HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-07-12_Planning PACKET
Note: Anyone wishing to speak at any Planning Commission meeting is encouraged to do so. If you wish to speak,
please rise and, after you have been recognized by the Chair, give your name and complete address for the record.
You will then be allowed to speak. Please note that the public testimony may be limited by the Chair and normally is
not allowed after the Public Hearing is closed.
ASHLAND PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
JULY 12, 2016
AGENDA
I. CALL TO ORDER:
7:00 PM, Civic Center Council Chambers, 1175 E. Main Street
II. ANNOUNCEMENTS
III. AD-HOC COMMITTEE UPDATES
IV. CONSENT AGENDA
A.Approval of Minutes
1. June 14, 2016 Regular Meeting.
2. June 28, 2016 Special Meeting.
V. PUBLIC FORUM
VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A.Adoption of Findings for PA-2016-00617, 601 Fair Oaks.
B.Adoption of Findings for PA-2016-00847, 252 B Street.
VII. TYPE II PUBLIC HEARING
A.PLANNING ACTION #: PA-2016-01029
SUBJECT PROPERTY: 1365 Tolman Creek Road
OWNER/APPLICANT: Ronald Rezek/Clason Company LLC
DESCRIPTION: A request for Outline and Final Plan approval under the Performance Standards
Options Chapter (AMC 18.3.9) for a three-lot subdivision for the property located at 1365 Tolman
Creek Road. Also included are requests for a Physical and Environmental Constraints Review
Permit for Floodplain Development to allow widening of the existing driveway entrance by two
to five feet and the installation of utilities including stormwater drainage facilities within the
floodplain; a Limited Use Permit to allow grading for utility installation and restoration of the
buffer area of a small wetland on the property; and an Exception to Street Standards to not
install city standard street improvements along the property’s Tolman Creek Road street
frontage. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: Single Family Residential; ZONING: R-1-7.5;
ASSESSOR’S MAP: 39 1E 23BA; TAX LOT #: 201.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please
contact the Community Development office at 541-488-5305 (TTY phone is 1-800-735-2900). Notification 48 hours prior to the
meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to the meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104
ADA Title 1).
Note: Anyone wishing to speak at any Planning Commission meeting is encouraged to do so. If you wish to speak,
please rise and, after you have been recognized by the Chair, give your name and complete address for the record.
You will then be allowed to speak. Please note that the public testimony may be limited by the Chair and normally is
not allowed after the Public Hearing is closed.
VIII. LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENT PUBLIC HEARING
A.PLANNING ACTION #: PL-2016-00682
APPLICANT: City of Ashland
DESCRIPTION: A legislative amendment is proposed to amend the City of Ashland
Comprehensive Plan’s Introduction and Definitions Chapter (Chapter II), and Citizen
Involvement Element Chapter (Chapter III), to designate the Planning Commission as the City’s
Committee for Citizen Involvement, and to replace references to the Citizen’s Planning Advisory
Committee with references to the Committee for Citizen Involvement.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please
contact the Community Development office at 541-488-5305 (TTY phone is 1-800-735-2900). Notification 48 hours prior to the
meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to the meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104
ADA Title 1).
ASHLAND PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
JUNE 14, 2016
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Melanie Mindlin called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Civic Center Council Chambers, 1175 East Main
Street.
Commissioners Present: Staff Present:
Troy J. Brown, Jr. Maria Harris, Planning Manager
Michael Dawkins Derek Severson, Associate Planner
Debbie Miller April Lucas, Administrative Supervisor
Melanie Mindlin
Haywood Norton
Roger Pearce
Lynn Thompson
Absent Members: Council Liaison:
None Greg Lemhouse, absent
ANNOUCEMENTS
No announcements were made.
AD-HOC COMMITTEE UPDATES
Commissioner Dawkins stated the last meeting of the Downtown Parking Management and Circulation Committee
was predominately public testimony and the next meeting will be held Wednesday, July 6.
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of Minutes.
1. May 10, 2016 Regular Meeting.
A correction was made to page 3 under “Staff Report”; the sentence should read “…with parking spaces at the rear
and an openspace play area to the west north.”
