Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes 06-05-01CITY OFATASCADERO PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Regular Meeting June 5, 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 Bentz, Blaser, Fonzi, Kelley, Norton, Vice -Chairman Jeanes and Chairman Eddings Absent: None Staff: Community Development Director Lori Parcells, Principal Planner Warren Frace, Assistant Planner Phil Dunsmore, Associate Planner Jamie Kirk, Consultant Paul Crawford and Recording Secretary Grace Pucci. PUBLIC COMMENT Anne Ketcherside, expressed support for allowing businesses who have been in the downtown for many years to remain there. She also encouraged the City to consider building a Youth Center on the three acres located at Morro Road and Portola. Ms. Ketcherside asked about the letter from the City that the Hills, Hurds, and others have received. Chairman Eddings closed Public Comment. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF MAY 15, 2001. MOTION: By Commissioner Fonzi and seconded by Commissioner Blaser to approve the Consent Calendar. City of Atascadero Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting June 5, 2001 Page 2 of 9 AVES• , jr-anes and Chairman Eddings. NOES: None ABSTAIN: None Motion passed 7:0 by a roll -call vote. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: GPA 2000-0001 GENERAL PLAN UPDATE: REVIEW OF DRAFT LAND USE PLAN: The Planning Commission will be holding a public hearing to consider recommending a Draft Land Use Plan to the City Council for use in the General Plan Update process. The Draft Land Use Plan will be used for the preparation of a Draft General Plan Document and Draft Environmental Impact Report. No formal action to amend the current General Plan will be taken at this meeting. The public is encouraged to attend and will be given the opportunity to speak on the item. Staff Recommends: 1. The Planning Commission adopt Resolution 2001-026, thereby recommending that the City Council incorporate the Draft Land Use Plan as the Preferred Plan in the Draft General Plan policy document and Draft Environmental Impact Report. 2. The Planning Commission provide specific direction on Policy Issues I through 8 to be forwarded to the City Council for consideration. Principal Planner Warren Frace provided the staff report and answered questions of the Commission. PUBLIC COMMENT John McGoff, 9192 Maple Street, expressed his concern regarding possible conflict of interest issues with Planning Commission members on this item. (Attachment 1) David Jones, 8220 Larga, read from a prepared statement. He feels that the revised plan is a vast improvement and commended staff for listening to the opinions of the public. He would like to see additional attention given to the method for reclassification of nonconforming lots. (Attachment 2) Livia Kellerman, 5463 Honda, handed out a map of Plot 283 and a written statement to the Commissioners and gave a brief history of the property. She stated concern regarding the proposed high density zoning designation for this property. She would like it to City of Atascadero Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting June 5, 2001 Page 3 of 9 the community. (Attachment 3) Henry Engen, 9575 Lake View Drive, read from a prepared statement. He feels the process is going too fast. He is concerned with the population build out figures, wastewater treatment plant capacity, land use designations, mixed uses and affordable housing. (Attachment 4) Becky Pacas, 4305 San Benito Road, stated her opposition to the revised General Plan Land Use map and proposals. She is concerned with public health and safety and feels that California Codes do not require the proposed changes. Shawn Noth, Capistrano Avenue property owner, expressed his concern with the development around his property. He feels that the zoning designation on surrounding properties is not consistent with that of his property and he is requesting a zoning change to RMF -16. Henry Skibo, 3560 Traffic Way, read from a prepared statement submitted by 18 Traffic Way property owners. They object to the proposed General Plan Land Use Map, which does not include zoning changes to reduce minimum lot size in their area. (Attachment 5) Ann Quinn, 7200 Toro Creek Road, is concerned with the lack of recreational facilities in the proposed general plan update. Marissa Todd, 4500 Del Rio Road, is opposed to the LUA No. 7 and urged the Commission to reconsider this action. She does not want access to the river cut off and would like to see this area remain as a green belt. John Knight, RRM Design Group, spoke on behalf of the Smith -Hobson family who owns the area known as Eagle Ranch. He supports the annexation of Area D on the proposed land use map and would like to see this area included in the Urban Services Area. David Crouch, 7305 Curbaril, feels that the City is having trouble paying for services under its current general plan, and he worries how the City will afford to pay for services in areas which are being proposed for annexation. Regarding second units, he sees the potential for these units as well as the primary residence turning into rentals changing the area from single-family to multi -family density. Bill Obermeyer, 4800 Carrizo Road, expressed his concerns regarding the area on the north end near the river where the switch will take place. He does not want to see river access cut off and feels that the proposed housing will be too near the railroad tracks. He suggested easements in new developments that would interconnect and allow access between housing areas. City of Atascadero Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting June 5, 2001 Page 4 of 9 necessary to rewrite the entire General Plan as only the Housing Element needed review. (Attachment 5) Theresa Wasley, 3060 Traffic Way stated her concern with