HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-24-2012 PC Minutes ;1� - = Planning Commission Minutes
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'\.4,: ,>: ='' Tuesday, July 24, 2012
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
A regular meeting of the City of Dublin Planning Commission was held on Tuesday, July 24,
2012, in the City Council Chambers located at 100 Civic Plaza. Vice Chair O'Keefe called the
meeting to order at 6:58:47 PM
Present: Vice Chair O'Keefe; Commissioners Schaub, Brown, and Bhuthimethee; Jeff Baker,
Assistant Community Development Director; Kristi Bascom, Principal Planner; and Debra
LeClair, Recording Secretary.
Absent: Chair Wehrenberg
ADDITIONS OR REVISIONS TO THE AGENDA — NONE
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS — On a motion by Cm. Schaub and seconded by Cm.
Brown, on a vote of 3-0-1 (with Cm. Bhuthimethee absent from that meeting), the Planning
Commission approved the minutes of the July 10, 2012 meeting.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS — NONE
CONSENT CALENDAR — NONE
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS — NONE
PUBLIC HEARINGS —
8.1 PLPA-2012-00033 - Zoning Ordinance Amendment to Chapter 8.76 (Off-Street Parking
and Loading) related to the Village Parkway Pilot Parking Program
Kristi Bascom, Principal Planner, presented the project as outlined in the Staff Report.
Cm. Schaub asked what types of other uses Ms. Bascom was referring to. He felt the area is
mostly commercial use except for a few.
Ms. Bascom answered they would all be commercial uses. She stated the area is currently
office, personal service and some retail uses. She stated the idea of the pilot program is to
activate the area and create a more intensive use with café's, restaurants, and uses that
normally have stricter parking requirements. She mentioned that the parking table in the Zoning
Ordinance lists different parking requirements for different uses. She stated the Downtown
Dublin Specific Plan (DDSP) is broad in discussing the types of permitted uses in the area. The
problem is that some of the sites are unable to accommodate the some of the uses because of
the parking requirements. Instead of globally requiring less parking, the pilot program will test a
smaller area to see if a market based approach, similar to that used in Pleasanton and Walnut
Creek, might work for Dublin. The hope would be to intensify the area and more easily re-tenant
the spaces with more vibrant uses that activate the downtown area.
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Cm. Schaub felt the Commission is being asked to abandon all of the parking restrictions for the
area for whatever use the property owners choose. He asked if the Applicants would be
required to come before the Planning Commission or the Community Development Director for
approval or is this program only geared towards parking.
Ms. Bascom answered, only parking. The uses are already identified in the DDSP which is the
reference used when answering inquiries regarding opening a business in a specific location.
She stated that the business may be a permitted use, but the parking requirements can be a
stumbling block. She explained this amendment would be in effect for 3 years and would
remove the parking requirements only.
Cm. Schaub asked if it would be permitted for a deli to open in a former smog shop location and
would the deli come before the Planning Commission for approval.
Ms. Bascom answered yes; the pilot program is in a defined area and a deli is a permitted use in
that area. She felt it would be unlikely that a deli would want to locate in a former smog shop
with no street frontage, but if they wanted to be located there the City would not require parking
in the pilot area. She stated the City would leave the decision regarding parking to the property
owners who felt they can work out parking based on their relationship with the existing tenants
and decide whether a café in a former smog shop would be a good idea.
Cm. Schaub was concerned with the legality of the City abandoning its responsibilities for
parking in this area.
Jeff Baker, Assistant Community Development Director, answered that the City is not
abandoning its responsibility to the area, but only relaxing the parking standards. He stated that
all other uses would be required to meet zoning requirements and obtain building permits.
Cm. Schaub asked if Staff believes the City can legally abandon the parking requirements in this
area.
