PC Minutes 1998-01-201
1
1
ARROYO GRANDE PLANNING COMMISSION
JANUARY 20, 1998
The Arroyo •Grande Planning Commission met in regular session with Chair Lubin presiding.
Present are Commissioners Greene, Haney, O'Donnell and Rondeau. Also in attendance are
Community Development Director Doreen Liberto - Blanck, Associate Planner Bruce Buckingham
and Deputy Public Works Director Craig Campbell.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None
PUBLIC HEARING - CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT CASE NO. 97 -560,
CONSTRUCTION OF A 3,400 SQUARE FOOT AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR BUILDING;
APPLICANT: DAN BLOUGH; REPRESENTATIVE: TIM TIESSEN; LOCATION: 495
GRAND AVENUE
Associate Planner Bruce Buckingham reviewed the staff report dated January 20, 1998. He
noted that the Planning Commission approved a Tentative Parcel Map on December 16, 1997,
which created a 15,436 square foot vacant lot adjacent to the existing Jiffy Lube Facility. The
applicant is now requesting approval of a Conditional Use Permit to allow construction of a
3,400 square foot automotive repair facility, including sales and service of tires and other
accessories, brake and shock service. In addition, minor repair work would also be allowed,
such as tune -ups and oil changes.
Mr. Buckingham advised the proposed project meets all Development Code standards. He
discussed in detail the parking issue, the wall /fence along the south property line, security along
the south property line and the proposed sign location shown on the site plan. He stated that a
public notice was sent to all property owners within 300 feet of the proposed project. Staff
received one letter from the adjacent mini - storage facility expressing concerns about drainage
and the visibility of their sign. He advised that Mitigation Measure No. 4 requires the applicant
design and construct an enlarged drain inlet to accommodate existing and post development
flows, and the signage issue has been raised for Planning Commission discussion. Mr.
Buckingham stated the Staff Advisory Committee recommend approval of the project subject to
the Conditions of Approval, with one modification: that the second line of Condition No. 36 be
stricken.
After a brief discussion between the Planning Commission and staff, Chair Lubin opened the
public hearing.
Tim Tiessen. 725 Shell Beach Road, Shell Beach, designer of the project, reviewed the parking
space requirements, stating there are ten (10) extra parking spaces, which they feel is adequate.
He also discussed the special condition requiring submission of revised plans indicating the
separation between the top of the wall /fence and the top of the adjacent mini - storage be a
minimum of 11 feet. He stated the applicant does not feel it is his obligation to give up a
portion of his site to provide for Crocker's Locker's security. Commissioner Haney referred
to the large blank west facing wall and suggested something in terms of landscaping be done to
break up the wall mass. Mr. Tiessen stated a viable solution perhaps would be a 6" planting
area along the side of the building where some low bushes and /or ivy could be planted.
Arroyo Grande Planning Commission Page 2
January 20, 1998
Dan Blough, applicant, addressed the sign issue, stating he could not find any documents
allowing the sign that Crocker's Lockers has and the sign is located on his property. With
regard to the requirement for the reciprocal parking agreement, Mr. Blough requested this
requirement be deleted. He stated parking is being provided as required by the Development
Code and feels the reciprocal parking agreement is inappropriate. Another issue is the
requirement that all work be done inside of the building. Mr. Blough advised that 98% of the
work is done within the building; however, occasionally, a motor home or large truck will come
in that does not fit in the building, and in such cases, work would be done behind the building.
Also, he stated he is not in favor of moving the fence or block wall, and he felt the concern by
the Police Department was unwarranted.
Bob Miller, stated he is President and co -owner of Wayne's Tires. He spoke regarding the
parking concerns and the reciprocal parking requirement. He commented that basically 50% of
their customers bring their vehicle in and wait for the service, then leave with their vehicle. The
new facility will be able to service four vehicles at a time. He further stated there will be no
outside storage of tires; it is their intention to remove the junk tires and transport them on a
daily basis to their re- treading facility in Santa Maria.
Nanci Parker, Cherry Avenue, spoke regarding work being done outside of the building, and
questioned whether they could do a specific operation, or whether they could do an entire front
end alignment, and similar repairs.
Hearing no additional comments from the audience, Chair Lubin closed the public hearing and
restricted further discussion to the Planning Commission.
Commissioner O'Donnell stated with regard to the fence or the retaining wall that, in his
opinion, it is not a major problem having the 9 ft. vs. the 11 ft. and favors leaving it where it
is. Also, he would like to see a provision that the sign be reviewed prior to installation. With
regard to reciprocal parking, he stated he does not believe a reciprocal parking agreement is
necessary and he would like to have that condition stricken.
Commissioner Greene stated he does not believe the reciprocal parking agreement is necessary.
With regard to the fence or wall, Commissioner Greene stated he does not feel this project can
be approved without taking into consideration the security of the neighboring property owners
and, therefore, he feels Condition No. 26 should remain. Also, he feels that Condition No. 20
requiring all work be done within a building should remain. Associate Planner Buckingham
noted that Condition No. 20 is directly from the Development Code. Community Development
Director Liberto -Blanck stated that the only way to alter Condition No. 20 would be by a
Development Code Amendment.
Commissioner Haney agreed with the conclusions of Commissioners O'Donnell and Greene
regarding the reciprocal parking agreement. With regard to signage, he stated he favored
deleting the sign location from the site plan. Also, he agreed that Condition No. 26 should
remain as proposed by staff because of security concerns. He also agreed with staff's position
on Condition No. 20 requiring all work be done within a building. Commissioner Haney stated
he would like to encourage the applicant to deal in some way with the blank wall.
