The agenda was available for public access at the City Hall exterior bulletin board (west side of Council Chamber) and the Planning Services counter by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 5, 2007.

2B.   Draft resolution for Case 3.3033 and 3.3034 MAJ AMND to approve a request by Mario Berardi to defer
       obligations to perform utility undergrounding located at 245 and 265 Radio Road, Zone M-1, Section 34.
       (Project Planner: Bryan Fernandez, Assistant Planner).

Commissioner Scott noted his opposition to this request.

Motion to To adopt draft resolution, subject to Conditions of Approval. Moved by Caffery, seconded by Hutcheson.

Vote to To adopt draft resolution, subject to Conditions of Approval. (Approved)

2C.   Case 3.3059 MAA - An application by Jim Richardson, owner, to add 438 square feet to an existing
        hillside single family residence located at 1050 Capistrano Court, Zone R-1-C, Section 34, APN: 505-
        072-012. (Project Planner Christopher Ison, Planning Technician)

Commissioner Caffery requested staff address the irregular shaped lot. Staff responded that the property is odd shape and the corner is cut-off because of the cul-de-sac lot reduces the overall area.

Motion to To approve, subject to Conditions of Approval. Moved by Hutcheson, seconded by Scott.

Vote to To approve, subject to Conditions of Approval. (Approved)

MISCELLANEOUS:

3.    SP 07-112 - An application by Jesse Danner for the implementation of a sign program for "The Orleans
       Building" located at 373 South Palm Canyon Drive, Zone CBD, Section 15, APN: 513-203-012. (Project
       Planner, Scott Taschner, Planning Technician).

Scott Taschner, Planning Technician, provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated October 10, 2007. Mr. Taschner noted that the Architectural Advisory Committee reviewed the project and recommended approval with the condition that the two awnings match in color.

Commissioner Scott requested a condition be added to include the awnings to be maintained in a clean manner.

Vice Chair Hochanadel requested staff address the zoning regulations for the neon sign. Staff responded that condition #4 addresses the accessory sign requiring it to be reduced to six square feet. Staff also noted that if the sign is located more than 3 feet away it would be exempt from regulation.

-Jesse Danner, applicant, provided further details and requested approval of the sign program with the inclusion of an "Open Sunday" sign adjacent to the front door.

Chair Marantz stated she felt a precedent would be set for allowance of the additional "Open Sunday" sign and noted that the building is very small and cluttered. Chair Marantz was not in favor of the neon sign.

Commissioner Hutcheson stated in spite of the vacancies in the downtown area he felt more flexibility should be given to merchants during this time and requested an amendment to allow the "Open Sunday" sign.

Commissioner Scott noted that there is an existing neon sign displaying "open" and felt if this request is approved it would set a precedent.

Commissioner Caffery suggested the allowable 2 square feet "Open Sunday" sign with the additional wording placed on another sign and hung inside the building.

Commissioner Cohen noted his preference for the 2 square feet "Open Sunday" sign.

Commissioner Ringlein stated she felt allowance of the 10 square feet neon sign would set a precedent and create cluttered storefronts.

Motion to To approve, subject to Conditions of Approval; as amended:

*Awnings shall be cleaned and maintained on a regular basis.
*Additional "Open Sunday", a maximum of two square feet.
*The accessory neon sign shall remain, a maximum of 10 square feet.
*Existing barber pole to remain.
MOTION FAILED. Moved by Caffery, seconded by Hutcheson.

Vote to To approve, subject to Conditions of Approval; as amended:

*Awnings shall be cleaned and maintained on a regular basis.
*Additional "Open Sunday", a maximum of two square feet.
*The accessory neon sign shall remain, a maximum of 10 square feet.
*Existing barber pole to remain.
MOTION FAILED. (Declined)

Motion to To approve, subject to Conditions of Approval, as amended:

*Awnings shall be cleaned and maintained on a regular basis.
*Allowance of a two (2) square feet "Open Sunday" sign.
*The neon accessory sign shall be reduced to six (6) square feet.
*Existing barber pole to remain. Moved by Scott, seconded by Ringlein.

