HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012/01/11 - Minutes - PC-HPC CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Regular Meeting
January 11, 2012
Chairman Munoz called the Regular Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning
Commission to order at 7:20 p.m. The meeting was held in the Council Chambers at Rancho
Cucamonga Civic Center, 10500 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, California.
ROLL CALL
COMMISSIONERS: PRESENT: Richard Fletcher, Frances Howdyshell, Lou Munoz,
Francisco Oaxaca, Ray Wimberly
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Candyce Burnett, Senior Planner; Steven Flower, Assistant City Attorney;
Donald Granger, Senior Planner; Larry Henderson, Principal Planner;
Betty Miller, Associate Engineer; Mayuko Nakajima, Assistant Planner;
Lois Schrader, Planning Commission Secretary; Tabe Van der Zwaag,
Associate Planner
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: Moved by Fletcher, seconded by Howdyshell, carried 5-0, to approve the minutes of
December 14, 2011.
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Chairman Munoz excused himself and left the Chambers prior to reading Items A and B at 7:22 p.m.
He said he would abstain for the reason that he works in the communications industry and prefers to
avoid any perception of a conflict of interest. Vice Chairman Howdyshell assumed the role of
Chairman.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT DRC2011-01138 - AT&T MOBILITY - A request to replace 9
antennas with 12 antennas and related equipment for an existing 45-foot high (top of palm
fronds at 50 feet)monopalm wireless communication facility(Originally Approved as Conditional
Use Permit DRC2009-00681)located in the Regional Related Commercial Development District
of the Foothill Boulevard Districts (Subarea 4) at 12879 Foothill Boulevard-APN: 0229-031-28.
This project is categorically exempt from the requirement of the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Class 1 Exemption -
Existing Facilities).
Tabe van der Zwaag, Associate Planner, presented the staff report.
Crislia Xicotencatl stated she represents the applicant and briefly summarized the project.
Vice Chairman Howdyshell opened the public hearing.
Vice Chairman Howdyshell and seeing and hearing no comment, closed the public hearing.
Motion: Moved by Wimberly, seconded by Oaxaca, to adopt the Resolution to approve
Conditional Use Permit DRC2011-01138. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: FLETCHER, HOWDYSHELL, OAXACA, WIMBERLY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: MUNOZ - carried
B. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT DRC2011-00688-VERIZON WIRELESS-Site and architectural
review of a 45-foot tall (top of branches at 50 feet) major wireless communication facility on the
site of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church within the Regional Related Commercial (RRC)
Development District and the Medium Residential District (M) Etiwanda Specific Plan (South
Overlay) at 12676 Foothill Boulevard - APN: 0227-211-24 and 25. Related Files: Variance
DRC2011-01060 and Tree Removal Permit DRC2011-01165. Planning Department staff has
determined that the project is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) and the City's CEQA Guidelines as a Class 3 (CEQA Guidelines Section
15303) exemption which covers the installation of small new equipment and facilities in small
structures.
C. VARIANCE DRC2011-01060 - VERIZON WIRELESS - A request to reduce the 300-foot
residential separation requirement in order to construct a 45-foot high major wireless
communication facility on the site of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church within the Regional
Related Commercial (RRC) Development District and the Medium Residential District (M)
Etiwanda Specific Plan (South Overlay) at 12676 Foothill Boulevard -APN: 0227-211-24 and
25. Related Files: Conditional Use Permit DRC2011-00688 and tree Removal Permit
DRC2011-01165. Planning Department staff has determined that the project is exempt from
the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the City's CEQA
Guidelines as a Class 3 (CEQA Guidelines Section 15303) exemption which covers the
installation of small new equipment and facilities in small structures.
D. TREE REMOVAL PERMIT DRC2011-01165-VERIZON WIRELESS-A request to remove one
tree in conjunction with a proposed major wireless communication facility (Conditional Use
Permit DRC2011-00688) on the site of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church within the Regional
Related Commercial (RRC) Development District and the Medium Residential District (M)
Etiwanda Specific Plan (South Overlay) at 12676 Foothill Boulevard -APN: 0227-211-24 and
25. Related Files: Conditional Use Permit DRC2011-00688 and Variance DRC2011-01060
Tabe van der Zwaag, Associate Planner, presented the staff report. He noted that following a
discussion with the applicant, two conditions will be amended (#8 and#13)found in the resolution.
He said Condition#8 will be amended to include a provision that the applicant will be notified of any
trash issues and then they will be given 24 hours to address it from the time of the notification. He
said Condition #13 would be amended to reflect that signage required by the FCC is exempt so
those signs would be allowed.
