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04/16/2015 IlaCITY OF GRAND TERRACE PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES a APRIL 16, 2015 Council Chambers Regular Meeting 6:30 PM Grand Terrace Civic Center a 22795 Barton Road CALL TO ORDER Chairman Comstock convened the Meeting of the Planning Commission and Site and Architectural Review Board at 6:30 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance pled by Commissioner Giroux. Attendee Name ! . Title Status:. ! ""Arrived Tom Comstock ; Chairman I Present Ryan Stephens Vice-Chairman ( Absent Jeffrey Allen Commissioner Present Tara Cesena Commissioner Present Edward A. Giroux Commissioner Present PRESENTATIONS None PUBLIC ADDRESS Jeffrey McConnell, Grand Terrace resident, announced the Lions Club would host a breakfast and tickets would be available for sale. A. CONSENT CALENDAR Chairman Comstock Stated corrections needed to be made on the Minutes dated December 18, 2014 corrected to title of Elena Q. Gerli to Assistant Deputy city Attorney for the Grand Terrace Planning Commission. 1. Approval of Minutes — Regular Meeting — 12/18/2014 City of Grand Terrace Page 1 Minutes Grand Terrace Planning Commission April 16, 2015 RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Tom Comstock, Jeffrey AIIen;.Tara Cesena, Edward.A. Giroux ABSENT: Ryan Stephens . 2. Approval of Minutes — Regular Meeting — 01/15/2015 RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Tom Comstock, Jeffrey.Allen, Tara Cesena, Edward A. Giroux ABSENT: Ryan Stephens B. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Tentative Tract Map 14-01 (Tentative Tract Map No. 18071)_ Chairman Comstock reflected corrections to tentative. tract map number, which previously read, Tentative Tract Map, 14-01/ Tract Map Number 18071 and'had been revised to read Tentative Tract Map 15-01 Tentative Tract Map Number 18793. Community Development Director Sandra Molina presented Tentative Tract Map 15-01 and provided a summary of the power-point presentation. Director Molina described the proposed project as one lot subdivided into 12 single family lots with a minimum lot size of 7,200 square feet, and .described the variance associated with the project. The variance was due to the triangular shape of the site. Chairman Comstock opened the Public Hearing at 6:43 P.M. Darryl Moore, applicant's representative, felt the proposed tentative tract map would have a positive and beneficial impact on the City of Grand Terrace. He recommended that the Planning Commission approve Tentative Tract Map 15-01. Jeffrey McConnell, Grand Terrace resident and business owner, felt the tentative tract map is a great project.and would have a positive impact on the City of Grand Terrace. Chairman Comstock stated he reviewed the map and applauded the applicant for a marvelous job done on the tentative tract map. There being no further comments in favor or in opposition, Chairman Comstock closed Public Hearing at 6:4.7 p.m. City of Grand Terrace Page 2. Minutes Grand Terrace Planning Commission April 16, 2015 ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2015-02, A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF GRAND TERRACE RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT AN ADOPT AN ENVIRONMENTAL EXEMPTION AND APPROVE TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO. 15-01 (TENTATIVE. TRACT MAP NO. 18793) A SUBDIVISION OF A 3.2-ACRE PARCEL INTO 12 SINGLE FAMILY LOTS LOCATED AT 22247 PICO STREET. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] AYES: - Tom Comstock, Jeffrey Allen, Tara Cesena,-Edward A. Giroux ABSENT: .Ryan Stephens 2. Approval of Site and Architectural Review 14-06, Administrative Site and Architectural Review 14-08 and Environmental 14-03 for Construction of a 1,615 Square Foot Single Family Residence, and a 1,200 Square Foot Second Dwelling Unit on the Property Described as APN: 0275-282-14 and Located at 11832 .Burns Avenue Commissioner Giroux, recused himself at 6:50 p.m. from participating in the discussion for Items 2 and 3 because he lives near the proposed projects. He also stated he did not know the developers. Community Development Director Molina provided the staff. report for the project describing. the 1,615 square foot single family residence, and 1,200 square foot second dwelling unit on the property. She stated that Mr. Jerome also owns the property behind the subject parcel. She stated the proposed primary and secondary dwelling units are permitted rby the Zoning Code, provided that the property owner lived in one of the homes on the subject property. Director Molina stated the public notice was provided consistent with state law and staff recommended to approve the item. Commissioner Allen asked if applicant owned both lots. Community Development Director Molina confirmed the. applicant was the owner. Director Molina added that Riverside Highland Water Company has asked the City to start requiring water conservation measures on new construction. Ms. Molina stated the second dwelling unit meets the development provisions of the Zoning Code. Chairman Comstock opened the Public Hearing at 6:56 p.m. Virginia Hernandez, Grand Terrace resident, stated she had lived in the City of Grand Terrace for forty-five years and felt that the area did not need any