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HomeMy WebLinkAboutph3gpa-spaforrighettiranch FROM: Derek Johnson, Community Development Director Prepared By: David Watson, Consulting Planner & Brian Leveille, Associate Planner SUBJECT: REQUEST TO INITIATE AMENDMENTS TO THE ORCUTT AREA SPECIFIC PLAN (OASP), INCLUDING ADJUSTMENT OF THE URBAN RESERVE LINE (URL), REZONING OF APPROXIMATELY 3.6 ACRES OF CONSERVATION/OPEN SPACE (C/OS) ZONING TO SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R-1-SP) ON PORTIONS OF THE NORTH, WEST AND EAST FLANKS OF RIGHETTI HILL, AND RECONFIGURATION OF APPROXIMATELY 2.8 ACRES OF R-1, R-3 AND PARK ZONED LAND WITHIN THE OASP (CITY FILE NO. SPA 95-13). STAFF RECOMMENDATION Adopt the draft resolution (Attachment 1), approving the request to initiate amendments to the Orcutt Area Specific Plan while maintaining existing Conservation Open Space zoning (C-OS) and maintaining the Urban Reserve Line (URL) in in the current location. PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Adopt the draft resolution (Attachment 2), approving the request to initiate amendments to the Orcutt Area Specific Plan including consideration of adjustment of the Urban Reserve Line (URL) and rezoning of approximately 3.6 acres of Conservation Open Space zoning (C-OS) to Single Family Residential (R-1-SP). SITE DATA Applicant Travis Fuentes, Dante Anselmo Ambient Communities Representative Todd Smith, Cannon Zoning various per specific plan General Plan Orcutt Area Specific Plan Site Area 143.82 acres Environmental Status A Program-Level Final EIR was certified for the OASP in 2010. Meeting Date Item Number Tank Farm Road Applicants Site March 4, 2014 Righetti Hill URL shown in green PH3 - 1 Council Agenda Report – Initiation of OASP Amendments; 3987 Orcutt Road Page 2 REPORT-IN-BRIEF The applicant is requesting authorization from the City Council to initiate amendments to the Orcutt Area Specific Plan (OASP) including the relocation of the Urban Reserve Line (URL) to accommodate development in areas currently zoned Conservation/Open Space (C-OS) on Righetti Hill. The Planning Commission reviewed the applicant’s request for Specific Plan Initiation on January 22, 2014. The Planning Commission recommended Initiation of the requested Specific Plan Amendments including the adjustment of the URL on Righetti Hill and rezoning of approximately 3.6 acres of Conservation Open Space Zoning (C/OS) to Single-Family Residential (R-1-SP) (Attachment 7, Planning Commission Resolution and Minutes). Staff is recommending that the URL remain in its current location and is recommending that the 3.6 acres of Conservation and Open Space Zoning (C-OS) outside the URL remain open space, since there are alternative designs which could be developed which meet objectives of the OASP to meet target residential densities and to preserve scenic and natural resources. The applicant is also requesting modifications to the OASP to relocate Medium-High Density Residential zoning (R-3) to the Southwest corner of the project site and to reconfigure R-1 and Park zoning. The Planning Commission voted to include these modifications in the SPA initiation recommended to Council. The applicant is requesting clarification on the applicability of several regulations and policies to the proposed project including: grading and hillside construction ordinances, URL setback requirements, and the level of environmental review that would apply to the project. The evaluation provided in this report provides responses to these requests for clarifications. As discussed in more detail in the following evaluation, the level of environmental review will have to be determined when the formal project is evaluated and complete project information is provided, if the initiation request if authorized by Council. If authorized by the City Council, a formal application for the proposed Specific Plan Amendments consistent with the approved initiation will be required. The Specific Plan Amendment proposal will be evaluated along with the proposed subdivision, design review, and any necessary environmental review. The Initiation review is not intended to be an exhaustive analysis of the applicant’s project plans and does not identify all potential City policies or development standards requirements which could require project revisions. If the Initiation request is authorized by City Council, a subsequent formal application would be submitted and evaluated based on City Council direction.. Many of the items included in the applicant’s Initiation narrative - which are less significant in scope such as adjustments to parkland dedication, pathways in creek setbacks, detention basins, storm water facilities, and street cross sections - should be evaluated as part of the complete project submittal which will be evaluated with the subdivision and SPA amendment proposals following the Specific Plan Amendment Initiation. This staff report provides an overview of the applicable polices that relate to the proposed zone changes and urban reserve line adjustment and provides brief responses to the applicant’s requested clarifications. PH3 - 2 Council Agenda Report – Initiation of OASP Amendments; 3987 Orcutt Road Page 3 SPECIFIC PLAN INITIATION Sections 17.070.010 1 and 17.70.020 2 requires that the City Council approve a resolution of intention to change any property from one zone to another. Prior to considering a resolution of intention, the Planning Commission must hold a hearing and provide a written recommendation to the City Council 3. The Planning Commission held a hearing on January 22, 2014 and a summary of their action is included in the report. The minutes from the meeting are included as (Attachment 6, PC Staff Report). The Righetti Ranch project site comprises just under 144 acres of the overall 231-acre Orcutt Area Specific Plan (Vicinity Map, Attachment 3). The applicant has submitted an Initiation narrative (Attachment 4) which requests to modify or seek clarification on the following: a. Adjust the Urban Reserve Line (URL) along portions of the North (0.6 acres) and West sides (2.4 acres) of Righetti Hill and a portion of the east flank of Righetti Hill (0.6 acres) (Figure 1, below). b. Approximately 2.8 acres of R-3 (Medium-High Density) Zoning currently shown south of “D” Street is proposed to be moved to the southwest corner of project site, with R-1 Zoning added below “D” Street. A corresponding replacement of park space north of the new R-3 location is also proposed (Attachment 6). c. Receive clarification regarding the conformance of the 2010 Final EIR with respect to adjusting the URL. d. Receive clarification on when the 50’ setback from the URL is applied, and on grading and hillside construction ordinances with respect to large subdivisions. In addition to the project narrative provided by the applicant (Attachment 4), the applicant has provided project plans which depict the planned subdivision design based on the Initiation request (plan sheet 2B, Attachment 5). Attachment 6 includes an applicant letter addressed to the Planning Commission and a slope analysis that was prepared by the applicant team and was presented to the Planning Commission at the January 22, 2014 hearing. 117.70.010 Scope. An amendment to these regulations which changes any property from one zone to another shall be adopted as set forth in Sections 17.70.020 through 17.70.060. Any other amendment to these regulations may be adopted as other ordinances and amendments to the municipal code are adopted. (Ord. 941 § 1 (part), 1982: prior code § 9204.7(A)) 2 17.70.020 Initiation. An amendment to these regulations may be initiated by: A. A resolution of intention of the city council. (Ord. 1591 § 26, 2013: Ord. 941 § 1 (part), 1982: prior code § 9204.7(B)) 3 SLOMC 17.70.030 Planning commission action. PH3 - 3 Council Agenda Report – Initiation of OASP Amendments; 3987 Orcutt Road Page 4 DISCUSSION Specific Plan Initiation Request The applicant’s proposal involves several zoning amendments within the Orcutt Area Specific Plan. Zoning Code section 17.70 et seq. requires Council authorization in order to initiate amendments involving zone changes. In addition to the Initiation request, the applicant has requested formal clarification on the applicability of development standards and policies for the proposed development. Planning Commission Review and Recommendation The Planning Commission reviewed this request on January 22, 2014 (Attachment 6, PC Staff Report). The Commission approved two motions. One motion was to recommend the Council approve the Initiation request including the applicant requested adjustments to the Urban Reserve