PC Minutes 2005-06-21MINUTES
CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE
PLANNING COMMISSION
JUNE 21, 2005
6:00 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER - The Arroyo Grande Planning Commission met in regular session
with Chair Brown presiding; also present were Commissioners Fellows and Parker.
Commissioners Keen and Tait were absent. Staff members in attendance were
Community Development Director, Rob Strong, and Assistant Planner Jim Bergman.
AGENDA REVIEW: Chair Brown noted Items III.B. and III.C. would be continued.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None.
I.A. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None.
I.B. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None.
II.A. CONSENT AGENDA AND ADMINISTRATIVE APPROVALS SINCE JUNE 7,
2005: None.
III. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS:
A. (Continued from the meeting of June 7, 2005) PLOT PLAN REVIEW CASE NO.
05-004; ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW CASE NO. 05-008 AND VIEWSHED
REVIEW CASE NO. 05-006; APPLICANT — PACE BROTHER'S
CONSTRUCTION; LOCATION — 135 WHITELEY STREET.
Assistant Planner, Jim Bergman, presented the changes to this project from the prior
meeting. Proposed construction of this house is now within 11' of the top of bank of the
Arroyo Grande Creek. The ground floor footprint and overall size of the house have
been reduced. They have obtained a geotechnical engineering report verifying the soil
can support the house. They now propose a picket fence topping the earth berm as a
safety measure near the creek. The mitigated negative declaration has been modified
to reflect the 11' setback from the creek.
Staff questions:
• At the last meeting, a flag was requested to be placed at the top of bank, but it's
not there. Mr. Bergman noted he hasn t been out to the site recently, but the
applicant put up a fence, which is about 1'to the house side of the top of bank.
• It looks like grading started today right next to the top of bank. Staff can look into
this further.
Who will be responsible for the earth berm and what is the length? The property
owner will be responsible for it and it will run the length of the property line.
Chair Brown opened the public hearing to public comment.
MINUTES
PLANNING COMMMISSION
JUNE 21, 2005
PAGE 2
Scott Pace, applicant, answered Commissioner questions in further detail.
• The activity noted on the lot is just tree root removal to a depth of 3'. They did
stay 10' away from the fence on the creek bank. They are grading the two
approved lots, but the third is just tree root removal per the soils report. (Site
inspection clarified that roof removal did occur closer than 10'.)
• It is their intent to pipe water from the downspouts of all three houses out to the
street. Greg Soto, architect, added that the "back drain" referred to in the
geology report particularly refers to a pipe on the back side of the retaining wall
(berm), so that water that leeches through the soil will be drained to the street
through French drains and ground pipes (no bio -filters are currently planned).
Discussion: In response to a question if a grading permit was required, Mr. Strong
answered no, the amount of dirt they have moved is less than 50 cubic yards. In
addition, when the building permit is sought, the foundation engineering, which is part of
the geotechnical report, would be followed. It is proposed there be over -excavation and
re -compaction of the soils related to the foundation. That might appear similar to
grading, but the purpose is strictly site preparation for the foundation. Public Works will
oversee compliance, as well as the geotechnical engineer. They have a permit for tree
removal, which would include removal of tree roots, so they are not doing any work that
would require additional permits.
Greg Soto, architect, noted one correction to the staff report — the newly proposed
setback is actually 10' (not 11').
Chair Brown closed the public hearing to public comment.
Commissioner comments:
Parker
• She made extensive comments based on CEQA, the mitigation measures, the
geotechnical engineering report and other concerns that are detailed in her notes
(on file in the Community Development Department).
• She noted that Commissioner Tait's letter (also on file at the Community
Development Department) was well-written and she agreed with him.
