Meeting Date: 3 November 2009
Prepared by: Sean Conroy, Plng & Bldg Services Manager
City Council
Agenda Item Summary
Name: Consideration of modifications to the city’s Volumetric Standards, as established in CMC Section 17.10.030.
Description: The City’s volumetric standards establish the maximum amount of exterior volume that may be built on sites located in the Single-Family Residential (R-1) District.
The Planning Commission recommended modifications to the volumetric standards.
Overall Cost:
City Funds: N/A
Grant Funds: N/A
Staff Recommendation: Request the Council to provide direction on this issue.
Important Considerations: The City adopted standards several years ago, limiting the amount of exterior volume that could be constructed as part of new development in the Residential (R-1) District. The standards were meant to address concerns about the size of new homes and their affect on the City’s character.
Decision Record: The Planning Commission recommended some modifications to the City Council on 8 July 2009.
Reviewed by:
__________________________ _____________________
Rich Guillen, City Administrator Date
CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY PLANNING AND BUILDING
STAFF REPORT
TO: MAYOR MCCLOUD AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
FROM: SEAN CONROY, PLANNING & BUILDING SERVICES MANAGER
THROUGH: RICH GUILLEN, CITY ADMINISTRATOR
DATE: 3 NOVEMBER 2009
RE: CONSIDERATION OF MODIFICATIONS TO THE CITY’S VOLUMETRIC STANDARDS AS ESTABLISHED IN CMC 17.10.030.
BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION
The City adopted standards several years ago, limiting the amount of exterior volume that could be constructed as part of new development in the Residential (R-1) District. These standards were meant to address concerns regarding the size of new homes and their effect on the character of the City. The Municipal Code defines exterior volume as:
“The total space occupied by all structures located above average grade, expressed in cubic feet and measured from the exterior wall and roof surfaces of each building.”
The following volume factors are used to determine the total allowed exterior volume of new construction:
Existing Volume Factors for R-1 District
Maximum Exterior Volume (Cubic Feet) Per
Square Foot of Floor Area
One-Story Elements of the Building
Two-Story Elements of the Building
Located under a pitched or sloping roof greater than 3:12 pitch
12 11
Flat roof 3:12 or less pitch 11 10
For example, a new 1,800-square-foot, one-story residence with a pitched roof would be allowed up to 21,600 cubic feet of volume (1,800 x 12). Once a project has been through the design review process, the approved plans are sent to a consultant to calculate the actual proposed exterior volume. Projects that do not comply must revise the plans.
A small committee was appointed to review the City’s volumetric standards and make recommendations on the appropriateness of the standards. The Committee includes:
John Thodos, Architect
Bill Strid, former Planning Commission Chair
Sean Conroy, Planning & Building Services Manager (facilitator)
The Committee determined that the volume requirements have been effective, but it recommended some modifications. The Planning Commission reviewed these recommendations on 8 July 2009. The following is a summary of the Committee’s recommendations, followed by a staff response and the recommendation from the Planning Commission.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
1) Revise the volume factors as shown below.
Proposed Exterior Volume Factors for R-1 District
Maximum Exterior Volume (Cubic Feet) Per Square Foot of Floor Area
One-Story Elements of the Building Two-Story Elements of the Building
All buildings
11 10
Staff Response: The Committee recommended reducing the volume factors by one to further reduce the mass and scale of new projects in the Residential District. This would reduce the allowed volume for a standard 1,800-square-foot residence by 1,800 cubic feet. This recommendation also grants flat-roof structures the same volume factor as pitched-roof structures.
One criticism of the volumetric standards is that they can limit creativity in design. Many of the older, character-defining homes in the City could not be built under today’s volume standards, much less if the standards became more stringent. The City’s current height, setback, volume and floor area requirements, along with the Design Guidelines and the design review process, provide sufficient opportunities to limit mass and bulk. Staff does not support a reduction in the allowed volume factors as proposed.
