City of San Carlos

San Carlos Planning Commission

February 20, 2007 7:00 PM

San Carlos City Hall Council Chambers, City Hall 600 Elm Street, San Carlos, CA

Approved Minutes

I. Meeting Called To Order

Chair Thompson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

II. Roll Call

III. Approval Of Minutes

M/S Phillips/Royce to approve the minutes of the February 5, 2006 Planning Commission meeting with changes as noted.Motion passed 5-0.

IV. Public Comment

None.

V. Public Hearing

a) Consideration of the application of Robert Evans, Personally Fit, for a CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT pursuant to San Carlos Municipal Code Chapters 18.48, 18.86, 18.140 and 18.124 to permit the operation of an instructional facility & parking exception/shared parking agreement, in the C-2 (Central Commercial District) and the Combining District ER (Entertainment and Recreation Facilities) Districts at 1633 Laurel Street, San Carlos (Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 051-372-220 & 051-372-230).

Serena Ponzo, Planner II, presented the item to the Commission.

Commissioner Phillips asked if Staff had received any negative correspondence regarding the project.

Serena Ponzo, Planner II, responded no negative correspondence had been received.

Chair Thompson had questions of the recommended draft conditions regarding handicap and Uniform Building Code related requirements.

Commissioner Divney asked if any improvements were proposed for the exterior.

Serena Ponzo, Planner II, responded that the exterior had been painted.

The applicant, Robert Evans, 1633 Laurel Street, presented a summary of the nature of his business. The applicant noted his need for a larger facility. He stated his clientele is 80% San Carlos residents.

The applicant, Robert Evans, asked Staff on the necessity of the additional handicap accessibility requirements as outlined in the draft conditions.

Stephanie Bertollo-Davis, Planner III responded to the applicant that these American with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements are subject to review and approval by the Chief Building Official.

Commissioner Iwasa and Vice Chair Royce asked the applicant his thoughts on the restricted hours of operation as proposed in the draft conditions.

The applicant, Robert Evans responded that he would like flexibility with the business hours for the future.

Commissioner Iwasa asked how the site would be accessed.

The applicant, Robert Evans responded that there was access from boht the front and the back of the building.

Sheryl Pomerenk of the San Carlos Chamber of Commerce noted support of the application and that the move would be a good addition to south Laurel Street area.

Norm Whiteley, of 151 Highland Avenue also supported the application and the ability of the business to increase on site parking opportunities.

M/S Phillips/Divney to approve the Conditional Use Permit at 1633 Laurel Street with corrections and additions as noted. Motion passed 5-0.

VI. Reports, Correspondence And General Information

a) Report on recent City Council actions

Stephanie Bertollo Davis, Planner III presented the Commission with City Council actions from the February 12, 2007 City Council meeting.

• An ad hoc City Council subcommittee was created for the future railroad corridor project. Council members Grocott and Grasilli were appointed.
• A subdivision improvement agreement was approved for the property at 657 Prospect which the Commission approved 5 condominiums units in August 2005.
• The title of Traffic and Transportation Commission was amended to now be called the Transportation and Circulation Commission. Changes also included the retirement of the Bicycle/ Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) and the appointment of one former BPAC member into the new Traffic and Transportation Commission. The Commission and Committee were effectively merged into one.
• A Trails Connection Plan was approved. The plan identifies 15 potential connection points allowing connectivity from one park or open space to another.
• The Council authorized the Community Development Director to issue an RFP for the update of the General Plan. Some enhancements include the addition of Environmental Management and Parks & Recreation elements.
• The Council adopted an interim zoning Ordinance as a new business item which would be effective for 45 days requiring all new retail uses occupying tenant spaces greater than 2500 square feet within the 800 block of Laurel Street. A City Council hearing for consideration of extending the Ordinance up to 10 months would likely be scheduled in early March.

b) Planning Commission comments or reports

Vice Chair Royce commented that the Planning Commission electronic packet and attachments but that the agenda is not posted on the Planning Commission section of the website.All this information is now currently found on the City Council section of the website.

Commissioner Iwasa stated that receipt of both e-packets and hardcopy packets would be beneficial.

Chair Thompson expressed interest in the transcript of the special Traffic and Transportation Commission which considered the Palo Alto Medical Foundation project. Chair Thompson asked that a hardcopy of the transcript be provided to the Commission.

Vice Chair Royce noted the location change of the next Planning Commission meeting to the HillerAviationMuseum and that this information should be posted at City Hall and on the Internet.

c) Correspondence

None.

d) Planning Staff comments, reports and updates of current projects

Al Savay, Community Development Director, presented the Commission with information on the upcoming 2007 Planners Institute conference.

Community Development Director Savay informed the Commission that the budget allowed for two Commissioners to attend.

Stephanie Bertollo-Davis, Planner III informed the Commission that the next Planning Commission meeting will be held on March 5, 2007 at the HillerAviationMuseum.

Ms. Bertollo-Davis noted that the Commission will be making a recommendation to the City Council for the Certification of the Final Environmental Impact Report and Response to comments for the Palo Alto Medical Foundation.

VII. Adjournment

Chair Thompson adjourned the meeting at 7:46 p.m.