Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998/12/09 - Minutes - PC-HPC CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Regular Meeting December 9, 1998 Chairman McNiel called the Regular Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning Commission to order at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was held in the Council Chamber at Rancho Cucamonga Civic Center, 10500 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, California. Chairman McNiel then led in the pledge of allegiance. ROLL CALL COMMISSIONERS: PRESENT: Rich Macias, John Mannerino, Larry McNiel, PaT Stewart, Peter Tolstoy ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Brad Bullet, City Planner; Dan Coleman, Principal Planner; Michael Estrada, Deputy City Attorney; Nancy Fong, Senior Planner; Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer;, Brent Le Count, Associate Planner; Salvador Salazar, Associate Planner;, Gall Sanchez, Planning Commission Secretary; Rebecca Van Buren, Associate Planner;, Cecilia Williams, Associate Planner ANNOUNCEMENTS There werenoannouncements. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion: Moved by Mannerino, seconded by Stewart, carried 5-0, to approve the minutes of the Adjourned Meeting on November 10, 1998. CONSENT CALENDAR A. DEVELQPMENT REVIEW 98-20 - (~QN(~QRDIA HOMES - The design review of building elevations and detailed site plan for previously approved Tentative Tract Map No. 14207, consisting of 28 single family lots on 19.8 acres of land in the Very Low Density Residential Distdct (up to 2 dwelling units per acre), located on the west side of Beryl Street, south of Hedtage Pad( -APN: 1062-051-01. Related files: Tentative Tract 14207, Variance 91-03, and Tree Removal Permit 91-05. Motion: Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by Mannerino, carded 5-0, to adopt the Consent Calendar. PUBLIC HEARINGS B. DIRECTOR'S REVIEW 79-24 - FRANK H. AYERS & SONS (ALBERTSONS) - A request to determine if a commercial center is being operated in a manner not detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare or materially injurious to properties in the vicinity, and a request to consider modifying the conditions of approval for the commercial center in the Neighborhood Commercial District, located at the southeast comer of Base Line Road and Archibald Avenue - APN: 1077-011-45 and 47 through 52. Nancy Fong, Senior Planner, presented the staff report. Commissioner Tolstoy asked if there had not been some discussion regarding having more restrictive delivery hours on Sundays. Ms. Fong replied that staff proposed shorter delivery hours on Sundays but Albertsons responded that would be too restrictive to operations. Commissioner Mannedno felt that the distance between the new 9-foot high Woodcrete wall and the existing block wall should be refined. He feared there will be a maintenance problem caused by the distance between the walls. Ms. Fong indicated that staff is aware of the concerns but does not yet have detailed information. Commissioner Mannedno felt there should be no distance or it should be 3 feet in order to allow someone to get in between the walls to clean. Brad Bullet, City Planner, remarked that there are several other locations with the same type of situation. He said there have been discussions regarding installation of metal grates attached to the walls at the ends. He felt it would be best to leave the distance at 1-3 feet. Chairman McNiel opened the public headng. Scott Thayer, Albertsons, Inc., 1180 West Lambert Road, Brea, requested that Condition 6, regarding providing sound insulation to the enclosure walls for the trash compactor, be modified to allow flexibility as he felt there may be a way to dampen the sound of the trash compactor. Ms. Fong indicated there are other products available and Albertsons will be providing detailed information to prove it will muffle the sound. Mr. Bullet suggested that Condition 6 be modified to provide sound insulation measures for the trash compactor subject to City Planner approval. Mr. Thayer said Albertsons would like to make the other modifications and then talk to the neighbors to see if it would still be necessary to replace the windows. Mr. Bullet commented that staff was not including the windows as a condition because it would be a private agreement between the residents and Albertsons. Commissioner Tolstoy asked if Albertsons does not feel it would be reasonable to start deliveries later on Sundays. Planning Commission Minutes -2- December 9, 1998 Mr. Thayer responded that they have already compressed delivery hours to be less than City standards. He stated that if deliveries cannot be started until later, they would be stocking the shelves while people are shopping. He felt installing the wall will help. Commissioner Tolstoy asked how they would enforce the prohibition of queuing of delivery trucks along the east property boundary wall. Mr. Thayer responded they will post signs on the wall and instruct store personnel. Commissioner Tolstoy remarked that residents had formerly complained that the store manager was unresponsive to calls. He felt that is a major problem. Mr. Thayer said he was not aware of that situation. He said he would advise the management team and the transportation department regarding the restricted delivery hours. He thanked City staff and the neighbors for working together to resolve the problems. Dave Thompson, 7390 London Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga, stated that he thought they had come togther with an agreement at the meeting on November 17. He indicated he now felt that perhaps some had given more than others. He felt Mr. Thayer had agreed to the windows. He stated he understood the City's reluctance to include the windows in the resolution. He felt the residents had made concessions on November 17 and said he did not feel Albertsons had made any concessions. Patti Davies, 7398 London Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga, observed that the resolution prohibits queuing of delivery trucks along the east property boundary wall. She asked if signs could be placed along the wall prohibiting parking of trucks along the wall as the exhaust stacks are higher than the proposed 9-foot wall. Ms. Fong responded that parking along the wall will be prohibited and signs will be posted to that effect. Hearing no further testimony, Chairman McNiel closed the public headng. He felt there had been a major resolution of the problems because of meetings and compromises. He expressed appreciation for the progress. He thought Albertsons had agreed in concept to replacing the windows and felt the windows should be replaced. Commissioner Mannerlno did not believe the City has the authority to order Albertsons to enter another person's property to make modifications. Chairman McNiel agreed the City could not force it, but he felt the windows should be installed. Commissioner Tolstoy hoped the measures would work. He pointed out that the property to the south is currently vacant and he observed that when that property develops, the Planning Commission should be sure that mitigations are made by the developer. Motion: Moved by Mannerino, seconded by Stewart to adopt the resolution with modifications to require posting of signs prohibiting parking of delivery trucks along the east property boundary wall and to require sound insulation measures for the trash compactor. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: MACIAS, MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE - carried Planning Commission Minutes -3- December 9, 1998 C. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTAND TIME EXTENSION FOR TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 14038 - DANIEL - A request for an extension of a previously approved tentative parcel map for the subdivision of 2.4 acres of land into 4 parcels in the General Industrial Distdct (Subarea 8) of the Industrial Area Specific Plan, located at the northeast comer of Arrow Route and Maple Place - APN: 0208-961-11. Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer, presented the staff report. Chairman McNiel opened the public headng. There were no comments and he closed the hearing. Motion: Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by Macias to issue a Negative Declaration and adopt the resolution approving Time Extension for Tentative Parcel Map 14038. Motion carded by the following vote: AYES: MACIAS, MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE - carried D. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 98-26 - MVA ARCHITECTS - The development of an automotive training center totaling 33,000 square feet on 3 acres of land in the Industrial Park Distdct (Subarea 12) of the Industrial Area Specific Plan, located at the northeast comer of Pittsburgh Avenue and Mission Vista Drive - APN: 0229-263-40. Cecilia Williams, Associate Planner, presented the staff report along with proposed gable roof drip edge details. Chairman McNiel observed that the applicant had indicated at the Design Review Meeting that all training will be done indoors. Ms. Williams indicated the applicant has said the roll up doors will be closed dudng training because of the air conditioning. Chairman McNiel opened the public headng. Michael Volk, 2151 Michelson Ddve, #140, Irvine, stated he is the architect. Chairman McNiel asked if the applicant would be opposed to a condition indicating that all training activities will take place indoors. Larry Hoffman, Project Manager for Mercedes Benz, 142 Melrose Place, Ridgewood, New Jersey, said that would be acceptable because they have no plans to train outside. In indicated that cars are placed in the classrooms. He reported the training will be for master mechanics. Chairman McNiel stated that the City goes to great lengths to screen unsightly views. Headng no further testimony, he closed the public headng. Planning Commission Minutes -4- December 9, 1998 Brad Bullet, City Planner, suggested adding a condition that all class training shall be conducted within the building. He commented that he felt Mercedes put together a very good team of consultants to work on the project. Chairman McNiel felt it will be a fine facility. He thought it is a beautiful building and Memedes will be a nice addition to the community. Commissioner Tolstoy expressed appreciation that they had chosen Rancho Cucamonga. Motion: Moved by Mannerino, seconded by Tolstoy to issue a Negative Declaration and adopt the resolution with modifications to stipulate that all class training shall be conducted withinthe building. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: MAClAS, MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE - carried E. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TIME EXTENSION FOR VESTING TENTATIVE TRA(~T 15477 - MATREYEK HOMES - A request for an extension of a previously approved residential subdivision for condominium purposes and design review for the development of 153 detached condominium units on 20.15 acres of land in the Medium and Medium-High Residential Districts (8-14 and14-24 dwelling units per acre, respectively), located at the northeast comer of Base Line Roadand Milliken Avenue-APN: 0227-691-01. Related File: Variance 94-05. F. TIME EXTENSION FOR VARIANCE 94-05- MATREYEK HOMES - A request for extension of a previously approved vadanca to reduce the required minimum building separation from 15 feet to 8 feet and to increase the distance for the closest visitor parking space from a dwelling unit from a maximum of 150 feet to 240 feet for a proposed 153-unit detached condominium project on 20.15 acres of land in the Medium and Medium-High Residential Districts (8-14 and14-24 dwelling units peracre, respectively), located at the northeast comer of Base Line Road and Milliken Avenue - APN: 0227-691-01. Related File: Vesting Tentative Tract 15477. Cecilia VVilliams, Associate Planner, presented the staff report. Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing. Andrew Wright, Diversified Pacific Corporation, 8300 Utica Avenue, Suite 273, Rancho Cucamonga, stated he was appearing on behalf of Matreyek Trust and was available to answer questions. Chairman McNiel asked if the site will be developed. Mr. Wright responded they are currently developing a new site plan and working with staff. He thought the matter should be ready to come before the Commission in 60 to 90 days. Frayne Smith, 11463 Amelia Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, stated he lives adjacent to the project. He indicated he was concerned that the density is too high. He indicated he had attended the meeting in 1994. He was concerned they may now ask for a higher density than what was previously approved. He preferred single family homes similar to what is currently in the area. Planning Commission Minutes -5- December 9, 1998 Chairman McNiel observed that the property is zoned for Medium and Medium-High Residential. He said that developments are generally at or below the mid-point of the range. He encouraged Mr. Smith to maintain contact with staff during processing of the project. Brad Bullet, City Planner, indicated that the matter before the Commission tonight was merely for a time extension of what was previously approved. He said the applicant had indicated they will be resubmitting and the public will be invited to participate. He observed that the new project is similar to what is already approved at less than 8 dwelling units per acre while the zoning allows up to 14. He encouraged Mr. Smith to come in to City Hall and look at the drawings. Samuel Brown, 7100 Temi Place, Rancho Cucamonga, observed that staff had indicated conditions have not changed appreciably since the project was approved. He stated that single family homes have been built in the area. He said that his house is 14 feet from the wall and he was concerned about the number of cars that will start up in the morning. Hearing no further testimony, Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing. Motion: Moved by Mannerino, seconded by Stewart, to issue a Negative Declaration and adopt the resolutions approving Time Extension for Vesting Tentative Tract 15477 and Time Extension for Variance for Variance 94-05. Motion carded by the following vote: AYES: MAClAS, MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE - carded G. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 98-17 - CHARLES JOSEPH ASSOCIATES - A request to construct a 128,197 square foot public storage project including caretaker's unit on 4.22 acres of land in the General Commercial District, located at the southwest comer of Arrow Route and Hermosa Avenue - APN: 0209-041-09. Related Files: Variance 98-02 and Preliminary Review 98-05. H. VARIANCE 98-02 - CHARLES JOSEPH AND ASSOCIATES - A request to reduce the required intedor side property line setback and rear property line setback to 0 feet where the Development Code requires minimum setbacks of 5 feet and 20 feet, respectively, and to reduce the number of trees planted along exterior building walls where the Development Code requires one tree per 30 linear feet of building wall exposed to public view for a public storage project on 4.22 acres of land in the General Commercial District, located at the southwest comer of Arrow Route and Hermosa Avenue - APN: 0209-041-09. Related files: Conditional Use Permit 98-17 and Preliminary Review 98-05. Brent Le Count, Associate Planner, presented the staff report. Commissioner Mannefino asked if the Police Department has indicated support for the O-foot setback. Mr. Le Count responded he had met with the Police Department, and they prefer a O-foot setback. Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing. Charles Buquet, Charles Joseph and Associates, 10681 Foothill Boulevard, //395, Rancho Cucamonga, thanked staff for assistance in the processing of the project. He felt the project Planning Commission Minutes -6- December 9, 1998 responds to the City's desires. He reported that the adjacent property owner, Unocal, will take ownership and maintain the landscaping. He introduced Mike Giurbino, the owner, and stated he has six other locations and would be available to answer questions. He supported the conditions and requested approval. Hearing no further testimony, Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing. Commissioner Macias felt the detailed analysis of the variance request was well done. Commissioner Tolstoy thought it was a good solution for buffering the gas station from the neighborhood. Motion: Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by Mannerino to issue a Negative Declaration and adopt the resolutions approving Conditional Use Permit 98-17 and Variance 98-02. Motion carded by the following vote: AYES: MACIAS, MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE - carded I. ADOPTION OF LOCAL CECIA GUIDELINES - A request by the City of Rancho Cucamonga to adopt updated local environmental guidelines for the review of all development projects within the City of Rancho Cucamonga. Salvador Salazar, Associate Planner, presented the staff report. Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing. There was no testimony, and Chairman McNiel closed the hearing. Commissioner Tolstoy felt the City has done a wonderful job with respect to public notification and he hoped that would continue. He observed that the City does more than the law requires. Motion: Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by Stewart, to adopt the resolution recommending adoption of Local CEQA Guidelines. Motion carded by the following vote: AYES: MACIAS, MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE - carded DIRECTOR'S REPORTS J. SUBDIVISION TIME EXTENSION PERIODS Dan Coleman, Principal Planner, presented the staff report. Commissioner Mannedno thought state law allows 8 years. Mr. Coleman confirmed that was correct. Planning Commission Minutes -7- December 9, 1998 Chairman McNiel questioned how that would equate to the 11 years indicated in the staff report. Brad Buller, City Planner, stated that dudng the recession the state granted automatic extensions for an additional 3 years and that would affect Tentative Tract 14875, as indicated in the staff report. Chairman McNiel asked what would happen when the next project comes in and wants 11 years. Mr. Bullet confirmed that all current maps which were approved at the time the state granted the automatic extensions could ask. He indicated staff had looked at Tentative Tract 14875 and it is still mainly in conformance with current standards but it does violate building-to-curb setbacks under the amended multi-family standards. He stated the Commission should indicate how it felt about approvals of up to 8 years with an initial 3 years. He observed time extensions could be refused if conditions have changed. Commissioner Tolstoy observed that time extension requests are very rarely denied. He felt it is extremely awkward to deny a request when the applicant has spent a lot of money but runs into delays in construction. He thought 5 years should be sufficient time to get a project started. He did not favor 8 years because he wanted to protect the City and he noted times, people, and ideas change. Chairman McNiel stated that most projects have been consistent but there have been some changes in the marketplace, such as the failure of condominiums. He feared other things may be approved which seem like a good idea when they are approved and then ideas change in the future. He was hesitant about expanding the potential number years for projects. Commissioner Mannerino stated it was his understanding that time extensions are not automatic and must be applied for, at which time they are carefully analyzed. He felt the extension period is an arbitrary period. He was not opposed to changing to be consistent with the state. He thought the City would be able to apply new conditions when reviewing time extensions. Commissioner Stewart said she preferred 5 years but was not opposed to 8; however, she was very much opposed to projects having a potential 11-year life. She observed there are other projects that could also qualify for 11 years. Commissioner Macias agreed with Commissioners Tolstoy and Macias and felt 5 years is appropriate. He agreed that everything is reviewed but noted all time extensions have been approved. He did not feel there would be a major hardship in keeping the pedod at 5 years. Chairman McNiel asked if a time extension had ever been denied. Mr. Bullet did not recall any denials; however, he could not think of a time that he felt pressure to approve a time extension. Commissioner Tolstoy felt it would be hard to refuse such a request. Mr. Bullet thanked the Commission for its comments and indicated they would be passed along to the City Council for consideration at its December 16 meeting. PUBLIC COMMENTS Planning Commission Minutes -8- December 9, 1998 There were no public comments at this time. COMMISSION BUSINESS Bred Buller, City Planner, observed that the Commission would probably be getting more active starting soon. He indicated that there would probably be a series of workshops on the Arbors project, the Sign Task Force would be meeting, the General Plan Update Task Force would be meeting, there would be a Design Charrette and Workshop on the Regina VVinery on January 30, a Planning Commission Forum in January, and the League of California Planners Institute in Monterey in March. He announced that the second Planning Commission meeting in December was canceled because of lack of quorum. ADJOURNMENT Motion: Moved by Mannerino, seconded by Tolstoy, carried 5-0, to adjourn. The Planning Commission adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Brad Bullet Secretary Planning Commission Minutes -9- December 9, 1998