HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-20-2014 ARC MinutesSAN LUIS OBISPO
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES
October 20, 2014
ROLL CALL:
Present: Commissioners Patricia Andreen, Ken Curtis, Amy Nemcik, Allen Root,
and Vice -Chair Greg Wynn
Absent: Commissioner Suzan Ehdaie and Chairperson Michelle McCovey -Good
Staff: Senior Planner Pam Ricci, Associate Planner Marcus Carloni, Assistant
Planner Walter Oetzell, Natural Resources Manager Robert Hill, and
Recording Secretary Diane Clement
ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA:
The agenda was accepted as amended. 1845 Monterey was moved to be the first
hearing.
MINUTES:
The minutes of October 6, 2014, were approved as presented.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON - AGENDA ITEMS:
There were no comments made from the public.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. 1845 Monterey Street. ARC 143 -13; Continued design review of a new 102 -unit
multi -story hotel building with adoption of a Mitigated Negative Declaration of
Environmental Impact; C -T -S zone; West Coast Asset Management, applicant.
(Marcus Carloni)
Associate Planner Carloni presented the staff report, recommending adoption of the
Draft Resolution which approves the project, based on findings, and subject to
conditions.
George Garcia, project representative, provided an overview of the responses to the
directional items that the ARC provided at their meeting of September 15, 2014. He
noted that the applicant agreed with the additional noise conditions 10 -14. He further
explained the findings of the lighting photometric study and how light would be
contained on the site at acceptable levels. He mentioned that the existing fence at the
edge of the surface parking spaces would be reinforced to further attenuate sound.
David Dubbink, project noise consultant, explained the methodology used in the
acoustic report and indicated that the project complies with the City's noise standards.
ARC Minutes
October 20, 2014
Page 2
In response to a question from one of the commissioners he discussed the effects of the
site's topography on noise contours.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Bob Lucas, San Luis Drive neighborhood, stated that he felt the project was diverted to
the Commission twice at the behest of the applicant even though the Planning
Commission has not rendered a decision on the appeal of the use permit, which he felt
is not the typical process. He noted that speakers from the neighborhood will refer to
the City's principles governing size, mass, fit, continuity, and other issues; and to a
similar project proposed for this site five years ago. He added that Ordinance 1130 has
a checklist of requirements that he felt have not been met.
Hana Novak, San Luis Drive neighborhood, compared this project to a project
conceptually reviewed by the ARC in 2009 for a Hyatt Hotel. Referring to specific
sections of the General Plan that she stated have been overlooked, she concluded that
this project is too massive and felt it towered above adjacent residential properties with
views into backyards. She added that the residential atmosphere of the neighborhood
will not be protected and the contemporary design does not complement the area.
Ben Griffin, San Luis Drive neighborhood, referred to specific sections of the General
Plan and the Community Design Guidelines of which he felt the project does not
comply. He felt the project has a negative impact that will reduce the sense of enclave
and property values. He stated that the ten existing parking spaces on the lower
parking level are within the creek area. He urged the Commission to keep the City
distinctive and asserted that this project belongs in a city like Los Angeles or New York.
He added that the surrounding hotels are small in scale and that storm runoff from this
project could cause problems.
Sally Equinoa, San Luis Drive neighborhood, felt the project is not consistent with
specific sections of the Community Design Guidelines, such as 1.5 Community Design
Context, 2.1 Site Design and 3.1.A Overall Design Objectives for Commercial Projects.
She fel there were issues with the landscaping; modern design; and the form and mass,
which she referred to as not on a human scale and much larger than nearby commercial
buildings.
Richard Equinoa, San Luis Drive neighborhood, continued the neighborhood
presentation by citing further sections of City documents. He objected to the form and
mass of the project and noted that the hotel is not only taller than the homes, but sits on
land that is elevated above the homes which results in an invasion of privacy. He
added that the ten parking spaces on the lower level are not consistent with City codes
and there are issues with the transition between this commercial project and this
residential neighborhood.
