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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes 03-19-07CALL TO ORDER CITY OF ATASCADERO PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Regular Meeting Monday, March 19, 2007 — 7:00 P.M. Chairperson O'Keefe called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and Commissioner Slane led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Heatherington, Jack, Marks, O'Grady, Slane, Fonzi, and Chairperson O'Keefe Absent: None Others Present: Recording Secretary Grace Pucci Staff Present: Community Development Director Warren Frace, Public Works Director Steve Kahn, Deputy Community Development Director Steve McHarris and Assistant Planner Callie Taylor. PLANNING COMMISSION BUSINESS APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: By Vice Chairperson Fonzi and seconded by Commissioner Jack to approve the agenda. Motion passed 7:0 by a roll -call vote. DISCLOSURE OF EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS None PC Minutes 03/19/07 Page 1 of 6 PUBLIC COMMENT None CONSENT CALENDAR 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING ON MARCH 6, 2007. MOTION: By Commissioner Jack and seconded by Vice Chairperson Fonzi to approve Item #1. Motion passed 7:0 by a roll -call vote. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STAFF REPORTS PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 2006-0196/PLN 2006-1151, 8905 MONTECITO Applicant: Tastee Freez, John Sidders, 1209 Hanover Place, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Owner: Morro Road Homes, LLC, Kelly Gearhart, 6205 Alcantara Avenue, Atascadero, CA 93422 Project Title: Conditional Use Permit 2006- 0196 / PLN 2006-1151 Project 8905 Montecito Road, Atascadero, CA 93422 Location: APN 056-071-010 Project The proposed project consists of an application for a Conditional Use Permit for a drive-through Description: restaurant located on 0.52 acres within the Commercial Tourist Zone. The site was recently approved for a three lot split with a similar site plan proposed for a commercial center with shared parking and shared storm water detention facilities (PLN 2006-1121.) The only addition since the map approval is the addition of the drive thru. The project takes access off Montecito Avenue. The proposal includes a main dining building and a drive-through facility along the East Front Road. The site is currently vacant. General Plan Designation: General Commercial (GC) Zoning District: Commercial Tourist (CT) Proposed Based on the initial study prepared for the project, a Mitigated Negative Declaration is proposed. The Environmental proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration is available for public review at 6907 El Camino Real, Determination: Community Development Department, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Assistant Planner Callie Taylor and Deputy Community Development Director Steve McHarris gave the Staff Report and answered questions of the Commission. Commissioner Marks expressed concern with the drive through, as former Mayor O'Malley had signed the Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. He would like to hear PC Minutes 03/19/07 Page 2 of 6 from the Air Quality Control Board (APCD) regarding the drive through portion of this project. PUBLIC COMMENT John Sidders, applicant for Tastee Freez, answered questions of the Commission. Mr. Sidders reviewed the design plans for the building and stated they are willing to make modifications to their design to meet the goals and needs of the Planning Department with the exception of the red awnings, as they are important to the brand. Chairperson O'Keefe closed the Public Comment period. Commissioner Comments Commissioner O'Grady: 1. Would like to see something in line with what the staff wants, and supports their recommendation for a continuance. 2. Would like the building colors toned down to be more sensitive to neighboring businesses. 3. Would like more information regarding air quality issues and the drive through. 4. Likes the idea of exterior tables, but is uncertain about shared parking and would like to know about the contractual arrangements for the parking lot. 5. Would like to see the large broken sign on the lot removed as it is a hazard. 6. Signage should comply with city ordinances, with reasonable exceptions if needed. 7. There is a lot of light pollution from this project. He would like to know what the lumens are for the sign and business. Commissioner Jack: 1. Important to tone the colors down and make a more compatible architectural look to the building itself. 2. Parking is a concern because of seating for 70 inside the restaurant; however evening parking shouldn't be a problem as other businesses in the center will be closed. 3. The 150 square foot sign is too big; a smaller sign would still be visible. Vice Chairperson Fonzi: 1. The colors as proposed would be an anomaly for Atascadero. 2. It would be to the applicant's advantage to have patio dining and she would like to see more if possible. 3. Believes there is more than enough parking, but would like to see a safe way for pedestrians and especially children to walk across the lot. 4. Would like to see a bike rack. 5. Though she shares the concern for the drive through in terms of pollution, it is not fair to require the APCD assessment of the drive through as the applicant has followed the rules in place at this time. PC Minutes 03/19/07 Page 3 of 6 6. No problem with the signs on the building because of its location/configuration, however the freeway sign is excessive and she would like it to be 100 square feet rather than 150. 7. Likes the idea of making some of the sign opaque. Commissioner Slane: 1. The original colors were bright for this community, but with the color toned down the signage as proposed is adequate. 