[0:00] Okay, we can go ahead and get started. Good evening. Welcome to the May 7, 2026 City of Napa,

[0:19] regular meeting for the Planning Commission. I would like to call this meeting to order and ask my

[0:23] request to conduct a roll call. Commissioner E-buck. Here. Commissioner Massaro.

[0:29] Present. Commissioner Shotwell. Present. Vice Chair Myers. And Chair Owen. Present.

[0:35] We will now rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.

[0:53] The Planning Commission conducts all meetings in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act.

[1:02] And pursuant to the city's rules of order for planning commission meetings.

[1:06] Staff, are there any changes to the evening's agenda or any supplemental reports?

[1:10] There are no changes to the agenda, but I do want to clarify there was a legal ad publication on April 23,

[1:16] for Jim Grass, 1746, you homie use permit appeal and the applicant ended up withdrawing the appeal.

[1:24] Thank you. Commissioners, are there any proposed changes to this evening's agenda?

[1:33] Public comment provides an opportunity for members of the public to directly address the planning commission on items of interest,

[1:40] otherwise noted on the agenda. Each speaker's comments will be limited to three minutes and will comply with the rules of order for planning commission meetings.

[1:48] Do we have any members of the public who wish to provide public comments on non agenda items?

[1:55] All right. The consent calendar. These routine items may be approved by a single vote.

[2:00] However, any member of the public or commissioner may remove an item for consideration during the public hearing portion of the agenda.

[2:07] This evening we are reviewing the planning commission regular meeting minutes for April 16th, 2026.

[2:13] Is there a motion to approve the meeting minutes for the April 16th, 2026 planning commission regular meeting?

[2:19] So moved. Second, all in favor?

[2:22] Aye.

[2:23] Motion passes.

[2:25] Consent hearings. These are items that are required to be noticed as a public hearing, but the city is not aware of any interest from the members of the public to comment on the items.

[2:34] However, any members of the public or commissioners may remove an item from the consent hearing calendar, and the item will be considered during the public hearing portion of the agenda.

[2:44] Tonight we have item six a Ross sign use permit at 211.

[2:50] Is there a request to make commissioner remember of the public to pull this item from the consent hearings?

[2:57] Is there a motion to approve the consent hearing as submitted?

[3:04] So moved.

[3:05] Second.

[3:06] All in favor?

[3:07] Aye.

[3:08] Motion passes.

[3:12] Public hearings and appeals. These are items that are formally presented to the planning commission and provide an opportunity for members of the public to comment.

[3:21] Applicants or Appellants are allowed 10 minutes to present testimony at the beginning of the public hearing.

[3:26] And if needed five minutes to present rebuttal at the end of the public hearing.

[3:30] All other speakers will be limited to three minutes.

[3:34] Tonight we have the following item item seven a eight zero eight capital a drive tentative map.

[3:42] Can we start with commissioner disclosures?

[3:47] Aye.

[3:48] I drove by the site and a cabinet and email exchange with staff.

[3:53] I have no disclosures.

[3:56] I'm familiar with the site and I met with staff.

[3:59] I have a property right next door.

[4:01] So I will be leaving the meeting now.

[4:03] Okay. Thanks for joining us for the first portion.

[4:07] I visited the site and spoke with staff.

[4:10] Thank you.

[4:11] And we will now hear a report from staff.

[4:14] Good evening everybody.

[4:16] I'll be proposing on the proposed tentative subdivision map.

[4:19] We have Jeremy Sill and Chris Russell to answer any questions.

[4:29] The applicant proposes a tentative subdivision map design review permit and use permit to subdivide and approximately.

[4:35] 1.46 acre parcel into eight single family lots and construct eight new single family homes with associated improvements.

[4:44] The project site is located on the east side of capital a drive south of capital a court.

[4:52] The project site is mostly vacant.

[4:54] There's a couple trees.

[4:56] None of the trees meet the criteria to be considered protective native trees under the codes definition.

[5:03] There's an existing single family home and filled in pool that would be removed with the project.

[5:09] The project is project site is moderately sloped.

[5:13] Limited grading is proposed to accompany the new homes.

[5:19] Currently, the property furniture is undeveloped with curb, gutter or sidewalk.

[5:25] In addition, the property currently separates the northern and southern extensions of capital a drive, which would be extended with the project.

[5:35] The applicant requests to divide the property into eight new single family lots.

[5:41] In addition, the proposed one new shared parcel to host the project required by a retention facilities.

[5:49] In addition, they proposed to construct eight new single family homes, including related improvements, like retaining walls, including walls over three feet and height, which do require design review approval and a new private street.

[6:01] In addition, they proposed public improvements like the connection of capital a drive and new curb gutter and sidewalk.

