HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes 02-06-07PC Minutes 02/06/07
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CITY OF ATASCADERO
PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, February 6, 2007 – 7:00 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson O’Keefe called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and Commissioner
O’Grady led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Fonzi, Jack, Marks, O’Grady, and Chairperson
O’Keefe
Absent: Commissioner Slane
Others Present: Recording Secretary Grace Pucci
Staff Present: Community Development Director Warren Frace, Public Works
Director / City Engineer Steve Kahn, Deputy Community
Development Director Steve McHarris, Associate Planner Kelly
Gleason and Assistant Planner Callie Taylor.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chairperson O’Keefe recommended moving Item #B & C to the end of the agenda.
MOTION: By Commissioner Fonzi and seconded by Commissioner Jack
to approve the agenda.
Motion passed 5:0 by a roll-call vote.
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PLANNING COMMISSION BUSINESS
A. ADMINISTRATION OF OATH OF OFFICE
Marcia Torgerson, City Clerk, will administer the Oath of Office to new Planning
Commissioner, Pamela Heatherington.
In the absence of the City Clerk, Deputy City Clerk Grace Pucci administered the Oath
of Office to new Planning Commissioner Pamela Heatherington.
Commissioner Heatherington joined the meeting.
DISCLOSURE OF EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS:
None
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MEETING ON JANUARY 16, 2007.
2. APPROVAL OF FINAL MAP 2006-0137, TRACT 2694, 6750 SAN GABRIEL
ROAD (TTM 2004-0061), YOLANDA LARSEN.
Commissioner O’Grady ask for a correction to the Minutes of January 16, 2007, page 4,
first paragraph under Commissioner Comments and Reports, second line corrected to
read “emergency evaluation evacuation.”
MOTION: By Commissioner Jack and seconded by Commissioner Fonzi
to approve Items #1 as corrected and 2.
Motion passed 6:0 by a roll-call vote. (Heatherington abstained
on Item #1)
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STAFF REPORTS
3. TREE REMOVAL PERMIT 2006-0098, 6200 MARCHANT AVE.
Owner: Christopher Austin, 1194 Pacific Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
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Certified
Arborist:
Wesley Conner, Consulting Arborist, 216 Albert Drive, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Project Title TRP 2006-0098/PLN 2006-1172
Project
Location
6200 Marchant Ave., Atascadero, CA 93422
San Luis Obispo, CA (APN 030-221-026)
Project
Description
A request to remove one 40” Valley Oak and one 7” Live Oak for the construction of
two new detached residential units on a multi-family lot. An existing residence is
proposed to remain.
Associate Planner Kelly Gleason gave the staff report and answered questions of the
Commission.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Christopher Austin, applicant, explained the reason for the tree removal request and
answered questions of the Commission.
Chairperson O’Keefe closed the Public Comment period.
There was Commission discussion regarding this request. Commissioner comments
included:
1. Commission would like to see an arborist’s report especially regarding impacts
to the neighboring tree.
2. Would like to see the applicant work with staff to find alternative parking
arrangements if possible. Would prefer parking by the individual units rather
than a parking lot.
3. Though the original house is acceptable, it would be nice to see three units th at
tie together.
4. If the applicant would like to save both valley oaks, it would require either 2-
story units or attached units.
5. Would like to see the 40-inch oak remain as part of the overall development.
6. Concern with the safety of access onto Marchant from the driveways, would
prefer access onto Alcantara.
MOTION: By Commissioner Fonzi and seconded by Commissioner
O’Grady refer the project back to the applicant and staff for
additional information.
Motion passed 6:0 by a roll-call vote.
4. TREE REMOVAL PERMIT 2007-0102, 9700 EL CAMINO REAL
Owner: Ted Jacobson, 8055 Cristobal Ave., Atascadero, CA 93422
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Certified
Arborist:
A & T Arborist, Steven G. Alvarez, P O Box 1311, Templeton, CA 93465
Project Title: TRP 2007-0102/PLN 2099-0313
Project
Location
9700 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422
San Luis Obispo, CA (APN 056-081-032)
Project
Description
A request to remove one 75” native Live Oak tree that is considered to be hazardous by the
project arborist. The project site is currently under construction.
