HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999/12/28 - Minutes - PC-HPC CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Special Meeting . .-
December 28, 1999
Chairman McNiel called the Special Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning
Commission to order at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was held in the Council Chamber at Rancho
Cucamonga Civic Center, 10500 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, California. Chairman
McNiel then led in the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL
COMMISSIONERS: PRESENT: Rich Macias, John Mannerino, Larry McNiel, Pam Stewart,
ABSENT: Peter Tolstoy
STAFF PRESENT: Brad Buller, City Planner; Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer;,
Gall Sanchez, Planning Commission Secretary
ANNOUNCEMENTS
There were no announcements.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: Moved by Mannedno, seconded by Macias, carried 4-0-1 (Tolstoy absent), to approve the
minutes of December 8, 1999.
Motion: Moved by Stewart, seconded by Macias, carried 4-0-1 (Tolstoy absent), to approve the
minutes of the Adjourned Meeting of December 8, 1999.
DIRECTOR'S REPORTS
A. CONSIDERATION OF 1-15 FREEWAY LANDSCAPING REQUIREMENTS
Brad Bullet, City Planner, indicated he had spoken with Chades Buquet, a representative of a
property owner who raised the issue and Mr. Buquet indicated he had intended to attend the meeting
this evening but was stuck in traffic on his way back from vacation. He said that Mr. Buquet
concurred with the Public Works Subcommittee recommendation. Mr. Bullet presented the staff
report and recommended adoption of the subcommittee's recommendation. He also reported he
had spoken with Commissioner Tolstoy on Monday. He indicated Mr. Tolstoy asked that his
comments be forwarded to the Commission because he would be unable to attend the meeting and
that he concurred with the Subcommittee recommendation but was concerned that the City not
obligate itself to pay for maintenance costs in the future.
Commissioner Stewart asked how the Subcommittee arrived at the $1.00 per square foot
recomm6ndation.
Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer, stated the amount was based on discussions with Caltrans
regarding installation of large scale landscaping. He said that Caltrans uses less than $1.00 square
foot for installation but that cost does not cover design cost or long term maintenance.
Chairman McNiel noted that the Subcommittee recommended that City Council'appropriate funds
to complete a master plan design..He asked if Caltrans has a master plan design and asked why
the City would have to develop a master plan if Caltrans already has one.
Commissioner Macias did not feel that Caltrans has a master plan for each freeway.
Mr. Bullet felt it would be more appropriate to state that Caltrans has standards rather than a master
plan.
Commissioner Macias asked the difference between the City's doing a master plan and using
Caltrans standards.
Mr. Buller replied that the intent would be similar to what was being done along the Foothill Freeway.
He said that master plan complies with Caltrans direction but has some signature features including
special elements such as rockscape or palm trees.
Commissioner Macias asked if, under the master plan, the fixed fee would be the same even if a
property is located in an area that calls for special landscaping. He asked who would be responsible
for maintenance.
Mr. Bullet said that if the master plan is not in keeping with Caltrans guidelines, the City would be
responsible for the maintenance costs.
Commissioner Mannerino asked if the landscaping is beyond Caltrans standards, if Ca[trans would
take over the maintenance costs in 20 years or if it the excess costs would fall on the City.
Mr. Buller did not believe Caltrans would take on any additional costs for landscaping. He said the
master plan they are working on for the Foothill Freeway stays within the Caltrans maintenance
costs.
Commissioner Mannerino asked why it would be necessary to adopt a master plan that follows the
Caltrans guidelines.
Mr. Bullet replied that Caltrans may indicate 50 different types of trees that fall within their guidelines,
but a master plan would select the types of trees and groundcover to be used. He said Caltrans
standards may also call for regimented planting whereas the master plan may call for random
planting.
Commissioner Mannerino stated that the master plan would then call out the species to be used and
the planting details.
Chairman McNiel asked if the $1.00 per square foot would be assessed after the master plan is
adopted to try to cover costs of other areas where no fees were collected.
Mr. Bullet stated it would not and asked Mr. James if the exhibit depicted where existing
developments were not assessed the fees because they were constructed prior to adoption of the
fees. ' -
Mr. James said it did not.
PC Special Meeting Minutes -2- December 28, 1999
Chairman McNiel asked the approximate master plan design cost.
Mr. James responded that the master plan for Day Creek Boulevard cost $35,000.
Chairman McNiel noted that the freeway corridor is considerably larger. ..,
Commissioner Mannerino asked who would be on the Master Plan committee.
Mr. Bullet reported that for the Foothill freeway, the Joint Power Authority and the task force has
been working with staff and all the other cities along the corridor. He thought some of the same
principles would be used on the 1-15 freeway corridor as well.
Commissioner Macias asked the net impact of adopting the three Subcommittee recommendations.
He felt it is a good thing to develop the master plan but said the final recommendation is essentially
a reduction of the fee from $2.00 per square foot to $1.00 per square foot.
Mr. Bullet replied that the cost would be reduced by $1.00 per square foot and the City would cover
the cost of preparing the master plan.
Commissioner Macias noted that any applications processed prior to the master plan adoption would
have reduced fees.
Chairman McNiel noted that the Subcommittee minutes referred to conditions as they exist today.
He thought the existing conditions are based on Caltrans standards. He asked the City's chances
for obtaining grant money.
Mr, Bullet responded that the federal government has recently provided additional grant money but
the competition is fierce.
Commissioner Macias asked about maintenance.
Mr. Bullet replied that Caltrans may not have the money to install rockscape but the maintenance
costs on rockscape are lower than on other types of landscaping.
Chairman McNiel felt the recommendations were a lose-lose proposition for the City and said he was
not comfortable with the Subcommittee recommendations. He felt the City would be missing an
opportunity by reducing the fee but he was also worried there may be an economic downturn and
the City would be stuck with higher costs.
Motion: Moved by Mannerino to supporl the Public Works Subcommittee recommendations, He
said he was placing his motion on the floor to encourage debate.
Chairman McNiel questioned how many projects would be lost if the first two recommendations were
adopted but the fee remained at $2.00 square foot.
Commissioner Macias agreed with Chairman McNiel. He questioned if there was an onslaught of
development being lost because of the high fee,
Commissioner Mannerino did not feel that $2.00 versus $1.00 per square foot would be a deal killer.
He expressed concern that more elaborate landscaping would be installed and that the City would
be responsible for maintenance in the future.
Chairman McNiel felt that the $2.00 assessment would pay for part of the maintenance costs. He
PC Special Meeting Minutes -3- December 28, 1999
agreed with the goal of completing the master plan design but he preferred that the $2.00 fee be
retained.
Commissioner Macias felt that $1.00 or even the $2.00 per square foot would not pay the actual cost
for the landscaping. He said he would like to make a motion. ~ .'
Commissioner Mannerino withdrew his motion.
Motion: Moved by Macias, seconded by Stewart, to support the first two recommendations of the
Public Works Subcommittee but to retain the $2.00 per square foot fee until completion of the master
plan. The Motion carded by the following vote:
AYES: MACIAS, MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: TOLSTOY - carded
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Moved by Mannerino, seconded by Stewart, to adjourn. The Planning Commission
adjourned at 7:36 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
PC Special Meeting Minutes -4- December 28, 1999
CITY Of RANCHO CUCAMONGA
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Regular Meeting
December 22, 1999
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning Commission for December 22, 1999, was
canceled due to lack of quorum.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary
CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Adjourned Meeting
December 8, 1999
Chairman McNiel called the Adjourned Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning
Commission to order at 8:30 p.m. The meeting was held in the Rains Room at Rancho Cucamonga
Civic Center, 10500 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, California.
ROLL CALL
COMMISSIONERS: PRESENT: Rich Macias, John Mannerino, Larry McNiel, Para Stewart,
Peter Tolstoy
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Brad Bullet, City Planne~, Dan Coleman, Principal Planne~, Dan
James, Senior Civil Engineer
NEW BUSINESS
A THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NORTH WEST CORNER OF MILLIKEN AVENUE AND SIXTH
STREET - JPI
Brad Buller, explained that the goal for this workshop was to open a dialogue to receive further
direction from the Commission regarding major design concepts to assist the applicant prepare their
formal application. He noted that staff and Commissioner Tolstoy toured JPl's Jefferson at Mission
Valley project in San Diego and that the videotape of that tour was shown to the entire Commission.
Heidi Mather, Senior Development Associate, JPI, introduced herself.
R.C. Alley, Architects Orange, gave an overview of how the site plan concept has evolved based
upon the comments made by the Planning Commission at the Pre-Application Review 99-06 on
September 29, 1999.
Dan Coleman, Principal Planner summarized the direction given by the Commission at the Pre-
Application Review 99-06 on September 29, 1999. He distributed an outline of topics on which staff
and the developer requested direction from the Commission.
Commissioner Tolstoy asked if there were carports.
Mr. Alley responded that there are carports within the auto courts.
Commissioner Stewart asked if any provision had been made to integrate with the Empire Lakes golf
course, such as golf cart access.
Commissioner Macias noted that there was no access for tenants to the golf course.
Mr. Bullet inquired whether there was a possibility of allowing golf cart access?
Chuck Beecher, General Dynamics, indicated that they have not discussed that with JPI.
Ms. Mather indicated that the grade difference near 6th Street presents a challenge for golf cart
access.
Mr. Coleman stated that golf cart access could be accommodated at the northwest comer of the
project, near 7th Street, rather than having carts travel along 6th Street.
Ms. Mather said that latest scheme was designed to meet the City's minimum open space
requirements and includes a gated entrance.
Commissioner Mannerino voiced his opposition to residential at this location. He said that if this is
being marketed as a high end project, then it needs to be truly high end. He indicated that the club
house was not enough to make the project high end. He felt that the interior of apartments should
also be high end, such as solid core doors and the use of real oak instead of simulated oak.
Commissioner Tolstoy indicated that since he was not able to attend the meeting regarding Pre-
Application Review 99-06 on September 29, 1999, he toured JPl's Jefferson at Mission Valley project
in San Diego to better understand their concept of luxury apartments. He did not feel that it was a
high end unit. He said that one of the premises established by the City after incorporation was to
set aside areas for commercial, industrial, and residential. He felt the City should not change the
land use from industrial at this location but indicated his desire to have garages, not carports, with
ground floor units having direct access to their garage if it is to be residential. He indicated that
private open space was important to create a luxury project. He felt that this project deserves more
open space, even if it means 4-story buildings. He said that design of 6th Street entrance should
match the Milliken Avenue entrance.
Commissioner Stewart said that this project will set a precedent for other residential development
projects in the industrial area. She noted that JPl's Jefferson at Mission Valley project in San Diego
is not what she expected to see on this property. She stated her expectations are very high for this
project because it is being touted a luxury, high end project. She indicated that it was not evident
from the site plan that all units have sidewalk access to the club house and central open space. She
expected Jacuzzis throughout project. She indicated that the total number of apartments may have
to be reduced to make the site plan work.
Commissioner Macias observed that the site is located next to the golf course and a very busy train
station. To allow this project requires that the City amend the Empire Lakes Specific Plan; hence,
he thought it would be reasonable for the City to require development standards tailored to address
the unique site characteristics. He felt that high standards should be set. He concurred with
comments by the other Commissioners. He expressed frustration that his comments, made at the
Pre-Application Review 99-06 on September 29, 1999, regarding attention to 7th Street traffic
conflicts had been ignored by the developer. He noted that he counted cars as he drove out of the
Metrolink Station on 7th Street; and there were 26 cars in front of him waiting at the signal and more
than a dozen behind him. He felt very strongly that providing tenants access to 7th Street would be
a mistake. He stated that the project design is not luxury. He liked the gated entry. He questioned
whether the architecture blends with the surrounding neighborhood. He concluded that in order for
the City to accept residential on this property, then it must be high end.
Commissioner Tolstoy said that tenants will be forced to shop in Ontario because there is not retail
in Rancho Cucamonga near this site; hence, causing sales tax leakage.
Commissioner Mannerino indicated that maybe this isn't the right parcel within Empire Lakes for
residential. He asked if people would pay $1,500 per month to rent a high end unit next to industrial
and train station? He inquired whether City should put its highest end apartment project in the
industrial area?
PC Adjourned Minutes -2- December 8, 1999
Chairman McNiel stated that the land use concept of mixing residential with industrial is viable. He
felt that the Metrolink Station would be a reason for people to want to live at this location. He
indicated that "luxury" needs to be more evident in the project's design. He said that gates and a
club house are not enough to qualify as "luxury." He stated that the golf course doesn't do anything
for the proposed project or vice versa and a view of the golf course is not "luxury.' He indicated the
quality of both the interior and exterior character of the project must demonstrate "luxury."
Mr. Beecher said that the Empire Lakes Golf Course is a unique setting. He agreed with the
Commissioners that the proposed JPI project will set the tone for future projects. The Specific Plan
intent was to create a mixture of land uses. He indicated that they were planning a retail component
at the northwest comer of Milliken and 4th that could serve the JPI project. He stated that they
believe having residents live near golf course will increase the numbers of golfers playing rounds of
golf. He felt that the proximity of the JPI project site to the Ontario Mills entertainment and Ontario
Airport would help market these apartments.
Ms. Mather responded to several of the comments made by Commissioners. She indicated they
could limit 7th Street access hours with a gate to avoid Metrolink peak hours. She said they did not
want to design the 6th Street entrance as a major entry, to match Milliken Avenue entrance, because
it was intended to serve as secondary access for tenants only and was not intended to allow visitors.
She explained that their target market was renters by choice, people who can afford to by a home,
but choose to rent because they do not want to maintain a home and yard. She stated that the site
was appealing to renters because of quick access to jobs. She maintained that JPI captures the top
3 to 5 percent of the rental market and not every tenant is willing to pay for a garage. She said that
50-55 percent of the units would have garages. She stated that the floorplans have been modified
to meet the City's private open space standards for patios and balconies. She described the interior
features that were Iluxury" and were not typically found in apartments.
Chairman McNiel acknowledged that this project will set the standard for others to follow.
Commissioner Macias stated that he assumed that JPI may not address Commission's concerns.
He felt that the consensus tonight seemed to be that this project design wouldn't be approved by the
Commission.
Commissioner Stewart stated that the Commission desires a project designed to the maximum
standards, not minimum. She expressed concern that the applicant had indicated the project met
the City's minimum standards, such as open space.
Mr. Bullet asked the Commission to address three major issues: percentage of garages, urban
streetscape design concept, and architecture.
Commissioners Mannerino and Stewart felt that JPI was the best judge of how many garages to offer
their tenants.
Chairman McNiel stated that each unit should have a garage. He also felt that the urban streetscape
concept was preferred.
Commissioners Mannerino and Stewart said that the urban streetscape concept was preferred.
Chairman McNiel said that the architecture's basic stucco and rtl-color scheme was not exceeding
what is typical for projects in Rancho Cucamonga. He felt that the entrances should be enhanced.
Commissioner Mannedno indicated that he was not offended by the architecture.
PC Adjourned Minutes -3- December 8, 1999
Commission Stewart stated that the architecture could work well if additional treatment were
provided.
Commissioner Tolstoy asked if elevators would be provided.
Ms. Mather responded that no elevators were proposed.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments at this time.
ADJOURNMENT
The Planning Commission adjourned at 9:22 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
PC Adjourned Minutes -4- December 8, 1999
CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Regular Meeting
December 8, 1999
Chairman McNiel called the Regular Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning
Commission to order at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was held in the Council Chamber at Rancho
Cucamonga Civic Center, 10500 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, California. Chairman
McNiel then led in the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL
COMMISSIONERS: PRESENT: Rich Macias, John Mannerino, Larry McNiel, Para Stewart,
Peter Tolstoy
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Brad Bullet, City Planner; Dan Coleman, Principal Planner;
Kevin Ennis, Assistant City Attorney; Dan James, Senior Civil
Engineer; Gall Sanchez, Planning Commission Secretary;
Associate Planner; Emily Wimer, Assistant Planner
ANNOUNCEMENTS
There were no announcements.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by Macias, carded 4-0-0-1 (Mannerino abstain), to approve
the minutes of October 27, 1999.
Motion: Moved by Stewart, seconded by Mannerino, carded 4-0-0-1 (Macias abstain), to approve
the minutes of November 10, 1999.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A. VACATION OF A PORTION OF STREET CALLED TERRA VISTA PARKWAY EAST FOR
TERRA VISTA PARK USE - A request to vacate an excess portion of Terra Vista Parkway
East for Terra Vista Park #6, located on the north side of Terra Vista Parkway East, easterly
of Terra Vista Elementary School.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
B. DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT DCA 99-05 - CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA - A
request to amend the Development Code regarding thdft stores, second-hand stores, antique
shops, and pawn shops.
C. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 99-58 - MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTFF - A request to
operate a thrift store in an existing lease space in the Sunrise Center shopping center in the
Neighborhood Commercial District, located at 8673A Base Line Road - APN: 207-022-41.
Emily Wimer, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report.
Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing.
Stan Long, Chairman of Southern California Festival and Sale, 795 North Laurel Avenue, Upland,
expressed appreciation for the Commission's consideration.
Hearing no further testimony, Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Tolstoy stated he would like to see the thdft store definition expanded to show that
it would carry mostly donated merchandise whereas most items in second-hand stores have been
purchased for retail.
Commissioner Mannerino agreed.
Kevin Ennis, Assistant City Attorney, suggested that the thdft store definition be changed to state
that the majority of merchandise offered for sale shall be donated.
Motion: Moved by Mannefino, seconded by Stewart,,~ adopt the resolutions recommending
approval of Development Code Amendment 99-05 with modification to revise the thrift store
definition as stated above and approving Conditional Use Permit 99-58. Motion carded by the
following vote:
AYES: MACIAS, MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE - carded
Chairman McNiel stated he expects this store will be a model for futures stores.
D. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TENTATIVE TRACT 16021 - RBF ASSOCIATES -
A residential subdivision of 16 single family lots on 7.53 acres of land in the Low Residential
Distdct (2-4 dwelling units per acre) of the Etiwanda Specific Plan, located at the northwest
comer of East Avenue and the Southern Pacific Railroad right-of-way - APN: 227-121-30 and
43. Related File: Tree Removal Permit 99-23.
Emily Wimer, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report.
Chairman McNiel opened the public headng.
Jori Friedman, RBF Associates, 2049 Century Park East, Los Angeles, stated they do not intend to
remove the west side windrow. He noted it was recommended that there be no block wall in that
location to avoid affecting the root structure of the windrow on Mr. Banks' land.
Bob Maciel, 7078 East Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga, stated he will be affected by the project. He
indicated he moved to his property in 1979. He said the street alignment has been changed so that
the street will be south of his property parallel to the railroad tracks. He reported he had been using
Planning Commission Minutes -2- December 8, 1999
that land as access to his property. He also stated he had talked to the City in the past and had
been told that the street would not be placed that close to the railroad track.
Brad Bullet, City Planner, stated that the railroad right of way has been abandoned and will likely be
a community trail.
Mr. Maciel felt that if the street goes in, it will interfere with his radius driveway.
Chairman McNiel indicated the matter had been discussed at the Design Review Committee meeting
and he thought there had been a resolution.
Mr. Maciel stated they have been using the land for 20 years to get to his back yard. He strenuously
objected and said he would take the proper steps to retain the use.
Dan Coleman, Principal Planner, stated there had been some technical problems with the original
proposal.
Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer, clarified that the alignment was changed because the first
proposal left a sliver of land that was not large enough for a legal lot. He stated the revised
alignment also allows drainage to the streets. He reported Engineering supports this alignment
because of problems with altematives. He pointed out that the developer is conditioned to work with
the owners of the three "not-a-part" parcels to dedicate right of way and the developer will build the
improvements. He said that if the adjacent property owners won't negotiate, or if there is a
stalemate, the developer is not obligated to provide full frontage improvements. He said the
conditions of approval do not address the driveway.
Chairman McNiel asked if he was suggesting that the situation will probably be resolved.
Mr. James responded affirmatively and said that the developer has to install public improvements.
Commissioner Stewar~ asked if there was a legal issue with respect to Mr. Maciel's current usage
of the property.
Kevin Ennis, Assistant City Attorney, replied that if Mr. Maciel has been using private preperty for
his access, he could seek a legal determination as to his interest. He said that if the court
determines that Mr, Maciel has an interest, the developer would have to satisfy that interest. He
thought that if the current fight-of-way is not improved, improvements would not impede his access.
Commissioner Tolstoy observed that the street layout calls for a stub out to allow for the possibility
of future continuation onto the Banks' property. He suggested that on similar projects, a right-of-way
be offered to the City to allow development of a cul-de-sac if it is determined it will not be necessary
to continue the street. He thought it should be turned into a cul-de-sac since fire engines cannot turn
around on stub streets.
Mr. James responded that the standard cul-de-sac radius does not allow fire engines to turn around;
therefore, there is a 600-foot maximum on cul-de-sac street lengths.
Mr. Buller suggested that in the future, alternative cul-de-sac designs be considered when and if a
projected through street is not opened because development of the adjacent property does not use
a through-street.
Commissioner Tolstoy agreed it should be considered on future developments.
Planning Commission Minutes -3- December 8, 1999
Mr. James said staff would keep that suggestion in mind.
Motion: Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by Mannerino, to issue a Negative Declaration and adopt the
resolution approving Tentative Tract 16021. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: MAClAS, MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE - carried
E. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 14872 - HUITT-ZOLLARS
- A subdivision of 20.8 acres of land into 12 parcels, 11 in the General Industrial Development
District (Subarea 3) of the Industrial Area Specific Plan, and I in the Low Medium Residential
Distdct (4-8 dwelling units per acre), located on the south side of Eighth Street between
Cucamonga Creek Channel and Hellman Avenue - APN: 209-151-27, 209-151-37, and
209-161-24.
Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer, presented the staff report.
Chairman McNiel opened the public headng.
Bret Gove, Banyan Realty, 2 Venture, Suite G, Ontario stated he would have the engineer comment.
Travis Vincent, Huitt-Zollars, 1101 South Milliken Avenue, Suite G, Ontado, reported the applicant
agrees with all the conditions.
