HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Commission Minutes 11/15/2015Planning Commission Meeting of November 15, 2015 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, November 15, 2015 — 07:00 PM
Regular Meeting
FINAL MINUTES
1. CALL TO ORDER (07:00 PM)
2. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Diana Gomez, Gina Benedetti - Petnic, Bill Wolpert, Jocelyn Yeh Lin, Richard
Marzo, and Teresa Barrett.
ABSENT: Jennifer Pierre
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
The Commission 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.
4. PRESENTATION
A. None
Planning Commission Meeting of November 15, 2015 Page 2
S. COMMISSION COMMENT
A. Council Liaison — Teresa Barrett
No report was made.
B. Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee — Jocelyn Lin
Chair Lin reported that at the last PBAC meeting, the Committee reviewed the Marina
apartment project, which is proposing to build 80 apartment units with a new five story
building. PBAC looked at pedestrian and bicycle access into the property and boating access for
the river. They also discussed a proposed bike path which will access the current and proposed
trails.
C. Tree Advisory Committee — Gina Benedetti - Petnic
No report was made.
D. Other Commission Comment
6. STAFF COMMENT
A. Planning Manager's Report
Planning Manager, Heather Hines, reported that at the last meeting Council reviewed and
approved an amendment to the unit development for the Leghorn Plaza project and a minor
PUD amendment to allow minor medical use. This proposal will return to the Planning
Commission for Site Plan and Architectural Review for the design of the new building. She also
announced that Assistant City Attorney Andrea Visvishwara has accepted a position with the
City of Emeryville and that this is her last Planning Commission meeting. Ms. Hines thanked Ms.
Visvishwara for her great support.
Andrea Visvishwara, Assistant City Attorney
7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Approval of Minutes of Regular Planning Commission /HCPC Meeting of Tuesday, October 27,
2015.
Chair Lin
Commissioner Gomez
Minutes were approved w/ changes.
8. OLD BUSINESS
A. Avila Ranch Subdivision- Site Plan and Architectural Review to authorize 21 new single - family
homes with associated landscaping at 511 Sonoma Mountain Parkway. Project Location: 511
Sonoma Mountain Parkway File Number: PLSR -15 -0019 Staff: Kevin Colin, Senior Planner
Planning Commission Meeting of November 15, 2015 Page 3
Avila Staff Report
Attachment 1- Resolution
Attachment 1A - Conditions of Approval
Attachment 2A - October 13, 2015 PC Staff Report
Attachment 213- Approved TSM
Attachment 2C - Tree Preservation Plan
Attachment 2D - Arborist Report
Attachment 2E - Windows
Attachment 2E - Windows
Attachment 4 - Revised Plans
Attachment 5 - Color Materials
Attachment 6 - MMRP
Kevin Colin, Senior Planner
Edward Novak, Architect
Commissioner Wolpert
Mr. Novak
Chair Lin
Commissioner Wolpert
Mr. Novak
Commissioner Wolpert
Mr. Novak
Commissioner Wolpert
Mr. Novak
Commissioner Wolpert
Mr. Novak
Commissioner Wolpert
Mr. Novak
Commissioner Wolpert
Planning Commission Meeting of November 15, 2015 Page 4
Mr. Novak
Commissioner Wolpert
Commissioner Benedetti - Petnic
Commissioner Wolpert
Chair Lin
Commissioner Gomez
Mr. Novak
Commissioner Gomez
Mr. Novak
Chair Lin
Commissioner Benedetti - Petnic
Mr. Novak
Commissioner Benedetti - Petnic
Mr. Novak
Commissioner Benedetti - Petnic
Mr. Novak
Commissioner Benedetti - Petnic
Mr. Novak
Commissioner Benedetti - Petnic
Mr. Novak
Commissioner Benedetti - Petnic
Mr. Novak
Commissioner Benedetti - Petnic
Mr. Novak
Commissioner Benedetti - Petnic
Mr. Novak
Commissioner Benedetti - Petnic
Mr. Novak
Commissioner Benedetti - Petnic
Mr. Novak
Commissioner Benedetti - Petnic
Planning Commission Meeting of November 15, 2015 Page 5
Mr. Novak
Commissioner Benedetti - Petnic
Mr. Novak
Aaron Roden, Ryder Homes
Commissioner Benedetti - Petnic
Chair Lin
Barbara Larson, resident off of Rainier Avenue, was concerned about the rat problem since the
trees were torn down on the project site. She asked if anything could be be done by the
developer.
