Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pacific Grove public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in zoning with medium priority
Land and ancestral peoples acknowledgement
The subcommittee is working with State Parks on best practices as it develops a land acknowledgment for Pacific Grove, which sits within the ancestral homeland of the Ohlone/Costanoan-Esselen Nation.
No parking required for small housing projects near transit
Several speakers were frustrated that the apartment project needs no parking spaces. Staff explained state law (Government Code 65863.2) bars minimum parking requirements for projects under 20 units within a half mile of transit, and the city's downtown parking district rules already exempt residential units in mixed-use buildings there.
Adobe Shed demolition and conservation easement change at 236 Asilomar Avenue
The owner wants to tear down a crumbling adobe shed that's technically a 'dangerous structure' and fold its footprint into the protected dune conservation easement. Historians have repeatedly said it isn't a historic resource, but a 2021 condition requires keeping it — the product of an old neighbor dispute. Commissioners are wrestling with whether to unwind that deal.
Historic status of 114 9th Street
The committee decided whether the 1950 ranch-style house at 114 9th Street deserves a spot on the city's Historic Resources Inventory. A 'not historic' finding means the owners can renovate or redevelop without historic-review constraints.
Coastal permit notice practices
Longtime coastal watchers said the city stopped telling them about CDP determinations and mailed notices late. Staff said the old courtesy notices aren't legally required, but the commission later adopted a goal to improve transparency of staff-level approvals.
Historic review process for Sloat Avenue Aquarium buildings
A longtime neighbor says the Historic Resources Committee process was sidestepped, keeping the house and warehouse off a future neighborhood character list. Staff says the Title 23 process was followed and that the list doesn't exist yet, so the buildings could still be added later.
Upcoming Board and Committee Appointments
Three task force terms expire this month, including Vice Chair Fryberger, who is not seeking another term. The council will make appointments to all boards and committees later in January, shaping who carries the DEI work forward.