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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/24/1994MINUTES OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR ~� REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION j OCTOBER 24, 1994 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Meyer called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. at the South Coast Air Quality Management District Office, Diamond Bar, California. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The audience was led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Chairman Meyer. ROLL CALL Present: Chairman Meyer; Vice Chairwoman Plunk; Commissioners: Flamenbaum, Schad and Fong Also Present: Community Development Director James DeStefano; Assistant Planner Ann Lungu; Interim City Attorney Michael Montgomery, Engineer Consultant Mike Myers; Senior Engineer David Liu; Assistant Engineer Anne Garvey; and Recording Secretary Carol Dennis MATTERS FROM THE AUDIENCE/PUBLIC COMMENTS - None CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING: 1. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 94-3 This is a request to relocate an existing dry cleaning plant which provides retail services to other dry cleaners as well as the general public. The dry cleaner is moving to a different unit within the same commercial center located on the northeast corner of Grand Avenue in the Ralphs Center. Property Location: 1164 Diamond Bar Boulevard, Diamond Bar, CA 91765 AP/Lunge pointed out the Applicant is the business owner, Mr. Jong Hoon Shin. AP/Lungu stated that Conditional Use Permit No. 94-3 is a request for approval to relocate an existing dry cleaning establishment currently located at 1164 Diamond Bar Boulevard in the Ralphs Shopping Center at the southeast corner of Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard. The establishment was previously located to the West of Ralphs where Block Buster Video will be located and the dry cleaner will relocate to the space just West of the Boston Store. The reason for the move `�� is to accommodate BLOCKBUSTER Video. October 24, 1994 Page 2 Planning Commission ,y!' oil The proposed Project is located in a C-3 zone and a dry cleaning establishment is allowed. Upon approving the -tenant improvements, the applicant informed the City that the dry cleaning plant operates as a retail plant taking in dry cleaning for other establishment, as well as his own. Pursuant to Cade 22.28 210, a retail dry cleaning plant is required to obtain a Conditional Use Permit. The dry cleaning establishment will be located in a unit which is 1,330 square feet which is adequate for the use. The equipment includes one dry cleaning unit, - four pressing units, a spotting board, and a conveyor for hanging clean garments. In addition, there is an existing 42" water tower. The maximum number of employees will be four and the hours of operation will be Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The required and provided number of parking spaces for the Ralphs Center is 436 and this Project will not impact parking requirements currently imposed. Ingress and egress is adequate for the proposed use. Signage is not a part of thi's application. South Coast Air Quality Management District requires an Air Pollution Control Permit to operate a dry cleaning plant for jthe purpose of controlling the amount of perchloroethylene that is released into the atmosphere during the dry cleanin',g process. This permit is renewed annually and records concerning the dry cleaning process must be available to South Coast Air Quality Management District for review as required. The applicant has applied and received all required permits. The proposed project has been determined not to pose ja significant impact on the environment and, as such, a negative declaration has been prepared according to the guidelines of the Environmental Quality Act. Staff recommends that the Planning Commission open the public hearing, receive public testimony, and approve the Negative Declaration on the attached Resolution with the Findings of Facts and Conditions as listed. ^F Responding to Chair/Meyer, CDD/DeStefano stated that the C conditions in the staff report are not the same conditions which are applicable to the Conditional Use Permit for the existing location. The existing dry cleaning operation has been in the Ralphs Shopping Center since the first occupancy z of the Center. At that time, the Conditional Use Permit process was not a part of the Los Angeles County Code. 0 C � l October 24, 1994 Page 3 Planning commission Chair/Meyer declared the public hearing open. Stan Heikkinen, General Manager, Nikko Capital Corporation, 3961 Mac Arthur boulevard, Suite 105, Newport Beach, CA 92660 stated that he agrees with the conditions and indicated that this is a change for better in that Nikko Capital Corporation has provided Mr. Shin with all new equipment which complies with the latest standards of the South Coast Air Quality Management District. C/Schad inquired if there are sufficient safeguards to prevent toxic fumes from leaking through the walls. Mr. Heikkinen responded that there are, since the new equipment which the landlord purchased for the tenant complies with the standards. Chair/Meyer declared closed the Public Hearing. Motion was made by C/Schad and seconded by C/Fong to Adopt the Resolution as presented. Motion was carried unanimously. 2. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 91-1(1)/DEVELOPMENT REVIEW NO. 94-1 The Conditional Use Permit application is a request for the development of Phase 1 of a Medical Complex with professional offices and urgent care facilities pursuant to Conditional Use Permit No. 91-1 approved by the Planning Commission in February, 1993. CDD/DeStefano stated that this is a review of a modification proposed to a Conditional Use Permit for the Inter -community Medical Plaza Project which was approved by the Planning Commission approximately 18 months ago. The Architectural Review is presented as a component of the Development Review Application for Phase 1 of the three phase project. This project of approximately 425,000 square feet is to be phased in over a twenty year period. An Environmental Impact Report was processed and approved in 1993 with the umbrella Conditional Use Permit. The applicant is requesting an extension of one year in addition to the two year grant within the Conditional Use Permit approved in 1993. In addition, the applicant seeks a modification of specific components of the phase 1 review to the Conditional Use Permit. This project is a 43 acre development, of which 26 acres are i October 24, 1994 Page 4 Planning Commission alp flat and located at 887 Grand Avenue, Diamond Bar, east of Calvary Chapel. The property is zoned residential and commercial with residential zoning on the undeveloped hillside portion. The project site is about 150 feet below the Montefino Townhome project and is abut 70 to 80 feet above the Calvary Chapel. The current and prior Draft General Plans have incorporated this site as Office Professional with a Planned Development overlay. The concept of the Planned Development is that this site, along with the Calvary Chapel property and property extending to Copley Drive, would be incorporated within a,master plan. The applicant has conducted value engineering and has made modifications in design with respect to use and architectural treatment. Construction is scheduled to begin the first pant of 1995. In 1993 the Planning Commission approved a Diagnostic and Treatment Center of approximately 25,000 square feet. This proposal is to increase the Center by about 3,200 square feet to a total of about 28,000 square feet. The- Commission previously approved a medical office building of approximately 40,000 square feet. This modification incorporates an application to approve a medical office building of about 45,000 square feet, an increase of about 5,000 square feet. The prior application for Phase 1 incorporated a hotel or recovery center of approximately 13,,500 -square feet and 20 beds. The phase 1 project as now proposed is a recovery center,of about 14 beds and it is included as a part of the diagnostic and treatment center. The original approval for Phase 1 incorporated a helipad which is now omitted from the Phase 1 components. In total, the 78,000 square foot original approval has been reduced to approximately 73,000 square feet in the proposed modifications. As a result of further engineering, a new driveway from Grand Avenue has been proposed. This will require the construction of retaining walls which will range in height from about three (3) feet to a maximum of about 21 feet. At a future date, this proposed drive will be used as a main entrance serving this development, as well as future development on the Calvary Chapel property. When the master plan is complete, this proposed drive will serve as a connection to Golden Springs Drive. The project contains the same basic setbacks. The original approval incorporated a height maximum of 75 feet. The proposed structure closest to Grand Avenue has a maximum height of about 24 feet and the primary building further West of Grand Avenue has a proposed October 24, 1994 Page 5 height of about 49 feet. Planning Commission The City engaged Marc Blodgett, David Evans and Associates, Inc. who performed an assessment of this project modification. They concluded, as a result of this project's environmental impact, there is no further work required as a result of this proposed modification. Two letters have been received from citizens who are concerned about the impact of this project. Donald Stangretti, 2970 Estoril Drive, Diamond Bar expressed concern about the view from his home and the traffic impact on Grand Avenue and the lack of access from the project directly to Golden Springs. CDD/DeStefano indicated that contained within the environmental report for this project is a series of mitigation measures which deal with the completion of the signal at 800 South Grand Avenue. There are conditions and mitigation measures in the original hospital approval which incorporate the development of a circulation system that would eventually lead to Golden Springs and th'e development of the necessary drive aisles and signalization. The Calvary Chapel project had a number of conditions which required them to work with the hospital toward the development of a master plan and to provide the City with right-of-way and fees to widen the intersection at Grand Avenue and Golden Springs Drive and develop a signal on Golden Springs Drive at the main drive aisle for the church. CDD/DeStefano referred to the second letter from the applicant, Citrus Valley Health Partners, indicating the status of discussions with Calvary Chapel regarding the road specific alignment and the master plan. Staff recommends that the Planning Commission adopt two Resolutions: One which modifies the previously approved. Conditional Use Permit