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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: •• .. w:\planning\minutes\04-15-99.min