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PC Min - 02/24/2015CITY OF CAMPBELL PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 7:30 P.M. The Planning Commission meeting of February 24, 2015, was called to order at 7:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers, 70 North First Street, Campbell, California by Chair Finch and the following proceedings were had, to wit: FEBRUARY 24, 2015 CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS TUESDAY ROLL CALL Commissioners Present Chair: Vice Chair: Commissioner: Commissioner: Commissioner: Commissioner: Pamela Finch Cynthia L. Dodd Ron Bonhagen Yvonne Kendall Philip C. Reynolds, Jr. Donald C. Young Commissioners Absent Staff Present: APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner: Community Development Director: Associate Planner: City Attorney: Recording Secretary: Michael L. Rich Paul Kermoyan Daniel Fama William Seligmann Corinne Shinn Motion: Upon motion by Commissioner Kendall, seconded by Commissioner Young, the Planning Commission minutes of the meeting of February 10, 2015, were approved as submitted. (5-0- 1-1; Commissioner Rich was absent and Commissioner Reynolds abstained) Campbell Planning Commission Minutes for February 24, 2015 Page 2 COMMUNICATIONS 1. Correspondence regarding Item 3. 2. Email with attachment. Planner Daniel Fama explained that this email correspondence was forwarded to the Site and Architectural Review Committee and will also be included in the staff report that goes to the Planning Commission for the March 10t" meeting. AGENDA MODIFICATIONS OR POSTPONEMENTS None ORAL REQUESTS Audrey Kiehtreiber, Resident on Walnut Drive: • Discussed the recent discussions that have been underway for a project to re-do sidewalks. • Agreed that some need repair and suggested that innovative options might be investigated. • Reported that the STCC (San Tomas Community Coalition) wants to preserve the character of their area but also supports the consideration of new materials. • Added that the STCC would like to see the City research alternate materials to use on sidewalks as they are replaced. • Suggested that as sidewalk projects come up, the cost and effectiveness of alternative materials be considered. • Advised that she secured sample materials from one company that she distributed to the Commission to see and feel. Commissioner Reynolds reported that he has seen this particular material in place in Redwood City. He agreed that it represents the future and could be a good material for Campbell to consider. Commissioner Kendall asked Ms. Kiehtreiber for more information about the STCC. She added that these groups are generally known as Neighborhood Associations. She asked for the boundaries of the STCC. Audrey Kiehtreiber: • Explained that the STCC was formerly called the San Tomas Area Neighborhood Association (STANA) and was formed in 1985 and has been in continuous operation since then. The website is STACCA.org. • Reported that the STCC consists of 12 areas, each with an area captain as well as block captains. • Admitted that they have been quiet for a few years given that she was busy building her new house. *** Campbell Planning Commission Minutes for February 24, 2015 Page 3 PUBLIC HEARINGS Chair Finch read Agenda Item No. 1 into the record as follows: PLN2014-262 Public Hearing to consider the application of Ryan Hensel & Hensel & Megan Boyajian for a Site and Architectural Review Permit Boyajian (PLN2014-262) to allow the construction of a new single- family residence on property located at 1505 Capri Drive in the R-1-8 (Single Family Residential) Zoning District. Staff is recommending that this project be deemed Categorically Exempt under CEQA. Planning Commission action final unless appealed in writing to the City Clerk within 10 calendar days. Project Planner: Daniel Fama, Associate Planner Mr. Daniel Fama, Associate Planner, presented the staff report. Commissioner Dodd presented the Site and Architectural Review Committee report as follows: • SARC reviewed this item on February 10th and was supportive. Chair Finch opened the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 1. Audrey Kiehtreiber, Resident on Walnut Drive: • Explained that she is the President of the San Tomas Community Coalition that's purpose is to defend the San Tomas Area Neighborhood Plan. • Reported that the STCC met and reviewed this proposed project and found it to be delightful. It meets all standards and has desired decorative details. The STCC is very happy to support this project and look forward to seeing this home constructed. Chair Finch closed the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 1. Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Reynolds, seconded by Commissioner Dodd, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 4194 granting a Site and Architectural Review Permit (PLN2014-262) to allow the construction of a new single- family residence on property located at 1505 Capri Drive subject to the conditions of approval, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Bonhagen, Dodd, Finch, Kendall, Reynolds, and Young NOES: None ABSENT: Rich ABSTAIN: None Chair Finch advised that this action is final unless appealed in writing to the City Clerk within 10 calendar days. *,~~ Campbell Planning Commission Minutes for February 24, 2015 Page 4 Chair Finch read Agenda Item No. 2 into the record as follows: 2. PLN2014-258 Note: This item will be continued to a date uncertain. Lin, A. Public Hearing to consider the application of Andy Lin for an Administrative Planned Development Permit (PLN2014-25g) to allow for the establishment of a health spa (d.b.a. Float Station) and an addition and remodel to an existing one-story commercial building at 36 Railway Avenue with offsite parking at 40 Railway Avenue in the P-D (Planned Development) Zoning District. Staff is recommending that this project be deemed Categorically Exempt under CEQA. Planning Commission action final unless appealed in writing to the City Clerk within 10 calendar days. Project Planner: Stephen Rose, Associate Planner Mr. Paul Kermoyan, Community Development Director, presented the staff report: • Explained that this project was heard by SARC at its meeting of February 10tH • Added that typically a project is scheduled closely between the SARC review and subsequent Planning Commission hearing. • Advised that at the February 10tH SARC meeting, there were design concerns. There was no way for the project architect to incorporate those changes in the plans in time for this evening's meeting. • Stated that staff is recommending a continuance to a date uncertain. The project will be re-noticed when it is ready for hearing after a second return to SARC. Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Kendall, seconded by Commissioner Young, the Planning Commission CONTINUED TO A DATE UNCERTAIN the consideration of an Administrative Planned Development Permit (PLN2014-258) to allow for the establishment of a health spa (d.b.a. Float Station) and an addition and remodel to an existing one-story commercial building at 36 Railway Avenue with offsite parking at 40 Railway Avenue. (6-0-1, Commissioner Rich was absent) *** Chair Finch read Agenda Item No. 3 into the record as follows: Campbell Planning Commission Minutes for February 24, 2015 Page 5 3. PLN2015-23 Public Hearing to consider the City-initiated application to City consider the potential addition of up to five properties (1740 Leigh Avenue; 158 N. First Street; 73-75 N. First Street; 99 S. Second Street; and 150 Shelley Avenue) to the City's Historic Resource Inventory (HRI). Staff is recommending that this project be deemed Categorically Exempt under CEQA. Tentative City Council Meeting Date: April 7, 2015. Project Planner: Aki Honda Snelling, Planning Manager Mr. Paul Kermoyan, Community Development Director, presented the staff report. Chair Finch opened the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 3. Todd Walter, Chair, Historic Preservation Board: • Stated his availability if there are any questions from the Commission. Commissioner Kendall asked about the letter from a neighbor near the Leigh property that indicates that this property is run down. Todd Walter: • Acknowledged that correspondence. • Explained that a neighbor sent a letter expressing concern about the possibility of this property being designated as historic. • Reported that Planning Manager Aki Honda Snelling responded to the letter writer directly. • Added that inclusion in the Historic Resources Inventory opens up some programs to the property owner. One such opportunity is to secure a Mills Act designation that allows the owner to use funds that would be paid as property tax to make meaningful improvements to an historic structure instead. • Advised that the goal of HRI designation is to bring them in and help owners in the preservation of their historic homes. Commissioner Bonhagen asked why all 55 potentials are not being recommended at this time. Todd Walter: • Explained that in the 1980's an initial HRI potentials list was developed. • Added that over time the Historic Preservation Board has gone over the potentials list to encourage inclusion on the actual HRI list. • Advised that since 2011, the HPB has brought in small groupings of homes listed on the potentials list for consideration of inclusion on the actual HRI. • Informed that this is the last pass. • Acknowledged that there are some owners on the potentials list who have opted out in the past. For example, at the last go-around, 19 properties were approached and fewer than five were actually added to the HRI. Campbell Planning Commission Minutes for February 24, 2015 Page 6 Director Paul Kermoyan: • Advised that there has been concern expressed from some property owners of potential HRI properties regarding the perceived impacts of such designation on their ability