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CALL TO ORDER:
Chair Calerdine called the meeting to order at 1:30 pm.
ROLL CALL:
Roll Call: 7 members present, 0 members absent, 0 members excused.
Architectural Advisory Committee Members Present: Fredricks, Lockyer, Miller, Purnel, Rotman, Vice-Chair Cassady
Architectural Advisory Committee Members Excused: Secoy-Jensen, Chair Song
Staff Present: Planning Director Fagg, Deputy City Attorney Daudt, Planning Administrative
Coordinator Hintz, Associate Planner Mlaker, Senior Civil Engineer Laurie
REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA: The Agenda available for public access at the City Hall exterior bulletin board (west side of Council Chamber) and the Planning Services counter by 4:00 pm on Thursday, February 16, 2017.
ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA:
The Agenda was accepted, as presented.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Chair Calerdine opened public comments and with no speakers coming forward public comments was closed.
1. JOINT MEETING WITH THE ARCHITECTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
1A. CITY OF PALM SPRINGS REQUESTING APPROVAL OF A MAJOR ARCHITECTURAL APPLICATION FOR A 2,820 SQUARE-FOOT ADDITION AND RENOVATIONS TO FIRE STATION #4 LOCATED AT 1300 LA VERNE WAY, ZONE CU (CASE 3.4012 MAJ). (GM)
Planning Director Fagg provided an overview of the proposed addition as outlined in the staff report. Mr. Fagg noticed that Chair Song is a part of design team and will not be participating in the discussion and vote on this project.
Public Comments:
MARIA SONG, Interactive Design, project architect, introduced the design team and provided details on the design of the
RUEL YOUNG, Interactive Design, partner, described the existing building and the proposed addition to Fire Station #4.
HUGH KAPTUR, original architect of fire station, said his goal was to come up the with the elevation design to match the existing architecture.
Member Purnel requested clarification on the existing landscape and how it relates to the new plantings. He questioned if the existing palms be relocated? (no) Member Purnel suggested balancing the taller trees (right side) with the smaller trees (left side) and asked about the new plantings blending in with the existing especially in front of the new structure.
Member Lockyer requested clarification on: 1. the palms 2. existing landscape 3. landscape on the north side.
Member Purnel questioned how the landscape is being addressed near the dining/kitchen area.
Member Lockyer commented that the planting plan looks light and questioned the urgency of this project.
Member Purnel noted the minimalist approach and is not looking at adding more landscaping. He suggested organizing the plantings a little more simple with less groupings and spread-out at some key areas (private spaces near the kitchen area) to embrace the footprint of the building. He thinks the materials and sizes are appropriate.
Member Lockyer agreed and suggested engaging the outdoor/living (north side of kitchen) area.
Member Purnel considered the budget for the project and suggested maximizing what you have and utilizing other plantings on the site.
Member Fredricks commented that the step-down plantings proposed outside of the crew quarters could provide privacy without having to be a step-down planting - one row of material could may be sufficient instead of 3 and the other 2 rows could go someplace else (i.e. nest plantings of the same plants) may be more effective in certain areas especially around this building.
Member Purnel cautioned about distributing the new plantings so that it becomes a sense of completeness and not an added style.
M/S/C (Purnel/Fredricks, 6-1-1 absent Lockyer, recused Song) Approve as presented with the following comments:
-Re-distribute the new plantings to incorporate with the existing landscaping.
-With a recommendation to redistribute the plantings to the west and south yards between the indoor and outdoor spaces.--
The Architectural Advisory Committee will adjourn to Monday, March 6, 2017, Council Chamber, City Hall, 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs.
The Planning Commission continued with the remainder of the meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Public comments was opened and with no speakers coming forward was closed.
1A. CITY OF PALM SPRINGS REQUESTING APPROVAL OF A MAJOR ARCHITECTURAL APPLICATION FOR A 2,820 SQUARE-FOOT ADDITION AND RENOVATIONS TO FIRE STATION #4 LOCATED AT 1300 LA VERNE WAY, ZONE CU (CASE 3.4012 MAJ). (GM)
Technical questions:
Commissioner Donenfeld verified the following:
-Is the hedge is on the residential side of the property?
-Was consideration made to improve the wall. (A coat of paint the appropriate color might enhance this area.)
-Will the generator be seen by the owner to the west? (existing oleanders are 9 feet tall).
