HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC_10_28_2025_Public Comment Received by Email1
From:David Broadwater <>
Sent:Monday, October 27, 2025 11:27 AM
To:City Clerk
Subject:10-28-25 Agenda Item G .1 2045 General Plan Draft Update
Attachments:deb Scope DEIR 2045 Gen Plan UpDate.pdf
Atascadero City Council,
re:
2045 General Plan Draft Update
date: 10-27-25
Please incorporate the attached comments on the Draft 2045 General Plan into your deliberations and the record of this
meeting. They were submitted to the Community Development Department regarding the Draft EIR during the Scoping
Period on 8-12-24, and remain relevant today.
Thank you,
David Broadwater
Atascadero
ATTENTION:
This email originated from outside the City's network. Use caution when opening links and attachments.
Public Comment Received by Email
10/28/25
City Council Meeting
Item G1
To: Atascadero City Community Development Department
re: 2045 General Plan Update - DEIR Scope NOP
date: 8-12-24
from: David Broadwater, 54-year resident
Please incorporate these comments in the record of the scoping
process for the Draft Environmental Impact Report on the 2045
General Plan Update. They pertain to the Land Use, Open Space and
Conservation Element, Land Use and Community Form Element, and
Recreation and Open Space Element, and are additionally relevant to
the Economic Development Element and Public Services and
Infrastructure Element.
We have an enormous and unique environmental, economic and
community resource right in our own back yard. Yet, it remains
untapped due to its abuse, neglect of our General Plan and lack of
enforcement of our Municipal Code and California laws. That
resource is the Salinas River and the ecosystem it supports. We
extract our water from the aquifers under it, but don’t fully recognize
or utilize the potential laying at our feet. It’s time to change that,
and reap the rewards the Salinas River has to offer us, if we’ll only
take advantage of them. Within our grasp is the opportunity to
stimulate our economy, create businesses and jobs, and to enhance
the quality of life for Atascaderans.
For decades, numerous local people have enjoyed walking, riding
horses, walking dogs and bird watching along the banks of the River,
and experiencing the large ponds created by the beavers whose
dams clean the water and recharge the aquifer upon which we
depend. Now, folks come from far and wide to see and learn about
the benefits this once nearly extinct species provides.
But, for far too long, this area has been ravaged by motorized
vehicles (dirt bikes, ATVs, trucks, etc.) rampaging through it night
and day, destroying vegetation and trails, scaring people, spooking
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horses and driving wildlife away. As a result, the degradation of this
resource continues unabated.
The General Plan Update presents an opportunity to, not only
repair the damage, but to become acknowledged as stewards of the
Salinas River. We’re the city closest to it headwaters and have a
responsibility to demonstrate its proper care. How we treat it affects
those downstream all the way to Monterey Bay.
Included below are excerpts from the current General Plan, and
the General Plan Update process, which can serve as a foundation
for realizing the potential awaiting us. Following those, are excerpts
from the Municipal Code and California laws and regulations. They
represent tools available now to protect the Salinas River corridor
and prevent further damage to it with our own law enforcement
capabilities.
Finally, I add some concluding remarks from a broader and,
perhaps, philosophical perspective.
Initially, I object to the removal of Conservation as an element of
the proposed 2045 General Plan in the Notice of Preparation for this
DEIR. No justification is provided for the elimination of Conservation
as an element of the General Plan. As demonstrated by the excerpt
below from the City-issued Notice Of Preparation, Conservation is
absent from the proposed elements.
The current Land Use, Open Space & Conservation Element is split
into two other elements. Land Use is combined with Community
Form (whatever that is), Open Space is combined with Recreation
(constructed human-related facilities), and Conservation is gone.
Apparently, the objective of preserving and protecting the natural
environment, and the community’s ability to interact with it is no
longer worthy of any consideration.
The City is obligated to issue a justification for the deletion of
Conservation and explain the consequences of this decision.
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City 2045 General Plan DEIR NOP:
“General Plan Elements:
…
“The 2025 General Plan contains the following elements:
• Land Use, Conservation, and Open Space Element
…
“The 2045 General Plan Update would include the following
elements:
• Land Use and Community Form Element
…
• Recreation and Open Space Element”
I recommend the retention and inclusion of a Conservation
Element in the 2045 General Plan to bring the principles and policies
embedded in the current General Plan, enhanced by community
input regarding the General Plan Update, into fruition. Those
include: Protecting creeks, the Salinas River, and their riparian
ecosystems and wildlife habitats; Providing more public access and
trails to those areas for passive recreation, e.g., pedestrian,
equestrian and mountain biker; and Enhancing the City’s economic
vitality and the community’s quality of life by those two methods.
Further, I recommend securing those principles and implementing
those policies by establishing districts zoned for those purposes.