Hearing no further testimony, Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing.
Motion: Moved by Stewart, seconded by Macias, to issue a Negative Declaration and adopt the
resolution approving Parcel Map 14872. Motion carried bythe following vote:
AYES: MAClAS, MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE - carded
F. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TIME EXTENSION FOR VESTING TENTATIVE
TRACT 15477 - MATREYEK TRUST - A request for an extension of a previously approved
residential subdivision for condominium purposes and design review for the development of
153 detached condominium units on 20.15 acres of land in the Medium and Medium-High
Residential Districts (8-14 and 14-24 dwelling units per acre, respectively), located at the
northeast comer of Base Line Road and Milliken Avenue - APN: 227-691-01. Related File:
Variance 94-05.
G. TIME EXTENSION FOR VARIANCE 94-05 - MATREYEK TRUST - A request for extension of
a previously approved variance to reduce the required minimum building separation from 15
feet to 8 feet and to increase the distance for the closest visitor parking space from a dwelling
unit from a maximum of 150 feet to 240 feet for a proposed 153-unit detached condominium
project on 20.15 acres of land in the Medium and Medium-High Residential Districts (8-14 and
14-24 dwelling units per acre, respectively), located at the northeast comer of Base Line Road
and Milliken Avenue - APN: 227-691-01. Related File: Vesting Tentative Tract 15477.
Planning Commission Minutes -4- December 8, 1999
Dan Coleman, Principal Planner, presented the staff report.
Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing. Hearing no testimony, he closed the hearing. He
asked if the project is architecturally consistent with current codes.
Mr. Coleman confirmed that it is.
Motion: Moved by Mannerino, seconded by Tolstoy, to issue a Negative Declaration and adopt the
resolutions approving Time Extension for Vesting Tentative Tract 15477, Time Extension for Design
Review of Vesting Tentative Tract 15477, and Time Extension for Variance 94-05. Motion carded
by the following vote:
AYES: MAClAS, MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE - carried
H. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TENTATIVE TRACT 15993 - WESTERN PACIFIC
HOUSING - A residential subdivision of 94 single family lots on 18 acres of land in the Low-
Medium Residential District (4-8 dwelling units per acre) of the Victoria Community Plan,
located on the northwest comer of Base Line Road and Day Creek Boulevard - APN: 227-O91-
21 through 24. Related File: Development Review 99-45.
I. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW 99-45 - WESTERN
PACIFIC HOUSING - The design review of building elevations and detailed site plan for
Tentative Tract map 15993, consisting of 94 single family lots on 18 acres of land in the Low-
Medium Residential District (4-8 dwelling units per acre) of the Victoda Community Plan,
located on the northwest comer of Base Line Road and Day Creek Boulevard
APN: 227-091-21 through24. Related File: Tentative Tract 15993.
Dan Coleman, Principal Planner indicated staff recommends a continuance to January 12, 2000, to
allow the applicant time to address a letter from the Department of Fish and Game which was
submitted November 24, 1999.
Chairman McNiel asked if the applicant was in agreement with the continuation request.
Mr. Coleman replied affirmatively.
Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing.
Motion: Moved by Mannedno, seconded by Stewart, to continue Tentative Tract 15993 and
Development Review 99-45 to January 12, 2000. Motion carded bythe following vote:
AYES; MAClAS, MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE - carded
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments at this time.
Planning Commission Minutes -5- December 8, 1999
COMMISSION BUSINESS
J. GENERAL PLAN UPDATE PROGRESS
Brad Bullet, City Planner, reported that the Task Force will meet in January. He said staff had sent
letters to some of the major stakeholders regarding the preferred land use plan. He indicated that
staff will host meetings with individual property owners of parcels where changes are recommended.
He reported two notices are being sent to each property owner, one via direct mail and the other via
certified mail. He indicated that the consultant and staff are also looking at new formats for the
General Plan to make it easier for the lay person to read.
Commissioner Tolstoy asked if there had been any discussion regarding illustrations and drawings.
Mr. Bullet replied that most likely more photographs will be used in lieu of artists' drawings but
graphics had not yet been addressed.
Commissioner Tolstoy felt that the first General Plan was good because attention was paid to
graphics.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by Mannerino, carried 5-0, to adjourn. The Planning
Commission adjourned at 7:45 p.m. to a workshop regarding development of the northwest comer
of Milliken Avenue and Sixth Street. The workshop adjourned at 9:22 p.m. and those minutes
appear separately.
Respectfully submitted,
Planning Commission Minutes -6- December 8, 1999
CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Regular Meeting
November 24, 1999
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning Commission for November 24, 1999, was
canceled due to lack of quorum.
Respectfully submitted,
CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Regular Meeting
November 10, 1999
Chairman McNiel called the Regular Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning
Commission to order at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was held in the Council Chamber at Rancho
Cucamonga Civic Center, 10500 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, California. Chairman
McNiel then led in the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL
COMMISSIONERS: PRESENT: John Mannedno, Lam/McNiel, Pam Stewart, Peter Tolstoy
ABSENT: Rich Macias
STAFF PRESENT: Laura Bonaccorsi, Associate Park Planner; Brad Bullet, City Planner, Dan
Coleman, Principal Planner; Kevin Ennis, Assistant City Attorney; Nancy
Fong, Senior Planner; Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer; Brent Le Count,
Associate Planner; Debra Meier, Contract Planner; Warren Morelion,
Assistant Planner, Gall Sanchez, Planning Commission Secreta~; Rebecca
Van Buren, Associate Planner;, Associate Planner
ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTION OF COMMENDATION TO REBECCA VAN BUREN
Chairman McNiel presented the Resolution of Commendation to Ms. Van Buren. He stated that
the City has been fortunate to have exceptional planning staff for a long time.
Brad Buller, City Planner, announced that Associate Planner Brent Le Count had been named as
the Employee of the Month for November.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: Moved by Mannerino, seconded by Stewart, carried 3-0-1-1 (Macias absent, Tolstoy
abstain), to approve the minutes of September 29, 1999, Adjourned Special Meeting.
Motion: Moved by Stewart, seconded by Mannerino, carded 4-0-1 (Macias absent), to approve
the minutes of October 13, 1999.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A. DISPOSITION OF CITY OWNED PROPERTY WITHIN TRACT 14380 - MASTERCRAFT
CUCAMONGA I, LLC - A request to find the quit claiming of Lot A of Tract 14380 in
conformance with the General Plan - APN: 225-461-61.
Motion; Moved by Mannerino, seconded by Tolstoy, carded 4-O-1 (Macias absent), to adopt the
Consent Calendar.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
B. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TENTATIVE TRACT 14759- RANCHO SUMMIT-
The proposed subdivision of 132 acres of land into 358 single family lots and 3 lettered lots
for common open space/parks totaling 18.3 acres in the Low Residential Distdct (2-4 dwelling
units per acre) of the Etiwanda Specific Plan, located on the east and west sides of Wardman
Bullock Road, north and south of Summit Avenue - APN: 226-102-17. Staff has prepared
a Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration.
Brent Le Count, Associate Planner, presented the staff report and suggested changes to the
resolution to clarify the location of the entry monument and to provide for the formation of a
Communities Facilities Distdct to provide for maintenance of parklands and parkways. He
reported that staff received a voice mail message from the United States Department of Fish and
Wildlife indicating they still had the same concerns they had expressed in their letter. He indicated
staff believed the developer's biologist had adequately addressed those concerns.
Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing.
Para Steele, Hogle Ireland, 4200 Latham Street, Suite B, Riverside, stated she was representing
Lennar Homes. She said they had worked through the issues with staff. She introduced Bill
Storm of Lennar Homes, Danny Brose of Rancho Summit, and Ray Allard of Allard Engineering
and said they were available to answer questions.
Commissioner Stewart asked if the 800-foot cul-de-sac street issue had been resolved.
Ms. Steele indicated the 800-foot street was the final design recommended after meetings with
staff.
Hearing no further testimony, Chairman McNiel closed the public headng.
Commissioner Mannerino stated that he found it frustrating to receive clevedy crafted letters from
Fish and Wildlife in which they oppose without opposing and express concerns without expressing
concerns. He thought the agency should say what its concerns are and found the submitted letter
to be of no help.
Commissioner Tolstoy agreed.
Chairman McNiel felt the project had been worked beyond what was necessary and itwas as good
as it would get.
Planning Commission Minutes -2- November 10, 1999
Motion: Moved by Mannerino, seconded by Tolstoy, to issue a Negative Declaration and adopt
the resolution approving Tentative Tract 14759 with modifications suggested by staff. Motion
carried by the following vote:
AYES: MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY
NOES: NONE
· ABSENT: MACIAS - carried
C. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TENTATIVE TRACT 16001 - LEWIS APARTMENT
COMMUNITIES - A proposed subdivision of 10 numbered lots and 4 lettered lots on 23.u
acres of land for condominium purposes in the Medium-High Residential (14-24 dwelling
units per acre); within the Terra Vista Community Plan generally bounded by Elm and Spruce
Avenues, Church Street, and the future La Mission Park - APN: 1077-791-01 through 09 and
1077-801-01through 10. Related file: Development Review99-19.
D. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW 99-19 - LEWIS
APARTMENT COMMUNITIES - The design review of 358 condo~[-,inium units on 23.5 acre=.
in the Medium-High Residential (14-24 dwelling units per acre); within the Terra Vista
Community Plan generally bounded by Elm and Spruce Avenues, Church Street, and the
future La Mission Park - APN: 1077-791-01 through 09 AND 1077-801-01 through 10.
Related file: Tentative Tract 16001.
Debra Meier, Contract Planner, presentedthe staff report.
Commissioner Tolstoy observed that the land was being subdivided for condominium purposes
and he questioned if the buildings conform with the condominium standards. He asked if the
development will be phased.
Ms. Meier replied that condominium standards are met. She presumed there would be phasing
but said that staff had not received a phasing plan.
Commissioner Tolstoy was concerned about the phasing and the introduction of the amenities.
Ms. Meier pointed out that the applicant is conditioned to have La Mission Park completed and
accepted by the City pdor to occupancy or prior to issuance of building permits for 50 percent of
the buildings.
Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing.
David Lewis, Lewis Apartment Communities, 1156 North Mountain Avenue, Upland, stated they
are excited about the project and La Mission Park. He reported they plan to build in three phases
but they will closely follow each other.
Chairman McNiel asked which amenities would go with each phase.
Mr. Lewis replied they intend to construct the recreation building and swimming pool with the first
phase.
Planning Commission Minutes -3- November 10, 1999
Brad Bullet, City Planner, stated it may be appropriate to add a condition that any phasing plan.
be submitted for City Planner approval. He indicated staff felt amenities in the area of each
phasing section should be completed with that phase and the recreation building should be in the
first phase.
Commissioner Mannerino asked if that would be acceptable to the applicant.
Mr. Lewis responded that it was.
Hearing no further public testimony, Chairman McNiel closed the public headng.
Commissioner Tolstoy indicated he will be was looking forward to the construction of La Mission
Park.
Motion: Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by Stewart, to issue a negative declaration and adopt the
resolutions approving Tentative Tract 16001 and Development Review 99-19 with modification to
require City Planner approval for any phasing plan. Motion carded by the following vote:
AYES: MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MACIAS - carried
E. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 99-42 - TOMRA
PACIFIC, INC. - A request to install a baling press within an existing recycling facility on 2.49
acres of land in Subarea 5 of the Industrial Area Specific Plan, located at 9910 East 6th
Street- APN: 209-21-43.
Warren Morelion, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report.
Chairman McNiel opened the public headng.
Chuck Buquet, Charles Joseph Associates, 10681 Foothill Boulevard, Suite 394, Rancho
Cucamonga, stated he was representing Tomra Pacific, Inc. He requested approval.
Commissioner Tolstoy asked if the bins used to store bales will be open or closed.
Mr. Buquet stated they will be able to run the materials through the baler upon receipt and store
the bales inside the warehouse.
Commissioner Tolstoy questioned if odors are a problem because of the food stuffs and moisture
inside.
Mr. Buquet replied that enough time would have already passed since the materials were
collected, so that they would mostly be dded out.
Hearing no further testimony, Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing.
Planning Commission Minutes -4- November 10, 1999
Commissioner Tolstoy commented that it is important to recycle as much as possible to reduce
the amount of waste going to landfills. He said he was concerned about noise, but the issue
appeared to have been addressed.
Motion: Moved by Stewart, seconded by Mannerino, to issue a negative declaration and adopt
the resolution approving Conditional Use Permit 99-42. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MAClAS - carried
DIRECTOR'S REPORTS
Brad Bullet, City Planner, suggested bypassing Item F as the applicant had not yet arrived.
G. DAY CREEK BOULEVARD SCENIC/RECREATION CORRIDOR MASTER PLAN - A review
of the conceptual design of the future Day Creek Boulevard.
Nancy Fong, Senior Planner, presented the staff report.
Commissioner Tolstoy asked for clarification on the "adopt a sidewalk" concept.
Brad Bullet, City Planner, stated that if a community member would like to provide art or a change
of pavements, the City will entertain the idea.
Chairman McNiel invited public comments.
Larry Ryan, RJM Design Group, Inc., 31591 Camino, San Juan Capistrano, thanked staff and said ,
he was available to answer questions. He showed an overview of Day Creek Boulevard plans.
There were no further public comments.
Commissioner Tolstoy felt they were doing a wonderful job.
Commissioner Stewart agreed.
Motion: Moved by Mannerino, seconded by Stewart, to approve the Day Creek Boulevard Master
Plan by minute action. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MACIAS - carded
H. LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT ISSUES PERTAINING TO TENTATIVE TRACT
15711 - PACIFIC COMMUNITIES - Consideration of an alternate sidewalk and tree planting
concept for the approved 283 lot subdivision on 80.39 acres of land in the Low-Medium
Residential district (4-8 dwelling units per acre) of the Etiwanda Specific Plan, generally
Planning Commission Minutes -5- November 10, 1999
located north of Foothill Boulevard, east of Etiwanda Avenue, south of the Interstate 15
Freeway, and west of East Avenue - APN: 1100-141-01 and 02, 1100-171-01 and 13, 1100-
181-01 and 04, and 1100-201-01.
Laura Bonaccorsi presented the staff report. She indicated that a representative for Pacific
Communities could not be present at the meeting, but they had conveyed support for the proposal.
Commissioner Tolstoy commented that Ms. Bonaccorsi was responsible for so much of the
rockscape areas in the City and noted that Rancho Cucamonga is a community of rocks;
therefore, rocks are a part of our heritage.
Chairman McNiel invited public comments but there were none.
Commissioner Stewart was glad that staff had indicated this concept would not be routine. She
felt the design was appropriate in this situation, but not as an overall concept.
Commissioner Mannerino felt the City must be cognizant of conservation.
Chairman McNiel indicated he does not like the concept. He understood the reasoning for its use
in this instance but he also felt other developers will push for it.
Commissioner Tolstoy indicated he does not like curb-adjacent sidewalks but he felt this
development will be a good test case. He stated the City Engineer had indicated it would allow
more landscaping than would be possible otherwise.
Motion: Moved by Mannerino, seconded by Stewart, to support staff's recommendations for an
alternate sidewalk and tree planting concept for Tentative Tract 15711. Motion carried by the
following vote:
AYES: MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MACIAS - carried
F. MASI PLAZA - A review of interpretation of Recreational Commercial land uses.
Commissioner Mannedno indicated he would need to recuse himself from the discussion because
of past and current representation of the applicant.
Nancy Fong, Senior Planner, presented the staff report.
Chairman McNiel invited public comment.
Michael Scandiffio, Masi Plaza, 11871 Foothill Boulevard, Rancho Cucamonga, stated they have
78,000 square feet coming on line in the next 90 days with another 20,000 square feet to follow.
He said it was his understanding that staff supports a General Plan Amendment allowing for
General Commercial in connection with the General Plan update process. He indicated they could
not wait that long because they have outstanding construction loans at this time. He said they
need the flexibility to allow for retail to be smaller than 2,000 square feet as they had been
approached by a specialty sports clothing store for2,000 square feet and two Christian bookstores
Planning Commission Minutes -6- November 10, 1999
for 2,800 and 3,500 square feet, respectively. He said those uses would be allowed under the
General Commercial designation. Mr. Scandiffio acknowledged that the 3,500 square foot
minimum was what he requested at the time the amendment was processed in the early 1990s
but he believed that retailing has changed since the amendment was first adopted and retailers
are now smaller. He stated they agree with staff's interpretations other than on the size.
Chairman McNiel thought they already had stores at less than 2,000 square feet.
Mr. Scandiffio stated they have some people smaller than that but they were classified as service
uses. He said the intent of Masi Plaza was to not have big boxes and the largest building is
40,000 square feet. He requested that the Commission agree with staff to allow a liberal
interpretation of the uses and allow spaces down to 2,000 square feet. He said they could not sit
with vacant spaces until implementation of zoning changes in connection with the General Plan
update process.
Chairman McNiel noted that staff has recommended flexibility of 10 percent under the 3,500
square feet.
Mr. Scandiffio said that was not the kind of demand they are getting. He said they have smaller
buildings and he requested a minimum of 2,000 square feet.
Chairman McNiel stated that the smaller shops are the ones which are vacant in other centers,
such as Foothill Marketplace and Terra Vista.
Mr. Scandiffio acknowledged they are vacant, but said they are only 1,100 to 1,200 square feet
and he wants 2,000 to 2,500 square feet. He said those centers don't provide the proper
configuration for smaller stores.
There were no additional public comments.
Chairman McNiel recalled that the numbers were at the request of the applicant at the time the
amendment was adopted. He asked staff if there was any reasoning for 2,000 square feet not
to be an applicable number.
Brad Bullet, City Planner, noted that the definition of Recreational Commercial was included on
Page F5 of the staff report. He said staff recommended that a liberal interpretation be applied to
the definition that uses do not have to be sports or recreation related retail to fit under the
category. He noted that the definition includes a statement as to the general gross leasable area
as being 3,500 to 55,000 square feet. He asked how far the Commission wished to interpret the
range. He said staff suggested a 10 percent variance because the minor exception allowance is
10 percent. He said he does not personally have an objection to a 2,000 square foot retail use
in that center. He felt the size would not necessarily change the type of user because stores
come in varied sizes, such as bookstores could be anywhere from 1,000 square feet to 5,000
square feet. He indicated the uses described by the applicant come in a variety of different sizes.
He said staff is open to following the Commission's direction and the Commission may wish to
lower the size. He confirmed that staff supports straight commercial but the applicant has not
wanted to apply for a General Plan Amendment and wants to work through the City process.
Commissioner Stewart asked if the City Planner can approve a use at 2,000 square feet.
Planning Commission Minutes -7- November 10, 1999
Mr. Bullet replied that the Commission could give direction to allow that, but he felt that if the
Commission indicates 2,000 square feet is an acceptable minimum, there would be requests for'
even smaller spaces.
Commissioner Stewart said she did not personally have a problem with 2,000 square feet.
· Chairman McNiel commented that the project has been redesigned numerous times over the last
several years. He suggested going with staff's 10 percent recommendation with requests for
larger discrepancies coming before the Commission on a Consent Calendar basis.
Mr. Buller suggested it be placed under Director's Report with no public headng.
Commissioner Tolstoy asked why the applicant doesn't request a change.
Mr. Buller believed the issue is the timing and cost of the process of an amendment.
Commissioner Tolstoy stated that the City has massaged the project many times. He felt it would
be to the benefit of the applicant if they requested a zone change so they could have the kind of
retail they desire.
Commissioner Stewart suggested working with staff.
Mr. Bullet said the applicant wondered why staff selected 10 percent as the variance. He noted
the Development Code allows the City Planner to look at vadous standards and approve projects
within 10 percent of the standards with the Commission being required to review anything above
10 percent as a variance. He said that did not limit the Commission and the Commission could
go ahead and direct a lower number.
Commissioner Tolstoy felt that if the Commission allows 2,000 square feet, it would be inviting
requests for even smaller spaces.
Mr. Buller said it would eventually be staff's recommendation that they be allowed to go as small
as they wish.
Chairman McNiel asked the pitfalls.
Mr. Buller did not believe there are any.
Commissioner Stewart said the positive thing would be that staff would not have to bring projects
before the Commission and that would ease the burden on staff.
Mr. Bullet said this would be an intedm interpretation that would allow staff to work with the
applicant in trying to fill out the center.
Commissioner Tolstoy stated the complexion of the project has completely changed from what
was originally envisioned. He asked if the City Planner could go to 1,800 square feet if the
Commission states 2,000 square feet.
Mr. Bullet suggested the Commission could request that anything below that be brought before
the Commission.
Planning Commission Minutes -8- November 10, 1999
Commissioner Tolstoy commented he dislikes very small retail spaces because they tend to have
a high turnover, which often results in unused small spaces.
Chairman McNiel agreed that is a current problem with many of the centers in the City.
Commissioner Tolstoy suggested allowing stores as small as 2,000 square feet with no 10 percent
· leeway.
Commissioner Stewart agreed. She felt that would save staff time. She thought it appears to be
the flavor of the center. She agreed with staff's other recommendations.
Motion: Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by Stewart, to follow staff's recommendations with respect
to land uses and allow retail uses at a minimum of 2,000 square feet with no allowance for under
2,000 square feet.
Chairman McNiel asked the applicant if that was acceptable.
Mr. Scandiffio and Jack Masi agreed.
Chairman McNiel called for the question. Motion carded by the following vote:
AYES: MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MAClAS
ABSTAIN: MANNERINO - carded
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Sheree Thomas, address unknown, stated she lives in the community immediately south of
Rancho Cucamonga High School. She said the builder is not building homes up to code and the
homeowners have joined together to sue the builder. She asked who is responsible for
overseeing the construction of housing to see that it is built up to code.
Brad Buller, City Planner, asked what project is involved and the type of discrepancies.
Ms. Thomas said the roofing was not adequate and a lot of the homeowners had to redo their
roofs to avoid leaking and carpeting was not installed properly. She said it is at Victoria Park Lane
west of Rochester Boulevard.
