Planning Commission Meeting
Regular MeetingMonterey, CA · November 26, 2024
Minutes
Docusign Envelope ID: 8B8D0893-0BB3-4F3C-89BC-69DA20906DBE
MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 580 PACIFIC STREET
MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA
Commissioners Present: Silva, Brassfield, Dawson, Fletcher, Latasa
Absent: Bluth, Freeman
Staff Members Present: Planning Manager Hill, Principal Planner Sabdo, Recording
Secretary Barrera
***Afternoon Session Agenda Only***
4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
Vice-Chair Silva called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. Recording Secretary Barrera
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.
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.
CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of Minutes
2. October 22, 2024, 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 Commissioner Latasa, seconded by Commissioner Fletcher, and carried by
the following vote, the Planning Commission approved the CONSENT ITEMS as submitted:
AYES: 5 COMMISSIONERS: Silva, Brassfield, Dawson, Fletcher, Latasa
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 2 COMMISSIONERS: Bluth, Freeman
ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
***End of Consent Agenda***
3. Consider 456 Lighthouse Avenue:
(1) Negative Declaration (ER-24-0018) for an Assembly Major Use and Amplified Music
at 456 Lighthouse Avenue
(2) Use Permit Application UP-23-0072 to Allow an Assembly Major Use and Amplified
Music at 456 Lighthouse Avenue;
Docusign Envelope ID: 8B8D0893-0BB3-4F3C-89BC-69DA20906DBE
Applicant Samuel Pitnick, Samuel Pitnick Architects; Owner 456 Properties LLC;
Planned Community – Lighthouse Specific Plan (PC-LH) Zoning; Mixed Use
Neighborhood General Plan Designation
ACTION: Continued to a Date Uncertain Negative Declaration ER-24-0018 and UP-23-
0072 for an Assembly Major Use and Amplified Music at 456 Lighthouse Avenue
Staff Presentation/Commissioner Questions
Principal Planner Sabdo presented the Agenda Report answered Commissioner questions
regarding parking, noise impacts, and car displays.
Planning Manager Hill explained that city regulations cover outdoor storage and goods for sale,
clarifying that automobiles would only be displayed, not sold.
Vice-Chair Silva pointed out the paradox of not having a parking requirement for change of use
in the Lighthouse Specific Plan (LHSP) area while also passing a negative declaration for
environmental review. Mr. Hill clarified that the applicant is applying for a use permit which
allows for discretion from the Planning Commission (PC) and noted the difference between the
use permit and objective performance standards of the code, with an Environmental Impact
Report (EIR) that was prepared at a programmatic level for the build-out of the plan.
Commissioner Brassfield discussed the intent of the LHSP and emphasized safety and
emergency planning.
Applicant
Project architect Samuel Pitnick thanked staff and shared additional details about the proposed
events and accommodations. Mr. Pitnick addressed Commissioner concerns regarding
restrooms, occupancy, and equipment use.
Public Comments
Carl Outzen spoke against the project citing incompatibility with the neighborhood.
Commissioner Comments
Commissioners discussed being conflicted in their decision due to parking, amplified music and
inconsistency with the LHSP.
Mr. Hill made the Commission aware that continuance is a possible outcome. Chair Silva
reopened public comment.
Mr. Pitnick thanked the Commission for their feedback and asked for a continuance.
Mr. Outzen provided public comment, speaking against the continuance.
On a motion by Commissioner Brassfield seconded by Commissioner Fletcher and carried by
the following vote, the Planning Commission continued to a date uncertain Negative
Declaration ER-24-0018 and UP-23-0072 for an assembly major use and amplified music at
456 Lighthouse Avenue:
AYES: 5 COMMISSIONERS: Silva, Brassfield, Dawson, Fletcher, Latasa
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
Tuesday November 26, 2024
2
Docusign Envelope ID: 8B8D0893-0BB3-4F3C-89BC-69DA20906DBE
ABSENT: 2 COMMISSIONERS: Bluth, Freeman
ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
None.
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS
Planning Manager Hill updated the Commission on a grant awarded to the Planning Department
from the California Coastal Commission.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:10 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted, Approved,
Levi Hill Chair
Planning Manager Planning Commission
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
Tuesday November 26, 2024
3
Agenda
Commissioners
Planning Commission Meeting
Robert Bluth, Chair
Agenda
Peter Silva, Vice Chair
Mike Brassfield
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Mike Dawson
Daniel Fletcher
4:00 – 5:30 PM
Sandra Freeman
Council Chamber, 580 Pacific St. Terry Latasa
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/1619908039 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: 161 990 8039 #
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 Planning Commission meetings, there are two 15-minute public comment
periods, one in the afternoon and one in the evening. Speakers may only comment during
one session.
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 Planning Commission. 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 Planning
Commission’s consent, adjust the amount of time allowed for public input and/or the time
allotted for each speaker.
FIELD TRIP
The Planning Commission will not conduct a field trip to review the November 26, 2024 PC
meeting agenda. For more information, call (831) 646-3885. Date Posted: November 22,
2024.
***Afternoon Session Agenda Only***
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 Planning Commission or the public requests discussion or a separate
vote.
Approval of Minutes
2. OCTOBER 22, 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 HEARING
Public Hearings are held to receive a staff presentation and public comment on certain items
prior to Planning Commission action. NOTICE CONCERNING YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS: If you
challenge the Planning Commission’s zoning, planning, or land use decision in court, you may
be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing on the
matter, or in written correspondence delivered to the City at the time of or prior to the public
hearing. (Government Code section 65009.)
3. Consider 456 Lighthouse Avenue:
(1) Negative Declaration (ER-24-0018) for an Assembly Major Use and
Amplified Music at 456 Lighthouse Avenue
(2) Use Permit Application UP-23-0072 to Allow an Assembly Major Use and
Amplified Music at 456 Lighthouse Avenue;
Applicant Samuel Pitnick, Samuel Pitnick Architects; Owner 456 Properties
LLC; Planned Community – Lighthouse Specific Plan (PC-LH) Zoning; Mixed
Use Neighborhood General Plan Designation
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Commissioners may ask a question for clarification, make a brief announcement, or make a
brief report on their activities. In addition, a Commissioner or the Planning Commission may
provide a referral to staff or other resources for factual information. (Government Code
section 54954.2(a)(3).)
Planning Commission
11/26/2024 4:00:00 PM
2
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS
Staff may make announcements and may request clarification or direction regarding the
scheduling of meetings and study sessions.
4. 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 Planning Commission at the Planning Commission meeting becomes part
of the public record.
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.
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 Planning Commission 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 Planning Commission. 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
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
Planning Commission
11/26/2024 4:00:00 PM
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