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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/04/2014 B A K E R S F I E L D Staff: Rhonda Smiley, Bob Smith, Chair Assistant to the City Manager Harold Hanson Ken Weir SPECIAL MEETING OF THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE of the City Council - City of Bakersfield Tuesday, February 4, 2014 12:00 p.m. City Hall North – Conference Room A 1600 Truxtun Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93301 A G E N D A 1. ROLL CALL 2. ADOPTION OF AUGUST 27, 2013 AGENDA SUMMARY 3. PUBLIC STATEMENTS 4. NEW BUSINESS A. Discussion and Committee Recommendation regarding Residential Lot Zoning Designations – McIsaac B. Discussion and Committee Recommendation Regarding Adoption of the 2014 Committee Meeting Schedule - Smiley 5. COMMITTEE COMMENTS 6. ADJOURNMENT B A K E R S F I E L D /s/ Rhonda Smiley Committee Members Staff: Rhonda Smiley Bob Smith, Chair Assistant to the City Manager Harold Hanson Ken Weir AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT SPECIAL MEETING OF THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Tuesday, August 27, 2013 12:00 p.m. City Hall North – Conference Room A 1600 Truxtun Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93301 The meeting was called to order at 12:06 p.m. 1. ROLL CALL Committee members: Councilmember Bob Smith, Chair Councilmember Harold Hanson Councilmember Ken Weir City Staff: Alan Tandy, City Manager Rhonda Smiley, Assistant to the City Manager/PIO Virginia Gennaro, City Attorney Andy Heglund, Deputy City Attorney Doug McIsaac, Community Development Director Jim Eggert, Planning Director Nick Fidler, Assistant Public Works Director Ryan Starbuck, Traffic Engineer Marian Shaw, Civil Engineer IV – Public Works Department Ed Murphy, Civil Engineer III – Public Works Department Dianne Hoover, Recreation & Parks Director Darin Budak, Assistant Recreation & Parks Director Doug Greener, Fire Chief Ross Kelly, Deputy Fire Chief Howard Wines, Director of Fire Prevention Services Greg Williamson, Chief of Police Additional Attendees: Paul Zykofsky, Local Government Commission Jason Carter, Bike Bakersfield AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT Planning and Development Committee Tuesday, August 27, 2013 Page 2 2. ADOPT APRIL 2, 2013 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT Adopted as submitted 3. PUBLIC STATEMENTS None 4. NEW BUSINESS A. Discussion and Recommendation Regarding Streets Standards and Conformance with Complete Streets Policy 1) Presentation by Paul Zykofsky, Associate Director, Local Government Commission Committee Chair Smith reported that at the April 2, 2013 Council meeting, the City Council passed a resolution in support of a complete streets policy. Staff is actively working towards adding bike lanes and improving design standards that staff and developers will use when building new streets. It is important to balance all interests and generate what is best overall for the public. Wider streets are faster, more dangerous and cost more to maintain. If street widths can be reduced by 10 to 20 percent, there will be fiscal savings, in addition to providing better streets. Mr. Zykofsky gave a report that included examples from various cities, showing different methods of constructing more complete streets. Emphasis was placed on creating roadways that are pedestrian, bicycle, wheelchair and transit friendly. The presentation was obtained from the National Complete Streets Coalition. A survey showed that, on average, 39% of all trips are less than one mile in length and can be made by walking or on a bicycle. However, most trips, regardless of the length, are made by car. While some individuals said they would be willing to walk such a short distance, they believed it was too dangerous to cross major roadways. A major point made was that narrower streets cause motorists to drive more slowly, thereby reducing the number of traffic and pedestrian accidents and deaths. The Federal Highway Administration is preparing action plans with the goal of improving safety for all users by using this model. The economy will benefit from these improvements. One example came from New York, where business owners, in cooperation with the Department of Transportation, devised a plan to narrow traffic lanes and add bicycle lanes, crosswalks, curb extensions and roundabouts. These business owners also contributed financially to the project. Traffic moved more efficiently and the number of crashes and injuries decreased. As the area became safer, sales AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT Planning and