HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Minutes 3-9-10_CCv0001.pdf MINUTES: of the Planning Commission Meeting of the City of Redlands held
Tuesday, March 9, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. are as follows:
PRESENT: Paul Foster, Chairman
Carol Dyer, Commissioner
Conrad Guzkowski, Commissioner
Jan Hudson, Commissioner
John James, Commissioner
Eric Shamp, Commissioner
ADVISORY STAFF Michael Reiter, Assistant City Attorney
PRESENT: Oscar Orci, Community Development Director
Robert Dalquest, Assistant Community Development Director
Manuel Baeza, Principal Planner
Chris Boatman, Assistant Planner
I. CALL TO ORDER AND PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD - 3 MINUTES
Chairman Foster called the meeting to order, and opened up the Public Comment
period. There were no comments forthcoming and the Public Comment period was
closed. All members were present with the exception of Vice Chairman Miller who was
excused and Commissioner Hudson arrived after item II A.
II. CONSENT ITEMS
A. HOUSING PARTNERS, APPLICANT
(PROJECT PLANNER: CHRIS BOATMAN)
Consideration of Commission Sign Review No. 373 to construct a
monument sign that is four feet (4') in height with a sign area of fifteen
(15) square feet for the Vista Del Sol Senior Housing project located at
1320 Webster Street in the R-2 (Multiple-Family Residential) District.
Chairman Foster opened up the hearing. There were no comments forthcoming and the
hearing was closed.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner James, seconded by Commissioner Shamp, and carried
on a 5-0 vote (Vice Chairman Miller and Commissioner Hudson absent) to approve the
Consent Calendar.
III. OLD BUSINESS
A. ALADDIN ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, APPLICANT
(PROJECT PLANNER: CHRIS BOATMAN)
1. Consideration of a Mitigated Negative Declaration.
2. PUBLIC HEARING to consider a Socio-Economic Cost/Benefit
Study.
Planning Commission Minutes of
March 9,2010
Page 1
3. PUBLIC HEARING to consider CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO.
963 to establish a water and amusement park to include an
arcade and miniature golf course on approximately 17 acres
located at 1101 California Street in the EV/CG (General
Commercial) District of Concept Plan No. 3 of the East Valley
Corridor Specific Plan.
Commissioner Hudson arrived at 2:10 p.m.
Assistant Planner Chris Boatman stated the applicant had requested a continuance on
the proposed project to the March 23, 2010 meeting.
Chairman Foster opened up the Public Hearing. There were no comments forthcoming
and the Public Hearing was closed.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Dyer, seconded by Commissioner James, and carried
on a 6-0 vote (Vice Chairman Miller absent) to continue the Mitigated Negative
Declaration, Socio-Economic Cost/Benefit Study, and the Conditional Use Permit No.
963 to the March 23, 2010 Planning Commission meeting.
IV. NEW BUSINESS
A. CITY OF REDLANDS, APPLICANT
(PROJECT PLANNER: ROBERT D. DALQUEST, AICP)
1. Consideration of a recommendation to the City Council on a
Notice of Exemption pursuant to Section 15162 of the California
Environmental Quality Act Guidelines.
2. PUBLIC HEARING for a recommendation to the City Council on
GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 124 to update the Housing
Element pursuant to Section 65588 of the State Planning and
Zoning Laws.
Assistant Community Development Director Robert Dalquest gave an overview of the
proposed Housing Element and stated Dyett & Bhatia will give a PowerPoint
presentation and overview of the proposed Element. Staff recommended approval of
the Housing Element.
Rajeev Bhatia and Laura Machala from Dyett & Bhatia gave a PowerPoint presentation
and overview of the proposed project.
Commissioner Dyer stated the report mentioned emergency shelters, and transitional
housing and the advertising will be posted on the City website. Commissioner Dyer said
the homeless may not have access to a computer and recommended the Police hand
out information cards or pamphlets with comprehensive information of services available
to the homeless.
Planning Commission Minutes of
March 9,2010
Page 2
Chairman Foster stated the city has Park Ranger's in the City parks, which may be
another contact for the homeless.
