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Home My WebLink About02/01/24 Planning Commission Meeting Packet February 1, 2024 | 6:00 PM Page 1 of 3 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Agenda PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING AGENDA Thursday, February 1, 2024 | 6:00 PM CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL 7351 ROSANNA STREET, GILROY, CA 95020 Commissioners: Manny Bhandal: manny.bhandal@cityofgilroy.org Annedore Kushner: annedore.kushner@cityofgilroy.org Stefanie Elle: stefanie.elle@cityofgilroy.org Adriana Leongardt: adriana.leongardt@cityofgilroy.org Joan Lewis: joan.lewis@cityofgilroy.org Kelly Ramirez: kelly.ramirez@cityofgilroy.org Monica Valdez: monica.valdez@cityofgilroy.org Staff Liaison: Sharon Goei, Community Development Director | sharon.goei@cityofgilroy.org Written comments can be submitted by email to planningdivision@cityofgilroy.org. Please note that written comments will not be read out loud, but will be part of the written record. Comments by the public will be taken on any agenda item before action is taken by the Planning Commission. Persons speaking on any matter are asked to state their name and address for the record. Public testimony is subject to reasonable regulations, including but not limited to time restrictions on particular issues and for each individual speaker. A minimum of 12 copies of materials should be provided to the Clerk for distribution to the Commission and Staff. Public comments are limited to no more than three-minutes, at the Chair’s discretion. Comments on any agenda item may be emailed to the Planning Division at planningdivision@cityofgilroy.org or mailed to the City of Gilroy, Community Development Department at City Hall, 7351 Rosanna Street, Gilroy, CA 95020. Comments received by the Planning Division by 1:00 pm on the day of a Planning Commission meeting will be distributed to the Planning Commissioners prior to or at the meeting and are available for public inspection at the Planning Division counter at City Hall, 7351 Rosanna Street. Any correspondence received will be incorporated into the meeting record. Items received after the 1:00 pm deadline will be provided to the Planning Commission as soon as practicable. In compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA), the City will make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. If you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk 72 hours prior to the meeting at (408) 846-0491. A sound enhancement system is available in the City Council Chambers. Planning Commission Regular Meeting Agenda Page 2 of 3 February 1, 2024 | 6:00 PM If you challenge any planning or land use decision made at this meeting in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing held at this meeting, or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission at, or prior to, the public hearing. Please take notice that the time within which to seek judicial review of any final administrative determination reached at this meeting is governed by Section 1094.6 of the California Code of Civil Procedure. Persons who wish to speak on matters set for Public Hearing will be heard when the presiding officer calls for comments from those persons who are in support of or in opposition thereto. After persons have spoken, the hearing is closed and brought to the Planning Commission level for discussion and action. There is no further comment permitted from the audience unless requested by the Planning Commission. A Closed Session may be called during this meeting pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(b)(1) if a point has been reached where, in the opinion of the legislative body of the City on the advice of its legal counsel, based on existing facts and circumstances, there is a significant exposure to litigation against the City. Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the Planning Commission after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection with the agenda packet in the lobby of Administration at City Hall, 7351 Rosanna Street during normal business hours. These materials are also available with the agenda packet on the City website at www.cityofgilroy.org KNOW YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE GILROY OPEN GOVERNMENT ORDINANCE. Government's duty is to serve the public, reaching its decisions in full view of the public. Commissions, task forces, councils and other agencies of the City exist to conduct the people's business. This ordinance assures that deliberations are conducted before the people and that City operations are open to the people's review. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE OPEN GOVERNMENT ORDINANCE, TO RECEIVE A FREE COPY OF THE ORDINANCE OR TO REPORT A VIOLATION OF THE ORDINANCE, CONTACT THE OPEN GOVERNMENT COMMISSION STAFF AT (408) 846-0204 or by email at cityclerk@cityofgilroy.org. 1. OPENING (2023 Chair) 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. REPORT ON POSTING THE AGENDA AND ROLL CALL 4. ELECT CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR FOR 2024 5. PUBLIC COMMENTS (Three-minute time limit). This portion of the meeting is reserved for persons desiring to address the Planning Commission on matters not on the agenda. The law does not permit the Planning Commission action or extended discussion of any item not on the agenda except under special circumstances. Comments on any agenda item may be emailed to the Planning Division at planningdivision@cityofgilroy.org or mailed to Community Development Department at City Hall, 7351 Rosanna Street, Gilroy, CA 95020. Comments received by the Planning Division by 1:00pm on the day of a Planning Commission meeting will be distributed Planning Commission Regular Meeting Agenda Page 3 of 3 February 1, 2024 | 6:00 PM to the Planning Commission prior to or at the meeting and available for public inspection with the agenda packet located in the lobby of Planning Division at City Hall, 7351 Rosanna Street prior to the meeting. Any correspondences received will be incorporated into the meeting record. Items received after 1:00pm deadline will be provided to the Planning Commission as soon as practicable. All statements that require a response will be referred to staff for reply in writing. PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR RELATED PROJECT APPLICATIONS WILL BE HEARD CONCURRENTLY AND ACTION WILL BE TAKEN INDIVIDUALLY. COMPANION PROJECTS UNDER NEW BUSINESS WILL BE TAKEN UP FOR ACTION PRIOR TO, OR IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE RELATED PUBLIC HEARING. THIS REQUIRES DEVIATION IN THE ORDER OF BUSINESS AS NOTED WITHIN THE AGENDA. 6. CONSENT AGENDA 6.1. December 7, 2023 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS No items. 8. NEW BUSINESS 8.1. Request to Install Highway 152 Tree Row Plaque/Monument 1. Staff Report: Cindy McCormick, Customer Service Manager 2. Public Comment: 3. Possible Action: Recommend that the City Council approve the request to install the Highway 152 Tree Row Plaque and Monument on public property located at the southwest corner of Hecker Pass Road and Autumn Drive (APN 810-20-038) in the Hecker Pass Special Use District. 9. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 9.1. Planning Division Staff Approvals 10. PLANNING DIVISION REPORT 11. ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY REPORT 12. ADJOURNMENT To the Next Meeting of March 14, 2024 at 6:00 PM Page 1 of 4 City of Gilroy Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes Thursday, December 7, 2023 | 6:00 PM 1. OPENING Tonight’s meeting was called to order by Chair Bhandal at 6:00 p.m. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair Bhandal led the pledge of allegiance. 3. REPORT ON POSTING THE AGENDA AND ROLL CALL The agenda was posted on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at 6:20 p.m. Attendance Attendee Name Present Stefanie Elle, Commissioner Terence Fugazzi, Commissioner Joan Lewis, Commissioner Kelly Ramirez, Commissioner Manny Bhandal, Chair Absent Adriana Leongardt, Commissioner Annedore Kushner, Vice Chair 4. PUBLIC COMMENTS Chair Bhandal opened public comment for items not on the agenda. There being no speakers, Chair Bhandal closed public comment for items not on the agenda. 5. CONSENT AGENDA 5.1. November 2, 2023 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes A motion was made by Chair Bhandal; seconded by Commissioner Lewis to approve the consent agenda. RESULT: Pass [5 – 0] MOVER: Chair Bhandal SECONDER: Commissioner Lewis AYES: Commissioner Elle, Fugazzi, Lewis, Ramirez, and Chair Bhandal ABSENT: Commissioner Leongardt and Vice Chair Kushner 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS 6.1. StorQuest Self-Storage, Architectural & Site Review / Conditional Use Permit, Located on a vacant parcel at Gilman Road @ Camino Arroyo, APN 841-18-086 (Application AS 22-19 / CUP 22-04) December 7, 2023 | 6:00 PM Page 2 of 4 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes 1. Staff Report: Cindy McCormick, Customer Service Manager 2. Public Hearing: Chair Bhandal opened the item to public hearing. Bob Donnelly, applicant, provided additional information and answered the Commission’s questions pertaining to the project. Jeff Herbst, the architect for the project, provided additional information and answered the Commission’s questions. Pete Smith, the civil engineer for the project, provided additional information and answered the Commission’s questions. Ruben Dario Villa provided a public comment. Villa expressed interest in the project’s murals and in hiring local artists to paint the murals. 3. Close Public Hearing: There being no further speakers, Chair Bhandal closed the public hearing. 4. Disclosure of Ex-Parte Communication: Commissioner Elle, Fugazzi, and Chair Bhandal informed the Commission and the public that they had ex-parte communication with the project’s applicant. 