HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Commission Minutes 03/12/2019Planning Commission Meeting of March 12, 2019 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, March 12, 2019 — 07:00 PM
Regular Meeting
FINAL MINUTES
1. CALL TO ORDER
Vice Chair Alonso opened the meeting at 7:00 pm
2. ROLL CALL
PRESENT:Diana Gomez, Bill Wolpert, Heidi Bauer, Scott Alonso, Patrick Streeter,
and Kevin McDonnell.
ABSENT: Richard Marzo.
A. Swearing In of New Commissioner — Patrick Streeter
Vice Chair Alonso
Claire Cooper, City Clerk swore in Patrick Streeter to the Planning Commission
Patrick Streeter
B. Nomination of Tree Advisory Committee Member
Vice Chair Alonso
Ms. Hines
Commissioner Gomez
Ms. Hines
Vice Chair Alonso
Planning Commission Meeting of March 12, 2019 Page 2
Ms. Hines
Commissioner Gomez
Ms, Hines
Vice Chair Alonso agreed to take on the role of Tree Advisory Committee member with
Commissioner Gomez being an alternate.
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.
Vice chair Alonso opened the GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT period. Seeing no persons wishing to
speak, Vice chair Alonso closed GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT period.
4. COMMITTEE COMMENT
A. Council Liaison — Kevin McDonnell
Council member McDonnell reported about recent City Council highlights stating that they had
their first workshop with the regional group, CASA Compact, to learn about regional solutions
to affordable housing issues. He mentioned an upcoming event given by Metropolitan
Transportation Commission at community center regarding housing and transportation issues.
He also noted that there are local efforts by active groups such as "Know Before You Grow"
who had a recent article in the Argus about the Corona Road SMART Station.
B. Pedestrian and Bicycle Committee — Bill Wolpert
Commissioner Wolpert reported that funding is available for the SMART multi -modal path with
construction beginning in early 2019. The PBAC committee would like to see the Lynch Creek
trail become an example of a cross town trail connector and are pursuing developing a Master
Plan. Wolpert noted that the feedback that the committee provided on improved signage and
sidewalk improvements for Sonoma Mountain Parkway resulted in additions to the project. He
also stated that June 15th is a family bike workshop at Lucchesi Park.
C. Tree Advisory Committee — TBD
No report due to no committee member
D. Other Committee Comment
Planning Commission Meeting of March 12, 2019 Page 3
5. STAFF COMMENT
A. Planning Manager's Report
Heather Hines, Planning Manager, welcomed Patrick Streeter to the Commission. At the next
Commission meeting, Sue Castellucci will be providing a housing needs update. The Safeway
Appeal project was heard by Council on March 4th and was continued to the April 1st meeting.
Petaluma Public Art Committee made a final decision on the Water Street "A Fine Balance" art
piece to move forward with the process. Ms. Hines, also noted that the City Council will be
having a goal setting meeting on April 6th which will be held at the Community Center and the
community is welcome to participate.
Vice Chair Alonso requested an update on the Altura project.
Ms. Hines stated that the applicant submitted documentation that all of the landscaping is
installed, however, one of the trees have died. They installed protective fencing around the
new trees and deposited a final deposit for 5 years to ensure the continued health of the trees.
Staff is reviewing that information with hopes to clear the mitigation.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
N/A
7. OLD BUSINESS
N/A
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. Nelson House (111 Olive Street) — Site Plan and Architectural Review for a new two-
story single-family home on proposed Lot 1 within the Woodridge Planned Unit District (PUD).
The proposal includes modifications to the PUD that authorize an adjustment to the allowed
building envelop on Lot 1 and a new driveway location for Lot 2.