Line and rezoning of 3.6 acres of C/OS to R-1-SP. The motion passed on a 4-3 vote (voting no: Fowler, Multari, Riggs). The second motion recommended the Council review items of concern to the Planning Commission including view shed, traffic management, parking standards, school locations, and alternatives to the development design regarding street layout. The motion passed on a vote of 4-3 (voting no: Fowler, Multari, Stevenson) (PC Resolution and minutes, Attachment 7). If authorized by Council, review of these items will be part of the review of the formal application following the Initiation. Areas proposed to be rezoned Figure 1. Areas of proposed rezoning from C-OS to R-1 (URL adjustments). PH3 - 4 Council Agenda Report – Initiation of OASP Amendments; 3987 Orcutt Road Page 5 EVALUATION The stated purpose by the applicant of the proposed rezones is to achieve the unit production contemplated in the Orcutt Area Specific Plan (OASP). The OASP identified a number of overall goals which are included in Attachment 10. In the preparation of the OASP, the City of San Luis Obispo sought to balance out many goals, including resource protection and the development of additional housing to meet the City’s housing needs. A compendium of OASP open space and housing policies has been included as Attachment 10. The build out potential for the OASP was estimated to be 892-979 units. The applicant has indicated that they were unable to obtain the estimated OASP yield for the property of 288-319 units and therefore adjustments were needed to produce the projected housing identified in the OASP. The applicant has indicated that without adjustment of the URL, approximately 26 R-1 lots would be lost. Based on the current design, a number of the larger R-1 lots on the steeper slopes of Righetti Hill could not be provided. However, the OASP includes flexibility to meet target R-1 densities4 which could be included in the subdivision design. It should be noted that protection of the steeper, more visually prominent hillsides of Righetti Hill where the applicant is proposing URL adjustment, was intended when the Specific Plan was adopted. Section 1.2 of the OASP states in part: “When the specific Plan was adopted, the Urban Reserve line was amended to enable the addition of approximately 30 lots designed to be compatible with the rural residential lots on the east side of Orcutt Road between Calle Crotala and Hansen Lane. Righetti Hill will be annexed into the City, but will remain outside of the URL because it is designed in the Specific Plan as Open Space.”5 This adjustment to the URL was an intentional “trade-off” to allow additional residential lots on the less visually sensitive portions of the site on the flatter portions of the Righetti property while preserving prominent open space on the highly visible and steeper slopes of the west flanks of Righetti Hill. The applicant’s proposal includes utilizing both areas for development. Without additional revisions to the applicant’s preliminary design, approximately 160 R-1 lots would be provided compared to the OASP target density range for the property of 181-187 R-1 lots. The overall plan goals of the Specific Plan are to provide a variety of housing types and costs to meet the needs of renters and buyers with a variety of income-levels, and to protect and enhance Righetti Hill, creek/wetland habitats, and visual resources in open space areas. To that extent, the City Council should weigh the goals and policies of housing production and resource protection as it considers the proposed Initiation of zone changes. Council should also consider that the applicant’s subdivision layout does not incorporate many of the OASP’s design concepts and flexibility provided in development standards to be consistent with the intent of the OASP as an 4 OASP Land Use and Development Standards, Policy 3.2.5: Varied lot sizes, possible with zero-lot lines, are encouraged in the R-1 development area to gain efficiency, incorporate more affordable units, and avoid repetitious design. The minimum allowed lot size in the R-1 zone will be 4,500 square feet. 5 OASP 1.2. Plan Goals and Consistency with the General Plan PH3 - 5 Council Agenda Report – Initiation of OASP Amendments; 3987 Orcutt Road Page 6 urban neighborhood as reflected by residential standards that allow for small lots, zero-lot line development and other land efficient methods of residential development.6 The approval of a resolution of Initiation that includes any an adjustment of the URL and Rezoning of open space to residential does not obligate the City to approve a rezone after a full environmental and policy analysis has been prepared. The Initiation indicates that the City will study and provide the appropriate level of information to decision makers in making any final decision. In the course of analysis, if an EIR is prepared, then alternatives will be analyzed that could generate the same number of residential units without adjusting the URL and rezoning open space to residential. Proposed adjustment of Urban Reserve Line (URL) and Rezoning from C/OS to R-1-SP The applicant is proposing adjustment of the URL to higher elevation on the north and west flanks of Righetti Hill (Figure 1, above). This would result in about 3.6 acres of land zoned Conservation Open Space (C-OS) to be rezoned for residential development (R-1-SP). At present, the URL varies between the 260’ to 320’ contours as noted in the OASP Figures. The applicant’s project narrative references two policies in the OASP which reference open space dedication above the 320-foot elevation to the top of the hill 7 (Attachment 4, applicant narrative). The applicant also notes the 2012 easement recorded for the Righetti hillside that more closely corresponds to the 320’ contour line. The 2012 easement was a condition of annexation imposed by the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO). At the time this condition was imposed by LAFCO, the easement was generally placed along the 320’ contour and was intended to allow some flexibility in final placement of the URL, as detailed analysis was undertaken with the Specific Plan. This more detailed analysis would allow the final placement of the URL to be delineated, taking into consideration physical constraints of the hill, as well as visual and aesthetic consideration, public access, wildland fuels management, and cultural/historic resources. The Natural Resources Manager has indicated that the intent of the OASP was to record the easement above the URL in some locations to allow for more flexibility for construction and maintenance of access trails, and work for wildland fuels management. There is no conflict between the location of the recorded easement and the final placement of the URL which is clearly identified in various graphics and adopted figures of the OASP including figures 1.3 & 2.4 (land use map & open space and parks plan). The detailed mapping and zoning of the OASP took physical constraints into account, including development restrictions above 30% slopes, geology and soils stability, visual and aesthetic impacts of development on the hill, public access, biological and cultural resources, and wildland fuels management. The URL generally follows the 320’ contour with exceptions where the slope increases as it does most prominently on the southwest side of Righetti Hill. The URL appropriately dips down to 260’ to avoid development on steep and prominently visible hillside locations. As discussed above, the adjustment of the URL to allow the additional 30 lots was specifically intended to protect the visual resources of the west flanks of Righetti Hill. 6 OASP Land Use and Developmetn Standards, 3.1. Density 7 OASP Conservation, Open Space and Recreation Policy 2.2.9 & OASP Section 3.2.3 PH3 - 6 Council Agenda Report – Initiation of OASP Amendments; 3987 Orcutt Road Page 7 Figure 3, below, describes the current placement of the URL as shown on OASP Figure 1.3. OASP Figure 1.3 reflects the Land Use Plan for the Specific Plan area, and shows the placement of the URL on Righetti Hill, with Open Space land use above. This graphic, which is consistent throughout the OASP, shows the placement of the URL at varying elevations (between 260’ to 320’) on the hillside. Urban Reserve Line at Righetti Hill (URL) Figure 3 (Source: Orcutt Area Specific Plan Figure 1.3 – “Specific Plan” Land Use Plan) PH3 - 7 Council Agenda Report – Initiation of OASP Amendments; 3987 Orcutt Road Page 8 Figure 4 (Source: Orcutt Area Specific Plan Figure 1.2 – “Existing Site Conditions”) As noted above, the demarcation of the URL on Righetti Hill was primarily based on the intent