HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996/12/11 - Minutes - PC-HPC CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Regular Meeting
December 11, 1996
Chairman Barker called the Regular Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning
Commission to order at 7:38 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: David Barker, William Bethel, Rich Macias, Larry McNiel,
Peter Tolstoy
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Tricia Ashby, Secretary; Brad Buller, City Planner; Dan Coleman, Principal
Planner; Nancy Fong, Senior Planner; Ralph Hanson, Deputy City
Attorney; Steve Hayes, Associate Planner; Dan James, Senior Civil
Engineer
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Brad Buller, City Planner, announced the December 1996 Employee of ~he Month Award had been
given to Cindy Norris, Associate Planner, in addition to the celebration of her 10-year anniversary
with the City.
Mr. Buller asked if the Planning Commission would discuss its willingness to reschedule the next
Design Review Committee from Tuesday, December 31, to Monday, December 30.
Mr. Buller also suggested the Commission discuss the joint meeting with the City Council regarding
subcommittee selections. He pointed out that Items E, J, K, and L are all from the same applicant
and suggested dealing with them concurrently. He recommended the Commission address Items
B, C, D, and G first.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by Bethel, carried 5-0, to approve the minutes of November
13, 1996.
Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by Tolstoy, carried 5-0, to approve the minutes of the
Adjourned Meeting of November 13, 1996.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A. DISPOSITION OF CITY OWNED PROPERTY (JASPER STREET) ADJACENT TO LOT 27
OF TRACT 14072 - DIVERSIFIED PACIFIC HOMES - A request to find the quitclaiming of
Jasper Street, located south of Highland Avenue, adjacent to Lot 22 of Tract 14072, in
conformance with the General Plan.
Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by Tolstoy, carried 5-0, to adopt the Consent Calendar.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
B. DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT 96-01 - CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA - A request
to amend the antenna regulations in all zones to be consistent with Federal Communications
Commission recent regulations. (Continued from November 13, 1996)
C. INDUSTRIAL AREA SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT 96-04 CITY OF RANCHO
CUCAMONGA - A request to amend the antenna regulations in all zones to be consistent with
Federal Communications Commission recent regulations. (Continued from November 13.
1996)
D. SUBAREA 18 SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT 96-01 - CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA -
A request to amend the antenna regulations to be consistent with Federal Communications
Commission recent regulations. (Continued from November 13, 1996)
G. DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT 96-04 - CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA - A request
to enact regulations for wireless communication facilities.
Chairman Barker announced Items B, C, and D will be continued until January 8, 1997, while Item
G will be addressed tonight.
Brad Buller, City Planner, announced the presence of representatives from a local group of ham
radio operators who had directed a letter to the City Council regarding a request for antennas. Mr.
Buller recommended the possibility of continuing these items beyond January 8, 1997, to allow this
group a voice in the deliberations of the Planning Commission.
Commissioner McNeil asked if Item G is a request to enact Items B, C, and D.
Mr. Buller pointed out Item G deals with commercial antennas and cell sites.
Commissioner Bethel asked if staff recommended continuance on Item G.
Mr. Buller replied staff was ready to recommend action on Item G.
Commissioner Bethel questioned the decision to address part of the issue now and part at a later
date.
Ralph Hanson, Deputy City Attorney, pointed out Item G deals with commercial activities relating
to cellular communication and various interconnected modems, while Items B, C, and D address
private antennas.
Planning Commission Minutes °2- December 11, 1996
Commissioner Bethel asked if the Commission was dealing with the placement of antennas in Item
G as well.
Mr. Buller responded in the negative.
Dan Coleman, Principal Planner, presented the staff report on Item G.
Commissioner Tolstoy asked at what point the Commission will have input-regarding the location
of these antennas.
Mr. Coleman responded the Minor Development Review Process is intended to address the design
and location of a minor facility at staff level, while a free standing facility requires approval of a
Conditional Use Permit approved by the Planning Commission.
Chairman Barker opened the public hearing.
Michael Mitchell, 5271 Turquoise, Rancho Cucamonga, distributed information packets to the
Commission, City staff, and the Deputy City Attorney. Mr. Mitchell announced that he has been
a licensed amateur radio operator for 33 years and is a current member of the Rancho
Cucamonga Radio Amateurs Civil Emergency Services Organization (R.A.C.E.S.). He announced
his intention of erecting a large amateur radio antenna, but feels the City's Development Code is
inadequate. He reported meeting with Mayor Alexander recently and offered his involvement in
amending the City's Development Code to provide an ordinance allowing amateur radio antennas.