Ms. Bascom responded the program would relax the requirement to require a certain number of
parking spaces. She stated the City Attorney reviewed the proposed Ordinance. She continued
other nearby cities allow re-tenanting and the change of uses in buildings without requiring any
new parking and also allow up to a 25% increase in the square footage of building or use
without requiring additional parking. She felt the idea is that there is on-street and shared
parking and if the area has enough variety of uses, people will park once and visit many shops,
etc. She stated the City can relax the parking requirements. She stated the idea for the pilot
program started with the property owners in the test area; there are 6 buildings, 4 parcels and 2
property owners. The property owners conveyed to the Economic Development Staff that they
had potential businesses that were interested in leasing spaces which are permitted uses, but
the parking is a challenge. They asked if there is a way the property owners can work out the
parking issue for themselves. That is the genesis of the pilot program; start small and see if the
spaces can be re-tenanted with the types of uses Staff would like to see in the pilot area along
Village Parkway. She stated they asked how long it would take to have existing leases expire
and new businesses move in and picked a time period that seemed reasonable. They felt they
would see some results in that time frame and if there are unintended negative consequences,
the City could pull back and say that was a great experience but it didn't work.
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Cm. Schaub asked how the pilot program will be measured. He felt there was no way of
measuring the outcome and asked if Staff would wait for complaints and felt that was not an
effective measuring tool.
Ms. Bascom responded the pilot program went to the Economic Development Subcommittee of
the City Council first who recommended the concept to the City Council for their direction. At
that time, Staff determined the steps to adopting the program. She stated Staff sent out a notice
3-4 weeks ago asking for feedback from business and property owners and also sent out a
public notice for this meeting. She stated that if this moves through the Planning Commission
and City Council, Staff would continue to do outreach in the Village Parkway district to inform
them it has been adopted. The Staff will ask for feedback after 1 year and the Economic
Development staff will be in contact with the property owners on a proactive basis.
Cm. Schaub asked if, during the pilot program, a property owner changes the use of one of the
businesses and it doesn't work; will the City have the authority to close the business.
Ms. Bascom answered no.
Mr. Baker responded the Ordinance is proposed for a 3-year time period, but if there are
problems the Council could revise the Ordinance during that time period.
Cm. Schaub felt the City could not close a business if the parking program did not work.
Ms. Bascom agreed the City would not require a business to close because the parking pilot did
not work. She stated in that case, Staff would work with the business owner for a solution. She
agreed with Mr. Baker that the City Council could revise the Ordinance if there are problems.
She stated the idea would be that between the Economic Development Staff and property
owners there would be close coordination regarding changes in uses such as a conversion of a
smog shop to a night club, bar or restaurant. She felt that would be something that Staff would
be aware of.
Cm. Schaub felt that if this Ordinance is passed the City could not do anything about the
businesses for 3 years.
Ms. Bascom answered, that is correct.
Cm. Bhuthimethee asked what happens after the 3-year program.
Ms. Bascom answered whoever moved in over the course of the 3 years would be allowed to
stay, but the Ordinance would sunset after 3 years and the requirements would revert to what
they are currently, but the City would have tried the program to see if it invigorated the
downtown area.
Cm. Brown asked about the responsibility for parking of the property owners, managers and
other business proprietors.
Ms. Bascom responded that parking would be the responsibility of the owners, managers and
the tenants. She felt that some tenants already know what kind of parking is needed for their
business. This program would make parking their responsibility to assess the current situation
and if it will work for their business.
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Cm. Brown asked if, when the Ordinance refers to the "sufficient parking for the area
businesses," is it referring to the test area.
Ms. Bascom answered yes; there are 6 buildings with multiple businesses in each.
Cm. Brown asked if the Ordinance refers to any businesses outside the test area.
Ms. Bascom responded the business owners outside the test area do not have the responsibility
for providing parking for businesses within the pilot area. She stated parking standards outside
the pilot area would still be enforced; that would not change.
Cm. Schaub asked if "no parking" signs in front of specific businesses can be enforced.
Mr. Baker answered the business owners may post signs that indicate the parking is for their
use and that can be enforced, as long as they are properly posted. He stated there are
provisions in the vehicle code to abate cars that don't belong in the parking area.
Cm. Schaub asked if business owners designate a certain number of spaces in a shared
parking area; is that enforceable.
Mr. Baker felt that is a private matter and not enforceable.
Ms. Bascom mentioned a letter from a business owner who was concerned about abandoned
cars in the area.
Cm. Schaub was also concerned about abandoned cars in the area and asked what the City
was doing about the problem.
Mr. Baker stated that Code Enforcement is working with the property and business owners to
eliminate abandoned vehicles.
Ms. Bascom mentioned the letter from Ellie Lange, a Village Parkway property owner, who is in
support of relaxing the parking requirements, but for a larger area.
