PC Minutes 1977-08-161
Arroyo Grande Planning Commission
August 16, 1977
The Arroyo Grande Planning Commission met in regular session with Vice Chairperson
Cole presiding. Present are Commissioners Harris, Hitchen and Vandeveer. Commissioners
Moots, Ries and Chairman Gerrish are absent. Planner Tom Sullivan is also in attendance.
MINUTE APPROO7AL
Upon hearing no additions or corrections, the minutes of the regular meeting of
August 2, 1977 were approved by Vice Chairperson Cole as prepared.
REVIEW COMMITTEE ACTIONS - LOT SPLIT CASE NO. 77 -274, 1500 HILLCREST (CHRISTIAN).
Planner Sullivan advised that the request is for a lot line adjustment, and pointed
out the adjustment on the map. He further advised that as Acting Environmental Coordi-
nator, he has granted a "Categorical Exemption Status" to the project as no new lots are
being created.
REVIEW COMMITTEE ACTIONS - LOT SPLIT CASE NO. 77 -275, Se. TRAFFIC WAY (SULLIVAN)
Planner Sullivan advised that this parcel is 1.9 acres and the request is to
split the property into two .9 acre parcels. The conditions of the Lot Split Com-
mittee Action, dated August 10, 1977 were reviewed by the Planner. Commissioner
Hitchen stated he attended the Committee meeting and a great deal of time was spent
discussing this project with the owner as to whether he wanted to follow through with
it because it does represent a piece of property that is quite a distance from the
existing street, and the owner was a little reluctant as to whether he was going to
continue with the application at that particular time.
Mr. Sullivan, the petitioner, stated his prime consideration was the cost of pav-
ing 32 ft. of street and installing curb, gutter and sidewalk, which would amount to
about one half the value of the property, and that does not include undergrounding
utilities. He further stated he knew of other areas in Arroyo Grande where service
districts have been formed and the City takes part in the street improvement. Mr.
Sullivan stated, in his opinion, engineering a road across the front of this parcel
of property and an additional 550 ft. beyond, seems kind of extreme to him just to
bisect a piece of land, and he requested help from the City regarding sharing the
cost. Commissioner Hitchen stated that the City Engineer's point of view was that
this road would be of no advantage to the City. Mr. Sullivan pointed out that the
City would stand to gain a little bit in the future, in that these parcels will be-
developed and there will be two sewer connections and an increase in tax revenue.
Planner Sullivan explained that the lot split would be valid for 18 months, and
the Planning Commission could give him a year's extension, and that his options dur-
ing that period are many. If he could convince the property owners that abut Traffic.
Way Extension, an assessment district could possibly be formed. He further pointed
out that there are no established grades, and if the City were to allow Mr. Sullivan
to develop his road in front of his property without providing engineering,__we may
wind up at sometime in the. future with roads that don t match vertically or horizont-
ally.
Elsie Laycock stated this is the Lawler property and there are a couple of
requests that have been made-by the Committee that.are apparently impossible to
comply with, such as undergrounding Cable TV.- She also stated that Mr. Lawler's
house is built right adjacent to this piece of property and there is no way he can
give the City an easement across the front unless he were to tear his house down
She advised it is impossible to put a road through there because the drop off "from
the extension road that comes into the back drops right off, and that the City is
making his property unuseable by making these requests. Ms. Laycock advised that
Mr. Anderson and Mr. Gallop stated, in court, that you don't have to do anything
on "RA -B3" property.
Planner Sullivan stated he could not agree that with "RA-B3" development, off-
site improvements are not required; this does not have any access to a City road.
Commissioner Hitchen stated the only reason that these requirements are being
placed on this property is because the owner is requesting a split. Ms. Laycock
advised that even when they went for Industrial Park, the Planning Commission did
not require sidewalks.
With regard to the requirement for undergrounding Cable TV, Planner Sullivan
stated this has to be spelled out because it is not a utility. He further stated
that if, for some reason, Cable TV was not available and could not be put in, the
City probably would not hold up recordation of Mr. Sullivan's map. Planner
Sullivan stated that the Public Works Director, with concurrence of the City
Council, can waive requirements for sidewalks, but the ordinance we have to go by
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Arroyo Grande Planning Commission,' 8-16-77 Page 2
requires them.
After discussion, Committee Action of August 10, 1977 was approved as submitted
and ordered filed.
REQUEST FOR NEGATIVE DECLARATION - LOT SPLIT CASE NO. 77 -275, SO. TRAFFIC WAY
(SULLIVAN).
After a brief discussion, the following action was taken:
RESOLUTION NO. 77 -544 EIR
RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF ARROYO GRANDE ACCEPTING NEGATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT DECLARATION.