to do things to their property. • Added that this is the end of the process. The HPB will wait and start again in a few years' time. Commissioner Dodd asked whether when a home that is included on the potential list is sold is the new owner notified of their eligibility for inclusion of their property on the HRI. Director Paul Kermoyan said that the City doesn't monitor home sales. That is a good suggestion. Commissioner Reynolds asked if the potential status is something that must be disclosed when a property is sold. Chair Finch said that, speaking as a real estate agent, HRI potential status of a property is not included on standard disclosure forms. Director Paul Kermoyan said that the only way that a tax benefit is gained is when a property is a designated HRI property and the owner secures a Mills Act designation. Once a property is designated as an HRI property that designation runs with the property and to future owners. Commissioner Dodd asked staff what impacts there might be on remodel and/or restoration to an historic property. Director Paul Kermoyan said that good points are being raised. He advised that oftentimes people come to the Planning Department to inquire about the impacts of historic designation on a property. Commissioner Dodd said she worries that there may be a missed opportunity. She suggested perhaps notifying realtors. Chair Finch suggested that a better way to make realtors aware would be to communicate directly with the local Real Estate Board. She added that former Chamber of Commerce Director Neil Collins is now leading the local Real Estate Board. Todd Walter, Historic Preservation Board Chair: • Said that they are looking for all the support they can get in securing additions to the HRI. • Added that it is their challenge to convince some that HRI designation is a good thing. • Reported that in Los Gatos anything that is 50 years or older is designated as historic. There is no opt-out provision available. • Said that Campbell has chosen a more optional approach. Campbell Planning Commission Minutes for February 24, 2015 Page 7 • Concluded that the HPB does a lot of outreach. Chair Finch closed the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 3. Commissioner Kendall said that she has no concerns and offered to put forth a motion. Commissioner Reynolds: • Said he would like to make a couple of comments first. • Thanked the members of the Historic Preservation Board for their time and effort put into this process of designating HRI properties. • Opined that people are so quick to tear things down rather than to preserve them. • Stressed the desire to protect our heritage. • Concluded that HPB and staff are doing a fantastic job. Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Kendall, seconded by Commissioner Dodd, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 4195 recommending the addition of up to five properties (1740 Leigh Avenue; 158 N. First Street; 73-75 N. First Street; 99 S. Second Street; and 150 Shelley Avenue) to the City's Historic Resource Inventory (HRI), by the following roll call vote: AYES: Bonhagen, Dodd, Finch, Kendall, Reynolds and Young NOES: None ABSENT: Rich ABSTAIN: None Chair Finch advised that this item would be considered by the City Council at its meeting of April 7, 2015, for final action. She thanked the members of the Historic Preservation Board that were in attendance this evening to present this item. *** REPORT OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Director Paul Kermoyan added the following to the written report: • Stated that Council conducted a Study Session to discuss the mix of downtown uses. The result was that the City Council would like to schedule a joint meeting with the Planning Commission. The City Manager believes that this joint session will occur around June. Commissioner Reynolds asked if it is possible to have staff consult with the Chamber of Commerce on this issue. It would be beneficial to get their input and thoughts on this subject. Commissioner Kendall reported that representatives from the DCBA (Downtown Campbell Business Association) did speak at this recent Council Study Session. Campbell Planning Commission Minutes for February 24, 2015 Page 8 Director Paul Kermoyan confirmed that a couple of business owners did speak to this issue. He assured the Commission that outreach would occur. Commissioner Reynolds: • Pointed out that the members of the Commission are not retail professionals. • Added that it would be beneficial to ask retail professionals just what it might take to attract and retain retail uses. • Concluded that this feedback could be helpful throughout the community in general and not just in the Downtown. ADJOURNMENT The Planning Commission meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m. to the next Regular Planning Commission Meeting of March 10, 2015. SUBMITTED BY APPROVED BY: ATTEST: n, Secretary Corin inn, Recording Secretary