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RESOLUTION NO. 2017-205 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING A LAND USE AMENDMENT INITIATION REQUEST (IR 17-0018) AND DIRECTING STAFF TO PROCEED WITH THE PROCESSING OF A GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT ONCE FORMALLY SUBMITTED BY THE APPLICANT FOR A 9.6-ACRE PARCEL LOCATED SOUTHWEST OF THE INTERSECTION OF EASTLAKE DRIVE AND SR-125
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommended Action
Council conduct the public hearing, and adopt the resolution.
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SUMMARY
Mid-City, LLC (the “Applicant”) is requesting a Land Use Amendment Initiation Request in order to get an early read from the City Council regarding a proposed General Plan Amendment to change the land use designation of a 9.6-acre vacant property from its current Open Space (OS) designation to Limited Industrial (IL). The site is currently undeveloped with the exception of San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) power transmission lines that traverse the site from north to south. The Applicant proposes to develop the property with a self-storage facility on the site.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Environmental Notice
Environmental Notice
The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required. In addition, notwithstanding the foregoing, the activity qualifies for an Exemption pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines.
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Environmental Determination
Because this activity will not result in any approval or denial of said proposed potential land use plan amendments or rezoning actions and because City Council will conduct a complete review of said proposed potential land use plan amendment and rezoning actions, including any required environmental analysis, along with the merits of an accompanying proposed project, the Director of Development Services has determined that the activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines because it will not result in a physical change in the environment; therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to CEQA. In addition, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Director of Development Services has also determined that the activity qualifies for an Exemption pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines. Thus, no environmental review is required.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
Not Applicable
DISCUSSION
Existing Site Characteristics
The site is comprised of a 9.6-acre parcel located southwest of Eastlake Drive and SR-125. The topography of the site is gently sloping from north to south. Existing on-site vehicular circulation is limited to a concrete apron located at the northwest corner of the site, which provides access to an existing utility maintenance road within the SDG&E easement that runs across the property north to south on the west side of the site.
Background
Earlier this year, the City Council approved a new process by which an applicant could request early input from the Planning Commission or City Council regarding a proposed land use plan amendment to the General Plan, Sectional Planning Area Plans, General Development Plans, Specific Plans, and Precise Plans or rezoning of any property within the City of Chula Vista. An Initiation of Amendment process was thereby approved by the adoption of City Council Ordinance Number 3404 on May 23, 2017 and added to the Chula Vista Municipal Code (CVMC) as section 19.14.800 et seq. CVMC section 19.14.840 outlines criteria by which the Planning Commission or City Council may approve said Initiation Request prior to formal submittal of a Land Use Amendment request. Based upon this new process, the Applicant has submitted a request for early input on a proposed General Plan amendment to change the existing land use designation of the subject 9.6-acre vacant parcel from Open space (OS) to Limited Industrial (IL). The Applicant proposes ultimately to develop the site with a new self-storage facility.
Entitlement Process
The Applicant’s desire is to construct a self-storage facility on the subject site, which would require an amendment to the 2005 General Plan. In addition, this would require a Sectional Planning Area (SPA) Amendment, as well as a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and Design Review.
Findings for Approval of an Initiation of Amendments to Land Use Plans
The initiation of an amendment to a Land Use Plan may be approved by the City Council if all of the following criteria are met:
(1) The proposed Land Use Amendment is consistent with the goals and polices of the General Plan.
(2) The proposed Land Use Plan Amendment provides equal or greater public benefit to the community as compared to the existing land use designation, density/intensity range, or plan policy; and
(3) Public Facilities are available to serve the proposed change in land use designation or density/intensity, or their provision will be addressed as a component of the Land Use Plan
The proposed Land Use Amendment would allow for development of a new self-storage facility that would help meet demand for such use by the surrounding community. The proposed use is most consistent with the Limited Industrial Land Use Designation, and would be developed consistent with General Plan Policy LUT4.5, which insures design compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood. Existing public facilities are available to serve the proposed use.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the property holdings of the City Council members and has found no property holdings within 500 feet of the boundaries of the property which is the subject of this action. Consequently, this item does not present a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under California Code of Regulations Title 2, section 18705.2(a)(11), for purposes of the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov’t Code §87100, et seq.).
Staff is not independently aware, and has not been informed by any City Council member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision maker conflict of interest in this matter.
LINK TO STRATEGIC GOALS
Not Applicable
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
The application fees and processing cost have been paid for by the Applicant. There is no impact to the general fund.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
Not Applicable
ATTACHMENTS
1. Locator Map
2. Applicant’s Justification Report
Staff Contact: Jeff Steichen, Associate Planner