City of Davis Planning Commission Meeting - March 13, 2025 (Noted as March 12 in Transcript)

The City of Davis Planning Commission met on the evening of March 13, 2025 (though the transcript states the meeting was called to order on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 7:00 PM; the provided date is used per instructions). Commissioners considered a consent calendar, two public hearings, and an extensive discussion of commission-initiated tasks. All items were addressed with votes and decisions.

Consent Calendar

• The consent calendar included approval of minutes from the previous meeting. Commissioner Brinkley requested an amendment to the minutes to clarify that it was the Commission, not the developer, who proposed contributing to the housing trust fund. The minutes were approved as amended. The Housing Element Annual Progress Report was originally on consent but was removed for discussion after a Commissioner raised a question; it was treated as an informational item and not voted on.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made for items not on the agenda or for the 501 K Street hearing. For the Bolt Coffee continuation, public comment had been closed at the previous meeting, so no new public testimony was taken.

Discussion Items

• 501 K Street Revised Final Plan Development: Associate Planner Thomas McNair presented a proposal for a balcony addition (234 sq. ft.) and a room addition (62 sq. ft.) at 501 K Street, located in a planned development (PD 1-9-2) with unique standards. The project required Commission approval due to requested reductions in setbacks and increases in floor area ratio and lot coverage. Staff recommended approval, finding compatibility and no adverse impacts. The Commission unanimously approved the resolution.
• Bolt Coffee Food Trailers (1123 Olive Drive) – Continuation: This item was a continuation from the previous meeting regarding two food trucks at Volt Coffee. Staff reported that the applicant had largely resolved non-compliance with conditions of approval (e.g., health permits, improvement agreement). The temporary use permit (TUP) had expired and staff recommended revoking it and approving a conditional use permit (CUP) to vest the use. A public works representative noted the applicant had requested a six-month extension for required street improvements, which could be completed in a weekend. Commissioner Brinkley expressed concern about the history of delays and asked for assurances from the applicant, who stated the contractor could finish quickly but weather-dependent. The Commission voted unanimously to revoke the TUP and approve the CUP, with an informal recommendation to public works to consider a shorter extension (e.g., by June 15) to ensure timely completion.
• Commission-Initiated Task Process: The Commission reviewed nine proposed tasks. Each requester summarized their item and proposed action:
  1. AB 1033 (ADU condominiumization): Commissioner Ponce proposed tabling for further research (eight weeks) after staff outlined significant barriers (cost, logistics, utility separation). No vote taken; tabled.
  2. City-County Agreements: Commissioner Brinkley requested an informational update. Staff noted the agreement was finalized in December 2024 and not subject to change. Agreed as information item.
  3. Annexation of UC Davis: Commissioner Brinkley argued for studying annexation to increase student representation and align planning/funding. Staff and Councilmember Diaz noted barriers (two counties, UC opposition, low student engagement). The Commission voted 4-2 to elevate this as an action-oriented task to City Council, meaning it would require more than two hours of staff time.
  4. Cannery Farm (Greg’s item): Deferred due to absence of requester.
  5. Cannery Farm (Georgina’s item): Requested as an informational item to clarify community misinformation. Agreed as information.
  6. Citizens Planning Academy: Commissioner Brinkley proposed a broad academy covering land use, budgeting, and infrastructure. Staff recommended an enhanced scope integrated with the General Plan update. The Commission voted 5-1 to elevate as an action-oriented task with the enhanced scope.
  7. Removal of Single Family Zoning: Commissioner Brinkley argued for studying removal to increase housing production. Staff noted the 1% growth cap is set aside until 2030. Councilmember Diaz suggested tabling to clarify if a council subcommittee exists. Tabled until next meeting.
  8. Onboarding/Training: Staff described a work plan for a digital resource archive. Commissioner Ponce requested to participate in development. No action needed; noted as information.
  9. School Enrollment Presentation: Commissioner Georgina wanted a presentation from school districts to inform land-use decisions. Staff noted the district will present to City Council on March 15; Georgina preferred a separate presentation to Planning Commission. Staff will take the request back to city manager.
• Calendar: Staff presented a tentative calendar for upcoming meetings, including the General Plan update kickoff (April 23, Commission Palooza), Village Farms public hearing (May 28), and potential July recess. The March 26 meeting is unlikely to occur.

Key Outcomes

• 501 K Street: Resolution approved unanimously to allow revised final plan development (setback reduction, FAR increase, lot coverage increase) and CEQA exemption.
• Bolt Coffee: Unanimously approved (4-0) to revoke the temporary use permit and approve the conditional use permit for two food trailers at 1123 Olive Drive. Informal recommendation to public works to consider a shorter extension for the improvement agreement.
• Annexation of UC Davis: Voted 4-2 to elevate as an action-oriented task to City Council for further study.
• Citizens Planning Academy: Voted 5-1 to elevate as an action-oriented task with an enhanced scope (including budget, transportation, etc.) to City Council.
• All other tasks either tabled, noted as information, or deferred. The Commission will track pending items via a spreadsheet.