Associate Planner Kelly Gleason gave the staff report and answered questions of the
Commission.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Ted Jacobson, applicant, explained why he thought the mitigation was excessive given
the tree is hollow and will eventually come down on its own. He expressed concern with
safety issues if this tree were allowed to remain. Mr. Jacobson answered questions of
the Commission.
Steven Alvarez, applicant’s arborist, answered questions of the Commission.
Chairperson O’Keefe closed the Public Comment period.
MOTION: By Commissioner Fonzi and seconded by Commissioner Jack
to consider this an emergency removal and allow the applicant
to take the tree out.
Motion passed 4:2 by a roll-call vote. (O’Grady, O’Keefe
opposed)
Chairperson O’Keefe stated for the record that she voted no because the tree went into
further decline because the tree protection was not in place, and if this tree had been
removed when the other trees were, the mitigation would have been paid at that time.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
5. PLN 2099-0079, AMENDMENT TO WOODRIDGE SPECIFIC PLAN, ADDITION
OF THREE NEW HOUSE PLANS
Owner/Applicant: Trimark Pacific Homes, L.P., 3130 W. Main Street, Suite A-2, Visalia, CA 93291
Project Title: Amendment to Woodridge Specific Plan, Zone Change 2003-0041/PLN 2099-
0079
Project Location:
11415 Eliano Street, Atascadero, CA 93422
(San Luis Obispo County) APN 045-312-020
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Project
Description:
An application for an Amendment to a Specific Plan to: 1) Add t wo additional
house plans to the three plans currently approved; and 2) Approve a standard
SFR-2 stucco finish.
General Plan Designation: SP1
Zoning District: SFR-X
Proposed
Environmental
Determination:
The proposed Amendment is consistent with pre-approved CEQA documents.
Deputy Community Development Director Steve McHarris gave the staff report and
answered questions of the Commission.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Rick Lange, applicant’s representative, explained why they are requesting a three car
garage with a straight in configuration on one of the plans and answered questions of
the Commission.
Chairperson O’Keefe closed the Public Comment period.
There was Commission discussion regarding this item. Commissioner comments
included:
1. Would like to see elevations for design of the units with the three car garage with
the inclusion of improved, architectural quality garage doors.
2. The proposed units are architecturally inferior to the original plans.
3. The three car garages are unattractive and not in keeping with the other homes.
4. For house plan number five the garage extends further than the front of the
house, which is not in keeping with the other homes.
5. Do not like the garage being the predominant focal point of the home.
MOTION: By Commissioner Marks and seconded by Commissioner
Fonzi to continue this item to a date uncertain.
Motion passed 6:0 by a roll-call vote.
Chairperson O’Keefe recessed the hearing at 8:30 p.m.
Chairperson O’Keefe called the meeting back to order at 8:38 p.m.
6. PLN 2006-1174, 5730 EL CAMINO REAL, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR
11,300 S.F. COMMERCIAL BUILDING
Owner/Applicant: Morro Road Homes, LLC, Kelly Gearhart, 6205 Alcantara Ave., Atascadero,
CA 93422
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Project Title: Conditional Use Permit 2006-0201/PLN 2006-1174
Project Location: 5730 El Camino Real, San Luis Obispo County, APN 030-181-055
Project
Description
The proposed project consists of an application for a Conditional Use Permit to
construct a two-story 11,361 square foot commercial building along El Camino
Real within the downtown area. The project’s site improvements will include on-
site alley parking and street frontage improvements. The site is currently vacant.
General Plan Designation: Downtown (D)
Zoning District: Downtown Commercial (DC)
Proposed
Environmental
Determination:
CEQA Section 15332 Categorical Exemption Class 32 Infill Development
Deputy Community Development Director Steve McHarris gave the staff report and
answered questions of the Commission.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Sherry Nunez, property owner next to this project, asked about parking, the loading
zone, removal and refill of the dirt, timeline for construction of the road, and how long
the rear of her business would be inaccessible.
