HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 674
ORDINANCE NO. 674
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ATASCADERO, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE ATASCADERO
MUNICIPAL CODE, TITLE 9: PLANNING AND ZONING, APPROVING
TEXT AMENDMENTS TO THE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT #12
OVERLAY ZONE
DOVE CREEK MIXED-USE
MONTAGE DEVELOPMENT, INC.
(DEV23-0079)
WHEREAS, an application has been received from Montage Development, Inc. (23945
Calabasas Road, Suite 116, Calabasas, CA 91302), Applicant and Seung M. Yoon (6130 Via
Huerto Court, Atascadero, CA 93422), Owner, to consider a project consisting of a Zoning Text
Change to Planned Development Overlay Zone No.12, a Vesting Tentative Tract Map, an
Amendment to the Master Plan of Development (Conditional Use Permit), and Modification of
the Parking Requirement and the Hotel Development Standards; and
WHEREAS, the site’s current General Plan Land Use Designation is Mixed-Use Planned
Development (MU-PD); and
WHEREAS, the site’s current Zoning Designation is Commercial Retail (CR) with a
Planned Development No. 12 (PD 12) overlay; and
WHEREAS, PD12 was established in 2004 with the approval of the Dove Creek
Development and modifications to the zoning overlay district are necessary for consistency with
the revised Master Plan of Development; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has determined that it is in the best interest of the
City to enact amendments to Planned Development Overlay #12 for consistency with the revised
Master Plan of Development, including incorporation of land use definitions updated between
overlay zone adoption in 2004 and today; and
WHEREAS, the site has previously been identified by the City Council as a key
development opportunity site for future mixed-use/residential development (in commercial zoning
districts) with a maximum allowable density of 24 units per acre; and
WHEREAS, the minimum lot size in the CR zoning district is 2 acres; and
WHEREAS, smaller lot sizes are allowed for commercial projects that provide shared
access and parking and are designed as an integrated commercial center; and
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Ordinance No. 674
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WHEREAS, the proposed subdivision will result in seven parcels ranging from 0.33 to
2.74 acres with allowances for residential and/or commercial condominium airspace units on each
parcel to accommodate individual sale of residential units and commercial tenant spaces; and
WHEREAS, the Atascadero Municipal Code allows for the establishment of custom
Planned Development Overlay Zones to create custom zoning for unique projects and allow for a
mix of commercial and residential uses that would otherwise not be permitted by underlying
zoning; and
WHEREAS, shared parking and access easements are required to be recorded to ensure
that all parcels have legal access from the adjacent rights-of-way; and
WHEREAS, the project was reviewed by the Design Review Committee at their regularly
scheduled meeting on September 14, 2023; and
WHEREAS, a timely and properly noticed Public Hearing upon the subject application
was held by the Planning Commission of the City of Atascadero at which hearing evidence, oral
and documentary, was admitted on behalf of said application; and
WHEREAS, the laws and regulations relating to the preparation and public notice of
environmental documents, as set forth in the State and local guidelines for implementation of the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) have been adhered to.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATASCADERO
HEREBY ORDAINS AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Planning Commission Recommendation. The Planning Commission of the
City of Atascadero, on May 21, 2024, held a timely and properly noticed Public Hearing upon the
subject Title 9 Atascadero Municipal Code amendments in association with the Amendment to the
Master Plan of Development (CUP 2003-0099), Vesting Tentative Tract Map (TR 3229), at which
hearing evidence, oral and documentary, was admitted on behalf of said amendments and the
Planning Commission recommended that City Council approve the proposed text amendments.
SECTION 2. Public Hearing. The City Council of the City of Atascadero, at a Public
Hearing held on June 25, 2024, considered testimony and reports from staff and the public and
introduced for first reading, by title only, an Ordinance amending Title 9 of the Atascadero
Municipal Code.
