HomeMy WebLinkAbout7/12/1993--- - -- - - - -_1 � ,gym ---
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
JULY 12, 1993
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Meyer called the meeting to order at 7:06
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 Meyer.
ROLL CALL: Commissioners: Grothe, Flamenbaum, and Chairman
Meyer. Vice Chairman Plunk and Commissioner Li
were absent.
Also present were Community Development Director
James DeStefano, who arrived at 8:06 p.m., Planning
Technician Ann Lungu, Deputy City Attorney Craig
Fox, Senior Engineer David Liu, and Contract
Recording Secretary Liz Myers.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
C/Flamenbaum requested the Minutes of June 28, 1993
be amended to reflect "C/Flamenbaum".
Minutes of
June 28, 1993
Motion was made by C/Flamenbaum, seconded by
C/Grothe and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to approve the
Minutes of June 28, 1993, as amended.
CONTINUED
PT/Lungu presented the staff report regarding the
_PUBLIC HEARINGS -t--
"-request; -made -by--the—appI-ic-aan-t- ,Dr —mbar'- outat , �o -
construct a 13,800 square foot two-story structure
DR NO. 93-1 &
to accommodate a restaurant with bar/lounge and
CUP NO. 93-4
live entertainment. The undeveloped project site
is 2.033 acres within The Gateway Corporate Center
located at 21671 E. Gateway Center Drive. This
proposed project was continued from the June 28,
1993 Planning Commission meeting in order to allow
the applicant additional time to complete an on-
site traffic analysis. A CUP is required, pursuant
to Chapter 22.28, Part 6 of the Code, the sael and
onsite consumption of alcoholic beverages and a
bar/lounge with live entertainment within a
restaurant within the C -M Zone. The proposed
project -has a 300 square foot dance floor, a
bandstand area, and a maximum occupancy of 328
persons. The bar/lounge area is 2,016 square feet
with -the ability to seat 85 persons. A Development
Review is required pursuant to Chapter 22.72,
Section 020 of Ordinance No. 5, to allow the
construction of a restaurant. The lower level of
the project is to be utilized for offices, storage,
and restrooms. Staff is concerned that this lower
level has the potential to be utilized for banquet
facilities in the future, and that there is not
enough parking on the site to accommodate the
intensity of the use. PT/Lungu reviewed the
following areas which will need to be addressed by
the applicant: staff feels a cornice should be
added to the series of walls shown on the north
July 12, 1993 Page 2
PT/Lungu, in response to Chair/Meyer, stated that
the parking requirement is based on occupant load.
The off street parking issue can be addressed
through the CUP.
Chair/Meyer declared the Public Hearing opened.
.. i i. ,, ". i �. �. �.. _ � r"�..-:": " � '.. �— v ., ^'T'IP.• � • ,_.i• .'...��.-k. "' T' .. i � �,.. i� . V* `�."` ..0 .1 t�.y s��.l �u .n. ��, a �..v..... �. w � _......Fw.t
elevation of the restaurant, to complement the
cornice on the restaurant structure; a lighting
plan must be submitted for review and approval by
the City before the issuance of a building permit;
an off-site grading authorization letter will be
required from the adjacent property owner, the
Radisson Hotel; the applicant is required to
provide a hydrology study and hydrology calculation
showing the estimated run-off and capacity of the
existing drainage system, to the satisfaction of
the City Engineer; a grading plan is required for
the verification of the Height of walls, and
restaurant height; the 10 foot Sanitary Sewer
Easement on the north side of the project site must
be accurately plotted on the site plan and
sections; no construction will be permitted on top
of that easement; the elevator is required to meet
State handicapped requirements; one additional
handicapped parking space must be provided adjacent
to the main entrance of the restaurant; the parking
lot lighting should be designed in a manner that
provides a minimum of one lumen of light per square
foot at ground level; the Los Angeles Fire
Department is reviewing the proposed project; the
number-- of._.-_emp-loyees-._ _
and the effect on the proposed parking; and a
Planned Sign Program will need to be submitted to
the City in the future. It is recommended that the
Planning Commission continue the public hearing to
a future date to allow the applicant time to
resolve the outstanding issues.
