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08/20/1992Planning GRAND TERRACE PLANNING COMMISSION Department MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 20, 1992 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 20, 1992 at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Dan Buchanan. PRESENT: Dan Buchanan, Chairman Stanley Hargrave, Vice -Chairman Ray Munson, Commissioner Jim Sims, Commissioner Fran Van Gelder, Commissioner Doug Wilson, Commissioner Moire Huss, Commissioner STAFF: Maria Muett, Associate Planner Moniquejaune' Pearson, Planning Secretary ABSENT: None PLEDGE: PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSHOP CONVENED AT 6:30 P.M. The Acting Director welcomed the two new Commissioners. It was decided to administer the Oath of Office at the workshop portion of the meeting. The Acting Director proceeded with the swearing in of Commissioner Doug Wilson and Commissioner Moire Huss, followed by signing The Oath of Office. Congratulations were extended to both by the Acting Director. The Acting Director introduced the next item for discussion, the election procedures; that of every year or every two years. Chairman Buchanan said that historically it has been treated as an annual event. It was discovered in the Planning Commission Guide the City had used sometime in the past that the term of office for Planning Commission officers was two years, thus the reason for review now. The Acting Director stated that was correct. 22795 Barton Road 0 Grand Terrace, California 92324-5295 • (909) 824-6621 Chairman Buchanan asked whether or not the preference of the Planning Commission would be to continue the annual election for the Chairman and Vice Chairman or go to a two year procedure. The Acting Director replied it should be in a form of recommendation to the City Council. Vice -Chairman Hargrave mentioned to keep a smoother running Parliamentary procedure takes at least three, four, or five meetings to become accustomed to the duties of a Commissioner. In addition to conducting a meeting, one has to read the packets and become organized, and this takes at least two years. Commissioner Van Gelder stated she didn't have strong feelings about it one way or the other, two years was fine. Commissioner Munson asked if it were proper to make a motion. Additionally he stated it took a while to become acclimated and adjust to the position. He felt at least a minimum of two years would be applicable. He would make a motion to this effect if it were proper at this time. Commissioner Van Gelder said the only experience she had was being president or chairman of various groups. The first year was fun, the second year was work. She added that maybe it is different here but she found it to be true for herself. Chairman Buchanan stated that the longer term allows better motivation, more opportunity and commitment to the obligation. The Chairman and to some extent the Vice -Chairman can take a more pro active approach to some of the potential Planning Commission outside functions. If the Planning Commission selects a Chairman for a two year term, this allows the City Council an opportunity to acquaint themselves with that person. The City Council may then ask the Commissioner to serve as a City representative on some local advisory agency. This is occurring more every year and soon the five City Council members may discover that the Planning Commissioner can help on representation to these local agencies. Commissioner Sims asked if the Planning Commission is considering a two year term for both Chairman and Vice -Chairman. The Acting Director replied yes. Commissioner Sims stated he was agreement with the discussion so far. He felt the opportunity should be there for the Commissioners to experience the offices of Chairman and Vice -Chairman. He was not expressing a desire to be one way or the other, however as he watched the procedures of a meeting he has learned how to organize and conduct meetings. He stated it would be advantageous for all to experience. A new Commissioner can be intimidated by everything, however as time goes on and through the help of the other Commissioners and staff it becomes more comfortable. 