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CITY OF ATASCADERO
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, March 15, 2016 – 7:00 P.M.
Historic City Hall Council Chambers
6500 Palma Avenue, 4th Floor (Enter on Lewis Ave./Jr. High School Side)
Atascadero, California 93422
CALL TO ORDER
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call: Chairperson Jan Wolff
Vice Chairperson Duane Anderson
Commissioner David Bentz
Commissioner Mark Dariz
Commissioner Jerel Seay
Commissioner Charles Bourbeau
Commissioner Dennis Schmidt
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
PUBLIC COMMENT
(This portion of the meeting is reserved for persons wishing to address the Commission on any matter not
on this agenda and over which the Commission has jurisdiction. Speakers are limited to three minutes.
Please state your name for the record before making your presentation. The Commission may take action
to direct the staff to place a matter of business on a future agenda.)
PLANNING COMMISSION BUSINESS
City of Atascadero Planning Commission Agenda Regular Meeting, March 15, 2016
Page 2 of 3
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CONSENT CALENDAR
(All items on the consent calendar are considered to be routine and non-controversial by City Staff and will
be approved by one motion if no member of the Commission or public wishes to comment or ask questions.)
1. APPROVAL OF DRAFT ACTION MINUTES OF MARCH 1, 2016
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STAFF REPORTS
2. PLN 2006-1133 ANNUAL GENERAL PLAN / HOUSING REPORT
The State of California requires all cities to file an Annual General Plan / Housing Report to the Department of
Housing and Community Development (HCD) and the State Department of Office Planning and Research
(OPR). The purpose of the Report is to monitor the implementation of the City’s General Plan Housing Element
and progress toward meeting the City’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA), as well as review the
General Plan to ensure the City is meeting the goals and objectives established by the Plan.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS AND REPORTS
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
ADJOURNMENT
The next regular meeting will be on April 5, 2016 at City Hall Council Chambers, 6500 Palma
Avenue, Atascadero.
Please note: Should anyone challenge in court any proposed development entitlement listed
on this Agenda, that person may be limited to raising those issues addressed at the public
hearing described in this notice or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning
Commission at, or prior to, this public hearing.
City of Atascadero Planning Commission Agenda Regular Meeting, March 15, 2016
Page 3 of 3
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City of Atascadero
WELCOME TO THE ATASCADERO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
The Planning Commission meets in regular session on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at Cit y
Hall, Council Chambers, 6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero. Matters are considered by the Commission in the order of
the printed Agenda.
Copies of the staff reports or other documentation relating to each item of business referred to on the Agenda are on
file in the office of the Community Development Department and are available for public inspection during City Hall
business hours at the Front Counter of City Hall, 6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero, and on our website,
www.atascadero.org. All documents submitted by the public during Commission meetings that are either read into
the record or referred to in their statement will be noted in the minutes and available for review in the Community
Development Department. Commission meetings are audio recorded, and may be reviewed by the public. Copies of
meeting recordings are available for a fee. Contact the City Clerk for more information (470-3400).
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in a City
meeting or other services offered by this City, please contact the City Manager’s Office or the City Clerk’s Office,
both at (805) 470-3400. Notification at least 48 hours prior to the meeting or time when servic es are needed will
assist the City staff in assuring that reasonable arrangements can be made to provide accessibility to the meeting or
service.
TO SPEAK ON SUBJECTS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA
Under Agenda item, “PUBLIC COMMENT”, the Chairperson will call for anyone from the audience having business
with the Commission to approach the lectern and be recognized.
1. Give your name for the record (not required)
2. State the nature of your business.
3. All comments are limited to 3 minutes.
4. All comments should be made to the Chairperson and Commission.
5. No person shall be permitted to make slanderous, profane or negative personal remarks concerning any
other individual, absent or present.
This is when items not on the Agenda may be brought to the Commission’s attention. A maximum of 30 minutes will
be allowed for Public Comment Portion (unless changed by the Commission).
TO SPEAK ON AGENDA ITEMS (from Title 2, Chapter 1 of the Atascadero Municipal Code)
Members of the audience may speak on any item on the agenda . The Chairperson will identify the subject, staff will
give their report, and the Commission will ask questions of staff. The Chairperson will announce when the public
comment period is open and will request anyone interested to address the Co mmission regarding the matter being
considered to step up to the lectern. If you wish to speak for, against or comment in any way:
1. You must approach the lectern and be recognized by the Chairperson.
2. Give your name (not required).
3. Make your statement.
4. All comments should be made to the Chairperson and Commission.
5. No person shall be permitted to make slanderous, profane or negative personal remarks concerning any
other individual, absent or present.
6. All comments limited to 3 minutes.
If you wish to use a computer presentation to support your comments, you must notify the Community Development
Department at 470-3402 at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Digital presentations brought to the meeting should
be on a USB drive or CD. You are required to submit to the Recording Secretary a printed copy of your presentation
for the record. Please check in with the Recording Secretary before the meeting begins to announce your presence
and turn in the printed copy.
The Chairperson will announce when the public comment period is closed, and thereafter, no further public
comments will be heard by the Commission.
PC Draft Action Minutes of 3/1/16
Page 1 of 4
CITY OF ATASCADERO
PLANNING COMMISSION
DRAFT ACTION MINUTES
Regular Meeting – Tuesday, March 1, 2016 – 7:00 P.M.
City Hall Council Chambers
6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero, California
CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 p.m.
Chairperson Wolff called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and Commissioner Anderson
led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Dariz, Bourbeau, Schmidt, Seay, Vice Chairperson
Anderson, and Chairperson Wolff
Absent: Commissioner Bentz (unexcused)
Others Present: Recording Secretary, Annette Manier
Staff Present: Community Development Director, Phil Dunsmore
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: By Commissioner Bourbeau and seconded by
Commissioner Anderson to approve the Agenda.
Motion passed 6:0 by a roll-call vote.
PUBLIC COMMENT
The following member of the public spoke during public comment: Herb White, who
handed out a letter to the Commission (Exhibit A) in regards to the ALPS trailhead.
Community Development Director Dunsmore addressed the Commission in regards to
Exhibit A and will report back to the Commission as needed. Mr. White answered
questions from the Commission.
Chairperson Wolff closed the Public Comment period.
ITEM NUMBER: 1
DATE: 3-15-16
PC Draft Action Minutes of 3/1/16
Page 2 of 4
PLANNING COMMISSION BUSINESS
None
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVAL OF DRAFT ACTION MINUTES OF DECEMBER 15, 2015
2. APPROVAL OF DRAFT ACTION MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 16, 2016
MOTION: By Commissioner Bourbeau and seconded by
Vice Chairperson Anderson to approve the
minutes of December 15, 2015.
Recording Secretary Annette Manier asked if the motion also include d the minutes of
February 16, 2016. Commissioner Bourbeau agreed to amend the motion to approve
the minutes of December 15, 2015 as amended, and to include the minutes of February
16, 2016, as presented.
MOTION: By Commissioner Bourbeau and seconded
by Vice Chairperson Anderson to approve
the minutes of December 15, 2015 as
amended, and to approve the minutes of
February 16, 2016, as presented.
Motion passed 5:1 by a roll-call vote. (Seay abstained)
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STAFF REPORTS
None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
3. PLN 2015-1574 / ZCH 2015-0180
Amending 9-6.186 of Title 9 of the Atascadero Municipal Code to allow limited
personal medical marijuana cultivation.
Property
Owner/Applicant:
City of Atascadero, 6500 Palma Ave., Atascadero, CA 93422
Project Title: PLN 2015-1574 / ZCH 2015-0180
Project Location: Citywide
Project
Description:
Municipal Code text amendment to allow limited personal medical marijuana
cultivation.
Proposed
Environmental
Determination:
The proposed Ordinance is not a project within the meaning of Section 15378 of
the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) Guidelines because it has no
potential for resulting in physical change in the environment, either directly or
ultimately. In the event that this Ordinance is found to be a project under CEQA, it
PC Draft Action Minutes of 3/1/16
Page 3 of 4
EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS:
Commissioner Bourbeau stated that he asked questions of Community Development
Director Dunsmore, and Mr. Dunsmore responded, so Mr. Bourbeau copied members of
the Commission on the email. All members of the Commission responded that they did
receive the email.
Community Development Director Dunsmore gave the staff report and answered
questions from the Commission. Mr. Dunsmore explained that the potential legislation
in November may legalize recreational marijuana, and would allow cities to fine tune
provisions.
Commissioners agreed the following items need additional clarification:
Definitions of caregivers
Can the marijuana be the property of a caregiver?
Qualified patient
Where it can/should be cultivated
Grows in multi-family zone
Mature/immature plants
Screening
Permitting requirements (permit process for cultivation which may help fund staff)
Staffing requirements
Code enforcement (how we will enforce this?) The Commission is recommending
that the City Council come up with code enforcement procedures on this item.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
Chairperson Wolff closed the Public Comment period.
MOTION: By Commissioner Schmidt and seconded by
Commissioner Dariz to adopt PC Resolution 2016-
A, to recommend the City Council introduce for
first reading by title only, draft Ordinance A
amending Section 9-6.186 of the Atascadero
Municipal Code regarding Marijuana Cultivation
facilities.
Motion passed 6:0 by a roll-call vote.
is subject to the CEQA exemption contained in CEQA Guidelines Section
15061(b)(3) because it can be seen with certainty to have no possibility of a
significant effect on the environment.
City Staff: Phil Dunsmore, Community Development Director, pdunsmore@atascadero.org, 470-3488
Staff
Recommendation:
Introduce an Ordinance amending Section 9 -6.186 of Title 9 of the Atascadero Municipal
Code to allow limited personal medical marijuana cultivation.
PC Draft Action Minutes of 3/1/16
Page 4 of 4
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS AND REPORTS
Commissioner Schmidt talked about the possibility of changing the time of Planning
Commission hearings to an earlier start time. Commissioners discussed the item;
however, the general consensus was to leave the start time at 7 p.m. for the time being.
Commissioners asked about status on the old Wendy’s site (8600 Curbaril Ave), the
Gary Bang/Harley Davidson building, and the property near Del Rio and El Camino Real
(old dugout). Community Development Director gave an update on those properties.
Commissioner Schmidt talked about the fee discussion on the Halcon/ConsciousBuild
project at the City Council meeting. Mr. Dunsmore answered his questions, and said
that Eagle Ranch representatives will need to weigh in in regards to the Santa Barbara
overpass infrastructure.
DIRECTORS REPORT
Community Development Director Dunsmore announced that the next Planning
Commission hearing will be on March 15, 2016, and the Commission will hear a
General Plan Update/Annual Housing Report.
ADJOURNMENT – 8:20 p.m.
The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission is scheduled for March 15, 2016,
at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, Council Chambers, 6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero.
MINUTES PREPARD BY:
____________________________
Annette Manier, Recording Secretary
The following exhibit is available in the Community Development Department:
Exhibit A – Letter from Herb White
Adopted
t:\~ planning commission\pc minutes\pc minutes 2016\draft minutes 3 1 16.alm.docx
ITEM NUMBER: ITEM NUMBER: 2
DATE: 3-15-16
Atascadero Planning Commission
Staff Report – Community Development Department
General Plan & Housing Element
Annual Progress Report 2015
(PLN 2006-1133)
RECOMMENDATION:
The Planning Commission recommends the City Council submit the attached 2014
Annual General Plan and Housing Report to the State of California.
DISCUSSION:
Background:
The State of California requires all cities to file an Annual General Plan Progress Report
to the Office of Planning and Research (OPR) and an annual Housing Element
Progress Report to the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
The purpose of this report is to monitor the City’s implementation of the City’s General
Plan including the City’s Housing Element, one of the required elements that make up
the General Plan.
General Plan Background:
California planning law requires the City to adopt a “comprehensive, long -term General
Plan for physical development” (Government Code 65300). The City’s General Plan
was adopted in 2002 after public outreach and in put effort by the City Council, Planning
Commission, City staff and its consultants.
The 2025 General Plan expresses the City’s goals for the distribution and character of
land uses and development. The General Plan is comprehensive in terms of issues
addressed and includes the City’s entire physical development areas. Planning activities
including zoning approvals and amendments, subdivision approvals, capital
improvements, and redevelopment activities need to be consistent with the City’s
General Plan. The General Plan goals, policies, and programs guide short- and long-
range decision making.
ITEM NUMBER: ITEM NUMBER: 2
DATE: 3-15-16
Development Activities for 2015:
The Community Development Department provides development services in concert
with other departments such as Public Works and the Fire Department. The Department
has two divisions: Planning and Building. The Planning Division received a total of 88
applications for various permits including tree removals, Design Review Committee
Reviews, Conditional Use Permit Amendments, Administrative Use Permits, Subdivision
Maps, and new Conditional Use Permits. Major development approvals in 2015
included the following:
Update of the City’s Housing Element for 2014-2019
Approval of the Principal Mixed-Use project;
Approval of the Atascadero Family Apartments;
Implementation of the “Improve Atascadero Signage” Campaign;
Assistance with the Highway 41 Transportation Corridor Study.
In addition to processing new applications, the planning division also has more long
term projects that are currently in certain stages of the development review process in
2015 including the following:
Eagle Ranch Specific Plan;
Del Rio Road Commercial Area Specific Plan (Walmart / Annex) development;
Atascadero Groves / Halcon Road General Plan Amendment;
Economic Development
El Camino Real Preliminary Corridor Study.
Additionally, the Planning Division Staff provides the following services:
Fields daily calls and counter visits for questions geared towards planning such
as new home construction, native trees, setbacks, and fencing;
Provides at no cost on-site field visits for new business interested in starting or
re-locating to the City;
Provide at no cost pre-application review of entitlement projects to provide a
more efficient project review;
Reviews new business licenses and provides zoning clearances;
Providing records of planning projects and entitlements through the City’s Public
Records Request process;
Provides inspection services for major commercial and subdivisions.
The Building Division of the Community Development Department handles building
permits and other related services. The Building Department received 1,095 building
permit applications and issued 983 building permits in 2015. Of these applications, 662
permit applications were completed “in-house” and not sent to the Department’s building
permit review contract. Through the in-house plan check process, the department was
able to keep over $125,345 in revenue versus utilizing the City’s Building Plan Check
services vendor.
ITEM NUMBER: ITEM NUMBER: 2
DATE: 3-15-16
The Building Division “finaled” or completed 921 building permits within the past year
and completed a total of 4,547 inspections. In addition to processing, issuance of
Building Permits, and inspections to ensure consistency with building plans, the Building
Division also provides the following services:
Fields daily calls and counter visits for questions geared towards building permits
such as Building Code questions;
Provides at no cost on-site field visits for new business interested in starting or
re-locating to the City;
Reviews new business licenses and performs on-site inspections;
Providing records of planning building plans through the City’s Public Records
Request process;
Code enforcement services;
Training services to contractors / professionals to better understand California
Building Code requirements.
