Architectural Review Committee Meeting
Regular MeetingMonterey, CA · December 6, 2023
Minutes
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MINUTES
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
COUNCIL CHAMBER AND ZOOM TELECONFERENCE
MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA
Members Present: Tregenza, Pauly, Ostovar, Palmer, Schmidt, Turgen
Members Absent: Hunter
Staff Members Present: Planning Manager Hill, Senior Associate Planner Schmidt,
Associate Planner Buggert, Recording Secretary Barrera,
Recording Secretary Arganbright
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Tregenza called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. Recording Secretary Arganbright
provided information to the public about how to participate by calling in to give public comment
on the live web meeting.
CONSENT ITEMS
No comments were made regarding the Consent Agenda.
On a motion by Committee Member Schmidt, seconded by Chair Tregenza, and carried by the
following vote, the Architectural Review Committee approved the CONSENT ITEMS as
submitted:
AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Tregenza, Pauly, Ostovar, Palmer, Schmidt, Turgen
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Hunter
ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
Approval of Minutes
2. November 15, 2023 (Not a project under CEQA per Article 20 Section 15378 and
under General Rule Article 5 Section 15061)
Action: Approved as submitted.
***End of Consent Agenda***
PUBLIC COMMENTS (Matters Not on Agenda)
None.
PUBLIC APPEARANCE
3. Consider 2075 North Fremont Street; Sign Permit Application SI-23-0206 for One
Vehicle-Oriented Sign with Internal Illumination; Applicant Sam Derr; Owner
Scottish Fairway Motel, LP, Representative Sophie Kim; Visitor Accommodation
Facility Zoning District (VAF); Commercial General Plan Land Use Designation
(Exempt from CEQA Requirements per Article 19, Section 15311, Class 11)
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Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, December 06, 2023
Action: Approved as submitted Sign Permit SI-23-0206 for One Vehicle-Oriented
Sign with Internal Illumination at 2075 North Fremont Street
Staff Presentation/Committee Member Questions
Associate Planner Buggert presented the Agenda Report.
Applicant
No comments from the applicant.
Public Comments
None.
Committee Member Comments
Committee Members had no comments.
On a motion by Committee Member Palmer, seconded by Vice Chair Pauly, and carried by the
following vote, the Architectural Review Committee approved as submitted Sign Permit SI-23-
0206 for One Vehicle-Oriented Sign with Internal Illumination at 2075 North Fremont Street:
AYES: 6 MEMBERS: Tregenza, Pauly, Ostovar, Palmer, Schmidt, Turgen
NOES: 0 MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: 1 MEMBERS: Hunter
ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None
RECUSED: 0 MEMBERS: None
4. Consider 601 Lighthouse Avenue; Architectural Review Permit Application ARP-22-0201
for Preliminary and Final Architectural Review to Allow a Commercial Building
Conversion to a Mixed Use Building with Five Residential Units, New Interior Parking,
Roof Access and Roof Deck, and Ground-level Retail Space; Applicant Christopher
Barlow, Wald, Ruhnke and Dost Architects LLP; Owner Monterey 601 Lighthouse Ave,
LLC.; PC-LH Zoning District; Commercial General Plan Land Use Designation (Exempt
from CEQA Requirements per Article 19, Section 15301, Class 1)
Action: Approved with conditions Architectural Review Permit Application ARP-22-
0201 to Allow a Commercial Building Conversion to a Mixed Use Building
with Five Residential Units, New Interior Parking, Roof Access and Roof
Deck, and Ground-level Retail Space at 601 Lighthouse Avenue.
Staff Presentation/Committee Member Questions
Senior Associate Planner Schmidt presented the Agenda Report and directed a
Committee Members’ question regarding lighting in the new proposed stairway to the
applicant.
The Committee and Senior Associate Planner Schmidt recalled and agreed to reinstate
previous height limit conditions of approval from the previous project approval to ARP-22-
0201.
Senior Associate Planner Schmidt also clarified with the committee that the requirement
to obtain neighbor consent for use of the easement is a condition of approval already
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included on the resolution as part of staff’s recommendations.
Applicant
Applicant Christopher Barlow, Wald, Ruhnke and Dost Architects:
The architect and applicant for the project, Christopher Barlow appreciated staffs efforts.
The applicant also clarified previous questions about the integrated roof-level lighting,
stair lighting, and roof height. The applicant stated the stairs are strictly for emergencies
and that most of the trips to the roof can be made by the elevator. Barlow expressed
pleasure in being involved in the example of adaptive reuse and gave background
information that the building had been neglected for the time it’s taken to get through the
application process.
The owner, Ethan Hare appreciated Staff’s efforts. The owner expressed excitement to
be part of the building’s next chapter. The owner recalled the project received unanimous
approval previously and stated it had taken a year to get through the plan check process
that should have taken just 3 months. The owner also mentioned their neighbor was in
attendance and they together have a written agreement.
The owner then answered Committee Member questions regarding if the lights were to
be directional and let the Committee know the lights would be fixed into the railing to face
directly downward and inward to the deck.
Public Comments
Concerned citizen, Jean Rash wanted to know if the project sets a precedent regarding
roof decks in residential areas. Rash also anecdotally mentioned roof decks in their
residential area and the City of Seattle and the aesthetic of Seattle due to roof decks.
Planning Manager Hill stated that the project will not set any precedent as to roof decks.
Hill also reiterated that Senior Associate Planner Schmidt said in his presentation each
project is required to meet findings individually.
Committee Member Comments
The Committee commented in favor of the project and utilizing/repurposing commercial
buildings to residential and creating housing. The Committee was appreciative of the
work done by the applicant and owner.
The Committee was curious if there was a requirement to keep any retail space and
Senior Associate Planner Schmidt relayed that there is no requirement to keep mixed
use, but that the building is retaining 700 square feet of retail space.
The Committee reiterated a desire to keep the lights from shining on neighboring
property, acknowledged the public concern regarding the roof deck, and asked for
clarification on the presentation regarding future work on the property.
Senior Associate Planner Schmidt clarified that area exceeded the height limit and in the
future the applicant may be looking for another permit or permits to allow the new project.
The Committee suggested to the applicant and owner documenting and addressing the
plan check process with the City so as to help streamline the process in the future.
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Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, December 06, 2023
On a motion by Chair Tregenza, seconded by Committee Member Schmidt, and carried by the
following vote, the Architectural Review Committee approved ARP-22-0201 with conditions:
AYES: 5 MEMBERS: Tregenza, Pauly, Ostovar, Palmer, Schmidt
NOES: 0 MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: 1 MEMBERS: Hunter
ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None
RECUSED: 1 MEMBERS: Turgen
5. Consider 639 Belden Street (Assessor’s Parcel Number 001-096-006-000);
Architectural Review Permit ARP-23-0056 for Preliminary and Final Architectural
Review of a Second-Story Accessory Dwelling Unit; Applicant Steve Mickel; Owner
Anthony Caronia; R-3-5 Zoning District; Medium Density Residential General Plan
Land Use Designation (Exempt from CEQA per Article 19, Section 15301, Class 1)
Action: Approved with Conditions Architectural Review Permit ARP-23-0056 for
Preliminary and Final Architectural Review of a Second-Story Accessory
Dwelling Unit at 639 Belden Street.
Staff Presentation/Committee Member Questions
Associate Planner Buggert presented the Agenda Report and answered committee
member questions regarding images from the unit not pictured. Buggert also directed the
Committee’s question regarding the viability of a flat roof to the applicant.
Applicant
The Applicant Steve Mickel mentioned the reduced height of the project to address the
concerns of the neighbor while also maintaining and matching the front house. The
applicant relayed the work necessary to move to a flat roof and remarked that the owner
is opposed to a flat roof. The applicant mentioned the project had already reduced 1’ and
11” in height.
Owner Anthony Caronia mentioned they tried to compromise and supply the property
owner in the back with a appropriate height. The owner also reiterated that they were not
willing to have a flat roof, but that they are willing to discuss with the rear property owner
to be more agreeable.
The Committee asked the owner if they had seen the view of the story poles from the
neighbor’s house and the owner said they had.
Public Comments
Neighbor Christine Gaither wished to clarify that the project owner had not seen the view
from their property. Gaither informed the Committee that the left unit while facing 639
Belden has less of a view and is very much blocked with current plans. Gaither noted
that a flat roof for the ADU would be a win-win and not greatly block the view whereas
as-is Gaither’s property value and rental value are adversely affected.
The Committee asked Christine Gaither when her property was built and they responded
in the late 70’s.
Neighbor Chandra Seely mentioned the changes in plans opened up “wedges” of sky for
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the lower left and right units. Seely also mentioned that the eve was not fully represented
by the story poles. The neighbor raised concerns that the top floor of the ADU would look
directly into the living rooms of the lower units at 638 Spencer. They also reiterated a
desire for a flat roof as a compromise.