Commissioners Thompson/Pearce m/s to approve the minutes of May 10, 2016 as corrected. Voice Vote: all
AYES. Motion passed 7-0.
PUBLIC FORUM
No one came forward to speak.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A.Adoption of Findings for PA-2016-00209, 25 N Main St.
Commissioner Mindlin stated she talked briefly with a citizen about the decision but there was no ex parte contact.
Commissioner Pearce recommended the following modifications:
Conditions #3 and #5: delete “where consistent with applicable standards and with final approval by the
Staff Advisor.”
Ashland Planning Commission
June 14, 2016
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Condition #13: delete “Such agreement is to indicate that the applicant will be responsible for the removal of
the balcony and restoration of the historic building façade at his expense should the city ever need the use
of the airspace.”
Commissioners Pearce/Thompson m/s to adopt the Findings for PA-2016-00209 with the noted amendments.
Voice Vote: all AYES. Motion passed 7-0.
TYPE II PUBLIC HEARINGS
A.PLANNING ACTION #: PA-2016-00684
SUBJECT PROPERTY: Railroad Property located north of railroad tracks and situated between east and
west sections of Clear Creek Dr.
OWNERS: Union Pacific Railroad
APPLICANT: City of Ashland
DESCRIPTION: A request to change a deed restriction that was required in a 1999 planning approval
(PA 99-048) and recorded on the vacant 20-acre site owned by Union Pacific Railroad. The original deed
restriction required that the 20-acre site be cleaned up to the Oregon Department of Environmental
Quality’s (DEQ) residential standard before further land divisions or development occur. The proposed
revision to the deed restriction clarifies the timing and type of clean up for consistency with DEQ
standards so that: 1) before the 20-acre site can be divided into smaller lots or developed, the initial
cleanup of the 20-acre site would be to the residential standard and 2) future subdivided lots would have
to be cleaned up to the standard DEQ requires for the proposed use of the individual lots: the
“occupational” standard for retail, office, or light industrial uses; the “residential” standard for ground
level housing. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: Employment; ZONING: E-1; ASSESSOR’S MAP:
39 1E 09AB TAX LOT: 6700; ASSESSOR’S MAP: 39 1E 09AA TAX LOT: 6200.
Commissioner Mindlin read aloud the public hearing procedures for land use hearings.
Ex Parte Contact
No ex parte contact was reported.
Staff Report
Planning Manager Maria Harris provided an overview of the property’s history and stated the request before the
commission is to amend a condition that was assigned to the property in 1999, which stated parcel 7 had to be
cleaned to the Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) residential standards before any land divisions or
development could occur. Ms. Harris stated the city attorney has looked at this and it appears the way the deed
restriction was recorded requires that once the initial cleanup is complete and the property divided, it would have to
be continued to be cleaned residential standards. The City Council has been working with the Union Pacific Railroad
(UPRR) and the DEQ to come up with a plan to clean the property and through negotiations with UPRR they have
agreed to do a full cleanup of the property, take the contaminated soil out by railcar, and bring the incoming soil by
truck. However UPRR is concerned about the deed restriction and feel the restriction is a barrier to selling the
property because DEQ would not require a residential level of cleanup once the property is divided. The proposed
modification would change that condition and therefore the deed restriction to require the initial cleanup of the full 20-
acre property to the residential standard and thereafter when it is divided and developed any further cleanup would
be to the DEQ standard for the proposed use.
Ms. Harris reviewed the process and approval criteria and explained this is considered a major modification. She
pointed out their review of this action is limited to the modification request and clarified there are no impending
development proposals for this property.
Applicant’s Presentation
Dave Lohman/Ashland City Attorney/Stated he is representing and city and is available to answer any questions.
