HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Commission Minutes 10/14/2014Planning Commission Meeting of October 14, 2014 Page 1
City of Petaluma, CA
City Council Chambers
City Hall, 11 English Street
Petaluma, CA 94952
Telephone 707/778-4301 / Fax 707/778-4498
E -Mail cdd@ci.petaluma.ca.us
Web Page http://www.ci.petaluma.ca.us
Planning Commission Minutes
Tuesday, October 14, 2014 — 07:00 PM
Regular Meeting
FINAL MINUTES
1. CALL TO ORDER (07:00 PM)
Chair Wolpert
2. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Marzo, Lin, Pierre, Wolpert, and Benedetti-Petnic.
ABSENT: Gomez, and Miller.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
The Committee will hear public comments only on matters over which it has jurisdiction. There
will be no Committee/Commission discussion or action. The Chair will allot no more than three
minutes to any individual. If more than three persons wish to speak, their time will be allotted
so that the total amount of time allocated to this agenda item will be 15 minutes.
Katherine Bobrowski, resident of Littlewoods Mobile Villa Mobile Home Park since 1995, had
comments about the management of the mobile home park and would like to see it on the City
Council agenda. She stated that she would like the City to manage this mobile home park. She
had numerous complaints about the owner. She stated that people have moved out of
Petaluma because of vandalizing and crime in this mobile home park.
Chair Wolpert
Planning Commission Meeting of October 14, 2014 Page 2
4. PRESENTATION
A. None
5. COMMISSION COMMENT
A. Council Liaison
There was no Council report.
B. Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee
Commissioner Lin reported out that PBAC's recent meeting reviewed the Safeway Fuel Center
project. There was a representative from Safeway present and the issues discussed were
queuing, fuel ambassadors, pavement signage, bike racks, and sidewalks. Also discussed was
the proposed Petaluma/Sebastopol trail, which is a Class 1 bike and pedestrian trail parallel to
the former railroad right of way. In 2012, PBAC drafted a letter of support to the Director of
Sonoma County Regional Parks seeking funding for a Feasibility Study and, since there is a new
funding cycle, they have now redrafted and submitted the letter of support again.
C. Tree Advisory Committee
Commissioner Benedetti-Petnic reported that at the Tree Committee's last meeting they
finalized the draft Center Park Plan which will be going before the Music, Recreation and Park
Commission on October 15th.
D. Other Commission Comment
6. STAFF COMMENT
A. Planning Manager's Report
Heather Hines, Planning Manager, reported that at their last meeting, Council approved the
second reading of the Freeway Oriented Signs project. On October 20th, the Council will be
considering the Keller Court Commons project and on October 27th there will be a workshop
discussion about a more comprehensive update to the sign code. On November 17, Council will
be considering the Corona Road Annexation and Subdivision project. She noted that the
Planning Commission will have one meeting in November, on November 18th. In December,
the Planning Commission will have their first scheduled meeting on December 9th. If there is a
need for more than one meeting, the third Tuesday might be an option since most people will
not be available on the fourth Tuesday. Ms. Hines also stated that a letter from PEP housing
and draft housing element were included in the agenda packet in order for the Commissioners
to review early. The associated staff report will be coming in the regular packet prior to the
October 28th meeting.
Vice Chair Pierre
Chair Wolpert
Planning Commission Meeting of October 14, 2014 Page 3
7. COMMUNICATIONS
A. None
8. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Approval of Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting of Tuesday, September 23, 2014.
Chair Wolpert
Minutes were approved without changes.
9. OLD BUSINESS
A. Valero Convenience Store. Site Plan and Architectural Review for a new convenience store
and associated site improvements at the existing Valero Gas Station. Continued from 9/23/14
Planning Commission meeting.
