HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011/04/27 - Minutes - PC-HPC CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Regular Meeting
April 27, 2011
Chairman Munoz called the Regular Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning
Commission to order at 7:15 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 (arrived at 7:25 p.m.)
ABSENT: Ray Wimberly
STAFF PRESENT: Candyce Burnett, Senior Planner; Steven Flower, Assistant City Attorney;
Planning Specialist; Mayuko Nakajima, Assistant Planner; Lois Schrader,
Planning Commission Secretary; James Troyer, Planning Director; Barbara
Tuncay, Assistant Planner
ANNOUNCEMENTS
None
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: Moved by Fletcher, seconded by Munoz, carried 2-0-1-2 (Howdyshell abstain, Wimberly
and Oaxaca absent), to approve the minutes of April 13, 2011.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT DRC2009-00414-CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA-
A proposed amendment to the Development Code, amending Sections 17.02 (Administration),
and 17.08 (Residential Districts), to add a definition and standards for Community Gardens.
Staff has determined that the project is exempt from the requirements of the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Section 15061(b)(3). This action will be forwarded to,the
City Council for final action and the date of the Public Hearing before City Council will be
separately noticed.
James Troyer, Planning Director, noted that the Community Gardens Ordinance and the Farmers'
Markets Ordinances represent multi-departmental efforts and are related to the General Plan,
Healthy RC and to the Robert Woods Johnson Grant projects. He said many people helped with the
definitions and technical assistance. He thanked Ruben Brambila, Healthy RC Project Manager,for
his technical help.
Barbara Tuncay, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report.
Vice Chairman Howdyshell referred to Page A-2 of the agenda packet and asked for an example of
a large garden in the Open Space districts.
Mr. Troyer said one is going in to the rear of the Sears Grand store-the Route 66 Community
Garden.
Commissioner Fletcher asked if the definition stipulates it as being 'non-profit' as opposed to for
profit'.
Ms Tuncay pointed read the definition found on page A-2 of the agenda packet.
Mr. Troyer said it is not a requirement that it be a non-profit.
Commissioner Fletcher asked if someone had enough land, could they rent out the garden lots for a
fee.
Mr. Troyer said the City will regulate that with a CUP. He said this is new territory and a work in
progress; but these things will be addressed with the processing of a Conditional Use Permit.
Commissioner Fletcher said he understands a fee waiver for a non-profit and would promote that
but if it is a 'for-profit' garden, then perhaps the fee waiver would not be appropriate.
Mr. Troyer said the intent is that it should be passive, benign garden activities.
Vice Chairman Howdyshell said that seems to be the trend and noted that she receives a magazine
that highlights these types of gardens run by non-profits, church organizations, and community
groups.
Ms. Tuncay said they may start out as a private garden and can morph over time as well to a
Community Garden.
Chairman Munoz asked if Commissioner Fletcher has a concern that it would be for profit and would
be in competition.
Commissioner Fletcher said he did not necessarily see that happening and a fee waiver for a non-
profit would be fine but that he might have a concern if we were waiving fees for a profit generating
organization.
Mr. Troyer pointed out that if there were truck traffic, loading, and unloading, that would not be what
we had in mind for these gardens.
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Chairman Munoz opened the public hearing. Seeing and hearing no comment, Chairman Munoz
closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Oaxaca arrived at 7:25 PM.
Commissioner Fletcher said the efforts to amend the Development Code are good,and the gardens
areworthwhile and part of our Healthy RC initiative. He said requiring the CUP is good and if they
fit, fine. He said overall, the City is getting a good deal.
Vice Chairman Howdyshell said she is pleased the City is proactive and parameters for this are in
place. She said this idea is in the forefront across the country with the Back to Basics initiative. She
said she looks forward to successful Community Gardens.
Planning Commission Minutes -2- April 27, 2011
Chairman Munoz agreed. He mentioned that the fresh produce can be sold as well other items. He
said he appreciates what staff has put into this and that these amendments are needed, and are
appropriate updates to the Development Code.
Motion: Moved by Howdyshell, seconded by Fletcher, to adopt the Resolution Recommending
Approval of Development Code Amendment DRC2009-00414 to be forwarded to the City Council for
final action. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: FLETCHER, HOWDYSHELL, MUNOZ
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: WIMBERLY - carried
ABSTAIN: OAXACA
B. DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT DRC2010-00946-CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA
-A proposed amendment to the Development Code, amending Sections 17.02 (Administration),
17.04(Permits), 17.10(Commercial/Office Districts), and 17.32 (Foothill Boulevard Districts)to
add a definition for farmers markets, to amend the Commercial/Office District and Foothill
Boulevard Districts Use Regulations tables, and define the permitting requirements for Farmers'
Markets. Staff has determined that the project is exempt from the requirements of the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Sections 15304(e) and 15061(b)(3). This action
will be forwarded to the City Council for final action and the date of the Public Hearing before
City Council will be separately noticed. Related Files: Victoria Gardens Master Plan
Amendment DRC2011-00291 and Terra Vista Community Plan Amendment DRC2011-00292.