Mr. Buller stated there are several means by which the City ensures that projects are built to code.
He indicated that cosmetic interior items are customer service issues and most new home
developments have some customer complaints. He indicated that type of workmanship complaint
must be addressed with the builder. He said the City Building Official could look at the issues
related to roofs.
Chairman McNiel stated the Citywould have no authority unless it is a code violation. He said that
if roofs are failing, that needs to be fixed. He suggested Ms. Thomas contact the City Building
Official.
Planning Commission Minutes -9- November 10, 1999
COMMISSION BUSINESS
I. GENERAL PLAN UPDATE PROGRESS
Brad Bullet, City Planner, stated the General Plan Task Force reviewed the land use plans and
supported those uses. He indicated the environmental review process has begun. He said there
has been a community meeting relating to the community service surveys regarding what
recreational services are in the City and which ones residents would like to have. He reported the
City will work with major land holders to get feedback.
Mr. Bullet provided an article from the Los Anqeles Times regarding luxury apartments.
At the request of Chairman McNiel, Mr. Buller showed a video of the tour of a JPI apartment
project in San Diego.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Moved by Mannedno, seconded by Stewart to adjourn. The Planning Commission
adjourned at 8:45 p.m. to a special meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission at 7:00 p.m.
on Tuesday, November 23, in lieu of the regularly scheduled meeting on November 24.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary
Planning Commission Minutes -10- November 10, 1999
CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Regular Meeting
October 27, 1999
Chairman McNiel called the Regular Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning
Commission to order at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was held in the Council Chamber at Rancho
Cucamonga Civic Center, 10500 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, California. Chairman
McNiel then led in the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL
COMMISSIONERS: PRESENT: Rich Macias (arrived 7:13 p.m.), Larry McNiel, Para Stewart,
Peter Tolstoy
ABSENT: John Mannerino
STAFF PRESENT: Brad Buller, City Planner; Dan Coleman, Principal Planner; Kevin Ennis,
Assistant City Attorney; Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer;, Brent Le Count,
Associate Planner;, Gall Sanchez, Planning Commission Secretary; Emily
Wimer, Assistant Planner
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
At the suggestion of the Assistant City Attorney, no action was taken on the minutes of
September 29, 1999, Adjourned Special Meeting.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Brad Buller, City Planner, announced that there were several letters in front of the Planning
Commission requesting continuance regarding Items A, C, and D.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TENTATIVE TRACT 14759- RANCHO SUMMIT-
The proposed subdivision of 132 acres of land into 358 single family lots and 3 lettered lots
for common open space/parks totaling 28.7 acres in the Low Residential District (2-4 dwelling
units per acre) of the Etiwanda Specific Plan, located on the east and west sides of Wardman
Bullock Road, north and south of Summit Avenue -APN: 226-102-17.
Chairman McNiel observed that the City's Engineering Division had requested the Item be
continued until November 10, 1999, and the applicant had presented a letter agreeing to the
continuance. He noted that the public headng was open.
There were no comments.
Motion: Moved by Stewart, seconded by Tolstoy, to continue Tentative Tract 14759 until
November 10, 1999. Motion corded by the following vote:
AYES: MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY
· NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MAClAS, MANNERINO - carded
B. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TIME EXTENSION FOR TENTATIVE TRACT 13796
- LEWIS HOMES MANAGEMENT CORP. - A request for an extension of a previously
approved tentative tract map including design review for the development of 111
condominium units on 7.92 acres of land in the Medium Residential designation (8-14 units
per acre) of the Terra Vista Planned Community, located on the south side of Mountain View
Drive, east of Milliken Avenue - APN: 227-151-32.
Chairman McNiel noted that the project had been withdrawn by the applicant and no action was
requested.
C. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TENTATIVE TRACT NO.15993 - WESTERN
PACIFIC HOUSING - A residential subdivision of 94 single family lots on 18 acres of land in
the Low-Medium Residential District (4-8 dwelling units per acre) of the Victoria Community
Plan, located on the northwest comer of Base Line Road and Day Creek Boulevard - APN:
227-091-21 through 24. Related File: Development Review 99-45.
D. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW 99-45 - WESTERN
PACIFIC HOUSING - The design review of building elevations and detailed site plan for
Tentative Tract map 15993, consisting of 94 single family lots on 18 acres of land in the Low-
Medium Residential District (4-8 dwelling units per acre) of the Victoda Community Plan,
located on the northwest comer of Base Line Road and Day Creek Boulevard -
APN: 227-091-21 through 24. Related File: Tentative Tract 15993.
Chairman McNiel indicated that the applicant had requested a continuance to an unspecified date
and the matter would be re-advertised when it is rescheduled.
Motion: Moved by Stewart, seconded by Tolstoy, to indefinitely continue Tentative Tract 15993
and Development Review 99-45. Motion carded by the following vote:
AYES: MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MACIAS, MANNERINO - carried
E. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTAND TIME EXTENSION FOR TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP
14038 - MAPLE PLACE PARTNERS, LLC - A request for an extension and modification of
the standard conditions of approval of a previously approved tentative parcel map for the
Planning Commission Minutes -2- October 27, 1999
subdivision of 2.4 acres of land into 4 parcels in the General Industrial District (Subarea 8)_
of the Industrial Area Specific Plan, located at the northeast comer of Arrow Route and Maple
Place - APN: 208-961-11. Related files: Development Review 99-33 and Variance 99-08.
F. VARIANCE 99-08 - MAPLE PLACE PARTNERS - A request to reduce the required 5-foot
intedor rear building setback to zero feet for a new industrial building on 2.4 acres of land in
the General Industrial District (Subarea 8) of the Industrial Area Specific Plan, located at the
northeast comer of Arrow Route and Maple Place - APN: 208-961-11. Related files:
Development Review 99-33 and Parcel Map 14038.
NEW BUSINESS
G. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW 99-33- MAPLE PLACE
PARTNERS - The development of four industrial buildings totaling 49,930 square feet on 2.4
acres of land in the General Industrial District (Subarea 8) of the Industrial Area Specific Plan,
located at the northeast comer of Arrow Route and Maple Place - APN: 208-961-11. Related
files: Variance 99-08 and Parcel Map 14038.
Brent Le Count, Associate Planner, presented the staff report and indicated that staff was
suggesting a change to the resolution for Parcel Map 14038 to clarify that Standard Conditions
No. A.7 and G.4 from Planning Commission No. 92-115 were being deleted.
Commissioner Macias arrived.
Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing.
Peter Pitassi, AIA, 8439 White Oak Avenue, Suite 105, Rancho Cucamonga, stated he
represented the owner of the property. He requested approval and expressed appreciation for
the cooperation of staff and the Design Review Committee.
Commissioner Tolstoy felt it is a good project.
Chairman McNiel indicated he had taken a tour with the project proponent prior to the Design
Review Committee meeting and he felt it will be a good project.
Motion: Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by Stewart, to issue a Negative Declaration and adopt the
resolutions approving Time Extension for Parcel Map 14038, with the modified condition
suggested by staff; Vadance 99-08, and Development Review 99-33. Motion carried by the
following vote:
AYES: MAClAS, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MANNERINO - carried
DIRECTOR'S REPORTS
H. USE DETERMINATION 99-04 - MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE THRIFT STORE - A
request to determine that a second-hand store is similar to General Retail Store, which is a
permitted use within the Neighborhood Commercial Distdct of the Development Code.
Planning Commission Minutes -3- October 27, 1999
Emily VVimer, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report.
Brad Bullet, City Planner, remarked that in reviewing the request, staff recognized that some
second-hand and thrift stores have opened in the area with no negative impacts on the centers
where they are located. He thought it may be appropriate for the Planning Commission to
consider whether restrictions should be removed or lessened with respect to such uses. He
suggested the Commission may wish to direct staff to clarify the definitions.
Chairman McNiel invited public comment.
Start Long, Chairman of Southern California Festival and Sale, 795 North Laurel Avenue, Upland,
stated the function of the thrift store is to raise money for world hunger and relief. He indicated
the thrift store is an outreach of the Mennonite Central Committee. He reported they have 50 thrift
stores throughout the United States and Canada and they have guidelines on how to set up. He
felt the Sunrise Center would be an ideal location because it is a busy center and he indicated
they have had a good response since the word got out that they would be locating there. He said
they also have an annual Festival and Sale in Upland.
Chairman McNiel asked if any of the thrift stores are located in Southern California.
Mr. Long replied they have one in Wrigley, California and another in Oregon. He said the thrift
stores operate in conjunction with each other and they carry new items as well as second hand
items.
Commissioner Stewart asked what percentage of the goods in the store would be new.
Mr. Long replied it may average 25 percent.
Commissioner Tolstoy observed the operation is non-profit. He asked where the second hand
merchandise comes from.
Mr. Long responded it is donated.
Commissioner Tolstoy asked if there are plans to move the Festival to this location.
Mr. Long replied that the Festival and Sale will remain in Upland as it draws upwards of 2,000
people at a time.
Commissioner Stewart asked if the donated products would be dropped off at the thrift store.
Mr. Long indicated they could. He said they have volunteers and staff who would sort through the
donations to determine if they wish to sell the items.
Commissioner Stewart asked what would happen to those items that they do not wish to accept
for the store.
Mr. Long replied some items may go in the trash bin or they would be donated to other thrift stores
or programs.
Commissioner Macias asked when donations could be dropped off.
Planning Commission Minutes -4- October 27, 1999
Mr. Long replied that items could only be during business hours and that they could also arrange
for pick up of larger items. He said the goods are accepted by supervisors at the store.
Thomas Bandy, Bandy-Shryer, 20709 Golden Springs Drive, Suite 101, Diamond Bar, stated he
is the property manager for Sunrise Center. He reported they leased the space to the applicant
only after determining that no collection bins would be placed in the parking lot. He said Sunrise
is a family owned center and they try to keep the canter clean. He thought the thrift store would
be a benefit to the community and said they would not allow a pawn shop. He asked approval of
the use.
Harold Groffi110720 Sundance Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, stated the thrift store is a religious,
philanthropic organization which is currently aiding the refuges in Yugoslavia. He said it is tied to
the local Brethren in Christ church. He commented there is a great variety of stores in Sunrise
Center and he asked for approval.
Scoff Dexter, 400 North Marshall Avenue, Upland, indicated he is the attorney for the thrift store.
He said the store is not a singly owned, for-profit business but is linked to a national organization
with precise standards for displaying goods. He stated second-hand stores and pawn shops
typically operate on a consignment basis whereas this thrift shop would handle donated items.
He indicated the donations are tax deductible. He reported that the thrift store will operate as the
headquarters for Southern California Festival and Sale and he noted that Section 17.10.030
allows political or philanthropic headquarters as a permitted use in the center. He urged the
Planning Commission to approve the use.
Commissioner Stewart asked what would be involved in having the headquarters located there.
Mr. Dexter replied that Mr. Long is the Chairman of the Festival and plans to handle festival
business through phone and mail service. He did not believe there would be any additional staff
required to handle festival business.
Commissioner Stewart expressed concerns regarding the parking and questioned if there would
be an elaborate marketing campaign to draw clientele.
Mr. Long felt there could be approximately 35 to 45 patrons per day with perhaps more on the
weekends. He felt there is ample parking available. He said most of the drawwould be through
church letters and they would also advertise in the Sunrise Center ad which appears in the Friday
newspaper.
Commissioner Tolstoy felt the center would be busier in the evenings because most of the pizza
parlor business would be at night.
Mr. Long indicated the thrift shop hours would be the same as Sweet Mercantile, probably 9 a.m.
to 6 p.m.
Chairman McNiel asked how many square feet they would be using.
Mr. Long replied 3,500.
Herman Remple, P. O. Box 505, Rancho Cucamonga, supported the thrift store. He stated there
had been a thrift store in Upland connected to another charity. He thought most of the clientele
for the store will come from Rancho Cucamonga. He indicated that many times antiques come
Planning Commission Minutes -5- October 27, 1999
in. He pointed out that when the City was first incorporated, the Planning Commission restricted
second hand stores in an effort to avoid pawn shops or stores dealing pdmadly in second hand
fumiture and appliances. He felt the thdff shop will be an asset to the center.
There was no further public testimony.
· Chairman McNiel asked if the use determination would affect more than just this center.
Mr. Bullet responded that the matter before the Commission was a use question, not site specific.
He indicated the Commission may wish to define cdteda on where the use could be located
because there may be some neighborhood centers where the use would not be appropriate. He
asked if the Commission had the same concerns which were raised in the past.
Commissioner Macias asked that staff expand upon why the Development Code identifies second-
hand stores and pawn shops as distinct and separate from general retail and why they are
permitted in General Commercial areas but not Neighborhood Commercial.
Mr. Bullet said he was not sure what the initial thinking was when the code was adopted, but staff
had requested clarification in 1995 that a thdff store and second-hand store are synonymous. He
indicated that when this request was received, staff researched the matter and came to the
conclusion that such stores were permitted in areas with higher traffic patterns because they are
along major streets. He agreed that Base Line Road and Carnelian Avenue are major streets.
Commissioner Macias stated he was not trying to put staff in an awkward position but he rather
just wanted to cladfy the issues. He said he saw a request to open a store which will have
customers and he did not have a feel that what was described was inconsistent with the
commerce that is occurring in the center today. He did not feel traffic will be an issue.
CommissionerTolstoy stated that when the Development Code was first adopted, the Commission
couldn't define the difference between a junk store and a thdft store. He felt that there could now
be a distinction between a thdff store and a junk store. He did not want junk stores or pawn shops
because he didn't feel the type of people who frequent pawn shops should be in Neighborhood
centers. He thought the time had come to define categories of thdff store, second-hand store, and
junk store. He felt a Neighborhood Center would be a good location for the proposed use, but he
felt the City needs some guidelines in order to assure that someone doesn't come in and put in
a "for-profit" thdft store and then turn it into a junk store. He asked if it would be proper to allow
non-profit thdff stores under a conditional use permit.
Kevin Ennis, Assistant City Attorney, indicated the Commission could certainly direct staff to
initiate a Development Code Amendment to allow such uses under a Conditional Use Permit.
With respect to defining criteda to qualify what is meant by a thdff store as separate from a junk
store, he thought there may be criteria; however, to limit conditional use permits for Neighborhood
Commercial centers to only thdff stores operated by non-profit entities would not be appropriate
because the question is a land use question and should not consider the type of owner.
Commissioner Tolstoy hoped the Commission could determine how to separate a thdff store from
a pawn shop or a junk store. He felt a thdft store would be appropriate in that center.
Mr. Buller said that staff believes the current definitions do not support that thdff stores are general
retail. He felt second hand stores are currently tied to pawn shops, and he suggested that the
uses be redefined to separate them. He said that if the Commission felt the use as described by
Planning Commission Minutes -6- October 27, 1999
the applicant would be a good use in any Neighborhood Center subject to a conditional use
permit, then staffwould attempt to define the criteria and the process for that approval. He said'
that project could then move forward. He noted that one speaker had suggested that the
Commission allow the thrift store because the location will also be used as a philanthropic
headquarters, which is a permitted use. Mr. Bullet felt that the primary use as described by the
applicant is a thrift store with the headquarters being an ancillary use. He said he would have a
· difficult time making a determination that the thrift store use is ancillary to the headquarters use.
Chairman McNiel agreed that would not be appropriate.
Mr. Buller said that if the Commission feels it is an appropriate use for the center, staff would still
need to process an amendment because it is not clear as a permitted use as the Code currently
reads.
Motion: Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by Macias, to direct staff to initiate an amendment to the
Development Code to define thrift store, second-hand store, and pawn shop uses with the intent
of permitting thrift stores in Neighborhood Commercial centers, but not second-hand stores or
pawn shops.
Commissioner Stewart asked that the use be a conditionally permitted use.
Mr. Buller said staff had debated whether to make such a use permitted or conditionally permitted.
He thought some concerns that may be considered would be what to do about potential drop-off
of goods and staff thought it may be possible to make it a permitted use if those concerns could
be adequately addressed. He noted that a conditional use permit would give the City leverage
to control hours of operation or other matters.
Chairman McNiel felt the Commission preferred a conditional use permit basis to allow the City
to look at a use which may change because of its nature.
Commissioner Tolstoy pointed out that the Friends of the Library runs a second-hand store.
Chairman McNiel called for the vote. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: MACIAS, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MANNERINO - carried
COMMISSION BUSINESS
I. TRAIL PRIORITIES
Dan Coleman, Principal Planner, presented the staff report.
Commissioner Tolstoy noted that the list did not mention the trail connection from Demens Creek
to Amethyst Avenue.
Mr. Coleman replied they had not included it on the list because the Riding Club was aware that
the City is working with the County Flood Control District on it.
Planning Commission Minutes -7- October 27, 1999
Commissioner Tolstoy was surprised it was not on the list because the trail is heavily used.
Mr. Coleman felt the Alta Loma Riding Club agrees with staff that the trail is the number one
pdodty but he believed the Riding Club thought it was taken care of.
Commissioner Tolstoy felt that trail should be the first pdority on the list.
Mr. Coleman reported staff had walked the trail alignment around the basin with personnel from
the County Flood Control District and found it is a doable project and is already landscaped.
Brad Buller, City Planner, stated the City Engineer oversees the budget for park fees and
beautification fees and the Engineer had indicated they are two sources of funds but they are very
limited sources because of competition for the funds.
Commissioner Tolstoy stated that the Riding Club is very vocal about the importance of trails to
the City.
It was the consensus of the Commission to refer the matter to the Trails Committee with its
comments to be returned to the Planning Commission at a future meeting.
J. GENERAL PLAN UPDATE PROGRESS
Brad Bullet, City Planner, reported that the General Plan Update Task Force would be meeting
on November 3 and they hoped to wrap up the discussions on the preferred land use plan so that
the environmental consultant can begin preparing the environmental impact report for those uses.
He said there will be greater clarification on what constitutes mixed uses and the possible
expansion of commercial uses along the 1-15 corridor.
Commissioner Tolstoy asked if the City has to participate in the funding of the Sixth Street on- and
off-ramps.
Mr. Bullet stated there is currently no funding for that interchange. He said it is planned for in the
City's General Plan and the City feels it is a critical interchange for traffic circulation to move
industrial truck traffic without burdening Fourth Street; however, the City will have an uphill battle
because it is very close to the Interstate 10 interchange.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Deon Jackson, 10,800 Plumas Road, Rancho Cucamonga, questioned what was happening with
the regional park.
Chairman McNiel stated that a park was designed approximately 10 years ago. He said those
plans were grandiose and the funding was to come from developer fees; however, development
slowed and the funds dried up. He indicated another committee has been set up to redesign the
park on a scaled-down version.
Planning Commission Minutes -8- October 27, 1999
Mr. Buller reported the City Council recently acted to place the matter on the ballot in 2000 to see
if residents support taxes to build the park,
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by Stewart, carried 4-0-1 (Mannerino absent) to adjourn.
The Planning Commission adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary
Planning Commission Minutes -9- October 27, 1999
CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Regular Meeting
October 13, 1999
Chairman McNiel called the Regular Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning
Commission to order at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was held in the Council Chamber at Rancho
Cucamonga Civic Center, 10500 Civic Center Ddve, Rancho Cucamonga, California. Chairman
McNiel then led in the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL
COMMISSIONERS: PRESENT: Rich Macias, John Mannerino, Larry McNiel, Para Stewart,
Peter Tolstoy
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Brad Bullet, City Planner, Dan Coleman, Principal Planner;, Kevin Ennis,
Assistant City Attorney; Nancy Fong, Senior Planner;, Donald Granger,
Planning Technician; Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer; Warren Morelion,
Assistant Planner; Salvador Salazar, Associate Planner;, Gail Sanchez,
Planning Commission Secretary
ANNOUNCEMENTS
There werenoannouncements.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: Moved by Mannedno, seconded by Stewart, ca~ed 4-0-~1 ~olstoy abstain), to approve
the minutes of We Adjourned Meeting of September 29, 1999.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 15320- MWH REALTY,
LTD. - A subdivision of 6.99 acres of land into 2 parcels in the Industrial Park Development
District (Subarea 6) and Haven Avenue Overlay District of the Industrial Area Specific Plan,
located on the northeast comer of Haven Avenue and Acacia Street - APN: 209-401-01.
Staff has prepared a Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration.
(Continued from September 8, 1999)
Chairman McNiel reported that the applicant had withdrawn the application and no action would
be taken by the Planning Commission.
B. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TENTATIVE TRACT 15948 - REGENT HOMES,
INC./BASELINE HOLDINGS, LLC - A residential subdivision of 40 single family lots on 9.75
acres of land in the Low Medium Residential Distdct (4-8 dwelling units per acre) within the
Victoria Community Plan, located on the south side of Base Line Road, 650 west of Etiwanda
Avenue - APN: 227-171- 003. Related file: Tree Removal Permit 99-06.
Warren Morelion, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report.
Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing.
Ed Sloman, KWC Engineers, Inc., 1269 West Pomona Road, Suite 104, Corona, stated he was
representing Baseline Holdings and Regent Homes. He indicated they concurred with the
conditions and he was available to answer questions.
Headng no further testimony, Chairman McNiel closed the public headng.
Commissioner Tolstoy asked staff if the length of the cul-de-sac is within City standards.
Mr. Morelion responded that it is.
Commissioner Tolstoy indicated that even though the street meets City standards, he hates to see
them that long. He hoped such a situation could be avoided in the future.
Commissioner Mannerino indicated that the area surrounding this project had been discussed by
the General Plan Update Task Force. He supported the use.
Commissioner Tolstoy supported the project but said he just doesn't like to see such long cul-de-
sacs because of possible problems for emergency vehicles.
Motion: Moved by Mannerino, seconded by Stewart, to issue a Negative Declaration and adopt
the resolution approving Tentative Tract 15948. Motion carded by the following vote:
AYES: MACIAS, MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE - carded
C. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TENTATIVE TRACT 15947 - REGENT HOMES,
INC. - A residential subdivision of 31 single family lots on 9.11 acres of land in Low Medium
Residential Distdct (4-8 dwelling units per acre) within the Etiwanda Specific Plan, located at
the southwest comer of Etiwanda Avenue and Base Line Road - APN: 227-171-004.
