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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998/05/13 - Minutes - PC-HPC CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Regular Meeting May13,1998 Chairman Barker 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 Barker then led in the pledge of allegiance. ROLL CALL COMMISSIONERS: PRESENT: David Barker, William Bethel, Rich Macias, Larry McNiel (arrived 7:08 p.m.), Peter Tolstoy ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Brad Bullet, City Planner; Michael Estrada, Deputy City Attorney; Nancy Fong, Senior Planner; EIline Garcia, Associate Planner; Barrye Hanson, Senior Civil Engineer; Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer; Brent Le Count, Associate Planner; Gail Sanchez, Planning Commission Secretary; Alan Warren, Associate Planner ANNOUNCEMENTS Brad Buller, City Planner, announced that Dan Coleman would be receiving two awards from the American Planning Association for developing a website educational program for planning and an outreach award for the publication of numerous planning articles. Chairman Barker expressed the appreciation of the Commission for Mr. Coleman's effods. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion: Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by Barker, carded 2-0-1-2, (McNiel absent, Bethel and Macias abstain) to approve the minutes of April 22, 1998. Motion: Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by Barker, carded 2-0-1-2, (McNiel absent, Bethel and Macias abstain) to approve the minutes of the April 22, 1998, Adjourned Meeting. Motion: Moved by Bethel, seconded by Macias, carried 4-0-1, (McNiel absent) to approve the minutes of the April 29, 1998, Joint City Council/Planning Commission Meeting. CONSENT CALENDAR A. DESIGN REVIEW 97-44 FOR TRACTS 15727-3 AND -6 - GRIFFIN INDUSTRIES, INC. - The review of the building elevations, detailed Site and Grading Plans for 85 single family units in Phases 3 and 6 of Tract 15727; the perimeter wall plan and fences; and the landscaping plans for a previously approved Tentative Tract Map consisting of 342 single family lots on 82 acres of land in the Low-Medium Residential Distdct (4-8 dwelling units per acre) between Fourth and Sixth Streets, adjacent to the Cucamonga Creek Flood Control Channel - APN: 210-062-02, 11, 13, 17, 18, 19, 26, 32, and 33. Related File: Lot Line Adjustment No. 404. B. VACATION OF THE EXCESS PORTION OF A CITY DRAINAGE EASEMENT - A request to vacate the excess portion of a City Drainage Easement located on the easterly side and adjacent to the Beryl-Helrman Channel across the Lesondak properly - APN: 202-041-70. Motion: Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by Bethel, carded 4-0-1 (McNiel absent), to adopt the Consent Calendar. Commissioner McNiel arrived. PUBLIC HEARINGS C. INDUSTRIAL AREA SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT 98-01 - MASI COMMERCE CENTER PARTNERS - A request to amend the definition of Auto Service Court within the Industrial Area Specific Plan. (Continued from April 22, 1998) Nancy Fong, Senior Planner, presented the staff report. Commissioner Bethel asked how many completion items were still outstanding. Ms. Fong replied that one item was still outstanding that had been tied to the occupancy of Denny's and that was the installation of the seven plaques. She indicated the artist is still working on the plaques but had shown staff a sample of the material to be used and the etching process being used. Chairman Barker indicated the public hearing remained open from the previous meeting. John Mannerino, 9333 Base Line Road, Suite 110, Rancho Cucamonga, stated they had intended to have the adist present to explain why the plaques have not yet been installed; however, the artist had not yet arrived. He indicated the adist had already been paid. He stated he understood the Commission's frustration with the project but felt the use and the surrounding uses have changed significanfiy. He commented the community has changed since 1992. He felt the proposed use is compatible. Commissioner McNiel asked if tenants are already lined up. Mr. Mannerino confirmed that was correct. Jack Masi, 5460 Electric Avenue, San Bernardino, stated they have muffler shop and German car repair specialist. He said the uses would include upholstery, car detailing, and generally light automotive services. Commissioner McNiel noted the application no longer included a theater use as previously indicated. Mr. Masi said he had been unable to locate a theater user because of the large complexes in Ontario. Mr. Mannedno noted there is a parallel conditional use permit and said there would still be room for a theater if they are able to find a tenant. He said that approval of this application would not negate the previous conditional use permit for a theater. Planning Commission Minutes -2- May 13, 1998 Commissioner Tolstoy asked if the artist had indicated how the plaques will weather. Ms. Fong stated she had not heard the artist's opinion on durability but felt they would weather better than the originally proposed material. Mr. Masi felt the plaques will be durable. Commissioner Tolstoy asked that staff investigate weathering and durability. Hearing no further testimony, Chairman Barker closed the public hearing. Commissioner Macias observed the Commission will have further opportunity to regulate