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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/11/2005MINUTES OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 11, 2005 CALL TO ORDER: Chairman McManus called the meeting to orderat 7:07 p.m. in the South CoastAirQuality Management District/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California 91765. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Lee led the Pledge of Allegiance. 1. ROLL CALL: Present: Chairman Joe McManus; Vice Chairperson Ruth Low; and Commissioners Kwang Ho Lee and Tony Torng. Commissioner Dan Nolan was excused. Also present: Nancy Fong, Interim Community Development Director; Bradley E. Wohlenberg, Acting City Attorney; Ann Lungu, Associate Planner; and Stella Marquez, Senior 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 September 27, 2005. VC/Low moved, C/Torng seconded to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes for September 27, 2005, as presented. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: NOES: COMMISSIONERS: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: 5. OLD BUSINESS: None 6. NEW BUSINESS: None VCILow, Torng, Lee, Chair/McManus None Nolan OCTOBER 11, 2005 7. PUBLIC HEARING(S): PAGE 2 PLANNING COMMISSION 7.1 DEVELOPMENT REVIEW 2005-24 MINOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 2005-14 and TREE PERMIT NO. 2005-08 - In accordance with Development Code Sections 22.56, 22.68 and 22.38, this was a request to construct an addition of approximately 3,080 square feet of habitable space, deck/balcony and two car garage to an existing single-family residence of approximately 3,446 square feet with an existing three -car garage. The Minor Conditional Use Permit was related to existing legal non -conforming front setback and residence height, and the Tree Permit was related to the preservation/protection of oak trees. PROJECT ADDRESS PROPERTY OWNER: APPLICANT: 2606 Blaze Trail (Lot 154, Tract 30578) Diamond Bar, CA 91765 Mr. And Mrs. Tulsi Savani 2606 Blaze Trail Diamond Bar, CA 91765 Simon Shum S&W Development 20272 Carrey Road Walnut, CA 91789 AssocP/Lungu presented staffs report and recommended Planning Commission approval of Development Review No. 2005-24, Minor Conditional Use Permit No. 2005-14 and Tree Permit No. 2005-08, Findings of Fact, and conditions of approval as listed within the resolution. Simon Shum, Architect, thanked AssocP/Lungu for her thorough and complete report. Mr. Shum indicated to VC/Low that the applicant agreed that the residence would remain a single-family dwelling. Mr. Shum responded to C/Lee that the difference between a grade and finished grade is that the grade is the natural landscape and the finished grade is the adjusted grade to include the height of the retaining wall. OCTOBER 11, 2005 PAGE 3 PLANNING COMMISSION In response to Chair/McManus, Mr. Shum stated that the lower level would be a game/rumpus room. To VC/Low, Mr. Shum indicated that the lower level is considered by the City to be a second unit. However, the owner does not intend to use the lower level dwelling as a single unit. ICDD/Fong believed the applicant converted the existing basement area to useable space and there was no additional expansion intended by the applicant. Mr. Shum reiterated to C/Lee that he was not changing the grade and that the structure would be extended out only about 25 feet for the patio. Chair/McManus opened the public hearing. Cecil McMillan, 2626 Blaze Trail, property owner south of the applicant, said he bought his house 30 years ago because of the oak trees and was very sensitive to their protection. He said he was assured that the oak trees would be protected and that even though they were not situated on his property they were in full view from his property. He commended the Commission for protecting the trees and said he was most concerned about erosion between the two properties. Chair/McManus closed the public hearing. C/Torng wanted to know if Mr. McMillan's concerns about the view of a blank wall were properly addressed. TCDD/Fong explained that that portion of the wall would contain stucco and rich looking stone veneer as well as landscaping. VC/Low moved, C/Lee seconded to approve Development Review No. 2005-24, Minor Conditional Use Permit No. 2005-14 and Tree Permit No. 2005-08, Findings of Fact, and conditions of approval as listed within the resolution. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: VC/Low, Lee, Torng, Chair/McManus NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Nolan OCTOBER 11, 2005 PAGE 4 PLANNING COMMISSION 8. PLANNING COMMSSIONER COMMENTS/INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: C/Lee wished that the Commission had more items to consider for better use of time. He thanked staff for their comprehensive reports. C/Torng said he was looking forward to. hearing the Country Hills Town Center proposal. Chair/McManus reported that Congressman Miller spoke at the Rotary Club meeting this morning and the discussion included mixed use and form -based codes. Congressman Miller felt that the form -based code would save energy and be a good idea for the City to consider. 9. STAFF COMMENTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: ICDD/Fong stated that staff scheduled a form -based code study session with the City Council for October 18. After the Council has digested the information staff may schedule a joint study session with the City Council and Planning Commission for further discussion. Also, on October 18 staff intends to discuss with the Council the use of Palm trees for shopping centers because both Target and the Country Hills Town Center have proposed the use of Palm trees. 1CDD/Fong indicated to VC/Low that she was working on the "art in public places" concept. Staff is talking with JCC Development about their South Pointe project and about the deal points in the development agreement. VC/Low suggested that the "art in public places" and palm trees discussion could be bundled together. ICDD/Fong agreed it was a good opportunity because the City was talking about beautifying its major boulevards. 9.1 Public Hearing dates for future projects 9.2 Status of approved projects. 10. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS: As listed in tonight's agenda. OCTOBER 11, 2005 PAGE 5 PLANNING COMMISSION ADJOURNMENT: With no further business before the Planning Commission, Chair/McManus adjourned the meeting at 7:40 p.m. Respectfully Subm Nancy Fong Interim Com ity Devel pment Director Attest: G P I/C 6t McManus, Chairman