Cm. Bhuthimethee asked what type of community outreach was done.
Ms. Bascom answered that there were mailings sent to all the business and property owners
explaining what the proposal is and asked for their feedback.
Cm. Bhuthimethee asked if the mailing described the proposed Ordinance.
Ms. Bascom answered yes; the mailing described the pilot parking area and the proposed
Ordinance.
Cm. Schaub asked if the mailing had been sent to the typical 300 foot radius for notices.
Ms. Bascom responded the notice was sent to the entire Village Parkway area.
Cm. Bhuthimethee asked if the two letters mentioned were the only responses.
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Ms. Bascom stated there were two comment letters and a few phone calls with clarification
questions.
Ms. Bascom stated the Ordinance that was attached to the Staff Report has been revised. Staff
added a section to make it clear that the parking Ordinance is changing but, after 3 years, and
unless revised again by the City Council, the Ordinance will automatically change back to the
current standard. She stated that 30 days after the City Council adopts the Ordinance it
becomes effective and the parking requirements are relaxed.
Gm. Bhuthimethee asked if, after one year the pilot program is successful, can it be expanded to
the entire Village Parkway district.
Ms. Bascom answered that, as the Ordinance is written now, it would apply only to the pilot area
for the 3-year period. She stated that if the Planning Commission wanted to recommend a
shorter or longer time period, then Staff would take it back to the Economic Development
Subcommittee for their input before it moves on to the City Council.
Mr. Baker stated that, if the Ordinance goes forward and is successful, the City Council could
direct Staff to further modify it in the future to expand the area.
Mr. Brown stated he understands the reason for the pilot program but asked what the objective
of the program is and how the success of the program would be measured.
Ms. Bascom responded the objective of the program is to remove barriers to re-tenanting
spaces in the pilot area. She stated the property owners have stated that the main barriers to
filling their spaces are the City's parking requirements. They stated that they had found great
tenants who were excited about coming to Dublin, the business is a permitted use, but the
parking requirements make it difficult. She stated that removing the barriers to re-tenanting with
more activating, more intense uses is the objective of the program. She felt measuring the
success would be to see if there is a change of tenancy in the pilot parking area.
Cm. Brown asked if there was a meeting of the existing tenants in the area informing them
about this pilot program.
Ms. Bascom stated no specific meeting for business owners was held, but there was a notice
sent out asking for feedback and a notice for tonight's meeting.
Cm. Schaub felt the goal of the pilot parking program is to remove the parking restrictions and
put more cars and more intense uses in the area. He felt it's really to remove parking
restrictions that have been in place. He felt the area is lined with parking spaces currently and
he was concerned that the property owners could restripe the parking stalls without permits. He
felt that in most shopping centers with pedestrian activity there is usually diagonal parking. He
was concerned that if the business owners decide to restripe the parking lots they could place
them in unsafe areas. He asked if the City has a mechanism for permitting and inspecting
restriping of parking spaces that would include space width and ADA requirements.
Mr. Baker answered that, if the business owners wanted to restripe the parking areas, they
would need to comply with the striping policies and obtain a permit from Public Works.
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Cm. O'Keefe asked if an outdoor café was located in a storefront and the café wanted to change
the sidewalk and install outdoor seating, would that come before the Planning Commission for
approval.
Ms. Bascom answered that outdoor seating is a permitted use in the downtown, but Staff would
review the level of work being done. She stated that, if the business was installing a fence, ,it
would be approved through Site Development Review Waiver or Site Development Review at
Staff level. But, if there were substantial modifications to the building in order to accommodate
the business, it would come before the Planning Commission. She added the City has various
levels of review depending on the magnitude of the changes to the site and the building.
Cm. O'Keefe stated that Ms. Lange's letter stated she was concerned that confining the pilot
program to this small area creates a competitive advantage for those property owners located
within the pilot area. He asked how Staff felt about her concern.
Ms. Bascom felt that that is a fair statement. She stated Staff has not done a site-by-site
assessment to determine the parking for each parcel but the program would allow those
property owners in the pilot area more leeway in tenanting their spaces. The Staff, as well as
Economic Development Subcommittee of the City Council, felt this is a big change for Dublin
and having a large scope would be too much and felt a small pilot area to start with to see if it
works, and then expand it at that time. She stated there is the potential for it to be too
successful and then there could be some issues. She felt it is true that the parcels contained in
the area will have a benefit.
