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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004/03/10 - Workshop Minutes - PC-HPC CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Adjourned Meeting March 10, 2004 Chairman Macias called the Adjourned Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning Commission to order at 7:30 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, Cristine McPhail, Larry McNiel, Pam Stewart ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Brad Buller, City Planner, Dan Coleman, Principal Planner; Joe Stofa, Associate Civil Engineer, Emily Wimer, Assistant Planner NEW BUSINESS A. PRE-APPLICATION REVIEW DRC2004-00085-CREATIVE DESIGN ASSOCIATES-A request to develop 94 single-family attached homes on approximately 10 acres in the Medium Residential District (8-14 dwelling units per acre), located north of Arrow, east of Baker - APN: 0207-201-21 and 44. Brad Buller, City Planner, introduced the item and gave an overview of the Pre-Application Review process. He emphasized that the purpose of the workshop was to look at the proposed project design overall and the relationship the proposal has to the surrounding area. Eric Chen, project architect, discussed the proposed design of the project. He stated that the general idea was to create a large open space with four activity centers located in the project. He reported that the property is almost 10 acres, and the condos were designed with lower density in mind. He commented that the proposed project density was only 9 units per acre but the maximum allowed by the code is 14 units per acre. Jimmy Lee, Project Manager, agreed with Mr. Chen's description of the project. He noted the square footage of the condominiums range from 1,626 to 1,900 square feet. Both the project manager and the architect stated that the proposed elevations provide detail and a broad range of architectural styles. Mr. Lee mentioned that they would like to discuss the applicable requirements for the project stated in the Preliminary Review, which was submitted concurrently with the Pre-application Review. Emily Wimer, Assistant Planner, gave a brief overview. She stated the first and most major issue is the lack of master planning of the property with the adjoining lots within the block. She noted that the street scenes throughout the project are too straight and do not create acceptable movement. She suggested that the main entry should be a stronger focus in the project and should provide both pedestrian and vehicle access. She also suggested greater attention to the landscaping to help enhance the project and to create a buffer from the adjoining single-family properties as well as from Baker Avenue and Arrow Route. Commissioner Fletcher stated that the main concern for him was the Master Plan. He remarked that it should avoid constraining the other parcels that front on Arrow Route. He commented that the elevations looked interesting and the condominium idea is something that they can work with. Chairman Macias echoed Commissioner Fletcher's comments regarding the importance of a Master Plan with the project wedged between existing single-family homes. He also pointed out the importance of 360-degree architecture as an important aspect of any development in Rancho Cucamonga. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the quality of the architecture already established in the City. Commissioner McNeil agreed with both Chairman Macias and Commissioner Fletcher. He also noted that he would like to see the Baker Avenue entry create a formal statement. Commissioner McNiel was not sure that the two private entries off of Arrow Route were necessary and suggested that the applicant work without those two parcels to provide one cohesive rectangular parcel. He also indicated that architecturally,the design of the homes is flat and lacks interest,and the absence of setback variation on the majority of the project lacks visual appeal. Commissioner Stewart echoed Commissioner McNiel's comments about the Master Plan. She commented In particular that she did not like the amenity locations and stated it was similar to an auto court arrangement which may create a nuisance because the rear yard areas back up too dose to the recreation areas. She stated that the developer should only develop at the lowest density, 8 dwellings per unit. Her final comment was that the project needs more guest parking. Commissioner McPhail stated that the layout needs variation in the plotting of the houses and the landscaping. She commented that landscape enhancement would also include hardscape and pavement upgrades at the project entries. She agreed with Commissioner Stewart on the location of the amenities and that there is room for improvement. She remarked that the developer is not using the space in the best way possible. She stated that a Master Plan is imperative to the development of the property and additional guest parking will be required. Her final comment echoed all of the Commissioners regarding the importance of providing 360-degree architecture. ' Brad Buller, City Planner, summarized the comments of the Commissioners and directed the applicant to readdress many of the site-specific issues and address the request from the Commission to incorporate additional parcels. He urged the applicant to strongly pursue the acquisition of additional parcels and master plan the north side of Arrow Route before moving forward. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no additional comments at this time. ADJOURNMENT The Planning Commission adjoumed at 8:00 p.m. Res. --,ully submitted, / 1 ria6,1 B ad Buller Secretary PC Adjourned Minutes -2- March 10, 2004