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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995/08/30 - Special Workshop Minutes - PC-HPCCITY OF RANCHO CUC?d4ONGA PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Special Meeting August 30, 1995 Vice Chairman McNiel called the Special Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning Commission to order at 5:35 p.m. The meeting was held in the Rains Room at the Rancho Cucamonga Civic Center, 10500 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, California. Vice Chairman McNiel then led in the pledge of allegiance. RO!.L CAI.L COMMISSIONERS: PRESENT: Heinz Lumpp, Larry McNiel, John Melcher ABSENT: David Barker, Peter Tolstoy STAFF PRESENT: Brad Buller, City Planner; Steve Hayes, Associate Planner; Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer; Maria Perez, Assistant Engineer ANNOUNCEMENTS There were no announcements. NEW BUSINESS PRE-APPLICATION REVIEW 95-03 - DIVERSIFIED PACIFIC HOMES - Review of the conceptual site planning for a 40 unit single family residential project located on the west side of Beryl Street, north of Mignonette Street. Brad Buller, City Planner, introduced the project to the Commission and briefly explained the purpose of the pre-application review process. He noted that the Commission should just discuss issues related to the design of the site plan and not discuss any potential variances that may be associated with the project as presented. Peter Pitassi, Architect, provided an overview of the project and addressed potential issues that may concern residents of the immediate neighborhood and staff (i.e., Agate Street, building height, density, etc.) Commissioner McNiel asked if any of the units were plotted to be on a zero side yard lot line. Mr. Pitassi highlighted which units would be plotted on a zero side yard lot line. Steve Hayes, Associate Planner, presented the issues that staff had noted during the initial review of the site plan Mr. Pitassi explained how the development team had explored various options (conventional lots, basic development standards, etc.) and that the proposed scheme best solved issues associated with the site constraints. Commissioner Melcher expressed his concern with 40 homes using Mignonette Street as its only access to this project and Hamilton Ranch. Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer, noted staff's concerns associated with Agate Street and why it should be connected from Hamilton Street to Mignonette Street. Commissioner Melcher stated that he had no problem with the density transition between this project and adjoining projects north and south of the site. He pointed out that 22 homes were proposed along the north property line of the project and 17 existed immediately to the north, along the south side of Hamilton Street, which was not a significant difference. He also noted that fewer homes were plo~te~ along Mignonette Street than currently exist along the northern boundary of Hamilton Ranch. He did not have any concern with the proposal to have exclusively two-story homes within the new project, because it could always be conditioned that only high windows be used on the rear second floor windows of all units facing the existing homes to the north. Commissioner Lumpp expressed his concern about the proposed 4000 square foot lot size. He felt that when driving through Hamilton Ranch, the mix of one and two- story dwellings produces a comfortable feeling. He observed that the traffic courts would be acceptable in this situation but thought the 5-foot deep driveways should be revised because it would encourage people to park sideways in front of their garages and potentially hinder the flow of traffic in the private driveways. He felt that additional common open space should be provided within the project and that the density may be too high for this parcel, given its immediate surroundings. He did not have a concern with two-story homes backing up to the existing homes to the north. Finally, he stated that the status of the connection of Agate Street should be deferred to staff for further analysis. Commissioner McNiel liked the concept, but felt it may be ill placed because the lots may be too small to be compatible with the surrounding area. Mr. Buller highlighted the neighborhood street pattern for the Commissioners. Commissioner Melcher observed that Hamilton Ranch was developed contrary to current City policy requiring two means of public access. He felt the proposed project would be able to conform to current standards and liked the feature of each unit having its own designated private open space. Commissioner McNiel clarified that the Development Code standards are established so that development can occur, but that in some situations site constraints can limit the ability to provide the maximum yield. Commissioner Melcher suggested removing one unit from each cluster. Commissioner Lumpp expressed concern regarding the parallel visitor parking situation and recommended that the density of the project be reduced by 10 to 20 percent. Commissioner Melcher agreed with Commissioner Lumpp's earlier concern about driveway widths and the potential blocking of fire lanes. Commissioner Lumpp recommended that driveways either be eliminated or be elongated to allow sufficient length for cars to park without blocking fire lanes. PC Special Minutes -2- August 30, 1995 Mr. Buller explained that the applicant should address the issues raised by the Commission and base their formal submittal on addressing these comments. He stated that he would pursue the other two Commissioners to receive their comments and pass them on to the development team. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments at this time. COMMISSION BUSINESS Commissioner Melcher suggested that a public comment section regarding the project be incorporated into the Pre-Application format at future meetings. ADJOURNMENT The Planning Commission adjourned at 6:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, fBrad Secretary PC Special Minutes -3- August 30, 1995