Commissioner Shamp stated the Energy Conservation section mentioned lowering
impact fees for LEED development, and requested clarification on the program.
Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director Rosemary Hoerning confirmed there is not a
LEED program in effect.
Commissioner Shamp stated the Housing Element makes reference to LEED standards
and recommended using the term green building standards instead.
Commissioner Guzkowski stated when the Downtown Specific Plan is up for review it
may be appropriate to acquire properties in order to consolidate them. Commissioner
Guzkowski recommended to consider Transfer Development Rights (T.D.R.) where
properties can be kept whole and to consider an incentive for property owners to engage
in selling or trading transactions. Assistant Director Dalquest stated the City is reviewing
a T.D.R. program as well as a conceptual land use for the five (5) rail stations currently
with Compass Blueprint, the plan should be in place as early as June of 2010. Assistant
Director Dalquest stated the Draft for the Downtown Specific Plan has a transit oriented
development area around the station, and state law allows a twenty-five (25) percent
density bonus.
Commissioner Shamp stated the Downtown Specific Plan had indicates no streets shall
be abandoned and wanted to make sure there was not a conflict with the Housing
Element. Assistant Director Dalquest stated the Downtown Specific Plan recommended
maintaining the grid. The City Council's direction was to make it difficult, but not
impossible.
Community Development Director Oscar Orci stated the idea is to privatize some right of
ways, and to encourage development along the alley ways.
Chairman Foster opened up the Public Hearing. There were no comments forthcoming
and the hearing was closed.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner James, seconded by Commissioner Dyer, and carried
on a 6-0 vote (Vice Chairman Miller absent) that the Planning Commission recommend
to the City Council that General Plan Amendment No. 124 does not require further
environmental processing, pursuant to Section 15162 of the California Environmental
Quality Act Guidelines, based on the following findings:
1. The proposed changes to the Housing Element would not result in new
significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity
of previously identified effects;
2. No substantial changes have occurred with respect to the circumstances
under which the Housing Element Update will be undertaken; and,
3. There is no new information of substantial importance with respect to the
Housing Element's environmental consequences that was not known at
the time the previous Negative Declaration was adopted for General Plan
Amendment No. 121."
Planning Commission Minutes of
March 9,2010
Page 3
It was moved by Commissioner James, seconded by Commissioner Dyer, and carried
on a 6-0 vote (Vice Chairman Miller absent) that the Planning Commission approve
Planning Commission Resolution No. 1206 and recommend that the City Council
approve General Plan Amendment No. 124 (Housing Element Update)."
B. TOYOTA OF REDLANDS, APPLICANT
(PROJECT PLANNER: MANUEL BAEZA)
1. Consideration of a recommendation to the City Council on a
Mitigated Negative Declaration.
2. PUBLIC HEARING to consider a recommendation to the City
Council on SIGN CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 12 to
construct a 1,116 square foot freeway-oriented sign with a height
of 80 feet for Toyota of Redlands located at 921 New York St. in
the EV/CG (General Commercial) District of the East Valley
Corridor Specific Plan.
Commissioner Guzkowski stated he does a substantial amount of business with Toyota
of Redlands and recused himself.
Principal Planner Manuel Baeza gave a PowerPoint presentation and overview of the
proposed project. Staff recommended approval of the project subject to the conditions
of approval.
Commissioner Dyer stated there are other car dealerships that may want to add their
name to the proposed freeway sign.
Principal Planner Baeza indicated that other car dealerships would need Planning
Commission approval for additional sign cabinets.
Commissioner James stated there is a radius of 750 feet needed to qualify for the
freeway oriented sign. Commissioner James inquired if another dealership could add to
the sign if they were in the 750 foot area. Commissioner James inquired if the applicant
had considered another location for the freeway sign. Principal Planner Baeza stated
the location was selected for the visibility provided for the I-10 freeway traffic.
Director Orci stated staff has provided notice and has been in contact with the adjacent
property owners and they are aware of the proposed project. Staff directed the adjacent
property owner to contact Toyota of Redlands.
Commissioner Shamp inquired if the City of Redlands had any signs larger than the
proposed project. Principal Planner Baeza confirmed the proposed sign would be the
largest.
