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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes 10-16-01CITY OFATASCADERO PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Regular Meeting October 16, 2001 — 7:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Kelley called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. MOTION: By Commissioner Bentz and seconded by Commissioner Norton to appoint Commissioner Kelley to act as Chairman at this meeting in the absence of Chairman Eddings and a Vice Chairman. AYES: Commissioners Bentz, Blaser, Fonzi, Norton and Kelley NOES: None ABSTAIN: None Motion passed 5:0 by a roll -call vote. Commissioner Blaser led the Pledge of Allegiance. PLANNING COMMISSION BUSINESS A. Administration of Oath of Office City Clerk Marcia McClure Torgerson administered the Oath of Office to new Planning Commission Member, Tom O'Malley. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Bentz, Blaser, Fonzi, Kelley, O'Malley and Norton Absent: Chairman Eddings Staff: Planning Services Manager Warren Frace, Associate Planner Jamie Kirk and Recording Secretary Grace Pucci. City of Atascadero Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting October 16, 2001 Page 2 of 9 PLANNING COMMISSION BUSINESS (continued) B. Election of New Vice Chairperson MOTION: By Acting Chairman Kelley and seconded by Commissioner Blaser to postpone the election of a new Vice Chairperson to the next meeting when Chairman Eddings would be present. AYES: Commissioners Blaser, Fonzi, Bentz, Norton, O'Malley and Acting Chairman Kelley. NOES: None ABSTAIN: None Motion passed 6:0 by a roll -call vote. PUBLIC COMMENT None CONSENT CALENDAR 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING ON OCTOBER 2, 2001. Joan O'Keefe, 9985 Old Morro Road, asked for a correction in the Minutes of October 2, 2001, indicating that she did not state concern for "sewer capacity" in her remarks regarding the San Anselmo Avenue Tourist Commercial Project. Mrs. O'Keefe stated that her remarks were to address the fact that this area of San Anselmo continually has projects added to it and in the past staff has stated that for this area only, there is no more capacity as it stands at this time because it can only pump so much sewage. Mrs. O'Keefe felt this did not sit well with the public because they were being told one thing and then something else would happen. Her remarks on October 2, 2001 directly addressed the three options available for correcting the problem and sharing those with the Commission. Acting Chairman Kelley indicated that Mrs. O'Keefe's statement in the Minutes for this evening's meeting would suffice for approval. MOTION: By Commissioner Fonzi and seconded by Commissioner Norton to approve Consent Calendar Item #1 as amended. AYES: Commissioners Fonzi, Norton, Bentz and Acting Chairman Kelley City of Atascadero Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting October 16, 2001 Page 3 of 9 NOES: None ABSTAIN: Commissioners Blaser and O'Malley Motion passed 4:0 by a roll -call vote. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 2001-0018: 2 -Lot Subdivision at 2000 Ferrocarril Road: A proposed Tentative Parcel Map application to allow a 2 -lot subdivision of a 6.33 acre lot. The subdivision would permit the construction of two single-family residences. The houses will have access from a common access drive off of Ferrocarril Road and will be served by on-site septic systems. Water will be provided by the Atascadero Mutual Water Company. The project is proposed on a colony lot located at 2000 Ferrocarril Road, Atascadero, CA 93422, San Luis Obispo County, APN 049-291- 005 (Subject property fronts the cul-de-sac at the end of Ferrocarril Road). General Plan Designation: Suburban Single -Family; Zoning District Residential Suburban with a minimum lot size of 2.8 acres based on performance standard calculation; Owner / Applicant: Kelly Gearhart. PROPOSED MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION 2001-038: 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 Tentative Parcel Map with the incorporation of the proposed mitigation measures. The proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration is available for public review through October 16, 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 2001-054 certifying proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration 2001-0038, and approving Tentative Parcel Map 2001-0018, a request to subdivide a 6.33 acre lot into two parcels; 2.82 acres and 3.51 acres each, based on findings and subject to conditions. Associate Planner Jamie Kirk provided the staff report and answered questions of the Commission. PUBLIC COMMENT Kelly Gearhart, 6205 Alcantara, applicant, gave a history of the Water Company access issue and stated his opinion that as the Water Company is a private concern he would work with them personally to establish an access way through his property and the City need not be involved. Mr. Gearhart stated that an access way to the De Anza trail would be provided for the people who live on Ferrocarril. His proposal is for an access way down to the end of the property, City of Atascadero Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting October 16, 2001 Page 4 of 9 which will eventually be for emergency access. Mr. Gearhart answered questions of the Commission. Commissioner O'Malley referred to Parcel 2 and pointed out erosion along the bank and asked the applicant if he would be willing, if feasible, to restore the bank with the materials at hand to a more natural slope to help the beauty of that lot. Mr. Gearhart stated that to the left of Parcel 2 there is a big knob where there has been mining in the past, he would like to shape that knob to where it looks more natural rather than to have gouge