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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996/08/14 - Minutes - PC-HPC CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Regular Meeting August 14, 1996 Chairman Barker called the Regular Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning Commission to order at 7:00 p.m. in conjunction with the Historic Preservation Commission. The meeting was held in the Coundl Chamber at Rancho Cucamonga Civic Center, 10500 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, California. Chairman Barker then led in the pledge of allegiance. Mayor Alexander then administered the oath of office to Commissioners Bethel, Macias, and Tolstoy for both the Planning and the Historic Preservation Commissions. He remarked that the City is proud of the Commissioners and their challenging work has made the community a shining star. ROLL CALL COMMISSIONERS: PRESENT: David Barker, William Bethel, Rich Macias, Larry McNiel, Peter Tolstoy ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Nancy Fong, Senior Planner; Ralph Hanson, Deputy City Attorney; Steve Hayes, Associate Planner; Larry Henderson, Principal Planner; Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer; Diane O'Neal, Management Analyst II; Maria Perez, Assistant Engineer; Gall Sanchez, Planning Commission Secretary ANNOUNCEMENTS There were no announcements. NEW BUSINESS Chairman Barker indicated that Item A from the Historic Preservation Commission agenda, Landmark Alteration Permit 96-02, would be heard in conjunction with Item F from the Planning Commission agenda. Y. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MODIFICATION TO DEVELOPMENT REVIEW 93-15 - CAMPOS - A request to modify a previously approved project to connect and expand two historic landmark houses and conveal into a restaurant of 2,530 square feet in the Specialty Commercial District (Subarea 3) of the Foothill Boulevard Specific Plan, located at 9634 and 9642 Foothill Boulevard - APN: 208-153-24. Staff has prepared a Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration. Related File: Landmark Alteration Permit 96-02. Nancy Fong, Senior Planner, presented the staff report. Chairman Barker opened the public hearing. Raj Joneja, Akal Engineers, 15855 East Edna Place, Suite 1 l-B, Irwindale, stated they agreed with the changes recommended by the Design Review Committee including elimination of the double door and substitution of asphalt shingles in place of the originally proposed clay tile roof. He noted the parking is increased over the originally appr0ved variance request and stated they are trying to maintain the integrity of the historic houses. Commissioner Tolstoy asked if they are planning to do the project all at one time or if they will be phasing it in. Mr. Joneja replied they plan to do it at one time, including joining the two homes, renovating the other houses, landscaping, and parking. Chairman Barker questioned if the applicant had originally proposed a clay tile roof material. Mr. Joneja responded affirmatively but said that the City recommended the roof should look like the old California bungalow style. Chairman Barker asked if there had been any discussion about using something other than asphalt to retain a fire retardant capability but with an appropriate bungalow look. Mr. Joneja suggested they could use light weight concrete tiles with a dark gray finish if the City so desires. Hearing no further testimony, Chairman Barker closed the public hearing. Commissioner McNiel stated the Design Review Committee reviewed the project several times and had recommended replacing the concrete tile roof with thick butt asphalt shingles in order to preserve the historic integrity of the homes. He noted the applicant had also placed an additional double door between the two houses which are being joined and the Committee convinced the applicant to instead use the two existing doors. Chairman Barker asked if there had been any consideration to using a concrete tile that looks like asphalt shingle. Commissioner McNiel responded that the building may have to have structural reinforcement in order to use concrete tile unless a very light-weight tile is used, which he felt is pretty weak material. He said it was the Committee's feeling that asphalt shingles would better maintain the historic integrity while providing a good roof. Commissioner Tolstoy felt it is very important to preserve the micro-neighborhood. He observed that the property depth is very shallow and results in limited parking. He wanted the restaurant to be successful and feared that there is insufficient parking for the restaurant. He suggested considering elimination of the landscaped area in front of the parking lot and adding another row of parking. He acknowledged that would be against policy but he felt special consideration may be given if a decorative wall were built to screen the parking. He thought the Commission should consider the economic viability of the project. He stated he also had another idea to possibly relocate one of the other houses in order to provide additional parking. He thought perhaps the cottage could be moved to another site and turned into affordable housing and he questioned if there might be some financial aid available from the City in order to do that. Commissioner Bethel commented that the lender originally identified a need for