5. Possible Action: Staff has analyzed the proposed project and recommends that the Planning Commission: a. Based on its independent analysis, adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) and find that the Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) was completed in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and that there is no substantial evidence that the project will have a significant effect on the environment; and b. Adopt a resolution approving Architectural and Site Review permit application AS 22-19; and c. Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit application CUP 22-04. A motion was made by Chair Bhandal; seconded by Commissioner Ramirez to: a. Based on its independent analysis, adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) and find that the Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) was completed in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and that there is no substantial evidence that the project will have a significant effect on the environment. December 7, 2023 | 6:00 PM Page 3 of 4 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes RESULT: Pass [5 – 0] MOVER: Chair Bhandal SECONDER: Commissioner Ramirez AYES: Commissioner Elle, Fugazzi, Lewis, Ramirez, and Chair Bhandal ABSENT: Commissioner Leongardt and Vice Chair Kushner A motion was made by Commissioner Ramirez; seconded by Commissioner Lewis to: b. Adopt a resolution approving Architectural and Site Review permit application AS 22-19; and c. Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit application CUP 22- 04. With the following amendments: 1. Add a condition of approval stating that graffiti shall be removed from the property within two (2) business days of notification by the City to the on-site manager of the self-storage facility. 2. Amend condition of approval #11 to state that the applicant / property owner’s portion of the 35-foot setback area shall be maintained by the applicant/property owner according to standards approved by the City until the area is dedicated to and accepted by the City or other City approved agency at which time they shall be responsible for maintenance. RESULT: Pass [5 – 0] MOVER: Commissioner Ramirez SECONDER: Commissioner Lewis AYES: Commissioner Elle, Fugazzi, Lewis, Ramirez, and Chair Bhandal ABSENT: Commissioner Leongardt and Vice Chair Kushner 7. NEW BUSINESS 7.1. Acceptance of the 2024 Planning Commission Meeting Schedule 1. Staff Report: Sharon Goei 2. Public Comment: 3. Possible Action: Accept the 2024 Planning Commission meeting schedule. A motion was made by Chair Bhandal; seconded by Commissioner Elle to accept the 2024 Planning Commission meeting schedule. RESULT: Pass [5 – 0] MOVER: Chair Bhandal SECONDER: Commissioner Elle AYES: Commissioner Elle, Fugazzi, Lewis, Ramirez, and Chair Bhandal ABSENT: Commissioner Leongardt and Vice Chair Kushner December 7, 2023 | 6:00 PM Page 4 of 4 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes 8. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 8.1. Planning Division Staff Approvals There was one Planning project approval, Application No. AS 22-27 granting an extension of time for a previous approval of a new industrial building in the M1 Murray Las Animas Overlay zone district. 9. PLANNING DIVISION REPORT None. 10. ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY REPORT None. 11. ADJOURNMENT To the Next Meeting of Thursday, January 11, 2024 at 6:00 PM Chair Bhandal adjourned the meeting at 6:48 p.m. Ariana Fabian, Planning Technician Community Development Department 7351 Rosanna Street, Gilroy, CA 95020-6197 Telephone: (408) 846-0451 | Fax: (408) 846-0429 cityofgilroy.org |planningdivision@cityofgilroy.org Sharon Goei DIRECTOR DATE: February 1, 2024 TO: Planning Commission FROM: Cindy McCormick, Customer Service Manager SUBJECT: Request to Install Highway 152 Tree Row Plaque/Monument RECOMMENDATION: Recommend that the City Council approve the request to install the Highway 152 Tree Row Plaque and Monument on public property located at the southwest corner of Hecker Pass Road and Autumn Drive (APN 810-20-038) in the Hecker Pass Special Use District. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The project includes the installation of a single-sided monument and plaque on public property located at the southwest corner of Hecker Pass Road and Autumn Way (APN 810-20-038) in the Hecker Pass Special Use District. The purpose of the plaque is to commemorate the historic significance of the row of deodar cedar trees planted in the early 1930s along a 1.39 mile portion of Hecker Pass Highway (Highway 152) in Gilroy. Although a few trees have been lost or removed, the 1.39 mile row of trees is still largely intact and healthy. DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS: Background: The City of Gilroy experienced rapid growth between 1910 and 1930. The building boom prompted locals to focus on town beautification as part of its planning. Leisure travel by automobile was also just beginning to be popular in the late 1920s and early 1930s and the highway beautification social movement was at its infancy in 1930. Gilroy decided to beautify its western entrance by planting deodara cedar