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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-26-2015 PC Minutesr Planning Commission Minutes ,t Wednesday, August 26, 2015 Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission CALL TO ORDER A Regular Meeting of the San Luis Obispo Planning Commission was called to order on Wednesday, August 26, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, located at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California, by Chair Larson. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Hemalata Dandekar, Michael Draze, John Fowler, Ronald Malak, William Riggs, Vice -Chair Michael Multari, and Chair John Larson Absent: None Staff Present: Deputy Community Development Director Kim Murry, Senior Planner Phil Dunsmore, Contract Planner John Rickenbach, Assistant City Attorney Jon Ansolabehere, and City Clerk Anthony Mejia ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA By consensus, the agenda was amended to reorder the agenda to consider the Agenda Forecast prior to Public Hearing Item 2. MINUTES On motion by Commissioner Draze, seconded by Commissioner Dandekar, to approve the Minutes of the Planning Commission meeting of July 22, 2015, as amended. AYES: Commissioners Dandekar, Draze, Multari, Riggs, and Larson NOES: None ABSTAINED: Commissioners Fowler and Malak ABSENT: None The motion passed on a 5:0 vote. Draft - .Planning Commission Minutes of August 26, 2015 Page 2 On motion by Commissioner Draze, seconded by Commissioner Malak, to approve the Minutes of the Planning Commission meeting of August 12, 2015, as amended. AYES: Commissioners Draze, Fowler, Malak, and Larson NOES: None ABSTAINED: Commissioners Dandekar, Multari, and Riggs ABSENT: None The motion passed on a 4:0 vote. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON - AGENDA ITEMS Bob Lucas, San Luis Obispo, thanked the Commission for its careful consideration and deliberations regarding the Monterey Hotel project; stated that the community felt heard by the Commission. There were no further comments made from the public. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. 2.223 Monterey Street. USE - 1035 -2015: Conceptual review of a use permit to allow a remodel and additions to the original Motel Inn and Restaurant and incorporation of RV sites on the north end of the property; C -T -S and C /OS -5 zones; Motel Inn, L.P., applicant. Senior Planner Dunsmore presented the staff report, recommending continuance of the project to a date uncertain and requested that the Commission provide specific direction to staff and the applicant regarding the project's consistency with Ordinance No. 1130, with specific attention to the proposed RV camping use proposed for the north east side of the property. In response to Commissioner Riggs' inquiry, Senior Planner Dunsmore responded that a use permit was previously approved for this site but has since expired. Mr. Dunsmore noted that the new proposal has a significantly lower profile than the previously approved project. In response to inquiries from Commissioner Malak, Senior Planner Dunsmore explained that the Public Works Department will evaluate the project's engineering plans to ensure that it addresses concerns related to flooding; advised that the site will include water and sewer service; stated that the applicant has not yet determined restrictions on length of stay for the RV sites, noting that the Commission could establish a condition when the project returns in the future. In response to Commissioner Fowler's inquiry, Senior Planner Dunsmore advised that a shared parking reduction of 10% is appropriate under the City's code due to the shared use between the motel and restaurant. Draft - Planning Commission Minutes of August 26 2015 Page 3 PUBLIC COMMENTS Rota Rossi, Applicant, explained that the project's layout is designed to focus spaces for people to congregate to the internal courtyard area, thereby reducing noise spillage onto nearby properties; stated that the project is only slightly influenced by the flood plain and appropriate mitigation measures will be determined in the final plans; noted that this proposed project is significantly scaled down in comparison to the previously approved project. In response to Commission inquiry, Mr. Rossi advised that screening walls will be installed to act as a sound buffer; noted that he has evaluated a variety of accommodation types; reported that the proposed airstream trailers provided for rental will not be fixed -in placed to allow flexibility in arranging the units based upon demand. Bob Lucas, San Luis Obispo, expressed relief that the project has been scaled down from the previously approved project and in comparison to the Monterey Hotel; spoke on the importance of maintaining the integrity of Ordinance No. 1130; questioned whether RV parking should be considered a parking space as it relates to the project's minimum parking standards; opined that there will be increased pressure on the creek as more projects are approved along the creek setback. Steve Hansen, San Luis Obispo, voiced opposition to the proposed project, noting concerns related to noise impacts, light pollution, creek intrusion, and water shortages; opined that airstreams should not be part of the project plan, asserting that they will be a short-lived fad; suggested that there be a moratorium on development projects until the drought situation improves. Anne Wyatt, San Luis Obispo, conveyed support for the project, opining that it conforms to Ordinance No. 1130; pointed out that RVs and airstream trailers are likely to use less water than typical hotel accommodation; applauded efforts to renovate the historic motel and urged the Commission to move the project forward. Steve Delmartini, San