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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/26/2019 B A K E R S F I E L D Staff: Committee Members: Chris Huot, Assistant City Manager Councilmember, Bruce Freeman – Chair Councilmember, Bob Smith Councilmember, Willie Rivera Special Meeting of the Planning and Development Committee of the City Council – City of Bakersfield Tuesday, February 26, 2019 12:00 p.m. City Hall North, First Floor, Conference Room A 1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield CA 93301 A G E N D A 1. ROLL CALL 2. ADOPT APRIL 17, 2018 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT 3. PUBLIC STATEMENTS 4. NEW BUSINESS A. Discussion Regarding Sidewalk Standards – Tandy/Fidler B. Discussion Regarding Permit Streamlining – Tandy/Kitchen C. Discussion and Committee Recommendation Regarding Adoption of the 2019 Committee Meeting Schedule – Huot 5. COMMITTEE COMMENTS 6. ADJOURNMENT   B A K E R S F I E L D Committee Members Staff: Chris Huot Councilmember, Bruce Freeman Chair Assistant City Manager Vice Mayor, Bob Smith Councilmember, Chris Parlier SPECIAL MEETING OF THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Tuesday, April 17, 2018 12:00 p.m. City Hall North – Conference Room A 1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT The meeting was called to order at 12:00 p.m. 1. ROLL CALL Committee members present: Councilmember, Bruce Freeman, Chair Vice Mayor, Bob Smith Councilmember, Chris Parlier City Staff: Alan Tandy, City Manager Steven Teglia and Chris Huot, Assistant City Managers Brianna Carrier, Management Assistant Richard Iger, Deputy City Attorney Nick Fidler, Public Works Director Stuart Patteson, Assistant Public Works Director Ryan Starbuck, Public Works Traffic Engineer Ed Murphy, Public Works Civil Engineer Jacqui Kitchen, Community Development Director Phil Burns, Community Development Building Director Kevin Coyle, Community Development Planning Director Paul Johnson, Community Development Planning Principal Planner Whitney Jackson, Community Development Associate Planner Mike Hale, Bakersfield Police Captain Dianne Hoover, Recreation and Parks Director Ken Trone, Recreation and Parks Superintendent Devin Daugherty, Recreation and Parks Construction and Facility Planner Additional Attendees: Members of the Public Members of the Media /S/ Chris Huot   Planning and Development Committee April 17, 2018 Agenda Summary Report Page 2   2. ADOPT NOVEMBER 7, 2017 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT The report was adopted as submitted. 3. PUBLIC STATEMENTS None 4. NEW BUSINESS A. Discussion Regarding Streets Standards and Speed Limits – Fidler Public Director Fidler introduced Traffic Engineer Starbuck who provided two Power Point presentations summarizing the speed limits and design standards, and the proposed city design standards changes. Committee Chair Freeman inquired about speed limit signage posted on residential streets throughout the City. Traffic Engineer Starbuck stated not every street has a sign; areas that are profiled having issues with speeding have a sign posted at the entrance the development. City Manager Tandy added that newer developments are encouraged to eliminate long stretches of road and use variances of curves to deter speeding. Committee member Smith asked if the Caltrans Class IV standard had been reviewed and if they would be included in the proposed design standards changes. Public Works Director Fidler stated the Class IV standards will be referenced in the updated subdivision design manual along with National Association of City Transportation Officials design standards and Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices standards as an optional choice of design standards. Committee member Parlier inquired about installation of speed limit signs and stop signs with flashing LED lights as an added safety mechanism. Public Works Director Fidler stated installation and long term maintenance of flashing LED signs is very costly. A pilot program is being developed to identify areas where it would be beneficial and to be able to seek state funding. Committee member Smith requested staff review the possibility of narrowing the traffic lanes on arterial and collector streets in order to widen sidewalks and landscaping. In response, Public Works Director Fidler stated that reduction of the center lane on arterial and collector streets to 11 feet to accommodate a wider bike lane is common practice. Renee Nelson, a member from the public, asked if the new street standards had any effect on parking. Public Works Director Fidler responded that there is no parking allowed on arterial streets and parking collectors vary; the new streets design standard would allow for parking pockets. Committee Chair Freeman asked if countdown timers at crosswalks would be in installed on all traffic lights throughout the city. Public Works Director Fidler stated there would be; half of which had already been installed.   