Planning Commission Meeting: September 20, 2006

Agenda Item: 8-C

To:                   Planning Commission

From:              Amanda Schachter, City Planning Division Manager

Subject:          Tract Map 06-018; Vesting Tentative Parcel Map No. 062854

 

                        Address:        1048 Tenth Street

Applicant:       Harvey Goodman

 

 

Recommended Action

This report recommends that the Planning Commission take the following actions, subject to the findings and conditions contained in Attachment B:

 

1.                  Approve Application 06TM-018;

2.                  Approve Statement of Official Action.

 

Executive Summary

The applicant requests approval of an airspace subdivision at the subject property for the purpose of constructing a new four unit residential condominium project. Pursuant to Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 9.20.02.090, the Planning Commission is the responsible authority to approve, conditionally approve, or deny tentative subdivision map applications.

 

Project / Site Information

The following table provides a brief summary of the project location:

 

Zoning District:

R2, Low Density Multiple Residential District

Site Location Map

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Land Use
Element Designation:

 

Low Density Housing

Parcel Area (SF):

7,500 SF

Parcel Dimensions:

50’ x 150’

Existing On-Site Improvements (Year Built):

A two-story apartment building and a one-story garage structure, both constructed in 1946

Rent Control Status:

Pending removal of 7 Rent Controlled Units

Adjacent Zoning Districts and Land Uses:

R2 District

Multi-Family Residential Buildings to the north, east and west; surface parking lot in R2 District to the south.

Subdivision Information

Parcel Map Number:

062854

Subdivider/Applicant:

1048 10th Street, LLC / Harvey Goodman

Number of Units:

4

City Engineer Preliminary Approval Date:

 

 

August 15, 2006

Required Off-Site Improvements:

See conditions of approval.

Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs):

The CC&Rs will be reviewed and approved as to form by the City Attorney consistent with SMMC 9.20.02.060 and prior to approval of the final map.

Fees:

Parks and Recreation Facilities Tax ($200 / unit).

Total tax = $800

 

Condominium Facilities Tax ($1,000 / unit).

Total Tax = $4,000

 

Environmental Analysis

The project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Class 3, Section 15303 (b) of the State CEQA Guidelines. Projects located in an urbanized environment designed for not more than six dwelling units are, consistent with the Guidelines, exempt from environmental review.

 

Moreover, the project, including the property and any existing improvements have been reviewed, and for the purposes of CEQA, determined not to be a significant historic resource. Notwithstanding this CEQA determination, because the existing structures proposed for demolition are over 40 years old, a permit to demolish the existing improvements will not be issued until the Landmarks Commission reviews the demolition permit application and all requirements of SMMC Section 9.04.10.16.010 (d) are met.  The City’s Landmarks Commission retains jurisdiction to review the demolition permit application and to nominate the improvement as a City Landmark or Structure of Merit pursuant to the designation criteria and procedures contained in Chapter 9.36 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code.  

 

A demolition permit application for the subject property was reviewed by the Landmarks Commission on April 11, 2005 and no action was taken to prevent the demolition.  

 

Project Analysis

The proposed four (4) unit condominium project is subject to the regulations and standards as set forth in Article 9 of the Municipal Code. Staff has completed a preliminary review of the proposed four-unit condominium project for compliance with the Low Density Multiple Residential (R2) district development standards, and finds that the applicant’s proposal appears to generally conform to the applicable zoning and design standards.  However, this review is only intended to identify aspects of the plans that could result in significant changes to the project’s design.  A complete code-compliance review will occur when the application is submitted for plan check.  It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the plans comply fully with all applicable provisions of the Municipal Code.  The project is subject to review by the Architectural Review Board.

 

The proposed subdivision is consistent with the City’s General Plan in that a four (4) unit condominium subdivision is proposed in an area where Low Density Residential uses are encouraged, and the proposed density of development is below the limitations established for this land use district. The proposed design of the units will also meet the intent of the General Plan by not exceeding two (2) stories or 30-feet in height. In addition, the proposal will conform to the density limitations of the R2 district development standards, where a maximum of five (5) dwelling units could be permitted on-site.  The subject property is relatively flat and is does not contain any fish or extensive wildlife habitat. It is located within a neighborhood where the necessary public infrastructure and improvements are currently in-place, and developments of similar use, density and design are prevalent.  Pedestrian access to the site is provided from Tenth Street and vehicular access to the site is by means of an adjacent rear alley (Ninth Court).  The subject property is not constrained by any public use or access easements. In general, the proposed airspace subdivision will not compromise the public’s health and general welfare.  The parcel map is included with this report as Attachment D.