Vote to To approve, subject to Conditions of Approval, as amended:

*Awnings shall be cleaned and maintained on a regular basis.
*Allowance of a two (2) square feet "Open Sunday" sign.
*The neon accessory sign shall be reduced to six (6) square feet.
*Existing barber pole to remain. (Approved)

Mr. Ewing reported that the Planning Commission decision may be appealed to the City Council within 10 days of written notice.

PUBLIC HEARINGS:

4.    Case 5.1137 GPA PD 335 / 3.3028 MAJ / TTM 35230 (Baristo Lofts) - An application by Wessman
        Holdings, LLC., to construct a four-story, mixed-use project consisting of 4,725 square feet of new
        retail commercial, 4,300 square feet of office space on the second floor and 15 condominium units
        with a roof top pool, underground parking, a General Plan Amendment to reclassify Baristo Road from a
        Secondary Thoroughfare to a Collector Road and a Tentative Tract Map located at 300 South Palm
        Canyon Drive, Zone CBD, Section 15, APN: 513-204-005. (Project Planner: Fred Lowndes,
        Associate Planner)

Fred Lowndes, Associate Planner, provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated October 10, 2007. Mr. Lowndes reported on April 4, 2007, the City Council voted to continue the public hearing for the Historic Site Preservation Board’s request to designate the site as a Class 1 Historic Site until such time as the application for the Planned Development District is brought before them. Mr. Lowndes stated that the issue of the Class I site is not before the Planning Commission and not a part of this proceeding. Mr. Lowndes noted an error in the surrounding street names and zoning, on page 4 of the Negative Declaration, and will be changed to reflect the correct information.

Chair Marantz noted a concern with flooding on Baristo Road and the request to reclassify it as a narrow street. Mr. Fuller responded that there will be no physical change to the streets and the curbs will remain the same.

Commissioner Hutcheson noted the Downtown Urban Design Guidelines states an 18 feet building height along Palm Canyon and felt there is insufficient open space and parking spaces.

Commissioner Cohen requested staff address the east side setbacks. Staff responded that the east setbacks are 13 feet and noted there is a large overhang on the roof towards the rear of the building.

Chair Marantz opened the Public Hearing:

-John Wessman, applicant, provided further details on the revisions made to the project and encouraged the adaptivere-use of historic buildings.
-Sidney Williams, chair of the Historic Site Preservation Board, spoke of the growth in the city and the importance preserving the historical heritage.
-Gary Johns, Palm Springs, stated the Architectural Advisory Committee recommended denial of the project primarily due to the aesthetics.
Peter Moruzzi, president of Palm Springs Modern Committee, stated the committee urged denial of the project and voiced concern with the density and parking.
-John Wesman, responded to testimony, stated many approved developments have not moved forward and reiterated the importance of adaptive re-use of historic buildings for the current times.

There being no further apppearances, the Public Hearing was closed.

Commissioner Hutcheson stated he is not in favor of the project because of the importance of historic buildings in the city, inadequate parking space, insufficient open space and building height relating to the Downtown Guidelines.

Chair Marantz expressesd concern over the unavailability of comments from the Architectural Advisory Committee and noted her concern with the density of this site.

Commissioner Ringlein noted a correction of page 3 and 4, conditions #10 - #14 are duplicated in conditions #15 - #19; and suggested addressing commercial trash collection and deliveries in the downtown area. Ms. Ringlein stated that she is not overly concerned with the parking because of the parking structure directly across the street and parking behind the Vineyard. Ms. Ringlein noted that the building would be ideal for a restaurant and outdoor patio with no alterations the building.

Commissioner Hutcheson noted that the concept of adaptive re-use for a restaurant would be a spectacular with a plaza instead of the abutting lofts with no alterations to the building.

