HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002/10/09 - Minutes - PC-HPC CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Regular Meeting
October 9, 2002
Chairman McNiel called the Regular Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning
Commission to order at 7:04 p.m. The meeting was held in the Council Chamber at Rancho
Cucamonga Civic Center, 10500 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, California. Chairman
McNiel then led in the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL
COMMISSIONERS: PRESENT: Rich Macias, John Mannerino, Larry McNiel, Pam Stewart,
Peter Tolstoy
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Brad Buller, City Planner, Kirt Coury, Associate Planner; Kevin Ennis,
Assistant City Attorney; Douglas Fenn, Associate Planner; Rick Fisher,
Contract Planner; Donald Granger, Assistant Planner; Larry Henderson,
Principal Planner, Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer, Gail Sanchez,Planning
Commission Secretary; Emily Wimer, Assistant Planner
' ANNOUNCEMENTS
There were no announcements.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT DRC2002-00479 —
WENDY'S RESTAURANT INTERNATIONAL —The development of a 3,251 square foot fast
food restaurant with drive-thru lane on 9.22 acres of land in the Community Commercial District
(Subarea 2) in the Orchard Supply Shopping Center, located on the north side of Foothill
Boulevard between Hellman Avenue and Vineyard Avenue—APN: 208-101-20.
Rick Fisher, Contract Planner presented the staff report.
Chairman McNiel noted the shopping center has a lot of mature trees. He questioned how many will
be removed for the construction of this project.
Mr. Fisher replied that three to four will be removed during and construction and will then be
replaced.
Chairman McNiel observed they are nice, mature trees. He suggested the trees be moved. He
opened the public hearing.
Nick Rice, Wendy's International, Houston, Texas, stated they would like to look at the cost of
relocating the trees.
Hearing no further testimony, Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Tolstoy observed that the current service station is going to be removed in order to
make room for parking for this project. He suggested relocating the trees to that area if possible.
Brad Buller, City Planner, suggested having the applicant work with the City Planner regarding
removal and possible relocation of the trees. He commented that many times trees in parking lots
are not easily relocated.
Commissioner Tolstoy felt it may be better not to relocate the trees if they do not have a good root
system because of the winds in the area.
Commissioner Stewart reported that when the project went through the Design Review process, it
was conditioned to preserve trees in place wherever possible.
Chairman McNiel agreed that would be acceptable.
Motion: Moved by Mannerino, seconded by Tolstoy, to issue a Negative Declaration and adopt the
resolution approving Conditional Use Permit DRC2002-00479 with a minute request that the
applicant work with the City Planner to see if transplanting the trees is feasible. Motion carried by the
following vote:
AYES: MACIAS, MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE - carried
B. PUBLIC SCOPING MEETING/NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF A DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT REPORT(EIR) FOR TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NUMBER 16072-CITY OF RANCHO
CUCAMONGA- The City of Rancho Cucamonga will be the Lead Agency and will prepare an
EIR for Tentative Tract Map SUBTT16072, for the development of 359 detached single-family
units with an average lot size of 8,400 square feet located in the northern Etiwanda area of
unincorporated San Bernardino County, within the City of Rancho Cucamonga's Sphere of
Influence, located at the northeast corner of Etiwanda and Wilson Avenues—APN:225-083-01,
12, 13, 15, 16, 20, and 24. Related File: Development Agreement DRC2002-00156.
Larry Henderson, Principal Planner, presented the staff report and reported that correspondence had
been received from two residents, the County of San Bernardino, and the California Regional Water
Quality Control Board indicating matters they would like to see addressed in the EIR. He stated
copies of the letters were in front of the Commissioners and the letters would be forwarded to the
consultant preparing the EIR for inclusion in the EIR.
Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing.
John Schafer, Richland Pinehurst, Inc., 3 Imperial Promenade, Suite 150, Santa Ana, gave a brief
history of the project. He indicated his company has acquired property from four different property
owners over the last five years. He stated they tried to acquire the property in the southeast corner
but have been unsuccessful. He reported that the minimum lot size is 8,400 square feet.
Chairman McNiel asked if there is a natural escarpment on the Red Hill fault line.
Stan Morse, MDS Consulting, 17320 Redhill Avenue, Suite 350, Irvine, responded there is an
escarpment from 2 to 5 feet across the project with a grade difference of 2 to 5 feet.
Chairman McNiel asked if it will be graded.
Planning Commission Minutes -2- October 9, 2002
Mr. Morse replied that the escarpment will be replaced. He observed they are honoring the fault
setback lines by making the area into a linear park. He said they will therefore grade on either side
of the fault.
Chairman McNiel felt retaining at least a portion of the natural escarpment could be an educational
opportunity for school children.
Mr. Morse stated they would work with their geologist and take photographs. He said they also take
photographs in conjunction with the subsurface trenching. He thought they may be able to put
together a nice booklet for the schools.
Chairman McNiel questioned the status on the southeast portion of the site,which is not a part of the
project.
