HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes 03-20-01CITY OFATASCADERO
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Regular Meeting
March 20,2001 — 7:00 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Eddings called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and Commissioner Norton led
the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Blaser, Fonzi, Kelley, Norton, Vice -Chairman Jeanes and
Chairman Eddings
Absent: Commissioner Bentz
Staff: Acting Community and Economic Development Director Warren Frace,
Assistant Planner Phil Dunsmore, Associate Engineer Patsy West and
Recording Secretary Grace Pucci.
PUBLIC COMMENT
David Crouch 7305 Curbaril, expressed several concerns regarding proposed changes to
the General Plan: 1) a concerted effort should be made to inform all residents of
Atascadero regarding upcoming meetings and proposed changes, 2) what reasons exist
other than an increase in city revenues for the proposed changes, and 3) will precluding
the west side from the rezone truly be in the best interest of the city. He would also like
to see smaller proposed zoning change maps made available to the public.
David Jones, 8220 Largo Avenue, feels that the city has not taken into consideration the
impact on current homeowners with the proposed changes to the General Plan. He feels
such impacts must be positive rather than negative. Additionally, he would like to see
better notification to individual property owners regarding future meetings on the General
Plan changes.
Warren Frace, Acting Community and Economic Development Director gave a progress
report on the General Plan Update process.
Joan O'Keefe, 9985 Old Morro Road East, stated that she feels the public meetings for
General Plan changes are well publicized, however, she feels the process is taking too
long.
Chairman Eddings closed Public Comment.
City of Atascadero Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting March 20, 2001
Page 2 of 6
Commissioner Kelley informed those present that the update is far from complete and
anyone who wishes can contact him regarding their concerns.
Commissioner Norton inquired about the availability of the maps to the public. Mr.
Frace stated that the maps are available to be seen at City Hall. Staff is looking into
options to make the maps available to the public on the City web site, at the public library
and is looking at the costs of reproducing a smaller version for public use.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR PLANNING
COMMISSION MEETING OF FEBRUARY 20, 2001.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL PLANNING
COMMISSION MEETING OF MARCH 8, 2001.
3. ACCEPTANCE OF RESOLUTION PC 2001-004: DENIAL OF TPM 99015
13670 PALO VERDE ROAD.
Staff Recommends:
The Planning Commission accepts Resolution No. PC 2001-004, thereby
clarifying the finding of denial for Tentative Parcel Map 99015.
4. TREE REMOVAL PERMIT 2001-0012: 5255 ESCARPA ROAD (RON
WULFF / ERNIE REED).
Staff Recommends:
The Planning Commission approves the removal of the fourteen native oak trees
subject to the mitigation as required by the Atascadero Native Tree Ordinance
and specified within the project conditions.
Commissioner Kelley requested that Item 4. be pulled from the Consent Calendar.
MOTION: By Commissioner Fonzi and seconded by Commissioner Kelley to
approve Items 1., 2. and 3. on the Consent Calendar.
AYES: Commissioner Fonzi, Kelley, Norton, Blaser, Jeanes and Chairman
Eddings.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
Motion passed 6:0 by a roll -call vote.
Regarding Item 4. on the Consent Calendar, Commissioner Kelley would like to see
stakes and markers indicating the location of the proposed home and which trees will be
removed before he can make a decision.
City of Atascadero Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting March 20, 2001
Page 3 of 6
PUBLIC COMMENT
Doug Chisam, 5205 Escarpa Ave., supports postponing a decision on Item 4.
Joan O'Keefe, 9985 Old Morro Road East, is concerned with native tree replacement on
this parcel. She feels the footprint for this site is destructive to the trees and land.
Bruce Boniface, 5735 San Pedro Ave., President of the Atascadero Native Tree
Association, supports Ms. O'Keefe's comments and is concerned with the amount of soil
that will need to be removed to level the pad.
Chairman Eddings closed Public Comment.
Commissioner Kelley referred Item 4. back to Planning staff to be brought to the
Commission when the applicant provides the following information: 1) all trees to be
removed will be marked, 2) stakes placed where the home will be located, 3) clarification
of the resulting impact of the removal of 2,000 yards of dirt on surrounding trees, and 4)
alternative sites available.
Commissioner Blaser requested staff formulate a grading ordinance for future grading
projects like this especially when massive amounts of earth must be moved.
PUBLIC HEARING
5. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 2000-0001: 10450
MORRO ROAD
Parcel map subdividing one existing 32.9 -acre lot into three parcels. There are
currently two residential structures on the existing lot and the subdivision will
separate the structures onto individual lots. The subdivision will also create one
vacant parcel allowing for one future residential building pad. All parcels will
utilize the existing paved access drive. General Plan Designation: Suburban
Single Family; Zoning District: Residential Suburban (RS), minimum lot size 2 %2
- 10 acres (calculated to be 4.36 acres using performance standards). Site
Address: 10450 Morro Road, Atascadero, CA 93422, APN, 055-161-007,
Applicant: Darren & Kathy Thomas.