of setting aside slopes above a 30% incline, consistent with city-wide General Plan and Conservation/Open Space policies. The demarcation of the 30% slope line on OASP Figure 1.2 is highlighted in Figure 4 for ease of reference. Demarcation of 30% slope boundary at Righetti Hill Figure 5 URL and slopes on Righetti Hill (Source: Planning Department GIS mapping) PH3 - 8 Council Agenda Report – Initiation of OASP Amendments; 3987 Orcutt Road Page 9 The current location of urban reserve line is exclusively below the 30% slope line and closely corresponds with the 20% slope line along the western flanks of Righetti Hill with the exception of one area at the north end of Righetti Hill which is designated for linear parklands. Conservation and Open Space Element Policy discourages development on slopes over 20%8, to maintain public views of significant views and view sheds of prominent natural features such as the city’s greenbelt and the Morros 9. The URL was defined on Righetti Hill to reflect an upper limit to development consistent with the General Plan Policies referenced above. The intent of the Urban Reserve Line is to establish a clear demarcation and boundary between developable lands and Open Space 10. There is no precedent to establish an Urban Reserve line with the adoption of a Specific Plan with the intent to later adjust the boundary to accommodate proposed development. As discussed below, the OASP includes a significant amount of flexibility which was included in the Specific Plan specifically to achieve target residential densities while implementing and remaining consistent with General Plan Policies for open space and view protection. Reconfiguring R-1, R-3 and Park Lands in the Southwest Corner of the Subject Property Consistent with the Planning Commission recommendation, staff recommends rezoning the southwest corner of the property from R-1 to R-3 and reconfiguring the area for park lands. Staff concurs that there are potential benefits of the relocation and rezoning of land which would warrant further evaluation in a formal application. Moving the R-3 zoned land would place this higher density housing closer to park facilities, potential future commercial amenities and the proposed new location is on flatter ground. The original R-1 location was isolated from the rest of the residentially zoned land in the project and would be less environmentally and economically feasible to make circulation and infrastructure connections with the rest of the OASP. Clarification on Conformance of the 2010 FEIR to the Proposed URL Adjustments The EIR for the OASP was certified by the City Council with a finding that Aesthetic impacts were a Class 1, Significant Unavoidable Impact. Under this determination, a Statement of Overriding Considerations was adopted that essentially acknowledged that the various mitigation measures imposed under the Specific Plan (such as the URL limitation, special height limits, open space corridors and alignments, and others) would still not collectively resolve visual impacts to less-than- significant thresholds. If the URL is adjusted, it would likely increase the Class 1 impacts beyond those considered by the Final EIR. The Final EIR did not consider the scope of the applicant’s proposed adjustments to the URL and other proposed modifications, which also include more significant hillside grading than was evaluated in the OASP FEIR. 8 General Plan Conservation and Open Space Policy 9.1.1.B.1-4. Avoid visually prominent locations such as ridgelines, and slopes exceeding 20 percent, avoid unnecessary grading, preserve scenic landforms, and avoid stark contrasts with setting. 9 Land Use Element Policy 6.2 Hillside Policies. Protect and preserve scenic hillside areas and natural feature sucha s the volcanic Morros. Steep slope areas function as landscape backdrops for the Community. 10 Conservation and Open Space Program 8.7.1. Protect open space resources: Maintain the Urban Reserve Line location except where a relatively small enlargement of the urban area is tied to permanent protection of substantial open land that did not previously have protection. PH3 - 9 Council Agenda Report – Initiation of OASP Amendments; 3987 Orcutt Road Page 10 The Planning Commission and staff concur that a determination on the scope of CEQA review will need to be evaluated at the time a formal application is presented, if this Initiation request is authorized by Council. Clarifications Regarding Applicability of Specific Development Standards Questions were posed by the applicant concerning (1) applicability of C/OS Element standards calling for 50’ setbacks from an existing URL, (2) Community Design Guideline standards calling for hillside grading to result in lots containing at least 5,000 sf of naturally occurring slopes of 10% or less, and (3) Construction and Fire Prevention Regulations discouraging mass re-contouring and grading. The 50’ URL setback reference is made to General Plan Open Space policies requiring 50-foot setbacks from new development to an existing URL. Section 1.2 of the OASP provides guidance on how to interpret plan goals and consistency with the General Plan. OASP Section 1.2 states in part: “The policies and standards in the OASP take precedence over more general policies and standards during review of public and private projects within the Specific Plan Area.” Section 1.2 clarifies that in circumstances where policies or standards relating to a particular aspect of development have not been provided in the Specific Plan, the existing policies and standards of the City’s General Plan and Zoning Ordinance will apply11. A more targeted and specific analysis was used in establishing standards for the location of the Righetti Hill URL in the OASP. The OASP was adopted to guide the placement of new development to minimize, but not eliminate, visual impacts on Righetti Hill. This not only includes the URL, but land use types, roadway and trail alignments, building height limitations, and various other restrictive standards that, collectively, act to reduce the impact of development encroaching up this hillside. Based on the current mapping of the URL and noted development criteria as discussed in this report, the land use exhibits and conceptual lot patterning shown in the OASP take precedence over the standard General Plan URL setback requirement of 50 feet as described in OASP section 1.2. The applicant requested clarification on the applicability of a Community Design Guideline which states that new lots must include at least 5,000 square feet of area composed of naturally occurring slopes of 10% or less 12. This standard comes from the Community Design Guidelines, Chapter 7.2, Hillside Development, Subdivision Design Section 7.2.A.1.a(2), and is intended for smaller subdivisions and not larger lot master planned communities such as the Orcutt Area Specific Plan which specifically included provisions for reduced lot sizes and flexibility in development standards to allow a variety of housing types along with protection and preservation of features such as Righetti Hill. The applicants have also requested clarification on the applicability of grading regulations to the proposed project. Construction and Fire Prevention Regulations 15.04, “Special Grading 11 OASP 1.2 Plan Goals and Consistency with the General Plan 12 Community Design Guideline 7.2.A.1.a(2) PH3 - 10 Council Agenda Report – Initiation of OASP Amendments; 3987 Orcutt Road Page 11 Standards”, that requires finished topography of a development site to remain in substantially its natural state, discouraging mass re-contouring and grading. Table J101.6 established various maximum percentages of sites that could be graded based on varying slope categories. The City Council recently approved an Ordinance amendment to this standard that provides clarification that strict adherence to this Table J101.6 is not required when a grading plan is approved as a part of a tentative subdivision map or other development entitlement that is otherwise consistent with General Plan and hillside development standards. In the case of the proposed development, Table J101.6 would not be applicable to processing the applicant’s application. The Planning Commission concurred with these interpretations and have been communicated to the applicant team. CONCLUSION The OASP is designed to meet goals established in the City’s General Plan. The protection and enhancement of Righetti Hill and visual resources in open space areas are key plan goals of the OASP 13. Another plan goal of the OASP is to provide a new residential neighborhood to meet the City’s housing needs. When the OASP was adopted, adjustments