12/04/1990GRAND TERRACE PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 4, 1990
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 December
4, 1990 at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Jerry Hawkinson.
PRESENT: Jerry Hawkinson, Chairman
Dan Buchanan, Vice -Chairman
Stanley Hargrave, Commissioner
Ray Munson, Commissioner
Fran Van Gelder, Commissioner
David R. Sawyer, Community Development Director
Maria C. Muett, Assistant Planner
Maggie Barder, Planning Secretary
ABSENT: Jim Sims, Commissioner
PLEDGE: Dan Buchanan, Vice -Chairman
PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSHOP CONVENED AT 6:30 P.M.
Information from staff to Planning Commissioners.
Information from Planning Commissioners to staff.
Discussion of changing meeting night from Tuesdays to Thursdays.
Discussion of raise in stipends.
PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSHOP ADJOURNED AT 7:00 P.M.
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING CONVENED AT 7:00 P.M.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: None.
ITEM #1
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES - NOVEMBER 13, 1990
MOTION
PCM-91-1
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES - NOVEMBER 13, 1990
MOTION
VOTE
PCM-91-1
Commissioner Van Gelder made a motion to approve the November 13, 1990
minutes. Vice -Chairman Buchanan second.
Motion carries. 4-0-1-1. Commissioner Sims absent. Commissioner Hargrave
abstained.
ITEM #2
Z-89-03
RICHARD K. CHURCHWELL
23081 GRAND TERRACE ROAD
G.T.
AN APPLICATION FOR A REDUCTION IN THE REQUIRED REAR YARD SETBACK
FROM 35' TO 20'
The Community Development Director presented the staff report.
Vice -Chairman Buchanan asked if the zone change would apply in any R1-10
Zone, to which the Community Development Director agreed.
Vice -Chairman Buchanan asked if staff made this type of analysis with respect
to the Petta project.
The Community Development Director stated that they have looked at the
Petta project, and the slopes in the Petta project are not as great as those in
the Churchwell project.
Commissioner Hargrave asked if it was in staff s view to take a district on the
south side of a major artery (Barton Road) and include this as justification for
this project when there is very little on the north side of Barton Road with
that type of setback. He said they also have some adjoining vacant tracts
which will eventually be developed.
2
The Community Development Director stated that the R1-10 Zone is rather
small, and the Petta and Churchwell properties are about the only remaining
properties that are significantly vacant and can be subdivided. He said that
the property to the south of Barton Road doesn't dictate how the area north
of Barton Road should develop.
Commissioner Hargrave stated that with the slopes, there is maybe one parcel
in Churchwell's project that does not meet the 35' setback.
The Community Development Director stated that Lot 4 would be close to
30' and Lot 5 would be 25'.
Vice -Chairman Buchanan felt they may be disregarding the agricultural
overlay notion with the setback reductions.
The Community Development Director stated that the agricultural overlay
zone was an answer to the citizens that lived in the area, as it had developed
with a rural atmosphere and they wanted to keep that.
Chairman Hawkinson called up the applicant.
DOUG SHACKELTON
J.F. DAVIDSON AND ASSOCIATES
3880 LEMON STREET
RIVERSIDE
Mr. Shackelton stated that they concur with staffs recommendation and
analysis. He stated that they did not believe the zone change would
jeopardize the integrity of the zone or development. He stated that the
setbacks will be closer to 35' than 20'.
Commissioner Van Gelder was concerned about the size of the houses, stating
that the size of the pads could not allow them to be as large as the existing
one.
Mr. Shackelton stated that the houses have not been selected yet, but a two-
story dwelling could approach the size of the existing dwelling.
7:24 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING OPENED
TERRY MARTINEZ
22950 ARLISS DRIVE
G.T.
3
Ms. Martinez stated that she felt at a disadvantage as they received the
information at 5:15 p.m. on Friday and didn't have much time to prepare.
She stated that regarding the setbacks, she stated that the Community
Development Director stated that he wished to keep the rural atmosphere,
which is why they kept the 35' setbacks, and now he feels they can reduce it
to 20' and maintain the rural atmosphere. She felt this was possible on the
Churchwell project as the lots were quite large and they have the slopes. She
stated that the minutes reflect that Commissioner Munson stated that if you
set this as precedence, then it possibly could come back to haunt them, and
she felt this was a real possibility in the Petta project, as his lot sizes are down
to the minimum and he wants the setbacks down to the minimum. She stated
that in the minutes of the last meeting, it was asked that the developer come
back with an alternative plan with the rear yard setbacks as is, and this has
never materialized.
ELIZABETH KENNEDY
11831 PRESTON STREET
G.T.
Ms. Kennedy asked the Community Development Director to qualify the R1-
20 Zone which borders the Churchwell project.
The Community Development Director stated that the R1-20 Zone is directly
north across Arliss Drive, and a portion of the R1-20 Zone does border a
portion of this map.
Ms. Kennedy stated that as a property owner whose land is included in the
R1-10 Zone and abuts these proposed developments, she would like to
express an objection to the proposed 20' rear yard setback. She said that
when they expressed no objection to the zone change from R1-20 to R1-10,
it was with the understanding that the requirements for the rear yard setback
would remain at 35' in the new R1-10 zone. She felt that allowing 20' rear
yard setbacks will jeopardize their current ability as property owners to keep
horses on their property and on the adjacent properties already developed.
She said that at least one property is land -locked, and can only be used for
agricultural purposes. She said that these conditions apply directly to at least
two properties on Preston Street and two on Victoria, and if 20' rear yard
setbacks are allowed, she asked what would prevent property owners from
constructing retaining walls along his or her rear yard property line, thus
reducing their slope requirement and expanding their buildable space to
within 20' of his property line, precluding the 70' required for their corrals.
Commissioner Hargrave asked for the location of Ms. Kennedy's property.
4
Ms. Kennedy stated that they border Churchwell's Lot 3 on the west property
line.