Mr. Lohman stated the staff report covers the situation clearly but offered some additional background. He stated this
Ashland Planning Commission
June 14, 2016
Page 2 of 7
is a voluntary cleanup and the property is not contaminated enough to warrant a required immediate cleanup, but
rather DEQ is only requiring that it be cleaned before it is developed. Mr. Lohman stated the contaminated material
will be removed by rail to minimize impact on the community and address safety issues. He added what they did not
realize back in 1999 when the restriction was placed what that the restriction stays with the land regardless of how it
is used. After many conversation and negotiations, UPRR has agreed to the full cleanup but only if this condition is
replaced. He explained the DEQ residential standard for the full 20 acre site would require the owner to take out the
worst of the contaminated material and what remains will be based on a risk based standard, which varies depending
on the type of development that will occur.
Questions of the Applicant
Several commissioners questioned why future residential cleanups would be an impediment (or necessary) if the
initial cleanup is already done to residential standards. Mr. Lohman stated the initial residential cleanup standard is
an average, and an average over 20 acres is different than an average over 3 acres. UPRR will take out the worst
contamination, but there may be areas remaining that would require additional cleanup measures. He added a
residential use or a playground for example would likely require a second round of cleanup, whereas an office
building or a new street would not.
Mr. Lohman was asked if he felt comfortable that UPRR will complete the work they have agreed if the city does not
have a contract with them. He responded “yes” and added he has no concerns with UPRR not following through. He
explained UPRR is ready to move forward as soon as they get some assurance from the city that the condition will be
modified. They have money budgeted for the cleanup and it is not in their best interest to keep this property on their
books. Additionally, it is not is the city’s interest to have this property sitting empty either.
Public Testimony
James Jarrard/1072 Clear Creek Dr/Spoke in favor of this action and the cleanup but urged the city to watch and
monitor this carefully. Mr. Jarrard stated the contamination goes very deep and recommended the excavation go the
full depth of the pollution. He submitted a handout (see Exhibit #1) and stated his primary concerns are the quality of
information being presented to the city and he is worried the railroad will take the cleanest spots and sell them off and
leave the most heavily polluted areas.
Mark Knox/604 Fair Oaks/Stated he has an ownership interest in the adjacent property and is excited to see the
city, UPRR, and the DEQ working this out and cleaning up the property. Mr. Knox stated market forces will address
the prior speaker’s concern and stated he is very supportive of the request.
Rick Harris/190 Oak St, #1/Voiced his support for the cleanup and stated it is appropriate to do it in this fashion. Mr.
Harris agreed with the prior speaker and stated market forces will take care of the cleanup. He stated in order for the
railroad to sell these parcels buyers will demand that they perform the cleanup to the corresponding DEQ standards.
He stated this action will get the property to the level where UPRR can begin to market it and then each individual
parcel will have an environmental cleanup aspect to it and they will not be able to pass that on to the new buyer.
Questions of Staff
Commissioner Mindlin questioned if the cleanup is averaged out, can the UPRR sell the good pieces and leave the
others? Ms. Harris stated it is difficult to imagine the hotspots not getting cleaned up. She stated the contamination is
on the ends and a big part in developing this property is getting the streets and utilities through it. She added it would
be very difficult to divide up the land by developable and not developable areas.
Applicant’s Rebuttal
Dave Lohman/Stated DEQ has a lot of expertise in this area and noted there will be additional public meetings to
solicit input before the final remediation plan is approved. Regarding the question of leaving the worst contaminated
areas, Mr. Lohman stressed that UPRR will have to clean up the worst areas before they can do anything else.
Ashland Planning Commission
June 14, 2016
Page 3 of 7
Deliberations and Decision
Commissioners Pearce/Dawkins m/s to approve PA-2016-00684. DISCUSSION: Pearce commented that what
has been proposed will help the property along and is pleased with the high standard for the initial cleanup. He added
what they are being asked is a very narrow question and voiced his support for the request. Thompson stated it is
clearly in the public interest to get a significant portion of this area to developable land. Brown agreed that this is a
very narrow issue before them and commented that the proposal will serve the community best and allow this land to
be cleaned up and developed. Miller commented with the change to the deed restriction she will expect appropriate
oversight. Roll Call Vote: Commissioners Brown, Dawkins, Miller, Norton, Pearce, Thompson, and Mindlin,
YES. Motion passed 7-0.
