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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000/12/13 - Minutes - PC-HPC CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Regular Meeting December 13, 2000 Chairman McNiel called the Regular Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning Commission to order at 7:12 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: Rich Macias, John Mannerino, Larry McNiel, Pam Stewart, Peter Tolstoy ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Brad Buller, City Planner, Dan Coleman, Principal Planner; Kevin Ennis, Assistant City Attorney; Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer; Brent Le Count, Associate Planner; Lois Schrader, Planning Secretary; Kirt Coury, Associate Planner; Rudy Zeledon, Assistant Planner. ANNOUNCEMENTS Chairman McNiel noted that Items "A" and "B" would be heard together since they pertain to the same property and that Items "C"and "D"would also be heard together for the same reason. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion: Moved by Stewart, seconded by Macias, carried 5-0, to approve the minutes of November 8, 2000. PUBLIC HEARINGS - A. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 99-50—VANTIGER-A request to develop a 5,130 square foot service station with convenience market, drive-thru fast food restaurant and a drive-thru self-serve car wash on 2 acres of land in the Community Commercial District(Subarea 4)of the Foothill Boulevard Specific Plan, located at the northeast corner of Etiwanda Avenue and Foothill Boulevard—APN: 1100-161-002. Related file:Variance 00-02. Staff has prepared a Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration. B. VARIANCE 00-02—VANTIGER—A request to reduce the required parking setback from 35 feet to 25 feet along Etiwanda Avenue to accommodate a 5,130 square foot service station with convenience market, drive-thru fast food restaurant, and a self-serve car wash on 2 acres of land in the Community Commercial District(Subarea 4)of the Foothill Boulevard Specific Plan, located at the northeast corner of Etiwanda Avenue and Foothill Boulevard — APN: 1100-161-002. Related file: Conditional Use Permit 99-50. Brent Le Count, Associate Planner, gave the staff report and noted that the resolutions had been amended with conditions related to master plan storm drain improvements, and that the Commissioners had been provided with copies of the amended resolutions for their review. He also noted that the applicant has refuted the conditions and has asked to pay in-lieu fees. Commissioner Tolstoy asked about a historic plaque for the property. Dan Coleman, Principal Planner, noted that placement of a plaque is in the resolution shown on Page A-54 of the agenda packet in the "Cultural Resources" section. Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing. Barry Vantiger, 2177 N. 1st Avenue, Upland, stated he is the applicant. He expressed his thanks to staff for their assistance with the project and he thanked Chairman McNiel and Commissioner Stewart for their help in Design Review. Mr. Vantiger requested, for the record, to appeal the requirement for the storm drain improvements, citing the prohibitive cost of the work. Commissioner Mannerino asked if the Planning Commission even has the authority to repeal those requirements. Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer, stated that regarding projects located in the San Sevaine area, in 1989-1990 the City Council adopted a policy, which directs such storm drain improvements to be made and that it is a directive from the City Council. Mr. James clarified that the applicant will appeal those requirements. Chairman McNiel asked if the applicant was present and if there were any comments. Mr. Vantiger explained his belief that alternative measures that are more beneficial to the City and that are less costly are possible and that he would like to work on those alternatives with staff. Kevin Ennis, Assistant City Attorney, stated that this body, the Planning Commission, a subservient body, could not waive a directive from the City Council and only the Council can waive the policy. Jim Frost, announced that he is the former Chairman of the Etiwanda Specific Plan Advisory Committee and that he also served on the first General Plan Committee. He noted that it was always the direction during his participation with these groups that it was the City's direction to make it easier for development, not more difficult. Mr. Frost noted that he believes we are trying to place too much development on the property. He stated he did not feel this project made sense, citing problems with access from Foothill Boulevard and the future development on all four corners of the intersection. He felt we could do better. Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing. Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer, explained the proposed changes beginning on Pages 52 and 53 A&B. He stated that under the Engineering Division heading, Condition#7and#9 are to be deleted, and under Environmental Mitigation-Water, #1 is to be deleted. He stated that new wording regarding drainage has been added as numbers 1, 2, &3 under Water Mitigation, which relate to the installation of a master plan drainage facility and the requirement for retention and reimbursement of the fee credits within the drainage area. Commissioner Tolstoy asked for comment from Commissioner Stewart and Chairman McNiel who served on the Design Review Committee for the project in regard to the possibility of the project being "overbuilt." Chairman McNiel commented that he did not feel the project is overbuilt, as indicated by Mr. Frost. Planning Commission Minutes -2- December 13, 2000 Commissioner Stewart added that overbuilding was an initial concern, but after more than one review and a reconfiguration, they determined that the project is workable. Commissioner Tolstoy asked them if they felt the issues had been resolved to their satisfaction. Commissioner Stewart indicated that the issues had been resolved. Chairman McNiel agreed. Brad Buller, City Planner, noted that in the Foothill Boulevard Specific Plan, in areas designated as "Activity Centers," moving uses close to the street/intersection is encouraged, but because of the facility and the use with drive-thrus, two different precedents have been set for corner treatments in this intersection. He interjected that Mr. Frost raised a good point that needed clarification. He remarked that the challenge will be how it is addressed when applications for the remaining 2 corners are submitted for development. He indicated that the Foothill Boulevard Specific Plan would normally direct them to place the building up at the street similar to how the original gas station was situated on the property. He added that in Design Review, they worked on the plan and came up with an alternative. He commented that the rock elements make a handsome comer treatment. Chairman McNiel agreed. Commissioner Tolstoy added that it is similar to the corner of Camelian Avenue and Foothill Boulevard and an example of good planning. Motion: Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by Stewart, to issue a Negative Declaration of Environmental Impacts and approve Conditional Use Permit 99-50 with the amended conditions noted and Variance 00-02 by adoption of the Resolutions of Approval. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: MACIAS, MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE - carried C. FOOTHILL BOULEVARD SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT 99-02—SACRED HEART CHURCH- A request to amend the Foothill Boulevard Specific Plan to allow churches subject to a Conditional Use Permit within the Regional Commercial land use designation(Subarea 4)and to increase the allowable building height for churches. Related files: Conditional Use Permit 99-56, Tree Removal Permit 00-45, and Preliminary Application Review 98-12. D. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 99-56 — SACRED HEART CHURCH — The expansion of the existing Sacred Heart Church with Phase one consisting of a new 20,000 square foot sanctuary building and Phase two consisting of an additional 2,200 square feet of sanctuary space and 5,400 square feet of additional classroom space on 11 acres of land in the Regional Related Commercial district (Subarea 4) of the Foothill Boulevard Specific Plan, located at 12704 Foothill Boulevard—APN: 227-211-02, 24, and 25 and 227-221-01 and 02. Related files: Foothill Boulevard Specific Plan Amendment 99-02 and Tree Removal Permit 00-45. Staff has prepared a Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration. Brent Le Count, Associate Planner, gave the staff report. Commissioner Mannerino asked who determines the"buffer zone"between the development and the residential area. Planning Commission Minutes -3- December 13, 2000 Mr. Le Count replied that staff is recommending a 300-foot buffer between the project and the residential area. Commissioner Tolstoy asked what is planned for the triangular shaped piece of property just west of the church. Mr. Le Count stated he did not know specifically how the property would be developed and that it could possibly be developed with a commercial use. Commissioner Tolstoy asked if access to that property would be difficult. Mr. Le Count replied that the access is typical for the area and that the project uses an efficient design solution. Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing and asked if the applicant was present. Father Steve Porter, representing Sacred Heart Church, 12704 Foothill Boulevard, indicated that he had read and agreed with all of the Conditions of Approval. Hearing no further comment, Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing. Commissioner Tolstoy indicated that he would like to hear the comments of the owner of the triangular property to the west in regard to the church expansion. Brad Buller, City Planner, stated that he had been in contact with the owner of the property and that they had discussed the development possibilities. He noted that because of the close proximity to the on-ramp for 1-15, a driveway along the frontage of the property on Foothill would not be a good idea and the challenge is to provide something that works for both the church and a possible use for the adjacent triangular property. He mentioned that the owner intends to pursue a freeway service type of business. He added that access to the property should be provided with this Master Plan. Commissioner Tolstoy asked if the church would be interested in acquiring the property. Mr. Buller indicated that the owner of the property is not interested in selling it right now and that the church really does not need it. Chairman McNiel voiced his support for the project noting that the architecture maintains a historic flavor in design and expressed his approval in that the church decided not to move to another location. Motion: Moved by Stewart, seconded by Mannerino, to recommend approval for Foothill Boulevard Specific Plan Amendment 99-02 to be forwarded to City Council for final action and to issue a Negative Declaration of Environmental Impacts and to approve Conditional Use Permit 99-56 as amended. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: MACIAS, MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE - carried Mr. Buller commended the applicant and their architect for an excellent job, a thorough analysis of the site, and a great model of the project. He noted that the project will be an asset to the community. Chairman McNiel commented that the applicants were a pleasure to work with in design review. Planning Commission Minutes -4- December 13, 2000 Commissioner Tolstoy also complimented the architect for his great exhibit and commended them for their resolve to stay on the property. The Planning Commission recessed from 7:40 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.to accommodate a mass exodus of 9 P P students from the room. E. DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT 00-04—CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA—A request to amend various residential sections of the Development Code pertaining to roofing materials. Brad Buller, City Planner, gave the presentation noting that the amendment is to bring consistency regarding the materials used and to address the issue of aesthetics to be used on new and replacement residential roofs. He noted that the quality of the materials used remains the same and will be consistent with the current Building and Fire Code requirements. Commissioner Mannerino asked if an imitation of wood shingle made of an acceptable material would be allowed. He noted that the language used in the list of acceptable materials notes "tile, slate, copper or imitation thereof," and shake is not included there. He wanted to know if a "woodlike"tile that looks like wood shake could be suitable if it is fire retardant. Chairman McNiel noted that there are lightweight tile roofs and other roofs that simulate a shake roof. Mr. Buller replied that simulated material can be acceptable and that it was not meant to prohibit that. Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing. Motion: Moved by Mannerino, seconded by Macias, to recommend approval of Development Code Amendment 00-04 as presented and to be forwarded to the City Council for final action. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: MACIAS, MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE - carried F. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW 00-40-ARROW&UTICA PARTNERS, LLC-The development of a 27,018 square foot industrial building on 1.72 acres of vacant land in the General Industrial District (Subarea 8), located at the southeast comer of Arrow Route and Utica Avenue-APN: 209-491-79. Staff has prepared a Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration. Rudy Zeledon, Assistant Planner, gave the staff report. He noted that the resolution has been revised and directed the Commissioners to page F-43 of the agenda packet under "J," Site Development. He asked that#6 be struck. Additionally, he noted for the record that on Page F-37 under the Planning Division conditions,the painted concrete tilt up wall is considered Commissioner Stewart asked if the sandblasted accent on the east elevation will be carried throughout. Mr. Zeledon confirmed that it is in the Conditions of Approval as well as the revision to the color. Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing. Planning Commission Minutes -5- December 13, 2000 Peter Pitassi, AIA, 8439 White Oak Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga, stated he represents the applicant. He thanked staff for addressing their issues and questions. Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing. Chairman McNiel reported that this project had been through multiple design reviews and that he feels that it is a better project following the modifications made during the review process. Motion: Moved by Stewart, seconded by Mannerino, to issue a Negative Declaration of Environmental Impacts and to approve Development Review 00-40 with the noted changes in the Conditions of Approval. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: MACIAS, MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE - carried G. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW 00-61 — SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION—A request to construct a 49 unit, three story, 39,533 square foot senior housing facility on 1.31 acres in the High Residential District (24-30 dwelling units per acre), located at the southwest comer of Salina Street, and Malvem Avenue — APN 209-04147. Related files: General Plan Amendment 00-02B, Development District Amendment 00-03 and Development Agreement 00-02. Staff has prepared a Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration. Kirt Coury, Associate Planner, gave the staff report. He noted a correction in the traffic report in which a reference was made to Archibald Avenue and that it should be shown as Ramona Avenue. He also corrected the Standard Conditions beginning on Page G-44 of the agenda packet, item#13 related to laundry facilities is superceded by the Development Agreement which requires one washer-dryer facility for every 14 units. He also noted that on Page G-45and G-51, items#4 and#14 . respectively, are to be struck. No security gates are on the project at this time. Peter Pitassi, AIA, 8439 White Oak Avenue, expressed his thanks and assistance received from staff. Mr. Pitassi noted that a condition for a mailbox on the site is not applicable because the project plans show a gathering site for mail within the lobby of the building. He also noted that the fire flow noted on Page G-50 as 5,250gpm has been clarified and adjusted to be 3500gpm and that he would work it out with the Fire inspector during final review. He accepted the conditions as amended. Commissioner Tolstoy noted that Mr. Pitassi had done a fine job on the project design. Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing. Brad Buller, City Planner, interjected that since there was not a representative present from the Fire Department at the meeting, the condition would be subject to confirmation from the Fire official. Chairman McNiel concurred that the condition should remain until a change is confirmed by the Fire Department. Kevin Ennis,Assistant City Attorney, recommended that the condition be amended to add a clause indicating that the fire flow shown as 5,250 would be required unless a lesser flow is approved by the Fire Department. Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing. Planning Commission Minutes -6- December 13, 2000 Chairman McNiel commented that he likes the design of the building and that he feels the location is appropriate. He added that he felt that in the future, there may be a need for a traffic signal at the intersection of Ramona because of the traffic. Motion: Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by Stewart, to approve Environmental Assessment and Development Review 00-61 with the noted changes in the Conditions of Approval. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: MACIAS, MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE - carried DIRECTORS REPORTS H. PRELIMINARY REVIEW 00-30- SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION—A courtesy review of the proposed site acquisition of approximately 6 acres of land for an early education center in the Low Medium Residential District(4-8 dwelling units per acre), located at the northeast comer of Archibald Avenue and Arrow Route—APN: 208-291-01 and 07. Dan Coleman, Principal Planner, gave the staff report noting that this is a relocation of an existing facility in the Cucamonga Business Park, currently located at the southwest corner of Arrow Highway and Archibald Avenue across the street from the proposed location. Chairman McNiel noted that 6 acres is a small school site when there is not an adjacent park with reciprocal uses. He asked if there was any reason that it is so small. Mr. Coleman noted that the parcel is really larger than they need for only 72 students and a 14,00& square foot building. He reported that there is limited land available for development in the area and • they probably picked up the extra frontage on Arrow Route so that they could have convenient access for the children's parents. Motion: Moved by Mannerino, seconded by Macias to forward the recommendations as presented to the school district officials. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: MACIAS, MANNERINO, MCNIEL, STEWART, TOLSTOY NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE - carried COMMISSION BUSINESS Commissioner Tolstoy asked Chairman McNiel to explain to the students present why all the items were passed with a 5-0 vote and why that occurred and why sometimes it does not occur. Chairman McNiel obliged and stated that many projects presented at the meeting had been through multiple design reviews and that they had also been through technical reviews and reviews by our superb City staff and the City Planner. He added that they all work hard, sometimes for months, to eliminate the problems and issues with the project so that it can be presented to the Commission. He added that it takes the involvement of many people to prepare a project and that it requires time and cooperation. He noted that the net result of this long process is a good project and a nicer community in which to live. Planning Commission Minutes -7- December 13, 2000 Dan Coleman, Principal Planner, added that many projects have also had multiple neighborhood meetings, giving the residents an opportunity to comment, voice issues and give input to the project before it comes before the Commission. I. GENERAL PLAN UPDATE PROGRESS Brad Buller, City Planner, gave a report regarding the progress of the General Plan Update. He noted that the Task Force has reviewed the Housing Element,which is to be forwarded to the State. He added that no further meetings are scheduled for this year and that follow up meetings for the Land Use Section and other sections are yet to come. He stated that the EIR is to be circulated in the near future. ADJOURNMENT Motion: Moved by Mannerino and seconded by Macias. The Planning Commission adjourned at 8:12p.m. Respectfully submitted, B - !=e ler Secretary Planning Commission Minutes -8- December 13, 2000