HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011/09/14 - Minutes - PC-HPC CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Regular Meeting
September 14, 2011
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,
Ray Wimberly
ABSENT: Francisco Oaxaca
STAFF PRESENT: Steven Flower, Assistant City Attorney; Steve Fowler, Assistant Planner;
Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer; Lois Schrader, Planning Commission
Secretary; Mike Smith,Associate Planner; James Troyer, Planning Director;
Tabe Van der Zwaag, Associate Planner
ANNOUNCEMENTS
None
* ** * *
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: Moved by Fletcher, seconded by Wimberly, (Howdyshell abstain, Oaxaca absent)carried
3-0-1-1, to approve the minutes of August 24, 2011.
Chairman Munoz recused himself to avoid any perception of a conflict of interest as he is employed
by a communications company. He left the Council Chambers at 7:21 p.m.
Vice Chairman assumed the role as Chairman for the hearing item to follow.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT DRC2011-00010-PTS FOR T-MOBILE AND PLANCOM, INC.
FOR VERIZON-A request to remove an existing single-carrier Minor Wireless Communication
Facility of 35 feet in height and in its place construct a multi-carrier Major Wireless
Communications Facility of 75 feet in height on a parcel of 4.65 acres that is developed with
facilities owned and operated by the Cucamonga Valley Water District(CVWD)in the Very Low
(VL) Residential District located at 6615 Etiwanda Avenue; APN 0227-051-29. Related file:
Minor Development Review DRC2005-00762. This action is categorically exempt from the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section
15302 Replacement or Reconstruction.
Mike Smith, Associate Planner presented the staff report.
Commissioner Fletcher asked if we have height limitation.
Mr. Smith said it is 35 feet.
Commissioner Fletcher asked if we have a 75 foot tower anywhere else.
Mr. Smith said in the Industrial Area.
Commissioner Fletcher asked how the height is determined and what kinds of efficiencies are
gained by adding height to the tower.
Vice Chairman Howdyshell opened the public hearing and invited the applicant's representative to
answer the question.
Peter Blied, representing Nextel, said the height is determined for maximum coverage area; the
higher the tower, the better coverage. He said these systems also operate via line of site. He said
the Code has a provision for additional height if there is a collocation proposed. He said if they are
not able to stack the antennae in this manner then there will be more of these facilities would be
needed within a smaller area to provide the same level of coverage.
Commissioner Fletcher asked how many carriers can collocate on a 75 foot pole.
Mr. Blied said 4-5 carriers; he added that 75 feet should also cover any need for future carriers.
Commissioner Fletcher noted the before and after exhibits. He asked how much more efficient is a
35 foot tower as opposed to a 75 foot tower.
Mr. Blied said each have a range limitation and there are two factors to consider; basic coverage
and also density and the volume of users. He said Rancho Cucamonga has had considerable
growth and everything is going wireless. He said the map exhibits may show coverage but not
capacity.
Vice Chairman Howdyshell noted that the northern part of the City typically gets less reception.
Commissioner Fletcher said he was curious about if it will tower over the neighborhood. He said
that he lives in the foothills and there is pretty sketchy coverage there.
Mr Blied said there is a grove of eucalyptus along the home tract boundary that will soften the visual
impact of the tower. He said Commissioner Fletcher's point was well taken. The carriers want to
maximize their coverage and there are many factors to consider.
Commissioner Wimberly asked what the required separation is on the pole between carriers.
Mr. Blied said it is generally 10 feet from tip to tip depending on the carriers and engineering. He
said some are farther apart depending upon bandwidths.
Commissioner Wimberly asked if microwaves work differently.
Mr. Blied said they require more control such as a pinpoint. He said phone and data is a more
broad application.
Planning Commission Minutes -2- September 14, 2011
Vice Chairman Howdyshell asked if there is room for more expansion on this tower or if it is maxed
out.
Mr. Blied said it appears there is room for one more carrier.
Vice Chairman Howdyshell opened the public hearing and seeing and hearing none, closed the
public hearing.
Commissioner Fletcher said his biggest concern is how it fits in the neighborhood. He said the
location is appropriate and it is good that the existing pole is there and still can be used during
construction of the new pole. He said there is a need of better coverage for our residents and
businesses.
Commissioner Wimberly agreed with Commissioner Fletcher, especially regarding coverage. He
said that leaving the 35 foot pole in place while the new one is under construction should not have
any impact. He said he is in favor of the project.
Vice Chairman Howdyshell said that the location is lined with significant trees. She said it will be
camouflaged and with the housing to the south there are many trees as well. She said increased
cell service is good.
Motion: Moved by Wimberly, seconded by Fletcher, 3-0-1-1 to adopt the Resolution approving
Conditional Use Permit DRC2011-00010. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: FLETCHER, HOWDYSHELL, WIMBERLY
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: MUNOZ
ABSENT: OAXACA - carried
Chairman Munoz returned to the Council Chambers at 7:40 p.m.
