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CITY OF ATASCADERO
DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
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Design Review Committee agendas and minutes may be viewed on the City's
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CITY OF ATASCADERO
DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE AGENDA
Committee Meeting
Thursday, May 25, 2023
2:00 P.M.
City Hall
6500 Palma Avenue
Atascadero, California
CALL TO ORDER
Roll Call: Chairperson Heather Newsom
Vice Chairperson Susan Funk
Committee Member Emily Baranek
Committee Member Dennis Schmidt
Committee Member Jeff van den Eikhof
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
PUBLIC COMMENT
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVAL OF THE MARCH 30, 2023 DRAFT MINUTES.
City of Atascadero Design Review Committee Agenda Regular Meeting
May 25, 2023 Page 2 of 2
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DEVELOPMENT PROJECT REVIEW
2. DESIGN AND NEIGHBORHOOD COMPATIBILITY REVIEW TO ALLOW A
SOLAR ARRAY WITHIN THE FRONT SETBACK AT 5140 ARDILLA ROAD.
The proposed project includes a request to review the proposal for a ground-
mounted solar array within the front setback on the following APN: 030-251-019.
Recommendation: Staff requests the DRC review and make design
recommendations for the proposed project. (PRE23-0038)
COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS AND REPORTS
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
ADJOURNMENT
The next DRC meeting is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, June 15, 2023, at 2:00
p.m.
Agendas, Minutes and Staff Reports are available online at
www.atascadero.org under City Officials & Commissions,
Design Review Committee.
DRC Draft Minutes of 3/30/2023
Page 1 of 5
ITEM NUMBER: 1
DATE: 5-25-23
x
CITY OF ATASCADERO
DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
DRAFT MINUTES
Regular Meeting – Thursday, March 30, 2023 – 2:00 P.M.
City Hall, Room 306
6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero, CA 93422
CALL TO ORDER – 2:00 p.m.
Vice Chairperson Funk called the meeting to order at 2:03 p.m. and the Committee did
introductions.
ROLL CALL
Present: Committee Member Jeff van den Eikhof
Committee Member Dennis Schmidt
Vice Chairperson Susan Funk
Absent: Chairperson Heather Newsom (excused)
Committee Member Emily Baranek (excused)
Others Present: Recording Secretary, Annette Manier
Staff Present: Community Development Director, Phil Dunsmore
Associate Planner, Mariah Gasch
Assistant Planner, Sam Mountain
Others Present: Brian Armet
Nathanael Simmon
Shirley Rock
John Schiltz
Elaine Bertolette
Sally Knight
Ian Denchasy
Alicia Denchasey
Morgen Benevedo (Coast Hills)
David Salm (Coast Hills)
Kai Silva (RK Builders)
1
DRC Draft Minutes of 3/30/2023
Page 2 of 5
ITEM NUMBER: 1
DATE: 5-25-23
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: By Committee Member Schmidt and seconded by
Committee Member van den Eikhof to approve the
Agenda.
Motion passed 3:0 by a roll call vote.
(Baranek, Newsom absent)
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVAL OF THE DECEMBER 15, 2022 DRAFT MINUTES
MOTION: By Committee Member Schmidt and seconded by
Committee Member van den Eikhof to approve the
Consent Calendar.
Motion passed 3:0 by a roll call vote.
(Newsom, Baranek absent)
PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
Vice Chairperson Funk closed the Public Comment period.
DEVELOPMENT PROJECT REVIEW
2. DESIGN AND NEIGHBORHOOD COMPATIBILITY REVIEW OF A CARGO
CONTAINER AT 8559 SANTA ROSA ROAD
The proposed project includes a request to review the proposal for a cargo
container on the following APN: 056-301-042.
Recommendation: Staff requests the DRC review and make design
recommendations for the proposed project. (PRE22-0097).
Planner Gasch presented the staff report, and stated the cargo container already exists
on the site. She and Director Dunsmore answered questions from the Committee.
