North Coast Advisory Council » Land Use

Land Use Committee Report May, 2009

LandUseChair — Sun, 17 May 2009 01:19:44 +0000

Preliminary Land Use/Project Review Report

May 4, 2009

Attending: John Lamb (acting as Committee Chair), Joyce Renshaw, Jim Bahringer and Steve Cole. Also attending: Mike McKinney and Laura McKinney re DRC 2006-00235 (below).

1(a) DRC 2008-00137 MacKinnon (Hostetter, planner) APN: 013-331-045 GVA 2 MUP to remodel 155 sq ft and add 1044 sq ft of living space, and add 404 sq ft of deck to existing SFR on .46 acre site at 6564 Buckley Drive. Comments: Completed project should benefit neighborhood. Project should describe how it will meet the intent of the Design Criteria in Chapter 7 of the Area Plan, as required by the Area Plan. County should ensure that removed trees are replaced per County tree replacement requirements.

Recommendation: Support

[This project can be reviewed at www.slocounty.ca.gov/planning/referrals.htm.]

1(b) DRC2006-00235 McKinney (Hostetter, planner) APN: 013-101-064 GVA 5 In 2006 and July 2007, the NCAC recommended support for this project to build a commercial building at 1043 Main Street (intersection of Main St. and Cambria Dr.). Both times, the NCAC requested the opportunity to review and comment on the sign to be installed as part of the project, since it will be a “gateway” sign to Cambria. Comments: Mike McKinney, the owner/contractor, and his wife Laura met with the Committee on May 4, 2009 to discuss the sign’s design. The Committee offered three recommendations: that the sign convey a positive impression of Cambria; that the letters be large enough to be read easily; and that the sign impart useful information to tourists who are not familiar with Cambria – i.e., that this is Cambria, that West Village is to the left, and that East Village is to the right. The Committee also recommended that conduit be installed in case lighting for the sign is needed in the future.

Recommendation: Pending. Mr. McKinney expects to present plans for the sign at the May 20, 2009 NCAC meeting.

Land Use and Project Review Committee Report March 2009

LandUseChair — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 18:35:55 +0000

Preliminary Land Use/Project Review Committee Report

March 11, 2009

Attending: Amanda Rice (acting as committee chair), John Lamb, Steve Cole, Joyce Renshaw, Jim Bahringer.

The committee reviewed four projects on March 2, 2009 – One new residence and out buildings, two additions and one commercial project.

Projects:

1(a) DRC2008-00100 (Sittig, planner) GRIFFITH (owner) — MUP for a new 3178 sq ft SFR, 599 sq ft guesthouse, 681 sq ft garage, 756 sq ft stable, 216 sq ft tack room, and 450 sq ft feed shed on a 74.68 acre site located off Kathryn Drive in Cambria. APN: 013-085-016 and 019. GVA 2 Comment: Projected 1,000 gallons per day CCSD water usage is excessive in light of Cambria’s ongoing chronic water shortage. Project should explain how it will meet the intent of the Design Criteria in Chapter 7 of the North Coast Area Plan, as required by the Area Plan [my addition - we did not discuss]. Recommendation: Support.

1(b) DRC2008-00109 (Sittig, planner) EVANS (owner) — MUP for a 152 sq ft addition to an existing 1432 sq ft SFR on 4345 sq ft lot at 1325 Richard Ave. in Cambria. APN: 024-352-015. GVA 7. Comment: Appears to be seeking permit for existing addition. Recommendation: Support.

1(c) DRC2008-00113 (Singewald/Scheel, planners) KAUTZ (applicant) — MUP for wine-tasting in existing retail building at 2164 Center Street (between Burton and West) in Cambria. APN: 013-262-002. GVA 5 Comment: CCSD has stated that it will not provide a “will serve” letter for this project because it does not have enough water allocation to support the proposed type of business. The NCAC cannot recommend support of a project for which CCSD will not provide a “will serve” letter. Recommendation: Does not support.

2. DRC2008-00104 (Sittig, planner) GROW (owner) — MUP to convert existing garage attic to 480 sq ft guest room (with bath) at 5330 Nottingham on a 5600 sq ft lot. GVA 3 Comment: The footprint and Gross Structural Area (GSA) for this house and garage already exceed that allowed for this size lot.

When the NCAC reviewed the plans for this house and garage in June 2007 (DRC 2006-00210), we commented that “The GSA vs. the lot size should be reviewed for compliance”, and “It appears that the 400 sq ft of ‘attic space’ over the garage is not included in the GSA calculations”. We speculated that the garage attic subsequently would be converted to living space, but limited our comments as above.

Upon inquiry to the Planning Department re this project, Planning stated that “DRC2006-00210 included a condition that the attic space shall not be used as a guesthouse. It now appears that the origin of this condition was likely in response to NCAC’s stated concerns when you reviewed the project in June 2007. With this new MUP application, the applicant is requesting the removal of this condition. As for the allowable GSA, the applicant argues that this space is already existing. In other words, approval of the project would not change the massing of the existing residence.”

