HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/08/2017 PC MinutesMINUTES OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
AUGUST 8, 2017
CALL TO ORDER:
Chair/Wolfe called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Windmill Room,
21810 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Vice Chair Mok led the Pledge of Allegiance.
2.
3.
4.
1. ROLL CALL:
Present: Commissioners Naila Barlas, Frank Farago,
Jennifer "Fred" Mahlke, Vice Chair Ken Mok, and
Chair Raymond Wolfe
Also present: Greg Gubman, Community Development Director;
James Eggart, Assistant City Attorney; Grace Lee, Senior Planner; May Nakajima,
Associate Planner; Natalie T. Espinoza, Assistant Planner; and Stella Marquez,
Administrative Coordinator.
MATTERS FROM THE AUDIENCE/PUBLIC COMMENTS: CM/Dan Fox
introduced himself to the Planning Commission.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As presented.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
4.1 Minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 25, 2017:
C/Farago moved, Chair/Wolfe seconded, to approve the Minutes of the
Regular Meeting of July 25, 2017, as presented. Motion carried by the
following Roll Call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
5. OLD BUSINESS:
6. NEW BUSINESS:
COMMISSIONERS:
COMMISSIONERS:
COMMISSIONERS:
COMMISSIONERS:
None
None
Barlas, Farago, VC/Mok,
Chair/Wolfe
None
Mahlke
None
AUGUST 8, 2017 PAGE 2 PLANNING COMMISSION
7. PUBLIC HEARING(S):
7.1 Development Review No. PL2017-45 — Under the authority of Diamond Bar
Municipal Code Section 22.48, the applicant, Phillip Chan and property
owners, Stanley Chan and Yuen Kiu Choi requested Development Review
approval to construct a 988 square -foot addition and 157 square -foot balcony
extension to an existing 2,205 square -foot, two-story single family residence
with an attached 482 square -foot garage and 331 square -foot porch/balcony
area on a 0.26 acre (11,166 square foot) lot. The subject property is zoned
Low Density Residential (RL) with an underlying General Plan land use
designation of Low Density Residential.
PROJECT ADDRESS
PROPERTY OWNER:
APPLICANT:
1617 Acacia Hill Road
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Stanley Chan and Yen Kiu Choi
1617 Acacia Hill Road
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Phillip Chan
68 Genoa Street, Unit B
Arcadia, CA 91007
AP/Espinoza provided staffs report and recommended Planning Commission
approval of Development Review No. PL2017-45, based on the Findings of
Fact, and subject to the conditions of approval as listed in the Resolution.
Chair/Wolfe opened the public hearing.
Phillip Chan, architect, spoke about the proposed project and indicated that
many options were considered for this unique lot. Instead of adding space at
the back of the house, the family of five chose to retain the larger back yard
which led them to consider the option of adding space to the front of the house
instead. Since the property is sloped they gave careful consideration to
privacy issues which led them to split the addition with a small amount toward
the front and a small amount toward the rear of the house. They also looked
into adding a second story addition. The key issue for him was to provide
family space with a well-balanced addition which he believes he and his design
team were able to do by paying attention to staffs recommendation to provide
a continuous height and roof line so it would appear to have been part of the
original house. Mr. Chan said he hopes to obtain the Commission's support
for this proposal.
AUGUST 8, 2017 PAGE 3 PLANNING COMMISSION
Chair/Wolfe agreed that it was a very unique design and said he appreciated
the style that was applied to the garage door which provides a balance to the
windows on the side of the house. He complimented Mr. Chan on maintaining
while modernizing the style of the house.
VC/Mok said he noticed neighbors to this property modernizing their homes
and it appeared that the area of the block is beginning to change with respect
to architectural look and elevation of the homes. The design is very nice and
in good taste.
Douglas Barcon, North Rock River Drive, said this reminds him of what was
going on with the mansion on Diamond Bar Boulevard near Temple, yet quite
different. His concern is that looking at Arcadia and how they are pushing back
on mansionization, he is not sure whether this project fits that criteria. The
design looks really good and the side windows remind him of what is being
proposed for the mansion on Diamond Bar Boulevard. He is concerned about
whether this proposed project fits in the neighborhood and are the houses in
the neighborhood similar size and with the addition, will it fall under
mansionization. Also, is this a multi -family or multi -generational home?
