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Planning Commission

Regular Meeting

Fresno, CA · March 6, 2024

AgendaMinutes

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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