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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004/12/08 - Minutes - PC-HPC CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Regular Meeting December 8, 2004 Vice Chairman McNiel 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 Chamber at Rancho Cucamonga Civic Center, 10500 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga,Califomia. Vice Chairman McNiel 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; Dan Coleman, Principal Planner; Kevin Ennis, Assistant City Attorney; Douglas Fenn, Associate Planner; Nancy Fong, Senior Planner; Donald Granger,Associate Planner; Dan James,Senior Civil Engineer; Gail Sanchez, Planning Commission Secretary; Mike Smith, Assistant Planner; Alan Warren,Assistant Planner, Emily Wimer, Associate Planner ANNOUNCEMENTS Brad Buller, City Planner, gave a brief overview of the meeting format and public hearing process. PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION OF COMMENDATION TO NANCY FONG Vice Chairman McNiel presented a proclamation from the Planning Commission to Nancy Fong, former Senior Planner, for her many years of service and congratulated her on her new position with the City of Diamond Bar. Ms. Fong thanked the Planning Commission for its support of staff. She also stated the Planning Commission shows its professionalism. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion: Moved by Fletcher, seconded by McPhail, carried 3-0-1-1 (Macias absent, Stewart abstain), to approve the minutes of November 10, 2004. Motion: Moved by McPhail, seconded by Fletcher, carded 3-0-1-1 (Macias absent,Stewart abstain), to approve the minutes of November 10, 2004. CONSENT CALENDAR A. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW DRC2004-00061 - TOLL BROTHERS, INC.-The design review of building elevations and detailed site plan for 15 single- family lots on 9.23 acres of land in the Very Low Residential District (.1 - 2 dwelling units per acre), located on the west side of Archibald Avenue, north of Hillside Road-APN: 1061-561-02. Related Files: Tract Map SUBTT16262 and Minor Exception DRC2004-00662. On January 9, 2002, a Mitigated Negative Declaration was adopted by the Planning Commission for Tentative Tract Map SUBTT16262. 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. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW DRC2004-00564-CECIL R. CARNEY-The development of 3 industrial buildings totaling 15,501 square feet on 1.48 acre of land in the Industrial Park District (Subarea 12), located at the southern terminus of Charles Smith Avenue - APN: 0229-321-21. Related Files: Tentative Parcel Map SUBTPM16714 and Preliminary Review DRC2004-00171. Staff has prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration. C. DEVELOPMENT REVIEW DRC2004-00692-MARTINEZ PROPERTIES-A review of 4 single- family homes on .90 acre of land in the Low Residential District (2-4 dwelling units per acre), located at 7388 Teak Way - APN: 1077-041-56. Related file: Tentative Parcel Map SUBTPM16574. This project is categorically exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15332(Class 32 Exemption - In-fill Development). Vice Chairman McNiel pulled Items B&C to be heard with Public Hearing Items. He asked if anyone wished to pull Item A. A member of the audience indicated he would like to discuss the project. Vice Chairman McNiel pulled the item and invited public comment. Dan Pearson, 9639 Whirlaway Street, Rancho Cucamonga, stated he had spoken to the Commission when a different developer proposed the project over a year ago. He said that access to the trails for their horse was an issue. He reported the Commission directed the developer to provide him access.to the trail or return the matter back to the Planning Commission for further review. He indicated he was working with the developer on an easement that would allow them to get their horse in and out and to allow access for services for the horse such as hay delivery and veterinarian visits. He noted that Toll Brothers asked them for liability insurance, which they have provided. He said they are close to resolving the matter and he had hoped the easement would be in place this evening before approval of the project. He asked what he could do if the project were approved and the negotiations fall apart. Brad Buller, City Planner, stated there is a willing developer who has been working with Mr. Pearson on the issue. He said City staff expects it will be resolved. He hesitated having the City require the developer to provide the easement. He noted that Mr. Pearson's neighbors have illegally blocked Mr. Pearson's access to the north and south. He commented that the new developer has expressed a willingness to work with the Pearsons and staff hopes the issue will be resolved, but there was little the Planning Commission could do if the developer chose not to. Mr. Pearson said they have had access since they first moved into their home 18 years ago. He stated they would hate to have to move. He gave credit to Toll Brothers and said they are close to working it out. He hoped it could be worked out. He commented they are the only home in the area that currently has a horse. Vice Chairman McNiel noted the trails were put in under County standards. Planning Commission Minutes -2- December 8, 2004 Mr. Buller noted the neighbors built across the trails and the Pearsons have been using