pages: CityCouncil/2009-07-21.pdf, 9
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CityCouncil | 2009-07-21 | 9 | Councilmember Gilmore inquired whether the Planning Board's recommendation was to deny creating an overlay district, tighten up design review guidelines, and hire a consultant to work with staff on the matter. The Planning Services Manager responded a consultant has prepared the draft guidelines; stated staff would continue to work with the consultant to finalize the guidelines. ouncilmember Gilmore inquired whether the guidelines would go back to the Planning Board for another public hearing once finalized, to which the Planning Services Manager responded in the affirmative. Mayor Johnson stated the community needs a commitment that the guidelines will be applied in a rational manner; the guidelines have been misinterpreted in other cases; requiring Harbor Bay residents to put in windows without panes is another misapplication of design review guidelines; credibility needs to be established. design review guidelines are not rules. The Planning Services Manager stated staff looks at the guidelines as a very important set of tools to educate planners and applicants. Councilmember Matarrese stated guidelines are not rules, are not binding, and will be interpreted; the proposed overlay sets very clear boundaries; the question is whether Council wants to redesign projects or require residents to address the issue; that he is not sure whether having Council design projects on appeal is a good use of time that he is looking for something to establish boundaries on how far people can go within the guidelines. Mayor Johnson stated design review guidelines should be put in place soon so that vacant lots would be subject to the guidelines ; staff needs to determine what needs to be done to ensure that guidelines are not misapplied or ignored; staff cannot rely on individuals to appeal; an overlay would not require neighborhoods to be vigilant in ensuring guidelines are applied rationally. Councilmember Matarrese inquired what is the difference between design review requirements and guidelines. The Planning Services Manager responded design review requirements make it necessary for someone to get architectural approval for design; stated the permit is discretionary; an appeal can be made to the Planning Board once a decision is made; design review guidelines assist staff in evaluating applications. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 9 July 21, 2009 | CityCouncil/2009-07-21.pdf |