Related files: Conditional Use Permit 99-03 and Tree Removal Permit 99-05.
D. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 99-03- REGENT HOMES, INC. - The development of 31 single
family lots on 9.11 acres of land in the Low-Medium Residential District (4-8 dwelling units per
acre) within the Etiwanda Specific Plan and Etiwanda Avenue Oveday District, located at the
southwest comer of Etiwanda Avenue and Base Line Road - APN: 227-171-004. Related
files: Tentative Tract 15947 and Tree Removal Permit 99-06.
Planning Commission Minutes -2- October 13, 1999
Nancy Fong, Senior Planner, presented the staff report.
Commissioner Tolstoy asked if anything had been resolved regarding the wall along the southern
property boundary.
Ms. Fong replied that the adjacent property owner is aware of the situation but, so far, has not
agreed to cooperate.
Commissioner Tolstoy preferred the optimal solution shown on Exhibit "F."
Ms. Fong indicated that the project was conditioned for the applicant to make a good faith effort
to obtain authorization for the optimal solution shown.
Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing.
Ed SIoman, KWC Engineers, Inc., 1269 West Pomona Road, Suite 104, Corona, stated he was
representing Regent Homes. He agreed with the conditions of approval and mitigation measures
and indicated they will continue to work with the adjacent property owner.
Chairman McNiel asked if there is a dispute.
Mr. Sloman replied that a representative from Regent Homes has been in contact with the property
owner and he felt it is an education process.
Ms. Fong indicated she has called the neighboring property owner several times and had tried to
explain that it would be a win~vin solution.
Commissioner Tolstoy hoped the neighboring property owner would understand why the first
alternative is better than the second.
Hearing no further testimony, Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing.
Motion: Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by Macias, to issue a Negative Declaration and adopt the
resolutions approving Tentative Tract 15947 and Conditional Use Permit 99-03. Motion carried
by the following vote:
AYES: MACIAS, MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE - carded
E. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW 99-40 - DAYBREAK
PROPERTIES {AIRPORT CORPORATE CENTER) -The development of two office buildin9~
totaling 50,900 square feet and a 20,800 square foot health club building on 6.2 acres of land
in the Industrial Park District (Subarea 16) of the Industrial Area Specific Plan, located at the
northwest corner of Archibald Avenue and Fourth Street - APN: 210-062-13.
Salvador Salazar, Associate Planner, presented the staff report.
Planning Commission Minutes -3- October 13, 1999
Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing.
Benjamin Day, owner, 9007 CenterAvenue, Rancho Cucamonga, indicated that his partner, Carol
Plowman, and the architect were present. He felt the project will provide a pleasing entrance to
Rancho Cucamonga. He reported they have leased the space for the health club and are in
negotiations for the office buildings. He stated he would like to work with Engineering regarding
the ratio of the split of the runoff drainage flow to Archibald Avenue and Fourth Street.
Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer, indicated that was a technical issue which could be considered
by the City Engineer during the plan check process.
Hearing no further testimony, Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Stewart felt the modifications suggested by the Design Review Committee had
been dealt with satisfactorily. She supported the project.
Chairman McNiel agreed that the applicant was very cooperative.
Motion: Moved by Stewart, seconded by Mannerino, to issue a Negative Declaration and adopt
the resolution approving Development Review 99-40. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: MAClAS, MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE - carried
F. ENVIRONMENTALASSESSMENT AND GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 99-05A- GRIFFIN
INDUSTRIES - A request to change the General Plan Land Use Map for approximately 18.5
acres of land from Industrial Park (Subarea 16) in the Industrial Area Specific Plan to
Low-Medium Residential (4-8 dwelling units per acre), located between Fourth and Sixth
Streets on the west side of Archibald Avenue - APN: 210-062-31. Related files: Industrial
Area Specific Plan (ISPA) 99-02, Development District Amendment (DDA) 99-03, General
Plan Amendment (GPA) 99-05B, ISPA 99-03, DDA 99-04, GPA 99-05C, ISPA 99-04, and
DDA 99-05.
G. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND INDUSTRIAL AREA SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT
99-02 - GRIFFIN INDUSTRIES - A request to remove approximately 18.5 acres of land from
the Industrial Area Specific Plan Map, located between Fourth and Sixth Streets on the west
side of Archibald Avenue - APN: 210-062-31. Related files: GPA 99-05A, DDA 99-03, GPA
99-05B, ISPA 99-03, DDA 99-04, GPA 99-05C, ISPA 99-04, and DDA 99-05.
H. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT AMENDMENT 99-03-
GRIFFIN INDUSTRIES - A request to change the Development District zoning designation
for approximately 18.5 acres of land from Industrial Park (Subarea 16) in the Industrial Area
Specific Plan to Low-Medium Residential (4-8 dwelling units per acre), located between
Fourth and Sixth Streets on the west side of Archibald Avenue - APN: 210-062-31. Related
files: GPA 99-05A, ISPA 99-02, GPA 99-05B, ISPA 99-03, DDA 99-04, GPA 99-05C, ISPA
99-04, and DDA 99-05.
Planning Commission Minutes -4- October 13, 1999
I. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 99-05B - CITY OF
RANCHO CUCAMONGA - A request to change the General Plan Land Use Map for two'
parcels totaling 0.7 acres in size from Industrial Park (Subarea 16) in the Industrial Area
Specific Plan to Low-Medium Residential (4-8 dwelling units per acre), located between
Fourth and Sixth Streets on the west side of Archibald Avenue - APN: 210-062-28 and 34.
Related files: GPA 99-05A, ISPA 99-02, DDA 99-03, ISPA 99,03, DDA 99-04, GPA 99-05C,
ISPA 99-04, and DDA 99-05.
j. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTAND INDUSTRIALAREA SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT
99-03 - CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA - A request to remove from the Industrial Area
Specific Plan Map, two parcels totaling 0.7 acre in size, located between Fourth and Sixth
Streets on the west side of Archibald Avenue - APN: 210-062-28 and 34. Related files: GPA
99-05A, ISPA 99-02, DDA 99-03, GPA 99-05B, DDA 99-04, GPA 99-05C, ISPA 99-04, and
DDA 99-05.
K. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT AMENDMENT 99-04-
CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA - A request to change the Development Distdct zoning
designation for two parcels totaling 0.7 acre in size from Industrial Park (Subarea 16) in the
Industrial Area Specific Plan to Low-Medium Residential (4-8 dwelling units per acre), located
between Fourth and Sixth Streets on the west side of Archibald Avenue - APN: 210-062-28
and 34. Related files: GPA 99-05A, ISPA 99-02, DDA 99-03, GPA 99,05B, ISPA 99-03,
GPA 99-05C, ISPA 99-04, and DDA 99-05.
L. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 99-05C- CITY OF
RANCHO CUCAMONGA - A request to change the General Plan Land Use Map for a single
parcel approximately 1.6 acres in size from Industrial Park (Subarea 16) in the Industrial Area
Specific Plan to Low-Medium Residential (4-8 dwelling units per acre), located between
FourthandSixthStreetsonthewestsideofArchibaldAvenue-APN: 210-062-10. Related
files: GPA 99-05A, ISPA 99-02, DDA 99-03, GPA 99-05B, ISPA 99-03, DDA 99-04, ISPA
99-04, and DDA 99-05.
M. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND INDUSTRIAL AREA SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT
99-04 - CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA - A request to remove from the Industrial Area
Specific Plan Map, a single parcel approximately 1.6 acres in size, located between Fourth
and Sixth Streets on the west side of Archibald Avenue - APN: 210-062-10. Related files:
GPA 99,05A, ISPA 99-02, DDA 99-03, GPA 99,05B, ISPA 99-03, DDA 99-04, GPA 99-05C,
and DDA 99-05.
N. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT AMENDMENT 99-05-
CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA - A request to change the Development Distdct zoning
designation for a single parcel approximately 1.6 acres in size from Industrial Park (Subarea
16) in the Industrial Area Specific Plan to Low-Medium Residential (4-8 dwelling units per
acre), located between Fourth and Sixth Streets on the west side of Archibald Avenue -
APN: 210-062-10. Related files: GPA 99,05A, ISPA 99-02, DDA 99-03, GPA 99-05B, ISPA
99-03, DDA 99-04, GPA 99-05C, and ISPA 99-04.
Salvador Salazar, Associate Planner, presented the staff report.
Commissioner Tolstoy asked for clarification that the property north of the request is Commercial.
Planning Commission Minutes -5- October 13, 1999
Brad Bullet, City Planner, confirmed that it is Industrial Park with Commercial uses allowed and
said that no changes are proposed for that parcel.
Commissioner Stewart asked if the parcels involved are within a target area in the General Plan
Update process.
Commissioner Mannerino said it is not.
Bruce Strickland, Griffin Industries, 9540 Springbmok Court, Rancho Cucemonga, stated they
wish to expand the Cucamonga Comerpointe residential development. He showed pictures of the
gate entrance and the proposed layout of the new development. He indicated they have provided
for access points and have posted streets that may become through streets.
Commissioner Tolstoy questioned what buffering would be used between the project and
Archibald Avenue.
Mr. Strickland replied they plan to move the proposed wall back about 10 feet beyond the
minimum 45-foot setback. He said they will use a buffer similar to what they have placed along
Fourth Street and they will buffer the whole site with fast growing trees.
Chairman McNiel asked if they were working with the property adjacent to the channel.
Mr. Strickland responded they are negotiating with the owners of 9.8 acres to the northwest.
Robert DeBerard, P O. Box 1223, Upland, stated that he owns 18 acres to the north of the site
that is zoned Industrial Park with Commercial uses permitted. He was concerned about drainage
and sewer lines. He asked if there are any plans to push the two cul-de-sacs through to his
property. He asked how the City will protect his preperty.
Mr. Strickland indicated that they are required to have special setbacks where the project borders
commercial uses. He indicated there will be an 8-foot wall and extra setbacks. He noted they
need to contain the drainage.
Mr. DeBerard said he wanted to be sure they had the same safeguards as before the proposed
change.
Chairman McNiel assured him that he would. Hearing no further testimony, he closed the public
hearing.
Commissioner Tolstoy asked if the parcel is large enough for industrial uses or an office building
if the proposed change were not approved.
Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer, replied that it is. He noted that many years ago, Henry Rider
designed a project for the site.
Commissioner Tolstoy said that he hates to see people living along Archibald Avenue because
of the tremendous truck traffic on Archibald. Because the property is large enough to support
industrial uses, he preferred to retain its current zoning. He said he would like to hear the opinions
of the other Commissioners and he supported saving Lucas Ranch.
Planning Commission Minutes -6- October 13, 1999
Commissioner Mannerino said he recalled the proposal from Henry Rider and noted it had not
been built because it was not economically feasible. He supported the proposed changes.
Commissioner Stewart felt the CEQA analysis indicates it is an appropriate move.
Commissioner Macias concurred with staffs recommendation. He felt there are appropriate
setbacks for the houses which will abut Archibald Avenue.
Motion: Moved by Mannerino, seconded by Macias, to recommend issuance of a Negative
Declaration and adopt the resolutions recommending approval of General Plan Amendments
99-05A, 99-05B, and 99-05C; Industrial Area Specific Plan Amendments 99-02, 99-03, and 99-04;
and Development Distdct Amendments 99-03, 99-04, and 99-05. Motion carded by the following
vote:
AYES: MACIAS, MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART
NOES: TOLSTOY
ABSENT: NONE - carded
NEW BUSINESS
O. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW 99-32 - SUNRISE
ASSISTED LIVING - The proposed development of an 88-bed, 59 suite, senior assisted living
facility on 2.6 acres of land in the Office Professional District, located at 9515 and 9519 Base
Line Road - APN: 208-541-01, 208-432-017, and 208-432-018. Related Files: Tree
Removal Permit 99-30 and Pre-Application Review 98-13.
Rebecca Van Buren, Associate Planner, presented the staff report and suggested clarification of
Planning Condition No. 1 to require recordation of the lot line adjustment pdor to occupancy.
Chairman McNiel invited public comment.
Bill Herdck, Development Officer, Sunrise Assisted Living, introduced Dave Wagner and VVolfgang
Hack, his civil engineer and architect, and said they accepted the proposed conditions of approval.
Herman Remple, P. O. Box 505, Rancho Cucamonga, indicated that he lives next door to the
development. He said he was anxious to have the development go in as he thought it would cut
down on the weeds and trash. He stated the developer had been cooperative.
Commissioner Tolstoy asked how access will be taken to Mr. Remple's property.
Mr. Remple replied that they gave up 27 feet across their property when the City widened Base
Line Road and received an easement access from the property next door. He indicated he will
still have access on Amethyst.
There were no additional public comments.
Commissioner Mannedno indicated he liked the second design a lot and was in favor of the use.
Commissioner Tolstoy concurred.
Planning Commission Minutes -7- October 13, 1999
Chairman McNiel noted that the developer had been cooperative.
Commissioner Stewart observed that it is not advisable to expand the area of the decorative
paving because it may impair the mobility of patients, and she indicated there would be such
paving in the entry circle as the entry point from Base Line Road.
Motion: Moved by Stewart, seconded by Tolstoy, to issue a Negative Declaration and adopt the
resolution approving Development Review 99-32 with modification to require recordation of the
lot line adjustment pdor to occupancy. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: MAClAS, MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE - carded
DIRECTOR'S REPORTS
P. APPEAL OF MINOR DEVELOPMENT REVIEW 99-22 - 99 CENTS ONLY STORE - An
appeal of the City Planner's conditions of approval for a 99 Cents Only Store, a retail store
within the Neighborhood Commercial District, located at 9640 Base Line Road -
APN: 202-161-40.
Donald Granger, Planning Technician, presented the staff report.
Chairman McNiel invited public comment.
Chaung Choi, Architect, 507 North Fuller Avenue, Los Angeles, stated the 99 Cents Only store
needs a little more product visibility outside of the building and they want to have window visibility
to the floor. He acknowledged that it is nice to have the wainscot like the Rite Aide building but
he said the majodty of the stores in the shopping center have windows to the ground and do not
have a wainscot. He said they have compromised on a lot of the issues in order to make the store
complement the balance of the center architecture. He felt not having a wainscot would not have
a significant effect on the rest of the center because more than half of the stores have windows
to the ground. Mr. Choi reported that the proposed sign is their logo and it has three colors:
"99 ¢" is blue, "store" is red, and "only" is green.
Chairman McNiel commented that when the project was discussed at the Design Review
Committee meeting, the Committee members relented to some degree and allowed glass all the
way down on nine of the windows across the front.
Wes Fifield, broker, 7328 Marine Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga, stated that staff had
recommended that the store look like the Rite Aid, but after the last meeting, they looked at the
Rite Aid and decided they could not match the red tile of Rite Aid and felt they would be more
consistent with the balance of the center if they are predominately glass. He said approximately
70 percent of their frontage would be glass, whereas Rite Aid has about 63 percent of their
frontage in glass and tile.
Nancy Fong, Senior Planner, stated that staff was not asking the applicant to be like Rite Aid and
was only asking that the storafront have a wainscot.
Planning Commission Minutes -8- October 13, 1999
Mr. Fifield stated that the shop space on many of the stores is all glass.
Chairman McNiel pointed out that the square footage and window frontage of those shops are
considerably smaller. He noted the applicant has 23,000 square feet, making it a major tenant.
He said that was why the wainscot exists on the Rite Aid and why it used to exist on this location
when it was a supermarket.
Mr. Fifield said the front of the supermarket used to be open front glass and they put wainscot on
the windows for protection when they started stodng carts outside.
There were no further public comments.
Commissioner Mannerino asked if the sign vades from the Uniform Sign Program because of the
number of colors.
Chairman McNiel responded affirmatively.
Commissioner Mannerino asked if therewas an application foran amendment to the Uniform Sign
Program pending before the Planning Commission.
Chairman McNiel said there was not.
Commissioner Mannedno felt the sign was not an issue because the sign has to conform to the
Uniform Sign Program unless there is an application to change it. With regard to increasing the
amount of glass frontage, he felt the architecture of the building will be stacked pallets. He said
he is very sensitive to the usage and he felt the Design Review Committee had been most
benevolent in allowing that much glass. He pointed out the store is a high-volume, Iow-price per
item store and they use every inch of floor space for the display of wares. He thought the
products displayed in the front windows thus become the front architecture. He indicated he would
prefer more wainscot than was there when it was a supermarket and said he supported ~he
decision of the Design Review Committee at a very minimum.
Commissioner Tolstoy noted that China Star and Rite Aid both have wainscot and the smaller
stores on either end have glass to the floor. He felt the Design Review Committee's action to
require the wainscot was appropriate. He agreed the sign was not an issue, but he noted that
there will be a monument sign in addition to the one on the building. He felt both signs should
conform with the Uniform Sign Program.
Commissioner Macias concurred with Commissioners Mannerino and Tolstoy. He also suggested
that the developer note the feelings of the Commission with regard to sign colors even though
there was no formal application for a modification to the Uniform Sign Program before them at this
time.
Commissioner Stewart said she had nothing further to add and agreed with her colleagues.
With respect to the th-color sign, Chairman McNiel stated the City requires Uniform Sign Programs
specifically to guard against the rampant use of strange and odd and various colors. He noted
there are many chain stores in the City whose signs conform to the City's requirements and look
nothing like their corporate logo. He did not recall a time when the City has buckled under the
weight of a corporate logo. He said the corporate logo is the applicant's, not the City's, and the
appliCant has a choice of what they want to do with their logo but the City has a choice on what
Planning Commission Minutes -9- October 13, 1999
it will accept. He said he had not found any business proprietor who was injured because he was
not allowed to use the variety of colors which he would like in a corporate logo. He felt the Design
Review Committee went a long way in an effort to assist and he was not ready to give more.
Brad Bullet, City Planner, suggested a clarification to paragraph 4 of the resolution to show that
the Commission denies the appeal and upholds the City Planner's decision in approving Minor
Development Review 99-22.
Commissioner Tolstoy stated he uses the shopping center quite often and has noticed that it is
a viable center even though the supermarket has closed. He requested that the owner of the
canter fix some of the wood trim, especially that which is between Rite Aid and the pizza
restaurant. He realized that it was not germane to this application, but said he wished to appeal
to the owner since the rental of this unit will provide a full complement of tenants.
Motion: Moved by Stewart, seconded by Maclas, to approve the resolution denying the appeal
and upholding the City Planner's decision in approving Minor Development Review 99-22, as
amended by staff. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: MAClAS, MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE - carded
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments at this time.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
Q. GENERAL PLAN UPDATE PROGRESS
Bred Buller, City Planner, indicated that the Task Force is still considering the preferred Land Use
Plan. He stated that once that review is complete, comments will be forwarded to the consultant
in order to prepare the environmental documentation. He indicated another meeting was
scheduled for October 20. He said members of the public and property holders were present to
address issues related to their respective properties in the discussions of land use change for the
Generel Plan.
Commissioner Mannerino stated the Task Force has been focusing on some of the target areas,
such as 1-15 Freeway corddor and Foothill corddor and discussing the possibility of mixed uses
with guidelines and policy procedures to address how the developers would select those mixed
uses. He noted that further discussions are needed.
Commissioner Tolstoy noted that, in the past, a mixed use designation has sometimes been driven
by a developer who wished to do a substandard project because there are not many guidelines.
Planning Commission Minutes -10- October 13, 1999
Commissioner Mannerino reported that he had indicated that a mixed use designation cannot be
a substitute for a well thought plan determining what uses the City would like in the respective
areas.
Commissioner Tolstoy felt that was a good concept.
Commissioner Mannedno announced that he had driven through Rancho Cucamonga with an
Upland resident and they had commented about the general appearance of quality construction
in Rancho Cucamonga. Commissioner Mannerino felt quality development is a result of attention
to a thousand little details such as Uniform Sign Programs, which cumulatively give an impression
of a quality environment and sets us apart from other cities around.
Mr. Buller reported that Commissioner Tolstoy and Dan Coleman accompanied him to San Diego
earlier in the day to tour a JPI project. He indicated they took a few photos and also videotaped
the project and they would be available for viewing by the Commissioners.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Moved by Mannerino, seconded by Stewart, carded 5-0, to adjourn. The Planning
Commission adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary
Planning Commission Minutes -11- October 13, 1999
CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Adjourned Meeting
September 29, 1999
Chairman McNiel called the Adjourned Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning
Commission to order at 8:35 p.m. The meeting was held in the Rains Room at Rancho
Cucamonga Civic Center, 10500 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, Califomia.
ROLL CALL
COMMISSIONERS: PRESENT: Rich Macias, John Mannerino, Larry McNiel, Pam Stewart
ABSENT: Peter Tolstoy
STAFF PRESENT: Brad Buller, City Planner; Dan Coleman, Principal Planner
NEW BUSINESS
A. PRE-APPLICATION REVIEW 99-06 - JPI - Review of conceptual plans for the development
of a high density multi-family project consisting of 523 apartments on 20 acres of land in
Subarea 18, General Dynamics Specific Plan, located at the northwest corner of MiIliken
Avenue and 6th Street - APN: 209-272-17.
Jeff Kudlac, General Dynamics gave an overview of the history of the Empire Lakes project.
Heather Finlay, JPI, presented their marketing concepts.
R.C. Alley, Architects Orange, presented the conceptual site plan and elevations.
Brad Buller, City Planner, distributed a fact sheet on the project.
Dan Coleman, Principal Planner, indicated that staff has been working with the applicant for many
months to refine their concepts. He stated that the Empire Lakes Specific Plan does not address
development standards for residential; therefore, an amendment is required. He said that the
Commission should consider whether Empire Lakes should follow Citywide standards or have
standards tailored to meet their needs. He indicated, for example, that Citywide development
standards require a 55 foot building setback from curb face along both street frontages which the
project design does not meet. He listed several areas for Commission consideration:
1. Open Space - Should the project provide the minimum 30 percent common open space and
150/100 square feet of private open space (ground floor unit/upper floor unit)? Does the 18
hole golf course on adjoining property provide suitable "trade-off"?
