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HomeMy WebLinkAbout7/22/1991CITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION JULY 22, 1991 A CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Grothe called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. in the Walnut Valley School District Board Meeting Room, 880 South Lemon Street, Diamond Bar, California. PLEDGE OF The audience was led in the Pledge of Allegiance by ALLEGIANCE: Russ Hand. ROLL CALL: Commissioner Harmony, Commissioner Schey, Vice Chairman MacBride, and Chairman Grothe. Commissioner Lin was absent. Also present were Planning Director James DeStefano, Associate Planner Robert Searcy, Planning Technician Ann Lungu, Planning Technician Armando, City Planner Emeritus Irwin Kaplan, City Engineer Sid Mousavi, District Attorney Bill Curley, and Contract Secretary Liz Myers. MINUTES: C/Harmony requested the following amendments to the July 8, 1991 meeting: July 8, 1991 Paqe 4, 5th paragraph "C/Harmony, referring to the summary of the letter " presented by the Chamber of Commerce, questioned if, as they said in Mission Viejo, signage could be pegged as the cause of business failure in Mission Viejo. A check with the City revealed that sales tax revenues were up and their Chamber had virtually no complaints with their sign ordinance. He emphasized that..." Paae 6, Freewav Signs He requested that the substance to the phrase be further detailed. Page 8, insert between paragraph 3 and 4 "C/Harmony asked CPE/Kaplan how many public hearings were held by GPAC, or what public advertising and/or new stories were generated about their activities period." "CPE/Kaplan responded that there were no public hearings and that there was going to be an article in the next City newsletter." "C/Harmony cautioned the Commission about having to deal with a major issue like the General Plan when j so little public attention had been given to it during it's two year creation. He suggested CPE/Kaplan be involved in writing some of the in depth reviews of the City publication." July 22, 1991 PUBLIC HEARING: CUP 89528 Page, 2 Paqe 9, 2nd paragraph "C/Harmony indicated that the development of freeway type over passes at Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard will hurt local businesses and will actually encourage more traffic because of its added accessibility." C/Harmony requested various additions to the Minutes of July 8, 1991. Upon verification, the Minutes will be revised accordingly. Motion was made by C/Schey, seconded by C/Harmony and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to table the Minutes of July 8, 1991 till the next meeting. AP/Searcy addressed the Commission regarding the request for extension of time for the development of a multi -story parking structure, extension of the existing Honda dealership, a MacDonalds Restaurant, an automated car wash facility, and a free standing center sign. Staff has determined that the project, as conditioned, is in conformance with the standards presently applied and enforced by the City. No significant environmental changes have occurred in the area. The one year request for extension of time is within the time frame allowed. It is recommended that the Commission approve the Extension of Time by the applicant under condition 6, or deny the request and direct staff accordingly. C/Harmony, referencing the correspondence from the City Manager of the City of Industry to City Manager Van Nort, inquired what was meant by the statement "...is a County sewer which does not have the capacity for additional connections." CE/Mousavi responded that the developer has improved the capacity of the sewer system since the time that letter was written. The City of Industry, the County of Los Angeles, and the State of California, who have jurisdiction over this project, have already approved the project. The Public Hearing was declared open. Russ Hand, applicant of the proposed project, summarized the events that led to the approval of the project. He explained that there is a chance he may lose MacDonalds as a client. He assured the Commission that the project is moving forward, and requested that the Commission approve the extension of time. -- July 22, 1991 Page 3 Fred Janz, a Diamond Bar resident, stated the following concerns: the project was approved without a traffic study; the possibility of structures being built over existing easements; and there is insufficient room for a tanker truck to egress and ingress the property. Bob Buchanan, a resident of Diamond Bar, stated his concern for the type of signage planned. Pierre Williams, residing at 24207 Ginger Wood Place, stated the following concerns regarding the project: structures are being built over easements; the tank place has not been specified; a 2:1 slope is incorporated without a retaining wall; the proposed landscaping is not sufficient; the on- site pedestrian walk is inadequate; MacDonalds is not specified as the restaurant; the effort to get the project going is low; there is no public record of the County's, or City of Industry's approval of the improvements; and the signage is unacceptable. John Brewster, residing at 4071 2nd street, Yorba Linda, presented documentation to the Commission demonstrating that the sewer line is permitted and d approved by the City of Industry and the County of Los Angeles. Russ Hand emphasized that the sewer line is presently connected; the traffic study was done; the sound issue was address; all grading plans were plan checked; sidewalks are already installed; MacDonalds can be easily replaced; the tanker truck issue was already discussed; and the proposed signage was previously approved. The Public Hearing was declared closed. C/Schey inquired if the type of fast food restaurant would make a difference to the approval of the project. PD/DeStefano stated that the Planning Commission approved a specific restaurant use for that location. The Commission reviewed an overall master plan for the 5 acres, a site plan for the specific MacDonalds restaurant, as well as an architectural review of the proposed design. DA/Curley indicated that whatever is proposed as a substituted would have to be demonstrated to fit the framework as to what was analyzed initially. July 22, 