the design and quality of the development through the design review process. He supported the application. Commissioner McNiel concurred with Commissioner Macias. He asked that the Design Review Committee consider the view corridor from the stadium. He said he would not like to see a semblance of a wrecking yard backed up to the stadium. Commissioner Tolstoy stated that when he first thought about the application, he felt the intent of the project was being diluted because there are no recreational uses. He recognized that approval would not preclude future recreational uses and said he would reluctantly support the application. Commissioner Bethel felt that approval would take away 2 more acres from the original concept. He thought approval would open the door for further dilution. He felt the applicant was asking for zoning based upon proposed tenants rather than sound planning. He did not support the application. Commissioner Tolstoy agreed that it is piecemeal planning but felt that extension of the auto service court would not preclude some other nice things from being developed on the property. Chairman Barker stated that promises were made when the Recreational Commercial land use category was added so that sports oriented commercial uses could be added but those uses had not mater[alized. He felt the entire project has been piecemealed. He thought the additional 2 acres would not fudher negatively impact the project and felt that line had already been crossed. He did not know what could be done to attract the uses originally envisioned. He said he was disappointed in most of the design elements of the project site, especially with Denny's being so close to the street. He stated he would hesitantly support the request and said he hoped the project could be improved through design review of the additional buildings. Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by Macias, to adopt the resolution recommending approval of Industrial Area Specific Plan Amendment 98-01. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BARKER, MACIAS, MCNIEL, TOLSTOY NOES: BETHEL ABSENT: NONE - carried D. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 97-36 - CHEVRON - A request to construct a 2,930 square foot gas station/mini-market facility on a 1.06 acre parcel within the Foothill Marketplace Shopping Center, within the Regional Related Commercial Distdct (Subarea 4) of the Foothill Boulevard Specific Plan, located on the southwest corner of Foothill Boulevard and Marketplace Drive - APN: 229-031-34. Staff has prepared a Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration. (Continued from April 22, 1998) - Brent Le Count, AsSociate Planner, presented the staff report. Planning Commission Minutes -3- May 13, 1998 Commissioner Bethel asked who owns the adjacent pad which is conditioned to add the turning lane. Mr. Le Count replied that it is owned by Bob Price, the original owner of the Price Club. Chairman Barker indicated the public hearing remained open from the last meeting. Greg Wattson, the Wattson Group, 3600 Birch Street, #250, Newport Beach, stated his company is the developer and owner of Foothill Marketplace. He said the service station was part of the original master plan for the site. He observed the turning lane was added when the use for the adjacent parcel was changed from parking lot to commercial. He stated there is currently an incomplete application for Panda Inn for the adjacent parcel. Brian Church, 10801 Yolo Street, Rancho Cucamonga, asked the cost of the turning lane. Mr. Wattson estimated $80,000. Mr. Church asked who would pay for it if it is not paid for by Chevron. Brad Bullet, City Planner, stated the turning lane would be paid for and install_ed by the developer of the parcel to the west. Hearing no further testimony, Chairman Barker closed the public hearing. Commissioner Bethel stated the matter had been discussed at the Design Review Committee Meeting. He agreed with the applicant that the turning lane requirement had been conditioned on another parcel owned by another company and it would be unfair to place the condition on this parcel merely because they are the first to develop. Commissioner Tolstoy stated that ingress and egress has been a problem for this center since it first opened. He felt some unfortunate decisions had been made when the project was first built. He observed that there have since been attempts to correct the problem and some improvement has been made but he felt there is still a problem which he felt will be exacerbated with the addition of a service station. He noted that there is no assurance that the adjacent parcel will ever be developed. He felt the first parcel being developed should install the extra ingress and it should be operational when the business opens. Commissioner McNiel stated the adjacent parcel is currently a parking lot for Price Club and it may remain that way forever. He observed that the adjacent parcel is physically disassociated from the right-turn lane. He said it is a very active center located along a very busy section of Foothill Boulevard. He felt that the turning lane should be installed with any additional development in the center. Commissioner Macias said he agreed with Commissioner Bethel.. Chairman Barker stated the City had cut a deal a long time ago when the center was all one project. He said the City assigned certain responsibilities to certain pieces of the property. He felt that requiring the turning lane as a condition on this project would be changing the rules in the middle of the game even though he understood the concerns raised by Commissioners Tolstoy and McNiel. Motion: Moved by Macias, seconded by Bethel, to issue a Negative Declaration and adopt the resolution approving Conditional Use Permit 97-36. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BARKER, BETHEL, MACIAS NOES: MCNIEL_, TOLSTOY - ABSENT: NONE - carried Planning Commission Minutes -4- May 13, 1998 E. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 15155 - MASTER DEVELOPMENT - A subdivision of 6.9 acres of land into 8 parcels in the General Industrial District of the Industrial Area Specific Plan (Subarea 8), located at the northwest corner of Jersey Boulevard and White Oak Avenue - APN: 209-144-07. Staff has prepared a Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration. Related File: Development Review Permit 97-41. Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer, presented the staff report. Chairman Barker opened the public hearing. Taylor Geny, Master Development Corporation, 3991 MacAdhur Boulevard, Newport Beach, stated he was available to answer questions. Commissioner McNiel asked if they are spec buildings. Mr. Gerry confirmed that was correct. Chairman Barker asked what type of occupants are anticipated. Mr. Gerry replied small manufacturers, light industry, or small warehousing. James Barton, 5552 Canistel Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga, felt the proposal will be a nice addition to the current development and will enhance the area. Hearing no further comments, Chairman Barker closed the public hearing. Commissioner Tolstoy questioned the ultimate drainage system plans and adequacy. Mr. James replied that there is an existing drainage system in Live Oak Avenue that was designed for a 25-year storm but the new requirement is for a 100-year storm. He said the City is therefore requiring ponding on site in the parking lot to mitigate the development flows. He said the City will not be updating the storm drain in the street because as money becomes available it will be put toward areas that have no drainage system in place. Hearing no further testimony, Chairman Barker closed the public hearing. Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by Telstoy, to issue a Negative Declaration and adopt the resolution approving Parcel Map 15155. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BARKER, BETHEL, MACIAS, MCNIEL, TOLSTOY NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE - carried F. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 98-04- THE BEER HUNTER - A request to establish a sports bar, arcade, and billiards in conjunction with a restaurant in an existing building with a total floor area of 7,900 square feet, in the Community Commercial District of the Terra Vista Town Center, located at 10990 Foothill Boulevard, Suite 110 - APN: 1077-421-95. Related file: Enter[ainment Permit 98-02. Planning Commission Minutes -5- May 13, 1998 G. ENTERTAINMENT PERMIT 98-02 - THE BEER HUNTER - A request to have entedainment consisting of sport events coverage within a bar, restaurant, arcade, and billiards in an existing building with a floor area of 7,900 square feet, in the Community Commercial District of the Ten'a Vista Town Center, located at 10990 Foothill Boulevard, Suite 110 - APN: 1077-421-95. Related file: Conditional Use Permit 98-04. WITHDRAWN Chairman Barker noted that Item G had been withdrawn. Nancy Fong, Senior Planner, presented the staff report. Chairman Barker opened the public hearing. Bob Thomas, 41945 Hemingway Court, Palm Desert, stated he was available to answer questions. Commissioner McNiel questioned his experience with other spods bars. Mr. Thomas replied that he has three other projects in the desert and is looking for a site in San Diego. He said he has letters from the Shedffs Department and ABC that his operations have been problem free. He stated they have designated driver programs and accounts with taxicab companies to avoid problems. Bdan Stever, 9826 Holly Street, Rancho Cucamonga, felt the location to be inappropriate because the center is a prime area for teens, youths, and families. He said he was not opposed to a bar. Kris Rapp, 12015 Stafford Street, Rancho Cucamonga, did not oppose the bar or its proposed location, but objected to the name and its connotation. Brian Church, 10801 Yolo Street, Rancho Cucamonga, observed that Margaritaville is located next to Play Co Toys. He felt the location was acceptable. Allan Lee, 9341 America Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, agreed with Mr. Church. He felt the location to be appropriate and hoped the business would attract more business back into the center. He noted that Rancho Cucamonga has a lot of winery history and did not feel the name is negative. Mr. Thomas thanked the public for their comments. He stated he understood the objections to the name. He said his businesses support local communities and sports and the quality of what they do is respected. He observe that they have a nice clientele in their other locations. Commissioner Tolstoy questioned the type of menu. Mr. Thomas stated they will have a full menu including hamburgers, pork chops, steaks, seafood, and pasta and they also have children's menus. He