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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 2 - TPM 17-01 (71991)DATE: May 9, 2017 TO: Honorable Chairman and Planning Commission FROM: Jim Kasama, Community Development Administrator By: Nick Baldwin, Associate Planner SUBJECT: RESOLUTION NO. 1992 – APPROVING TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP NO. TPM 17-01 (71991) WITH A CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) FOR A FOUR UNIT MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL CONDOMINIUM SUBDIVISION AT 615 S. SECOND AVENUE Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 1992 SUMMARY At its regular meeting on March 25, 2014, the Planning Commission approved a four unit, multi-family residential condominium project (TPM 14-02 & MFADR 11-17 / Resolution No. 1903) at 615 S. Second Avenue - see Attachment No. 4 for the March 25, 2014 Minutes, the Staff Report, and Resolution No. 1903. A building permit was issued on September 30, 2015, and the project is currently under construction. However, a final parcel map was not filed within 24 months of the approval of the tentative parcel map, and therefore TPM 14-02 expired on March 25, 2016. The applicant has filed a new tentative parcel map, TPM 17-01, to subdivide the air space for the four condominium units. The proposed subdivision complies with the Subdivision Map Act. As a minor land division, the proposed subdivision qualifies for a Categorical Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). It is recommended that the Planning Commission approve Tentative Parcel Map No. TPM 17-01 (71991) with a Categorical Exemption, subject to the conditions listed in the staff report, and adopt Resolution No. 1992 – see Attachment No. 1. 615 2nd Ave. – Subject Property Resolution No. 1992 Tentative Parcel Map No. TPM 17-01 (71991) 615 S. Second Avenue May 9, 2017 – Page 2 of 6 BACKGROUND The subject property is a 7,945 square-foot lot, zoned R-3, High Density Multiple Family Residential - see Attachment No. 2 for an Aerial Photo with Zoning Information and Photos of the Subject Property. The four-unit, multi-family residential project is currently under construction as approved by Multiple-Family Architectural Design Review No. MFADR 11-17, which was approved at the March 25, 2014, Planning Commission Meeting. DISCUSSION The applicant is requesting approval of a new Tentative Parcel Map, No. TPM 17-01 (71991) to subdivide the four multi-family residential units that are under construction into condominiums. The State legislature passed several bills that automatically extended Tentative Maps for an additional two years if they were approved from January 1, 2002, through July 11, 2013. Since this map was approved after July 11, 2013, there were not any automatic extensions applicable. The applicant was unaware that this tentative parcel map would not be subject to an automatic extension, and the approval expired. This lot is zoned R-3, High Density Residential, and the Development Code requires that lots with this zoning designation be developed with a minimum of one unit per 2,200 square feet of lot area and not more than a maximum of one unit per 1,450 square feet of lot area. Since this lot has an area of 7,945 square feet, it must be developed with a minimum of three units, but not more than five units. The proposal to develop the lot with four units meets the density requirements. There have been no changes to the project site, applicable standards, or environmental setting of the project that would negate its eligibility to be subdivided into condominiums. Approval of a tentative parcel map would allow the property owner to subdivide the air space and sell the units to different individual owners. The proposed subdivision is consistent with the regulations of the City’s Subdivisions Division. The proposed subdivision has been reviewed by the various City Departments, and all City requirements shall be complied with to the satisfaction of the Building Official, City Engineer, Community Development Administrator, Fire Marshal, and Public Works Services Director, or their respective designees. FINDINGS The proposal to subdivide the four multi-family residential units into condominiums requires that they be subdivided through the Tentative Parcel Map process – see Attachment No. 3 for the Tentative Parcel Map. The following findings are required for approval of a Tentative Parcel Map: Resolution No. 1992 Tentative Parcel Map No. TPM 17-01 (71991) 615 S. Second Avenue May 9, 2017 – Page 3 of 6 A. The proposed map, subdivision design, and improvements are consistent with the General Plan, any applicable specific plan, and the Subdivisions Division of the Development Code: The design or improvement of the proposed subdivision is consistent with the applicable General Plan as the site is physically suitable for this type of development and the approval of the design for the new condominium air space respects the scale and character of the existing neighborhood. B. The site is physically suitable for the type and proposed density of development: The site is physically suitable for the density that is proposed and complies with the minimum density requirement of three units, and with the maximum density limit of five units. There are no physical impediments to the development of this site for residential condominiums. C. The design of the subdivision and the proposed improvements are not likely to cause substantial environmental damage or substantially and avoidably injure fish or wildlife or their habitat: The proposed tentative parcel map is for the subdivision of an infill development and there is not a protected aquatic or wildlife habitat on the subject property. Therefore, it will not cause substantial