HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/23/1990CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
MINUTES OF CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
JULY 23, 1990
The Planning Commission of the City of Diamond Bar convened in a
regular session at 7%10 p.m. in the Walnut Valley School District
Board Meeting Room, 880 South Lemon Street, Walnut, California.
PRESENT:
4 C*MMISSISNERS: Grothe, Lin, MacBride, and
Chairman Schey
ABSENT:
1 COMMISSIONERS: Chairman Harmony
ALSO PRESENT:'
Traffic and Transportation Committee:
Todd Chavers, Committee Member
Don Gravdahl, Committee Member
Ray Rebeiro, Vice Chairman
Tom Ortiz, Chairman
Bill Curley, City Attorney
Jack Istik, Assistant City Engineer
Irwin Kaplan, Planning Director
Robert Searcy, Assistant Planning Director
Dawn Anderson, Planning Technician
Steve Koffroth, Planning Intern
Kriss Reed, City Intern
Vice Chairman
Harmony's absence has been noted by a memo which has
been placed on
file as record.
MINUTES:
The minutes,
due to a technical error, were not prepared and will
be presented
at the next meeting.
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DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JULY 23, 11990�
MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC:
Dona |d Lem| y, 1887 Ro ||i ml|, Diammnd Bar, diauusood the report
which was submitted t t mmmioe|mn from the traffic consultant
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they used and also theTraffic and Transportation Commission
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regarding the traffic wh,ch cuts through Rolling Knoll and Quail
Summit. He participated in aneigh6nrhood meeting held in November
at the time the final approval was given on the opening of Grand
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Avenue from Chino H|||o into Diamond Bmr. The neighborhood is
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concerned that when Grand Avenue opens, the traffic uutting through
their neighborhood will increase tremendously. The streets that
will primarily be affected are Rolling Knoll, the eastern section
of Qum1| Summit. VYintwrwnod Drive and the 2 cul-de-sacs that are
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located off of VV|nterw/ood Drive. He has 75 signatures of neighbors
who are supporting some type of closure of Winterwood and Rolling
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Knoll in order to prevent omrm from cutting through the
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neighborhood. The traffic study was done in December and indicated
that an Rolling Knoll alone therm was 555 cars in a 3 hour period
that made a left hand turn from Rolling Knoll onto Grand' There
were also 100 to 208 cars that made right hand turns.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
1' City Council Minutes
Motion was made by Commissioner Grothe and seconded by
Commissioner Lin to approve the Consent Ca|mnder, MOT |ON
CARRIED unanimously.
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DISCUSSION ITEMS:
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� JOINT MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION AND THE TRAFFIC AND
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TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
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The Trmff|o and Tranmportat|on Comm ittae of the City of Oimmond Bar
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convened in m special joint meeting with the Planning Commission
, at 7v20 p.m. in the Walnut Valley School District Board Meeting
Room, 880 South Lemon Street, Walnut, California.
PRESENT: 4 COMMISSIONERS: ohavero, 8ravdmh|, VioeCha |rmmn
\ Rebeiro, Chairman Ortiz
ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS:
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DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JULY 23, 1990
1. Santa Fe Industrial Park project located in the City of
Industry on a 83 acre parcel on the northeast corner of Brea
Canyon Road and Spanish Lane.
Staff is concerned with the impacts that the development along
Brea Canyon Road in the City of Industry might have on the
City of Diamond Bar's maintenance of Brea Canyon and Colima.
They are proposing that some means of mitigation measures be
discussed with the City of Industry.
Secretary Kaplan stated that he has met with representatives
of the Santa Fe Industrial Park because they want the City of
Diamond Bar's concerns to be reflected in the Environmental
Assessment. He asked that the representatives of this project
be allowed the opportunity to present this project to the
Commission.
Philip Swortz, Planning Consultant for Santa Fe Land Company,
stated that the Commission has been given a copy of the
Initial Study which discusses the environmental issues that
will be addressed in the EIR. There was also a traffic study
submitted to the Commission -
The first phase of the project will be the construction of a
Circuit City warehouse and distribution center located along
Lot 18 of the business park. The rest of the project will be
normal industrial facilities through a master plan
methodology. Mr. Swortz estimated that the project will take
10 years before it is fully developed. The proposed Circuit
City units will be an addition to the existing Circuit City
facility. The new building will be 447,500 square feet. The
Environmental Impact Report will take the worst case of
development when reviewing the traffic impacts, etc of the
development of the site. One of the major issues that will
be addressed is the peak hour traffic.
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DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JULY 23, 1990
Committee Member Chavers stated that although the applicants
are expecting a lower trip generation rate, the Traffic and
Transportation Committee anticipates a heavier truck traffic
than what an office. park would generate. One of the
Committee's concerns is what the impacts upon the interchange
will be. The BDI report indicate's that roughly 55 percent of
the traffic will be utilizing the State Route 60 Brea Canyon
Interchange, which is already substandard. Most of this
traffic will be large truck's. They are concerned with both
maintaining the streets withinDiamond Bar and what the
effects will be on that intersection.
Mr. Swortz stated that they will add the maintenance issue to
the E I R. He feels that the traff i o has changed substantially
In both direction and hourly rate from the traffic report that
was submitted a couple of years ago.
Committee Member Chavers stated that many people think that
the opening of Grand Avenue w l l I solve many of the traff le
problems. He wanted to encourage the applicant's consultant
not to expect another arterial to resolve the traff i c problem,
it needs to be considered in an overall concept.