This would include designating zones for the protection, reclamation
and preservation of the Salinas River corridor and riparian area, for
interconnected and adjacent trails (including the Anza Trail) for
passive (non-motorized) recreation, and for an interpretive river
center for public education, habitat preservation and scientific
research.
GENERAL PLAN
Below are excerpts from the Land Use, Open Space &
Conservation Element of the current General Plan. It appears that
the City has been deficient in implementing some of the guidelines
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that are meant to form the basis of its decision-making. Some text
is emphasized in bold.
Land Use, Open Space & Conservation Element
…
E. Land Use, Open Space, and Conservation Goals, Policies and
Programs
…
2. Open Space Policies
…
Goal LOC 6. Preserve natural flora and fauna and protect scenic
lands, sensitive natural areas…
Policy 6.1: Ensure… not degrade scenic and sensitive areas, …
creeks, riparian corridors, wetlands,… valuable habitats.
Programs:
…
4. Scenic and sensitive lands… creeks, riparian corridors,
wetlands… habitat value shall be protected from
destruction, overuse, and misuse by the use of zoning,
5. Public and private development in close proximity to scenic
and sensitive lands, including creek reservations,… flood
plains… shall be designed to minimize impacts.
6. … open space dedications shall be required… impact,
floodplains, creek reservations…
7. …shall carefully evaluate… projects to require the
preservation... watersheds… other natural features.
…
Goal LOC 8. Watershed… shall be protected.
Policy 8.1: Ensure… development along… Salinas River…
riparian areas does not… adversely impact riparian
ecosystems and water quality.
Programs:
1. Work with other agencies to implement the Erosion
Control Assistance Program for review of development proposals
to minimize sedimentation of creeks and the Salinas River.
2. Update the Appearance Review Manual to include provisions
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for preserving, reclaiming and incorporating riparian features
in conjunction with new development.
3. The waterways in the City shall be maintained in a
natural state…
…
6. Prohibit new structures or disturbance of riparian habitat
along creek banks…
…
9… Salinas River shall be preserved for open space and
recreational use… left in their natural state for public
enjoyment and habitat purposes.
10. Land disturbance shall be minimized in proximity to
watercourses including necessary flood protection measures,
11. Areas subject to flooding… shall be protected from
unsound development consistent with the City's flood hazard
ordinance requirements.
…
13. Support the establishment and protection of floodable
terraces, wetlands, and revegetation along creeks and
streams.
Policy 8.2: Establish and maintain setbacks and development
standards for creek side development.
Program:
1. … setbacks and development standards along the banks…
Salinas River to ensure… protection of the riparian
ecosystem…
…
Policy 8.3: Preserve public creek reserves for public access,
and ensure that recreational use does not impact habitat
value and open space
Programs:
1. Develop park, trail, and recreational amenities… in
public creek reserves.
2. Require… trail easements and access points as part of…
development
…
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Goal LOC 11. Provide an adequate supply of City park facilities to all
Atascadero residents.
Policy 11.1: Acquire parkland… future development of park and
recreation facilities
Programs:
…
7. Require new subdivisions along the Salinas River to provide
controlled public access to the Salinas River and De Anza Trail
for pedestrian and equestrian recreation.
8. Support the development of equestrian staging areas and
trail systems throughout the community including a Salinas
River / De Anza trailhead at the north end of town and other
appropriate locations.
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE
Below are excerpts from documents derived from the General Plan
Update process, expressing the desires of the community for
improved access to and enjoyment of our natural surroundings,
especially the Salinas River area. Some text is emphasized in bold.
Community Engagement Series #1 Summary: Vision for the
Future
Recreation and Open Spaces
• Increase Walking/Biking Trails. Recommendations to create
more walking and biking and walking trails and make
connections between existing trails, parks and open spaces and
throughout the city. …
• Increase or Improve and Maintain Parks and Open Space.
Acquire and create more parks and open space,…
• Value Rivers as a Community Asset. Create more… open
space, access points and paths all along… rivers (particularly
the Salinas River throughout town) with amenities
(tables/benches, places to recreate) to make them safer and more
enjoyable. Maintain regular stream/creek cleanups. Create a
river center for research (Cal Poly/Cuesta
students/professors) and education.
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• Parks and Open Space as Economic Opportunity… creating
more attractions, open spaces, increasing and
improving… river-related features and recreational
options and events promoting their use will help create
jobs, draw visitors interested in nature and ecotourism.
• Protect and Preserve Native Flora, Fauna and Habitat.
Plant more trees in the city… regenerate/protect native
wildlife, habitat, and plants, specifically beavers…
• Provide More Outdoor Recreational Facilities and Activities.
…
• Provide Family-Inclusive and Age-Specific Activities.
