HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-13-13SAN LUIS OBISPO PLANNING COMMISSION
AGENDA
Council Chamber
City Hall - 990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
March 13, 2013 Wednesday 6:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL: Commissioners John Fowler, John Larson, Michael Multari, Airlin
Singewald, Charles Stevenson, Vice -Chairperson Eric Meyer, and
Chairperson Michael Draze
ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA: Commissioners or staff may modify the order of items.
MINUTES: Minutes of February 27, 2013. Approve or amend. Minutes of
February 13, 2013, will be presented at the March 27t" meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENT: At this time, people may address the Commission about items
not on the agenda. Persons wishing to speak should come forward and state their
name and address. Comments are limited to five minutes per person. Items raised at
this time are generally referred to staff and, if action by the Commission is necessary,
may be scheduled for a future meeting.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
NOTE: Any court challenge to the action taken on public hearing items on this agenda
may be limited to considering only those issues raised at the public hearing or in written
correspondence delivered to the City of San Luis Obispo at, or prior to, the public
hearing.
Any decision of the Planning Commission is final unless appealed to the City Council
within 10 days of the action (Recommendations to the City Council cannot be appealed
since they are not a final action.). Any person aggrieved by a decision of the Commission
may file an appeal with the City Clerk. Appeal forms are available in the Community
Development Department, City Clerk's office, or on the City's website (www.slocity.org).
The fee for filing an appeal is $268 and must accompany the appeal documentation.
If you wish to speak, please give your name and address for the record. Please limit
your comments to three minutes; consultant and project presentations limited to six
minutes.
1. City -Wide. GPI 12-13: 2013 Annual Report on General Plan program
implementation; City of San Luis Obispo — Community Development Dept.,
applicant. (Continued to March 27, 2013, Planning Commission meeting)
(James David)
Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the Planning Commission regarding any item on this
agenda will be made available for public inspection in the Community Development, 919 Palm Street,
during normal business hours.
Planning Commission Agenda
Page 2
2. City -Wide. GPI 15-12: Land Use & Circulation Elements Update: Status update
and discussion of neighborhood boundaries, vision statement, and guiding
principles; City of San Luis Obispo — Community Development Dept., applicant.
(Cont. from February 27, 2013, Planning Commission meeting) (Kim Murry)
COMMENT AND DISCUSSION:
3. Staff
a. Agenda Forecast
4. Commission
ADJOURNMENT
Presenting Planners: James David & Kim Murry
N
The City of San Luis Obispo is committed to include the disabled in all of its services, programs and
activities. Please contact the City Clerk or staff liaison prior to the meeting if you require assistance.
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
ITEM # 1
FROM: Kim Murry, Deputy Director Community Development MEETING DATE: 3-13-13
W
FILE NUMBER: GPI 12-13 General Plan Annual Report
PROJECT ADDRESS: Citywide
SUBJECT: Report of General Plan Implementation during the 2012 calendar year.
RECOMMENDATION: Continue this item to March 27, 2013.
DISCUSSION
The annual report of General Plan implementation is conducted on a yearly basis and over the
last few years, staff has made efforts to make the report more informative and readable. This
year, staff will be adding additional information for Commission and Council review and was
unable to complete the evaluation by the agenda publishing deadline. This item will be ready for
Commission consideration and review at the March 27, 2013 hearing.
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT ITEM # 2
FROM: Kim Murry, Deputy Director Community Development MEETING DATE: 3-13-13
FILE NUMBER: GPI 15-12 Land Use and Circulation Elements Update
PROJECT ADDRESS: Citywide
SUBJECT: Neighborhood Boundary Mapping and Guiding Principles direction for the Land
Use and Circulation Elements update.
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to Council neighborhood boundaries and districts,
Vision and Guiding Principles for the Land Use and Circulation Elements update.
DISCUSSION
Background
The Council identified update of the Land Use and Circulation Elements (LUCE) as an important
objective in the 2011-2013 Financial Plan and augmented grant funding secured through the
Strategic Growth Council with $300,000 in General Funds for the work effort. With this
funding, the City was able to contract with a consultant team to assist the City in the update
process. The Council also appointed a 17 member resident task force to assist in the process
called the TF-LUCE (Task Force for the Land Use and Circulation Element Update).
To date, the consultant team has assisted City staff and the task force with efforts related to:
1. Defining and understanding neighborhoods;
2. Identifying community opportunities and challenges in the upcoming years;
3. Performing a community -wide survey based on the 1988 survey;
4. Learning about new legislation related to "Complete Streets" and multi -modal levels of
service (MMLOS); and
5. Developing a background report of where the City is today for a variety of demographic
and environmental factors.
6. Visioning for the future through a workshop (Future Fair) and interactive on-line tool
called MindMixer.
This staff report will provide information regarding neighborhood boundaries and Guiding
Principles to help develop alternatives for consideration as part of the next steps in the update
process. Each item is discussed separately below.
Neighborhoods and Districts
Neighborhoods are a key component of the City's character and the current Land Use Element
Policies include several policies that address them.
LUE 21.1: The City shall assist residents to identify and designate neighborhoods. The
City will work with residents to prepare neighborhood plans, to facilitate development of
a sense ofplace within neighborhoods
LUCE —Neighborhoods & Guiding Principles
Page 2
LUE 2.1.2: The City should encourage and support the formation and continuation of
neighborhood planning groups, composed of neighborhood residents.
Program 2.15, which implements these policies is entitled "Neighborhood Wellness Action
Plans" and directs the City to encourage formation of voluntary neighborhood groups so that
residents can become involved in the development review process and receive notification of
public and private projects. In addition, this program which directs the City to identify
neighborhoods envisions working with residents to prepare neighborhood plans.
Initial efforts to define neighborhood boundaries and desirable features began in 2011-12. City
GIS staff developed on on-line interactive program for residents to identify their address, drag a
line around the area that they identified as their neighborhood and then answer a series of
questions regarding what they liked about their neighborhood and what they wished to improve.
This effort to define neighborhoods was assisted by a Cal Poly student who leveraged City
resources by advertising the effort through newspaper ads; emails, and posters placed around the
community. Handouts were developed for High School student participation and they were
enlisted to assist residents to fill out paper copies of the survey at Farmers' Markets and grocery
stores. In total, almost 400 residents participated in the survey and GIS staff worked with the
input from the on-line tool to develop a draft map of 28 neighborhood boundaries.
This information formed a starting point from which to initiate discussions for the first LUCE
workshop held in May 2012. The consultant team arranged the draft 28 neighborhood areas into
six sub -areas or districts for purposes of being able to group workshop participants by
geographic area. The Task Force for the Land Use and Circulation Element update (TF-LUCE)
and workshop attendees further explored draft neighborhood boundaries for each neighborhood
and included a discussion regarding desirable neighborhood features. The information was
subsequently explored at a series of open houses in the neighborhood sub -areas in July and
September 2012.
The survey and workshop results (Attachment 1;) indicate that there are common features most
resident's value: Features such as a sense of personal safety, safe streets for pedestrians and
cyclists, and strong neighborhood relationships were ranked highly by most participants. A
greater challenge lies in coming to agreement on specific boundaries of neighborhoods.
While the initial outreach efforts began to develop a sense of the general neighborhood
boundaries, it was clear that there was not universal consensus on the precise boundaries of each
neighborhood. To see if additional data could further clarify this issue, the consultant team took
discrete pieces of geographic information and overlaid them on a base map to determine if there
were areas where boundaries coincided. The layers include:
1. Historic Districts
2. Residential parking districts
3. Specific Plan areas
4. Fire response zones
5. Voting precincts
LUCE Neighborhoods & Guiding Principles
Page 3
6. Elementary school districts
7. Resident input from workshops and open houses
8. Boundaries produced from input from the interactive on-line tool
What was discovered with both the resident input and GIS layer overlays is that perception of
what constitutes a neighborhood is highly subjective. There is no one correct answer to defining
neighborhoods, however, general practice indicates most residents will relate to an area within
about %2 mile walking distance of their residence. Circulation connections and physical barriers
(such as intervening hills, arterials, freeways or the railroad tracks) also help define the edges of
an area residents will relate to. For example, residents in the subdivisions to the west of Los
Osos Valley Road felt their neighborhood boundaries corresponded to their individual
subdivisions. In looking at this area more closely, it is evident that these subdivisions have few,
if any, streets that provide internal connections between the areas.
The Planning Commission is being asked to confirm or modify the boundaries of neighborhoods
and neighborhood areas or districts recommended by the TF-LUCE. Staff offers the concept that
these boundaries can have blurred or more fluid edges since their boundaries may shift over time
with the perceptions of the residents who live within each respective area.
In addition, the Commission is being asked to review the recommendation regarding
neighborhood districts by the TF-LUCE. The consultant team had recommended groupings of
underlying neighborhoods into larger areas as a way to review and address common issues such
as circulation challenges, transit service needs, or the need for area -serving land uses such as
grocery stores. Grouping these areas may be more intuitive based on perceived barriers such as
Hwy 101 or other major transportation corridors of the City.
This information will be used in the update to help inform consideration of connections between
home and a variety of needs such as jobs, shopping, schools, and recreation opportunities. It will
provide context for resident input related to neighborhood needs. It may also be used outside of
the LUCE process as an organizing framework for assigning resources and providing
notification. While not all neighborhood residents feel strongly about having an association or
organization through which to provide input on City initiatives or service, there is still an
opportunity to support neighborhoods that do have this desire. With current technology,
noticing, outreach, and staff assignments can be organized around identified neighborhood
boundaries.
This neighborhood district approach is being explored by the Police and Public Works
Departments where identified staff are being assigned to specific park areas. Residents can get to
know their assigned staff and have a main point of contact and staff can become more familiar
with the area and the residents leading to more tailored service provision.
The TF-LUCE reviewed the information and provided recommended boundaries for
neighborhoods as shown in Attachment 2. The Task Force required an additional meeting to
complete their review of neighborhood districts, vision and guiding principles. Staff will provide
LUCE —Neighborhoods & Guiding Principles
Page 4
a separate correspondence and verbal "reporting out" of the recommendations of the TF-LUCE
from their March 7th meeting for Planning Commission consideration.
Vision Statement and Guiding Principles
General 'Plea
Vision Statement
Land Use Guiding Circulation Guiding
PrinciDles 1 1. Principles
Policy 1 -1 Program
Policy Program
Program
The graphic above shows where the Vision Statement and Guiding Principles typically fall in the
General Plan hierarchy. Attachment 3 describes these General Plan components in more detail
and Attachment 4 contains the draft statements considered by the TF-LUCE. These broad
statements provide direction to the update process as alternatives are prepared for review. The
Task Force will complete their review of these two items on March 71h and staff will send results
in a separate correspondence. Initial comments by several Task Force members indicated several
concerns regarding endorsement of these principles: The General Plan Guidelines published by
the Governor's Office of Planning and Research do not require Guiding Principles to be included
in the General Plan; The addition of this layer of guidance to the General Plan exceeded the
scope of what several Task Force members were comfortable acting on in a focused update; and
this list of statements wasn't inclusive of all of the guidance provided in the goal statements in
the General Plan.
The consultant team assisting the City in the update effort believes that guiding principles will
help the professional planning team develop alternatives for city consideration based on endorsed
principles. Before spending a considerable amount of time and effort drafting plan alternatives,
LUCE Neighborhoods & Guiding Principles
Page 5
guidance by the Task Force, the Planning Commission and the Council will be very useful in
crafting any draft proposals. To that end, the team drafted the "Guiding Principles" based on
their review of the current Land Use and Circulation Elements, and input from the community
survey and the workshops to date.