[6:09] Just relisting the required entitlements with a project, a tentative subdivision map to divide the property into eight parcels and one shared parcel.

[6:18] Design review permit for the subdivision layout for the design of the new single family homes and for the retaining walls.

[6:25] And a use permit to allow two flag lots and for the application of small land development standards.

[6:33] This is the proposed site plan.

[6:36] Six of the units would be accessed by a new private street.

[6:40] Lots for in six are the proposed flag lots.

[6:44] At the west end of the site, you can see the new public extension of capital a drive.

[6:53] Next, I'll be going through the proposed front elevations of each home.

[6:57] Each home proposed in a project is unique.

[7:01] Having their own architectural design.

[7:05] Each home incorporates unique features.

[7:09] Consistent with high level design.

[7:12] Recommended by our design guidelines.

[7:24] The proposed units would be between 3,108 square feet and 3,820 square feet.

[7:31] They would contain three to four bedrooms and be two to two and a half stories.

[7:36] Like I stated earlier, there would be a mix of architectural styles as each home is uniquely designed and there's a high level of architectural detail provided in each home.

[7:47] The retaining walls are mostly located at the perimeter of the site.

[7:50] Most sections of wall are between one and three feet and eight.

[7:53] There's limited sections above three feet.

[7:56] Staff has required that any wall that's visible from the political right of way be clad and a decorative material to match the adjacent home.

[8:04] Like Sacco or another siding material.

[8:09] The applicant proposes parking that would exceed the requirements for single family homes.

[8:15] For more parking spaces would be provided on each parcel.

[8:19] In addition, guest parking would be provided both along the new private street and along capital a drive.

[8:27] The capital a drive extension would be constructed.

[8:31] Consistent with city standards.

[8:33] A full 60 foot right of way was separated sidewalks and parking on the side of each travel lane.

[8:42] This linkage is important for the neighborhood broadly as it allows connections to terrorist drive.

[8:48] The road trail in comesville road beyond.

[8:54] Moving in to staff's analysis of the project.

[8:57] Staff has determined that the project would be exempt from sequa pursuant to section 15332 of the sequa guidelines a class 32 exemption, which exempts projects characterized as infill development.

[9:10] In support of this exemption.

[9:13] We have prepared environmental memorandum included as attachment 10 of this staff report.

[9:20] In order to approve the project, the commission would need to make the findings for a tentative map.

[9:25] A design review permit and a use permit.

[9:29] In addition to the findings required under the interim zoning ordinance.

[9:35] With that staff recommends that the commission.

[9:38] If the proposed tentative subdivision map use permit and design review permit.

[9:42] And find the project is exempt from sequa. Thank you.

[9:46] Thank you.

[9:58] Okay. Are there any questions for staff?

[10:02] Do you have any questions?

[10:04] Probably got a late correspondence the other day from a concerned neighbor regarding the environmental impact.

[10:11] Can you speak to that a little bit as to why this falls within the sequa exemption?

[10:16] Yes. So we review this project with the city's transportation planner and the project.

[10:23] Sorted out both based on its location and being below the VMT thresholds that apply in Napa.

[10:32] But also, screens out when you combine both this parcel with the neighboring projects to the north.

[10:39] Regardless.

[10:44] I think furthermore, there's an attachment 10 that we go into detail of how the project doesn't raise any significant impacts.

[10:54] And meet the criteria of a class 32 exemption.

[10:57] And how it doesn't meet any of the exceptions to for the categorical exemption.

[11:04] Okay. In case there were watching I just wanted that person to have some assurance.

[11:10] Thank you.

[11:12] Will we be applicant be providing a presentation?

[11:15] Yes. Not a presentation, but I'm a short discussion.

[11:21] Okay.

[11:28] I'm Chris Russell. Part of the ownership group of the capital capital.

[11:34] And I don't have much to say. Just wanted to come up and introduce myself and let you know.

[11:39] I'm here today answering any questions.

[11:41] I did just have a couple of things I wanted to mention.

[11:44] I do thank you guys for reviewing the project, the commission.

[11:47] I also wanted to extend appreciation to planning staff for all that they gave us throughout the process.

[11:54] I was very, I would say, surprised at the collaborative nature that we experienced during the process with you guys.

[12:04] So it was really appreciative of that.

[12:07] Just want to point out a couple of things that you may have already seen as your viewing project that.

[12:15] I think are just weren't important to us.

[12:17] So number one, these homes compared to some of the homes in the neighborhood of the surrounding streets are a little larger.

[12:23] This square footage is slightly larger than what you find in the neighboring in the neighborhood around.

[12:29] And the reason for that was it's really important for us.

