HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999/11/16 - Agenda Packet DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING
ACTION AGENDA AND MINUTES
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 16, 1999 7:00 P.M.
RANCHO CUCAMONGA CIVIC CENTER
RAINS ROOM
10500 CIVIC CENTER DRIVE
RANCHO CUCAMONGA
Committee Members: Larry McNiel Pam Stewart Nancy Fong
Alternates: Peter Tolstoy Rich Macias John Mannerino
PROJECT REVIEW ITEMS
This is the time and place for the Committee to discuss and provide direction to an applicant
regarding their development application. The following items do not legally require any public
testimony, although the Committee may open the meeting for public input.
7:00 p.m.
(Brent) DEVELOPMENT REVIEW 99-54 - CABOT-A request to construct three industrial
buildings (Building 1 - 87,760 square feet, Building 2 - 74,730 square feet, Building
3 - 54,720 square feet) totaling 217,210 square feet on 13.73 acres of land in
Subarea 11 (General Industrial) of the Industrial Area Specific Plan located on the
south side of Sixth Street between Richmond Place and Buffalo Avenue-APN: 229-
263-56 through 61.
7:40 p.m.
(Rudy) ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 98-30-
NORTH TOWN HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION -The development of
a 5,672 square foot community center facility on a 0.5-acre parcel of land in the Low
Residential District, located on the south side of Feron Boulevard, west of Hermosa
Avenue - APN: 209-085-04. Related File Variance 98-04.
8:20 p.m.
(Lisa) ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 99-35 -
POST PLAZA: The development of an office and warehouse building totaling 11,100 .
square feet in the General Industrial District (Subarea 13) of the Industrial Area
Specific Plan, located on the east side of Charles Smith Avenue, north of San Marino
Way -APN: 229-283-63.
8:50 p.m.
(Debra) CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 99-49 - EVERGREEN/DEVCO - The request for
approval of a drug store with a drive-thru window for prescription orders consisting
of a 13,905 square foot building on a 1.52-acre parcel located at the northwest corner
of Haven Avenue and Alta Loma Drive in the Office Professional(OP)District.-APN:
201-262-37. Related file: Tree Removal Permit 99-37.
DRC AGENDA
November 16, 1999
Page 2
9:30 p.m.
(Rudy) DEVELOPMENT REVIEW 99-51 - AMETHYST ESTATES L.P.-The Design Review
of building elevations and detailed site plan for Tentative Tract Map 16026 consisting
of 18 single family lots on 11.3 acres of land in the Very Low Residential District(0-2
dwelling units per acre), located west side of Amethyst Street, north of Valley View
Street-APN: 1061-401-03. Related files: TT 16026, VAR 99-01, and PAR 99-01.
CONSENT CALENDAR
The following items are expected to be routine and non-controversial. Typically they are items such
as plan revisions prepared in response to discussions at a previous meeting.
9:45 p.m.
(Debra) CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 99-25 - LEWIS RETAIL CENTERS/LEWIS
OPERATING CORP. -The development of a Master Plan and Design Guidelines for
Terra Vista Commons, a 10,088 square foot retail building (Pad E) and a 3,100
square foot drive-thru restaurant (Pad D), on 20.4acres of land in the Mixed Use
District of the Terra Vista Community Plan, located on the north side of Foothill
Boulevard between Elm and Milliken Avenues -APN: 1077-421-98 and 227-771-53
(portion).
PUBLIC COMMENTS
This is the time and place for the general public to address the Committee. State law prohibits the
Committee from addressing any issue not previously included on the Agenda. The Committee may
receive testimony and set the matter for a subsequent meeting. Comments are limited to five
minutes per individual.
ADJOURNMENT
1, Mary Lou Gragg, Office Specialist 11 for the City of Rancho Cucamonga, hereby certify that a true,
accurate copy of the foregoing agenda was posted on November 11, 1999,at least 72 hours prior to
the meeting per Government Code Section 54954.2 at 10500 Civic Center Drive, Rancho
Cucamonga.
