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HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/28/1992CITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE DEVELOPMENT REVIEW SEPTEMBER 28t 1992 CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m., at City Hall, 21660 East Copley Drive-, the Conference Room, Diamond Bar, California. ROLL CALL: Community Development Director James DeStefano and Planning Technician Ann Lungu. PUBLIC HEARINGS: ADR 92-12 PT/Lunge reported that Administrative Development Review No. 92-12 is a request, by Laura and Robert Zingg, to construct a 1,024 sq. ft. 2nd story addition, an additional one car garage and relocation of front entry to an existing 1584 sq., ft. single family residence -located at 23675 Bower Cascade in R-1-8,000 zone. Staff recommended that the Community Development Director approve ADR No. 92-12/ The Public Hearing was opened. No one was in attendance for this hearing. Public Hearing was declared closed. CDD/DeStefano stated that he has been to the site and reviewed the plans and is approving Administrative Development Review No. 92-12. ADR 92-14 PT/Lungu reported that Administrative Development Review No. 92-14 'is a request for construction of a 3,870 square foot addition and a 858 sq. ft. 3 car garage to an existing 3,721 sq. ft. single family residence at 23655 Falcons View Dr., Diamond Bar. Also included is the construction of a tennis court, swimming pool and a 6 foot high stucco wall with stone veneer accent surrounding the property. The Public Hearing was opened. No one was in attendance for this hearing. The Public Hearing was closed. CDD/DeStefano stated that more -information was necessary regarding grading, sewers, hydrology, etc. and that the public hearing would be continued to October 12, 1992. ADR 92-8 CDD/DeStefano stated that the Administrative Development Review No. 92-8 is a request to construct a new two story single family residence with a basement. The new structure will be approximately 8,705 sq. ft. in size and is proposed for a lot which is currently vacant. The project is located at 2652 shadow Canyon Drive within the private gated Country Estates on a 1.55 acre site and the zoning is R-1-20,000 and will not change as a part of this application. September.: _28,1992 Page 2 The Public Hearing was opened. No was in attendance for this hearing. The Public Hearing was closed. CDD/DeStefano stated that he has reviewed the plans and approved the plans for ADR No. 92-8. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m. Dmespective y DeStefano Director of Colrmunity Development CITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF TILE ADMINISTRATIVE DEVELOPMENT REVIEW SEPTEMBER 28, 1992 CALL TO ORDER; The meeting was called to order at 6:00 P -m., at City Hall, 21660 East Copley Drive-, the Conference Room, Diamond Bar, California. ROLL CALL: Community Development Director James DeStefano and Planning Technician Ann Lungu. PUBLIC HEARINGS: ADR 92-12 PT/Lungu reported that Administrative Development Review No. 92-12 is a request, by Laura and Robert Zingg, to construct a 1,024 sq. ft. 2nd story addition, an additional one car garage and relocation of front entry to an existing 1584 sq., ft. single family residence -located at 23675 Bower Cascade in R-1-8,000 zone. Staff recommended that the Community Development Director approve ADR No. 92- 12/ The Public Hearing was opened. No one was in attendance for this hearing. Public Hearing was declared closed. CDD/DeStefano stated that he has been to the site and reviewed the plans and is approving Administrative Development Review No. 92-12. ADR 92-14 PT/Lungu reported that Administrative Development Review No. 92-14'is a request for construction of a 3,870 square foot addition and a 858 sq. ft. 3 car garage to an existing 3,721 sq. ft. single family residence at 23655 Falcons View Dr., Diamond Bar. Also included is the construction of a tennis court, swimming pool and a 6 foot high stucco wall with stone veneer accent surrounding the property. The Public Hearing was opened. No one was in attendance for this hearing. The Public Hearing was closed. CDD/DeStefano stated that more -information was necessary regarding grading, sewers, hydrology, etc. and that the public hearing would be continued to October 12, 1992. ADR 92-8 CDD/DeStefano stated that the Administrative Development Review No. 92-8 is a request to construct a new two story single family residence with a basement. The new structure will be approximately 8,705 sq. ft. in size and is proposed for a lot which is currently vacant. The project is located at 2652 Shadow Canyon Drive within the private gated country Estates on A 1.55 acre site and the zoning is R-1-20,000 and will not change as a part of this application. Sep:temb-er:,2-8,1992 Page 2 The Public Hearing was opened. No was in attendance for this hearing. The Public Hearing was closed. CDD/DeStefano stated that he has reviewed the plans and approved the plans for ADR No. 92-8. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m. ve e R spectiv sp cti Dmes DeSteyfano mes DeStefano AP/Searcy presented the staff report on Conditional Use Permit 92-05/Development Review 92-02. The project is an application for the removal of the existing gas service station, to be replaced with an AM/PM mini mart, selling both gas and alcohol beverages. This public hearing was continued to September 28, 1992 from the Planning Commission meeting of September 14, 1992. The suspension of the General Plan necessitated continuances of other projects as well, which precede this project application. Therefore, staff requested a continuance of this application, to the meeting of October 12, 1992, with the concurrence of the applicant. C/Meyer inquired if the applicant is in concurrence with the continuance. The applicant has concurred. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 28, 1992 CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Flamenbaum called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. at the South Coast Air Quality Management District Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California. PLEDGE OF The audience was led in the Pledge of Allegiance by ALLEGIANCE: Chairman Flamenbaum. ROLL CALL: Commissioners: Meyer, Grothe, Vice Chairman MacBride, and Chairman Flamenbaum. Commissioner Li arrived at 7:12 p.m. Also present were Community Development Director James DeStefano, Associate Planner Robert Searcy, Planning Technician Ann Lungu, Deputy City Attorney Bill Curley, Deputy City Attorney Craig Fox, and Contract Secretary Liz Myers. CONTINUED Chair/Flamenbaum questioned if the Planning PUBLIC HEARING: Commission is able to conduct public hearings since the City does not officially have an operative CUP 92-05 & General Plan. DR 92-02 CD/DeStefano explained that the City Clerk had announced last Monday that the referendum petition was invalid, therefore, the General Plan automatically comes into effect, once again. Chair/Flamenbaum asked the Deputy City Attorney if the Planning Commission has notice to proceed. DCA/Fox stated that, to his understanding, with the City Clerk's determination, the City is obligated to proceed. AP/Searcy presented the staff report on Conditional Use Permit 92-05/Development Review 92-02. The project is an application for the removal of the existing gas service station, to be replaced with an AM/PM mini mart, selling both gas and alcohol beverages. This public hearing was continued to September 28, 1992 from the Planning Commission meeting of September 14, 1992. The suspension of the General Plan necessitated continuances of other projects as well, which precede this project application. Therefore, staff requested a continuance of this application, to the meeting of October 12, 1992, with the concurrence of the applicant. C/Meyer inquired if the applicant is in concurrence with the continuance. The applicant has concurred. September 28, 1992 Page 2 Motion was made by C/Meyer , seconded by VC/MacBride, and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to continue CUP 92-05/DR 92-02 to the meeting of October 12, 1992. Planned Sign PT/Lungu presented the staff report on Planned Sign Program No. 92-01Program No. 92-01, located in the Sunset Village Shopping Center at 1241 S. Grand Avenue. The item was continued to September 28, 1992 at the September 14, 1992 Planning Commission public hearing, due to the suspension of the General Plan. Staff is requesting that the item be continued to the meeting of October 12, 1992, with the concurrence of the applicant. C/Meyer inquired if the applicant is in concurrence with the continuance. The applicant has concurred. Motion was made by C/Meyer, seconded by VC/MacBride and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to continue Planned Sign Program No. 92-01 to the meeting of October 12, 1992. CUP 89-528 & AP/Searcy presented the staff report regarding the DR 92-03 request on an amendment to Conditional Use Permit 89-528 and Development Review 92-03, to allow the development of a Burger King restaurant with drive through facilities. The item was continued by the Planning Commission on the July 13, 1992 meeting. Staff and the applicant have worked on the following concerns raised by the Planning Commission: parking and circulation; the trash enclosure; the pedestrian access; signage; and