[12:33] And we've seen this a lot as we've built homes in of the California as a lot of the buyers are very interested in finding homes where they can settle down and stick around for a long time.

[12:45] So we're trying to design homes where our residents can age in place.

[12:50] And so when we place, when we design those homes we try to get the master suite on the ground floor and with the master suite on the ground floor naturally the footprint of the home.

[12:59] It does end up larger.

[13:01] And so the square footage, you know, likewise increases.

[13:04] So that was one unique thing.

[13:06] Another thing that we was important to us was that we really wanted to pay tribute to the history of Napa and particularly the architectural history of Napa.

[13:17] And I know that everybody in this room is aware of the unique architecture and especially in downtown.

[13:27] You know obviously the Victorians are beautiful homes craftsmen, arts and crafts even some story book really good representations.

[13:36] And so it was important to design homes that kind of to the extent that we could create an authentic representation of those.

[13:47] Those design elements.

[13:49] And so you'll see that there are because of that.

[13:53] Our elevations, our floor plans are really unique compared to a lot of what's getting built in Napa today.

[13:58] So that's really all I have.

[14:01] Happy again answer any questions you guys have.

[14:04] But that's pretty good job.

[14:06] Thank you.

[14:08] Does anybody have any questions for the applicant at this time?

[14:11] No.

[14:13] Okay.

[14:14] I'm going to open for public comment.

[14:15] My redo we have any public comment cards.

[14:17] I didn't receive any, but I do believe there are a few members of the public that wish to speak.

[14:22] Come on up.

[14:27] Hey, my name is Sean Hughes.

[14:28] I live at 910 Shelbert Court, which is in the Jason property to the 808 capital of property.

[14:35] I'm here to urge the planning commission to reject the recommendation that the 808 capital of drive development is exempt from.

[14:43] The staff analysis is fundamentally flawed because it analyzes this proposed development in isolation and not in conjunction with a similar proposed development on a similar timeline at an adjacent law at 804 capital.

[14:58] No one is the hardest.

[15:00] Village subdivision 2, where an additional 9 homes have received tentative approval for development. The staff analysis recommends a

[15:08] sequence exemption, however, sequela expressly states that the exemptions cannot be considered if the cumulative impacts for multiple projects have not been properly analyzed.

[15:19] Not only does the staff analysis not address the cumulative impacts from adjacent lots being developed for 17 additional homes, possibly even simultaneously.

[15:28] It barely even references the tentative approval at 804 Capitola, which I have to say was a process right with its own massive irregularities, especially pertaining to public notification and the ownership of the property by a commission member.

[15:43] Both of these proposals 804 and 808 Capitola essentially maximize the housing density of 2 small lots.

[15:52] The reality is that adding 17 homes would have massive impacts on traffic, parking, noise, the environment and the quality of life for the current residents in the neighborhood.

[16:03] The job of this commission is to represent nap at residents and not developers. The commission should not rush to advance proposals from developers without due consideration for current residents.

[16:14] Follow the law and reject this poorly formed recommendation for a sequel waiver. Thank you.

[16:19] Thank you.

[16:20] Hi, my name is Noah. I live at 925 Cheloper Court, the direct neighbor behind the proposed data weight capitola.

[16:35] I would also like to encourage you to reject the current proposal for a sequel exemption.

[16:42] Similar to what Sean just mentioned, it doesn't take into account the fact that both of these projects are happening at the same time, and it also doesn't take into account.

[16:53] Well, my personal experience with the developers and the landowners so far.

[17:00] I've had multiple issues with them. They've had illegal parking lots in both of those sections.

[17:06] I believe it's a conflict of interest and I'm glad Lisa left, but it's a conflict of interest to have one of the owners here on the commission.

[17:15] They've opened the two lots together. I believe about a year and a half ago last bottle rock they had cars.

[17:22] They had the lot open so clearly the two of the two lots are working together and are very friendly at the very least.

[17:29] I think that this shows a clear conflict of interest in kind of what is happening.

[17:35] And yeah, I would just encourage you to kind of look at things in a holistic sense and really look at what's happening.

[17:44] Thank you.

[17:45] Hello, my name is Marianne Elzworth. I live at one capital record.

[17:56] So if you can take the overhead view of the neighborhood that has the streets.

[18:03] The property, you see that big pond there. I have questions about drainage and the water that could potentially flood across and has in previous years when the rain has been torrential that pond overflowed.

[18:27] And the infill that I don't know whether it was legal or illegally happening on 808 to build up for the bottle rock parking has overloaded the drains.

[18:42] And I've noticed the last big rain we had the drain, the water is coming up through the drains and my property.