Mr. Mitchell noted his success in having the item placed on the January 15, 1996, City Council
Agenda. He requested the Commission direct City staff to allow the R.A.C.E.S. group to be
involved in the writing of an ordinance regarding amateur radio antennas.
Chairman Barker closed the public hearing.
Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by Tolstoy, to approve Development Code Amendment
96-04. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: BARKER, BETHEL, MACIAS, MCNIEL, TOLSTOY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE -carried
Chairman Barker opened a discussion of amateur radio antenna regulations.
Ralph Hanson, Deputy City Attorney, stated the issue of amateur antennas is not addressed in the
ordinances currently being drafted for Items B, C, and D, but could be, based on the Commission's
direction.
Brad Buller, City Planner, expressed a willingness, with the Commiss'ion's consent, to work with
the City Attorney and the amateur radio representatives in drafting a recommendation.
Chairman Barker asked if a continuance to January 8, 1997, was premature.
Mr. Buller recommended items B, C, and D be continued to February 12, 1997.
Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by Tolstoy, to continue items B, C, and D to February 12,
1997. Motion carried by the following vote:
Planning Commission Minutes -3- December 11, 1996
AYES: BARKER, BETHEL, MACIAS, MCNIEL, TOLSTOY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE -carried
E. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 96-21 - TEXACO -
The development of a service station with a mini-market and a drive-thru for two fast food
restaurants within a 2,862 square foot building on 1.15 acres of land, in the Mixed Use District
of the Terra Vista Community Plan, located at the northeast corner of Foothill Boulevard and
Elm Avenue - APN: 1077-42142. Staff has prepared a Negative Declaration of
environmental impacts for consideration.
Nancy Fong, Senior Planner, presented the staff report. She announced a change, per applicant
request, adding to Planning Condition Number 20, which requires a shift to the electrical room so
the doors are behind columns, "or add architectural elements subject to City Planner review and
approval."
Commissioner McNiel asked if the applicant has complied with all the changes.
Ms. Fong replied they had complied with some, but not all changes; therefore, the project was
conditioned accordingly. She stated the final design will still be subject to City Planner review.
Chairman Barker opened the public hearing.
Richard Tate, Tate and Associates, 1100 Town and Country, Orange, requested that Planning
Conditions 12 and 13 be revised to allow for an alternative to the precast concrete trim in the
recessed areas and for cornice elements, as approved by staff.
Commissioner Macias stated he would not have a problem with this approach, as long as it is
subject to staff approval.
Commissioner McNiel questioned staffs direction to use precast concrete material.
Ms. Fong responded in an effort to enrich the design of the building, staff had given the applicant
options, subject to City Planner approval.
Commissioner Tolstoy asked if staff is recommending the deletion of precast concrete
requirements, or recommending it be done in a different manner.
Ms. Fong replied that it may be done in a different manner subject to City Planner approval.
Michael Lasley, Feola, Carli, and Achuleta, 1156 E. Broadway, Glendale, project architect,
proposed the use of a plaster or stucco material for the cornices because of the weight of the
precast concrete.
Mr. Tate asked if public telephones could be placed outside and suggested that the reference to
other coin-operated machines be excluded from the Planning Conditions, as these will not be an
issue.
Commissioner McNiel pointed out the condition reads "inside the building or in a location
acceptable and approved by the City Planner."
Planning Commission Minutes -4- December 11, 1996
Commissioner Tolstoy asked if the public telephones were going to be outgoing only, in an effort
. to restrict potential drug traffic.
Mr. Tate answered in the affirmative.
Commissioner Bethel asked if this could be placed as a condition of approval.
Brad Buller, City Planner, stated it has not been done in the past, but can be in the future.
Commissioner Bethel felt it was a good idea and would like to see this condition as an on going
practice.
Commissioner Tolstoy indicated his desire to have outdoor phones programmed to call-out only,
while indoor phones could receive calls as well.
Commissioner McNiel suggested the Iouvered shutters be reduced in number and painted to blend
with the surrounding stucco.
Greg Hoxworth, Lewis Homes, indicated that his firm has no plans at this time to install a
monument sign on the subject corner because the project is not currently being built. He also
clarified Lewis' intention to move existing fencing to the unimproved land east and north of the
project site and provide a small amount of landscaping only. He asked if a uniform design theme
was being requested for the Texaco site only, or the entire project. Mr. Hoxworth stated
negotiations are currently taking place between the City and Lewis Homes regarding traffic lights
and said he would not want the requested traffic signal at Church Street and Elm Avenue to conflict
with those. He then asked for clarification regarding the extent of development of frontage
improvements along Foothill Boulevard and stated Lewis Homes objects to the development of
the entire Foothill Boulevard frontage property. Mr. Hoxworth then addressed street improvements
by pointing out the lack of need for bus bays and for the sidewalk to extend to Church Street
because anything built now will be destroyed during the next round of development.