1
1
Arroyo Grande Planning Commission Page 3
January 20, 1998
Chair Lubin stated he feels there is adequate parking on both properties and exceeds the
Development Code requirement; therefore, the reciprocal parking requirement is not necessary.
However, the requirement is a condition of approval on the Parcel Map and an amendment will
have to made to the Parcel Map conditions of approval. He also shared Commissioner Haney's
concern about the large blank wall, and he agreed with the idea of deleting the sign location
from the current plan. With regard to work being done outside of the building, he stated he has
no problem with occasional RV's outside of the building getting tires changed. With regard to
the fence issue, Chair Lubin stated he would like to encourage a solution that does not require
additional cost to the developer.
After a brief discussion, the following action was taken.
RESOLUTION NO. 98 -1647
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE ADOPTING A NEGATIVE DECLARATION,
INSTRUCTING THE SECRETARY TO FILE A NOTICE OF
DETERMINATION, AND APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT CASE
NO. 97 -560, APPLIED FOR BY DAN BLOUGH, AT 495 GRAND AVENUE
On motion by Commissioner O'Donnell, seconded by Commissioner Haney, and by the following
roll call vote, to wit:
AYES: Commissioners O'Donnell, Haney, Rondeau and Lubin
NOES: Commissioner Greene
ABSENT: None
the foregoing Resolution was adopted this 20 day of January 1998.
PUBLIC HEARING - SEMI- ANNUAL REVIEW OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS NO.
92 -502 AND 94 -527, FOR THE OPERATION OF LOPEZ CONTINUATION HIGH
SCHOOL AND THE TEENAGE ACADEMIC PARENTING PROGRAM; APPLICANT:
LUCIA MAR UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT; LOCATION: 227 BRIDGE STREET
Associate Planner Buckingham reviewed the staff report dated January 20, 1998. He advised that
on July 16, 1996 the Planning Commission considered the School District's request for a two - year
time extension and, after discussion, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to grant an
extension until August 18, 1998 for the High School and Teenage Academic Parenting Program.
Condition No. 6 of the time extension required that the Planning Commission hold a public
hearing to review the Conditional Use Permits for noise, loitering, trash and other neighborhood
concerns at the first Planning Commission meetings in January 1997; June 1997; and January
1998.' He noted this will be the last review of the Conditional Use Permits unless an extension
is granted.
Mr. Buckingham advised that the Staff Advisory Committee reviewed the project at its meeting
on December 16, 1997. At that time, the Interim Parks and Recreation Director expressed
concerns about destruction of property and litter at Hart Collett Park, and stated he would
continue to work with the Principal of Lopez High School to resolve those issues. Mr. Perry
Judd, representing the Lucia Mar Unified School District, advised the Committee that it is likely
the new school facility will not be open until early 1999. Mr. Judd was advised that a time
extension on the current Conditional Use Permits would need to be filed 30 days prior to the
expiration date of August 18, 1998.
Arroyo Grande Planning Commission Page 4
January 20, 1998
Mr. Buckingham informed the Commission that a public notice was sent to all property owners
and occupants within 300 feet of the property and noticed in the local paper. Staff has not
received any comments regarding this project.
Chair Lubin opened the hearing for public comment.
Sid Richardson, Principal of Lopez High School, thanked the Commission for their support
throughout the past years, stating they are looking forward to being in the new facility by next
Christmas.
Hearing no further comments from the audience, Chair Lubin closed the public hearing. On
motion by Commissioner Greene, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, and unanimously
carried, a determination was made finding the Conditional Use Permits in compliance with
existing Conditions of Approval.
PLANNING COMMISSION /COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR ITEMS AND
COMMENTS.
A. Tour of Arroyo Linda Crossroads Specific Plan Project. Community Development
Director Doreen Liberto -Blanck asked that Commissioners who would like to attend the
tour to advise staff so a date and time could be arranged. Associate Planner Buckingham
stated the tour would probably take a minimum of two hours.
B. General Plan Update Information. Commissioner O'Donnell spoke regarding the
General Plan Workshop to be held on February 28 He stressed the importance of the
upcoming workshop and urged the Planning Commissioners to get involved and spread
the word to get people to attend and get the community's input.
Chair Lubin advised that the Fiscal Impact Analysis Committee completed its project. A
report was submitted and approved by the City Council at their January meeting.
C. Update of Projects. Community Development Director Liberto - Blanck advised that a
pre - application review has been submitted for a 30,000 square foot commercial
development at the corner of Wesley Way and East Branch Street. The project was
previously submitted as Guidetti Square, and approved in 1988.
Ms. Liberto - Blanck referred to the Planners Institute March 5t through the 7 in Long
Beach. She requested that Commissioners planning to attend, advise staff as soon as
possible so that reservations• can be made and funding arranged.
D. Joint Meeting with the City Council and Traffic Commission. Ms. Liberto -Blanck
advised the meeting has been scheduled for February 12 at 8:00, tentatively planned to
be held at the High School.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
1. Notice announcing a Community Visioning Workshop, Saturday, February 28 1998,
Arroyo Grande High School Gym at 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
1
1
1
Arroyo Grande Planning Commission
January 20, 1998
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
on motion by Commissioner O'Donnell, seconded by Commissioner Haney, and unanimously
carried.
ATTEST:
Pearl L. Phinney, Commission Cle
AS TO CONTENT:
c4e-thAJ Zd- ?Y-
Doreen Liberto-Blanck, AICP
Community Development Director
Sandy Lubin,
Page 5