Greg Ravatt, Co-chair of Main Street Design Committee, reported the committee met
informally and there was agreement that this building has everything they are looking for
in a new downtown project. Were possible, they would encourage the builder to come
up with more innovative signage.
Erwin Manning stated he owns property with a parking lot near this site and he does not
think there is enough parking for the project. He would also like to see the alley
entrance onto Traffic Way enlarged for safety.
Chairperson O’Keefe closed the Public Comment period.
Mr. McHarris and City Engineer Steve Kahn addressed issues raised during the public
comment period.
The following conditions were proposed to address issues raised:
1. Staff will review signage that is proposed for the te nants in regard to material,
style and colors used to be compatible with the building design.
2. Loading space should be striped and signed for loading only.
3. Any changes in the façade will be brought back to the P lanning Commission.
4. Additional lighting to be provided at the back of the building subject to staff
approval.
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MOTION: By Commissioner Fonzi and seconded by Chairperson
O’Keefe to adopt Resolution PC 2006-0116 approving the
Master Plan of Development (CUP 2006-0201) based on
findings and subject to Conditions of Approval and Mitigation
Monitoring and the conditions to be added that the loading
zone be stripped for loading only, that staff will review signage
for tenants in compliance with the design standards of
downtown, that changes in façade be brought back to the
Commission if they occur, and that lighting in the back be
reviewed and subject to staff approval.
Motion passed 6:0 by a roll-call vote.
7. PLN 2006-1173, 8120 MORRO ROAD, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR
3000 S.F. LIQUOR STORE
Owners: Farid Roboz, 671 Atascadero Road, Morro Bay, CA 93442
George Younan, 11024 Balboa Blvd. #109, Granada Hills, CA 91344
Project Title: Conditional Use Permit 2006-0200/PLN 2006-1173
Project Location: 8120 Morro Road, Atascadero, CA 93422
San Luis Obispo County, APN 031-231-028
Project
Description
The proposed project consists of an application for a Conditional Use Permit to
allow for 3,000 sq. ft. of commercial food and liquor retail sales use within a new
5,400 square foot commercial retail center along Morro Rd. A Master Sign
Program for the new commercial retail center is also included for Planning
Commission review.
General Plan Designation: General Commercial (GC)
Zoning District: Commercial Professional w/ Planned Development 3 Overlay
(CP/PD-3)
Proposed
Environmental
Determination:
CEQA Section 15332 Categorical Exemption Class 32 In-fill Development
Assistant Planner Callie Taylor gave the staff report and answered questions of the
Commission.
Additional condition: Individual tenant signage not to exceed the amount shown in the
total area column of the master sign program.
PUBLIC COMMENT
George Younan, applicant, addressed issues raised by the Commission.
Chairperson O’Keefe closed the Public Comment period.
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There was Commission discussion of the project. Commissioner comments included:
1. The sign should comply with the sign ordinance.
2. Would like applicant to work with staff to relocate the trash container to another
location that is more compatible with the design.
3. Would like applicant to look at more than one material for the fence such as
concrete block and wood fencing.
4. Addition of a condition requiring a lighting engineer do the vertical foot candle
calculations at the property line demonstrating to staff that the lighting levels
beyond the property line comply with nationally recognized standards.
5. Staff to look at eliminating landscaping under the tree to the north east of the
property to avoid impacts to the tree next door.
6. A block wall could be notched to keep it out of the root system of tree #4.
MOTION: By Chairperson O’Keefe and seconded by Commissioner
O’Grady to adopt Resolution No. PC 2007-0003 and Resolution
No. PC 2007-0004 approving Conditional Use Permit 2006-0200
to allow a Master Plan of Development for a 3,000 sq. ft.
commercial food and liquor retail sales use within a new 5,400
square foot commercial center, and Master Sign Program for
the retail center based on findings and subject to Conditions
of Approval and Mitigation Monitoring, and to add that the
signage will comply with the city sign ordinance, the fencing
will be of a masonry material with notching for the tree, that
the lighting meet the requirements so that there is no light
pollution, the placement of the dumpster be looked at, mulch
only will be applied, no plant material, under the canopy of the
tree to the north, and Condition #15 will be amended to include
vertical foot candles.
