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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-09-11 - Agenda Packet Historic Preservation Commission and Planning Commission Meeting Agenda Rancho Cucamonga Civic Center COUNCIL CHAMBERS September 11, 2024 10500 Civic Center Drive Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 7:00 PM A. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL: Chairman Morales Vice Chairman Boling Commissioner Dopp Commissioner Daniels Commissioner Diaz B. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS This is the time and place for the general public to address the Planning/Historic Commission (“Planning Commission”) on any Consent Calendar item or any item not listed on the agenda that is within the Commission’s subject matter jurisdiction. The Planning Commission may not discuss any issue not included on the agenda, but may set the matter for discussion during a subsequent meeting. C. CONSENT CALENDAR C1. Consideration to adopt Regular Meeting Minutes of August 28, 2024. D. GENERAL BUSINESS D1. Consideration to Receive and File the Economic Development Strategy Annual Progress Report for 2023. E. DIRECTOR ANNOUNCEMENTS F. COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS G. ADJOURNMENT TO ADDRESS THE PLANNING COMMISSION The Planning Commission encourages free expression of all points of view. To allow all persons to speak, given the length of the agenda, please keep your remarks brief. If others have already expressed your position, you may simply indicate that you agree with a previous speaker. If appropriate, a spokesperson may present the views of your entire group. To encourage all views and promote courtesy to others, the audience should refrain from clapping, booing or shouts of approval or disagreement from the audience. If you need special assistance or accommodations to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk's office at (909) 477-2700. Notification of 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility. Listening devices are available for the hearing impaired. The public may address the Planning Commission on any agenda item. To address the Planning Commission, please come forward to the podium. State your name for the record and speak into the microphone. After speaking, please complete a speaker card located next to the speaker’s podium. It is important to list your name, address (optional) and the agenda item letter your comments refer to. Comments are generally limited to 3 minutes per individual. If you wish to speak concerning an item not on the agenda, you may do so under “Public Communications.” As an alternative to participating in the meeting you may submit comments in writing to Elizabeth.Thornhill@cityofrc.us by 12:00 PM on the date of the meeting. Written comments will be distributed to the Commissioners and included in the record. AVAILABILITY OF STAFF REPORTS Copies of the staff reports or other documentation to each agenda item are available at www.CityofRC.us. APPEALS Any interested party who disagrees with the City Planning Commission decision may appeal the Commission’s decision to the City Council within 10 calendar days. Any appeal filed must be directed to the City Clerk’s Office and must be accompanied by a fee of $3,526 for all decisions of the Commission. (Fees are established and governed by the City Council). Please turn off all cell phones while the meeting is in session. I, Elizabeth Thornhill, Executive Assistant of the City of Rancho Cucamonga, or my designee, hereby certify that a true, accurate copy of the foregoing agenda was posted Seventy-Two (72) hours prior to the meeting per Government Code 54954.2 at 10500 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, California and on the City's website. HPC/PC MINUTES – August 28, 2024 Page 1 of 4 Draft 2 8 3 1 Historic Preservation Commission and Planning Commission Agenda August 28, 2024 Draft Minutes Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 7:00 p.m. The regular Joint meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission and Planning Commission was held on August 28, 2024. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Morales at 7:00 p.m. A. Roll Call Planning Commission present: Chairman Morales, Vice Chairman Boling, Commissioner Dopp, Commissioner Daniels and Commissioner Diaz. Staff Present: Serita Young, Assistant City Attorney; Jennifer Nakamura, Deputy Director of Planning; Bond Mendez, Associate Planner; Shane Adams, Fire Prevention Supervisor; Rick Snawder, Fire Marshal; Tammy Graciano, Fire Prevention Supervisor; Elizabeth Thornhill, Executive Assistant. B. Public Communications Chairman Morales opened the public communications. Hearing no comments, Chairman Morales closed the public communications. C. Consent Calendar C1. Consideration to adopt Regular Meeting Minutes of August 14, 2024. Motion: Moved by Vice Chairman Boling; seconded by Commissioner Diaz. Motion carried 5-0. D. Public Hearings D1. THIS PUBLIC HEARING WILL NOT BE HEARD TONIGHT. A NEW PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE WILL BE DISTRIBUTED IF AND WHEN THE HEARING WILL OCCUR. TENTATIVE TRACT MAP –FORE PROPERTY - A request to consolidate six (6) parcels into one (1) parcel totaling approximately 9.15 acres of land within the Traditional Town Center General Plan Designation and Center 1 (CE1) Zone, located at the northeast corner of Foothill Boulevard and Grove Avenue; APNs: 0207-011-35, - 36, -41, -43, -44, and - 45. This item is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under CEQA Section 15305 – Minor Alterations in Land Use Limitations (SUBTT20863; Related file: Design Review DRC2022-00379). Deputy Director of Planning Nakamura announced that this item will not be presented, and no further action will be taken at this time.    