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Home My WebLink About2/13/2001MINUTES OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION FEBRUARY 13, 2001 CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chairman Zirbes called the meeting to order at 7:17 p.m. in the South Coast Air Quality Management Auditorium, 21865 East Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commissioner Ruzicka. 1. ROLL CALL: Present: Vice Chairman Bob Zirbes, and Commissioners George Kuo, Steve Tye and 2. 3. 4. 5. Joe Ruzicka. Chairman Steve Nelson arrived at 8:40 p.m. Also Present: James DeStefano, Interim City Manager, David Meyer, Planning Consultant, Ann J. Lungu, Associate Planner, Sonya Joe, Development Services Assistant, and Stella Marquez, Administrative Secretary. MATTERS FROM THE AUDIENCE/PUBLIC COMMENTS: None offered. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As Agendized. CONSENT CALENDAR: 4.1 Minutes of the January 23, 2001, Meeting. C/Ruzicka moved, C/Tye seconded, to approve the minutes of January 23, 2001, as presented. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Kuo, Tye, Ruzicka, VC/Zirbes NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Chair/Nelson OLD BUSINESS: 5.1 Conditional Use Permit No. 2000-02 and Development Review No. 2000-20 (pursuant to Code Sections 22.58.020, 22.42.130 G and 22.48.020) are requests to co -locate a telecommunications facility on an existing monopole approved on January 25, 1993, by FEBRUARY 13, 2001 6. 7. 8. PAGE 2 PLANNING COMMISSION Conditional.Use PermitNo. 92-I1. The request also includes an equipment cabinet, utility pedestal and concrete pad for both. (Continued from January 23, 2001). PROJECT ADDRESS: Diamond Bar High School 21400 Pathfinder Road Diamond Bar, CA 91765 PROPERTY OWNER: Walnut Valley Unified School District 880 South Lemon avenue Walnut, CA 91789 APPLICANT: Metricom, Inc. 1460 East 33rd Street Signal Hill, CA 90807 PC/Meyer presented staff's report. Staff recommends that the Planning Commission adopt Resolution No. 2001 -XX denying Conditional Use Permit No. 2000-02 and Development Review No. 2000-20. C/Tye moved, C/Ruzicka seconded, to adopt Resolution denying Conditional Use Permit No. 2000-02 and Development Review No. 2000-20. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Tye, Ruzicka, Kuo, VC/Zirbes NOES'. COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Chair/Nelson PUBLIC HEARING: None CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING: None. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 8.1 Development Review No. 2000-22 (pursuant to Code Section 22.48.020) is a request to construct a two story single family residence of approximately 10,630 square feet. This includes garage areas that will accommodate six cars, covered patios, and rear decks. Additionally, this request is for an outdoor pool. PROPERTY ADDRESS 1200 Chisholm Trail (Lots 14 & 15, Tract No. 37873) Diamond Bar, CA 91765 FEBRUARY 13, 2001 PAGE 3 PLANNING COMMISSION PROPERTY OWNER: Adriana Amaral 23125 Rio Lobos Road Diamond Bar, CA 91765 APPLICANT: Federal Fire Reconstruction, Inc. 727 Brea Canyon Road #114 Diamond Bar, CA 91765 DSA/Joe presented staff's report. Late yesterday afternoon staff received a letter from Ronald A. Stieben wherein he indicates his belief that the size of the home is incompatible and that traffic impacts may arise as a result of this project. Staff recommends that the Planning Commission continue Development Review No. 2000-22 to a future public hearing date to allow the applicant time to submit a re -designed project. VC/Zirbes opened the public hearing. Edward Amaral, 23125 Rio Lobos Road, said he is interested in providing a structure that is an asset to the City that he and his neighbors can enjoy. Large homes near medium sized homes -are nothing new and currently exist in the City of Diamond Bar and other cities. The proposed home will have a positive impact on real estate values in the neighborhood. The project, as proposed, complies with the City's development standards. The actual living space of the proposed country -ranch style home is 3,200 square feet. The rest of the square footage is dedicated to a large parking garage, parking pad and decking. The view of the back of this property is not comparable to other developments in the City. The back property line is 1,400 feet (1/4 mile) from the intersection of concern. Additionally, the property is uphill 220 feet. He referred the Commission to page 9 of staff's report: "Required Development Review Findings." Diamond Bar is a `large home" community and there is nothing unusual about this request other than the fact that the proposed home is not located within "The Country Estates." He asked the Commission to approve his project as presented. C/Tye moved, C/Ruzicka seconded, to continue the public hearing to March 27, 2001, in order to allow the applicant time to submit a redesigned project that is compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. In addition, the applicant will provide a soils report that confirms the viability of the proposed project. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Tye, Ruzicka, Kuo, VC/Zirbes r NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Chair/Nelson FEBRUARY 13, 2001 PAGE 4 PLANNING COMMISSION 8.2 Development Review No. 2000-23 and Minor Variance No. 2001-01 (pursuant to Code Section 22.48.020) is a request to construct a three story single family residence of approximately 13,105 square feet with garage areas that will accommodate four cars and rear decks. The Minor Variance is required for a reduced front yard setback. PROPERTY ADDRESS: 1621 Derringer Lane (Lot 10, Tract No. 24046) Diamond Bar, CA 91765 PROPERTY OWNER/ Elie Abinader APPLICANT: 1418 East 33rd Street Signal Hill, CA 90807 DSA/Joe presented staff's report. Staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve Development Review No. 2000-23 and Minor Variance No. 2001-01, Findings of Fact, and conditions of approval, as listed within the resolution. VC/Zirbes opened the public hearing. John Herberling, EIlsworth Design, project architects, ,thanked the Commission for their consideration. He stated that he concurs with staff's recommendations. He explained the nature of the hillside slope and the impact of the structure on the pad. The access for the parking garages are located on the second story below the living level in an effort to present as much curb appeal as possible to the project. VC/Zirbes closed the public hearing. C/Ruzicka moved, VC/Tye seconded, to approve Development Review No. 2000-23 and Minor Variance No. 2001-01, Findings of Fact, and conditions of approval, as listed within the resolution. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Ruzicka, Tye, Kuo, VC/Zirbes NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Chair/Nelson 8.3 Administrative Development Review No. 2001-01 and Variance No. 2001-02 (pursuant to Code Sections 22.48.020 B.I. and 22.54.020 D.) is a request to construct a two-story single family residence with two 2 -car garage and balconies totaling to approximately 8,800 square feet. Additionally, this request includes a tennis court and retaining walls within the rear and side yards. The Variance request is for the retaining walls that exceed six feet in y height. � , . , ._. ■�..,.._ � �� "da �, tid a „ 4 � 1:-��.'�w N! AXtrl T L xt i-�aka ,r , FEBRUARY 13, 2001 PAGE 5 PLANNING COMMISSION PROPERTY ADDRESS: PROPERTY OWNER/ APPLICANT: 2888 Crystal Ridge Road (Parcel B, Tract No. 47850) Diamond Bar, CA 91765 Diamond Bar West LLC 3480 Torrance Boulevard, Suite 300 Torrance, CA 90503 AssocP/Lungu presented staff's report. Staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve Administrative Development Review No. 2001-01 and Variance No. 2001-02, Findings of Fact, and conditions of approval, as listed within the resolution. VC/Zirbes opened the public hearing. Chair/Nelson arrived at 8:40 p.m. and assumed the gavel. Kurt Nelson said he believes the proposed structure is attractive and consistent with the surrounding homes in the neighborhood. The topography of the irregularly shaped lot requires a retaining wall in order to expand the portion of the pad that will accommodate - • the tennis court. One section of the wall at the northeast corner of the lot will exceed the standard six foot exposed height up to a maximum of 11 feet. That portion of the retaining wall that will exceed the six feet will not be visible from outside the subject property. Chair/Nelson closed the public hearing: VC/Zirbes moved, C/Tye seconded, to approve Administrative Development Review No. 2001-01 and Variance No. 2001.-02, Finding of Fact, and conditions of approval, as listed within the resolution. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: VC/Zirbes, Tye, Kuo, Ruzicka, Chair/Nelson NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None 8.4 Conditional Use Permit No. 2000-04 and Development Review No. 2000-10 (pursuant to Code Sections 22.85 and 22.48.020.A.) This proposed project is a request to install two additional monopoles, approximately 28 feet high with two ani% nnas on each monopole and an equipment cabinet enclosed by a block wall. The project site, approximately seven acres, currently contains a residential structure . and an unmanned, wireless telecommunications facility. FEBRUARY 13, 2001 PAGE 6 PLANNING COMMISSION IW r, hN�4aq', PROPERTY ADDRESS: 24401 Darrin Drive (Lot 5, Tract No. 42584) Diamond Bar, CA 91765 PROPERTY OWNER: Eric Stone 24401 Darrin Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 APPLICANT: Nextel Telecommunications 310 Commerce Irvine, CA 92602 AssocP/Lungu presented staff's report. Staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve Conditional Use Permit No. 2000-04 and Development Review No. 2000-10, Findings of Fact, and conditions of approval, as listed within the resolution. Chair/Nelson opened the public hearing. John Tandy, Nextel Communications, explained how the project has been