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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDRC_2018-02-28_AgendaPacket http://www.facebook.com/planningatascadero @atownplanning Scan This QR Code with your smartphone to view DRC Website CITY OF ATASCADERO DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE AGENDA Committee Meeting Wednesday, February 28, 2018 2:00 P.M. City Hall 6500 Palma Avenue, Room 306 Atascadero, California CALL TO ORDER Roll Call: Chairperson Roberta Fonzi Committee Member Charles Bourbeau Committee Member Duane Anderson Committee Member Mark Dariz Committee Member Jamie Jones APPROVAL OF AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT CONSENT CALENDAR None City of Atascadero Design Review Committee Agenda Regular Meeting, Feb. 28, 2018 Page 2 of 3 http://www.facebook.com/planningatascadero @atownplanning Scan This QR Code with your smartphone to view DRC Website DEVELOPMENT PROJECT REVIEW 1. DESIGN REVIEW FOR CHANGES TO 7480 SANTA YSABEL AVE. 2. DESIGN REVIEW OF RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITY AT 7500 PORTOLA RD. Property Owner/Applicant: People’s Self Help Housing Project Title: PLN 2018-1684 Project Location: 7480 Santa Ysabel Rd., Atascadero, CA 93422 (San Luis Obispo County) APN 030-121-041 Project Description: The proposal includes adding one additional bedroom to five of the existing units. A request to allow reduced parking standards is included. Site and bui lding upgrades are also proposed. General Plan Designation: HDR Zoning District: RMF-16 Proposed Environmental Determination: The project qualifies for a CEQA Class 1 Categorical Exemption (Section 15301) for existing facilities. City Staff: Callie Taylor, Sr. Planner, Phone: 470-3448, Email: ctaylor@atascadero.org Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends the Planning Commission approve a CUP for an existing 18- unit multi-family residential development, including site improvements, 5 additional bedrooms, building upgrades, and a parking reduction, subject to Conditions of Approval and any DRC recommendations for modifications. Property Owner: Thomas & Georgianna Carter Applicant: Emily Baranek, Jade Architecture Project Title: PLN 2018-1682 Project Location: 7500 Portola Road., Atascadero, CA 93422 (San Luis Obispo County) APN 054-085-016 Project Description: The applicant proposes a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) with a maximum occupancy of 15 clients. General Plan Designation: SFR-Z Zoning District: RSF-Z Proposed Environmental Determination: The project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as a Class 32 exemption for infill developments (CEQA Guidelines Section 15332. City Staff: Katie Banister, Assistant Planner, Phone: 470-3480, Email: kbanister@atascadero.org Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends the Design Review Committee review and make recommendations to the Planning Commission for the Master Plan of Development for Park Place Residential Care Facility (CUP 2018-0322). City of Atascadero Design Review Committee Agenda Regular Meeting, Feb. 28, 2018 Page 3 of 3 http://www.facebook.com/planningatascadero @atownplanning Scan This QR Code with your smartphone to view DRC Website COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS AND REPORTS DIRECTOR’S REPORT ADJOURNMENT The next DRC meeting is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at 2 p.m. Agendas, Minutes and Staff Reports are available online at www.atascadero.org under City Officials & Commissions, Design Review Committee. ITEM 1 MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL, 7480 SANTA YSABEL AVE. PLN 2018-1684 / PEOPLES’ SELF HELP HOUSING ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED BY CONTACTING THE ATASCADERO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AT http://www.atascadero.org 6500 PALMA AVENUE | ATASCADERO, CA 93422 | (805) 461-5000 Atascadero Design Review Committee Staff Report – Community Development Department MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL CUP, 7480 SANTA YSABEL AVE. MEETING DATE PROJECT PLANNER APPLICANT CONTACT PLN NO. 2/28/2018 Callie Taylor, Senior Planner Peoples’ Self Help Housing Darya Oreizi, Representative PLN 2018-1684 DRC 2018-0117 CUP 2018-0323 RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends DRC: Recommend the Planning Commission approve a Conditional Use Permit for an existing 18 unit multi-family residential development, including site improvements, 5 additional bedrooms, building upgrades, and a parking reduction, subject to Conditions of Approval and any DRC recommendations for modifications. PROJECT ADDRESS GENERAL PLAN DESIGNATION ZONING DISTRICT ASSESOR PARCEL NUMBER(S) SITE AREA 7480 Santa Ysabel Ave. Units #1 - #18 High Density Residential (HDR) Residential Multi-family - 20 (RMF-20) 030-121-041 1.11 acres PROJECT DESCRIPTION The proposed project includes a CUP for an existing 18 unit multi-family residential development. Building upgrades are proposed to modernize the units, add ADA upgrades, and add one additional bedroom to five of the existing units. Site improvements are proposed. A parking reduction is being requested, which includes reduced parking count in comparison to the Municipal Code standards, and relief from the requirement to install covered parking onsite. ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION The project qualifies for a Class 1 CEQA exemption (CEQA Guidelines §15301) for minor additions to existing facilities. APPROVAL PROCESS ☒ DRC ☐ AUP ☒ PC ☐ CC 1 ITEM 1 MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL, 7480 SANTA YSABEL AVE. PLN 2018-1684 / PEOPLES’ SELF HELP HOUSING Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero USE CLASSIFICATION ALLOWED OR CONDITIONALLY ALLOWED USE STRUCTURE 50-YEARS OLD OR GREATER JURISDICTIONAL CREEK Multi-family Residential ☐ Allowed ☒ Conditional ☒ No ☐ Colony Home / Commercial ☐ Registered Building ☐ Yes, but not deemed historically significant ☐ Atascadero ☐ Graves ☐ Paloma ☐ Boulder ☐ Other ☒ N/A EXISTING USES 18 multi-family residential units, owned and operated by Peoples’ Self Help Housing SURROUNDING ZONING DISTRICTS AND USES North: High density residential (RMF-20) South: High density residential (RMF-20), East: Multi-family residential ( RMF-10 & RMF-20) West: Commercial (CP & CR), El Camino Real ZONING ORDINANCE / MUNICIPAL CODE STANDARDS / CITY POLICIES City Standards Meets Requirements Notes Setback standards (AMC 9-4.103-.110) ☒Yes ☐No Height Standards (AMC 9-4.112-113) ☒Yes ☐No Parking Standards (AMC 9-4.114-121) ☐Yes ☒No Parking reduction proposed Landscaping (AMC 9-4.124-127) ☒Yes ☐No Landscape upgrades proposed Fencing Standards (AMC 9-4.128) ☒Yes ☐No Grading Standards (AMC 9-4.138-145) ☒Yes ☐No Lighting Standards (AMC 9-4.137) ☒Yes ☐No Water Efficient Landscaping (AMC Title 8, Chapter 10 ) ☒Yes ☐No Existing turf to be minimized with landscape upgrades Creek setbacks ☒Yes ☐No Use Classification Standards: Multi-family residential dwellings ☒Yes ☐No 2 ITEM 1 MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL, 7480 SANTA YSABEL AVE. PLN 2018-1684 / PEOPLES’ SELF HELP HOUSING Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero DISCUSSION: Project Description A Conditional Use Permit is being proposed for an existing 18 unit multi-family residential development. The owner, Peoples’ Self Help Housing, is proposing the following changes to the site:  Add one (1) additional bedroom to five (5) of the existing units  Building upgrades to provide 2 ADA accessible units, new kitchens, and modernize the units  Install two (2) additional parking spaces on site  Landscape enhancements along Pueblo Avenue  New monument sign (Atascadero Gardens identification sign)  AMC parking requirement relief, including reduced parking count in comparison to the Municipal Code standards, and relief from the requirement to i nstall covered parking on site City staff is recommending additional site upgrades related to appearance review and to meet Municipal Code standards. Staff’s recommendations include minor modifications to fencing, turf replacement and enhanced landscape on both street frontages, painting the trash enclosure, building paint colors, and frontage improvements on Pueblo Avenue which are required by the Municipal Code. Background The subject site, known as Atascadero Gardens, was previously developed with 18 multi-family residential units in the 1974, prior to City incorporation. Peoples’ Self Help Housing purchased the site in 1998 and installed some initial improvements, including a shared laundry room and some minor site upgrades. Peoples’ Self Help Housing owns and manages the site, which provides housing to low and very-low income residents. The Atascadero Municipal Code requires a Conditional Use Permit (Master Plan of Development) to be approved for residential developments of 12 units or more. Since the project was developed under County zoning over 40 years ago, a Conditional Use Permit was never processed, and the existing development is therefore considered existing non-conforming due to lack of entitlement. In order to permit expansion of five units for additional bedrooms, a CUP is being processed to bring the site into compliance. 