2025 03 25 PCPLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA Page 1 of 4 MARCH 25, 2025
PLANNING COMMISSION
AGENDA
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER
78495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta
TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 2025, AT 5:00 P.M.
Members of the public may listen to this meeting by tuning-in live via
www.laquintaca.gov/livemeetings.
CALL TO ORDER
Roll Call: Commissioners: Guerrero, Hernandez, Hundt, McCune, Nieto, Tyerman, and
Chair Hassett
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
At this time, members of the public may address the Commission on any matter not listed
on the agenda pursuant to the “Public Comments – Instructions” listed at the end of the
agenda. 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 § 54954.2(b)].
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS – NONE
CONSENT CALENDAR
PAGE
5 1. APPROVE MEETING MINUTES DATED FEBRUARY 25, 2025
BUSINESS SESSION – NONE
PUBLIC HEARINGS – 5:00 p.m. or thereafter
For all Public Hearings on the agenda, a completed “Request to Speak” form must be
filed with the Commission Secretary prior to consideration of that item; comments are
limited to three (3) minutes (approximately 350 words).
Planning Commission agendas and staff reports
are now available on the City’s web page:
www.laquintaca.gov
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA Page 2 of 4 MARCH 25, 2025
Any person may submit written comments to the Planning Commission prior to the public
hearing and/or may appear and be heard in support of or opposition to the project(s) at
the time of the public hearing. 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. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL
OF LANDMARK DESIGNATION 2025-0001 FOR A SINGLE-FAMILY
RESIDENCE LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF AVENIDA DIAZ
AND AVENIDA MONTEZUMA; CEQA: THE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT
DEPARTMENT HAS DETERMINED THAT THIS PROJECT IS EXEMPT FROM
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT REVIEW PURSUANT TO
SECTION 15301, CLASS 1 EXISTING FACILITIES; LOCATION: 51495
AVENIDA DIAZ
10
STUDY SESSION – NONE
STAFF ITEMS
COMMISSIONERS’ ITEMS
ADJOURNMENT
*********************************
The next regular meeting of the La Quinta Planning Commission will be held on
April 8, 2025, commencing at 5:00 p.m. at the La Quinta City Hall Council Chamber,
78495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA 92253.
DECLARATION OF POSTING
I, Tania Flores, Secretary of the Planning Commission of the City of La Quinta, do hereby
declare that the foregoing Agenda for the Commission meeting of March 25, 2025, was
posted on the City’s website, near the entrance to the Council Chamber at 78495 Calle
Tampico and the bulletin board at 51321 Avenida Bermudas, on March 20, 2025.
DATED: March 20, 2025
Tania Flores, Commission Secretary
City of La Quinta, California
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA Page 3 of 4 MARCH 25, 2025
Public Notices
Agenda packet materials are available for public inspection: 1) at the Clerk’s Office at La
Quinta City Hall, located at 78495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, California 92253; and 2) on the
City’s website at https://www.laquintaca.gov/business/boards-and-commissions/planning-
commission, in accordance with the Brown Act [Government Code § 54957.5; AB 2647 (Stats.
2022, Ch. 971)].
The La Quinta City Council Chamber is handicapped accessible. If special equipment is
needed for the hearing impaired, please contact the Commission Secretary at (760) 777-
7023, 24 hours in advance of the meeting, and accommodations will be made.
If background material is to be presented to the Commission during a Commission meeting,
please be advised that 10 copies of all documents, exhibits, etc., must be supplied to the
Commission Secretary for distribution. It is requested that this take place prior to the
beginning of the meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the public may address the Commission on any matter listed or not listed on the
agenda as follows:
WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS can be provided either in-person during the meeting by
submitting 10 copies to the Commission Secretary, it is requested that this takes place prior to
the beginning of the meeting; or can be emailed in advance to TFlores@LaQuintaCA.gov, no later
than 12:00 p.m., on the day of the meeting. Written public comments will be distributed to the
Commission, made public, and will be incorporated into the public record of the meeting, but will
not be read during the meeting unless, upon the request of the Chair, a brief summary of public
comments is asked to be reported.
If written public comments are emailed, the email subject line must clearly state “Written
Comments” and should include: 1) full name, 2) city of residence, and 3) subject matter .