Committee Member Rebeiro stated that due to the other
developments that are expected to occur, he would like to see
the background traffic addressed when the E I R is prepared.
In addition to this, he would like to see a detailed
justification for the distribution pattern that has been used
in the past.
Mr. Swartz stated that they are going to suggest to the City
of Industry that they coordinate with the consultants that are
working with the City of Diamond Bar to prepare the City Plan
in order to insure cohesiveness. He stated that the EIR will
be started next month. It will take approximately 22 weeks
before the E i R w l l 1 be presented at a pub i i c hear I ng. The
Planning Center is the consultant that will be preparing the
EiR.
` Commissioner Grothe asked if the City of Industry had any
plans for alternate routes between Brea Canyon and Grand
Avenue. Mr. Swortz was not able to answer this question.
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DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JULY 23* 1990
Commissioner MaoBr|de stated that V|oo Chairman Harmony
prepared memorandum for the Commission regarding the traffic
issues. He had fuur (4) po|ntmwh|oM are as fo||owo: 1) short
term traffic generation, �2) long term traffic generation, O)
suggested that they require this project and future
surrounding projects to be developed for Light Industrial,
Offices, /]mmmmro|a| uses and Residential; 4) Special
Restrictions on the storage and/or usage of 'dangerous and
hazardous chemicals should be implemented due to the close
proximity to neighboring cities.
Committee Member CMmwerm asked Mr. Swmrtz if he knew of Mow
the project fits into the City of Industry's General Plan and
how they are treating the congestion element in terms of
regional impacts. Mr. Swortz stated that he knew they were
trying to respond to all the requirements placed upon them by
State Law, AQMD and, the various other issues that have been
raised.
Commissioner QrmtMe, was concerned with the traffic turning
left from 8ram Canyon onto Colima and the traffic backing up
at the off -ramp of the freeway.
Committee Member Chsvmre stated that the Committee is going
to }ooh further into truck traffic. The request that they
have for the City of Industry and Santa Fe is that they
consider approving a regulation not allowing truck deliveries
during the peak traffic hours.
Commissioner Grqthm stated that the )nQr*ao and egress of the
site needs to be looked at omnsfu|1y.
2. Soque| Canypn/Tmnner Canyon Feasibility Study. ^
This study is proposed for the County of San Bernardino and
the County of Orange although it wi|| affect Diamond Bar,
mpao|fina||y the Sphere of Influence. ,8mqme| Canyon and
Tonner Canyon are two roads that have been proposed to re|!eve
the traffic congestion of care traveling north on the 57
Freeway and easterly on the 60 Freeway. This will relieve
the out -through traffic on Diamond Bar Boulevard.
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DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JULY 23* 1990
Commissioner MaoBr|de stated that V|oo Chairman Harmony
prepared memorandum for the Commission regarding the traffic
issues. He had fuur (4) po|ntmwh|oM are as fo||owo: 1) short
term traffic generation, �2) long term traffic generation, O)
suggested that they require this project and future
surrounding projects to be developed for Light Industrial,
Offices, /]mmmmro|a| uses and Residential; 4) Special
Restrictions on the storage and/or usage of 'dangerous and
hazardous chemicals should be implemented due to the close
proximity to neighboring cities.
Committee Member CMmwerm asked Mr. Swmrtz if he knew of Mow
the project fits into the City of Industry's General Plan and
how they are treating the congestion element in terms of
regional impacts. Mr. Swortz stated that he knew they were
trying to respond to all the requirements placed upon them by
State Law, AQMD and, the various other issues that have been
raised.
Commissioner QrmtMe, was concerned with the traffic turning
left from 8ram Canyon onto Colima and the traffic backing up
at the off -ramp of the freeway.
Committee Member Chsvmre stated that the Committee is going
to }ooh further into truck traffic. The request that they
have for the City of Industry and Santa Fe is that they
consider approving a regulation not allowing truck deliveries
during the peak traffic hours.
Commissioner Grqthm stated that the )nQr*ao and egress of the
site needs to be looked at omnsfu|1y.
2. Soque| Canypn/Tmnner Canyon Feasibility Study. ^
This study is proposed for the County of San Bernardino and
the County of Orange although it wi|| affect Diamond Bar,
mpao|fina||y the Sphere of Influence. ,8mqme| Canyon and
Tonner Canyon are two roads that have been proposed to re|!eve
the traffic congestion of care traveling north on the 57
Freeway and easterly on the 60 Freeway. This will relieve
the out -through traffic on Diamond Bar Boulevard.
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DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES: OF JULY 23, 1990
Committee Member Chavers stated that the study is not a
financial feasibility. It strictly looks at the demand, the
road way configuration and what the alternatives in concept
would be. This report has determined that the construction
of only one of these roadways will not relieve the congestion
on Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue. The report
requires all three facilities to be built, Soquel Canyon,
Tonner Canyon and Carbon Canyon. He also stated that these
are potential toll corridors and as such they are being
considered under State Legislature AB680 which encourages only
a handful of toll corridors throughout the state. For these
to be one of the four named by the Leg 1 s I ature, the court w 1 1 1
take political consensus as weII as some of the standard
engineering and financial feasibilities.
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Secretary Istik stated that there are meetings once a month
at the City of Brea City Hall and all interested parties are
invited.