Chair/Wolfe closed the public hearing.
C/Mahlke moved, C/Barlas seconded to approve Development Review
No. PL2017-45, based on the Findings of Fact, and subject to the conditions
of approval as listed within the Resolution. Motion carried by the following Roll
Call vote:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Barlas, Farago, Mahlke VC/Mok
Chair//Wolfe
NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None
7.2 Development Review No. PL2017-41 — Under the authority of Diamond Bar
Municipal Code Section 22.48 and 22.70, the applicant, Fariba Shantiyal and
property owner, Joyce Chen, requested Development Review approval to
convert an existing 1,060 square foot garage into livable space and construct
a 900 square foot addition, 863 square foot garage and 538 square feet of
deck and patio area to an existing 4,844 square foot single family residence
on a 1.04 gross acre (45,302 gross square foot) lot. The subject property is
zoned Rural Residential (RR) with an underlying General Plan land use
designation of Rural Residential.
AUGUST 8, 2017 PAGE 4 PLANNING COMMISSION
PROJECT ADDRESS: 2522 Steeplechase Lane
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
PROPERTY OWNER: Joyce Chen
2522 Steeplechase Lane
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
APPLICANT: Fariba Shantiyal
3670 W. Temple Avenue, Suite 193
Pomona, CA 91765
Chair/Wolfe suspended presentation of staffs report and recommendation for
Planning Commission approval of Development Review No. PL2017-41,
based on the Findings of Fact, and subject to the conditions of approval as
listed within the Resolution. ,
Chair/Wolfe opened the public hearing.
Saeid Shatiyai, architect, explained that this house has a special setting on top
of the hill with a lot of slope from one side to the other. The consideration for
design of this addition in accordance with the owner's desires, the natural
progression of this extension would be in the front so as not to disturb the
natural setting at the back of the home. At the same time the design
considered the transition of this house being a split level, to the adjacent
property and for that reason as well, brought the addition to the front and
converted the garage to a rumpus room which would provide great access and
view. The entrance has been enhanced with tiered retaining walls in order to
add landscaping which will further enhance the view from Steeplechase as
well. The architecture of the addition was complemented to the house by the
elevations and by using the same elements and materials.
Chair/Wolfe closed the public hearing.
C/Farago moved, VC/Mok seconded, to approve Development Review No.
P12017-41, Findings of Fact, and subject to the conditions of approval as listed
within the Resolution. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Barlas, Farago, Mahlke, VC/Mok
Chair//Wolfe
NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None
AUGUST 8, 2017 PAGE 5 PLANNING COMMISSION
7.3 Development Review, Conditional Use Permit and Comprehensive Sign
Program — Planning Case No. PL2016-161 — Under the authority of Diamond
Bar Municipal Code Sections 22.48, 22.58 and 22.36.060, the applicant,
Jessica Steiner and property owner, McDonald's Corporation, requested
Planning Commission approval of the following land use applications:
1. Development Review. (architectural and site plan design review of the
proposed site improvements) — The key components of the Development
Review application and plans are as listed below.
• Demolition of an existing 2,489 square foot McDonald's fast food
restaurant building and the construction of a new 3,746 square foot
building.
• Renovation of the parking lot, including resurfacing and striping, new
lighting, and landscaping and accessibility upgrades in compliance with
the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
2. Conditional Use Permit. The applicant requested CUP approval to
establish dual drive-thru service lanes for the proposed fast food
restaurant.
3. Comprehensive Sign Program. The applicant is required to establish
design criteria for all new exterior on -premises signage. The applicant has
thus submitted a proposed Comprehensive Sign Program as part of the
overall project.
The subject property consists of approximately 0.69 gross acres on the
southwest corner of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Gentle Springs Drive. The
subject property is zoned C-3 (Regional Commercial) with an underlying
General Plan Designation of General Commercial.
PROJECT ADDRESS
PROPERTY OWNER:
205 S. Diamond Bar Boulevard
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Lorraine Fortelka
McDonald's Corporation
One McDonald's Plaza
Oak Brook, IL 60523
APPLICANT: Jessica Steiner
Bickel Group Architecture
3600 Birth Street, Suite 120
Newport Beach, CA 92660
AUGUST 8, 2017 PAGE 6 PLANNING COMMISSION
AP/Nakajima presented staffs report and recommended Planning
Commission approval of Development Review, Conditional Use Permit and
Comprehensive Sign Program No. PL2016-161, based on the Findings of
Fact, and subject to the conditions of approval as listed in within the
Resolution.