Planning and Development Committee April 17, 2018 Agenda Summary Report Page 3   B. Discussion Regarding Private Development Landscape Standards – Kitchen Community Development Director Kitchen provided a Power Point presentation summarizing the standards for landscaping in parking lots on commercial properties information provided in the memorandum of the agenda packet. Committee member Smith asked if the new standards would affect all developments. Community Development Director Kitchen and Recreation and Parks Director Hoover responded that the changes would affect all new commercial developments. Dave Dmohowski with the Home Builders Association (HBA) agreed with staff recommendations and stated that reducing the tree ratios to 15 feet is constricted for the trees and that 10 gallon shrubs are not commercially available which could be an issue in the future. He stated the HBA membership would provide additional written comments to the Planning Commission when the item is before the Commission at a future meeting. Ryan Freeborn with Landscape Development Inc., also agreed staff recommendations and reiterated Mr. Dmohowki’s comments. He suggested changing the shrub standard to 40% five-gallon shrub and 60% one-gallon shrub for a fuller appearance. He suggested the current tree list also be updated. Scott Heilman, also with Landscape Development Inc., added that for a soft appearance, screening of walls, parking lots, etc. with shrubs would be an ideal look. Committee Chair Freeman asked if there were any type of enforcement policies for maintenance standards. Deputy City Attorney Iger responded that there is an administration citation process in place, and added that additional processes can be reviewed and implemented in the future. Committee member Smith asked if the new standards would affect the downtown area. Community Development Director Kitchen stated it would. In response, Committee Chair Freeman requested staff review and include options that allow flexibility within the standards for the downtown area. Committee member Parlier made a motion to present the proposed ordinance to the Planning Commission. The motion was unanimously approved. C. Discussion and Committee Recommendation Regarding Adoption of the 2018 Committee Meeting Schedule - Huot The Committee meeting schedule was adopted as submitted with the exception of the August meeting, which was removed from the calendar. 5. COMMITTEE COMMENTS None 6. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 1:27 p.m. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM TO: Planning and Development Committee FROM: Nick Fidler, Public Works Director DATE: January 22, 2019 SUBJECT: Revision to City Arterial Street Standard The Public Works Department is in the process of updating the Subdivision & Engineering Design Manual. As part of this process, Council requested an update of changes to the arterial street standard. At the April 17, 2018, Planning & Development Committee meeting, a request was made of Staff to develop a revised standard for arterial streets. At that time, Staff was recommending increasing the sidewalk width from 6 feet to 7 feet width on collector and arterial streets. The basis for the request from Council was to develop a wider sidewalk area that would be more comfortable for users on major roadways. Various options were discussed and proposed by Committee members and Staff at the committee meeting. Two options seemed to have the most interest. One option was to have a 10 foot wide sidewalk on one side of the street with a six or seven foot sidewalk on the other. Another option was to have eight foot wide sidewalks on both sides of the street. Some issues related to both are: 10 foot wide allows more use; however, it would reduce the landscape width to 7 feet without requiring more right-of-way from property owners/developers. At 7 feet wide, very few trees could be planted and practically no trees with meandering sidewalk. A certain width on one side with a lesser width on the other side would not be equitable to the property owners/developers on opposite sides of an arterial. There are many tentative tracts already approved along arterial streets. Since these tracts have vesting rights, the