The Community Development Director indicated this on the map. He stated
that the Agricultural Overlay Zone states that all animals, except household
pets, shall be kept at a minimum distance of 70' from any adjacent dwelling,
school or church located on adjoining parcels.
Commissioner Hargrave asked if Ms. Kennedy has preference before Lot 3
owners, even though she doesn't currently have horses.
The Community Development Director stated that if she does not have horses
now, then the new property owner next to her could have an extension of the
home that could go into that 70' area, and Ms. Kennedy would have to come
in later and meet the 70' distance.
Commissioner Hargrave asked the depth of Ms. Kennedy's property from
Preston to the east.
Ms. Kennedy stated that she would not be able to have horses with the 2 to
1 slope that will be required from Preston Street on their bank in their front
yard. She said they have 250.42 feet from Preston Street back, and they have
approximately a 20' bank from Preston Street that they will have to make into
a 2 to 1 slope. She stated that she does not have an objection to the overall
35' setback with a 20' setback to the banks.
ROMAYNE CHINNOCK
22935 ARLISS DRIVE
G.T.
Mr. Chinnock stated that he is immediately adjacent to the Churchwell
property on the westerly side. He said that they have been trying to receive
information for many months as to what would come forward tonight, and he
has made numerous calls to the City Planning Department, and the reply was
always that nothing had been submitted, and as of 5:00 p.m. Friday, nothing
had been submitted and the packets were not posted until after the legal time
for this public hearing. He said that there is only one reason to change the
setbacks, and that is to make it possible to put more dwellings in any given
piece of property, and in doing that, they exacerbate the traffic problem. He
stated that, from the minutes of the last meeting, Commissioner Munson also
had a problem with Lot 8, and stated that not much is being said about the
35' setback, which caused him concern, and that down the road the 20' would
come to haunt them. He urged the commission to take into account the
residents in the area and not rezone to the 20' setback.
5
BARBARA PFENNIGHAUSEN
22111 LADERA
G.T.
Ms. Pfennighausen asked where the AP Zone comes down into the triangle
that abuts the R1-10.
The Community Development Director indicated this on the map, stating that
it is a portion of the Barton Road Specific Plan. He said that the triangle's
northern boundary is Victoria Street.
Ms. Pfennighausen concurred with those opposed to the change from 35' to
20' setback, with the exception that where slopes can be incorporated to retain
the integrity of the 35', and that the Churchwell property could be accepted,
but she would have great reservation and would be opposed to an overall
zone change that would allow all R1-10 properties to fall under this. She
stated that this zoning code is relatively new, and assumed that staff and City
Council did consider these things at the time, and if an exception needs to be
made, it should be made on a project -by -project basis.
Mr. Shackelton stated that they truly believe the approval of this zone change
will not jeopardize the integrity of the neighborhood of this development. He
felt there was more emphasis being place on this issue than is justified. He
pointed out, lot by lot, what the rear setback situation would be if approved.
He said that Lot 1 will have a 20' setback from the toe of the slope, and he
would estimate the horizontal distance of the slope to be 40', so the rear
setback is 60' from a practical standpoint; Lot 2 is a 30' horizontal distance
on the slope, so the setback is 50% Lot 3 varies from 35' to 25% Lot 4 has
approximately 29% Lot 5 is right at 25' if the dwelling is built there; Lot 9 is
an existing dwelling; Lot 6 is 25' to 30% Lot 7 is probably 40% Lot 8 is 20' plus
8' or 9'. He stated that if the flexibility is taken away, the dwellings will be
shoved out to the street.
BARBARA PFENNIGHAUSEN
22111 LADERA
G.T.
Ms. Pfennighausen said that she doesn't have great disagreement with what
has been presented with regard to the Churchwell project, but her
disagreement is in making this a general zone change on all R1-10 properties.
She said that if they cannot meet the setbacks on the Churchwell project, then
they will have to subdivide their project into larger lots which would be a
benefit to the community.
C
ROMAYNE CHINNOCK
22935 ARLISS DRIVE
G.T.
Mr. Chinnock was confused as to how to proceed, as he hears discussion that
this proposal will cover both tentative tract maps tonight, but they are not
supposed to be discussing them together. He said that he and his neighbors
are not opposed to the development of this land, but they would like to see
this land harmonious with the neighborhood as it is now. He said that he
does not have a lot of objection to the setbacks as they are shown on Mr.
Churchwell's property but asked if the consideration is to change the zoning
for the setbacks on all of R1-10 or just this tentative tract map.
The Community Development Director stated that it would affect all of the
R1-10 Zone.
Mr. Chinnock stated that he would urge the Planning Commission to not take
this action, for it will create a tremendous amount of problems and will
exacerbate the traffic problem.
TERRY MARTINEZ
22950 ARLISS DRIVE
G.T.
Ms. Martinez stated that she was not opposed to the rear yard setbacks as
Churchwell's tract map shows, but she was disturbed by a comment made by
the representative of J.F. Davidson, who said that if they decide they do not
want to pass this, then they will have to move the houses up toward the street.
Chairman Hawkinson stated that they are at the same disadvantage as they
don't have Site and Architectural plans at this point, so the locations and sizes
of the houses are not yet proposed.
The Community Development Director stated that the tentative maps are
indicating the setback areas and thereby identifying the buildable pad areas.
He said that the 20' and 25' setbacks can be moved to 35', which will reduce
the actual size of the buildable pads and reduce the options of the property
owners for Site and Architectural Review. He said that it will also restrict the
Site and Architectural Review Board's ability to place the home, but it is not
dictating that the homes be moved out to the street, as another alternative is
the realignment of lot lines.
7:58 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED
7
The Community Development Director stated that all the legal posting and
notifications were met, as state law requires a 72 hour notification and posting
of the agendas, which actually falls on Saturday evening, and packets were
available at 5:00 p.m. Friday.
