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Planning Commission directs staff to draft time‑limited OK for Bank of America ATM space at 1600 Ocean
Summary
Commission directed staff to prepare a conditional‑use approval allowing the existing Bank of America ATM/vending vestibule to operate under a time limit (through lease expiry in 2019) while exploring a remote‑banking approach; staff had recommended disapproval because the use reduces active ground‑floor frontage.
The Planning Commission weighed a conditional‑use authorization request on Feb. 1 to legalize a Bank of America formula‑retail financial service space (an unmanned ATM vestibule) at 1600 Ocean Avenue.
Staff recommendation: Department staff recommended disapproval, saying the proposal would eliminate an active ground‑floor tenant and was not compatible with active‑use requirements in planning code section 145.1. Staff also flagged neighborhood concerns about upkeep and maintenance of the storefront.
Sponsor presentation and alternative: Ken Gaskins of JLL, representing the Bank of America tenant, said the existing arrangement is primarily an ATM vestibule that cannot be converted into a staffed branch because of width constraints; he described the bank’s work on a pilot “advanced center” concept (an unmanned, fully built‑out self‑service facility) already permitted elsewhere in the city.
Commission action: Commissioners discussed practical options given an existing lease that runs through 2019. To avoid prolonged vacancy of the storefront while the legal and code questions are resolved, the Commission directed staff to craft a time‑limited authorization that would allow the use through the lease term (or two years) and to explore conditional language enabling the remote‑banking/advanced center concept if the sponsor pursues it. The motion of intent was seconded and the Commission voted to continue the item to allow staff to prepare the time‑limited approval language.
What it means: The action preserves staff’s enforcement authority while acknowledging the landlord’s existing lease and the neighborhood’s concern about vacant storefronts. It also directs staff to return with specific conditions and a time frame rather than grant a permanent entitlement.
