HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010/08/04 - Minutes - Joint Meeting with P.C.August 4, 2010
RANCHO CUCAMONGA
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, FIRE DISTRICT AND CITY COUNCIL
JOINT MEETING WITH PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
A. CALL TO ORDER -` : .
The joint meeting of the Rancho Cucamonga Redevelopment Agency, Fire Protection District, and City
Council and the Planning Commission convened in the Tri-Communities Room at the Civic Center, 10500
Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, California. Vice Chairman/Vice PresidenVMayor Pro Tem L.
Dennis Michael called the meeting to order at 3:08 p.m.
Present were Agencymembers/Boardmembers/Councilmembers: Rex Gutierrez, Sam Spagnolo, Diane
Williams, Vice Chairman/Vice President/Mayor Pro Tem L Dennis Michael and
Chairman/President/Mayor Donald J. Kurth.
Present were Planning Commission members: Fletcher, Oaxaca, Wimberly, Vice Chairman Howdyshell
and Chairman Munoz.
Also present were: Jack Lam, City Manager; Linda Daniels, Deputy City Manager; James Troyer,
Planning Director; Jennifer Nakamura, Associate Planner; Valerie Victorino, Secretary; Trang Huynh,
Building and Safety Official; and Debra McKay, Records Manager/Assistant City Clerk.
B. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
No communication was made from the public.
C. ITEM FOR DISCUSSION
C1. PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF RECOMMENDED CHANGES TO CHAPTERS 5.12,
17.02, AND 17.04 OF THE RANCHO CUCAMONGA MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING
ENTERTAINMENT - DRC2010-00141.
James Troyer, Planning Director, presented the staff report on the recommended changes to Chapters
5.12, 17.02 and 17.04. The proposed changes to Chapter 5.12 include modifying the definition of
Entertainment; changing the exclusions to defined entertainment; updating the application and notification
requirements and clarifying the fees and that the permits are non-transferrable either by changing
ownership or change in location. Also Chapter 5.12 is proposed to be changed to require applicants to
annually renew their permit and individually tailor the number of security guards to the establishment.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Michael, discussion was held regarding the definition of entertainment and
the uses that would and would not apply to the definition. Mr. Troyer indicated to Councilmember
Spagnolo that none of the current business owners have voiced objections to the proposed changes. In
response to Commissioner Fletcher, the Planning Director stated that non-musical entertainment would
be exempt. Discussion was held with Mayor Pro Tem Michael and Commissioners Fletcher and
Howdyshell regarding the types of uses that would be exempt. Mr. Troyer noted that the actual language
will be developed with the assistance of the City Attorney's Office.
Chapter 17.04 is proposed to be changed to address the land use issues that are evaluated as part of the
conditional use permit (CUP) process for entertainment. The Chapter would also be changed to address
the internal review process.
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Joint Meeting with Planning Commission -Minutes
August 4, 2010 -Page 1 of 4
In response to Councilmember Spagnolo, the Planning Director indicated that the applicant photos would
be kept in the application file. Mr. Troyer stated to Commissioner Oaxaca that staff would be working with
the Police Department on the live scan fingerprinting procedures. It was noted that the Police Chief would
determine which applicants would need to undergo this process. The Planning Director stated that the live
scan process would not increase the time needed to process applications. The cost would be built into the
application fee.
In response to Mayor Kurth, Mr. Troyer addressed change in ownership, noting that the new owner would
need to complete the entire process. He indicated to Councilmember Spagnolo that renewals would not
require the background check.
Mayor Kurth inquired how the City would know if there was a new owner. Commissioner Fletcher stated
that new owners often contact the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and/or the IRS. It was noted
that these entities do not notify the City but that most people eventually come in.
Councilmember Williams inquired about one-time-only events, which do not require an Entertainment
Permit. Also discussed was the Planning Department's practice to send out annual notices to businesses
for the renewal of their permit. In response to Mayor Kurth, Mrs. Daniels stated that staff would be double-
checking the regulations regarding the partial sale of a business.
Mayor Pro Tem Michael suggested a more proactive approach with businesses. Mr. Troyer agreed,
noting that staff will be coordinating this with the Fire District personnel, who are visiting businesses and
conducting inspections. He addressed Councilmember Spagnolo and discussed the timeline to correct
problems.
In conclusion, the Planning Director noted that staff would be developing an Ordinance for the Planning
Commission's review and recommendation to the City Council.
Discussion was held regarding the 12 restaurants that currently have Entertainment Permits. Also
discussed was the $4,500 fee for a permit and $75 renewal fee. Commissioner Howdyshell suggested
that staff look at the fees charged by other cities. She also suggested that a forum be scheduled with
business owners to explain the process.
Mayor Pro Tem Michael suggested that businesses that do not need an Entertainment Permit be given a
piece of paper listing the requirements. Discussion was held on how to educate the business community.
Councilmember Williams noted that the businesses should be involved more rather than just sharing this
information when they come in to apply for a permit. Commissioner Fletcher preferred a more proactive
approach.
