PC 04/26/1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commissioner Lutz asked staff for further clarification of how descriptive the Downtown Design Guidelines. Mr. Iserson stated there is some flexibility incorporated, however, they are referred to by the Code and should be followed fairly closely. The Commissioners noted for the record that they have met with the applicant and the project architect. Commissioner Barker clarified that staff is asking the applicant for a larger building, however, the parking lot does not sufficiently provide spaces for the current building size. Mr. Iserson agreed staff will forego the parking spaces and the applicant would be able to pay deferred in-lieu fees payable whenever the City constructs a nearby public parking lot. Commissioner Barker asked for clarification as to why staff is requesting more hardscape, when staff has already indicated that there is too much asphalt in the l8-space parking lot. Mr. Iserson advised that staff feels the asphalt in the parking lot and driveways is less attractive than a decorative hardscape, cobblestone, etc., which would be used in a corner plaza Further discussion ensued regarding the applicant's moving and widening of the two driveways on Ray Street and the realignment of Ray Street. Mr. Higdon noted that staff does not anticipate having to pay PG&E to move the light pole on the corner of Ray Street. Commissioner Barker further inquired about the dining room sitting up and/or sitting down. She feels other restaurants sit up. Staff feels that the sitting down at ground level is more customer friendly and provides better visibility. Comparing to height, staff feels this proposed design would sit higher off the sidewalk than other restaurants, limiting street level interest. Chairman Wright noted that combining the two parking lots may provide a shortcut through the Main Street/Ray Street intersection. Staff does not believe that will become a problem. Further, as to the delivery trucks having to back out of the parking lots on Main Street, staff does not see this as a major problem with early morning deliveries. Regarding the number of parking spaces, Mr. Iserson stated that if the basement storage were brought to the first floor and the building were enlarged, the storage area would not be counted in the parking calculation. Regarding the street realignment, Mr. Higdon noted that the $25,000 fee would cap the applicant's expense, otherwise, he could pay for the entire amount himself, if he so chose. In response to Commissioner McGuirk, Mr. lserson advised that the applicant talked to the liquor store owner about joining their parking lots. He was not agreeable to this. Mr. Iserson then talked to the liquor store owner, without getting any further cooperation. The store owner noted a loss of parking spaces as well as the Coffee Roast Express customers flowing over into his lot. Planning Commission Minutes Page 7 April 26, 1995