Angela Soll, San Luis Drive neighborhood, stated that the proposed hotel is too big and
felt it violates the Community Design Guidelines because it is not compatible with the
neighborhood surroundings. She noted that the applicant did not point out the lack of
ARC Minutes
October 20, 2014
Page 3
continuity in size and character between this hotel and the surrounding hotels. She
presented illustrations of the fronts of all nearby hotels and pointed out that the design
and colors of the hotel contrasts with the other hotels in the neighborhood. She noted
that a three - dimensional model would be very helpful. She supported consideration of
the small town scale of the City and felt the developers to be good neighbors and
downsize this project so that it is in proportion with the other businesses in the area.
Gene Goldschmidt, San Luis Drive neighborhood, quoted from Ordinance 1130. He
gave the example of a wedding or victory celebration held at the proposed hotel and
noted the multiplier effect of celebration noises from balconies or rooms at the same
time. He added that controlling the noise via reminders to guests to quiet down is after
the noise has already disturbed the neighborhood. He felt the worst problem is the
basement level, which is completely open, allowing all sounds and fumes to exit toward
the creek and he did not see any plans offered to attenuate the sound.
Carson Britz, San Luis Drive neighborhood, stated that 24 of the 27 rooms facing the
creek have balconies, but a much smaller percentage of the other rooms have them. He
stated that he surveyed hotels in Hawaii, asking about the size of their balconies, and
found that few were over five feet deep, which means that the balconies on this
proposed hotel have not really been minimized. He asked for compliance with
Ordinance 1130.
Hilliard Wood, San Luis Drive neighborhood, felt that the present design presents
significant potential as a disruptive source of sound projected across his neighborhood.
He noted that forecasting the acoustic profile of a proposed structure is both art and
science and he challenged the methodology used for the acoustic analysis. He added
that no one can be certain until it is too late and the risk is not worth the price of what
could be a significant irritant between the neighborhood and the hotel management for
many years. He requested a waiver of the ten additional parking spaces and closure of
the basement parking on the creek side. He showed PowerPoint slides which illustrated
his points and compared the lower level parking garage to a speaker enclosure. He
provided digital copies for staff to keep on file.
Steve Hansen, San Luis Drive neighborhood, stated that the added vehicle trips, fumes,
noise, and light from the proposed hotel could disrupt the biorhythms of the flora and
fauna in the creek, some of which are rare and threatened species. He added that a
viable creek is more important than the hotel development. He noted that the City got it
right in 1989 when they passed Ordinance 1130.
Bob Tedone, San Luis Drive neighborhood, stated that he lives in a nearly ideal
neighborhood with mostly owner - occupied homes built in the 1940s and 1950s that is
within easy walking distance of downtown. He noted that there is pride of ownership
and many homes have been remodeled and that the neighborhood does not have the
student problems that have degraded many other areas. He added that there is a
diverse economic mix and a local association with many social events, and that many
residents have paid a premium to live there. He felt that if this project is allowed, the
neighborhood will take a big step away from what it is now.
ARC Minutes
October 20, 2014
Page 4
Wendy Lucas, San Luis Drive neighborhood, stated that she is Northern Chumash.
She felt that the parking structure magnifies sounds with openings facing the creek and
the existing ten parking spaces encroach upon the 20 -foot creek setback. She
disagreed with the conclusions of the sound study. She noted concerns with lighting
facing the creek and felt a final landscape plan needed to be provided. She felt the
project had stormwater runoff issues and questioned why the Natural Resources
Manager and City Biologist signed off on this project. She felt the project does not
comply with Ordinance 1130 and questioned why there is no reference in the mitigated
negative declaration about the state - required tribal consultation during excavation. She
added that she questions the process and the attitude that allows this project to be
pushed through without all the details covered.
Patrice Rowe, SLO, architectural historian, felt the project is not compatible with the
Monday Club, designed by Julia Morgan, because of its height and mass. She
supported further review so this development is in compliance with City codes and
ordinances.
