[1:47] Chair Price: This commission is called to order at 630.
[1:50] Would you call the roll?
[1:54] [Reading names]
[2:07] Would you please join us for the Pledge of Allegiance?
[2:14] [Reciting Pledge of Allegiance]
[2:38] At this time we have no cards that are brought forward clerk?
[2:46] Nothing on the comment cards?
[3:01] >> No comments.
[3:03] Chair Price: Thank you.
[3:09] So at this time we will have comments from the public.
[3:14] I have two cards that are submitted.
[3:16] You have three minutes to respond.
[3:18] I will call you up to the podium Here.
[3:23] Kathy Ashford is the first one to come up and make
[3:30] a presentation.
[3:41] >> I just don't think it's a good idea to have a liquor store
[3:43] next to a senior building.
[3:45] I don't think that alcohol should be sold there and brought
[3:53] on the premises and it's going to attract all kind of people
[3:58] and it's just for the safety and well-being for seniors
[4:01] that are living there.
[4:03] That's my take.
[4:08] I hope I'm presenting this properly.
[4:12] Because there's a lot of homeless people coming around
[4:17] and sleeping around there and doing all kinds of weird things.
[4:21] So I think alcohol being sold would be a nuisance.
[4:28] Is that it?
[4:33] Chair Price: When we have this come up on the agenda later
[4:37] would you like to come up and make comments about this?
[4:39] We will be -- this is for stuff not on the agenda.
[4:45] There are no other public comments
[4:48] on items that are not on the agenda.
[4:50] We will now move to The consent calendar.
[5:06] I would someone like to make a motion on the consent calendar?
[5:14] >> I will make a motion to approve the consent calendar.
[5:26] Chair Price: Please take the roll clerk.
[5:31] [Reading names]
[5:48] We now move to public hearings.
[5:50] The first one is on the library center.
[6:06] >> I think they're loading up the Powerpoint.
[6:14] Thank you.
[6:16] Good evening chair and commissioners.
[6:19] Next on the agenda is a design review
[6:23] for the proposed community center located at Main Street.
[6:29] Before I begin I just wanted to say how excited I
[6:33] am to present this project to you all not just on my behalf
[6:38] but on behalf of all the staff, the leadership
[6:41] team friends of the Oakley Library City Council past
[6:45] and present and residents who all envisioned this library
[6:51] and have taken part in the various steps along the way.
[6:55] As you know this is one of the biggest projects
[6:57] the city has taken part in in quite a long time.
[7:01] And we are all just excited about it.
[7:04] But with that being said I will start my Powerpoint.
[7:12] If the control works.
[7:23] Next slide please.
[7:26] So as you know the project site is here at our Civic Center
[7:32] site on Main Street.
[7:34] Next slide please.
[7:36] Surrounding uses include single family residences
[7:41] to the east and south and city Hall
[7:44] to the west and commercial shopping
[7:47] to the north of Main Street.
[7:49] This application is requesting approval of a variance
[7:54] for the proposed library and community center.
[7:58] Originally the proposed library was going to be a new single
[8:03] story approximately 13,000ft².
[8:06] And this library was meant to replace the existing
[8:10] library that shares a space with the library at Freedom High
[8:14] School.
[8:15] Some updated plans after publication of the notice
[8:19] of public hearing the project team in conjunction with city
[8:22] management agreed on a minor modification on square footage
[8:25] that reduced overall square footage of the project by adding
[8:29] approximately 500ft² of interior space and reducing the covered
[8:32] exterior space.
[8:34] The changes to the square footage of the library
[8:37] and community center would result in approximately 13,030
[8:40] square foot building which approximately is 12,000ft²
[8:44] for the building.
[8:47] A little over 1000ft² exterior space.
[8:53] The overall building design and layout
[8:57] does remain unchanged for Mac existing conditions at the site
[9:03] here as you see is relatively flat.
[9:07] There's a zone on the vacant parcel south heading up
[9:11] towards the property lines south to the residential properties.
[9:16] The site is developed with city park
[9:20] and associated improvements including the amphitheater stage
[9:23] area bathroom and parking and roadways.
[9:26] The site south to City Park is currently
[9:31] utilized as a staging area for city vehicles, vehicle parking
[9:36] for other equipment that we have and storage of other equipment.
[9:43] A little background as previously mentioned the Oakley
[9:47] Library shares approximately 3000ft² of space within the high
[9:53] school library and was originally intended
[9:56] as a temporary facility.
[9:59] The proposed facility is intended
[10:02] to serve as the new permanent library and community resource
[10:06] building for Oakley residents.
[10:08] This project will bring a highly anticipated building library
[10:12] to the heart of downtown Oakley.
[10:15] I won't go through the entire background
[10:19] as I previously mentioned since we became
[10:23] a city I think we have envisioned
[10:25] having our own library but most recently in 2023 efforts
[10:29] to have that library built and brought forth began.
[10:36] Many of the dates show meetings that staff
[10:41] has had with City Council common design
[10:45] and envisioning meetings with the public and other meetings
[10:51] to discuss financing and things of that sort.
[10:54] That ramped up in 2023.
[10:59] So what we have before you is we have a design review
[11:03] for the proposed library and community center
[11:05] which includes evaluation of the site parking and circulation
[11:10] landscaping and architectural design of the building
[11:14] itself an overall consistency with the downtown zoning
[11:18] standards.
[11:19] We also have a variance request for setback variances
[11:23] within the downtown core district
[11:25] which will help a better integrate
[11:28] the library with the surrounding facilities and public spaces.
[11:33] As I mentioned the design review which
[11:36] is required for new above ground buildings
[11:41] we have before you the design review
[11:45] helps the city ensure compliance with applicable standards
[11:49] established by the city's zoning ordinance.
[11:52] Through that design review we review
[11:56] consistency with our parking standards
[11:58] and landscaping and things of that sort as well.
[12:05] Here we have the proposed parking and landscaping layout.
[12:11] The parking layout is envisioned for the southern side
[12:19] of the building which will also tuck it in and bring
[12:22] the building forward in front of you.
[12:25] 45 spaces are proposed including Ada spaces.
[12:31] The site also has a variety of landscaping
[12:35] proposed which includes about 19 trees
[12:39] a mix of shrubs ground covers and other plantings.
[12:43] With those 19 trees we also achieve about a 50% shade
[12:48] coverage for the parking area.
[12:56] Here we see a rendering of what the building would potentially
[13:00] look like.
[13:02] The building is oriented with the primary entrance
[13:05] and Le frontage facing the Civic Center park
[13:09] area with Main Street beyond.
[13:11] The facility is designed as a functional community
[13:14] hub intended to replace the existing Oakley Library.
[13:18] New orientation of the building also
[13:20] helps it be visually prominent and welcoming to the public.
[13:26] The design incorporates articulated roof forms covered
[13:31] exterior areas and extensive glazing
[13:34] to support interest natural daylight and a connection
[13:37] between indoor and outdoor spaces.
[13:40] Exterior materials include metal siding metal roofing
[13:44] and aluminum frame doors and windows and storefront systems.
[13:48] Wood board is incorporated into the design
[13:51] to provide a break in materials.
[13:53] The building's architectural design and material palette
[13:56] are carefully selected to ensure long term
[13:59] durability easy maintenance and civic esthetic that
[14:03] reflects the Oakley community.
[14:06] This is an example of the metal siding proposed
[14:10] for the building and different lighting
[14:12] to provide how it would look at different times of the day
[14:15] or in the shade.
[14:19] As I previously mentioned we also have the variance request.
[14:23] The applicant is seeking variances
[14:25] for the front setback facing east
[14:28] towards the north cross lane.
[14:30] The side setbacks and city park and south towards the existing
[14:37] residential properties and then the rear setback
[14:39] to the west towards City Hall in order
[14:42] to allow for the proposed library to exceed the setback
[14:46] maximums in the Downtown Specific plan in order to create
[14:51] and enhanced library siting that allows minimal disruption
[14:54] to the existing facilities.
[14:56] To grant variance the Planning Commission
[14:59] must make three findings for approval which
[15:02] are outlined in the resolution.
[15:06] The project is exempt from environmental Quality Act
[15:12] pursuant to guideline section 15 in developments.
[15:18] As I previously mentioned draft findings for the designer
[15:22] and variance application can be found
[15:24] in the proposed resolution.
[15:26] As such staff recommends the Planning Commission
[15:29] approved the proposed resolution and variance as conditioned.
[15:36] I would also like to mention that the applicant team
[15:39] or design team is here with a brief presentation that
[15:44] will show some great pictures as well.
[15:46] Thank you.
[15:52] Chair Price: Any questions from the Commission?
[16:00] Commissioner Oliveros: I do have a quick question
[16:02] for the applicant if possible.
[16:04] The design is great.
[16:07] >> We will let them do the presentation.
[16:10] Commissioner Oliveros: I got ahead of myself.
[16:13] I'm too excited.
[16:18] >> Thank you very much for this opportunity.
[16:20] My name is Susie here with the project Architect
[16:24] and together we will walk you through some
[16:26] of the backstory on the design and how we got to this place
[16:31] in our design.
[16:32] This is always the test.
[16:36] Look at that.
[16:37] So part of our process is this gamma to listen and observe
[16:45] and then to design and we've had a great opportunity
[16:48] to do that with your community here.
[16:52] Our process so far has been organized
[16:57] into three phases so far gamma a validation phase which
[17:03] was programing, a concept design phase which was the concept
[17:06] and now we are in design development
[17:08] and that's the point at which we submit for the planning
[17:11] department preview.
[17:14] As a foundational step we began with the spatial programing that
[17:20] includes this great number of meetings you see there,
[17:24] many of them with the library and with city staff,
[17:28] 15 informational interviews where we talk
[17:31] to 26 people in the community.
