PC Minutes 1986-12-02308
The Arroyo Grande Planning Commission met in regular session with Chairman Carr
presiding. Present are Commissioners Gerrish, Moore, Olsen, Soto and Flores. Commissioner
Boggess is absent. Planning Director Eisner is also in attendance.
MINUTE APPROVAL
1 u Hearing no additions or corrections, on motion by Commissioner Gerrish, seconded by
, Caranissioner Moore, and unanimously carried, the minutes of the regular meeting of November
18, 1986 were approved as prepared.
DESIGN REVIEW - RESIDENCE ON VISTA CIRCLE (LOT 38, TRACT 1149) IN OAK PARK
ACRES. (MICHAEL ROBBINS).
Planning Director Eisner advised that the application is for design review of a single
family residence located on Vista Circle in Oak Park Acres. He pointed out that design review
of single family dwellings is not customarily required by the,, City, however, in this instance, it
was required as a condition of approval when the original tract map was approved in 1979. He
stated the condition was imposed because of design concerns for excessive slopes on Lots 38, 39
and 40.
ARROYO GRANDE PLANNING COMMISSION
December 2, 1986
Mr. Eisner stated the application has been reviewed by the. Staff Advisory Committee and
is recommended to the Commission with the condition listed in the staff report, dated December
2, 1986.
After a brief discussion, on motion by Commissioner Gerrish, seconded by Commissioner
Flores, and unanimously carried, design review was approved subject to the condition that the
applicant submit a grading and drainage plan, prepared by a registered civil engineer, for
approval by the Public Works Director prior to issuance of a building permit.
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW CASE NO. 86 -376, OFFICE BUILDING, 708 GRAND AVENUE IN
THE "C-2" DISTRICT. (BOB BOWEN).
Planning Director Eisner called the Commission's attention to the staff report included in
the packets, dated December 2, 1986. He stated that because of the complexities of the
issues, he would like to go through the staff report in sane detail. After a detailed review, Mr.
Eisner stated it is staff's recommendation that in view of the concerns noted in the report and
the possible need for substantial building redesign, that this matter be continued and referred
back to the applicant. Mr. Eisner pointed out that if the applicant wishes to appeal the
findings in the staff report on the structural concerns, a Board of Building Examiners would
have to be assembled.
Mr. Bob Bowen, applicant, addressed the items of concern. He stated there is a problem
with the side yard setbacks, however, there is a 10 ft. setback from the rear of the property.
He further stated that he does not like the requirement for red curb in front of his business.
Mr. Bowen commented that this is the first he has heard about the requirement for redesign of
the building to eliminate the code requirement. He protested to having to have the engineering
done on the lot before coming before the Planning Commission, stating he has spent a lot of
money just to get the engineering done. With regard to the structural posts, Mr. Bowen stated
that the handicapped parking space is 10 ft. wide and there is a 3 ft. walkway between the
parking space and the building and, in his opinion, it is not a big problem. He noted that the
posts are in that 3 ft. walkway and they tried to space them so they would not affect trying to
get in and out of an automobile.
With regard to the trash enclosure, Mr. Bowen stated the trash is picked up at night when
no cars are parked in the parking space. The alternative would be to put the trash enclosure
directly in front of the handicapped parking space. He asked for suggestions from the
Canmission for another location. Mr. Bowen commented about the requirement for a 6 ft.
perimeter fence, stating he does not want a 6 ft. high fence. He stated he designed the
project to have no fence on the west side, and that he and the attorney that owns the adjacent
building agreed to have a 3 ft. planter on the left side with an irrigation system. Regarding
Condition No. 6 relative to the sign, Mr. Bowen stated he must have misunderstood the sign
ordinance.
Chairman Carr stated he is not certain that the posts need to be redesigned because they
may not present a problem, and he is not sure about the necessity to relocate the trash
enclosure. He suggested leaving out the dimensions on the fence proposal and have it subject
to the approval of the Planning Director. He stated the two main concerns he has is the
paraphet wall and the sign proposal. Conanissioner Olsen stated her feelings that every
precaution should be taken to be sure that the handicapped spaces are kept clear, but she felt
the Commission could be a little more lenient on the fence.