Cm. Brown asked if there are available tenant spaces in the pilot test area.
Ms. Bascom answered she was not aware of any.
Cm. Schaub stated he did not see any while visiting the area.
Cm. Brown felt that having no vacancies in the pilot area goes against one of the objectives of
the program, which is to promote more tenancy and relax the barriers. He asked if there are no
tenant opportunities what is the real objective.
Ms. Bascom stated that is one of the reasons for a long test period which would allow enough
time for leases to expire, or not be renewed, etc.
Cm. Brown asked if there are open tenant spaces currently on Village Parkway, not in the pilot
area, that could benefit from the pilot program.
Ms. Bascom answered she saw some signs along Village Parkway but Staff has not done an
analysis to determine the amount of parking for those parcels. She stated that the permitted
uses in the pilot area are the same as the permitted uses along Village Parkway. She stated
some tenant spaces, depending on the use type, lend themselves more easily to different types
of uses. She stated that these particular parcels were chosen because they were felt to lend
themselves more easily to the pilot program. She was unaware of any parking challenges at the
vacant spaces outside the pilot program.
Cm. O'Keefe asked if there was a list of expiration dates for leases in the pilot area.
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Ms. Bascom answered no.
Vice Chair O'Keefe opened the public hearing.
Ellie Lange, 6500 Dublin Blvd, #202, property owner on Village Parkway, spoke regarding the
parking program. She passed out copies of a map to the Commission which showed her
properties in relation to the pilot area. She stated that she is in support of the pilot program but
was concerned with a competitive situation that the pilot program would create. She stated she
has tenants that have parking restrictions on their current spaces that would not be an issue if
they moved to within the pilot program area. She urged the Planning Commission to either
expand the area or shorten the time frame and asked not to put her and the other property
owners at a disadvantage.
Cm. Schaub asked Ms. Lange if it would be a problem if a restaurant moved in south of the pilot
area and their patrons could not park in the back, so they park on the street and take up all the
parking on Village Parkway.
Ms. Lange answered no; it is a public street. She stated that, if they were parking on her lot,
she would deal with it, but Village Parkway is usually filled up and stated she has never had an
issue with street parking.
Cm. Brown asked how many tenants she has.
Ms. Lange answered 24.
Cm. Brown asked if the current parking is suitable for the 24 tenants.
Ms. Lange answered yes because she manages her tenant mix. She stated she has some
tenants that are only there in the evening and some in the day time. She added that she takes
parking into consideration when renting to tenants because regardless of the City's restrictions
the parking must work or the tenant won't stay in the space.
Janice Hummer, martial arts studio owner, asked if the business owners would be leasing
parking spaces to their tenants.
Mr. Baker answered the program is strictly related to leasing the tenant spaces not the parking
spaces.
Vice Chair O'Keefe closed the public hearing.
Cm. Schaub mentioned the Starbucks at the corner of Village Parkway and Amador Valley Blvd
which was denied by the Planning Commission because there was not enough parking. He
stated the City Council subsequently approved the project. Part of the project took out the right
turn lane from Village Parkway to the residential area which added 3 parking spaces. He felt the
project still does not have enough parking. He felt that this landowner was familiar with parking
regulations at the time. He stated the Commission has seen Applicants come to the Planning
Commission with no understanding of parking regulations which could create a dangerous
situation. He mentioned a bowling alley that was denied by the Planning Commission because
there was not enough parking, but the other tenants in the area did not come to talk to the
Commission because they did not want to speak against their landlord even though their parking
Plan ring Commission Jui:3.24,2012
rgrie '!Meeting 73
would be reduced if the project were approved. He felt the goal of this pilot program was to
raise rents and agreed with Cm. Brown regarding the lack of vacant spaces in the pilot area. He
felt that if the goal of the pilot program is to add more intense uses and not to raise rents then
the current tenants would be allowed to remain.
Cm. Schaub shared some pictures of the pilot area that he was concerned about.
There was a discussion regarding the pictures and the pilot area.
Cm. Brown asked if this area is designated as light industrial.
