ASHLAND PLANNING COMMISSION

HEARINGS BOARD

FEBRUARY 13, 2007

MINUTES

(Note:  The approximate time will be shown in brackets throughout the minutes in order to enable the reader to follow along with the video version of the meeting.) 

CALL TO ORDER - Chair John Fields called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. at the Council Chambers, 1175 E. Main Street.

[0:00]  TYPE I PLANNING ACTIONS

PLANNING ACTION:  2007-00090

SUBJECT PROPERTY: 630 Siskiyou Blvd.

OWNER/APPLICANT:  Bruce & Trudy Duncan

DESCRIPTION:  Request for a Conditional Use Permit to operate a two-unit Travelers Accommodation (owners’ unit and one guest unit).  

[0:25]  This action stands approved.

PLANNING ACTION:  2006-02327  

SUBJECT PROPERTY: 117 Garfield St

OWNER/APPLICANT:  William Koenigsberg

DESCRIPTION:  Request for a Conditional Use Permit to convert ten existing apartments to ten condominium units.

[0:38] Black is concerned that the Comprehensive Plan has a requirement to provide apartment housing as one of the housing types.  What system do we have to provide apartment rental stock?  Harris said one of the goals of the Housing Element of the Comp Plan is to “insure a variety of dwelling types and provide housing opportunities for the total cross-section of Ashland’s population…” 

[8:25]  Dimitre does not believe this action meets the  Conditional Use Permit criteria under the livability standard.  In all probability, those making minimum wage will not be able to live in the converted condominiums.  Therefore, that creates a negative impact on the livability for those who can’t afford to buy condominiums and will force them to move. 

[10:00]  Fields believes the livability issue is much broader than the net impact of this application.  This is just a symptom rather than a way to modify and control it.

[25:00]  Black did not argue that these types of applications meet the criteria.  Stalheim agreed and asserted that Black is raising a policy issue about housing and explained the larger policy issue cannot be implemented on a case by case basis.

[28:00]  Dimitre/Black m/s to call this action up for a public hearing before the full Commission.  Roll Call:  The motion carried with Dimitre and Black voting “yes” and Fields voting “no.”    

PLANNING ACTION:  2007-00004 

SUBJECT PROPERTY: 570 Siskiyou Blvd.

OWNER/APPLICANT:  Ronna Smith-Hillman

DESCRIPTION:  Request for a Conditional Use Permit for the Transfer of Ownership of an existing Traveler’s Accommodation (The Shrew’s House).

[28:30]  This action stands approved.

PLANNING ACTION:  2006-02346

SUBJECT PROPERTY: 1880 Ventura Circle

OWNER/APPLICANT:  Barbara Allen

DESCRIPTION:  Request for a Conditional Use Permit to convert four existing apartments into four condominiums.

[28:40]  Black/Dimitre m/s to call this action up for a public hearing before the full Commission.   Roll Call:  The motion carried with Dimitre and Black voting “yes” and Fields voting “no.”  

[29:00]   PLANNING ACTION:  2007-00086                                                                       

SUBJECT PROPERTY: 1420 East Main St

OWNER/APPLICANT:  Oregon Military Department

DESCRIPTION:  Request for a Conditional Use Permit to allow for the installation of a governmental agency ground sign that does not conform to the City of Ashland sign code standard requirements.

This action stands approved.

ADJOURNMENT – The meeting was adjourned at 2:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by,

Susan Yates, Executive Secretary