C. VICTORIA GARDENS MASTER PLAN AMENDMENT DRC2011-00291 - CITY OF RANCHO
CUCAMONGA - A proposed amendment to the Victoria Gardens Master Plan, amending
Section 4.3 regarding the requirements for Farmers Markets. Staff has determined that the
project is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Sections 15304(e) and 15061(b)(3). This action will be forwarded to the City Council for final
action and the date of the Public Hearing before City Council will be separately noticed.
Related Files: DRC2010-00946 and DRC2011-00292.
D. TERRA VISTA COMMUNITY PLAN AMENDMENT DRC2011-00292 - CITY OF RANCHO
CUCAMONGA - A proposed amendment to the Terra Vista Community Plan, amending
Chapter V (Community Development Standards) regarding the requirements for Farmers
Markets. Staff has determined that the project is exempt from the requirements of the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Sections 15304(e) and 15061(b)(3). This action
will be forwarded to the City Council for final action and the date of the Public Hearing before
City Council will be separately noticed. Related Files: DRC2010-00946 and DRC2011-00291.
Candyce Burnett, Senior Planner presented the staff report.
Vice Chairman Howdyshell asked what is involved; what makes it a 'Certified' Farmer's Market.
Ms. Burnett noted that the markets go through a certification process and if they are not certified
then they would have to meet the requirements that commercial producers would have to meet for
sorting, grading and packing. She said this certification process is at the State level but is a less
stringent level than what the commercial producers have to meet.
Steven Flower, Assistant City Attorney said this is a way of piggybacking onto the State
requirements. He said this is a way to ensure that we do not have simply a wholesaler selling
something on the street.
Planning Commission Minutes -3- April 27, 2011
Vice Chairman Howdyshell asked if the markets will bring in revenue for the City.
Steven Flower, Assistant City Attorney responded, "no".
Commission Fletcher asked if a certificate is required of the producers and do they also have to be
from local farms.
Ms. Burnet said they just have to meet the minimum certification requirement and they do not have
to be from local farms.
Mr. Flower said he did not believe that the State looks at where they come from; they bring the
produce to where the people are. He said it would not be practical to limit the producers in that way.
Commissioner Fletcher asked about the percentage of primary activity sales. He said at some
Farmers' Markets they may have such things as bounce houses and games for the kids. He asked
if those activities would be acceptable here.
Ms. Burnett noted Attachment B and said there is a provision of 75% of the sales area to be
dedicated to the sale of food and produce items and the remaining 25% can be used for other
ancillary items and activities. She said the City would review their activities with the permit
application.
Commissioner Oaxaca asked if we will require the producers to show their certificate as part of their
permitting process.
Ms. Burnett said they would be required to show their certificate and comply with all the regulations.
Vice Chairman Howdyshell noted that this brings the participants to a higher standard.
Mr. Troyer said some venues call themselves a Farmers' Market but they are more of a street fair.
He said the requirement for 75%of the product quotient is needed for it to be a true Farmers'Market
and not a street fair.
Chairman Munoz said we probably won't see sausages, sandwiches and the like.
Commissioner Fletcher said he did not think that would necessarily be a bad thing but hopefully the
certified growers will bring a caliber of food to help bring people out. He said we already have
Henrys & Trader Joe's but more opportunity is a good thing.
Chairman Munoz opened the public hearing. Seeing and hearing no further comment, Chairman
Munoz closed the public hearing and asked for the Commissioners' final remarks.
Commissioner Fletcher said Farmers' Markets have done well in other cities and they are enjoyable
places to visit. He said our previous attempt in one particular parking lot did not seem to attract the
appropriate vendors. He said to open this opportunity up to more venues and locations is a good
move.
Commissioner Oaxaca agreed and said it is necessary to update the Code to accommodate this
activity and it is a good thing.
Vice Chairman Howdyshell concurred and said she hopes we can demonstrate that as an
organization we are worthy of more grants. She said she is looking for success.
Chairman Munoz agreed and asked for a motion.
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Planning Commission Minutes -4- April 27, 2011
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Motion: Moved by Oaxaca, seconded by Fletcher, to adopt the Resolutions Recommending
Approval of Development Code Amendment DRC2010-00946; Victoria Gardens Master Plan
Amendment DRC2011-00291; and Terra Vista Community Plan DRC2011-00292 to be forwarded to
the City Council for final action. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: FLETCHER, HOWDYSHELL, MUNOZ, OAXACA
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: WIMBERLY - carried
E. DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT DRC2010-00724-CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA-
A request to amend Section 17.08.90.C.16 (Single-Family Development) by adding a general
design guideline for single-story homes in new single-family developments within the
Residential Development Districts. The project qualifies under State CEQA Guideline Section
15061(b)(3) because the proposed amendment is to add a design guideline and will not result
in an intensification of environmental impacts. This item will be forwarded to the City Council for
final action. CONTINUED FROM THE MARCH 23, 2011 MEETING
Candyce Burnett, Senior Planner presented the staff report.
