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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991/01/09 - Minutes - PC-HPCCITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Regular Meeting January 9, 1991 Chairman McNiel 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 McNiel then led in the pledge of allegiance. ROLL CALL COMMISSIONERS: PRESENT: Larry McNiel, John Melcher, Peter Tolstoy, Wendy Vallette ABSENT: Suzanne Chitlea STAFF PRESENT: Brad Bullet, City Planner; Dan Coleman, Principal Planner; Tom Grahn, Assistant Planner; Jerry Guarracino, Assistant Planner; Barrye Hanson, Senior Civil Engineer~ Ralph Hanson, Deputy City Attorney; Anna-Lisa Hernandez, Assistant Planner; Otto Kroutil, Deputy City Planner; Paul Rougeau, Acting Deputy City Engineer; Gall Sanchez, Planning Commission Secretary , , , , , ANNOUNCEMENTS Brad Buller, City Planner, stated that Items B and J should be continued to February 13, 1991. , , , , , APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion: Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by Melcher, carried with Chitiea absent, to adopt the Minutes of November 28, 1990. Motion: Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by Melcher, carried with Chitiea absent, to adopt the Minutes of the November 28, 1990, Joint Workshop with Chino Basin Municipal Water District. , , , , Be MODIFICATION TO TENTATIVE TRACT 14055 - MODERN CORPORATION - A request to modify a one-lot subdivision for condominium purposes to a three-lot subdivision of 115 units on 10.27 acres of land in the Medium Residential District (8-14 dwelling units per acre), located north of Arrow H£ghwey and east of Baker Avenue - APN: 207-201-32 and 12. Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing. There were no comments. Motion: Moved by Melcher, seconded by Vallette, to continue Modification to Tentative Tract 14055 to February 13, 1991. , , , , , J. STREET SIGNS (Oral Report) Chairman McNiel asked if anyone wished to address the item. There were no comments. The item will be placed on the February 13, 1991, agenda. , , , , CONSENT CALENDAR Ae ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR DEVELOPMENT REVIEW 89-31 - J & L ASSOCIATES - The development of a two-story office building totaling 16,000 square feet on .9 acres of land in the Industrial Park Area (Subarea 7) of the Industrial Specific Plan, located at the northwest corner of Utica Avenue and Civic Center Drive - APN: 208-352-06. Staff recommends issuance of a Negative Declaration. Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by Melcher, carried with Chitiea absent, to adopt the Consent Calendar. , , , , PUBLIC HEARINGS TIME EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION TO CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR VESTING TENTATIVE TRACT 13945 - CITATION - The request for extension of a previously approved Vesting Tentative Tract Map consisting of 35 single family lots on 15 acres of land in the Low Residential District (2-4 dwelling units per acre) of the Etiwanda Specific Plan, located on the south side of Highland Avenue, east of East Avenue - APN: 207-071-18. Tom Grahn, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report. Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing. Jerry Linton, Citation Builders, 17731 Irvine Boulevard, #201, Tustin, requested approval. Hearing no further testimony, Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing. Commissioner Vallette thought the project looked good. Motion: Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by Vallette, to adopt the resolutions approving Time Extension and Modification to Conditions of Approval for Vesting Tentative Tract 13945. Motion carried by the following vote: Planning Commission Minutes -2- January 9, 1991 AYES: COMMISSIONERS: MCNIEL, MELCHER, TOLSTOY, VALLETTE NOES: COMMISSIONERS: NONE ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: CHITIEA -carried , , , , , ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TENTATIVE TRACT 14875 - PITASSI DALMAU ARCHITECTS - A residential subdivision and design review of 36 condominium units on 3.56 acres of land in the Office Professional District, a proposed Medium Residential District (8-14 dwelling units per acres), located at the southeast corner of Archibald Avenue and Church Street - APN: 1077-332-26. Staff recommends issuance of a Negative Declaration. Associated with this project is General Plan Amendment 90-01B and Development District Amendment 90-02. Tom Grahn, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report and suggested a paragraph be added to the resolution to allow the collection of fees imposed by the State Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Melcher asked for clarification of the suggested condition. Dan Coleman, Principal Planner, stated that legislation effective January 1, 1991, imposed fees for projects requiring environmental assessment. He said the County was still in the process of determining how the fees would be collected. Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing. Pete Pitassi, Pitasei Dalmau Architects, 9267 Haven Avenue, #220, Rancho Cucamonga, gave a brief history of the project. He said they had held a neighborhood meeting in July 1990, and no major concerns were raised other than the request to widen Church Street, which would be done. He said they had met with the Homeowners' Association and received support for the project. He indicated he was comfortable with the conditions of approval and requested clarification that the additional fee was a flat fee, not a per unit fee. Brad Buller, City Planner, responded that the fee is a flat fee. Commissioner Melcher asked if the project will be condominiums. Mr. Pitassi replied that it will have fee lot ownership, so owners of the units will own their own lots. Chairman McNiel requested clarification on the patio wall treatment. Mr. Pitassi described the wall and showed slides. Hearing no further testimony, Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing. Planning Commission Minutes -3- January 9, 1~91 Commissioner Tolstoy felt the project would be a handsome addition to the neighborhood. He felt it would be better than an Office/Professional use. Commissioner Vallette agreed. Chairman McNiel stated he had been originally opposed to the proposed General Plan change from Office Professional to residential, but he now supported the project. Motion: Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by Vallette, to adopt the resolutions approving Environmental Assessment and Tentative Tract 14875 with modifications to allow the collection of the fees for the Negative Declaration and to change the title to Town Homes. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES= COMMISSIONERS= MCNIEL, MELCHER, TOLSTOY, VALLETTE NOES: COMMISSIONERS: NONE ABSENT= COMMISSIONERS: CHITIEA -carried , , , , , CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 90-39 - GHASSAN WANIS - The request to establish a convenience market and deli within the existing Archibald Auto Center in a leased space of 1,997 square feet on 3.22 acres of land in the General Industrial District (Subarea 3) of the Industrial Specific Plan, located at 8880 Archibald Avenue - APN= 209-032-42. Anna-Lisa Hernandez, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report. Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing. closed the hearing. Upon hearing no comments, he Motion: Moved by Melcher, seconded by McNiel, to adopt the resolution approving Conditional Use Permit 90-39. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES= COMMISSIONERS: MCNIEL, MELCHER, TOLSTOY, VALLETTE NOES= COMMISSIONERS= NONE ABSENT= COMMISSIONERS= 'CHITIEA -carried , , · , , ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 91-01B - CITY OF RANCHO CUCANONGA - A request to amend the Circulation Plan of the General Plan to delete collector status of Banyan Street. Staff recommends issuance of a Negative Declaration. Paul Rougeau, Acting Deputy City Engineer, presented the staff report. He reported that staff had received telephone calls from a great number of Planning Commission Minutes -4- January 9, 1991 residents along Banyan Street, and the residents concurred with staff' s proposal. Commissioner Melcher asked if approval would foreclose the possibility of a bridge at Church. Mr. Rougeau replied that a pedestrian bridge could be built but a vehicular bridge was not recommended. Commissioner Melcher asked if the stubbed streets could be rounded off to better facilitate street sweeping. Mr. Rougeau responded that it could be done. Chairman McNiel asked where the projected 5,000 cars per day between Hermosa and Haven Avenues would go. Mr. Rougeau replied that if the street remains discontinuous, only local traffic would use the street. He said the extra cars could be assimilated elsewhere. He stated Wilson is master planned to be a four-lane street. Commissioner Tolstoy asked if more traffic would be directed to Lemon. Mr. Rougeau stated that both Lemon and Hillside would carry more traffic, but staff did not anticipate problems. He said that although Lemon is not designated as a collector street, it is built to those standards. Commissioner Tolstoy asked if the completion of Wilson would alleviate some of the Lemon traffic. Mr. Rougeau responded affirmatively. Street improvements. He discussed the timing of the Wilson Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing. The following residents spoke in favor of the amendment: Dr. Sonnie Hunt, 6127 Archibald, Rancho Cucamonga Kay Baldree, 9864 