The special meeting of the Twentynine Palms Planning Commission was devoted to a study session on a detailed review of the City’s Development Code – the fourth in a series. Reporter Dan Stork hits the highlights…
With Commissioner Bill Easter absent, the four members present knuckled down to work. They tightened the Code’s language – replacing “should” by “shall,” and “encourage” by “require” in many items, eliminating duplicated standards and language that they judged to be too subjective to be interpreted clearly. They applauded a revised format for land use tables presented by Development Director Charles LeClaire aimed at streamlining the permit-application process.
In addition, many specific questions were discussed, including: Should heating/ventilation and air conditioning equipment be allowed on newly-constructed single family roofs? Consensus: Yes. Should HVAC equipment be allowed on newly-constructed multifamily residential roofs? Consensus: 2-2 stalemate. Should churches be prohibited from occupying space in retail zones? Consensus: No, particularly since there are so many vacancies in these areas. Given that the code requires separating outdoor walls between adjoining residential and commercial/industrial uses, when should the requirement be applied? Should smoking be allowed in smoke shops, or only in cigar or hookah lounges? Should sidewalks be required on both sides of a private drive within a multifamily residential project? Consensus: Yes. How can a developer of a multifamily residential project be required to provide amenities (such as clubhouses, pools, parks, etc.) in such a project? If a homeowner converts a garage to some other use, should he be required to build replacement garage space. Consensus: Yes An agendized public hearing, on permission for Marouf Gino’s Café Deli to serve alcoholic beverages, was not held, because the city attorney said that the owner could “self-certify” his need with Alcoholic Beverages Commission.
TWENTYNINE PALMS PLANNING COMMISSION PLODS THROUGH THE CODES
