City Council
MEETING DATE: 12/10/2014
TITLE:
Title
General Plan Amendment 14-001 and Change of Zone 14-001
End
FROM:
Pat Milos, Community Development Director
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the associated exemption to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to section 15601 (b) (3) of the State CEQA Guidelines; adopt a Resolution to approve General Plan Amendment 14-001; and waive further reading, read by title only and introduce for first reading an Ordinance adopting Change of Zone No. 14-001.
Body
BACKGROUND:
During the City's incorporation in 1981, the subject property along with the entire surrounding area known as the Whitewater/Square Mile Neighborhood was designated as RM (Medium Density Residential) on the General Plan Map and R2 (Multiple Family Residential) on the Zoning Map, allowing one-family and multiple-family dwellings. As such, the area was developed with a variety of residential dwelling types over the years.
In 2001, the City initiated a General Plan Amendment (GPA 01-75), Change of Zone (CZ 01-101) and Zoning Ordinance Amendment (ZOA 01-209) changing the entire neighborhood to its current general plan designation of RL (Low Density Residential) and zoning designation of R1 (Single Family Residential) citing concerns for the quality of life and public safety in the area. However, the Zoning Ordinance Amendment initiated a change to the City's Municipal Code specific to this area, designating all existing multiple-family dwellings as "conforming", allowing additions and expansions as well as complete rebuilds.
At that time, the area was largely developed with a minimal number of vacant lots throughout the area. As such, little development has occurred in the area since 2001 and many streets have a mix of existing one-family and multiple-family dwelling types on them, which is the case with the subject property. The property is adjacent to a number of existing one-family and multiple-family dwellings. The proposed General Plan Amendment and Change of Zone would continue to allow development of one-family dwellings as well as multiple-family dwellings, consistent with existing uses and dwelling types in the area, and would have no negative impact to the overall neighborhood. The police department has been consulted and has no concerns with the proposal.
DISCUSSION:
The proposal includes a General Plan Amendment to change the land use designation from RL (Low Density Residential) to RM (Medium Density Residential) and a Change of Zone to change the zoning designation from R1 (Single Family Residential) to R2 (Multiple Family Residential). The subject property, located near the northeast corner of Dinah Shore Drive and Cathedral Canyon Drive (assessor's parcel number 680-452-045), is currently vacant and owned by the Calvary Bible Church of Palm Springs.
FINDINGS
· APPROVAL OF AN EXEMPTION TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) based on the finding that the project is exempt pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3), the "General Rule" since it has been determined that it would have no impact on the environment. The Cathedral City Planning Division of the Community Development Department is custodian of the documents or other material that constitute the record of proceedings upon which this decision is based.
· APPROVAL OF GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 14-001 AND CHANGE OF ZONE NO. 14-001, subject to the following findings:
1. The proposed General Plan Amendment from RL (Low Density Residential) to RM (Medium Density Residential) and Change of Zone from R1 (Single Family Residential) to R2 (Multiple Family Residential) are consistent with the established goals, policies and objectives of the General Plan;
2. The proposed General Plan Amendment and Change of Zone are in the best interests of the public health, safety, necessity, convenience, general welfare, and is in accordance with good zoning practice;
3. The proposed General Plan Amendment and Change of Zone would return the lots to their original general plan designation of RM (Medium Density Residential) and original zoning designation of R2 (Multiple Family Residential), consistent with existing uses in the area; and
4. The proposed General Plan amendment was circulated in compliance with SB18 and no significant issues were identified requiring consultation.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION
On December 3, 2014, the Planning Commission voted 2-2 to recommend denial of General Plan Amendment No. 14-001 and Change of Zone No. 14-001 to the City Council.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The project is exempt per Section 15061 (b) (3) of the State CEQA Guidelines.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION
This public hearing and the environmental determination were noticed in accordance with the City Municipal Code, State Law and CEQA.
CONSISTENCY WITH SENATE BILL (SB) 18
The project was circulated in compliance with SB 18. No significant issues were identified that required consultation with recognized tribal entities.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None with this action.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: Exhibit A: Map of Subject Parcels
Attachment 2: City Council Resolution for General Plan Amendment
Attachment 3: City Council Ordinance for Change of Zone
Attachment 4: Public Hearing Notice
Attachment 5: Planning Commission Resolution