Video index
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 1:35 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Roll Call: 6 members present, 1 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 counter by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 22, 2008.
ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA:
Commissioner Caffery requested staff review the minutes of August 6, 2008, with respect to a comment he made on Item 1.
Commissioner Donenfeld requested staff review the minutes of August 6, 2008, with respect to Item 1.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Chair Hochanadel opened Public Comments:
-Paul Mediano, Heads Up Hair Design, spoke in reference to Item 1B, expressed concern with the lack of property maintenace for the existing tenants in this area, nonetheless, he felt that this would be a great project and requested approval.
-Joy Meredith, business owner and president of Main Street Association, stated that the Main Street Board supports the time extension for Item 1B with a provision added to require the applicant to maintain the existing buildings in good condition.
-Brian Linnekans, applicant for Item 1B, (addressed public testimony) stated that it is his intent to build the project. Mr. Linnekans explained the challenge to maintain the spaces leased and provided details on the on-going vandalism problems such as graffiti and broken windows to the vacant tenant spaces.
There being no further appearances, Public Comments was closed.
Commissioner Conrad stated that she is in support of the time extension for the project, however, expressed concern with "rubber stamping" time extensions and reiterated the need to take a closer look at the project entitlements.
1. CONSENT CALENDAR:
Motion to Approve To approve, as part of the Consent Calendar. (Noting Commissioner Conrad’s abstention on the minutes of August 6, 2008.) Moved by Ringlein, seconded by Caffery.
Vote to Approve To approve, as part of the Consent Calendar. (Noting Commissioner Conrad’s abstention on the minutes of August 6, 2008.) (Approved)
1A. Minutes of August 6, 2008.
Approved, as part of the Consent Calendar. (Noting Commissioner Conrad’s abstention.)
1B. Case 5.1042 PD 311 - A request for a one (1) year time extension for a previously approved mixed-use project consisting of residential, commercial and recreational facilities located at 450 - 490 South Palm Canyon Drive, Zone CBD, Section 15, APN’s: 513-214-004, 005, 010 and 011. (Project Planner: Edward O. Robertson)
Approved, as part of the Consent Calendar.
2. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
2A. Case 3.3010 MAJ / TTM 35601 / 7.1296 AMM - An application by Grant Hovakimyan to allow construction of a seven unit, two-story plus basement condominium building, including subterranean parking, and a condominium map located at 551 East Vista Chino Road, Zone R-2, Section 11, APN: 507-022-004 and 006. (Project Planner: Ken Lyon, Associate Planner)
Ken Lyon, Associate Planner, provided background information as outlined in the staff memorandum dated August 27, 2008, including the applicant's response to the Commission's prior comments.
Chair Hochanadel opened the Public Hearing:
-Milan Lojdl, project architect, provided details on the original plans (3 units on a single lot) and revised plans (4 more units) on the ajacent lot. Mr. Lojdl explained the difficutly they’ve had with 3 different planners over the past year and a half and the unfeasilibilty of continuously changing their plans.
-Grant Hovakimyan, applicant, stated their intention is to bring something beautiful to this area and expressed concern wiht the numerous planners and the impracticality of continually changing their plans. Mr. Hovakimyan (responding to the Commission) stated that the price range for each unit would in the mid $900,000's.
-Milan Lojdl, project architect, (responding to questions from the Commission), stated that throughout the planning process the land had been allowed for seven units until most recently planning staff allowed only six units; and they could not make such a drastic change to the project. Mr. Lojdl stated that the underground parking had been decided upon because of the shading and cooler environment. Mr. Lojdl commented that the Commission's 15 recommendations were related to the prking, reduction of one unit and setbacks.
There being no further appearances, the Public Hearing was closed.
Commissioner Donenfeld noed that he is not familiar with the history of this project, however, expressed concern with the safey issues relating to the ingress and egress.
Director of Planning Ewing (addressing the applicant’s comments) stated Mr. Lyon has largely been involved with the seven unit project, and that Mr. Ewing has reviewed all the staff reports. Mr. Ewing clarified that a number of concerns raised by staff and the Commission are compliance issues pertaining to the building codes which the previous planners did not pick up. Mr. Ewing pointed out to the Commission that this is a seven unit unit project requesting an administrative minor modification for separation between buildings, site setbacks and open-space, all of which could be eliminated with the reduction of one unit.
