Planning Commission Meeting - May 7, 2024

The City of Atascadero Planning Commission held a meeting on May 7, 2024, primarily focused on reviewing and recommending the adoption of new objective design standards (ODS) for multifamily and mixed-use developments. The standards aim to streamline project approvals by establishing clear, measurable design criteria that reduce discretionary review, while maintaining local design flexibility and compliance with state law. The commission discussed various aspects of the ODS, including building design tiers, open space requirements, parking, street tree planting options, and related zoning amendments in Title 9. A key procurement-related outcome was the commission's motion to recommend the city council introduce an ordinance adopting these standards, including a flexible menu approach for street tree plantings in commercial and multifamily developments. The meeting also touched on upcoming development projects, conditional use permits, and the general plan update, with mention of pending bids for city projects and capital improvements.