environmental damage or substantially and avoidably injure fish or wildlife or their habitat. D. The design of the subdivision or type of improvements is not likely to cause serious public health or safety problems: The proposed subdivision is for condominium purposes. No portion of the land will be physically subdivided. Therefore, the subdivision design will not cause any public health or safety problems. E. The design of the subdivision or the type of improvements will not conflict with easements acquired by the public at large for access through or use of, property within the proposed subdivision (This finding shall apply only to easements of records or to easements established by judgement of a court of competent jurisdiction and no authority is hereby granted to a legislative body to determine that the public at large has acquired easements for access through or use of property within the proposed subdivision.): The proposed design of the subdivision or the type of improvements will not conflict with any of the easements, acquired by the public at large, for access through or use of the property within the proposed subdivision. Based on the tentative parcel map, there are no such easements on the subject property. Resolution No. 1992 Tentative Parcel Map No. TPM 17-01 (71991) 615 S. Second Avenue May 9, 2017 – Page 4 of 6 F. The discharge of sewage from the proposed subdivision into the community sewer system will not result in violation of existing requirements specified by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board: The Arcadia Public Works Services Department determined that the City’s existing infrastructure will adequately serve the new development and subdivision, and the requirements from the California Regional Water Quality Control Board will be satisfied. G. The design of the subdivision provides, to the extent feasible, passive or natural heating and cooling opportunities: The subdivision has been designed to comply with the California Building Code that includes regulations pertaining to energy conservation. H. The proposed subdivision, its design, density, and type of development and improvements conforms to the regulations of the Development Code and the regulations of any public agency having jurisdiction by law: The proposed subdivision complies with the minimum density of three units and the maximum density of five units, and all the improvements required for each unit will comply with the regulations that are required by the City’s Development Code. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) the Development Services Department has determined that the proposed project qualifies for a Class 15 Categorical Exemption as a minor land division per Section 15315 of the CEQA Guidelines. Refer to Attachment No. 5 for the Preliminary Exemption Assessment. PUBLIC NOTICE/COMMENTS The public hearing notice for this item was mailed to the owners and tenants of those properties that are located within 300 feet of the subject property on April 27, 2017. Pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the public hearing notice was published in the Arcadia Weekly on April 27, 2017. As of May 4, 2017, staff had not received any comments from neighbors. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the Planning Commission approve Tentative Parcel Map No. TPM 17-01 (71991) with a Categorical Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and adopt Resolution No. 1992, which includes the requisite findings, and the following conditions of approval: Resolution No. 1992 Tentative Parcel Map No. TPM 17-01 (71991) 615 S. Second Avenue May 9, 2017 – Page 5 of 6 1. The project shall be developed and maintained by the applicant/property owner in a manner that is consistent with the conditional approval of Tentative Parcel Map No. TPM 17-01 (71991) to the satisfaction of the Development Services Director or designee(s). 2. The applicant/property owner shall pay a $100 Final Map fee and a $25 Final Map Approval fee prior to the approval of the final Parcel Map. 3. The applicant/property owner shall construct at their expense, and/or enter into a subdivision improvement agreement with the City and post security for all the public improvements shown on Tentative Parcel Map No. TPM 17-01 (71991) prior to approval of the Final Parcel Map, including, but not limited to the following items, to the satisfaction of the City Engineer, or designee: a. Remove and replace the curb, gutter, and sidewalk along the entire frontage of the site; and b. Install new street trees in the parkway along Second Avenue as shown on the Grading Plan and in accordance with the City of Arcadia Street Tree Master Plan. 4. The applicant shall remove and replace the asphalt alley and concrete ribbon gutter from property line to property line along the alley to the satisfaction of the City Engineer or designee. 5. The applicant/property owner shall comply with all City requirements regarding building safety, fire prevention, detection, suppression, emergency access, public right-of-way improvements, parking, water supply and water facilities, sewer facilities, trash reduction and recycling requirements, and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) measures to the satisfaction of the Building Official, Fire Marshal, Public Works Services Director and Development Services Director, or their respective designees. Compliance with these requirements may be determined by having fully detailed construction plans submitted for plan check review and approval by the foregoing City officials and employees. 