[17:33] The concept design included all of those meetings there
[17:37] plus three community engagement sessions
[17:40] which were wonderful opportunities for us to hear
[17:43] directly from folks also.
[17:45] And then finally the design development we have done
[17:49] a number of meetings with the library and with the city staff
[17:52] and with our core team and the subsets of that including Parks
[17:58] and Rec, the IT folks, etc..
[18:01] So it's been a pretty inclusive process
[18:04] and it is based on that that we have developed this design
[18:08] starting with project goals.
[18:11] Fundamental project goal for this project
[18:13] that we heard from the community as well as many of you
[18:16] here in this room is that the library and community center
[18:19] should be a welcoming hub where residents of all ages
[18:23] and backgrounds can come together
[18:25] for enrichment and connection.
[18:28] This is a place that will serve as a centerpiece
[18:31] of your downtown Civic Center and it's
[18:34] designed to embody Oakley's family
[18:37] friendly and characteristic supporting collaborative feeling
[18:42] that you get when you visit and you are in this town.
[18:47] And supporting collaboration come
[18:49] a lifelong learning and smart development
[18:52] has been incorporated into our thinking
[18:56] complete with indoor outdoor connections?
[18:59] Cost efficient spatial organization,
[19:04] cost efficient construction methodology.
[19:07] Cost has been at the core of every decision we've made
[19:11] and all of this plus sustainability integrated
[19:15] into a design that's meant to capture the essence.
[19:24] With these goals as our foundation
[19:26] we then went into programing sessions with the city
[19:30] and library staff.
[19:31] We came to a 1200 zero square foot library
[19:34] over half of that is attributed to the library itself
[19:38] and the support spaces and the remainder
[19:41] is for shared community spaces like the large community room
[19:45] and dedicated city spaces also within the plan.
[19:49] So you can see those spaces that are to scale on the left
[19:56] and the spatial adjacency is what
[19:58] should be next to what is in the diagram on the right.
[20:02] We also had the opportunity to spend some time
[20:06] on your site looking and the park is obviously
[20:11] a huge asset to your community life and the city
[20:15] and it's already a great local public gathering
[20:18] space in its own right.
[20:21] We spent some time researching and taking consideration
[20:25] of the environmental factors.
[20:27] We learned things that you already
[20:29] know like it's hot in the summer here.
[20:33] Not so much in the Bay area we will say and it is foggy
[20:37] and chilly in the winter and this site
[20:40] offers this excellent orientation opportunity
[20:43] for north facing natural Daylit library spaces and community
[20:48] spaces and a south facing move for mounting
[20:55] arrays for electricity.
[20:57] We also map the site's critical landscape elements.
[21:02] You have some tremendous trees come on that beautiful oak
[21:07] heritage tree there on the Western side of the site come
[21:11] a vehicular and pedestrian circulation patterns
[21:14] and these outlook opportunities from the library site itself
[21:18] all of which complement and work well together
[21:21] except for your existing bandshell and restroom building
[21:27] and we were delighted when we were given the green light
[21:30] by city staff and council to remove and replace those two
[21:35] components as part of this project which we think
[21:38] is great news for the project and for the park.
[21:41] In our analysis we also recognize the importance
[21:45] of that pedestrian connector that
[21:47] goes from City Hall and then the paths that
[21:51] go through the park towards the City Hall or Main Street
[21:56] all of which are very important.
[21:58] With input from the city staff we
[22:02] are proposing that the vehicular traffic be one way moving
[22:08] east to west to kind of cut off the tendency for people
[22:14] to use the shortcut through that parking lot that would be south
[22:19] of the library site making it more pedestrian
[22:23] friendly and safer.
[22:26] And we spent some time on your delta really
[22:30] taking that in and understanding what that's about
[22:33] and what that feels like as a way
[22:36] to figure out how we might incorporate
[22:38] the feeling of the delta into this library design which
[22:42] takes us to design.
[22:43] This is a plan you have seen and you're probably
[22:47] familiar with now as mentioned the design approach is
[22:51] to place that new building tight towards that central walkway
[22:57] as we've been calling it and with a grand porch
[23:02] that looks out towards the central pavilion which
[23:06] now sweeps across this design instead of being a three
[23:11] quarter or two thirds it is now a full half circle
[23:15] that sweeps across the northern side of the park opening
[23:19] that up for your wonderful special Friday
[23:23] night and weekend events you have on this site.
[23:26] In the building itself gamma the shared spaces for the city
[23:31] and city spaces are on the left in blue
[23:34] and the library public spaces are in orange with the library
[23:39] operations in that pink band that's on the bottom
[23:42] and you can see the parking lot in that plan.
[23:48] So the approach we adopted for bringing the delta in
[23:54] was the sense you get when you're on the delta
[23:56] there's the open water and then there's
[23:59] that wonderful magical transition between the Delta's
[24:03] edge and solid ground.
[24:05] We brought that thinking into the site plan.
[24:15] Our approach here is the amphitheater
[24:20] if you will is open water and that
[24:23] transitions through this rich variety of spaces which
[24:26] is the pavilion gamma Delta inspired landscaping
[24:31] that big grand front porch and into the reading
[24:34] room with these glorious north facing windows
[24:37] and there's that south facing roof
[24:40] that you can now generate electricity
[24:43] for this all electric project.
[24:48] And here is the rendering you've seen before.
[24:54] The library is on the left side and the community room
[24:59] is on the left side and the pavilion is right in the middle
[25:03] and behind that is the main porch and the entry
[25:07] into the library, one of the two entries into the library.
[25:13] And here is the site plan.
[25:18] Chris will talk about the floor plan here in a minute
[25:20] but you can see there's the reconfigured amphitheater,
[25:23] the pavilion right there pushing out into the amphitheater
[25:28] zone, the rich landscaping on either side of the walkway that
[25:33] takes you to the porch and takes you into the lobby and community
[25:40] center rooms.
[25:42] With that I will let Chris walk us through the plan.
[26:00] >> I know we are limited at times so I will cover this
[26:02] at a bit of a high level.
[26:04] We have our shared entry hall in yellow
[26:06] which allows access for the building from both park
[26:09] side to the north and also the parking lot side to the south
[26:13] which puts you in that same central hall
[26:15] and then everything is accessed off of that.
[26:18] As you mentioned you have the library programing
[26:21] on the right which is in red.
[26:24] Specifically located the adults teens and children's area
[26:28] against that northern side which is
[26:31] right against the large windows that face the park's
[26:34] so you can see what else the community is doing
[26:38] and also get views of the great greenery and surrounds.
[26:43] Similarly on the left hand side of the plan
[26:45] we have community spaces in city spaces and the main program
[26:50] being that community room that similarly
[26:52] is right against the north side double doors that open out
[26:57] to the patio so it kind of enhances this connection as
[27:01] much as possible.
[27:03] I just want to bring up a few changes
[27:07] we made since the community outreach sessions.
[27:10] We heard a few different things which we have tried
[27:13] to incorporate into the plan.
[27:15] One was is there any way we can make the library any bigger
[27:19] given the limited scope and budget and we were able to push
[27:23] the glass wall just about eight feet which got us that 500ft²
[27:30] behind us and the library is super excited about that and we
[27:34] are excited to just give that little bit of generosity
[27:37] into the plan.
[27:37] We also heard a lot of feedback about making that area bigger.
[27:46] So we have reworked the Bookstacks a little bit
[27:49] to provide more seating for the teens
[27:51] and also provide some seating with the stacks
[27:54] next to it that can serve as a overflow.
[28:00] In the children's area we heard a bit about wanting sensory play
[28:04] and rotary has donated panels that we
[28:08] will go into that section.
[28:11] And then lastly we heard comments about the exterior
[28:15] bathrooms where those are best located
[28:17] and we have moved those to the southeast corner of the building
[28:21] with a path directly to the playground area which
[28:25] was a big concern for parents.
[28:30] Here is just a taste of -- these aren't fully developed but gives
[28:35] you an idea of the spaces in the community room.
[28:39] It will have an exposed wood structure
[28:40] to provide warmth inside alongside a wood
[28:43] ceiling and those full height windows
[28:47] on two sides of the community room to the greenery beyond.
[28:52] This is looking from the adult section, the adult seating
[28:58] area along the glass wall and then the covered porch
[29:01] as well both defined by a slightly lower roof that
[29:05] is a more human scale next to the grander scale.
[29:14] And then the kids area similarly is against that large glass wall
[29:20] so you can get a good sense of daylight and view to the outside
[29:24] then there's the sensory panels.
[29:29] For exterior materials durability and low maintenance
[29:38] and affordability we're kind of the main drivers here
[29:43] so we're choosing a metal siding that does that.
[29:51] A big generous roof that provides
[29:55] shade and then again indoor outdoor connection.
[30:00] We talked about this a little bit.
[30:04] This is just another photo of the exterior materials
[30:08] we are proposing.
[30:10] It's a pretty neutral palette that
[30:12] allows plants surrounding it to really take the forefront
[30:15] and have their shadows get cast against this more
[30:19] neutral palette.
[30:20] In the middle siding there is the main siding
[30:23] that goes towards the park and has a slight pattern that
[30:26] captures the light and also reflects
[30:28] a little bit of the surrounding nature similar to the water
[30:32] in the Delta which is kind of a reflection back.
[30:40] So here is what we are calling the Paseo which
[30:45] is a path from North Cross to City Hall.
[30:48] You can see the dome in the background.
[30:49] You can see the rich variety of small intimate seating
[30:54] areas and larger seating areas beyond the plant palette that
[30:59] references the Delta, reedy plants and grasses and then
[31:04] trees and large overhangs for shade.
[31:06] This is an image of the new pavilion which
[31:11] serves the functions you guys had before for performances
[31:15] and movies, concerts but it also adds this other level
[31:20] of programing where it can be for picnics or small gatherings.
