Planning Commission Meeting
Regular MeetingMonterey, CA · September 14, 2021
Minutes
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MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION
CITY OF MONTEREY
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
COUNCIL CHAMBER AND ZOOMGOV TELECONFERENCE
MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA
Commissioners Present: Freeman, Reed*, Brassfield*, Dawson, Fletcher, Millich*
Commissioners Absent: Latasa
* Participated remotely by videoconference
Staff Members Present: Community Development Director Cole, Chief Building Official
Williamson, Recording Secretary Cleary
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Freeman called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m.
Recording Secretary Cleary provided information on how to participate and provide public
comment live during the meeting.
CONSENT ITEMS
Approval of Minutes
2. August 24, 2021
Commissioner Brassfield requested a change on packet page eight to specify his suggestion
was to add in the ordinance that people applying should indicate they showed effort to save
parking.
Commissioner Dawson requested that height be changed to floor area where 850 and 1,000
square foot limits were referenced on packet page eight. Commissioner Dawson and Chair
Freeman requested the word height be removed from the same page where replacement
parking was discussed.
ACTION: Approved as amended.
On a motion by Commissioner Dawson, seconded by Commissioner Fletcher, and carried by
the following vote, the Planning Commission approved the August 24, 2021 PC Minutes as
amended:
AYES: 5 COMMISSIONERS: Freeman, Reed, Brassfield, Dawson, Fletcher
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Latasa
ABSTAIN: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Millich
RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
***End of Consent Agenda***
DocuSign Envelope ID: 5B3487A1-9398-4B46-B8B9-38361B8B2E98
Planning Commission Minutes Tuesday September 14, 2021
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Nancy Soulé, resident of lower Old Town, suggested that in a recent City parking survey, the
question that should have been asked was how many units are in each lot and how many
vehicles are associated with the lot. Ms. Cole clarified that the Parking Division of the City had
circulated a parking survey.
PUBLIC HEARING
3. Consider Recommending an Ordinance to the City Council Amending Chapter 38 of the
City of Monterey Code Related to Accessory Dwelling Units (Statutorily Exempt from
CEQA per Article 18, Sections 15061(b)(3), 15282(h) and Public Resources Code Section
21080.17)
ACTION: Recommended an ordinance to the City Council amending Chapter 38 of the
City of Monterey Code related to Accessory Dwelling Units, with the added
exception that in R-3 zones ADUs are allowed by right at 16 feet and any
structure above 16 feet to a maximum of 25 feet must have design review.
Staff Presentation/Commissioner Questions
Chair Freeman announced that this is the Planning Commission’s (PC’s) third time discussing
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs), and explained
the meeting focus is to consider amendments to the draft Ordinance to recommend to City
Council.
Community Development Director Cole presented the Agenda Report and answered
Commissioner questions.
Chair Freeman asked if owner-occupancy would be required and enforced retroactively if it
becomes a requirement in 2025. Erin Lapeyrolerie, Legal Counsel for the City, explained that
owner occupancy cannot be imposed on units that have already been created.
Ms. Cole stated a correction to the Agenda Report and specified that an efficiency unit is 220
square feet and must have an efficiency kitchen, among other features, and is required for
JADUs.
Ms. Cole explained that the City cannot prevent installation of ADUs or JADUs on Mills Act
properties but contracts could be cancelled if modifications are not consistent with Secretary of
the Interior's Standards. Commissioner Fletcher asked how that could be regulated. Ms. Cole
suggested that Planners could discuss potential impacts to Mills Act contracts with applicants as
they apply for ADUs or JADUs.
Vice Chair Reed inquired about attached and detached garages. Ms. Lapeyrolerie clarified that
an ADU in an existing space is exempt from any additional design standards and specified an
existing garage would be exempt.
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
Tuesday September 14, 2021
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Planning Commission Minutes Tuesday September 14, 2021
Commissioner Brassfield inquired about building materials for an attached garage conversion.
Ms. Cole explained that in the current checklist (section h.iii) states new construction cannot
match the existing historic building while section h.iv states that any new exterior door for the
ADU shall be located at the back of the structure such that the new door is not facing the front
yard.
Ms. Cole announced a letter was received five minutes before 4:00 p.m. and asked how the PC
preferred to address it. Vice Chair Reed summarized the letter, indicating the main concern is
height limit. Chair Freeman mentioned height limits would be discussed.
Public Comments
Nancy Soulé, resident of Lower Old Town, requested keeping a 25-foot height limit and only
allowing height increases by exception. Ms. Soulé shared concerns regarding parking and traffic
flow impacts, citing safety, emergency access, and reduced parking from converted garages.
Commissioner Comments
Vice Chair Reed suggested setting a height standard at 16 feet with design review if a higher
structure is proposed. Commissioner Millich asked if this would apply only for R-3 zones. Vice
Chair Reed mentioned it could be for the R-3 zone. Ms. Lapeyrolerie confirmed the City could
set a minimum standard with design review for anything higher. Commissioners Dawson and
Millich spoke in support of the suggestion.
Commissioner Freeman suggested amending the ordinance to set the standard to a 16-foot
height and if in the R-3 zone an owner wants to go higher they would have to apply for Planning
review. Ms. Cole suggested specifying an Architectural Review permit shall be required if the
proposed ADU is above 16 feet. Commissioner Fletcher and Chair Freeman spoke in support of
the amendment.
Commissioner Dawson asked where replacement parking is required. Ms. Cole clarified and
explained that the challenge is most sites are located within one-half mile walking distance to a
public transit stop and are exempt from providing parking.
