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HomeMy WebLinkAboutU 173-00IL, It 11" Sdrl LUIS OBISr O Community Development Department • 990 Palm Street a San Luis Obispo, California 93401 • (805)781-7172 Project Address and Assessors Parcel Nurnher(s):E-0rtioT AJ 067-9a1--nig. What do you want co do"? What is your final goal? idholesa z Q71S tai st:a�ion Applicant (Who isproiosingthe project?li--CD-atss�-hiho:LeSd_ la/� d Bartok Day Phone{4251427-755-1 Applicant's Address:LU_._I L__I?3;3Y_e,_rCsaaquah wAg,8027 _ Representative (i` an,) MCC1e11anliUnter/Ken McKentl (626) 397-2700 -- - Day Phone:. 12C, West. Be]'_]leVUe Pasadena CA 91105 Representative's '_ Property Owner (H off erthan applicant): Alex Madonna —� nay Phone(805) 543-0300 Owner's AddreSS-P'-SOX 3910, San Lui_, Obispo�CA 93406 Please send a!l correspondence to (]the applicant ❑ the representative Cl the property owner, By signing this apprxation I certify, that I have reviewed this completed application and the attached rnatenal and I consent to Its filing. 1 agree to allow the Community Development oepanment to duplicate and distribute plans to interested persons as it deter^tines ta necessary for the processing of the ap(okabon. ily060 Signed Da Permission taAcce,ss Property cti This seon is be completed by the proper{tr wmer andlooccupant who controls access to the property. To adequately evaluate many proledt KOPOSals Community Development Deparvnant staff, Commisslor•ra and City Council Members wW have to gain access to the edenar a the real property in order to adequately review and report on the proposed project. Your signature below Cenlrias that YOU agree to give the City permission to Seca" the protect site from a a m. 10 5 p,m, Monday through Friday, as pan of the ncrmal review of this planning application, oe ed — Date CNEcK ReJIEw AroLICATioN No. Fim PAID ❑ RezoningfPD ❑ Use Permit Valiarice ❑ ARC Review ----...------ —... h Env. Review -- ..--- -- — —_ — ❑ Subdivision --- --- - - --- ❑ GPAmendment ❑ Annexation ❑ other --- --- -- �_ _-- I Application fee paid :ry: ❑ the applicant ❑ tf+: representative t7 the properly owner. Received I�� 8' Date: By signing this application I certify that the information provided is accurate. I understand the City mgM not approve what I'm applying for, or might set amdrions of approval, 1 agree to allay the Community Development Department to dUPILCate and distribute plans to mierested persona as It dC.termines is necessary for the processing of the application. Sib % Datc Interior Inspection Contact Information Osaslonally, Community Development Department Staff may need access b one or more buildings on fhe Ixolad site, t the, is the use, Staff will use the comact information bell to arrange an appuintmenl. day Phone: r-� � rr n I,. r flu •,A , vice ci i-AIV I r1UNTER Department of (,ommuniit, )evelopment Planning Application Projed Address 12395 L.O`. R Parcel # Legal Description RHO LS OSOS & I_L PTN 1_TS 60 68 & 69 Zoning 1__— _ Property Owner TN/ISSELt<^.AN CATHERINE A ETA In Care Of / A IVADONNA Owner Address 284 HIGUE RA SLO CP, 9F,101-4215 Applicant Name COSTCO', /HOLESALEE, I ODD BAR-TOK Address 999 LAKE )R., ISSAQUAI-I, WA 9802? 067-241-019 Day Phone (425)427.. 7553 Representative MCC_L_ELL/,N_H_UNTER. K51N_MCKEN TLY _ _ _ Day Phone(626)397--2700 Address 120 VV. BE LEVUL:, PASA.DENA, CA 91105 Send correspondence to X applicant %<-epiosentative X owner other (see tile) Application made pursuant 1061 aptei7Section • r Planind Services Summary , Application # Type of Application U 173-00 Allow an a; rox. 150K warehouse stare and service sta on on site.. ER 173-00 Evaluate tl environmental Impacts associated Nith project development. ARC 173-00 Review designs for warehouse store and service sta on project. City of San Luis Obispo 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805)781-7172 of the San Luis Obispo Municip2l Code. Received Fee 11/13/00 $1,620 11113/00 $1,234 11/13/00 $1.375 Total fees $4229 Received By PAM RICCI Fee Paid by Applicant 4,229; Assigned planner � I Hearings PROJECT DESCRIPTION Rev. July 26, 2001 Costco Wholesale ARC, U and ER 173-00 12395 Los Osos Valley Road SITE LOCATION AND PHYSICAL SETTING The 14.87 acre project site (the "Costco Parcel") is set back from the west side of Los Oscos Valley Roarl. (For purposes of this description, directions are stated in a project orientation in which Los Oscs Valley Road runs project west -east.) The Costco Parcel is approximately midway between Madonna Road and Highway 101, in the portion of San Luis Obispo County that is pending _annexation to the City of San Luis Obispo. (Refer to Exhibit MP-01 for location of the project site ) The Costco Parcel is currently vacant. It is generally flat, dropping gradually from southHfest o northeast. Most of this site is covered with low dense grasses and shrubs, and is devoid of trees. The Costco Parcel is to be created from a portion of APN 067-241-019. The project is o ie parcel of a planned multi -parcel center. The parcel immediately to the south of the Costco Parcel is being developed as the Home Depot store and is a flage lot with a drive aisle extending to Los Osos Valley Road (the "Home Depot Parcel"). Three smaller parcels will be located on he Los Osos Valley Road frontage, two flanking the Home Depot Parcel driveway and one in front of the Costar Parcel. The project on the Home Depot Parcel, including its drive aisle, has been approved by the County of Sari Lui=_ Obispo and is an existing project for purposes of this application. The frontage parcels rnau be the subject of the subsequent applications but are not part of this application except with respect to the drive aisles crossing them to provide access to this Costco Parcel. This application is limited to the development of the Costco Parcel and the access roads leading to it from Los Oscs Valley Road Landuses i the project vicinity are a mix of open space, commercial and single and multi -family housing /,,djacent land uses include the pending DuVaul housing developments to the west, open space to the south, and the Home Depot development to the east. The site is within the City of Sar Luis Obispo Urban Reserve Line, is designated for General Retail uses under the City's General Plan, and is pre -zoned General Retail under its pending annexation to the City pursuant tc LAFCO File 8-R-00- Annexation No. 62 to the city of San Luis Obispo (Froom RanchlDuVraul Ranch South) PROJECT DETAILS The projec: application submitted by Costco Wholesale Corporation/Alex Madonnna is for a subdivision of its parcel and use permits to allow for the construction of an approximately 137,688 square toot �ornrriercial bulk retail/wholesale Costco facility including a tire center. Costco Whoesale is a membership warehouse club, dedicated to bringing its members the best possible prces on quality brand -name merchandise. Operating over 300 locations worldwide, Costco provides a relatively limited number of stock keeping units in a large number of products categories, plus the convenience of specialty departments and exclusive member services. Products categories al the warehouse include appliances, books, cds and dvds, clothing, computers and peripherals, electronics, and cameras, floral delivery and holiday, fresh baked goods, gro-.enes and neats and produce, delicatessen and gourmet foods and collectibles, hardware, r.utdoar living, health and beauty, home essentials, jewelry and accessories, office machines and supplies, off -sale only alcoholic: beverages, optical, pharmacy, photo, sporting goods, tires toys and travel. The project additionally shall include a three -island gasoline facility that may be expanded to a fourth islarif Each Island is designed