HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes 04-15-08CALL TO ORDER
CITY OF ATASCADERO
PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, April 15, 2008 — 7:00 P.M.
Chairperson Fonzi called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and Vice Chairperson Slane
led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Heatherington, Jack, Marks, O'Grady, O'Keefe,
Vice Chairperson Slane and Chairperson Fonzi
Absent: None
Staff Present: Community Development Director Warren Frace, Deputy
Community Development Director Steve McHarris, Public Works
Director / City Engineer Steve Kahn, Senior Planner Kelly Gleason,
and Administrative Assistant Annette Manier.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: By Commissioner O'Keefe and seconded by Commissioner
Jack to approve the agenda.
Motion passed 7:0 by a roll -call vote.
PLANNING COMMISSION BUSINESS
None
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DISCLOSURE OF EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS:
■ Commissioner Marks stated he visited the Tunitas property for Item #3.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
Chairperson Fonzi closed the Public Comment period.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MEETING ON MARCH 18, 2008.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MEETING ON APRIL 1, 2008.
3. APPROVAL OF TIME EXTENSION ON TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 2003-0040,
5516 TUNITAS AVE., (MAVERICK CONSTRUCTION/THINGER)
Items pulled: Commissioner O'Grady, Item #1 and Item #3
Item #1 — MINUTES OF MARCH 18, 2008
Commissioner O'Grady stated he would like to add the following to his existing
comments in the minutes of March 18th regarding the Rite Aid project: "Commissioner
O'Grady expressed his concern about the maintenance of the existing driveways along
EI Camino that do not meet current separation standards and pose a significant safety
hazard to the public."
MOTION: By Commissioner Marks and seconded by Commissioner
Heatherington to approve Item #1.
Motion passed 7:0 by a roll -call vote.
Item #3 — TIME EXTENSION ON TPM 2003-0040
Commissioner O'Grady asked staff why the project is being continued, and what the
forecast for the project is.
Associate Planner Callie Taylor explained that the project has recently gone through
foreclosure.
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PUBLIC COMMENT
Brian Cowen, 524 Princeton, San Luis Obispo, representing the project, spoke about
the project and answered questions of the Commission.
Chairperson Fonzi closed the Public Comment period.
Commissioner O'Keefe remarked that although she had previously voted for this
project, she did not realize what the impacts would be based on the information she was
given, in addition she has received some complaints about the way the project has been
proceeding, and she would like to see some changes. She said she is not in favor of
approving the extension.
Vice Chairperson Slane stated that he believes the applicant should be allowed to ask
for an extension and is supportive of the extension.
Commissioner Jack indicated he understands the current tough times, knows the
foreclosure process can take time, and is supportive of the extension.
Commissioner O'Grady stated he has no familiarity with the project but it has been 4'/2
years since the project was approved. He doesn't feel he could vote for the extension,
and asked staff what the consequences would be if the extension were not approved.
Callie Taylor explained that the applicant could still build the houses as designed, but
they wouldn't all be separate parcels as the planned development had approved. If the
time extension gets denied, the applicant would have to come back with new
entitlements.
Commissioner Heatherington asked if the Commission is required by law to approve the
extension. Associate Planner Callie Taylor answered no.
Chairperson Fonzi asked if there was an affordable housing unit. Associate Planner
Callie Taylor said no, only in lieu fees.
Community Development Director Warren Frace explained the status of the project as a
whole and indicated that if one of the entitlement pieces goes away, it may compromise
the integrity of the project and lengthen the amount of time to complete the project.
Staff is concerned about the site becoming a neighborhood nuisance.
Commissioner Marks said that a substantial amount of work has been done on the site.
MOTION: By Commissioner Jack and seconded by Vice Chairperson
Slane to approve Item #3.