VERBAL PUBLIC COMMENTS can be provided in-person during the meeting by completing a
“Request to Speak” form and submitting it to the Commission Secretary; it is requested that this
takes place prior to the beginning of the meeting. Please limit your comments to three (3) minutes
(or approximately 350 words). Members of the public shall be called upon by the Chair to speak.
In accordance with City Council Resolution No. 2022-028, a one-time additional speaker time
donation of three (3) minutes per individual is permitted; please note that the member of the public
donating time must: 1) submit this in writing to the Commission Secretary by completing a
“Request to Speak” form noting the name of the person to whom time is being donated to, and 2)
be present at the time the speaker provides verbal comments.
Verbal public comments are defined as comments provided in the speakers’ own voice and may
not include video or sound recordings of the speaker or of other individuals or entities, unless
permitted by the Chair.
Public speakers may elect to use printed presentation materials to aid their comments; 10 copies
of such printed materials shall be provided to the Commission Secretary to be disseminated to
the Commission, made public, and incorporated into the public record of the meeting; it is
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA Page 4 of 4 MARCH 25, 2025
requested that the printed materials are provided prior to the beginning of the meeting. There
shall be no use of Chamber resources and technology to display visual or audible presentations
during public comments unless permitted by the Chair.
All writings or documents, including but not limited to emails and attachments to emails, submitted
to the City regarding any item(s) listed or not listed on this agenda are public records. All
information in such writings and documents is subject to disclosure as being in the public domain
and subject to search and review by electronic means, including but not limited to the City’s
Internet website and any other Internet Web-based platform or other Web-based form of
communication. All information in such writings and documents similarly is subject to disclosure
pursuant to the California Public Records Act [Government Code § 7920.000 et seq.].
TELECONFERENCE ACCESSIBILITY – INSTRUCTIONS
Teleconference accessibility may be triggered in accordance with AB 2449 (Stats. 2022, Ch. 285),
codified in the Brown Act [Government Code § 54953], if a member of the Commission requests
to attend and participate in this meeting remotely due to “just cause” or “emergency
circumstances,” as defined, and only if the request is approved. In such instances, remote public
accessibility and participation will be facilitated via Zoom Webinar as detailed at the end of this
Agenda.
*** TELECONFERENCE PROCEDURES – PURSUANT TO AB 2449***
APPLICABLE ONLY WHEN TELECONFERENCE ACCESSIBILITY IS IN EFFECT
Verbal public comments via Teleconference – members of the public may attend and
participate in this meeting by teleconference via Zoom and use the “raise your hand” feature
when public comments are prompted by the Chair; the City will facilitate the ability for a member
of the public to be audible to the Commission and general public and allow him/her/they to speak
on the item(s) requested. Please note – members of the public must unmute themselves
when prompted upon being recognized by the Chair, in order to become audible to the
Commission and the public.
Only one person at a time may speak by teleconference and only after being recognized by the
Chair.
ZOOM LINK: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82853067939
Meeting ID: 828 5306 7939
Or join by phone: (253) 215 – 8782
Written public comments – can be provided in person during the meeting or emailed to
TFlores@LaQuintaCA.gov any time prior to the adjournment of the meeting, and will be
distributed to the Commission, made public, incorporated into the public record of the meeting,
and will not be read during the meeting unless, upon the request of the Chair, a brief summary of
any public comment is asked to be read, to the extent the Committee can accommodate such
request.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 1 of 5 FEBRUARY 25, 2025
PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the La Quinta Planning Commission (Commission) was called to
order at 5:00 p.m. by Chairperson Hassett.
PRESENT: Commissioners Guerrero, Hernandez, Hundt, McCune, Nieto,
Tyerman, and Chairperson Hassett
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Design and Development Director Danny Castro, Public Works
Director Bryan McKinney, Planning Manager Cheri Flores, Associate
Planner Siji Fernandez, Assistant Planner Jack Lima, Deputy City
Attorney Jessica Sanders, and Commission Secretary Tania Flores
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Hundt 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 Commissioners Guerrero/Tyerman to
confirm the agenda as published. Motion passed unanimously.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS, AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS – None.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVE MEETING MINUTES DATED NOVEMBER 12, 2024
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Nieto/Hernandez to
approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
BUSINESS SESSION – None.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 1
5
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 2 of 5 FEBRUARY 25, 2025
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. CONSIDER ADOPTING A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT (CUP) 2024-0003 AND SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2024-0004 FOR
EXPANSION OF AN EXISTING MARKET AND EXISTING FUEL STATION; CEQA:
THIS PROJECT IS EXEMPT FROM ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PURSUANT TO
SECTION 15301 (CLASS 1) EXISTING FACILITIES AND SECTION 15332 (CLASS
32) IN-FILL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT LOCATION; 77985 AVENIDA
MONTEZUMA
DECLARATIONS OF COMMISSION PUBLIC CONTACT OR CONFLICTS: Chairperson
Hassett said that he met and spoke to the applicant at an unrelated event in which the
project was mentioned but that there was no conflict on his part.