[31:24] An event on Saturday so it opens up
[31:28] new possibilities for the park.
[31:31] And finally just an overview aerial of the park
[31:36] with the new library.
[31:38] So thank you all and I'm ready to take any questions.
[31:49] >> Thank you.
[31:51] >> Any questions for the applicant?
[31:57] Commissioner Oliveros: First and foremost thank you very much.
[32:00] I am very excited about this and I
[32:02] did attend one of the planning sessions
[32:04] so as I was hearing your feedback I said good
[32:07] that they are adding this.
[32:09] I think what makes anything successful is that you get input
[32:12] from the community to make sure that it benefits it.
[32:15] And also that it's aligned with our mission and vision which
[32:19] it truly is.
[32:20] One question I did have on the design
[32:24] were two questions I know this is just a sample
[32:29] but just to confirm this park will
[32:31] be staying the same correct?
[32:41] >> I'll answer that.
[32:42] So you're talking about the playground portion?
[32:49] >> My second question is one of the feedback that I did have
[32:53] and it is for the pavilion area where it will be performing is
[33:01] it incorporating the sound and lighting already?
[33:05] Because it's currently set up now at night time
[33:08] we have a very hard time listening to the sound and
[33:12] or the lighting.
[33:14] When it's start time we can't really
[33:16] see what's going on on the stage so I
[33:18] know that's something that was asked in the feedback session
[33:21] so I don't know if that was reconsidered or considered.
[33:28] >> I don't know if that building gets into this amount of detail
[33:32] but definitely some feedback we'd be happy to take back
[33:35] to the city management and I'm sure those are elements that
[33:39] they are talking about when we rebuild that amphitheater.
[33:44] Commissioner Oliveros: That was it for me.
[33:47] Thank you.
[33:50] Chair Price: No other questions?
[33:51] I will now close the public hearing for deliberation.
[33:54] Would any commissioner like to make a motion?
[34:10] [Reading names]
[34:23] The motion passes.
[34:30] Chair Price: We are now moving to item 4.2.
[34:55] >> Thank you.
[34:56] The next item on tonight's agenda
[34:57] is the main street liquor use permit.
[35:02] The property is located south of Main Street with the Oakley Town
[35:07] Center to the west and the Edgewood Drive to the east.
[35:11] Here is a map that shows the surrounding neighborhood
[35:22] in the area where the supermarket grocery
[35:25] store will be located.
[35:27] A little background the parcel currently consists
[35:34] of a three story 130 unit age restricted and affordable
[35:39] senior apartment complex with a one story 5667
[35:44] square foot commercial space that fronts Main Street.
[35:48] The General Plan designation is commercial
[35:52] and zoning is general commercial as well.
[35:55] The property is surrounded by residential and commercial uses
[35:59] and the grocery store supermarket proposes to operate
[36:05] from 7:30 a.m.
[36:06] To 10 p.m.
[36:07] Seven days a week.
[36:09] The applicant is requesting approval of a use permit
[36:14] to sell distilled spirits alongside other grocery store
[36:17] slash supermarket offerings including
[36:20] fruits vegetables and snacks.
[36:23] No physical changes are proposed for the exterior of this site
[36:28] or a change in product inventory.
[36:31] The distilled spirits would be located
[36:34] within an approximately eight by ten foot shelf
[36:37] space behind the secure customer service counter only accessible
[36:41] to an employee.
[36:43] Why do we have a conditional use permit?
[36:52] They sell those spirits for off site consumption
[36:54] have been interpreted as liquor stores
[36:57] under the Oakley Municipal Code and pursuant to that code
[36:59] section require a conditional use permit
[37:01] to establish this use.
[37:04] The proposed project conforms to the required findings
[37:08] for approval in the Oakland Municipal Code
[37:10] partly due to its limited scope and permitted
[37:13] use of the supermarket grocery store.
[37:18] The required findings for conditional use permits
[37:21] are primarily concerned with ensuring quality site
[37:24] development when a new business is constructed
[37:27] and that the adjacent infrastructure
[37:28] is able to accommodate the new land use.
[37:33] The small size of the shelf space dedicated to the distilled
[37:37] spirits helps address the concern expressed
[37:40] within the municipal code.
[37:41] Furthermore the applicant would integrate the new use
[37:46] into broader displays within the grocery store.
[37:51] With liquor purchases occurring at the point of sale
[37:55] counter like other items.
[38:00] The project is categorically exempt from the requirements
[38:05] pursuant to section 15 301 existing facilities.
[38:09] And staff is recommending the Planning Commission adopt
[38:13] the resolution approving 2603 Main Street Liquor 2026-001
[38:19] as commissioned.
[38:22] Thank you.
[38:35] Chair Price: Any questions from the Planning Commission?
[38:42] >> I have a couple of questions but I recommend we have that
[38:45] members of the public feedback on this.
[38:53] Chair Price: Are there any comments
[38:55] from the applicant that would like to come forward and speak
[39:00] to this?
[39:08] >> The applicant is here but I don't think they have a full
[39:10] presentation.
[39:11] They're just here if there are any questions by the Commission.
[39:15] Thank you.
[39:19] Chair Price: This time I have two public comment
[39:21] cards of people who would like to speak
[39:23] and the first one is Kathy Ashford.
[39:38] >> Again I will say that I think alcohol would be a nuisance
[39:43] for seniors and could attract who knows what type
[39:51] of environment is going to be coming and I'm not trying
[39:53] to have a biased attitude but I just don't think it's a good
[39:56] place for seniors.
[39:58] We try to live a quiet life and I
[40:03] think it would probably draw a lot of different kind of people
[40:06] especially with alcohol on Friday nights seven days a week.
[40:16] So the same response I said earlier
[40:19] that I think it would be a nuisance.
[40:22] Thank you.
[40:29] Chair Price: We have one other public comment Lynda Carter.
[40:40] >> Good evening.
[40:41] I didn't know I would be talking either.
[40:43] I just wanted to reiterate what my predecessor said
[40:46] about the fact that with the people that
[40:49] moved in there have moved in there for it
[40:51] to be a quiet place to relax and at a certain time of the evening
[40:56] it's quiet and there isn't a lot of traffic or noise
[40:59] and especially the people that live on the north
[41:01] side of the building it's going to face the parking lot.
[41:05] These are the people that are coming into this
[41:08] are going to be going through.
[41:09] It's just not something --
[41:11] I know we signed a paper knowing something commercial
[41:14] would go into that area but I don't
[41:16] know that anybody realizes this is
[41:18] what was going to go in there so I just want to again state
[41:21] that I wish they wouldn't be selling alcohol just
[41:24] for the sake of the people that live there
[41:27] and the peace of the community currently
[41:29] for it to not be disturbed.
[41:31] Thank you.
[41:37] Chair Price: Thank you.
[41:38] I will now close the public hearing for deliberation.
[41:40] Are there any comments from the commissioners?
[41:56] Commissioner Ireland: I had a lot of questions.
[41:58] I was concerned about the effect so I
[42:00] do have a few questions in my main concern
[42:03] is about any kind of guardrails in place here.
[42:05] Reading through the resolution it
[42:07] seems like if there was a problem
[42:09] there is an allowance for withdrawal
[42:10] so without getting too granular I
[42:12] think I'd like to better understand what that looks
[42:14] like if there is a problem.
[42:16] It looks like the period goes through a one year period
[42:19] and then there is some kind of renewal process.
[42:22] Is that automatic and someone would
[42:24] have to step in to withdraw it or what does that look like
[42:28] as far as renewal of this?
[42:35] >> The use permit would grant the sale of the distilled
[42:38] spirits .
[42:41] The grocery store supermarket is a permitted use.
[42:45] They are able to sell beer and wine
[42:49] without the requirement of a use permit
[42:52] as the presentation mentioned.
[42:56] It is the sale of distilled spirits
[42:59] for off site consumption that triggers
[43:02] that use permit requirement.
[43:06] The resolution as you've mentioned
[43:08] does have those built in triggers
[43:10] that if it does become a nuisance the Community
[43:13] Development director along with the police chief
[43:15] can revoke that permit or if it does become a nuisance then
[43:23] they can speak to that a little bit more at.
[43:31] >> So condition of approval number seven I believe
[43:33] you're referring to.
[43:34] It was written in a way to provide
[43:38] city staff with a bit of flexibility
[43:41] if there's minor inconveniences that could be potentially
[43:45] addressed by the police chief and or community development
[43:48] director and we could implement those on the business.
[43:51] If there was a more egregious offense or a bigger nuisance
[43:56] we always have the opportunity to bring the item back
[44:00] to the Planning Commission for reconsideration.
[44:02] That reconsideration can include anything from modification
[44:06] to conditions of approval such as the hours of operation,
[44:10] the size of the shelf space, and even revocation of the use
[44:15] permit which would remove their ability
[44:17] to sell the distilled spirits.
[44:18] So all of those options are on the table in the resolution as
[44:23] presented tonight.
[44:26] Commissioner Ireland: So if this does turn out
[44:28] to be an issue if yourself the community development director
[44:32] or city police feel like there's a problem we
[44:34] do have an opportunity to come back from this come on not just
[44:37] once we say yes it's going to be a thing in perpetuity.
[44:42] >> Absolutely true.
[44:45] Commissioner Ireland: That's my main concern in.
[44:47] And we have a couple of public comments tonight
[44:49] and I don't know if this is appropriate but were there
[44:52] any other comments you were seeing
[44:54] from any members of that community or anyone
[44:56] around about this that had called the planning
[45:00] department as questions or anything like that?
[45:04] >> I did not receive any.
[45:12] >> Okay.
[45:43] >> Just to quickly clarify for the commission if you want
[45:45] to receive additional public testimony you would need to move
[45:48] to reopen the public hearing.