2. Should meet the applicants need to allow the 30 inch width and 150 square foot for the pole sign because they have been willing to tone down their color scheme, which is a signature of their business. 3. The LED lighting is unique to the business and should not be counted against the signage. 4. Shared parking is okay. Commissioner Marks: 1. Building color needs to be toned down. 2. Improvements in architectural appeal are warranted. 3. Flag test is a good idea. 4. 150 square foot sign concerns him. 5. Would like to have the APCD's assessment for idling engines and walkable communities. Commissioner Heatherington: 1. Concerned with the possibility that children will be trying out bikes from K -Man Cyclery in the parking lots. 2. Must pay attention to the mix of traffic, children and people on bikes. 3. The signage is large and she would like to see something smaller. 4. Would like to see the cooking oils retained for bio -diesel use. 5. APCD element is important with many people and children on site. Chairperson O'Keefe: 1. The roof detail is important because it is looked down on as people drive by. 2. An architectural theme has been established in the center and therefore she supports staff's recommendations that this building tie in. Signage is more important than the architecture to identify the business. 3. No problem with the 30 inch width for the standing sign. 4. The signage should be what is required; 150 feet is a lot. This is a high profile area so the sign will stand out. Signage requirements should be adhered to. 5. Doesn't think there will be a parking problem. 6. Regarding the LED lights and recessed channel, she would like to see the light pollution at the Carlton before she weighs in on that. 7. The awnings need to tie in with those on the existing buildings, as it is important to tie the project together PC Minutes 03/19/07 Page 4 of 6 MOTION: By Vice Chairperson Fonzi and seconded by Commissioner Marks to continue the item, to April 17tH Motion passed 7:0 by a roll -call vote. 3. THIS ITEM HAS BEEN CONTINUED UNTIL APRIL 3, 2007 PRECISE PLAN 2005-0172, TREE REMOVAL PERMIT 2006-0094 FOR 5105 & 5305 CHAUPLIN LANE Applicant: Don Messer, P O Box 1958, Atascadero, CA 93423 Owners: Burt Polin, 147 Los Cerros Drive, SLO, CA 93405 Michael Finch, 6445 N. Palm Ave. #101, Fresno, CA 93704 Project Title: Precise Plan 2005-0172, 2 Single -Family Residences on slopes greater than 10% Tree Removal Permit 2006-0094 Project 5105 & 5305 Chauplin Lane, Atascadero, CA 93422 Location: (San Luis Obispo County) APN 030-311-005, 030-311-002 Project The project consists of an application to construct 2 single-family houses on 2 existing lots of record. Description: Both of the residences each total 1,928 sq. ft. with a 744 sq. ft. garage and a 120 sq. ft. deck. The proposed project will require approx. 1,300 cubic yards of cut and approximately 700 cubic yards of fill on moderate to steep slopes and will incorporate retaining walls. Approximately 62 native trees are proposed for removal and the residences will gain access through a shared driveway from Chauplin Lane. This is a revised proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration and replaces the document previously posed on June 5, 2006. General Plan Designation: SFR -Z Zoning District: RSF-Z Proposed Based on the initial study prepared for the project, a Mitigated Negative Declaration is proposed. The Environmental proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration is available for public review at 6907 El Camino Real, Determination: Community Development Department from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS AND REPORTS Commissioner O'Grady asked for on update on the status of the Balboa emergency escape route. Community Development Director Warren Frace stated staff is collaborating with the Fire Chief, Police Chief and Public Works Director on the report, which should be on one of the April agendas. PC Minutes 03/19/07 Page 5 of 6 Vice Chairperson Fonzi suggested addressing the issue of drive through's at a future meeting. Director Frace indicated the issue would be agendized for further discussion. Chairperson O'Keefe reported that the City Council will be taking action to put the motorcycle issue back on their agenda. Chairperson O'Keefe spoke about the importance of making decisions that comply with City Ordinances, the General Plan and its provisions. She indicated that when an applicant comes in and complies with the City's regulations and works with staff she will approve a project even if she doesn't like it, because the City Council has established the provisions, which the Commission must follow. Chairperson O'Keefe read from the guidelines for decorum that Mayor Luna recites at the beginning of Council meetings and asked if the Commission thinks she should also read it prior to their meetings. There was Commission consensus for the Chairperson to read the decorum guidelines prior to their meetings. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Community Development Director Warren Frace gave an update on the Planning Commissioner Conference, and Deputy Community Development Director Steve McHarris recommended specific sessions that would be good for Commissioners to attend. Director Frace reported that the City Attorney has scheduled Brown Act training for April 25th, 6:00 p.m., that there will be a Study Session with the City Council on March 27th regarding the Eagle Creek Golf Course project, and reviewed the next Planning Commission agenda. Regarding the motorcycle issue, he reported Council gave staff direction to bring a formal ordinance forward for the Planning Commission to consider. ADJOURNMENT Chairperson O'Keefe adjourned the meeting at 9:06 p.m. to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning Commission on April 3, 2007. MINUTES PREPARED BY: Grace Pucci, Recording Secretary \\Cityhall\cdvlpmnt\— PC Minutes\PC Minutes 07\PC Minutes 03-19-07.doc PC Minutes 03/19/07 Page 6 of 6