HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes 09-18-07CALL TO ORDER
CITY OF ATASCADERO
PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, September 18, 2007 — 7:00 P.M.
Chairperson O'Keefe called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and Commissioner
O'Grady led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROI I r01 I
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, Administrative
Services Director Rachelle Rickard, Deputy Community
Development Director Steve McHarris, Deputy Public Works
Director David Athey, Senior Planner Kelly Gleason, and Assistant
Planner Callie Taylor.
Chairperson O'Keefe read the decorum guidelines.
PLANNING COMMISSION BUSINESS
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: By Commissioner Jack and seconded by Commissioner Marks
to approve the agenda.
Motion passed 7:0 by a roll -call vote.
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DISCLOSURE OF EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS:
■ Commissioner Marks stated he visited Ridgeway Court and the Marchant Avenue
road abandonment.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MEETING ON SEPTEMBER 4, 2007.
MOTION: By Vice Chairperson Fonzi and seconded by Commissioner
Jack to approve Item #1.
Motion passed 6:0 by a roll -call vote. (O'Grady abstained)
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STAFF REPORTS
2. BUDGET PRESENTATION
Administrative Services Director Rachelle Rickard gave the staff report and answered
questions of the Commission.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Eric Greening raised questions regarding: 1) the percentage budgeted for transit versus
roads, 2) funding for AGP video, 3) what specialty is the City expecting to be most in
demand for the biologist, 4) research of wildlife corridors in Atascadero as a compliment
to the Native Tree inventory, 5) what funds would be used to bridge the gap in
negotiations with FEMA if needed, and 6) source of local match for Prop 1 B funding.
Don Giessinger spoke about property tax fluctuations and their effect on the cash flow
set aside in the reserve funds.
Chairperson O'Keefe closed the Public Comment period.
Director Rickard addressed questions raised during the Public Comment period.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
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3. PLN 2006-1117, PLANNED DEVELOPMENT FOR 5825 RIDGEWAY COURT
CONTINUED FROM THE MEETING OF APRIL 17, 2007
Owners/
Jim and Adrienne Beck, 5825 Ridgeway Court, Atascadero, CA 93422
Applicants:
Gary and Mary Tharp, 12250 San Antonio Road, Atascadero, CA 93422
Project Title:
PLN 2006-1117: CUP 2006-0184, TTM 2006-0089, ZCH 2006-0121
Project
Palma Avenue, Rosario Avenue, Ridgeway Court
Location:
(San Luis Obispo County) APN's: 029-322-022, 023, 024
Project
The proposed project was continued from the Planning Commission meeting of April
Description•
17, 2007 until a Historic Survey/Report could be obtained for the project, which has
now been completed.
The proposed project consists of an application for construction of 7 single-family
detached homes on individual lots that will be developed under the requirements of a
Planned Development Overlay -29 within the RMF -10 Zoning District. One existing home,
designated as an Atascadero Colony Home is proposed to remain. Proposed homes
range in size from 1500 to 2300 square feet. Lot sizes range from 3155 to 22,407 square
feet. The project includes one home per lot, each two stories tall and with either a porch
or a deck. Eight native trees are proposed for removal; 4 Toyons, 2 Live Oaks, and 2
Valley Oak trees. The project will take access from Palma, Rosario, and Ridgeway Court.
General Plan Designation: Medium Density Residential (MDR)
Zoning District: Residential Multi -Family -10 (RMF -10)
Proposed
Based on the initial study prepared for the project, a Mitigated Negative Declaration is
Environmental
proposed. The proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration is available for public review at
Determination:
6907 EI Camino Real, Community Development Department, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.,
Monday through Friday.
Senior Planner Kelly Gleason gave the staff report and answered questions of the
Commission.
The following addendums were recommended by staff:
1. Colors to be of a historic -type palate to be consistent with the existing Colony
Home and the nature of Colony home development in Atascadero.
2. Eliminate Condition No. 11.
3. Modification of Mitigation Measure 5.a.2.: addition of a sentence to the end of
measure that states "none of the walls shall be used as project signage."