Staff: Tiffany Robbe, Senior Planner
Project #: PLSR-18-0020
APNs: 008-232-057 through 060, and including 062
Staff Report
Attachment A - Draft SPAR Resolution
Attachment B - Draft PUD Resolution
Attachment C - Woodridge PUD Development Standards
Attachment D - Applicant Statements
Planning Commission Meeting of March 12, 2019 Page 4
Attachment E - Mitigation Measures (Updated)
Attachment F - Neighborhood Meeting Materials
Attachment G - Nelson Home Story Plan and Photos
Attachment H - Colors and Material Board and Lighting Exhibit
Attachment I - Public Comment
Attachment J - PUD Plan, Driveway Details and Modified Attachment D
Attachment K - Visual Analysis, Uphill Site Photo and Massing Study, Neighborhood Context
Exhibit
Attachment L - SPAR Plans
Attachment M - Woodridge 2019 Tentative Map
Late Document Public Comments
Late Document Applicant Submittal Proposed Green Building Measures
Late Document Public Comments 2
Vice Chair Alonso
Tiffany Robbe, Senior Planner
Vice Chair Alonso
Commissioner Streeter
Ms. Robbe
Commissioner Streeter
Ms. Robbe
Commissioner Wolpert
Ms. Robbe
Commissioner Wolpert
Ms. Robbe
Commissioner Wolpert
Ms. Robbe
Commissioner Bauer
Gina Benedetti-Petnic, City Engineer
Planning Commission Meeting of March 12, 2019 Page 5
Commissioner Bauer
Ms. Benedetti-Petnic
Commissioner Wolpert
Commissioner Streeter
Cailin Nelson, Applicant
Tyler Doherty, Applicant
James Jenson, Civil Engineer
Joe Pierre, Applicant Team
Don McNear, Landscape Architect
Commissioner Bauer
Mr. Pierre
Commissioner Streeter
Mr. Jenson
Commissioner Streeter
Mr. Jenson
Commissioner Streeter
Mr. Jenson
Commissioner Wolpert
Mr. Pierre
Commissioner Wolpert
Mr. Pierre
Commissioner Wolpert
Mr. Pierre
Commissioner Wolpert
Mr. Pierre
Commissioner Wolpert
Commissioner Gomez
Mr. Pierre
Planning Commission Meeting of March 12, 2019 Page 6
Commissioner Gomez
Mr. Pierre
Commissioner Gomez
Mr. Pierre
Commissioner Gomez
Mr. Pierre
Commissioner Gomez
Mr, Pierre
Commissioner Gomez
Vice Chair Alonso
Ms. Robbe
Commissioner Gomez
Ms. Nelson
Commissioner Gomez
Ms. Nelson
Mr. Doherty
Commissioner Gomez
Commissioner Wolpert
Mr. Doherty
Commissioner Gomez
Vice Chair Alonso
Council member McDonnell
Ms. Hines
Ms. Robbe
Ms. Hines
Commissioner Gomez
Council member McDonnell
Ms. Hines
Planning Commission Meeting of March 12, 2019 Page 7
Vice Chair Alonso opened public comment period
Bill Tomrose, (Gina & Mike Tomrose ceded time) neighbor to project, explained his relationship
with the applicants and how the PUD plans and CC&Rs have changed over time. In 2017, plans
were presented to the neighbors and they agreed to the 2017 plans as well as the 2006 plans.
The latest plans had different massing and setbacks. Mr. Tomrose presented photos of the
proposed views with the story poles to argue that his views would be negatively impacted from
all rooms of his house. He stated that he is not opposed to the project, just the recent version
which has impacted his views.
Robert Boinksi, 26 Branching Way, had concerns about the truck traffic during construction and
believes that this project will generate over 100 truckloads. He was also upset because the
neighbors on Olive Street had a chance to provide input early on and with the new project, all
of the access will change to Branching Way and will impact the neighborhood that didn't have a
voice before. He noted that the PUD approval letter dated June 22, 2017 describes that "only
modifications minor in nature and clearly inconsequential may be made". He does not feel that
these proposed changes are "inconsequential" anymore.
Tony Parmisono, 810 6th Street, is in support of the proposed project. He feels that the
applicants have been transparent and conscious of all the neighbor's issues. On 6th St, there
are many rental properties and he believes that permanent residents treat property differently.
He is encouraged by the project and his future neighbors.
Alex Myers, attorney for Bill Tomrose, feels that the Tomrose property has viewshed protection
because of language in the 2017 PUD. The 2006 PUD had a 30 ft setback with four smaller
homes. The 2017 PUD had a 50 ft setback with two larger homes. However, the new setback is
for a 30 ft setback with the larger homes. The height of the new homes are nine feet higher
than the Tomrose deck. He feels that the application fails to respect the PUD regarding the view
obstruction of neighboring homes, allowing the views from the Tomrose living room to be
entirely obstructed. He requested that the height be brought down to be less of an obstruction.
Renee Tomrose, project neighbor, described how she and her husband worked with the
applicants to make their proposed changes. However, when the story poles went up it was
apparent that their views were going to be blocked. She feels that their privacy specifically from
their deck is not being addressed. She made some suggestions for bringing the house height
down.
Chrystyne Davidian, 43 Raymond Heights, stated her concerns about previous proposals, and is
happy about the latest proposal. She feels that the Nelson's and the Doherty's have been
respectful and thoughtful to the neighbors and she supports the project.
Planning Commission Meeting of March 12, 2019 Page 8
Barry Marrin, 860 6th Street, supports the project. He feels that the applicants have gone above
and beyond in order to conform to the neighborhood and thinks they will be an asset to the
community.
Kathy DelCurto, 22 Branching Way, is glad the applicants are building their home but does not
feel that they have been transparent. She feels that they have made these plans and have not
been communicating with the neighbors and have not taken the neighbors into consideration.