for an extension of time; and one for the proposed modified architectural and site plan. Chair/Meyer declared open the public hearing and invited the applicant and/or representatives to speak. I Larry Tanouye, Contract Manager, Citrus Valley Health Partners, stated that in the 19801s, American Health Care Management purchased the subject property to build a 200 bed acute care facility. In the mid 19801s, American Health Care Management entered into bankruptcy and about 1989, they were ordered to divest themselves of all non -revenue producing October 24, 1994 Page 6 Planning Commission,'; ro� assets and Inter -community purchased the property shortly thereafter. Upon purchase of the property, two groups were formed, a Physician ,Advisory, Committee and a Community Advisory Committee, in order to gain input since the members were from Diamond Bar and the immediate surrounding areasr Based upon about 17 meetings with the Community Advisory Committee, eight meetings with the Physician Advisory Committee, and two additional joint meetings with the public present, the foundation for the project was established. April, 1994 when Inter -community merged with Queen of the Valley Hospital, the Board of Directors of the new corporate entity embraced this Project. Since hospitals are suffering financially from an in-patient load, the focus for this project is on out-patient care. Responding to CDDjDeStefano, Mr. Tanouye indicated that as,a condition Citrus Valley Health Partners was asked to communicate with Calvary Chapel regarding an access road to Golden Springs Drive. During an October 12, 1994 meeting with Bernie Grant, he indicated that they have not formulated,a master plan and were unable to proceed with discussions. Nick Rehnberg, Boulder Associates Architects, 4747 Table Mesa Drive, Boulder, Colorado provided the Planning Commission with a visual of the master plan site plan which was approved in April, 1993 and shows the full 15 year buildout of the site. The revised site plan is for the Phase 1 buildout of the diagnostic treatment center and the medical office complex. The proposed project has the same elements of the original Phase 1 and the square footage has been adjusted slightly. The proposal is for a three-story medical office building and a single story diagnostic treatment center. The diagnostic treatment center is proposed to have urgent care center, out- patient surgery, out-patient imaging and about 23 hour care beds (extended stay beds). The building has been pushed back away from the edge of the site, in lieu of the original scheme which would obscure more of the roof plan from the residential plateau above (Montefino Townhome Complex). Also, a service drive, mobile docking bay and service entrance have been located along the back of the building for the same effect. The original building was anticipated to be four-story, stepping down to three -stories at the edges with a series of vertical towers marking the front of the building. The revised scheme is a three-story medical office building, with more subtle vertical towers, and a one-story diagnostic treatment center. The majority of the materials in the .. .. _—.+ri..-n_�__r-� •w I� tn-_-- _�eulnnleJ+l� 'L I I ____ ___ Perry October 24, 1994 Page 7 Planning Commission originally proposed material pallet have been retained. In response to C/Schad, Mr. Rehnberg indicated that ambulances will not come into the docking bay area since there is not an emergency room/trauma center proposed for Phase 1. This area is designed to accommodate only out-patient services. Facilities for ambulances services is contemplated for Phase 2 as part of the acute care. There is nothing scheduled for Phase 1 which would generate any sort of offensive odors. C/Fong asked Mr. Rehnberg to describe the Phase 2 and Phase 3 future developments and how they relate to the Phase 1 Project Plan. Mr. Rehnberg responded that Phase 2 was envisioned as a sixty (60) bed in-patient tower. which would be located toward the rear of the site with additional acute diagnostic tools, such as additional imaging space, and cafeteria space (required for licensing an acute care hospital) and Phase 3 building would be a mirror image of Phase 1 building. r ! Responding to VC/Plunk, CDD/DeStefano indicated that the proposal includes approximately 376 standard parking spaces out of which approximately 45 are handicapped spaces. This is an increase from the prior Phase 1 proposal. When this project was first contemplated there was a policy to avoid the use of compact parking stalls even though they are permitted under the Diamond Bar City Code. With regard to Page 7, 20E of the EIR No. 91-4/CUP 91-1, this condition will remain a part of the proposed Phase 1 modification. VC/Plunk ,asked if the Traffic and Transportation commission had been 'contacted for input regarding the proposed Phase 1 changes. SE/Liu responded that the Traffic and Transportation Commission has not been consulted. Richard Jankowski, 22801 Chardonnay Drive #2, asked if the sound of diesel trucks, etc. from the service drive close to the hillside will impact his property on a 24 hour basis. With the addition of the proposed MRF and Target Store in the immediate area, Mr. Jankowski i -s very concerned that there will be a major impact to traffic on Golden Springs and Grand �- Avenue. i Responding to Mr. Jankowski, Mr. Tanouye stated that in an out-patient setting service deliveries will be made between October 24, 1994 Page g planning