with two double -sided gasoline dispensers, for a total of twelve fueling positions, with possible expansion to four islands and sixteen fueling positions. The pumps are fully automated and self-serving for Costco members only. The gasoline facility is intended to !De located in the south corner of the Costco Parcel (the proposed project). Access to the Costco Parcel is from four points on Los Osos Valley Road by way of easements across frontage parcels. (Refer to the site plan in Exhibit MP-01). The main center driveway, sixty feet (60') in width, will be perpendicular to Los Osos Valley Road, extending from the common boundary between the Home Depot Parcel and the Costco Parcel to Los Osos Valley Road. A secondary entrance to the Costco Parcel, also perpendicular to Los Osos Valley Road and twenty "eet (20') in width, is intended to be located along the west boundary of the frontage parcel in front of Coscto Parcel, extending from the Costco Parcel to Los Osos Valley Road and will be a right -in, right -out only intersection. Additional right -in, right -out, thirty feet (31 wide access poirds from Los Osos Valley Road will be located where the "flag pole" portion of the Home Depot Parcel meets Los Osos Valley Road, and along the east boundary of the eastern most frontage parcel of the Center. A common drive aisle running parallel to Los Osos Valley Road along the east boundaries of the Costco Parcel and the Home Depot Parcel will connect the four drive aisles that provide access from Los Osos Valley Road, all of which shall be subject to reciprocal access easements. Vehicles coming to the Costco Parcel west -bound on Los OSOS Valley Road will use the main center driveway. Vehicles coming to the Costco Parcel east -bound on Los Osos Valley Road may use any of the four driveways but primarily will use the northern- most driveway and the main center driveway. Vehicles departing from the Costco Parcel to Los Osos Vallee Road west -bound will use the main center driveway, and vehicles departing to Los Discs Valley Road east -bound may use any of the four driveways. As shown in the site plan, the CdstCO building is sited along in the southwest corner of the Costco Parcel, and it faces into the site and towards Los Osos Valley Road. The main entrance is in the northeast corner of the building. The tire center will be located along the north side of the building, and will provide articulation to this building elevation as viewed from Los Osos Valley Road. The shipping/receiving area is located on the southeast corner of the building. The shipping/receiving area is designed to accommodate four trucks at a time. The machinery for compacting and bailing the cardboard refuse is located towards the southwest corner of the building, behind the shipping/receiving area. Parking is provided primarily on the north and east sides of the budding, closest to the main entrance and includes approximately 867 stalls, for a ratio of rrior) than 6.29 stalls per 1,000 square feet of building area. The priman, pedestrian access to the Costco warehouse building will be from the sidewalk on Los Osos Valley Road at the bus turnout immediately south of the main center driveway, then along the main access drive to the Home Depot frontage, then due west to the Costco building entrance to the main entrance I;see exhibit SP-01 1). Given the nature of the gasoline facility operations, there will be no reason for anyone other than an occasional Costco employee to access it on foot, so no desi_Inated pedestrian access is provided to the gasoline facility. Also, no pedestrian crosswalks or routes will be marked within the parking fields. This is based on Costco's experience in operating over 300 comparable facilities and is consistent with the practices of major grocery stores and other similar operators. To the extent that crosswalks are intended to congregate pedestrians into specific crossing points, they do not function in such facilities because the numbers of customers (pushing shopping carts) sometimes would exceed the capacity of specified crosswalks, the designation of limited crossing points might reduce the alertness of drivers elsewhere in the parking lot, and, perhaps most importantly, customers would ignore the ;rosswalks .and ifollow the shortest distance between their cars and the warehouse main entrance in any event. For these reasons, the parking lots are designed so that the parking aisles point towards the warehouse entrance, and the aisles are over -wide in order to easily accommodate two-way vehicle traffic and pedestrians with shopping carts. Trees within the parking area will be broadleaf shade trees with initial minimum heights to 10 to 12 feet so that foliage doe= not interfere with sight lines. The projecwill ce drained as shown in the concept grading/drainage plan. Surface water uurrently flc wing from the Irish Hills open space onto the property will be contained and channelizec at the south property line, from which it will flow either to a detention pond behind the Costco Pan el or n a channel behind the Home Depot Parcel to the detention pond in front of the Froorn Ran.:h. Water falling onto the Property will be directed through storm sewers to a central drainage easement under the main access drive between the parcels and from there into a storm drain along Los Osos Valley Road. With the diversion of the off -site surface water to a detention pond, the amount of water flowing from the project into the Los Osos Valley Road storm drain will not be gi than that which currently flows into that storm drain system from the project site. Costco will vacuum sweep the parking lots two to three times a week to remove heavy metal materials and sediments. The small quantities of gasoline; and oil which may leak from vehicles will rarely flow as far as the drainage inlets, but Costco will install fossil filters or an approved equal product at these inlets to capture containments that otherwise might flow into the storm drain system. As shown in Exhibit SP-^01.1, the Conceptual Landscape Plan, the perimeter of the site will be landscaped at the south and west, interspersed with shade trees at parking islands. Throughout the parking lot broadleaf shade trees, accent trees and shrubs are found at the ends of each parking section. The parking lot will be lighted with standard downward pointing lights, each containing two 1,000 watt halide bulbs affixed to a 35-foot light pole. The lighting fixtures are of a shoe -box style with the bulbs recessed in the shoe box to minimize dispersion and glare. See preliminary site electrical pl:-in. The building exterior will be of vertical metal panels and concrete masonry block, scored in places to break up the building fapade Canopies with standing seam metal roofing flank: the entrance on either side, covering the food service and shopping cart storage areas. The main entrance to the building is depicted on the sheet DID 3.1-01 The building colors range from light to dark beige tones The primary color of the building is beige with accents. The Costco signs on the southeast and northeast elevations will be externally -illuminated letters in red with accent stripes and WHOLESALE. in blue. The mass of the building is broken up by varying the height of the parapet, al changes in the planes of the fapade to create relief and shadowing, and landscaping to soften its lines The gasolire service area will be covered with a canopy that will extend 88 feet across. Around the perimeter or the canopy will be a metal fascia panel painted to match the warehouse. The canopy is si:pperted by block columns. (Lights will be recessed in the canopy. OPERATIONS DESCRIPTION The Costco facility in Sari Luis Obispo is expected to