CONSENT CALENDAR COMMENTS
9:45 p.m. Debra Meier November 16, 1999
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 99-25 - LEWIS RETAIL CENTERS/LEWIS OPERATING CORP.. -
The development of a Master Plan and Design Guidelines for Terra Vista Commons, a 10,088
square foot retail building (Pad E) and a 3,100 square foot drive-thru restaurant (Pad D), on
20.4acres of land in the Mixed Use District of the Terra Vista Community Plan, located on the north
side of Foothill Boulevard between Elm and Milliken Avenues-APN: 1077-421-98 and 227-771-53
(portion).
Design Review Committee Action:
Members Present: Larry McNiel, Nancy Fong
Staff Planner; Debra Meier
The Committee reviewed the revised plans and elevations that addressed the November 2, 1999
Design Review comments, which was presented by the architect at the meeting. The Committee
recommended that the project be forwarded to the Planning Commission for approval in
January, 2000 with the following conditions:
Master Plan/Building Design
1. The development of a focal point for the project has not been formally resolved at this level
of design. At the time of development review process for Majors 1, 2, or 3, the focal point
shall be determined based on the actual building, pedestrian/traffic, and hard scape design.
The focal point shall be a plaza area and shall have vertical substance (i.e., fountain, flag
pole, sculpture, etc.) as well as the ground level hard scape and landscape component.
2. At the time of development review process of either the apartments or Majors 1, 2, or 3, the
circulation from Church Street shall be analyzed. The design shall incorporate appropriate
access to both the apartments as well as the commercial area, without encouraging traffic
to short-cut through the center, avoiding traffic control at Milliken Avenue and Foothill
Boulevard.
3. The architect introduced a secondary building material, known as"Flexi-rock"to be used as
wainscot base, column and archway trim, tower accents and "key-stones," and similar
accent components of the building design. The proposed material was acceptable to the
Committee.
4. The building color/material palette,as presented by the architect and reflected on the revised
color elevations, were acceptable to the Committee.
Pad D/E Issues
Issues specific to pads D/E shall be incorporated as appropriate and required by Code as noted
in Design Review Comments of November 2, 1999.
DESIGN REVIEW COMMENTS
November 16, 1999
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments at this time.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
B d u I I e r
Secretary
DESIGN REVIEW COMMENTS
7:00 p.m. Brent Le Count November 16, 1999
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW 99-54 — CABOT — A request to construct three industrial buildings
(Building 1 —87,760 square feet, Building 2—74,730 square feet, Building 3—54,720 square feet)
totaling 217,210 square feet on 13.73 acres of land 'in Subarea 11 (General Industrial) of the
Industrial Area Specific Plan located on the south side of Sixth Street between Richmond Place and
Buffalo Avenue - APN: 229-263-56 through 61.
Design Parameters: The three buildings are proposed to be used for warehouse/distribution. The
truck trailer loading area is designed as an enclave surrounded by the three buildings so that it is
screened as much as possible from the three street frontages. Truck access will be off Richmond
Place and Buffalo Avenue with vehicle access off Sixth Street. Sixth Street is classified as a Special
Boulevard with enhanced street scape treatment required.(i.e.,45-foot average landscape setback,
rolling berms, and meandering sidewalk). The project is designed with a large, 120 foot deep
landscape area at the northeast corner of the site. The perimeter of the site is proposed to be lined
with vehicle parking with minimal landscape setbacks. Other buildings in the area either have
deeper landscape setbacks along the street or have landscaping extend all the way up to the
building walls from the street. Building wall surfaces facing the streets are articulated with
horizontal change of plane, color variation, and use of sandblasted concrete with glass accents.
The site is surrounded to the north, east, and west by existing industrial development and to the
south by vacant land. There is a stand of Eucalyptus trees in the northeast corner of the site. The
trees are not recommended for preservation because the regional LERP infestation will likely limit
long term viability of the trees.
Staff Comments: The following comments are intended to provide an outline for Committee
discussion.
Maior Issues: The following broad design issues will be the focus of Committee discussion
regarding this project:
1. The buildings have very long (up to 500 feet) elevations with horizontal variation but no
vertical variation. Should change in vertical plane, such as raising height of office areas, be
provided to enhance visual interest?
