04/15/1999GRAND TERRACE PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 15, 1999
The regular meeting of the Grand Terrace Planning Commission was called to order at the
Grand Terrace Civic Center, 22795 Barton Road, Grand Terrace, California on April 15,
1999 at 7:00 p.m. by Chairwoman, Fran Van Gelder.
PRESENT: Fran Van Gelder, Chairperson
Doug Wilson, Vice -Chairperson
Matt Addington, Commissioner
Don Larkin, Commissioner
Patrizia Materassi, Community and Economic Development Director
John Lampe, Planner
Pat Peterson, CEDD Secretary
ABSENT: Mary Trainor, Commissioner
7:00 P.M. CONVENED SITE AND ARCHITECTURE REVIEW BOARD/
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance by Vice -Chairman Wilson
Roll Call
Public address to Commission shall be limited to three minutes unless
extended by the Chairman. Should you desire to make a longer
presentation, please make written request to be agendized to the
Community Development Director.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: None
ITEM#1
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES - FEBRUARY 18, 1999.
MOTION
PCM-99-08
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES - FEBRUARY 18, 1999
Motion by Commissioner Larkin to approve Planning Commission Meeting
Minutes of February 18, 1999.
Seconded by Vice -Chairman Wilson.
MOTION
VOTE
PCM-99-08
Motion carried. 4-0-0-1. Commissioner Trainor absent.
ITEM #3
TPM-97-01
APPLICATION FOR TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP TO SUBDIVIDE PARCEL MAP
#15068 INTO TWO PARCELS.
W.J. MC KEEVER, INC. FOR ANGELINE AND ANTHONY PETTA
O BETWEEN HONEY HILLS AND VICTORIA STREET, GRAND TERRACE, CA
Staff report was presented by John Lampe, Planner. This application requests division
of his 1.24 acre parcel into two residential parcels. Subject property is located westerly
of Honey Hill Drive, just south of the intersection of Honey Hill Drive and Westwood
Street, and easterly of Victoria Street. Subject property is zoned R1-7.2, single family
residential with a minimum lot size of 7,200 square feet. Under the R1-7.2 zoning
designation applicant is technically allowed to develop this 1.24 acre parcel with 5 to 6
lots. This application is for only 2 lots. Surrounding properties westerly of Honey Hills
Drive are also zoned R1-7.2. Parcels easterly of Honey Hills Drive are zoned R1-20.
General Plan Land Use designation for subject property and surrounding is Low Density
Residential, single family residential homes. Mr. Lampe displayed an overhead slide
depicting a site plan of subject and surrounding properties. Mr. Lampe explained that a
parcel this size could, according to the zoning code, be divided into 5-6 lots. Mr. Petta
is asking that it be divided into only 2 parcels. Parcel #1, accessed from Victoria Street,
is proposed to be 16,553 square feet. Parcel #2, accessed from Honey Hills Drive, will
be 37,462 square feet. The proposed parcel sizes are compatible with and provide a
transition between the smaller 11,000-13,000 square foot parcels to the south and the
larger Y2 acre parcels to the north. Site topography consists of 2 flat building pads on
parcel #2, and 1 flat pad area on parcel #1. Parcel #2 has a long, 12-14' high granite
ridge running along the easterly boundary fronting on the westerly side of Honey Hills
Drive.
The Victoria Street access to parcel #1 is a public 30' developed as a private drive
serving 3 existing homes. The tentative parcel map, as proposed, complies with all of
the site development standards of the R1-7.2 zone.
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 3
April 15, 1999
The following three topics were the main focus of several discussions with applicant: 1) Parcel
#1 size - a preliminary grading plan has been submitted to show the parcel can be developed to
meet all development standards of the R1-7.2 zone; 2) Access to Parcel #1 from Victoria St. -
Mr. Petta will be required to show title insurance showing legal access from Victoria St. prior to
map recordation; and 3) Paving/access to Parcel #2 from Honey Hill Drive - additional street
improvements were not recommended by staff. A traffic study was done which suggested
some drive approach improvements to increase sight stopping distance.
Mr. Lampe told the Commission he had received inquiries from neighbors about the project. A
letter was received from John Jensen at Lot 6 on Merle Ct., to the immediate south of the
subject property. He expressed concern about maintenance and drainage of a brow ditch along
a common property line with subject property. Another letter was received from a group of
residents called "Concerned Citizens of the City" talking about privacy issues, erosion, seismic
stability and conversion of subject property to high density housing, and asked for an
environmental impact report be conducted.