Chairman Foster opened up the Public Hearing.
Mr. Gary Quiel, representative, stated the location was the most optimal location for I-10
visibility. Mr. Quiel stated they were in agreement with the conditions of approval.
Planning Commission Minutes of
March 9,2010
Page 4
Commissioner James stated the sign is very large, and equals three freeway lanes in
width and is larger than it needs to be for the Freeway Sign criteria. Mr. Quiel stated the
maximum letter height is thirty-six (36) inches, and the readability is eighteen hundred
(1800)feet to two-thousand (2000)feet.
Commissioner Dyer inquired if a potential client saw the sign where would they exit.
Assistant Director Dalquest stated if a potential client was traveling northbound on the
210 Freeway, their exit would be San Bernardino Avenue. Commissioner Dyer asked if
a potential client would make the effort to backtrack to the dealership. Assistant Director
confirmed it was not a great distance, and the sign is geared for the 1-10 Freeway traffic.
Commissioner Shamp inquired what the intent is for the time and temperature display on
the sign. Mr. Quiel stated it is informational and an eye catcher.
Commissioner Hudson requested clarification on the timing for the time and temperature
display. Mr. Quiet stated they will abide by Caltrans regulation.
Mr. Paul Smith, Redlands Toyota General Manager, stated there are no signs oriented
towards the traffic on the northbound 210 Freeway, and they are hoping potential clients
will take the opportunity to exit San Bernardino Avenue, and backtrack.
Chairman Foster closed the Public Hearing.
Commissioner James stated it is not a requirement to have visibility from both directions
and agreed the applicant needed to have a freeway oriented sign. Commissioner James
indicated that the sign is too large and recommended decreasing the size.
Commissioner Dyer stated the sign is one and a half times larger than the Tri City
Center sign, which is too large. The letters are three (3) feet in height which is the
maximum allowed. Commissioner Dyer expressed concern on the time and temperature
display, distracting drivers in a transitional part of the freeway with heavy traffic may
cause an increased hazard. Commissioner Dyer inquired if Caltrans was aware of the
proposed project. Director Orci stated Caltrans does regulate the frequency of the
display and confirmed the applicant will need to obtain approval of the sign from
Caltrans. Commissioner Dyer recommended a more narrow sign design.
Commissioner Shamp concurred with the Commission's comments on the size of the
sign. Commissioner Shamp stated that a sign with time and temperature display is a
reader board. Commissioner Shamp stated he will not support the sign size.
Commissioner Shamp expressed concern on the potential for new dealerships wanting
to add additional panels to the largest sign in Redlands and recommended a better plan.
Chairman Foster stated the Commission has two (2) responsibilities; to provide business
owners the opportunity to advertise their business, which in turn will benefit our
community with the revenues it brings to the City. The second is to make sure when
allowing business owners to advertise their business, it is in good taste and that the
scale is consistent with other freeway signs. Chairman Foster recommended a
continuance to the item so staff could work with the applicant with a sign that is more
amiable to the Planning Commission's concerns.
Commissioner James inquired if the applicant had considered two (2) smaller signs on
the site. Commissioner James stated if the sign was refined and scaled down he may
support the sign. Commissioner James requested clarification if there is a limit on sign
panels. Assistant Director Dalquest confirmed there is no limit on a freeway sign.
Planning Commission Minutes of
March 9,2010
Page 5
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner James, seconded by Commissioner Dyer, and carried
on a 5-0 vote (Vice Chairman Miller absent, Commissioner Guzkowski recused) to
continue the Sign Conditional Use Permit No. 12 to the March 23, 2010 Planning
Commission meeting.
Commissioner Guzkowski returned to the Planning Commission.
C. YA ARCHITECTS, APPLICANT
(PROJECT PLANNER: CHRIS BOATMAN)
1. Consideration of a Notice of Exemption pursuant to Section 15301
of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines.
2. Consideration of COMMISSION REVIEW AND APPROVAL NO.
870 for architectural modifications to an existing 16,700 square
foot commercial building that is being converted to office suites
located at 1255 West Colton Avenue in the C-M (Commercial
Industrial) District.