1991 Page 4 �I I C/Schey inquired if it is safe to assume that the issues of easements would be appropriately handled through the plan check process. CE/Mousavi stated that the retaining wall over the storm drains was approved by Cal Trans and the City. Easements are appropriately handled through the plan check process. He further assured the Commission that the sewer system has been connected. John Brewster, upon C/Harmony's inquiry, explained the cause of the delays in the grading permit. He also described the type of landscaping that is being proposed. Russ Hand, referencing the Resolution prepared by staff, pointed out that it does not indicate the specific type of restaurant proposed. C/Harmony, expressing his opposition to the project, stated that the project is over developed, contrary to the General Plan, inconsistent with the Sign Code, has no standard parking spaces, and is out of character for Diamond Bar. He recommended denying the request for extension. Motion was made by C/Schey, seconded by VC/MacBride and CARRIED to accept staff's recommendation to approve the extension of CUP 89528 for one year. AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Schey, VC/MacBride, and Chair/Grothe. NOES: COMMISSIONERS: Harmony. ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Lin. OLD BUSINESS: PD/DeStefano reported that the recent Sign Ordinance Draft incorporates all changes outlined Review of Draft by the City Attorney's office, changes as directed Sign Ordinance by the Planning Commission in response to the Chamber of Commerce presentation of July 8, 1991, and specific changes recommended by the City Staff in order to more effectively administer the ordinance. The changes made in the ordinance are indicated by a strike out, and additions are set in italic type face. As determined by the Study Session, held prior to tonight's meeting, it was concluded that: the ordinance contain a list of prohibited signs; there be clarification as to the number of wall signs to be permitted based upon the two sections of the code that describe the maximum number of wall signs; and there be clarification that only one freestanding sign be permitted per street frontage for centers. It is recommended July 22, 1991 Page 5 that the Commission review the Ordinance and direct staff accordingly. C/Harmony inquired how the Chamber of Commerce and the Hacienda, Rowland, Diamond Bar Board of Realtors were involved in amending the Ordinance. PD/DeStefano stated that staff contacted the Board of Realtors per direction by the Planning Commission to obtain information regarding the location, number, and placement of real estate signs, specifically open house signs. Staff was also directed to inform the Chamber of Commerce as to the comments made by the Commission. The Chamber of Commerce played no role in the rewrite of the Commission's instructions. Fred Scalzo, representative of the Chamber of Commerce, requested that the Commission reconsider the following items: Wall Signs for Individual Use: Section 106 A 2 and 108 D 3 - He suggested that the I` maximum area be increased to 1.5 sq. ft. per 1 1 lineal foot. Freestanding Monument: Section 108 D 1 - He suggested increasing the maximum sign area to 48 sq. ft. and the maximum height to 10 feet. Freestanding Monument Signs for Commercial Centers: Section 108 D 4 - He suggested that the maximum area be increased to 200 sq. ft. and the maximum height to 25 feet. Bill Hormuth, from K & B Signs, residing at 20930 Courier Road, Walnut, inquired what is allowed, in the Ordinance, for upstairs signage. PD/DeStefano stated that the Ordinance is changing to 1 sq. ft. per 1 lineal foot of frontage, including the second floor, up to a maximum of 100 sq. ft. The Commission reviewed the Ordinance and made the following comments: � I Paqe 1 - VC/MacBride requested the wording on the last sentence state "...upon completion of the sign permit application, and approval by the Planning Camiission.11 July 22, 1991 Page 6 Page 3 - VC/MacBride requested the wording be changed to read "...in his/her sole discretion."; and C1 to read "Planning Commission". Page 5 - C/Harmony requested that the intent, of item H, be explained. PD/DeStefano stated that the intent is to make sure that signs don't become a vehicular or pedestrian safety problem. Pacie 14 - C/Harmony, referencing item 108 A.3, requested that the location include the second floor as well. Page 23 - PD/DeStefano, in response to C/Schey's inquiry, stated that the definition of sign height, on page 9, now indicates where the height of the sign is to be measured from. VC/MacBride noted that item 6, page 23, inaccurately references 108 D, and should be corrected to 110 D 2. Page 26 - C/Schey noted that item A. and item B should be corrected to properly indicate is as item a. Onsite signing, and item b. Offsite Signing. Page 27 - Chair/Grothe requested that this provision restrict time only, for both onsite and offsite signs. Following Commission discussion, PD/DeStefano stated that the time restrictions will indicate 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., for both onsite and offsite signs. C/Harmony stated that the Special Signage Section is so written that it's de facto includes political signs, and garage sale signs. The enforcement procedures are going to be horrendous. Chair/Grothe inquired of the Commission's desire to discuss the 3 issues readdressed by the Chamber of Commerce. C/Schey suggested that the Commission's thoughts, regarding the Ordinance, be referred to the Council, with the intent of keeping the 3 issues as they were previously stated. C/Harmony inquired if it was determined, during the Study Session, that monument signs would be allowed additional address face. July 22, 1991 Page 7 PD/DeStefano stated that the Commission, upon concurring that an address plate attached to freestanding signs was necessary, directed staff to develop a standard that would allow for an 8 inch high letter, and three to four feet of sign face area. Bill Hormoth suggested that, regarding the provision which allows only 1 sign per entrance for commercial centers, the Commission may want to consider allowing larger centers to have signs according to distance within the same property. C/Schey indicated