Cm. Schaub answered yes. He was concerned about the many cars parked to the rear of the
buildings creating an unsafe condition.
Cm. Brown asked if a restaurant would be permitted to locate in the area depicted in the
pictures.
Ms. Bascom answered yes; a restaurant would be permitted in the area. She continued the
uses that are permitted in the DDSP are very broad. She stated that a restaurant would be
permitted currently throughout the Village Parkway District. She did not feel a restaurant would
want to be located in the area where Cm. Schaub's pictures were taken, and felt that neither the
space nor the aesthetics would be suitable. She stated there are many reasons why a
restaurant would not be suitable for this space and parking is only one of them.
Cm. Schaub mentioned there is a restaurant currently located at the end of Village Parkway.
Ms. Bascom answered the restaurant Cm. Schaub is referring to is located in a different
building.
Cm. Schaub stated the parking lot is adjacent to the pilot area and the only parking lot without a
chain link fence. He felt that if the restaurant was located on the street they would want the
patrons to park in the back and he does not feel that is a safe situation. He was concerned with
the safety of the patrons and pedestrians and felt there could be unforeseen consequences
without having any control by the City. He felt this is not a safe area to increase the density of
parking.
Cm. O'Keefe asked Cm. Schaub if he had any recommendations for modifications to the
program or if he is opposed to the Ordinance.
Cm. Schaub stated he is not opposed to the entire pilot program. He felt there is no reason why
the Commission could not deal with parking as they have in the past, making exceptions as
needed. He felt he could not make the findings and would recommend the City Council not to
put the pilot program in place and instead allow the Commission to work with the Applicants. He
felt that leaving parking to the property owners is not what City public policy is about.
Cm. O'Keefe asked Cm. Schaub for clarification; he asked, if the property owners/tenants were
required to bring their proposed project to the Planning Commission if the new use exceeded
previous parking standards, would he support the Ordinance.
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Cm. Schaub felt that scenario would not change from the current situation. He stated that if a
property owner wanted to have a more intense use the Planning Commission would review it
and require them to clean up the area. He did not feel that the different cities discussed were
good examples of good parking situation. He felt that if the pilot program didn't work, the
overflow would not impact a residential neighborhood. He felt that the program area is a good
area but felt the program was not good to try. He asked what if it is too successful and felt that
is a term of failure. He did not feel this has been thought through and felt this goes against
everything he believes the Commission has done correctly and felt the program would be
irresponsible.
Cm. Bhuthimethee felt there would be no reason for unattended children to be in the parking lot
in the light industrial area as shown in Cm. Schaub's pictures. She felt the uses in the back of
the building are more utilitarian uses for mostly adults. She did not feel the area was any less
safe than other parking lots.
Cm. Schaub stated the Commission has been dealing with children in the areas for a long time
and imposed restrictions on businesses in the Sierra Court area because of the safety of
children.
Cm. Bhuthimethee felt the pilot program was worth trying. She felt the City's policies should be
progressive in order to be successful and felt the other cities mentioned are successful. She
was not sure what too successful means and tried to focus on the successful part of it. She also
felt that development tries to create congestion, create activity and create density of people
which could make Village Parkway more vibrant and attract more tenants. She felt it would be
good to try it for 3 years. She agreed with Ms. Lange's point that it doesn't seem fair for those
property owners to have an advantage and asked why not include all of Village Parkway district.
She also felt that, in general, the City is hesitant to enforce parking restrictions for all the
reasons the Cm. Schaub mentioned. She commended the Economic Development
Subcommittee for bringing the pilot program forward.
Cm. Brown felt the concept of the pilot program is good. He felt that Ms. Lange would not want
a business to come in that she knows would take up all the parking spaces. He was not
convinced that this pilot program, as proposed, is where it ought to be. He felt that the pilot
program is intended to bring in tenants to this location but there are no tenants spaces currently
open. He felt the area chosen doesn't provide the opportunity for that test and felt there were
areas on Village Parkway that do have vacancies. He wanted to take more time to identify a
better test area and then move forward. He felt this was not the appropriate area and would not
vote in favor of this program.
Cm. Bhuthimethee asked why not this program.
Cm. Brown answered the reason for the pilot program was to allow the property owners the
opportunity to manage their parking spaces among new tenants, but there are no opportunities
for new tenants and may not be during the 3 year term of the program.