Commissioner Scott stated as an architect, he feels the adaptive re-use of historic buildings are very important, spoke in favor of a restaurant and suggested relocating the dining plaza to the south where the retail building is proposed.

Commissioner Caffery stated he feels the architecture compliments the original structure and noted a concern with the deck because it deters from the floating feature of the building.

Commissioner Cohen stated he attended the Architectural Advisory Committee meetings and said that they are very complimentary of what the applicant is doing with building and explained the variation in the voting due to absences and abstentions. Mr. Cohen suggested protecting the beauty of the existing building and requested further review of the project.

Motion to To continue. to an indefinite date and refer the project back to the Architectural Advisory Committee to address:

A.  The relationship to the Interim Design Guidelines.
  B.  The terrace on the existing building.
  C.  The setbacks in relationship to the existing building from the new building.
  D. Additional discussion on the adaptive reuse of the building and options for the restaurant.
*Additional discussion on the adaptive reuse of the building and options for the restaurant.

      Moved by Vice Chair Hochanadel, seconded by Scott.

Vote to To continue. to an indefinite date and refer the project back to the Architectural Advisory Committee to address:

A.  The relationship to the Interim Design Guidelines.
  B.  The terrace on the existing building.
  C.  The setbacks in relationship to the existing building from the new building.
  D. Additional discussion on the adaptive reuse of the building and options for the restaurant.
*Additional discussion on the adaptive reuse of the building and options for the restaurant.

    (Approved)

5. COMMISSION WORK PROGRAM: * Work Program Priorities and Subcommittee Assignments

Craig A. Ewing stated that there will be no City Council Study Session tonight and provided an update on upcoming projects.

6. COMMISSION/STAFF REPORTS AND REQUESTS:

Vice Chair Hochanadel noted that he spoke with many people who attended the past weekend event called "American Heat" and the feedback was that they will go to another city if this event is not allowed back on the main street. Mr. Hochanadel stated that a huge portion of the event is so that people can leisurely walk through the stores and look at the bikes creating more of a downtown experience. Mr. Hochanadel said that police enforcement during this weekend was too aggressive and uncalled for and would like to see the same enforceability when other events come into town such as the white party or the pride parade.

Mr. Cohen said that he noticed business was not very good for this weekend event because it was too far away from the storefronts and restaurants. Mr. Cohen noted the importance of larger projects needing more time for review. Staff responded early public hearings, with no detailed staff reports, will be held for larger projects.

The Commission discussed the Architectural Advisory Committee's procedure of meetings.

7. ADJOURNMENT:

There being no further comments the meeting adjourned at 4:04 p.m.

Oct 10, 2007 Planning Commission

Full agenda
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CALL TO ORDER:

The meeting was called to order at 1:33 p.m.

ROLL CALL:

Roll call: 7 Present, 0 Absent, 0 Excused

REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA:

The agenda was available for public access at the City Hall exterior bulletin board (west side of Council Chamber) and the Planning Services counter by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 5, 2007.

ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA:

Motion to To accept the agenda, as presented. Moved by Vice Chair Hochanadel, seconded by Cohen.

Vote to To accept the agenda, as presented. (Approved)

1. PUBLIC COMMENTS: (Three minute time limit.)

Chair Marantz opened Public Comments, there being none Public Comments was closed.

CONSENT CALENDAR:

Commissioner Scott requested Item 2B pulled from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion.

Chair Marantz noted her abstention on Item 2B.

Commissioner Caffery requested Item 2C pulled from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion.

Motion to To approve, Item 2A, as part of the Consent Calendar. Moved by Hutcheson, seconded by Ringlein.

Vote to To approve, Item 2A, as part of the Consent Calendar. (Approved)

2A. Draft minutes of September 12, 2007.

Approved, as part of the Consent Calendar.

2B.   Draft resolution for Case 3.3033 and 3.3034 MAJ AMND to approve a request by Mario Berardi to defer
       obligations to perform utility undergrounding located at 245 and 265 Radio Road, Zone M-1, Section 34.
       (Project Planner: Bryan Fernandez, Assistant Planner).

