HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes 10-02-01CALL TO ORDER
CITY OF ATASCADERO
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Regular Meeting
October 2, 2001— 7:00 p.m.
Chairman Eddings called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. and Commissioner Kelley led the
Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Bentz, Fonzi, Kelley, Norton and Chairman Eddings.
Absent: Commissioner Blaser
Staff: Community Development Director Lori Parcells, Planning Services Manager
Warren Frace, Associate Planner Jamie Kirk, City Engineer Steve Kahn and
Recording Secretary Grace Pucci.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
PLANNING COMMISSION BUSINESS
1. ELECTION OF A NEW PLANNING COMMISSION VICE CHAIRPERSON
Commissioner Fonzi nominated Commissioner Bentz for the position of Planning Commission
Vice Chairperson.
Chairman Eddings nominated Commissioner Kelley for the position of Planning Commission
Vice Chairperson.
MOTION: By Commissioner Fonzi and seconded by Commissioner Norton to postpone a
decision on the election of a Vice Chairperson until the next meeting when there
would be a full Planning Commission Board in attendance.
City of Atascadero Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting October 2, 2001
Page 2of9
AYES: Commissioner Fonzi, Norton, Kelley, Bentz and Chairman Eddings
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
Motion passed 5:0 by a roll -call vote.
CONSENT CALENDAR
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MEETING ON SEPTEMBER 4, 2001.
3. ADOPT RESOLUTION 2001-0051, RESOLUTION ASKING THE MAIN STREET
BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR DIRECTION REGARDING LAND USE
APPLICATIONS IN THE DOWNTOWN DISTRICT.
MOTION: By Commissioner Fonzi and seconded by Commissioner Bentz to approve the
Consent Calendar.
AYES: Commissioners Fonzi, Bentz, Norton (Item #3), Kelley and Chairman Eddings
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Commissioner Norton (Item #2)
Consent Calendar Item #2 - Motion passed 4:0 by a roll -call vote. (Commissioner Norton
abstained)
Consent Calendar Item #3 - Motion passed 5:0 by a roll -call vote.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
4. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 2001-0045: Alpine PCS Telecommunications
Facility: A proposed Conditional Use Permit to allow the addition of an unmanned
cellular communications facility onto an existing PG&E transmission tower. The
proposed project would consist of the installation of six five-foot panels mounted at the
top of the tower on a ten foot cage, associated ground level equipment surrounded by an
eight -foot high wooden fence located within the footprint of the tower, and a GPS
antenna mounted on the leg of the tower. General Plan Designation: Suburban Single
Family; Zoning District: Residential Suburban; Address 765 Garcia Road, Atascadero,
CA 93422, San Luis Obispo County, APN 049-082-014; Owner: Denise Ramos;
Applicant: Alpine PCS.
City of Atascadero Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting October 2, 2001
Page 3of9
PROPOSED MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION 2001-034: Based on the
findings of the initial study, the Community Development Department recommends that
the Planning Commission find that no significant harm would come to the environment
from approval of this Conditional Use Permit, with the incorporation of the proposed
mitigation measures. The proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration is available for
public review through October 2, 2001 at 6500 Palma Avenue, Community Development
Department, Room 104, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Staff Recommends:
Adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2001-052 certifying proposed Mitigated
Negative Declaration 2001-0034, and approving Conditional Use permit 2001-0045, a
request by Alpine PCS to install wireless telecommunication facilities on an existing
PG&E transmission tower, subject to findings and conditions.
Chairman Eddings announced that this item (Public Hearing Item #4) has been continued to the
October 16, 2001 meeting of the Planning Commission.