ChairMolfe asked for the following clarifications. 1) If staffs recommendation
for the 15 -gallon Chitalpa Tree would be for both trees on the north elevation
to which AP/Nakajima responded that Chair/Wolfe was correct. 2) If the wall
that runs parallel to the sidewalk in front of the building will be maintained and
AP/Nakajima responded that the wall would be removed.
C/Farago asked if in the proposed Resolution on the north elevation if the
enhancement was being included or merely what the applicant proposed with
the metal cladding around the parapet and AP/Nakajima responded that the
"enhancement" was prepared by staff as an example and the condition has
been left open so that if the applicant proposes an alternate design, it is subject
to review by the Director. CDD/Gubman added that if C/Farago's question
was whether it was staff's recommendation to proceed with the applicant's
modified proposal with the trim piece along the parapet line that it was not what
staff was recommending. Staff supports those proposed enhancements
including the parapet treatment and the upgraded doors at the utility closet
portion of the building; however, that does not fully address staffs concern
about the unbroken mass along the north elevation where no windows are
proposed. So, staff is including a condition that the mass be enhanced through
an appropriate means and in a way that meets the intent of the illustration that
staff provided side-by-side to show how a modest upgrade to that elevation
would achieve that objective.
VC/Mok asked if an enhancement along the north side simply meant another
color added on to that palette and CDD/Gubman said in his opinion, no. Staff
needs to see some articulation through some movement in the vertical
surfaces and/or some contrasting materials to really emphasize a break in that
mass.
C/Mahlke commented that the retaining wall height maximum of 42" and
fencing height maximum of 42" between Gentle Springs would be quite high
and asked if there was a minimum and AP/Nakajima said that there is a
maximum height and she is not sure if there is a minimum height. In this case,
if the maximum height was attained it would mean a 42" wall with a 42"
decorative railing on top so the top would not be solid. C/Mahlke asked if one
were driving down the freeway and looked toward the building they would see
the decorative rail and the building behind it. C/Mahlke asked the purpose of
AUGUST 8, 2017 PAGE 7 PLANNING COMMISSION
the retaining wall and CDD/Gubman responded that there is a certain amount
of topography in Diamond Bar in general which also exists on this site. If one
goes deeper into Gentle Springs the slope can be seen to increase quite
substantially. On this project site, with reconfiguration of the site to create a
level pad, it will result in an increased grade differential which means that the
retaining wall needs to be provided to splice the two grades on the McDonald's
side versus the sidewalk side, and the decorative wrought iron fencing on top
provides a safety measure. When one is on the sidewalk on Gentle Springs
one will see three and one-half feet of ledge stone (stacked stone) plus three
and one-half feet of an open -rail decorative fence.
C/Mahlke said she was concerned about the parking because three of the 19
parking spaces are proposed to be truck delivery areas at the site where traffic
currently backs up. She read the report about the Inglewood facility on
Manchester and understands it works, but it seemed to her that whether it
works is contingent on a few things including off-peak hours. The Inglewood
location has a much bigger capacity for overflow vehicles and where they show
15 cars in the drive-thru, the first three are blocking what would, in this case,
be the truck delivery area. Currently, there are no McDonald deliveries in that
area, they deliver off-site of McDonald's coming into Gentle Springs and walk
over to the basement storage area. Unless the applicant is changing the
location of their storage area, they are putting more foot traffic, more truck
traffic and more car traffic on the one place it should not be, which is now the
only viable entrance to the facility from South Diamond Bar Boulevard. Traffic
already backs up into the South Diamond Bar Boulevard intersection. Perhaps
she. does not understand the rendering, but it seems to her that the storage is
not being moved and the plans indicate they are still building over the storage
basement. She does not know if the current practice of parking off-site and
walking into that area will continue with the new plan but it seems to her to be
a very inefficient way to handle delivery and the easiest way to back patrons
up into Diamond Bar Boulevard. AP/Nakajima said that the applicant's Traffic
Study indicated that it would not have an impact on or into Diamond Bar
Boulevard. She suggested the applicant be asked to provide more details on
plans for future truck deliveries.
