PC Minutes 2023-09-05ACTION MINUTES
MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
September 5, 2023, 6:00 p.m.
Hybrid City Council Chamber/Virtual Zoom Meeting
215 East Branch Street, Arroyo Grande
Commission Members Absent: Chair Jamie Maraviglia, Catherine Sackrison,
Kevin Buchanan, Vice Chair Bruce Berlin,
Virginia Roof
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 Maraviglia called the Planning Commission meeting to order at 6:00pm.
2. ROLL CALL
All present.
3. FLAG SALUTE
Commissioner Buchanan led the flag salute.
4. AGENDA REVIEW
None.
5. COMMUNITY COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
None.
6. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
7.a Approval of Minutes
Moved by Chair Maraviglia
Seconded by Kevin Buchanan
Approve the Minutes of the July 18, 2023 Planning Commission meeting.
Passed
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8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8.a Consideration Of Development Code Amendment 23-005; Amendments To The Arroyo
Grande Municipal Code Regarding Restrictions On Irrigated Turf Installation And Use
Citywide
(PEREZ)
Planning Manager Perez suggested that the Planning Commission continue the public hearing
to a date certain of September 19, 2023.
Moved by Vice Chair Bruce Berlin
Seconded by Chair Maraviglia
Staff recommends Item #8.a, an ordinance relating to restrictions on the use of irrigated turf, be
opened and continued to the next regular meeting of the Arroyo Grande Planning Commission
on September 19, 2023 at 6:00 pm
Passed
9. NON-PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
9.a General Plan Update Study Session
Community Development Director Pedrotti provided the Planning Commission updates on the
kickoff meeting for the General Plan Update and explained some of the topics the General Plan
update will cover.
Planning Manager Perez provided further updates regarding the General Plan update process,
explained the community engagement strategy, topics that a General Plan update covers and
outlined the expected future steps over the next three years. Planning Manager Perez asked the
Commission to discuss potential indicators of success for the update, key challenges the City
faces and potential opportunities for improvement in the community.
Planning Commissioners provided their thoughts on key indicators of success, key challenges
and opportunities. In general, the Commission stated that primary indicators of success should
be the inclusivity of the engagement process, utility of the document and the resulting economic
growth from the planning process. In general, the Commission stated that primary challenges
include: differing mindsets in the community regarding growth and development; the need for
developers to participate in the development process after the planning process is completed;
the complexity of the visioning process for members of the general public in terms of knowledge
of potential solutions. In general the Commission stated that the key opportunities for the City
include: the opportunity to improve recreation opportunities and provide open space in new
subdivisions; improve the streetscape through the Village and along Grand Avenue; evaluate
current market forces and potentially shift those market forces in logical ways.
Chair Maraviglia opened the public comment period.
Jared spoke about: the opportunity for the City to look at how it is viewed and envision what the
City wants for the future; the difficulties the City and business owners face; and the importance
of form based code and simplicity in the development process.
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Conduct a study session, receive an update on the status of the General Plan Update and
provide input and direction to staff on the key issues and areas to be addressed as part of the
General Plan Update.
10. NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS SINCE JULY 18, 2023
Chair Maraviglia opened the public comment period. Hearing none, she closed the public comment
period.
11. COMMISSION COMMUNICATIONS
None.
12. STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
None.
13. ADJOURNMENT
The Meeting adjourned at 7:32pm.
Jamie Maraviglia, Chair
Patrick Holub, Associate Planner
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