PROPOSED ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: PROPOSED
MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION 2001-002: The Initial Study has
determined that the proposed project will not have a significant adverse impact on
the environment when mitigation measures are incorporated into the project. A
proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impact has therefore
been prepared for the project in conformance with the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA). The Proposed Negative Declaration is available for public
review through March 20, 2001 at 6500 Palma Avenue, Community Development
Department, Room 104, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
City of Atascadero Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting March 20, 2001
Page 4 of 6
Staff Recommends:
The Planning Commission adopt Resolution No. PC 2001-010, certifying the
proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration 2001-004 and approving Tentative
Parcel map 2000-001, based on findings and subject to conditions.
Assistant Planner Phil Dunsmore provided the staff report and answered questions of the
Commission.
Commissioner Norton is concerned that the emergency access road is not up to standards
and feels that Kurt Stone should inspect the site. Mr. Dunsmore stated that the road is a
recorded emergency access easement and that the Fire Marshall has reviewed the
application and given his comments.
Commissioner Kelley indicated that he would like to see the existing paved driveway
cleaned up and the shoulder improved.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Darren Thomas, 10450 Morro Road, owner of the property, addressed the issue of the
road and stated that it is accessible.
Kathleen Butler Thomas, 10450 Morro Road, stated that Carmelita Road is not easily
visible and has been abandoned for over 25 years. It is not really a road and it is in the
flood plane.
Joan O'Keefe, 9985 Old Morro Road East, feels that the easement at Vista has been
severely eroded. She questioned whether the driveway on parcel 1 had been excluded in
the acreage calculation. Regarding parcel 3, this is a high fire prone area, and she
questioned whether there was a turnaround for fire engines.
Chairman Eddings closed Public Comment.
Chairman Eddings questioned whether the turnaround on parcel 3 was adequate. Mr.
Dunsmore indicated that there is a driveway plan for this parcel that indicates fire truck
turnarounds. Future additional review will indicate whether adequate requirements are in
place. Chairman Eddings felt that these issues should be addressed before the
Commission approves the project.
Chairman Eddings questioned the calculation of acreage on parcel 1. Mr. Dunsmore
stated that the site engineer calculated the acreage and the driveway has not been
excluded.
Commissioner Kelley suggested that the paved driveway be adjusted to 16 feet at the
bottom near Highway 41 then phasing down to approximately 12 to 14 feet where it
terminates at the proposed parcel 3.
City of Atascadero Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting March 20, 2001
Page 5 of 6
Vice -Chairman Jeanes indicated that a compromise might be reached where specific
turnout areas are created. This would preserve the trees.
MOTION: By Vice -Chairman Jeanes and seconded by Commissioner Kelley to adopt
Resolution No. PC 2001-010, certifying the proposed Mitigated Negative
Declaration 2001-004 and approving Tentative Parcel map 2000-001,
based on findings and subject to conditions and requiring two turnouts on
the paved driveway section that create a driveway section of at least 16
foot width for a length of approximately 20 feet each, in a location where
it might be feasible, to avoid tree and significant grading impacts.
AYES: Commissioners Jeanes, Kelley, Norton, Blaser, Fonzi and Chairman
Eddings
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
Motion passed 6:0 by a roll -call vote.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STAFF REPORTS
Acting Community and Economic Development Director Warren Frace announced that a
new Community Development Director has been chosen, and she will begin work on
April 30, 2001.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS AND REPORTS
Commissioner Kelley asked staff if they could provide some numbers regarding
"affordable housing." Additionally, he would like to know what the State requirements
are and the City's obligation in providing affordable housing.
Chairman Eddings requested more information on the fire easement on Carmelita Road
and progress on the Carlton Hotel.
Commissioner Kelley asked if staff were involved in a meeting with neighbors regarding
a potential subdivision on Santa Rosa. Mr. Frace indicated that there is a meeting on
Thursday at the Lake Pavilion for neighbors in the area.
Commissioner Jeanes commented on affordable housing and gave her industry's standard
on the subject.
Commissioner Norton asked if the future open house at the Lake Pavilion for the
proposed General Plan Update could be held on a Saturday. Mr. Frace indicated that a
date has not been selected yet. The plan is to pull together all public comments, refine
the alternatives and at that point schedule another public event such as the open house
perhaps on a Saturday and a weekday.
City of Atascadero Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting March 20, 2001
Page 6 of 6
Commissioner Fonzi stated that she sensed frustration with the public regarding the
process for the General Plan Update. She asked if it were possible to clarify the process
for the public by providing a timeline.
Vice -Chairman Jeanes commended the staff on an incredible job with the General Plan
Update; one she feels is a lose -lose situation for staff.
Chairman Eddings stated that given the importance of the update, he feels it is necessary
to do at least one mass mailing to the public before the next meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Eddings adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m. to the next regular meeting on
Tuesday, April 3, 2001.
MEETING RECORDED BY AND MINUTES PREPARED BY:
Grace Pucci, Recording Secretary
Network/cdvlpmnt/PC Minutes 011PC Minutes 03-20-01.gp.doc