HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006/10/17 - Agenda Packet ACTION AGENDA
DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING
TUESDAY OCTOBER 17, 2006 7:00 P.M.
RANCHO CUCAMONGA CIVIC CENTER
RAINS ROOM
10506 CIVIC CENTER DRIVE
RANCHO CUCAMONGA
Committee Members: Cristine McPhail Pam Stewart Dan Coleman
Alternates: Lou Munoz Richard Fletcher Rich Macias
CONSENT CALENDAR
(All consent items heard at 7 p.m.)
(Doug/Cam) DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW,DRC2006-00261 — ROCK-HAVEN,
LLC - A proposed 8-building _office park in the Industrial Park District
(Subarea 6), located on the east side.of Haven Avenue south of Sixth Street at
9393 Haven Avenue—APN: 0210-081-14.
(Jennifer/Shelley) CONDITIONAL USE PERMITDRC2005-00752 - NEXTEL COMMUNICATIONS
A request to co-locate wireless communication panel antennas on an existing
75-football field light standard on 18 acres of land in the Very Low Residential
District (.1-2 dwelling units per acre), within the Etiwanda Specific Plan, located in
Etiwanda Creek Park at 5939 East Avenue - APN: 0225-131-22. Related File:
Minor Development Review DRC2002-00263. This project is categorically
exempt from, the requirements of the California Environmental Quality ,Act
(CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 ,(Class 1 Exemption -
Existing Facilities).
(Mike S./Mark) ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP
SUBTPM17544 - 19TH AND AMETHYST LLC - A request to subdivide a parcel
of about 18,200 square feet in the Low-Medium (LM) Residential District into
three parcels of 5,050 square feet (Parcels 1 and 2) and 8,099 square feet
(Parcel 3), located at 6931 Amethyst Avenue - APN: 0202-131-74.
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.
7:10 p.m.
(Louis/Cam) ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW
DRC2005-00327 - BONNEY. ARCHITECTS - A proposed master plan for the
phased expansion of an existing church to include an 8,287 square foot
fellowship hall, a 5,285 square foot sanctuary, and demolition of an existing
fellowship hall on 1.52 acre of land in the Medium Residential District, located
at 8619 Baker Avenue - APN: 207-132-53. Related File: Tree Removal Permit
DRC2005-00328.
DRC ACTION AGENDA
October 17, 2006
Page 2
7:30 p.m.
(Emily/Cam) ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TENTATIVE TRACT MAP SUBTT18096
- CHARLES JOSEPH ASSOCIATES - A request to subdivide 6.92 acres of land
into 32 lots in the Low Medium Residential District (4-8 dwelling units per acre),
located on the west side of East Avenue, south of Via Venito Avenue. Related
File: DRC2006-00696.
7:45 p.m.
(Tabe/Cam) HILLSIDE DESIGN REVIEW DRC2006-00131 - FRANK NGUYEN - A request
for a two-story 6,908 square foot house and attached garage on a 26,247
square foot lot in the Very Low Residential District (.1-2 dwelling units per acre),
located at 5074 Cartilla Avenue - APN: 1074-121-11. The Planning
Department Staff has determined that the project is categorically exempt from
the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the
City's CEQA Guidelines. The project qualifies as a Class 3 exemption under
State CEQA Guidelines Section 15303 which covers the construction of a
limited number of new structures. This includes the construction of one
single-family residence in a residential zone. Because the project only
proposes the construction of a single home in an established residential zoned
neighborhood, staff finds that there is no substantial evidence that the project
will have a significant effect on the environment. CONTINUED TO THE
NOVEMBER 14, 2006, MEETING.
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
The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
CONSENT CALENDAR
DESIGN REVIEW COMMENTS
7:00 p.m. Doug Fenn October 17, 2006
DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW DRC2006-00261 — ROCK-HAVEN, LLC — A proposed
8-building office park in the Industrial Park District (Subarea 6), located on the east side of
Haven Avenue south of Sixth Street at 9393 Haven Avenue—APN: 0210-081-14.
PLANNER WILL GIVE ORAL PRESENTATION. PLANS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE
MEETING.
Design Review Committee Action:
Members Present: McPhail, Stewart, Coleman
Staff Planner: Doug Fenn
The Committee recommended approval of the project as presented.
CONSENT CALENDAR
DESIGN REVIEW COMMENTS
7:00 p.m. Jennifer Fechner October 17, 2006
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT DRC2005-00752 - NEXTEL COMMUNICATIONS - A request to
co-locate wireless communication panel antennas on an existing 75-foot ball field light standard
on 18 acres of land in the Very Low Residential District (.1-2 dwelling units per acre), within the
Etiwanda Specific Plan, located in Etiwanda Creek Park at 5939 East Avenue -
APN: 0225-131-22. Related File: Minor Development Review DRC2002-00263. This project
is categorically exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Class 1 Exemption - Existing
Facilities).
