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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-09-23_Planning MIN Planning CommissionMinutes Note: Anyone wishing to speak at any PlanningCommission 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 the public testimony may be limited by the Chair. September 23, 2025 STUDY SESSION Minutes I.CALL TO ORDER: Vice-Chair KenCairncalled the meeting to order at 7:03p.m.at theCivic Center Council Chambers, 1175 E. Main Street. Commissioners Present: Staff Present: Kerry KenCairn Brandon Goldman, CommunityDevelopment Director Eric Herron Jordan Rooklyn, Deputy City Manager Susan MacCracken Jain Michael Sullivan, Executive Assistant Russell Phillips Absent Members: Council Liaison: John Maher Jeff Dahle (absent) Lisa Verner II.ANNOUNCEMENTS 1.Staff Announcements: Community Development Director Brandon Goldman made the following announcement: The Ashland Wildfire Emergency Drillisscheduled for October 11, 2025. Interested participants should visit the City's webpage at ashlandoregon.govto sign up before September 30. A public meeting will be held at Hunter Parkregarding thetennis court restoration on September 24 at 5:30p.m.at the Ashland Senior Center. The "Coffee and Conversation with City Council and Staff" is scheduled for October 14 from 1:00 to 2:30p.m.at North Mountain Park. The October 14, 2025Planning Commission Regular Meeting willinclude a site review for a multifamily development at 300 Clay Street. 2.Advisory Committee Liaison Reports–None III.PUBLIC FORUM–None Page 1of 2 In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, pleaseemail planning@ashland.or.us. Notification 72 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). Planning CommissionMinutes IV.DISCUSSION ITEMS 1.Special Permits Deputy City ManagerJordan Rooklynpresented on streamlining the City's special event permitting process, explaining that currently there are 11 different short-term permits across 6 departments, referenced in 3 different code locations includingLand Use underChapter 18 (see attachment). The proposal would: Create a new Chapter 2.69 "Special Event" in the city code Consolidate all permits into one application and review process Move certain special event permits from land use code to administrative code Create a formal appeal process for denied permits Remove the current rush fee for late applications Provide more flexibility for downtown sidewalk sales Codify First Friday events The Commission recommended removing the limits on event occurrences to benefit the City,while allowing administration to address any arising issues. The Commission highlighted safety concerns about food trucks, such as extension cords, generators, and gas, with Ms. Rooklynconfirming that inspectionswouldinvolve theCityFire Marshal. The Commission supported allowing food trucks in public rights-of-way only with full street closures and proper safety measures, as well as permitting them at block parties in residential areas if neighbors approve. Ms. Rooklynnoted plans to revisit the Planning Commission for a public hearing in early 2026, aiming for a July 1, 2026, implementation. IV.OPEN DISCUSSION–None V.ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 7:38p.m. Submitted by, Michael Sullivan, Executive Assistant Page 2of 2 In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, pleaseemail planning@ashland.or.us. Notification 72 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).