Cm. Bhuthimethee asked where the 3-year time frame came from.
Mr. Baker answered the time frame came through internal discussions regarding what would be
an appropriate length of time to determine if the program works.
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Cm. Bhuthimethee asked what if nothing happens.
Cm. Brown felt the program was not a good test for the current situation with no opportunity to
test it.
Cm. O'Keefe agreed with Cm. Brown and asked if he thought that Village Parkway was a good
test area, not taking into consideration the current vacancies.
Cm. Brown answered yes; Village Parkway is the industrial part of the downtown and if the
program is trying to make it more pedestrian friendly, then there has to be the opportunity for the
property owners to find businesses that would attract pedestrian traffic. He felt that, in order to
attract those businesses, the property owners should be able to deal with parking challenges.
Cm. O'Keefe asked how the Commission felt about extending the pilot program to all of Village
Parkway from Amador Valley Blvd. to Dublin Blvd. because of the vacancies outside the pilot
area.
Cm. Brown felt that, before embarking on extending the area, the business owners should be
given the opportunity to meet and discuss the situation. He felt the situation needs more than a
mailing so that business owners are aware of what the pilot program is about and have the
opportunity to discuss it.
Cm. Bhuthimethee asked if Cm. Brown felt this would be a first step to discuss it; to see how it's
working and then maybe if it is working well, after a year, expand the program to all of Village
Parkway.
Cm. Brown responded he did not feel this is a good test area for the concept.
Cm. Schaub felt there is a risk to this program and asked if the risk is worth it when the area is
not a good test area. He stated an Applicant could ask for a reduction in parking for their project
and at that point the Commission could approve a reduction and use that as a test.
Cm. Brown agreed.
Cm. O'Keefe stated that anyone who takes advantage of the opportunity has the right, in
perpetuity, to that use and felt that 36 months is too long. He suggested an 18 month term
instead because once the use is located in the pilot area they are in and there is no method in
place to measure the success or failure of the program. He felt that once the business owner
signs a lease they are there until the lease is up. He felt the time for the pilot program should be
shorter than 3-years.
Cm. O'Keefe wanted to see the scope of the project area redefined or expanded. He was
concerned about creating a competitive advantage for some property owners. He felt that would
be mitigated if they created a larger area by including all of Village Parkway from Amador Valley
Blvd. to Dublin Blvd. He agreed with Cm. Brown that there are no current vacancies.
Cm. Bhuthimethee felt that if Staff brought this program forward there must be the potential for
some vacancies. She felt the pilot program should not be dismissed because we don't know
when the leases are up because there may be vacancies soon or not for a while.
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Cm. O'Keefe stated he is support of the concept but has a concern about safety and felt it
should be mitigated by adding a condition that says any change of use needs to be presented to
the Planning Commission if their use will go above the current parking standard, even though
the standard is no longer valid, only for the duration of the pilot program. He wanted the time
period to be 18 months instead of 36 months and felt there should be some objective matrix for
success and a wider pilot program area that has existing vacancies. He would then be in
support of the program.
Cm. Schaub asked if Staff could bring the Ordinance back to the Commission with those
changes included. He wanted to ensure that Chair Wehrenberg had the opportunity to discuss
the program. He agreed with Cm. O'Keefe regarding the changes to the program but felt it
would be like the current requirements where the Commission would have to make a parking
exception. He would like to have a Study Session to discuss the matter. He felt that adjacent
property owners may not be very supportive of a parking exception and felt that could cause
problems.
Cm. Bhuthimethee suggested recommending the program to the City Council, see how it works
and in a year, review it for an extension.
Cm. Brown did not want to approve something that is not set up as a good test. He agreed with
Cm. O'Keefe regarding having a shorter period of 18 months, wherever the test is done. But he
felt the current area was not a good test area.
Mr. Baker stated the Commission is being asked to make a recommendation to the City Council
on the proposed Ordinance and ultimately it would be the City Council's decision on how to
proceed. He stated the Commission's options are to vote to recommend approval, recommend
with modifications, or recommend denial and then the City Council would decide.
Cm. Brown felt the only suitable modification would be a different test site. He agreed with Cm.