Vice-Chair Weremiuk spoke in favor of the architecture and and verified the following:
-Is the existing parking in the rear adequate for the fire crew?
-Will new irrigation and controller be provided for the new landscaping? (yes)
Commissioner Middleton spoke in favor of the project and made comments as follows:
-Was is it more expensive to preserve the existing building rather constructing a new building? (yes)
-Were all the neighbors contacted?
-Was neighborhood outreach conducted?
-A good procedure to provide a 500 foot radius notification.
-Status of the public bench.
Commissioner Hudson commented that it's a great project especially to have the original architect come back design the new building is wonderful. He verified the following:
-Is there a master plan for the fire station to address future growth?
-Encourage the City Council to utilize different funding opportunities such as Measure J funds to get the best project and possibly phase it out in terms of funding -(i.e. buffering the adjacent properties to the west)
-Existing roll-up doors (panelized with windows) and new solid roll-up door do not match.
Commissioner Hirschbein requested clarification on the diversion of the pedestrian sidewalk. He spoke in favor of the proposed project and thinks the building is great.
Motion to approve Approve with Conditions subject to:
-Conditions imposed from the AAC review.
-An irrigation controller shall be installed.
-If feasible, the existing perimeter wall on the west property line shall be repaired or painted. If funds are not available for repair and painting, the project shall be submitted to the Measure J Commission for funding consideration.
-If feasible, a bench shall be provided adjacent to the public sidewalk along the south frontage line of the property. If funds are not available for the bench, the project shall be submitted to the Measure J Commission for funding consideration.
-An AAC Landscape Subcommittee shall be appointed by Vice-Chair Cassady for final review. Moved by Vice-Chair Weremiuk, seconded by Commissioner Lowe.
Vote to approve Approve with Conditions subject to:
-Conditions imposed from the AAC review.
-An irrigation controller shall be installed.
-If feasible, the existing perimeter wall on the west property line shall be repaired or painted. If funds are not available for repair and painting, the project shall be submitted to the Measure J Commission for funding consideration.
-If feasible, a bench shall be provided adjacent to the public sidewalk along the south frontage line of the property. If funds are not available for the bench, the project shall be submitted to the Measure J Commission for funding consideration.
-An AAC Landscape Subcommittee shall be appointed by Vice-Chair Cassady for final review. (Approved)
A recess was taken at 2:37 pm.
The meeting reconvened at 2:45 pm.
2. CONSENT CALENDAR:
2A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: JANUARY 25, 2017
Motion to approve Approve, as presented. Moved by Commissioner Middleton, seconded by Commissioner Donenfeld.
Vote to approve Approve, as presented. (Approved)
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None.
3. PUBLIC HEARING:
3A. CITY OF PALM SPRINGS FOR A ZONE TEXT AMENDMENT RELATING TO THE CRITERIA AND PROCEDURES FOR THE REVIEW OF EXTENSION OF TIME APPLICATIONS (CASE 5.1405 ZTA). (FF) (CONTINUED FROM THE FEBRUARY 8, 2017 MEETING.)
Planning Director Fagg summarized the proposed changes by the Commission as outlined in the staff report.
Commissioner Middleton commented that previous discussion was made that City Council during a time of recession or economic downturn could declare there a suspension on the time-limits to allow all projects to have a greater amount of time. It has some advantages because it requires the City Council to make the findings and treats all project equally. (Planning Director responded that the City Council retains the ability to modify any ordinances at any point.)
Vice-Chair Weremiuk requested clarification on:
-D.5 - Remove the word "any" for exenuating circumstances.
-Maps and Planned Development Districts should be specifically mentioned in this ordinance.
Commissioner Donenfeld stated he did research in the Coachella Valley and found that most of the jurisdictions had a limitation on the number of extensions with respect to entitlements. He provided provided verbiage for discussion and consideration.
Chair Calerdine opened the public hearing:
GRETCHEN GUTIERREZ, Desert Valley Builders Association, chief executive officer, urged the 5 (five) year time limit and requested further definition and looking at the "exceptions" in which they are undefined in the current ordinance. She indicated that the the building industry has not caught up and is still in the process of recovering from the last downturn. And requested sensitivity to market existing market conditions.
ADAM TEIXEIRA, believes time extensions should be used in a casious manner and keep the projects moving forward as planned. No additional funding should be received unless project has been approved by the City Council.
There being no further speakers the public hearing was closed.
