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03/19/1998GRAND TERRACE PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING MARCH 19, 1998 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 March 19, 1998 at 7:00 p.m. by Chairwoman, Fran Van Gelder. PRESENT: Fran Van Gelder, Chairperson Doug Wilson, Commissioner Matthew Addington, Commissioner Mary Trainor, Commissioner Gerry Ellis, Commissioner Don Larkin, Commissioner Patrizia Materassi, Community and Economic Development Director Larry Mainez, Associate Planner Pat Peterson, CEDD Secretary ABSENT: Moire Huss, Commissioner 6:30 P.M. CONVENED PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSHOP - SESSION I O(Commissioners Ellis and Trainor were not present at the beginning of the workshop.) • Request for input on Telecommunication Antennae Ordinance #171 Staff overview was presented by Associate Planner, Larry Mainez. Kent Norton of Keith International represented applicant, Cox Communications. Commissioners viewed sample photos from applicant. Planning Commissioners reached a consensus to allow an administrative review of the telecommunications facility proposed by Cox Communications, Inc. per request of staff as an interpretation of new antennae ordinance. As presented, Applicant has agreed to stealth the pole and provide landscaping. Additionally, Commission Members asked staff to notice property owners within a 300' radius of the pending applications. As a future policy Commission Members prefer to make determination on a case -by -case basis. 7:00 P.M. ADJOURNED PLANNING COMMISSIONER WORKSHOP 7:00 P.M. CONVENED SITE AND ARCHITECTURE REVIEW BOARD/ PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Call to Order Pledge of Allegiance by Commissioner Ellis Roll Call PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 19,1998 PAGE 2 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 19, 1998. MOTION PCM-98-08 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES - FEBRUARY 19, 1998 Motion by Chairperson Van Gelder to approve Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of February 19, 1998. Seconded by Commissioner Wilson. MOTION VOTE PCM-98-08 Motion carried. 5-0-1-1. Commissioner Larkin abstained and Commissioner Huss absent. ITEM #2 CUP-98-02 AN APPLICATION FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO DIVIDE AN APPROVED DETACHED 720 SQUARE FOOT GARAGEMORKSHOP INTO A DETACHED WORKSHOP/GUEST HOUSE. A CUP IS REQUIRED FOR THE 360 SQUARE FOOT GUEST HOUSE PORTION. SCOTT K. LOGAN 11664 BERNARDO WAY, GRAND TERRACE, CA 92313 Staff report was presented by Associate Planner, Larry Mainez. Applicants and property owners were in the audience to answer questions. This project is exempt per CEQA. Zoning is R-120, low density residential. On October 5, 1995, applicant's Site and Architecture project to build a residence including a workshop/garage. This CUP application concerns only applicant's request to divide the workshop and create a guest house. No external alterations are proposed to the structure. Per City zoning code a guest house is defined as: "living quarters within a PLANNING COMMISSION MEEETING MINUTES PAGE 3 MARCH 19, 1998 detached accessory building located on the same premises with the main building for use by person employed on the premises or for the temporary use of guests of the occupant. Such quarters have no separate kitchen facility, are not rented or otherwise used as a separate dwelling unit." Staff recommended adoption of the proposed resolution to approve CUP-98-02, subject to conditions of approval. Mr. Logan was invited to address the Planning Commission. Scott Logan 11664 Bernardo Way Grand Terrace, CA 92313 He said he does not plan to park any vehicles in the workshop. It will be used as a hobby shop for projects with his children. He described the construction materials used for the wall dividing the workshop and guest house. In response to Commissioner Addington's question he said the purpose of the guest house is to have a place for his parents to stay when they visit. It may also be used for an exercise/workout room. 7:15 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING OPENED Barney Karger 11668 Bernardo Way Grand Terrace, CA 92313 He said he lives next door to the new Logan home. He did not believe there should be any objection to the proposed guest house. He said Mr. Logan is building a very nice home which will help to improve surrounding property values. Jim Sellers 22854 Brentwood St. Grand Terrace, CA 92313 He said he is a neighbor of Mr. Logan along the rear property line. He asked Mr. Logan about the type of work he does. Mr. Logan responded "heating and air conditioning." He asked Mr. Logan if he intends to operate his business from this workshop. Mr. Logan said he has a shop in Colton from which he runs his business. Mr. Sellers expressed concern about the exterior security lights on the workshop. Mr. Logan said the lights are to illuminate his basketball hoop and driveway for his children to play ball. Mr. Logan reiterated the workshop will be for recreation purposes only. PLANNING COMMISSION MEEETING MINUTES PAGE 4 MARCH 19, 1998 Marilyn Sellers 22864 Brentwood St. Grand Terrace, CA 92313 She asked what code exempted a workshop from