3 ITEM 1 MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL, 7480 SANTA YSABEL AVE. PLN 2018-1684 / PEOPLES’ SELF HELP HOUSING Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero Analysis The subject site is zoned high density multi-family, which would allow for up to 27 units on the 1.11 acre subject site. AMC Section 9-2.110 requires a CUP for multi-family residential developments consisting of twelve (12) or more units, even if multi-family residential units are an allowed use on the subject lot. The Conditional Use Permit is the process used to review land use proposals of a nature or magnitude which could significantly affect their surroundings, and includes design review of the site and public notice for the neighborhood. Proposed Site Plan 4 ITEM 1 MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL, 7480 SANTA YSABEL AVE. PLN 2018-1684 / PEOPLES’ SELF HELP HOUSING Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero 1. Bedroom and Kitchen Additions The applicant is proposing to add one (1) bedroom to five (5) of the existing units. The existing kitchens in these units would be converted into a bedroom, and new kitchens are proposed to be added to the side of the units. Locations for the additions are as identified on the site plan. The visual impact of the additions will be minimal. A protruding roofline will extend off the side of the 5 units. The location s of the additions face the interior of the project on most units. 5 ITEM 1 MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL, 7480 SANTA YSABEL AVE. PLN 2018-1684 / PEOPLES’ SELF HELP HOUSING Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero 2. Exterior Paint Colors The applicant has stated that the exterior of the buildings will be repainted as part of the project upgrades, but the color scheme will remain the same. Staff recommends that paint colors be submitted, and the applicant work with City staff to find colors that are neutral, yet bold enough to give interest to the buildings and compliment the architecture. A fresh, more modern color scheme would give the buildings a new clean look. Staff recommends that the existing concrete b lock trash enclosure on Pueblo Avenue be painted an earth toned color to help it blend with the site. 3. Site Landscape and Fencing The proposed site plan notes that enhanced landscape is to be installed along Pueblo Avenue. Staff recommends that both public street frontages (Pueblo and Santa Ysabel) be enhanced with drought tolerant native shrubs and mulch. There is a substantial amount of grass turf along these frontages which is not consistent with the City’s drought tolerant landscape ordinance. Lawn areas will be required to be minimized. A complete landscape and irrigation plan will be required to be submitted prior to building permit issuance. Landscape around the trash enclosure is proposed by the applicant and recommended by City staff. The site already includes many established trees along the frontages and the side property lines. The trees will be protected and remain during construction. Many of the units on site have private yards which are enclosed by 6 -foot wood dog- eared style fences. One of the fences on Santa Ysabel was upgraded to a preferred architectural style, with a decorative lattice material and a trim cap at the top. Staff is recommending that the other wood fences on s ite be upgraded to match this style, or simply be trimmed out with a horizontal wood cap to help blend the fences with the surrounding buildings. 4. Frontage Improvements Based on the valuation of the additions, frontage improvements are required to be installed on Pueblo Avenue, consistent with City standards. Sidewalk, curb and gutter are required along frontages in multi-family zoned districts. The site frontage on Pueblo Avenue is an existing gap , and installation at this location will provide better pedestrian access for the residents and the neighborhood. There are existing overhead utilities along both project frontages; however, undergrounding of utilities will not be required. Undergrounding is only required for construction of new units. 5. Parking Reduction Request The subject site currently provides 24 uncovered existing parking spaces. The site is currently developed with 6 1-bedroom units and 12 2-bedroom units. Five of the 2-bedroom units are proposed to be enlarged to become 3-bedrooms. Based on 6 ITEM 1 MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL, 7480 SANTA YSABEL AVE. PLN 2018-1684 / PEOPLES’ SELF HELP HOUSING Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero Municipal Code standards, a total of 39 parking spaces (21 uncovered and 18 covered) are required for the proposed project. Atascadero Municipal Code Parking Standards Number of Units Proposed Parking Requirement Covered Parking Required Uncovered parking required 6 1-bedroom