Brandon Martinez, lives in the neighborhood and knows the applicants, who have been
supporters of neighbors, friends and the Petaluma community. He stated that they try to be a
positive influence to the community and he feels that everyone will benefit when the applicants
move to the neighborhood.
Jason Jenkins, neighbor and previous property owner, had plans to build four houses and sold
the property to the applicants. He believes the applicants will be an asset to the community and
feels that the idea of two houses is better than four.
Len Montalbano, 22 Branching Way, does not feel that anyone is questioning the character of
the applicants. He stated that he is concerned about safety and access off of Branching Way
and believes that there could be an alternative to the proposed driveway. He also noted the out
building attached to the garage can be modified for wider access. If they build the proposed
driveway, there are mature scrub oaks 30 - 40' tall that would have to be removed and will
impact the privacy as well as allow lights from cars to come across the street. In addition, there
was no mention of location of fire hydrants.
Sean Upton, lives at 802 6th Street, stated her concerns about noise, light pollution and wildlife.
She is also concerned about the culture of the neighborhood since this house will tower over
the 6th Street neighborhood. She lives in a modest house which will be about 30 feet from the
proposed cabana. She felts that the proposed six car parking for the one dwelling will create a
lot of potential car traffic. She stated that she would prefer a more modest proposal.
Kim Arfsten, 13 Raymond Heights has lived in the house since 1945 and during that time the
drainage has changed. He feels that by adding a house of this size to the area, then all houses in
the area should buy flood insurance because anytime there is new development, drainage
changes. He noted that there is an artisan well that can't be seen and the applicants have to be
really careful about drainage.
John Sanderbeck, 802 6th Street, noted his concern about the scale of the proposed project.
The cabana is 18 feet high and blocks views. He believes that the project is not keeping the
spirit of the neighborhood.
Vice Chair Alonso closed public comment period
Commissioner Wolpert
Planning Commission Meeting of March 12, 2019 Page 9
Ms. Robbe
Commissioner Wolpert
Ms. Robbe
Commissioner Wolpert
Commissioner Streeter
Commissioner Bauer
Council member McDonnell
Ms. Robbe
Council member McDonnell
Mr. Pierre
Council member McDonnell
Commissioner Gomez
Commissioner Wolpert
Vice Chair Alonso
Mr. Pierre
Vice Chair Alonso
Commissioner Wolpert
Council member McDonnell
Ms. Hines
Ms. Tennenbaum
Ms. Hines
Commissioner Wolpert
Ms. Hines
Council member McDonnell
Mr. McNear
Commissioner Gomez
Mr. McNear
Vice Chair Alonso
Planning Commission Meeting of March 12, 2019 Page 10
Motion: Approve modifications to the Woodridge Planned Unit District (PUD) planning
development standards made by Diana Gomez, seconded by Kevin McDonnell.
Vote: Motion carried 4 - 2.
Yes: Diana Gomez, Bill Wolpert, Scott Alonso, and Patrick Streeter.
No: Heidi Bauer, and Kevin McDonnell.
Absent: Richard Marzo.
Motion: Approve Site Plan and Architectural Review for a new two-story single-family
home on proposed Lot 1 within the Woodridge Planned Unit District (PUD) made
by Diana Gomez, seconded by Kevin McDonnell.
Vote: Motion carried 5 - 1.
Yes: Diana Gomez, Bill Wolpert, Scott Alonso, Patrick Streeter, and
Kevin McDonnell.
No: Heidi Bauer.
Absent: Richard Marzo,
B. City Council Goal Setting - Discussion about potential Planning Commission
recommendations for goals related to the Planning Commission's duties under Municipal Code
Section 2.08.020 and for consideration by the City Council at their 2019/2020 goal setting
meeting on April 6, 2019.
Project #: NA
Staff: Heather Hines, Planning Manager
Heather Hines, Planning Manager
Vice chair Alonso opened the PUBLIC COMMENT period for Agenda Item 8B. Seeing no persons
wishing to speak, Vice chair Alonso closed PUBLIC COMMENT period.
Ms. Hines
Commissioner Streeter
Ms. Hines
Council member McDonnell
Ms. Hines
Council member McDonnell
Ms. Hines
Council member McDonnell
Planning Commission Meeting of March 12, 2019 Page 11
Vice Chair Alonso
Ms. Hines
Commissioner Gomez
Commissioner Wolpert
Vice Chair Alonso
Commissioner Streeter
Commissioner Bauer
Council member McDonnell
Vice Chair Alonso
Commissioner Gomez
Commissioner Wolpert
Ms. Hines
9. ADJOURN
Next Meeting of the Planning Commission scheduled for Tuesday, March 26, 2019.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:25 PM