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07/20/2000GRAND TERRACE PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING JULY 20, 2000 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 July 20, 2000 at 7:00 p.m. by Chairwoman Fran Van Gelder. PRESENT: Chairwoman Fran Van Gelder Commissioner Trainor Vice -Chairman Doug Wilson Commissioner Matthew Addington Patrizia Materassi, Community and Economic Development Director John Lampe, Associate Planner Pat Lunsford, Secretary ABSENT: Commissioner Maryetta Ferre' 7:00 P.M. CONVENED SITE AND ARCHITECTURE REVIEW BOARD/ PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING * Call to Order * Pledge of Allegiance by Commissioner Addington * 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 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 2 July 20, 2000 ITEM #1 ELECTION OF CHAIRPERSON AND VICE -CHAIRPERSON Director Materassi read the portion of the Planning Commission Procedures Book pertaining to the election procedures. Vice -Chairman Wilson suggested the elections be postponed until later in the meeting in hopes that Commissioner Trainor would arrive shortly and be able to participate. Chairwoman Van Gelder and Commissioner Addington agreed it would be a good idea if agreeable with staff. Director Materassi also agreed it would be good if Commissioner Trainor could participate. ITEM #2 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 17, 2000. MOTION PCM-2000-12 Motion was made by Commissioner Addington to approve the minutes of the February 17, 2000 Planning Commission Meeting. Motion seconded by Chairwoman Van Gelder. Commissioner Addington said he would like to see the minutes presented for approval in a more expeditious manner. He said it is difficult to remember what happened five months ago. MOTION VOTE PCM-2000-12 Motion carried. 3-0-0-2. Commissioners Ferre' and Trainor absent. ITEM #3 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 16, 2000 MOTION PCM-2000-13 Motion was made by Commissioner Addington to approve the minutes of the March 16, 2000 Planning Commission Meeting. Seconded by Chairwoman Van Gelder. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 3 July 20, 2000 MOTION VOTE PCM-2000-13 Motion carried. 2-0-1-2. Vice -Chairman Wilson abstained. Commissioners Ferre' and Trainor absent. ITEM #4 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 6, 2000 MOTION PCM-2000-14 Motion was made by Chairwoman Van Gelder to approve the minutes of the April 6, 2000 Planning Commission Meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Addington. MOTION VOTE PCM-2000-14 Motion carried. 3-0-1-1. Vice -Chairman Wilson abstained. Commissioner Ferre' absent. ITEM #5 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 17, 2000 MOTION PCM-2000-15 Motion was made by Commissioner Addington to approve the minutes of the April 17, 2000 Planning Commission Meeting. Motion seconded by Chairwoman Van Gelder. MOTION VOTE PCM-2000-15 Motion carried. 4-0-0-1. Commissioner Ferre' absent. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 4 July 20, 2000 ITEM #6 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 18, 2000 MOTION PCM-2000-16 Motion was made by Commissioner Addington to approve the minutes of the May 18, 2000 Planning Commission Meeting. Seconded by Vice -Chairman Wilson. MOTION VOTE PCM-2000-16 Motion carried. 4-0-0-1. Commissioner Ferre' absent. Chairwoman Van Gelder explained to Commissioner Trainor who had recently arrived that Item 1, on the agenda, the elections of Chairperson and Vice -Chairperson, was postponed in anticipation of her arrival so that she could participate. Director Materassi briefly explained the election process and opened nomination for Chairperson. Commissioner Wilson nominated Fran Van Gelder to act as Chairperson. There were no further nominations. VOTE PCM-2000-17 Fran Van Gelder was unanimously elected to serve as Chairperson. 4-0-0-1. Commissioner Ferre' absent. Director Materassi opened nominations for Vice -Chairperson. Commissioner Addington nominated Doug Wilson to be Vice -Chairperson. There were no further nominations. VOTE PCM-2000-18 Doug Wilson was unanimously elected to serve as Vice -Chairperson. 4-0-0-1. Commissioner Ferre' absent. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 5 July 20, 2000 ITEM #7 V-00-01 /E-00-03 APPLICATIONS TO MODIFY THE FRONT AND REAR YARD SETBACK REQUIREMENTS TO ALLOW A FRONT YARD OF APPROXIMATELY 20 FEET TO THE FRONT PROPERTY LINE AND A REAR YARD SLOPE/RETAINING WALL OF APPROXIMATELY 8 FEET TO THE SLOPE/RETAINING WALL OF THE PROPERTY AT 22815 LARK STREET, GRAND TERRACE, CA 92313 LARK -KINGFISHER, L.L.C. Associate Planner John Lampe presented the staff report. The variance request involves a single family residential lot located in the southeast quadrant of the city. The property is zoned R-1, with a minimum lot size of 7,200 sq. ft. Other properties located in the immediate vicinity on Lark St. and Crane St. are similarly zoned. Properties to the east and south of subject property are zoned R-1, with a minimum lot size of 20,000 sq. ft. Subject property is located in the LDR or Low Density Residential category of the General Plan as are surrounding properties. The project site is an undeveloped lot, Lot 21 of Tract No. 13050-6. The lot was graded and retaining wall constructed parallel to the rear property line after approval of the tract in the early 1990's. Mr. Lampe identified Lot 21 and surrounding properties on an overhead slide. He pointed out the 10 foot wide drainage easement at the back of the property including a 7 foot wide drainage channel. The drainage easement across the rear of the property bears heavily on the variance request. Mr. Lampe explained staff has conducted a Site & Architecture review and approved the balance of the other 27 lots for development but Lot 21 could not be approved because of the need for a variance hearing before the Planning Commission regarding front and rear yard setbacks. Lot 21 is a trapezoidal shape of approximately 7,200 sq. ft. The zoning code requires a minimum distance of 20 feet from the rear of the house to a retaining wall. Because the retaining wall had to be built where it is to support the slope and drainage channel it makes it difficult to meet the 20 foot setback provision of the zoning code. The front yard setback requirement of the zoning code requires 25 feet from the front of the house to sidewalk. Staff recommended a variance of 5 feet, so the setback would then be 20 feet. Mr. Lampe said the visual effect of a 20 foot front setback will not be too great because Lot 21 is on the knuckle where Lark and Crane meet so it will naturally set back farther than any other house in that area. Mr. Lampe summarized by saying Lot 21 has some physical constraints and staff feels this situation does meet the requirements of granting a variance. Specifically, there is something unique of unusual about the lot which prohibits applicant from enjoying the same property rights of the immediate adjoining area. Mr. Lampe reminded Commission Members that in 1997 there was a proposal by a different developer to build homes on these same 28 lots but to reduce the size of the homes. Residents of the surrounding area expressed a very strong desire to see homes be built of PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 6 July 20, 2000 comparable square footage to their existing nearby homes. That developer subsequently declined to go forward with the project. The current developer, Lark - Kingfisher, is proposing to build the larger homes but needs relief from the front and rear yard setback standards. Developer is proposing a minimum of 10 feet from the rear of the house to the retaining wall on Lot 21 only. Staff recommended to Commission Members approval of the variance request by applicant. Commissioner Addington expressed concerned about the shallow 10 foot rear setback and asked if staff had considered moving the house placement further toward the street. Mr. Lampe said staff did consider that option but had concerns about larger cars parking in the driveway and possibly blocking the sidewalk if the house placement was further toward the street. In fact, one of the conditions of approval of the project is for roll up garage doors. In addition, Vice -Chairman Wilson added that the trapezoidal shape of the lot will not allow much street parking so the driveway parking is important. Chairwoman Van Gelder invited applicant to the podium. BILL LILLY LARK KINGFISHER, L.L.C. He said he was present on behalf of Lark Kingfisher, L.L.C., developers of the 28 lots left in this tract. He said his company is aware of the prior proposal to downsize the homes on the 28 lot and they concur with the residents of the neighboring surrounding the 28 lots. Lark Kingfisher does not desire to build a smaller home on Lot 21. They want to build one of the same floor plans as was built in the neighborhood in prior Horizon phases, with only minor adjustments. Mr. Lilly said at the time the tract map was recorded, the project approved and the lot graded a different zoning ordinance was in place which did allow a 20 foot rear setback to the property line. Due to the economic downturn of the economy development of the project was suspended, and subsequent to that the zoning ordinance of the city was amended. There were houses built in the prior phases of Horizon which do not meet the current requirement of a 20 foot rear setback, however at the time they were built they did meet the setback requirements. Mr. Lilly said the future buyer will be made aware of the smaller back yard through disclosure. Mr. Lilly explained it is not possible to place a standard sized home on this lot. There are only two options: 1. Secure a