Banyan, Rancho Cucamonga Pat Wallace, 6127 Archibald, Rancho Cucamonga Elliott Hanna, 10300 Arrow, Rancho Cucamonga Sue Hodge, 9951 Banyan, Rancho Cucamonga Patrick Cash, 7148 Tangerine Place, Rancho Cucamonga Irving Voorheis, 5992 Villa Drive, Rancho Cucamonga They concurred with the staff report and felt that develoA~nent along Banyan warrants keeping the street as it currently exists. They felt that if Banyan were to be made a collector street, it would pose an unacceptable risk because of the numerous driveways fronting onto it. They supported a footbridge, bu= not a through street. The residents stated that equestrian trails empty ~nto the area and they feared a collector street would make the area dangerous for equestrian trail users. Planning Commission Minutes -5- January 9, 1991 Hearing no further testimony, Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing. He said that while public safety is important and a consideration of the Planning Commission, the Commission must also make sure there is adequate traffic flow throughout the community. He supported the staff report. Commissioner Tolstoy felt it would be unfortunate if Banyan were left as a collector street. He thought that east/west circulation is a problem, particularly in the northern part of the City, and Wilson Avenue needs to be completed as soon as possible. Commissioner Melcher felt that staff had properly analyzed the issue from a City-wide perspective. He thought the master planning of streets is an adjunct to the General Plan and he supported the change from collector to local street. Commissioner Vallette said that Wilson Avenue would be widened as development occurs, but she questioned how the City would receive a foot bridge on Banyan. Mr. Rougeau responded that it would have to be a public improvement project because there is no development anticipated in the area. He said such a project would have to be approved by City Council. Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by Vallette, to adopt the resolution recommending approval of Environmental Assessment and General Plan Amendment 91-01B. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: MCNIEL, MELCHER, TOLSTOY, VALLETTE NOES: COMMISSIONERS: NONE ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: CHITIEA -carried , , , , , NEW BUSINESS Ge ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND -DEVELOPMENT REVIEW 89-28 - SHOOK BUILDING SYSTEMS. INC. - The expansion of an existing manufacturing facility totaling 36,000 square feet on 4.4 acres of land in the General Industrial District (Subarea 5) of the Industrial Specific Plan, located at 9810 6th Street - APN: 209-211-19. Staff recommends issuance of a Negative Declaration. Associated Tree Removal Permit No. 90-22. Jerry Guarracino, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report. Chairman McNiel invited public comment. Gary Howard, Hartwell Corporation, 9810 6th Street, Rancho Cucamonga, stated he was general manager of the facility and they have been on the property since 1968. He said the business use would not change, but their business has expanded. Planning Commission Minutes -6- January 9, 1991 There were no further public cor~nents. Motion: Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by Melcher, to adopt the resolution approving Environmental Assessment and Develo~nent Review 89-28. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES= COMMISSIONERS: MCNIEL, MELCHER, TOLSTOY, VALLETTE NOES: COMMISSIONERS= NONE ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS= CHITIEA -carried · · , , DIRECTOR'S REPORTS USE DETERMINATION 90-05 - L.D. KING - A request to determine the proposed use of copper recycling to be manufacturing as opposed to a scrap operation. Jerry Guarracino, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report. Chairman McNiel stated that he understood from the staff report that staff was not opposed to the operation. Mr. Guarracino replied affirmatively. He said that staff had reviewed literature about the use and the use would appear to be acceptable, but staff felt the use should be controlled by a Conditional Use Permit. Chairman McNiel invited public comment. Steve Smith, L. D. King, 2151 East D Avenue, Ontario, stated he represented Mr. Fox, California Copper Recycling. He felt the use should be allowed as a permitted use, and that such a classification would allow the processing of a Minor Developeaent Review. He thought that would allow the City the ability to review the project but would afford his client a faster processing time. He felt the use should be classified as manufacturing as opposed to scrap. George Fox, 2104 East Fifteenth Street, Los Angeles, stated he owned the property and is a partner of California Copper Recycling. He said they never own the copper, but