HomeMy WebLinkAbout PC Minutes 11-07-00CITY OF A TASCADERO
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Regular Meeting
November 7, 2000 — 7:00 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Carden called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m., and led the Pledge of
Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Carden, Eddings, Bentz, Kelley and Norton.
Absent: Commissioners Jeanes and Fonzi
Staff: Community and Economic Development Director Paul Saldana, Principal
Planner Warren Frace, Assistant Planner Jamie Heltsley, and Recording
Secretary Grace Pucci.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Annroval of minutes of the regular Planning Commission meeting of
September 5, 2000.
2. Approval of minutes of the regular Planning Commission meeting of October
3, 2000.
3. Approval of minutes of the regular Planning Commission meeting of October
17, 2000.
4. TIME EXTENSION REQUEST — CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 96008-
8005 San Gabriel Road, (Hope Lutheran Church)
Consideration of a one-year time extension for approved Conditional Use Permit
96008.
City of Atascadero Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting November 7, 2000
Page 2 of 8
Staff Recommends:
The Planning Commission adopt Resolution PC 2000-055, thereby approving a
one-year extension of CUP #96008 in compliance with Section 9-2.118 of the
Zoning Ordinance.
5. TIME EXTENSION REQUEST — TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 98-002:
9755 Santa Lucia 3 lot
Consideration of a one-year time extension for approved Tentative Parcel Map
98-002.
Staff Recommends:
The Planning Commission adopt Resolution 2000-057 approving a one-year time
extension of Tentative Parcel Map 98002 in compliance with Title 11-4.23 of the
City's Municipal Code.
6. TREE REMOVAL PERMIT 2000-0008: 10805 Vista Road
Staff Recommends:
Approve the removal of the 41 -inch dbh-size (diameter at breast height) Coast
Live Oak subject to the mitigation fees required by the Atascadero Native Tree
Ordinance.
7. CONFORMITY DETERMINATION — Landscape Plans for CUP 2000-0006
and CUP 2000-0009: Verizon/Alpine PCS (9230 Vista Bonita/Chalk
Mountain)
Review of the proposed landscape and irrigation plans submitted by Verizon and
Alpine PCS as required by a condition added by the Planning Commission at the
July 5, 2000 Planning Commission meeting for additional landscaping on the
Chalk Mountain cellular co -location site.
Staff Recommends:
The Planning Commission find that the Landscape and Irrigation plans submitted
fulfill Condition #11 of the conditions of approval for Conditional Use Permit
2000-0006 and Conditional Use Permit 2000-0009.
City of Atascadero Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting November 7, 2000
Page 3 of 8
8. APPROVAL OF FINAL MAP LLA 2000-0003: 6750 San Gabriel Road
(Rancho de Paraiso) ATAL 00-019
Final map recording a lot line adjustment for the equal exchange of property
between 14 lots of record.
Staff Recommends:
The Planning Commission accept Final map ATAL 00-019 thereby recording Lot
Line Adjustment 2000-0003.
MOTION: By Commissioner Bentz and seconded by Commissioner Eddings to
approve the consent calendar as submitted.
AYES: Commissioners Bentz, Eddings, Norton, Kelley and Chairman Carden
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Commissioner Kelley abstained from voting on Item #6.
Motion passed 5:0 by a roll call vote with Commissioner Kelley abstaining on Item #6.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
9. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 2000-0015: Fredricks Landscape Supply/
Co -location Cellular Facility (2850 El Camino Real)
Phased commercial project consisting of the installation of an 80 -foot tall co -
location cellular facility, the conversion of two existing residential uses into
commercial uses and the establishment of an outdoor landscape supply sales yard.
Staff Recommends:
The Planning Commission adopt Resolution 2000-058 thereby adopting the
proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration and approving Conditional Use Permit
2000-0015 subject to the findings, exhibits and conditions as attached.
Assistant Planner Jamie Heltsley provided the staff report and answered questions of the
Commission.
