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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997/05/14 - Minutes - PC-HPC CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Regular Meeting May 14, 1997 Chairman Barker called the Regular Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning Commission to order at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was held in the Council Chamber at Rancho Cucamonga Civic Center, 10500 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, California. Chairman Barker then led in the pledge of allegiance. ROLL CALL COMMISSIONERS: PRESENT: David Barker, William Bethel, Rich Macias, Larry McNiel, Peter Tolstoy ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Brad Bullet, City Planner; Dan Coleman, Principal Planner; Nancy Fong, Senior Planner; Ralph Hanson, Deputy City Attorney; Steve Hayes, Associate Planher; Larry Henderson, Principal Planner; Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer; Brent Le Count, Associate Planner; Gail Sanchez, Planning Commission Secretary ANNOUNCEMENTS Brad Buller, City Planner, suggested that Item A be pulled from the Consent Calendar and taken concurrently with Item B under Public Hearings, APPROVALOF MINUTES Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by Macias, carried 4-0-0-1 (Tolstoy abstain), to approve the minutes of April 23, 1997. CONSENT CALENDAR A. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR DEVELOPMENT REVIEW 97-01 - REITER - The proposed development of nine industrial buildings totaling 82,252 square feet on 7.55 acres of land in the Industrial Park District (Subarea 17) of the Industrial Area Specific Plan, located north of Foothill Boulevard on the east side of Center Avenue - APN: 1077-401-34. Staff has prepared a mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration. Related file: Parcel Map 15029. PUBLIC HEARINGS B. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 15029 - REITER - A subdivision of 7.55 acres of land into 10 parcels in the Industrial Park District (Subarea 17) of the Industrial Area Specific Plan, located north of Foothill Boulevard on the east side of Center Avenue - APN: 1077-401-34. Staff has prepared a mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration. Related file: Development Review 97-01. Chairman Barker stated he would abstain from hearing Items A and B because the applicant had contributed more than $250 to his political campaign. Steve Hayes, Associate Planner, presented the staff report. Vice Chairman McNiel stated that the tentative conceptual plan shows two buildings on Parcel 10 which would separate the existing carwash to the south from the nine industrial buildings proposed to be built on Parcels I through 9. He asked the distance from Foothill Boulevard to the applicant's property. Mr. Hayes replied that it is approximately 250 feet north of Foothill Boulevard. He said the southern 150 feet of the project is zoned Community Commercial within the Foothill Boulevard Specific Plan. Vice Chairman McNiel asked if all of the standards have been met. Mr. Hayes responded affirmatively and indicated staff had worked with the developer for a new option of a lube and tune facility on a portion of the site. Vice Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing. Henry Reiter, 9650 Business Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, stated he was selling Parcel 10 to the carwash. He observed that the nodherly buildings will be parked at a ratio of 4 to 1,000 square feet. He indicated they h~e tentative office users for the buildings. Commissioner Tolstoy stated that if the car wash did not purchase Lot 11, he would urge two methods of ingress and egress for Parcels 1 through 9. Mr. Reiter responded that the Fire Depadment had already requested an alternate emergency access. Commissioner Tolstoy stated he was glad to see that Mr. Reiter would again be developing as he had constructed nice buildings in the past. He supported the project so long as there would be a secondary access. Brad Bullet, City Planner, observed that Standard Condition A.6 calls for reciprocal access easements for emergency access. He asked if Commissioner Tolstoy's intent was for public access. Commissioner Tolstoy responded that if the southern parcel were not sold to the car wash, he wanted a secondary access that could be used by the public in the event of an emergency, not just an emergency access to be used by emergency vehicles. Mr. Reiter said he would be willing to accept that condition if he did not sell the property. Mr. Duller felt staff could work out the details and he suggested that Standard Condition 6 be revised to require City Planner approval. Hearing no further testimony, Vice Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing. Motion: Moved by Bethel, seconded by Tolstoy, to issue a mitigated Negative Declaration for Development Review 97-01 and Tentative Parcel Map 15029 and adopt the resolution approving Tentative Parcel Map 15029 with modification to require approval of the emergency access by the City Planner. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BETHEL, MACIAS, MCNIEL, TOLSTOY NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: BARKER - carried Planning Commission Minutes -2- May 14, 1997 C. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 96-32 - AUTO NATION - A request to construct an automotive sales business consisting of a 32,092 square foot showroom, 23,884 square foot service building, and 2,190 square foot car wash with an outdoor display area on a 20 acre parcel located on the northeast corner of Fourth Street and Buffalo Avenue in the Industrial Park area (Subarea 12) of the Industrial Area Specific Plan - APN: 229-263-19, 20, 21, and a podion of 18. Staff has prepared a mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration. Related file: Parcel Map 15012. Miki Bratt, Associate Planner, presented the staff report. Commissioner Bethel asked if the applicant had presented new conceptual plans for the pole signs. Ms. Bratt responded that the applicant had indicated they were working on it. Commissioner Bethel stated he was concerned that staff might be put on the spot. Brad Bullet, City Planner, stated he thought he had a good idea of what the Commission was looking for and he would bring it back to the full Commission if he did not feel comfortable with what the applicant proposes. Chairman Barker opened ~e public hearing. Pat Donnelly, Staubach Retail Services, 2010 Main Street, Suite 620, Irvine, stated they are the real estate development arm of Auto Nation. He expressed appreciation for the assistance of staff during the processing of the application. He said they were in general agreement with the conditions except that he had concerns about the minimum two-building materials policy. He noted they had presented a materials board with the grey concrete textured with TexCote contrasting with painted green concrete and hoped that the Commission would agree that their proposal meets the intent of the policy. He also indicated that do not normally use security fencing around their lots and only provide pipe rails to prevent the cars from being removed. He stated they have 24-hour security on site and he requested they not be required to provide security fencing. He said they intend to work with staff with regards to the sign program. He stated the civil architect and zoning consultant were available to answer questions. Commission McNiel stated he had recently noticed a newspaper article about a similar organization planning to locate in Ontario. He asked if that organization would be complimentary or if the two users would be in a foot race to see who could open first. Mr. Donnelly felt the competition was good but also felt there would be an' advantage to opening first. Chuck Buquet, Charles Joseph Associates, 10681 Foothill Boulevard, Suite 205, Rancho Cucamonga, presented a letter indicating he was representing the owner of a parcel north of the project. He requested that approval not be granted without submission of a traffic study addressing the vacation of Charles Smith Avenue. He stated there would be a reduction of the use and value of his client's 5-acre parcel because there would be no secondary access to the property and it would lose approximately 200 to 300 feet of roadway frontage. Mr. Buquet indicated his client, Jerry Laird, was available in the audience to answer any questions. Hearing no further testimony, Chairman Barker closed the public hearing. Mr. Buller stated that the Commission has a policy that requires two separate materials for industrial buildings. He noted that the applicant had presented a good point that the movement of the architecture itself is far different from what is normally provided on a big box building. He observed that the applicant has two separate textures of concrete and stated that staff felt the Commission could approve the proposal as not setting a precedent because the building is different from what Planning Commission Minutes -3- May 14, 1997 the policy was intended to address. Mr. Bullet stated the Police Department requested the lot be fenced. He believed the applicant was aware that some type of fencing or hedge would help to protect from wind damage. He suggested that staff could work with the applicant. He observed that the Commission had already approved the parcel map that defined the land configuration and the vacation of Chades Smith Avenue. He noted that the Industrial Area Specific Plan calls for making Charles Smith Avenue a cul-de-sac street but the parcel map provided for the cul-de-sac to be further north than originally envisioned. He commented that the parcel map was not before the Commission this evening. Chairman Barker noted that the applicant indicated there would be a 24-hour security guard on the premises. He asked if that was a condition of approval. Mr. Buller indicated it was not, it was merely the applicant's plan. Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer, stated a traffic study was not required for the vacation of Charles Smith Avenue because the intent is shown in the Industrial Area Specific Plan. He observed that the Industrial Area Specific Plan shows an east-west street and stated there is still room for an east-west street on the approximate 22 acres to the north of this project. He commented that if the owners of the property north of the present project wish to delete the east-west street, they would have to process an amendment to the Industrial Area Specific Plan. He observed storm drain improvements are being installed in c~nnecfion with the construction of the Charles Smith cul-de-sac. He stated the street vacation will be acted upon by the City Council. Commissioner Macias was'"not sure what a traffic analysis would accomplish. He stated the purpose of a traffic analysis is to detbrmine if there will be a change in the level of service and he observed that the area is largely undeveloped. He did not think a traffic analysis would provide any information not already considered in the original environmental impact report. He preferred that the fencing be installed. Commissioner McNiel felt it would be a mistake not to have a fence because of the winds experienced in the area. He commented that TexCote is a thick paint with sand mixed in to give the appearance of stucco and is warrantied for a long time. He observed the two-material policy had been adopted to give variety to buildings which are mundane. He did not think this building is mundane and he supported the applicant's proposal. He supported the vacation of Charles Smith Avenue. With respect to Mr. Buquet's assertion that his client will lose economic value of his land, Commissioner McNiel commented that land banking is a speculative business. He stated that land uses are in flux. He felt it is in the best interest of the community and safety for Charles Smith Avenue to be vacated. Commissioner Tolstoy concurred with Commissioner McNiel that the building is not an industrial building and has a lot of architectural movement. He urged that the fence be built because o the winds and potential for sand storms. He also agreed with Commissioner McNiel with respect to Charles Smith Avenue. Commissioner Bethel felt the building has enough movement so that the intent of the two-material policy is being met. He noted that the application before the commission is a conditional use permit, not a parcel map so felt there could be no decision regarding vacation of Charles Smith Avenue. He concurred with the Police Department that the fence should be required. Motion: Moved by Bethel, seconded by Macias, to issue a mitigated Negative Declaration and adopt the resolution approving Conditional Use Permit 96-32. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BARKER, BETHEL, MACIAS, MCNIEL, TOLSTOY NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE - carried Planning Commission Minutes o4- May 14, 1997 D. SIGN ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 97-02 - CiTY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA- A request to amend the Sign Ordinance within the Rancho Cucamonga Municipal Code to add Auto Centers as a class of signs within Sections 14.20.100 Signs - Commercial and Office Zones and Section 14.20.110 Signs - Industrial Zones. Larry Henderson, Principal Planner, presented the staff report. commissioner Tolstoy asked if staff knew what the redevelopment Agency is planning with respect to signs. Brad Buller, City Planner, replied he had not seen any drawings but it was his understanding the intent is to have an aesthetic sign which will identify the businesses and also provide a reader board which will carry notices regarding community and commercial activities. Commissioner Tolstoy asked if the Redevelopment Agency will construct the sign. Mr. Bullet replied that it is looking at possibilities. He said the City's intent is to develop a program for freeway-exposed corridors. He indicated staff hopes to create a coordinated sign program for monument signs along the corridor. Commissioner Tolstoy asked how many signs are planned. Mr. Buller replied there cou!d be as many as four, with perhaps three along the 1-15 and one along Commissioner McNiel asked if the proposed wording could be read that the City is to develop the conceptual sign program. Ralph Hanson, Deputy City Attorney, responded that the sign program is usually generated by the developer. Chairman Barker opened the public hearing. Upon hearing no testimony, he closed the hearing. Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by Tolstoy, to adopt the resolution recommending approval of Sign Ordinance Amendment 97-02. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BARKER, BETHEL, MACIAS, MCNIEL, TOLSTOY NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE - carried E. FOOTHILL BOULEVARD SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT 97-01 - CHAVIN DEVELOPMENT - A request to add Mixed Use Public Storage as a conditionally permitted use within the Community Commercial land use designation of Subarea 1 of the Foothill Boulevard Specific Plan. Brent Le Count, Associate Planner, presented the staff report. Chairman Barker opened the public hearing. Henry Chavin, Chavin Development, 8939 Vernon Avenue, Suite A, Montclair, thanked staff for the work it had done on processing the project. He believed the project will curb some of the problems in the area such as the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and San Bernardino Road. Planning Commission Minutes -5- May 14, 1997 John Mannedno, 9339 Base Line Road, Rancho Cucamonga, stated he owns ~ acre of land to the west of the applicant's parcel. He asked if it was proposed that public storage be permitted only when mixed with office use. Chairman Barker stated the proposal is for office or retail uses to the front of the property with the storage to be tucked in behind and screened from view from Foothill Boulevard and the use must be in conjunction with mixed use and a master plan. Hearing no further testimony, Chairman Barker closed the public hearing. Commissioner Bethel noted approval would allow a difficult piece of property to be developed while retaining control by the City through the conditional use permit process. He supported the amendment. Commissioner Tolstoy agreed it is a particularly unfortunate site. He supported the proposal. Commissioner McNiet concurred. Commissioner Macias felt it is a good project. He said he was particularly impressed with the architecture and feels it is compatible with the historic structure located across the street. Chairman Barker cautioned the applicant to remember the comments made by the Design Review Committee with respect to,~traffic, design, etc. Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by Tolstoy, to adopt the resolution recommending approval of Foothill Boulevard Specific Plan Amendment 97-01. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BARKER, BETHEL, MACIAS, MCNIEL, TOLSTOY NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE - carried The Planing Commission recessed from 8:18 p.m. to 8:28 p.m. F. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 95-25 - RODRIGUF7 - The proposed development of a shopping center totaling 74,478 square feet on 8.9 acres of land, with proposed Phase I consisting of a 2,900 square foot drive-thru restaurant and a 5,548 square foot restaurant on 3.7 acres of land, in the Community Commercial designation of the Foothill Boulevard Specific Plan, located at the southwest corner of Foothill Boulevard and Vineyard Avenue - APN: 207-211-12 through 15, 38 and 40. Staff has prepared a mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration. Related Fire: Pre-Application Review 95-04. Steve Hayes, Associate Planner, presented the staff report and indicated a letter had been received from a resident requesting that the project not be approved without a long-range plan being in place, a clearer picture of the look of the project, and assurances that all sewage problems have been resolved. He observed that revised design guidelines had been received by staff on May 12. Commissioner Bethel asked for confirmation that the number of conditions had not been reduced, but had merely been moved with more of them appearing as standard conditions. Mr. Hayes confirmed that was correct. Chairman Barker opened the public hearing. Planning Commission Minutes -6- May 14, 1997 Gil Rodriguez, Jr., U. S. Properties, P. O. Box 281, Upland, thanked staff and the Commission for ongoing patience in dealing with him and his project. Mike Lasley, FGA Architects, 116 East Broadway, Glendale, stated they had met with staff and the Design Review Committee since the previous Planning Commission meeting and tried to address the comments raised. He said the Design Guidelines are a working copy and they intend to continue working with staff to refine them. He requested approval of the project so they could move forward. He asked that Engineering Condition 14 be revised to allow deletion of the condition if a study demonstrates that the storm drain pipe could be placed in the northern portion of Foothill Boulevard to the satisfaction of the City Engineer. Chairman Barker asked if staff was agreeable to the requested change regarding the storm drain pipe. Mr. James indicated that would be acceptable to Engineering. Commissioner Tolstoy asked if there had been a problem with the roof line. Mr. Lasley noted that Planning Condition 14 calls for final design, material, and height of the parapet and chimney of Burger King to be approved by the City Planner. Hearing no further testimony, Chairman Barker closed the public hearing. Commissioner Tolstoy asked for clarification that if the Commission voted to approve the conditional use permit tonight it would not mean approval of the design review guidelines. Brad Bullet, City Planner, confirmed that a condition calls for future approval of the design review guidelines by the Design Review Committee. Commissioner McNiel stated he was pleased to see the project had progressed to the point where meaningful work could begin. He felt the applicant had worked diligently and has now retained some people who can help. He said he was ready to move forward with the project. Commissioner Macias noted the project is located at a significant intersection of the City and said he was glad to see development in that area. He stated he was particularly concerned about the welfare of the Klusman