[18:49] So I want there to be consideration about what happens with that water. I believe it's supposed to go from the pond under so we're on a trail. I don't know all the specifics.

[19:01] And then also connecting capital to drive, you know, you'll be putting a lot of traffic on those streets that right now can't even accommodate to a traffic because people are parking on the streets.

[19:12] Because those neighborhoods are old and were built for having cars parked on the streets. So I think there needs to be more consideration before this is approved.

[19:25] Thank you.

[19:27] Does anybody else wish to speak?

[19:30] No, seeing their normal requests to speak is our motion to close public comment.

[19:36] So moved second all those in favor by my public comments closed.

[19:44] Does anybody have any questions for staff for the applicant?

[19:47] Can we ask the applicant to speak to the drainage issue that was raised by Marian.

[19:52] Good evening. Chair, we sell RSA plus.

[20:06] Do we have a, I don't know what plan you have, Paul, that we could show that he shows at least a site plan that might work.

[20:13] So the drainage is kind of unique in this location.

[20:16] There's drainage kind of off to the north there that comes down and there's all kind of empty into the pond including this property now flows towards the pond.

[20:25] I think that pond was, I think it was man made maybe 30, 40 years ago. This is off the property. It's a separate property owner.

[20:32] And so there are numerous pipes that discharge into that pond.

[20:37] This project is doing city standards. We are going to be collecting our run off detaining it to the city standard level and then discharge into the pipe that it disorders into now that does go into the pond.

[20:47] Right, so the, the pond, you know, I can't speak to the pond on whether or not it's how it functions when water gets into there, but we are, we're not adding any more water into the pond that's going there now.

[20:56] So we're meeting the city standard and just charging into the pond.

[21:00] So to clarify, basically, the existing condition of the pond is not being improved, but it is not necessarily being made worse either.

[21:16] That's great.

[21:17] And I did want to clarify to one of the earlier pieces where there are eight lots here, and there's also a separate lot, or I think it says parcel either, so that's a, like a common lot, so that is there is a number lot that's there.

[21:31] And then you see the driveway off to the, the south. So there will be a, there's an easement for that driveway to access that detached garage on lot.

[21:38] But that's six there eight eight. Oh yeah, that's six further eight. So the easement over parcel A is to so there is there's eight lots plus the open space parcel.

[21:52] Thank you.

[21:54] Can I ask a question.

[21:57] There, your subdivision creates the eight residential lots and then the lot that shown is the bio retention lot is that correct.

[22:08] Does it, what does it do with the area that constitutes the private drive?

[22:16] What does it do with the area that, as far as what? Well, would that retain, would that stay in the ownership of the current property owner, or would it be combined with the other common lot, or what happens to that, who, who becomes the owner of the public.

[22:38] That's the private drive. That's the question. So I, you know, I'll guess what Chris might say, but I mean, I would think that like the, the easement over there and the person who has the driveway that easement.

[22:49] That would be their maintenance, you know, be prescribed like in the CC and ours of some sort that that driveway maintenance is not for that just a driveway that that garage is not the responsibility of the whole eight.

[23:00] It's just the responsibility of, there'll be something on that easement that is there's to maintain.

[23:05] So the eight, the lots, then they, that you're creating run to the center line of the private drive.

[23:15] I think you guys are talking about two different things, Jeremy's talking about the driveway is bigger talking about the street.

[23:21] I'm talking, yeah, the, the hammer, the T area on that map.

[23:27] Okay, so I thought you're talking about the, the bio. If we move over to the street now, so that the parcel.

[23:35] The street out, not capitol was right.

[23:38] The private street that, that, that shape like a horizontal T there.

[23:44] Yeah, who's going to be the owner.

[23:47] So that would, that would be part of the, you know, there's going to be some sort of maintenance agreement.

[23:51] I mean, you know, some, I don't want to call it an inch away, but if the maintenance agreement that includes the bio and it includes the proportionate share.

[23:57] Eightths, and it's share of the street maintenance of understood.

[24:01] The city has an issue right now.

[24:07] Well, it's, I think it's just clarifying for the record and more or less than it is.

[24:11] Clarifying for the record that it likely to come as a form of maintenance agreement and reciprocal access agreement.

[24:18] And then the maintenance agreement will speak to the share.

[24:20] Um, between the individual lots is that.

[24:24] How else would you do it? I guess I could be a common space parcel.

[24:29] That's still maintained, you know, equally by the eight owners.

[24:32] Right. And my question really doesn't go to the maintenance. I understand that there'll be a maintenance agreement that addresses the private drive I'm assuming, and the bio retention parcel.

[24:46] Uh, but, uh, there would be then a T-shaped strip of land that nobody owns that isn't conveyed to an HOA or anything like that.

