HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/12/1989, 3 - AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING REGULATIONS TO ALLOW POST OFFICE AND POSTAL SERVICES IN THE C-N (NEIGHBORHO �' ► p.111 city of sart Luis ogispoMEETra DATE
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT n'E ""`
FROM: Randy Rossi, Interim Community Development Director; By: Gary Pri
Associate Planner.
SUBJECT. Amendment to the Zoning Regulations to allow post office and postal
services in the C-N (Neighborhood-Commercial) zone.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
Introduce the attached ordinance to print approving a negative declaration on
environmental impact and amending the Zoning Regulations to allow post offices and
public and private postal services under 2,000 square feet gross floor area subject to an
administrative use permit in the C-N zone.
BACKGROUND:
The applicant, who manages the Foothill Plaza Shopping Center, on the southwest corner
of Foothill Blvd. and Broad Street, intends on legally establishing postal uses at the
shopping center located in the C-N (Commercial Neighborhood) zone. The applicant is
requesting that post office uses be an allowed use in the C-N zone (refer to the
applicant's statement, purpose and application and revised zoning chart attached). The -
proposed zoning text amendment would apply to all C-N zoned land in the city.
At its November 8, 1989 meeting, the Planning Commission unanimously recommended
approval of an amendment allowing post offices and public and private postal services
under 2,000 gross square-feet in floor areas in the C-N (Neighborhood-Commercial) zone
subject to approval of an administrative use permit (refer to the attached draft minutes).
In the same action, to avoid confusion interpreting the zoning regulations, the commission
recommended that the postal and delivery services be redefined to simply read delivery
services (refer to the attached zoning charts).
Significant Impacts
The initial environmental study (attached) identified no significant adverse environmental
impact which would result from the proposed rezoning.
Consequences of Not Taking the Recommended Action
If the proposed rezoning is not approved, postal offices and services would continue not
to be allowed in the C-N (Neighborhood Commercial) zone. The result would be not
to permit postal service uses in the C-N Zone such as those in the Laguna Village and
Foothill Plaza shopping centers. If the rezoning is approved, these businesses, and other
postal related uses, could be allowed throughout C-N zoned land in the city.
= crty of say. _ass OBispo
Oft COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Page 2
Data Su-mm=
Address: City-Wide
Applicant: Pat Richmond
Representative: Jeffrey C. Radding, Attorney
Environmental Status: The Director granted a negative declaration on environmental
impact on October 25, 1989.
Evaluation
1. Zoning Consistency:
The Zoning Regulations allow post office uses in the C-C (Central Commercial), C-R
(Commercial Retail) and C-S (Commercial Service) zoning districts. Post office uses are
also allowed in the P-F (Public Facilities) zone, subject to approval of a Planning
Commission Use Permit. Planning staff has defined post office uses to include sales and
facilities primarily devoted to postal services. The use category includes a range of uses
from small postal kiosks and private postal service businesses, such as those previously
located at the Foothill Shopping Center to larger local or regional post offices. Private
bulk delivery services, such as Federal Express and UPS, are listed separately in the
zoning regulations as 'Delivery and private postal services".
Staff agrees with the applicant that postal services provide personal services for the
convenience of surrounding residential areas, consistent with the purpose and application
of the C-N zone (Refer to the attached
C-N zoning text excerpt). Staff feels that allowing post office uses in the C-N zone will
give more flexibility to locate postal facilities throughout the city, particularly in those
areas close to residential districts. This flexibility encourages highly demanded
convenience facilities at locations, such as neighborhood shopping centers, thereby
reducing vehicle trips and air pollution.
However, due to the range in size and character of post offices, some facilities may not
be compatible or serve the needs of the local neighborhood. For example, a central
public post office may not be appropriate in an area which has limited circulation and
where it would impact a nearby residential area. But, a small postal kiosk or private
postal service, in the same neighborhood could be compatible with surrounding uses and
serve local needs.