2. Recreational Amenities - Should the project meet citywide standards (i.e., minimum 20
amenities)?
3. Architecture - What style is appropriate for the context? The surround land can be used for
anything from industrial to commercial. Do the proposed elevation present an upscale, urban
feel? Should semi-underground or underground parking be provided to maximize open
space?
4. Security - Should the project be gated?
5. Noise Impacts - Sound attenuation may be necessary to reduce traffic noise impacts. Clear
Lexan panels and sound walls may be necessary based upon a noise study.
6. Landscaping - Should landscaping be required along all building edges, such as within the
auto court?
7. Pedestrian Access - Does the project provide a strong connection to the Metrolink station?
Commissioner Macias indicated that he is a Metrolink dder and observed that the 7th Street and
Milliken Avenue entrance is very busy during peak hours which could be a problem for JPl's
tenants. He felt that secudty gates were appropriate for this project because of the land use mix
and number of people coming and going at Metrolink. He said the project should provide a 55-foot
building setback along streets. He stated that he wasn't comfortable with the golf course as a
trade-off for project open space.
Commissioner Mannedno said he was not thdlled with residential at this location. He did not feel
the City of Rancho Cucamonga needs to provide rooftops to support retail along 4th Street. He
indicated that the General Plan update, which is underway, is exploring land use along the north
side of 4th Street. He felt that the architecture was very nice and expressed a desire to visit their
product in another community. He noted that JPl's tenants will not be allowed onto the golf
course; therefore, he did not accept the notion of using the golf course as a trade-off for common
open space within the project.
Commissioner Stewart stated that she liked the overall concept and felt it was a creative mixed
use idea. She said that the architecture was nice. She indicated that a strong pedestrian
connection to the Metrolink station is needed, She felt that there is not enough open space for
children. She stated that she had no opinion regarding gating the project. She expressed a
desire for a spectacular monument treatment at both street corners, She said that the project was
not integrated with the golf course and JPI should provide the required common open space. She
wanted to see lush landscaping within the project design, She indicated that development
standards tailored to Empire Lakes is appropriate. She said that all units need private open
space.
Chairman McNiel stated that he did not understand what a "luxury" apartment is. He indicated that
the project should have amenities that create luxury. He felt that urbanites want less urban feel
and more open space. He stated that the golf course was not an acceptable trade-off because
tenants could not go onto course. He said that JPI should provide the required open space. He
liked the 'C' building shape with attached garages. He indicated that the project should be gated,
possibly even a manned gate, if being marketed as luxury.
Mr. Buller summarized the meeting and noted the next step would be for staff to sit down with the
applicant for further discussions. He indicated that tonight's meeting was intended to get direction
from the Planning Commission on conceptual design and mix.
The Commission agreed to take a tour of JPl's project in Mission Valley.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments at this time.
PC Adjourned Minutes -2- September 29, 1999
ADJOURNMENT
The Planning Commission adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary
PC Adjourned Minutes -3- September 29, 1999
CITY OFRANCHO CUCAMONGA
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Adjourned Special Meeting
September 29, 1999
Chairman McNiel called the Adjoumed Special Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga
Planning Commission to order at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was held in the Council Chamber at
Rancho Cucamonga Civic Center, 10500 Civic Center Ddve, Rancho Cucamonga, California.
Chairman McNiel then led in the pledge of allegiance.
ROLLCALL
COMMISSIONERS: PRESENT: Rich Macias, John Mannerino, Larry McNiel, Pam Stewart
ABSENT: Peter Tolstoy
STAFF PRESENT: Brad Bullet, City Planner;, Dan Coleman, Principal Planner;, Kevin Ennis,
Assistant City Attorney; Nancy Fong, Senior Planner; Dan James, Senior
Civil Engineer;, Brent Le Count, Gall Sanchez, Planning Commission
Secretary; Rudy Zeledon, Assistant Planner
ANNOUNCEMENTS
There were no announcements.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: Moved by Mannedno, seconded by Macias, carded 4-0-1 (Tolstoy absent), to approve
the minutes of September 8, 1999.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT, GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 98-02, AND VICTORIA
COMMUNITY PLAN AMENDMENT 98-01 - AMERICAN BEAUTY DEVELOPMENT CO. - A
public hearing for a proposed project to be known as the Victoria Arbors Village on 291.8
acres of land in the Victoria Planned Community, generally bounded by Base Line Road,
future Victoda Park Lane, future Church Street, future Day Creek Boulevard, Foothill
Boulevard, and the Day Creek Channel - APN: 227-201-04, 13 through 18, 22, 28 through
30, and 36; 222-201-33; 227-161-33, 35, 36, and 38; 227-171-11, 12, and 14. Related file:
Etiwanda Specific Plan Amendment 98-01.
(A) Land Use changes for the following areas:
Su~a~a I:
Subarea la - from Medium Residential (8-14 dwelling units per acre) and Community
Facilities to Low-Medium Residential (4-8 dwelling units per acre) for approximately
7.67 acres of land, generally located on the south side of Base Line Road, west of the
winery; and consideration of alternative land use designations of Community Facilities.
Subarea lb - from Medium Residential (8-14 dwelling units per acre) and Park to
Low-Medium Residential (4-8 dwelling units per acre), Park, and School for
approximately 57.40 acres of land, generally located east of future Day Creek
Boulevard and 600 feet south of Base Line Road; and the consideration of alternative
land use designations of Community Facilities for the northeast side of the subarea,
immediately east of the winery.
Subarea lc - from Low-Medium Residential (4-8 dwelling units per acre) to Low
Residential (2-4 dwelling units per acre) for approximately 21.13 acres of land for the
area generally located south of Base Line Road and east of futura Victoria Park Lane;
and consideration of retaining the Low-Medium Residential designation.
Subarea ld- from Medium-High Residential (14-24 dwelling units per acre), Regional
Related Office/Commercial, and Park to Low-Medium Residential (4-8 dwelling units
per acre) for approximately 39.45 acres of land, generally located on the north side of
future Church Street and east of futura Day Creek Boulevard; and consideration of
alternative land use designations of Medium Residential (8-14 dwelling units per acre)
and Medium-High Residential (14-24 dwelling units per acre).
Subarea le - from Medium-High Residential (14-24 dwelling units per acre) and
Regional Related Office/Commercial to Low-Medium Residential (4-8 dwelling units per
acre) for approximately 13.76 acres of land, generally located north of future Church
Street, west of futura Victoria Loop Street; and consideration of alternative land use
designations of Medium Residential (8-14 dwelling units per acre) and Medium-High
Residential (14-24 dwelling units per acre).
Subarea 2 - from Regional Related Office/Commercial to Low-Medium Residential (4-8
dwelling units per acre), Medium-High Residential (14-24 dwelling units per acre), and
High Residential (24-30 dwelling units per acre) for approximately 53 acres of land,
generally located on the west side of future Day Creek Boulevard, north and south of
future Church Street; and consideration of retaining the Regional Related
Office/Commercial designation.
,.Subarea 3 - Re-align the boundaries of the Victoria Community Plan to include
approximately 26 acres of land from the Etiwanda Specific Plan, generally located on the
north side of Church Street and the west side of Etiwanda Avenue; and a request to
change the land use designation from Office to Low-Medium Residential (4-8 dwelling
units per acre); and consideration of alternative land use designations of a mix of Office
and Low-Medium Residential (4-8 dwelling units per acre); and consideration by the City
of retaining the area in the Etiwanda Specific Plan with an Office designation or a mix
of Office and Low-Medium Residential (4-8 dwelling units per acre).
(B) Amend the Circulation and Parks and Recreation Elements of the General Plan.
PC Adjourned Special Meeting Minutes -2- September 29, 1999
(C) Amend various graphics and text for the Victoria Community Plan.
(D) Consideration by the City of alternative sites for Park and School within the project area
of the Victoria Community Plan.
(E) Modify the permitted and conditionally permitted uses and various development and
design standards for Regional Related Office/Commercial, Regional Center, and
Community Facilities of the Victoria Community Plan.
The Environmental Impact Report for this project was considered on May 26, 1999.
(Continued from July 14, 1999)
B. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT, GENERAL PLAN AMEN DMENT 98-02, AND ETIWANDA
SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT 98-01 - AMERICAN BEAUTY DEVELOPMENT CO. - A
request to re-align the boundaries of the Etiwanda Specific Plan by re-designating
approximately 26 acres of land, generally located on the north side of Church Street and the
west side of Etiwanda Avenue to the Victoria Community Plan; and consideration by the City
of retaining the area in the Etiwanda Spedfic Plan and retaining the land use designation of
Office; and consideration of alternative land use designations of a mix of Office and
Low-Medium Residential (4-8 dwelling units per acre) - APN: 227-171-11, 12, and 14.
Related file: Victoria Community Plan Amendment 98-01. The Environmental Impact Report
for this project was considered on May 28, 1999. (Continued from July 14, 1999)
Brad Buller, City Planner, reported that staff had received a request from the applicant to continue
the item to an unspecified date. He indicated the item would be re-advertised when it placed on
the agenda. He gave a brief background on the history of the project and explained that the
General Plan Update Task Force is considering land uses. He noted that American Beauty is now
considering alternate land uses and said staff would be working with the applicant.
Chairman McNiel indicated the public hearing was open.
John Mordsette, American Beauty Development Company, 16830 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 401,
Encino, indicated they are rethinking their plan.
Bob Lacoss, PDS West, 3127 Paseo Sereno, San Juan Capistrano, gave a presentation on their
concepts for development around the proposed mall site.
Mr. Mordsette indicated the plans presented were merely a concept.
Motion: Moved by Mannerino, seconded by Stewart, to continue General Plan Amendment 98-02,
Victoria Community Plan Amendment 98-01, and Etiwanda Specific Plan Amendment 98-01 to
an unspecified date. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: MAClAS, MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: TOLSTOY - carded
C. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TENTATIVE TRACT 14759 - RANCHO SUMMIT-
The proposed subdivision of 132 acres of land into 358 single family lots and 3 lettered lots
PC Adjourned Special Meeting Minutes -3- September 29, 1999
for common open space/parks totaling 28.7 acres in the Low Residential District (2-4 dwelling
units per acre) of the Etiwanda Specific Plan, located on the east and west sides of Wardman
Bullock Road, north and south of Summit Avenue - APN: 226-102-17.
Brent Le Count, Associate Planner, presented the staff report and indicated two recently received
letters had been placed before the Planning Commission. He stated the September 29 letter from
LSA was a response to a September 23 letter from the Califomia State Department of Fish and
Game. He indicated staff was not comfortable recommending issuance of a Negative Declaration
until staff had time to review the new materials.
Commissioner Mannerino asked how long staff thought it would take to review the materials.
Brad Buller, City Planner, responded that staff had been working with the City Attorney. He
believed a minimum of two weeks would be needed, but preferred four weeks.
Bill Storm, Lennar Homes, 2480 Chrisanta Drive, Mission Viejo stated they received a copy of the
letter from the Department of Fish and Game on September 28 and put together a quick response
to the issues. He indicated they were concerned about staff's recommendation to continue the
project for two weeks as they are anxious tO move forward.
John Golden, Deputy Superintendent, Etiwanda School District, P. O. Box 248, Rancho
Cucamonga, stated the District is very interested in any development because of the rapid growth
of the District. He reported they had not yet reached a mitigation agreement with Lennar Homes
and looked forward to meeting with them. He stated the District has a school site to the west of
the project site and the District wants to be sure the proposed project will allow development of
the school site.
There were no additional public comments.
Commissioner Mannerino felt the item should be continued as long as staff felt necessary.
Commissioner Stewart agreed.
Mr. Bullet responded that staff had reviewed LSA's response but felt additional evaluation may
be necessary. He thought four weeks would allow staff to better determine if the issues had been
adequately addressed. He said staff felt that, through the design review process and workshops,
it is an excellent project; however, staff wants to be sure that everything has been done to comply
with CEQA requirements.
Commissioner Macias questioned if the City could be sued under a worse case scenario.
Mr. Bullet confirmed that was correct; however, the developer would bear the cost.
Kevin Ennis, Assistant City Attomey, felt a four-week continuance would be preferable.
Para Steele, Hogle Ireland, 4200 Latham Street, Suite B, Riverside, requested that the item be
continued for two weeks and then continued again if that was not sufficient time.
Motion: Moved by Mannerino, seconded by Macias, to continue Tentative Tract 14759 to October
27, 1999. Motion carried*by the following vote:
PC Adjourned Special Meeting Minutes -4- September 29, 1999
AYES: MACIAS, MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: TOLSTOY - carried
D. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 99-04 -
OVERLAND COMPANY - A request to change the General Plan Land Use Map fo~
approximately 20 acres of land south of the Interstate 15 Freeway and west of East Avenue
from Medium Residential (8-14 dwelling units per acre) to Low-Medium Residential (4-8
dwelling units per acre); and for approximately 20 acres of land on the east side of Etiwanda
Avenue 550 feet north of Foothill Boulevard from Low-Medium Residential (4-8 dwelling units
per acre) to Medium Residential (8-14 dwelling units per acre) - APN: 1100-031-08, 1100-
061-02 through 04, 1100-071-01 and 02, and 1100-151-01 and 02.
E. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND ETIWANDA SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT99-01 -
OVERLAND COMPANY- A request to change the Etiwanda Specific Plan Land Use Map for
approximately 20 acres of land south of the Interstate 15 Freeway and west of East Avenue
from Medium Residential (8-14 dwelling units per acre) to Low-Medium Residential (4-8
dwelling units per acre); and for approximately 20 acres of land on the east side of Etiwanda
Avenue 550 feet north of Foothill Boulevard from Low-Medium Residential (4-8 dwelling units
per acre) to Medium Residential (8-14 dwelling units per acre) - APN: 1100-031-08, 1100-
061-02 through 04, 1100-071-01 and 02, and 1100-151-01 and 02.
Dan Coleman, Principal Planner, presented the staff report.
Chairman McNiel asked if all of the property owners in Area 1 are in agreement with the request.
Mr. Coleman replied that the applicant controls most of the properties. He indicated that
Cucamonga County Water District owns one property and has provided a letter of support and
indicated there are plans to build a water tower on the proper~y.
Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing.
Joseph Oleson, 4891 Noline Place, Palm Desert, supported staff's position. He reported that
Overland Company controls all of the land in Area 1 except for the Cucamonga County Water
District site and said they control the property located in Area 2.
Hearing no further testimony, Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing.
Motion: Moved by Mannerino, seconded by Stewart to recommend issuance of a Negative
Declaration and adopt the resolutions recommending approval of General Plan Amendment 99-04
and Etiwanda Specific Plan Amendment 99-01. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: MACIAS, MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: TOLSTOY - carried
NEW BUSINESS
PC Adjourned Special Meeting Minutes -5- September 29, 1999
F. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW 99-34 - MAR VISTA
HOMES - The design review of building elevations and detailed site plan for the eastern
portion of recorded Tract 13812 and the southern portion of recorded Tract Map No. 14120
consisting of 88 single family lots on 71.51 acres of land in the Very Low Residential District
(less than 2 dwelling units per acre) of the Etiwanda Specific Plan, located approximately
1,300 feet west of Efiwanda Avenue, north of Highland Avenue, and south of Summit Avenue
-APN: 225-411-01 through 18 and 225-421-01 through 12, 15 through 16, and 19 through
27 for lots in Tract 13812 and APN: 225-171-02, 08, 11, and 16 for lots in Tract 14120.
Rebecca Van Buren, Associate Planner, presented the staff report.
Chairman McNiel invited public comment.
Chris Young, Mar Vista Homes, Inc., 1700 Hamner Avenue, Suite 112, Norco, said they feel
positive about the new development. He indicated there are four different styles of homes and
he requested approval.
There were no additional public comments.
Commissioner Mannedno liked the detached pool house aspect.
Chairman McNiel felt it is a good project.
Motion: Moved by Stewart, seconded by Mannerino, to issue a Negative Declaration and adopt
the resolution approving Development Review 99-34. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: MACIAS, MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART,
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: TOLSTOY - carried
DIRECTOR'S REPORTS
G. USE DETERMINATION 99-03 - A.S.A.P. TOWING, AUTO BODY AND TRANSPORT - A
request to determine that a vehicle impound yard is a conditionally permitted use under the
Intedm Use category within the Industrial Area Specific Plan.
Rudy Zeledon, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report.
Commissioner Mannedno requested clarification of staff's recommendation regarding the approval
period for intedm uses.
Mr. Zeledon replied that currently interim use approvals are for 2 years and the applicant has
requested that the approval period be for 5 years. He indicated that a 5-year approval would be
consistent with the approval pedod for other uses but the philosophy for retaining the 2-year
approval period would be that it could be monitored to see compatibility with surrounding uses.
Brad Buller, City Planner, stated that the approval pedod for other discretionary actions was
lengthened with the streamlining process. He said that discussions at that time centered on the
PC Adjourned Special Meeting Minutes -6- September 29, 1999
amount of staff time necessary to review time extensions for consent calendar actions by the
Planning Commission.
Chairman McNiel noted a location was identified for the use. He questioned what process would
be necessary before the use commences. He wanted to be sure the site would be protected and
it would be screened.
Mr. Bullet replied that any interim use requires a non-conditional use permit which would be
processed by the City Planner. He said the last approved interim use was for A.W. Davies for
fleet storage facility on Feron Boulevard, where landscaping and screening were installed and that
use existed for 5 years and the applicant will be coming back with a request for an-additional 5
years because the industrial buildings master planned for the site are not ready to be built. He
indicated staff does not object to the fleet storage remaining for another interim period. He said
staff will review the use before it is occupied and will require the interim use standard requirements
for landscaping and screening of anything that will be placed on site.
Chairman McNiel invited public comment.
Chuck Buquet, Charles Joseph Associates, 10681 Foothill Boulevard, Suite 395, Rancho
Cucamonga, stated he represented A.S.A.P. Towing, Auto Body and Transport. He indicated it
is an ex]sting operation which is attempting to expand. He reported that ASAP Towing has a 50
percent interest in the building on the east side in front of the proposed storage area. He said that
the other 50 percent is owned by Performance Auto Body, which has an 80 percent interest in the
building on the west side. He thought having the storage yard will allow them to be responsive
to an on-going Code Enforcement concern. He stated the applicant is aware of and in full
concurrence with the standards required for the interim use. He said similar uses are located in
the area. He stated they are seeking a 5-year approval to be sure there can be a level of
continuity. He requested approval of the use determination and the change to a 5-year approval
period.
Chairman McNiel asked Mr. Buquet to expand on the Code Enforcement problems.
Mr. Buquet explained the auto body business has been so successful that it does not have the
capacity to store the vehicles. He indicated they envision using the storage area for the entire
complex. He stated the land will not be built upon in the foreseeable future because it is tied up
in a family trust. He indicated they hope to use the 5-year period to find a new location for a
permanent facility.
Commissioner Stewart asked the status of the project proponent's application for rotational towing
business from the Police Department.
Mr. Buquet said they currently do some work for the California Highway Patrol and they have
applied to do more.
Commissioner Stewart did not object to the interim use but she noted there is a mandatory 30-day
impound period for unlicenced, unregistered vehicles and she feared the business would quickly
outgrow the location. She thought they could be taking in as many as 250 vehicles a month on
a rotational tow.
Mr. Buquet indicated 30 percent of the yard would be set aside for law enforcement tows. He
stated that ASAP Towing and Performance Auto Body want to store their vehicles on the lot as
PC Adjourned Special Meeting Minutes -7- September 29, 1999
well. He said that most of the law enforcement tows are currently being taken out of the City,
which is inconvenient. He noted that if they outgrow their facility they will have to find a new
location.
Mr. Bullet stated that if the use causes negative impacts to the surrounding properties, the
conditional use permit could be called back for possible revocation.
Mr. Buquet commented that there are storage yards operating in the area that staff had not
previously been aware of. He indicated his client agrees to abide by the conditions of approval.
There were no additional public comments.
Commissioner Stewart stated she was still concerned. She understood that a conditional use
permit can be revoked but felt the 30-day impound business could expand very rapidly. She
supported the use but did not feel the approval should be for 5 years. She thought the use could
better be monitored with a shorter approval pedod.
Commissioner Macias recognized Commissioner Stewart's concern, but felt the proposal has to
be weighed on current merits. He noted the applicant has agreed to limit the space allotted for
the law enforcement tows. He agreed the City has adequate recourse if there are problems and
supported a 5-year approval.
Commissioner Mannerino stated he is familiar with the area and he felt it is an appropriate interim
use. He requested that staff look carefully at appropriate conditions with respect to volume and
number of cars stowed on the premises at any time and the percentages of area allotments. He
thought a 5-year approval would be appropriate. However, he was not in favor of establishing a
5-year approval policy for interim uses and thought each use should be looked at individually.
Chairman McNiel supported the interim use but he did not support a standard 5-year interim use
approval policy and had misgivings about approving 5 years for this project. He acknowledged
that the City has the ability to revoke conditional use permits but felt that having to apply for
extensions helps to ensure compliance.
Commissioner Mannerino stated he did not want to consider the matter in 2 years unless there is
a problem.
Chairman McNiel said he didn't particularly want to see it again but felt requiring renewals is a bit
of insurance.
Mr. Buller indicated that the use determination was the question before the Commission tonight
and said he felt there was an indication from the Commission that it is an appropriate use. He
noted that the question regarding the length of time would apply to interim uses on a City wide
basis, not just to this application. He observed that Commissioner Mannerino had indicated he
was comfortable approving this use for 5 years but he did not wish to make that a policy. He said
the Code does not currently allow approvals for interim uses beyond 2 years and a Code
Amendment would be needed to allow approvals beyond a 2 year period if that is what the
Commission would like.
Commissioner Mannerino stated the applicant could pursue a Development Code Amendment if
they wished.