C/Barlas said she shares C/Mahlke's concerns because she has seen a lot of
traffic backup on Diamond Bar Boulevard and looks forward to hearing from
the applicant.
Chair/Wolfe opened the public hearing.
Carlos Madrigal, McDonald's Corporation, talked about the proposed project.
Staff made a good presentation. With respect to queueing and peak hours,
the peak hours for McDonald's is breakfast and lunch and deliveries would
AUGUST 8, 2017 PAGE 8 PLANNING COMMISSION
occur during McDonald's off-peak hours. McDonald's has a palletized delivery
zone which means that the truck comes in during McDonald's off-peak hours
(not during breakfast and lunch), delivers the pallets and leaves immediately
thereafter. Staff moves the items from the pallets to the storage area. In
addition, the walk-in cooler will be out of the basement and up on the top which
shortens the delivery time and process. He understands about the traffic on
Diamond Bar Boulevard which is good for the restaurant. Currently,
McDonald's receives deliveries toward the back at the basement ramp and it
takes a long time to offload. The new method will greatly enhance efficiency.
C/Mahlke said that in staff's report there was no indication where deliveries
were received. Mr. Madrigal said it is on the side. The proposed layout has
the kitchen and storage on the side where deliveries are made just as it is at
the Inglewood site on Manchester and Airport. C/Mahlke said she is very
concerned about the Commission rendering its decision based on a truck
delivery area that might not work for this location which would necessitate
changes. Diamond Bar loves its McDonald's and the building is beautiful.
Residents love it so much that they are already backed up into the street which
is already at an intersection which, while fortunate for McDonald's and
customers she would not want to create more traffic issues that could not be
resolved. Mr. Madrigal said that McDonald's intent is to make the flow better
by design and system for more efficiency and better traffic flow.
C/Farago asked where the entrance will be and Mr. Madrigal explained there
will be an entrance on the front by the Thank -You lettering and an entrance on
the side where the ADA parking stalls are located.
C/Mahlke asked if the storage would be in the bike rack area and Mr. Madrigal
responded that C/Mahlke was correct. He pointed to the delivery door on the
site plan.
C/Farago asked if the rear door entered into the dining area and Mr. Madrigal
said not the rear, just the side and front. The rear door is not a public entrance,
it is strictly for delivery. C/Farago asked about the door in the top left corner
of the site plan which Mr. Madrigal said was an office door in the back and not
a public entrance.
C/Mahlke asked if the basement would no longer be used for storage and Mr.
Madrigal said it would be used for "dry' storage only.
Mr. Madrigal said that with respect to the architecture of the building, they
would be working with staff in terms of enhancements. They understand that
they must obtain the Director's approval prior to permits and McDonald's is
AUGUST 8, 2017 PAGE 9 PLANNING COMMISSION
good with that. They have a couple of concepts to present and, eventually,
the project will get to where it needs to be.
Mr. Madrigal said that with respect to the Condition for Reciprocal Parking, he
wanted to make sure about the old open non -recorded agreement that runs
with the land with the other party because no parking spaces are designated
in case they wanted to speak on the matter. He believes it can be kept open
and work with staff prior to permits but he does not want it to become a legal
issue. McDonald's will reach out to the other party and get back to staff if there
are any unresolved issues and whether it can be written as, prior to the permits
the reciprocal parking agreement can be worked out if both parties are not in
agreement.
Chair/Wolfe acknowledged a letter from Golden Diamond Springs, LLC which
states they will work with the city and neighboring tenant on the reciprocal
parking agreement.
C/Mahlke asked how big the delivery trucks are and Mr. Madrigal said it would
depend. McDonald's can get smaller trucks to deliver more often or bigger
trucks to deliver less frequently. The typical delivery truck is an 18 -wheeler.