In response to C/Flamenbaum, PT/Lungu stated that
the previous approval did condition the project to
provide access to the Radisson Hotel, if feasible.
However, because the grade is steep, such an access
may not be feasible.
SE/Liu, in response to C/Flamenbaum, stated that
the existing easement originates from Golden
Springs Drive. It could be moved with approval
from the County of Los Angeles.
C/Grothe requested that a sidewalk be provided
along Gateway Center Drive from the project'site to
the Radisson Hotel.
PT/Lungu, in response to Chair/Meyer, stated that
the parking requirement is based on occupant load.
The off street parking issue can be addressed
through the CUP.
Chair/Meyer declared the Public Hearing opened.
.. i i. ,, ". i �. �. �.. _ � r"�..-:": " � '.. �— v ., ^'T'IP.• � • ,_.i• .'...��.-k. "' T' .. i � �,.. i� . V* `�."` ..0 .1 t�.y s��.l �u .n. ��, a �..v..... �. w � _......Fw.t
July 12, 1993 Page 3
Syed Raza, the architect of the project, made the
following comments: the adjacent property may be
developed, in the future, for a parking area if the
applicant decides to convert the lower floor into a
banquet facility; he requested changing the size of
the parking stalls from 9 feet to 8.5 feet wide, as
is permitted in order to achieve more landscaped
area and provide more parking spaces; a lighting
plan will be provided; it is practically impossible
to provide vehicular access to the Radisson Hotel
because of the steepness of the grade; and
pedestrian access may be possible by providing
steps from the parking area to the Radisson Hotel.
Syed Raza then requested that the Commission
approve the project. The requested information
will be provided at the time that the project is
submitted for plan check. At this time, Dr. Omar
is in the process of negotiating with possible
tenants for the restaurant. However, the tenants
want to be assured that a restaurant is to be
allowed on this site before going further with the
design plans.
C/Flamenbaum inquired if the pedestrian access
wou1-d--c-amply- with ADA --standards-. - He_ then--sug44est-ed—---
that the applicant become familiar with the
Hillside Management Ordinance in regards to the
proposed 14 foot high crib wall.
Syed Raza stated that they do not know if steps up
the steep grade, for pedestiran access will comply
with ADA. However, sidewalks will be provided
which could meet ADA standards. He stated he is
not familiar with the Hillside Management
ordinance.. The project is set fifteen feet from
the back property line and a tiered wall is
possible to support the parking area. Dr. Omar has
built a crib wall at another project in which he
planted seeds within the openings as a way to
landscape and visually hide the wall.
Hearing no further testimony, Chair Meyer closed
the meeting to public testimony at this time.
C/Grothe suggested that staff be directed to draft
the resolutions for the next meeting.
DCA/Fox stated that staff is still awaiting
information of an engineering nature necessary to
prepare those resolutions.
AP/Searcy explained that there has never been an on
site circulation study with the current
configuration proposed.
July 12, 1993
Page 4
Motion was made by C/Grothe and seconded by `!All
Chair/Meyer to continue the public hearing.
C/Flamenbaum suggested that the CUP can be
approved, bringing back the conditions. Since a
CUP had already'been previously approved by the
Commission for use of a restaurant on the site,
albeit with a different design and density. The
Development Review can be continued until such time
that the issues are resolved. With 'approval of the
CUP, the applicant will be able to market the use,
and specific plan changes can be dealt with during
the Development Review. The public hearing for the
CUP can be closed at this time, directing staff to
bring' back' a Resolution of Approval for live
entertainment, on site consumption of alcohol, and
a restaurant, as was previously approved.
DCA/Fox suggested that the public hearing be
continued, and not closed, since the project still
has unresolved issues. 'It can be argued that an
opportunity to address the conditions to be
imposed, or to see the resolution to be adopted,
was not given.
The Commission voted upon the Motion made by
C/Grothe and seconded by Chair/Meyer to continue
the public hearing.