B.PLANNING ACTION #: PA-2016-00230
SUBJECT PROPERTY: 188 Garfield Street
OWNER/APPLICANT: Rivergate Assembly of God Church of Ashland
DESCRIPTION: A request for Site Design Review and Conditional Use Permit approval to construct a
new church for the property located at 188 Garfield Street. The application involves demolition of the
existing Rivergate Assembly of God church building and the construction of a new approximately 4,978
square foot/100-seat church building near the corner of Garfield and Iowa Streets. The application also
involves: a Solar Setback Exception to allow the proposed church to cast a greater shadow on the lot to
its north (also under church ownership) than would be cast by a six-foot fence on the north property
line; an Exception to Street Standards to retain the existing curbside sidewalk and street trees; a Tree
Removal Permit to remove one tree greater than six-inches in diameter at breast height, and a Property
Line Adjustment. The Planning Commission approved this action subject to conditions at its May
meeting including a requirement that the driveway be relocated from Iowa Street to Garfield Street. At
its June meeting, the Planning Commission will consider modifications in response to those conditions
including the relocation of the driveway, modifications to proposed parking and the removal of two
additional trees prior to adoption of findings. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: High Density
Multi-Family Residential; ZONING: R-3; ASSESSOR’S MAP: 39 1E 10CB; TAX LOTS: 2100, 2101.
Ex Parte Contact
Commissioner Norton stated he had a brief discussion with the applicant about the meeting but there was nothing
said that is not already in the public record.
Staff Report
Associate Planner Derek Severson noted this application was reviewed and approved by the commission last month
with a number of conditions. As a result, the applicants have prepared a revised proposal with the following
modifications:
The driveway access from Iowa Street to the parking lot has been removed and a shared access for the
parking lot, and any future development, has been added for access to Garfield Street. This access will be
aligned with the alley on the opposite side of Garfield.
Four additional off-street parking spaces have been provided.
An additional Sweet Gum tree and a Leyland Cypress tree are proposed to be removed to accommodate
the above changes.
The previously proposed play area has been reduced.
The previously request solar setback exception is no longer required.
Mr. Severson stated staff is recommending the commission reopen the hearing and address the minor modifications
before they adopt findings. Mr. Severson concluded his presentation and stated staff feels the applicants have
adequately addressed the approved conditions.
Applicant’s Presentation
Ray Kistler/Stated the modifications are exactly what the commission requested.
Ashland Planning Commission
June 14, 2016
Page 4 of 7
Public Testimony
Eric Hamilton/1273 Iowa/Voiced concern that the development is proceeding piecemeal and stated his two main
issues are the future development to the north and the playground. Mr. Hamilton stated a potential two or three story
development would create privacy issues, obstruct views, and cause a depreciation in property value; and he asked
the developer to consider retaining the existing playground space on the church property as greenspace.
Rick Harris/190 Oak St, #1/Spoke in favor of the modifications and adopting the findings this evening so the project
can move forward. Mr. Harris stated the church is being downsized and moved to the corner, and the future
development proposals will come before the Planning Commission for review when that time comes. He noted this is
the largest piece of undeveloped R-3 land in the city and downsizing the church as using the land as identified in the
comprehensive plan is the best use of the property.
Mary Scott/1274 Iowa/Commissioner Mindlin read aloud the written comments from Ms. Scott. (See Exhibit #2)
Applicant’s Rebuttal
Ray Kistler/No rebuttal was given. Mr. Kistler noted the new driveway will align with the alley across the street.
Deliberations and Decision
Commissioners Brown/Pearce m/s to approve PA-2016-00230. DISCUSSION: Brown commented that the
applicants have sufficiently addressed the conditions. Pearce cited the public input on potential developments and
clarified this is a standalone application and when future proposals come forward those will be appropriately noticed
and reviewed. Norton voiced his support that the play area was moved and is now totally on the church property. Roll
Call Vote: Commissioners Brown, Dawkins, Miller, Norton, Pearce, Thompson, and Mindlin, YES. Motion
passed 7-0.