• FINDINGS FOR DENIAL -
1. The proposed project is inconsistent with the goals, objectives, policies
and programs of the Arroyo Grande General Plan, including implementing
policies:
■ Conservation and Open Space element of the General Plan
(C/OS2-1.1 and C/OS2-1.3), nor does it provide for accessibility of
the area to the public. The project also removes scenic resources
that are unique to the City and contribute to the character of the
neighborhood as well as the City. The project provides creek and
bank dedication, but then takes it away by building a fence along
the bank.
MINUTES
PLANNING COMMMISSION
JUNE 21, 2005
PAGE 3
2. The proposed project does not conform with applicable performance
standards and will be detrimental to the public health, safety or general
welfare, since the project does not satisfy all applicable provisions of the
Municipal Code including development standards of the single-family
zoning district.
3. C/OS2 Safeguard important environmental and sensitive biological
resources contributing to healthy functioning ecosystem. Designate all
streams and riparian corridors as Conservation Open Space. Shall
include buffer area corresponding at least to natural vegetation and or
creek bank.
4. C/OS2-1.3 Where feasible, maintain a grading and building setback of 25'
from top of stream bank. Locate buildings and structures outside setback.
5. C/OS2-1.4 Creekside trails may be designed within stream and riparian
corridors. Although this states "may be designed", this project does not
provide for use of a creekside trail as stated both in this section and in the
Parks and Recreation Element.
6. #3 under findings for approval states: The physical location or placement
of the use on the site is compatible with the surrounding neighborhood
due to the fact the development utilizes existing lots of the original Short,
Mason and Whiteley subdivision and complies with all development
standards of the single-family zoned district to include setbacks, height,
floor area ratio and lot coverage. According to surrounding neighboring
homes, this project comes in very much larger, making it incompatible.
7. Historic Overlay District: The construction of any building or structure
enhances, to the maximum extent feasible and does not interfere with,
detract from or degrade the historic, cultural, architectural or
archaeological resource values of the district due to mitigation measures
instituted in the Mitigated Negative Declaration, and the projects
compliance with the Design Guidelines for Historic Districts as
recommended by the Architectural Review Committee.
- The use proposed for a building, structure, or parcel of land is
incompatible with the uses predominating in the designated area, since
the proposed single-family house is not similar to neighboring
residences. Both house footprint and garage are too large. Standard
garage in this area is one or two cars at 400 sf. This garage is 440 sf.
A standard home in the area is between 1100 and 2000 sf. This home
is 2250 sf plus garage. The established scale of the existing
neighborhood is much smaller and unique in character.
- #3 The proposal will not be detrimental to the health, safety, comfort
and general welfare of the persons residing or working in the
neighborhood of the proposed project, since it complies with the
provisions of the Municipal Code. As per our General Plan, the project
is too close to the creek bank, which could be or easily become
unstable and possibly erode into the federally protected creek below.
MINUTES
PLANNING COMMMISSION
JUNE 21, 2005
PAGE 4
- #6 The proposal will not impair the desirability of investment or
occupation in the neighborhood since the proposed development is
similar in site design, building style, and size as compared to
surrounding residences. This is not true.
8. Viewshed Review: #1 Section 16.16.130 of the Municipal Code:. purpose
and intent: to preserve the existing scope and character of established
single family neighborhoods and to protect views and aesthetics and other
property values in such neighborhoods in a manner that is compatible with
reasonable expansion on existing developed lots. Character and scale of
neighborhood is as previously stated much smaller in size and scale. This
structure, if built within the scale and character of the neighborhood, will fit
into the restraints of the property as well. The unique character of the
property along the creek will be hindered with this project.
Fellows:
• The main question is: would anything less than a 25' setback be okay?
• Just because the water has run off to the street in the past doesn't mean that
now isn't a good time to start improving the drop inlet with a fossil filter.
• The staff report stated that Buena Geotechnical Services had confirmed no work
will happen within 5' from the top of bank, but it's already happened. This shows
that it's too difficult to stay away from the creek bank.
• It was interesting that the second boring at 0' into the soil was moist, at 5' wet,
and 10' very wet. It's a very sensitive site and will be even more interesting to
see what happens at excavation and compaction.
