HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes 08-19-08CALL TO ORDER
CITY OF ATASCADERO
PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 — 7:00 P.M.
Chairperson Fonzi called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Commissioner Marks led the
Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Heatherington, Marks, Moreno, O'Grady, O'Keefe,
Jack, and Chairperson Fonzi
Absent: None
Others Present: Recording Secretary Susanne Anshen
Staff Present: Community Development Director Warren Frace, Deputy
Community Development Director Steve McHarris, Senior Planner
Kelly Gleason, Associate Planner Callie Taylor, Planning Intern
Scott Kaiser, and City Engineer / Public Works Director Steve
Kahn.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: By Commissioner O'Keefe and seconded by Commissioner
Moreno to approve the agenda.
Motion passed 7:0 by a roll -call vote.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
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PLANNING COMMISSION BUSINESS
DISCLOSURE OF EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS:
• Commissioner Marks stated he visited sites on Items 4, 5 and 6.
• Commissioner Heatherington stated she visited all the sites and visited with
Mr. Newlander, who is a neighbor on the Marchant Avenue project.
• Commissioner Moreno stated she visited all the sites and spoke with
Mr. Chambers, the applicant of the Marchant Avenue project.
• Chairperson Fonzi stated she visited all the sites, but did not speak with anyone.
• Vice Chairperson Jack stated he visited the sites on Items 3, 5 and 6 and, talked
with Mr. Newlander.
• Commissioner O'Grady stated he visited all the sites except Item 3. On Item 4,
the Amapoa site, and spoke with a neighbor who commented some of the
existing trees on the subject property are damaging his fence.
• Commissioner O'Keefe stated she spoke with Mr. Chambers on the Marchant
Avenue project.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MEETING ON JULY 15, 2008.
Commissioner Moreno noted on the July 15, 2008, minutes on page 4, on her comment
on the economic feasibility, it was not on trying to "camouflage", but rather it was on the
"economic feasibility of a study necessitating the exact height of the antennae".
Chairperson Fonzi stated that John Neil mentioned in the minutes is spelled N -E -A -L;
however, Commissioner O'Keefe thought it was N -E -I -L. Chairperson Fonzi asked staff
to clarify the correct spelling.
MOTION: By Commissioner Marks seconded by Commissioner
O'Grady to approve the July 15, 2008, Minutes of the
Regular Planning Commission Meeting as corrected.
Motion passes 6:0 on a roll -call vote (Commissioner
Heatherington abstained.)
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2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION
MEETING ON AUGUST 5, 2008.
MOTION: By Commissioner Moreno seconded by Commissioner
Marks to approve the August 5, 2008, Minutes of the
Regular Planning Commission Meeting.
Motion passes 7:0 on a roll -call vote.
3. PLN 2008-1277/TREE REMOVAL PERMIT FOR 10560 SAN MARCOS ROAD
Property Owner:
Patricia Kutzmann, 45220 Parkmeadow Dr., Fremont, CA 94539
Certified Arborist:
A&T Arborists, PO Box 1311, Templeton, CA 93465
Project Title:
PLN 2008-1277/TRP 2008-0118 Tree Removal
Project Location:
10560 San Marcos Road, Atascadero, CA 93422
APN 055-041-013 (San Luis Obispo County)
Project Description:
The proposed project consists of a request to remove one (1) Blue Oak
totaling 38 inches DBH.
General Plan Designation: Rural Estate (RE)
Zoning District: Residential Suburban (RS)
Deputy Community Development Director Steve McHarris introduced Planning Intern
Scott Kaiser, who presented the staff report and answered questions of the
Commission.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Steven Alvarez, A & T Arborists, stated the slope of the lot made it difficult to plan
around the trees. Mr. Alvarez appeared on behalf of the applicant and answered
questions of the Commission.
Chairperson Fonzi closed the public comment period.
MOTION: By Commissioner O'Keefe seconded by Commissioner Marks
to approve Resolution No. PC 2008-0042 to allow the
removal of one blue oak totaling 38 inches DBH subject to
conditions of mitigation consistent with the Atascadero Native
Tree Ordinance.
Motion passed 7:0 on a roll -call vote.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS
4. PLN 2008-1302, WEST FRONT VILLAGE (PD -23) (CUP 2003-0108 / TTM
2003-0035) AMENDMENT OF CIRCULATION CONDITION #35.
Owner/Applicant:
City of Atascadero Public Works Department, 6907 EI Camino Real, Atascadero
Project Title:
PLN 2008-1302, Amendment to CUP 2003-0108 / TTM 2003-0035 (PD -23)
Project Location:
9000 West Front Road, Atascadero, CA 93422
APN 056-131-021 (San Luis Obispo County)
Project Description:
The proposed application is a request by the City Engineer to amend conditions
of approval (CUP condition #35 / TTM condition #32) related to installation of a
median in Santa Rosa Road at West Front as traffic mitigation for the West Front
Village Project.