units 1.5 spaces per 1-bedroom unit 6 covered spaces 3 spaces 7 2-bedroom units 2 spaces per 2-bedroom unit 7 covered spaces 7 spaces 5 3-bedroom units 2.5 spaces per 3-bedroom unit 5 covered spaces 7.5 spaces Guest Parking 1 space per 5 units none 3.6 spaces Total Number of Parking Spaces Required 18 covered spaces 21.1 uncovered spaces The applicant is proposing to add 2 uncovered parking spaces to the parking area on Santa Ysabel Avenue, thereby bringing th e total onsite parking count to 26. The applicant is requesting that DRC recommend, and Planning Commission approve, a parking reduction to allow a reduced parking count, and relief from installing covered parking. Atascadero Municipal Code section 9-4.115 allows the parking standards of the code to be modified through the Conditional Use Permit process based upon specific findings. The Planning Commission must make a finding that the characteristics of the use or its immediate vicinity do not necessitate the number of parking spaces, type of design, or improvements required by the title and that reduced parking will be adequate to accommodate on the site all parking needs generated by the use. In addition to the parking relief provided by AMC section 9-4.115, the City can also allow certain “concessions” or developer incentives to provide affordable housing. Peoples’ Self Help Housing is applying for tax credits in order to provide 18 low and very-low income units on site. In compliance with California Government Code (CGC) Section 65915, the City of Atascadero’s Municipal Code Section 9-3.804 lists potential concessions to provide affordable housing. A “reduction of vehicular parking standards” is identified as a potential concession under AMC Section 9-3.804. Although the applicant is not requesting additional density with the proposed project, the applicant can and is requesting concessions from the City in order to make the affordable housing development feasible. The applicant has met the thresholds established by CGC § 65915(b) and AMC Section 9-3.804 by setting aside at least 15% of the total units to families with very low income, or at least 30% of the units to families with low-income. Therefore, the applicant 7 ITEM 1 MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL, 7480 SANTA YSABEL AVE. PLN 2018-1684 / PEOPLES’ SELF HELP HOUSING Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero qualifies for “concessions” or reduction in requirements of the municipal code. CGC§ 65915(p) states: California Government Code § 65915 – Density Bonus (State Requirement) (p) (1) Upon the request of the developer, no city, county, or city and county shall require a vehicular parking ratio, inclusive of handicapped and guest parking, of a development meeting the criteria of subdivision (b), that exceeds the following ratios: (A) Zero to one bedroom: one onsite parking space. (B) Two to three bedrooms: two onsite parking spaces. (C) Four and more bedrooms: two and one-half parking spaces. (2) If the total number of parking spaces required for a development is other than a whole number, the number shall be rounded up to the next whole number. For purposes of this subdivision, a development may provide "onsite parking" through tandem parking or uncovered parking, but not through on-street parking. California Government Code § 65915 – Density Bonus Parking Standards Number of Units Proposed CGC§ 65915 Parking Requirement CGC§ 65915 Parking Required for Project 6 1-bedroom units 1 spaces per 1-bedroom unit 6 spaces 7 2-bedroom units 2 spaces per 2-bedroom unit 14 spaces 5 3-bedroom units 2 spaces per 3-bedroom unit 10 spaces Total Number of Parking Spaces Required 30 spaces Based on the parking standards of CGC§ 65915(p), a maximum of 30 parking spaces could be required by the City by applying the parking incentive concession. The applicant is proposing 26 spaces, which is a further reduction of parking than provided by CGC§ 65915(p.) This further reduction to 26 uncovered spaces can be approved by Planning Commission through the reduced parking allowance provided in AMC section 9-4.115, based on findings. Staff agrees that adding carports on the subject site would be unsightly, and would not enhance the appearance of the site. The open parking currently located on site has been serving the development for several decades. Peoples’ Self Help Housing manages the units and ensures that residents are able to adequately park their vehicles on site. The population that Peoples’ Self Help Housing serves typically does not have multiple vehicles per household. The 2 and 3 bedroom units are typically rented to families with children. The site is located close to transit and is a walkable area, close to commercial services. 