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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/22/1991, 1 - LAND USE ELEMENT UPDATE - ECONOMIC STUDY SCOPE���H�►n��iliii►illllllli�' llllll city of san -Luis OBIspo Oftims COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT FROM: Arnold B. Jonas, Community Development Director BY: Glen Matteson, Associate Planner A SUBJECT: Land Use Element update - economic study scope ro CAO RECOMMENDATION: Provide direction to staff and the Planning Commission concerning an appropriate scope and budget. DISCUSSION On September 25, 1990, the City Council referred back to the Planning Commission the draft general plan Land Use Element update, with direction to further evaluate 13 topics, plus some preliminary council editing. Also, the council asked for an economic evaluation, to be used in further considering the update. Staff understood the council's request to be primarily for an economic evaluation of the draft update and some of the alternatives which have been discussed, focused on feasibility and internal consistency. The commission dealt with two of the referred topics on November 15, and results will be transmitted in a future package. On December 11 and 27, the Planning Commission considered draft work scopes for the economic study, prepared by staff. The December 11 draft was closely focused on staff's understanding of the specific information requested by the council at its September 25, 1990, meeting. Several commissioners and members of the public thought that draft was not adequate. In response to oral and written comments, staff presented a revised and expanded work scope at the commission's December 27 meeting. After much discussion, commissioners decided that there was not a consensus nor a clear majority preference for how to approach the economic study, and that further direction from the council, developed at a joint meeting with the commission, was essential before putting more effort into developing a work scope. The following basic concerns have been stated during the commission's discussions: 1. To the extent that the following aspects of planning can be separated, which should we do first: (A) develop a vision of our desired San Luis Obispo, or (B) select economic strategies which will move the community from where it is toward some currently described or newly described vision? 2. How will we include environmental impacts in our decision - making at this stage? Will we study the costs which 11911IIU city of San tuts OBISp0 COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT residents bear, but which they sometimes do not pay direc in dollars, such as through experiencing additional pollution and congestion? 3. Will we look at the economic consequences of "alternative futures," and use the results as the basis for a new Land Use Element draft aimed at maximizing financial benefits? Attached is the draft work scope which the commission considered December 27. Questions 10, 12, 13, 14, and 16 relate most closely to what staff believes are the primary council concerns. This meeting is an opportunity for the council to clarify its desired scope for the economic study and how the results should be used in further work on the general plan update. The City Council will approve a work scope before consultant proposals are requested. FISCAL IMPACTS No budget has been established for the economic study. The-City Council budgeted $100,000 for outside technical help with the general plan update. This amount is in addition to money spent for a study of downtown retailing and circulation element preliminary environmental review. So far, none of the $100,000 has been spent, though the council has committed $15,000 of it to a joint study with Cal Poly of student housing. Staff had assumed that the remaining $85,000 would be spent on economic and environmental review of whatever update the council endorses. Now that the economic evaluation is to precede selection of "a project" for environmental review, a different approach is required. A broad economic evaluation,, by looking at indirect costs and benefits, would incorporate much environmental information. Perhaps the remaining $85,000 could be split, with $60,000 for this round of economic /environmental review, and $25,000 to actually complete an environmental impact report once a project description is available. There may be additional money available from carryover of other budgeted but unspent funds for the Community Development Department. Staff suggests that the Commission and Council determine which of the items in the draft work scope they want to keep in the Request for Proposals (RFP) and which they do not want. After the council- approved RFP is circulated to prospective consultants, we will receive their preliminary cost estimates. Staff anticipates a cost in the range of $40,000 to $60,000. if the bids exceed that range, staff will return to the council to consider modifying the work scope to reduce the cost, or allocating additional funds, before awarding a contract. ����i� ►bNlI►IIIIIIIIIII►►►`�IIIIII city of San Luis OBlspo MNrom COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT At one time, we had hoped to closely coordinate environmental review of the city's general plan update with the county's update of its plan for the San Luis Obispo area. It now appears that the county update will proceed ahead of the city's. While a single EIR probably is not feasible, the city will be able to use much of the information on environmental setting from the county's update EIR. ALTERNATIVES The council may continue action. RECOMMENDATION Provide direction to staff