[45:51] >> I could pause my time if we want to open up public comment.
[46:01] Commissioner Ireland: If you can fill up a card
[46:03] you can come up and make a comment if you'd like.
[46:11] And we are happy to wait.
[46:14] We can take our time.
[46:15] I would greatly appreciate that.
[46:19] Chair Price: We will reopen the public hearing
[46:23] and address these comments coming forward.
[46:45] >> Thank you.
[46:47] We are all very old seniors.
[46:51] Sickly and can't hardly get around
[46:53] so the alcohol is a problem but the problem
[46:58] is security and the parking, the way
[47:04] the cars are going to come in.
[47:06] So that's the problem we are having and we
[47:11] know that they sell alcohol right up the hill
[47:15] and there's another place.
[47:17] Why do we have to sell it next door to us?
[47:22] When we become seniors, we wanted
[47:25] to get away from that kind of stuff not add to it.
[47:31] So we moved that to have a resting place, not a place
[47:36] where there's going to be lots of noise and lots
[47:40] of people acting stupid because they are drinking alcohol.
[47:46] Can you understand?
[47:52] You don't want all of that.
[47:56] So I'm asking you all tonight to consider what you're doing
[48:01] and think about how you want your life to be when
[48:05] you get to be as old as we are.
[48:08] Thank you.
[48:19] Chair Price: That is all the public comment.
[48:21] Did we have any other cards that were turned in?
[48:25] >> No other comment cards.
[49:06] Chair Price: Next, Ava Jackson please.
[49:09] That was the one that was -- all right.
[49:22] Rosetta Samson?
[49:38] >> I live in the apartments there at 2605 Main Street.
[49:45] I've been there for four years and the way
[49:51] they have the parking is to the side of the store
[49:56] and there's a gate there that we come out
[49:59] of and it's going to be very congested
[50:03] and the way we go in which is wrong,
[50:08] there are two entrances when we are coming from lucky shopping
[50:12] center we turn into the first one and we go around to the left
[50:18] and go in.
[50:19] Then when we come out all the way around we go out on the same
[50:25] one --
[50:26] on a different one.
[50:28] And it should be reversed because when we go in,
[50:32] we go to the right and it's the first one we go in
[50:36] and the ones coming out are going to be in front of us.
[50:41] And another thing there has been a lot of riff Raff
[50:44] there that try to come in some of the people that
[50:48] live there have their friends or whatever
[50:51] and there's a lot of different people.
[50:55] They will sleep on the bench outside and all of this stuff
[50:59] and have liquor there I don't think
[51:02] so unless they have a security guard
[51:05] because it is going to be terrible
[51:08] and that's not where I want to be.
[51:12] We waited for this place before COVID to open
[51:17] and I just wish no liquor.
[51:21] They can go to Lucky's and get their liquor.
[51:32] I said security.
[51:34] Of the store is going to be open that late they
[51:37] need to have security.
[51:41] Thank you.
[51:56] Chair Price: Looking for a comment
[51:58] from one of the commissioners?
[52:09] Commissioner Ireland: The only other question I had here
[52:11] and I did send this ahead of time just
[52:14] to make sure his advertising.
[52:15] If this is passed it is limited to essentially a cabinet is
[52:20] what it looks like and the display needs
[52:22] to be kept in that area.
[52:25] It sounds like there is already a city municipal code
[52:29] about advertising signage outside that if this is approved
[52:33] it would not be permitted for them to put
[52:36] large signs on the exterior of the building
[52:39] or anything like that.
[52:41] >> They would still be subject to our sign ordinance and any
[52:44] other requirements therein.
[52:48] Commissioner Ireland: I'm not super familiar with the sign
[52:51] limits so perhaps I should have read it before the meeting.
[52:53] That would preclude advertisements
[52:55] for distilled spirits like this?
[53:01] >> Generally we don't permit large advertisements of beer
[53:03] and things like that.
[53:11] Trying to think of what sign you may have in mind.
[53:19] Commissioner Ireland: Excuse the hyperbole
[53:21] but a giant sign that says buy tequila in here.
[53:24] It seems like the scope of this is intended to be small
[53:27] and my one concern is always is guardrails with what you don't
[53:31] think about that could happen and it
[53:32] seems like we have a way to claw it back
[53:36] but I'm concerned about what slips through the cracks given
[53:39] the nature of where this is going to be which again I
[53:42] have some concerns about.
[53:47] >> Understood.
[53:48] Any indoor signage we don't necessarily
[53:51] look at but windows signage common
[53:58] signage they may think of having on the exterior would all
[54:02] be reviewed or we would look at in our limited
[54:06] by the sign ordinance.
[54:14] Vice Chair Harvey: Is this the same location that our police
[54:16] department went in and evaluated and looked at how small it was
[54:21] going to be and they didn't really think that there would be
[54:24] -- >> Typically as part of our review process we route plans
[54:29] out to public use to review.
[54:32] There weren't any adherent concerns
[54:35] with their proposal for a secure area
[54:41] where cabinet behind the counter that would be similar to other
[54:49] previously approved distilled spirit use permits.
[55:02] Commissioner Goudie: The public concern
[55:03] is about a lot of the double dashes
[55:06] there a way that we can fix something
[55:08] because the store isn't even open yet
[55:10] so they're going to experience this without the liquor.
[55:15] >> Is part of the use permit that is not proposed to change
[55:21] the site circulation parking come a number of parking stalls
[55:27] it was all previously reviewed in around 2019 when the overall
[55:32] project was reviewed it was more in depth formal review of that
[55:38] was conducted then which at that point the commercial aspect
[55:44] of the project was also reviewed but again that was back in 2019
[55:51] the original project.
[56:03] Commissioner Goudie: Would that On the property owner
[56:05] if they decided for a security guard or something like that?
[56:09] >> The security guard component I don't know if that would
[56:12] necessarily be a condition we can impose .
[56:20] A supermarket or grocery store .
[56:29] >> I can chime in a bit.
[56:30] It would be a unique condition.
[56:32] I will say that.
[56:33] We have several of these similar types
[56:36] of use permits for convenience stores mostly
[56:38] and the liquor store is a bit misleading.
[56:42] When people think liquor store they
[56:44] think a store that is predominantly selling liquor.
[56:47] This is a small -- relatively small area to hold the distilled
[56:55] spirits so the conditional use permit being presented tonight
[57:00] limits how large of an area they can store and display liquor
[57:06] and it's approximately ten foot by eight foot area behind
[57:10] the counter so this is not going to be similar to a store where
[57:14] you may walk in and have shelves of liquor available
[57:17] for the public to grab and take up to the counter.
[57:21] This would require someone that wanted to purchase the distilled
[57:25] spirits to go up to the counter and ask for the clerk
[57:28] to provide them and sell them that specific bottle
[57:32] or whatever they may be purchasing.
[57:34] Security has not been something in my memory
[57:39] at least that we have required for this type of use.
[57:43] I think if we were at a point where the issues were such
[57:47] that security was required we would definitely
[57:51] be questioning whether the conditional use permit could
[57:55] be approved.
[57:56] I don't know if we have a reason to believe that.
[58:00] I understand many of the concerns
[58:02] and I definitely understand where those are coming from.
[58:05] At this point we have not heard from our police department
[58:11] of any issues with any of the other recent ones
[58:13] to have very limited sales and this one is similar to that.
[58:22] I would say just looking at the other approvals we have not
[58:27] seen such issues reoccurring.
[58:33] Staff we can provide this input.
[58:36] The applicant is here.
[58:38] I would encourage the commission to ask them what their plans are
[58:42] and what plans they have in place to try
[58:44] to minimize loitering or people that may be breaking the rules.
[58:48] This is not for on site consumption.
[58:51] This is for off site consumption.
[58:54] You purchase it and take it home.
[58:57] So that would be my recommendation
[58:59] is to allow the applicant to come up and address
[59:02] some of these and staff will continue to try to address them.
[59:08] >> If the applicant is willing I think we could ask
[59:10] if they're willing to address any of these concerns about
[59:13] on site consumption and security issues that have been brought up
[59:16] because it's a delicate situation.
[59:20] Commissioner Oliveros: Just to confirm only beer and wine is
[59:24] going to be sold there?
[59:36] >> Good evening everybody.
[59:37] So with regards to the signs it was stipulated by the landlord
[59:49] that we cannot have any outside signs so besides our normal
[59:55] business signage that's it.
[59:57] We are not going to say we sell this or that.
[1:00:00] Is just going to be our name of the store and that's it.
[1:00:05] That's regarding the sign.
[1:00:09] With regards to parking or entrance
[1:00:15] we each have our own entrance.
[1:00:19] So the seniors come to their residential space
[1:00:23] or whatever you want to call it they have their private interest
[1:00:25] and we have our own private entrance
[1:00:28] but with regards to the exit it is one exit so we share an exit.
[1:00:35] However it is spaced well and anybody
[1:00:38] that has a driver's license should be
[1:00:40] able to exit without a problem.
[1:00:43] With regards to -- with regards to security we are security.
[1:00:56] We have had stores in the surrounding area for the last 15
[1:01:00] or 20 years with a good track record of no crime happening
[1:01:06] in front of the stores or the surrounding areas .
[1:01:10] And we have a very good name and reputation for our stores.
[1:01:16] I think their main concern is noise
[1:01:20] so it doesn't matter if it's a store
[1:01:23] or if it's a bungee jumping place for kids or trampolines.
[1:01:27] I think they just want quietness but as for people
[1:01:31] who I think their problem is more so
[1:01:35] with the landlord if anything.
[1:01:37] We are running a normal business and applying for a normal part
[1:01:43] of modern supermarket to occur.
[1:01:48] I think that's about it.