0 2 Chairman Buchanan said he thought this was a valid point as some people do not have a lot of interest in serving a term in office however, a lot of people do. A two year term does detract from the possibility of spreading around the experience. Commissioner Sims complimented Chairman Buchanan on his term in office and would vote for him as Chairman again. He also stated he would vote for the two year term. The Acting Director asked if he wished to make this a motion. Chairman Buchanan stated that one of the other questions was to decide whether to make this a two year position. Shall it start for last year's election thus making this the middle of the two years. Commissioner Munson answered no then added he has one fault in not starting this year. If it is decided to have a two year term, next year would eliminate nominating Commissioner Hargrave because his time would be completed. Chairman Buchanan agreed, as all of the Commissioners are on four year terms but staggered. He asked if they are staggered on a two year interval. The Acting Director replied that four Commissioner's terms coming up in '94 and two are coming up in '96, the two being Commissioners Wilson and Huss. Chairman Buchanan agreed Commissioner Munson had a good point, because if they do it for two years, somebody's term would expire in the middle of their two years. The Acting Director suggested that it could start next year. Commissioner Van Gelder added she did not whether it was a problem if the term was up, someone was in the middle of a two year term. Whether one happens not to be reappointed or 0 choose not to be; the next person to be nominated would be in for two years. Vice -Chairman Hargrave explained the most important point in occupying the Chairman's seat required a minimum time to learn application of the position. The Acting Director mentioned there is a choice of either enacting this now or holding it for next year, or the Commission could continue the discussion at the next workshop. Vice -Chairman Hargrave stated he agreed with Commissioner Munson. Chairman Buchanan summarized that unless there is a vacancy there would not be a break, all terms would end on uneven years. Discussion continued the effect of even year elections. MOTION PCM 92-51 TWO YEARS TERM COMMENCING ON EVEN YEAR Commissioner Munson made the motion that the term of Chairman and Vice - Chairman be for two years, commencing on the even years. Vice -Chairman Hargrave seconded the motion. 4"' 3 MOTION VOTE PCM 92-51 Motion carries 6-0-0-1. The Acting Director confirmed this will be for the Chairman and Vice -Chairman every two years commencing on even years. Chairman Buchanan asked how this should be dealt with procedurally, would it go to the City Council for their approval or would the Planning Commission have the final authority. The Acting Director answered she would clarify this with the Director but her understanding was that the City Council would do a basic resolution as to the announcement to election procedures for Planning Commission. Chairman Buchanan asked once City Council acts does the Planning Commission want staff to place the elections on the Agenda. The Acting Director said staff could present this item at the next Planning Commission meeting, also there would be enough time to present it to City Council for action. Chairman Buchanan agreed and suggested to staff to include the two year election of the Chairman and Vice - Chairman as one of the items for the next Planning Commission Meeting. Commissioner Sims inquired about the Stater Brothers fire. He wanted to know if any discussion had been going on about it. The Acting Director said yes, at the City Council meeting it was brought up. Staff has been working with the City Manager and basically after reviewing the situation with the fire, the main consideration right now was just getting these people back into operation. Their percentage of change of improvements that are going to be required does not trigger the Barton Road Specific Plan. City working with the property owner and tenants are pulling permits right now. Staff has been working on an expeditious permit processing, and coordinated with the Fire Department, Riverside Highland and Water, Building and Safety, to almost a one stop permit process. Chairman Buchanan asked if the fire started at the One Hour Photo. The Acting Director said, no the fire started in the bakery. Chairman Buchanan felt this was a real tragedy and wanted to know if there is something the Commission should know to avoid a repeat of the same. Commissioner Van Gelder added the newspaper said the cause was faulty wiring. The Acting Director agreed and also mentioned the construction of the building at that time did not have current fire codes to follow. Commissioner Van Gelder asked if sprinklers are included. The Acting Director said there is discussion of hydrants and fire walls. New construction will require one or the other. 0. 