Michael A. Cacciotti

The key discussion topics for the Regular Meeting scheduled for July 12, 2022, included general public comments, review of minutes from the Special Meeting of April 18, 2022, a request to modify an existing wireless telecommunications facility at 2130 Huntington Drive, and a presentation on the Objective Development Standards (ODS) Project from the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), soliciting feedback from the Commission. The agenda also included standard closing comments from the Council Liaison, Planning Commissioners, and Staff, concluding with an adjournment to a Special Planning Commission meeting scheduled for July 26, 2022. The provided document content also details the discussions and approval from the Special Meeting held on April 18, 2022, which primarily focused on the Proposed Inclusionary Housing In-Lieu Fee structure and the approval of the 815 Fremont Avenue mixed-use project (Arbor Square Mixed-Use Project).

The regular meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda. A presentation was given by the City Architect consultant, WHA, detailing their expertise in housing, commercial projects, and historic preservation, including their role for the City of South Pasadena. The commission continued a public hearing for a project at 1931 Hanscom Avenue concerning Design Review, Hillside Development Permit, and Variances for a new single-family dwelling, including the removal of seven trees. The project was found exempt under CEQA and subsequently approved with several amended conditions related to shrubbery installation, condition signage placement, and window sizing to balance daylight and privacy. The commission also considered resolutions recommending amendments to the General Plan Land Use and Housing Elements, Downtown Specific Plan, and Municipal Code Zoning to adjust standards. This item was continued to a Special Meeting scheduled for June 16, 2025, for a community meeting. The meeting concluded with administrative comments and adjournment to a Special Planning Commission meeting scheduled for June 24, 2025.

The key topics for this regular meeting include public comments on non-agenda items, consideration and potential approval of minutes from the May 14, 2024, and June 11, 2024 meetings. The primary focus is on Project No. 2500-HDP/DRX/VAR/PM/TRP, which involves a request for multiple permits (Hillside Development, Design Review, Variances, Parcel Merger, and Tree Removal Permit) for the construction of a new single-family dwelling at 4931 Harriman Avenue, including discussion on required variances for side yard setback and garage placement relative to the main structure. Another major item is Project No. CUP24-0003, seeking a Conditional Use Permit for a Type 41 alcohol license at 917 Fremont Avenue. Finally, the Commission is scheduled to discuss potential Zoning Code Amendments related to the City's Housing Element implementation.

The Planning Commission meeting addressed several key items. For Project No. 2500-HDP/DRX/VAR/PM/TRP concerning a new dwelling and related permits at 4931 Harriman Avenue, the Commission discussed setbacks, tree removal, stucco finishes, vertical walls, and privacy concerns related to windows. A motion was carried approving the project with specific findings, including a five-foot setback variance and requiring the applicant to address window modulation for neighbor privacy as a Chair Review item. For Project No. CUP24-0003, a request for a Type 41 alcohol license at 917 Fremont Avenue, the Commission expressed support, modifying the hours of sale to 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily. Finally, the Commission received a presentation on Potential Zoning Code Amendments, providing initial feedback on topics such as hillside development standards, ADU ordinance, and signage requirements.

The key discussion centered on a continued public hearing regarding proposed amendments to the General Plan Land Use and Housing Elements, the Downtown Specific Plan, and relevant sections of the South Pasadena Municipal Code (Zoning) concerning height, density, and development standards. The Commission received corrections to exhibits and staff responses from the previous meeting. Specific detailed discussions included the need for clarity on density and height calculations, floor-to-floor heights, commercial ground floor incentives, unit size minimums, parking, and open space requirements. The Commission established a roadmap for future meetings, scheduling the next sessions to focus on Zoning Map overlays, setbacks, and further development standards review.