HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003/07/23 - Minutes - PC-HPC CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Regular Meeting
July 23, 2003
Chairman Macias called the Regular Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning
Commission to order at 7:20 p.m. The meeting was held in the Board Room at Cucamonga County
Water District, 10440 Ashford Street, Rancho Cucamonga, California.
ROLL CALL
COMMISSIONERS: PRESENT: Richard Fletcher, Rich Macias,Cristine McPhail, Larry McNiel,
Pam Stewart
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Dan Coleman, Acting City Planner, Kevin Ennis, Assistant City Attorney;
Nancy Fong, Senior Planner, Larry Henderson, Principal Planner, Dan
James, Senior Civil Engineer, Debra Meier, Associate Planner, Warren
Morelion, Assistant Planner, Lois Schrader, Secretary; Alan Warren,
Associate Planner, Emily Wimer, Assistant Planner.
I ANNOUNCEMENTS
No announcements were made at this time.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: Moved by Fletcher, seconded by McPhail, carried 4-0-1 (McNiel abstain), to approve the
minutes of June 11, 2003.
Motion: Moved by Flectcher, seconded by McPhail, carried 4-0-1 (Stewart abstain),to approve the
minutes of June 25, 2003.
Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by McPhail, carried 4-0-1 (Stewart abstain), to approve the
minutes of July 9, 2003.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A. DEVELOPMENT REVIEW DRC2003-00188 - STANDARD PACIFIC - A design review of
detailed site plan and house product elevations for 48 single-family lots of Tentative Tract
16313 as part of Amended Tentative Tract Map SUBTT15974 within the Mixed Use District of
the Victoria Community Plan and Victoria Arbors Master Plan, located at the northeast corner
I of Day Creek Boulevard and Church Street - APN: 0227-161-45. This action is within the
scope of the project reviewed in a supplement to Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (State
Clearinghouse No. 98041137) that was certified by the City Council on July 7, 1999, and no
additional environmental review for the discretionary actions mentioned in this notice is
required pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21166.
B. DEVELOPMENT REVIEW DRC2003-00189 - STANDARD PACIFIC - A design review of
detailed site plan and house product elevations for 44 single-family lots in Tentative Tract
16370-1 as part of Amended Tentative Tract Map 15974 within the Mixed Use District of the
Victoria Community Plan and Victoria Arbors Master Plan, located at the northwest corner of
Arbor Lane and Church Street. - APN: 0227-161-46 and 47.This action is within the scope of
the project reviewed in a supplement to Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (State
Clearinghouse No. 98041137) that was certified by the City Council on July 7, 1999, and no
additional environmental review for the discretionary actions mentioned in this notice is
required pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21166.
C. DEVELOPMENT REVIEW DRC2003-00334-MANNING HOMES-A design review of detailed
site plan and elevations for 15 single-family homes of previously approved Tentative Tract Map
SUBTT16431 on 3.92 acres of land in the Low Residential District(2-4 dwelling units per acre),
located on the south side of Lemon Avenue, east of Hermosa Avenue-APN:0201-252-34,35,
and 36. Related files: Variance DRC2003-00475,Tentative Tract Map SUBTT16431 and Tree
Removal Permit DRC2003-00388. On April 9, 2003, a Mitigated Negative Declaration was
adopted by the Planning Commission for Tentative Tract Map SUBTT16431. The California
Environmental Quality Act provides that no further environmental review or Negative
Declaration is required for subsequent projects within the scope of a previous Negative
Declaration.
Chairman Macias noted Item C was pulled for discussion along with Item D in the public hearing
section of the agenda.
Motion: Moved by Stewart, seconded by McNiel, to adopt Items A and B of the Consent Calendar.
Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: FLETCHER, MACIAS, MCNIEL, MCPHAIL, STEWART
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE - carried
PUBLIC HEARINGS
D. VARIANCE DRC2003-00475-MANNING HOMES-A request to increase the wall heights from
6 feet to approximately 11.5 feet on the west property boundary of the site to mitigate grading
and screen rear yards from the Alta Loma Channel for homes within Tract 16431 on 3.92 acres
of land in the Low Residential District(2-4 dwellings per acre), located on the southeast comer
of Lemon Avenue and Berkshire Street — APN: 0201-252-34, 35, and 36. Related Files:
Tentative Tract Map SUBTT16431 and Development Review DRC2003-00334.
Chairman Macias noted that Item C would be heard concurrently with Item D.
Emily Wimer, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report.
Chairman Macias opened the public hearing.
Craig Kozma, representing Manning Homes, 20151 SW Birch Street, Suite 150, Newport Beach,
stated they are in agreement with the conditions and that he had no additional comment and was
available for questions.
Chairman Macias closed the public hearing.
Commissioner McNiel commented on the difference in height of the wall ranging from 6 feet to 11.5
feet. He asked if there would be any additional design treatment to the wall other than a capstone.
Planning Commission Minutes -2- July 23, 2003
He also inquired as to how long the 11.5-foot section of wall would be.
Ms. Wimer, replied that the wall would be slump stone and that it would be accented with stone or
' stone wrapped pilasters. She indicated only one portion of the wall is 11.5 feet high which extends
along the rear of several lots.
Mr. Kosma added that no pilasters are indicated on the portion of the wall that borders the drainage
channel. He commented that pilasters will be included along Lemon Avenue.
Commissioner McNiel expressed concem that because the wall is so high, it visually should be
broken up.
Ms. Wimer clarified that this section of the wall borders the drainage channel and that the wall on the
opposite side of the channel although not constructed in the same material, is similar in height with
similar treatment.
Dan Coleman, Acting City Planner, noted that in other projects throughout the City we require a use
of two-toned material to visually break up the higher walls, but noted that because this project abuts
the flood control channel, we have not required the developer to vary his material because it is not
likely to be very visible.
Commissioner McNiel asked if there are any trails that follow along this portion of the flood control
channel and if the wall on the other side of the channel is the same.
Mr. Coleman indicated there are no trails here and the wall is similar along the other side.
Commissioner McNiel indicated that if the walls will not be visible, and no trail is there, then he does
' not have a problem with them.
Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by Fletcher, to approve Items C and D as presented. Motion
carried by the following vote:
AYES: FLETCHER, MACIAS, MCNIEL, MCPHAIL, STEWART
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE -carried
E. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT DRC2003-00212 -
GEORGE FASCHING/TOM ENNIS - A request to modify the previous Los Osos Plaza
Conditional Use Permit Master Plan (DRC2002-00018) to include a 6,885 square foot full
service car wash in place of the approved 3,600 square foot retail space building with drive-
thru capability, on approximately 1.08 acres of land, located on the south side of Alta Loma
Drive, east of Revere Avenue-APN: 0201-262-40 and 30. Related Files: Preliminary Review
DRC2001-00236, Conditional Use Permit DRC2002-00018, Variance DRC2002-00246, Tree
Removal Permit DRC2002-00024, and Preliminary Review DRC2002-01034. Staff has
prepared a Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration.
Warren Morelion, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report and noted that on Page E-3 of the
agenda packet, the date of the neighborhood meeting is shown as May 15, 2003. He corrected the
date of the meeting to reflect May 20, 2003. He added that no comments or correspondence had
been received from the public or neighbors on the project.
Chairman Macias opened the public hearing.
George Fasching,425 North Santa Anita,Arcadia, introduced himself as a co-owner of the proposed
Planning Commission Minutes -3- July 23, 2003
carwash. He noted that he has operated carwashes for 27 years and that his businesses have been
recipients of awards within their industry. He added that for him, it is a family business because his
son will be moving to Rancho Cucamonga and will manage the new carwash.
Tom Ennis, 425 North Santa Anita, Arcadia, also introduced himself as the other co-owner of the
proposed carwash and gave a summary of the project design and proposed operation.