the CUP process. Director Materassi responded that if the workshop is for the purpose of a Home Occupation Permit a CUP would be required. In this case a CUP is not required as Mr. Logan has stated it will be used for hobbies and recreational uses only. She stated she opposes further development of the workshop/guest house. She said she has lived in Grand Terrace over 25 years and it has been a quiet community. She said she is concerned about preserving her right to a quiet community. Mr. Logan invited Commission members and neighbors to visit the project site. Terry Sigdestad 22844 Brentwood St. Grand Terrace, CA 92313 She said her property rear property line is adjacent to that of the Logans. She has O lived in her home for 25 years and said it is directly affected by the Logan project. Construction of Mr. Logan's workshop 10 feet from the fence has obstructed her view of the mountains and valley. The back and side of the workshop are visible from her living room. She stated the exterior workshop lights are objectionable to her. She objected to the metal shed built by Mr. Logan within the 10 foot set -back. She said recently she learned Mr. Logan plans to park his RV in the set -back area east of the workshop. She suggested Mr. Logan could place the shed and park the RV in another area of his large lot so as not to negatively impact her view and property. Director Materassi said Mr. Logan has been very cooperative with staff in the past. He removed the batting cage per staffs request. She told Ms. Sigdestad the shed can be in the set -back area if it is below the fence line. Barney Karger 11668 Bernardo Way Grand Terrace, CA 92313 He reiterated he lives next door to the subject property. In his opinion Mr. Logan is overbuilding his property. The workshop can be seen from three rooms in Mr. Karger's home and it is a beautiful workshop. He assured the Commission that Mr. Logan could not possibly use the workshop for his business as it is too small. He said Mr. Logan's building is appreciating the area. PLANNING COMMISSION MEEET/NG MINUTES PAGE 5 MARCH 19, 1998 Valerie Logan 851 W. "C" St. Colton, CA 92313 She shared pictures of the construction of the workshop/guest house. She invited neighbors to her home in Colton or the construction site on Bernardo Way to speak with her and her husband about their concerns. She stated the workshop is strictly for her children and husband to work on projects together. The guest house may some day be used as a pool house if a pool is installed. Eric Sigdestad 22844 Brentwood St. Grand Terrace, CA 92313 He stated his house is south of that of Mr. Logan with adjacent rear property lines. He said Mr. Karger is the only neighbor who favors the project and he found it ironic that Mr. Karger sold the property to the Logans. His home is the only neighboring residence with a direct view of the Logan property and all of the buildings. He asked why so many halogen lights have been placed outside the workshop if it is only for use as a hobby shop. The lights shine into his yard. In conclusion he said he was never notified of the hearing on the Site & Architecture Review for the original house project. Director Materassi explained the public hearing approving the original house, garage and workshop was held in October, 1995. Public hearing notices were mailed to all property owners within a 300' radius for that hearing. There were no negative responses at that time from neighbors. She went on to say that Mr. Logan's shed within the 10' set -back area will need to be moved as it is above the 6' fence line. Frank Artura 420 W. Baseline Glendora, CA He said he is the son-in-law of Terry Sigdestad, and a commercial real estate broker with real estate experience since 1984. He commented that a 10' set -back on such a large lot is very lenient. She showed pictures of the workshop/guest house from the rear property line. Valerie Logan 851 W. "C" St. f t Colton, CA 92324 She said this property was available for sale for some time before the Logans purchased it. Ms. Sigdestad could have purchased the property to preserve her view. PLANNING COMMISSION MEEETING MINUTES PAGE 6 MARCH 19, 1998 Scott Logan 851 W. "C" St. Colton, CA 92324 He stated there are four halogen lights on the workshop; two for the basketball court, shining toward Mr. Logan's house and two toward the side yard. The shed is 8' by 10" plastic and portable. 7:40 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED Commissioner Addington asked if the lights in question were previously approved during the Site and Architectural Review. Director Materassi said the only requirement is that the lights are adjusted to shine down and not into neighboring properties. Commissioner Wilson clarified that the Planning Commission is charged with the responsibility of reviewing projects in relation to City codes. He said he was present when the original residential project was reviewed and approved. Such project was noticed to surrounding residents. The only aspect of the project before the Planning Commission at this time is the issue of dividing the workshop into a workshop and guest house. Director Materassi confirmed Commissioner Wilson's statement. Issues of code enforcement were not to be considered by the Planning Commission. MOTION PCM-98-09 Motion by Commissioner Wilson to approve CUP-98-02 with conditions of approval as proposed by staff. Seconded by Commissioner Trainor. MOTION VOTE PCM-98-09 Motion carried. 