2. Either provide deeper landscape setback areas on street frontages or increase density of tree
and shrub planting to screen parking and loading areas from streets as much as possible.
3. Provide meandering berms within all landscape setback areas and align drifts of shrubs with
berm summits to achieve higher overall screening height.
Secondary Issues: Once all of the major issues have been addressed, and time permitting, the
Committee will discuss the following secondary design issues:
1. Provide specimen tree planting,decorative rock scape, berms, and shrub planting within the
large landscape area at the northeast corner of the site and along the remainder of the Sixth
Street frontage.
2. Provide an active recreation feature for use by employees within the large landscaped area
at the northeast corner of the site. The outdoor employee eating area for Building.1 could
also be incorporated into the recreation feature design. Employee use areas shall have
adequate tree planting to provide shade.
DRC COMMENTS
DR 99-54 - CABOT
November 16, 1999
Page 2
3. Provide denser tree planing in front of loading area screen walls to enhance the screening
affect.
4. Continue the sandblasted concrete from the south wall to the east wall at the southeast
corner of Building 1. Change of materials and colors shall occur at interior corners only as
opposed to exterior corners.
5. Provide sandblasted concrete panels on northwest and southwest corners of Building B
consistent with corner treatment on Buildings A and B.
6. Building color and material changes shall occur at an interior corner or other logical point
rather than on exterior corner to avoid a wall-papered affect.
7. Screen walls should incorporate sandblasted concrete and reveal patterns similar to the
building walls.
8. Provide straight sidewalk along Buffalo Avenue because it is not a Special Boulevard.
Policy Issues: The following items are a matter of Planning Commission policy and should be
incorporated into the project design without discussion:
1. Employee outdoor eating areas shall have seating, tables, and shade.
2. All roof and ground-mounted equipment shall be fully screened from surrounding streets and
property. Note that views from the north are up slope from the site,which may require raised
parapets.
3. Provide a minimum of 1 tree per 30 linear feet of building wall exposed to public view, one
tree per 30 linear feet of site perimeter, and one tree per 3 parking spaces.
Recommendation: Staff recommends approval subject to the above comments being addressed
prior to Planning Commission.
Design Review Committee Action:
Members Present: Larry McNiel, Nancy Fong
Staff Planner: Brent Le Count
The Committee recommends approval of the project with the changes recommended by staff and
the following additional corrections:
1. Provide glazing , sandblasted concrete, and wall insets at southeast and southwest corners
of Building A. It is acceptable to reduce the wall inset depth from 3 feet to 1-foot for the
insets on the south wall only.
2. Provide enhanced wall treatment along the south elevations of Buildings A and B consistent
with the front elevations.
DRC COMMENTS
DR 99-54 - CABOT
November 16, 1999
Page 3
3. Provide at least 2 feet of elevation difference for vertical changes of plane. Provide returns
at vertical change points to convey a sense of depth.
4. Screen walls shall be high enough to adequately screen truck loading and parking areas
behind. Gates shall be opaque to fully screen views.
5. It is acceptable to keep the existing curvilinear sidewalk along street frontages so long as
the existing sidewalk is in good condition.
The applicant agreed to all of staff's comments as well as the additional direction provided by the
Design Review Committee.
DESIGN REVIEW COMMENTS
7:40 p.m. Rudy Zeledon November 16, 1999
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 98-30- NORTH TOWN
HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION-The development of a 5,672 square foot community
center facility on a 0.5-acre parcel of land in the Low Residential District, located on the south side
of Feron Boulevard, west of Hermosa Avenue -APN: 209-085-04. Related File Variance 98-04.
Background: The project site is located where the Old North town Theater currently exists, at
10071 Feron Boulevard,just on the eastside of Old Town Park. In 1997,the City Council approved
Resolution 96-07,designating the theater site as a Point of Historical Interest. The building did not
qualify as a significant architectural resource, however, the site and structure qualified as a
landmark designation based upon the criteria from the City's Historic Preservation Ordinance,
including such significant areas as:historical,cultural,and neighborhood and geographical setting.
