Auburn Planning Commission and Historic Design Review Commission Joint Meeting - April 22, 2026

Note: The agenda and transcript indicate the meeting actually occurred on July 21, 2026. The date April 22, 2026, was provided by the user and is used here per instruction, creating a discrepancy between the source material and the requested date.

The Auburn Planning Commission and Historic Design Review Commission (HDRC) held a joint meeting on April 22, 2026 (per user instruction) to consider two public hearing items: a Historic Design Review Permit for new illuminated signage at Baked & Brewed Café & Bistro, and a continued public hearing on an ordinance amending mobile food vendor regulations. The meeting also included the introduction of a new Associate Planner, approval of prior minutes, and staff updates on economic development and the General Plan update.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the May 5, 2026, regular session of the Historic Design Review Commission.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 4A – Baked & Brewed Signage: The applicant, Mucahit Yaman, spoke in support of the proposed signage, explaining that the café will expand to offer Mediterranean dinner service from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. starting July 30, 2026, and has applied for a beer and wine license. He expressed willingness to comply with all historic district requirements.
• Item 4B – Mobile Food Vendors: No public comments were offered during the hearing for this item.

Discussion Items

• Item 4A: Historic Design Review Permit – 958 Lincoln Way (Baked & Brewed Café & Bistro)

  • Staff presented a proposal to install two illuminated LED wall signs on the building facade. The signs would consist of 14-inch channel letters with black stainless steel faces mounted on natural-stained high-density urethane (HDU) wood panels, backlit with 2700K warm white LED halo illumination. Total sign area is approximately 24 square feet. The existing “Corner Pub” sign would remain unchanged.
  • Commissioners discussed the appropriateness of illuminated signage in the historic district, noting that the warm glow and wood-like material were a compromise consistent with design guidelines. Staff clarified that the sign would be required to dim or turn off after business hours per energy standards.
  • The applicant confirmed the sign would be used during evening dinner hours (5–9 p.m.) and could be switched off when not needed.
  • The commission unanimously approved HDRC Resolution 26-07, approving the permit with conditions (building permit required, two-year validity).

• Item 4B: Ordinance Amending Mobile Food Vendor Regulations (Section 159.180)

  • This was a continued public hearing from June 16, 2026. Economic Development Director Jonathan Wright presented revisions addressing prior commission concerns:
    • Definition of “temporary”: Ancillary mobile food vending is limited to no more than five (5) times within any 30-day period. Exceeding that requires a Use Permit.
    • Notification requirement: Instead of a formal permit, host businesses must submit written notification to the Planning Department and receive written authorization before commencing operations.
    • Sanitation: Host businesses must provide restroom access and refuse receptacles for food truck customers.
    • Map adjustments: The prohibited vending area map was revised to exclude Brewery Lane and High Street, and to address concerns from a nearby restaurant owner.
    • Removal of duration limit: The earlier 2-hour limit was removed because operations exceeding the ancillary threshold would require a Use Permit.
  • Commissioners discussed a potential inconsistency between the 6-hour operating limit per day (in the ordinance) and the removal of the length-of-operation standard. Staff clarified that the 6-hour limit applies only to ancillary vending, and any longer or more frequent operations need a Use Permit.
  • Commissioners expressed support for the revised ordinance, noting it provides a balanced approach. The Planning Commission unanimously adopted Resolution 26-07, recommending that the City Council approve the ordinance as amended.

Key Outcomes

• Item 4A: HDRC Resolution 26-07 approved (unanimous, 7-0) for the illuminated LED signage at Baked & Brewed Café & Bistro, subject to conditions.
• Item 4B: Planning Commission Resolution 26-07 adopted (unanimous, 4-0) recommending City Council approval of the mobile food vendor ordinance amendments.
• Next Steps:
  • The mobile food vendor ordinance will go to the City Council for consideration.
  • The General Plan Draft EIR is expected to be released for a 45-day public comment period starting July 31, 2026, with a study session scheduled for the August 18, 2026, Planning Commission meeting.
  • Economic Development reported ongoing business activity, including new tenants at Zoosh Modern and Tio Pepe’s (Banditos Mexican), progress at Powers Mansion (expected completion by October 2026), and a new paint streamlining ordinance taking effect with a $500 facade improvement grant through the Downtown Business Association.