ACTION MINUTES

MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION

Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at 6:00 P.m. - 9:00 P.m.

Hybrid City Council Chamber/Virtual Zoom Meeting

215 East Branch Street, Arroyo Grande

Commission Members Present:

• Chair Jamie Maraviglia, 
• Catherine Sackrison, 
• Kevin Buchanan, 
• Vice Chair Bruce Berlin, 
• and Virginia Roof 

Staff Present:

• Planning Manager Andrew Perez, 
• Associate Planner Patrick Holub, 
• and Community Development Director Brian Pedrotti 

Given the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in San Luis Obispo County, and in compliance with Assembly Bill (AB) 361, which allows for a deviation of teleconference rules required by the Ralph M. Brown Act, this meeting was held by teleconference. 

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1.

CALL TO ORDER

Chair Maraviglia called the Planning Commission meeting to order at 6:00pm.

2.

ROLL CALL

All present. 

3.

FLAG SALUTE

Commissioner Roof

4.

AGENDA REVIEW

None.

5.

COMMUNITY COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS

Chair Maraviglia opened the public comment period. Hearing none, Chair Maraviglia closed the public comment period. 

6.

WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS

7.

CONSENT AGENDA

Chair Maraviglia opened the public comment period. 

Mike Stanton, MBS Land Surveys, spoke is support of item 7.b. and offered to answer any questions from the Commission. 

Hearing no further public comment, Chair Maraviglia closed the public comment period. 

7.a

Approval of Minutes

• Moved by Vice Chair Bruce Berlin
  Seconded by Catherine Sackrison

  Approve the Minutes of the September 19, 2023 Planning Commission Meeting. 

  Passed

7.b

Consideration of Lot Line Adjustment 23-001 and Finding That This Action is Exempt From Review Under the California Environmental Quality Act Pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15305; Location – 902 The Pike; Applicant – MBS Land Surveys

• Moved by Vice Chair Bruce Berlin
  Seconded by Catherine Sackrison

  1) Adopt a Resolution approving Lot Line Adjustment 23-001; and 2) Determine that this project is categorically exempt per Section 15305(a) of the CEQA Guidelines regarding minor alterations in land use limitations

  Passed

8.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

8.a

Consideration of Conditional Use Permit 23-005; Halcyon Redevelopment Project and Finding That This Action Is Exempt From Review Under The California Environmental Quality Act Pursuant To State Guidelines Section 15332; Location – 316 South Halcyon Road;

Associate Planner Holub presented the staff report and responded to questions regarding: density, parking, paving, street trees and emergency access.

CJ Horstman, representative, spoke in support of the project, gave background on how the project scope was developed and responded to Commissioner questions regarding bike lockers; considerations of three-story buildings; and photovoltaic systems. 

Chair Maraviglia opened the public hearing. 

Alexandria spoke about her experience as a tenant on the second floor with regard to the difficulties of storing a bicycle and stated that outdoor bicycle storage would be beneficial to the residents. 

Judy, asked a question regarding the project location that was answered by Associate Planner Holub. 

Hearing no further public comment, Chair Maraviglia closed the public hearing. 

• Moved by Catherine Sackrison
  Seconded by Kevin Buchanan

  1) Adopt a Resolution approving the proposed project; and 2) Determine that this project is categorically exempt per Section 15332 of the CEQA Guidelines regarding infill development

  Passed

8.b

Consideration of Development Code Amendment 23-005; Amendments to the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code Regarding Restrictions On Irrigated Turf Installation And Use Citywide And Finding That This Action Is Exempt From Review Under The California Environmental

Planning Manager Perez presented the staff report and responded to questions regarding: applicability of the draft Ordinance to existing turf areas; private versus public parks; and water conservation programs sponsored by the City.  

Chair Maraviglia opened the public hearing.

Alexandria spoke about how water use restrictions can impact renters because they are required to water turf but also are required to conserve water. 

Hearing no further public comment, Chair Maraviglia closed the public hearing.

• Moved by Vice Chair Bruce Berlin
  Seconded by Catherine Sackrison

  1) Adopt a Resolution recommending that City Council approve the ordinance amendments; and 2) Determine that the ordinance amendments are exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15304.

  Passed

9.

NON-PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS

None. 

10.

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS SINCE SEPTEMBER 19, 2023

Received. 

Chair Maraviglia opened the public comment period. 

Judy spoke about her concerns related to the parklets in the Village. 

Alexandria stated her support for the parklets in the Village. 

11.

COMMISSION COMMUNICATIONS

Chair Maraviglia spoke about the General Plan Update Workshop and that she enjoyed the mapping exercise. 

Vice Chair Berlin also spoke about his positive experience at the General Plan Update Workshop. 

12.

STAFF COMMUNICATIONS

Community Development Director Pedrotti provided the following updates:

1) A survey will be sent to each mailbox in City limits asking residents to participate in the General Plan Update process; 

2) An application was received for a rehabilitation hospital behind AG Community Hospital; and

3) The City Council reviewed the City's regulations regarding formula businesses in the Village and provided suggestions for updates that will be reviewed by the Planning Commission in the near future. 

13.

ADJOURNMENT

The Meeting adjourned at 7:35.