4 Chairman Buchanan recalled the fire walls between Sprouse Reitz and Stater 1 Brothers kept Stater Brothers from being destroyed. The Acting Director answered affirmative. According to UBC requirements a hydrant should be 300 feet and currently the closest one is located at 800 feet. Commissioner Van Gelder expressed concern about rectifying the problems here as occurred in L.A. The Acting Director said this was under consideration and if necessary a fire wall would be constructed. Commissioner Sims asked if the sign at the recently opened gas station was in conformance with the Barton Road Specific Plan. The Acting Director replied that it was. Commissioner Sims added there are other signs which looked better, this one looks like solid panels. The Acting Director answered this was the best the applicant could do. A great deal of work was put to finalize the visibility problem of the lettering to comply with the Barton Road Specific Plan. Commissioner Sims said the sign was unattractive. The Acting Director added the owners will plant landscaping and this would probably help the appearance of the sign. THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING CONVENED AT 7:00 P.M. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Commissioner Munson said it was his understanding that the City was going to assume the obligation liability of the temperature time sign. The Acting Director replied she had not heard this. Union Federal and Mr. TV Video were going through escrow which included the temperature sign and was due to close last weekend. The City's approach was to keep the sign as a historical type monument, however, the City will not maintain or use it as a City monument sign. She did not know the results, but would keep the Planning Commission updated. Vice -Chairman Hargrave asked about the blue tarp covering the sign. The Acting Director responded the panels are there because the equipment is being moved. Federal Savings leased the sign structure from the owners Ontario Savings. Union Federal left, the equipment and maintenance would be inherited by the new owners. She did not know if Mr. TV Video was successful with their escrow purchase. Chairman Buchanan asked if there was any additional public participation. ITEM # 1 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - JULY 16, 1992 Chairman Buchanan said the minutes of July 16, 1992 will be continued to the September 3, 1992 meeting. 5 ITEM #2 V-92-01 MARK AND ANN IVEY 23325 WESTWOOD AVENUE G.T. AN APPLICATION FOR VARIANCE OF REAR YARD SETBACK TO A SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE IN THE R1-20 ZONE DISTRICT. The Acting Director presented the staff report. Commissioner Sims stated he noticed a discrepancy in the plans. He recalled the other plans showed 8 ft. 6 in. around the perimeter. now it showed 5 ft. minimum. He expressed his concern about the possibility of it going to 5 ft. The Acting Director suggested questioning the architect about this. She had the plan and had reviewed the minutes of the previous Site and Architectural Review meeting. Commissioner Sims continued with the possibility that during construction if problems occurred would the 5 ft. be allowed. The Acting Director said no, the variance was set at 8 ft. Commissioner Sims felt that since the plans showed 5 ft. they would be allowed to go to 5 ft. and he did not agree with this,. The plan should be changed to correct the error. The Acting Director suggested including a condition in the Variance asked for 8 ft. Commissioner Sims agreed. LARRY VESELY 22365 BARTON ROAD G.T. Mr. Vesely said in response to this issue, the 5 ft. notation was for clarification with the Fire Department to make sure they had the clearance. The variance they are asking for was 8 ft. Vice -Chairman Hargrave asked if there were conditions other than the ones listed in the Site and Architectural Review. The Acting Director replied no,. She explained there were no new conditions on the Variance, that the standard conditions given to the applicant on the Site and Architectural remained the same. 7:48 P.M. OPENED / CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING No comments from the public. 4..r 6 PLANNING COMMISSION CONVENED AT 7:48 P.M. Chairman Buchanan brought this item back to the Planning Commission for discussion and action. MOTION PCM-92-52 V-92-01 Commissioner Sims made a motion to approve V-92-01. Commissioner Munson second. Vice -Chairman Hargrave referring to the Resolution stated the word allowing should be corrected with the words shall be, this would eliminate any openings for allowances. The Acting Director agreed. Vice -Chairman Hargrave added this also refers to toe of slope. The Acting Director suggested incorporating the modification into the motion that is now pending. MOTION AMENDED PCM-92-52 V-92-01 Vice -Chairman Hargrave addressed the Chair to attain a motion for modification of the Resolution. Chairman Buchanan summarized the motion which was for the modification of the Resolution to reflect minimum of an 8 ft. set back measured from toe of slope instead of top of slope. Commissioner Munson second. MOTION VOTE PCM-92-52 Motion carries. 