Cindy Griffin, San Luis Drive neighborhood, stated that reducing balcony size and
scaling down the size of the hotel could mitigate the noise and privacy issues for
neighbors.
Ann Hansen, San Luis Drive neighborhood, asked if the noise and light standards are
pertinent to nonhuman residents of the creek. She stated that doing noise level studies
when the closest areas to the creek are empty could skew the results. She added that,
even if hotel staff can enforce visitor compliance about noise, the neighbors will already
have been disturbed. She suggested going to Alta Vista neighborhood where you can
hear the bowl effect when music is playing.
Victoria Kastner, architectural historian, stated that the Monday Club could be under
consideration for addition to the National Register of Historic Places and, therefore Julia
Morgan is important to the City. She supported the comments made by Patrice Rowe.
Dave Garth, San Luis Drive neighborhood, stated that his primary job as CEO of the
local Chamber of Commerce for 39 years was to make sure that city guidelines were
consistent with good business and, although there was increasing concern about the
environment, good business was always preserved. He stated that this hotel does not
follow the guidelines. He added that the word "minimize" is really pretty clear and noise
is one of his biggest concerns. He noted that he gets noise now in his location along
the creek. He stated that City requirements are very specific about noise sources
between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. and the hotel should have to be as consistent as students
are required to be about noise.
Paula Carr, San Luis Drive neighborhood, stated she is an architectural historian, and
that noise drove her from one City neighborhood. She felt that until you have measured
alcohol- infused noise, which is random and punctuated by only brief moments of sanity,
you do not have measured noise. She noted that all service trucks create noise
because they come to the back of commercial properties. She stated that she wants to
ARC Minutes
October 20, 2014
Page 5
echo Victoria Kastner's remarks about the importance of Julia Morgan to the
community. She stressed the need to follow CEQA guidelines for all properties eligible
for,listed, or having potential to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Jill Urquhart, Morro Bay resident, stated she is a proponent for the Monday Club which
sets the historic character of the neighborhood. She added that the proposed project is
out -of- scale.
Marcia Nelson, SLO, docent at Hearst Castle and the Jack House, stated that it should
be considered that Julia Morgan has provided a legacy for women, now and in the
future. She described Morgan's life of obstacles and achievements.
Nancy Lewis, San Luis Drive neighborhood, stated that she would invite David Dubbink,
the noise consultant, to her house to do a noise survey on her porch between 10 p.m.
and 12 a.m. on any Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, or Saturday to listen to the loud
noise from Pappy MacGregor's. She noted that she has a strong feeling that this hotel
will be way too big for the neighborhood.
In response to earlier public comments, Senior Planner Ricci clarified that the initial
study includes cultural resources mitigation measures to have a qualified archaeologist
on site during grading activities to provide appropriate oversight and monitoring.
There were no further comments from the public.
COMMISSION COMMENTS:
Commr. Andreen stated that she likes this hotel and its beautiful design, but wanted to
hear the opinions of the other Commissioners. She noted that she has been a
traditionalist most of her life, but wants to attract more young people to the City who
have a different aesthetic. . She noted that the City is a tourist community and it is not
wise to turn down a good hotel which could be replaced with a poorly designed box.
She stated she is open to discussing things that would minimize the views for San Luis
Drive and minimize the openings on the creek side.
Commr. Root noted that a property like this is not going to sit undeveloped and the
community is evolving, which is natural and wonderful. He stated he is sympathetic to
all the comments from neighbors, but with this project being so far within the
requirements and setbacks, it is difficult to say it should not be allowed. He added that
he understands the concerns about the massing, but that the architectural responses
have been really good and it is not a box. He noted that from an architectural
standpoint, it is good to have that level of articulation on the creek side, and, while there
may be some tweaking that can be done, the applicant has gone a long way toward
addressing concerns. He stated he is in favor of the project.