and the Planning Commission concerning an appropriate scope and budget for the Land Use Element update economic study. Attachments: Draft work scope Memo concerning 13 referred topics gmD:scope -cc.wp ROUGH DRAFT #2 WORK SCOPE GENERAL PLAN UPDATE ECONOMIC STUDY Introduction The City of San Luis Obispo (resident population about 42,000) is the county seat and a trade and service center of San Luis Obispo County (population about 222,000), on California's beautiful central coast. The city's relatively stable and prosperous economic base is primarily government services (including Cal Poly State University, enrollment about 17,500), tourism, retail trade, and professional services. Retirees and self - employed people relocating from metropolitan areas appear to make up a growing share of city and county population. As such new residents bring along their housing equity, the city's housing costs have been linked to those of metropolitan areas where incomes are generally higher. From 1980 to 1990, the city's population increased by 23 percent, while the population of the whole county increased by 43 percent. The difference in growth rates reflects an increasing relative concentration of jobs in the city, with growth of "bedroom communities," at a distance of 10 to 20 miles from the city, and rural residences. City and county populations are both projected to increase at lower rates in the next decade, but still at different rates. San Luis Obispo still has many of the desirable qualities of a small town. Throughout the county, while much open land remains, and air quality is better than in more urbanized areas, the amount and pattern of development are reducing these desired qualities. San Luis Obispo provides a relatively high level of public services, including law enforcement, recreation, and transit. Many citizens believe that controlling the amount of development is itself an important service provided by the local government. Others see countywide growth as inevitable, and believe that the city should continue to provide a high level of urban services, and expand services, funded largely by accommodating activities that are now net revenue producers in greater proportions than those which are not net revenue producers. To the extent that this approach means job opportunities increasing faster than housing opportunities, the undesirable effects of commuting are likely to get worse, lacking effective mitigation. The city and county have "growth management" measures in place, though citizens are divided over their effectiveness and fairness. The city faces several significant resource thresholds for additional development, including water supply and treatment capacity, wastewater treatment capacity, and levels of service on existing roads. The county as a whole is hard pressed to achieve state air quality standards while accommodating substantial development. The city has maintained a vital and balanced downtown. However, its role is changing from a general retail center to a center of entertainment, specialty stores, and government services, which themselves are vulnerable to future changes. Economic study scope Rough Draft 2 For the last three years, the city has been working on updates of the Land Use Element and the Circulation Element of its general plan. Also, the county is updating its Land Use Element for the San Luis Obispo area, and for some other county subareas from which city workers commute. While the city was working on the update, several major development proposals were submitted, some generally conforming with the current general plan, and others proposing significapt departures from current policy. While the update began during a time of rapid growth and increasing prices and revenues, recent recessionary trends in the national and state economies have prompted renewed interest in city policies that affect economic stability and change. The draft update had the following development capacities: Item Existing Draft Plan Development Capacity Increase (Jan. 1990) Amount Number Percent Total dwellings (number) 17,800 23,000 5,200 29% Retail (million sq. ft.) 3.19 4.50 131 41% Office (million sq. ft.) 1.32 2.29 0.97 73% Service commercial /industrial (million sq. ft.) 2.59 3.56 0.97 37% Motel rooms (number) 1,780 2,380 600 34% The draft Land Use Element update called for controls on the rate of commercial development, which would mean smaller increases than outlined above during the planning period. The draft also proposed measures to bring closer the plan's eventual capacities for residential and for nonresidential development, and increased responsibilities for new development to include, or help fund, solutions to some of the problems intensified by growth, such as housing affordability, availability of child care, and air pollution. The draft called for development to pay the costs of additional public facilities needed to serve it, unless the city deliberately chose to subsidize certain developments to achieve community goals. The draft has prompted criticism on grounds of philosophy - -the proper role of government in the economy -- and practicality - -will the proposed measures achieve the intended results? Need for Help The City Council has asked for an economic evaluation of implementing the draft Land Use Element update, and of the options which the council has referred to the Planning Commission. Because San Luis Obispo has experienced the strong feelings held by those who can be categorized as "environmental advocates" and "development advocates," the City Council and Planning Commission prefer to have the economic study done by detached professionals, with expertise and experience in economic analysis related to local government policy. Economic study scope Rough Draft Focus 3 The study will focus on how the type and amount of growth envisioned by the update, along with the proposed funding approaches, would result in costs or benefits to the majority of residents. Answers to the following questions will fulfill the city's needs for information. The order of the questions has no importance, though they are grouped by broad topics. Community composition and distribution of costs and benefits 1. How would implementation of the draft update affect employment and income within the community? 