The Motion CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 3-0.
Motion was made by C/Flamenbaum, and seconded by
C/Grothe to direct staff to bring back a Resolution
of Approval for CUP No. 93-4 for the July 26, 1993
meeting.
The Motion CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 3-0.
Motion was made by C/Flamenbaum to continue the
public hearing on Development Review No. 93-1,
until such time that staff has received the
requested information.
DCA/Fox stated that the Commission needs to set a
date certain to continue the public hearing.
Chair/Meyer suggested that the matter be tabled,
requesting the applicant to post the necessary
funds to readvertise the public hearing when he is !,
ready. He inquired if such an action would be
satisfactory to the applicant.
Syed Raza stated he was under the impression that
all required information had already been supplied
K
July 12, 1993 Page,S
i
to the -staff. -Usually, all the items requested
from the Planning Department and Building -
Department are supplied when the project has been
conditionally approved because the requested plans
and studies are very expensive at this stage of
development.
Chair/Meyer explained that an accurate preliminary
plan, reflecting a reasonable tolerances of what is
to be built, is usually required for a Development
Review. The amount and degree of information
provided is not adequate for the Commission to make
a decision at this time.
Syed Raza requested specific direction as to what
needs to be submitted.
C/Flamenbaum stated that the applicant needs to
comply with staff's recommendations regarding the
elevator, the handicapped parking space, the
easement, the off site grading authorization, the
lighting in the parking lot, the Hillside
Management Ordinance, the modification of the
enormous crib wall, and access to the Radisson
--
AP/Searcy stated that staff needs preliminary
grading plans to be able to determine that the
design plans are accurate and can be built.
Syed Raza indicated that a preliminary grading plan
was submitted, but it was not done by a licensed
civil engineer because the applicant first wants
assurance that the project will be approved. Mr.
Raza stated the a four week continuance would be
acceptable.
PT/Lungu stated that once the applicant submits a
preliminary grading plan, the Engineering
Department requires at least two weeks to review
it. Then staff can begin to prepare the staff
report.
C/Flamenbaum, amending his motion, made a Motion to
continue the Development Review No. 93-1 public
hearing to the second meeting in August of 1993.
C/Grothe seconded the motion.
The Motion CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 3-0.
Chair/Meyer requested staff to give clear direction
to the applicant on the information that must be
provided.
July 12, 1993 Page 6
PT/Lungu stated that the applicant needs to submit
the following: a' preliminary grading plan
verifying the height of all the retaining walls;
a lighting plan (the Commission concurred that a
lighting plan can be conditioned); the easement
must be accurately plotted on the site plan and
sections; off-site grading authorization letter
from Radisson Hotel; and verification -of access
from the Radisson Hotel to the project site.
C/Flamenbaum reiterated his request for the
following information: the elevator to meet
handicap requirements, the handicapped parking
space, the easement, the off site grading
authorization, the lighting in the parking lot, the
Hillside Management Ordinance, the modification of
the enormous crib wail so it is more attractive,
pedestrian access to the Radisson Hotel through the
parking lot, and all conditions laid out in the
staff report.
C/Grothe requested staff to revisit the number of
parking spaces required for accuracy.
Chair/Meyer -made -the.- fo3-lowi-ng--comments: h-e•--wou d--------
- - -4
rather see the applicant lose parking spaces than
--�
to create a parking space 8 feet by 18 feet long,
which is essentially nonuseable; it does not seem
practical to base off street parking on the number
of employees; adequate parking is fine, and it is
not practical to lose a reasonable project for one
or two off street parking spaces; the retaining
wall should be softened, reduced, or eliminated; if
there are to be retaining walls, there should be
landscaping plans that are realistic, screening the
retaining walls with adequately sized plant
material; the retaining walls should be designed to
be part of the landscaping, like is done for golf
courses; there should be some consideration made to
condition security guards for the entertainment
use; and the mitigated negative declaration should
include the kind of impact this project will have
on the intersection of Grand Ave. and Golden
springs.