Neighbor, Meredith, repeated concerns regarding the windows on the ADU and how they
would look straight into the living room and the deck. They also echoed the concerns
regarding rental property values decreasing.
Owner Anthony Caronia stated a desire to compromise and a willingness to design the
windows to be opaque as well as a willingness to bring down the height another 6 inches
which would be costly.
Architect Steve Mickel did not want to reduce more than 6 inches due to plumbing and
other structural needs. Mickel also mentioned it would approximately cost the owner
$2500 to further reduce the height by 6 inches.
Committee Member Comments
The Committee conferred with one another on a standard plate height and the height
needs for this project.
Multiple Committee members were opposed to the flat roof proposed. The Committee
also expressed a desire to keep the style of the roof to match the main house and
appreciated the applicant’s willingness to compromise/reduce the height another 6
inches and noted that the applicant already worked to lessen the impacts of the project.
The Committee recalled the closeness and proximity of the project to the neighbors to
the rear of the project and how that could affect the quality of life for the neighbors.
The Committee provided historical context for the views of the neighborhood around
Spencer Street. The Committee noted that the plans had already called out opaque
windows so that was not a needed condition.
On a motion by Chair Tregenza, seconded by Vice Chair Pauly, and carried by the following
vote, the Architectural Review Committee approved with conditions Architectural Review
Permit ARP-23-0056 for Prliminary and Final Architectural Review of a Second-Story
Accessory Dwelling Unit at 639 Belden Street:
AYES: 6 MEMBERS: Tregenza, Pauly, Ostovar, Palmer, Schmidt, Turgen
NOES: 0 MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: 1 MEMBERS: Hunter
ABSTAIN: 0 MEMBERS: None
RECUSED: 0 MEMBERS: None
COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS
None.
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS
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Received update.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:15
Respectfully Submitted, Approved,
Planning Manager Chair
Architectural Review Committee
Architectural Review Committee Meeting Minutes
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Agenda
Architectural Review Committee Committee Members
Meeting Agenda Patrick Tregenza, Chair
Justin Pauly, Vice Chair
Ed Hunter
Wednesday, December 6, 2023 Payam Ostovar
Eric Palmer
4:00 PM Shelly Schmidt
Council Chamber, 580 Pacific St. Kimberly Turgen
Monterey, California
HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING:
Written comment: Members of the public may submit comment(s) to
planning@monterey.org until ½ hour before the start of the meeting. These messages
are not read aloud during the meeting but are made available to the meeting body and
public at https://monterey.org/submitted-comments. All comments received become part
of the record.
In-Person: Please see the meeting location listed above. Wearing a mask is
recommended and encouraged.
Remote via ZoomGov Webinar:
o Join on a computer or smartphone: https://monterey-
org.zoomgov.com/j/1619149563 An up-to-date version of the Zoom
software must be used.
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Enter Webinar ID: 161 914 9563 #
If prompted to enter a participant ID, press #
To “raise your hand,” dial *9. Once called upon, dial *6 to unmute
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This meeting will also stream live for viewing only on youtube.com/cityofmonterey (10
second delay) and on Comcast Channel 25 (up to 90-second delay).
PUBLIC COMMENT PROCEDURES AND TIME LIMITS:
The total amount of time allocated for public comment on a particular issue and for each
individual speaker is generally as follows:
1. Up to three minutes per speaker.
2. For regular Architectural Review Committee meetings, there is one 15-minute public
comment period for items not on the agenda.
3. The total time allocated for public comment:
a. Items pulled from the consent agenda – 15 minutes each item
b. Public Appearance items – 30 minutes each item
c. Public Hearing items – 30 minutes each item
At the time an item is considered, the Chair will ask those attending the meeting in person to
line up at the podium or raise their hands, and for remote participants to use *9 on the telephone
or the “raise hand” function in Zoom, if they wish to address the Architectural Review
Committee. The maximum amount of time for each person to speak and the total amount of
time allotted for each item will be determined based on the number of people indicating an
interest in speaking and the amount of business to be conducted on the agenda. In exceptional
circumstances and when necessary to ensure a full opportunity for public input, the Chair may,
with the Committee’s consent, adjust the amount of time allowed for public input and/or the time
allotted for each speaker.
FIELD TRIP
The Architectural Review Committee will conduct a field trip on Wednesday, December 06,
2023 to review the Wednesday, December 06, 2023 ARC meeting agenda. For more
information, call (831) 646-3885. Date Posted: December 01, 2023
***Afternoon Session Agenda Only***
CALL TO ORDER
1. Meeting Procedures
CONSENT AGENDA
All matters listed under Consent Agenda are routine and will be adopted by one motion
unless a member of the Architectural Review Committee or the public requests discussion or
a separate vote.