Development Committee Tuesday, August 27, 2013 Page 3 increased, which then resulted in an increase in the number of building permits being applied for and approved in the area. Another example in New York was the installation of cycle tracks on major avenues. Cycle tracks are separate facilities from those being used by motor vehicles; however, the two facilities merged at intersections. Retail sales increased and business vacancies decreased in these areas. Some cities have seen an increase in the number of bicycle riders with the increase in bicycle lanes. While there are many options to construct a complete street, each street, whether urban or rural, must be independently evaluated for specific needs and potential improvements. Improvements can include re-striping, re-programming of signal timing, and adding countdown pedestrian signals. While narrower streets cost less to maintain, these can cause significant challenges to first responders who require a minimum turning radius for their apparatus. A good balance must be made. The National Complete Streets Coalition has determined that a four-step approach is necessary. The first step is to review current procedures, processes and policies with all departments at the table for input. The second step is to review design manuals and standards for potential revision. Staff must then look at the performance measures and all of the benefits, and then ensure everyone is properly trained and informed of the most innovative approaches. Workshops are provided upon request. The Local Government Commission has authorized funding for workshops in six Central Valley counties, and can be made available to Bakersfield. Wider sidewalks are recommended for safety by increasing the width from four feet to five feet. Raised medians can also reduce speeds and pedestrian accidents, as can tighter turning radii on corners, and well-placed, illustrative signage. It is believed that motorists will change their behavior based on the design of the street itself. Mr. Zykofsky stated that a benefit of reducing a roadway from four to three lanes is that traffic moves more efficiently on three lanes. Additionally, pedestrian volumes increase, as it is easier to cross three lanes instead of four. One-way streets are good candidates for this design. One study looked at the impact of reducing street width and found a $61,000 savings per mile in paving costs. From an energy-savings standpoint, narrower streets also created less of a heat island effect, which reduced home cooling energy by approximately 50 percent. AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT Planning and Development Committee Tuesday, August 27, 2013 Page 4 City Manager Tandy asked for a hard copy of the slides. Mr. Zykofsky agreed to provide them and noted that the information can be found on the National Complete Streets Coalition’s website. Fire Chief Greener said he is a bicycle rider, so can understand that viewpoint; however, his primary concern is being able to navigate Fire Department apparatus in a timely manner for public safety. There needs to be enough room to move the apparatus into position to hook up to a water supply and initiate critical tasks, and time is critical. A 40-foot width has, at times, been problematic. Mr. Zykofsky said that a key component is creating streets with multiple ways in and out. Many subdivisions are cul-de-sacs, which is a detriment to a timely response. Fire Chief Greener said that there are many other issues that most people are not aware of, such as the distance required when the outriggers are deployed on a ladder truck. Mr. Zykofsky responded that there are other options available to ensure that first responders have enough room for the apparatus. There was discussion between Chief Greener and Mr. Zykofsky regarding the percentage of calls for fires compared to medical emergencies. Chief Greener asked Mr. Zykofsky for contact information for other Fire Chiefs on this issue, so that he can reach out to them for discussion. Committee Chair Smith stated that the goal is overall safety. Balance is needed. Mr. Zykofsy asked how the adopted Complete Streets Policy is working. Assistant to the Public Works Director Fidler said that staff is now re-evaluating each project to ensure space is properly utilized for safety for all users. Quarterly meetings are being held, with all departments at the table. The new policy has helped staff recognize what issues each department or division faces with each development, thereby resulting in a more coordinated project. 