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CITY OF ATASCADERO
DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
HOW TO SUBMIT PUBLIC COMMENT:
To provide written public comment, please email comments to:
drc-comments@atascadero.org by 5:00 p.m. the day before the meeting. Email
comments must identify the Agenda Item Number in the subject line of the email.
Comments will be forwarded to the Design Review Committee and made a part of the
administrative record. If a comment is received after the deadline for submission but
before the close of the meeting, the comment will still be included as part of the record
of the meeting. Please note, email comments will not be read into the record. All
comments received may become part of the public record and are subject to the Public
Records Act.
INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS are invited to participate through the Zoom platform
using the link below and will be given an opportunity to speak in favor or opposition
to the project or may call 669-900-6833 to listen and provide public comment via
phone.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81712225756
AMERICAN DISABILITY ACT ACCOMMODATIONS:
Any member of the public who needs accommodations should contact the City
Clerk’s Office at cityclerk@atascadero.org or by calling 805-470-3400 at least 48
hours prior to the meeting or time when services are needed. The City will use their
best efforts to provide reasonable accommodations to afford as much accessibility
as possible while also maintaining public safety in accordance with the City procedure
for resolving reasonable accommodation requests.
Design Review Committee agendas and minutes may be viewed on the City's
website: www.atascadero.org/agendas.
Copies of the staff reports or other documentation relating to each item of business referred to on
the Agenda are on file in the Community Development Department and are available for public
inspection on our website, www.atascadero.org. All documents submitted by the public during
Design Review Committee meetings that are either read into the record or referred to in their
statement will be noted in the Minutes and available for review by contacting the Community
Development Department. All documents will be available for public inspection by appointment
during City Hall business hours.
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CITY OF ATASCADERO
DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE AGENDA
Committee Meeting
Thursday, May 2, 2024
2:00 P.M.
City Hall
6500 Palma Avenue, Room 306
Atascadero, California
CALL TO ORDER
Roll Call: Chairperson Susan Funk
Vice Chairperson Mark Dariz
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 28, 2024 DRAFT MINUTES
DEVELOPMENT PROJECT REVIEW
2. 6040 EL CAMINO REAL (COLONY MARKET & DELI)
The proposed project includes a request to review the proposed fence, pergola,
and exterior façade changes at the Colony Market and Deli on APN 030 -191-
001.
Recommendation: Staff requests the DRC review and make design
recommendations for the proposed project. (PRE24-0037)
City of Atascadero Design Review Committee Agenda Regular Meeting
May 2, 2024 Page 2 of 2
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3. 7625 SAN LUIS AVE (BARBER TOWING & SERVICE)
The proposed project includes a request to review the proposed Automotive
Repair Shop with Towing and Outdoor Vehicle Storage on APN 030-241-058.
Recommendation: Staff requests the DRC review and make design
recommendations for the proposed project. (USE24-0033)
COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS AND REPORTS
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
ADJOURNMENT
The next DRC meeting will be announced.
Agendas, Minutes and Staff Reports are available online at
www.atascadero.org under City Officials & Commissions,
Design Review Committee.
DRC Draft Minutes of 3/28/2024
Page 1 of 4
ITEM NUMBER: 1
DATE: 5-2-24
x
CITY OF ATASCADERO
DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
DRAFT MINUTES
Regular Meeting – Thursday, March 28, 2024 – 2:00 P.M.
City Hall, Room 306 (and virtual)
6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero, CA 93422
CALL TO ORDER – 2:00 p.m.
Chairperson Funk called the meeting to order at 2:03 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Chairperson Susan Funk
Vice Chairperson Member Mark Dariz
Committee Member Dennis Schmidt
Committee Member Jeff van den Eikhof
Absent: Committee Member Emily Baranek
Others Present: Recording Secretary, Annette Manier
Staff Present: Senior Planner, Xzandrea Fowler
Planning Manager, Kelly Gleason
Associate Planner, Erick Gomez
Assistant Planner, Sam Mountain
Planning Intern, Amelia Aarestad
Others Present: Kelsey Sullivan, The Learning Tree Preschool
Madison Sequoia, Sequoia Deployment Services, Inc. (via
Teleconference)
John Sidders, Congregation Ohr Tzafon Synagogue
Bill Alexander, Congregation Ohr Tzafon Synagogue
Nelson Bernal, NRB Drafting
Linda Benfield
Bill Anderson
Various members of the public
1
DRC Draft Minutes of 3/28/2024
Page 2 of 4
ITEM NUMBER: 1
DATE: 5-2-24
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: By Committee Member Schmidt and seconded by
Committee Member Dariz to approve the Agenda.