were made so that the URL’s final position would ensure protection of views toward the more prominent steeper slopes of Righetti Hill. The OASP was designed with flexibility in mind so that these objectives would not be mutually exclusive 14. Righetti Hill is listed in the General Plan as a particularly important natural landmark as one of the defining Morros 15, and is visible from much of the southern portion of the City16. Orcutt Road and Tank Farm Road are designated in the General Plan as having high scenic value and the Specific Plan is designed to preserve and enhance these scenic resources. As a result, staff does not recommend studying a change in the URL as requested by the applicant. Resources would be more effectively allocated developing alternative designs for the neighborhood that meet the objectives of the OASP and preserve scenic and natural resources. FISCAL IMPACT When the General Plan was prepared, it was accompanied by a fiscal impact analysis, which found that overall the General Plan was fiscally balanced. Accordingly, when the Orcutt Area Specific Plan was adopted, it included a Public Facilities Financing component that resulted in a finding of a neutral fiscal impact. ALTERNATIVES 1. The Council may elect to modify the scope of possible amendments to the Orcutt Area Specific Plan as presented by the Planning Commission. 13 OASP 1.2 Plan Goals and Consistency with the General Plan 14 OASP 3.1 & Policy 3.2.5 Density can be calculated with net lot area prior to subdivision, minimum lot sizes reduced, and zero-lot lines encouraged in R-1 development in order to gain efficiency, incorporate more affordable units and avoid repetitious design. 15 OASP 1.5 Planning Area Character 16 OASP 2.4 Scenic Resources PH3 - 11 Council Agenda Report – Initiation of OASP Amendments; 3987 Orcutt Road Page 12 2. The Council may choose not to initiate amendments to the OASP at this time. 3. The Council may continue review of the request(s), if more information is needed. Direction should be given to staff and the applicants. ATTACHMENTS Attachment 1: Draft Resolution, Staff recommendation Attachment 2: Draft Resolution, Planning Commission recommendation Attachment 3: Vicinity Map Attachment 4: Initiation narrative, Ambient Communities, October 9, 2013 Attachment 5: Project plans, Initiation submittal, October 4, 2013 Attachment 6: Exhibit, relocation of R-1 & R-3 zoning Attachment 7: Planning Commission Staff Report, January 22, 2014 Attachment 8: Planning Commission Resolution No. PC-5594-14 and minutes, January 22, 2014 Attachment 9: Applicant’s letter to Planning Commission & slope analysis, January 22, 2014 Attachment 10: OASP Open Space, Scenic Resources & Land Use-Housing Policies AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW IN THE COUNCIL OFFICE Full size project plans Orcutt Area Specific Plan T:\Council Agenda Reports\2014\2014-03-04\GPA-SPA for Righetti Ranch (Johnson-Leveille)\Council Agenda Report (Righetti Ranch – SPA Initiation).docx PH3 - 12 Attachment 1 RESOLUTION NO. (2014 Series) A RESOLUTION OF THE SAN LUIS OBISPO CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING INITIATION OF SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENTS TO THE ORCUTT AREA SPECIFIC PLAN FOR THE RIGHETTI RANCH PROJECT (SPA 95-13) MAINTAINING THE EXISTING CONSERVATION/OPEN SPACE ZONING AND PRESERVING THE URBAN RESERVE LINE (URL) IN THE CURRENT ADOPTED LOCATION WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of San Luis Obispo conducted a public hearing in the Council Chamber of City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California, on January 22, 2014, pursuant to a proceeding instituted under application SPA 95- 13, and recommended Council approval of the requested Specific Plan Initiation; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo conducted a public hearing in the Council Chamber of City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California, on March 4, 2014, for the purpose of reviewing the applicant’s proposal; and WHEREAS, notices of said public hearing were made at the time and in the manner required by law; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo as follows: SECTION 1. Findings. Based upon all the evidence, the City Council makes the following findings: 1. The request to initiate amendments to the General Plan is consistent with City Regulations and Council authorization to initiate General Plan Amendments is required since modifications are proposed to General Plan Land Use designations of the Orcutt Area Specific Plan and relocation of the City of San Luis Obispo adopted Urban Reserve Line (URL). 2. On January 22, 2014, the Planning Commission reviewed and recommended action on the proposed initiation of General Plan Amendments. 3. The requested initiation does not grant land use entitlements and authorize evaluation of the proposed amendments to the Orcutt Area Specific Plan as part of a formal application. Section 2. Environmental Review. The proposed request for initiation involves and initial feedback and direction on the proposed amendments and does not include any final action. Council action on the proposed initiation is exempt from environmental review per CEQA Guidelines under the General Rule (Section 15061(b)(3)). If initiation of amendments is authorized by the City Council, a formal project submittal for consideration of the proposed amendments including subdivision and associated discretionary entitlements will be subject to environmental review. PH3 - 13 Resolution No. _______________ (2014 Series) Attachment 1 Page 2 Section 3. Action. The City Council hereby authorizes initiation of the Specific Plan Amendments allowing formal submittal of requested entitlements for evaluation and further consideration by Council with the following modification: 1. Plans submitted for formal evaluation shall maintain the existing Conservation/Open Space Zoning and preserve the Urban Reserve Line (URL) in the current adopted location. Upon motion of _______________________, seconded by _______________________, and on the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: The foregoing Resolution was adopted this _______________________, 2014. Mayor Jan Marx ATTEST: ____________________________ Anthony J. Mejia, CMC City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: _/s/ J.Christine Dietrick_____________________ Christine Dietrick, City Attorney PH3 - 14 Resolution No. _______________ (2014 Series) Attachment 1 Page 3 T:\Council Agenda Reports\2014\2014-03-04\GPA-SPA for Righetti Ranch (Johnson-Leveille)\Attachment 1, Resolution (Staff Recommendation).docx PH3 - 15 Attachment 2 RESOLUTION NO. (2014 Series) A RESOLUTION OF THE SAN LUIS OBISPO CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING INITIATION OF SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENTS TO THE ORCUTT AREA SPECIFIC PLAN FOR THE RIGHETTI RANCH PROJECT (SPA 95-13) INCLUDING EVALUATION AND FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF ADJUSTMENT OF THE URBAN RESERVE LINE (URL) AND REZONING OF APPROXIMATELY 3.6 ACRES OF CONSERVATION AND OPEN SPACE ZONING (C-OS) TO SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R-1-SP) WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of San Luis Obispo conducted a public hearing in the Council Chamber of City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California, on January 22, 2014, pursuant to a proceeding instituted under application SPA 95- 13, and recommended Council approval of the requested Specific Plan Initiation; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo conducted a public hearing in the Council Chamber of City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California, on March 4, 2014, for the purpose of reviewing the applicant’s proposal; and WHEREAS, notices of said public hearing were made at the time and in the manner required by law; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo as follows: SECTION 1. Findings. Based upon all the evidence, the City Council makes the following findings: 1. The request to initiate amendments to the General Plan is consistent with City Regulations and Council authorization to initiate General Plan Amendments is required since modifications are proposed to General Plan Land Use designations of the Orcutt Area Specific Plan and relocation of the City of San Luis Obispo adopted Urban Reserve Line (URL). 2. On January 22, 2014, the Planning Commission reviewed and recommended action on the proposed initiation of General Plan Amendments. 