Commissioner Fletcher asked if the equipment is enclosed. He asked if their property goes beyond
the wall of the enclosure.
Planning Commission Minutes -2- January 11, 2011
Mr. van der Zwaag said that in this case the "tree" is in one location and the equipment shelter in
another.
Vice Chairman Howdyshell asked if the applicant what happens when an applicant finds a second
carrier.
Mr. van der Zwaag said that if another carrier contacts them they will have to go through the
Conditional Use Permit process again.
Commissioner Fletcher asked why there was no second carrier.
Mr. van der Zwaag said it was possible that they needed one with matching processors and none
was available.
Fiona Hilyer said she is from Spectrum Surveying and Zoning and represents the applicant.
Commissioner Fletcher asked if all the other carriers have that location covered.
Ms. Hilyer said apparently, yes. She noted that a collocation would still be a possibility at a later
time.
Motion: Moved by Wimberly, seconded by Fletcher, to adopt the Resolutions to approve
Conditional Use Permit DRC2011-00688, Variance DRC2011-01060 and Tree Rembval Permit
DRC2011-01165 as amended. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: FLETCHER, HOWDYSHELL, OAXACA, WIMBERLY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: MUNOZ - carried
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R R R • f
Chairman Munoz returned to the Chambers at 7:37 p.m. and resumed the Chair.
E. DEVELOPMENT REVIEW DRC2008-00356—GIRON ENGINEERS INC.-Design Review of a
proposed retail commercial center consisting of 3 buildings totaling 11,588 square feet on 1.08
acre of land within the Specialty Commercial District (Subarea 3) of the Foothill Boulevard
Specific Plan, located on the northeast corner of Foothill Boulevard and Klusman Avenue -
APN: 0208-153-12, 0208-153-13, 0208-153-24. This project is categorically exempt per
Section 15332.(In-Fill Development Projects) of the California Environmental Quality Act and
the City CEQA Guidelines. It is a Class 32 categorical exemption because the project includes
in-fill development consistent with the applicable General Plan designation and regulations.
Related files: Preliminary Review DRC2007-00476,Variance DRC2010-00941,Tree Removal
Permit DRC2010-00943, and Uniform Sign Program DRC2010-00944.
F. VARIANCE DRC2010-00941 -GIRON ENGINEERS INC. -A request to reduce the street yard
setback by 6.27 feet related to Development Review DRC2008-00356, located on the northeast
corner of Foothill Boulevard and Klusman Avenue -APN: 0208-153-12, 0208-153-13, 0208-
153-24. This project is categorically exempt per Section 15305 (Minor alterations in land use
limitations) of the California Environmental Quality Act and the City CEQA Guidelines. It is a
Class 5 categorical exemption because the project includes a setback variance not resulting in
the creation of any new parcel. Related files: Development Review DRC2008-00356,
Planning Commission Minutes -3- January 11, 2011
Preliminary Review DRC2007-00476, Tree Removal Permit DRC2010-00943, and
Uniform Sign Program DRC2010-00944.
G. TREE REMOVAL PERMIT DRC2010-00943- GIRON ENGINEERS INC.-A request to remove
13 trees related to Development Review DRC2008-00356, located on the northeast corner of
Foothill Boulevard and Klusman Avenue - APN: 0208-153-12, 0208-153-13, 0208-153-24.
Related files: Preliminary Review DRC2007-00476, Development Review DRC2008-
00356Variance DRC2010-00941, and Uniform Sign Program DRC2010-00944.
H. UNIFORM SIGN PROGRAM DRC2010-00944 - GIRON ENGINEERS INC. - Uniform Sign
Program for Development Review DRC2008-00356, a proposed retail commercial center
consisting of 3 buildings totaling 11,588 square feet on 1.08 acres of land within the Specialty
Commercial District (Subarea 3) of the Foothill Boulevard Specific Plan, located on the
northeast corner of Foothill Boulevard and Klusman Avenue-APN: 0208-153-12, 0208-153-
13, 0208-153-24. Related files: Preliminary Review DRC2007-00476, Development Review
DRC2008-00356, Variance DRC2010-00941 , and Tree Removal Permit DRC2010-00943.
ITEM PULLED FROM THE AGENDA FOR PLANNING DIRECTOR REVIEW AND
APPROVAL.
Mayuko Nakajima,Assistant Planner, presented the staff report and gave a PowerPoint presentation
summarizing the project. She noted that following a discussion with the applicant, staff agreed that
some standard conditions originally required on the project were not needed for this specific
application and therefore they have been removed. She said the revised conditions are before the
Commissioners showing the struck out conditions.
