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, November 9, 2007.

2A. Draft minutes of September 5, 2007, September 26, 2007, October 3, 2007 and October 10, 2007.

Approved, as part of the Consent Calendar.

2B. Case 3.3144 MAA - An application by The City of Palm Springs
        Department of Public Works for the installation of a household
        hazardous waste collection facility and community gardens
       located at the southeast corner of Mesquite Avenue and Vella
        Road, Zone M-1, Section 19, APN: 680-020-010. (Project
        Planner: Fred Lowndes, Associate Planner)

Approved, as part of the Consent Calendar.

2C. Case 3.3108 MAJ (Indian Oasis Self Storage) - An application by
         David J. Gandolfo to construct a 645-unit self storage facility
         consisting of 10 buildings including office space, a caretaker’s
         residence, parking and associated landscaping on approximately
         4.8 acres located at the southeast corner of San Louis Rey Drive
         and Rio Blanco Road, Zone M-1, Section 20, APN’s: 680-564-007
         -011. (Project Planner: Fred Lowndes, Associate Planner)

Commissioner Ringlein requested staff address the close proximity to another self-storage, surrounding uses and further details on the landscape plans.

Craig A. Ewing reported that staff has no concerns with the proximity use since the area is in the M-1 zone and the surrounding uses are industrial. Mr. Lowndes stated that the Architectural Advisory Committee recommended approval of the landscape plan.

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

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

2D. Case 3.3147 MAJ - An application by Lalith Chandrasena, owner,
        to construct a 2,827 square feet professional office building
        located at 1801 Desert Park Avenue, Zone P, Section 1, APN:
        501-312-010. (Project Planner: Bryan Fernandez, Assistant
        Planner).

Approved, as part of the Consent Calendar.

2E. Case SP 07-106 - An application by BMW of Palm Springs
        requesting approval for a main sign over fifty square feet located
        at 3737 East Palm Canyon Drive, Zone C2, Section 30, APN: 681
        -070-016. (Project Planner: David A. Newell, Assistant Planner)

Commissioner Scott requested a condition added to include, "The existing signage on the building to be removed within 30 days of the installation of the new sign". Staff concurred.

Vice Chair Hochanadel suggested the new condition include, "30 days after the occupancy permit has been issued." Commissioner Scott concurred.

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

*The applicant shall be required to remove all BMW related signage at the existing adjacent automobile dealership within 30 days of issuance of Cerificate of Occupancy for the new location. Moved by Scott, seconded by Cohen.

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

*The applicant shall be required to remove all BMW related signage at the existing adjacent automobile dealership within 30 days of issuance of Cerificate of Occupancy for the new location. (Approved)

2F. Case 5.1012 CUP / TTM 31104 - A request by Nejat Kohan, on
        behalf of the Spanish Inn, Inc., for a two-year time extension to
        renovate the hotel, convert hotel to condominiums and construct
        new condominium building located at 640 North Indian Canyon
        Drive, Zone R3, Section 11, APN: 507-183-003 and 007.
       (Project Planner: Bryan Fernandez, Assistant Planner).

Mr. Ewing provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated November 14, 2007.

Chair Marantz requested staff keep the Commission informed if any of the timelines are not kept.

Commissioner Caffery noted that he does not have an objection to give the applicant an extra couple of months to complete the extensive street improvement plan. Staff noted that typically when a map is recorded prior to the completion of public improvements a bond is required.

Commissioner Hutcheson stated his preference to keep the timetable, as presented, with no changes.

Commissioner Scott stated he could not vote for this project because he felt a slowdown would occur during December and January and thus giving the applicant more time to complete the street improvements would be appropriate.

Commissioner Caffery stated it would be a safer plan to extend it to the additional three months for the street improvements and require a bond and secure it.

Motion to To approve, one-year time extension to September 7, 2008, subject to Conditions of Approval. Moved by Hutcheson, seconded by Ringlein.

Vote to To approve, one-year time extension to September 7, 2008, subject to Conditions of Approval. (Approved)

PUBLIC HEARINGS:

3. Case 5.1172 ZTA - An application by the City of Palm Springs to
     amend the Palm Springs Zoning Code regarding the standards and
     regulations for the development of Condominium Hotels. (Project
     Planner:  Craig A. Ewing, Director of Planning Services) (Continued
     from the October 24, 2007 meeting.)

Staff noted that the City Attorney has requested this item be continued to no date certain as more work is required before the ordinance will be ready for a public hearing.