 

Alternative Actions:

In addition to the recommended action, the Planning Commission could consider the following with respect to the project:

 

A1.            Continue the project for specific reasons, consistent with applicable deadlines and with agreement from the applicant

A2.            Articulate revised findings and/or conditions to Approve OR Deny the subject application, with / without prejudice

 

 

Prepared by:              Ava M. Pecherzewski, Associate Planner

                                    Paul Foley, Principal Planner

 

Attachments

A.                 Process Review Times & Deadlines

B.                 Draft Statement of Official Action

C.                Public Notification & Comment Material

D.                Vesting Tentative Parcel Map #062854


ATTACHMENT A

PROCESS REVIEW TIME AND DEADLINES

 

 

 

Application Determined Complete for Filing

July 11, 2006

CEQA Deadline

October 9, 2006 without extension.

 

PSA Deadline

October 9, 2006 without extension.

 

Subdivision Deadline

September 29, 2006 without extension.

 

Total Process Review Time

67 Days

 


ATTACHMENT B

DRAFT STATEMENT OF OFFICIAL ACTION

 

City of Santa Monica

City Planning Division

 

DRAFT

PLANNING COMMISSION

STATEMENT OF OFFICIAL ACTION

 

 

PROJECT INFORMATION

 

CASE NUMBER:                  Tract Map 06TM-018

 

LOCATION:                           1048 Tenth Street

 

APPLICANT:                         Harvey Goodman

 

Property Owner:          1048 Tenth Street, LLC

 

CASE PLANNER:                Ava M. Pecherzewski, Associate Planner

 

REQUEST:                            The applicant requests approval of a vesting tentative parcel map (No. 062854) for the purpose of constructing a new four-unit residential condominium project.

 

CEQA STATUS:                   The project is categorically exempt from the provisions of CEQA, pursuant to Class 3, Section 15303(b).

 

PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION

 

September 20,2006

Determination Date

 

X

Approved based on the following findings and subject to the conditions below.

 

Denied.

 

Other:

 

EFFECTIVE DATES OF ACTIONS IF NOT APPEALED: 

 

October 1, 2006

EXPIRATION DATE OF ANY PERMITS GRANTED:

 

October 1, 2008

LENGTH OF ANY POSSIBLE EXTENSION OF EXPIRATION DATES*:

Maximum three (3) years with Planning Commission approval

 

*     Any request for an extension of the expiration date must be received in the City Planning Division prior to expiration of this permit.

 

Each and all of the findings and determinations are based on the competent and substantial evidence, both oral and written, contained in the entire record relating to the Project.  All summaries of information contained herein or in the findings are based on the substantial evidence in the record.  The absence of any particular fact from any such summary is not an indication that a particular finding is not based in part on that fact.

 

FINDINGS:

 

1.                  The proposed map is consistent with applicable general and specific plans as specified in Government Code Section 65451. Specifically, while the subject property is not located in an area governed by a specific plan as specified in Government Code Section 65451, compliance with the City’s General Plan is required. For the purpose of subdividing the subject parcel, there are two pertinent policies that must be evaluated with the map; those policies relate to building height and unit density. As noted and shown on the subject map, the project complies with applicable policies, including unit density and height standards for the subject land use designation.

 

2.                  The design or improvement of the proposed subdivision is consistent with applicable general and specific plans. Specifically, while the subject property is not located in an area governed by a specific plan, compliance with the City’s General Plan is required. As noted and shown on the subject map, the proposed improvements will not exceed land use designation limits to building height and unit density.

 

3.                  The site is physically suitable for the type of development. Specifically, the subject parcel is a standard-sized parcel located within an urbanized area adequately served by existing roadways and infrastructure. The property is physically able to accommodate the proposed development.