2) Staff Analysis and Report City Manager Tandy said he believed Bakersfield has always been a leader and innovator in bicycle and pedestrian issues; however, more is being learned from Bike Bakersfield and Councilmember Smith. The updated Bicycle Transportation Plan is in the circulation and comment period. Discussions are continuing with Councilmember Smith about design manuals and standards. Assistant to the Public Works Director Fidler reported that staff has been very busy since adoption of the resolution. All designers, planners and developers were notified of the new Complete Streets Policy, including City staff and AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT Planning and Development Committee Tuesday, August 27, 2013 Page 5 consultants. Each project is now being reviewed for potential improvements based on the Policy. A focus is being placed on modifying improvements for the sake of all users, based on context of facility. Conditions are being added to new tract maps, parcel maps and the General Plan to make sure developers are aware of the Policy. Quarterly meetings are being held for each project. New American Disabilities Act (ADA) standards are being applied. Whenever a roadway requires resurfacing, staff is looking to add or widen bike lanes, at other options for increasing visibility on corners for pedestrians, and any other potential improvements. One recent challenge was the opening of the Westside Parkway, which bisects arterial roadways. Challenges were encountered in trying to accommodate pedestrian walkways and bikeways through those new interchanges. A lot of time was spent with Councilmember Smith and Bike Bakersfield to resolve the difficulties. The new Bicycle Transportation Plan provides guidance on where to place bike lanes and routes, and possible funding sources. The Traffic Engineering division is actively working with Golden Empire Transit and the Independent Living Center of Kern to identify bus stop locations that require improvement. These improvements include adding no-parking zones, where applicable, to enable bus drivers to pull up next to the curb. General Services staff is installing new markings for turn bays, constructing signs that instruct motorists to yield to bikes and right turn lanes through arterials, and restriping as much as possible. The Public Works Department is committed to the Complete Streets Policy, and they are looking forward to working with Councilmember Smith and staff in other departments to formulate standards that everyone can be comfortable with and serves all purposes. 5. COMMITTEE COMMENTS Committee Chair Smith complimented the Public Works Department and other staff on the progress that has been made. His goal today was to bring everyone up to date and have a general discussion that will move the City towards a thorough review of the design standards. 6. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 1:15 p.m. Bakersfield Municipal Code - Title 16, Subdivision Ordinance Design Standards April, 2010 Chapter 16.28, Page 1 16.28.170 LOTS. B. Lot Frontage. All residential lots shall have a minimum street frontage of 55 feet except as follows: 1. The minimum street frontage for an interior one family dwelling lots in an R-2 zone that is less than 6,000 square feet in area shall be 45 feet. 2. The minimum lot frontage for a corner lots shall be 60 feet except for a one family dwelling lots in an R-2 zone that is less than 6,000 square feet in area where it is 50 feet. For purposes of measuring frontage on a corner lot with a radius return, the distance shall be measured from the point of intersection of the extensions of the street side property line and the front property line. 3. Cul-de-sac or Elbow lot: 35 lineal feet as measured along the arc. 4. Flag lot: 20 feet. 5. Drill site required pursuant to Section 15.66.080 C.: 305 feet. C. Lot Depth. The lot depth is the length of a line that bisects a lot from a point on the front property line measured half way between the side property lines to a point on the rear of the property. The minimum depth for residential lots shall be 100 feet, except as follows: 1. The minimum depth for a lot with a rear yard abutting agricultural or residential suburban zoned property shall be 140 feet. 2. The minimum depth for a lot with a rear yard abutting a freeway or railroad right-of-way shall be 120 feet. 3. The minimum depth for a one family dwelling lot in an R-2 zone that is less than 6,000 square feet in area shall be 90 feet except as required in subsection C.1. and 2. Bakersfield Municipal Code - Title 16, Subdivision Ordinance Design Standards April, 2010 Chapter 16.28, Page 2 D. Lot Width. The lot width is the length of a line