Commr. Curtis stated that, if asked to make a decision tonight, he would vote no
because he finds that the Mitigated Negative Declaration is inadequate and the project
inconsistent with Ordinance 1130, which was designed to give an extra level of comfort
ARC Minutes
October 20, 2014
Page 6
and protection for this neighborhood. He added that he has a sense that the ten
existing parking spaces are going to be totally reconstructed, extending the life of a non-
conforming condition which should ultimately be terminated because the ordinance
states that there will be no new parking there. He stated the open parking garage level
is just as significant as the balconies and the ordinance requires that parking be located
in the interior of the project.
He noted that the project is not consistent with the design guidelines and he disagrees
with staff that some of the issues are only the purview of the Planning Commission
because there are design guidelines for things like drainage and creeks so he felt the
Commission has broad discretion about these design features. He added that, although
the City uses Leq as a standard for noise, he prefers using Lmax for noise analysis
because he felt Leq camouflages the short noises that occur, and, given that the
analysis of noise is an art, he is skeptical that there will not be noise that impacts the
neighborhood. He noted that a more significant time for analysis might be nine or ten at
night.
He added that the scale and mass of the building is out of keeping with the immediate
neighborhood and is inappropriate for the site and doubly so when considering the
Monday Club. He stated that the massing, which is too high and large on the back of
the property, has the appearance of a five -story building and, since the elevation of
houses on San Luis Drive are even lower, it is going to be a very massive looking
building with lights from hotel room windows and people coming to park. He noted that
the project does not adequately consider the creek, screening for noise, visual impacts,
and privacy. He stated he has questions about the extent of grading and whether that
will be compatible with the creek side resources, and about the drainage which is being
referred to another stage even though there are design guidelines for this.
Commr. Nemcik stated that she agrees with Commr. Root but knows there are a lot of
concerns, which are important. She noted that the architect has addressed a lot of the
concerns. She supported the project.
Commr. Wynn stated that he supports the project from a design standpoint and he is
comfortable with the setback and height. He noted that every rule thrown at the
applicants has been addressed positively. He added that he would support the project if
a condition could be added to remove the ten existing surface parking spaces at the
eastern edge of the site and enclose the lower parking level which would provide sound
and headlight mitigation. He concluded by stating that it is a nicely designed project.
Commr. Root stated that he wants to address the walls on the ramp accessing the lower
parking area to make sure there is headlight and sound screening.
Associate Planner Carloni stated that Condition 13, second sentence, addresses
Commr. Root's concern and added that the Commission could condition the specific
appearance of the wall.
Commr. Wynn suggested wording to say the finish of the wall will be reviewed by staff.
ARC Minutes
October 20, 2014
Page 7
Commr. Andreen stated that the more she hears residents talk, the less clear the issue
becomes and that she is trying to consider the big picture but is a little worried about the
height, although she does not hear other commissioners concerned about the height
except Commr. Curtis.
Commr. Wynn stated that he expects this project will be appealed either way and that
what the Commission can do is give the best information possible about the
deliberations, having heard and responded to the testimony. He added that he strongly
favors the Planning Commission be a part of that consideration so that the City Council
can make an informed decision.
The commissioners discussed adding a new condition for the Planning Commission to
review further enclosure of the lower parking area.
There were no further comments made from the Commission.
On a motion by Commr. Wynn, seconded by Commr. Nemcik to adopt the Draft
Resolution which approves the project, based on findings, and subject to conditions with
the following additions:
1. Add references to final "design" approval in both the opening paragraph of
Section 1 (Findings) & Section 3 (Action).
2. Add new condition which reads: "The applicant shall consider the elimination of
the 10 existing surface spaces at the eastern edge of the property in an effort to
fulIV enclose the lower level of the parking garage subject to review of the
Planning Commission."
AYES: Commrs. Wynn, Nemcik, Andreen, and Root
NOES: Commr. Curtis
RECUSED: None
ABSENT: Commrs. Ehdaie and McCovey -Good
The motion passed on a 4:1 vote.
On motion by Commr. Wvnn. seconded by Commr. Root. the ARC aareed to continue
the meeting past 9:00 p.m.