3. The requested initiation does not grant land use entitlements and authorize evaluation of the proposed amendments to the Orcutt Area Specific Plan as part of a formal application. Section 2. Environmental Review. The proposed request for initiation involves initial feedback and direction on the proposed amendments and does not include any final action or approval. Council action on the proposed initiation is exempt from environmental review per CEQA Guidelines under the General Rule (Section 15061(b)(3)). If initiation of amendments is authorized by the City Council, a formal project submittal for consideration of the proposed amendments including subdivision and associated discretionary entitlements will be subject to environmental review. PH3 - 16 Resolution No. _______________ (2014 Series) Attachment 2 Page 2 Section 3. Action. The City Council hereby authorizes initiation of the Specific Plan Amendments allowing formal submittal of requested entitlements for evaluation and further consideration by Council including adjustment of the Urban Reserve Line (URL) and rezoning of approximately 3.6 acres of Conservation Open Space zoning (C-OS) to Single Family Residential (R-1-SP). Upon motion of _______________________, seconded by _______________________, and on the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: The foregoing Resolution was adopted this _______________________, 2014. Mayor Jan Marx ATTEST: ____________________________ Anthony J. Mejia, CMC City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: _/s/ J.Christine Dietrick_____________________ Christine Dietrick, City Attorney PH3 - 17 Resolution No. _______________ (2014 Series) Attachment 2 Page 3 T:\Council Agenda Reports\2014\2014-03-04\GPA-SPA for Righetti Ranch (Johnson-Leveille)\Attachment 1, Resolution (Staff Recommendation).docx PH3 - 18 C/OS-SP M R-2-SP R-2 R-1-SP R-3-SP R-1-SP R-1-SP R-1-SP PF-SP R-1-SP R-1-SP R-1-SP R-1-SP R-2-SP C/OS-40 R-1-SP R-1-SP R-1-SP R-1 R-1-SPPF-SP R-2-SP R-1-SP R-1-SP R-3-PD R-2-SP R-1-PD-SP R-4-SP R-2-SP R-2-SP R-1-SP R-3 R-1-SPR-2-SP C/OS-SP R-1-SP PF-SP R-1-SP R-1-SP R-1-SP R-2-SP R-2-SP R-2-SP R-1-SP R-3-SP R-1-SP M-S PF-SP PF-SP R-2-SP R-1R-1 R-1-SP R-4-SP C/OS R-2-SP-PD R-3-SP R-4-SP C/OS-SP C-C-MUC-C-MU C/OS-40-SP C/OS-40-SP R-2-SP C/OS-40-SP R-2-SP C/OS-SP R-1 R-2-SP C/OS-SP R-2-PD R-2-SP C/OS-SP R-1-SP R-4-SP PF-SP R-1-SP C/OS-SP C/OS-40-SP PF-SP C/OS-SP O R C U T T TANK FARM TIBU R O N HANSEN IRONBARK B U L L O C K S E Q U O I A WAV E R T R E E ALDER SPANI S H O A K S H O L L Y H O C K SAWL E A F CALLE C R O T A L O INDUSTR I A L ARALIA AS H M O R E POPP Y BOXWOOD OLE A ORCUTT VICINITY MAP File No. 95-133987 ORCUTT ¯ Attachment 3 PH3 - 19 Attachment 4 PH3 - 20 Improvements per OASP Area Righetti % of OASP Improvements Righetti OASP Land Area 144 acres 231 acres 62.3% Acres of Development 45 acres 115 acres 39.3% Unit Allocation by Property 288-313 892-979 31.5 % Dedicated Parkland & Regional Detention 14 acres & 5.6 acres 27.8 acres 70% Dedicated Open Space (includes Conservation Easements) 72 acres (73.5 offered by proposed plan) 79 acres 90.1% (92.7%) Offsite Frontage Improvements (Orcutt & Tank Farm) - - 55% Shared Sewer & Water Improvements - - 70% Attachment 4 PH3 - 21 Attachment 4 PH3 - 22 Attachment 4 PH3 - 23 Attachment 4 PH3 - 24 Attachment 4 PH3 - 25 Attachment 4 PH3 - 26 Attachment 4 PH3 - 27 • • • • • Attachment 4 PH3 - 28 Attachment 4 PH3 - 29 Attachment 4 PH3 - 30 Attachment 4 PH3 - 31 RI G H E T T I R A N C H A P O R T I O N O F T H E O R C U T T A R E A S P E C I F I C P L A N SI T E D E V E L O P M E N T P L A N A N D T T M F O R A N E W R E S I D E N T I A L N E I G H B O R H O O D , C O M M U N I T Y P A R K , A N D O P E N S P A C E S U B D I V I S I O N NO R T H W E S T C O R N E R @ O R C U T T A N D T A N K F A R M R O A D S , S A N L U I S O B I S P O , C A L I F O R N I A CO N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O N DE V E L O P E R TR A V I S F U E N T E Z AM B I E N T C O M M U N I T I E S 64 1 H I G U E R A S T R E E T , S U I T E 2 3 5 SA N L U I S O B I S P O , C A 9 3 4 0 1 (8 0 5 ) 5 4 8 - 0 1 3 4 DE V E L O P E R DA N T E A N S E L M O AM B I E N T C O M M U N I T I E S 64 1 H I G U E R A S T R E E T , S U I T E 2 3 5 SA N L U I S O B I S P O , C A 9 3 4 0 1 (8 0 5 ) 6 0 2 - 0 0 0 9 EN G I N E E R AN D Y R O W E , P E CA N N O N 10 5 0 S O U T H W O O D D R I V E SA N L U I S O B I S P O , C A 9 3 4 0 1 (8 0 5 ) 5 4 4 - 7 4 0 7 EN V I R O N M E N T A L CO L B Y B O G G S RI N C O N 15 3 0 M o n t e r e y S t Sa n L u i s O b i s p o , C A 9 3 4 0 1 (8 0 5 ) 5 4 7 - 0 9 0 0 SH E E T I N D E X 1 C o v e r S h e e t S i t e P l a n s : 2- a P r e - A p p M e e t i n g P l a n 2- b P r o p o s e d P l a n 2- c B a s e l i n e P l a n C r o s s S e c t i o n s : 3- a P r o p o s e d P l a n E n g i n e e r i n g S e c t i o n s 3- b D S t r e e t H i l l C r o s s S e c t i o n s ( P r o p o s e d a n d B a s e l i n e ) 3- c E S t r e e t H i l l C r o s s S e c t i o n s ( P r o p o s e d a n d B a s e l i n e ) V i s u a l A n a l y s i s : 4- a T a n k F a r m R o a d V i s u a l A n a l y s i s : P r o p o s e d P l a n 4- b T a n k F a r m R o a d V i s u a l A n a l y s i s : B a s e l i n e P l a n 4- c T a n k F a r m R o a d V i s u a l A n a l y s i s : P r e - A p p l i c a t i o n P l a n 4- d T a n k F a r m R o a d V i s u a l A n a l y s i s : C o m p a r i s o n M i s c e l l a n e o u s D o c u m e n t s ; 5- a P r o p o s e d P l a n O v e r l a y o n O r i g i n a l Z o n i n g 5- b A e r i a l I m a g e O v e r l a y i n d i c a t i n g P r e - A p p , P r e f e r r e d & E x i s t i n g U R L l a y o u t s TO T A L S H E E T S : 1 3 VI C I N I T Y M A P AR C H I T E C T SC O T T M A R T I N , RR M D E S I G N G R O U P 37 6 5 S . H I G U E R A S T R E E T , S U I T E 1 0 2 SA N L U I S O B I S P O , C A 9 3 4 0 1 (8 0 5 ) 5 4 3 - 1 7 9 4 v o i c e 5 4 3 - 4 6 0 9 f a x LA N D S C A P E A R C H I T E C T CH R I S D U F O U R , RR M D E S I G N G R O U P 37 6 5 S . H I G U E R A S T R E E T , S U I T E 1 0 2 SA N L U I S O B I S P O , C A 9 3 4 0 1 (8 0 5 ) 5 4 3 - 1 7 9 4 v o i c e 5 4 3 - 4 6 0 9 f a x 1 Ri g h e t t i R a n c h H o u s e Ex i s t i n g V i e w l o o k i n g W e s t f r o m a l o n g T a n k F a r m R o a d n e a r O r c u t t R o a d i n t e r s e c t i o n Ti t l e S h e e t RI G H E T T I R A N C H In i t i a t i o n S u b m i t t a l October 9, 2013 #1013028Attachment 5 PH3 - 32 Attachment 5 PH3 - 33 Attachment 5 PH3 - 34 Attachment 5 PH3 - 35 Attachment 5 PH3 - 36 RI G H E T T I R A N C H In i t i a t i o n S u b m i t t a l October 9, 2013 #10130283-b D S t r e e t H i l l C r o s s S e c t i o n s (P r o p o s e d & B a s e l i n e ) Si t e S e c t i o n X 1 - P r o p o s e d P l a n Ex i s t i n g U R L X1 Si t e S e c t i o n X 1 - B a s e l i n e P l a n X1 Pr o p o s e d P l a n K e y M a p Baseline Plan Key MapX1X1 Ex i s t i n g U R L Pr o p o s e d U R L Ex i s t i n g U R L Ex i s t i n g U R L Pr o p o s e d U R L (D a s h e d L i n e ) Attachment 5 PH3 - 37 Scale: 1” = 80’ RI G H E T T I R A N C H In i t i a t i o n S u b m i t t a l October 9, 2013 #10130283-c Si t e S e c t i o n X 2 - P r o p o s e d P l a n E S t r e e t H i l l C r o s s S e c t i o n s (P r o p o s e d & B a s e l i n e ) Pr o p o s e d P l a n K e y M a p Ex i s i t i n g U R L Baseline Plan Key Map Ex i s t i n g U R L Si t e S e c t i o n X 2 - B a s e l i n e P l a n X2 X2 X2 X2 Ex i s t i n g U R L Ex i s t i n g U R L Pr o p o s e d U R L Pr o p o s e d U R L (D a s h e d L i n e ) Attachment 5 PH3 - 38 RI G H E T T I R A N C H In i t i a t i o n S u b m i t t a l October 9, 2013 #1013028Existing View of Hillside Pr o p o s e d V i e w o f H i l l s i d e Proposed Plan Key MapCameraPosition Si t e S e c t i o n A 1: 5 0 S c a l e A Ta n k F a r m R o a d Vi e w A n a l y s i s : Pr o p o s e d P l a n 32 0 ’ c o n t o u r Ca m e r a Po s i t i o n Sc a r p Ex i s t i n g g r a d e da s h e d Pr o p o s e d “ D - 2 ” St r e e t Ex i s t i n g U R L 4-a Pr o p o s e d U R L Ex i s t i n g U R L Pr o p o s e d U R L (D a s h e d L i n e ) Attachment 5 PH3 - 39 RI G H E T T I R A N C H In i t i a t i o n S u b m i t t a l October 9, 2013 #1013028Existing View of Hillside Pr o p o s e d V i e w o f H i l l s i d e Baseline Key MapCameraPosition Si t e S e c t i o n A 1: 5 0 S c a l e A Ta n k F a r m R o a d Vi e w A n a l y s i s : Ba s e l i n e P l a n 32 0 ’ c o n t o u r Ca m e r a Po s i t i o n Sc a r p Ex i s t i n g g r a d e da s h e d Ex i s t i n g UR L Pr o p o s e d “ D - 2 ” St r e e t 4-b Ex i s t i n g U R L Attachment 5 PH3 - 40 RI G H E T T I R A N C H In i t i a t i o n S u b m i t t a l October 9, 2013 #1013028Existing View of Hillside Pr o p o s e d V i e w o f H i l l s i d e Key MapCameraPosition Si t e S e c t i o n A 1: 5 0 S c a l e Ta n k F a r m R o a d Vi e w A n a l y s i s : Pr e - A p p l i c a t i o n Pl a n Sc a r p A 32 0 ’ c o n t o u r Ca m e r a Po s i t i o n Ex i s t i n g g r a d e d a s h e d Pr o p o s e d “ D - 2 ” St r e e t Pr o p o s e d “ D - 1 ” St r e e t Pr o p o s e d U R L Bo u n d a r y L i n e Ex i s t i n g U R L Bo u n d a r y L i n e 4-cAttachment 5 PH3 - 41 RI G H E T T I R A N C H In i t i a t i o n S u b m i t t a l October 9, 2013 #1013028Baseline Plan -Preserved View Shed Proposed Plan -Preserved View Shed (+/- 95% of Baseline Plan) Ta n k F a r m R o a d Vi e w A n a l y s i s : Co m p a r i s o n 4-dPre-Application Plan -Preserved View Shed (+/- 87% of Baseline Plan)Attachment 5 PH3 - 42 10 5 0 S o u t h w ood Drive Sa n L u i s O b i s p o , C A 9 3 4 0 1 P 8 0 5 . 