HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-03-2016 Item 12, Walker-_COUNCIL MEETING:
T11,N1 NO.: l
MAY 0 3 ?01�
Mayor Marx and Councilmembers,
1 have been watching the project on Buena Vista but have never spoken on the issue. In Mr.
Kraft's correspondence to you the most critical matter of the project is overlooked: The
fact that his lot is located in a very small area that is designated with an "S" overlay. This special
consideration zone does not apply to most of his neighbors, including Mr. Cochran's home or
the homes on the opposite size of Buena Vista.
Staff has stated that eleven properties in the neighborhood have "exceptions" to the design
guidelines, however only three of those properties fall within the S -overlay. Further, those
properties are not located on a prominently visible area of the hillside.
When Mr. Kraft first presented his plan to the Planning Commission in September, the
Commissioners gave him the opportunity to revise the plan and come back. He returned with a
revised plan which still had four bedrooms, five bathrooms, two kitchens and a rooftop deck -
all within less than 2400 square feet. The Use Permit was denied based on the special
consideration zone because the Planning Commissioners felt the "use" of the project was too
dense or "too intense" for this particular zoning.'
This case has been delayed due to Mr. Kraft's unwillingness to comply with the city zoning
ordinances which were outlined in detail by the Planning Commissioners over six months ago.
They asked Mr. Kraft to make some design changes and come back with a scaled down version
of the current project. They wanted the rooftoo deck to be eliminated and also suggested he
decrease the number of bedrooms and increase the common living areas in order to reduce the
'density of use' due to the S -Zane overlay. Each Commissioner thoughtfully explained the
reasoning behind their decision.
The Commissioners indicated they would gladly approve a scaled-down plan. If Mr. Kraft had
chosen to follow their direction, this project would have moved forward long ago. Instead, he
appealed the Planning Commission's ruling and the Use Permit was approved by you, with
11148:13) Comm Multari: I'll make a motion to deny the project, as submitted, based on — I
cannot make the finding that the project would not be detrimental to the health, safety and
welfare of the persons working or living in the site or the vicinity because the project will
encourage too many people in a difficult site. Specifically, it has four bedrooms, five baths,
two kitchens and only a two car garage. It is located, as I have said before, on a narrow,
steep, dead end street. There is no on -street parking provided in this vicinity. There are no
sidewalks that connect to any other area or portion of the vicinity... it's not just 1900 square
feet. The two living spaces combined is 2,360. And if you count the garage it is 2,760...
(150:06)There's no dining room, there's no study, there's no den. It's gust bedrooms and
bathrooms and kitchens with modest living rooms.
direction that project needed to follow the development guidelines due to the sensitive nature
of the special overlay, without exceptions.
The ARC failed to address critical aspects of the design. The project still has four bedrooms, five
bathrooms, two kitchens and a rooftop deck, which was opposed by the Planning Commission.
The design still violates the requirements of the design guidelines. Somehow the issue of the S -
overlay has managed to be swept under the rug.
San Luis Obispo is fortunate to have so many community members who care about our city and
its future. The Agenda Correspondence includes letters from residents who have served on the
Planning Commission and the former Mayor who enacted the ordinance to protect our hillsides
with the S -overlay related to this project in the first place. These residents are not "NIMBYs" —
as expressed by Mr. Kraft and his wife - but are long-time residents who are invested in making
sure San Luis Obispo does not lose its unique character. It is your obligation to ensure that, as
well, by following the zoning ordinance and community development guidelines. I am hopeful
you are listening to your constituents and will follow the important requirements of the S -
overlay.
Sincerely,
Kathie Walker