ARC Minutes 2023-12-18
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ACTION MINUTES
MEETING OF THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITEE
December 18, 2023, 2:30 p.m.
Hybrid City Hall Conference Room/Virtual Zoom Meeting
300 East Branch Street, Arroyo Grande
Committee Members Present: Kristin Juette, C.J. Horstman, Glenn Martin,
Janet Huston
Committee Members Absent: Lori Mainini Hall
Staff Present: Planning Manager Andrew Perez, Shayna
Gropen
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.
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1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Martin called the meeting to order at 2:30pm.
2. ROLL CALL
Chair Martin performed the roll call. Committee Member Hall was absent.
3. FLAG SALUTE
Committee Member Huston led the flag salute.
4. AGENDA REVIEW
None.
5. COMMUNITY COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
Chair Martin invited public comment. No public comment was received.
6. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
7.a Approval of Minutes
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(PEREZ)
The incorrect set of minutes were included in the agenda packet, therefore this item is continued
until the next ARC meeting.
8. PROJECTS
8.a Consideration of Architectural Review 23-012; Construction of a New 4,256 Square Foot
Single Family Residence and 973 Square Foot Attached Garage; Location – 779 Castillo
Del Mar; Applicant – Studio Prime Inc.; Representative – Emily Falk
(GROPEN)
Assistant Planner Gropen presented the staff report highlighting the project location, applicable
zoning standards and design guidelines. She also described the project including the
architectural character and details, colors, materials, and landscaping.
Representing the applicant were Emily Falk and John Bellisario. They spoke in support of the
project and provided a rendering showing details that were less noticeable on the elevation
sheets of the plans. They also explained how the project complies with certain aspects of the
design guidelines.
Chair Martin invited public comment. No public comment was received.
The Committee was supportive of the project and especially appreciated the landscaping,
materials, and colors. The Committee also spoke favorably about the wide overhangs and
appreciated the attention to details under the eaves considering the elevation change between
the street level and that of the home. The Committee suggested pulling the second story deck
around to the front elevation and reviewing the details to ensure consistency with the Modern
Craftsman style.
Moved by C.J. Horstman
Seconded by Kristin Juette
The Committee recommends that the Community Development Director approve the project
with the recommendation to review the detailing for consistency with the Modern Craftsman
style.
AYES (4): Kristin Juette, C.J. Horstman, Glenn Martin, and Janet Huston
ABSENT (1): Lori Mainini Hall
Passed (4 to 0)
8.b Consideration Of Conditional Use Permit 23-006; New 55 Foot Wireless Small Cell
Telecommunication Facility; Location – 789 Valley Road; Applicant – Verizon Wireless
(GROPEN)
Assistant Planner Gropen presented the staff report describing the project location, site design,
requirements for telecommunication facilities, and findings from the radio frequency report. She
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also answered questions from the Committee about the proposed colors and materials
proposed for the faux water tank and the viability of a mural.
Madison LaScalza, project representative, answered questions about the colors and materials
for the facility. She explained the final material and colors will not be known until the entitlement
is secured, which will allow Verizon to secure a contractor and finalize project details. She also
stated that the property owner prefers a blue color to complement the Victorian structure on the
adjacent property.
Chair Martin invited public comment. No public comment was received.
The Committee expressed the desire to see more details because it makes reviewing the
project difficult. The Committee asked that the applicant consider installing mature landscaping
to soften the visual impacts and move the facility as far from habitable structures as possible.
the also asked that the applicant consider making design changes to the water tank to include
either agrarian or Victorian detailing to complement the surrounding structures and uses.
Moved by Glenn Martin
Seconded by Janet Huston
The Architectural Review Committee recommends that the Planning Commission approve the
conceptual project with the condition that:
1) The project return to ARC for final review of the colors and materials prior to permit issuance.
AYES (4): Kristin Juette, C.J. Horstman, Glenn Martin, and Janet Huston
ABSENT (1): Lori Mainini Hall
Passed (4 to 0)
8.c Consideration of Administrative Sign Permit 23-021; Two New Wall Signs and Window
Signage for an Existing Business; Location 134 West Branch Street, Suites B & C;
Applicant – HAB Design Group.
(GROPEN)
Committee Member Horstman recused himself at 3:28pm due to a conflict of interest.
Assistant Planner Gropen presented the staff report describing the project location, existing
conditions, sign details, and the sign program for the center. She also explained how the
proposal fit within the parameters of the sign program and the Village Design Guidelines.
Kathleen, representative for the project, was available to answer questions about the project.
The Committee was supportive of the project as it follows the same concept as the previous
tenant. The Committee also found the design, materials, and colors appropriate for the Village
based on the criteria from the Village Design Guidelines. It was also reiterated that the applicant
and staff shall consider coordinating with the Public Works Department to ensure the visibility of
business signage is a priority when the trees in the village are trimmed.
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Moved by Kristin Juette
Seconded by Janet Huston
The Committee recommends that the Community Development Director approve the project as
submitted.
AYES (3): Kristin Juette, Glenn Martin, and Janet Huston
ABSENT (2): Lori Mainini Hall, and C.J. Horstman
Passed (3 to 0)
9. DISCUSSION ITEMS
Committee Member Horstman rejoined the meeting at 3:37pm.
None.
10. COMMITTEE COMMUNICATIONS
Chair Martin inquired about the meeting schedule for January with both meetings falling on Mondays
when City Hall is closed due to holidays.
Chair Martin acknowledged the passing of Warren Hoag, former Chairperson of the Architectural
Review Committee, and stated his appreciation for all of Chair Hoag's contributions to the City over the
course of his many years of service.
11. STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
Due to the cancellation of both of the regularly scheduled meetings due to holidays, Planning Manager
Perez asked the Committee's availability for a special meeting on January 22, 2024.
Planning Manager Perez announced that there are four more nights of construction remaining until the
sidewalk and crosswalk improvement project in the Village is complete.
He also informed the Committee of City Council's appointment of Matt Downing to City Manager, which
occurred on December 12, 2023.
12. ADJOURNMENT
All staff reports or other written documentation, including any supplemental material distributed to a
majority of the Architectural Review Committee within 72 hours of a regular meeting, relating to each
item of business on the agenda are available for public inspection during regular business hours in the
City Clerk’s office, 300 E. Branch Street, Arroyo Grande. If requested, the agenda shall be made
available in appropriate alternative formats to persons with a disability, as required by the Americans
with Disabilities Act. To make a request for disability-related modification or accommodation, contact the
Legislative and Information Services Department at 805-473-5400 as soon as possible and at least 48
hours prior to the meeting date.
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The Meeting adjourned at 3:43pm.
/s/ Glenn Martin, Chair
/s/ Andrew Perez, Planning Manager