marks out of the side of it, then utilize that dirt for a little pad area for the house. Additionally, Commissioner O'Malley indicated that there was a lot of leftover construction debris, old culverts, wire, etc., and asked if Mr. Gearhart would be cleaning up that debris so that the property owner would not have to deal with it later. Mr. Gearhart stated that there are tires as well as the debris mentioned by Commissioner O'Malley and it is his intention when the project is all done to completely fence the area and have the property looking nice like the other parcels along Ferrocarril while getting rid of all of the debris. Joan O'Keefe, 9985 Old Morro Road, stated that she could not make sense of the map for this project and found it difficult to tell where the lots were. As this information should be available to the public, it must be legible. Mrs. O'Keefe questioned whether any trees would be impacted or removed. Commissioner Bentz quoted from the staff report, under the subdivision "Design" which states that "Adequate building sites exist on both lots and construction of the homes within the building sites shown on the tentative map can be accomplished without removing native trees." Commissioner Norton commented that there are four or more trees within the 50 -foot easement, and because that easement may be paved in the future, she feels trees may be impacted. Jolene Bolcart, Ferrocarril resident, expressed her concern regarding access to the De Anza trail, and was pleased that the Commission is addressing the issue. Joan O'Keefe, addressed the liability issue for the easement. She referred to a similar pedestrian easement on the Rancho de Paraiso project and stated that the City Attorney said at that time that there was no problem or concern regarding liability. Kelley Gearhart, applicant, addressed Commissioner Norton's concern regarding tree impacts. He stated that the four trees at the end of the easement would only be impacted if the easement remains at 50 feet. If access were limited for emergency purposes, which provides for a smaller size easement, the trees would not be impacted. Acting Chairman Kelley closed the Public Comment period. Acting Chairman Kelley suggested that Condition of Approval #40 should be worded so that the applicant and the water company mutually agree upon the location of the water main easement. Commissioner Fonzi stated her concerns regarding Condition of Approval #11 and suggested it be reworded to read: "An unobstructed 8 -foot wide walking and horse path with vehicle blocking features shall be provided within the 20 -foot wide public access." City of Atascadero Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting October 16, 2001 Page 5 of 9 MOTION: By Acting Chairman Kelley and seconded by Commissioner Bentz to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2001-054 certifying proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration 2001-0038, and approving Tentative Parcel Map 2001- 0018, a request to subdivide a 6.33 acre lot into two parcels; 2.82 acres and 3.51 acres each, based on findings and subject to conditions. With the following modifications: 1. Conditions of Approval No. 40 to read: "The applicant shall provide a 50 -foot wide access easement and a 50 -foot wide water main easement for the Atascadero Mutual Water Company, as shown on the tentative Map, unless an alternative easement location is approve agreed upon by the applicant and the Atascadero Mutual Water Company." 2. Conditions of Approval No. 11 to read: "An unobstructed eight -foot wide walking and horse path with vehicle blocking features shall be provided within the 20 -foot wide public access easement." 3. Condition the 50 -foot easement as an emergency access. 4. Require two access gates to be provided. AYES: Commissioners Bentz, Norton, O'Malley, Blaser, Fonzi and Acting Chairman Kelley. NOES: None ABSTAIN: None Motion passed 6:0 by a roll -call vote. 3. 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. 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. City of Atascadero Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting October 16, 2001 Page 6 of 9 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. Associate Planner Jamie Kirk provided the staff report and answered questions of the Commission. PUBLIC COMMENT Heather Forney, Alpine PCS, 3220 South Higuera, representative for the applicant, gave a brief background on Alpine PCS and addressed several issues regarding the project. 1. 10 -foot extension: There will not be room for additional carriers on the extension. 2. Lighting of tower: Alpine must apply to the FAA and they will decide if the extension must be lighted. 3. Alternate locations: Alpine did look at several other sites, however, for a variety of reasons including transfer of ownership issues and visibility, these sites did not meet their needs as adequately as the Garcia Road site. Ms. Forney answered questions of the Commission regarding view shed, maintenance, fencing and the possible use of a monopine. Charles Gillilance, 660 Garcia Road, expressed several concerns with this project. 1. Environmental study: He felt the project was rubber-stamped. 2. Aesthetics: This extension would create additional industrial clutter and glare to the view. 3. Impacts on wildlife. 4. Noise: Ambient wind blowing through the extension would add more electronic noise to the area. 5. Radio Frequency will create problems for short-wave radio. 6. The photographs provided from Nipomo are non -representative of the anticipated extension. 