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 4:30 p.m. on Friday, January 9, 2009.

1B. Case 3.2952 MAJ (Privado) - A request by Enterprise California for a one year time extension for a previously approved project consisting of an 81 unit condominium development located at the northeast corner of Amado Road and Avenida Caballeros, Zone R4, Section 14, APN: 508-580-055, -069, -071, -074 and -075. (Project Planner: Glenn Mlaker, Assistant Planner)

Approved, as part of the Consent Calendar.

2. MISCELLANEOUS:

2A. Case SP 08-006 - An application by Best Signs, Inc. on behalf of D.R. West, LLC, for the implementation of a sign program for the Gene Autry Plaza located at the southeast corner of Gene Autry Trail and Ramon Road, Zone W-M-1, Section 20, APN: 680-170-044. (Project Planner: David A. Newell, Associate Planner)

David A. Newell, Associate Planner, provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated January 14, 2009.

The Commission discussed and/or commented on the location of the main and subtenant signs, background color of signs and incorporation of all the Lowe’s wall signs into the sign program.

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

-The wall signs approved as Case 8.243 VAR (Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse) shall be incorporated into the sign program.
-A common frame and color shall be used for the blade/projectings sign and incorporated into the sign program. Moved by Donenfeld, seconded by Vice Chair Cohen.

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

-The wall signs approved as Case 8.243 VAR (Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse) shall be incorporated into the sign program.
-A common frame and color shall be used for the blade/projectings sign and incorporated into the sign program. (Approved)

2B. Case RV 08-004 - A request to appeal the Planning Director’s decision approving an application for a recreational vehicle (RV) permit located at 2065 South Tulare Drive, Zone R-1-C, Section 26, APN: 511-102-033. (Project Planner: Glenn Mlaker, Assistant Planner)

Glenn Mlaker, Assistant Planner, provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated January 14, 2009.

The Commission discussed and/or commented on the parking location of the RV and on the 8 foot high ficus trees used for screening of the vehicle.

-Larry and Maureen Specchierla, Palm Springs, appellants, expressed concern that the R.V. is clearly visible from their bedroom window and that there should not be a long wait until the ficus trees grow to conceal the R.V.
-Kammy Vermillion, Palm Springs, applicant, stated that the R.V. has been moved further and is now parked at 39 feet from the back wall. Ms. Vermillion provided details on the landscaping used for the screening of the R.V.

Motion to To uphold decision of the Planning Director, as amended:

-To water and prune ficus trees on a regular basis to provide adequate growth.
-After one year Code Enforcement shall visit the site and determine if the vegetation adequately screens the R.V. from view. If it is determined that the R.V. is visible from the adjacent property, additional landscaping may be required. Moved by Caffery, seconded by Scott.

Vote to To uphold decision of the Planning Director, as amended:

-To water and prune ficus trees on a regular basis to provide adequate growth.
-After one year Code Enforcement shall visit the site and determine if the vegetation adequately screens the R.V. from view. If it is determined that the R.V. is visible from the adjacent property, additional landscaping may be required. (Approved)

Director Ewing noted that this decision may be appealed to the City Council by filing an appeal with the City Clerk within 10 days of this action.

3. OTHER BUSINESS:

3A. Architectural Advisory Committee: Appointment of Landscape Architect

Director Ewing provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated January 14, 2009.

Commissioner Caffery noted that he was part of the ad hoc sub-committee that conducted the interviews and concluded that they would recommend Mr. Parker as the Landscape Architect for the AAC position. Mr. Caffery suggested attendance is taken at each meeting and reported back to the Commission on an annual basis.

Motion to To appoint Rob Parker as a Landscape Architect on the Architectural Advisory Committee. Moved by Donenfeld, seconded by Vice Chair Cohen.

Vote to To appoint Rob Parker as a Landscape Architect on the Architectural Advisory Committee. (Approved)

Staff noted that a record of the AAC’s attendance will be provided to the Commission on a semiannual basis.

3B. Resignation of James Cioffi to the Planning Commission Architectural Advisory Committee:

The Commission discussed and/or commented on the merits of a preference for a candidate with a historic preservation background.

-James Cioffi stated that the primary focus of the Architectural Advisory Committee is to advise the Planning Commission on architecture and not on historic preservation.

Motion to Approve To accept with regret the resignation of James Cioffi to the Architectural Advisory Committee for the term ending December 2010; and 2) Direct the City Clerk to post a Notice of Vacancy. (MOTION FAILED - DUE TO A LACK OF SECOND) Moved by Caffery. The motion did not receive a second and was lost.