commission' the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 P.m- Chair/Meyer declared the public hearing closed. C/Flamenbaum asked why the applicant was asking for a one-year extension in lieu of a two year extension. Mr. Tanouye responded that the applicant would prefer a two year extension. In response to C/Flamenbaum, Mr. Tanouye indicated that the applicant would entertain a condition stating that routine delivery service would be performed during regular business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 P.M. Responding to C/Fong, Nick Rehberg stated that there will be consideration give to a crib wall in place of the proposed straight vertical wall. C/Schad voiced concern that the roof air-conditioning system might raise the decibel level at the top of the hill in the Montefino Complex. Nick Rehnberg responded that lower decibel equipment will be considered for the rooftop. RECESS: Chair/Meyer recessed the meeting at 8:22 p.m. RECONVENED: Chair/Meyer reconvened the meeting at 8:37 p.m. In -response to Chair/Meyer, Senior Engineer David Liu responded that the intersection modification at Grand and Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand and Golden Springs will be completed in conjunction with the traffic signal synchronization and resurfacing projects along Grand Avenue in March or April, 1995. Engineering is working with the Public Works Department for the development of the synchronization and traffic signal modifications which includes a dual left turn lane for northbound Golden Springs Drive at Grand Avenue. In addition, with the addition of the right turn lane from Golden Springs Drive onto Grand Avenue, the bike "lane was eliminated from Grand Avenue southward, however.,_ with the additional 15 foot right-of-way cane will belrebe acquired establishedfrom the Calvary Chapel, e Although no specific dedication of land along Grand Avenue is reflected on the applicant's site plan, it is reflected on the street improvement plans for the CIP Project. ll i I October 24, 1994 Page 9 Planning commission Chair/Meyer indicated that there have been problems getting a master plan from Calvary Chapel with respect to the precise alignment for access to Golden Springs and Copley Drive. Applicant has attempted to discuss the issue with Calvary Chapel to no avail. SE/Liu responded that with respect to time and method for acquiring secondary access to the proposed facility, he would recommend an alignment study for the internal system at the location. Such a study may cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 and there are no funds currently allocated in the City budget for such a study. In response to SE/Liu, Chair/Meyer stated it is his understanding that the applicant has talked with Calvary Chapel and Calvary Chapel told the applicant that the precise alignment is not a priority to them and that they do not have a master plan. He further indicated that in order to consider this discretionary action, there must be a concrete plan to obtain the precise alignment and asked if there might be another option available. In response,to Chair/Meyer's question of the importance of a precise alignment, SE/Liu responded that it is important from a circulation standpoint and from an egress standpoint. Without knowing what the final resolution between the two property owners might be, it is difficult to speculate what will take place. The City has indicated the need for the secondary access. Chair/Meyer asked if the City has the authority to adopt a precise alignment and complete a master plan for the street to which CDD/DeStefano stated that this may be imposed upon a property owner by the City. Chair/Meyer suggested that the City adopt an aggressive stance and that the funding for such a position, study, and precise alignment be provided by the applicant with the potential for reimbursement by the City, and, as a result of the study, that the fees incurred by Calvary Chapel be reimbursed when the church applied for entitlements and development of their site. Chair/Meyer also recommended a two-year extension of the Conditional Use Permit for this project. f.. With respect to the retaining walls, Chair/Meyer further recommended that a condition be added requiring the October 24, 1994 Page 10 PlanningCommission implementation of a crib wall using standards outlined in the Hillside Management Ordinance, or redesign the parking lot and eliminate the 18 foot high retaining wall at the intersection, Chair/Meyer indicated that there is a noise ordinance in place which recognizes and protects citizens and neighborhoods with particular emphasis on the evening hours. Chair/Meyer asked for consensus for granting a two year extension of the Conditional Use Permit. ICA/Montgomery recommended against it since notice had been given for a one year extension. The Commission referred the matter of the retaining wall to the Engineering and Planning Departments. In response to C/Flamenbaum, SE/Liu indicated that the precise alignment Traffic Study would cost under $5,000. The Planning Commission directed the City to move forward with a traffic study be conducted and presented to the Planning Commission prior to issuing building permits for this site. C/Flamenbaum recommended citing the noise ordinance in recommending approval. In response to VC/Plunk, CDD/DeStefano stated that there isla condition in the original approval of the Conditional Use Permit which states that "roof finish material shall have ',a uniform