HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003/12/10 - Minutes - PC-HPC CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Regular Meeting
December 10, 2003
Chairman Macias called the Regular Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning
Commission to order at 7 p.m. The meeting was held in the Board Room at Cucamonga County
Water District, 10440 Ashford Street, Rancho Cucamonga, California. Vice Chairman McNiel then
led in the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL
COMMISSIONERS: PRESENT: Richard Fletcher, Cristine McPhail, Larry McNiel, Pam Stewart
ABSENT: Rich Macias
STAFF PRESENT: Brad Buller, City Planner, Kevin Ennis,Assistant CityAttomey,, Douglas Fenn,
Associate Planner, Nancy Fong, Assistant Planner; Dan James, Senior Civil
Engineer; Debra Meier, Associate Planner; Warren Morelion, Assistant
Planner; Lois Schrader, Planning Secretary; Alan Warren,Assistant Planner
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Vice Chairman McNiel welcomed the arrival of a visiting Cub Scout troop led by a former planner
from Rancho Cucamonga, Mr. Scott Murphy.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: Moved by Stewart, seconded by McPhail, carried 4-0-1 (Macias absent), to approve the
minutes of October 31, 2003.
Motion: Moved by Stewart, seconded by Fletcher, carried 4-0-1 (Macias absent), to approve the
minutes of November 12, 2003.
Motion: Moved by Stewart, seconded by Fletcher, carried 3-0-1-1 (Macias absent, McPhail abstain),
to approve the minutes of the Adjourned Meeting of November 12, 2003.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A. DEVELOPMENT REVIEW DRC2003-00605 - STANDARD PACIFIC - A design review of
detailed site plan and building elevations for 90 single-family lots of previously approved
Tentative Tract Map SUBTT16372 within the Victoria Arbors Master Plan in the Victoria
Community Plan, located at the northeast corner of Victoria Park Lane and Church Street -
t APN: 0227-161-141 thru 147 and 0227-171-126 thru 128, 130 thru 133, 135, and 137 thru 139.
Related file: Tentative Tract Map SUBTT16372.
Motion: Moved by Fletcher, seconded by McPhail, to adopt the Consent Calendar. The Motion
included the added conditions placed before the Planning Commissioners. Motion carried by the
following vote:
AYES: FLETCHER, McNIEL, McPHAIL, STEWART
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MACIAS - carried
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Brad Buller, City Planner, requested that the Planning Commission consider Items B and C together.
B. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TENTATIVE TRACT MAP SUBTT16461 -PRUTTING-
A request to subdivide a 3.1 acre parcel into 6 single-family lots, in the Very Low Residential
District (.1-2 dwelling Units per acre), located at the end of loamosa Court-APN: 1061-611-11
and 12. Related file: Variance DRC2003-00902.
C. VARIANCE DRC2003-00902-DELBERT FELTIS-A request for the reduction in lot depth for a
subdivision of 6 lots in the Very Low Residential District(.1-2 dwelling units per acre), located at
the end of loamosa Court — APN: 1061-611-11 and 12. Related file: Tentative Tract Map
• SUBTT16461.
Douglas Fenn, Associate Planner presented the staff report.
Vice Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing.
Delbert Feltis, 243 Yosemite Way, San Jacinto, stated he is a partner of Patricia Prutting. He
reported that they concurred with the conditions of approval and had no further questions.
Hearing no further testimony, Vice Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing. He also remarked
that he is in concurrence with staffs recommendation of approval for the project.
Commissioner Stewart reported that the project had a Pre-Application Review as well as a thorough
Design Review and review of the Variance application. She added that the project is good as
presented by staff.
Motion: Moved by Stewart, seconded by McPhail, to approve the Resolutions of Approval for
Tentative Tract Map SUBTT16461 and Variance DRC2003-00902 and to adopt a Mitigated Negative
Declaration of environmental impacts. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: FLETCHER, McNIEL, McPHAIL, STEWART
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MACIAS - carried
D. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TENTATIVE TRACT MAP SUBTT16301 - CENTEX
HOMES - A residential subdivision of 47 single family lots on 13.2 acres of land in the Low-
Medium Residential District(4-8 dwelling units per acre)of the Etiwanda Specific Plan, located
on the west side of Etiwanda Avenue approximately 685 feet south of Base Line Road -
APN: 0227-171-05 and 07. Related files: Conditional Use Permit DRC2002-00280, Tree
Removal Permit DRC2002-00281, and Preliminary Review DRC2002-00084.
E. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT DRC2002-00280 -
CENTEX HOMES-The development of 47 single family lots on 13.2 acres of land in the Low-
Medium Residential District (4-8 dwelling units per acre)of the Etiwanda Specific Plan, located
on the west side of Etiwanda Avenue approximately 685 feet south of Base Line Road
Planning Commission Minutes -2- December 10, 2003
APN: 0227-171-05 and 07. Related Files: Tentative Tract Map SUBTT16301, Tree Removal
Permit DRC2002-00281, and Preliminary Review DRC2002-00084.