On motion by Commissioner Vandeveer, seconded by Commissioner Hitchen, and by
the following roll call vote, to wit:
AYES: Commissioners Harris, Hitchen, Vandeveer and Vice Chairperson Cole
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioners Moots, Ries and Chairman Gerrish
the foregoing Resolution was adopted this 16th day of August 1977.
REVIEW COMMITTEE ACTIONS - ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW CASE NO. 77 -145, SO. RENA ST.,
6 UNIT APARTMENT (WARD).
Planner Sullivan advised the request is for a 6 unit apartment complex within
one structure; the parking area meets the requirements of the district; and the
coverage is 65 %, The conditions of the Architectural Review Committee were re-
viewed by Mro Sullivan and, after a brief discussion, Committee Action of August
10, 1977 was approved and ordered filed.
PUBLIC HEARING - REZONING CASE NO. 77 -106 SO. ALPINE STREET, FROM "RA -B3" RESIDENTIAL
AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT TO "R-1" SINGLE FAMILY. RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT (MILLER).
Planner Sullivan advised that the requested rezoning is for approximately 3 -1/2
acres off of Soo Alpine Street. The General Plan for this area is low density resi-
dential, and either zoning conforms to the General Plan designation of low density
residential. He further advised that Mr. Miller has also submitted a tentative map
for this area
Upon being assured by Planner Sullivan that public hearing for Rezoning 'Case
No, 77 -106 had been duly posted, published and property owners notified, Vice Chair-
person Cole declared the hearing open.
Mr. LeRoy Saruwatari, 512 Launa Lane, stated they have no objections to the re-
zoning to "R71" if the property is properly drained, and stated they would like to
see a minimum of a 6 ft. stone wall fence placed to minimize the vandalism, theft
and trespassing; and an 8 ft. wall would be even better because it is at the bottom
of the slope. Mr. Miller stated he agreed with Mt. Saruwatari, and that the City
has already required fencing the back of the property, and the drainage has to be
taken care of-
Mr. Walker, 155 So. Alpine Street, stated he owns the property adjoining the
subject property on the south-side, and he has no objections to the rezoning.
COMMISSIONER HARRIS ADVISED TO AVOID ANY APPEARANCE OF A CONFLICT OF INTEREST, HE
WOULD HAVE TO REFRAIN FROM VOTING ON THIS MATTER.
There being no further discussion for or against the proposed zone change,
Vice Chairperson Cole declared the hearing closed and the following action was
taken:
RESOLUTION NO. 77 -545 Z
RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF ARROYO GRANDE RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT
TO THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE AS
PROVIDED BY CHAPTER 4 ZONING, ARTICLE 32, OF SAID CODE.
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Arroyo Grande Planning Commission, 8 -16 -77 Page 3
On motion by Commissioner Hitchen, seconded by Commissioner Vandeveer, and by
the following roll call vote, to wit:
AYES: Commissioners Hitchen,,1andeveer and Vice Chairperson Cole
NOES: None
ABSTAINED: Commissioner Harris
ABSENT: Commissioner Moots, Ries and Chairman Gerrish
the foregoing Resolution was adopted this 16th day of August 1977.
SUBDIVISION REVIEW BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS - TENTATIVE. TRACT MAP #671, SO. ALPINE ST.
(MILLER) .
Planner Sullivan advised that the Subdivision Review Board had approved the
tentative map, and read the requirements of the Board, dated August 10,. 1977. He
advised, with regard to Item #4 under "Planning Department ", requirement for a 6 ft.
decorative type fence, the concern here was twofold; (1) that it offer protection
to the adjacent farm land, and (2) that it is decorative in nature.
John Miller stated it would be hard to make a decision on the type of fence at
this time, and suggested that City staff, Mr. Saruwatari and himself get together
and come up with a suitable fence agreeable to everyone.
Mr. Doug LeSage, 612 Eman Court, stated he is in agreement with the development
and, in his opinion, it is going to be an asset to the area.
With regard to types of fencing, Planner Sullivan stated there are combinations
of masonry and wood fencing and recommended to the Commission that the developer,
City staff and Mr. Saruwatari get together and agree on the kind of fence to be put
up that would satisfy both parties.
After discussion, the following action was taken:
RESOLUTION NO. 77 -546
RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE APPROVING TENTATIVE SUB-
DIVISION MAP FOR TRACT NO. 671, AND REFERRAL TO
THE CITY COUNCIL FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.
On motion by Commissioner Vandeveer, seconded by Commissioner Hitchen, and by
the following roll call vote, to wit:
AYES: Commissioners Hitchen, Vandeveer and Vice Chairperson Cole
NOES: None
.ABSTAINED: Commissioner Harris
ABSENT: Commissioners Moots, Ries and Chairman Gerrish
the foregoing Resolution was adopted this 16th day of August 1977.
