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Home My WebLink About9/25/2001u MINUTES OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 25, 2001 CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Zirbes called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. in the South Coast Air Quality Management Auditorium, 21865 East Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Tye led in the Pledge of Allegiance. 1. ROLL CALL: Present: Chairman Bob Zirbes; Vice Chairman Joe Ruzicka; and Commissioners George Kuo; and Steve Tye. Commissioner Steve Nelson arrived at 7:34 p.m. Also Present: James DeStefano, Deputy City Manager; David Meyer, Planning Consultant; Ann Lungu, Associate Planner; Linda Smith, Development Services Assistant; and Sharon Gomez, Administrative Assistant. 2. MATTERS FROM THE AUDIENCE/PUBLIC COMMENTS: None offered. 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As Presented. 4. CONSENT CALENDAR: 4.1 Minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 14, 2001. VC/Ruzicka moved, C/Kuo seconded, to approve the minutes for the regular August 14, 2001, meeting as presented. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: COMMISSIONERS: COMMISSIONERS: 5. OLD BUSINESS: None. 6. NEW BUSINESS: None. Kuo, Tye, VC/Ruzicka, Chair/Zirbes None Nelson SEPTEMBER 25, 2001 PAGE 2 PLANNING COMMISSION 7. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARINGS: 7.1 Variance No. 2001-06 (pursuant to Code Section 22.54 is a request to construct a wrought iron perimeter fence and entry gates that will exceed the maximum allowable height within the front setback. (Continued from September 11, 2001) PROPERTY ADDRESS: 2859 Watercourse Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 PROPERTY OWNER Mr. Liu 2859 Watercourse Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 APPLICANT: Rodney Tapp 351 S. Thomas Street Pomona, CA 91766 PC/Meyer presented staff's report. Staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve Variance No. 2001-06, Findings of Fact, and conditions of approval, as listed within the resolution. Jeff Chamlee, Lamb Design, stated that the issue of the setbacks with respect to the gate design is satisfactory with the gate parallel to the street and a setback from 10 to 20 feet or, a setback of 24 feet per staff's recommendation even though it would be inconsistent with what some of the neighboring properties enjoy. Chair/Zirbes re -opened the public hearing. Steven Lo, 1206 E. Lexington Drive, Pomona, said that a setback for the gate of 12 to 15 feet is reasonable. However, a setback greater than 15 feet will deprive the owner of enjoyment realized by his neighbors. PC/Meyer stated that the speaker is correct in that in this neighborhood there are a number of vehicular access gates that are closer to the edge of the road than 24 feet. Staff's initial recommendation was consistent with the first set of plans where the gate was presented at an angle to the street. Further, the recommendation presented the best possible safety measures to allow traffic to move throughout the community. A 15' setback with a sliding gate would allow a vehicle to leave the roadway in a relatively safe manner. SEPTEMBER 25, 2001 PAGE 3 PLANNING COMMISSION PC/Meyer indicated to C/Tye that staff did not receive a written response from the homeowners association. However, the applicant's representative assured staff that the matter was considered by the association and that a written response will be forthcoming. Following discussion, VC/Ruzicka moved, C/Zirbes seconded, to approve Variance No. 2001-06, Findings of Fact, and conditions of approval, as listed within the resolution subject to the following amendment: Item 3, Section F, to indicate a setback of 20 feet. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Kuo, Tye, VC/Ruzicka, Chair/Zirbes NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Nelson 8. PUBLIC HEARING: 8.1 Development Code Amendment No. 2001-02. Conditional Use Permit No. 2001-06 and Comprehensive sign Program 2000-02 (pursuant to Code Sections 22.36.120.C. and 22.36.080, 22.58. and 22.36.060) is a request to install signs for the Diamond Bar Honda dealership and recently approved dealer expansion/car wash/lube facility. Proposed signs are as follows: One 65 -foot tall electronic reader board; three monument signs; two canopy signs, and one dealership identification sign. The proposed Development Code Amendment within the C-3 zone will permit freeway -oriented signs that feature an electronic reader board with a maximum 65 -foot height and a maximum total sign face area of 1,000 square feet for development complexes. Additionally, the proposed Development Code