Staff recommended the Planning Commission approve the resolution and recommending City
Council approve the parcel map.
Commissioner Larkin asked for clarification of staffs proposed condition of approval addressing
run-off and drainage from the subject parcel. Director stated there have been no drainage
problems recorded to date. When a development proposal is filed there will be a complete
analysis of grading and drainage. If current drainage provisions are found to be insufficient it
will be addressed at that time.
7:20 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING OPENED
Bill McKeever
McKeever Engineering
647 N. Main St.
Riverside, CA
He introduced himself as the project engineer. He said he has reviewed the proposed
conditions of approval and concur with all conditions.
Tony Petta
11875 Eton Dr.
Grand Terrace, CA
He requested permission of the Chairwoman to his reserve comments until all others
have spoken. Chairwoman Van Gelder granted his request.
John Kaloshian
23060 Merle Ct.
Grand Terrace, CA
He said his home will have the most impact of this project. His house is right
under the slope. His concerns were seismic stability and possible personal
safety; privacy as his bedroom is on the second floor; quality of life; and the
economic impact on his property. He asked the Planning Commission to
consider the human element of this project and not just numbers to justify the
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 4
April 15, 1999
project meets development standards. He asked them to consider the good of
the whole community, not just Mr. Petta.
Director Materassi clarified the issue of privacy by saying the view from subject property
is of San Bernardino and the valley. She did not believe the invasion of privacy is
substantial. She also said Mr. Petta is entitled by code to split this property into 4-6 lots
if he desired. Regarding Mr. Kaloshian's concern of erosion Director told him soils
reports will be required and compaction will be to standards.
William Cole
23052 Merle Ct.
Grand Terrace, CA
He stated a concern about erosion and drainage. He requested plans be
submitted to control erosion and drainage before approval of the subject
application. He opposed waiver of any fire restrictions because of his trees and
fences.
Ronald Spurlock
23015 Victoria St.
Grand Terrace, CA
Q He said his concern is that the hillside is stable and does not want to be a victim
of mudslides. He suggested placing drains underground. He purchased his
home because he likes the quiet, secluded community. He was also concerned
about increased density. He requested time to review a erosion/drainage plan
prior to a decision by the Planning Commission.
Eloise Reyes
11900 Honey Hill Dr.
Grand Terrace, CA
She expressed concern about a home being built on Parcel 1, 30 feet from her
bedroom. She urged the Commission Members that the rocks on Parcel 2
should not be a major consideration. She suggested a site visit would show the
slope erosion. She said the seismic stability needs to be given serious
consideration. She objected to ingress/egress to Parcel 1 via Victoria St. Ms.
Reyes said it would be grossly unfair to allow the street to go unimproved in front
of Parcel 2, if all other residents along Honey Hill have been required to put in
street improvements. She wants the street width to be uniform. She strongly
urged the Planning Commission to deny subject application.
Conrad Salinas
23048 Victoria St.
Grand Terrace, CA
He emphasized the letter signed by many of the property owners affected by the
parcel map. He said that by creating two parcels the flavor of Honey Hills would
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 5
April 15, 1999
be ruined. The "flavor" as is now is one of large homes on large lots. Parcel 1
can accommodate only a home of 1700 square feet and the surrounding homes
are much larger. He reiterated the issue of privacy by saying he can stand on
the subject property and look below into his bedroom windows. He said there is
2-3 feet of erosion debris against the fences of those who live on Merle Ct. He
questioned the seismic stability of subject property. He urged Commission
Members to vote against applicant's proposal.
Frank Reyes
11900 Honey Hill Dr.
Grand Terrace, CA
Mr. Reyes requested permission to defer his comments until after Mr. Petta
speaks. Chairwoman Van Gelder granted his request.
Chairwoman Van Gelder asked if anyone else wished to speak against the project?
Leela Masilamani
23042 Merle Ct.
Grand Terrace, CA
She is a registered nurse and is concerned about the health of her three children
Q with allergies. If Victoria St. is used to access Parcel 1 more dust will be created
and will affect their health.
William Addington, City Engineer, asked if he could respond to concerns just voiced by
neighbors of the project area. Chairwoman Van Gelder indicated he could do so.
Mr. Addington said the Honey Hills areas has an outstanding type of soil. The nearest
earthquake fault is the San Jacinto on the east side of Reche Canyon. Grand Terrace
does not have any active faults. Improvement of subject property will reduce the
impacts of slope stability, run-off and fire hazard. He explained Victoria St. is owned by
the City of Grand Terrace. Currently three residences get access from Victoria St. via a
permit. He said subject property should enjoy the same right. He explained that soils
reports and compaction tests will be required when the property is improved.