Planner Gasch stated that cargo containers are only allowed on lots greater than 1-acre,
and that DRC review is required. Planner Gasch clarified that there is a 60-foot setback
from the easement, not 80-feet as stated on page 7 of the staff report.
PUBLIC COMMENT
The following members of the public spoke during public comment: Brian Armet,
applicant, who provided a description on the project.
Vice Chairperson Funk closed the Public Comment period.
2
DRC Draft Minutes of 3/30/2023
Page 3 of 5
ITEM NUMBER: 1
DATE: 5-25-23
MOTION: By Committee Member van den Eikhof and
seconded by Committee Member Schmidt to
approve the cargo container at 8559 Santa Rosa
Road as conditioned by staff and allowing for an
additional 3 months for construction of the project:
Motion passed 3:0 by a roll call vote.
(Baranek, Newsom absent)
Planner Gasch stated that this project may move forward to building permits.
3. DESIGN AND NEIGHBORHOOD COMPATIBILITY REVIEW OF A FENCE AT
10000 CORONA ROAD
The proposed project includes a request to review the proposal for a 6 -foot fence
within the front setback on APN: 050-192-015.
Recommendation: Approve the request for an exception to the front setback
fencing requirement to allow a fence of 6-feet in height where a maximum fence
height of five feet, with the top 2-feet being transparent, would normally be allowed
based on findings and subject to conditions of approval. (PRE22-0101).
EX PARTE
Vice Chairperson Funk stated that she has had discussion with the applicant, but not
about the fence.
Planner Gasch presented the staff report and stated the fence already exists on the site.
Planner Gasch and Director Dunsmore answered questions from the Committee, and
stated that the City Engineer has visited the site, and is not concerned about the fence
location.
PUBLIC COMMENT
The following members of the public spoke during public comment : Nathanael Simmon
(who spoke about the project), Shirley Rock, John Schiltz, Elaine Bertolette, Sally Knight,
Ian Denchasy, and Alicia Denchasy.
Shirley Rock requested that the Committee ask the applicant to move the fence back to
the 25-foot setback from the road due to the fence being a fire hazard, and because of
visibility, safety and insurance concerns.
Mr. Simmon answered questions from the Committee and then staff answered question
from the Committee.
Vice Chairperson Funk closed the Public Comment period.
Vice Chairperson Funk reopened the Public Comment period
3
DRC Draft Minutes of 3/30/2023
Page 4 of 5
ITEM NUMBER: 1
DATE: 5-25-23
PUBLIC COMMENT
The following members of the public spoke during public comment: Logan Bertolette,
John Schiltz, and Shirley Rock.
Staff addressed questions raised during public comment.
Vice Chairperson Funk closed the Public Comment period.
MOTION: By Committee Member van den Eikhof and
seconded by Committee Member Schmidt to
approve this particular section of fence at 10000
Corona Road as conditioned by staff, with the
following changes:
• Move the fence back to the corner marker out of the
City’s r-o-w which will give more visibility to the
neighbors.
• Fence not to exceed 6 feet
Motion passed by 3:0 by a roll call vote.
(Baranek, Newsom absent)
Director Dunsmore answered a question by a member of the public in regards to timing,
and stated that the fence repairs must be completed prior to final occupancy of the
existing residence.
4. DESIGN AND NEIGHBORHOOD COMPATIBILITY REVIEW OF A REMODEL
FOR COAST HILLS CREDIT UNION AT 8900 PUEBLO AVE.
The proposed project includes a request to review and make design
recommendations on APN 030-241-001, 052.
Recommendation: Staff requests the DRC review and make design
recommendations for the proposed project. (PRE23-0022).
Planner Mountain presented the staff report, and stated that the staff report indicates that
the applicant would need to merge the lot or put a covenant on the lot ; however, the
Director has made the determination that the lot line portion is not in the purview of the
DRC. We will only be reviewing the aesthetics of the remodel. The bank is remodeling
because the building flooded, and to provide upgrades. They have a temporary location
during construction.
PUBLIC COMMENT
The following members of the public spoke during public comment: Morgen Benevedo,
David Salm and Kai Silva.
