G. The City of Lomita initiated, and the Planning Commission recommends approval of the General Plan’s land use designation change from Public Facilities/OpenSpace (Resolution No. PC 2024-06). In tandem, the Planning Commission recommends approval of a Zone Map Amendment No. 2024-01 changing the zoning designation from Single-Family (R-1) Zone to the Lomita Manor Specific Plan, and a Zone Text Amendment No. 2024-03 for the establishment of design and development standards for the Lomita Manor Specific Plan. The Lomita Manor Specific Plan establishes a maximum density of 54 dwelling units per acre in accordance with the High-Density Residential designation’s standard.
H. On May 21, 2024, the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing and considered additional testimony on the application.
Section 2. Environmental Review.
Section 15061(b)(3) states that CEQA applies only to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Neither the Resolution or Ordinance will not have a significant effect on the environment because no new in-fill construction is proposed with the project. Also, Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the CEQA guidelines finds that a project consisting of permitting, leasing, licensing, or no expansion of existing or former use is exempt from CEQA. This is limited to a change in the land use and zoning designations to be consistent with the existing affordable housing development and provide objective development standards where none exist, effectively a retroactive entitlement. The site is almost entirely built out and is identified in the Housing Element as an affordable housing site. The nature of the zoning amendments and General Plan Land Use amendment correspond directly to permitting’s purpose, which is to allow an activity, use, or structure.
Section 3. Findings.
The City Council of the City of Lomita hereby finds that General Plan Land Use change from Public Facilities/Open Space to High Density Residential at 24925-25007 Walnut Street is consistent with the following General Plan Goals, Objectives, and Policies:
A. Land Use Element Policy 12 directs the City to plan for the orderly future growth and development.
B. The 2021-2029 Housing Element Policy 1.2 seeks to preserve and rehabilitate housing for lower income households. 24925–25007 Walnut Avenue contains 78 affordable senior apartments. By correcting the inconsistency between the land designation, zoning designation and use, it removes a probable hindrance to future rehabilitation funding applications.
C. The 2021-2029 Housing Element Policy 3.1 requires the City to prioritize the identification of sites and zones to accommodates Lomita’ fair share of the existing and future housing need. The proposed High Density Residential Land Use Designation clarifies what is allowed to be developed on the southerly vacant parcel.
May 21, 2024, Reg. CC Mtg., Page # 453
Resolution No. 2024-13
D. The 2021-2029 Housing Element Program 14 establishes a rezoning program to accommodate for the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) lowerincome shortfall. This property’s land use designation and zoning designation change implements Program 14’s intent because the property is owned by the Lomita Housing Authority whose expressed purpose is to provide affordable housing.
Section 4: This Resolution will become effective immediately upon adoption.
Section 5: The City Clerk shall certify the passage and adoption of this resolution and enter it into the book of original resolutions.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED, this 21st day of May 2024. ________________________________
Bill Uphoff, Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________________
Kathleen Horn Gregory, MMC, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Trevor Rusin, City Attorney
May 21, 2024, Reg. CC Mtg., Page # 454
ORDINANCE NO. 861
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOMITA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING: (1) ZONING MAP AMENDMENT 2024-01 TO CHANGE THE ZONING DESIGNATION FROM R-1 SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL TO THE LOMITA MANOR SPECIFIC PLAN; (2) ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT 2024-03 AMENDING LOMITA MUNICIPAL CODE
TITLE XI (PLANNING AND ZONING), CHAPTER 1 (ZONING), PART 2 (ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONES) TO CREATE ARTICLE 28 THE “LOMITA MANOR SPECIFIC PLAN” FOR 24925-25007 WALNUT STREET (APNs 7375-015-901, 7375-015-902, 7375-015-903, AND 7375-015-904); AND (3) A DETERMINATION THAT THE PROJECT IS CATEGORICALLY
EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
(CEQA)
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOMITA DOES HEREBY FIND, ORDER, AND RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Recitals.
A. The City Council of the City of Lomita has considered an application for (1) Zoning Map Amendment (ZMA) No. 2024-01 for an amendment to the City’s Zoning Map from R-1 to the Lomita Manor Specific Plan, and (2) Zone Text Amendment (ZTA) No. 2024-03 to create the Lomita Manor Specific Plan requirements, and approved a resolution for General Plan Amendment No. 2024-01 for the property located at 24925-25007 Walnut Street (APNs 7375-015-901, 7375-015-902, 7375-015-903, and 7375-015-904). Initiated and filed by The City of Lomita (“Applicant”).