An alternative to changing the volume factor for flat-roof structures is addressed in a separate item on this agenda regarding green building incentives. A potential incentive would be to allow additional volume for flat-roofed structures only when the flat roof is to be used for solar panels.
PC Review: The Planning Commission concurred with the Committee’s recommendation to reduce the volume factors by one and to grant flat-roofed structures the same volume factor as pitched roof structures.
2) Discourage subterranean parking garages on sites that require a sloped driveway that create a “ramp” effect. Specify in the code that subterranean parking should not qualify as basement space and should always be counted as above-ground floor area.
Comments: This recommendation is consistent with the Design Guidelines, which discourage subterranean garages that create a ramped driveway. Staff concurs with this recommendation since ramped driveways typically add to the visual mass of a structure.
Subterranean garages now may qualify for basement bonus floor area. Staff could support modifying the code to indicate that garage space always count as above-grade floor area, thus removing the incentive to place a garage underground.
PC Review: The Planning Commission concurred with the Committee’s recommendation regarding subterranean garages.
3) If a volume consultant submits a project for design review, require the volume calculations to be prepared by another consultant.
Comments: The City has three consultants that perform volume verifications. All three also work as architects in the City. The recommendation of the committee is that the City ensure that if a consultant submits a project for design review, a separate consultant
perform the volume study. Staff concurs with this recommendation. Since this is an administrative matter, the Council requires no action.
PC Review: The Planning Commission concurred with the Committee’s recommendation regarding consultant reviews.
The Planning Commission included an additional recommendation that was not discussed by the Committee. This recommendation was to appoint a study group to analyze if volumetric standards also should be established in the Commercial Districts.
LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM (LCP)
Any proposed changes to the zoning ordinance constitute an amendment to the LCP and would require Coastal Commission approval.
OPTIONS
The Council may wish to discuss at least the following options:
1) Make no changes to the City’s Volumetric Standards.
2) Direct staff to prepare an ordinance addressing all of the recommendations of the Volume Committee and the Planning Commission.
3) Direct staff to prepare an ordinance addressing some of the recommendations of the Volume Committee and the Planning Commission.
RECOMMENDATION
Provide direction on potential modifications to the City’s Volumetric Standards.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
CITY COUNCIL: Policy Direction on Proposed Extension of Holiday Season for Placement of Lights
Meeting Date: November 3, 2009
Prepared by: Rich Guillen
City Council
Agenda Item Summary
Name: Consideration of Receive report and provide policy direction on proposed extension of the holiday season for placement of lights.
Description: City policy defines the “holiday season” for the purpose of placing lights in the public right-of-way and in or on commercial property as beginning on the third Wednesday in November and continuing until the second Wednesday in January. The holiday season, as defined, has been staff’s guideline for to place and remove the Ocean Avenue median lights.
This guideline also applies to commercial properties and the staff code enforcement officer inspects after the second Wednesday in January to ensure that the holiday lights are removed in a timely manner (see the attached policy).
This proposal would define the “holiday season” as beginning on November 27, 2009 (the day after the Thanksgiving Holiday) and ending on February 14, 2010 (the last day of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am).
Overall Cost:
City Funds: $200 more than holiday season 2008-09 (23 additional days)
Grant Funds: N/A
Staff Recommendation: Review the report and provide direction.
Important Considerations: The minimal additional energy cost is a small price to pay for Ocean Avenue to appear more festive. The additional lighting also enhances public safety and security during the “holiday season”.
Decision Record: None.
Reviewed by:
_____________________________ __________________
Rich Guillen, City Administrator Date
CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
STAFF REPORT
TO: MAYOR McCLOUD AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
FROM: RICH GUILLEN, CITY ADMINISTRATOR
DATE: NOVEMBER 3, 2009
SUBJECT: RECEIVE REPORT AND PROVIDE POLICY DIRECTION ON PROPOSED EXTENSION OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON FOR PLACEMENT OF LIGHTS
RECOMMENDATION
Review Policy No. C95-08 regarding Holiday Lights and provide policy direction.
