Planning Commission Meeting Update

May 13, 2009                          Wednesday                           7:00 p.m.

CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 

ROLL CALL:     Commissioners Michael Boswell, Eric Meyer, Airlin Singewald, Mary Whittlesey, Vice-Chairperson Michael Multari, and Chairperson Charles Stevenson           

Commissioner Draze was absent. 

ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA:  Accepted as presented. 

MINUTES:  Minutes of April 22, 2009.  Accepted as amended. 

PUBLIC COMMENT: 

David Brodie spoke about how sidewalk activity contributes to the survival of small retail businesses. 

PUBLIC HEARINGS: 

1.   City-Wide.  TA 52-08:  Update the Sidewalk Café ordinance to encourage additional participation and consider adoption of a resolution regarding sidewalk widening; City of San Luis Obispo, applicant.  (Phil Dunsmore) 

Following a presentation by staff, and public comment supporting changes to encouraging more sidewalk cafés, the Commission expressed support for the update and discussed the details of the proposed ordinance and resolution.  The Commission felt the existing fee structure was excessive given the amount of participation in the program over the past 10 years.  Commissioners recommended waiving parking fees for use of the public sidewalk but, instead, favored increasing the rent that applicants must pay to use the sidewalk.  Commissioners also encouraged flexibility in the clear path of travel that must be preserved on the sidewalk and felt that a minimum of only 4 feet may be acceptable under certain circumstances.  It was recommended that additional bicycle parking be required when restaurants trigger additional parking.  In discussing the resolution to selectively widen sidewalks, Commissioners recommended the area to subject to the sidewalk widening resolution be expanded to additional streets beyond just Higuera Street.  On a motion by Commissioner Multari, seconded by Commissioner Boswell, the Commission voted unanimously to recommend the City Council approve the code amendments and to adopt a resolution to allow sidewalk widening. 

2.   11980 Los Osos Valley Road.  ANNX 7-07:  Review of the Draft EIR for a project to annex and develop vacant agricultural land along Los Osos Valley Road with a new retail center (Prefumo Creek Commons); Irish Hills Plaza East LLC, applicant.  (Phil Dunsmore) 

Following an extensive presentation by staff and the EIR consultant, the Commission took public testimony on the EIR.  Public testimony focused on the potential for traffic impacts on Los Osos Valley Road near Madonna Road.  Following public testimony, the Commissioners discussed various components of the EIR and provided individual comments to the consultant team on areas that may need additional attention and clarification.  No action was taken since the hearing was intended to only take public comments during the comment period which expires on May 22, 2009. 

COMMENT AND DISCUSSION: 

3.   Staff 

a.  Agenda Forecast – Deputy Director Davidson provided the agenda forecast. 

4.   Commission 

The Commission requested that they have the proposed study sessions for priority setting at the next meeting.   

Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the Planning Commission regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection in the Community Development, 919 Palm Street, during normal business hours.