work on'a contract basis. He stated they will process used copper by burning the coating off and they then return the upgraded copper to the owner. He reported they intend to open the same type of facility throughout California and he was afraid that if it were labeled as a scrap operation, it would cause problems in locating in other areas. He indicated there would be a maximum of two trucks per day entering the facility, so he felt the impact to the area would be minimal. He commented they would be dressing up the front of the building. Chairman McNiel thought the problem seemed to be a matter of semantics. Planning Commission Minutes -7- January 9, 1991 Mr. Fox responded that he was afraid that if they obtain a permit as a scrap operation, then other areas would also wish to classify them as such. There were no further public comments. Commissioner Melcher thought that the use may be classified a step in the manufacturing process, if manufacturing were defined as creating a finished product from raw materials. Commissioner Vallette asked how much more time would be required to process a Conditional Use Permit as opposed to a Minor Development Review. Mr. Guarracino stated that the applicant had mentioned a Minor Development Review, but staff had determined that a full Development Review would be required; and therefore the processing time would be approximately equal. Chairman McNiel suggested that the Development Code should have a section for environmental reclamation. He felt it was in the City's best interest to look at the use very closely and he favored the Conditional Use Permit process. Commissioner Melcher asked if conditions would not be added to a Development Review. Ralph Hanson, Deputy City Attorney, stated that the Conditional Use Permit process subjects the project to a public hearing, while a Design Review does not. He indicated that a Conditional Use Permit would not need to state that the operation was a scrap operation, it could merely state the type of use. Commissioner Tolstoy felt the operation would be taking an unusable scrap product and changing it to a redsable raw material, which he thought should be classified as a recycling operation. Because there is not such a classification in the Development Code, he felt the use to be closer to a scrap operation than a manufacturing one. Commissioner Vallette agreed. Chairman McNiel felt it may be good to consider the uses and definitions of all the categories in the Heavy Industrial District. He thought perhaps scrap should be deleted as a category and recycling or reclamation operations should be added to the Development Code. Commissioner Melcher felt the City should embrace the idea of recycling wholeheartedly. He felt that scrap should remain as a category while adding recycling and reclamation. He thought scrap operations typically require large outdoor storage yards and may damage the underlying soils. Commissioner Tolstoy concurred that the Development Code should be revised to cover new technology and processes. He felt scrap operations should remain as a category and recycling should be added. He thought the revision should be given a high priority on the work schedule. Planning Commission Minutes -8- January 9, 1991 Commissioner Melcher asked if it would be possible to indicate that the use is not adequately defined in the Development Code and the Commission wished to utilize the Conditional Use Permit process. Dan Coleman, Principal Planner, suggested modifying the resolution to indicate the use to be a recycling operation and requiring a Conditional Use Permit. Motion: Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by Melcher, to adopt a resolution determining the use to be a recycling operation requiring a Conditional Use Permit. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS= MCNIEL, MELCHER, TOLSTOY, VALLETTE NOES: COMMISSIONERS: NONE ABSENT= COMMISSIONERS: CHITIEA -carried , , , , 9:00 p.m. - Planning Commission recessed 9:10 p.m. - Planning Commission reconvened , , , , I. CONSIDERATION TO INITIATE AN INDUSTRIAL SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT TO INCLUDE PROVISIONS AND STANDARDS FOR INDOOR SWAP MEETS Anna-Lisa Hernandez, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report. Chairman McNiel asked for clarification on why the issue was being considered. Brad Buller, City Planner, stated that staff had been approached by two interested parties. He said staff was pursuing the matter because it was believed the use may be reasonable in the City and it was felt that swap meets have undergone a transition since inception of the Development Code. Rance Clouse, Lee & Associates, 10370 Commerce Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, stated he represented a property owner who wished to lease a building