Page 3 HPC/PC MINUTES – August 28, 2024 Page 2 of 4 Draft 2 8 3 1 D2. Consideration of a Municipal Code Amendment to amend Title 17 of the Rancho Cucamonga Municipal Code Establishing Battery Energy Storage Facilities as a Use Permitted with a Conditional Use Permit for Properties Located in the Neo-Industrial (NI) and Industrial Employment (IE) Zones. This Item is Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act, Pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(B)(3). This Item Will be Forwarded to City Council for Final Action. Planner Bond Mendez presented a PowerPoint presentation (copy on file). Commissioner Dopp asked Fire Marshal Snawder what kind of technology is out there on how to approach combustion of a lithium-ion battery fire. Fire Marshal Snawder explained with batteries evolving and suppression systems getting better, they will suppress the fire and have the appropriate water systems to do so. Commissioner Dopp asked what density of batteries will be included and looked by the fire department. Fire Marshal Snawder replied that density will be part of the inspection process. Commissioner Daniels asked if they had a preference regarding the three difference container configurations, and if one is better than the other. Fire Prevention Supervisor Adams explained that each configuration exposes different hazards and that they do not prefer one type over the other. Chairman Morales opened the public hearing. Public comment by Senior Director Nicholas Connell, Government & Regulatory Affairs at Aypa Power, expressed his appreciation to Commissioners and staff for being transparent during the process. Chairman Morales closed the public hearing. Commissioner Diaz asked if there is a fire at one of the battery storage facilities how would it be suppressed. Fire Prevention Supervisor Adams explained they would be able to apply their latest technology available that would shut batteries down preventing a fire. Commissioner Diaz asked if there was a lithium fire is there a way to suppress it. Fire Prevention Supervisor Adams answered that the latest fire codes do require battery management systems to be able to control the battery system itself and if they cannot control it, he explained that it would provide an early notification so they can respond quickly before it becomes a fully involved structured fire. Commissioner Diaz asked if there are other facilities within the city that have a similar type of plan. Fire Prevention Supervisor Adams responded there are facilities with other types of hazardous materials associated with them. He said there are emergency operation plans and notifications for any applicant to meet the fire code requirements and the environmental requirements by San Bernardino Fire. Commissioner Diaz asked how often they would require inspections. Fire Prevention Supervisor Adams answered it would be every three years, and the district can change the frequency if needed.    Page 4 HPC/PC MINUTES – August 28, 2024 Page 3 of 4 Draft 2 8 3 1 Commission Dopp asked that any kind of battery storage facility will need a conditional use permit. Deputy Director of Planning Nakamura confirmed. Commissioner Dopp expressed his concern with Neo Industrial and that these facilities do not bring jobs to the community. He asked staff to respond. Deputy Director of Planning Nakamura explained the Industrial Zones for the city. Commissioner Dopp stated he wishes the technology of the batteries was further ahead given the ordinance right now and with concerns people have about the specific type of battery. He requested staff to take a second look at Neo Industrial before this goes to City Council and see if there may be a further restriction in that specific zone. He said 450,000 sq. ft. of Neo Industrial seems to be extreme. He said as reluctant as he is in a couple of areas, it is better to be forward on this with the minor edits and he is okay with the recommendations. Commissioner Daniels stated he did some research and noticed there is a lot of controversy with these types of facilities going on in the state. He said most of the controversies are where they are located, and it seems if they are in the Industrial zones, a lot of the issues go away. He mentioned he noticed in an ordinance in another city that they required cameras at the facilities and monitoring was done by the applicant and he does not know if it would be a plus or not. He expressed staff did a good job and he does not have any issues with how the ordinance is being presented. Vice Chairman Boling asked for clarity on the maximum 1 mile from the connecting utility. He