Architectural Review Committee Meeting
Regular MeetingMonterey, CA · December 4, 2024
Minutes
MINUTES
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
4:00 PM 5:30 PM
COUNCIL CHAMBER AND ZOOM TELECONFERENCE
MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA
Members Present: Pauly, Ostovar, Palmer, Sanders, Tregenza, Turgen
Members Absent: Hunter
Staff Members Present: Planning Manager Hill, Principal Planner Roveri, Principal
Planner Sabdo, Recording Secretary Arganbright
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Pauly called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. Recording Secretary Arganbright
announced staff present and provided information to the public about how to participate by
calling in to give public comment on the live web meeting.
CONSENT ITEMS
Approval of Minutes
No comments.
2. November 06, 2024 (Not a project under CEQA per Article 20 Section 15378 and
under General Rule Article 5 Section 15061)
Action: Approved as submitted.
On a motion by Committee Member Palmer, seconded by Committee Member Turgen, and
carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee approved the CONSENT
ITEMS as submitted:
AYES: 5 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Pauly, Ostovar, Palmer, Sanders, Turgen
NOES: 0 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: (None)
ABSENT: 1 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Hunter
ABSTAIN: 1 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Tregenza
RECUSED: 0 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: (None)
General Public Comment
None.
3. Consider 400 Cannery Row (APN 001-031-011-000); Application ARP-24-0220 for
Preliminary and Final Architectural Review of Modifications to the Plaza at the Monterey
Plaza Hotel and Spa Involving Removal of Concrete Paving and Replacement with New
Landscaping; Applicant Chris Sommers, Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa; Owner Cannery
Row Company; VAF Zoning District; Visitor Accommodation Facility General Plan Land
Use Designation (Exempt from CEQA per Article 19, Section 15301, Class 1)
Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, December 04, 2024
Action: Continued application ARP-24-0220 for Preliminary and Final Architectural
Review of Modifications to the Plaza at the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa
Involving Removal of Concrete Paving and Replacement with New Landscaping
at 400 Cannery Row to a date uncertain.
Staff Presentation/Committee Member Questions
Principal Planner Sabdo requested a continuance to a date uncertain to allow the applicant
time to work with the Coastal Commission to ensure that the application is consistent with the
coastal development permit.
On a motion by Committee Member Sanders, seconded by Committee Member Tregenza, and
carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee continued application ARP-
24-0220 for Preliminary and Final Architectural Review of Modifications to the Plaza at the
Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa Involving Removal of Concrete Paving and Replacement with
New Landscaping at 400 Cannery Row to a date uncertain:
AYES: 6 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Pauly, Ostovar, Palmer, Sanders, Tregenza,
Turgen
NOES: 0 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: (None)
ABSENT: 1 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Hunter
ABSTAIN: 0 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: (None)
RECUSED: 0 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: (None)
4. Consider 121 El Dorado Street; Application ARP-24-0109 for Preliminary and Final
Architectural Review of a New Two-Story Single-Family Dwelling; Applicant Buck
Blackwell; Owner Aureum Capital Investments LLC; CO-ES Zoning District (Office and
Professional District with Emergency Shelter Overlay); Commercial General Plan Land
Use Designation; Exempt from CEQA Requirements per Article 19, Section 15303, Class
3
Action: Approved Application ARP-24-0109 for Preliminary and Final Architectural
Review of a New Two-Story Single-Family Dwelling at 121 El Dorado as
submitted.
Staff Presentation/Committee Member Questions
At the request of the Committee, Principal Planner Roveri presented Agenda Report
items 4 and 5 together. Staff then addressed several questions from the Committee,
including those related to lot coverage, unit density, the tree plan for 121 El Dorado, the
different roof styles between the properties, the ARC's purview over trees, and water
supply availability for the projects.
Applicant
Applicant Buck Blackwell explained that the existing single-family dwellings on the sites
were in urgent need of repair and rehabilitation, which would have been costly. As a
result, Blackwell advised their client to build two new homes. Regarding comments
submitted by the neighboring hotel staff, Blackwell stated that the views and roof styles of
the two properties were designed according to the client's preferences.
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Wednesday, December 4, 2024
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Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, December 04, 2024
The Committee inquired whether consideration had been given to planting more trees at
121 El Dorado St. Blackwell responded that no additional plantings or replacements were
planned, as the trees were not required. The Committee also sought clarification on the
siding, and Blackwell confirmed that it would be vinyl. Finally, the Committee confirmed
the flat roof style with Blackwell.
Public Comments for item 4:
None.
Public Comment for item 5:
Brent Thye commented on the importance of ensuring conditions are in place to maintain
the proposed replacement trees at 127 El Dorado St. He also raised concerns about the
proximity of six oak trees to the proposed house and emphasized the need to consider
the impact on the homeowner.
At the request of the Committee, Principal Planner Roveri addressed these concerns
raised in public comment. Roveri explained that a special condition of approval for 127 El
Dorado St. requires the preservation of the replacement trees, with specific conditions
outlined if they are not maintained. Additionally, Roveri clarified that the six oak trees,
Tree Preservation Ordinance.
The Committee then inquired whether the Tree Preservation Ordinance specifies a
minimum distance from a tree to avoid excavation. Roveri responded that the ordinance
advises against excavation within the tree's dripline. Roveri also noted that the
Committee could request additional protections for the trees, such as requiring a forester
on site to ensure their health and safety. The Committee expressed concern that
approving the project as proposed could jeopardize the trees during construction. In
response, Planning Manager Hill clarified that the trees in question were not scheduled
for removal, but if the Committee believed they were at risk, they could impose conditions
on the approval. Hill also suggested potential conditions for the Committee's
consideration. The Committee and Hill then discussed further potential conditions and
tree maintenance. Roveri defined which trees are protected.
Committee Member Comments
The Committee discussed adding a condition that the city forester keep an eye on the
project and enforce a replacement if the trees that are not part of the tree removal permit
application deteriorate. The Committee then discussed replacement options if the trees
do die due to construction.
The Committee noted the buildings met all the design guidelines and standards.
The Committee then brought up potential issues with the project. They wondered if the
applicant considered swapping the roofs to adjust for the views of the hotel. They
expressed a desire for higher density at the two sites and stated that the applicant could
have creatively massed the project together to make the project more interesting and
benefit the hotel views.
The Committee asked Staff why a nearby site was identified as an opportunity site, but
the project sites were not. Hill responded that the properties need to meet certain criteria
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Wednesday, December 4, 2024
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Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, December 04, 2024
to be an opportunity site, but that the sites were identified as part of an opportunity zone
for higher density. Hill, in response to previous comments, also noted for the Committee
that they can require projects to meet more than the guidelines and standards.
On a motion by Committee Member Palmer, seconded by Committee Member Tregenza, and
carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee approved Application ARP-
24-0109 for Preliminary and Final Architectural Review of a New Two-Story Single-Family
Dwelling at 121 El Dorado as submitted:
AYES: 5 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Ostovar, Palmer, Sanders, Tregenza, Turgen
NOES: 1 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Pauly
ABSENT: 1 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Hunter
ABSTAIN: 0 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: (None)
RECUSED: 0 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: (None)
5. Consider 127 El Dorado Street; Application ARP-24-0105 for Preliminary and Final
Architectural Review of a New Two-Story Single-Family Dwelling and Tree Permit ART-
24-0233 for Removal of Three Trees; Applicant Buck Blackwell; Owner Aureum Capital
Investments LLC; CO-ES Zoning District (Office and Professional District with
Emergency Shelter Overlay); Commercial General Plan Land Use Designation; Exempt
from CEQA Requirements per Article 19, Section 15303, Class 3
Action: Approved Application ARP-24-0105 for Preliminary and Final Architectural
Review of a New Two-Story Single-Family Dwelling and Tree Permit ART-
24-0233 for Removal of Three Trees at 127 El Dorado with the added
condition that the city arborist visit the project site 12 months after final
approval to make potential replacement recommendations based on the
health of the trees on site.