7. FAA warning light will be intrusive for the view. 8. Diminished property values. Scott Shannon, Alpine PCS, addressed several issues raised by the public. Alpine is attempting to reduce the need for new structures; this is why they have selected to place the extension on the existing PG&E tower. The FAA does not require lighting or striping on any structure that is below 200 feet unless it is near an airport or existing landing strip. The antennas are painted to reduce glare and blend in with the existing structure. It has been their experience that this design as proposed has been given a lot of support in San Luis Obispo County. Paul Brewer, Alpine PCS, discussed radio frequencies and stated that Alpine's frequency is very high on the spectrum as opposed to short wave radios. The transmitter is 16 watts, very low power, and he has no concerns that this will interfere with short wave radios in the area. City of Atascadero Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting October 16, 2001 Page 7 of 9 Regarding wildlife, because of the directive design of the panel antenna, there should be no problem. A letter was received from Robert J. Gannon, 740 Garcia Road, who was unable to attend the meeting but wanted his opposition to the addition of the cellular telephone antennas to the PG&E transmission tower to be placed in the Minutes. (Attachment 1) Acting Chairman Kelley closed the Public Comment period. Commissioner Norton stated her concerns with the aesthetics and the extension's location within a residential neighborhood. She is not convinced that a search for alternative sites has been researched as thoroughly as she would like. Additionally, the issue of noise is of concern. Acting Chairman Kelley, agreed with Commissioner Norton and expressed his concern for property rights. He feels that the addition of these antennas will affect property values in the area. He would like to see an alternate location or the use of a monopine tower to blend in with the environment. Commissioner O'Malley, would like to see the other locations that were under consideration for this project explored in greater depth before deciding on this location. Commissioner Blaser agreed with the other Commissioners and in addition was concerned with setting a precedent whereby the Commission would be obligated to approve additional antennas creating an unsightly structure. Commissioner Fonzi expressed her concern with this project being located within a residential neighborhood. She suggested that this item be continued to allow the applicant to look into alternate locations. MOTION: By Commissioner Fonzi and seconded by Commissioner Norton to continue Public Hearing Item #3. AYES: Commissioner Fonzi, Norton, Blaser, Bentz, O'Malley and Acting Chairman Kelley. NOES: None ABSTAIN: None Motion passed 6:0 by a roll -call vote. Planning Services Manager Warren Frace requested the Commission give the applicant specific direction on where or what type of redesign would be appropriate. Acting Chairman Kelley stated that the Commission is attempting to keep this project out of residential neighborhoods, and would prefer it in an open area where it would not affect private City of Atascadero Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting October 16, 2001 Page 8 of 9 property rights. The applicant may also want to consider designing a tower that is more conducive to the environment of the neighborhood such as a monopine. Commissioner Bentz indicated that it would be difficult for the Commission to made "Finding for approval of Conditional Use Permit" #3. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STAFF REPORTS Planning Services Manager Frace gave an update on the General Plan process. The City Council has endorsed a preferred land use plan and staff is moving forward with preparation of the draft general plan policy document and the draft environmental impact report. Those documents should be available toward the end of this year for public review and additional review by the Planning Commission. Maps are being reproduced and should be available to the Commission at their next meeting. Mr. Frace announced that Lori Parcells, Community Development Director, has resigned effective October 15, 2001. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS & REPORTS Commissioner O'Malley inquired where information was available regarding sewer capacity and facilities. Mr. Frace recommended arranging a meeting for Commissioner O'Malley with Steve Kahn and Mark Markwort of the Public Works Department, or if the Commission wished, Steve Kahn could be asked to make a presentation at a future Commission meeting. Commissioner Norton stated that she would like to have a tour of the sewer plant. Mr. Frace stated that a special meeting could be held allowing the Commissioners to tour the facility and the public would also be invited to attend. Acting Chairman Kelley felt that it would be useful to have Public Works Director Kahn give a presentation regarding the sewer facilities at a Commission meeting. Commissioner Fonzi stated that it would be helpful if the Commission had a written guideline stating the capacity, buildout, etc. Commissioner Norton announced that the Atascadero Main Street Economic Restructuring Committee met last Monday and there was consensus that some wording may have to be changed in the zoning ordinance for the downtown plan. The parties concerned are working on the wording and the Committee will meet again on Monday, November 5, 2001, at 12:00 p.m., in Room 102 of City Hall. The public is invited to attend. City of Atascadero Planning Commission Minutes ADJOURNMENT Regular Meeting October 16, 2001 Page 9 of 9 Acting Chairman Kelley adjourned the meeting at 8:38 p.m. to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning Commission on Tuesday, November 6, 2001. MEETING RECORDED AND MINUTES PREPARED BY: Grace Pucci, Recording Secretary Attachment 1 — Robert J. Gannon, 740 Garcia Road Adopted 11-20-01 Cdvlpmnt/PC Minutes 01/PC Minutes Revised 10-16-Ol.gp.doc