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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018/08/08 - Minutes - PC-HPC AUGUST 8, 2018 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION AND PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES RANCHO CUCAMONGA CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS 10500 CIVIC CENTER DRIVE RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CALIFORNIA Page 1 of 12 A. 7:00 P.M. – CALL TO ORDER 7:00 PM Pledge of Allegiance Roll Call: Chairman Macias _____ Vice Chairman Guglielmo _____ Commissioner Munoz _____ Commissioner Oaxaca __A__ Commissioner Wimberly __A__ Additional Staff Present: Candyce Burnett, City Planner; Nick Ghirelli, Assistant City Attorney; Tom Grahn, Associate Planner; Brian Sandona, Senior Engineer; Jennifer Nakamura, Associate Planner; Lois Schrader, Planning Commission Secretary; Mike Smith, Senior Planner; Susan Shaker, Administrative Assistant B. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS This is the time and place for the general public to address the Historic Preservation Commission or Planning Commission on any item listed or not listed on the agenda. State law prohibits the Commission from addressing any issue not previously included on the Agenda. The Commission may receive testimony and set the matter for a subsequent meeting. Comments are to be limited to five minutes per individual or less, as deemed necessary by the Chair, depending upon the number of individual members of the audience. This is a professional business meeting and courtesy and decorum are expected. Please refrain from any debate between audience and speaker, making loud noises or engaging in any activity which might be disruptive to the decorum of the meeting. Kristen Cardella a resident on Copely Drive spoke in opposition of Items E1 & E2 because of concerns related to traffic and property value. Her comments are included with the minutes for those items. AUGUST 8, 2018 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION AND PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES RANCHO CUCAMONGA CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS 10500 CIVIC CENTER DRIVE RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CALIFORNIA Page 2 of 12 Mark Gibboney spoke with respect to maintaining the General Plan, the rural historic character of the City and said over the years there was a promise of controlled, managed development. He said General Plan and zoning changes to high density development is not in line with that direction noting changes to the General Plan, zoning requirement changes, reduced parking, a greater use of natural resources and City services etc. He said he opposes actions like Item E3 noting looser requirements for ADU’s will be an easy opportunity to double the density in the City. He said he wants these past ideals put into practice as they matter to people. Purvi Patel spoke against Items E1 and E2 noting she paid big money for a more private lot, and the streets becoming a through street and her property value. Her comments are included with the minutes for those items. ***name unintelligible*** said he is also against the proposed development for similar reasons Aaron James submitted a letter from the Habitat Defense Council in opposition of Items E1 and E2 (see project minutes). C. CONSENT CALENDAR/HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION AND PLANNING COMMISSION The following Consent Calendar items are expected to be routine and non-controversial. They will be acted upon by the Commission at one time without discussion. Any item may be removed for discussion. C1. Consideration to adopt Regular Meeting Minutes of July 25, 2018 C2. Consideration to adopt Adjourned Meeting (Workshop) Minutes of July 25, 2018 Moved by Munoz, seconded by Guglielmo; carried 3-0-2 (Oaxaca, Wimberly absent) to adopt the Consent Calendar. D. ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS The following items do not legally require any public testimony, although the Chairman may open the meeting for public input. AUGUST 8, 2018 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION AND PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES RANCHO CUCAMONGA CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS 10500 CIVIC CENTER DRIVE RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CALIFORNIA Page 3 of 12 D 1 Presentation of a Resolution of Commendation to Lois Schrader, Planning Commission Secretary Presentation by Chairman Macias. E. PUBLIC HEARINGS/PLANNING COMMISSION The following items have been advertised and/or posted as public hearings as required by law. The Chairman will open the public hearing to receive testimony. All such opinions shall be limited to 5 minutes per individual or less as determined by the Chairman. Please sign in after speaking. E1. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TENTATIVE TRACT MAP SUBTT19917 - CASTILLO - A request to subdivide 7.17 acres into 10 lots in the Very Low (VL) Residential District of the Etiwanda Specific Plan, located north of the 210 Freeway and east of East Avenue at the easterly extension of Wilshire Drive and Copley Drive; APN: 0226-102-30. Related Files: Variance DRC2018-00566. Staff has prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration. E2. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND VARIANCE DRC2018-00566 - CASTILLO - A request to increase the wall height up to 23 feet for sound attenuation along the south boundary and a portion of the east boundary of proposed Tentative Tract 19917 (a request to subdivide 7.17 acres into 10 lots in the Very Low (VL) Residential District of the Etiwanda Specific Plan), located north of the 210 Freeway and east of East Avenue at the easterly extension of Wilshire Drive and Copley Drive; APN: 0226-102- 30. Related Files: Tentative Tract Map SUBTT19917. Staff has prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impacts for consideration. Tom Grahn, Associate Planner, gave the staff report and PowerPoint presentation (copy on file). He noted correspondence received from the Habitat Defense Council placed in front of the Commissioners which notes concerns regarding sensitive vegetation, the presence of Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub and Mandatory Findings of Significance. He also noted a letter received from County Flood Control which notes that any proposed activity within the right-of-way would need a Flood AUGUST 8, 2018 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION AND PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES RANCHO CUCAMONGA CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS 10500 CIVIC CENTER DRIVE RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CALIFORNIA Page 4 of 12 Control Permit. If the permit is required, its necessity and any impacts associated with the construction should be addressed in the MND prior to certification. All issues were considered and addressed by staff. Bob Castillo said this has been an ongoing project for 3 years-initially they had a problem with Fish and Wildlife and therefore they did additional studies to satisfy their concerns. Chairman Macias opened the public hearing. All public comments from the earlier public comment section will be added to the record. Frank Spencer said he would like to see the environmental documents and would like to see how this was revaluated from 3 years ago. Kristin Cardella said she often sees eagles flying in the open pasture area. She said they just finished her community and high curbs will be put in with the new development. She asked what that would do to her streets that are already finished. She indicated it would ruin her paved streets. She asked if the large sound barrier wall would remain. She cited privacy issues and traffic. She said the builder did not advise them that her street would become a thoroughfare. She had concern because she purchased a premium lot and does not want a through street. She said it would affect her property value. She asked if the through street could go in at the north end of the development instead. Shareef Awad said he is a partner with Mr. Castillo. He said the project offers benefits to the neighbors with a sewer connection to their homes. He said there would be little increase in traffic as there are only 10 homes. He said when they bought their houses there was a map in the office that showed future street improvements. Purvi Patel said she looked at KB in 2015 and was never advised of future development. She asked about another access street. She said they already get high speed traffic from the development to the north. Kurt Cardella said they were told no traffic would come through. He said drug users are coming in. He said the City had a tiny sign that noticed the proposed development. He said he did not receive notice until late. He said their streets are all torn up with contractor equipment and a lot of trash is being dumped. He asked who will fix that. AUGUST 8, 2018 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION AND PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES RANCHO CUCAMONGA CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS 10500 CIVIC CENTER DRIVE RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CALIFORNIA Page 5 of 12 Aaron James stated he is a biologist and participated in the letter submitted from HDC (copy on file). He questioned the biological documents prepared by the applicants’ consultants. Chairman Macias asked him if he did onsite survey himself. Mr. James said he did using a drone at 50 ft above the ground. Chairman Macias questioned the validity of such a survey. Brian Spencer stated he arrived late and asked for a recap of what is being built, the lot size, home sizes etc. He said he has a concern about street repairs, construction soils, and access. He asked if SCE or CVWD would allow access from their easements. Mr. Grahn briefly recapped the summary of the project proposal for Mr. Spencer’s benefit. Chairman Macias noted tonight’s action would allow the development to go into the planning stages but the Commission is not approving homes at this time-just the tract map. Purvi Patel said all their homes