O'Keefe's suggestion to include all of Village Parkway, but he felt that would take time to
prepare and Staff would have to study it. He felt that the business owners and all the property
owners need to be informed regarding the proposal before being approved by the City Council.
Cm. Schaub stated the Commission has 30 years of experience setting parking standards, and
felt there are too many open issues.
Mr. Baker felt the Commissioners should keep in mind that Staff attempted to reach out to the
property owners and business owners by inviting them to this meeting. They were sent notices
and any further outreach would be the same. He stated Staff has done outreach and the results
were two attendees to the meeting and two comment letters.
Cm. O'Keefe asked Cm. Schaub if he could make a recommendation to the City Council
regarding modification to the Ordinance.
Cm. Schaub felt he was not prepared to make a recommendation for modification to the City
Council. He stated there were new things brought up in the meeting that modified his
understanding of the program. He felt there was too much risk involved. He was concerned by
the lack of enforcement of current parking issues in the area and felt this program would put
more burden on Code Enforcement.
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Cm. Bhuthimethee felt that the property owners are not against the idea and there was only one
opposition letter from a business owner.
Cm. Brown stated the property owner that attended the meeting, Ms. Lange, is not against the
concept but was concerned about the competitive advantage for the property owners in the pilot
area.
Cm. Bhuthimethee suggested recommending changing the terms to 18 months instead of 3
years which is what Ms. Lange suggested.
Cm. Schaub felt there needs to be more study to know if 18 months would be a good time
period.
Cm. Bhuthimethee did not feel that anyone really can determine what the best length would be.
Cm. Schaub felt it was too risky.
Cm. Bhuthimethee disagreed and felt the Ordinance can be changed.
Cm. Schaub felt the current tenants and property owners did not understand the implications of
the pilot program and what types of issues can come up.
Cm. Bhuthimethee felt that would be an issue between the tenants and the property owners.
Cm. O'Keefe felt that Cm. Schaub was against the program and Cm. Bhuthimethee was in favor
of it. He asked Cm. Brown to give his thoughts on how to move the project forward.
Cm. Brown stated that since there are no available tenant spaces in the pilot area the main
purpose of the pilot program doesn't exist.
Cm. O'Keefe asked Cm. Brown if he would be in support of modifying the scope of the area.
Cm. Brown felt there needs to be a study session regarding this program and did not feel the
Planning Commission could decide on the scope of the area and for the concept to succeed it
has to be in the right setting.
Cm. Schaub agreed; he stated he is in support of the concept, but was unsure how it could work
with what the Commission understands about parking issues.
Mr. Baker felt the Planning Commission has had a thorough discussion which resulted in
varying opinions and thoughts on the program. He stated the City Council will read the minutes
to see what the Commission had to say in regards to the program. He stated that, barring the
ability of the Commission to come to a consensus, which would require 3 out of 4 in attendance,
it may be best for the Commission to recommend denial and send it onto the City Council for
them to make their decision on how to proceed.
Cm. Schaub felt the Planning Commission should recommend denial to the City Council,
however, the only reason the Commission is denying it is to give the City Council the
Commission's feedback so that the City Council can make the appropriate decision.
Aznrund r'fmrtussion ?4, 2012
ot,lar 9,feenzg 78
On a motion by Cm. Schaub and seconded by Cm. Brown, on a vote of 2-2-1, with Chair
Wehrenberg being absent, the Planning Commission failed to come to consensus therefore the
resolution is denied:
RESOLUTION NO. 12- 30
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN
RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A
ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 8.76 (OFF-STREET PARKING AND
LOADING) RELATED TO THE VILLAGE PARKWAY PILOT PARKING PROGRAM
NEW OR UNFINISHED BUSINESS — NONE
OTHER BUSINESS - NONE
10.1 Brief INFORMATION ONLY reports from the Planning Commission and/or Staff,
including Committee Reports and Reports by the Planning Commission related to
meetings attended at City Expense (AB 1234).
10.2 Mr. Baker stated there are tentative agenda items scheduled for both meetings in August.
Cm. O'Keefe stated he will be absent for the August 14, 2012 meeting.
ADJOURNMENT — The meeting was adjourned at 8:32:52 PM
Respectfully sub .itted`
can O'Keefe
Planning Comm' • ce Chair
ATTEST:
G
Jeff Baker-
Assistant Community Development Director
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