Associate Planner Fernandez presented the staff report, which is on file in the Design
and Development Department.
The Commission discussed the Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Screening Analysis;
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) thresholds defining “minor” expansion
exemptions; terms of the current lease between the United States Post Office (Post
Office) and Tower Energy Group for the existing building on the south parcel of the
proposed project; number and location of additional parking spaces proposed and
required with the proposed expansion; public comment received regarding the project;
proposed landscape improvements; fuel storage tank replacement and monitoring; and
fuel pump relocation and proposed orientation of fuel pumps.
CHAIRPERSON HASSETT DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 5:18 P.M.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Mark Vasey, Vice President with Tower Energy Group – introduced
himself and answered questions regarding the current lease and communications had
with the Post Office; fuel tank replacement, size of new tanks, updated monitoring
processes, and disposal of contaminated soils; number of electric vehicle charging
stations included in the project; fuel truck servicing and operations; availability of diesel
fuel and grades of gasoline; plans for increasing hours of operation or adding carwash
facilities within Tower Markets; expected increase in customers; details of floor plan and
parking expansion; sound and light mitigation measures; and details regarding the
perimeter wall at southern property border.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Nick Fullerton, Founder and Principal with Fullerton Architects –
provided the location of public air and water filling stations.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Rich Clark, Civil Engineer with RTM Engineering Consultants –
provided information regarding changes to the grading and sloping of the south parcel;
and realignment plan and communications with Imperial Irrigation District for power to the
project.
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PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 3 of 5 FEBRUARY 25, 2025
Commission Secretary Flores said that the City received no public comment on this item
and no requests to speak.
CHAIRPERSON HASSETT DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 5:35 P.M.
Commission discussion followed regarding the lack of public comment received due to
the loss of the Post Office and expansion of fueling stations: appropriateness of location;
demand for this expansion; hours of operations as defined in the CUP; the loss of a local
Post Office location and public outreach and notifications to the community; additional
VMT due to Post Office closure not included in the VMT analysis; consistency with the
Village atmosphere; noise and visual impact and mitigation at the southern property line;
and additional architectural design and embellishments needed in the proposed building
addition.
Deputy City Attorney Sanders provided information on federal guidelines and noticing
requirements for Post Office closures; public noticing requirements for the demotion of
existing buildings; the ability of the Commission to continue the item and request
additional noticing prior to consideration.
CHAIRPERSON HASSETT DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING RE-OPENED AT 6:02 P.M.
Mr. Vasey expressed willingness to make architectural changes discussed by
Commission, including additional height and noise mitigation at the south perimeter wall
and design features and embellishment of the building addition.
Mr. Fullerton identified proposed seating inside the market available to customers and
stated there would be no outside seating.
The Commission reached a consensus to include additional Conditions of Approval in the
proposed resolution to ensure additional design elements and embellishments were
added to the east, south, and west elevations and additional noise mitigations at the south
perimeter are constructed including additional masonry wall height and landscaping.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners McCune/Tyerman to
adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2025-001 approving Conditional Use Permit
2024-0003 and Site Development Permit 2024-0004 as amended to include additional
Conditions of Approval, as noted in the discussion above and listed below:
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LA
QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND
SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT FOR THE EXPANSION OF AN EXISTING
MARKET AND EXISTING FUEL STATION LOCATED ON THE SOUTHWEST
CORNER OF AVENIDA MONTEZUMA AND AVENIDA BERMUDAS AND
FIND THAT THE PROJECT IS EXEMPT FROM ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
PURSUANT TO SECTION 15301 EXISTING FACILITIES AND SECTION
15332 IN-FILL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
7
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 4 of 5 FEBRUARY 25, 2025
CASE NUMBERS: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 2024-0003; SITE
DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2024-0004
PROJECT: TOWER MARKET EXPANSION
APPLICANT: JOHN MCFARLAND; RTM ENGINEERING
As amended to include the following additional Conditions of Approval under “PLANNING
COMMISSION” as items Nos. 84 and 85:
84. The applicant shall add precast concrete to door recessed area on the east
elevation and raise the wainscoting on the east, south, and west to match the
north elevation to the satisfaction of the Planning Manager.