Tony Petta
11876 Eton Dr.
Grand Terrace, CA
Mr. Petta said when he purchased subject property it was similar to the
undeveloped area of Honey Hills. The initial grading and development was done
by Mr. Zampese and Mr. DeBenedet. He said he is proud of subject parcel and
because of the expert grading done it is as safe a lot as can be found in the
Inland Empire. Mr. Petta, referring to the City Vision, said subject parcel is a rare
commodity and that it is private, secluded and every attempt is being made to
preserve the natural surroundings of parcel 1; it is the perfect place to raise a
family and has a view. Mr. Petta related the history of how he met Mrs. Salinas
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 6
April 15, 1999
after she moved into her home at 23048 Victoria St., which is next to the
proposed parcel 1. He said he told her she could garden on his property,
however he would have a legal document drawn up to make it official. She told
him she would like to buy his property to build her dream home. He said that
was partially his motivation for splitting the parcel.
Frank Reyes
11900 Honey Hills
Grand Terrace, CA
Mr. Reyes stated he moved from Loma Linda to Honey Hills to raise his family
because of low crime, no traffic and the view. He said he concerned with traffic,
vandalism and danger to children. He said he would like to have Mr. Petta as a
neighbor but would not like him to sell the property to someone unknown,
possibly from outside of Grand Terrace. Mr. Reyes said he takes great pride in
his home and wants the Planning Commission to deny Mr. Petta's application.
He said he will get more neighbors to appear before the City Council if needed to
have this application denied by them as well.
Chairwoman Van Gelder said two letters received from Mr. John L. Jensen and the
Concerned Citizens of the City will be included in the minutes of this meeting.
8:05 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED
Commissioner Wilson said to the residents in the audience he worked for the developer
who built their homes on Merle Ct. He asked staff if this parcel map application meets
the zoning laws of the City. Director Materassi answered "yes". Vice-chairman Wilson
asked Director to verify that if the two proposed parcels meet the minimum zoning
requirements of 7200 square foot lots and also meet the set back requirements
regarding placement of the structures on the lot then the application can be
recommended for approval to City Council.
Commissioner Wilson asked staff for more information about Victoria Street. Mr. Bill
Addington said Victoria Street is a historic right-of-way dating back to the turn of the
century for the dedication date. Because of safety issues involving driveways the
houses facing Barton Road, adjacent to Victoria Street take access from Victoria. If the
subject subdivision is approved four properties will access Barton Road via Victoria
Street. He asked if there are any other places in the City where a street of the width of
Victoria Street serves this many homes. Director said there are a couple.
Commissioner Wilson asked staff what the neighboring parcel sizes are to the north of
subject property. Mr. Lampe said there are five parcels to the north of Victoria Street
ranging in size from 20,000 square feet to 67,900 square feet. Mr. Bill Addington said
Parcel 1 is proposed to be similar to the Merle Ct. parcel sizes, and Parcel 2 will be more
similar the Honey Hills parcels.
Regarding the issue of privacy Commissioner Wilson stated he considers it a non -issue.
Privacy concerns can be mitigated with landscaping. He asked staff to clarify the
location of the ditch. Director Materassi said the brow ditch is on John Jensen's side of
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 7
April 15, 1999
the common property line between Mr. Jensen and subject property. Mr. Petta has
maintained the ditch for many years because Mr. Jensen does not have access to it due
to the location of Mr. Jensen's fence.
Commissioner Addington said he shares many of Vice -Chairman Wilson's thoughts. He
asked if it would be possible to under -ground the brow ditch and if there are any such
underground ditches in the area. City Engineer Addington said there are no
underground master plan storm drain in the area in which to put water from such a drain._
Director Materassi added that such a grading and drainage proposal could be made at a
public hearing when a development proposal comes to public hearing. City Engineer
Addington summarized by saying the application being considered now is only to divide
the property into two parcels and record a map. When the owner decides to develop the
property it will come back to the Planning Commission for a public hearing. Any
proposed plans at that time will be closely scrutinized to be sure they do not have an
adverse effect on neighbors.
Commissioner Addington asked staff if there have been complaints of erosion on subject
property. Director Materassi said staff has never received complaints regarding erosion.
No significant concerns were noted by any staff member during site visits to cause
specific conditions of approval to be suggested regarding erosion.