color so as to reduce reflectivity. Additionally, all roof mounted equipment must be painted a color to match the roof finish material". CDD/DeStefano stated that the first resolution is to approve the extension of time for the Conditional Use Permit and for the modification to the Conditional Use Permit for Phase i. Also, strike the words "Certifying Environmental Impact Report No. 91-4" from the heading and, within the resolution, strike Exhibit B referring to a statement of overriding considerations. The conditions which the Planning Commission suggested as possibilities should be added to the Conditional Use Permit. He further recommended that Condition No. 9 read: "The proposed retaining walls along the main drive aisle shall be re -designed to incorporate a series of stepped retaining or crib walls. The use of crib walls may be permitted and that walls designed in excess of six (6) feet shall be reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission." Staff further suggests Condition No. 10 to read: "Applicant shall incorporate additional landscaping to obscure the view of all perimeter .°p. retaining walls." Condition No. 11 is a staff suggestion as a result of the Commission's discussion regarding noise October 24, 1994 Page 11 Planning commission issues. The noise ordinance is based more on weighted averages so that a single occurrence such as a truck making a delivery at 3:00 a.m. may be more difficult to determine and enforce. The condition could read as follows: "The applicant shall prohibit deliveries between the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.", for example. Condition No. 12 could read: "The applicant shall contribute $5,000 prior to the issuance of building permits toward the development of a City initiated secondary access/alignment study." Chair/Meyer stated that he would like to incorporate language as follows: "Prior to the issuance of building permits, a precise alignment for secondary access to Golden Springs Drive shall be reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission." SE/Liu referred Chair/Meyer to Item No. 18 of the original Conditional Use Permit. The item states that the applicant shall submit a Transportation Management System Management Plan for approval by the Community Development Director and the Public Works Director prior to Certificate of Occupancy of Phase 1." Chair/Meyer stated that he wants something much more definitive in the way of a map, plan, topography map and complete understanding of engineering feasibility and location of secondary access. This should be a base document for planning of incremental implementation for Phase 2 and 3 prior to the start of construction. He further stated that this document could also be ultimately used for condemnation and the access road would be built at public expense. Responding to questions from the Planning Commission, SE/Liu indicated that there are two aspects of a precise alignment study. one aspect is from,an engineering prospective and the other is from civil engineering prospective. C/Flamenbaum suggested inserting a condition that any work done on the hillside must comply with the Hillside Management ordinance. Motion was made by VC/Plunk and seconded by C/Schad to adopt the Resolution as amended. Motion was carried unanimously. Regarding the architectural review, C/Flamenbaum recommended the elimination of Conditions 8, 9 and 10 on Pages 5 and 6 since they are found in Conditional Use Permit No. 91-1, page 6, Items 7, 8 and 9. i I October 24, 1994 Page 12 Planning commission CDD/DeStefano recommended two additional changes to the Development Review Resolution. Eliminate from the heading "Certifying Environmental Impact Report No. 91-4 and". On, Page 2 of the Resolution, Recital #3, add the following words to the last sentence: "Adopted April 12, 1993." Motion was made by C/Flamenbaum and seconded by C/Schad to adopt the Resolution as amended. Motion was-, carried unanimously. 3'. PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS: C/Schad requested that the tree ordinance be placed on the November 14, 1994 agenda for the Planning Commission. i CDD/DeStefano indicated that a general discussion could be held on November 14, 1994. When -it comes before the Planning Commission, it can be debated and adopted for future public a hearing. VC/Plunk recommended a study of Tree City USA for the same meeting. 4. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: CDD/DeStefano introduced Carol Dennis as the new Minutes Secretary stating City Council approved a contract for Carol two weeks ago and she is working with the Planning Commission and one other Commission. CDD/DeStefano acknowledged the presence and assistance of David Liu and Anne Garvey for review of the hospital project. CDD/DeStefano thanked his staff and Cotton/Beland for all of the work they have done on the General Plan. Chair/Meyer stated that he wishes to write a letter to the City Council regarding the General Plan which will commend the GPAC for its participation and to indicate to the City council that there is consensus but not unanimity on all of the Elements of the General Plan and to wish them godspeed on the adoption of the General Plan. He would like to do this at the formal presentation of the Draft General Pian to the City Council on November 8. Chair/Meyer declared the meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m. October 24��g4 " Page 13 Planning Commission Respectfully Attest* Secretary er Chairm `