Marcus Fuller, Assistant Director of Public Works, responding to the parking concerns, stated that the problem with this project has been vehicles backing-out onto Vista Chino and recommended that the underground parking structure is not gated thereby eliminating all safety concerns.
Vice Chair Cohen recalled two areas of concern, from the beginning, have been shading/solar control and privacy between the buildings.
Further discussion occurred on the ramp slope requirements, plan check process and street widening.
Commissioner Ringlein requested further clarification on the ramp slopes.
Commissioner Conrad stated that this is not acceptable to staff and felt that the applicant has made no compromise particularly in the reduction of one unit to allow for the required setbacks.
Motion to To deny. Moved by Conrad, seconded by Caffery.
Vote to To deny. (Approved)
Director of Planning Ewing stated that the applicant has a period of ten (10) days to file an appeal of the Planning Commission’s decision to the City Council.
A recess was taken at 2:32 p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 2:38 p.m.
2B. Case 5.1156 PD 339 AMND (Hard Rock Hotel) - An application by O & M Indian Canyon, LLC, to amend previously approved Final Planned Development District 339 for the construction of a 499-room hotel and associated facilities on approximately 9.78 acres located at the northeast corner of Calle El Segundo and Tahquitz Canyon Way, Zone RA, Section 14 (IL). (Project Planner: Edward O. Robertson)
Chair Hochanadel noted a property-related conflict of interest and would not be participating in the discussion and vote. He left the Council Chamber at 2:39 p.m.
Nicole Criste, Contract Planner, provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated August 27, 2008.
Discussion occurred on the screening for the north and east sides of the parking structure as recommended by the AAC. Ms. Criste stated that the west side of the parking structure is proposed with small performations, however, it may be conditioned for full screening on the west side to prevent light glare.
Vice Chair Cohen opened the Public Hearing:
-Corey Alder, president of Nexus Company, representing O & M Indian Canyon, stated that they are in agreement with the AAC recommendations. Mr. Alder stated that the west side elevation is a much smaller area and fronts the interior courtyard and lobby, thereby, requiring the screening to be commensurate with the materials used for this area. Mr. Alder stated they are available for questions from the Commission.
There being no further appearances, the Public Hearing was closed.
Commissioner Donenfeld stated that no one likes to see a tall garage, nontheless, complimented the design team on the changes made to the garage building.
Mr. Alder further addressed the west side of the parking structure, noting that a certain amount of the structure needs to remain open for ventilation.
Commissioner Conrad stated that there was much to commend this project on, however, expressed concern with the height and mass of the parking structure on ground level.
Motion to To adopt the Addendum to the Mitigated Negative Declaration and approve the amendment for Case 5.1156 PD 339, as amended:
-Condition #27 - A full screen approach on the north, west and east sides of the parking structure should be
considered, and the detail shall be returned to the AAC for review prior to building permit application.
-Solar control on the east elevation of the hotel must be improved, and the detail shall be returned to the
AAC for review prior to building permit application. Moved by Ringlein, seconded by Donenfeld.
Vote to To adopt the Addendum to the Mitigated Negative Declaration and approve the amendment for Case 5.1156 PD 339, as amended:
-Condition #27 - A full screen approach on the north, west and east sides of the parking structure should be
considered, and the detail shall be returned to the AAC for review prior to building permit application.
-Solar control on the east elevation of the hotel must be improved, and the detail shall be returned to the
AAC for review prior to building permit application. (Approved)
Chair Hochanadel re-entered the Council Chamber at 3:19 p.m.
PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS:
Commissioner Ringlein requested an update on the approved landscape plans for The Springs and Sossa’s Market. Staff noted that the landscaping for The Springs is consistent with the approved plans, however, the applicant has agreed to make some improvements. In regards to the landscape at Sossa’s Market, staff indicated further research is required to pinpoint if a landscape plan was approved for this site. Ms. Ringlein requested staff review the sign at Sossa’s Market, as well.
PLANNING DIRECTOR’S REPORT:
Mr. Ewing reported the City Council's next regular meeting will be on September 3rd.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further comments the meeting was adjourned at 3:24 p.m.
