Planning Commission
MEETING DATE: 8/1/2018
Title
CASE NO. Design Review No. 18-001
APPLICANT: Palm Springs Nissan, Robert Ricciardi
LOCATION: 68177 Kyle Road (APN: 687-040-030)
REQUEST: To construct a new 3,563 square-foot addition (with an 869 square-foot mezzanine) for parts, tool and janitor storage, a service department area, mechanical room, elevator, office, conference room, and lobby to an existing commercial building (Palm Springs Nissan) in the Planned Community Commercial (PCC) Zoning District and Specific Plan No. 95-53.
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STAFF PLANNER:
Melody Segura, Assistant Planner
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
APPROVE an exemption to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section No. 15301, Class No. 1 (Existing Facilities).
APPROVE Design Review No. 18-001 subject to the attached Conditions of Approval and based on the findings contained in the staff report.
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FINDINGS:
APPROVAL OF AN EXEMPTION TO CEQA based on the finding that the project qualifies as Categorically Exempt under Section No. 15301, Class No. 1 (Existing Facilities) of the State CEQA Guidelines.
APPROVAL OF DESIGN REVIEW NO. 18-001, subject to the attached conditions of approval and based on the following findings:
1. The construction of a 3,563 square-foot addition (with an 869 square-foot mezzanine) to the existing Nissan dealership located at the southeast corner of Perez Road and Kyle Road is consistent with the CG (General Commercial) designation of the General Plan and the development standards of the PCC (Planned Community Commercial) Zoning District and the Auto Center Specific Plan (Specific Plan No. 95-53);
2. The exterior modifications and architectural design of the new addition were reviewed by the Architectural Review Committee on June 6, 2018 and unanimously approved on a 4-0 vote; and
3. The project will benefit the community by providing additional auto-related services within the Auto Center Specific Plan area.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
The Applicant (Robert Ricciardi representing Palm Springs Nissan) submitted a Design Review application on March 19, 2018 for the construction of a new 3,563 square-foot addition (with an 869 square-foot mezzanine) to the existing Palm Springs Nissan dealership located at 68177 Kyle Road, within the PCC (Planned Community Commercial) Zoning District and Specific Plan No. 95-53. This type of project requires Design Review approval where the initial project review is conducted by the Architectural Review Committee and final approval by the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission’s decision may be appealed to the City Council.
The existing dealership was originally approved in 1987 and was developed in accordance with Specific Plan No. 95-53 (Auto Center Specific Plan). The Specific Plan sets forth standards and requirements for development of the Auto Center area and limits uses to new vehicle sales and service and automotive related uses.
The existing building is located in the middle of the 2.2-acre site, surrounded with vehicle display areas, customer and employee parking along the front, rear and sides of the property. The existing exterior of the building is a gray plaster over a concrete masonry unit (CMU) wall, with aluminum panels at the entrances along the east and north elevations. No parking spaces will be displaced by the proposed project.
The applicant proposes to add a 3,280 square-foot addition along the east elevation, that will be comprised of parts and tool storage and the expansion of the existing service department. Additionally, an 869 square-foot mezzanine area will be constructed within the proposed addition which includes a new storage area, conference room and sales office. On the west elevation, the applicant proposes a 283 square-foot addition that will be comprised of a new janitor storage area, mechanical room, elevator and lobby.
The architectural design, materials and color scheme of the additions will be complementary to one another and consistent with the appearance of the existing building. No new landscaping or changes to the existing landscaping are proposed. The project was reviewed by the Architectural Review Committee on June 6, 2018 and approved with no comments.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS:
Staff has determined that the project meets all of the conditions for a Categorical Exemption under Section No. 15301 (Class No. 1, Existing Facilities) of the State CEQA Guidelines.
NOTE: The City of Cathedral City Planning Department is custodian of the documents or other material, which constitute the record of proceedings upon which this decision is based.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION:
This project and the environmental determination were noticed in accordance with the City Municipal Code and CEQA.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: Conditions of Approval
Attachment 2: Site Plan
Attachment 3: Floor Plan, First Floor
Attachment 4: Floor Plan, Mezzanine
Attachment 5: Color Elevations
Attachment 6: Public Hearing Notice
Attachment 7: Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) Development Review Letter