HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-16-2020 ARC Agenda Packet
Agenda
Architectural Review Commission
Monday, November 16, 2020
5:00 PM REGULAR MEETING TELECONFERENCE
Broadcasted via Webinar
Based on the threat of COVID-19 as reflected in the Proclamations of Emergency issued by both the Governor
of the State of California, the San Luis Obispo County Emergency Services Director and the City Council of the
City of San Luis Obispo as well as the Governor’s Executive Order N-29-20 issued on March 17, 2020, relating
to the convening of public meetings in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of San Luis Obispo will
be holding all public meetings via teleconference. There will be no physical location for the Public to view
the meeting. Below are instructions on how to view the meeting remotely and how to leave public comment.
Additionally, members of the Architecture Review Commission (ARC) are allowed to attend the meeting via
teleconference and participate in the meeting to the same extent as if they were present.
Using the most rapid means of communication available at this time, members of the public are
encouraged to participate in ARC meetings in the following ways:
1. Remote Viewing - Members of the public who wish to watch the meeting can view:
• View the Webinar
➢ Registration URL: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7181614539071503886
➢ Webinar ID: 580-363-371
➢ Telephone Attendee: (415) 655-0060; Audio Access Code: 262-056-720
o Note: The City uses GotoWebinar to conduct virtual meetings. Please test your speakers and
microphone settings prior to joining the webinar. If you experience audio issues, check out this
YouTube tutorial to troubleshoot audio connection issues.
2. Public Comment - The ARC will still be accepting public comment for items within their purview. Public
comment can be submitted in the following ways:
• Mail or Email Public Comment
➢ Received by 3:00 PM on the day of meeting - Can be submitted via email to
advisorybodies@slocity.org or U.S. Mail to City Clerk at: 990 Palm St. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
➢ Emails sent after 3:00 PM – Can be submitted via email to advisorybodies@slocity.org and will
be archived/distributed to members of the Advisory Body the day after the meeting. Emails will
not be read aloud during the meeting
• Verbal Public Comment
➢ Received by 3:00 PM on the day of the meeting - Call (805) 781-7164; state and spell your name,
the agenda item number you are calling about and leave your comment. The verbal comments must
be limited to 3 minutes. All voicemails will be forwarded to Advisory Body Members and saved
as Agenda Correspondence. Voicemails will not be played during the meeting.
➢ During the meeting – Members of the public who wish to provide public comment can join the
webinar (instructions above). Once you have joined the webinar, please put your name and Item #
in the questions box. Your mic will be unmuted once Public Comment is called for the Item and
you will have 3 minutes to speak.
Architectural Review Commission Agenda for November 16, 2020 Page 2
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Allen Root
ROLL CALL: Commissioners Richard Beller, Michael DeMartini, Ashley Mayou, Mandi
Pickens, Micah Smith, Vice Chair Christie Withers, and Chair Allen Root
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: The general public is encouraged to submit comments on any
subject within the jurisdiction of the Architectural Review Commission that does not appear on
this agenda. Although the Commission will not take action on items presented during the Public
Comment Period, the Chair may direct staff to place an item on a future agenda for discussion.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
1. Minutes of the Architectural Review Commission meetings of September 14, 2020 and
September 21, 2020.
COMMENT & DISCUSSION
2. Architectural Review Commission Goal Setting Discussion (Brigitte Elke, Natalie Harnett,
and Shawna Scott – 30 Minutes)
Recommendation: Receive a presentation, review the 2019-2021 Architectural Review
Commission goals, take public testimony, and identify Commission goals and work program
items for the 2021-2023 Financial Plan.
3. Staff Updates
ADJOURNMENT
The next Regular Meeting of the Architectural Review Commission is scheduled for
Monday, December 7, 20 20 at 5:00 p.m., via teleconference.
Architectural Review Commission Agenda for November 16, 2020 Page 3
APPEALS
Any decision of the Architectural Review Commission is final unless appealed to the City Council
within 10 days of the action. Any person aggrieved by a decision of the Commission may file an
appeal with the City Clerk. Appeal forms are available on the City’s website (www.slocity.org). The
appropriate appeal fee must accompany the appeal documentation.
The City of San Luis Obispo wishes to make all of its public meetings accessible to the
public. Upon request, this agenda will be made available in appropriate alternative formats to
persons with disabilities. Any person with a disability who requires a modification or
accommodation in order to participate in a meeting should direct such request to the City Clerk’s
Office at (805) 781-7100 at least 48 hours before the meeting, if possible. Telecommunications
Device for the Deaf (805) 781-7410.
Agenda related writings or documents provided to the City Council are available for public
inspection on the City’s website: http://www.slocity.org/government/advisory-bodies
Meeting audio recordings can be found at the following web address:
http://opengov.slocity.org/weblink/Browse.aspx?startid=26289&row=1&dbid=1
Minutes
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
Monday, September 14, 2020
Regular Meeting of the Architectural Review Commission
CALL TO ORDER
A rescheduled Regular Meeting of the Architectural Review Commission was called to order on
Monday, September 14, 2020 at 5:04 p.m. via teleconference, by Vice Chair Christie Withers.