Brad Buller, City Planner, suggested the Planning Commission consider Items D and E together.
Warren Morelion, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report.
Vice Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing.
Stan Morse, MDS Consulting, 17320 Redhill Avenue, Suite 350, Irvine, and representing Centex
Homes, concurred with the conditions of approval as presented by staff.
Hearing no further comment, Vice Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing. He concurred with
staff that it is a nice project and fits the neighborhood.
Motion: Moved by Stewart, seconded by McPhail, to approve the Resolutions of Approval for
Tentative Tract Map SUBTT16301 and for Conditional Use Permit DRC2002-00280 and to adopt a
Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impacts. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: FLETCHER, McNIEL, McPHAIL, STEWART
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MACIAS - carried
F. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT DRC2003-00650-JIM
KYPREOS - A development review of site and architectural plans for a 3,036 square foot
drive-thru restaurant within the Community Commercial designation of the Foothill Boulevard
Districts located at the southwest corner of Foothill Boulevard and Malachite Avenue —
APN: 0208-261-19. Related file: Pre-Application Review DRC2003-00175.
Alan Warren, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report. He noted that staff added a condition
that allows the applicant to present an amended design for the supporting columns for the canopy
with the intent of alleviating a lack of mass in the column/canopy design.
Vice Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing.
Michael Lancy, P.O. Box 2112, Glendora, stated he is the architect on the project. He reported that
he brought revised sketches of the columns for the canopy area to the meeting if the Planning
Commission wished to review them. He added that the drive-thru appeared "teetery"and he did not
have an issue with replacing the original column design with a more substantial decorative column.
He agreed to the condition requiring the revised design to be reviewed and approved by the Design
Review Committee.
•
Vice Chairman McNiel stated the Commissioners would review the drawings at another time.
Commissioner Fletcher asked if the columns depicted in the agenda packet exhibits are the original
design or if they have been revised.
Mr. Lancy confirmed that the drawings in the agenda packet are the original design subject to the
requested revisions. He stated that the revised columns have a high quality stone design and have
a chiseled appearance.
Vice Chairman McNiel clarified that the exhibits in the agenda packet are not the new design and will
be revised. Hearing no further comment, he closed the public hearing. He asked Commissioners
Planning Commission Minutes -3- December 10, 2003
Stewart and McPhail if they were agreeable to acting on the project and bringing the revised design
back to Design Review. He also asked for concurrence from Commissioner Fletcher.
Commissioners McPhail, Stewart and Fletcher agreed that would be acceptable.
Commissioner McPhail mentioned that the Design Review Committee requested enhanced
landscaping and she did not see the enhancements on the exhibits. She requested that the
landscape plans be brought back to Design Review along with the revised column design.
Brad Buller, City Planner, commented that both issues could be brought back to Design Review.
Mr. Lancy agreed.
Motion: Moved by Stewart, seconded by McPhail, to issue a Mitigated Negative Declaration and
approve the Resolution of Approval for Conditional Use Permit DRC2003-00650 with the stipulation
that the applicant submit the revised column design and an enhanced landscape plan to the Design
Review Committee. Motion cared by the following vote:
AYES: FLETCHER, McNIEL, McPHAIL, STEWART
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MACIAS - carried
G. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT DRC2003-00869 -
HIMES PETERS JEPSON ARCHITECTS - A request for the development of a vocational,
technical education facility of 189,362 square feet on 17.87 acres in the Haven Overlay District
at the southwest corner of Haven and 6th Street—APN: 0210-072-42.
Alan Warren presented the staff report.
Vice Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing.
Randall Jepson, Himes Peters Jepson Architects, 3002 Dow Avenue, Suite 140, Tustin, expressed
his thanks to Nancy Fong, Senior Planner and to staff for their assistance through the development
process. He said it was a good experience.
Vice Chairman McNiel commented that there seems to be a great influx of private colleges and
schools all over the State.
Mr. Jepson reported that there is a great need for these schools, particularly schools for mechanics.
Monty Jordan, Director of U.T.I., also expressed his thanks and appreciation to staff. He commented
that a few years ago, there was a glut of technical schools and so only the strong ones remained.
He mentioned that with the new vocational colleges that offer degrees and certificates, a gap is filled
from the public schools and institutions and considering the population and demographics of the
State of Califomia, there is a great need for these schools. He added that the automotive technology
program is a 1-year program with 1,800 hours of work involved. He noted that the graduates of this
program could be selected for advanced programs for BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar and Audi to name a
few. He said they also have an automatic placement program following the advanced course.
Vice Chairman McNiel asked if the program is strictly automotive.
Mr. Jordan replied that it is. He remarked that they started with 206 students 5 years ago and that it
could grow to 1,200 students.
Planning Commission Minutes -4- December 10, 2003
Commissioner Fletcher asked how many students attend the school now.
Mr. Jordan replied there are less than 600 in 3 different sessions with an additional 680 in the
program on site for BMW and Mercedes cars.
Commissioner Stewart asked if they have a base of international students.
