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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008/08/27 - Minutes - PC-HPC CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Regular Meeting August 27, 2008 Chairman Fletcher called the Regular Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning Commission to order at 7:05 p.m. The meeting was held in the Council Chambers at Rancho Cucamonga Civic Center, 10500 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, California. ROLL CALL COMMISSIONERS: PRESENT: Richard Fletcher, Frances Howdyshell, Lou Munoz, Pam Stewart; Ray Wimberly ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Jim Markman, City Attorney; Steve Fowler, Assistant Planner; Tom Grahn, Associate Planner; Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer; Lois Schrader, Planning Commission Secretary; Denise Sink, Office Specialist II; James Troyer, Planning Director; Waen Messner, Associate Planner . . . . . ANNOUNCEMENTS None . . . . . APPROVAL OF MINUTES . Chairman Fletcher noted a correction on Page 3 of the minutes and noted the opening of the public hearing for Items C and D related to the continuance of El Loco Cantina. Motion: Moved by Stewart, seconded by Munoz, carried 5-0,to approve the minutes of August 13, 2008 with the noted correction. . . . . . PUBLIC HEARINGS A. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT DRC2006-00224- CHARLES JOSEPH ASSOCIATES for Baseline Victoria Park Partners LLC - A request to change the General Plan land use designation from Village Commercial to Medium Residential (8-14 dwelling units per acre) designation for approximately 4.70 acres of land, located at the northeast corner of Base Line Road and San Carmela Court - APN: 1089-581-01. Related files: Victoria Community Plan Amendment DRC2006-00447, Tentative Tract Map SUBTT18212, Development Review DRC2006-00730, and Tree Removal Permit DRC2007-00081. Staff has prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration. This item will be forwarded to the City Council for final action. CONTINUANCE REQUESTED B. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND VICTORIA COMMUNITY PLAN AMENDMENT DRC2006-00447-CHARLES JOSEPH ASSOCIATES for Baseline Victoria Park Partners LLC - A request to change the Victoria Community Plan land use designation from Village Commercial to Medium Residential (8-14 dwelling units per acre)designation for approximately 4.70 acres of land, located at the northeast corner of Base Line Road and San Carmela Court- APN: 1089-581-01. Related files: General Plan Amendment DRC2006-00224,Tentative Tract Map SUBTT18212, Development Review DRC2006-00730, and Tree Removal Permit DRC2007-00081. Staff has prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration. This item will be forwarded to the City Council for final action. CONTINUANCE REQUESTED C. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TENTATIVE TRACT MAP SUBTT18212 - CHARLES JOSEPH ASSOCIATES - A request to subdivide 4.70 net acres of land into 67 residential condominium units in the proposed Medium Residential District (8-14 dwelling units per acre), located at the northwest corner of Base Line Road and San Carmela Court - APN: 1089-581-01. Related files: General Plan Amendment DRC2006-00224, Victoria Community Plan Amendment DRC2006-00447, Development Review DRC2006- 00730, and Tree Removal Permit DRC2007-00081. Staff has prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration. CONTINUANCE REQUESTED D. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW DRC2006-00730 - CHARLES JOSEPH ASSOCIATES - Site Plan and design review for 67 residential condominiums on 4.70 net acres of land in the proposed Medium Residential District (8-14 dwelling units per acre), located at the northeast corner of Base Line Road and San Carmela Court - APN: 1089-581-01. Related files: General Plan Amendment DRC2006-00224, Victoria Community Plan Amendment DRC2006 00447, and Tentative Tract Map SUBTT18212, and Tree Removal Permit DRC2007-00081. Staff has prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration. CONTINUANCE REQUESTED Steve Fowler, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report. He noted that there are two lots, that Lot 1 of 4.79 acres is for condominium development and that 1.21 acres is to remain as an existing commercial parking lot and a vacant portion of land in the Village Commercial District. He said an easement remains on that portion for access. He commented that the number of units was reduced from 82 units to 67 and that visitor parking was also reduced from 22 spaces to 18 spaces. He reported that in response to the concerns raised at a neighborhood meeting, "No Parking"signs will be installed on San Carmela Court. Chairman Fletcher noted that when the project was originally presented to the Commission a year ago, there was a dispute about the easement. He asked if parking would be available to the condo owners on the parking lot in dispute and if there would be a joint parking agreement. Mr. Fowler deferred the question to the applicant. Chairman Fletcher opened the public hearing. Chuck Buquet, Charles Joseph Associates, 10681 Foothill Boulevard,Suite 395, noted that the area in question was removed from the consideration of the development and is a stand-alone. He confirmed that"No Parking" signs will be placed on San Carmela Court and that all parking will be contained within the condominium development. He noted that the architecture compliments the winery theme and the Filippi Winery across the street. Chairman Fletcher, seeing and hearing no further comment closed the public hearing. Planning