Amendment will allow freeway oriented wall signs with a maximum sign face area of 300 square feet and monument signs with a maximum 12 foot height and a maximum sign face area of 55 square feet for the freeway oriented development complexes within the C-3 zone. The Conditional Use Permit will be utilized to review the proposed electronic reader board sign with regard to location, design and potential impacts. The Comprehensive sign Program provides a process for sign integration with the design of structures on site in order to achieve a unified architectural statement. The Planning Commission is charged with making a recommendation to the City Council for the proposed request. PROJECT ADDRESS: 515-525 S. Grand Avenue Diamond Bar, CA 91765 1 SEPTEMBER 25, 2001 PAGE 4 PLANNING COMMISSION PROPERTY OWNER: Matthew Tachdjian Diamond Bar Honda 525 S. Grand Avenue Diamond Bar, CA 91765 APPLICANT: Rod Wilson Electric -Media, Inc. 4737 W. 156"` Street Lawndale, CA 90260 DCM/DeStefano reported that due to an error in the public hearing notification, staff has re -advertised this item to be heard at the next regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting on October 9, 2001. 8.2 Development Review No. 2001-11 (pursuant to Code Section 22.48.010.A.) is a request to construct a two-story single family residence with a four -car garage with two spaces in tandem and balconies for a total of approximately 11,000 square feet. Additionally, the request includes retaining walls within the side yards with a " maximum height of six feet. PROJECT ADDRESS: PROPERTY OWNER/ APPLICANT: 2698 Blaze Trail (Lot 2, Tract 51169) Diamond Bar, CA 91765 Horizon Pacific 2707 Diamond Bar Boulevard Diamond Bar, CA 91765 AssocP/Lungu presented staff's report. Staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve Development Review No. 2001-11, Findings of Fact, and conditions of approval, as listed within the resolution. Jerry Yeh, Horizon Pacific, stated the applicant concurs with staff's report with the following exception. He asked that the last sentence of Item 5, Subsection (c), be amended to state that the installation of landscape and irrigation be completed prior to the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy rather than prior to the issuance of any city permit. Chair/Zirbes opened the public hearing. There being no one present who wished to speak on this matter, Chair/Zirbes closed the public hearing. 1 SEPTEMBER 25, 2001 PAGE 5 PLANNING COMMISSION In response to Mr. Yeh's request to amend Item 5, Subsection (c), DCM/DeStefano stated that staff's intent was to make certain that the plans are made available early on into the project. The installation of landscaping and irrigation should likely wait until later on in the process. C/Tye moved, VC/Ruzicka seconded to approve Development Review No. 2001-11, Findings of Fact, and conditions as listed within the resolution, subject to the amendment of Item 5, Subsection (c) to indicate that the installation of landscaping and irrigation shall be required prior to final inspection or issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Kuo, Tye, VC/Ruzicka, Chair/Zirbes NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Nelson 8.3 Conditional use Permit No. 2001-03 and Development Review No. 2001-13 (pursuant to Code Sections 22.58 and 22.48.020(A)) is a request to modify the interior of an existing tower of the Country Suites to house telecommunication facilities. PROJECT ADDRESS PROPERTY OWNER: APPLICANT: 21951 Golden Springs Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 The Ayers Group 355 Bristol Street #A Costa Mesa, CA 92626 Cingular 2521 Michelle Drive Tustin, CA 92780 DSA/Smith presented staff's report. Staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve Conditional Use Permit No. 2001-03 and Development Review No. 2001-13, Findings of Fact, and conditions of approval, as listed within the resolution. Henry Noh, Cingular Consulting Group, said he read staff's report and concurs with the recommendations for approval. Mr. Noh clarified that the equipment will be installed in a cupola on top of the roof. SEPTEMBER 25, 2001 PAGE 6 PLANNING COMMISSION C/Nelson asked if the applicant encountered a significant cost increase by housing the equipment inside a cupola to which Mr. Noh responded yes. Chair/Zirbes opened the public hearing. There being no one who wished to speak on this matter, Chair/Zirbes closed the public hearing. C/Tye thanked the consulting group and the Country Suites for their cooperative efforts with the city to move this project along in an aesthetically pleasing manner. VC/Ruzicka moved, C/Tye seconded, to approve Conditional Use Permit No. 2001-03 and Development Review No. 2001-13, Findings of Fact, and conditions of approval, as listed within the resolution. Chair/Zirbes commended the applicant, property owner and staff for delivering a stealth project. 9. PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS: C/Tye asked for an update of the Pulte Homes project at Diamond Bar Boulevard and Tin Drive and the efforts to camouflage the mechanical devices. DCM/DeStefano responded that the landscaping is not yet in place. If Pulte fails to comply, staff will withhold the issuance of further permits that will delay future construction and/or withhold certificates of occupancy. However, every effort to accommodate future Diamond Bar homeowners will take precedence. DCM/DeStefano responded to Chair/Zirbes that the matter of landscape standards could be placed on the October 9 agenda for discussion purposes. However, the formal hearing could not conclude prior to October 23. Chair/Zirbes said he received a telephone call from the Seasons Apartment complex on Highland Valley. The complex has recently experienced problems with vandalism they believe occurs by virtue of an alley access from adjoining properties. He felt that by requiring property owners to trim of trees and shrubbery in the area it would eliminate the shielding of adverse activity. DCM/DeStefano said he will speak with Sheriff's representatives tomorrow. SEPTEMBER 25, 2001 PAGE 7 PLANNING COMMISSION 10. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: 10.1 Public Hearing dates for future projects. DCM/DeStefano referred to the site plan, floor plan and architectural character for the new community center project included in Commissioner packets. The City Council recently reached a decision regarding architectural materials and colors. The City is presently moving to hire a construction management company. Generally, the project is slated to commence construction around July 2002. As a result of the County's discussion regarding the possibility of a regional library, plans for a community center library have been placed on hold. DCM/DeStefano reported that the following are a variety of developments on the horizon that will likely be coming before the Planning Commission for consideration in the future: an Extended -Stay America Hotel, a Starbucks and other small uses in the Walnut Valley Trailer Park property; the Citrus Valley Health Partners property - a two -three building 120,000 office development; development of 35-40 homes on the remaining 80 acres on the backside of "The Country Estates" and; three or four new cell sites. DCM/DeStefano stated that several capital improvement projects are underway or will commence shortly. 1) median improvements on Sunset Crossing, Golden Springs Drive and Golden Prados, 2) sidewalk linkage within the Gateway Corporate Center on Golden Springs Drive between the Couhtry Suites and the SCAQMD building, 3) street resurfacing on Golden Springs Drive from Diamond Bar Boulevard to Temple Avenue and 4) the Brea Canyon Road improvement project from Pathfinder Road south to the southerly city limits and 5) drainage and irrigation project at Peterson Park. DCM/DeStefano thanked Sharon Gomez for standing in for Stella Marquez while she is on vacation. C/Tye asked about the cost of the proposed community center. DCM/DeStefano indicated to C/Tye that the cost of the proposed community center is proposed to be about 10.5 million dollars. Much of the cost is in the creation of the pad for the facility. In another matter, much thought and effort has been given to the creation of a Brea -like entertainment center as a use for the Citrus Valley Partner's site. However, there has been no such interest on the part of a developer. SEPTEMBER 25, 2001 1 PAGE 8 PLANNING COMMISSION DCM/DeStefano responded to C/Nelson that the Summitridge Park playground and storage facility will be relocated. Within the proposed community center is a children's area. In rethinking the project, Council concluded that the architecture of the proposed community center should incorporate features that would differentiate it from the surrounding area. DCM/DeStefano indicated that a major tenant is considering locating in the Ralph's Market space in the Country Hills Towne Center. This tenant would require about 7,000 additional square feet above the amount offered within the Ralph's space. 11. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS: As listed in the Agenda. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Planning Commission, Chairman Zirbes adjourned the meeting at 8:28 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, v%, _ J s DeStefano Deputy City Man Attest: Chairman Bob Zirbes