Motion passed 4:0 by a roll call vote.
(Baranek absent)
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
Chairperson Funk closed the Public Comment period.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVAL OF THE MARCH 7, 2024 DRAFT MINUTES
MOTION: By Committee Member Dariz and seconded by
Committee Member van den Eikhof to approve the
Consent Calendar.
Motion passed 4:0 by a roll call vote.
(Baranek absent)
DEVELOPMENT PROJECT REVIEW
2. 2605 TRAFFIC WAY
The proposed project includes a request to review the design of a
telecommunication facility with a 63’ monopine cell tower and associated equipment
on APN 049-063-003.
Recommendation: Staff requests the DRC review and make design
recommendations for the proposed project. (USE24-0014)
DISCLOSURE OF EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS:
Chairperson Funk stated that she lives in an area near this new tower, so she may benefit
in terms of better cell coverage. (Staff notes that Susan is not within the radius for
recusal).
Planner Gomez presented the staff report and he and Planning Manager Gleason
answered questions from the Committee. Compliance with conditions related to facility
and landscape maintenance will be checked when new carriers apply for a permit on this
tower.
PUBLIC COMMENT
The following members of the public spoke during public comment: Kelsey Sullivan. Ms.
Sullivan asked the Committee to review concerns in regard to the preschool she operates
next to this facility. She would like to know about the safety factor as far as exposure to
radiation to the staff and children.
2
DRC Draft Minutes of 3/28/2024
Page 3 of 4
ITEM NUMBER: 1
DATE: 5-2-24
Madison LaScalza (via Teleconference) commented on the concerns about the safety
and exposure limits and answered questions from the Committee members.
Staff stated the Committee is only reviewing the design of the tower today, but Ms.
Sullivan’s comments are noted as the project moves forward to the Planning Commission.
Chairperson Funk closed the Public Comment period.
Commissioner Schmidt explained that he cannot support the recommendation because
the aesthetics/wall is not protecting the school.
MOTION: By Committee Member Dariz and seconded by
Committee Member van den Eikhof to approve the
project as recommended by staff.
Motion passed 3:1 by a roll call vote.
(Schmidt voted no)
Planner Gomez stated that this project will move on to the Planning Commission in May,
and new noticing will go out.
3. 7850 NAVAJOA AVE
The proposed project includes a request to construct three (3) 2-story single-family
residences with attached garages on APN 031-182-009.
Recommendation: Staff requests the DRC review and make design
recommendations for the proposed project. (PRE23-0084)
Planner Mountain presented the staff report and he and Planning Manager Gleason
answered questions from the Committee.
The applicant’s representative (Nelson Bernal) presented the project and answered
questions from the Committee.
PUBLIC COMMENT
The following members of the public spoke during public comment: Bill Anderson and
Linda Benfield. Linda Benfield requested that the Committee recommend a tree that is
not a london plane tree.
Nelson Bernal answered questions raised by Bill Anderson. Staff answered questions
raised by Linda Benfield.
Chairperson Funk closed the Public Comment period.
MOTION: By Committee Member Schmidt and seconded by
Committee Member van den Eikhof to approve the
3
DRC Draft Minutes of 3/28/2024
Page 4 of 4
ITEM NUMBER: 1
DATE: 5-2-24
project as recommended by staff with the
proposed conditions as revised:
• Applicant to work with staff to find a tree species
that doesn’t have invasive roots, be attentive to
the way its planted, and use deep watering if
applicable, so it can grow so it’s less disruptive to
nearby properties.
• Applicant to work with staff to consolidate the trash
enclosure (rather than individual bins) and have it
engineered to accommodate the detention basin.
Motion passed 4:0 by a roll call vote.
(Baranek absent)
This project will move forward to building permits.
COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS AND REPORTS
Commissioner Schmidt asked about gas vs. electric in new construction, and staff
answered his questions.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Planning Manager Gleason stated that Colony Market & Deli has changed owners and
there may be some modifications to their outdoor space coming before the DRC. Dove
Creek Commercial is moving forward, and the Planning Commission will hear O bjective
Design Standards soon.
ADJOURNMENT– 3:51 p.m.
The next regular meeting of the DRC will be announced.
MINUTES PREPARED BY:
_________________________________________________
Annette Manier, Recording Secretary
Administrative Assistant
4
ITEM 2
Colony Market & Deli
PRE24-0037
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED BY CONTACTING THE ATASCADERO
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AT
https://www.atascadero.org
6500 PALMA AVENUE | ATASCADERO, CA 93422 | (805) 461-5000
Atascadero Design Review Committee
Staff Report – Community Development Department
Colony Market Patio Redesign
MEETING
DATE PROJECT PLANNER APPLICANT CONTACT PLN NO.
05/02/2024 Erick Gomez, Planner
(805) 470-3436
egomez@atascadero.org
Eric Peterson, Colony Deli
PRE24-0037
RECOMMENDATION
Staff Recommends that the DRC endorse the patio re-design including a new fence, pergola, and
exterior changes at the Colony Market and Deli Restaurant, subject to staff recommendations.
PROJECT
ADDRESS
GENERAL PLAN
DESIGNATION
ZONING
DISTRICT
ASSESOR PARCEL
NUMBER(S)
SITE
AREA
6040 El Camino Real
Atascadero, CA 93422
Downtown (D) Downtown
Commercial
(DC)
030-191-001 0.16-acres
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The applicant is proposing to install a fence along the El Camino Real and Traffic Way
frontages, construct an approximately 960-square foot pergola, and make minor color and
façade changes at the Colony Market and Deli restaurant located at 6040 El Camino Real (APN
030-191-001).
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 review should contact the Community Development Department.
☐ EIR / MND / ND /
Statutory Exemption
to be circulated
☐ Prior CEQA Review
CEQA # ____________
Certified: _________
☐ Cat. Exemption
Class ___________
CEQA Guidelines § 15301
☒ No Project - § 15268
Ministerial Project
5
ITEM 2
Colony Market & Deli
PRE24-0037
Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero
DISCUSSION:
Project Description / Summary
Colony Market & Deli proposes the construction of a new perimeter fence and an
approximately 960-square foot pergola for the outdoor seating area of their existing
restaurant at 6040 El Camino Real. The existing business will also be repainted and new
commercial signage will be installed. The applicant is proposing the fencing and pergola
to create a safer and more inviting outdoor space by providing more shade and enhancing
aesthetics by screening the view of vehicle traffic. The subject property is an 0.16-ac
property in the Downtown Commercial (DC) zone developed with an existing restaurant
and metal shade canopy.
The applicant will also realign the pedestrian entrance to the building and expand the
outdoor patio area into the existing driveway remaining from the former service station
(currently under construction). All landscaping will be refreshed to align with the new
design theme.
Exterior Changes to Existing Building and Commercial Signage
The existing restaurant building has a teal and white fa scia with commercial signage
facing El Camino Real. The existing shade canopy, previously a gas canopy, is painted
to match the restaurant building. The project proposal includes repainting the structures
to a more modern, black and white color theme complimented by the existing and
proposed earth-toned colors and materials on the site (e.g., existing stone veneer exterior
walls, beige block planters, etc.).
The project proposal also includes updating the commercial signage facing El Camino
Real on the existing sign band. The project renderings show an approximately 12 SF wall
sign. The restaurant is allowed 50 SF of wall sign area along El Camino Real and 40 SF
of sign area along Traffic Way.
6
ITEM 2
Colony Market & Deli
PRE24-0037
Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero
Pergola
The proposed 960 SF pergola will be located west of the existing shade canopy in an
unshaded area of the existing outdoor patio. The pergola will be approximately 10’ tall
and made of wood/metal features with a black painted facia and wooden slat rafters,
consistent with the revised site design theme . No overhead lighting is proposed with the
pergola or any of the outdoor spaces. Staff has added a recommendation that any future
exterior lighting be fully shielded and directed downward towards the grounds. Festoon
or similar decorative lighting would be exempt.