5. CONDITIONAL USP PERMIT 2001-0042: Pueblo Avenue Commercial Center: A
proposed Conditional Use Permit to construct an approximately 15,000± square -foot
commercial complex consisting of two separate buildings, 13,284± square feet and
1,498± square feet. The buildings will contain a total of six tenant spaces that will
accommodate retail and office type uses. The site is a 1.4± acre vacant lot in the
Commercial Retail zoning district along the Highway 101 corridor. Full urban services
are available to the site. General Plan Designation: Retail Commercial; Zoning District:
Commercial Retail; Address: NW Corner of Pueblo Avenue and San Luis Avenue,
Atascadero, 93422, San Luis Obispo County, APN 030,232,015, 016, 024, 028; Owner:
Kelly Gearhart, Applicant: Kelly Gearhart.
PROPOSED MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION 2001-031: Based on the
findings of the initial study, the Community Development Department recommends that
the Planning Commission find that no significant harm would come to the environment
from approval of this Conditional Use Permit, with the incorporation of the proposed
mitigation measures. The proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration is available for
public review through October 2, 2001 at 6500 Palma Avenue, Community Development
Department, Room 104, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Staff Recommends:
Adoption of Planning Commission Resolution 2001-052 approving Conditional Use
Permit 2001-0042, to construct a 15,000+ square foot commercial center at the
northwest corner of Pueblo Avenue and San Luis Avenue subject to findings and
conditions.
City of Atascadero Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting October 2, 2001
Page 4 of 9
Associate Planner Jamie Kirk provided the staff report and City Engineer Steve Kahn discussed
circulation and other site issues; both answered questions of the Commission.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Kelly Gearhart, 6205 Alcantara Ave., applicant, asked for clarification on Condition of Approval
#27 that dealt with a traffic study and mitigation measures to be taken by the applicant. Mr.
Gearhart also answered questions of the Commission.
Commissioner Kelley agreed with Mr. Gearhart regarding Condition #27. He felt that this
condition was too open, and perhaps a cap was needed on the required mitigation measures.
City Engineer Steve Kahn explained how the study process would work and answered questions
of the Commission regarding traffic mitigation and potential costs.
Chairman Eddings suggested that City staff work with the applicant regarding traffic mitigation
measures, and if there is no agreement, the applicant can come before the Planning Commission
again.
Jim Shores, 5420 Allemonde Ln., supported Mr. Gearhart's project but expressed concern with
the number and amount of road and building fees charged to developers in Atascadero. He feels
these excessive fees scare away potential commercial development.
Chairman Eddings closed the Public Comment period.
MOTION: By Commissioner Kelley and seconded by Commissioner Bentz to adopt
Planning Commission Resolution 2001-052 approving Conditional Use Permit
2001-0042, a request by Kelly Gearhart to construct a 15,000± square foot
commercial center at the northwest corner of Pueblo Avenue and San Luis
Avenue subject to findings and conditions and changing the wording of Condition
of Approval #27 to state that the applicant will have the option to return to the
Planning Commission if he is unable to work out an equitable solution to traffic
mitigation with City staff.
AYES: Commissioners Kelley, Bentz, Fonzi, Norton and Chairman Eddings
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
Motion passed 5:0 by a roll -call vote.
6. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 2000-0022: 6125 San Anselmo Avenue Tourist
Commercial Project: The proposed project consists of a card -lock type gas station with
three dispenser pumps, a four bay self -serve carwash, 2040± square feel of general
City of Atascadero Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting October 2, 2001
Page 5of9
commercial space and eight free standing motel units. The project is located on a site of
4.4± acres consisting of four separate lots. The project will be accessed from one existing
driveway located on San Anselmo Avenue and a second shared access on San Palo
Avenue. The site is served by public utilities and is an allowable use within the Tourist
Commercial General Plan Land Use and CT (Commercial Tourist) zoning district. The
site is located at 6125 / 6155 San Anselmo Avenue (APN 049-225-013, 014, 015 and
016). Owner and Applicant: Kelly Gearhart.
PROPOSED MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION 2001-036: Based on the
findings of the initial study, the Community Development Department recommends that
the Planning Commission find that no significant harm would come to the environment
from approval of this Conditional Use Permit, with the incorporation of the proposed
mitigation measures. The proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration is available for
public review through October 2, 2001, at 6500 Palma Avenue, Community
Development Department, Room 104, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through
Friday.