BACKGROUND
City policy for placement of Holiday Lights in the public right-of-way and in or on commercial property defines the “holiday season” as beginning on the third Wednesday in November and continuing until the second Wednesday in January. The holiday season, as defined, has been staff’s guideline for placing and removing the Ocean Avenue median lights.
This guideline also applies to commercial properties and of those properties which do install holiday lights, the staff code enforcement officer makes an inspection after the second Wednesday in January to ensure that the holiday lights are removed in a timely manner (see the attached policy).
STAFF REVIEW
In past years, staff has administratively extended the time for the holiday lights to remain.
Generally, this decision has been met favorably by business owners. For the upcoming holiday season, staff is proposing to extend the period for the placement of holiday lights.
This proposal would define the “holiday season” as beginning on November 27, 2009 (the day after the Thanksgiving Holiday) and ending on February 14, 2010 (the last day of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am).
There is no provision in the Zoning Code or the Local Coastal Plan that requires a special permit. The decision to extend the “holiday season” is a policy that can be revised by the City Council at its discretion. In light of the challenging economic times, the added time for the holiday season can help attract business and improve community safety in the business district.
FISCAL IMPACT
Last holiday season in little under 60 days of having lights placed on the Ocean Avenue medians, the energy costs increased approximately $550 or the equivalent of $9/day. Under the current policy, the holiday season would start on November 18, 2009 and end on January 13, 2010 for a total of 57 days. The proposed holiday season as stated above would be for a
total of 80 days, which is an additional 23 days from last year. Using the $9/day energy cost increase when the Ocean Avenue median lights are illuminated, the energy cost for the added days is approximately $200 total.
SUMMARY
The minimal additional energy cost is a small price to pay for Ocean Avenue to appear more festive. The additional lighting also enhances public safety and security during the “holiday season”.
Prepared by: Rich Guillen
City Council
Agenda Item Summary
Name: Consideration of Receive report and provide policy direction on proposed extension of the holiday season for placement of lights.
Description: City policy defines the “holiday season” for the purpose of placing lights in the public right-of-way and in or on commercial property as beginning on the third Wednesday in November and continuing until the second Wednesday in January. The holiday season, as defined, has been staff’s guideline for to place and remove the Ocean Avenue median lights.
This guideline also applies to commercial properties and the staff code enforcement officer inspects after the second Wednesday in January to ensure that the holiday lights are removed in a timely manner (see the attached policy).
This proposal would define the “holiday season” as beginning on November 27, 2009 (the day after the Thanksgiving Holiday) and ending on February 14, 2010 (the last day of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am).
Overall Cost:
City Funds: $200 more than holiday season 2008-09 (23 additional days)
Grant Funds: N/A
Staff Recommendation: Review the report and provide direction.
Important Considerations: The minimal additional energy cost is a small price to pay for Ocean Avenue to appear more festive. The additional lighting also enhances public safety and security during the “holiday season”.
Decision Record: None.
Reviewed by:
_____________________________ __________________
Rich Guillen, City Administrator Date
CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
STAFF REPORT
TO: MAYOR McCLOUD AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
FROM: RICH GUILLEN, CITY ADMINISTRATOR
DATE: NOVEMBER 3, 2009
SUBJECT: RECEIVE REPORT AND PROVIDE POLICY DIRECTION ON PROPOSED EXTENSION OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON FOR PLACEMENT OF LIGHTS
RECOMMENDATION
Review Policy No. C95-08 regarding Holiday Lights and provide policy direction.
BACKGROUND
City policy for placement of Holiday Lights in the public right-of-way and in or on commercial property defines the “holiday season” as beginning on the third Wednesday in November and continuing until the second Wednesday in January. The holiday season, as defined, has been staff’s guideline for placing and removing the Ocean Avenue median lights.