** * * *
B. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TENTATIVE TRACT MAP SUBTT18806 - LEWIS
OPERATING CORPORATION - A request to create a 33 lot Tentative Tract Map on 10.35
acres located in the Low-Medium (LM) Development District of the Etiwanda Specific Plan
(ESP)on the north side of Base Line Road between Etiwanda Avenue and East Avenue-APN:
0227-131-03, 08 and 62. Related File: Development Design Review DRC2010-01005. Staff
has prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration.
C. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENT DESIGN REVIEW DRC2010-01005
- LEWIS OPERATING CORPORATION - Site plan and architectural review for a 33 lot
subdivision on 10.35 acres located in the Low-Medium (LM) Development District of the
Etiwanda Specific Plan (ESP) on the north side of Base Line Road between Etiwanda Avenue
and East Avenue - APN: 0227-131-03, 08 and 62. Related File - Tentative Tract Map
SUBTT18806. Staff has prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impacts
for consideration.
D. TREE REMOVAL PERMIT DRC2011-00165 - LEWIS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION -A
request to remove 81 trees related to the development of 33 homes (DRC2010-01005) on
10.35 acres located in the Low-Medium (LM) Development District of the Etiwanda Specific
Plan (ESP) on the north side of Base Line Road between Etiwanda Avenue and East Avenue-
APN: 0227-131-03, 08 and 62.
Planning Commission Minutes -3- September 14, 2011
Tabe van der Zwaag,Associate Planner presented the staff report. He noted that he received a call
today from a neighbor with concerns about the timeline of the intersection completion, the loss of
habitat for birds, and the loss of shade for property to the east that is currently provided by the large
windrow. He said the applicant agreed to all the DRC requirements.
Commissioner Wimberly asked if he was able to resolve the caller's concerns.
Mr. van der Zwaag said she seemed satisfied with respect to staffs intent to install the intersection.
He noted that the applicant made an offer to the owner to the west to relinquish the easement
needed for the access but they said they not interested.
Commissioner Wimberly asked about the size of the trees being planted.
Mr. van der Zwaag pointed out that although some think it would be better to transplant larger trees,
it is known that smaller trees transplant better and may grow faster than more mature trees and the
likelihood of their survival is better as well.
Commissioner Fletcher asked about the plastic fence and what would happen with that.
Mr. van der Zwaag reported that this issue stems back to the development of the project to the east.
He said the owner of the old existing residence (Mr. Mora) did not want his trees removed and did
not want a block wall put in because the construction would damage the tree roots. He said at that
previous Commission meeting, the Commission decided to put in vinyl fencing to protect the trees
with the hope that when this future development came in, the Commission could then require the
block wall to be installed as originally intended. He said he sent a letter to all the property owners.
He said he received 14 replies and they want the wall.
Commissioner Fletcher said he recalled the issue was that the windrow was very close to the
property line. He said at the time he had a concern about the liability of property damage that could
be caused by the trees. He noted there was also a building that extended over the property line. He
said considering the trees are all mature,diseased, bug infested eucalyptus; he felt they presented a
hazard.
Garth Chambers representing Lewis Development reported that Lewis is a 50 percent partner with
Van Dale Homes and Lewis is vested through the process. He thanked staff for their assistance.
He said they have reviewed and accept the conditions of approval.
Chairman Munoz opened the public hearing.
Edgar Placentia said he lives on Green Canyon Drive and owns a home to the east adjacent to the
project. He said he has met with their HOA and they have concerns about the development with
respect to 1) increase of traffic in their neighborhood/safety risk; the developer should consider a
primary access from Base Line Road and 2) they do not want the trees removed; the new homes
should be built without having to remove the trees as they shade the homes saving energy costs
and also provide shade for the walkers and joggers as well as providing habitat for hawks, and owls
that may be nesting. He said they are asking to leave some of the trees in place, and 3)the current
homes have an HOA and that they have been told the new development will not have an HOA which
could affect property values. He said the new neighborhood should have one; there are minimal
costs with good benefits.
Lupe Eastman said she is a current property owner. She said the tree branches are falling and
there is a bug infestation. She said they are costly to take care of. She said a thinning of the trees
would benefit the Van Dale community. She said she is worried about the liability if the branches
should fall.
Planning Commission Minutes -4- September 14, 2011
Chairman Munoz closed the public hearing.
•
Garth Chambers of Lewis Development said with respect to the concern about traffic; there is an
ongoing effort to acquire the full right of way. He said they have worked with staff towards an
alternate solution that does not greatly impact tract to the east. He noted they prepared an arborist
report which indicates the trees are not healthy or safe. He said they will replant with a better
species. He said there will not be an HOA but they will have guidelines. He said they will not
burden these owners with an HOA.