City could not require them to build a wider sidewalk than what was approved with the map. Staff is recommending increasing the proposed sidewalk width from 6 foot to 8 foot wide sidewalk on both sides of the street. It reduces the landscape strip from 11 to 9 feet wide, but it would be the same width on both sides. Meandering sidewalk could still occur with tree planting available at more locations. It is fair and equitable to both sides of the street. Although the 8 foot width could not be required of existing approved tentative maps, Staff could request developers to modify their street plans from the approved 6 foot wide to 8 foot wide sidewalk for arterials. B A K E R S F I E L D Planning and Development Committee Calendar January 2019 Through December 2019 All meetings will be held at City Hall North, First Floor, Conference Room A Approved: DRAFT Planning and Devlopement Committee Meetings 12:00 p.m.3:30 Closed Session 5:15 p.m. Public Session Budget Hearing: 06/05, Budget Adoption: 6/28 Holidays - City Hall Closed 12:00 p.m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eague of California Cities Mayors and Council Members Executive Forum - June 19 - 21, 2019 League of California Cities Annual Conference - October 16 - 18, 2019 OCTOBERNOVEMBERDECEMBER APRILMAYJUNE JULYAUGUSTSEPTEMBER JANUARYFEBRUARY City Council Meetings Budget Departmental Workshop MARCH Documents Presented At The Planning & Development Committee February 26, 2019 Meeting Planning & Development Committee Meeting February 26, 2019 CURRENT STANDARD PROPOSED STANDARD City Council Referral (All Wards) City Council Committee Meeting Planning & Development February 26, 2019 1 2 CITY COUNCIL REFERRAL January 9, 2019 Referral from Councilmember Freeman: Explore a “Fast Track Process” for land use entitlements & permitting. Research a “check-list” concept. Provide assurances to builders on timeframes if requirements met. 3 EXISTING “FAST TRACK” TOOLS Open Door policy of meeting with developers and talking through issues face to face . Staff conducts many “pre-meetings” to help ensure developers have all their questions answered before they even submit an application. Real information provided to project developers and applicants about expectations, risk, opportunities, and constraints to help applicants make informed decisions early on. Web Access via City App and City website updated with helpful information. Predictable Impact Fees including Traffic Impact Fee Program (TIFP), Park and School Fees, Reduced Traffic Impact and Sewer connection Fees for Developments within the City core, etc. Expedited permitting with the State and Federal Wildlife Agencies. Through the Metropolitan Bakersfield Habitat Conservation Plan (MBHCP). In existence since 1994 and one of the first regional plans in the State which allows for fast-tracked permitting for developers. 4 EXISTING “FAST TRACK” TOOLS Fast Land-Use Entitlements with quick turn-around times for General Plan Amendments, Zone Changes, Subdivision Maps, Conditional Use Permits. Frequent Public Hearings. The City Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Adjustment meet regularly with short lead times to be placed on Agenda. 5 EXISTING “FAST TRACK” TOOLS CEQA Streamlining. The City of Bakersfield complies with all environmental review requirements of CEQA, but makes every effort to do so quickly and without unreasonable delays. This is due to the following: The City allows concurrent processing of CEQA document and application that reduces time (vs. other jurisdictions that require 2 separate sequential processes). The City prepares Mitigated Negative Declarations (MNDs) in as little as 30 days (vs 6-12 months in other jurisdictions). The City prepares Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs) in as little as 12 months (vs. typical 12-24 months in other jurisdictions). “By-Right Development.” Many of the City’s zone districts allow a variety of “ministerial” uses meaning that no additional discretionary process, public hearings and subsequent CEQA review are needed. 6 EXISTING “FAST TRACK” TOOLS 7 EXISTING “FAST TRACK” TOOLS (After Land Use Entitlements) Online Processing. Able to submit building permit application & pay online. Over the Counter Building Permit (Simple). Same day processing for re -roofs, water heaters, patios, etc . 