General Plan Updates and Maintenance:
City staff has reviewed the policies and programs (the implementation tools) of the
City’s General Plan. At this time, the City has implemented many of the programs called
out for in the 2025 General Plan. Many of the programs are labeled “on -going”. This
signifies that City staff is continually performing these tasks on an as needed basis. In
January 2015, the City Council adopted the 2014 -2019 Housing Element and
corresponding Safety Element updates.
Over the last year, City staff has taken a fresh look at the City’s Appearance Review
Manual and Zoning Ordinance. The City’s Zoning Ordinance is the primary
implementation tool of the General Plan. To ensure the City’s Zoning Ordinance
remains flexible, easy to use, streamline reviews, and provide certainty, Staff is
recommending that the Zoning Ordinance be reviewed as a part of a future work plan
that includes the following:
Review of Land Use definitions to eliminate redundancy in land use categories
and add flexibility;
Include new land use definitions that target tourism and make it clear that
certain uses are economic development drivers and should provide certainty
for those that wish to open new business or expand businesses;
Reorganize the City’s Zoning Ordinance into a “Development Handbook” that is
easier to use for both residents and developers. By creating this, staff can then
target major deficiencies in the Zoning Code to implement the goals and
programs of the General Plan.
ITEM NUMBER: ITEM NUMBER: 2
DATE: 3-15-16
Major Project Updates:
The following is an update of the major projects that are currently under con struction or
entitlement review:
Del Rio Road Commercial Area Specific Plan
Approved in 2012, the Del Rio Road Commercial Area Specific Plan is projected to
contain a 123,100 square feet (sf) Walmart Supercenter on approximately 26 acres. The
Annex component will contain approximately 121,000 sf of commercial uses including
general retail, food and beverage and drive-through uses on 13 acres. City Staff has
approved a plan line for circulation improvements and is actively working with Walmart’s
design team on grading and building permits. Grading permits are expected to be
submitted in Quarter 2 of 2016 with permit issuance expecte d as soon as possible and
construction commencing late quarter 3 / early quarter 4 of 2016.
Additionally, staff is working with the Annex Developer, Madonna Enterprises, on uses
for The Annex, as well as surrounding parcels not tied to the Del Rio Road Co mmercial
Area Specific Plan.
Eagle Ranch Specific Plan
The Eagle Ranch Specific Plan is currently being analyzed as a part of the
environmental review process with a Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and Draft
Specific Plan due out this year. The Draft EIR and Draft Specific Plan are experiencing
some delays as technical studies continue to properly analyze traffic and fiscal impacts.
Preliminary El Camino Real Corridor Plan
In November 2015, staff was directed by the City Council to perform a vacan cy study for
the El Camino Real corridor. This direction was given to staff due to a number of
applications pending for Council authorization to proceed with General Plan
amendments to convert non-residential land use designations to residential uses. Staf f
performed a preliminary land use corridor study to examine vacancies, potential areas
to be reviewed for revised land use studies, and a review of residential units that may
be potentially constructed within the next 18 months.
The Preliminary El Camino Real Corridor Study will go to City Council on March 22,
2016, with potential future work plans from the Study for both Council and Planning
Commission consideration.
Improve Atascadero Signage Campaign
In 2015, City staff worked with the Chamber of Commerce, and business owners, to
drop signage fees and actively “improve” signage along the business corridors within
the City. City staff has taken a different, business friendly, approach to regulation of
signage and enforcement of the City’s existing sign code.
ITEM NUMBER: ITEM NUMBER: 2
DATE: 3-15-16
2015 Housing Activities and Report:
The 2nd section of the yearly General Plan review is the Housing Element Report. The
purpose of the Housing Report is to monitor the implementation of the City’s General
Plan Housing Element and progress toward meeting the City’s Regional Housing Needs
Allocation (RHNA). The allocations are targets for the production of affordable housing
for various income groups throughout the City.
Table 1
State of California Income Level Definitions
Very Low Income Lower Income Moderate Income Above Moderate
50% of County
Median
80% of County
Median
120% of County Median Greater than 120% of
County Median
San Luis Obispo County Median Income for a Family of Four (4): $77,000 for 2014
These regional housing allocations are required to be used by the City when updating
the Housing Element. They are the basis for assuring that adequate sites and zoning
are available to accommodate at least the number of units allocated. These housing
allocation numbers are not housing unit quotas that the City must achieve within the
time frame of their next Housing Element update, but housing targets that the City must
provide zoning for and reduce obstacles to development.
ITEM NUMBER: ITEM NUMBER: 2
DATE: 3-15-16
2015 Housing Production:
For 2015, the City issued building permits on 97 new residential units. Table 2 shows
the breakdown of new residential units for 2014 that were issued by income type. The
98 residential building permits issued represents a 52% decrease in production over
2014. This is first year that the City has had a decrease in housing production since
2008.
Table 2
2015 New Residential Housing Units Building Permits Issued
Very Low Low Moderate Above Moderate Total 2015 Permitted Units Issued 1 0 42 52 178
Secondary Units Issued 0 0 1 1 2
Total 1 0 43 53 97
As of January 1, 2014, a new reporting period has started for the 2014 -2019 Housing
Element cycle. Table 3 shows the percentage that the City has met for each income
category for the new reporting period. These percentages only reflect units that have
been issued a building permit and do not reflect entitled units or the units from the
various projects that have been approved. The City has exceeded its target of moderate
income housing for the reporting period.
Table 3
RHNA Totals By Percentage 2014-2019
Very Low Low Moderate Above Moderate Total
Percentage of Target Goal 3% 1% 188% 90%
Total Units Issued 3 1 130 148 282
ITEM NUMBER: ITEM NUMBER: 2
DATE: 3-15-16
The City’s Dormant Permit Program (approved by the City Council in 2008) is
diminishing, as many of the project have been constructed. Of the permits issued in
2015, only 54% of the total permits are residential units that were a part of the Dormant
Permit Program. Normally, these permits would have been canceled, requiring
developers start from scratch on bankrupt projects. The implementation of this program
has afforded developers an opportunity to pick-up where these permits last left with
minor modifications, thus expediting this portion of the process.
With the sunset of the Dormant Permit Program, the availability of projects that were
considered “off the shelf” has dwindled substantially. With raw land for development
within the City at a premium, developers are now seeking projects that are considered
“heavy lifts” for residential construction.
2015 Affordable Housing Production
Of the total building permits issued, a total of 44 units were considered affordable. The
majority of these affordable units were located at the Villages at Oakhaven and
Woodridge Townhomes. Similar to the previous reporting period, permits that were
issued for these previously approved projects have sales prices that fall below the
“moderate” income group maximum sales price for both 3 bedroom and 4 bedroom
units established by San Luis Obispo’s County’s Previously Approved Project Formula .
Staff has deemed these units as moderate.
The median home selling price in Atascadero for a new or existing home or condo in
2014 according the California Realtors Association was $428,850. If the increase in
home values continue, homes may soon become unaffordable for those that are at a
moderate income level.
2016 Housing Production Projections:
The City expects housing production levels are expected to remain constant in 2016.
Housing construction will continue to be strong on the south end of town as Southside
Villas, Woodridge Townhomes and the Knolls at the Avenida (Atascadero Family
Apartments) all will be in construction. The City has over 600 units that are available for
construction within the next 18 months. These units are all entitled and can enter into
the building permit process at any time. Some of the major entitled projects include:
Colony Square
The Acacias
Walmart RMF
Principal Mixed-Use
ITEM NUMBER: ITEM NUMBER: 2
DATE: 3-15-16
Contents of the 2015 General Plan Annual Report:
The City’s Annual report is formatted into three sections:
Section 1: Legal Requirements of the Annual Report
Section 2: Review of implementation programs that further the goals, objectives,
and policies that are identified in the General Plan.
Section 3: Review the progress and implementation of the City’s adopted
Housing Element.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
ATTACHMENTS:
1 2015 General Plan Annual Report
2 General Plan Policies and Programs Review
3 2015 Housing Element Progress Report
ITEM NUMBER: ITEM NUMBER: 2
DATE: 3-15-16
General Plan Annual Report
2015
ITEM NUMBER: ITEM NUMBER: 2
DATE: 3-15-16
CITY OF ATASCADERO
CITY COUNCIL
Tom O’Malley, Mayor
Heather Moreno, Mayor Pro Tem
Brian Sturtevant, Councilmember
Roberta Fonzi, Councilmember
Bob Kelley, Councilmember
PLANNING COMMISSION
David Bentz, Commissioner
Charles Bourbeau, Commissioner
Jerel Seay, Commissioner
Mark Dariz, Commissioner
Jan Wolff, Commissioner
Duane Anderson, Commissioner
Dennis Schmidt, Commissioner
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Phil Dunsmore, AICP, Community Development Director
David Muehlhausen, Deputy Director
Callie Taylor, Senior Planner
Kelly Gleason, Senior Planner
Alfredo R. Castillo, AICP, Associate Planner
Katie Banister, Assistant Planner
Charles Dickey, Building Inspector
Bruce St. John, Building Inspector
Ryan Hofstetter, Building Inspector
ITEM NUMBER: ITEM NUMBER: 2
DATE: 3-15-16
Section 1
A. Purpose of the Annual Report
Section 65400 of the California Government Code requires the City to file an annual
report addressing the status of the General Plan and progress made toward goals and
objectives. This annual report provides a means to monitor the success of implementing
the General Plan and determine if changes need to be made in the plan or its
implementation programs.
The City of Atascadero held a publicly noticed meeting to discuss the findings of the
General Plan Annual report with the Planning Commission on March 15, 2016. The City
Council accepted this report and adopted resolution 2016-0__ on April ___, 2016 for
submittal to both the Office of Research and Planning (OPR) and Housing and
Community Development Department.
B. Purpose of the General Plan
The General Plan serves two primary functions. First, the General Plan provides
information. Second, it states the community's goals, objectives, policies, and
implementation measures (i.e., ways to achieve the goals and objectives). The General
Plan is available for public review at the Front Counter at the Community Development
Department, the San Luis Obispo County Atascadero Branch Public Library and also on
the City’s website. Each member of the City Council and the Planning Commission has
a copy of the General Plan, as well as each City department.
As an informational document, the General Plan describes existing conditions, makes
projections, and establishes a vision for the community's future. The General Plan
provides the public with information about the City and the direction that it seeks to
move. It also provided the public with a blueprint for how, when and where will the City
grow through 2025.
As a policy document, the General Plan esta blishes goals and policies for decision
makers. Using these policies, the City Council and Planning Commission take steps
toward achieving the larger goals of the City. The City focuses implementation
programs contained in the General Plan through day to day operations of the City.
C. Status of the Adopted Elements of the City's General Plan
State law requires that the General Plan include seven elements. These elements must
cover the following topics: Land Use, Circulation, Housing, Safety, Noise, Conservation,
and Open Space. State law also allows the City to adopt any ad ditional general plan
elements that the City deems necessary. The City of Atascadero General Plan
combines the Land Use, and Open Space and Conservation elements into one singular
section. The following is a breakdown of the City’s General Plan:
ITEM NUMBER: ITEM NUMBER: 2
DATE: 3-15-16
Atascadero
GP Elements
Required GP
Elements
Examples of Topics Covered
Section II
Land Use, Open Space &
Conservation Element
(Includes Recreation and
Economic policies)
Land Use Development patterns, residential neighborhoods, community
character, recreation, public facilities and recreational facilities and
standards.
Open Space
Conservation
Open space, hillside development, water quality, riparian areas,
endangered plants and animals, greenbelt, agriculture, historic
resources
Recreation
(optional)
Parkland location and standards, facility needs, coordination with land
use issues
Economic
Development
(optional)
Commercial and industrial land uses, economic diversification, job
opportunities, tourism
Section III
Circulation Element
Circulation Traffic, street network, parking, transit services, bike routes
Section IV
Safety & Noise Element
Noise
Safety
Development in hazardous areas, wildfire protection, hazardous waste
management, seismicity, flood control, noise
Section V
Housing Element
Housing Population, employment, income, housing needs, rehabilitation need,
affordable housing development potential
The City’s General Plan was adopted in June 2002. The City’s last major update of the
General Plan was undertaken in February 2011 with the City’s adopt ion and certification
of the 2007-2014 Housing Element Update. The 2014-2019 Housing Element was
adopted in January 2015 and certified by the Department of Housing and Community
Development in February 2015. The following is a list of updates to the General Plan
since the document’s adoption:
ITEM NUMBER: ITEM NUMBER: 2
DATE: 3-15-16
Amendment No. Date Type Project
GPA 2003-0003 March 2003 Land Use Map Curbaril Ave
GPA 2003-0004 March 2003 Land Use Map Principal / Las Lomas
GPA 2003-0005 September 2005 Land Use Map West Front Village
GPA 2003-0007 March 2004 LOC Element Text ECOSLO Settlement
GPA 2003-0008 October 2004 Land Use Map Westpac Mixed Use
GPA 2003-0009 March 2004 Land Use Map Pine Mountain TDR
GPA 2003-0010 June 2004 Land Use Map Parriza Ct. PD
GPA 2003-0011 March 2004 Land Use Map K-Jons Mixed Use
GPA 2004-0012 June 2004 LOC / HOS Element 2nd Unit Update
GPA 2004-0013 July 2004 Land Use Map Matthews Mixed Use
GPA 2005-0014 September 2005 Land Use Map Marchant Condos
GPA 2005-0015 February 2006 Land Use Map 4705 El Camino Real mixed use
GPA 2005-0016 November 2007 Land Use Map Eagle Creek
GPA 2007-0019 February 2007 Land Use Map / Text Atascadero Ave. Triangle
GPA 2009-0024 May 2009 Land Use Map Stadium Park Project
GPA 2009-0025 February 2011 Housing Element Housing Element Update
GPA 2007-0020 June 2012 Land Use Map Del Rio Road SP / Wal-Mart
GPA 2007-0021 June 2012 Land Use Map Del Rio Road SP / Annex
GPA 2014-0029 December 2014 Land Use Map Former Atascadero Library GPA
GPA 2014-0028 January 2015 HOS Element / Safety 2014-2019 Housing Element
Following is a brief overview of actions taken in 2015 relative to each individual
Element:
Land Use Element / Open Space and Conservation (Adopted June 2002)
No land use map or text amendments.
Circulation Element (Adopted June 2002)
No text amendments to the Circulation Element occurred in 2015.
Noise & Safety Element (Adopted June 2002)
Some programs and policies have been amended in the Safety Element as a part of the
Housing Element update in January 2015.
Housing Element (Adopted on February 2011)
The 2014-2019 Housing Element was adopted by the City Council in January 2015 and
certified with HCD certification in spring 2015.
