PC Minutes 1985-11-19226
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The Arroyo Grande Planning Commission met in regular .
session with Chairman Gerrish presiding. Commissioners Carr,
Moore, Olsen and Flores are present. Commissioners Soto and
Boggess are absent. Planning Director Eisner also in
attendance.
MINUTE APPRQYAL
Upon hearing no additions or corrections, the minutes of
the regular meeting of November 5, 1985 were approved by the
Chairman as prepared. --
BEQUEST E48 12 MQNTS EXTENEIQN - TENTAI1YE TRACT MAP 11UP.. 4AK
PARK ACHES...
Planning Director Eisner advised the request is for a 12
month extension of Tentative Tract Map 1149. He pointed out
that all of the conditions of the original approval would remain
the same, and staff recommends approval by minute motion.
After a brief disctssion, a 12 month extension was granted on motion by Commissioner
Moore, seconded by Commissioner Flores, and unanimously carried.
REQUEST FOR INTERPRETATION - MARRIAGE, FAMILY AND CHILD COUNSELOR
SERVICE UNDER A HOME OCCUPATION PERMIT, 210 SO. MASON STREET IN THE "R -3"
DISTRICT. (LARA BATHES).
Planning Director Eisner referred to a letter from David, Zimmerman and Zeilenga,
dated November 13, 1985, written on behalf of the applicant. Mr. Eisner pointed out that the
definitions within the scope of the Home Occupation Permit does not include this kind of
activity. He stated it is his understanding that Mrs. Battles would be the only one working on
the premises and there would be no stacking up of clients so that the impact on the
neighborhood would be minimal. He listed some of the uses permitted under a Home Occupation
Permit are piano lessons, dancing lessons, accountants and CPA's. There are also some day care
centers where they have up to six children on the premises at one time. He stated that the
requested use does not seem inconsistent, however, it needs an interpretation from the
Commission. Mr. Eisner further stated that these Permits are generally issued on a limited basis
subject to review based on complaints.
After discussion. on motion by Commissioner Carr, seconded by Commissioner Flores, and
unanimously carried, the Planning Commission found that a Marriage, Family and Gild Counselor
Service to be similar to other uses established in the Ordinance under "Home Occupation
Permits ", with the condition that only one counselor be working at the residence.
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW CASE NO. 85 -346, CONSTRUCTION OF WAREHOUSE,
ADJACENT TO 1005 EL CAMINO REAL IN THE "P-M" PLANNED INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT.
(HOWARD MANKINS).
Planning Director Eisner advised the request is to build a metal butler type building in
the "P-M" zone, which would be an extension of uses already on the property. The project has
been reviewed by the Staff Advisory Committee and is recommended for approval with the
conditions as noted in the staff report. Commissioner Carr stated he is confused by the way
the building is designed as to what its tse is going to be. He inquired if it is intended solely
for a warehouse, or if it is going to be a mini- storage facility. Howard Mankins, applicant,
stated it is going to be an open warehouse and it is not intended to be a mini storage facility.
Chairman Gerrish asked if the intention is to build it and lease it out either in one section or in
several sections? Mr. Mankins stated that is the intention.
Planning Director Eisner stated, with regard to the parking, the requirement is one
space for every 800 sq. ft. of floor area and, in the event it is used for some other purpose,
then the parking requirements would have to be met.
Mr. Mankins stated his objection to Condition No. 2 listed in the staff report. He
noted that the proposed warehouse is behind Lee Wilson Electric and Sebastian Oil Canpany,
and staff is asking for installation of curb, gutter and sidewalk by the 7 -UP warehouse, which is
the only section that does not have it. He stated that he does not own that property. Mr.
Eisner stated it is clear that if Mr. Mankins does not own that property, then he cannot make
the improvements, and staff would waive that condition. With regard to the existing drainage
facility, Mr. Eisner stated that the Qty would want to see the final grading plan before the
building is constructed, and what the Qty is saying in Condition No. 1 is that, if there is a
need for drainage easements across the property, they shall be recorded in favor of the City.