Mr. Morse replied that the owner of the vacant ground is elderly and doesn't want to talk to anyone
and they have been unable to find any relatives to discuss the matter. He explained that the project
was designed to allow modification to the Tentative Tract Map to include that parcel if they are
successful in obtaining it.
Chairman McNiel asked the difference between the current County zoning versus the City's zoning
under the Sphere-of-Influence.
Brad Buller, City Planner, believed the applicant could have approximately twice as many homes
under County standards because the County calculations are based on gross acreage and City
calculations are based on net acreage. He said staff worked with the developer for some time and
believes they are submitting a project very close to City standards.
Mr. Schafer said there is split zoning within the City above and below the fault line. He said they are
blending the two zones over the entire project. He thought it is about 3 dwelling units per acre south
of the fault line and 2 north of the fault line.
Commissioner Tolstoy noted it is a large project and he questioned the drainage.
Mr. Morse stated a drainage report was submitted to both the County and the City. He said they
propose constructing a large concrete interceptor ditch along the north property line and diverting all
of the upstream water directly into the Etiwanda spreading grounds, similar to the channel on the
north side of the Syntex project. He indicated they propose an interim and an ultimate storm drain
system. He stated the interim plan is to detain 90 percent of undeveloped flows onsite until the
County completes the throttle down by the freeway. He said there will be interim detention basins
within the fault zone and at the southeast comer, similar to the what was done on the Mastercraft
project. He observed the County has the funding for the throttle but it is 2 to 3 years off.
Chairman McNiel asked how the water would be provided for the houses.
Mr. Morse responded that Cucamonga County Water District has two pressure zones with water
lines in Etiwanda Avenue and Wilson Avenue and they will extend those lines into the project and
loop them and interconnect the two pressure zones as a safety measure. He said there is adequate
water pressure.
Chairman McNiel asked if it would be sufficient for Fire.
Mr. Morse replied affirmatively.
Chairman McNiel asked if there is more developable land to the north.
Planning Commission Minutes -3- October 9, 2002
Mr. Buller indicted there is one large parcel to the north, which is still under County control.
Commissioner Tolstoy asked if any of the area is part of the Flood Control District.
Mr. Morse responded negatively.
The following residents spoke regarding the project.
Roger Lee, 12878 Bermuda Court, Rancho Cucamonga,
Walter Risch, 5834 Etiwanda Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga
James Clopton, 5527 Sagebrush Court, Rancho Cucamonga
Daniel Gregoris, 5579 Carmello Court, Rancho Cucamonga
Daniel Enriquez, 5649 Aruba Court, Rancho Cucamonga
The residents raised concerns about the following issues to be addressed in the EIR: Infrastructure
(particularly lack of schools and lack of sidewalks for children going to school); fire protection
services; lack of public parks in the area, as North Etiwanda Creek Park is only partially completed
and will not be completed in the near future because of phasing of development; traffic; circulation;
and effect on surrounding property values. Concerns were raised regarding the safety of children
because some currently use 23rd Street and go through wooded areas to get to school and many
play in streets and paseos since the closest park is south of Wilson Avenue. A request was made
that Wilson Avenue connect through to the I-15 Freeway prior to any construction. Regarding traffic
and circulation, it was pointed out that Etiwanda Avenue is one lane only each way and 600+homes
are being developed immediately east of this project. One resident asked that the Planning
Commission consider leaving the area as open space or reduce the size of the development to meet
some of the concerns, with perhaps a park north of the fault in order to preserve views and some of
the historic homes in the area.
Hearing no further testimony, Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Tolstoy indicated his concerns had been covered.
Commissioner Stewart observed that the letters submitted raised concerns about electrical service,
water service, and fire facilities. She reiterated that the letters would be forwarded to the company
preparing the EIR so that the issues could be studied.
NEW BUSINESS
C. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW DRC2002-00328—KIM B.
SNYDER —A request to construct two industrial warehouse buildings, Building "A" (270,544
square feet) and Building "B" (187,760 square feet) for a total of 458,304 square feet on 24.32
acres of land in the General Industrial District (Subarea 14), located south of 6th Street, east
and west of Santa Anita Avenue—APN: 229-283-48.
Douglas Fenn, Associate Planner, presented the staff report.
Chairman McNiel invited public comments.
Kim Snyder, 319 East Palm Drive, 2nd Floor, Placentia, accepted the conditions and said he was
available to answer questions.
There were no additional public comments.
Planning Commission Minutes -4- October 9, 2002
Chairman McNiel commented that the applicant was very cooperative when the project went through
the Design Review process. He felt it will be a good addition to the community.
Motion: Moved by Mannerino, seconded by Stewart, to issue a Negative Declaration and adopt the
resolution approving Development Review DRC2002-00328. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: MACIAS, MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE - carried
D. DEVELOPMENT REVIEW DRC2002-00322 - ASH - A request to construct a single-family
custom home totaling 11,950 square feet in the Very Low Residential District on 3.26 acres of
land, located at the terminus of Whirlaway Street and Klusman Avenue—APN: 1061-511-06 and
07.
Commissioner Tolstoy excused himself because the property is in close proximity to his home.
