Planning Commission Meeting Update

October 12, 2005                       Wednesday                                7:00 p.m.

CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 

ROLL CALL:      Commissioners Carlyn Christianson, Alice Loh, Andrea Miller, Orval Osborne, Andrew Carter, Vice-Chair Jim Aiken, and Chairperson Michael Boswell. 

Commissioner Loh was absent. 

ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA:

The agenda was accepted as written. 

PUBLIC COMMENT:   

No public comment was provided. 

PUBLIC HEARINGS: 

1.      861 and 953 Orcutt Road and 3330 and 3370 Broad Street.  GPA and ER 114-02. Amend the General Plan Map to redesignate about 17 acres of vacant land from Services and Manufacturing to High-Density Residential and Community Commercial; and review of the Final EIR for the 4-Creeks project; City of San Luis Obispo, applicant.  (Michael Codron) 

The Planning Commission approved a resolution recommending that the City Council amend the General Plan and certify the Environmental Impact Report for the Four Creeks Project.  The motion to approve the resolution was passed on a 5-1 vote (Carter voting no).  The Commission discussion focused on the project and how it carries out important General Plan goals.  Findings for a Statement of Overriding Consideration were recommended for cumulative air quality impacts and aesthetics impacts, in relation to building height.   

2.      861 and 953 Orcutt Road.  TR and PD 151-03; Consideration of a tentative tract map and Planned Development rezoning from M-PD to R-4-PD for a housing project on a 11.63 acre site to include 178 dwelling units; and environmental review; M-PD zone; Parc North Associates, LLC, applicant.  (Michael Codron) 

The Planning Commission recommended approval of the Tumbling Waters development plan and vesting tentative tract map on a 6-0 vote.  The applicant’s presentation focused on the difficulty of accommodating 420 vehicles on the project site, and he discussed the amenities provided by the development plan, including a Village Hall, perimeter pedestrian path with creekside meditation gardens and drainage basins that are designed to accommodate recreational uses.  The Commission discussed recent project changes, such as the proposed realignment of the Escorp Drainage.  The Commission also discussed whether noise mitigation requirements would prevent future residents from having operable windows.  It was explained to the Commission that all windows would be operable, and that some units would not have decks if they are located in an area subject to excessive noise exposure.   

3.      791 Orcutt Road and 3330 and 3360 Broad Street.  TR and  PD; 164-02;  Consideration of a  tentative  tract  map and Planned Development rezoning from C-S-S to R-4-PD and C-C-PD for a housing project with  86 dwellings and 10,000 sq. ft. of commercial space; C-S-S zone; William Tickell, applicant.  (Michael Codron) 

The Planning Commission recommended approval of the Creekston development plan and vesting tentative tract map on a 5-1 vote (Carter voting no).  The applicant’s presentation included visual simulations based on more current photography than that provided in the EIR.  The applicant discussed the modifications to the plan that were made after the EIR was published, including the relocation of the 57’ tall loft buildings and clustering of the mixed-use buildings at Orcutt Road to improve views of the South Street Hills.  The applicant asked the Commission to approve the site plan as proposed, instead of requiring access through the site, because the project designers are hoping to create a “car-free zone” at the center of the site.  The Commission discussed this issue and agreed with the staff recommendation to require through access, so that both driveways are available to all users of the site.  The Commission also discussed the proposed uses for the commercial portion of the Creekston site, and focused on those uses that are consistent with the form of the proposed development and with the adjacent residential uses. 

COMMENT AND DISCUSSION: 

4.   Staff 

A.    Agenda Forecast 

Staff provided an agenda forecast of upcoming meetings and reviewed the hearing schedule for the rest of 2005.  The Commission made changes to the 2006 hearing schedule in consideration of certain holidays. 

5.   Commission 

Due to quorum issues, the Commission cancelled the next regular meeting of the Planning Commission, scheduled for October 26, 2005. 

The meeting ADJOURNED to the regular meeting of the Planning Commission scheduled for Wednesday November 9, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber of City Hall, 990 Palm Street.