B. Chapter 1 of Title XI of the Lomita Municipal Code establishes allowable uses and development standards of properties within all zoning districts in the city.
C. The City desires to amend Title XI of the Lomita Municipal Code to create consistency between the present single-family zoning designation and the existing multifamily use.
D. On May 13, 2024, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on Zoning Map Amendment 2024-01, Zoning Text Amendment No. 2024-03, and General Plan Amendment 2024-01 where public testimony was accepted on the item and recommended City Council approval.
E. On May 21, 2024, City Council held a duly noticed public hearing to consider the proposed map and text amendments regarding the establishment of the Lomita Manor Specific Plan and objective development standards for the site.
Section 2. General Plan Consistency
Attachment No. 2
May 21, 2024, Reg. CC Mtg., Page # 455
Ordinance No. 861
This Ordinance’s amendments to Title XI of the Lomita Municipal Code are consistent with, and in furtherance of, the City’s adopted General Plan as they effectuate the following Policies of the General Plan.
A. Land Use Element Policy 10 promotes improvement of the community’s aesthetic and visual qualities by implementing development standards for private improvements. The proposed amendment establishes standards for the proposed specific plan area in accordance with existing development.
B. Housing Element Policy 1.2 seeks to preserve and rehabilitate housing for lower income households. By correcting the inconsistency between the R-1 SingleFamily zoning designation and the properties’ multifamily use, the nonconforming status, which can hinder reinvestment, will be removed.
C. Housing Element Policy 3.1 commits the City to prioritize the identification of sites and zones to accommodate Lomita’s fair share of the existing and future housing need. As this amendment pertains to affordable multifamily residential use, it demonstrates the City’s prioritization of accommodating Lomita’s fair share of housing.
D. Housing Element Program 14 directs the City to increase transparency and certainty in the development process by creating objective design standards. The proposed specific plan establishes objective development standards and thereby achieves transparency.
Section 3. Environmental Review
The City Council finds and determines that the adoption of this Ordinance regarding changing the zoning text and map and creating a specific plan is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines, which states that CEQA applies only to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. The Ordinance will not have a significant effect on the environment because no new construction is proposed with this request and it can be seen with certainty that any new project under the same development standards of the proposed specific plan would be relatively small in comparison to and proportional to the existing development and not have a significant effect on the environment.
In addition, pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the CEQA guidelines, a project that consists of permitting, leasing, licensing, or no expansion of existing or former use is exempt from CEQA. This project is limited to a change in the land use and zoning designations to be consistent with the existing affordable housing development and provide objective development standards where none exist. The site, identified in the Housing Element as an affordable housing site, is almost entirely built-out. The nature of the zoning amendments and General Plan Land Use designation change correspond directly to permitting’s purpose, which is to allow an activity, use, or structure to match May 21, 2024, Reg. CC Mtg., Page # 456
Ordinance No. 861
existing conditions. Furthermore, this action does not approve any new buildings or structures; taking this action only legitimizes the site’s use and existing building design.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOMITA HEREBY ORDAINS AS FOLLOWS:
Section 4. Zoning Map Amendment
Based on the foregoing, the City Council hereby approves the following amendment to the Lomita Zoning Map:
Designate the lots at 24925-25007 Walnut Street (APNs 7375-015-901, 7375-015-902, 7375-015-903, and 7375-015-904) with legal description of TR 241 S 60 FT OF LOT 20; TR 241 N 57.17 FT OF LOT 19, TR 241 S 57.16 FT OF LOT 19 and TR 241 N 57.17 FT OF LOT 18 as “Lomita Manor Specific Plan” on the City’s Zoning Map.
Section 5. Zoning Text Amendment
Based on the foregoing, the City Council hereby creates Article 28 of Part 2 of Chapter 1 of Title XI the following amendment to the Lomita Municipal Code:
A. Section 11-1.28. of Title XI of the Lomita Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:
“Sec. 11-1.28.01. Lomita Manor Specific Plan location.
