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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-09-10 - Minutes - HPC-PCHPC/PC Minutes Page 1 of 7 Historic Preservation Commission and Planning Commission Agenda September 10, 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 September 10, 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; Sean McPherson, Principal Planner; Stacy Lee, Assistant Planner; Sophia Serafin, Assistant Planner; Kirt Coury, Contract Planner; Matt Marquez, Economic Development Director; Tanya Spiegel, Deputy Director of Economic Development; Flavio Nunez, Management Analyst II, Carina Campos, Management Analyst II; Eddie Flores, Management Analyst I; Miguel Sotomayor, Principal Engineer; Elizabeth Thornhill, Executive Assistant. B. Public Communications Chairman Morales opened the public communications. Hearing no comments from the public, Chairman Morales closed the public communications. C. Consent Calendar C1. Consideration to adopt Regular Meeting Minutes of August 27, 2025. Motion: Moved by Commissioner Diaz; seconded by Vice Chairman Boling. Motion carried unanimously, 5-0. D. Public Hearings D1. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT – TAYLOR KANE ON BEHALF OF 8700 WHITE OAK APG LLC – A request to permit Large E-Commerce Distribution/Fulfillment Center and Medium Wholesale and Distribution uses for an existing 72,051-square-foot industrial building within the Neo-Industrial (NI) Zone, located at 8700 White Oak Avenue; APN: 0209-145-04. This item is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under CEQA Section 15301 – Existing Facilities (DRC2025-00117). HPC/PC Minutes Page 2 of 7 Assistant Planner Lee provided a PowerPoint presentation (copy on file). She noted in the presentation that there was a minor revision to the table that incorrectly listed Auto and Vehicle Sales and Rental as the current use of the site. She reiterated that the site is currently vacant, and the previous use was industrial. Commissioners received a redlined version of the changes on the dais for review. Commissioner Dopp requested clarification on whether Auto and /Vehicle Sales and Rental are currently part of the permitted uses or conditional uses under warehouse distribution. Planning Director Nakamura clarified that the use is not part of the current request. It was inadvertently left in and was a typographical error. Chairman Morales opened the public hearing. Applicant Kane was present and available to answer questions. Vice Chairman Boling asked the applicant when was the building vacated from previous use. Applicant Kane responded end of May 2025. Vice Chairman Boling asked if it is currently being marketed for lease. Applicant Kane confirmed. Vice Chairman Boling asked whether the use it is being marketed for is included under the proposed uses if the Conditional Use Permit were to move forward. Applicant Kane confirmed. Hearing no comments from the public, Chairman Morales closed the public hearing. Commissioner Dopp stated that he had no objections, noting that while a nearby property owner had expressed concerns about traffic and parking, those issues were addressed in the conditions; therefore, he is in support of it moving forward. Commissioner Daniels commended the applicant for being proactive in getting the conditional use permit before it is necessary, making it much easier for the applicant and the city. Vice Chairman Boling expressed his appreciation of the applicant coming forward and getting ahead of any issues and concerns. In the conditions of approval, Planning Condition #7, there is a reference to a condition related to recordation of state sales and use taxes to the property if such a tenant comes in. He strongly encouraged the owner to include that language in any potential lease agreements with tenants so the city does not lose out on potential sales and use tax that should be due to the city. Chairman Morales thanked the applicant for working with staff to get the proper things done and for the public’s participation. Motion: Moved by Commissioner Daniels; seconded by Commissioner Diaz to adopt Resolution 2025-027 approving Conditional Use Permit DRC2025-00117. Motion carried unanimously, 5-0. HPC/PC Minutes Page 3 of 7 D2. HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT REVIEW – JONATHAN L. ZANE ARCHITECTURE – A request for site plan and design review of a 4,570 square foot residence with a 781 square foot garage and 519 square foot guest house on a vacant 0.6-acre lot within the Very Low (VL) Residential zone and Hillside and Equestrian Overlays at 8930 Reales Street, APN: 1061-801-16. The project qualifies as a Class 3 exemption under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15303 – New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures (DRC2023-00368). Assistant Planner Serafin provided a PowerPoint presentation (copy on file). Commissioner Dopp reiterated that it is expected that the applicant will fund for the trail improvements and that the project will resemble the other equestrian trails in the area. Assistant Planner Serafin confirmed. Chairman Morales opened the public hearing. Applicant Zane was present and available to answer questions. Hearing no comments from the public, Chairman Morales closed the public hearing. Commissioner Dopp thanked the applicant for bringing this proposal forward, stating that it is appropriate for that type of neighborhood. He noted that the requested accommodations related to earthwork were due to the steep topography of the site, deeming the request necessary for the project to proceed. Commissioner Diaz expressed that the proposed home is beautiful and shared excitement for both the applicant and the neighborhood, noting that the development of this infill lot will bring a new neighbor to the community. Vice Chairman Boling mentioned that often times the commission is presented with projects that can be very controversial (i.e., higher density then what the neighborhood would prefer). He said it is nice to see a project like this that fits within the existing neighborhood. Chairman Morales expressed his approval of developing the vacant site in a way that complements the neighborhood. Motion: Moved by Vice Chairman Boling; seconded by Commissioner Dopp to adopt Resolution 2025-026 approving Hillside Design Review DRC2023-00368. Motion carried unanimously, 5-0. D3. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT, MASTER PLAN, DESIGN REVIEW, AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT – NEWCASTLE PARTNERS – A request for development of one industrial warehouse building totaling approximately 334,776 square feet on a 14.8-acre site located west of Etiwanda Avenue and south of Arrow Route at 12459 Arrow Route; APN 0229- 131-24. An Environmental Impact Report (SCH No. 2023110039) was prepared for the project. Primary Case File No. DRC2022-00101. Contract Planner Coury provided a PowerPoint presentation (copy on file). Principal Planner McPherson noted that this item will go before City Council for approval. Co-Applicant Smith was in attendance and available to answer questions. Vice Chairman Boling asked what the interior ceiling height is. HPC/PC Minutes Page 4 of 7 Applicant Smith answered the interior ceiling height is 36 feet. Commissioner Diaz inquired about plans for Public Art and expressed her hope that a mural would be included. Applicant Smith answered that they would try to do something artful. Chairman Morales opened the public hearing. The following individuals from local union groups expressed their support: Jose Garcia, Jerry Davalos, Jorge Zavala, Godfrey Wachira, David Hanson. Their comments included the following: • Work close to home • Prevailing wages • Put union people to work For the record, it is noted that the following correspondence was received after the preparation of the agenda packet and the following comment is noted. The actual correspondence should be referred to for details: • Email from Ruben Castaneda expressing support for the project. Hearing no other comments, Chairman Morales closed the public hearing. Commissioner Dopp stated that in terms of the design, it is consistent with high quality warehouses seen in the past. He said there are no major problems with the request for the revised reduced setbacks through the master plan, it appears routine for industrial areas to allow for some of these exceptions on that level. He said regarding warehouse use, he wants to be consistent from past projects, usually, he is more critical of warehousing in the region. What Commissioner Dopp is usually looking for is 1) If it is harmful to residents, and 2) A desire for manufacturing. For this project, it does not appear harmful to residents since this is an industrial area and his hope is that the applicant finds a smaller scale manufacturer since, in his opinion, it is almost all warehouses in that part of town. He has no objection on that front. Commissioner Daniels complimented the architecture, noting that it integrates well with the surrounding buildings in the area. He expressed appreciation for the color scheme, stating that the elements work well together. He also indicated he has no concerns with the landscaping setback waivers due to the site’s location and expressed overall support for the project. Commissioner Diaz expressed her support for the project. She thanked the public, especially the union labor workers, for attending on their own time and sharing their positive feedback and highlighting the many benefits the project will bring to the city. Vice Chairman Boling stated the design not only fits in with the surrounding buildings, but it is uplifting on what is to be expected in future projects in that area. He appreciated the design elements included in the building. He said the ceiling height is important for future tenants to have a useful space and having the high ceiling will help with the warehouse and logistics distribution that could take place there. He said as it pertains to the Master Plan that is being recommended to City Council, there were a couple site specific development standards that have been brought up particularly on B Street and then the parking and landscape setbacks. He confirmed with staff that if approved, neither of those would impact the future project to the south because they would utilize similar standards so that way there is consistency as you move north to south. HPC/PC Minutes Page 5 of 7 Principal Planner McPherson confirmed. Chairman Morales commended the applicant for securing strong union support, which is impressive, emphasizing that the support was clearly expressed for the right reasons. Motion: Moved by Commissioner Dopp; seconded by Commissioner Daniels to adopt Resolution 2025-028 approving Design Review DRC2022-00101, Conditional Use Permit DRC2025-00203 and Master Plan DRC2024-00036 with recommendation to the City Council. Motion carried unanimously, 5-0. E. General Business E1. Consideration to Receive and File the Economic Development Strategy Annual Progress Report for 2024-2025. Economic Development Director Marquez and introduced his team; Tanya Spiegel, Flavio Nunez, Carino Campos, and new member Eddie Flores. The team presented a PowerPoint highlighting the City’s economic growth and increasing diversity. Vice Chairman Boling commended the team for their outstanding work, noting that despite being a relatively small staff, they effectively promote the city, the region and the organization on a national level. General Comments: • Page 12 of the report under Historic Resources – being the Historic Preservation Commission they still have not received a list of the City’s recognized national state or local historic