REQUEST FOR NEGATIVE DECLARATION - REZONING CASE NO. 77- 106 /TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO.
671, SO.. ALPINE STREET (MILLER) .
There being no discussion regarding the Request for Negative Declaration on the
proposed rezoning and Tentative Tract Map, the following action was taken:
RESOLUTION NO, 77 -547 EIR
RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF ARROYO GRANDE ACCEPTING NEGATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT DECLARATION.
On motion by Commissioner Hitchen, seconded by Commissioner Vandeveer, and by
the following roll call vote, to wit
AYES: Commissioners Hitchen, Vandeveer and Vice Chairperson Cole
NOES: None
ABSTAINED: Commissioner Harris
ABSENT: Commissioners Moots, Ries and Chairman Gerrish
the foregoing Resolution was adopted this 16th day of August 1977.
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Arroyo Grande Planning Commission, 8 -16 -77 Page 4
SUBDIVISION REVIEW BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS - TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NORTH OF BRIGHTON AVE.
(PRATHER) .
Planner Sullivan stated this piece of property is just north of the Baden Lot
Split, and it is the last piece of land in this area north of Brighton to be sub-
divided, as everything else is already developed. He stated this is a request for
a ten lot subdivision; the zoning is "R -1 "; the General Plan is low density resi-
dential for this area, and everything is conforming. Planner Sullivan further stated
that all utility companies were notified of the Subdivision Review Board Meeting and
no comments were received outside of the normal requirements for public utility ease-
ment. The Subdivision Review Board recommendations, dated August 10, 1977, were
reviewed.
Mr. Terry Ortin, Westland Engineering, stated that Mr. Prather was not necessarily
planning on grading the lots, and inquired if the requirement for the grading plan
would be satisfied by a grading plan for the street, and showing where driveway lo-
cations would be? Mr. Sullivan advised, he felt the intention of the Public Works
Department was that the grading of the entire project be approved prior to recordation
of the map. Mr. Prather stated he developed a grading plan for Tract #415 and it
wasn't worth the paper it was written on because each lot had an individual house on
it, and it didn't conform at all to the original grading plan and, because each house
is different, he felt the grading plan should be done on each individual lot as the
building permit is issued. Commissioner Hitchen stated he tends to agree with Mr.
Prather that a grading plan be submitted on each lot with issuance of the building
permit. Planner Sullivan suggested that Item #6 under "Public Works" could be changed
to read "Project grading to Public Works Department approval ".
Mr. Terry Ortin pointed out that at this point since Mr. Prather won't be build-
ing on all lots or know what size house is going on each lot and what type, this is
why a lot of people now are trying to do away with . : •. : ding. He stated
he would be in favor of the concept of working out the grading with the Public Works
Department. After discussion, it was agreed to amend Item #6 to read "a general
grading plan for the entire project to be approved prior to recordation, and specific
lot grading plan to be approved with the issuance of building permit on individual
lot development ".
RESOLUTION NO. 77 -548
RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF ARROYO GRANDE APPROVING TENTATIVE SUBDIVISION MAP
NORTH OF AVE. AND REFERRAL TO THE CITY
COUNCIL FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.
On motion by Commissioner Vandeveer, seconded by Commissioner Hitchen, and by
the following roll call vote, to wit:
AYES: Commissioners Harris, Hitchen, Vandeveer and Vice Chairperson
Cole
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioners Moots, Ries and Chairman Gerrish
the foregoing Resolution was adopted this 16th day of August 1977
REQUEST FOR NEGATIVE DECLARATION - TENTATIVE
TRACT MAP NORTH OF BRIGHTON AVE.(PRATHER).
There being no discussion regarding the Request for Negative Declaration on the
proposed Tentative Tract Map North of Bright on Avenue, the following action was taken:
RESOLUTION NO. 77 -549 EIR
RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE ACCEPTING NEGATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
DECLARATION.
On motion by Commissioner Hitchen, seconded by Commissioner Vandeveer, and by
the following roll call vote, to wit:
AYES: Commissioners Harris, Hitchen, Vandeveer and Vice Chairperson
Cole
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioners Moots, Riei.and Chairman Gerrish
the foregoing Resolution was adopted this 16th day of August 197 - 7 - .
Arroyo Grande Planning Commission, 8 -16 -77 Page 5
SUBDIVISION REVIEW BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS - TENTATIVE TRACT MAP, FARROLL AND BEECH
(PHILLIPS).