Chairwoman Van Gelder said the privacy concern of residents is heard frequently by the
Planning Commission. She said it is something residents must live with in a "hilly" town
such as Grand Terrace. She did visit the site but did not notice any specific erosion
problems. She thanked the audience for attending the meeting to give input.
Commissioner Larkin commented on the importance of issues made by neighbors
regarding privacy and maintenance of the quality of life. He said, however, that property
owners should have a realistic expectation of being able to develop the property. If
someone does not want something built on property next to theirs the only realistic thing
to do is to buy the property. He said he does not see any added value to the community
by splitting subject property into two parcels. However he said Mr. Petta should have the
opportunity to build his house on the current parcel.
Vice-chairman Wilson asked if this subdivision is approved will it trigger an
environmental finding or conditional use permit because it is hillside property. Director
Materassi said developments of less than four parcels are exempt from State
environmental review, and only a site and architecture review will be required in this
case when development is proposed.
Chairwoman Van Gelder acknowledged a woman in the audience, told her the public
hearing was already closed and allowed her to speak.
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 8
April 15, 1999
Eloise Reyes
11900 Honey Hills Dr.
Grand Terrace, CA
She believed staffs role was supposed to be neutral and merely answer
questions. She went on to say staff appeared to be defending Mr. Petta, and that
action is not only inappropriate but wrong.
(Inaudible comments from the audience)
Chairwoman Van Gelder said Director Materassi does a good job of being neutral and
giving the facts so the Planning Commission can do their job.
Veronica Salinas
23048 Victoria Street
Grand Terrace, CA
She said her first contact with Mr. Petta was to ask her for money. Trees planted
by the former owner of her property are on his property.
(Inaudible comments from the audience)
Tony Petta
11876 Eton Dr.
Grand Terrace, CA
He stated he has never asked Mrs. Salinas for money for planting vegetation on
his property. He told her she should pay the attorney fee to draw up the
paperwork to giving her legal permission to use Mr. Petta's property for her
garden (as he had done with the previous owner).
MOTION
PCM-99-09
Chairwoman Van Gelder made the motion to approve the resolution calling upon
the City Council to approve TPM-97-01, Tentative Parcel Map #15068, subject to
conditions of approval.
Seconded by Commissioner Wilson.
MOTION
VOTE
PCM-99-09
Carried. 3-1-0-1. Commissioner Larkin voted "no" and Commissioner Trainor
absent.
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 9
April 15, 1999
ITEM #2
COMMENDATION FOR ASSOCIATE PLANNER HALLY CAPPIELLO
Chairwoman Van Gelder read the Commendation into the record.
8:32 P.M. ADJOURNED SITE AND ARCHITECTURE REVIEW BOARD/PLANNING
COMMISSION MEETING
8:32 P.M. CHAIRWOMAN VAN GELDER ANNOUNCED A 5-MINUTE RECESS
BEFORE CONVENING THE PUBLIC WORKSHOP SESSION
8:37 P.M. CONVENED PUBLIC WORKSHOP SESSION
• Information to Commissioners
- Director Materassi reviewed highlights of the 1998 CEDD Activity Report.
- Economic Development Update/Powerpoint Presentation
Director said she will show commissioners an economic development
powerpoint presentation at the next meeting prepared by Hally Cappiello.
This power point presentation is sent to prospective new businesses on a
CD.
- In response to Commissioner Addington's Director Materassi gave an update of
the Rite Aid Project.
- Chairwoman Van Gelder asked about the status of the sale of the vacant gas
station at the intersection of Mt. Vernon/Barton Rd. Staff advised the
escrow is still pending according to a recent conversation with the real
estate agent for seller.
- Vice-chairman Wilson asked about the status of the Town Square Project.
Director said developer has encountered problems assembling some
properties.
- Chairwoman Van Gelder asked for an update on the Food Connection fire
damage remodeling. Director Materassi said she heard the insurance has
paid off. However, no one has contacted the City Building and Safety
Dept. for permits or preliminary inspections.
- Director told Planning Commissioners they are invited by the City of Rialto to a
dedication ceremony of the new Metrolink Depot in Rialto on April 24,
1999.
8:50 P.M. ADJOURNED PUBLIC WORKSHOP SESSION
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 10
April 15, 1999
NEXT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING TO BE HELD ON MAY 20. 1999.
Respectfully submitted,
Approved by,
Patrizia Materassi Fran Van Gelder
Community and Economic Development Director Chairperson, Planning
Commission
" I: •• ..
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