Mr. Jordan said that their student base is primarily made up of commuters.
Commissioner Fletcher asked if they have a full enrollment.
Mr. Jordan commented that after they move into their new facility, they project that they will have a
.full enrollment for 8 years before they even begin to have an impact on the student needs in
California and that there are 50,000 available technician jobs in California.
Vice Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Stewart noted that their Design Review was quite positive and that there were only a
few issues that had to be addressed. She commented that this is a great addition to the City,that it
is positive that they are moving into their own building, and that the building is beautiful. She
indicated she knows several individuals that relocated to the area to attend this school. She
mentioned that they have agreed to add artwork at the corner of 6th Street and Haven Avenue to
further enhance the project and streetscape.
Commissioner McPhail commented on their great work and said the addition of their project is
exciting.
Commissioner Fletcher indicated that he initially had concerns with all of the glass facade along
Haven Avenue, but that the final design looks good and the school is well located and a good
addition to the City. He agreed that there is a need for the school.
Motion: Moved by Stewart, seconded by McPhail, to approve the Resolution of Approval for
Conditional Use Permit DRC2003-00869 and to adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration of
environmental impacts. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: FLETCHER, McNIEL, McPHAIL, STEWART
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MACIAS - carried
H. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT DRC2003-00617-REGENCY REALTY GROUP, INC.-A request
to develop a retail shopping center consisting of multiple pads, including a drive-through lane,
and anchor tenants totaling 106,125 square feet of building area on 11.37 acres in the Regional
Related Office/Commercial and Mixed Use Districts of the Victoria Community Plan at the
northwest corner of Day Creek and Foothill Boulevards -APN: 0227-201-39 and 44. Related
file: Preliminary Review DRC2003-00246.
Alan Warren, Assistant Planner presented the staff report.
Vice Chairman McNiel asked what the grade differential is between the project area and the
adjoining project to the north.
Mr. Warren reported that it is 8-9 feet.
Planning Commission Minutes -5- December 10, 2003
Vice Chairman McNiel asked for a confirmation that there is an access route from the multi-family
project area to the commercial area and that large trucks will not be using the residential street for
commercial use or deliveries.
Mr. Warren responded that there will be a private street that goes to the back of the center with a
right tum to go to the multi-family or left tum into the center.
Vice Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing.
Keith Peterson, Regency Realty Group, Inc., 555 South Flower Street, Suite 3500, Los Angeles,
expressed his thanks to Mr. Warren and Nancy Fong for their assistance on the project. He said
working with them was positive and a delightful experience.
Hearing no further comment, Vice Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Fletcher commented that he is correct in complimenting staff because these projects
come in and look good. He added that this project should be a nice addition to the City.
Commissioner McPhail said she thinks the project is great.
Motion: Moved by McPhail, seconded by Fletcher, to approve the Resolution of Approval for
Conditional Use Permit DRC2003-00617. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: FLETCHER, McNIEL, McPHAIL, STEWART
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MACIAS - carried
I. DEVELOPMENT REVIEW DRC2003-00336-CHARLES JOSEPH ASSOCIATES-A proposal to
develop 319 apartment homes and associated recreation facilities on 12.85 acres of land in the
Mixed-Use/High Residential District(24-30 dwelling units per acre)of the Victoria Arbors Village
of the Victoria Community Plan, located on the west side of Day Creek Boulevard, north of
Foothill Boulevard -APN: 0227-201-39 and 43. Related File: Variance DRC2003-00823.
J. VARIANCE DRC2003-00823-CHARLES JOSEPH ASSOCIATES-A request for an increase in
wall height related to the design review of site plan and building elevations for two proposed
apartment projects, consisting of 270 and 319 attached dwelling units on 11.34-acres and
12.85-acres of land, respectively, in the Mixed-Use/High Residential District (24-30 dwelling
units per acre)of the Victoria Arbors Village of the Victoria Community Plan, located on the west
side of Day Creek Boulevard north of Foothill Boulevard-APN: 0227-201-38, 39, 41,42 and 43.
Related Files: Development Reviews DRC2003-00336 and DRC2003-00337.
K. DEVELOPMENT REVIEW DRC2003-00337-CHARLES JOSEPH ASSOCIATES-A proposal to
develop 270 apartment homes and associated recreation facilities on 11.34 acres of land in the
Mixed-Use/High Residential District(24-30 dwelling units per acre)of the Victoria Arbors Village
of the Victoria Community Plan, located on the west side of Day Creek Boulevard, north of
Foothill Boulevard -APN: 0227-201- 38, 41, and 42. Related file: Variance DRC2003-00823.
Debra Meier, Associate Planner, presented the staff report and observed that the projects are
adjacent and related and the Variance request applies to both projects.