[25:05] Do you have the parcel map? I don't need sure the parcel's like.

[25:09] Uh, I can pull it up. Do you mind putting it on screensaver?

[25:17] Dan, is your question whether the street is also a separate parcel? Yes, or could it, or could it be combined with the bio retention parcel?

[25:27] Uh, the question arises because, uh, who would own that parcel?

[25:36] I understand that the homeowners would enter into an agreement to maintain that parcel.

[25:42] Just like they would with respect to the common bio retention parcel, which I understand the HOA would own.

[25:52] But there's that T-shaped land strip that will be paved and used as a common drive, but the ownership of that strip.

[26:04] Yeah. Right. That's, that's my question.

[26:09] Stumpedum. Do you mind turning it back on? There we go.

[26:24] Right or what usually happens in this situation?

[26:27] So it takes two forms. You can have an an easement where the individual property lines will go out to the street, and then the easement is prescriptive of maintenance obligations.

[26:41] And it's usually explained in such a way that it still takes the form of like an HOA in identifying who's responsible for the cost, who's responsible for maintenance.

[26:50] And at times, it can also be a common space parcel owned by the HOA association and then the maintenance and the CCNRs will identify who's responsible for payment.

[27:02] So can you go to responsible for repair?

[27:05] You go to the coverage sheet inside the first page.

[27:07] So right there in the bottom right there. Like, so that's a, like, can you, I don't think you can zoom in right there right there.

[27:12] And it's that's kind of the clearest easy picture to look at.

[27:15] So I guess, so right now, I guess the answer is like, we're not only to the center of the street, right running just so there's right, so, so I think is point of clarity in the, in the plan it shows a common space parcel at the private street.

[27:31] So, so we'd like to slide a street, I guess like you see clear here, right, so yeah it's just like not it's not owned of the center of the street it's owned.

[27:41] The end of the back of there the curb or whatever it is right.

[27:44] So for purposes of the recorded map and I mean liability does it get glammed on with the bioretention parcel.

[27:57] There will be different language specific to that parcel, but yeah effectively the association that's created.

[28:04] Would assume maintenance ownership and maintenance obligations of both the street and the bioretention so was it really ten parcels was it's technically still an eight lot subdivision with two open space parcels if you will or common ownership parcels.

[28:23] Interesting. Thank you.

[28:25] It's still an eight lot subdivision. Let's just a new one. Right. Right.

[28:30] Thanks a lot Dan.

[28:37] Thank you.

[28:39] That's okay.

[28:41] Are there any other additional questions or comments for the applicant or staff?

[28:45] Yeah, go ahead.

[28:48] Sorry, you may need to come back up.

[28:51] I was hoping that the applicant team could speak to the choice to utilize a hammerhead and.

[29:03] Was it did you look at potentially contacting the adjacent.

[29:09] Property and connecting potentially to the other private drive there.

[29:14] What was the thought process?

[29:17] So we did a couple of things that the roads would not align.

[29:21] So it would you have to jog the road to get it to a line for the center of the street behind it.

[29:27] Also, I'm not sure whether that's an HOA behind us or.

[29:32] Or whether that's another kind of road maintenance agreement set up, but those do tend to be, you know, it's you got to get however many eight neighbors to agree to open this up.

[29:41] And it seemed like it was probably a long show. We did think about it. We talked about it.

[29:46] But it would have been great for our side of the roads aligned. It would have been super efficient.

[29:50] Really it came down to the hammerhead or.

[29:53] Or a cold sack and we ultimately went with the hammerhead. We requested to go with the hammerhead because we wanted to.

[30:00] The width of the cold sack really eats into a lot of number 7 there. And with the pretty significant change in the topography of the site, the change in grade, it made it hard to get, we were interested in creating housing for the city of Africa, and that would have eliminated one of the parcels.

[30:23] So, even then, the grading would have been challenging to get that large and flat area set up in the middle of the site, so that's why we chose to go with Amber.

[30:33] Okay, I understand, just in general, Amber has not my favorite, and I would have loved to have seen connectivity, but if that wasn't an option, I understand.

[30:43] I'd also recognize that you're willing to enjoy eliminating, in that case, one to two parcels and one to two homes, so definitely respect that, just wanting to clarification.

[30:53] Thank you.

[30:55] Can someone from staff speak to Noah and Sean's concern of the cumulative lots? I can see.

[31:05] So it's very likely actually with the combination of the two would still benefit from an infill exemption.

[31:11] It's important to note that the general plan I identified potential density abilities, so it perceived a residential density that would actually be higher than this subdivision allows.

[31:26] Really, parts of this size don't typically raise to certain impacts that would be significant unavoidable, nor would they raise in this instance to evidence that impacts that need to be mitigated at all.