Mr. Mankins stated that the drainage from the warehouse will go down the existing road and
into the existing drainage easement, and he has already signed a deed for that easement.
Cannissioner Moore commented that Condition No. 2 does not have anything to do with
this particular piece of property.
Arroyo Grande Planning Commis ion, 11 -19-85 Page 2
After further discussion, on motion by Commissioner Carr, seconded by Commissioner
Olsen, and unanimously carried, Architectural Review Case No 85 -346 was approved deleting
Condition No. 2 of the staff report, dated November 19, 1985, and recommending "Harvest
Gold" as the color selection for the building.
PUBLIC HEARING - LOT SPLIT CASE NO. 85 -415, PROPERTY LOCATED ON HIGHWAY
227 BETWEEN PASEO STREET AND - C ORBETT CANYON ROAD, IN THE "RA -B3"
RESIDENTIAL AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT. (SAN LUIS ENGINEERING, AGENTS FOR L.
E. GUIDOTTI).
Mr. Eisner advised that this matter is continued pending a resubm ittal by the applicant.
PUBLIC HEARING - LOT SPLIT CASE NO. 85 -417, 251 JAMES WAY IN THE "RA -B2"
RESIDENTIAL AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT. (W. H. AND S. J. WEITKAMP).
Mr. Eisner advised this matter is being continued pending submittal of additional
information by the applicant.
PUBLIC HEARING - LOT SPLIT CASE NO. 85- 418, 241 JAMES WAY IN THE "RA -B2"
RESIDENTIAL AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT. (M. AND M. CAFARCHIA).
Mr. Eisner advised this matter is being continued pending submittal of additional
information by the applicant.
C>DNTINUATION - PUBLIC HEARING - PROPOSED AMENDMENT 113 RE CIRCULATION
ELEMENT OF THE GENERAL PLAN.
Planning Director Eisner referred to some of the materials included in the Commission's
agenda packets which represent the comments that the .Commission has made so far. He stated
that the City has received a number of telephone calls about an item shown on the plan, and
that is the connection from LePoint Street to West Branch Street. He further stated the plan
shows that connection will take place, however, as of this time the only thing that can be said
about the Circulation Element in this regard is that someplace, somewhere there will be a
connection someday between West Branch Street and LePoint Street. The people who have
called have been concerned that the line on the General Plan maps that they have seen appears
to coincide with Larchmont or some other specific alignment; that is not true. We may, in fact,
want to modify the General Plan base map to do something else. Until there are specific and
detailed engineering studies to implement this phase of the General Plan, nothing specific is
intended. In terms of the other comments that have been made, we have had further review by
the Public Works Department; some of which have been quite specific and some general
comments. He advised that the comments of the Planning Conmission, staff and public will all
be sent on to the . City Council for review as part of the adoption process.
Chairman Gerrish reopened the Public Hearing for comment. Henry Horwege, 243
Larchmont Drive, stated that the residents of Larchmont feel that the potential structuring of
Larchmont as an arterial street will be extremely detrimental and disruptive to the neighborhood.
He stated they see this connection as being a bypass from Grand Avenue and, from the report,
it looks like they could have up to 14,000 cars a day. Also, if the street is widened he will
not be able to park his car in the driveway. He was also concerned 'about the costs, the
potential air pollution and noise pollution, and the hazards because of the curves and hills.
Tl'avis Evans, 270 Larchmont Drive, presented a letter, dated November 19, 1985, protesting the
proposed plan of connecting LePoint Street with Larchmont. Joe Manion, 255 Larchmont, also
presented a letter to the Commission, expressing his concerns with the plan relative to West
Branch Street being connected to Larchmont. Barbara Horner, 263 Larchmont, stated' she
objects to Larchmont becoming an access to Highway 101. She also stated her concern about
the danger from additional traffic, and the concern that property values would be affected.
Hearing no further comments for or against the proposed Circulation Element, Chairman
Gerrish declared the hearing closed.