for such use. He felt the use to be significantly different from the traditional swap meet because only new products would be sold and the business would be conducted entirely indoors. He said the location they represented had a significant amount of parking available. He thought that from the outside of a building, the building may be perceived as a manufacturing or office building. He said the Chamber of Commerce has been approached by manufacturers with proposals for an outlet concept. He felt the industrial area would be an appropriate location for such uses. Commissioner Melcher asked the location of any similar facilities. Planning Commission Minutes -9- January 9, 1991 Mr. Clouee responded that the closest in concept would probably be located in Victorville. He said they planned to have public interest and entertainment areas. He said the Indian Hill Mall in Pomona would also be somewhat similar. Chairman McNiel asked if the operation would be similar to a trade show. Mr. Clouse responded it would be similar but more upscale, as the booths would be permanent. Chairman McNiel asked if the booths would typically be leased on a long-term basis. Mr. Clouse responded affirmatively and indicated that each individual business owner would be subject to the business licensing requirements of the City. Commissioner Tolstoy asked if they were proposing a 7-day per week operation. Mr. Clouse replied that they were entertaining the notion that the facility would be open on Fridays for stocking and some business, but the bulk of business would be limited to weekends. He felt the use could be termed a mini-mall. Commissioner Vallette stated she had been to the Indian Hill swap meet and she had concerns regarding traffic and the potential requirement for additional Sheriff's services. She felt those concerns could be addressed with a Conditional Use Permit. Mr. Clouse stated that the site he had in mind would offer a unique layout which could be easily secured and has an overabundance of parking. Commissioner Tolstoy stated that the Indian Hill Mall is located in a congested part of the city. He thought that placing such a use in the industrial area should alleviate some of those problems and he felt it might be a good way to utilize some unused buildings. Has Hagman, 7832 8th Street, Rancho Cucamonga, described the proposed operation. He likened it to a department store, but not a luxury department store. He said they proposed approximately 500 booths in a 100,000 square foot building. He indicated that it would offer everything from clothing to Jewelry and possibly furniture. He said vendors like the concept because they do not have to pay a large overhead. Chairman McNiel asked if the individual booths would be closeable. Mr. Hagman replied they would have wooden gates. There were no further public comments. Mr. Buller stated that staff had informed the two applicants that if the Commission determined that an amendment would be desirable, a project could ~e processed concurrently with such an amendment. Planning Commission Minutes -10- January 9, 1991 Chairman McNiel felt the City should be cautious not to provide unfair competition to retailers. He thought such a use might not be appropriate in a commercial area. Commissioner Tolstoy felt there are problems unique to this type of operation which need to be researched. He felt there could be tremendous parking lot problems including littering, destruction of landscaping, and the potential for outdoor sales. He thought traffic, circulation, law enforcement, and street cleaning impacts would also need to be considered and business license and sales tax areas should be addressed. Commissioner Melcher felt such a concept had been utilized effectively in other areas of the country. He thought the concept may even work in shopping centers which have large empty buildings. Commissioner Vallette felt perhaps the number of vendor booths within a building should be regulated. Chairman McNiel stated that in Denver a large portion of their historical areas has been reclaimed and dissected into small shops$ and even though they are located immediately across the street from a major downtown mall, neither type of operation seems to suffer. He therefore felt that perhaps commercial sites should be considered. Commissioner Tolstoy asked what other programs may have to be deleted ~f staff were to take the time to research such an amendment. Mr. Buller replied that staff would proceed only if a developer were to proceed with an application to the City. He indicated that the developer would be required to file for the amendment, and their paying of the fees would place the project on a priority. It was the consensus of the Commission that such an amendment would be appropriate and should be initiated if an