CITY OF COTATI

MINUTES for the Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission

DATE OF MEETING: Monday, March 19, 2001

TIME OF MEETING: 7:00 p.m.

PLACE OF MEETING: Cotati City Hall, City Council Chambers

201 West Sierra Avenue, Cotati, CA 94931

I. CALL TO ORDER

Chairwoman Moore called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

II. ROLL CALL

Commissioners Present: Dutra, McClelland, Mulligan, Pagnusat, Moore

Staff Present: Dorch, Lustig

III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A. For the regular meeting on March 5, 2001.

It was moved by Commissioner McClelland to approve the minutes of March 5, 2001, as submitted. Second by Commissioner Mulligan.

Yes: 5 Noes: 0 Absent: 0 Abstain: 0

IV. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA

There were no changes to the agenda.

V. ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS

There were no oral or written communications.

VI. MATTERS AT HAND

A. Request for modification to the conditions of approval for a Conditional Use Permit approved for an outdoor dining facility at 8210 Old Redwood Highway.

PA# 24/99 Applicant: Fran Green/The Tradewinds

AP# 144-274-010

Director of Planning Dorch presented the report. When the conditional use permit was approved, a condition required that the applicant be able to remove the fence with 24 hour notice from the City (condition #4). This would be to accommodate a special event, etc., where the City needed use of the right-of-way.

The State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) has a problem with the condition as applied to the Conditional Use Permit. The applicant has pointed out that the condition is contained within the encroachment permit and has requested that it be removed from the conditional use permit. Staff recommended approval of the request to delete condition of approval no. 4.

In addition, Director of Planning Dorch informed the Planning Commission that the Design Review Committee approved a new planter box at this location.

There were no questions from the Planning Commission.

Chairwoman Moore opened the PUBLIC HEARING.

Fran Green, the applicant, was present. There were no questions.

The PUBLIC HEARING was closed.

It was moved by Vice Chairman Pagnusat to approve a modification to the conditions of approval, deleting condition of approval no. 4, for a Conditional Use Permit approved for an outdoor dining facility at 8210 Old Redwood Highway. Second by Commissioner Dutra.

Yes: 5 Noes: 0 Absent: 0 Abstain: 0

B. Adoption of Resolution No. PC01-03 adopting findings of General Plan consistency for the purchase of the Staley property (144-320-019, 144-302-041 and 144-302-043).

Director of Planning Dorch reported that the Cotati Redevelopment Agency/City Council is in the process of buying the Staley property located at the corner of East Cotati Avenue and Santero Way, consistent with the Santero Way Specific Plan. The Government Code requires that whenever a local agency purchases property, the Planning Commission must make a finding of General Plan consistency.

Chairwoman Moore opened the PUBLIC HEARING.

The PUBLIC HEARING was closed without comment.

It was moved by Chairwoman Moore to adopt Resolution No. PC01-03 adopting findings of General Plan consistency for the purchase of the Staley property (144-320-019, 144-302-041 and 144-302-043). Second by Commissioner Mulligan.

Yes: 5 Noes: 0 Absent: 0 Abstain: 0

 

 

C. Discussion concerning the concept of mixed-use projects in the downtown area.

Director of Planning Dorch explained that the La Plaza Specific Plan was adopted in 1991. One of the cornerstones of that plan was the promotion of mixed-use activities in the downtown. Specifically, the commercial/office/retail on ground floor areas with residential units above were encouraged.

A proposal is currently in the Planning process for a mixed-use project on La Plaza from Anna Young. The environmental work on the project is still being completed so the Planning Commission cannot review the project. However, the property owner would like to know if there is support for this type of a mixed-use project downtown before spending a considerable amount of money on the archaeological study.

Vice Chairman Pagnusat confirmed with Director of Planning Dorch that the decision to include mixed use downtown was a part of the La Plaza Specific Plan and was adopted after numerous public hearings.

Chairwoman Moore opened the meeting to public comment.

Tony Adler, Arthur Street, expressed the opinion that the inner Hub area should be commercial, believing that it would be detrimental to have residential housing over commercial buildings. The types of people who would tolerate living above a commercial use, he said, would tend to be transient and not permanent residents.

Patricia Jonas-Voulgaris, Cotati, California, said that she does not consider herself a transient and has lived over businesses. Residences above commercial is common in many areas. Some choose to live there to be closer to the City and within walking distance of businesses. She stated her support for mixed use.

Anna Young, downtown property owner and mixed-use project applicant, was surprised that anyone would be opposed to mixed use. She discussed successful mixed-use developments in other locations both locally and in Europe.

George Barrich, 176 West Cotati Oaks Ct., agreed that Mr. Adler's comments should be taken into consideration. In defense of mixed-use housing, he cited some examples where it has worked well and actually adds to security in the downtown.

Chairwoman Moore closed the public hearing.

Commissioner McClelland stated her support for mixed use downtown.

Vice Chairman Pagnusat said that after several months of review and deliberation, it was decided that mixed use would be a good thing. He saw no reason to change that concept now.

Commissioner Mulligan discussed his support for mixed use and the benefits of added security with people living downtown. In a strictly commercial area, it becomes deserted when the businesses close. He stated his opinion that the mixed-use could provide affordable housing that is so badly needed.

Commissioner Dutra said that the community has spoken on this issue through the series of meetings that were held on the La Plaza Specific Plan. He was supportive of the concept of mixed use.

Chairwoman Moore also stated her support for mixed use downtown and cited examples where it has worked successfully.

D. COMMUNITY WORKSHOP: 2001 zoning Ordinance Update.

Workshop #1: Design Standards.

Laura Hall, Fisher and Hall Urban Design, facilitated the workshop.

VII. REPORTS BY STAFF

A. Review of upcoming Planning Commission meeting schedule.

VIII. REPORTS BY COMMISSION

IX. ADJOURNMENT