Douglas Barcon, N. Rock River Drive, said he and his friends spend a lot of
time at this McDonald's all hours of the day and night. From what he has
observed, McDonald's peak hours are typically Saturday and Sunday
mornings, Saturday night around midnight and during proms. If trucks pull into
the back is it possible they could pull through straight into the Sprouts parking
area and exit where the Sprouts trucks exit. He agrees that the north elevation
needs windows which would make it safer for patrolling the site. The parking
on the north side of the building, cars will get stuck in the angled slots because
there are cars in the drive-thru and they would not be able to get out of their
parking spots. Again, this is Diamond Bar and not Inglewood and he would
like to see something more in line with Diamond Bar aesthetics that looks more
open and inviting than a view window in what is mostly walls. He asked if the
proposed building was intended to be one or two -stories. It appears to be a
good sized enlargement over what is currently in place although it appears the
play area is being converted to an eating area. He likes the idea of updating
this McDonald's and making a change is appropriate. He would like to see it
more open and inviting with windows on all sides except for the rear delivery
area.
Brian Carmack, franchisee, thanked staff for accommodating them during this
big effort. As it has been mentioned, the building is very well past its time and
will look even more dated as the beautiful new shopping center behind
McDonald's reaches conclusion. Unfortunately, while his family has been
AUGUST 8, 2017 PAGE 10 PLANNING COMMISSION
discussing upgrading for many years, they were in "real estate purgatory" for
a dozen or so years when they were unable to upgrade because of parking,
etc. which was not achievable until the recent development. He thanked staff
for working to make it happen. Sooner rather than later is their mantra as well
and worked to make this a 2017 project to match the timing of the center. His
family has been in business for many years in Diamond Bar and wants to be
part of the "new look." With respect to comments made about the project,
currently at peak times traffic is tough for a number of reasons. The new
proposed design will accommodate four more cars at peak times which means
those cars won't be on the street which will mean a significant improvement to
stacking on the lot. The width of the drive aisle is being increased which will
provide more comfort for vehicles parking and interacting with the drive-thru
traffic. Over the last number of years there have been a number of operational
changes for McDonald's. The restaurant cooks differently, there is a much
bigger menu and a lot more technology which the current buildings and layouts
do not accommodate. He feels sorry for the hard working crew who do their
best to live with the current layout. Franchise operators ask their crews to rub
their stomach and pat their head at the same time to serve customers out of
an old kitchen and facility. The new kitchen will be much more accessible to
the food storage area. The new system will allow the truck to drop a fully
wrapped palletized delivery inside the building which is a much quicker
process than what is currently in place. Delivery, stacking and all of the other
items mentioned tonight will be significantly enhanced with this new building
and design. Further, being able to take orders two at a time and having a new
modern kitchen, this location should be able to accommodate customers much
quicker. This site will also be much more comfortable for the customers with
large and improved restrooms, a better dining room, and a much better work
atmosphere for the employees and more. McDonald's strives to make it a very
comfortable and pleasant experience to enter, place an order and depart.
Much time and attention has been given to all of these details and while
perhaps not perfect, the new facility will offer many improvements and
enhancements and all of the concerns the Commissioners have about the
current site will be significantly improved with the new site layout. He again
thanked CDD/Gubman and his staff for their diligence in working to get this
project to this point.
Gene Detchemendy, the Charles Company, said that when Kmart approached
his company and said that even though they had another seven or eight years
left on the original lease and had other options they would give the Charles
Company a limited opportunity to not pay rent over the next 10 years but give
them $2.8 million now, Kmart would leave immediately. Had it not been for
the City staff and CM/DeStefano and the way this City works, they probably
would not have come up with the money in the timeframe provided to them.
When this happened, his first call was to McDonald's because they had been
AUGUST 8, 2017 PAGE 11 PLANNING .COMMISSION
calling him for six years and let their management know they had taken back
control of the property. He acknowledges that there is a reciprocal agreement
that has existed between the parties that pre -dates almost everything that was
built on the property and acknowledged that if it were not for the City, the
Charles Company would not have made that quick action absent a good City
to work with throughout the years.
Chair/Wolfe closed the public hearing.
C/Farago said as far as parking and traffic, all of his questions have been
answered. However, he agrees with staff regarding the aesthetics that if the
Commission moves to approve this project that the enhancements and
recommendations from the applicant and from staff should be incorporated
because he believes it would tie in nicely with the rest of the development.