AYES: Commrs. Andreen, Curtis, Nemcik, Root, and Wynn
NOES: None
RECUSED: None
ABSENT: Commrs. Ehdaie and McCovey -Good
2. 2885 S. Higuera Street. ARC 35 -14; Review of exterior changes and additions to a
warehouse building, including a determination that the project is exempt from the
provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act as an infill project (CEQA
Guidelines §15332): The project includes conversion and expansion of an existing
warehouse to a 35,285- square foot office building by the installation of a second
ARC Minutes
October 20, 2014
Page 8
floor within the building shell, and development of parking areas with 143 parking
spaces; C -S -S zone; Mike Kyle, applicant. (Walter Oetzell)
Assistant Planner Oetzell presented the staff report, recommending adoption of the
Draft Resolution, approving the application, based on findings, and subject to
conditions.
Warren Hamrick, project representative, noted that the project had been in the planning
stages for some time and that it would be LEED - Silver -NC, which would include a trip
reduction program. He acknowledged that the proposed parking exceeded
requirements, but that Caltrans maintains a fleet of vehicles at the site.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Tauria Linala, SLO, representing the Villa Fontana residents, supported staff's
suggestion that the five parking spaces on the south side of the project closest to Villa
Fontana be removed because of their proximity to several of the residences. She
supported retaining the requirements for landscaping and pedestrian walkways in the
parking lot. She stated that Villa Fontana owns the fence on the south side of the
project and proposed that a green sound wall be built by the applicant to protect that
fence and provide some noise protection to residences. She noted that the three -acre
parking lot is a good place for underground water storage. She asked if the parking lot
would be gated due to the potential for nighttime partying. She noted the last sentence
of Condition #34 needs revision because there are no mutual agreements with this
landowner. She stated that it is important to keep the provision stating that the of the
project owners would be responsible for constructing a new dedicated left -turn lane into
Villa Fontana if traffic generated by the project and impacting left -turns into Villa
Fontana results in accidents. She noted that the residents had been successful in
limiting the truck traffic at the project site over the last three years when it was a winery
and now they have to start over. She stated that the calculation for vehicle traffic needs
to include lunchtime trips and the hillside should be hydro- seeded with native grasses
that complement the open space.
There were no further comments made from the public.
COMMISSION COMMENTS:
Commr. Wynn supported moving three to five parking spaces away from the property
line with Villa Fontana. He stated he would rather write a condition to have staff work
on the issue of a parallel fence.
Senior Planner Ricci stated that she assumes the neighbors want a sound attenuation
wall, six feet tall, fairly thick, probably cement block.
Commr. Wynn noted that sound would be reflected off of a cement block wall and then
off the building and back to the residences.
ARC Minutes
October 20, 2014
Page 9
Commr. Root suggested that the sound wall go to the head of the ramp where it turns
away from the property line. He agreed that this concern should be worked out at the
staff level.
Commr. Wynn stated that this would result in sound attenuation for the lowest two
residences.
Commr. Curtis supported a longer wall to mitigate noise and to protect the Villa Fontana
fence from damage by vehicles.
Commr. Andreen agreed with Commr. Curtis.
Commr. Wynn asked staff to also consider the impact of the 20 or more CalTrans fleet
vehicles.
Commr. Root expressed concern about the grading.
Commr. Nemcik suggested adding something about using native seeding on cut slopes;
Vice Chair Wynn suggested adding reference to "hydro- seeding with native grasses" to
Condition 11.
Senior Planner Ricci summarized the discussion and changes to the conditions.
Vice -Chair Wynn reopened public comment.
Tauria Linala, SLO, representing the Villa Fontana residents, stated, in support of the
sound wall, that the C -S -S overlay zone is designed to give first priority to protection of
the residential neighborhood.
There were no further comments made from the Commission.
On motion by Commr. Root, seconded by Commr. Andreen to adopt the _Draft
Resolution, approving the application, based on findings and subject to conditions,
including the following:
1. Add the following sentence to the end of Condition # 8: "Fleet vehicles shall be
located on -site to minimize impacts to the neighborhood."