Fencing & Landscaping
The proposed fence will replace an existing, approximately 3’ wood and wire fence that
is currently installed along the adjacent street frontages and encloses a portion of the
outdoor patio space. The proposed fence will be approximately 3.5’ tall along El Camino
Real and 5’ tall along Traffic Way. The fence is proposed to extend through the entirety
of the frontages to fully enclose the restaurant’s underutilized outdoor areas. The fence
design will be more opaque than the existing fence to address safety and privacy
concerns, especially related to the traffic along Traffic Way and will be horizontal wood
plank panels. An approximately 18” landscape strip is proposed between the back of
sidewalk and the fence along El Camino Real and up to the electrical transformer on
Traffic Way. After the transformer, continuing toward the rear parking area, no setback is
proposed form the back of sidewalk. The two existing landscape planters on the northeast
and northwest corners of the site will be refreshed and updated as needed. The patio
spaces will incorporate planters for small to medium shade trees adjacent to the street
frontages.
7
ITEM 2
Colony Market & Deli
PRE24-0037
Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero
Based on discussions with the City Engineer, there are sight line concerns between
vehicles exiting the rear parking area and pedestrians where the corner of the fence is
proposed to be extended to. Based on this concern, the fencing will need to be lowered
a minimum of 5-feet from this corner or the fence may be chamfered at an angle to
maintain adequate sight lines.
Conclusion
The proposed modifications occur at a significant entry point to Downtown. The
intersection presents some challenges related to traffic noise and safety concerns and
the applicants are proposing to balance their need for privacy, patron safety, and quality
outdoor dining experience with maintaining an activated street aesthetic. While the
fencing proposed is more opaque than the existing barrier, a semi-transparent design is
proposed with decorative breezeblock accents at the main site entry. Low maintenance
grasses that soften the edge and provide movement and shadow are proposed for a
majority of the frontage. The DRC is tasked with making recommendations on the
proposed design modification and consistency with the City’s Downtown Appearance
goals.
DRC DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1. Exterior Changes to Existing Building (Color & Commercial Signs)
2. Site and Architectural Design (Fencing, Landscaping, Pergola)
3. Fence Height and Downtown Compatibility
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: DRC Action Form
Attachment 2: Aerial View
Attachment 3: Site Photo
Attachment 4: Site Plan & Renderings
8
ITEM 2
Colony Market & Deli
PRE24-0037
Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero
Attachment 1: DRC Action Form
PRE24-0037
6500 Palma Avenue | Atascadero, CA 93422 | Phone: (805) 461-5035 | www.atascadero.org
Project #: PRE24-0037
Project Title: Colony Market & Deli Fence, Pergola, & Exterior Changes
Planner/ Project Manager: Erick Gomez
DRC Review Date(s): 05/02/2024
Final Action: DRC PC CC
Conditions & Recommendations:
1. All lighting outdoor lighting shall be fully shielded and directed downward directly to the ground.
Festoon or similar decorative lighting would be exempt.
2. The landscape strip shall be provided between the back-of -sidewalk and fence shall include grasses
and similar material. The landscape strip shall extend the length proposed fence where feasible and
not in conflict with utility easements.
3. The fence height shall be lowered, or the fence may be chamfered at an angle, a minimum of 5-feet
from the southwest corner of the property to maintain adequate sight lines.
4. All fencing and landscaping shall be maintained in substantial conformity with the project materials
and associated conditions in perpetuity unless otherwise approved by the Community Development
Department.
CITY OF ATASCADERO
Community Development Department
DRC Action Form
9
ITEM 2
Colony Market & Deli
PRE24-0037
Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero
Attachment 2: Aerial View
PRE24-0037
10
ITEM 2
Colony Market & Deli
PRE24-0037
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED BY CONTACTING THE ATASCADERO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AT
https://www.atascadero.org
6500 PALMA AVENUE | ATASCADERO, CA 93422 | (805) 461-5000
Attachment 3: Site Photo Shade Structure Location
PRE24-0037
Fence to be Replaced
Location of (P) Pergola
11
ITEM 2
Colony Market & Deli
PRE24-0037
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED BY CONTACTING THE ATASCADERO
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AT
https://www.atascadero.org
6500 PALMA AVENUE | ATASCADERO, CA 93422 | (805) 461-5000
Attachment 4: Site Plan and Renderings
PRE24-0037
See Following Pages
12
13
14
15
16
ITEM 3
Barber Automotive Repair, Towing and Outdoor Vehicle Storage
USE24-0033
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
Automotive Repair Shop with Towing and Outdoor Vehicle Storage
MEETING
DATE PROJECT PLANNER APPLICANT CONTACT PLN NO.