Vice Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing
Chuck Buquet, Charles Joseph and Associates, 10681 Foothill Boulevard, Suite 395, Rancho
Cucamonga,thanked Ms. Meier for her excellent work. He reported that Ms.Meier worked with them
Planning Commission Minutes -6- December 10, 2003
in a workshop environment in Design Review and he and the applicant are pleased with the
outcome. He noted that he concurs with all of the conditions of approval. He pointed out the
adjoining project is theirs too and that there is a great grade differential between the two project
sites. He then commented in regard to the condition requiring the construction of block walls around
the perimeter of the project. He remarked that staff preferred tubular steel fencing even though the
Initial Study makes reference to the installation of block walls, and with that in mind, they are
planning to install tubular steel fencing to allow open vistas and to not hide the architecture,which is
in conformance with staffs request.
Vice Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing. He suggested that all three items be considered
together.
Commissioner Stewart noted that the project had three Design Review sessions as well as a
workshop and that it is a nice project.
Commissioner McPhail expressed her thanks and appreciation to the applicant and staff for their
hard work.
Motion: Moved by McPhail, seconded by Stewart, to approve the Resolutions of Approval for
Development Review DRC2003-00336, Variance DRC2003-00823, and Development Review
DRC2003-00337. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: FLETCHER, McNIEL, McPHAIL, STEWART
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MACIAS - carried
L. VARIANCE DRC2003-00985-CHARLES JOSEPH ASSOCIATES-A request for an increase in
wall height related to the design review of site plan and building elevations for a proposed triplex
condominium project consisting of 186 attached dwelling units on 18.48 acres (21.38 gross
acres)of land in the Mixed-Use/Medium Residential District(8-14 dwelling units per acre)of the
Victoria Arbors Village of the Victoria Community Plan, located at the southwest comer of Day
Creek Boulevard and Church Street-APN: 0227-201-37, 40, and portion of 41. Related files:
Tentative Tract Map SUBTT16612 and Development Review 2003-00638.
Debra Meier, Associate Planner, presented the staff report.
Vice Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing.
Chuck Buquet, Charles Joseph and Associates, 10681 Foothill Boulevard, Suite 395, Rancho
Cucamonga stated that this item is a "clean up" matter following the approval of the original
applications for Development Review DRC2003-00638 and Tentative Tract Map SUBTT16612 on
November 12,2003. He added that the need for the Variance arose in the final stages of the design
process to control drainage from the site (to keep flows from the adjoining Edison property). He
commented that the resulting terracing improves the views from the street to the project site and
allows for more privacy around the pool area. He expressed his thanks to Ms. Meier for her.
assistance and stated that she went "above and beyond" his expectations and in assisting with
coming up with a solution and that he believes will make the project a design award winner. He
added that it is a "for sale" product.
Vice Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Stewart remarked that it is a "clean up" item from November 12, 2003.
Planning Commission Minutes -7- December 10, 2003
Motion: Moved by Stewart, seconded by McPhail, to approve the Resolution of Approval for
Variance DRC2003-00985. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: FLETCHER, McNIEL, McPHAIL, STEWART
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MACIAS - carried
The Planning Commission recessed for a 5-minute break beginning at 8:05 p.m. and returning at
8:10 p.m.
M. PUBLIC SCOPING FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT AND ANNEXATION DRC2003-
00753 - HENDERSON CREEK PROPERTIES—A proposed Annexation of 96.9 acres of land
into the City of Rancho Cucamonga, located',within the Etiwanda North Specific Plan at
the northerly end of Wardman-Bullock Road -APN: 0225-084-04, 0226-081-09 and 10, and
0226-082-28 and 29. Related Files: General Plan Amendment DRC2003-00749, Etiwanda
North Specific Plan Amendment DRC2003-00750, Tentative Tract Map SUBTT16324, and
Development Agreement DRC2003-00751
N. PUBLIC SCOPING FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ,IMPACT REPORT AND GENERAL PLAN
AMENDMENT DRC2003-00749 - HENDERSON CREEK PROPERTIES, LLC. - A proposed
General Plan Land Use Amendment from Very Low Residential (.1-2 dwelling units per acre)to
Low Residential (2-4 dwelling units per acre)for 62.5 acres of land, located at the northerly'end
of Wardman-Bullock Road - APN: 0225-084-04, 0226-081-09 and 10, and 0226-082-29.
Related Files: Annexation DRC2003-00753, Etiwanda North Specific Plan Amendment
DRC2003-00750, Tentative Tract Map SUBTT16324, and Development Agreement DRC2003-
00751.
O. PUBLIC SCOPING FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT AND ETIWANDA NORTH
SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT DRC2003-00750—HENDERSON CREEK PROPERTIES, LLC-
A proposed Etiwanda North Specific Plan Amendment from Very Low Residential (.1-2 dwelling
units per acre) to Low Residential (2-4 dwelling units per acre) for 62.5 acres of land and the
proposed modification of the circulation system in the Etiwanda Highlands Neighborhood of the
Specific Plan - APN: 0225-084-04, 0226-081-09 and 10, 0226-082-29. Related Files:
Annexation DRC2003-00753, General Plan Amendment DRC2003-00749, Tentative Tract Map
SUBTT16324, and Development Agreement DRC2003-00751.