The NCAC feels that the project’s footprint and GSA already exceed those allowed on this lot by the Building Size Standards prescribed by the North Coast Area Plan; that the owner should comply with the condition originally placed on this project that the attic space cannot be used as a guesthouse; and that the owner should not be allowed to do an “end run” around the Building Size Standards.

Recommendation: Does not support.

Reports of Land Use and Traffic Committees January 2009

ncacweb — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 20:11:19 +0000

Land Use/Project Review Committee Report

January 5, 2009

Attending: Amanda Rice (acting as committee chair), John Lamb, Steve Cole, Joyce Renshaw, Jim Bahringer, Craig Smith.

The committee reviewed six projects – four remodel/additions on Single Family Residences and two “community” projects. We received hearing notices for three projects this Council has already commented on and one notice regarding vacation rentals in the rural area OUTSIDE Cambria and Cayucos.

Projects:

DRC2008-00083 LEE- MUP for an addition to an existing SFR located off Castle Street in Cambria. APN: 023-018-027. GVA 6 Comment: Making sure neighboring homeowners are aware of the project and how it may affect them should be a priority. Almost every neighboring home on Castle St. seemed to be occupied with full-time residents, unlike some similar streets with ocean views.

DRC2008-00067 BEEGER- MUP for an addition to an existing SFR located off Windsor Blvd. in Cambria. APN: 013-324-002. GVA 3 Comment: Located on the east side of Windsor in Seaclift Estates, this renovation/addition is in keeping with the character of the neighborhood and is compatible with the Cambria Design Plan guidelines – right up to the limit in most cases. Making sure neighboring homeowners are aware of the project and how it may affect them should be a priority.

DRC2007-00070 OLDEN- MUP for an addition to an existing SFR located off Trenton Ave. in Cambria. APN: 023-222-061 and 062. GVA 8 Comment: This project is in SPA1. It includes an addition and significant remodeling on two lots. A variance request reviewed by NCAC was withdrawn in November. There appear to be two separate lots that used to be one APN. There are inconsistencies evident in the project and the committee would like to have the issue of whether TDCs will be needed or can be used in this area. The addition would add 3 guest rooms with attached baths on the first floor. Making sure neighboring homeowners are aware of the project and how it may affect them should be a priority.

DRC2008-00075 RICE- MUP for an addition to existing SFR located off Warren Road in Cambria. APN: 023-035-020. GVA 6 Comment: The committee was impressed with this project, in its restraint in size and attractive design. Compatible with the guidelines of the Cambria Design Plan. There aren’t really any neighboring homes – the existing residence has at least one empty lot in each direction – back, both sides and across the street and the renovation is unlikely to have much affect on the closest neighbors.

DRC2008-00071 State of CA- MUP to install parking places, signs, bridge rail, fee collection tube, and allow public access. 748 acre site located off Hwy 1, in Harmony. APN: 046-082-031. Comment: Much of what is proposed in this referral is already in place. The question of why this was even needed was raised. The visual impact is minimal – especially when the lot is empty of vehicles. Also raised: why the necessity of including ADA compliant parking for this facility?

DRC2008-00081 CATHOLIC CHURCH OF CAMBRIA- MUP for a new cell site located off Main Street in Cambria. APN: 013-101-018. GVA 5 Comment: The proposed site will be in an enclosed bell tower at the Catholic Church and will utilize storage sheds already on site. The applicant is Verizon.

Project Applications available online at http://www.slocounty.ca.gov/planning/referrals.

Notices Received

Notice of Public Hearing – Board of Supervisors

What : Appeal by Rosann Broten of the Planning Department Officer’s approval of a request by Michael Williams for a Minor Use Permit/Coastal Development Permit to allow a specified project located at 5246 Plymouth Street, Cambria. NOTE: This is in GVA 3

When: Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Contact: Paul Sittig, Project Manager 781-5600.

Outcome: Appeal Denied.

Notice of Public Hearing – Subdivision Review Board

What: Request by HEARST HOLDINGS on four existing legal certificated parcels to bring these parcels into conformity with parcel boundaries allowed under Hearst Ranch Conservation Project. Site located 1.5 miles north of San Simeon to Ragged Point, excluding some areas near Piedras Blancas. Also to be considered is the approval of the Environmental Document prepared for the project. Request for a Lot Line Adjustment

When: February 2, 2009, 9am, San Luis Obispo Board of Supervisors Chamber

Contact: Airlin Singewald, 781-5600

Notice of Tentative Action/ Public Hearing

(To request a hearing on this matter, you must send a letter before January 16, 2009)

What: Planning Department Hearing to Consider a request by Jose Nunes for a Minor Use Permit/Coastal Development Permit to construct a new 3840 square foot horse barn on a 23.9 acre lot off Kathryn Drive. NOTE: NCAC has already submitted comments on this project. It is in GVA 2.