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Richard Beller, Michael DeMartini, Micah Smith, and Vice Chair
Christie Withers
Absent: Commissioner Mandi Pickens and Chair Allen Root
Staff: Senior Planner Shawna Scott and Deputy City Clerk Megan Wilbanks
PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
None
--End of Public Comment--
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
1. Minutes of the Architectural Review Commission meeting of August 18, 2020.
ACTION: MOTION BY COMMISSIONER DEMARTINI, SECOND BY
COMMISSIONER SMITH, CARRIED 4-0-2 (Commissioner Pickens and Chair Root absent),
to approve the minutes of the Architectural Review Commission meeting of August 17, 2020.
Minutes – Architectural Review Commission Meeting of September 14, 2020 Page 2
PUBLIC HEARINGS
2. Project address: 1321 Garden Street; Case #: ARCH-0543-2019; Zone: O; Once Upon A
Time LP, owner/applicant. Review of a new three-story, five-bedroom, single-family
residence, with an 800-square foot attached Accessory Dwelling Unit, two attached garages,
and a 590-square foot roof deck. Project includes a request for a reduction in setback
requirements to allow an eight-foot setback at the corner of the roof deck where ten feet is the
standard. This project is categorically exempt from environmental review (CEQA).
Assistant Planner Kyle Van Leeuwen presented the staff report and responded to
Commissioner inquiries.
Applicant representatives, Rob Rossi and Keith Hall, responded to Commissioner inquiries.
Public Comments:
None
--End of Public Comment--
ACTION: MOTION BY COMMISSIONER SMITH, SECOND BY VICE CHAIR
WITHERS, CARRIED 4-0-2 (Commissioner Pickens and Chair Root absent), to recommend
that the Community Development Director approve the project with the following
recommendations:
• Consider adding opaque glass to the east façade to break up the large blank wall
• Incorporate noise reducing material to the open railing along the roof deck
• Consider alternative chimney designs
3. Project Address: 207 Higuera; Case # ARCH-0090-2020; Zone C-R-MU; 207 Higuera
LLC, applicant. Continued review of a Mixed-Use Development comprised of 16 one-
bedroom dwellings and 390 square-feet of non-residential space. The applicant requests a
Density Bonus of 27.5% as an Affordable Housing Incentive; and exceptions f rom
development standards to reduce the number of required vehicle parking spaces by one, and to
reduce the number of required bicycle parking spaces for the residential component to one
long-term space per unit. The project is categorically exempt from environmental review
(CEQA).
Assistant Planner Walter Oetzell presented the staff report and responded to Commissioner
inquiries.
Applicant representative, Jessie Skidmore, responded to Commissioner inquiries.
Public Comments:
None
--End of Public Comment--
Minutes – Architectural Review Commission Meeting of September 14, 2020 Page 3
ACTION: MOTION BY COMMISSIONER BELLER, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER
SMITH, CARRIED 3-1-2 (Vice Chair Withers dissenting, Commissioner Pickens and Chair
Root absent), to recommend that the Planning Commission approve the project with the
following recommendations from staff:
• That the Planning Commission include, in any final action on the project, conditions, staff-
recommended conditions of approval to ensure that final construction plans for the project
include sufficient information regarding use of alternative paving materials, landscape
provisions, including landscape screening and buffering for the parking area, utility
equipment details, including screening provisions, details for site fencing and building
landscape trellis feature, and for roof-mounted mechanical equipment, including methods
of screening.
COMMENT AND DISCUSSION
Senior Planner Shawna Scott provided a brief agenda forecast.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:39 p.m. The next Regular Meeting of the Architectural Review
Commission is scheduled for Monday, September 21, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. via teleconference.
APPROVED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION: XX/XX/2020
Minutes
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
Monday, September 21, 2020
Regular Meeting of the Architectural Review Commission
CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the Architectural Review Commission was called to order on Monday,
September 21, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. via teleconference, by Vice Chair Christie Withers.
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Richard Beller, Michael DeMartini, Ashley Mayou, Micah Smith, Vice
Chair Christie Withers, and Chair Allen Root
Absent: None
Staff: Senior Planner Shawna Scott and Deputy City Clerk Megan Wilbanks
PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
None
--End of Public Comment--
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Project address: 1150 Laurel; Case #: ARCH-0227-2020, USE-0228-2020; Zone: M-S;
Laurel Creek, LLC, owner/applicant. Development review of a mixed-use project within
the manufacturing zone, consisting of 100 new residential units within an existing structure.
The existing structure will also provide 34,408 square feet of office space, 78,825 square feet
of warehouse space, and the existing restaurant that is 4,200 square feet. Project includes
exterior improvements to the existing structure and exceptions to the Sign Regulations for the
size and number of signs for various tenant spaces. Project is categorically exempt from
environmental review (CEQA).
Senior Planner Shawna Scott presented the staff report and responded to Commissioner
inquiries.
Applicant representatives, Thom Jess with Arris Studios and Pat Smith with West Pac
Investments, responded to Commissioner inquiries.
