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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008/05/28 - Minutes - PC-HPC CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Regular Meeting May 28, 2008 Chairman Stewart called the Regular Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning Commission to order at 7:25 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: Candyce Burnett, Senior Planner; Adam Collier, Planning Technician; Steven Flower, Assistant City Attorney; Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer; Corkran Nicholson, Assistant Planning Director; Lois Schrader, Planning Commission Secretary; Walt Stickney, Associate Engineer; James Troyer, Planning Director; Barbara Tuncay, Assistant Planner * * * ANNOUNCEMENTS None APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion: Moved by Munoz, seconded by Fletcher, carried 5-0, to approve the minutes of May 14, 2008. PRESENTATIONS PRESENTATION REGARDING LINEAR BUFFER PARKS BY CAL POLY POMONA SCHOOL OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE STUDENTS Danae Delaney introduced Ann Croissant, Ph.D., a retired professor from Cal Poly Pomona to the Commission. Ms. Croissant commented that the topic of linear buffer parks became a`module'class comprised of an intense one week course ending with group projects by the students. The following students presented their ideas for linear buffer parks: Cory Silva, Nancy Vazquez,Aaron Reece, Krissy Hoitt, Heather Godfrey, Trisha Lam, Gabriela Gardena, Judith Mercado, Alyssa Lozano, Beatriz Perez, Stephanie Santos, Trent Keegan, Sanwang Thang, and Andy Chew. The Commission complimented the students on their work and their thoughts on sustainability, green concepts, healthy cities, and eco-tourism. * * * * * PUBLIC HEARINGS A. SECOND TIME EXTENSION FOR TENTATIVE TRACT MAP SUBTT16072 - RICHLAND PINEHURST INC. -A request for a time extension for a previously approved tentative tract map to subdivide 150.79 acres into 359 lots in the Low (2-4 dwelling units per acre) and Very-Low (0.1-2 dwelling units per acre) Residential Districts,with an average density of 2.3 dwelling units per acre for the entire project, in the Upper Etiwanda Neighborhood of the Etiwanda North Specific Plan, located at northwest corner of Wilson Avenue and East Avenue. APN: 0225- 083-01, 12, 13, 15, 16 and 20. Related Files: Development Agreement DRC2002-00156, Annexation DRC2002-00865, and Tree Removal Permit DRC2003-00461. Staff has found the project to be within the scope of the project covered by a prior Environmental Impact Report certified by City Council in June 16, 2004 by Resolution 04-204 and does not raise or create new environmental impacts not already considered in the Environmental Impact Report. Barbara Tuncay,Assistant Planner, presented the staff report. She noted an error in the staff report within section A of the analysis. She stated that the correct section of the Subdivision Map Act should read: 66452.6 (e). Thomas J. Sanhamel, P.O. Box 2148, Upland, stated he represents the applicant and that he had no further comment but is available for questions. Chairman Stewart opened the public hearing and seeing and hearing no comment, closed the public hearing. Commissioner Munoz commented that this is a straightforward maintenance item that allows for a one year extension. He then moved approval. Motion: Moved by Munoz, seconded by Howdyshell, to adopt the Resolution of Approval for the Time Extension for Tentative Tract Map SUBTT16072 for one year as requested. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: FLETCHER, HOWDYSHELL, MUNOZ, STEWART, WIMBERLY NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE - carried B. DEVELOPMENT REVIEW DRC2008-00064- MERITAGE HOMES, LLC. -The design review of building elevations and detailed site plan for 55 single family lots on 14.50 acres of land in the Low Residential District (2-4 dwelling units per acre) in the Etiwanda North Specific Plan, located on the north side of Day Creek Boulevard, east of the Southern California Edison Corridor APN: 0225-071-47. Related files:Tentative Tract Map SUBTT16227 and Development Review DRC2005-00986. Staff has found the project to be within the scope of the project covered by a prior Environmental Impact Report (State Clearinghouse #88082915 and #98121091 certified by the City Council on August 1, 2001) and does not raise or create new environmental impacts not already considered in that Environmental Impact Report. Adam Collier, Planning Technician, presented the staff report and noted some changes to the report and corresponding resolution. He noted that the staff report and resolution now include expanded environmental language supporting the previous environmental review of the project. He noted a revised condition in the Resolution would now read: 4) Driveways shall be scored in a horizontal pattern for additional entryway detail; a revision of a condition for Fish and Game fees (#3), specifically a$50 fee for the filing of a Notice of Determination;the removal of a standard condition Planning Commission Minutes -2- May 28, 2008 for a $538 fee for environmental processing; Section K - Grading; add a grading condition for grading to be performed at the 2001 California Building Code standard; Section M-Security Hardware: removal of conditions 1 and 2 and the removal of Section N-Windows (in its entirety). Vice Chairman Fletcher asked if any of the homes have been developed yet. Mr. Collier reported that 40 of the 155 homes have been developed under the old approval. Chairman Stewart opened the public hearing. Kathy Freeman, Meritage