6-0-0-0 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING ADJOURNED 8.05 P.M. SITE AND ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD CONVENED 8:05 P.M. ITEM #3 SA-91-22 STEVE GARCIA MICHIGAN AVENUE AP# 277-411-05 IN BETWEEN 12664 AND 12656 MICHIGAN AVENUE G.T. AN APPLICATION FOR SITE AND ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW APPROVAL OF A 1,861 SQUARE FOOT SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE IN THE R1-7.2 ZONE DISTRICT The Acting Director presented the staff report. Commissioner Wilson asked why there was a requirement for a detailed landscape irrigation plan. He understood there was little or no slope in the front yard. The Acting Director replied this is a standard procedure of the Site and Architectural Review projects in the City. There is no formalized ordinance however, submitted projects have to show some type of proposed landscaping with irrigation lines. A previous project from the last Planning Commission meeting had great slopes involved and staff was concerned with erosion. In this situation the land is flat therefore that problem does not exist but landscaping and irrigation plans are still required to review what is proposed to be for proper maintainance. Commissioner Van Gelder asked for the location of the air conditioning units on the plans. The Acting Director said one reason the air conditioning was indicated as a condition was for clarification. Commissioner Sims asked if staff would allow a unit on the roof. The Acting Director replied the only part of the code where there are specifics is in the Barton Road Specific Plan. In previous discussion, by the Planning Commission it was considered as policy that air conditioning/heating units are to be blocked from public view. Commissioner Sims stated if the Commission does not want the units on the roof, the Planning Commission has to say so. The Acting Director suggested to making it a policy since it was not in the Code. Commissioner Sims asked if the Planning Commission could make a condition to place the units at ground level. The Acting Director said yes since it was not part of the Code. Chairman Buchanan said in certain architectural designs it could be built on the roof and never seen, and in other designs it could be screened to look like a box on the roof. Commissioner Sims said that is seen in commercial buildings, but in residential homes it follows the proverbial swamp cooler and is cheaper to install. During the construction of the home the owner may decide to install a swamp cooler instead of an air conditioning unit however, the Planning Commission still does not approve of the units on the roof. Vice -Chairman Hargrave asked staff to define the location of the site on Michigan Avenue. The Acting Director replied the west side of Michigan, the vacant lot across from the church. Vice -Chairman Hargrave questioned if proposed colors of the materials blended with the surrounding earth tone residences. The Acting Director stated they do however the applicant could describe in further detail the proposed tones. KEN TAYLOR DEDE GARCIA MICHIGAN AVENUE GT Mr. Taylor said the air conditioning in the house is not roof bounded, it goes in the attic vertically. Vice -Chairman Hargrave asked Mr. Taylor to clarify his statement. Mr. Taylor explained that there are various types of air conditioning units. The applicant is installing a vertical unit which fits in the attic, not on the roof. Vice -Chairman Hargrave asked if the unit would fit just off the beams in the attic, Mr. Taylor replied yes. Vice -Chairman asked to define vertical versus horizonal. Mr. Taylor said that the air conditioning unit stands up between the trusses at the top and the condenser unit is located outside. Commissioner Sims asked if it was for safety or mechanical reasons the unit was being installed in the attic. Mr. Taylor replied for aesthetics as people chose the attic rather than the roof. Vice - Chairman Hargrave added they could be installed outside the house such as in the garage. Commissioner Munson inquired if the unit was a heating air conditioning unit. Mr. Taylor replied it was a heat pump. Commissioner Van Gelder asked if there was any difficulty servicing them. Mr. Taylor replied there was no problem in servicing them. Commissioner Van Gelder asked about how do they get up to the units. Mr. Taylor answered by using a cross beam next to the unit. Vice -Chairman Hargrave asked if the air conditioning unit was placed in the attic because there is no room in the garage. Mr. Taylor said no there is no