In response to Mayor Kurth, the Planning Director noted that pole dancing and wet T-shirt contests are
adequately addressed in the adult entertainment section of the Municipal Code.
Commissioner Wimberly concurred with working on an inspection-related basis rather than acomplaint-
driven one. Chairman Munoz and Commissioner Oaxaca stressed the need to establish a positive
relationship with the business community and expressed a desire to work with businesses immediately
when a problem is identified.
Mayor Kurth inquired if the City could put a stop to the drinking contests, and expressed concerns with
the public being over served. It was noted that the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control regulates
the serving and consumption of alcohol.
C2. PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF RECOMMENDED CHANGES TO CHAPTERS 17.02
AND 17.08 OF THE RANCHO CUCAMONGA DEVELOPMENT CODE REGARDING
LANDSCAPING REQUIREMENTS - DRC2010-00331.
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Joint Meeting with Planning Commission -Minutes
August 4, 2010 -Page 2 of 4
Jennifer Nakamura, Associate Planner, presented the staff report on the recommended changes to
Chapters 17.02 and 17.08. Water conservation has been a topic of much discussion and action both at
the State and local level. One of the long term effects of water conservation is the change in physical
appearances of the landscapes installed by residential and non-residential property owners as lush lawns
and water loving groundcover are being replaced with more California-friendly, native landscapes. It was
noted that the purpose of these proposed changes is to balance the need to reduce landscape water
consumption with Rancho Cucamonga's visual aesthetic standard.
Two options were presented to the City Council and the Planning Commission. Option 1 does not put a
specific cap on hardscape; whatever space is needed for driveways and walkways would be allowed. For
the remaining front yard setback area, a minimum landscape percentage would apply with a
corresponding maximum percentage for decorative hardscape. Pictures were presented of how Option 1
might look.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Michael, it was noted that hardscape is not maintenance free. Ms.
Nakamura indicated to Commissioner Fletcher that decorative hardscape is more expensive than
landscaping.
The benefits and drawbacks to Option 1 were discussed. In response to Councilmember Spagnolo, Ms.
Nakamura indicated that a more porous type of concrete could be encouraged in lower use areas.
Option 2 gives specific percentages to hardscape, landscape and decorative landscape. The benefit to
this option is that it does allow for decorative landscaping while defining a maximum amount of hardscape
surface area, preventing unnecessary paved areas. Pictures were presented of how Option 2 might look.
Mayor Pro Tem Michael suggested that these landscaping options be provided to homeowners from this
day forward. Discussion was held. Councilmember Williams expressed concerns with large rolling turf
berms. In response, Ms. Nakamura noted that the new Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance should curb
developers from putting in large amounts of turt.
Councilmember Gutierrez pointed out that it will be hard to tell if a yard is in compliance. Commissioner
Oaxaca suggested that a brochure be developed showing homeowners various appropriate plants and
design styles.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Michael, it was noted that a front yard courtyard or deck would still be
allowed. The Planning Director noted to Commissioner Fletcher that the City does not require a permit for
landscaping; consequently the regulations would not apply to new construction. Staff is proposing to
develop general standards.
Ms. Nakamura also addressed proposed changes to Chapter 17.02 to revise the definition of landscaping
and creating a definition of hardscape and decorative landscape.
Discussion was held regarding the proposed Options. Concerns were raised that the standards were
subjective. Mayor Kurth noted that landscaping is often a result of personal taste. What would be beautiful
to one homeowner might be objectionable to another. He wondered what other cities have done to
address this situation. Ms. Nakamura noted that other cities often require a set percentage of landscape
and a set percentage of hardscape.
Councilmember Gutierrez expressed a concern with hardscape on both sides of a home. In response,
Ms. Nakamura suggested that the definition of "driveway" could be redefined tc address this concern.
Councilmember Spagnolo did not want to develop something to be used as a rubber stamp of approval.
He supported the need to develop minimum standards. Suggestions and concerns were voiced regarding
how to craft the guidelines in such a way as to provide flexibility and conserve water while upholding
Rancho Cucamonga's visual aesthetic standard. Councilmember Williams suggested that a brochure be
Redevelopment Agency, Fire Protection District, City Council
Joint Meeting with Planning Commission -Minutes
August 4, 2010 -Page 3 of 4
developed with examples for homeowners. Mayor Pro Tem Michael noted that any hardscape should be
designed in such a way as to allow water to percolate.
After discussion, it was suggested that a task force be formed to address this matter further.
Councilmembers Gutierrez and Williams and Commissioners Fletcher and Oaxaca volunteered to serve
on the task force.
D. ADJOURNMENT' '
Mayor Kurth adjourned the meeting at 4:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
~/ ~ ~,
D bra L. McKay,
A 'slant City Clerk/Records Manager
Approved: August 18, 2010
Redevelopment Agency, Fire Protection District, City Council
Joint Meeting with Planning Commission -Minutes
August 4, 2010 -Page 4 of 4