The location and operation of post office uses in a C-N zone should, in staffs opinion,
require some consideration of impacts on a nearby sensitive residential area. Therefore
staff is recommending that post office uses in C-N zones be subject to approval of an
administrative use permit. The administrative use permit process will give the Director
flexibility for regulating or preventing uses so they will be compatible with existing or
desired conditions in the neighborhood.
MY of Sal _aIS OBISpo
C®UNCIL AGENDA REPORT
2. Planning Commission Consideration:
Several Planning Commissioners felt that there should be a limitation placed on the size
of postal facilities due to the proximity of C-N zoned land to residential neighborhoods
(refer to the attached minutes). The Commission suggested that postal offices and
services be restricted to no more than 2,000 square-feet of gross floor area in the C-N
zone. Those over 2,000 square-feet simply would not be allowed in the C-N zone.
Traffic impacts on residential areas was cited as the biggest reason for restricting size.
3. Text Revision:
There is confusion as to what constitutes a postal service. The Zoning Regulations have
a separate category for delivery and private postal services which, in some cases, could
restrict a-private postal office or service which provides the same service and has the
same characteristics as a public postal office or service. Mail Boxes Ets USA, at the
Foothill Shopping Center is an example and in staffs judgement should be included in
the category for postal offices or services. Larger bulk delivery services, such as Federal
Express and UPS, in staffs opinion, should be restricted to heavier commercial locations.
To eliminate this confusion staff suggests that the defined uses in the zoning chart be
amended as follows:
Current Use Definition Proposed Use DefWtion
Delivery and private postal services Delivery services
Post offices Post offices and public and private
postal services
Staff does not feel it necessary to make all the text changes suggested by the applicant
including revision to Section 17.38.010, Purpose and Application, of the Zoning
Regulations. Staff suggests that the zoning chart simply be revised to add a. Director's
use permit approval to the category of post offices and public and private postal services
in the C-N zone (refer to the attached staff recommended zoning chart revision).
Alternatives
The Council may:
1. Pass to print the attached ordinance approving the zoning text amendments. This
is the Planning Commission recommendation.
2. Adopt the draft resolution (attachment B) denying the zoning text amendment.
I
a ,► B city of Sar. aIS OBISpo
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Page 4
3. Pass to print an ordinance that is a variation of the amendment which could
include the applicant's proposal to allow postal uses in the C-N zone with no
limitation as to size or the staffs original recommendation to approve postal uses
in the C-N zone, subject to an administrative use permit with no size limitation.
4. Continue the amendment request and provide direction.
RECOMMENDATION
The Planning Commission and staff recommends that the Council introduce the attached
ordinance to print approving a negative declaration on environmental impact and amend
the Zoning Regulations to allow post offices and public and private postal services under
2,000 square feet gross floor area subject to an administrative use permit in the C-N-
zone.
Attachments: Ordinance introducing the amended Zoning Regulations
Draft Resolution No. 2 denying the requested amendment to the Zoning .
Regulations
*Draft Minutes of the November 8, 1989 Planning Commission Meeting
Applicant's statement of purpose and revised zoning regulations excerpts
Chapter 1738 of the zoning ordinance - C-N zone
Initial Study
gp-post.wpf
*Not available at agenda close.
I
3 -�f
ORDINANCE NO. (1989 SERIES)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO AMENDING
SECTION 17.22.010 OF THE ZONING REGULATIONS TO ALLOW
POSTAL OFFICES AND SERVICES IN THE C-N
(NEIGHBORHOOD-COMMEACIAL) ZONE
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission and City Council have held
hearings to consider an amendment to the zoning regulations allowing postal offices
and services in the C-N (Neighborhood-Commercial) zone as illustrated in Exhibit "A"
in accordance with Section 65800 et.seq. of the Government Code; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the proposed zoning text
amendment is consistent with the general plan; and
WHEREAS, the rezoning has been evaluated in accordance with the
California Environmental Quality Act and the city's Environmental Impact Procedures
and Guidelines and a negative declaration has been granted by the city; and
WHEREAS, the proposed zoning promotes the public health, safety and
general welfare; and
BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo as
follows:.