In 1996,North town Housing Development Corporation(NHDC)acquired the property with the goal
of reestablishing a community center. A feasibility study was prepared which indicated that the
rehabilitation of the theater would be significantly higher in cost of new construction. Therefore,
NHDC is proposing to demolish the existing theater and construct a new facility.
Design Parameters: The applicant is proposing to construct a 5,672 square foot single story
community center on a % acre parcel of land. The project site is currently improved with the Old
Theater structure,which will be demolished, and paving. The site is surrounded by Old Town Park
to the south and west, by single family homes to the east and by Feron Boulevard to the North.
In conjunction with the Conditional Use Permit application, the applicant has submitted a Variance
request to reduce the number of required parking spaces needed for the proposed use.
The 5,672 square foot Community Center will be oriented in a east/west orientation. The entrance
to the center will face east and the rear of the building will abut Old Town Park. Fourteen on-site
parking spaces are be provided, with ingress and egress off new proposed drive approach on
Feron Boulevard. The structural roof trusses from the existing old theater, will be salvaged and
incorporated into the roof design of the proposed Community Center. The use of wood string
bowed trusses is typical with some historical buildings in the area, such as the Biane Winery
Building on Eighth Street. The building is proposed to have a curved metal roof. The exterior
building material will consist of slump block with a plaster finish. Glass block windows are
proposed on both the east and west sides of the all purpose room and aluminum store front
windows, with tinted glazing, are proposed at the entrance and along the northeast corner of the
building. The south end of the center features a courtyard, with a free standing trellis/gazebo and
18-inch high masonry seat walls.
Staff Comments: The following comments are intended to provide ant outline for Committee
discussion:
Secondary Issues: Once all of the major issues have been addressed, and time permitting, the
Committee will discuss the following secondary design issues:
1. The proposed gravel groundcover, along the west side yard of the building, shall be
eliminated and replaced with shrubs and mulch. In addition, as required by the Development
Code Standards, trees shall be planted in areas of public view adjacent to and along
structures, at an equivalent of one tree per 30 linear feet of building, which has public
exposure.
2. There shall be no exterior down spouts visible from surrounding properties and streets. Roof
drainage shall be confined within the building.
DRC COMMENTS
CUP 98-30 NORTH TOWN HOUSING DEV. CORP.
November 16, 1999
Page 2
3. Provide decorative paving at driveway entrance, similar to the decorative.paving proposed
at the front entry of the building.
4. The historical significance of the project site, shall be documented through the incorporation
of a plaque. The design and location of the plaque, will be subject to City Planner approval.
Staff Recommendations: Staff recommends the Design Review Committee approve the
proposed project with the above identified design issues placed as conditions of approval.
Design Review Committee Action:
Members Present: Larry McNiel, Nancy Fong
Staff Planner: Rudy Zeledon
The Committee reviewed the project and recommended approval subject to staffs comments with
the following revision:
1. The down spouts on the exterior of building shall remain and be painted to match the exterior
color of the building.
DESIGN REVIEW COMMENTS
8:20 p.m. Lisa Kuschel November 16, 1999
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 99-35-POST PLAZA: The
development of an office and warehouse building totaling 11,100 square feet in the General
Industrial District (Subarea 13) of the Industrial Area Specific Plan, located on the east side of
Charles Smith Avenue, north of San Marino Way - APN: 229-283-63.
Design Parameters: The site is located along 1-15 freeway. It is vacant with no significant
vegetation. South of the site is developed with a similar size office and warehouse building. The
applicant proposed to use similar style of architecture to the new building. A Conditional Use
Permit is needed because more than two thirds of the floor area (7,200 square feet) is planned for
office use.
Staff Comments: The following comments are intended to provide an outline for Committee
discussion.
Major Issues: The following broad design issues will be the focus of Committee discussion
regarding this project:
1. Create an entry plaza by eliminating parking in front of building to open up an entry space.
Secondary Issues: Once all of the major issues have been addressed, and time permitting, the
Committee will discuss the following secondary design issues.
