HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC-1034-21 (APPL-0607-2020 -- 1321 Garden St.)RESOLUTION NO. PC-1034-21
A RESOLUTION OF THE SAN LUIS OBISPO PLANNING COMMISSION
OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, DENYING AN APPEAL (FILED
BY GARY AND CATHERINE MILLER) THEREBY APPROVING 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, WITH A CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION FROM
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW, AS REPRESENTED IN THE STAFF
REPORT AND ATTACHMENTS DATED FEBRUARY 10, 2021 (1321
GARDEN STREET, APPL-0607-2020)
WHEREAS, the Architectural Review Commission of the City of San Luis Obispo
conducted a meeting via teleconference, on September 14, 2020, recommending approval of the
project to the Community Development Director of the City of San Luis Obispo based on
consistency with the City’s Community Design Guidelines applicable to residential infill projects,
pursuant to a proceeding instituted under ARCH-0542-2019, Once Upon a Time LP, applicant;
and
WHEREAS, the Community Development Director of the City of San Luis Obispo, on
November 20, 2020, approved the above referenced residential infill project; and
WHEREAS, on November 30, 2020, Gary and Catherine Miller, as a member of the
public, filed an appeal of the Community Development Director’s November 20, 2020 decision
approving the project; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of San Luis Obispo conducted a
meeting via teleconference, on February 10, 2021, pursuant to a proceeding instituted under APPL-
0607-2020, Gary and Catherine Miller, appellant; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of San Luis Obispo has duly considered
all evidence, including the testimony of the applicant, interested parties, and evaluation and
recommendations by staff, presented at said hearing; and
WHEREAS, notices of said public hearings were made at the time and in the manner
required by law; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of the City of
San Luis Obispo as follows:
SECTION 1. Findings. The Planning Commission does hereby deny an appeal (APPL-
Resolution No. PC-1034-20
1321 Garden Street, APPL-0607-2020
Page 2
0607-2020) of the Community Development Director’s decision, thereby granting final approval
to the project (ARCH-00543-2019), based on the following findings:
1. The project will not be detrimental to the health, safety, and welfare of persons living or
working at the site or in the vicinity because the project will be compatible with the site
constraints and the character of the neighborhood, including buildings fronting Pismo and
Broad Streets.
2. The project is consistent with General Plan Land Use Element policies related to
neighborhood enhancement (Policy 2.2.7) because the project is an infill project that
contributes positively to the existing neighborhood and surrounding area by efficiently
utilizing the easements in place that provides access to the subject property and incorporating
design elements and materials from both the adjacent residential development to the east and
the historic fire station on the corner of Garden Street and Pismo Street.
3. The Architectural Review Commission reviewed the project on September 14, 2020 and
found the project consistent with the City’s Community Design Guidelines applicable to
residential infill projects because the project is compatible in scale, siting, and overall
character with adjacent buildings to the east and south that are two and three story buildings
with minimum setbacks from property lines and a minimum amount of vertical articulation.
The ARC’s recommended conditions are incorporated into this approval.
4. The project and the requested setback reduction is consistent with the intent of the Zoning
Regulations and applicable General Plan policies because the area receiving the reduction in
setback is minor in nature, involving an insignificant portion of total available solar exposure
and complies with solar access standards of General Plan Conservation and Open Space
Element (Policy 4.5.1). The setbacks are consistent with this policy because most roof areas,
nearly all second-story south walls, and most first-story south walls of adjacent properties
will be unshaded between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on the winter solstice
5. The project is consistent with the character of the neighborhood because adjacent properties
to the east are three stories in height and the colors and materials proposed are consistent
with adjacent structures.
6. As conditioned, the project, inclusive of the requested setback reduction, provides adequate
consideration of and measures to address any potential adverse effects of noise and privacy
on surrounding properties because the existing tall trees along the west property line will be
maintained for screening and the project is conditioned to modify the materials and/or design
of the east facing roof deck wall providing noise attenuation.
7. The project is exempt from environmental review under Class 3 (Section 15303), New
Construction or Conversion of Small Structures, of the CEQA Guidelines because the project
consists of the construction of one single-family residence and accessory dwelling unit within
the Medium-Density Residential zone.