compliance with existing standards. The Planning Commission's packet contains the revised site plan. He then summarized the changes made, as well as the changes suggested by staff, as indicated in the staff report. It is recommended that the Planning Commission approve the proposed amendments to CUP 89-528, DR 92-03 with the findings of Fact and conditions as listed within the attached resolutions. C/Meyer made.the following suggestions: if the island, and the sidewalk, is to be removed, then some of that area should be turned into landscaping so as to give a visual designation of where the drive approach should be; widen the planter to 3 1/2 feet, to serve the dual purpose of a wheel stop and reduce the amount of impervious material by increasing the landscaping; include stamp concrete at the stop area for the drive through where it F!" 01, ,"z ' ,, .'! , 11.,e, w. n. ! y�aT.-1�_e���'�,?�'r.",�' September 28, 1992 Page 3 intersects with drive out to Brea Canyon to encourage stopping at that point; and use a heavy metal gate, with metal decking, on the trash enclosure. AP/Searcy, in response to C/Meyer's inquiry regarding signage, explained that signage for this project was approved as a MacDonald's restaurant, but it is now being revised by the applicant, and reduced on the MacDonald's site. Additionally, the freeway oriented sign, approved with 480 square feet of signage, is now being proposed at approximately 336 square feet. The applicant is also revising the aesthetics of the sign by removing a canopy. The signing program approved originally complied with the code requirements in effect at that time. C/Meyer inquired if the original approval exceeds the current standards, since the sign ordinance has subsequently been modified. AP/Searcy stated that the monument sign, located Iadjacent to the median on Grand Ave., with a 10 x 10 foot facia on top of a two foot pedestal would not be approved under the existing code without a variance. The maximum square footage is a 72 square foot monument sign. The address numbers on the free standing signs, and on the buildings, will be included to concur with the existing sign ordinance. C/Meyer suggested that, if this project is approved, it would be appropriate to have those additional types of conditions specifically included in the Resolutions. VC/MacBride inquired why the medians on Grand Ave. should be removed. AP/Searcy explained that one of the requirements of the Fire Department is that there be 26 feet of unobstructed driveway aisle. However, staff did not receive a definitive response from the Fire Department, therefore, staff and the applicant sought to preclude any problems that may follow, by removing the medians to comply with the requirements of the LA County Fire Department. f VC/MacBride indicated that he was under the impression that the 26 foot requirement is for traffic in both direction. He requested staff to verify the requirement before making the decision to remove the median. T September 28, 1992 Page 4 C/Meyer also noted that the driveway is too wide.'"' The median would have to go out to the curb face because the Road Department specifies that it can't be over 30 feet. Chair/Flamenbaum inquired why the concrete sidewalk, coming from the east down to the Burger King, has to be eliminated. AP/Searcy stated that the City Engineer has determined that the grade differential, from Grand Ave. to that point of ingress, is such that the sidewalk would not comply with the UBC requirement for grade change, whether or not there are steps, or a landing. The Public Hearing was declared opened. Charles Cobb, the Burger King franchisee, stated that he does not have any problems with the suggested changes made by staff. He made the following responses to Chair/Flamenbaum's inquiries: he would not object to reducing the 44 foot width of the driveway; he will ask his engineer to consider some sort of walkway coming from the east down to the Burger King; he has no problem with adding pavers by the stop area at the drive through exit; and he does not object to using a metal gate for the trash enclosure. He then inquired if the actual square footage for the freeway oriented sign has been reduced -from what was, approved for MacDonalds. AP/Searcy stated that the freeway oriented sign submitted in the plans is reflected in the staff .report as a reduction from 480 square feet to 330 square feet. Staff concurs with the sign as proposed in these plans. Charles Cobb stated that they had not intended to reduce the sign, and requested that they be allowed to maintain the same size of the previous sign originally approved for MacDonalds. AP/Searcy explained that the sign approved