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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003/03/12 - Workshop Minutes - PC-HPC CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Adjourned Meeting March 12, 2003 Vice Chairman Macias called the Adjourned Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning Commission to order at 8:10 p.m. The meeting was held in the Rains Room at Rancho Cucamonga Civic Center, 10500 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, California. - ROLL CALL COMMISSIONERS: PRESENT: Rich Macias, Pam Stewart, Peter Tolstoy ABSENT: Larry McNiel STAFF PRESENT: Brad Buller, City Planner, Dan Coleman, Principal Planner, Rick Fisher, Contract Planner; Nancy Fong, Senior Planner, Donald Granger, Assistant Planner, Warren Morelion, Assistant Planner, Joe Stofa, Associate Civil Engineer NEW BUSINESS A. PRE-APPLICATION REVIEW DRC2003-00108-G & L COMMERCIAL, LLC. (MONROE COURT OFFICE COMPLEX)—A Pre-Application Review to consider a conceptual design concept for the proposed development of 2 two-story 10,056 square foot office/medical buildings on two separate parcels totaling 1.88 acre of land in the Industrial Park District (Subarea 6) within Haven the Avenue Overlay District, located at the northwest end of Monroe Court,east of Haven Avenue -APN: 0209-491-12 and 13. Related Files: Development Review DRC2003-00109, Development Review DRC2003-00110, Tentative Parcel Map SUPTPM16124, and Tentative Parcel Map SUPTPM16125. B. PRE-APPLICATION REVIEW DRC2003-00106-G & L COMMERCIAL, LLC-A Pre-Application Review to consider a conceptual design concept for a proposed development of 4 two-story office buildings totaling 32,020 square feet on 2.00 acres of land in the Industrial Park District (Subarea 6) within the Haven Overlay District, located on the east side of Haven Avenue, approximately 760 feet south of Arrow Route-APN: 0209-491-08. Related Files: Development Review DRC2003-00107 and Tentative Parcel Map SUBTPM16123. Brad Buller, City Planner, introduced the items and gave an overview of the Pre-Application Review process. He emphasized that the purpose of the workshop was to look at the proposed project's overall design and its relationship to the surrounding area. Bob Gallishaw and Wayne Litman, developers for the proposed projects, gave a presentation of the two projects. Serge Bonaldo, project architect, discussed the proposed design of the two projects. He noted that the projects would have a limestone base with a decorative cap that would provide relief and shadow. He pointed out the two projects have the potential to offer multiple colors, and that the architectural concept includes a variety of elements that create visual interest; such as lintels, keystones, and polished granite insets. Mr. Buller inquired if there were any buildings that the developers had built that would provide an opportunity for the Commission and City staff to visit on a field trip. He emphasized the importance of having a field trip to tangibly see the materials on a completed office project. Donald Granger, Assistant Planner, gave a brief overview of the site planning standards in the Haven Overlay District. He stressed the importance of project's providing site amenities and having a pedestrian-oriented design that includes paseos, courtyards, and outdoor furniture. Warren Morelion,Assistant Planner, discussed the architectural goals of the Haven Overlay District, with a particular emphasis on the materials palette required in the District. He pointed out the material proposed, smooth plaster, is a departure from materials typically used on Haven Avenue, and asked the Commission to respond specifically to the smooth plaster proposed by the applicant. Commissioner Tolstoy expressed concem regarding the proposed projects and stated that the materials palette does not reflect what is present along Haven Avenue. He further emphasized the importance of having a site design of the highest caliber that includes decorative walkways and courtyards. He encouraged the applicant the visit the office building just north of the proposed project site and to take note of the large courtyard at that site. He closed by saying that he was supportive of the overall architectural concept but not convinced about the materials proposed by the applicant. Commissioner Stewart stated that any project within the Haven Overlay District must have a strong commitment to a pedestrian-oriented environment. She added that she was open to the proposed project's overall architectural concept but was not convinced the proposed materials are appropriate. She closed her comments by stating that she was willing to make a field trip to see a project where the proposed materials have been utilized. Vice Chairman Macias echoed the comments of his fellow Commissioners. He stated that he was open to the two projects but he also wanted to make a field trip. He additionally noted that he felt the projects have potential, but both need architectural enhancement. Mr. Litman