Steven Goebel

The Zoning Hearing Officer reviewed two primary items. The first item regarding a planning file for a telecommunications project was noted as continued. The second item involved an appeal of an administrative citation for unpermitted grading and excavation on a property in an unincorporated area. The officer heard a presentation from staff documenting the violations and the history of enforcement actions, including stop-work notices and the applicant's requests for information. The officer also heard public testimony expressing concerns regarding environmental impacts, drainage, and non-agricultural use of the property. Following the review, the officer denied the appeal, upheld the administrative citation, and ordered that all work cease, proper erosion controls be installed, and necessary permits be obtained.

The committee held a public comment session where members of the public addressed farming and ranching legacy in the community, the need for economic mobility, and agricultural training. The committee discussed the procedures for setting the agenda, specifically addressing concerns regarding the distribution of meeting packets and ensuring future agenda items are properly scheduled. The project planner presented an application for a coastal development permit and planned agricultural development permit for a property on Pescadero Creek Road, covering the construction of a single-family home and associated infrastructure, while addressing site constraints related to flood zones, prime soil, and riparian corridors.

The committee discussed the resignation of a committee member and amended its upcoming meeting schedule. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a proposal from committee members regarding resilience against extreme weather events. The discussion focused on whether to include a statement of values in the county charter or to adopt a requirement for an annual report to the board of supervisors regarding climate change impacts, emergency preparedness, and the effectiveness of resiliency measures.

The Zoning Hearing Officer meeting addressed several agenda items. Discussions included the approval of a coastal development permit and lot line adjustment at 314 El Granada Boulevard, which involved transferring 1,500 square feet of land between two parcels without creating new lots or zoning nonconformities. Additionally, the meeting covered use permit applications for the installation of new wireless telecommunications facilities by Verizon Wireless near 401 7th Avenue in the North Fair Oaks neighborhood and near 964 Ringwood Avenue. The wireless facility proposals involved mounting equipment on utility poles, which required considerations regarding pole height, radio frequency output, and construction impacts.

The meeting focused on the Coleman Avenue traffic calming project, presenting a history of transportation studies in the area and outlining a proposed tiered pilot approach for the corridor. Key discussion topics included the results of community outreach, previous county efforts such as striping and delineator installation, and a plan for reducing speed limits near schools. The proposed pilot involves installing speed humps as a temporary measure to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists while preserving existing traffic circulation, with a commitment to monitor outcomes and gather community feedback to determine future steps.