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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991/03/13 - Minutes - PC-HPCCITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Regular Meeting March 13, 1991 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: Suzanne Chitiea, Larry McNiel, John Melcher, Peter Tolstoy, Wendy Vallette ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Bruce Buckingham, Planning Technician; Brad Buller, City Planner; Dan Coleman, Principal Planner; Bill Curley, Deputy City Attorney; Tom Grahn, Assistant Planner; Barrye Hanson, Senior Civil Engineer; Larry Henderson, Principal Planner; Anna-Lisa Hernandez, Assistant Planner; Betty Miller, Associate Engineer; Gail Sanchez, Planning Commission Secretary , , , , , ANNOUNCEMENTS Brad Bullet, City Planner, announced that staff had received a letter from Lewis Homes requesting that Item L be continued to April 10, 1991. Mr. Bullet suggested Item A be pulled from the Consent Calendar to provide an update regarding the tree issue. Mr. Buller requested the Planning Commission consider selecting two members to form a subcommittee to deal with development of plans and designs for the Fire Station. , , , , APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion: Moved by Chitlea, seconded by Vallette, carried 4-0-0-1 with Tolstoy abstaining, to adopt the Minutes of February 13, 1991. , , , , , CONSENT CALENDAR TIME EXTENSION FOR TENTATIVE TRACT 13759 - DESARCH DESIGN GROUP - A residential subdivision of 56 single family lots on 14.01 acres of land in the Low Residential District (2-4 dwelling units per acre) located on the west side of Haven Avenue, north of the Southern Pacific Railroad - APN: 1076-301-17. (Continued from February 27, 1991.) ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR DEVELOPMENT REVIEW 90-17 - SIMPSON - The development of a 159,766 square foot warehouse distribution building on 7 acres of land in the General Industrial District (Subarea 10) of the Industrial Area Specific Plan, located at the northerly terminus of Toronto Avenue, north of Cleveland Avenue - APN: 209-401-05. Staff recommends issuance of a Negative Declaration. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR DEVELOPMENT REVIEW 90-02 - SINGER & ASSOCIATES - The development of three manufacturing and warehouse buildings totaling 91,576 square feet on 4.58 acres of land in the General Industrial District (Subarea 5) of the Industrial Area Specific Plan, located at the northeast corner of 7th Street and Center Street - APN: 209-251-10. Staff recommends issuance of a Negative Declaration. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR DEVELOPMENT REVIEW 89-04 - ARCHITECTURE ONE - The development of a 4,000 square foot bank building on 0.42 acres of land within an existing shopping center in the Neighborhood Commercial District, located at the northwest corner of 19th Street and Carnelian Avenue - APN: 201-811-57 and 58. Staff recommends issuance of a Negative Declaration. Commissioner Melcher requested that Item D be pulled for discussion. Motion: Moved by Chitiea, seconded by Tolstoy, carried 5-0, to adopt Items B and C of the Consent Calendar. , , , , , A. TIME EXTENSION FOR TENTATIVE TRACT 13759 - DESARCH DESIGN GROUP Brad Bullet, City Planner, commented that the issue before the Planning Commission was a Time Extension for subdivision of land. He reported that the tree issue was raised during the Design Review process. He stated that the matter had been continued from the February 27, 1991, Planning Commission meeting to permit staff to work with the developer and surrounding residents to see if a compromise could be reached even though the Tree Removal Permit had been granted with the original tract approval. He indicated that the arborist had determined that three trees could be saved by extending the slope. He stated that staff felt comfortable with the plans presented to save the three trees, and if the Commission concurred, staff would proceed with the plans. Chairman McNiel invited public comment. Planning Commission Minutes -2- March 13, 1991 Jane Dunlap, 5283 Alpine Meadows, Rancho Cucamonga, stated she represented Inland Valley Environmental Coalition, and they were pleased that the City and the developer were willing to work with them. Ms. Dunlap thanked the staff, including Mr. Buller, for working with them during the last nine months. Annette Trunnel, 10407 Monte Vista Street, Rancho Cucamonga, stated that the surrounding residents were pleased that three trees would be saved. There were no further public comments. Commissioner Melcher asked if there had been any further discussion regarding the liability issue. Mr. Buller stated that although a "Hold Harmless" agreement had been suggested between the property owners, it was felt that it would not be appropriate for the City to enter into that level of agreement between residents. Bill Curley, Deputy City Attorney, stated that an assumption of risk would tend to cloud the title to the property. Chairman