HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-08-2025 ARC Minutes
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Architectural Review Commission Minutes
September 8, 2025, 5:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo
Architectural Review
Commissioners
Present:
Commissioner Kelley Abbas, Commissioner Robert Arens,
Commissioner Mick Atkins, Commissioner Kyle Bell,
Commissioner Charles Gerencser, Vice Chair John Carrion,
Chair Ashley Mayou
City Staff Present: Principal Planner Rachel Cohen, Deputy City Clerk Sara Armas
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1. CALL TO ORDER
A Special Meeting of the San Luis Obispo Architectural Review Commission was
called to order on September 8, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at
City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, by Chair Mayou.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Public Comment:
None
--End of Public Comment--
3. CONSENT
3.a CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES - APRIL 7, 2025 ARCHITECTURAL
REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES
Motion By Commissioner Arens
Second By Commissioner Gerencser
To approve the Architectural Review Commission Minutes of April 7, 2025.
Ayes (7): Commissioner Abbas, Commissioner Arens, Commissioner
Atkins, Commissioner Bell, Commissioner Gerencser, Vice Chair Carrion,
and Chair Mayou
CARRIED (7 to 0)
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4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
4.a REVIEW OF A MIXED-USE PROJECT CONSISTING OF A 49-UNIT
RESIDENTIAL BUILDING; AN APPROXIMATE 2,190 SQUARE FT
COMMERCIAL BUILDING (HISTORIC RESOURCE TO BE
REHABILITATED WITH ADDITION); AND SITE IMPROVEMENTS (251
PACIFIC ST, 1390 WALKER ST & 280 PISMO ST)
Commissioner Atkins recused himself due to his conflict of interest as an
employee of the architecture firm involved with the project; he exited the
room at 5:02 p.m.
Associate Planner Hannah Hanh presented the staff report and responded
to Commission inquiries.
Damien Mavis, Covelop Inc., and Thom Jess, Arris Studio Architects,
provided a brief overview of the project and responded to questions
raised.
Chair Mayou opened the Public Hearing.
Public Comments:
None
--End of Public Comment--
Chair Mayou closed the Public Hearing.
Motion By Commissioner Bell
Second By Commissioner Gerencser
Recommend the Community Development Director approve the project
based on its consistency with applicable goals, policies, and guidelines in
the Community Design Guidelines and Mid-Higuera Street Enhancement
Plan with the following conditions:
• The design of the residential building shall be revised to utilize
terracotta brick, instead of terracotta stucco, for the lower portion of
the building closest to the Walker and Pismo Street intersection. An
alternative high-quality material may be considered, subject to the
satisfaction of the Community Development Director.
• The design of the trash enclosure shall be revised to incorporate
Corten siding or terracotta brick to be consistent with the residential
building.
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• Plans submitted for a building permit shall include recessed window
details or equivalent shadow variation, and all other details
including but not limited to awnings, and railings.
• The balcony railings shall include at least 50% opacity, or an
alternative design, to visually obscure views of personal storage
and preserve privacy, subject to the satisfaction of the Community
Development Director.
• Street tree plantings shall alternate between 24-inch and 36-inch
box sizes along Walker and Pismo Streets.
Ayes (7): Commissioner Abbas, Commissioner Arens, Commissioner Bell,
Commissioner Gerencser, Vice Chair Carrion, and Chair Mayou
Recused (1): Commissioner Atkins
CARRIED (6 to 0)
5. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION
5.a STAFF UPDATES AND AGENDA FORECAST
Principal Planner Rachel Cohen informed the Commissioners that
although there are a few projects in progress, there are no immediate
items on the agenda forecast.
6. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:02 p.m. The next Regular Meeting of the
Architectural Review Commission is scheduled for September 15, 2025 at 5:00
p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.
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APPROVED BY ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION: 11 /17/2025