have dirt backyards, therefore the kids play in front. She said the cars travel too fast. She said there are cars parked that are unidentified (indicating they may belong to people that do not live in the neighborhood). Mr. Spencer asked the Commission to make sure the environmental studies are complete. Chairman Macias closed the public hearing. Mr. Grahn noted the map indicates no logical opportunities to connect at the north end. He added that Copely Drive was not designed or ever intended to be a cul-de-sac. He said when the environmental studies were re-done they were re-circulated to all the appropriate agencies. He said none of them responded to the new studies provided. AUGUST 8, 2018 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION AND PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES RANCHO CUCAMONGA CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS 10500 CIVIC CENTER DRIVE RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CALIFORNIA Page 6 of 12 Commissioner Munoz said this area was planned as the Low Residential District. He said there are not that many homes, they have large lots, the Trails Advisory Committee recommended approval, there is a Variance for walls and that is typical with being close to the 210 Freeway. He noted there was a Neighborhood meeting and no one attended. He said the DRC met and approved proposed subdivision as well as the TRC. He said the tribes were contacted and they did not respond. He said the Environmental documents seem to cover it. He said no agencies had a problem. He noted it is just a map with walls. Commissioner Guglielmo said there were many comments from the community. He said he-appreciates their thoughts. He said the Developer endured 3 years of questions. He said it looks like a logical expansion. He said the Commission is not approving homes at this time. Chairman Macias said he has been a professional urban planner for 40 years. He said this proposal is a typical example of an expanding community that is in a specific geography and the residents are not aware of what would occur around it. He indicated perhaps the residents were not paying much attention to what was or was not told to them. He said he has seen many letters demanding an EIR when it is not needed. He said they have much that is disturbed (meaning the soils on site). He said he would highly question the biological concerns raised in the letter. He noted when things are disturbed the vegetation changes. He said he would agree with Commissioner Guglielmo that it appears this was meant to abut the flood control facilities as shown. He said he has no problem with the proposed map. Moved by Guglielmo, seconded by Munoz; carried 3-0-2 (Oaxaca, Wimberly absent) to adopt the proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impacts and the resolutions approving the Tentative Tract Map and Variance as presented by staff. E3. MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT DRC2018-00606 – CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA – A request to amend Title 17 of the Municipal Code to amend requirements and standards for the development of Accessory Dwelling Units, also referred to as Second Dwelling Units. This item is exempt from the requirements of the AUGUST 8, 2018 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION AND PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES RANCHO CUCAMONGA CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS 10500 CIVIC CENTER DRIVE RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CALIFORNIA Page 7 of 12 California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the City’s CEQA guidelines under CEQA Section 15282(h). This item will be forwarded to City Council for final action. Jennifer Nakamura, Associate Planner, gave the staff report and PowerPoint present (copy on file) Commissioner Munoz said this is a dicey issue from Sacramento… He said he is not happy about it, he voiced his opposition many times and they don’t listen-it takes away cities rights. He said he appreciates what staff is doing- he concurs with staff being proactive. He said some public speakers point at the Commission as making these decisions and it is not true. Ms. Nakamura said if we had let State law take precedence, we could have lost many options to maintain our own development standards such as height restrictions. Commissioner Guglielmo asked staff to clarify that at least one of the two structures be owner occupied. He asked how they would verify that. Ms. Nakamura said they are built into a covenant to be recorded on the property. She said there is no regulatory system in place to verify the occupancy at this time. She said they will work on a complaint basis initially and then possibly verify on an annual basis. She said they have spoken to several residents that want to build ADU’s to house elderly relatives and had no issues with this restriction. She said the recorded covenant goes with the property even when it is sold. Commissioner Guglielmo said some cities require a business license if you have a rental unit. He asked if the ADU’s will have