The Lomita Manor Specific Plan applies to the property located at 24925-25007 Walnut Street (APNs 7375-015-901, 7375-015-902, 7375-015-903, and 7375-015- 904), on the west side of Walnut Street, and is generally bound by Metropolitan Water District property to the north and by private property south and west. The precise boundaries of the Lomita Manor Specific Plan are depicted in Figure 1.
May 21, 2024, Reg. CC Mtg., Page # 457
Ordinance No. 861
Figure 1
Sec. 11-1.28.02. Permitted uses.
The following uses shall be permitted in the development area subject to the provisions of this chapter: multiple-family dwellings and amenities commonly associated with multifamily dwellings including, without limitation, leasing office, pool, gazebos, parking facilities, community room, fitness center, and other complimentary ancillary uses.
Sec. 11-1.28.03. Density.
Dwelling unit density shall not exceed fifty-four (54) units per acre.
May 21, 2024, Reg. CC Mtg., Page # 458
Ordinance No. 861
Sec. 11-1.28.04 Floor Area Ratio.
Maximum floor area ratio shall be 1.5.
Sec. 11-1.28.05. Maximum building height.
The maximum building height of all structures shall not exceed thirty-seven (37) feet.
Staircases, elevator shafts, and other minor accessory structures may exceed maximum height to the minimum extent necessary for compliance with the building code of the City of Lomita.
Sec. 11-1.28.06. Minimum Setbacks.
(A) Front (Walnut Street.): Ten (10) feet.
(B) Rear (West): Ten (10) feet.
(C)Side (North): None.
(D)Side (South): Five (5) feet.
Sec. 11-1.28.07. Open space.
Common useable open space, including active recreation open space and passive open space (including landscaping), shall be provided and shall occupy at least five (5) percent of the total unbuilt land area.
Sec. 11-1.28.08. Dwelling unit area.
The gross area per dwelling unit, not including patios or balconies, shall average no more than five hundred fifty (550) square feet for studio units, shall average no more than seven hundred fifty (750) square feet for one-bedroom units, and shall average no more than nine hundred fifty (950) square feet for two-bedroom units. There is no minimum or maximum size per unit.
Sec. 11-1.28.09. Loading.
No off-street loading spaces shall be required.
Sec. 11-1.28.10. Parking and drive aisles.
(A)Standard parking stalls shall be nine (9) feet by nineteen (19) feet. Compact stalls shall be nine (9) feet by fifteen (15) feet. No more than thirty percent (30%) of minimum required parking shall be compact stalls.
(B) Drive aisles shall be a minimum twenty-four (24) feet in width for two-way traffic. (C)Parking Spaces:
May 21, 2024, Reg. CC Mtg., Page # 459
Ordinance No. 861
Use Ratio
Multifamily Residential 0.3 space per unit
Sec. 11-1.28.11. Exterior Lighting.
(A) Lighting fixtures shall be aimed directly downward or shielded. (B) Light produce a maximum initial illuminance of no greater than the moon’s potential ambient illumination of 0.10 horizontal and vertical footcandles at the site boundary and beyond, and no greater than 0.01 footcandles 10 feet beyond the site boundary.
Sec. 11-1.28.12. Perimeter Improvements.
(A) Fences, hedges, and walls:
(1) Shall not exceed forty-two (42) inches in height within the minimum required front yard setback, except vacant property may be secured with a fence or wall up to six (6) feet in height;
(2) Shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height along rear and interior side property lines; and
(3) Shall be erected to not create visual obstruction of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
(4) The height of the fence, wall, or hedge shall be measured from natural grade. (B) Driveway gates:
(1) Shall be setback at least 20 feet from the property line over which the driveway provides access;
(2) Shall be at least fifty percent (50%) transparent;
(3) Shall operate electronically; and
(4) The design, color, material, and location shall be subject to the approval of the community development director or designee.
Sec. 11-1.28.13. Signs.
(A) Intent and purpose. The intent and purpose of this section is to establish a framework for a comprehensive system of sign controls governing the display, design, construction, installation, and maintenance of signs that will discourage May 21, 2024, Reg. CC Mtg., Page # 460
Ordinance No. 861
indiscriminate and unregulated erection and maintenance of signs and other visual media which tend to create a garish, gaudy, and unsafe atmosphere and which tend to be out of harmony with the goals and objectives of the community. (B) Definitions.