Commissioner Hargrave asked if there was anything in the procedures, if this
zoning change was not approved, that prohibits them to go on to the
Churchwell application and give it some sort of variance.
The Community Development Director stated that they can continue with the
agenda and hear both of the maps, but staff's recommendation would change
to continue the items to be redesigned. He said that no variance has been
applied for or advertised for, so this could not be considered.
Commissioner Hargrave asked if there was a discussion on workups with 35'
setbacks.
The Community Development Director stated that the applicant did not
submit anything addressing that issue.
Commissioner Van Gelder asked if they have regulations regarding the
frontage of property.
The Community Development Director stated that there is a 25' front yard
setback.
Commissioner Van Gelder asked what kind of findings they would be looking
for in order to approve a variance.
The Community Development Director stated that there would have to be a
finding that there is something physically unique about this property. He said
that problem is that they may be able to lose one lot, but they would have to
analyze that.
Vice -Chairman Buchanan stated that he made a motion and withdrew it at
the last public hearing on this that the zone be modified to require a 35'
overall setback and a minimum of a 20' setback from the beginning of any
slope. He asked if they took this course, would they be running a risk of
developers or homeowners creating slopes where slopes aren't necessary.
The Community Development Director felt the overall cost of the grading
would prohibit that.
The City Engineer stated that it is unlikely, but possible.
N.
MOTION
PCM-91-2
Z-89-03
Vice -Chairman Buchanan expressed inclination to suggest modification of the
zoning ordinance that would require a 35' overall setback from the property
line with a minimum 20' setback from a slope. He felt this offers flexibility
and addresses the speakers' concerns, and a substantial number of the lots
would conform.
Vice -Chairman Buchanan made a motion to recommend to City Council
adoption of Z-89-03 with a footnote requiring a 35' overall rear yard setback
with a minimum 20' setback measured from the slope to the structure.
The Community Development Director stated that it should be worded that
the minimum setback would be 35', and 10-15' may be included in a slope
over 5%.
Vice Chairman Buchanan stated that he would prefer 10' and included this
in his motion.
Commissioner Hargrave seconded for discussion.
The Community Development Director described it on the drawing board.
Commissioner Munson asked about retaining walls being put up.
The Community Development Director stated that they can put up retaining
walls.
Commissioner Hargrave asked what the minimum level setback would be
from the structure itself moving back to the toe of any slope.
The Community Development Director stated that it would be 25' with the
motion as it is stated.
Commissioner Munson stated that in looking at Lot 9 versus Lot 8, it shows
there will be a 20' setback from the existing house on Lot 8.
The Community Development Director stated that Lot 9 has the existing
house on it, and there will be a 20' setback to the rear property line, and then
a 10-12' slope in distance and a 20' setback.
Commissioner Munson asked if they would allow the 20' setback on Lot 9.
0
MOTION
VOTE
PCM-91-2
The Community Development Director stated that this would not affect Lot
8, as they do not consider slopes in that aspect for front yards. He stated that
Lots 3, 5, 6 and maybe 4 of the Churchwell map would be adversely affected
to where they would have to redesign or change the pad areas, and on the
Petta map, perhaps one lot would be adversely affected.
Commissioner Hargrave asked if Lot 9 would have to come into conformity
with these requirements.
The Community Development Director stated that it would, because they are
creating lot lines around it.
Commissioner Hargrave discussed whether 20' or 25' level setback is the right
number.
Commissioner Munson felt 20' is a nice sized backyard.
Commissioner Van Gelder felt 20' was small, and that it doesn't create a
country atmosphere.
The Community Development Director stated that the rear yard setback will
affect main residential structures and additions to the main residential
structures. He said that an accessory structure can go within 10' of the rear
yard setback, and a patio cover can go within 5' of that area.
Vice -Chairman Buchanan felt 25' was more appropriate to retain the rural
atmosphere.
Motion carries. 5-0-1-0. Commissioner Sims absent.
8:35 P.M. TO 8:40 P.M. - RECESS
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING TEMPORARILY ADJOURNED AT 8:40 P.M.
SITE AND ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD CONVENED AT 8:40 P.M.
10
ITEM #5
SA-90-23
WILDEN PUMP AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
22069 VAN BUREN
G.T.
AN APPLICATION FOR SITE AND ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW OF AN EMPLOYEE
PICNIC AND RECREATION AREA
The Assistant Planner presented the staff report.
The Community Development Director clarified that the property is bound
on the east by single family residences, however the proposal of the park is
on the western portion of the parcel, so the industrial portions of the facility
is between the proposed park and the residences to the east. He said there
are some single family homes which abut to the south.
Vice -Chairman Buchanan asked if the western and southern portions are
surrounded by a 6' high decorative block wall, to which the Community
Development Director responded in the affirmative.
Chairman Hawkinson called up the applicant.
GARY CORNELL
PRESIDENT, WILDEN PUMP AND ENGINEERING
23623 NARCISSUS
MORENO VALLEY
LAURIE BUTLER
RANDOLPH HLUBIK AND ASSOCIATES
3612 7TH STREET
RIVERSIDE
Commissioner Van Gelder asked how many employees they have and if they
work around the clock.
Mr. Cornell stated about 135, and they do work around the clock.
Commissioner Van Gelder stated that the narrative said this would be used
primarily by employees, and asked who else they were talking about.
Mr. Cornell stated it will be used exclusively by employees and their families.
Commissioner Van Gelder stated she was very impressed.
11
Mr. Cornell stated that they wanted to give something back to their
employees, and this park will be a monument from Jim Wilden to his
employees.
Commissioner Hargrave stated that Mr. Hlubik, the engineer, won numerous
awards for his designs at the American Planning Conference. He asked if
their were any plans for the lighting for basketball courts.
Mr. Cornell stated that they intend to light it.
Ms. Butler stated that they are working on the plans now.
Vice -Chairman Buchanan stated that this is a great idea and a quality
presentation and project.
8:55 P.M. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING
BARBARA PFENNIGHAUSEN
22111 LADERA
G.T.