2. What would be the impacts on unemployment, migration, household size, and the income and age structure of the city's population? 3. For a typical existing household, what would be the costs and benefits of going from the existing levels of development to the proposed levels? (This evaluation should include benefits in the form of any added income or additional amenities, as well as costs in the form of taxes or fees, and loss of amenities.) 4. What will be the impact on costs of existing housing, in comparison with more or less constrained growth? How will the effects of changed costs be distributed? 5. What types of commercial development tend to recycle spending /income within the community, as opposed to exporting it? 6. Would implementation of the update make the city more or less dependent on economic forces and resources over which it has little or no control? 7. Would implementation of the draft update cause significant costs or benefits for other communities within the county? 8. How would implementation of the proposed policies affect the city's retail trade, both absolutely and in relation to the rest of the county? Would retail sales leakage to or from nearby communities increase, decrease, or remain about the same? Local government budgets 9. Considering the full range of government services (city, county, and school district), how would the relationship of government costs to government revenues at build -out of the plan compare with current conditions? /_41 Economic study scope Rough Draft 4 10. How would implementation of the proposed policies affect the city's ability to pay for the services, amenities, and programs outlined in the update? 11. How can the city most effectively structure fees or assessments so that the type, amount, and pace of new development called for by the update. would pay its way, considering the resource thresholds the city faces? 12. Specifically, what would be the impact on city government costs and revenues, over the period 1990 to 2020, of having commercial building space grow at (A) the OS% average annual rate called for in the draft, (B) about 2.0% per year, corresponding with projected countywide population growth. (One series of revenue projections should assume that the city's share of sales taxes collected by the state will continue to be disbursed based on their points of origin. For comparison, another series of projections should assume that there is a change in the basis of subvention, such as half -way through the planning period, shifting from point -of -origin to resident population.) Feasibility and internal consistency 13. What is the economic feasibility of having major expansion areas provide substantial portions of total housing affordable to low - and moderate - income people, as called for by the update draft? (A "pro forma" for an expansion area may be useful.) 14. What will be the impacts on business viability, considering the growth limiting measures and impact fees of the draft update, on: A. Existing business to be maintained within the city? B. Existing business wanting to expand within the city? C. New businesses wanting to locate within the city? 15. Would the text and map growth policies allow expansion of government land use in ways that would preclude expansion of private business? If so, what would be the impact, if any, on government revenues? 16. What is the feasibility of continued agricultural use within the city, particularly within the Dalidio area? How could the city most economically assure continued agricultural use of this area? (This highly visible area contains nearly 200 acres of prime, cultivated farmland, though it is nearly surrounded by urban development and major roads.) 1-7 Economic study scope Rough Draft 17. To what extent has retail and tourist development experienced by the city since acceptance of the 1983 "strategic planning" report helped fund environmental protection or achieve other general plan goals? 18. To what extent will the planned growth make protection of the environment, including open space, more expensive than if less growth was called for? Products 5 The answers to these questions will take the form of a series of concise factual reports or issue papers, which will be presented to and discussed with the Planning Commission. Time Frame The city wants to receive initial products beginning in March 1991, and intends that the Planning Commission will have used the results to prepare a report and recommendation to the City Council by June 1991. [These dates may now have to slip to April /May for initial products and July /August for commission action. Budget No budget has been established. Information available The City has available several sources of information, including the following: Strategic Planning Program, Summary Report and Technical Report. A Survey of Economic Resources (City of San Luis Obispo, with assistance by Angus McDonald and Associates and Burns and Watry and Associates, September 1983). City of San Luis Obispo Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports (various years) and Budgets (two -year cycle). Land Use Element Update, Discussion Draft, including 'Development Summary" spreadsheet (City of San Luis Obispo, February 1989). Land Use Element Update, Planning Commission Draft (City of San Luis Obispo, April 1990). Downtown San Luis Obispo Economic Study (Recht Hausrath & Associates for City of San Luis Obispo, 1988). /—D Economic study scope Rough Draft 6 Phase I of the Comprehensive Financial Management Plan: User Fee Analysis (City of San Luis Obispo, with help from Vertex Cost Systems, November 1988). Comprehensive Financial Management Plan: 1989 - 2000 (City of San Luis Obispo, with help from Evanson- Dodge, May 1989). Environmental Impact Report for the Draft Water Allocation Regulations (Willdan Associates for City of San Luis Obispo, March 1988). Environmental Impact Report for the Water Management Element and Water Management Plan (City of San Luis Obispo, February 1987). San Luis Obispo City-wide Circulation Study Draft, Working Paper. Circulation Analysis (DKS Associates in association with Crawford Multari & Starr, for City of San Luis Obispo, July 1990). Draft Circulation Element (City of San Luis Obispo, July 1990). gmD: scope -rwp � -9 MEMORANDUM September 28, 1990 TO: Planning Commission SUBJECT: LUE Update: topics referred by City Council FROM: Glen Matteson VIA: Arnold Jonas Associate Planner Community Development Director As we discussed briefly on September 27, staff has been thinking of how best to proceed with work on the topics which the council referred to you. Clearly, some topics must wait for the "economic strategic study /plan." Consideration of others may occur sooner. Below, the topics are grouped according to their suitability for near -term, mid -term, or long -term scheduling, as we see them. Also, the topics are ordered according to how prepared we are to present information for further discussion. We realize that topics are interconnected, and that discussion of one will lead into others, including some which may not be on the list. However, this is a starting point. If the commission concurs, we will proceed according to this outline. Near term The commission could work on these issues soon, because they are largely independent of the economic study, and substantial information is available. Time frame: October 25 through December 1990. A. Apparent conflict between expansion of the South - Higuera /Prado social services area (of the "tripolar" government offices approach), and low- intensity recreational use of the drive -in theater area. A closer look at the commission's recommendation may show that there is little or no conflict, because there is room for government office expansion west of the creek on other than the drive-in site. B. Provision of adequate sites for expansion and relocation of auto dealerships. Staff presented to the council a report on this topic, when the LUE update was introduced. / -/ o C. Approaches to determining residential densities (such as bedroom counts or square footage). Staff presented a report to the commission and council a few years ago, and could update it quickly to include recent ideas. D. Establishing pedestrian linkages throughout the city. Can be considered along with the circulation element. E. Coordination with the growth management ordinance being prepared by the county. The ordinance's environmental 'negative declaration" was effective September 25; Board of Supervisors to consider adoption October 16; however, also relates to economic study. Mid -term The commission could work on these issues before the economic study is done, since they are largely independent of it, but consideration should wait for other background information. Time frame: January 1991 through March 1991. F. Use of privately owned land next to the Cal Poly campus, both inside and outside the city, for additional student housing, including special zoning for group housing next to the campus inside the city. This will require taking a closer look at allowed and potential densities, and existing neighborhood patterns. Staff can do this without outside help. (Cal Poly may ask for a jointly funded study of student housing supply and demand, including this topic.) G. Designing the city to accommodate cars vs. other means of personal mobility. The draft LUE already says much more than the current element. Before the commission takes up this issue, staff will talk with the councilmembers who raised it to see what additional features they had in mind This topic could involve everything from the intensity and location of land uses to design of streets and paths. H. Traffic management and trip reduction measures for commercial and industrial development. The County Air Pollution Control District is developing rules for a countywide trip - reduction program; a draft may be done around the first of the year. / - /I Long -term The commission should wait to work on these issues until the economic study is done, or well underway. Time frame: February 1991 through May 1991. I. The apparent contradiction between the city being a regional trade and service center, and trying to balance job opportunities and housing opportunities. J. Recent council policy direction concerning areas at the edges of the city (examples: urban use for the Dalidio area; the airport area concept plan). K Goals for re -use of downtown (Monterey Street) sites vacated by auto dealers, including the type and intensity of development in relation to the commercial core. L. Evaluation of economic impacts and economic feasibility for: - commercial growth controls, especially in relation to downtown development