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PC Minutes 1979-10-02ARROYO GRANDE PLANNING COMMISSION October 2, 1979 The Arroyo Grande Planning Commission met in regular session with Chairman Gorsline presiding. Present are Commissioners Cole, Fischer, Sebastian and Simmons. Commissioners Carr and Moots are absent. Also in attendance are Planning Director Castro and Planner Sullivan. MINUTE APPROVAL Upon hearing no additions or corrections, the minutes of the regular meeting of September 18, 1979 were approved on motion by Commissioner Cole, seconded by Commissioner Fischer, and unanimously carried. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW CASE NO. 79 -208, ADDITION AND REMODELING, CHURCH OF LATTER DAY SAINTS, SO. TRAFFIC WAY EXTENSION. Planning Director Castro advised that the Architectural Review Committee reviewed this project on September 26th, and their recommendation is for approval subject to the 6 conditions noted in the report. He further advised that the project includes new classroom additions to the church facilities and a new parking lot is being provided to the westerly side of the total complex. After a brief review of the proposed project, on motion by Commissioner Cole, seconded by Commissioner Fischer, and unanimously carried, approving Architectural Committee Action dated September 26, 1979. PUBLIC HEARING - USE PERMIT CASE NO. 79 -288, FREE STANDING SIGN IN AN "H -S" HIGHWAY SERVICE. DISTRICT, 1263 GRAND AVENUE. (SANTA MARIA NEON, AGENTS FOR T. P. EVERETT). Planning Director Castro advised the request being made is to merely replace an existing sign. The proposed sign is slightly larger than what is now existing and is to be a double faced sign. He further advised that staff sees no problem if the Commission is so disposed in granting the use permit application. In answer to Commissioner Fischer's question as to how high the sign will be, Mr. Castro advised it would be 15 ft. from the ground. Upon being assured by Planning Director Castro that public hearing for Use Permit Case No. 79 -288 had been duly published, posted and property owners noti- fied, Chairman Gorsline declared the hearing open. Mrs. Elizabeth Jackson, 208 Fair View Drive, inquired if the size of the new sign is in keeping with the other signs on Grand Avenue. Planning Director Castro advised that the size of the proposed sign is a little smaller than other signs in the area. There being no further comments from the audience, Chairman Gorsline declared the hearing closed. Commissioner Fischer stated, in her opinion, it would be more advantageous to businesses if signs were lower or at eye level, and she doesn't think a sign 15 ft. up in the air adds anything to a business. After a brief discussion, the following action was taken: RESOLUTION NO. 79 -697 U RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE GRANTING A USE PERMIT, CASE NO. 79 -288. On motion by Commissioner Cole, seconded by Commissioner Sebastian, and by the following roll call vote, to wit: AYES: Commissioners Cole, Sebastian and Chairman Gorsline NOES: Commissioner Fischer ABSENT: Commissioners Carr and Moots ABSTAIN: Commissioner Simmons the foregoing Resolution was adop'ted this 2nd day of October 1979. PUBLIC HEARING - REZONING CASE NO. 79 -129, ZONE CHANGE FROM "RA -B3" RESIDENTIAL AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT TO "P -D" PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT, WILDWOOD RANCH, 220 CORBETT CANYON ROAD: (TEMPUS). Planning Director Castro referred to the staff report dated September 26, 1979, wherein continuance of this matter for two weeks is being requested due to the fact that there was not enough time for staff to review the revised plans submitted by the developer. He further advised that he has received a letter from 14.5 Arroyo Grande Planning Commission, 10 -2 -79 Page 2 the developer, dated September 28th, indicating they are in agreement with the continuance. Upon being assured by Planning Director Castro that Public Hearing for Rezoning Case No. 79 -129 had been duly published, posted and property owners notified, Chairman Gorsline opened the Public Hearing and requested testimony from those present in the audience who will be unable to attend the meeting in two weeks. There being no comments at this time, Chairman Gorsline advised that the public hearing would be continued to the next regular Planning Commission meeting of October 16, 1979. WILDWOOD RANCH DEVELOPMENT PLAN. (TEMPUS) Chairman Gorsline advised that this item would be continued to the next Planning Commission meeting of October 16, 1979. PUBLIC HEARING - PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE USE PERMIT SECTION OF THE ZONING ORDI- NANCE NO. 24 C.S. FOR THE CONTROL OF ADULT ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES. Planning Director Castro advised that, in accordance with the Commission's instructions, he addressed a letter to the city attorney requesting clarification of some of the suggested wording of the proposed ordinance. Mr. Castro read the letter from Mr. Shipsey dated October 2, 1979. Commissioner Cole stated she has reviewed the matter and has problems with trying to arrive at some kind of decision. It is her feeling that she is in no position to determine what adult entertainment is, and inquired if it would