Commission approves 115‑unit, 100% affordable apartment complex on West San Rafael Drive

The Palm Springs Planning Commission on Jan. 26 unanimously approved a major development permit for a 115‑unit, 100% affordable apartment complex proposed by Pacific West Communities at the northwest corner of West San Rafael Drive and McCarthy Road.

Glenn Malekar, associate planner, told commissioners the 4.04‑acre project includes five buildings with a mix of one‑, two‑ and three‑bedroom apartments (56 one‑bedrooms, 29 two‑bedrooms and 33 three‑bedrooms in staff’s slide narrative), provides 178 parking spaces, and proposes a state‑mandated density bonus that raises density from 15 to about 22.6 dwelling units per acre and increases allowable building height within the requested bonus. Staff recommended approval, describing the use as by‑right in the R2 zone provided required findings are met and noting the team will file a Class 92 categorical exemption for affordable housing.

Commissioners asked about pedestrian safety, sidewalks, shade and landscaping. Commissioner Morrell raised concerns about vehicle speeds on San Rafael and asked whether a crosswalk at McCarthy and San Rafael could be provided; staff said a city‑engineer study and the forthcoming Tramview (College Park) specific plan could inform any mid‑block crossing or circulation changes. Sidewalk widths were confirmed as 8 feet on San Rafael and 5 feet on McCarthy.

Several commissioners pressed the applicant on site design details: Commissioner Rotman asked whether the project is required to provide a public benefit beyond affordable housing; staff said the state density‑bonus rules apply and public benefit is not separately required for this by‑right R2/density‑bonus application. Commissioners also asked about shading of parking (a 50% shade target is in the packet), retention basin design and screening, the size/depth and family‑friendliness of the pool and whether units will have in‑unit laundry.

Darren Berberian, Pacific West Communities’ business developer, and the project design team answered those questions and committed to a number of design refinements. Berberian said the development will provide a central laundry facility (about 12 washers and 12 dryers) rather than supplying washers and dryers in each unit, though unit hookups may be provided for future installation. He confirmed a double‑gate vestibule at the dog park, an on‑site manager, and a willingness to work with the landscape architect and ARC to add benches, increase shade at targeted parking areas and add decorative paving treatments at the main driveway entrance. The applicant said it will also consider planting or foliage around the five‑foot‑tall tube‑steel retention‑basin fence to soften the view.

On financing and schedule, the applicant said the team will pursue tax credits and 4% bonds and expects to submit funding applications in the May round; if funded this year and permits follow, construction could begin within six months of financing and complete in about two years.

Chair Wurmick moved to approve the permit with the agreed referrals — including ARC review of architectural refinements and landscape/shade details, benches in recreation areas, decorative paving at the entrance and improved screening for the retention basin — and the motion passed unanimously on roll call. Staff will include the referral items as conditions or recommendations to ARC and to future permit submittals.