[1:01:50] Is there anything else I can address?
[1:01:56] Commissioner Ireland: One question
[1:01:57] I would have is a mixed use development
[1:01:59] do you see your business as your customers are more
[1:02:02] coming into the area from the rest of Oakley and other areas
[1:02:06] or are you supporting the residents of the building
[1:02:08] that you're in?
[1:02:09] Where do you see a mixture of that?
[1:02:13] >> We are a store open to everybody.
[1:02:17] We come from China.
[1:02:19] We close at 10 p.m..
[1:02:21] So it's not like a 2 a.m.
[1:02:24] Store.
[1:02:25] As far as customers are concerned
[1:02:29] whoever wants to be a customer they're allowed to come.
[1:02:36] As long as they are able to purchase
[1:02:38] and are respectful customers and we have good relationships
[1:02:43] with the Oakley Police and as long
[1:02:48] as we are keeping things safe then I don't see a problem.
[1:02:52] And we also reserve the right to refuse service to anybody.
[1:02:58] Commissioner Ireland: That was the only question I had.
[1:03:02] Thank you.
[1:03:07] Commissioner Oliveros: Does the landlord or tenants
[1:03:09] live here in Oakley?
[1:03:12] >> We are here in Oakley.
[1:03:16] Commissioner Oliveros: So you know that we
[1:03:17] are a bedroom community.
[1:03:21] It means that everything shuts down around 8 p.m.
[1:03:25] Here so I don't understand the reason of opening until 10 p.m..
[1:03:31] I think we are putting guardrails
[1:03:34] we would probably need to revisit
[1:03:36] what those hours look like.
[1:03:39] The second piece is has there been a traffic report analysis
[1:03:45] of how many people are driving through there and have we seen
[1:03:50] a huge influx of traffic that this needs to be here between
[1:03:56] the hours of the evening which is --
[1:04:02] I'm just curious if there's been a traffic report
[1:04:04] analysis on this.
[1:04:07] >> Not on this specific conditional use permit before
[1:04:11] you tonight.
[1:04:12] As Jose mentioned the 2019 senior Residence Mixed Use
[1:04:17] project was proposed to the city as on a commercial piece
[1:04:22] of property to have mostly apartments with a small --
[1:04:28] 500 zero square foot or less commercial component
[1:04:31] and at that time the site plan was analyzed and went
[1:04:35] through all of the environmental study and everything checked
[1:04:38] out.
[1:04:39] So if there are issues with the apartments
[1:04:43] and the operation of the gates or whatever
[1:04:45] it may be with residents being able to exit the gates
[1:04:50] and I know there have been issues completely unrelated
[1:04:53] to this project tonight with the gates and things like that
[1:04:57] in the past that management has had to work out,
[1:05:00] that is really not on the applicant to solve.
[1:05:04] Those are gates for the customers --
[1:05:06] for the residents to get into the gated off portion of parking
[1:05:11] because the site has a gated portion which is on the sides
[1:05:15] of the apartments and the back of the apartments and then there
[1:05:19] is what we would call public parking that is in the front
[1:05:22] of the building for would be tenants to talk to customers
[1:05:28] of the commercial locations where they can use those.
[1:05:32] So two separate parking areas but there
[1:05:36] is a gate that you access from the public parking
[1:05:40] to the private parking.
[1:05:44] A traffic study not so much.
[1:05:47] What we look at is is circulation safe?
[1:05:50] Is there a turning radius for things of that nature.
[1:05:56] Commissioner Oliveros: I think as any business
[1:05:59] that's going to open that should be part of their analysis right?
[1:06:03] Does it make sense to be selling this here
[1:06:06] where Lucky's is right next door.
[1:06:11] How is this going to benefit the senior community there?
[1:06:16] What is in it for them?
[1:06:24] >> I understand.
[1:06:24] Going back to your first question regarding
[1:06:26] why we are open until ten.
[1:06:29] If the community is a bedroom community then being open until
[1:06:34] -- and not much traffic will occur after eight so it
[1:06:38] doesn't really matter whether or not we are open from seven
[1:06:42] to eight or 7 to 10 but those extra two hours does give
[1:06:46] a little bit of leeway for any people who --
[1:06:52] if they want to make a late night bowl of cereal and they
[1:06:55] forgot their milk and they don't have any milk and just want
[1:06:58] to go real quick to the grocery store.
[1:07:00] I understand.
[1:07:03] It's just a part of business.
[1:07:08] Commissioner Oliveros: And second
[1:07:11] question how does this benefit the senior community?
[1:07:15] >> It's a supermarket.
[1:07:18] Commissioner Oliveros: Those are all my questions.
[1:07:20] Thank you.
[1:07:26] Chair Price:
[1:07:26] any other comments from the commissioners?
[1:07:29] We will now close the public hearing.
[1:07:32] Would any commissioner like to make a motion
[1:07:34] to adopt the resolution?
[1:07:38] Commissioner Oliveros: I do not approve this resolution.
[1:07:51] Commissioner Ireland: It seems like we have strong guardrails
[1:07:53] but I just don't see a compelling reason to approve.
[1:07:57] Is just too close to a community so I'm not
[1:07:59] going to make a motion.
[1:08:09] Can I ask a question of the city attorney just as a process
[1:08:14] because I don't think we've quite
[1:08:16] had this happen where none of the commissioners
[1:08:18] want to make a motion to approve do we table
[1:08:20] or what is the next step for us?
[1:08:26] >> If there is no motion then no action has been taken
[1:08:28] on the item .
[1:08:32] In addition a commissioner could make the motion to table
[1:08:35] the item to a specific date in the future at the next Planning
[1:08:40] Commission meeting or when in the future so
[1:08:42] that could be an alternative motion
[1:08:44] to table this item to a future meeting.
[1:08:46] For further discussion.
[1:08:48] Otherwise there no action taken on item.
[1:08:55] Vice Chair Harvey: I will make a motion to table this agenda item
[1:08:59] until the next --
[1:09:05] >> Can I ask a clarifying question of the Commission?
[1:09:07] Normally when we are tabling an item
[1:09:09] or continuing it to a date certain
[1:09:12] there is some direction provided to staff
[1:09:14] or additional information the Commission wants us to analyze.
[1:09:18] We don't want to just bring back the same thing on June 16th
[1:09:23] so we would ask that if that is what the Commission is going
[1:09:28] to end up doing that staff provides some additional
[1:09:31] direction.
[1:09:31] What do you want us to look into?
[1:09:34] Do you see a solution to this to move forward?
[1:09:37] Are there additional conditions on signage or anything
[1:09:40] that you want us to look at and bring back
[1:09:42] for consideration in addition to what's already being
[1:09:50] Commissioner
[1:09:50] Ireland: I would definitely support coming back
[1:09:51] in looking at this because I do want
[1:09:52] to balance the right of the applicant with the residents.
[1:09:55] I think my larger concern is how this affects
[1:09:58] the residents and not just the issues that came up
[1:10:01] but selling distilled spirits is another step
[1:10:05] beyond a normal market and I understand
[1:10:10] that but I would just like to understand better
[1:10:12] how we are going to prevent any issues especially with things
[1:10:16] going on being right next to a resident
[1:10:20] selling that kind of liquor.
[1:10:23] Commissioner Oliveros: They're not even open
[1:10:25] yet so we don't know what that traffic will
[1:10:28] look like so I think we are getting ahead
[1:10:32] of ourselves of this whole piece in terms of this.
[1:10:35] Can we wait and see how this traffic
[1:10:40] is going come out how the residents are feeling in terms
[1:10:43] of noise and Vice Chair Harvey: Could we
[1:10:49] have an evaluation of any possible changes that could be
[1:10:52] made to approve the traffic >> Could you repeat
[1:10:57] the last part of that again?
[1:10:58] Vice Chair Harvey: Could we have an evaluation
[1:11:01] of possible solutions to the difficulty of the exit?
[1:11:11] >> We could bring something back as a report.
[1:11:13] This use is permitted.
[1:11:14] It is a permitted grocery store.
[1:11:16] The only change they want to make is a ten by eight
[1:11:20] foot section to sell distilled spirits.
[1:11:22] It should have zero impact on traffic or parking or anything
[1:11:25] like that.
[1:11:26] They are replacing -- if there are concerns with the selling
[1:11:30] of distilled spirits whether it is signage hours of operation
[1:11:34] etc.
[1:11:35] Loitering, those are the types of items
[1:11:38] we would from a planning perspective look to address.
[1:11:44] The traffic although heard they are not
[1:11:49] proposing the use of a store today.
[1:11:53] So we're not looking at whether there's
[1:11:56] adequate parking or there's adequate circulation.
[1:11:59] That's already established.
[1:12:01] So we could look at solutions or potential solutions related
[1:12:07] to the sale of distilled spirits or the display of distilled
[1:12:11] spirits or the signage that is associated
[1:12:13] with distilled spirits or security whatever it may be.
[1:12:18] Things that are related to specifically the sale.
[1:12:22] That's what we should be focusing on.
[1:12:26] And I think I've heard one of them
[1:12:30] was the potential impact on the senior community that
[1:12:34] lives in the adjacent apartments or connected
[1:12:37] apartments I should say.
[1:12:39] That's one item I don't know if there's a second specific item.
[1:12:46] Commissioner Ireland: Specifically I
[1:12:47] understand the parking and other issues are ancillary
[1:12:50] and that's just going to come with running a market.
[1:12:54] My specific concern is what level
[1:12:56] of impact adding distilled spirits on the residence
[1:12:59] is going to have.
[1:13:00] I know we have this permitted and there's
[1:13:02] a grocery store around the corner
[1:13:04] and a gas station around the corner
[1:13:05] so I do want us to be consistent but we
[1:13:09] do need to properly balance property owner rights here
[1:13:14] but I am especially nervous because this is a senior living
[1:13:18] facility.
