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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003/05/28 - Workshop Minutes - PC-HPC CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Adjourned Meeting May 28, 2003 Chairman McNiel called the Adjourned Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning Commission to order at 7:45 p.m. The meeting was held in the Rains Room at Rancho Cucamonga Civic Center, 10500 Civic Center Drive, 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, Warren Morelion, Assistant Planner; Joe Stofa, Associate Engineer, Alan Warren, Associate Planner NEW BUSINESS A. PRE-APPLICATION REVIEW DRC2003-00240-JOSEPH BACHOURA-A review of conceptual plans to subdivide approximately 8 acres into 11 lots within the Very Low Residential District (.1 to 2 dwelling units per acre) abutting the Demens-Tolstoy Historical Home, located west of Archibald Avenue and north of Hillside Road -APN: 1061-561-05. Brad Buller, City Planner, started the workshop by describing the procedure for the workshop. Joseph Bachoura, applicant, described the proposed subdivision,and acknowledged the significance of the adjacent Demens-Tolstoy Home in the overall design. He stated that they will propose single- story houses on the lots near the historic house. In response to a Commissioner question, Mr. Bachoura stated it is his intent to build homes on the site in addition to applying for a tract subdivision. Alan Warren, Associate Planner, addressed design issues that included the importance of design compatibility with the historic house site as follows: 1)architecture, 2) landscaping, 3)view of the historic house from Hillside Road, and 4) perimeter features such as wall/fence design and trail improvements. Mr.Warren advised that the Trails Committee would review the eventual equestrian trail design with recommendation eventually being forwarded to the Planning Commission after a complete Development Review application is submitted. Further, he added that the Engineering Division's limitation on additional driveways onto Archibald Avenue resulted in two very large lots backing up to the Archibald right-of-way. He noted that the lots backing up to Hillside Road may need to be elevated to allow for drainage to the local cul-de-sac street because of City policy regarding lot drainage to fronting streets. He observed this would result in retaining walls along Hillside Road. Mr. Warren suggested that a stepped retaining walls configuration would be preferable to a single tall combination retaining/tract wall. Commissioner Stewart expressed agreement with the need for architecture compatibility between the proposed homes and the historic house, including the design of the perimeter walls. Commissioner Macias thought it would be most important for the City to have design guidelines in place for any home development on the lots. Mr. Buller responded that the Planning Commission may, at the time of subdivision review, include any number of design standards as conditions of approval. Further, the Mr. Buller affirmed the desired to have single story homes around the site so as not to significantly block the view of the historic house. Commissioner McPhail mentioned that it would be important to consider retaining some of the trees around the site to add to the compatibility with the existing historic site. Mr. Buller stated that removal of any omamental tree(non-fruit or non-nut bearing species)would be subject to review of an arborist report before any approval is granted for removal. Commissioner Fletcher commented that the Demens-Tolstoy House is a very significant historic site and that any adjacent development should be very special with significant attention to detail (architecture, walls, etc.). Chairman McNiel concurred with the statements of the other Commissioners and added the architecture and site development for the tract needs to be very sensitive to the character of the historic house and surroundings. He said he expects"great things"of any development around the Demens-Tolstoy House. Mr. Buller summarized the comments of the Commissioners as follows: The tract concept was found acceptable with the understanding that key design features of the historic house and site (architecture, landscaping, etc.) must be incorporated in to the tract and home designs in a complementary manner. B. PRE-APPLICATION REVIEW DRC2003-00441 —STEVE ELLIS-A Pre-Application Review to consider a conceptual design concept for the proposed development of 90 condominium units on 7.24 acres of land in the Foothill Districts (Subarea 1), located on the north side of Foothill Boulevard, west of the Cucamonga Channel - APN: 207-101-32, 33, 50. Related Files: Pre- Application Review DRC2002-00450, Preliminary Review DRC2002-00589, Preliminary Review DRC2003-00284, General Plan Amendment GPA2002-00001, Development District Amendment DDA2002-00001, Development Code Amendment DCA2002-00001. Brad Buller, City Planner, introduced the item and gave an overview of the Pre-Application Review process. He emphasized the purpose of the workshop was to look at the proposed project's overall design and its relationship to the surrounding area. Steve Ellis, applicant/engineer, discussed the project and the constraints for developing on such a complicated site. He indicated that he and his representatives were at the workshop to get a specific direction for the project from the Commission. He also stated he thought the project would be a good addition to the City. Paul Patirupananda, project-managing architect, introduced the architecture of the project. He indicated that the project falls within the City's Hillside Ordinance, and that it has been designed with some units having such features as tuck-under garages. He noted the project includes some amenities, and that he would continue to work with staff to design a connection to the Pacific Electric Inland Empire Trail. PC Adjoumed Minutes -2- May 28, 2003 Tom Wong, associate architect, explained the context of the project on the site. He pointed out the architecture proposed was a Tuscany/Mediterranean architectural style. He explained the concept of his team was to design villas that create one cohesive community theme. Warren Morelion, Assistant Planner, gave a brief overview of the project. He emphasized the importance of the location of the project because it abuts Foothill Boulevard. He suggested the project be designed with special attention given to landscaping, architecture,fencing,and hardscape along Foothill Boulevard. He also stressed the importance of limiting building heights to meet City requirements and the importance of designing a functional connection to the Pacific Electric Inland Empire Trail that is to the north of the project site. Mr. Buller stated he was concerned about the vacant (not-a-part) parcel in front of the project site. He thought the undeveloped land would diminish the visual appearance of the project. He stated he would not support the project as proposed, unless the vacant parcel could be landscaped to meet City standards. Commissioner Stewart agreed with staffs comments. She emphasized the importance of the design of the project, as it relates to Foothill Boulevard. She stated that she would like the project to be designed with a very"grand"entry that includes the entry kiosk and gates far enough on-site not to create a stacking problem onto Foothill Boulevard. She added that the project should be enhanced by including a tot lot on-site and by including more decorative paving, open space, and rock treatment on the buildings elevations. Commissioner Macias stated he was mainly concemed with the appearance of the project as it is seen from Foothill Boulevard. He added that because of the project's location, it needs to be designed with qualities that make it special. Commissioner Fletcher echoed Commissioner Macias' comments regarding the importance of the visual appearance of the project along Foothill Boulevard. He stated the project should be designed and built with the highest standard in mind. Commissioner McPhail was concerned about the grade and how the project would fit into the site. She thought the buildings were very plain and"boxy"and should be redesigned to include horizontal variations by maybe incorporating such features as trellises and/or landscaping. She also stated she was concemed with overflow parking,the connection to the Pacific Electric Inland Empire Trail, and with on- and off-site pedestrian access. She added the hammerhead tumaround at the northeast end of the site should be redesigned to limit the amount of paving. Her overall sentiment was that the proposed project was okay but not finished. Chairmen McNeil thought the project site was maxed-out in terms of the amount of units that were proposed. He was concerned about setbacks and thought that there should be more open space between buildings. He also thought the architecture should be"beefed-up"on every building with the use of additional stone treatment, especially those buildings visible from Foothill Boulevard. He closed by stating he thought that the issues surrounding the vacant parcel in front of the project should be resolved prior to approval of any project on the site. Mr. Buller summarized the comments of the Commission and directed the applicant to continue to work with staff for further processing of the project. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments at this time. PC Adjourned Minutes -3- May 28, 2003 ADJOURNMENT The Planning Commission adjourned at 8:38 p.m. Respectfully submitted, sor VAIF B . .':uller Secretary I PC Adjourned Minutes -4- May 28, 2003