HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006/07/26 - Minutes - PC-HPC . 1,` I •
• '
• CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA
•
. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
' Regular Meeting '
July 26, 2006 .
Chairman Stewart called the Regular Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning
, Commission to order at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was held in the Council Chambers at Rancho '
Cucamonga Civic Center, 10500 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, California. Chairman ,
Stewart then led in the pledge of allegiance. ,
•
ROLL CALL , '
'
' COMMISSIONERS: PRESENT: , Richard'Fletcher, Lou Munoz, Cristine McPhail, Pam Stewart .
ABSENT: Rich Macias , '
STAFF PRESENT: Emily Cameron, Associate Planner; Rebecca Coleman, Office Specialist II;
Kevin Enhis, Assistant City Attorney; Dan James; Senior Civil Engineer; ,
Vance Pomeroy, Contract Planner; Lois Schrader, Planning Commission
Secretary; James Troyer, Planning Director
,
ANNOUNCEMENTS
None '
•APPROVAL OF MINUTES .
Motion: Moved by Fletcher, seconded by Munbz, carried 4-0-1 (Macias absent), to approve the
minutes:of July 12, 2006. •
•
CONSENT CALENDAR
A. VACATION OF A PORTION OF RED HILL COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE, LOCATED WEST OF
• CALLE CASINO(V-204)— RED HILL COUNTRY CLUB—A request to vacate a portion of Red.
Hill.Country Club Drive, located west of Calle Casino -APN 207-101-23 & 35. Related File:
DRC2005-00068.
• B. DEVELOPMENT REVIEW DRC2006-00284 - CECIL CARNEY - A request to demolish an
existing 6,188 square foot"Jack's Family Restaurant" building and replace with a new 11,742
square foot retail building located at 8678 19th Street - APN: 0201-811-56. The project
qualifies as Categorically Exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) and the City's CEQA Guidelines under a Class 32 In-Fill Development Projects
I exemption under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15332.
C. DEVELOPMENT REVIEW DRC2006-00098-LENNAR HOMES OF CALIFORNIA-A request
for architectural review of 114 homes for Rancho Etiwanda Estates in the Low Residential
District (2-4 dwelling units per acre), located north of Day Creek Boulevard, south of
,y
the Southern California Edison Easement, west of Etiwanda Avenue - APN: 0225-071-47,
0225-081-09, 0225-071-51, and 0225-081-14. Staff has found the project to be within the
scope of the project covered by a prior Environmental Impact Report (State Clearinghouse
#88082915 and#98121091 certified by the City Council on August 1,2001)and does not raise
or create new environmental impacts hot already considered in:that Environmental Impact •
• Report. .
Motion: :Moved by.Fletcher, seconded by McPhail to adopt 1he Consent Calendar as presented. •
Motion carried by the following vote: . .
, ' AYES: FLETCHER, MUNOZ, McPHAIL, STEWART ,'
NOES: NONE,
ABSENT: . MACIAS - carried'
•
PUBLIC HEARINGS •
• ,
' D. DEVELOPMENT REVIEW DRC2006-00340 - PULTE HOMES CORPORATION- A Design
Review of two parcels'with a single-family(single level)dwelling unit on each lot, located at the
end of Laurel Tree Drive in the Low Residential District (2-4 dwelling units per acre) - APN:
0226-102-13. Related file Tentative Parcel Map SUBTPM15588. The project:qualifies as
Categorically Exempt from the requirements pf the Califomia Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) •
and the City's CEQA Guidelines under a Class 32, In-Fill Development Projects exemption>
under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15332. . '
E. TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP SUBTPM15588I- PULTE HOMES CORPORATION (RANCHO
SUMMIT, LLC) -A request to subdivide .93 acre of land for two parcels of.38 and .43 acres of
land on the south side of Wilson Avenue, east of Wardman Bullock Road: in the Low
Residential District(24 dwelling units per acre)of the Etiwanda Specific Plan-APN:0226-102-
13. Related Files: Tentative Tract 14759 and Development Review DRC2006-00340. The
project qualifies as Categorically Exempt from the requirements of the Califomia Environmental , •
Quality Act (CEQA) and the City's CEQA Guidelines under a Class 15, Minor Land Divisions
exemption under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15315.
