PC 031109 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commissioner Narum referred to the exempt policy. She agreed this was one structure that was on a parcel January 1, 2007 and whether or not it was man-made becomes irrelevant. She added that it is part of the General Plan, and the Commission can make the finding that it is consistent with the General Plan. Ms. Seto agreed with a more general determination that this is consistent with the General Plan, and noted that it appears there is a preference from a Commissioner to leave it more broad in that manner. Commissioner Blank said he would prefer to have a recommendation that this is consistent with the General Plan than to imply that the Planning Commission determines that artificial slopes do not apply, parking lots do not apply, or a light pole is not a structure. Commissioner Olson agreed with Commissioner Blank. He noted that it appeared to him that the Commission’s consideration of Measures PP and QQ was like trying to determine what the framers meant when they wrote the Constitution. He indicated that he did not believe a discussion of Measures PP and QQ should be included. Commissioner O’Connor said he agreed that the finding the Commission should be looking for is whether or not this is consistent with the General Plan. He noted, however, that the language of both Measures PP and QQ was incorporated into the General Plan; therefore, by reference, if it is specific to the General Plan, he believes the Commission needs to determine whether it is consistent with Measures PP and QQ. Commissioner Blank stated that he believed this can be done without saying, “parking lots don’t count” or “man-made ledges don’t count,” or “a light pole is not a structure.” He noted that when the Commission gets to this level of specificity, it is opening up itself to future challenges. Commissioner O’Connor stated that this could be the case; however, the specific wording does not discuss man-made slopes or natural slopes. Commissioner Blank stated that this is precisely the reason why he does not want to be the one to make that formal determination and have future Commissioners disagree. Chair Pearce advised the Commissioners that discussion would continue after the public hearing is opened and closed. Commissioner Blank disclosed that he has eaten at Hana Japan several times. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. William Wood, Project Architect, stated that he has worked with the site for a corporate offices project back in 1988, which was the downturn of the market. He PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, March 11, 2009 Page 5 of 9