Staff Recommends:
The Planning Commission adopt Resolution 2001-053, thereby certifying the proposed
Mitigated Negative Declaration and approve Conditional Use Permit 2000-0022 based
on findings and subject to conditions and exhibits as attached to the staff report.
Planning Services Manager Warren Frace provided the staff report and answered questions of the
Commission.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Kelly Gearhart, 6205 Alcantara Ave., applicant, requested that the hours of operation be changed
from 7:00 a.m. through 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. through 10:00 p.m. He feels that the sound
impacts from Highway 101 are greater than those from the carwash. Mr. Gearhart answered
questions of the Commission.
Joan O'Keefe, 9985 Old Morro Road East, expressed several concerns with the project
including: 1) Traffic mitigation and mitigation fees, 2) tree mitigation fund, and 3) slope, which
she would like to be left as open space. Regarding the sewer, the public was assured that there
would be no further projects in this area because there was no more sewer capacity, however,
another project comes along and more sewer capacity is found. Mrs. O'Keefe feels this does not
sit well with the public who begin to doubt staff's qualifications when they can find more sewer
capacity after they had stated that there was none. Regarding the three recommendations for the
sewer, she has spoken with Mark and for the Commission's information, the first
recommendation, which is to go north on El Camino Real, is the "big fix" and it will take it
across to Del Rio. It will eliminate three pumps, and will then be using gravity, which will
reduce the energy cost. Recommendation number two would have required pipe bursting, which
would have been about the same in cost as the first. The third one is a temporary fix where they
put the switches in until they can do the real fix on El Camino.
City of Atascadero Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting October 2, 2001
Page 6 of 9
City Engineer Steve Kahn stated that the wastewater treatment plant had sufficient capacity for
this projects and future projects. The problem of delivering effluent to the wastewater treatment
plant has been addressed with the three mitigation measures listed. Regarding traffic mitigation
for this project, Mr. Kahn stated that Public Works proposes to do a striping change to the road
in order to provide clear direction to the flow of traffic. The applicant will be paying street and
bridge fees, which will help with the mitigation measures for this location.
Chairman Eddings closed the Public Comment period.
Commissioner Bentz referred to Condition of Approval #12.d) and stated that he would like to
see this condition removed and in its place a statement that 18 parking spaces would be required.
Commissioner Kelley suggested that the hours of operation be changed per the applicant's
request. Community Development Director Parcells indicated that if the Commission is to
approve this change, in order to preserve the validity of the Environmental Determination, the
following be added: "Compliance with the City Noise Ordinance."
Commissioner Norton stated that she would like to add that there be no overnight parking on the
street, especially by large trucks.
Planning Services Manager Frace suggested the Commission recommend a condition that
signage be required on and around the site prohibiting parking of large commercial trucks,
consistent with City Code.
Commissioner Fonzi stated that she would like to see a crosswalk installed in the area on San
Palo where the fire lane exists. Additionally, she would like the applicant to work with staff to
site the hotel units so that grading is minimized.
MOTION: By Commissioner Kelley and seconded by Commissioner Bentz to adopt
Resolution 2001-053, thereby certifying the proposed Mitigated Negative
Declaration and approve Conditional Use Permit 2000-0022 based on findings
and subject to conditions and exhibits as attached to the staff report and:
1. Condition of Approval #12.d) to be removed and in its place a statement that
18 parking spaces would be required.
2. Hours of operation of the carwash and vacuums to be permitted from 6:00
a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily.
3. Signage to be required on and around the site prohibiting parking of large
commercial trucks, consistent with City Code.
4. Addition of a crosswalk area between the parking lot and motel.
5. Applicant to work with staff to minimize the amount of grading on the project.
AYES: Commissioners Kelley, Bentz, Fonzi, Norton and Chairman Eddings
NOES: None
City of Atascadero Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting October 2, 2001
Page 7 of 9
ABSTAIN: None
Motion passed 5:0 by a roll -call vote.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STAFF REPORTS
7. TPM 2000-0009 DRIVEWAY GRADING PLAN REVIEW / 9092 La Canada
Avenue / Dulitz:
Associate Planner Jamie Kirk provided the staff report and answered questions of the
Commission.