Design Parameters: The site is approximately 435 feet east of the curb face of East Avenue.
The applicant is proposing to install a 5-foot by 6-foot radome on an existing ball field light
standard containing six antenna panels for the purposes of enhancing cellular communication
service for Sprint/Nextel Communications in the area. The antennas will be mounted on the
pole at 46 feet above the grade. This will be a co-location with an existing major wireless
communication facility which is also located on the same ball field light standard at 57 feet
above grade.
The wireless communication facility is classified as a major wireless communication facility
because of its location on public land. Major wireless communication facilities are not permitted
to locate within 300 feet of any residential structure or within 300 feet of any existing major
wireless communication facility, except when co-located on the same wireless facility. The
proposed wireless communication facility will be approximately 500 feet from the nearest
residential structure and will be within 3 feet of any existing wireless communication facility. The
proposed equipment will be housed in an underground vault with an access hatch. The
proposed Sprint/Nextel facility meets the screening and site selection guidelines for wireless
communication facilities by providing stealth type design and by collocating with existing major
wireless facilities.
Staff Comments: The following comments are intended to provide an outline for Committee
discussion.
Ma or Issues: The following broad design issues will be the focus of Committee discussion
regarding this project.
1. There are no Major Issues.
Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends that the Design Review Committee review and
approve the project subject.
Design Review Committee Action:
Members Present: McPhail, Stewart, Coleman
Staff Planner: Jennifer Fechner
The Committee recommended approval of the project as presented.
CONSENT CALENDAR
DESIGN REVIEW COMMENTS
7:00 p.m. Mike Smith October 17, 2006
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP SUBTPM17544 - 19TH
AND AMETHYST LLC - A request to subdivide a parcel of about 18,200 square feet in the
Low-Medium (LM) Residential District into three parcels of 5,050 square feet (Parcels 1 and 2)
and 8,099 square feet (Parcel 3), located at 6931 Amethyst Avenue - APN: 0202-131-74.
Design Parameters: The project site is generally square in shape with approximate dimensions
of about 150 feet (east to west) by 121 feet (north to south). The parcel site is developed with a
single-family residence, a garage, and an accessory building with a combined area of about
2,500 square feet. As these structures have been determined to have no cultural or historical
significance, according to a Cultural Studies report submitted by the applicant, they will be
demolished. The remainder of the site is undeveloped and is generally characterized by
grasses and numerous mature trees of varying species. The existing topography slopes from
about 1, 450 feet at the northwest corner of the lot to about 1,440 feet at the southeast corner.
The properties to the south and west are single-family residences. The property to the north is
vacant and to the east is a mobile home park. The mobile home park has an access driveway
adjoining the existing single-family driveway of the home.
The applicant is proposing to subdivide the property into three parcels. Parcels 1 and 2 will
have an area of 5,050 square feet each; Parcel 3 will have an area of 8,099 square feet.
Parcels 1 and 2 will have a conventional layout with frontage along Amethyst Avenue. Parcel 3
will be a flag lot with its primary axis aligned north to south; access will also be to
Amethyst Avenue. As proposed, all lots meet the City's standards for minimum lot size, depth,
and width for this development district. As Amethyst Avenue is a boundary between zoning
districts, Parcels 1 and 2 will be about 2,200 square feet.smaller in area than the lots to the west
—those properties are located within the Low (L) Residential District where the minimum lot area
is 7,200 square feet. The applicant is undecided as to whether they will construct homes on the
lots themselves or sell the lots for others to develop. Therefore, proposals for development of
homes are not available at this time. In any event, compliance of these homes with the City's
development and design standards will be verified during Building and Safety plan check.
Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the project as submitted.
Design Review Committee Action:
Members Present: McPhail, Stewart, Coleman
Staff Planner: Mike Smith
The Committee recommended approval of the project as presented.
DESIGN REVIEW COMMENTS
7:10 p.m. Louis LeBlanc October 17, 2006
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW DRC2005-00327 - BONNEY
ARCHITECTS - A proposed master plan for the phased expansion of an existing church to include
an 8,287 square foot fellowship hall, a 5,285 square foot sanctuary, and demolition of an existing
fellowship hall on 1.52 acre of land in the Medium Residential District, located at
8619 Baker Avenue- APN: 207-132-53. Related File: Tree Removal Permit DRC2005-00328.
Background: This project was reviewed by the Design Review Committee on August 1, 2006,
(see attached). The Committee requested the applicant to revise the plans, and to bring the
project back to the Committee. The applicant has revised the plans for Committee review.