Chair Lin
Mr. Roden
Commissioner Benedetti - Petnic
Chair Lin
Mr. Roden
Commissioner Benedetti - Petnic
Mr. Roden
Commissioner Benedetti - Petnic
Mr. Roden
Commissioner Benedetti - Petnic
Chair Lin
Council member Barrett via Chair Lin
Chair Lin
Commissioner Wolpert
Chair Lin
Commissioner Marzo
Chair Lin
Commissioner Gomez
Chair Lin
Council member Barrett
Chair Lin
Commissioner Benedetti - Petnic
Chair Lin
Planning Commission Meeting of November 15, 2015 Page 6
Commissioner Wolpert
Commissioner Benedetti - Petnic
Ms. Hines
Commissioner Wolpert
Chair Lin
Ms. Hines
Chair Lin
Motion: Approve Site Plan and Architectural Review with changes for Avila Ranch
Subdivision to authorize 21 new single - family homes with associated landscaping
made by Jocelyn Yeh Lin, seconded by Richard Marzo.
Vote: Motion carried 4 - 2.
Yes: Diana Gomez, Jocelyn Yeh Lin, Richard Marzo, and Council Member Teresa
Barrett.
No: Gina Benedetti - Petnic, and Bill Wolpert.
Absent: Jennifer Pierre.
Ms. Hines
Chair Lin
Ms. Hines
Chair Lin
B. Altura Apartments - Mitigated Negative Declaration and Site Plan and Architectural Review
for a project to develop 150 residential apartments at the NW corner of Perry Lane and
Baywood Drive. Project Location: NW Corner of Perry Lane and Baywood Drive File
Number: PLSR -14 -0024 Staff: Kevin Colin, Senior Planner
Altura Staff Report
Attachment 1- MMRP Resolution
Attachment 1B - MMRP
Attachment 2 - SPAR Resolution
Attachment 2B - Conditions of Approval
Attachment 3 - September 8, 2015 PC Staff Report
Attachment 4 - September 8, 2015 PC Minutes
Planning Commission Meeting of November 15, 2015 Page 7
Attachment 4 - September 8, 2015 PC Minutes
Attachment 5 - Police Stats
Attachment 6 - Revised Plans
Attachment 7 - Revised Narrative
Attachment 8 - MND
Public Comments
Kevin Colin, Senior Planner
Chair Lin
Commissioner Marzo
Mr. Colin
Commissioner Benedetti - Petnic
Mr. Colin
Commissioner Marzo
Commissioner Benedetti - Petnic
Council member Barrett
Mr. Colin
Council member Barrett
Mr. Colin
Council member Barrett
Mr. Colin
Commissioner Gomez
Mr. Colin
Commissioner Gomez
Mr. Colin
Chair Lin
Mr. Colin
Chair Lin
Mr. Colin
Chair Lin
Commissioner Gomez
Planning Commission Meeting of November 15, 2015 Page 8
Mr. Colin
Chair Lin
Mr. Colin
Commissioner Wolpert
Mr. Colin
Commissioner Wolpert
Mr. Colin
Commissioner Marzo
Ms. Hines
Commissioner Marzo
Ms. Hines
Curt Bates, City Engineer
Commissioner Marzo
Commissioner Gomez
Mr. Bates
Commissioner Gomez
Chair Lin
Mr. Bates
Chair Lin
Mr. Bates
Chair Lin
Mr. Bates
Commissioner Gomez
Mr. Bates
Commissioner Gomez
Mr. Bates
Mr. Colin
Chair Lin
Mr. Colin
Chair Lin
Mr. Colin
Planning Commission Meeting of November 15, 2015 Page 9
Chair Lin
Mr. Colin
Commissioner Wolpert
Mr. Colin
Chair Lin
Commissioner Marzo
Mr. Colin
Commissioner Benedetti - Petnic
Mr. Colin
Chair Lin
Commissioner Benedetti - Petnic
Ms. Hines
Mr. Colin
Chair Lin
Mr. Colin
Chair Lin
Mr. Colin
Council member Barrett
Mr. Colin
Commissioner Wolpert
Mr. Colin
Chair Lin
Mr. Colin
Ms. Vishveshwara
Chair Lin
Mr. Colin
Chair Lin
Maureen Rudder, Miwok area resident, was concerned that only few changes were made to the
revised plans and none regarding the height. She believes that most of the neighbors are
opposed to the project because of the height of the project. She is not opposed to the
development in the neighborhood, rather that is doesn't fit in because of the height.
Planning Commission Meeting of November 15, 2015 Page 10
David Lindecke, Ponderosa Drive resident, stated that he was disappointed in the revised plans.
He is concerned about the building height of three stories being so close to the one story
homes. He noted that that the developer is doing the bare minimum of such things as the solar
water heater for the pool. He is concerned about privacy and noise and believes that the
privacy barrier could be improved and would like to see a solid wall.
Pat Danlan, Petaluma resident, stated that prior to 2005 this property was zoned R5 and feels it
should not have been changed. He stated that he is not opposed to development but it should
be done correctly. He shared concerns about number of people per unit, setbacks to the
Petaluma River along Perry Lane and the scale of the project.