05/02/2024 Xzandrea Fowler,
Planner
(805) 470-3160
xfowler@atascadero.org
Barber Towing and Service
Barber.towingandservice@gmail.com
USE24-0033
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the DRC endorse the site design for the proposed automotive repair shop
with towing and outdoor vehicle storage located at 7625 San Luis Avenue (APN 030-241-058),
subject to the recommendations listed in the attached draft Notice of Action.
PROJECT
ADDRESS
GENERAL PLAN
DESIGNATION ZONING DISTRICT
ASSESSOR
PARCEL
NUMBER(S)
SITE
AREA
7625 San Luis
Avenue
Atascadero, CA
93422
Service
Commercial (SC)
Commercial Service (CS) 030-241-058 0.39-
acres
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The applicant is proposing to operate an automotive repair shop with towing and outdoor
vehicle storage by utilizing the existing building for automotive repairs and associated
administrative office uses, installing interior fencing to restrict access to the rear of the property
for the secured storage of towed vehicles and tow truck fleet, and minor façade changes and
landscaping improvements located at 7625 San Luis Avenue (APN 030-241-058).
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 review should contact the Community Development Department.
17
ITEM 3
Barber Automotive Repair, Towing, and Outdoor Vehicle Storage
USE24-0033
Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero
☐ EIR / MND /
ND / Statutory
Exemption to be
circulated
☐ Prior CEQA Review
CEQA #
____________
Certified: _________
☒ Cat. Exemption
Class __1_________
CEQA Guidelines § 15301
☐ No Project
- § 15268
Ministerial
Project
DISCUSSION:
Project Description / Summary
Barber Towing and Service proposes to relocate its existing automotive repair and towing
service business to 7625 San Luis Avenue. The proposed project includes the use of the
existing 3,000-square-foot building for automotive repair service and associated
administrative office uses, the construction of an interior fence with a controlled access
gate to securely store towed vehicles and the tow truck fleet, and minor façade changes
and landscape improvements. The business currently has four employees. The existing
structure is currently undergoing replacement of damaged siding and interior
improvements to the existing plumbing fixtures. New commercial signage will be installed.
The project site is a 0.39-ac property in the Commercial Service (CS) zone and is
developed with an existing single-story metal building and wood shade awning.
Exterior Changes to Existing Building and Commercial Signage
18
ITEM 3
Barber Automotive Repair, Towing, and Outdoor Vehicle Storage
USE24-0033
Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero
The existing building is a single-story structure with a gable roof, metal siding painted a
neutral color with brown fascia, facing San Luis Avenue and Highway 101. The existing
gable roof has a deep overhang on the front elevation and no overhang on the side or
rear elevations. The only articulation to the exterior of the building is around the front
entrance where a partial brick façade frames the black metal and glass front door and
extends underneath the black metal sliding window frames. The front elevation also has
a four-post wood awning extending the length of the brick facade. The wood posts and
support beams are rotten due to exposure to the elements. The project proposal includes
the repair and replacement of the damaged wood posts and beams, and the installation
of an awning cover to provide sun screening.
The proposed site improvements include installing a fence in the rear half of the property
to separate the towed vehicle storage area from the other operational areas. replacement
of the existing gate is also proposed between the structure and the existing concrete
masonry wall for the elevated property to the south (Blast and Brew) to control access to
the automotive service areas, the parking areas for the towing fleet, and the towed vehicle
storage area. Existing exterior lighting will be updated and security cameras will be
installed per the exterior lighting development standards in Atascadero Municipal Code
(AMC) 9-4.137.
The existing landscaping elements will be refreshed, and planters may be added near the
building’s entrance. The existing project site does not comply with AMC 9-4.125(b)(5)
requiring street trees to be provided along all public street frontages at a minimum of 30
feet on center.