Deanne Nichols, 10468 Alta Loma Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, stated that she is a resident of Alta
Loma Gardens and indicated that she is having difficulty receiving her mail. She noted that she
never received notice of the public hearing. She added that she is on the board of her homeowner's
association and that the association is opposed to the project because of the potential noise. She
noted that they hear some freeway noise, but is concerned that the carwash would add to the noise.
She commented that she is aware of the proposed hours of the business operation.
Hearing no further comments, Chairman Macias closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Fletcher pointed out that a noise study was performed specific to the carwash and
that the projected noise levels are within the standards acceptable to the City.
Dan Coleman, Acting City Planner, explained that for every 10 decibels, the sound level is actually
perceived by the human ear as double the sound. He added that this project received a rating of 51
decibels and the City standard is 65 decibels, and therefore this project will likely generate only half
of the acceptable noise standard for a residential neighborhood. He commented that the freeway
noise is constant and will mask some of the carwash noise.
Commissioner Stewart asked if the childcare center is still planned for across the street.
Mr. Coleman noted that it is and that the nearest home to the proposed carwash is 200 feet away.
Commissioner Stewart clarified that since the item is under a Conditional Use Permit, it can be
brought back to the Planning Commission if there are any problems.
Mr. Coleman responded affirmatively.
Commissioner McNiel remarked that we already have several carwashes in town and that this new
location seems to be ideal. He commented that he believes the new carwashes are generally quiet
and that it is positioned on the lot in such a way that the noise will be minimized for the benefit of the
neighboring residents. He added that this type of business is needed in this part of town and that the
design is as good as could be expected.
Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by Fletcher, to approve Items C and D as presented and to
adopt a Negative Declaration of environmental impacts. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: FLETCHER, MACIAS, MCNIEL, MCPHAIL, STEWART
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE - carried
F. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT DRC2003-00097-INLAND EMPIRE REGIONAL COMPOSTING
AUTHORITY-A request to establish a regional composting facility to process approximately
150,000 tons of biosolids per year within an existing 410,000 square foot building with 40,500
square feet of additional building space, located at 12645 Sixth Street, on 24.24 acres of land,
in the Heavy Industrial District(Subarea 15). Staff has found the project to be within the scope
of the project covered by a prior Program Environmental Impact Report certified by the Inland
Empire Utilities Agency in July 2002, and an Initial Study/Finding of Consistency certified by the
Planning Commission Minutes -4- July 23, 2003
Inland Empire Regional Composting Authority on January 13, 2003; and does not raise or
create new environmental impacts not already considered in that Program Environmental
Impact Report, and Initial Study/Finding of Consistency. APN: 0229-283-61.
Debra Meier, Associate Planner, gave the staff report.
Commissioner McNiel asked if the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) covers the operation of a
composting facility.
Dan Coleman,Acting City Planner, commented that the EIR actually covers a host of potential uses
including a composting facility.
Chairman Macias explained that this type of EIR is "programmatic" and is therefore not limited in
terms of being site specific and that this project was found to be within the scope of the EIR.
Mr. Coleman added that a consistency report was also produced to ensure the facility would be
covered under the EIR.
Chairman Macias opened the public hearing.
John Gundlach, 6075 Kimball Avenue, Chino, stated he is the manager of the Inland Empire
Composting Authority, 9400 Cherry Avenue, Building A, Fontana. He gave a summary of how
compost is made, the benefits of using compost as a soil amendment, and the benefit of being
located next to the water treatment plant on 6th Street. He noted the proposed facility will be fully
enclosed and features a state-of-the-art air filtering system which will exceed all standards.
Commissioner McNiel asked specifically about the life of the wood chips used in the air filter system.
Mr. Gundlach explained that the wood chips absorb ammonia and other compounds and they last a
year to a year and a half, and that when they are no longer effective,the filters are removed and are
added to the compost and then new chips are put into the filtering system. He noted this is not an
experimental system, its use is widely accepted. Mr. Gundlach thanked staff for their assistance in
processing their project and added that staff was great to work with.