Given the Task Force input at the last meeting, the consultant confirmed that they could utilize
the guidance they are requesting without eventually incorporating these principles into the
General Plan Update text. The consultant team would utilize these broad statements in their
development of alternatives for presentation to the Task Force and the community in June. The
statements would provide a gauge against which to review the various alternatives to ensure they
are meeting the community's expectations. The Task Force at the March 7ch meeting will
consider these broad statements and provide a recommendation to the Commission.
Planning Commission recommendations concerning the Vision Statement and Guiding
Principles (as written or amended) will be considered by the Council. This direction will be used
by the consultant team as they evaluate alternatives for how closely they correspond to these
concepts.
The TF-LUCE reviewed both Vision Statement and Guiding Principles and made
recommendations based on resident input received at the workshop and through Mind Mixer.
Their recommendations will be included in a separate correspondence for Commission
consideration. Goals, policies, and programs contained in the current Land Use and Circulation
Elements will be brought to the Planning Commission at a future date for evaluation.
Vision Statement:
The Vision Statement recommended by the TF-LUCE is listed below. TF-LUCE and
community input supported continuation of this Vision Statement with very little change
(recommended change from existing Vision Statement shown in underline and strikeout). If the
Planning Commission recommends any changes, this will be communicated to the Council at
their meeting on March 5, 2013.
"Our vision is an _ inclusive .._andef--�a sustainable community, within a diverse natural and
agrarian setting, which is part of a larger ecosystem upon which its existence depends. San Luis
Obispo will maintain its healthy and attractive natural environment valued by residents, its
prosperity, and its sense of safety and community, within a compact urban form. Our community
will have a comprehensible scale, where people know each other and where their participation
in government is welcome and effective. The general plan outlines basic features of the city
needed to sustain our livelihoods, our natural and historical heritage, and our needs for
interaction and expression. The general plan is a benchmark in the continuing planning process,
reflecting the desires of citizens with different backgrounds to sustain the community's qualities
for themselves and for future generations."
A workshop participant had suggested addition of a second paragraph to the Vision statement
that specifically addresses the vision for the Downtown. The TF-LUCE recommended this
LUCE —Neighborhoods & Guiding Principles
Page 6
statement be considered when policies and programs are evaluated for the Downtown section in
the Land Use Element instead of adding the language to the overall Vision for the General Plan.
Guiding_ Principles:
The draft Guiding Principle statements (Attachment 4) were developed by the consultant team
after reviewing the existing goals and policies in the General Plan and considering the public
input to date. These aren't new policies or goals, but are intended to be broad statements used to
guide development of land use and circulation alternatives. The Vision Statement guides the
entire General Plan and touches aspects of all elements. The guiding principles (if included in
the General Plan), goals, policies and implementation measures (programs) are then developed
for each element. Currently, the General Plan elements contain a mix of vision statement, goals,
objectives, strategies, overall intent policies, overall policies, specific policies and programs.
The consultant team suggested that the elements of the General Plan could be knit together in a
more consistent manner by formalizing the hierarchy with the LUCE update.
The Guiding Principle statements were displayed at the December Future Fair workshop and
posted on the MindMixer interactive site in order to get reactions for how well they characterize
the input we have received. Where community input provided more specific information, the
team reviewed that input to determine if the broad statements needed to be edited or if the
comments confirmed the general direction of the draft Principle. For example, a workshop
attendee offered the comment, "Separate bike lanes from cars with green stripes" to the draft
Guiding Principle which states, "Increase street safety for pedestrians and cyclists". The
comment provided a specific method of implementation (green stripes) but appeared to confirm
the broad statement that it is desirable to increase street safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
The Task Force reviewed the comments offered at the December workshop and the subsequent
input from the MindMixer tool to determine if the comments indicated a need to edit the draft
statements or the need to create new ones in order to address a value or direction that had not
been captured. The recommendation of the TF-LUCE will be transmitted in an agenda
correspondence and reported at the Commission meeting. The Planning Commission should
review and provide a recommendation to the City Council.
Next Steps
The progress to date has been focused primarily on data gathering and getting a sense from City
residents regarding neighborhoods, opportunities, and areas or issues of concern for both land
use and circulation, and the vision for the future. The next steps focus on using the information
from the input to develop several possible alternatives that attempt to capture that vision and
enhance neighborhoods. Current policies are then evaluated for how well they serve the future
vision and are modified, deleted, or added to support the vision. Task Force, Planning
Commission and Council input will be a key part of this evaluation. Attachment 5 shows a
graphic of the process and timeline.
LUCE Neighborhoods & Guiding Principles
Page 7
RECOMMENDATION
Recommend to Council neighborhood boundaries and districts, and Vision and Guiding
Principles for the Land Use and Circulation Elements update.
Attachments:
1. Workshop Summary— Neighborhoods, May 16, 2012
2. TF-LUCE recommended Neighborhood Boundaries
3. General Plan components
4. Draft Guiding Principles (prior to TF-LUCE recommendation)
5. LUCE process timeline
T:\GPUpdate2012\StaftReports\PlanningCommission\PC-March 13-2013.docx
Attachment 1
• A, city of
,20AA4
Mn Luis Obispo
COMMUNITY WORKSHOP #1 SUMMARY
MAY 16, 2012
On May 16, 2012, almost ioo people met at the Monday Club to attend and participate in the first
Community Workshop held for the San Luis Obispo Land Use and Circulation Elements Update. The
purpose of this workshop was to.-
0 Provide an overview of the Update process,
■ Describe opportunities for public involvement throughout the Update process, and
■ Hold small group discussions designed to grain a better perspective on San Luis Obispo
neighborhoods.
WILLCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS
The workshop began with a welcome by Eric Meyer, Chairperson for the Task Force for the Land Use and
Circulation Flements update (TF-LUCE), Mr. Meyer introduced the TF-LUCE members in attendance and
highlighted that the TF-LUCE members would be facilitating the small group exercise later in the program.
He also highlighted the role the TF-LUCE would plan in this Update process and encouraged the public to
join them at their meetings.
Mr. Meyer was then followed by Kim Murry, the City's Project Manager for the Update. Ms. Murry
identified members of the City Council and other City staff members in attendance. Ms. Murry also
introduced the Consulting Team for the Update.
PRESENTATION
The Consulting Team members (Larry Mintier and Rick Rust) provided a presentation to the audience.
Mr. Mintler started the presentation with an overview of the Update process, including the Update's
schedule. He also reviewed what was covered under the Land Use and Circulation Elements and how this
Update relates to the rest of the City's General Plan.
Mr. Rust followed with a description of the opportunities and methods for public outreach that will be
used during the Update. This includes a special website dedicated to the Update (www.5J0.xp35.c0m).
Asking for a show of hands for those that had used the website, about M of the audience had visited the
project website.
SMALL GROUP EXERCISE
Following the presentation, Mr. Rust provided the audience with instructions on the small group exercise
that was the focus of this workshop.
As part of the setup for this exercise, when the public arrived for the workshop, they were asked to
identify the location of their home or business. The City was divided into general areas: six were based
upon neighborhood boundaries Identified through the interactive web program and one was identified
for Cal Poly. Each person was then assigned to an area table based on the location given. As a table filled
up, another table was set up to address that area with a total of ten tables filled. As the workshop was
fihnn Luis osispo
designed to discuss neighborhoods, the table groupings helped bring together audience members with
the most knowledge on the locations discussed.
Figure 7 highlights the six areas of the City plus Cal Poly (Area G) used for grouping workshop participants.
a
3 *�
"I#
rd rer+4w LS
q 6 �
y { •
s
6 t• t �'# f •w�#
SI
A R.
stN
-1'"
e
Figure 1. Areas (lettered A though G) used to assign participants to a group
The location of those attending the workshop is shown by the blue dots on Figure 2. While not everyone
marked their location, a majority of attendees did make this mark. As shown, the workshop had a good
distribution of attendees from around the city and Cal Poly.
$LOGPU-Workshop 01 Summary 7o12 05 25 RRR.docx page ;2
W20N
q"ci
A Mnlulrt oSlApo
Public Workshop
Citywide Map
i
•
* Y-f
•
>
is
• et.. ;
14
P:
�• f
Figure 2. Location of workshop attendees
Sew
One or two TF-LUCE members were assigned to each table to assist in facilitating the discussion at the
table. The role of the facilitator was to help participants with the discussion questions, serve as
timekeeper, and to ensure a productive discussion. Consultant Team members and City staff circulated
between tables during the workshop session to answer questions and assist the TF-LUCE members in
facilitation.
SLOGPU_Workshop of Summary_2m 05 25 RRR.docx Page 3
IRA
41111"City d4
mn tuffs OBI8p0
rise uest[=
Each of the table groups had the same questions to guide participant discussion. The questions, and time
allotted to each question, are shown below.
5 minutes max
Using the score sheet, ask each participant to read the list of potential neighborhood
features on the left and mark whether each feature is 1) Very important, 2) Somewhat
Important, or 3) Not Important. If they think of features that are not listed on the score
sheet, add these in the blank rows at the bottom of the sheet. These should be answered as
they might apply to any neighborhood in the city and are not specific to their neighborhood.
15 minutes max
Working as a group, share ideas on which features are Very Important. Identify up to ten (io)
Key Features that the group would agree are the ones that define a good neighborhood.
Once agreed, the Facilitator, and others at the table, should mark an X on the row of the
selected features under the Q2 column on their score sheet.
20 minutes max
On the table is a map showing the area assigned to your group. On the map are dashed lines
that represent neighborhood boundaries as defined in the recent online neighborhood
survey. Using the Key Features identified for Q2, have the group discuss the boundaries
shown and make adjustments to the neighborhoods in their area (they can change the
boundaries to extend into areas not covered by this table). Combining some or all of the
neighborhoods shown by the dashed lines is OK. Give each neighborhood identified a
number (can use numbers on map or create your own).
10 minutes max
How does my neighborhood measure up?
On the score sheet, have each person write down the neighborhood (from Q3) that they live
in. Each person should then score if their neighborhood contains the Key Features identified
in Qz, or whether this feature needs to be augmented or improved.
15 minutes max
What would you change about the area yourtable is discussing?
Key blelghboduw Feature
Questions 1 and 2 were targeted at getting participant'$ input on the key features that they felt could
be used to define a neighborhood. A list of 33 common features was provided to each participant.
Working individually (Question i) and as a group (Question 2), participants/groups rated the key
features presented. Participants were also encouraged to add their own features.
In Question 2, participants at each table were asked to work together to identify their top to
features. The result of each group's assessment (including three new features added by two of the
groups) are shown on the following table (top io features are marked with a ■ symbol with a yellow
background).