the vacant field. Vice Chairman McNiel commented they had been using the access at the good will of the property owner. Mr. Buller observed that if an agreement is not worked out, Mr. Pearson might be able to appeal to the courts that it is a prescriptive easement. Mr. Pearson hoped the City would encourage Toll Brothers to continue to work with them. Vice Chairman McNiel stated that Toll Brothers is a good developer. Commissioner Fletcher asked if the Pearson's coral is directly adjacent to the project. Mr. Pearson confirmed that it is. He said the previous developer provided a gate and fencing. He thought the homes to be developed are good and said they support having homes there. Chris Raneri, 4928 Sundowner Court, Rancho Cucamonga, stated he represented Toll Brothers. He said they are making every effort to reach a resolution and they are dose. He appreciated Vice Chairman McNiel's comments about the good work they have done before in the community. He said he tried to have the easement agreement done by tonight's meeting, but it will happen quickly. Vice Chairman McNiel asked for confirmation that he heard the developer say it will happen. Mr. Raneri said they have spent a lot of money on legal fees and it shall happen. There were no additional public comments. Vice Chairman McNiel stated he had every reason to believe the developer would do what he said. He felt Mr. Pearson would be satisfied. Commissioner Fletcher stated that since the Vice Chairman had gotten the developer to say it shall happen, he supported the project. Motion: Moved by Fletcher, seconded by McPhail, to approve Item A of the Consent Calendar (Development Review DRC2004-00061)by adoption of the Resolution of approval. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: FLETCHER, McNIEL, McPHAIL, STEWART NOES: NONE ABSENT: MACIAS - carried PUBLIC HEARINGS B. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW DRC2004-00564-CECIL R. CARNEY E. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP SUBTPM16714-CECIL R. CARNEY - A request to subdivide 1.48 acre into 3 parcels for industrial purposes in the Industrial Park District(Subarea 12), located at the southem terminus of Charles Smith Avenue- APN: 0229-321-21. Related Files: Development Review DRC2004-00564 and Preliminary Review DRC2004-00171. Staff has prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration. Planning Commission Minutes -3- December 8, 2004 Commissioner McPhail recused herself because her company receives remuneration from the applicant for services rendered. She left the room. Donald Granger, Associate Planner, presented the staff report. Commissioner Stewart questioned the color palette. She asked if the rendering was a true depiction. Mr. Granger replied that it is close. He said the building is two-tone red and peach. Brad Buller, City Planner, stated it is similar to the industrial buildings a block north of the post office. Commissioner Stewart indicated she was concerned about the red shown on the renderings. She asked if it had been discussed at the Design Review Committee meeting. Mr. Granger responded it did not come up during the discussion. Vice Chairman McNiel asked if the material sample board and renderings were at the Design Review Committee meeting. Mr. Granger responded affirmatively. Vice Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing. Cecil Camey, 12841 Newport Avenue, Tustin, stated he was available to answer questions. He stated the red is a rust color, similar to Rancho Oaks. He indicated there is a cornice detail on top. He reported he did a similar building in Irvine that was well received. He stated the color is softer and more pastel than what appears in the rendering. He questioned the standard condition requiring a reciprocal parking agreement, as he said each parcel stands on its own and is parked at a 4:1 ratio. Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer, indicated it was an Engineering condition and the condition could be revised if Planning staff confirmed the parking is adequate. He noted there would still have to be a maintenance agreement of common roads or drives. Hearing no further testimony, Vice Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing. Mr. Granger showed Ms. Stewart the sample board and she agreed it was acceptable. Commissioner Fletcher stated he was on the Design Review Committee and he feels it is a good product that the City's business community needs. Motion: Moved by Fletcher, seconded by Stewart, to issue a Negative Declaration and adopt the resolutions approving Tentative Parcel Map SUBTPM16714 and Development Review DRC2004-00564 with modification to delete the requirement for reciprocal parking agreements. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: FLETCHER, McNIEL, STEWART NOES: NONE ABSENT: MACIAS ABSTAIN: McPHAIL - carried Commissioner McPhail rejoined the meeting. Planning Commission Minutes -4- December 8, 2004 C. DEVELOPMENT REVIEW DRC2004-00692 - MARTINEZ PROPERTIES F. TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP SUBTPM16574 - MARTINEZ PROPERTIES - A request to subdivide .90 acre into 4 single-family lots in the Low Residential District(2-4 dwelling units per acre), located at 7388 Teak Way - APN: 1077-041-56. Related file: Development Review DRC2004-00692. This project is categorically exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15315(Class 15 Exemption— Minor Land Divisions). Emily Wimer, Associate Planner, presented the staff report. Vice Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing. Sergio Martinez, Martinez Properties, 7388 Teak Way, Rancho Cucamonga, agreed with the conditions. Hearing no further testimony, Vice Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing. Commissioner Stewart stated the application was very straightforward and the houses are nice looking. Commissioner Fletcher noted that some enhancements were made in the Design Review process. Motion: Moved by Stewart, seconded by Fletcher, to adopt the resolutions approving Tentative Parcel Map SUBTPM16714 and Development Review DRC2004-00692. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: FLETCHER, McNIEL, McPHAIL, STEWART NOES: NONE ABSENT: MACIAS - carried D. TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP SUBTPM16455- HAIFA-A request to subdivide 1.9 acre of land into three parcels in the Very Low Residential District (.1-2 dwelling units per acre), located at the northeast corner of Hermosa Avenue and Wilson Avenue-APN: 1074-261-02. This project is categorically exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15315 (Class 15 Exemption—Minor Land Divisions). Tom Grahn, Associate Planner, presented the staff report and indicated that he spoke with the applicant and the applicant stated he could not be at the meeting but that he agreed with all of the conditions. Vice Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing. Amin Khalili, Blackstone Engineering,4505 Allstate Drive,#5, Riverside,stated the project proponent is in full agreement with all of the conditions. He commented that Mr. Grahn did a wonderful job on being available and answering their questions. Hearing no further testimony, Vice Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing. He thought the application is very straightforward. Motion: Moved by McPhail, seconded by Fletcher, to issue a Negative Declaration and adopt the resolution approving Tentative Parcel Map SUBTPM16455. Motion carried by the following vote: Planning Commission Minutes -5- December 8, 2004 AYES: FLETCHER, McNIEL, McPHAIL, STEWART NOES: NONE ABSENT: MACIAS - carried G. TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP - SUBTPM16657 - FUSCOE ENGINEERING - A request to subdivide 7.10 net acres of land into a single parcel subdivision for industrial tenant space in the General Industrial District (Subarea 8), located on the east side of Rochester Avenue, north of Arrow Route-APN: 0229-021-34. Related File: Development Review DRC2003-00732. This project is categorically exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15315 (Class 15 Exemption—Minor Land Divisions). Emily Wimer, Associate Planner, presented the staff report. Vice Chairman McNiel asked if parking is adequate. Ms. Wimer responded that 299 parking stalls were required and they provided 306. Vice Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing. Chris Atkinson, Stadium Plaza South, LLC, 147 East Olive Avenue, Monrovia, agreed with the conditions of approval. Hearing no further testimony, Vice Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing. Commissioner Stewart noted it was a subdivision for condominium purposes and that is typically a positive thing. Motion: Moved by Stewart, seconded by McPhail, to adopt the resolution approving Tentative Parcel Map SUBTPM16657. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: FLETCHER, McNIEL, McPHAIL, STEWART NOES: NONE ABSENT: MACIAS - carried H. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TENTATIVE TRACT SUBTT16812 - BCA DEVELOPMENT, INC. - A request to subdivide 8.85 gross acres of land into 30 single-family lots in the Low Residential District(2-4 dwelling units per acre), located on the north side of the 210 Freeway westbound off ramp at Day Creek Boulevard, and the west side of Stable Falls Avenue-APN: 0225-161-19, 32, 33, and 34. Related file: Variance DRC2004-00566. Staff has prepared a Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration. I. VARIANCE DRC2004-00566- BCA DEVELOPMENT-A request for an increase in wall height above 8 feet to reduce freeway traffic noise for 30 single-family lots proposed in the Low Residential District (2-4 dwelling units per acre), located on the north side of the 210 Freeway westbound off ramp at Day Creek Boulevard, and the west side of Stable Falls Avenue-APN: 0225-161-19, 32, 33, and 34. Related file: Tentative Tract Map SUBTT16812. Dan Coleman, Principal Planner, presented the staff report. Vice Chairman McNiel noted there was a variance request to increase the wall height. He asked if the walls would be terraced. Planning Commission Minutes -6- December 8, 2004 Mr. Coleman responded positively. He indicated they will stair step down as needed. Commissioner Fletcher believed a variance for the wall height was sensible. He asked if there would be a study if the project were approved. Mr. Coleman replied there was a study and the wall will be 16 feet at its highest point at the eastern part of the tract, similar to the adjoining tract. Commissioner Stewart was mostly concemed about the drainage. She noted there was a condition regarding installing a drainage facility off site and she asked if staff was comfortable with that. Mr. Coleman responded affirmatively. He reported that about 4-6 weeks ago, the adjoining property owner told staff they were in negotiations. Vice Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing. Ben Anderson, BCA Development, Inc., 17780 Fitch, Irvine, stated they had a positive neighborhood meeting and noise was the major issue raised by neighbors. He noted there is a gap in the sound wall that will be filled in when this project is built. He asked for clarification on Commissioner Stewart's question. Commissioner Stewart stated it had to do with Engineering Condition 3a regarding negotiations with the adjacent property owner to install a private drainage facility. Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer, noted the condition was written to require the developer to install the drainage facility on their property if the negotiations with the adjacent property owner fail. Mr. Anderson said they believe their design gives them the ability to handle the drainage issues on their own property. He observed that the standard conditions require that their CC&Rs be subject to City approval. He said they would not have a Homeowners' Association or CC&Rs. Mr. Coleman stated CC&Rs must be reviewed if there is a Homeowners' Association, but the condition is moot if they don't have one. Jacob Battieste, 6290 Ascot Place, stated he owns the 5-acre property west of the project. He expressed concem about the proposed road that is shown dividing his property. He was also concemed about fencing along his property. Mr. Coleman stated there is also some minor grading required on Mr. Battieste's property in order to construct the street. Brad Buller, City Planner, explained that several lot layouts and street alignments were presented at the Design Review Committee meeting and Exhibit"B"in the staff report shows the preferred layout. He said the layout would allow development on Mr. Battieste's property. Mr. James stated the original proposed development had a cul-de-sac street on its west property line, as shown on Exhibit "E,"which was awkward and left a small sliver of undeveloped land. He observed it would also have required more street dedication on the Battieste property if it were to be developed because a street would have to go the entire length of the Battieste property instead of cutting over to join the newly proposed street. He stated the preferred layout shown on Exhibit "B" would permit more lots to be developed on Mr. Battieste's property. Mr. Buller pointed out the first option would have resulted in lots which would have streets along both the front and back yards of some lots if the property to the west is subdivided. Planning Commission Minutes -7- December 8, 2004 Vice Chairman McNiel asked Mr. Battieste's objection to the layout. Mr. Battieste replied he does not want his property divided by a street. Mr. Buller noted the street layout is a concept if Mr. Battieste wishes to subdivide his property in the future. He said the street would not be built on Mr. Battieste's property with this project. Vice Chairman McNiel thought the developer will build a wall. Mr. Buller stated there would be a wall built except where the street is designed to allow access to Mr. Battieste's property. He then said Mr. James was indicating staff could work with the developer regarding temporary fencing and the applicant was nodding agreement. He said it would have to be determined who would be responsible for maintaining it, as it would be in the public right of way or on Mr. Battieste's property. Vice Chairman McNiel stated the plan allows for potential for development on his property if and when he decides to develop. He said nothing would be built on Mr. Battieste's property. Mr. Battieste stated he had been told that some of his property would be needed for the street. Mr. Anderson stated he had been communicating with Mr. Battieste for the last 9-10 months and Mr. Battieste raised two concerns: 1) access to his property and 2) there has been a tremendous amount of grading and importation of soil onto Mr. Battieste's property and although he originally agreed to cooperate, he has changed his mind. Mr.Anderson stated their plan now has an alternate to build a retaining wall on their own property and not encroach on Mr. Battieste's property and they do not need any of his land or his permission. Mr. Battieste stated he had originally been asked for 40 feet. Shawn Morton, 6299 Ascot Place, Rancho Cucamonga, expressed concems about traffic coming in off Ascot Place. He said most traffic coming in off Day Creek Boulevard comes in on Vintage Drive, south on Ascot Place, east on Secretariat Drive, and south on Stable Falls Avenue. He noted they could enter from Rodeo Drive but it would be about a 1 f4 mile out of the way. He thought the development would bring 60-80 more cars into the area. He said there is one stop sign in the area and approximately a dozen people run the existing stop sign every day. He observed there are many children in the area. Mr. Morton said he is a firefighter and has been called to a number of accidents where children have been hit. He asked that one or two stop sign be added on Secretariat Drive. He acknowledged the stop sign(s)wouldn't alleviate the traffic but said it might save a child's life. He felt there is a blind comer because of the wall. Mr. James said the Engineering Department would prefer not to automatically require the developer to install stop signs, but would rather have the development be built and residents could then write to the City to ask that a traffic study be