5 4 4 . 7 4 0 7 F 805.544.3863Attachment 5 PH3 - 43 10 5 0 S o u t h w o o d D r i v e Sa n L u i s O b i s p o , C A 9 3 4 0 1 P 8 0 5 . 5 4 4 . 7 4 0 7 F 8 0 5 . 5 4 4 . 3 8 6 3 Attachment 5 PH3 - 44 OASP Figure 1.3 Proposed Adopted OASP: R-1 above park and R-3 south of “D” street. R-1 R-3 Proposed relocated R-3 & R-1 zoning Proposed Relocation of R-3 Zoning & R-1 Zone above park Attachment 6 PH3 - 45 Attachment 7 PH3 - 46 Attachment 7 PH3 - 47 Attachment 7 PH3 - 48 Attachment 7 PH3 - 49 Attachment 7 PH3 - 50 Attachment 7 PH3 - 51 Attachment 7 PH3 - 52 Attachment 7 PH3 - 53 Attachment 7 PH3 - 54 Attachment 7 PH3 - 55 Attachment 7 PH3 - 56 Attachment 7 PH3 - 57 Attachment 7 PH3 - 58 Attachment 8 PH3 - 59 Attachment 8 PH3 - 60 Attachment 8 PH3 - 61 Attachment 8 PH3 - 62 Attachment 8 PH3 - 63 Attachment 8 PH3 - 64 Attachment 8 PH3 - 65 Attachment 8 PH3 - 66 Attachment 8 PH3 - 67 Attachment 8 PH3 - 68 Attachment 9 PH3 - 69 Attachment 9 PH3 - 70 Attachment 9 PH3 - 71 Attachment 9 PH 3 - 72 Attachment 10 PH3 - 73 Attachment 10 PH3 - 74 Attachment 10 PH3 - 75 Attachment 10 PH3 - 76 Attachment 10 PH3 - 77 Attachment 10 PH3 - 78 Attachment 10 PH3 - 79 Attachment 10 PH3 - 80 Attachment 10 PH3 - 81 Attachment 10 PH3 - 82 Attachment 10 PH3 - 83 Attachment 10 PH3 - 84 Attachment 10 PH3 - 85 Attachment 10 PH3 - 86 February 20, 2014 FEB 2 0 2014 Attention: Brian Leveille Re: SPA 95 -13 Community Development Project Sobdivision on Righetti Hill Reasons & Concerns against this proposal. There is a large drought in California & S.L.O. County. No building should be allowed at this time. AGENDA CORRESPONDENCE gate _°' A l Item# r" There is a huge traffic problem at the corner of Tank farm Rd. & Brookpine. The city is proposing another road coming out to this intersection. There is a bus stop at this intersection which is dangerous because of crossing Tank farm rd.,at Brookpine. Islay Point Villas Homeowners Association has asked the City on several occasions for a signal light, and have been told, there have not been enough accidents to warrant a signal light. This hillside needs to remain a open space, as view from accross Tank Farm Rd.. would highly be imposed to now homeowners. It is not necessary to build on every little hill in our.county. Islay Point Villas Homeowmers Association Bonnie Briley, Presi ent 1260 Manzanita 'slay S.L.O. Ca. 93401 Kremke, Kate From: Sent: To: Subject: Anthony J. Mejia I City Clerk 990 F akn Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 tel 180S.781.1102 Mejia, Anthony Tuesday, March 04, 2014 2:51 PM Kremke, Kate FW: Righetti property and disposition of the URL location From: Marx, Jan Sent: Tuesday, March 04, 2014 2:51 PM To: Mejia, Anthony Cc: Johnson, Derek; Lichtig, Katie Subject: FW: Righetti property and disposition of the URL location Agenda correspondence. From: John Evans [mailto:JohnE(@CannonCorp.us] Sent: Tuesday, March 04, 2014 2:49 PM To: Carpenter, Dan; Smith, Kathy; Christianson, Carlyn; Marx, Jan; Ashbaugh, John Cc: Susan Roberts; Jeanne Helphenstine (onebluejeanne @gmail.com) Subject: Righetti property and disposition of the URL location Dear Councilmembers, MAR 04 2014 AGENDA CORRESPONDENCE Date--2---- Item# P H 3 Prior to the City Council meeting tonight I thought it might be helpful to share my recollection of the process that I went through with Neil Havlik regarding the establishment and recordation of the Hilltop Conservation Easement within the OASP. As most of you know, the recordation of the conservation easement was required by LAFCO prior to the annexation of the Orcutt Area Specific Plan boundaries. Prior to the annexation Jeanne Helphenstine, the property owner, and Susan Roberts and myself, both from Cannon, meet with Neil Havlik several times to determine where "Phase 1" of the conservation easement should be located. My recollection from the meetings is that everyone present understood the need for some flexibility as it related to the ultimate Open Space/ Conservation Easement/ URL as final engineering design was now yet done. There was also discussion of the allowance of 2:1 slope grading at the back of the upper lots possibly being within the future and final "Phase 2" conservation easement limits. I think the clearest attestation that the original "Phase 1" line was not viewed as the final line and that flexibility was being built into the process so that the final boundary determination could benefit from the final engineering analysis is that the "Phase 1" easement line was not recorded in the same location as the URL. If there was no forethought to future flexibility of the URL, then the "Phase 1" conservation easement line would have been recorded in the identical location as the current URL. I hope this brings some clarity to this somewhat convoluted issue. I will be at the council meeting tonight and available for any questions you may have regarding this topic. Best regards, John W. Evans, PE, LEED AP Director, Civil Engineering Cannon 1050 Southwood Drive, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 T 805.544.7407 F 805.544.3863 C iohne @CannonCorp.us CannonCorp.us This lransrnission is confidential and interided.solely for the person or orgonization to whom it is oddreyssed, It may contain privileged and confidential information, if you are not the intended rerlpient., you should not copy, distribute or take any action in retiunce on it. If you hove received this tronsmission in error, please notify me immediately by email or coil 805.544.74OZ 0a ��ka �t) j �6�o Ott,xe4�, AGENDA CORRESPONDEN�CIE Date 3Item# � h� I Islay Hill MAN U 4 2014 Islay Hill is the southern-most volcanic cone located near the county airport. The general character of the area is rural. Islay is a round grassy hill that rises to an elevation of 777 feet. The lack of visible outcroppings distinguishes Islay Hill from the other peaks. Islay Hill is visible for at least one mile in all directions, making it an important city landmark and greenbelt. The name "Islay ": is derived from an Indian word meaning wild cherry. A lieutenant who accompanied Portola in this area in 1769 referred to it as "Yslay" in his journal. Islay was part of the 31,000 acre Corral de Piedra land grant. The Rodriquez Adobe, constructed in 1858, remains near the base of the hill. Islay Hill has lost much of its character with the addition of a 500 unit subdivision at the base of the mountain. Islay Hill Park which used to have Islay Hill as a beautiful backdrop will soon be blocked by additional homes between the park and the Islay Hill. This is a poor example of planning as it was decided not to use the natural creek boundaries between the development and Islay Hill to protect most of the character of the mountain. Wildlife access to the creek has been greatly impacted with this decision. The 350 foot elevation limit for development on the west side was not enough to preserve the wildlife habitat of the area. "Through the plain arise many sharp peaks or rocky— buttes — rocky, conical, very steep hills, from a few feet to two thousand feet, mostly volcanic origin, directly or indirectly. These buttes are a peculiar feature, their sharp, rugged outlines standing so clear against the sky, their sides sloping from thirty to fifty degrees ... A string of these buttes more than twenty in number, some almost as sharp as a steeple, extend in a line northwest to the sea, about twenty miles distant, one standing in the sea the Morro Rock rising like a pyramid from the waters. " William Brewer, Professor Yale University, 1861 The Morros provide a unique habitat for many animal and plant species, including the Peregrine Falcons on Morro Rock. Several plant communities exist along the chain, which, due to its orientation, has micro climates ranging from sea -spray saturated rocks, through moss draped oak forest