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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/9/1995MINUTES OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 9, 1995 CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Flamenbaum called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. at the South Coast Air Quality Management Auditorium, 21865 East Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The audience was led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Commissioner Fong. ROLL CALL: Present:_ Commissioners: Chairman Flamenbaum, Vice Chairman Huff, Commissioners Meyer, Schad and Fong. Also Present: Community Development Director James DeStefano; Senior Planner Robert Searcy; Assistant Planner Ann Lungu; Recording Secretary Carol Dennis. MATTERS FROM THE AUDIENCE/PUBLIC COMMENTS: ( Craig Clute, 21217 Fountain Springs Road, stated he is concerned about the methods used by the City to approve the request for expansion for the Automobile Club of Southern California at 2843 S. Diamond Bar Boulevard. He stated this project represents_ a significant change since the square footage has been increased 100% from 10,000 square feet to 20,000 square feet. He cited the DRS Associates Neighborhood Traffic Study and indicated the increase in traffic generated by the new tenant will further adversely impact his neighborhood. In his opinion, this item should have been presented to the Traffic and Transportation Commission and the Planning Commission for approval. Chair/Flamenbaum responded that since the City does not have a Development Code, it operates under Los Angeles County ordinances. Therefore, this project was approved under the Administrative Development Review public hearing process. Without a General Plan and Development Code, the City is obligedtocontinue under the authority of Los Angeles County. VC/Huff requested that staff include use change parameters of projects within the Development Code when there is a certain percentage of increase in traffic flow. C/Schad stated that the Planning Commission was not aware of the ramifications of the project until Mr. Clute's presentation. He asked CDD/DeStefano if the project should come before the Planning Commission since the building area is being increased from 10,000 square feet to 20,000 square feet. October 9, 1995 Page 2 - Planning Commissicln CDD/DeStefano responded that the building at 2843 S.,Diamond Bar Boulevard was approved for approximately 20,000 square feet of retail space several years ago with a Master Use Permit that was approved by Los .Angeles County. The former tenant used only about 14000 square feet of the building and never completed the second floor area. The proposed use is ,,Office" and is a use permitted as part of the original Master Plan for the Country Hills Towne Center. According to the City's existing Zoning Code, the use creates the same number of parking spaces as the retail use. The proposed auto club operates at different hours than a retail use. Absence the architectural changes, the use was permitted "by right" and would only have needed the necessary tenant improvements Building and Safety approval from the City' of Diamond Bar Division and Planning Division staff. Other uses within the center are permitted "by right" and do not require public hearing review.,' Because the Automobile Club of Southern California wanted to make exterior improvements, it created the necessity for a public hearing. Public hearing notices were published and posted, and residents surrounding the site were notified. The public hearing was conducted by the Community Development Director ,on May 8,, 1995 in the South Coast Air Quality Management District'Auditorium at 6:00 p.m. Staff reviewed all of the characteristics Of the proposed project and felt that any adverse impacts were mitigated by the hours of operation and the type of use and that the use The project was was appropriate for the shopping approved and the approval was conveyed to the Planning Commission and the,City Council. In addition, the approval was conveyed to the public through a newspaper story and,; no appeal of this action was filed. The neighborhood trame tfis study is not yet completed and was ongoing at te project was, approved. CDD/DeStefano continued stating that most projects do not go before the Traffic and Transportation Commission. The City adopted an Ordinance a few years ago that set thresholds for Commercial projects presented to 'the Traffic and Transportation Commission of 25,000 square feet of new construction. Projects in excess of 10'0,0o0 square feet of new construction fall into another' category. He indicated he that if the ordinance had been in effect at the tim�o e Intervalley ,Community Hospital project is the only project o be reviewed by the. Traffic and that would. have qualified t Transportation Commission. CONSENT CALENDAR: 1. Minutes of September 11, 1995- VC/Huff requested that the third and fourth sentences of paragraph 3 on Page 2 be corrected to read as follows: "'He further stated he would like to see the following ,.,� .' .,,, J iA„ �r� I I&,_,& 1 `i October 9, 1995 Page 3 , Planning Commission r� trees protected: oak, walnut and native sycamore. He indicated he would like to selectively protect the slow growing trees." C/Fong requested the third and fourth sentences of paragraph 5 on Page 2.be corrected to'read as follows: "For example, Cold Springs Lane between Castle Rock Road and Brea Canyon Road is lined by Canary Island pine trees. These trees are more than 20 years old and should be preserved." C/Fong stated" "than" should be corrected to "that" in the fifth sentence of paragraph I on Page 3 so that the sentence reads: "In an effort to be proactive rather than reactive, he indicated he would favor an ordinance that includes all trees." C/Schad made a motion, seconded by VC/Huff to approve the minutes as corrected. The motion was approved with the following roll call: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: VC/Huff, Chair /Flamenbaum, Schad, Fong NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: Meyer, ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None OLD BUSINESS - None NEW BUSINESS - None CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING: 1. Conditional Use Permit No. 95-3. A request to operate an unmanned public utility substation for a cellular communication facility with a 60 foot monopole with antennae and microwave dishes. The radio equipment will be housed within, an underground vault. Continued from July 24, 1995. Property Location: 21450 Golden Springs Drive, Diamond Bar, Ca. 91765 Applicant: AirTouch Cellular, 3 Park Plaza, Irvine, CA 92714 Property Owner: Robert Wendler, 21450 Golden Springs Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765 C/Meyer recused himself from consideration of Conditional Use Permit No. 95-3 because he is a tenant at the property site and left the dais. - - - - - - --. -- I 01111111111k I! -- October 9, 1995 Page 4 Planning Commission SP/'Searcy stated the Planning Commission reviewed this project on July 24, 1995. The Commission expressed concern that at least two cell sites be located at the site. The applicant prepared an- addendum to the supplemental report. The report presents a technical analysis of the stresses placed upon the,system. The applicant determined that, of the eight ,sites considered, the proposed site is the premier site. The report addresses the problems generated by consideration of the alternative sites- SP/Searcy continued that the applicants report considers the: suggestions of the Planning Commission. The applicant has incorporated the ability to accept anoanother her carrier at this site. in addition, order tohe p remove the modified the design of the system 15 foot whip antennae which reduces the height of the monopole to 60 feet. Based upon the information provided by the applicant, the proposed site is superior to other proposed sites. Staff recommends that the Planning Commissi the open the public hearing, rec heaving and appove the drafttimonyResolution of Approval. Responding to VC/Huff, SP/Searcy stated the applicant has made every effort to cooperate with staff in seeking alternative locations and providing adequate information toward a satisfactory conclusion. Chair/Flamenbaum declared the public hearing reopened. Joe Richards, RMW Planning & Engineering, stated he concurs with staff's recommendations and the conditions of approval. He thanked CDD/DeStefano and SP/Searcy for their assistance. He referred the Commission to the s comprehensive and complete and, in packet stating it i his opinion, would aid the Commissioners in approving the ated that the site has been expanded project. He reiter to accommodate co -location. AirTouch has been discussion with another carrier regarding an agreement for co -location. The height of theantenna has reduces been reduced by elimination of the whip the overall height- from 75 feet to 60 feet. The applicant will be installing the antenna arrays at the same level on the monopole to insure a more streamlined appearance. The report is an illustration of the site selection process. Mr. Richards responded to C/Schad that other carriers will have their own antennas. .1 _ i � �� R Y' W �y 7_ �I 4 �n�tu, I. th .41 .I N �, n�s� Pa hirwU.II � October 9, 1995 Page .,5_,_ Planning Commission �yG Medha Inamdar, RF Engineer, responding to Chair /Flamenbaum, gave an explanation of the charts contained in the presentation manual. Craig Clute stated his concerns for a development policy regarding cellular towers in the City. He requested to know what provisions have been set forth in the event of abandonment of the site. Responding to Mr. Clute, Chair/Flamenbaum stated there are no utility lines for cellular towers. The towers are regulated by the Public Utilities Commission. The only visible equipment is the tower and the support facility. With respect to abandonment, the facility remains the property of the landowner. Chair/Flamenbaum closed the public hearing. C/Schad made a motion, seconded by VC/Huff, to approve Conditional Use Permit No. 95-3. The motion was approved with the following