Ms. Pfennighausen stated that she would like to echo what the Planning
Commissioners have noted, and this community could have expected no less
from a company like Wilden Pump.
TONY PETTA
11875 ETON DRIVE
G.T.
Mr. Petta stated that this project will certainly enhance the beauty of the City,
and Wilden Pump has continually upgraded.
8:58 P.M. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING
MOTION
PCM-91-3
SA-90-23
Chairman Hawkinson brought this item back to the Commission for action.
Commissioner Hargrave made a motion to approve SA-90-23. Vice -Chairman
Buchanan second.
12
MOTION
VOTE
PCM-91-3
Motion carries. 5-0-1-0. Commissioner Sims absent.
SITE AND ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD ADJOURNED AT 9:00 P.M.
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING RECONVENED AT 9:00 P.M.
ITEM #3
TTM-90-04; E-90-07
TONY PETTA
NORTHWEST CORNER OF VICTORIA AND BARTON
G.T.
AN APPLICATION FOR A TENTATIVE TRACT MAP TO SUBDIVIDE A 3.17 ACRE, R1-
10 PARCEL INTO 11 RESIDENTIAL LOTS OF 10,000 SQUARE FOOT MINIMUM; AN
APPLICATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW OF TTM-90-04
The Community Development Director presented the staff report. He stated
that code requires that each lot in the R1-10 District have a minimum street
frontage of 40', and 2 lots are impacted by this, being Lots 10 and 11. He
said that they propose to share a 20' wide paved access area to those lots. He
said that this may work on paper, but when shared accesses are used, it comes
down to people problems. He said that in order to solve the blockage of the
fire access problem, the fire department requested a 5' shoulder area on each
side of those lots.
Commissioner Hargrave stated that several lots seem short on setbacks
The Community Development Director stated that it appears that some of
those would be able to absorb that extra 5' without much problem.
Vice -Chairman Buchanan stated that with respect to Lot 6, it is pretty easy to
identify a frontage, and it appears that the rear yard portion would be the
portion facing Barton, and they are using a side yard setback for what is
actually the back of the property.
The Community Development Director stated that the Lot has 3 sides, and
the rear yard setback can either back up to Barton Road or be adjacent to
Lot 11. He said that he prefers the 20' setback out onto Barton Road.
13
Vice -Chairman Buchanan said that with respect to Victoria Street, the plan
indicates the location of the existing paving, and he asked if the engineer's
recommendation was to require that between the curve on Victoria and
Preston Street, that the developer improve out Victoria all the way to Preston.
The City Engineer said they are asking that Victoria Street be improved to
1/2 plus 10' with curb and gutter on the southerly side of Victoria and 28' of
paving, and the paving there now is totally useless and would have to be
removed.
Vice -Chairman Buchanan asked if there was an existing right-of-way for the
developer to operate in.
The City Engineer said there are 60' of right-of-way.
Vice -Chairman Buchanan stated that there is a substantial elevation
difference, between Victoria Street and where the property is now. He asked
if he was comfortable with the developer's ability to address that grade
variation.
The City Engineer stated that it could probably be raised a little and still not
impact the properties on the north side of that particular street. He said that
the grading shown appears to meet all the requirements of Chapter 70 of the
Uniform Building Code.
Vice -Chairman Buchanan asked if he compared this map with Churchwell's
map and make some determination as to whether or not the proposed
gradings are consistent.
The City Engineer stated that he did, and they are compatible as far as the
grading is concerned. He said there is a drainage problem if this subdivision
is developed and the one to the north is not as there is a certain amount of
drainage that is tributary from the lots within this tract going northerly. He
said they would need temporary turn -around facilities outside this subdivision
or within the subdivision. He said that if they go together, it would work, and
if one goes individually, then they are requesting temporary turnarounds
outside the subdivision for each being developed.
Vice -Chairman Buchanan stated that the Southern California Gas Co. had an
objection to the plan as designed and asked if he was involved.
The City Engineer stated that he had not been involved, but he does know
they have facilities on the easterly end of Victoria, and he thinks their concern
is that they will have to relocate.
14
Vice -Chairman Buchanan asked if he concurred with the Community
Development Director's assessment with respect to the access to Lots 10 and
11.
The City Engineer didn't feel it would affect them at all, and they were
looking at the emergency access more than anything else.
Chairman Hawkinson called up the applicant.
DOUG SHACKELTON
J.F. DAVIDSON ASSOCIATES
3880 LEMON STREET
RIVERSIDE
Mr. Shackelton said the gas line is a 2" gas line and relocating is very
common, and the drainage is very easily taken care of. He said that the
request of the applicant is to approve the map as submitted and not delete
Lot 8 and showed a slide presentation showing the access alternative to
Barton access. He said that the red area represents a design constraint, and
presented different alternatives, stating that there is no way to avoid one
panhandle lot.
Vice -Chairman Buchanan asked if there was any possibility of some
coordination of effort that might result in opening up the options by an
adjustment to the northeast property line.
The Community Development Director didn't see that an adjustment would
solve the problem.
Mr. Shackelton stated that they did a number of study layouts and spent a lot
of time looking at a common driveway between Lots 9, 10 and 8 from above,
and the result is they end up involving two owners to come together on two
maps and the end result is the same. He said they shift the shared panhandle
from Lots 10 and 11 up to Lots 9, 10 and 8, and he felt it was better to deal
with this with a single owner.
The Community Development Director stated that they would end up with
two flag lots and they may want to consider a single, 40' shared access as a
compromise. He said they could eliminate Lot 8 and play with the property
lines somewhat. He expressed concern regarding the flag lot as it is, keeping
Lot 8, stating that they are really impacting Lots 7 and 8. He said that putting
this type of driveway with a 5' easement area that close to the buildable pad
is creating something that can be done better.
15
Vice -Chairman Buchanan asked if the proposed street is the location the
street has to be placed, stating that he realized the California aqueduct
easement runs through there.