redesigned in accordance with the Planning Commission's direction. In fact, the proposed facilities are located below the existing telecommunications facilities. Terry Lazzaro, C. R. Carney Architects, indicated to VC/Zirbes that construction time is anticipated to be two to three months. John Tandy responded to C/Kuo that the project, as currently designed, will provide a very good level of coverage. The primary target area is the freeway, which is below -the site. Jeff Allen, Nextel Engineer, further explained to C/Kuo that the redesigned project will not seriously compromise the coverage. Chair/Nelson closed the public hearing. PC/Meyer suggested consideration of the following language for Condition (g) on page 7 of the resolution: "Prior to the release of the utilities for this project, the report addressing the need to provide service to various areas of Diamond Bar which are currently -considered dark." VC/Zirbes moved, C/Ruzicka seconded, to approve Conditional Use Permit No. 2000-04 and Development Review No. 2000-10, Findings of Fact, and conditions of approval, as listed within the resolution, subject to the following amended language for Condition (g) on page 5 of the resolution: "The applicant shall, prior to the release of utilities, submit a' FEBRUARY 13, 2001 - PAGE 7 PLANNING COMMISSION study addressing the need to provide service to various areas of Diamond Bar which are currently considered dark and remedies thereof." Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: VC/Zirbes, Ruzicka, Kuo, Tye, Chair/Nelson NOES: COMMISSIONERS' None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None 9. PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS: In response to C/Tye, DCM/DeStefano stated that approximately 1 I/2 years ago, code enforcement moved from a reactive mode to a pro -active mode. With respect to the site at the southwest corner _ of Grand Avehue�and Diamond Bar Boulevard, the City's code enforcement visited the site last weekend -and spoke with the business operator and requested that the illegal signs and improper banners be removed. The City does not have the authority to remove the signs and banners and must work through a process to get the merchant's or property owner's cooperation. Absent their cooperation, the merchant or tenant may be cited and the matter could ultimately be referred to the district attorney for remedy. 10. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: 10.1 Public Hearing dates for future projects. DCM/DeStefano reported that the State Department of Housing and Community Development approved the, Housing Element as it was presented to the City Council by the Planning Commi=ssion.: -The document, approved by the City Council, has been transmitted to the appropriate State agency. He stated that the Industry East Project is moving forward with significant grading having taken place., The bridge work on Grand Avenue is unrelated to that project. Bridges are being retrofitted. The building that was slated to be constructed close to the Hampton Court condominium project has been relocated from 110 feet to a minimum of 275 feet. He further stated that due to the diligence of the cities of Diamond Bar, Walnut, Pomona, Lanterman, Cal Poly Pomona and elected officials, the reference to the San Jose Creek wash as an alternative truck route :.has been, eliminated from the SCAG SR 60 truck study. DCM/DeStefano further reported that the Platinum -project is. moving forward and the Sheriff's Department and the Fire Department have ;.signed off.on the business license. Therefore, a business -license hearing will likely be held within the next 30-45 days. Because of the circumstances surrounding the application for this business license, Diamond Bar has undertaken a study to bring the business license processing in-house. FEBRUARY 13, 2001 PAGE 8 PLANNING COMMISSION DCM/DeStefano stated that in accordance with prior Council discussions, the City is working with the County and Diamond Bar's supervisor to annex an area of about 150 acres of developed property in the vicinity of Brea Canyon Cutoff and the SR 57. The process will take about a year to complete. The City has received a copy of the County's proposed revisions to the significant ecological areas countywide'which effects Diamond Bar with respect to what was formerly known as SEA No. 15 in the Tonner Canyon area. Earlier this evening, the City Council and Planning Commission received an update regarding the status of the community/senior center project. It isanticipated the project will come before the Planning Commission in April for approval of the site plan and environmental document. 11. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS: As listed in the Agenda. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Planning Commission, Chairman Nelson adjourned the meeting at 9:30 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, t James eStefano Deputy City Manager Attest: n Chairman Steve Nelson Vice Chairman Bob Zirbes