Project Location: 532 East Washington Street
Project #: PLMA-14-001
Staff: Tiffany Robbe, Associate Planner
Valero Gas Staff Report 10-14-14
Attachment A- Revised SPAR Resolution 10-14-14
Ms. Hines
Chair Wolpert
Commissioner Benedetti-Petnic
Chair Wolpert
Commissioner Benedetti-Petnic
Ms. Hines
Vice Chair Pierre
Ms. Hines
Commissioner Benedetti-Petnic
Ms. Hines
Commissioner Benedetti-Petnic
Chair Wolpert
Ms. Hines
Chair Wolpert
Planning Commission Meeting of October 14, 2014 Page 4
Ms. Hines
Commissioner Benedetti-Petnic
Ms. Hines
Chair Wolpert
Ms. Hines
Chair Wolpert
Commissioner Benedetti-Petnic
Chair Wolpert
Ms. Hines
Commissioner Benedetti-Petnic
Chair Wolpert
Vice Chair Pierre
Commissioner Marzo
Commissioner Lin
Vice Chair Pierre
Ms. Hines
Commissioner Marzo
Chair Wolpert
Motion: Approve Site Plan and Architectural Review with changes for the Valero
Convenience Store at 532 East Washington Street made by Pierre, seconded by
M a rzo.
Vote: Motion carried 5 - 0.
Yes: Marzo, Lin, Pierre, Wolpert, and Benedetti-Petnic.
Absent: Gomez, and Miller.
B. Short -Term Vacation Rentals. Zoning Text Amendments to Implementing Zoning Ordinance
and SmartCode to allow short-term vacation rentals in residential and mixed use zoning
districts. Continued from 9/23/14 Planning Commission meeting.
Staff: Ingrid Alverde, Economic Development Manager
Vacation Rentals Staff Report 10-14-14
Attachment A - Vacation Rentals Draft Resolution 10-14-14
Planning Commission Meeting of October 14, 2014 Page 5
Attachment B - Vacation Rentals Ordinance Summary
Attachment C - Vacation Rentals Public Comments 1 of 2
Attachment C - Vacation Rentals Public Comments 2 of 2
Ingrid Alverde, Economic Development Manager
Chair Wolpert
Commissioner Marzo
Ms. Alverde
Commissioner Marzo
Ms. Alverde
Commissioner Marzo
Ms. Alverde
Commissioner Marzo
Ms. Alverde
Commissioner Marzo
Ms. Alverde
Commissioner Marzo
Ms. Alverde
Commissioner Lin
Ms. Alverde
Commissioner Lin
Ms. Alverde
Commissioner Lin
Ms. Alverde
Ms. Hines
Commissioner Lin
Ms. Alverde
Vice Chair Pierre
Ms. Alverde
Vice Chair Pierre
Ms. Hines
Vice Chair Pierre
Planning Commission Meeting of October 14, 2014 Page 6
Ms. Alverde
Ms. Hines
Vice Chair Pierre
Ms. Hines
Vice Chair Pierre
Ms. Alverde
Vice Chair Pierre
Joe Garcia, Code Enforcement Officer
Vice Chair Pierre
Mr. Garcia
Ms. Hines
Vice Chair Pierre
Ms. Alverde
Ms. Hines
Chair Wolpert
Ms. Hines
Chair Wolpert
Ms. Hines
Ms. Alverde
Vice Chair Pierre
Ms. Alverde
Chair Wolpert
Ms. Alverde
Chair Wolpert
Ms. Alverde
Commissioner Marzo
Chair Wolpert
Commissioner Benedetti-Petnic
Ms. Alverde
Commissioner Benedetti-Petnic
Ms. Alverde
Planning Commission Meeting of October 14, 2014 Page 7
Commissioner Benedetti-Petnic
Ms. Alverde
Commissioner Benedetti-Petnic
Ms. Hines
Commissioner Benedetti-Petnic
Ms. Alverde
Ms. Hines
Ms. Alverde
Ms. Alverde
Commissioner Marzo
Ms. Alverde
Commissioner Marzo
Ms. Alverde
Commissioner Marzo
Ms. Alverde
Chair Wolpert
Deborah Atkinson, public member, has lived in Petaluma for 20 years and owned a business for
30 years. Some people are concerned about mixed use, however, she feel that the mix of
businesses have been very successful. She attended the Vacation Rental round table to learn
how the City would handle new rules due to all of the bureaucracy that can be involved. She
stated that she doesn't like the idea of making rules that are not enforceable. Generally, the
City has rules such as the Noise Ordinance which would be widespread. She is concerned about
the businesses in town, with many businesses lasting from two to five years. She believes that
the City of Petaluma can use the tourists. She stated her concerns about lack of diversity, about
parents not using the businesses during the day, and the integration of seniors.
