Planning Commission Meeting - September 19, 2023

The City of Atascadero Planning Commission held a meeting on September 19, 2023, where they discussed two major projects involving residential and mixed-use developments. The first item was a conditional use permit for a residential care facility at 5705 Almeida Avenue operated by Family Care Network International, which serves foster youth. The commission approved the permit 5-0, allowing formalization of the care facility use and construction of an additional modular unit under a Home Key grant with strict deadlines. The second item was a mixed-use development project at the corner of Mororrow Road and Kerberellac Avenue, proposing nine new buildings with residential units above commercial spaces. Key procurement-related discussions included conditions on underground utilities, parking requirements, community facilities district (CFD) fees, and building height restrictions. The applicant raised concerns about the financial impact of CFD fees and plan check costs, requesting flexibility on certain conditions such as permit expiration timelines and building materials. Staff explained that many conditions stem from municipal code and city fiscal policies, noting ongoing efforts to update development impact fees and zoning codes. The commission approved the mixed-use project with a 5-0 vote, while also discussing future zoning updates, objective design standards, and the importance of education and training for commissioners on complex planning topics. No direct contract awards or vendor selections were made, but the meeting included significant policy and procedural discussions that could influence future procurement and development activities in the city.