HomeMy WebLinkAbout4/24/2001MINUTES OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
APRIL 24, 2001
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Zirbes called the meeting to order at 7:12 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 Kuo.
1. ROLL CALL:
Present: Chairman Bob Zirbes, Vice Chairman Joe Ruzicka, and
Commissioners George Kuo, Steve Nelson and Steve Tye.
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Also Present: James DeStefano, Deputy City Manager, Ann J. Lungu,
Associate Planner, Linda Smith, Development Services
Assistant, and Stella Marquez, Administrative Secretary.
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2. MATTERS FROM THE AUDIENCE/PUBLIC COMMENTS: None offered.
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As presented.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR:
4.1 Study Session Minutes of April 10, 2001.
VC/Ruzicka moved, C/Nelson seconded, to approve the April 10, 2001,
Study Session Minutes as corrected. Motion carried by the following Roll
Call vote:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS: VC/Ruzicka, Nelson, Kuo, Chair/Zirbes
NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: Tye
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None
4.2 Minutes of Regular Meeting of April 10, 2001.
VC/Ruzicka moved, C/Nelson seconded, to approve the Regular Meeting
Minutes of April 10, 2001, as presented. Motion carried by the following Roll
Call vote:
APRIL 24, 2001 PAGE 2 PLANNING COMMISSION
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AYES: COMMISSIONERS:
NOES: COMMISSIONERS:
ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS:
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS:
5. OLD BUSINESS: None.
6. NEW BUSINESS: None.
7. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING:
Kuo, Nelson, VC/Ruzicka, Chair/Zirbes
None
Tye
None
7.1 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. (Continued from April 10, 2001.)
PROPERTY ADDRESS: 1200 Chisholm Trail
(Lots 14 & 15, Tract No. 37873)
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
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
DCM/DeStefano stated that due to lack of information regarding reduction
of the size of the home, the applicant and staff are recommending that the
Planning Commission continue Development Review No. 2000-22 to May 8,
2001.
Chair/Zirbes re -opened the public hearing.
DCM/DeStefano explained to Chair/Zirbes that the public hearing notice is
to remain on site 10 days prior to the first public hearing. The notice is
supposed to remain on site until the appeal period has been exhausted after
conclusion of its last public hearing. If there is no sign on the project site at
this time, staff would 1) cause a sign to be erected immediately and 2) cause
a re -noticing of adjacent property owners.
APRIL 24, 2001 PAGE 3 PLANNING COMMISSION
This matter was continued to just prior to tonight's Agenda Item 9 to
determine whether the applicant complied with the requirement to post the
public hearing notice on the project site.
8. PUBLIC HEARING:
8.1 Conditional Use Permit No. 20001-01, Development Review No. 2001-03,
Comprehensive Sign Proqram No. 2001-01 (pursuant to Code
Sections 22.58.020, 22.48.020, and 22.36.060) is an architectural design
review request to construct a commercial development of approximately
10,400 square feet with an underground parking area of approximately 6,956
square feet. The Conditional Use Permit is required to operate a rental car
service. Furthermore, this commercial development will accommodate multi -
tenants that provide a variety of general retail services, and office uses. The
Comprehensive Sign Program is required to integrate the project's signs with
the design of the commercial development to achieve a unified architectural
statement.
PROPERTY ADDRESS
PROPERTY OWNER:
APPLICANT:
20855 Golden Springs Drive
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Josephine H. Michaels, Trustee
500 West Lambert
Brea, CA 92821
Atlan Star, LLC
11747 Valley Boulevard
EI Monte, CA 91732
AssocP/Lungu presented staff's report. Staff recommends that the Planning
Commission approve Conditional Use Permit No. 2001-01, Development
Review No. 2001-03, Comprehensive Sign Program No. 20001-01, Negative
Declaration No. 2001-01, Findings of Fact, and conditions of approval, as
listed within the resolution.
Commissioner's voiced their concerns about the traffic engineer's report
stating that this project would result in no significant impact to adjacent traffic
intersections. In addition, there was significant discussion regarding the
uniformity of awning signs.
DCM/DeStefano explained the traffic engineer's findings and conclusions.
APRIL 24, 2001 PAGE 4 PLANNING COMMISSION
Harry Wu, 3550 San Pasquel Street, Pasadena, stated that the design of this
project conforms to the City's code requirements and incorporates design
features, colors and materials that are friendly toa the surrounding commercial
and residential areas.
Mr. Wu indicated to C/Kuo that he has not discussed a shared parking
agreement with LA Fitness, However, there is a recorded common easement
for ingress/egress of the curb opening. He was not aware that there was a
requirement for a shared parking agreement until two days ago and he will
attempt to achieve the agreement. He does not know the feasibility of
reaching an agreement but he will make his best effort to do so. However,
the rental car business closes at 6:00 p.m., prior to the peak traffic hours for
LA Fitness and he believes that the operations are, mutually compatible to
negotiating shared parking. With respect to Condition (x), he believes that
rental car companies are not required to have such a license. However, the
applicant will' obtain any licenses required by the county and/or DMV. He
reiterated his concern about the shared parking agreement with LA Fitness,
Condition (y). With respect to Condition (z), for safety and security reasons,
a rental car agency needs a few spaces to accommodate customers so that
they do not have to go to the underground parking area. He concurs with the
balance of the conditions of approval. ;` +'
Chair/Zirbes opened the public hearing.