Minutes – Architectural Review Commission Meeting of September 21, 2020 Page 2
Public Comments:
None
--End of Public Comment--
ACTION: MOTION BY VICE CHAIR WITHERS, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER
PICKENS CARRIED 7-0-0, to recommend that the Planning Commission approve the project
with the following conditions and recommendations to the applicant:
• As a condition, staff will work with the applicant to further develop and refine the
wayfinding and sign program.
• As a condition, the applicant shall add additional landscaping to the North parking lot.
• The Commission recommends that the applicant delineate the darker tones of the building
by incorporating more earth tones.
• The Commission recommends that the applicant provide more site amenities for tenants
outside of the residence halls to encourage use of outdoor use areas.
• The Commission recommends that the applicant provide the Planning Commission with a
detailed species list of trees/plants along the loading dock area and provide additional
details regarding landscaping on the north side parking lot.
COMMENT AND DISCUSSION
Senior Planner Shawna Scott provided a brief agenda forecast.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:19 p.m. The next Regular Meeting of the Architectural Review
Commission is scheduled for Monday, October 19, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. via teleconference.
APPROVED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION: XX/XX/2020
2
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AGENDA REPORT
SUBJECT: 2021-2023 Architectural Review Commission Goal-Setting and the Financial Plan /
Budget Process.
Review the 2019-2021 Architectural Review Commission (ARC) goals, take public testimony,
and identify Commission goals and work program items for the 2021-2023 Financial Plan.
FROM: Shawna Scott, Senior Planner
DISCUSSION
Bi-annually the City adopts a budget and financial plan. To prepare for the budget process, all
City departments and advisory bodies are asked to identify their goals and major work programs
for the next two years. The City Council then uses this information, along with public comment
and other input, to set community priorities and to allocate resources to accomplish the identified
Major City Goals.
Input from City advisory bodies is specifically solicited, because the advisory body members are
recognized as representatives of the community, that are committed to the long-term best interest
of the City and its residents. Advisory body members are in tune with the “pulse” of the
community in terms of their specific area of interest. Other key points as we embark on this goal-
setting process are:
1. The Council is seeking advisory body input focused on the purview area of the advisory
body and is also interested in input on other issues that are important to the community.
2. Advisory body input is highly valued by the Council and City staff.
3. Goals can include completing projects from a previous work program.
4. Identifying priorities implies recommending fewer rather than more goals to the Council.
Advisory bodies are encouraged to only recommend activities that can reasonably be
accomplished during a two-year financial plan cycle.
Objective
This is a public process and citizen participation is welcomed. The results of this process include
a list of ARC goals and implementation programs or projects that will be forwarded to the City
Council for consideration as part of the 2021-2023 financial planning and budget cycle.
GOAL SETTING
Current Recommended Goals: 2019 - 2021
The City last revised its goals and work program starting in September 2019 in connection with
the preparation of the 2019-2021 Financial Plan and budget cycle. Provided below is the goal
that the ARC recommended during the 2019-2021 budget cycle:
Meeting Date: November 16, 2020
Item Number:
1. Community Design Guidelines Update: Prepare a comprehensive update to the
document including, but not limited to the following:
a. Develop criteria for compatible development in historic zones.
b. Update CDG for neighborhood compatibility to address transitions between
neighborhood commercial development and adjacent residential neighborhoods
(LUCE §3.5.7.9).
c. Include more images and reference photos to highlight guideline language.
d. Review existing visual resource inventory and provide recommendations for
additional database improvements. Update the City’s GIS system by including 3D
data for buildings by starting in the downtown and moving outward from there.
Provide guidelines for use of data base in the analysis of projects as well as additional
guidance for the protection of views and vistas (LUCE §15.1.2).
e. Strengthen and more clearly define guidelines for storefronts and windows in
commercial areas to maintain transparency and prevent the installation of opaque film
and interior signs and displays that obstruct views into stores.
Future Recommended Goals: 2021-2023
As the City begins the 2021-2023 financial planning and budget cycle, the ARC has the
opportunity to review their current goal, update as necessary, and identify any new goals,
programs and/or projects.
Goal Setting Process
Staff will present a brief slide show that overviews the City’s budget process and the role of the
advisory bodies. The Commission should then review their 2019-2021 goal, followed by
discussion and consideration of recommended goals, programs, and projects to be included in the
2021-2023 Financial Plan. Typically, during goal setting sessions, the ARC has followed the
steps below.
Goal-setting Steps:
1. Review and understand goal-setting and City Financial Plan/Budget Process;
2. Evaluate previous goal and work program;
3. Determine which goal and/or program have not been completed and should be carried
forward;
4. Identify new goals or programs for possible inclusion in the work program;
5. Prioritize the goals and programs, based on the Architectural Review Commission’s
adopted goals and General Plan goals, community needs and input, opportunities, or
special or urgent conditions; and
6. Identify activities which may require additional resources to accomplish. This may
include references to possible community partnerships or outside funding sources.
NEXT STEPS
The Commission should take public testimony and identify Commission goals and work program
items for the 2021-2023 Financial Plan. Advisory body goals are due by December 15, 2020.
The Council will receive the final report with all advisory body recommendations in late
December 2020 before they begin the community goal-setting process.