PC Adjourned Special Meeting Minutes -8- September 29, 1999
Motion: Moved by Mannerino, seconded by Stewart, to adopt the resolution approving Use
Determination 99-03. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: MACIAS, MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: TOLSTOY - carried
Chairman McNiel was concerned that there may be a logical progression from vehicle storage to
a demolition yard and he said he would not want to see that.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments at this time.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
H. GENERAL PLAN UPDATE PROGRESS
Brad Bullet, City Planner, believed the Task Force is progressing well. He reported the Task
Force had reviewed the Policy Issue Papers and given direction on them and requested additional
feedback. He indicated another Task Force Meeting was scheduled for October.
Commissioner Mannerino felt the Planning Center is doing a good job.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Moved by Mannerino, seconded by Stewart, carried 4-0-1 (Tolstoy absent) to adjourn.
The Planning Commission adjourned at 8:25 p.m. to a workshop immediately following regarding
Pre-Application Review 99-06. The workshop adjourned at 9:45 p.m. and those minutes appear
separately.
Secratary
PC Adjourned Special Meeting Minutes -9- September 29, 1999
CITY OFRANCHO CUCAMONGA
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Adjoumed Meeting
September 22, 1999
The scheduled adjourned meeting of the Planning Commission for September 22, 1999, was
canceled due to lack of quorum.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary
CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Regular Meeting
September 22, 1999
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning Commission for September 22, 1999, was
canceled due to lack of quorum.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary
CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Regular Meeting
September 8, 1999
Chairman McNiel called the Regular Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning
Commission to order at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was held in the Council Chamber at Rancho
Cucamonga Civic Center, 10500 Civic Center Ddve, Rancho Cucamonga, California. Chairman
McNiel then led in the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL
COMMISSIONERS: PRESENT: Rich Macias, John Mannerino, Larry McNiel, Pam Stewart,
Peter Tolstoy
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Brad Buller, City Planner; Dan Coleman, Principal Planner; Kevin Ennis,
Assistant City Attorney; Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer; Brent Le Count,
Gall Sanchez, Planning Commission Secretary
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Brad Bullet, City Planner, announced that Senior Civil Engineer Dan James had been selected
the City's Employee of the Month for September 1999 by the other employees.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: Moved by Mannerino, seconded by Stewart, carried 4-0-0-1 (Macias abstain), to approve
the minutes of August 25, 1999.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW 98-10 - BARRATT
AMERICAN - The design review of detailed site plan and building elevations for previously
recorded Tract 13316, consisting of 123 lots on 84 acres of land in the Very-Low Residential
District (less than 2 dwelling units per acre), located on the east side of Archibald Avenue,
north of Carrari Court - APN: 1074-061-15 through 27, 1074-041-08 through 21,
1074-591-01 through 16, 1074-461-04 through 21, 1074-601-01 through 14, 1074-611-01
through 16, 1074-021-02 through 26, and 1074-051-09 through 16.
Brent Le Count, Associate Planner, presented the staff report, gave a brief history of the project,
and suggested a revision to clarify wording of Environmental Mitigation Measure Condition 10
regarding the establishment of native shrub land and wetland habitat. He also indicated that a fax
from Leeona Klippstein of Spirt of the Sage Council was in front of the Commissioners. He
reported the fax had been received less than an hour earlier and requested denial of the project
until a full Environmental Impact Report is completed.
Chairman McNiel indicated the public hearing was open.
Jeff Chine, Luce, Forward, Hamilton & Scripps, LLP, 600 West Broadway, Suite 2600, San Diego,
stated his firm is the legal counsel for Barratt American. He thanked staff for an excellent job in
processing the application. He felt they had worked through all the issues. He observed the
matter had been continued on several occasions, most recently as a result of a late letter
submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). He felt Barratt understands
the position of USFWS is that they would like to preserve as much land as possible. He said
Barratt feels that the mitigation requested by staff is adequate and meets all City standards. He
indicated that Robert Liang from Barrett was also available in the audience to answer any
questions.
Chairman McNiel asked if the applicant concurred with all recommended conditions of approval.
Mr. Chine indicated acceptance.
Diana Santini, 5207 London Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga, indicated the Commission had
received two separate correspondences from her. She said she met with Engineering staff. She
stated that when she purchased the property in 1983, there was an easement for natural drainage
flowwhich did not specifically state anything about construction of additional drainage. She was
concerned that a large concrete channel will be viewed from the deck she suspended on the east
side of her property. She reiterated concerns voiced in her June 9, 1999, letter about the planned
drainage system.
Curtis Metzgar, 10699 Champagne Road, Rancho Cucamonga, spoke in favor of the project
indicating he is on an interest list to purchase a home from the developer. He felt the
development will be good for the community. He said he and his wife currently rent and are
looking for a home to buy on a 1/2 acre lot in that area. He thought the issues that have been
raised had been addressed and requested that the Commission approve the project.
Cindy Shannon, 9574 Hidden Farm Road, stated she saw a letter distributed by Barrett Amedcan
indicating that residents are opposed to new construction. She said an article in The Grapevine
Press indicated 113 development projects are planned west of Etiwanda Street with 38,652 new
homes planned for the area. She noted she had submitted a petition signed by 23 residents
opposing the extension of Hidden Farm Road. She acknowledged that the extension of Hidden
Farm Road across Archibald Avenue was not a consideration for the Commission at this time, but
she showed a picture showing the downhill grade of Archibald Avenue and said people typically
speed when going downhill. She feared for children crossing the street. She pointed out that
there will be three exits to Archibald Avenue and one on Hermosa Avenue and she feared it will
be difficult for residents to evacuate the area in the event of a wildfire. She observed that Barrett
had indicated in its letter that they were sensitive to the concerns of the neighbors. She felt that
their bulldozing over a fourth of the area as shrub removal for fire prevention was not necessary
because removing the shrubs along the perimeter should have been sufficient. She thought the
area is a unique place and she felt that chopping it up will destroy it. She said there is currently
a chain link fence with barbed wire across the top and that is unsightly and blocks the wildlife
corridor. She asked that the Commission consider the natural environment, community identity,
and safety of children in the area.
Planning Commission Minutes -2- September 8, 1999
Hearing no further testimony, Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing. He asked that staff
respond to questions raised during public testimony.
Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer, stated that the GeoSoils, Inc. report from September 1992
referenced by Ms. Santini was a limited geotechnical evaluation which appeared to have been a
walk-through of the area. He said the geologists' comments are common sense comments that
should be heeded by a homeowner purchasing a house in the area. With regard to the report's
recommendation that anything done within the ravine should have geotechnical expertise, Mr.
James indicated that the City is requiring that the construction being facilitated by the developer
will be overseen by a geotechnical soils engineer so proper compaction of the slopes will be
obtained.
Chairman McNiel asked if that requirement should be added to the resolution of approval.
Mr. James responded that it will be required at the time of plan check and processing of the
improvement plans.
Chairman McNiel felt that was acceptable.
Mr. James stated that once the City accepts the drainage easements, maintenance of the ravine
will be the responsibility of the City with regards to drainage purposes. With respect to Ms.
Santini's question that the easement was only for natural drainage, and not a drainage facility, he
said he recalled that he had told Ms. Santini that the project was approved to offer an easement,
but when the map recorded the easement was rejected by the City Council. He said that means
the offer is in perpetuity which would allow the City Council to accept it in the future and utilize it.
He said he informed her the City does not accept an easement until it is improved and public
waters drain into it. He stated this development will drain public waters into the easement;
therefore the City accepted it. He indicated the final map says "drainage easement" and he did
not see the word "natural" in any of the records he researched. He said staff had discussed the
drainage easement with the City Attorney. Mr. James observed that one of the concerns raised
was with regard to continued drainage over slopes and the water coming onto her property from
the north. He pointed out that natural drainage should no longer hit her north property line
because this development will redirect the drainage into the channel via draining into a pipe and
then into an open channel with dissipaters to slow the water down and then discharge it into the
natural ravine at the bottom of the channel. · He said the water will no longer flow over the side of
the slopes. He stated Ms. Santini requested a copy of a geotechnical evaluation; however, the
City does not have one because it is a drainage facility designed by a civil engineer within
acceptable standards, and a geotechnical soils engineer will be on site during construction to be
sure the compaction and re-establishment of the slopes are obtained. He noted that Ms. Santini
requested that a pipe be extended to take the development flow totally within a buded pipe
emptying into the existing storm drain. Mr. James stated that the Engineering Division does not
consider this a viable option because of the debris basin being installed at the north end of the site
which has a surface overflow facility in case the inlet facility gets plugged up with debds. He
indicated the overflow will flow south within a public street towards the channel at the south end
which is constructed on Ms. Santini's property and discharged onto Mr. Reese's property. He said
it must be an open channel for secondary emergency overflow. Mr. James noted that Ms. Santini
requested that if an open channel is used, that it be relocated to the ravine on the eastern side
of her property. He stated that Ms. Santini's property has two natural ravines. He said that it
would be necessary to realign the street map in order to redirect the drainage as she requested
and the subdivision map has already been recorded and the Army Corps of Engineers has already
issued 404 permits with regard to the blue line stream. He noted that ali of the improvements
Planning Commission Minutes -3- September 8, 1999
have been bonded for. Mr. James noted that Ms. Santini had requested a crossover bridge be
provided on her property if the open channel is approved as currently planned. He said that at
one time the developer was supposed to put in a pedestrian crossing. He noted there is an
equestrian facility within the Ban'att development which has a bridge crossing which will
accommodate City vehicles to allow for maintenance of the channel, so she will have an access
road available to her as well as the pedestrian access. He observed that the concerns raised by
Ms. Shannon regarding the street alignment were addressed within the staff report. He said the
street design is an acceptable street design to the Engineering Division.
Commissioner Mannerino felt the homeowner objections fall into three general categories with the
first being concerns regarding natural drainage, with "natural" being the key. He said drainage
easements exist because of an intent to change the natural drainage and there would be no need
for an easement for natural drainage because it is already there. He thought the second objection
is the demise of the cul-de-sac and traffic and hazzards created thereby. He said that
unfortunately the City is populated by streets that go through and children are on all streets. He
stated that while it would be wonderful if every neighborhood were a cul-de-sac, it would not be
possible to cross the City. He considered the third objection to be the demise of the natural
habitat. He suspected there was substantial natural habitat where the existing homeowners now
live and it was destroyed when their houses were built. He remembered when there was nothing
on the land where City Hall now sits. He said that it is an unfortunate fact of modem life that
civilization destroys the natural habitat of what was there before. He stated that it has to be done
responsibly and he noted there are substantial mitigation measures with respect to the creation
of other habitat. He thought the project is a good one. He felt there are adequate checks within
the project to ensure proper drainage and noted the staff has a reputation for being meticulous.
He observed that the project map was recorded in 1990 which creates vested land rights. He said
that Ban'afl has a right to build so long as they do it responsibly in accordance with our ordinances
and regulations of the county and the federal government with regard to natural habitat
modifications. He supported the project.
Commissioner Tolstoy observed that the project has a long history with the project first being
submitted by a previous developer prior to adoption of the Hillside Development Ordinance. He
observed the City was aware of the fact that hillsides are hard to develop and a requirement was
placed on the original project that grading would not disturb much of the land and houses were
to be built with split levels and stem walls. He noted the original project expired and when Barratt
came in, he felt the City made a mistake in allowing them to mass grade. He noted that if the
project had been developed as first approved, it would not have been mass graded, but rather
each lot would have been graded for split level houses with a minimum of grading. He noted this
project has a lot of grading which will create slopes which are not usable. He did not support the
project for that reason. He felt the drainage situation can be addressed and the street assignment
is moot because the map has already been filed and he thought the environmental impacts have
been adequately addressed. He supported a project on the property, but not as presently
proposed.
Commissioner Macias concurred with Commissioner Mannerino. He thought the project is similar
to most of the other projects in that area. He thought staff had done an excellent job of
addressing the issues, identifying the impacts, and developing substantial mitigations to offset the
impacts to levels of insignificance. He supported the project.
Commissioner Stewart indicated support for the project. She said she had read over 400 pages
of documentation and had read every letter which had been sent and sorted through legal
opinions by City attorneys and other attorneys. She indicated she had gone to the area
Planning Commission Minutes -4- September 8, 1999
repeatedly and tried to take everything into account. She said she was on the Design Review
Committee and the Committee had carefully reviewed the project home sites and the design of
the homes to try to ensure view corridors and get trails and fencing right. She said she made
extensive notes and considered both the positive and negative aspects and felt the positives
outweigh the negatives and the negatives are being dealt with through mitigations or have been
resolved. She noted there is a comprehensive resolution with a multitude of requirements for the
development.
Chairman McNiel felt the project had been thoroughly considered.
Motion: Moved by Stewart, seconded by Mannerino, to issue a Negative Declaration and adopt
the resolution approving Development Review 98-10. Motion carded by the following vote:
AYES: MACIAS, MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART
NOES: TOLSTOY
ABSENT: NONE - carried
B. ENVIRONMENTALASSESSMENTAND TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 15320- MWH REALTY,
LTD. - A subdivision of 6.99 acres of land into 2 parcels in the Industrial Park Development
District (Subarea 6) and Haven Avenue Overlay District of the Industrial Area Specific Plan,
located on the northeast comer of Haven Avenue and Acacia Street - APN: 209-401-01.
Chairman McNiel observed that the applicant requested a continuance to October 13, 1999.
Motion: Moved by Mannerino, seconded by Tolstoy, to continue Parcel Map 15320 to October
13, 1999.
DIRECTOR'S REPORTS
C. AUTHORIZATION TO FILE A GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT APPLICATION FOR THREE
PARCELS IN CONNECTION WiTH GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 99-05A - A request to
change the land use and zoning designation from Industrial Park to Low-Medium Residential
(4-8 dwelling units per acre) for land totaling 18.5 acres in size located between 4th and 6th
Streets on the west side of Archibald Avenue - APN: 209-062-31.
Brad Bullet, City Planner, presented the staff report.
Chairman McNiel asked the designations of the surrounding parcels.
Mr. Buller responded that Parcel 17 is Commercial and Parcel 42 is Industrial Park.
Motion: Moved by Mannerino, seconded by Stewart, to authorize staff to file two additional
General Plan Amendments to consider the two referenced parcels in conjunction with General
Plan Amendment 99-05A. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: MACIAS, MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY ·
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE - carried
Planning Commission Minutes -5- September 8, 1999
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments at this time.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
There was no further Commission business.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Moved by Mannerino, seconded by Tolstoy, carried 5-0 to adjourn. The Planning
Commission adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Planning Commission Minutes -6- September 8, 1999
CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Regular Meeting
August 25, 1999
Chairman McNiel called the Regular Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning
Commission to order at 7:07 p.m. The meeting was held in the Council Chamber at Rancho
Cucamonga Civic Center, 10500 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, California.
ROLL CALL
COMMISSIONERS: PRESENT: John Mannerino, Larry McNiel, Para Stewart, Peter Tolstoy
ABSENT: Rich Macias
STAFF PRESENT: Brad Bullet, City Planner; Dan Coleman, Principal Planner; Kevin Ennis,
Assistant City Attorney; Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer; Warren Morelion,
Assistant Planner; Cathy Morris, Planning Specialist; Gall Sanchez, Planning
Commission Secretary; Rebecca Van Buren
ANNOUNCEMENTS
There were no announcements.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: Moved by Mannerino, seconded by Tolstoy, carried 4-0-1 (Macias absent), to approve
the minutes of August 11, 1999.
Motion: Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by Mannerino, carried 4-0-1 (Macias absent), to approve
the minutes of the Adjourned Meeting of August 11, 1999.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A. VACATION OF A 6*FOOT WIDE EASEMENT FOR DRAINAGE PURPOSES V-165 - Located
between Seventh Street and Sixth Street along the east side of the railroad spur crossing for
both 10401 Seventh Street and 10404 Sixth Street - APN: 209-262-16 and 15.
Motion: Moved by Mannerino, seconded by Stewart, carried 4-0-1 (Macias absent), to adopt the
Consent Calendar.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
B. DEVELOPMENT REVIEW 99-39 - GENERAL DYNAMICS PROPERTIES -A master plan for
the development of Planning Area VIII and a portion of Planning Area X of the Empire Lakes
Subarea 18 Specific Plan, located on the west side of Milliken Avenue, north of Fourth Street
and Seventh Street, respectively - APN: 210-082-48 an 210-272-18. Related files: Tentative
Parcel Maps 15350 and 15346.
C. TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 15350 - GENERAL DYNAMICS PROPERTIES - A subdivision
of 22.49 acres of land into 9 parcels in the Mixed Use designation of the Subarea 18 Specific
Plan, located at the southwest corner of Milliken Avenue and Sixth Street - APN: 210-082-48.
Related files: Development Review 99-39 and Tentative Parcel Map 15346.
D. TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 15346 - GENERAL DYNAMICS PROPERTIES - A subdivision
of 9.2 acres of land into 2 parcels in the Mixed Use designation of the Subarea 18 Specific
Plan, located on the west side of Anaheim Place and Azusa Court, north of Sixth Street -
APN: 209-272-18. Related files: Development Review 99-39 and Tentative Parcel Map
15350.
Rebecca Van Buren, Associate Planner, presented the staff report and indicated several changes
to the standard conditions to make them consistent with the Development Agreement.
Commissioner Mannerino questioned the uses of the current buildings.
Chairman McNiel opened the public headng.
Jeff Kudlac, General Dynamics, 3270 Inland Empire Boulevard, #440, Ontario, gave a bdef
background of the project and brief overview of the current status. He indicated the three-story
office facility was sold and leases have been signed for all but about 10,000 to 15,000 square feet.
He indicated the parcel maps were being processed in order to create parcels to allow build-to-
suit. He discussed the possibility of urban residential development adjacent to the golf course.
He expressed appreciation for staffs assistance in moving the project forward.
Brad Buller, City Planner, observed that several temporary use permits have been issued for a
church to use the larger building and the church has submitted an application for permanent use.
Commissioner Mannerino felt the flexibility afforded by breaking up the parcels is good.
Commissioner Tolstoy supported the request but expressed concerns about a possible parking
conflict with the parcel adjacent to the Metrolink. He felt Metrolink users may park in any mixed
use project.
Mr. Bullet indicated the City Engineer is currently working on expansion plans for the Metrolink
parking area. He thought there may have to be policing of parking lots and noted that the intent
was to have uses which would compliment the Metrolink.
Mr. Kudlac indicated there are no current development plans for a 3-acre site adjacent to the
Metrolink station.
Chairman McNiel asked if there are any plans to build Metrolink stations to the east.
Planning Commission Minutes -2- August 25, 1999
Mr. Buller felt Rancho Cucamonga will continue to be the main station for commuters ardving via
Interstate 15 and he noted that some Rancho Cucamonga residents use the Upland facility.
Chairman McNiel was glad to see the General Dynamics applications and felt it will be good for
the community. He noted the Architectural Guidelines in the Master Plan are very general and
allow a very liberal interpretation. He observed specifically that the illustration with respect to
Building Mass is too plain. He felt the buildings in this area will be very important for the
community and should be of the highest design quality.
Mr. Bullet confirmed that the guidelines allow flexibility. He observed that minute action would
reflect the Commission's intention with respect to the guidelines. He indicated the illustration could
be deleted if the Commission preferred.
Chairman McNiel said he did not want to restrict the flexibility, but he does not want buildings
which only meet the minimum.
Mr. Kudlac indicated they are currently working with staff on a specific office product for the parcel
adjacent to the Metrolink. He said staff would be responsible for reviewing the design and would
certainly comment 0n the design. He observed they are demanding high land prices, so the
quality will continue in order to attract buyers. He stated they wrestled with the Architectural
Guidelines because of the flexibility in uses. He noted the uses include retail, research and
development, offices up to 75,000 square feet, or a hotel and said they didn't want to include
illustrations of every possible use. He felt staff will ensure that quality happens.
Chairman McNiel feared that if a parcel is sold off, the buyer may be disappointed when they are
told they can't construct a building like the illustration.
Mr. Kudlac noted that parcels are typically not sold without having entitlements in place.
Hearing no further comments, Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing.
Commissioners Tolstoy, Mannerino, and Stewart indicated they agreed with Chairman McNiel.
Commissioner Stewart felt the property has great potential because of Ontario Mills, the Metrolink,
and freeway access. She liked the mixed uses.
Mr. Bullet pointed out that the review process for the projects will be through staff because of the
Development Agreement. He indicated the intent was to be able to quickly move the applications
through the process. He stated staff has been pleased with initial projects which have been
submitted.
Motion: Moved by Mannedno, seconded by Stewart, to adopt the resolutions approving
Development Review 99-39, Tentative Parcel Map 15350, and Tentative Parcel Map 15346, with
modifications noted by staff. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MACIAS - carried
Planning Commission Minutes -3- August 25, 1999
NEW BUSINESS.
E. DEVELOPMENT REVIEW 99-35 - ROBERT A. FREI,':; - A request to construct a 7,549
square foot single family home on .74 acres of land within the gated King Ranch Estates
' ' (Tract 10277) in the Very Low Residential District, located at 5073 Earl Court - APN: 1061-
791-09. Related File: Tree Removal Permit 99-19.
Warren Morelion, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report.
Chairman McNiel invited public comment.
Robert Freis, 1258 Chestnut Street, Upland, felt the house will be a credit to the City. He
requested approval.
There were no additional public comments.
Commissioner Stewart stated she was on the Design Review Committee for the project. She felt
it is a nice plan and the grading issues have been addressed. She observed the applicant had
been cooperative. She believed the trees need to be removed and noted they will be replaced
at a greater than 1:1 ratio.
Motion: Moved by Stewart, seconded by Tolstoy to adopt the resolution approving Development
Review 99-35. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MACIAS - carried
DIRECTOR'S REPORTS
F. EMPIRE LAKES DESIGN GUIDELINES - GENERAL DYNAMICS PROPERTIES - Review of
supplemental design guidelines for the Subarea 18 Specific Plan, a 380 acre Mixed Use
project surrounding the Empire Lakes Golf Course, and bounded by Milliken Avenue, Fourth
Street, Utica Avenue, and the Metrolink railroad. Related files: Development Review 99-39
and Tentative Parcel Maps 15350 and 15346.