Motion to 1) To accept with regret the resignation of James Cioffi to the Architectural Advisory Committee for the term ending December 2010; and 2) Direct the City Clerk to post a Notice of Vacancy with a preference for a historic preservation background.

-A preference for a historic preservation background. Moved by Donenfeld, seconded by Conrad.

Vote to 1) To accept with regret the resignation of James Cioffi to the Architectural Advisory Committee for the term ending December 2010; and 2) Direct the City Clerk to post a Notice of Vacancy with a preference for a historic preservation background.

-A preference for a historic preservation background. (Approved)

4. PUBLIC HEARINGS:

4A. Case 5.1190 CUP / 6.509 VAR (Palm Springs Batch Plant) - A request by Elsinore Ready Mix Company for a Conditional Use Permit to allow the installation and operation of a portable concrete batch plant on approximately 5.29-acres and a Variance request to exceed the thirty foot height maximum permitted in the E-1 zone. The site is located at the southwest corner of Dillon Road and Karen Avenue, Zone E-I, Section 10, APN 668-280-015: (Project Planner: David A. Newell, Associate Planner)

David A. Newell, Associate Planner, provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated January 14, 2009.

Chair Hochanadel opened the Public Hearing:

-Brad Adams, North Palm Springs, representing several wind/energy property owners, stated that the applicant has agreed to make several changes to address their concerns in reference to debris blowing onto their property.
-James Bennett, applicant, stated they met with their neighbor and have agreed to make some changes. Mr. Bennett explained that the majority of dust coming onto the site will be reduced.

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

Motion to To adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration and approve the Conditional Use Permit (Case 5.1190-CUP) and Variance (Case 6.509 VAR), subject to the Conditions of Approval. Moved by Conrad, seconded by Vice Chair Cohen.

Vote to To adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration and approve the Conditional Use Permit (Case 5.1190-CUP) and Variance (Case 6.509 VAR), subject to the Conditions of Approval. (Approved)

4B. Case 5.1137 PD 335 / TTM 35230 / 3.3028 MAJ (Baristo Lofts) - Moved to the end of the agenda.

4C. Case 3.3215 MAJ - An application by Sean Callow of Vista Chino Self-Storage, LLC, to construct a recreational vehicle self-storage facility on approximately 9.17-acres located at 3900 East Vista Chino Road, Zone M-1/IL, Section 16, APN: 677-040-030. (Project Planner: Ken Lyon, Associate Planner)

Ken Lyon, Associate Planner, provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated January 14, 2009.

Chair Hochanadel opened the Public Hearing:

-James Cioffi, representing the applicant, addressed questions from the Commission with respect to the types of clientele and the associated amenities for the storage facility.

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

Motion to To adopt the draft Mitigated Negative Declaration and approve Case 3.3215 MAJ, subject to Conditions of Approval, as amended:

-The off-site and street front improvements will be required as part of construction in Phase 1. Moved by Conrad, seconded by Donenfeld.

Vote to To adopt the draft Mitigated Negative Declaration and approve Case 3.3215 MAJ, subject to Conditions of Approval, as amended:

-The off-site and street front improvements will be required as part of construction in Phase 1. (Approved)

Commissioner Conrad left the Council Chamber at 3:05 p.m.

A recess was taken at 3:07 p.m. The meeting resumed at 3:19 p.m.

4B. Case 5.1137 PD 335 / TTM 35230 / 3.3028 MAJ (Baristo Lofts) - A request by Wessman Holdings, LLC, to construct a four-story mixed use development consisting of first-floor commercial/retail, 19 residential condominium units, adaptive re-use of the existing building for the retail/restaurant use and a Tentative Tract Map located at 300 South Palm Canyon Drive, Zone CBD, Section 15, APN: 513-204-005. (Project Planner: Ken Lyon, Associate Planner)

Ken Lyon, Associate Planner, provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated January 14, 2009.

Chair Hochanadel opened the Public Hearing:

-Charles Bennett, Palm Springs, spoke in favor of the project and requested approval.
-Cindy Heitzman, San Francisco, representing the California Preservation Foundation, stated that several issues were not addressed in the mitigated negative declaration (MND) and believes it is not sufficient.
-Barbara Marshall, Palm Springs, read a letter from Smith Architectural Studio, requesting the proposed project not encroach on the Santa Fe building.
-Gary Johns, Palm Springs, urged denial of the proposed project.
-Ron Marshall, Palm Springs, spoke in favor of historic preservation for the Santa Fe building.
-James Cioffi, representing the applicant, addressed the open space, floor plan and parking. Mr. Cioffi commented that a balance must be found between adaptive use, preservation and development.