Commissioner Fletcher asked what the backyard depth from the rear property line is.
Mr. Chambers said they are about 35 feet deep; 27 feet from the back of the house to the trees.
Commissioner Fletcher said the street is designed to handle anticipated traffic flows. He said he
recalled the prior project approval to the east and he looked at the windrows and they were in bad
shape then. He said he would not want them adjacent to his wall or backyard as they are diseased
bug infested. He said they are a -hazard to the new and existing homeowners. He said to replant
gives the developer an opportunity to build a nicer development and they may have healthier trees
over time.
Commissioner Wimberly said the project should add to the value of the surrounding properties. He
said he worked with the applicant at DRC and they worked with staff and came to terms with all the
recommended changes. He said their proposal for trees is very fair and it should be a nice project.
Vice Chairman Howdyshell said she looked at the proposed and the existing circulation plan. She
said Pasture Court appears landlocked. She said those residents should benefit with the proposed
circulation. She said the development should add to this neighborhood.
Chairman Munoz said in general, the traffic concerns are unfounded. He said the proposal gives
the existing residents flexibility. He said with respect to the tree issue, pruning has to be done right
and it could be big expense. He said the design of the homes is very nice. He noted that these are
not final drawings but the applicant accepted all recommended changes. He said he supports the
project as proposed.
Commissioner Fletcher commented on the house product and size of the homes. He said he
enjoyed seeing this size of this product at about 2700 square feet. He said they are easier to afford
and it expands the City's product base.
Chairman Munoz added that he is glad the applicant met the 25% single-story requirement.
Motion: Moved by Wimberly, seconded by Howdyshell, to adopt the Resolutions approving
Tentative Tract Map SUBTT18806, Development Design Review DRC2010-01005 and Tree
Removal Permit DRC2011-00165. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: FLETCHER, HOWDYSHELL, MUNOZ, WIMBERLY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: OAXACA, - carried
E. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TENTATIVE TRACT MAP SUBTT18804 - LEWIS
INVESTMENT COMPANY-A request to create a Tract Map that includes 55 single-family lots
and 12 lots for condominium purposes for a proposed 119 unit development (55 single-family
residences and 64 multi-family residences) on 18.7 gross acres of land for a site located in the
Low-Medium (LM) Residential Development District at the southwest corner of Archibald
Planning Commission Minutes -5- September 14, 2011
Avenue and 6th Street -APN: 0210-062-08. Related files: Development Review DRC2010-
00960, Variance DCR2011-00168 and Tree Removal Permit DRC2011-00166. Staff has
prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration.
F. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENT DESIGN REVIEW DRC2010-00960
-LEWIS INVESTMENT COMPANY-Site plan review for a 119 unit development that includes
55 single-family residences and 64 multi-family residences on 18.7 gross acres of land
including architectural review for the 64 multi-family residences and common buildings for a site
located in the Low Medium (LM) Residential Development District at the southwest corner of
Archibald Avenue and 6th Street - APN: 0210-062-08. Related files: Tentative Tract Map
SUBTT18804, Variance DCR2011-00168 and Tree Removal Permit DRC2011-00166. Staff
has prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration.
G. VARIANCE DRC2011-00168-LEWIS DEVELOPMENT CORP.-A request to construct south
property line walls up to 9 feet high due to a grade difference between the project site and the
existing lots to the south related to Development Review DRC2010-00960. Staff has prepared
a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration.
H. TREE REMOVAL PERMIT DRC2011-00166- LEWIS DEVELOPMENT CORP. -A request to
remove 17 trees related to Development Review DRC2010-00960 for an 18.7 gross acres site
located in the Low-Medium (LM) Residential Development District at the southwest corner of
Archibald Avenue and 6th Street-APN: 0210-062-08.
Tabe van der Zwaag, Associate Planner, presented the staff report. He said he received a letter
today from Carla Florena, a resident at 9580 Meadow Street, which expresses concern about
removing the trees as it eliminates a bird habitat; the writer asked for a tree buffer between
properties, and a landscaped center median. Ms. Florena said she is glad the developer met the
25% single-story requirement but all of the two-story homes are along the north property line and
none are along the south property line. The writer expressed concern that the park is heavily sports
oriented and she would like a walking path and access of that for residents. She also complained of
fast traffic along 6th Street.
Chairman Munoz asked if staff suggested she contact the Traffic Engineer.
Mr. van der Zwaag indicated staff did that.
Vice Chairman Howdyshell asked if there is access to the park by the Hawthorne development.