more residential homes constructed. She stated the applicant had asked her if her home could be surveyed she declined at that time and made him aware that her home had already been surveyed. The survey that was recorded with the San Bernardino County recorders department. Ms. Hernandez concluded by stating she opposed the item. City of Grand Terrace Page 3 Minutes Grand Terrace Planning Commission April 16, 2015 Michael Simon, Grand Terrace resident, stated he opposed the item because there was not enough square footage and the easement was a problem. He was concerned with who would be enforcing, the applicant to occupy the residence and who would enforce the maintenance of the property if the owner decided to move. There being no further speakers in favor or in opposition, .Chairman Comstock closed Public Hearing at 7:08 p.m. Chairman Comstock asked if property owner had enough square footage to cover the two dwellings including the easement. Assistant City Attorney Tsai answered yes and explained there was not ,a problem because the City looked at the entire lot size and the easement..was included in the size.. Community,Development Director Molina responded to Mr. Simon's concerns that the owner could not have two rentals and now must occupy one of the dwellings on the property. Director _Molina stated .the applicant has more than the required amount, to support two dwellings. Rick Morse, applicant's representative, stated .the applicant strived to maintain a good relationship with their neighbors while taking .into consideration the neighborhoods concerns'. He stated he. had difficulties obtaining the survey and .was glad that the neighbor had surveyed her property which was done exceptionally well and helped him with his findings. Commissioner Allen.asked .Mr., Morse if the property owner intended to occupy the. home. Rick Morse, applicant's representative, confirmed the property owner did intended to occupy the front parcel. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2015-03, A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF GRAND TERRACE ADOPTING .A NOTICE OF EXEMPTION AND APPROVING SITE AND ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW 14-06,.AND ADMINISTRATIVE SITE AND ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW 14-08 TO.CONSTRUCT A SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE. AND A SECOND FAMILY UNIT ON A PARCEL LOCATED AT 11832 BURNS AVENUE (APN 0275-282-14) r :City of Grand Terrace Page 4 Minutes Grand Terrace Planning Commission April 16, 2015 . '^ RESULT: APPROVED [3 TO 0] AYES: Tom Comstock, Jeffrey Allen, Tara Ceseria ABSENT: . Ryan'Stephens RECUSED:- Edward A. Giroux 3. Approval of.Site and Architectural Review (SA) 14-07 and-Environmental .14-04..f6r The Construction of a Two Story Residence on the Property Described-as APN: 0275-282- 20 And Located South of Vivienda Avenue, Approximately 160 Feet West of Burns Avenue Commissioner_ Giroux had previously recused himself from- participating in the discussion for this-Item. Community Development Director Molina-presented the project, including a Powerpoint presentation. Director Molina stated the project met the structural setbacks, and access to. utility easements would be obtained. She stated that .the applicant added articulation to the rear of the home, and the project met the development standards. Director.Molina stated public notice was provided consistent with state law and she received feedback from the :neighbors, some of which were present in the audience. Director Molina recommended approval of the project. Chairman Comstock opened the Public Hearing at 7:17 p.m. -- Juanita Odenbaugh, Grand Terrace resident, stated she opposed-.the three-thousand square foot two-story home to be constructed because it would set a precedence in a community mostly built of one-story homes and her family would lose their,privacy. The two-story structure would oversee her backyard. Ms. Odenbaugh stated that:historically the neighborhood did not have any two-story homes and her source from wikipedia defined the home as a McMansion. She asked what type of .business the applicant Would be conducting in the second dwelling. Virginia Fernandez, Grand Terrace resident, stated she had been .a Grand Terrace . resident for forty-five years and opposed the two story home construction and suggested a one-story. Logan Odenbaugh, Grand Terrace resident, .stated he opposed the-two-story home construction because he would lose the outdoor privacy he currently has with his family. Michael Simon, -Grand Terrace resident, stated he opposed the two-story home construction because the property owners would have access from their balcony to look directly into his backyard. He felt the two-story home was not a good fit for the neighborhood and stated he was not successful in communicating with the applicant to discuss his concerns. John Odenbaugh Grand Terrace resident stated he opposed the two-story home construction. City of Grand Terrace Page 5 Minutes Grand Terrace Planning Commission April 16, 2015 Rick Morse, applicant's representative, stated he respected the concerns of the !, neighbors and it was his goal to make the home construction as appealing as possible and respected the privacy of the neighborhood. He added stated he had met all the City