HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC-1120-2026 (USE-0835-2025 -- 1020 Southwood Dr.)RESOLUTION NO. PC-1120-2026
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO PLANNING
COMMISSION APPROVING THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR AN
EXISTING LARGE-SCALE COMMERCIAL RECREATION USE WITH 24
HOUR, SEVEN DAYS A WEEK OPERATION. THE PROJECT IS
CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW; AS
REPRESENTED IN THE STAFF REPORT AND ATTACHMENTS DATED
MAY 13, 2026 (1020 SOUTHWOOD DRIVE, USE-0835-2025)
WHEREAS, the YMCA has operated since 1977 at 1020 Southwood Drive in the
Public Facilities (PF) zone, and a proposed expansion of hours constitutes an expansion
of the legally established use that requires a Conditional Use Permit;
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of San Luis Obispo conducted a
public hearing on May 13, 2026, pursuant to a proceeding instituted under USE-0835-
2026, Channel Islands YMCA and SLO County YMCA, the applicant;
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of San Luis Obispo has duly
considered all evidence, including the testimony of the applicant, interested parties, and
evaluation and recommendations by staff, presented at said hearing;
WHEREAS, notice of said public hearing was made at the time and in the manner
required by law; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of the City
of San Luis Obispo as follows:
SECTION 1. Findings. The Planning Commission hereby grants final approval of
the project (USE-0835-2025), based on the following findings:
1. As conditioned, the proposed use is consistent with the General Plan because the
project provides a fitness and community-oriented facility that serves community-
wide needs as intended by the Recreation land use designation. The large-scale
commercial recreational use is conditionally permitted in the Public Facility zone
and would provide services and amenities that are compatible with, and would not
result in adverse impacts to, the surrounding uses, which include public parks,
commercial recreation, offices, and residences.
2. The proposed use is conditionally permitted within the Public Facility zone and as
proposed, complies with applicable provisions of the Zoning Regulations and the
Municipal Code.
3. As conditioned, the design, location, size, and 24-hour operating characteristics of
the proposed use is compatible with the existing and future land uses in the vicinity
because the project would operate within an existing tenant space on a site near
other public and quasi-public uses, provides onsite parking, and is buffered from
nearby residences by Johnson Park and Southwood Drive.
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1020 Southwood Drive, USE-0835-2025
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4. The site is physically suitable in terms of (a) its design, location, size, and operating
characteristics of the project, (b) traffic generation and the provision of public and
emergency vehicle (e.g., fire and medical access), (c) public protection services,
and (d) the provision of utilities (e.g., potable water, schools, solid waste collection
and disposal, storm drainage, wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal, etc.)
because the project is located on and surrounded by other developed properties,
has access to the City’s circulation system, and will be served by City utilities. The
project does not include activities that generate service or utility demands beyond
those anticipated with uses permitted in the vicinity.
5. The establishment and subsequent expanded operations or conduct of the use will
not, because of circumstances and conditions applied in the particular case, be
detrimental to the health, safety, or welfare of the general public or persons
residing or working in the neighborhood of the use, or be detrimental or injurious
to property or improvements in the vicinity of the use because the project does not
include additional square footage or any new uses, and the proposed expansion
of operating hours would distribute facility usage across a wider range of times,
potentially reducing parking demand during peak business hours.
SECTION 2. Environmental Review. The project is categorically exempt from
environmental review (Class 1, Section 15301, Existing Facilities, CEQA Guidelines)
because the project consists of the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing,
licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical
equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of existing or
former use. The project includes a limited intensification of the existing use through
extended 24-hour operations; however, it would not increase capacity, building area, or
peak occupancy, and would instead distribute use over a longer period. The project fully
operates within an existing tenant space. Therefore, it would not have a significant effect
on the environment.
SECTION 3. Action. The project conditions of approval do not include mandatory
code requirements. Code compliance will be verified during the plan check process,
which may include additional requirements applicable to the project. The Planning
Commission hereby grants final approval to the project with incorporation of the following
conditions:
Planning Division
1. The Conditional Use Permit shall be reviewed by the Community Development
Director for compliance with conditions of approval, or to determine whether a
modification of the Conditional Use Permit is necessary upon significant change to
the project description, approved plans, and other supporting documentation as
represented in the Staff Report dated May 13, 2026, or in the event of a change in
ownership which may result in deviation from the project description or approved
plans. Minor changes to the project description or approved plans may be
Resolution No. PC-1120-2026
1020 Southwood Drive, USE-0835-2025
Page 3
authorized by the Community Development Director and substantial modifications
shall require modification of the Conditional Use Permit.
2. This Conditional Use Permit shall be subsequently reviewed by the Planning
Commission if the City receives substantiated evidence supporting the conclusion
that a violation of this Use Permit, or of City ordinances has occurred; and if the
Community Development Director determines the violations have not been
adequately resolved. At the time of the Conditional Use Permit review, to ensure
on-going compatibility of the uses on the project site, conditions of approval may
be added, modified, or removed, or the Conditional Use Permit may be revoked.
Opportunity to Protest
3. The applicant acknowledges and agrees that the project conditions of approval
stated herein provide adequate and proper notice pursuant to Government Code
66020 of Applicant’s right to protest any requirement for fees, dedications,
reservations, or other exactions, and that any protest in compliance with Section
66020 must be made within ninety (90) days of the date that notice was given.
Indemnification
4. The applicant shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the City and/or its agents,
officers and employees from any claim, action or proceeding against the City
and/or its agents, officers or employees to attack, set aside, void or annul, the
approval by the City of this project, and all actions relating thereto, including but
not limited to environmental review (“Indemnified Claims”). The City shall promptly
notify the applicant of any Indemnified Claim upon being presented with the
Indemnified Claim and the City shall fully cooperate in the defense against an
Indemnified Claim.
On motion by Commissioner Munoz-Morris, seconded by Commissioner Cooley, and
on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Commissioner Cooley, Commissioner Flores, Commissioner Munoz-
Morris, Vice Chair Tolle, and Chair Houghton
NOES: None
REFRAIN: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Jorgensen, and Commissioner Kahn
The foregoing resolution was passed and adopted this 13th day of May 2026.
_____________________________
Tyler Corey, Secretary
Planning Commission