[Sativa]

REDLANDS - Tuesday's Planning Commission agenda is a mix of proposed projects and proposed legislation, including review of an ordinance that would prohibit medical marijuana dispensaries.

So far, no dispensaries are proposed, but according to staff reports, the increasing number of inland cities that have already forbidden medical marijuana providers makes Redlands a more likely location.

Grand Terrace, Ontario, Upland and Montclair are among the Inland Empire cities that already have ordinances banning medical marijuana dispensaries.

Another ordinance under review would eliminate the city requirement that a single roof connect the pump island and retail and service buildings of gas stations. The ordinance reflects a decades-dead tradition of gas station attendants performing "full service; duties, according to staff reports.

"The connection between the service station fueling island and main building allowed attendants to stay dry in inclement weather or to avoid harsh summer conditions," the report said.

A recent proposal to remodel a local service station drew attention to the outdated requirement, according to staff.

Staff is recommending the commission table further discussion of a proposed Public Art ordinance until a second joint meeting with the Cultural Arts Commission can be held.

The two commissions met together earlier this month but haven't reached a consensus, which would require developers of projects of a certain value to include public art on their plans or pay an "in lieu" fee.

As for projects, Advantage Performance Center Inc. wants to set up an "aftermarket" automotive shop on Industrial Park Avenue.

The 1.65 acre site, including a 5,000-square-foot building with three service bays, is vacant now but was once used by Metro Nissan. The Planning Commission will consider Advantage Performance Center's application for a conditional use permit. City staff has recommended approval of the request. Carls Jr. on Colton Avenue wants a sign that would draw in drivers from Interstate 10.

The fast-food restaurant is asking for a 98-square-foot star-shaped sign atop a 107-foot pole. City planning staff is recommending a 55-foot sign, closer in height to but not as tall as signs at nearby El Pollo Loco and Comfort Inn.

Citicom Developments pitch for the commissions approval of a three-building development on 6.65 acres on Parkford Drive at Marshall Street near LA Fitness is expected to be continued again Tuesday.

Concerns about noise, traffic and the handling of mature trees at the proposed site of Citicoms retail-and-restaurant project have caused final decisions to be postponed during several prior meetings.

Environmental Systems Research Institute's plans for a new office building are back on the commission's agenda, but only as a formality, according to staff reports.

In May, the commission gave its blessing to the project, which has been controversial because in 2005 the City Council granted the company request to close a portion of New York Street to accommodate the building.

Earlier this month, the council approved several related requests, including a zone change. The Zoning Ordinance, however, requires the Planning Commission to make the final determination on zone changes.

"The project is unchanged from what was presented to the commission on May 8," according to staff reports.

The current agenda can be viewed online at

http://www.ci.redlands.ca.us/communi...sionAgenda.pdf

The planning Commission meets at 2 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. Occasionally, 7 p.m. sessions are also call.

All meetings are held in the Council Chambers, 35 Cajon St.



News Hawk- User http://www.420magazine.com/
Source: Redlands Daily
Author: COLLEEN MENSCHING
Contact: cmensching@redlandsdailyfacts.com
Copyright: 2007 Los Angeles Newspaper Group
Website: Redlands Daily Facts - Planning Commission to consider ban on marijuana dispensaries