FROM:
Planning Department
TITLE:
Title
Master Case No. 22-059 and Design Review No. 22-035 - A request for site and architectural approval of a 168,760 square foot industrial commerce center building on an approximate 8.43-acre site pursuant to a Mitigated Negative Declaration, and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program.
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Based on the information in the staff report and subject to the attached Findings and Conditions of Approval, staff recommends that the Planning Commission adopt Resolution PC No. 2023-___; and,
1. Adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration, Mitigation, Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) and direct staff to file a Notice of Determination; and
2. Approve Design Review Project No. 22-035
APPLICANT:
Peter Schafer
AIREF Acquisitions LLC
4675 MacArthur Court, Suite 625
Newport Beach, CA 92660
LOCATION:
The project site is located at 7862 Beech Avenue (APN: 1110-161-43).
REQUEST:
Master Case No. 22-059 and Design Review No. 22-035 - A request for site and architectural review of a 168,760 square foot industrial commerce center building along with onsite vehicle parking, trailer parking, truck dock area, screen walls, landscaping and associated improvements on an approximate 8.43-acre site.
PROJECT PLANNER:
George Velarde, Assistant Planner
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
This project was originally scheduled for the December 19, 2023, Planning Commission meeting and was continued to the January 16, 2024, Planning Commission meeting due to lack of a quorum.
Land Use Designation:
|
|
General Plan |
Zoning /Overlay |
Existing Land Use |
|
Site: |
Light Industrial (I-L) |
Light Industrial (M-1) |
Vacant |
|
North: |
Recreational Facilities (P-R) |
Public Facilities (P-PF) |
Pacific Electric Trail |
|
South: |
General Commercial (C-G) |
General Commercial (C-2) |
Vacant |
|
East: |
Light Industrial (I-L) and Multi-Family High (R-MFH) |
Light Industrial (M-1) and Multi-Family High Residential (R-5) |
Vacant |
|
West: |
Light Industrial (I-L) |
Light Industrial (M-1) |
Existing Industrial Commerce Center |
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
ANALYSIS:
The applicant, AIREF Acquisitions, LLC., is requesting that the Planning Commission review and approve the proposed construction of a new 168,760 square foot industrial commerce center and associated site improvements. This includes 15,000 square feet of office and mezzanine space located in the southeast corner of the building, and 23 loading dock doors. The project site is located approximately 700’ north of the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and Beech Avenue.
Currently, the parcel has no frontage on an improved street, however as part of this project Beech Avenue will be extended from Foothill Boulevard to just south of the Pacific Electric Trail where it will end in a cul-de-sac. The applicant will construct the western half of the street plus one lane on the east side of the street. The project also provides for the construction of paved berms on the east side of the street, and sidewalk, landscaped parkway, curb and gutter on the west side of Beech Avenue which is considered a Primary Highway.
Design Review No. 22-035
The proposed building is approximately 168,760 square feet and has been designed for one (1) potential tenant with office space totaling approximately 15,000 square feet within the building footprint. The building includes 23 dock doors, 53 trailer stalls and 123 auto parking spaces. Offices are proposed to be located at the southeast corner of the proposed building. The use of glazing, tower elements, and a variety of colors will add structural and visual interest to the building. Additionally, variations to the building face and roof lines, with tower elements proposed at 44 feet will be architecturally pleasing and be consistent with the surrounding building. Vehicle parking will be located on the east of the site, and trailer parking and dock doors on the east side of the building. The project proposes thirty (30) foot-wide fire lanes which will run around the proposed warehouse building.
The building will be constructed with painted concrete tilt-up panels and low reflective, blue-glazed glass. Articulated building elements, including parapets, wall recesses, mullions, and aluminum canopies, are proposed as decorative elements - primarily at the building entrance and along the sides of the building facing Foothill Boulevard and Beech Avenue. The exterior color palette for the proposed building is comprised of various shades of gray, with blue and black accents.
The project site is physically suitable in size and shape to support the development of the proposed warehouse building. Applicable building codes, zoning codes, specific plan and fire codes and standards, will be met and make for a safe, attractive, and well-designed project. Currently, the surrounding area reflects industrial and residential uses. The project design incorporates safety measures for automobiles and pedestrians in the area. The proposal provides a development that has been designed with features (architectural relief, landscaping, street improvements, and lighting), to enhance the character of the surrounding neighborhood.
Circulation/Grading/Fencing A 14 foot high concrete tilt-up solid screen wall is provided along the boundary of the truck court; a new six (6) foot tubular steel fence is provided along the southern project site boundary and an existing six foot high wrought-iron fence along the western project site boundary will be retained. The project is adjacent to the Pacific Electrical Trail. A new 14 foot high, split face wall will be installed adjacent to the trail that will match the color and material of the existing walls along the trails adjacent to residential development.
Trucks will enter the site from Beech Avenue and will have access from the northern driveway. Regular vehicles will have access from a separate southern driveway of the site. The proposed landscaping would be ornamental in nature and would feature trees and shrubs in addition to a variety of groundcover. The area surrounding the building will drain to the east with the use of underground chambers towards Beech Avenue.
Environmental:
An Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND), and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program has been prepared for this project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the 2019 Local Guidelines for Implementing CEQA. Based on the information in the Initial Study (IS), with the incorporation of Mitigation Measures the project could not have a significant effect on the environment as a result of project implementation. A Notice of Determination has been prepared for the Planning Commission’s consideration. The IS/MND along with Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for this project can be found at <https://www.fontanaca.gov/2137/Environmental-Documents>. The Notice of Intent to Adopt an IS/Mitigated Negative Declaration and Public Hearing Notice was issued on November 22, 2023, for a public comment period of November 22, 2023, to December 18, 2023. As of the date of posting of this agenda, no comments were received.
MOTION:
Approve staff recommendation
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Vicinity Map
2. Project Plans
3. Planning Commission Resolution, Findings and Conditions of Approval
4. Notice of Determination
5. Notice of Intent and Public Hearing