and citywide retail development; - fiscal impacts on city government; - development fees; - affordable housing (including the possible result of some occupants paying more for housing so that others would pay less). M. The viability of maintaining agriculture within the city. gml: lue- work.wp 10— i MEETING AGENDA DATE ! A2 -9/ ITEM #= San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce 1039 Chorro Street • San Luis Obispo. California 93401 (805) 543 -1323 • FAX (805) 543.1255 David E. Garth. Executive Manager RECEIVED January 21, 1991 JAN 2 2 1991 CITY CLERK SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA Q r�ro: Add /Q FYI c��PC 163 CDD DIM Q'CAO ❑ FIN. MIL GYACAO ❑ FIRECZw `Z TrQVGY Q FIN DIR. azwORIC. [I POLICE CFL OMGMT 7EAN ❑ RBC DIM RFADFME ❑.LMLD1R �T, T • [�' Films_ Honorable Mayor, Councilmembers and.Planning Commissioners City of San Luis Obispo P.O. Box 810 San Luis Obispo, CA 93403 -8100 Dear Mayor Dunin, Council and Commission Members: We appreciate being.included in the ongoing discussions over the City's draft LUE Update. We know the process has been a lengthy one and the current issue of the scope of economic analysis needed has been particularly trying. As we have stated previously, we feel the Draft of the LUE is flawed in that it does not cover at all the economic and fiscal implications of the proposed land use plan and policies. We believe as well that the assessment of the economic and fiscal implications should be conducted by an outside consultant to ensure technical adequacy and objectivity. The Chamber suggests the scope of work for determining the economic and fiscal assessment should address the following issues and /or questions: 1. Estimate of the operating costs and capital facility requirements to service the proposed future community. Estimates should be made for the following different scenarios: annexation of the Airport Specific Plan area and development in accordance with the approved "concept plan "; annexation of the Dalidio property and development with and without a significant commercial component; other possible land use mix and annexation alternatives. 2: Estimate the likely revenues generated under the proposed land use mix and growth rate policies. Again, alternatives should be considered, including those described above. Furthermore, revenues should be estimated if the commercial growth rate is constrained as is currently ACCREDITED CHAMBER OF COMMENCE City Councilmembers Planning Commissioners 1/21/91 page 2 proposed and if.unconstrained as it has been in the past. This revenue analysis should consider the effects of leakage if other areas develop regional shopping opportunities competing with San Luis Obispo and if County and other governmental offices needs are not met. in this City. Items 1 & 2 above can refer to and be built upon some of the recent work relating to the City's long -term financial analysis (1983 Strategic Plan & DT economic analysis). The new analysis should focus on how expenditures, capital needs and financing ability are affected by different land use mixes and related policies. 3. How does preferred level of service affect future spending requirements? What reductions in levels of service might result if future revenues do not keep pace with needed expenditures? 4. Estimate likely future regional demand for commercial services and outlets; what it will take to maintain San Luis Obispo's historic role as the regional community center; assess financial impacts on local economy and the municipal fiscal picture of losing this position. 5. Similarly, estimate likely future demand for County and other governmental services; assess the ability of the City to maintain its historic role as the regional government center; assess financial impacts on local economy and the municipal fiscal picture of losing this position. 6. Outline and evaluate different ways to increase funding, if projected revenues will fall short of future expenditures. Include among the alternatives changes in land use mix, commercial growth rates, and other policies directed to type, amount and rate of commercial development. 7. Assess job creation possibilities under various scenarios; factors should include types of jobs likely to be created, their salaries /wages, and whether the jobs are likely to be met with the current work force or draw from other regions. 8. Estimate ability of City to meet future labor needs given the various housing growth options. This analysis should consider different annexation and growth rate alternatives. Factors to be considered are estimated housing costs versus incomes, the effects of limiting City Councilmembei� & Planning Commissioners 1/21/91 page 3 the number and /or rate of housing production, areas likely to supply housing if the City cannot meet expected needs and an overview of environmental and economic impacts from commuting. 9. Discuss the role of a healthy economy on quality of life,in terms of employment,increased quality and variety of goods and services, greater municipal financial flexibility, among other variables. How might these factors change if policies to limit the location, amount, type or rate of different commercial /office development are effected? 