85. The applicant shall construct a masonry wall up to 6 feet on the Tower Market
side with landscaping along the south wall for sound attenuation and screening.
Motion passed unanimously.
STUDY SESSION – None.
STAFF ITEMS
1. GENERAL PROJECT UPDATE
Planning Manager Flores provided information on: (1) upcoming projects, including La
Quinta Dental Campus, Highway 111/Adams Drive Thru, PGA West Infill Lots, Cell Tower
Permit Extensions, and the Club at Coral Mountain Golf Course; (2) recently approved
projects including Bravo Estates, Calle Estado Mixed Use, and McQuaid Studio Mixed
Use project; (3) projects under construction including Chick-fil-A and QuickQuack
Carwash, Daiso, Rancho La Quinta Fitness Center, Oasis Residential Project, and
Jefferson Street Apartments; (4) recently completed projects including Point Happy
residential project and the La Quinta Resort Adult Pool Remodel; (5) status updates of
the Sphere of Influence annexation and the Highway 111 Corridor Specific Plan.
Commission discussion followed regarding the timeline for Highway 111/Adams Drive
Through with the Highway 111 Corridor plan; Robert’s Rules of Order process for the
Commission to make a motion to reconsider an item approved during the same meeting;
additional outreach planned regarding pending Post Office closure; the cost of building
affordable housing units (example: Arroyo Crossings Apartments in Indio); and the date
of the annual Boards and Commissions Joint meeting with Council scheduled for March
20, 2025, beginning at 5:00 p.m. at the La Quinta Wellness Center.
COMMISSIONER ITEMS
Commissioner Tyerman announced his resignation from the Planning Commission as of
March 27, 2025, and expressed his appreciation to the Commission and staff.
ADJOURNMENT
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PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 5 of 5 FEBRUARY 25, 2025
There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by Chairperson
Hasset/Commissioner Guerrero to adjourn this meeting at 6:51 p.m. Motion passed
unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
TANIA FLORES, Commission Secretary
City of La Quinta, California
9
PUBLIC HEARING ITEM NO. 1
City of La Quinta
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING: March 25, 2025
STAFF REPORT
AGENDA TITLE: CONSIDER A RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING CITY COUNCIL
APPROVAL OF LANDMARK DESIGNATION 2025-0001 FOR A SINGLE-FAMILY
RESIDENCE LOCATED AT NORTHWEST CORNER OF AVENIDA DIAZ AND AVENIDA
MONTEZUMA; CEQA: THE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS
DETERMINED THAT THIS PROJECT IS EXEMPT FROM CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT REVIEW PURSUANT TO SECTION 15301, CLASS 1
EXISTING FACILITIES; LOCATION: 51495 AVENIDA DIAZ
RECOMMENDATION
Consider a resolution to approve Landmark Designation 2025-0001 and find that the
project is exempt from environmental review pursuant to the California
Environmental Quality Act Section 15301 Class 1 (Existing Facilities).
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The proposed historic landmark designation is a single-family residence located in
the Cove Residential (RC) Zoning District at 51495 Avenida Diaz. (Attachments 1
and 2).
In order to make a recommendation for approval of the landmark designation, the
Planning Commission must determine if the property meets landmark criteria as
provided in Title 7 – Historic Preservation of the La Quinta Municipal Code and is in
compliance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) (Attachment 3).
BACKGROUND
A “Landmark” means any property or improvement, manmade or natural, which has special
historical, cultural, architectural, archaeological, or community interest or value as part of
the development, heritage, or history of the city, the state of California, or the nation, and
that has been designated as a landmark pursuant to Title 7 – Historic Preservation of the
City’s Municipal Code.
The City has recently updated its Survey of Historic Resources (2023). The Survey
inventories all structures in the city that are 45 years of age or older, along with any
historically significant landscape or agricultural features. The survey identifies sites
determined as eligible for either local, state, or national listing (landmark designation) of
historic places.