VC/Mok echoed C/Farago and agreed that with these enhancements it will be
a much nicer looking building, especially from the northerly direction. If this
project is approved he hoped that it would influence surrounding businesses
to follow suit because that entire center has needed a facelift for a long time.
He understands it is a slow process but perhaps this project will set the wheels
in motion and everyone else will jump on board.
Chair/Wolfe said the comment from Mr. Barcon regarding windows was
interesting. There really are limited opportunities to look at windows because
there are restrooms along the north face in the middle toward the bank and
the freezer is in the back area as well. However, he agreed that in the eating
area he would like for staff to work with the applicant to see if there was an
opportunity to add windows in that area in the north face. He did not believe it
was sufficient to address the "mass" issue and agreed with the condition to
direct staff to work with the applicant to resolve that issue. And from the
applicant's comments it sounded like they were willing to work toward a
resolution that would be amenable to all parties. In addition, his colleagues
had some very good points about the traffic pressures and truck deliveries.
When he looks at windows and off-peak McDonald's hours, from 12:00 a.m.
to 7:00 a.m., the traffic in Diamond Bar is not an issue in his mind nor is it an
issue from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., but it is a concern from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. He
wondered if the Commission could add a condition that says that deliveries
cannot be made in the 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. window.
DCA/Eggart said such a condition could be added and he would recommend
that the applicant be invited back up and provided an opportunity to respond
to such a condition.
Chair/Wolfe reopened the public hearing and asked the applicant to come
forward and respond to the proposed condition. Mr. Madrigal said that such a
AUGUST 8, 2017 PAGE 12 PLANNING COMMISSION
condition is fairly typical of most cities which is why McDonald's conducts their
Traffic Studies and reports and usually deliveries are restricted to certain hours
which is not a problem for McDonald's. Mr. Madrigal said windows could be
added but he believed as much as could be done had already been done.
Along the kitchen there is kitchen equipment which should not be viewed.
Behind that are the restrooms and deliveries at the rear. Toward the front and
side it is pretty much maxed out as far as windows. There is a booth close to
the entrance. Mr. Madrigal said he would look at that area again but he
believed it was a shear wall and structurally, it might be difficult to include
windows. If the Commission could keep it open to working with staff that will
be done such as the enhancement to the delivery door. Because this project
is being fast -tracked, if the conditions are such that McDonald's can work with
staff and Director for approval, McDonald's will do that.
C/Mahlke asked if staff had current information regarding traffic at that
intersection to understand what timeframe the Commission should set aside
for delivery and non-delivery times. CDD/Gubman said that the information he
could provide would not suggest that delivery times would create the conflicts
that have been suggested. One of the significant issues is the driveway
closest to Gentle Springs which is a two-way driveway and there is a significant
problem when vehicles are exiting. It is not ideal to have any driveway that
close to the curb return but if it is an entry -only, that will be a significant
reduction in conflicts. The new prototype design for the vehicle stacking does
compress the footprint that vehicles would need to queue up. The analysis
provided was determined with validation through the City's consultant peer
reviewer that the peak stacking would be about 12 vehicles which is indicated
on the diagram that that peak hour stacking could be facilitated without
conflicts. There will be sporadic and perhaps rare instances where stacking
might go beyond that, but the capacity of the site, as proposed, is going to be
significantly improved. If the Commission is still concerned about loading and
unloading, a Condition of Approval could be added to include the current
restriction from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. for unloading, as well as a statement that
after a certain time period -such as six months after Certificate of Occupancy
issuance. Staff would evaluate complaints, observations and so forth. If he
and PWD/Liu determined that modifications to the delivery operations were
warranted, the matter could be brought back to the Commission after that six-
month review to consider recommendations for addressing any potential
conflicts that were observed.
Chair/Wolfe proposed that the Commission not stipulate a condition at this
time. Understanding there are concerns at the Commission level, after hearing
from staff and the applicant, he believes it is appropriate that after the
operation starts there is a period of time that the operation is allowed to move
forward and if staff starts to see problems, the Commission could come back
AUGUST 8, 2017 PAGE 13 PLANNING COMMISSION
and address those issues six -months or 12 months after start of business. In
his mind, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. is not the issue, but for him it is about 4:00 to
7:00 p.m. when traffic pressure is at its peak in that area.