employ approximately 300 persons, totaling between 75 and 125 employees per shift. The Costco warehouse will be open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6 00 p.m. The gasoline facility hours of operation typically extend from 6:00 a.m. tc 10:00 p.m. weekdays and from 7:00 a-m. to 6:00 p.m. weekends. Costco anticipates an average of about 18 trucks delivering goods on a typical weekday. The trucks range in size from 26 Meet long for single -axle trailers to 54 feet long for double axle trailers. Receiving tirne is from 4:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., averaging 2 to 3 trucks per hour and most of the deliveries will be completed before the 10:00 a.m. opening time. Deliveries to the warehouse are made primarily in Costco trucks from its freight consolidation facility in Tracy, California. Trucks will be routed from Highway 101 along Los Osos Valley Road to the main entrance to the center, then proceed along the east an south perimeters of the Costco Parcel to back into the loading docks. They wil depart along the center drive aisle to Los Osos Valley Road and back to Highway 101. Fuel truck celiveries are anticipated to occur daily during the hours of operation, usually between 6:00 a.m. aid 10:p0 p.m. The fuel trucks will traverse the same route as the warehouse delivery trucks to the Costco Parcel and then continue along the central drive to the gasoline facility. The largest fuel trucks. are approximately 70 feet long and carry 9,500 gallons. While delivering the fuel, the truck will be parked over the underground tanks located on the south side of the gasoline facility. Thy: truck will not block access to any of the twelve fueling positions, but its presence may discourage customers from accessing the southern -most bay. For this reason, Costco will make every effort to schedule deliveries a non -peak periods and usually before 10:00 a.m. The tire renter typically will receive shipments of tires two times per week in single or double - trailer trunk!: of up to 60 feet in length, and pick up of old tires usually will occur once per week in 28 foot long trucks. The typical routing for tire center trucks will be from Highway 101 via Los Obos Valley Road to the central entrance to the Costco Parcel, then along the east border of the Costco Parcel to turn in at the point of the tire center; and they will return the same, way or along the secondary access road on the west perimeter of the center. Deliveries to and pickups from the tire center will be scheduled for pre -opening hours, typically about 6:00 a.m. In an average week, a total of approximately 100 trucks will call upon the Costco warehouse tire center and gasoline facility. In order to open and operate the gasoline facility, Costco will have to meet requirements of local, state and federal regulators and agencies, including the San Luis Obispo County Fire Protection District, the San Luis Obispo County Environmental Health -Hazardous Materials Division (Hazardous Materials/Underground Tank Permit), the San Luis Obispo Certified Unified Program Agency, the- San Luis Obispo Air Quality Management District, the California Accident Release Prevention Program (Risk Management Plan), the State Water Resources Control Board, the California Elnvironmental Protection Agency, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency. One of these requirements, for example, may be a Spill Prevention Counterrnea sure and Control Plan to prevent runoff of petroleum product spills. C/My Doc u Went-/Coscto Admin/Froject Description) S A LUIS OBISPO COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND BUILDING ICIOk HOLANDA, AICP DIRECTOR SRYCL TINGLE, AICP AS''dSIANT DIRECTOR MIN CARROT I F V'IRONMFWAI. C()O R D INAIOR II)RRISI MRMUIII CIIIII RIMMING ()III( AL NOTICE, OF: AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION ACTION HEARING DATE:: JANUARY 17, 2001 RECOMMENDATIONTO: CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO - Peggy Mandeville/Planner SUBJECT: C:OSTCO WHOLESALE/TODD BARTOK for a recommendation to the City of San Luis Obispo; Peggy Mandeville, Planner, for a request to allow an approximately 150,(100 square foot warehouse store and service station. The site is located at 12395 Los Osos Valley Road, approximately midway between Madonna Road and Highway 101 11 the City calf San Luis Obispo; in the Airport Land Use Zone 6. On January '17, 2001, the Airport Land Use Commission recommended approval for the above referenced application to the city of San Luis Obispo. Copies of the Final Findings and Conditions are attached. If you have any questio,Is regarding this matter, please contact me at (805) 781-5718. Sincerely, Chris Macek, Secretary Airport Land Use Commission (Planning Department Use CirIly) Date NOFA Mailed InteroffiC:e-Mailed Hand -delivered Enclosed: X Staff Report with final findings and conditions CruNFv GovERNMINI 1:IN [K ',AN D1) 01315V0 • CAIIFORNIA 93408 • (805)7131-5600 • 1-800-834-4636 I.NIAII: ipcop lit r" cnifl. org ��IAN (805)78"1-1242 http:;/wwkv.slonet.org/vv/ipcoping 0 �i 06. 4v J y r\ O ID AGENDA S.L.O. County, Airport Land Use Commission MEETING DATE_AIPR'.IL 16 2003. MEETING LOCATION SCHEDULE Oscar Bayer James Gleim Jim Haggerty Terry Orton Boger Oxborrow Richard Pottratz Robert Tefft Regular Anrp(it Land Lse Commission meetings are held in the Board of Supervisors Chambers C )unty Governmerit Center, San Luis Obispo, on the third Wednesday Of each month. The meeting schedule is as follows: Meeting Begins: Aft,-rnoon Recesses 1:30 P.M. 2:30 2:45 P.M. ALL HEA141N 3S ARE: ADVER -7SED FOR 1.30 P.M. THIS TIME IS ONLYAN ESTIMATE AND IS NC T Tr,) BE"CONSIDERED AS TIME' GUARANTEED, PUBLIC AND APPLIC.A�J'r;" ,ARlc AD'u'1SED TO ARRIVE EARLY. ROLL CALL PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD Members of tie public: ,mshin_I to address the Airport Land Use Commission on matters other than sc iedu ecl ite rns may do sc at this time, when recognized by the Chairperson. Presentation! are limiteca to three minutes per individual. 1. Minutes: K1inutc3s of the March 19, 2003, meeting are submitted for approval. 2. Staff Updates: \LUC'Vacancies J. Paull Winery action by the Planning Commission HEARING ITEMS: 3. Hle:arirg to consider a proposal by LEE COULTER for a recommendation to the COUNTY OF: SANI L.UIS OBISPO (Elizabeth Kavanaugh, Planner) for a detern inati .)n of (::onsistency or inconsistency with the Airport Land Use Ran for a 10,001 square foot vehicle storage yard to be established on a parcel zoned Comm a-rci al Service (CS ). The site is located near the north east corner of the iriterse ctiori oil 21'' Street and Nipomo Street in the community of Oceania, in the Ocean e, County Airport Plan -Land Use Area 4. C".ounty, Government Center, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408 4. Hearii ig tc consider a proposal by HERON CRESTDEVELOPMENT for a recon mendation to the COUNTY OF SAN LUIIS OBISPO (Kerry O'Neill, Planner) fair a cieterrnination of consistency or inconsistency with the Airport Land Use Plan for th ee new single Family dwellings to be constructed on a parcel zoned Residential Mullil--family (RNIF). The site is located at 660 Air Park Drive in the c:ornm roily of Or.eano; in the Oceano County Airport Plan- Land Use Area 4. DISCUSSION ITEMS: 5. Proposed Amendments to the Airport Land Use Plan by Commissioner Tem. (O;oint -wed from. March 19, 2003 and estimated time for discussion 1.5 hours) 6. Recommended modifications to the Oceano Specific Plan for the Airport Land Use, Commission. John Hand, Long Range Planning (Continued from March 19, 2003) 7. Oceaao Airport Land Use Plan: Process to incorporate policy statements interpreting the: language of the Oceano Airport Land Use Plan. (Continued from March 19, :2003) 8. Costco Warehouse Store Draft Environmental Impact Report notice: City o San Luis Dbispo: Phil Dunesmore, Associate Planner. 