2. Modify Condition # 9 to read: "Plans submitted for construction permits shall
incorporate improvements to enhance pedestrian connections throughout the
parking lot as feasible."
3. Add the reference to Condition # 11 "with native grasses" to the hydro -seed mix
used on cut slopes.
4. Add a new condition, which reads: "Given the site's Service- Commercial with
the Special Consideration overlay C -S-S) zoning to address neighborhood
compatibility„ the applicant shall work with staff to mitigate__ noise alone the
shared driveway with Villa Fontana."
5. Delete the last sentence of Condition 34 that reads: "Any common storage
areas shall be maintained by the Homeowner's /Property Owner's_ Association
ARC Minutes
October 20, 2014
Page 10
and shall be included in the CCR's or other property maintenance agreement
accordingly."
AYES:
Commrs. Root, Andreen, Curtis, Nemcik, and Wynn
NOES:
None
RECUSED:
None
ABSENT:
Commrs. Ehdaie and McCovey -Good
The motion passed on a 5:0 vote.
3. 467 Hill Street. ARC 140 -14; Review of the remodel of and addition to an existing
commercial building to accommodate a residential care facility, including a request
for a Variance to allow a second -story sunroom above the ground floor of the
existing building with a 2 -foot street yard, and a fence height exception to allow up
to a 10 -foot tall combination retaining wall and fence, including a categorical
exemption from CEQA (infill project); R -1 zone; Tim Ronda, applicant (Pam Ricci)
Senior Planner Ricci presented the staff report, recommending adoption of the Draft
Resolution which grants final approval to the project, based on findings, and subject to
conditions.
Tim Ronda, project applicant, explained the site's history and past land uses. He
indicated that he had previously met with the neighbors and that parking was raised as
a concern. He noted that the project will be a conforming use and good neighbor; but
acknowledged that there will be more activity at the site since it has been underutilized
for many years.
Arpad Soo, potential business operator, spoke about other residential care facilities he
manages. He noted that residents do not own cars, and that there would be 4 -5
workers at the facility during the day, and two at night. He noted that one of the staff
does the cooking and that workers often are dropped off at the site, rather than drive
their own cars. He also mentioned that 12 -hour shifts reduce the number of employees
needed.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
John Holloman, SLO, stated that this is a building that has outlived its usefulness and
that, while the applicant has done a magnificent job on the design, it does not tackle the
major problem which is that the seven parking spaces provided onsite is not sufficient
for the demand. He stated that people will die in this facility and ambulances will arrive
frequently, which means the project presents a different feel than a neighborhood.
Craig H. Russell, SLO, agreed with Mr. Holloman. He added that students who now
use this parking lot will be displaced and park right in front on the street. He stated that
delivery truck traffic will be a common occurrence and asked where they will stop. He
stated that the capacity of the facility needs to be scaled back to twelve residents.
ARC Minutes
October 20, 2014
Page 11
James Eason, SLO, stated he is concerned about parking and that the overflow will be
in front of this building or in front of his house. He added that the project is ridiculously
out -of -scale and he is concerned that the size is pushing the bounds for a building that
is too close to the street and too tall.
Janet Santacqua, SLO, stated that she supports residential facilities but parking is a
problem here and she does not see how five employees can take care of 19 people and
fix the food and do the cleaning. She noted that her other concern is noise and she
foresees ambulances in the night and is worried about the safety of the many small
children in the area.
John Schutz, SLO, stated he is concerned about the comings and goings of the workers
and asked if they will work 12 -hour shifts, how the shift changes will work, and how
many times they will be driving in and out of parking lot next to his bedroom. He also
expressed concern about the type and frequency of deliveries and whether residents
will be allowed to have pets. He noted that he also has concerns about the parking.
Rod Keif, SLO, stated he lives on Mountain View and thinks the best thing that could
happen is for someone to buy this building and tear it down. He asserted that the
architects are proposing to put lipstick on a pig.