6. The applicant/property owner shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City of Arcadia and its officials, officers, employees, and agents from and against any claim, action, or proceeding against the City of Arcadia, its officials, officers, employees or agents to attack, set aside, void, or annul any approval or conditional approval of the City of Arcadia concerning this map and/or land use decision, including but not limited to any approval or conditional approval of the City Council, Planning Commission, or City Staff, which action is brought within the time period provided for in Government Code Section 66499.37 or other provision of law applicable to this map or decision. The City shall promptly notify the applicant of any claim, action, or proceeding concerning the map and/or land use decision and the City shall cooperate fully in the defense of the matter. The City reserves the Resolution No. 1992 Tentative Parcel Map No. TPM 17-01 (71991) 615 S. Second Avenue May 9, 2017 – Page 6 of 6 right, at its own option, to choose its own attorney to represent the City, its officials, officers, employees, and agents in the defense of the matter. 7. Approval of TPM 17-01 (71991) shall not take effect unless on or before 30 calendar days after the Planning Commission adoption of the Resolution, the applicant and property owner have executed and filed with the Community Development Administrator or designee an Acceptance Form available from the Development Services Department to indicate awareness and acceptance of these conditions of approval. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION Approval If the Planning Commission intends to approve this subdivision, the Commission should approve a motion to adopt Resolution No. 1992 to approve Tentative Parcel Map No. TPM 17-01 (71991) on the bases that the proposal satisfies the requisite findings, including the environmental finding that the map is Categorically Exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and is subject to the conditions of approval as presented in this staff report or as modified by the Commission. Denial If the Planning Commission intends to deny this subdivision, the Commission should approve a motion to deny Tentative Parcel Map No. TPM 17-01 (71991); state the finding(s) that the proposal does not satisfy with specific reasons based on the record, and direct staff to prepare a resolution for adoption at the next meeting that incorporates the Commission’s decision and specific findings. If any Planning Commissioner, or other interested party has any questions or comments regarding this matter prior to the May 9, 2017, public hearing, please contact Associate Planner, Nick Baldwin at (626) 574-5444, or NBaldwin@ArcadiaCA.gov. Approved: Attachment No. 1: Resolution No. 1992 Attachment No. 2: Aerial Photo with Zoning Information and Photos of the Subject Property and Vicinity Attachment No. 3: Tentative Parcel Map No. TPM 17-01 (71991) Attachment No. 4: March 25, 2014, PC Minutes, Staff Report, and Resolution No. 1903 Attachment No. 5: Preliminary Exemption Assessment   Attachment No. 1 Attachment No. 1 Resolution No. 1992   Attachment No. 2 Attachment No. 2 Aerial Photo with Zoning Information and Photos of the Subject Property and Vicinity Overlays Selected parcel highlighted Parcel location within City of Arcadia Property Owner(s): Architectural Design Overlay: Downtown Overlay: Special Height Overlay: Parking Overlay: Lot Area (sq ft): Year Built: Main Structure / Unit (sq. ft.): General Plan: R-3 Number of Units: HDR Zoning: Property Characteristics 2,134 7,833 1 HON JI INVESTMENTS LLCSite Address:615 S 2ND AVE Parcel Number: 5779-009-018 This map is a user generated static output from an Internet mapping site and is for reference only. Data layers that appear on this map may or may not be accurate, current, or otherwise reliable. Report generated 12-Apr-2017 Page 1 of 1 1933 615 S. Second Ave. – Subject Property  615 S. Second Ave. – Subject Property  615 S. Second Ave. – Subject Property, View from Alley  623 S. Second Ave., Adjacent Property to the South  618 S. Second Ave., Property across the Street  610‐612 S. Second Ave., Property across the Street    Attachment No. 3 Attachment No. 3 Tentative Parcel Map No. TPM 17-01 (71991)   Attachment No. 4 Attachment No. 4 March 25, 2014 PC Minutes and PC, Staff Report, and Resolution No. 1903   Attachment No. 5 Attachment No. 5 Preliminary Exemption Assessment FORM “A” – Preliminary Exemption Assessment CITY OF ARCADIA 240 W. HUNTINGTON DRIVE ARCADIA, CA 91007 PRELIMINARY EXEMPTION ASSESSMENT 1. Name or description of project: TPM 17-01 2. Project Location – Identify street address and cross streets or attach a map showing project site (preferably a USGS 15’ or 7 1/2’ topographical map identified by quadrangle name): 615 S. Second Avenue (Cross streets – Fano Street and Genoa Street 3. Entity or person undertaking project: A. B. Other (Private) (1) Name Hon Ji Investment, LLC (2) Address 15817 Old Hickory Lane, Chino Hills, CA 91709 4. Staff Determination: The Lead Agency’s Staff, having undertaken and completed a preliminary review of this project in accordance with the Lead Agency's "Local Guidelines for Implementing the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)" has concluded that this project does not require further environmental assessment because: a. The proposed action does not constitute a project under CEQA. b. The project is a Ministerial Project. c. The project is an Emergency Project. d. The project constitutes a feasibility or planning study. e. The project is categorically exempt. Applicable Exemption Class: 15315 - Class 15 (Minor land division) f. The project is statutorily exempt. Applicable Exemption: g. The project is otherwise exempt on the following basis: h. The project involves another public agency which constitutes the Lead Agency. Name of Lead Agency: Date: April 13, 2017 Staff: Nick Baldwin, Associate Planner