5-1-0-1. Commissioner Larkin voted "NO" and Commissioner Huss absent. Director Materassi said the Community and Economic Development Department will follow-up with applicants and neighbors regarding possible code violations discussed at this meeting. 7:50 P.M. ADJOURNED PLANNING COMMISSION/SITE AND ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD :57 0 P.M. RECONVENED PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSHOP - SESSION 11 PLANNING COMMISSION MEEETING MINUTES PAGE 7 MARCH 19, 1998 Request for input on BRSP interpretations. A brief staff report was presented by Larry Mainez, Associate Planner seeking direction on behalf of Applicant, Ana Macias for the property located at 22172 Barton Rd. Staff is requesting direction on the review of the proposed rehabilitation and retrofit of an existing house for a permanent commercial use in the Barton Road Specific Plan area for a hair salon and day spa. Or, does the Planning Commission interpret the specific plan to mean the house structure must be demolished and replaced with a new commercial building? Applicant is in escrow to purchase the property contingent upon Planning Commission approval of the project. Applicant proposes to alter the architecture to be compatible with the Cape Cod style required in the Barton Road Specific Plan. Staff recommended the Planning Commission agree to allow the old residential structure to be rehabed and come into conformance with the plan without demolition, provided applicant can bring the structure completely up to code and to the BRSP in terms of the site and architectural standards. Director Materassi brought to the attention of the Planning Commission that she O has the authority through the Specific Plan to make this decision however, such an approval would set a precedent as the first residential structure proposed to come completely up to code with the Barton Road Specific Plan. Commissioner Trainor said she is in support of this use in the existing structure. Commissioner Addington said he would have a problem with the proposed use if property improvements are not done until 5 years from now. Commissioner Larkin said if the building has to be demolished to make the business look the way we want then the code should be changed. In his opinion it makes good business sense if the building can be rehabed to look the way we want to allow the rehab to take place if it will be up to code. Director Materassi reminded the Commissioners the subject property is located in the area of the City (BRSP) which generates taxes for the City. Building new, larger structures to accommodate more businesses would generate more taxes. Chairwoman Van Gelder expressed the concern that the facade not look like a house, but actually have the appearance of a professional business. The Planning Commission was not unanimous. Commissioners Wilson and Addington did not agree. Commissioner Wilson acknowledged the property has some historic value but said it has been an eyesore to the entrance of the community during the last year. He expressed concern about the traffic at that corner of Barton Rd. and Vivienda. He concluded by saying retrofitting very old house would not be the best use of this PLANNING COMMISSION MEEETING MINUTES MARCH 19, 1998 PAGE 8 piece of property. He would rather see the current structure demolished and a larger development built encompassing several adjacent Barton Road lots. 8:10 P.M. COMMISSIONER LARKIN LEFT THE MEETING Commissioner Addington said he has a problem visualizing conversion of the current house to a Cape Cod theme. He said visuals would be helpful and he felt he did not have enough information to give his vote. There was a general discussion among Planning Commission members and staff regarding the general principles and goals set forth in the General Plan, the Barton Road Specific Plan, and how they relate to this proposed salon/day spa. Chairwoman Van Gelder called for the consensus again. Again, Commissioners Addington and Wilson were against rehabilitation of this residence for commercial use. Chairwoman Van Gelder felt there was a consensus; as the majority of the Commission agreed with the proposal. Director said she will study the issues further and get an opinion from the City Attorney if a consensus of the majority of the Planning Commission is sufficient or unaniminity is required. Applicant may wish to have a field inspection by the Building and Safety Department to determine the condition of the structure to assist her in determining if she wishes to go forward with a CUP. Alternatively, staff may bring the issue back after applicant has a better idea of costs and she has some elevations prepared. 8:30 P.M. ADJOURNED PUBLIC WORKSHOP SESSION NEXT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING TO BE HELD ON APRIL 16. 1998. Respectfully submitted, Approved by, Patr zia Materassi Fran Van Gelder Community and Economic Development Director Chairperson, Planning Commission 04-02-98:pp c:\office\wpwin\wpdocs\planning\minutes\04-07-98. min