additional parking. He felt parking must be sufficient in order to avoid conflicts in the neighborhood. He liked Commissioner Tolstoy's suggestion to remove the landscaping and insert another row of parking. He feared it would be prohibitively expensive to move one of the houses. Commissioner Macias asked staff if moving the cottage would not impact the historic integrity of the neighborhood. Planning Commission Minutes -2- August 14, 1996 Ms. Fong replied that elimination of one of the bungalows would impact the historic context because it would reduce the visual image. Commissioner Macias asked if the number of parking spaces is below code. Ms. Fong responded that it is below code. She indicated the applicant had received a variance allowing 12 fewer spaces than what is required by code, but this current proposal would be only 4 spaces below the code. She remarked that elimination of the landscaping would require another variance application to reduce the parking setback. Commissioner Macias asked if relocation of the cottage would be at the developers expense. Commissioner Tolstoy remarked that the City has been providing affordable housing. He thought perhaps the IRedevelopment Agency may be able to help. He stated his concern is that he wants the project to work and he fears the limited parking may doom the project. He said he would prefer to preserve all four cottages in this location, but he feared that if the project is not successful, all four houses may be lost. Ms. Fong felt that elimination of the landscaping would allow 7 more spaces. She reiterated that would require another variance application because of the parking setback. Larry Henderson, Principal Planner, stated that Building and Safety staff has begun an enforcement action on the property because of the deterioration of the buildings. He said Building and Safety is concerned that the buildings must be kept secured so they will not become a public hazard. He commented that staff and the applicant are anxious to move forward so that work can begin as soon as possible. He reported that staff had asked the IRedevelopment Agency eadier this year to see if they had any funds to move the house and at that time there were no funds available. He felt that once the house is renovated, it will be more marketable and perhaps that avenue could be explored at a later time if it proves that the restaurant needs more parking. Commissioner Tolstoy stated he was not suggesting that both of his alternatives be used, only one or the other. Chairman Barker concurred with Commissioner Macias regarding the disruption of the historical integrity if one of the houses is moved. He felt that the buildings are not outstanding in their own right, but only as a neighborhood. He questioned if the extra seven parking spaces in lieu of the landscaping would have that much of an impact. He felt that asphalt shingles are not as fire safe after a few years and preferred that concrete tile be used. He reopened the public hearing to discuss the roofing material with the applicant. Mr. Joneja stated he likes the concept of concrete tiles. He felt they could select a color which would match the rendering and that would look like shingles. He stated that they could install the extra seven parking spaces if it is feasible but said the bank had already approved funding for the project with the parking as proposed. He stated they would prefer to keep all four houses in order to present a better visual impact. Chairman Barker again closed the public hearing, Commissioner McNiel felt the project should be approved as presented. Commissioner Tolstoy also supported the project as presented but said he wants it to be economically viable and he thought the additional seven parking spaces would be helpful. He feared that people will avoid coming to the 'estaurant if there is not enough parking. Planning Commission Minutes -3- August 14, 1996 Chairman Barker suggested the applicant could apply for a modification and variance in the future if more parking is deemed necessary. Commissioner Tolstoy stated he did not want to stand in the way of the project and he would support approving the project as submitted. He agreed the applicant could request a variance in the future. Chairman Barker asked Commissioner McNiel's feelings about requiring concrete tile. Commissioner McNiel did not object to concrete tile if it looks like it is from the 1920s rather than the 1980s. He said he did not want light-weight concrete tile because it does not stand up to foot traffic, winds, or falling branches. Therefore, he felt it should be heavy tile. Chairman Barker suggested having staff approve the material. It was the consensus of the Commission that approval of the material should be delegated to staff. Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by Tolstoy, to issue a Negative Declaration and adopt the resolutions approving Landmark Alteration Permit 96-02 and Modification to Development Review 93-15 with modifications to require concrete tile roof to the satisfaction of the City Planner. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BARKER, BETHEL, MACIAS, MCNIEL, TOLSTOY NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE - carried APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by Barker, carried 2-0-0-3 (Bethel, Macias, Tolstoy - abstain), to approve the minutes of June 26, 1996. Motion: Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by McNiel, carried 3-0-0-2 (Bethel, Macias - abstain), to approve the minutes of July 24, 1996. CONSENT CALENDAR A. VACATION OF A PORTION OF JASPER STREET - A request to vacate a portion of Jasper Street, located south of Highland Avenue, approximately 5 feet wide and 130 feet long - Tentative Tract 14072. Motion: Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by McNiel, carried 5-0 to adopt the Consent Calendar. PUBLIC HEARINGS B. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 15692 - PRUTTING - A subdivision of 4.75 acres of land into 4 parcels in the Very Low Residential District (1-2 dwelling units per acre), located on the west side of Hellman Avenue, south of Hillside Road - APN: 1061-611-02. Planning Commission Minutes -4- August 14, 1996 Maria Perez, Assistant Engineer, presented the staff report and provided the minutes of the Trails Committee meeting. Chairman Barker opened the public hearing. There were no comments, and he closed the headng. Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by Tolstoy, to issue a Negative Declaration and adopt the resolution approving Tentative Parcel Map 15692. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BARKER, BETHEL, MACIAS, MCNIEL, TOLSTOY NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE - carried C. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TENTATIVE TRACT 15711 - DIVERSIFIED - A proposed residential subdivision of 283 lots on 80.39 acres of land in the Low-Medium Residential Distdct (4-8 dwelling units per acre) of the Etiwanda Specific Plan, generally located north of Foothill Boulevard, east of Etiwanda Avenue, south of the Interstate 15 Freeway and west of East Avenue - APN: 1100-141-01 & 02, 1100-171-01 & 13, 1100-181-01 & 04, and 1100-201-01. Related File: Etiwanda Specific Plan Amendment 96-01 and Tree Removal Permit 96-08. Steve Hayes, Associate Planner, presented the staff report. He suggested changing the resolution to indicate that the park would be completed upon construction of one-half, or 141, of the residential units. He said that would be in keeping with the policy of the Park and Recreation Commission. He also noted that there are only 54 trees on site. instead of the 84 referenced in the staff repo~. He indicated the arborist report had initially identified 84 trees, but 30 of them are actually off site. Commissioner Bethel observed that the staff report indicated that the emergency response times should not be significantly affected but Standard Condition No. 3 called for the developer to join a Mello-Roos Community Facilities Distdct (CFD) to finance construction and/or maintenance of a fire station. He asked if a fire station is needed. Mr. Hayes responded that Standard Condition No. 3 is the standard language provided by the Fire District. He said the language does not necessarily require that a fire station be built with the project but indicates there will be participation in the future building of a facility if needed. Commissioner Bethel stated he was concerned that the need may not be there until after the developer has completed the project and the homeowners would then be responsible for the cost of providing the fire station. Larry Henderson, Principal Planner, confirmed it is a standard condition. He said a CFD is in place for a future fire station but it will take approximately 1,100 units in the area to generate enough revenue to pay for that station. He said that some development needs to occur in order to generate a large enough tax base to build the station. Commissioner Bethel said he did not wish to hold up the project. Mr. Henderson said the Fire Chief has indicated that when there are 1,100 units, a decision will be made as to whether a new station will be needed. Commissioner Bethel asked if home buyers are informed about the CFD requirement. Mr. Henderson responded affirmatively. Planning Commission Minutes -5- August 14, 1996 Commissioner Tolstoy asked the plans for elimination of the detention basin. Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer, stated the detention basin is needed because the regional Flood Control Distdct channel and regional detention facilities are not yet fully improved. He said they are in the process of obtaining funding and have hired a consultant to start the design of the facility. He thought the regional facilities may be well into construction within five years. Commissioner Tolstoy asked if the City has completed its master plan. Mr. James confirmed that the master plan is complete. Commissioner Tolstoy asked if the City is only waiting for improvement of the channel. Mr. James replied the City is also waiting for developers to install the facilities as development occurs. Chairman Barker opened the public hearing. Pete Pitassi, architect, 8439 White Oak Avenue, Suite 105, Rancho Cucamonga, stated that the president of Diversified Pacific Homes, Andrew Wright, and the civil engineer for the project, Dan Guerra, were also available to answer any questions. He thanked the Planning staff for their assistance in processing the project. He stated the arborist had surveyed not only the trees on site, but also some on an adjoining property because there were no survey stakes in place at the time. He noted that the Park Division's policy regarding triggering mechanism for parks is to require the park to be completed and accepted