(1) Area of Sign; Refer to section 11-1.67.02.
(2) Directional sign shall mean a sign that is intended to provide directions for motorists entering a site from a public right-of-way.
(3) Monument sign is a freestanding sign where the base of the structure connects to the ground and is supported primarily by an internal structural framework or integrated into landscaping or other solid structural features other than support poles.
(5) Private regulatory sign shall mean a sign that provides information on regarding conduct on private property. Examples include, no trespassing, no dumping, guest parking, no parking, towing, and other similar signs. (6) Real estate sign; Refer to section 11-1.67.02.
(7) Sign; Refer to section 11-1.67.02.
(9) Wall sign; Refer to section 11-1.67.02.
(C)Permanent signs.
(1) Monument sign.
a. One fifteen (15) square-foot or less sign shall be allowed to identify a building, but it may not obstruct the visibility of pedestrians and vehicular traffic. Area is calculated per sign face.
b. The maximum height shall be four (4) feet from the lowest finished grade.
c. The sign shall be set back at least two (2) feet from any property line. d. The sign may be externally illuminated.
(2) Wall sign.
a. Only one (1) flush-mounted wall sign shall be allowed per building. b. A wall sign shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet or thirty (30) square feet for nonresidential buildings.
May 21, 2024, Reg. CC Mtg., Page # 461
Ordinance No. 861
(D)Exempt signs.
(1) Directional signs less than two (2) square feet in area. (2) Private regulatory signs.
a. The sign shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet in surface area per face and shall be no more than one-inch thick.
b. A lot may have up to two (2) signs visible from the frontage and an unlimited quantity of signs not visible from the public rights-of-way. (3) Real estate signs less than four (4) square feet.
(E)Sign Illumination.
(1) A wall or monument sign may only be illuminated with one single color. No other signs shall be illuminated.
(2) The brightness level shall not pose a nuisance or danger, to the satisfaction of the director of community development.
Sec. 11-1.28.14 Location of other structures and projections into yards.
Shall be in accordance with Section 11-1.30.04.
Sec. 11-1.28.15. Mechanical equipment.
Mechanical equipment, devices, or facilities that are ancillary to residential dwelling units including, but not limited to, antennas, air conditioning systems, and filtration systems, are permitted in accordance with the following:
(A) The mechanical equipment shall comply with the city's noise ordinance. (B) The air conditioning and filtration system units shall be screened by parapet walls or roof-mounted enclosure that matches the existing building’s colors, style, and finishes.
Sec. 11-1.28.16. Trash facilities.
Trash facilities, including trash chutes, trash receptacles, or bins, shall be hidden from public view.
Sec. 11-1.28.17. Infrastructure.
Due to the urbanized nature of the surrounding area and the limited project size, the Lomita Manor Specific Plan site, as of the date of the adoption of this ordinance, is provided with adequate facilities and services for sewage, water, drainage, solid waste May 21, 2024, Reg. CC Mtg., Page # 462
Ordinance No. 861
disposal, and energy. In addition, all utility construction, connections, and maintenance shall conform to the provisions of the City of Lomita Municipal Code.” Section 6. Severability
If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance or any part hereof is for any reason held to be invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance or any part thereof. The City Council of the City of Lomita hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase hereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses or phrases be declared invalid.
Section 7. Effective Date.
This ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after the date of its passage; and prior to fifteen (15) days after its passage, the City Clerk shall cause a copy of this ordinance to be published in accordance with the provisions of the law. The City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this ordinance.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this _____ day of _________, 2024. ________________________________
Bill Uphoff, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________________
Kathleen Horn Gregory, MMC, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
____________________________
Trevor Rusin, City Attorney
May 21, 2024, Reg. CC Mtg., Page # 463
Statutory Exemptions. State code number:
_______________________________________________
Print Form
Notice of Exemption Attachment No. 3
To: Office of Planning and Research From: (Public Agency): ____________________________ P.O. Box 3044, Room 113 _______________________________________________ Sacramento, CA 95812-3044 County Clerk
(Address)
___________________________
___________________________
County of: __________________
Project Title: ____________________________________________________________________________ Project Applicant: ________________________________________________________________________ Project Location - Specific:
Project Location - City: ______________________ Project Location - County:
Description of Nature, Purpose and Beneficiaries of Project:
_____________________
Name of Public Agency Approving Project: _____________________________________________________ Name of Person or Agency Carrying Out Project: ________________________________________________ Exempt Status: (check one):
Ministerial (Sec. 21080(b)(1); 15268);
Declared Emergency (Sec. 21080(b)(3); 15269(a));
Emergency Project (Sec. 21080(b)(4); 15269(b)(c));
Reasons why project is exempt:
Lead Agency
Contact Person: ____________________________ Area Code/Telephone/Extension: _______________ If filed by applicant:
1. Attach certified document of exemption finding.
2. Has a Notice of Exemption been filed by the public agency approving the project? Yes No Signature: ____________________________ Date:
Signed by Lead Agency Signed by Applicant
Authority cited: Sections 21083 and 21110, Public Resources Code. Date Received for filing at OPR:
Reference: Sections 21108, 21152, and 21152.1, Public Resources Code. _______________
Categorical Exemption. State type and section number: ____________________________________ ______________________________________________
______________ Title: _______________________
Revised 2011
May 21, 2024, Reg. CC Mtg., Page # 464
RESOLUTION NO. PC 2024-09
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LOMITA
RECOMMENDING CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF GENERAL PLAN
AMENDMENT 2024-01 AMENDING THE CITY OF LOMITA GENERAL PLAN
LAND USE MAP AND LAND USE DESIGNATION FROM PUBLIC/OPEN
SPACE TO HIGH-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 24925-25007 WALNUT STREET (APNs 7375- 015-901, 7375-015-902, 7375- 015-903, AND 7375-015-904) AND RECOMMENDING THAT THE PROJECT BE
FOUND EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA). INITIATED BY THE CITY OF LOMITA.
THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LOMITA DOES HEREBY FIND, ORDER AND RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Recitals
A. The proposed General Plan Land Use Map and Land Use Designation change has been assessed and found exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Section 15061(b)(3) of the state CEQA guidelines states that CEQA applies only to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. The proposed change will not have a significant effect on the environment because the site is already developed with a high-density residential use, an affordable multifamily apartment complex, and such a land use designation change is merely a reconciliation of the existing use with the appropriate designation.
Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the CEQA guidelines finds that a project consisting of permitting, leasing, licensing or no expansion of existing or former use is exempt from CEQA. This project is limited to a change in the land use and zoning designations to be consistent with the existing affordable housing development and provide objective development standards where none exist, effectively a retroactive entitlement. The site is almost entirely built and is identified in the Housing Element as an affordable housing site. The nature of the zoning amendments and General Plan Land Use amendment correspond directly to permitting’s purpose, which is to allow an activity, use, or structure. No physical construction is proposed as part of this application.
B. On May 13, 2024, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on General Plan Amendment No. 2024-01 (initiated by the City of Lomita), where public testimony was accepted on the item and after deliberations the Planning Commission recommended that the City Council approve the General Plan Amendment.
C. After review and consideration of all evidence and testimony presented in connection with this hearing, the Planning Commission recommends that the City Council approves the General Plan Amendment changing the Land Use Map and Land Use Designation from Public/Open Space to High Density Residential on the subject properties.
Attachment No. 4
May 21, 2024, Reg. CC Mtg., Page # 465
Resolution No. 2024-09
Section 2. The Planning Commission finds that the proposed General Plan Amendment is consistent with the General Plan’s goals, objectives, and policies, specifically, Land Use Element Policy 12 requiring the City to plan for the orderly future growth and development. The amendment corrects an inconsistency between the existing and future high-density residential use and thedesignation.
Section 3. Based on the foregoing, the Planning Commission of the City of Lomita hereby recommends City Council approve the General Plan Land Use Map and Land Use Designation change.
PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED by the Planning Commission of the City of Lomita on this 13th day of May 2024, by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioners: Cammarata, Dever, Graf, Santos, Steinbach, ViceChair Mattingly, and Chair Stephens NOES: Commissioners: None
ABSENT: Commissioners: None
Brenda Stephens, Chair
ATTEST:
Brianna Rindge, AICP
Community and Economic Development Director
Any action to challenge the final decision of the City made as a result of the public hearing on this application must be filed within the time limits set forth in Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.6.
May 21, 2024, Reg. CC Mtg., Page # 466