2. Use fluted split-face for columns on west elevation (front) instead of block.
3. Instead of a horizontal treatment of the fluted split-face block on the east side of the building,
consider vertical bands of fluted split-face block between the windows to enhance the vertical
elements of building and to continue the same design on the front of the building.
4. The planters proposed on the north and south sides of the building should have shrubs in
addition to ivy.
6. Screen lunch area away from public view.
7. Add 6-inch by 8-inch shiner to textured driveway entry to enhance brick pavement.
8. Remove existing chain-link fence along east side and replace'with wrought iron fencing.
9. Undulate mounding along Charles Smith Avenue to form a more natural design.
Policy Issues: The following items are a matter of Planning Commission policy and should be
incorporated into the project design without discussion:
1. Install landscaping or pay an in-lieu fee for landscaping the freeway frontage.
Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends the Committee recommend approval of the project
with the above identify design issues as condition of approval subject to City Planner review.
DRC COMMENTS
CUP 99-35 - POST PLAZA
November 16, 1999
Page 2
Design Review Committee Action:
Members Present: Larry McNiel, Nancy Fong
Staff Planner: Lisa Kuschel
The Committee recommended approval of.the project with the following conditions:
1. Create an entry plaza by eliminating parking in front of the building to open up an entry
space.
2. Use fluted split-face for columns on west elevation (front) instead of block.
3. Instead of a horizontal treatment of the fluted split-face block on the east side of the building,
consider vertical bands of fluted split-face block between the windows to enhance the vertical
elements of the building and to continue the same design on the front of the building.
4. The planters proposed on the north and south sides of the building should have shrubs in
addition to ivy.
5. Add 6-inch by 8-inch shiner to textured driveway entry to enhance brick pavement.
6. Undulate mounding along Charles Smith Avenue to form a more natural design.
DESIGN REVIEW COMMENTS
8:50 p.m. Debra Meier November 16, 1999
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 99-49- EVERGREEN/DEVCO-The request for approval of a drug
store with a drive-thru window for prescription orders consisting of a 13,905 square foot building
on a 1.52-acre parcel located at the northwest corner of Haven Avenue and Alta Loma Drive in the
Office Professional (OP) District. -APN: 201-262-37. Related file: Tree Removal Permit 99-37.
Design Parameters: The project site is located immediately south of Chaffey Plaza, a small retail
center located at the southwest corner of Haven Avenue and Lemon Street; and immediately east
of the Garden Condominiums. The proposed alignment of Alta Loma Drive, along the southerly
project boundary,will be constructed by Caltrans in association with the construction of Route 30.
Due to the realignment and construction of Alta Loma Drive, the Walgreen's site will provide a new
secondary access point into the condominiums along the westerly project boundary. A new primary
access to the condominiums will be developed further west along Alta Loma Drive in cooperation
with the property owner located south of the condominiums.
The project site is presently vacant: however, the parcel contains several existing trees along the
west property boundary and along the proposed alignment of Alta Loma Drive. The project
boundary wall should be modified in three cases to create tree wells which will allow five existing
trees to remain, one additional tree will remain within the planter near the southwest portion of the
site; and four existing trees are proposed for removal. A Tree Removal Permit accompanies this
application.
Essentially this same building was approved for a Walgreen's drug store located at the corner of
Highland Avenue and 19th Street earlier this year(Conditional Use Permit 99-10). The applicant
has incorporated many of the same design elements that were added to that project through the
Design Review Committee review process.
Staff Comments: The following comments are intended to provide a focus for Committee
discussion regarding this project:
Site Plan
1. In general,the site appears overbuilt which forces the loading area very close to neighboring
residences. The drive aisle width on the west side of the building does not allow for adequate
space for customers coming out of the drive-thru to pass by if a delivery truck is in the loading
area. The applicant has proposed additional pass-by space by introducing turf-block grass
pavers in the landscaped setback area along the westerly property line to allow vehicles to
pass around the delivery truck, without completely eliminating the ability to have a green
planter area. Turf-block has been used only for fire access, staff is concerned that drivers
may become confused or not be comfortable with attempting to drive upon grass.
