HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/9/1999MINUTES OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
FEBRUARY 9,1999
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman McManus called the meeting to order at 7:09 p.m. in the South Coast Air Quality
Management Hearing Board Room, 21865 East Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
l The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commissioner Nelson.
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ROLL CALL:
Present: Chairman Joe McManus, Vice Chairman Steve Tye and Commissioners
George Kuo, Steve Nelson and Joe Ruzicka.
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Also Present: James DeStefano, Deputy City Manager, David Liu, Deputy Director of
Public Works, Ann Lungu, Associate Planner, Rose Manela, Assistant Civil
Engineer, Sonya Joe, Development Services Assistant, and Stella Marquez,
Administrative Secretary.
MATTERS FROM THE AUDIENCE/PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: The Commission concurred to consider Agenda Item No. 8.1
before Agenda Item No. 7.1.
k CONSENT CALENDAR:
1. Minutes of January 26, 1999.
C/Ruzicka moved, C/Nelson seconded, to approve the minutes of January 26, 1999, as
present. Motion carried 5-0.
OLD BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS: None
PUBLIC HEARING:
1. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 98.4 AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW NO. 98.3
(pursuant to Code Sections Chapters 22.56 -Part 1, 22.38.340 and 22.72:020) is a request to
construct a two-story building of approximately 12,596 square feet on a vacant lot. The
requested use is a church facility.
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FEBRUARY 9, 1999 PAGE 2
PROPERTY ADDRESS: 1200 Brea Canyon Road
(Lot 2 of Tract No. 35336)
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
PROPERTY OWNER Kingson Investment Ltd.
939 S. Atlantic Boulevard #212
Monterey Park, CA 91754
APPLICANT: The Church In Diamond Bar
1820 Derringer Lane
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
AssocP/Lungu presented staffs report. Staff recommends that the Planning Commission
continue the public hearing for Conditional Use Permit No. 98-4 and Development Review
No. 98-3 to March 9, 1999.
James Lee, Minister of The Church In Diamond Bar, 23221 Forest Canyon Drive, asked that
the Commission approve Conditional Use Permit No. 98-4 and Development Review No. 98-
3 tonight. He pointed out that the traffic impacts to Brea Canyon Road will be minimal. He
stated that his traffic engineer believes that the proposed project will actually be of benefit to
the future roadway circulation in as much as it would generate less traffic than a commercial
facility. He assured the Commission that Diamond Bar has the applicant's full support of the
City's Redevelopment Plan.
C/Nelson asked about the relationship between the various ownerships and why a common
driveway has not been worked out by the parties involved.
Pastor Lee responded that there is a good working relationship between the applicant and the
Diamond Bar Friends Church. The Pastor of the Diamond Bar Friends Church has stated
several times that he is not opposed to this project. However, he does not want the traffic
directed to his driveway during peak use periods.
In response to VC/Tye, Pastor Lee indicated that the Church currently meets at South Point
Middle School.
Commissioner Kuo asked Pastor Lee if the Church could fulfill staffs recommendations by
the proposed continuation date of March 9, 1999.
Pastor Lee responded that he does not feel a continuance is necessary. The issues that are
within the applicant's control can be immediately addressed. Other issues such as an attempt
to work out a common driveway are out of the applicant's control since the driveway belongs
to the Diamond Bar Friends Church and the Pastor of that Church has indicated he does not
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want to share the driveway. ' e
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FEBRUARY 9, 1999 PAGE 3'--
C/Ruzicka asked if the two churches could continue to work toward a solution. He
suggested the two entities avail themselves of a mediator and possibly work toward
staggering service hours.
Chair/McManus opened the public hearing.
Dave Estrella, 1702 Redwood Way, Upland, said he feels that in view of the Commission's
long term goals for use of this property that a Church use is the best use in terms of traffic
conditions. This contention is supported by the applicant's traffic engineer's analysis.
William Greene, 23569 Jubilee Lane, said he believes that churches are very good for
communities and the Church In Diamond Bar is especially good for this City and its diverse
population.