between side property lines that is the perpendicular bisect of the lot depth. The minimum width for residential lots shall be 55 feet on interior lots and 60 feet on corner lots, except as follows: 1. The minimum width for a lot with a side yard abutting agricultural or residential suburban zoned property shall be 100 feet. 2. The minimum width for a lot with a side yard abutting a freeway or railroad right-of-way shall be 85 feet on interior lots and 90 feet on corner lots. 3. The minimum width for a one family dwelling lot in the R-2 zone that is less than 6,000 square feet in area shall be 45 feet on interior lots and 50 feet on corner lots except as required in subsection D., 1. and 2. 4. The minimum width for a drill site required pursuant to Section 15.66.080 C. shall be 305 feet, unless otherwise approved by the Planning Commission in accordance with Section 16.28.170 O. O. Reduction of Minimum Standards. The advisory agency may permit a reduction in minimum standards including lot area, width, frontage and/or depth pursuant to the provisions in either Chapter 16.36, 17.52 or density bonus provisions of the Municipal Code. Reduction of minimum standards may also be allowed as follows: 1. The advisory agency may permit a 5% reduction of lot area, width, frontage and/or depth for not more than 5% of the lots in a subdivision if it makes the following findings: a. The proposed subdivision is within the density range depicted for the property in the general plan. b. The proposed subdivision is consistent with the purposes and intent of the Subdivision Ordinance and Zoning Ordinance. c. The applicant has provided justification for the proposed reduction based on sound engineering practices or subdivision design features. Bakersfield Municipal Code - Title 16, Subdivision Ordinance Design Standards April, 2010 Chapter 16.28, Page 3 2. A reduction in lot width, depth and frontage in a subdivision may be permitted by the advisory agency if it makes the following findings: a. The minimum lot area complies with zoning is 6,000 square feet. b. The applicant has demonstrated that the development will not require a modification for the reduction of the required front, rear, or side yard setbacks on any lot within the subdivision. c. The applicant has demonstrated that the reduction is required due to physical constraints, the application of City engineering standards, and a lack of design alternatives. 3. Further, iIf the project site is zoned for multiple-family dwellings, the advisory agency may permit a reduction of lot area for one family dwellings (as provided for in Section 17.14.070 B) in a subdivision if it makes the following findings: a. The proposed subdivision is within the density range depicted for the property in the general plan. b. The subdivision is planned to provide a balanced housing stock within a defined area. c. The subdivision does not result in an unjustified concentration of substandard lots within a defined area. d. The applicant has demonstrated that the development will not require a modification for the reduction of the required front, rear, or side-yard setbacks on any lot within the subdivision. e. The proposed development offers elements unique to the project that justify the reduction in lot area standards such as one or more of the following: 1) Two percent (2%) of the gross acreage of subdivision is designated as active recreational area. Active recreation area as selected by the applicant shall include but is not limited to: court sports, field sports, pool areas, indoor recreational facilities, tot lots, playground apparatus areas, and par course facilities. Also included are trails with a paved surface separate from otherwise required improvements (ie. roads, sidewalks, trails) which Bakersfield Municipal Code - Title 16, Subdivision Ordinance Design Standards April, 2010 Chapter 16.28, Page 4 are interior or exterior to the subdivision and which connect to public parks, multi-use trails or the Kern River adjacent to or within a reasonable distance from the subdivision. The active recreational area claimed as a unique element shall include no more than 20% of its total area dedicated to passive uses (excluding industry recommended clear space setbacks for separation of apparatus, sport fields and courts). 