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. The proposed setbacks should be increased to minimize the potential negative effects to
the adjacent residential properties. The Committee had asked the applicant to revise the
plans to increase the setbacks on the north and east property lines. The applicant has
increased the setback on the north side of the project from 10 feet to 12 feet and has left
the east side setback unchanged. In staff's opinion, the applicant has not provided
enough setback; setbacks should be significantly increased on both the north and east
property lines, particularly in light of their 3-foot increase in building height.
2. The proposed building height and mass should be decreased to minimize the potential
negative effects to the adjacent residential properties. The Committee had asked the
applicant to redesign elevations to reduce the overall building mass and height. The
applicant revised the elevations and the building by adding new design features and
reducing the overall building size by 748 square feet. However, the building is still
massive and the applicant's revised plans show the overall building height increased by
3 feet. In staff's opinion, the applicants design changes have not addressed the issues of
the building mass and height. Staff recommends that the building mass and height be
significantly decreased.
Secondary Issues: There are no secondary issues at this time.
Policy Issues: The following items are a matter of Planning Commission policy and should be
incorporated into the project design without discussion.
1. The project shall meet all Development Code Requirements.
Staff Recommendation: Staff does not recommend approval by the Design Review
Committee at this time. Staff recommends that the Committee direct the.applicant to address
the identified issues and to bring back significantly revised plans to the Committee.
Design Review Committee Action:
Members Present: McPhail, Stewart, Coleman
Staff Planner: Louis Le Blanc
DRC AGENDA
October 17, 2006
Page 2
The applicant presented revised plans that were acceptable to the Committee, subject to some
enhancements, such as more use of rock. Work with staff to address this and other issues
identified in the August 1, 2006, Staff Report. The project can come back as a Consent
Calendar Item when staff feels it is ready. In addition, the Committee recommended decorative
pilasters flanking both entry gates.
DESIGWREVIEW COMMENTS
7:40 p.m. Louis Le Blanc August 1, 2006
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT DRC2005-00327 -
WILLIAMS CHIAO ARCHITECTS - A review of a master plan for phased development of a
church and school campus, totaling 17,602 square feet on 1.52 acre of land in the Medium
Residential District, located at 8619 Baker Avenue—APN: 0207-132-53.
Design Parameters: The project site is developed and is currently operating as a church. The
surrounding properties are developed with residential uses. The applicant has provided
additional landscaping to bring the current site up to current minimum Code requirements. The
applicant has also demonstrated that there is enough parking on-site for the proposed uses.
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 proposed setbacks for the main sanctuary/fellowship hall should be increased to
minimize the potential negative effects to the adjacent residential properties. The hall has
a two-story height of 27 feet which creates a large building mass. The design of the
project site needs to take into consideration the proximity of the adjacent residential uses
in the placement of any proposed structures. The Site Plan shows the main sanctuary
and multi-purpose hall 10 feet (side) and 17.5 feet (rear) from the north and east property
lines, respectively. The concern is compatibility with a one-story single-family residence to
the east and the two-story Mountain Meadows townhomes to the north. The main
sanctuary/fellowship hall is 158 feet long; hence, would run the entire depth of the
adjoining the single-family home lot (See Sheet Al 1.4, and sight line sections on Sheets
A 2.1 and A 2.2). In contrast, the townhomes to the north have building setbacks ranging
from 38 to 49 feet to provide buffering. Although the project meets the minimum building
set back for the rear property line, a greater set back should be considered to minimize the
potential negative effects to the adjacent residences. The building setbacks should be two
to three times as large as those shown from the property lines for neighborhood
compatibility, because of the large building mass proposed. Staff has consistently raised
this major issue starting with Preliminary Review in 2004.
2. Upgrade the architectural details on all sides of the main sanctuary/fellowship hall.
Although many design elements are there, such as siding and river rock, the overall feel
seems rather plain. Attached is an example of high-quality detailing. 'A few suggestions
would include:
• How is the transition between river rock and siding to be detailed? Will there be a
cap piece on top of the river rock? Remember, that real river rock will have a much
greater depth than fake rock.
At Phase IB Lobby entry use minimum 6-inch by 6-inch wood posts. Provide a top
element instead of simply terminating the posts into the underside of the roofing.
• All windows and doors should have wood plant-on surrounds as a transition from the
siding to their openings.