General Plan Designation: General Commercial
Zoning District: Commercial Retail / PD -23
Proposed
Consistent with previously certified Mitigated Negative Declaration.
Environmental
Determination:
Senior Planner Kelly Gleason and Public Works Director/City Engineer Steve Kahn
gave the staff report and answered questions of the Commission.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Toni Paradise, Old Santa Rosa Road, pointed out there is an elementary school on
Santa Rosa Road and when school starts, the level of traffic increases. The issue is the
heavy traffic on Old Santa Rosa Road.
Barbara Sims stated the light system is too long and does not allow traffic to flow.
Currently, you are pushed up against the curb and you cannot see the light. She
indicated this was to have had a bump -out and this has not been fixed.
Alana Reynolds spoke about the fire station on West Front indicating the road is narrow
and two large trucks cannot pass each other.
Chairperson Fonzi closed the public comment period.
Chairperson Fonzi asked staff about the speed on Old Santa Rosa Road. City
Engineer / Public Works Director Steve Kahn stated this project will not impact speed
near the school but east -bound traffic would have a signal ahead of them and may go
faster than if they had a stop sign.
Chairperson Fonzi asked about Barbara Sims' concern on the light cycles and City
Engineer / Public Works Director Steve Kahn agreed at times there are vehicles that
turn left and block traffic causing delay, but traffic engineers felt the permissive left
would not override those vehicles turning left. The traffic engineers felt it would lower
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the level of service because the bridge deck is too small for the storage of vehicles and
your delay would be longer. Mr. Kahn stated they plan to take the area in the middle of
the road and move it to the side of the road and allow vehicles to stack farther away
from the signal, thereby allowing them better view of the signals.
Chairperson Fonzi asked about Alana Reynolds' concern about the street being too
narrow for two large trucks to pass on Santa Rosa Road near the fire station. City
Engineer / Public Works Director Steve Kahn stated he spoke with the Atascadero Fire
Chief who noted that when they have calls on the west side of town, they do not use Old
Santa Rosa Road because it is so narrow, but rather use San Rafael and San Gabriel.
Commissioner O'Grady asked about the on lighting cycles. City Engineer / Public Works
Director Steve Kahn indicated the signals are not THAT sophisticated as they can only
tell there is a vehicle there, but not that the vehicle wants to turn left or not.
Commissioner O'Keefe asked about the small left- turn pocket turning left onto Highway
101, and if it could accommodate a semi -truck as they would be half in and half out,
blocking traffic. City Engineer / Public Works Director Steve Kahn agreed a large truck
would block vehicles behind them until they were able to make a left turn.
Commissioner Heatherington asked whether the City has a Plan "B" and "C" as she can
foresee future problems. City Engineer / Public Works Director Steve Kahn does not
see this solution causing another problem.
Chairperson Fonzi asked if a fire truck returning could return to the fire station by turning
in that very short left-hand turn lane without blocking traffic, and Mr. Kahn indicated it
could.
MOTION: By Vice Chairperson Jack seconded by Commissioner Marks
to adopt Resolution PC 2008-0044 to approve Amendments to
the Conditions of Approval for the West Front Village
Development related to traffic mitigation at the West Front
Road/Santa Rosa intersection based on findings and subject
to amended Conditions of Approval.
Motion passed 7:0 on a roll -call vote.
5. PLN 2007-1233, TENTATIVE TRACT MAP FOR 8391 AMAPOA AVE.
Property Owners:
Steve Severance, 1010 Redberry Place, Nipomo, CA 93444
Zac Missler, 1717 Singletree Ct., San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Applicant:
Truitt Vance, 6679 Morro Road, Atascadero, CA 93422
Project Title:
PLN 2007-1233, Tentative Tract Map 2007-0099
Project Location:
8391 Amapoa Ave., Atascadero, CA 93422
APN 031-241-019 (San Luis Obispo County)
Project Description:
The project consists of a proposed condominium map to create six (6)
airspace units on one common lot. The property is currently vacant.
General Plan Designation: High Density Residential HDR
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Associate Planner Callie Taylor and gave the staff report and Ms. Taylor and City
Engineer / Public Works Director Steve Kahn answered questions of the Commission.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Truitt Vance, applicant, answered questions of the Commission regarding the selection
of paver type and drainage as well as larger windows on the street -facing side of the
building. He answered questions regarding whether clotheslines are allowed, but he
said the homeowner association's CC&Rs are boilerplate and do not address
clotheslines, but it could be written into the HOA rules to allow them.