ITEM NUMBER: ITEM NUMBER: 2
DATE: 3-15-16
Section 2
The City of Atascadero policies and programs identified in the General Plan include
tools already in place and used on a day-to-day basis in the City. Some of the various
tools available to further the City's goals and objectives include the Budget/Capital
Improvement Program, Specific Plans and Master Plans of Development, Zoning and
Subdivision Regulations, Growth Impact Mitigation (AB1600) Fees, CDBG/HOME
Funds and Grants, etc.
A. Planning Commission
The City of Atascadero Planning Commission is designated as the "Planning Agency,"
as authorized by Section 65100 of the State Gove rnment Code and Section. The
Commission has discretionary and advisory responsibilities that are authorized by
Chapter 2-9 of the Atascadero Municipal Code and delegated under Titles 9 (Zoning
Ordinance) and 11 (Subdivision).
The Planning Commission approved the following:
Ten (10) Tree Removal Permits (TRP);
Nine (9) new Conditional Use Permits were approved;
Seven (7) Conditional Use Permits were amended;
One (1) Tentative Parcel Map was approved;
Two (2) Tentative Subdivision Maps were approved
Two (2) time extensions were granted; and
In the advisory role, the Planning Commission forwarded recommendations to the City
Council that included two (2) zone changes and one (1) zoning ordinance amendment.
B. Zoning Text Amendments
The City Council adopted two (2) Planned Development code text amendments in 2015
that included the following:
Principal Mixed-Use PD overlay amendment;
Carrizo Road new PD overlay
C. General Plan and Zoning Map Amendments
The City Council adopted one (1) zoning map amendment: 5310 Carrizo Road.
ITEM NUMBER: ITEM NUMBER: 2
DATE: 3-15-16
D. Building Division
The Building Division is responsible for administration and enforcement of State, local
codes, ordinances and regulations dealing with the construction, alteration,
maintenance and use of privately owned structures, and appurtenances. These
regulations include the building, housing, unsafe building, mechanical, electrical,
plumbing, swimming pools, etc. that require a building or grading permit.
In 2015, the Building Division received 1,095 building permit applications and issued
983 building permits. During the past year, City building inspectors made 4,547
construction and safety-related inspections associated with building permit activity. The
Building Division “finaled” or completed 921 building permits.
E. Planning Division
Planning Division activities include administration of the City's General Plan,
development and subdivision review, preparation of zoning ordinances, processing
planning related applications include Lot Line Adjustments, Administrative Use Permits,
Tree Removal Permits and additional actions that require entitlements. Additional ly, the
division conducts environmental review and informs the public of the City's land use
policies and development ordinances. The Planning Division reviews federal, state, and
county legislation, projects of concern to the City, and responds to surveys from the
State.
The Planning Division provides support staff to the Planning Commission.
Administrative functions include the scheduling of meetings, preparation of agendas,
posting hearing notices, and preparation of minutes. The City posts Planning
Commission meeting agendas and minutes on the City’s website. Also, the City has
provided a social media pages to give residents additional updates through both
Facebook and Twitter.
Planning staff provides land use analysis, environmental review as required under the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and prepares staff reports for the Design
Review Committee, Planning Commission and City Council.
The Planning Division received 88 applications for various permits including tree
removals, Design Review Committee Reviews, Conditional Use Permit Amendments,
Administrative Use Permits and Conditional Use Permits.
F. General Plan Policies and programs
The City’s General Plan Policies and programs are broken down in the next section.
These pages include the City’s Policies, programs, and status of the program.
\\cityhall\cdvlpmnt\- 06 plns\pln 2006-1133 annual housing report-general plan\annual gp-housing report 2013\pc-sr-2013.apr-ac.doc
Attachment
Section 2.F—2025 General Plan Policies and Programs Review
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
Land Use Element / Open Space and Conservation
Policy 1.1. Preserve the rural
atmosphere of the community and assure
“elbow room” in areas designated for
lower density development by guiding
new development into the Urban Core to
conform to the historic Colony land use
patterns of the City and to respect the
natural environment, hillside areas, and
existing neighborhoods
1. Atascadero should retain its overall character and rural atmosphere with the
long-term protection of the environment as primary guiding criteria for public
policy decisions.
On-going
2. Concentrate higher density development downtown and within the Urban
Core, and focus master planned commercial uses at distinct nodes along
arterial corridors.
On-going
3. Require residential densities to decrease as distance from the Urban Core
increases.
Implemented through
zoning ordinance.
4. Outside of the Urban Core and Single Family Neighborhoods, maintain lot
sizes of 2.5 to 10 acres based on performance standards and natural
constraints including slope, distance from the center of the community,
average neighborhood lot size, soil percolation capability, and adequacy of
access,
On-going and
implemented through
zoning ordinance.
5. Update and maintain the Appearance Review Manual to include provisions
for incorporating local cultural and architectural themes into site and
building design that are appropriate for each land use designation.
Appearance Review
Manual updated in 2011
with new images. This is
completed on a project
by project basis.
6. Update and maintain the Zoning Ordinance to address the size, use, and
appearance of accessory structures to ensure neighborhood compatibility.
Zoning Ordinance
updated in 2010 that
addressed accessory
structures size and use.
7. Within the Urban Core encourage infill development or the revitalization or
reuse of land already committed to urban development where utilities and
public services exist.
On-going
8. Appropriate land use and corresponding lot size and density shall be
determined by site conditions, slope, neighborhood characteristics, and
proximity to the Urban Core rather than by the availability of sewer.
On-going
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
9. Require the approval of specific plans consistent with Government Code
Section 65450 for single family residential project of 100-units or greater.
On-going; Specific Plans
approved for Las Lomas
/ Woodlands; Master
Plan adopted for Dove
Creek.
10. Require the comprehensive master planning of large development projects
to minimize environmental impacts and maximize community compatibility.
Projects identified shall be required to have an approved Master Plan of
Development prior to any site development. The Master Plan of
Development may be approved in the form of Conditional Use Permit,
Planned Development, or Specific Plan.
On-Going; Dove Creek
and Del Rio Road
Commercial Area
Specific Plan have
implemented this
requirement.
Policy 1.2: Ensure the rural character
of Atascadero is preserved by respecting
the historic Colony boundaries and
cooperate with the County on regional
planning issues surrounding the Colony.
1. The ultimate General Plan development boundary shall be the Urban Reserve
Line. The Urban Reserve line approximates the historic 1913 Atascadero
Colony boundary and is recognized as the ultimate boundary for the City of
Atascadero, expansion beyond this boundary is inconsistent with the General
Plan.
Complete.
2. Develop agreements with the County to maintain rural residential,
agricultural and open space uses beyond the Urban Reserve Line, including
continuation of existing agricultural uses.
On-going
3. Work with the County to maintain a greenbelt and rural land use patterns
outside the Urban Reserve Line and to create an agricultural buffer around
the original Colony boundary.
On-going
4. In cooperation with the County, consider establishing a greenbelt or other
type of buffer between Atascadero and Templeton.
On-going
5. Oppose any land use changes east of the Salinas River that would result in
more intensive or higher density development.
On-going
6. Oppose any land use changes by the County within unincorporated portions
of the Colony that would result in more intensive or higher density
development.
On-going
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
7. Execute a Memorandum of Understanding whereby the County seeks City
comment on development proposals in the area between Vineyard Drive and
Cuesta Grade, between the ridges east of the Salinas River and Cerro Alto
Campground.
On-going
8. Cooperate with LAFCO and the County to incorporate the Eagle Ranch into
the City's Sphere of Influence for eventual annexation.
Complete
9. It is the City's position, that Eagle Ranch shall be developed within the City
and any development of the site prior to annexation will be opposed.
On-going, Specific Plan
process has begun
10. Prior to the annexation of Eagle Ranch a Specific Plan shall be approved by
the City which will provide a comprehensive development plan for the
property that address issues including, clustering of Colony lots, public
facilities, circulation facilities, parks, open space, conservation easements,
and a fiscal analysis of service costs.
On-going
11. Update and maintain the Zoning Ordinance to designate the Eagle Ranch
property as a future Specific Plan area to be subject to future environmental
and site-specific review prior to annexation.
Complete
12. Require the approval of a planned development and master plan of
development prior to supporting any LAFCO annexation request of property
located north of the San Ramon interchange on the westside of US 101
On-going
Policy 1.3: Enhance the rural
character and appearance of the City,
including commercial corridors,
gateways and public facilities.
1. Update and maintain the Appearance Review Manual to include provisions
for rural character design features, street trees, landscaping, parking,
fencing, screening, and architectural design (except for single family
development), with standards tailored to specific areas of the City, including
commercial corridors, and gateways such as Highway 101 and Morro Road.
Appearance Review
Manual updated in 2011
with new images
Reviews are completed
on a project by project
basis.
2. Require landscaping and/or screening to buffer non-residential uses from
residential areas.
Implemented through
zoning ordinance and
appearance review.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
3. Continue to support the Neighborhood Preservation Program.
On-going
4. Update and maintain the Sign Ordinance with higher standards for the
quality and visual impact of signs.
On-going with potential
priority for review in FY
2017-2018 to ensure
consistency with new
Federal Case Law. City
has initiated a signage
clean-up campaign
beginning in March 2015,
5. Develop incentives to encourage existing uses to upgrade to contem porary
design standards, including frontage and parking lot landscaping, and the
screening of loading and service areas.
Implemented through
appearance review and
Design Review
Committee.
6. Work with Caltrans to implement a freeway landscape and maintenance plan
for the Highway 101 corridor.
On-going
7. Develop a program to abate uses solely devoted to outdoor storage. On-going through Code
Enforcement
8. Beautify the City's primary entryways by creating Civic Gateways. The
freeway and other vehicular approaches to Atascadero shall be made more
attractive through judicious application of the elements including
landscaping, civic monuments, and rural character site development.
On-going. Gateway
Monument Features
completed in 2007 for
Northbound 101.
Wayfinding signage
installed in 2012.
9. Continue abatement programs to remove unsafe buildings, and require the
cleanup of premises and vacant lots with code violations. Clean-up
campaigns and beautification of existing facilities and neighborhoods shall
be encouraged.
On-going
10. The City will develop standards and undergounding districts to require the
undergrounding of existing utilities within the Urban Core.
On-going
11. New utilities will be undergrounded in all proposed subdivisions and
development projects.
Implemented during plan
review of new
construction.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
Policy 1.4: Ensure that “darkness” remain
a rural characteristic by requiring that all
exterior lighting does not result in
significant off-site spillage or glare.
1. Amend and maintain the Sign and Zoning Ordinances to require that all non-
decorative exterior lighting shall be shielded to direct light toward buildings or
the ground.
Completed
2. Provide street lights only in the Downtown, along El Camino Real, at major
intersections, and locations where street safety is of concern.
On-going
Policy 2.1: Ensure that new development
is compatible with existing and
surrounding neighborhoods.
1. Require that the appearance, mass and scale of multi-family development is
compatible with adjacent single-family neighborhoods.
Appearance Review and
DRC reviews required for
development.
2. Develop standards and procedures to allow the Planning Commission to
grant up to a 15% density bonus for attached multi-family project of
exceptionally high design quality through the Conditional Use Permit
process.
Reviews are completed
on a project by project
basis.
3. Update Public Works standards for roadways to provide for street trees and
landscaping consistent with the community's rural character.
On-going
4. Allow for alternate road standards in rural areas in order to minimize grading
and tree removals.
On-going
5. Do not allow single-family planned developments on prime multi-family sites
with all of the following characteristics:
a) site area greater than two acres
b) slopes less than 10%
c) arterial or collector street frontage
d) neighborhood is appropriate for multi-family development.
On-going
6. Require Conditional Use Permit approval for social establishments, including
senior citizen facilities, in residential areas.
On-going
7. Residential second units shall be permitted in all single -family residential
districts consistent with the requirements of the zoning ordinance.
Completed and codified
in City’s Zoning
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
“Guesthouses” and “granny units” shall be considered second units for
purposes of issuing building permits and collecting capital facility impact
fees.
Ordinance.
Policy 2.2: Allow for the orderly
development of neighborhoods by
allowing for the consideration of lot size
reduction for lots that are significantly
larger than the surrounding
neighborhood.
1. Within the Urban Services Line allow for planned developments to approve
lot sizes below district minimums in the SE, SFR-Z and SRF-Y land use
areas only, when no more than two (2) lots are surrounded on all sides
within the same land use designation by non-conforming lots. Minimum lot
sizes shall not exceed maximum General Plan densities of the next lowest
single-family land use designation.
On-going
Policy 2.3: Incorporate Pedestrian and
Transit Oriented design concepts into
new residential and commercial
development within the Urban Core.
1. Incorporate urban design concepts from the Air Pollution Control District's
Transit Oriented Design Guidelines into new projects within the Urban Core.
On-going
2. Update the Appearance Review Manual to include pedestrian and transit
oriented design concepts.
Completed on a project
by project basis.
3. Pedestrian walkways shall be prioritized in new residential developments
and between residential developments and commercial areas.
On-going and review
during entitlement
process
Policy 3.1: Encourage retail businesses at
efficient and attractive nodes along El
Camino Real and Morro Road with mixed
office and residential uses between those
nodes.
1. Designate the southeast corner of the Curbaril Avenue and ECR intersection
for a master planned retail commercial use.
Completed through
Prime Commercial
Policy, however potential
revisions per Council
direction.
2. Designate and protect the east side of the Del Rio Road and El Camino Real
intersection for a master planned retail commercial use.
Complete. City Council
adopted Del Rio Road
Commercial Area
Specific Plan in 2012.
3. Designate parcels northwest of the Santa Barbara and El Camino Real
intersection known as Dove Creek for a mixed-use planned development.
Complete. City Council
adopted Dove Creek
Master Plan in 2004.
4. Designate the area between San Jacinto Avenue and Rosario Avenue along
El Camino Real for neighborhood commercial and office uses.
Not complete.
Preliminary El Camino
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
Real Corridor Study
contains potential work
plan for consistency with
this program
5. Develop incentives to attract new businesses to under utilized locations
along El Camino Real.
El Camino Real Corridor
Study provides City
Council with economic
development incentives
that may be implemented
through City Wide
policies.
6. Require new development to comply with provisions of the Appearance
Review Manual specific to the El Camino Real corridor, including the
incorporation of landscaping and pedestrian walkways, and providing
reciprocal driveway access easements between sites, where feasible.
On-going
7. Conditionally allow mixed-use or exclusive multi-family infill development in
the mid-block portions of General Commercial areas along El Camino Real.
Implemented through
mixed-use policy.
Potential Policy revisions
may be implemented per
City Council Direction.
8. Preserve primary intersections for commercial development with a land use
overlay that requires the approval of an overall Master Site Development
Plan prior to approval of any development plans.
Completed through
Prime Commercial
Policy. Potential
revisions per Council
direction.
9. Conditionally allow, mixed-use office and multi-family development along
Morro Road, provided each development has an office or commercial
frontage use with recessed parking.