Chair/Meyer recessed the meeting at 8:10 p.m. The
meeting was reconvened at 8:20 p.m..
�,�•,_rT ,�A" _'l. I:�V__ '..�.. �� .. ., ,, i�. �� .,,,-r. ,.,a.,.,_ � �r��. _.�^� �.. °TMC. r. �, �,.,y_ .. ..,,. �,. �. ir�: .,.;,,..v �. ,�.a,. ar. �.H �c..,�r-.�,a s.. �._.. �� ,,, _,..�,�. ,e s.,.w.. ....,�. �����
July 12, 1993 Page 7
r
i
i
ADJOURNMENT: Chair/Meyer adjourned the meeting at 8:22 p.m. due
to a lack of quorum.
Attest:
Chairman
Respectively,
J es DeStefano
Secretary
PLEDG
CITY OF DIWMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
JULY 12, 1993
CALL TO ORDER: Chair an Meyer called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m. at the South Coast Air Quality
Management District Auditorium, 218&5 E. Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California.
audience was led in the Pledge of Allegia*e by ALLEGIANCE: Chairman Meyer.
ROLL CALL: commissionejs: Grothe, Flamenbaum, and Chairman Meyer. Vice Chairman Plunk and Commissioner
Li were absent.
be a -mended to reflect 'IC/Flamen bau m"
Also present were Community Development Director James DeStefano, who
arrived at 8:06 p.m., Planning Technician Ann Lunqu, Deputy City Attorney Craig
Fox, Senior Engineer David Liu, and Contract Recording Secretary Liz Myers.
Minutes o
CONSENT CALENDAR:
June 28, 1993
otion was made by C/Flamenbaum, seconded b
/Grothe and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to approve the
inutes of June 28, 1993, as amended.
ONTINUED
T/Lun u presented the staff report regarding the
EARINGS
to ue t—.--Tfta&e---b--the-a--I-ica—n-t-,Dr.--Akbar-OILicLi,
o nstruct a 13,800 square foot two-storystructure
R NO. 93-1 &
o accommodate a restaurant with bar/lounge and
UP NO. 93-4
ive entertainment. The undeveloped project site
s 2.033 acres within The Gateway Corporate Center
ocated at 21671 E. Gatewav Center Drive. This
ro osed project was continued from the June 28,
1993 Planning Commission meeting in order to allow
he applicant additional time to complete an on-
ite traffic analysis. A CUP is required, pursuant
o Chapter 22.28, Part 6 of the Code, the sael and
nsite consumption of alcoholic beverages and a
ar/loun a with live entertainment within a
estaurant within the C -M Zone. The proposed
ro'ect -has a 300 square foot dance floor, a
andstand area, and a maximum occupancy of 328
ersons. The bar/lounge area is 2,016 square feet
ith- the ability to seat 85 persons. A Development
eview is required pursuant to Chapter 22.72,
ection 020 of Ordinance No. 5, to allow the
onstruction of a restaurant. The lower level of
he project is to be utilized for offices, storage,
nd restrooms. Staff is concerned that this lower
evel has the potential to be utilized for banquet
acilities in the future, and that there is not
nou h parking on the site to accommodate the
ptensity of the use. PT/Lun u reviewed the
oIlowing areas which will need to be addressed b
he applicant: staff feels a cornice should be
dded to the series of walls shown on the north
July 12, 1993 Page 2
elevation of the restaurant, to complement the L J cornice on the restaurant structure; a lighting
plan must be submitted for review and approval by the City before the issuance of a building permit; an
off-site grading authorization letter will be required from the adjacent property owner, the Radisson
Hotel; the applicant is required to provide a hydrology study and hydrology calculation showing the
estimated run-off and capacity of the existing drainage system, to the satisfaction of the City Engineer; a
grading plan is required for the verification of the height of walls, and restaurant height; the 10 foot
Sanitary Sewer Easemen t on the north side of the project site must be accurately plotted on the site
plan and sections; no construction will be permitted on top of that easement; the elevator it required to
meet State handicapped requirements; one additional handicapped parking space must be provided
adjacent to the main entrance of the restaurant; the parking lot lighting should be designed in a manner
that provides a minimum of one lumen of light per square foot at ground level; the Los Angeles Fire
Department is reviewing the proposed project; the and the effect on the proposed parking; and a
Planned Sign Program will need to be submitted to the City in the future. It is recommended that the
Planning commission continue the public hearing to a future date to allow the applicant time to resolve
the outstanding issues.
