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Home My WebLink About2006/01/11 - Minutes - PC-HPC CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Regular Meeting January 11, 2006 Chairman Stewart called the Regular Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning Commission to order at 7 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, Cristine McPhail, Pam Stewart ABSENT: Rich Macias, Larry McNiel STAFF PRESENT: Dan Coleman, Acting City Planner; Candyce Burnett, Associate Planner; Kevin Ennis,Assistant City Attorney; Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer; Lois Schrader, Planning Commission Secretary; Barbara Tuncay, Planning Department Secretary; Mike Smith, Assistant Planner ANNOUNCEMENTS Chairman Stewart welcomed the students of Rancho Cucamonga High School. She then commented that the City's annual report had recently been released and she noted that the Planning Department processed 1, 171 permits in 2005 and they took in 6 applications per day and performed 26 plan checks per day. She added that the City is growing and the department is very busy. Dan Coleman, Acting City Planner gave a brief overview of the Development Review process. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion: Moved by McPhail, seconded by Fletcher, carried 3-0-2, (Macias, McNiel absent) to approve the minutes of December 14, 2005. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TENTATIVE TRACT MAP SUBTT16867 - ETCO INVESTMENTS -The proposed subdivision of 8.9 acres of land into 12 residential lots in the Very Low Residential District (.1-2 dwelling units per acre) of the Etiwanda Specific Plan, located on the west side of Etiwanda Avenue, north of the 1-210 Freeway-APN: 0225-171-19. Related Files: Development Review DRC2004-00667 and Variance DRC2004-01285. Staff has prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration. Continued from December 14, 2005. B. VARIANCE DRC2004-01285-ETCO INVESTMENTS-A request to reduce required lot width and lot depth related to the subdivision of 12 single-family residential homes on 8.9 acres of land in the Very Low Residential District(.1-2 dwelling units per acre) of the Etiwanda Specific Plan, located on the west side of Etiwanda Avenue, north of the 1-210 Freeway - APN: 225-171-19. Related Files: Conditional Use Permit DRC2004-00667 and Tentative Tract Map SUBTT16867. Continued from December 14, 2005. Dan Coleman, Acting City Planner stated that because the original noticing of these items did not include the wall height of the Variance request, staff is requesting the items be continued to the January 25, 2006 meeting. He suggested that if there are persons present wishing to comment,the public hearing could be opened to allow that testimony if those persons can not be present at the January 25 meeting. Chairman Stewart agreed and opened the public hearing. Seeing and hearing no comment,she left the public hearing open to the January 25, 2006 meeting. • Motion: Moved by Fletcher, seconded by McPhail, to continue Items A and B ( Environmental Assessment and Tentative Tract Map SUBTT16867 and Variance DRC2004-01285 to the January 25, 2006 meeting. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: FLETCHER, McPHAIL, STEWART ABSENT: M NONE ABSENT: ACIAS, McNIEL - carried • C. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT DRC2005-00764 - ENTREPRENEURIAL RESTAURANTS CORPORATION (LAS CAMPANAS RESTAURANT)- A request to construct a restaurant,with bar, of about 7,200 square feet on Building Pad'C'of a previously approved commercial/office development in the Industrial Park(IP)District(Subarea 7), located at the southwest corner of Foothill Boulevard and Milliken Avenue - APN: 0229-011-69. Related files: Tentative Parcel Map SUBTPM17426 and Development Review DRC2004-01125. On August 25, 2005, a Negative Declaration was adopted by the Planning Commission for Development Review DRC2004-01125. The California Environmental Quality Act provides that no further environmental review or Negative Declaration is required for subsequent projects or minor revisions to projects within the scope of a previous Negative Declaration. Mike Smith, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report. Chairman Stewart opened the public hearing. Scott Magna, representing Las Campanas Restaurant, stated his company also manages the restaurant at the Mission Inn located in Riverside. He reported that the design is reminiscent of and influenced by the design of the mission. He commented that they are excited to be in Rancho Cucamonga and look forward to Commission approval. Commissioner McPhail commented that it is a beautiful project and that everyone did a wonderful job. Planning Commission Minutes -2- January 11, 2006 Chairman Stewart commented that they presented a great project even in the first meeting of the Design Review Committee. Commissioner Fletcher added that the project is attractive, that the design has detail that will be visible from the street and that it will be a nice addition to the community. Motion: Moved by McPhail, seconded by Fletcher, to approve Conditional Use Permit DRC2005-00764 as presented by staff. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: FLETCHER, McPHAIL, STEWART NOES: NONE ABSENT: MACIAS, McNIEL - carried D. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT DRC2004-00269- LEWIS INVESTMENT COMPANY - A request to change the land use designation from Community Commercial to Medium Residential (8-14 dwelling units per acre) on 9.68 acres on the north side of Foothill Boulevard, east of Etiwanda Avenue. APN: 1100-161-04. Related files: Development District Amendment DRC2004-00270, Tentative Tract Map SUBTT16882, and Development Review DRC2004-00268. Staff has prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration. 