Mr. Shackelton stated they don't have much flexibility.
Chairman Hawkinson asked if this project was not approved, would Lot 8
from the adjacent parcel be landlocked.
The Community Development Director stated it would not, because Arliss
Drive could be continued in from the north.
Vice -Chairman Buchanan stated that if their recommendation for the zone
change is adopted by City Council, the map as it is tonight would need some
modification. He expressed discomfort at looking at maps that are not what
they are ultimately looking at. He said that if the applicant is not satisfied
with their action on the zoning and appeals it, this would have a bearing on
what this map ultimately looks like.
Mr. Shackelton stated that his presumption is that the previous action would
apply to this map, so he hopes they will take an action on this map noting that
they will have to comply with the previous motion.
Vice -Chairman Buchanan was concerned that to make this map comply, there
is a lot of potential shifting of lot lines and adjusting of building pad sizes.
He asked about the possibility of coming off of Lot B somewhere at or
around the property line, and going east with a short side street cul-de-sac
that would provide access for Lot 8 and an expanded Lot 10, which would
mean the reduction of some lots. He asked what they would be talking about
on an interior street in terms of the width.
The City Engineer stated that the minimum they would accept would be 50',
36' curb separation with sidewalk adjacent to the curb. He said that total
right-of-way width would be 50'.
Mr. Shackelton stated that they are willing to look at some perimeters for
redesign.
Commissioner Hargrave stated that he would like to see the reciprocal
easement disappear, and see Lots 9, 10 and 11 be accessed by some private,
interior street.
ffZ
TONY PETTA
11875 ETON DRIVE
G.T.
Mr. Petta stated that he intends to build his house on one lot and would like
to see the best possible development. Mr. Petta stated that in his discussions
with City staff, it was concluded that it was a workable situation in that they
have a model directly across the street, an exit known as Victoria, which
serves 3 houses. He said that the approach for Lots 10 and 11 would be safer
than across the street because of the higher elevation. He said that staff and
the fire department were satisfied at a meeting called by the Planning
Director to iron out these problems so they wouldn't have to be confronted
with what they are being confronted with right now.
10:00 P.M. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING
ROMAYNE CHINNOCK
22935 ARLISS DRIVE
G.T.
Mr. Chinnock asked if the approval of this tract was dependent upon the
approval of the tract to the north.
Chairman Hawkinson stated that they are two separate projects.
Mr. Chinnock stated that he asked this as he sees only one access to this
property if the tract to the north is not approved.
Chairman Hawkinson stated that this tract would have to support its own
traffic.
Mr. Chinnock stated that City staff has written that the other tract is
dependent upon the approval of this tract.
Chairman Hawkinson stated that the comment was that the traffic flow would
be improved if both projects went forward.
Vice -Chairman Buchanan stated that part of the concern the Fire Warden has
indicated is where there is a single point of access resulting in a cul-de-sac
that exceeds 600' in length it requires special dispensation for it to be
approved.
The Community Development Director stated that the issue they are
discussing is the length of the cul-de-sacs that would be created if either map
17
did not go forward. He stated that regarding Mr. Petta's map, the distance
from Preston Street travelling along Victoria Street and then the proposed
Arliss Drive would be approximately 860'; for the Churchwell map, it would
be approximately 780' or 800' from Preston Street. He said that both maps
would be over the 600' maximum for a cul-de-sac, which is a requirement that
the fire department looks at, and if either map was not to go forward tonight,
he would like to have the fire department comment on any additional
requirements they would want to place on the property.
Mr. Chinnock stated that if this map is dependent upon the approval of the
other map, then there is a great issue of a traffic hazard with the traffic
flowing north on Arliss Drive, and at the last public hearing, he expressed the
concern of his neighbors and of himself of the increased traffic on Arliss
Drive. He stated that if this was the case, he strongly objects, and urged that
they do not approve this and ask the applicant to come back with a map that
is the map they will use.
DENNIS EVANS
22064 DEBERRY
G.T.
Mr. Evans reminded the Commission that they are panelled to deal with a
planning matter, and what they are hearing now is economics. He suggested
they look at this from a planning standpoint. He felt that there was no reason
they could not decrease the number of lots if it improves access.
BARBARA PFENNIGHAUSEN
22111 LADERA
G.T.
Ms. Pfennighausen stated that, regarding the properties that front onto Barton
Road, she would like to commend the engineer that designed this, as a great
deal of common sense was applied, but the City would have had to insist on
that curve that no driveways ever open onto Barton Road.
ELIZABETH KENNEDY
11831 PRESTON
G.T.
Ms. Kennedy stated that Lot 1 of Petta's tract will border her property 38.63
feet, and she was concerned with the pad elevation on all of his lots. She said
that he is proposing an elevation change along the west border of 10' from the
existing contour. She said that their map shows an incorrectly drawn property
line along the south side of her property perpendicular to the west property
line of Lot 1, as her south property line is actually at the bottom of the
illustrated bank approximately 5-6' south of where it is drawn on the map, and
she was very concerned about drainage from these banks of 10', as they will
drain onto the lots that face Preston Street. She said that this drainage has
a potential of undermining the existing bank along her south property line,
and the integrity of the wall and the bank would be jeopardized by increased
run-off. She was also concerned about the visual effect of 10' flood bank with
35' structures constructed on the top of them, as natural lighting for the
homes along Victoria and the properties along Preston would be changed
environmentally. She stated that she realized there were probably grading
restrictions on top of the aqueduct.
10:20 P.M. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING
Chairman Hawkinson called up the representative from the Fire Warden's
office.
