Planning Commission Regular Meeting

Design Review Permit DRP 26-004

• Staff and applicant proposed downsizing Phase 2 units to resolve storm drain encroachment issues.
• Public comment addressed concerns regarding historic compliance, paint colors, and parking availability.
• Commissioners confirmed the design maintained cottage-style character and historical color guidelines.
• The Commission voted to approve the requested reduction in unit square footage.

Future Agenda Items

• Staff outlined upcoming July 15th pre-review items including a Zone Change and tree ordinance appeals.
• An August 5th meeting will feature a public hearing for 107 North Ventura Street and a tenant protection appeal.
• Staff clarified classifications for pending items such as in review versus incomplete status.

Director's Report

• Assistant City Attorney John Cardenas was introduced to replace Senior Counsel Darren who is relocating.
• Staff announced the Tree Ordinance is undergoing review for potential City Council comment.

Meeting Summary: Planning Commission

Agenda and Administrative Items

• Call to Order and Roll Call: The meeting was called to order by Chair Murphy. A quorum was established with Chair Murphy, Commissioner Hanson, Commissioner Stewart, and Commissioner Rice-Schmidt present. Vice Chair Chesley was absent.
• Approval of Agenda: Commissioner Rice-Schmidt moved to approve the agenda as submitted. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
• Approval of Minutes: Commissioner Rice-Schmidt moved to approve the Planning Commission minutes from June 17 as submitted. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanson. The motion passed.
• Public Communications: Two speakers addressed the Commission. Kim Main delivered a message from Andy Whitman regarding his new role as liaison to the Planning Commission. Commissioner Rice-Schmidt recused herself from the Design Review Permit item (Item 2) due to residency within 500 feet of the property.

Design Review Permit DRP 26-004 (Cottages Among the Flowers, Phase 2 Modification)

• Staff and Applicant Presentation: Community Development Director Lucas Seibert and Architect Jason Herbert presented a request to modify the Design Review Permit for Phase 2 at 312 West Aliso Street. The project consists of four phases totaling 12 units. Phase 1 is currently completed. Phase 2 involves three market rate units (312B, 312C, and 314B).
• Issue and Modification: During site staking, it was identified that an addition for Unit 314B would encroach into a storm drain channel. To resolve this, the developer proposed downsizing the footprint of all three units in Phase 2. The modifications reduce square footage for the units while maintaining bedroom and bathroom counts. The stated intent was to minimize landscape impacts and maintain the cottage-style character.
• Commission Inquiries: Commissioners asked about parking ratios, access points, tree canopy impacts, and paint color history. Staff confirmed a one-to-one parking ratio applies with variances and that no tree removal is proposed for this phase. The Architect noted that color palettes were based on 2019 approvals.
• Public Hearing: Anita Cram provided public comment regarding compliance with conditions of approval, specifically citing concerns over historic resources, paint colors (referencing white with green trim), construction fencing safety, and the loss of parking spaces for existing cottages. Staff responded that a conditions of approval compliance officer is monitoring the site and that any discrepancies regarding paint color would be addressed before final sign-off.
• Commission Discussion: Commissioners noted the downsizing applied to market rate units and expressed appreciation for the developer's cooperation in addressing the drainage conflict proactively. Chair Murphy noted satisfaction with the design provided the color palette adhered to historical guidelines.
• Action: Commissioner Stewart moved to approve the reduction in size as written. The motion was seconded.
• Vote: The motion passed.

Future Agenda Items

• Staff outlined upcoming items for the July 15th meeting, including a pre-review for a Zone Change/General Plan Amendment/CUP/DRP at 107 North Ventura Street and two appeals regarding tree ordinances.
• The August 5th meeting is scheduled to include an official public hearing for 107 North Ventura Street and a tenant protection appeal for 1620 San Gabriel Street.
• Staff clarified the status of pending items, distinguishing between "in review," "incomplete," and "pending" classifications.

Director's Report and Staff Updates

• Personnel: Senior Counsel Darren informed the Commission he is relocating and leaving the team. Assistant City Attorney John Cardenas was introduced as his replacement.
• Tree Ordinance: Staff announced that the Tree Ordinance is undergoing review and the Commission will have an opportunity to provide comments to City Council on the draft in the coming month.

Closing

• No Commissioner reports were submitted. Mayor Andy Gilman was acknowledged.
• The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m.