2) Two and one-half percent (2.5%) of the gross acreage of subdivision is designed as combination recreation area. Combination recreational area includes active recreational area and passive recreational area as selected by the applicant when more than 20% of the area claimed for unique element credit is dedicated to passive recreational area (excluding industry recommended clear space setbacks for separation of apparatus, sport fields and courts). Passive recreational area is open space such as open turf and tree areas, park-like landscaped areas, informal open play areas and picnic/BBQ area. Unique element credit for active of combination recreational areas shall not be allotted for any individually owned open space, landscape areas otherwise required by city ordinances or the State Map Act (river access), or natural and landscaped areas required for mitigation of environmental impacts. 3) Subdivision design features such as pedestrian oriented parkways providing one 24" box size tree per lot (species subject to City Parks Department approval) installed within a landscaped parkway between the street and sidewalk for all streets within the interior of the subdivision and maintained by the individual lot owners. 4) Subdivisions less than 10 gross acres in size may pay park land in-lieu fees at 3 acres per 1,000 population. 5) Recreational open space and/or other facilities unique to the project subject to the approval of the advisory agency. Bakersfield Municipal Code - Title 17, Zoning Ordinance R-1 Zone November, 2012 Chapter 17.10, Page 1 Chapter 17.10 R-1 ONE-FAMILY DWELLING ZONE Sections: 17.10.010 Generally 17.10.020 Uses permitted 17.10.030 Building height 17.10.040 Front yard 17.10.050 Side yards 17.10.060 Rear yard 17.10.070 Minimum lot area 17.10.072 R-1-4.5 zone (Small lot one-family dwelling) 17.10.075 E zone (Estate one-family dwelling) 17.10.080 Distance between buildings on the same lot Bakersfield Municipal Code - Title 17, Zoning Ordinance R-1 Zone November, 2012 Chapter 17.10, Page 2 17.10.010 GENERALLY. The regulations set out in this chapter shall apply in the R-1 one-family dwelling zone unless otherwise provided in this title. 17.10.020 USES PERMITTED. The following uses are permitted in an R-1 zone: A. A one-family dwelling. B. Accessory buildings or structures, including a private garage the area of which shall not exceed 12% of the area of the lot. C. Private greenhouses and horticultural collections, flower and vegetable gardens and fruit trees, not used or intended for commercial purposes. D. Home occupations, as defined in Section 17.04.330 and in compliance with the provisions of Chapter 17.63. E. Swimming pools and hot tubs. F. Garage and yard sales as defined in Section 17.04.305. G. Real estate tract sales office and model homes. 1. Each subdivision tract is permitted a maximum of 6 model homes, one of which may include a sales tract office, for each home builder in the tract. Additional model homes may be permitted subject to approval by the Planning Director. 2. Model homes may be constructed prior to recordation of a final map for the tract; however, no such home shall be offered for sale or rent, or be sold or rented until the final map has been recorded pursuant to Title 16 of this code. 3. Sales offices shall only be used during the original sales of the lots and/or homes within the subdivision tract in which they are located. Bakersfield Municipal Code - Title 17, Zoning Ordinance R-1 Zone November, 2012 Chapter 17.10, Page 3 4. A sales office shall be located in a model home; however a separate temporary office which may include a commercial coach or mobile home, is permitted for a period not to exceed 90 days pending completion of construction of the model home. Any sales office located in the garage portion of a model home shall be removed and converted to a garage prior to the Building Department releasing covenants restricting the model home's sale and issuing a Certificate of Occupancy. 5. The vehicle route leading to and in front of any sales office, shall be paved from an existing improved public street prior to the public being invited to that office regarding sales of lots and/or homes in the tract. H. Small family day care home as defined in Section 17.04.160. I. Second unit, as defined in Section 17.04.539 and in compliance with the provisions of Chapter 17.65. J. Large family day care home as defined in Section 17.04.159 and in compliance with the provisions of Chapter 17.67. K. Ramp, platform, basin, pool or other accessory structure used for the riding of skateboards, rollerskates, rollerblades, bicycles, motorcycles, or similar devices, provided the structure does not exceed a vertical height (above or below grade) of 4 feet, or a horizontal area (one structure or total combined area if multiple structures) of 120 square feet. Such structures made nonconforming by this subsection shall be brought into conformance, obtain conditional use approval, or be removed by March 31, 1999. L. Residential facility serving 6 or fewer persons. M. Park for passive daytime recreation use with no lighted fields. N. Domestic water well(s). 