Provide activities that are inclusive of all ages… caring for
playgrounds and connecting them to trails providing easy
hikes and nature walks with educational signage.
Existing Conditions Atlas
Recreation and Open Spaces
Parks, Open Spaces and Trails: …
… Opportunities exist to improve linkages to parks through
new or expanded trails (… Juan Bautista de Anza National
Historic Trail).
… New trail connections could be created to better link
major recreational destinations and the Salinas River…
…
Creeks and Rivers: … The waterways provide important
wildlife corridors connecting the Salinas River to the Santa Lucia
Mountains are designated critical habitat areas for South-Central
California Steelhead Trout. They also provide recreational
opportunities for many residents. The creeks have been highly
impacted by problems with trash, illegal dumping, off-road vehicle
use, and urban pollution that has significantly degraded the quality
of the habitat. Protecting and enhancing these areas can better
support the local ecosystem, and improve water flow (and reduce
localized flooding risks), and increase the quality of life for
residents. In addition, the Salinas River has been identified as a
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key natural resource that should be protected and bolstered as
a region
MUNICIPAL CODE
Illegal and damaging activities are occurring in the Salinas River
riparian corridor, and being conducted with impunity due to the lack
of law enforcement by City officials authorized to enforce the
Atascadero Municipal Code, violations of which are misdemeanors,
not infractions.
Below are the relevant sections of the Municipal Code, including
Title 5 Public Welfare - Chapter 8 Waterway Intrusions, Title 1
General Provisions - Chapter 3 Penalty Provisions, and Title 12 Code
Enforcement - Chapter 1 Violations, Penalties And Enforcement and
Chapter 2 Administrative Citations.
https://library.qcode.us/lib/atascadero_ca/pub/municipal_code
Atascadero, California Municipal Code
…
https://library.qcode.us/lib/atascadero_ca/pub/municipal_code/item
/title_5
Title 5 PUBLIC WELFARE
…
https://library.qcode.us/lib/atascadero_ca/pub/municipal_code/item
/title_5-chapter_8
Chapter 8 WATERWAY INTRUSIONS
…
https://library.qcode.us/lib/atascadero_ca/pub/municipal_code/item
/title_5-chapter_8-5_8_02
Section 5-8.02 Prohibited uses and activities.
Each of the following uses and activities is prohibited:
(a) The parking, operation or use of private motorized vehicles,
including but not limited to motorcycles, ATVs, dune buggies,
recreational vehicles, automobiles, go-carts, motorized skateboards
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or trucks in the riparian corridor.
(b) Allowing or causing the accumulation, storing, placement,
dumping or disposing of pollutants in the riparian corridor, unless
done with a properly issued City grading permit or in an emergency
flooding situation to protect life and property.
(c) Allowing or causing the migration of pollutants into the
riparian corridor. (Ord. 236 §1, 1992)
https://library.qcode.us/lib/atascadero_ca/pub/municipal_code/item
/title_5-chapter_8-5_8_03
5-8.03 Enforcement.
A violation of any provision of this title shall be a misdemeanor.
Penalties for a violation of this chapter shall be as set forth in
Chapter 3, Title 1 of this Code. (Ord. 236 §1, 1992)
Chapter 8 of Title 5 clarifies the terms used in Section 5-8.02:
https://library.qcode.us/lib/atascadero_ca/pub/municipal_code/item
/title_5-chapter_8-5_8_01
5-8.01 Definitions.
(a) “Riparian corridor” means the area of land within the normal
high water levels and the land containing riparian vegetation
immediately adjacent to the following waterways:
(1) Atascadero Creek;
(2) Graves Creek;
(3) Salinas River.
The definition above shall apply until superceded by an “Official
Creekway Map” as adopted by the City Council. When such a map or
maps are adopted, the “riparian corridor” shall be that area so
designated on that map for that area of the waterway
(b) “Intrusion” means any encroachment or activity into the
riparian corridor, as listed in Section 5-8.02 below, which may
adversely impact the drainage, flora and fauna of the specified
riparian corridors.
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(c) Pollutants means any harmful substance, including but not
limited to chemicals, fuels, fill materials, lumber, petroleum
products, sewage, domestic animal waste and any other substance
which could adversely impact drainage; cause flooding; contaminate
water; destroy or damage flora or fauna. (Ord. 236 §1, 1992)
Chapter 3 of Title 1 cites violations which are “specifically deemed
a misdemeanor by this Code”, as in Section 5-8.03 regarding
Waterway Intrusions above. Violations include, in addition to overt
acts of commission, covert acts of omission.
https://library.qcode.us/lib/atascadero_ca/pub/municipal_code/item
/title_1
Title 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS
…
https://library.qcode.us/lib/atascadero_ca/pub/municipal_code/item
/title_1-chapter_3
Chapter 3 PENALTY PROVISIONS
…
https://library.qcode.us/lib/atascadero_ca/pub/municipal_code/item
/title_1-chapter_3-1_3_02_1
1-3.02.1 Infractions: misdemeanors.