SECTION 3. Facts and Findings. The City Council makes the following findings and
determinations for approval of the proposed text amendments:
A. Findings for Zone Text Amendment:
1. FINDING: The proposed project or use is consistent with the General Plan, and all
other applicable ordinances and policies of the City.
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Ordinance No. 674
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FACT: The General Plan has designated the project site as Mixed-Use Planned
Development which allows a mixture of commercial, office, and residential uses with
a focus on pedestrian orientation and connections between different uses throughout
the project area. The General plan allows for a horizontal or vertical mixture of uses
with the approval of a Planned Development Overlay Zone and an accompanying
Master Plan of Development. Planned Development #12 and a Master Plan of
Development were previously approved for the project site.
The proposed text amendment establishes a maximum residential density of 71
residential units for the project site, which is consistent with the 24 du/ac maximum
residential density that is allowed for mixed-use developments in commercial zoning
districts.
2. FINDING: The establishment and subsequent operation or conduct of the use will not,
because of the circumstances and conditions applied in the particular case, be
detrimental to the health, safety, or welfare of the general public or persons residing or
working in the neighborhood of the use, or be detrimental or injurious to property or
improvements in the vicinity of the use; and
FACT: The proposed development will be located at the intersection of Santa Barbara
Road and El Camino Real. As proposed, the commercial uses will be adjacent to El
Camino Real and the residential uses will front Santa Barbara Road, Bliss Street, and
Cashin Street. Adequate access to the site is provided off Cashin Street and Bliss Street
per the originally approved Dove Creek master plan. The site design has been reviewed
by all City departments for consistency with code requirements. Impacts have been
analyzed through the previously certified Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
(MND) No. 2004-0026. As conditioned, the project will not be detrimental or unsafe
to those working, visiting, or living on the project site or those within the surrounding
neighborhoods.
3. FINDING: The proposed project or use will not be inconsistent with the character or
the immediate neighborhood or contrary to its orderly development; and
FACT: The proposed project is within the existing Dove Creek neighborhood,
comprised of small-lot single-family residences fronting Bliss Street and Cashin
Street. The project has been designed to focus residential uses adjacent to existing
residential units with the proposed 2-story residential buildings fronting Bliss and
Cashin Streets, and the 3-story residential building fronting Santa Barbara Road. The
development pattern of the proposed project is similar to the conceptual site plan that
was originally approved to be the commercial component of the Dove Creek Master
Plan. Commercial uses have been internal to the project site or adjacent to El Camino
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Ordinance No. 674
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Real to provide a visual buffer between existing residences and the higher-intensity
commercial and multi-family uses.
4. FINDING: The proposed zone change will not create any new significant and
unavoidable impacts to traffic, infrastructure, or public service impacts; and
FACT: A Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) No.2004-0026 was certified by the
City Council on September 14, 2004. The MND evaluated the entire Dove Creek
Master Plan and specifically analyzed the potential impacts of a commercial
development on the project site that included 60,000 SF of future commercial retail
space, including a 26,500 SF anchor tenant. While the residential villages identified in
the analyzed project have been built and occupied as planned, the commercial center
never developed and is now the location of the proposed mixed-use project.
To supplement the analysis of the previously certified MND for the project site, the
applicant prepared a series of comparative analyses to evaluate whether the project
would result in a greater impact to resources that previously identified. The applicant
team provided analyses related to traffic and sewer capacity. The traffic analysis
showed a reduction in anticipated peak hour trips based on the proposed mix of land-
uses. The sewer capacity analysis showed that, while there will likely be an increase in
peak flows, the sewer lines as designed are sized appropriately to accommodate the
proposed development.
5. FINDING: The proposed zone change is consistent with the CEQA Findings.
FACT: The proposed text amendment is minor and will not result in an environmental
impact. A mix of commercial and residential uses is allowable in the Commercial Retail
zoning district and PD 12.