In response to C/Flamenbaum, PT/Lungu stated that the previous approval did
condition the project to provide access to the Radisson Hotel, if feasible. However,
because the grade is steep, such an access may not be feasible.
SE/Liu, in response to C/Flamenbaum, stated that the existing easement
originates from Golden springs Drive. It could be moved with approval from the
County of Los Angeles.
C/Grothe requested that a sidewalk be provided along Gateway Center Drive from
the project'site to the Radisson Hotel.
PT/Lungu, in response to Chair/Meyer, stated that the parking requirement is
based on occupant load. The off street parking issue can be addressed through
the CUP.
chair/Meyer declared the Public Hearing opened.
July 12, 1993 Page 3
Syed Raza, the architect of the project, made the following comments: the
adjacent property may be developed, in the future, for a parking area if the
applicant decides to convert the lower floor into a banquet facility; he requested
changing the size of the parking stalls from 9 feet to 8.5 feet wide, as is permitted
in order to achieve more landscaped area and provide more parking spaces; a
lighting plan will be provided; it is practically impossible to provide vehicular
access to the Radisson Hotel because of the steepness of the grade; and
pedestrian access may be possible by providing steps from the parking area to
the Radisson Hotel. Syed Raza then requested that the Commission approve the
project. The requested information will be provided at the time that the project is
submitted for plan check. At this timel Dr. Omar is in the process of negotiating
with possible tenants for the restaurant. However, the tenants want to be assured
that a restaurant is to be allowed on this site before going further with the design
plans.
C/Flamenbaum inquired if the pedestrian access-wau-14--c-omply- -with -ADA -
standards, - He--thexi--sugge_s-t-ed ---- that the applicant become familiar with the Hillside
Management Ordinance in regards to the proposed 14 foot high crib wall.
Syed Raza stated that they do not know if steps up the steep grade, for
pedestiran access will comply with ADA. However, sidewalks will be provided
which could meet ADA standards. He stated he is not familiar with the Hillside
Management Ordinance.. The project is set fifteen feet from the back property line
and a tiered wall is possible to support the parking area. Dr. Omar has built a crib
wall at another project in which he planted seeds within the openings as a way to
landscape and visually hide the wall.
Hearing no further testimony, Chair Meyer closed the meeting to public testimony
at this time.
C/.Grothe suggested that staff`be directed to draft the resolutions for the next
meeting.
DCA/Fox stated that staff is still awaiting information of an engineering nature
necessary to prepare those resolutions.
AP/Searcy explained that there has never been an on site circulation study with
the current configuration proposed.
July 12, 1993 Page 4
motion was made by C/Grothe and seconded by Chair/Meyer to continue the public
hearing.
C/Flamenbaum suggested that the CUP can be approved, bringing back the
conditions. since a CUP had already been previously approved by the
commission for use of a restaurant on the site, albeit with a different design and
density. The Development Review can be continued until such time that the
issues are resolved. With approval of the CUP, the applicant will be able to market
the use, and specific plan changes can be dealt with during the Development
Review. The public hearing for the CUP can be closed at—this time, directing staff
to bring back a Resolution of Approval for live entertainment, on site consumption
of alcohol, and a restaurant, as was previously approved.
DCA/Fox suggested that the public hearing be continued, and not closed, since the project still
has unresolved issues. It can be argued that an opportunity to address the conditions to be
imposed, or to see the resolution to be adopted, was not given.
The Commission voted upon the Motion made by C/Grothe and seconded by Chair/Meyer to
continue the public hearing.
The Motion CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 3-0.