PUBLIC COMMENT
Gary Tharp, applicant, stated he would like to see the Commission vote to recommend
this project go through with the staff recommendations. Mr. Tharp answered questions
of the Commission.
Jim Beck, applicant, answered questions of the Commission.
Greg Ravatt, neighbor to project, stated his concerns regarding the entry feature for this
project and asked the Commission to consider the fact that this is the entry to
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Atascadero's historic neighborhood and will be so forever. He also expressed concern
that the renderings and building elevations didn't match.
Eric Greening spoke of safety issues for the project including safe bicycle and
pedestrian circulation. He asked if an analysis of Palma Avenue has been done
regarding backing out, turning motions, and flow of traffic.
Chairperson O'Keefe closed the Public Comment period.
Deputy Public Works Director David Athey and Senior Planner Gleason addressed
questions raised during the Public Comment period.
Commissioner O'Grady expressed concern regarding the discrepancies between the
rendering and what is delineated on some of the drawings showing the lack of
architectural details that are needed for the historic neighborhood.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Jim Beck explained the issue of the discrepancy between the rendering and the actual
elevations. Mr. Beck stated all the houses have historic features and will not look
identical, and that they have done everything staff has asked them to do.
Chairperson O'Keefe closed the Public Comment period.
Chairperson O'Keefe suggested the following additions to the conditions of approval:
1. A condition added that historic colors will be used on the houses.
2. On lot 3 the horizontal lap siding will be used on the upper portion and stucco on
the first floor.
3. The belly band to be eliminated as much as possible and that something other
will be used for the transition.
4. Carriage garage doors will be used on all units.
5. Clipped corners on the roofline will be eliminated.
6. A qualified stone mason to be used as a consultant for the wall and how the
materials will be put back together again.
Vice Chairperson Fonzi suggested that staff attention be given to the entry feature so
that it looks historic.
Commissioner O'Grady stated there was too much ambiguity for such an important
project at such a critical location for this neighborhood, and he cannot vote for the
project.
Commissioner Heatherington remarked that she could not make Colony sense out of
these houses, that she was not comfortable with historic preservation at this level, that
the PD was too crowded for the area, and that she was unable to make the findings.
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MOTION: By Vice Chairperson Fonzi and seconded by Commissioner
Slane to adopt Resolution PC 2007-0029 recommending the
City Council certify Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration
2007-0003; and, adopt Resolution PC 2007-0030
recommending the City Council introduce an ordinance for
first reading by title only to approve Zone Text Change 2006-
0121 to establish Planned Development Overlay Zone #29;
and, adopt Resolution PC 2007-0031 recommending the City
Council introduce an ordinance for first reading by title only,
to approve Zone Map Change 2007-0135 based on findings;
and, adopt Resolution PC 2007-0032 recommending the City
Council approve Conditional Use Permit 2006-0184 (Master
Plan of Development), with parking option "c", based on
findings and subject to Conditions of Approval and Mitigation
Monitoring; and, adopt Resolution PC 2007-0033
recommending the City Council approve Vesting Tentative
Tract Map 2006-0089 based on findings and subject to
Conditions of Approval and Mitigation Monitoring with all
recommended changes plus staff changes.
Motion passed 5:2 by a roll -call vote. (O'Grady, Heatherington
opposed)
Commissioner Marks stated for the record that he voted in favor of the motion because
he believes in developing with more density at this point as an approach for mitigating
some of the global housing crisis.
Chairperson O'Keefe recessed the hearing at 9:17 p.m.
Chairperson O'Keefe called the meeting back to order at 9:22 p.m.
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4. PLN 2007-1238, CITYWIDE TITLE 9 PLANNING AND ZONING TEXT
AMENDMENTS
Applicant:
City of Atascadero, 6907 EI Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422
Project Title:
PLN 2007-1238 / Zone Change 2007-0138 Title 9 Planning and Zoning Text Amendments
Project
Citywide
Location:
Project
The project consists of a proposed Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment to portions of Title
Description•
9 Planning and Zoning, of the Atascadero Municipal Code (AMC). The proposed text
updates consist of three Amendments that encompass the following:
1.) Amend the timeframe for determination of completeness for Precise Plan and
Conditional Use Permit applications to be consistent with the requirements of the State of
California's Permit Streamlining Act (AMC 9.2-102).