Adoption of Findings for PA-2016-00230, 188 Garfield St.
Mr. Severson clarified the findings reference language from both the original application but also the proposed (now
approved) modifications.
Commissioners Dawkins/Brown m/s to approve the findings for PA-2016-00230. Voice Vote: all AYES. Motion
passed 7-0.
C.PLANNING ACTION #: PA-2016-00617
SUBJECT PROPERTY: 601-691 Fair Oaks Avenue
OWNERS: Ayala Properties, L.L.C.
APPLICANT: KDA Homes, L.L.C.
DESCRIPTION: A request for Site Design Review approval, Property Line Adjustment and Modification of
Planning Action #2013-01506 for the property located at 601 Fair Oaks Avenue within the North Mountain
Neighborhood Plan area. The original approval allowed for a mixed-use building with commercial space
and parking on the ground floor and residential units on the two upper floors. The modifications
proposed here include changes to the building’s exterior design, adjusting a property line, and adding
an exterior elevator. No changes are proposed to the previously-approved density, parking allocations
or landscaping. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: North Mountain, Neighborhood Central
Overlay; ZONING: NM-C; ASSESSOR’S MAP: 39 1E 04AD TAX LOTS: 700 & 800.
Ex Parte Contact
Commissioner Norton conducted a site visit. Commissioner Thompson was approached by a citizen who wanted to
discuss this project but she referred them to staff.
Ashland Planning Commission
June 14, 2016
Page 5 of 7
Staff Report
Associate Planner Derek Severson provided a brief history of the property and displayed the vicinity map, site plan,
elevations, and floor plans for the site. He explained the proposed modifications would:
Change the building’s exterior design
Dissolve a property line
Add an exterior elevator that would serve tax lots #700 and #800
Mr. Severson clarified no changes are proposed to the previously approved density, parking allocations, or
landscaping; and stated staff is supportive of the application as submitted.
Applicant’s Presentation
Mark Knox and Mark McKechnie/Mr. Knox stated the changes are due to a new architect for the project and
explained they realized most of the units in the original plan would face Interstate 5 and they would like to change this
so they face Mt. Ashland instead. Mr. Knox stated he is excited to be a part of this project, which will consist of a
community center, diverse housing, affordable housing, and a design similar to the plaza without the intensity. He
added they have no issues with the conditions of approval recommended by staff. Mr. McKechnie commented that
they have worked hard on this project and there will be small-scale shops on the ground floor and residential units up
above. He added it will look like four separate buildings built at slightly different times and by different architects.
Mr. McKechnie clarified the recessed area between the buildings will serve as a light corridor to provide sunlight to
the middle windows. He also commented on the corner unit and noted the importance for a building this size to have
an anchor on the end.
Deliberations and Decision
Commissioners Dawkins/Brown m/s to approve PA-2016-00617. Roll Call Vote: Commissioners Brown,
Dawkins, Miller, Norton, Pearce, Thompson, and Mindlin, YES. Motion passed 7-0.
D.PLANNING ACTION #: PA-2016-00847
SUBJECT PROPERTY: 252-256 B Street
OWNERS: Maura & Kathleen Van Heuit
APPLICANT: Jerome White of Kistler + Small + White Architects
DESCRIPTION: A request for Site Design Review and Conditional Use Permit approval to allow a
remodel and 1,664 square feet of additions to the three-unit building located at 252-256 B Street. A
Conditional Use Permit is required because the proposal exceeds the Maximum Permitted Floor Area in
a Historic District by 13.6 percent. The application also includes a request for an Exception to the Site
Design and Use Standards’ Historic District Design Standards (18.4.2.050.B.12) which directs that
“Additions on the primary façade or on any elevation that is visually prominent from a public right-of-
way, and additions that obscure or destroy character defining features” are to be avoided. The proposal
will remove the existing decorative gable and rake details on the front street-facing façade and reapply
them to a second-story gable on the proposed addition. The gable will be raised approximately eight feet
to accommodate the second story. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: Low Density Multi-Family
Residential; ZONING: R-2; ASSESSOR’S MAP: 39 1E 09BA; TAX LOTS: 5700.
