HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011/06/22 - Minutes - PC-HPC CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Regular Meeting
June 22, 2011
Chairman Munoz called the Regular Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning
Commission to order at 7:05 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: Steven Flower, Assistant City Attorney; Steve Fowler, Assistant Planner;
Larry Henderson, Principal Planner, Lois Schrader, Planning Commission
Secretary
ANNOUNCEMENTS
None
`.r.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: Moved by Fletcher, seconded by Oaxaca, carried 5-0, to approve the minutes of
June 8, 2011.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT DRC2010-00986- BJ'S RESTAURANT- DON GARDNER-A
request to construct an outdoor patio eating area at an existing restaurant to allow for the
consumption of food, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages within the Industrial Park (IP)
District (Subarea 12) located at 11520 4th Street - APN: 0229-263-90. Related File: Minor
Development Review DRC2010-00989. This project is categorically exempt from the
requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to state CEQA
guidelines section 15303 (Class 3 Exemption - Construction of New Structures).
Steve Fowler,Assistant Planner, presented the staff report. He said the Conditions of Approval also
include the updated conditions now typically used for businesses with alcohol service.
Chairman Munoz opened the public hearing.
Charles Ram stated he represents the applicant and he was available to answer any questions. He
commented that the proposed patio would provide a relaxed outdoor seating area with a fireplace.
Vice Chairman Howdyshell asked if this is the first to add a patio.
Mr. Ram said they are going back to existing restaurant locations and adding them on and is the first
of its kind to be completed amongst other BJ Restaurant locations in California. This one includes
seating and a fire pit. He said it will include heaters for the cold months and umbrellas for summer.
Seeing and hearing no additional comment, Chairman Munoz closed the public hearing.
Vice Chairman Howdyshell said the request is straightforward,the restaurant does well and they are
busy. She said the patio area will be a compliment to the existing restaurant.
Commissioner Oaxaca agreed,and said it is a nice addition and provides a nice option for outdoor
dining.
Commissioner Wimberly concurred and noted that outdoor patios are very popular in that area and
said he reviewed the project at Design Review and it is very nice, and will be an enhancement.
Commissioner Fletcher said he had no real concerns, it is a nice complement to the business,
people enjoy outdoor dining and there is sufficient parking.
Chairman Munoz concurred, and agreed there is adequate parking and the patio is a nice
complement to the restaurant.
Motion: Moved by Wimberly, seconded by Howdyshell,to adopt the Resolution of Approval for
DRC2010-00986. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: FLETCHER, HOWDYSHELL, MUNOZ, OAXACA,WIMBERLY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE -carried
B. DESIGN REVIEW DRC2011-00175 - TESORO/ SHELL - A&S ENGINEERING - AHMAD
GI-ADERI - A request to install a 756 square foot automated carwash on the east side of an
existing gas station within the Terra Vista Community Plan(MFC)at 11108 Foothill Boulevard-
APN: 1077-422-35. Related File: Conditional Use Permit DRC2011-00176. This project is
categorically exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA)
pursuant to state CEQA guidelines section 15303 (Class 3 Exemption- Construction of New
Structures).
C. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT DRC2011-00176 - TESORO/SHELL - A&S ENGINEERING -
AHMAD GHADERI-A request to install an automated carwash on the east side of an existing
gas station within the Terra Vista Community Plan (MFC) at 11108 Foothill Boulevard -APN:
1077-422-35. Related File: Development Review DRC2011-00175. This project is
categorically exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA)
pursuant to state CEQA guidelines section 15303 (Class 3 Exemption- Construction of New
Structures).
Steve Fowler,Assistant Planner, presented the staff report. He said noise was initially a concern
but because the business location, no residential areas will be affected by the noise. He said the
DRC asked that the trellis features be replaced with composite material as wood trellises tend to
deteriorate.
Commissioner Fletcher said that when they review carwash applications,the noise issue comes up.
He said he never thought an enclosed carwash created any noise.
Planning Commission Minutes -2- June 22, 2011
Mr. Fowler said that with most car washes in town staff does not receive any noise complaints. He
noted that the busy street is likely to create more noise than the carwash and there is a buffer zone
in this case because it is situated between two buildings and set back from the street.
ICommissioner Fletcher asked if the noise levels of these facilities have ever been measured.
Larry Henderson, Principal Planner, said he could not recall that they have been measured. He said
the real issue is the ambient noise level and pointed out that if it was operating at 2:00 a.m. and if it
was located close to residents, staff would likely receive complaints, but because there are none
around this facility, it should not bother anyone.
Chairman Munoz noted that noise is one thing the DRC is careful to look at if it is close to residents.
He agreed that this one is on Foothill Boulevard and in a commercial area.
Commissioner Wimberly confirmed that the applicant will be using composite material for the trellis.
Mr. Fowler said staff is still looking at that because it is difficult to get the right material to achieve the
desired design look.
Ahmad Ghaderi with A& S Engineering stated he is the consultant for Tesoro Shel. He said staff
was great to work with and they received good/helpful comments from the DRC. He said he was
available to answer questions and they are happy to comply with all the conditions.
Vice Chairman Howdyshell said she thinks it will be a complement and an asset to the area and she
buys gas there. She said there are no other automated carwashes near there and the noise would
likely be more from the traffic in the area. She said it will complete that area development as well.
I Chairman Munoz opened the public hearing.
Ed Dietl said it is not the noise of the carwash that is the problem. He said it is the people that go
there with their doors open and loud music. He said they come and open up there cars while there
and blast their music. He said there is not much housing near this one, but these facilities are a
problem. He remarked that this one is right on Foothill Boulevard. He asked if Route 66 'foo-foo'
could be added to the building as it is very plain and there is a bustop nearby that was specially built
with Route 66 elements.