Commissioner Fletcher asked if there is a reciprocal access on the site.
Ms. Nakajima said there will be a driveway near the midpoint of the project site along the east
property line.
Betty Miller,Associate Engineer, said they could use same driveway if any development occurs to
the east as this applicant will provide access to the properties to the east of his development.
Commissioner Fletcher asked where the entrance would be.
Ms. Nakajima said they could come in off Foothill Boulevard to the west of the gas station.
Samuel Giron, 654 South Glendora Avenue, Glendora 91740 said he represents the property owner.
He said they read and accept all the conditions of approval. He thanked staff for their help. He said
with respect to access;there is a provision for reciprocal access;currently there is a public alley east
of the gas station near the intersection of Archibald Avenue and Foothill Boulevard. He said his
project will provide an access point off of his driveway and that if future development occurs to the
east of him, the City intends to eliminate access to the alley and the access point will already be
existing off his driveway just to the west.
Commissioner Fletcher asked when that would be constructed.
Mr. Giron said everything on his side of the property line would be constructed with his development.
He said he will leave an opening along his easterly driveway for the developer of the gas station to
have access to both sites. He said a portion of the alley will be vacated.
Commissioner Fletcher asked what would happen if a future owner of the gas station has no plans
for development; would there still be access to the property east of this project.
Planning Commission Minutes -4- January 11, 2011
Chairman Munoz clarified that a driveway will be completed to give access off of Foothill Boulevard.
He said that the owner or future owner of the gas station will have the ability to connect and have
access from Foothill Boulevard. He said there will be access on west side and east side of the
project site.
Vice Chairman Howdyshell asked if any dialogue has occurred between the developer and the gas
station property owner. She said they choose to ignore any communication. She said the proposed
development is very nice from the previous plan submitted,
Mr. Giron said he has heard nothing from the other property owner.
Commissioner Oaxaca said this development has features and access to both sides of the
buildings, and the parking is to the rear. He said often tenants need storage space. He asked if that
need will be accommodated.
•
Mr. Giron said the property owner also brought that up. He said they discussed the dual openings.
He said the owner wants a visual view through the buildings and open storefronts at the front. He
said the tenant spaces are not laid out yet, but those designs/facilities will be designed accordingly
so the tenants do not block the view from the front of the development along Foothill Boulevard to
the rear. He said the owner does not want to see stuff piled up against the windows.
Chairman Munoz opened the public hearing.
Ed Dietl 7576 El Arco said he is quite pleased with the design, and it may help the gas station. He
said he does not understand what will be happening with the gravel driveway. He said access off of
Foothill Boulevard may be difficult as some will have to make a U-turn to get onto the site. He said
he would like to see the bus stop shifted to the west away from the gas station.
Chairman Munoz closed the public hearing.
Mr. Henderson said the applicant has tried to plan for future development to the east. He said
access to east is limited because of the intersection of Foothill and Archibald. He said the median
on Foothill is to control left turns and minimizes accidents that were regularly occurring in front of
MacDonald's and it does limit access to this site. He said the applicants worked hard with staff on a
difficult site and they did an excellent job. He said no one knows what will happen with the gas
station but this developer has offered dual access.
Chairman Munoz said access is not always a slam dunk. In most cases they are sensitive about
having others taking up property but this applicant did us a favor by providing access; a rare case.
He said he is hopeful the developer of the gas station property will work with us-these folks worked
hard for 4 years on this design.
Ms. Miller commented on the bus stop. She said the existing stop is located where the drive
approach will be. She said this applicant will move it west away from Archibald to the west of the
driveway in front of their property away from the station.
Commissioner Oaxaca said with respect to the in lieu fee rather than undergrounding-he asked if
the trigger would be the re-development of the residential properties to the north. He asked if it
would require all of them to agree.
•
Mr. Henderson noted that because the State did away with Redevelopment Agencies, it is not likely
redevelopment will happen soon. He said staff looks at what is reasonable at the time of
development.
Planning Commission Minutes -5- January 11, 2011
Mr. Flower said this development would have to wait for all the other properties to develop before
getting their fees back.
Vice Chairman Howdyshell said she likes the design,the monuments,the Route 66 fixtures, and the
gateway effect. She said the design is a nice match with the existing development along Foothill
Boulevard. She said they did good work.
Commissioner Oaxaca concurred that it is nicely designed and it highlights the importance of Route
66. He said it has nice features of attractive frontage even though the real fronts of the buildings are
• at the rear of the property.