2-3 days for residential solar. Building Permit Expedite Fee (Large Projects). Standard review time of just 10 days; however, a developer can pay nominal fee ($900 commercial, $624 residential) to expedite the review of building plans, which often reduces the turn-around time by 50%. The fee is to address Staff “over -time” Same-Day & Courtesy Building Inspections. Request by 7am = inspection by 4:30pm, within a 4-hour window. Staff will also do “courtesy inspections” on a portion of the job that is completed, to help ensure that final Occupancy can be issued as soon as construction is finished. Contract Staff is hired to assist with Plan review for major projects. Than be used for major and large-scale projects with tight deadlines. (Complex or large commercial, Industrial, etc.) 8 “FAST TRACK” MECHANISMS IN OTHER CITIES Jurisdiction Type Details Fresno Online - Bldg and Planning Permits 2018 Launch of FAASTER (Fresno Accelerated Application System to Track Electronic Reviews). A web program by ACCELA enables any applicant to submit, track and pay for their building permit online 24 hours a day. Stockton Online - Bldg Electronic plan-check in lieu of paper Modesto Various •Online and over-the-counter permits for simple building (water heaters & re -roofs) •“TI Tuesdays” meet with Bldg , Planning and Fire •3rd Party review with pre-approved contractors •PASS Program for Trained designers on new commercial and residential projects Pasadena Online Online Plan submittal, Inspection scheduling Kern County N/a (Former PARC program) Emeryville, CA. Expedite Bldg Permit Building Plan Review in 3-5 Business Days. 50% surcharge; per Staff availability. https://www.ci.emeryville.ca.us/593/Expedited-Permits 9 “FAST TRACK” MECHANISMS IN OTHER CITIES Jurisdiction Type Details Riverside County Building, Planning, Grading Permits •Predevelopment meetings held every Monday •Applications considered by a special committee. •Board consideration of land use applications within 90 days after the date of their submittal. Sacramento County Building, Planning, Grading Permits •Dedicated “Red Team” to process and schedule project for consideration by Special Committee within 21 days. Must meet 1 of following criteria: Commercial/Industrial Projects that create 50 new jobs, invest $7 million capital improvements, generate $10 million annual taxable sales, or include 75,000 sq. ft. Residential project using Public Assistance with a percentage of Units designated as Affordable. Renewable Energy Project with net zero energy. Manufacturing facilities that develop green products using at least 30% recycled materials. Any other project approved by the Board of Supervisors Richmond Comm & Small Res •Additional $1,184.00 Fast Track fee •Could save applicants up to 2-3 months of time 10 “FAST TRACK” MECHANISMS IN OTHER CITIES 11 “FAST TRACK” MECHANISMS IN OTHER CITIES 12 “FAST TRACK” MECHANISMS IN OTHER CITIES 13 IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS FOR “FAST TRACK” Due Process. While the City can “fast track” ministerial permits (grading and building permits + site plan review), the City cannot provide a “guarantee” that all discretionary land use entitlements will be approved. CEQA Requirements. State law includes minimum time periods for public review that cannot be waived by the City. The scale and complexity of the project also dictates the degree of analysis needed and time to process. Staff Resources. Staff availability, training and skill level is an important component of the City’s ability to “expedite.” Developer Cooperation. Processing delays can result from submittal of incomplete applications and plans. Cooperation from Architects, Engineers, Developers and Applicants is an important component of the City’s ability to “expedite.” Communication. Developers who approach the City early often have a better understanding of the process and gain entitlements more quickly. 14 NEXT STEPS: POTENTIAL FUTURE “FAST TRACK” MECHANISMS Reformat and update “Developer Benefits Letter ” to include FAST TRACK Branding. Advertise the services we offer an demonstrate ease of doing business in Bakersfield. Add upcoming Economic Development initiatives. Fast Track Team . Form a dedicated “Fast Track Team” where, for a fee, developers can meet with staff from Development Services, Public Works, Fire, etc. at a dedicated time (ex: every other Tuesday) to discuss projects in more detail and potentially pursue an expedited processing time. Technology Upgrades – Website & Software. Purchase upgraded Software for electronic Plan-Check. Would allow concurrent review of documents to reduce review times for grading plans, building plans and Site Plan Review. Encourage Electronic Payments. Increase use of online payments by better marketing the function and ability to do so throughout City website. Saves time by preventing need to come to Downtown offices.