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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-04-23 - Minutes - HPC-PCHPC/PC Final Minutes – April 23, 2025 Page 1 of 3 Historic Preservation Commission and Planning Commission Agenda April 23, 2025 Final Minutes Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 7:00 p.m. The regular joint meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission and Planning Commission was held on April 23rd, 2025. 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, Planning Director; Tabe van der Zwaag, Associate Planner; Elizabeth Thornhill, Executive Assistant. B. Public Communications There were no public communications. C. Consent Calendar C1. Consideration to adopt Regular Meeting Minutes of April 9, 2025. Motion: Moved by Vice Chairman Boling; seconded by Commissioner Diaz. Motion carried 4-1, with Chairman Morales abstained. D. Public Hearings D1. DESIGN REVIEW AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT – GOREE ARCHITECTS FOR CAL BOX - A request for site plan and architectural review of a 45,993 square foot addition to an existing 98,406 square foot industrial building and a Conditional Use Permit to operate a manufacturing use within Mixed Employment 2 (ME2) Zone, at 8949 Toronto Avenue; APN: 0209- 401-05. The project qualifies as a Class 32 exemption under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15332 – Infill Development Projects. The project also qualifies as a Class 1 exemption under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 – Existing Facilities (Design Review DRC2023-00379 and Conditional Use Permit DRC2024-00288). Associate Planner Tabe van der Zwaag presented a PowerPoint presentation (copy on file). He noted that a copy of the letter from CEQA consultant, Universal Engineering Sciences (UES), responding to Lozeau Drury, LLP (Attorney’s Office), was provided to the commissioners under separate cover on 4/21/2025 and was available at the meeting for viewing. HPC/PC Final Minutes – April 23, 2025 Page 2 of 3 Chairman Morales opened the public hearing. Applicant Widera and Plant Manager Baker where both in attendance and available for questions. Commissioner Dopp asked whether this serves as their manufacturing facility. Applicant Widera confirmed. Commissioner Dopp stated that their intent is not to expand production, but rather to address storage needs. Applicant Widera confirmed. He explained that when the corrugated materials are stored outside, they are subject to weather conditions, and they often experience some loss of product especially when it rains. Vice Chairman Boling inquired whether the site is fully developed, and owner occupied. Applicant Widera confirmed. Vice Chairman Boling stated that storage operations are currently conducted outdoors, and those activities will be moved indoors, thereby reducing noise, lighting and air quality issues compared to current operations. Applicant Widera agreed. Chairman Morales asked whether there would be any increase truck traffic to the site than what they already have. Applicant Widera confirmed that there should be no increase in traffic. Chase Preciado, Lozeau Drury representative, spoke against the project. For the record, it is noted that correspondence from Lozeau Drury was received after the agenda packet was prepared, expressing opposition to the project due to environmental concerns and stated a mitigated negative declaration or and environmental impact report should be completed for the project. The actual correspondence should be referred to for details. Hearing no other comments from the public, Chairman Morales closed the public hearing. Applicant Widera responded to the public comment, and stated there will be no extra burden on the environment. He said it will reduce the noise and beautify the area. Commissioner Dopp expressed appreciation for seeing a business that continues to engage in manufacturing within the city limits. He also thanked staff for addressing environmental concerns. He noted that the land has previously been used for storage, there will be no business expansion, and no increase in traffic is anticipated. He stated his support for the project. Commissioner Daniels expressed appreciation to the applicant for their continued investment in the community. He agreed that relocating the storage operation indoors would enhance efficiency and commended the applicant for complying with all development codes. Commissioner Diaz expressed her appreciation that they are focused not only on maintaining the quality of their product by protecting it from external elements, but more importantly, ensuring the safety of their workers. HPC/PC Final Minutes – April 23, 2025 Page 3 of 3 Vice Chairman Boling commended the Economic Development Department for their excellent work in attracting new businesses. He also highlighted their efforts in supporting business retention through ongoing collaboration with local companies. He thanked the applicant for reinvesting in the City of Rancho Cucamonga, noting that this demonstrates the city’s initiatives are well aligned with the needs of the business community. Chairman Morales concurred with Commissioners and expressed that he is in favor of the project. Motion: Moved by Commissioner Dopp; seconded by Commissioner Daniels to adopt Resolution 2025-012, Design Review DRC2023-00379 and 2025-013 Conditional Use Permit DRC2024- 00288. Motion carried 5-0. E. General Business E1. Urban Design Presentation by Torti Gallas + Partners (TG+P). (Verbal Report Only) Planning Director Nakamura introduced Neal Payton from Torti Gallas + Partners who gave a presentation on urban design and architectural strategies. Chairman Morales commended Mr. Payton for an informative presentation. It was received and filed. F. Director Announcements - None G. Commission Announcements - None H. Adjournment Motion: Moved by Vice Chairman Boling, seconded by Commissioner Diaz to adjourn the meeting. Hearing no objections, Chairman Morales adjourned the meeting at 8:59 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Elizabeth Thornhill, Executive Assistant Planning Department Approved: