Planning Commission
Regular MeetingFresno, CA · March 6, 2024
Minutes
City of Fresno
City Hall Council Chambers
2600 Fresno Street
Meeting Minutes - Final
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
6:00 PM
Regular Meeting
In Person and/or Electronic
City Hall Council Chambers
Planning Commission
Chairperson – Peter Vang
Vice Chair – Brad Hardie
Commissioner – David Criner
Commissioner – Haley M Wagner
Commissioner – Kathy Bray
Commissioner – Monica Diaz
Commissioner – Jacqueline Lyday
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - Final March 6, 2024
THE PLANNING COMMISSION WELCOMES YOU TO COUNCIL CHAMBERS,
LOCATED AT CITY HALL, 2600 FRESNO STREET, FRESNO, CALIFORNIA 93721.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION – Any interested person may appear at the public hearing
and present written testimony or speak in favor or against the matters scheduled on
the agenda. Public participation during Fresno City Planning Commission meetings is
always encouraged and can occur in one of the two following ways:
1. Participate In Person: Council Chambers, City Hall, 2nd Floor, 2600 Fresno
Street, Fresno, CA 93721
a. To speak during a Commission meeting in person: You may approach
the speaker podium upon the Chair’s call for public comment.
2. Participate Remotely via Zoom:
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_I18M0bh8TbSGAo27i5ze1Q
a. The above link will allow you to register in advance for remote participation
in the meeting via the Zoom platform. After registering, you will receive
a confirmation email containing additional details about joining the meeting.
b. To speak during a Commission meeting while attending remotely in the
Zoom application, click on the icon labeled “Participants” at the bottom of
the screen. Then select “Raise Hand” at the bottom of the Participants
window. Your digital hand will now be raised. You will be asked to
“unmute” when your name is called to speak. You will not be visible via
video and there will be no opportunity to share your screen.
All public speakers will have up to 3 minutes to address the Commission pursuant to
Rule No. 13 of the Planning Commission Bylaws of the City of Fresno (available in the
City Clerk’s Office).
SUBMIT DOCUMENTS / WRITTEN COMMENTS –
1. E-mail – Agenda related documents and comments can be e-mailed to
PublicCommentsPlanning@fresno.gov. Unless otherwise required by law to be
accepted by the City at or prior to a Commission meeting or hearing, no
documents shall be accepted for Commission review unless they are submitted
to the Planning and Development Department at least 24 hours prior to the
commencement of the Commission meeting at which the associated agenda
item is to be heard.
a. Attendees may also email comments to be read during the meeting.
Please include the agenda date and item number you wish to speak
on in the subject line of your email. Include your name and address for
the record, at the top of the body of your email.
b. Emails will be a maximum of 450 words.
c. All comments received at least 24 hours prior will be distributed to the
Planning Commission prior and during the meeting and will be a part of the
City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 2
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - Final March 6, 2024
official record.
VIEWING PLANNING MEETINGS (non-participatory) – For your convenience,
there are ways to view Planning Commission meetings live:
1. Community Media Access Collaborative website: https://cmac.tv/
2. Cable Television: Comcast Channel 96 and AT&T Channel 99
Should any of these viewing methods listed above experience technical
difficulties, the Commission meeting will continue uninterrupted. Commission
meetings will only be paused to address verifiable technical difficulties for all
users participating via Zoom or in the Chambers.
The City of Fresno’s goal is to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA). Anyone requiring reasonable ADA accommodations, including sign
language interpreters, or other reasonable accommodations such as language
translation, should contact the office of the City Clerk at (559) 621-7650 or
clerk@fresno.gov. To help ensure availability of these services, you are advised
to make your request a minimum of 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting.
City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 3
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - Final March 6, 2024
I. ROLL CALL
Chair Vang called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
Commissioner Criner arrived at 6:03 p.m.
Also present were Jennifer Clark, Phillip Siegrist, Israel Trejo, Rob Holt,
Saul Perez, Luke Risner, Erik Young, Janice Monroe, Kari Camino, Kristi
Costa (CAO), Heather Thomas (CAO), Harmanjit Dhaliwal (DPW), Dejan
Pavic (DPU), & Theodore Semonious (FIRE).
Present 6 - Chairperson Peter Vang, Commissioner David Criner , Vice
Chair Brad Hardie, Commissioner Kathy Bray, Commissioner
Monica Diaz, and Commissioner Jacqueline G. Lyday
Absent 1 - Commissioner Haley M. Wagner
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
6:02 p.m.
III. PROCEDURES - PROCEDIMIENTOS - KEV SAB LAJ
6:02 p.m.
Chair Vang read procedures aloud.
Commissioner Criner arrived at 6:03 p.m.
IV. AGENDA APPROVAL
6:03 p.m.
Trejo reported no changes to the agenda.
On motion of Commissioner Diaz, seconded by Commissioner Criner
,the AGENDA was APPROVED. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 6 - Chairperson Vang, Commissioner Criner , Vice Chair Hardie,
Commissioner Bray, Commissioner Diaz, and Commissioner
Lyday
Absent: 1 - Commissioner Wagner
City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 4
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - Final March 6, 2024
V. CONSENT CALENDAR
6:04 p.m.
On motion of Commissioner Criner , seconded by Vice Chair Hardie,
that the CONSENT CALENDAR was APPROVED. The motion carried
by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Chairperson Vang, Commissioner Criner , Vice Chair Hardie,
Commissioner Bray, Commissioner Diaz, and Commissioner
Lyday
Absent: 1 - Commissioner Wagner
V-A ID 24-180 February 7, 2024 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
VI. REPORTS BY COMMISSIONERS
6:04 p.m.
None
VII. CONTINUED MATTERS
VII-A ID 24-325 CONTINUED FROM FEBRUARY 7, 2024
Consideration of an appeal related to Zoning Inquiry No. P23-02357 for
Bauer’s Towing located on approximately 0.71 acres between West
Voorman and West Nielsen Avenues, west of North Thorne Avenue in
Fresno, California (Council District 3) - Planning and Development
Department.
1. DENY the appeal and UPHOLD the determination that Bauer’s
Towing is not in conformance with Policy and Procedure No. C-
002 as reflected in the Zoning Inquiry response dated
September 26, 2023, as prepared by the Planning and
Development Department Director; and
2. Deny the appeal and UPHOLD the determination in the Zoning
Inquiry response dated September 26, 2023, that Bauer’s
Towing is a legal non-conforming use and, absent any expansion
and/or change in use, could continue to operate indefinitely.
6:05 p.m.
Vice Chair Hardie recused himself from Items 24-325 and 24-291.
City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 5
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - Final March 6, 2024
Siegrest made a presentation summarizing the background, timeline,
vicinity, and Staff recommendations.
Chair Vang and Director Clark clarified the role of the Planning Commission
for the Zoning Inquiry, including parameters and limitations of the materials
before them.
Chair Vang requested a Roll Call Vote.
On motion of Chairperson Vang, seconded by Commissioner Lyday,
that the above Action Item be APPROVED. The motion PASSED by the
following vote:
Aye: 3 - Chairperson Vang, Commissioner Criner , and Commissioner
Lyday
No: 2 - Commissioner Bray, and Commissioner Diaz
Absent: 1 - Commissioner Wagner
Recused: 1 - Vice Chair Hardie
VIII. NEW MATTERS
VIII-A ID 24-291 Consideration of Conditional Use Permit Application No. P23-02068 and
related Environmental Assessment No. P23-02068 pertaining to
approximately 0.71 acres of property located on the east side of North Van
Ness Avenue and west side of North College Avenue, adjacent of the
existing canal south of East Elizabeth Street (Council District 3) - Planning
& Development Department.
1. ADOPT Environmental Assessment No. P23-02068 dated December
27, 2023, a determination that the proposed project is Categorically
Exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) pursuant to Section 15332/Class 32 (Infill Development) of
CEQA Guidelines.
2. APPROVE Conditional Use Permit Application No. P23-02068 which
requests authorization to convert existing office spaces into 16
multi-family residential dwelling units, subject to compliance with the
Conditions of Approval dated March 6, 2024.
6:15 p.m.
Vice Chair Hardie recused from this item as previously stated.
City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 6
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - Final March 6, 2024
Luke Risner (Planner) made a presentation on the project including location,
background, zoning, applicable Fresno Municipal Code, outreach, and Staff
recommendations.
Orlando Ramirez (Applicant) gave a brief background on the project and
was available for questions and comments.
No public comment was given.
On motion of Commissioner Diaz, seconded by Commissioner Bray,
that the above Action Item be APPROVED. The motion carried by the
following vote:
Aye: 5 - Chairperson Vang, Commissioner Criner , Commissioner
Bray, Commissioner Diaz, and Commissioner Lyday
Absent: 1 - Commissioner Wagner
Recused: 1 - Vice Chair Hardie
VIII-B ID 24-322 Consideration of an appeal regarding the denial of Conditional Use Permit
Application No. P21-06064, requesting authorization to establish a State of
California Alcoholic Beverage Control Type 20 alcohol license (Off-Sale
beer and wine) within a proposed ±5,500 square-foot Arco AM/PM
combination automobile service station and convenience store located at
4390 West Shaw Avenue, on the northeast corner of West Ashlan and
North Blythe Avenues (Council District 1) - Planning & Development.
1. DENY the Appellant’s appeal and UPHOLD the action of the Planning
and Development Department Director to deny Conditional Use
Permit Application No. P21-06064 requesting authorization to
establish a State of California Alcoholic Beverage Control Type 20
alcohol license (Off-Sale beer and wine) for a proposed Arco
AM/PM combination automobile service station and convenience
store.
6:21 p.m.
Erik Young (Supervising Planner) began by making a correction to his Staff
Report (on page 1 it states the address as 4390 W. Shaw Avenue, instead of
the correct address of 4390 W. Ashlan Avenue).
He then made a presentation on the project including topics such as
location, zoning, background, definitions of FMC Use Classification,
City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 7
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - Final March 6, 2024
outreach, timeline and Staff recommendations.
He discussed the application analysis, particularly Census Tract 38.09,
focusing on exceptions and restrictions as well as the FMC Findings
needed.
Vice Chair Hardie asked Staff for clarification on the Cancel and Transfer
Option.
Paige Gosney (Applicant) expressed his excitement for the project, focusing
on the benefits and struggles he has overcome.
Public comment:
One person spoke in denial of the appeal, citing the over-concentration and
flexibility for options at this site.
Gosney had no additional comments in response.
Vice Chair Hardie spoke of his support of the project, but not the appeal.
Chair Vang requested a Roll Call Vote.
On motion of Vice Chair Hardie, seconded by Commissioner Lyday,
that the above Action Item be APPROVED. The motion carried by the
following vote:
Aye: 6 - Chairperson Vang, Commissioner Criner , Vice Chair Hardie,
Commissioner Bray, Commissioner Diaz, and Commissioner
Lyday
Absent: 1 - Commissioner Wagner
IX. REPORT BY SECRETARY
6:50 p.m.
None
X. SCHEDULED ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
N/A
XI. UNSCHEDULED ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
6:51 p.m.
City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 8
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes - Final March 6, 2024
None
XII. ADJOURNMENT
Chair Vang adjourned the meeting at 6:52 p.m.
City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 9
Agenda
City of Fresno
City Hall Council Chambers
2600 Fresno Street
Meeting Agenda - Final
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
6:00 PM
Regular Meeting
In Person and/or Electronic
City Hall Council Chambers
Planning Commission
Chairperson – Peter Vang
Vice Chair – Brad Hardie
Commissioner – David Criner
Commissioner – Haley M Wagner
Commissioner – Kathy Bray
Commissioner – Monica Diaz
Commissioner – Jacqueline Lyday
Planning Commission Meeting Agenda - Final March 6, 2024
THE PLANNING COMMISSION WELCOMES YOU TO COUNCIL CHAMBERS,
LOCATED AT CITY HALL, 2600 FRESNO STREET, FRESNO, CALIFORNIA 93721.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION – Any interested person may appear at the public hearing
and present written testimony or speak in favor or against the matters scheduled on
the agenda. Public participation during Fresno City Planning Commission meetings
is always encouraged and can occur in one of the two following ways:
1. Participate In Person: Council Chambers, City Hall, 2nd Floor, 2600 Fresno
Street, Fresno, CA 93721
a. To speak during a Commission meeting in person: You may approach
the speaker podium upon the Chair’s call for public comment.
2. Participate Remotely via Zoom:
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_I18M0bh8TbSGAo27i5ze1Q
a. The above link will allow you to register in advance for remote participation
in the meeting via the Zoom platform. After registering, you will receive
a confirmation email containing additional details about joining the meeting.
b. To speak during a Commission meeting while attending remotely in the
Zoom application, click on the icon labeled “Participants” at the bottom of
the screen. Then select “Raise Hand” at the bottom of the Participants
window. Your digital hand will now be raised. You will be asked to
“unmute” when your name is called to speak. You will not be visible via
video and there will be no opportunity to share your screen.
All public speakers will have up to 3 minutes to address the Commission pursuant to
Rule No. 13 of the Planning Commission Bylaws of the City of Fresno (available in
the City Clerk’s Office).
SUBMIT DOCUMENTS / WRITTEN COMMENTS –
1. E-mail – Agenda related documents and comments can be e-mailed to
PublicCommentsPlanning@fresno.gov. Unless otherwise required by law to be
accepted by the City at or prior to a Commission meeting or hearing, no
documents shall be accepted for Commission review unless they are submitted
to the Planning and Development Department at least 24 hours prior to the
commencement of the Commission meeting at which the associated agenda
item is to be heard.
a. Attendees may also email comments to be read during the meeting.