B. Findings for Planned Development Overlay Zone
1. FINDING: The modification of development standards or processing requirements is
warranted to promote orderly and harmonious development
FACT: The proposed project includes commercial uses that are distinctive, attractive,
and can contribute to the long-term economic viability of the community. The mix of
residential and commercial uses on the project site will contribute to the viability of the
commercial tenants. The proposed site plan and conceptual landscape plan include
pedestrian walkways that connect to existing pedestrian walkways within the broader
neighborhood. All proposed uses will utilize a singular looped driveway access and
parking will be shared. The project site was previously identified and approved for
commercial development within the existing Planned Development zoning designation
and the Master Plan for The Villages of Dove Creek. The project will maintain and
enhance the existing street trees and landscaping that pedestrians in this neighborhood
are accustomed to.
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Ordinance No. 674
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2. FINDING: The modification of development standards or processing requirements will
enhance the opportunity to best utilize special characteristics of an area and will have
a beneficial effect on the area
FACT: The proposed project includes a mix of commercial uses that generate sales and
transient occupancy tax revenue that the city can use to further support public services.
The proposed short-term rental hotel units will provide a service that doesn’t exist near
the City’s south gateway and is in growing demand.
3. FINDING: The benefits derived from the overlay zone cannot be reasonably achieved
through existing development standards for processing requirements
FACT: The Commercial Retail zone allows for mixed-use development with up to 24
units per acre. Generally, residential units must be located above ground-floor
commercial space. Residential uses may only be located on the ground floor with the
approval of a planned development overlay zone. As the project site is located within
PD12, an amendment to the Master Plan of development and overlay zone allows for
the proposed configuration.
The addition of ground floor residential uses within the proposed mixed-use
development will serve as a transition between the existing residential use along Bliss
and Cashin Streets and the commercial uses within the project site core and along El
Camino Real. The addition of residential uses on the ground floor of the proposed
mixed-use development will also help the city achieve its Regional Housing Needs
Allocation (RHNA) objectives.
4. FINDING: The proposed plans, if any, offer certain redeeming features to compensate
for requested modifications
FACT: The City Council has adopted a policy listing potential benefits for
consideration when approving a Planned Development overlay zone. The Dove Creek
Project was found to provide community benefit during the original approval of the
project in 2004. Per City Council policy, benefits include high-quality architectural and
landscape design, buffering between uses, higher density to meet Housing Element
goals, pocket parks, and walkways for pedestrian connectivity. Modification of the
Master Plan of Development for the 5-acre commercial site will not significantly
change the nature and community benefit of the project, however, the added
community-based commercial uses and increased housing opportunities will enhance
the community benefit provided in the Dove Creek development. As designed and
conditioned, the proposed amended project meets the findings for approval.
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Ordinance No. 674
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SECTION 4. CEQA. Because of the facts set forth in Section 3, the proposed zone text
amendment is exempt from further environmental review under the California Environmental
Quality Act (Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq., “CEQA”) and CEQA Guidelines (14
California Code of Regulations §§ 15000, et seq.) because it can be seen with certainty that there
is no possibility that the enactment of this Ordinance would have a significant effect on the
environment (Pub. Resources Code § 21065; CEQA Guidelines §§ 15378(b)(5), 15061(b)(3).
SECTION 5. Approval. The City Council of the City of Atascadero adopts the proposed
text amendments to the Atascadero Municipal Code, as shown in the following exhibit:
1. Exhibit A: Planned Development #12 Overlay Zone Amendment
SECTION 6. Interpretation. This Ordinance must be broadly construed in order to achieve
the purposes stated in this Ordinance. It is the City Council’s intent that the provisions of this Ordinance
be interpreted or implemented by the City and others in a manner that facilitates the purposes set forth
in this Ordinance.
SECTION 7. Preservation. Repealing of any provision of the Atascadero Municipal Code
or of any previous Code Sections, does not affect any penalty, forfeiture, or liability incurred before,
or preclude prosecution and imposition of penalties for any violation occurring before this
Ordinance’s effective date. Any such repealed part will remain in full force and effect for sustaining
action or prosecuting violations occurring before the effective date of this Ordinance.