Secretary Kaplan stated that some of the Public Hearing items
were of interest to the Traffic and Transportation Committee
and so they were placed on the agenda In both sections. He
suggested that they comb i ne the two by hear 1 ng each i tem f I rst
as a Discussion Item and then have the Traffic Committee
recess and open the Public Hearing.
The Commission was in concurrence.
3. Conditional Use Permit 89-551, this project pertains to a 54
unit apartment complex located on a 4.5 acre parcel at 800
South Grand Avenue.
Secretary Istik stated that some of the Commission concerns
were the horizontal and vertical design speeds of Grand Avenue
to see whether or not a safe left turn could be made into the
complex from the 60 Freeway and to look into the need for a
traffic signal. There was also concern about the internal
circulation of the project. The Traffic and Transportation
Committee has discussed some of these items.
DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JULY 23, 1990
Committee Member Chavers stated that the significant concern
was the single access point onto Grand Avenue and how that
access point would operate. it is the Committee's
understanding that this access might be coordinated with the
access of the project across the street and they wanted to
know more about th i s pons i b 1 1 1 ty. He felt that it they do out
the median to provide left turns in and out of both sites and
provide a signal at this point, they will be signalizing
almost every curb out along Grand Avenue which will not have
a positive effect.
Secretary Istik stated that the Committee feels that when the
hospital site i s developed there w i l l be a need for a traff lo
signal at this location to provide a left turn out of the site
to enable ears to gain access onto the 60 Freeway. The
applicant has proposed to provide a left turn into the complex
with no provisions for a left turn out. The vertical curb
along Grand Avenue will support a 50 MPH speed limit. The
horizontal curb on Grand Avenue when going north towards the
proposed entrance to the complex is about 45 MPH. If the
trees are kept trim this might be increased to 50 MPH.
Chairman Schey stated that he did not see how this site's
entrance wi I I I i ne up with the hospital's entrance unless they
tear away the bottom part of the slope on the south end of the
apartment complex site.
Secretary Istik stated that the Committee has asked the
applicant to move the drive so that it will line up with the
hospital site. This could be a condition of approval if this
site is approved.
Commissioner MacBride asked if potential parking on Grand
Avenue was a concern. Secretary Istik stated that any parking
on Grand Avenue would not be permitted. The applicant has
provided 2 parking spaces per unit and 11 guest parking
spaces. The units are 2 and 3 bedroom apartments.
Commissioner MacBride did not feel that this will be
sufficient. There is roughly 2 parking spaces per unit.
Traffic and Transportation Committee recessed.
The Public Hearing was opened.
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DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JULY 23, 1990
This project was continued from the last Planning Commission
meeting' The applicant has provided colored renderings to
give the Commission a better understanding of the
architectural concept for the site. The renderings reflect
the appropriate ingress and egress locations of the site,
parking structures. landscaping and some of the recreation
fao|||t|me which will be located in the northwestern corner
of the property. Additionally, staff has provided the
conditions to reflect the concerns of the Planning Commission
and have added some mupp|ementa| cond|ti*ns. 8teff fee|e that
the app |icat ion has met the minimum requirementm of the Znning
Code. Staff feels that the project is consistent with the
character of the neighborhood and is one of the least traffic
generating projects that could be developed on this site.
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Staff recommends approvml of the project.
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The supplemental conditions are as follows:
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1' Landscaping will be o year-round nature. Irrigation on
� the project should he approved as part of the landscape
plan.
2. Per the landscape plan, there should be 24 inch box trema
planted along Grand Avenue.
3. The applicant will supply water conserving toilets in the
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complex.
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4' No construction mhm|| appear in the Edison Easement.
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� 5. Construction of the site nha|} be in conformance with the
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approved site plan and landscape plan.
! 8. The City Engineer has requested that the project
contribute $10,000 in mitigation fees toward controlling
the mitigation of Grand and Golden Springs Intersection.
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' 7. The Traffic and Transportation Committee yuQBeoto
requiring a fee of *50,000 for the installation of a
signal at the entrance of their project.
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8, App |icant must prnvide fmr aidewm|ke a|ong Grand Avenue.
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S. A|| air *onditiun|n� i wi|i be root mounted and
concealed from atrem� level view.
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DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JULY 23, 1990
10. Recreation areas adjacent to Grand Avenue shall be
landscaped to provide a visual buffer from off -property
access.
11. The lighting plan will be required to be apart of the
landscaping and irrigation plan and to be approved by the
Planning Commission.
12. Parking garages will have to be shown as approved.
13. Each dwelling unit shall provide at least one garage
parking spaces to be used only by that use.
Commissioner Grothe stated that he felt that 2 parking spaces
per unit plus guest parking is not adequate. In calling
different cities, one city suggested 1 parking space per
bedroom plus adequate guest parking.
The Public Hearing was opened to comments from the applicant.
Robert Fumo, Architect from Wayne Sue Architects, stated that
when they designed this project two f2? years ago, they
designed the parking In conformance with the current code.
He also stated that the air conditioning units that they have
designed are the fan coli units that are set on the pat los and
screened from the Grand Avenue tine of site. Installing them
on the roof will be very expensive.
Scott Jenkins, Attorney, suggested that instead of changing
the grading of the entire project to add 20 to 30 additional
parking spaces, they could condition that the lease clearly
states that tenants are I i m i ted to 2 Tars which must be parked
in the appropriate spaces and that the guest spaces are to be
used by guests only.
Those In favor of the project.
There were none.
Those in opposition of the project.