[1:13:19] I think it's just a little bit different situation mixed use
[1:13:23] is what it is and there will always be an impact
[1:13:25] but I just want to understand what that's going to look like.
[1:13:28] Thank you.
[1:13:29] And I do want to thank the staff for preparing a very
[1:13:32] thorough report and I apologize in some ways
[1:13:35] but want to make sure at least to myself
[1:13:37] that we are careful about this moving forward.
[1:13:43] >> They are selling beer and wine no matter what.
[1:13:45] That's just part of the supermarket.
[1:13:49] So my main concern would just be if there is loitering.
[1:13:56] I know the parking is a big issue
[1:14:00] but if there's a diagram that shows how they would
[1:14:03] be parking how that would work.
[1:14:09] That might be a little more .
[1:14:19] Commissioner Ireland: So I would ask for staff recommendation
[1:14:22] and.
[1:14:22] I know this meeting was in the middle of a month
[1:14:25] normally at the first of the month.
[1:14:27] I would assume that the first meeting in June is too quick.
[1:14:31] Does that mean we need to look at this again
[1:14:34] first week of July?
[1:14:36] I want to be reasonable to the applicant.
[1:14:37] I don't want to keep them hanging.
[1:14:39] We are obviously okay but that's a lot
[1:14:41] of work for staff in two weeks.
[1:14:45] >> The meeting in June will be the third Tuesday.
[1:14:49] However it is still a pretty quick turnaround of one month.
[1:14:54] One of the positives about continuing to a date certain is
[1:14:58] that the public hearing is continued so there is no re
[1:15:01] noticing requirement so that can help staff a little bit with
[1:15:07] processing time .
[1:15:11] June 16th may be a pretty quick turnaround.
[1:15:13] I would say either the June or July
[1:15:17] meeting would be adequate times to continue this.
[1:15:23] Commissioner Ireland: Is it feasible or reasonable
[1:15:25] for us that it be added to the June agenda
[1:15:28] and if not move it to July?
[1:15:32] Take a moment.
[1:15:43] Jose is requesting if we do continue to a date certain
[1:15:48] and that would be the July meeting.
[1:15:53] Commissioner Ireland: I would make a motion
[1:15:55] to move this to July meeting and revise it
[1:15:58] with staff recommendations.
[1:16:05] >> I think we need to make that date specific correct?
[1:16:12] Commissioner Ireland: July 7th for that motion.
[1:16:16] Commissioner Goudie: I will second it.
[1:16:20] Chair Price: We have a motion and a second.
[1:16:25] Clerk please.
[1:16:27] [Reading names]
[1:16:41] Motion passes.
[1:16:45] Chair Price: Thank you.
[1:16:47] Moving to the regular calendar.
[1:16:50] Do any commissioners have any questions for staff?
[1:17:02] Commissioner Ireland: Talking about 5.1?
[1:17:03] I did have a general question just
[1:17:06] want to make sure that the Planning Commission is
[1:17:09] confirming that this is in compliance with the General
[1:17:13] Plan.
[1:17:14] I apologize.
[1:17:23] >> We do have a presentation.
[1:17:25] Commissioner Ireland: I will save that for after.
[1:17:35] >> Good evening chair price vice chair Harvey commissioners
[1:17:38] and members of the public.
[1:17:40] I'm the public works director city engineer for the City
[1:17:45] of Oakley.
[1:17:46] Tonight before you I am presenting the five year capital
[1:17:50] Improvement program and the request tonight
[1:17:53] would be to adopt the resolution finding
[1:17:55] that the program that I'm presenting tonight
[1:17:58] is consistent with our General Plan.
[1:18:04] Next slide.
[1:18:07] The public Works Department has had a very busy year
[1:18:12] as you have seen and noticed there has been construction all
[1:18:17] throughout our growing city of.
[1:18:19] There are several projects as listed
[1:18:21] in the report that have been completed
[1:18:23] in fiscal year 2025 and 2026.
[1:18:26] I will spare you all the details on all of them but just a few
[1:18:32] to highlight was the Laurel road Widening project
[1:18:39] that included repaving Ohara in coordination
[1:18:44] with the Oakley Shops Development that has been opened
[1:18:50] at that Northeast corner.
[1:18:52] Some other notable projects I want to highlight
[1:18:57] is the East Cypress Road widening just east
[1:19:02] of Rubens Way.
[1:19:04] This is a coordination effort with the developers
[1:19:10] for the subdivision and that built the full infrastructure
[1:19:16] for East Cypress Road in that segment with the median
[1:19:21] and that has been completed.
[1:19:24] And the two other notable projects I want to highlight
[1:19:28] is adjacent projects on Sellars Avenue
[1:19:35] and that was for the reconstruction for the pavement
[1:19:39] for a full reclamation in coordination with the developer
[1:19:44] also for that subdivision as they install sewer and water
[1:19:50] utilities for Sellars.
[1:19:56] As for current project highlights we have some --
[1:20:01] many projects that are currently in the process.
[1:20:06] Just three of the ones that I'd like to highlight
[1:20:09] is this project has been in our books for several years.
[1:20:17] This is at the Northwest corner of Carpenter Road and Rose
[1:20:21] Avenue.
[1:20:22] If you haven't visited the site I highly suggest you do so.
[1:20:27] You can start to see the magnitude
[1:20:31] and the size of this park has several fun amenities.
[1:20:36] This is a splash pad that will have several features
[1:20:42] for the kids to play and enjoy during the summer months.
[1:20:45] It also includes shade structures and two play
[1:20:52] structures for the children and this
[1:20:53] will be a great amenity to the neighborhood
[1:20:56] and future residents for this area.
[1:20:59] The second bullet item is all too familiar.
[1:21:03] Our East Cypress Road widening project.
[1:21:06] I think I have gained a few white hairs over the last years
[1:21:09] building this project.
[1:21:11] It's the three segment currently in construction
[1:21:18] between the Avenue to Bethel Island Road.
[1:21:21] The project is in the thick of it with construction as you see.
[1:21:26] We hope to complete the full segment by summer
[1:21:30] next year with the Canal Undergrounding
[1:21:34] for the second phase progressing on the South Side
[1:21:37] this summer so more large pipes coming into the site
[1:21:42] to underground that canal.
[1:21:44] The third bullet item here is our Oakley Library
[1:21:47] and Community Center.
[1:21:48] As you heard Jose present to us this evening
[1:21:53] it's a beautiful library that is going to break ground here
[1:21:57] in fall this year if all goes well with design
[1:22:02] and getting all of the permits issued
[1:22:04] that's another great amenity and a huge investment to our city.
[1:22:10] Looking forward to see that project materialize
[1:22:15] and take off right before my eyes in front of my office.
[1:22:21] As for upcoming projects there are many.
[1:22:25] As you see in the five year plan there's
[1:22:28] over 43 projects in there.
[1:22:30] Not all of them are funded for next fiscal year
[1:22:33] but there are several projects, exciting projects
[1:22:36] that are going to be progressing for next year.
[1:22:40] The first few that I will talk about are --
[1:22:48] currently we are looking to advertise the resurfacing of two
[1:22:53] large neighborhoods the Magnolia Park neighborhood and Teakwood
[1:22:56] neighborhood and that's going to be happening in construction
[1:23:00] this summer.
[1:23:01] The second project on the slide is our annual maintenance
[1:23:07] for our 50/50 program replacing sidewalk and curb and gutter.
[1:23:13] The third -- this is an annual improvement to look at areas
[1:23:21] where we can introduce speed bumps as part of our traffic
[1:23:27] program for our city.
[1:23:29] More annual maintenance projects.
[1:23:35] This is our Ada program replacement project to replace
[1:23:43] all of -- in our city that don't meet Ada standards.
[1:23:49] Our signal modernization project which
[1:23:52] continues to modernize our signals especially
[1:23:56] some of the older ones we have in our city and the fiscal year
[1:24:02] 26 and 27 Street where repair and maintenance project.
[1:24:07] The three segments of roadway we are focusing on
[1:24:11] for designing this upcoming year is Laurel road as you enter
[1:24:16] into our city come on the widest portion between the railroad
[1:24:21] tracks there to Empire starting to look a little tired so we
[1:24:27] are looking at the best way to improve that asset.
[1:24:30] The second roadway we are looking at
[1:24:32] is Main Street between Laurel and East Cypress.
[1:24:37] That's another segment there starting
[1:24:41] to have several base failures that will need to be addressed
[1:24:45] and the third segment we are looking at
[1:24:48] is Empire Avenue between Laurel to Main Street
[1:24:52] and that is essentially the northern half of Empire North.
[1:24:58] That's another segment we will be looking
[1:25:00] to design this upcoming year.
[1:25:04] Another exciting project we are looking
[1:25:08] to finish design and start construction this summer
[1:25:11] is CIP 343.
[1:25:13] This is our City Hall remodel for the police department.
[1:25:18] This project will remodel the reception area
[1:25:21] in the front gamma expand the evidence and records office
[1:25:25] spaces and create additional report writing office spaces
[1:25:30] and construct a new conference in City
[1:25:34] Hall with private doorways to secure the access to the police
[1:25:38] Department.
[1:25:38] This is consistent with the growing needs of our police
[1:25:42] department as we continue to hire more officers to meet
[1:25:46] the demands of our city.
[1:25:50] Another exciting upcoming project this year is --
[1:25:56] this is an accessible pathway as you may know right now it has
[1:26:05] a path surrounding the entire park that is not paved and this
[1:26:12] project we are looking to pave that path and also improve some
[1:26:19] ramps and access to the areas of the ball fields to allow for use
[1:26:32] .
[1:26:33] This project is a high priority from our city Council
[1:26:37] when we did the budget retreat.