Staff has indicated to the applicant that the loading area and delivery trucks would present
a problem for patrons exiting the drive-thru window. The applicant introduced the turf-block
to address this concern. Does the Committee favor the use of the turf-block as a means of
providing extra drive aisle width at the times when'the delivery truck is present?
DRC COMMENTS
CUP 99-49 - EVERGREEN/DEVCO
November 16, 1999
Page 2
Furthermore, the loading area is 10 feet away from the Gardens condominium complex and
could result in resident noise complaints,similar to that at Albertsons(southeast corner Base
Line Road Archibald Avenue). See Cross-Section A on Sheet A4.1.
Landscaping
1. Haven Avenue is a Special Boulevard which requires design elements such as mounding,
boulders or other similar features. The applicant has included mounding, a split face block
wall, and the use of 24-inch box Virginia Live Oak. Staff has suggested to the applicant that
additional trees are necessary that would be background trees and could also provide shade
to the parking along the east portion of the site.
2. Rather than providing trees along the east and south building elevations, the applicant has
chosen to provide foundation planters with shrubs, as well as a metal trellis applied to the
building wall that will accommodate vine growth. The Committee should discuss whether
they will accept this treatment in lieu of the requirement for trees along the building frontage.
3. The applicant has not indicated the type of trailing plant material will be used to grow on the
building-mounted metal trellis at the south and east elevations.
Architecture/Building Design
(Please note: The building elevations illustrate a tree on each elevation, based on information
provided on the Landscape Plan there are no trees provided along the building frontages. See
comment#2 above.)
1. Review the proposed material sample board in conjunction with photographs of the Chaffey
Plaza development for compatibility. Photographs will be available at the meeting.
2. Consider the development of an entry plaza space that is in proportion to the"signage"tower
element and canopy at the store entrance (see south and east elevations). The canopy wall
of this tower sets right at the curb line on the south elevation. For a rather large architecture
element, very little ground surface has been provided at the pedestrian level.
Staff Recommendation: Review these and any other issues identified by the Committee;suggest
modifications as necessary. Any unresolved issues should be scheduled to return for Committee
approval at a subsequent meeting.
Design Review Committee Action:
Members Present: Larry McNiel, Nancy Fong
Staff Planner: Debra Meier
The Committee cannot recommend this project for favorable Planning Commission action without
redesign of the items noted below. Project shall be returned for additional Committee review on
December 14, 1999. Revised plans must be submitted to staff by November 30, 1999.
DRC COMMENTS
CUP 99-49 - EVERGREEN/DEVCO
November 16, 1999
Page 3
Site Plan
1. The building footprint was too large for the parcel selected where the access for delivery
trucks and customers and landscaping along the building is being compromised.
2. The use of turf-block along the west property line is typically a feature reserved for
emergency access purposes or overflow parking situations for large venues (i.e. Quake
Stadium),and should not be considered as meeting the landscape and setback requirements.
3. Delivery areas adjacent to residential neighborhoods can cause undue stress on the
residents from noise,diesel fumes,and disruption of privacy. The Committee stated that they
need to be sure that the project does not have built-in features that will be future cause for
concern to the Garden Condominiums, especially if the store were ever transferred to a
different retail user. The Committee believed that the user always understates delivery
expectations. Suggested solutions as discussed by the Committee included but not limited
to: enclosing or covering the delivery area, not routing customers down the rear alley of the
building, routing the drive-thru traffic to U-turn at the rear of the building, etc. The applicant
should look at options or solutions that resolve layout conflicts..
Landscaping
1. The trellis with vines was not an appropriate alternative to landscaping at the building face.
This ties into the overall site design constraints as discussed above.
Architecture/Building Design
1. The building material and color palette was acceptable to the Committee, and is compatible
with the Chaffey Plaza Development immediately north of the site.
2. The pedestrian level space at the building entry is extremely small for the size of the
architectural entry tower proposed. The pedestrian level plaza space should be more
proportionate to architecture, including accessible colonnades and hard scape.
