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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005/09/14 - Minutes - PC-HPC CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Regular Meeting September 14, 2005 Chairman Stewart called the Regular Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning Commission to order at 7:03 p.m. The meeting was held in the Council Chambers at Rancho Cucamonga Civic Center, 10500 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, California. Chairman Macias then led in the pledge of allegiance. ROLL CALL COMMISSIONERS: PRESENT: Richard Fletcher, Larry McNiel, Cristine McPhail, Pam Stewart ABSENT: Rich Macias STAFF PRESENT: Dan Coleman, Acting City Planner; Emily Cameron, Associate Planner; Michael Diaz, Senior Planner;John Douglas, Contract Planner;Jim Markman City Attorney; Donald Granger, Associate Planner; Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer; Lois Schrader, Planning Commission Secretary; Barbara Tuncay, Planning Department Secretary ANNOUNCEMENTS Dan Coleman, Acting City Planner, gave a brief overview of the Planning Development Review process. Chairman Stewart announced that Mr. Coleman is serving as Acting City Planner until the position vacated by Brad Buller is filled. . . . . . APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by McPhail, carried 3-0-1-1 (Stewart abstain, Macias absent), to approve the minutes of August 24, 2005. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT DRC2004-01142 - NEXTEL OF CALIFORNIA - A request construct a stealth cellular antenna on an existing 76-foot ball field light standard for co-location purposes on 23 acres of land in the Open Space District, located in Heritage Park-APN: 1061- ' 641-07. This project is categorically exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA)pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Class 1 Exemption - Existing Facilities). Donald Granger, Associate Planner, presented the staff report. He noted that a letter from Brian Morrison at 9058 Mustang Road was received on September 13. He commented that the letter raises concerns regarding the design/landscaping of the facility, and maintenance issues and damage caused by other carriers at previously installed facilities. Mr. Granger suggested a condition be added to the Resolution of Approval to read, "Except for necessary emergency maintenance, maintenance of the wireless communication facility and all appurtenant equipment on any day, excepting Sundays, shall occur only between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. On Sundays, maintenance shall occur only between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Commissioner McNiel asked if the City has recourse with the carrier that caused the damage. Mr. Granger replied that there is no Conditional Use Permit for the facility, however, the lease agreement does offer remedy and the carrier is being held responsible for the damage as well as being held accountable because they are required to give proper notice if they are performing maintenance during "quiet" hours of the night. Commissioner Stewart opened the public hearing. John Halminski, representing Nextel, The Alaris Group, LLC, 19752 MacArthur Boulevard,Suite 240 Irvine, stated he has reviewed the conditions of approval and accepts them. Anita Hamsik, 6439 Amberwood, asked if the antenna will interfere with the operation of the lights in the park and if the antenna is mounted directly on the light pole. She said her son's baseball team often experiences problems with the lighting at the park. Mr. Granger indicated the antennas will be mounted on the pole below the existing light fixtures and should not affect their operation. He noted that the cellular carrier is required to aim and align the antenna to ensure there is no disturbance of the current fixture. Dan Coleman,Acting City Planner, commented the existing antenna is actually about 75 feet from the existing lighting and therefore should not cause a problem. Richard Purdy, 8475 Mandarin, stated he has experienced interference of his digital programming for the last year and a half. He said he believes the cell sites are causing the interference. He asked how he can get rid of the interference. Mr. Halminski said the cellular carriers use established bandwidths that are different from the digital bands and should not cause the interference. He noted that many frequencies share the same airwaves and interference could be a possibility, including interference from transmission originating from emergency services. He suggested Mr. Purdy contact his carrier. Hearing no further comment, Chairman Stewart closed the public hearing. Commissioner McNiel commented that the antenna should not interfere with the lighting in the park other than occasionally deflecting a foul ball. He remarked that with our local mountains, cellular service in our area is substandard and therefore we should take advantage of the opportunity to improve communications. He offered his support of the project. Commissioner Fletcher said the facility is mounted on an existing pole and is similar in appearance to the other poles in the park. He remarked that more communication in the community is a good goal. Motion: Moved by McPhail, seconded by McNiel,to adopt the Resolution approving Conditional Use Permit DRC2004-01142 as modified. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: FLETCHER, McNIEL, McPHAIL, STEWART NOES: NONE ABSENT: MACIAS - carried Planning Commission Minutes -2- September 14, 2005 B. DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT DRC2005-00639-CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA- A request to amend the regulations for granting of density bonuses and related incentives for consistency with changes in State law made by Senate Bill 1818. John Douglas, Contract Planner, presented the staff report. Commissioner McNiel asked specifically how much of a reduction is the new State parking standard compared to what the City now requires. Mr. Douglas referred the Commissioners to Exhibit A, pages B-6 and B-7 of the agenda packet. He noted the new standards apply to the entire project submitted, not just the portion that may be considered low-income housing, and therefore the impact to parking is significant. He commented that because these standards are now State law, the City has little discretion in this mandate. Commissioner McNiel asked what would happen if they choose to not approve the Resolution recommending the amendment for final action by the Council. Jim Markman, City Attorney, replied that a developer could bring in a project and then the Commission would have,to at that time, adopt a resolution and forward an Ordinance to the Council anyway. He said we would have to process the amendment one way or the other. Commissioner McNiel asked if we have a "feel"for the development community and if we believe this incentive will be sought after by developers. ' Mr. Douglas remarked that our current incentives have only been rarely used in some senior projects. He said it is infrequent or rare and that he does not believe it will be used much. He added that the parking alone is a difference of about 25% - 35%. Commissioner McNiel commented that he believes that when viewed as a whole package, the difference is dramatic. Commissioner Fletcher remarked that the standards are more liberal but that the City is about 90% built out. He asked if this amendment would also cover Redevelopment Agency (RDA) projects. Mr. Markman stated the law will apply to all projects. Chairman Stewart opened the public hearing and seeing and hearing no additional comment,closed the public hearing. Commissioner Fletcher said we do not have much choice, the amendment is in accordance with State law and we have to comply. He remarked we will have more affordable housing, but fewer visitors will want to come here. Chairman Stewart commented that this will have to be something we watch closely. She said parking is a real issue. She added that this type of legislation should be pushed to a higher level such as Council or our State legislators to effect a change in the law. Commissioner McNiel said he does not like it. He added that it is dictated by the State. Commissioner McPhail concurred and said it is another opportunity for the State to tell us what to do. She added that staff should take the opportunity to do whatever they can to uphold our standards. Planning Commission Minutes -3- September 14, 2005 Motion: Moved by McPhail, seconded by Fletcher, Macias absent) to adopt the Resolution recommending approval to be forwarded to the City Council for final action. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: FLETCHER, McNIEL, McPHAIL, STEWART NOES: NONE ABSENT: MACIAS - carried C. VARIANCE DRC2005-00614- HANK JONG-A request to extend the retaining wall height from 3.5 feet to 5 feet on the east side of Tract 16421 for retaining and creating of a street located on the south side of Wilson Avenue. APN: 0201-182-03. Related Files: Development Review DRC2004-00567 and Tentative Tract SUBTT16421. Emily Cameron, Associate Planner, presented the staff report. Chairman Stewart opened the public hearing and hearing no comment, closed the public hearing. She remarked that the project is straightforward and is a "housekeeping" item. Commissioner McNiel agreed and made the motion to adopt. Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by Fletcher, to adopt the Resolution approving Variance DRC2005-00614 as presented(Macias absent). Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: FLETCHER, McNIEL, McPHAIL, STEWART NOES: NONE ABSENT: MACIAS - carried D ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT DRC2004-01128 - CHARLES JOSEPH ASSOCIATES-A request to develop a commercial center on 7.74 gross acres of land, consisting of ten freestanding restaurant buildings and one retail building totaling 51,200 square feet within the Community Commercial District(Subarea 4), located on the north side of Foothill Boulevard, approximately 600 feet west of Etiwanda Avenue - APN: 0227-221-03, 07, 22, 23, and 24. Related Files: Tentative Parcel Map 16767. Staff has prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration. E. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP SUBTPM16767 - CHARLES JOSEPH ASSOCIATES -A request to subdivide 7.74 gross acres of land into 10 lots within the Community Commercial District(Subarea 4), located on the north side of Foothill Boulevard, approximately 600 feet west of Etiwanda Avenue-APN: 0227-221-03,07,22,23,and 24. Related Files: Conditional Use Permit DRC2004-01128. Staff has prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration. Emily Cameron,Associate Planner, reported that the applicant has requested a continuance of the items to the November 9, 2005, meeting. Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by McPhail, to continue Conditional Use Permit DRC2004-01128 and Tentative Parcel Map SUBTPM16767 as requested by the applicant. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: FLETCHER, McNIEL, McPHAIL, STEWART NOES: NONE ABSENT: MACIAS - carried Planning Commission Minutes -4- September 14, 2005 F. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT DRC2005-00068 - RED HILL COUNTRY CLUB, INC. - A request to replace an existing clubhouse (provide an interim clubhouse facility with temporary structures) with a new clubhouse totaling 35,176 square feet on 120 acres of land in the Low Residential District located at 8358 Red Hill Country Club Drive-APN: 0207-101-03, 23, and 35. Related Files:Variance DRC2005-00527, Lot Line Adjustment LLA#601 and Tree Removal Permit DRC2005-00486. Staff has prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration. G. VARIANCE- DRC2005-00527-RED HILL COUNTRY CLUB-A request to construct a building above the 30-foot height limit in the Hillside Overlay District and to construct a retaining wall in excess of the 3-foot height limit on site for the proposed onsite improvements related to the new country club facility APN: 0207-101-03,23, and 35. Related Files: Conditional Use Permit DRC2005-00068, Lot Line Adjustment LLA#601 and Tree Removal Permit DRC2005-00486. Emily Cameron, Associate Planner, presented the staff report. She noted that a letter had been received from Laura Calderone, 8370 Red Hill Country Club Drive. She indicated the resident had some concerns regarding traffic, parking, drainage, signage, retaining walls and maintenance of an oleander fence. Commissioner McNeil asked the question of the timeline to get this project done. Ms. Cameron answered within 12 months. Commissioner Fletcher asked if the exhibit shows the wall Variance and if there was a problem with terracing that wall. Ms. Cameron answered that it is a problem because terracing requires more room and to allow for terracing would further diminish the number of parking spaces. Chairman Stewart then opened the Public Hearing. Ron Sakahara, 16042 Von Karman,#300, Irvine,thanked the staff in the planning department. He stated that they are proud of the design. Mr. Sakahara said that because of the slope of the site,the public would only see the 1 story portion of the building, similar to what is already there now. Mr. Sakahara also addressed the speeding problem noted in Ms. Calderone's letter. He stated that there will be a split island at the front gate that is open daily and closed at night. He said it will slow down traffic and the club ownership is willing to send out notices requesting the public' s cooperation to slow down in this area. He also mentioned that parking is a concernand that they are working with engineering on this. He noted that they could paint the south side curb red if needed. He said although the drain on the north side is on private property,the entire project is re-graded so that the entire facility drains to the south and that this should take care of her concerns about drainage. He noted regarding the "Dead end street," that many people have to turn around and go the other way because they do not know it is a dead end street. He suggested a "Not a Through Street" sign and that should help with the problem. He added that the club ownership would maintain the oleander hedge in order to make everyone happy. He noted that there is no stone wall included in this plan and that there is new landscaping that will be included with Phase 2 of the project. He mentioned that he believes the gate program noted in the Engineering conditions found on Page F-G,71 does not apply to them because their situation is unique. He added that he does not believe they should have to put in the undergrounded utilities when they are improvements that would occur on private property. Planning Commission Minutes -5- September 14, 2005 Laura Calderone, 8370 Red Hill Country Club Drive, stated that many of her questions have been answered by Mr. Sakahara, however cars park up to the gate entrance preventing her and her neighbor from getting out of their driveways and the mailman cannot get to her mailbox. Chairman Stewart closed the public hearing. Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer, noted that the underground utility policy is by Resolution of the Planning Commission. He clarified that this project is not included in the provisions noted in Section 7. He commented that the poles are on the Country Club frontage even though the poles do not serve the club per se. He added that Engineering Condition 1-D only indicates the gate should be in accordance with the program and therefore does not need to be removed. He noted that Condition 1-A says a "No Parking" sign should be posted. He commented that he could ask staff to evaluate the possibility of adding a "No A Through Street" sign. Commissioner McNiel asked why only the south side of the street is restricted from parking and not the north side. Mr. James indicated he is not opposed to the idea, but with the walls it would be more difficult to maneuver. Commissioner McPhail thanked the staff and the architect for their beautiful work. She noted that she is in favor of the developer installing the underground utilities as presented by staff. Commissioner McNiel concurred. He asked how many streetlights would be required. Mr. James indicated there would be two at the entrance and there would be additional improvements (curb and gutter) along Red Hill Country Club Drive. Chairman Stewart said she shares the concern of remaining overhead poles and noted that the photographs indicate the existing overhead poles are leaning significantly and the undergrounding needs to be done. She applauded the applicant, residents and staff for working out their concerns. Ms. Calderone reiterated her concern regarding her ability to access her driveway. Commissioner McNiel stated that they can "Red Flag"this and work it out at the staff level. Motion: Moved by McNeil, seconded by McPhail, (Macias absent) to adopt Conditional Use Permit DRC2005-00068. and Variance DRC2005-00527. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: FLETCHER, McNIEL, McPHAIL, STEWART NOES: NONE ABSENT: MACIAS - carried H. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TENTATIVE TRACT SUBTT17455 - RANCHO CUCAMONGA HOUSING PARTNERS - A residential subdivision of 64 condominiums on Parcel 1 of Tentative Parcel Map 17156, a 5.5 acre portion of said subdivision, in the Medium Residential District (8-14 dwelling units per acre), located approximately 600 feet east of the northeast corner of Madrone Avenue and 9th Street-APN: 0207-262-18 and 27. Related Files: Development Review DRC2005-00220 and Tree Removal Permit DRC2005-00218. Staff has prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration. Planning Commission Minutes -6- September 14, 2005 I. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW DRC2005-00220 - RANCHO CUCAMONGA HOUSING PARTNERS - The design review of building elevations and site plan related to Tentative Tract Map SUBTT17455 consisting of 64 condominiums on 5.5 acres of land in the Medium Residential District (8-14 dwelling units per acre), located approximately 600 feet east of the northeast corner of Madrone Avenue and 9th Avenue-APN: 0207-262-18 and 27. Related Files: Tentative Tract SUBTT17455, and Tree Removal Permit DRC2005-00218. Staff has prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration. Mike Diaz, Senior Planner, presented the Staff Report. Chairman Stewart opened the public hearing. Stan Smith, Rancho Cucamonga Housing Partners, 5985 Moonstone Avenue, Alta Loma thanked Senior Planner Mike Din and Flavio Nunez from RDA. He stated that he believes the project exceeds City parking standards. Chairman Stewart seeing and hearing no additional comment closed the public hearing. Commissioner Fletcher stated that it is a nice project and will be a nice enhancement to that area. Commissioner McPhail said she supports the project and that she likes the variety in the design. Commissioner McNeil stated that he likes the developer's simulation of what 9th Street should ' look like. He said that it never looked better. Motion: Moved by Fletcher, seconded by McNeil, (Macias absent) to adopt the Resolutions approving Tentative Tract SUBTT17455 and Development Review DRC2005-00220 with the issuance of a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impacts. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: FLETCHER, McNIEL, McPHAIL, STEWART NOES: NONE ABSENT: MACIAS - carried J. DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT DRC2005-00437-CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA- A request to amend the regulations for second dwelling units for consistency with changes in State law. Dan Coleman,Acting City Planner, stated that this item is per state law and that we now have to allow second dwellings in all residential zones. Chairman Stewart asked if the commission had any questions. She commented that it is the State Law and we have to act on it. Commissioner McNeil asked what the State allows in regards to square footage versus what the City requires. Mr. Coleman answered that the State allows 1200 square feet and the City 950 square feet. Planning Commission Minutes -7- September 14, 2005 Commissioner Fletcher asked if that includes garage space. Mr. Coleman answered it only applies to habitable space. Motion: Moved by Fletcher, seconded by McNeil, (Macias absent) to adopt the Resolution recommending Development Code Amendment DRC2005-00437 to be forwarded to the City Council for final action. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: FLETCHER, McNIEL, McPHAIL, STEWART NOES: NONE ABSENT: MACIAS - carried PUBLIC COMMENTS No additional comment was made. COMMISSION BUSINESS There was no additional business conducted. ADJOURNMENT Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by McPhail, (Macias absent), to adjourn. The Planning Commission adjourned at 8:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, • �, .. / 0e ' - Acting Secretary Approved: September 28, 2005 Planning Commission Minutes -8- September 14, 2005