Commissioner Middleton thinks this is one of the most important things the Commission has worked on. She thinks that the constant extensions of time has been and issue to the neighbors. The new neighbors do not have an opportunity to weigh in on the projects to are going to have significant impact to the and entitlements should not be forever. She is pleased that they are ready to take steps to limit the amount of time someone has to build on their project. She agrees with Commissioner Donenfeld that the burden of proof should be on the applicant that they should have a convincing reason for continuing.
Vice-Chair Weremiuk stated that she likes Commissioner Donenfeld's drafted language and would like see A-G included instead of 1-5
and likes the burden of proof language. She would like to see verbiages that references how maps are governed and feels most comfortable with the 2 year time extensions.
Commissioner Hirschbein thanked Commissioner Donenfeld for bringing forth the proposed text to the Commission and feels (2 year initial approval and 2 year time extension) with a total 4 years is sufficient for a project to get started. He said he hasn't had time to plug both documents together but would like to see the time-limits incorporated into the draft ordinance.
Commissioner Lowe appreciated the research provided by Commissioner Donenfeld about on the surrounding cities and agrees the burden of proof should be on the applicant. He noted that 3C. "there have been no significant changes to the proposed project or the areas within the geographic of the proposed project" he would add "that negates the appropriateness of the project". He thinks 7 years is too long and is okay with 2 - 4 years.
Chair Calerdine requested clarification about a phased project that has been built in a series of steps - is a extension of time required?
Motion to approve Continue to the meeting of March 8, 2017 to allow staff to incorporate as the changes as discussed and bring back a resolution for final review. Moved by Vice-Chair Weremiuk, seconded by Commissioner Lowe.
Vote to approve Continue to the meeting of March 8, 2017 to allow staff to incorporate as the changes as discussed and bring back a resolution for final review. (Approved)
PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS, REQUESTS AND COMMENTS:
Chair Calerdine requested information on how to process developments in light of the recent news at City Hall.
PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT: None.
ADJOURNMENT:
There been no further comments the Planning Commission adjourned at 3:26 pm to Wednesday, March 8, 2017, at 1:30 pm, City Hall, Council Chamber, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way.
Feb 22, 2017 Planning Commission
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CALL TO ORDER:
Chair Calerdine called the meeting to order at 1:30 pm.
ROLL CALL:
Roll Call: 7 members present, 0 members absent, 0 members excused.
Architectural Advisory Committee Members Present: Fredricks, Lockyer, Miller, Purnel, Rotman, Vice-Chair Cassady
Architectural Advisory Committee Members Excused: Secoy-Jensen, Chair Song
Staff Present: Planning Director Fagg, Deputy City Attorney Daudt, Planning Administrative
Coordinator Hintz, Associate Planner Mlaker, Senior Civil Engineer Laurie
REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA: The Agenda available for public access at the City Hall exterior bulletin board (west side of Council Chamber) and the Planning Services counter by 4:00 pm on Thursday, February 16, 2017.
ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA:
The Agenda was accepted, as presented.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Chair Calerdine opened public comments and with no speakers coming forward public comments was closed.
1. JOINT MEETING WITH THE ARCHITECTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
1A. CITY OF PALM SPRINGS REQUESTING APPROVAL OF A MAJOR ARCHITECTURAL APPLICATION FOR A 2,820 SQUARE-FOOT ADDITION AND RENOVATIONS TO FIRE STATION #4 LOCATED AT 1300 LA VERNE WAY, ZONE CU (CASE 3.4012 MAJ). (GM)
Planning Director Fagg provided an overview of the proposed addition as outlined in the staff report. Mr. Fagg noticed that Chair Song is a part of design team and will not be participating in the discussion and vote on this project.
Public Comments:
MARIA SONG, Interactive Design, project architect, introduced the design team and provided details on the design of the
RUEL YOUNG, Interactive Design, partner, described the existing building and the proposed addition to Fire Station #4.
HUGH KAPTUR, original architect of fire station, said his goal was to come up the with the elevation design to match the existing architecture.
Member Purnel requested clarification on the existing landscape and how it relates to the new plantings. He questioned if the existing palms be relocated? (no) Member Purnel suggested balancing the taller trees (right side) with the smaller trees (left side) and asked about the new plantings blending in with the existing especially in front of the new structure.
Member Lockyer requested clarification on: 1. the palms 2. existing landscape 3. landscape on the north side.