Mr. van der Zwaag said they have gate which gives them access. He said the applicant has met
with the Hawthorne development HOA and resolved the issue. He reported that staff also added a
condition for a monument and plaque-design which will be approved by the Planning Director. He
noted that Lewis will put in a bus turnout and one suggestion is that they could incorporate a seat
wall and incorporated the monument element into it.
Commissioner Fletcher said he would favor a mosaic design. He said the Commission could
discuss where the monument could be and it could be brought back to the DRC or the Commission.
Chairman Munoz said he might like to see that at the DRC.
Garth Chambers, Lewis Operating Corporation said it is a unique project. He said they have
reviewed and accept the conditions of approval. He commented that there is connectivity; they are
providing a gate to the park. He said with respect to the location of the single-story homes vs. the
two-story homes, there will be a tree barrier along the 6`" Street right-of-way and the site falls 0-5
feet north to south. He said the grade should help mitigate the views along with landscaping. He
Planning Commission Minutes -6- September 14, 2011
said they are in favor of conditioning single-story lots along the south side of the site to help
preserve views and the city lights.
Chairman Munoz asked how many trees will be planted.
Mr. van der Zwaag said they are planting 600 trees.
Commissioner Fletcher asked if all the houses on the south side will be conditioned to be all single-
story homes.
Chairman Munoz opened the public hearing. Hearing and seeing no comment, Chairman Munoz
closed the public hearing.
Vice Chairman Howdyshell said she really likes the combination development because of the
gardens, the nice mix of homes and multi-family product. She said she is in favor of this. She
complimented the developer for the floorplan of the condos that include a downstairs bedroom. She
said the City does not currently have any with first floor bedrooms.
Commissioner Wimberly said he worked with the applicant at DRC. He said he is very pleased. He
offered kudos to the applicant as they worked with staff. He said they brought an exceptional
project.
Commissioner Fletcher said he is impressed with Lewis projects overall,that much thought was put
into this. He said he likes the single-family detached homes, the walkways and community garden
plots, a nice amenity for a condo owner if they want it and it will help sell the product. He said these
are a nice generous size for condos and this adds to our product base. He said the wall variance
makes sense because of the drop in grade/elevation.
Chairman Munoz noted that when this came to the DRC there was very little architectural work to do.
He said he appreciated the level of styling that came out from the start; he gave kudos to the
architect. He said he supports the project and called for a motion.
Steven Flower,Assistant City Attorney suggested the Commission determine if their motion includes
the issue of the design of the monument and the added condition regarding the design of the
Historic Point of Interest plaque.
Chairman Munoz clarified that he believed the Commission was approving the project as amended.
He noted the added condition regarding the monument on Agenda Packet Pages 146 and 181. He
asked for comment about the monument condition, the location and design and the suggestion with
respect to a mosaic design.
Commissioner Fletcher suggested a plaque and mosaic would be nice and it would add interest and
a seating area near the entrance. He said that would be an appropriate place.
Commissioner Wimberly said the design suggested by Mr. van der Zwaag has merit. He asked
about the placement of the plaque.
Mr. van der Zwaag said the original idea was for a seat bench at the corner and a monument with a
plaque would be there.
Vice Chairman Howdyshell asked where they are typically placed.
Mr. van der Zwaag said there is no standard for this.
Planning Commission Minutes -7- September 14, 2011
Chairman Munoz referred to the Agenda Packet exhibit found on E,F,G,H-Page 14. He suggested
it be placed on corner as an idea.
Vice Chairman Howdyshell said she liked the idea of a mosaic as it would be colorful and
recognizable.
Mr. van der Zwaag said the project name is Harvest as it refers to the community gardens. He
suggested an alternate name of"Harvest at the DeBerard Rancho."
Mr. Flower asked who will review the design and placement.
James Troyer, Planning Director, recommended the DRC review the design and location.
Commissioner Fletcher suggested they approve the project with the included amendment.
Motion: Moved by Fletcher, seconded by Wimberly, to adopt the Resolutions of approval for
Tentative Tract Map SUBTT18804, Development Design Review DRC2010-00960, Variance
DRC2011-00168 and Tree Removal Permit DRC2011-00166 as amended. Motion carried by the
following vote:
AYES: FLETCHER, HOWDYSHELL, MUNOZ, WIMBERLY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: OAXACA, - carried
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
COMMISSION BUSINESS AND COMMENTS
None
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Moved by Fletcher, seconded by Howdyshell, carried 4-0-1 (Oaxaca absent), to adjourn.
The Planning Commission adjourned at 8:45 p.m.to a workshop to discuss Pre-application Review
DRC2011-00724. The workshop adjourned at 9:40 p.m. and those minutes appear separately.
espectfully submitt��
/l•
James R. Troyer, AICP
Secretary
Approved: September 28, 2011
Planning Commission Minutes -8- September 14, 2011