assets and sites. He hopes that they will receive it soon. • Positive feedback on adding Economic Development related items to the email newsletters that get sent out to the residents. It helps keeps them informed and promotes local businesses and highlights that you are not just focused on bringing new businesses in, but you also have the task of business retention and business growth. • Photos in the report are great to highlight local businesses but unless you are familiar with that business, you do not know who it is or where it is. He suggested adding something on the graphic to identify and showcase the business a bit more. • Expressed appreciation for the update and seeing the many actions that have been taken previously by the Planning Commission help to implement the strategies and goals of Economic Development. Commissioner Dopp expressed his appreciation for the presentation, noting that it was encouraging to see the well-organized programs being implemented. General Comments: • Job Board for the local communities peaked his interest. It is nice to have a more connected network. • Epic Center - likes the idea of bringing in the market night. Examples of community events; Smorgasbord LA or 626 Night Market might be good starting points to see if they do well. He asked about the types of strategies and innovative uses being considered for potential opportunities in these areas beyond traditional warehouse functions. HPC/PC Minutes Page 6 of 7 Economic Development Director Marquez replied that they are lucky they did not go overboard with their reliance on warehousing and distribution type of use as things have changed with the administration in the White House. They are starting to see cities that have relied too heavily on those types of uses are starting to feel the pinch and are seeing vacancy rates go up. He said regarding manufacturing; they are in a good spot to attract manufacturers. They have had conversations with existing manufacturers looking to expand. He said bringing in additional team members will help bolster their team. A lot of their focus has been on recruiting new retailers, restaurants and supermarkets. Moving forward, their focus will shift on new manufacturing type uses. Commissioner Daniels commended the team for doing such a great job with programs and activities. Commissioner Diaz asked if Economic Development has their own Instagram page. Deputy Director of Economic Development Spiegel responded that they do not, they work in partnership with the city. Commissioner Diaz stated that a lot of people are on social media, and it is great to see the new things happening in the city. She said the highlights on the city’s social media is a reminder of places we may have forgotten about or have not been for a while. The report also highlighted a lot of potential the city has to offer, and it is nice to see what is coming into the city. She especially liked the focus on Live, Work, Play and how the Job Board can be used if someone wants to work close to home. Chairman Morales acknowledged that we are currently under uncertain and challenging economic times. He noted that several other Inland Empire cities without a diversified economy are now struggling, and it is sad to see. He expressed appreciation for the Economic Development teams efforts in maintaining a strong, diversified, and well-planned economy, emphasizing that this approach will help the city remain resilient during uncertain times. He also mentioned that he enjoys reading the newsletters. With no other comments, Commission received and filed report. F. Commission Business F1. Discussion of State Density Bonus Law. Commissioner Daniels stated that he did not have much to add to the letter from the meeting a few weeks ago. He added the comments he received except for the comment Vice Chairman Boling brought up regarding the timeframe of when the project is deemed complete. It was not in the nature of what was being discussed with the density bonus. He suggested to possibly have a meeting/workshop with City Council on this specific issue instead of having them read about that in this letter. Planning Director Nakamura answered that we could either include that in a general transmittal or include the transmittal with the letter being attached. She mentioned they may hear Council say, yes, we hear you and understand, but we do not have any other options right now and it may not result with any action. Chairman Morales suggested incorporating “Request for Legislative Reform” into the title It was decided that Commissioner Daniels would revise the title and forward to City Council. HPC/PC Minutes Page 7 of 7 Commission took a formal vote. Moved by: Commissioner Daniels; seconded by Commission Diaz. Motion carried unanimously, 5-0. G. Director Announcements Planning Director Nakamura announced that a meeting will be held in two weeks and noted that several agenda items are backing up, indicating a likely busy calendar for the remainder of the year. H. Commission Announcements Commissioner Daniels mentioned that he would be unable to attend the Design Review Committee meeting on September 16th but expects to return in time for the next scheduled meeting. Chairman Morales requested a review of the Design Review Committee meeting attendance and suggested considering a process that would allow any commissioner to attend when multiple committee members are absent to ensure business proceeds on schedule. Planning Director Nakamura confirmed that it could be brought up on a future agenda. I. Adjournment Motion: Moved by Commissioner Diaz, seconded by Commissioner Dopp to adjourn the meeting. Hearing no objections, Chairman Morales adjourned the meeting at 8:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Elizabeth Thornhill, Executive Assistant Planning Department Approved: HPC/PC September 24, 2025 Meeting.