Samuel Kim, 1850 S. Batson Avenue #182, Rowland Heights, CA 91748, spoke about how
the church has positively influenced his life.
Abraham Shaw, 20610 Climber Drive, said that as a Diamond Bar High School senior he feels
that this church has preserved him and kept him through his high school years and that this
type of building would provide a more appropriate meeting place to provide moral support
and guidance for young people. He urged the Commission to approve the church building.
Donald Newport, 45 Viewpoint Circle, Pomona, said he is a minister with the Church In
Diamond Bar and works primarily on the campuses Cal Poly Pomona and Mt. SAC. A
permanent facility will allow the Church to expand its efforts and to offer fuller and richer
programs for college students. The congregation looks forward to obtaining this desperately
needed facility.
Debbie Lee, 23221 Forest Canyon Drive, said she is concerned about the City's
Redevelopment Plan and she would like to have this lot developed and not left vacant. She
asked the Commission to approve the proposed project because she believes that this is the .
best use of the property.
Jim Lai, 1777 Mitchell Avenue, Tustin, thanked staff for their efforts to bring this project to
the Commission. On behalf of The Church In Diamond Bar, he asked that the Commission
approve this project. He stated that the Church will continue to work with staff to refine any
unresolved issues. He assures the Commission that the Church officials willcontinue to work
with their neighbors to find solutions. He pointed out that his Church is self-supporting and
has saved to bring about the purchase and construction of this facility which speaks of the
commitment to be a part of the community.
Danny Ku, 18725 E. Gale Avenue #217, City of Industry, stated he is the architect for this
project. He showed drawings of the proposed structure. He asked that the Commission
approve the project this evening and not continue the public hearing. He assured the
Commission that he and the applicant will fully cooperate to resolve long term matters.
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FEBRUARY 9, 1999 PAGE 4
Mr. Ku responded to C/Nelson that the proposed driveway is more than 200 feet from the
Diamond Bar Friends Church driveway.
Philip Chung, 2636 Beford Lane, Rowland Heights, owner of the property at 1200 Brea
Canyon Road said he is present to request approval of this project. He said he believes that
there is sufficient information for the Commission's approval tonight. The original application
was submitted on February 12, 1998. He stated that the applicant has made every effort to
work with staff to resolve issues. A church will be the best and highest use for this piece of
property in this community.
Von Steton, 1152 Brea Canyon Road, a previous owner of the proposed project site, said he
does not object to a church being built on this property. He stated that the 35 -foot building
on a 6 -foot pad will obscure his view across Brea Canyon Road. The land curves downward
from his front yard property line and he is concerned about erosion of his frontage'. He
indicated that part of the sales escrow agreement included the building of a block wall to
shore up his current home site. He stated he is also concerned that if improper grading is
done, his land will be undercut. The original plan set aside a green area at the easterly portion
of the site. He said he feels that more homework needs to be done on the project. Height of
the building is a concern to him and residents who live on the opposite side of Brea Canyon
Road. In addition, he is concerned about the traffic flow on Brea Canyon Road, which he
feels necessitates a solid plan for ingress and egress from the project site.
Larry Hudak, 21202 Davan Street, stated his property abuts the rear of the property, which
was to have been set aside as a greenbelt. He said he is concerned that future development
may disturb that greenbelt area and could propose a security problem if it were to be hidden
from public view. He does not object to the proposed project. However, he believes the
traffic issue must be resolved and that the building must be architecturally compatible with
the neighborhood.
Lilly Wu, 1210 Brea Canyon Road, said she does not oppose the project at 1200 Brea
Canyon Road and that she does not oppose the traffic signal installation at Glenbrook Drive.
In fact, she supports the proposed project. She believes that the issues arising from the
project are matters that could easily be resolved between the City and the applicants.
Chair/McManus closed the public hearing.
C/Nelson stated that he agrees with staffs recommendation for a common signaled driveway
and would like for the parties involved to agree to the condition, or he would like to see a
more detailed study indicating the traffic flow at capacity. -He emphasized that his primary
concern is for public health and safety.