8 ITEM 1 MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL, 7480 SANTA YSABEL AVE. PLN 2018-1684 / PEOPLES’ SELF HELP HOUSING Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero DRC DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Additions – added bedroom/kitchen space, elevation design 2. Exterior paint colors 3. Landscape & fencing 4. General site appearance 5. Parking reduction and covered parking relief request Staff’s Recommended Conditions of Approval:  Frontage improvements shall be installed on Pueblo Avenue consistent with AMC requirements and City standards.  Dog eared fences shall be upgraded to match onsite decorative fencing, or shall be capped and trimmed out with a simple horizontal top.  Landscape along Pueblo and Santa Ysabel frontages shall be enhanced with drought tolerant shrubs and mulch. Turf areas shall be minimized. A landscape and irrigation plan prepared by a qualified professional shall be prepared prior to building permit issuance.  All air conditioning units and other mechanical equipment shall be screened from view.  Exterior paint colors shall be reviewed and approved by City staff.  The existing trash enclosure on Pueblo Avenue shall be painted an earth toned color and screened with landscape.  The new monument sign shall not exceed 36 sq. ft. and shall be consistent with sign ordinance standards. Monument structure shall include a solid base the full width of the sign, and architectural detailing to enhance appearance of the sign structure, subject to staff approval.  Accessible parking and access shall be provided consistent with CBC standards. Accessible parking shall be provided for the parking lot adjacent Building 3. Accessible sidewalk modifications shall be included at Buildings 5 and 6. ATTACHMENTS: Attachment 1: Aerial Photo Attachment 2: Site Photos Attachment 3: Applicant’s Project Description Attachment 4: Proposed Plans – Site, Floor Plans, Elevations 9 ITEM 1 MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL, 7480 SANTA YSABEL AVE. PLN 2018-1684 / PEOPLES’ SELF HELP HOUSING Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero ATTACHMENT 1: Aerial Photo Subject site: 7480 Santa Ysabel 10 ITEM 1 MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL, 7480 SANTA YSABEL AVE. PLN 2018-1684 / PEOPLES’ SELF HELP HOUSING Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero ATTACHMENT 2: Site Photos 11 ITEM 1 MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL, 7480 SANTA YSABEL AVE. PLN 2018-1684 / PEOPLES’ SELF HELP HOUSING Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero 12 ITEM 1 MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL, 7480 SANTA YSABEL AVE. PLN 2018-1684 / PEOPLES’ SELF HELP HOUSING Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero 13 ITEM 1 MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL, 7480 SANTA YSABEL AVE. PLN 2018-1684 / PEOPLES’ SELF HELP HOUSING Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero ATTACHMENT 3: Applicant’s Project Description 14 ITEM 1 MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL, 7480 SANTA YSABEL AVE. PLN 2018-1684 / PEOPLES’ SELF HELP HOUSING Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero 15 ITEM 1 MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL, 7480 SANTA YSABEL AVE. PLN 2018-1684 / PEOPLES’ SELF HELP HOUSING Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero ATTACHMENT 4: Proposed Plans – Site, Floor Plans, Elevations 16 ITEM 1 MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL, 7480 SANTA YSABEL AVE. PLN 2018-1684 / PEOPLES’ SELF HELP HOUSING Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero 17 ITEM 1 MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL, 7480 SANTA YSABEL AVE. PLN 2018-1684 / PEOPLES’ SELF HELP HOUSING Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero 18 ITEM 1 MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL, 7480 SANTA YSABEL AVE. PLN 2018-1684 / PEOPLES’ SELF HELP HOUSING Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero 19 ITEM 2 Park Place Residential Care Facility for the Elderly PLN 2018-1682 / Thomas and Georgianna Carter ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED BY CONTACTING THE ATASCADERO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AT http://www.atascadero.org 6500 PALMA AVENUE | ATASCADERO, CA 93422 | (805) 461-5000 Atascadero Design Review Committee Staff Report – Community Development Department Park Place Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) MEETING DATE PROJECT PLANNER APPLICANT CONTACT PLN NO. 2/28/2018 Katie Banister Assistant Planner Emily Baranek Jade Architecture PLN 2018-1682 RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the Design Review Committee review and make recommendations to the Planning Commission for the Master Plan of Development for Park Place Residential Care Facility (CUP 2018-0322). PROJECT ADDRESS GENERAL PLAN DESIGNATION ZONING DISTRICT ASSESOR PARCEL NUMBER(S) SITE AREA 7500 Portola Road SFR-Z RSF-Z 054-085-016 1.38 acres PROJECT DESCRIPTION The project is a Master Plan of Development for a residential care facility for the elderly. The applicant proposes a 4,118 square-foot, 11-room facility with capacity for 15 clients. Park Place will provide memory care. ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION The City of Atascadero’s environmental review process incorporates the requirements in implementing the California Environmental Quality Act. Persons, agencies, or organizations interested in obtaining more information regarding the environmental review should contact the Community Development Department. The project qualifies for a class 32 Categorical Exemption (CEQA Guidelines § 15332) 20 ITEM 2 Park Place RCFE PLN 2018-1682 Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero USE CLASSIFICATION ALLOWED OR CONDITIONALLY ALLOWED USE STRUCTURE 50-YEARS OLD OR GREATER JURISDICTIONAL CREEK Residential Care Facility for the Elderly, ☐ Allowed ☒ Conditionally Allowed ☒ No ☐ Colony Home / Commercial ☐ Registered Building ☐ Yes, but not deemed historically significant ☐ Atascadero ☐ Graves ☐ Paloma ☐ Boulder ☐ Other ☒ N/A EXISTING USES The existing 1,400 square-foot building has been stripped of siding and insulation in preparation for rehabilitation. The site includes a driveway that circles around the building, asphalt parking area, wood fencing, and several mature trees. SURROUNDING ZONING DISTRICTS AND USES North: RSF-Z South: RSF-Z East: RSF-Z and RSF-Y West: RS ZONING ORDINANCE / MUNICIPAL CODE STANDARDS / CITY POLICIES City Standards Meets Requirements Exception Requested Setback standards (AMC 9-4.103-.110) ☒Yes ☐No Height Standards (AMC 9-4.112-113) ☒Yes ☐No Parking Standards (AMC 9-4.114-121) ☒Yes ☐No Landscaping (AMC 9-4.124-127) ☒Yes ☒No Fencing Standards (AMC 9-4.128) ☐Yes ☒No Design Review Committee Grading Standards (AMC 9-4.138-145) ☒Yes ☐No Lighting Standards (AMC 9-4.137) ☒Yes ☐No Water Efficient Landscaping (AMC Title 8, Chapter 10 ) ☒Yes ☐No Use Classification Standards: Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) ☒Yes ☐No 21 ITEM 2 Park Place RCFE PLN 2018-1682 Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero DISCUSSION: Background The existing structure was built as a single-family residence, used as a church in the 1960’s, and more recently, was used as a childcare center. Project Description / Summary The applicant proposes repurposing the existing structure and adding additional space to create an RCFE. The facility will:  Be 4,118 square feet in size,  Have 11 bedrooms, and  Accommodate up to 15 memory care clients. Analysis RCFEs are a conditionally-allowed use in the residential zoning districts. The DRC’s recommendations will be presented to the Planning Commission when they consider a Conditional Use Permit for this project. DRC DISCUSSION ITEMS: 1. Fencing – The applicant has constructed a 6-foot solid wood fence along the front of the property, which appears to be partially within the front setback. Atascadero Municipal Code 9-4.128 limits fences within the front setback to 5 feet in height when the top 2 feet are at least 80% transparent in the RSF-Z zoning district. Fully opaque fences can be no more than 3 feet in height. The DRC “may grant an exception to the front setback fencing requirement to a maximum of six (6) feet in height, if proposed fence would be consistent with the neighborhood character and does not impair site distance for vehicular traffic, as reviewed by the City Engineer” (AMC 9-4.128(c)(2)). The existing fence has the appearance of a backyard fence, but is located close to Portola Road. It detracts from the residential character of the neighborhood. Further, if cars exit from the more northerly approach, the fence will limit sight distance in its current location. Staff recommends the fence be moved to outside the front setback or reduced in height. Staff recommends any proposed fences be given a top rail for a more finished appearance. 2. Elevations – The applicant has provided architectural elevations that are residential in character. The proportions of the building are appropriate for the use and the neighborhood character. Staff recommends several changes to the front elevation of the existing portion of the building (see gable on the right in the east elevation). The applicant proposes one larger window and one smaller window in this building face. Staff recommends both windows be the larger size. 22 ITEM 2 Park Place RCFE PLN 2018-1682 Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero In addition, a low wall or additional landscaping would be appropriate to add layering to this most prominent façade. 