Deborah Garber, Air B & B host, stated that the safety of neighborhoods are also important to
Air B&B hosts. She stated that she has not had a complaint in the three years she has been a
host and does not feel she is a threat to her neighborhood. She believes the issue is deeper due
to people's fear of outsiders. She believes that residents of the town are not narrow minded,
and does not want the "Fortress Mentality" of a few people dictating the rules. Ms. Garber does
not want to live in town that feels like a gated community that bars strangers. She feels that the
Air B & B hosts contribute to the vibrancy and economic well-being of Petaluma and that the
last thing they want to do is antagonize the neighbors.
Richard Manson stated that he is not a native of Petaluma. He grew up in the Bay Area but
spent the last 20 years living in Europe. He had a recent job offer and a chance to move back to
the area. He was a guest at an Air B & B home in Petaluma and because of that experience, now
Planning Commission Meeting of October 14, 2014 Page 8
he and his wife would like to move here. The Air B & B guests are normally a quiet group and
come to discover what a beautiful place Petaluma is. They spend their dollars and go home and
tell others about Petaluma and about the wonderful Air B & B hostess. He posed the questions -
What sort of neighborhoods do we want to protect? Do you want to protect the neighbors who
are suspicious of strangers or a neighborhood that welcomes a diversity of people who bring in
tax dollars?
Kate Glose is an Air B & B host and guest who has one bedroom with a private bath that she
rents out. She allows only two guests at a time who stay one to two nights and opposes a
minimum stay requirement. She cautioned the use of the online availability calendar for tax
purposes, stating that she uses the calendar to block days and that it looks like guests are there.
She does not believe this method should be used to calculate taxes. She also stated that the
guests are a boost to the economy. She has heard and understands people's fears. She noted
that Air B & B has a way to review guests and she has declined guests because she could not
find enough information on them. She stated that she lives in the community and wants the
neighborhood to be safe. She knows her neighbors and her neighbors know what she is doing.
She stated that her three top concerns are the cost of the fee, the publication of the phone
numbers and the 500' radius notification.
Larry Volat is not a guest or host but has experience on Keokuk Street. He believes that the
disputes in the neighborhood are not about the Air B & B. He gave several examples of
incidents in this neighborhood. He stated that while visiting a friend, several neighbors did not
want him to park in this neighborhood and a neighbor came to him while in his car and cursed
at him in an abusive manner. He is concerned about the safety in this neighborhood and feels
that the issue is not be about the Air B & B but about the people who live there.
Aaron Crespi, is an Air B & B host and stated that he has a stand-alone vacation rental and lives
in the front house and most of his guests stay a month or more. He believes there is a
mischaracterization and a fear of the people who are coming to town and wanted to
characterize who is coming to Petaluma and why. He gave examples of typical guests who have
stayed at his rental, such as, an ICU Nurse Manager who stayed three months, delivery room
nurses who stayed for seven weeks, another nurse who stayed with her family, the incoming
commander of the Coast Guard, engineers and scientists. Many of these guests have purchased
homes later. He realizes that noise and parking are issues but the people who come are
grandmothers visiting grandchildren. This rental allowed him to repair sidewalk in front of his
house. He prefers to have guests stay a week or more, however, other timeframes are valid.
Naomi Richman, resident since 1974 and Air B & B host. She stated that it is important to
distinguish between a neighborhood problem and a problem with short term rentals. Her
neighbors has compiled a long list of complaints; have been conducting a surveillance of her
house; drilled friends; and has submitted information to the City that has been published on the
website. Her neighbors have screamed obscenities at tenants and have called the City to report
alleged violations of City code. She stated that Joe Garcia came out to investigate and found
nothing wrong, but advised her to work things out with the neighbors. She has offered
mediation, asked friends and guests not to park in front of their homes, and has avoided
confrontation. Ms. Richman feels that these issues are not relevant to the topic here tonight.
Planning Commission Meeting of October 14, 2014 Page 9
There are legitimate concerns regarding noise and parking. She has a large home with a granny
unit where she has overnight guests. Her paying guests will keep her in her home as she grows
old. She feels that it would be a benefit to the vibrancy of Petaluma to continue welcoming
visitors with warmth instead of abuse.
Nancy Sasser stated that she realizes that the Planning Commission job is to keep the
amendments to zoning ordinance consistent with the General Plan. She stated that the Guiding
Principals in the General Plan state that Petaluma maintain a close-knit, neighborly and family -
friendly City and envisions Petaluma as a City of Strong Neighborhoods. She believes that
welcoming strangers into the neighborhoods increases transiency resulting in decreased sense
of security. She believes that the rules do not promote safe neighborhoods and believes that
this change in the Zoning Code will increase the outside commercialization of vacation rentals
in the established historic neighborhoods. It has been a problem in other communities. Ms.