 

4.                  The site is physically suitable for the proposed density of development. Specifically, the subject parcel is a standard-sized parcel located within an urbanized area adequately served by existing roadways and infrastructure. Moreover, the type of development and unit density is consistent with policies set forth in the City’s General Plan and other improvements in the general vicinity.

 

5.                  The design of the subdivision or the proposed improvements are not likely to cause substantial environmental damage or substantially and avoidably injure fish or wildlife or their habitat, in that the proposed subdivision is located in an urbanized area that does not contain habitats or would otherwise injure fish and wildlife.

 

6.                  The design of the subdivision or the type of improvement is not likely to cause serious public health problems. The proposed subdivision is for a property located in an urbanized area and is consistent with other similar improvements in the area. As noted and shown on the map, the project complies with height and unit density limitations set forth in the General Plan. The subdivision of the parcel does not have the potential to disrupt the urban environment or otherwise cause serious public health problems.

 

7.                  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 in that there are no public easements located within the proposed subdivision.

 

8.                  The proposed subdivision is consistent with any ordinance or law of the City of Santa Monica. Specifically, the project has demonstrated compliance with applicable unit density and height limitations set forth in the underlying land use designation. Moreover, as conditioned, the project must comply with all applicable provisions of the Zoning Ordinance, which will be comprehensively evaluated during the City’s plan check review process, prior to issuance of a building permit.

 

CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL:

 

PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

 

Administrative

 

1.                  The tentative map shall expire 24 months after approval, except as provided in the provisions of California Government Code Section 66452.6 and Subchapter 9.20.18 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code.  During this time period the final map shall be presented to the City of Santa Monica for approval.  No building permit for the project will be granted until such time as the final map is approved by the Santa Monica City Council.

 

2.                  An appeal of the approval conditions of approval, or denial of a subdivision map must be filed with the City Clerk within ten consecutive days following the date of Planning Commission determination in the manner provided in Part 9.20.14, Section 9.20.14.070. Any appeal must be made in the form required by the Zoning Administrator.

 

3.                  Pursuant to SMMC Section 9.04.10.02.450(d), if the Building Official determines that another building permit  has been issued less than fifteen months prior to the date on which the building permit for this project has received all plan check approvals and none of the relevant exceptions specified in 9.04.10.02.450(c) and (e) apply, the Building Official shall place the project on a waiting list in order of the date and time of day that the permit application received all plan check approvals, and the term of this approval and other City approvals or permits necessary to commence the project shall be automatically extended by the amount of time that a project remains on the waiting list.  However, the permit shall also expire if the building permit expires, if final inspection is not completed or a Certificate of Occupancy is not issued within the time periods specified in SMMC Section 8.08.060.  A one year extension may be permitted if approved by the Director of Planning.  Applicant is on notice that time extensions shall not be granted if development standards or the development process relevant to the project have changed since project approval. Extension requests to a subdivision map must be approved by the Planning Commission.

 

4.                  In the event permittee violates or fails to comply with any conditions of approval of this permit, no further permits, licenses, approvals or certificates of occupancy shall be issued until such violation has been fully remedied.

 

Conformance with Approved Plans

 

5.                  The Plans shall comply with all applicable provisions of Article IX of the Municipal Code and all other pertinent ordinances and General Plan policies of the City of Santa Monica.

 

Fees

 

6.                  A Park and Recreation Facilities Tax of $200.00 per residential unit shall be due and payable at the time of issuance of a building permit for the construction or placement of the residential unit(s) on the subject lot, per and subject to the provisions of Section 6.80.010 et seq. of the Santa Monica Municipal Code.

 

7.                  Pursuant to Santa Monica Municipal Code (SMMC) Chapter 9.56, the project is subject to the City's Affordable Housing Production Program which requires a 4-unit development to provide at least one (1) very low income affordable unit or one (1) low income affordable unit (SMMC Section 9.56.050), provide the affordable units off-site (SMMC Section 9.56.060), pay an affordable housing fee (SMMC Section 9.56.070), or acquire land for affordable housing (SMMC Section 9.56.080).