Ex Parte Contact
Commissioners Miller, Mindlin, Norton, Pearce, Dawkins, and Thompson declared site visits. No ex parte contact was
reported.
Staff Report
Associate Planner Derek Severson reviewed the proposal to remodel the existing three-unit structure and add 1,664
sq.ft. He reviewed the site plan, landscape plan, solar access, elevations, and floor plans. He also noted the Historic
Commission reviewed the application and recommended approval but asked for the new siding to match the existing
siding and for the windows to have three inches of frame between one another. Mr. Severson stated given that the
Ashland Planning Commission
June 14, 2016
Page 6 of 7
Historic Commission was supportive and recommended approval with only two items to be addressed, staff is
supportive of the request and recommend approval with the conditions outlined in the staff report.
Questions of Staff
Concern was expressed about the potential for the one-bedroom units to be converted to two-bedroom units. Mr.
Severson stated one of the conditions of approval states that if the use intensifies the applicants must address the
parking requirements. He added the commission could consider adding a deed restriction to regulate this. Staff was
asked if there is any place for the applicants to add parking in the future and Mr. Severson responded there are on-
street credits available as well as the potential for additional parking at the rear of the property.
Applicant’s Presentation
Jerome White/Maura Van Heuit/Kathleen Van Heuit/Mr. White stated they have no interest in creating two extra
bedrooms and explained it has been Maura and her mother Kathleen’s dream to live in the railroad district. He stated
this is currently a three-unit apartment and there will be two homeowners moving in. He noted the Historic
Commission’s unanimous approval and pointed out that the proposed height is 5 ft. below the maximum permitted
and will be the same as the Pelton house next door. Mr. White stated the size does not exceed what is typically found
in the neighborhood and stated 48% of the homes on the south side of the street are two-story homes. Regarding the
demolition, he stated 78.5% of the house will remain and therefore a demolition permit is not needed. Mr. White
spoke to the conditional use permit and stated they are not asking for the full 25% but only what they need, 13.6%.
He added 200 sq.ft of that added space is needed to get a stairway to the second floor. Mr. White stated they have
no issues with the conditions of approval and asked for the commission’s support.
Deliberations and Decision
Commissioner Brown commented on the deed restriction and felt this was a good idea. He commented that things
change overtime and would like to make sure if any interior changes are made to add additional bedrooms, this goes
through the appropriate approval process.
Commissioner Brown/Norton m/s to require a deed restriction to limit the units to one bedroom each.
DISCUSSION: Norton commented that this would alert future buyers of this specific condition of approval and would
be more effective for staff if this ever became a compliance issue. Pearce commented that the zoning of the property
may change over time and questioned if it was appropriate to freeze the zoning in place for all time. Mr. Severson
commented staff could include a condition of approval that states if additional bedrooms or other modifications are
made that would require additional parking, site review approval would be required. Thompson noted the law already
requires applicants to come back and obtain proper approval. Brown commented that some modifications are more
obvious than others and this would be an easy change that could go unnoticed. Roll Call Vote: Commissioners
Brown and Norton, YES. Commissioners Dawkins, Miller, Pearce, and Mindlin, NO. Motion failed 5-2.
Commissioners Thompson/Dawkins m/s to approve PA-2016-00847 with the conditions of approval
presented by staff. Roll Call Vote: Commissioners Brown, Dawkins, Miller, Norton, Pearce, Thompson, and
Mindlin, YES. Motion passed 7-0.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
Submitted by,
April Lucas, Administrative Supervisor
Ashland Planning Commission
June 14, 2016
Page 7 of 7
ASHLAND PLANNING COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING
MINUTES
JUNE 28, 2016
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Melanie Mindlin called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Civic Center Council Chambers, 1175 East Main Street.