Ms. Fong addressed Mr. Hoxworth's concerns beginning with the required gateway design and
monument sign. She stated the name of the commercial center need not be displayed on the sign
at this time.
Mr. Hoxworth reported Lewis Homes has spoken with Mr. Buller regarding a new sign program for
their centers along Foothill Boulevard which will change the current design.
Mr. Buller stated that the applicant could discuss alternatives and the condition could be written,
if at the time they are ready to release occupancy and an application is pending, then it would not
be required at that time. He stated that this Gateway design concept was planned to be carried
throughout all commercial corridors along the Foothill Boulevard frontage. He indicated staff would
be willing to discuss other alternatives.
Ms. Fong addressed Mr. Hoxworth's concern regarding the edge treatment along the east property
boundary where the developed portion transitions to the vacant portion and pointed out that this
would need to be agreed upon, subject to City Planner review. She also noted staff's desire for a
uniform design theme throughout the project.
Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer, addressed the Engineering condition requiring a traffic signal
at the intersection of Church Street and East Elm Avenue, stating this condition was deferred once
Planning Commission Minutes -5- December 11, 1996
before during the Best Buy project and should remain. He stated if the applicant does no further
mapping prior to the building permit issuance, they will be required to complete all frontage
improvements along that parcel; however, if the applicant completes a lot line adjustment or a
parcel map, they wild only be required to complete the frontage along the Texaco site. He indicated
the bus bay issue will be addressed during a later phase if the applicant does a lot line adjustment,
but the Terra Vista Planned Community does need Church Street as a designated bus route.
Chairman Barker closed the public hearing.
Commissioner McNiel remarked that a monument sign, with or without signage, is needed to
balance both corners. He concurred with staff's opinion regarding the precast concrete condition
to provide other architectural elements acceptable to the City Planner. He stated his concern
regarding the austere appearance of the cornice work around the perimeter of the top of the
building.
Mr. Buller clarified the scope of the uniform design theme regarding this Conditional Use Permit
to encompass the Texaco project only.
Commissioner McNiel felt because the traffic signal issue was deferred once already, the condition
should remain.
Commissioner Tolstoy agreed.
Commissioner McNiel concurred with staff regarding the lot line adjustment.
Mr Buller recommended adding a final sentence to the condition requiring a monument sign to
read, ~lnstall the gateway prior to release of occupancy or, if a new request has been submitted
for processing of a new monument program, the City Planner may approve the installation at a later
date."
Chairman Barker and Commissioner McNiel concurred.
Mr. Buller suggested the condition requiring precast concrete cornices be changed to read
"Material subject to City Planner review and approval."
Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by Macias, to issue a Negative Declaration and adopt the
resolution approving Conditional Use Permit 96-21 with modifications outlined above. Motion
carried by the following vote:
AYES: BARKER, BETHEL, MACIAS, MCNIEL, TOLSTOY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE -carried
The Planning Commission recessed from 8:50 p.m. to 8:58 p.m. during which time Mr. Buller left
the meeting.
J. DIRECTOR'S REPORT 96-03 - TEXACO - A request to determine if new sign regulations
should be added to allow signs identifying sub tenants within a primary business.
Planning Commission Minutes -6- December 11, 1996
Nancy Fong, Senior Planner, presented the staff report.
Commissioner McNiel supported staff's position and stated, if a sign ordinance amendment is
presented, the Commission can proceed on that basis.
Commissioner Tolstoy commented the building needs to provide reasonable architectural space
to accommodate signage.
Chairman Barker indicated the issue is one which the Commission has agreed to address and will
appoint committee members later in the meeting.
K. DIRECTOR'S REPORT 96-04 - LEWIS DEVELOPMENT CO. - A request to determine if
architectural design guidelines should be developed for a proposed Mixed Use center (CUP
96-20) within the Terra Vista Community Plan, located on the north side of Foothill Boulevard
between Elm and Milliken Avenues.
Nancy Fong, Senior Planner, presented the staff report.
Commissioner McNiel felt the City needs basic design guidelines on any development, particularly
if it's a complex. He concurred with staff.
Commissioner Tolstoy felt it is extremely important to have a plan. He mentioned the Texaco
project specifically and its connection to the rest of the proposed center via the connecting driveway
and the subsequent traffic circulation.
Chairman Barker suggested a workshop with Lewis Homes.
Commissioner Bethel concurred.
Commissioner Macias acknowledged the importance of an open dialogue but did not want the
design guideline requirement waived.