Vance Pomeroy, Contract Planner, presented the staff report.
•
Chairman Stewart opened the public hearing.
William Lu, representing Pulte Home Corporation, 1351 Pomona Road, Suite 200, Corona, Stated
he has read and agrees to the Resolution of Approval and the related conditions. He said he had no
further comment and that he is available for questions.
Chairman Stewart closed the public hearing.
•
Vice Chairman Fletcher commented that this is a simple, straightforward project and he moved for
approval.
Motion: Moved by Fletcher, seconded by Munoz, to adopt the Resolutions of Approval Nos.
06-69 and 06-70 approving Development Review DRC2006-00340 and Tentative Parcel Map
SUBTPM15588 as presented by staff. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: FLETCHER, MUNOZ, McPHAIL, STEWART
NOES: NONE
ABSENT:. MACIAS, - carried
Planning Commission Minutes -2- July 26, 2006
i
a I I
F. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TENTATIVE TRACT MAP SUBTT17923 - DEKEL,
• LLC -A request to subdivide 1.03 acres of land to convert 10 existing apartment units into 10
residential condominium units at 9356 19th Street, east of Hellman Avenue, in the Medium
Residential District (8-14 dwelling units, per acre) -APN: 0201;474-07. Staff has prepared a
• Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration. , . •
Vance Pomeroy, Contract Planner, presented'the staff report. . . '
Chairman Stewart opened the public hearing. '
Gary Sanderson, from Sanderson Engineering and Surveyors and representing Dekel, LLC, P.O.
Box 35747, Los Angeles, stated he is available for questions.
Chairman Stewart closed the public hearing. She commented that these units have been vacant for ,
. • sometime and that this condo conversion may allow for first time buyers in the area. She added that
' this is a good thing.
Motion: Moved by McPhail,seconded by Fletcher,to adopt the hesolution of Approval No:06-71 •
with the adoption of a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impacts. Motion carried by
the following vote:
• AYES:. FLETCHER, MUNOZ, McPHAIL, STEWART
NOES: . . NONE ,
ABSENT : MACIAS - carried . • .
iii
G. TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP SUBTPM17663.- SERGIO MARTINEZ -A request to subdivide , .
one .396-of an acre residential lot into 2 lots in the Low Residential District, located at 7912
Archibald Avenue. This project is categorically exempt from the requirements of the California
Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) pursuant to the State CEQA guidelines Section 15315 Minor .
Land Divisions -APN: 0208-131-84. .
Emily Cameron, Associate Planner, presented the staff report.
Chairman Stewart opened the public hearing. ' .
Vice Chairman Fletcher asked why the applicant is splitting the property.
Sergio Martinez, 3232 Padua Avenue, Claremont, stated that there was excess land and that.
because Archibald Avenue is highly traveled, the access from Effen Street is easier.for two lots
rather than one. He said he has reviewed the report and conditions of approval.
Chairman Stewart closed the public hearing.
Commissioner McPhail commented that this is a straightforward request for division of property and
the City benefits because additional landscape improvements along Archibald Avenue will be gained
with the project development.
Motion: Moved by McPhail, seconded by Munoz, to adopt the Resolution of Approval No. 06-72
for Tentative Parcel Map SUBTPM17663 as presented by staff. Motion carded by the following vote:
Planning Commission Minutes -3- July 26, 2006
' .
it
•
AYES: FLETCHER, MUNOZ;McPHAIL, STEWART . •
NOES: . NONE
ABSENT: MACIAS - carried • '
. .