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DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JULY 23, 1990
Dan Buffington, 22605 Indian Creek, Diamond Bar, stated his
biggest concern was the parking issue. He felt that they
should out down the number of units for the complex in order
to provide sufficient parking. The reason that garages
instead of parking stalls have been indicated is for a safety
reason, The Sheriff's Department has recommended this in the
past. He was concerned with the stability of the land above
this site. The possibility of putting off the installation
of a signal until the apartment building is finished concerned
him.
Ken Lay, 2890 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica, represents Inter -
Community Medical Center and the purchases of land across from
this site for the medical center. He stated that he is not
in favor nor opposition of the project. His company is in
support of the trafflo signal at the site. There is a
significant grade difference between what appears to be the
site of the signal and the buildable parcel that the hospital
has purchased. The hospital has expressed a desire to obtain
ingress and egress from Grand Avenue. The property line is
below the slope that the Planning Commission has referred to.
He estimates that it is approximately a 20 foot drop off to
the property line. The proposed location of the shared median
out and traffic light location appears to be at the lower edge
of that property line. This would demand some signifioant
grading which would require patients and employees to enter
the site at a point below the grade of the buildings and then
travel up a ramp to the site. This might be confusing for
elderly patients.
Mr. Searcy asked Mr. Lay if it would be possible for them to
grade down the level of the existing pad while building up the
level of the property line to give them less of a steep
incline. Mr. Lay Indicated that they will study this further
when the survey is done for their site. This is not the
preferred solution due to the fact that they have to service
the site with materials and supplies. This incline might be
dangerous to trucks servicing the site with suppiies.
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DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JULY 23, 1990
Mr' Jenk|nm stated that he does not fee( that 'they need to
redesign the entire project to provide 20 to 30 additional
parking spaces. Therm are |mmm obtrusive ways of handling
this problem. He stated that the stability of the slope
behind this project was a point that was raised with the
County' The applicant conducted several geologic studies and
remediation measure were token and installed. Engineers that
have inapected the eitm have been sat iofiedwith the stab ||ity
of the slope. They support staff's comments on waiting to mmm
what traffic impacts result and if they relate to the project
the applicant is agreeable to paying their portion of the
costs of mitigating any problems. He feels that if there is
a hospital site across'the street, that the majority of the
traffic will be for that site. If this is the case, they du
'—` not feel that the costs should be shared 50/50 but rather
prorated on expected usage between the two sites.
� Jenny Gaw° applicant, 808 West Duarte Road, Arcadia, stated
that they have thought about ways to solve the parking
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situation instead of changing the project. One of her
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suggestions is to incorporate into the |mmam a statement
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Informing tenants of the number of guest parking spaces
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available an u specify that a if they plan a party they need
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The Public Hearing was closed.
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� A8r' Kaplan stated that he has not received a copy of the
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geological report and if the commission approves this project,
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staff suggests that the approval he subject to the geological
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report.
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Commissioner Grothm proposed that Instead of leaving it up to
the manager to enforce the |mmme, the parking issue be mads
� one of the mitigating measures., He was also concerned with
the proposed access from the play area onto Grand Avenue. He
proposed that they odd m condition that a fee be paid to the
Parks and Recreation Department. He felt that they needed to
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address Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District throughout
` the entire city for the hillside landscaping.
Chairman 8oheK asked the City Attorney, Mr' Curley, if they
^K approve a parking standard other than what is 'stipulated in
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the Code, would this create a problem.
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DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JULY 23. 1990
Mr. Curley stated that normally the park €ng standard Is a
minimum requirement that they have to meet. [This project has
the requirements of the Conditional Use Permit to meet this
allows the Commission to tailor circumstances to provide for
a project that meets what the Commission perceives the needs
of the community to be.] This ability to condition a project
is the inherent reason for a Conditional Use Permit. The
minimum standards are subject to the peculiarities or
particularities of the site.
Chairman Schey asked Mr. Curley about Commissioner Grothe's
suggestion of a Parks and Recreation fee. Mr. Curley stated
that he was not familiar with the fee structure. Mr. Searcy
stated that there was a formula adopted by the City Council
that concerned the Quinby Act and would investigate any
similar formula that may be in place for development projects
other than subdivisions. Mr. Curley stated that if there is
not one in place, he would be reluctant to make it a mandatory
requirement.
Commissioner Lin stated that she did not feel that this
project has met the parking requirements. She felt that
instead of requiring garages, that they should require the
applicant to provide carports and a security gate.
Commissioner MacBride questioned the appropriateness of a
public access from Grand Avenue to the play area.
Genny Gaw stated that this access was provided in order to
conform with the Fire Department's requirements.
Chairman Schey stated that he did not see anything in the
conditions of approval nor the supplemental conditions of
approval that addressed the issues that the City Engineer
raised at the last meeting regarding the entrance of the site.
Jack Istik stated that without making it a specific condition,
when the applicant submits for a street construction permit,
they would require the radius to be constructed so that it
will be consistent with a future signalized intersection in
the conditions of approval.
Chairman Sohey asked if the City had a reimbursement program
that Is currently In effect.
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DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JULY 23, 1990
Mr' |mtik felt that the City would have to enter into a
Reimbursement Agreement with the applicant at the time the
development is commenced on the west side of Grand Avenue.
He said that they could add as a condition of approval that
the center line of the driveway mhm|i be rem||gnmd, as
required by the City Engineer, to line up with the property
line extension on the west side of Grand Avenue.
