Planning Commission Meeting Update

June 24, 2009                          Wednesday                           7:00 p.m.

CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 

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

ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA:  Agenda was accepted.  

MINUTES:  Minutes of June 10, 2009.  Minutes were approved as presented. 

PUBLIC COMMENT:  None 

PUBLIC HEARINGS: 

1.   720 Foothill Boulevard.  U 36-09:  Modification of Use Permit to allow expanded fraternity use with 14 residents; R-4 zone; Alpha Upsilon Alumni Corp., applicant.  (Brian Leveille) 

Brian Leveille, staff planner, presented the staff report explaining the background of the existing fraternity and the proposal to demolish existing site improvements and construct the new building to allow 14 residents. The Commission asked several questions including the status of handicap accessibility and whether the fraternity is in compliance with the existing conditions.  Staff answered the Commission’s questions and the fraternity alumni president and project architect gave some background on the fraternity and project design. The Commission discussed requiring the LEED certification that was included in the project design, and decided it would be inconsistent with Conservation and Open Space policy to make that a requirement.  The Commission was concerned about the open space area in the open flag portion of the lot.  The Commission also discussed whether it should be a requirement to have an annual report to the Commission on the anniversary of the date of occupancy for the new building.  Staff brought to the Planning Commission’s attention that the Neighborhood Services Team (NST) is currently working on a yearly certification/ inspection program that would apply to all fraternities and sororities, and it may be a good idea to bring a summary to the Planning Commission yearly in a coordinated fashion.  The Commission was in agreement that it would be a good approach and did not make a specific condition applying only to this use permit.  The Commission approved the use permit, on a 7:0 vote, with several additional conditions.  The motion included a condition for the ARC to address the open space area in the project design to ensure it does not become a loud gathering place which could pose a disturbance to neighboring properties.  Other items in the motion included adding the staff-recommended condition of approval that the use permit will not become active until the new building is constructed and finaled.

COMMENT AND DISCUSSION: 

2.   Staff 

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

3.   Commission:   

Commissioner Meyer discussed his attendance at the last Tree Committee meeting.  He was impressed by the staff.  He also questioned one item on the agenda where it appeared the tree removal request was premature given that it was a part of a development project.  Staff confirmed that the process calls for design/site review prior to going to the Tree Committee.  Planning staff will follow up with the Tree Committee staff and review the process. 

ADJOURNMENT:  Meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

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.