10
The Survey conducted an evaluation of 51495 Avenida Diaz for its historic significance and
determined that the dwelling may retain a sufficient level of integrity from the 1935 to 1950
period of significance for individual designation (Attachment 4).
PROPOSAL
The item for consideration is a request by the property owners, Robert Lindemann and Ulla
Lemborn, to designate their “casita” home located at 51495 Avenida Diaz as a landmark.
The La Quinta Cove (Cove) residential community was subdivided between 1933 and 1937
to become the first subdivision in La Quinta. Between 1935 and 1941, 63 “casitas” were
built. Clients could purchase or rent these small bungalows. The casitas were designed to
be similar to the casitas of the La Quinta Hotel. The original developer of the casitas was E.
S. “Harry” Kiener, who formed the Palm Springs – La Quinta Development Company.
Keiner intended for these homes to be weekend getaway homes.
The 51495 Avenida Diaz residence was constructed in 1938. This home is situated within a
6,098 square foot lot located on the northwest corner of Avenida Diaz and Avenida
Montezuma. The single-family residence was constructed in the Spanish Colonial Revival
style. The home was constructed with an “L” shaped plan, clad in stucco with a gable roof
clad in red tiles with exposed beams. The original “L” building footprint is the southeast
portion of the home (Figure 1), with later building additions added consistent with the
Spanish Colonial Revival style. The casita retains its original “Z” style front door with the
original latch and window. It appears at some point that the original garage was converted
into a bedroom. Several of the rooms contain the original three-panel doors, and the home
still contains the original fireplace. The original roof tiles are still intact and stacked the
same as originally designed. The right-of-way adjacent to the property contains one of the
distinctive Cove obelisks located on the southeast corner. The intention of the homeowners
is to designate the home as a historic landmark (Attachment 5).
There were several improvements/additions made to the original casita structure as follows:
1) Additional Bathroom and Living Room Area
2) Patio Cover
3) Garage Conversion
4) Garage Addition – An addition was made at the southwest corner of the home to
add a garage in 1965. The garage addition is a feature that is considered reversible
and, if removed, would not affect the overall essential form or integrity of the original
dwelling.
5) Wall Permits – Block wall permits were issued in 1987 and 1999, which enclosed
the front yard area with a 5-foot stucco masonry wall matching the style of the home.
11
ANALYSIS
Pursuant to Title 7, Section 7.06.020 (LQMC), designation of a property or improvement as
a historic landmark must meet one or more of the following criteria:
A. It exemplifies or reflects special elements of the city's cultural, social, economic,
political, aesthetic, engineering, or architectural history; or
B. It is identified with persons or events significant in local, state, or national history; or
C. It embodies distinctive characteristics of a style, type, period, or method of
construction, is a valuable example of the use of Indigenous materials or
craftsmanship or is representative of a notable work of an acclaimed builder,
designer, or architect; or
D. It is an archaeological, paleontological, botanical, geological, topographical,
ecological, or geographical site which has the potential to yield information of
scientific value; or
12
E. It is a geographically definable area possessing a concentration of sites, buildings,
structures, improvements, or objects linked historically through location, design,
setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and/or association, in which the collective
value of the improvements may be greater than the value of each individual
improvement.
The residence at 51495 Avenida Diaz meets the criteria per Section 7.06.020 of the LQMC
as it individually embodies the distinctive characteristics of a Spanish Colonial Revival style
“casita” bungalow built in the Cove during the 1930s, and is individually significant under
Criteria A and B as the residence is part of the first residential subdivision of La Quinta.
It retains its original “L” shape and original features and elements like the original “Z”
style front door, latch and window, gable roof, wood lentil, with exposed beams, and
original red roof tiles. While later building improvements were added, the integrity of
the original features and building elements are intact.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Design and Development Department has determined that this project is exempt from
the California Environmental Quality Act review pursuant to section 15301, Class 1 Existing
Facilities, as this project includes no expansion of the use.
