Council briefed on nine April 15 planning items: subdivision variance, short‑term-rental CUPs, fence-code changes

Caitlin, a planning staff member, briefed the council on nine planning items scheduled for the April 15 public hearing, noting most proposals lie in Districts 5 and 6.

Items include a subdivision-variance request for a parcel created by a 1971 partition plat that did not receive planning review; staff recommended conditions including architectural guidelines from the rural-area design guidance if the variance is approved. Planning staff said similar variances were previously granted for other lots on the same plat and that no opposition had been received to date.

The agenda contains several conditional-use permits (CUPs) for short-term rentals (STRs). Two CUPs discussed involved addresses with prior notices of violation for operating STRs without permits; one of those (903 Pacific Ave., Unit A) drew a divided recommendation from the Planning Commission because commissioners expressed concern about prior violations and compliance. Other STR CUPs presented at the briefing included multiple units at Mediterranean Avenue and a three-unit suite at 2003 Mediterranean Avenue; the planning staff reported mixed public comment and that some applicants had provided adequate on-site parking.

Planning staff also outlined proposed zoning-ordinance amendments to the fences-and-walls rules. The changes would codify a policy adopted by the zoning administrator that reduced the number of fence permits required, require the finished side of fences to face the right of way, and move permit-fee language into the zoning section to centralize enforcement. Staff reported the changes would reduce the monthly count of fence permits compared with a 2019 ordinance change that increased permit requirements.

Ending: Staff said Planning Commission recommended approval of most items presented and will forward the items to the April 15 council hearing for final action and public testimony.