Cyrus Ramezani, stated that his home was new when he bought it but it went unsold for
a long time due to parking issues on the street when KSBY occupied this building. He
stated that the project is not consistent with the character of the neighborhood which
has residents of all ages and the building is odd - looking. He noted that the size of the
garbage cans speaks to the amount of food that will be driven in and out. He added
that currently students have been using this parking lot.
There were no further comments from the public.
COMMISSION COMMENTS:
Commr. Curtis stated that it is unfortunate that there was not an administrative use
permit required to deal with some of the neighbors' issues. He added that he has
concerns regarding parking and the only way to address that is to reduce the number of
occupants, but he is not sure that is feasible. He noted that the exterior modifications
create a very satisfactory building in comparison to what is there now and it is
unfortunate parking cannot be expanded. He stated he has no concerns with the
architecture but thinks that it is a little too much for the lot although that is not easily
addressed through the design standards.
Commr. Root stated he is sensitive to the neighborhood parking issue but the applicant
has exceeded the parking requirements by 40% and that is what binds the Commission.
He noted that the design does not increase the footprint and the architecture is a
definite improvement. He added that, from a socioeconomic standpoint, this facility is
sorely needed and he is in favor of it.
ARC Minutes
October 20, 2014
Page 12
Commr. Nemcik stated that she is in favor of the project and that it is beautiful and so
much better than what is there now. She did note that she once lived across the street
from an assisted living facility, and there were fire trucks there every week.
Commr. Andreen stated that she walks in this area and has not noticed parking
problems on this street during the day. She noted that there are only two staff persons
at night which may be helpful. She added that this is a needed facility for our
community and is a conforming use so she does not see a reason to deny this. She
stated that she is taking the applicant's assertion that there will be only five employees
at face value.
Commr. Wynn stated he will approve the project but would like a condition that
incentivizes the applicant to do something like buy monthly bus passes for employees
even though the project meets the parking requirements.
Commr. Curtis asked if there could be a condition stating that the residents are not
allowed to have their own vehicles.
Senior Planner Ricci stated that staff is reluctant to do that since there is not a use
permit being approved but that there could be a condition that encourages the applicant
to prepare a management plan to document how the parking will meet their needs. She
noted that zoning regulations are set up to encourage this kind of use because of the
need for this type of facility.
The applicant stated that the employees work 12 -hour shifts, 7 to 7 and he commits to
continue that schedule to reduce traffic and parking but noted that he pays overtime for
that schedule.
Commr. Wynn agreed that there is a need for this type of facility and he is glad to have
them in residential zones to reduce the stigma of dying.
There were no further comments made from the Commission.
On a motion by Commr. Andreen, seconded by Commr. Root to adopt the Draft
Resolution which grants final approval to the project, based on findings, and subject to
conditions.
AYES:
Commrs. Andreen, Root, Curtis, Nemcik, and Wynn
NOES:
None
RECUSED:
None
ABSENT:
Commrs. Ehdaie and McCovey -Good
The motion passed on a 5:0 vote.
COMMENT AND DISCUSSION:
4. Staff:
ARC Minutes
October 20, 2014
Page 13
a. Agenda Forecast by Senior Planner Ricci
• November 3, 2014 -- budget goals for next fiscal cycle, conceptual review of
the Long - Bonetti Ranch, a communication monopine on Morrison
• November 17, 2014 - -car wash at the old Denny's on Calle Joaquin,
redevelopment of the Shell station at Santa Rosa and Monterey.
• December 1, 2014 - -new medical office building at French Hospital, four
houses on Grand, conceptual review for a new mixed use building on
Higuera, conceptual review for 1299 Orcutt.
5. Commission: Given the late hour, there were no specific communications to
report.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 10:39 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by,
Diane Clement
Recording Secretary
Approved by the Architectural Review Commission on November 3, 2014.
Lauri6 Thomas
Administrative Assistant III