Planning Director Eisner pointed out that the point staff is trying to make is this
street system represents a need that may occur sometime in the future. Chairman Gerrish
stated, in his opinion, the Commission should decide now whether or not they want that
connection in there. Commissioner Olsen stated she agrees with the people in the audience and,
in her opinion, that road should not extend through Larchmont. She felt the suggestion of
corning across to James Way would be more appropriate. Planning Director Eisner noted that at
the present time there is a roadway shown on Rancho Grande which extends the area between
the theater and this piece of property; this road will extend northerly to Rancho Parkway and
will tie into James Way. He stated the point he is trying to make is wherever the dotted line
is to go, we are still at the General Plan level, and it is just that a dotted line on the
General Plan, and that line is only recognition that a connection someday, sometime would be
thought about. Chairman Gerrish stated he feels the initial solution is to pull that dotted line
down to West Branch Street and delete Larchmont Drive as a secondary arterial street from the
text.
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Arroyo Grande Piercing Oomris ion, 11 -19-85 Page 3
It was the consensus of the Commission that Item 12 be amended deleting Larchmont
Drive as a secondary arterial street, and change the map to show West Branch Street connected
to Le Point Street, avoiding Larclimont Drive. After further discussion, the following action
was taken:
RESOLUTION NO. 85 -1063
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMMION ,OF THE
CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF
CIRCULATION ELEMENT OF THE GENERAL PLAN.
On inotion by Commissioner issioner Flores, seconded by Commissioner Carr, and by the following
roll call vote, to wit:
AYES: Commissioners Flores, Moore, Carr and Chairman Gerrish
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Commissioner Olsen
ABSENT: Com issioners Boggess and Soto
the foregoing Resolution was adopted this 19th day of November 1985.
PUBLIC HEARING - USE PERMIT CASE NO. 85 -388, INSTALLATION OF. FREE STANDING
SIGN, 555 CAMINO MERCADO IN THE "P-D" PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT. (E -Z
EIGHT MOTELS, INC.).
Planning Director Eisner advised that the sign program for the E -Z Eight Motel was
processed at the time the motel was built. At that time the issue was the height of the E -Z
Eight motel sign at the corner of West Branch Street and Canino Mercado, and the issue was
resolved to the satisfaction of the Planning Commission and the City Council. After the sign
was erected, the government, through the State of California, got in touch with the Clty and
the owners and pointed out that because the sign is located on leased property, it constituted a
violation of federal law; it constituted an off -site sign. In the meantime, the Planning
Department received a request to modify the motel's sign program. There are three buildings
associated with the motel, and the applicants are asking for a free standing sign, and additional
signs to be placed on the buildings themselves providing information on activities at their motel.
Upon being assured by the Planning Commission Secretary that public hearing for Use
Permit Case No. 85 -3 had been duly published and property owners notified, Chairman Gerrish
declared the hearing open.
Les Crouch, Long Beach, applicant for the signs, stated they are still facing possible
litigation with the State of California because of the off -site sign. It is their feeling that,
rather than go through this litigation with the State, it would be better just to put up a new
sign. He cemented what they are now applying for is one pole sign and one sign on the
building to be 18 ft. long. He stated they would like to get the motel identified from the
freeway. He also stated that the sign letters are 4 ft. high and the sign is somewhat bigger
than the one they have now, however, the one they have now is 800 ft. closer to the freeway
and, therefore,' is easier to read. , He doesn't feel this is over- signage, but is the absolute
minimum. The present sign is 150 sq. ft. each face and the proposed sign is 230 sq. ft. each
face. The sign on the wall would be 68 sq. ft. Mr. Crouch stated their feeling that they
needed more information to bring the people up to the building, and they felt they needed more
exposure and a little more information for the people driving the freeway.
Planning Director Eisner commented that in. the Planned Development zone there are no
specific requirements for signs, and this request is based on the unique nature of this site.
Commissioner Carr stated he objects to "drive under" type signs. Planning Director
Eisner stated that, from a visual standpoint, one of the things that staff thought about was the
possibility of turning the sign in another direction so that it could, . be seen from' the 'highway
and changing it to a single faced sign.
After considerable discussion, the Commission misssion favored allowing one sign on the building
and turning the other sign so that it is not a drive - under sign and is only a single faced sign.