• Mitigated Negative Declaration concerns-
• I.a. — he would like further explanation for rating.
o I.b. — should be a "potentially significant impact".
o IV.c. — should be a "potentially significant impact" unless mitigated (and
could be mitigated with a good fossil filter).
o Vll.c/d. —the riparian community will have a "potentially significant impact".
o Xlll.b. — the 25' creek impact, when followed, increases the value of the
entire neighborhood, so it should be a "potentially significant impact" if the
house ends up right by the creek, which he doesn't think it should.
o XVI.b. — The answer is "absolutely" if built within 25' of creek (so it should
be a "potentially significant impact").
• He appreciated Commissioner Tait's letter, noting Tait is a Park Ranger and well -
tuned to the environment. He further commented as follows:
o Even if fertilizers and pesticides used on lawns just percolate straight
down through the soil, there's potential for contamination of the creek.
o He read most of the sections on takings, commenting that the Commission
should not be working under fears of a lawsuit.
• He read section 16.64.060(R) of the Development Code, which states: Creek
Dedications. For any subdivision or parcel map or development project requiring
discretionary review abutting the Arroyo Grande Creek, including its tributaries
(Tally Ho Creek, Spring Creek, Newsom Springs Creek and Los Berros Creek),
MINUTES
PLANNING COMMMISSION
JUNE 21, 2005
PAGE 5
or Meadow Creek, including its tributaries, the subdivider or developer shall
dedicate to the City all the area that includes the stream bed and twenty-five (25)
feet back of the stream bank, areas designated as environmentally sensitive
based on a biology report prepared by a qualified biologist or other appropriate
areas mutually acceptable for the purposes of "open space," flood control or
"green belt."
o He believes the Pace Brothers and Greg Soto could build a very nice
home outside of the 25' setback, maybe smaller than what they want, but
still highly profitable. It would sell for a premium because of the proximity
to the creek greenbelt, so there's no question of a taking.
• 25' is the bare minimum to stay away from the creek environment, to protect it
and our water supply and downstream neighbors.
There are enough legal questions to deny this project as applied for, so the City
Attorney and the City Council can decide if the house can be built within 25' of
the creek bank or not.
• He agreed with Commissioner Tait's final conclusion that the project is not
consistent with the goals, objectives and policies of the General Plan and it does
not satisfy provisions of Municipal Code 16. 64.060(R).
Brown
•
A balance has to be struck between the desire of the developer (to develop his
property) and that of the community (as spelled out in the General Plan and
Development Code).
•
This project can get approved in some form and does not represent a taking.
•
In terms of finding details for denial, Commissioner Parker's findings give clear
and definitive reasons why this project should not be approved in its current form.
•
His own findings that cannot be met are:
o Plot Plan Review Finding #1 — It doesn't meet that criteria.
o Plot Plan Review Finding #2 - It doesn't meet that criteria.
o Additional PPR Review Findings for Historic Character Overlay District #2
— It doesn't meet that criteria.
o CEQA Finding #3 — It doesn't meet that criteria.
•
In addition, both Commissioners Parker and Fellows mentioned shortcomings in
the negative declaration process that he agreed with.
•
He was surprised this came forth as a consent agenda item, but the process is
working and this is a good way to deal with issues.
•
The Geotechnical report needs to address issues like boring closer to the
creekbank for more realistic safety discussion. In lieu of news events on
mudslides, etc., he would hate to be in situation where the City has to pay house
repair bills due to creek erosion.
•
He agreed with Commissioner Parker's opinion that the developer can build a
reasonable home and increase the setback.
•
He disagreed with Commissioner Fellows, in that he believes it's possible to build
in a setback less than 25', but it has to be greater than what it is now.
