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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005/08/10 - Minutes - PC-HPC CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Regular Meeting August 10, 2005 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, Larry McNiel, Cristine McPhail, Pam Stewart ABSENT: Rich Macias STAFF PRESENT: Brad Buller, City Planner; Candyce Burnett, Michael Diaz, Senior Planner; Kevin Ennis,Assistant City Attorney;Douglas Fenn,Associate Planner,Shirt Griffin,Office Specialist II; Dan James,Senior Civil Engineer;Lois Schrader, Planning Commission Secretary; Mike Smith, Assistant Planner ANNOUNCEMENTS It was announced that this is the first meeting with Pam Stewart serving as the new Planning Commission Chairman. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by Fletcher, carried 4-0-1 (Macias absent), to approve the minutes of July 13, 2005. CONSENT CALENDAR A. DEVELOPMENT REVIEW DRC2004-00654-PULTE HOMES-A request for elevation/design approval of 266 lots of a previously approved residential subdivision of 358 single-family homes and 3 lettered lots for common open space/parks totaling 18.3 acres on 132 acres of land in the Low Residential District (2-4 dwelling units per acre), located on the east and west sides of Wardman Bullock Road,south of Wilson Avenue-APN: 0226-102-17 for Tracts SUBTT14759, SUBTT14759-2 and SUBTT14759-3. Related File: Tentative Tract Map SUBTT14759. On November 10, 1999, the Planning Commission adopted a Mitigated Negative Declaration for Tentative Tract Map SUBTT14759. 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. B. DRC2005-00228 - LEWIS APARTMENT COMMUNITIES -The Design review of Phase II of the remaining 124 dwelling units of the total 677 dwelling units of previously approved master planned project, (Lot 4 of Recorded Tract TR16157) in the Medium Residential District (8-14 dwelling units per acre)of the Terra Vista Community Plan located at the northwest corner of Church Street and Terra Vista Parkway - APN: 0227-151-64 and 66. Related Files: Development Review DRC2001-00791 and Tract Map SUBTT16157. On November 13,2002, the Planning Commission adopted a Mitigated Negative Declaration for Development Review DRC2001-00791 and Tentative Tract Map SUBTT16157. The Califomia Environmental Quality Act provides that no further environmental review or Negative Declaration is required for subsequent projects or minor revision to project within the scope of a previous Negative Declaration. C. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW DRC2004-01290 - CHARLES JOSEPH ASSOCIATES -A request to develop a three story, 179,800 square foot storage facility on 4.33 gross acres of land in the General Industrial District(Subarea 8),located on the north side of Arrow Route, approximately 700 feet east of 1-15 Freeway-APN: 0229- 021-66. Staff has prepared a Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration. Motion: Moved by Fletcher, seconded by McNiel, to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented 4-0-1 (Macias absent). Motion carded by the following vote: AYES: FLETCHER, McNIEL, McPHAIL, STEWART NOES: NONE ABSENT: MACIAS - carried PUBLIC HEARINGS D. DEVELOPMENT REVIEW DRC2004-01151 -CRESTWOOD CORPORATION-The review of site plans and elevations for 47 single-family detached homes on 10.8 acres of land in the Low- Medium Residential District(4-8 dwelling units per acre), located at the southeast corner of 6th Street and Hellman Avenue-APN: 0210-062-05 and 06. Related Files: Tentative Tract Map SUBTT16311 and Minor Exception DRC2005-00623. On October 22, 2003, a Negative Declaration was adopted by the Planning Commission for Tentative Tract Map SUBTT16311. The Califomia 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. Brad Buller, City Planner, presented the staff report on behalf of Contract Planner Vance Pomeroy. Chairman Stewart opened the public hearing. Patrick Diaz, representing Crestwood Corporation, 510 West Citrus Edge, Glendora,thanked staff for their insight and assistance in processing the project. He stated he has read and concurs with the staff report, Resolution of Approval, and conditions. Andy Chuw, 9430 Shadowbrook,asked how the project would affect the flooding that occurs at 6th Street and Hellman Avenue. Carla Florence, 958 Meadow Street mentioned her concem about the percentage of single-story homes in the tract, flooding, the placement of a traffic signal, dust being generated from the construction site, the appropriation of park fees, the difficult ingress and egress to the site, and her desire to see an extension of Golden Oak park. Planning Commission Minutes -2- August 10, 2005 Chairman Stewart asked staff for clarification as to the number of single-story homes being proposed. Mr. Buller reported that 9 or the 47 units would be single-story homes. Chairman Stewart closed the public hearing. Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer stated this project would not be providing addition public improvement on Hellman Avenue, but that Hellman Avenue will be widened and because of a project to the north at Hellman Avenue and Base Line Road, this site will reap some benefit from those improvements. He said there is no current condition for a signal but that he would ask the Traffic Engineer if there is any need for further study. He said park fees are collected for the general good of all parks and are not specifically earmarked for one park or another. He said the Council dictates with staffs recommendation as to where specific funds will be applied. He said no extension of Golden Oak Park is currently planned. Mr. Buller commented that the only action the Commission will be making tonight is on the design of the homes. Commissioner Fletcher said the homes will be a nice addition to the community and they are a nice product featuring smaller homes on smaller lots. Commissioner McPhail said she is pleased with the diversity and believes the homes offer a good mix of single-story units. Commissioner McNiel echoed his colleagues and said it is a good tract. Chairman Stewart concurred. Motion: Moved by Fletcher, seconded by McNiel, to approve Development Review,DRC2004-01151 as presented 4-0-1 (Macias absent). Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: FLETCHER, McNIEL, McPHAIL, STEWART NOES: NONE ABSENT: MACIAS -carried E. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT DRC2004-00699- THE RANCH GROUP - A request for a land use amendment from Industrial Park to Low- Medium Residential (4-8 dwelling units per acre)in connection with a proposal fora master plan for 79 single-family residential lots on 18.6 acres, located at the southwest comer of Archibald Avenue and 6th Street-APN: 0210-062-08. Related File: Development District Amendment DRC2004-00700. Staff has prepared a Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration. F. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT AMENDMENT DRC2004-00700-THE RANCH GROUP-A request to change the Development District Map designation from Industrial Park (Subarea 16) to Low-Medium Residential (4-8 dwelling units per acre) for 18.6 acres at the southwest corner of Archibald Avenue and 6th Street - APN: 0210-062-08. Related Files: General Plan Amendment DRC2004-00699. Planning Commission Minutes -3- August 10, 2005 Larry Henderson, Principal Planner,gave the staff report and mentioned that Carla Florence, 9580 Meadow Street, sent a letter of opposition to the project noting that she believes our cultural resources would be lost if the project moves ahead. Commissioner Fletcher commented that her letter refers to the site being flagged as having a high rating for possible paleontological resources. Mr. Henderson said that when the tract map is processed, it would be a standard condition to have a paleontologist on site. Kevin Ennis, Assistant City Attorney, commented that the Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impacts on pages E & F-31 and 32 of the agenda packet state this requirement as a mitigation to the development and would be included in any Resolutions of approval for the actual development of the project. Chairman Stewart opened the public hearing. Rocky Sanchez, P.O. Box 225, Corona, said he is the owner and developer for the Ranch Group. He thanked staff for their help in the review process. Greg Goodwin, 9406 Canyon Oaks Court, reported that there is an existing concrete wall on the property, but the property line is 6 feet north of the wall. He said there are 4 residents on Sunglow Court and Canyon Oak Court that are affected by the wall. He reported that Centex (the prior developer) installed the wall. He presented a plot plan to the Commissioner and showed the location of the wall and related drainage. Will Gulta, 9408 Sunglow Court said he has the same concern. He said the wall runs east to west and he wondered if it would be shared or if the developer will be reimbursing him and the other residents for their loss of property. Any Chow, 9430 Shadowbrook Drive asked if there are plans to improve 6th Street and if a traffic signal will be installed. Carla Florence, 9580 Meadow Street,stated that she prefers the land to remain a vineyard to focus attention on the grape culture of the area. She suggested a walking path to Golden Oak Park and a museum. Chairman Stewart closed the public hearing. Brad Buller, City Planner,commented that the only action the Commission will be taking tonight is in regard to the General Plan Amendment and the zone change/no technical or design issues would be acted upon until the project is reviewed for development. He added that the traffic impact from the proposed housing development will actually be less than it would have been had a business park/commercial development occurred on the site as it is currently zoned. He suggested those with traffic concerns meet with the City Traffic Engineer. He added that the City is very cognizant of its viticultural heritage and that there are several areas around the City at which vineyards have been re-established. He commented that the developer has the option to bring back a proposal for plantings and design elements that would point to that heritage. Commissioner McNiel said that the wall issue should be flagged on the project so that it can be addressed at the Design Review Committee level. He said the homeowners should not suffer any loss of property. He remarked that he supports the General Plan Amendment and the zone change. Planning Commission Minutes -4- August 10, 2005 • Commissioner McPhail concurred and added that this change would have been ideal in 1999 when the first home development came in, but that it was not the right time. She said the General Plan Amendment and the zone change make sense. Commissioner Fletcher echoed his colleagues suggesting that the proposal creates a contiguous land use. He noted that Ms. Florence's remarks are well taken and that it is possible to consider the property as a designated landmark. Chairman Stewart remarked that two members of the Commission serve on the Design Review Committee and that committee will work with the developer and staff to make any necessary changes on the project that come to their attention. Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by Fletcher, to recommend approval of General Plan Amendment DRC2004-00699 and Development District Amendment DRC2004-00700 as presented by staff. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: FLETCHER, McNIEL, McPHAIL, STEWART NOES: NONE ABSENT: MACIAS -carried Brad Buller,City Planner,suggested that because of the number of persons present indicating their desire to offer testimony on Item G, the Commission agreed to hear item H prior to Item G. H. TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP SUBTPM16969 - BLU CROIX, LTD (on behalf of Verizon California)-A request to subdivide a parcel of 4.35 acres into two parcels, one of 3.36 acres (Parcel 1) which will be sold for future residential development and the other of 0.99 acre (Parcel 2) which will remain in ownership with Verizon for continued use as a telephonic switching facility, in the Very Low Residential District(.1 to 2 dwelling units per acre),located at 6334 East Avenue -APN: 0225-181-25. Related file: Preliminary Review DRC2004-00496. This action is categorically exempt per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15315 Minor Land Divisions. Mike Smith, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report. He noted that he had received some phone calls related to the future development of a larger parcel and the lot layout. He noted that Verizon is seeking to obtain the larger parcel as well. Michael Morgan, 3961 Blackbird Way, Calabasas, said he is the applicant and that he has read and concurs with the staff report and conditions of approval. Chairman Stewart opened the public hearing. Gus Gaglio,6318 East Avenue;said his property is adjacent to the project and he is concerned that the pad heights for the new homes will be too high and that he will be looking at overly high structures because of how the property has been graded. Larry Purdue, 6376 East Avenue reported that he lives south of the property. He commented that they have not done their part in weed abatement and therefore he has sprayed the weeds on his own. He said Verizon does not respond to his calls or his complaints and that he had reported that a property line stake has been removed during discing and they never replaced it. He said he does Planning Commission Minutes -5- August•10, 2005 not have a problem with the subdivision proposal, but they need to re-establish the stake. He reported that KB homes to the north of him have not been good at trash removal. He mentioned a concern about storm water and drainage. He mentioned a preference for single-story homes rather than two story homes. Chairman Stewart closed the public hearing. Brad Buller, City Planner commented that the issues raised can be addressed in Design Review. He said Verizon would have to have an engineer stake the property. Commissioner McNiel directed staff to contact Verizon with the property maintenance issues. He said the developer should re-establish the stake and property line. He said he favors the project. Commissioner McPhail said the developer could take care of some of the issues. She voiced support for the project. Commissioner Fletcher remarked that he hoped the applicants heard the comments regarding smaller homes next to larger homes. Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by McPhail, to approve Tentative Parcel Map SUBTPM16969 as presented by staff. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: FLETCHER, McNIEL, McPHAIL, STEWART NOES: NONE ABSENT: MACIAS • - carried • ♦ • e R G. PUBLIC SCOPING FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT(EIR) DRC2004-01048 FOR ANNEXATION DRC2005-00602, DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT AMENDMENT DRC2005-00477, DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT DRC2005-00629, AND TENTATIVE TRACT MAP SUBTT16925 - MILLER DEVELOPMENT CO. - An opportunity to give public testimony pertaining to the environmental issues to be addressed in an EIR for approximately 670 acres to be annexed into the City, the pre-zoning of that area to approximately 556 acres of Open Space and approximately 112 acres of Hillside Residential to be in conformance with the City's General Plan,and the proposed subdivision of 110 single-family lots(located on approximately 74 acres north of Delphine Place), generally located north of the City boundary, north of Delphine Place, and west of Archibald Avenue in the City's Sphere of Influence-APN: 0200- 051-41 and 42 and 0201-032-01, 02, 34, 35, 36, 38, 39, 40, 41, 71, 75, 80, and 81. Related Files: Annexation DRC2005-00602, Development District Amendment DRC2005-00477, Development Agreement DRC2005-00629, and Tentative Tract Map SUBTT16925. Brad Buller, City Planner