[1:26:39] This is CIP 211.
[1:26:42] This is Main Street and Rose Avenue intersection.
[1:26:44] This is to signalize the current intersection and it serves
[1:26:50] multiple districts such as Ironhorse ,
[1:26:56] East Bay regional parks and the water District to the north.
[1:27:00] This intersection will be a four legged signal.
[1:27:05] The design has been completed.
[1:27:07] We are looking into advertise this project in the coming
[1:27:11] months as council balances the budget
[1:27:15] and we will begin construction this summer.
[1:27:20] The other signal project I've been waiting for is CIP 268.
[1:27:28] This is Main Street and Delta Road as many of you
[1:27:33] have traveled that area it is very difficult to make
[1:27:36] that left turn on Delta Road and becoming
[1:27:40] difficult to make that right turn out of Delta Road.
[1:27:43] This project also has been fully designed
[1:27:46] and we are looking to also advertise this project
[1:27:49] to construct this summer.
[1:27:52] This also received high support from City Council.
[1:27:59] This project is O'hara Avenue near Grapevine Lane.
[1:28:05] This is a continuation of the improvements we've installed
[1:28:10] of O'hara widening it.
[1:28:14] This completes the gap between the Pheasant Meadow subdivision
[1:28:19] that was recently constructed all the way to the north
[1:28:25] where we ended the sidewalk.
[1:28:29] This completes O'hara's four lane configuration
[1:28:34] for a general plan for this segment
[1:28:40] and will include bike lanes and a sidewalk.
[1:28:44] This project is also designed and we are waiting for Council
[1:28:49] to approve the budget to advertise this project
[1:28:52] and begin construction this summer.
[1:28:57] The next project is Main Street widening just north
[1:29:04] of Laurel road.
[1:29:06] This project is -- there's a gap in Main Street on the southbound
[1:29:12] direction.
[1:29:12] As you see there there are some trees and fences
[1:29:18] that will need to be removed to widen
[1:29:21] the roadway to its ultimate four lane configuration.
[1:29:24] There will be some associated with this project
[1:29:31] still in design not quite ready to go to construction yet
[1:29:34] but we are hoping to move the project forward
[1:29:37] in the coming year and when that is obtained
[1:29:41] we will proceed with construction.
[1:29:48] Last but not least is the most exciting project
[1:29:52] that has been in the books for many decades.
[1:29:55] This is the CIP 273 Laurel road extension between --
[1:31:35] [No Audio]
[1:32:01] >> I do want to take a moment and say thank you especially
[1:32:04] for getting across town the improvements here but the Delta
[1:32:09] Street light potentially the Laurel expansion gamma Cypress
[1:32:14] and as someone who lives out in that area these improvements are
[1:32:18] --
[1:32:19] I just want to say thank you to you and your team
[1:32:23] for making all this happen.
[1:32:25] I know it is a ton of work.
[1:32:29] >> Thank you Commissioner Ireland.
[1:32:31] All the white hair is worth it hearing comments like that.
[1:32:36] Chair Price: Any other questions?
[1:32:40] >> Thank you.
[1:32:41] Chair Price: Would someone like to make a resolution
[1:32:45] to adopt this?
[1:32:48] Commissioner Ireland: I will make a motion to approve it.
[1:32:57] [Reading names]
[1:33:10] Motion passes.
[1:33:18] Chair Price: Thank you.
[1:33:20] Moving to agenda item 6.1 staff reports.
[1:33:29] >> Just a couple of items to provide information .
[1:33:31] The first one is in two nights so on Thursday May 21st at 6
[1:33:37] p.m.
[1:33:38] Right here in the Council chambers
[1:33:39] the Oakley Police Department will
[1:33:41] be holding their military equipment report community
[1:33:43] Meeting which is an annual report that the police
[1:33:46] department does so if the public would like to attend
[1:33:49] it will be right here on 6 p.m.
[1:33:51] This upcoming Thursday.
[1:33:53] Second announcement is the city will be holding the Memorial Day
[1:33:57] ceremony on Saturday May 23rd and that will be approximately
[1:34:02] from 10 a.m.
[1:34:03] To 11 a.m.
[1:34:03] Right here in the Civic Center Plaza and that is Saturday
[1:34:07] the 23rd and then my final announcement we kind
[1:34:11] of addressed earlier but the next Planning Commission meeting
[1:34:14] is scheduled for June 16th and that is the regular date that
[1:34:18] was approved when those 2026 dates were approved.
[1:34:22] The commission has been paying attention
[1:34:25] to when meetings fall on election days
[1:34:29] so that people don't need to decide between going to vote
[1:34:32] or coming to the Planning Commission meeting.
[1:34:34] They went ahead and scheduled it for the third Tuesday of June
[1:34:37] so June 16th will be the next Planning Commission meeting.
[1:34:40] That concludes all of my reports.
[1:34:43] Thank you.
[1:34:49] Chair Price: Any reports from commissioners?
[1:34:53] Commissioner Oliveros: Just to save the date for October 21st
[1:34:56] doing our first Oakley Business forum partnering in this space
[1:35:00] to help all of our local businesses really thrive.
[1:35:05] We've been doing business analysis and surveys serving
[1:35:09] a lot of the small businesses here in Oakley just
[1:35:12] to get a feel for what support they need so we are really
[1:35:16] excited to bring a one of a kind forum
[1:35:19] that we are going to set ourselves apart
[1:35:22] from our neighboring cities so I would love if you're
[1:35:27] able to fill out the survey if you do own a business
[1:35:30] or know of someone who owns a business here in Oakley that
[1:35:34] is in our Chamber of Commerce website
[1:35:38] and hopefully we get a good group of folks coming out.
[1:35:43] Chair Price: Thank you.
[1:35:45] Any other reports?
[1:35:48] Request for future agenda items from the commissioners?
[1:35:58] Now moving to item 7.1.
[1:36:25] >> Thank you commissioners.
[1:36:26] Tonight we have a work session on objective design standards.
[1:36:29] First we will start with some background.
[1:36:32] Design guidelines are the city's adopting
[1:36:38] a direction for what quality development should
[1:36:40] look like in Oakley.
[1:36:41] They apply to all types of development
[1:36:44] from a single family residential development
[1:36:47] a multifamily residential development
[1:36:49] a commercial development, industrial.
[1:36:52] Tonight will be exclusively talking
[1:36:54] about residential development.
[1:36:58] These standards can cover the amount of open space
[1:37:03] in a development's design com a small architectural aspect
[1:37:08] such as window trim to more impactful standards
[1:37:12] around building massing.
[1:37:14] They really cover a wide range of architectural aspects
[1:37:17] and design aspects of a housing project.
[1:37:22] We hope decision makers applicants and the public
[1:37:26] evaluate whether a project fits the community's character
[1:37:30] and expectations for site planning building design
[1:37:34] landscaping streetscape and compatibility.
[1:37:41] Over the last decade come a the California Legislature
[1:37:46] has passed a series of laws intended to streamline housing
[1:37:50] production by requiring certain types of projects
[1:37:53] to be reviewed solely against objective standards.
[1:37:57] At the same time as that cities have been required
[1:38:02] to zone for additional housing.
[1:38:06] This has pushed cities to adopt more objective design standards.
[1:38:13] Let's cover what odds are.
[1:38:18] Objective design standards are design requirements
[1:38:20] that are clear measurable knowable in advance
[1:38:24] and applied in the same way to all qualifying projects.
[1:38:28] Here's an example.
[1:38:30] An example here is instead of saying the building should
[1:38:35] be compatible with the neighborhood,
[1:38:37] an objective standard might say primary building entries should
[1:38:41] face the public street or publicly accessible walkway.
[1:38:45] That way the developer and the builder
[1:38:47] knows a little bit more what we are
[1:38:50] looking for while they are designing it
[1:38:52] before they get to our review and then on to a public hearing.
[1:38:57] The goal is not to remove good design.
[1:39:00] The goal is to define what good design means
[1:39:03] in measurable enforceable terms that applicant staff decision
[1:39:06] makers and the public can all understand before an application
[1:39:10] is submitted.
[1:39:11] In Oakley we have two illustrated manuals
[1:39:16] that have residential design guidelines.
[1:39:19] We have the 2003 Residential Design guidelines
[1:39:22] and then we have the downtown specific plan.
[1:39:25] They have a mix of subjective standards
[1:39:29] and objective standards and in the downtown it's more modern
[1:39:34] and it has more objective standards.
[1:39:36] We feel that it has sufficient objective standards
[1:39:40] that it does not need to be modified but the 2003
[1:39:44] Residential design guidelines are a little bit more subjective
[1:39:47] and so we are looking to update those.
[1:39:50] With this project we are talking about tonight.
[1:39:55] As Oakley continues to grow come a new housing
[1:40:00] may be proposed whether we have these standards in place or not.
[1:40:04] Objective design standards give us
[1:40:06] the tools to make sure that new housing fits in
[1:40:09] with our community and is nice to live in.
[1:40:12] Projects are well evaluated to our standards,
[1:40:16] housing is reviewed efficiently and consistently
[1:40:20] and we meet the requirements of state law.
[1:40:24] Without adopted objective standards
[1:40:26] the city has limited ability to shape
[1:40:28] the design of housing projects that
[1:40:30] qualify for streamlined review.
[1:40:32] These standards are how we ensure housing construction is
[1:40:35] aligned with our goals and values
[1:40:38] while still welcoming new Oakley residents.
[1:40:43] We have some areas of focus we want your feedback on in.
[1:40:47] We want to see if we're on the right track.
[1:40:50] While we provide some draft guidelines to you
[1:40:53] we are not expecting you to provide us
[1:40:55] with specific details on each of the guidelines.