safety on Traffic Way. She feels that if the area property owners were permitted to subdivide, they would be able to provide bike and pedestrian pathways making it safer for children and others to walk on Traffic Way. She is in favor of half -acre zoning along Traffic Way. Joan O'Keefe, 9985 Old Morro Road East, is concerned with the process utilized for the General Plan Update and the fact that there are no written materials available to the public. She would like to see the changes proposed for zoning inconsistencies be based on terrain and is concerned with the lack of pedestrian access as well as the lack of parks. Ann Ketcherside stated three issues of concern: 1) conflict of interest laws as they relate to this proposal, 2) loss of character within the community, and 3) changes within the downtown area. Jerry Johnson, Traffic Way property owner, feels it is unfair that he is not permitted to subdivide his property when others in the area are permitted to do so. Because the ground is flat in this area he feels the zoning should be changed to one-half acre. Richard Shannon, 5070 San Benito Road, stated that he is a property owner, developer and real estate agent and he feels it is difficult to find housing on smaller lots in Atascadero. He would like to see more zoning for smaller lots to permit increased housing. Chairman Eddings called a recess at 9:00 p.m. Chairman Eddings reopened the Public Hearing at 9:20 p.m. Carmen Barnett, 6780 Atascadero Avenue, stated her opposition to the proposed changes on lot 283. She is concerned with the traffic and safety issues in the area, and feels this lot should be designated as a park. Principal Planner Frace gave a short history on this property. The property is privately owned and the current General Plan designation is recreation while the zoning on the parcel is RMF -16. The Department of Parks and Recreation has recommended that the recreation designation be eliminated, as there are no plans or funds to improve the lot as a park site. Under the proposed General Plan, the rear two-thirds of the property would have a multi -family use and the front corner would remain under a recreation designation. Mike Zappas, 8189 San Dimas Lane, felt that the previous speakers were very critical of the proposed changes and at the same time had no other plan to offer. He feels renters have needs for housing and he congratulated the planning staff on their outreach to the community. City of Atascadero Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting June 5, 2001 Page 5 of 9 capacity. He feels if the proposed General Plan is accepted, the wastewater treatment facility will have to be expanded to meet increasing need. John Gorse, Dolores Avenue, stated his pleasure with the staff recommendations as presented. He had several areas of concern including: 1) proposed changes in the zoning designation for the Rochelle and Woodlands properties, 2) he is not in favor of changing the zoning to one-half acre in the San Benito area, and 3) regarding second units, he feels that each request should be looked at individually to determine what is best for the property. Harold Meyers, property owner at Chico and Traffic Way, stated that in 1998 he was approached about the traffic problem in this area. He offered to dedicate a half -acre and in return he was promised that he would be included in the General Plan Update for a rezone to one-half acre lots. The proposed General Plan Update has not included his property for a rezone. He would like to withdraw his offer of dedication if the City is not going to stand by their promise. MOTION: By Chairman Eddings and seconded by Commissioner Kelley to remove Items No. 3 and 4 from the Public Hearing Agenda and move them to the next Planning Commission meeting on June 19, 2001. AYES: Commissioners Kelley, Fonzi, Bentz, Norton, Blaser, Jeanes and Chairman Eddings. NOES: None ABSTAIN: None Motion passed 7:0 by a roll -call vote. Bill Bright, 11875 Santa Lucia, questioned how many lots are in the Y zone where second units would be allowed, and if the majority of property owners in the Y zone build second units, what would that do to the build -out numbers. Alan Thomas, 9520 Marchant Way, favors more affordable housing in Atascadero, especially multi -family housing. He is concerned with the heavy traffic in the Morro Road corridor. John McGoff, 9192 Maple, feels that more time must be given to the consideration of this update proposal. He feels the process is going too quickly and he is concerned with the lack of public record. Hary Pellet, 4320 Del Rio Road, spoke regarding the area from San Benito School back to the new development on Traffic Way. He feels there is a shortage of parks in City of Atascadero Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting June 5, 2001 Page 6 of 9 Atascadem and he wouid hke to see a bike path to the schoui as well as a park in this area. Ted Molanee, developer of the commercial project at 7730 Morro Road, feels that the increased traffic on Morro Road due to higher density development could be a real problem. He supports the idea of utilizing the property next to the library as a park or green belt. Livia Kellerman, 5463 Honda, expressed her disappointment with the Department of Parks and Recreation for not asking the people in the neighborhood about having a park in the lot near the library. Becky Pacas, 4305 San Benito, supports the idea of a green belt or park near the library. She has concerns about increasing the build -out figure as a response to developer pressure. The population is growing and she feels it is important to meet the need for affordable housing. Jim Patterson, 9312 N. Santa Margarita Road, feels the process for the General Plan Update has changed and is currently driven by developer demands. He feels every recommendation made for the General Plan