2.) Extend the permit timeline for planning entitlements, including Conditional Use Permits
and Precise Plans, from 12 months to 24 months, to be consistent with the approval period
of Tentative Tract Maps (AMC 9-1.104, AMC 9-2.113, AMC 9-2.114, AMC 9-2.119).
3.) Amend RSF-Y and RSF-Z minimum lot size from net area to gross area in order make
the Zoning Ordinance consistent with the General Plan requirements (AMC 9-3.154).
Proposed
Exempt from CEQA, Proposed Notice of Determination
Environmental
Determination:
Assistant Planner Callie Taylor gave the staff report and answered questions of the
Commission.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Don Giessinger complimented staff on the recommendation for the Time Extension and
explained why this is important.
Greg Ravatt stated this was needed and commented that the real estate forecast for
this area is not good, and experts are looking at two years before it bottoms out, so
adding additional time is good.
Chairperson O'Keefe closed the Public Comment period.
Commissioner O'Grady stated he cannot support section #2, as he disagrees with
striking 9-2.119(b).
MOTION: By Commissioner Jack and seconded by Commissioner
O'Grady to approve staff recommendations 1., 3., and 4. as
follows: 1) Amend the processing timeframe for a
determination of completeness for Precise Plan and
Conditional Use Permit applications to be consistent with the
requirements of the State of California's Permit Streamlining
Act, and amend time limit for processing application to allow
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applicant up to one year before application is deemed
withdrawn (AMC 9.2-102); and, 3. Change RSF-Y and RSF-Z
minimum lot size from net area to gross area in order to make
the Zoning Ordinance consistent with the General Plan
requirements (AMC 9-3.154); and, 4) Change the 10 -foot
minimum setback from an access way to 5 feet in order to be
consistent with side property line setbacks (AMC 11-6.26, AMC
9-4.107).
Motion passed 7:0 by a roll -call vote.
MOTION: By Commissioner Slane and seconded by Commission Jack to
approve staff recommendation #2 as follows: 2) Extend the
permit approval period for planning entitlements from 12
months to 24 months, so that all planning applications have an
approval timeline consistent with the limitations of Tentative
Tract Maps, and additional amendments to substantial site
work definition and what constitutes progress towards work
on an entitlement (AMC 9-1.104, AMC 9-2.113, AMC 9-2.114,
AMC 9-2.119).
Motion passed 6:1 by a roll -call vote. (O'Grady opposed)
5. PLN 2007-1200, ROAD ABANDONMENT, PRECISE PLAN, AND LOT LINE
ADJUSTMENT FOR 6305 MORRO ROAD
Owner:
Donald A. Giessinger, PO Box 791, Atascadero, CA 93423
Project Title:
PLN 2007-1200, RAB 2007-0018, PPN 2007-0222, LLA 2007-0082
Project
6305 Morro Road, Atascadero, CA 93422
Location:
APN 030-212-016 (San Luis Obispo County)
Project
Consideration of a request to have the City of Atascadero abandon a portion of Marchant
Description:
Avenue right-of-way and allow a Lot Line Adjustment between one legal lot of record (Tesoro
Gas Station / Car Wash) located at 6305 Morro Road and adjacent Marchant Avenue right-of-
way. The project is proposed to accommodate an 850 square -foot Car Wash adjacent to an
existing Car Wash / Gas Station.
Proposed
Categorical exemption: CEQA Section 15305; Minor Alterations in Land Use Limitations:
Environmental
Class 5
Determination:
Deputy Community Development Director Steve McHarris gave the staff report and
answered questions of the Commission.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Don Giessinger, applicant, spoke about the history of the project site and stated he has
an issue with the fair market price wording. Mr. Giessinger answered questions of the
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Commission, and stated he has submitted plans to the Building Department for a car
wash.