Please include the agenda date and item number you wish to speak
on in the subject line of your email. Include your name and address for
the record, at the top of the body of your email.
b. Emails will be a maximum of 450 words.
c. All comments received at least 24 hours prior will be distributed to the
Planning Commission prior and during the meeting and will be a part of the
official record.
City of Fresno Page 2
Planning Commission Meeting Agenda - Final March 6, 2024
VIEWING PLANNING MEETINGS (non-participatory) – For your convenience,
there are ways to view Planning Commission meetings live:
1. Community Media Access Collaborative website: https://cmac.tv/
2. Cable Television: Comcast Channel 96 and AT&T Channel 99
Should any of these viewing methods listed above experience technical
difficulties, the Commission meeting will continue uninterrupted. Commission
meetings will only be paused to address verifiable technical difficulties for all
users participating via Zoom or in the Chambers.
The City of Fresno’s goal is to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA). Anyone requiring reasonable ADA accommodations, including sign
language interpreters, or other reasonable accommodations such as language
translation, should contact the office of the City Clerk at (559) 621-7650 or
clerk@fresno.gov. To help ensure availability of these services, you are advised
to make your request a minimum of 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting.
City of Fresno Page 3
Planning Commission Meeting Agenda - Final March 6, 2024
I. ROLL CALL
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. PROCEDURES - PROCEDIMIENTOS - KEV SAB LAJ
For each matter considered by the Commission, there will first be a staff presentation,
followed by a presentation from the project applicant. Testimony from supporters of the
project will then be taken, followed by testimony from those in opposition. The applicant
will have the right to a final rebuttal presentation prior to closing the public hearing.
In accordance with section 13 of Article 2 of the Planning Commission Rules and
Regulations governing length of public debate, all public testimony from those in support
and in opposition of the project will be limited to three minutes per person. The three
lights on the podium next to the microphone will indicate the amount of time remaining
for the speaker. The green light will be turned on when the speaker begins. The yellow
light will come on with a soft bell ring when one minute is remaining. The speaker should
be completing the testimony by the time the red light comes on with a final bell indicating
time has expired. All public testimony must be presented to the Commission at the
podium. Any testimony that references race, religion, ethnicity, economic status,
national origin, or any other classification protected under state or federal law in a
derogatory manner shall be deemed irrelevant and will not be considered by the
Commission in making its land use
determinations.
If you challenge these land use matters in court, you may be limited to raising only those
issues you or someone else raised in oral or written testimony or before the close of the
hearing.
IV. AGENDA APPROVAL
V. CONSENT CALENDAR
V-A ID 24-180 February 7, 2024 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
Sponsors: Planning and Development Department
Attachments: Exhibit A - February 7, 2024 DRAFT Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
VI. REPORTS BY COMMISSIONERS
VII. CONTINUED MATTERS
City of Fresno Page 4
Planning Commission Meeting Agenda - Final March 6, 2024
VII-A ID 24-325 CONTINUED FROM FEBRUARY 7, 2024
Consideration of an appeal related to Zoning Inquiry No. P23-02357 for
Bauer’s Towing located on approximately 0.71 acres between West
Voorman and West Nielsen Avenues, west of North Thorne Avenue in
Fresno, California (Council District 3) - Planning and Development
Department.
1. DENY the appeal and UPHOLD the determination that Bauer’s
Towing is not in conformance with Policy and Procedure No.
C-002 as reflected in the Zoning Inquiry response dated
September 26, 2023, as prepared by the Planning and
Development Department Director; and
2. Deny the appeal and UPHOLD the determination in the Zoning
Inquiry response dated September 26, 2023, that Bauer’s
Towing is a legal non-conforming use and, absent any
expansion and/or change in use, could continue to operate
indefinitely.