preference, it worked well there. Chairman Buchanan added it minimized extra ducking. Chairman Buchanan asked if there was vibration or noise, Mr. Taylor replied no. Commissioner Munson asked if this was a new procedure. Mr. Taylor replied he has installed air conditioning and condensor units this way for about fifteen years. He added that in tract homes they have installed air conditioning units in the hallways, in the closet, or they can be in the garage or the attic. �1 9 Commissioner Van Gelder asked if the applicant intended to construct a cedar fence. Mr. Taylor responded cedar fence should be indicated on the plans. Vice -Chairman Hargrave said he did not see a H back in the ceiling and was curious about the truss system. He asked if there was a corridor in the attic to assist in reaching the H back system or one central crawl space out in the hallway. Mr. Taylor stated that was the most logical place. Mr. Taylor said units are about 2 ft tall by 2 ft. wide by 4 ft. long. Vice - Chairman Hargrave asked if they weighed one ton or two tons. Mr. Taylor said he did not know. He would need to review Title 24, but guessed four tons. Vice -Chairman Hargrave mentioned that he did not feel the Commission should question the design aspects or structural capacity, that was a Building Department concern. Chairman Buchanan said the Planning Commission's concern is that the compressor pump a small unit, be located in the back, on the ground level sufficiently screened by landscaping. Mr. Taylor replied the compressor is approximately 30 inches in diameter and 32 inches tall. Chairman Buchanan acknowledged. The Acting Director said the City Engineer will see that all of this conforms with Title 24, Engineering calcs, UBC. Mr. Taylor stated he had been informed there was a problem on the plot plan with the setbacks, 5 ft. on one side and 10 ft, on the other side. He wanted to know if they should be redrawn or just indicate it on the approved set. Chairman Buchanan replied the Planning Commission would act on this including the condition, that the official sets submitted be corrected. Mr. Taylor acknowledged to the affirmative. PUBLIC HEARING OPENED/CLOSED AT 8:18 P.M. No comments from the public. Commissioner Hargrave stated he felt uncomfortable with the wording of Condition #5. The plans showed the unit in the attic therefore it would be screened. His concern was regarding any units on the roof. All the condition states is that it has to be screened from public view. Site and Architectural should approve the plan as submitted if that is what Site and Architectural Review Board reviewed. He did not want to leave the condition open to possible changes later or changes by the applicant with the condition as stated. Chairman Buchanan referred to Condition #1 which read the project had to be constructed in accordance with the plans reviewed. Vice -Chairman Hargrave stated public view was too lenient. 10 MOTION PCM-92-53 SA-91-22 Chairman Buchanan made a motion to amend Condition #5, by adding at the end of the sentence, "air conditioning and heating unit to be screened from public view and not to be placed on the exterior of the roof". Commissioner Munson second. MOTION VOTE PCM-92-53 SA-91-22 Motion carried. 6-0-0-0 MOTION PCM-92-54 SA-91-22 AS AMENDED Vice -Chairman Hargrave made a motion for approval of SA-91-22, as amended. Commissioner Munson second. MOTION VOTE PCM-92-54 SA-91-22- AS AMENDED Motion carried. 6-0-0-0 SITE AND ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD ADJOURNED AT 8:20 P.M. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING CONVENED AT 8:20 P.M. Chairman Buchanan said there was one last business of attend before adjourning. He asked Commissioner Huss to introduce herself to the Commission. C. 11 Commissioner Huss stated she and her parents moved to Grand Terrace in 1955. She went to Colton High School. Left Grand Terrace in 1980. Married in 1989 and moved back to Grand Terrace. She works with the Postal Service for 13 years. Her husband has a pool service. She then asked if the Commissioners would give her a summary about themselves. Each Commissioner presented her with a short profile. Chairman Buchanan mentioned he would not be attending the next meeting. Vice - Chairman Hargrave said he did not think he would be attending the next meeting. Chairman Buchanan appointed Commissioner Sims to sit in the Chair. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:30 P.M. NEXT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING TO BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 3, 1992 Respectfully Submitted, q'kWanvm- - Patrizia Materassi, Planning Director Accepted by, Dan Buchanan, Planning Commission Chairman 08-20-92mins. 12