1
•DIRECTOR'S REPORTS '
H. DISCUSSION OF CORRAL 70-FOOT SETBACK STANDARD
James Troyer, Planning Director, presented the staff report. He indicated that the Assistant City
Attorney has interpreted that current code would not eliminate the possibility of dwellings to be
constructed within 70 feet of a corral but if a dwelling unit is either existing or newly constructed, it ,
could prevent a neighbor from locating a corral on their property within 70 feet of the previously built ,
dwelling unless a variance was processed.
• Kevin Ennis, Assistant City Attorney, reported that if a property owner had an existing corral with ,
horses and then a new dwelling unit was constructed on an adjacent property, the owner of the
property with the corral would not be required to move their corral to meet and maintain this 70-foot
standard;that the corral would then be considered a legal, non-conforming use and structure which
would be permitted to continue in its existing location. He said that if someone builds a structure
within 70 feet of an existing corral it does not impair the condition, it is the effect on property that has
not yet been developed with a corral that is the issue. ,
Commissioner McPhail mentioned that their previous discussion centered on the possibility of
adjusting the Development Code to make other arrangements.
Commissioner Fletcher noted that most of the property in the Equestrian District has been
developed and only a few hundred acres remain. He said that is not a big concern because the 70
foot rule would apply to the'unsold/undeveloped lots without any problem. He said the concern is
with properties that have been already purchased and occupied in this district that do not have 1
horses. He commented that it is important to amend the Development Code so that those who do
want horses are protected within this district and their right to have horses is preserved. He said it
should not be difficult for future homeowners to keep horses. He said we will probably see this
inventory of lots diminish with the new State law which allows 2nd dwelling units in addition to other
types of development such as sport courts and swimming pools. He mentioned that as the City gets ' •
built out and there is pressure for higher density,we will see people building more 2 dwelling units
on their properties for not only "Mothers-in-Law," family, and even rentals. He said his concern is
not to burden a property owner that wants to put in a horse corral because an adjacent owner built
out their property. He commented that because there is such a small percentage of property owners
that have horses that this is an indicator that there is no longer a desire for homeowners to keep
horses, but having horse property in Rancho Cucamonga is unique in our City and a value to be
preserved. He noted that the City has spent a huge amount of money developing trail systems that
link all the lots together. He said the right for a homeowner to have a horse should be preserved at
all costs.
Chairman Stewart asked if under the current code a Variance would take care of this situation.
Mr. Troyer said yes, one could apply for a Variance to mitigate and reduce the distance required.
He said the Commission could consider that if they felt this would be an isolated type of situation
and an uncommon request. He said that if they feel they may be approving a lot of Variances,then
they may not want to do that.
Planning Commission Minutes -4- July 26, 2006
i.f1,
,
Commissioner Munoz stated his'agreement with Commissioner,Fletcher in that it hoes not make ,
• sense to develop an intricate trail system only to see it go to waste with the building of these
structures. He expressed concern with the Variance,process and how it would be applied in that
they can be onerous to go.through. I ' ;
• 1
Commissioner McPhail stated'she is in favor of discussing revising the Code. She said the 70 foot •
distance is something that can be adjusted and is only a matter of housekeeping. She said she has
concern for the future; 15 years from now. She said that we do not know how popular these 2"d
dwelling units will be and if we have eliminated our abilit9 to have corrals,then we would have gone ,i
against the City's intent for horsekeeping. She said she would like to look at language that would
allow the corrals to come in after the 2nd units are built. - '
Commissioner Fletcher said that by amending the code some homeowners could be discouraged ,
from putting a second unit on the back of their property because they would know that a corral could
go in close proximity to that unit on an adjacent property: He noted that it could have a dual
purpose. .'
Commissioner McPhail mentioned that it would encourage people to be good neighbors and talk to
each other.. i '
•
1
Commissioner Munoz mentioned that might also,encourage them to consider another property that
is not in the equestrian district if they intend to build a 2"d structure on their property.
Mr. Troyer interjected that State law currently allows 2"b dwelling units in all residential Zones.
