Planning Commission Meeting

Name: Planning Commission Meeting — Monterey, CA
Start: 2026-05-26T16:00:00
End: 2026-05-26T18:00:00
Location: Monterey, CA

Regular Meeting

Monterey, CA · May 26, 2026

Agenda Minutes Packet

Minutes

Docusign Envelope ID: FAF14E60-E7C0-8A7D-8349-CABB93BD182A MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday, May 26, 2026 4:00 – 5:30 PM COUNCIL CHAMBER, 580 PACIFIC STREET MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Commissioners Present: Silva, Latasa, Bluth, Palmer, Absent: Freeman, Stocker Pauly Staff Members Present: Planning Manager Hill, Principal Planner Roveri, Principal Planner Sabdo, Senior Associate Planner Schmidt, Senior Associate Planner Buggert, Recording Secretary Barrera ***Afternoon Session Agenda Only*** 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. CALL TO ORDER 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. CONSENT AGENDA The Commission voted on Items 2, 3, and 4. Item 6 was voted on separately due to a recusal by Commissioner Pauly. The project applicant for Item 5 requested to pull the item from the consent agenda. Public comment on the Consent Items was solicited but not received. 2. May 12, 2026 Meeting Minutes (Not a project under CEQA per Article 20 Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5 Section 15061) Action: Approved as submitted 3. 2338 Del Monte Avenue: Approve Sign Permit SI-26-0017 and Architectural Review Permit ARP-26-0016 for Signage, Including One Internally Illuminated Vehicle-Oriented Freestanding Price Sign, and Exterior Modifications to Existing Service Station; Applicant Megan Evans, Image Point Signs; Owner Tesoro Sierra Properties LLC; C-3-D2-ES Zoning District; Commercial General Plan Land Use Designation (Exempt from CEQA per Article 19, Section 15301, Class 1) Action: Approved Sign Permit SI-26-0017 and Architectural Review Permit ARP-26-0016 for Signage, Including One Internally Illuminated Vehicle-Oriented Freestanding Price Sign, and Exterior Modifications to Existing Service Station at 2338 Del Monte Avenu 4. 580 Filmore Street: Approve Architectural Review Permit Amendment Application PA-24-0218 for a First- and Second-Story Addition and Exterior Alterations to an Existing Single-Family Residence; Applicant, Zhengrui He, M Designs Architects; Property Owner, Christopher Sean and Julie Winchester; R-1-5 Zoning District; Low Density Residential General Plan Land Use Designation (Exempt from CEQA per Article 19, Section 15301, Class 1) Action: Approved Architectural Review Permit Amendment Application PA-24-0218 for Docusign Envelope ID: FAF14E60-E7C0-8A7D-8349-CABB93BD182A a First- and Second-Story Addition and Exterior Alterations to an Existing Single- Family Residence at 580 Filmore Street On a motion by Vice-Chair Latasa, seconded by Commissioner Palmer, and carried by the following vote, the Planning Commission approved the Consent Agenda: AYES: 5 COMMISSIONERS: Silva, Latasa, Bluth, Palmer, Pauly NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 2 COMMISSIONERS: Freeman, Stocker ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None 6. Villa Del Monte: Approve Sign Permit Application SI-26-0049 for One Freestanding Neighborhood Sign at an Unaddressed Property at the Intersection of Casa Verde Way and Portola Avenue; Applicant Reginald Paulding for the City of Monterey; Owner City of Monterey; Property is Unzoned (Exempt from CEQA per Article 19, Section 15303, Class 3) Action: Approved Sign Permit Application SI-26-0049 for One Freestanding Neighborhood Sign at an Unaddressed Property at the Intersection of Casa Verde Way and Portola Avenue AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Silva, Latasa, Bluth, Palmer NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 2 COMMISSIONERS: Freeman, Stocker ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None RECUSED: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Pauly GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENTS Public comment was solicited but not received. PUBLIC HEARING 5. 398 Fremont Street: Approve Sign Permit Application SI-25-0277 for One Replacement Internally Illuminated Vehicle-Oriented Freestanding Sign, Two Replacement Roof (Canopy) Signs, One Replacement Wall Sign and Replacement Signage on Four Fuel Dispensers; Applicant Brian Collins; Owner Kumar Gurdish; Community Commercial Zoning District (C-2- ES-MF2-RHNAOV); Commercial General Plan Land Use Designation (Exempt from CEQA per Article 19, Section 15301, Class 1) Action: Approved Sign Permit Application SI-25-0277 for One Replacement Internally Illuminated Vehicle-Oriented Freestanding Sign, Two Replacement Roof (Canopy) Signs, One Replacement Wall Sign and Replacement Signage on Four Fuel Dispensers at 398 Fremont Street, with conditions of approval. Staff Presentation/Commissioner Questions Senior Associate Planner Buggert presented the Agenda Report and answered Commissioner’s questions regarding square footage and internal illumination. Planning Commission Minutes Tuesday, May 26, 2026 2 Docusign Envelope ID: FAF14E60-E7C0-8A7D-8349-CABB93BD182A Applicant Brian Collins, answered questions regarding proposed lighting. Public Comments Public comment was solicited but not received. Commissioner Comments The Commission supported staff’s recommendation to include conditions of approval modifying the project scope. On a motion by Chair Silva, seconded by Commissioner Palmer, and carried by the following vote, the Planning Commission approved Sign Permit Application SI-25-0277 for one replacement internally illuminated vehicle-oriented freestanding sign, two replacement roof (canopy) signs, one replacement wall sign and replacement signage on four fuel dispensers at 398 Fremont Street, with conditions of approval: AYES: 5 COMMISSIONERS: Silva, Latasa, Bluth, Palmer, Pauly NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 2 COMMISSIONERS: Freeman, Stocker ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None 7. 2456 Del Monte Avenue: Approve Architectural Review Permit Application ARP-26-0060 and Variance Application VA-26-0059 for Exterior Alterations to an Existing Commercial Building, Associated Site Improvements, Fencing Exceeding the 6-Foot Maximum Height, and Unenclosed Outdoor Storage; Applicant Justin Pauly for Justin Pauly Architects; Property Owner HK Sierra Ventures LLC Et Al C; General Commercial (C-3-D2) Zoning District; Commercial General Plan Land Use Designation (Exempt from CEQA per Article 19, Section 15301, Class 1) Action: Approved Variance Application VA-26-0059 for Exterior Alterations to an Existing Commercial Building, Associated Site Improvements, Fencing Exceeding the 6-Foot Maximum Height, and Unenclosed Outdoor Storage at 2456 Del Monte Avenue Staff Presentation/Commissioner Questions Planning Manager Hill presented the Agenda Report. Applicant Mark Mizgorski, President of Hayward Lumber explained the project in more detail and answered Chair Silva’s question regarding signage. Rebecca Skelin shared a presentation. Public Comments Public comment was solicited but not received. Commissioner Comments The Commission spoke in favor of the project. Planning Commission Minutes Tuesday, May 26, 2026 3 Docusign Envelope ID: FAF14E60-E7C0-8A7D-8349-CABB93BD182A On a motion by Chair Silva, seconded by Vice-Chair Latasa, and carried by the following vote, the Planning Commission approved Variance Application VA-26-0059 for exterior alterations to an existing commercial building, associated site improvements, fencing exceeding the 6-foot maximum height, and unenclosed outdoor storage at 2456 Del Monte Avenue: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Silva, Latasa, Bluth, Palmer NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 2 COMMISSIONERS: Freeman, Stocker ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None RECUSED: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Pauly COMMISSIONER COMMENTS None. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS Mr. Hill provided a follow-up to the last Council meeting and upcoming items to be presented to the Planning Commission. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:36 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Levi Hill Chair Planning Manager Planning Commission Planning Commission Minutes Tuesday, May 26, 2026 4