Any violation of the provisions of this Code, as amended from time
to time, shall be deemed an infraction, unless deemed a
misdemeanor pursuant to Section 1-3.03 relating to prior
convictions, or unless deemed a misdemeanor by the City Attorney
when the complaint is filed with the Clerk of the Municipal Court, or
unless specifically deemed a misdemeanor by this Code.
…
1-3.05 Prohibited acts.
Whenever in this Code any act or omission is made unlawful, it
shall include causing, permitting, aiding, abetting, suffering, or
concealing the fact of such act or omission. (Ord. 10 § 30, 1979)
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…
Chapters 1 and 2 of Title 12 set forth the financial and penal
punishments for misdemeanors, and authorize police officers and
non-safety employees to issue administrative citations for violations
of the Municipal Code.
https://library.qcode.us/lib/atascadero_ca/pub/municipal_code/item
/title_12
Title 12 CODE ENFORCEMENT
https://library.qcode.us/lib/atascadero_ca/pub/municipal_code/item
/title_12-chapter_1
Chapter 1 VIOLATIONS, PENALTIES AND ENFORCEMENT
…
12-1.05 Misdemeanor.
Any person violating any of the provisions or failing to comply with
any of the mandatory requirements of this Code may be prosecuted
for a misdemeanor. Written citations for misdemeanors may be
issued by police officers or by nonsafety employees designated by
Section 12-2.02 of this Code. Any person convicted of a
misdemeanor under the provisions of this Code shall be punished by
a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or
imprisonment for a term not exceeding six (6) months, or by both
such fine and imprisonment. (Ord. 460 § 4, 2004)
…
https://library.qcode.us/lib/atascadero_ca/pub/municipal_code/item
/title_12-chapter_2
Chapter 2 ADMINISTRATIVE CITATIONS
https://library.qcode.us/lib/atascadero_ca/pub/municipal_code/item
/title_12-chapter_2-12_2_02
12-2.02 Authority.
(a) Any responsible person violating any non-emergency health
or safety violation provision of this Code, its adopted codes, or
applicable State Code, may be issued an administrative citation by
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an enforcement officer as provided in this chapter. A violation of this
Code includes, but is not limited to, all violations of this Code, the
Uniform Codes adopted by the City Council, failing to comply with
any condition imposed by any entitlement, permit, agreement or
environmental document issued or approved under the provisions of
this Code.
…
CALIFORNIA VEHICLE CODE
Below are two sections of the California Vehicle Code: Division
16.5. Off-Highway Vehicles and Division 17. Offenses and
Prosecution. Section 38319 of the CVC makes it illegal to damage
land, plants and animals with an off-highway motor vehicle and
Section 40000.24 makes that a misdemeanor. As set forth in
Municipal Code Section 12-2.02 above, City of Atascadero police
officers and non-safety employees are authorized to enforce these
sections of the CVC. As with the Municipal Code, violations include
acts of omission in addition to acts of commission.
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?l
awCode=VEH§ionNum=38319.
California Legislative Information
VEHICLE CODE - VEH
DIVISION 16.5. OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES [38000 - 38604] (Division
16.5 added by Stats. 1971, Ch. 1816.)
CHAPTER 5. Off-Highway Vehicle Operating Rules [38280 - 38321]
(Chapter 5 repealed and added by Stats. 1976, Ch. 1093.)
ARTICLE 6. Littering and Environmental Protection [38319 - 38321]
(Article 6 added by Stats. 1976, Ch. 1093.)
38319.
No person shall operate, nor shall an owner permit the operation
of, an off-highway motor vehicle in a manner likely to cause
malicious or unnecessary damage to the land, wildlife, wildlife
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habitat or vegetative resources.
(Added by Stats. 1976, Ch. 1093.)
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?l
awCode=VEH§ionNum=40000.24.
California Legislative Information
VEHICLE CODE - VEH
DIVISION 17. OFFENSES AND PROSECUTION [40000.1 - 41610]
(Division 17 enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3. )
CHAPTER 1. Offenses [40000.1 -
40273] ( Chapter 1 enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3. )
ARTICLE 1. Violation of Code [40000.1 - 40008] (Article 1 enacted
by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3. )
40000.24. A violation of any of the following provisions shall
constitute a misdemeanor and not an infraction:
…
(e) Section 38319, relating to protection of the environment.
(Amended by Stats. 1984, Ch. 1015, Sec. 3.)