After further discussion, on motion by Commissioner Olsen, seconded by Commissioner
Flores, and unanimously carried, Architectural Review Case No. 86 -376 was continued in order
to give the applicant time to meet with the Planning Department to resolve some of their
concerns, and possible redesign of the building.
Arroyo Grande Planning man, 12 -2 -86 Page 2
PUBLIC HEARING - LOT SPLIT CASE NO. 86 -439, 747 PRINTL ROAD IN THE "R-S"
RESIDENTIAL SUBURBAN DLSTRICT. (EUGENE AND JEAN NOOKER).
Planning Director Eisner advised this is a request to divide an 8 acre parcel into three
parcels in the "R -S" Residential Suburban District. He stated the applicants, Eugene and Jean
Nooker, are applying under the Optional Design and Improvement Standarrds, Section 9 -3.503 of
the Subdivision Ordinance. He reviewed that the proposal would create 3 parcels, of 2.25, 3.4
and 2.375 gross acres. The net acreage of two of the parcels (B and C) would be slightly less,
when eliminating the stems of the flag lots and cross easements. The "R -S" zone district
requires a minimum parcel size of 2.5 acres. The applicant is applying under Optional Design
and Improvement Standards, which permits a deviation from zoning development standards and, in
this case, the minimum lot size as long as the gross density of the lot is not increased.
Mr. Eisner stated that, as a part of the submission, there are three additional pieces of
information handed out to the Commission tonight; 1) a memo from Jerry Bowser, dated December
1, 1986, dealing with the question of slope and the method used to determine that the lots to be
created do, in fact, meet the requirements of .the ordinance. Mr. Eisner commented that
because of the unique circumstances, the Planning Commission will have to make a specific
finding that a substandard lot is created by the fact that the lot is smaller than the 2 -1/2 acre
minimum and finding that the Optional Design Standards takes this into account. The second
document is a memo to the Planning Commission from John Keisler, Parks and Recreation
Director, dealing with replacement trees, which constitutes a revision to the recommendation in
the staff report. The third item is a memo from Paul Karp, Public Works Director, dated
December 1, 1986. This memo modifies some of the conditions in the staff report, and also
points out that Mr. Karp is precluded by State law from signing any final map and allowing any
recordation unless there are specific findings that the Optional Design Standards are consistent
with the Goals and Objectives of the General Plan.
Upon being assured by the Planning Commission Secretary that public hearing for Lot Split
Case No. 86 -439 had been duly published and property owners notified, Chairman Carr declared
the hearing open.
F. J. Kirkpatrick, 737 Printz Road and Elmer Kirk 735 -Printz Road spoke in favor of the
Lot Split being granted. Gene Nooker, 747 Printz Road, applicant for the lot split, stated he
feels the Commission has been given adequate material that represents everything he has to
make a decision. In answer to Commissioner Gerrish's question regarding the conditions, Mr.
Nooker stated that the conditions listed are satisfactory to him.
Hearing no further comments for or against the proposed lot split, Chairman Carr declared
the hearing closed.
Commissioner Olsen stated she has looked the terrain over and feels it is a reasonable and
desirable lot split. Commissioner Moore stated he has checked the site and Mr. Bowser's work
and he is in complete concurrence with his report. He further stated there is no visable
evidence of real land abuse and it is being taken care of right now.
After further discussion, on motion by Commissioner Gerrish, seconded by Commissioner
Olsen, and unanimously carried, Lot Split Case No. 86 -439 was approved under Optional Design
Standards, subject to the 7 conditions listed in the staff report, as modified, to be completed
prior to recordation, and with the findings that the requested lot split is in conformity with the
City's General Plan and that deviation from the zoning standards would produce a more desirable
and livable community.
PUBLIC HEARING - ROYAL OAKS ESTATES (FORMERLY OAK KNOLLS) -
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT ADDENDUM; PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO
ORDINANCE 221 C.S. AND 317 C.S.; TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO. 1390. (ROYAL OAKS
PARTNERSHIP).
Planning Director Eisner left the meeting due to a possible conflict of interest.
Mr. Rob Strong stated he would be acting as staff and making the staff presentation on
this matter. He explained that Mr. Eisner has declared a possible conflict of interest due to a
previous transaction, and to keep the record entirely clear, he has declined to act as Planning
Director on this particular item and, therefore, the City has appointed him as Acting Planning
Director on this matter.