Planner Sullivan advised that the Subdivision Review Board voted, on a three
to two vote, to request that this subdivision be redesigned and resubmitted, and
that decision has been formally appealed by the developers. He stated the reasons
were that the staff felt there were a considerable amount of problems with traffic,
and the proposed 30 ft. wide one -way circular lanes do not conform to standard
cul -de -sac design. In addition, the two -way traffic on Beech Place would generate
traffic problems, and the staff felt redesign was warranted. There were problems
with the sewer with easements going through lots. In summary, Mr. Sullivan
stated the traffic .problems, the maintenance problems, and the fact that these
cul -de -sacs do not conform to standard cul -de -sac design were the reasons that the
majority of the Review Board voted to request the subdivision be redesigned. He
further stated that the petitioner's engineer brought in a modification to the
original design, and pointed out that .the.difference from the or-iginaldesign is
the lot rearrangement, and the interio design of the nuckles have been change
slightly.'
Mr. Paul Sturges, engineer for the petitioners, stated this plan was more like
their original intent, in that the technical thought hadn't been put into the
original, and now they have tried to refine it a little bit. He stated one of the
things that was considered was the fact that we have an odd dimensioned piece of
property, and pointed out some of the changes, stating they. can leave the existing
sewer easement near the back and along the property line so it won't interfere with
any building sites at all. Another modification is the 30 ft. setback which.allows
for quite a bit of open space and also provides extra parking spaces per lot, plus
the fact that with the 30 ft. setback and 20 ft. driveway, there will be actually
room for more cars in the driveway.
Planner Sullivan stated that the City Engineer and himself reviewed this
Detail A, and the City Engineer still felt that there would be traffic problems,
and he and the City Engineer both still felt there would be a maintenance problems,
in that it would be very difficult for the street sweeper to get in and sweep the
parking spaces; these are soluble problems; however, the fact that they do not
conform to standard cul -de -sac design, the staff had no alternative but to request
that they be redesigned.
Commissioner Hitchen stated he was one of the Planning. Commission members
present at the Board Meeting, and they were both very much in favor of this de-
sign over'the design of the flag lots, and were very impressed that someone would
take the time to come up'with something that is not just standard.
Planner Sullivan stated he had prepared a list of considerations for the
Commission if they chose to reverse the decision of the Subdivision Review Board.
Mr. Sullivan requested a requirement be included that a landscaping plan for
those parking spaces be submitted for the Planning Director's approval, and that
they be planted by the developer.
Commissioner Hitchen pointed out that each of the recommended engineering
changes that were suggested by the City were accommodated, including the entrance
to Lots 11, 17, 9 and 3 be increased, and the cul -de -sac bulb was accomplished.
After further discussion, the following action was taken:
RESOLUTION NO. 77 -550
RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE REVERSING THE - DECISION OF THE SUBDIVISION
REVIEW BOARD, AND APPROVING TENTATIVE -SUBDIVISION MAR,
FARROLL AND BEECH, AND REFERRAL TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.
On motion by Commissioner Hitchen, seconded by Commissioner Vandeveer, and
by the following roll call vote, to wit:
AYES: Commissioners Harris, Hitchen, Vandeveer and Vice Chairperson
Cole
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioners Moots, Ries and Chairman Gerrish
the foregoing.Resolution was adopted this 16th day of August 1977.
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Arroyo Grande Planning Commission, 8 -16 -77 Page 6
REQUEST FOR NEGATIVE DECLARATION - TENTATIVE TRACT MAP, FARROLL AND BEECH (PHILLIPS)..
There being no discussion regarding the Request for Negative Declaration on the
proposed Tentative Tract Map at Farroll Avenue and Beech Street, the following action
was taken:
RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE ACCEPTING NEGATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
DECLARATION.
On motion by Commissioner Vandeveer, seconded by Commissioner Hitchen, and by
the following roll call vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
the foregoing
Commissioners Harris, Hitchen, Vandeveer and Vice
Chairperson Cole
None
Commissioners Moots, Ries and Chairman Gerrish
Resolution was adopted this 16th day of August 1977.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
Planner Sullivan announced that the Universit of California, Berkeley, have
some Continuing Education Classes; one on how to be a more effective Commissioner
or Public Board Member, and that he would send all information to the Planning
Commissioners in the mail. The classes are to be held on Saturday, September 10th.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Commissioner Vandeveer referred to the semi trailer parked at the Williams
Bros. Shopping Center at Elm and Grand with ads plastered all over it, stating he
felt it should be removed; it is unsightly and obstructs views. After a brief di --
cussion, Planner Sullivan indicated he would consult the City Attorney to see if it
could be classified as a public nuisance.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Commission, on motion by Commissioner
Hitchen, seconded by Commissioner Vandeveer, and unanimously carried, the meeting was
adjourned at 9:32 P.M.
ATTEST: `T c,
Secretary
RESOLUTION NO. 77 -551
Vice Chairperson