Planning Commission Meeting
Regular MeetingMonterey, CA · March 11, 2025
Minutes
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MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 580 PACIFIC STREET
MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA
Commissioners Present: Bluth, Silva, Freeman, Latasa
Absent: Brassfield, Dawson, Fletcher
Staff Members Present: Planning Manager Hill, Recording Secretary Barrera
***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 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.
CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of Minutes
2. February 25, 2025 (Not a project under CEQA per Article 20 Section 15378 and under
General Rule Article 5 Section 15061)
ACTION: Continued to the next Planning Commission Meeting
On a motion by Commissioner Latasa seconded by Commissioner Freeman and carried by the
following vote, the Planning Commission continued the CONSENT ITEM:
AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Bluth, Silva, Freeman, Latasa
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 3 COMMISSIONERS: Brassfield, Dawson, Fletcher
ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
***End of Consent Agenda***
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENTS
Julie Gorman made comments regarding a property that she owns.
PUBLIC HEARING
3. Recommend the City Council Amend the Zoning Code to Require New Businesses and
Existing Businesses that are Changing the Type of Use or Location Obtain a Zoning
Clearance Permit (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under
General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
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ACTION: Approved a Resolution Recommending that the City Council Amend the Zoning
Code to Require New Businesses and Existing Businesses that are Changing the Type of
Use or Location Obtain a Zoning Clearance Permit
Staff Presentation/Commissioner Questions
Planning Manager Hill presented the Agenda Report answered Commissioner questions
regarding the different scenarios that a zoning clearance would be required versus a use permit.
Vice-Chair Silva raised concerns about the nexus between business licenses and regulatory
aspects. Mr. Hill clarified that the issuance of a business license does not imply approval for
operation in the specific location.
Commissioner Latasa asked if expansions of non-conforming businesses, like a restaurant
building a storage shed, would require zoning clearance. Mr. Hill confirmed that most expansions
trigger zoning clearance, and any changes in use or location would require a review.
Commissioner Freeman inquired about the fee for zoning clearance. Mr. Hill said that there is a
flat fee, which would be adopted with the next fee schedule. Commissioner Latasa asked what
the administrative process would be for a zoning clearance. Mr. Hill outlined the process.
Public Comments
Julie Gorman spoke against the recommendation to City Council to expand the Zoning Code.
Commissioner Comments
Commissioner Latasa asked if the City Attorney had been involved in the zoning amendment and
if there will be an appeal process. Mr. Hill said the proposed ordinance had been reviewed by
City Legal staff and there is a typical appeal process, but he would have to confirm the specific
applicable Code section.
Vice-Chair Silva suggested including the appeal language in the ordinance. Mr. Hill stated that
the language would be included.
Commissioner Latasa suggested a continuance on the recommendation and Commissioner
Freeman agreed.
Mr. Hill noted that a continuance would put a constraint on staff and that the concerns of the
Commission can be addressed before going to the City Council.
Vice-Chair Silva stated he doesn’t believe a continuance is necessary and that the zoning
clearance procedure is straight forward and concise.
Commissioner Latasa made a motion to continue, and Commissioner Freeman seconded. The
motion failed.
On a motion by Vice-Chair Silva seconded by Commissioner Freeman and carried by the
following vote, the Planning Commission approved a resolution recommending that the City
Council amend the Zoning Code to require new businesses and existing businesses that are
changing the type of use or location obtain a Zoning Clearance Permit:
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
Tuesday March 11, 2025
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AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Bluth, Silva, Freeman, Latasa
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 3 COMMISSIONERS: Brassfield, Dawson, Fletcher
ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
4. Accepting the 2024 General Plan Annual Report for Review and Comment (Not a Project
Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section
15061)
ACTION: Accepted the 2024 General Plan Annual Report for Review and Comment
Staff Presentation/Commissioner Questions
Planning Manager Hill presented the Agenda Report.
Public Comments
None.
Commissioner Comments
Commissioners appreciated the report summary. The Commissioners commented on the
Housing Element status, water availability, and water distribution. Mr. Hill provided development
updates including the Avid Hotel project.
On a motion by Commissioner Freeman seconded by Commissioner Vice-Chair Silva and carried
by the following vote, the Planning Commission accepted the 2024 General Plan Annual Report
for Review and Comment:
AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Bluth, Silva, Freeman, Latasa
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 3 COMMISSIONERS: Brassfield, Dawson, Fletcher
ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Vice-Chair Silva commented on the Planning Commissioner Academy and suggested virtual
training when in person isn’t available.
Commissioner Latasa inquired about Presidio access in the event of a disaster. Chair Bluth
suggested agendizing safety issues pertaining to bike rentals.
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS
Mr. Hill updated the Commission on the upcoming APA Conference.
ADJOURNMENT
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
Tuesday March 11, 2025
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There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:31 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted, Approved,
Levi Hill Chair
Planning Manager Planning Commission
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
Tuesday March 11, 2025
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Agenda
Commissioners
Planning Commission Meeting
Robert Bluth, Chair
Agenda
Peter Silva, Vice Chair
Mike Brassfield
Mike Dawson
Tuesday, March 11, 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 to review the March 11, 2025 PC
meeting agenda. For more information, call (831) 646-3885. Date Posted: March 7, 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. February 25, 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.)
3. Recommend the City Council Amend the Zoning Code to Require New
Businesses and Existing Businesses that are Changing the Type of Use or
Location Obtain a Zoning Clearance Permit (Not a Project Under CEQA per
Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
4. Accepting the 2024 General Plan Annual Report for Review and Comment
(Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General
Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
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
3/11/2025 4:00:00 PM
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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
3/11/2025 4:00:00 PM
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