Chairman Munoz closed the public hearing and asked staff to address the question regarding Route
66 design.
Mr. Henderson said given the location and because two sides of the facility are buffered and
because the building is set back from Foothill Boulevard, it would not really contribute to the Route
66 theme. He said staff did not feel it was necessary to require the applicant to add these features
to this small structure as they would likely:not be visible.
Chairman Munoz noted that at the DRC meeting it was also believed that any Route 66 treatment
would not be visible particularly because the landscaping is mature, and the building is already
screened. It did not seem like a good use of the applicant's money.
Commissioner Wimberly noted that the only portion of the facility facing Foothill Boulevard is the
entrance and the structure will not really be visible.
iMr. Fowler said that elevation also has a trellis that will block the view.
Planning Commission Minutes -3- June 22, 2011
Commissioner Wimberly said this facility will embellish the location and make the space more
useful.
Commissioner Fletcher said he had no real concerns about the design as it is not really visible from
the street. He said the approval will allow a new business to replace an old one in an existing
space. He said this is a good location for this.
Chairman Munoz said it is an appropriate use for this area, it is parked correctly, and it is fairly well
screened. He offered his support and called for a motion.
Motion: Moved by Fletcher, seconded by Howdyshell, to adopt the Resolutions of Approval for
Design Review DRC2011-00175 and Conditional Use Permit DRC2011-00176. Motion carried by
the following vote:
AYES: FLETCHER, HOWDYSHELL, MUNOZ, OAXACA, WIMBERLY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE - carried
D. NON-CONSTRUCTION CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT MODIFICATION DRC2010-00188M -
MCALAN'S PUB AND GRILL-A request to modify CUP DRC2010-00188 to increase the hours
of operation of the Restaurant/Bar use to add two additional hours during Sunday through
Wednesday and one additional hour on Thursday and with no change to entertainment hours.
Located at 6321 Haven Avenue - APN: 201-272-06. Related File: Entertainment Permit
DRC2010-00189. CONTINUED FROM MAY 25, 2011.
Larry Henderson, Principal Planner, presented the staff report. He noted the hearing was previously
continued to allow for a meeting to take place with the owner, staff and the Police Department to
address security and responsible alcohol service issues. He said they met several times, the
owners have been very cooperative and received training in responsible service of alcohol, they
hired an approved security company and developed and submitted a security plan which also was
accepted. He said the Police Department believes that if the measures described in the Resolution
and Conditions of Approval are sustained and the business is operated in a responsible manner,the
affects of negative activities will be minimized.
Charles Buquet of Charles Joseph Associates stated he represents the applicant. He said he
worked with Mr. Henderson and he appreciated the time staff devoted to this. He said this
application is really a follow up from last year and this request is to provide additional hours of
service. He said he is here to answer any questions. He said the applicant is doing all they can to
adhere to the conditions and move forward in a positive manner.
Vice Chairman Howdyshell referred to Page D-2 of the agenda packet and asked for clarification of
the morning opening time of 9:00 a.m.
Mr. Buquet noted that the original application included a provision for breakfast but that the main
purpose of this application is for the later hours.
Vice Chairman Howdyshell referred to Page D-5 of the agenda packet and noted that breakfast is
served on weekends. She asked for clarification concerning Monday through Friday as she did not
see a breakfast menu.
Mr. Buquet confirmed that tonight's request is just for the extension of the evening hours and that
breakfast has been served for the last year and they will continue to open at 9:00 a.m.for breakfast
Planning Commission Minutes -4- June 22, 2011
Chairman Munoz opened the public hearing. Seeing and hearing no further comment, he closed the
public hearing.
Commissioner Fletcher said the application has been recommended by staff, it has conditions for
serving drinks and when the last drinks are served, the owner is taking actions to operate
responsibly, and he believes it will enhance their business. He said he did not have any objections.
Commissioner Wimberly said the business is trying to be more competitive, he noted menu
improvements and he expressed his belief that the business is going to continue their record of no
major incidents. He said he has no real objections to the application.
Commissioner Oaxaca agreed and said the applicant has shown an excellent history of running the
establishment responsibly, and the extension of hours is not out of line and appropriate.
Vice Chairman Howdyshell concurred and said it is a positive to see applicants needing to expand
their business and they are making the expenditure and investment to do so. She said she was
pleased to see the incorporation of the police review and she appreciated the police for taking
second look to be sure everything is above board.
Chairman Munoz concurred and offered his support of the extension of hours and he noted a
blemish free record from when they previously reviewed the application.
Motion: Moved by Fletcher, seconded by Oaxaca, to adopt the Resolution of Approval for Non-
Construction Conditional Use Permit DRC2010-00188M. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: FLETCHER, HOWDYSHELL, MUNOZ, OAXACA, WIMBERLY
NOES: NONE
' ABSENT: NONE - carried
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
* ** * *
COMMISSION BUSINESS AND COMMENTS
Vice Chairman Howdyshell noted that representatives are here for Omaha Jack's. She commented
that she had fabulous tilapia there recently and that it was also affordable.
Chairman Munoz remarked that he was there on Fathers Day and he had a wonderful meal.
* * * ** •
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Moved by Wimberly, seconded by Fletcher, carried 5-0, to adjourn. The Planning
Commission adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
•
Planning Commission Minutes -5- June 22, 2011
Respectfully submitted,
J e�yer, AICP
Secretary
Approved: July 13, 2011
Planning Commission Minutes -6- June 22, 2011