Assistant Planner Chris Boatman gave a PowerPoint presentation and overview of the
proposed project. Staff recommended approval of the project subject to the conditions
of approval.
Commissioner Shamp expressed concern with the wall section that overhangs onto the
sidewalk; specifically with ADA access. Assistant Planner Boatman could not confirm
and stated he will verify with Building and Safety.
Commissioner Guzkowski inquired if there were second story windows on the west side
elevation. Assistant Planner Boatman confirmed there were not.
Commissioner Dyer inquired if the 1257 address went through the Planning Commission
for approval. Assistant Planner Boatman confirmed the tenant improvements were
approved administratively through the plan check process. Commissioner Dyer inquired
if the Redlands Executive Suites are a part of the Dynasty Suites to the east. Assistant
Planner Boatman confirmed they are separate parcels and not a part of one another.
There was discussion on the location of Dynasty Suites and Redlands Executive Suites.
Chairman Foster inquired if the Planning Department was aware of the two (2) separate
approvals for address 1255 and 1257. Assistant Planner Boatman stated the applicant
had submitted for the tenant improvement late last year and the Planning Department
was not aware of the two separate approvals.
Commissioner Guzkowski requested clarification if the two buildings are physically
connected. Assistant Planner Boatman confirmed they were connected.
Chairman Foster opened up the Public Hearing.
Mr. Yoseph Amin, architect, gave a brief history and description of the proposed project.
Mr. Amin stated he was available for any questions.
Planning Commission Minutes of
March 9,2010
Page 6
Commissioner Guzkowski requested clarification on the square footage for the second
story suites, and inquired how the second story without windows could be appealing to
tenants. Mr. Amin stated the second story is small and the suites will occupy nine
hundred (900) square feet.
Commissioner Dyer inquired if the material proposed on the west elevation was metal.
Mr. Amin confirmed it was metal and is an exact replica of stainless steel.
Commissioner Dyer stated the rendering indicated one half inch in diameter yet the
sample indicated one inch in diameter. Commissioner Dyer stated the plans need more
detail.
There was discussion and clarification on the inconsistencies of the plans submitted.
Commissioner Hudson requested clarification on the view from the cat walk. Mr. Amin
stated their view would be of the offices.
Commissioner Shamp expressed concern with vandalism and graffiti to the planter
parapet. Mr. Amin stated the applicant planned on sanding the metal themselves.
Commissioner Shamp stated the Architectural Guidelines recommends durable
materials at street level. Commissioner Shamp expressed concern on the glare from the
materials proposed, visually as well as the radiant heat in the parking lot. Mr. Amin
stated they can paint the metal or coat it to mitigate his concerns. Commissioner Shamp
recommended another material to meet the intent for the wall. Mr. Amin stated they can
change the material. Commissioner Shamp expressed concern on the horizontal wood
screen walls on the stairs and stated it may create a nuisance and recommended an
alternative.
Commissioner Guzkowski stated the west elevation is overwhelming and recommended
working with staff on the west elevation.
Chairman Foster closed the Public Hearing.
Commissioner James stated the plans provided do not have the details needed.
Commissioner Dyer requested a new design with a different choice of materials and
confirmed she will not support the proposed project as it is.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner James, seconded by Commissioner Shamp, and carried
on a 6-0 vote (Vice Chairman Miller absent) to continue the Commission Review and
Approval No. 870 to the April 13, 2010 Planning Commission meeting.
D. ROBERTSON'S READY MIX AND CEMEX CONSTRUCTION
MATERIALS PACIFIC LLC, CO-APPLICANTS
(PROJECT PLANNERS: MANUEL BAEZA AND SERGIO MADERA)
1. Consideration of a recommendation to the City Council on the
Final Environmental Impact Report for the Upper Santa Ana River
Wash Land Management and Habitat Conservation Plan; and
recommending to the City Council adoption of the Statement of
Facts, Findings and Overriding Considerations and the Mitigation
Monitoring and Reporting Program.
Planning Commission Minutes of
March 9,2010
Page 7
2. PUBLIC HEARING for the Planning Commission to consider a
recommendation to the City Council on GENERAL PLAN
AMENDMENT NO. 122 to amend the Open Space and
Conservation Element by modifying Figure 7.1 (Trails Map) for
consistency with the Upper Santa Ana River Wash Land
Management and Habitat Conservation Plan.