Commissioner Norton referred to #41 on page 76 and inquired if there would be a raised
median in the middle portion of the street at this location. Ms. Heltsley responded that
this portion of El Camino Real has raised medians but the applicant is not required to
provide one.
City of Atascadero Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting November 7, 2000
Page 4 of 8
Commissioner Norton referred to #20 on page 74 and asked about the location of light
fixtures and their effect on the neighboring properties. Ms. Heltsley indicated where the
light fixtures would be placed and stated that there would be no lighting on the front
entrance.
Commissioner Norton questioned the extent of drainage requirements for the location.
Ms. Heltsley indicated that the applicant would be submitting plans to insure adequate
drainage.
Commissioner Eddings asked how firm the plans were and if the applicant had applied
for permits. Ms. Heltsley stated that the applicant couldn't apply for a building permit
until the entitlement is approved.
Commissioner Kelley referred to #2 on page 63 and inquired about the modified height of
the tower and whether the Fire Department has equipment that would go 80 feet to the
top of the tower. Ms. Heltsley responded that as it is an uninhabited tower.
Commissioner Kelley asked if #10 on page 73 is part of the application for the
Conditional Use Permit. Ms. Heltsley stated that this was a request by Police and Fire
Department and applies to all cellular applicants.
Commissioner Norton inquired about the lifespan of the monopine, and its height in
comparison to other trees on the site. Ms. Heltsley indicated that the monopine is taller
than the other trees and deferred to the applicant for an answer to the lifespan issue.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Larry Kay of Freeman Kay spoke on behalf of the developer and answered questions of
the Commissioners.
Commissioner Eddings referred to previous applicants for this type of facility and asked
if this particular tower must be on high ground in order to function properly. Mr. Kay
responded that the 80 -foot pole was necessary so that various carriers could work at that
location.
Commissioner Kelley inquired if there were any additional towers of this type along the
Highway 101 corridor. Mr. Kay stated that there were none that belonged to Crown
Castle.
Commissioner Kelley asked what the feedback had been on similar towers that the
company had erected. Mr. Kay stated that the feedback had been positive. He also stated
that the towers were expected to last 20 to 25 years, however, the branches can be
changed if needed. In the case of a fire, the branches would melt rather than burn.
Commissioner Norton asked if there would be guide wires holding the monopine in
place. Mr. Kay stated that there would be none as the tower was self-supporting.
City of Atascadero Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting November 7, 2000
Page 5 of 8
Commissioner Kelley inquired if the design of the tree could be modified to make it look
more like a natural pine tree. Mr. Kay indicated that it could.
Commissioner Norton asked if the 80 -foot height was required or if it could be changed.
Mr. Kay stated that the height had to be 80 feet so that only one pole was necessary
instead of several.
Chairman Carden closed the Public Comment period.
Commissioner Kelley expressed concern regarding the height of the tower. He feels the
tower may become a landmark for the City and would like more information to go to the
public before the issue is voted on.
Commissioner Bentz agreed with Commissioner Kelley, however, he felt that if the tower
looked more like a tree with lower, tapered branches, he would change his opinion.
A straw pole was taken and it was agreed that the tree would be more acceptable if the
branches extended lower on the tree, to the rooftop of the structure. Ms. Heltsley stated
that the project has been conditioned that the branches extend down to the roof of the
enclosure as shown on the elevations.
MOTION: By Commissioner Bentz and seconded by Chairman Carden to adopt
Resolution 2000-058 thereby adopting the proposed Mitigated Negative
Declaration and approving Conditional Use Permit 2000-0015 subject to
the findings, exhibits and conditions as attached and with the stipulation
that the tower (monopine) be constructed with additional branches on the
lower portion extending to the rooftop of the structure.
AYES: Commissioners Bentz, Eddings, Norton and Chairman Carden
NOES: Commissioner Kelley
ABSTAIN: None
Motion passed 4:1 by a roll call vote.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STAFF REPORTS
10. REFERRAL 2000-0004: SLO County Education Skill Center 8005 Morro
Road
A request from the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education for a Planning
Commission recommendation concerning the acquisition of a piece of property
for the construction of a center -based special education program facility.