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

Commissioner Scott expressed concern with the distance between the existing building and the new building, and stated that he could not support this project.

The Commission commented and/or discussed the separation between the buildings, the balconies and the wall to wall distance.

Commissioner Caffery commented that he is not opposed to the balconies and felt that the 16 feet distance between the buildings is adequate.

Motion to To adopt the draft Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND), approve Case 5.1137 PD 335 and Case 3.3028 MAJ; and recommend approval of Tentative Tract Map 35230 to the City Council, as amended:

PLN 16:    No exterior modifications on existing building The applicant is not permitted to construct a dining
              terrace on the existing structure and shall make no modifications to the exterior of the existing
              structure as part of this approval.
PLN 22:    Public Benefit - Sustainable Features. The Applicant is required to provide and integrate "substantial
              and significant" sustainability features in the design and construction of the proposed project as a
              means of providing "public benefit" in exchange for the deviations requested from the underlying
              development standards, subject to review and approval by the Director of Planning Services prior to
              issuance of building permits.
PLN 23:    Class 1 Historic Designation. The applicant shall support the Class 1 designation recommendation to
              the City Council for the Santa Fe Federal Savings Bank Building (exclusive of any site area or open
              space designation on the parcel).   Moved by Donenfeld, seconded by Caffery.

Vote to To adopt the draft Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND), approve Case 5.1137 PD 335 and Case 3.3028 MAJ; and recommend approval of Tentative Tract Map 35230 to the City Council, as amended:

PLN 16:    No exterior modifications on existing building The applicant is not permitted to construct a dining
              terrace on the existing structure and shall make no modifications to the exterior of the existing
              structure as part of this approval.
PLN 22:    Public Benefit - Sustainable Features. The Applicant is required to provide and integrate "substantial
              and significant" sustainability features in the design and construction of the proposed project as a
              means of providing "public benefit" in exchange for the deviations requested from the underlying
              development standards, subject to review and approval by the Director of Planning Services prior to
              issuance of building permits.
PLN 23:    Class 1 Historic Designation. The applicant shall support the Class 1 designation recommendation to
              the City Council for the Santa Fe Federal Savings Bank Building (exclusive of any site area or open
              space designation on the parcel). (Approved)

Director Ewing reported that the Planning Commission's action may be appealed to the City Council.

PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS:

No comments were reported.

PLANNING DIRECTOR’S REPORT:

Director Ewing reported that the City Council will hold a hearing on the Museum Market Specific Plan at tonight’s meeting.

Commissioner Cohen requested further discussion on cell towers.

ADJOURNMENT:

The Planning Commission adjourned at 4:40 p.m. to Wednesday, January 28, 2009.

Jan 14, 2009 Planning Commission

Full agenda
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CALL TO ORDER:

The meeting was called to order at 1:34 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 4:30 p.m. on Friday, January 9, 2009.

ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA:

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

1. CONSENT CALENDAR:

Motion to Approve To approve, Items 1A and 1B, as part of the Consent Calendar. Moved by Scott, seconded by Donenfeld.

Vote to Approve To approve, Items 1A and 1B, as part of the Consent Calendar. (Approved)

1A. Minutes of December 3, 2008 and December 17, 2008.

Approved, as part of the Consent Calendar. (Noting Commissioner Conrad’s abstention on the minutes of December 17, 2008.)

1B. Case 3.2952 MAJ (Privado) - A request by Enterprise California for a one year time extension for a previously approved project consisting of an 81 unit condominium development located at the northeast corner of Amado Road and Avenida Caballeros, Zone R4, Section 14, APN: 508-580-055, -069, -071, -074 and -075. (Project Planner: Glenn Mlaker, Assistant Planner)

Approved, as part of the Consent Calendar.

2. MISCELLANEOUS:

2A. Case SP 08-006 - An application by Best Signs, Inc. on behalf of D.R. West, LLC, for the implementation of a sign program for the Gene Autry Plaza located at the southeast corner of Gene Autry Trail and Ramon Road, Zone W-M-1, Section 20, APN: 680-170-044. (Project Planner: David A. Newell, Associate Planner)

David A. Newell, Associate Planner, provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated January 14, 2009.