Implemented.
10. Utilize the Capital Improvement Program to prioritize street tree planting,
streetscape improvements and street repair projects along El Camino Real.
On-going through the
use of grant funds,
general revenue and
CDBG Funds.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
11. Amend and maintain the zoning ordinance to require Conditional Use Permit
approvals of bars, dance halls, night clubs, drive through restaurants, and
service stations (all gasoline sales uses).
Implemented.
12. Develop street design standards for El Camino Real that provide for street
trees, landscaping, and pedestrian comfort.
On-going
Policy 4.1: Cooperate with Atascadero
Main Street Organization to promote
downtown as the City’s cultural,
entertainment, and commercial center,
and to concentrate governmental facilities
downtown.
1. Provide mixed-use/pedestrian scale zoning and development standards for
the downtown. Encourage government, arts, entertainment, recreation,
business facilities and residential uses to be mixed in multi-story buildings
with sidewalk orientation and recessed or off-site parking.
Implemented through the
Downtown Atascadero
Revitalization Goals and
Plan
2. Continue to implement the Main Street Program and the Downtown
Revitalization Plan.
On-going
3. Develop a master plan for the Sunken Garden and surrounding block to
establish the area as a vibrant dining, community gathering area and civic
destination.
On-going however
funding limited due to
loss of RDA funds.
4. Integrate Atascadero Creek and Stadium Park into the function and
experience of Downtown.
On-going however
funding limited due to
loss of RDA funds.
5. Encourage the relocation of the Junior High School to an area outside of the
Downtown.
City continues to
encourage relocation,
however this decision is
ultimately up to the
AUSD
6. Mixed-use multi-family residential development is allowed up to 16 du/ac,
higher densities may be approved through a planned development process.
The 2011 Housing
Element eliminated the
need for this program.
Policy 4.2.: Enhance the appearance of
the downtown area and improve
pedestrian circulation.
1. Update and maintain the Appearance Review Manual to specify pedestrian
oriented design requirements for the Downtown area.
Pedestrian oriented
design requirements are
completed on a project
by project basis.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
2. Review all architectural design, signs, parking, and circulation for
development within the “D” land use category to ensure compatibility with the
Downtown Revitalization Plan.
On-going and reviewed
as a part of the building
permit/land use
entitlement process.
3. Develop a comprehensive streetscape and pedestrian access plan for the
Downtown area.
On-going consistent with
the Downtown Visioning
Plan and additional plans
completed by Public
Works.
Policy 5.1: Reduce multi-family densities
and increase single-family lot sizes as site
slope increases.
Completed and codified
in the Zoning Ordinance.
Policy 5.2: Require hillside development
and subdivisions to blend in with
surrounding topography.
1. Update and maintain the Appearance Review Manual to include standards
for hillside design and grading including driveway design and slopes,
undergrounding of utilities, and erosion control.
City Fire Department and
Public Works has
created standards for
driveway designs and
slopes and erosion
control.
2. Update and maintain the Zoning Ordinance to require structures to be
located below prominent ridgelines visible from City streets, when alternative
building sites are available.
Completed and codified
in the Zoning Ordinance.
3. Update the Zoning Ordinance to include standards for minimizing hillside
grading, cuts, fills, and ridgeline disturbance.
On-going.
4. Prohibit development on slopes 30% or greater, unless no other feasible
building site exists.
Implemented through the
building permit process.
5. New lots with slope averaging 30% or greater are not permitted except when
they contain building envelopes with less than 20% average slope (including
driveways and leach fields), and when the creation of such parcels includes
an offer of public dedication or easement that would directly benefit City
residents, and where native tree impacts are minimal.
Implemented through the
building permit process.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
6. Require the building envelopes, driveways, leach fields with schematic
grading plans to be provided for all lot line adjustments, parcel maps, and
tract maps proposed on sites with slopes greater than 10%.
On-going.
7. The City shall require open space uses in hazard lands including those
areas subject to inundation, high wildland fire risk, and high levels of seismic
or other geological hazard as identified in the Safety Element.
On-going.
Policy 5.3: Prevent unnecessarily
intensive grading of development sites.
1. Update and maintain the Municipal Code to require approval of grading
plans prior to any site disturbance.
Implemented as a part of
the zoning ordinance
update.
2. Limit grading to the minimum area necessary to accomplish site
development.
On-going.
Policy 6.1: Ensure that development does
not degrade scenic and sensitive areas,
including historic sites, creeks, riparian
corridors, wetlands, woodlands, hillsides
and other valuable habitats.
1. Encourage use of planned developments to cluster projects around open
space easements, parks, open space dedication and minimize impacts to
natural resources.
On-going.
2. Seek funding to purchase or require dedication of areas of unique habitats or
scenic value, especially in areas lacking adequate park facilities and open
space.
On-going through open
space fee collection
3. Require native trees and plant species to be incorporated into landscaping
plans.
On-going and completed
during plan review.
4. Scenic and sensitive lands including creeks, riparian corridors, wetlands and
other areas of significant habitat value shall be protected from destruction,
overuse, and misuse by the use of zoning, tax incentives, easements, or fee
acquisition.
On-going through open
space fee collection
5. Public and private development in close proximity to scenic and sensitive
lands, including creek reservations, wooded areas, flood plains, prominent
On-going and completed
during plan review.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
view sheds and historic sites shall be designed to minimize impacts.
6. Scenic and open space easements, parklands and open space dedications
shall be required as mitigation for subdivisions and development projects
that impact, floodplains, creek reservations, wooded areas, scenic
backdrops, sensitive areas, historic sites, cultural sites, and similar areas.
On-going, fees collected
as a part of development
impact fees.
7. The City shall carefully evaluate both public and private projects to requir e
the preservation of trees, watersheds, natural slopes, and other natural
features.
On-going and completed
during plan review.
8. Subdivisions shall be reviewed in accordance with the Appearance Review
Manual and the principle of maintaining the rural and natural character of the
community.
On-going and completed
during plan review.
9. Attention shall be paid to the aesthetic result of land division. Building sites
shall minimize disruption of natural slopes, native vegetation and watersheds
by the careful selection of building sites, leach fields and driveways. Building
designs inappropriate for hillside locations shall not be approved.
On-going and completed
during plan review.
Policy 6.2: Protect prehistoric cultural
resources from disturbance associated
with development.
1. Maintain a current GIS-based map of generalized areas of known
archaeological resources.
On-going.
2. For discretionary projects within the generalized areas of archaeological
resources, require Phase I surveys to determine the extent and significance
of archaeological sites prior to approval.
On-going and completed
during plan review.
3. For discretionary projects located in areas of known resources, require
Phase II surveys to determine the significance and mitigation requirements
for identified resources.
On-going and completed
during plan review.
4. Require short and long-term mitigation measures for significant
archaeological resource sites; include avoidance of impacts, burial under
sterile fill, and/or monitoring of earthmoving activities.
On-going and completed
during plan review.
5. If determined appropriate by a qualified archaeologist, actively involve Native
Americans with any work located within known archaeological sites.
On-going.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
6. If archaeological resources are unearthed during construction, suspend all
earth-disturbing work until appropriate mitigation is established.
On-going.
Policy 6.3: Encourage conservation and
preservation of neighborhoods, Colony
Homes and sound housing, including
places and buildings of historical and
architectural significance.
1. Actively utilize the Historic Overlay zoning district to protect known historic
structures, significant Colony homes and colony sites.
On-going.
2. Develop a GIS based mapping inventory and protection ordinance for the
historic Colony homes.
On-going.
Policy 6.4: Encourage conservation and
preservation of structures and houses
that have historical and architectural
significance.
1. Protect historic buildings and sites. Atascadero's historic buildings and
features shall be preserved and protected in recognition of the role the
community's past plays in its present and future. Historic overlay zoning
shall be utilized to protect appropriate historic districts.
On-going.
2. Utilize the State Historic Building Code to encourage rehabilitation,
preservation, restoration or relocation of historic buildings listed or deemed
on the local, State or Federal register.
On-going.
3. Implement the Historic Site (HS) overlay zone to help preserve and protect
historic Colony homes.
a) Develop and adopt a comprehensive inventory of historic resources.
b) Identify (HS) overlay boundaries on zoning map.
On-going.
4. Utilize the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for
Rehabilitating Historic Properties to assess proposed improvements to
historic properties.
On-going and completed
during plan review.
5. Update the PD (Planned Development) overlay zone to include retention and
rehabilitation of historic resources as a primary justification for PD zoning
regulation standards.
On-going.
6. Update the City’s Appearance Review Manual to include preservation
guidelines for preservation, rehabilitation, and maintenance of historic
properties.
On-going with City Staff
flyer created to help with
the process.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
7. Develop incentives for retaining and rehabilitating Atascadero’s historic
resources including:
a) Exceptions to development regulations;
b) Conservation districts;
c) Staff technical assistance;
d) Program to facilitate relocation instead of demolition; and
e) Mill’s Act contracts.
On-going.
Policy 7.1: Ensure that the native trees of
Atascadero are protected from new
development in order to retain the natural
character of the community.
1. Enforce all provisions of the Atascadero Native Tree Ordinance as a high
priority.
On-going and completed
during plan review.
2. Maintain a current Geographic Information System (GIS) based inventory
map of all native woodlands, plant communities, sensitive habitats,
connective habitat and wildlife corridors. Require lot line adjustments,
subdivision maps, and development permits to minimize impacts on mapped
resources that are identified as sensitive, and provide mitigation as
requirement by the Native Tree Ordinance.
On-going.
3. Update and maintain the Appearance Review Manual to include standards
requiring building siting, mass and scale to be compatible with surrounding
natural features.
Implemented separately
as a handout available at
the front counter.
4. Require lot line adjustments and tentative subdivision maps on sites with 25
percent or greater native tree canopy cover to establish locations of building
sites, driveways, and leach fields that will minimize native tree impacts.
On-going and completed
during plan review.
Policy 7.2: Protect and replenish native
tree populations, including saplings.
1. Continue to implement and enforce the Native Tree Ordinance to protect and
replenish native tree species within the City. Construction permits for both
residential and non-residential development shall be required to preserve as
many native trees as possible. Buildings shall be designed to utilize existing
trees in the landscaping pattern. Any trees removed shall either (1) be
replaced with like species, (2) in-lieu contributions made to the City's tree
replacement fund or (3) have Planning Commission approved conservation
easements created depending on the characteristics of the affected site.
On-going.
2. Augment the City Geographic Information System to include a native tree
GIS database to assist decision-makers with analyzing development
proposals.
Implemented.
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3. The City shall implement a comprehensive program for street tree planting
and maintenance within the Urban Core and all major routes and
approaches to the community.
On-going.
4. Require planting of large canopy shade trees in new projects, in part to
provide shading adjacent to buildings to conserve energy use.
On-going.
Policy 8.1: Ensure that development along
Atascadero Creek, Graves Creeks, the
Salinas River, blue line creeks, and
natural springs, lakes, or other riparian
areas does not interrupt natural flows or
adversely impact riparian ecosystems and
water quality.
1. Work with other agencies to implement the Erosion Control Assistance
Program for review of development proposals to minimize sedimentation of
creeks and the Salinas River.
On-going.
2. Update the Appearance Review Manual to include provisions for preserving,
reclaiming and incorporating riparian features in conjunction with new
development.
This is completed on a
project by project basis.
3. The waterways in the City shall be maintained in a natural state and
concrete channelization creeks shall be prohibited.
On-going.
4. The City shall strongly discourage underground piping, and unnecessary
disturbance of creeks and streams, and encourage use of bridges and
arched culverts. Any alterations required for public safety will be guided by
this policy.
On-going.
5. Allow flood protection measures (such as selective brush cleaning), low-
impact trail development, streambed maintenance and bank protection along
streams where appropriate with necessary permits.
On-going.
6. Prohibit new structures or disturbance of riparian habitat along creek banks
except for restoration purposes.
On-going.
7. Maintain a current GIS-based map of the riparian areas within Atascadero. On-going.
8. Prior to permit approval, refer projects along blue-line creeks to the Corps of
Engineers, Department of Fish and Game, Regional Water Quality Control,
and Upper Salinas-Las Tablas Resource Conservation District.
On-going through the
use of precise plans.
9. Creek reservations and the Salinas River shall be preserved for open space On-going.
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and recreational use, with appropriate areas left in their natural state for
public enjoyment and habitat purposes. Any recreational use of the River
and creeks shall minimize its impact on the habitat value and open space
qualities of the creeks.
10. Land disturbance shall be minimized in proximity to watercourses including
necessary flood protection measures, such as selective brush clearing, and
low-impact trail development.
On-going.
11. Areas subject to flooding, as identified through flood hazard overlay zoning
and flood maps, shall be protected from unsound development consistent
with the City's flood hazard ordinance requirements.
On-going.
12. The City shall adopt and maintain an ordinance that identifies existing and
potential well sites and aquifer recharge areas, including sufficient buffers to
protect them from contamination. The ordinance shall define restricted and
prohibited land uses within the wellhead/recharge protection zones and
provide for the review and approval by both the City and the Atascadero
Mutual Water Company of any project or development within the specified
zones. The ordinance will establish a policy to provide for the monitoring of
activities within these protection zones.
On-going.
13. Support the establishment and protection of floodable terraces, wetlands,
and revegetation along creeks and streams.
On-going.
Policy 8.2: Establish and maintain
setbacks and development standards for
creek side development.
1. Adopt and maintain a creek setback ordinance that will establish building
setbacks and development standards along the banks of Atascadero Creek,
Graves Creek, blue line creeks and the Salinas River to ensure the
uninterrupted natural flow of the streams and protection of the riparian
ecosystem with flexible standards for the downtown area.
Creek setback ordinance
was withdrawn. Policy
should be modified to
reflect current council
direction as a part of a
future General Plan
update.
2. Prior to adoption of a creek setback ordinance an interim 35-foot creek
setback shall be in effect along Atascadero Creek and Graves Creek until
March 1, 2005. All other 7.5 min USGS quadrangle blue line creeks shall
have an interim 20-foot setback. The interim setbacks shall be subject to the
following:
a) On Atascadero Creek and Graves Creek setbacks shall be measured
Creek setback ordinance
was withdrawn. Policy
should be modified to
reflect current council
direction as a part of a
future General Plan
update..
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
from the edge of the creek reservation.
b) All other blue line creek setbacks shall be measured from ordinary high
water mark.
c) The Planning Commission may approve exceptions to the interim creek
setbacks in the form of a Conditional Use Permit if the finding can be
made that creeks, riparian areas and site improvement will not be
negatively impacted by the exception.
Policy 8.3: Preserve public creek reserves
for public access, and ensure that
recreational use does not impact h abitat
value and open space qualities.
1. Develop park, trail, and recreational amenities where appropriate in public
creek reserves.
On-going.