specifically for MacDonalds was a 200 square foot monument sign at the entrance on Grand Ave. This sign, that is submitted for the freeway oriented sign, was a sign approved for the whole center,'` which was 480 square feet that would have listed the car wash, the Honda, and the then MacDonalds. The car wash has been omitted from the sign. September 28, 1992 Page 5 Charles Cobb stated that the car wash had indicated that they were not interested in having a freeway oriented sign. Mr. Hand assumed that the total amount of signage would then be able to be split between the Honda Dealership, and Burger King. They would like to be able to take advantage of the 480 square foot sign previously approved. The sign would sit on the overall parcel of land that has been subdivided. Chair/Flamenbaum, noting that the present plans indicate a completely different sign than what is now suggested, explained that the Planning Commission would have to continue the meeting in order to allow the applicant to resubmit a revised sign plan. C/Meyer stated that the freeway sign is an off site sign, and off site signs are not usually permitted. It is a standard requirement to advertise your business on the same parcel of land on which it is constructed. The land that the sign is on can be sold individually to another land owner. AP/Searcy noted that the lot cannot be developed with anything else other than that sign per the existing CUP. Staff would concur with the sign as submitted in these plans. CD/De5tefano advised that if the applicant desires a larger sign than what is presently before the Commission, then the applicant should suggest that this matter be continued to the next meeting for discussion of the merits of the applicant's desired signage. Charles Cobb stated that he would prefer the Commission to proceed, and that he withdraws his earlier comment. Chair/Flamenbaum inquired if there was any discussion about reducing the surface area of the parking lot, it's material, and reflectivity. AP/Searcy stated that there was no specific discussion. Because of the increased sidewalk, and the driveway aisles, to comply with fire department F7 standards, the overall landscaping was reduced in some areas. The entrance to the site on Grand Ave. has been revised, reducing the landscaping in that area, as well. However, deleting the concrete sidewalk, and narrowing the entrance, would increase the landscaping once again. This is the September 28, 1992 Page 6 most landscaping staff thought possible, and still have it comply with standards. Hearing no further testimony, the Public Hearing was declared closed. C/Grothe made the following comments: there should be an entrance statement made on Grand Ave.; he doesn't like the sidewalk pedestrian circulation plan, with sidewalks leading nowhere; the sidewalk, on the southside nearest the car wash, should be removed; there should eventually be a sidewalk that will lead to the proposed car wash; there should be pavers at the stop sign; the pavers throughout the project will help slow down people; and he is concerned that the lighting on the drive through aisle is minimal on the backside of the building. C/Meyer made the following comments: he concurred with a need for an entry statement, and the removal of the median; heavy landscaping should be used to clearly define the driveway; the Resolution of approval should indicate the land use generically rather than specifically naming Burger King; the drive approach should be reduced; the trash enclosure gate should be metal; the signs, on Grand Ave. and Brea Canyon, should have addresses; and there should be some sort of a restriction made in terms of the off site signage whereas the signs should only advertise those businesses that are on the parcel. Though the original concept of this project was to advertise the center, it no longer does so, but rather now advertises two businesses, both off site. C/Grothe stated that he would like to specifically exclude the lot, that the sign sits on, from the approval, because, to his recollection, the existing CUP does not preclude any type of development on that lot. DCA/Curley explained that the design of the original Resolution contemplated ultimate development, however, it was precluded without coming back and doing a CUP amendment. The signing issues would get tied into whatever land use was being allocated to that remaining site. C/Grothe stated that, if the parcel numbers that can be advertised are to be spelled out, then he would like that particular parcel number excluded so as to avoid it turning into a billboard with 12 tenants listed. The sign was to advertise just the three major tenants. , T - I , �tF September -28, 1992 Page 7 VC/MacBride concurred with the following: there should be a condition that deals with the concerns regarding this off site sign; there may need to be an additional lighting standard; and the trash enclosure gate should be made of solid metal with metal decking rather than of wood. C/Grothe suggested that the lighting condition in the Resolution be amended to read "minimum" instead of "average". Chair/Flamenbaum suggested that there be a condition added indicating that every effort should be made to install and maintain some sort of sidewalk from Grand Ave. down to the restaurant area. C/Grothe suggested that the applicant be asked to maintain about 4 feet of flat, mowed, grass landscaping next to the curb as an alternative if the sidewalk cannot be achieved. _ Motion was made by C/Meyer, seconded by C/Grothe and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to direct staff to prepare the Resolutions of Approval for CUP 89-528 and DR 92-03, incorporating all the issues that remain outstanding, and all the conditions as stated by the Commission, to be brought back to the next meeting for the Commission's consideration. Chair/Flamenbaum recessed the meeting at 8:22 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 8:40 p.m. DR 92-04 PT/Lungu presented the staff report regarding the request by the applicant, Food -4 -Less and Landsing Pacific Fund, for Development Review approval to remodel the exterior of Alpha Beta and Shop Building #4, located in the Country Hills Towne Center. She presented a slide show of the partial remodeling done to the shopping center in April of 1988, and reviewed the currents plans for the proposed remodeling of the Alpha Beta and Shop Building J4, as indicated in the staff report. It is recommended that the exterior remodeling of the shops be completed at one time, not in two phases as indicated by the applicant. Staff recommended that the Commission approve DR No. 92-04, with the Findings of Fact and conditions, as listed within P the attached resolution. CD/DeStefano stated that, upon the detailed review of the resolution, by the City Attorney, staff has provided a modified resolution for the Commission's consideration. The modified resolution clarifies September 28, 1992 Page 8 101 some of the legal aspects of the resolution, anda' does not significantly change any of the conditions of approval outlined. The Public Hearing was declared opened. Bart Porter, representing Food -4 -Less and Landsing Pacific Fund, stated that they agree to do the exterior remodeling of the Alpha Beta, the shops located at the south side of Alpha Beta, facing Diamond Bar Blvd., and the shops facing Cold Springs Lane, as indicated in their plans, and they do not intend to phase the project, as was indicated by staff. He requested that condition 5.(c) be amended because they do not plan on adding awnings to the whole center. Hearing no further testimony, the Public Hearing was declared closed. Motion was made by C/Meyer, and seconded by C/Grothe to approve DR No. 92-04, with the Findings of Fact and conditions, as listed within the Resolution, changing condition 5.(c) to indicate that "The Applicant shall not add awnings to all existing towers to match the proposed tower with awnings.". C/Grothe suggested that the applicant be asked to provide the City with a circulation study and an entrance study, with suggestions made as to what can be done to improve the entrance into the Towne Center. Chair/Flamenbaum pointed out that it may be more appropriate to request such a study as part of the next application, rather than from a request for an interior/exterior remodeling project. PT/Lungu reported that.the applicant has proposed flat tiles, on the roof facing Cold Springs Lane, and s -shaped tiles for the roof facing Diamond Bar Boulevard. Chair/Flamenbaum declared the Public Hearing open to allow the applicant an opportunity to respond. Bart Porter explained to the Commission that the owners are not financially capable of installing s- shaped tiles throughout the project, at this time. Cyrus Jilari, of Ridell Corporation, explained that it is not just a matter of replacing the tiles for the shops located at the south side, but that the ._.. ..._. �_. .. ....._._, . f September 28, 1992 ZCA No. 92-02 r Page 9 whole roof would have to be removed. He stated that it would be more economically feasible to leave the mansroof as it is currently. C/Grothe stated that he would prefer that the center have the same appearance throughout. Bart Porter indicated that the owners would not be able to do the remodeling if such a condition was requested. Hearing no further testimony, the Public Hearing was declared closed. The Commission voted upon C/Meyer's Motion to approve DR 92-04, with the Findings of Fact and conditions, as listed within the Resolution, changing condition 5.