 

At this time, the developer has elected to satisfy the City’s Affordable Housing Production requirement through payment of the applicable affordable housing fee which is calculated based on the project’s floor area as defined by SMMC Section 9.04.02.030.315. The fee will be calculated prior to payment based on the requirements of the Affordable Housing Production Program, Section 9.56.070 and shall be based on the affordable housing unit base fee in effect at the time the affordable housing fee is paid to the City.  The fee must be paid in full prior to the City granting any approval for the occupancy of the project, but no earlier than at the time of building permit issuance.

 

8.                  Prior to issuance of a condominium license, the developer shall provide for the payment of a Condominium Tax of $1,000 per planned salable unit pursuant to Chapter 6.76 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code.

 

Cultural Resources

 

9.                  No demolition of buildings or structure built 40 years of age or older shall be permitted until the end of a 60-day review period by the Landmarks Commission to determine whether an application for landmark designation shall be filed.  If an application for landmark designation is filed, no demolition shall be approved until a final determination is made by the Landmarks Commission on the application.

 

Rent Control

 

10.             Pursuant to SMMC Section 4.24.030, prior to receipt of the final permit necessary to demolish, convert, or otherwise remove a controlled rental unit(s) from the housing market, the owner of the property shall first secure a removal permit under Section 1803(t), an exemption determination, an approval of a vested rights claim from the Rent Control Board, or have withdrawn the controlled rental unit(s) pursuant to the provisions of the Ellis Act.

 

CC&Rs

 

11.             Prior to issuance of building permits, Condominium Association By-Laws and a Declaration of CC & R's shall be reviewed and approved by the City Attorney.  The CC&R's shall contain a non-discrimination clause as presented in SMMC Section 9.20.20.020 and such provisions as are required by SMMC Section 9.04.16.01.030(e).

 

Standard Conditions

 

12.             Final parking lot layout and specifications shall be subject to the review and approval of the Transportation Management Division.

 

13.             Prior to issuance of a building permit, a copy of the recorded map shall be provided to the City Planning Division.

 

14.             Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall demonstrate compliance with Subchapter 9.04.16 Condominiums, including the provisions of Ordinance No. 2131 (CCS).

 

ENVIRONMENTAL PUBLIC WORKS MANAGEMENT (EPWM)

 

Drainage

 

15.             Notwithstanding any Subdivision Map notations to the contrary, in order to mitigate storm water and surface runoff from the project site, an Urban Runoff Mitigation Plan may be required by the Department of Environmental and Public Works Management (EPWM) pursuant to Municipal Code Chapter 7.10.  Prior to submittal of landscape plans for Architectural Review Board approval, the applicant shall contact EPWM to determine applicable requirements, which include the following:

 

·                    Non-stormwater runoff, sediment and construction waste from the construction site and parking areas is prohibited from leaving the site;

·                    An sediments or materials which are tracked off-site must be removed the same day they are tracked off-site;

·                    Excavated soil must be located on the site and soil piles should be covered and otherwise protected so that sediments do not go into the street or adjoining properties;

·                    Washing of construction or other vehicles shall be allowed adjacent to a construction site.  No runoff from washing vehicles on a construction site shall be allowed to leave the site;

·                    Drainage controls may be required depending on the extent of grading and topography of the site; and

·                    New development is required to reduce projected runoff pollution by at least twenty percent through incorporation of design elements or principles, such as increasing permeable surfaces, diverting or catching runoff via swales, berms, and the like; orientation of drain gutters towards permeable areas; modification of grades; use of retention structures and other methods.

 

Off-site

 

16.             All off site improvements required by the City Engineer shall be installed.  Plans and specifications for off site improvements shall be prepared by a registered civil engineer and approved by the City Engineer.

 

17.             A subdivision improvement agreement for all off site improvements required by the City Engineer shall be prepared and a performance bond posted through the City Attorney's office.

 

Final Map Requirements

 

18.             In submitting required materials to the Santa Monica Engineering Division for a final map, applicant shall provide a copy of the approved Statement of Official Action.

19.             The form, contents, accompanying data, and filing of the final subdivision map shall conform to the provisions of SMMC Sections 9.20.12.010 through 9.20.08.090 and the Subdivision Map Act.  The required Final Map filing fee shall be paid prior to scheduling of the Final Map for City Council approval.