[1:40:57] Rather staff would like to know what
[1:41:00] areas of the guidelines we should focus
[1:41:02] on and for you to provide us any significant topics you
[1:41:06] may feel we may be missing.
[1:41:13] The first one we have is public Safety.
[1:41:18] This one took a little bit of explaining to my colleagues
[1:41:22] because we already extensively reviewed Public Safety.
[1:41:25] It's a huge priority for us.
[1:41:27] When we get a project in it doesn't
[1:41:29] matter that the design guidelines
[1:41:31] don't tell us to do this.
[1:41:33] We routed out to these agencies.
[1:41:36] The fire department the police department
[1:41:39] and we require that projects incorporate their comments
[1:41:45] and so anyone who is familiar with reviewing
[1:41:49] housing projects will turn their head at this do we need this?
[1:41:53] We have staff and our team who have been in public hearings
[1:41:57] for these streamlined projects and the public
[1:42:01] wants it explicitly said.
[1:42:03] When it comes time for public comment
[1:42:06] on these streamlined housing projects
[1:42:08] come a public safety comes up and they don't just
[1:42:11] want to hear from staff that it was routed.
[1:42:19] The other instigator of this is when
[1:42:22] we are at the permit counter and we
[1:42:25] have someone who wants to build a housing development.
[1:42:28] We will slide over our guidelines
[1:42:30] and they start thinking about their project
[1:42:32] from that perspective.
[1:42:34] I would like them to think about it
[1:42:35] from the early pages about public safety evacuation routes
[1:42:40] things of that nature so when they
[1:42:42] go to their architect that's the first thing on their mind.
[1:42:49] Next is site design.
[1:42:51] Another area of focus for us.
[1:42:54] We want new housing to be a nice place to live.
[1:42:56] We want good site design open space pedestrian pathways
[1:43:01] and connections to ways of getting around.
[1:43:05] That's important to us.
[1:43:10] We are also looking at the building envelope.
[1:43:13] Rather than being overly prescriptive
[1:43:16] about every aspect of design planning staff
[1:43:19] are focused on ensuring that building envelopes are
[1:43:22] appropriate within the surrounding area
[1:43:25] that they do not dominate the surrounding landscape where
[1:43:29] possible and that they are sensitive to nearby existing
[1:43:32] homes.
[1:43:32] An example of that is many cities
[1:43:35] are stepping back their top floors
[1:43:37] when they are close to shorter residential buildings
[1:43:41] like in this example here.
[1:43:47] For us that's more important than making sure
[1:43:50] we have a certain percentage of glazing
[1:43:53] or so many feet of some type of architectural feature.
[1:44:00] When we talk about the smaller design aspects
[1:44:03] we want buildings that look good and hold up over time
[1:44:06] but our standards need to be realistic about cost.
[1:44:09] If design requirements push project costs to high housing
[1:44:13] does not get built and that does not help anyone.
[1:44:16] We want to require articulation and facade variation
[1:44:21] without dictating every inch of every cornice or glazing area.
[1:44:27] We want to focus on the elements that matter
[1:44:30] and how a building looks and feels
[1:44:32] from the street or other common areas.
[1:44:36] Another focus of ours is community feedback.
[1:44:41] At our public outreach meeting residents
[1:44:44] shared priorities that are shaping our approach.
[1:44:47] We heard that we should build communities not just
[1:44:50] housing gamma people want neighborhoods with shared spaces
[1:44:53] not just rows of buildings.
[1:44:55] We heard design should encourage interaction between neighbors.
[1:44:59] We also heard we should allow creative freedom for architects
[1:45:03] standards should set a floor not a ceiling prescriptive rules
[1:45:08] that force every project to look the same going
[1:45:12] against good design.
[1:45:13] We are writing clear minimums while leaving room
[1:45:17] for architects to bring creative high quality solutions.
[1:45:22] In Oakley as far as I remember we
[1:45:26] have had a philosophy of not focusing on the most
[1:45:31] difficult parts of a project.
[1:45:33] We want to dive head first into that work
[1:45:35] so the most fleshed out parts of this project
[1:45:37] are these nitty gritty standards for how
[1:45:39] the architectural details should be designed
[1:45:42] and how the site should be designed.
[1:45:44] We've attached two draft chapters
[1:45:46] for you attached to the staff report.
[1:45:50] Attachment one covers multifamily and mixed
[1:45:55] use residential standards including site design street
[1:45:59] connectivity pedestrian pathways vehicle access parking lot
[1:46:04] screening utilities and service areas and primary entry design.
[1:46:15] Attachment two covers single family residential standards
[1:46:20] including building form and massing facade projections
[1:46:24] second floor setbacks story separation facade materials
[1:46:29] and covered porch design.
[1:46:37] Another aspect we need to talk about
[1:46:40] is when we get really technical.
[1:46:42] Each day Oakley's planning team is
[1:46:45] working to make construction and land use more
[1:46:47] accessible for residents.
[1:46:49] We usually roll our eyes when we see folks in our profession
[1:46:52] make things overly complicated.
[1:46:54] We are asking for your support and patience
[1:46:57] on some aspects of this project that we feel
[1:47:00] need to get into the weeds.
[1:47:02] For example urban planning has started
[1:47:05] using the term which is just a large walkway for residents
[1:47:10] that connects folks to areas of a housing complex.
[1:47:13] We saw that used in the library project
[1:47:16] today which was a good win that was mentioned in the first item.
[1:47:21] During the years of living in Oakley and going to school here
[1:47:25] we never use this term but as a planner in 2026
[1:47:28] I am finding it a good way to communicate
[1:47:31] what we need in a project.
[1:47:33] Additionally there's a state law that
[1:47:36] only allows us to use pre 2018 subjective standards to review
[1:47:43] some projects.
[1:47:44] So you will likely see us carry over those standards
[1:47:47] and that can be confusing.
[1:47:49] We will make sure to explain that.
[1:47:52] We hate to have to get technical in that way.
[1:47:55] We just want it clear and simple in order
[1:47:57] to get us the projects we want we will likely implement that.
[1:48:03] Those are our areas of focus.
[1:48:06] Let's go over the next steps.
[1:48:08] Tonight we are seeking your feedback on our overall focus
[1:48:13] and direction.
[1:48:14] We'd love to hear your thoughts.
[1:48:16] We will then do the same with the City Council in July.
[1:48:20] We will complete a draft of the regulations
[1:48:22] and provide those to you later this year
[1:48:25] for review and potential recommendation to the City
[1:48:27] Council.
[1:48:28] We will then seek City Council approval.
[1:48:31] While we do want to strengthen our guidelines quickly and get
[1:48:35] quality regulations on the books we are not great artists
[1:48:38] and will likely seek a consultant
[1:48:40] to develop an illustrated manual after we get it approved.
[1:48:44] Thanks for your time commissioners.
[1:48:46] We welcome your questions and feedback.
[1:48:55] Vice Chair Harvey: Thank you for the report
[1:48:57] that was very informative.
[1:49:00] Commissioner Oliveros: The architect part
[1:49:01] where you mentioned giving architects
[1:49:03] free autonomy to design I thought that was amazing.
[1:49:07] So does this mean that is it the architects
[1:49:11] that the city works with or the architects
[1:49:13] that the builders work with?
[1:49:17] >> That's a great question.
[1:49:18] It's the architects that the builders work with and just
[1:49:20] to give you some details on that we only had a few folks come
[1:49:25] to our outreach meeting.
[1:49:27] One of them was an architect who happens to live in town
[1:49:32] and people are making the case that we always
[1:49:36] require multiple materials on the front facade
[1:49:38] and what if you did a farmhouse on a large portion of it.
[1:49:44] That should be sufficient and it was a good argument
[1:49:46] so we are thinking on that.
[1:49:51] Commissioner Oliveros: That's great.
[1:49:54] It's an attraction for bringing new families
[1:49:59] and I love that term so thank you for that.
[1:50:14] Commissioner Ireland: I do want to emphasize
[1:50:16] that leaving some creative freedom is a good thing
[1:50:18] and we need to balance that with our need
[1:50:20] to create a robust set of design standards
[1:50:24] and just as a general comment I fully
[1:50:26] support getting as technical as you need
[1:50:29] to to have specific criteria identified so there is no wiggle
[1:50:34] room and language especially if language among design
[1:50:37] is evolving.
[1:50:38] New word for me tonight.
[1:50:42] So I'm not sure if you're looking for a feedback
[1:50:46] but there were a few things I had questions on that
[1:50:49] if it's not going to cause too many issues just to consider.
[1:50:52] We talked about public safety.
[1:50:55] That was one of them but how we can ensure that fire codes are
[1:50:58] up to date and also site access specifically things
[1:51:02] like access of fire trucks.
[1:51:04] We talk a lot about evacuation but just
[1:51:06] ensuring we have access for police or regular vehicles.
[1:51:11] There's a few other items when I looked
[1:51:15] over the preliminary working drafts
[1:51:17] and I may have missed it because I
[1:51:19] am somewhat new to all of this but things like density
[1:51:22] requirements, coverage limits.
[1:51:26] One item I did not see in there and I know we are --
[1:51:35] light standards for how exterior lighting is done as well as tree
[1:51:39] planting ratios so we can make sure we still have a proper
[1:51:43] landscaping so the intent of my comments is I don't want
[1:51:45] to create an environment where we're not allowing for that
[1:51:48] creative freedom we talked about but we do need some kind
[1:51:52] of objective design standards especially given how planning is
[1:51:55] changing in the state and I want to say thank you for being
[1:51:59] proactive and the whole team for addressing this issue.
[1:52:03] >> Thank you Commissioner and that's very helpful feedback
[1:52:06] because I can either add it to the drafts or if we have it
[1:52:10] somewhere else when I bring you the drafts I can tell you where
[1:52:13] that is so that's very helpful.
[1:52:15] Thank you.