Emily Wimer, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report.
Brad Buller, City Planner, explained that Commissioner Tolstoy excused himself because his home is
located one lot away from the project. He observed that the Tolstoy residence is serviced by a water
line that runs through the applicant's property and a copy of the easement for that water line was
given to the applicant immediately prior to this evening's meeting. He noted that the proposed house
appears to straddle the water line easement.
Chairman McNiel invited public comment.
Jesse Ash, 874 Windmere, San Dimas, stated he purchased the lot to build a beautiful house and
just now found out that he will have to deal with the easement.
Mr. Buller suggested addition of a condition that no grading or building permit be issued until the City
receives written notice from any easement holders that the rights specified by the easements are
preserved or modified to the satisfaction of the easement holders. He observed that the applicant is
required to deal with the easement and said the applicant understands his obligation.
Chairman McNiel indicated that the problem needs to be resolved.
Mr. Ash said he understood.
There were no additional public comments.
Commissioner Mannerino noted that addressing the easement is a matter of the law. He felt the
proposed house is phenomenal.
Chairman McNiel commended the design team.
Motion: Moved by Mannerino, seconded by Stewart to adopt the resolution approving Development
Review DRC2002-00322 with a modification to require written notice from any easement holders that
the easement rights are preserved or modified. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: MACIAS, MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: TOLSTOY - carried
Planning Commission Minutes -5- October 9, 2002
E. CONSIDERATION OF DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT-MUIRFIELD PROPERTIES-A
request to initiate an amendment to allow mixed use public storage as a conditionally permitted
use within the Regional Related Commercial District (Foothill Boulevard Subarea 4), located
east of the 1-15 Freeway.
Kirt Coury, Associate Planner, presented the staff report.
Chairman McNiel asked if any plans had been submitted.
Mr. Coury responded negatively.
Chairman McNiel asked if there had been any indication as to what part of the building was proposed
to be used for public storage.
Mr. Coury replied that approximately 2/3 of the rear was proposed for storage.
Brad Buller, City Planner, indicated that the purpose of tonight's meeting was to allow an amendment
to be processed upon submission of an application and fees. He reported the City has been working
with the owners of Foothill Marketplace and Costco. He said it is very difficult to lease a building this
large to one tenant. He noted the space is very deep and he felt permitting public storage in the
back would encourage building utilization. He noted the parcel across from the Sycamore Inn has
the same concept, whereby a mini-storage facility is in the back with shops in the fronton a deep
parcel. He stated the amendment would not be precise as to the floor area.
Chairman McNiel invited public comment.
Lou Miramontes, Muirfield Properties, Inc. 3636 Birch Street, Suite 200, Newport Beach, stated the
building is approximately 136,000 square feet and they anticipate having approximately 80,000
square feet of retail with 55,000 to 65,000 square feet of self-storage. He said they envision three or
four entrances with three or four tenants instead of the singe instead of the single major front
entrance currently there.
Chairman McNiel asked if any tenants have been secured.
Mr. Miramontes replied they are currently marketing the building.
There were no additional public comments.
Commissioner Mannerino noted that the storage on Foothill Boulevard is adjacent to property that he
owns. He felt providing public storage encourages people to comply with the RV storage regulations.
He supported the amendment and noted such uses have little traffic.
Commissioner Tolstoy welcomed the addition.
Commissioner Stewart was concerned regarding revenue generation as it would be a loss of retail
space.
Commissioner Macias agreed with Commissioner Stewart.
Motion: Moved by Mannerino, seconded by Tolstoy to direct staff to initiate an amendment to allow
mixed use public storage as a conditionally permitted use within the Regional Related Commercial
District following submission of an application and appropriate fees. Motion carried by the following
vote:
Planning Commission Minutes -6- October 9, 2002
AYES: MACIAS, MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE - carried
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Laura Gates, 11442 Lomello Way, questioned when the Milliken Avenue onramp to the 210 freeway
will open.
Chairman McNiel responded that the opening was pushed back to November.
Dave Smith, 9720 Brilliant Lane, Rancho Cucamonga, stated he is a teacher at Los Osos High
School. He asked when Wilson Avenue will be completed behind Los Osos to Banyan Street. He
expressed concems regarding the amount of traffic on Banyan Street and he feared Wilson Avenue
may not be completed because of the gnatcatcher.
Brad Buller, City Planner, stated that when the school was being processed, the City asked the
School District to address access to the school. He said the City advised the School District there
would be problems if Milliken did not connect Wilson Avenue. He indicated the School District was
reluctant but eventually agreed to provide that connection. Mr. Buller said plans call for connecting
Wilson Avenue to Milliken Avenue in 2003. He acknowledged environmental issues have held up
construction of various projects.
Commissioner Tolstoy noted a bridge currently crosses the creek at Wilson Avenue.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
There was no Commission business at this time.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: The Planning Commission adjourned at 8:13 p.m. to a workshop. The workshop adjourned
at 8:52 p.m. and those minutes appear separately.
Respectfully submitted,
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Planning Commission Minutes -7- October 9, 2002