said what we are talking about is 1 mile from a substation and not the transmission line. Deputy Director of Planning Nakamura confirmed. Vice Chairman Boling asked about the basis for citing requirements of the 1 mile and 1000 feet, are these numbers consistent with other sections of the development code. Deputy Director of Planning Nakamura answered no and mentioned sometimes they may be greater than what is required in the development code for other types of uses. Vice Chairman Boling mentioned in Exhibit B, Section 17.109.04 Emergency Operations Plan. He asked who the approval authority is for Emergency Operations Plan. Fire Prevention Supervisor Adams answered it is collaborative. Vice Chairman Boling asked if it would be Rancho Fire that would be the authority. Fire Prevention Supervisor Adams confirmed. Vice Chairman Boling stated with regards to fire engagement, responding and training he asked are there any tools, chemicals, materials that are specific to battery fire responses. He said if there are specialized equipment for materials necessary to respond and address a fire at one of these facilities, it does not make sense to have future applicants pay for those types of specialty equipment that we would not otherwise have a need to purchase out of the district’s budget. Fire Prevention Supervisor Adams answered that other than trying to smother it and cool it, there are no chemicals out there to neutralize it but they have worked with various industrial businesses in the city that have very unique hazard associated with processes and Fire has required specific materials that businesses maintain and set up before Fire responds.    Page 5 HPC/PC MINUTES – August 28, 2024 Page 4 of 4 Draft 2 8 3 1 Vice Chairman Boling clarified if it were to come up some specialized equipment or material would be necessary, we could require, as one of the conditions of approval, the future applicant store, maintain and have available those items for fire response if an emergency was to happen. Fire Prevention Supervisor Adams confirmed. Vice Chairman Boling asked if there was a need for more frequent inspections, is there an inspection fee charged back to the applicant to cover the costs. Fire Prevention Supervisor Adams answered that the fire district is currently on fee waivers for inspections and have a fee waiver as part of their fee ordinance that waves inspections and operational permit costs. Deputy Director of Planning Nakamura mentioned that inspection fees exist, and the waiver program gets reviewed on an annual basis by the Fire Board. Vice Chairman Boling stated regarding CEQA applicability development code amendment, what we are taking action on tonight is exempt from CEQA. However, any future projects that may come forward may or may not be subject to CEQA and would be considered on a case-by-case basis. Deputy Director of Planning Nakamura confirmed. Deputy Director of Planning Nakamura expressed her appreciation to our Stakeholders who worked with us during this process as well as the Fire District. Motion: Moved by Commissioner Diaz, seconded by Commissioner Dopp to adopt Resolution 24-30 to forward recommendation to City Council to adopt proposed Ordinance. Motion carried 5-0. E. Director Announcements Deputy Director of Planning Nakamura mentioned we will have an Economic Development Annual Strategic Plan Update at the next meeting. F. Commission Announcements – None G. Adjournment Motion: Moved by Vice Chairman Boling, seconded by Commissioner Diaz to adjoin the meeting. Hearing no objections, Chairman Morales adjourned the meeting at 7:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Elizabeth Thornhill, Executive Assistant Planning and Economic Development Department Approved:    Page 6 Page 1 of 3 2 5 3 8 DATE:September 11, 2024 TO:Chairman and Members of the Planning Commission FROM:Matt Marquez, Director of Planning & Economic Development SUBJECT: Consideration to Receive and File the Economic Development Strategy Annual Progress Report for 2023 RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Planning Commission receive and file the Economic Development Strategy Annual Progress Report for 2023. BACKGROUND: In the last decade, the Inland Empire has experienced remarkable growth, with increases in population, employment opportunities, and investment in multiple industries. The region’s strategic location, between major metro areas and connections to the rest of the country and the world, has been a key driver of this growth. Rancho Cucamonga, with its skilled workforce, high-quality-built environment, and expanding economy, is a key player. The Economic Development Strategy (EDS), adopted in October of 2023, is a five-year work plan that will guide and support the City in establishing and sustaining Rancho Cucamonga as the cultural and economic hub of the Inland Empire. This strategy is not just a plan, but a call to action for all who contribute to the City’s future success. The EDS was developed to guide the City’s economic development activities over a five-year period. The document identifies goas and strategies that will serve as a roadmap for City staff and civic leaders. The EDS primarily provides direction to the City’s