CAPTAIN ERNYLEE JONES
385 NORTH ARROWHEAD
SAN BERNARDINO
Captain Jones stated that she was at the meeting held at the Planning
Department. She said that regarding the cul-de-sac issue, the County has
accepted the Uniform Fire Code as a City Ordinance, and in the City
Ordinance it says that there will not be cul-de-sacs beyond the length of 600',
and the only exceptions would be for 1/2 to 1 acre lots. She said the main
reason for cul-de-sac lengths is if there was a fire or hazardous materials spill,
they feel the length of 600' is as far as they would feel comfortable as far as
getting people out and getting to the scene. She complimented the designer,
as this is a very difficult situation. She said nobody likes flag lots, but for
people who wish to develop their property, it is something they try to work
with. She said that both applicants and the designer were very easy to work
with. She stated that the City ordinance states that 20' is the minimum for
emergency fire access, but her concern is that if there was a neighborhood
dispute and they had people parking along the driveway because it is joint
access, they may have difficulty getting emergency equipment to those lots, so
she asked Mr. Petta and his designer if they would give them an additional 5'
shoulder on either side, which they were willing to do. She said that as far as
the fire department is concerned, these two projects are dependent upon each
other because of the cul-de-sac issue.
Mr. Shackelton stated that regarding the question of economics and planning,
he indicated that this is a planning issue, and his emphasis was on the
planning aspects. He stated that Mr. Petta's emphasis was on economics and
�� 19
rightly so. He said that a planner is taught consistency of area development,
and they should focus in as to whether or not this is good planning. He
circulated an aerial photo which he felt demonstrated good planning. He said
that with regard to economics, one lot is a big deal. He said that adding a
cul-de-sac to serve 5 or 6 lots is not the solution. He stated that the
Subdivision Map Act does require that the Commission have concurrence of
the developer for a continuance, and in this case, they would rather not have
it continued.
Mr. Munson asked if it was economically feasible to develop one project
without the other, to which Mr. Shackelton responded in the affirmative.
Chairman Hawkinson brought the item back to the commission for action.
Commissioner Van Gelder asked for the Community Development Director's
closing remarks.
The Community Development Director stated that there are other alternatives
that can be considered; what has been considered meets the legal
requirements and is an acceptable alternative if they would like to see 20'
paved accessway. He said that staff feels there is a way to obtain a solution
which would be less impactive on the area, and he disagreed that this area is
more R1-7.2 than R1-20. He said it was originally zoned R1-20, and staff
pointed out that this is more like the area to the north than the more level
area of R1-7.2. He felt the access to Lots 10 and 11 can be worked out,
stating that at the meeting with the fire department and the applicants, they
discussed what they can accept regarding access. He said the fire department
indicated the minimum requirement of 20' and requested 5' shoulder
accessway on each side of the driveway. He said staffs recommendation was
that they have the 5' access and another 5' of landscaped area to provide a
buffer, but unfortunately, that would mean a 40' drive access point and would
basically eliminate that possibility because of the land that it would take from
7 and 8, as they wouldn't meet the 10,000 square foot minimum requirements.
He stated that he doesn't feel strongly against it since it is legal, but he would
recommend wider access. He said that regarding continuance, the applicant
has waived the 50 day requirement for reports to the City Council, but if he
would like a decision, they should consider that.
Commissioner Van Gelder wanted to make sure Ms. Kennedy's concerns were
addressed. She said the Department of Transportation stated in their letter
that there is not a problem of impacting traffic in that area. She did not feel
they should be satisfied with minimum requirements even if they have been
met if there is the possibility that changes could be made that would improve
the project.
Pic
Vice -Chairman Buchanan stated that if the applicant wanted a decision based
on what is before them tonight, he would vote in the negative. He felt that
since the two projects are interrelated, perhaps they deserve a workshop
session, and he would like to see an effort to solve the problems they have
discussed in the past with regard to the Churchwell project, such as the Arliss
situation and the access problems.
MOTION
PCM-91-4
TTM-90-04, E-90-07
MOTION
VOTE
PCM-91-4
Commissioner Hargrave made a motion to deny TTM-90-04. Commissioner
Van Gelder second.
Mr. Petta said he preferred that the decision on his project be delayed until
Mr. Churchwell's project was considered.
Chairman Hawkinson stated that it was too late as there was a motion on the
floor.
Commissioner Munson asked if they vote on these projects as independent,
he doesn't see how he can vote to approve this project without a map showing
the 25' setbacks or a cul-de-sac at 600'.
Motion carries. 5-0-1-0. Commissioner Sims absent.
ITEM #4
TTM-89-07
RICHARD K. CHURCHWELL
23081 GRAND TERRACE ROAD
G.T.
AN APPLICATION FOR A TENTATIVE TRACT MAP TO SUBDIVIDE 4.9+ ACRES IN
THE R1-10 DISTRICT INTO 9 RESIDENTIAL LOTS OF 10,000 SQUARE FOOT
MINIMUM
The Community Development Director presented the staff report.
Chairman Hawkinson called up the applicant.
21
DOUG SHACKELTON
3880 LEMON STREET
RIVERSIDE
Mr. Shackelton stated that they concur with staffs recommendation.
10:48 P.M. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING
The Community Development Director stated that in light of the Planning
Commission's earlier decision regarding the Petta map, staff would like to add
two recommended conditions of approval to this map: The first would deal
with the access by way of Arliss Drive, stating, "All conditions of approval,
with regard to the improvement of Arliss Drive, shall be completed prior to
the recordation of the final map. Completion bonds shall not be accepted in
lieu of said completion of the Arliss Drive improvements"; The second stating,
"There shall be completed emergency access to Preston Street to the south by
way of Arliss Drive prior to final recordation of this map". He stated that this
provides an answer to the 600' cul-de-sac problem and gives the City
insurance that things will happen prior to recordation of the map.
ROMAYNE CHINNOCK
22935 ARLISS DRIVE
G.T.
Mr. Chinnock stated that he would like to see the recommended map, as the
map in the packet is the same they considered one year ago, and if there is
a change in the map, he would like to see it. He said the map in the packet
does not show an access to Arliss Drive. He said that the Community
Development Director probably just answered a question which he had made
in his staff recommendation of November 29 for this project, stating that this
project as designed is still dependent upon TTM-90-04 due to the length of
cul-de-sac.