When: January 23, 2009, 9am, San Luis Obispo Board of Supervisors Chambers #D170

Contact: Airlin Singewald, 781-5600

Notice of Public Hearing – Board of Supervisors

What : Hearing to consider the appeal by Richard Watkins of the Planning Commission’s determination that Vacation Rentals in the coastal zone, outside Cambria and Cayucos, require approval of a Minor Use Permit/Coastal Development Permit prior to commencing operations.

When: Tuesday, January 27, 2009, 9am, SLO Board of Supervisors Chambers #D170

Contact: John Busselle, Project Manager 781-5154

January 2009 Traffic Committee Report

Attending: Jeremy Ghent (for Public Works), Amanda Rice (Acting as Chair), Noel Schmidt, Erwin Ohannesian, Lou Fedor, Antony Holderman and Barbara Snyder (constituent with an issue)

1. Some complaints to the county about speeding on some Cambria streets triggered a speed survey of Berwick (GVA 7) and Hartford (GVA 4). (A speed survey is meant to discover what speed is appropriate for a street, based on the 85^th percentile rule.) There are a few problems with conducting these surveys in Cambria, the main one being the relatively low volume of traffic makes a statistically valid sample difficult to get.

Fortunately for us, even though the county is tightening its belt, Public Works was able to purchase a number of automatic “stealth” speed recorders. These would measure the speed of vehicles 24/7 and (after about a week) would provide a larger sample on which to base a determination. They can be attached to any power pole and are “stealth” because they are not very noticeable. This is critical, since the point is to measure the actual speeds people are driving and often people will slow down if they know their speed is being logged.

This is not a direct enforcement tool (although the logs would point to times when a sheriff or CHP might be likely to catch speeders). Plans currently call for speed surveys on “problem” streets – Berwick (GVA 7) , Hartford (GVA 4), Eton(GVA 5), Ardath(GVA 6,7,8), Windsor (GVA 3), Weymouth(GVA 2), Pineridge (GVA 7, ) and a few others to be determined later. A report from public works will be coming once the surveys are in and being evaluated.

2. Cambria resident Barbara Snyder (GVA 7 ) attended the Traffic Committee meeting regarding a concern about problems with numerous cars parked in the Dovedale/Dorking/Woodview streets area. There is a public safety issue, especially if the Fire Department can’t get through. Mrs. Snyder offered a few suggested solutions, including:

prohibiting parking on one side Woodview
making Woodview a one way street

Public Works representative Jeremy Ghent will be reviewing the area concerns and will be working on resolving them if possible, starting with the public safety issue that arises when residents park on the narrow roads here in town.

3. Also in the very early stages: looking for grant funds from the “safe routes to school” program to install a sidewalk on Eton Rd (GVA 5).

4. The committee briefly discussed the way Main Street can get looking frumpy and could stand a bit of regular cleaning of street gutters, tidiness of newspaper stands and overgrown foliage. Perhaps there are enough Cambrians who feel the same way and we might want to consider encouraging formation of a “downtown beautification brigade” of volunteers willing to do clean-up and speak to business owners and landlords when vegetation needs attention or other issues arise. It doesn’t need to be formal or overly structured.

January 2009 Tentative Committee Agenda

LandUseChair — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 21:59:05 +0000

January 5, 2009, 7pm – Rabobank Community Room

Projects:

DRC2008-00083 LEE- MUP for an addition to an existing SFR located off Castle Street in Cambria. APN: 023-018-027.

DRC2008-00071 State of CA- MUP to install parking places, signs, bridge rail, fee collection tube, and allow public access. 748 acre site located off Hwy 1, in Harmony. APN: 046-082-031.

DRC2008-00067 BEEGER- MUP for an addition to an existing SFR located off Windsor Blvd. in Cambria. APN: 013-324-002.

DRC2007-00070 OLDEN- MUP for an addition to an existing SFR located off Trenton Ave. in Cambria. APN: 023-222-061 and 062.

DRC2008-00075 RICE- MUP for an addition to existing SFR located off Warren Road in Cambria. APN: 023-035-020.

DRC2008-00081 CATHOLIC CHURCH OF CAMBRIA- MUP for a new cell site located off Main Street in Cambria. APN: 013-101-018.

Project Applications available online at http://www.slocounty.ca.gov/planning/referrals.

Notices Received

Notice of Public Hearing – Board of Supervisors

When: Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Contact: Paul Sittig, Project Manager 781-5600.

Notice of Public Hearing – Subdivision Review Board

When: February 2, 2009, 9am, San Luis Obispo Board of Supervisors Chamber

Contact: Airlin Singewald, 781-5600

For questions, additions or changes, contact Amanda Rice. 927-4191.