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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008/01/15 - Agenda Packet ACTION AGENDA DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING TUESDAY JANUARY 15, 2008 7:00 P.M. RANCHO CUCAMONGA CIVIC CENTER RAINS ROOM 10500 CIVIC CENTER DRIVE RANCHO CUCAMONGA Committee Members: Lou Munoz Pam Stewart Corky Nicholson Alternates: Richard Fletcher Frances Howdyshell Ray Wimberly CONSENT CALENDAR NO ITEMS SUBMITTED PROJECT REVIEW ITEMS 7:00 p.m. (Tabe\Tasha) CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT DRC2006-00641 - WLC ARCHITECTS - A request to construct and operate a 16,000 square foot synagogue and preschool on 1.67 net acre of land in the Low (L) Residential District, located on the south side of 19th Street and west of Beryl Avenue - APN: 0202-461-61. 7:20 p.m. (Corky/Joe) CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT DRC2006-00926 - WLC ARCHITECTS - Review of the Master Phasing Plan for the remaining phases of the Lifeway Church project development including a classroom wing, temporary classroom modules, and a multi-purpose hall on 5.03 acres of land in the Low Residential District (2-4 dwelling units per acre), located at 7477 Vineyard Avenue at Calle del Prado. APN: 0208-921-36. Related Files: Conditional Use Permit DRC2001-00439 and Non-Construction Conditional Use Permit DRC2007-00544. PUBLIC COMMENTS See action comments for Conditional Use Permit DRC2006-00926. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:37 p.m. DESIGN REVIEW COMMENTS 7:00 p.m. Tabe Van der Zwaag January 15, 2008 CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT DRC2006-00641 - WLC ARCHITECTS - A request to construct and operate a 16,000 square foot synagogue and pre-school on 1.67 net acre of land in the Low (L) Residential District, located on the south side of 19th Street and west of Beryl Avenue - APN: 0202-461-61. Site Characteristics; The project site is located on the south side of 19th Street and west of Beryl Avenue. The vacant 1.67-acre site is approximately 200 feet wide and 320 feet deep. It is bordered by an existing residential development on the west and south and by a proposed single-family subdivision to the east (Development Review DRC2006-00892 and Tentative Tract Map SUBTT17769). There are existing apartments to the north across 19th Street. The site generally drains north-to-south; however, the applicant has entered into an agreement with the property owner to the east to allow drainage across their site. The project requires a Variance for wall height along the west property line of the site. This new wall will replace the current retaining walls and wood fences. Project Design: The applicant has submitted plans to construct a 16,000 square foot synagogue, pre-school, and 64 space parking lot. The project meets all City standards except for wall height along the west, property line. The sanctuary is designed to accommodate 160 parishioners and will be accessed from the east side of the building through a foyer. The building will be setback 38 feet from the curb face on 19th Street, 20 feet from the existing residences to the west, and 141 feet from the existing residences to the south. Access to the site will be by a 26-foot wide driveway located on the east side of the building. The play area for the pre-school will be located on the west side of the building. The architecture of the building is formal in appearance with arched windows, crown molding, cast columns, decorative stained glass windows, and a flat roof. The dominant exterior materials are smooth-finished stucco (painted shades of beige) and limestone veneer. The building has a maximum height of 26 feet, which is an appropriate fit for surrounding single-story homes. The applicant has included a line-of-site drawing from 19th Street to demonstrate that all the roof top equipment will be hidden from public view by the roof parapet. Major Issues: There are no Major Issues. Minor Issues: The applicant will need to work with the neighbors along the west property line to coordinate the replacement of the existing property line walls and fences. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends that the Committee approve the proposal as submitted. Design Review Committee Action: Members Present: Munoz, Stewart, Diaz Staff Planner: Tabe van der Zwaag DRC ACTION AGENDA 2006-00641 -WLC ARCHITECTS January 15, 2008 Page 2 Overall, the Committee supported the design of the proposed synagogue. Commissioner Stewart asked about the proximity of the proposed outdoor recreation area on the east side of the proposed building and the potential impact to the neighboring residences to the west. Project planner, Tabe van der Zwaag, indicated that during neighborhood meetings, no concern from the residents had been raised, and that the properties would be separated by a solid block retaining wall over 6 feet in height. Planning Department representative Michael Diaz, Senior Planner, asked the applicant to consider using a dense hedge instead of trees against the wall to help prevent any future issue. Mr. Diaz also asked the applicant to work with staff to identify high quality exterior materials and design details to ensure the building would be an architectural success. The applicant agreed and stated that they intend to use Jerusalem limestone for the stone veneer element. Commissioner Stewart asked that the landscaping be increased around the site. The applicant agreed to work on these items and the Committee recommended that the project be forwarded to the Planning Commission for final action. DESIGN REVIEW COMMENTS 7:20 p.m. Corky Nicholson January 15, 2008 CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT DRC2006-00926 - WLC ARCHITECTS - Review of the Master Phasing Plan for the remaining phases of the Lifeway Church project development including a classroom wing, temporary classroom modules, and a multi-purpose hall on 5.03 acres of land in the Low Residential District (2-4 dwelling units per acre), located at 7477 Vineyard Avenue at Calle del Prado - APN: 0208-921-36. Related Files: Conditional Use Permit DRC2001-00439 and Non-Construction Conditional Use Permit DRC2007-00544. The above project description has been revised to include a proposed multi-purpose hall, which combines the previously proposed gym and Fellowship Hall into a single, smaller building as shown on the submitted plans. Background: This application was reviewed by the Design Review Committee on November 6, 2007. At that time, the applicant presented a preliminary concept plan, per the direction of the Planning Commission, for the purpose of receiving feedback from the DRC (see Attachment A - Design Review Action Comments dated November 6, 2007). Design Parameters: Please refer to the Project Description dated December 20, 2007 (Attachment B). Staff Comments: Major Issues: The following comments are intended to provide an outline for discussion purposes, which include the revisions that were previously requested by staff and the Committee. The applicant's revisions are in italics: 1. Consider a re-orientation of the gym so that the shorter dimension of the building faces the slope and the neighboring homes to reduce the massive appearance of the building. The applicant is proposing a consolidation of the Gymnasium and Fellowship Hall buildings into a single structure. In the previous proposal, these two functions were provided in separate buildings on two levels. In the revised proposal, these buildings are combined into a single Multi-Purpose Hall that would be located on the lower mid-plaza level. Such a revision reduces both the square footage and building mass. 2. It was suggested that a possible change in the pad elevation and/or landscaping would help mitigate the neighbor's view. The applicant is proposing to drop the pad elevation for the proposed Multi-Purpose Hall by approximately 14 feet, and add substantial landscaping in accordance with the submitted Planting Plan. 3. Indicate if the gym can be moved to the east portion of the site. Staff believes that the proposed location for the Multi-Purpose Hall, which includes a regulation basketball court, is best suited for their needs in terms of public safety when accommodating on-site traffic and pedestrian circulation. DRC ACTION AGENDA DRC2006-00926 —WLC ARCHITECTS January 15, 2008 Page 2 4. A solution is needed to mitigate the stark appearance of the southerly wall that faces the neighboring properties. The revised proposal provides for a much greater detail of the landscape and wall treatment along the southerly property line. The area between the wall and the property line is shown on the Proposed Planting Plan with substantial new tree planting, and according to the applicant, the existing wall would receive a stucco finish of color and texture that would match the existing church building. Secondary Issue: Once all of the major issues have been addressed, and time permitting, the Committee will discuss the need for a Conceptual Grading and Drainage Plan for the purpose of identifying the extent of grading that would occur to accommodate the new Multi-Purpose Hall. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends that the Design Review Committee approve the proposed improvements provided that the applicant submits a Conceptual Grading and Drainage Plan for staff's review and approval prior to the scheduling of the required Planning Commission hearing on the applicant's Conditional Use Permit proposal. Design Review Committee Action: Members Present: Munoz, Stewart, Diaz Staff Planner: Corky Nicholson Corkran Nicholson, Assistant Planning Director, gave a brief overview and stated that this is the Church's proposal for the final phases of their development. He reviewed the overall design and stated that this meeting is to consider their proposed changes that address the concerns previously expressed. Jim DiCamillo WLC Architects, presented a material sample board, landscape plan and a model indicating the changes. He commented that they do not anticipate any traffic issues. He said they held a neighborhood meeting one week ago. He noted that they have combined the fellowship hall and gymnasium uses into one building to help mitigate the controversy. He said the building reduces their square footage by about 2,000 square feet; the parapet height has been lowered; the building has been dropped by about 15 feet; and new open spaces have been created. He added that they have significantly increased the landscaping to the inside and outside areas of the wall. He presented a photo taken from the corner of Zircon and Balsa. He remarked that the building mass tends to 'fade away" visually the closer it is viewed from the homes. He said one would not be able to see into the backyards below from the church property above. An unidentified neighbor asked for a photo taken from the north side looking south because he believed that the building would block the view, particularly the tower. Commissioner Munoz remarked that if one stands directly behind the steeple it would block the view. He noted that Rancho Cucamonga does not have "view rights" and that the church is trying to come halfway (with compromise). He reiterated the proposed improvements and said that it is greatly improved from the proposals of November and December and that they have done much to mitigate the neighbors concerns. DRC ACTION AGENDA DRC2006-00926 —WLC ARCHITECTS January 15, 2008 Page 3 Mr. Rich asked if a traff ic study would be performed. Mr. DiCamillo said that this development does not require it; it would be required if the school was still part of the proposal. Commissioner Munoz added that if the school was proposed there would also be the Conditional Use Permit for the school that would be an added protection. Mr. Rich retorted that the church is planning to run a school. Chairman Stewart reiterated that it is not part of their proposal at this time and is not on the table for discussion this evening. Mr. Rich complained that the building is only 8 feet lower and only 7 feet lower than what he was told last time. Mr. Nicholson said they are going by the approved grading plan. Mr. Rich claimed the building is higher than that. Mr. Nicholson stated that he and Mathew Addington spent two hours explaining the grading plans to Mr. Rich and that the plans are signed and stamped by a registered engineer. Mr. Rich complained that the information he has asked for has not been provided and he cannot confirm what he has been told. Mr. DiCamillo offered to meet with Mr. Rich to review and discuss the issue. Mr. Rich indicated he does not believe the site is built according to plan and that he was told the road would be no higher visually than the wall at the top. Mr. Nicholson said there is some variation from the high to low points. Chairman Stewart asked for the record to reflect a 5 minute time limit on comments for the remainder of the project review because of the argumentative dialogue. George Guidera, a neighbor, stated that some cities require a "silhouette" or "story poles" of the proposed building to give neighbors an idea of the height of the proposed structures. He said they are shot by a surveyor and left up for a week or two; a notice is sent to the neighbors to look at it. He said it is a minimal cost. He expressed concern that the block wall was built with the split face side facing the church rather than the neighbors' property. He asked if decoration could be done and if the wall will continue to the east boundary line. He asked about drainage and a V-ditch. Mr. Rich questioned the use of sandbags along a portion of the southerly slope. Mr. Nicholson said the sandbags are required. Pastor Esteves said that the sandbags would be removed when the V-ditch is done. DRC ACTION AGENDA DRC2006-00926 —WLC ARCHITECTS January 15, 2008 Page 4 Mr. Nicholson said when they receive their approvals, the existing wall would not be extended. He said the "goat farm" portion of the property will not be altered. Wanda Knight, a resident, said she thought the sight poles are a good idea. Mr. Rich continued to complain that