Kathleen Garvey, Petaluma resident, was concerned about traffic and congestion throughout
the city. She does not feel that the road diet will help. She stated that the East side of Petaluma
has a lot more traffic than the West, where it is a lot more walkable. She noted that there is a
lot more traffic on McDowell and Washington Streets and suggested that the Commission
consider this when adding more housing to the East side of Petaluma.
Cynthia Powell, St. Francis Drive resident, showed concern about conflicting geological
information. She pointed out that the bore holes were very random and showed concern about
building safety and risk of liquifaction and felt that a major earthquake could cause issues with
a three story home. She recommended that the developers use story poles to visualize three
stories.
Chair Lin
Peggy Sloan, Cottonwood Court resident, stated that she agrees with her neighbors about the
traffic problem. She finds that it is difficult to leave her driveway. She also stated that we are in
a major drought and that the pool should not be considered as part of the project and that
future generations need to be considered. She was also concerned about brakish plants being
covered up, liquifaction, and neighborhood compatibility.
Kathy Thrasher, Alderwood Court resident, stated her concern about parking issues and the
project building height. She stated that with three apartment projects parking issue are
inevitable and does not feel that the additional parking will alleviate the problem. Decks on the
apartments on the third story will be intrusive. She stated that currently the Baywood Arms
residents are parking in the bike lanes which makes it difficult to get out of cul de sacs and it is
not being enforced. She noted that garbage is also an issue and she feels that the neighborhood
is deteriorating.
Angela McKeon, Switzer Court, noted that there is a 1% vacancy rate for apartments and
believes that other new apartments should be considered. She feels that three levels are not
appropriate for this neighborhood and this project would be better outside of town or in West
Petaluma. She believes that this project is not fair for the neighbors.
Scott Moder, Alderwood Court resident believes that the covered tandem parking does not
work. He does not believe that the City of Petaluma has the infrastructure for apartments and
additional housing.
Chair Lin
Planning Commission Meeting of November 15, 2015 Page 11
Mr. Colin
Chair Lin
Commissioner Gomez
Mr. Colin
Commissioner Gomez
Mr. Colin
Council member Barrett
Mr. Colin
Chair Lin
Commissioner Marzo
Mr. Colin
Commissioner Marzo
Mr. Colin
Chair Lin
Commissioner Gomez
Mr. Colin
Council member Barrett
Chair Lin
Council member Barrett
Commissioner Marzo
Council member Barrett
Chair Lin
Commissioner Benedetti - Petnic
Chair Lin
Commissioner Gomez
Commissioner Benedetti - Petnic
Council member Barrett
Chair Lin
Council member Barrett
Commissioner Wolpert
Chair Lin
Planning Commission Meeting of November 15, 2015 Page 12
Commissioner Gomez
Chair Lin
Commissioner Marzo
Chair Lin
Commissioner Benedetti - Petnic
Chair Lin
Commissioner Wolpert
Chair Lin
Council member Barrett
Chair Lin
Council member Barrett
Commissioner Gomez
Commissioner Benedetti - Petnic
Mr. Colin
Dane Hillyard, Applicant
Ms. Hines
Mr. Hillyard
Commissioner Benedetti - Petnic
Ms. Hines
Mr. Hillyard
Commissioner Gomez
Chair Lin
Council member Barrett
Mr. Hillyard
Chair Lin
Motion: Approve Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Altura Apartments project to
develop 150 residential apartments at the NW corner of Perry Lane and
Baywood Drive made by Bill Wolpert, seconded by Diana Gomez.
Vote: Motion carried 6 - 0.
Yes: Diana Gomez, Gina Benedetti - Petnic, Bill Wolpert, Jocelyn Yeh Lin, Richard
Marzo, and Council Member Teresa Barrett.
Planning Commission Meeting of November 15, 2015 Page 13
Absent: Jennifer Pierre
Motion: Approve Site Plan and Architectural Review with addition of condition to prohibit
use of synthetic turf in dog park for the Altura Apartment project at the NW
corner of Perry Lane and Baywood Drive. made by Jocelyn Yeh Lin, seconded by
Richard Marzo.
Vote: Motion carried 6 - 0.
Yes: Diana Gomez, Gina Benedetti - Petnic, Bill Wolpert, Jocelyn Yeh Lin, Richard
Marzo, and Council Member Teresa Barrett.
Absent: Jennifer Pierre
Ms. Hines
Ms. Visveshwara
Council member Barrett
Ms. Hines
Chair Lin
Ms. Hines
Chair Lin
Ms. Hines
Commissioner Marzo
9. ADJOURN
Next Meeting of the Planning Commission scheduled for Tuesday, December 08, 2015. The
November 24, 2015 will be cancelled due to lack of quorum. (10:39 pm)