9. Proposed Broad Street Mixed Use Development and Rezone: City c, San Luis Obispc:i; Carol Florence, Agent/Oasis Associates. 10. Proposal to establish a subcommittee to work towards consistency between the C ty of San Luis Obispo's General Plan and the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport Land Use! Plan (ALUP). Mike Draze, City of San Luis Obispo. 11. Airport Land Use Commission Referral Forms (Gout 'cued from March 19, 2003) 12. Norninations• for Airport Land Use Commission appointed "At -Large" ALUC Commissioner expiring May 1, 2003; action will be taken on May 21, 2003. 13. NextScheduled Meeting: Wednesday May 21, 2003, at 1:30 p.m. in the County Boarc of Super Visors Chambers, County Government Center, San Luis Obispo, CA. Chris Macek, Secretary Airport Land Use Commission S �t city of san lugs 990 Palm Street, Sari Luis Obispo, CA 9:3401-3249 Notice of Availability of a VIAR 2 8 2003 Draft Environmental Impact Report for Costco F iann ng & Bldg (State Clearinghouse # 2002051036 & City Files: 173-00) The Draft Environmental (Impact Report (EIR) for the Costco warehouse store and service station project is available for public review and comment. The, applicant, Costco Wholesale, has submitted planning applications to the City to develop the site located at 15,10 Froom Ranch Way, adjacent to Home Depot. The project includes two main components. which are: Costco wholesale store •• a 140,000 square foot membership warehouse store with attac,ied tire center and food court; and Costco Service Station --- a three island, twelve pump, membership only, self- service fueling station. Both components of the project share the site at -1540 Froom Ranch Way. The EIR provides detailed information about: the project and evaluates its potential adverse impacts on the environment. The EIR discusses environmental effects of the project in the following Issue areas: aesthetics (visual resources), air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, geology, hazardous materials, drainage/erosion and sedimentation, land use anc planning policies, noise, traffic and circulation, noise and utilities and public services. The project site is not considered a hazardous waste site pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sec. 15087(c)(6). The report is distributed to other governmental agencies for their comments and its used by City decision makers in their review and consideration of the project. Reference ccpies of the EIIP xfe available at the Ciiy Cuunty Library at Palm, and Osos Streets, at the Community Development Department in City Hall, at 990 Palm Street, and at the Cal Poly Library (Government Documents). Additional copies of the Draft EIR are available from the Community Development Department for a charge of $30.00 for a hard col--ly or $10.00 for a CD -Rom version. The document will also be available for review On the City's website at www.slocity.org. The required 45-day public review period for the EIIR will extend from Monday, March 24th, 2003 to Wednesday May 7th, 2003. Anyone interested in commenting on the report should submit a written statement to the City of San Luis Obispo, Community Development Department, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3249, Attention: Phil Dunsmore, Associate Planner by 5:00 p.m., on May 7th, 2003. A public hearing on the Draft EIR is scheduled before the Planning Commission during the public review period on Wednesday, April 23, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chamber, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, to discuss potential project impacts outlined in the EIR. �fC� The City of San Luis Obispo is committed to include the disabled in all of its services, programs antl activities. y Telecommunications Device far the Deaf (805) 781-7410. a-3 Staff Report San Luis Obispo County Airport Land Use Commission DATE: JA NUARY 17, 2001 TO: AIRPORTLAND USE COMMISSION FROM: BILL ROBESON, ALUC STAFF SUBJECT: COSTCO WHOLESALE — CONSISTENCY DETERMINATION TO ALLOW THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 15�0,000 SQUARE FOOT WAREHOUSE STORE THAT WELL, INCLUDE A TIRE CENTER AND A SEPARATE SERVICE STATION- CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO. THE PARCEL IS INTHE COMMERCIAL RETAIL (C-R) ZONING DESIGNATION. THE SITE IS LOCATED AT 12395 LOS OSOS VAL,L.EY ROAD, IN THE COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO (PARCELS PEN DING ANNE)i ATION INTO THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO) AND IN THE SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY AIRPORT PLAN/AREA 6. RECOMMENDATION Recommend approval of the project to the City of San Luis Obispo based on the following: Finding - The proposed development is compatible with the 1973 San Luis Obispo County Airport Land Use Plan, with the recommended conditions in this report. PROJECT DESCRIPTION Proposal: Request: to construct a 150,000 square foot warehouse store and service station. In the County of Sari Luis Obispo, parcels pending annexation to the city. Location: The site is located at 12395 Los Osos Valley Road, approximately midway between Madonna Road and Highway 10, in the County of San Luis Obispo. The site is located in the San Luis Ob spo Country Airport Plan/Area 6. City General IPlan F;xisting zoning - (C-R) Commercial Retail Proposed zoning - ((---R) Commercial Retail San Luis Obispo ( ounty Airport Plan: Airport Land Use Areas: The proposed development is within Area 6 Other Land in planning Area: Commercial Retail uses are compatible in area 6. County Government Center, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408 - (805) 549-5600 Resolution "B" PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 5374-03 A RESOLUTION OF THE SAN LUIS OBISPO PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF A USE PERMIT FOR A 140,000 SQUARE FOOT WARHOUSE STORE AND A FUELING CENTER AT 1540 FROOM RANCH WAY APPLICATION # 173-00 Wl1I REAS, the Planning Comrmission of the City of San Luis Obispo conducted a public hearing in tfe Council Chamber of City Hall, 990 Palrn Street, San Luis Obispo, California, on September .-4°i, 2.00.3, for the propose of considering Application U 173-00, a Planning Commission Use Perm",_ to: 1. Allow a 140,000 square foot `Xarehouse store; and 2. Allow the establishment of three -island fuel station. WIII.REA.S, said public hearing was for the purpose of formulating and forwarding recomrnendaiions to the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo regarding the project; and VVI F REAS, noilices of said public bearing were made at the time and in the manner required by 1:"w; and VVHI�RFAS, the Planning Commission reviewed and considered the Project's Final FIR which includes the mitigation monitoring program prepared for the project; and VJHFRE,AS, the Planning Commission has duly considered all evidence, including the testimony of the apphctuit, interested parties, and the evaluation and recommendations by staff, presented at, aid hearing, NIOw, TIJI REFORE, If; rI RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of the City of San Luis Obkpo as follcv✓s: Section 1. Findings, Based upon all the evidence, the Commission makes the following findings: 1. The FIR adequately addresses the proposed project, and can be used in taking a final action on all aspcctr of the project, including the use permit. 2. The use t,f the property for a large scale, regional serving retail store is consistent with the General Plan, which identifies this vicinity as appropriate for such development. 