DCM/DeStefano explained staffs expectations for this project and the reasons for
recommending a 30 -day continuance. 0
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FEBRUARY 9, 1999 PAGE 5
Following discussion, VC/Tye moved, C/Ruzicka seconded, to direct staff to prepare a
Resolution of Approval for Conditional Use Permit No. 98.4 and Development Review No.
98.3 subject to resolving conditions related to the outstanding issues contained within staffs
report, for presentation to the Planning Commission at its February 23, 1999 meeting.
C/Ruzicka amended the motion to include the following: That the applicant make a
reasonable effort to reach an agreement with Diamond Bar Friends Church for a shared
ingress/egress. VC/Tye accepted the amendment.
Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Kuo, Nelson, Ruzicka, VC/Tye, Chair/McManus
NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None
RECESS: Chair/McManus recessed the meeting at 9:10 p.m.
RECONVENE: Chair/McManus reconvened the meeting at 9:20 p.m.
CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING:
1. Wireless Telecommunication Facilities Ordinance.
Currently, the City has a moratorium (Ordinance No. 4-b (1998) on wireless
telecommunication facilities which will be of no further force and effect as of July 17, 1999.
A draft wireless telecommunication facilities ordinance has been prepared for the Planning
Commission's consideration. If approved by the City Council, the Wireless
Telecommunication Facilities Ordinance will be incorporated into the adopted Development
Code, Article IH,,Section 22.42.130. Continued from January 26, 1999.
PROJECT ADDRESS: ,Citywide
APPLICANT: City of Diamond Bar
21660 E. Copley Drive, Suite 190
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
DCM/DeStefano presented staffs report. Staff recommends that the Planning Commission
reopen the public hearing, receive apublic testimony, discuss and modify the proposed
regulations as appropriate, and adopt a Resolution recommending City Council approval of
the Wireless Telecommunications Ordinance.
-._- Chair/McManus reopened the public hearing.
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FEBRUARY 9, 1999 PAGE 6
Joe Richards, Land Use Consultant, representing Airtouch Cellular, 6529 Riverside Avenue,
Riverside, stated that Airtouch is considering mounting antennas on the Edison towers within
the City limits and wants to know that such a provision is within the scope of the proposed
ordinance. Page 11 indicates that the City prefers facilities attached to utility poles and
towers. He asked if this paragraph contemplates facilities attached to lattice towers.
DCM/DeStefano stated that the ordinance contemplates specific zones in which these types
of devices are permitted. If the towers were located within those zones, such an installation
would be permitted. Edison towers located in residential zones and districts are excluded.
Rick Stephens, consultant, explained the appearance of the old style lattice towers.' The
Telecommunications Task Force determined that installations would be prohibited from lattice
towers because the towers are unattractive and any additions thereto would be a further
degradation of the environmental aesthetics.
Joe Richards requested that the Commission reconsider allowing installations on lattice
towers because his firm believes that there are opportunities for using existing lattice towers.
DCM/DeStefano stated that staffs recommendation would be to work with Mr. Richards with
respect to this issue because the solution he seeks might be available within the document.
Mr. Richards's request presents an opportunity for discussion.Vl
Chair/McManus closed the public hearing.
C/Ruzicka moved, C/Nelson seconded, to "recommend City Council approval of the Wireless
Telecommunications Ordinance. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Kuo, Nelson, Ruzicka, VC/Tye, Chair/McManus
NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None
PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS:
DCM/DeStefano, responding to C/Kuo's concern, explained the General Plan's intent regarding Floor
Area Ratio (FAR).
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:
DCM/DeStefano stated the Planning Commissioners Institute would be held at the Monterey
Conference Center in Monterey on Wednesday through Friday, March 24 through 26. He asked that
those Commissioners who plan to attend advise staff by February 23, 1999. }
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FEBRUARY 9, 1999 PAGE 7
SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS: As agendized.
ADJOURNMENT:
C/Ruzicka moved, VC/Tye seconded, to adjourn the meeting. There being no further business to
come before the Planning Commission, Chair/McManus adjourned the meeting at 10:02 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
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I
James DeStefano
Secretary to the P' g Commission
Attest:
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