Chairperson O'Keefe closed the Public Comment period.
MOTION: By Commissioner Marks and seconded by Chairperson
O'Keefe to recommend the City Council summarily vacate the
landscaped portion of Marchant Avenue right-of-way (Road
Abandonment 2007-0018); and, approve Lot Line Adjustment
2007-0082, based on findings and subject to Conditions of
Approval; and, recommend the City Council seek market rate
compensation for the landscaped portion of Marchant Avenue
right-of-way.
Motion passed 7:0 by a roll -call vote.
Chairperson O'Keefe recessed the hearing at 10:35 p.m.
Chairperson O'Keefe called the meeting back to order at 10:45 p.m.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS AND REPORTS
Chairperson O'Keefe stated she would like to have the City Council give more direction
regarding historic houses. She commented it would be helpful to require a historical
analysis report with each historic house or building that comes up, and to get more
specific direction as to what the Council wants regarding this subject.
MOTION: By Chairperson O'Keefe and seconded by Vice Chairperson
Fonzi to have the City Council develop some standards for
how they want the Planning Commission to handle historic
buildings, and including when they would require an historical
analysis.
Motion passed 7:0 by a roll -call vote.
Commissioner O'Grady asked for a copy of the minutes of the meeting between the
Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem and the Commission Chairs and Vice Chairs. Director Frace
reported that the draft minutes have been circulated to those who participated in the
meeting and he would check with the City Clerk as to when they will be available for
distribution.
6. PLN 2007-1188, PLANNING COMMISSION NORMS
Community Development Director Warren Frace gave the staff report and answered
questions of the Commission.
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MOTION: By Commissioner Marks and seconded by Vice Chairperson
Fonzi to go past 11:00 p.m.
Motion passed 6:1 by a roll -call vote. (Slane opposed)
There was Commission discussion of the proposed norms and the following sections
were corrected as follows:
GENERAL
• Criteria for commissioner for re -appointment (and in extreme cases, removal) shall include:
issues of conflicts of interest
- Attendance (Absence from 3 consecutive meetings, or from 4 meetings during a calendar
year without formal consent of the ;onCouncil).
- Support of General Plan.
- Respect for staff/public.
- Working for community versus personal purposes. (Needs to be clarified or deleted)
COMMISSION VALUES
• The Commission values active participation and open mindedness.
• Commission Members will have respect for each other as individuals.
• Commission Members have a responsibility to do what is in the public's best interest. will be
aNvi ..tui,
u; cu ¢..v ninrcl; with no hidden agendas
• The Commission Members value humor.
• Traditions are respected, but not binding.
COMMISSION INTERACTION AND COMMUNICATION
• Individuals are responsible to initiate resolution of problems A.S.A.P. and not let them build up.
• Commission Members will not direct personal attacks at each other during public meetings or in
the press., OF .,thor nlaGe/tirne Difference of opinion should be about issues and not
personalities.
• Relationships should be professional and courteous [beware of impact on, and perception of,
public].
• Substantive Commission / Department Director items are to receive advance notice and public
notification.
Staff in General
The GGFnFnission and staff Well not blind side each other in p blit• I,f there is ae significant issue or
a question a Commission Member has on an agenda item, that hen the member will make every
� ffuri. a) contact staff prior to the meeting.
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PUBLIC MEETINGS
• Consent Calendar
- The Consent Calendar should be used for minutes, routine Commission business, and items
already approved in the budget.
- Staff is prepared to report on every agenda item.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Community Development Director Warren Frace reported the City has received an
application from Wal Mart for a General Plan Amendment along with the Annex project.
Director Frace announced that RRM Design Group may call Commission members for a
meeting in groups of two or three with staff in attendance to discuss the history and
constraints on the Eagle Ranch project site; attendance is optional.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson O'Keefe adjourned the meeting at 11:17 p.m. to the next regularly
scheduled meeting of the Planning Commission on October 2, 2007.
MINUTES PREPARED BY:
Grace Pucci, Recording Secretary
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