[31:44] So it's important to recognize that the projects aren't successive in the form of a cumulative, because they are independent projects that have been entitled independent timelines.

[31:58] But assuming that there's still the ability based on the size of the properties to benefit from an infill exemption, because that extends up to five acres and size.

[32:10] It's also important to note from a transportation standpoint, because there have been other comments received about parking within the general neighborhood and the impacts to the neighborhood based on other projects, so the other projects aren't on the agenda, but parking and itself is not in environmental impact.

[32:28] But when you look at the benefit of the capital of drive extension, our traffic engineer likes to put it in the frame of mind of like a sprinkler system with one sprinkler and the pressure that feeds into one sprinkler.

[32:43] And when you start adding sprinkler heads or adding opportunities for different access points, it actually relieves pressure onto the roadway systems.

[32:53] But I think in summary that hasn't been any substantial evidence submitted on the record to conclude that an infill exemption is not appropriate.

[33:03] Thank you.

[33:05] Public comments closed.

[33:09] Are there any other questions for staff or the applicant?

[33:18] It's important to note that they can speak if the chair is willing to give them the opportunity.

[33:27] Yes, you may speak. One more time. One more time. Let's go.

[33:32] I just wanted to ask a question because you specifically said it's very likely that it wouldn't raise to the thing isn't that exactly what sequence design to do is to study this and determine whether or not it does raise to that level.

[33:45] And without without being able to do the study, how do you like I know you can say it's very likely that it won't, but that's what sequence design to do and doesn't sequence specifically say that when there are multiple projects you shouldn't take them in isolation and that you should take them all together.

[34:04] It looks into cumulative projects that are deemed successive projects and so successive is actually a very narrow definition.

[34:16] Yeah, the cumulative provisions that I think you're referring to in the sequence guidelines that provide an exception to the application of an exemption is not in your head, right?

[34:33] Yeah, staff have actually evaluated the project they put the two parcels together and even together they qualify for the exemption.

[34:48] So the exemption provides for five acre developments that meet the general plan standards and the exemptions are actually very strictly construed.

[35:06] So while you could argue that, you know, you should win and doubt do more environmental.

[35:21] On the other hand, exemptions are intended to streamline the process and the city could be subject to challenge for not applying this particular exemption.

[35:33] Because if you walk through the categories that are at issue, even the two projects combined together meet every one of the standards.

[35:46] So I mean, staff appears to have correctly evaluated it and it would be as counsel it would be my recommendation that the exemptions apply and of course, you know people are subject to disagree and have their remedies, but staff seems to have done an adequate job here of evaluating.

[36:15] Thank you, Dan and Raider.

[36:19] I have a follow up question for Raider regarding the pond thing again.

[36:23] I know that's a separate parcel, but what is the city's approach to that surface retention on the adjacent parcel? What what happens in general if that pond is problematic.

[36:39] Like if it is subject to backing up into drains as Mrs. Ellsworth mentioned and things like that what.

[36:51] What's the deal with that thing trying to follow so if so storm drainage facilities are usually annually inspected and then have to be maintained and then there are certain obligations to maintenance and those can take different forms.

[37:08] It's primarily on site retention of facilities than you obviously have associations that maintain that and so in this instance you're not looking at any additional drainage than what's already existing but as far as maintenance obligations.

[37:27] I'm really more asking for her edification the parcel that is not part of this application.

[37:34] The response from the applicant which is generally satisfactory to me is we're not making the situation any worse and it's someone else's parcel if it's not a great situation.

[37:45] But as someone who's living next to this where her drains allegedly have a problem from this adjacent pond.

[37:55] What happens there? I know this is a little bit off of track. I'm just trying to like give her something to go on.

[38:06] Understood. What mean see there's usually an independent drainage form of analysis that has to be calculated and prepared and subject to the review of public works department.

[38:18] So to that specific requirement because it falls onto a private property it's through the agreement that's executed between both the association here and that private property owner.

[38:36] So the agreement would outline responsibilities as it pertains to drainage but what I would say is that usually it's it's not to uncommon for certain drainage facilities to feed into other waterways it's just that no additional no net like additional water would feed into those waterways.

[39:03] I mean I just interjects a question just to be clear when I visited the site.

[39:09] And I believe it was already mentioned the pond in question is not a part of this property.

[39:17] So I don't understand why we are having this conversation right now.

[39:23] I'm trying to just give give the I understand but I feel like this is not the planning commissions.

[39:30] I'm sorry I'm sorry I didn't mean to.

[39:32] So it's still drainage as it pertains to this this project so there's there's a portion of this conversation that is subject to the review of the commission.

