PC 032421 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission and City Council have the opportunity for discretion over the project approval, site plan, mix of uses, etc. Commissioner Allen stated some members of the public were surprised to see the proposal come forward because it appeared to be in conflict with: 1) the Council vote in August 2019 in terms of the fact the Council opined there should not be an all- residential project; 2) many DSP goals and the underlying zoning on commercial frontage; and 3) public input. She requested clarification that the Council precluded a residential only option, noting Page 6 of the August 20, 2020 City Council minutes, and Ms. Clark's comments that the property could be mixed-use transitional or commercial with a PUD, but could not be 100- percent residential. Ms. Clark stated that was the intent of the Council's directions, but the policy as written was less clear cut than the Council's discussion suggested. She confirmed it was very clear the commercial component was important to the Council. Commissioner Allen stated the Council voted that if residential was to be considered it needed to maintain ground floor commercial front. She added that Assistant City Manager Brian Dolan indicated that residential was not allowed on the street front, unless on the second floor when specifically asked about the Barone's site, noting Page 8 of the August 20, 2020 City Council minutes. Ms. Clark confirmed staff's statements were consistent with the policies related to the project site and others in downtown. Commissioner Allen questioned why the matter was before the Commission given those statements and the proposals being in direct conflict with the Council direction and underlying zoning. Ms. Clark explained the applicant submitted two proposals and the workshop was intended to give them clear direction as to what would be the appropriate use. Commissioner Pace asked the height of the Rose Hotel, Pleasanton Hotel, and the attached homes on the other side of the Rose Hotel. Ms. Denis stated she did not know the specific dimensions, but the Rose Hotel was three stories, and the Pleasanton Hotel was two stories. Ms. Clark stated she would provide the exact heights. Ms. Denis stated the townhomes were two stories and 26 feet in height. Commissioner Pace asked if there were specific elements considered with the other development near Salt Craft restaurant. Ms. Clark stated there were numerous pieces of guidance in the Downtown Design Guidelines oriented around ensuring new construction was compatible in scale and character with the residential neighborhoods. She discussed room for improvement in recently developed projects. Commissioner Pace asked if the DSP allowed commercial on the first floor with residential on the floors above. Ms. Clark confirmed the residential component needed to be in the back or on top. Chair Brown asked if any commercial only project designs had been discussed by the applicant. Ms. Denis stated just the two options before the Commission had been discussed. Chair Brown reviewed the different guidelines and regulations for the property based on the DSP, General Plan, and the zoning and asked for an example of a project that would not require a zoning change. Ms. Clark stated it would have to be a project completely consistent with the C-C (Central-Commercial) zoning. Chair Brown asked if the ground floor active use portion of the DSP would not apply to the historical residence. Ms. Clark explained the exception for historic properties allowing remodel or additions of existing residences and stated it would not be inconsistent for the existing residence to remain. Chair Brown confirmed that the discussion about the ground floor use would be restricted to the restaurant portion of the property. Ms. Clark clarified the active ground floor requirement of the DSP applies to Planning Commission Minutes Page 5 of 12 March 24, 2021