Alana Reynolds asked how the length of the setback in rear of property.
Chairperson Fonzi closed the public comment period.
Chairperson Fonzi asked Associate Planner Callie Taylor about the length of the rear
setback. Staff indicated it is 10 feet, which is standard for a multi -family setback.
Commissioner O'Grady stated he supports larger windows on the street side of the
project.
Commissioner O'Keefe would like to see the use of clotheslines allowed and written into
the CC&Rs.
Commissioner Marks asked if applicant would work with staff on larger windows on both
top and bottom, and applicant indicate he would.
MOTION: By Vice Chairperson Jack seconded by Commissioner
Heatherington to adopt Resolution PC 2008-0041 approving
Tentative Tract Map 2007-0099 (PLN 2007-1233), to establish
six airspace condominium units on one common lot, based on
findings and subject to the following conditions:
Condition 1: Windows on both levels of building C on the
Amapoa Street -facing side of the building are to be enlarged
with the size left up to staff and the applicant; and
Condition 2: Clotheslines will be allowed in the back yards
and provided for in the CC&Rs.
Motion passed 7:0 on a roll -call vote.
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Zoning District: Residential Multi -family -16 (RMF -16)
Proposed
Categorical Exemption: Class 3 (New construction or conversion of small
Environmental
structures) and Class 32 (infill development projects)
Determination:
Associate Planner Callie Taylor and gave the staff report and Ms. Taylor and City
Engineer / Public Works Director Steve Kahn answered questions of the Commission.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Truitt Vance, applicant, answered questions of the Commission regarding the selection
of paver type and drainage as well as larger windows on the street -facing side of the
building. He answered questions regarding whether clotheslines are allowed, but he
said the homeowner association's CC&Rs are boilerplate and do not address
clotheslines, but it could be written into the HOA rules to allow them.
Alana Reynolds asked how the length of the setback in rear of property.
Chairperson Fonzi closed the public comment period.
Chairperson Fonzi asked Associate Planner Callie Taylor about the length of the rear
setback. Staff indicated it is 10 feet, which is standard for a multi -family setback.
Commissioner O'Grady stated he supports larger windows on the street side of the
project.
Commissioner O'Keefe would like to see the use of clotheslines allowed and written into
the CC&Rs.
Commissioner Marks asked if applicant would work with staff on larger windows on both
top and bottom, and applicant indicate he would.
MOTION: By Vice Chairperson Jack seconded by Commissioner
Heatherington to adopt Resolution PC 2008-0041 approving
Tentative Tract Map 2007-0099 (PLN 2007-1233), to establish
six airspace condominium units on one common lot, based on
findings and subject to the following conditions:
Condition 1: Windows on both levels of building C on the
Amapoa Street -facing side of the building are to be enlarged
with the size left up to staff and the applicant; and
Condition 2: Clotheslines will be allowed in the back yards
and provided for in the CC&Rs.
Motion passed 7:0 on a roll -call vote.
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6. PLN 2008-1301, VARIANCE FOR 8100 MARCHANT AVENUE
Property Owner:
David Chambers, 8100 Marchant Ave., Atascadero, CA 93422
Project Title:
PLN 2008-1301/VAR 2008-0014
Project Location:
8100 Marchant Ave., Atascadero, CA 93422
APN 031-261-015 (San Luis Obispo County)
Project Description:
The proposed project consists of a Variance application to construct a
residential addition within the front setback. The addition is proposed
approximately 5 feet from the edge of the right-of-way, and
approximately 25 feet from the edge of pavement.
General Plan Designation: Single Family Residential -Y (SFR -Y)
Zoning District: Residential Single Family -Y (RSF-Y)
Proposed
Categorical Exemption, Section 15305, Minor Alterations in Land Use
Environmental
Limitations.
Determination:
Associate Planner Callie Taylor gave the staff report and Ms. Taylor, City Engineer /
Public Works Director Steve Kahn, and Community Development Director Warren Frace
answered questions of the Commission.
PUBLIC COMMENT
David Chambers, applicant/owner, addressed the Commission and answered
questions. Applicant indicated the neighbors are supportive of the project.
Vaughn Newlander stated he has been a neighbor of the applicant since 1961, and has
no qualm with the original proposal and with the retaining wall the applicant has built,
and the encroachment is satisfactory. He stated a 23 -foot wide building is inadequate
and believes the applicant should be granted a larger, 27 -foot wide building variance.
Chairperson Fonzi closed the public comment period.
Commissioner O'Grady asked about the setback variance, and staff indicated the 5 -foot
setback must be met.
