HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes 05-01-01CITY OF ATASCADERO
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Regular Meeting
May 1, 2001 — 7:00 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Eddings called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and Vice -Chairman Jeanes led
the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Bentz, Blaser, Fonzi, Kelley, Norton, Vice -Chairman
Jeanes and Chairman Eddings
Absent: None
Staff: Community and Economic Development Director Lori Parcells, Principal
Planner Warren Frace, Assistant Planner Phil Dunsmore, Associate
Planner Jamie Kirk and Recording Secretary Grace Pucci.
Principal Planner Warren Frace introduced Lori Parcells, the new Community and
Economic Development Director. Chairman Eddings welcomed Ms. Parcells.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Joan O'Keefe, 9985 Old Morro Road East, addressed the Commission regarding her
concerns for the Dulitz Project and the destruction of trees through his conservation
easement with the City. She asked for clarification on the PG&E easement and its effect
on the removal of trees on the property. (Attachment # 1)
Principal Planner Frace stated that the area under the PG&E easement is most likely an
area in which PG&E would have the right to remove vegetation without going through
any City permitting process. Staff can check the numbers suggested by Mrs. O'Keefe
and return to the Commission with the calculations on what amount of mitigation is
inside and outside of the PG&E easement.
City of Atascadero Planning Commission Minutes
CONSENT CALENDAR
Regular Meeting May 1, 2001
Page 2 of 6
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR PLANNING
COMMISSION MEETING OF APRIL 17, 2001.
2. TIME EXTENSION: VESTING TENTATIVE TRACT MAP #25-89: 5805
CAPISTRANO AVENUE, HOTEL PARK GROUP.
MOTION: By Commissioner Fonzi and seconded by Chairman Eddings to approve
the Consent Calendar.
AYES: Item 1. Commissioners Fonzi, Norton, Blaser and Chairman Eddings.
Item 2. Commissioners Fonzi, Bentz, Norton, Blaser, Kelley, Jeanes and
Chairman Eddings.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Item 1. Commissioners Bentz, Kelley, and Jeanes
Motion passed. Item I - 4:0 with three abstentions, Item 2 - 7: 0, by a roll call vote.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Items No. 3 and 4 on the Agenda were continued to the May 15, 2001 meeting of the
Planning Commission.
3. TO BE CONTINUED TO MAY 15, 2001
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT #2000-0019 -
SPRINT PCS:
The proposed project is a request to allow the establishment of a wireless
communication facility consisting of a 10 -foot by 20 -foot above ground
equipment area, one 17 -foot tall monopole, one 11 -foot tall monopole, both
equipped with three PCS antenna, and a 15 -foot tall steel pole equipped with a 2 -
foot microwave dish. The site has been previously approved as a co -location site
for cellular facilities. The project site is a 1.84 acre parcel commonly known as
Chalk Mountain. The project parcel has a General Plan Designation of MDSF
(Moderate Density Single Family) and a Zoning District of RSF-Y (Residential
Single Family, minimum lot size I acre with sewer and 1 % acres without sewer).
The proposed use is a conditionally allowed use in the RSF-Y Zone. (APN 030-
441-014), Address: 9230 Vista Bonita, Owner: Michael Frederick.
City of Atascadero Planning Commission Minutes
Regular Meeting May 1, 2001
Page 3 of 6
4. TO BE CONTINUED TO MAY 15, 2001
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT #2001-0028 -
AT&T WIRELESS:
The proposed project is a request to allow the establishment of a broadband
wireless communication facility consisting of a 10 -foot by 12 -foot above ground
equipment shelter, one 12 -foot tall monopole mounted with 4 panel antennas, and
one 15 -foot pole mounted with two antennas. The site has been previously
approved as a co -location site for cellular facilities. The project site is a 1.84 acre
parcel commonly known as Chalk Mountain. The project parcel has a General
Plan Designation of MDSF (Moderate Density Single Family) and a Zoning
District of RSF-Y (Residential Single Family, minimum lot size I acre with sewer.
and 1 '/2 acres without sewer). The proposed use is a conditionally allowed use in
the RSF-Y Zone. (APN 030-441-014), Address: 9230 Vista Bonita, Owner:
Michael Frederick.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STAFF REPORTS
5. TREE REMOVAL PERMIT 2001-0012: 5255 ESCARPA AVE. (RON
WULFF / ERNIE REED)
Request to remove fourteen native oak trees, two of which are 24" or greater in
diameter, in conjunction with the proposed construction of a 5,000 square foot
new single family residence at 5255 Escarpa Ave. This item has been continued
from the March 20th Planning Commission hearing.
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.
Assistant Planner Phil Dunsmore provided the staff report and answered questions of the
Commission.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Ron Wulff, 105 Calle Popano, representing Ernie Reed, provided a review of the project
and answered questions of the Commission.
City of Atascadero Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting May 1, 2001
Page 4 of 6
Livia Kellerman, 5463 Honda, expressed concern that the General Plan is being ignored
in preserving the contours of the hills. She also asked if the applicant is aware of the
proximity of Stadium Park.