CALIFORNIA DFW LAWS AND REGULATIONS
Under the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Fish and
Wildlife Protection and Conservation regulations, any activity by
anyone that alters or disrupts the natural flow of a river, its banks,
channel or bed is committing an illegal act. Note that section 1602
below pertains to the protection and conservation of beaver habitat.
As to whether Section 12-2.02 of the Atascadero Municipal Code
authorizes a City official to issue an administrative citation due to
violation of these CDFW regulations, i.e., whether either is
considered an “applicable State Code”, is unknown at this time by
the author of this letter. I encourage the City to seek that authority.
https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Mammals/Beaver#574411146-
laws-and-regulations
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California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Beaver
…
Laws and Regulations
…
FGC § 1602. Fish and Wildlife Protection and Conservation (opens in
new tab).
Any person, state or local governmental agency, or public utility
must notify CDFW prior to beginning any activity that may divert or
obstruct the natural flow of any river, stream, or lake; or change the
bed, channel, or bank of any river, stream, or lake.
CDFW requires a Lake and Streambed Alteration (LSA)
Agreement when a project activity may substantially adversely affect
fish and wildlife resources.
Modification of a beaver dam or lodge may require a LSA
Agreement. Contact your CDFW local office before installing any
beaver devices.
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?l
awCode=FGC§ionNum=1602
California Legislative Information
FISH AND GAME CODE - FGC
DIVISION 2. DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE [700 - 1958]
(Heading of Division 2 amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 154, Sec. 21. )
CHAPTER 6. Fish and Wildlife Protection and Conservation [1600 -
1617]
(Chapter 6 repealed and added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 736, Sec. 2. )
1602.
(a) An entity shall not substantially divert or obstruct the natural
flow of, or substantially change or use any material from the bed,
channel, or bank of, any river, stream, or lake, or deposit or dispose
of debris, waste, or other material containing crumbled, flaked, or
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ground pavement where it may pass into any river, stream, or
lake, unless all of the following occur:
…
CONCLUSION
Something rather profound is emerging from the process of
updating our city’s General Plan, including and transcending people’s
desire for enhanced interaction with, and protection of, the Salinas
River corridor. There is a nascent recognition of the need to expand
and deepen our relationship with it.
While there’s widespread desire within our community for more
open and natural spaces, trails connecting them, especially along the
Salinas River, there’s also a broader vision for the future about the
value of the River as a regional economic, recreational, educational,
and tourist attraction, creating businesses and jobs for
Atascaderans.
We can improve the quality of life and stimulate the economy for
our neighbors, and be known as premier custodians of that which
nourishes our souls and bodies. It’s time for a change in our
perspective and philosophy in our relationship with this irreplaceable
and invaluable resource. If we treat it well, the Salinas River and
the environment to which it gives life will return the favor in
manifold and unforeseen ways.
Situated as we are, the city nearest the River’s headwaters, we
can’t escape our responsibilities as its caretaker, nor can we afford
to separate them from our opportunities. If we accept them, it will
take sustained community commitment and resources, but the
alternative is to resign ourselves to continued befoulment of our own
nest.
The City of Atascadero has a legal and ethical responsibility to
enforce its own and the state’s laws to protect the invaluable
resource that is the Salinas River, its watershed and riparian corridor
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from the historical and current degradation to which it has been, and
is being, subjected.
The least we can do right now is to begin enforcing the law.
There’s simply no reason or excuse for not doing so. Only then can
we begin to truly respect and embrace that which nurtures us in so
many ways. Some straightforward law and order in this area is
mandatory, and only a first step in that direction.
This is a simple and fervent plea for you to honor your oaths of
office and perform your duties as our elected representatives.
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From: Jean Collins <>
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2025 8:59 PM
To: Phil Dunsmore <pdunsmore@atascadero.org>
Subject: Atascadero 2045 General Plan Update
October 27, 2025
Dear City Council Members and Planning Commission;
My husband and I live at Silla Road in north Atascadero.
We attended the general information open house on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. Thank you
for all of the hard work that went into the document which the City Council will be
considering.
I would like you to make a change to the document as it is currently being proposed,
specifically to the housing densities being proposed in north Atascadero, east of El Camino
Real, across from Joebella’s and other businesses.
Please do not change the current density for the lots on both sides of Silla Road to
become RMF-24: Medium Density Multi-Family Residential. (The burgundy color on the
Proposed Zoning Map.). Our home is at the beginning of Silla Road and is designated RSF-
1:Residiential Single Family (1 acre) (Yellow color on the Proposed Zoning Map).
Since all of the homes on both sides of Silla Road are currently single family homes on 1/2
acre or 1 acre lots, please leave both sides of the road designated as RSF-
1: Residential Single Family. (Yellow) There is one 3 acre lot on Silla Road, 3350 Silla I
believe, that has an easement all the way to El Camino Real. That lot in particular, should
be left in the Yellow color on the density map, allowing for one home per acre. It would not
make sense to allow that one lot to someday face the possibility of a density of 24 dwelling
units per acre or per lot. I believe BOTH sides of Silla Road should remain in the Yellow
zone.