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DRC ACTION AGENDA
DRC2005-00327—WILLIAMS CHIAO ARCHITECTS
August 1, 2006
Page 2
• Add window cut-ups.
• At the gable end of the Sanctuary on the West Elevation, the plans label a horizontal
band of "5 Hardie Cement Board Shade" between 15 to 20 feet above the finished
floor. Please clarify how this differs from Hardie Cement Board Siding. Was this a
drafting error that is supposed to be glass?
3. Provide a minimum 10 feet along the south side of the sanctuary for landscaping and the
sidewalk, yet maintaining a minimum 26-foot wide Fire Lane.
Secondary Issues: Once all of the major issues have been addressed, and time permitting, the
Committee will discuss the following secondary design issues:
1.. Clarify the sanctuary wall material used on the gable end of the East Elevation. Is it glass-
within an aluminum storefront system? If not, the solid aluminum would be too reflective
of a surface adjoining the residential neighborhood.
2. Provide decorative pavement treatment at both driveway entries outside the public
right-of-way.
3. Add three more shade trees along the south side of the southerly parking lot at the
southeast corner of the project to shade the parking spaces and eliminate the gap. Also,
extend the shrub/ground cover into the same area.
4. The sliding gates shall be decorative.
Policy Issues: The following items are a matter of Planning Commission policy and should be
incorporated into the project design without discussion.
1. The river rock shall be real rock (not manufactured stone product).
Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends that the project be redesigned and return to
Design Review Committee.
Attachment
Design Review Committee Action:
Members Present: McPhail, Stewart, Troyer
Staff Planner: Louis Le Blanc
The project will have to be revised and brought back to the Design Review Committee. The
pitch is too dramatic, and there were concerns about the setbacks. The setbacks need to be
enlarged on one side from 10 feet to 15 feet for additional landscaping. The applicant gave an
extensive presentation regarding the impacts to the adjacent residents.
DESIGN REVIEW COMMENTS
7:33 p.m. Emily Cameron October 17, 2006
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TENTATIVE TRACT MAP SUBTT18096 - CHARLES
JOSEPH ASSOCIATES - A request to subdivide 6.92 acres of land into 32 lots in the
Low Medium Residential District (4-8 dwelling units per acre), located on the west side of
East Avenue, south of Via Venito Avenue. Related File: DRC2006-00696.
Design Parameters:
The property is located west of East Avenue, north of Foothill Boulevard and south of Via Venito
Avenue. The 32 lots are similar in size to the developed properties surrounding the site,
averaging approximately 7,100 square feet per lot. The layout provided is similar to the Master
Planned layout which was presented when Tract 15711 was approved. The applicant is
proposing to extend Garcia Drive into a cul-de-sac and to create Street A and B off of
Via Veneto Drive. Street "A" includes two cul-de-sacs at each end of the street, and Street "B"
is the main entry to the north.
At this time, the applicant is proposing only to subdivide the property and sell to a developer for
development of the homes. The applicant has worked diligently with staff to provide wall
heights and requirements on-site. There are a total of 9 trees on-site, which are proposed to be
removed. The applicant has submitted an Arborist Report. The Eucalyptus trees were
examined and said to be in poor condition. All trees will be removed and replaced at a 1 to 1
ratio.
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: None - The applicant has worked diligently with staff. No major issues
exist.
Secondary Issues: None - The applicant has worked diligently with staff.
1. Because of the elongated easterly property line which abuts the Southern California
Edison corridor, staff recommends that the wall proposed should include decorative
features to match the Etiwanda area. Staff suggests a decorative wall with rock pilasters,
similar to the pilasters required on the East Avenue theme wall.
Policy Issues: The following items are a matter of Planning Commission policy and should be,
incorporated into the project design without discussion:
1. The Planning Commission will require a mix of single-story homes (minimum of 10 to
15 percent) at the time of development. Staff will not support a variance for side yard
setback to meet this requirement.
Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval.
Design Review Committee Action:
Members Present: McPhail, Stewart, Coleman
Staff Planner: Emily Cameron
The Committee recommended approval of the project as presented.
DESIGN REVIEW COMMENTS
7:45 p.m. Tabe Van der Zwaag October 17, 2006
HILLSIDE DESIGN REVIEW DRC2006-00131 - FRANK NGUYEN - A request for a two-story
6,908 square foot house and attached garage on a 26,247 square foot lot in the Very Low
Residential District (.1-2 dwelling units per acre), located at 5074 Cartilla Avenue -
APN: 1074-121-11. The Planning Department Staff has determined that the project is
categorically exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental,Quality Act (CEQA)
and the City's CEQA Guidelines. The project qualifies as a Class 3 exemption under State
CEQA Guidelines Section 15303 which covers the construction of a limited number of new
structures. This includes the construction of one single-family residence in a residential zone.