MINUTES
PLANNING COMMMISSION
JUNE 21, 2005
PAGE 6
• He doesn't like to send up denials to City Council and asked if the applicant
would be willing to redesign the project with a greater setback? John Belsher,
the applicant's attorney, started to explain that after the last meeting, they had
complied with Commissioners' request for an increased setback with what they
thought would work. By their calculations, the triangle is less area even than
shown, so it's not possible to build the house within the building area triangle. So
the basic answer is no? The answer is no.
Commissioner Parker made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Fellows to deny PPR 05-004,
ARC 05-008 and VSR 05-006, lot four only, (with findings as noted in Commissioner Parker's
written comments on file at the Community Development Department and detailed above in her
comments) and adopt a resolution as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 05-1966
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE DENYING PLOT PLAN REVIEW 05-004,
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW 05-008 AND VIEWSHED REVIEW 05-008 (Lot
4 only); 135 WHITELEY; APPLIED FOR BY PACE BROTHER'S
CONSTRUCTION
Discussion: Chair Brown expressed that he was very discouraged by the applicants'
unwillingness (to compromise). Based on the full public process, they've been clearly
shown they can build a home within the residential standards of those neighborhoods
and further increase the setback from the creek. The Planning Commission offered
alternatives that would have worked; the project is clearly is buildable; but they were
turned down by the applicant on redesign.
The motion was approved on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Commissioners Fellows, Parker and Chair Brown
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioners Keen and Tait
the foregoing Resolution was adopted this 21St day of June 2005.
Mr. Strong stated this action is final unless an appeal is filed within ten (10) days.
B. (Continued from the meeting of June 7, 2005) VESTING TENTATIVE TRACT
MAP/PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT CASE NOS. 01-001 & LOT LINE
ADJUSTMENT CASE NO. 01-002; APPLICANT — CASTLEROCK
DEVELOPMENT, LLC; LOCATION — JAMES WAY & LA CANADA.
MINUTES
PLANNING COMMMISSION
JUNE 2112005
PAGE 7
Mr. Strong noted that since agenda preparation time, the applicant has requested this
public hearing be continued to the Planning Commission meeting of August 2, 2005.
Chair Brown stated that August 2 wouldn't work for him, as he would not be in
attendance at that meeting and there should be a full commission to hear this item.
Planner Teresa McClish will not be present at the July 5 meeting, but she has already
given the staff presentation, and Mr. Strong can answer staff questions. The applicant
has already done a presentation and answered questions, so they wouldn't have to be
present. All that's left is Commissioner comments and the final motion.
Commissioner Parker stated she wouldn't be here on July 19, and she would also like to
be present to hear the item.
So as not to postpone the hearing to later in August, it was proposed to continue it to
July 5, 2005. Discussion ensued on the tentative items for that agenda (Viewshed
Review 05-007, Formula Business, and Pre -application for Ladera Plaza).
Chair Brown made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Fellows to continue VTTM/PUD 01-001
and LLA 01-002 to the meeting of July 5, 2005.
The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Chair Brown, Commissioners Fellows and Parker
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioners Keen and Tait
C. VIEWSHED REVIEW CASE NO. 05-007; APPLICANT — KEVIN STEVENSON;
LOCATION — 585 MAY STREET.
Chuck Fellows noted that he would have to step down on this item, due to conflict of
interest involving one of his clients. This would leave only two other commissioners,
which wouldn't be a quorum to hear the item. Mr. Bergman noted that the applicant
requested a motion as soon as possible, so this item was continued to the meeting of
July 5.
Chair Brown made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Fellows to continue VSR 05-
007 to the meeting of July 5, 2005. Approved on a unanimous voice vote.
D. (Continued from the meeting of June 7, 2005) DEVELOPMENT CODE
AMENDMENT CASE NO. 05-003, HISTORIC RESOURCES ORDINANCE FOR
THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE; APPLICANT — CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE;
LOCATION — CITYWIDE.