gave a brief overview of the environmental process that would take place for this project. He noted that no action would be taken on the project tonight, but that only testimony would be taken and that testimony would be then given to the applicants to incorporate into their preparation of the Environmental Impact Report. Candyce Burnett, Associate Planner, presented the staff report noting that 3 letters were received from the following persons noting concerns about traffic,emergency vehicle access,public noticing, and sensitive biological habitat: Susan Diomedes, 8690 Dresden Court,Chris Rohr,9008 Caballero Drive, and Frances Freelove on behalf of Randy and Sandy Davis. The letters are included in the official record. Planning Commission Minutes -6- August 10, 2005 Chairman Stewart opened the public hearing. Kent Ryan, representing Miller Development Company, 721 South Bread Canyon Road, Suite 7, Walnut, gave a brief overview of the project proposal indicating the homes will be single-family residences that are custom/semi-custom on lots ranging from 10,000-50,000 square feet that will sell over the 1 million dollar mark. He noted that 89 percent of the area is dedicated for open space and only 74 acres will be developed. He said they will avoid the"wedding cake"look and that their grading will allow the "land to speak to us." He added that it would be a gated community of 110 homes. He said the project will embrace the trail system and that fire safety, access, and the prevention and suppression of fire will be addressed. Alan Ashimine, RBF Consulting,stated he is the consultant for the City and his firm will be preparing the Environmental Impact Report(EIR). He reported that the Initial Study has been circulated and that the review period closes on August 22, 2005. He said the comments received tonight will be used to address concems in the EIR such as geo-technical,hydrology,biological resources,cultural resources,jurisdictional issues,fuel modification/fire protection,traffic impacts,air quality and noise impacts. He said the EIR will be circulated for 45 days, comments will be received and then they will respond to the comments. The following persons testified about the noted concerns below: Rita Leos, 9089 Caballero Drive; Tim Crumbaker, 5051 Lomas Court; Tom Wilkens, 9887 Summermill Road; J.R. Hoffman, 8923 Laramie Drive; Darlene Tate, 8978 Reales Street; Ed Batney, 9122 Reales Street; Kim Sheasby, 9108 Reales Street;Wayne Bausman,8933 Laramie Drive; Mike Virue, 7875 Spinel Avenue; Mark Keen, 5029 Lomas Court; Kathleen Rollings McDonald,representing LAFCO, 175 West Fifth Street, 2nd Floor, San Bernardino; Spencer Graffem, 9155 Reales Street; Marsha Andrus,4978 Klusman Avenue; Roy Valase, 8996 Caramel; Alan Winston, 1300 West 19th Street, Upland; Eric Stevens, 9140 Reales Street; Jodi Graffem, 9155 Reales Street; Mike Maggand, 9055 Reales Street; Scott Busby,5024 Klusman Avenue; Lisa Vadnais, 9122 Reales Street;Mia Stevens,9140 Reales;Carla Florence, 9580 Meadow Street; and Sandra Maggard, 9055 Reales Street. The concerns mentioned were: City and public access to the National Forest, traffic access, public safety/fire, medical, and police,drainage/flood control,quality of homes, impact of a gated community,security of open space remaining open space, lot size (smaller than the existing neighborhood), density, gated access vs trail access as it relates to the public use,water supply related to health and safety impacts, number of garage spaces per home, grading impacts,septic vs sewer service, loss of oak trees, property values, impact of dry utilities, water service, biological and impacts to endangered species, school impacts, project description and its inclusion of issues related to outside agencies such as CCVWD, MWD, and IEUA, infrastructure and maintenance of same, compliance with the Hillside grading standards, public liability for allowing the project, and impacts on youth sports and park use. Mr. Buller commented that the review period is open until August 22, and that the public is also invited to put their thoughts and comments in writing. He reiterated that the purpose of the testimony is to assist the consultants in preparing the EIR and that the focus will be on the environmental issues. He added that the design related issues would be addressed when the project is under design review. He remarked that it was always expected this property would be developed and that is why Delphin Place was stubbed out above Beryl Street to accommodate that future development. He commented that the City will give notice to all interested parties and that the noticing of this project goes well beyond the State requirements. He said the comments would be presented to the Commission and the Council at a later time. He commented that if the residents notice public dumping on the site to please call the City. Planning Commission Minutes -7- August 10, 2005 PUBLIC COMMENTS No additional comment was received. COMMISSION BUSINESS There was no further Commission business. ADJOURNMENT Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by McPhail, carded 4-0-1 (Macias absent), to adjourn. The Planning Commission adjoumed at 9:35 p.m. Res.e tfully submitted, a• Buller Secretary Approved: August 24, 2005 1 Planning Commission Minutes -8- August 10, 2005