SWUU_Workshop of Summary 2o12 og 25 aRR.docx Page 4
Table 1. Top 10 Key Features, Table #s=+
Housing Choices
1. Range of Housing Types
(e.g., single family, multi -family),
2. Range of Affordability
(from very low to above moderate, ownership to
renter)
Aesthetics and Personality
3. Known or Defined Edges, Geographic Boundaries,
and Entrances
4. Unique Neighborhood Character (e.g., architectural
style or features)
5. Positive Image, Attractive, Welcoming —'Curb
Appeal"
6. Pride of Ownership, High Standard of Maintenance
(e.g., paint, landscaping)
Neighborhood
7. Accessible Districts of Commercial or Civic Activity
(e,g,, downtown, shopping center)
8. Neighborhood Serving Retail
(e.g., grocery/drug store)
9. Restaurants and Cafes
Neighborhood Services & Facilities
10. Elementary School and Easily Accessible Middle
School
11. Community Center, Library, or Public Meeting Hall
12. Neighborhood Parks and Playgrounds
Mobility
13. Highly interconnected System of Streets
IC Complete Network of Sidewalks and Pedestrian
Paths
15. Complete Network of Bicycle Lanes and Bikeways
1& Accessible and Frequent Public Transit Service
17, Good Connections with Surrounding
Neighborhoods
Environmental Quality
18. Tree Canopy (urban forest)
19. Attractive Streetscapes
20. Connections to Natural Systems and Open Spaces
A-9
I B-1
C-7 D-1
Ud
E-1
I F�1
F-2
I F-3 F-4
MONUMMENNO
mmum
nm
0
�o..oaeoo
MMM
i%niia
Nn0
mnm
EMM
mnmm
:Im
o000
5L0GPU_Work5hop of Summary x012 05 25 RRR.docx Page 5
gal
. My
ran
n�
an tole nnrspn
Table 1. Top 10 Key Features,',, Table #sE*
21. Low Crime Rate
22. Sense of Personal Safety
23. Neighborhood Visibility and Good Lighting
24. Safe Streets for Pedestrians and Cyclists
(e,g., crossings, signage, bike lanes)
25. Short Emergency, Fire, and Police Response Time
26. Stable, Steadily Increasing Property Values
27, Strong Investor Confidence (both in property and
services)
28. A Range of Jobs (within the neighborhood or easily
accessible by walking, bike, car, or public
transportation)
��0� o'mn�3 Unc
■
■
29. Defined Center or Focal point of Interaction and
Activity
30. Strong Neighborly Relationships ■ ■ 0 ■ ■
(neighbors know and look out for each other)
31. Intergenerational and Multicultural Interaction
32. Accessible Healthy Foods (e,g,, in stores, farmers
markets)
33. Limited Tobacco and Off --site Alcohol Sales (e.g.,
liquor stores)
34. Noise Quality
35. Preservation of Historic Resources
36, Sidewalks / Bike Paths with High Visibility
■
IMUM16
0""M
■
■
WI■1■
■
As shown on Table i, a number of factors were selected by several of the groups. while not intended to
be a statistical assessment, counting the number of groups that independently selected the same factors
can be used to gain insight: on the key features that may apply citywide.
Figure 3 shows the number of groups that selected each feature (the numbers along the horizontal axis
correspond to the numbers listed on the left edge of Table 1).
SLOGPU,Workshop of 5ummary_2o12 o5 25 RRR.docx Page 6
ram' of
� san t�u�t osi�po
Ay41lG J. 1ru111UU1 w uIuuN�l ,)eiecung a reature
The top 11 features selected by four or more groups (out of the 10 total groups) are as follows:
5. Positive Image, Attractive, Welcoming , "Curb Appeal"
6. Pride of Ownership, High Standard of Maintenance (e.g., paint, landscaping)
12. Neighborhood Parks and Playgrounds
14. Complete Network of Sidewalks and Pedestrian Paths
15. Complete Network of Bicycle Lanes and Bikeways
20. Connections to Natural Systems and Open Spaces
21. Low Crime Rate
22. Sense of Personal Safety
24. Safe Streets for Pedestrians and Cyclists (e.g., crossings, signage, bike lanes)
25. Short Emergency, Fire, and Police Response Time
30. 5trong Neighborly Relationships (neighbors know and look out for each other)
Detailed breakouts of the scoring to each questions is attached at the end of this summary.
After the groups had identified their top ten neighborhood features, they were asked (Question 3) how
these features impact what they consider to be the boundaries of their respective neighborhoods.
Workshop 1_Qroup Renofrrg
At the end of the time allotted to the five questions, each table was asked to get a volunteer from their
table to report back to all workshop participants. Each volunteer was asked to read off the top 10
neighborhood features they identified (as part of Question Z) and to describe the changes they made to
their maps to reflect neighborhood boundaries (Question 3). The results from each table are described
on the following pages.
SLOGPU_Workshop of Summary_zola 05 25 RRR.docx Page
r
�A
Neighborhood Map
FL.
SLOGPU Workshop of 5ummary_2012 05 25 RRR.docx
city or
A san luts onispe
Top 10 Features
■ Pride of Ownership, High Standard of Maintenance
■ Restaurants and Cafes
■ Neighborhood Parks and Playgrounds
■ Complete Network of Sidewalks and Pedestrian Paths
■ Accessible and Frequent Public Transit Service
■ Connections to Natural Systems and Open Spaces
■ Low Crime Rate
■ Sense of Personal Safety
■ Safe Streets for Pedestrians and Cyclists
■ Strong Neighborly Relationships
a
Public tor op
Are.A I
Page 8
city of
* mn Luis onispo
Top 14 Features
r
■ Positive Image, Attractive, Welcoming
■ Pride of Ownership, High Standard of Maintenance
■ Complete Network of Sidewalks and Pedestrian Paths
■ Low Crime Rate
r
■ Sense of Personal Safety
r ; ■ Neighborhood Visibility and Good Lighting
■ Safe Streets for Pedestrians and Cyclists
■ Short Emergency, Fire, and Police Response Time
- ■ Strong Neighborly Relationships
Neighborhood Map
Public Worksh
Area
SLOGPl1 Workshop 01 Summary_2012. 05 25 RRR.docx
Page 9
Neighborhood Map
Public Wor op
Are C
m
SLpriPU_Workshop 07 5ummary_2012 05 25 RRR.docx
City of
san Luis oiwpo
Top io Features
■ Pride of Ownership, High Standard of Maintenance
■ Neighborhood Parks and Playgrounds
■ Complete Network of Bicycle Lanes and Bikeways
■ Connections to Natural Systems and Open spaces
■ Low Crime Rate
■ Sense of Personal Safety
■ Safe streets for Pedestrians and Cyclists
■ Short Emergency, Fire, and Police Response Time
• stable, steadily Increasing Property Values
■ Strong Neighborly Relationships
Neighborhood Map
�SAn o[
� �.tn lws 0618po
Top io Features
■ Range of Housing Types
■ Positive image, Attractive, Welcoming
0 Pride of Ownership, High Standard of Maintenance
■ Accessible Districts of Commercial or Civic Activity
■ Attractive Streetscapes
■ Sense of Personal Safety
■ Neighborhood Visibility and Good Lighting
■ Safe Streets for Pedestrians and Cyclists
- ~ ■ Short Emergency, Fire, and Police Response Time
■ Strong Neighborly Relationships
r
Public Workshop
Area(D r'/
SLODU Workshop 01 Summary_2ou 05 25 RRR,dock Page 11
city of
sin tuts osispa
Top io Features
• Pride of Ownership, High Standard of Maintenance
■ Elementary School and Easily Accessible Middle School
■ Complete Network of Sidewalks and Pedestrian Paths
■ Complete Network of Bicycle Lanes and Bikeways
■ Good Connections with Surrounding Neighborhoods
■ Connections to Natural Systems and Open Spaces
■ Low Crime Rate
■ Safe Streets for Pedestrians and Cyclists
■ A Range of Jobs (in neighborhood or nearby)
■ Strong Neighborly Relationships
Neighborhood Map
Public Workshop
r
Areat z f
SLOGPU Workshop o, Summary_2012 05 25 RRR.docx Page 12
® ctty 04
gin lu+s oaispo
Top 14 Features
■ Positive Image, Attractive, Welcoming
■ Pride of Ownership, High Standard of Maintenance
■ Neighborhood Parks and Playgrounds
■ Complete Network of Sidewalks and Pedestrian Paths
■ Attractive Streetscapes
■ Connections to Natural Systems and Open Spaces
■ Low Crime Rate
■ Sense of Personal Safety
■ Strong Neighborly Relationships
■ Noise Quality
Neighborhood Map
Public Workshop
Area( E 1
SLOGPU_Workshop of Summary_2012 05 25 RRR.docx
IRA
Ctty or
&m LUI;i OBISPO
Top io Features
■ Neighborhood Serving Retail
"� ■ Complete Network of Sidewalks and Pedestrian Paths
■ Complete Network of Bicycle lanes and Bikeways
Sill
■ Tree Canopy (urban forest)
4 Connections to Natural Systems and Open Spaces
+ ■ Low Crime Rate
■ Sense of Personal Safety
■ Safe Streets for Pedestrians and Cyclists
■ Preservation of Historic Resources
u ■ Sidewalks / Bike Paths with High Visibility
Neighborhood Map
Public Workshop
Aee-C
SLOGPu_workshop of Summary_2o`12 05 25 RRR.dacx Page 14
s,1}1 411# 03tspo
Top 10 Features
■ Positive Image, Attractive, Welcoming
■ Neighborhood Parks and Playgrounds
0 Complete Network of Sidewalks and Pedestrian Paths
■ Complete Network of Bicycle Lanes and Bikeways
■ Connections to Natural Systems and Open Spaces
f., ■ Low Crime Rate
■ Sense of Personal Safety
■ Safe Streets for Pedestrians and Cyclists
■ Short Emergency, Fire, and Police Response Time
■ Strong Neighborly Relationships
(Neighborhood Map
Public Workshop
SLOGPU_workshop 01 Summary_2012 05 25 RRR.docx
"1 4"
city or
Mn LUIS oalspo
Top to Features
■ Unique Neighborhood Character
■ Pride of Ownership, High Standard of Maintenance
■ Neighborhood Parks and Playgrounds
■ Complete Network of Sidewalks and Pedestrian Paths
■ Complete Network of Bicycle Lanes and Bikeways
■ Tree Canopy (urban forest)
0 Low Crime Rate
■ Sense of Personal Safety
■ Safe Streets for Pedestrians and Cyclists
■ Short Emergency, Fire, and Police Response Time
■ Strong Neighborly Relationships
Neighborhood Map
public Workshop
1l r Citywide Map
-� fr
SLOGPU Workshop of Summary_2oi2 o5 25 RRR.docx page 16
IRA
4"4rtyof
Rein Lois omspo
Top 14 Features
■ Neighborhood Serving Retail
ti. ■ Neighborhood Parks and Playgrounds
■ Complete Network of Bicycle Lanes and Bikeways
4
■ Accessible and Frequent Public Transit Service
■ Good Connections with Surrounding Neighborhoods
u ■ Low Crime Rate
■ Sense of Personal Safety
■ Safe Streets for Pedestrians and Cyclists
' ■ Strong Neighborly Relationships
- ■ Accessible Healthy Foods
Neighborhood Map
11,
4V
0
Public: Workshop
Area F
SLOGPU_Workshop of Summary 2412 05 25 RRfk.docx Page 17
Mn tuts OMSK
APPENDIX
SLOGPU Workshop of Summary_2012 05 25 RRR.docx Page 18
WA
4rty of
fan LUiS u131SpO
Question is Other Features Added by individuals (Sorted Alphabetically)
■ Accessibility of Airport and Rail
• Accessible to Transport
■ Air Quality
w Bike and walk paths highly visible
■ Canopy tree maintenance
■ Choice of street design
* Choice of street design and rates
■ Crossing Tank Farm to Von's is very dangerous
■ Dark sky night
■ Easier strollerlbike access at the subway under the RxR at spanish oaks
■ Efficiency of roadways
• Family Friendly
■ Fewer drunk people on Thurs, Fri, and Sat nights
■ Historic resources
■ Historic resources
■ Historic significance
■ Historical
■ Historical Importance
• Historical Significance
■ Historical Significance
■ Historical Significance
■ Historical Significance
■ HOA
■ HOA
■ HOA
• Homeless encampments
■ 1 feel like we are dealing with ghettos instead of neighborhoods
M Less Vandalism
■ More Owner / Occupier or Long-term Renters
■ Name of neighborhood
■ Name of neighborhood
■ Name of the neighborhood
e Name of the neighborhood
■ Name of the neighborhood
" Noise Quality
■ Noise quality
■ Noise quality
■ Noise quality
SLOGPU Workshop of Summary_zoix cs 25 RRR.dou page ig
saro 1ulg MIRK
0 Noise quality
■ Normal Density for Zoning
■ Preservation of existing historic resources
0 Preservation of existing historic resources
■ Preservation of existing historic resources
■ Pride of Ownership
■ Quiet and calming surroundings
■ Quiet, clean, secure
■ Range of housing sizes and household types
■ Ranged house sizes and types
W Rodriquez Adobe Park is a passive park without a bathroom
■ Safe Traffic Speed on Streets
■ Sidewalk and bike lanes - Highly visible
Sidewalk repair
■ Sidewalks and Bikepaths - High visibility
x Stop Signs
■ Stop Signs J Speed Sumps
■ Stop Signs f Speed Bumps
■ Stop Signs f Speed Bumps
■ Tank Farm - safe crossing
■ Traffic Efficiency- Round abouts instead of traffic signs
■ Traffic Safety
■ Trash Can
■ Tree canopy extension
■ Voter Approval for Garbage Can
SLOGPU_Workshop 01 Summ2ry_2012 og 25 RRR.docx Page 20
0Mj'