roll call: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Schad, VC/Huff, Fong, Chair/Flamenbaum NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None - ABSTAIN; COMMISSIONERS: Meyer ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None C/Meyer returned to the dais. RECESS: Chair/Flamenbaum recessed the meeting at 8:00 p.m. RECONVENE: Chair/Flamenbaum reconvened the meeting at 8:10 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING: 1. Conditional Use Permit No. 94-7(1). A request to operate an unmanned cellular telecommunication substation facility. The installation of the facility requires the removal of an existing stadium light standard and the placement of a 110 foot high steel monopole at that location, with three antenna arrays and the reattached stadium lights. Additionally, the construction of an enclosure to house the equipment and emergency generator is proposed. The project will be located to the southwest of the football field within the stadium at Diamond Bar High School. Implementation of this site r-� will allow the termination of a temporary facility operating just east of the SR 57 (Orange) Freeway. Property Location: 21400 Pathfinder Road (Diamond Bar High School) October 9, 1995 Page 6 Planning Commission Applicant: L.A. Cellular, Box 6028, Cerritos, CA 90702-6028 Property Owner: walnut valley Unified School District, 880 S*Diamond Bar Boulevard, Diamond Bar, CA 91765 SP/Searcy stated this project is proposed for the Diamond Bar High School site. Currently, two (2) repeater stations and one monopole are located on the site and have existed at the current locations for a period of over five 'years. One facility, is located at the gymnasium. The antennae and microwave! dishes are located on the roof of the gym and the repeater equipment pis located in an interior room. The other facility which includes a 70 foot monopole and an enclosure to house the repeater equipment is located at the football stadium. The General Plan designation for this site is School (S) and the site is located in Zone R-1-7,500. The use is conditionally permitted within the zone pursuant to Section 22.28.110 of Title 22 of Planning and Zoning Code. The land uses surrounding, the subject site are a residential development to the north, south and east, and a commercial development and the SR 57 Freeway to the west: The proposed project's location is adjacent to the football stadium and is located less an elevation 100 feet afrom the closest residential property the residences. This cell site will relieve the current temporary site located at Brea Canyon Road and Pathfinder Road from providing further service. This project is one of four proposed or recently approved cell sites extending along the hilly SR 57 Freeway corridor to increase the dependability of the service along this route. The other projects are located north and south of this proposed location. To the south, there is an approved cell site at Yorba Linda Boulevard and theJust t orth of the Los Angeles Countylorange County line we City's Sphere of Influence. The remaining project obtained approval for a cell site situated at the merger of the SR 57 and 60 Freeways on the Radisson Inn within The provision of service from Gateway Corporate Center. these cell sites will greatly improve service to the area. Currently, there are five (5) known repeater stations operating in the City of Diamond Bar. All of these repeater stations are located adjacent o two cellular or near the freeways. There is a radio repeater and _J_- ____ ----.y 6i"w October 9, 1995 Page 7 Planning Commission repeater stations currently operating at the high school. One cellular facility and the radio repeater facility have 60 foot high monopoles located on-site. In addition to the cells with monopoles referenced above, a third - monopole and repeater station is located on Prospectors Road at the National Self Storage facility. The Planning Commission approved a repeater station in.1992 at 23555 Golden Springs Drive located on an existing office building. This application is a revision of the original proposal that requested approval of a cell site at 3333 S. Brea Canyon Road adjacent to the north bound off ramps of the SR 57 Freeway and Diamond ,Bar Boulevard. At the conclusion of the public hearing before the Planning Commission, the applicant re-evaluated the proposed project and revised the application. The revised application proposes the construction of the cell site at the high school. Implementation of this site will complete the system along the Orange Freeway corridor which extends from the Pomona Freeway (SR 60) through Orange County. The Diamond Bar High School previously housed this facility until approximately 1992. At that time, the applicant discontinued operation of the cell site because of the lack of documentation required for state agency review. The applicant then pursued alternative cell sites in order to maintain service to the area. The applicant acquired permits for a temporary cell site located at the commercial center on Pathfinder Road adjacent to