McNiel felt that the responsibility should not fall on the property owner. Mr. Curley stated that the Planning Commission could deflect some of the liability back to the City or the developer. Chairman McNiel thought perhaps the group asking that the trees be saved could take some of the responsibility. Commissioner Vallette felt the Commission was taking a realistic approach by asking that the three trees be preserved. She suggested that Commissioner Tolstoy should comment as he has expertise in such matters. Commissioner Tolstoy stated that he felt that most of the trees were unhealthy and he would defer to the arborist's report that three could be saved. Mr. Bullet reiterated that the action before the Commission was an extension of the tract. He commented that the level of risk was discussed when the original tree preservation ordinance was adopted. He felt property owners purchase land knowing what is on the property. He thought perhaps the City may request a level of disclosure be passed on to the original homebuyer. Commissioner Tolstoy stated he would not wish to have the preserved trees in his back yard because they are extremely high and when they are no longer part of a mature windrow, they would be more subject to wind damage. He also stated there was evidence of the borer beetles in the windrow and he felt they could attack the three healthy trees. Commissioner Melcher stated he is very much in favor of preserving trees, but it bothered him that the people requesting the trees be saved could be injured and the liability would be on the new homeowners. Planning Commission Minutes -3- March 13, 1991 Commissioner Tolstoy felt any hazard would be to the new residences, rather than the existing ones because of wind directions in the area. Motion: Moved by Vallette, seconded by Melcher, to adopt the Resolution approving Time Extension for Tentative Tract 13759. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: CHITIEA, MCNIEL, MELCHER, TOLSTOY, VALLETTE NOES: COMMISSIONERS: NONE ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: NONE -carried , , , , D. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR DEVELOPMENT REVIEW 89-04 - ARCHITECTURE ONE Commissioner Melcher commented that he was disappointed in the design of the building. Commissioner Chitlea stated that the building will replace a modular building on a small site in an existing shopping center and must fit in with the remainder of the center. She stated compromises were made to permit the building because of site restraints and compatibility with the remainder of the center. Motion: Moved by Chitiea, seconded by Tolstoy, to issue a Negative Declaration for Environmental Assessment for Development Review 89-04. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: CHITIEA, MCNIEL, MELCHER, TOLSTOY, VALLETTE NOES: COMMISSIONERS: NONE ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: NONE -carried · , , , PUBLIC HEARINGS TIME EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION TO TENTATIVE TRACT 14055 - MODERN CORPORATION - A request to modify a one-lot subdivision for condominium purposes to a three-lot subdivision of 115 units on 10.27 acres of land in the Medium Residential District (8-14 dwelling units per acre) located north of Arrow Highway and east of Baker Avenue - APN: 207-201-32 and 12. (Continued from February 13, 1991.) Chairman McNiel stated that the applicant had requested the item be continued to March 27, 1991. He opened the public hearing and there were no comments. Planning Commission Minutes -4- March 13, 1991 Motion: Moved by Chitiea, seconded by Tolstoy to continue Time Extension and Modification to Tentative Tract 14055 to March 27, 1991. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT , , COMMISSIONERS= COMMISSIONERS: COMMISSIONERS: CNITIEA, MCNIEL, MELCHER, TOLSTOY, VALLETTE NONE NONE -carried Fe ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT REVISION 90-03A - CITY OF RANCHO CUCANONGA - In accordance with Article 10.6, Section 65588 of the California Government Code, a revision and update to the City Housing Element has been prepared. The changes to the document include: an update of the Technical Appendix consisting of documentation and analysis of current demographic trends, statistical information and housing assistance needs$ update and revisions to the City's housing objectives and policies; and development of a five year action program designed to implement the City's overall housing goal. In addition, staff recommends issuance of a Negative Declaration. (Continued from February 27, 1991.) Brad Bullet, City Planner, stated that the item had been continued from the February 27, 1991, Planning Commission meeting at the request of the Commission. Commissioner Melcher requested that the item be continued until March 27, 1991, to allow time for him to review his concerns with staff. Commissioner Vallette stated she felt comfortable with the element as it was written. Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing and there were no comments. Motion= Moved by Melcher, seconded by McNiel, to continue Environmental Assessment and General Plan Housing Element Revision 90-03A to March 27, 1991. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: CHITIEA, MCNIEL, MEELCMER, TOLSTOY, VALLETTE NOES: COMMISSIONERS: NONE ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: NONE -carried , , , , Planning Commission Minutes -5- March 13, 1991 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 90-44 - WEST COAST PERFORMING ARTS - The request to establish a dance and vocal training school in a leased space of 5,988 square feet within an existing commercial cehter on 10.5 acres of land in the Specialty Commercial District (Subarea 2) of the Foothill Boulevard Specific Plan, located at 7965 Vineyard Avenue, F8-F13 - APN: 208-101-10. Staff recommends issuance of a Negative Declaration. (Continued from February 27, 1991.) Bruce Buckingham, Planning Technician, presented the staff report. Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing. Beth-Ann Brown, West Coast Performing Arts, 7560 Camino Norte, Rancho Cucamonga, stated she agreed with the conditions. Chairman McNiel asked if there would be retail sales. Ms. Brown replied that she would sell only to her students. Hearing no further testimony, Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing. Commissioner Chitlea etated that all of her concerns had been addressed and she supported the project. Motion: Moved by Chitiea, seconded by Tolstoy, to issue a Negative Declaration and adopt the Resolution approving Environmental Assessment and Conditional Use Permit 90-44. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: CHITIEA, MCNIEL, MELCHER, TOLSTOY, VALLETTE NOES: COMMISSIONERS: NONE ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: NONE -carried , , , · He ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 13693 - LUNA - A subdivision of 1.0 acre of land into 2 parcels in the Very Low Residential District (less than 2 dwelling units per acre), located on the north side of Northridge Drive, west of Haven Avenue - APN: 201-182-29. Chairman McNiel announced that staff had recommend that the item be continued until March 27, 1991, to allow concurrent review of a related variance. He opened the public hearing. John Martin, 10395 Northridge Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, stated he did not oppose the lot split, but he was concerned about the access to the lots. He asked if a map was available to show the proposed access. Barrye Hanson, Senior Civil Engineer, stated that maps, graphics, and a full staff report were not yet available and would be available for the March 27th Planning Commission Minutes -6- March 13, 1991 meeting. He suggested Mr. Martin could speak with Betty Miller for further details. Chairman McNiel suggested Mr. Martin speak with Ms. Miller or Mr. Hanson and invited him to return on March 27. Mr. Martin agreed to speak with Ms. Miller. There were no further comments. Motion: Moved by Chitlea, seconded by Melcher, to continue Environmental Assessment and Tentative Parcel Map 13693 to March 27, 1991. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: CHITIEA, MCNIEL, MELCHER, TOLSTOY, VALLETTE NOES: COMMISSIONERS: NONE ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: NONE -carried , , , , VARIANCE 91-01 - SUNDBERG CONSTRUCTION - The request to reduce the corner side yard setback from 27 feet to 22 feet on an existing non-conforming single family residence in the Low Residential District (2-4 dwelling units per acre), located at 7565 Camino Norte Street - APN: 207-042-10. WITHDRAWN BY APPLICANT Chairman McNiel reported that the Planning Commission would not be taking any action because the item had been withdrawn by the applicant. , , , , Je ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TENTATIVE PARCEL RAP 13782 - CENTER STREET PARTNERS - A subdivision of 4.53 acres of land into 3 parcels in the General Industrial District (Subarea 5) of the Industrial Area Specific Plan, located at the northeast corner of 7th Street and Center Street - APN: 209-251-10. Staff recommends issuance of a Negative Declaration. Barrye Hanson, Senior Civil Engineer, presented the staff report. He indicated the developer had requested a modification to allow building permits to be pulled after the City has awarded a contract for storm drain improvements along the railroad. Mr. Hanson suggested that occupancy could be withheld until the improvements are completed. Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing. John Goetten, engineer, 1900 H East Warner Avenue, Santa Ana, requested that the modification be granted and stated Mr. Hanson's suggested wording was acceptable. Planning Commission Minutes -7- March 13, 1991 Hearing no further testimony, Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing. Motion: Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by Vallette, to issue a Negative Declaration and adopt the Resolution approving Environmental Assessment and Tentative Parcel Map 13782 with modification to allow building permits to be pulled after the City has awarded the contract for storm drain improvements with occupancy withheld until following completion of the improvements. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: CHITIEA, MCNIEL, MELCHER, TOLSTOY, VALLETTE NOES: COMMISSIONERS: NONE ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: NONE -carried , , , , Ke ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 91-05 - JILL BORDATO - The request to establish a dance studio in a leased space of 3,150 square feet within an existing multi-tenant industrial complex within the General Industrial District (Subarea 3) of the Industrial Area Specific Plan, located at 9495 9th Street, Suites 101 and 102 - APN: 209-032-24. Staff recommends issuance of a Negative Declaration. Tom Grahn, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report. Commissioner Melcher asked for clarification regarding the parking requirements between this application and a previous one where a determination was made that the use could be classified as a commercial school. Mr. Grahn reported that the previous use was a dance studio geared toward children, whereas this use would be geared toward adults. Commissioner Melcher agreed with the reasoning and parking requirements but felt that it was unrealistic to condition the use to a maximum of eight people between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Commissioner Chitiea suggested the Commission could revoke the Conditional Use Permit if a problem develops or it could exclude morning hours. Chairman McNiel felt the parking situation could cause a problem in the future. He opened the public hearing. Jill Bordato, 10780 La Vine, Rancho Cucamonga, stated that most of her business is conducted in the evenings after 5:30 p.m. and the morning class is very small. She felt that if the morning class were to grow she could split it into two classes and abide by the conditions in the Resolution. She also reported that 9,000 square feet of the center had been leased for storage and she did not feel parking would be an issue. Planning Commission Minutes -8- March 13, 1991 Chairman McNiel indicated the storage space could be leased for a more active use in the future. He stated the proposed suite was located in the heart of the center and he felt the parking situation would be better if the use were located in the two units on the west side. Ms. Bordato responded that she is currently located in a center with less available parking and she does not have any problems. She said one of her employees alerts clients when they have parked in areas designated for other businesses. Commissioner Tolstoy suggested that Ms. Bordato carefully consider the investment she was making because if parking poses a problem, the Planning Commission could revoke the Conditional Use Permit. Ms. Bordato stated she would be very careful that parking would not pose a problem. She indicated that the majority of her business is conducted after the normal business hours for the remainder of the center. She felt the center was good for her because she needed to expand from her current location and the new rent would also be more affordable. Jim Ridens, 11254 Terra Vista Parkway, Rancho Cucamonga, reported he had leased a building to Ms. Bordato 2-1/2 years ago in Jersey Business Park. He said he had been concerned about the parking issue, but she has been his best tenant and has never caused any parking problems. He stated he currently has tenants on both sides of Ms. Bordato's business and has no room for her to expand. Paula Pugh, 5017 Jadeite Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga, stated she currently tells clients when they must move their cars and they have been very cooperative. Sharon Burchett, 7029 Marino Place, Rancho Cucamonga, stated she is a patron and would be willing to park elsewhere. She requested the use be approved. Hearing no further testimony, Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing. Motion: Moved by Melcher, seconded by Chitlea, to issue a Negative Declaration and adopt the Resolution approving Environmental Assessment and Conditional Use Permit 91-05. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: CHITIEA, MCNIEL, MELCHER, TOLSTOY, VALLETTE NOES: COMMISSIONERS: NONE ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: NONE -carried , , , , DIRECTOR'S REPORTS Planning Commission Minutes -9- March 13, 1991 MODIFICATION TO TOWN CENTER PHASING PLAN - WESTERN PROPERTIES - Consideration of amending the phasing plan for Tetra Vista Town Center, located at the northeast corner of Haven Avenue and Foothill Boulevard (Reference Conditional Use Permit 88-12) - APN: 1077-421-05, 06, and 18. Chairman McNiel reiterated that the applicant had requested the item be continued until April 10, 1991. He invited public comment, but there was none. Commissioner Melcher said it was his understanding that Big 5 Sporting Goods could not open under the current phasing plan, whereas the February 22, 1991, letter from the applicant indicated that the tenant improvements for Big 5 were almost complete. He indicated he hoped the Planning Commission would not be approached to allow Big 5 to open before approval of a new phasing plan. Mr. Buller replied that he did not believe the tenant improvements had progressed as rapidly as anticipated. Commissioner Melcher asked if the City would enforce the current conditions until a change is approved. Mr. Bullet replied affirmatively. Motion: Moved by Melcher, seconded by Chitlea, to continue Modification to Town Center Phasing Plan to April 10, 1991. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: CHITIEA, MCNIEL, MELCHER, TOLSTOY, VALLETTE NOES: COMMISSIONERS: NONE ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: NONE -carried , , , , M. MULTI-FAMILY DEVELOPMENT AMENDMENTS Brad Bullet, City Planner, presented the staff report. Commissioner Vallette asked how the City would process projects submitted before the approval of amendments. Mr. Bullet replied that staff has been alerting potential applicants on properties where there may be changes. He said the projects would be considered on a case-by-case basis and if a project progresses, an amendment may be processed concurrently with the request for the project. Commissioner Vallette asked if a moratorium could be declared until the amendments could be approved. Planning Commission Minutes -10- March 13, 1991 Mr. Buller responded that the City Council had not requested a moratorium but had instead asked that staff keep the Council appraised of applications as they are received. He said a community must have strong justification before declaring a moratorium. Chairman McNiel suggested that a moratorium could only be a City Council action, rather than a Planning Commission one. Mr. Buller stated that the maintenance standards will address all multi-family projects, including those in the planned communities, but the land use amendments would not include Terra Vista Planned Community because of the Development Agreement which guarantees the developer a certain number of units. Commissioner Melcher suggested that the land use issue be considered during at least two separate meetings. He felt the design standards and maintenance standards should be initially considered during workshops before advancing to the public hearing stage. He thought maintenance to be a function of design. Chairman McNiel agreed. Commissioner Vallette suggested holding projects because design standards and maintenance issues still needed to be addressed. She felt staff should not spend time reviewing such projects until the standards were approved so that the projects could be judged against any new standards. Larry Henderson, Principal Planner, stated that the City Council had been emphatic that the process should be completed as quickly as possible. Commissioner Vallette stated she wanted to be sure that projects of the highest possible quality are submitted and processed. Dan Coleman, Principal Planner, stated that if the Commission wished to have a workshop on the design standards, it would need to be done during early April to meet the projected schedule for first public hearing on April 24, 1991. Mr. Buller concurred that if a workshop were held too late in April the schedule would have to be pushed back. Chairman McNiel felt it would be more appropriate for the full Commission to workshop the item than to appoint a subcommittee. Commissioner Tolstoy agreed. Mr. Bullet requested that the Commissioners provide staff with any input on the standards by March 20th in order to allow staff time to prepare the suggested standards for a workshop in early April. Me suggested that after the workshop the proposed standards could be presented at a regular Planning Commission meeting and public comment heard followed by further public comment, discussions, and possible action taken at the following Planning Commission meeting. He said he had been approached by members of the community volunteering their input on the maintenance issues. Planning Commission Minutes -11- March 13, 1991 COMMISSION BUSINESS Brad Buller, City Planner, suggested that a subcommittee of the Planning Commission be formed to act as a support team on the development of designs and plans for the new City fire station. Commissioner Chitlea stated she was interested in serving. Commissioner Melcher stated he was also interested. It was the consensus of the Commission that Commissioners Chitlea and Melcher would serve on the subcommittee. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments at this time. ADJOURNMENT Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by Vallette, unanimously carried, to adjourn. 8:35 p.m. - Planning Commission adjourned to a February 21, 1991 workshop following Design Review at the Rancho Cucamonga Civic Center to review Foothill Marketplace. Respectfully submitted, Brad Buller Secretary Planning Commission Minutes -12- March 13, 1991