Greg Hoxworth, Lewis Homes, asked if the Commission was discussing the architectural details
or the overall plan for the site. He stated Lewis Homes has no problem providing the physical
building plan, layout, and uses, but not a detailed architectural guideline. He further stated they
will make sure their design guidelines are compatible with the Texaco project during future
development and will be reviewed by the Planning Commission at that time. He then asked the
Commission to advise staff of their willingness to allow the Texaco project to proceed without
architectural guidelines for the rest of the site.
Ms. Fong stated the site is to be developed using a master plan and staff has asked for
architectural design guidelines for a typical anchor so that the architectural flavor can be
established, including site furniture and landscaping. She indicated if the Commission could grant
the applicant some flexibility in the timing, staff could require both the Master Plan and the
architectural design guidelines with the first major anchor. She voiced her awareness of the
residential portion of the project in the future and that it does need to be fully planned at this time,
but reserved for residential development.
Dan Coleman, Principal Planner, pointed out that the approval of the shopping center, in no way
affects the timing of the Texaco project.
Planning Commission Minutes -7- December 11, 1996
Commissioner Macias felt the design guidelines for the center have already been set by creating
the design for Texaco.
Mr. Hoxworth stated, historically, design guidelines have been a major undertaking.
Commissioner McNiel hoped this project will not set the standard for the balance of the center and
said he would be willing to defer the design guidelines until the next tenant comes in, but did not
believe a two year time frame will be required for future development.
Commissioner Macias voiced similar concerns.
Commissioner Tolstoy felt the Texaco project will fit nicely into a plan, but did not think it should set
the precedent for the whole plan.
Commissioner Macias stated this is all the more reason for a plan up front.
Commissioner Bethel did not understand why there is not a plan.
Commissioner McNiel explained that the detailed architectural plan will be presented with the next
project.
Commissioner Bethel requested the requirement be placed on the next project.
Commissioner McNiel voiced his support of requiring the design guidelines.
Commissioner Bethel questioned the timing of those guidelines.
Commissioners Macias and McNiel indicated the design guidelines should be required now, while
Chairman Barker and Commissioners Tolstoy and Bethel chose to withdraw the requirement until
the next project.
Mr. Coleman stated the Conditional Use Permit for the balance of the shopping center (excluding
Texaco) is now in process, so the submittal of the architectural guidelines is part of the
completeness of the application.
L. USE DETERMINATION 96-03 - CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA - A request to determine
that Fast Food Restaurants are conditionally permitted in Office Park, Community Commercial,
and Mixed Use (MFC) districts within the Terra Vista Community Plan.
Nancy Fong, Senior Planner, presented the staff report.
The Commission unanimously approved the request.
F. DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT 96-02 - CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA - A request
to add regulations prohibiting commercial parties within all residential zones and property used
for residential purposes.
Dan Coleman, Principal Planner, presented the staff report.
Planning Commission Minutes -8- December 11, 1996
Chairman Barker opened the public hearing and hearing no comment, closed the public hearing.
Motion: Moved by Bethel, seconded by Tolstoy to adopt the resolution approving Development
Code Amendment 96-02. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: BARKER, BETHEL, MACIAS, MCNIEL, TOLSTOY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE -carried
H. AMENDMENT TO UNIFORM SIGN PROGRAM # 119 - SIGNS AND SERVICES - A request
to amend the Foothill Marketplace Shopping Center Uniform Sign Program criteria to allow a
secondary sign for Sport Chalet, a 36,000 square foot major tenant, located on the south side
of Foothill Boulevard between Interstate 15 and Etiwanda Avenue - APN: 229-031-27 through
44.
I. AMENDMENT TO UNIFORM SIGN PROGRAM # 119 - DEPENDABLE BUSINESS
SERVICES - A request to amend the Foothill Marketplace Shopping Center Uniform Sign
Program criteria to allow a second color (white) for Hollywood Video, a 6,550 square foot
intermediate pad tenant, located on the south side of Foothill Boulevard between Interstate
15 and Etiwanda Avenue - APN: 229-031-27 through 44,
Steve Hayes, Associate Planner, presented the staff report.
Chairman Barker invited public comment regarding Item H.
Rick Denman, Signs and Services, 10980 Boatman Avenue, Stanton, requested approval of a
single set of interior illuminated letters; "Sport Chalet Divers." He reported the department's hours
are independent from the Sport Chalet Sporting Goods Store and there is a secondary security
entrance and exit. He said they offer scuba and kayak instruction. He stated the proposed sign
attempts to identify, not advertise, reflecting a sophisticated corporate image, in keeping with the
overall design theme of the Foothill Marketplace. He pointed out the sign fits comfortably within the
design architecture space, leaving sufficient margins, with negative space on all sides, and the wall
appears balanced and in scale within the context of the sign space and the building as a whole.