must be evaluated against the Smart Growth Principles and land use goals established by the community. Mike Wasley, 3060 Traffic Way, made several comments: 1) regarding the petition of 77 names mentioned by another speaker, not all of those who signed are property owners, 2) he has concern with the issue of traffic and safety along Traffic Way, 3) will this proposal meet the requirements for low income housing, and 4) many requests for information from last week's meeting have not been addressed. Alan Thomas, Marchant Way, stated that if the policy changes from bedrooms to units for housing density, he strongly urged that design guidelines be enforced regarding the look of the units, their position on the property, the space between them, playground areas for children, etc. Ray Johnson, stated that he has been told by the City that homes don't pay their way, so he feels that by increasing density there would be more income for City services. Several letters were turned in for the record, but were not read into the minutes. (Attachments 7,8) Chairman Eddings closed Public Comment. Chairman Eddings suggested that the Public Hearing be closed, but that the deliberations would be continued until the next Planning Commission meeting. There was agreement to this suggestion and Commissioners asked the following questions with the request that the information be provided them before the next meeting. City of Atascadero Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting June 5, 2001 Page 7 of 9 1. Re: Preserving prime multi-family areas for apartments - what is the definition of "Prime Multi-Family?" 2. If creek setback criteria are to be "flexible", they must also make sense — she would like some guidelines so that she can intelligently vote on this issue. 3. Re: Second Units — Why was the "Y" district chosen, what were the criteria for making it one acre or larger, and why must the area be sewered? 4. Re: Mixed uses and multi-family residential and commercial service area — she understands that commercial service should not be next to residential areas, however, she considers multi-family residential as residential as well and she would like to see the reasoning behind this. 5. Why are there only senior housing incentives? Should benefits be considered for extra housing for the handicapped? 6. What kinds of fees are proposed for inclusionary housing and what are they based upon? 7. She would like more information on the lot sizes in the annexation areas. 8. Re: The Rochelle property and the R.V. Park the Commission voted on. Is the fact that this area is in a flood zone being considered? She would like more information regarding the flood zone. Additionally, the access appears to be only through the back end of Home Depot. Is this a desirable location for access into a subdivision as it relates to safety, fire and police access and should there not be two access points? Commissioner Norton 1. Requested clarification regarding the discrepancy with the sewer. Can someone from the Sewer Department speak to the Commission? 2. Where is the appropriate location for density for senior housing? 3. She would like to see an overlay on the map of where second unit housing would be located (the 400 to 600 lots). 4. Why did the estimate of the number of second units to be built annually go from 10 to 30? 5. What proposals have been done in the past regarding creek setbacks? 6. Re: Affordable housing mixed-use multi -family — She would like to see an overlay on the map of where those proposed areas would be. Commissioner Kelley 1. Could someone from Parks and Recreation address the long-range plans the City has for parks? 2. Can larger projects in the future be mandated to include parks? 3. He would like to see the specifications planned for second units. 4. He would like to see a uniform policy on creek setbacks. Commissioner Jeanes 1. Requested an inventory by the next meeting of what is currently zoned for recreation. 2. What would be the length of time for the pilot program on second units? City of Atascadero Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting June 5, 2001 Page 8 of 9 from bedrooms to units. 4. What are the traffic implications on Morro Road if all recommendations are passed to City Council? 5. She would like a staff report by the next meeting on the Traffic Way properties and what is happening with this issue. Have they been promised things they have not been given and if so how should this be addressed? Chairman Eddings 1. Supports the idea of more community parks. He would like to see more areas designated for parks mixed in with the multi -family areas. 2. Would like the density bonuses for affordable housing to be kept after the decisions have been made on density requirements for high and medium density multi -family areas. Commissioner Blaser 1. What are the actual numbers on how many lots are "nonconforming" and what is the total if they were to be split into lots the size of those in surrounding areas? 2. What would be the cost of the infrastructure to support the new General Plan proposal? 3. Is there a grading ordinance or guideline to follow when developing lots? MOTION: By Commissioner Fonzi and seconded by Commissioner Norton to continue the meeting to June 19, 2001, Rotunda Room, Atascadero City Hall. AYES: Commissioners Fonzi, Norton, Blaser, Bentz, Kelley, Jeanes and Chairman Eddings. NOES: None ABSTAIN: None Motion passed 7.0 by a roll -call vote. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STAFF REPORTS None COMMISSIONER COMMENTS & REPORTS None ADJOURNMENT City of Atascadero Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting June 5, 2001 Page 9 of 9 Planning Commission meeting on Tuesday, June 19, 2001. MEETING RECORDED AND MINUTES PREPARED BY: Grace Pucci, Recording Secretary cdvlpmnt/PC Minutes 01/PC Minutes 06-05-Ol.gp.doc