Prepared by: Sijifredo Fernandez, Associate Planner
Approved by: Danny Castro, Design and Development Director
Attachments: 1. Vicinity Map
2. Project Information
3. Criteria for Approval
4. Historic Resource Survey
5. Landmark Designation Request Letter
13
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION 2024 - XXX
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY
COUNCIL APPROVE A LANDMARK DESIGNATION FOR 51495
AVENIDA DIAZ, LOCATED AT NORTHWEST CORNER OF AVENIDA
DIAZ AND AVENIDA MONTEZUMA
CASE NUMBER: LANDMARK DESIGNATION 2025-0001
PROJECT: 51495 AVENIDA DIAZ LANDMARK DESIGNATION
APPLICANT: ROBERT LINDEMANN AND ULLA LEMBORN
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of La Quinta, California, did, on
March 25, 2025, hold a duly noticed Public Hearing to consider a request by Robert
Lindemann and Ulla Lemborn for approval of a Landmark Designation for a single-family
home located at 51495 Avenida Diaz, more particularly described as:
APN: 773-043-027
WHEREAS, the Design and Development Department published a public hearing
notice in The Desert Sun newspaper on February 14, 2025, 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 criteria prescribed by the Municipal Code 7.06.020
to justify approval of said Landmark Designation:
1. The property meets Criteria A and B and as part of the first residential
subdivision, subdivided by E.S. “Harry” Kiener of the Palm Springs – La Quinta
Development Company, within the boundaries of the City constructed with
Spanish Revival style homes and for its association with the Residential
Development theme. While later building improvements were added, the
integrity of the original features and building elements are intact.
2. Distinctive physical characteristics and features:
Spanish Colonial Revival style architecture
Original “L” shape of the building as they were built at the time
The front door is of the original “Z” style of the time
The latch and window of the front door are original to the time
Gable roof with exposed beams remain as they were built at the time
Original Roof Tile remains as built at the time
Wooden Lentil remains as built at the time
14
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION 2025-XXX
LANDMARK DESIGNATION 2025-0001
PROJECT: 51495 AVENIDA DIAZ LANDMARK DESIGNATION
ADOPTED:
PAGE 2 OF 2
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 criteria of the
Planning Commission in this case.
SECTION 2. That the above project is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act
review pursuant to Section 15301, Class 1 Existing Facilities, as this project includes no
expansion of the use.
SECTION 3. That it does hereby recommend that the City Council approve Landmark
Designation 2025-0001 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 March 25, 2025, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
DOUG HASSETT, Chairperson
City of La Quinta, California
ATTEST:
DANNY CASTRO, Design and Development Director
City of La Quinta, California
15
Vicinity Map
LD2025-0001
51495 Avenida Diaz
ATTACHMENT 1
16
ATTACHMENT 2
PROJECT INFORMATION
CASE NUMBER: LANDMARK DESIGNATION 2025-0001
REQUEST: CONSIDER A RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING CITY COUNCIL
APPROVAL OF A LANDMARK DESIGNATION 2025-0001 FOR
51495 AVENIDA DIAZ
LOCATION: 51495 AVENIDA DIAZ
CEQA: THE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS
DETERMINED THAT THIS PROJECT IS EXEMPT FROM
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT REVIEW
PURSUANT TO SECTION 15301, CLASS 1 EXISTING FACILITIES,
AS THIS PROJECT INCLUDES NO EXPANSION OF THE USE.
GENERAL PLAN
DESIGNATION: MEDIUM AND HIGH-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL
ZONING
DESIGNATION: COVE RESIDENTIAL
SURROUNDING
ZONING/
LAND USES: NORTH: COVE RESIDENTIAL/ EXISTING SINGLE-FAMILY
HOME
SOUTH: COVE RESIDENTIAL/ EXISTING SINGLE-FAMILY
HOME
EAST: COVE RESIDENTIAL/ EXISTING SINGLE-FAMILY
HOME
WEST: COVE RESIDENTIAL/ EXISTING SINGLE-FAMILY
HOME
17
ATTACHMENT 3
CRITERIA FOR HISTORIC RESOURCES
Landmark Designation 2025-0001
Pursuant to Title 7, Section 7.06.020 (LQMC), designation of a property or improvement
as a historic landmark must meet one or more of the following criteria:
A. It exemplifies or reflects special elements of the city's cultural, social, economic,
political, aesthetic, engineering, or architectural history; or
B. It is identified with persons or events significant in local, state, or national history; or
C. It embodies distinctive characteristics of a style, type, period, or method of
construction, is a valuable example of the use of Indigenous materials or
craftsmanship or is representative of a notable work of an acclaimed builder,
designer, or architect; or
D. It is an archaeological, paleontological, botanical, geological, topographical,
ecological, or geographical site which has the potential to yield information of
scientific value; or
E. It is a geographically definable area possessing a concentration of sites, buildings,
structures, improvements, or objects linked historically through location, design,
setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and/or association, in which the collective
value of the improvements may be greater than the value of each individual
improvement.