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I do appreciate that the authors of the proposed plan are trying to meet state requirements
to increase the percentage of multi density lots within our city. Please ask the writers of the
plan to go back to the drawing board and reconsider the lots on both sides of Silla Road in
north Atascadero (near San Benito Elementary School). Can they meet the state
requirements in a diƯerent way? Can they avoid changing the zoning for the existing lots on
Silla Road? Can they leave the 3 acre lot at 3350 Silla as RSF-1?
Thank you for your consideration.
Jean Collins (Husband Steve Collins)
Atascadero, CA 93422
Residents at this address since February 1983. (42 years)
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1
From:Maggie Payne <mpayne@first5slo.org>
Sent:Tuesday, October 28, 2025 5:03 PM
To:City Clerk
Cc:Wendy Wendt
Subject:Atascadero General Plan 2045
Attachments:Atascadero General Plan 2045 Language Recommendations.pdf; Atascadero General
Plan City Council Letter.pdf
Hello,
Please see attached for comments to the City Council.
Thank you,
Maggie Payne (she/her)
Special Projects Coordinator
First 5 San Luis Obispo County
3220 S. Higuera Street #232
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
805-781-4058 www.first5slo.org
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Public Comment Received by Email
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An Atascadero General Plan that Supports Child Care as a Key
Economic Mobility Strategy
October 28th, 2025
Dear Atascadero City Council,
We are writing to you as a regional Coalition dedicated to advancing child care as a critical
component of economic sustainability and equity for the Central Coast. The Uplift Child
Care Coalition is funded by Uplift Central Coast, and coordinated through First 5 San Luis
Obispo County. The Coalition’s mission is to strengthen child care as a cornerstone of
economic mobility by uniting cross-sector partners and coordinating regional efforts to
ignite innovation and reinforce child care as an integral component of an equitable and
thriving Central Coast economy.
Uplift Central Coast spans the six-county region from Santa Cruz to Ventura and is a
collaboration between three regional economic development groups, including locally-based
REACH. In a Regional Report released by Uplift Central Coast in August of 2024, child care
was identified as one of three principal economic mobility strategies for our region.
Across the Central Coast, cities and counties are taking steps to integrate child care in their
economic or general planning, and are working to ensure support is in place for the child
care sector’s growth and sustainability. By way of example, the City of Goleta has created a
“Guide to New Zoning Ordinance Provisions” to assist in the establishment of new child care
facilities, and the City of Paso Robles has included child care in its current 5-year Economic
Development Strategic Plan. Recently, the County of Santa Barbara, in partnership with the
Community Foundation Santa Barbara County, has commissioned a Child Care Facilities
Master Plan and Tool Kit, which includes valuable recommendations for cities and counties
to leverage their roles in reinforcing child care systems. Please let us know if you would like
contact information for any of these, or other, experts involved in this work who may be able
to provide guidance and example in supporting the continued development of Authentic
Atascadero.
We urge the City to include child care as a strategic method of economic development. As
stated in the General Plan 2045 Existing Economic, Market and Fiscal Conditions Report,
“Atascadero’s relatively high population growth rate indicates an increasing demand for the
City’s unique position as a family-oriented community within the regional economy.” In order
to capitalize on this unique position, child care must be included as part of the City’s
economic forecast for the next twenty years. This vital resource is part of a critical sector
benefitting not only working families in the City of Atascadero, but the greater City economy
as a whole.
Included along with this letter are language recommendations to add to the current draft
General Plan to ensure the addition of child care as part of Atascadero’s greater economic
strategic planning, and increased focus on Atascadero’s children and their families. The
Public Comment Received by Email
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children in this community are the future generation that this document is planning
for–their early care and education experience is an essential component in the foundation of
their development, and child care is an essential component in the foundation of our
community’s economic development and vitality.
The Uplift Child Care Coalition and First 5 San Luis Obispo County stand ready to work with
the City in this and other ways as we together move forward in pursuing a stronger future
for our community, its next generation, and a thriving Central Coast economy.
Sincerely,
Maggie Payne, Coordinator
Uplift Child Care Coalition
mpayne@first5slo.org
Wendy Wendt, Executive Director
First 5 San Luis Obispo County
wwendt@first5slo.org
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ATASCADERO GENERAL PLAN 2045 LANGUAGE RECOMMENDATIONS
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
● (pg. 1-9) Big Move B
○ Attract New Industries and Higher Wage Jobs
■ The 2045 General Plan identifies ways to cultivate a successful, resilient,
and diverse business environment that supports existing and new
businesses, attracts innovative and emerging industries, and increases
higher wage jobs in Atascadero.