Commissioner Fletcher commended the applicant for explaining the process. He added that the
location is excellent for this use and that Rancho Cucamonga has exceptional quality rated biosolids.
Commissioner McPhail remarked that it is good to see this kind of project and that since it is a
Conditional Use Permit, we can bring them back later to address any concerns if needed.
Chairman Macias closed the public hearing.
Mr. Coleman commented that the agency was excellent to work with and they did a great job working
out all the details of their project.
Motion: Moved by McPhail, seconded by Stewart, to approve DRC20033-00097 as presented by
staff. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: FLETCHER, MACIAS, MCNIEL, MCPHAIL, STEWART
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE - carried
Planning Commission Minutes -5- July 23, 2003
G. GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT DRC2003-00395- KB HOME-The proposed amendment of
approximately 4 acres from Open Space/Park and approximately 4 acres of General
Commercial(approximately 8 acres total)to Medium-High Residential(14-24 dwelling units per
acre), located at the northeast corner of Milliken Avenue and Church Street-APN: 0227-151-
73, 74, and 75 and 0227-811-03. Related Files: Development Review DRC2003-00394,
Terra Vista Community Plan Amendment DRC2003-00396, and Tentative Tract Map
SUBTT16512. On July 16,2003, the City Council adopted a Mitigated Negative Declaration for
a Purchase and Sale Agreement,Terra Vista Community Plan Amendment DRC2003-00396,
Tentative Tract Map SUBTT16512, Development Review DRC2003-00394, and this General
Plan Amendment. The California Environmental Quality Act provides that no further
environmental review or Negative Declaration is required for subsequent projects within the
scope of a previous Negative Declaration.
H. TERRA VISTA COMMUNITY PLAN AMENDMENT DRC2003-00396 - KB HOME - The
proposed amendment of approximately 4 acres from Open Space/Park and approximately 4
acres of Recreation Commercial (approximately 8 acres total)to Medium-High Residential(14-
24 dwelling units per acre)of the Terra Vista Community Plan, located at the northeast corner
of Milliken Avenue and Church Street - APN: 0227-151-73, 74, and 75 and 0227-811-03.
Related Files: Development Review DRC2003-00394, General Plan Amendment DRC2003-
00395, and Tentative Tract Map SUBTT16512. On July 16, 2003, the City Council adopted a
Mitigated Negative Declaration for a Purchase and Sale Agreement,General Plan Amendment
DRC2003-00395, Tentative Tract Map SUBTT16512, Development Review DRC2003-00394,
and this Terra Vista Community Plan Amendment. The California Environmental Quality Act
provides that no further environmental review or Negative Declaration is required for
subsequent projects within the scope of a previous Negative Declaration.
Chairman Macias noted that Items G and H would be heard concurrently.
Commissioner McPhail excused herself from the room at 8:10 p.m. because her employer has
received remuneration for services from the applicant on previous projects.
Debra Meier, Associate Planner, presented the staff report.
Jary Kockroft, representing KB Home, 801 Corporate Center Drive, Suite 201, Pomona, stated he
was available for questions.
Chairman Macias opened the public hearing and seeing and hearing no comment, closed the public
hearing.
Commissioner McNiel commented that this project is good for the City because this action might
make it potentially possible to provide facilities and a functioning YMCA at Central Park. He
commended Lewis Homes and KB Home for their cooperation in the sale of the property.
Commissioner Stewart concurred.
Motion: Moved by Stewart, seconded by McNiel, to approve DRC2003-00395 and DRC2003=-
00396 as presented. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: FLETCHER, MACIAS, MCNIEL, STEWART
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: MCPHAIL - carried
Commissioner McPhail returned to the meeting at 8:15 p.m.
Planning Commission Minutes -6- July 23, 2003
PUBLIC COMMENTS
No public comments were made.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
No additional business was conducted by the Commission.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by Stewart, carried 5-0, to adjourn. The Planning Commission
adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Re-.ectfu submitt- -
or 7
Dan Coleman
Acting Secretary
1
Planning Commission Minutes -7- July 23, 2003