to parched chaparral slopes. There are several rare plants along the chain of hills, which form miniature woodlands. Club- -Santa Luci hapter: Nine Sisters of San Luis Obispo County Page 4 of 18 Overview Map of Nine Sisters Volcanic Chain The Peaks of the Nine Sisters There are over 21 major and minor peaks in the Morros, but there are nine major peaks, hence the name The Nine Sisters. The nine major peaks are: Morro Rock, Black Hill, Cabrillo Peak, Hollister Peak, Cerro Romauldo , Chumash Peak, Bishop Peak, San Luis Mountain, and Islay Hill. The table below list the major peaks and many of the minor peaks in the Morros Chain. Morro Peak Name Elevation in Feet Morro Peak Name Elevation in Feet Morro Rock 576' Terrace Hill 501 Black Hill F 665' 1 Orcutt Knob 569 Cerro Cabrillo 911' Mine Hill(Righetti Hill) 563 FolIister Peak 1404' ' No Name Hill(near Hollister Peak) 1,102 ' Cerro Romauldo 1,306' Turtle Rock(north of Cerro Cabrillo) 209 Chumash Peak 1,257' Unnamed Hill(near Chumash Peak) 810 Bishop Peak 1,559' Unnamed Hill(south of Islay Hill) IL Cerro San Luis (San Luis Mountain) 1,292' Islay Hill 775' - 3,600' Davidson Seamount in the Pacific Ocean back to table of contents Significance of the Nine Sisters The Nine Sisters represent a very rare alignment of hills, formed from the plugs of long- extinct volcanoes. They are prominent landmarks forming a unique skyline in San Luis Obispo County located between the cities of San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay. Although the much - photographed hills are appreciated by the public for their physical beauty, they are valued by scientists and teachers as outstanding examples of the volcanic process. They have not been active for 20,000,000 years. The impression they give to the traveler is well illustrated by this quote from Professor William Brewer of Yale University, who led a geologic reconnaissance party through the Los Osos Valley in April 1861, and climbed one of the peaks. He wrote in his diary. httr -aclub.org /ninesis.html 3/3/2014 Preface The Morros figure prominently in the life of county residents. From many homes, the tawny slopes of Bishop Peak or other Morros can be seen. These mountains are at the very heart of San Luis Obispo county. They give us shelter from the perennial wind, constant visual contact with nature, "a sense of place" and a daily reminder that we still live close to the land. A group of Sierra Club members hiked to the top of Cerro San Luis Obispo (San Luis Mountain). They watched the lingering sunset followed by the rise of a full moon, and the views out over the valleys that intersect below, and this showed the reasons why all of us should be concerned for the future of the Morros. A pall of yellow haze was trapped by a typical spring inversion layer over Price Canyon to the south, probably generated by diesel and gas emissions from oil wells. Pacific Gas and Electric Company power lines snaked their way over the Los Osos Valley. And as the lights came on in neighborhoods below, they illuminated the assault of the growing city against its embracing peaks and hillsides. What will it truly mean to try to "save the peaks ?" In the case of the Nine Sisters, we must look for a unique solution for the peaks are too important a resource to risk a bruising (and ultimately, losing) battle. Our ultimate goal is to preserve the character, historic value, and the flora and fauna of this beautiful chain of peaks. With the cooperation of the property owners, the State of California, and local city and county government agencies, and the public at large, the Morros can be preserved for future generations. On the whole, the Morros can continue to be a fundamental part of a "picture postcard" landscape of San Luis Obispo County. The existing landowners— many of them third- and fourth- generation descendants of the original land grantees — are good stewards of the peaks. We should take whatever time is necessary to work with them to resolve the future of the peaks. But we should not hesitate to start down the road. Morro Bay e OLAr —K uILL RC1lC +rA cERRO Ocean ^fF arfe�xxr '� say dark UOLL15rvt MK c,tRW tzaHIJA= 301 Scl?'I. riwime°"b, Luis cuwsff ;( oblva av r� TeRRaeE RrLL *� 3 Oxsr.77 XNOB pra�tt,� M319E }TILL (Righetfi Hirt Ad Wank d+ ISLA.Y HsLL 5�r Z�rc c�a, � UNai,�Ed Kremke, Kate From: Sent: To: Subject: Agenda Correspondence. Anthony J. Mejia I City Clerk CO ! 101' Sall IBIS <7W SPO 990 Palm .Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 tel 1 805 781.7102 Mejia, Anthony Tuesday, March 04, 2014 8:08 AM Kremke, Kate FW: Maintaining existing URL for Righetti Hill RECEWFU MAR 0 4 2014 AGENDA, CORRESPONDENCE Date ��fem## F From: John Harrington [mailto:cinemagig @yahoo.com] Sent: Monday, March 03, 2014 6:05 PM To: Ashbaugh, John; Carpenter, Dan; Christianson, Carlyn; Codron, Michael; Dietrick, Christine; Lichtig, Katie; Marx, Jan; Smith, Kathy; Mejia, Anthony Subject: Maintaining existing URL for Righetti Hill Thanks to the staff for the careful work on the proposal for the Righetti development, and especially for the care in considering changes to the Urban Reserve Line. We strongly support the staff's recommendations (File Number SPA 95 -13) to maintain the URL in accord with the current long -range planning document. While the developer might gain a few more higher - profit lots by moving up the slopes, the visuals of the landmark hill will be forever diminished. In our case, it will directly, dramatically, and negatively affect our view of the Righetti Hill. The URL is set for a good reasons (e.g. slopes as well as visuals). We ask that the City Council support the staff recommendations to maintain the current URL. John and Terry Harrington 1235 Chaparral Circle San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 RECEIVE) Goodwin, Heather MAR 0 2014 From: Ricci, Pam SLO CITY Cr,..ERK__J Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2014 9:26 AM To: Kremke, Kate; Goodwin, Heather Subject: FW: Righetti Hill Project Hi, I'm not sure about how this should be filed since the hearing has already occurred. I'll leave it with you. Pamela A. Ricci, AICP Senior Planner City of San Luis Obispo Community Development Department 919 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805) 781 -7168 pricci @slocity.org - - - -- Original Message---- - From: Eileen Joseph [ mailto :eileenioseph99 @vahoo.com] Sent: Tuesday, March 04, 2014 9:34 PM To: Ricci, Pam Subject: RE: Righetti Hill Project Yes, thought I suspect it is past the right time now! Thanks! Eileen E. Joseph 1207 Manzanita Way San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805) 788 -0387 (Home) (805) 458 -6473 (Cell) On Tue, 3/4/14, Ricci, Pam <pricci @slocity.org> wrote: Subject: RE: Righetti Hill Project To: "Eileen Joseph" <eileenloseph99 @vahoo.com> Date: Tuesday, March 4, 2014, 5:53 PM Hi Eileen, AGENDA CORRESPONDENCE Date ! - N I Item# l ,3 Did you want me to forward your email to the City Clerk to pass on to the City Council for tonight's discussion of the Urban Reserve Line? Let me know. Thanks. Pam Pamela A. Ricci, AICP Senior Planner City of San Luis Obispo Community Development Department 1 919 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805) 781 -7168 Pricci @slocity.org - - - -- Original Message---- - From: Eileen Joseph [mailto:eileenioseph99 @vahoo.com] Sent: Tuesday, March 04, 2014 2:41 PM To: Ricci, Pam Subject: Righetti Hill Project Dear Planning Commission Members, As an Islay Pointe homeowner, I strongly support adherence to the current Urban Reserve Line in the development of the Rhigetti Ranch Project. Preserving unobstructed views from the Islay Pointe neighborhood is critical to maintaining property value and neighnorhood desirability. There are no valid reasons to change the URL standard. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Eileen E. Joseph Eileen E. Joseph 1207 Manzanita Way San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805) 788 -0387 (Home) (805) 458 -6473 (Cell) Kremke, Kate From: Mejia, Anthony Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2014 1:30 PM To: Kremke, Kate Subject: FW: Failed Testimony at March 4 OASP Hearing Attachments: Lopes Letter to Council 3- 5- 14_PresentationRecord.pdf Agenda Correspondence. Anthony J. Mejia I City Clerk city of sm) Ims ol�lspo 9()o Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 934D tel 1805 781,710 RECEIVED MAR 0 5 2014 AGENDA CORRESPONDENCE Date 3 ` l 1 ` Item# PH From: James Lopes [ mailto :jameslopes(cDcharter.net] Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2014 1:28 PM To: Ashbaugh, John; Carpenter, Dan; Christianson, Carlyn; Codron, Michael; Dietrick, Christine; Lichtig, Katie; Marx, Jan; Smith, Kathy; Mejia, Anthony; Johnson, Derek Subject: Failed Testimony at March 4 OASP Hearing Dear Mayor and Council Members, I am requesting that the attached record of my testimony be included and considered in the amendment process, at a minimum as part of the environmental determination. The comments demonstrated how the Specific Plan can be amended to avoid significant visual impacts on Orcutt Road, instead of just partially mitigating them. These comments had no visible response or interest from council members even though the proposals would accomplish some important benefits for the community. I am at a loss to understand how my testimony fell on deaf ears at this earliest stage of a legislative process. Please read the attached letter and let me know if you agree with my suggestion for future hearings, or how I could provide more effective communication to you. I do want to compliment Derek Johnson for quickly readying my slide show. Sincerely, Jamie Lopes James Lopes 1336 Sweet Bay Lane San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Ph. 805 -781 -8960 1336 Sweetbay Lane San Luis Obispo, California 93401 March 5, 2014 City Council 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, California 93401 RE: Testimony at Hearing March 4, 2014 Amendments to Orcutt Area Specific Plan and Urban Reserve Line Dear Mayor and Council Members: I am requesting that the attached record of my testimony be included and considered in the amendment process, at a minimum as part of the environmental determination. The comments demonstrated how the Specific Plan can be amended to avoid significant visual impacts on Orcutt Road, instead of just partially mitigating them. These comments had no visible response or interest from council members even though they would accomplish the following: • Directly eliminate visual impacts which the plan EIR found were significant and unavoidable in this location, even with mitigation measures (P. 4.1 -6) • Address the "trade -off' made in the late hours of specific plan preparation, which included the "E Street" area as a "benefit" to the owner /developer for accepting the location of the Urban Reserve Line. Staff made the point that, "The applicant's proposal includes utilizing both areas ( Orcutt Road area plus higher elevations) for development" (staff report p. PH3 -5)." • Increase affordable units in the park -side R -3 area to provide extra units besides accommodating the transfer of units from "E Street," with precisely the attached units which many local employees can afford. Although the Council did not give direction to restore the viewshed on Orcutt Road, these comments should be used to remind staff and consultants that a transfer of density within the Righetti property is a feasible way to avoid visual impacts on Orcutt Road. At the least, the environmental determination should examine whether the Specific Plan aesthetic impacts can be further reduced or avoided and consider a recommendation similar to this proposal. In the future, I think it would be fair if public hearing comments that are germane and embedded in details of a proposal have responses from one or more council members just out of courtesy. Thank you for considering my comments. Sincerely, James Lopes Orcutt Area Specific Plan & URL San Luis Obispo City Council James Lopes March 4, 2014 Presentation The following presentation was made to encourage the City Council to avoid significant visual impacts on Orcutt Road, by transferring the number of allowed units along "E Street" to an area next to the neighborhood park, in the same property ownership. "I am asking that you not initiate the request to change the Urban Reserve Line. The requested areas are too steep and too visible. I am also requesting that your Council have staff prepare a related amendment to come back for a hearing to initiate, if you can't initiate it tonight. The amendment is needed to preserve views of the Morros as seen from Orcutt Road. Southbound views of the Morros from Orcutt Road are shown here near Hansen Lane, but views of the peaks were not protected in the Specific Plan and EIR. The EIR for the Specific Plan found that a subdivision in the foreground would block or interfere with views of the peaks along Orcutt Road. Even with development standards in the EIR, visual impacts will be significant and unavoidable if this area develops. A subdivision would block or interfere with views of the peaks along Orcutt Road. J OASP Presentation 1 James Lopes March 4, 2014 The amendment is in this area in the Specific Plan Map. It would remove the area from the Urban Reserve and designate it Conservation /Open Space. A prime area to relocate the 30 units is next to the park. The Specific Plan should be amended to a higher R -3 density in this area, adding to the area requested by the applicant. This area would encourage attached units that could face the park for more security. G A F Remove from ° the Urban Reserve and .'_.y designate Cons /OS. 5 2 A k Increase R -1 & R -2 to R -3 for transfer of density from Orcutt Road U X I -r ---r 1 --+-I .I = -- 7 OASP Presentation 2 James Lopes March 4, 2014 If your Council wishes to initiate the applicant's request, would you please also initiate my proposal? A relocation of the units to the park area would change the applcant's proposal there within an additional area shown in red, to R -3 for attached units near the park. I hope you will agree that it's important to amend the Specific Plan to keep the ranch along Orcutt Road for its visual character and for views of the Peaks." •" Keep the ranch along Orcutt Road, for its visual character and for views of the peaks. OASP Presentation 3 James Lopes March 4, 2014 RECEP i MAR 0 4 2014 Goodwin, Heather ' From: Marx, Jan Sent: Tuesday, March 04, 2014 7:48 AM AGENDA To: Santa Lucia Chapter of the Sierra Club CORRESPONDENCE Cc: Mejia, Anthony; Goodwin, Heather Subject: RE: comment on 3/04 agenda item PH3 Date 3 41i IterYl# 1 Thank you for your message. I am including our city clerk staff in this response so that it is posted on our website and included in the record as Agenda Correspondence. Jan Howell Marx Mayor of San Luis Obispo (805) 781 -7120 or (805) 541 -2716 From: Santa Lucia Chapter of the Sierra Club [sierraclub8 @gmail.com] Sent: Monday, March 03, 2014 6:57 PM To: Marx, Jan; Ashbaugh, John; Smith, Kathy; Carpenter, Dan; Christianson, Carlyn Subject: comment on 3/04 agenda item PH3 March 3, 2014 SIERRA Cava FOUNDED 1892 Santa Lucia Chapter P.O. Box 15755 San Luis Obispo, CA 93406 (805) 543 -8717 www.santalucia.sierraclub.org To: San Luis Obispo City Council Re: 3/4/14 meeting, Item PH3: Request to Initiate Amendments to the Orcutt Area Specific Plan Dear Council Members, At your March 2, 2010, meeting, when your Council was reviewing the Environmental Impact Report for the Orcutt Area Specific Plan, the Sierra Club pointed out the problematic claim in the EIR that the Class I cumulative impact represented by the proposed conversion of 7.4 acres of ag land outside the Urban Reserve Line would be reduced to a less than significant level by the inclusion of open space within the URL near Righetti Hill (rEIR 10 -90). We noted that designating the protection of open space land as mitigation for the loss of prime ag soils did not conform with the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act as it would do nothing to mitigate the loss of prime farmland. We agreed with the County Department of Agriculture's assessment of cumulative impacts, in that even if the City were to protect "equivalent or better farmland" outside the URL, "such mitigation is only partial and the significant cumulative impact remains significant and unavoidable." The City dismissed these objections and approved the proposed conversion of 7.4 acres of prime farmland outside the URL in exchange for the addition of open space at Righetti Hill. Four years later, the proposal to develop the open space on Righetti Hill now adds insult to injury. In 2010, the City risked the eventual loss of all its prime ag soils when it set the precedent of non - equivalent mitigation. The City is now being asked to set the precedent of an infinitely flexible URL, with attendant impacts on the viewshed and greenbelt, whenever a developer wants more room to develop. We urge you not to add the erosion of the city's open space to the loss of prime farmland, and act instead to ensure that the URL continues to fulfill its function in the manner intended. Thank you for this opportunity to comment, Andrew Christie Chapter Director Santa Lucia Chapter of the Sierra Club P.O. Box 15755 San Luis Obispo, CA 93406 805 - 543 -8717