Aug 27, 2008 Planning Commission
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CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 1:35 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Roll Call: 6 members present, 1 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 counter by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 22, 2008.
ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA:
Commissioner Caffery requested staff review the minutes of August 6, 2008, with respect to a comment he made on Item 1.
Commissioner Donenfeld requested staff review the minutes of August 6, 2008, with respect to Item 1.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Chair Hochanadel opened Public Comments:
-Paul Mediano, Heads Up Hair Design, spoke in reference to Item 1B, expressed concern with the lack of property maintenace for the existing tenants in this area, nonetheless, he felt that this would be a great project and requested approval.
-Joy Meredith, business owner and president of Main Street Association, stated that the Main Street Board supports the time extension for Item 1B with a provision added to require the applicant to maintain the existing buildings in good condition.
-Brian Linnekans, applicant for Item 1B, (addressed public testimony) stated that it is his intent to build the project. Mr. Linnekans explained the challenge to maintain the spaces leased and provided details on the on-going vandalism problems such as graffiti and broken windows to the vacant tenant spaces.
There being no further appearances, Public Comments was closed.
Commissioner Conrad stated that she is in support of the time extension for the project, however, expressed concern with "rubber stamping" time extensions and reiterated the need to take a closer look at the project entitlements.
1. CONSENT CALENDAR:
Motion to Approve To approve, as part of the Consent Calendar. (Noting Commissioner Conrad’s abstention on the minutes of August 6, 2008.) Moved by Ringlein, seconded by Caffery.
Vote to Approve To approve, as part of the Consent Calendar. (Noting Commissioner Conrad’s abstention on the minutes of August 6, 2008.) (Approved)
1A. Minutes of August 6, 2008.
Approved, as part of the Consent Calendar. (Noting Commissioner Conrad’s abstention.)
1B. Case 5.1042 PD 311 - A request for a one (1) year time extension for a previously approved mixed-use project consisting of residential, commercial and recreational facilities located at 450 - 490 South Palm Canyon Drive, Zone CBD, Section 15, APN’s: 513-214-004, 005, 010 and 011. (Project Planner: Edward O. Robertson)
Approved, as part of the Consent Calendar.
2. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
2A. Case 3.3010 MAJ / TTM 35601 / 7.1296 AMM - An application by Grant Hovakimyan to allow construction of a seven unit, two-story plus basement condominium building, including subterranean parking, and a condominium map located at 551 East Vista Chino Road, Zone R-2, Section 11, APN: 507-022-004 and 006. (Project Planner: Ken Lyon, Associate Planner)
Ken Lyon, Associate Planner, provided background information as outlined in the staff memorandum dated August 27, 2008, including the applicant's response to the Commission's prior comments.
Chair Hochanadel opened the Public Hearing:
-Milan Lojdl, project architect, provided details on the original plans (3 units on a single lot) and revised plans (4 more units) on the ajacent lot. Mr. Lojdl explained the difficutly they’ve had with 3 different planners over the past year and a half and the unfeasilibilty of continuously changing their plans.
-Grant Hovakimyan, applicant, stated their intention is to bring something beautiful to this area and expressed concern wiht the numerous planners and the impracticality of continually changing their plans. Mr. Hovakimyan (responding to the Commission) stated that the price range for each unit would in the mid $900,000's.
-Milan Lojdl, project architect, (responding to questions from the Commission), stated that throughout the planning process the land had been allowed for seven units until most recently planning staff allowed only six units; and they could not make such a drastic change to the project. Mr. Lojdl stated that the underground parking had been decided upon because of the shading and cooler environment. Mr. Lojdl commented that the Commission's 15 recommendations were related to the prking, reduction of one unit and setbacks.
There being no further appearances, the Public Hearing was closed.
Commissioner Donenfeld noed that he is not familiar with the history of this project, however, expressed concern with the safey issues relating to the ingress and egress.
Director of Planning Ewing (addressing the applicant’s comments) stated Mr. Lyon has largely been involved with the seven unit project, and that Mr. Ewing has reviewed all the staff reports. Mr. Ewing clarified that a number of concerns raised by staff and the Commission are compliance issues pertaining to the building codes which the previous planners did not pick up. Mr. Ewing pointed out to the Commission that this is a seven unit unit project requesting an administrative minor modification for separation between buildings, site setbacks and open-space, all of which could be eliminated with the reduction of one unit.