Chairman Hawkinson stated that it was stated that the right-of-way for Arliss
Drive has to be accomplished before the maps are recorded.
Mr. Chinnock stated that in the Community Development Director's
recommendation, he states that the design of this map is dependent upon
TTM-90-04 because of the length of the cul-de-sac.
Vice -Chairman Buchanan stated that perhaps the answer to this concern is
that staff has added another condition of approval which states that before
this map can go forward, they have to establish that the curve off of Arliss
connects up over to Preston at some other point.
22
Mr. Chinnock stated that good street planning, as it is now proposed to
connect to Arliss Drive, is not there. He placed an overhead on the projector
and discussed the traffic issue. He said that the developer is asking that a
parkway of 12' be dedicated, which will empty directly onto his private
property, and people will cross his private property. He said that in good
street planning, they should follow the natural curvature of the curbs. He
asked that this map not be approved with this kind of an access which
eliminates his parkway and forever takes away the opportunity for a sidewalk
in front of his property, takes a sidewalk to the edge of his property and stops,
brings traffic to within 10 feet of his pool enclosure and brings vehicle traffic
to the very property line of the parkway. He said that his land slopes in a
gentle slope to the street, and if they cut back the entire parkway, there will
be a three foot drop-off from his property to the street level, which will entail
a great deal of expense for him as the land will erode away. He raised the
issue of the drainage, as this property is lower than his property, and
according the tract map, this pad will be higher than his property and will
drain onto his property, which will continue to erode his private property. He
pointed out that the 100' Eucalyptus tree, 48 inches in diameter, is one of the
premiere Eucalyptus trees left in Grand Terrace and will have to be removed,
and the tree he has planted to beautify the parkway will have to be removed.
He presented pictures showing the curvature of the curb and urged that they
do not approve this project tonight.
ELIZABETH KENNEDY
11831 PRESTON
G.T.
Ms. Kennedy stated that the north border or the Churchwell development and
the Martinez property line is now a brick wall, so they would have a brick wall
extending all the way to the beginning of the Churchwell property, and the
brick wall causes a very bad traffic hazard. She asked who would be
responsible for improving Arliss Drive when the R1-20A property is
developed.
TERRY MARTINEZ
22950 ARLISS DRIVE
G.T.
Ms. Martinez stated that they own the property at the northeast end of Arliss.
She stated that she and her husband have been called stubborn and
uncooperative by the developer and a member of staff. She said that when
they purchased their home, the paved street in front of their home was
pointed out as private property and they received a separate deed for it, and
it was also stated by two realtors that when the property to the south was
23
developed (Churchwell's property) there was a possibility their street would
be needed to provide access. She said that in October of 1989, the developer
of this project showed them his tentative tract map with Arliss continuing
through in front of their home. She said he asked that they consider
dedicating their property for the good of this community, but they didn't give
him an answer although they knew they wouldn't just give up their property.
She said the developer then approached them in December of 1989, and again
asked them to dedicate their property to the City. She said they spoke to him
a short time later and told him no, they would not be willing to give away
their property. She stated that the next contact they had was last February at
the first public hearing, and they were extremely bothered that the developer
never gave an input on whether their property was public or private. She said
they stated they had alternative plans for access and that acquiring their
property was not a necessity. She said she has not heard from the developer
since then.
Chairman Hawkinson asked if Arliss were to be run through straight, would
they accept payment if the amount was appropriate.
Ms. Martinez stated that if an honest effort was made, but it is an insult when
the developer comes back and asks for it twice, and why should they lose for
him to gain.
BARBARA PFENNIGHAUSEN
22111 LADERA
G.T.
Ms. Pfennighausen stated that the liability for allowing an alignment as
represented on the overhead, cars are going to come into a head-on situation.
She said that the City would have a responsibility, if the developer did not
straighten the road out, to condemn it and take the hazard away, and as a
taxpayer in the City, she resents having to do what a developer should have
to do in the first place, and that is to prepare a safe ingress and egress, and
they cannot do it in the present configuration.
AARON MARTINEZ
22950 ARLISS
G.T.
Mr. Martinez stated that, concerning the 2 maps together, she would like to
know if drainage has been addressed. He said they have no problem right
now with drainage, but 8 to 9 lots will be draining toward Arliss, and there
are no improvements along the property line indicated on the map below the
R1-20A lettering.
24
Commissioner Hargrave stated that the 1/2 street proposed will have curb
and gutter, and if that does happen, the water will flow to the curb and gutter
and down Arliss.
Mr. Martinez stated that he noticed a few discrepancies in the map as
presented. He said that they have been asked to provide ornamental lighting,
which he has not seen as of yet. He didn't feel the way the street is drawn on
Arliss is aesthetically pleasing. He stated that when the trash is picked up,
the trash truck drives back into their lot, and will present a hazard backing
out because of the size of his truck and the visibility behind him and traffic
coming from the other direction. He said the 100 year flow plan has not been
updated to allow for the extra lots that have been added. He asked that the
project be denied as presented.
ROMAYNE CHINNOCK
22935 ARLISS DRIVE
G.T.
Mr. Chinnock expressed confusion about the knuckle, and whether there has
been an easement secured on the private property or not. He stated that the
real knuckle as it appears with the property lines makes a fairly sharp turn.
He felt the drawing was somewhat misleading unless an easement has been
secured.
DICK CHURCHWELL
23081 GRAND TERRACE ROAD
G.T.
Mr. Churchwell stated that he has lived here all his life and is therefore not
a developer who will complete a project and leave. He said that the lot sizes
were substantially larger than required. He said that he met with the
Martinez' and they could not come to any agreement on that parcel, and they
rejected the offers he made as they wanted substantially more which wasn't
feasibly possible. He said that the alignment of the street was approved by
City staff and recommended to the Commission, and as to the dedications on
the knuckle, those property owners have both agreed to make dedications and
he has agreed to improve and curb and gutter the street fully on their
property, which is essentially what he offered the Martinez' in addition to an
offer of some funds.