Assistant Planner, Jim Bergman presented this project to create a Historic Resource
Committee (HRC) and amend the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code, including provisions
MINUTES
PLANNING COMMMISSION
JUNE 21, 2005
PAGE 8
for the establishment of criteria for local historic designation and creation of a review
process for listing historic resources on a local register. He gave a brief history of the
process in getting to this point. He described the committee setup, review process and
designation process. Code updates would be necessary to authorize the new
committee, their duties, the historic designation and definitions of what that would entail.
Staff questions:
• Has this work already pretty much been done and is it basically being brought
forward just for review and adoption now? That's correct, the DCA must be
presented at a public hearing prior to Council action, so this meeting meets that
requirement.
• Did staff create the wording or borrow it from other communities? Two Planning
Interns have done research on other communities' ordinances, and staff planners
have aided in reviewing and editing the appropriate process and structure for the
City of Arroyo Grande.
• Did the other HRC's work well in other towns to their economic and aesthetic
benefit? Yes, and some had equally unique features.
• What amount would taxpayers get in relief if their property is designated
according to the Mills Act? Mr. Strong met with the County Assessor to try to
obtain estimates, but doesn't have any numbers at this time. San Luis Obispo
City has the Mills Act, but Arroyo Grande doesn't - yet. Mills Act property relief is
a good incentive for designation. Another incentive is the allowance of the
alternative building code, which allows the Building Official more discretion.
Other relatively simple incentives could include recognition, a plaque, publicly
available information, and neighborhood prestige. The Committee, once formed,
may offer other ideas how to expand an incentive program.
• The top of page 8 of the staff report states "Non -designated properties may still
be important 'contributing' elements to the 'setting" of historic resources ..." Is
there anything in the resolution or ordinance that, if passed tonight, would keep
these type of old structures which are part of the setting from being included in
the list? No, there's plenty of community input in the nomination process.
• Where does the process go after tonight? If City Council approves it, they will be
responsible for appointing members to the HRC, encouraging additional input to
the HRC designation process, and nominations will begin. It's a rather
substantial process, but has been more than a year in evolution. While the HRC
members wouldn't have the full authority of a commission, they would make
initial recommendations to ARC, ARC would make recommendations to Planning
Commission and Commissioners would make the final decisions, which could be
appealed up to City Council.
• On page 5, should "economic hardship" be more clearly defined? Typically,
these would be considered on a case-by-case basis, with significant reasons
necessary to show real hardship. Most communities with historic preservation
provisions have this to allow some consideration of feasibility. It isn't intended as
MINUTES
PLANNING COMMMISSION
JUNE 21, 2005
PAGE 9
a general escape clause, and they would be determined by Council eventually,
but hopefully with evidence.
• On page 6, how much notice time is given to the property owner — 30 or 60
days? There's not a stated minimum time, but there should be at least 60 days.
Once a property is nominated and studied, the owner is advised. If he wants to
contest the nomination, it could be any time in the process up to the actual
designation hearing where public notice is sent to the owner and surrounding
properties.
• If there's a property on the list and something happens to it — if it gets burned,
becomes trashy, etc. - can it be removed from the list? Yes.
• On page 8, what is a "reuse conversion"? An example would be the change from
residential use to office, like several dentists have done in the Village.
• On page 2 of the Ordinance, under section 4, could there be a mailing so more
people know than just those who read the newspaper? The Design 2.4 overlay
alone could generate over 1000 notices, so economically, it's a value judgment if
you feel there should be a general or focused mailing. Each of the designated
properties would be noticed at the time of the public hearings.
o Maybe a press release could be sent out.
• On Exhibit A, 2.21.050 (Nonattendance), the way it's worded, HRC members
might only miss one meeting (25% of four meetings) and lose their seat.
Normally leeway is given in this area, and it refers more to not giving notice of
inability to attend, etc.
• On Exhibit A, 16.16.211, D (Designation process), it looks like a different process
than the list on page 6 of the staff report. Mr. Strong replied the concern here is
that you can create a substantial process and effort by staff and the property
owner in trying to respond to any nomination, and people could nominate the
neighbors they dont like for spite, so this protects legitimate interests in historic
preservation.