Motion to To continue to an indefinite date. Moved by Ringlein, seconded by Vice Chair Hochanadel.

Vote to To continue to an indefinite date. (Approved)

4. Case 5.1175 PD 346 / TTM 28308 - An application by Southeast
     RE Holdings, LLC., for a Planned Development District and Tentative
     Tract Map to subdivide 3.22 acres into seven single-family
     residential lots and one professional office lot located at 657 South
     Sunrise Way, Zone R-1-C and RMHP, Section 23, APN’s: 508-231
     -005 and 010. (Project Planner: Fred Lowndes, Associate Planner)

Fred Lowndes, Associate Planner, provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated November 14, 2007. Mr. Lowndes reported that the time-limit has expired requiring the filing of a new application.

Commissioner Scott noted a correction on condition #7, it reflects three (3) professional lots and should be one (1) professional lot. Staff agreed with the correction.

Chair Marantz opened the Public Hearing:

-John Sanborn, representing the developer, requested engineering condition #12 and #13, regarding the widening of Sunny Dunes Road and construction of a new catch basin, to be deleted since these items have been completed.

There being no further comments, the public hearing was closed.

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

*Condition #7 - The Final Development Plans shall show seven (7) residential lots and one (1) professional lot.
*Engineering Condition #12 - deleted.
*Engineering Condition #13 - deleted. Moved by Scott, seconded by Cohen.

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

*Condition #7 - The Final Development Plans shall show seven (7) residential lots and one (1) professional lot.
*Engineering Condition #12 - deleted.
*Engineering Condition #13 - deleted. (Approved)

5. Case 5.0988 CUP-AMND - An application by Wessman
       Development to amend a previously approved Conditional Use
       Permit to allow additional signage at Tahquitz Square (Del Taco)
       located at 1700 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way / 102 N. Sunrise Way,
       Zoned C-1-AA, Section 13. APN: 502-065-018 & 502-065-008.
      (Project Planner: David A. Newell, Assistant Planner)

David Newell, Assistant Planner, provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated November 14, 2007. Mr. Newell reported that one letter of opposition was received.

Chair Marantz opened the Public Hearing:

-Martha Higgins, property manager for Wessman Development, requested approval of the one monument and two fascia signs and stated that many fast-food restaurants in the city have 3 signs and feels a precedent has been set.
-Doug Malo, Loren Signs, requested approval of the signs for visibility, proper marketing and traffic management.
-David Allen, representing Del Taco, reported that this building has greatly improved and requested the amount of signs be consistent with the competitors.

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

Commissioner Cohen commended the applicant for the building improvements and requested further discussion on the signage.

Commissioner Caffery stated he did not see a problem with the fascia sign on Tahquitz Canyon Way.

Vice Chair Hochanadel noted he does not have any concerns with this request because the existing sign is difficult to read when driving by.

Chair Marantz concurred with Vice Chair Hochanadel and noted a concern that no other signs are placed on the windows.

Commissoner Hutcheson commented that this would not have been his first choice for a fast-food location but at this stage he felt it is a reasonable request.

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

*To allow the additional fascia sign.
*No lit window signs Moved by Caffery, seconded by Scott.

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

*To allow the additional fascia sign.
*No lit window signs (Approved)

Staff reported the resolution of approval would be back to the Commission under the Consent Calendar.

6. Case 5.1180 ZTA - An application by the City of Palm Springs to
       amend the Palm Springs Zoning Code relating to establishment of
       transportation terminals as a use permitted pursuant to a
       Conditional Use Permit in the C-2 and M-1 zones. (Project
       Planner: Craig A. Ewing, Director of Planning Services)

Craig A. Ewing provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated November 14, 2007.

Chair Marantz opened the Public Hearing:

-Paula Auburn, chair of Sunrise Vista Chino Neighborhood Coalition, spoke in support of the amendment relating to transportation terminals.

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

Motion to To recommend approval to the City Council. Moved by Hutcheson, seconded by Ringlein.

Vote to To recommend approval to the City Council. (Approved)

7. Case 5.1165 PD344 / TTM 35766 - An application by The Trails
       at Palm Springs, LLC., to construct a mixed-use project including
       a wellness center, fitness center, offices, retail commercial space
       and a 350+ room hotel on 17.2 acres located at the northwest
       corner of Mesquite Avenue and South Palm Canyon Drive, Zone C-
       1, C-2 and R-3, Section 23, APN’s: 508-171-005, 006, 008, 513
       -250-014, 046 and 047. (The hearing will be conducted for
       informational purposes only and no action will be taken at this
       meeting.)