Commissioners Present: Staff Present:
Troy J. Brown, Jr. Bill Molnar, Community Development Director
Michael Dawkins Maria Harris, Planning Manager
Melanie Mindlin April Lucas, Administrative Supervisor
Haywood Norton
Roger Pearce
Absent Members: Council Liaison:
Debbie Miller Greg Lemhouse, absent
Lynn Thompson
ANNOUNCEMENTS/AD HOC COMMITTEE UPDATES
Community Development Director Bill Molnar announced the City Council approved first reading of the ordinance modifying
the Verde Village development agreement with two modifications: 1) a requirement for the homes to be Earth Advantage zero
net ready, and 2) for the applicants to work with staff to provide additional east/west pathways.
PUBLIC FORUM
Huelz Gutcheon/2253 Hwy 99/Commented on climate change mitigation including: solar panels, windmills, led lights, and
electric vehicles.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A.Adoption of Findings for PA-2016-00684, Union Pacific Railroad Property.
No ex parte contact was reported.
Commissioners Pearce/Dawkins m/s to approve the Findings for PA-2016-00684. Voice Vote: all AYES. Motion
passed 5-0.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
A.Comprehensive Plan Amendment – Citizen Involvement and Participation Chapter.
Planning Manager Maria Harris explained in April 2016 the City Council unanimously approved a modification to AMC Chapter
2.27 to designate the Planning Commission as the city’s committee for citizen involvement. Ms. Harris provided the
background information on state planning goal #1 and the former Citizens Planning Advisory Committee (CPAC). She stated
the Planning Commission will now be responsible for those duties, which include enhancing citizen involvement in land use
planning and evaluating the process being used for citizen involvement. Ms. Harris stated in order to reflect the City Council’s
recent decision the Ashland Comprehensive Plan will need to be modified to remove the reference to the CPAC. This will
require a public hearing before the Planning Commission and an ordinance by the City Council.
Staff was asked about the language in state planning goal #1 that references a geographic representation. Mr. Molnar clarified
the geographic area for Ashland is very small, at just over 6 square miles, and by having more than 100 citizen volunteers
serving on city commissions and committees there is an adequate geographic cross section being represented. He added staff
Ashland Planning Commission
June 28, 2016
Page 1 of 2
has consulted with the local representative for the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development and he had no
concerns about Ashland meeting the requirements.
Staff went on to explain that following the public hearings and ordinance adoption the Planning Commission may want to
consider forming a small subcommittee to evaluate citizen involvement and how that might be improved.
B.Council Initiation of Zone Change – North Pioneer Street.
Community Development Director Bill Molnar stated this item is for informational purposes and clarified the formal public
hearing will be held in August or September 2016. He explained in February 2016 the City Council unanimously directly staff
to prepare a land use application that would modify the zoning of 150 N. Pioneer. Mr. Molnar commented on the surrounding
area and the former and current use of the property and explained the application would rezone the lot from R-2 multi-family
residential to C-1 commercial.
Stan Potocki/150 N Pioneer/Stated he is the property owner and was assured back when the city’s parking lot went in on the
adjacent lot that his property would be commercially rezoned. However that never occurred. Mr. Potocki stated his property
has served as a commercial business for over 40 years and the properties across the street and next door are all commercial
as well. He shared the issues he has had to deal with by having a city parking lot next door, including a large volume of
vehicle traffic and parking issues, car alarms, dogs barking, and in the evenings people consume alcohol along the property
line and throw their cans and bottles into his yard. Mr. Potocki stated this property is simply not suited for residential use.
Mr. Molnar stated the merits of the rezone will be discussed at the public hearing and tonight’s presentation was to provide the
commission with the background information.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
Submitted by,
April Lucas, Administrative Supervisor
Ashland Planning Commission
June 28, 2016
Page 2 of 2
FINDINGS
_________________________________
PA-2016-00617
601 Fair Oaks
FINDINGS
_________________________________
PA-2016-00847
252 B Street
TYPE II
PUBLIC HEARING
_________________________________
PA-2016-01029
1365 Tolman Creek Rd.
LEGISLATIVE
PUBLIC HEARING
_________________________________
PL-2016-00682
Committee for Citizen Involvement