2024 06 11 PC MinutesCALL TO ORDER
PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 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 Caldwell, Hassett, Hernandez, McCune, Tyerman,
and Chairperson Nieto
ABSENT: Commissioner Guerrero
STAFF PRESENT: Design and Development Director Danny Castro, Public Works
Director Bryan McKinney, Planning Manager Cheri Flores, Senior
Planner Scott Nespor, 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
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Philip Bettencourt, La Quinta — expressed appreciation for the
Commissioners and City staff who participated in the Vista Santa Rosa community
briefing regarding the City's sphere of influence.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Alena Callimanis, La Quinta — said she supports the proposed
Travertine development; however, she opposes the proposed elevated Avenue 62
roadway over the dike; provided corrected information regarding the dates of completion
of the dike that was mentioned at the May 28, 2024, Commission meeting; and provided
a handout of Council Resolution No. 2022 — 028 and requested permission from Chair
Nieto to provide a visual presentation using the Chamber's audiovisual equipment at the
June 25, 2024, Commission meeting during consideration of the Travertine project.
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Hassett/Caldwell to
confirm the agenda as published. Motion passed: ayes — 6, noes — 0, absent — 1
(Guerrero), abstain — 0.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS, AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS — None.
CONSENT CALENDAR — None.
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BUSINESS SESSION — None.
STUDY SESSION — None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. CONSIDER ADOPTING A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE SITE DEVELOPMENT
PERMIT 2022-013 FOR THREE 2,839 SQUARE FOOT MIXED USE BUILDINGS;
CEQA: THE PROJECT IS CONSISTENT WITH THE PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT WHICH WAS PREPARED FOR THE
VILLAGE BUILD -OUT PLAN (EA2016-0012); LOCATION 78059 CALLE ESTADO
Senior Planner Nespor presented the staff report which is on file in the Design and
Development Department.
Staff answered questions regarding parking requirements for commercial and residential
uses; allowable on -street and reduced parking in mixed-use and Village build -out areas;
parking in -lieu fees; allowable building height for the site and zoning; utility
undergrounding requirements; sign program approval process; development and
architectural standards; elevators and rooftop patio; and zero lot lines for Village build-
out area.
CHAIRPERSON NIETO DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 5:30 P.M.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Juan Fransisco Flores, designer and architect for the project —
answered questions regarding lot ownership; phasing of individual buildings; architecture
and aesthetics; building materials, rooftop parapets, and color palette; intended uses and
connectivity of bottom floor commercial space; long-term, short-term, and management
of residential units; rooftop uses, flooring, coverings, and security access; upper and
lower storage spaces; architectural features of the rear elevation; windows and privacy
for residential units; electrical supply to the project; bike racks and alternative
transportation storage; ADA accessibility; waste management; lighting plan; and
proposed construction start dates.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Alena Callimanis, La Quinta — asked questions regarding electric
vehicle charging stations and visibility of commercial units in the alleyway; and expressed
concerns about limited parking in the Village area.
CHAIRPERSON NIETO DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 5:57 P.M.
Commission discussion followed regarding zero lot lines in the Village Commercial zoning
area; importance of security, pedestrian safety, and landscape lighting for visibility; trash
disposal; project site layout and creative uses; parking limitations; rooftop deck space;
the need for additional architectural design features for aesthetic purposes; and
continuation of the item to a date certain to allow the applicant additional time to make
architectural and lighting changes per the Commission's comments.
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CHAIRPERSON NIETO DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 6:18 P.M.
Mr. Flores provided additional information regarding lighting, architecture, and
landscaping; privacy and views; and a desire to condition the item with direction from the
Commission rather than continue the item.
Commission discussion continued to provide direction for modifications to landscape and
building lighting; architectural and design changes including materials, color palettes,
railings, and windows; and recommended the item be continued to a date certain.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Chairperson Nieto/Commissioner
Hassett to continue the public hearing for Site Development Permit 2022-013 regarding
the proposed Calle Estado Mixed Use project to a date certain of July 9, 2024, to allow
the applicant time to revise the development plans per the Commission's comments noted
in the discussion above. Motion passed: ayes — 6, noes — 0, absent — 1 (Guerrero),
abstain — 0.
COMMISSIONER ITEMS
The Commission discussed its summer schedule, including the direction not to
preemptively cancel any dates in August, as is customary, to allow flexibility in meetings
should any pending application need to be brought forth for Commission review and
consideration.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by Commissioners
Caldwell/Chairperson Nieto to adjourn this meeting at 6:48 p.m. Motion passed: ayes —
6, noes — 0, absent — 1 (Guerrero), abstain — 0.
Respectfully submitted,
TANIA FLORES, Commission Secretary
City of La Quinta, California
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
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