Economic Development Division, but success of the EDS depends on the coordination and communication with other City departments, public agencies, and partner organizations. The EDS was informed by a review of regional, state, and global trends, as well as a detailed analysis of the City’s demographic, economic, and market conditions. Although the nature and extent of future market conditions is unknown, the EDS provides foundational approaches to economic development in Rancho Cucamonga that will serve the City during the life of the document. Sections in the EDS describe the strengths, challenges, and opportunities to grow the City’s economy; key industries to expand in the city; and the goals, strategies, and actions of the EDS. The final section of the EDS includes a five-year work plan that organizes tasks according to a timeline, assigns the city department that will lead the activity, and identifies assisting potential partner departments, agencies, or organizations.    Page 7 Page 2 of 3 2 5 3 8 ANALYSIS: The EDS builds on PlanRC, the City’s General Plan, that was adopted on December 15, 2021. The General Plan lays out a series of strategies to chart a path towards building a 21st century world-class community that is grounded in the foundational core values of Health, Equity, and Stewardship. The vision of PlanRC is to create a city for people—a city of great neighborhoods, natural open spaces, and parks, thriving commercial and industrial areas, and walkable and active centers and districts, all connected by safe and comfortable streets. Through the implementation of PlanRC, the City will develop to be more welcoming and accessible to both residents and visitors. To meet the vision and core values of PlanRC, five Big Ideas were identified: 1.Design for People First – Focus should be on people and development must be human scale and inviting. 2.Provide Connectivity and Accessibility – Provide a range of travel options including new opportunities for walking, bicycling and transit. 3.Create Destinations – Places to congregate, gather and socialize. 4.Establish Rancho Cucamonga as the Cultural and Economic Hub of the Inland Empire – A downtown area, or several major activity centers, with varied cultural opportunities and public art. 5.Address Environmental Justice – Everyone in the city has a fair and just opportunity to thrive and no one, especially those with the least means, shoulders the additional health burdens of environmental degradation and pollution. The EDS is intended to fortify linkages with PlanRC and its Big Ideas, to emphasize that economic development activities are shared across all departments in the City. The goals identified in the EDS are as follows: 1.Grow and Diversify the City’s Economy 2.Enhance the Quality of Life 3.Expand Retail, Entertainment, and Hospitality 4.Foster Growth of Local Businesses & Workforce These goals and corresponding strategies identified in the EDS were designed to address specific economic development objectives and ensure community vitality so that it can continue to provide high-quality public services and amenities. Achievable and measurable action items were designed to serve as a guide for the City over the life of the Plan. The EDS is meant to be fluid and reviewed annually to determine if there is a change in priorities or if resources need to be shifted. The strategies and action items in the EDS can be implemented in a variety of ways and in a series of actions over the five-year life of the plan. Each action item was assigned a timeline for implementation, and the subject Annual Progress Report provides a summary of wide-ranging measures undertaken in 2023 that moved    Page 8 Page 3 of 3 2 5 3 8 the needle in implementing the EDS in the first year since its adoption. Implementation highlights for each of the EDS goals are identified in the Annual Progress Report followed by the action items they support. As mentioned earlier in this report, action items were assigned a timeline for implementation and can be referenced in the EDS (Exhibit A to this staff report). This Progress Report will focus on those action items with a one-year timeline. Embracing the opportunity for flexibility in the Progress Report’s format, it has been developed in an easy-to-read format that allows it to also serve as a report card to the residents of Rancho Cucamonga on the City’s progress in implementing the EDS. The Annual Progress Report was presented to the Economic Development Subcommittee on August 19, 2024. Following the Planning Commission’s discussion on the Progress Report, it will be presented to the City Council on September 17, 2024. COUNCIL MISSION / VISION / GOAL(S) ADDRESSED: As part of the implementation of the General Plan, this item supports the City Council’s vision of creating an equitable, sustainable, and vibrant city, rich in opportunity for all to thrive by building on our foundation and success as a world class community. ATTACHMENT (1): Exhibit A – Economic Development Strategy Annual Progress Report 2023 & Appendix    Page 9 EXHIBIT A Due to file size, this attachment can be accessed through the following link: Economic Development Strategy Annual Progress Report 2023    Page 10