SECTION 8. Effect of Invalidation. If this entire Ordinance or its application is deemed
invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, any repeal or amendment of the Atascadero
Municipal Code or other City Ordinance by this Ordinance will be rendered void and cause such
previous Atascadero Municipal Code provision or other City Ordinance to remain in full force
and effect for all purposes.
SECTION 9. Severability. If any part of this Ordinance or its application is deemed
invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the City Council intends that such invalidity will not
affect the effectiveness of the remaining provisions or applications and, to this end, the provisions
of this Ordinance are severable.
SECTION 10. Notice. The City Clerk is directed to certify the passage and adoption of
this Ordinance, cause it to be entered into the City of Atascadero’s book of original ordinances,
make a note of the passage and adoption in the records of this meeting and within fifteen (15)
days after the passage and adoption of this Ordinance, cause it to be published or posted in
accordance with California law.
SECTION 11. Effective Date. This Ordinance will take effect on the 30th day following
its final passage and adoption.
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 674
Exhibit A
EXHIBIT A: PROPOSED MUNICIPAL CODE TEXT AMENDMENT – TITLE 9
§ 9-3.657 Establishment of Planned Development Overlay Zone No. 12 (PD12).
Planned Development Overlay Zone No. 12 is established as shown on the official zoning maps
(Section 9-1.102 of this title). A Planned Development Overlay Zone No. 12 is established on all
parcels within Tract 2626 including any future subdivision thereof with a total gross acreage of
63.3 acres. The maximum residential density within the planned development shall not exceed
350 residential units, including a maximum base residential density for the vacant commercial
site at 71 residential units, consistent with the previous environmental analysis for the project
site. A minimum 5.19-acre commercial retail property and 27.7 acres of common and natural
open space on the 63.3-acre project site shall be provided. The development standards contained
within the master plan of development document (CUP 2003-0099) and DEV23-0079, as
conditioned shall be applied to all future development within the project area, and as follows:
(a) The Vesting Tentative Tract Map (TTM 2003-0033) and Vesting Tentative Tract Map (TR 3229)
and any subsequent amendments for the site shall be consistent with CUP 2003-0099 and
DEV23-0079. All construction and development shall conform to the approved master plan
of development, as conditioned.
(b) No subsequent tentative parcel or tract map shall be approved unless found to be consistent
with the approved master plan of development.
(c) The commercial area, residential dwelling units, landscaping, walls, and fencing shall be
subject to review under the City's Appearance Review requirements consistent with the
approved master plan of development.
(d) Building setbacks lot sizes, landscape area, and lot coverage shall be as identified within the
approved master plan of development.
(e) Alterations or additions to established dwelling units shall be subject to the density and
development standards of the master plan of development.
(f) Subsequent amendments to the master plan of development shall be approved by Planning
Commission Resolution.
(g) The commercial center will retain the Commercial Retail zoning district designation. The
following allowable uses are proposed for this district within the PD12 overlay zone:
1) Artisan Food and Products;
2) Bar / Tavern;
3) Farmer’s Market;
4) Food and beverage retail sales;
5) General Retail;
6) Indoor Recreation Services;
7) Microbrewery / Brewpub;
8) Tasting Room;
9) Winery – Boutique;
10) Temporary or seasonal sales;
11) Temporary offices;
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 674
Exhibit A
12) Personal services;
13) Eating and drinking places;
14) Hotels and motels;
15) Bed and breakfast; and
16) Temporary events.
(h) The conditionally allowed uses within the Commercial Retail zone shall be limited to the
following:
1) Amusement Services;
2) Financial Services;
3) Indoor Recreation Services;
4) Membership Organizations;
5) Multi-Family Dwelling; and
6) Offices.
(i) All residential and open space use shall be consistent with the requirements of the
underlying zoning district except as allowed by the master plan of development.