A commercial sign, facing San Luis Avenue, approximately 3’-0” x 8”-0” (24 SF) in size
will be added above the entrance door. Per AMC 9-15.007, a wall sign with a total sign
area of 150 SF or less is permitted with a building permit. A building permit will be required
for the installation of all future signs.
Automotive Repair and Service
Per AMC 9-6.168, the proposed automotive repair and service use will occur within the
existing 3000 SF and the fenced area located behind the building and out of view from
19
ITEM 3
Barber Automotive Repair, Towing, and Outdoor Vehicle Storage
USE24-0033
Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero
the public right-of-way. Vehicular access to the automotive repair and service use will be
restricted by the proposed gate that will be installed between the building and the existing
concrete masonry wall.
Towing and Outdoor Vehicle Storage
The Atascadero Municipal Code identifies Auto Repair and Services as an Allowed use,
and Vehicle and Equipment Storage (Outdoor) as a discretionary use requiring a
Conditional Use Permit.
Additionally, AMC 9-6.167 identifies development standards for Towing Services and
requires outdoor storage of towing-related vehicles, towed vehicles, or accessory storage
(other than an approved parking lot for employees or fleet vehicles) over 8,000 SF as a
discretionary use requiring a Conditional Use Permit.
Towing Services are only permitted to be located on arterial or collector roads, and require
a minimum 10-foot wide landscape setback, outdoor storage areas shall be screened
from the right-of-way and adjacent properties by a minimum 6’-0” high solid fence or
masonry wall around the entire perimeter of the outdoor storage area, outdoor storage
areas that abut a residential zone shall be separated from such property by a 10-foot
landscape strip, all parking areas shall be surfaced with asphalt, concrete, or crushed
rock surface, and outdoor vehicle storage shall be limited to 8,000 SF unless the use is
300 feet from a residential zoning district and is approved with a conditional use permit.
The project site is located on a collector road, and the outdoor storage area is screened
from the right-of-way. The proposed towing and outdoor vehicle storage use that will be
located within an approximately 9,000 SF area at the rear of the property is considered
Vehicle and Equipment storage and therefore requires a conditional use permit. The
existing 6’-0” high chain link fence does not satisfy the requirement for a solid fence. The
proposed area has a combination of asphalt and concrete surfacing and will be contained
within a fenced area. The area will be used to store vehicles that have been towed.
Although there is an existing residential use abutting the project site, the zoning for all
properties within 300 feet of the project site are zoned Commercial Service.
Staff request DRC direction regarding compliance with the landscape setback and solid
fence requirement.
Following the DRC review, the project along with any recommendations will be presented
to the Planning Commission for final action.
Parking
AMC 9-4.118 (b) requires one parking space per company vehicle. The applicant
proposes to have between 4 and 6 employees. The applicant is proposing to utilize an
approximately 4,000 SF area directly behind the existing building as the dedicated parking
area for the towing operation fleet vehicles. The applicant is not proposing stripping the
20
ITEM 3
Barber Automotive Repair, Towing, and Outdoor Vehicle Storage
USE24-0033
Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero
parking spaces to provide more operational flexibility and fleet diversity (i.e., size and type
of tow vehicle – wheel lift, flatbed, etc.).
AMC standards require four parking spaces per service bay for auto repair uses, No
specific parking requirement is included for vehicle storage provided that adequate
parking is available to accommodate all employees and visitor vehicles on-site.
The existing building has one service bay, and the existing parking area fronting San Luis
Avenue has four designated parking spaces that have wheel stops but are not striped.
The staff has added conditions that the applicant restripe the parking stalls and ensure
that a minimum of 1 parking stall is provided as an accessible space per building code
requirements.
Fencing
AMC 9-4.128 requires all outdoor storage to be screened on all sides by a wall or solid
fencing. In addition, chain link fencing is required to be vinyl coated with adjacent
landscaping to hide the fencing material. The exceptions to the fencing and screening
requirements may be waived or modified through conditional use permit approval,
provided the Planning Commission first finds that specific identified characteristics of the
site or site vicinity would make required fencing or screening unnecessary or ineffective.