Sasser believe that this proposal places the burden of dealing with the risk and nuisance
behavior on the residents. She stated that the burden of hosting tourists affects the entire
neighborhood and that short term vacation rentals are not fair to the residents or the
community. If they are to be allowed, the minimum length of stay should be at least 30 days.
Ms. Sasser believes that Petaluma's economic vitality should be focused on accommodating
tourism in the commercial and mixed use zones and not the residential zones.
Steve Schlich lives in the Oakhill Brewser neighborhood and does not rent any rooms. He is
concerned about the cost to the community. He is requesting that the Commission turn down
the idea of amateurs renting rooms in residential areas because it is a big risk to everyone
involved. He asked what happens when someone has an injury during their stay and decides to
sue the City. Mr. Schlich believes that the Commission should reject this proposal because it is a
big liability.
Susan Thompson believes that if someone is a host, they love the income that tourists provide
and if someone live next door, the tourists remain strangers. She believes that tourists do not
belong in her neighborhood.
Michael Kraus believes that short term rentals would change the quality of his neighborhood. If
allowed the following restrictions should be enacted: parking provisions to require off street
parking for all guests; limit the number of short term rentals within a radial distance; permits
should be required with annual renewal and rotation; restrictions on frequency to limit one
rental per week; management should be onsite to control transient issues. Long term renters
become part of the neighborhood and short term renters are one vacation and don't match the
flow of the neighborhood.
Christina Gleason stated that Petaluma was voted the #1 place to visit in the fall. She feels that
tourists love to come to this town and we are very popular. She stated that she loves walking in
the Petaluma neighborhoods. Ms. Gleason stated that she is not afraid of strangers, but afraid
that the tapestry of this town will be interrupted by transients who come to home hotels. She is
not opposed to 30 -day rentals or B & Bs but 365 days of coming and going next door. She
moved here from the San Francisco Metropolis area to not be in a commercial zone. She
believes that Petaluma is not a metropolis and this use should not be allowed in the
neighborhoods.
Planning Commission Meeting of October 14, 2014 Page 10
Mike Gleason has lived in Petaluma for 30 years and has lived next door to an Air B&B for 1-1/2
years. He stated that the guests take up parking and create occasional noise which has caused
friction in the neighborhood. He stated that this was set up without consulting any of the
neighbors and about 90% of the block is against it. Mr. Gleason believes it is a blatant
commercial activity and does not belong in the residential sections. He believes that the
character of his neighborhood is changing and suggests that if it does become final, to require a
conditional use permit and consult neighborhoods beforehand.
Bill Chayes is an Air B & B host and believes that the proposal is well thought out. He stated that
people come the Petaluma because it is a nice, quiet town and to get away from city life and
have a peaceful time. People come from all over the world and that is good for Petaluma. Mr.
Chayes stated that someone can sit in front of Starbucks, and can hear many languages from
people from all over which is enriching to the community. Air B & B hosts are responsible
people, don't want trouble and want to keep things safe
Franka Kozar, an Air B & B host, stated that she has had a history of issues with one neighbor
over many years and is hoping that the City will look at that history and not just the complaint.
She is expecting complaints from these neighbors. She also stated that she is excited about the
opportunity and finds the taxes to be fair.
Patricia Haramati is a host for a vacation rental in Petaluma. She stated that she is part of the
community, her family is here and it has been her home for many years. In 2010, she lost her
husband and lost the ability to make the mortgage payments. She believes that this is an aspect
that hasn't been addresses because for many people it may be a financial necessity to rent out
their homes. She stated that she has had great success with her guests and many guests have
become Petaluma residents. Ms. Haramati believes that many of the ideas for the vacation
rentals have been good ones, but is concerned about the high cost of the permit and about
giving out information to for neighbors within 500 feet. She stated that her neighbors have
never had problems and enjoy her guests who have been an enhancement in every way.
Bob Oliker, a real estate attorney in Petaluma and attended the vacation rental workshop,
complimented staff for putting together a statute that is balancing tough issues. He stated that
in his experience in 30 years, the worst issues are neighbor issues. He strongly encouraged
including a mediation or ombudsman as part of the process rather than using Code
Enforcement. Mr. Oliker believes that frequently issues don't get resolved. He also pointed out
an inconsistency in the renewal of permits section that should be consistent.