- Commissioner Fletcher asked if the Ordinance also allows horsekeeping on all lots 20,000 square
I/ feet regardless of its location?
Mr. Ennis said he believes'it is 10,000 square feet.
,
Mr. Troyer said most of the properties are predominantly in the Very Low and Estate Residential '
zones that have the minimum required lot size. He remarked that it is a big issue and that staff
needs to do more research and can bring back some options to the Commission on a'future date for
their consideration. He suggested 30 days. . .
Chairman Stewart said it need not be a burden for staff and that they could come back whenever •
they are ready.
Commissioner Fletcher commented that an option to consider could be a 70 foot measurement from
the primary unit rather than the 2nd dwelling unit.
Mr. Troyer remarked that although that might be an easy fix in the code, if a 2"d dwelling unit is not
considered a primary unit then the corrals and the 2nd unit come into conflict. He commented that he
experienced constant code enforcement conflicts in El Monte between neighbors in new
developments that had built new units adjacent to homeowners with horse corrals.
Commissioner Fletcher reiterated that he does not want it to be difficult for the property owner to
keep horses and that if someone is buying a lot in that area zoned for horses, the buyer should be .
able to expect to have the ability to have horses. He added that if there is any difficulty, it should be
on the property owner that wants to build out his lot and he should be aware that there may be a
'conflict to them, not to the property owner who keeps horses. He said in the future we will see a
large part of our horse property inventory diminished with property owners building out their lots and
then we will see the opportunity to have horses gone forever.
Planning Commission Minutes -5- July 26, 2006
Chairman Stewart said the consensus of the Commission is to have staff bring back a report at a
• future meeting date as previously mentioned. -
• PUBLIC COMMENTS .
None
•
COMMISSION BUSINESS
I. DISCUSSION OF TOPICS FOR UPCOMING JOINT CITY COUNCIUPLANNING
COMMISSION WORKSHOP
James Troyer, Planning Director, mentioned that the joint meeting for the City Council and the
Planning Commission is set for August 29 at 7:00 p.m. He reported that Forest City Development
would like to re-do their master plan and that could be an item for discussion..
Commissioner Munoz asked what the Council's thoughts are for Central Park.
Commissioner Fletcher said he would like to have a discussion about development along Foothill
Boulevard. He said he anticipates more of a mixed-use type of development in the future and that it
has already begun. He said the Commission needs the input in advance before developers and
staff invest tremendous amounts of time and resources into a project.
Mr. Troyer asked for clarification as to whether the discussion should focus on mixed-use
development, residential, or just development in general. . .
Commissioner Fletcher mentioned the area at Grove Avenue and Foothill Boulevard.. He
commented that if the Council has in mind types of development other than what is specified in the
General Plan, then it would be helpful for the Commission to know that in advance. He added that .
he would like to have these meetings bi-annually. He commented that he would also like their
thoughts on Haven Avenue, specifically the project at Haven Avenue and Arrow Route and the
proposed design for same. He wanted to know how far south from Foothill Boulevard the winery
themed design would prevail.
Commissioners McPhail and Fletcher held an extensive discussion on the various roles'of the
Commission and the Council.
Commissioner Munoz asked how the Council proposes to meet the affordable housing numbers we
do not meet today since we do not recommend those projects.
Commissioner Fletcher recommended that Linda Daniels, RDA Director, be brought in for that topic.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Moved by McPhail, seconded by Munoz, carried 4-0-1 (Macias absent), to adjourn at
7:40 p.m. .
Planning Commission Minutes -6- July 26,2006
. r• .
• •
Respectfuulllly submitted,' ,
' \ , I
mes R. Tro er AV •
Ja Y 1
Secretary
, , , Appro■ed:' August 9, 2006 . I
I .
. . I
1 ,
••
. I I
' I
I
. 1
•
1
Ii
I
, • I
1
. I .
. • - 1 I
I •
Planning Commission Minutes -7- July 26, 2006