PC Minutes 2021-12-07ACTION MINUTES
MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
December 7, 2021, 6:00 p.m.
Zoom Virtual Meeting
Webinar ID: 832 5584 8846
ByTelephone: 1-669-900-6833; 1-346-248-7799
Commission Members Present: Chair Glenn Martin, Vice Chair Frank Schiro,
Commissioner Jamie Maraviglia,
Commissioner Jim Guthrie
Staff Present: Associate Planner Andrew Perez, Assistant
Planner Patrick Holub, Community
Development Director Brian Pedrotti
Given the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in San Luis Obispo County, and In compliance with
Assembly Bill (AB) 361, which allows for a deviation of teleconference rules required by the Ralph M.
Brown Act, this meeting was held by teleconference.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Martin called the Planning Commission meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
2. ROLL CALL
Commissioner Buchanan absent.
3. FLAG SALUTE
Chair Martin led the flag salute.
4. AGENDA REVIEW
None.
5. COMMUNITY COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
Chair Martin invited public comment. No public comments were received.
6. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
One supplemental memorandum received for items 8.a. and 8.b.
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7. CONSENT AGENDA
Moved by Chair Martin
Seconded by Commissioner Guthrie
Approve the minutes of the October 19, 2021 Regular Planning Commission meeting.
Passed
8. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
8.a APPEAL TO PLANNING COMMISSION CASE 21-004; APPEAL OF PLOT PLAN REVIEW
21-029 AT 1662 STRAWBERRY AVENUE
Assistant Planner Holub presented the staff report, which included information about the
vacation rental ordinance, processing of vacation rental applications, and performance
standards for vacation rentals. He also addressed objections raised by the appellant, including
completeness of the application, the structure's adherence to Building and other Code
requirements, availability of parking and perceived impacts on circulation, noticing procedures
and the ability of the listed emergency contact to perform the required functions.
Stew and Francine Errico, appellants, spoke in favor of the appeal stating that the vacation
rental permit should be denied because the project application was incomplete, the approval
was not notified according to the Municipal Code, and the emergency contact was incapable of
performing the necessary duties required by the Municipal Code.
Patrick and Brenda Goroski, project applicants, spoke in opposition of the appeal and stated
that they followed the city process.
Kathleen Kelly, project representative, spoke in opposition to the appeal and explained the roles
of the emergency contact and how they satisfy the Municipal Code requirements.
Chair Martin opened public comment and the following comments were received:
Michelle Chariton, stated that an application cannot be changed after submittal, spoke about
police activity responding to the vacation rental at 1170 Linda Drive, and inquired about the
noticing for the short term rental at 1150 Linda Drive.
Jami Fordyce, inquired about the status of their refund for the appeal of the vacation rental
approval at 1170 Linda Drive.
Chair Martin closed public comment.
The Commission discussed the staff process for reviewing vacation rental applications. The
Commission recognized that vacation rentals are in important issue and urged staff to agendize
a discussion about the ordinance with City Council as soon as possible.
Moved by Chair Martin
Seconded by Vice Chair Schiro
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Adopted a Resolution denying Appeal Case No. 21-004 and approving Plot Plan Review 21-
029.
AYES (4): Chair Martin, Vice Chair Schiro, Commissioner Maraviglia, and Commissioner
Guthrie
Passed (4 to 0)
8.b APPEAL TO PLANNING COMMISSION CASE 21-006; APPEAL OF PLOT PLAN REVIEW
21-033 AT 263 SPRUCE ST, UNIT D
Commissioner Maraviglia recused herself.
Assistant Planner Holub presented the staff report, which included information about the
vacation rental ordinance, processing of vacation rental applications, and performance
standards for vacation rentals. He also addressed objections raised by the appellant including
concerns about availability of parking, an unpermitted structure in the garage of the residence
where the rental is proposed, and parking within a fire lane.
Sharon Valienzi, appellant, spoke in favor of the appeal stating parking issues, emergency
access, failure to comply with private covenants, conditions, and restrictions for the subdivision,
and neighborhood disturbances are grounds for upholding the appeal. Ms. Valienzi expressed
her disappointment with the permitting process because she feels that the neighbors should be
notified with the submittal of an application, not after a decision has been rendered.
Chair Martin opened public comment and the following comments were received:
Alex Hughson, spoke about parking issues created by the short term rental.
Jason Motter, spoke about concerns about traffic, guests speeding on the private driveway, and
disturbances caused by short term renters.
Laura spoke about parking issues caused by short term renters that were not problems with
long term renters. She spoke about noise issues and safety issues due to lack of adequate
lighting at the subject property.
Francine Errico, stated her disappointment with the permitting process and worried about the
vacation rental permitted near her home.
Jami Fordyce, spoke about the differences between short term and long term renters and
disappointment with the permitting process.
Stew Errico, spoke about concerns with the permitting process.
Alex Hughson read comments prepared by Paul Erb, stating parking issues and disturbance of
the neighbors caused by short term renters are reasons to uphold the appeal.
Chair Martin closed public comment.
Ken Steitz, project applicant, stated that the appellants presented information that was not true
and that his property is ideal for a vacation rental. He spoke about the parking situation and how
the storage room in the garage was used for personal storage. He stated that the guests do not
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block the fire lane when parked in the driveway and that his guests do not use the guest parking
spaces on a full-time basis.
Elaine Steitz, project applicant, spoke about the unpermitted storage room and how it was
constructed by the previous owner. They stated that the pictures presented by the appellants
are inaccurate and do not accurately portray the parking situation.
The Commission agreed that the appellants bring valid concerns about vacation rentals in
general, and that this is a poor location for a vacation rental, however they could not make the
findings for denial. The Commission discussed the idea of conditioning the project to require
guests to park in the garage to alleviate concerns regarding obstruction of the fire lane.
Moved by Commissioner Guthrie
Seconded by Vice Chair Schiro
Adopted a Resolution denying Appeal Case No. 21-005 and approving Plot Plan Review 21-
033.
AYES (2): Vice Chair Schiro, and Commissioner Guthrie
NOES (1): Chair Martin
ABSENT (1): Commissioner Maraviglia
Passed (2 to 1)
9. NON-PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
None.
Commissioner Maraviglia rejoined the meeting.
10. NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS SINCE NOVEMBER 16. 2021
11. COMMISSION COMMUNICATIONS
Commissioner Guthrie inquired if there were any more appeals that needed to be heard by the
Commission.
Vice Chair Schiro thanked the public for the fundraising efforts that allowed for the installation of the
holiday lights in the Village.
12. STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
None.
13. ADJOURNMENT
The Meeting adjourned at 8:56 p.m.
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Patrick Holub
Assistant Planner
Glenn Martin, Chair