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Design Review Committee Meeting Agenda
May 21, 2024
FINAL MINUTES
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
New Time: 6:00 p.m.
A. Call to Order
The meeting of the Design Review Committee held on May 21, 2024. The meeting was called to order by
Sean McPherson, Staff Coordinator, at 6:00 p.m.
Design Review Committee members present: Commissioner James Daniels and Commissioner Melissa Diaz.
Staff Present: Adam Pisarkiewicz, Senior Planner.
B. Public Communications
Staff Coordinator opened the public communication and after noting there were no public comments,
closed public communications.
C. Consent Calendar
C1. Consideration to adopt Meeting Minutes of April 16, 2024.
C2. Consideration to adopt Meeting Minutes of May 7, 2024.
Item C1. Motion carried 2-0 vote.
Item C2. Motion carried 2-0 vote.
D. Project Review Items
D1. LOCATED AT 13938 DECLIFF DRIVE – LING YEN MOUNTAIN TEMPLE – A request for a Tentative
Parcel Map, Design Review, Tree Removal Permit and Conditional Use Permit to allow for the development
of eight buildings for the operation of a Buddhist Temple for the purposes of worship, living quarters, and
related administrative or support uses on certain property located at the northeast corner of DeCliff Drive and
Ambleside Place. The Project site consists of portions of four parcels; APNs: 0226-061-47, 0226-061-73,
0226-061-74, and 0226-061-76. Primary Case File No. DRC2021-00187.
Staff presented the item to the Design Review Committee. Following the staff’s presentation, members of the
applicant’s team (Vicky Chang), including their architect (Eric Chen; CDA Architects), provided additional
background and detail on the project. Following the presentation discussion ensued over various aspects of
the project.
Prior to providing comments on the project presented, Committee members asked if any comments offered
by the Design Review Committee will need to be reviewed by the City Attorney, as the project involved a
religious institution and therefore may be protected under State law. Staff responded that they will consult
with the City Attorney for direction prior to any scheduled public hearing. Staff further reminded the Committee
that the Design Review Committee offers non-binding recommendations to the Planning Commission,
therefore any recommendations may be subject to change.
The Committee was complimentary of the project plan, architecture, and layout and was accepting of the
proposed project. The Committee further expressed their appreciation of the proposed project development
as the design appeared to be respectful of the area and land.
The Committee had questions for staff relating to the proposed use and location relative to the General Plan
Land Use designation. Staff answered the questions including background of the City’s General Plan update,
approval of area Specific Plans with chronological reference, and discussions about the area and setting.
The Committee also raised mild concerns about proposed on-site parking and peak events. The applicant
stated that they have a parking study to ensure adequate on-site parking. The Committee additionally asked
questions relating to the project landscaping and lighting. The applicant outlined the environmental setting
and layout and described the experience the guests will encounter when visiting the site. The applicant also
provided pictures of similar settings for the Committee’s reference. The Committee recommended that the
project be forwarded to the Planning Commission for their review.
The Committee took the following action:
Recommend approval to PC. 2-0 Vote.
E. Adjournment
Principal Planner Sean McPherson adjourned the meeting at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth Thornhill, Executive Assistant