be possible for her to abstain from voting. She further stated it is her feelings that the more controls we have, the more problems we have, in that sometimes we put things underground, and then we have another problem. Chairman Gorsline advised that since the Commission has not had time to review Mr. Shipsey's comments, and due to the fact that one Commissioner has already indicated an intent to abstain, it was his feeling that maybe we are going to be getting in a position where 3 or 4 Commissioners are going to be making a decision for other Commission members who are absent and, unless there is serious objections, he would like to continue the public hearing to the next meeting. He further noted that since the public hearing has been advertised, he would open the public hearing and request that those present who will not be able to attend the next meeting give their testimony now. Upon being assured by Planning Director Castro that public hearing for the.proposed amendment for the Control of Adult Entertainment Activities in Arroyo Grande had been duly published and posted, Chairman Gorsline declared the hearing open. Jim Fortson, 145 Rosewood Lane, commented that nothing is going to be solved by evading the issue and referred to the cities that haven't faced the problems, pointing out that they have real problems now. He further stated that it is better and more advantageous to put the law into effect now, rather than letting the horses get out of the barn and then trying to shut the door. He stated if the laws aren't set now and the problem isn't dealt with now, the pornography people move in and then you have real problems. Larry Lorentz, 709 Faeh Ave., stated the proposed ordinance is somewhat vague and leaves out a lot of definitions. He recommended that the Commission look at another avenue, which is the nuisance abatement ordinance. Mr. Lorentz distributed copies of the suggested ordinance to the Commission for their re- view. There:..beirig:cno-_further comments at this time, Chairman Gorsline advised that the public hearing will be continued at the next regular Planning Commission meeting of October 16, 1979. SUBDIVISION REVIEW - TENTATIVE MAP OF TRACT NO. 854 - "FAIR OAKS PLAZA ", A CONDOMINIUM OFFICE PARK, GRAND AVENUE. (STURGES). Planning Director Castro advised that the Subdivision Review Committee met on the subject request and, in the course of the discussion, it was felt that other pertinent information was necessary before making a final recom- mendation. Mr. Sturges was requested to present a copy of the C. C. & R.'s for the development, and further that his attorney review certain key legal concerns regarding the sale and further division of the air space proposed. Also, our city engineer advised Mr. Sturges that, in accordance with the City ordinance, separate meters would be necessary for whatever division occurs on the property. Mr. Castro advised the Commission that he has not received any information from Mr. Sturges or his attorney as of this date, and recommended that the matter be continued pending receipt of further information. He further noted that if the information is submitted soon enough, the matter will be added to the agenda for the next meeting. Arroyo Grande Planning Commission, 10 -2 -79 Page 3 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW CASE NO. 79 -209, PROPOSED OFFICE BUILDING, 1164 GRAND. (MINTZ). Planning Director Castro reviewed the past history regarding the property in question, stating that during the time the City was trying to achieve conformity of both the General Plan and Zoning map, the Commission recommended that this property be recognized as Highway Service land use, with the same conforming Highway Service zoning designation. When the matter was presented to the City Council, they approved the land use modification, but failed to rezone the pro- perty to Highway Service District and, consequently, what we have at this point in time is a "P -M" District and a land use designation of Highway Service. Staff is suggesting that this matter be continued and that the Commission direct a letter to the City Council requesting that the matter be resolved. He further advised he is suggesting that the applicant, Mr. Mintz, contact the City Manager's office and request that the matter be placed on the Council's agenda. Mr. Mintz was present and stated he would like to have an answer on the matter one way or another. After further discussion, on motion by Commissioner Simmons, seconded by Commissioner Fischer, and unanimously carried, that the Commission recommend to the City Council that the property generally bound by Grand Avenue, the Gas and Save Service Station, and Brisco Road be rezoned from the "P -M" District to "H -S" District to bring the Zoning into conformance with the General Plan. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW CASE NO. 79 -210, 8 UNIT APARTMENT COMPLEX, 1161 ASH ST. (PRUETT) Planning Director Castro referred to the revised plans submitted by the applicant. He advised that the elevations have changed to some degree, in that the frontage of the buildings have been revised and the outside materials have been changed; there is a slight off -set in the plot plan providing some break to the front of the unit, and the revised plans also depict a storage area. Mr. Castro stated that in view of the fact that little change has occurred in the revised plans in response to the Commission's objections to the plans, he could not recommend the project, however, if the Commission is so disposed in approving the project, he would recommend that the 8 conditions noted in staff report, dated September 27, 1979, be applied to the project. Mr. Carroll Pruett, petitioner, stated he feels the proposal is a feasible one and the zoning is correct. With regard to the objections to the long narrow structure, the design was broken into two separate buildings. The project in- cludes some family living units and a play yard is proposed in the rear. He further stated they tried to keep as much green space as possible, and they off- set the front wherever possible so that you don't see one straight line looking down through there; also, each individual unit has a private deck of its own. He commented that if anyone has any better ideas for that particular property, they would be willing to consider them. Chairman Gorsline pointed out the suggestion had been made to reduce the number of units in the project. Mr. Pruett stated that would be possible, but it would add to the cost of the other units, which means higher rent. Planning Director Castro stated his concerns were not so much the way they have come back with the treatment of the building, but it is the very basic design layout without any redefinition or changes whatsoever and, in his opinion, the project needs some design applied to it. After considerable discussion, it was the consensus of the Commission that the plans being submitted were essentially the same as those previously denied and, on motion by Commissioner Fischer, seconded by Commissioner Sebastian, and unanimously carried, the plans for Architectural Review Case No. 79 -210 were denied. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Planner Sullivan advised the Commission that he has submitted his resignation to the City of Arroyo Grande and has accepted the position of Planning Director with the City of Grover City, and that he has thoroughly enjoyed working with everyone on the Commission and staff. Chairman Gorsline commended Mr. Sullivan, stating that he has always been thoroughly professional and confident in his responses to the Commission, and wished him luck on his new position. Chairman Gorsline requested that a Resolu- tion of Appreciation be prepared expressing the Commission's heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the fine job Tom has done for the Commission, and wishing him the very best in his new position. Planning Director Castro advised he would have a Resolution prepared for the signature of all of the Commissioners. Commissioner Sebastian advised that he would be out of town most of next week and would be unable to attend the Lot Split /Architectural Rev Ew Committee meeting. Commissioner Cole indicated she would be available to attend as alternate. 147 1 Arroyo Grande Planning Commission, 10 -2 -79 Page 4 Commissioner Sebastian discussed some of his concerns on current City policies regarding development procedures and /or displaced densities. He commented that, in discussing this with Planning Director Castro, he indicated he would like to have Commissioner Sebastian discuss his concerns with the Commission and perhaps pursue it to the City Council level to possibly allow the Planning Department to look at lands that have not been zoned within the City that are going to be possible "P -D" in the future, or that have been zoned and will be looking at a zone change in the peripheral of the community, to be able to establish some concepts of density. He stated his concern right now, since we have had a major parcel of 300 acres adjacent to the City broken off of a long time ranch, and out of that 300 acres, there are probably 50 or 60 acres that are going to be buildable, and perhaps another 40 acres that might be usable for other than building sites, such as for recreational purposes. A preponderance of the land is running 70, 80 and as much as 100% cross slope and is wooded. If we get hit with annexation, and it is approved, and then we get hit with a situation where they want to displace density and use our 4.5 units per acre density formula on the entire site, then we could be looking at San Francisco type roof lines, which are eave to eave. How we look at displaced density is going to play an important role in our decision on Wildwood and on Knollwood. Both of these projects are going to be very dense on the developable land using the displaced density concept, and we will probably be setting a precedent on whichever project comes through first. After considerable discussion, Planning Director Castro suggested that the Commission again ask the City Council for a joint meeting to discuss concerns or ideas that the Commission has. It was the desire of the Commission to schedule the meeting of December 4, 1979 to discuss general development policies, and further that an invitation be extended to the City Council to attend this meeting. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Commission, on motion by Commissioner Fischer, seconded by Commissioner Simmons, and unanimously carried, the meeting was adjourned at 9:25 P.M. ATTEST: Secretary 1 1