Mr. Crouch requested that the matter be continued to allow them to redesign the sign.
Commissioner Carr commented he would like to see the redesign submittal closer to the 300 ft.
total for the sign face..
Chairman Gerrish announced that this matter will be continued to the next Planning
Conmission meeting of December 3, 1985.
PUBLIC HEARING - USE PERMIT CASE NO. 85 -402, ADDITION 10 EXISTING THEATER,
1160 W. BRANCH STREET 114 THE "P-D" PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT.
(FESTIVAL ENTERPRISES).
Arroyo Grande Plannhig Can fission, 11 -19-85 Page 4
Planning Director Eisner advised this is a request of Festival Cinemas for the addition
of 4 more screens to the existing theater. The parking required will be provided. The
applicant is also. asking that the Commission consider the footprint of a restaurant with 3600 sq.
ft. of public dining area. He stated the application has been reviewed on this basis and it is
with the understanding that the final design for the restaurant will have to come back to the
Commission and Council. At this time, the applicant is asking to expand the theater and, as far
as the restaurant is concerned, he is asking Use Permit approval of the concept with the
Architectural Review Comrnttee.
Upon being assured by the Planning Commission Secretary that public hearing for Use
Permit Case No. 85 -402 had been duly published and property owners notified, Chairman Gerrish
declared the hearing open.
After discussion, the following action was taken:
RESOLUTION NO. 85 -1064
After further discussion, the following action was taken:
RESOLUTION NO. 85 -1065
Richard Jeha, Festival Cinemas, spoke in favor of the Use Permit being granted.
Hearing no further comments for or against the proposed use permit, Chairman Gerrish
declared the hearing closed.
Commissioner Carr stated that when he voted for this project originally and he saw its
use, he thought perhaps we had gone a little too far in the City of Arroyo Grande. In his
opinion, most of the residents here have, a vision of this City as being somewhat unique and
somewhat rural. He stated we have already experienced a lot of growth and he feels a six
screen theater is enough for Arroyo Grande. He also commented he doesn't care for the
parking plan and, in his opinion, it is going to be unworkable, and he feels the development is
going to cause more traffic problems..
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMNIISSION OF THE
CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE RECOMMENDING DENIAL OF
USE PERMIT CASE NO. 85 -402, APPLIED FOR BY
FESTIVAL ENTERPRISES.
On motion by Commissioner Carr, seconded by Commissioner Moore, and by the following
roll call vote, to wit:
AYES: Commissioners Moore and Carr
NOES: Commissioners Olsen, Flores and Chairman Gerrish
ABSENT: Commissioners Boggess and Soto
the foregoing Resolution was lost this 19th day of November 1985 due to lack of a majority
vote.
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF
USE PERMIT CASE NO. 85 -402, APPLIED FOR BY
FESTIVAL ENTERPRISES.
On motion by Conmissioner Flores, seconded by Chairman Gerrish, and by the following
roll call vote, to wit:
AYES: Commissioners Flores, Olsen and Chairman Gerrish
NOES: Commissioners Carr and Moore
ABSENT: Commissioners Soto and Boggess
the foregoing Resolution was adopted this 19th day of November 1985.
COMMISSIONER OLSEN LEFT THE MEETING DURING THE ABOVE DISCUSSION AND IS
NOW ABSENT.
PUBLIC HEARING - PROPOSED ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENTS - "R-G" ZONE
DELETION/"R -3" ZONE MODIFICATION, AND COMMERCIAL ZONES.
With regard to the "R -G" zone deletion / "R -3" zone modification, Planning Director
Eisner reviewed that the aty Council and Planning Commission approved a General Plan
amendment eliminating the high density - residential category from the General Plan and modifying
the medium high density residential category by lowering the density not to exceed 14 units per
acre. By modifying the General Plan, the Zoning Ordinance was put in a position of
inconsistency, and the amendment now before the Commission is for the purpose of adjusting the
Zoning Ordinance to implement the General Plan. What we are proposing is the deletion of the
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Arroyo Grande Planning Cbi on, 11 -19-85
"R -G" zone from the Zoning Ordinance, and modification of the "R -3" zone by substituting the
text ,now before the Commission. The most important issue is that we are increasing the
minimum land area from 2578 sq. ft. of land per dwelling unit to 3100 sq. ft. of land per
. dwelling unit, which is a working density of 14 dwelling units per acre.
