PISMO BEACH COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Agenda Item #12.C
SUBJECT/TITLE:
DIRECTION ON DOG PARK LOCATION AND DEVELOPMENT
RECOMMENDATION:
Provide direction on:
1. Whether or not to schedule a hearing of the City Manager’s appeal of the Planning Commission’s decision denying a dog park project at Spyglass Park, and;
2. Whether or not the project will move forward through a different process considering different locations.
BACKGROUND:
On February 3, 2023, at the City Council’s annual goal-setting meeting, the Council affirmed its policy direction to develop a dog park at the site of a large grassy area at Spyglass Park. Staff developed a design for such an area and took it to the Planning Commission for approval of a Coastal Development Permit. At its March 28, 2023, meeting, the Planning Commission considered the item and directed staff to return at the next meeting with a resolution making findings for denial. At its April 25, 2023, meeting, the Planning Commission denied the Coastal Development Permit (Project P23-000017) on the basis that the proposed dog park was not a good fit for Spyglass Park, the proposed dog park would reduce parking availability for existing park uses, and it was not consistent with the surrounding neighborhood.
The Council had previously given staff direction to build the dog park and funded it in the existing budget. As a result, on May 5, 2023, consistent with prior direction, the City Manager appealed the Planning Commission’s decision to the City Council for its consideration at a future meeting. A copy of the appeal is provided as Attachment 1. This agenda item is not a hearing on this appeal.
At the City Council Meeting of May 2, 2023, the Council directed staff to place an item regarding the appeal processing and other locations for the proposed dog park on the next agenda for further discussion and direction. Staff is prepared to receive additional direction this evening.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Staff recommends the City Council provide direction regarding whether to schedule a hearing of the appeal, and/or whether additional locations for the dog park should be considered.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no direct fiscal impact from this report. Should the Council direct staff to schedule this matter for a City Council hearing or for consideration by a subordinate body, the cost will be absorbed by the adopted budget.
Council Agenda 5-16-2023 12.C-1
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Request additional information from staff.
2. Refer this item to the Parks Recreation and Beautification Commission for additional feedback and discussion.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Appeal of April 25
th Planning Commission denial of Project P23-000017.
Prepared by: Meeting Date: May 16, 2023
James R. Lewis, City Manager
City Manager Approval:
Council Agenda 5-16-2023 12.C-2
Attachment 1
Council Agenda 5-16-2023 12.C-3
Attachment 1
Council Agenda 5-16-2023 12.C-4