variance to allow a 10 foot rear setback and 20 foot front setback; and 2. Reduce the size of the home by 800-900 sq. ft. Mr. Lilly closed by saying he believes the application meets the criteria to be granted a variance. The lot is burdened in a manner unlike other lots in the area. If the variance is not granted developer will not be able to build a home of PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 7 July 20, 2000 comparable size to the neighboring homes. His engineer was present in the audience to answer questions. WILLIAM MCKEEVER 647 N. Main St. Riverside, CA Vice -Chairman Wilson asked Mr. McKeever what percentage of lot coverage was proposed for Lot 21. Mr. Lampe answered saying "22% to 23%, leaving more than 75% for driveway and side yard." Mr. McKeever said this house plan is the smallest in the development. Vice -Chairman Wilson said it will allow a large side yard for a patio of whatever the future resident may wish to put in the side yard and it is a good economy of scale. 7:35 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING OPENED 7:35 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED Chairwoman Van Gelder and Commissioner Addington said they have reviewed all of the conditions of approval and feel they are well done. Mr. Lampe passed out to Commission Members a revised Memorandum from the Building & Safety Director modifying Condition #3. MOTION PCM-2000-19 Commissioner Addington made a motion to modify Condition #3 per the revised Memorandum of Building & Safety Director Barham. Seconded by Commissioner Trainor. MOTION VOTE PCM-2000-19 Motion carried. 4-0-0-1. Commissioner Ferre' absent. MOTION PCM-2000-20 Motion by Commissioner Trainor to approve a resolution granting V-00-01/E-00- 03 with and above -amended conditions of approval. Seconded by Commissioner Addington. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 8 July 20, 2000 MOTION VOTE PCM-2000-20 Motion carried. 4-0-0-1. Commissioner Ferre' absent. ITEM #8 SA-00-04/E-00-05 APPLICATIONS FOR SITE AND ARCHITECTURE REVIEW AND ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW TO CONSTRUCT TWO NEW SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCES WITH THREE - CAR GARAGES OF APPROXIMATE 2,401 SQUARE FEET EACH. VICTORIA HOMES INC. 12620 AND 12640 SANDBURG WAY, GRAND TERRACE, CA 92313 Staff report was presented by Associate Planner, John Lampe. Mr. Lampe explained the project is exempt under CEQA. The project is located in an area designated Low Density Residential under the General Plan and is zoned R-2 7.2. Applicant proposes to construct two single family homes on vacant parcels located in the southwest quadrant of the city on Sandburg Way. Each lot is approximate 7500 sq. ft. Currently Sandburg Way is a half street with curbs and gutters on the west side of the street. Photos of the street were included in the Planning Commission's packet illustrating the present status of the street. Property to the east of subject properties is vacant. There are currently no pending subdivisions for the property to the east. Development of the property to the east will require dedication of property to make Sandburg Way a fully dedicated local street with curbs, gutters and sidewalks. Both proposed houses will be single story, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, livingroom, family room, kitchen and breakfast nook. Each will have a three car garage. Both houses will have the same floor plan, but with different exterior treatment. Each will be wood framed with stucco, and concrete the roofs. There are seven existing homes on Sandburg Way with similar architectural styling. Staff feels the proposed architectural styling is compatible with those existing, however, made some minor recommendations to developer. Developer is in agreement with staffs recommendations. Based on staffs review and analysis of the proposed project and staffs feeling that the homes will be compatible with those existing in the area, staff recommended approval of the project by the Planning Commission. A resolution with findings and conditions was presented to support that recommendation. Applicant was invited to the podium. 0 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES July 20, 2000 PAUL OSBORNE 21385 HILL ROAD GRAND TERRACE, CA 92324 Commission Members had no questions for Mr. Osborne. 8:05 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING OPENED. 8:05 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED. Page 9 Commissioner Addington said he had no concerns with the proposed conditions of approval. MOTION PCM-2000-21 Motion was made by Commissioner Addington to approve SA-00-04. Seconded by Vice -Chairman Wilson. MOTION VOTE PCM-2000-21 Motion carried. 4-0-0-1. Commissioner Ferre' absent. Chairwoman Van Gelder congratulated applicant and wished him well on his project. 