● Key Policy Considerations
○ Encourage business investment through targeted
regulatory incentives and infrastructure prioritization
(onsite parking reductions, child care, infrastructure
upgrades).
CHAPTER 2: GENERAL PLAN VISION & GUIDING PRINCIPLES
● (pg. 2-2) 2045 General Plan Vision Statement
○ Atascadero provides opportunities for all residents and business owners to
thrive. Our community-focused culture pursues investments and land use
strategies that create a diversity of housing types, support local businesses
and families, improve all mobility modes, and respect our natural
environment. Collective community actions improve conditions for current
and future generations.
● (pg. 2-3) Guiding Principles – Our People
○ Create and maintain opportunities for people of all income levels and ages
and abilities, to live, work, raise families, and retire in Atascadero.
● (pg. 2-3) Guiding Principles – Our Economy
○ Diversify Atascadero’s employment opportunities to address the needs of an
evolving workforce, such as child care needs, and attract jobs for all skill levels
and income ranges.
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE & COMMUNITY FORM ELEMENT
● (pg. 3-28) Policy LU-1.6: Specific Plans. Adopt, update, and implement specific plans
as necessary to address community needs and changing demographic, economic,
and market conditions.
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○ Action A: Require the preparation of a specific plan for single-family
subdivision developments over 100 units to address fiscal and environmental
impacts, community benefits, such as child care, and neighborhood
compatibility.
● (pg. 3-29) Policy LU-2.1: Innovation/Flex Areas. Create innovation areas that allow and
encourage a mix of lighter, creative employment uses, child care businesses,
entertainment, and services.
■ Action A: Allow property owners to convert and reuse existing buildings
for creative commercial, light industrial, child care, and office use.
● (pg. 3-30) Policy LU-2.4: Mixed-Use Areas. Create mixed-use districts in locations that
benefit from the synergy of commercial and residential uses.
■ Action C: Prioritize land uses in mixed-use areas that generate tax
revenue, attract economic activity, create jobs and child care programs,
and cater to residents and short-term visitors.
● (pg. 3-31) Policy LU-3.1: Medical/Office Development. Support medical, office, and
supporting commercial uses along the Morro Road corridor.
■ Action A: Prioritize land uses along the Morro Road corridor that attract
medical and healthcare-related businesses, generate high-quality jobs,
and accommodate long- and short-term workforce needs, such as child
care.
● (pg. 3-31) Policy LU-3.2: Increased residential density. Increase residential density
within and adjacent to the Morro Road corridor to support commercial and office
viability.
■ Action A: Support higher density multi-family development that
includes plans for child care, between Morro Road and Atascadero
Creek.
● (pg. 3-33) Policy LU-5.2: Highest Density Residential/Mixed Use. Foster a dynamic
Downtown environment by concentrating larger mixed-use projects, higher-density
residential development, employment opportunities and child care options, and
amenities Downtown.
■ Action C: Track vacant and underutilized sites. Compile, maintain, and
publish an inventory of publicly owned vacant sites that may be
developed to serve community needs, including but not limited to, child
care.
CHAPTER 4: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
● (pg. 4-4) Goal ED-1: A sound economic base to sustain the City’s unique character
through a range of employment and business opportunities and generation of
sufficient revenue to support adequate levels of public services, as well as
environmental and social quality
○ Consider adding supporting development or expansion of child care business
as a method for economic resilience and expansion
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● (pg. 4-4) Policy ED-1.1: Business Attraction. Facilitate establishment of a full range of
goods and services desired by Atascadero residents, workers, and visitors.
■ Action C: Ensure that development in commercial and innovation/flex
zones is geared to tax-generating uses and/or provides flexible use
spaces for evolving trends that allow local businesses to capitalize on
emerging economic growth sectors, such as child care.
● (pg. 4-5) Policy ED-1.4: Regulatory Updates. Ensure that City regulations, processes,
and initiatives support the City’s economic development goals and new private
industry opportunities.
■ Consider specific language relating to child care. For example, evaluate
and reduce permitting barriers for child care facilities, incentivize new
child care businesses.
● (pg. 4-6) Policy ED-2.1: Existing Business Support. Encourage established businesses
to continue providing products and services the community desires.
■ Action A: Continue to support Chamber of Commerce efforts to market
goods and services available in Atascadero, particularly those produced
locally.
● Consider adding language that highlights the Family Friendly
Workplaces Program now housed at the Atascadero Chamber of
Commerce.
■ Action B: Identify locations with adequate land to accommodate
established businesses looking to expand or offer child care.
● (pg. 4-6) Policy ED-2.2: Local Job Growth. Attract new development and enterprises
that provide jobs and services for current residents and that build the local jobs base
of higher-wage positions.