Commissioner Dawson expressed concern for potential impacts when parking is not required for
ADUs. Commissioner Fletcher suggested being as conservative as possible regarding parking.
Chair Freeman agreed.
Chair Freeman suggested that g.i provides all the flexibility needed for parking. Vice Chair Reed
suggested the likelihood of having additional parking required is almost none, as Fisherman’s
Flats is the only area not exempt from providing parking.
Vice Chair Reed made a motion. Commissioner Fletcher spoke in support of being as
conservative as possible to limit impacts. Chair Freeman agreed.
On a motion by Vice Chair Reed, seconded by Commissioner Millich, and carried by the following
vote, the Planning Commission recommended an ordinance to the City Council amending
Chapter 38 of the City of Monterey Code related to Accessory Dwelling Units, with the added
exception that in R-3 zones ADUs are allowed by right at 16 feet and any structure above 16 feet
to a maximum of 25 feet must have design review:
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
Tuesday September 14, 2021
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Planning Commission Minutes Tuesday September 14, 2021
AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Freeman, Reed, Brassfield, Dawson, Fletcher,
Millich
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Latasa
ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS
Update received.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:25 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted, Approved,
Kimberly Cole, AICP Chair
Community Development Director Planning Commission
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
Tuesday September 14, 2021
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Agenda
Planning Commission
Commissioners
Agenda Sandra Freeman, Chair
Hansen Reed, Vice Chair
AFTERNOON SESSION ONLY
Mike Brassfield
Mike Dawson
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
Daniel Fletcher
Terry Latasa
COUNCIL CHAMBER AND 4:00 PM – 7:00PM
Stephen Millich
ZOOMGOV TELECONFERENCE
Monterey, California
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The City of Monterey is committed to safe public meeting attendance
and continues to offer virtual options for public participation. Governor Newsom's Executive
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FIELD TRIP
The Planning Commission will not conduct a field trip to review the September 14, 2021
PC meeting agenda. For more information, call (831) 646-3885. Date Posted: September
10, 2021
***Afternoon Session Agenda***
4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
1. Meeting Procedures
CONSENT ITEMS
CONSENT ITEMS allow for a review of those items recommended for approval on
consent or recommended to be continued, tabled or withdrawn, etc. Consent items
consist of those items which are routine and for which a staff recommendation has been
prepared. A member of the public or a Commissioner may request that an item
recommended for approval on consent be heard on the regular agenda for further
discussion.
Approval of Minutes
2. August 24, 2021
***End of Consent Agenda***
PUBLIC COMMENTS
PUBLIC COMMENTS. At this time, the public may speak for a maximum of three minutes
on any subject which is within the jurisdiction of the Monterey Planning Commission and
which is not on the agenda. Any person or group desiring to bring an item to the attention
of the Commission may do so during Public Comments or by addressing a letter of
explanation to the Commission, City Hall, Monterey, CA 93940. Public Comments are
taken during the afternoon session and continued at the evening session. Individuals
may choose to speak once for up to three minutes at either session, but not both.
PUBLIC HEARING
PUBLIC HEARINGS are required by law for certain actions. You are welcome to offer
your comments after being recognized by the Chair. The Chair may limit the time
allocated to each speaker. Project representation is encouraged.
3. Consider Recommending an Ordinance to the City Council Amending
Chapter 38 of the City of Monterey Code Related to Accessory Dwelling Units
(Statutorily Exempt from CEQA per Article 18, Sections 15061(b)(3), 15282(h)
and Public Resouces Code Section 21080.17)
COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS
COMMISSIONERS may ask a question for clarification, make a brief announcement or
make a brief report on his or her activities. In addition, a Commissioner may provide a
referral to staff or other resources for factual information, request staff to report back to
the body at a subsequent meeting concerning any City matter, or direct staff to place a
request to agendize a matter of business on a future agenda. (G.C. 54954.2)
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS supply information on activities or
announcements and may request clarification or direction regarding the scheduling of
meetings and study sessions.
4. Planning Office Update
ADJOURNMENT
ADJOURNMENT — The general policy of the Planning Commission is that the Afternoon Session
will end no later than 5:30 p.m. and the Evening Session will end no later than 11:00 p.m. Any
public agenda items that have not been completed within the designated adjournment time may
be formally extended by the Commission, or continued to the next regularly scheduled Planning
Commission Meeting, or continued to a Special Meeting.
Agenda packets may be reviewed by the public in the Monterey Public Library, in the Planning
Office, or on the web at http://www.monterey.org beginning late Friday afternoon prior to the date
of the meeting.
Members of the public have the right to address the Commission on any Agenda items. The Chair
will formally open the floor for public comment. However, if you wish to speak to items during
"Consent Agenda" or "Staff Informational Report," please advise the staff or the Chair prior to the
action on that item and you will be recognized. Notification as much in advance as possible is
appreciated.
Planning Commission
9/14/2021 4:00:00 PM
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Information distributed to the Commission at the meeting becomes part of the public record. A
copy of written material, pictures, etc. should be provided to the Secretary for this purpose.
Planning Commission 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. For more agenda information, call the Planning
Office at (831) 646-3885.
Planning Commission Meetings are cable cast live and videotaped for replay on Monterey's
Government Access Channel 25 by Access Monterey Peninsula (AMP).
CITY OF MONTEREY'S 24-HOUR SUGGESTION HOTLINES:
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FAX: (831) 646-3793
Email: suggest@monterey.org
WebPage: http://www.monterey.org
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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 (831) 646-
3935. Notification 30 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable
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MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE BY CALLING 646-3885
Planning Commission
9/14/2021 4:00:00 PM
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