Richard Maloo►y, 1650 Fox Glen Drive, recommended that the Planning
Commission approve this project which he believes will compliment the area.
There being no one else who wished to speak on this item, Chair/Zirbes
closed the public hearing.
C/Kuo believes that it is unfair to require this applicant to obtain a shared
parking agreement with LA Fitness. The applicant has more than enough
parking spaces.
C/Tye said that because Diamond Bar has its share of parking problems, it
is important to require a shared parking agreement which he believes will
benefit LA Parking.
VC/Ruzicka concurred with C/Tye that whenever possible, the City should
seek cooperative effort to encourage shared parking agreements.
APRIL 24, 2001 PAGE 5 PLANNING COMMISSION
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VC/Ruzicka moved, C/Tye seconded, to approve Conditional Use Permit
No. 2001-01, Development Review No. 2001-03, Findings of Fact, and
conditions listed within the resolution.
C/Tye asked that the motion exclude the Comprehensive Sign Program in
order to have it come back to the Planning Commission for consideration.
VC/Ruzicka concurred.
C/Nelson concurred with C/Kuo's concern about the requirement for shared
parking and reiterated his concern about graffiti removal.
Chair/Zirbes asked that the maker of the motion consider adding "as
required" to the end of Condition (x) on page 12 of the resolution. He said
he supports Condition (y) as written. He agrees with the applicant that it may
be possible to meet Condition (z) on page 13 and he would like for the
Commission to consider replacing the second sentence with the following:
The applicant shall minimize the parking of its cars on the surface parking lot
during its hours of operation and, no rental cars shall be parked on the
surface packing lot when the business is closed. He further requested that
the second sentence of Condition (dd) on page 13 be changed to read: "if
4 non-compliance with conditions of approval occurs, the Planning
Commission may, revoke the Conditional Use Permit or additional operational
conditions may be added."
C/Tye pointed out that if vehicles are allowed to be left on the surface
parking lot it may give rise to advertising. Therefore, he believes that
Condition (z) as written discourages this practice and that rental vehicles
should be moved to the underground parking as quickly as possible.
Following discussion, VC/Ruzicka asked that his motion stand as previously
modified with the addition of a condition to provide for graffiti removal as
recommended by C/Nelson.
DCM/DeStefano restated the amended motion as follows: Acceptance of two
amendments affecting Condition (x) and Condition (dd) and a new Condition
(gg) regarding graffiti removal as well as, pulling the Comprehensive Sign
Program from approval so that it will come back to the Commission for
consideration at a later date.
Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
APRIL 24, 2001 PAGE 6 PLANNING COMMISSION
PROPERTY ADDRE'S'S:
PROPERTY OWNER/
APPLICANT:
Parcel Map No. 10208, Parcel 2
(East Side of Diamond Bar Boulevard,
Immediately north of the Pomona
Freeway/
SR60 and east of the Orange
Freeway/SR57
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Canyon Wash, LLC
3480 Torrance Boulevard, Suite 300
Torrance, CA 90503
AssocP/Lungu presented -staff's report. Staff recommends that the Planning
Commission approve Zone Change No. 2000-01 from R-3-8,000 25U to C-2,
Findings of Fact, and conditions of approval, as listed within the resolution.
Applicant, Kurt Nelson, stated his preference for staff's recommendation for
a change to C-2 rather than C-3 if C-2 accommodates a Midas type
operation to which AssocP/Lungu responded minor auto repair such as
brake work, lube and oil changes, etc.
Chair/Zirbes opened the public hearing.
Paul Kernodle, 231 Navajo Springs Road, objects to this zone change due
to concerns regarding the stability of the hillside and the change in the traffic
pattern.
Randy Siegel, 209 Navajo Springs Road, said he has the same concerns
expressed by Mr. Kernodle. He does not believe the area can accommodate
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AYES: COMMISSIONERS: VC/Ruzicka, Tye, Kuo, Nelson, Chair/Zirbes
NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None
8.2 Zone Chanqe No. 2000-01 (pursuant to Code Section 22.44.010-070) is a
request to change the zoning of a vacant parcel from residential use to
commercial use. This will specifically involve a zone change from R-3-8,000
25U to C-3. The project site's General Plan land use designation is General
Commercial. The requested zone change, if approved, will be in compliance
with the General Plan. The Planning Commission is charged with making a
recommendation to the City Council for the proposed zone change.
PROPERTY ADDRE'S'S:
PROPERTY OWNER/
APPLICANT:
Parcel Map No. 10208, Parcel 2
(East Side of Diamond Bar Boulevard,
Immediately north of the Pomona
Freeway/
SR60 and east of the Orange
Freeway/SR57
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Canyon Wash, LLC
3480 Torrance Boulevard, Suite 300
Torrance, CA 90503
AssocP/Lungu presented -staff's report. Staff recommends that the Planning
Commission approve Zone Change No. 2000-01 from R-3-8,000 25U to C-2,
Findings of Fact, and conditions of approval, as listed within the resolution.