4
DRC Draft Minutes of 3/30/2023
Page 5 of 5
ITEM NUMBER: 1
DATE: 5-25-23
Vice Chairperson Funk closed the Public Comment period.
MOTION: By Committee Member van den Eikhof and
seconded by Committee Member Schmidt to
approve the remodel project at 8900 Pueblo Ave.
as presented by staff.
Motion passed by 3:0 by a roll call vote.
(Baranek, Newsom absent)
COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS AND REPORTS
None.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Community Development Director stated that the next meeting is scheduled for April 13th,
however we currently have no items for that agenda.
Director Dunsmore discussed revisiting the presentation room and screen so that the
public can see the screen better from the public seating portion of the room.
Director Dunsmore stated that the City will present the annual housing report on April 11
at the Council meeting, and stated that the Barrel Creek project was approved. Planner
Mountain has been working on the ADU checklist and it will be made more available to
the public soon. Director Dunsmore answered questions in regards to the ADU stock
plans.
ADJOURNMENT– 3:50 p.m.
The next regular meeting of the DRC is scheduled for Thursday, April 13, 2023.
MINUTES PREPARED BY:
_________________________________________________
Annette Manier, Recording Secretary
Administrative Assistant
5
ITEM 2
5140 Ardilla Setback Exception
PRE 23-0038 / Fedorowicz
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED BY CONTACTING THE ATASCADERO
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AT
http://www.atascadero.org
6500 PALMA AVENUE | ATASCADERO, CA 93422 | (805) 461-5000
Atascadero Design Review Committee
Staff Report – Community Development Department
5140 Ardilla Setback Exception
MEETING
DATE PROJECT PLANNER APPLICANT CONTACT PLN NO.
5/25/23 Sam Mountain
Assistant Planner
Tim Garrison PRE 23-0038
RECOMMENDATION
Staff Recommends to the DRC:
Approve the request for an exception to the front setback requirement to allow a ground-
mounted photovoltaic system 15 feet from the front property line where a 25 foot setback
would normally be required, based on findings and subject to Conditions of Approval.
PROJECT
ADDRESS
GENERAL PLAN
DESIGNATION
ZONING
DISTRICT
ASSESOR PARCEL
NUMBER(S)
SITE
AREA
5140 Ardilla Road,
Atascadero, CA 93422
Single-Family
Residential-Z
(SFR-Z)
Residential
Single Family-
Z (RSF-Z)
030-251-019 0.52 acres
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The applicant is proposing to install a 28’5” by 15’0” photovoltaic array 15 feet from the front
property line.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION
The City of Atascadero’s environmental review process incorporates the requirements in implementing the
California Environmental Quality Act. Persons, agencies, or organizations interested in obtaining more
information regarding the environmental should contact the Community Development Department.
☐ EIR / MND / ND /
Statutory Exemption
to be circulated
☐ Prior CEQA Review
CEQA # ____________
Certified: _________
☒ Cat. Exemption
Class _____5_____
CEQA Guidelines § 15305
☐ No Project - § 15268
Ministerial Project
6
ITEM 2
5140 Ardilla Setback Exception
PRE 23-0038 / Fedorowicz
Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero
DISCUSSION:
Project Description / Summary
The subject property is located on Ardilla Road in a single-family neighborhood. Owing to its better
access to sunlight, the applicant wishes to install the photovoltaic array within the front setback of
their property. The proposed photovoltaic array would be installed 15 feet from the front property
line, in a location where front setback requirements are otherwise 25 feet. Due to topography and
existing trees and brush, this array will not impair the view of drivers along Ardilla Road.
Setback Standards
Atascadero Municipal Code 9-4.106 (a) states that “[a]ll residential uses shall have a minimum
front setback of 25 feet.” However, AMC 9-4.106 (a)(5) allows for the Design Review Committee
to grant an exemption to the front setback requirement if proposed structures meet the following
criteria:
• Structures are no greater than ten (10) feet in height;
• Structures do not exceed front yard coverage of more than fifty percent (50%);
• Structures do not impair sight distances for vehicular traffic as reviewed by the City
Engineer.