Resolution No. PC-1034-20
1321 Garden Street, APPL-0607-2020
Page 3
SECTION 2. Environmental Review. The project is categorically exempt from
environmental review (Class 3, Section 15303, New Construction or Conversion of Small
Structures, State CEQA Guidelines) because the project consists of the construction of one single-
family residence and attached accessory dwelling unit within the Office Zone, which allows single-
family residential use.
SECTION 3. Action. The project conditions of approval do not include mandatory code
requirements. Code compliance will be verified during the plan check process, which may include
additional requirements applicable to the project. The Planning Commission (PC) hereby grants
final approval to the project with incorporation of the following conditions:
Please note the project conditions of approval do not include mandatory code requirements. Code
compliance will be verified during the plan check process, which may include additional
requirements applicable to your project.
Planning
1. A building plan check submittal that is in substantial conformance with submitted project
plans and the following conditions of approval shall be submitted for review and approval of
the Community Development Department. A separate, full-size sheet shall be included in
working drawings submitted for a building permit that lists all conditions of project approval
for ARCH-0543-2019. Reference shall be made in the margin of listed items as to where in
plans requirements are addressed. Any change to approved design, colors, materials,
landscaping, or other conditions of approval must be approved by the Community
Development Director.
2. Plans submitted for a building permit shall call out the colors and materials on all elevation
drawings of proposed building surfaces and on all other site improvements in substantial
conformance to plans and documents provided and presented at the September 14, 2020
Architectural Review Commission hearing.
3. Consistent with the ARC’s motion, plans submitted for a building permit shall include the
addition of opaque glass windows or other design feature to the east façade in order to break
up the large blank wall, to the satisfaction of the Community Development Director.
4. Consistent with the ARC’s motion, plans submitted for a building permit shall incorporate
noise and overlook reducing modifications to the roof deck walls and eliminate open railing
facing Broad Street along the roof deck, to the satisfaction of the Community Development
Director.
5. A final landscaping plan, including irrigation details and plans, shall be submitted to the
Community Development Department along with the building permit application. The
legend for the landscaping plan shall include the sizes and species of all groundcovers,
shrubs, and trees with corresponding symbols for each plant material showing their specific
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locations on plans. All planting shown on the approved landscaping plan shall be installed
prior to the release of occupancy.
6. The locations of all lighting, including bollard-style landscaping or path lighting, shall be
included in plans submitted for a building permit. All wall-mounted lighting fixtures shall
be clearly called out on building elevations included as part of working drawings. All wall-
mounted lighting shall complement building architecture. The lighting schedule for the
building shall include a graphic representation of the proposed lighting fixtures and cut-
sheets on the submitted building plans. The selected fixture(s) shall be shielded to ensure
that light is directed downward consistent with the requirements of the City’s Night Sky
Preservation Standards contained in Chapter 17.70.100 of the Zoning Regulations.
Public Works
7. The building plan submittal shall include a complete site plan showing all existing property
lines and easements for reference. Easements shall include references to the map or easement
recording reference document numbers.
8. The building plan submittal shall include a complete site utility plan. The plan shall show
all existing and proposed improvements for reference. The inclusion of previously approved
improvement and site development plan sheets noted “as for reference only” may be
appropriate. Reference sheets should include reference to the corresponding building
permit(s).
9. The building plan submittal shall clarify whether the existing water well will be retained and
shall show and note any proposed use. If abandonment is proposed, a permit will be required
from County Environmental Health and from the City of San Luis Obispo. If used and
developed, the plan shall include all electrical, plumbing, storage systems, etc. for reference.
If retained without use, the well shall be secured per City Codes and Standards. If the well
is retained, the utility plan shall show the existing or proposed RP backflow prevention for
the domestic water services. The well head shall be sealed or extended to 1’ above the BFE
in accordance with State Water Resources Regulations regarding protection of the aquifer.
10. The utility plan shall show the required separation between the existing water well and any
sewer or storm drain piping in accordance with the California Plumbing Code and prevailing
regulations.