Motion passed 4:2:1 by a roll -call vote. (O'Keefe,
Heatherington opposed, O'Grady abstained)
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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STAFF REPORTS
PUBLIC HEARINGS
4. PLN 2008-1273, RITE AID DEVELOPMENT, 7045, 7055 EL CAMINO REAL
Property Owner:
Epsteen and Associates, 5034 Carpinteria Ave, Carpinteria, CA 93013
Project Title:
PLN 2008-1273 — Rite-Aid Development
Project
7045, 7055 EI Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422
Location:
APN 030-081-037, 041 (San Luis Obispo County)
Project
The proposed project consists of an application for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to
Description:
allow a new 17,340 square -foot Rite Aid development with drive-through pharmacy
and remodel of an existing 21,500 square -foot retail building. The Conditional Use
Permit will establish a Master Plan of Development for the site that will include all site
development and architectural standards for the project site. The proposed new
building and existing building are located within an existing shopping center at the
intersection of EI Camino Real and Highway 41 (Morro Road). The project takes
access off of EI Camino Real and Highway 41. No native trees are proposed for
removal.
General Plan Designation: General Commercial (GC)
Zoning District: Commercial Retail (CR)
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
Determination:
at 6907 EI Camino Real, Community Development Department, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00
p.m., Monday through Friday.
Senior Planner Kelly Gleason provided the staff report and answered questions of the
Commission.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Steve Kahn answered questions relating to the
pedestrian corridor/route into the shopping center.
Thom Jess, Arris Studio Architects, applicant's representative, spoke about the original
proposal compared to the new proposal. He discussed the changes made to the
architecture, signage, retaining wall, landscape feature, trash enclosure, and driveways.
Mr. Jess answered questions of the Commission.
Mike Heishima, co -applicant, said that any significant changes to the project now would
risk the entire project and asked the Commission to support the project.
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PUBLIC COMMENT
Len Colamarino expressed concern with the number of drive-through's at this location
and the implications for the City's image. He stated that the City needs policies and
standards for this type of development.
Joanne Main, President/CEO Atascadero Chamber of Commerce, commented that this
was a huge improvement to the project and the applicant has done an admirable job
with what the Commission has requested. She believes this will compliment Colony
Square and be a plus for the City's gateway.
Chairperson Fonzi closed the Public Comment period.
Senior Planner Kelly Gleason addressed issues raised during the Public Comment
period.
Director Kahn addressed the issue of ingresses and egresses on the frontage, and
stated that Caltrans is in favor of a center median.
MOTION: By Commissioner Jack and seconded by Commissioner O'Keefe to
adopt Resolution PC 2008-0018 certifying proposed Mitigated
Negative Declaration 2008-0003 and approve a Master Plan of
Development, CUP 2008-0223 for a new 17,340 square -foot retail
building with a drive-through pharmacy and remodel of an existing
21,500 square foot retail building at 7055 EI Camino Real based on
findings and subject to Conditions of Approval and mitigation
monitoring.
Commissioner Marks suggested adding a condition to include a sign in the drive-
through section that would ask people to shut their engines off with additional verbiage,
approved by the City Council, explaining why this request is being made.
There was Commission discussion regarding Commissioner Marks' suggestion.
Commissioner Heatherington said that a drive-through would have to be offset by other
major improvements for her to support it, which she cannot do at this time.
Commissioner O'Grady spoke about the pressure the Commission has been under from
the developer and the Chamber CEO to accept the project "as is", but that the
Commission believed the project could be better and he appreciated the applicants'
response to the Commission's original concerns. He read from Finding #3 and cited it
as the reason why he cannot support the project.
Chairperson Fonzi stated she appreciated the actions of the applicant in cooperating
with the wishes of the Commission, and that the new Rite Aid building would add a very
nice clean appearance to the City, and allow the existing building to be remodeled for a
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new tenant, adding revenues to the City, which is struggling with a lack of sales tax
revenue at this time.
Senior Planner Kelly Gleason stated that a standard "no idling sign" condition has been
added to the project.
MOTION: By Commissioner Jack and seconded by Commissioner
O'Keefe to adopt Resolution PC 2008-0018 certifying proposed
Mitigated Negative Declaration 2008-0003 and approve a
Master Plan of Development, CUP 2008-0223 for a new 17,340
square foot retail building with a drive-through pharmacy and
remodel of an existing 21,500 square foot retail building at
7055 EI Camino Real based on findings and subject to
Conditions of Approval and Mitigation Monitoring, and
including the modifications as proposed by staff.
Motion passed 4:3 by a roll -call vote. (Heatherington, O'Grady
Marks opposed)
Chairperson Fonzi recessed the hearing at 8:20 p.m.
