Video index
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting has been called to order at 2:02 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Roll Call: 7 members present, 0 members absent, 0 members 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 Department counter by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 29, 2008.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS: (Three minute time limit.)
The following persons spoke in favor of a landscape redesign for the Palm Springs International Airport:
-Paul Ortega, Palm Springs, requested the use of more native plants and less grass to conserve water.
-Sunny Nelson, Palm Springs, voiced concern with the City’s continaul promotion of non-native landscaping.
-Phillip Smith, Indio, requested the use of a native plant palette and requested an environmentally responsible design.
-Eric Wildermeth, Palm Springs, concerned with the use of tropical plants and would like to see the City promote a desert landscape.
-Kyle Husfloen, Palm Springs, suggested several types of desert plants and encouraged water conservation.
-Christine Hall, Palm Desert, suggested the City should set the example for water conservation.
-Hugh Vance, Palm Springs, expressed concern with water consumption and encouraged the City to work with the environment.
-Mary Brantwehrl, Palm Springs, stated she would like to see the airport reflect the beauty of the Coachella Valley.
-Renee Hersey, Palm Springs, requested a more sustainable landscape with beauty, color and fragance.
-Jade Nelson, Palm Springs, spoke of the extreme temperatures in the desert which require more maintenance and water for tropical plants; encouraged use of native desert plants and synthetic grass.
-Rebecca Navarre, Cathedral City, provided several ideas for a native desert landscaping.
-Nancy Bentinck, Palm Springs, provided details on the Resource Conservation Commission, a newly established group by the City; noting their involvement with energy, water and waste disposal.
There being no further appearances, Public Comments was closed.
2. OTHER BUSINESS:
Case 3.0829-C MAJ - An application by the Palm Springs International Airport to expand the lobby area, install new landscaping, new canopies and two new buildings located at 3400 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Zone A, Section 18. (Project Planner: Bryan Fernandez, Assistant Planner) (Continued from the meeting of February 27, 2008)
Edward Robertson, Principal Planner, provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated March 5, 2008.
Allen Smoot, Owner Representative, Palm Springs International Airport, provided further details on the bollards, the redesign of the re-entry plaza, concession areas, the canopy system and the changes made to the landscape and hardscape plan. Mr. Smoot respectfully requested that the Planning Commission act on the project.
Ms. Ringlein requested Mr. Smoot address the citrus on the trees. Mr. Smoot responded that the citrus will be picked by airport personnel and passengers noting that the original airport landscape from the 1960’s was lawn, lush flowers and citrus trees. Ms. Ringlein commented that she is in favor of the bollard system and artificial turf.
Ms. Conrad noted that she would not have removed the citrus trees and the target golf and preferred a water feature consistent with the architecture. Ms. Conrad stated a descrease in plant count would result when the landscape design is changed to modern aesthetic. Ms. Conrad suggested keeping some grass to satisfy concerns of some of the passengers.
Mr. Scott commented that 25,000 star jasmine plants are inappropriate for the landscape plan. Mr. Scott noted that all of the architectural concerns have been resolved; however, the landscape and water feature require further changes.
Mr. Caffery noted that artificial turf would not be ideal because it gets very hot and the passengers could not lay on it. Mr. Caffery was in favor of the architectural features with the exception of changing several tropical plants to native plants.
Chair Marantz stated she has noticed many people sitting on the grass relaxing and enjoying the sunshine and would prefer to retain a portion of the grass.
Chair Marantz was in favor of the hardscape.
Ms. Conrad clarified that she is not satisfied with the hardscape (the flatwork concrete) and felt this is part of the landscape plan.
Mr. Cohen concurred with Ms. Conrad and stated that he is also in favor of keeping a portion of the grass that so travelers could enjoy it.
Vice Chair Hochanadel noted the concrete color should follow suit with the existing concrete.
Motion to To approve, as amended:
-The landscape plan shall be redesigned and resubmitted for review by the Architectural Advisory Committee and action by the Planning Commission with specific direction to:
a.) Revise the plant palette to include more desert appropriate species;
and
b.) Redesign the water feature in the courtyard to more closely represent
the modern architecture of the adjacent buildings. Moved by Scott, seconded by Cohen.
Vote to To approve, as amended:
-The landscape plan shall be redesigned and resubmitted for review by the Architectural Advisory Committee and action by the Planning Commission with specific direction to:
a.) Revise the plant palette to include more desert appropriate species;
and
b.) Redesign the water feature in the courtyard to more closely represent
the modern architecture of the adjacent buildings. (Approved)
Mr. Ewing noted the time-frame for an appeal of the Planning Commission decision to the City Council.