City of Atascadero Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting November 7, 2000
Page 6 of 8
Staff Recommends.
Adoption of Resolution No. PC 2000-056, thereby determining that the
construction of a center -based special education program facility at 8005 Morro
Road is consistent with the City's General Plan.
Commissioner Norton stepped down for consideration of this item.
Assistant Planner Jamie Heltsley provided the staff report and answered questions of the
Commission.
Chairman Carden asked Ms. Heltsley to explain why this item was placed as a staff
report. Ms. Heltsley indicated that this issue does not require a public hearing.
Commissioner Kelley inquired whether the County Office of Education must follow City
requirements for their project. Ms. Heltsley stated that they must follow State
requirements as well as those of the City and School District. Director Saldana indicated
that the Office of Education works closely with the City Engineer and generally follow
his recommendations.
Commissioner Bentz asked if the applicant had been given direction from the City
regarding drainage on the property. Ms. Heltsley stated that a meeting has been set for
the applicant to meet with all appropriate City Departments on the issue.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Joan O'Keefe, 99850 Morro Road, Atascadero, asked when the public would be notified.
She stated that there were condominiums in the area and the residents are interested in
giving their input on the project.
Chairman Carden indicated that the public hearing would come at the School Board level.
Director Saldana stated that the School Board's process is different from the City's. It is
up to the School District to decide if there will be a public hearing.
Commissioner Eddings inquired if they were asking for a zoning change. Ms. Heltsley
stated that they were not but they must contact the City for a recommendation.
Chairman Carden questioned what the applicant would do if the Commission voted to
deny the request. Ms. Heltsley indicated that the applicant would have to wait 30 days to
purchase the property, but then could go ahead with the project.
Commissioner Bentz asked if the Commission could recommend that the applicant
conduct public hearings as part of the resolution. Ms. Heltsley responded that it could be
added as item 6 in the resolution.
City of Atascadero Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting November 7, 2000
Page 7 of 8
Commissioner Eddings asked if the neighbors had been notified of this project. Ms.
Heltsley indicated that the City has not notified them.
Commissioner Kelley inquired if schools are similar to office buildings in the General
Plan. Ms. Heltsley stated that in this intersection commercial, retail and schools are an
allowed usage.
Commissioner Eddings stated that he felt this was a poor use for the site, which would be
more appropriate for commercial/retail as schools do not bring in property or sales tax
revenue.
Chairman Carden asked if the resolution could state that the Commission feels
commercial/retail would be a more appropriate use of this site and would like to see
public hearings held prior to acquisition.
Commissioner Eddings and Bentz agreed to this addition.
MOTION: By Commissioner Bentz and seconded by Commissioner Eddings to adopt
Resolution No. PC 2000-056, thereby determining that the construction of
a center -based special education program facility at 8005 Morro Road is
consistent with the City's General Plan with the addition of the following:
• The proposed project is consistent with the current land use
designation of the General Plan, however the Planning Commission
finds a retail commercial use would be a better use of the site.
• The school board should conduct a duly noticed public hearing prior to
the acquisition of the property for school purposes.
AYES: Commissioners Bentz, Eddings, Kelley and Chairman Carden.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Commissioner Norton
Motion passed 4:0 by a roll call vote with Commissioner Norton abstaining.
11. General Plan Update — Status Report
Director Saldana provided the Commission with the General Plan update and answered
questions of the Commission.
Commissioner Bentz thanked the Director for the update.
Chairman Carden inquired if the update was consistent with the General Plan. Director
Saldana indicated that it was.
City of Atascadero Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting November 7, 2000
Page 8 of 8
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS & REPORTS
None
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Carden adjourned the meeting at 7:50 p.m. to the next scheduled meeting on
Tuesday, November 21, 2000.
MEETING RECORDED BY AND MINUTES PREPARED BY:
Grace Pucci, Recording Secretary