P. PUBLIC SCOPING FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT AND TENTATIVE TRACT
SUBTT16324-HENDERSON CREEK PROPERTIES, LLC.-The proposed subdivision of 62.5
acres into 121 lots for single-family development, within the Very Low Residential District
(.1-2 dwelling units per acre)of the Etiwanda North Specific Plan, located at the northerly end of
Wardman-Bullock Road-APN: 0225-084-04, 0226-081-09 and 10, and 0226-082-29. Related
Files: Annexation DRC2003-00753, General Plan Amendment DRC2003-00749, Etiwanda
North Specific Plan Amendment DRC2003-00750, and Development Agreement
DRC2003-00751.
Q. PUBLIC SCOPING FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT AND DEVELOPMENT
AGREEMENT DRC2003-00751 - HENDERSON CREEK PROPERTIES, LLC. - A proposed
Development Agreement to address specific conditions of development and annexation for 62.5
acres of land, located at the northerly end of Wardman-Bullock Road within the Etiwanda North
Specific Plan. APN: 0225-084-04, 0226-081-09 and 10, and 0226-082-29. Related Files:
Annexation DRC2003-00753, General Plan Amendment DRC2003-00749, Etiwanda North
Specific Plan Amendment DRC2003-00750, and Tentative Tract Map SUBTT16324.
Planning Commission Minutes -8- December 10, 2003
Debra Meier, Associate Planner, presented the staff report. She commented that she has received
comments from the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG); Local Agency
Formation Commission (LAFCO); Air Quality Management District (AQMD); the California
Department of Fish and Game; and a private property owner, Mr. Mendez. She added that any
comments/testimony received would be forwarded to the EIR consultant and will be considered in
the preparation of the EIR.
Vice Chairman McNiel asked why the original designation of the project area of 1-2 dwelling units per
acre is being changed to allow 2-4 dwelling units per acre.
Ms. Meier reported that the proposed lot sizes result in a density of about 2 units per acre which
would conform with the 1-2 dwelling unit criteria, however, the standard in the Etiwanda North area
requires 20,000 square foot lots; therefore, the change is being proposed to keep the lot size in
conformity with the standards in the Etiwanda North Specific Plan.
Vice Chairman McNiel asked if the proposed development would occur in accordance with the
Hillside Ordinance development standards.
Ms. Meier stated that they would not because most of the area is at about a 7 percent grade,which
is below the typical 8 percent benchmark that would require a Hillside Development Review. She
added that the actual product is not yet scheduled for Committee or Commission review.
Commissioner Stewart asked if reducing the lot size and the General Plan Amendment change was
necessary for flood control.
Ms. Meier responded that neither the lot size nor the General Plan Amendment were required for
flood control purposes; however, the project has related flood control improvements. She added that
the lots would be just over 18,000 square feet, which is the same as the neighboring Sheridan
Estates project.
Vice Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing.
Craig Sherman, 1901 First Avenue#335, San Diego, stated he represented the Spirit of the Sage
Council and his client is the Habitat Trust, the landowner to the north of the project area. Mr.
Sherman officially asked that he be added to the notification list for the proposed project. He
mentioned several items of concern about the items presented; 1) He believed the General Plan is
being amended to fit the project rather than requiring the project to fit the General Plan 2) The
project is not being built to the densities specified in the specific plan, 3) Proper mitigation ratios are
not being considered and they are not consistent with what is recommended by the North Etiwanda
Open Space Habitat Preservation Program.
Hearing no further comment, Vice Chairman McNiel dosed the public hearing. He noted that the
purpose of presenting the items is to take in public input. He added that he is delighted this property
would not be developed according to County standards and that use of City standards will result in a
far better project than what we would get if it were developed by the County. He noted that there are
compromises involved, but felt the project is a good thing overall.
Commissioner Fletcher explained that he was unsure of the process at first but he understands it is a
compromise. He indicated that under the summary of alternatives in the Environmental Impact
Report it states the preferred alternative is to have larger lots but larger lots may not give a
reasonable return on the investment. He commented that he could not see how a return on the
investment could be relevant.
Brad Buller, City Planner, concurred with Vice Chairman McNiel's remarks and noted that most of the
applicants for the earlier projects developed within this area intended to process their projects
Planning Commission Minutes -9- December 10, 2003
through the County and they later negotiated an annexation to the City. He said the latest strategy
for annexation is to consider the"bookend"developments to the east and the west and to stratify and
build the densities to be consistent with what was approved to the east and west. He noted that that
is how staff arrived at the densities presented in the report. He remarked that staff did not want to
allow any densities.higher than what was already approved in the area.
Commissioner Fletcher commented that this is a good example of what happens when different
jurisdictions collide.
Vice Chairman McNiel commented that when the City prepared the Etiwanda North Specific Plan,the
lots originally planned by the County were only 8,000 square feet(approximately). He remarked that
the City will get better development than if the application were processed in the County. He felt that
if the City does not go through this process now,the project would be developed under the County at
• lesser standards and the owners would seek annexation later.