3. Parking and Driveway – Atascadero Municipal Code 9-6.135 and 9-6.134 require one parking space for every 4 beds in skilled nursing facilities and RCFEs. A total of 4 parking spaces are required for the proposed 15 bed facility. The applicant has provided a site plan with 6 parking spaces. The DRC should consider whether adequate parking is proposed. When inadequate parking is provided for a use, improvised parking spaces tend to be created. These spaces tend to have a negative visual appearance as they are generally located off paved surfaces. However, providing too many spaces will give the property a more commercial appearance. The existing driveway is in relatively poor condition. Staff recommends the drive be given a new surface. 4. Garbage – The applicant has proposed a garbage collection area that is not prominently visible from Portola Road. Staff has requested the applicant provide an analysis of the expected garbage production to ensure the proposed collection area is adequately sized. Staff recommends the fence proposed to surround the area have a top rail, and additional landscaping be provided in proximity to screen this area. 5. Lighting – The elevations show light fixtures on the exterior of the building near doorways. The municipal code requires these lights to be shielded to prevent light from spilling off-site. No other exterior lights are shown in the plans. 6. Landscape Plan and Native Trees – The applicant has provided a landscape plan that retains the existing mature trees, including some native oak trees, and adds an outdoor recreation area for residents. Staff recommends special attention be given to the slopes in the front setback and along the south driveway, and along the north property line, which are the most visible from the public street and neighboring properties. 7. Walkable shoulder – The site is on Portola Road, one of the original ring roads of the Colony. It is about 2,000 feet from the intersection with Morro Road. Staff has identified this road as a logical area to receive walkable shoulders for pedestrian access. Staff recommends the project be required to provide a 4 -foot wide gravel roadbase shoulder adjacent to the existing asphalt curb on site. 8. Sewer – The applicant is in discussion with the City Public Works department regarding extending the public sanitary sewer to provide service to the property. While not necessarily required if an adequate onsite septic disposal system can be designed, Planning Services staff recommends the project be attached to the sewer due to the concentration of beds on the site and quasi -medical nature of the facility. 23 ITEM 2 Park Place RCFE PLN 2018-1682 Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero ATTACHMENTS: Attachment 1: Aerial Photo Attachment 2: Site Plan Attachment 3: Landscape Plan Attachment 4: Elevations Attachment 5: Floor Plan Attachment 6: Applicant Statement Attachment 7: Site Photos 24 ITEM 2 Park Place RCFE PLN 2018-1682 Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero ATTACHMENT 1: Aerial Photo PLN 2018-1682 25 ITEM 2 Park Place RCFE PLN 2018-1682 Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero ATTACHMENT 2: Site Plan PLN 2018-1682 6-foot tall solid fence 6 parking spaces Front entry Fire truck turnaround Garbage collection area 26 ITEM 2 Park Place RCFE PLN 2018-1682 Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero ATTACHMENT 3: Landscape Plan PLN 2018-1682 Provide 4-foot wide walkable shoulder 27 ITEM 2 Park Place RCFE PLN 2018-1682 Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero ATTACHMENT 4: Elevations PLN 2018-1682 Enlarge window 28 ITEM 2 Park Place RCFE PLN 2018-1682 Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero ATTACHMENT 5: Floor Plan PLN 2018-1682 29 ITEM 2 Park Place RCFE PLN 2018-1682 Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero ATTACHMENT 6: Applicant Statement PLN 2018-1682 30 ITEM 2 Park Place RCFE PLN 2018-1682 Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero 31 ITEM 2 Park Place RCFE PLN 2018-1682 Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero ATTACHMENT 7: Site Photos PLN 2018-1682 Front fence viewed from the northeast property corner 32 ITEM 2 Park Place RCFE PLN 2018-1682 Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero 33 ITEM 2 Park Place RCFE PLN 2018-1682 Design Review Committee | City of Atascadero | www.atascadero.org | fb.me/planningatascadero 34