Site
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 6 of 7 JANUARY 9, 2024
Development Permit 2023-0004 for a new mixed-use residential and art/glassblowing
studio project, 2) find the project consistent with the previously adopted Environmental
Impact Report which was prepared for the Village Build Out Plan under Environmental
Assessment 2016-0012, and 3) add Conditions of Approval as discussed, to include (a)
additional glazing on the east side of the site, and (b) use of interior wrapping materials
on the exterior of the buildings as additional design elements on the east and west side
facades:
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LA
QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT FOR A
NEW MIXED-USE RESIDENTIAL AND ART/GLASSBLOWING STUDIO
LOCATED AT 78095 CALLE CADIZ
CASE NUMBERS: SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2023-0004
APPLICANT: KEN PARSONS ARCHITECT INC
Motion passed: ayes — 6, noes — 0, absent — 1 (Caldwell), abstain — 0.
STAFF ITEMS
Director Castro reminded the Commission of the upcoming Annual Community Workshop
scheduled for February 22, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Wellness Center,
which is open to the public; and the Annual Boards and Commission special joint meeting
with the City Council scheduled for March 20, 2024, beginning at 5:00 p.m. at the
Wellness Center which is also open to the public.
COMMISSIONER ITEMS — None.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by Chairperson Nieto
/Commissioner McCune to adjourn this meeting at 6:50 p.m. Motion passed: ayes — 6,
noes — 0, absent — 1 (Caldwell), abstain — 0.
Respectfully submitted,
(-A _. -
TANIA FLORES, Commission Secretary
City of La Quinta, California
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