Commissioner Fletcher asked of the land left to develop, approximately how many lots are left to
develop that are under the 7,200 square foot threshold.
Ms. Burnett said the majority of large lots left for development are in the Etiwanda and Etiwanda .
' North area. She said there are only a few locations left that allow smaller lots and they are in the
Community Planned areas in Etiwanda, Victoria, Victoria Arbors and Terra Vista with some lots as
small as 4,000 ft. iShe noted that they also have provisions for special setbacks, zero lot lines, etc.
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to accommodate single-story homes on those small lots. She said that only a few major lots are left
for development.
Commissioner Fletcher noted that the zoning regulations have minimum lot sizes which allow
developers to choose large or smaller lots. He asked what the lot coverage requirement is.
Ms. Burnett said it depends on the area: some are 45%, some 25%.
Commissioner Fletcher said 7,200 square feet seems small. He said single-story homes on small
lots might be desirable for the elderly. He said he is not opposed to changing the regulations but
said the City might be giving away an opportunity to build more single-story homes even if they are
smaller homes on smaller lots.
Vice Chairman Howdyshell commented that we have 1600-1800 square foot single-story homes in
Etiwanda and The Windrows and if they are 4,000 square foot lots and on zero lot lines, they are
really snug.
Commissioner Fletcher said those would be difficult.
Vice Chairman Howdyshell said we currently have those in the City, you can still get a 1600-1800
square foot home on those.
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Chairman Munoz opened the public hearing, seeing none, Chairman Munoz closed the public
hearing.
Planning Commission Minutes -5- April 27, 2011
Vice Chairman Howdyshell said she is a big advocate of single-story homes. She said she is
pleased that with the 25% guideline put in place and although she did not favor cutting ourselves
short with single-story homes, she also wanted to be cautious about placing stipulations on how the
remaining land is developed. She maintained that a 1500-1800 square foot home can go on a small
lot although it may have a smaller backyard; to some home buyers that would be fine.
Commissioner Oaxaca agreed with Vice Chairman Howdyshell. He said staff s research is complete
and they reached out to the development community. He said they came up with a reasonable
alternative and guidance to give to the developers. He said retaining as much as possible single-
story development in our housing stock is important.
Commissioner Fletcher agreed. He said he agrees but he hopes we are not giving up an
opportunity for single-story homes and 7200 square feet could certainly accommodate them. We
had wording that would have given some discretion and we would have had opportunity to catch up
with single-story development. He reported that in the past,we had many large developments with
large lots with two-story homes and he felt we missed an opportunity for more single-story homes.
Chairman Munoz pointed out that this is a General Design Guideline and there is some flexibility.
He said this is good for development and the community. He said that staff worked with the builders
and the Commission and we got a pretty good deal in the end.
Motion: Moved by Howdyshell, seconded by Oaxaca, to adopt the Resolution Recommending
Approval of Development Code Amendment DRC2010-00724 to be forwarded to the City Council for
final action. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: FLETCHER, HOWDYSHELL, MUNOZ, OAXACA
NOES:
ABSENT: WIMBERLY - carried
Mr. Troyer offered his appreciation to staff for their hard work on these amendments.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
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COMMISSION BUSINESS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Oaxaca noted that Mr. Rodriguez from the BIA responded to staff s outreach. He
wanted to make sure staff would be closing the loop with them on the amendment.
Commissioner Fletcher asked if the review of the Development Code also includes a reviewing of
Planning fees.
James Troyer, Planning Director, said there is a separate track for a Building and Planning fee
study. He said it occurs at the end of the summer and is not part of the Development Code Update.
Commissioner Fletcher asked if the study comes back to the Commission for input.
Mr. Troyer responded that it will not.
Steven Flower, Assistant City Attorney said that it is a financial matter determined by the City
Council.
Planning Commission Minutes -6- April 27, 2011
Commissioner Fletcher said he has recently received complaints about our fee structure and what
we charge for certain permits. He said it was his understanding that the City was only supposed to
I charge what costs are incurred.
Mr. Flower said yes, as a rule and depending upon the type of fee, the City only charges to
recuperate its costs. Mr. Flower noted that if there are concerns, they can be forwarded to the
Council.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Moved by Fletcher, seconded by Howdyshell, carried 4-0-1 (Wimberly absent),to adjourn.
The Planning Commission adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
Mspectfully submitte
James R. Troyer, AICP
Secretary
Approved: May 25, 2011
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Planning Commission Minutes -7- April 27, 2011