SECTION 1. That the text amendment to Section 1722010 of the San.
Luis Obispo Municipal Code (Zoning Regulations) attached hereto marked "Exhibit
A" and included herein by reference, be approved.
SECTION 2. After City Council review and consideration, the
determination of the Community Development Director to approve a negative
declaration is hereby confirmed.
SECTION 3. A summary of this ordinance, approved by the City
Attorney, together with the ayes and noes, shall be published once at least five (5)
3'J
Ordinance No. (1989 Series)
R1460
Page 2
days prior to its final passage, in the Telegram-Tribune, a newspaper published and
circulated in said city, and the same shall go into effect at the expiration of thirty
(30) days after its said passage. A copy of the full text of this ordinance shall be on
file in the office of the City Clerk on and after the date following introduction and
passage to print and shall be available to any interested member of the public.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED TO PRINT by the Council of the City
of San Luis Obispo at its meeting held on the day of on
motion of seconded by and on the
following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
APPROVED-
';C ty tra ve Officer
A
Community Development Director
J��
PLANNING _,rOMMISSION RECOM...ENDATION
Table 9-Uses Allowed by Zane R-1 R-2_ R-3 R-4 GOS Ott PF C-N C-C. C-
R C-T C-S M
Photofinishing-wholesale;and blue-
printing and microfilming service PC
A A
Photographic studios A A A PC D
Police and fire stations and training
facilities
PC
Pool halls,billiard parlors,etc. PG D D D
Post offices and public and private j
postal services
-under 2,000 square feet gross floor
area per establishment
PC A A A
-2,000 square feet or more gross floor
area per establishment
PC A A A
Printing and publishing
D D A A
Produce stand(incidental sales of items
produced on the premises D
Public assembly facilities(community
meeting rooms,auditoriums,convention/
exhibition halls)
PC D D D PC
Railroad yards,stations,crew facilities
D A
Refuse hauling,septic tank and portable
toilet services
A
Repair services-household appliances,
locksmiths,saw sharpening,shoe repair
D A A A A
Residential care facilities-6 or fewer
residents A A. A A A A
A/D A/D A/D D
Residential care facilities-more than 6
residents PC PC D PC PC
D
Restaurants,sandwich shops,takeout
food,etc.
A A A A D
Retail sales-building and landscape mat-
erials(lumberyards,nurseries,floor and
wall coverings,paint,glass stores,etc.)
D ATA A
Retail sales-appliances,furniture and
furnishings,musical instruments;data
processing equipment,business,office
A-Allowed D-Diiector'sapprovalrequired PC-Planning commission approval required p/D-Director'sapproval onground floor,,allowed above
The director shall determine if a proposed,unlisted use is similar to a listed use.Numbered notes are at end of chart,
46
-113 Cr A 3-r
Table 9- Uses Allowed by Zone R-1. 11-2 R-3 R-4 GOS O" PF IC-N C C-R C-T C-S hi
Building and landscape maintenance
services
A/D A A A
Bus stations PC D A
Cabinet and carpentry shops D A
Caretakers'quarters A A A A I A A D D D D A D D
Carwash-mechanical PC° D D
Carwash-self-service D D PC" A A
Catering services A A A
Cemeteries,mausoleums,columbariums PC PC PC PC PC PC PC PC PC PC PC PC PC
Christmas tree sales.(see Section
17.08.010D) D D D D D D D D D
Churches,synagogues,temples,etc PC D D I D A D D D A Du
Circus,carnival,fair,festival,parades.
(see Section 17.08.010E) D D D D D D D D D
Computer services A A/D A A D
r" �l
�- Concurrent sales of alcoholic beverages
and motor fuel(see Section 17.08.100) D D D D
Construction activities(see Section
17.08.010G) A A A A A A A A A A A A A
Contractor's yards A A
Convalescent hospitals PC PC D PC PC D
------------
Convents and monasteries. PC A A D
Credit reporting and collection A A/D A A
Credit unions and finance companies A A A
Delivery serve Pces D A A A
Detective and security services A A/D I A A D
Drive-in theaters PC PC
Dwellings A' A A A A Ar A/D A/D A/D D
A-Allowed D-Directoesapproval required PC-Planningeommissionsppcovalrequired AID-Director's approval on ground floor allowedabove
The dinxtor shall determine if a proposed,unlisted use is similar to a listed use Numbered notea are at end of Mart.
