Planning Commission Meeting
Regular MeetingMonterey, CA · January 28, 2025
Minutes
Docusign Envelope ID: 3B7E8AC1-F57C-4DC6-ADBF-FBAEFBB42E30
MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 580 PACIFIC STREET
MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA
Commissioners Present: Bluth, Brassfield, Freeman, Fletcher, Latasa, Silva
Absent: Dawson
Staff Members Present: Planning Manager Hill, Principal Planner Sabdo, Recording
Secretary Arganbright
***Afternoon Session Agenda Only***
4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Bluth 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 AGENDA
Approval of Minutes
2. November 26, 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 Brassfield, seconded by Commissioner Fletcher, and carried
following vote, the Planning Commission approved the CONSENT ITEM as submitted:
AYES: 5 COMMISSIONERS: Bluth, Brassfield, Fletcher, Latasa, Silva
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Dawson
ABSTAIN: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Freeman
RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
3. January 14, 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 Commissioner Fletcher, seconded by Commissioner Brassfield, and carried by
the following vote, the Planning Commission approved the CONSENT ITEM as submitted:
AYES: 5 COMMISSIONERS: Bluth, Brassfield, Fletcher, Freeman, Latasa
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
Docusign Envelope ID: 3B7E8AC1-F57C-4DC6-ADBF-FBAEFBB42E30
ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Dawson
ABSTAIN: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Silva
RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENTS
Nina Beety commented on recent events regarding the Vistra battery storage facility fire at Moss
Landing.
***End of Consent Agenda***
4. Consider 548 Mar Vista Drive; Variance Permit Application VA-24-0240 for a Driveway
Variance; Applicant Nicora Law Offices, LLP; Property Owner Albert Desiree Trust; R-1-
15 Zoning District (Residential Single-Family District); Low Density Residential General
Plan Land Use Designation; Exempt from CEQA per Article 19, Section 15301, Class 1
ACTION: Denied Variance Permit Application VA-24-0240 for a Driveway Variance at 548
Mar Vista Drive
Staff Presentation/Commissioner Questions
Principal Planner Sabdo presented the Agenda Report answered Commissioner questions
regarding how the Code Compliance issue began, the typical process on Code Compliance
cases, and permit requirements.
Planning Manager Hill clarified that our Code Compliance division operates on a complaint basis.
Applicant
Applicant Representative Michael Atteridge gave context of the property with neighboring
properties. Mr. Atteridge noted the history and the need for a retaining wall and pavers on the
property.
The Commissioners were handed a packet with information on surrounding properties and
Commissioner Freeman noted that one of the properties is not located on the same street.
Public Comments
Neighbor, Lisa Sterritt stated she was unable to obtain a variance for the parking at her home
and asked the Commission for conformity and fairness.
Commissioner Comments
Commissioners discussed the process of receiving a variance and agreed with Staff’s
recommendation. Commissioner Brassfield noted the need for additional parking and suggested
re-examining the code.
On a motion by Vice-Chair Silva seconded by Commissioner Brassfield and carried by the
following vote, the Planning Commission denied Variance Permit Application VA-24-0240 for a
driveway variance at 548 Mar Vista Drive as submitted:
AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Bluth, Brassfield, Fletcher, Freeman, Latasa, Silva
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
Tuesday January 28, 2025
2
Docusign Envelope ID: 3B7E8AC1-F57C-4DC6-ADBF-FBAEFBB42E30
ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Dawson
ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Commissioner Brassfield inquired about the Planning Commissioners Academy. Mr. Hill
provided details.
Commissioner Latasa stated he is looking forward to a presentation on forest management and
safety.
Commissioner Freeman suggested the City look at battery backup regulations.
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS
Mr. Hill provided an update.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:55 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted, Approved,
Levi Hill Chair
Planning Manager Planning Commission
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
Tuesday January 28, 2025
3
Agenda
Commissioners
Planning Commission Meeting
Robert Bluth, Chair
Agenda
Peter Silva, Vice Chair
Mike Brassfield
Mike Dawson
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
Daniel Fletcher
Sandra Freeman
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
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.gov 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.gov/submitted-comments. All comments received become part
of the record.
In-Person: Please see the meeting location listed above.
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 on to review the January 28, 2025 PC
meeting agenda. For more information, call (831) 646-3885. Date Posted: January 24, 2025
***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. November 26, 2024
3. January 14, 2025
***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.)
4. Consider 548 Mar Vista Drive; Variance Permit Application VA-24-0240 for a
Driveway Variance; Applicant Nicora Law Offices, LLP; Property Owner Albert
Desiree Trust; R-1-15 Zoning District (Residential Single-Family District); Low
Density Residential General Plan Land Use Designation; Exempt from CEQA
per Article 19, Section 15301, Class 1
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
1/28/2025 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.
5. 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.gov WebPage: http://www.monterey.gov
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.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 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.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 Monterey.gov/agendas
More information is available by calling (831) 646-3885
Planning Commission
1/28/2025 4:00:00 PM
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