their own mailbox/address. Ms. Nakamura said separate utilities are not required. She said they are considering separate addresses so we can count/track them for a variety of purposes such as satisfying City RHNA requirements. Chairman Macias said he understands the need for cleanup with what Sacramento is telling us. He said we are taking the best of what Sacramento is telling us to do. Chairman Macias opened the public hearing. AUGUST 8, 2018 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION AND PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES RANCHO CUCAMONGA CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS 10500 CIVIC CENTER DRIVE RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CALIFORNIA Page 8 of 12 Unknown (did not state name) Questions about a few things: will there be variances to building codes such as septic for separate units. What about fire zone area. What if existing structure material different, how do you deal with the potential discrepancy between buildings. Kristin Cardella said she supports the size as 950 square feet is tight. She said she is submitting plans for one for her elderly father. Considering wheelchair/walker use, 950 square feet is small. She said 1200 square feet would be better to accommodate him. She said many are doing this for elderly parents and not for rental purposes. She said it is much cheaper than assisted living facilities. Chairman Macias closed the public hearing. Commissioner Guglielmo indicated he is OK with the square footage from the State. Commissioner Munoz said he understands the situation with aging parents. He said we already have a provision for aging parents. He said he thinks the Sacramento approach is misguided and puts the City in a corner. He thanked staff again as they are always proactive, and they are just trying to make the Ordinance forced upon us more palatable. Moved by Guglielmo, seconded by Munoz; carried 3-0-2 (Oaxaca, Wimberly absent), recommending approval of the Municipal Code Amendment to the City Council for final action. E4. MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT DRC2018-00605 – CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA - A request to amend Title 17 of the Municipal Code to amend requirements and standards for the development of Hotels. This item is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the City’s CEQA guidelines under CEQA Section 15061(b)(3). This item will be forwarded to City Council for final action. Jennifer Nakamura, Associate Planner, requested a continuance to provide additional time to finalize proposed changed to the Development Code for the development of new hotels within the City. AUGUST 8, 2018 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION AND PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES RANCHO CUCAMONGA CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS 10500 CIVIC CENTER DRIVE RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CALIFORNIA Page 9 of 12 Moved by order of the Chair carried 3-0-2 (Oaxaca, Wimberly absent) to continue the item to the regular meeting of August 22, 2018. E5. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TENTATIVE TRACT MAP SUBTT20147 - VAN DAELE HOMES, INC.- A review of a proposed subdivision of three parcels with a combined area of 17.23 acres into three (3) parcels and four (4) letter lots located within the Empire Lakes Specific Plan, Planning Area 1, located north of 4th Street, south of 6th Street, west of Milliken Avenue, and east of Utica/Cleveland Avenues. The specific location of the project site is south of 6th Street and east of the future alignment of The Resort Parkway (formerly referred to as The Vine); APN:0210-102-04. Related files: Design Review DRC2017-00925 and Pre-Application DRC2017-00697. Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the City certified an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (SCH No. 2015041083) on May 18, 2016 in connection with the City’s approval of General Plan Amendment DRC2015-00114, Specific Plan Amendment DRC2015-00040, and Development Code Amendment DRC2015-00115. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15162, no subsequent or supplemental EIR is required in connection with subsequent discretionary approvals of the same project. E6. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND DESIGN REVIEW DRC2017-00925 - VAN DAELE HOMES, INC.- A request for site plan and architectural review of 296 units consisting of bungalows, townhomes, and flats on multiple parcels with a combined area of 17.23 acres within the Empire Lakes Specific Plan, Planning Area 1, located north of 4th Street, south of 6th Street, west of Milliken Avenue, and east of Utica/Cleveland Avenues. The specific location of the project site is south of 6th Street and east of the future alignment of The Resort Parkway (formerly referred to as The Vine); APN: 0210-102-04. Related files: Tentative Tract Map SUBTT20147 and Pre- Application DRC2017-00697. Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the City certified an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (SCH No. 2015041083) on May 18, 2016 in connection with the City’s approval of General Plan Amendment DRC2015-00114, Specific Plan Amendment DRC2015-00040, and Development Code Amendment DRC2015-00115. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15162, no subsequent or supplemental EIR is required in connection with subsequent discretionary approvals of the same project. Mike Smith, Senior Planner, gave the staff report and PowerPoint presentation (copy on file). AUGUST 8, 2018 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION AND PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES RANCHO CUCAMONGA CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS 10500 CIVIC CENTER DRIVE RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CALIFORNIA Page 10 of 12 Josh Gause – represents Van Daele Homes, thanked staff for their efforts. They are excited to have another project in the City, to be part of the Empire Lakes Specific Plan and Resort community. He is available for questions. Chairman Macias opened the public hearing and seeing and hearing none closed the public hearing. Moved by Munoz, seconded by Guglielmo carried 3-0-2 (Oaxaca, Wimberly absent) to adopt the resolutions approving Tentative Tract Map and Design Review as presented by staff. F. COMMISSION BUSINESS/HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND PLANNING COMMISSION INTER-AGENCY UPDATES: None. COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS: None G. ADJOURNMENT 8:35PM I, Lois J. Schrader, Planning Commission Secretary of the City of Rancho Cucamonga, or my designee, hereby certify that a true, accurate copy of the foregoing agenda was posted on August 2, 2018, seventy two (72) hours prior to the meeting per Government Code 54954.2 at 10500 Civic Center Drive. LJS Lois J. Schrader Planning Commission Secretary City of Rancho Cucamonga AUGUST 8, 2018 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION AND PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES RANCHO CUCAMONGA CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS 10500 CIVIC CENTER DRIVE RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CALIFORNIA Page 11 of 12 INFORMATION FOR THE PUBLIC TO ADDRESS THE PLANNING COMMISSION The Planning Commission encourages free expression of all points of view. To allow all persons to speak, given the length of the agenda, please keep your remarks brief. If others have already expressed your position, you may simply indicate that you agree with a previous speaker. If appropriate, a spokesperson may present the views of your entire group. To encourage all views and promote courtesy to others, the audience should refrain from clapping, booing or shouts of approval or disagreement from the audience. The public may address the Planning Commission on any agenda item. To address the Planning Commission, please come forward to the podium located at the center of the staff table. State your name for the record and speak into the microphone. After speaking, please sign in on the clipboard located next to the speaker’s podium. It is important to list your name, address and the agenda item letter your comments refer to. Comments are generally limited to 5 minutes per individual. If you wish to speak concerning an item not on the agenda, you may do so under “Public Comments.” There is opportunity to speak under this section prior to the end of the agenda. Any handouts for the Planning Commission should be given to the Planning Commission Secretary for distribution to the Commissioners. A copy of any such materials should also be provided to the Secretary to be used for the official public record. All requests for items to be placed on a Planning Commission agenda must be in writing. Requests for scheduling agenda items will be at the discretion of the Commission and the Planning Director. AVAILABILITY OF STAFF REPORTS Copies of the staff reports or other documentation to each agenda item are on file in the offices of the Planning Department, City Hall, located at 10500 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, California 91730. These documents are available for public inspections during regular business hours, Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., except for legal City holidays. APPEALS Any interested party who disagrees with the City Planning Commission decision may appeal the Commission’s decision to the City Council within 10 calendar days. Any appeal filed must be directed to the City Clerk’s Office and must be accompanied by a fee of $2,793 for all decisions of the Commission. (Fees are established and governed by the City Council). AUGUST 8, 2018 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION AND PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES RANCHO CUCAMONGA CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS 10500 CIVIC CENTER DRIVE RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CALIFORNIA Page 12 of 12 Please turn off all cellular phones and pagers while the meeting is in session. Copies of the Planning Commission agendas, staff reports and minutes can be found at www.CityofRC.us.