Planning Commission Meeting - March 4, 2025

The City of Atascadero Planning Commission convened on March 4, 2025, primarily to discuss amendments to Title 9 concerning extended stay hotels and motels. The commission reviewed a proposed text amendment to define extended stay occupancy as distinct from regular short-term hotel stays, establish standards and approval processes including administrative use permits, and implement a pilot program requiring payment in lieu of transient occupancy tax for long-term stays exceeding 30 days. The discussion highlighted the importance of balancing hotel competitiveness with tax revenue protection, auditing compliance, and managing kitchen facilities in hotel rooms. The commission unanimously recommended the city council adopt the amendments. Additional topics included updates on local development projects, the design review committee vacancies, and strategic planning issues such as public noticing, cannabis regulation, and the city's unique open container policy. The meeting concluded with plans for future training on the Brown Act and scheduling of upcoming hearings.