1. The property meets Criteria A and B and as part of the first residential
subdivision, subdivided by E.S. “Harry” Kiener of the Palm Springs – La Quinta
Development Company, within the boundaries of the City constructed with
Spanish Revival style homes and for its association with the Residential
Development theme. While later building improvements were added, the
integrity of the original features and building elements are intact.
2. Distinctive physical characteristics and features:
Spanish Colonial Revival style architecture
Original “L” shape of the building as they were built at the time
The front door is of the original “Z” style of the time
The latch and window of the front door are original to the time
Gable roof with exposed beams remain as they were built at the time
Original Roof Tile remains as built at the time
Wooden Lentil remains as built at the time
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DPR 523L (09/2013)
Identifier: 773043027 Date Constructed: 1938
UTM Zone: 11S, 563397 mE; 3726253 mN
Neighborhood: Yucatan Peninsula (The Cove)
Tract: Santa Carmelita Unit No 4; Recorded May 31, 1934, MB 18/62
Owner and Address: Lemborn-Lindemann Trust, Robert A. Lindemann; 51495 Avenida Diaz, La Quinta CA 92253
Updated Description: The 51495 Avenida Diaz residence was constructed in 1938 in the Yucatan Peninsula neighborhood, a small
portion of the La Quinta Cove along the northwest boundary of the region. The residence was constructed in the Spanish CoIonial
Revival style with an "L" shaped plan. The building has a shed roof clad in red tiles, and the exterior is clad in stucco. The residence
was partially obscured by a stucco clad privacy wall that has been constructed around the property since the prior survey. It appears
that an attached garage was constructed in the early 2000s following the 1996-97 survey. The garage is attached with at the
southwest corner of the property, with a flat roof and a stucco exterior. The garage addition is a feature that is considered reversible
and, if removed, would not affect the overall essential form or integrity of the original dwelling. `
Updated Significance: This dwelling is a contributor to the La Quinta Cove Thematic Historic District which is considered eligible
under Local Criterion B (events) for its association with the Residential Development theme. The Cove district is also considered
eligible under Local Register Criterion A (special element) as the first residential subdivision within the boundaries of the city
constructed with Spanish Revival style homes and eligible under Local Register Criterion E as a geographically definable area
possessing a concentration of buildings, structures, and improvements linked historically. The dwelling retains integrity from the
1935 to 1950 period of significance for the Cove. Because the district is not formally designated, it is assigned a 5D2 status code:
Contributor to a multi-component resource that is eligible for local listing or designation.
The dwelling has not been found individually eligible under NRHP/CRHR/Local Criterion A/1/B, as it has not been associated with
significant events or patterns of events in local, regional, state, or national history; not individually eligible under Criterion B/2/B, as it
has not been identified as having an association with an important person; not individually eligible under Criterion C/3/C, as it does
not embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction; and not individually eligible under Criterion
D/4/D, as further study of the dwelling would not appear to yield information which could be considered important in local, regional,
state, or national history. Additionally, the property was not found to be individually eligible under Local Register Criterion A, as it
was not found to exemplify a special element of the City of La Quinta. As the dwelling has not been substantially altered, this
dwelling maintains integrity from the historic period.
State of California — The Resources Agency
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
CONTINUATION SHEET
Primary#:
HRI #: None
Trinomial: N/A
CRHR Status Code: 5D2
Other Listings: Urbana Survey No. 095
ý Update
Resource Name: 51495 Avenida Diaz
Page 1 of 3
ATTACHMENT 4
19
DPR 523L (09/2013)
51495 Avenida Diaz_1: View north of the front (south) elevation.
51495 Avenida Diaz_2: View north of the front (south) elevation.
State of California — The Resources Agency
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
CONTINUATION SHEET
Primary#:
HRI #: None
Trinomial: N/A
CRHR Status Code: 5D2
Urbana Survey No: 095ResourceName: 51495 Avenida Diaz
Page 2 of 3
20
DPR 523J (09/2013) *Required Information
Map Name: La Quinta *Scale: 1:24,000 *Map Date: 2021
State of California — The Resources Agency
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
LOCATION MAP
Primary#:
HRI #: None
Trinomial: N/A
CRHR Status Code: 5D2
Other Listings: Urbana Survey No. 095ResourceName: 51495 Avenida Diaz
Page 3 of 3
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ATTACHMENT 5
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POWER POINTS
PLANNING
COMMISSION
MEETING
MARCH 25, 2025
3/25/2025
1
Planning Commission Meeting
March 25, 2025
5:00 p.m.