• If both the owner and ARC want a property to be designated, could it be a
consent agenda item, instead of a public hearing? Yes, it is intended to use the
MUP process with appropriate noticing.
• Why did Commissioner Keen comment in prior minutes that he "disagreed with
trying to enforce views on someone not inside City limits"? There are
jurisdictions outside City limits, but within the City's sphere of influence that
people may wish to designate as historically significant, for example: Halcyon
Temple. Council could consider such locations, but their ability to enforce such
designation may be beyond the City's jurisdiction. The City could make
recommendations to the Board of Supervisors to protect such buildings from
proposals to alter or diminish them.
• Chair Brown requested the ordinance be spell checked in the word processor.
• Commissioner Parker said she would turn in written comments on grammar.
Chair Brown opened the public hearing to public comment.
MINUTES
PLANNING COMMMISSION
JUNE 21, 2005
PAGE 10
Gary Scherquist, 228 Short Street, read a letter in support of the HRC Ordinance and
attached Resolutions (on file in the Community Development Department). He
suggested that to show good faith, the HRC start with publicly owned buildings first, and
then private (like the Church in the Village and the wall at 137 Whiteley).
Planning Commissioners were interested in having permit applications trigger
evaluation of historical qualities (instead of starting by creating a large list of buildings).
In response to questions about if the ordinance could be changed to that effect if the
resolution and ordinance were adopted tonight, Mr. Strong replied yes, that would be
possible.
Chair Brown closed the public hearing to public comment.
Commissioner comments:
Parker:
• She requested that Gary Scherquist's letter be forwarded to Council.
• If fifty or more buildings were nominated at the same time, especially with other
major projects, she couldn't see them being processed in a timely fashion. It
might be good to start the list by letting the building and demo permit process
trigger evaluation of historical qualities. Then, two or three years later, they could
research other properties not yet on the list.
Fellows:
• He expressed thanks to Mr. Strong and staff for addressing this important issue.
• He's ready to support the ordinance tonight to have something in place, and
perhaps change it later to Mr. Scherquist's suggestion about the permit trigger.
• A Historic Designation will enhance properties. It's scary at first, but if the public
is informed, it's a real positive. He relayed a story of hearing state officials trying
to educate city officials on the fact that the Historic Code was more lenient and
therefore they could give more latitude when an historic building was being fixed
up; he was looking forward to additional information on the benefits of the Mills
Act.
• He complimented Mr. Scherquist on the remodel of his Village home.
Brown
• He agrees with a lot of what Mr. Scherquist said and with the streamlining
process. His only concern was a discussion with Robert Chattel, who spoke to
staff and Commissioners at length about the benefits of having a list established
prior to permit request, because it provided greater protection if done ahead of
time. He wouldn't want to streamline things if it lessened their effectiveness to
preserve history.
o Chuck Fellows recalled that discussion as well, remembering that it would
have been helpful to have the Loomis Barn on a list when it was being
permitted. There is a survey from 1991 that they could start with.
MINUTES
PLANNING COMMMISSION
JUNE 21, 2005
PAGE 11
o Commissioner Brown noted the angst and heartache of private parties to
protect that barn. He would want to let developers know what they are up
against ahead of time, so they have full awareness of possible limitations
and it wouldn't come as a surprise.
• He can support the ordinance and resolutions, and also requested that Mr.
Scherquist's comments go forward to Council (and that he attend Council.)
• He noted that the intent is to make it workable for all parties.
