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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993/09/08 - Minutes - PC-HPCCITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Regular Meeting September 8, 1993 Chairman McNiel called the Regular Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning Commission to order at 7:53 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: Suzanne Chitiea, Larry McNiel, Tolstoy, Wendy Vallette Peter ABSENT: John Melcher STAFF PRESENT: Shintu Bose, Deputy City Engineer; Brad Buller, City Planner; Dan Coleman, Principal Planner; Nancy Fong, Senior Planner; Ralph Hanson, Deputy City Attorney; Joe Henry, Police Lieutenant; Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer; Scott Murphy, Associate Planner; Steven Ross, Assistant Planner; Gail Sanchez, Planning Commission Secretary , , , , , ANNOUNCEMENTS Brad Bullet, City Planner, remarked that the Planning Commission would be adjourning to a workshop at 5:00 p.m. on September 9, 1993, on Tetra Vista. , , , · APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion: Moved by Chitiea, seconded by McNiel, carried 4-0-1 with Melcher absent, to approve the minutes of the Adjourned Meeting of July 7, 1993.' Motion: Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by McNiel, carried 3-1-1-1 with Melcher absent and Chitiea abstaining, to approve the minutes of August 25, 1993. , , , , PUBLIC HEARINGS A. ENTERTAINMENT PERMIT 91-04 - BACKWATERS - A consideration to modify, suspend, or revoke an entertainment permit granted for the following entertainment uses: disc jockey doing vocals, playing records, and videos; live acts such as comedy, magic, dancing, and fashion shows; live bands (5 members or less); lip syncing; special promotions such as talent night contests, promoting sports teams, major sports events through satellite TV, college bowl, and trivia questions contests, in conjunction with a restaurant and bar, located at 10877 Foothill Boulevard - APN: 208-351-75. Nancy Fong, Senior Planner, presented the staff report. Commissioner Vallette asked if the Fire District had approved the proposed parking plan. Ms. Fong responded that the plan had been approved in concept but the applicant still needed to submit details, such as exact dimensions. Commissioner Vallette asked if the proposed parking plan included blocking parked cars. Ms. Fong replied that was correct. Commissioner Vallette asked if valet parking was to be used. Ms. Fong replied the applicant was not proposing valet parking. Commissioner Vallette stated she had formerly security. She asked what changes had been made. voiced concerns about Ms. Fong indicated the operational plan designates the manager as being responsible for security and locations are shown on the plan for the security personnel in the parking area. Brad Buller, City Planner, stated that Exhibit A, attached to the Resolution, represents a clarification of the plan. He indicated staff felt the plan answered the questions raised at the last meeting and is acceptable. Commissioner Tolstoy noted the City had requested the applicant continue to explore additional parking either adjacent to or across the street from the site. He asked if the applicant was pursuing that option. Ms. Fong responded that the applicant has stated they do not wish to consider off-site parking at this time. Chairman McNiel asked if the proposed plan allows an additional 48 cars. Ms. Fong replied that was correct. Chairman McNiel remarked that the public hearing was still open from the last meeting. Art Bean, General Manager, Backwaters, 10877 Foothill Boulevard, Rancho Cucamonga, commented that the report from the Police Department had been favorable on the operation during the 90-day trial period of restricting entertainment to ages 21 and over. He felt the arrangement had met their needs as well as the City's and he requested approval. Commissioner Chitiea requested clarification on the parking proposal with respect to patrons wanting to leave when their cars are blocked in. Planning Commission Minutes -2- September 8, 1993 Mr. Bean replied that the restaurant operates until 9:00 p.m. and the night club does not start operating until approximately 9:30 p.m. He said when cars enter, the patrons are directed to park in the unblocked lanes unless they indicate they will be staying all evening. He noted that security personnel are stationed in the parking lot all evening. Chairman McNiel felt the parking situation would be a logistical nightmare. He noted the age group limitation seemed to resolve the former problems and he asked if business was improving after the initial drop off when the age restriction was put in place. Mr. Bean said they were still struggling and he hoped the restaurant will make a difference. Hearing no further testimony, Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing. Commissioner Tolstoy was pleased with the way the business has been operating during the evaluation period; however, he expressed concerns about having cars double parked in the lot and felt it would be unsafe in an emergency. He also thought it would cause difficulties for patrons who may change their mind about staying all evening once they