Chair Marantz noted a conflict of interest due to her business property location is within 500 feet of the project and would not be participating in the discussion. She left the Council Chamber at 2:33 p.m.

Commissioner Hutcheson noted his abstention and would not be participating in the discussion. Commission Hutcheson left the Council Chamber at 2:33 p.m.

Mr. Ewing reported this is a study session (for informational purposes only) and no action will be taken on this project at today’s meeting.

Nicole Criste, Contract Planner, provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated November 14, 2007. Ms. Criste reported that the vacant MacMagruder Chevrolet property and the Rock Garden restaurant would be demolished if the project is approved. Ms. Criste provided details relating to the site plan, including a medical office building, a fitness center, a retail commercial building, a professional office building, a multi-structure hotel and a parking structure. Ms. Criste noted that the southern portion of the site is designated Indian land and provided an overview on the setback sections, building heights and parking requirements.

Mr. Ewing reiterated that the analysis of setback rules as they apply to this project is not yet complete and noted that the main purpose is to present the overall concept.

Chair Hochanadel requested staff address the anticipated completion of the Belardo Road extension. Marcus Fuller responded that completion is exptected in the year 2011, since this is a federally funded project and includes environmental review and tribal involvement.

The Commission requested clarification and discussed the setbacks on the Tahquitz Creek side, retail building height, calculation of the average height of grade, parking and the view corridors from east to west.

Chair Hochanadel opened the Public Hearing:

-Mike Hutchison, applicant, provided detailed information regarding the history of the site and the benefits to the City. Mr. Hutchison noted several challenges for the project such as the southern portion of the site is tribal land adjacent to fee land and the natural typography of the northwest and southeast corner. Mr. Hutchison provided further details on the site plan, landscape plan and parking.
-Lance O’Donnell, 02 Architecture, provided further details on the project description pertaining to the site plan, structured parking and the architecture. Mr. O’Donnell addressed the trash pick-up and access point and building heights, high-end retail, restaurant and potential use.
-Brian Childs, Palm Springs, owns a home 2 blocks from this site, spoke in favor of the project; voiced concern with view corridors and suggested removal of the building that blocks the view. He also commented that a grocery store would increase traffic and spoke about lighting and the architectural views in the interior of the building.
-Bob Metcalf, Palm Springs, nearby neighbor, spoke in favor of the project, especially in this part of town.

There being no further appearances, the Public Hearing was continued until a further date.

Commissioner Scott requested a sun study to see the shadowing on the open spaces within the project along the Tahquitz Creek corridor. Mr. Scott noted a greater concern with the amount of retail and the effects of development in the downtown and would like to see justification for the various floor to floor retail heights.

Commissioner Ringlein noted a concern with the parking and emphasized a pedestrian friendly community and the effects of the view corridor on the project across the street.

Commissioner Cohen noted his biggest concern is the parking.

Commissioner Caffery noted a concern with the phasing of the project and how it will fit with all the proposed retail and future plans in the event of a slowdown of the market.

Chair Hochanadel also noted a concern with the phasing of the project.

Mr. Ewing reported this item would be re-noticed to the surrounding property owners when this project is ready for the public hearing.

Chair Marantz re-entered the Council Chamber at 3:55 p.m. Commissioner Hutcheson left for the remainder of the meeting.

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

Mr. Ewing reported that the appointment of the undergrounding subcommittee will be on the next agenda.

9. COMMISSION/STAFF REPORTS AND REQUESTS:

Mr. Ewing provided an update on the City Council meeting scheduled for tonight.

Commissioner Ringlein reported a code enforcement complaint on San Rafael and Indian Canyon Way (Julian’s Market) regarding the landscaping upkeep and vehicle storage on the parking lot.

Vice Chair Hochanadel requested staff follow-up on the previous request for a Board and Commissioners' Dinner. Staff will be following up.

10. ADJOURNMENT:

There being no further comments the meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m.

Nov 14, 2007 Planning Commission

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CALL TO ORDER:

The meeting was called to order at 1:35 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, November 9, 2007.

ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA:

The agenda was accepted, as presented.

Commissioner Scott commented that he will need to leave the meeting by 4:15 p.m.