■ Action A: Update the Municipal Code to provide flexibility for home
occupation uses and child care.
■ Action B: Update the Zoning Ordinance to ensure land use regulations
accommodate a broad range of desired industries and that entitlement
processes are more efficient.
● Consider allowing child care centers in ALL zones, with a
conditional use permit.
● (pg. 4-7) Policy ED-3.1: Local Business and Organization Partnerships. Continue to
coordinate economic development efforts with local businesses and organizations
such as workforce development organizations and businesses, the child care sector,
and the Chamber of Commerce.
● (pg. 4-8) Policy ED-4.1: Ongoing Fiscal Health. Continue to take a long-range view of
the City’s fiscal condition, including the possibility of enhancing revenues to maintain
and, wherever possible and desirable, enhance current levels of service.
■ Action A: Prepare and periodically update an Economic Development
Strategic Plan that frames a comprehensive strategy for current and
future City fiscal health so that projected levels of service can be
maintained and enhanced or expanded, as needed.
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● Consider adding language about the inclusion of child care in the
Economic Development Strategic Plan.
■ Action C: Require new development to pay its share of the costs of
providing capital facilities needed to support it, such as child care
programs.
■ Action F: Regularly review land use regulations to support opportunities
for employment centers, child care programs, entertainment zones, and
tax-generating uses.
● (pg. 4-9) Policy ED-4.4: Targeted Economic Incentives. Assess the value of alternative
incentive concepts and programs for specific business types.
■ Action A. Evaluate what competing cities within the region are doing to
incentivize and support local business, along with a thoughtful
assessment of actual overall competitive strength of the community.
■ Action B. Explore development incentives such as fee deferrals or
subsidies, infrastructure prioritization, and streetscape enhancements
that the City can use to proactively market target businesses and
industries to Atascadero.
● Consider policies that include child care sector growth as as a
way to proactively market target businesses
● Consider adding child care programs as a “target business”
CHAPTER 6: MOBILITY ELEMENT
● (pg. 6-9) Policy MO-1.4: Congestion Management and Trip Reduction. Encourage
mixed-use and jobs focused infill development that is served by multi-modal
facilities to support reductions in regional and local vehicle miles traveled (VMT).
■ Add policy specific to the importance of child care being located near
work or home so families do not need to regularly drive out of the area
for care.
● (pg. 6-12) Policy MO-4.1: Coordination and Planning. Provide “backbone” pedestrian,
bicycle, and equestrian systems that link residential, commercial, recreational, and
regional areas.
■ Action A: Require developments to provide pedestrian, bicycle, and trail
alignments and facilities, such as child care, consistent with adopted
City plans and policies.
■ Action C: Identify a multi-modal network that provides connections
between major destinations like schools, child care programs,
commercial nodes, community and park facilities, and the Salinas River.
Use creek corridors where feasible to make those connections.
● (pg. 6-12) Policy MO-4.2: Pedestrian Mobility. Ensure pedestrian safety, enhance
pedestrian comfort, and promote walking as an alternative to vehicle travel, with
priority in retail districts and multi-family neighborhoods.
■ Emphasize child safety
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● (pg. 6-14) Policy MO-4.5: School and Park Connections. Provide a comprehensive
system of routes to schools, child care, and parks.
■ Action A: In conjunction with the Safe Routes to School Program, adopt
and maintain a pedestrian and bike system map identifying the
locations of connections to key facilities. The system may consist of
continuous routes that connect higher density neighborhoods, schools,
child care, parks, shopping areas, and workplaces and may also include
facilities on identified rural collector streets and adjacent to creeks.
CHAPTER 7: RECREATION & OPEN SPACE ELEMENT
● (pgs. 7-4 to 7-5) Goal REC-1: Diverse parks, recreational activities, and leisure
experiences for people of all ages and abilities
○ Policy REC-1.1: Park and Recreation Facilities Planning and Operations. Provide
adequate park and recreation facilities to accommodate current community
needs and planned future growth.
■ Action C: Provide diverse recreation opportunities citywide for residents
and visitors of all ages and abilities, including multi-purpose sports
complexes, sports courts, play areas for children, equestrian trails,
bikeways, jogging paths, hiking trails, and community centers.
■ Action D: Acquire and improve a neighborhood park site in northern
Atascadero that serves all ages and abilities.
■ Action E: If future development is approved for the Eagle Ranch
property, require the development of publicly accessible parks and
recreational facilities that serve all ages and abilities, equestrian
facilities, and trails, including a link towards the Los Padres National
Forest land to the west.
Of Note: Typos
● Pg. 6-13 “Nateional”
● Pg. 3-31 “Morro Rod”
Public Comment Received by Email
10/28/25
City Council Meeting
Item G1