Commissioner O'Grady asked if a Lot -Line Adjustment that would maintain the integrity
of this City's setbacks in order to facilitate this request is possible. Staff indicated they
could do a Lot -Line Adjustment, but it would have to be and equal-area exchange.
Commissioner Marks stated this project will not make the situation worse, and sees no
problem.
Commissioner O'Grady stated that staff states on page 129 that the addition is being
proposed parallel to the existing residence and would not encroach any further to the
street than the existing residence does. The problem is that the language on Condition
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4 does not say that, and he asked that Condition 4 be changed to state "that new
addition shall not encroach further towards the street beyond a straight-line extension of
the front line of the front wall of the house. Addition shall be construction consistent
with Exhibit B."
MOTION: By Commissioner O'Keefe seconded by Chairperson Fonzi to
approve Resolution PC 2008-0043 approving PLN 2008-1301,
VAR 2008-0014, allowing an addition within the front setback
of a residential -zoned property, based on findings and subject
to Conditions of Approval with modification in condition No. 4
to eliminate first sentence "a minimum 5 -foot setback shall be
maintained from the right-of-way," and adding "that the new
addition shall not encroach further towards the street beyond
a straight-line extension of the front wall of the house.
Addition shall be constructed consistent with Exhibit B."
Motion passed 7:0 on a roll -call vote.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STAFF REPORTS
None.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS AND REPORTS
Commissioner O'Grady asked about the long-term storage of light poles Highway 41
East of San Gabriel Road, who they belong to, and how long will they be there. Staff
will contact Caltrans to see if they can be moved.
Commissioner O'Grady remarked on the need for some sort of policy as to when a
survey is necessary. Community Development Director Warren Frace indicated that it
was not within the Commission's scope although they can clearly make
recommendations; but he further indicated adding blanket survey requirements to every
project would add unnecessary paperwork and slow down projects. Staff does have the
discretion to call for a survey and that seems to be adequate and keeps costs down.
Commissioner Heatherington asked if new development would not put us in this
situation, and staff indicated most new projects would not, but existing structures may
cause staff to request the survey.
Commissioner Heatherington suggested that rather than doing the Lot -Line Adjustment,
could the applicant just have flipped the building to part of the addition extended out
toward the back. Staff indicated that would be the easiest solution.
Commissioner Heatherington asked staff when we approve a tree cutting for a house, if
the Commission could condition the project so the tree does not come out until the
house is actually built. Staff indicated this could be added as a condition, but they
typically do not do so because tree cutting is usually tied to the grading costs.
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DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Community Development Director Warren Frace gave a short report and highlighted the
following points:
• The issue of drive-throughs was agendized at the last City Council meeting, but
they did not get to this item, which will be continued to September 9, 2008.
• He provided the Commissioners with a copy of the memorandum to the City
Council on Pathways and Trails, which is basically an informational item, and not
officially adopted at this point in time.
• In regard to the Eagle Ranch Specific Plan, staff is working on scheduling a
meeting for September and will notice residents within a mile. This will be a
noticed public meeting of the Planning Commission, Parks Commission and City
Council, but there will be no action taken.
• As for the Wal-Mart project, staff is still working with both Wal-Mart and the
Rottman group to get their project description nailed down for the EIR proposals.
• As for the Rite Aid project, it appears that after one more plan check, it will be
ready.
• The Carl's Jr. next to Lube -N -Go has pulled their permit to start construction.
• Staff has been working closely with Colony Square Theatre owner, Jim Harrison,
and his architect on a slight redesign of the project for financing purposes.
• The next meeting of the Planning Commission is September 2, 2008.
Commissioner O'Grady asked if the request for proposals on the Wal-Mart/Rottman
project will go to a pre -approved list. Mr. Frace indicated there is a long list currently
prepared so the City will locate the best possible consultant available.
Commissioner Heatherington asked if there has been an outreach to the Obesity task
Force in San Luis Obispo County in discussions on the drive-throughs at City Council.
Community Development Director Warren Frace stated there had not; however, if
Commissioner Heatherington had a contact, he would pass that along to City Council.
Chairperson Fonzi asked about a blanket extension for all projects not going forward
granted by the City Council and what the ramifications would be of that extension.
Community Development Director Warren Frace stated that this applies to permits not
yet issued (in plan check or ready to issue but not yet picked up). The Municipal Code
requires action be taken on these permits every 180 days or they expire. If the
applicants pay outstanding plan check fees, then they would get a time extension to
June 30, 2010, or 18 months.
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ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Fonzi adjourned the meeting at 8:58 p.m. to the next regularly scheduled
meeting of the Planning Commission on September 2, 2008.
MINUTES PREPARED BY:
Susanne Anshen, Recording Secretary
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