3. Case 5.1173 ZTA - An application by the City of Palm Springs to
amend the Palm Springs Zoning Code regarding the standards and
regulations for establishing office uses in the Central Business
District (C-B-D) zone, the downtown area generally defined as Palm
Canyon and Indian Canyon Drives, between Alejo and Ramon Roads
and adjacent streets. (Project Planner: Craig A. Ewing, Director of
Planning Services)
Craig A. Ewing, Director of Planning Services, provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated March 5, 2008.
Commissioner Conrad noted her abstention (she was not present when this item was previously heard) and would not be participating in the discussion and vote.
Mr. Caffery noted a concern with the orientation of storefronts facing Palm Canyon Drive and the entry off of an adjacent street. Further discusion was made.
Mr. Caffery noted a concern with the orientation of storefronts facing Palm Canyon Drive and the entry off of an adjacent street. Further discusion was made.
Motion to To uphold Planning Commission Resolution No. 7110; with the intent to keep offices off of Palm Canyon Drive. Moved by Cohen, seconded by Vice Chair Hochanadel.
Vote to To uphold Planning Commission Resolution No. 7110; with the intent to keep offices off of Palm Canyon Drive. (Approved)
4. COMMISSION WORK PROGRAM: * Work Program Priorities and Subcommittee Assignments
Mr. Ewing stated the updated General Plan orientation will continue for their April Study Session as well as the organization of the Zoning Code.
5. COMMISSION/STAFF REPORTS AND REQUESTS:
Ms. Ringlein noted that she and Mr. Caffery volunteered for a utility undergrounding subcommittee and requested provide the status of this group. Ms. Ringlein requested staff follow-up on the Sosa's Market landscaping on the corner of Vista Chino and Gene Autry Way.
Ms.Conrad requested staff address the searchlight policy and the change of ownership for Grill-A-Burger. Staff responded that there are provisions for permits to allow searchlights and would forward the information on both of these requests via e-mail.
Chair Marantz noted that she will not be in attendance for the April 9th Planning Commission and the April 7th Architectural Advisory Committee meetings.
6. ADJOURNMENT -
There being no further comments the meeting adjourned at 3:34 p.m.
Mar 05, 2008 Planning Commission
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CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting has been called to order at 2:02 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Roll Call: 7 members present, 0 members absent, 0 members 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 Department counter by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 29, 2008.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS: (Three minute time limit.)
The following persons spoke in favor of a landscape redesign for the Palm Springs International Airport:
-Paul Ortega, Palm Springs, requested the use of more native plants and less grass to conserve water.
-Sunny Nelson, Palm Springs, voiced concern with the City’s continaul promotion of non-native landscaping.
-Phillip Smith, Indio, requested the use of a native plant palette and requested an environmentally responsible design.
-Eric Wildermeth, Palm Springs, concerned with the use of tropical plants and would like to see the City promote a desert landscape.
-Kyle Husfloen, Palm Springs, suggested several types of desert plants and encouraged water conservation.
-Christine Hall, Palm Desert, suggested the City should set the example for water conservation.
-Hugh Vance, Palm Springs, expressed concern with water consumption and encouraged the City to work with the environment.
-Mary Brantwehrl, Palm Springs, stated she would like to see the airport reflect the beauty of the Coachella Valley.
-Renee Hersey, Palm Springs, requested a more sustainable landscape with beauty, color and fragance.
-Jade Nelson, Palm Springs, spoke of the extreme temperatures in the desert which require more maintenance and water for tropical plants; encouraged use of native desert plants and synthetic grass.
-Rebecca Navarre, Cathedral City, provided several ideas for a native desert landscaping.
-Nancy Bentinck, Palm Springs, provided details on the Resource Conservation Commission, a newly established group by the City; noting their involvement with energy, water and waste disposal.
There being no further appearances, Public Comments was closed.
2. OTHER BUSINESS:
Case 3.0829-C MAJ - An application by the Palm Springs International Airport to expand the lobby area, install new landscaping, new canopies and two new buildings located at 3400 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Zone A, Section 18. (Project Planner: Bryan Fernandez, Assistant Planner) (Continued from the meeting of February 27, 2008)
Edward Robertson, Principal Planner, provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated March 5, 2008.
Allen Smoot, Owner Representative, Palm Springs International Airport, provided further details on the bollards, the redesign of the re-entry plaza, concession areas, the canopy system and the changes made to the landscape and hardscape plan. Mr. Smoot respectfully requested that the Planning Commission act on the project.