Maurice Bowers is a Petaluma homeowner, resident and Air B & B host. He stated that he has
had a positive experience being a host but believes that the 500' noticing is excessive and the
fee is excessive. He is also concerned about the addresses and phone numbers being made
public. Air B & B provides protections and provides contact information only after booking. He
noted that Air B & B issues 1099 making it easy to audit the income/revenue for an Air B & B
host which would be a good way to collect the TOT fee.
Darren Sciford, resident of Petaluma and is concerned about the neighborhoods. He moved into
the historic district and realized that there were rules to development. He stated his concern
about short term rentals is where it happens. In 1990, the historic district came up with rules if
Planning Commission Meeting of October 14, 2014 Page 11
anyone wanted to make changes to the homes or neighborhoods if should be appropriate to
surroundings, cannot adversely affect the character of the historical architecture or aesthetic
interest or value of the district. He hopes that the Commission considers this when making
decisions.
Steve Trenam, fourth generation Petaluma resident, is concerned about people who are afraid
and paranoid about strangers in the neighborhoods. He believes that many of the hosts need
extra income. He stated that Air B & B provides reviews for both guests and hosts and this
feature can be useful. A host can refuse someone without a track record. Since Petaluma is so
desirable it's even more reason to have more places to stay. Mr. Trenam believes that Air B & B
guests are interesting and diverse people and he would not be able to see daughter dance
across the country without being an Air B & B guest.
Stephen Tamborski a 30 year resident and host. He stated that he wants to maintain what is
special about Petaluma. He has a granny unit which he has hosted people from all over the
world. He stated that his guests discover Petaluma and enjoy spending time and money and his
kitchen rarely gets used because most guests eat downtown. He feels that all neighbors are
aware of the situation and it is not a big impact on the neighborhood, not more than visiting
friends would be. Mr. Tamborski believes that there are homes all over town with 4 - 7 cars that
do not operate a business. He believes that the 500' radius is excessive and is not comfortable
with name and address being advertised to this extent. He is also in favor of paying the TOT tax.
Chair Wolpert
Patricia Haramati stated that the Air B & B hosts are ambassadors for the City of Petaluma,
welcoming people and raving about stores and people in the City. She believes that they
introduce Petaluma to thousands of people in the best possible way.
Daniel Sanchez, North Bay Association of Realtors, stated that whether or not an ordinance is
adopted, the vacation rentals will exist. He suggested to come up with an ordinance that fits
Petaluma to deal with issues such as parking and management. He feels that the noticing
should be 300 feet rather than 500 feet depending on the neighborhood. He believes that
neighborhoods without covered parking should be allowed more onsite parking. Mr. Sanchez
feels that permits should be allowed over the counter to make it as easy as possible. He stated
that $300 for the permit is not cheap, but probably in the ballpark with other similar cities.
Martha O'Hayer, resident, realtor, and volunteer at the visitor center feels that vacation rentals
will enhance the area and suggested that vacation rentals will exist one way or another. She
stated that there is a shortage of places to send people and it would be nice to offer more
options and finds that it's very difficult when rental stock is so low. She stateds that she doesn't
see how the guests would change the neighborhoods and the guests love the neighborhoods
and downtown and are valuable to the area. She feels that the details will get worked out and
this ordinance is a valuable consideration.
Deborah Hosler, resident since 1975, and a host, stated that parking and number of occupants
are not an issue but has in issue with the 500 feet notification and is uncomfortable with people
knowing her personal information. She lives 20 feet from the cottage she rents and will be
there first if there is a problem. She feels that the $300 fee is excessive and if the raduis were
Planning Commission Meeting of October 14, 2014 Page 12
reduced to 200 feet the costs would be reduced. She stated that she has a modest cottage and
doesn't make a lot of money and finds it would be unfair to charge the same fees for larger
homes who could charge more money. She invites guests from all over the country and has a
variety of guests, and many people have previously lived in Petaluma.
Chair Wolpert
Council Member Miller joined the meeting.