Motion passed 6:0 by a roll-call vote.
B. SELECTION OF CHAIRPERSON AND VICE CHAIRPERSON
The Commission will select a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson.
MOTION: By Commissioner Fonzi and seconded by Commissioner
Marks to nominate Commissioner O’Keefe to the position of
Planning Commission Chairperson.
Motion passed 6:0 by a roll-call vote.
MOTION: By Commissioner Heatherington and seconded by
Commissioner Jack to nominate Commissioner Fonzi to the
position of Planning Commission Vice Chairperson.
Motion passed 6:0 by a roll-call vote.
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C. PLANNING COMMISSION NORMS
Staff will present the Planning Commission Norms for procedure and conduct.
Community Development Director Warren Frace gave the staff report and answered
questions of the Commission.
The Planning Commission considered each norm and suggested the following changes:
#1-5: No changes
#6: The Commissioners and Staff should not blindside each other in public; if there is a
significant issue or a question a Commissioner has on an agenda item, that
Commissioner should contact the Director of Community Development prior to the
meeting time permitting.
#7: No changes
#8: If an agenda item is known to be a controversial issue call contact the Director of
Community Development to let him know
#9: No changes
#10: Commissioners shall acknowledge recognize the Council as policy makers and
Staff as administering the Council’s adopted policies.
#11: Commissioners shall not attempt to coerce or influence lobby staff in the making
of appointments, the awarding of contra cts, the selection of consultants, the processing
of development applications, and the granting of City licenses or permits. Individual
Commissioners shall not attempt to change or interfere with the operating policies and
practices of any City department.
#12: If a Commissioner visits a site has ex parte contact or receives information and
evidence on any quasi-judicial matter pending before the Commission, the
Commissioner shall disclose all such information and/or evidence acquired from such
contacts, which is not otherwise included in the written or oral Staff report during the
public hearing and before the public comment period is opened. Matters are “pending”
when an application has been filed.
#13: No changes
#14: No changes
#15: Commissioner relations with City Staff
• Commissioners may contact any staff member regarding routine information
requests. Commissioners will route requests and Staff contacts controversial
issues through the Director of Community Development.
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• Commissioners shall not attend internal Staff meetings or meetings between City
Staff and third persons unless invited by City Staff or directed by the Council or
Commission to do so.
• No surprises
#16: Commissioner Conduct during Public Meetings
• Be welcoming to speakers and treat them with care and respect
• Be fair and equitable in allocating public hearing time to individual speakers
• Give the appearance of Practice active listening
• Ask for clarification, but avoid debate and argument with the public
• The chair shall enforce decorum rules during the meeting for the Commission
and public
• The Commission will conduct the meeting following Roberts Rules of Order.
.
#17: No changes
#18: The City Council and Planning Commission will review these norms periodically
annually.
#19: No changes
It was suggested the following be added as an introductory statement for the Planning
Commissioner Norms:
The purpose of the norms is to provide a framework of procedures and decorum that all
of the Commissioners agree to follow.
Chairperson O’Keefe Joan asked that staff agendize an item regarding rules of decorum
for Planning Commission meetings.
MOTION: By Commissioner Jack and seconded by Commissioner Marks
to approve the changes to the Commissioner Norms.
Motion passed 6:0 by a roll-call vote.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS AND REPORTS
None
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Community Development Director Warren Frace reported on the Rancho de Par aiso
site tour scheduled for Thursday and the League of California Cities Planning
Commissioner Training Conference in March. Maps were distributed of all residential
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projects approved in the last four years, and the agenda for the next Planning
Commission meeting was reviewed.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson O’Keefe adjourned the meeting at 11:04 p.m. to the next regularly
scheduled meeting of the Planning Commission on February 20, 2007.
MINUTES PREPARED BY:
____________________________
Grace Pucci, Recording Secretary
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