Chairman SnhmV expressed his concern with the parking for this
site given the site's |mumtimn' He was in favor of requiring
one parking space per bedroom plus appropriate guest parking'
He umKmd what would determine appropriate guest parking and
whether the existing code was adequate.
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Mr. Curley stated that the Commission could refer this to the
approval of the City Planner to analyze all the dynamics of
the site conditions given the constraints of the site and the
� 1ao|mt|on of des |gn to work with the app !icant to deve|op the
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least obtrusive parking mitigation measures.
Chairman 8chey indioated that he was not in fuvor of requirin8
parking garages. The Commission has indicated the desire to
include a provision that would make any approvals subject to
an acceptable geu|ug|om| mtudy, provision of adequate fencing
to insure that children are secure, enforcement of any
appropriate Parka and Recreation fees, a marking standard of
one space per bedroom plus appropriate guest parking to be
determined by staff, the entrance be designed to be signalized
and In a location suitable to service the site and the
entrance to be located on the east side of Grand Avenue.
Chairman 8ohey suggested that they utilize a condition that
would require the first owner of the adjacent properties to
start development be required to |natm|| the appropriate
eigna|izmtion with reimbursement of m proration by the
adjacent property owners at such time that they commence
development. He commented on the condition requiring the air
conditioning units to be roof mounted. He was |n favor of
having them ground mounted and screen from street level view.
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Motion was made by Commissioner Grqtho and seconded by
Commissioner MacBride to approve Conditional Use Permit 89-
551 and mitigating negative declaration with the conditions
~� and the return of a resolution at the next meeting.
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Ql&MOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JULY 23~ 1990
Mr' Curley stated that the Commission should take action on
each item separately.
Commissioner Mac8rIdm withdrew his second of the motion.
Commissioner Grothe withdrew his motion.
Motion was made by Commissioner Grothe and awomndmd by
Commissioner MacBride to approve the mitigated negative
declaration. MOTION CARRIED unanimously.
Motion was made by Commissioner Grotha and seconded by
Commissioner MacBride to approve the architectural design
based upon the renderings that have been submitted. MOTION
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CARRIED unanimously.
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Motion was made by Commissioner Grothe and seconded by
Commissioner Mao8ride to approve Conditional Use Permit 89-
551 subject to the conditions of approval as supplemented and
amended and that a resolution be brought before the Commission
at the next meeting. MOTION CARRIED unanimously.
The Traffic and Transportation Committee re -adjourned. Vice
Chairman Rmbeiro would not be in attendance for the rest of
the meeting.
Items 4 and 5 were combined during the duration of the joint
meeting of the Traffic and Transportation Committee and the
Planning Cumm!oo|mn'
4' Parcel Map No. 22102 <F|!e No. 9@-0041>^ the mpp||cat|on
pertains to allowing a minor subdivision to create two parcels
on an mx|atin8 4.89 acre paroe!' The existing zone is CM -
BE -UC (Commercial Manufacturing Billboard Exclusion) The
project location is at 1575 South Valley Vista, generally
known as Gateway Corporate Center. Originally a unilateral
contract was approved for the Gateway Corporate Center.
DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JULY 23, 1990
5. Parcel Map No. 22178 (File No. 90-0052), this application
pertains to allow a subdivision of an existing 13.35 acre
parcel into 12 lots ranging from .5 acres to 1.76 acres. The
existing zoning in CM -BE -UC (Commercial Manufacturing
Billboard Exclusion). The project is located at 21600 East
Gateway Center Drive, generally known as the Gateway Corporate
Center. Originally a unilateral contract was approved for the
Gateway Corporate Center.
Mr. Searcy stated that 90-0052 is proposed with interior
roadways, Street A and Street B. There has not been any
development proposals submitted for either site.
Chairman Schey asked the Assistant City Engineer how these
projects would affect the trafflo patterns on the City and
Corporate Center streets.
Mr. Istik stated that this issue was discussed at the Traffic
and Transportation Committee meeting. He stated that any time
a commercial or industrial zoned property is further
subdivided and the land uses are not indicated, the Committee
cannot tell the Commission what the traffic impact will be.
Committee Member Chavers asked the Planning Commission to
consider that, as the land is subdivided into smaller parcels,
smaller parcels tend to have a higher generation rate and
hence more traffic. He asked how the project, if at all,
would be tied together. He stated that there might be a
problem with the horizontal and vertical curvature of the
street such as cars trying to exit from that newly plotted
street would have difficulty making a left turn. He felt that
the geometry of the street where Valley Vista and Copley Drive
connect should be reconsidered.
Committee Member Gravdahl asked what was the number of trips
estimated for this site when it is completely developed, how
many of those have been used and by dividing them into sma I ler
parcels how many more trips are estimated.
15
11 T1, " 7-71777777
DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JULY 23, 1990
Committee Member Chavers suggested a condition requiring a
trip management of all users within the park. He stated that
Golden Springs and Colima are in a deteriorated condition.
He did not know what position the City had in maintaining or
upgrading these roads such as the paving surface Is adequate.
Any new development in this area will only further deteriorate
these streets and suggested that the Commission consider this.
The Traffic and Transportation Committee recessed.
The Public Hearing was opened for Parcel Map 22102.
Mr. Searcy stated that currently this site is developed with
an office building. One access serves this site. The site
is approved for up to a 5 story development. Currently, the
application seeks to split the lot into a 3.62 site which
would be the site of the existing structure and also the 3/4
acre site which will be graded to a flat grade. This is not
developed or served by an access at this point. There is no
development project proposed.