Assistant Planner Dunsmore stated that there are several goals within the General Plan
Land Use Element that describe preservation of the contours of the hills and slopes. Staff
does use these goals frequently with site plans and they are the reason that this project has
been modified from its original plan to what is being presented at this time. Staff feels
that impacts in this case have been reduced to a less than significant level.
Joan O'Keefe, 9985 Old Morro Road East, read from a prepared statement regarding her
concern that the applicant is not working within the General Plan. (Attachment 2)
Doug Chisholm, 5205 Escarpa, lives next door to the site involved and addressed the
Commission regarding his concerns on tree removal on the property. Mr. Chisam asked
why the large open area on the property was not selected as the building site rather than a
site that required removing many native oak trees.
Jim Aagard, 7220 Valle, has two concerns regarding the project: 1) The removal of 14
native oaks and the danger to others on the site from construction, and 2) the removal of
2,000 yards of soil, which he feels will desecrate the infrastructure on the site.
Al Vossler, 7175 Valle, stated that his property borders this site. He is worried about the
removal of trees and the effect on resident wildlife population. Additionally, he asked
why the house was not located on the east side of the property.
Vice -Chairman Jeanes asked the applicant to explain the reason for locating the house as
it is. Mr. Wulff stated that his client is disabled and must be able to access the entire
perimeter of the house. It was felt that this could not be achieved on the east portion of
the property. Additionally, they were better able to nestle the house into the trees on this
site thus lowering it from the view shed.
Commissioner Fonzi asked why ramps had not been considered to lessen the footprint of
the house and questioned the impact to the road of the trucks that will be used to haul
away the dirt. Mr. Wulff responded that his client, at his age, does not wish to live with
ramps and that they will post a bond for protection of the roads in addition to providing a
map of the truck route.
Staff provided the Commissioners with two letters received from the public regarding this
agenda item. (Attachments 3 and 4)
Chairman Eddings closed Public Comment.
Commissioner Kelley stated that relocation of the house would have a greater impact on
the neighborhood than in its present location. He feels that the applicant and his designer
have come up with a good plan, and have picked out the best location in which to build
City of Atascadero Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting May 1, 2001
Page 5 of 6
the house. There will still be many trees on the property with the mitigation measures to
be taken and future landscaping by the applicant. Commissioner Kelley indicated that he
supports the project.
Commissioner Fonzi felt that this is one of the more beautiful lots that she has seen in
Atascadero, and that the Atascadero tree ordinance was created in her opinion to preserve
a site such as this one. She would like to see the house redesigned or moved to
accommodate the existing trees. Commissioner Fonzi stated that she would vote against
this project.
Commissioner Bentz stated that he supports the project and that it will be a true asset to
the community.
Vice -Chairman Jeanes indicated that another function of the tree ordinance is to ensure
proper mitigation of tree removal so that owners can build homes on their property. She
feels that this site is unique and that staff has gone to great lengths to mitigate the tree
removal.
Chairman Eddings agreed with Commissioner Kelley that lowering the crown of the lot
as opposed to grading into the hillside provides less visual impact and he is in support of
the project.
MOTION: By Chairman Eddings and seconded by Commissioner Kelley to adopt
Resolution PC 2001-030 approving 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.
AYES: Commissioners, Kelley, Blaser, Bentz, Norton, Jeanes and Chairman
Eddings
NOES: Commissioner Fonzi
ABSTAIN: None
Motion passed 6:1 by a roll -call vote.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Commissioner Kelley asked if Planning Commission items could be mailed to
Commissioner's home addresses, especially if there are date -sensitive materials. He also
asked if staff has had the opportunity to put together the numbers on affordable housing
in Atascadero.
City of Atascadero Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting May 1, 2001
Page 6 of 6
Principal Planner Frace indicated that materials that are date -sensitive can be mailed to
home addresses, and that the numbers on affordable housing are being worked on with
the refinement of the General Plan Alternatives.
Commissioner Jeanes asked what dictates whether an item is placed on the Consent
Calendar or becomes a Public Hearing item. Mr. Frace stated that Consent Calendar
items are those that are deemed to be non -controversial. Public Hearing items are those
that are required by City ordinances to include a public hearing. Tree permits do not
require a public hearing, and staff feels that placing them under Community
Development Staff Reports is the appropriate location to ensure adequate time to look at
the issues involved.
Commissioner Fonzi stated that she is struck by the fact that, regarding affordable
housing, the Section 8 amount from the state is higher than the affordable housing deed
restriction placed on some of the apartments they have approved, and asked if this could
be looked into by staff. Mr. Frace responded that staff can look into this and that the
numbers presented in the past were those released by the County Housing Authority.
Commissioner Fonzi asked if there were a City density bonus given for building an
apartment complex with units set aside to accommodate the handicapped. Mr. Frace
stated that this would not trigger a bonus, as it is required under the building code.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Eddings adjourned the meeting at 7:47 p.m. to the next regularly scheduled
meeting on Tuesday, May 15, 2001.
MEETING RECORDED BY AND MINUTES PREPARED BY:
Grace Pucci, Recording Secretary
Cdvlpmnt/PC Minutes 01/PC Minutes 05-01-Ol.gp.doc