requirements. Commissioner Allen asked the applicant's representative, Rick Morse, in reference to the photos provided if the back structure of the property was owned by the business or, would the same owner's occupy both the front and back property. Commissioner Cesena asked -how far the setback from'the property line was proposed to be. Rick Morse, applicant's representative, stated the setback was determined .by the City's required setbacks standard and he did not have a copy of the drawings to show where the exact.location of the property lines were. Community Development Director Molina stated the setback would be approximately 20' to 21' and that the owner would live on the front property. No further public comment given in favor or opposition, Chairman Comstock closed the Public Hearing at 7:34 p.m. Commissioner Allen stated everyone who is opposed to the project needed to understand that sometimes compromise is the solution: Through. .his past experience with the Lions Community.. Club, which was opposed by residents; everyone compromised and now many residents are,glad that we have.the Grand Terrace Lions Club in the City of Grand Terrace. Chairman Comstock suggested landscape measures.be used as a privacy shield for the neighbor's privacy. Community Development Director Molina .responded that staff had not required any landscape screening but could implement it in the conditions. Assistant City Attorney Tsai, advised the audience that the-public,comment section was closed and,now was the time for the.Planning Commission to deliberate, as there was rebuttal'in the audience while the Commissioners were speaking. Commissioner .Cesena stated that she liked the idea of shielding the home for the neighbor's privacy but not sure about the trees that would be used. Commissioner Allen stated both the public and applicant had good arguments and he would like to see property values increase in the City. Commissioner Cesena stated she would like to see a row of trees rather than a wall L shielding the property from views into the neighbors properties; and that it would be City of Grand Terrace Page 6 Minutes Grand Terrace Planning Commission April 16, 2015 much more aesthetic look. Commissioner Allen commented that the easement looked concerning. Chairman.Comstock stated the property owner had property rights and met the City's requirements. Chairman Comstock would like to keep the peace between new residents and the neighbors and stated the .easement conveyance would be recorded. He recommended a condition be added for an adequate landscape plan to be drafted to work as much as possible as a privacy shield to prevent looking into the surrounding neighbor's yards. Mr..-Morse stated the. concern is that the landscaping needs.to be convenient .for the owners and would rather, alter the architecture. He would-.need to discuss with the property owner and cross-reference with the City. . Chairman Comstock motioned the item to be continued to revise the architectural features along the rear of the residence and revise the landscape plan to incorporate trees along the property line. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2015- , :A RESOLUTION OF , THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF GRAND TERRACE ADOPTING A NOTICE OF EXEMPTION AND APPROVING SITE AND ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW 14-07 TO CONSTRUCT A .SINGLE .FAMILY RESIDENCE ON A PARCEL LOCATED SOUTH . OF VIVIENDA AVENUE APPROXIMATELY 160 FEET WEST OF BURNS AVENUE (APN 0276-282-20) .RESULT: CONTINUED Next:.517/2015 6:30 PM - C. INFORMATION TO COMMISSIONERS. None D. INFORMATION FROM COMMISSIONERS Chairman Comstock commented on the effects the landscaping .would have with the new water restrictions that will be implemented by the state and asked staff to provide Grand Terrace- residents with water conservation tips through an informational website for water conservation and landscaping alternatives. Commissioner Allen also agreed with Chairman Comstock informational website idea. Community Development Director Molina stated she would be attending a meeting with City of Grand Terrace Page 7. Minutes Grand Terrace Planning Commission April 16, 2015 Riverside Highland Water Company and could provide the Planning Commission with a _ report regarding water conservation tips for residents at the next Planning Commission meeting. Director Molina agreed with the Commissioners and stated linking a web site the City's main website. Commissioner Cesena provided information regarding the Grand Terrace Gardening Club currently active on social media. The clubs provides supplies to Grand Terrace citizens such as gardening tools and plants. Commissioner Cesena stated clubs such as these can be helpful in water conservation. Commissioner Allen invited the public to join the City of Grand Terrace clean-up day on Saturday, April the 18, 2015, and to meet at.the Lions Community Center at 8:00 a.m. ADJOURN Chairman Comstock adjourned the meeting at 7:56 p.m. The next scheduled meeting of the Site and Architectural Review Board/Planning Commission to be held on May 7, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. m Comstock Sandra Molina Chairman of the Grand Terrace Planning Community Development Director Commission City of Grand Terrace Page 8