Motion was made by C/Flamenbaum, and seconded by C/Grothe to direct staff to
bring back a Resolution of Approval for CUP No. 93-4 for the July 26, 1993
meeting.
The Motion CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 3-0.
Motion was made by C/Flamenbaum to continue the public hearing on Development
Review No. 93-1, until such time that staff has received the requested information.
DCA/Fox stated that the Commission needs to set a date certain to continue the
public hearing.
Chair/Meyer suggested that the matter be tabled, requesting the applicant to post
the necessary funds to readvertise the public hearing when he is ready. He
inquired if such an action would be satisfactory to the applicant.
Syed Raza stated he was under the impression that all required information had
already been supplied
July 12, 1993 Page,5
to the stat f -Usually, all the items requested from the Planning Department and
BuildingDepartment are supplied when the project has been conditionally approved
because the requested plans and studies are very expensive at this stage of
development.
Chair/Meyer explained'that an accurate preliminary plan, reflecting a reasonable
tolerances of what is to be built, is usually required for a Development Review.
The amount and degree of information provided is not adequate for the
Commission to make a decision at this time.
Syed Raza requested specific direction as to what needs to be submitted.
C/Flamenbaum stated that the applicant needs to comply with staffs
recommendations regarding the elevator, the handicapped parking space, the
easement, the off site grading authorization, the lighting in the parking lot, the
Hillside Management Ordinance, the modification of the enormous crib wall, and
access to the Radisson AP/Searcy stated that staff needs preliminary grading plans
to be able to determine that the design plans are accurate and can be built.
Syed Raza indicated that a preliminary grading plan was submitted, but it was not
done by a licensed civil engineer because the applicant first wants assurance that
the project will be approved. Mr. Raza stated the a four week continuance would
be acceptable.
PT/Lungu stated that once the applicant submits a preliminary grading plan, the
Engineering Department requires at least two weeks to review it. Then staff can
begin to prepare the staff report.
C/Flamenbaum, amending his motion, made a Motion to continue the
Development Review No. 93-1 public hearing to the second meeting in August of
1993. C/Grothe seconded the motion.
The Motion CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 3-0.
Chair/Meyer requested staff to give clear direction to the applicant on the
information that must be provided.
July 12, 1993 Page 6
PT/Lungu stated that the applicant needs to submit the following: a' preliminary grading
plan verifying the height of all the retaining walls;
a lighting plan (the commission concurred that a lighting plan can be conditioned); the
easement must be accurately plotted on the site plan and sections; off-site grading
authorization letter from Radisson Hotel; and verification of access from the Radisson
Hotel to the project site.
C/Flamenbaum reiterated his request for the following information: the elevator to
meet handicap requirements, the handicapped parking spacel the easement, the
off site grading authorization, the lighting in the parking lot, the Hillside
Management Ordinance, the modification of the enormous crib wall so it is more
attractive, pedestrian access to the 'Radisson Hotel through the parking lot, and all
conditions laid out in the staff report.
C/Grothe requested staff to revisit the number of parking spaces required for accuracy.
Chair/Meyer -made
rather see the applicant lose parking spaces than to create a parking space 8 feet by 18 feet long,
which is essentially nonuseable; it does not seem practical to base off street parking on the number of
employees; adequate parking is fine, and it is not practical to lose a reasonable project for one or two
off street parking spaces; the retaining wall should be softened, reduced, or eliminated; if there are to
be retaining walls, there should be landscaping plans that are realistic, screening the retaining walls
with adequately sized plant material; the retaining walls should be designed to be part of the
landscaping, like is done for golf courses; there should be some consideration made to condition
security guards for the entertainment use; and the mitigated negative declaration should include the
kind of impact this project will have on the intersection of Grand Ave. and Golden Springs.
Chair/Meyer recessed the meeting at 8:10 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 8:20
p.m..
July 12, 1993 Pagd 7
ADJOURNMERT: Chair/Meyer adjourned the meeting at 8:22 p.m. due to a lack of quorum.
Respectively Des De—Stefano
J es DeStefano Secretary
Attest:
DWv'-rd-Me