House which has been beautifully restored. He indicated he was not satisfied with the guidelines as they presently exist. He noted they are working design guidelines with the Klusman House and the two restaurants within Phase One being the basis for continuation of the theme. He felt the applicant is determined to make the project work and he believed staff would ensure that the project is ultimately built to the Commission's satisfaction with the applicant's cooperation and hard work. He agreed with Commissioner McNiel that the Commission should move forward. Commissioner Tolstoy concurred with moving forward with the conditional use permit. Commissioner Bethel said he understood that the Commissioners were tired but he felt the project is the same as what had previously been presented. He thought the Commission was passing off its job to staff and it would set a precedent. He feared staff would receive political pressure to ignore some of the conditions and he felt 40 to 50 conditions are too many. He felt the Commission was pushing the project through before it is ready. Chairman Barker agreed it is a leap of faith in the competence of staff and the promise of an applicant. He hoped the Commissioners were not making their decisions because they were tired. He noted that staff had indicated its confidence that the project is doable and had accepted more responsibility than it is obliged to bear. He agreed the corner is very special to the City and did not feel the conditions are negotiable. He supported approval of the conditional use permit, but not the design guidelines. Planning Commission Minutes -7- May 14, 1997 Motion: Moved by McNie~, seconded by Macias, to issue a mitigated Negative Declaration and adopt the resolution approving Conditional Use Fermit 95-25 with modification to delete Condition 14 if a drainage study demonstrates that the storm drain could be placed in the northern portion of Foothill Boulevard to the satisfaction of the City Engineer. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BARKER, MACIAS, MCNIEL, TOLSTOY NOES: BETHEL ABSENT: NONE - carried G. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 97-02 - CARl KARCHER ENTERPRISES - A request to construct a 3,050 square foot quick service restaurant with drive-thru on a 1.14 acre parcel within the Terra Vista Promenade Shopping Center, located on the nodh side of Foothill Boulevard, west of the extension of Masi Drive - APN: 227-151-44. Staff has prepared a Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration. Steve Hayes, Associate Planner, presented the staff repod. Commissioner McNiel asked what material will be at the top of the tower. Mr. Hayes replied it is wooed lattice. Dan Coleman, Principal Planner, observed it is the same material as the Arco tower next door. Chairman Barker opened the public hearing. Nina Raey, Fancher Development Services, 1342 Bell Avenue, Suite 3-K, Tustin, stated they were in agreement with the conditions with the exception of Planning Condition 5 regarding clearance poles. She requested deletion of that condition because they do not plan to construct a clearance pole. Mr. Hayes confirmed that the latest plans submitted do not include a pole. Ms. Raey stated that most drive-thrus have clearance bars, but one is not necessary in this instance. Brad Bullet, City Planner, suggested modi~ing the condition so that if a pole is proposed, its column would be consistent with the columns used on the buildings and trellises within the center. Ms. Raey agreed that would be acceptable. Commissioner McNiel noted that some Carl's have back lit awnings. He asked if one is proposed? Ms. Raey responded negatively. Greg Hoxworth, Lewis Homes, 1156 Nor[h Mountain Avenue, Upland, requested approval. Hearing no further testimony, Chairman Barker closed the public hearing. Commissioner Bethel stated he had served on the Design Review Committee and had advised the applicant that he did not like the building. He felt the applicant has tried to make the building look like the Arco building. He supported approval because he felt the applicant had done what was requested. Commissioners Tolstoy and Macias supported the project. Planning Commission Minutes -8- May 14, 1997 Motion: Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by Macias, to adopt the resolution approving Conditional Use Permit 97-02 with modification to indicate that if a clearance pole is proposed, it's support column shall be consistent with columns used on the buildings and trellises in the center. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BARKER, BETHEL, MACIAS, MCNIEL, TOLSTOY NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE - carried H. GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 97-01B - CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA - A request to amend the General Plan to modify the Hiking and Riding Trails Master Plan, Figure 111-TA, by eliminating the segment of community trail from Youngs Canyon Road across the San Sevaine Basin and modifying all applicable exhibits therein. Staff has prepared a Notice of Categorical Exemption - APN: 226-112-02 and 03. I. ETIWANDA SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT 97-01 - CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA - A request to amend the Etiwanda Specific Plan to modify the proposed Wardman Bullock Road/Youngs Canyon Road between Wilson Avenue and Cherry Avenue by eliminating the landscaped median and across the San Sevaine Basin by reducing the pavement width and eliminating the equestrian trail and modifying all applicable exhibits therein. Staff has prepared a Notice of Categorica! Exemption -APN: 226-102-17, 226-111-05, and 06, 226-112-02, and 03, 226-311-27, and 226-321-01. Maria Perez, Assistant Engineer, presented the staff repod and indicated that the Trails Committee had concurred with staffs recommendation to eliminate the equestrian trail across the San Sevaine Basin. Chairman Barker asked staff to indicate what area of the trail would be eliminated. Ms. Perez outlined the area. Chairman Barker opened the public hearing. Hearing no comments, he closed the hearing. Commissioner Bethel indicated that the Trails Committee had been informed that no homes will be affected by the elimination of the trail. Motion: Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by McNiel, to adopt the resolutions recommending approval of General Plan Amendment 97-01B and Etiwanda Specific Plan Amendment 97-01. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BARKER, BETHEL, MACIAS, MCNIEL, TOLSTOY NOES: NQNE ABSENT: NONE - carried NEW BUSINESS J. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW 97-09 - KAISER PERMANENTE - A request to develop a 50,103 square foot medical office building on 5.72 acres of land, and the vacation of non-vehicular access on Arrow Route, in the Industrial Park District (Subarea 7) of the industrial Area Specific Plan, located at the northeast corner of Arrow Route and Red Oak Street - APN: 208-352-53 thru 56. Staff has prepared a Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration. Planning Commission Minutes -9- May 14, 1997 Dan Coleman, Principal Planner, presented the staff report. Chairman Barker invited public comment. Nancy Burke, Kaiser Permanente, 395 East Walnut Street, 5th Floor, Pasadena, stated she is the land use manager for Kaiser. She asked for approval so they can replace the 7,000 square feet they currently lease. She observed they will be open during office hours. She introduced project manager Andy Wheeler and planning consultant Pam Steele from Hogleolreland. Commissioner Tolstoy asked how they computed parking ratios. Andy Wheeler, Project Manager, Kaiser Permanente, 393 East Walnut Street, 5th Floor, Pasadena, stated that parking represents 5 spaces per 1,000 square feet. He commented that at [he Fontana Medical Facility they conducted studies to count cars based on the number of appointments. Commissioner Tolstoy felt the Laurel Street facility is under parked. Mr. Wheeler observed that the Laurel Street parking lot is shared with other tenants. . Commissioner Tolstoy acknowledged that but said there are a number of times when parking is not available. Mr. Wheeler stated there is ,ex~ra space available if necessa~' at their new site. He noted it is to their benefit to service their merhbers. Commissioner McNiet felt the roof screening appears to have sections missing. Mr. Wheeler said the screening was placed in order to screen all equipment. He noted the HVAC system works is in two sections. He stated the screening is around the equipment, rather than totally around the building. Commissioner McNiel asked the height of the roof screening. Dan Coleman, Principal Planner, believed it to be 6 feet. Ms. Burke stated they accept the conditions. She thanked Planning, Building & Safety, Engineering, and Fire staff for rapid turnaround time on the their project. Henry Reiter, 9650 Business Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, asked if a traffic signal will be constructed at the intersection of Arrow Route and Red Oak Street. Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer, noted that the applicant is required to do a traffic study to determine the need and install a signal prior to occupancy if warranted. Mr. Reiter stated that a lot of special needs individuals walk across the street in this area. He requested that the project be conditioned to install the signal. Commissioner McNiel stated he was troubled by the aesthetics of the roof screening and felt it looks incomplete. Commissioner Bethel said he did not share Commissioner McNiel's views regarding the roof screening. Commissioner McNiel suggested that the screening gap be closed on the southern end of the east elevation and the screen be returned in other areas. Mr. Wheeler agreed that would be acceptable. Planning Commission Minutes -10- May 14, 1997 Commissioner McNiel indicated he shared Mr. Reiter's concerns regarding the traffic signal. Mr. Wheeler reported they had already completed the traffic study and they are prepared to install a signal. Commissioner Tolstoy noted there has also been an increase in truck traffic in the area. Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by Tolstoy, to issue a Negative Declaration, and adopt the resolution approving Development Review 97-09. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BARKER, BETHEL, MACIAS, MCNIEL, TOLSTOY NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE - carried DIRECTOR'S REPORTS K. ANNEXATION- SPHERE OF INFLUENCE ACTIVITY Brad Buller, City Planner, stated he believed the City Council is interested in having a workshop on LAFCO, the sphere of influence, and annexation. He noted that spheres are voted on by LAFCO and the City can only anne~x properly which is located within its sphere and that annexation takes place only if the property owners want it. He stated the City has the right to comment on any development proposals within its sphere but the County controls the development. He reported there are approved projects within the City's sphere which will likely be developed. He observed the County is not obligated to corn, ply with the standards of the City's Etiwanda North Specific Plan. He indicated the University Crest project was approved by the County running along the utility corridors going north and south and along the high tension lines going east and west. He stated it will include many homes and will mean major infrastructure and school issues. He said the City has also heard there is an application for a large Buddhist Temple in our sphere. Commissioner Tolstoy asked the City Council's posture on a developer who gets approval by the County and then wants to annex into the City with development under the County standards. He noted that previous Councils had not wanted to annex property with County standards. Mr. Buller stated the issue has not come up before this City Council. Chairman Barker observed it is cheaper to build under County standards because of a difference in street widths, standards, setbacks, parks, and services. Mr. Bullet extended an invitation to the Commissionrs to walk or drive the sphere. Commissioner McNiel recalled that in the early 1980s the developer of Hunter's Ridge had approached Rancho Cucamonga but then requested annexation into Fontana because it was cheaper to build in Fontana. Commissioner Tolstoy asked who would provide police and fire services for County areas within our sphere. Mr. Buller responded that the area is served by Rancho Cucamonga Fire District and police services would be dispatched from Rialto unless negotiated. Chairman Barker observed there is a mutual aid agreement as well. Commissioner Tolstoy recalled that tax monies from the sphere area went to Foothill Fire District. He asked if Rancho Cucamonga Fire District still receives those taxes. Planning Commission Minutes -11- May 14, 1997 Mr. Buller believed there is still a Mello-Roos district. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments at this time. COMMISSION BUSINESS L. FOOTHILL BOULEVARD/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE UPDATE Brad Bullet, City Planner, stated that the field trip was rescheduled to June 4. He observed that earlier that same day, Planning staff will also host an open house for developers and property owners along Foothill Boulevard between Haven and 1-15. M. FOOTHILL BOULEVARD ACTIVITY CENTERS Brad Buller, City Planner, ..stated staff had taken some photographs along Foothill Boulevard. Chairman Barker felt that tee southwest corner of Foothill Boulevard and Rochester Avenue is not attractive because the buildings are pushed up against the corner. He said he had not been on the Planning Commission at the time the decision was made to push development forward on propedies to be street-adjacent along Foothill Boulevard. He said he did not want all of the buildings on the south side of Foothill Boulevard to be so crammed up against the street. Commissioner McNiel indicated the buildings were brought forward to encourage pedestrian use. Commissioner Bethel agreed the issue should be fudher addressed. Chairman Barker requested a report from staff. Mr. Buller stated there are plans to televise City Council meetings starting in late July. He said he had recently met with key staff members regarding lighting and visual equipment in an effort to upgrade the equipment. Commissioner Tolstoy stated he realized the Commission had been preempted on Oil-Max but he had not realized the Commission policy with regards to open bay doors being visible from freeway off ramps had also been disregarded. He said the bays are fully visible from the freeway off ramp and he had thought there was to be an attempt to screen them with landscaping. He said there is no landscaping and there is no room for any. He believed the building is out of scale for its location. Chairman Barker stated the building was politically dictated. Commissioner McNiel remarked that as the building grew it consumed the landscaping area. He felt it was a gross error. Commissioner Tolstoy felt it is one the worst things in the City. Planning Commission Minutes -12- May 14, 1997 ADJOURNMENT Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by Macias, to adjourn. 9:44 p.m. - The Planning Commission adjourned. Brad Buller Secretary Planning Commission Minutes -13- May 14, 1997