Mr. Strong reviewed his staff report, dated November 25, 1986, commenting that the three
items before the Conrnission tonight are 1) certification of -the Final EIR and Addendum; 2)
approval of amendments to Ordinance No. 221 C. S. and 317 C. S regarding the "P -D" zoning
on the property; and 3) approval of the tentative map for Tract No. 1390. He stated it is his
recommendation to the Commission that they emphasize their discussion tonight on the
Environmental Impact Report and addendum.
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Arroyo Grande Planning won, 12 -2-86 -• Page 3
He. commented that, in essence, staff is ultimately going to recommend conditional approval of
all three items and, in his opinion, the addendum can be found to be adequate in addressing the
possible adverse impacts associated with the project; that the Planned Development amendment
be recommended for approval, subject to certain changes outlined in the conditions of approval;
and that with a substantial number of conditions, the revised tentative map is appropriate for
the property.
Mr. Strong reviewed the previous EIR discussing Halcyon Hills proposing 288 residential
units commenting that the EIR was accepted by the City,, however, the project was withdrawn
after the EIR was accepted. Also, the City considered the Knollwood Project which evolved
into the. Oak Knoll project which was approved in 1984 for 233 residential units and a park site.
He noted that there is an approved final map on the property, and also an approved tentative
map which remains valid and could be pursued in the event this proposal is unacceptable to the
City. Mr. Strong briefly reviewed the drainage areas, the Oak groves to be preserved, the
proposed street patterns, a proposed 10 acre school or park site, a YMCA site, the estate size
residential lots and the proposed patio homes.
With regard to the EIR Addendum, Mr. Strong advised that in the decision that this
project would have possible adverse affects on the environment, the City identified the areas of
concern; traffic, grading, drainage, and schools and parks. He noted if there are other
concerns by the Commissioners, then they would have to refer back to the prior EIR and
Addendum. He commented that the Addendum was specifically required by the Planning
Commission and reflects up -to -date relative information and responds to the comments in the
1978 document.
Mr. Strong stated that the basic strategy of tonight's meeting would be to allow the
Commission to have a summary presentation from the Addendum consultants, to open the public
hearing and, if possible, adopt a resolution as to the adequacy of the EIR and current
Addendums.
Mr. Strong introduced Mr. Andrew Meriam, of Meriam - Fraser, consultants selected by the
City to prepare the EIR Addendum. Mr. Meriam commented that the report focuses on 5 issues
which were determined by the Planning Commission to be the most critical; grading, drainage,
traffic, schools and parks. An effort has been made to deal with and identify major issues.
Mr. Meriam outlined concerns regarding 'grading and drainage, and briefly reviewed proposed
mitigation measures.
Mr. Meriam introduced Helen Bailey and Keith Higgins, stating they were the essentials in
putting the report together. Ms. Bailey discussed the schools and the parks issues. She stated
that the issue of schools has been identified as a potential substantial impact, and discussed
possible mitigations.
•
Mr. Keith Higgins, Traffic Engineer with Meriam - Fraser, discussed the traffic analysis
stating it deals primarily with off -site issues. Mr. Higgins recapped the primary ' impacts. He
described the primary impacts on Oak Park Boulevard, taking that down to Oak Park /101
Interchange, impacts on Grand Avenue, East Branch Street, West Branch and down to Brisco
Road. He discussed other impacts along Tally Ho Road and LePoint Street, and down to the
Vilinge. He comnented that some of these impacts are not so much directly related to the Royal
Oaks project, but this is more or less a cumulative analysis.
Upon being assured by the Planning Commission Secretary that public hearing for
Environmental Impact Report Addendum, Proposed Amendment to Ordinance 221 C. S. and 317 C.
S., and Tentative Tract Map 1390 for Royal Oaks Estates had been duly published and property
owners notified, Chairman Carr declared the hearing open.
•
Mr. Hinderschott, 333 Miller Way, stated he is concerned about the street going through;
he is concerned about the density, the water situation and the schools. He commented that the
grading that is going to happen should be thought out carefully by the Planning Commission.
Mr. Hinderschott stated he is also speaking on behalf of his neighbor, Mrs. Elizabeth Scott
Graham.