Associate Planner Rebecca Van Buren presented the staff report.
Chairman McNiel invited public comment.
Jeff Kudlac, General Dynamics, 3270 Inland Empire Boulevard, #440, Ontario, stated he was
available to answer questions.
There were no additional public comments.
Commissioner Tolstoy observed that staff is responsible for approving applications and asked
what would happen if there is disagreement between the applicant and staff. He asked if the
matter would be referred to the Planning Commission.
Planning Commission Minutes -4- August 25, 1999
Mr. Bullet confirmed that if an impasse is reached, the matter would be referred to the
Commission.
Commissioner Mannerino suggested that "or equivalent" be added to Paragraph ID, which
specifies the make and style of benches.
Motion: Moved by Mannerino, seconded by Stewart, to approve the Empire Lakes Design
Guidelines, as modified. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MACIAS - carried
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments at this time.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
G. GENERAL PLAN UPDATE PROGRESS
Brad Bullet, City Planner, reported that the next Task Force meeting will be on September 15,
1999. He invited Commissioners to view the documents being reviewed.
Commissioner Mannerino reported that Council Member Dutton had asked that he pass along a
message that trellises on buildings are being used by vandals to climb and place graffiti higher on
buildings than they could otherwise.
Chairman McNiel indicated a lengthy discussion had taken place at the last Design Review
Committee meeting regarding that subject. He said he understood that staff was already looking
at alternatives.
Commissioner Mannerino expressed disappointment that the Funcoland sign is still up and asked
staff to aggressively pursue its removal.
Mr. Buller stated that he had been told by Lewis Homes that it would be removed immediately.
He said Lewis had received a permit for the new sign on Monday and staff would follow up. He
also reported that a letter had been sent to Compass Creek asking for compliance with the Sign
Ordinance.
Commissioner Tolstoy asked about enforcement of the Ordinance regarding news racks.
Planning Commission Minutes -5- August 25, 1999
Mr. Bullet indicated that staff had hoped to be further along in removal; however, Code
Enforcement recently lost another staff member. He said he would pass the comment along to
Code Enforcement staff.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by Mannerino, carried 4-0-1 (Macias absent) to adjourn.
The Planning Commission adjourned at 7:58 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary
Planning Commission Minutes -6- August 25, 1999
CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Adjourned Meeting
August 11, 1999
Chairman McNiel called the Adjourned Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning
Commission to order at 8:00 p.m. The meeting was held in the Rains Room at Rancho
Cucamonga Civic Center, 10500 Civic Center Ddve, Rancho Cucamonga, California.
ROLL CALL
COMMISSIONERS: PRESENT: Rich Macias, John Mannedno, Larry McNiel, Para Stewart,
Peter Tolstoy
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Dan Coleman, Principal Planner; Kevin Ennis, Assistant City Attorney
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
A. QUARTERLY DISCUSSION AND REVIEW OF DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE PROJECTS
Commissioner Macias explained that his original desire was to open and maintain a dialogue
amongst the Commissioners regarding the design review process. He said the intent was to
compare and contrast projects that have been constructed to be used as a learning process.
Commissioner Mannedno felt the Design Review Committee was doing a great job and was not
aware of any problems with the process.
Commissioner Macias indicated that the composition of the Planning Commission has changed
and that quarterly workshops may not be necessary.
Chairman McNiel supported the idea of the Commission's reviewing plans from some of the more
challenging projects.
Commissioner Tolstoy stated that some of the more recent Commission design policies may not
be written down; therefore, he felt the Commission should review its written design guidelines.
Dan Coleman, Principal Planner, distributed copies of the Residential Design Guidelines and the
Commercial/Industrial Design Guidelines.
Commissioner Tolstoy suggested that the Commission go on a field tour of recently constructed
projects.
Commissioner Mannerino agreed.
Chairman McNiel asked for clarification of whether the last fencing guideline means stucco over
block wall.
Mr. Coleman indicated that because architectural styles may vary within a tract, the guideline
encourages "neutral" wall design that is compatible with all styles; typically, this has meant a
stucco wall.
Commissioner Mannerino expressed his frustration with the review process for the Funcoland sign
because the sign still has not been removed.
Commissioner Macias noted that he had filed complaints regarding Compass Creek's light stdngs
around their windows. He indicated that the violation still has not been abated. Another example
cited was newspaper racks that continue to not adhere to the new City ordinance.
Commissioner Mannerino thought it may be appropriate for the Planning Commission to develop
a policy method for enforcing their decisions.
Commissioner Macias inquired as to whether it would be possible for the Commission to get a
quarterly report from Code Enforcement on the status of violations.
Commissioner Mannerino suggested that whenever a Planning Commission agenda item involves
a code violation and a decision is reached, the Commission should direct Code Enforcement to
proceed in a timely manner to get the business owner or property owner to abate the violation.
Mr. Coleman explained the code enforcement process.
Commissioner Mannedno requested that this issue be placed on their agenda for further
discussion. He questioned if it was possible for the Planing Commission to be empowered to
adopt a Resolution directing enforcement.
Commissioner Macias suggested that first the City Planner should meet with Code Enforcement
to discuss Planning Commission concerns, The balance of the Commission agreed with that
approach.
Commissioner Stewart indicated frustration with the review process for the cellular phone
monopole erected at the Amethyst Fire Station. She was concerned that the Planning
Commission previously denied a monopole request a few blocks away at the Brethren in Christ
Church and that the City is not being consistent. She felt that the monopoie should have been
required to be a "stealth" facility, such as a fake palm tree. She stated she had shared her
concerns with the Community Development Director.
Commissioner Tolstoy said he also had spoken with the Community Development Director and
was assured that the City would work with the cellular provider to screen or disguise the monopole.
Commissioner Stewart stated she had visited the new Concordia homes on Wilson Avenue and
noticed that the foam elements are already breaking apart.
PC Adjourned Minutes -2- August 11, 1999
Chairman McNiel indicated there are different grades of wire mesh that can be applied over foam
to protect it. He said a 4 pound mesh is typically used in areas that won't be touched, such as
second floor window trim; a 10 pound mesh is used in most areas; and a 20 pound mesh is used
in heavy use areas, such as around doors.
Commissioner Tolstoy suggested that construction technology evolves and the Planning
Commission could consider including some of these new technologies in the Design Guidelines
Policies.
Chairman McNiel stated that he agreed with Commissioner Mannerino about putting code
enforcement on an upcoming agenda for further discussion.
There was consensus to schedule a field tour of projects on Friday, October 1, 1999, from
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
The Planning Commission adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Dan Coleman
Acting Secretary
PC Adjourned Minutes -3- August 11, 1999
CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Regular Meeting
August 11, 1999
Chairman McNiel called the Regular Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning
Commission to order at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was held in the Council Chamber at Rancho
Cucamonga Civic Center, 10500 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, California. Chairman
McNiel then led in the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL
COMMISSIONERS: PRESENT: Rich Macias, John Mannerino, Larry McNiel, Para Stewart,
Peter Tolstoy
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Dan Coleman, Principal Planner; Kevin Ennis, Assistant City Attorney; Betty
Miller, Associate Engineer; Gall Sanchez, Planning Commission Secretary;
Rebecca Van Buren, Associate Planner; Rudy Zeledon, Assistant Planner
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Dan Coleman, Principal Planner, announced that a meeting was scheduled for August 12 with
other cities in the region and SANBAG regarding trails along abandoned rail corridors. He said
it is hoped the project can move forward and perhaps secure federal funding.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by Mannefino, carried 5-0, to approve the minutes of July
14, 1999.
Motion: Moved by Mannerino, seconded by Tolstoy, carried 5-0, to approve the minutes of the
Adjourned Meeting of July 14, 1999.
Motion: Moved by Stewart, seconded by Mannerino, carried 4-0-0-1 (Macias abstain), to approve
the minutes of July 28, 1999.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TIME EXTENSION FOR TRACT 15540- FU MAI
LIMITED PARTNERSHIP - A request for a time extension of a previously approved tentative
tract map, for the development of 159 single family lots on 24.56 acres of land in the Medium
Residential Distdct (8-14 dwelling units per acre) of the Foothill Boulevard Specific Plan and
Development Code areas located between Foothill Boulevard and Arrow Route, west of the
Cucamonga Creek Control Channel- APN: 207-211-01, 18 through 21,31,32, and 34. Staff
has prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration.
Related files: Development Review 99-27 and Variance 99-06. (Continued from June 9,
1999)
Rudy Zeledon, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report.
Chairman McNiel indicated the public hearing was open.
Jary Cockroft, Madole & Associates, 10601 Church Street, Suite 107, Rancho Cucamonga, stated
he was available to answer questions. He indicated they had met with the homeowners in the
area.
Hearing no further testimony, Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing.
Motion: Moved by Mannerino, seconded by Tolstoy, to issue a Negative Declaration and adopt
the resolution approving Time Extension for Tentative Tract 15540. Motion carried by the following
vote:
AYES; MACIAS, MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE - carried
B. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TIME EXTENSION FOR TENTATIVE TRACT 15711
- PACIFIC COMMUNITIES - A request for a time extension for an approved residential
subdivision of 283 lots on 80.39 acres of land in the Low-Medium Residential Distdct (4-8
dwelling units per acre) of the Etiwanda Specific Plan, generally located north of Foothill
Boulevard, east of Etiwanda Avenue, south of Interstate 15 Freeway, and west of East
Avenue -APN: 1100-141-01 and 02, 1100-171-01 and 13, 1100-181-01 and 04, and 1100-
201-01. Related files: Efiwanda Specific Plan Amendment 96-01 and Tree Removal Permit
96-17.
C. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 99-30 AND
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW 99-08 - PACIFIC COMMUNITIES - The review of the detailed site
plan and building elevations for Phases I and 2 of previously approved Tentative Tract 15711
consisting of 191 single family lots on 45.3 acres of land in the Low-Medium Residential
District (4-8 dwelling units per acre) of the Etiwanda Specific Plan, generally located north of
Foothill Boulevard, east of Etiwanda Avenue, south of Interstate 15 Freeway, west of East
Avenue -APN: 1100-141-01 and 02, 1100-171-01 and 13, and 1100-181-01. Related files:
Time Extension for Tentative Tract 15711 and Tree Removal Permit 96-17.
Rebecca Van Buren, Associate Planner, presented the staff report.
Commissioner Tolstoy asked if the park is planned at a later point and why it is not now being
required.
Ms. Van Buren responded that the original tract approval included a 5-acre park to be constructed
by the developer. She stated that when the time extension was approved a year ago, the
Planning Commission Minutes -2- August 11, 1999
applicant's attorney requested reconsideration of the park issue because he argued the number
of houses being developed did not warrant land dedication plus improvements. She stated the
City Attorney felt the City was in a better position to get the land dedicated without improvements
and the original condition was revised.
Commissioner Tolstoy asked if the City is intends to develop the park.
Dan Coleman, Principal Planner, responded that there are no immediate plans.
Commissioner Tolstoy noted the development is near Foothill Boulevard. He wished there had
been discussions with the Planning Commission and Park and Recreation Commission. He felt
the park is needed. He thought the homes would generate money for the park.
Mr. Coleman indicated the tract is not large enough to support construction of a park.
Commissioner Tolstoy questioned the proposed curb-adjacent sidewalks.
Ms. Van Buren stated the budget in this Landscape Maintenance District (LMD) is very small. She
stated the design is dependent upon what the City feels it can maintain.
Commissioner Tolstoy thought the homeowners would be required to maintain the parkway.
Mr. Van Buren replied that a portion will be in the LMD. She said the City is trying to determine
what course to follow: 1) ways to make things work with the current assessment, 2) ways to
increase the rate, or 3) redistrict the area.
Commissioner Tolstoy asked why the developer would not be installing the parkways and the area
wouldn't be maintained by the homeowners, He thought it sounded like the tract is creating
second class citizens.
Chairman McNiel concurred with Commissioner Tolstoy's concerns. He acknowledged that a few
years ago, the State lowered the amount of park acreage from 5 acres to 3 acres.
Mr. Coleman indicated that the City Council has formulated a park fee and developers have an
option of paying the fee or dedicating land. He stated that fees go toward developing parks in the
area.
Chairman McNiel observed that when the project was processed through the Design Review
Committee, the Committee members wanted parkways but the developer requested that the
matter be brought before the full Commission.
Ms. Van Buren observed that the developer has agreed to inclusion of a condition to meet City
standards for the publicly maintained landscape areas, but the standards have not yet been
established. She said there would be a future workshop with the Commission.
Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing.
Nelson Chung, President, Pacific Communities, 1000 Dove Street, Newport Beach, concurred with
the proposed conditions. He indicated Architect Mark Goss and Civil Engineer Dan Guerra were
available to answer questions. He stated all plans have been submitted for plan check and they
hope to start grading in 30 to 45 days.
Planning Commission Minutes -3- August 11, 1999
Hearing no further testimony, Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Mannerino asked when the decision would be made regarding parkways versus
curb-adjacent sidewalks.
Chairman McNiel suggested the decision be made at this meeting.
Commissioner Mannedno noted Ms. Van Buren had indicated there would be a workshop. He
said he does not like parkways because they are a nuisance to maintain.
Commissioner Tolstoy saw no reason to have curb-adjacent sidewalks unless older
neighborhoods are being retrofitted or there is a lot of water running down the streets. In a
residential neighborhood, he felt parkways set the tone for the area and noted the City works hard
to obtain good elevations. He questioned why the LMD would have to maintain the parkways.
Betty Miller, Associate Engineer, stated the LMD would be responsible for areas outside the
perimeter wails and along paseos. She pointed out that landscape areas with curb-adjacent
sidewalks are less costly and allow for larger trees. She explained that this subdivision will have
more areas in the LMD than with most subdivisions. She outlined the areas on a map which
would be included in the LMD including along collector streets, the south perimeter, East Avenue,
and Milliken Avenue.
Mr. Coleman suggested the Planning Commission allow the tract to keep moving forward and let
the Community Development Director provide the Planning Commission with cost figures.
Commissioner Tolstoy feared that if the Commission approved the tract this evening with the
proposed language, the developer would have no incentive to avoid curb-adjacent sidewalks.
Chairman McNiel suggested including language that the parkways be provided unless it is proved
to the Planning Commission that curb-adjacent sidewalks are advantageous.
Kevin Ennis, Assistant City Attorney, suggested adding wording that parkways be provided
between the curb and sidewalks along all streets, including LMD streets, unless otherwise
approved by the Planning Commission.
Motion: Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by Stewart, to issue a Negative Declaration and approve
the Time Extension for Tentative Tract 15711, Conditional Use Permit 99-30, and Development
Review 99-08 with modification as suggested. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: MACIAS, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY
NOES: MANNERINO
ABSENT: NONE o carried
Commissioner Mannedno's no vote was because of his opposition to requiring parkways.
DIRECTOR'S REPORTS
D. EMERGENCY ACCESS PLAN FOR TENTATIVE TRACT 15798 - Generally located south
of Highland Avenue, east of East Avenue, west of Interstate 15 Freeway.
Planning Commission Minutes °4- August 11, 1999
Betty Miller, Associate Engineer, presented the staff report.
Commissioner Stewart asked if the access is permanent or only during construction of the
freeway.
Ms. Miller replied it is only during construction.
Dan Coleman, Principal Planner, observed that when the tract was originally approved, there was
a concern whether there would be any access from Highland Avenue. He observed the letter from
Caltrans has indicated there will be emergency access available.
Ms. Miller noted that access may also be via the flood control channel maintenance road.
Commissioner Tolstoy thought that area is fenced.
Ms. Miller confirmed that Caltrans put in a fence when frontage area improvements were installed.
She reported Caltrans is in the process of turning the streets over to the City and the City may do
something differently.
Chairman McNiel invited public comment.
Denise Peterson, Ryland Homes, 201 East Sandpointe, #100, Santa Ana, observed there will be
a period of time when Caltrans cannot guarantee there wilt be access because of utility installation
and said they propose using the roads along Victoria Basin only in the event of an emergency.
There were no further comments.
Motion: Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by Mannerino, to find the proposed Emergency Access
acceptable. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: MAClAS, MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE - carried
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments at this time.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
E. ELECTION OF PLANNING COMMISSION OFFICERS
Commissioner Mannerino nominated the current officers.
Commissioner Stewart stated that if the current officers were willing, she concurred.
Chairman McNiel and Commissioner Macias agreed to serve.
Planning Commission Minutes -5- August 11, 1999
It was the unanimous consensus of the Commission to maintain Larry McNiel as Chairman and
Rich Macias as Vice Chairman.
F. GENERAL PLAN UPDATE PROGRESS
Dan Coleman, Principal Planner, reported the City's consultant has completed drafts of three of
the studies and staff was in the process of reviewing those drafts with comments due back to the
consultant within a week. He indicated the consultant is also working on the preferred alternate
plan for land use. He stated a meeting will be scheduled with the General Plan Update Task
Force to review those documents when they are completed to staffs satisfaction, hopefully by mid-
September. He indicated the project is moving rapidly.
Chairman McNiel asked if it is on schedule.
Mr. Coleman replied it should be completed within the scheduled time frame.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by Mannerino, to adjourn. The Planning Commission
adjourned at 7:44 p.m. to a workshop immediately following to discuss Design Review Committee
projects during the previous quarter. The workshop adjourned at 8:45 p.m. and those minutes
appear separately.
Dan Coleman
Acting Secretary
Planning Commission Minutes -6- August 11, 1999
CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Regular Meeting
July 28, 1999
Chairman McNiel called the Regular Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning
Commission to order at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was held in the Council Chamber at Rancho
Cucamonga Civic Center, 10500 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, California. Chairman
McNiel then led in the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL
COMMISSIONERS: PRESENT: John Mannerino, Larry McNiel, Pam Stewart, Peter Tolstoy
ABSENT: Rich Ma¢ias
STAFF PRESENT: Michael Estrada, Deputy City Attorney; Larry J. Henderson, Principal
Planner; Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer; Brent Le Count, Associate
Planner; Gall Sanchez, Planning Commission Secretary; Rudy Zeledon,
Assistant Planner
ANNOUNCEMENTS
There were no announcements.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A. VACATION OF A PORTION OF VICTORIA STREET - WOODSIDE HOMES - A request to
vacate the southerly portion of Victoda Street west of Etiwanda Avenue fronting Tentative
Tract 15915 - APN: 207-101-04.
B. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW 99-16 - CENTEX
HOMES - A review of the detailed site plan and building elevations for Tract 14379, consisting
of 35 single family lots on 13.48 acres of land in the Low Residential District (2-4 dwelling
units per acre) of the Etiwanda North Specific Plan, located on the northeast corner of
Etiwanda and Wilson Avenues - APN: 225-451-01 through 35.
Motion: Moved by Mannerino, seconded by Tolstoy, carried 4-0-1 (Macias absent), to adopt the
Consent Calendar.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
C. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW 98-10 - BARRATT
AMERICAN - The design review of detailed site plan and building elevations for previously
recorded Tract 13316, consisting of 123 lots on 84 acres of land in the Very-Low Residential
Distdct (less than 2 dwelling units per acre), located on the east side of Archibald Avenue,
north of Carrad Court - APN: 1074-061-15 through 27, 1074-041-08 through 21,
1074-591-01 through 16, 1074-461-04 through 21, 1074-601-01 through 14, 1074-611-01
through 16, 1074-021-02 through 26, and 1074-051-09 through 16.
Brent Le Count, Associate Planner, presented the staff report, and indicated the Commissioners
had additional information in front of them including a letter from the United States Fish and
Wildlife Service which was received today. He said staff had concerns regarding the comments
related to the amount of on-site coastal sage scrub, how much needs to be mitigated, and at what
rate. He stated staff had not had time to address this new information and staff recommended
an additional continuance of six weeks to allow the applicant time to resolve the matter with Fish
and Wildlife.
Chairman McNiel noted that the public hearing was still open.
Ronald Rouse, Luce, Forward, Hamilton & Scripps, LLP, 600 West Broadway, Suite 2600, San
Diego, stated the law firm is counsel for Barrett American on the project. He said they have
conducted all of the surveys and all requirements and have written proof of satisfaction of all the
requirements. He stated they would not consent to a further continuance of the hearing. He
asked to go on record that there was more than adequate compliance with all elements that are
relevant for the Commission's consideration on the Design Review. He felt the federal
government was playing games with local government by submitting an incomprehensible letter
at the last minute and said they wished to proceed forward. He commented that the matter had
been before the Commission on June 9, 1999, following earlier meetings regarding the project.
He asserted that the matter before the Commission was design review for a project which has a
final map which was recorded in 1990. He said the matter was continued from June 9 to answer
three issues: 1) whether the California Coastal Gnatcatcher, a threatened species, is present;
2) whether the Quino Checkerspot Butterfly or the host plants associated with them are present;
and 3) whether the San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat, an endangered species, is present. He
indicated eadier studies conducted last year and a letter from the United States Wildlife Service
approved the survey for the California Gnatcatcher which indicated it was not present. He said
that letter asked that there be further trapping and surveying for the San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat
and that study was conducted between June 9, 1999, and tonight's hearing and the letter received
today from Fish and Wildlife indicates the protocol survey for the Kangaroo Rat appears adequate.
He stated the City has a biological report by a certified and licensed biologist indicating that a
specific focused survey was conducted for the two host plants for the Quino Checkerspot Butterfly
and neither were found. He felt they have answered those three issues satisfactorily and the
applicant is entitled to proceed forward. He thought there may be larger issues about the
California and Federal Endangered Species Act and the loss of habitat in California but he
believed the applicant is entitled to a decision on the merits of this project insofar as its satisfaction
with the uniformly applied principals and standards applicable to the right of a property owner to
develop homes consistent with the neighborhood. He felt the letter from Fish and Wildlife raises
irrelevant issues.