Ms. Ringlein requested Mr. Smoot address the citrus on the trees. Mr. Smoot responded that the citrus will be picked by airport personnel and passengers noting that the original airport landscape from the 1960’s was lawn, lush flowers and citrus trees. Ms. Ringlein commented that she is in favor of the bollard system and artificial turf.
Ms. Conrad noted that she would not have removed the citrus trees and the target golf and preferred a water feature consistent with the architecture. Ms. Conrad stated a descrease in plant count would result when the landscape design is changed to modern aesthetic. Ms. Conrad suggested keeping some grass to satisfy concerns of some of the passengers.
Mr. Scott commented that 25,000 star jasmine plants are inappropriate for the landscape plan. Mr. Scott noted that all of the architectural concerns have been resolved; however, the landscape and water feature require further changes.
Mr. Caffery noted that artificial turf would not be ideal because it gets very hot and the passengers could not lay on it. Mr. Caffery was in favor of the architectural features with the exception of changing several tropical plants to native plants.
Chair Marantz stated she has noticed many people sitting on the grass relaxing and enjoying the sunshine and would prefer to retain a portion of the grass.
Chair Marantz was in favor of the hardscape.
Ms. Conrad clarified that she is not satisfied with the hardscape (the flatwork concrete) and felt this is part of the landscape plan.
Mr. Cohen concurred with Ms. Conrad and stated that he is also in favor of keeping a portion of the grass that so travelers could enjoy it.
Vice Chair Hochanadel noted the concrete color should follow suit with the existing concrete.
Motion to To approve, as amended:
-The landscape plan shall be redesigned and resubmitted for review by the Architectural Advisory Committee and action by the Planning Commission with specific direction to:
a.) Revise the plant palette to include more desert appropriate species;
and
b.) Redesign the water feature in the courtyard to more closely represent
the modern architecture of the adjacent buildings. Moved by Scott, seconded by Cohen.
Vote to To approve, as amended:
-The landscape plan shall be redesigned and resubmitted for review by the Architectural Advisory Committee and action by the Planning Commission with specific direction to:
a.) Revise the plant palette to include more desert appropriate species;
and
b.) Redesign the water feature in the courtyard to more closely represent
the modern architecture of the adjacent buildings. (Approved)
Mr. Ewing noted the time-frame for an appeal of the Planning Commission decision to the City Council.
3. Case 5.1173 ZTA - An application by the City of Palm Springs to
amend the Palm Springs Zoning Code regarding the standards and
regulations for establishing office uses in the Central Business
District (C-B-D) zone, the downtown area generally defined as Palm
Canyon and Indian Canyon Drives, between Alejo and Ramon Roads
and adjacent streets. (Project Planner: Craig A. Ewing, Director of
Planning Services)
Craig A. Ewing, Director of Planning Services, provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated March 5, 2008.
Commissioner Conrad noted her abstention (she was not present when this item was previously heard) and would not be participating in the discussion and vote.
Mr. Caffery noted a concern with the orientation of storefronts facing Palm Canyon Drive and the entry off of an adjacent street. Further discusion was made.
Mr. Caffery noted a concern with the orientation of storefronts facing Palm Canyon Drive and the entry off of an adjacent street. Further discusion was made.
Motion to To uphold Planning Commission Resolution No. 7110; with the intent to keep offices off of Palm Canyon Drive. Moved by Cohen, seconded by Vice Chair Hochanadel.
Vote to To uphold Planning Commission Resolution No. 7110; with the intent to keep offices off of Palm Canyon Drive. (Approved)
4. COMMISSION WORK PROGRAM: * Work Program Priorities and Subcommittee Assignments
Mr. Ewing stated the updated General Plan orientation will continue for their April Study Session as well as the organization of the Zoning Code.
5. COMMISSION/STAFF REPORTS AND REQUESTS:
Ms. Ringlein noted that she and Mr. Caffery volunteered for a utility undergrounding subcommittee and requested provide the status of this group. Ms. Ringlein requested staff follow-up on the Sosa's Market landscaping on the corner of Vista Chino and Gene Autry Way.
Ms.Conrad requested staff address the searchlight policy and the change of ownership for Grill-A-Burger. Staff responded that there are provisions for permits to allow searchlights and would forward the information on both of these requests via e-mail.
Chair Marantz noted that she will not be in attendance for the April 9th Planning Commission and the April 7th Architectural Advisory Committee meetings.
6. ADJOURNMENT -
There being no further comments the meeting adjourned at 3:34 p.m.
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