Commissioner Fellows made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Parker to approve DCA 05-
003 and adopt a resolution as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 05-1967
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT
AN ORDINANCE ADDING CHAPTER 2.21 TO TITLE 2 OF THE ARROYO
GRANDE MUNICIPAL CODE ENTITLED "HISTORICAL RESOURCES
COMMITTEE", AND AMENDING CHAPTER 16.04 "DEFINITIONS" AND
ADDING SECTION 16.16.211 TO TITLE 16 OF THE ARROYO GRANDE
MUNICIPAL CODE ENTITLED "MINOR USE PERMIT — HISTORICAL
RESOURCE DETERMINATION" AND ADOPT A RESOLUTION
ESTABLISHING APPOINTMENT PROCEDURES FOR THE HISTORICAL
RESOURCES COMMITTEE
The motion was approved on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Commissioners Fellows, Parker and Chair Brown
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioners Keen and Tait
the foregoing Resolution was adopted this 21St day of June 2005.
IV. NON-PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS: None.
V. DISCUSSION ITEMS: None.
VI. PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS AND COMMENTS:
Chuck Fellows expressed concern about the loss of trees in the community. He noted
that another oak tree was found to be diseased (on the Parks and Recreation agenda.)
In addition, there's a maple tree at a vacant house on 210 Tally Ho that he would like to
protect. He requested that he be notified if a demo request came through for it. Mr.
Strong replied that the Parks and Recreation Director, Dan Hernandez, had scheduled a
meeting specifically in regards to tree issues, but nobody from ARC attended, even
MINUTES
PLANNING COMMMISSION
JUNE 21, 2005
PAGE 12
though they had expressed deep concern. Other concerns have been expressed about
the Nelson Green Magnolia, but anyone who is concerned and wants to be involved
more in the process needs to be in touch with the people who actually make decisions
about trees (Dan Hernandez, as well as Pete McClure, the City Arborist).
Chair Brown echoed the loss of trees concern. The City needs to be the lead agency
when protecting trees—holding public property to, the same standards as private
homeowners. He requested that this issue be agendized for further discussion and
comment. Mr. Strong noted that this discussion has already been requested to occur
at the Council level and Commissioners could attend, or if they want to hear the item
first and make a recommendation, they could do that as well. Chair Brown requested
that it be placed on a Planning Commission agenda.
In response to Commissioner requests for information on other City Committee's
agendas, Mr. Strong stated that they can be found on the City website.
VII. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR COMMENTS AND FOLLOW-UP:
Mr. Strong advised Commissioners that he has sent letters to owners/managers of
properties with vending machines notifying them of the Minor Use Permit process. In
addition, he has sent similar letters to major properties with garden center outdoor retail
areas. Some owners have called and said they're not going to comply. There will be an
enforcement/abatement alternative. Since the City is trying to be more systematic with
Code Enforcement, and the codes were just recently amended to allow outdoor retail
use with permits (where previously prohibited entirely), this was a timely opportunity to
request owners to comply.
The Baja Fresh banners have been removed, in follow-up to requests.
The Neighborhood Services Coordinator is working on a systematic enforcement of
garage conversions, which will have to be addressed by the municipal code. It's a
widespread, known problem in the community, but has been difficult to address as an
abatement process. The goal is improved life safety, and the process will probably be
the Minor Use Permit (MUP) process. There is one MUP coming forward in the near
future that was based on a complaint.
VIII. TENTATIVE AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE JULY 5, 2005 MEETING:
Although somewhat discussed in terms of scheduling Tract 1998, further discussion was
held on the order of agenda items. It was felt that Tract 1998 should be first, Viewshed
Review 05-007 second, and Formulas Business third (even if the last wasn't heard, they
would like to receive the staff report and information). Chair Brown added that he would
be willing to have a special meeting on Tract 1998 if necessary for agenda management.
IX. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
1
MINUTES
PLANNING COMMMISSION
JUNE 21, 2005
PAGE 13
ATTEST:
ILI cx�
KATHY MENOOZA
SECRETARY TO THE COMMISSION
AS TO CONTENT:
ROB STROIVG
COMMUNITY D
(Minutes approved at the PC
1
1
MENT DIRECTOR
of July 5, 2005)
TIM �NC
R AIR
1
1