Agenda

Commissioners Planning Commission Peter Silva (Chair) Meeting Agenda Terry Latasa (Vice Chair) Robert Bluth Tuesday, May 26, 2026 Sandra Freeman Eric Palmer 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM Justin Pauly Council Chamber, 580 Pacific St. David Stocker 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 May 26, 2026 PC meeting agenda. For more information, call (831) 646-3885. Date Posted: May 22, 2026 ***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. May 12, 2026 Other Consent Items 3. 2338 Del Monte Avenue: Approve Sign Permit SI-26-0017 and Architectural Review Permit ARP-26-0016 for Signage, Including One Internally Illuminated Vehicle-Oriented Freestanding Price Sign, and Exterior Modifications to Existing Service Station; Applicant Megan Evans, Image Point Signs; Owner Tesoro Sierra Properties LLC; C-3-D2-ES Zoning District; Commercial General Plan Land Use Designation (Exempt from CEQA per Article 19, Section 15301, Class 1) 4. 580 Filmore Street: Approve Architectural Review Permit Amendment Application PA-24-0218 for a First- and Second-Story Addition and Exterior Alterations to an Existing Single-Family Residence; Applicant, Zhengrui He, M Designs Architects; Property Owner, Christopher Sean and Julie Winchester; R-1-5 Zoning District; Low Density Residential General Plan Land Use Designation (Exempt from CEQA per Article 19, Section 15301, Class 1) 5. 398 Fremont Street: Approve Sign Permit Application SI-25-0277 for One Replacement Internally Illuminated Vehicle-Oriented Freestanding Sign, Two Replacement Roof (Canopy) Signs, One Replacement Wall Sign and Replacement Signage on Four Fuel Dispensers; Applicant Brian Collins; Owner Kumar Gurdish; Community Commercial Zoning District (C-2-ES-MF2- RHNAOV); Commercial General Plan Land Use Designation (Exempt from CEQA per Article 19, Section 15301, Class 1) 6. Villa Del Monte: Approve Sign Permit Application SI-26-0049 for One Freestanding Neighborhood Sign at an Unaddressed Property at the Intersection of Casa Verde Way and Portola Avenue; Applicant Reginald Paulding for the City of Monterey; Owner City of Monterey; Property is Unzoned (Exempt from CEQA per Article 19, Section 15303, Class 3) ***End of Consent Agenda*** Planning Commission 5/26/2026 4:00:00 PM 2 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.) 7. 2456 Del Monte Avenue: Approve Architectural Review Permit Application ARP-26-0060 and Variance Application VA-26-0059 for Exterior Alterations to an Existing Commercial Building, Associated Site Improvements, Fencing Exceeding the 6-Foot Maximum Height, and Unenclosed Outdoor Storage; Applicant Justin Pauly for Justin Pauly Architects; Property Owner HK Sierra Ventures LLC Et Al C; General Commercial (C-3-D2) Zoning District; Commercial 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).) INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS Staff may make announcements and may request clarification or direction regarding the scheduling of meetings and study sessions. 8. 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 Planning Commission 5/26/2026 4:00:00 PM 3 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 people with disabilities 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, including to coordinate the use of a hearing device, please contact 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. CITY OF MONTEREY 24-HOUR SUGGESTION HOTLINES: (831) 646-3799 or suggest@monterey.gov Upcoming city meetings are listed at monterey.gov/agendas For more information, call (831) 646-3885 Planning Commission 5/26/2026 4:00:00 PM 4

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