Chair Wolpert
Commissioner Lin
Chair Wolpert
Commissioner Lin
Chair Wolpert
Ms. Alverde
Commissioner Lin
Ms. Alverde
Council member Miller
Chair Wolpert
Council member Miller
Ms. Hines
Council member Miller
Andrea Visveshwara, Assistant City Attorney
Chair Wolpert
Council member Miller
Ms. Hines
Council member Miller
Ms. Hines
Commissioner Marzo
Ms. Hines
Commissioner Benedetti-Petnic
Ms. Hines
Ms. Visveshwara
Commissioner Marzo
Ms. Hines
Planning Commission Meeting of October 14, 2014 Page 13
Commissioner Marzo
Ms. Visveshwara
Council member Miller
Chair Wolpert
Commissioner Marzo
Chair Wolpert
Commissioner Marzo
Chair Wolpert
Vice Chair Pierre
Chair Wolpert
Council member Miller
Vice Chair Pierre
Ms. Hines
Vice Chair Pierre
Chair Wolpert
Vice Chair Pierre
Commissioner Lin
Ms. Hines
Commissioner Lin
Chair Wolpert
Commissioner Lin
Council member Miller
Chair Wolpert
Commissioner Marzo
Commissioner Lin
Commissioner Marzo
Commissioner Benedetti-Petnic
Chair Wolpert
Vice Chair Pierre
Commissioner Marzo
Vice Chair Pierre
Planning Commission Meeting of October 14, 2014 Page 14
Commissioner Benedetti-Petnic
Ms. Hines
Vice Chair Pierre
Ms. Hines
Ms. Visveshwara
Vice Chair Pierre
Ms. Hines
Commissioner Lin
Commissioner Benedetti-Petnic
Vice Chair Pierre
Commissioner Lin
Ms. Alverde
Mr. Garcia
Chair Wolpert
Ms. Alverde
Ms. Hines
Chair Wolpert
Ms. Alverde
Ms. Hines
Chair Wolpert
Ms. Alverde
Council member Miller
Chair Wolpert
Vice Chair Pierre
Chair Wolpert
Ms. Hines
Chair Wolpert
Vice Chair Pierre
Ms. Hines
Chair Wolpert
Vice Chair Pierre
Planning Commission Meeting of October 14, 2014 Page 15
Ms. Hines
Ms. Alverde
Ms. Hines
Commissioner Marzo
Ms. Hines
Chair Wolpert
Commissioner Marzo
Ms. Hines
Commissioner Lin
Ms. Hines
Commissioner Lin
Ms. Hines
Commissioner Benedetti-Petnic
Chair Wolpert
Commissioner Benedetti-Petnic
Ms. Hines
Chair Wolpert
Commissioner Benedetti-Petnic
Ms. Hines
Chair Wolpert
Commissioner Benedetti-Petnic
Ms. Visveshwara
Council member Miller
Vice Chair Pierre
Commissioner Lin
Council member Miller
Ms. Hines
Vice Chair Pierre
Ms. Hines
Commissioner Benedetti-Petnic
Vice Chair Pierre
Planning Commission Meeting of October 14, 2014 Page 16
Ms. Hines
Council member Miller
Vice Chair Pierre
Ms. Hines
Vice Chair Pierre
Ms. Hines
Vice Chair Pierre
Ms. Hines
Commissioner Lin
Commissioner Benedetti-Petnic
Vice Chair Pierre
Chair Wolpert
Ms. Hines
Chair Wolpert
Council member Miller
Chair Wolpert
Ms. Hines
Commissioner Benedetti-Petnic
Chair Wolpert
Ms. Hines
Chair Wolpert
Ms. Hines
Chair Wolpert
Ms. Hines
Chair Wolpert
Ms. Hines
Ms. Alverde
Ms. Hines
Ms. Alverde
Ms. Hines
Ms. Alverde
Planning Commission Meeting of October 14, 2014 Page 17
Ms. Hines
Ms. Alverde
Ms. Hines
Motion: Postpone Resolution for Zoning Text Amendment for Short -Term Vacation
Rentals to a date certain on November 18, 2014 with direction to staff for
revisions made by Wolpert, seconded by Benedetti-Petnic.
Vote: Motion carried 6 - 0.
Yes: Marzo, Lin, Pierre, Wolpert, Benedetti-Petnic, and Miller.
Absent: Gomez.