the SR 57 Freeway and west of the school site. The temporary site is still in operation and is due to lose the ability to operate at the end of November, 1995. The applicant is applying to locate an unmanned telecommunication facility that includes a 110 foot tall monopole and an enclosed structure to house the emergency backup and repeater equipment. The site is located within the football stadium in the southwest quadrant overlooking Brea Canyon Road. There is an existing 70 foot monopole and repeater station located in the immediate vicinity of this proposed project. The project proposes the removal of the southernmost stadium light standard, the lights and stadium speakers, F ; and the construction of a replacement steel monopole approximately 110 feet in height. The lights and r' speakers will then be reattached to the monopole and the antenna array will be placed on top prior to the pole being placed back on line. The existing pole is approximately 100 feet in height.' The new monopole will October 9, 1995 Page 8 Planning Commission appear proximate in height, although the new monopole extends an additional 15 feet in height. The proposed equipment enclosure is a prefabricated shelter approximately 336 square feet in size. The exterior materials for the enclosure will emulate two adjacent enclosures that are constructed with light tan stucco and brown trim. The existing structures are low profile and do not exceed 10 feet in height. One adjacent enclosure was- constructed to store repeater equipment and the other is for maintenance equipment. The proposed 'enclosure will accommodate the repeater equipment and fire suppression equipment. The coaxial equipment that transfers information between the unit and the monopole will be placed underground to reduce visual impacts. The applicant selected a site to increase the level of service provided for customers within and passing through the City. This location was selected in order to effectively connect the existing cellular sites in the City and in the adjacent area. The applicant states that this site will bridge the gap that currently exists to handle failed and dropped calls. The applicant states that this site is appropriate because of its proximity to residential development (over 300 feet) 'adjacent to the site. The slope, berm and landscaping which bounds that site offers a visual barrier between the stadium and adjacent development. The monopole will blend into the current venue as it emulates 'the stadium standards currently developed on site providing stadium lights and speakers. SP/Searcy stated that the applicant indicated a noise level of approximately 30 decibels which is comparable to a residential air conditioning unit. This application was advertised in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin and the San Gabriel Valley Tribune on September 18, 1995. Property owners (243) within a 500 foot radius were mailed notices on September 27, 1995 of the public hearing. ~ Staff recommends that the Planning Commission open the public hearing, receive testimony, close the public hearing, and approve the project as submitted via the attached draft Resolution of Approval. SP/Searcy responded to C/Schad that the generator and emergency equipment will be placed inside the 336 square foot enclosed structure which will be surrounded by a six foot high gated area. The nearest residence to the isite October 9, 1995 Page 9; Planning commission �.w is located approximately 150 feet from the enclosure. The development is 60 feet above the residence and will not exceed the ambient noise level. The noise generated by the freeway will exceed the noise level generated by this use. Responding to VC/Huff, SP/Searcy stated the 40 to 50 decibel noise level will be experienced during hours of operation and maintenance. In response to C/Fong, SP/Searcy stated the monopole will exceed the height of the existing light standards by approximately 10 to 15 -feet. The diameter conforms to the current aesthetics and general dimensions of the light standard. Chair/Flamenbaum declared the public hearing open. Dan Hare, L.A. Cellular, thanked the staff for the work completed. He stated he concurs with staff's recommendations and conditions of approval as stated. He indicated the existing pole at the Diamond Bar High School site is 100 feet high and the proposed monopole will be 110 feet high. The proposed monopole will be slightly larger in diameter to accommodate the extra � light load and the antennas around the top. With the approval of this project, the monopole at Denny's Restaurant will be removed and relocated at -the high school site. He indicated the air conditioning unit will generate very little sound. He explained that the generator will be located outside the shelter. However, the exhaust will be inside the enclosed shelter to reduce the noise level to less than 30 decibels which he likened to the noise generated by a kitchen fan. The generator will run only 20 minutes per day for maintenance purposes. The generator is for emergency use only. Mr. Hare responded