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s.. Architectural Review Commission Minutes
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Monday, August 3, 2015
Regular Meeting of the Architectural Review Commission
CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the San Luis Obispo Architectural Review Commission was called
to order on Monday, August 3, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room, located
at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California, by Chair Wynn.
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Patricia Andreen, Ken Curtis, Amy Nemcik, Allen Root *,
Vice -Chair Suzan Ehdaie, and Chair Greg Wynn
* Commissioner Allen Root arrived at 5:07 p.m.
Absent: Commissioner Angela Soil
Staff
Present: Senior Planner Phil Dunsmore, Associate Planner Rachel Cohen, and
Recording Secretary Sarah Reinhart
ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA
The agenda was accepted as presented.
MINUTES
By consensus, the Commission approved the Minutes of the Architectural Review
Commission meetings of July 13, 2015 and July 20, 2015, as amended.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON - AGENDA ITEMS
There were no members of the public desiring to speak.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. 730 Boysen Avenue, ARCH 1182 -2015: Review of a new six -unit residential
project. The project is categorically exempt from environmental review (Section
15332: Infill Projects); R -4 zone; Zac Missler, applicant.
Associate Planner Cohen reviewed the contents of the staff report, recommending
that the Commission adopt a resolution approving the proposed six -unit multifamily
residential project including adoption of a categorical exception from
environmental review, based on findings and subject to conditions.
Architectural Review Commission Minutes of August 3, 2015 Page 2
Commissioner Curtis requested that staff provide documentation of similar
setbacks when exceptions are requested in the future.
Staff answered questions regarding accessibility of emergency vehicles, bio
retention area, bicycle storage and the potential availability of open spaces within
the project.
Truitt Vance, project designer, reviewed the size and scope of the project, noting
that there are significant constraints due to the lot's narrowness; explained that the
pavers will be solid concrete and bicycle storage will be available on -site and within
garages; concurred with staff's recommendation.
Commissioner Root recommended improving the design aesthetics, in particular
the angular shed roof in the west elevation and the front elevation's design.
Chair Wynn opined that the site plans work well, but suggested the applicant refine
the elevations.
In response to inquiry from Chair Wynn, Mr. Vance stated he would not oppose an
added condition to continue working with planning staff to refine the elevations in
the site design.
In response to inquiry from Vice -Chair Ehdaie, staff pointed out, that there will be
no low- income housing provided in this project.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Wedad Nelson, San Luis Obispo, spoke in opposition to the proposed project;
expressed concern that the subject lot is too small to accommodate six residential
units; asserted that students are overcrowding existing units and worsening
neighborhood traffic and noise; pointed out two other projects were recently
approved near North Chorro which lacked parking.
Robert Travis, San Luis Obispo, related opposition to the proposed project;
advised that parking is already impacted in the Boysen and Chorro neighborhood;
urged the Commission to downsize the project and recommended that additional
on -site parking be required; suggested that the existing units be used as affordable
housing.
There being no others desiring to speak, Chair Wynn closed the public hearing..
COMMISSION COMMENTS
Senior Planner Leveille advised that the project complies with density, land use,
and parking requirements and is compatible with the neighborhood.
Chair Wynn suggested adding additional conditions requiring garages to be used
for parking only and increasing the number of short-term bicycle parking.
Architectural Review Commission Minutes of August 3 2015 Page 3
Commissioner Curtis opined that conditions requiring garages to remain clear for
purposes of parking would not be effective; conveyed support for ensuring high
standards in new development, possibly creating new standards for high density
areas.
Chair Wynn expressed concern regarding the location of gas meters and their
proximity to car movement; recommended that gas meters to be relocated or be
enclosed.
Commissioner Andreen stated that if a bold color is used, it must be used in more
than one area; recommended that the accent color be used on the divide panels,
chimney areas, and a third color be added.
Commissioner Nemcik spoke in support of reducing articulation and noted
inconsistencies in the placement of the kickers.
Commissioner Andreen conveyed support for the applicant to work with staff
regarding elevations, colors, and articulation issues.
Chair Wynn recommended that the project be broken up into larger more
proportional masses, adding some horizontal breakdown along the Boysen
elevation and changing the plate height in zones where the shed is raising up by
positioning the eyebrow to 12 ft. instead 9 ft.; encouraged staff to ask for elevations
in the site plans.
Commissioner Root expressed support in breaking up the project, with a level of
articulation that creates visual interest; suggested a more coordinated and a less
articulated project.
Commissioner Curtis spoke in agreement of having less articulation and agreed
that the shed roof is out of place.
Commissioner Andreen noted that she is relying on staff's representation that the
adjacent units are of similar setbacks, asked staff to include proportions of the
adjacent setbacks to be included in future projects.
Commissioner Nemcik spoke in support of adding a planning condition, "the
applicant shall maintain the garages for the purpose of adding vehicles at all times,
and should include clause in lease agreements ".
There were no further comments made from the Commission.
Architectural Review Commission Minutes of Au ust 3 2015 Page 4
On motion by Commissioner Nemcik, seconded by Commissioner Root, to grant
final approval of the proposed six - unit - multifamily residential project including
adoption of a categorical exception from environmental review, based on findings
and subject to the following revisions:
a. Finding 4. The front yard setback exception request is consistent with the
Zoning Regulations because the proposed setback is consistent with the
existing neighborhood pattern and retains an open area within the
neighborhood.
b. Condition 3. The applicant shall extend the utility closet laterally to include
and enclose the fire riser and backflow preventer to the approval of the
community development director.
C. Condition 7. The a licant shall refine accent color scheme cohesive
n of the Community Development
design and articulations to the _satisfactio
Director.
d. Condition 10. Each unit shall provide 1 short -term bicvcle parkina on site
and 2 long -term bicycle parking spaces within each dwelling or accessory
structure—(e.g. garages) and the progect shall add 5 short-term bicycle
spaces. Bicycles shall be parked vertically or horizontally with at least the
reartire resting at floor level. The building plan submittal shall include details
and detail references for the proposed_ bicycle parking facilities and /or racks.
The building plans shall provide a detailed site plan of any racks. Show all
dimensions and clearances to obstructions per city standard.
AYES: Commissioners Andreen, Curtis, Ehdaie, Nemcik, Root, and Wynn
NOES: None
RECUSED: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Soil
The motion carried on a 6:0 vote.
COMMENT AND DISCUSSION
2. Staff:
a. Agenda Forecast
Senior Planner Dunsmore provided an agenda forecast of upcoming projects.
Architectural Review Commission Minutes of August 3 2015 Page 5
3, Commission:
Commissioner Andreen noted a new redesign of a supermarket on Foothill Plaza.
Commissioner Root noted signage on the east side of 101 near Calabasas does
not include corporate color schemes; encouraged following our guidelines more
correctly.
Commissioner Curtis inquired regarding an email which was sent out regarding
Terrace Hill.
Commissioner Andreen commented on an email received from Ron Combs
regarding the importance of trees.
Chair Wynn noted that there have been two appeals to the City Council regarding
the bowling alley project.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 6:31 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sarah Reinhart
Recording Secretary
roved by the Architectural Review Commission on August 17, 2015.
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City
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