TERRY MARTINEZ
22950 ARLISS DRIVE
G.T.
25
Ms. Martinez stated that since they have already denied the setbacks, the lots
will not meet that. She pointed out that regarding Mr. Churchwell acquiring
the necessary easement on the knuckle, the lot next door is currently
landlocked, and with the knuckle going through, they now have access to their
lot.
JOSEPH WELCH
22926 ARLISS DRIVE
G.T.
Mr. Welch stated that this project should not be passed as it is proposed. He
said that for 18 years he has turned the comer on this street and it is marked
"Not a Through Street", and tonight that sign is gone.
11:40 P.M. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING
11:40 P.M. TO 11:50 P.M. - RECESS
Chairman Hawkinson brought the meeting back to order and back to the
commission for action. He stated that Mr. Petta asked if the commission
would consider reversing the denial and continuing his item to resolve some
of the issues with the property owners in the area.
The Community Development Director stated that they closed the public
hearing one and one-half hours ago, and there is a possibility that someone
may have left knowing that the project was denied, and in order to open it
back up they would have to open up the public hearing and have it advertised.
Commissioner Hargrave stated that there are a lot of issues outstanding on
these projects, and they haven't resolved Lot 8 as far as the depth of the
driveway. He said that the setbacks need to be adjusted and the Arliss Drive
situation may not be the best solution.
Vice -Chairman Buchanan asked the City Engineer to address the Arliss Drive
situation and the possible liability standpoint.
The City Engineer stated that their original recommendation was that in
accordance with the provisions of the ordinance, they have to require a
dedication of 1/2 plus 10' of a street to be developed along the frontage of
the property. He said that he was not aware of the fact that there was no full
right-of-way along the frontage of the most easterly parcel in that subdivision,
but that is what they need if it is not there. He said that the only solution
proposed as an alternative to what was required was the solution they see
26
MOTION
PCM-91-5
TTM-89-07
right now, which has not yet been approved.
Vice -Chairman Buchanan asked if Lot C came down into the tract and turned
east instead of west, would they have any way to bring the access for this tract
off of Grand Terrace as opposed to Arliss.
The City Engineer stated that the sight distance from the intersection of
Grand Terrace Road and Barton Road is awfully short to the property line
of that particular tract.
Commissioner Van Gelder proposed that Churchwell and Petta form a joint
venture and develop both parcels as one.
Mr. Shackelton felt a continuance should be made. He said that they could
legitimately, then, pass another motion that directs them to meet with the
neighbors and further recommend that the Council return the Petta map to
the Planning Commission after having met with the neighbors.
Vice -Chairman Buchanan asked if the Community Development Director had
a problem with the Planning Commission communicating to the City Council
in conjunction with the denial on the Petta map a preference that these be
considered at the Planning Commission stage together in light of a
continuance of the Churchwell map.
The Community Development Director stated that they can make a motion
to continue Churchwell's project and recommend that City Council direct the
Petta map back to the Planning Commission. He said that he would confer
with the City Attorney to see if it needs to go to City Council at all or if they
can just bring it back to the Commission.
Commissioner Hargrave made a motion to deny TTM-89-07 due to concerns
regarding safety, setbacks, 600' cul-de-sac and Arliss Drive. Commissioner
Munson second.
Vice -Chairman Buchanan stated that he would rather see this item continued
than denied, as their is no evidence they would see this again.
Chairman Hawkinson asked if they added the two conditions that the
Community Development Director suggested earlier, if this would resolve this
concern.
27
MOTION
PCM-91-6
TTM-89-07
MOTION
VOTE
PCM-91-6
MOTION
PCM-91-7
TTM-89-07
The Community Development Director stated that if they are denying it, they
aren't putting any conditions on it.
Commissioner Hargrave withdrew his motion. Commission Munson
concurred.
Chairman Hawkinson stated that he will vote against continuance.
Commissioner Hargrave stated that his motion for denial stands.
Commissioner Munson stated that they made no decision about Lot 8 or
setbacks, and he withdrew his second.
MOTION DIES FOR LACK OF SECOND.
Vice -Chairman Buchanan made a motion to continue TTM-89-07 indefinitely
for revision in accordance with setback requirements with further input and
modifications and options for access off of Arliss or other alternative access
into the development and with the desire that the applicant meet with the
applicant to the south, Mr. Petta, and see if they can jointly produce some
resolution to some of the issues discussed including access to Lot 8. He asked
if they could assume that the comments from the applicant's representative
constitutes a waiver of the 50 day requirement. He stated that the
representative nodded in the affirmative. Commissioner Van Gelder second.
Chairman Hawkinson stated that his position has not changed, as he still
recommended denial on the basis of traffic safety and recommendations from
the fire department.
Motion carries. 3-2-1-0. Chairman Hawkinson and Commissioner Hargrave
voted no. Commissioner Sims absent.
02
MOTION
VOTE
PCM-91-7
Vice -Chairman Buchanan made a motion that staff communicate to City
Council on behalf of the Planning Commission their desire that TTM-90-04
and E-90-07 be returned to the Planning Commission for further consideration
in conjunction with TTM-89-07 with no additional fees incurred.
Commissioner Hargrave second.
Motion carries. 5-0-1-0. Commissioner Sims absent.
Commissioner Munson stated that there were additional conditions on this
map regarding Arliss Drive, and the courtesy should be allowed for Mr. Petta
to go the other way.
The Community Development Director stated that this would be staff s intent
to make that recommendation on both maps when they are being considered.
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING ADJOURNED AT 12:15 P.M TO THE NEXT
REGULARLY SCHEDULED PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING.
Respectfully submitted, Approved by,
David R. Sawyer er awkuison
Community Development Director Cha' man, Planning Commission
1-10-91
29