3. The proposed use is appropriate at the proposed location and will be compatible with surrounding uses with "implementation of the conditions of approval and the mitigation measures contanted n the. EIR. 4. The scale of the building is compatible with existing uses in the area and maintains the appropria,e relationships with surrounding buildings and the adjacent residential area. 5. The proposed use will serve the community, in whole or in significant part, and the; nature of the use rei_luires a larger size in order to function. The proposed use has the potential to attract Resolution No. 537-4-03 Page 2 a regional demand. therefore resulting in a potential increase of local restaurant, enteataimnent and even other retail uses. 'The nature of a Costco Warehouse store is that it works as several retail shops under one roof, the tremendous variety and the warehouse -like style conrihutes to the necessity of the excessive size. 6. The building in which the use is to be located is designed in discrete -elements that respect the scale of cevelopntent in the surrounding area. 7. The new building is designed in compliance with the City's Design Guidelines for Large - Scale Ret ul Projects. 8. The fueling station. does not conflict with the City's ordinance as it pertains to the regulation of cc:mcu rent alcohol and fuel sales on one site. This is because the proposed use is a warehouse store with a separate fueling station and the purchase of alcoholic beverages and motor fuel cannot be performed at the same time nor under one transaction. Section 3. Recommendation. 'The Planning Commission does hereby recommend to the City Council approval of application U 193-01, subject to the following conditions and code requirements 1. All mitigation measures contained in the Final EIR shall be included as conditions of approval. and are incorporated herein by reference. 2. The Devc lopment of the Costco site shall be subject to review by the Architectural Review Con -miss on for consistency with the City's design Guidelines for Large -Scale Retail Projects. 3. Pedestnan access to the Costco property shall be linked with De Vaul Ranch Drive, subject to coordination with the City and adjacent property owners. Code Requirements: Note: The foltowin9 coderequirements are included for information purposes only. They serve to give the applicant a general idea of other City requirements that will apply to the project. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list as other requirements may be identified during the plan check process. Additionally these code requirements were formulated prior to release of the project final E FP. The final OR supercedes the code requirements where a conflict occurs. Public Works 1. All conditions and requirements of Parcel Map SLO 00-041 per City Council Resolution #9061 (2000 Series) that were deferred to development shall be considered as included as conditions of approval for this development as applicable. 2. Any oatstanding conditional approval items from Parcel Map SLO 00-041 that required performance of said item prior to occupancy shall be noted on the building plans as needir, g to be completed prior to occupancy. Resolution No 5374-03 Page 3 Drainage calculations shall be submitted for review and approval to the satisfaction of the Publ - Works Director and Building Official. Any tff-site ease.inents for grading, drainage, slope banks, access, utilities, etc. shall be recorded prior to building permit issuance. 5. Piopi used detention basin grading outside the city limits shall be approved to the satislaction of the County Building and Planning Department prior to the issuance of any city permits that show of require the off -site grading. 6. The Iuitcting plans shall include a complete grading, drainage, and erosion control plan. 7. EPA Requirement General Construction Activity Storm Water Permits are required for all shsti rm water discharges associated with a construction activity where clearing„ grading and e ccavation result in land disturbance of five or more acres. Storm water discharges of les; than five acres, but: which is part of a larger common plan of development or sale, also n:qurres a permit Permits are required until. the construction is complete. 5fo be coveied by a general Construction Activity Permit, the owner(s) of land where construction activity occurs must submit a completed "Notice of Intent" (NOI) form, with the a propriate fee, to the State Water Board. 8. Drive xay improvements, pavement, utilities, pedestrian walkway and bikeway impr( vements, err.;., along the proposed northeasterly property line shall be constructed to accoi imodate a possible future public street, as provided for as a condition of the parcel map, o the satisfaction of the Public Works Director. I raffi , impact fees shal I be paid prior to the issuance of a building permit. Traffic impact fees are applicable to both the retail store and the gas station. Gas station impact fees shall ie based on the final approved plans and A1PCD permit approvals for the number of nozzl.:s (cli spenscxs), 10. '['ruck routes for e;rading import and/or exports and material deliveries shall be established for northerly and southerly destinations in accordance with the circulation elernc it and steal l be nosed on the building/grading plans. 11. The building plans shall be consistent with the recorded map and improvement plans for street arming, public and private easements, utilities, streets, and dedications. Utilitie.,, 12. A water allocation is required, due to the additional demand on the City's water supplies. The C t:y currently has water to allocate, and does so on a "first -come, first -served" basis. Watet is allocated at the time building permits are issued and the Water Impact Fee is paid. Both the. Water and the Wastewater Impact Fees are based on the size of the water meter s) serving the development. Resolution So. i37a-03 Page 4 13. Appropriate backtIow prevention will be necessary on any connection to the City water system if the property includes an active well. All backflow preventers shall be approved by the University of Southern California Foundation for Cross -Connection Control and Hydraulic Research. The project shall be coordinated with the County Cross -Connection Inspe :tor. Henry Ruiz, who can be reached at 781-5567. 14. Due t.i the proposed gasoline station at the site, industrial waste/wastewater pretreatment requirements tray apply. The project shall be coordinated with the City's Industrial P✓asu Coordinator for specific requirements. 15. A. separate c:oiincc:tion to the public water main shall be required for automatic fire sprinklers. The fire service lateral shall include a USC approved backflow preventer appropriate for the proposed use. The backflow prev enter shall be located as close to the public tight -of -way as possible, in direct alignment with the connection to the public water main. The backflow pre venter can be located no further than 25 feet from the right- oif-wav line without prior written approval of the Utilities Engineer. If the fire service supports one or more fire hydrants, the USC approved backflow preventer shall ,also induce detector capabilities (double detector check assembly). The FDC may be located behini!the backflow prevention assembly, in accordance with manufacturer's recorr mendations. The location and orientation of the FDC shall be approved by the Fire Department. A monthly servicefee of $22.40 shall be required if the property does not have connection to the City system for domestic use. 16.:By orcinance, the applicant is required to prepare: a recycling plan for approval by the City tr address the recycling of construction waste for projects valued at over $50,000 or demofUon cif structures over 1000 square feet. The recycling plan shall be submitted to the Building Department with the building plans. The City's Solid Waste Coordinator Cain provide some guidance in the preparation of an appropriate recycling plan. 17. The irrigation systems for common areas, parks, detention basins, and other large landscape areas shall Ibe designed and constructed in accordance with the; standards for reclaimed water use. An appropriately sized reclaimed water main shall be constructed from the proposed alignment of the City's reclaimed water distribution system in Los Osos Valley Road to the end of:Froom Ranch Drive, to serve as a public reclaimed water main. If reclaimed water is not yet available, the on -site system shall be designed and canstr_icted to reclaimed water standards, and temporarily connected to the City's, potable water -ystem in the area of the anticipated connection to the public reclaimed water distribution system. Appropriate backflow protection shall be installed with this connec tion to the satisfaction of the County Cross Connection Inspector, Henry Ruiz, who enn be reached at 781-5567. 