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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008/03/12 - Workshop Minutes - PC-HPC CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSHOP MINUTES Adjourned Meeting March 12, 2008 Chairman Stewart called the Adjourned Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning Commission to order at 8:20 p.m. The meeting was held in the Rains Room. ROLL CALL COMMISSIONERS: PRESENT: Richard Fletcher, Lou Munoz, Pam Stewart, Frances Howdyshell ABSENT: Ray Wimberly STAFF PRESENT: Corkran Nicholson, Assistant Planning Director; Candyce Burnett, Senior Planner; Mayuko Nakajima, Assistant Planner New Business PRE-APPLICATION REVIEW-DRC2007-00733-NASSEF ESKANDER-A pre-application review of the proposed demolition of an existing veterinary hospital to construct a new commercial development of about 5,900 square feet which would include a new veterinary hospital and retail spaces and incorporate a single family dwelling unit that is a potentially significant contributor to the Alta Loma Neighborhood and future Historic District designation on three parcels (approximately 0.66 acres) located on the northeast corner of Amethyst Avenue and Base Line Road at 7271 Amethyst Avenue in the General Commercial (GC) District-APN: 0202-161-10, 0202-161-11, and 0202-161-20. Mayuko Nakajima, Assistant Planner,-introduced the Pre-Application Workshop process. Nassef Eskander, the applicant, gave an overview of the project that would consist of a new veterinary hospital and retail spaces. The project would also incorporate a single-family dwelling unit that is a potentially significant contributor to the Alta Loma Neighborhood. He explained that it would match the streetscape and architecture of the surrounding area. He also explained that it meets all setback requirements that were provided. He said that if enough parking was available, he would have preferred to add into the project a type of lounge, or rest area, for the doctor. Ms. Nakajima asked for clarification on the use of the potentially historic house on the north portion of the site. Mr. Eskander stated that it would still be used as a single-family residence and may even be occupied by one of the nurses that would be employed at the veterinary hospital. Candyce Burnett, Senior Planner, added that the area is intended to be rezoned as a Mixed Use designation from the current General Commercial designation in the future. Chairman Stewart asked if parking would be an issue if the house was to be converted into a commercial use in the future. Ms. Burnett explained that the house would not be allowed to be converted into a commercial use if adequate parking spaces were not provided for the use. She also noted that this specific property is a difficult one to work with in regards to access because there is no connection to the east property. She said this was the reason for the required turnaround space in the applicant's proposal and that I if in the future, a reciprocal access agreement were to be recorded amongst the adjoining property owners, the turnaround could be omitted to allow more space for parking. Mr. Eskander mentioned that he is dedicating 20 feet for the widening of Base Line Road. Ms. Nakajima explained that Engineering is requiring that the existing curb be removed and a new curb constructed to widen the street by three feet. Vice-Chairman Fletcher mentioned that this area should be noted carefully for its architecture because of its"downtown feel" and potential gateway for the historic Old Alta Loma neighborhood. Commissioner Munoz pointed out that there is too much distinction in the architecture between the veterinary hospital and the retail buildings. He thought that it should be consistent throughout the entire project, whether the use was intended for a hospital or retail. Commissioner Howdyshell concurred with her fellow Commissioners. She felt it was important to be sensitive to the historic character of the neighborhood and what is currently there. Chairman Stewart agreed with being consistent to the historic design of the neighborhood and suggested that the applicant implement some Craftsman-style elements to the buildings. She stated that the tower does not fit into the Craftsman-style category and should be removed. She also suggested looking at architectural elements from the "Sunrise" assisted living building that is due south of the project site. Corkran Nicholson,Assistant Planning Director, added that the project needs design improvements ' (variation in roof heights, issues with proportion, etc.) and that Staff is willing to work with the applicant to develop an attractive architectural theme for the project. Overall, the Commissioners were favorable of the project concept. They noted that land use was not the main concern for this project but the architecture should be looked at more closely. The applicant thanked the Commissioners for their input and time. ADJOURNMENT The Planning Commission adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted,� 0 911$1114) ames R. Troyer, AICP Secretary Approved: March 26, 2008 I I . Planning Commission Workshop Minutes -2- March 12, 2008