2. Require the dedication of trail easements and access points as part of
subdivision maps or development permits consistent with the Circulation
Element.
On-going.
Policy 8.4: Review and regulate all
proposed on-site wastewater disposal
systems to protect public health and
water quality.
1. Update and support a Memorandum of Understanding or similar agreement
between the City of Atascadero and Regional Water Quality Control Board
regarding the standards for the design, approval, exception process,
installation, and maintenance of on-site wastewater disposal systems.
On-going. Regional
Water Quality Control
Board adopted rules and
regulations regarding this
in 2012 with
implementation in March
2014.
2. Require percolation testing of all proposed subdivision lots that will not be
served by sewer.
Implemented through
plan review.
3. The City's Sewer Master Plan shall address sewering areas with a high
concentration of existing lots below 1/2 acre and areas with extremely
severe soil percolation constraints.
On-going.
Policy 8.5: The City shall implement a
storm water control program consistent
with the requirements of the National
Pollution Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) Permit Program (Phase II).
1. Adopt and implement an Urban Storm Water Quality Management and
Discharge Control ordinance.
City Council Adopted in
stormwater management
plan in 2010.
2. Include design guidelines to minimize impervious surfaces and decrease off -
site storm flows in the Appearance Review Manual.
Text contained in
stormwater management
plan as well as new
City of Atascadero
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Regional Water Quality
Control Board rules.
3. New development shall be required to maintain historic off-site storm flows
unless improvements are made that maintain historic downstream and
upstream flows.
On-going and completed
during plan review.
4. The City will develop a storm water master plan including shared detention
facilities.
City Council Adopted in
stormwater management
plan in 2010.
5. Require Erosion Control Plans and Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans
(SWPPP) for development on sites of 1-acre or more and on smaller sites
with slopes over 10%.
On-going consistent with
the SWMP.
6. The City will continue to notify project applicants and actively inspect
sediment and erosion control mitigation measures from October 15 to April
15 of each year.
On-going.
Policy 9.1: Allow agricultural practices,
including keeping livestock and farm
animals, on parcels of appropriate size in
Rural Estate, Suburban Estate, and Single
Family Residential areas, provided that
natural features and residential neighbors
will not be adversely impacted.
On-going.
Policy 9.2: Adequately regulate allowed
agricultural practices and keeping of
domestic animals on rural and
agricultural lands consistent with the farm
animal regulations of the City Zoning
Ordinance.
On-going.
Policy 10.1: Ensure efficient and adequate
solid waste disposal by reducing waste
volumes through recycling and other
methods.
1. Pursuant to State law, institute a program to achieve maximum recycling of
waste products generated by the community to prolong the useful life of
landfill.
On-going.
2. Continue to reduce solid waste through source reduction, curbside recycling,
green waste collection, and recovery, in cooperation with the Integrated
Waste Management Board (SLO IWMA).
On-going.
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3. Develop effective and efficient recycling programs for multi-family
developments and businesses.
On-going.
4. Encourage recycling programs at City facilities, projects, and programs to
the maximum extent feasible.
On-going.
5. Support actions which conserve energy and encourage energy conservation.
Consumption of non-renewable resources should be minimized. Renewable
resources should be recycled or replenished.
On-going.
Policy 10.2: Support ongoing water
conservation efforts.
1. Coordinate water conservation programs with AMWC as required by State
Water Efficiency Regulations.
On-going.
2. Consider expansion of reclaimed water use. On-going.
3. Encourage the incorporation of water conservation measures in new
development.
On-going with
implementation of water
efficient landscape
ordinance on 2009.
Policy 10.3: Support regional efforts to
maintain clean air.
1. Require dust control and emissions limitations during project construction. On-going.
2. Adopt circulation policies that encourage vehicle trip reductions. On-going.
3. Concentrate new intensive development at identified nodes to help reduce
vehicle trips.
On-going.
4. Support regional programs to maintain clean air by adopting transportation
and land use policies which encourage vehicular trip reductions.
On-going.
5. Support the development of park and ride locations in appropriate locations. On-going.
Policy 10.4: Ensure that development in
mineral resource areas is appropriate and
compatible with existing uses.
1. Review extraction proposals for conformity with the State Surface Mining
and Reclamation Act.
On-going.
2. Review the Zoning Ordinance to identify compatibility issues for uses in the
vicinity of mining areas, and amend the Ordinance as appropriate.
On-going.
3. Carefully evaluate proposals to extract mineral resources from the Salinas On-going.
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2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
River channel to ensure conformity with the State Surface Mining and
Reclamation Act and all other applicable resource agencies, surface mining
criteria contained within the Zoning Ordinance, and flood hazard zoning
standards.
Policy 10.5: Encourage soil conservation
by minimizing grading and preventing
erosion.
1. Require soil retention and erosion control as conditions of approval for
development projects consistent with standards of the Regional Water
Quality Control Board.
On-going.
2. Amend the Municipal Code to require sediment and erosion control
measures on projects, consistent with National Pollution Discharge
Elimination System requirements.
On-going.
Policy 10.6: Utilize new technologies to
improve convenience for City residents,
reduce dependency on nonrenewable
resources, increase ecological and
financial efficiencies, and better inform
the citizenry.
1. Facilitate and support development of infrastructure necessary for all
residents to use and benefit from new communication technologies.
On-going.
2. Monitor information technology development to ensure compatibility with City
infrastructure.
On-going.
3. Strive to expand opportunities for all citizens to participate in City
governance through use of communication technologies.
On-going and expanded
into the use of social
media.
4. Continue to make essential City documents available for immediate retrieval
by electronic transfer technologies.
On-going.
5. Review all proposed residential subdivision maps for consistency with
section 66473 of the Subdivision Map Act requiring lot orientation to consider
passive and natural heating and cooling opportunities.
On-going.
Policy 11.1: Acquire parkland needed for
future development of park and recreation
facilities and ensure that park
improvements are consistent with
adopted master plans to accommodate
1. Develop an overall Parks and Recreation Master Plan to provide for the
long-term needs of all City residents. All planned major facilities shall be
incorporated into the General Plan Land Use Element.
Individual park master
plans are complete.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
future growth.
2. Prepare and maintain master plans for all City park facilities, including
management requirements.
Park Master Plan
updates to Colony Park,
Zoo, Lake Park, and
Paloma Park complete.
3. Provide recreation opportunities in each quadrant of the City, including multi-
purpose sports complexes, tennis courts, play areas for children, equestrian
trails, bikeways, jogging paths, and community centers.
On-going.
4. Parkland shall be acquired and /or dedicated at a ratio of 5 acres /1000
residents consistent with the Quimby Act.
On-going.
5. Encourage the acquisition of open space and sensitive lands beyond the
ratio of 5 acres /1000 residents.
On-going.
6. Pursue ownership of Paloma Creek Park, and /or execute a long-term
agreement with the State to acquire or lease the site, and analyze its
expansion into a regional sports facility.
On-going.
7. Require new subdivisions along the Salinas River to provide controlled
public access to the Salinas River and De Anza Trail for pedestrian and
equestrian recreation.
On-going and
implemented for new
development along this
area.
8. Support the development of equestrian staging areas and trail systems
throughout the community including a Salinas River / De Anza trailhead at
the north end of town and other appropriate locations.
On-going through the
Salinas River Trail Grant
program.
9. Acquire and improve a neighborhood park site in the vicinity of Del Rio Road
and El Camino Real.
On-going.
10. Require a pocket park to be dedicated and improved on the triangular lot
west of the library in conjunction with any residential development of the
parcel.
On-going.
11. Future development of the Eagle Ranch property shall include a system of
parks, recreation facilities, trails, and equestrian facilities.
On-going and included
as a part of Eagle Ranch
concept plans.
Policy 11.2: Encourage joint use of school 1. Work with the School District to formulate a program for joint use of facilities On-going.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
facilities for public recreation purposes. to attain a system of school-park complexes.
Policy 11.3: Encourage park development
on or adjacent to schools where
appropriate.
1. Work with the schools to acquire and develop parks and facilities as
appropriate, and execute necessary agreements to allocate maintenance
and operation costs for joint use.
On-hold.
Policy 11.4: Encourage cooperative park
and facility development programs.
1. Work with the County and other agencies to acquire and develop parks and
facilities as appropriate.
On-going.
Policy 11.5: Develop a method of
financing park and recreational facilities
and services throughout the City using a
variety of revenue sources.
1. Acquire parkland through developer dedications (updating fee levels as
necessary) or other financing mechanisms.
On-going.
2. Use in-lieu fees to develop mini-parks. Mini-parks are hard to
maintain from a City
Stand Point. Private
development may
include them but fund the
maintenance of such
facilities.
3. Finance park operations in part through user fees where appropriate. On-going.
Policy 12.1: Provide specialized
recreation opportunities based on
projected needs and standards identified
in parks master plans.
1. Plan for funding on-going operations and maintenance to finance
development of special facilities, a multi-purpose sports complex, tennis
courts, recreation centers, play areas for children, equestrian trails, bike and
jogging paths, and community centers.
On-going.
Policy 12.2: Emphasize the importance
of recreation facilities as community
resources.
1.Promote the Zoo, Lake Park, and other City parks as unique and valuable
attractions
On-going and City
recently completed a
new visitor’s center to
add to user experience.
2. Establish a community/youth recreation center in the vicinity of downtown.
Implemented and
constructed. Community
center is open.
3. Provide for public transportation connections to public parks and recreation
facilities.
On-going.
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2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
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4. Provide a comprehensive signage program for pedestrian walkways,
bikeways, equestrian trails, and recreation trails.
On-going through the
City’s wayfinding
program and other
sources.
Policy 12.3: Develop and implement a
program to improve water quality in
Atascadero Lake with specific water
quality standards to be provided in the
Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
This section is now
implemented through the
City’s Stormwater
Management Plan.
Policy 13.1: Facilitate convenient
location of goods and services needed by
local residents.
1. Update and maintain the Zoning Ordinance to allow grocery stores and
medical and professional offices at appropriate neighborhood nodes.
Implemented.
2. Update and maintain the Zoning Ordinance to allow office, business, and
health care services in the Commercial Park Zoning District.
Implemented.
Policy13.2: Encourage planned office
development in appropriate locations.
1. Formulate a planned development process for office uses.
On-going.
Policy 13.3: Expand tourist commercial
nodes to serve the traveling public at
freeway interchanges and develop tourist
destinations based on the Atascadero's
rural character.
1. Promote tourism and travel industries.
The City has taken a
lead on marketing and
tourism and promotion of
new events.
2. Encourage hotel, conference, and resort development and protect potential
sites from conversion to other uses.
On-going. Construction
of the Carlton, and
Holiday Inn Express
complete. Marriot
Springhill Suites to be
completed in early
summer 2015.
3. Update and maintain the Zoning Ordinance to allow additional uses in the
Tourist Commercial zoning district.
Implemented.
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Policy Program Status
4. Promote the community's rural character, open space and oak woodlands in
attracting tourist and develop tourist destinations based on these features.
On-going.
Policy 13.4: The City shall continue to
take a long range view of its fiscal
condition, and specifically the possibility
of enhancing revenues, in order to
maintain and, where ever possible and
desirable, enhance current levels of
service.
1. The City will work towards preparing a long range economic plan (often
called a “strategic plan”) to develop a strategy for future fiscal health so that
projected levels of service can be maintained and enhanced.
On-going and completed
with the City’s budget
cycle.
2. The City will annually adjust its long range revenue and expenditure
projections to track changes in the City’s fiscal situation, so that both
problems and opportunities can be anticipated and planned for.
On-going.
3. The City will review it developer fees on a regular basis. On-going.
4. The City will minimize its road maintenance responsibilities by requiring
private funding mechanisms such as assessment districts for the
maintenance of new local streets.
On-going and completed
as a part of HOA/CCR’s
and other funding
mechanisms.
Policy 14.1: Encourage existing uses
to continue providing needed products
and services.
1. Continue to support Chamber of Commerce efforts to market goods and
services available in Atascadero, including those produced locally.
On-going.
2. Identify locations with adequate land to accommodate new commerc ial and
industrial development.
The preliminary El
Camino Real Corridor
Study illustrates new
areas that may
accommodate such uses
Policy 14.2: Attract new development
and land uses that provide jobs and
services for residents, provided that
those uses are consistent with the City’s
character.
1. Update the Zoning Ordinance to allow craft uses in appropriate locations,
including multi-tenant incubator spaces.
This is a recommended
work action as a part of
the Preliminary El
Camino Real corridor
study
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
2. Update the Municipal Code to adequately regulate home occupation uses Implemented.
3. Update the Zoning Ordinance to allow commercial recreation development at
the northern gateway to the City.
On-going.
Policy 14.3: Plan for a regional
commercial center near Highway 101.
1. Update the Zoning Ordinance to allow regional retail (including auto and
home furnishing) uses in appropriate locations.
Implemented, however
due to the small parcels
along highway
101additional incentives
may be necessary.
Policy 14.4: Ensure that City
regulations and processes support
economic development opportunities.
1. Review and Update the Zoning Ordinance to address any regulatory
impediments to attracting target businesses, and to facilitate desired
business expansions and reuse
On-going.
Policy 15.1: Growth should be directed
to areas where services can be provided
in a cost-effective manner.
On-going.
Policy 15.2: Maintain an updated
Capital Improvements Program (CIP) that
forecasts needs at least five years into the
future and conforms to General Plan
policies and programs.
1. The Planning Commission shall annually review the Capital Improvement
Program for consistency with the General Plan and forward its findings to the
City Council
On-going with the last
update completed in
2012.
2. Prepare and implement master storm drainage plans.
On-going with the Public
Works department.
Policy 15.3: Ensure that adequate
service capacity and facilities exist prior
to approving new development.
1. Coordinate with the Atascadero Municipal Water Company to provide for
adequate facilities and water supplies.
On-going.
2. Require all new projects and new development requiring domestic water to
be served by the Atascadero Municipal Water Company unless a waiver is
granted by the Planning Commission through a Conditional Use Permit.
On-going.
3. Coordinate with other local and regional public service providers to identify On-going.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
and ensure adequate service levels for all public services and facilities.
4. Update the municipal code to require new single-family residential
development on lots within 200-feet of an existing public sewer system to be
required to extend and connect to the public sewer when topographically
possible.
Implemented.
5. Continue to support regional planning for solid and hazardous waste
disposal.
On-going.
6. Continue to provide police and fire staffing and facilities as necessary to
meet community needs.
On-going.
7. Incorporate public safety measures in development project design.
On-going.
8. All residential projects of 100 or more dwelling units shall be required to
prepare a Fiscal Impact Report prior to any discretionary approvals. The
Fiscal Impact Report shall analyze all revenues, service costs and facilities
costs associated with a project. The City shall require the establishment of
Facilities Districts and / or Maintenance Districts to cover reven ue short falls
on a project.
On-going and completed
as a part of the Dove
Creek and Woodlands
Specific Plan.