Mn l ll? OBISPO
Question is Scoring of Features
a 10 20 30 40 to A0
1. Range of Housing Type
2. Range of Aftordabilir
3. Known or Defined Edges, Geographic
4, Unique Neighborhood Charade
5, PDaItIve Image, Atlraciive, Welcoming -"Curt
6. Pride of Ownership, High Standards 0
7. Accessible Distdcts of Commercial 0r Civic Activity
8. Neighborhood Serving Reiai
9. Restaurants and Cefel
10. Elementary Sehooi and Easily Accessible Mlddl�
11. Community Center, Library, or Public Meeting
12. Neighborhood Parks and Playgrounds
13,Highly Interoonnecled system of Streets
14. Complete Network of Sidewalks and Padealdan
15. Complete Networks 0f Bicycle Lanes and
16, Accessible and Frequent Public Tranalt Service
17. Good Connections with surrounding
1B. Tree Canopy
19, Attractive Streetscapes
20. Connections t0 Natural Systems and Opan.
21. Low Crime Rate
22. Sense of Personal Safety
23. Neighborhood Visibility and Goad Lighting
24. Safe Streets for Pedestdans and Cyclists
25, short Emergency, Fire, and Police Response.
26. Stable, steady Increasing Property Value
27. Strong Investor Confidence
28, A Range of Jobe
29. Defined Center of Focal Point 0f Interaction and..
30. Strong Nelphtaothood Rel8tl0nshlps
31. Intergenerationai end Multicultural Interaction
32, Accesable Healthy Foods
33. Limited Tabasco and Off -Site Alcohol Sales
■Very Important ■Somewhat Important 13Not Important
Figure 4. All Responses to Question 1
SLOM Workshop 01 Summary_2012 05 z5 MRA= Page 21
Question 1: Scoring of Features
0 1l1 21r 3D 40 sa Ai
1. Range of Hcusing Type
2. Range of Affordabilit
3 Known or 30afined Edges, Geogrephi
4. Unique Neighborhood Characts
S. Positive Image, Attractive, Welcoming- "Curl
6. Pride of Ownership, High Standards c
7. Accessible Districts of Coro mercial or Civic AetiVAl)
S. Neighborhood Serving Retai
9. Restaurants and Cafes
10 Elamemary School and Easily Accessible Middle
11. Community Center, Library, or Public Meetine
12. Neighborhood Parks and Playground-
13.1-lighly Interconnected system of Streets
14. Complete Network of Sidewalks and Pedesinan
15. Complete Networks of Bicycle Lanes and
16, Accessible and Frequent Public Transit Service
17. Good Connections with Surroundng
18 Troe Canopy
10, Attractive Streatscapes
20. Connections to Natural Systems and Open,
21. Low Crime Rate
22. Sense of Personal Safety
23. Neighborhood Visibility end Good Lighting
24. Safe Streets for Pedestrians and Cyclists
25, ah Ort Emergency, Fire, and Police Response,
26. Stable, Steady Increasing Property Value
27. Strong Investor Confidence
2B. A Range of Jobs
29. defined Center of Focal Point of Interaction and..
30. Strong Neighborhood RelaWnships
31. Intergenerstioral and MrdGcuhural Interaction
32. Accessible Healthy Foods
33, Limited Tobacco and Off -Silo Alcohol Sales
■Very Important ■somewhat Important ❑Not Important
Question 4: Does Your Neighborhood Have This Feature Today?
SS. Limited Tobacco and Off -Site Alcohol gales
32. Accessible Healthy Foods
31. intergenerational and Multicultural Intwactior
30. Strang Neighborhood Relationships
2g. Defined Center of Focal Point of Intereotlon and
28. A Range of Jobs
27. Strong Investor Canfldence
26. Stable, Steady Increasing Property Value
25. short Emergency, Fire, and Polfce Response
24. Safe Streets for Pedestrians and Cyclists
23. Neighborhood Visibility and Good Lighting
22. Sense of Personal Safety
21. Low Crime Rate
20. Connections to Natural Systems and Open.
19. Attractive Streetscapes
18. Tree Canopy
17. Good Connections with Surrounding.
16. Accessible and frequent Public Transit Service
15. Complete Networks of Bicycle Lanes and,
14. Complete Network of Sidewalks and Pedestrian„
I3.Highly Interconnected system of Streets
12. Neighborhood Parks and Playgrounds
11. Community Center, Librsry, Or Public Meeting„
10. Elementary School and Eesliy Aceassible Middle.
9, Restaurants and Cafes
S_ Neighborhood Serving Ratan
7, Accessible DIstrlcts of Comrnefeial or Civic Activity
$. Pride of Ownership, High Standards of...
5. POSitive Image, A1tfaCtIVe, Welcoming- "Curb..
4. Unique Neighborhood Character
3. Known or Defined Edges, Geographic Boundaries,...
2. Range of Affordability
1. Rahge of Housing Types
CI1:y t7�
v a 11) 15 20 25 30 3S 40 45 5o
■Yes ■Need more or Improve allo
Figure 5. All Responses to Question 4
SLOGPLJ_Workshop ❑1 Summary_2012 05 25 RRR.docx Page 22
Question 4: Does Your Neighborhood Have This Feature Today?
33. Limited Tobacco and Off -Site Alcohol Salim
32. Accessible Healthy rood;
31. Intargenerational and Multicultural Interectior
30. Strong Neighborhood Relationships
29, Defined Canter of Focal Paint of Interaction ernc
28. A Range of Jab!
27. Strong Investor Confidence
26, Stable, Steady Increasing Property Value
25. short Emergency, Fire, and Poiioe Response
24. Safe Streets for Pedestrians and Cyolista
23. Neighborhood Visibility and Good Lighting
22. Sense of Personal Safety
21. bow Crime Rate
20. Connections to Natural Systems and Open
19. Attractive Streetscapee
18 Tree Canopy
17, Good Connections with Surrounding,
16. Accessible and Frequent Public Transit Service
15. Complete Networks of Biayde Lanes and
14, Complete Network of Sidewalks and Pedestrian.
13.Highly lnterconn=ed system of Straats
12. Neighborhood Parks and Playgrounds
11, Community Center, t_ibrary, or Public Meeting.
1C. Element" School and Easily Accessible Middle..
9 Restaurants and Cafes
8. Naighbcrhood Serving Retail
7. Accessibe Districts of Commercial or Civic Activity
6 Pride of Ownership. High Standards of..
5. Positive Image, Attractive, Welcoming -"Curb,.
4. Unique Neighborhood Character
3. Known or Defined Edges, Geographic $oundaries,,,
2. Range of Affordability
1, Range of Housing Types
il ILI i5 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
■Yes ■ Need more or Improve ❑ No
��.an LlaiS nniflpo
Question 5. What would you change about the area your table is discussing?
■ Improve Chorro underpass for pedestrians and bicycles, more attractive and safer
■ Slow down speed on peach between Broad and Chorro
■ Emphasize balance connection to open space of Cerro San Luis.
■ Better bike lanes.
■ More frequent public traffic.
■ More street lighting.
■ More bike lanes.
■ Extend the railroad safety trail.
■ I'd like to prevent overflow parking from downtown into residential BUT I DONT want parking districts.
■ We're very affected by drunken pedestrian traffic.
■ I'd like more ways to cross Broad Street.
■ More interaction with Spanish speaking and low income residents I renters and other homeowners.
■ There were multiple tables labeled "F" but results should be combined for statistical accuracy, not
considered separately.
■ More vibrant and interesting upper Monterey Street
■ Less cut through traffic on Grove Street
■ Better street tree canopy
■ More affordable housing options
■ More stores in neighborhoods
■ More street lighting
■ Overall safety is good but needs to be supported with walking
■ Unique architecture and buildings
■ More street lights.
■ More parks.
■ Chorro Street runs through the neighborhood which is that the speed is too fast
■ Tree planting in street margins.
■ A good grocery store, less drunks
■ More connections from town to town
■ Too many cars per unit.
■ Bright lights shining at night
■ Stroller friendly sidewalks
■ Overcharged rentals
■ Larger street trees
M Need a department store downtown
■ Fewer bars
R Grocery store
■ Fewer homeless/drunks in park
■ Enforce illegal motorcycle noise and truck
SLODU_WOrkshop o1 Summary_2ei2 05 25 RRR.docx Dade 23
I RA
C-n Of
s,Xn lU"S or,lspo
■ We need a grocery store
■ Enforcement of noise ordinance
■ More street trees
■ Enforcement re: curb appeal
■ Lower crime rate
■ Attractive streetscapes
■ We need a grocery store
■ Enforcement of noise ordinance
■ More street trees
■ Enforcement re: curb appeal
■ Lower crime rate
■ Attractive streetscapes
■ Need good grocery
■ Plant more trees
■ Access to hiking trails
■ More bike lanes
■ Make foot traffic same priority as auto traffic
■ Management of neighborhood parking being sued by outside employees and Cal Poly students
■ Complete the Railroad safety trail
■ integrate biking into the new transit center
■ A safe place to cross the street between Johnson and Orcutt when walking.
■ More accessible bike paths
■ Better bike paths
■ Brood Street needs to be crossable and pedestrian friendly - sidewalks too
■ Homeless need a better path through Meadow Park than Brood and R.R tracks
■ Railroad safety trail extended
a Area could use a discrete name
■ How to get better restaurants and motels
■ Block clubs
■ Make streets smaller
■ Access to parks
■ Slow traffic on Johnson
■ I'm interested in the area adjacent to the city or South Higuera (near the octagon Barn).
■ It is vital that the city collaborate with the county on key elements. Buckley Road extension, the three
bike road connection.