The Hearing was opened to the applicant. The applicant was
not present.
Those in favor of the project.
There were none.
Those in opposition of the project.
There were none.
Secretary Kaplan suggested that they defer action on this
project until after the hearing on the second parcel map.
Motion was made by Commissioner Grothe and seconded by
Chairman Schey to continue PM 22102 (PP 90-0041) to a point
beyond the closure of the next agenda item. MOTION CARRIED
unanimously.
Public Hearing was opened for PM 22178 (PP 90-0052).
16
m ,,,.,, �,„ - -
DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JULY 23° 1990
Mr' Searcy stated that thim app !| cat |on I for m 12 unit
subdivision currently the site is 18.35 acres in oize. The
project proposes to instal two streets to serve the new
pmrom|a.
Pob||o Hearing opened to the applicant.
Ben Hmi|inQ, President of Zm|men Development Company, 515 S.
Figuroa Street, South Los Angeles, stated that there was m
traffic report and mitigating measures showing that no impacts
would be made by this project. The City Council allowed them
to develop the property as they had envisioned it provided
that they stay within the guidelines of the CC&R'e and did not
change the uses. The CC&R's contain a list of approved uses,
'--
restaurant, service retail, office, eto' and there is a ||mt
i of uses that are approved under the Conditional Use Permit
process, hotels, light assembly, mto' The applicant has spent
a lot of money meeting the requirements of the County of Loa
Angeles pertaining to traffic. They have been involved in
setting up a TMA (Traffic Management Organization). This
business park has a TMA organization. Tenants that occupy
these office spaces will have the opportunity to participate
in this program. They pay employees for not driving and they
charge them for parking if they 6u drive' They wi|| have 1100
employees but wi|| only provide 900 parking wAmuea and they
feel that they will have surplus parking. This is being done
under an agreement with the City and with Ze|mmn Development
Company where the City has f||ed u |wmn mgm|nst their property
which states that at anytime in the future that they do not
have adequate parking on-site, the City has the right to
require them to provide more parking' The site has been
approved for 5-otor|em with an overlay for 9 -stories under m
Conditional Use Permit. The ummm they envision for this site
are the same umae that they have throughout the |ut'
DIAMOND BAH PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JULY 23, 1990
Mr. Kaplan stated that staff's recommendation is that the
Commission consider a supplemental E|R. The reason for this
Is because this project is a large and very important project.
Being new to the City of Diamond Bar, Mr' Kaplan found it
difficult to determine how significant and important this
project is when reading through the provided material. He
feels that it is important that the Commission understand the
project completely and the implications of it. He is
concerned with the off-site implications that were not
conceived of at the time the project was initially submitted
to the County' Mr' Re|!ing has stated to Mr' Kaplan that he
would be willing to meet with the Commission to explain the
project thoroughly.
'- The applicant stated that there will be about 125 acres which
'
will remain perpetually open. They not only will have drought
__.
res istent |andmcap|ng, but they w||i a|ao be uming reoyo|ed
water. They will install two complete water mymtmmm^ one
coming from a treatment plan which covers all of the
irrigation throughout the project with the exception of the
small on-site irrigation.
Chairman Sohey asked what the Unilateral Contract was.
Mr. Hei|ing stated that the contract was signed between the
previous owner of the property and the County and was rat ified
by the County Planning Commission. It allowed them to develop
the property w|th|n the guide|ines of that park without gu|ng
back to the County for m Conditional Use Permit unless they
did something outside of those goidm|inaa. They had
env isimned a bus ineea park, but what they mctua||y had was
warehousing and trucks coming and going. Ze\mmn Development
Company felt that this was not appropriate and gut |nvw|v*6
with the County in redesigning the CC&R'm permitted uamo and
came up with the traffic mitigation fees.
Mr. Kaplan stated that the City is not bound by the County's
action, this is not a development agreement. The City could
rezone this property If they chose to. What the City chose,
to dm In October, 1989 was to approve, by resolution, the
'
action of the County and the subsequent CC&R'm'
'
� .
�.'
is
7777,77-7 1-
DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JULY 23, 1990
Mr' Rei|ing stated that they have conducted smvera| stud 1mm
on traffic. If the Commission was to delay the project until
a oupp|ementa| E|M ie comp |mtmd, they w<|| have to dimcums
whether they want to proceed with the parcel map.
Mr. Kaplan stated that Mr' Roiling has stated that he would
offer a continuance in order to give him the opportunity to
discuss this matter informally with the Commission to explain
everything that would show up in an E|H without having to go
through an E|B process.
Commissioner Lin asked if these two parcels are identical ^
what is it that allows one to have a 5 -story building and one
to have a 9 -story building.
'—`
,
Secretary Kaplan stated that this is stated in the CC&R'm'
�_. CM (Commercial Manufacturing) zone, according to the County,
has 13 to 1 FAA with no height |imit and m wide range of uses.
� The CC8R^o that have been dove|oped tai|or it more to the mito
� and they have determined that certain areas are approved for
9 -stories and certain areas are approved for 5 stories.
�
Commissioner MacBride stated that he was in favor of m
�
continuance following with as many discussions with the
�
applicant as are necessary.
�
�
Secretary Kaplan suggested to the applicant that they close
the hearing for now, the applicant requests a continuance, the
�
Commission w/i|| have study memm|mnm and then they wi|| re-
open the hearing at m future date.