Commissioner Wimberly concurred and thanked May for the good report and the applicant for
working with staff over the years and not giving up. He said it is an impressive re-design.
Commissioner Fletcher concurred and said it is a difficult site to develop and lends an attractive
design. He said it is a representation of what the City may want to see. He said in this case the in
lieu fees are reasonable as well as the Variance request.
Chairman Munoz said it is a good project and the applicant was willing to work with staff on a hard
property that is long and wide. He said the in lieu fee seemed appropriate to spread the burden out
and the design turned out well. He said Staff did a great job working with the applicant.
Motion: Moved by Howdyshell, seconded by Fletcher, to approve Development Review
DRC2008-00356, Variance DRC2010-00941 and Tree Removal Permit DRC2010-00943. Motion
carried by the following vote:
AYES: FLETCHER, HOWDYSHELL, MUNOZ, OAXACA, WIMBERLY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE - carried
NEW BUSINESS
I. CONSIDERATION TO INITIATE INDUSTRIAL AREA SPECIFIC PLAN SUBAREA 18 TEXT
AMENDMENT DRC2010-00685 - CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA -A request to amend
Section 5.3.2.of the Industrial Area Specific Plan Subarea 18 to add language requiring
compliance with the building height limits in the LA/Ontario International Airport Land Use
Compatibility Plan. Related Files: LA/Ontario International Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan
DRC2010-00157 and Development Code Amendment DRC2010-00984.
J. CONSIDERATION TO INITIATE DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT DRC2010-00984 -
CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA - A request to amend Section 17.30.040-D-5 (Building
Height) and Section 17.030.060-J-14 (Architecture and Design) to add language requiring
compliance with the building height limits in the LA/Ontario International Airport Land Use
Compatibility Plan. Related Files: LA/Ontario International Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan
DRC2010-00157 and Industrial Area Specific Plan Subarea 18 Text Amendment DRC2010-
00685.
Donald Granger, Senior Planner gave the staff report. He said the Airport Landuse Compatibility
Plan is a State requirement. He said Ontario has launched a collaborative effort with their
neighboring cities. He said the City of Ontario had to adopt a plan; each agency has to adopt a
plan. He said then they enter into a collaborative agreement and each city must be sure all their
landuse documents are vertically lined up and consistent with the plan. He said there will be a
future workshop with the City of Ontario and these items will be brought forward again in the future
Planning Commission Minutes -6- January 11, 2011
to the Commission and the City Council. He said the text amendments for the height limits is
fortunately consistent with our new General Plan at 70 feet but that if needed we can apply for an
exception for higher. He said there will be a formal review ofihe amendments later.
Commissioner Fletcher asked if Ontario airport is considering a realignment of their landing strips.
He asked for more information regarding potential impacts.
Mr. Granger said they plan to shift both runways slightly south and east of their present locations.
He said their strips will still run east/west. He said building heights must be below the height of the
conical shaped flight envelope which could be an impact because Rancho Cucamonga is at a
higher elevation than Ontario. He said there is overflight notification which is simply making owners
aware and potential buyers aware that they are in close proximity to the airport. He noted that
during the Santa Ana winds, the flights are altered.
Vice Chairman Howdyshell confirmed that hazard disclosures are transferred from one property
owner to another.
Commissioner Fletcher asked if these issues are being addressed for Cable Airport. He said they
practice over his house regularly.
Chairman Munoz noted that the FAA regulations have changed much in the last 40 years.
Mr. Granger confirmed they too are working on their own plan.
Vice Chairman Howdyshell said it was a great report and she looks forward to learning more about
this.
Chairman Munoz said he is grateful the City looks out for these things such as notification
requirements. He said as a pilot, he knows that many small airports got closed because of noise
impacts. He said we are ahead of the curve because our General Plan is in line with this.
Motion: Moved by Fletcher seconded by Howdyshell, to initiate the Industrial Area Specific Plan
Subarea 18 Text Amendment DRC2010-00685 and Development Code Amendment DRC2010-
00984. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: FLETCHER, HOWDYSHELL, MUNOZ, OAXACA, WIMBERLY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE - carried
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
COMMISSION BUSINESS AND COMMENTS
None
* * * * *
Planning Commission Minutes -7- January 11, 2011
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Moved by Oaxaca, seconded by Wimberly, carried 5-0 to adjourn. The Planning
Commission adjourned at 8:33 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
James R. Troyer, AICP
Secretary
Approved: January 25, 2012
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Planning Commission Minutes -8- January 11, 2011