Chairman Eddings inquired if the applicant and staff were in agreement on the current grading
plan. Associate Planner Kirk stated that it is not clear in looking at the driveway plan that the
applicant implemented the mitigation as requested by the Commission.
The slope, number of trees saved, grading and retaining wall issues were discussed by the
Commission.
Commissioner Kelley felt that doing the driveway as presented would damage a significant
additional amount of trees. In his opinion, the driveway needed more work and Commissioner
Kelley indicated that he would like to see a finished plan before approving the grading plan.
Chairman Eddings opened the hearing to the public.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Ron Kiel, 99 La Canada, applicant, reviewed what has been done since the last meeting to meet
the Commission's requests. Mr. Kiel stated that the retaining wall is still an issue, as the
Planning Department has not spelled out what specifically they wish to be accomplished with
more retaining walls. He proposed to have a soils engineer present when they begin cutting the
road so they can approve the one and a half to one slope wherever possible. Mr. Kiel answered
questions of the Commission.
Commissioner Fonzi expressed concern that a landscape and erosion control plan is not
adequately addressed.
Commissioner Bentz stated that he supports the idea of obtaining a geologists report to support
the use of steeper slopes.
Chairman Eddings indicated that the tree cover is very dense and that he has no problem with
removal of some trees. He also supports having a geologist look at whether one and a half to one
slopes could be used without causing erosion problems.
City of Atascadero Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting October 2, 2001
Page 8 of 9
Joan O'Keefe, 9985 Old Morro Road East, read from a prepared statement expressing her
concerns with the lack of a tree protection plan, and grading on the site. (Attachment 1)
Commissioner Kelley asked the applicant why he chose not to change the easement. Mr. Kiel
replied that there is no guarantee that altering the configuration of the driveway would reduce the
number of trees cut.
Commissioner Fonzi stated that she would like to see the applicant work with staff to redo this
plan and then bring it back to the Commission at a future date.
MOTION: By Commissioner Fonzi and seconded by Commissioner Kelley to continue this
item to a later date to allow the applicant to obtain a geologists report and for the
applicant to work with staff to mitigate the grading and tree removal impacts and
prepare a landscaping plan for Commission approval.
AYES: Commissioners Fonzi, Kelley, Norton, Bentz and Chairman Eddings
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
Motion passed 5:0 by a roll -call vote.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS & REPORTS
Commissioner Kelley asked about the Planning Commission Workshop scheduled for the end of
the month. Director Parcells reminded the Commission that there are two workshops this month,
one on October 27th sponsored by the County to be held at the County Library, and another on
October 30th given by Roy Hanley, City Attorney.
Commissioner Norton announced that there would be a Main Street Economic Restructuring
Committee meeting on October 15th, which will address the issue of zoning in the downtown.
All interested parties are invited to attend.
Commissioner Bentz reiterated that the Commission is looking for guidance from the Main
Street organization as to their definition of "retail" tenants for the downtown.
Associate Planner Jamie Kirk gave an update on the Malcolm Pickett project. Mr. Pickett has
decided to seek space elsewhere and that tenant space will be leased to a women's dress shop.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Eddings adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m. to the next regularly scheduled meeting of
the Planning Commission on Tuesday, October 16, 2001.
City of Atascadero Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting October 2, 2001
Page 9of9
MEETING RECORDED AND MINUTES PREPARED BY:
Grace Pucci, Recording Secretary
(Attachment 2) — Stephen R. Worford, Atascadero Credit Union (submitted to Recording Secretary but not read into
the Minutes)
Approved at 11-6-01 PC Meeting
Cdvlpmnt/PC Minutes 01/Minutes 10-02-01.gp.doc