Mr. Eisner called the Commission's attention to the fact that ,at the time the General
Plan was amended, there was some question about the differences between condominiums and
apartments. With this proposed amendment, condominiums, if they meet the standards of this
ordinance, will no longer require a separate use permit.
Upon being assured by the Planning Commission Secretary that public. hearing for the
proposed Zoning Ordinance amendments had been duly published and posted, Chairman Gerrish
declared the hearing open.
Hearing no comments from the audience, Chairman Gerrish declared the hearing closed.
There was considerable discussion regarding Sec. 9 -4.805 (b) relative to building height
limitation where an "R -3" development abuts an "R -1" district. After a brief discussion, the
following action was taken:
RESOLUTION NO. 85 -1066
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF
PROPOSED ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT RELATIVE ID
DELETION OF THE "R-G" ZONE, AND MODIFICATION OF
THE "R -3" ZONE.
On motion by Commissioner. Flores, seconded by Chairman Gerrish, and by the following
roll call vote, to wit:
AYES: Commissioners Flores and Carr
NOES: Commissioners Moore and Chairman Gerrish
ABSENT: Commissioners Olsen, Soto and Boggess -
the foregoing Resolution was lost this 19th day of November 1985 due to lack of four
affirmative votes.
Chairman Gerrish advised that this matter would be sent to the City Council with no
recommendation from the Commission because of the Commissioners' failure to agree - on Sec. 9-
4.805 (b).
With regard to the proposed Ordinance amendment regarding the Commercial Zones,
Planning Director Eisner pointed out the necessity to modify the Zoning Ordinance by:
1. Redefining the "O-N" Neighborhood Commercial District to "O-1"
Neighborhood Commercial District (no other change to the text
of that zone);
2. Adding a new General Commercial District to be titled "C-2"
General Commercial District; and
3. Modifying the existing "H -S" District by changing its title . to
"C-3" Highway Service District, and redefining the uses and
development standards to serve as a "Heavy Commercial" zone in
the Ordinance.
Page 5
Mr. Eisner stated that the new "C-2" district and the modified "0-3" District have
been written expressly to implement the goals and objectives of the Clty's comprehensive
General Plan. No change is recommended to either the Central Business District or the "P-C"
District at this time.
He noted that the map amendments specifically designating certain properties will be
forthcoming following the necessary map preparation and legal advertising. Final adoption of
the "C-2" and modified "C-3" ordinance sections should not be finalized by the Qty Council
until the map changes can be put into effect.
After a brief discussion, the following action was taken:
RESOLUTION NO. 85 -1067
•
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COM LSSION OF THE
CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF
ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REDEFINING THE "C-N"
DISTRICT, ADDING A NEW GENERAL COMMERCIAL DISTRICT,
AND MODIFYING THE EXISTING "H-S" DISTRICT.
Arroyo Grande Plarmung Commission, 11 -19-85 Page 6
On motion by Commissioner Carr, seconded by Commissioner Moore, and by the following
roll call vote, to wit:
AYES: Commissioners Moore, Flores, Carr and Chairman Gerrish
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioners Olsen, Boggess and Soto
the foregoing Resolution was adopted this 19th day of November 1985.
COMMUNICATIONS
Planning Director Eisner presented a request from Poor 'Richard's Press on East Branch
'Street to allow modification of the color of an existing sign and addition of a painted sign on
the east side of the building. After review of the proposal, the request was approved on
motion by Commissioner Flores, seconded by Conn issioner Moore, and unanimously carried.
CANCELLATION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION'S SECOND MEETING OF DECEMBER.
After a brief discussion regarding lack of agenda items, the regular meeting of
December 17,' 1985 was cancelled.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned by
the Chairman at 10:50 P.M.
"0,
Secretary airman
ATTEST: gri_ A J .■■).
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