Architectural Review Committee Meeting

MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE Wednesday, February 19, 2025 4:00 PM 5:30 PM COUNCIL CHAMBER AND ZOOM TELECONFERENCE MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Members Present: Ostovar, Palmer, Sanders, Tregenza, Members Absent: Hunter, Pauly, Turgen Staff Members Present: Planning Manager Hill, Principal Planner Roveri, Principal Planner Sabdo, Recording Secretary Arganbright CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Ostovar called the meeting to order at 4:01 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. February 19, 2025 (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 Tregenza, and carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee approved the CONSENT ITEMS as submitted: AYES: 4 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Ostovar, Palmer, Sanders, Tregenza, NOES: 0 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: (None) ABSENT: 3 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Hunter, Pauly, Turgen ABSTAIN: 0 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: (None) RECUSED: 0 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: (None) General Public Comment None. 3. Consider 1200 Munras Avenue; Permit Amendment PA-24-0115 for Proposed Changes to Approved Architectural Review Permit ARP-22-0087 for Preliminary and Final Architectural Review of Non-Structural Exterior Alterations, Fencing, Landscaping, and Lighting at Monterey Surf Inn; Applicant Digen Patel; Owner Monterey Surf Inn; VAF Zoning District; Visitor Accommodation Facility General Plan Designation (Exempt from CEQA per Article 19, Section 15301, Class 1) Action: Denied Permit Amendment Application PA-24-0115 for Proposed Changes to Approved Architectural Review Permit ARP-22-0087 for Preliminary and Final Architectural Review of Non-Structural Exterior Alterations, Fencing, Landscaping, and Lighting at 1200 Munras Avenue. Staff Presentation/Committee Member Questions Principal Planner Sabdo presented the Agenda Report, described the field trip to the project site, the pool and necessary permits for changes to the pool. Applicant Applicant Vedant Patel provided updates and addressed previous ARC concerns regarding surveying, landscaping, lighting, and fencing. They clarified that the proposed lighting was FAA-compliant and did not project upwards. Patel also shared a short video showcasing the The ARC inquired why the proposed plans did not incorporate recommendations made at the previous meeting, such as replacing part of the fencing with hedges, adding more landscaping, and using more local vegetation. Patel explained that the proposed landscaping was in line with neighboring hotels, required less water, and would be more lush. They also noted that the fence could not be replaced by hedges due to its role in housing necessary electrical components for the lighting. The Committee pointed out that multiple plants shown in require more water. They also asked whether there were plans to replace the warped fencing, to which Patel responded that they had not yet addressed the issue. Public Comments None. Committee Member Comments The Committee discussed the suitability of the proposed landscaping, and Principal Planner Roveri noted the previously approved foliage. The Committee felt that the proposed landscaping did not meet their expectations from previous meetings. They reiterated that the proposed bollard lighting was not consistent with the General Plan and that the warped fencing did not fit with the area. The Committee emphasized that the fence was originally intended for the pool area, but assist in the design process, yet the applicant had not followed recommendations or previously approved pla the permit amendment. height. On a motion by Committee Member Tregenza, seconded by Committee Member Sanders, and carried by the following vote, the Architectural Review Committee denied Permit Amendment PA-24-0115 for Proposed Changes to Approved Architectural Review Permit ARP-22-0087 for Preliminary and Final Architectural Review of Non-Structural Exterior Alterations, Fencing, Landscaping, and Lighting at Monterey Surf Inn: AYES: 4 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Ostovar, Palmer, Sanders, Tregenza, NOES: 0 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: (None) ABSENT: 3 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Hunter, Pauly, Turgen  ABSTAIN: 0 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: (None) 4. 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 and Permeable Pavers; Applicant Chris Sommers, Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa; Owner The Cannery Row Company; VAF Zoning District; Visitor Accommodation Facility General Plan Land Use Designation (Exempt from CEQA per Article 19, Section 15301, Class 1) Action: Approved 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 and Permeable Pavers at 400 Cannery Row as submitted. Staff Presentation/Committee Member Questions Principal Planner Sabdo presented the Agenda Report questions regarding elevation renderings, spacing between project and business, and the height of the landscaping. Applicant Applicant Chris Sommers let the ARC know the purpose of the improvements was to provide better ADA accessibility. Landscape Architect Steve for BFS let the Committee know the landscaping would consist of shrubs and grasses limited to three to four feet. Public Comments None. Committee Member Comments The Committee welcomed the idea of increased landscaping and stated the need for public access. Sabdo reiterated that Coastal Commission staff confirmed that the proposed project complied with the coastal development permit and access easement. Planning Manager Hill assisted the Committee by explaining that, from the applicant perspective, the project aimed to enhance ADA accessibility, while the changes made since the previous meeting were intended to increase public access. 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- 24-0220 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 and Permeable Pavers at 400 Cannery Row: AYES: 4 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Ostovar, Palmer, Sanders, Tregenza, NOES: 0 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: (None) ABSENT: 3 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Hunter, Pauly, Turgen ABSTAIN: 0 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: (None) COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS Committee Member Tregenza stated this meeting would be their last meeting with the ARC and appreciated Staff and the Committee.  INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS 5. Planning Update Received. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:06 p.m. ARC Field Trip Minutes February 19, 2025 Call to order at 3:01 PM Attendees: Committee: Ostovar Palmer Tregenza Staff: Fernanda Roveri Christy Sabdo Applicant: Vedant Patel Public: 2 others Staff member Sabdo called the meeting to order at 3:01 p.m. and provided a brief explanation of the purpose of the field trip and procedures for the meeting. Attendees visited the project site and were shown fencing to enclose a storage area and the following proposed changes: Plans to fill in the pool. Installing grass and tile in the pool area. Planting a date palm in the center of the pool area. New furniture installation. Placement of the fence, metal planters, and landscaping in reference to the property line. Low metal planters to be added. Bollard lights to be installed inside the pool area. Height of bollard lights would vary but be no greater than 58 inches. Field trip adjourned at 3:18 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Principal Planner Chair Architectural Review Committee