Mr. Al Spierling, 299 Miller Way, spoke regarding the oak trees. He stated that the
current plan, as adopted has the tree easement in the private property owners' hands and, in his
opinion, the City is making a serious error by not preserving those trees in open space that
would be open to the public. He stated he hopes this body will urge strongly that the City
Council reverse its previous action.
Arroyo Grande Planning Ca uni ian, 12 -2-86 Page 4
Mr. Ken McDaniel, 396 Miller Way, stated he is against Miller Way going through. Gary
Harmon, Manager of the Methodist Campground, commented regarding the impact on the
campground. He stated he would like to see a green belt effect around the campground to
preserve it, and also he is concerned about the wildlife.
Mr. Dan Lloyd, EDA, Project Engineer for Royal Oaks Estates, stated it is their feeling
that the EIR Addendum was done adequately.
Upon hearing no further comments from the audience, Chairman Carr restricted additional
comments to the Commission.
Commissioner Flores inquired about the tree preservation easement.. Mr. Strong advised
that the proposal is a reflection of a previous Council decision to have the tree preservation
easement on private property. Commissioner Olsen referred to Mr. Harmon's comments, stating
that the Planning Camnission should consider the impact on the campgrounds. She questioned
why there was no study done on the effect of wildlife, and she commented about the merits of a
greenbelt as a mitigating factor. Mr. Strong advised that wildlife discussions exist in the
previous EIR introduction of Urban Development. He stated there is no question that the
development of the adjacent property and additional traffic will have an adverse affect on
wildlife. Chairman Carr commented if the Commission wished to provide some protection to the
campground without revising the overall design of the project, perhaps that could be done
through conditions.
Mr. Strong pointed out that the Commission must have an acceptable environmental
document before making a decision to approve a project. He referred to the various documents
distributed to the Commission, stating that the Planning Commission, based on its review of the
EIR and Addendumis, plus the public testimony and Commission discussion, should determine the
adequacy of the Final EIR and current addendum. He stated, in staff's opinion, the document
is sufficient and adequate to meet all of the requirements of the California Environmental
Quality Act. Chairman Carr commented he feels that the addendum does a thorough job of
addressing the impacts of the project and sufficient mitigations.
After further discussion, the following action was taken:
RESOLUTION NO. 86 -1104 EIR
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE ACCEPTING EIR AND
ADDENDUMS.
On motion by Commissioner Moore, seconded by Commissioner Gerrish, and by the
following roll call vote, to wit:
AYES: Commissioners Olsen, Moore, Flores, Soto, Gerrish and
Chairman Carr
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Boggess
the foregoing Resolution was adopted this 2nd day of December 1986.
Commissioner Carr referred to the exhibits attached to Mr. Strong's staff report,
stating he has a problem separating the action on Exhibit B and C. He commented, in his
opinion, the Conmiission needs to deal with those items almost concurrently. He suggested that
perhaps a study session on the 5th Tuesday in December would be appropriate. Mr. Strong
recommended that the public hearing be continued and, if the Commission feels there is a need
for a study session and /or field trip, it should happen between now and the Commission's next
meeting on December 16th.
After a brief discussion, a study session and field trip of the property was scheduled
for Tuesday, December 9, 1986 at 1:00 P. M. at the Arroyo Grande Comnulity Building.
Members of the audience and the developers were invited to attend.
PUBLIC HEARING - GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. GPA 85 -2, AND GPA 86 -2
CHANGING CLASSIFICATION FROM HEAVY COMMERCIAL/LIGHT INDUSTRIAL TO
CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT, AND FROM HEAVY COMMERCIAL/LIGHT INDUSTRIAL TO
MEDIUM HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL, EAST BRANCH STREET. (CITY OF ARROYO
GRANDE /PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION OF INTENTION.
Chairman Carr advised that this matter is being continued until after the first of the
year.
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Arroyo Grande Planning Capon, 12 -2 -86
STUDY SESSION - OPEN SPACE ELEMENT OF THE GENERAL PLAN.
Due to the lateness of the hour, Chairman Carr continued the study session on the
Open Space Element to the next Planning Commission meeting of December 16, 1986.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned by
the Chairman at 11:40 P.M.
Chairman
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