3. Consideration of a recommendation to the City Council on
General Plan conformity for STREET VACATION NO. 153 to
vacate a segment of Church Street within the Upper Santa Ana
River Wash area.
E. ROBERTSON'S READY MIX, APPLICANT
1. PUBLIC HEARING to consider a recommendation to the City
Council on CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 948 (East Quarry
South) for a mine site approval and a reclamation plan for a 128-
acre expansion of an existing aggregate quarry (formerly known
as the Old Webster Quarry) with a cumulative area of 291 acres
located east of Orange Street and north of the Upper Santa Ana
River bluff in the O (Open Land) District.
2. PUBLIC HEARING to consider a recommendation to the City
Council on CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 949 (Silt Pond
Quarry) for a mine site approval and a reclamation plan
encompassing a 98-acre aggregate quarry with the southerly 36
acres located within the City of Redlands and the northerly 62
acres within the City of Highland located in the Upper Santa Ana
River Wash, west of Orange Street in the O (Open Land) District.
3. PUBLIC HEARING to consider a recommendation to the City
Council on CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 964 (Plunge Creek
Quarry) for a mine site approval and a reclamation plan
encompassing a 123-acre aggregate quarry with the
southwesterly 6 acres within the City of Redlands and the
northeasterly 117 acres within the City of Highland located in the
Upper Santa Ana River Wash, east of Alabama Street in the O
(Open Land) District.
F. CEMEX CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS PACIFIC LLC, APPLICANT
1. PUBLIC HEARING to consider a recommendation to the City
Council on CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 950 (East Quarry
North) for a mine site approval and a reclamation plan for a 45-
acre expansion of three contiguous aggregate quarries into a
single quarry encompassing a cumulative area of 420 acres with
232 acres within the City of Redlands and 188 acres within the
City of Highland located in the Upper Santa Ana River Wash, east
of Orange Street and north and south of the northerly City Limit
Line in the O (Open Land) District.
Planning Commission Minutes of
March 9,2010
Page 8
2. PUBLIC HEARING to consider a recommendation to the City
Council on CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 951 (West Quarry)
for a mine site approval and a reclamation plan for a 41-acre
expansion of an existing aggregate quarry for a cumulative total
area of 186 acres with 118 acres in the City of Redlands and 68
acres within the City of Highland located in the Upper Santa Ana
River Wash, east of the 210 Freeway and north and south of the
northerly City Limit Line in the O (Open Land) District.
3. PUBLIC HEARING to consider a recommendation to the City
Council on CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 952 (Alabama
Street Quarry) for a mine site approval and a reclamation plan for
the 17-acre expansion of an existing aggregate quarry for a
cumulative total area of 72 acres located in the Upper Santa Ana
River Wash on the east side of Alabama Street, immediately south
of the northerly City Limit Line in the O (Open Land) District.
Chairman Foster stated the applicant had requested a continuance on item IV. D, E and
F to the April 23, 2010 Planning Commission meeting.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner James, seconded by Commissioner Shamp, and carried
on a 6-0 vote (Vice Chairman Miller absent) to continue items IV. D, E and F to the April
23, 2010 Planning Commission meeting.
VI. MINUTES
A. February 23, 2010
It was moved by Commissioner Shamp, seconded by Commissioner James and carried
on a 6-0 vote (Vice Chairman Miller absent) that the Planning Commission approve the
minutes of February 23, 2010 minutes.
V. LAND USE AND CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS OF MARCH 2, 2010
Chairman Foster inquired if there were any City Council actions to report for March 2,
2010.
Director Orci stated there were no reportable actions to report.
Chairman Foster requested a copy of the Architectural Guidelines for the
Commissioner's.
VIII. ADJOURN TO MARCH 23, 2010
Chairman Foster adjourned the meeting at 4:05 p.m. to the March 23, 2010 meeting.
Linda McCasland Oscar Orci
Senior Administrative Technician Community Development Director
Planning Commission Minutes of
March 9,2010
Page 9