Steering Group III:  Policies and Ordinances

January 27, 2004

Meeting Notes

 

I.          Welcome and Introductions

 

The meeting was called to order at 5:45 pm by Chairperson Lisa Hosale.

 

II.        Review and approve notes from last meeting

 

Notes from the January 13, 2004 meeting were reviewed and approved by the group.

 

III.       Subcommittee Work Updates

 

Trees: Jackie Campbell

-         Comp Plan policies

-         Critical root zone

-         Tree Protection Policies

-         The new paper will condense and simplify the policies in effect.

-         Draft will be sent to subcommittee and then to this group and public draft on March 8. It will require some staff training.

 

Discussion:  Is it intended to have each subcommittee go public independently? How will this paper work with creek setbacks? How will this paper respond to differences in different policies and areas?
The paper is intended to clarify the ambiguities of policies, i.e., "to the max extent feasible". The paper intends to also simplify the CRZ formula for larger trees.

 

Grading: Brian Baca and Lisa Hosale

Desire is to create standards that if design complies then it's a non-issue. Draft was passed out. If on slopes less than 16% and if no hazards then it requires just brief review for compliance with criteria and a rapid policy consistency determination will be made. This paper will also alert applicants of significant hazard issues.
Draft was passed out for comments.

 

Building Height: Jackie Campbell

Jackie reported that nothing is available at this time. Information from other agencies is being collected.

 

Big House: John Gostovich

John reported they are trying to establish a criteria to determine point at which it would be ministerial. BAR may be appropriate body to review size and bulk issues.  Draft paper is not yet available.

 

 

Discussion: What should focus of this paper be? It may be that just the house size would not be a factor for ministerial permits given other constraints. What is legal impact if changes are made to ordinance to create non-conforming structures. Jackie explained how other agencies deal with size and suggested that John consider those for direction.

 

Creeks: Sid Goldstien, Brian Baca, Diane Conor

Draft paper was passed out. Need to fill out cover sheet. Get draft to Anne Almy.

 

Viewshed

No report.

 

IV.       February 18 Steering Group Coordination Meeting

 

Presentations will be given from the different Steering Groups.

 

V.        Zoning Ordinance Update

 

-         Lisa reported on progress of Draft going to Planning Commission on 1/28/04.

-         Jackie reported a meeting was held 1/26/04.

-         Title is:  Zoning Ordinance Reformat.

-         Montecito is concerned about merging its ordinance into one county-wide.

-         Shane explained background of Montecito’s concerns of losing central and historic ordinance.

-         Montecito Association wants to review – again, February 18 at its Planning Commission to take public comment.

-         Schedule has slipped with final ordinance in 2005.

-         C.M.C. will have chart of different ordinances before Board of Supervisors on February 24.

-         Ordinance to be available to public on February 11.

-         There needs to be a PR campaign in News-Press, etc. to bring public attention.

 

VI.       Next Steps

 

Need to get "cover sheet" Report to P&D for each subcommittee by 1/30/04 so that the Feb. 18 meeting can be planned.

 

VII.     Adjourn

 

Meeting adjourned at 7:30. Next meeting scheduled for February 10, 2004, same time and place.