43
RESOLUTION NO. (1989 SERIES)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO DENYING
AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 17.22.010 OF THE ZONING REGULATIONS
TO ALLOW POSTAL OFFICES AND SERVICES IN THE C-N
(NEIGHBORHOOD-COMMERCIAL) ZONE
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission and City. Council have held
hearings to consider an amendment to the zoning regulations allowing postal offices
and services in the C-N (Neighborhood-Commercial) zone as illustrated in Exhibit "A"
in accordance with Section 65800 et.seq. of the Government Code; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the proposed zoning text
amendment is inconsistent with the general plan; and
WHEREAS, the proposed zoning will not promote the public health,
safety and general welfare; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of
i
San Luis Obispo that the text amendment to Section 17.22.010 of the San Luis
Obispo Municipal Code (Zoning Regulations) be denied.
On motion of seconded by
and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
the foregoing resolution was passed and adopted this day of
1989.
ATTEST: Mayor
�i City Clerk
Resolution No. (1989 Series)
O
R1460
Page 2
APPROVED:
City A ministra a Officer
6ttoey
Community Development Director
C
i
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
The proposed text amendment supplements the purposes of the
general plan in that postal services , despite possessing their own
zoning category, are not inconsistent with commercial-neighborhood
zoning regulations as articulated. They are not , however,
specifically included. Furthermore, establishment of postal
facilities in various C-N zoning locales around the city promotes
the concept of neighborhood services and promotes the policy of
discouraging crosstown traffic. This especially holds true for
applicant ' s location , where city staff has identified a need, based
upon the above considerations , for postal services .
11.38.010 PURPOSE AND APPLICATION
The C-N zone is intended to provide retail.
sales , postal services, and personal
services primarily for the convenience of
surrounding residential areas . Neighborhood
commercial uses should provide serveral
types of merchandise , as opposed to a
business offering a wide selection' of a
single. type of merchandise . This zone will
be applied to areas designated neighborhood
commercial" on the general plan map
O
G
C
Chapter 17.38
NEIGHBORHOOD-COMMERCIAL(C-N)ZONE
Sections:
17.38.010 Purpose and application.
1738.020 Property development standards.
1738.010 Purpose and application.
The C-N zone is intended to provide retail sales and
personal services primarily for the convenience of sur=
rounding residential areas. Neighborhood commercial
uses should provide several types of merchandise, as
Opposed to a business offering a wide selection of a
single type of merchandise. This zone will be applied to
areas designated "neighborhood-commercial" on the
Cgeneral plan map. (Ord.941-i(part),1982 prior code
-9203.8(A))
17.38.020 Property development standards.
The property development standards for the C-N zone
are as follows:
A. Maximum density: Twelve units per net acre (see
Section 17.16.010).
B.Yards: See Section 17.16.020.
C.Maximum height: Thirty-five feet(see also Sections
17.16.020 and 17.16.040).
D. Maximum coverage: Seventy-five percent(see also
Section 17.16.030):
E Parking requirements: See Section 17.16.060.(Ord.
941- 1(part), 1982: prior code-9203.8(13))
C
city of san tuws oBispo
INITIAL STUDY OF ENVIRBoca
ONMENTAL IMPACT D
SITE LOCATION r i ty-!d i He146
APPLICATION NO. R-E -E�
PROJECT DESCRIPTION Amond Cit.v of San. Inia Ohicno Zoning Ord inan to allow oo tal Seryi es
anti eiipplV iicoa in the r N ( CammerrisI NaiVhhnrhnod) zonino district.