said their menu is similar to TGI Fridays. Hearing no further testimony, Chairman Barker closed the public hearing. Commissioner Tolstoy expressed appreciation for the public in speaking about the pros and cons. He commented that there have been some poor decisions regarding sports bars in the past and they have been a detriment in their respective neighborhoods. He supported the application because of the full service menu, not just sandwiches and pretzels. He said previously sports bars have been located in areas within dose proximity to houses and that has proven to be not conducive to the neighborhoods. He observed this location is far away from residences and has a large parking lot. He commented there are safeguards in place if problems develop. He supported the project. Commissioner Bethel said he was glad to see a restaurant that would be open past 11 p.m. Commissioner McNiel suppoded the application. Planning Commission Minutes -6- May 13, 1998 Commissioner Macias supported the use and felt it is the type of sports bar that should be good for Rancho Cucamonga. Chairman Barker said he was not overjoyed with the name but he noted the establishment appears to cater to families, He supported he application. Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by Tolstoy, to adopt the resolution approving Conditional Use Permit 98-04. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BARKER, BETHEL, MACIAS, MCNIEL, TOLSTOY NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE - carried the Planning Commission recessed from 8:10 p.m. to 8:17 p.m. DIRECTOR'S REPORTS H. ENGINEERING DIVISION CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FOR FISCAL YEAR 1998/99 Barrye Hanson, Senior Civil Engineer, presented the staff report. Commissioner Bethel asked how priorities will be set if monies fall short of projections. Mr. Hanson replied that specific projects which do not have funding would not be constructed and the City Engineer would make the determination with input from the Public Works Subcommittee with respect to General Fund projects or partially funded projects. Commissioner Bethel asked if it would be appropriate to ask that the matter be brought back before the Planning Commission. Chairman Barker thought the matter was before the Planning Commission merely to determine if the program is in conformance with the General Plan. Brad Bullet, City Planner, stated that was correct. He said it is not the prerogative of the Planning Commission to direct spending but the Commission could request that it be made aware of any changes to the program. Chairman Barker observed the Commission used to make recommendations regarding priorities. Mr. Buller said the Commission is welcome to make comments. Commissioner McNiel felt Engineering and Public Works have done a terrific job in making the community livable in times of rain. Commissioner Tolstoy asked about plans for widening the street under the bridge on Foothill Boulevard. Mr. Hanson replied that had originally been a Redevelopment Agency project but funds were lost. He said the project will eventually be scheduled as funds become available. - Motion: Moved byMcNiel, seconded by Tolstoy, to find that the Capital Improvement Program is in conformance with the General Plan. Motion carried by the following vote: Planning Commission Minutes -7- May 13, 1998 AYES: BARKER, BETHEL, MACIAS, MCNIEL, TOLSTOY NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE - carried PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments at this time. COMMISSION BUSINESS I. DESIGN AWARDS NOMINATIONS Following discussion it was the consensus of the Commission to continue the item to May 27, 1998, to allow the Commissioners to view the projects. J. SIGNS/MULTI-FAMILY TASK FORCE UPDATE Brad Buller, City Planner, stated that the Task Force met earlier this evening. He indicated the Task Force directed that staff forward a recommendation to the City Council to amend the land use at the northeast comer of Lemon Avenue and Highland Avenue from Medium to Low Medium Residential. He said it was the recommendation that any other changes to other areas be considered with future applications. With respect to Signage, Mr. Buller stated that the Task Force members completed the survey and asked that recommendations be forwarded to the City Council with a focus to be placed on enforcement of temporary signs such as sandwich, A-frame, and banners. He said the Task Force suggested that modifications be considered to the Sign Ordinance with respect to grand openings in order to promote new businesses. He reported that neon signs were also discussed as the result of a business installing neon lighting around the windows. He observed that is considered a sign and is not allowed under the current ordinance. He indicated staff is investigating whether such lighting should be allowed as part of the design element of a shopping center and will report back. ADJOURNMENT Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by Bethel, carried 5-0 to adjourn. 8:39 p.m. - The Planning Commission adjourned to a workshop immediately following in the De Anza Room regarding Pre-Application Review 98-05 (Rancho Summit LLC) and Pre-Application Review 98-04 - Greg Roberts. The workshop adjourned at 10:00 p.m. and those minutes appear separately. Respectfully submitted, Secretary Planning Commission Minutes -8- May 13, 'f998