Homes, stated she is available for questions. Vice Chairman Fletcher confirmed that 55 homes will be of the new design. He asked about the remaining 50 homes. Ms. Freeman stated they are planning to leave those under the original designs submitted. Commissioner Munoz commented that it is a good project,that the builder changed his approach in response to changes in the market. He said the modifications presented to the Design Review Committee are consistent and offer 360 degree architecture. He said the new plans obviously downsize the floor plans. Chairman Stewart echoed Commissioner Munoz' comments and agreed the changes are in response to market demands. Vice Chairman Fletcher said he is happy to see this request come forward. He said in the past all the homes being built were too large for young families to afford. He said this is still a good sized product and a nice project for the City. C. TENTATIVE TRACT MAP SUBTT17433—DAT TA-A request to subdivide 2.39 gross acres of land into 9 lots in the Low Residential District (2-4 dwelling units per acre) located at 9814 Church Street, which is on the north side of Church Street, 140 feet west of Pasito Avenue - APN: 1077-311-74. The project qualifies as a Class 32 exemption under state CEQA Guidelines Section 15332, which covers in-fill development within certain criteria. Staff finds that there is no substantial evidence that the project may have a significant effect on the environment. Related files: Development/Design Review DRC2005-00490 and Tree Removal Permit DRC2005-00491. D. DEVELOPMENT/DESIGN REVIEW DRC2005-00490 - DAT TA -A proposal to develop nine single-family homes on 2.39 acres in the Low Residential District(2-4 dwelling units per acre) located at 9814 Church Street, which is on the north side of Church Street, 140 feet west of Pasito Avenue-APN: 1077-311-74. The project qualifies as a Class 32 exemption under state CEQA Guidelines Section 15332, which covers in-fill development within certain criteria. Staff finds that there is no substantial evidence that the project may have a significant effect on the environment. Related file: Tentative Tract Map SUBTT17433 and Tree Removal Permit DRC2005-00491. Corkran Nicholson, Assistant Planning Director, presented the staff report noting a revised condition which requires sod to be installed in the rear yards to help mitigate dust from the local winds. Chairman Stewart opened the public hearing. Planning Commission Minutes -3- May 28, 2008 • • Hank Jong, 11819 Gold Ring Road, Arcadia, expressed appreciation to staff for their help on the project and is available for questions. Chairman Stewart asked Mr. Jong if he understands the requirement for the sod. Mr. Jong stated he is aware of the condition and would comply. Ian Revell, 9774 Church Street, stated he lives west of the property in question and that there are two 60-foot eucalyptus trees along the property line. He asked if they would be removed. He also asked if Church Street would be expanded/widened. • Vice Chairman Fletcher asked about the trees and requested that Mr. Revell relate his concern. Mr. Revell stated his concern is who would be responsible if those trees fall down once the property is being developed. Paul Vieau, 9776 Church Street, also stated concern about the trees and the parking situation resulting from Kingdom Hall. He said that if Church Street is not widened then "No Parking"signs need to be posted because it is a dangerous left turn intersection because of limited visibility along the line of sight for drivers to see oncoming traffic. Chairman Stewart closed the public hearing. Mr. Nicholson addressed the public parking issue and noted that there is a Fire Condition that will only allow parking on one side of the new street. He added that because the majority of the new homes will have 3-car garages and driveways to accommodate the garages,therefore staff does not anticipate the homes adding to the parking impact. He commented that there are line of sight issues on both sides of the street and Engineering is requiring the trees be removed within the parkway easement. He noted that the property owners are being contacted (where the trees are located on private property) and that they are being asked for permission to remove those trees. He commented that Church Street is slated to be widened only for the width of the new development. He said there is a request for a 14 foot parkway to allow for parkway area for sidewalks and new street trees. Commissioner Howdyshell commented that she visited the site. She said it is difficult to turn left off of Paradise onto Church Street. She confirmed the area of the line of site and the trees to be removed. Vice Chairman Fletcher confirmed the trees that are of concern to the residents are further north along the property line just to the west of the proposed development. Chairman Stewart asked Dan James of Engineering to comment on the expansion of Church Street. Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer reported that no additional expansion is slated for Church Street but that he would speak to the traffic engineer regarding the line of site issues and parking for the church. Vice Chairman Fletcher asked for comment on the liability issue. Steven Flower,Assistant City Attorney stated the liability would depend upon the circumstances that cause the tree to fall. He remarked that if there was negligence during removal that caused the tree to fall then it would have to be determined who caused that to determine the liability. He reported that if the trees are unhealthy and straddle the property line and then they fall, then it is likely the liability would be shared. He noted that if it happened during construction it would depend on whose Planning Commission Minutes -4- May 28, 2008 • action caused the tree to fall, so all of these factors would have to be considered to determine liability. Commissioner Munoz stated he thought the concern was who would be liable if the trees were left on the property and they fell. He stated that since the trees they were questioning are going to be removed, it would be a non-issue. Chairman Stewart reopened the public hearing for additional comment. Derek Christenson, 9776 Church Street, said he lives directly west of the development and that he has 3 Eucalyptus on his property but they do not want them removed. He said he believes they may be 100 years old and that they are fully on his property. He reported that the trees were part of an original windbreak planted to protect an orange grove. He said there are two Red Tailed Hawks that live in the trees as well. He said trimming/thinning the hedges would help with the line of sight issue, but he would like to remove as few trees as possible. Mr. Nicholson said that his trees are not in the right of way and therefore would not be removed. Chairman Stewart closed the public hearing. Chairman Stewart confirmed that trees on his property are not slated for removal. Vice Chairman Fletcher said the project is a simple map and development and that they did a good job in Design Review. He reported that trees on your property are your responsibility. He said that Eucalyptus trees were never designed for development and that they have a tendency to drop limbs and working or sifting below them can be a hazard. He said they can be nice if they are healthy but the older ones have a specific disease that causes rot from the inside of the trunk. Commissioner Munoz commented that he agrees with the design and that the tree issues are mitigated. He said the homes reflect a good scale for the neighborhood and seconded the motion. Commissioner Wimberly agreed that it is a good product. Commissioner Howdyshell thanked the neighbors for coming and expressing their concerns. Motion: Moved by Fletcher, seconded by Munoz, to adopt the Resolutions of Approval for Tentative Tract Map SUBTT17433 and Development Design Review DRC2005-00490 with the related conditions. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: FLETCHER, HOWDYSHELL, MUNOZ, STEWART, WIMBERLY NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE - carried k M } DIRECTOR'S REPORTS E. ENGINEERING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008/09 Walt Stickney, Associate Engineer, presented the staff report. Vice Chairman Fletcher asked if the historic bridge would be preserved. Mr.Stickney stated that in their research they discovered the existing bridge is not the original and is only a replacement installed in 1929 and that it will be removed. He commented that options such Planning Commission Minutes -5- May 28, 2008 • as relocating it to the Etiwanda Depot or Vista Park have been considered. He said it is structurally insecure and therefore cannot be added onto. He said there are high costs associated with moving the bridge. Vice Chairman Fletcher asked what improvements are planned for Central Park. Mr. Stickney said he did not know. Vice Chairman Fletcher said they look every year for money for the completion of our trails system and that there is only one segment of a trail to be constructed noted in this entire budget. He said with the push for healthy cities,the City should step up this effort. He said we could spend more and that he does not understand the process because the budget reflects a 22 million dollar increase but still no funds for trails. Mr.Stickney stated the numbers can be deceptive because some of those dollars are grant monies . dedicated to certain projects. He commented that when development goes down, revenue dollars also go down leaving less money for projects. Commissioner Howdyshell said the budget presented is difficult to evaluate because the previous year's numbers have not been included for comparison. She asked if the traffic cameras at Base Line and Carnelian have been removed. Mr. Stickney said that he is not in the traffic engineering section but that he is aware some cameras have been removed and he did not know the reason why. Commissioner Munoz said he too would like to know about improvements for Central Park. He said he appreciates the focus on the Pacific Electric Trail and that he can see that it is getting maximum use. He said the budget funds also appear to be related to park fees but he too would like to see more dollars budgeted for trails. He asked about the $335,000 expenditure for twinkle lights. Mr. Stickney reported that it is a retrofitting of the Christmas lights in the medians along Foothill Boulevard. He noted that the cost to dig up the conduits is prohibitive and therefore they may use above ground conduits to save money. He said it is part of the fiber optic project as well. Commissioner Munoz asked whose network it is. Mr. Stickney said it is the City's fiber network and it is used by the Police Department for emergency operations. He said it is a phased program to get the fiber network in the ground. PUBLIC COMMENTS None COMMISSION BUSINESS None • Planning Commission Minutes -6- May 28, 2008 ADJOURNMENT Motion: Moved by Munoz seconded by Howdyshell, carried 5-0, to adjourn. The Planning Commission adjourned at 8:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Jam s R. Troyer, AICP Secretary Approved: June 11, 2008 • i .Planning Commission Minutes -7- May 28, 2008