APPLICANT Pat Richmond
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
X NEGATIVE DECLARATION MITIGATION INCLUDED
EXPANDED INITIAL STUDY RE5ylRED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT REQUIRED
PREPARED BY Gary VI. Pr i¢ Associate Planner DATE October 24, 1934
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR'S ACTION: DATE
)'JC ��tvt DGL .
SUMMARY OF - INITIAL STUDY FINDINGS
I.DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT AND ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
II.POTENTIAL IMPACT REVIEW POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS.
A. COMMUNITY PLANS AND GOALS ...................................................... NONE
S. POPULATION DISTRIBUTION AND GROWTH........................................... NONE
C. LAND USE ................._....................................................................,,.... NONE
D. TRANSPORTATION AND CIRCULATION ................................................. NONE
E. PUBLICSERVICES ......................_...................... ..... NONE
F. UTILITIES......................................................_..............
,.,, NONE
G. NOISE LEVELS .._........................................................,............. NONE
H. GEOLOGIC&SEISMIC HAZARDS&TOPOGRAPHIC MODIFICATIONS ......................NNE
1. AIR QUAUTY AND WIND CONDITIONS................................................. •,IONE
J. SURFACE WATER FLOW AND QUALITY ............................................... NONE
K PLANT LIFE........................................................................ mntiF
LANIMAL LIFE................................._...................................... nipn E
M. ARCHAEOLOGICAUHISTORICAL .................................................
......� riE
N. AESTHETIC ......_........................._............._........................ r.nnlF
O. ENERGY/RESOURCEUSE ............................................................. !(1JG
P. OTHER .........................................................................._ JAN€
III.STAFF RECOMMENDATION
^Jeaative Declaration (no significant environmental imoacts anticipated)
*SEE ATTACHED REPORT
seas
Planning Commission Draft Minutes MEETING AGENDA
Nov. 8, 1989
DATE ITEM # -
1. Public Hearin: Rezoning R 1460. Consideration of amending the Zoning
Regulations, Section 17.22.010, Uses Allowed by Zones, to allow postal
offices and services in the C-N zone; Pat Richmond, applicant.
Gary Price, Associate Planner, presented the staff report and recommended the
commission recommend that the City Council approve an amendment to allow
postal offices and services in the C-N zone subject to administrative use
permit approval and to redefine "postal uses."
Commr. Kourakis suggested that in staff-recommended Alternative 2, there be a
square foot maximum of 2000 feet. She also noted that she spoke with the
applicant and representatives from Pac Mail and Mail Boxes, Inc.
Chairperson Duerk opened the public hearing.
Patrick Richmond, 1672 E1 Cerrito Court, applicant, requested approval of the
use allowance. He discussed the use and operation and state that his existing
space was 1100 square feet.
Chairperson Duerk closed the public hearing.
Commr. Schmidt was concerned with the 2000 square foot maximum and the
consequent traffic increase. He felt the use should be periodically reviewed.
Commr. Crotser moved to recommend to the City Council approval of the zoning
amendment to allow postal offices and services without a maximum square foot
limitation subject to staff recommended modifications to the zoning ordinance.
Commr. Karleakint seconded the motion.
Commrs. Kourakis and Schmidt stated they could not support the motion, but
could support Alternative 1, requiring administrative use permit review.
AYES: Commr. Crotser
NOES: Commrs. Hoffman, Karleakint, Kourakis, Roalman, Schmidt, Duerk
ABSENT: None
The motion fails.
Commr. Roalman moved to recommend to the City Council approval of the zoning
amendment to allow post offices and public and private postal services under
2,000 square feet gross floor area subject to an administrative use permit in
the C-N zone, with the redefining of postal and delivery services to simply
read delivery services.
Commr. Hoffman seconded the motion. ; Ds:a_s a ta.i bq �Poro;,1
RECEIVED
VCouncii
f
DEC 1 1 1989
[;?Verk-ori9. CITY CLERK
Ca' moss/ 58►N IL"OBISM CA
rf r•T.
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i
AYES: Commrs. Roalman, Hoffman, Crotse=, Karleakint, Kourakis, Schmidt,
Duerk
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
The motion passes.
C