the sandbags were still there last Saturday and that he could not trust what anyone tells him because the path and wall were built differently than what was proposed to the neighbors. Mr. Rich continued to contend that he was unsure the development so far was built according to plan and that the computer generated photos being presented by the architect my not be trustworthy. Mr. DiCamillo remarked that this technology is as accurate as it gets. He noted that it is part of the proposal to "dress up"the existing wall with stucco. Mr. Guidera suggested they "break up" the wall with a pilaster treatment. Mr. DiCamillo commented that it might draw even more attention to it and would not accomplish the goal of visually minimizing the wall. He said they would be happy to do the story poles. Pastor Esteves said they have taken 4-6 months, have taken the advice and dealt with their board. He said they are now almost 3,000 square feet smaller that compromises the ultimate vision of the church. He said the changes will require them to re-do all of their electrical that was already put in accordance to the master plan. He said this is costing hundreds of thousands of dollars more, and he would like his church membership to know that their wishes have also been considered and that they have done all they can; they too are "a neighbor'. Commissioner Munoz said the church has gone to great lengths to accommodate and mitigate. He said there is no way the hill will disappear but that they have done much to mitigate the visual impacts. He noted that when he first saw the development and the proposal he knew they had to go through this process and that whether it is 11 or 12 feet difference is not relevant. He noted they agreed to story poles and they have mitigated as much as possible and nothing more can be done without hurting the land owner; he filed plans that are within the Code. He added that he hoped the neighbors can live with this. Chairman Stewart remarked that the parties came together and the result is superb. She said it is now very acceptable and recommended the revised plans be forwarded to the Planning Commission. Mr. Nicholson added that the recommendation be conditioned upon submittal of new conceptual grading and drainage plans along with the erection of story poles. Mr. DiCamillo asked for direction on the protocol for the story poles because he was concerned the result would later be challenged. Mr. Nicholson suggested they be erected and remain up for at least two weeks and that it be done by a civil engineer. He noted this is for height purposes only. Commissioner Munoz cautioned the neighbors that the story poles do not determine if the project is "a go or no go" it is only a reference point. DRC ACTION AGENDA DRC2006-00926—WLC ARCHITECTS January 15, 2008 Page 5 Mr. Nicholson remarked that such poles were used for years before computer graphics and that the computer generated photos are a much better representation because the poles only reflect a representation of the height and not building mass. Mr. Di Camillo asked if a letter would be sent to the neighbors. Mr. Rich wanted additional reference points to show how close the buildings would be to their property. Commissioner Munoz said it would not show that. Chairman Stewart agreed to the proposal. In accordance with the Committee's final action, the applicant must complete the following items for staff's review and approval prior to the scheduling of the required public hearing before the Planning Commission for the consideration of the subject conditional use permit: 1. Erect on-site story poles for the purpose of providing a visual aid to further convey to the surrounding residences the proposed height of the new buildings. After the story poles are erected, the applicant will notify the Planning Department of the completed installation of the poles, and request that notices explaining the purpose of story poles be sent to the surrounding residences. The story poles .shall remain in place for a minimum of two weeks from the mailing date of the notices. 2. Submit a Conceptual Grading and Drainage Plan by a certified civil engineer for the purpose of identifying and verifying the placement and height of the story poles, proposed building heights, pad elevations, drainage system, and the extent of grading that would occur to accommodate the new buildings. DESIGN REVIEW COMMENTS January 15, 2008 ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:37 p.m. Respectfully submitted, d 1 �- Corky ' holson Assistant Planning Director DATE NAME ADDRESS PHONE (,d Z, ge, ?e4 C., W-0 - X&W 9 (,( FLWA-1 atwcN valc � Im �i ��mit�w WI—�. c►��i - q8�- o°10`� �Y &WA-FA- wL e- r � X13 3 IVa,-i)A)&oo sr, co?- lK�a