The Commission discussed and/or commented on the location of the main and subtenant signs, background color of signs and incorporation of all the Lowe’s wall signs into the sign program.

2B. Case RV 08-004 - A request to appeal the Planning Director’s decision approving an application for a recreational vehicle (RV) permit located at 2065 South Tulare Drive, Zone R-1-C, Section 26, APN: 511-102-033. (Project Planner: Glenn Mlaker, Assistant Planner)

Glenn Mlaker, Assistant Planner, provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated January 14, 2009.

The Commission discussed and/or commented on the parking location of the RV and on the 8 foot high ficus trees used for screening of the vehicle.

Director Ewing noted that this decision may be appealed to the City Council by filing an appeal with the City Clerk within 10 days of this action.

3. OTHER BUSINESS:

3A. Architectural Advisory Committee: Appointment of Landscape Architect

Director Ewing provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated January 14, 2009.

Motion to To appoint Rob Parker as a Landscape Architect on the Architectural Advisory Committee. Moved by Donenfeld, seconded by Vice Chair Cohen.

Vote to To appoint Rob Parker as a Landscape Architect on the Architectural Advisory Committee. (Approved)

Staff noted that a record of the AAC’s attendance will be provided to the Commission on a semiannual basis.

3B. Resignation of James Cioffi to the Planning Commission Architectural Advisory Committee:

The Commission discussed and/or commented on the merits of a preference for a candidate with a historic preservation background.

-James Cioffi stated that the primary focus of the Architectural Advisory Committee is to advise the Planning Commission on architecture and not on historic preservation.

4. PUBLIC HEARINGS:

4A. Case 5.1190 CUP / 6.509 VAR (Palm Springs Batch Plant) - A request by Elsinore Ready Mix Company for a Conditional Use Permit to allow the installation and operation of a portable concrete batch plant on approximately 5.29-acres and a Variance request to exceed the thirty foot height maximum permitted in the E-1 zone. The site is located at the southwest corner of Dillon Road and Karen Avenue, Zone E-I, Section 10, APN 668-280-015: (Project Planner: David A. Newell, Associate Planner)

David A. Newell, Associate Planner, provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated January 14, 2009.

Vote to To adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration and approve the Conditional Use Permit (Case 5.1190-CUP) and Variance (Case 6.509 VAR), subject to the Conditions of Approval. (Approved)

4B. Case 5.1137 PD 335 / TTM 35230 / 3.3028 MAJ (Baristo Lofts) - Moved to the end of the agenda.

4C. Case 3.3215 MAJ - An application by Sean Callow of Vista Chino Self-Storage, LLC, to construct a recreational vehicle self-storage facility on approximately 9.17-acres located at 3900 East Vista Chino Road, Zone M-1/IL, Section 16, APN: 677-040-030. (Project Planner: Ken Lyon, Associate Planner)

Ken Lyon, Associate Planner, provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated January 14, 2009.

Commissioner Conrad left the Council Chamber at 3:05 p.m.

A recess was taken at 3:07 p.m. The meeting resumed at 3:19 p.m.

4B. Case 5.1137 PD 335 / TTM 35230 / 3.3028 MAJ (Baristo Lofts) - A request by Wessman Holdings, LLC, to construct a four-story mixed use development consisting of first-floor commercial/retail, 19 residential condominium units, adaptive re-use of the existing building for the retail/restaurant use and a Tentative Tract Map located at 300 South Palm Canyon Drive, Zone CBD, Section 15, APN: 513-204-005. (Project Planner: Ken Lyon, Associate Planner)

Ken Lyon, Associate Planner, provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated January 14, 2009.

Commissioner Scott expressed concern with the distance between the existing building and the new building, and stated that he could not support this project.

The Commission commented and/or discussed the separation between the buildings, the balconies and the wall to wall distance.

Commissioner Caffery commented that he is not opposed to the balconies and felt that the 16 feet distance between the buildings is adequate.

Director Ewing reported that the Planning Commission's action may be appealed to the City Council.

PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS:

No comments were reported.

PLANNING DIRECTOR’S REPORT:

Director Ewing reported that the City Council will hold a hearing on the Museum Market Specific Plan at tonight’s meeting.

Commissioner Cohen requested further discussion on cell towers.

ADJOURNMENT:

The Planning Commission adjourned at 4:40 p.m. to Wednesday, January 28, 2009.

Jan 14, 2009 Planning Commission

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