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. Continued from December 14, 2005. E. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT AMENDMENT DRC2004-00270 - LEWIS INVESTMENT COMPANY - A request to change the zoning designation from Community Commercial to Medium Residential (8-14 dwelling units per acre) within the Foothill Boulevard Districts on 9.68 acres on the north side of Foothill Boulevard,east of Etiwanda Avenue. APN: 1100-161-04. Related files: General Plan Amendment DRC2004-00269, Tentative Tract Map SUBTT16882, and Development Review DRC2004-00268, Staff has prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration. 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. Continued from December 14, 2005. F. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TENTATIVE TRACT MAP SUBTT16882 - LEWIS INVESTMENT COMPANY-A request for a seven numbered and two lettered lot subdivision of 9.68 acres for 99 condominiums on the north side of Foothill Boulevard, east of Etiwanda Avenue. APN: 1100-161-04. Related files: General Plan Amendment DRC2004-00269, Development District Amendment DRC2004-00270, Development Review DRC2004-00268. Staff has prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration. Continued from December 14, 2005. G. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW DRC2004-00268-LEWIS INVESTMENT COMPANY-A request to develop 99 condominiums on 9.68 net acres within the Community Commercial land use designation of the Foothill Boulevard Districts on the north side of Foothill Boulevard, east of Etiwanda Avenue. Land use amendment applications to change the zoning to residential categories are accompanying this application. APN: 1100-161-04. Related files: General Plan Amendment DRC2004-00269, Development District DRC2004-00270, and Tentative Tract Map SUBTT16882. Staff has prepared a Mitigated Planning Commission Minutes -3- January 11, 2006 Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration. Continued from December 14 2005. Larry Henderson, Principal Planner presented the staff report commenting that the request would add a residential element to the area. He commented that one person contacted him regarding the project and that no opposition was received. He said the project has a unique style and amenities. He added that he had a discussion with the noise consultant and that if the Commission deems it appropriate, the 12-foot wall currently proposed may be reduced in height if he can evidence the change with appropriate documentation. He asked the Commission if they would be open to allowing staff to address this issue with the noise consultant at a later date but to go ahead with their action tonight with that in mind. Chairman Stewart asked if staff is comfortable with that. Mr. Henderson stated he is and that if there is any doubt, staff could consult another noise consultant to verify the documentation. Chairman Stewart opened the public hearing. Mark Thomas,William Lyon Homes, stated he is the project manager. He said they are proud of the product being presented. He then gave a powerpoint presentation detailing the conceptual design of the project. He noted that the noise consultant is currently indicating the wall need not be higher than 9 feet. Chairman Stewart closed the public hearing. Kevin Ennis,Assistant City Attorney recommended the following revised language to apply to noise mitigation Condition#1. It shall read as follows: "A 12-foot sound wall along the southern boundary of the project along Foothill Boulevard is required unless staff and the City's noise consultant determine that a shorter wall is sufficient to mitigate the noise impacts." Commissioner McPhail commented that her general view of the project is a positive one and that it offers many amenities. She remarked that she agrees with staff in that this project gives the residents a place to use the adjacent commercial areas. Commissioner Fletcher commented that generally speaking, he usually supports the retention of commercial areas and typically would not support converting commercial areas to residential, but in this case he agrees that this makes sense and it is an attractive project. Motion: Moved by McPhail, seconded by Fletcher, to recommend General Plan Amendment DRC2004-00269 and Development District Amendment DRC2004-00270 to the City Council for final action and to approve Tentative Tract Map SUBTT16882 and Development Review DRC2004-00268 subject to the revised condition regarding the final wall height. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: FLETCHER, McPHAIL, STEWART NOES: NONE ABSENT: MACIAS, McNIEL - carried Planning Commission Minutes -4- January 11, 2006 Directors Reports H. CONSIDERATION TO INITIATE GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT DRC2005-01104 CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA-A request by Robert Bathish and Ken Wilson to change the General Plan land use designation from Medium-High (14-24 du/acre)and General Commercial(GC)to Mixed Use for approximately 3.8 acres of land, generally located south of the rail road right of way to Roberds Court and from Amethyst Avenue east 325 feet - APN:0202-151-20, 0202-161-01, 02, 03, 04, and 05. Related Files: Development District Amendment DRC2005-01105, Landmark Designation DRC2005-00776 and Landmark Designation DRC2005-00777. I. CONSIDERATION TO INITIATE DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT AMENDMENT DRC2005-01105 CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA-A request by Robert Bathish and Ken Wilson to change the Development District Map from Medium-High (14-24 du/acre) and General Commercial (GC) to Mixed Use for approximately 3.8 acres of land, generally located south of the rail road right of way to Roberds Court and from Amethyst Avenue east 325 feet-APN:0202-151-20, 0202-161-01, 02, 03, 04, and 05. Related Files: General Plan Amendment DRC2005-01104, Landmark Designation DRC2005-00776 and Landmark Designation DRC2005-00777. Candyce Burnett, Associate Planner, presented the staff report noting this project pertains to the historic Roberd's house property. She reported that a new Master Plan has been placed before the Commissioners denoting two possible layout schemes. Chairman Stewart asked if staff has reviewed the new proposals. Ms. Burnett said they have only been given a cursory review. She remarked the proposals are consistent with the historic nature of the area. She said one scheme offers a higher density residential use with commercial office space, and the other is a lower density with commercial office and that both appear consistent with what the proposal is. She added that the applicant is present to answer any questions. Chairman Stewart opened the public hearing. Eric Peterson, stated he is an Architect for Claremont Environmental Design Group representing the applicants. He reported that their original idea was to fit into a Medium-High density on the single lot at the north portion of the property and then they realized the historical significance of the existing home. They then broadened their ideas and welcomed the idea of a mixed use property. He said the project would help fill in empty spaces along Amethyst creating a new development behind the single-family residential street. He reported that Scheme A shows 3 duplexes with 7 single-family - residences and Scheme B shows 7 duplexes with 3 single—family residences. He reported that this allows for more open space and pocket parks. He said they would work with the neighbors on the development. He indicated they would like to narrow the 60-foot wide road in order to allow for more landscaping. He said an advantage of the higher density scheme would allow for a pedestrian trail up to the rails-to-trails project and habitat for native species. He added that the historic Nazarene church could be converted to office space or remain residential. He asked for feedback on the proposals from the Commission. Mr. Henderson noted that the only action on tonight's agenda is to initiate the amendments to allow their processing and to ensure the standards are consistent. He said the ideas being offered are very preliminary and that they would be brought back after being reviewed by staff,engineering and the appropriate committees. Planning Commission Minutes -5- January 11, 2006 Chairman Stewart said the Commission would not be providing feedback on their proposal tonight. She said she did appreciate their presentation. She then closed the public hearing. Commissioner Fletcher asked if the map exhibit on page H,I-12 shows the exact boundaries of the proposed amendment area. Dan Coleman,Acting City Planner, said the map is somewhat confusing in that only two parcels are highlighted. He said the question is likely to be if we amending the whole area or just those two highlighted parcels. Commissioner Fletcher clarified and asked if it includes the area north of Base Line Road. Mr. Henderson said that originally the project area was just Roberds north to the water tank but now if there are discussions including other property owners it could be expanded to include Base Line • Road and both sides of the street off of Amethyst because of the possibility of shared opportunities with the mixture of residential and commercial. He said if the Commission would allow some latitude to expand the area it might be profitable to do so. Commissioner Fletcher said that from a land use perspective it makes sense for the existing property owners and for the property owners that would be included in that expanded study area. Mr. Henderson concurred and added that there are other historic properties in the area that could also benefit from the mixed use proposal. Kevin Ennis, Assistant City Attorney, clarified with Mr. Henderson the APN's noted in the project description cover all portions of the total project area. Ms. Burnett concurred that all the APN numbers shown on the description are also included in the project area. Motion: Moved by Fletcher, seconded by McPhail, to recommend the initiation of General Plan Amendment DRC2005-01104 and Development District Amendment DRC2005-01105 with the expansion of the study area as recommended by Commissioner Fletcher. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: FLETCHER, McPHAIL, STEWART • NOES: NONE ABSENT: MACIAS, McNIEL - carried PUBLIC COMMENTS Brandon Thomas, a student from Rancho Cucamonga High School, asked what could be done about the presence of homeless persons near the entrance of the In and Out at Foothill Marketplace. Chairman Stewart suggested they work with the police department for assistance. Planning Commission Minutes -6- January 11, 2006 ADJOURNMENT I Motion: Moved by Fletcher, seconded by McPhail, carried 3-0-2 (Macias, McNiel absent), to adjourn. The Planning Commission adjourned at 7:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, •t . i -/ d , ole Acting Secretary Approved: February 8, 2006 I I Planning Commission Minutes -7- January 11, 2006