■ Also there is an issue of landscaping to shield the Octagon Barn from RV storage areas.
■ Question: How will the development in the Margarita Area (adjacent to airport) affect traffic on
Buckley/Vacherl and South Higuera.
■ Note: The Octagon Barn could act as a community center for the southern part of area "C".
■ Homeless in Creekside areas
SLOGPLJ Workshop 01 $ommary_2012 45 25 RRR.docx Page 24
WA
`'rt5' of
san Luis OBISPO
■ Traffic bottle neck by Fortin is Figuera should be 4-lane from Madonna Road south
[Ed: Believe comment is on a traffic bottle -neck by Fortinis (a business) on South Higuera and that the
street should be widened to four lanes in this area.]
■ More planned open/rural areas in lieu of development
■ Let Ernie develop his property.
■ No more density in SFK neighborhood.
■ Any and All IN' Ordinances [Ed: Neighborhood Ordinances] that are going Imposed upon all Citizens
Should Require Line Vote by a Min. of Registered Voters
■ Noise Quality and Control
• Control density in R-7
■ Rethink the mixed use projects
■ Highway Blocking my Connection to Downtown
■ Make Santa Rosa and Foothill More Walkable.
■ Slowing Traffic on Santa Rosa
■ Too many motels by Santa Rosa and Olive- Unsafe Activities, Dirty.
■ More Owner Occupied Houses in Neighborhood is needed to accomplish many of these goals
■ Fix connection Across Foothill to Shopping Center
■ Foothill Beautification
■ Walkable in front of Foothill Plaza and University Square
SLOGPU,Workshop 01 Summary_2o12 o5 25 RRR.docx Page 25
0
IC ,
Y' II
1 I1x 44
iwvi y
GENERAL PLAN ELEMENT COMPONENTS
TF-LUCE #8 FEBRUARY 20, 2013, 6eoo PM CITY -COUNTY LIBRARY COMMUNITY Room
The updated Land Use and Circulation Elements of the City of San Luis Obispo's General Plan will include
statements organized in a hierarchy from the general to the specific. a vision statement that guides the
entire General Plan, and a set of guiding principles, goals, policies, and implementation measures
(programs) that will be developed for each element. The current General Plan elements contain a vision
statement, goals, objectives, strategies, overall intent policies, overall policies, specific policies, and
programs. During the TF-LUCE update process, these existing statements will be reviewed, revised,
edited, and incorporated into the new hierarchy described above and illustrated on the figure below.
u _ [ €t
v,n.,l, i. .€,tt €.€,...1: �€ 3,�u,'.. € €. €4 L E.t nt
7
II
The purpose of reaffirming a vision statement and creating guiding principles at this point in the update
process is to create a high-level context to guide the development and evaluation of alternatives in the
next phase of the LUCE update. The vision and guiding principles may be revised before they are
ultimately incorporated into the new Land Use and Circulation Elements before their adoption.
The following definitions are based on the California General Plan Guidelines and the current General Plan.
1, o
VISION STATEMENT
A vision statement defines key community values and aspirations for the future. A vision statement sets
the framework upon which the rest of the General Plan, including the Land Use and Circulation Elements,
is built.
A principle is an assumption, fundamental rule, or doctrine that guides goals, policies, and
implementation measures, Principles flow from the vision statement and are based on community
values, generally -accepted planning principles, and current technology.
The current General Plan does not contain Guiding Principles. For this Update, a set of Guiding Principles
was seen as an important bridge between the City's Vision and Goal statements and the development of
the General Plan Update. For the Update, the Guiding Principles will be used in the development and
assessment of alternatives and also in the assessment of existing policies and programs within the
General Plan.
Examples of principles:
* The residential neighborhoods within a city should be within a convenient and safe walking
distance of an elementary school.
Risks from natural hazards should be identified and avoided to the extent practicable.
GOAL
A goal is a general direction -setter. It is an ideal future end related to the public health, safety, or general
welfare. A goal is a general expression of community values and, therefore, may be abstract in nature.
Consequently, a goal is generally not quantifiable or time -dependent.
In the existing San Luis Obispo Land Use Element, goals are described as follows:
Goals describe desirable conditions. In this context, they are meant to express the
community's preferences for basic future directions. In the goal statements, "San Luis Obispo91
means the community as a whole, not just the City as a municipal corporation. The statements
also indicate what the City should do and what it should influence others to do. The goals state
San Luis Obispo's basic positions on the extent, rate, composition, and financing of growth.
Examples of goals:
Promote community design that produces a distinctive, high -quality built environment.
Decrease dependence on single occupancy use of motor vehicles through transportation demand
management.
Improve system connectivity by removing barriers to travel.
SL06PU_TF LUCE o8 Plan Components 2013 02 13a RRR Page 2
am
is
.t3'F �t3�'� ittkt'n4'
POLICY
A policy is a specific statement that guides decision -making. It indicates a commitment of the local
legislative body to a particular course of action. A policy is based on and helps implement a general plan's
goals.
A policy is carried out by implementation measures. For a policy to be useful as a guide to action it must
be clear and unambiguous. Adopting broadly drawn and vague policies is poor practice. Clear policies are
particularly important when it comes to judging whether or not zoning decisions, subdivisions, public
works projects, etc., are consistent with the general plan.
When writing policies, be aware of the difference between "shall" and "should." "Shall" indicates an
unequivocal directive. "Should" signifies a less rigid directive, to be honored in the absence of compelling
or contravening considerations. Use of the word "should" to give the impression of more commitment
than actually intended is a common but unacceptable practice. It is better to adopt no policy than to
adopt a policy with no backbone.
Examples of policies:
The City shall not pursue annexation of additional land to the City until there is demonstrated
need.
The City shall not approve plans for the downtown shopping center until an independently
conducted market study indicates that the center would be economically feasible.
The City shall give favorable consideration to proposals involving adaptive reuse of buildings that
are designated as "architecturally significant" by the cultural resources element.
IMPLEMENTATION MEASURE (PROGRAM)
An implementation measure is an action, procedure, program, or technique that carries out general plan
policy. Each implementation measure should succinctly describe the proposed action, identify which city
department or policy body is responsible for carrying out the action, and set a time frame for its
accomplishment.
Examples of implementation measures:
The City shall promote the creation of property -based improvement districts (PBIDs) to finance
business promotion programs and commercial district sidewalk improvements.
The City shall adopt a specific plan for the industrial park.
The City shall revise and update its Downtown Concept Plan.
SLOGPU_TF_LUCE o8 Plan Components 2013 02 133 RRR Page 3
wa
e ' San 11,11E 6vgig
F $ i '� � �3-.,ro..�,wwwmu.-«uaw+eew2awmweeeawwwn« rm«:m«ww«emw—
Yi M O N A N D G U I® N G P R I N C� P L E S
TF-LUCE #8 FEBRUARY 20, 2013, 6Doo PM CITY -COUNTY LIBRARY COMMUNITY Room
VISION STATEMENT
® The existing adopted Vision Statement (included in the City's current Land Use Element) is
presented below. Changes noted by the public at the December 2012 Future Fair are shown
using a redline (proposed additions)/ strii<cout (proposed deletions) format.
Our vision is an inclusive andof-a sustainable community, within a diverse natural and agrarian setting,
which is part of a larger ecosystem upon which its existence depends. San Luis Obispo will maintain its
healthy and attractive natural environment valued by residents, its prosperity, and its sense of safety and
community, within a compact urban form. Our community will have a comprehensible scale, where
people know each other and where their participation in government is welcome and effective. The
general plan outlines basic features of the city needed to sustain our livelihoods, our natural and historical
heritage, and our needs for interaction and expression. The general plan is a benchmark in the continuing
planning process, reflecting the desires of citizens with different backgrounds to sustain the community's
qualities for themselves and for future generations.
The City should will provide a setting for comfortable living, including work and recreation. The City
should will live within its resources, preserve the relatively high levels of service, environmental quality
and clean air valued by its residents, and strive to provide additional resources as needed.
I envision a comfortable (i.e., human -scaled, supremely livable and historically authentic Downtown Core
Re imagine the Downtown Core
sustaining a..vibrant .and balanced.. mix of interdependent land uses --- uses comprised of equal parts office
and res.denti.al..deyelo.pmen.t..(I e.,..l.ve work.), loc.a.i.ly owned retail and entertainment venues. _I envision
more...work fo_r.ce housingmore nec_esslty...go.ods stores (Ie,, hardware,.department, grocery stores) and
more start-up businesses locating in the Downtown.Core.
DRAFT GUIDING PRINCIPLES (PRIOR TO PUBLIC INPUT)
The following DRAFT Guiding Principles for land use and circulation were developed based on community
input received since the beginning of the General Plan Update effort, including stakeholder interviews in
March 2012, the first Community Workshop held in May 2012, the General Plan Survey conducted in during
the Spring of 2012, and the second Community Workshop held in September 2012.
These DRAFT Guiding Principles were circulated for public review in two venues. The first was as a station
at the December 2012 Future Fair. The second was as part of the General Plan's MindMixer website.
Public inputs received are included following the presentation of the DRAFT Guiding Principles.
SLOGPU_TF_LUCE oS Principles 2013 0211 RRR (2) Page 1
r
a
city a5 r,
Preserve the existing character of the community
Protect and enhance neighborhoods as the defining structure of 5LO's urban form
Develop more neighborhood parks
Maintain an average annual growth rate of 1%
Protect historical resources and the historic feel of the city
Maintain the vitality of Downtown
Expand housing choices and increase the retail mix in Downtown
Promote infill, reuse and mixed use that is well designed and compatible with the
surrounding neighborhood
• Improve the jobs -housing balance
• Promote a broad range of housing types
• Protect the city's viewscapes
• Acquire and maintain open space to protect the City's greenbelt, peaks, hillsides, creeks and
marshes
CIRCULATION
Improve east -west travel for vehicles and bicycles
Increase the use of alternative transportation modes
Improve pedestrian experience in Downtown
Increase neighborhood connectivity to the rest of the city
Improve and fill in gaps in the city's bikeway network
Improve walkability citywide
• Improve the frequency of transit services and connections to the regional system
• Increase street safety for pedestrians and cyclists
• Minimize circulation changes that increase neighborhood cut -through traffic
• Connect city's neighborhoods to natural systems and open spaces
The DRAFT Guiding Principles presented at the Future Fair are shown in standard, black text on the
following pages. Items modified or added are shown in a Changes noted by the public are shown in a
redline. J strikout format. The notes added are in approximately the location the person attached a Post -
It note with their comment. Items with a double underline or double strikeout did not contain changes to
verbiage but were moved by the commenterto reflect a different order. Items that are commentary in
nature start with the word "Comment".
SLOGPU TF_LUCE o8 Principles zo13 02 11 RRR (2) Page 2
GUIDING PRINC9PLRS e FUTURE FAIR
Draft Lard Use Principles
Acquire and maintain open space to protect the City's greenbelt, peaks, hillsides, creeks and marshes
Comment This_was the onlything residents were willing to_pay more for in_the City_survey_sent. to
over„Z5 000 and based on ? OOO ,responses_, Also 3_of 4 things on the survey residents, wanted_ more
of writhe acquisition and_malntenance of naturalopen space Therefore this should be I," on this
list NOT at the bottom.