Commissioner Scott noted his opposition to this request.

Motion to To adopt draft resolution, subject to Conditions of Approval. Moved by Caffery, seconded by Hutcheson.

Vote to To adopt draft resolution, subject to Conditions of Approval. (Approved)

2C.   Case 3.3059 MAA - An application by Jim Richardson, owner, to add 438 square feet to an existing
        hillside single family residence located at 1050 Capistrano Court, Zone R-1-C, Section 34, APN: 505-
        072-012. (Project Planner Christopher Ison, Planning Technician)

Commissioner Caffery requested staff address the irregular shaped lot. Staff responded that the property is odd shape and the corner is cut-off because of the cul-de-sac lot reduces the overall area.

Motion to To approve, subject to Conditions of Approval. Moved by Hutcheson, seconded by Scott.

Vote to To approve, subject to Conditions of Approval. (Approved)

MISCELLANEOUS:

3.    SP 07-112 - An application by Jesse Danner for the implementation of a sign program for "The Orleans
       Building" located at 373 South Palm Canyon Drive, Zone CBD, Section 15, APN: 513-203-012. (Project
       Planner, Scott Taschner, Planning Technician).

Commissioner Scott requested a condition be added to include the awnings to be maintained in a clean manner.

-Jesse Danner, applicant, provided further details and requested approval of the sign program with the inclusion of an "Open Sunday" sign adjacent to the front door.

Commissioner Scott noted that there is an existing neon sign displaying "open" and felt if this request is approved it would set a precedent.

Commissioner Caffery suggested the allowable 2 square feet "Open Sunday" sign with the additional wording placed on another sign and hung inside the building.

Commissioner Cohen noted his preference for the 2 square feet "Open Sunday" sign.

Commissioner Ringlein stated she felt allowance of the 10 square feet neon sign would set a precedent and create cluttered storefronts.

Mr. Ewing reported that the Planning Commission decision may be appealed to the City Council within 10 days of written notice.

PUBLIC HEARINGS:

4.    Case 5.1137 GPA PD 335 / 3.3028 MAJ / TTM 35230 (Baristo Lofts) - An application by Wessman
        Holdings, LLC., to construct a four-story, mixed-use project consisting of 4,725 square feet of new
        retail commercial, 4,300 square feet of office space on the second floor and 15 condominium units
        with a roof top pool, underground parking, a General Plan Amendment to reclassify Baristo Road from a
        Secondary Thoroughfare to a Collector Road and a Tentative Tract Map located at 300 South Palm
        Canyon Drive, Zone CBD, Section 15, APN: 513-204-005. (Project Planner: Fred Lowndes,
        Associate Planner)

Commissioner Hutcheson noted the Downtown Urban Design Guidelines states an 18 feet building height along Palm Canyon and felt there is insufficient open space and parking spaces.

Commissioner Cohen requested staff address the east side setbacks. Staff responded that the east setbacks are 13 feet and noted there is a large overhang on the roof towards the rear of the building.

Chair Marantz expressesd concern over the unavailability of comments from the Architectural Advisory Committee and noted her concern with the density of this site.

Commissioner Hutcheson noted that the concept of adaptive re-use for a restaurant would be a spectacular with a plaza instead of the abutting lofts with no alterations to the building.

Commissioner Caffery stated he feels the architecture compliments the original structure and noted a concern with the deck because it deters from the floating feature of the building.

5. COMMISSION WORK PROGRAM: * Work Program Priorities and Subcommittee Assignments

Craig A. Ewing stated that there will be no City Council Study Session tonight and provided an update on upcoming projects.

6. COMMISSION/STAFF REPORTS AND REQUESTS:

The Commission discussed the Architectural Advisory Committee's procedure of meetings.

7. ADJOURNMENT:

There being no further comments the meeting adjourned at 4:04 p.m.

Oct 10, 2007 Planning Commission

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