done. He indicated the City would then conduct a study and install any stop signs the study indicated are necessary. Vice Chairman McNiel asked if any of the homes in the area front onto Secretariat Drive. Mr. Morton replied that they do not. He noted there is a wall along Secretariat and traffic going westbound on Secretariat Drive does not see the traffic turning northbound on Ascot Place. He commented that the area has a natural drainage and is quite often wet and slick. He felt the stop signs are important for safety. He said he would be willing to contact Engineering if needed but he thought it would be good to have the signs installed with the development. Dwayne Walker, 12389 Secretariat Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, stated he was unable to be at the initial meeting because of a prior commitment. He said he supports the development but is Planning Commission Minutes -8- December 8, 2004 concerned about wildlife on the lot, specifically vermin. He commented there are also several rattlesnakes and birds. He stated that all of the houses along Secretariat Drive are already dealing with a mouse and rat problem. He asked what steps will be taken by the developers to deal with the vermin. He observed there a lot of children on the street and they are now spending a lot of money trying to keep the rats under control. He said the area is almost completely enclosed by fences. He felt that when the property is developed, it would channel the vermin out to the north because of the fences along the freeway and in other areas. He noted that rats are currently climbing over the fence. Mr. Anderson stated that a vector control program would be implemented 6 weeks prior to grading to eradicate the problem. He noted the vegetation in the area is not high quality and will be removed and there will be manicured and maintained lawns. Mr. Walker asked what the vector control plan would entail. Stan Morse, MDS Consulting, 17320 Red Hill,#350, Irvine, replied it is a combination of trapping and selectively setting out bait that is non-toxic to dogs and cats to effectively reduce the rodent population and prevent breeding. He said it would not take care of rattlesnakes. Mr. Walker said that was good. Arlene Dryden, 6359 Stable Falls Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga, stated her home is just across the street from the new development. She said she raised a concern at the neighborhood meeting that the homes should not be a lot smaller than the existing homes across the street because she didn't want her property values to go down. She reported that Mr.Anderson indicated they had asked to decrease the number of homes across the street. She said Mr. Anderson commented he will not build the homes, but he estimated the homes would be from 3,500-4,500 square feet. She noted there are three homes on her side of the street and there will be five homes in the same distance in the new development. Vice Chairman McNiel stated that property values in the community are very high. He said that any houses proposed would have to go through the Design Review process and meet basic requirements. He believed a developer would not build a small house, because it wouldn't sell. He agreed it would be a 3,500-to 4,500 square foot house. He felt there was protection for the neighbors. Ms. Dryden said she just wanted to be sure her concerns were heard. She said that the fence on Stable Falls Avenue has several pieces of wood missing and a lot of coyotes come through there. Commissioner Fletcher asked the size of the existing houses. Ms. Dryden was not sure about the others but said hers is about 4,500 square feet. She acknowledged it will be somewhat of a different look because there will be five homes in the same distance that there are now three. She realized the neighbors cannot control the development. She observed that her realtor told her that the same developer who built her house would be developing the land across the street, so she had anticipated it would be the same. Mr. Buller observed that Stable Falls is actually a zoning boundary between Low and Very Low densities. He noted that the proposed lots meet all requirements of the zoning. Hearing no further testimony, Vice Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing. Commissioner Fletcher noted that when the housing product comes before the Design Review Committee and Planning Commission, there would be additional opportunities for public comment. Planning Commission Minutes -9- December 8, 2004 Commissioner Stewart observed that the proposed layout was far superior if Mr. Battieste should chose to subdivide in the future. She appreciated the applicant's efforts to take that into account. She also felt the vector control efforts would be beneficial to the neighbors. Vice Chairman McNiel asked if there was a condition to require the vector control. Mr. Buller responded there was not. Vice Chairman McNiel felt it should be added because the applicant does not plan to develop the property and he wanted to be sure any purchaser would be required to do it. Mr. Buller suggested adding a condition to require establishment of a Vector Control Program prior to issuance of grading permits. Commissioner Stewart felt the project would be a benefit to the community in the long term. She acknowledged that some stop signs may need to be installed but felt it should be handled through Engineering and thought it would not be best to have the developerput up stop signs because they could be put in the wrong place. Commissioner McPhail observed that staff and the developer presented several street layout options at the Design Review Committee meeting, and the one chosen was superior and still meets the City requirements. Motion: Moved by McPhail, seconded by Stewart, to issue a Negative Declaration and adopt the resolution approving Tentative Tract Map SUBTT16812 and Variance DRC2004-00566 with modification to require development of a Vector Control Program prior to issuance of grading permits. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: FLETCHER, McNIEL, McPHAIL, STEWART NOES: NONE ABSENT: MACIAS - carried 4e *** * The Planning Commission recessed from 8:23 p.m. to 8:25 p.m. to allow students to leave. NEW BUSINESS J_ HILLSIDE DESIGN REVIEW DRC2003-01071 -ANDREWS & CHAPMAN ARCHITECTS -A request to construct a 2-story single-family residence with a total floor area of about 7,500 square feet (footprint approximately 3,900 square feet) on a 20,300 square foot parcel that includes excavation in excess of 5 feet(the maximum permissible in the Hillside Overlay) in the Very Low Residential District (.1-2 dwelling units per acre), located at 10946 Carriage Drive- APN: 1074-561-25. This project is categorically exempt from the requirements of the Califomia Environmental Quality Act(CEQA)pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15303(a)(Class 3 Exemption — New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures). Mike Smith, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report and indicated no comments had been received from surrounding residents. Vice Chairman McNiel invited public comment. Geoff Chapman, Andrews and Chapman Architects, 420 South San Pedro, #217, Los Angeles, agreed with the conditions. Planning Commission Minutes -10- December 8, 2004 Vice Chairman McNiel stated it looks good. He asked if it is a spec house. Mr. Chapman responded affirmatively. There were no further public comments. Motion: Moved by Stewart, seconded by Fletcher,to adopt the resolution approving Hillside Design Review DRC2003-01071. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: FLETCHER, McNIEL, McPHAIL, STEWART NOES: NONE ABSENT: MACIAS - carried Brad Buller, City Planner, commented that at a previous meeting Commissioner Fletcher asked if staff could evaluate the possibility of giving the City Planner the authority to review all hillside development applications without having to refer some of them up to the Planning Commission. He stated staff had been working with the City Attorney and it was determined it will be necessary to amend the Code to transfer this authority. He said staff would schedule a workshop for the Commission to discuss possible changes to the Code. He observed that many of these types of applications have been reviewed and they are becoming routine. Vice Chairman McNiel suggested the language be written so that staff would not be placed in a position of having to approve things that the Commission would not approve. Commissioner Fletcher also wanted it written so that staff would have the ability to refer an application up to the Planning Commission. Mr. Buller responded the Commission would review the proposed changes. PUBLIC COMMENTS • There were no public comments at this time. COMMISSION BUSINESS Commissioner Fletcher commented that he would like to discuss the Commission policy requiring two building materials and considering sand blasted concrete as a building material. He observed that at Design Review, an applicant requested scored concrete be used instead of sand blasted concrete. He said he agreed with the applicant's comments and he personally felt that scored concrete is more appealing than sand blasted. He felt it is difficult to differentiate between a cement wall and sand blasted concrete wall in many projects as you drive down the street. Brad Buller, City Planner, stated such a decision could not be made this evening because the matter had not been placed on the agenda. He said the matter could be discussed at a Design Review Committee meeting or it could be placed on a future Planning Commission meeting agenda. Vice Chairman McNiel stated there are times when it is difficult to differentiate between a sand blasted concrete wall and a painted wall when driving down the street but the value is in maintenance because a painted wall will peel whereas a sand blasted concrete wall will not. He said he prefers the sand blasted concrete because it helps to sustain the community at a high level. Commissioner Fletcher said he was talking about scored concrete. Planning Commission Minutes -11- December 8, 2004 Mr. Buller felt the Commission was getting into a discussion that should be held when the item was placed on the agenda. He said there are a variety of building planes and the Commission may wish to give staff some guidance on what is considered an acceptable second building material. He indicated staff would place the matter on a future agenda for Commission discussion. ADJOURNMENT The Planning Commission adjoumed at 8:35 p.m. to a workshop regarding DRC2004-01072 - ABUNDANT LIVING CHURCH. The workshop adjourned at 9:30 p.m. and those minutes appear separately. Respectfully submitted, ior Paiiir Br- ler It/ Secretary Approved: January 12, 2005 Planning Commission Minutes -12- December 8, 2004