Comment Increase natural water filtration, minimize water treatment
o.. _ Introduce pedestrian ,and cyclist paths to these sites „to i.ncre,ase.public awareness
o Do„not change„LUE re Dalidio property %µen space
Preserve the existing character of the community
Provide for inventory of business,parks and commercial pads
Preserve and,protect an*W' ", ig
„�,� r e..nei hborhoods. - ::
o Better lighting in neighborhoods
Develop more neighborhood parks
Bioswales
Maintain an average annual smart growth rate of 1%
Comment This growth. rate is not highenough to,hou.se our workforce
More ,mixed .use buildings
a€ Limit ._urban _sprawl
Private owned pgbl,ic_o_pen_sppc„e
Protect historical resources and the historic feel of the city
Enhance Mission Plaza
Maintain and enhance the vitality of Downtown without_addin-F, more,d,rinking,estabIish_ments, ie,
bars and restaurants that morph into bars at night
o_ Active recruitment of businesses / stores to locate Downtown
n �., n., u
Make_sure there is a_variety._of entertainment for alI__a,ges, esp young workers
o ,_,_Tech„development centers,fatype of,enterta,mnment)
o, ,, Downtown grocery store,
More activities for teenagers
Expand housing choices and increase the retail mix in Downtown adding„density
Promote infill on vacant lots, reuse and mixed use (in other than R1 and R2) that is well designed and
car pri�i^ d��t,"similarto the housing type (bulk, mass height) in the surrounding neighborhood
Improve the jobs -housing balance (esp. in Downtown core)
Comment „,We,have_homeless„problem More funding for social serviceI'lls needed to,fund,non profits
like Transitpons„Mental Health. who address the problem of,mentpIjy,i,ll1. homeless,
Comment: Loss funding of homeless services , We_sh,oul
_. .. . ,. .., k . _......... , i........ _...�.
our city.
Promote a broad range of housing types in new developments
o ._,. More affordable housing for underpaid workers
o Live work housing„Downtown
sLOGPU_TF LUCE oS Principles 2013 02 11 RRR (z) Page 3
Ail„new housingto follow new, green principles
o___„_ Providemore,i,nfil,l_,student, rentals,cl,ose to„Cal Polv that are affordable (student,corrr,rnent),
o Reduce, permit costs for housing to, reduce ,housing costs
o, _ Comment: Includ¢n�; for homeless ,_if able to,_accept help and be responsible
o EncourageCal,_Polyto_have_o_n campus,,housng
oGreek ow on„cam,pu,5,
o... Housing for„Guests
More pleasant commute to CuestaLandscaping, Separat_e,d, bike lanes.
Protect the city's viewscapes
Draft Circulation Principles
Improve east -west travel for vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles
oFoot _and „bike bridge ,over railroad tracks, atHumbert _at Bishop
o Foot and bike bridge „over Santa Rosa at Bov,sen near Foothill
o No Prado interchange, Prado„overpass over101 OK.
Increase the use of alternative transportation modes
o Promote alt._tr,ansportatlonw/highvisibility,,,(painted_crosswalks,._.e.tc...).
" Improve pedestrian experience in Downtown
o More green_space ,park benches
o Pedestrian,onlyon_Higuera,
o„ Pedestrian zone on 2 3 blocks, of H Ruera(no cars)
o Remove crosswalks in the middle of blocks ,They,are dangerous„forpedestrians and
motorists.
Comment B,ut,these,x walks„light up_to alert,motorists x walks,in.crease„ped traffic_
Increase neighborhood connectivity to the rest of the city
o _ Better bike / ped. access from N. SLO (Foothill) to Downtown
Roundabouts at Orcutt, Laurel, and„J,ohnson
Improve and fill in gaps in the city's bikeway network
11
Improve walkability citywide
o,,,__Improve pedestrian sidewalks near: Cal Poly,_ Heavy pedestrian use requires sidewalks_
o,. „Decrease distance of, local necessities (mar,kets ,parks, etc.,)
o Market / stores in Foothill area
Improve the frequency of transit services and connections to the regional system as determined_by
increases in ride ship,,.,
o _„_Espw_on Sundays
o Increase bus hours in Downtown to accommodate Downtown workers
Increase street safety for pedestrians and cyclists
o__ _Increase class,trail system
o Sepa_rate. bike lanes,from cars..wrth green stripes
o_ ..S,harrow on N.,Chorro,or Broad
o Comment: „Increase street lighting along biki corridors. Lack of lighting prevents me from
ridln,g when it„gets dark (Student comment)
SLOGPU TF_LUCE o8 Principles 2013 0211 RRR (2) Page 4
;t €Mp
4
Minimize circulation changes that increase neighborhood cut -through traffic
oCreate _more one way streets
o Eliminate Northern Alignment Take Prado Road to,I dustrial, road and Santa Fe @ Tank_
Farm
Connect city's neighborhoods to natural systems and open spaces without causing negative impacts.
to those at surr„oundin4� neighborhoods
a sy
Complete a comprehensive,El,R of Prado.Road .from Broad, Street to Madonna Road, This will avoid
Maintainklean old Garden Creek
The following are other inputs written down at this station, but not associated with either the Land
Use or Circulation Guiding Principles by the commenter.
Street safety is important (keep streets clean). Currently good but to continue to improve, especially
on S. Higuera.
Increase workforce housing.
Enforce the existing laws (w/more tickets) regarding jaywalking & walking against red lights, etc.
Create more efficient pedestrian paths so as to decrease jaywalking.
More sole proprietorships — locally owned; no more franchises.
a Department store downtown like the old Rileys. Yes! Macy's, Nordstrom's, REL
More Class I bike paths
Encourage developers to build smaller, less square footage houses--1,500 — 2,000 sq ft when
allowing new developments on rural land. Mixed use housing, more green space connected to
housing (especially green roofs, green walls).
Okay to continue slow growth -- keeps our town more "quaint" and unique. Incorporate guidelines
of "smart growth."
Need to appreciate and understand that the marketplace is also our de facto partner in land use
development. So, how do we as a community define economic stability? How do we turn our vision
into an economically feasible option(s)? Investment through participation is GOOD, but we need the
financial investment, too!
Reduce fees to building housing ... needs to be much cheaper to make housing affordable.
Market determines price of housing, not fees.
* Streamline permitting process.
Limit appeals to the planning process/commission.
Encourage CalPoly to have sororities/fraternities on campus.
Encourage CalPoly to build more on -campus housing for current enrollment in order to free up
workforce housing now rented to students.
SLOCPU_TF LUCE o8 Principles 2013 0211 RRR (2) Page 5
No
u;
c lad o
s.u,, Imi {rids o
Higuera is currently main street of downtown. Have, say, three streets as main (center) making
more one-way streets downtown.
Creek -Walk Plan
Urban Design Element
Update Downtown Concept Plan
Downtown housing has an issue with noise
Need more parking in Downtown. (Commenter from outside City)
Additional housing at CalPoly may impact the rental economy in the city. Many people live off of the
rental market. (Commenter from outside City)
• Additional attractive bike parking in downtown.
• Additional green space, especially at CalPoly entrances.
• More community sculptures in parks, downtown, etc.
• Community projects involving the youth and helping the community.
• The Vision needs to be what will be in the future and the existing vision is what we are now.
(Business owner comment)
• Need more lighting in neighborhoods & city for safety. Lack of outside people interaction due to lack
of lighting. (Student comment)
• Where possible provide diversity (i.e., for people w/disabilities). (Business owner comment)
• City and landlords need to enforce the law for number of people in each house. (Student comment)
• Provide affordable single-family homes on CalPoly. (Student comment)
• Need affordable QUALITY rental homes. (Student comment)
Need a direct housing "Dignity Village for people needing housing (homeless). (Commenter from
outside City)
Promote and attract clean and sustainable industries to SLO. Non -carbon energy technologies and
clean water strategies will be the next huge market worldwide. Let's lead that charge!
Encourage and incentivize all new commercial developments to incorporate green building &
maintenance principles.
Downtown needs more places to park bikes.
* Tax real estate sales (buyer and seller) and use proceeds to purchase property for public use (parks,
etc.). Yes! 'Agree!
SLOCPU_TF_LUCE og Principles 2013 02 11 RRR (z) Page 6
U
G UIWNG PIRMCIPLES e M1Ni)WxF_P. D1scussi®lm
Acquire and maintain open space to protect the City's greenbelt, peaks, hillsides, creeks and
marshes
■ Expand the greenbelt by acquiring the open space behind the old county hospital.
■ This is one of the most important aspects of SLO. Do not infringe upon the viewscapes of any
neighborhood!
Preserve the existing character of the community
® No comments
Protect and enhance neighborhoods as the defining structure of SLO's urban form
■ The term 1°neighborhood" could be clarified by indicating that a true neighborhood includes
professional and medical offices, parks, retail, neighborhood markets, and neighborhood
centers such as teen center, senior center, places of worship, etc. within walking distance. A
neighborhood is dead if it only consists of single family homes on cul-de-sacs.
■ Possibly the people who require so much of all neighborhoods in SLO have chosen the wrong
city to move to.
■ Having a mixture of housing types seems like a good idea - avoid rich or poor ghettos by
avoiding too much of any one thing. Previous locations of small batches of low-income
housing seem to work well. Large developments of low-cost apartments, on the other hand,
might create resource problems of various kinds, plus cause existing neighborhood
resistance.
Develop more neighborhood parks
■ Creo es importante educar a nuestra comunidad a disfrutar mas de areas recreativas Como
son los parques junto a sus familias. Como comunidad podemos ayudar a plantar arboles.
(Translation via Google translate: I think it is important to educate our community to enjoy
more recreational areas such as parks with their families. As a community we can help plant
trees.)
SLOCPU_TF_LUCE oS Principles 2013 02 11 RRR (2) Page 7
IIA1 m"
Maintain an average annual growth rate of 1%
■ 1 am choosing to comment because I don't necessarily agree with any of the boxed choices.
Growth for San Luis Obispo is a good thing --it just needs to be sustainable. Restricting it to a
percentage doesn't account for the quality of that development. I would rather focus on
maintaining sustainable growth rather than an annual growth rate.
■ Restricting growth to a set percentage is a terrible idea, all it will do is increase the prices on
the allowed growth and continue to make SLO a difficult place to afford to live.
Protect historical resources and the historic feel of the city
■ I think it is important to take photos and cultural artifacts to keep a history of our community.
Maintain the vitality of Downtown
■ Look for ways to encourage and increase the number of one -of -a -kind boutique shops. SLO
downtown should never be an outdoor version of an Orange County mega mall.
Encourage a way to get a fresh fruits and veggies shop downtown (not just on Farmer's
Market night). If we really expect people to live in/near downtown, they need access to fresh
food shopping. Otherwise we can expect them to keep a car downtown and get in it just to
get to a store every couple days for fresh produce.
Expand housing choices and increase the retail mix in Downtown
Expanding housing choices and also retail stores would bring more people to downtown. The
college lifestyle asks for the city to have a better night life. It would also be really good
economically and socially.
■ We need more workforce and other low-cost housing in downtown, not more million dollar
condos. Hardware, grocery, and department stores would be a welcome return to the past.
Promote infill, reuse and mixed use that is well designed and compatible with the
surrounding neighborhood
When considering design and structure... think sustainability! We CAN build and/or remodel
efficiently .... check out this link (http://www.fastcoexist.com/168116o/the-greenest-office-
building-in-the-world-is-about-to-open-in-seattle#1) of a brand new office building in Seattle.
Imagine the applications to a SFR! We know it can be done...WHY isn't it? Cost? Stubborness?