[39:43] Okay then fantastic I just wanted to make sure that we're not veering from what we are tasked with so apologies for the confusion.

[39:53] I just needed clarity because I again saw the pond the pond looks like it needs some assistance of some kind but yeah so where where can we land here to find a resolution.

[40:09] I don't think there's anything for us to do I just wanted her to have some some thing to take home with her.

[40:15] Got it yeah.

[40:17] That's it thank you I don't want to follow up on that at all.

[40:22] May I not to belabor the point here but if there's an existing condition on that property and it sounds like it's historically been a problem right then I mean the people who are experiencing or suffering from that condition.

[40:41] You know they can come to meetings of the city and voice the concern about the problem that's existing on that parcel and you know I don't know the details of it it could give rise to a nuisance claim or it could give rise to a claim that.

[41:01] The people who own that property aren't managing it correctly or you know there are other remedies and to your point.

[41:11] The project that's before you tonight has done what it's supposed to do so.

[41:19] I don't know if that helps or not.

[41:22] That's very helpful thank you Dan.

[41:25] Does anybody have any additional questions for staff for the applicant.

[41:30] No okay.

[41:32] Bring it back to deliver it.

[41:34] Does anybody want to start.

[41:38] No.

[41:39] I'll start.

[41:42] I think that it is recognized globally that infill housing is necessary critical and mandated by the state.

[41:52] This does accomplish that at less than.

[41:56] The maximum density which could be put here.

[41:59] I commend Paul and the rest of the staff for doing all their diligence to do an excellent job at it.

[42:06] And I support the project.

[42:08] Thank you.

[42:10] Beverly.

[42:11] Commissioner.

[42:16] Apologies for this lingering cough I am not contagious I've had this for two weeks it just won't go away.

[42:23] So apologies I made very well cough during this so apologies in advance.

[42:30] I.

[42:33] And very impressed with the designs the architectural designs blew my mind away.

[42:39] I checked out the the development team the architectural firm.

[42:45] I looked at their portfolio their website was very impressed with their mission statement.

[42:51] I found out what what what drives them to do what they do and what they've done all over the world.

[42:59] And I feel.

[43:02] That we're very fortunate to have this project before us.

[43:06] I love the designs they are in homage to our historic.

[43:10] Jim's.

[43:12] They you know they.

[43:15] They are beautiful they will be beautifully done I'm sure and just in terms of the materials and the design and and the track record of the team.

[43:25] I feel that.

[43:28] The parking situation is this is not presenting a parking problem because they're going beyond their parking standards.

[43:37] We want to talk about the parking problem in the neighborhood.

[43:40] That may be something that you want to lobby the state's legislature because when people put in 80 use and in fill housing parking is no longer required.

[43:50] So that's a whole separate issue but I don't feel that that relates to this project before us.

[43:57] But that is we do have we do have parking issues and they are becoming more problematic as a result of the state's legislature.

[44:06] And what else did I have to say about this.

[44:13] I love that it's a mix of architectural designs that they're not it's not like track housing.

[44:24] And I could go on and on and on about how enamored I am with the actual designs but you get the point I.

[44:33] I don't feel that there's anything negative about this particular subdivision.

[44:38] I think it's creating some wonderful homes in a very unique area and it will probably improve.

[44:45] The values of other you know homes as a result.

[44:51] Thank you.

[44:53] Are you back?

[44:57] I.

[44:58] To not repeat things I'll just say that I.

[45:00] I go comments of my full commissioners. And despite my comments about the connectivity east and west, ultimately, this area, in terms of the street grid, it's not really actually, I'm going to grid at this point in this area. So I'm really pleased to see that there'll be further connection with the extension and connection of capital to drive.

[45:26] It's going to be not just a benefit to the folks that reside in this subdivision, but the entire area, and definitely a step in the right direction in my opinion, in terms of improving accessibility and connectivity in this part of the city and architecture is great. And I support the project.

[45:44] Thank you.

[45:46] I echo a lot of what the fellow commissioners have said, especially the connectivity of capital to drive infill housing for us is fantastic.

[45:55] There was some emotions here tonight, and then the emails that we received.

[45:59] So I just want to strongly encourage the applicant and the development team to continue engaging constructively and transparently with the surrounding neighbors.

[46:08] The success of the project is not only the compliance of the regulations that design, but also how it integrates with the existing community.

[46:16] But this is a fantastic project, and I'm excited to see it be built.

[46:21] All right, shall we search? Anybody want to make a motion?

[46:28] I can't get through it.

[46:32] Thank you.

[46:36] Okay.

[46:38] I move that we forward a recommendation to city council to adopt a resolution, approving a tentative subdivision map and design review permit to divide the parcel into

[46:50] eight single family lots with detached single family residential homes.