18. One ti ee required per 35 lineal feet of street frontage or any part thereof'. Trees are to be 15 ,gal size and planted to city specifications Choose a species from the Master Street Tree list. Resolution No. 674-03 Page 5 Fire 19. Code Requirement: Access shall be in accordance with Article 9 of the California Fire Code- Access roads shall have :an unobstructed width of not less than 20 feet. Access roads ;hall be designed and maintained to support the imposed loads of a 60,000 pound fire apparatus and shall be provided with a surface so as to provide all-weather driving capabilities. 20. d'ondi _ion: Prior i o combustible construction all-weather access shall be provided. Al l- weath,n access will include the first lift of asphalt. 21. Code Requirement: Water supplies shall be in accordance with Sections 901 and 903 of the California Fire Code. An approved water supply connected to the City distribution syster i and capable of providing the required fire flow for fire protection is required. The Pure f , �w shall be determining using Appendix III -A of the California Fire Code, 22. Condition: Applicant shall provide a fire flow analysis verifying that adequate water is available for firefighting. Onsite water mains shall have an internal and external loop desigi 23. Code tequir'ernern: Fire hydrants shall be installed in accordance with Section 903.4 of the C i ifornia Fire Code. The location, number and type of hydrants connected to the Gty s , stem shall be determined using Appendix 111-13 of the California Fire Code and the appro, ed City Engineering Standards. 24. Condi ion 1-he location and distribution of fire hydrants shall be reviewed and approved prior t ) installation. 25. Code kequi:rement: Fire protection systems shall be in accordance with the California Fire C )de and California Building Code as amended by the City. 26. Condit on: Structures shall be provided with an approved and monitored fire sprinkler system (Service station canopy included). All fire protection equipment; valves and contro''s shall be located in a single location for rapid access and operation. Location of all sues equipment shall be approved prior to installation. 27. ("ode k_equirement: Buildings undergoing construction, alteration or demolition shall be in accordance with Article 87 of the California Fire Code. 28. Condition: Firc extinguishers shall be provided for buildings under construction. Combustible dehr: s, waste material or rubbish shall not be accumulated within buildings or bun,ed on the site. 29. Code Requirement: Automotive motor vehicle fuel -dispensing stations shall be in accordance with Article 52 and UFC Standard 52-1. Such operations shall include both public] ✓ accessible and private operations. Flammable and combustible liquids and LP - gas shall also be in accordance with Articles 79 and 82. Resolution iNo. 5374-0.3 Page 6 30. Condition: Portions of the proposed project shall comply with one or more of the CUPA prognim elements (i,e. t (;T's and Business Plans). Trams ortati, yr. 31. Bicyc e Parking: The applicant shall provide the amount of long- and short term bicycle storage as called for by Section 17.16.060 of the. City Zoning Regulations. a. Short term bicycle storage (racks) shall comply with the design and location provisions of tho adopted Bicycle Transportation Plan (reference Section IV.C, page 12). Consistent with these provisions, bike racks should be located close to and viewable form the biilding;'s main entrance. A location between the entry and the proposed tire sales outlet underneath the arbor appears to be an appropriate location. Alternatively, integrating the bike parking with the south end of the outdoor food service seating area aright also be considered. (For additional guidance, applicant should refer to draft Community Design Guidelines recently acted on by the ARC.) b. Long-:erm bicycle storage shall be provided by installing fully enclosed lockers or resew ng a dedicated lockable room within the structure for bike storage. c. "I'he rtirncnsioned location, type and orientation of all bicycle parking i'acilities and in:four cation that documents compliance with the above provisions shall be provided on the pr rject plans considered by the ARC. 32. Connection to Adjoining Subdivision: The north end of the drive aisle (possible. future (public street) that separates the Costco building site from the nine -acre parcel fionting Los Oros Valley Road shall be designed to provide for pedestrian and bicycle access liorn rie adjoirum:; residential subdivision and street. 33. IPedesrian Connection: Provisions shall be incorporated into the site plans to provide for extew on of a public pedestrian walkway between this project site and the adjacent residential neighborhood (Tract 2401), along the northwesterly boundary of the site (near the westerly corner of the site). 34. Truck Circttlatiori: The project plans shall show the intended circulation route for delivery vehicles, The project's site plan shall be: modified to achieve the following object ves: A. Establish a delivery vehicle circulation plan that avoids routing trucks along the parking lot aisle adjoining the residential subdivision. B. Consider securing a turn around area to the rear of the Home Depot building (on the "not a part" parcel) to achieve above objective. 35. Pedesi rian Connection to Transit Stop and Improvements: Project plans shall clearly identil y a raised pedestrian walkaway that extends from the planned transit stop on Los (..)sos Valley Road to the main building entrance. Unless required of the adjoining Home Depot project, applicant shall install transit stop sign and shelter, to the ,approval of the City 7 -ansit Manager. Resolution No, 537q-03 Page 7 36. The ✓c.cccss Easement: The 31) foot wide easement area shown adjoining the De:Vaul tract hould be limited to emergency access, drainage, and utilities. Public ,access should be pn eluded at this point. 37. An ac cessible path of travel shall be provided from all public rights -of -way to the proposed store. Provide a complete connection to the accessible pedestrian paths and from ,he access easemcnt to be secured from'rra.ct 2401. 38. The building plans shall show the extent of any proposed offsite improvements required for thr, connection to Tract 2401 Offsite improvements shall be coordinated with the appre red Tract. 2',401 improvement plans to the satisfaction of the Public Works Director. 39. Show the gas station future island expansion on the landscape plans to the satisfaction of the C ,mmunity Development Director. 