Sponsors: Planning and Development Department
Attachments: Exhibit A - Vicinity Map
Exhibit B - Aerial Photograph
Exhibit C - Planned Land Use & Zoning Map
Exhibit D - Zoning Inquiry Application
Exhibit E - Zoning Inquiry P23-02357 Response Letter
Exhibit F - Appeal Letter
Exhibit G - Directors Classification No. 208
Exhibit H - Planning & Development Policy & Procedure C-002
Exhibit I - COF Public Works Department Standard P-21 (Parking Lot Paving De
Exhibit J - Zoning Inquiry Q-11-035
Exhibit K – Non-Exclusive Franchise Tow Agreement for the Fresno Police Dep
Exhibit L – FMC Section 15-2765 - Vehicle Impound Yard (Tow Yard) & Transit
Exhibit M - Public Hearing Notice and Notice Map
Exhibit N – Letter from Applicant - Appellant to PC [12-28-2023]
Exhibit O - Independent Hearing Order & Decision
Exhibit P - Applicant Supplemental Letter & Presentation [1.2.2024]
Supplemental Exhibit Q - Additional Information from Applicant
Supplemental Exhibit R - Letter from Applicant [7-7-2023]
City of Fresno Page 5
Planning Commission Meeting Agenda - Final March 6, 2024
VIII. NEW MATTERS
VIII-A ID 24-291 Consideration of Conditional Use Permit Application No. P23-02068
and related Environmental Assessment No. P23-02068 pertaining to
approximately 0.71 acres of property located on the east side of North
Van Ness Avenue and west side of North College Avenue, adjacent of
the existing canal south of East Elizabeth Street (Council District 3) -
Planning & Development Department.
1. ADOPT Environmental Assessment No. P23-02068 dated
December 27, 2023, a determination that the proposed project is
Categorically Exempt from the provisions of the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section
15332/Class 32 (Infill Development) of CEQA Guidelines.
2. APPROVE Conditional Use Permit Application No. P23-02068
which requests authorization to convert existing office spaces into
16 multi-family residential dwelling units, subject to compliance with
the Conditions of Approval dated March 6, 2024.
Sponsors: Planning and Development Department
Attachments: Exhibit A - Project Exhibits (Site Plan, Floor Plan, & Elevations) [8-14-2023]
Exhibit B - Operational Statement [8-14-2023]
Exhibit C - Aerial Map
Exhibit D - Fresno General Plan Land Use & Zoning Map
Exhibit E - Fresno Municipal Code Findings
Exhibit F - Public Hearing Notice Radius Map (1,000 feet)
Exhibit G - Neighborhood Meeting Minutes
Exhibit H - Conditions of Approval for Conditional Use Permit P23-02068 [3-6-2
Exhibit I - Comments & Requirements from Responsible Agencies
Exhibit J - Environmental Assessment P23-02068 [12-27-2023]
City of Fresno Page 6
Planning Commission Meeting Agenda - Final March 6, 2024
VIII-B ID 24-322 Consideration of an appeal regarding the denial of Conditional Use
Permit Application No. P21-06064, requesting authorization to
establish a State of California Alcoholic Beverage Control Type 20
alcohol license (Off-Sale beer and wine) within a proposed ±5,500
square-foot Arco AM/PM combination automobile service station and
convenience store located at 4390 West Shaw Avenue, on the
northeast corner of West Ashlan and North Blythe Avenues (Council
District 1) - Planning & Development.
1. DENY the Appellant’s appeal and UPHOLD the action of the
Planning and Development Department Director to deny
Conditional Use Permit Application No. P21-06064 requesting
authorization to establish a State of California Alcoholic
Beverage Control Type 20 alcohol license (Off-Sale beer and
wine) for a proposed Arco AM/PM combination automobile
service station and convenience store.
Sponsors: Planning and Development Department
Attachments: Exhibit A - Vicinity Map
Exhibit B - Aerial Photograph
Exhibit C - Zoning Map
Exhibit D - Project Information Tables
Exhibit E - Noticing Map, NOITTA, NOA, NPH
Exhibit F - Master Application Owner's Letter of Authorization
Exhibit G - Operational Statement
Exhibit H - Exhibits Site Plan, Elevations, Floor Plan
Exhibit I - Appeal Letter
Exhibit J - Draft Conditions of Approval [03/06/2024]
Exhibit K - Fresno Municipal Code Findings
Exhibit L - Denial Letter
Exhibit M - Policy & Procedure C-005
Exhibit N - Categorical Exemption
IX. REPORT BY SECRETARY
X. SCHEDULED ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
XI. UNSCHEDULED ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
City of Fresno Page 7
Planning Commission Meeting Agenda - Final March 6, 2024
You may address the Planning Commission at the conclusion of the Commission
meeting regarding matters of public interest that are not listed on the agenda and that
are within the Commission's jurisdiction. Please be present at the conclusion of the
meeting if you wish to be heard. Anyone wishing to be placed on the Planning
Commission Agenda should contact the Planning and Development Department
(telephone: 559-621-8277) at least 10 days before the desired appearance date.
XII. ADJOURNMENT
UPCOMING MATTERS (dates subject to change)
City of Fresno Page 8
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