Member Purnel questioned how the landscape is being addressed near the dining/kitchen area.
Member Lockyer commented that the planting plan looks light and questioned the urgency of this project.
Member Purnel noted the minimalist approach and is not looking at adding more landscaping. He suggested organizing the plantings a little more simple with less groupings and spread-out at some key areas (private spaces near the kitchen area) to embrace the footprint of the building. He thinks the materials and sizes are appropriate.
Member Lockyer agreed and suggested engaging the outdoor/living (north side of kitchen) area.
Member Purnel considered the budget for the project and suggested maximizing what you have and utilizing other plantings on the site.
Member Fredricks commented that the step-down plantings proposed outside of the crew quarters could provide privacy without having to be a step-down planting - one row of material could may be sufficient instead of 3 and the other 2 rows could go someplace else (i.e. nest plantings of the same plants) may be more effective in certain areas especially around this building.
Member Purnel cautioned about distributing the new plantings so that it becomes a sense of completeness and not an added style.
M/S/C (Purnel/Fredricks, 6-1-1 absent Lockyer, recused Song) Approve as presented with the following comments:
-Re-distribute the new plantings to incorporate with the existing landscaping.
-With a recommendation to redistribute the plantings to the west and south yards between the indoor and outdoor spaces.--
The Architectural Advisory Committee will adjourn to Monday, March 6, 2017, Council Chamber, City Hall, 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs.
The Planning Commission continued with the remainder of the meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Public comments was opened and with no speakers coming forward was closed.
1A. CITY OF PALM SPRINGS REQUESTING APPROVAL OF A MAJOR ARCHITECTURAL APPLICATION FOR A 2,820 SQUARE-FOOT ADDITION AND RENOVATIONS TO FIRE STATION #4 LOCATED AT 1300 LA VERNE WAY, ZONE CU (CASE 3.4012 MAJ). (GM)
Technical questions:
Commissioner Donenfeld verified the following:
-Is the hedge is on the residential side of the property?
-Was consideration made to improve the wall. (A coat of paint the appropriate color might enhance this area.)
-Will the generator be seen by the owner to the west? (existing oleanders are 9 feet tall).
Vice-Chair Weremiuk spoke in favor of the architecture and and verified the following:
-Is the existing parking in the rear adequate for the fire crew?
-Will new irrigation and controller be provided for the new landscaping? (yes)
Commissioner Middleton spoke in favor of the project and made comments as follows:
-Was is it more expensive to preserve the existing building rather constructing a new building? (yes)
-Were all the neighbors contacted?
-Was neighborhood outreach conducted?
-A good procedure to provide a 500 foot radius notification.
-Status of the public bench.
Commissioner Hudson commented that it's a great project especially to have the original architect come back design the new building is wonderful. He verified the following:
-Is there a master plan for the fire station to address future growth?
-Encourage the City Council to utilize different funding opportunities such as Measure J funds to get the best project and possibly phase it out in terms of funding -(i.e. buffering the adjacent properties to the west)
-Existing roll-up doors (panelized with windows) and new solid roll-up door do not match.
Commissioner Hirschbein requested clarification on the diversion of the pedestrian sidewalk. He spoke in favor of the proposed project and thinks the building is great.
Motion to approve Approve with Conditions subject to:
-Conditions imposed from the AAC review.
-An irrigation controller shall be installed.
-If feasible, the existing perimeter wall on the west property line shall be repaired or painted. If funds are not available for repair and painting, the project shall be submitted to the Measure J Commission for funding consideration.
-If feasible, a bench shall be provided adjacent to the public sidewalk along the south frontage line of the property. If funds are not available for the bench, the project shall be submitted to the Measure J Commission for funding consideration.
-An AAC Landscape Subcommittee shall be appointed by Vice-Chair Cassady for final review. Moved by Vice-Chair Weremiuk, seconded by Commissioner Lowe.
Vote to approve Approve with Conditions subject to:
-Conditions imposed from the AAC review.
-An irrigation controller shall be installed.
-If feasible, the existing perimeter wall on the west property line shall be repaired or painted. If funds are not available for repair and painting, the project shall be submitted to the Measure J Commission for funding consideration.
-If feasible, a bench shall be provided adjacent to the public sidewalk along the south frontage line of the property. If funds are not available for the bench, the project shall be submitted to the Measure J Commission for funding consideration.