Commission Minutes -2- August 27, 2008 Commissioner Wimberly commented that he reviewed the project at the Design Review Committee meeting and that it is a good project. He said they reduced the number of units and they did a good job. Commissioner Howdyshell noted that the 2-bedroom, 2-bath design reflects today's market with the square footage. She added that the 2-car garages should minimize parking on the street. Vice Chairman Munoz remarked that the design is upscale and dovetails with the winery across the street. He noted he had a concern about the visitor parking and the previous issue with the adjacent property owner. He said the 2-car garages should mitigate the parking issue. He said the applicant did good work at the DRC. Commissioner Stewart said she was part of the DRC. She noted the great architecture does reflect the winery flavor. She said she is happy the neighbors are in agreement and that posting the"No Parking" signs on San Carmela Court should be helpful. She said the development is a fine fit for the area and this is the market for today as many home buyers want something smaller. Chairman Fletcher commented that when this project first came before the Commission a year ago he had concern because he is generally not in favor of changing commercial property to residential because of.a loss in the tax base but that this is a more affordable product for the residential buyer. He said it is nice architecture and should be good for the community. Motion: Moved by Wimberly, seconded by Howdyshell, to adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impacts, Recommend approval of GPA DRC2006-00224 and VCPA DRC2006-00447. The Resolutions of Approval with conditions for SUBTT18212 and DRC2006-00730 were also adopted. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: FLETCHER, HOWDYSHELL, MUNOZ, STEWART, WIMBERLY NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE - carried E. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TENTATIVE TRACT MAP SUBTT18449 - CUCAMONGA 220 L.P. - A residential subdivision of 31 lots on 8.79 acres in the Mixed Use District of the Victoria Arbors Master Plan, located at the northwest corner of Victoria Park Lane and Long Meadow Drive —APN: 0227-171-29, 30. Staff has prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration. Related Files: Victoria Arbors Master Plan Amendment DRC2007-00047 and Minor Exception DRC2007-00048. F. MINOR EXCEPTION DRC2007-00048 - CUCAMONGA 220 L.P.—A request for combination retaining walls exceeding 6 feet in height at Lots 3, 4 and, 14 through 16 of Tentative Tract 18449, a subdivision of 8.79 acres in the Mixed Use Single-Family district, located at northwest corner of Victoria Park Lane and Long Meadow Drive -APN: 0227-171-29 and 30. Related Files: Victoria Arbors Master Plan Amendment DRC2007-00047 and Tentative Tract Map SUBTT18449. Steve Fowler, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report. Chairman Fletcher opened the public hearing. John Morrisette, American Beauty Development, expressed his thanks to staff for their help. He noted they have reviewed the resolutions and they find all the conditions acceptable. He said this property is the "final piece of the puzzle" in the Victoria Arbors area and that it has been fun. Planning Commission Minutes -3- August 27, 2008 Chairman Fletcher commented that when the property was first evaluated the school district looked at it and found the"wetlands"to be problematic. He asked how the wetlands played into this and is it still "wet." Mr. Morrisette noted that the wetlands and other issues came up that led them to another property for the school as they felt it would have made the school design difficult. He said according to Fish and Game, it still is a wetlands,although man made. He said the first alternative is to avoid impact and therefore the development is required to keep it. Chairman Fletcher, seeing and hearing no further comment closed the public hearing. Commissioner Stewart remarked that the project is straightforward and expressed support. Commissioner Howdyshell concurred with Commissioner Stewart. She said she is glad to see the tract map on the books, that the Arbors development is beautiful and she is glad the map is now in place. Commissioner Wimberly concurred with his fellow Commissioners and stated that he looks forward to the house project to compliment the area. Vice Chairman Munoz agreed with Commissioner Stewart. He said the map works and that the applicant worked hard to work out all the issues with the wall design Commissioner Stewart pointed out the amended conditions that had been place in front of the Commission and suggested that the motion reflect the adoption as well as the proposed map. Motion: Moved by Munoz, seconded by Wimberly, to adopt the Resolution of Approval for SUBTT18449 as amended and to approve Minor Exception DRC2007-00048. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: FLETCHER, HOWDYSHELL, MUNOZ, STEWART, WIMBERLY 111 NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE - carried G. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW DRC2008-00083 - PNEUDRAULICS, INC. - A request to develop two industrial buildings (with office, manufacturing and warehousing) totaling 88,200 square feet (41,160 square feet and 47,040 square feet)on 5.46 acres of land in the General Industrial District (Subarea 3), located at the southeast corner of Arrow Route and Helms Avenue (8575 Helms Avenue)-APN: 0209-021- 42. Related Files: Tentative Parcel Map SUBTPM18994, Master Sign Program DRC2008- 00360, and Tree Removal Permit DRC2008-00359. Staff has prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration. H. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP SUBTPM18994 - PNEUDRAULICS, INC. -A request to subdivide 5.46 acres of land into two separate parcels for the construction of 2 industrial buildings in the General Industrial District(Subarea 3), located at the southeast corner of Arrow Route and Helms Avenue (8575 Helms Avenue) -APN: 0209- 021-42. Related Files: Development Review DRC2008-00083, Master Sign Program DRC2008-00360, and Tree Removal Permit DRC2008-00359. Staff has prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration. Planning Commission Minutes -4- August 27, 2008 Waen Messner, Associate Planner, presented the staff report. She noted the addition of two additional conditions and the removal of certain conditions that did not apply to the project. She said there were also revisions to the Engineering conditions placed before the Commission for review. Chairman Fletcher opened the public hearing. Douglas Franz, Franz Architecture,thanked staff. He said over the course of the review,he worked with three different planners and all were helpful. He said he has reviewed the conditions and noted that he is comfortable with them, although his associate would address the Commission on one point. Edward Indvik, P.O. Box 9217 Newport Beach, remarked that staff and the DRC were receptive to their comments and that the applicant has been an employer in the City for 30-40 years. He pointed out an Engineering Condition on pages G-H 80 and 81 requiring new pavement to be installed to the centerline of the street and that this is a very recent change that would be a cost of about$200,000 and he asked what the value was as it relates to the change. He said they would agree to it if it is justified but that he asked the Commission to explore other options such as; 1) Consider slurry instead;2)Grinding; 3)Check the street to see if in its current state,could support traffic. He asked if the City is in a position to contribute to the costs. Commissioner Stewart asked how everything changed in the last 48 hours. Mr. Indvik noted that he just received the copy of the changes on Monday. Commissioner Howdyshell asked staff why such a significant change was being made so late. Mr. Indvik stated that he had one set of conditions that his applicant was able to review. As of Monday approximately 48 hours ago the final Conditions of Approval were mailed out and received. Dan James, Sr. Civil Engineer, commented that it is part of the process and that the Technical Review Committee reviewed the project and gave preliminary conditions of approval. He said he was not sure when the street was actually built, but that the curb and gutter dates to 1979, that it was pulverized, removed and capped in 1986. He also noted that he is unsure as to how many utility cuts or how extensive the street work would be. He said that they could get approval tonight, but that the actual work might not start for two years. He said that the street conditions will be checked during plan check. He referred to the condition on page 80. He said the condition gives the City Engineer the opportunity to meet with the applicant and they can show us those cuts and then we can make a determination. He said he believes the condition as written gives the City the flexibility to address this at a later time. He added that slurry would not work on Hellman Avenue. Chairman Fletcher confirmed the location of the required street improvements. James Troyer, Planning Director asked Mr. Indvik if he had any other issues with the other conditions. Mr. Indvik stated that there were no other issues other than the street improvements. Jim Markman, City Attorney, asked if the question is about street work, not lights, striping or trees. Mr. James said that is correct. Mr. Markman said they should figure out in the field what is being imposed. Planning Commission Minutes -5- August 27, 2008 Chairman Fletcher confirmed that they would only have to improve to the centerline of the street and for their own frontage. Mr. Markman said the Commission may not be in a position to act on this item tonight. Mr. Indvik said he understands the ambiguity and is willing to take a good faith effort and would ultimately accept it if there is nothing the Planning Commission can do to guarantee the final condition. He added that their client wants to move forward with the project. Chairman Fletcher closed the public hearing. Mr. James noted that the conditions in question appear on pages 80,81, 118 and 119 of the agenda packet. He suggested the conditions be re-worded to read: 1, b: Provide new street pavement section as prescribed by the City Engineer to centerline of street,curvilinear sidewalk, three(3)9500 lumen HPAV streetlights, traffic signing and striping, and street trees. On page 81, condition 2,b: Provide new street pavement section as prescribed by the City Engineer to centerline of street, curvilinear sidewalk, two 8500 lumen HPSV streetlights, drainage facilities as determined necessary, • traffic signing and striping, and street trees. The same two conditions are repeated in the Development Review resolution on pages 118 and 119 and should be revised in like manner. Vice Chairman Munoz commented that it is an attractive project and that the applicant worked with the DRC to address their concerns. He remarked that Mr. James committed to work with the applicant and that the changes to the conditions would be made as agreed. Commissioner Wimberly concurred and that he also noted that the applicants worked with the DRC and they were very cooperative. Commissioner Stewart stated she is pleased with the new language, thanked the applicant for working so well with DRC and is in support. Chairman Fletcher commented that it can be difficult with last minute changes. He said he is pleased that the applicants had a good working relationship with staff and also pleased to hear the applicant is an employer in the City of Rancho Cucamonga. Motion: Moved by Munoz, seconded by Wimberly, to adopt the Resolutions approving SUBTPM18994 and Development Review DRC2008-00083 with the amended conditions and to adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impacts. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: FLETCHER, HOWDYSHELL, MUNOZ, STEWART, WIMBERLY NOES: NONE • ABSENT: NONE - carried I. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT DRC2007-00283-EL LOCO CANTINA(FORMERLY FELIPE'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT)-A public hearing to examine the business operation to ensure that it is being operated in a manner consistent with the conditions of approval and in.a manner which is not detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare or materially injurious to properties in the vicinity. The Planning Commission will consider modifications of the approved Conditional Use Permit. The subject restaurant is located in the Masi Plaza commercial center at 11815 Foothill Boulevard;APN: 0229-011-38. Continued from July 9,and August 13, 2008. CONTINUANCE REQUESTED. Planning Commission Minutes -6- August 27, 2008 J. ENTERTAINMENT PERMIT DRC2007-00284 - EL LOCO CANTINA (FORMERLY FELIPE'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT)-A public hearing to examine the business operation to ensure that it is being operated in a manner consistent with the conditions of approval and in a manner which is not detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare or materially injurious to properties in the vicinity. The Planning Commission will consider revocation of the approved Entertainment Permit. The subject restaurant is located in the Masi Plaza commercial center at 11815 Foothill Boulevard; APN: 0229-011-38. Continued from July 9, 2008 and August 13, 2008. CONTINUANCE REQUESTED. Chairman Fletcher noted that the public hearing was previously continued and remains open from the last meeting. He asked if anyone present would like to speak on the items that would not be able to attend the future hearing requested on September 10, 2008. Jim Gilbuena,7704 Belvedere Place, Rancho Cucamonga,stated his family attends Karate classes at the Red Dragon Karate studio located next to El Loco Cantina. He said he really noticed a change when the ownership changed. He said he has no problem with the business itself, but that he would request they"not start entertainment"until after the school closes for the day because the students are often barefoot and the Cantina patrons leave broken glass and also do not clean up the vomit in the parking lot. He said he believes harmony can be achieved, that it is a productive center and they can do a good business there. He said the business owner should police the area, pick up their trash and remove their cones. Chairman Fletcher confirmed that the Red Dragon Karate School is next door to El Loco Cantina. Vice Chairman Munoz confirmed that the speaker was requesting that the owners of El Loco Cantina not start their entertainment until after 9:00 p.m.and that he directly had experienced issues with glass, vomit and cones. Mr. Gilbuena confirmed that it has been his personal experience. Motion: Moved by Munoz, seconded by Stewart,to continue the items to the September 10,2008 Planning Commission meeting. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: FLETCHER, HOWDYSHELL, MUNOZ, STEWART, WIMBERLY NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE - carried COMMISSION BUSINESS/COMMENTS ORAL UPDATE ON RECORDING EQUIPMENT USED IN CITY HALL MEETING ROOMS • Lois Schrader, Planning Commission Secretary, reported that the City Council and the Planning Commission meet several times per year in the Tri-Communities Room and that the recordings of those meetings and subsequently the minutes of those meetings are not always complete because of the poor quality of the recording. She noted that the problem was brought to the attention of the City Manager and the problem has now been referred to the Purchasing Department. She reported that the Purchasing Department is evaluating the situation and that another report would be brought to the Commission when more information is available. James Troyer, Planning Director, announced the resignation of Rina Leung, Senior Planner. He noted that after 16 months with our Planning Department, she will now be a full time Mom. He remarked that she has known and worked with him for over 10 years and that she headed up many important projects such as the Medical Marijuana Ordinance, and the new Temporary Sign Planning Commission Minutes -7- August 27, 2008 Ordinance to name a few. He said she also acted as his close assistant on other projects as well. He said we are sorry to see her go. He also mentioned that Planning was honored in that Gail Elwood, Office Specialist II, received the Employee of the Month Award and that Waen Messner received the Commuter of the Month Award and is also a three time Olympian. Vice Chairman Munoz welcomed Mr. Troyer back after his absence due to illness. ADJOURNMENT Motion: Moved by Munoz, seconded by Wimberly, carried 5-0, to adjourn. The Planning Commission adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, n J tary Approved: September 10, 2008 1 Planning Commission Minutes -8- August 27, 2008