are in the restaurant. He said he would be willing to vote for approval only if the parking situation is extremely temporary. Commissioner Vallette agreed with Commissioner Tolstoy and felt that such a plan would not be allowed elsewhere in the City. Commissioner Chitiea said she understood the proposal, but she did not feel the parking is appropriate. She thought there must be other alternatives. She noted the need for responses by law enforcement and fire had dropped, but she felt a permanent resolution for the parking situation must be found. Mr. Buller noted that the project meets code. He said the fire code allows a greater occupancy than the City's parking restrictions. He noted that the Fire District and Police Department have not found that the proposed parking represents a hazard because the fire lanes are being kept clear. He also noted that the code does not prohibit this type of parking. He said the matter was before the Commission because of previous problems caused by parking on the street or on adjacent properties. He said staff would encourage a permanent solution. Chairman McNiel noted the parking plan presents a "worst case" scenario. Commissioner Tolstoy suggested that valet parking could be used for the areas with blocked spaces. Mr. Bullet suggested the applicant may wish to collect keys so that those cars could be moved. Commissioner Tolstoy was concerned there may be an emergency in the building, and patrons would be blocked in. Planning Commission Minutes -3- September 8, 1993 Chairman McNiel reopened the public hearing Mr. Bean noted that the double parking only takes place to the west of the building and in the center lane to the east. He said that when cars park in the center of the aisle, the patron's name is placed on the windshield so that they can be paged to move the vehicle if necessary. He said they currently are not operating at capacity and only one lane is being parked down the center so that all vehicles have the ability to be removed without moving any other cars. Commissioner Tolstoy stated he understood the plan and he understood that currently business is not sufficient to require cars to be parked as shown on the diagram, but he noted that in all probability there will be nights when the cars will be parked according to the plan. Mr. Bean said the Laurel Aspen Center lot is also available. Mr. Buller stated staff would discuss the matter with Disaster Preparedness staff to see if the proposed parking plan would be a concern in the event of an emergency. Commissioner Tolstoy felt people would leave even if it was not recommended. Chairman McNiel asked if the applicant was currently using single lane parking in overflow situations. Mr. Bean stated that was correct. Chairman McNiel again closed the public hearing. He felt that in an emergency situation, valet parking would not be any better than having the cars double stacked. He asked about the possibility of using adjacent properties. Mr. Buller said staff had discussed other options with the applicant, and the applicant had advised that neither adjacent property owner is currently willing to allow overflow parking. He asked if the Commission would consider overflow parking on unimproved lots. He suggested the matter could be continued for 30 to 60 days to consider options. Commissioner Tolstoy thought City codes require that parking lots be paved and he asked if the Commission would have the authority to approve parking on unpaved property. Mr. Buller noted there are a variety of materials for paving and staff could look at various options. Commissioner Tolstoy hoped business would improve to the point where they would need the overflow parking but he did not feel the proposed double- parking solution is acceptable. Chairman McNiel reopened the public hearing. Planning Commission Minutes -4- September 8, 1993 Motion: Moved by Chitiea, seconded by Tolstoy, to continue Entertainment Permit 91-04 to November 10, 1993, with provision that the business could continue operating as it has been during the last three months. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: COMMISSIONERS: COMMISSIONERS: CHITIEA, MCNIEL, TOLSTOY, VALLETTE NONE MELCHER -carried The Planning Commission recessed from 8:31 p.m. to 8:40 p.m. Bo ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TENTATIVE TRACT 15526 - LEWIS - A residential subdivision and design review for 57 single family homes on 7.86 acres of land in the Low Medium Residential District (4-8 dwelling units per acre) in the Terra Vista Planned Community, located at the southwest corner of Mountain View Drive and Milliken Avenue - APN: 1077-091-36. Staff recommends issuance of a mitigated Negative Declaration. Steven Ross, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report and stated that staff was recommending deletion of Standard Condition E.14, requiring maintenance of the right-of-way landscaping by the developer. Commissioner Tolstoy questioned the wall treatment between the greenway corridor and the homes. Mr. Ross said two retaining walls will be placed within the corridor to the south of the tract. Commissioner Tolstoy asked the height of the walls. Mr. Ross responded they will be no higher than 3 feet from finished grade and they will be landscaped. Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing. Jary Cockroft, Lewis Development Company, 1156 North Mountain Avenue, Upland, stated he was available to answer questions. He said the retaining walls will mimic those which are by the tunnel. Hearing no further testimony, Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing. Motion: Moved by Vallette, seconded by McNiel, to issue a Negative Declaration and adopt the resolutions approving Tentative Tract 15526 and the design review thereof with the deletion of standard condition E.14. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: COMMISSIONERS: COMMISSIONERS: CHITIEA, MCNIEL, TOLSTOY, VALLETTE NONE MELCHER -carried Planning Commission Minutes -5- September 8, 1993 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 14457 - WOLFF/LANG/CHRISTOPHER - A subdivision of 2.48 acres of land into 2 parcels in the General Industrial District (Subarea 8) of the Industrial Area Specific Plan, located at the southeast corner of Arrow Route and Utica Avenue - APN: 209-144-84. Staff recommends issuance of a Negative Declaration. Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer, presented the staff report. He noted a letter had been received from the applicant apologizing for not being present at the hearing and requesting approval. Motion: Moved by Chitiea, seconded by Tolstoy, to issue a Negative Declaration and adopt the resolution approving Tentative Parcel Map 14457. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: COMMISSIONERS: COMMISSIONERS: CHITIEA, MCNIEL, TOLSTOY, VALLETTE NONE MELCHER -carried ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 93-24 - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON COMPANY - A request to construct an electrical substation in the Minimum Impact Heavy Industrial Designation (Subarea 9) of the Industrial Area Specific Plan, located on the west side of Rochester Avenue, south of Arrow Route - APN: 229-111-18. Staff recommends issuance of a Negative Declaration. Scott Murphy, Associate Planner, presented the staff report and reported that staff suggested deletion of Condition 3 requiring a steel pole. Brad Buller, City Planner, stated that when staff initially reviewed the application, it was felt the lines could not be undergrounded because of the prohibitive cost. He said staff felt the poles will be dominant and would be less visible if they were steel, but the cost for steel poles is also prohibitive. He noted that Southern California Edison (SCE) can exempt itself from certain City requirements and staff was changing its recommendation and suggesting that Condition 3 be eliminated. Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing. Cheryl Karnes, Area Manager, Southern California Edison, 7951 Redwood Avenue, Fontana, stated she understood the City's concerns with aesthetics but they were legally constrained from complying with the request for steel poles. John .Evans, attorney for Southern California Edison, stated that SCE is regulated by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). He said the PUC requires that anything above the minimum construction standards established by state law be paid for by someone other than the utility in order to keep utility costs down. He noted that standard wood poles cost around $10,000 each and Planning Commission Minutes -6- September 8, 1993 the steel poles cost over $100,000 each. He said the PUC also indicates that any lines over 50 KV should be above ground, and the lines in question are 66 KV. Chairman McNiel asked if the poles could be painted gray. Mr. Evans did not think the paint would adhere to the poles but said'they would investigate. David Barreira, Technical Representative, Southern California Edison, stated they use a petroleum based material impregnated into the wood when the poles are manufactured. He said it is difficult to get certain types of paint to adhere. He reported there is a petroleum base that can be applied to poles, which has a clear color resulting in lighter poles, but he was not sure such poles could be pre-ordered in time for the job. He indicated if the poles were any color other than their standard color, someone other than SCE would have to maintain the color. He said that anything above the minimum must be paid for by whoever is requesting the upgrade, so that common rateholders are not charged. Chairman McNiel asked if any trees will be added to the area. Mr. Murphy responded that the resolution calls for landscaping around the enclosure to be approved by the City Planner. He said there could probably be trees closer to the street so as to not interfere with the electrical lines. Chairman McNiel asked how much of the lot on Rochester would be consumed by the substation. Mr. Murphy said the enclosure is only 35 by 72 feet and there would be some grading around that. Chairman McNiel noted the balance of the lot is currently weeds. Mr. Murphy said a condition of approval at the last design review called for the area to be hydroseeded when the manufacturing building addition is installed. Chairman McNiel questioned the surface of the access road to the substation from the Schlosser Forge side. Mr. Murphy said it proposed to be dirt. Chairman McNiel asked if the road could be gravel. Ms. Karnes said they would be willing to work with staff to try to make it a gravel road. Hearing no further testimony, Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing. Motion: Moved by Vallette, seconded by Chitiea, to issue a Negative Declaration and adopt the resolution approving Conditional Use Permit 93-24 Planning Commission Minutes -7- September 8, 1993 with modifications to delete the requirement for steel poles and to indicate that the access road material shall be to the satisfaction of the City Planner. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: COMMISSIONERS: COMMISSIONERS: CHITIEA, MCNIEL, TOLSTOY, VALLETTE NONE MELCHER -carried ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TENTATIVE TRACT 13796 - LEWIS DEVELOPMENT - A residential subdivision and design review of 111 condominium units on 7.92 acres of land in the Medium Residential designation (8-14 dwelling units per acre) of the Terra Vista Planned Community, located on the south side of Mountain View Drive, east of Milliken Avenue - APN: 227-151-32. Staff recommends issuance of a mitigated Negative Declaration. Scott Murphy, Associate Planner, presented the staff report. Chairman McNiel opened the public hearing. Jary Cockroft, Lewis Development Company, 1156 North Mountain Avenue, Upland, stated he was available to answer questions. Hearing no further testimony, Chairman McNiel closed the public hearing. Commissioner Vallette stated she had originally seen the project at Design Review and at that time she had voiced concerns regarding transition of density. She said she would like the Commission to address two issues for future projects; specifically the massing of Buildings 9 and 10 behind the single family homes as well as the parking area to the south of Building 9. She noted the trail is only 15 feet wide at those points and she did not feel it represents good density transition. She noted the Development Code Section 17.08.090 specifies general design guidelines indicating building placement shall be compatible with surrounding uses, larger buildings require more setback for balance of scale and compatibility with adjacent uses, and parking should be designed to minimize visual disruption of the overall project design which can be accomplished through separation of parking spaces from residences. She said she would vote against the project for those reasons and she requested the other Commissioners consider those points for the workshop on September 9. Commissioner Chitiea asked the number of units in Building 9 and 10. Mr. Murphy replied they are six-plexes with four units facing the adjacent residential area and two units over the garages in back. Commissioner Chitiea commented there are no single story units in the project. Commissioner Vallette noted the project is an in-fill project but she felt innovative techniques could have been used to address transition of density and provide more sensitivity to existing surrounding areas. She felt the project is overwhelming in its density from the adjacent development. Planning Commission Minutes -8- September 8, 199] Commissioner Chitiea felt Commissioner Vallette's concerns were valid. She noted it is an in-fill project but it is within a planned community. She thought one of the reasons for the planned community concept is to avoid density transition problems. She said the use of single story adjacent to single family homes would have been preferable. Chairman McNiel stated he understood Commissioner Vallette's concerns, but he felt it was late in the process to be requesting changes. Commissioner Vallette observed that the project had been reviewed at a workshop, and the majority of the Commission had agreed the proposal was acceptable because Units 9 and 10 and the adjacent single-family residences are all two-story. She said she had brought up the discussion to be used as an example for future projects. Chairman McNiel felt the project is acceptable. Commissioner Vallette felt that homeowners have a right to expect sensitive adjacent development. She noted that rear yards are generally 15 feet and therefore, provide for little buffering from the larger buildings of multi- family development projects. She felt the applicant had not addressed those concerns, such as turning the buildings or making Buildings 1 through 5 three-story. Chairman McNiel felt the bulk of activity would be on the other side of the building and noted it would result in a window-to-window situation. Commissioner Tolstoy felt Commissioner Vallette's concerns were valid but he felt the matter had been resolved as best as possible for an in-fill project. He said his feeling at the end of the workshop was that it was an acceptable project and the concepts should be further addressed with Lewis in the workshop to be held on September 9. Motion: Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by McNiel, to issue a Negative Declaration and to adopt the resolutions approving Tentative Tract 13796 and design review thereof. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: CHITIEA, MCNIEL, TOLSTOY NOES: COMMISSIONERS: VALLETTE ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: MELCHER -carried Chairman McNiel thought perhaps changes could have been made in the project, but he felt any changes should have been requested earlier in the process. Commissioner Vallette said she felt comfortable that considering the project had been reviewed at a workshop. would be better addressed on future projects. the vote was fair She hoped the issues DIRECTOR'S REPORTS Planning Commission Minutes -9- September 8, 1993 CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 88-12 - WESTERN PROPERTIES - A request to amend the approved Uniform Sign Program for Terra Vista Town Center, located at the northeast corner of Foothill Boulevard and Haven Avenue. (Continued from August 25, 1993) Nancy Fong, Senior Planner, showed color chips and a video depicting a mock-up of the proposed sign. She indicated revised plans had been presented by the applicant with the main traffic circle sign at a height of just under 9 feet. Chairman McNiel invited public comment. Paula Dempsey, Western Properties, 1156 North Mountain Avenue, Upland, felt the revised plans addressed most of the concerns which had been expressed at the last meeting. She thought that Chairman McNiel and Commissioner Vallette had agreed that the sign, as currently proposed, would not be overwhelming to the traffic circle. She said they had redone the design to use more pilasters in the retaining wall around the traffic circle. She observed they could not use a solid wall because they need to have access to the area for landscaping purposes and for placement of the tree at Christmas time. Chairman McNiel noted there had been discussion about removing the metal framework extending beyond the bull's eye. Mike Lasley, Western Properties, 1156 North Mountain Avenue, Upland, agreed the top row could be removed, but he felt the middle row should not be deleted. He said the two end pieces of the middle row could be deleted. Chairman McNiel felt that would be acceptable. Ms. Dempsey concurred. Chairman McNiel felt a similar look should be utilized on the two side signs in the traffic circle. Commissioner Tolstoy felt there were no reasons for the cubes in the back. Mr. Lasley showed what they were suggesting. Commissioner Tolstoy agreed that would be acceptable. Commissioner Vallette asked how thick the aluminum would be. Ms. Dempsey indicated they are still working specifications. She said the thickness will vary. on the fabrication Mr. Lasley thought the ribbon will be about 1/8 inch thick. He said they will be certain that the wind will not cause the aluminum to resonate causing the paint to fail. He noted the finish will be similar to the statue at the corner of Haven Avenue and Foothill Boulevard. Commissioner Chitiea preferred supporting structure as proposed. gives a better backdrop. leaving the bull's eye imposed on the She thought the lines flow better and it Planning Commission Minutes -10- September 8, 1993 Commissioner Vallette thought the signs on the two sides would be lower than 8 feet. Mr. Lasley said it had been lowered from the originally proposed 9 feet to 8 feet. He noted the bull's eye is 5 feet in diameter and they were proposing 6 inches between the bottom of the bull's eye and the top of the 24-inch wall below. Ms. Dempsey noted the retaining wall and wrought iron height needs to stay consistent around the circle. Commissioner Vallette remarked she had driven to the circle from the sides and the sign would not be in view until the vehicle is almost ready to enter the traffic circle. She felt the two side signs could be smaller. There were no further public comments. Chairman McNiel noted the center of the traffic circle is large. 5-foot signs at an 8-foot height would be acceptable. He felt Commissioner Vallette felt the signs look good and she hoped they help out the center. Motion: Moved by Vallette to approve the signs as presented at the meeting with modifications to include a half-circle pipe railing design to be used behind the top portion of the bull's eye design, subject to approval of the City Planner and the proposed wall sign to be subject to City Planner approval. Commissioner Tolstoy agreed the name should be changed to Food Court from Plaza de Cafes. He thought the sign on the building is acceptable. He felt the problems would be corrected by the proper type of eating establishments. He said he planned to vote against the signs because he felt signs in the traffic circle would cause visual pollution and break up what is currently a nice space. Motion: Chairman McNiel seconded the motion. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: COMMISSIONERS: COMMISSIONERS: CHITIEA, MCNIEL, VALLETTE TOLSTOY MELCHER -carried , , , , , PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no additional public comments. COMMISSION BUSINESS Planning Commission Minutes -11- September 8, 1993 There was no additional Commission business. ADJOURNMENT Motion: Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by Chitiea, to adjourn. 10:05 p.m. - The Planning Commission adjourned to September 9, 1993, at 5:00 p.m. for a workshop on Terra Vista. Brad Buller Secretary Planning Commission Minutes -12- September 8, 1993