Change is difficult... but if it's going to save money and our resources in the end ... what are we
waiting for? Even if just a few of the principles were used, we would be doing our
environment a world of good....
■ I would improve this idea by adding the category "Do Not Support". Stopping at "Neutral"
does not provide a true range of choice to the respondents.
® Mixed use and walkability are key to a vital neighborhood. Currently only the downtown
neighborhood has excelled at this. The Marigold neighborhood and the Laguna
SLOGPU_TF_LUCE o8 Principles 2013 02 11 RRR (2) Page 8
W7 v,
C:r"IV of
neighborhood shopping areas seem so remote from the homes they serve - could they
absorb penthouses to increase the cohesiveness of these neighborhoods? Would a better
grid system within the residential areas reduce the impact of the major traffic arterials that
seem to segment these communities?
Walkability was part of my neighborhood in Laguna Lake until the crosswalk which directly
lead to the pharmacy and grocery store was blocked and redirected by the city. The whole
area needs the same flashing crosswalks for residents that is exclusively provided to
downtown visitors. And single family, R1, neighborhoods should not be infilled with any
multifamily developments. Otherwise no buyer would be able to trust the configuration of
the neighborhood to remain constant and would therefore reduce all SFR values in the
future.
Is Apply this principle to the Johnson Avenue Housing Project, especially the "compatible with
the surrounding neighborhood" part.
Improve the jobs -housing balance
■ Encouraging affordable housing where the jobs are. Also, infill SMALL projects all around
town, especially on bus routes.
Promote a broad range of housing types
■ As long as there is a good public transportation system there is no need for workforce
housing to be immediately adjacent to the jobs. All new large SFR developments should be
required to provide MF dwellings within the development.
■ We shouldn't place restrictions on the type of housing that is built; we should encourage
builders to build housing that is in demand, not what people think is best.
I wish there was a dislike option instead of just neutral.
■ Encourage architects and developers to spring for the relatively small cost of an elevator.
There is currently only ONE multifamily project near downtown with single level units suitable
for buyers over 50. With our current demographic heavily consisting of college kids and
retirees, all projects with stairs seem to become student housing. Student housing is not our
job - it is Poly's.
We definitely need more flats; located near theaters, offices, groceries, retail etc.
■ As long as there is not too much of one thing. No large blocks of low income housing, no
exclusive wealthy ghettos. Mix it up.
U Protect the city's viewscapes
■ One again, apply to the Johnson Avenue Housing Project.
SLOGPU TF_LUCE oB Principles 2013 02 11 RRR (2) Page 9
CIRCULATION
Improve east -west travel for vehicles and bicycles
An east -west bike path travel connection for bicyclists must include connection to the
railroad trail (the north -south bike connection). So if the east -west connection is along Prado
or Tank Farm, I would suggests
-- Complete the railroad trail south to Tank Farm. Currently this section of the trail doesn't
happen until the Orcutt Area is developed. If either Tank Farm or Prado are updated to be the
east -west connection and this update precedes the Orcutt development, the RR trail should
be built in conjunction with the that earlier upgrade.
-- Complete the planned bikeJped. crossing of the RR at Industrial. This component is critical
to connecting the RR to either a Tank Farm or Prado east -west connection. It is also currently
dependent on the Orcutt development timing.
— Complete the RR trail to the intersection of Orcutt and Laurel. Currently the trail ends at
Orcutt (not the intersection)
An east -west travel connection for bicyclists must include connection to the railroad trail (the
north -south bike connection). So if the east -west connection is along Prado or Tank Farm,
would suggest:
-- Complete the railroad trail south to Tank Farm. Currently this section of the trail doesn't
happen until the Orcutt Area is developed. If either Tank Farm or Prado are updated to be the
east -west connection and this update precedes the Orcutt development, the RR trail should
be built in conjunction with the that earlier upgrade.
-- Complete the planned bikeJped. crossing of the RR at Industrial. This component is critical
to connecting the RR to either a Tank Farm or Prado east -west connection. It is also currently
dependent on the Orcutt development timing.
-- Complete the RR trail to the intersection of Orcutt and Laurel. Currently the trail ends at
Orcutt (not the intersection).
® Hurry up and widen the LOVR overpass. It is not safe for anyone!
SLO has forward -thinking, smart people. 1°'Prado Road"" as an ""East-West connection"",
has been on City documents for over 5o years, but a comprehensive EIR of ""Prado Road""
from Madonna Road to Broad Street at Industrial or the VERY ill-conceived f1.Northern
Alignment"" has never been done. Prado Road appears in a variety of ""Specific Plans"" -
Airport Area, Orcutt, Damon-Garcla, Margarita and even the superficial draft of the Chevron
remediation. However, Prado Road, as a four -lane truck highway, with round -a -bouts,
minimal Hwy. lol access, and an underfunded overpass has never been adequately evaluated.
Prior to new construction in this part of town, this EIR should be completed. In my opinion,
Prado Road is currently ""piecemeal"" or ""illegally segmented' into the City plan.
SLOGPU_TF LUCE o8 Principles zorg 02 11 RRR (a) Page io
t�110� d x
0Tj")0!lV
Indeed, Tank Farm should be widened to 4 lanes w Class 1 bike lanes. Allow for normal traffic
flow during Chevron's remediation of the toxic oil spill in 1926 - twice the mass of the BP spill.
Yes, widen Tank Fm now!
® Prado should be put through ASAP. And Tank Farm should be widened.
Hi Sandra - Please check my post. I agree. Let's widen Tank Farm Road now to 4 lanes w
proper Class 1 bike lanes. Let's encourage the City to complete a comprehensive EIR of Prado
Road now. Let's encourage transparency and smart growth! Take care.
Increase the use of alternative transportation modes
® Focus transit marketing on non -drivers and/or their care givers:
-- Approx. 24% of Californians do not drive. (According to the FHWA approx. only 76% of
Californians of driving age have licenses:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policy/ohim/hso6/driver_licensing.htm)
-- The reasons this group don't drive is either they are too old, too young, have a disability,
choose not to drive, have been prohibited from driving, or don't have access to an
automobile.
--According to an article in The Economist magazine, US driving rates by age are declining in
all age brackets under 50 (Don't Expect Driving Rates to Rise Again, 9125112).
-- So according to the second point, we can expect the % in the first point to rise.
-- Address both real issues and misconceptions on why people don't use public transit.
(googled top reasons people don't use public transit - Cost, Convenience (time, location,
weather), Privacy, Groups, Cargo, perceived Safety).
Improve pedestrian experience in Downtown
The entire downtown should be considered and designed to function best for pedestrians.
Motor vehicle traffic should be allowed but treated as a lower priority than pedestrians.
Street design should inhibit MV speeds to no more than 15 mph, putting them much closer to
pedestrian speeds. The driving experience should be designed to put drivers in a hyper alert
mode - no large (three lane) corridors that invoke the idea of free unimpeded movement.
Consider:
-- Wider sidewalks (at least the width of the bulb out area on the SE corner of Chorro and
Higuera.
-- Limit through traffic to two lanes, not three. This would help eliminate some of the moving
blind spots created by side by side traffic. (Blind spots make it harder to see pedestrians that
may be/want to be crossing mid block.)
-- Expand the number of mid -block ped. crossings.
SLOG PU_TF_LUCE o8 Principles 2013 02 11 RRR (z) Page 11
l� m
discourage parking (especially large MV) immediately prior to mid -block ped crossings
See my related comments in the "Improve Walkability City -Wide" topic
More lights at night downtown. Check out Healdsburg - more access to toilets, signs at
intersections which point to businesses, etc down side streets (like a sign on Higuera that
directs people to the art center)
I agree that way finding signs would be great. I've directed multiple people to the Mission.
Information could be posted at the pedestrian exits of the parking garages along with
wayfinding signs along sidewalks.
Less cars, The downtown is for people not cars.
Increase neighborhood connectivity to the rest of the city
To me neighborhood connectivity is NOT about how to allow motor vehicles easier access,
but to allow bikes/peds access without having to use major arterial streets. Ideally, peds/bikes
could use these points to connect through multiple neighborhoods to get to destinations
otherwise only traveled via arterial streets (schools, shopping, parks, employment centers).
All new developments should have to provide bike/ped (non motor vehicle) access between
them and adjacent areas. If adjacent developments don't have access points, look for existing
utility easements that might be modified for this use. Even when none exist currently, the
best options for future connectivity should be identified, provided for in the new
development, and then worked toward in future changes with the older development. Work
with the County to ensure that they do the same when allowing developments next to the
City limit.
® Although expensive, one or two pedestrian/bicycle bridges should be constructed across
Broad between South and Orcutt.
agree that Broad Street currently creates a huge barrier for bikes/peds that needs to be
addressed. But I'm not sure that bridges are the best or only solution, I would like to see
options explored like center refuges and bulbouts so that people wanting to cross don't have
to deal with the current long crossing distance. Traffic speed also needs to be lowered. I
doubt that traffic throughput would suffer with lower speeds since there are signal lights at
South and Orcutt that already regulate the flow.
Maximize the potential for grid systems within neighborhoods to disperse traffic, rather than
force it to artificial arterials and already high traffic streets. Streets with more than their fair
share of traffic become difficult to cross, segment neighborhoods and lose their property
values. This results in once nice residences becoming run down rentals, lower property
values, and lost tax revenue. Refrain from barricades and cul de sacs. Protecting pocket
blocks from traffic is self serving and not in the best interest of the city as a whole. Do not
succumb to the loudest voices, but do what is best overall, which is connectivity within a
neighborhood.
Residences on quiet streets and cul-de-sacs usually command better resale value. A well
marked and signaled major artery, and a slower speed zone creates the required safety to
SLOGPU_TF_LUCE o¢ Principles 2013 0211 RRR (2) Page 12
connect the neighborhoods with services. More cars in residential areas removes much of
the needed enjoyment and safety of family neighborhoods with children, pets, and
pedestrians.
■ Careful not to increase through traffic through neighborhoods. Concentrate on bike and
pedestrian improvements.
■ Maybe some neighborhoods want to be less connected.
Improve and fill in gaps in the city's bikeway network
■ Focus on projects that serve bicyclists primarily for transportation first. Create bikeways that
get people from where they live to where they work, shop, socialize and play. This will allow
people the choice to exchange an auto trip for a bike trip. Bikeways as destination points (a
place to go ride your bike) should be a much lower priority.
■ One gap is the gate that leads through the neighborhood south of Industrial Way.. I'm sure
that gate is closed because of The Graduate, but this should be revisited.
Improve walkability citywide
■ Consider that walking is everybody's primary mode of transportation. (Even when you drive
you have to walk from where you park your car to your destination.) Plan according to this
being the top priority for transportation.
■ Eliminate intersections impediments that require pedestrians to cross the street multiple
times to really just cross once. Examples: Marsh and Santa Rosa NW to NE corner, Madonna
and Higuera you have to cross Madonna in three segments on the west side, California and
Foothill NWto NE.
■ Eliminate intersections that require pedestrians to cross the street multiple times to really
just cross once. Examples: Marsh and Santa Rosa NW to NE corner, Madonna and Higuera
you have to cross Madonna in three segments on the west side, California and Foothill NW to
NE.
■ Lots of overhanging trees and bushes make sidewalk navigation difficult, ditto plants at the
sidewalk level that cover the walkway. I may have to carry clippers...
■ We walk all over the city, and one of the problems we encounter is broken sidewalks. We
often walk in the street instead.