Approval of Minutes
2. November 15, 2023
***End of Consent Agenda***
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENTS
The public may speak to any item that is not on the agenda and that is in the City of
Monterey’s subject matter jurisdiction.
PUBLIC APPEARANCE
Public Appearance items are on non-routine issues that might stimulate public interest and
comments.
3. Consider 2075 North Fremont Street; Sign Permit Application SI-23-0206 for
One Vehicle-Oriented Sign with Internal Illumination; Applicant Sam Derr;
Owner Scottish Fairway Motel, LP, Representative Sophie Kim; Visitor
Accommodation Facility Zoning District (VAF); Commercial General Plan
Land Use Designation (Exempt from CEQA Requirements per Article 19,
Section 15311, Class 11)
4. Consider 601 Lighthouse Avenue; Architectural Review Permit Application
ARP-22-0201 for Preliminary and Final Architectural Review to Allow a
Commercial Building Conversion to a Mixed Use Building with Five
Residential Units, New Interior Parking, Roof Access and Roof Deck, and
Ground-level Retail Space; Applicant Christopher Barlow, Wald, Ruhnke and
Dost Architects LLP; Owner Monterey 601 Lighthouse Ave, LLC.; PC-LH
Zoning District; Commercial General Plan Land Use Designation (Exempt
from CEQA Requirements per Article 19, Section 15301, Class 1)
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12/6/2023 4:00:00 PM
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5. Consider 639 Belden Street (Assessor’s Parcel Number 001-096-006-000);
Architectural Review Permit ARP-23-0056 for Preliminary and Final
Architectural Review of a Second-Story Accessory Dwelling Unit; Applicant
Steve Mickel; Owner Anthony Caronia; R-3-5 Zoning District; Medium Density
Residential General Plan Land Use Designation (Exempt from CEQA per
Article 19, Section 15301, Class 1)
COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS
Committee Members may ask a question for clarification, make a brief announcement, or
make a brief report on their activities. In addition, a Committee Member or the Architectural
Review Committee may provide a referral to staff or other resources for factual information.
(Government Code section 54954.2(a)(3).)
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS
Staff may make announcements and may request clarification or direction regarding the
scheduling of meetings and study sessions.
6. Planning Office Update
ADJOURNMENT
Writings distributed for discussion or consideration on these matters within 72 hours prior to the
meeting, pursuant to Government Code § 54957.5, are available at: monterey.org/submitted-comments
and in the Planning Office at 570 Pacific St., Monterey, CA 93940 during regular business hours.
Information distributed to the Architectural Review Committee at the Architectural Review Committee
meeting becomes part of the public record.
Architectural Review Committee decisions may be appealed within ten (10) days from the date of the
decision on forms available in the Planning Division during business hours. When the tenth day falls
on a weekend or a holiday, the appeal deadline date is the next working day following the holiday or
weekend. An appeal fee will apply.
CITY OF MONTEREY'S 24-HOUR SUGGESTION HOTLINES:
Voicemail: (831) 646-3799 Fax: (831) 646-3793
Email: suggest@monterey.org WebPage: http://www.monterey.org
INTERPRETATION: The Architectural Review Committee invites and encourages public participation
at its meetings. Requests for language interpretation may be made by contacting the City Clerk at
cityclerk@monterey.org or 831-646-3935. The City Clerk will make every effort to accommodate
requests for interpreter assistance. Requests should be made as soon as possible in advance of any
meeting of the Architectural Review Committee. The City is committed to addressing language
interpretation requests swiftly in order to maximize public participation.
ACCESSIBILITY: The City of Monterey is committed to including the disabled in all of its
services, programs and activities. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if
you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s
Office at cityclerk@monterey.org or (831) 646-3935. Notification 30 hours prior to the
meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting
[28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title II]. Later requests will be accommodated to the extent feasible. For
communication-related assistance, dial 711 to use the California Relay Service (CRS) to speak to City
offices. CRS offers free text-to-speech, speech-to-speech, and Spanish-language services 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week. If you require a hearing amplification device to attend a meeting, dial 711 to use
Architectural Review Committee
12/6/2023 4:00:00 PM
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CRS to talk to the City Clerk's Office at (831) 646-3935 to coordinate use of a device.
Upcoming city meetings are listed at http://isearchmonterey.org
More information is available by calling (831) 646-3885
Architectural Review Committee
12/6/2023 4:00:00 PM
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