Design
The proposed 28’5” (twenty-eight feet five inches) by 15’ (fifteen feet) photovoltaic array will be
ground-mounted. It is black in color and has unpainted steel and aluminum mounting equipment.
The design is unornamented and there is no proposed screening or additional fencing. It will be
angled with the 20° slope of the ground, and is planned to rise 2’8” (two feet eight inches).
Side Elevation (from submitted plans)
7
ITEM 2
5140 Ardilla Setback Exception
PRE 23-0038 / Fedorowicz
Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero
Findings
To approve the Preliminary Review, the Design Review Committee must make the following
findings:
• Structures are no greater than ten (10) feet in height;
• Structures do not exceed front yard coverage of more than fifty percent (50%);
• Structures do not impair sight distances for vehicular traffic as reviewed by the City
Engineer.
The array is less than 10 feet in height, only rising 2 feet 8 inches off the grade. It does not
exceed 50% of front yard coverage. The subject array will be angled with a downward, south-
facing slope, no more than a few feet off of the grade, and is screened by brush. The City Engineer
has determined that it will not impair the visibility of vehicular traffic.
DRC DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1. Neighborhood compatibility
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: Aerial View
Attachment 2: Zoning View
Attachment 3: Aerial Proposed Array Location
Attachment 4: Site Photos
Attachment 5: DRC Action Form
8
ITEM 2
5140 Ardilla Setback Exception
PRE 23-0038 / Fedorowicz
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED BY CONTACTING THE ATASCADERO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AT
http://www.atascadero.org
6500 PALMA AVENUE | ATASCADERO, CA 93422 | (805) 461-5000
Attachment 1: Aerial View
PRE 23-0038
9
ITEM 2
5140 Ardilla Setback Exception
PRE 23-0038 / Fedorowicz
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED BY CONTACTING THE ATASCADERO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AT
http://www.atascadero.org
6500 PALMA AVENUE | ATASCADERO, CA 93422 | (805) 461-5000
Attachment 2: Zoning View
PRE 23-0038
SFR-Z
10
ITEM 2
5140 Ardilla Setback Exception
PRE 23-0038 / Fedorowicz
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED BY CONTACTING THE ATASCADERO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AT
http://www.atascadero.org
6500 PALMA AVENUE | ATASCADERO, CA 93422 | (805) 461-5000
Attachment 3: Aerial Proposed Array Location
PRE 23-0038
Proposed
Array Location
11
ITEM 2
5140 Ardilla Setback Exception
PRE 23-0038 / Fedorowicz
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED BY CONTACTING THE ATASCADERO
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AT
http://www.atascadero.org
6500 PALMA AVENUE | ATASCADERO, CA 93422 | (805) 461-5000
Attachment 4: Site Photos
PRE 23-0038
Proposed Array Location
Proposed Array Location – Wide View
12
ITEM 2
5140 Ardilla Setback Exception
PRE 23-0038 / Fedorowicz
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED BY CONTACTING THE ATASCADERO
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AT
http://www.atascadero.org
6500 PALMA AVENUE | ATASCADERO, CA 93422 | (805) 461-5000
View from Ardilla Road -- Southbound
View from Ardilla Road -- Northbound
13
ITEM 2
5140 Ardilla Setback Exception
PRE 23-0038 / Fedorowicz
Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero
Attachment 5: DRC Action Form
PRE 23-0038
CITY OF ATASCADERO
Community Development Department
6500 Palma Avenue | Atascadero, CA 93422 | Phone: (805) 461-5035 | www.atascadero.org
DRC Action Form
Project #: PRE23-0038
Project Title: 5140 Ardilla Setback Exception
Planner/ Project Manager: Sam Mountain, Assistant Planner
DRC Review Date(s): 5/25/23
Final Action: DRC PC CC
Conditions & Recommendations:
1. Applicant must obtain approval of all necessary permits prior to construction.
2. Array dimensions and placement must match submitted plans.
14