responded that he was confident that he could meet the site planning criteria of the Haven Overlay District. He pointed out that the smooth plaster design affords a greater opportunity for architectural detail than a tilt-up construction technique. Brad Buller, summarized the comments of the Commission by stating that most of the buildings on Haven Avenue have an emphasis on a"layered," or horizontal architectural concept, rather than a design that stresses vertical features. He pointed out that the projects have the challenge of relating to Haven Avenue due to the presence of several grade changes. He closed the workshop by encouraging the applicant to submit to City Staff a location that would offer the Commission an opportunity to make a field trip to see first-hand a building where the smooth plaster design has been utilized. C. PRE-APPLICATION REVIEW DRC2003-00225- EHR 22 LLC-A review of conceptual plans for 9 single family homes on 6.60 acres of land in the Very Low Residential (.1-2 dwelling units per acre) District located south of Hidden Farm Road east of Archibald Avenue-APN: 1074-071-23 through 31. Brad Buller, City Planner, reviewed the purpose of the pre-application review process. He stated that the surrounding subdivisions do not meet the Hillside Development Standards. He said the applicant was given direction by staff to meet with the Commission to get comments and feedback about the project so that the applicant is headed in the right direction. Herbert Hirsch, President of Harwood Homes, introduced the project, showed its location, and mentioned the site is on steep terrain. He said the drawings being shown had been modified since last meeting with staff on February 19, 2003. He then turned the meeting over to Kevin Newman, project architect. PC Adjourned Minutes -2- March 12, 2003 Kevin Newman presented a current site plan,floor plans, and building elevations. He reported plans were modified to reduce the bulk of the homes. On Plan 1, he said the garage has been lowered 2 feet from the main floor and there are various steps throughout the house. He pointed out the second floor and deck have been lowered to enhance stepping. He said the homes fit within the building envelope. He noted that Plan 2 contains more stepping within the house. He asked if they could use a raised foundation. Mr. Buller said they could use a slab foundation if they choose to do so. Mr. Newman indicated the garage drops 2.5 feet from the main floor and additional stepping has been provided in the kitchen, living and dining rooms on Plan 3. He said there is a 3-foot drop between the front and rear of the house to soften the bulk, the roofs and porch have been dropped, and a planter wall has been added to break up the mass. He stated Plan 3 will also contain a covered patio and the second floor will be pulled back from the front. He showed cross section drawings, which also indicated the stepping of the floors. Rick Fisher, Contract Planner, reviewed staffs concems. He told the Commissioners that the project site is surrounded by existing single-family homes that were not developed according to the Hillside Ordinance. He mentioned that the site is steeply sloping,with slopes ranging from 9 to 16 percent. He said the applicant's plans on display were changed considerably from the plans presented at the February 19 meeting with staff. He noted the current plans show a great deal of stepping within the foundation. He asked that the Commission indicate whether they feel the current proposal meets the intent of the Hillside Ordinance. Commissioner Tolstoy said it looked like the homes were stepping and asked if they met the intent of the Ordinance. Mr. Buller responded that the homes are stepping and at this time,without seeing a grading plan,we are assuming they are stepping with the contours of the site. Commissioner Tolstoy liked the overall concept of the homes if it does meet the intent of the Ordinance. Commissioner Stewart thought the applicant did a great job with the revisions. She felt the project meets the intent of the Ordinance, Vice Chairman Macias liked the project as proposed. He felt the step down is good and he was comfortable with the project as long as staff finds it meets the intent of the Hillside Ordinance. Mr. Buller said the architectural features are within the intent of the Hillside Ordinance. Dan Coleman, Principal Planner, said the homes in the Barrett Tract were mass graded and this project is not proposing mass grading. He pointed out only the area under the building footprint will be graded, which is a superior method of grading. Mr. Buller summarized the Commission's comments and asked the applicant to work with staff to make sure their initial application is as complete as possible. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments at this time. PC Adjoumed Minutes -3- March 12, 2003 ADJOURNMENT The Planning Commission adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sri 11, S- a ary PC Adjourned Minutes -4- March 12, 2003