Luis Obispo, expressed support for the proposed project, noting that he likes the bungalow and airstream type accommodations; recommended that the Commission move the project forward. There were no further comments made from the public. COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Draze conveyed support for the proposed project, noting that he likes the variety of accommodation types; pointed out that the Natural Resources Manager will review the creek setbacks prior to the project returning to the Commission; stated that he does not oppose allowing entry doors for the motel units to face the creek, but cautions against balconies or patios facing the creek due to the potential for noise impacts to the adjacent neighborhood. Draft - Planning Commission Minutes of August 26, 2015 Page 4 Commissioner Malak suggested that consideration should be given to developing a security plan to prevent vandalism and break -ins when the airstream units might not be in use; expressed support for the proposed project and the diversity of lodging. Commissioner Fowler voiced support for the adaptive reuse of the existing motel and site; noted that the applicant should be prepared to address noise impacts, light pollution, and creek protection when the final project returns to the Commission. Chair Larson stated that he believes the project is headed in the right direction; noted that attention need to be given to shielding noise from the adjacent neighborhood. Commissioner Multari stated that he believes that the motel and restaurant uses are consistent with the intent of Ordinance No. 1130; advised the applicant to address perimeter fencing, light, noise, and security issues; suggested that the proposal also should address the parking areas to prevent noise and light pollution from impacting the neighbors across the creek. Commissioner Riggs stated that he is favor of the project; opined that Ordinance No. 1130 is unnecessary; expressed a desire for the final project to return to the Commission as soon as possible. There were no further comments made from the Commission. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION 3. Staff: a. Agenda Forecast Community Development Deputy Director Murry provided an agenda forecast of upcoming items. 4. Commission: Commissioner Riggs requested that staff provide the Commission with permit application information for 853 Monterey Street; stated that he is concerned whether the City is equitable in its treatment of late night alcohol service applications. PUBLIC HEARINGS (CONTINU 2. 75 Venture Drive. SPEC - 1318 -2015: Scoping meeting for the Avila Ranch Specific Plan EIR; C /OS -SP and BP -SP zones; Avila Ranch, LLC, applicant. Chair Larson recused himself from deliberations on the item because he is working with Rincon Consultants and although he is not working on this particular project, there could be a perception of a conflict of interest; left the Chamber at 7:11 p.m. Draft - Planning Commission Minutes of August 26 2015 Page 5 RECESS The Commission recessed at 7:12 p.m. and reconvened at 7:17 p.m., with all members present, except Chair Larson. Contract Planner Rickenbach and Dan Gira, CEQA Project Manager with Amec Foster Wheeler, presented the staff report, recommending that the Commission provide input to staff and consultants on any additional work scope items or environmental issues that need to be evaluated in the Avila Ranch Project Environmental Impact Report (EIR). PUBLIC COMMENTS Donna DiGangi, San Luis Obispo, addressed the importance of updating traffic counts to account for recently approved development projects; opined that planned infrastructure improvements should not be assumed to be completed when evaluating impacts during the EIR analysis; voiced concern regarding declining traffic service levels and the drought conditions. Anne Wyatt, San Luis Obispo, spoke on the need for ensuring that a variety of housing types and densities are developed in the Avila Ranch area; opined that issues related to transportation, circulation, bicycle trails, and the Buckley Road extension need to be clarified in the EIR. Lea Brooks, representing Bike SLO County, recommended that the EIR address how the proposed project will help reach the City's goal of 20% trips by bicycle, improve bicycle connectivity with the Octagon Barn and Bob Jones trail, and supported provision of Class 1 or Class 2 bicycle lanes. There were no further comments made from the public. COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Draze noted that an EIR should demonstrate how a proposed project could be improved; pointed out that advisory bodies and the City Council will likely focus on ensuring multi -modal transportation and housing needs are addressed; stressed that a thorough analysis of traffic and circulation will need to be included in the EIR; noted that the EIR will need to address fire and emergency response times. Commissioner Fowler spoke on the importance of addressing fire service in the southern portion of the City and the need for a thorough traffic study; suggested that the EIR should consider the known housing development projects in the City; and correlate the proposed project and possible housing displacement issues. Commissioner Multari noted that when the EIR considers project consistency with local plans that special attention be given to the Housing Element; reviewed the timeline for providing comments on the draft and final EIR. There were no further comments made from the Commission. Draft - Planning Commission Minutes of August 26 2015 Page +6 ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:57 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Anthony J. Mejia City Clerk by the Planning Commission on September 23, 2015. aolabehere City Clerk