Mr. Buller interjected that the square footage of the lots varied from lot to lot but that the County's
densities were always higher than what we would allow.
•
The report was received and filed. No further action was taken by the Commission.
R. PUBLIC COMMENT PERTAINING TO THE DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT AND
ANNEXATION DRC2002-00865— RICHLAND PINEHURST INC. - A proposed Annexation of
160.0 acres of land into the City of Rancho Cucamonga, located within the Etiwanda North
Specific Plan on the north side of Wilson Avenue between Etiwanda Avenue and East Avenue-
APN: 0225-083-01, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 20. Related Files: Tentative Tract Map
SUBTT16072, Development Agreement DRC2002-00156, and Tree Removal Permit DRC2003-
00461.
S. PUBLIC COMMENT PERTAINING TO THE DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT AND
TENTATIVE TRACT MAP SUBTT16072 - RICHLAND PINEHURST INC. - The proposed
residential subdivision of 150.8 acres into 359 lots in the Low(2-4 dwelling units per acre) and
Very Low (.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 the northwest corner of Wilson Avenue and East
Avenue - APN: 0225-083-01, 12, 13, 15, 16, and 20. Related Files: Annexation DRC2002-
00865, Development Agreement DRC2001-00156, and Tree Removal Permit DRC2003-00461.
T. PUBLIC COMMENT PERTAINING TO THE DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT AND
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT DRC2002-00156- RICHLAND PINEHURST INC.-A proposed
Development Agreement to address specific conditions of development and annexation for
150.8 acres of land, located at the northwest comer of Wilson Avenue and East Avenue-APN:
0225-083-01, 12, 13, 15, 16 and 20. Related Files: Annexation DRC2002-00865, Tentative
Tract Map SUBTT16072, and Tree Removal Permit DRC2002-00461.
Debra Meier, Associate Planner gave the staff report.
Vice Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing.
Craig Sherman, 1901 First Avenue #335, San Diego, stated he represents the Spirit of the Sage
Council. He reported several areas of concern regarding the project proposal: 1) He believes it is
too early in the timeframe of distributing the Environmental Impact Report to be receiving any
meaningful comments; 2) He did not find the noticing of the meeting on the intemet and he felt the
noticing was not sufficient; 3) He believed the mitigation ratio of 1:1 is too low. He commented that
Planning Commission Minutes -10- December 10, 2003
his client and resource agencies including the Department of Fish and Game request 2:1 or 4:1
ratios, thereby producing a net gain rather than a loss of habitat; 4) He expressed concern that the
Riversidian Alluvial Fan Sage scrub is being analyzed under another classification other than the
Holland Classification. He claimed that it has been given a new name under the"prickly group, or
alluvial chaparral,"to avoid mitigation; 5) Sensitive species should be looked at because they could
become endangered; 6) Public safety impacts resulting from fires, landslides, seismic activity, and
floodplains should be considered to avoid a catastrophe; 7) Economic feasibility of the developer
should not be considered; 8) He believed that the overall project densities are being averaged
instead of following the Specific Plan in place; 9) He asked that the development agreement be
circulated with the environmental documents and be made available for review; 10) He thought
species such as the Black Walnut tree should be considered; 11) He added that he believes the
developer is not following the Specific Plan and we are changing the plan to fit the project.
Hearing no further comment or testimony, Vice Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Fletcher clarified the remark regarding the alternatives to reducing the intensities and
economic feasibility for the developer. He emphasized that the report was not referencing the
profitability of the developer but was in regards to the ability of the City to generate revenues,which
in turn would provide adequate services to the project area.
The comments and the report were received and filed.
U. PUBLIC COMMENT PERTAINING TO THE DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT AND
ANNEXATION DRC2003-01051 -TRAIGH PACIFIC-A proposed Annexation of approximately
240 acres of land into the City of Rancho Cucamonga, located within the Etiwanda North
Specific Plan north of the lower Southern California Electric corridor between Etiwanda Avenue
and East Avenue - APN: 0225-083-05, 06, 07, 10, and 21 thni 26 and 0225-084-02 and 03.
Related Files: General Plan Amendment DRC2003-00410, Etiwanda North Specific Plan
Amendment DRC2003-00409,Tentative Tract Map SUBTT14749,and Development Agreement
DRC2003-00411.
V. PUBLIC COMMENT PERTAINING TO THE DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT AND
GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT DRC2003-00410 — TRAIGH PACIFIC - A proposed General
Plan Amendment of approximately 168.8 acres of land from Very Low (VL) Residential (.1-2
dwelling units per acre), to Low(L) Residential (2-4 dwelling units per acre) and Conservation,
for land located north of the Southern California Edison corridor between Etiwanda Avenue and
East Avenue - APN: 0225-083-05, 06, 07, 10, 22, 23, 25, and 26 and 0225-084-02. Related
Files: Annexation DRC2003-01051, Etiwanda North Specific Plan Amendment DRC2003-
00409, Tentative Tract Map SUBTT14749, and Development Agreement DRC2003-00411.
