PLANNING COMMISSION
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-________
RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MURRIETA APPROVING DEVELOPMENT PLAN PERMIT (DP-2021-2359) AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (CUP-2021-2360) FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF A 15,579 SQUARE-FOOT SELF-STORAGE BUILDING LOCATED ON A 1.1 ACRE PROPERTY ON LOS ALAMOS ROAD (APN: 949-220-013 AND APN 949-220-014).
WHEREAS, on July 7, 2021, an application was filed by U-Haul Company of Orange County (“Applicant”) for DP-2021-2359 and CUP-2021-2360 pursuant to sections 16.52 and 16.56 of the Murrieta Municipal Code (“MMC”) to allow the construction and operation for a 15,579 square foot self-storage facility (“Project”); and WHEREAS, the Project site has direct access to Los Alamos Road with Community Commercial and Multi-Family 2 to the north and Community Commercial to the east, south and west; and WHEREAS, the Project site is on the City of Murrieta General Plan 2035 Land Use Map has a Commercial land use designation; and WHEREAS, the Project site on the City of Murrieta Zoning Map is zoned Community Commercial, which allows for the operation of self-storage facility with the approval of a Conditional Use Permit (“CUP”); and WHEREAS, the application for the Development Plan Permit and Conditional Use Permits, was deemed complete on June 21, 2024; and WHEREAS, on July 20, 1976, a commercial subdivision PM 7654 was recorded; and WHEREAS, the project site is proposed on Parcels 3 and 4 of the previously recorded map PM 7654; and WHEREAS, a Notice of Exemption (Section 15332) for In-Fill Development was prepared for the consideration of the Planning Commission, with the incorporation of the conditions and design considerations, in satisfaction of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”); and WHEREAS, a public hearing was duly noticed for the Planning Commission meeting of November 23, 2024, by mailing a notice to property owners within 300 feet of the perimeter of the Project site on November 14, 2024, publishing the notice in “The Press-Enterprise” newspaper on November 14, and posting the site on November 14; and WHEREAS, on November 13, 2024, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing, and considered all written and oral reports of staff, heard and considered public testimony on the matter, received written and oral testimony from the applicant, and considered related materials and communications which are reflected in the administrative record of this matter.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Planning Commission of the City of Murrieta resolves as follows:
SECTION 1. In accordance with Section 16.56.040 of the MMC, and based upon the facts and statements of public and City staff, and information of record provided on the public hearing in this matter, the Planning Commission makes the following findings regarding the application for DP-2021-2359:
The proposed use is allowed within the subject zoning district and complies with all applicable provisions of the Development Code; FACTS: The development of the vacant property into a self-storage facility within the CC Zoning Classification with the facility layout subject to the issuance of a Development Plan Permit. The proposed site layout and landscaping plans are in compliance with the intent of the City’s Development Code requirements in regards to building height, setbacks and on-site landscaping.
The proposed use would be consistent with the objectives, policies, general land uses, and programs of the general plan and any applicable specific plan.
FACTS: General Plan goal LU-1 looks to provide a complimentary balance of land uses throughout the community that meets the needs of existing residents and businesses as well as anticipated growth and achieves the community’s vision. The Project is consistent with LU-1.2 by identifying a location appropriate for complimentary land use. The Project proposes a self-storage facility within the CC Zone.
This Project will achieve various goals and policies of the General Plan, including:
Promote future patterns of development and land use that reduce infrastructure construction costs and make better use of existing and planned public facilities. (LU-1.6); and Encourage retail development projects that can realistically satisfy community-wide and regionally-based demand for goods and services. (ED-4.1); and Ensure future development provides for a variety of commercial, industry, and housing that serve the spectrum of incomes within the region. (LU-1.2); and Ensures efficient and safe access for emergency vehicles by providing minimum drive aisles widths throughout the Project site for fire vehicles. (CIR-2.14); and Protect residential areas from the effects of potentially incompatible uses. Where new commercial or industrial development is allowed adjacent to residentially zoned districts, establish and/or maintain standards for circulation, noise, setbacks, buffer areas, landscaping and architecture, which ensure compatibility between the uses. (LU-3.2).
The Project is not located within any applicable Specific Plan.
The approval of the development plan permit and phasing plan for the proposed use is in compliance with the requirements of CEQA, and there would be no potentially significant negative impacts on environmental quality and natural resources that could not be properly mitigated and monitored; FACTS: The Project has been reviewed for compliance with CEQA Section 15332 for In-Fill Development. The project is consistent with the applicable general plan designation and all applicable general plan policies as well as with applicable zoning designation and regulations. The project occurs within the city limits on a site that is less than five (5) acres and is substantially surrounded by urban uses. The project site has no value as a habitat for endangered, rare, or threatened species. The project would not result in any significant effects relating to traffic noise, air quality, or water quality. The site can be adequately served by all required utilities and public services and is not on any hazardous substances list.