(c) to indicate that "The Applicant shall not add awnings to all existing towers to match the proposed tower with awnings.". AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Meyer, MacBride, and Chair/Flamenbaum. NOES: COMMISSIONERS: Grothe and Li. ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None. The Motion CARRIED. Zoning Code Amendment No. 92-02 (Hillside Management Ordinance): Continued from September 14, 1992. The Public Hearing was declared opened. Hearing no testimony, the Public Hearing was declared closed. CD/DeStefano introduced Horst Shorr who is engaged by the City to rewrite the existing Hillside Management Ordinance, incorporating landform grading techniques. Horst Shorr gave a slide presentation comparing traditional grading techniques to landform grading. Landform grading and proper revegetation is used to mimic nature with a variety of swales and ridgelines. It is a more aesthetic approach to Hillside Developments that is becoming more popular, and requires both the Planning and Engineering Department to work together. In response to Chair/Flamenbaum, he indicated that he would be willing to make suggestions to help landscape existing slopes, such as at the Gateway Corporate Center, so that it is more aesthetically pleasing. September 28, 1992 Page 10 Motion was made by Chair/Plamenbaum, seconded by C/Grothe and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to continue the CD/DeStefano explained that, because of the referendum, there is a back log of applications. The City does utilize the help of contractors on certain projects, when needed. The City, presently, does not have the funds to hire City staff. Chair/Plamenbaum stated his concern that there is poor communication between the Commission and the City Council on issues pertaining to the City. C/Li suggested that the Commission make a recommendation to the City Council that there needs to be a method of improving the line of communication. matter to the meeting of October 12, 1992. ZCA 92-03 CD/DeStefano stated that it is recommended that ZCA 92-03 be continued to October 12, 1992. The Public Hearing was declared opened. Hearing no testimony, the Public Hearing was declared closed. Motion was made by C/Meyer, seconded. by VC/MacBride and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to continue the matter to the meeting of October 12, 1992. OLD BUSINESS: PT/Lungu presented the staff report regarding the Commission's request for Policy No. 92-1, dealing Planning with the distance between a main structure and a Commission pool/spa. It is recommended that the Commission Policy No. 92-1 approve Planning Commission Policy No. 92-1. Motion was made by C/Meyer, seconded by VC/MacBride and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to approve Planning Commission Policy No. 92-1. INFORMATION: Status of AP/Searcy reported that the item will be brought Pence/Wall Policyback for the Commission's consideration in 30 days. ANNOUNCEMENTS: C/Li, explaining that he has received some complaints from general public contractors, Commission suggested that a part time, or a temporary assistant, be hired to help alleviate the numerous applications coming before the' Planning staff. CD/DeStefano explained that, because of the referendum, there is a back log of applications. The City does utilize the help of contractors on certain projects, when needed. The City, presently, does not have the funds to hire City staff. Chair/Plamenbaum stated his concern that there is poor communication between the Commission and the City Council on issues pertaining to the City. C/Li suggested that the Commission make a recommendation to the City Council that there needs to be a method of improving the line of communication. WN September 28, 1992 Page 11 Chair/Flamenbaum stated that he will draft a letter, for the Commission's consideration at the next meeting. Staff CD/DeStefano reported that staff is currently providing the City Manager with an occasional memorandum, that summarizes new and on-going projects. This memorandum can be provided to the Commission, if so desired.- A sub -committee could also be developed that would preview, with the City Council, larger projects, code amendments, etc., and report back to the full Commission. ADJOURNMENT: Motion was made by C/Meyer, seconded by VC/MacBride and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to adjourn he meeting at 10:40 p.m. Attest: � C Bruce Flamenbaum Chairman Respectively, J s DeStefano Secretary