W. PUBLIC COMMENT PERTAINING TO THE DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT AND
ETIWANDA NORTH SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT DRC2003-00409-TRAIGH PACIFIC-A
proposed Etiwanda North Specific Plan Amendment of approximately 168.8 acres of land from
Very Low (VL) Residential (.1-2 dwelling units per acre), to Low (L) Residential (2-4 dwelling
units per acre) and Flood Control/Resource Conservation (FC/RC), and master-planned
circulation modifications to the north, for land located north of the Southern California Edison
corridor between Etiwanda Avenue and East Avenue -APN: 0225-083-05, 06, 07, 10, 22, 23,
25, and 26 and 0225-084-02. Related Files: Annexation DRC2003-01051, General Plan
Amendment DRC2003-00410,Tentative Tract Map SUBTT14749,and Development Agreement
DRC2003-00411.
Planning Commission Minutes -11- December 10, 2003
X. PUBLIC COMMENT PERTAINING TO THE DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT AND
TENTATIVE TRACT MAP SUBTT14749-TRAIGH PACIFIC-A proposed subdivision of 168.8
acres into 269 residential lots and a remainder parcel in the Low (L) Residential District (2-4
dwelling units per acre)and Flood Control(FC)within the Etiwanda North Specific Plan,located
north of the Southern Califomia Edison Corridor between Etiwanda Avenue and East Avenue.
APN: 0225-083-05, 06, 07, 10,22,23,25, and 26 and 0225-084-02. Related Files: Annexation
DRC2003-01051, General Plan Amendment DRC2003-00410, Etiwanda North Specific Plan
Amendment DRC2003-00409, and Development Agreement DRC2003-00411.
Y. PUBLIC COMMENT PERTAINING TO THE DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT AND
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT DRC2003-00411 — TRAIGH PACIFIC - A proposed
Development Agreement to address specific conditions of development and annexation for
168.8 acres of land within the Etiwanda North Specific Plan, located north of the Southem
California Edison corridor between Etiwanda Avenue and East Avenue—APN: 0225-083-05,
06, 07, 10, 22, 23, 25, and 26 and 0225-084-02. Related Files: Annexation DRC2003-01051,
General Plan Amendment DRC2003-00410, Etiwanda North Specific Plan Amendment
DRC2003-00409, and Tentative Tract Map SUBTT14749.
Debra Meier, Associate Planner, presented the staff report.
Vice Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing.
Craig Sherman, 1901 First Avenue #335, San Diego, stated he represents the Spirit of the Sage
Council. He reported several areas of concern regarding the project proposal: 1) He believed it is
too early in the timeframe of distributing the Environmental Impact Report to be receiving any
meaningful comments; 2) He did not find the noticing of the meeting on the intemet and he felt the
noticing was not sufficient; 3) He believed the mitigation ratio of 1:1 is too low. He commented that
his client and resource agencies including the Department of Fish and Game requests 2:1 or 4:1
ratios, thereby producing a net gain rather than a loss of habitat; 4) He expressed concern that the
Riversidian Alluvial Fan Sage scrub is being analyzed under another classification other than the
Holland Classification. He claimed that it has been given a new name under the"prickly group, or
alluvial chaparral,"to avoid mitigation; 5) Sensitive species should be looked at because they could
become endangered; 6) Public safety impacts resulting from fires, landslides, seismic activity, and
floodplains should be considered to avoid a catastrophe; 7) Economic feasibility of the developer
should not be considered; 8) He believes that the overall project densities are being averaged
instead of following the Specific Plan in place; 9) He asked that the development agreement be
circulated with the environmental documents and be made available for review; 10) He thought
species such as the Black Walnut tree should be considered; 11) He added that he believes the
developer is not following the Specific Plan and we are changing the plan to fit the project; 12) His
client is opposed to equestrian use in the Etiwanda North preserve because it is supposed to be a
nature preserve and not an active public open space. He commented that horses leave droppings
which introduce non-native grasses and plants and also trample the native plants; and 13) He
believed that a portion of the project area is County flood control land and that they may not have the
right to sell the land for development because it was specifically designated as mitigation land.
Hearing no additional comments, Vice Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing.
Ms. Meier stated that the next time these items would be heard would most likely be the second
meeting in February. She added that the agencies would need the responses/comments at least 10
days prior to the action taken by the Planning Commission. She stated that if that does not occur, it
would be heard again in early March.
No action was taken by the Planning Commission. The report and comments were received and
filed and will be forwarded to the EIR consultant.
Planning Commission Minutes -12- December 10, 2003
NEW BUSINESS
Z. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW DRC2003-00732- RIMES
PETERS JEPSON ARCHITECTS-A request to develop nine multi-tenant industrial buildings,
totaling 148,483 square feet, on 16.03 acres of land in the General Industrial District(Subarea
8), located on the north and south sides of Jack Benny Drive, east of Rochester Avenue -
APN: 0229-021-034 and 54. Staff has prepared a Negative Declaration of environmental
impacts for consideration.