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

CONSENT CALENDAR:

Commissioner Ringlein requested Item 2C pulled from the Consent Calendar for further discussion.

Chair Marantz requested Item 2F pulled from the Consent Calendar for further discussion.

Commissioner Scott requested Item 2E pulled from the Consent Calendar for further discussion.

Motion to To approve, Items 2A, 2B and 2D, as part of the Consent Calendar. Moved by Cohen, seconded by Hutcheson.

Vote to To approve, Items 2A, 2B and 2D, as part of the Consent Calendar. (Approved)

2A. Draft minutes of September 5, 2007, September 26, 2007, October 3, 2007 and October 10, 2007.

Approved, as part of the Consent Calendar.

2B. Case 3.3144 MAA - An application by The City of Palm Springs
        Department of Public Works for the installation of a household
        hazardous waste collection facility and community gardens
       located at the southeast corner of Mesquite Avenue and Vella
        Road, Zone M-1, Section 19, APN: 680-020-010. (Project
        Planner: Fred Lowndes, Associate Planner)

Approved, as part of the Consent Calendar.

2C. Case 3.3108 MAJ (Indian Oasis Self Storage) - An application by
         David J. Gandolfo to construct a 645-unit self storage facility
         consisting of 10 buildings including office space, a caretaker’s
         residence, parking and associated landscaping on approximately
         4.8 acres located at the southeast corner of San Louis Rey Drive
         and Rio Blanco Road, Zone M-1, Section 20, APN’s: 680-564-007
         -011. (Project Planner: Fred Lowndes, Associate Planner)

Commissioner Ringlein requested staff address the close proximity to another self-storage, surrounding uses and further details on the landscape plans.

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

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

2D. Case 3.3147 MAJ - An application by Lalith Chandrasena, owner,
        to construct a 2,827 square feet professional office building
        located at 1801 Desert Park Avenue, Zone P, Section 1, APN:
        501-312-010. (Project Planner: Bryan Fernandez, Assistant
        Planner).

Approved, as part of the Consent Calendar.

2E. Case SP 07-106 - An application by BMW of Palm Springs
        requesting approval for a main sign over fifty square feet located
        at 3737 East Palm Canyon Drive, Zone C2, Section 30, APN: 681
        -070-016. (Project Planner: David A. Newell, Assistant Planner)

Commissioner Scott requested a condition added to include, "The existing signage on the building to be removed within 30 days of the installation of the new sign". Staff concurred.

Vice Chair Hochanadel suggested the new condition include, "30 days after the occupancy permit has been issued." Commissioner Scott concurred.

2F. Case 5.1012 CUP / TTM 31104 - A request by Nejat Kohan, on
        behalf of the Spanish Inn, Inc., for a two-year time extension to
        renovate the hotel, convert hotel to condominiums and construct
        new condominium building located at 640 North Indian Canyon
        Drive, Zone R3, Section 11, APN: 507-183-003 and 007.
       (Project Planner: Bryan Fernandez, Assistant Planner).

Mr. Ewing provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated November 14, 2007.

Chair Marantz requested staff keep the Commission informed if any of the timelines are not kept.

Commissioner Hutcheson stated his preference to keep the timetable, as presented, with no changes.

Commissioner Caffery stated it would be a safer plan to extend it to the additional three months for the street improvements and require a bond and secure it.

Motion to To approve, one-year time extension to September 7, 2008, subject to Conditions of Approval. Moved by Hutcheson, seconded by Ringlein.

Vote to To approve, one-year time extension to September 7, 2008, subject to Conditions of Approval. (Approved)

PUBLIC HEARINGS:

3. Case 5.1172 ZTA - An application by the City of Palm Springs to
     amend the Palm Springs Zoning Code regarding the standards and
     regulations for the development of Condominium Hotels. (Project
     Planner:  Craig A. Ewing, Director of Planning Services) (Continued
     from the October 24, 2007 meeting.)

Staff noted that the City Attorney has requested this item be continued to no date certain as more work is required before the ordinance will be ready for a public hearing.

Motion to To continue to an indefinite date. Moved by Ringlein, seconded by Vice Chair Hochanadel.