Planning Commission Meeting
March 25, 2025
PH1 – 51495 Avenida Diaz
LANDMARK DESIGNATION 2025-0001
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2
3/25/2025
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Background
• Project
Location:
– 51495
Avenida
Diaz
Proposal
• A request by the property owners to designate
their “casita” home located at 51495 Avenida Diaz
as a locally designated historic landmark
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4
3/25/2025
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History
• The Cove is bounded by Calle Tampico on the
north, Avenida Bermudas on the east, Calle Tecate
on the south, and Avenida Montezuma and Bear
Creek on the west.
• The Cove was subdivided between 1933-1937
History
City Hall
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6
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Historical Aerial
Historical
Aerial
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8
3/25/2025
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History
• The 51495 Avenida Diaz residence was
constructed in 1938
• Spanish Colonial Revival style
• The home was constructed with an "L" shaped
plan, clad in stucco with a shed roof clad in red
tiles with exposed beams
History
• Between 1935 and 1941, 63 "casitas" were built
• The original developer of the casitas was E. S.
'Harry' Kiener, who formed the Palm Springs – La
Quinta Development Company
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10
3/25/2025
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Landmark Designation
Landmark Designation
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12
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Landmark Designation
Landmark Designation
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Landmark Designation
Landmark Designation
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Building
Additions
Garage Addition
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3/25/2025
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Other Improvements
Front property wall –Block wall permits were issued in 1987
and 1999, which enclosed the front yard area with a 5-foot
masonry wall.
Criteria
Planning Commission must determine if the property meets
one or more of the landmark criteria as provided in Title 7 –
Historic Preservation of the La Quinta Municipal Code and
is in compliance with the requirements of the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
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3/25/2025
11
Landmark Designation Criteria
A. It exemplifies or reflects special elements of the city's cultural,
social, economic, political, aesthetic, engineering, or architectural
history; or
B. It is identified with persons or events significant in local, state, or
national history; or
C. It embodies distinctive characteristics of a style, type, period, or
method of construction, is a valuable example of the use of
Indigenous materials or craftsmanship or is representative of a
notable work of an acclaimed builder, designer, or architect; or
Landmark Designation Criteria
D. It is an archaeological, paleontological, botanical, geological,
topographical, ecological, or geographical site which has the
potential to yield information of scientific value; or
E. It is a geographically definable area possessing a concentration of
sites, buildings, structures, improvements, or objects linked
historically through location, design, setting, materials,
workmanship, feeling, and/or association, in which the collective
value of the improvements may be greater than the value of each
individual improvement.
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3/25/2025
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Analysis
• 51495 Avenida Diaz embodies the distinctive characteristics of a
Spanish Colonial Revival style “casita” bungalow built in the Cove
during the 1930s
• 5D2 - Contributor to a district that is eligible for local listing or
designation (Historical Survey 2023)
• The home appears to meets local Criterion A and B as the first
residential subdivision within the boundaries of the city constructed
with Spanish Revival style homes and is a contributor to the La Quinta
Cove Thematic Historic District.
Analysis
• Retains original “L” shape and retains original features and elements -
original “Z” style front door, latch and window, wooden lentil, and
original roof tiles.
• While later building improvements were added the integrity of the
original features and building elements are intact.
• Representative of the first subdivision of the Cove by E.S. “Harry”
Kiener, who formed the Palm Springs – La Quinta Development
Company.
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CEQA
The Design and Development Department has determined
that this project is exempt from environmental review
pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the
California Environmental Quality Act as this project includes
no expansion of the use.
Recommendation
Adopt a resolution recommending City Council approval
Landmark Designation 2025-0001 and find that the project
is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section
15301 Class 1 (Existing Facilities)
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3/25/2025
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