that if Diamond Bar does have a center that large, it can be dealt with on a variance basis. C/Harmony stated he would like a provision requiring it to come back as a special conditional use. Fred Scalzo requested the Commission to reconsider the provision, on page 21, for Freestanding Monument signs for commercial centers. Chair/Grothe directed staff to make the appropriate adjustments to the document, indicating the concurrence of the Commission as a body, and forward it to the August 6 meeting of the City Council. C/Harmony stated that he has a problem with real estate signs and private signs in any category of interpretation of public right of way. He requested that his remark be specifically pointed out as an objection and a concern. Motion was made by VC/MacBride, seconded by C/Harmony and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY that the sign ordinance amended document, as further amended by the results of these discussions, be finalized by staff and transmitted to the City Council, with the inclusion of C/Harmony's concern about over regulation of real estate and other private signs in public right of way. Chair/Grothe called a recess at 9:38 p.m. The meeting was called back to order at 9:52 p.m. 1 NEW BUSINESS: CPE Kaplan reviewed the elements of the Draft General Plan discussed at the July 8, 1991 Review of Draft Commission meeting with Lloyd Zola, of the Planning General Plan Network, and Kathy Higley, of DKS Associates. Until the Commission has had an opportunity to July 22, 1991 Page 8 r_- conduct the public hearings, consider public comments, and incorporate the results of the Commission's deliberations, the plan should be viewed as the GPAC's recommendations, and not the Commission's plan. CPE/Kaplan reviewed some the central themes of the document with respect to Land Use Circulation, and identified those policies recommended by GPAC that departure from the existing policies. The following are some of the recommendations of the GPAC: Restore the streets to local use while recognizing the obligation to regional traffic; limit parking areas in business centers and encourage alternate forms of transportation; recognize Grand Ave. as a major arterial; set business license fees to encourage businesses to relocate into the community; establish commercial density limits; establish additional commercial uses in other locations; permit Churches by CUP except in general commercial, hillside, and rural residential zones; maintain the County Golf Course as open space; annex and secure Tonner Canyon, primarily as an _ open space resort, and exclude the Tonner Canyon T Road; reaffirm County policy requiring specific undeveloped areas to remain substantially undeveloped; promote joint development of parks, open space, joint school park sites; pursue acquisition of a site for a multi-purpose center; programs to landscape and maintain slopes in the community; consider bond election to acquire unprotected open space; develop Tres Hermanos as a planned community; residential development standards will be modified to harmonize with hillsides and reflect state requirements with respect to housing; adopt a permanent Hillside ordinance; encourage innovative housing types; encourage a provision for low and moderate cost housing; and consider the possible annexation of certain areas. Lloyd Zola, of the Planning Network, discussed the following elements of the Draft General Plan: Plan for Community Development - He explained that housing elements are required in a five year cycle which began in 1989. SLAG determined that the best methodology, for newly incorporate cities, is a temporary housing element until the 1990 census is in place. He explained that the housing element needs to recognize that this community is losing low and moderate income residents. The State, however, is looking for providing affordable housing in new residential developments, and are encouraging cities to do so. July 22, 1991 Page 9 �r Plan for Resource Management - He explained that one of the emphasize of the resource element is using available technology to combat factors such as the recycling element, source reduction, and household hazardous waste management. He further indicated that determining the purpose of preserving open space will be another policy decision. Plan for Public Services and Facilities - He explained that financing capital improvements, in this City, has to come out of existing residents because much of the area is already developed. C/Harmony noted that the time allotted to review and discuss the General Plan is not adequate. Chair/Grothe concurred and suggested that the Commission make a recommendation that there is an application made for an extension of time. PD/DeStefano indicated that the State routinely grants new Cities an extension for up to a year, and request detailed information to assure that progress is being made. VC/MacBride made the following requests: a summary examination of the phrase "high quality of life in Diamond Bar"; and a third category be included, in the data of each presentation, indicating that the policy, procedure, and basic concepts were produced by volunteers of the citizen of Diamond Bar who devoted time and energy to the GPAC. ANNOUNCEMENTS: VC/MacBride addressed the Commission regarding his concern that Sunset Crossing, by the YMCA, will be Commission opened to the City of Industry, creating industrial traffic. He would like the area to be considered for recreational purposes, and a park. Lloyd Zola indicated that the matter is addressed in the Circulation Element. C/Schey noted that the traffic signal on Grand Ave., in front of the Country entrance, has been malfunctioning. ---, CE/Mousavi explained that it is the responsibility ! of the contractor to repair it. C/Schey stated that even though it is a warranty item, there should be some means by which the City could fix the problem and back bill them, or back July 22, 1991 I ADJOURNMENT: Att t: Cha' man J Grothe Page 10 bill them for the cost of having a sheriff directing traffic. Motion was made by VC/MacBride, seconded by C/Schey and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to adjourn the meeting at 11:25 p.m. Respectively, � %j Ja s DeStefano Secretary/Planning Commission