11. The site and/or utility plan shall show the PG&E Siren and appurtenances for reference. The
site plan shall show and label the PG&E easement and the easement recording reference
number.
12. The building plan submittal shall show and note compliance with the City’s Floodplain
Management Regulation. This project is located within an AO (2’ depth) floodzone. The
building shall be constructed of flood resistant materials or floodproofed to a minimum
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1321 Garden Street, APPL-0607-2020
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height of 3’ (1’ of freeboard), above the highest adjacent grade. Additional freeboard is
recommended for building protection and a potential reduction in flood insurance premiums.
13. Floodproofing of the first-floor hallways and rooms, identified on plans as “office(s)”, is
required. Passive flood-resistant construction may be prudent and is recommended for the
first-floor areas otherwise provided with “dry” floodproofing.
14. The elevator and elevator equipment shall be shown to comply with the most current FEMA
Technical Bulletin. Elevator equipment must be located above the BFE. Protection of the
elevator equipment within a “dry” floodproofed shell is not recognized by FEMA.
15. A non-conversion agreement shall be recorded prior to building permit issuance for the
garage and first-floor hallway and rooms, identified on plans as “office(s)”, located within
the Special Flood Hazard Area.
16. The grading and drainage plan shall show the proposed site drainage. The plan shall show
all existing and proposed improvements and easements for reference. The submittal shall
include any drainage analysis or previously approved drainage analysis for reference.
17. The building plan submittal shall show all existing trees, including off-site trees that could
be affected by the proposed construction. Tree canopies shall be shown to scale for reference.
Tree protection measures shall be implemented to the satisfaction of the City Arborist for
any trees that could be affected by proposed grading and/or vertical construction. The City
Arborist shall review and approve the proposed tree protection measures prior to
commencing with any demolition, grading, or construction. The City Arborist shall approve
any safety pruning, the cutting of substantial roots, or grading within a dripline of any tree.
A City approved arborist shall complete safety pruning. Any required tree protection
measures shall be shown or noted on building plans.
Utilities
18. The construction plans for sewer and water services shall be in accordance with the
engineering design standards in effect at the time the building permit is approved.
19. Building permit submittal shall include a site utility plan showing the location size of existing
and proposed sewer and water services.
20. Recycled water shall be used for major construction activities, such as grading and dust
control as required under Prohibited Water Uses; Chapter 17.07.070.C of the City’s
Municipal Code. Recycled water is available through the City’s Construction Water Permit
program.
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1321 Garden Street, APPL-0607-2020
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21. Projects having landscape areas greater than 500 square feet shall provide a Maximum
Applied Water Allowance calculation as required by the Water Efficient Landscape
Standards; Chapter 17.87 of the City’s Municipal Code.
22. Projects generating more than two cubic yards of total waste shall comply with AB 1826,
and local waste management ordinance to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
23. A trash enclosure capable of storing the required bins for waste, recycling, and organics
shall be provided.
24. The project will be required to provide a plan for the disposal, storage, and collection of solid
waste material for both the residential and commercial components of the project. The
development of the plan shall be coordinated with San Luis Garbage Company. The plan
must be submitted for approval by the City's Solid Waste Coordinator.
Indemnification
25. The applicant shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City and/or its agents, officers,
and employees from any claim, action, or proceeding against the City and/or its agents,
officers, or employees to attack, set aside, void, or annul the approval by the City of this
project, and all actions relating thereto, including, but not limited to, environmental review
(“Indemnified Claims”). The City shall promptly notify the applicant of any Indemnified
Claim upon being presented with the Indemnified Claim and the City shall fully cooperate
in the defense against an Indemnified Claim.
On motion by Commissioner Kahn, seconded by Vice-Chair Jorgensen, and on the following
roll call vote:
AYES: Commissioners Kahn, Quincey, Shoresman, Vice-Chair Joregensen, Chair
Dandekar
NOES: Commissioner Wulkan
REFRAIN: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Hopkins
The foregoing resolution was passed and adopted this 10th day of February 2021.
_____________________________
Shawna Scott, Secretary
Planning Commission