Policy 15.4: Extend services only when
the City has funding for additional
improvements identified in the CIP.
1. Include in the CIP a prioritized list of projects, timing, cost estimates,
responsible department, and funding sources.
On-going.
Policy 15.5: Two tiers of public service
will be provided within the City based on
the Urban Services Line (USL).
1. The Urban Services Line defines the area that will eventually be furnished
with major public and quasi-public services. This area will be served by
some or all of the essential urban services, including :
a) Creekway & Horse Trails
b) Solid Waste Disposal
c) Cultural Facilities
d) Storm Drainage (based Master storm drainage plans for
selected sub-drainage basins)
e) Streets and sidewalks
f) Improvement Districts
On-going.
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2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
g) Street Sweeping
h) County Library
i) Street Trees
j) Parks
k) Public Utilities
l) Emergency Services (Level of Service 1)
m) Water
n) Sewers
2. The Rural Services Area is the area outside of the USL and consists of the
remainder of the City within the City boundaries. Services to be provided
are:
o) Creekway & Horse Trails
p) Rural Streets
q) Solid Waste Disposal
r) Improvement Districts
s) Public Utilities
t) Water
u) Emergency Services (Level of Service 2 & 3)
v) Fire risk management program with backyard burning
Sewering of areas with poor percolation and high rates of septic system failure
On-going.
Policy 15.6: Ensure that new
development pays the cost of providing
and/or installing all capital facilities
needed to support it, including the
infrastructure necessary to attract high -
tech and professional support
businesses.
1. Continue to condition approval of new development on collection of impact
fees and/or construction of facilities, as appropriate, adequate to fund
facilities to serve new development.
On-going.
Policy 15.7: Continue to support
effective regional planning for solid and
hazardous waste disposal.
1. Continue to require solid waste collection within the City.
On-going.
2. Maintain on going communication with solid waste disposal service
providers.
On-going.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
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Circulation
Policy 1.1: Plan, fund and implement
circulation improvements necessary to
comply with adopted City safety and level of
service standards, and the General Plan
Circulation Diagram.
1. Maintain an updated Capital Improvement Plan and pursue construction
of the circulation system improvements of the Circulation Element.
On-going.
2. Require dedications and new development to be consistent with the
Circulation Diagram and the Circulation Facilities Diagram.
On-going
.
3. Enhance vehicular, bicycle, pedestrian access and travel within the
Downtown.
On-going and completed
with new bicycle lanes
along El Camino Real
and Lewis Avenue
4. Preserve options for future transportation facilities in advance of
development by such means as identifying routes, reserving rights-of-
way, establishing setbacks to accommodate future road width, and
limiting access along arterials.
On-going.
5. Design future roadway extensions and connections to allow travelers to
choose reasonably direct paths to destinations.
On-going. General Plan
Amendment needed to
address the Complete
Streets Act.
6. Maintain an equitable funding and capital expenditure system for roadway
improvement that includes requiring developers to provide for
construction of their fair-share portion of arterial, collector, and local
streets at the time of development
On-going.
Policy 1.2: Provide regional facilities to
minimize through-traffic intrusion on local
streets and to avoid barriers to local traffic.
1. Cooperate with Caltrans and SLOCOG to prepare a US 101 North
Corridor Study and the Atascadero Route 101/El Camino Real Corridor
Study.
On-going.
2. Coordinate transportation planning efforts with local, regional, State and
federal agencies, to maintain and upgrade State roadways, where
appropriate, including the elimination of existing substandard conditions
at freeway interchanges.
On-going.
City of Atascadero
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Policy Program Status
3. Provide sufficient capacity on arterial and collector streets to discourage
through traffic on local roadways.
On-going.
4. Restrict truck traffic by ordinance to designated routes identified in the
Truck Route Diagram except for access to local destinations.
On-going.
5. Trucks routes shall be clearly mark with a comprehensive signage
program.
On-going.
6. Establish a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of
Atascadero and Caltrans that identifies the City's responsibility for
collecting fees and funding improvements for US 101.
On-going.
7. Update the City's Capital Facilities Fees consistent with the requirements
of AB 1600 and include funding for Caltrans facilities.
On-going.
Policy 1.3: Maintain LOS C or better as
the standard at all intersections and on all
arterial and collector roads. Upon City
Council approval, accept LOS D where
residences are not directly impacted and
improvements to meet the City’s standard
would be prohibitively costly or disruptive.
1. Require new commercial development design to avoid diverting traffic
through existing residential neighborhoods.
On-going.
2. Require traffic studies and updating of the City traffic model for all
projects involving amendments to the zoning map or General Plan land
use diagram or circulation element.
On-going.
3. Locate high traffic generating uses along arterial streets with a minimum
number of driveways. Driveways and access points should be shared
whenever possible.
On-going.
4. Encourage mixed-use development with residential and commercial
densities high enough to increase the rider base for local and regional
transit systems.
On-going.
Policy 1.4: Preserve the winding, tree-
lined nature of the city street system in
hillside areas.
1. Continue to allow flexible street design standards to allow roads to curve
around hillsides to preserve rural character and help limit vehicle speed.
On-going.
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Policy Program Status
2. Develop a program and development standards for planting street trees
and landscaping on arterial streets and at major intersections.
On-going.
Policy 1.5: Maintain an adequate and
well-designed supply of off-street parking,
particularly in commercial, industrial, and
higher- density residential areas.
1. Require all development to provide sufficient and convenient parking
areas with minimal conflict with street traffic.
On-going.
2. Require shared parking via reciprocal easement in commercial and
industrial areas whenever possible.
On-going and completed
as necessary.
3. Require off-street parking areas to include landscaping, screening,
lighting and shade trees to mitigate adverse visual impacts and provide
comfort for users.
On-going.
4. Update and maintain the Parking Ordinance to reflect current parking
trends and uses.
On-going.
Policy 2.1: Provide for a comprehensive
system of creekside trails, roadside
pathways, equestrian trails, multi-use trails
and bikeways to connect neighborhoods,
schools, commercial, and recreation areas,
in accordance with the Bikeway and Trail
Plan.
1. Require all subdivisions and developments to provide bikeway and trail
alignments and facilities consistent with the Bikeway and Trail Diagram
Error! Reference source not found. and any applicable Bicycle
Transportation Plans.
On-going and completed
as a part of the City’s
adopted Bicycle Master
Plan.
2. The Bikeway and Trail system shall be comprised of Class I, Class II,
Class III and multi-use trails that are appropriate the location and
projected use as defined in Error! Reference source not found..
On-going.
3. Adopt and maintain a Bicycle Transportation Plan that will provide
development standards and classifications for all trail corridors.
Adopted in 2012.
4. Road abandonment request shall be reviewed for potential trail locations.
Where roads are not desirable but pedestrian access would provide a
public benefit a trail right-of-way shall be provided.
On-going.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
5. Access, protection, and expansion of the historic De Anza Trail is a high
priority.
On-going and active with
De Anza Trail Grant.
6. Local bikeway and trail projects shall be coordinated with regional
projects whenever possible.
On-going.
7. Develop a trail master plan for Atascadero Creek between Camelita Road
and the Salinas River.
On-going.
8. A pedestrian and bicycle connection between Atascadero and Templeton
shall be coordinated with SLOCOG, San Luis Obispo County and
Caltrans.
On-going and active with
De Anza Trail Grant.
9. Provide a system of pedestrian and equestrian trailhead access points to
the Salinas River corridor that prevent motor vehicle access.
On-going.
10. Require that all major subdivisions and lot line adjustments involving 20
or more lots to provide a bikeway and trail plan.
On-going.
11. Work with private property owners on the westside of town to establish
formal trails and maintain access to existing trails.
On-going.
12. Plan for a pedestrian and equestrian bridge across the Salinas River at
Curbaril Avenue
On-going.
Policy 2.2: Accommodate bicycles at
major destinations including downtown, bus
stops, schools, and other public facilities.
1. Encourage the use of bicycles by designing bicycle facilities and access
points into all new development projects.
On-going as a part of the
development review
process.
2. Require adequate and safe bicycle access and bicycle parking in
conjunction with new development.
On-going as a part of the
development review
process.
Policy 2.3: Promote walking as an
alternative to vehicle travel in retail district
and multi-family areas.
3. Develop pedestrian-friendly design standards that apply to all residential
and commercial projects and require construction of adequate sidewalks
and/or pedestrian trails in new development.
On-going as a part of the
development review
process.
4. In conjunction with the Safe-Routes to School Program, adopt and On-going.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
maintain a sidewalk system map identifying the locations of required
sidewalks. The system will consist of continuous routes that connect
higher density neighborhoods, schools, parks, shopping areas, and work
places.
5. Sidewalks shall not be required in single-family areas with lot sizes of ½
acre and greater, but walkable shoulders and / or trails will be required.
On-going
6. Enhance the Downtown streetscape so that it is an enjoyable experience
for pedestrians.
On-going and completed
with Lewis Avenue
Bridge, El Camino Real
Bridge and other
streetscape
improvements completed
as a part of the RDA
program.
Policy 3.1: Promote alternatives to
single-occupancy vehicle travel, particularly
for commute trips.
1. Seek funding for programs that promote transit, ridesharing, bicycling and
walking.
On-going.
2. Support efforts to improve shuttle service to downtown and major
shopping and employment centers.
On-going.
Policy 3.2: Encourage expansion of
public transit as needed to meet the
changing needs of the area for local and
regional access, including fixed route and
demand response where appropriate.
1. Work with Central Coast Area Transit and SLORTA to encourage use of
local and regional public transit.
On-going.
2. Provide fixed routed transit with bus shelters along El Camino Real.
On-going.
3. Support and encourage the use and expansion of Park & Ride facilities.
On-going.
Policy 3.3: Comply with the
Transportation Demand Management
program requirements of the San Luis
Obispo County Clean Air Plan to reduce
1. Support programs to encourage employers to promote transit use, such
as flexible work schedules.
On-going.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
peak period trip generation.
Safety & Noise
Policy 1.1: Support response programs
that provide emergency and other services
to the public when a disaster occurs.
1. Provide required training to ensure the readiness of response teams.
On-going.
2. Follow statewide Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS)
procedures, as well as National Incident Management System (NIMS).
On-going.
3. Reduce the time and effort required to obtain permits for emergency
repair work, including coordinating with State and Federal agencies prior
to any event.
On-going.
4. Maintain and upgrade critical facilities. On-going.
5. Continue to implement and maintain the adopted Local Hazard Mitigation
Plan (LHMP) consistent with the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA
2000).
The City recently
adopted the latest update
to the LHMP in 2015.
Policy 1.2: Help prepare and organize
residents to respond appropriately to
disasters.
1. Support education in the schools that teaches children how to avoid
dangers and behave during an emergency.
On-going.
2. Support the efforts of many organizations – government, radio,
newspapers and TV stations, utilities, emergency response providers, the
Office of Emergency Services, and our health community – that provide
outreach and education to the community.
On-going.
3. Support regional efforts to disaster response. This includes working with
neighboring fire departments through mutual aid and supporting a
regional Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).
On-going
4. Support the efforts and education of people with disabilities to respond
appropriately to emergencies.
On-going.
5. Develop an emergency evacuation program for the neighborhoods in the On-going.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
west hills that are subject to high fire hazards.
6. Coordinate circulation element street designations and road improvement
projects with evacuation routes.
On-going.
7. Support disaster education and preparedness programs geared towards
residents through programs such as Community Emergency Response
Team (CERT) or other community based efforts.
On-going with training
completed periodically
for residents
Policy 1.3: Coordinate with County and
State agencies, news media, and others
working to reduce the risks of disasters
through effective preparedness, response
and recovery.
1. Establish a Point of Information (PIO) to meet with agency and media
representatives.
On-going.
Policy 1.4: Expand and update the
database of safety related information,
including Geographic Information System
(GIS) data, and convey that information to
the public and decision makers.
1. Maintain an updated City GIS hazard map with information on fire hazard
areas, native plant fuel loads, flood zones, un-reinforced masonry
buildings, underground storage tanks, landslide areas, earthquake faults,
pipelines, high voltage electrical transmission lines, railroads, state
highways, underground storage tanks, and evacuation routes.
On-going.
2. Seek from other government, academic and private organizations new
data that can be used for emergency preparedness and response.
On-going.
3. Share hazard information with nearby jurisdictions, private and public
organizations, and the general public.
On-going.
Policy 1.5: Perform assessments aimed
at reducing or eliminating long-term risks to
improve the efficiency and decrease the cost
of disaster response and recovery.
1. Assist with public and private rebuilding efforts, provision of housing for
displaced residents, and resumption of service, business and government
functions.
On-going.
2. Provide assistance to agencies and organizations involved in disaster
recovery.
On-going.
3. Identify agencies needed to participate in assessing damage, providing On-going.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
citizens with care and shelter, and repairing critical infrastructure.
4. Ensure duplicate storage of essential City records. On-going.
5. Update and maintain the City’s Multi-Hazard Emergency Response Plan
(MERP), including creating long-term disaster recovery policies and
procedures.
On-Going
Policy 2.1: Enforce federal regulations
regarding placement of structures in
floodplains, and maintain appropriate
standards for development in flood-prone
and poorly drained areas (refer to Figure II-
8).
1. Augment existing GIS and other data regarding low-lying areas with
information obtained during storms.
On-going.
2. Develop a prioritized list of proposed capital improvement projects for
low-lying, flood-prone areas, and seek funding for those projects.
On-going.
3. Perform flood-related preventive maintenance and repair, and ensure that
all flood-related work in riparian areas minimizes impacts to biological
resources.
On-going.
Policy 2.3: Prepare the City to respond
to flood emergencies.
1. Train City personnel to a level appropriate to their positions and
responsibilities to respond to flood emergencies.
On-going.
2. Require new subdivisions to construct a system of all weather emergency
access connections consistent with the City's Emergency Evacuation
Plan.
On-going.
3. Identify and map appropriate evacuation routes for neighborhoods along
the Salinas River.
On-going.
Policy 2.4: Minimize the risk of dam
failure.
1. Work with State and Federal agencies to assist with inspection and
maintenance of the Salinas and Atascadero Lake Dams.
On-going.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
2. Maintain a dam failure evacuation plan to guide public officials that
includes use of the emergency alert system to notify the public.
On-going.
Policy 3.1: Carefully site and configure
new development in higher fire risk areas
1. Encourage the clustering of lots and buildings in higher fire hazard areas
to reduce the need for multiple response teams during fires.
On-going.
2. Require Fire Department and Atascadero Mutual Water Company review
of subdivision design to ensure adequate fire flows and access for
emergency vehicles, and compliance of structures with Fire and Building
Codes.
On-going.
3. Require fire resistant material in building construction in fire hazard areas.
On-going.
4. Require defensible space around all structures, especially in higher fire
hazard areas.
On-going.