Vote to To continue to an indefinite date. (Approved)

4. Case 5.1175 PD 346 / TTM 28308 - An application by Southeast
     RE Holdings, LLC., for a Planned Development District and Tentative
     Tract Map to subdivide 3.22 acres into seven single-family
     residential lots and one professional office lot located at 657 South
     Sunrise Way, Zone R-1-C and RMHP, Section 23, APN’s: 508-231
     -005 and 010. (Project Planner: Fred Lowndes, Associate Planner)

Commissioner Scott noted a correction on condition #7, it reflects three (3) professional lots and should be one (1) professional lot. Staff agreed with the correction.

5. Case 5.0988 CUP-AMND - An application by Wessman
       Development to amend a previously approved Conditional Use
       Permit to allow additional signage at Tahquitz Square (Del Taco)
       located at 1700 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way / 102 N. Sunrise Way,
       Zoned C-1-AA, Section 13. APN: 502-065-018 & 502-065-008.
      (Project Planner: David A. Newell, Assistant Planner)

David Newell, Assistant Planner, provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated November 14, 2007. Mr. Newell reported that one letter of opposition was received.

Commissioner Cohen commended the applicant for the building improvements and requested further discussion on the signage.

Commissioner Caffery stated he did not see a problem with the fascia sign on Tahquitz Canyon Way.

Vice Chair Hochanadel noted he does not have any concerns with this request because the existing sign is difficult to read when driving by.

Chair Marantz concurred with Vice Chair Hochanadel and noted a concern that no other signs are placed on the windows.

Commissoner Hutcheson commented that this would not have been his first choice for a fast-food location but at this stage he felt it is a reasonable request.

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

*To allow the additional fascia sign.
*No lit window signs Moved by Caffery, seconded by Scott.

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

*To allow the additional fascia sign.
*No lit window signs (Approved)

Staff reported the resolution of approval would be back to the Commission under the Consent Calendar.

6. Case 5.1180 ZTA - An application by the City of Palm Springs to
       amend the Palm Springs Zoning Code relating to establishment of
       transportation terminals as a use permitted pursuant to a
       Conditional Use Permit in the C-2 and M-1 zones. (Project
       Planner: Craig A. Ewing, Director of Planning Services)

Craig A. Ewing provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated November 14, 2007.

Motion to To recommend approval to the City Council. Moved by Hutcheson, seconded by Ringlein.

Vote to To recommend approval to the City Council. (Approved)

7. Case 5.1165 PD344 / TTM 35766 - An application by The Trails
       at Palm Springs, LLC., to construct a mixed-use project including
       a wellness center, fitness center, offices, retail commercial space
       and a 350+ room hotel on 17.2 acres located at the northwest
       corner of Mesquite Avenue and South Palm Canyon Drive, Zone C-
       1, C-2 and R-3, Section 23, APN’s: 508-171-005, 006, 008, 513
       -250-014, 046 and 047. (The hearing will be conducted for
       informational purposes only and no action will be taken at this
       meeting.)

Commissioner Hutcheson noted his abstention and would not be participating in the discussion. Commission Hutcheson left the Council Chamber at 2:33 p.m.

Mr. Ewing reported this is a study session (for informational purposes only) and no action will be taken on this project at today’s meeting.

Mr. Ewing reiterated that the analysis of setback rules as they apply to this project is not yet complete and noted that the main purpose is to present the overall concept.

Commissioner Ringlein noted a concern with the parking and emphasized a pedestrian friendly community and the effects of the view corridor on the project across the street.

Commissioner Cohen noted his biggest concern is the parking.

Commissioner Caffery noted a concern with the phasing of the project and how it will fit with all the proposed retail and future plans in the event of a slowdown of the market.

Chair Hochanadel also noted a concern with the phasing of the project.

Mr. Ewing reported this item would be re-noticed to the surrounding property owners when this project is ready for the public hearing.

Chair Marantz re-entered the Council Chamber at 3:55 p.m. Commissioner Hutcheson left for the remainder of the meeting.

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

Mr. Ewing reported that the appointment of the undergrounding subcommittee will be on the next agenda.

9. COMMISSION/STAFF REPORTS AND REQUESTS:

Mr. Ewing provided an update on the City Council meeting scheduled for tonight.

Commissioner Ringlein reported a code enforcement complaint on San Rafael and Indian Canyon Way (Julian’s Market) regarding the landscaping upkeep and vehicle storage on the parking lot.

Vice Chair Hochanadel requested staff follow-up on the previous request for a Board and Commissioners' Dinner. Staff will be following up.

10. ADJOURNMENT:

There being no further comments the meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m.

Nov 14, 2007 Planning Commission

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