-An AAC Landscape Subcommittee shall be appointed by Vice-Chair Cassady for final review. (Approved)
A recess was taken at 2:37 pm.
The meeting reconvened at 2:45 pm.
2. CONSENT CALENDAR:
2A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: JANUARY 25, 2017
Motion to approve Approve, as presented. Moved by Commissioner Middleton, seconded by Commissioner Donenfeld.
Vote to approve Approve, as presented. (Approved)
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None.
3. PUBLIC HEARING:
3A. CITY OF PALM SPRINGS FOR A ZONE TEXT AMENDMENT RELATING TO THE CRITERIA AND PROCEDURES FOR THE REVIEW OF EXTENSION OF TIME APPLICATIONS (CASE 5.1405 ZTA). (FF) (CONTINUED FROM THE FEBRUARY 8, 2017 MEETING.)
Planning Director Fagg summarized the proposed changes by the Commission as outlined in the staff report.
Commissioner Middleton commented that previous discussion was made that City Council during a time of recession or economic downturn could declare there a suspension on the time-limits to allow all projects to have a greater amount of time. It has some advantages because it requires the City Council to make the findings and treats all project equally. (Planning Director responded that the City Council retains the ability to modify any ordinances at any point.)
Vice-Chair Weremiuk requested clarification on:
-D.5 - Remove the word "any" for exenuating circumstances.
-Maps and Planned Development Districts should be specifically mentioned in this ordinance.
Commissioner Donenfeld stated he did research in the Coachella Valley and found that most of the jurisdictions had a limitation on the number of extensions with respect to entitlements. He provided provided verbiage for discussion and consideration.
Chair Calerdine opened the public hearing:
GRETCHEN GUTIERREZ, Desert Valley Builders Association, chief executive officer, urged the 5 (five) year time limit and requested further definition and looking at the "exceptions" in which they are undefined in the current ordinance. She indicated that the the building industry has not caught up and is still in the process of recovering from the last downturn. And requested sensitivity to market existing market conditions.
ADAM TEIXEIRA, believes time extensions should be used in a casious manner and keep the projects moving forward as planned. No additional funding should be received unless project has been approved by the City Council.
There being no further speakers the public hearing was closed.
Commissioner Middleton thinks this is one of the most important things the Commission has worked on. She thinks that the constant extensions of time has been and issue to the neighbors. The new neighbors do not have an opportunity to weigh in on the projects to are going to have significant impact to the and entitlements should not be forever. She is pleased that they are ready to take steps to limit the amount of time someone has to build on their project. She agrees with Commissioner Donenfeld that the burden of proof should be on the applicant that they should have a convincing reason for continuing.
Vice-Chair Weremiuk stated that she likes Commissioner Donenfeld's drafted language and would like see A-G included instead of 1-5
and likes the burden of proof language. She would like to see verbiages that references how maps are governed and feels most comfortable with the 2 year time extensions.
Commissioner Hirschbein thanked Commissioner Donenfeld for bringing forth the proposed text to the Commission and feels (2 year initial approval and 2 year time extension) with a total 4 years is sufficient for a project to get started. He said he hasn't had time to plug both documents together but would like to see the time-limits incorporated into the draft ordinance.
Commissioner Lowe appreciated the research provided by Commissioner Donenfeld about on the surrounding cities and agrees the burden of proof should be on the applicant. He noted that 3C. "there have been no significant changes to the proposed project or the areas within the geographic of the proposed project" he would add "that negates the appropriateness of the project". He thinks 7 years is too long and is okay with 2 - 4 years.
Chair Calerdine requested clarification about a phased project that has been built in a series of steps - is a extension of time required?
Motion to approve Continue to the meeting of March 8, 2017 to allow staff to incorporate as the changes as discussed and bring back a resolution for final review. Moved by Vice-Chair Weremiuk, seconded by Commissioner Lowe.
Vote to approve Continue to the meeting of March 8, 2017 to allow staff to incorporate as the changes as discussed and bring back a resolution for final review. (Approved)
PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS, REQUESTS AND COMMENTS:
Chair Calerdine requested information on how to process developments in light of the recent news at City Hall.
PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT: None.
ADJOURNMENT:
There been no further comments the Planning Commission adjourned at 3:26 pm to Wednesday, March 8, 2017, at 1:30 pm, City Hall, Council Chamber, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way.
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