amendment request is submitted. , , , , Ke DECEMBER 6, 1990, PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSHOP NOTES - Review and concurrence with Memorandum outlining Commission action at Central Park Library Workshop Brad Buller, City Planner, stated that the memo was meant to be a summary action of the December 6, 1990, Planning Commission workshop. Chairman McNiel felt the notes were not complete and he thought the conclusion statement implied there would not be further review by the Planning Commission. Con~niseioner Tolstoy stated that there were some items and concerns raised st the meeting that were not addressed by the notes. He felt it should be noted that the review process has not concluded but is an on-going process. Planning Commission Minutes -11- January 9, 1991 Commissioner Vallette agreed that the notes were not complete. Commissioner Melcher felt the project seems to be progressing in a rather positive vein but had a long way to go. Commissioner Tolstoy indicated that in previous meetings the consultant had emphasized that they were merely presenting the skeleton and the jewelry would be added later. It was the consensus of the Planning Commission that the consultants have developed conceptual architectural plans consistent with the architectural concepts initially approved for Central Park and it was the Commission's opinion that the City could pursue the grant application based on those plans and that following that submittal, plans would be prepared for the formal design review process. , , , , Chairman McNiel stated he was concerned about east/west traffic circulation and he requested a meeting with staff to discuss the traffic model. Commissioner Tolstoy stated he would also be interested in meeting with staff. He felt the City needs one more artery in the northern part of the City. He said he had thought Almond would be good, but that would no longer be an option. He thought perhaps Hillside Road would be a possibility, but it is near Wilson Avenue, which is designated as a collector. He felt that the City should try to have Wilson Avenue go all the way across even though there may be a possible problem with the rockcrusher inhibiting easterly travel. He felt it is is important to traverse Deer Creek at least to Milliken Avenue. Brad Buller, City Planner, stated he would arrange for Chairman McNiel and Commissioner Tolstoy to meet with the City Engineer. , , , , , Chairman McNiel felt that there should be more communication between the Public Safety Commission and Planning Commission. He suggested a joint meeting might be appropriate to afford each Con~nission an opportunity to better understand what the other Commission is doing. Brad Buller, City Planner, stated it may be appropriate for the two Chairmen to meet to initiate communication between the Commissions. He also suggested that it would be appropriate for the Planning Commission to receive the agendas of the Public Safety Commission meetings and for the Public Safety Commission to receive agendas from Planning Commission meetings. Commissioner Vallette asked if it might make sense to also forward copies of minutes. Mr. Buller suggested that action agendas could be forwarded, and then any Commissioner could request minutes for any particular item they were interested in. Planning Commission Minutes -12- January 9, 1991 It was the consensus of the Commission that they would like to receive Public Safety Com~ission agendas and action agendas. , , · , , Brad Buller, City Planner, reported that Planning staff would be giving a presentation to the Economic Development Committee of the Rancho Cucamonga Chamber of Commerce at 4=30 p.m. on January 15, 1991, at the Chamber offices. He said the presentation would be regarding the development review process and how it relates to businesses. He invited the Commissioners to attend. Mr. Bullet stated that on January 2, 1991, the City Council discussed possible expansion of the Planning Commission from five to seven members. He stated they decided to leave the Commission at five members for the present time, but they appointed Council Members Chuck Buquet and Pam Wright to a subcommittee to review the development review process. He stated in the near future the Planning Commission would be selecting a subcommittee to meet with the Council Members. Mr. Buller stated that February 28, 1991, had been selected as a tentative date for a Planning Commission workshop regarding work program items. , , , , ADJOURNMENT Motion: Moved by Vallette, seconded by McNiel, to adjourn. 10:20 p.m. - Planning Commission adjourned to a january 10, 1991, workshop at 7:30 p.m. at the Rancho Cucamonga Civic Center to review the Foothill Marketplace. Respectfully submitted, Secretary Planning Commission Minutes -13- January 9, 1991