 

20.             One mylar and one blue-line copy of the final map shall be provided to and recorded with the Los Angeles County Recorder prior to issuance of any building permit for a condominium project pursuant to Government Code Section 66499.30. Applicant shall also provide the County with a copy of this Statement of Official Action at the time the required copies of the map are submitted.

 

21.             Prior to approval of the Final Map, the requirements of Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 9.04.10.16.010 (d) shall have been met.

 

VOTE

 

Ayes:             

Nays:             

Abstain:         

Absent:          

 

NOTICE

 

If this is a final decision not subject to further appeal under the City of Santa Monica Comprehensive Land Use and Zoning Ordinance, the time within which judicial review of this decision must be sought is governed by Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.6, which provision has been adopted by the City pursuant to Municipal Code Section 1.16.010.

 

I hereby certify that this Statement of Official Action accurately reflects the final determination of the Planning Commission of the City of Santa Monica.

 

 

_____________________________       _____________________________

Gwynne Pugh, Chairperson                         Date

 

Acknowledgement by Permit Holder

 

I hereby agree to the above conditions of approval and acknowledge that failure to comply with such conditions shall constitute grounds for potential revocation of the permit approval.

 

 

Print Name and Title

 

 

 

 

Applicant’s Signature

 

 

 

 


ATTACHMENT C

PUBLIC NOTIFICATION INFORMATION

 

Consistent with SMMC 9.20.14.010, notice of the subject application was published in a newspaper of general circulation (Santa Monica Daily Press) and mailed to owners and occupants within 300 feet of the property, at least ten days prior to the hearing. In addition, a copy of the notice was posted on the City’s website, on the City’s bulletin board, and copies of the agenda mailed to all City-recognized neighborhood groups prior to the hearing.

 

On August 7, 2006, the applicant was notified by telephone of the subject hearing date.

 

The applicant provided the following information regarding attempts to contact area property owners, residents, and recognized neighborhood associations:

Neighborhood Association

Applicant provided an e-mail message that notified the Wilshire-Montana Neighborhood Coalition of the project.

Adjacent Neighbors

No contact information provided.

Community Meetings

No contact information provided.

Other:

No contact information provided.

 


NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING

BEFORE THE SANTA MONICA PLANNING COMMISSION

 

SUBJECT:        Tract Map 06-018

1048 10th Street

APPLICANT:                 Harvey A. Goodman

PROPERTY OWNER:    1048 10th Street, LLC

 

A public hearing will be held by the Planning Commission to consider the following request:

 

The applicant requests approval of a Vesting Tentative Parcel Map No. 062854 to subdivide one lot into four airspace parcels in conjunction with a proposed four-unit residential condominium development.

 

 

DATE/TIME:                  WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2006, AT 7:00 PM

 

LOCATION:                   City Council Chambers, Second Floor, Santa Monica City Hall

                        1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, California

 

HOW TO COMMENT

The City of Santa Monica encourages public comment. You may comment at the Planning Commission public hearing, or by writing a letter. Written information will be given to the Planning Commission at the meeting.

 

Address your letters to:              Ava Pecherzewski, Associate Planner

                                                Re: 06TM-018

                                                City Planning Division

                                                1685 Main Street, Room 212

                                                Santa Monica, CA 90401

 

MORE INFORMATION

If you want more information about this project or wish to review the project file, please contact Ava Pecherzewski at (310) 458-8341, or by e-mail at ava.pecherzewski@smgov.net. The Zoning Ordinance is available at the Planning Counter during business hour s and on the City’s web site at www.santa-monica.org.

 

The meeting facility is wheelchair accessible. For disability-related accommodations, please contact (310) 458-8341 or (310) 458-8696 TTY at least 72 hours in advance. All written materials are available in alternate format upon request. Santa Monica Big Blue Bus Lines numbered 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 10 serve City Hall.

 

Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65009(b), if this matter is subsequently challenged in Court, the challenge may be limited to only those issues raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Santa Monica at, or prior to, the public hearing.

 

ESPAÑOL

Esto es una noticia de una audiencia pública para revisar applicaciónes proponiendo desarrollo en Santa Monica.  Si deseas más información, favor de llamar a Carmen Gutierrez en la División de Planificación al número (310) 458-8341.


ATTACHMENT D

Vesting Tentative Parcel Map # 062854