Chairperson Fonzi called the meeting back to order at 8:25 p.m.
NEW BUSINESS:
5. PLN 2099-0904, 6901, 6905 EL CAMINO REAL, 6999 SANTA YSABEL AVE.,
COLONY SQUARE CUP 2004-0127 AND TTM 2005-0071 AMENDMENT
Property Owner•
James Harrison, Colony Square LLC, 205 E. Camarillo, Ste. 220, Santa Barbara, CA
93101
Project Title:
PLN 2099-0904, Amendment to CUP 2004-0127 & TTM 2005-0071
Project Location:
6901 & 6905 EI Camino Real, 6999 Santa Ysabel Ave., Atascadero, CA 93422
APN 029-361-018, 020, 022 (San Luis Obispo County)
Project
The proposed project consists of an Amendment to the lot configuration for Tentative
Description:
Tract Map 2005-0071 (Colony Square.) The proposed Amendment would create
separate lots over the roads and parking areas throughout the site. Modifications to the
project conditions of the Tentative Tract Map and the Conditional Use Permit are
proposed. The Master Plan of Development on the site would remain as originally
approved.
General Plan Designation: General Commercial (GC)
Zoning District: Commercial Retail (CR)
Proposed
Environmental
Consistent with Certified Mitigated Negative Declaration 2005-0020
Determination:
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Associate Planner Callie Taylor provided the staff report and answered questions of the
Commission.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Steve Kahn answered questions about the
pedestrian bridge, the property to be acquired from AUSD, the Atascadero Historical
Society lease revision, and the realignment of driveways on EI Camino Real to allow
safe vehicular movement.
Robert Winslow, EDA Design Professionals, 1998 Santa Barbara Street, SLO,
applicant's representative, gave a history of the project including the residential aspect
of the project and the liabilities it involves. He explained why they changed the number
of lots, and that by approving the project, the Commission would not be changing the
conditions for the most part, but changing the timing so they can move to occupancy,
get a final map recorded, and get a building built. Mr. Winslow answered questions of
the Commission.
Jim Harrison, project owner, addressed the Commission.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Steve Martin, Executive Director Atascadero Main Street, spoke in support of the project
and requested the Commission approve the Amendment.
Chairperson Fonzi closed the Public Comment period.
Commissioner O'Grady suggested a change to the language of item No. 27 on page 76
to read as follows: "The applicant shall cooperate, a-nd provide, and not restrict any
needed access to this property in regard to all public improvements and maintenance
that may need to be installed by the city fronting or adjacent to this property."
all 31I [0016]►yi I LTA 14►111
Robert Winslow stated they would have no objection to the requested change to Item
No. 27.
Chairperson Fonzi closed the Public Comment period.
MOTION: By Commissioner O'Keefe and seconded by Commissioner
Heatherington to adopt Resolution PC 2008-0022 approving an
amendment to Vesting Tentative Tract Map 2005-0071 based
on findings and subject to Conditions of Approval and
Mitigation Monitoring and adopt Resolution PC 2008-0023
approving an amendment to Conditional Use Permit 2004-0127
Master Plan of Development Condition amendment based on
findings and subject to Conditions of Approval and mitigation
monitoring, with the change to Item No. 27 to read: "The
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applicant shall cooperate, a -ad provide, and not restrict any
needed access to this property in regard to all public
improvements and maintenance that may need to be installed
by the city fronting or adjacent to this property."
Motion passed 7:0 by a roll -call vote.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS AND REPORTS
6. AIR POLLUTION CONTROL DISTRICT (APCD) PRESENTATION
The Air Pollution Control District will make a presentation regarding
environmental impacts related to drive-through commercial uses.
Andy Mutziger, APCD, provided the report and answered questions of the Commission.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Community Development Director Warren Frace reported that the RDA Forum would be
addressing the update of the Redevelopment Plan, that a Joint Housing Study Session
will be held on April 29`", and spoke about the Regional Water Quality Control Board
and the plans they are currently updating.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Fonzi adjourned the meeting at 10:00 p.m. to the next regularly scheduled
meeting of the Planning Commission on May 6, 2008.
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Annette Manier, Administrative Assistant
Grace Pucci, Recording Secretary
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