Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes 10-06-09CITY OF ATASCADERO PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Regular Meeting - Tuesday, October 6, 2009 — 7:00 P.M. City Hall Council Chambers 6907 EI Camino Real, Atascadero, California CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 p.m. Chairperson Jack called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and Commissioner Colamarino led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Present: Chairperson Jack, Vice Chairperson Moreno, Commissioners Bentz, Colamarino, Schmidt, Sturtevant, and Ward Absent: None Others Present: Recording Secretary Annette Manier Staff Present: Community Development Director Warren Frace and Deputy Director of Public Works/Engineering David Athey. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: By Commissioner Bentz and seconded by Vice Chairperson Moreno to approve the agenda. Motion passed 7:0 by a roll -call vote. PUBLIC COMMENT - None Chairperson Jack closed the Public Comment period. PC Minutes of 10/06/09 Page 1 of 5 PLANNING COMMISSION BUSINESS - None CONSENT CALENDAR 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING ON AUGUST 18, 2009. MOTION: By Vice Chairperson Moreno and seconded by Commissioner Sturtevant to approve the Consent Calendar. Motion passed 7:0 by a roll -call vote. PUBLIC HEARINGS DISCLOSURE OF EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS: • Commissioner Ward visited the site but spoke with no one. • Commissioner Bentz stated he spoke with Chairperson Jack about the project. • Chairperson Jack visited the property and met with Ray and Judy Sears, who also wrote a letter with concerns about the project. (Exhibit A). • Vice Chairperson Moreno spoke with Judy Sears, neighbor and discussed the same items in the letter that was submitted. • Commissioner Sturtevant visited the property and spoke with Mr. Smith. • Commissioner Schmidt visited the site. 2. PLN 2009-1337, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR 7275 TECORIDA AVE. Applicant: Jeffrey and Jennifer Smith, 7275 Tecorida Ave., Atascadero, CA 93422 Project Title: PLN 2009-1337 / CUP 2009-0243 Project location: 7275 Tecorida Ave., Atascadero, CA 93422 APN 030-351-016 (San Luis Obispo County) Project The project consists of an application to construct an oversized detached Description: accessory garage and workshop at the subject property. The proposed detached garage and workshop is 1,602 square feet. The Atascadero Municipal Code allows accessory structures larger than 50% of the primary residence through approval of a Conditional Use Permit. General Plan Designation: SFR -Y Zoning District: LSF -Y Proposed Exempt per Section 15303: New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures Environmental including accessory structures. Determination: PC Minutes of 10/06/09 Page 2 of 5 Community Development Director Warren Frace gave the staff report. Community Development Director explained that this project area is on sewer, the road is not paved, and the proposed structure is on a site which is on 3/4 of an acre. The proposed project is to add an additional 1600 sq. ft. garage with a 2nd story workshop space. The first floor (approximately 800 sq. ft.) will have a single utility sink and workbench area. The 2nd floor is also approximately 800 sq. ft. and will include a sink, shower, and toilet which are allowed with restrictions under our Zoning Ordinance. The subject property is outside the 100 -year flood plain but within the 500 -year flood plain. Community Development Director and Deputy Director of Public Works/Engineering David Athey answered questions from the Commission. PUBLIC COMMENT Stephen King, Architect, explained to the Commission that staff accurately gave the presentation. The applicant understands the restrictions that come along with this permit. He assured the Commission that there were no future plans to do anything with the project other than what is described in the staff report. Mr. King answered questions from the Commission. Jeffrey Smith, property owner, explained that his architect, Mr. King was given specific instructions on his desire for the project. The desire for the back portion of the garage is to have a small shop. The reason for not having an internal staircase, a utility shower or a bathroom on the first floor is because it would take away from his desired use of that space. The 2nd floor will be used for storage, hence the reason for the internal wall. The recreation room will be used for recreation. He assured the Commission that it is not intended to be a rental unit or living space. Chairperson Jack closed the Public Comment period. MOTION: By Commissioner Bentz and seconded by Commissioner Sturtevant to adopt PC Resolution 2009- 0030 recommending that the Planning Commission approve PLN 2009-1337 / CUP 2009-0243 to allow a 1,602 square -foot garage and workshop which exceeds 50% of the size of the main residence at 7275 Tecordia Ave, based on findings and subject to conditions of approval. Motion passed 7:0 by a roll -call vote. PC Minutes of 10/06/09 Page 3 of 5 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STAFF REPORTS 3. DOWNTOWN DESIGN GUIDELINES Community Development Director Warren Frace gave a brief overview on the Downtown Design Guidelines/Toolbox and Idea Book which was given to Commissioners in their packets. We are recommending that the public and business owners who are interested in this document access it on the City's website or they purchase a book from City Hall. The books were put together in collaboration with Atascadero Main Street. The purpose of the guidelines is to help and encourage and facilitate more creativity in the downtown zone. Because a priority of the City Council is Economic Development which included the downtown area, funds are available for work in the downtown. He explained the details of the facade and permit rebate program. Community Development Director Frace introduced Tom Jess from Arris Studio Architects who gave a presentation to the Commission and answered their questions. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS AND REPORTS Commissioner Schmidt had discussion with the Atascadero Mutual Water Company (AMWC) about water connection fees for 2nd homes. He has made a request to the Board of Directors to reconsider the connection fee. You don't have to have a 2nd meter for a 2nd unit. After research, it was determined that there is a 35% difference in water use between a primary house and a 2nd house. Based on this information, it may be that the Board could lower the connection fee by 35% (approx. $6,000). The Board will discuss this at their meeting this month as a discussion item only. Commissioner Ward talked about the paving in front of Sunken Gardens and the Carlton. He asked if the speed bump was going to be replaced. If it is, he believes it is a traffic hazard. If there is a move to slow traffic down, there may be an alternative. Director Frace read an email from the Public Works Department regarding the paving project. DIRECTOR'S REPORT • Community Development Department announced that both Kelly Gleason, Senior Planner and Callie Taylor, Associate Planner, are both officially out on maternity leave. We have fewer staff, so it may take a little longer to get back to you if you call. Mimi Whitney, Contract Planner is assisting in the Planning Department, as is Cynthia Gordon, our new Planning Intern. • The next Planning Commission Meeting will be on October 20, 2009. • Permits have been issued for the Colony Square movie theatre, and the loan documents have been signed. We expect the project to start construction in the very near future. PC Minutes of 10/06/09 Page 4 of 5 • The La Plaza Movie Theatre project came in today, and will eventually come before the Planning Commission. • The Rite-Aid Project is expected to pull permits in November 2009. • The Tractor Supply project is moving forward. • Historic City Hall 2nd phase plans were submitted this week, and are moving forward. ADJOURNMENT - 8:25 p.m. The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission is scheduled for October 20, 2009, at City Hall, Council Chambers, 6907 EI Camino Real, Atascadero. MINUTES PREPARD BY: Annette Manier, Recording Secretary The following exhibits are available for review in the Community Development Department: Exhibit A — Letter from Ray Sears IlCityhalftdvlpmntl- PC MinuteslPC Minutes 091PC Minutes 10 06 09.doc PC Minutes of 10/06/09 Page 5 of 5