Planning Commission Meeting Update

July 9, 2008                  Wednesday                                7:00 p.m.

CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 

ROLL CALL:      Commissioners Amanda Brodie, Dan Carpenter, Carlyn Christianson, Diana Gould, Michael Multari, Vice-Chairperson John Ashbaugh and Chairperson Charles Stevenson 

Commr. Ashbaugh was absent. 

ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA:  Agenda accepted as presented. 

MINUTES:  Minutes of June 25, 2008.  Continued.  Commissioner
Carpenter provided his amendments in writing.   

PUBLIC COMMENT:  None. 

PUBLIC HEARINGS: 

1.      1321 & 1327 Osos Street.  ER/TR/GP/R 102-07:  Request to amend the General Plan Land Use Element and Zoning maps to reconfigure the boundary between the Medium-High Density Residential and Office designations on the site; a Vesting Tentative Tract Map to divide the site into 6 commercial and 11 residential condominiums; and environmental review of a new mixed-use project located on three properties between Osos and Morro Streets that are currently used as a parking lot; Mission Medical Partners, applicant.  (Pam Ricci) 

On a 5:0:2 vote (Vice Chairperson Ashbaugh absent; Commr. Christianson recused herself since she owns property within 500 feet of the site), the Planning Commission recommended to the Council approval of the General Plan Amendment and Rezoning, Vesting Tentative Tract Map, and Mitigated Negative Declaration.  The Planning Commission commended staff and the applicant at working collaboratively to refine project plans to create a project that provides a creative mix of uses and respects the site’s historic context.  Discussion focused on the proposal to utilize tandem parking to meet the on-site parking requirements for the residential units.  The Commission felt that the use of tandem parking could be supported here because it is an infill, mixed-use project near the downtown and oversight would be provided by the Homeowners’ Association to insure that it functions properly.  Chairperson Stevenson offered additional findings at the meeting in support of the tandem parking.  The Commission also supported an exception to the total open space requirements for the project since private and common open spaces requirements were met and the exception was warranted based on the project’s downtown location and as an allowed incentive because the project will provide a deed-restricted affordable unit. 

2.      Citywide.  GPI 49-06:  Review Chapters 1 & 2 of the Draft South Broad Street Corridor Plan; City of San Luis Obispo, applicant.  (Jeff Hook) 

Commissioner Brodie recused herself due to the location of her residence/office in the area. 

Jeff Hook presented the revisions to the draft plan made in response to Planning Commission direction and explained the new format and organization.   

Two members of the general public spoke – one in support of the changes that have been made and one who recommended a different design style for the area and objected to any parking reductions.   

Two members of the focus group spoke and supported the revisions.  One emphasized the goals for the plan area and encouraged the Commission to keep them in mind when reviewing the plan.  One member indicated support for participation in community projects such as this one and shared that she was not comfortable with corrugated metal siding as a design option. 

The Commission supported the revision and reorganization of the plan in general and provided specific revisions to Chapter 2 for staff to incorporate into the draft plan.  Most of the revisions related to the allowed use table and a request for additional graphics and clarity where dedications or circulation improvements are required. 

No final action was taken and the item was continued to the July 23, 2008, Planning Commission hearing. 

COMMENT AND DISCUSSION: 

3.      Staff 

a.      Agenda Forecast – Staff provided a brief update. 

4.      Commission 

Commr. Multari shared copies of the progress report on Sustainability for Cal Poly Facilities and Operations and summarized some of the efforts being undertaken by Cal Poly. 

ADJOURNMENT   

The meeting adjourned at 9:15 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.