Policy 3.2: Plan for adequate facilities,
equipment, and personnel to meet fire
fighting demands.
1. Update the Fire Department Master Plan every five years.
On-going.
2. Continue to plan for future facility, equipment, communication system,
and personnel requirements.
On-going.
3. Coordinate with the County to obtain information generated during the
update of the Salinas River Area Plan relevant to improving fire
suppression capabilities.
On-going.
Policy 3.3:. Sustain the ability of the Fire
Department to respond to emergencies.
1. Prepare, adopt, and maintain standards of coverage for the Fire
Department specific to the geography of Atascadero.
On-going.
2. Maintain mutual aid agreements with other fire and emergency service On-going.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
agencies in rural areas of the community
3. Train Fire Department personnel in wildfire risk assessment. On-going.
4. Maintain a fire-related GIS database to assist decision-makers with
analyzing development proposals, and update the database when new
CDF/County Fire Department fire hazard severity maps become
available.
On-going and Fire
Department reviews
development proposal
based on the
construction or
entitlement type.
5. Develop GIS based fuel load mapping in conjunction with the native tree
mapping program.
Implemented.
6. Provide ongoing fire prevention public education programs. On-going.
7. Develop and codify uniform standards for maximum slope of streets,
driveways, and fire access roads for all new development.
Implemented and
codified in both the
subdivision and zoning
ordinance.
8. Continue to cooperate with the Atascadero Mutual Water Company to
improve and expand fire flows and hydrant locations.
On-going.
Policy 3.4: Adopt programs to reduce
the impacts of fires.
1. Develop regulations that balance the need for defensible area around
homes with the preservation of Native Trees and habitats.
On-going.
2. Inform homeowners of fire dangers, appropriate responses to fire, and
ways to prevent loss.
On-going.
3. Continue to promote the efforts of the Fire Safe Council. On-going.
4. Train fire fighters to educate property owners and the public.
On-going.
5. Require Fire Department review of development plans to assure
adequacy of access for equipment, water supplies, construction
standards, and vegetation clearance.
Implemented. Fire
Department reviews
development plans to
ensure fire safety
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
standards are met.
6. Ensure that sufficient water supplies are available for protection of
structures and encourage built-in fire protection systems such as
sprinklers.
On-going.
7. Require the installation of residential fire sprinklers on new construction
throughout the City.
Implemented. California
Building Codes now
require fire sprinklers in
new construction for all
residential and non-
residential applications.
8. Amend to Municipal code to require the installation of fire sprinkler
systems of all commercial and industrial buildings regardless of size.
Implemented. California
Building Codes now
require fire sprinklers in
new construction for all
residential and non-
residential applications.
9. Support the Memorandum of Understanding between the Atascadero City
Fire Department and the Air Pollution Control District that allows burning
within the Urban Reserve Line of Atascadero where a fire hazard is
present and the vegetation cannot be abated by any other means or other
alternatives.
On-going with CalFire.
10. Continue to review and maintain the adopted Community Wildfire
Protection Plan (CWPP) by working cooperatively with the Department of
Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL Fire) and the San Luis Obispo County
Fire Department.
On-going and
implemented.
Policy 4.1: Ensure that developments,
structures, and public facilities adequately
address geologic and seismic hazards.
1. Disseminate information to the public to improve awareness of geologic
hazards and seismic safety.
On-going.
2. Continually update information about faults and geologic hazards
(including GIS data and geologic and fault mapping), and encourage the
California Division of Mines and Geology to provide new and updated
geologic hazard data for inclusion in the database.
On-going.
3. Conduct studies to assess seismic activity within the Nacimiento fault
zone in the southwestern part of the City and SOI prior to approving
On-going.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
construction of new structures in the mapped fault traces.
4. When projects are proposed in geologically hazardous areas, require
development applicants to submit reports, technical documents, and
plans reviewed by a State-licensed independent geologist or geotechnical
engineer, and that include that expert’s opinion as to whether documents
were prepared in accordance with standard practices, applicable codes,
and regulations pertaining to geologic hazards.
On-going.
5. Continue to work with property owners to retrofit all unreinforced masonry
buildings (URM) consistent with applicable adopted building codes.
The City has one (1)
remaining building on
this list and continues to
work with the property
owner to find a solution.
Policy 4.2: Ensure that structures are
designed and located to withstand strong
groundshaking, liquefaction, and seismic
settlement.
1. Enforce California Building Code provisions pertaining to grading and
construction relative to seismic hazards.
As a part of the building
permit process, the City
enforces all aspects of
the California Building
Code, as adopted by the
City.
2. Update the Title 8 of the Municipal Code as necessary to promote
seismic safety in structural designs.
On-going.
3. Enforce the California Building Code (CBC) and local requirements for
addressing liquefaction potential in the design of structures.
On-going.
4. Require geotechnical studies for development in areas with moderate to
high liquefaction potential that include analysis of seismic settlement
potential and specify appropriate mitigation.
On-going.
Policy 4.3: Avoid development in areas
at risk for slope failure when possible, and
ensure that hillside developments employ
appropriate design and construction
techniques.
1. Continue to require slope stability assessments by appropriate registered
professionals for developments in areas of known slope instability,
landslides, or slopes steeper than 10 percent.
On-going.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
2. Require slope stability studies for subdivisions prior to delineating lot lines
and building envelopes.
On-going based on slope
selection of sites.
3. Prohibit new development in areas of high risk landslide activity, unless
plans demonstrate prior to development that the hazard can be reduced
to a less than significant level.
On-going.
4. Prohibit expansion of existing structures or developments in areas of high
risk landslide activity, except when it will reduce the potential for loss of
life and property.
On-going.
5. Require development proposals to mitigate landslide and slope stability
impacts on neighboring property, structures, and infrastructure.
On-going.
6. Enforce building code provisions and other applicable ordinances
regulating development on sloping ground.
On-going.
Policy 4.4:. Improve the ability of City
personnel to respond to seismic
emergencies.
1. Train City personnel to a level appropriate to their position and
responsibilities to adequately and safely respond to seismic emergencies.
On-going.
2. Encourage residents to participate in Community Emergency Response
Team (CERT) training or other types of programs to improve community
wide response to seismic emergencies.
On-going
Policy 5.1: Reduce the potential for
exposure to humans and the environment
from hazardous substances.
1. Require businesses that use, store, or transport hazardous materials to
ensure that adequate measures are taken to protect public health and
safety
On-going.
2. Work with Caltrans to require all transport of hazardous materials to
follow approved routes.
On-going.
3. Work with Union Pacific to ensure adequate precaution and
preparedness regarding rail transport of hazardous materials.
On-going.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
4. Coordinate with AMWC to protect well fields from hazardous materials.
On-going.
Policy 5.2: Reduce the potential for
pesticide exposure to humans and the
environment.
1. Ensure that emergency first responders and dispatch operators know to
contact the County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office for technical
assistance in the event of a pesticide-related emergency.
On-going.
2. Work with pesticide applicators (including commercial users and
homeowners) to ensure necessary measures are taken to protect public
health and safety.
On-going.
3. Provide information and technical guidance to encourage implementation
of Integrated Pest Management strategies.
On-going.
Policy 5.3: Minimize potential hazards
and spills from oil and gas pipelines and
underground storage tanks.
1. Work with pipeline owners and operators and appropriate County and
State agencies to develop adequate prevention and cleanup strategies.
On-going.
2. Work with property owners, AMWC and County Environmental Health to
abate Leaking underground storage tanks and monitor existing tanks for
leakage.
On-going.
Policy 5.4: Support County efforts to
maintain a high level of radiation emergency
preparedness and ensure that the public
receives necessary information about the
Diablo Canyon Power Plant.
1. Coordinate with County and PG&E to review and update information
about emergency preparedness and evacuations.
On-going.
Policy 5.5: Address unreinforced
masonry buildings consistent with State
Law.
1. Continue to require reinforcement necessary to meet adopted structural
standards of buildings identified pursuant to State law.
On-going.
2. Work with property owners and the redevelopment agency to develop
programs to reinforce and preserve historic masonry structures within the
downtown district.
With the dissolution of
the RDA, the City
continues to work with
building owners to
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
reinforce UMB’s in the
City on a case by case
basis.
3. Utilize GIS to map the location of all unreinforced masonry buildings in
the City.
Implemented. The
Building Division
maintains and updates
this list as buildings are
removed or reinforced.
Noise
Policy 1. The noise standards in this chapter represent maximum acceptable noise levels. New development
should minimize noise exposure and noise generation. The City shall maintain a Noise Ordinance that implements the
requirements of the Noise Element.
On-going.
Policy 2. New development of noise -sensitive land uses shall not be permitted in areas exposed to existing or
projected future levels of noise from transportation noise sources which exceed 60 dBn or CNEL (70 Ld,/CNEL for
playgrounds and neighborhood parks) unless the project design includes effective mitigation measures to reduce noise
in outdoor activity areas and interior spaces to or below the levels specified for the given land use.
On-going.
Policy 3. Noise created by new transp ortation noise sources, including roadway improvement projects, shall be
mitigated so as not to exceed the levels specified in within the outdoor activity areas and interior spaces of existing
noise sensitive land uses.
On-going.
Policy 4. New development of noise-sensitive land uses shall not be permitted where the noise level due to
existing stationary noise sources will exceed the noise level standards unless effective noise mitigation measures have
been incorporated into the design of the development to reduce noise exposure to or below the levels specified.
On-going and reviewed
based on noise sensitive
land uses.
Policy 5. Noise created by new proposed stationary noise sources or existing stationary noise sources which
undergo modifications that may increase noise levels shall be mitigated so as not to exceed the noise level standards
on lands designated for noise-sensitive uses. This policy does not apply to noise levels associated with agricultural
operations.
On-going.
Policy 6. The City shall consider implementing mitigation measures where existing noise levels produce
significant noise impacts to noise-sensitive land uses or where new development may result in cumulative increases of
noise upon noise-sensitive land uses.
On-going.
1. The City shall review new public and private development proposals to On-going.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
determine conformance with the policies of this Noise Element.
2. Allow noise barriers and modifications to buildings containing noise-
sensitive uses only when site planning alone cannot adequately
accomplish noise reduction.
On-going.
3. Require all noise barriers and sound attenuation walls to be constructed
of architecturally attractive materials and buffered with landscaping.
On-going.
4. Amend the zoning ordinance to require masonry sound attenuation
barriers between commercial and residential districts.
On-going.
5. When mitigation must be applied to satisfy the policies in Chapter 3.3, the
following priorities for mitigation shall be observed, where feasible:
First: Setbacks/open space separation
Second: Site layout/orientation/shielding of noise-sensitive uses with
non-noise-sensitive uses
Third: Construction of earthen berms
Fourth: Structural measures: acoustical treatment of buildings and noise
barriers constructed of concrete, wood, or materials other than earth
On-going
6. Where the development of a project subject to discretionary approval may
result in land uses being exposed to existing or projected future noise
levels exceeding the levels specified by the policies, the City shall require
an acoustical analysis at the time the application is accepted for
processing. For development not subject to discretionary approval and/or
environmental review, the requirements for an acoustical analysis shall
be implemented prior to the issuance of a building permit. The
requirements for the content of an acoustical analysis are given in the
following section.
On-going based on the
type of use proposed.
7. The City shall develop and employ procedures to ensure that noise
mitigation measures required pursuant to an acoustical analysis are
implemented in the development review and building permit processes.
On-going.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
8. The City shall develop and employ procedures to monitor compliance
with the policies of the Noise Element after completion of projects
requiring noise mitigation.
On-going.
9. The City shall enforce the State Noise Insulation Standards (California
Code of Regulations, Title 24) and Chapter 35 of the Uniform Building
Code (UBC).
On-going.
10. The City shall request the California Highway Patrol, the County Sheriff,
and local police departments to actively enforce the California Vehicle
Code sections relating to adequate vehicle mufflers.
On-going.
11. The City shall purchase new equipment and vehicles only if they comply
with noise level performance standards based upon the best available
noise reduction technology. Alternatives to the use of existing noisy
equipment, such as leaf blowers, shall be pursued.
On-going.
12. The City shall periodically review and update the Noise Element to
ensure that noise exposure information and specific policies are
consistent with changing conditions within the City and with noise control
regulations or policies enacted after the adoption of this element.
On-going.
13. The City shall make the Acoustical Design Manual available to the public
so that the public can incorporate noise reduction measures into private
projects consistent with the goals and policies of this Noise Element.
On-going.
14. The City shall consider one or more of the following mitigation measures
where existing noise levels significantly impact existing noise-sensitive
land uses or where cumulative increase in noise levels resulting from new
development significantly impact noise-sensitive land uses:
a) Rerouting traffic onto streets that have low traffic volume onto
streets that do not adjoin noise-sensitive land uses.
b) Rerouting trucks onto streets that do not adjoin noise-sensitive
land uses.
c) Construction of noise barriers.
d) Lowering speed limits
e) Acoustical treatment of buildings
f) Programs to pay for noise mitigation such as low cost loans to
owners of noise-impacted property or establishment by developer
On-going.
City of Atascadero
2025 General Plan Policies & Programs Review – Section F
Policy Program Status
fees.
Attachment
Section 3 – 2015 Housing Element Progress Report
Attachment 1
page 1 of 8
-
S
F R 1 1 1
O 4
0 0 0 155+
020
68
39
(9) Total of Moderate and Above Moderate from Table A3 ► ► ► ► ► ►
SF O
* Note: These fields are voluntary
0
Reporting Period 2014
1 2
Housing Development Information
Project Identifier
(may be APN No.,
project name or
address)
6 7
Moderate-
Income
Unit
Category
West Front Village SF
5+
15
4
15O
ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Housing Element Implementation
(CCR Title 25 §6202 )
Jurisdiction City of Atascadero
Housing with Financial Assistance
and/or
Deed Restrictions
Note below the number of units
determined to be affordable without
financial or deed restrictions and
attach an explanation how the
jurisdiction determined the units were
affordable. Refer to instructions.
