PC-2026-14 - Laserfiche WebLink

Resolution No. PC-2026-14 Page Four exceed DSP limits for residential development and do not provide appropriate transitions to adjacent lower-scale uses, contrary to policies intended to preserve downtown’s small-town character and ensure compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods. The project also does not meet DSP design objectives related to pedestrian orientation, including the absence of a street- facing primary entrance and the absence of active frontage along Old Bernal Avenue. Collectively, these inconsistencies demonstrate that the project does not implement the land use, density, design, and economic vitality objectives of the General Plan and DSP, and therefore cannot be found consistent with these adopted plans. As such, the Planning Commission finds and recommends the City Council determine that this finding cannot be made. 3. Whether the proposed development plan is compatible with the previously developed properties in the vicinity and the natural, topographic features of the site. The surrounding neighborhood is characterized by predominantly one- and two-story structures with articulated building forms, pedestrian-oriented design, and established transitions in scale between residential and mixed- use buildings. In contrast, the proposed three-story, 34-foot-tall building introduces a level of height, massing, and density that is not consistent with the prevailing development pattern and does not provide adequate transitions to adjacent lower-scale uses. The building’s orientation, setbacks, and lack of street-facing entry and landscaping, as part of its architectural design, further reduce its compatibility with the established downtown and residential context. As a result, the development does not comply with the requirements of the Objective Design Standards or other applicable objective standards established in adopted City plans and documents, reflect the scale, character, or environmental context of surrounding properties and is therefore found to be incompatible. As such, the Planning Commission finds and recommends the City Council determine that this finding cannot be made. 4. Whether grading in conjunction with the proposed development plan takes into account environmental characteristics and is designed in keeping with the best engineering practices to avoid erosion, slides, or flooring, and to have as minimal an effect upon the environment as possible. The Planning Commission finds that the proposed grading does not demonstrate that it has been designed in accordance with the site’s environmental characteristics or in keeping with best engineering practices to avoid erosion, instability, or flooding, or to minimize environmental impacts. The project application materials are incomplete and lack sufficient detail regarding stormwater treatment measures, drainage design, and utility coordination, including unresolved issues related to the Clean Water Program and sewer infrastructure. The absence of comprehensive grading, drainage, and erosion control information prevents the City from verifying that the Docusign Envelope ID: F7D5AF6D-4DB3-82C5-832D-A68C36612ADA