Meeting Summary
Present: Cooney, Ford, Park, Martinez, Reed
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details, so verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
BMO LLC Handrail Project
- Staff presented a request to install a 3.5-foot metal handrail on a private stairway connecting a deck to the Morris Place Trail.
- The project is located in a Recreation Zone and is exempt from CEQA as a small structure.
- Commissioners requested a non-reflective finish to minimize glare, which was added as a condition of approval.
- The motion to approve the project with the material modification passed.
Los Alamos Investments Housing Project
- Staff presented a 67-unit residential development utilizing the State Density Bonus Law to increase density and provide seven very low-income units.
- The project includes a tentative tract map, common open space, and a voluntary trail easement dedication to the County.
- Environmental review identified a remaining Vehicle Miles Traveled impact to be mitigated via Transportation Demand Management measures.
- The motion to approve the project, tract map, and Statement of Overriding Considerations passed.
Commissioner Cooney Retirement
- The Commission acknowledged the retirement of Commissioner Michael Cooney after nearly 22 years of service.
- A resolution honoring his service was read into the record.
- Commissioners and public members offered remarks thanking him for his leadership and contributions.
Director’s Report
- The Planning Director reported on budget cuts resulting in two unfilled positions within the department.
- The Board adopted a local preference marketing plan concept with modifications for advance outreach and market area inclusion.
- Upcoming Board items include a briefing on ministerial permits and action on an oil and gas amendment.
Agenda Status
- The Commission reviewed upcoming meeting dates and items for May 27, June 3, June 10, and June 24.
- Continued and new items were identified for the upcoming schedule.
Full summary
Agenda Item 1: BMO LLC Handrail Project (Case Nos. 25 DVP 0001, 25 CDP 00008)
- Discussion: Staff presented a request to install a 3.5-foot tall metal handrail along an existing private stairway connecting a deck to the Morris Place Trail. The project is located within a Recreation Zone and a development exclusion area established in 2003. Staff noted the project is exempt from CEQA under Section 15303 as a small structure. The applicant stated the primary motivation is safety for the owner, who is recovering from back surgery. Commissioners inquired about the material finish, with one suggesting a non-reflective finish to avoid glare. Staff indicated this could be added as a condition.
- Motion: A motion was made to approve the project as presented, with the modification to include a condition for non-reflective material on the handrail.
- Vote: The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item 2: Los Alamos Investments Housing Project (Case Nos. 23 TRM 1, 23 DVP 18, 24 RDN 2, 24 GOV 5, 26 SCC 3)
- Discussion: Staff presented a project for a 67-unit residential development (single-family and townhomes) on approximately 30 acres in Los Alamos. The project utilizes State Density Bonus Law to increase density from the base 46 units to 67 units in exchange for seven deed-restricted very low-income units and waivers of certain development standards (porches, landscape buffers, light levels). The project includes a tentative tract map for 77 lots, 10.9 acres of common open space, a private community pool, and a voluntary 25-foot trail easement dedication to the County.
- Environmental Review: Staff relied on the Housing Element Programmatic EIR and Los Alamos Community Plan EIR. One significant impact remains for Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT), which will be mitigated through Transportation Demand Management measures (bike parking, transit passes) resulting in an 11% reduction. A Statement of Overriding Considerations is required for the remaining VMT impact.
- Flood Control: No residential structures are proposed in the regulatory floodway. Structures within the flood hazard area will meet FEMA requirements with raised foundations.
- Parking: The project proposes 121 spaces for dwelling units plus 40 visitor/day-use spaces. Staff confirmed this exceeds the state-mandated minimum of 110 spaces under Density Bonus Law.
- Public Comment: One resident expressed concerns about traffic safety on Highway 101 and Price Ranch Road, the density relative to the site size, and the lack of a prior community forum. Another speaker raised questions about the definition of "affordable" housing and parking ratios.
- Applicant Presentation: The architect described the "pocket neighborhood" design concept, emphasizing shared open spaces, pedestrian pathways, and rear-loaded garages to prioritize community interaction over car-centric design. The property owner stated the project aims to provide affordable housing by reducing unit footprints and construction costs.
- Commissioner Questions: Commissioners asked about the basis for the VMT estimates, the compatibility of the project with the neighborhood, and the status of public notice. Staff confirmed the project is consistent with objective requirements of the Comprehensive Plan and LUDC, and that the subjective "incompatibility" finding cannot be used to deny the project under the Housing Accountability Act.
- Motion: A motion was made to approve the project, including the required findings, the determination that the previously certified PEIR is adequate, the approval of the tract map, development plan, and road naming requests, and the adoption of a Statement of Overriding Considerations for VMT.
- Vote: The motion was seconded and passed.
Other Business / Informational Reports
- Commissioner Cooney Retirement: The Commission acknowledged the retirement of Commissioner Michael Cooney after nearly 22 years of service. A resolution was read into the record honoring his service. Several commissioners and public members offered remarks thanking him for his leadership, adherence to process, and contributions to the Commission.
- Director’s Report: The Planning Director reported on recent Board of Supervisors actions, including budget cuts affecting the Planning Department (two vacant positions left unfilled) and the adoption of a local preference marketing plan concept with modifications (12-week advance outreach to local businesses, inclusion of Santa Ynez housing market area). Upcoming Board items include a briefing on increasing ministerial permits and action on an oil and gas amendment.
- Agenda Status: The Commission reviewed upcoming meeting dates and items, including continued items for May 27 and June 3, and new items for June 10 and June 24.