8:15 P.M. ADJOURNED THE SITE AND ARCHITECTURE REVIEW BOARD/ PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING 8:15 P.M. CONVENED THE PUBLIC WORKSHOP SESSION • Information to Commissioners • Mr. Lampe responded to several inquiries made by Commissioners at the last Planning Commission Meeting: The Barton Road median discussion is scheduled for the City Council meeting on July 25, 2000 at 6:00 p.m. Flyers were mailed to all property owners and businesses in the Barton Road Specific Plan area inviting their participation. If City Council determines it is appropriate to go forward with the median a public hearing will be scheduled for a later date and the environmental assessment completed. Chairwoman Van Gelder asked if the July 25 Council Meeting will be televised. Staff will find out and advise Chairwoman Van Gelder. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 10 July 20, 2000 Soccer fees went up dramatically because soccer parents agreed they would rather increase fees and drop the previously required fund raising effort. - City Entry signs - Mr. Lampe said he spoke to the Assistant City Manager who indicated it may be possible to place a small sign at the easterly entrance to the City on Barton Road. Director Materassi explained there is a currently a plan under the Measure I Capital Improvement Program to place an entry median on Mt. Vernon at Grand Terrace Road. Funding is also available for a City entry monument sign. Two other CIP projects are scheduled before the Mt. Vernon median project. Also funding is available with the second bike lane project to finish the staging areas which would include signage. Town and Country Center parking - Mr. Lampe visited the center to evaluate the parking situation. Several spaces are marked loading, 20-minute limit and temporary parking. Most of the businesses are now occupied. The size and layout of the parking spaces appears to comply with the original center approval. The property owner, Mr. Shamolian was very cooperative with staff however he is not prepared to go forward the his recent neon lighting proposal. However, he did agree to turn on the lights around the palm trees at the center entrance. • Director Materassi said she has hired Steve Cumblidge to fill the Planning Technician position. Steve formerly worked as Associate Planner in Ontario. However, Pat Lunsford, the planning secretary will be transferring to the Finance Department August 1". Commissioners wished Pat well in her new job. • Director Materassi said she has heard ESSCO Electric and Superior Pools are doing very well since they came to Grand Terrace, and Mr. Coffin is planning to build another building on Commerce Way for a plumbing supply company who wishes to move to Grand Terrace. The plumbing supply company will provide the City with additional tax revenue. • Harold Clark has indicated to staff he will be bringing in a proposal to build on his vacant parcel at LaCrosse and Barton Road adjacent to the 1-215 southbound offramp. • Director Materassi said there have recently applications for several single family homes so she is encouraged with the increase in development. • Information from Commissioners • Commissioner Addington asked Director Materassi if the neon lighting of the Hollywood Video store was supposed to be channel set. Director PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 11 July 20, 2000 responded the entire sign is a channel letter. The one neon line outlines the mountain shape behind the words. Chairwoman Van Gelder said she is very happy with the sign and the general appearance of the building. • Vice -Chairman Wilson said he noted a cause for concern with the traffic pattern when he visited the Hollywood Video store. He was concerned about Hollywood Video customers backing out into the drive aisle while Stater Brothers customers were exiting the parking lot at the easterly Barton Rd. driveway. Director Materassi said she has spoken with the City's contract traffic engineer. He will check on his concern. • Vice -Chairman Wilson expressed concern about the traffic on Barton Road from Stater Brothers' warehouse to the 1-215 freeway. Director Materassi said there will be a new bridge built over the train tracks near Stater Brothers warehouse. The Assistant City Manager is in frequent contact with Colton officials regarding drainage issues and street maintenance for that area. She also said there is interest on the part of Mr. Singletary to develop some property on Terrace Ave. so traffic in the Stater Brothers warehouse area will be evaluated at that time also. 8:32 P.M. ADJOURNED PUBLIC WORKSHOP SESSION NEXT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING TO BE HELD ON AUGUST 17, 2000. Respectfully submitted, Approved by, Patrizia Materassi Fran Van Gelder Director of Community and Economic Chairperson, Planning Commission Development wA... \planning\minutes\07-20-00. M 1 N