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08/17/2000PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES August 17, 2000 GRAND TERRACE PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 17, 2000 Page 1 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 August 17, 2000, at 7:00 p.m. by Chairwoman, Fran Van Gelder. PRESENT: Fran Van Gelder, Chairperson Doug Wilson, Vice -Chairperson Matthew Addington, Commissioner Maryetta Ferre', Commissioner Patrizia Materassi, Director of Community and Economic Development John Lampe, Associate Planner Steve Cumblidge, Planning Technician Pat Lunsford, Account Clerk Pat Groeneveld, CEDD Secretary ABSENT: Mary Trainor, Commissioner 7:00 P.M. CONVENED SITE AND ARCHITECTURE REVIEW BOARD/ PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Call to Order Chairperson Van Gelder addressed the assembly prior to the formal beginning of the Planning Commission Meeting, to thank Pat Lunsford for all that she had done for the Commission and the City; wishing Ms. Lunsford well in her new position as Accounting Clerk. Chairperson Van Gelder also welcomed Pat Groeneveld, new Planning Secretary and Steven Cumblidge, Planning Technician. Ms. Groeneveld and Mr. Cumblidge, at the request of Chairperson Van Gelder, gave a brief outline of their work history. Both expressed enthusiasm for their work and their intent to perform in a most satisfactory manner. Pledge of Allegiance led by Commissioner 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. Planning Commission Meeting Page 2 August 17, 2000 ITEM #1 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 20, 2000 MOTION PCM-2000-21 Motion by Commissioner Wilson to approve as submitted. MOTION VOTE PCM-2000-21 Motion carried. 3-0-1-1. Commissioner Wilson abstaining and Commissioner Trainor absent. ITEM # 2 SA-00-06/E-00-06 SA-00-05/W-00-06 Applications for Site and Architectural Review and Environmental Review to construct a new single family residence of approximately 4,675 square feet. Steve Cumblidge presented the Staff Report, informing the Commission the project is a fairly standard single family house which is categorically exempt per the California Environmental Quality Act and that the general plan and the zoning are consistent. Mr. Cumblidge noted the only potential issue was the size of the garage, at 1,795 square feet. However, Staff reviewed other houses on Blue Mountain Court and determined there are other large garages on the street, although this would still be the largest. The structure will cover 10.4% of the lot, so it is well within the 40% maximum allowed by the zoning district. Staff added a condition to the general conditions that "the garage shall only be used for non -business purposes". The only suggestion Staff made was the chimney have an appropriate cap treatment for the style of the house. The house will be subject to the Traffic Impact Circulation Improvement Fee Ordinance #190, adopted by the City Council, February 24t', of this year. Staff recommended approval. Commissioner Wilson inquired if there were any sewer at all on Blue Mountain Court and if there had been any discussion with the applicant relating to future use of the garage. Mr. Cumblidge noted that Blue Mountain Court is not served by sewer. He did advise that there is a sewer line in Pico, but only the house on the corner, 12710, has sewer connection. Director Materassi advised that no discussion had taken place with the applicant. She commented that separate approval would be needed if the applicant would ever want to use the garage for anything other than "garaging" purposes. The Director advised the City would rely upon the applicant to approach the City if another use of the garage was ever considered. If the applicant changed the use without using appropriate channels, the City would rely upon proactive code enforcement or neighborhood advise to City Staff to resolve the issue. Planning Commission Meeting Page 3 August 17, 2000 7:08 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING CORRINE ROBINSON STONEWOOD CONSTRUCTION Corrine Robinson, owner of Stonewood Construction addressed the Commission noting she represented the applicants in this matter. Ms. Robinson responded to Commissioner's comments/questions in stating that plans call for a bathroom in the garage, as there may a pool in the future and this would eliminate pool users from accessing the home. She advised that the home is designed for a couple, their automobiles, boats, etc. The couple owns a home in Big Bear and a condominium in Grand Terrace. Further, the couple owns a prosperous business and has no intention of using this residential property for business purposes. Ms. Robinson stated she believed the home will be a great addition to the City of Grand Terrace. 7:13 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED Chairperson Van Gelder inquired if anyone had questions for Ms. Robinson. There were none. Commissioner Ferre' commented that she was pleased to see this type of home being built in Grand Terrace. MOTION PCM-2000-22 Motion by Commissioner Wilson to approve. Seconded by Commissioner Ferre'. MOTION VOTE PCM-2000-22 Motion carried. 4-0-0-1. Commissioner Trainor absent. 7:15 P.M. ADJORNED SITE AND ARCHITECTURE REVIEW BOARD/PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING 7:15 P.M. CONVENED PUBLIC WORKSHOP SESSION Information to Commission • Mr. Lampe presented Staffs report, a "Current Review of DAP (Drug Alternative Program)". Based on recurrent concerns expressed by residents to Staff and a request from Commissioner Ferre' regarding residential care type facilities and the perceived over -concentration of these facilities in the northern portion of the City, research commenced and the findings were presented for Planning Commission's review and general comment. Planning Commission Meeting August 17, 2000 Page 4 Mr. Lampe advised he physically visited the site and spoke with the individuals running this organization in April of this year. The operators have been in the City of Grand Terrace for about twelve years. Staff contacted the State of California, which does have a responsibility for licensing one of the four facilities listed in the memorandum to the Commission. The facility at 11810 Kingston Street is licensed by the State to operate a drug rehabilitation program. Mr. Lampe reported the State has very strict criteria and the Health and Safety Code does pre-empt local control. The Health and Safety Code does allow for these uses in residential areas and does not allow for local cities and jurisdictions to restrict those particular uses as long as they conform to the state guidelines. A second location is operated as a transition house for individuals who have completed the rehabilitation program, but are not yet able to go out on their own and find a new location. This particular facility does not need a state license. The people living there are simply - living there. They are not involved in the actual drug or rehabilitation program. They have completed that program. The remaining two locations are sober living houses, a second part of the DAP program. The state does not require a license for this particular operation. The Harris' advised that it is a group of individuals who, in this living environment, support each other in maintaining the progress made in the rehabilitation program. 