trees, a popular tree at the time that was suited to the California climate, and planted in towns to beautify city blocks and roadways. Community involvement became a part of Gilroy’s improvement efforts, and events such as Arbor Day were used to gather public participation in local beautification projects. Spearheaded by the Rotary Club along with other civic organizations, local Rotarians, Boy Scouts, Camp Fire Girls, and school children of all ages helped plant 75 cedar trees along the newly constructed highway that ran west of town to celebrate the first Arbor Day in Gilroy in 1930. An additional 65 trees were planted the following Arbor Day in 1931. Over time, some of the trees were lost and replaced. For example, in 2007, it was reported that there were 115 deodar cedar trees and 20 oak trees within the 1.39 mile long row, and another 30 deodar cedar trees across the street. The attached National Register of Historic Places registration form provides additional background on the history of the tree planting. 2 1 4 7 0 National Register of Historic Places: When Caltrans needed to replace the bridge over Uvas Creek just east of Gilroy Gardens (~ 2004) they considered two options, one north and one south of the bridge that existed at that time. The southern option would have eliminated half a mile of the cedar trees. However, after researching the history of the tree row, the Caltrans historian determined that the trees qualified for the National Register of Historic Places. Using the research of the Caltrans historian, the Gilroy Historical Society submitted an application through the State Office of Historic Preservation, which was approved by the National Park Service in July 2007. As provided in the certified registration form, the trees qualified for designation under criterion A (Property is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history) “in the area of social history at the local level of significance.” Gilroy Historical Society: Since 2007, the Gilroy Historical Society has been trying to find a location for a commemorative sign that would be visible to both motorists and pedestrians. The Gilroy Historical Society has partnered with the Mountain Charlie Chapter of E Clampus Vitus (“Clampers”) plans, to purchase and erect the monument sign. The monument would be similar in style to the San Ysidro School monument, illustrated in the attached photo. The San Ysidro School monument (dedicated June 11, 1994), recognizes the school as “the oldest school in continuous operation on the same site in Southern Santa Clara County.” Additional information is documented on the Mountain Charlie Clampers chapter website http://www.mountaincharlie1850.org/plaquemenu.html Location: The proposed location was chosen because of its visibility from the recreational path and the roundabout, and its proximity to the historic Ousley Homestead, which dates back to 1872. The Gilroy Historical Society also considers this location as contributing to the City Council’s vision of Gilroy becoming a recreation destination. The proposed location was reviewed by both Caltrans and the City’s Public Works Engineering division. As a condition of approval, the monument sign shall be installed 60 feet back from the intersection of the pedestrian trail and Autumn Way, and a minimum three (3) feet from the edge of the trail pavement. The proposed location is roughly illustrated in the attached image. Monument and Plaque: The proposed plaque was designed by the Clampers, while the Gilroy Historical Society wrote the text. As illustrated in the attached photos, the sign identifies the historic tree row as being on the National Register and provides a brief history of its significance. The concrete monument would be approximately 48” tall and 30” wide, while the bronze plaque will be 20” x 30”. PUBLIC NOTICING: The Planning Commission public hearing packets are available through the City's webpage. ATTACHMENTS: National Register Form and Approval 3 1 4 7 0 II 1 r 3 y ; ■■ r 1' "I 1 I ' r t 1 w r Community Development Department 7351 Rosanna Street, Gilroy, California 95020-6197 Telephone: (408) 846-0451 Fax: (408) 846-0429 http://www.cityofgilroy.org TO:Planning Commission FROM:Sharon Goei, Community Development Director Ariana Fabian, Planning Technician DATE:February 1, 2024 SUBJECT:Planning Division Staff Approvals In conformance with Gilroy Municipal Code Sections 30.50.20(b) and 30.50.46, the following table lists all Minor Deviation approvals and all Architectural and Site approval/denial actions taken by the Planning Division since the last report was provided to the Planning Commission at its December 7, 2023 meeting.i APPROVED PROJECT #LOCATION PROJECT NAME & DESCRIPTION None DENIED PROJECT #LOCATION PROJECT NAME & DESCRIPTION None AS = Architectural and Site Review VMD = Minor Deviation The current status of other planning projects is available online at: https://www.cityofgilroy.org/298/Development-Activity-Projects i Submitted in conformance with Gilroy Municipal Code Sections 30.50.20(b) and 30.50.46