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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-14 - Minutes Design Review Committee Meeting Agenda April 14, 2026 FINAL MINUTES Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 6:00 p.m. A. Call to Order The meeting of the Design Review Committee was held on April 14, 2026. The meeting was called to order by Caleb Richards, Staff Facilitator, at 6:00 p.m. Design Review Committee members present: Chairman Boling, Commissioner Morales and Caleb Richards. Staff Present: Sophia Serafin, Associate Planner; Haide Aguirre, Contract Planner. B. Public Communications Staff Facilitator Richards opened the public communication and after noting that no public comments were received, closed public communications. C. Consent Calendar C1. Consideration to adopt Meeting Minutes of March 17, 2026. Motion: Let the record reflect that the motion carried by a 3-0 vote. D. Project Review Items VARIANCE, MINOR EXCEPTION, TREE REMOVAL PERMIT – MANNING HOMES – A request to subdivide 6.7 acres of land into 13 numbered lots and 1 lettered lot for the purpose of single- family residential development and preservation of an existing historic residence within the Very Low (VL) Residential zone and the Equestrian Overly, located at the northwest corner of Banyan Street and Hellman Avenue at 6048 Hellman Avenue; APN: 1062-271-01. This item is not subject Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Section 15183 – Projects Consistent with a Community Plan or Zoning (SUBTT20756, DRC2024-00416, DRC2025-00093, DRC2025-00096, DRC2025- 00094). The Committee members expressed support of the proposed project, noting that it prioritizes the preservation of a historic structure. The Committee found that the quality of the housing product alleviated concerns regarding lot size compatibility and that the project provides comprehensive architectural design across each façade, with strong articulation and massing to create visual interest. The Committee also acknowledged the necessity of the Variance to both preserve the historic Additionally, the Committee agreed that the Minor Exception is appropriate, as it helps provide privacy for certain proposed lots due to significant grade differences between the project site and adjacent properties. DRC Final Minutes Page 2 Several suggestions were made by the Committee regarding tree species and placement, color contrast, and front door design. The applicant proposed Southern Magnolia trees as street trees and Coast Live Oak trees adjacent to the public right-of-way. Committee Member Boling suggested selecting an alternate street tree and relocating the oaks trees to more interior locations within the lots, as both species may create potential hazards along sidewalks due to alternative species and the relocation of the oak trees. Committee Member Boling also recommended enhancing the architectural design through strong color contrast on certain elevations. He noted that some of the Farmhouse-style homes relied too heavily on gray tones or included gray and brown combinations that may not complement each other. The applicant responded that the digital renderings do not accurately reflect the true colors and provided example photos from a similar project within the City. The applicant further indicated that additional color variations will be considered and finalized prior to the Planning Commission hearing. Lastly, the Committee suggested increasing the width of the front entrance doors on the two-story units, as the proposed standard single-width doors diminish visual appeal and symmetry. The applicant confirmed they will evaluate options, including wider single doors (42 inches) or double- door configurations. Recommended for approval to the Planning Commission with a 3-0 unanimous vote. D2. MAJOR DESIGN REVIEW, AND VARIANCE – OPUS (PACIFIC COMMUNITIES BUILDER) – The applicant proposes the development of a mixed-use project consisting of two buildings with a total of 351 apartment units, including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom configurations, and approximately 1,500 square feet of retail space. The project site encompasses a single parcel of approximately 13-acres and includes two land use designations: Corridor 2 (CO2), where the proposed buildings will be located, and Flood Control and Utility Corridor (FC/UC), which is primarily comprised of existing easements traversing the entire length of the property, proposed to accommodate parking and open space improvements. A variance application has been submitted to request deviations from multiple development standards, necessitated due to site constraints. The site is located at the northeast corner of Foothill Blvd and Cornwall Court, south of Garcia Drive, between East Avenue and Etiwanda Avenue (APN: 1100-201-05). DRC2024-00216 and DRC2025-00337). With respect to rooftop parking, the Committee requested that the applicant prepare a sightline analysis and incorporate screening measures to minimize vehicle visibility from ground-level. The architect and landscape architect confirmed that the analysis will be conducted. Regarding the north elevation’s architecture, materials, and color, the Committee requested that the applicant break up the linear and monotonous pattern by incorporating, at a minimum, variation within the proposed color palette. For the gas easement on the southeastern perimeter, the Committee requested confirmation that the area would be landscaped. The landscape architect confirmed it will include vineyard-inspired landscaping. Regarding the widening of internal sidewalks and trails, the Committee requested increasing widths, including along the central park, to comply with minimum standards. The applicant agreed to explore feasible options to achieve compliance, including potential expansion into adjacent open space areas. DRC Final Minutes Page 3 For the vineyard-inspired landscape, the Committee requested clarification on proposed plant species. The landscape architect confirmed that grapevines will not be included, and that alternative, lower- maintenance species are proposed. The Committee requested consideration of incorporating real grapevines and leasing the area for grape production and maintenance. Regarding Floor Area Ratio (FAR), the Committee commented on the reduction from the required range of 0.6–1.5 to the proposed FAR of 0.01. Acknowledging site constraints, the Committee requested that staff confirm the minimum required floor area for compliance and demonstrate its infeasibility. The minimum required floor area would be 152,895 square feet (254,826 sq. ft. x 0.6). For school district outreach, the Committee asked whether the district had been notified of the proposed project. The applicant stated that the district has not been contacted but will be. Regarding the open space area, and tot lot, the Committee requested incorporation of a tot lot within the project’s open space areas. The landscape architect noted that a tot lot could be accommodated within the central courtyard. The Committee also recommended considering placement along the retail open space frontage to allow community use of the area, such as patrons visiting nearby retail uses while children remain in a fenced tot lot. Recommended for approval to the Planning Commission with a 3-0 unanimous vote. E. Adjournment Staff Facilitator Richards adjourned the meeting at 8:12 PM. Respectfully submitted, ___________________________ Elizabeth Thornhill, Executive Assistant