Commissioner Mannerino questioned if Fish and Wildlife has jurisdiction to stop the project. He
observed that the letter from Fish and Wildlife talks of insignificant mitigations and the applicant's
attorney differs with that interpretation, making it difficult for the Commission to reach a decision.
Mr. Rouse stated that the blanket statements made in the letter could be true of any project within
Southern California because potential habitat is lost any time there is development of raw land.
Planning Commission Minutes -2- July 28, 1999
He asserted that the federal and state Endangered Species Act do not protect habitat per se, but
only threatened and endangered species and there are no protected or endangered species on
site. He reported Fish and Wildlife has the authority to cite the applicant if the habitat is protected.
He said the matter before the Commission is the Development Review and the kind of evidence
relied upon by reasonable people in making important decisions as to specific investigations as
to the presence of the three types of endangered and threatened species and those species were
not found. He asserted the other issues raised by Fish and Wildlife are outside the current matter.
He felt they had been asked to prove there is no needle in a haystack and that there is no way to
prove that those species may not return in the future but he believed they were entitled to go
forward and make reasonable use of the property. He thought the applicant had presented facts
that the project does not interfere with the survival and continued replenishment of any threatened
or endangered species.
Michael Estrada, Deputy City Attorney, stated he agreed in part with the speaker's comments
regarding the letter from Fish and Wildlife but he was troubled by the paragraph beginning at the
bottom of page 2 which states that the conservation measures proposed by the applicant are not
sufficient, specifically with respect to the sage scrub and recovering sage scrub.
Mr. Rouse stated the project has mitigation measures requiring them to acquire a certain amount
of acreage of offsite habitat in addition to some on-site preservation in the northern portion of the
site. He thought the letter infers there was an unauthorized additional taking and is asking for
additional mitigation. He suggested Fish and Wildlife could bring an enforcement action against
the applicant if that is the case and said the applicant believed they only performed brush
management actions in accordance with the City's ordinance and that does not constitute a taking.
He said the Army Corps of Engineers issued a permit to the applicant after consulting with Fish
and Wildlife and the additional surveys were conducted to answer the remaining questions.
Mr. Estrada referred to Fish and Wildlife's letter indicating "we recommend that mitigation be
required for any impacts to coastal sage scrub, even if it has been previously disturbed and is now
recovering" and suggesting an appropriate ratio. He asked if it was the applicant's position that
they are willing to take their chances and Fish and Wildlife should bring an enforcement action
against the applicant if they feel the mitigation is insufficient.
Mr. Rouse responded that the City has imposed mitigations for 5.9 acres of coastal sage.
Mr. Estrada asked if that includes the recovering sage referred to in the letter.
Mr. Rouse replied the recovering sage is not protected by the Endangered Species laws.
Mr. Estrada questioned if Mr. Rouse was disputing the claim that there should be mitigation for
previously disturbed sage.
Mr. Rouse said the City has already imposed mitigation in accordance with uniformly applied
federal and state mitigation standards for both on-site preservation and off-site acquisition. He
thought the references in the letter from Fish and Wildlife pertain to something unrelated and not
called for either by local ordinances or by the broadest and most expansive reading of the
Endangered Species laws. He acknowledged that if threatened or endangered species are
present, their critical habitat is subject to protection, but he asserted recovering sage or grasslands
are not endangered species and are not protected by any law. He said they have fully mitigated
any environmental impacts associated with the project.
Planning Commission Minutes -3- July 28, 1999
Chairman McNiel questioned what the Commission must do and whether the City Attorney agreed
or disagreed with the applicant's attorney.
Mr. Estrada stated the Commission has the authority to continue the hearing irrespective of the
applicant's consent. He felt the paragraph he had just referred to is the cdtical paragraph. He
said it was his understanding that there is no protection for recovering sage; however, he had just
received the letter and had no opportunity to adequately review it or conduct any research to verify
his belief. He suggested the Commission could continue the matter to allow time for research and
verification, approve the project with a condition that the matter be mitigated to the satisfaction of
Fish and Wildlife, or approve the project with proposed mitigation measures in the resolution. He
thought that Fish and Wildlife would bring an enforcement action and stop the project if they felt
mitigation is not sufficient. He said it would be better to know the answers ahead of time;
however. He felt the letter is not clear cut and concluded it woutd be hard at this stage to answer
the question regarding the need to mitigate the loss of recovering sage scrub. He did not think
that is a requirement, but could not give a clear cut answer without time to research the matter.
Commissioner Tolstoy felt the City should take a closer look at the matter because there is doubt
about the letter and the City has only had it for a couple of hours. He noted the City had also
received several other letters which he had not had time to review. He thought there are a lot of
unsolved problems.
Commissioner Stewart concurred with Commissioner Tolstoy that there was too much new
material for her to make an informed decision.
Chairman McNiel noted the matter will not become less complex. He observed that the public
hearing was open and two Commissioners had suggested the matter be continued.
Commissioner Tolstoy suggested asking staff what time frame would be desired to address the
matter.
Larry Henderson, Principal Planner, stated that at least 30 to 45 days would be required if the goal
was to have a three-way meeting with staff, the applicant, and Fish and Wildlife. He thought the
Fish and Wildlife letter raises a lot of legal questions and interpretations. He noted that the
California Environmental Quality Act indicates that the proper mitigation is what the deciding body
determines is reasonable and sufficient. He thought the Commission would have a hard time
determining if Environmental Mitigation Condition No. 11, regarding acquisition of equivalent
habitat in the Alluvial Fan Scrub Mitigation Bank 1 is adequate. He also noted that Fish and
Wildlife is a responsible agency and must also determine it is adequate. He said it was staffs
desire there would be enough time for the studies to be done, Fish and Wildlife could comment,
and the applicant could work out a mutually agreeable solution to the problem.
Mr. Rouse reported that meetings have previously been scheduled and Fish and Wildlife
personnel do not show up. He pointed out the City called a meeting in June and Barratt, City staff,
and members of the public were there; however, Fish and Wildlife did not show up. He felt Fish
and Wildlife have been unresponsive. He stated that the applicant is entitled to a decision under
CEQA based on the facts in the record before the Commission and those facts are that there are
no Quino Checkerspot Butterflies, California Gnatcatchers, or San Bernardino Kangaroo Rats
present and the other areas are outside the scope of the Commission's appropriate deliberations.
He encouraged the Commission to go ahead and take action at this time.
Planning Commission Minutes -4- July 28, 1999
Chairman McNiel stated the original Negative Declaration was issued on the project a little more
than a decade ago and he did not feel that six weeks would make that much of a difference. He
asked if anyone in the audience would like to comment if they could not attend on September 8,
1999. There were no comments.
Motion: Moved by Stewart to continue Development Review 98-10 to September 8, 1999.
Chairman McNiel stated he would like to ensure that staff will do everything possible to ensure that
Fish and Wildlife will attend the meeting and he wanted documentation of when they are
contacted and who is spoken to and their response if they do not attend.
Mr. Estrada observed that Mr. Rouse was correct regarding the previous efforts to contact Fish
and Wildlife. He said it is not as critical for the City as it is for Barratt to accommodate Fish and
Wildlife. He said it is critical for the City to make sure that all potential environmental impacts are
adequately mitigated. He thought staff and the City Attorney could respond to the letter sooner
than the six weeks but the ideal situation would be accommodation with Fish and Wildlife.
Commissioner Tolstoy seconded Commissioner's motion to continue Development Review 98-10
to September 8, 1999. Motion carded by the following vote:
AYES: MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MACIAS - carried
Commissioner Tolstoy suggested that a three-way telephone conference be utilized if necessary
since the office of Fish and Wildlife office is in Cadsbad.
D. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTANDTIME EXTENSION FOR TENTATIVE TRACT 14162
- FAN - A request for an extension of a previously approved tentative tract map, including
design review, for the development of 17 single family lots on 4.7 acres of land in the Low
Residential District (2-4 dwelling units per acre), located on the south side of 19th Street at
the western City limit - APN: 202-021-37.
Brent Le Count, Associate Planner, presented the staff report and observed that an adjoining
property owner had submitted a letter indicating that the applicant had failed to contact her
regarding removing and replacing a block wall but that the conditions of approval require the
developer to replace the wall to the satisfaction of the adjoining property owner.
Commissioner Tolstoy questioned why the wall is being moved.
Mr. Le Count responded that some property is being deeded to the adjacent property owner as
a result of the vacation of an unneeded road easement and the developer is to replace the wall
and make other landscaping improvements on Ms. DroIl's property.
Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing.
Peter Fan, 3223 East Garvey North, West Covina, requested approval of the time extension. He
stated he visited the Droll's earlier in the day and the Drolls do not want the wall knocked down.
Planning Commission Minutes -5- July 28, 1999
He suggested that the vacated property be incorporated into the project and leave the Droll's
property status quo and the wall intact.
Maria Droll, 680 Sard Street, Rancho Cucamonga, stated her wall is a retaining wall. She said she
does not want the additional property and just wants to keep what she has. She observed that
utility meters are located on the other side of the wall and the utilities have frequently dug up the
area. She asked how they would access the area if the project places a wall adjacent to hers and
suggested a gate could be used to allow utility vehicle access.
Headng no further testimony, Chairman McNiel closed the public headng.
Commissioner Tolstoy asked if a realignment could be made so it would not be necessary to
modify Mrs. Droll's property.
Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer, stated the knuckle of Hamilton Street appears to be situated
within the current dghtoof-way. He indicated it has been determined that Hamilton Street will not
be pushed through to the west; therefore, the excess street right-of-way is being vacated back to
the odginal property owners, which must be done by law. He noted the property had been deeded
to the City at the time her tract was built. He suggested the property owners could process a lot
line adjustment with Mrs. Droll deeding that property to the developer to incorporate into his project
as a part of the side yard of the house on that lot and that would mean Mrs. Droll's property and
wall would remain status quo.
Commissioner Tolstoy wanted to make sure the situation is worked out to Mrs. Droll's satisfaction.
Commissioner Mannerino requested the condition be amended to have the developer take back
and maintain the vacated portion.
Motion: Moved by Mannerino, seconded by Tolstoy, to issue a Negative Declaration and adopt
the resolution approving Time Extension for Tentative Tract 14162 with modification to require the
developer to process a lot line adjustment concurrent with the vacation of existing Hamilton Street
right of way to the satisfaction of the adjacent property owner. Motion carried by the following
vote:
AYES: MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MACIAS - carried
E. DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT 99-03 - CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA - A request
to require wireless communication providers to install facilities that would not interfere with
the City's 800 MHz public safety radio communications system.
Donald Granger, Planning Technician, presented the staff report.
Chairman McNiel asked if the City has experienced any problems.
Mr. Granger replied he was not aware of any problems in the City, only the potential for problems.
Planning Commission Minutes -6- July 28, 1999
Commissioner Stewart suggested additional language be added to indicate that if a wireless
communication facility is found to interfere with the public safety radio system, that the wireless
facility would immediately cease operations until the problem is resolved to the City's satisfaction.
Commissioner Tolstoy agreed that would be a good idea.
Chairman McNiel agreed that any interference needs to be stopped immediately.
Michael Estrada, Deputy City Attorney, felt the existing verbiage would be sufficient to allow Code
Enforcement to cite immediately; however, he agreed the language could be expanded.
Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing. There were no comments, and he closed the
headng.
Motion: Moved by Mannerino, seconded by Stewart, to adopt the resolution recommending
approval of Development Code Amendment 99-03 with modification to require the immediate
cessation of operations of any wireless communication facility which is found to interfere with the
public safety radio communications system until the problem is resolved to the satisfaction of the
City, Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MACIAS - carried
F. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TIME EXTENSION FOR CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT 97-13 - FOOTHILL PROPERTIES, LLC - A request for a time extension of a
previously approved master plan for a retail shopping center consisting of design review for
116,394 square feet of leasable space on 11.75 acres of land under the Community
Commercial designation of the Industrial Area Specific Plan (Subarea 7), located between
Spruce and Elm Avenues on the south side of Foothill Boulevard - APN: 208-352-63 through
69. Related file: Tentative Parcel Map 15044.
Commissioner Mannedno recused himself from hearing the item because he has performed legal
services for one of the applicants.
Larry Henderson, Principal Planner, presented the staff report.
Chairman McNiel opened the public headng.
Carol Plowman, Lee and Associates, 3535 Inland Empire Boulevard, Ontado, stated she was
representing the owner who could not be present. She said the applicant is trying to design a
project that will be economically feasible and beneficial to all. She reported the applicant met with
staff approximately 60 days ago to discuss the possibility of a mixed use with perhaps a high-end
senior center, restaurants, and a banking facility. She remarked that retail demands along Foothill
Boulevard are not as high as anticipated and Lewis is having trouble leasing buildings on the north
side. She said the new buyer has determined there is not a sufficient demand for full retail on their
site.
Heating no further testimony, Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing.
Planning Commission Minutes -7- July 28, 1999
Commissioner Tolstoy wished the applicant luck.
Motion: Moved by Stewart, seconded by Tolstoy, to issue a Negative Declaration and adopt the
resolution approving Time extension for Conditional Use Permit 97-13. Motion carried by the
following vote:
AYES: MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY
NOES: MANNERINO
ABSENT: MACIAS - carried
G. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTAND TIME EXTENSION FOR TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP
15044 - FOOTHILL PROPERTIES, LLC - A request for a time extension for a previously
approved Parcel Map for the subdivision of 11.75acres of land into 11 parcels in the
Community Commercial designation of the Industrial Area Specific Plan (Subarea 7), located
between Spruce and Elm Avenues on the south side of Foothill Boulevard
APN: 208-352-63 through 69. Related file: Conditional Use Permit 97-13.
Dan James Senior Civil Engineer, presented the staff report.
Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing. There was no testimony and he closed the hearing.
Motion: Moved by Stewart, seconded by Tolstoy, to issue a Negative Declaration and adopt the
resolution approving Time Extension for Parcel Map 15044. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY
NOES: MANNERINO
ABSENT: MACIAS - carried
H. DEVELOPMENT REVIEW 99-27- FU MAI LIMITED PARTNERSHIP - A design review of
building elevations and detailed site plan for a previously approved Tentative Tract Map
15540 consisting of 159 single family lots on 24.56 acres of land in the Medium Residential
Distdct (8-14 dwelling units per acre) of the Foothill Boulevard Specific Plan and Development
Code, located between Foothill Boulevard and Arrow Route, west of the Cucamonga Creek
Flood Control Channel - APN: 207-211-01, 18 through 21, 31, 32 and 34. Related
files: Vadance 99-06, Tentative Tract 15540, and Tree Removal Application 93-04.
I. VARIANCE 99-06 - FU MAI LIMITED PARTNERSHIP - A request to reduce the minimum
building separations from 15 to 10 feet, the minimum building-to-curb setbacks from 15 to 8
feet, and the required common open space area percentage from 35 percent to
approximately 10 percent of the total project area for the proposed residential subdivision of
159 single family lots on 24.56 acres of land in the Medium Residential District (8-14 dwelling
units per acre) of the Foothill Boulevard Specific Plan and Development Code, located
between Foothill Boulevard and Arrow Route, west of the Cucamonga Creek Flood Control
Channel - APN: 207-211-01, 18 through 21, 31, 32 and 34. Related files: Tentative Tract
15540, Development Review 99-27, and Tree Removal Application 93-04.
Planning Commission Minutes -8- July 28, 1999
Rudy Zeledon, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report and indicated that staff had received
two letters of opposition. He said there had been two residents of the adjacent mobile home park
who had expressed concerns regarding the shared access. He showed a map indicating the
proposed shared access.
Commissioner Tolstoy asked that staff discuss the plans for a median on Foothill Boulevard.
Mr. Zeledon indicated there will be a median along Foothill Boulevard and there would be a
signalized intersection with a break in the median at the shared access point.
Commissioner Tolstoy noted that a median is planned on Foothill Boulevard from one end of the
City to the other. He felt that would provide safer access along Foothill Boulevard.
Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer, indicated a consultant has been hired to study the alignment
of the median.
Commissioner Tolstoy indicated the City's foremost concern is safety.
Chairman McNiel opened the public headng.
Jary Cockroft, Madole and Associates, 10601 Church Street, Suite 107, Rancho Cucamonga,
stated he was representing Fu Mai. He indicated the tract map was approved and this application
was for the design. He stated the project was designed in accordance with the Foothill Boulevard
plan with respect to the median break. He observed there is a signal at Baker Street and the
location of the shard access would be the closest that another intersection would be permitted.
Catherine Wolf, 8651 Foothill, Space 68, Rancho Cucamonga, stated she and her husband work
as park managers for the Casa Volante Mobile Home Park. She expressed concerns regarding
the ability to exit onto Foothill Boulevard and requested that a left turn egress be allowed from
Casa Volante onto Foothill Boulevard. She acknowledged that the plans show a shared access
for the mobile home park and the new project, but indicated there are currently two mobile homes
in the area depicting the entrance to the shared access road.
Chairman McNiel stated that the proposed shared access would be signalized and would be safer
than current conditions.
Ruth Margot Kerr, 8651 Foothill Boulevard, Space 88, Rancho Cucamonga, expressed concern
about how much room would be available to the mobile home park residents to exit the park.
Chairman McNiel stated the street will be the normal full-width to allow fire access.
Jean Calandow, 8651 Foothill Boulevard, Space 115, Rancho Cucamonga, wanted to make sure
the mobile home park residents will be able to exit to the shared access area and will not be
blocked by the gate of the new project. She also asked if they would lose their access to Arrow
Route.
Chairman McNiel indicated the mobile home park would retain its access to Arrow Route.
Mr. Zeledon showed the gate location south of the shared access area.
Planning Commission Minutes °9- July 28, 1999
Barbara Rowe, 8651 Foothill Boulevard, Space 108, Rancho Cucamonga, stated she is also a
resident of Casa Volante. She noted that the residents of the new project will have access to the
mobile home park and feared they may use the mobile home park as a shortcut to get to Baker
Street. She asked if the mobile home park would be gated. She also questioned if those exiting
the mobile home park would be blocked from entering the shared access exit because of cars
lined up exiting the new project.
Chairman McNiel indicated the new project has an exit to the south to Arrow Route. He stated the
design of the intersection could include a "Do not block" area. He asked why Ms. Rowe would
want a gate when the park doesn't currently have a gate.
Commissioner Mannerino stated the mobile home park residents would have to approach the
owner if they want to make the park a gated community.
Ms. Rowe said they don't need a gated community but she thought the new community would
have more access to Foothill Boulevard. She commented that traffic on Foothill Boulevard is very
heavy.
Commissioner Tolstoy stated that with the signalized intersection, they would have an easier time
exiting.
Helen Pipkin, address unknown, questioned where the traffic signal trip (TST) will be.
Mr. James stated the technical plans have not yet been submitted but generally the TST would
be right behind Foothill Boulevard. He observed that developments at the corner of Foothill
Boulevard and Vineyard Avenue will widen Foothill Boulevard and provide double left-turn lanes,
which should help alleviate the traffic congestion. He indicated the condition of approval requires
that a good faith effort be made to relocate the Foothill Boulevard access for the mobile home
park. He thought the current access from Casa Volante to Foothill Boulevard could be left in place
in addition to the shared access. He said staff would be open to working out the details in the plan
review process. He indicated a good faith effort means the developer must try to provide the
shared access, but the developer's hands are not tied if Casa Volante does not wish to cooperate.
Chairman McNiel questioned if there had been any discussions with the Casa Volante owners.
Mr. Cockroft stated there had not been any discussions during the design review process. He
thought there had been previous discussions and there was an agreement but he was not sure
where it is.
Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing.
Larry Henderson,- Principal Planner, commented that the current coach on the corner has a large
side yard and he thought perhaps the access from Casa Volante may require removing the side
yard.
Commissioner Tolstoy suggested closing the current Foothill Boulevard access and relocating the
coaches to that area. He stated the details would have to be worked out.
Chairman McNiel remarked that the alternative would be to not have access through the new
development and exit Casa Volante with a right turn onto Foothill Boulevard make a u-turn at the
intersection to go west on Foothill Boulevard.
Planning Commission Minutes -10- July 28, 1999
Commissioner Mannedno felt the residents of Casa Volante will have ample opportunity to give
input and observed that staff feels the shared access will alleviate current traffic concerns.
Motion: Moved by Mannedno, seconded by Tolstoy, to adopt the resolutions approving
Development Review 99-27 and Variance 99-06. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MACIAS - carried
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Edk Van Fleet, 9811 Whidaway Street, Rancho Cucamonga, asked if the City has plans to annex
the area located north of the City limits.
Chairman McNiel responded that the City hopes to annex that area which is currently under
County control. He noted the County has recently changed its policy with respect to input from
Cities regarding development and he said the City standards are more stringent than County ones.
Mr. Van Fleet said he was considering purchasing some property in that area and would prefer
to be within the City.
Larry Henderson, Principal Planner, stated that under LAFCO, any annexations would have to be
contiguous to current City limits.
Mr. Van Fleet stated his property was not contiguous. He said the County wants $10,000 to put
in a fire hydrant and he figured the City would just install it if he were within City limits.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
J. GENERAL PLAN UPDATE PROGRESS
Commissioner Mannerino stated the latest General Plan Update Task Force meeting selected
three areas of special study; 1) broadened scope of study of cultural/performing arts complex, 2)
broadened scope of study of commercial and non-commercial area along 1-15 Corridor, and
3) historic preservation importance be evaluated with respect to development throughout the City.
He commented that John Morrisette from Amedcan Beauty expressed a desire to meet with the
General Plan Update consultants. He indicated no new task force meetings have been
scheduled.
Larry Henderson, Principal Planner, stated the consultant is working on policy papers and the next
step would be for the consultant to meet with City staff prior to going back to the Task Force.
ADJOURNMENT
Planning Commission Minutes -11- July 28, 1999
Motion: Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by Mannedno, carried 4-0-1 (Macias absent) to adjourn.
The Planning Commission adjourned at 8:54 p.m. A workshop was scheduled; however, the
Commission continued the workshop to August 11, 1999.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary
Planning Commission Minutes -12- July 28, 1999