Chairman 8chey stated that he was not concerned with the
parcel map but he did not like the mommaa at the apex of the
turn- He stated that he would fme| more comfortable with
approving the project if they had a document in place that
gave the City the privilege to correct the developers if they
did not omnp|y with the conditions.
Motion was made by Chairman Gchey and seconded by Commissioner
Mmo8ridm to oont|nue Paroa! Map 22178 <Fi|e No. 90-0052> to
<
the next regular meeting and to schedule a study session on
� the pmrom| map and the Gateway Corporate Center in general at
5:00 p.m. on August 13th' They invited the Traffic and
Transportation Committee to attend the special study session.
� �
MOTION CARRIED unanimously.
19
DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JULY 23. 19941
The pub lio hearing was re -opened to Parcel Map 22102 (File No.
90-0041) .
Those in favor of the project.
There were none.
Those in opposition of the project.
There were none.
The public hearing was closed.
Motion was made by Commissioner Grothe and seconded by
Commissioner MacBride to continue Parcel Map 22102 (File No.
90-0041) to the next regular meeting.
The Commission wished to discuss the issue raised regarding
the drive-through traffic on Quail Summit Drive.
Committee Member Chavers stated they have reviewed this
request and are exhausting traffic engineering solutions to
this problem. The neighborhood seems to be unanimous on
closing several streets. The Traffic and Transportation
Committee could review this at their next meeting, make a
recommendation and forward it to the Planning Commission and
City Council for a public hearing to discuss the possibility
of closing several streets in that neighborhood. The streets
that they are proposing to be closed are Quail Summit leading
up to Rolling Knoll and Rolling Knoll across to Grand Avenue
(southeast quadrant). The neighbors have looked at closing
the street at Winterwood as well as Quail Summit.
Commissioner Grothe stated that one of the recommendations was
median construction which would not entirely close the road,
but force turns in other directions. I t seems to him that the
problem is caused by the traffic backed -up on Grand Avenue.
If there is not any traff i c, the cars wi I I not cut through the
housing tracts. They have recently re -striped Grand Avenue
to provide a third lane which has to turn right at the signal.
He suggested that instead of forcing the cars to turn right
onto the streets which are in question, to continue the third
lane across Grand Avenue and end it after another couple
hundred yards.
20
DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JULY 23, 1990
Secretary Istik stated that the City Council tried to correct
the problem by the street improvements that currently exist
and providing a large sign with states that the right lane
must turn right. One of the solutions proposed is the
reconstruction of the signal at Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar
Boulevard to allow for double left turn lanes.
Chairman Schey asked what was the reason for placing the right
turn only signs on that third lane on Mountain Laurel and
Quail Summit. Mr. Istlk stated that it was felt that they
needed to place a sign there so that People w i I know that it
is for local access and is not for through traffic. Chairman
Schey asked if it would create a traffic hazard to remove the
right turn only so that through traffic has the use of three
lanes through the intersection at Grand. Mr. Istik stated
that they would then have a situation with the speed limit on
Diamond Bar Boulevard being 45 MPH where they would have cars
in the number 3 lane which will slowing down to make'a right
turn on the side streets.
Committee Member Chavers stated that if they opened the street
to 3 lanes this would probably solve the current traffic
problem. The homeowners are more
concerned with the traffic
increase and the problems that will exist after Grand Avenue
is opened. One of the possibilities is what West Hollywood
is doing and that is to place concrete planters in the middle
of the street where the want to close the e street.
Secretary Istik stated that theiri
o
p stion now is to wait
until the sInal Is
g upgraded and then see what the tra€f i c
condition is. The improvements for this area will be done in
phases and this is the first phase.
Motion was made by Commissioner Grothe and seconded by
Chairman Schey to place this item on the agenda for the next
meeting. MOTION CARRIED unanimously.
The Traffic and Transportation Committee meeting re -adjourned.
Secretary Kaplan stated that Screencheck E1R's are normally
submitted prior to public hearing to make sure that they are
ready to go to hearing. This is a curtest' extended from the
consultant. If the Commission would IIke to receive the
Screencheck prior to draft copies the consultant will make
these available.
21
1
11711171
4/
�i
DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JULY 23, 1990
Commissioner Grothe stated that he felt that they should see
the first one under a study session for the reason that they
have not yet had the opportunity to review an EIR.
Chairman Schey stated that a draft EIR would be appropriate
for the Commission to review in a study session but that the
Commission only be made aware that the Screencheck EIR is
being reviewed by staff. if one of the Commissioners wishes
to review it, they can obtain a copy from staff.
Secretary Kaplan requested that staff review the Screencheck
as time permits within their normal workload.
Chairman Schey directed staff to supply the Commission with
a draft policy memorandum for their review and approval
designating the environmental procedures that they need to
follow as far as the selection of and initiation of Draft
EIR`s.
6. Variance 90-0054, a request to allow a three (3) story
residential structure to be constructed which will exceed the
maximum of 2 1/2 stories, and the maximum building height of
35 feet. The project is located at 2108 Rusty Spur Road,
between Flint Rock and Rocky View Road.
Mr. Searcy stated that this item was continued at the last
Planning Commission meeting. The application is for a
Variance and an Oak Tree Permit for a house in excess of forty
feet. The concerns that the Planning Commission had mainly
concerned the Oak Tree Permit. When the application was
originally submitted, the initial study excluded any mention
of oak trees on this' site. A site inspection proved that
there were approximately 17 oak trees on the site. As a
result the applicant submitted an oak tree application
requesting the removal of 5 oak trees. The applicant also
stated that he would be willing to replace those oak trees at
a 2:1 ratio.