15 moderate units sales price
deemed affordable using County
housing formula
8
Housing without
Financial Assistance
or Deed Restrictions
Assistance
Programs
for Each
Development
Tenure
R=Renter
O=Owner
Affordability by Household Incomes
See Instructions See Instructions
(10) Total by income Table A/A3 ► ► 1
0
30-year deed
restricted per
affordable
housing policy
6826
4 moderate units Sold or sales
price deemed affordable using
County housing formula
Woodridge
Townhomes
2-4Michado ECR
Townhomes
Deed
Restricted
Units
Total Units
per
Project
O 0
Table A
22
5 5a
Est. # Infill
Units*
3 4
Very Low-
Income
Low-
Income
Above
Moderate-
Income
0 4 0 4 4
22 moderate units Sold or sales
price deemed affordable using
County housing formula
22
22 22
North County
Connections
45 year deed
restriction per
RDA agrrement
2019
Annual Building Activity Report Summary - New Construction
Very Low-, Low-, and Mixed-Income Multifamily Projects
(11) Total Extremely Low-Income Units*
Oak Haven Village
4
Southside Villas O 0 0 22
Attachment 1
page 2 of 8
-Reporting Period 2014
ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Housing Element Implementation
(CCR Title 25 §6202 )
Jurisdiction City of Atascadero
2019
Table A3
26
Annual Building Activity Report Summary - Units Rehabilitated, Preserved and Acquired pursuant
to GC Section 65583.1(c)(1)
(3) Acquisition of Units
(4) The Description should adequately document how each unit complies with
subsection (c )(7) of Government Code Section 65583.1
0
0
0
0
(1) Rehabilitation Activity 0 00
Annual building Activity Report Summary for Above Moderate-Income Units
(not including those units reported on Table A)
* Note: This field is voluntary
Extremely
Low-
Income*
* Note: This field is voluntary
0
0 0
0
0
25
5.
Mobile Homes
No. of Units Permitted for
Above Moderate
0 0
0
(5) Total Units by Income
(2) Preservation of Units At-Risk
7.
Number of
infill units*
0
3. 5+
Units
Affordability by Household Incomes
2.
2 - 4 Units
260
1.
Single Family
32
0
0
1
4.
Second Unit
6.
Total
TOTAL
UNITS
Please note: Units may only be credited to the table below when a jurisdiction has included a program it its housing element to rehabilitate, preserve or acquire units to
accommodate a portion of its RHNA which meet the specific criteria as outlined in GC Section 65583.1(c)(1)
Activity Type Very Low-
Income
Low-
Income
0
No. of Units Permitted for
Moderate 00 1 3
Table A2
Attachment 1
page 3 of 8
-Reporting Period 2014
ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Housing Element Implementation
(CCR Title 25 §6202 )
Jurisdiction City of Atascadero
2019
Note: units serving extremely low-income households are included in the very low-income permitted units totals.
RHNA
Allocation by
Income Level
95
120
11
-62
Total Units ► ► ►
Total
Remaining RHNA
by Income LevelYear
3
1
Total Units
to Date
(all years)Year
4
Year
1
Year
5
Table B
2017
Income Level
Deed Restricted
Non-deed
restricted 0 0
Year
2
Year
6
1
98
2
Permitted Units Issued by Affordability
Enter Calendar Year starting with the first year of
the RHNA allocation period. See Example.
3
Regional Housing Needs Allocation Progress
61
69
0
Deed Restricted
Low
Deed Restricted
Moderate
11
76Non-deed
restricted
Non-deed
restricted
1
62
69
163
282
147
Remaining Need for RHNA Period ► ► ► ► ►
164
Total RHNA by COG.
Enter allocation number:393
Above Moderate 95
185
52
Year
8
Year
7
Very Low
2020 202120192014201520162018
0
44
97
0
0
Attachment 1
page 4 of 8
-Reporting Period 2014
ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Housing Element Implementation
(CCR Title 25 §6202 )
Jurisdiction City of Atascadero
2019
1.1.5 Allow and encourage Downtown
Housing 20 units
Staff will continue to work with developers of the Colony Square
project for redesign of the residential units. This compoent remains
as a part of the development. Additional development interest in
downtown housing remains.
1.1.7 PD Overlays On-going
Housing Programs Progress Report - Government Code Section 65583.
Describe progress of all programs including local efforts to remove governmental constraints to the maintenance,
improvement, and development of housing as identified in the housing element.
Status of Program Implementation
1.1.1 Street and Infrastructure
Improvement Projects N/A On-going
1.1.2 Specific Plans for residential
projects of 100 or more units On-going
1.1.4 Support the extension and
expansion of sewer service for the
Eagle Ranch
On-going
1.1.3 Continue to Allow Manufactured
Housing and Group Housing
Program Description
(By Housing Element Program Names)
Name of Program Objective Timeframe
in H.E.
1.1.8 Continue to maintain an
affordable housing density bonus
ordinance that establishes procedures
for obtaining and monitoring density
bonuses in compliance with State law
On-going
1.1.6 Rural Residential Zone on-going Staff has yet to begin work on this ordinance. A work plan should be
factored in with any Zoning Code updates.N/A
Density Bonus has been utilized in the Atascadero Family Project.
City will meet and exceed its goal in 2016.25 units
Table C
Program Implementation Status
On-going on a per project basis.
Staff will continue to encourage use of PDs for high quality design.
N/A
Provide 20 Units
100 affordable units On-going
The City will be working with the developers of the Eagle Ranch
Specific Plan to identify location and the size of expansion
necessary to accommodate growth in that area
Only one project (Eagle Ranch) meets this criteria at this time.
Applicants are completing a Specific Plan.
On-going Since 2014, 6 manufactured units have been issued
75 Units
Attachment 1
page 5 of 8
-Reporting Period 2014
ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Housing Element Implementation
(CCR Title 25 §6202 )
Jurisdiction City of Atascadero
2019
Staff will continue to review this ordinance as a part of a new
initiative to review City Zoning Ordinance yearly
City Staff continues to work with local non-profits by providing
information on sites, leads, and assistance where feasiable.
Developers inquire about how to fund some projects and Staff
responds with potential funding sources.
Tthis is an on-going effort.
This maybe completed earlier as a future work effort as directed by
City Coincil through strategic planning goals.
Staff will initiate this effort prior to in 2018.
This may be combined with other work efforts in amending the City's
Zoning Ordinance
on-going
on-going
on-going
on-going
2017
2018
2017
N/A
50 Units
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.1.14 Continue to maintain Chapter
12 of the Zoning Ordinance (Condo
Conversion Ordinance)
1.1.15 Continue to work with non-profit
agencies
1.1.18 Amend the Zoning Ordinance to
allow a waiver of the two-story height
limit in the RMF Zone
1.1.16 Continue to encourage
developers to work with agencies to
obtain loans for development of new
multifamily rental housing for low
income households
1.1.17 Continue to contract with the
San Luis Obispo Housing Authority for
administration of the Section 8 housing
voucher program
1.1.19 City should consider amending
the Zoning Ordinance to establish
efficiency or micro detached units
consistent with the California Building
Code
1.1.20 City should consider amending
the Zoning Ordinance to establish
efficiency or micro detached units
consistent with the California Building
Code
The City Council may direct Staff tocraft affordable housing
ordinance as a part of its strategic planning innatives.
Name of Program
N/A On-going The City Council may direct Staff to review affordable housing
policy as a part of its strategic planning innatives.
1.1.9 Continue to monitor the impact of
the City’s current inclusionary housing
policy on production of market rate
housing in response to market
conditionse
1.1.10 Adopt an inclusionary housing
ordinance that requires residential
developments to provide deed-
restricted, affordable units or an in-lieu
fee
Status of Program Implementation
15 units
2018 This will be completed with future Zoning Ordinance Work Plans
2016
Program Description
(By Housing Element Program Names)
Housing Programs Progress Report - Government Code Section 65583.
Describe progress of all programs including local efforts to remove governmental constraints to the maintenance,
improvement, and development of housing as identified in the housing element.
1.1.12 encourage the development of
second units, the City should consider
reduced development impact fees for
second units as part of an AB 1600
study
1.1.11 encourage the development of
second units, the City will evaluate the
development standards and update the
Zoning Ordinance for second units
The city has approved 3 second units since 2014.
15 units The City Council may direct Staff to review such a program as a part
of the 2017-2018 Fiscal Year.
Objective Timeframe
in H.E.
201770 units
N/A
2018
1.1.13 amnesty program that would
reduce or eliminate fees for
unpermitted second units
Attachment 1
page 6 of 8
-Reporting Period 2014
ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Housing Element Implementation
(CCR Title 25 §6202 )
Jurisdiction City of Atascadero
2019
The Housing element has outlined implementation measures that
City Staff will follow.
The City will continue to partner with non-profits by providing housing
lists and affordable unit locations to assist in targeting these income
groups.
on-going
on-going
10 units
N/A
1.1.21 Assisting in the housing needs
for persons with Developmental
Disabilities
Program Description
(By Housing Element Program Names)
Housing Programs Progress Report - Government Code Section 65583.
Describe progress of all programs including local efforts to remove governmental constraints to the maintenance,
improvement, and development of housing as identified in the housing element.
Name of Program Objective Timeframe
in H.E.Status of Program Implementation
3.1.4 partnerships with Solar Providers for
installation of PV panels and other
alternative electrical services for low-
income householdspartnerships with Solar
Providers for installation of PV panels and
other alternative electrical services for low-
income households
N/A City staff continues to work with developers and homeowners to help
site and development to avoid environmental impacts.
The City will continue to maintain this overlay district to preserve and
protect historic colony homes.
The City continues to maintain GIS data in regards to historic
buildings and sites.
on-goingN/A The City continues to encourage local churches to provide temporary
shelters for the homeless population.
2.1.4 Monitor Subsidies/affordability
N/A
2.1.1 investigate ways to meet its
housing needs through rehabilitation
and preservation of existing units
30 units on-going City Staff will be exploring Block grants and other funding
mechansims to achieve this goal.
N/A
3.1.3 Title 24 compliance N/A on-going
The City's building department continues to enforce Title 24
requirements upon review of building plans that require energy
reports.
4.1.1 Temporary use of churches as
homeless shelters
2.2.2 Maintain GIS mapping of historic
building and sites
3.1.2 Energy Conservation Outreach
N/A
City Staff continues to monitor the status of affordable housing rental
units and for sale units in partnership with the SLO County Housing
Authority
The City will continue to maintain its sliding scale of density for
sloped lots.
3.1.1 Promote environmentally
sustainable building practices on-going
2.2.1 Continue to implement Historic Site
overlay district N/A
2.1.2 Participate in federal grant
programs 25 units on-going The City will continue to participate in obtaining these funds and will
seek how to gain additional grants with the loss of the RDA.
2.1.3 Maintain sliding desnisty scale
for sloped lots in Zoning Ordinance on-going
on-going
In partnership with PG&E and San Luis Obispo Green Build, there
are various brochures available to homeowners that detail energy
conservation.
on-goingN/A
on-going
on-going
Attachment 1
page 7 of 8
-Reporting Period 2014
ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Housing Element Implementation
(CCR Title 25 §6202 )
Jurisdiction City of Atascadero
2019
Due to Staffing issues in 2015, this item was not completed, however
Staff will provide a resource handout for the front counter and on its
website by Summer 2016.
This Work effort will be completed as a part of any 2017 code
update.
City Staff continues to comply with ADA standards for new and
change of occupancy building projects.
City Staff continues to comply with ADA standards for new and
change of occupancy building projects.
2016
2017
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.1.2 Constraints on financing for multi-
-family development N/A
City Staff continues to work with developers, key stakeholders, and
property owners on overcoming constraints in project design to help
facilitate financing.
Program Description
(By Housing Element Program Names)
Housing Programs Progress Report - Government Code Section 65583.
Describe progress of all programs including local efforts to remove governmental constraints to the maintenance,
improvement, and development of housing as identified in the housing element.
4.1.3 Residential Care facilities 2018
The City will continue to work with local non-profits and obtain CDBG
grant funding for this program
Name of Program
on-going
Objective
City Staff will review this ordinance as a part of any work effort to
amend the City's Zoning Ordinance
Timeframe
in H.E.Status of Program Implementation
City Staff will continue to monitor the City's Homeless shelter for
consistency with State Housing Policy.on-going
N/A
2016
on-going
on-going City Staff will work with non-profits for any grant funding
opportunities.
on-going City Staff attend economic roundtables and other events as
continuing education of these impacts.
N/A
N/A
on-going
4.1.4 Expand the Emergency Shelter
(ES) Overlay Zone
4.1.2 Local Motel Vouchers
4.2.1 ADA Compliance with California
Building Code
4.1.5 Information and complaint
referral services for Fair Housing Act
Compliance
4.1.6 Farmworker housing do not
conflict with Health and Safety Code
Sections 17021.5
4.3.1 Adopt a policy to determine
allocation of the City Affordable
Housing In-Lieu funds to support the
creation of new affordable housing
units in Atascadero
4.3.2 Work with non-profits to identify
funding sources for very-low/extremely
low income groups
5.1.1 Understanding economic and
employment impacts on housing
5 units
N/A
Attachment 1
page 8 of 8
-Reporting Period 2014
ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Housing Element Implementation
(CCR Title 25 §6202 )
Jurisdiction City of Atascadero
2019
6.1.2 Review minor project
modifications through the Design
Review Committee and more
substantial changes through a
conditional use process
6.1.7 Consider amending the zoning
ordinance to allow single-room
occupancy units (SROs) by right in the
Residential Multi-Family (RMF) zone
N/A
N/A
The City created the Design Review Committee in 2010 to help with
project streamlining and review. The DRC has been helpful in
working out issues that normally would have been dealt by Planning
Commission or simply at a staff level.
Stock plans are available for larger projects.
on-going
N/A
N/A
Completed
2018
This is on-going through the City Council's initative of common sense
regulation and reform initiatives.
This will be completed with future Zoning Ordinance Work Plans
6.1.4 Maintain pre-approved stock
development plans on-going
5.2.1 Development Standards and
Construction methods on-going As City staff identifies issues with the municipal code and advance
construction methods, the City will amend the code as necessary.
6.1.3 Process Streamlining on-going
N/A
N/A 2018
on-going
N/A
N/A
N/A
on-going6.1.1 Consolidating all actions relating
to a specific project
Objective Timeframe
in H.E.Status of Program Implementation
N/A
Program Description
(By Housing Element Program Names)
The City tracks all housing projects and provides status updates to
both the Council and Planning Commission.
Staff continues this practice for ease of tracking.
6.2.1 1. Following amendment of the
General Plan Conservation and Safety
Elements to comply with AB 162
related to floodplain mapping, the City
will amend the Housing Element, if
needed, for consistency
6.1.9 Monitor impact fees and the
Capital Facility Fee schedule to
identify barriers to housing
development, particularly affordable
units
5.2.2 Track affordable housing projects on-going
City Staff is currently working on a CAP fee amendment. This may be
included in this current work effort.
6.1.8 Modify the Capital Facility Fee
schedule to index fees based on size
of unit, providing lower rates for small
units. Indexed rate shall apply to
apartments and second units
This has been completed as a part of the 2014-2019 Housing
Element update.
Housing Programs Progress Report - Government Code Section 65583.
Describe progress of all programs including local efforts to remove governmental constraints to the maintenance,
improvement, and development of housing as identified in the housing element.
This is an on-going effort.
N/A
6.1.6 Incentives for developers for
units that are affordable to lower
income households
Staff provides pre-application and technical assistance to all projects
when requested.
The City's process streamlining is already expediting projects.
Developers can defer development impact fees until final occupancy.
N/A
6.1.5 Pre-Application and technical
assistance for affordable housing
projects