C/Mahlke continued to be concerned about traffic flow and truck deliveries and
pointed out that the comparison between the proposed Diamond Bar
Boulevard location and the Inglewood facility did not provide adequate
comparison. Matters of concern for the Diamond Bar location included the
following: The two layouts are entirely different, Inglewood (Manchester) has
an entirely different layout with two entrances from different roads, and while
they are located on a corner as the Diamond Bar facility is, the Diamond Bar
facility has both entrance and exit from and onto one of the busiest roads in
town at an intersection where a lot of children walk and there will be a much
busier shopping center with more people visiting the shopping center and
McDonald's. C/Mahlke said that as backed up as it gets now, she is, not sure
that the Inglewood layout is an equivalent. She prefers the restriction on
deliveries with a six-month reassessment.
C/Mahlke moved to approve Planning Case No. PL2016-161, based on the
Findings of Fact, and subject to the conditions of approval as listed within the
draft resolution with the addition of a restriction of delivery times from 1:00 p.m.
to 7:00 p.m. not being allowed. Six months following Certificate of Occupancy
issuance, City staff shall evaluate loading and delivery operations for conflicts
with vehicle and pedestrian circulation. Should the Community Development
Director and Public Works Director determine that modifications to such
operations are warranted, this matter shall be scheduled for further review by
the Planning Commission to consider recommendations to mitigate such
conflicts.
Chair/Wolfe reopened the public hearing to obtain the applicant's consent to
the motion.
Mr. Madrigal concurred to C/Mahlke's motion because it also benefits
McDonald's and conversely, if it is not a problem he would ask that the hours
be adjusted in McDonald's favor as well.
Chair/Wolfe closed the public hearing.
C/Mahlke restated her motion to approve Planning Case No. PL2016-161,
based on the Findings of Fact, and subject to the conditions of approval as
recommended by staff and listed within the draft resolution with the addition of
a restriction of delivery times from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. not being allowed.
Six months following Certificate of Occupancy issuance, City staff shall
evaluate loading and delivery operations for conflicts with vehicle and
AUGUST 8, 2017 PAGE 14 PLANNING COMMISSION
91
0
pedestrian circulation. Should the Community Development Director and
Public Works Director determine that modifications to such operations are
warranted, this matter shall be scheduled for further review by the Planning
Commission to consider recommendations to mitigate such conflicts.
Chair/Wolfe asked C/Mahlke to amend her motion to include "that staff—work
with the applicant on the north face including seriously considering a window
in the middle area of the section." C/Mahlke concurred and Chair/Wolfe
seconded the motion. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS
NOES: COMMISSIONERS
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS
Barlas, Farago, Mahlke, VC/Mok
Chair//Wolfe
None
None
PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS/INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: None
STAFF COMMENTS/INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:
9.1 Public Hearing dates for future projects.
CDD/Gubman stated that there is one item on the August 22nd agenda which
is the Habit Burger Grill as the second outpad in the Diamond Bar Ranch
Shopping Center. Staff is currently working on filling the September 12
agenda which will be detailed at the next regular meeting on August 22nd
Staff will be scheduling its second General Plan Public Workshop on Thursday,
October 1 gth at 6:30 p.m. at the Diamond Bar Center Grand Ballroom. Notice
will be broadcast through the City's usual venues including social media and
in the October edition of the DB Connection. The focus of the workshop is to
follow up on the last GPAC meeting where there was consideration of three
land use scenarios that are anchored around alternative potential locations for
a town center. After receiving input from the GPAC staff will be conducting
"stress -testing" on three preferred alterntives. At the Community Workshop,
staff will provide feasible alternatives to get the public's input which will be
followed up with a GPAC meeting wherein staff will ask that the GPAC member
provide some recommendations after which staff will schedule the third Joint
Planning Commission/City Council meeting to gain further input on those
recommendations. Following the joint meeting, staff will be ready to begin
writing the Draft General Plan document.
AUGUST 8, 2017 PAGE 15 PLANNING COMMISSION
10. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS:
As posted in the Agenda.
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business before the Planning Commission,
Chair/Wolfe adjourned the regular meeting at 8:27 p.m.
The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 22nd day of August, 2017.
Attest:
Respectfully Submitted,
L�
Greg Gubman
Community Development Director
Raymond olfe, Chairperson