Chair Wolpert
Commissioner Lin
Chair Wolpert
C. Lynch Creek Plaza. Modified application for an Amended Mitigated Negative Declaration;
General Plan Amendment to modify General Plan Policy 4-P-12 and change land use
designation to Mixed Use; Zoning Map Amendment to rezone property to MU1B; Conditional
Use Permit for new drive-thru facility; and Site Plan and Architectural Plan for a commercial
development including a retail pharmacy building with drive-thru, a separate multi -tenant
building, and associated parking and landscaping improvements.
Project Location: No. McDowell Blvd & Lynch Creek Way
Project: #12 -GPA -0236
Staff: Alicia Giudice, Senior Planner
Lynch Creek Plaza Staff Report
Attachment A- Draft Resolution Mitigated Neg Dec
Exhibit 1- Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
Attachment B - Draft Resolution General Plan Amendment Policy 4-P-12
Attachment C- Draft Resolution General Plan Amendment Land Use Designation
Attachment D - Draft Resolution: Zoning Text Amendment
Attachment E - Draft Resolution: Zoning Map Amendment
Attachment F - Draft Resolution: Vacation of Easement
Attachment G - Initial Study & Mitigated Negative Declaration
Attachment H - Applicant's Submittal Letter Part 1
Attachment H - Applicant's Submittal Letter Part 2
Planning Commission Meeting of October 14, 2014 Page 18
Attachment I - Comparison of Allowable Land Uses
Attachment 1 - Vacancy Rates for Industrial
Attachment J - Vacancy Rates for Retail
Attachment K - Public Comment Letters
Alicia Giudice, Senior Planner
Chair Wolpert
Ms. Giudice
Chair Wolpert
Applicant, James Stephens
Chair Wolpert
Vice Chair Pierre
Ms. Giudice
Chair Wolpert
Ms. Giudice
Vice Chair Pierre
Ms. Hines
Vice Chair Pierre
Ms. Hines
Council member Miller
Chair Wolpert
Vice Chair Pierre
Council member Miller
Chair Wolpert
Commissioner Marzo
Commissioner Lin
Ms. Giudice
Commissioner Lin
Ms. Hines
Commissioner Lin
Ms. Giudice
Commissioner Lin
Planning Commission Meeting of October 14, 2014 Page 19
Chair Wolpert
Ms. Giudice
Chair Wolpert
Ms. Giudice
Chair Wolpert
Ms. Giudice
Chair Wolpert
Ms. Giudice
Chair Wolpert
Ms. Giudice
Ms. Hines
Chair Wolpert
Council member Miller
Ms. Hines
Chair Wolpert
Vice Chair Pierre
Ms. Giudice
Vice Chair Pierre
Chair Wolpert
Ms. Giudice
Mr. Stephens
Chair Wolpert
Ms. Hines
Chair Wolpert
Ms. Hines
Chair Wolpert
Bob Koenitzer, neighbor, doesn't see a good reason to rezone this lot. He stated that he met
with the City Manager and there will not be a tax revenue benefit, there is no need for new
retail and is no need for another pharmacy. He feels that more medical office space is needed
in Petaluma due to a huge wave of a very unhealthy senior population being anticipated in the
near future and this population will need more healthcare availability. He believes that this last
available space in Petaluma was built and designed as medical office space and should remain
so.
Planning Commission Meeting of October 14, 2014 Page 20
Chair Wolpert
Byron (Barney) Fauss stated that there is a need for a Drive Thru pharmacy window for people
with health issues in Petaluma. Currently there are dozens of cars daily that go to Rohnert Park
to use the drive thru window. He stated that he has health issues that he cannot walk and it is
roughly 400 yards from any parking lot to the pharmacy.
Chair Wolpert
Vice Chair Pierre
Chair Wolpert
Council member Miller
Commissioner Lin
Commissioner Benedetti-Petnic
Commissioner Marzo
Vice Chair Pierre
Chair Wolpert
Ms. Hines
Chair Wolpert
Vice Chair Pierre
Ms. Hines
Vice Chair Pierre
Ms. Guidice
Ms. Hines
Chair Wolpert
Motion: Postpone the item for Lynch Creek Plaza to a date certain on October 28, 2014
and direct staff to return with resolutions for denial made by Wolpert, seconded
by Benedetti-Petnic.
Vote: Motion carried 6 - 0.
Yes: Marzo, Lin, Pierre, Wolpert, Benedetti-Petnic, and Miller.
Absent: Gomez.
Chair Wolpert
10. ADJOURN
Next Meeting of the Planning Commission scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, 2014 (11:19 pm)