to C/Schad that there are two generators which run opposite to one another. The second generator is available in the event the primary generator fails. Each unit is 3 ton, 20KW, and diesel fired. In response to C/Fong, Mr. Hare stated that in order to accommodate another provider, the diameter of the monopole would have to be increased significantly. The proposed facility is a replacement of the site previously proposed for the Brea Canyon Cutoff Road and Diamond Bar 1 Boulevard. i Mr. Hare responded to C/Meyer that he is aware that the first condition of approval is that the monopole provide dual service. The applicant will redesign the monopole, foundation and the conduit to accommodate this condition. October 9, 1995 Page 10 Planning Commission With respect to Condition No. 9, he indicated he is not aware that any facility has ever interfered with audio or television reception. In the event that it is determined the L.A. Cellular site interferes with any,transmission service the F.C.C. would require repair of the facility. SP/Searcy responded to C/Meyer that the 21 day compliance requirement is a standard condition. The time is used to determine if the site is, in fact, responsible for the interference, and to allow the applicant to make the necessary repairs. Mr. Hare responded to C/Meyer he would not object toi a condition requiring underground utilities. He indicated the applicant would also agree to landscape screening;of the facility and a 180 consecutive day abandonment condition. Chair/Flamenbaum stated the temporary site expires ;in November, 1995. Mr. Hare responded that the applicant would move as quickly as possible to erect the new facility and raze the current site. Craig.Clute stated he is concerned with the maintenance and landscaping of the school property adjacent to his residence. He indicated he is concerned about the noise level of the units for proposed facility. He stated he would like to have the applicant consider alternative fuel sources and is concerned about the holding tank land monitoring devices. 'He requested the Planning Commission take; measures to insure the utilities are placed underground. He suggested a City tax for cellular facilities. He concurred with the Commission's wishes for a condition of abandonment. Mr. Hare responded that the utilities are underground. The proposed facility will not be visible from Mr. Clute's property. He stated alternative fuels have been tried. However, diesel fuel if the most efficient and the fuel.facility will be approved by the fire marshall and the South'Coast Air Quality Management District. He reiterated the generator will only be used for emergency situations. Chair/Flamenbaum declared the public hearing closed. C/Meyer made a motion, seconded by Chair/Flamenbaum, to approve Conditional Use Permit No. 94-7 (1) via the draft Resolution of Approval with the addition of the following three conditions: Condition (11) "In the event the use is abandoned for 180 consecutive days the monopole,will be removed and replaced with a light standard that is acceptable to the Community Development Director"; llp October 9, 1995 Page 11 Planning Commission Condition (12) "The applicant will provide a landscape plan which includes the installation of trees, plant material and automatic irrigation system to screen the facility. The slope planning will be visible from Brea Canyon Cutoff Road and will be to the satisfaction of the Community Development Director. The landscape and irrigation plan will be provided to the City's Community Development Director within 60 days of the approval. The landscaping and irrigation will be installed prior to occupancy.", and Condition• (13), "Utilities will be installed underground taking service from the closest and most convenient existing facility". Mr. Hare stated no construction is permitted by the Public Utilities Commission until all permits have been approved. C/Meyer called for the question. The motion was approved with the following roll call: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Meyer, Chair/Flamenbaum, Fong, -Schad, VC/Huff NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS: Chair/Flamenbaum announced the resignation of SP/Searcy and thanked him for his service to the Planning Commission and wished him success in his new position with the Calabasas Planning Department. The Commissioner's concurred. INFORMATION ITEMS: CDD/DeStefano stated that from a staff standpoint, SP/Searcy will be greatly missed by the City of Diamond Bar. Rob is the senior member of the Planning Department staff and has been with the City for more than six years. He invited the Commissioners to a redognition and farewell party for SP/Searcy to be held on Thursday, October 12, 1995, 12:00 noon at the City Hall. ANNOUNCEMENTS - None ADJOURNMENT: 4Ii Planning Commission October 9, 1995 -Page 12 _t Chairman There 'being no further business to conduct, adjourned at 9:10 P-m- Flamenbaum declared the meeting Respectfully Submitted, I flu I�aAes DeSte'Lan Director Community Devel Pment 1 Attest: .:;::''$rxic-e Flamenbaum Chairman