Applicant, Kurt Nelson, stated his preference for staff's recommendation for
a change to C-2 rather than C-3 if C-2 accommodates a Midas type
operation to which AssocP/Lungu responded minor auto repair such as
brake work, lube and oil changes, etc.
Chair/Zirbes opened the public hearing.
Paul Kernodle, 231 Navajo Springs Road, objects to this zone change due
to concerns regarding the stability of the hillside and the change in the traffic
pattern.
Randy Siegel, 209 Navajo Springs Road, said he has the same concerns
expressed by Mr. Kernodle. He does not believe the area can accommodate
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APRIL 24, 2001 PAGE 7 PLANNING COMMISSION
additional traffic and he is mostly concerned about the noise, lighting and
hours of operation that a future business might generate.
Kurt Nelson said he is aware of the speakers' concerns. The proposed
development site is less than one acre. The overall site is nearly five and
one-half acres. What the applicant and/or buyer would propose to do would
be limited to a very small pad area. Limited grading studies indicate that
such a project cannot affect the hillside. Any proposed project will address
grading and traffic issues.
VC/Ruzicka moved, C/Nelson seconded, to recommend approval to the City
Council Zone Change No. 2000-01 from R-3-8,000 25U to C-2, Findings of
Fact, and conditions of approval as listed within the resolution.
AYES: COMMISSIONERS: VC/Ruzicka, Nelson, Kuo, Tye, Chair/Zirbes
NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None.
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None.
8.3 Development Review No. 2001-02 (pursuant to Code Section 22.48.020)
is a request to remodel and add approximately 2,535 square feet to an
existing 3,945 square feet single family residence with balconies and four car
garage.
PROPERTY ADDRESS: 2211-1 Steeplechase Lane
(Lot 180, Tract 30578)
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
PROPERTY OWNER: Maninder Arora
22111 Steeplechase Lane
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
APPLICANT: S&W Development
20272 Carrey Road
Walnut, CA 91789
DSA/Smith presented staff's report. Staff recommends that the Planning
Commission approve Development Review No. 2001-02, Findings of Fact,
and conditions of approval, as listed within the resolution.
Simon Shum, project architect, does not believe it is necessary to raze the
stable and asked the Commission to reconsider staff's recommendation.
Chair/Zirbes opened the public hearing.
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APRIL 24, 2001 PAGE 8 PLANNING COMMISSION
There being no one who wished to speak on this matter, Chair/Zirbes closed
the public hearing.
C/Nelson moved, VC/Ruzicka seconded, to approve Development Review
No. 2001-02, Findings of Fact, and conditions of approval, as listed within the
resolution.
DSA/Smith indicated to C/Kuo that the City's Building and Safety Division will
permit the stable structure assuming it meets the code.
Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Nelson, VC/Ruzicka, Kuo, Tye, Chair/Zirbes
NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None.
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None.
7. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING:
7.1 Development Review No. 2000-22 — (continued from 7.1 of tonight's
agenda)
DCM/DeStefano reported that staff contacted the project, manager for the
development who recalls seeing the sign at the site at the appropriate time
prior, to the first public hearing. She does not recall seeing the sign thereafter
as a result of not visiting the site post the initial visit. DCM/DeStefano further
stated that he incorrectly indicated it is a requirement of the code that the
sign remain standing up until the appeal period of the project.
C/Tye moved, Chair/Zirbes seconded, to continue Development Review
No. 2000-22 to May 22, 2001, and that the applicant be required to re -post
the sign and that the matter be re -noticed within the appropriate boundaries.
Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Tye, Chair/Zirbes, Kuo, Nelson, VC/Ruzicka
NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None.
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None.
9. PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS: C/Tye reiterated his concern about
public hearing signs not being removed. He asked if any action has been taken
toward requiring applicants to post a deposit to ensure the removal of public hearing
signs.
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APRIL 24, 2001 PAGE 9 PLANNING COMMISSION
AssocP/Lungu stated that no action has been taken with respect to requiring
applicants to post a deposit. However, staff is preparing an amendment to the City's
Development Code stating when signs must be removed.
Chair/Zirbes suggested that a discussion of public hearing signage be agendized.
He spoke about witnessing safety violations at Petersen Park. Kids are riding their
bicycles inside the skate board park and preventing other kids from using the facility
as it was intended. Last week his son suffered a broken arm as a result of his
skateboard hitting a rock. He feels the park should be monitored for such hazards.
10. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: "
DCM/DeStefano reported that the newly selected City Manager begins work on
May 14. The Significant Ecological Area study continues within Los Angeles
County. The City's 12`x' annual birthday party and the Chamber of Commerce
sponsored Casino Night are forthcoming.
10.1 Public Hearing dates for future projects,
11. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS:
As listed in the Agenda.
ADJOURNMENT:
C/Tye moved, C/Nelson seconded, to adjourn the meeting. There being no further
business to come before the Planning Commission, Chairman Zirbes adjourned the
meeting at 9:28 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
James DeStef no
Deputy City M nager
Attest:
- " Chairman Bob Zirbes