He stated the thickness, height, and coloring of the sign is visibly balanced and in proportion with
other signs on the building.
Commissioner Bethel asked if Sport Chalet plans to remove the sport figures from the exterior walls
of the building, as well as paint the roof-mounted mechanical equipment.
Mr. Denman stated he represents Sports Chalet and does not represent the property owner to
whom those requests were made.
Mr. Hayes reported the applicant was not aware that figures had been painted on the building and
will go through the process of having them removed as quickly as possible as well as having the
roof-mounted mechanical equipment painted as soon as weather permits.
Commissioner Bethel stated his support of the secondary sign, but felt it should be contingent upon
the satisfactory resolution of the other issues.
Commissioner McNiel asked the color of the proposed sign and logo.
Planning Commission Minutes -9- December 11, 1996
Mr. Denman responded red and white.
Commissioner McNiel asked if this sign is being used at another location.
Mr. Denman stated the Brea store uses the same sign.
Commissioner McNiel asked the operating hours of the business.
Mr. Denman responded the scuba instruction begins at 7:00 a.m. and the main store opens at
10:00 a.m.
Commissioner Tolstoy stated his support of the proposed sign.
Commissioner Macias concurred with Commissioner Bethel's contingency proposal.
Chairman Barker invited public comment regarding Item I.
Dennis Stout, Federal Sign, 871 North Maplewood Street, Orange, indicated Hollywood Video is
a large corporation with plans to open 60 to 100 stores in Southern California and strives to
maintain a cohesiveness throughout the chain. He pointed out the Uniform Sign Program allows
intermediate tenants with established logo graphics to utilize their custom colors with approval of
the landlord and the City. He asserted Hollywood Video's name is their logo, trademark, and
identity. He pointed out other tenants in the center using white in their signage.
Commissioner McNiel asked if Federal Sign plans neon signs inside the building and if so, what
color.
Mr. Stout answered in the affirmative, but did not know which treatment had been chosen.
Mr. Hayes reported conditions have been placed on Hollywood Video tenant improvement plans
regarding interior neon being placed a minimum of 10 feet from any outside window.
Commissioner McNiel felt the white color might be a better choice to apply than the red.
Commissioner Tolstoy asked if the word "Hollywood" is to be in red, and the word "Video" in white.
Mr. Stout answered in the affirmative.
Commissioner Bethel commented that the building in Loma Linda looks nice.
Commissioner Macias supported the use of white.
Chairman Barker announced unanimous approval of Items H and I by minute action.
M. MILLER FAMILY & ASSOCIATES - A request to consider initiation of text changes to the
Industrial Area Specific Plan to add Funeral and Crematory Services as a conditionally
permitted use in Subarea 8.
Dan Coleman, Principal Planner, presented the staff report.
Planning Commission Minutes -10- December 11, 1996
Commissioner Bethel questioned air quality issues with regard to cremation.
Chairman Barker invited public comment.
Chris Miller, Thomas Miller Mortuary, 1118 East Sixth Street, Corona, reported the firm that installs
the crematorium equipment handles all Air Quality Management District permits.
Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by Macias, to direct staff to process~ the amendment upon
submittal. Motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: BARKER, BETHEL, MACIAS, MCNIEL, TOLSTOY
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE -carried
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no additional public comments.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
Dan Coleman, Principal Planner, suggested that the Commission may wish to move the Design
Review Committee meeting from Tuesday, December 31, to Monday, December 30, because of
the holiday conflict.
The Commissioners agreed to schedule the meeting on Monday, December 30.
Mr. Coleman then brought up subcommittee appointments in conjunction with the City Council.
Chairman Barker indicated, per City Council direction, a task force will be set up to consider each
of the following topics: Economic Development, Foothill Boulevard, Multi-Family Development, and
Signage. He recommended the two newest'Commissioners each serve with one of the two veteran ,
Commissioners, allowing himself to act as alternate.
The Commission concurred: Commissioners McNiel and Bethel wilt serve on the task forces for
Foothill Boulevard and Economic Development, while Commissioners Tolstoy and Macias will serve
on the task forces for Multi-Family Development and Signage.
N. COMMERCIAL LAND USE STUDY DISCUSSION - (No report)
The Commission agreed to discuss the issue at a later date.
Planning Commission Minutes -11- December 11, 1996
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by Tolstoy, carried 5-0, to adjourn.
10:15 p.m.- The Planning Commission adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary
Planning Commission Minutes -12- December 11, 1996