10. What will be the impacts on business viability considering the land use mix, annexation options and growth rate policies on existing businesses, existing businesses wanting to expand and businesses seeking to locate here. In addition to the above outlined points, we feel the study should consider a matrix or table showing outcomes given different annexation, land use mix and growth rate options. We believe that such a study would give our community the information needed to help us plan a sound future. We are eager to see the analysis get underway and look forward to reviewing the resulting product. Please let me know how the Chamber can assist you with the General Plan LUE Update process. Thanks very much for your time and consideration. Best regards, gh n Mis w Chamber President MEETING AGENDA DATE / -•U -9/ ITEM AGENDA city O SAn WI S OBISPO 990 Palm Street /Post Office Box 8100 • San Luis Obispo, CA 93403 -8100 January 22, 1991 TO: Councilmembers Wi ss, Roalman and Mayor Dunin FROM: Councilwoman R SUBJ: YELLOW RIBBON DAYS As you may know, at its meeting of Tuesday, January 22, the County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution proclaiming "Yellow Ribbon Days" - the display of yellow ribbons to signify support of the men and women currently serving in our armed services during this time of grave danger. I respectfully request that the City Council consider a similar resolution at its meeting of Tuesday, January 29, 1991. Thank you. PR:klc c: John Dunn Jeff Jorgensen Ken Hampian BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER . SAN LUIS OBISPO. CALIFORNIA 93408 • 805 -549 -5450 TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS FROM: LAURENCE L LAURENT, SUPERVISOR, DISTRICT TW DATE: JANUARY 22, 1991 SUBJECT: RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING "YELLOW RIBBON DAYS" SUMMARY LAURENCE L. LAURENT DISTRICT TWO The current military confrontation in the Middle East has led to a forced separation of family and friends causing a great deal of anxiety for many people, home and abroad. RECOMMENDATION That your Board adopt the resolution proclaiming 'Yellow Ribbon Days" and that the spirit of "Yellow Ribbon Days" continue as long as the threat of grave danger exists in the Middle East. DISCUSSION The display of yellow ribbons has always signified moral and emotional support in times of-crisis and separation. The resolution proclaiming "Yellow Ribbon Days" will encourage all residents of San Luis Obispo to show that moral and emotional support to not only the San Luis Obispo County servicemen and women but to all of our military and support staff currently serving their Country in the Middle East. �O s IN '_ E BOARD OF SUPERVISE .S COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA -- - - - - -- day ----------------------- 19 - - - -- PRESENT: Supervisors ABSENT: RESOLUTION NO. PROCLAIMING "YELLOW RIBBON DAYSIO The following resolution is hereby offered and read: WHEREAS, a military confrontation in the Middle East has led to the forced separation of American families and friends; and WHEREAS, the potential for grave danger exists and separation from family and friends can cause anxiety for those who are called to duty and to those who wait'at home; and. WHEREAS, display of yellow ribbons has long - signified a statement of moral and emotional support during times of separation; and WHEREAS, the residents of San Luis Obispo County are encouraged to display yellow ribbons as a symbol of moral and emotional support for the men and women called to service and as a statement of moral and emotional support for those who wait for their safe return; and WHEREAS, the residents of San Luis Obispo County are also encouraged. to join the Board of Supervisors in wishing for a peaceful resolution of this crisis, and a safe and speedy return of all military personnel to their communities and families. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AND ORDERED by the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Luis Obispo, State of California, that "YELLOW RIBBON DAYS@ commence and continue as long as the threat of grave danger exists in the Middle East. Upon motion of :Supervisor seconded and on thi following . roll call vote .; to wit: AYES:: NOESi ABSENT: ABSTAINING: the foregoing resolution is hereby adopted.. \ Chairman of-th'e Board of Supervise =s ATTEST: Clerk o'f the Boa =d gf- Supeniisors �3 Ali 990 Palm Street /Post Office Box 8100 • San Luis Obispo, CA TO: Honorable N FROM: Arnold B. 0 DATE: January 22, Development SUBJECT: Agenda for Joint City Council - Architectural Review Commission Meeting, January 29, 1991 The Council has requested a joint meeting with the ARC to discuss ways to facilitate implementation of adopted city ordinances and policies. The ARC has suggested several specific areas of discussion which they feel will facilitate achieving that goal. Those areas are: 1. APPEALS. The Commission is concerned that Council hearings on appeals of ARC actions often ignore areas of factual concern to the ARC, and thus reach different conclusions resulting in the overturn of Commission actions. 2. HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS. The Commission feels that their interpretation of the standards differs from that of the Council in substantive ways that contributes to Council decisions to overturn ARC decisions. 3. CREEK SETBACK REGULATIONS. The Commission feels that reliance on administrative policy in this area places their decisions in jeopardy, and causes determination of appropriate setbacks to be more subjective in nature. 4. COMMUNICATION. The Commission feels that communication with the Council on what constitutes acceptable interpretation of ordinances and policies is now taking place through the appeal process, and is thus inappropriate and ineffectual. Staff suggests that the Council consider these suggested topics of discussion, confirm whether they should be included on the meeting agenda, and provide revisions or additional topic areas. Staff will then finalize the meeting agenda. JAN 2 2 1991 VIVO Fay SAN Iumt. } ^M.CG CA q:u5