[46:54] And associated site and landscape improvements, including retaining walls over three feet in height and one parcel containing the sites shared by a retention facility.

[47:02] And a use permit of the creation of two flag lots and the application of small lot development standards for property located at 808 capital drive and determining that the project is exempt from sequence.

[47:15] Thank you.

[47:17] Second, second, only favor.

[47:19] Aye.

[47:20] Motion passes.

[47:21] Congratulations.

[47:23] All right.

[47:25] There are no administrative reports.

[47:30] There are any comments by commissioners and or staff.

[47:36] Take vitamins and supplements.

[47:39] Rest well.

[47:40] Drink plenty of water.

[47:42] Don't get what I had.

[47:45] Well, thank you for still coming tonight.

[47:48] Sorry for jumping in there with the public comment closed thing.

[47:53] Reactionary didn't want to open a debate with staff in the public forum like that, but I think it was fine.

[47:59] I thought that was so thoughtful of you.

[48:01] And I always appreciate that we do acknowledge the letters.

[48:05] And I just I just started feeling that it was beyond.

[48:10] What we were.

[48:12] Test with so apologies if I came across as the.

[48:17] I think it's the it's the horseness in my voice that doesn't give that sweet quality is.

[48:23] You know, inquiring.

[48:26] Any other comments.

[48:28] No.

[48:29] Just.

[48:30] It's very well said.

[48:31] Thank you.

[48:32] Thank you.

[48:33] Great.

[48:34] All right.

[48:35] I think we have somebody at the audience.

[48:37] Okay, I'm going to say, Molly.

[48:38] Again, community resources and development director.

[48:40] I'm sure writer has some updates for you.

[48:43] It's he prepares every, every time for you.

[48:45] But.

[48:46] You received an email from me, but I just wanted to formally in this meeting.

[48:49] Congratulations right.

[48:51] On his appointment to the planning manager position.

[48:54] Officially.

[48:55] As you saw in my email.

[48:58] It was a open city.

[49:01] Open recruitment.

[49:04] We had lots of qualified applicants.

[49:05] applicants writer had to go through three interview processes which is you can imagine as an internal

[49:09] candidate it can be a little bit nerve-wracking and did a fantastic job and has really shown

[49:14] us through both his interim stint and his years here at the city that he's such an asset to the

[49:22] city so I'm thrilled to appoint him to that position and well he officially starts the role

[49:27] on Monday we we're calling in the planning manager already so congratulations congratulations

[49:33] and with that writer do you have anything to report for us just a couple not not too many today

[49:41] will just want to to to remind well to bring attention to the fact that there's still ongoing

[49:48] efforts in the outreach to assist with a bottle rock operations as businesses like to expand

[49:55] and the city likes to provide an opportunity for them to expand within reason

[50:01] and in a safe manner so in through consultation with planning staff economic development

[50:07] fire police department in working with businesses giving them an opportunity to

[50:13] to do that given the additional foot traffic that that bottle rock brings

[50:21] the other aspect is do have some some projects still coming on their horizon with the agenda for

[50:29] cast some pretty notable projects so continue to follow the agenda for cast if you do have any

[50:37] time conflicts or any other conflicts with those projects just let us know in advance because we

[50:43] we like to schedule and and at times applications they like to to see a full body in the planning

[50:49] commission to to understand especially if projects can can be contentious and not saying that

[50:55] contentious projects are on the horizon but just something to note then that's that's pretty

[51:01] much it for tonight do you have any comments can I just congratulations and a reminder about the

[51:13] boards and commissions dinner thank you thank you I am going to take the moment to make a comment

[51:19] because may is mental health awareness month and I serve on the stewardship committee for

[51:25] mentis which is a local nonprofit organization that provides critical mental health services to the

[51:31] members of our community and one of the main focuses this year is our youth especially as our school

[51:37] district continues to face funding cuts that impacts mental health resources and support services that

[51:42] they used to receive and the statistics surrounding our local youth struggling with feelings of hopelessness

[51:48] worthlessness and suicidal thoughts are staggering and deeply concerning so I encourage everyone

[51:54] to visit mentis's website at mentisnap.org to learn more about the work they do and how you can

[52:00] support and get involved in their important efforts and I also urge the members of our community to

[52:05] continue checking in on one another especially our young people and to help foster culture we're

[52:10] seeking mental health support is encouraged and mental health is treated with the care and attention that

[52:15] it deserves and that is all I have to say thank you this meeting is adjourned and we will meet again

[52:21] on June 4th as the May 21st 2026 meeting is scheduled to be canceled thank you

Planning Commission

Agenda

Transcript