This guideline also applies to commercial properties and of those properties which do install holiday lights, the staff code enforcement officer makes an inspection after the second Wednesday in January to ensure that the holiday lights are removed in a timely manner (see the attached policy).
STAFF REVIEW
In past years, staff has administratively extended the time for the holiday lights to remain.
Generally, this decision has been met favorably by business owners. For the upcoming holiday season, staff is proposing to extend the period for the placement of holiday lights.
This proposal would define the “holiday season” as beginning on November 27, 2009 (the day after the Thanksgiving Holiday) and ending on February 14, 2010 (the last day of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am).
There is no provision in the Zoning Code or the Local Coastal Plan that requires a special permit. The decision to extend the “holiday season” is a policy that can be revised by the City Council at its discretion. In light of the challenging economic times, the added time for the holiday season can help attract business and improve community safety in the business district.
FISCAL IMPACT
Last holiday season in little under 60 days of having lights placed on the Ocean Avenue medians, the energy costs increased approximately $550 or the equivalent of $9/day. Under the current policy, the holiday season would start on November 18, 2009 and end on January 13, 2010 for a total of 57 days. The proposed holiday season as stated above would be for a
total of 80 days, which is an additional 23 days from last year. Using the $9/day energy cost increase when the Ocean Avenue median lights are illuminated, the energy cost for the added days is approximately $200 total.
SUMMARY
The minimal additional energy cost is a small price to pay for Ocean Avenue to appear more festive. The additional lighting also enhances public safety and security during the “holiday season”.
HISTORIC RESOURCES BOARD AGENDA & MINUTES November 2009
CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
HISTORIC RESOURCES BOARD
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Monday, November 16th 2009
3:30 p.m. Tour
4:00 p.m., Open Session
City Hall Council Chambers
East side of Monte Verde Street
Between Ocean and Seventh Avenues
I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
BOARD MEMBERS: ERIK DYAR, CHAIRPERSON
ELINOR LAIOLO
ERLING LAGERHOLM
LAURA PRISHMONT QUIMBY
NICOLE SCHROEDER
II. TOUR OF INSPECTIONS
Shortly after 3:30 p.m. the Board will leave the Council Chambers for an on-site Tour of Inspection of all properties listed on this agenda (including those on the Consent Agenda). Prior to the beginning of the Tour of Inspection, the Board may eliminate one or more on-site visits. The public is welcome to follow the Historic Resource Board on its tour of the determined sites. The Board will return to Council Chambers at 4:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible.
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
IV. APPEARANCES
Anyone wishing to address the Board on matters within the jurisdiction of the Board may do so now. Please state the matter on which you wish to speak. Matters not appearing on the Board’s agenda will not receive action at this meeting but may be referred to staff for a future meeting. Presentations will be limited to three minutes, or as established by the Board. Persons are not required to give their name or address, but it is helpful for speakers to state their name in order that the Secretary may identify them.
V. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Consideration of the HRB meeting minutes for 21 September and 19 October 2009. Page 1
VI. APPLICATIONS
1. DS 09-109
Melvyn Kalb
Monte Verde 2NE of 11th
Pg. 6
Consideration of a Design Study application for minor alterations to an historic residence located in the Single Family Residential (R-1) District.
VII. ORDERS OF BUSINESS
1. Consideration of recommendations to the Planning Commission regarding amendments to the Mills Act requirements found in the Historic Preservation Ordinance. Page 23
VIII. AJOURNMENT
Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the Historic Resources Board regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection in the Planning and Building Department located at City Hall, on Monte Verde between Ocean and 7th Avenues during normal business hours.