Public Comment:
See public comment from Brent Thye for item 5 above.
On a motion by Committee Member Tregenza, seconded by Vice-Chair Ostovar, and carried
by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee approved Application ARP-24-0105
for Preliminary and Final Architectural Review of a New Two-Story Single-Family Dwelling and
Tree Permit ART-24-0233 for Removal of Three Trees at 127 El Dorado with the added
condition that the city arborist visit the project site 12 months after final approval to make
potential replacement recommendations based on the health of the trees on site:
AYES: 5 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Ostovar, Palmer, Sanders, Tregenza, Turgen
NOES: 1 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Pauly
ABSENT: 1 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Hunter
ABSTAIN: 0 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: (None)
RECUSED: 0 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: (None)
Architectural Review Committee Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
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Architectural Review Committee Minutes Wednesday, December 04, 2024
COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS
None.
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS
6. Planning Update Received.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted, Approved,
Principal Planner Chair
Architectural Review Committee
Architectural Review Committee Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
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Agenda
Architectural Review Committee Committee Members
Meeting Agenda Justin Pauly, Chair
Payam Ostovar, Vice Chair
Ed Hunter
Wednesday, December 4, 2024 Eric Palmer
Gabe Sanders
4:00 PM Patrick Tregenza
Council Chamber, 580 Pacific Kimberly Turgen
St.
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.
o Or join by telephone: Dial 833-568-8864 (Toll Free), 669-254-5252 (Campbell, CA) or
646-828-7666 (NY). If one number doesn’t work, please try another.
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
o Need help using or updating Zoom? Read our Zoom Meeting Instructions (PDF)
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 not conduct a field trip to review the ARC meeting
agenda. For more information, call (831) 646-3885. Date Posted: November 27, 2024
***Afternoon Session Agenda*** 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
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 6, 2024
***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 400 Cannery Row (APN 001-031-011-000); Application ARP-24-0220
for Preliminary and Final Architectural Review of Modifications to the Plaza at
the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa Involving Removal of Concrete Paving and
Replacement with New Landscaping; Applicant Chris Sommers, Monterey
Plaza Hotel and Spa; Owner Cannery Row Company; VAF Zoning District;
Visitor Accommodation Facility General Plan Land Use Designation (Exempt
from CEQA per Article 19, Section 15301, Class 1)
4. Consider 121 El Dorado Street; Application ARP-24-0109 for Preliminary and
Final Architectural Review of a New Two-Story Single-Family Dwelling;
Applicant Buck Blackwell; Owner Aureum Capital Investments LLC; CO-ES
Zoning District (Office and Professional District with Emergency Shelter
Overlay); Commercial General Plan Land Use Designation; Exempt from
CEQA Requirements per Article 19, Section 15303, Class 3
5. Consider 127 El Dorado Street; Application ARP-24-0105 for Preliminary and
Final Architectural Review of a New Two-Story Single-Family Dwelling and
Tree Permit ART-24-0233 for Removal of Three Trees; Applicant Buck
Architectural Review Committee
12/4/2024 4:00:00 PM
2
Blackwell; Owner Aureum Capital Investments LLC; CO-ES Zoning District
(Office and Professional District with Emergency Shelter Overlay);
Commercial General Plan Land Use Designation; Exempt from CEQA
Requirements per Article 19, Section 15303, Class 3
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 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.gov/submitted-comments and in the
City Manager’s Office at 580 Pacific St., Room 1, 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.
CITY OF MONTEREY'S 24-HOUR SUGGESTION HOTLINES:
Voicemail: (831) 646-3799 Email: suggest@monterey.gov Website: http://www.monterey.gov
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.gov 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 City Council. 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.gov 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 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
12/4/2024 4:00:00 PM
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