Because the project only proposes the construction of a single home in an established
residential zoned neighborhood, staff finds that there is no substantial evidence that the project
will have a significant effect on the environment.
Background: The lot is in the Hillside Overlay District. The intent of the Hillside Development
Regulations is to minimize grading and ensure that the form, mass, profile, and architectural
features of the house are designed to blend with the natural terrain, preserve the character and
profile of the slope, and give consideration to the size of the lot and configuration.
Recommendations by the Committee will be forwarded to the Planning Director for review and
action.
Design Parameters: The uphill lot slopes with varying grades up to 13 percent and rises 21 feet
from the street to the rear property line. The project site is generally diamond in shape and is
located at the end of a cul-de-sac on a parcel of about 26,247 square feet. The site is bordered
by single-family residences to the east, west, and south and by a San Bernardino County Flood
Control District channel to the north.
The proposed 6,165 square foot two-story residence is setback 65 feet from the curb face and
meets the height limits, setbacks, and lot coverage requirements of the Hillside Overlay District.
The project design, while meeting the general architectural requirements, does not conform to
the intent of the Hillside Overlay District to minimize grading and ensure that the mass of the
house be designed to blend with the natural terrain. The proposed grading design requires that
a large portion of the north side of the lot (rear yard) be graded, resulting in nearly 5 feet of cut
and the need to excavate approximately 830 cubic yards of earth. The floor plan of the house
includes a single step of 1.5 feet at the front entrance, while the majority of the floor plan is flat
padded. The finished floor in the garage is 2 feet below the finished floor of the main portion of
the house and 2 feet below the natural grade. The additional cut in the garage area was
necessary in order to reduce the maximum grade of the driveway to 15 percent.
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 the project:
Grading: Per Section 17.24.060 A. of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Development Code,
structures should be located in such a way as to minimize necessary grading and to preserve
natural features. The primary issue is whether the proposed project substantially meets the
intent of the Hillside Development Ordinance. Staff finds that the proposed design is contrary to
the following guidelines and standards of the Hillside Development Ordinance:
DRC ACTION AGENDA
October 17, 2006
Page 2
• The house has been designed with a "flat pad" contrary to the intent to "conform to the
natural landform by using techniques such as split level foundations of greater than
18 inches, stem walls, stacking and clustering" per Section 17.24.050 and the requirement
that "the form, mass, and profile of the individual buildings and architectural features
should be designed to blend with the natural terrain and preserve the character and profile
of the natural slope. Some techniques, which may be considered, include: a. Split pads,
stepped footings, and grade separations to permit the structure to step up the natural
slope" per Section 17.24.060.C.1.a. The entire house, except for the garage and foyer, is
designed with a flat floor "slab on grade". In contrast, the existing landform rises 6 feet
from the front to the back of the house. The 18 inches of steps at the entry foyer
essentially accomplish nothing to minimize grading.
• The proposed grading and cut exceeds the 15 feet maximum usable rear yard area
allowed by Section 17.24.070.G.6: "Lot padding is limited to the boundaries of the
structure's foundation, a usable rear yard area (residential only) of 15 feet adjacent to and
between the structure and top or toe of slope, and a 24-foot by 24-foot corral area. If it is
physically unfeasible to design a reasonable usable yard area because of conflict with
other grading standards, then other forms of usable open space should be considered
such as: decks, patios, balconies, or other similar forms of built structures designed to fit
the natural topography." The majority of the lot is proposed. to be graded, including
approximately 5 feet of cut in the back yard 65 feet away from the house.
Grading could be greatly minimized by adding additional steps to the foundation of the house.
This would have also reduced the absolute bulk of the front of the house as seen from the
street. Staff recommended that the applicant incorporate multiple steps within the foundation,
each at least 18 inches. The applicant insisted that they did not want additional steps in the
foundation and would make their case for the current design with the Design Review
Committee.
Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends that the project be revised to incorporate
additional steps in the foundation with the goal of reducing the absolute bulk of the house as
seen from the street and to reduce the amount of grading at the rear of the house.
Design Review Committee Action:
Members Present: McPhail, Stewart, Coleman
Staff Planner: Tabe Van der Zwaag
At the request of the applicant, the project will be continued at the November 14, 2006, Design
Review Committee Meeting. The item was not heard.
DESIGN REVIEW COMMENTS
October 17,2006
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments at this time.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
R pectful submi d,
Da e"
man
Planner