HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004/07/14 - Workshop Minutes - PC-HPC CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Adjourned Meeting
July 14, 2004
Chairman Macias called the Adjourned Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning
Commission to order at 9:45 p.m. The meeting was held in the Council Chamber at Rancho
Cucamonga Civic Center, 10500 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, California.
ROLL CALL
COMMISSIONERS: PRESENT: Richard Fletcher, Rich Macias, Larry McNiel, Pam Stewart
ABSENT: Cristine McPhail
STAFF PRESENT: Brad Buller, City Planner; Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer; Mike Smith,
Assistant Planner
NEW BUSINESS
A. PRE-APPLICATION REVIEW DRC2004-00635 — MORRISON - A preliminary review of a
proposed subdivision of a 1.25 acre parcel into 3 lots without access to a fully dedicated and
maintained City street, as required in Planning Commission Resolution No. 79-07 adopted
January 24, 1979, at the west side of Hermosa Avenue and north of Victoria Street in the Low
(L) Residential District. APN: 1076-081-03. Related file: Tentative Parcel Map SUBTPM16565.
Brad Buller, City Planner, introduced the item and gave an overview of the Pre-Application Review
process.
Vernon Morrison, the property owner, described the historical context of the development that had
occurred on the site and on the surrounding properties. He explained that he built his home on the
property in the early 1970s and then subdivided the property under San Bernardino County standards
(prior to City incorporation). He noted that the surrounding properties to the north and west were part
of the original parcel but he sold these parcels to others in the intervening years. He reported that
access to the property from Hermosa Avenue is provided by Jonquil Drive, a short private road about
30 feet wide overall, located along the south side, parallel to the south property line. He stated that
he eventually installed numerous utility-related improvements including water lines, sewer
connections, and fire hydrants along this private road. Mr. Morrison explained that his current plan is
to subdivide the subject parcel into three parcels and construct two new homes on the site for his
adult children. He indicated his existing residence on the site would remain on the third parcel. He
said he was made aware of the City's requirement to construct a public street to provide access to
the two new parcels following his submittal of the application for a Tentative Parcel Map. He noted
the Engineering Division requested a new street with a right-of-way width of 40 feet along the north
side, parallel to the north property line. Mr. Morrison alleged that building this street would create a
hardship because the utility-related improvements and associated easements are locked in place
and the existing private road provides the needed access. Furthermore, he indicated that there is a
significant grade difference between the subject property and Hermosa Avenue that would require
soil excavation and the removal of an approximate 6-foot high river rock wall in order for the new and
existing streets to join per City standards. He provided photos of the subject property for the
Commissioners' review.
Mike Smith, Assistant Planner, described the characteristics of the site, the proposed parcel map,
and the status of the application.
Dan James, Senior Engineer, indicated that the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No.79-07
in 1979,which requires any parcels created as part of a land subdivision must have access to a fully
dedicated and maintained City street. He indicated that the street alignment requested by his
department was in anticipation of future development of the property north of, and adjacent to, the
subject parcel. Mr. James stated that the policy was adopted in order to prevent landlocked
development.
The Commissioners understood the purpose and intent of the Resolution. Based on Mr. Morrison's
testimony and the photographic evidence provided, all of the Commissioners were in agreement that
the requirements described in the Resolution would generate unnecessary complications for the
applicant. They agreed that Jonquil Drive would satisfactorily accomplish the goals the access
requirement intended. They directed the applicant to proceed with his proposal provided that the
road was fully paved throughout its length and that it meets the Fire Department emergency access
requirements.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments at this time.
ADJOURNMENT
The Planning Commission adjoumed at 10:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
shaft
Brn7 Iler
S-cretary
PC Adjourned Minutes -2- July 14, 2004