40. Be'parking, lot shall be designed in accordance with the parking and driveway standards. Complete parking lot plans have not been made available for review at this time. Striping, maneuverability, grading, drainage, traffic controls, pavement structural sectiens, and accessibility will.be reviewed when complete plans have been provided and soils rngineer recommendations are available for review. 41. Engineered grading plans will be required per the adopted grading ordinance in effect at the time of building and/or grading permit application. The grading plans shall include the quantity of cut and fill required for this development_ If cut and fill quantities are not balan, ed, the plans shall clarify the borrow and/or deposit areas as applicable. 42. An updated soils engineering report shall be provided for this development at the time of building permit application. Attached: Mitigation Measures, C ostco/Froom Ranch Final EIR, June, 2003' On motion b� Conimr. Caruso, seconded by Commr. Cooper, and on the following roll call vote: AYES: Commrs. Aiken, Cooper, Caruso, Osborne, Loh and Christianson NOES: Commr. Boswell REFRAIN: None ABSENT: None: The foregoinh resolution was passed and adopted this 24's day of September, 2003. enaterWhiscriand Planning Commission Secretary city of san lugs osispo 990 Palm Street, San Luis ii CA 93401-3249 Costco'Wht lesaie Attn: Todd Bartok. 17300 Redhill Avenue:, Suite 230 Irvine, CA 92614 SUBJECT: ER and L.I 173-00: 1540 Froom Ranch Way Review of the Final EIR and request to allow a 140,000 square foot warehouse store and member -only fueling center Dear Applicant: The Planning Commission, at its lrleeting of July 9, 2003, continued the above project, as you requeste-J. The, matter has been placed on the Commission's September 24, 2003 agenda,. If you have my questions, please contact Phil Dunsmore at 781-7522. Sincerely, MOw Joh Mandeville, for Ronald Whikenand Deputy Commun'ty DE,!velopment Director Developmert Re,✓iew cc: Coun�y of SLO Assessor's Office NlcKently & Associates Atin: Ken McKently 234 E . Colorado Blvd. Ste. 725 Pasadena CA 91101 Cath( rine Twisselrnan, Etal o A Madonna) 284 Higuera Street San Luis Obisp��_i, CA 93401 ��EThe City o San Luis Obispo is committed to include the disabled in all of Its services, programs and activities. Telecomm� rdcalions Devl� e for the peat (805) 781-7410. Mannino (inn September 2<, pODe Pane 7 COmmr. Loh encouragem d the comission to go forward with this item and not send it back to staf` for changEI Commr. Co, -)per suggested modification to language in 1.b, second sentence to read: "Service stations include any ancillary retail facility only if the point of sale of that retail facility is greater than 200 feet from another point of sale serving alcoholic beverages." The motion maker and seconder accepted the amendment. A brief recess was called in order for the City Attorney and staff to review the Proposed motion arrrendment language. Attorney Trujillo expressed concern that the proposed language may be opening the door to a legal challenge to 5.36 in the fact that it is attempting to define a service station by points of sale., which is very unusual. He suggested that due to timing issues involved, star recommends that if the Commission does not support the proposed language, than a "notion be made to Council forwarding it, that the Commission does not support the proposed language, and if the Commission chooses, may direct staff or ask the Council to review the proposed! language to see if it could be refined to be more workable. Commr. Cooper's amendment to the motion was withdrawn from this motion, to be considered as a separate motion. AYES: Commrs. Lcrh, Aiken, Cooper and Christianson NOES: C omrrirs Caruso, Boswell and Osborne ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None Motion carries c,n a 4:3 vote. W AYES: Commrs. Cooper, Loh, Aiken and Boswell NOES: Commrs. Caruso, Christianson and Osboirne ABSENT: Nc le ABSTAIN: None Motion carries of a 4:3 vot= 3. 154Uom Ranch VLat. LI and IER 173-00: Review of the Final Environmental Impact Report and proposal to construct a 140,000 sq. ft. (+/-) warehouse store, member -only fueling center, and ancillary site improvements; C-R zone; Costco Wholesale (Todd Bartok), applicant. (Phil Dunsmore) Planning Com nissinn Mimi(., September 24 2003 Page 8 Phil DUrl!3M-)re presented the staff report, asking the Commission to adopt a resolution recommending the City Council certify the Final EIR with findings of overriding considerations relative 'to drainage and air quality, and grant conditional approval of the Use Permit allowing a 140,000 square foot warehouse store and three -island fueling center, based on findings and subject to conditions, code requirements, and mitigation measures. -le noted the EIR addresses the development of the Costco site, as well as future development of two additional parcels at Los Osos Valley Road, a total of 32 acres of lance with commercial development potential. Planner Dunsmore discussed a minor change to the EIR text, recommended by the EIR consultant, noting it is not considered a significant impact, therefore, recirculation of the EIR is not roquired. He explained the amendment simply adds a new section titled "New Land Use Trend" and discusses how the realignment of Calle Joaquin will potentially affect future Band uses. He also noted the revision has been included in the public record to ensure all potential secondary effects are adequately addressed. Commr, Cooper questioned the issue of Traffic Impact Fees, noting some inconsistencies in the text such as the responsibility of TIF fees by the front parcel applicants. He noted this issue was the main reason the EIR was not certified at the previous hea ing. Deputy Rublic. Works Director Tim Bochum, explained that both the Costco and the front two parcels will be responsible for paying fair -share contributions toward the LOVR interchange project improvements. He referred to the two mitigation measures, noting they are strucaured so that the applicant(s) will either pay a fair -share mitigation fee determined by, the City, or if the city-wide Transportation Improvement Fee Program is amended by the time of Council approval, they will pay that established TIF fee. Commr. Boswell questioned Finding 8, which addresses fuel and alcohol sales issues, and suggested changing the language of that finding. Attorney Trujiiio suggested adding language to that finding as follows: "If adopted by the City Council as proposed by the Planning Commission ... the fueling station does not conflict .. " Todd Bartok, applicant, submitted a letter he received electronically from the City's Public Works Department that further clarifies the Traffic Impact Fees, and breaks them down in an understandable format, and stated that he is satisfied with the TIF dollar amounts. He requested an interim alignment option so that if they are unable to obtain proper wetlan f permits through the Army Corps of Engineers, there would be an alternative to the solution, at the sole cost of Costco for its project. Planner Dunsmore discussed the issue of Public Art and input from the ARC regarding the potential for putting money into a fund for the entire site (Home Depot, Costco, and the Madonna parcels) resulting in one very nice piece of art either at this location or at a more appropriate location. Commr. Cooper felt the mechanism for such an option is the public art in -lieu fee. Planning C, u-nrr,ission blinut� September ?4, 2G03 Page 9 Ian Adam Fusco Engineering, explained that off -site drainage would be collected in a detention basin, which will have regulated discharge at Los Osos Valley Road. Drainage will be collected into a proposed