PC Minutes 1981-03-17ARROYO GRANDE PLANNING COMMISSION
March 17, 1981
The Arroyo Grande Planning Commission met in regular session with
Chairman Gorsline presiding. Present are Commissioners Gerrish, Moots and
Pilkington. Commissioners Cole, Fischer and Sebastian are absent. Planning
Director Castro is also in attendance.
MINUTE APPROVAL
Upon hearing no additions or corrections, the minutes of the regular
meeting of March 3, 1981 were approved on motion by Commissioner Gerrish,
seconded by Commissioner Pilkington, and unanimously carried. •
ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO AGENDA.
Planning Director Castro advised he has received a letter from Mrs.
Hurlock, 126 Short Street, which he would like to discuss with the Commission
under "Communications ".
LOT SPLIT CASE NO. 81 -349, 175 WALNUT STREET. (VAN BUSKIRK).
Planning Director Castro advised that the Minor Subdivision Committee
did not meet due to lack of a quorum. He noted that he had reviewed the pro-
posal as submitted and there appears to be no problem as far as the access
easement that is being suggested. However, there is a problem, in that the
lot depth does not meet the minimum requirement of 90 ft. Mr. Castro suggested
that the matter be continued to the next regular meeting of the Commission
pending submittal of a Variance application by the applicant.
Mr. Paul Sturges, Garing, Taylor & Assoc., agent for the applicant,
stated he feels there are extenuating circumstances in this case. He pointed
out that the square footage is over what is required and Mr. Van Buskirk has
acquired a 30 ft. easement to add to that. Mr. Sturges requested that the •
lot split be approved without the necessity of the various delays of going
through the Variance procedure.
The Planning Commission indicated they could see no problems with the
proposed split itself, however, they were of the opinion that they would have
no authority to approve the lot split without the Variance procedure.
After a brief discussion, on motion by Commissioner Gerrish, seconded
by Commissioner Pilkington, and unanimously carried, Lot Split Case No. 81 -349
was continued until a Variance is considered by the Commission.
LOT SPLIT CASE NO. 81-350, 259 TALLY HO ROAD. (THOMPSON).
Planning Director Castro advised that the proposed lot split is in
conformance with. the other lot splits recently considered in the Canyon Way
Assessment District. He recommended that the Commission proceed with the
approval of the lot split, subject to the following conditions:
1. Prospective owners shall provide new utilities underground with
permits to build.
2. Prior to recordation, applicant shall agree to spread of assessments
for future lots.
3. Mylar copy of recorded map to be furnished to the City.
4. Prospective owners of Lots 1 and 2 shall provide a grading and
drainage plan subject to the approval of the Public Works Director.
Mr. Castro pointed out that, basically, these conditions are the same as
those applied to the other lot splits and, in his opinion, the Optional Design
Standards will still apply, subject to Planning Commission and City Council
approval.
After a brief discussion, on motion by Commissioner Gerrish, seconded
by Commissioner Moots, and unanimously carried, Lot Split Case No. 81 -350 was
approved subject to the 4 conditions noted by the Planning Director.
CONTINUATION - PUBLIC HEARING, USE PERMIT CASE NO. 81 -315, CONSTRUCTION OF
CONDOMINIUM PROJECT, 1133 MAPLE STREET. (WOOD) .
Planning Director Castro noted that Mr. Wood's application is being
brought back to the Commission to clarify some of the concerns that were brought
out in previous meetings. He advised that he met with Mr. Wood to outline the
Commission's concerns regarding densities and the phasing concept of the project.
Mr. Wood noted to Mr. Castro that air space condominiums or apartments would be
fine, however, Mr. Castro still couldn't respond to the Commission's concerns
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Arroyo Grande Planning Commission, 3 -17 -81 Page. 2.
about the phasing procedures Mr. Wood was proposing. Chairman Gorsline pointed
out that one of the concerns that the neighbors had was that some of the project
would not be built and they would be left with a mixture of uses in there.
Planning Director Castro stated that the Commission could recommend a time limit
for completion of the project; he also noted that there is no guarantee that the
entire project will come about, it will only mean that the Commission has set a
time for Mr. Wood to complete the project.
Addison Wood, applicant for the Use Permit, stated with regard to the
phasing concept, it is his feeling that to build 22 units at one time would be
more than the market can absorb, and he would have to build in stages; 4 units
to begin with, then 6, and then finish off the entire project. He stated that
the market condition is such that people aren't buying them the way the interest
rate is, and that condition could change at any time, however, for now it doesn't
seem to be practical to proceed with anything other than a phased program. Mr.
Wood further advised that he has been at that location since 1945 with the use he
has now. He stated he is zoned for apartment use and could probably put in 30 or
so apartments, but he doesn't particularly want to do that.
Commissioner Gerrish stated relative to a time constraint, in his opinion,
he couldn't see how the City could hold the developer to it and he didn't think
it would be good for Mr. Wood or for the City. He stated his feelings are that
the City should let him proceed on a phasing plan or not at \all.
Planning Director Castro pointed out that staff is not ready to proceed
with the approval at this time, and recommended that the Commission refer the
matter back to the Architectural Review Committee for review and conditioning.
He further noted that there are some matters that need to be resolved at the
Architectural Review Committee level. Mr. Wood stated it is his intention to
proceed with an air space condominium project that would meet the requirements
of the City.