There is existing 6’-0” tall chain link fencing along the entire northern and eastern property
lines. Along the southern property line, there is a significant elevation change with an
existing concrete masonry wall and a 3’-0” tall chain link fence on top. The existing fencing
encloses the entire portion of the property that is located behind the existing structure.
The applicant is proposing to screen the portion of the existing fence that is located along
the eastern property line abutting an existing residential use. The applicant is requesting
modification of the screening requirement along the northern and western property lines
due to the existing site characteristics, an existing outdoor storage operation (Waste
Management bin storage), and the existing building blocking visibility from the street. As
the existing fencing is chain link, the solid fence and landscaping requirements would be
excessive for this property. Based on the reasoning above, the chain link is proposed to
remain as is.
Landscaping
AMC 9-4.125 requires a minimum 10% landscaped area based on the net site area for
projects within the Commercial Service zoning district.
AMC 9-4.125 (b)(8) requires a minimum five-foot landscaping strip within the side yard of
all commercial project sites.
The two existing landscape areas on the northwest corner of the site and the southwest
corner of the existing building northwest will satisfy the requirements for the five-foot
landscape strip and the minimum landscape area once the barren portions of the areas
are refreshed and updated with additional landscaping materials as needed. A minimum
10-foot landscape setback is also required between the public street and the parking lot
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ITEM 3
Barber Automotive Repair, Towing, and Outdoor Vehicle Storage
USE24-0033
Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero
area. As this site exists with minimal ability to reconfigure the parking lot area the Planning
Commission may modify the landscaping requirements if a finding can be made that
existing vegetation topography or structural arrangement preclude the need for the
required landscaping.
DRC DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1. Exterior Changes to Existing Building (Color & Commercial Signs)
2. Site and Architectural Design (Outdoor Vehicle Storage Screening, Parking, Fencing,
and Landscaping)
3. Fence Material and Neighborhood Compatibility
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: Aerial View
Attachment 2: Elevation – View from San Luis Avenue
Attachment 3: Site Plan & Renderings
Attachment 3: DRC Action Form
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ITEM 3
Barber Automotive Repair, Towing, and Outdoor Vehicle Storage
USE24-0033
Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero
Attachment 1: Aerial View
USE24-0033
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ITEM 3
Barber Automotive Repair, Towing and Outdoor Vehicle Storage
USE24-0033
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: Elevation – View from San Luis Avenue
USE24-0033
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ITEM 3
Barber Automotive Repair, Towing and Outdoor Vehicle Storage
USE24-0033
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: Site Plan - Proposed
USE24-0033
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ITEM 3
Barber Automotive Repair, Towing, and Outdoor Vehicle Storage
USE24-0033
Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero
Attachment 4: DRC Action Form
USE24-0033
6500 Palma Avenue | Atascadero, CA 93422 | Phone: (805) 461-5035 | www.atascadero.org
Project #: USE4-0033
Project Title: Barber Automotive Repair, Towing, and Outdoor Vehicle Storage
Planner/ Project Manager: Xzandrea Fowler
DRC Review Date(s): 05/02/2024
Final Action: DRC PC CC
Conditions & Recommendations:
1. All outdoor lighting shall be fully shielded and directed downward directly to the ground.
2. The existing landscape area shall be refreshed with additional landscaping material (i.e., drought-
tolerant and/or native plants).
3. The existing wood posts and beams shall be repaired and/or replaced .
4. The applicant shall prepare a parking plan that demonstrates a minimum of four parking spaces
within the designated parking area located between the building and the street frontage , and an
adequate area to accommodate all company vehicles located within the designated parking area
located behind the existing building and the fenced outdoor towed vehicle storage area. The
applicant shall restripe the parking stalls and ensure that a minimum of 1 parking stall is provided as
an accessible space per building code requirements.
5. The DRC recommends that the Planning Commission approve a modification through conditional
use permit approval based on the existing adjacent non-screened outdoor storage uses, the location
of the existing building, and the existing wall characteristics of the site and site vicinity would make
requiring planting street trees, installing a 10-foot landscape area along the rear (west) property line,
and solid fence screening beyond the west property line unnecessary and ineffective.
6. All fencing and landscaping shall be maintained in substantial conformity with the project materials
in perpetuity unless otherwise approved by the Community Development Department.
CITY OF ATASCADERO
Community Development Department
DRC Action Form
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