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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012/05/02 - Minutes - Special Joint (Planning Commission)May 2, 2012 RANCHO CUCAMONGA CITY COUNCIL JOINT MEETING WITH PLANNING COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES A. CALL TO ORDER The special joint meeting of the Rancho Cucamonga City Council and the Planning Commission convened in the Tri-Communities Room at the Civic Center, 10500 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, California. Mayor L. Dennis Michael called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. Present were Councilmembers: Bill Alexander, Chuck Buquet, Mayor Pro Tem Sam Spagnolo and Mayor L. Dennis Michael. Councilmember Diane Williams arrived at 3:43 p.m. Present were Planning Commission members: Fletcher, Wimberly, Vice Chairman Howdyshell and Chairman Munoz. Commission Member Oaxaca was absent. Also present were: John Gillison, City Manager; Linda Daniels, Assistant City Manager, Jeff Bloom Interim Planning Director; Trang Huynh, Building & Safety Services Director; Jennifer Nakamura, Associate Planner and Debra McKay, Records Manager/Assistant City Clerk. B. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Michael noted that the public would be welcome to speak after staffs presentation. C. ITEM FOR DISCUSSION C1. Review of the Public Draft of the Development Code Jennifer Nakamura, Associate Planner, presented the staff report. She provided background on the project's purpose, discussed the development code update process and briefly categorized the types of changes in the document. The draft development code is composed of eight Articles and Ms. Nakamura addressed the significant changes in each Article. In response to Council Member Alexander, it was noted that Chapter 17.30 consolidates allowed land use regulations into a single allowed use table translating existing uses to maintain current allowed uses while adding new, more modern uses. In response to Mayor Michael, Ms. Nakamura addressed Chapter 17.58 (Landscape Standards) and indicated that the Code currently does not have residential front yard landscape requirements. In response to a member of the audience, it was noted that TDR stands for Transfer Development Rights. Ms. Nakamura indicated to Commission Member Fletcher the definition of electronic message sign. Council Member Alexander expressed a concern with the numerous illegal political signs around the City and did not want to see the current regulations in the new Code. In response, City Manager John Gillison addressed candidate notification, noting that Code Enforcement needed to wait 14 days before citing. It was noted that the draft Development Code provides fora 48 hour notification window. Discussion was held. The significant changes in Article V were discussed. In response to Mayor Michael, mobile hot food trucks were discussed. Ms. Nakamura confirmed that this use was restricted to special events. City Council Joint Meeting with Planning Commission Special Meeting Minutes May 2, 2012 -Page 2 of 3 Mayor Michael noted that a letter was received today, which among other things, expressed a concern with the parking standards in industrial areas. Ms. Nakamura confirmed that she had received several comments about parking standards and noted that this will be addressed. In response to Commission Member Fletcher, it was noted that commercial parking requirements had not changed. Ms. Nakamura addressed the review and comment process, noting that the intent is to include the comments into an addendum which would then be considered with the Development Code. She also addressed the need to update the fee schedule for the new entitlements in response to Mayor Michael. Vice Chairman Howdyshell inquired if the Development Code contained regulations for a wind turbine. In response, Ms. Nakamura stated that wind turbines were not specifically addressed but that general regulations were in Article II. Also discussed was the desire to periodically review and update the Development Code. Commission Member Wimberly inquired if electronic billboards would eventually be considered by the Planning Commission. The current agreement was discussed. In response to Mayor Pro Tem Spagnolo, it was noted that mobile billboards are addressed in another area of the Municipal Code. Commission Member Fletcher inquired on the need for a Development Code Amendment for any errors or omissions. Ms. Nakamura stated that staff would be working with the consultants to clear up any spelling errors or unsubstantial changes. Substantial changes would require an amendment. For future discussions, Commission Member Fletcher requested a side by side comparison of the major changes. He noted that the draft Development Code is much easier to read and suggested that subsections be included in the Index. Chairman Munoz noted that he had already shared his comments with the consultants. He noted that staff will be providing a tool that the consultant and staff have been using to match up the regulations. Council Member Buquet requested a matrix of the key changes. He concurred with the need to review and update the document periodically. Council Member Buquet noted that staff should initiate Development Code Amendments for appropriate projects. He appreciated the user-friendly document and wanted staff to consider ways to streamline project applications whenever possible. Commission Member Fletcher noted that reasonable accommodations are being proposed to accommodate special needs and suggested that a similar accommodation be made for commercial entities. He was concerned of the cost for a simple application. In response to Mayor Michael, Ms. Nakamura outlined Chapter 17.08 and Article II. She confirmed that owners of temporary signs can display them for 90 days of their choosing either consecutive or not. Ms. Nakamura confrmed to Mayor Michael that the Development Code would relax the regulations on challenged uses. Mayor Michael invited comments from the audience. Fernando Vargas, representing Savon Alliance, indicated that the Alliance opposes any standard that would decrease the density in the Hillside Zone. In response, Mayor Michael reported that there is an Ordinance on tonight's City Council agenda that affects the Hillside Zone but noted that there are no changes to the Hillside Zone density in the Development Code. City Council Joint Meeting with Planning Commission Special Meeting Minutes May 2, 2012 -Page 3 of 3 Craig Shuey appreciated the efforts to create areader-friendly Code. He noted the need to craft flexibility in the document whenever possible. Brian Hunter, representing Zion Enterprises, indicated that the company was currently engaged in a very friendly pre-application process with the City. He inquired if there were zone changes in the Development Code. In response, Ms. Nakamura noted that no major zone changes were being proposed. Rick Manners, representing Lewis Retail Center, inquired if other requirements would be imposed if an existing shopping center underwent a Conditional Use Permit process. Discussion was held regarding various scenarios. In response, Ms. Nakamura noted that it would depend upon the scope of the project being proposed. Linda Daniels, Assistant City Manager, summarized the questions and responses, noting that the Hillside Zone was not affected in the Development Code. She noted that the Code does contain some land use changes that Mr. Hunter could discuss further with staff. _.,... D. ADJOURNMENT L. Dennis Michael adjourned the meeting at 4:31 p.m. Respectfully submitted, De ra ~ cNay, ~ MC Ass' tant City Clerk/Records Manager Approved: May 16, 2012