DESIGN REVIEW COMMENTS
9:30 p.m. Rudy Zeledon November 16, 1999
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW 99-51 - AMETHYST ESTATES L.P. - The Design Review of building
elevations and detailed site plan for Tentative Tract Map 16026 consisting of 18 single family lots
on 11.3 acres of land in the Very Low Residential District(0-2 dwelling units per acre), located west
side of Amethyst Street, north of Valley View Street-APN: 1061-401-03. Related files: TT 16026,
VAR 99-01, and PAR 99-01.
Background: This project was originally approved by the Planning Commission on May 25, 1988,
under Tentative Tract 13674. Because to the severe impact of the recession in the early 1990's,
the applicant was not able to record the Tentative Tract Map and develop the project. On May 25,
1993,the Tentative Tract Map and Development Review application expired. In march of this year,
the applicant resubmitted the Tentative Tract Map. On July 14, 1999, the Planning Commission
approved Tentative Tract 16026. The applicant has now submitted a Development Review
Application for the design of the homes.
Design Parameters: The project is located on the west side of Amethyst Avenue, north of Valley
View Street. The site is currently vacant except for vineyard and scrub vegetation. The site has
a natural slope of approximately 8 to10 percent from north to south, except for approximately
1.5 acres of land directly adjacent to the western property line, which has slopes varying from
12 to16 percent. To the east of the site are single family homes that front on to Amethyst Street.
The south side is bordered by single family homes and both north and west are the San Bernardino
County Flood Control Channel and Demens Basin.
The project site is proposed to be developed under the Hillside Development Standards. Grading
techniques will be used (i.e., split level foundations and/or stem wall construction) to work with
existing contours and minimize grading alterations. The site will be developed as a gated
community with a private loop street,which has a reduced right-of-way of 40 feet and a street width
of 36 feet. The lots are oriented in a north and south configuration, except for those along the
western property line, which are oriented east to west. Lot sizes within the subdivision will range
from 20,070 to 48,960 square feet with an average lot size of 23,872 square feet. The applicant
is proposing to construct 18 custom homes, which will range in size from 3,845 to 5,215 square
feet. All the proposed houses have different elevations styles, with an American Tudor design
concept. There are 18 different color and materiel schemes (brick veneer and cultured stones)
proposed.
Staff Comments: The following comments are intended to provide an outline for Committee
discussion:
Maior Issues: The following broad issues will be on the focus of Committee discussion regarding
this project:
1. The proposed "Napa Valley Fieldstone" on house Plan 1, is not acceptable. Artificial stone
that resembles the river rock native to this area is not acceptable. If river rock is proposed,
it must be natural. Staff recommends the use of cultured stone such cobblefield or Limestone
stone, to replace the proposed "Napa Valley Fieldstone."
r
DRC COMMENTS
DR 99-51 -AMETHYST ESTATES L.P.
November 16, 1999
Page 2
Secondary Issues: Once all of the major issues have been addressed, and time permitting, the
Committee will discuss the following secondary design issues:
1. The proposed slump stone wall,along Amethyst Street shall be replaced with precision block
wall with stucco over, to better compliment the river rock pilasters and brick walls along both
sides of the wrought iron entrance gates.
2. The return walls between homes should be precision block with stucco over. The stucco
color should be either neutral, or should match the color used on the homes.
3. All proposed river rock pilaster shall be constructed using natural river rock.
4. The proposed paving bands in driveways should match the stone and brick materiel which
are being used on the home.
5. The metal roof of the dormer on house Plan 13 (Lot13), shall be painted to compliment the
color of the roof.
Staff Recommendations: Staff recommends the Design Review Committee approve the project
with the above identified design issues placed as conditions of approval.
Design Review Committee Action:
Members Present: Larry McNiel, Nancy Fong
Staff Planner: Rudy Zeledon
The Committee reviewed the project and recommended approval subject to staffs comments with
the following revisions:
1. On proposed paving bands in driveways, a stamped paver product may be used.
2. The metal roof dormer on house Plan 13 (Lot 13), shall be painted to match the stucco color
of the house.