® Have you contacted the City about these problems? I'd like to see a spot on the City's
website that is just "Got a problem? Report it here" - sometimes it's hard to know which
department should be contacted.
Improve the frequency of transit services and connections to the regional system
Ideally, I would want to see an increase in use of transit. Perhaps increasing current service
will do this, or may be it will just cost more while just being somewhat more convenient for
SLOGPU_TF_LUCE o8 Principles 2013 02 11 RRR (2) Page 13
some current users. See my comment on the "Increase the Use of Alternative Transportation
Modes" topic.
There should be more late night bus options due to low -lighting in the evening throughout
San Luis Obispo. This low -lighting makes bike and pedestrian travel less safe. A greater
frequency of night-time buses will be especially helpful on weekend nights. This could also
make the area safer for pedestrians and bikers by reducing number of intoxicated drivers on
the roads.
Have more frequent buses running to and from campus (rather than every 30 minutes) to
make it more convenient for students to get to class! This will also decrease the vehicular
traffic around Cal Poly, and attract students to utilize public transportation more often.
M Increase street safety for pedestrians and cyclists
Reduce vehicle speeds overall with lower speed limits, engineering solutions and
enforcement. Target areas that attract a high number of peds (near shopping, schools, parks,
downtown, etc.).
See, Literature Review on Vehicle Travel Speeds and Pedestrian Injuries:
http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/research/pub/hS809Ol2.htm]
Reductions in vehicle speeds can have a very significant influence on pedestrian crashes and
injuries. Pedestrians suffer much more serious injuries when struck by high-speed vehicles
than when struck by vehicles going more slowly. Also, many pedestrian crashes would be
prevented entirely had the vehicles been traveling more slowly, since driver and pedestrian
would have had more time to perceive the risk and react.
Planning for future, I would expect SLO population avg. age to rise with a continued influx of
retirees. The above source shows a much higher impact for people over 6o.
Lower speeds help bikes too as they more easily integrate with traffic.
■ Multi -lane arterial streets like Foothill and Broad should have center island refuges to aid
pedestrians in crossing at non -signalized intersections.
■ I would love to see more bike lanes that are separated from heavy vehicular traffic. The lane
provided along California right past Foothill is a great example of a safe, well designed bike
lane. This is primarily used by students, but it would be great to see these routes connected
all over town. This could promote healthy choices and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from
vehicular travel.
® Add a cross -walk on Osos St and Leff. There are hardly any safe pedestrian cross ways or even
lights on Osos St.
I thinkthat street parking, the bend in the road, and north bound traffic speed contribute to
the difficulty in crossing here.
-- The street parking north of the location is heavy and combined with the bend in the road,
SLOGPU_TF_LUCE o8 Principles 2013 02 11 RRR (z) Page 14
,e
4 -13. H
make pedestrian visibility difficult (motorist just don't seethe peds soon enough).
--Motorists speed for northbound traffic seems higher coming in to this intersection then it
is just north of the intersection or for south bound in to the intersection. (I have no stats to
support this, it is just an observation.) Perhaps some street design changes could
® I think that street parking, the bend in the road, and north bound traffic speed contribute to
the difficulty in crossing here.
-- The street parking north of the location is heavy and combined with the bend in the road,
make pedestrian visibility difficult (motorist just don't see the peds soon enough).
-- Motorists speed for north bound traffic seems higher coming in to this intersection then it
is just north of the intersection or for south bound in to the intersection. (I have no stats to
support this, it is just an observation.) Perhaps some street design changes could slow traffic
prior to the intersection?
® I think that street parking, the bend in the road, and north bound traffic speed contribute to
the difficulty in crossing here.
-- The street parking north of the location is heavy and combined with the bend in the road,
make pedestrian visibility difficult (motorist just don't see the peds soon enough). I suggest
the addition of sidewalk bulbouts here to make peds. more visible and cut down on the
distance they have to cross in the street.
-- Motorists speed for north bound traffic seems higher coming in to this intersection then it
is just north of the intersection or for south bound in to the intersection. (I have no stats to
support this, it is just an observation.) I suggest roadway configuration changes designed to
scow north bound traffic prior to the intersection.
Post more speed signs (25 mph) in neighborhoods. Place flashing lights on the surface of the
crosswalks on all streets adjacent to major shopping areas, not only downtown. This would
attract the attention of "distracted" drivers.
This is a great idea. The first order of business should be to remove the dangerous
crosswalks in the middle of the blocks. They create an area of danger for pedestrians due to
the fact that mid -block cross walks are incredibly uncommon, and unexpected.
Minimize circulation changes that increase neighborhood cut -through traffic
® Encourage the use of speed tables (like the ones on N. Broad and Pacific) and neighborhood
traffic circles to slow neighborhood traffic to 25mph or BELOW. This keeps neighborhood
traffic corridors open, allows for free flow of bicyclists, but keeps non -local traffic from
speeding through the area and lowering the quality of life for the neighborhood.
Stop signs on residential streets will slow diverted traffic, if not actually divert it. This is SLO
Town. Traffic should remain on the major streets. A campaign to remind drivers that safety
requires more time would be in order. Planning ahead by drivers would save lives.
SLOGPU_TF_LUCE o8 Principles 2013 02 11 RRR (a) Page 15
Minimize the creation of artificial arterials which require longer routes and increase
congestion on only a few streets. This reduces the desirability of those streets and isolates
the others. Visit Europe. Encourage fair traffic dispersion and neighborhood cohesion rather
than segmentation. Every time a street is blockaded another 3 become impacted, so avoid it.
Connect city's neighborhoods to natural systems and open spaces
® Do not create tourist paths through existing neighborhoods. There are already established
access roads connecting to major arteries. If someone wants to climb the peaks start walking
from the very bottom. Do not direct them through residential neighborhoods for a short cut!
SLOGPU_TF_LUCE oS Principles 2o13 o? 11 RRR (2) Page 16
UI3/sluawn3o(l :ge-ja Dm
bTOZ/TE/opt - F:TOZIZI6
S# dgsmjom
taoZIZZIT
9# do4slioA&
aTOZIsIs
triOZIT/t, VIOZ/LIT
-VE
DW 4eJa PuZ
t,TOZ AeLN
3:)m :eJa 1sT
33m 3043 trTOZJevy
— au!lpeap juejD
t,loz/0£/9
luourgo=
padolanap si ueld:}eiq "Z pun
/uejq!Z Aluno3 A4!:)
4luow ayj jo AepsoupaAA w€
A!4#uoui play sOuileaVq wuo3 Ise,
juawdolana(3 sanijeuaajlV
ETOZ/T/9-ETOZIT/T
s�eaHD-
8uu8 +u
ETOZ/i/OL I £LOZ/i/L £TOZ/T/
k t
1. A I£L pf - £T EMI
xujep4 uai;enlen3 Aollod
ETOZ/9T/8 IJ06@a sanljewajl#
uoZ in
# 0041S)IIJO{A
- zi
ewwn5 £# do4qJnM
STOZ/6/i
punoJSl:)e8 - Dm
ZZOZ/£/ZT-ZTOZ/Z/T
z#dc4s>[jom
ZTdZ/LZI6
sasnaH uado S
ZTOZ/SZIL
sasnaH Liado £
ZTOZ Z/6
AmuuunS Z# d04sVOM
ZTOZ/sT/OL
.voday puno ae0
STOZ/6ZI'E
juawn:)o❑ A71lOd/anijeuJajjV PaJaaJaJd uaislA Isailiunpoddp'sanssl
€TOZ/OE/8-ETOZ/T/9 £TOZ/T/Z-ZTOZ/OZIL
W 00"SEOZOIS'MMM
ZTOZ/TIL
T# doLMioM
ZTOZ/ST/S
ZTQZ{T;'r
ns _ 400�poo4toq
unf -dY zZJdy-Ztue
�amap
ojs
DRAFT
SAN LUIS OBISPO
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
February 27, 2013
CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL: Commissioners John Fowler, John Larson, Michael Multari, Airlin
Singewald, Charles Stevenson, Vice -Chairperson Eric Meyer (arrived
late), and Chairperson Michael Draze
Absent: Commissioner John Fowler
Staff: Community Development Director Derek Johnson, Deputy Community
Development Director Kim Murry, Assistant City Attorney Andrea
Visveshwara, and Recording Secretary Dawn Rudder
ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA:
The agenda was accepted as presented.
MINUTES:
Minutes of February 13, 2013, will be presented at the March 13t" meeting for review
and approval.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON -AGENDA ITEMS:
Mila Vujovich LaBarre, San Luis Obispo, is supportive of smart growth but feels that
there needs to be an environmental impact report for the Prado Road alignment. She
also hopes that any park land offered by Chevron can be located in closer proximity to
the existing Damon -Garcia sports fields.
Rosemary Wilvert; San Luis Obispo, supported Mila's comment.
Commr. Multari questioned what action by the City triggered discussion of Prado Road.
Derek Johnson, Community Development Director, answered that the Council
considered a reimbursement agreement for the Serra Meadows development in the
Margarita Area Specific Plan the previous week. He further indicated that
environmental review of the entire circulation network will be conducted as part of the
Land Use and Circulation Elements update.
There were no further comments made from the public.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. City -Wide. GPI 15-12: Land Use & Circulation Elements Update: Status update
and discussion of neighborhood boundaries and guiding principles; City of San
.Luis Obispo — Community Development Department, applicant. (Continued to
the March 13, 2013, Planning Commission meeting) (Kim Murry)
Draft Planning Commission Minutes
February 27, 2013
Page 2
Kim Murry, Deputy Community Development Director, recommended this item be
continued to the March 13t" Planning Commission meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
There were no comments made from the public.
COMMISSION COMMENTS:
There were no comments made from the Commission.
On motion by Commr. Multari, seconded by Commr. Stevenson, to continue Land Use
& Circulation Elements update to the March 13, 2013, Planning Commission meeting_
AYES: Commrs. Singewald, Multari, Stevenson, Larson and Draze
NOES: None
RECUSED: None
ABSENT: Commr. Fowler and Vice -Chair Meyer.
The motion passed on a 5:0 vote.
COMMENT AND DISCUSSION:
2. Staff
a. ALUP update
Kim Murry, Deputy Community Development Director, presented information
regarding the Airport Land Use Commission efforts to update the San Luis Obispo
County Regional Airport Land Use Plan. She explained the work conducted to
date, including mapping the California Aeronautics Safety Zones, and comparing
these to the safety zones being considered by the Airport Land Use Commission
and impacts to development potential. City Council will receive a briefing on the
Airport Plan update on March 19, 2013.
There was general discussion between Commissioners and Staff regarding the
Airport Land Use Planning safety zones, crash history, and the overview maps.
Mila Vujovich LaBarre, San Luis Obispo, pointed out safety concerns. She
encouraged the Commission to consider Prado Road through an EIR prior to going
forward.
b. Agenda Forecast — Kim Murry presented the agenda forecast.
3. Commission
Commr. Multari questioned when the Leicher Apartment project was returning to the
Council.
Draft Planning Commission Minutes
February 27, 2013
Page 3
Derek Johnson stated the budget goals have been submitted to the City. Three of
those goals fall under the purview of the Community Development Department:
Strategies to address Homelessness; Downtown Revitalization; and Neighborhood
Wellness. Goal programs will be reviewed by the City Council on April 9tn with further
direction for the final budget. He also highlighted the community workshop "For the
Love of San Luis Obispo" coming up March 4tn
ADJOURMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 6:52 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by,
Dawn Rudder
Recording Secretary