Kristi Carrithers

The meeting included the introduction of the newly seated Planning Commissioner Ryan Crist. A key agenda item involved a new public hearing regarding an amendment to Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Ordinance (Titles 16 and 17 of the Lancaster Municipal Code) to synchronize the expiration dates of discretionary land use actions approved with a tentative map. The Director announced the rescheduling of the January and February 2014 Planning Commission meetings due to holidays.

The meeting included a presentation on the Master Plan of Trails and Bikeways, which was adopted in January 2012 and is based on pillars including health, safety, economic vitality, and sustainability. Discussion focused on incorporating features like roundabouts and buffered bike lanes, and the positive impact of infrastructure investment on property values and safety statistics, such as reduced collisions. The commission also discussed the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Overlay Zone project, which involves revising several city documents, including the General Plan and Zoning regulations, with public workshops scheduled for mid-2013. Other items included deferring a presentation on Solar Energy Projects and addressing concerns about landscaping maintenance for solar developments and potential issues related to an Industrial Theater conditional use permit.

The meeting included presentations regarding The BLVD Temporary Sign Guidelines Update and the Net Zero Solar Energy Program. Discussions during public hearings and new business centered on the Housing Element Update, for which approval was granted with direction to provide updated data. Conditional Use Permits for two solar generating facilities by Silverado Power, LLC, requesting one-year extensions, were approved. Additionally, a Conditional Use Permit for an on-sale beer and wine license for Camille's Sidewalk Cafe was approved. The Commission also rescheduled several future meetings in January, February, and November 2014 due to holiday conflicts.

The meeting involved continued public hearings and new public hearings. Key discussions during the continued hearing focused on General Plan Amendment No. 13-01, Zone Change No. 13-01, and Conditional Use Permit No. 13-05 regarding the construction of three photovoltaic solar electric generating facilities. Detailed exchanges occurred regarding construction hours, dust control mitigation measures (including chemical soil stabilizers and vegetation), and the coordination with the Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District (AQMD). The commission ultimately recommended approval for these amendments and the associated CUP. New public hearings included consideration of Conditional Use Permit No. 13-08 for Julianni's Italian Ristorante seeking permission for on-sale beer and wine and live entertainment, which received approval. Tentative Parcel Map No. 72266, involving the subdivision of four residential lots, was also heard, with specific attention paid to drainage and the proposed detention basins and street wall installation. Finally, a request to continue the public hearing for Housing Element update to the next meeting was granted. The Director announced an upcoming Housing Element Workshop.

The commission reviewed and acted on several Conditional Use Permits, approving an arcade gaming facility, the construction of a new church, and an alcohol license for a restaurant. A request for an alcohol license and distance waiver for a convenience market was denied following a split vote. Additionally, the commission recommended approval of various Zone Text Amendments regarding municipal zoning and signage regulations, while continuing the review of specific sign-related code amendments.