22
C"��1 T�IC1 T u _F1- " 7P P 1 F 17
DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTE S OF JULY 23, 1990
The major concerns with this application, as identified by
staff, are the three stories and the 40 foot height of the
structure. Due to the topography of the site, staff feels
that the three story limitation as stated in the current
ordinance is somewhat of a burden on the applicant and staff
does not object to exceeding that requirement although staff
feels that to approve the 41 foot height at staff level would
be a grant of a exceptional privilege. Staff does not feel
that the project is in conformance with the ordinance. Staff
is recommending denial of the variance and if this Is approved
then there is not a reason to approve the Oak Tree Permit.
The Public Hearing was opened to the applicant's presentation.
Don Holt, Architect, 954 W. Foothill Boulevard, Upland, stated
that the height of the proposed home was determined by the
Architectural design. The applicant has chosen a English
Tutor design due to the fact that this design tends to be a
popular house. This design demands higher roof lines and
higher ceilings.
Skip Burton, Applicant, stated that the building permits have
been ready and waiting for Planning Department's approval for
some time. He stated that the design of the house was chosen
to maximize the lot. If the lot was a level lot, then they
could construct the house with only two stories. Due to the
extreme drop off in the rear of the property, he needs the
third story in order to gain the square footage needed to make
it sellable in the Country area. He asked if the Commission
did not approve the Variance, that they approve the Oak Tree
Permit so that he could work with the City in redesigning the
house and start construction on this site.
Chairman Schey asked the applicant if this application Is not
approved, if he would stili go with the same footprint.
The applicant indicated that he would use the same footprint.
He stated that he would not have time to change the house and
what would have to happen, in his opinion, is that he would
'. have to lessen the standard of the house by lowering the
ceiling height and roof lines which he feels will be a less
marketable house. This style of home sells the best in the
Country. The buying market is slow and he feels that
constructing a house of this design will give him the ,best
chance of selling this house.
23
DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JULY 23, 1990
Commissioner Grothe was not objectionable to approving this
house due to its architectural design if the architectural
design was the reason it exceeded the height limit.
Commissioner Lin also felt that the architectural design was
in conformance with other homes in the Country and was not
objectionable to this application.
Chairman Schey stated that he understood the applicant's
circumstance, but that he was concerned with the ability to
make a finding of special circumstance based simply on
architectural design. He was not opposed to approving the Oak
Tree Permit predicated upon there being no change to the
building footprint so that the Commission does not approve the
removal of trees that might not need to be removed later.
He also stated that he was concerned with approving this
project even though it has a nice design, because the next
person submitting a similar application may not have a design
as nice as this one.
The Public Hearing was closed.
Motion was made by Chairman Schey and seconded by Commissioner
MacBride to deny the Variance based on staff's findings.
Chairman Sohey called for a vote on the motion made.
AYES: Chairman Schey and Commissioner MaoBride
NAYES: Commissioners Grothe and Lin
ABSTAINED: None
MOTION FAILED.
Commissioner Grothe stated that he was having difficulty
finding this application to be out of the ordinary.
Secretary Kaplan stated that a possible finding of a special
circumstance could be that on a flat pad the applicant could
build within 35 feet and enjoy the same privileges as everyone
else. Given the topography of this lot, the app IIcant €s
unable to enjoy the same privileges as everyone else and build
the house that he has chosen. Therefore, this constitutes a
special circumstance. The front elevation does not exceed 35
feet so the intent of the code is intact.
24
7711717l"�1777-
DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JULY 23, 9990
Motion was made by Commissioner Grothe and Seconded by
Commissioner Lin to approve the variance based upon the
finding that due to the special topography of the lot, strict
interpretation of the code would create an undue hardship on
the applicant and deprive him of such privileges as shared by
other property owners in similar zoning classification.
Chairman Sohey called for a vote on the motion made.
AYES: Chairman Sohey, Commissioner Lin and
Commissioner Grothe
NAYES: Commissioner MacBride.
ABSTAINED: None
MOTION CARRIED.
Motion was made by Commissioner Grothe and seconded by
Commissioner MacBride to approve it with mitigating measures
requiring the applicant to replace the oak trees at a 3:1
ratio with 36 inch box trees and the preservation of the 18
inch diameter oak tree.
Chairman Schey called for a vote on the motion made.
AYES: Chairman Schey, Commissioners Lin, Grothe and
MacBride
MAYES: None
ABSTAINED: None
Chairman Schey stated that he would be against a similar
circumstance and direct staff to enforce the 35 foot height
limitation.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
There were none.
25
- ���Ild ilL++�mLa �rllNt y,Nx4m�aNaiuxtlw,n.=--�.ar>s. ,-.«.... >w, _ 4 _v�r.urmi„_»mr-,d.m' -' -,.--c=w4.11NLWulna�,a,«Mnxuuuiwvi^• ^^w•y,L�_ _ .. _ _ .
DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF JULY 23, 1990
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to come before the Commission,
Motion was made by Chairman Schey and seconded by Commissioner
MacBride and carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 12:35
a.m. to the special study session scheduled on August 13, 1990 to
be held at the Walnut Valley Unified School District Board Room,
880 N. Lemon Avenue, Walnut, California at 5:00 p.m.
ATTEST:
Erwin Kaplan
Secretary, Planning Commission
26
David Sohey
Chairman