17.10.030 BUILDING HEIGHT. Building height requirements in an R-1 zone shall not exceed 35 feet. Bakersfield Municipal Code - Title 17, Zoning Ordinance R-1 Zone November, 2012 Chapter 17.10, Page 4 17.10.040 FRONT YARD. A. Except as otherwise provided in Section 17.08.125, there shall be a front yard of not less than 20 feet in depth measured from the front lot line. If a garage or carport opening faces a public or private street, such garage or carport, whether attached to or detached from the main building, shall be set back not less than 25 feet. B. Where 50% or more of the front lot line is along a cul-de-sac or street knuckle curvature, the front yard setback line shall not be less than 15 feet in depth as measured from the front lot line; and if a garage or carport opening faces a public or private street, such garage or carport, whether attached to or detached from the main building, shall be set back not less than 20 feet. 17.10.050 SIDE YARDS. A. There shall be a side yard for the main building of not less than 5 feet. B. For corner lots, the side yard on the street side frontage shall not be less than 10 feet; however, the side yard may be reduced to 5 feet for swimming pools and spas. If a garage or carport opening faces a public or private street, such garage or carport whether attached to or detached from the main building, shall be set back not less than 20 feet. 17.10.060 REAR YARD. There shall be a rear yard in an R-1 zone behind every main building of not less than 25 feet or 20% of the depth of the lot, whichever is less; provided, however, the rear yard may be reduced to 5 feet if not more than 45% of the lot is covered by buildings or structures. 17.10.070 MINIMUM LOT AREA. A. The minimum lot area shall be not less than 6,000 square feet. B. When there is an alley at the rear of the lot, the minimum lot area may be measured to the center of the alley. C. A lot may be of less than the minimum provided it is a lot as shown on a recorded subdivision map approved by the City. Bakersfield Municipal Code - Title 17, Zoning Ordinance R-1 Zone November, 2012 Chapter 17.10, Page 5 17.10.072 R-1-4.5 ZONE. (SMALL LOT ONE-FAMILY DWELLING) All permitted uses and regulations in the R-1-4.5 (Small lot one-family dwelling) zone shall be the same as the R-1 zone, except that the minimum lot area shall not be less than 4,500 square feet. 17.10.075 E ZONE. (ESTATE ONE-FAMILY DWELLING) All permitted uses and regulations in the E (Estate one-family dwelling) zone shall be the same as the R-1 zone, except that the minimum lot area shall not be less than 10,000 square feet. 17.10.080 DISTANCE BETWEEN BUILDINGS ON THE SAME LOT. Minimum distance requirements between buildings on the same lot in an R-1 zone shall be as follows: A. Ten (10) feet between dwelling units. B. Three (3) feet between a dwelling unit and an accessory building. A lesser distance is permitted, however, the buildings will be considered attached and subject to all dwelling unit setbacks, and the regulations of the Building Code as adopted by the city. C. Three (3) feet between accessory buildings. A lesser distance is permitted, however, the buildings will be considered attached and subject to all regulations as they may pertain to accessory buildings based on this combined area, and the regulations of the Building Code as adopted by the city. All meetings will be held at City Hall North, First Floor, Conference Room A Adopted: DRAFT Planning and Development City Council Meetings Committee Meetings 3:30 Closed Session 12:00 p.m.5:15 p.m. Public Session Holidays - City Hall Closed MARCH S M T W TH F S S M T W TH F S S M T W TH F S 1 2 3 4 1 1 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 APRIL MAY JUNE S M T W TH F S S M T W TH F S S M T W TH F S 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER S M T W TH F S S M T W TH F S S M T W TH F S 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 27 28 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 31 OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER S M T W TH F S S M T W TH F S S M T W TH F S 1 2 3 4 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 28 29 30 31 30 League of California Cities Annual Conference - September 3-5, 2014 Planning and Development Committee Calendar January 2014 Through December 2014 JANUARY FEBRUARY The following documents were distributed at the Special Meeting of the Planning and Development Committee on Tuesday, February 4, 2014