11868 Arliss Drive is the home of Mr. and Mrs. Harris, operators of the facilities. They also operate a lawn care business, with a Home Occupation Permit and Business License issued by the City. Staff analyzed the programs and spoke with the State about such issues as over -concentration, as Staff concluded that complaints from residents centered on the appearance of program expansion. An additional sober living facility opened earlier this year prompting inquires. Staffs research concluded the Health and Safety Code does not specify, or have any particular regulations, regarding over -concentration drug rehabilitation residential care facilities. Staff consulted with the City Attorney. The City Attorney concurred that State code does not regulate or address the issue of over -concentration of drug rehabilitation residential care facilities. City Counsel suggested City Staff explore the possibility of requiring a Conditional Use Permit for non -state licensed residential care facilities or conducting a study code to establish zoning standards for residential care facilities not licensed by the State. Mr. Lampe further advised Staff were looking at other jurisdictions and their handling of this issue. Mr. Lampe noted that all facilities addressed in the report, both those subject to license by the State and those not subject to State or City licensure, �- operate legally and are not currently subject to the City's Conditional Use Permit (CUP) regulations. Planning Commission Meeting Page s August 17, 2000 Commissioner Ferre' inquired if the facilities were state funded and if the Harris' owned all properties noted in Staffs report. She also asked if Staff had received complaints and from whom. Commissioner Ferre' advised that she had spoken several residents, who did not express concern so much about the programs, as the concentration of programs in the area. Some residents feel the neighborhood has lost the "family" feel and are concerned. Mr. Lampe responded, noting that the programs are not directly funded by the State. Also, some properties are owned by the Harris' and some are rented. Director Materassi responded that complaints were received from the Director of the PTA at Terrace View, and from an across -the -street neighbor. Former Commissioner Munson, a resident on Kingston, has a continuing interest in this matter and provides any/all material issued to the Director's attention. Further, the Commissioners are welcome to visit the program at any time, an open invitation from the Harris'. The Director advised that the programs are excellent, however there is a concern to preserve the family character of the neighborhood. Commissioner Wilson communicated concern over the State's subjugation of local land use and requested Staff provide hard copy regulations to the Commission. The Commissioner stated that families come in all shapes and sizes and he expressed his appreciation of quality programs to assist persons in these circumstances. He did support the concern and further study regarding concentration issues. The Commissioner also inquired if any other type of complaints had been received. Director Materassi noted that early complaints were received about the Harris' HOP. They were bringing green waste to their home and transferring it to a very large truck. At Staff notification of the violation, the behavior ceased. The Director noted it appeared the Harris' were good neighbors as no complaints of noise, no police activity and no concerns over the programs themselves, have been received. Chairperson Van Gelder asked about the number of facilities, such as those mentioned in the report, in Grand Terrace. Director Materassi advised that as of two and a half years ago there were thirteen (13) licensed facilities in Grand Terrace. Commissioner Addington thanked Staff for presenting a balanced view. Director Materassi advised the Commissioners that Staff continues to research the matter. Staff has contacted other cities and intends to review their approach to residential care type facilities, specifically those not licensed by the State. John Harper, City Attorney, advised the City could 4, Planning Commission Meeting Page 6 August 17, 2000 consider some action to control over -concentration in relation to those "residential care type facilities", not licensed by the State. Director Materassi noted that Staff intends to present the results of their continuing research at the November of December Commission Meeting with recommendation for Commission consideration of a potential City Resolution or Ordinance requiring a CUP for those residential care type facilities not licensed by the State. Director Materassi invited the Planning Commissioners to attend the Retail Recruitment Forum scheduled for August 29 from 3-5 PM, in the Council Chambers. Director Materassi informed the Commissioners of the Forum's content and purpose. Director Materassi commended Pat Lunsford for her years of service to the Planning Commission and wished her well in her new position as Account Clerk in the City Finance Department, echoing the sentiments expressed by the Commissioners to Ms. Lunsford earlier in the evening. Director Materassi expressed her satisfaction with the current level of staffing, the contributions made by Steve Cumblidge since his hire in early May, her expectations for Pat Groeneveld, new Planning Secretary and the resulting expansion of John Lampe's contribution to planning and other functions of the Department. Information from Commissioners Commissioner Addington reported that he successfully passed examination and is now licensed as a Surveyor. This news was met with applause and congratulations from all in attendance. 7:43 P.M. ADJOURNED PUBLIC WORKSHOP SESSION NEXT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING TO BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 21, 2000. Respectfully submitted, Patrizia Materassi Director of Community and Economic Development Approved by, Fran Van Gelder Chairperson, Planning Commission w/pg/planning/minutes8-17-OO.doc