After further discussion, Chairman Gorsline advised that the matter of
the Use Permit would be continued at the next meeting, and the plans would be
reviewed by the Architectural Review Committee at their next meeting of April
1, 1981.
CONTINUATION - PUBLIC HEARING, PREZONING CASE NO. 81 -151, SHANNON RANCH, "P -M"
PLANNED INDUSTRIAL AND "RA" RESIDENTIAL AGRICULTURAL ' DISTRICT.
Planning Director Castro advised that the reason for continuance of this
matter was because of the City Council's upcoming meeting to discuss annexations
and related policies. The matter was then scheduled for City Council discussion
on March 10.th. Again, no policy decision was reached other than,staff to sub-
mit a written recommendation on how to proceed with the resources planning
program. Mr. Castro further stated it is his understanding that the matter is
to again be discussed at the next regular Council meeting of March 24th and, in
view of that, he recommended that the matter be continued.
Mr. Tony Decker, applicant for the prezoning, stated he has no objections
to a continuation of the matter, however, he is concerned that the City Council
may not establish an annexation policy at the next meeting. He had hoped he
could get some direction tonight as to possibly what aspects should be reviewed
in a focus EIR or a full blown EIR.
Commissioner Gerrish pointed out that at one time this Commission adopted
a policy that they would consider no more annexations. Commissioner Moots noted
that the. Commission and Council are now waiting for a resources inventory.
Cheryl Potter, Arroyo Grande, spoke in favor of the prezoning, stating
she would like the annexation to be considered and she feels it would be a
tremendous addition to the City. She read a letter from a concerned business
person, Mary Margaret Curzon, stating her feelings that annexation of the subject
property to the City would provide opportunities for new businesses, and ex-
pansion opportunities for businesses such as hers. Mr. Leon Kopisky, Principal
of Valley View Jr. Academy, stated he is interested in the proposal and would
like to make comments when the matter is again considered by the Commission.
After further discussion, Chairman Gorsline advised that the matter would
be placed on the Planning Commission's agenda for their regular meetings of
April 7th and April 21st. •
Arroyo Grande. Planning Commission, 3 -17 -81 Page 3
DISCUSSION REGARDING SIGHT OBSTRUCTION ORDINANCE REQUIREMENTS.
Planning Director Castro reviewed that'several'months ago a request for a
sign was made by Tom Coull Realty to be located at the southwest corner of
Halcyon and Grand Avenue. At that time the staff advised the Commission about
the Obstruction Ordinance requirements, noting that no structure can be erected
within the triangular area measured 40 ft. from the corner property lines. It
was then determined that the staff would review the requirement to explore other
alternatives. Mr. Castro advised that since that time, he has discussed the
matter with Public Works Director Karp, and it is their opinion that so long as
a sign structure is maintained no higher than 3 -1/2 to 4 ft., and as long as the
sign is mounted on a free standing pole, it should not obstruct cars wishing to
make a right hand turn movement. However, it was their feeling that a solid
sign structure exceeding 4 ft. should be prohibited, since they may create visual
concerns'for motorists.
Mr. Castro stated that should the Commission be disposed in pursuing this
type of policy, staff would prepare the necessary policy statement to be included
as part of the zoning procedures. He also recommended that final approval be
at the discretion of the Planning Director until such time as amended by the
Planning Commission. Mr. Castro further stated that he is in the process of
preparing a revised draft of the Sign Ordinance for the Commission's review, and
the matter could be included in that ordinance if the Commission is so disposed.
After discussion, on motion by Commissioner Gerrish, seconded by
Commissioner Pilkington, and unanimously carried, staff was directed to develop
a policy statement relative to the type of signs discussed above to be included
in the Sight Obstruction Ordinance.
COMMUNICATIONS
Planning Director Castro read a letter from Judith A. Hurlock, dated
March 9, 1981, requesting a second residential structure on her lot at 126
Short Street. Mr. Castro advised the Commission that he had pointed out to
Mrs. Hurlock that the Central Business District does not permit new residential
uses and, in order for her to proceed with the expansion, she would have to get
the Ordinance amended.
Planning Director Castro briefly reviewed the Central Business District
plan and the parking ratios. He advised that the Parking and Business Improvement
Area Advisory Board is concerned with the retail needs for additional parking
and also the circulation system in the Central Business District. He pointed
out that,' in his opinion, Mrs. Hurlock's request is a little premature right now,
and the problem we now have in the CBD would be compounded with more residential
uses: in the downtown area. He stated his recommendation to the Commission would
be to hold the request of Mrs. Hurlock in abeyance until we can get a handle on
current problems and the need for comprehensive planning of the Village area.
Mrs. Hurlock, 126 Short Street, stated the Planning Director's argument
seemed to be based on the need for parking, and she'didn't see how that relates
to a single family residence, which provides parking on the property. She
further stated she wanted to build a house on the property for her mother, and
she thought it was a shame that residential uses are excluded from commercial
areas.
After discussion, it was the concensus of the Commission that the resi-
dendial use would require changing an existing ordinance, and they would not be
in favor of such an amendment at this time.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was
adjourned at 9:00 P.M. on a motion by Commissioner Gerrish, seconded by
Commissioner Pilkington, and unanimously carried.
ATTEST: 4 6;f
f 5
Secretary
Chairman
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