If there is not a special meeting, the next regular meeting of the Historic Resources Board is set for:
21 December 2009 (Regular Meeting)
3:15 p.m. – Tour of Inspection
4:00 p.m. - Regular Agenda
The City of Carmel-by-the-Sea does not discriminate against persons with disabilities. The City of Carmel-by-the-Sea Telecommunication’s Device for the Deaf/Speech Impaired (TDD) number is 1-800-735-2929
HISTORIC RESOURCES BOARD
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Monday, November 16th 2009
3:30 p.m. Tour
4:00 p.m., Open Session
City Hall Council Chambers
East side of Monte Verde Street
Between Ocean and Seventh Avenues
I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
BOARD MEMBERS: ERIK DYAR, CHAIRPERSON
ELINOR LAIOLO
ERLING LAGERHOLM
LAURA PRISHMONT QUIMBY
NICOLE SCHROEDER
II. TOUR OF INSPECTIONS
Shortly after 3:30 p.m. the Board will leave the Council Chambers for an on-site Tour of Inspection of all properties listed on this agenda (including those on the Consent Agenda). Prior to the beginning of the Tour of Inspection, the Board may eliminate one or more on-site visits. The public is welcome to follow the Historic Resource Board on its tour of the determined sites. The Board will return to Council Chambers at 4:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible.
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
IV. APPEARANCES
Anyone wishing to address the Board on matters within the jurisdiction of the Board may do so now. Please state the matter on which you wish to speak. Matters not appearing on the Board’s agenda will not receive action at this meeting but may be referred to staff for a future meeting. Presentations will be limited to three minutes, or as established by the Board. Persons are not required to give their name or address, but it is helpful for speakers to state their name in order that the Secretary may identify them.
V. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Consideration of the HRB meeting minutes for 21 September and 19 October 2009. Page 1
VI. APPLICATIONS
1. DS 09-109
Melvyn Kalb
Monte Verde 2NE of 11th
Pg. 6
Consideration of a Design Study application for minor alterations to an historic residence located in the Single Family Residential (R-1) District.
VII. ORDERS OF BUSINESS
1. Consideration of recommendations to the Planning Commission regarding amendments to the Mills Act requirements found in the Historic Preservation Ordinance. Page 23
VIII. AJOURNMENT
Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the Historic Resources Board regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection in the Planning and Building Department located at City Hall, on Monte Verde between Ocean and 7th Avenues during normal business hours.
If there is not a special meeting, the next regular meeting of the Historic Resources Board is set for:
21 December 2009 (Regular Meeting)
3:15 p.m. – Tour of Inspection
4:00 p.m. - Regular Agenda
The City of Carmel-by-the-Sea does not discriminate against persons with disabilities. The City of Carmel-by-the-Sea Telecommunication’s Device for the Deaf/Speech Impaired (TDD) number is 1-800-735-2929
HARRISON MEMORIAL LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES AGENDA & MINUTES November 2009
CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
HARRISON MEMORIAL LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF MEETING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the November regular meeting date of the
Harrison Memorial Library Board of Trustees, which was scheduled for
Wednesday, 25 2009 at 9:00 a.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, has been cancelled. The next special meeting date will be Wednesday, November 18, 2009.
An agenda of the meeting will be posted in advance.
Please contact the Director of the Harrison Memorial Library at 624-1366, if you have any questions.
Elisabeth Ungaretti, President
Harrison Memorial Library
Board of Trustees
__________________________
Michaela Galley, Office Assistant
DATED: November 5, 2009
HARRISON MEMORIAL LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF MEETING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the November regular meeting date of the
Harrison Memorial Library Board of Trustees, which was scheduled for
Wednesday, 25 2009 at 9:00 a.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, has been cancelled. The next special meeting date will be Wednesday, November 18, 2009.
An agenda of the meeting will be posted in advance.
Please contact the Director of the Harrison Memorial Library at 624-1366, if you have any questions.
Elisabeth Ungaretti, President
Harrison Memorial Library
Board of Trustees
__________________________
Michaela Galley, Office Assistant
DATED: November 5, 2009
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