Debra Meier, Associate Planner, presented the staff report. She indicated Engineering staff added
Condition 8 to the Resolution of Approval, to require the applicant to build and dedicate electrical
distribution facilities to the Rancho Cucamonga Municipal Utility.
Vice Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing.
Randall Jepson, Rimes Peters Jepson Architects, 3002 Dow Avenue, Suite 140, Tustin, expressed
his thanks for staffs assistance. He expressed concern regarding the added condition and asked for
clarification. He asked if a meeting was scheduled to discuss this issue more fully.
Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer stated a meeting had been scheduled for the following week with
the utility people to discuss it.
Chris Atkinson, 147 East Olive Avenue, Monrovia, expressed apprehension the added condition
would add substantial costs to the project. He asked what the difference is in the rates between the
Rancho utility and Edison.
' Mr. James concurred that there is the potential for higher costs.
Chairman McNiel asked if there is any idea as to the added costs.
Mr. James stated that the costs are not specific other than the costs to install conduits from their
property across Rochester to Jack Benny Drive and then to the north to connect to existing lines in
addition to the cabling costs. He believed the City rates are identical with the Edison rates and noted
the City has a utility consultant. He added that a meeting was set with the consultant, at which the
developer could get more specific details as to the requirements and the related costs. He
suggested that if following the meeting, the applicant could appeal the approval of the project if they
objected to the costs.
Mr. Jepson remarked that the meeting may not identify all the costs of the improvements and asked
what their options might be. He was concerned they may exceed their appeal period.
Brad Buller, City Planner, listed their options as: 1)continue the item to allow time to investigate the
costs or 2)allow the Commission to take action on the item as amended. He remarked that the City
is very strong on this and will not abandon the position regarding the facility and it would be unlikely
for the condition to change. He added they could have the meeting within the 10 days and if they still
disagree, then appeal the item up to the Council.
Gil Bates, 147 East Olive Avenue, Monrovia, asked if all of the other developments in the industrial
area will have this condition imposed on them as well within a certain date. He also asked if it is the
intent of the City is for the developers to bear the cost of the improvements. He noted that a
continuance at this point of the project could be about a $15,000 cost.
Mr. Buller indicated that the development of the mall began this requirement and all developments
that fall within this area will be subject to the same condition.
Planning Commission Minutes -13- December 10, 2003
•
Mr. James remarked that he was not sure it was the mall that started this but a development prior to
the mall, perhaps the 0 & S development. He indicated it is the City's intent for the developers to
bear the costs because they are served by the City's utility. He pointed out that they would have
costs if they were serviced by Edison as well.
Mr. Bates asked if there is any compromise. He remarked that if the intent is that the infrastructure
cost should not be more than what could normally be expected with Edison, then that would be
acceptable.
Mr. James reported that the City cannot commit to what the costs will be.
The applicants, (Mr. Bates, Mr. Jepson, and Mr. Atkinson) asked for a short recess in order to
discuss their options.
Vice Chairman McNiel excused the applicants from the room and the Commission took a short break
from 9:10 p.m. to 9:13 p.m.
Mr. Bates accepted the condition and said they would work with staff. He commented that asking for
a continuance would be a costly option.
Mr. Buller said they could give consent to the Commission to take action, file their appeal, and then
ask to delay action on the appeal if they find they need more time.
Mr. Bates remarked that if the City is not backing down on this condition for others,then it places all
the developers "in the same boat."
•
Vice Chairman McNiel stated that the City is just as consistent with conditions requiring
undergrounding. He said that once the City began implementing the condition, it was required of
everyone and the City did not back off. ,
Mr. Jepson expressed his appreciation for Ms. Meiers assistance.
Mr. Buller asked for a reduced copy of their revised plans for the file.
Hearing no additional comments, Vice Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Fletcher believed it is a good project.
Motion: Moved by Fletcher, seconded by McPhail, to approve Development Review
DRC2003-00732 as amended regarding electrical distribution facilities and to issue a Mitigated
Negative Declaration. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: FLETCHER, McNIEL, McPHAIL, STEWART
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MACIAS - carried
Vice Chairman McNiel asked the record to show that approximately one month ago, he met with Mr.
Bates and Mr. Atkinson with respect to the project and they asked if they should proceed with their
project based upon what they found in Design Review. He stated that he told them to proceed with
caution and to stay in close contact with Nancy Fong, the staff representative for the Design Review
Committee. He added that he told the applicants that he did not know what risks they might face if
they did proceed.
Planning Commission Minutes -14- December 10, 2003
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mr. Buller remarked that during the 2 hours and 15 minute duration of the meeting, 775 attached
housing units were added to the City in addition to 143 single-family homes, 448,000 square feet of
office and retail space, and 393 acres of potential land added through annexation with the possibility
of an additional 759 additional single-family homes. He noted that totals about 1,600 units.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
No further business was conducted.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Moved by McPhail, seconded by Stewart, carried 4-0-1 (Macias absent), to adjourn. The
Planning Commission adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Br . 4;ler
Secretary
1
Planning Commission Minutes -15- December 10, 2003