Marcus Fuller, Assistant Director of Public Works, responding to the parking concerns, stated that the problem with this project has been vehicles backing-out onto Vista Chino and recommended that the underground parking structure is not gated thereby eliminating all safety concerns.
Vice Chair Cohen recalled two areas of concern, from the beginning, have been shading/solar control and privacy between the buildings.
Further discussion occurred on the ramp slope requirements, plan check process and street widening.
Commissioner Ringlein requested further clarification on the ramp slopes.
Commissioner Conrad stated that this is not acceptable to staff and felt that the applicant has made no compromise particularly in the reduction of one unit to allow for the required setbacks.
Motion to To deny. Moved by Conrad, seconded by Caffery.
Vote to To deny. (Approved)
Director of Planning Ewing stated that the applicant has a period of ten (10) days to file an appeal of the Planning Commission’s decision to the City Council.
A recess was taken at 2:32 p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 2:38 p.m.
2B. Case 5.1156 PD 339 AMND (Hard Rock Hotel) - An application by O & M Indian Canyon, LLC, to amend previously approved Final Planned Development District 339 for the construction of a 499-room hotel and associated facilities on approximately 9.78 acres located at the northeast corner of Calle El Segundo and Tahquitz Canyon Way, Zone RA, Section 14 (IL). (Project Planner: Edward O. Robertson)
Chair Hochanadel noted a property-related conflict of interest and would not be participating in the discussion and vote. He left the Council Chamber at 2:39 p.m.
Nicole Criste, Contract Planner, provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated August 27, 2008.
Discussion occurred on the screening for the north and east sides of the parking structure as recommended by the AAC. Ms. Criste stated that the west side of the parking structure is proposed with small performations, however, it may be conditioned for full screening on the west side to prevent light glare.
Vice Chair Cohen opened the Public Hearing:
-Corey Alder, president of Nexus Company, representing O & M Indian Canyon, stated that they are in agreement with the AAC recommendations. Mr. Alder stated that the west side elevation is a much smaller area and fronts the interior courtyard and lobby, thereby, requiring the screening to be commensurate with the materials used for this area. Mr. Alder stated they are available for questions from the Commission.
There being no further appearances, the Public Hearing was closed.
Commissioner Donenfeld stated that no one likes to see a tall garage, nontheless, complimented the design team on the changes made to the garage building.
Mr. Alder further addressed the west side of the parking structure, noting that a certain amount of the structure needs to remain open for ventilation.
Commissioner Conrad stated that there was much to commend this project on, however, expressed concern with the height and mass of the parking structure on ground level.
Motion to To adopt the Addendum to the Mitigated Negative Declaration and approve the amendment for Case 5.1156 PD 339, as amended:
-Condition #27 - A full screen approach on the north, west and east sides of the parking structure should be
considered, and the detail shall be returned to the AAC for review prior to building permit application.
-Solar control on the east elevation of the hotel must be improved, and the detail shall be returned to the
AAC for review prior to building permit application. Moved by Ringlein, seconded by Donenfeld.
Vote to To adopt the Addendum to the Mitigated Negative Declaration and approve the amendment for Case 5.1156 PD 339, as amended:
-Condition #27 - A full screen approach on the north, west and east sides of the parking structure should be
considered, and the detail shall be returned to the AAC for review prior to building permit application.
-Solar control on the east elevation of the hotel must be improved, and the detail shall be returned to the
AAC for review prior to building permit application. (Approved)
Chair Hochanadel re-entered the Council Chamber at 3:19 p.m.
PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS:
Commissioner Ringlein requested an update on the approved landscape plans for The Springs and Sossa’s Market. Staff noted that the landscaping for The Springs is consistent with the approved plans, however, the applicant has agreed to make some improvements. In regards to the landscape at Sossa’s Market, staff indicated further research is required to pinpoint if a landscape plan was approved for this site. Ms. Ringlein requested staff review the sign at Sossa’s Market, as well.
PLANNING DIRECTOR’S REPORT:
Mr. Ewing reported the City Council's next regular meeting will be on September 3rd.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further comments the meeting was adjourned at 3:24 p.m.
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