storm drain system that leads to LOVR, and those flows will not be combined with the water quality efforts made; from the project itself (drainage area 11). He then explained the drainage from the gasoline service area will be colk_?cted into a specific system that treats all runoff from the gasoline area into a storm drain insert (versus an oil/water separator) and into a bioswale system (drainage area 2). Drainage area 3 will be discharged into a second storm drain insert, which would then discharge iinto a proposed swale system that joins up to the regional swale. He explained the preference for a Swale is because they are designed to take flows from a pinpoint Source (oil/water separator) and gradually even out the flows; the bio- retention cencept introduces more ponding which is susceptible mosquito issues and regulatory issues. Commr. CCoper asked if the vegetated Swale parallel to Los Osos Valley Road is incorporated into the proposed berm system. Planner Durismore responded that the berm system is for the retail pad in front of the proposed Costco, and is not part Of this project. In response to questions frorru Commr. Boswell, Mr. Adam clarified that the storm drain insert is a vortex sieve system, and the sieve can be sized to remove pollutants of certain sizes They are equipped with an oil/water entrapment device at the top, and Perform much better than oil/water separators. He noted there is a formula and calculation for water quality treatment (a legal regulatory definition), and the storm drain inserts will be sized specifically for the area. Commr. Loh c,iuestioned the pedestrian linkage to DeVaul Ranch. She asked if this was intentionally omitted from the plans. Jeff Wilson, architect, responded that there have been detailed discussions with the ARC regarding � the existing sidewalk: from LOVR going down the south side of Parcel 9 along Froom f=lanch Way. The ARC asked if there could be a continuous linkage from LOVR back to the center of the site. To address the ARC, Mr. Wilson noted he wants to work with the adjoining property owner to come up with a location that allows a connection between the residential area to create a series of spines that will connect all the parcels together and make it easy for pedestrians to circulate throughout the site. PUBLIC CQMMENT MaryBeth Shreader 2085 Wilding Lane, opposed the Costco development, and the concurrent :sale of alcohol and fuel. Brett Cross, 1L 17 Mariner's Cove, had concerns with the Statement of Overriding Considerations, and did not feel the mitigation measures proposed are "to the greatest extent possible' He suggested that Costco provide, as mitigation, free delivery within a 25-30 mile radius of the store to Cut down on the traffic impacts, since this a regional Planning iJc emission M4wtr., SeptemCE:r: 4, 2003 Page 10 draw. He expresse( concern w4h the potential for cut -through traffic occurring, and questione(° why solar panels are not proposed to address energy issues. Michael S llivan, SL.O. felt the EIR remains deficient and does not meet CEQA requirements. He expressed his confusion that parcels 1 and 3 are included as part of the EIR since specific development proposals for those sites have not been determined. He explained that CECA requires a tiering sequence be identified for environmental review, which has not been done for this project. He felt the mitigation proposals in various instances am too vague or ineffective, and that there are instances of improper deferral of nitigations COMMISSION COMIU ENTS Commr. Osborne questioned if the interim realignment of Calle Joaquin should have been addressed in the EIR. Planner Uunsmore responded that the applicant has recently offered this option as a way to temporarily avoid the impacts associated with the wetlands and the additional permits tha-' may be required by the Army Corps of Engineers. It is not known if this scenario weld avoid additional environmental impacts. Mary Rentz, EIR consultant, noted that secondary impacts were considered for any type of alternativ: alignment of Calle Joaquin. However, it could not be addressed in detail since plans have not yet been established, but previous EIR's were tiered off of, such as the 1989 EIR for the (Madonna General Plan Amendment in the County of SLO. She explained that a thorough vegetative survey was performed as part of that EIR so they are aware & wetlands secondary impacts, and areas that can be mitigated. She noted the specifics of the mitigation measures have not: yet been established because the alignment and alternative alignment must first be staked so exact acreages can be calculated and exact locations determined. Commr. Osborne asked for advice on the advisability of certifying and EIR given that so many issues remain to be resolved in a detailed way. Attorney Trujillo responded that the staff report indicates the amendment is not a significant change to the document and does not result in new significant impacts or additional mitigation measures. He explained that iif any Commissioner disagrees with those statements and have a factual basis for it, that would be grounds to re -circulate the EIR. 1 ,•, vca��aii oiaiiudrus 10 De approved by the Director of Public Works. Change to VR MM 5 Alternatively the applicant can jy —the aPQr riate in -lieu fee for the purposes of providing a public art display in the_ immediate vicinity. Change TR LMM 1 from 12 months to 15 months Planning C;o1 (mission Mi'wtc., September 2 i, z_003 Page 11 PlannimgComrnission_. the fuellnQ station does not conflict with the Citv,s ordinance . Seconded by Commr. Cooper. Commr. Boswell had concerns with the Statement of Overriding Considerations in that there was rio benefit side that the City is required to weigh against the cost side. He felt the Cornrrission could act on it, but the language should be incorporated in the recornmen cation to the Council. Attorney l rujillo clarified that a textbook example of a Statement of Overriding Considerations 1) summarizes each of the impacts; 2) identifies the specific factors justifying the projectdespite the impacts (social, economic or any other factors); and 3) points out where in the record the evidence is that supports those findings. Commr'. Boswell noted he could not support the use permit because he did not feel the finding has been made that "the building in which the use is to be located, is designed in discrete -elements that respect the scale of development in the surrounding areas. Commr. Christianson felt the economic benefits of a Costco will be substantial, not only to the City of San Luis Obispo, but especially to families with children. She also felt the project fits into the scale of development in the surrounding area since there is a large store on orie side and a I'arge residential development on the other side. Since it is at the far rear of four large lots, she felt that once those lots are built out, Costco would become nearly invisible, and supported the project. AYES Cornrnres. Aiken, NOES°, Commr. Boswell ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None Motion Carr es on a 6:11 vote. Cooper, Caruso, Christianson, Loh and Osborne COMMENT AND DISCUSSION 4. Agenda Forecast Mike Draze gave an agenda forecast, noting several upcoming regular and special hearings to review the Housing Element Update, including an October 151 Town Hall Meeting. Ii was clariiied that the Housing Element will be the last item at regular meetings. With no furtner businc;ss (before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at 10:50 p.m. to the special Town Hall Meeting on October 1, 2003, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber. Respectfully Submitted, Diane Stuarr, Management Assistant