HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003/10/08 - Workshop Minutes - PC-HPC CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Adjourned Meeting
October 8, 2003
Chairman Macias called the Adjourned Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning
Commission to order at 8:25 p.m. The meeting was held in the Board Room at Cucamonga County
Water District, 10440 Ashford Street, Rancho Cucamonga, California.
ROLL CALL
COMMISSIONERS: PRESENT: Richard Fletcher, Rich Macias, Cristine McPhail, Lany McNiel,
Pam Stewart
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Brad Buller, City Planner; Dan Coleman, Principal Planner; Dan James,
Senior Civil Engineer
NEW BUSINESS
A. DISCUSSION OF DEVELOPMENT TRENDS
Brad Buller, City Planner, introduced Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer.
Mr. James informed the Commission that a recent change for the City is a requirement for Water
Quality Management Plans (WQMP) in compliance with the Clean Water Act of 1987 and the
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program. He indicated that in June 2000,
the City Council adopted the New Development/Redevelopment Guidelines developed by San
Bernardino County Stormwater Program, a consortium of local agencies. He said the NPDES
program requires that storm water quality management be considered during a project's planning
phase, implemented during construction, and maintained for the life of the project. Mr.James stated
the WQMP will be considered and incorporated into the Initial Study process of the California
Environmental Equality Act (CEQA). Mr. James also mentioned a new trend for the City with the
recent adoption of a Construction and Demolition Diversion Program. The goal of the program is to
recycle 50 percent of construction and demolition materials in order for City to achieve its recycling
goals.
Mr. Buller explained that Randall Lewis, Lewis Homes,was invited tonight to share some information
he recently presented to the Building Industry Association and discuss the lessons he has
experienced to date in building out Terra Vista.
Randall Lewis, Lewis Homes, gave an overview of industry trends. He noted that in the industry,the
City of Rancho Cucamonga is recognized as the leader in the Inland Empire region and the
perception is that Rancho Cucamonga is the best. He indicated that a number of factors influence
this image: our willingness to accept density if done right, good planning, balance of jobs and
housing, and appropriate respect for heritage. He also noted our high quality of life is reflected in the
successful volunteer programs and government leadership.
Mr. Lewis discussed regional marketplace changes that are taking place. Firstly, he noted that not
enough dwelling units are being built, particularly affordable housing. He said that affordable housing
is getting harder to do as land prices rise. Secondly, Mr. Lewis said that the marketplace is
maturing: more diversity and segmentation in price, households without children with large incomes,
more ethnicity, life stage or lifestyle is more important than age, and the Baby Boomer generation is
approaching retirement. Thirdly, he commented upon the bifurcation trend between low and middle
versus high end. As a result, they believe there is more demand for condominiums. Lastly, he said
there is a job shift away from Rancho Cucamonga and Ontario toward the outlying areas, such as
High Desert; however, higher paying jobs are coming to Rancho Cucamonga.
Mr. Lewis commented that land scarcity is causing land prices to skyrocket and this has led to a
retum to condominium/townhome product being built. He stated this may reduce construction of new
apartments in the short term because condo developers outbid multi-family developers for available
land. He indicated that their surveys of apartment tenants show two reasons people rent: 1)those
who want to buy a home and are saving down payment, and 2) renters by choice (mobile
professionals, divorcees, and active adults over 55 years old).
Mr. Lewis told the Planning Commission that Lewis Homes has many large-scale projects in the
region. He noted that they are exploring new partnerships with education (schools) for joint use of
facilities. He said that mixed use projects present unique operational problems for developers to
overcome. He noted that higher density projects do not always make economic sense for a builder
because at a certain density the costs may not produce as high a return on investment as a less
dense project.
Mr. Lewis said that the City of Rancho Cucamonga has done all the right things. He believed the
emphasis now will be on maintenance and enhancement of what has been built over the past 25
years.
Each Commissioner thanked Mr. Lewis and complimented him on his efforts toward building a great
community. ,
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments at this time.
ADJOURNMENT
The Planning Commission adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
B filler
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PC Adjourned Minutes -2- October 8, 2003