by City Council prior to occupancy of one half of the units, which would be 141 units. He noted that Phase One has 102 units, Phase Two has 93, and Phase Three has 97. He said they have discussed the issues with staff and are in concurrence with the resolution. Hearing no further comments, Chairman Barker closed the public hearing. Commissioner McNiel stated that his only problem with the project had been the initially proposed cross-lot drainage and that problem had been resolved. He supported the project. Commissioner Tolstoy stated he was also happy that the lots all drain directly to the streets. He stated that although it would not impact this project, he hoped that "A" Street will go all the way through to East Avenue. He suggested that the applicant name streets after some of the pioneers of this area of Etiwanda. Mr. Henderson indicated that staff could provide a listing of those names to the applicant and Engineering staff. Commissioner Tolstoy said he would like to preserve the names of those people. He concurred that it is a good project. Commissioner Bethel said that one of his top concerns is public. facilities. He felt that new development should pay for and construct needed public facilities but he also had concerns that developers should not have to pay for past sins of other buildings and projects. Chairman Barker reopened the public hearing to ask if the applicant would be willing to work on the street naming. Mr. Pitassi confirmed they would. Planning Commission Minutes -6- August 14, 1996 Chairman Barker again closed the hearing. He observed that the density is lower than what could have been built under the original zoning for the area. He expressed faith in the architect and felt the applicant had done an excellent job. Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by Bethel, to issue a Negative Declaration and adopt the resolution approying Tentative Tract 15711. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BARKER, BETHEL, MACIAS, MCNIEL, TOLSTOY NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE - carried D. F,,NVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 96-15 - TUTOR TIME CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTERS - The proposed development of a 10,220 square foot day care facility on a 1.29 acre parcel within the Central Park Plaza shopping center, located at the northwest corner of Terra Vista Parkway East and Ellena West - APN: 227-182-09. Steve Hayes, Associate Planner, presented the staff report. Chairman Barker opened the public hearing. Bill Kelly, Glenwood Development, 800 West Broadway, Glendale, stated he was representing Tutor Time. He concurred with staff's recommendations and he thanked staff for their assistance in processing the project. He stated that Roy Nunn from Nunn Architecture and representatives from Lewis Homes were available to answer questions. He showed an additional rendering. Commissioner Bethel asked the number of staff that will be located at the facility. Mr. Kelly replied there will be 24. Chairman Barker asked the number of students. Mr. Kelly responded it will be approximately 197. Chairman Barker asked if students will have to be walked in by an adult. Mr. Kelly replied an adult will have to accompany the students through a security access door and sign them in and the procedure should take approximately 5 to 10 minutes. Hearing no further comments, Chairman Barker closed the public hearing. Commissioner Bethel said he was glad to see this kind of a project. Commissioner Tolstoy hoped the arrival of students is staggered because he felt the parking may be a little tight. Motion: Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by Bethel, to issue a Negative Declaration and adopt the resolution approving Conditional Use Permit 96-15. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BARKER, BETHEL, MACIAS, MCNIEL, TOLSTOY NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE - carried Planning Commission Minutes -7- August 14, 1996 E. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 96-14 - ATLANTIC RICHFIELD COMPANY - A request to construct a 2,796 square foot convenience market/gas station on a 1.1 acre parcel within the Terra Vista Promenade shopping center within the Community Commercial District of the Terra Vista Community Plan, located on the north side of Foothill Boulevard west of Rochester Avenue - APN: 227-151-18. Steve Hayes, Associate Planner, presented the staff report. Chairman Barker opened the public hearing. Ken Wickerham, ARCO Products Company, 4 Centerpointe Drive, #300, La Palma, stated that the consulting architect, Gregory Hann, was available to answer questions. He said they were excited to have the opportunity to bring a new, upscale facility into Rancho Cucamonga and said they had recently opened in Ontado and Chino. He observed they have customized their designs to meet the requirements of the various communities. Hearing no further comments, Chairman Barker closed the public hearing. Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by Tolstoy, to issue a Negative Declaration and adopt the resolution approving Conditional Use Permit 96-14. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BARKER, BETHEL, MACIAS, MCNIEL, TOLSTOY NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE - carried NEW BUSINESS G. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW 96-22 - HERITAGE BAG - A request to construct a 124,040 square foot industrial building on 16.5 acres of land in the General Industrial Distdct (Subarea 14) of the Industrial Area Specific Plan, located on the north side of Fourth Street, east of Santa Anita Avenue - APN: 229-283-72. Nancy Fong, Senior Planner, presented the staff report. Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer, stated that Engineering had prepared a revised resolution for consideration by the Planning Commission deleting the requirement that the City of Ontario approve the final drainage study as Ontario has expressed it has no objection or concerns regarding the proposed drainage facility. Chairman Barker opened the public hearing. Juan Zatarain, Rierson-Duff, Inc., 17772 East 17th Street, Suite 104, Tustin, stated that Gary Rierson from his firm, Martin Lowe from Heritage Bag, and project engineer Bob Bebensee were available to answer questions. Commissioner McNiel asked if future expansion would be taking place in the existing grape vineyard. Martin Lowe, Hedtage Bag, 1648 Diplomat Drive, Carrollton, Texas, reported their current facility is approximately 51,000 square feet and their new facility will initially be over 124,000 square feet. He said they would typically elongate the building and there is room immediately to the south to expand to 150,000 square feet. He commented they may eventually build a second building in the area where the vineyard is located but they are currently planning to retain the vineyards. Planning Commission Minutes -8- August 14, 1996 Commissioner Bethel asked if the environmental documentation covered only the proposed development area or if it included the vineyard. Ms. Fong responded that it included only the mid-term expansion area. She stated that a new building will require another environmental review. Commissioner Bethel wondered if the vineyard would likely be a habitat for endangered species, thus limiting development. He hoped development would not be prohibited because of the Delhi Sands Flower-loving Fly. Larry Henderson, Principal Planner, stated it was unlikely because it has been a working vineyard and it is not the habitat that the fly is known to inhabit. Mr. Lowe remarked that Southern California Edison conducted a study which encompassed the entire property south to Fourth Street and found no evidence of the fly. Hearing no further comments, Chairman Barker closed the public hearing. Motion: 'Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by McNiel, to issue a Negative Declaration and adopt the resolution approving Development Review 96-22 with modification to delete the requirement that the City of Ontario approve the final drainage study. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BARKER, BETHEL, MACIAS, MCNIEL, TOLSTOY NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE - carried Mr. Zatarain said they would like to commend the staff for its response on their project. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments at this time. COMMISSION BUSINESS H. ELECTION OF PLANNING COMMISSION OFFICERS Commissioner Tolstoy nominated Chairman Barker as Chairman and Commissioner McNiel as Vice Chairman. Commissioner Bethel suggested that Commissioner McNiel become Chairman and Chairman Barker become Vice Chairman. Commissioner McNiel stated he is comfortable with retaining the officers as they exist. Chairman Barker indicated two motions had been made and Commissioner Tolstoy's motion to nominate Barker and McNiel as Chairman and Vice Chairman respectively had been seconded. He called for a vote. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BARKER, BETHEL, MACIAS, MCNIEL, TOLSTOY NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE - carried Planning Commission Minutes -9- August 14, 1996 Commissioner Bethel withdrew his motion. I. DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS Chairman Barker stated he would like to see continuity on the Committee. He indicated he would like to serve as an alternate. Commissioner Tolstoy said he would also like to serve as an alternate. Commissioner McNiel agreed there should be some continuity on the Committee. He suggested that he remain on the Committee for the next six months and one of the new Commissioners join him. At that time he felt he should step down and the other new Commissioner could join the Committee. Chairman Barker agreed that was a good suggestion. He observed that only two Commissioners can attend the meetings because a third Commissioner would constitute a quorum. Motion: Moved by Bethel, seconded by McNiel, to nominate Macias and McNiel to serve on the Design Review Committee. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: BARKER, BETHEL, MACIAS, MCNIEL, TOLSTOY NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE - carried Chairman Barker requested that an item be placed on a future agenda so the Commissioners could discuss the practicality and appropriateness of requiring an absorption study when commercial zoning changes are requested. Chairman Barker requested that staff provide a memorandum indicating the number of service stations in town. ADJOURNMENT Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by Bethel, carried 5-0, to adjourn. 8:31 p.m. - The Planning Commission adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Larry Henderson Acting Secretary Planning Commission Minutes -10- August 14, 1996