The location, size, design, and operating characteristics of the proposed use would be compatible with existing land uses within the general area in which the proposed use is to be located; FACTS: The Project site is suitable for the proposed self-storage facility as it will not have an adverse impact on the adjacent neighboring commercial land uses or the existing residential development across the street, north of Los Alamos Road. The Project provides for adequate ingress/egress by providing primary access on Los Alamos Road. The Project is designed to accommodate on-site parking for employees and patrons. The project will be conditioned to provide lighting using only shielded, downward lighting designs to avoid light spills into adjacent properties and a landscaping plan that meets the requirements and will provide buffering and screening. The proposed Project will also meet the standard requirements of the Development Code with specific conditions.
The subject site is physically suitable for the type and density/intensity of the use being proposed.
FACTS: The Project site is suitable for the proposed self-storage facility use as it will not have a harmful effect on the neighboring commercial zoned properties and residential development across the street. The Project provides for adequate ingress/egress by providing primary access on Los Alamos Road, and secondary access is provided connecting the adjacent U-Haul Facility south of the project site, which connects to Jefferson Avenue. The Project is designed to accommodate onsite parking, lighting (using only shielded, downward lighting designs) that avoids light spill offsite, and landscaping that meets code requirements and will provide buffering and screening. The proposed Project will also meet the standard requirements of the Development Code with specific conditions.
There are adequate provisions for public access, water, sanitation, and public utilities and services to ensure that the proposed use would not be detrimental to the public convenience, health, safety, or general welfare.
FACTS: Water and sewer will be provided by Western Municipal Water District and the project is conditioned to install the necessary infrastructure prior to occupancy. Water and sewer lines are currently located on Los Alamos Road and are available for connection. Electricity is provided by Southern California Edison Company and gas by the Southern California Gas Company. Waste Management provides residential and commercial waste disposal services in the City. The Project site is located in an area where existing public safety and services are readily available.
SECTION 2. In accordance with Section 16.52.040 of the MMC, and based upon the facts and statements of public and city staff, and information of record provided on the public hearing in this matter, the Planning Commission makes the following findings regarding the application for Conditional Use Permit 2021-2360:
The proposed use is conditionally allowed within, and would not impair the integrity and character of, the subject zoning district and complies with all applicable provisions of the Development Code; FACTS: The City of Murrieta Development Code (Section 16.10.010, Table 16.10-1) allows for a self-storage facility use, subject to the issuance of a CUP. The Project, as described in the staff report, is a compatible use to the surrounding zoning within the area. The Project complies with applicable requirements identified in the Development Code for parking, setback, landscape, and other development standards.
The proposed use is consistent with the objectives, policies, general land uses, and programs of the general plan, and any applicable specific plan; This Project will achieve various goals and policies of the General Plan, including:
Promote future patterns of development and land use that reduce infrastructure construction costs and make better use of existing and planned public facilities. (LU-1.6); and Encourage retail development projects that can realistically satisfy community-wide and regionally-based demand for goods and services. (ED-4.1); and Ensure future development provides for a variety of commercial, industry, and housing that serve the spectrum of incomes within the region. (LU-1.2); and Ensures efficient and safe access for emergency vehicles by providing minimum drive aisles widths throughout the Project site for fire vehicles. (CIR-2.14); and Protect residential areas from the effects of potentially incompatible uses. Where new commercial or industrial development is allowed adjacent to residentially zoned districts, establish and/or maintain standards for circulation, noise, setbacks, buffer areas, landscaping and architecture, which ensure compatibility between the uses. (LU-3.2).
The Project is not located within any applicable Specific Plan.
The approval of the conditional use permit for the proposed uses is in compliance with the requirements of CEQA and there will be no potentially significant negative impacts on environmental quality and natural resources that could not be properly mitigated and monitored; FACTS: The Project has been reviewed for compliance with CEQA Section 15332 for In-Fill Development. The project is consistent with the applicable general plan designation and all applicable general plan policies as well as with applicable zoning designation and regulations. The project occurs within the city limits on a site that is less than five (5) acres and is substantially surrounded by urban uses. The project site has no value as a habitat for endangered, rare, or threatened species. The project would not result in any significant effects relating to traffic noise, air quality, or water quality. The site can be adequately served by all required utilities and public services and is not on any hazardous substances list.
The site is suitable for the type and intensity of use or development that is proposed.
FACTS: The Project site is suitable for the proposed self-storage facility use as it will not have a harmful effect on the neighboring commercial zoned properties and residential development across the street. The Project provides for adequate ingress/egress by providing primary access on Los Alamos Road, and secondary access is provided connecting the adjacent U-Haul Facility south of the project site, which connects to Jefferson Avenue. The Project is designed to accommodate onsite parking, lighting (using only shielded, downward lighting designs) that avoids light spill offsite, and landscaping that meets code requirements and will provide buffering and screening. The proposed Project will also meet the standard requirements of the Development Code with specific conditions.
There are adequate provisions for sanitation, water, and public utilities and services to ensure public convenience, health, safety, and general welfare.
FACTS: Water and sewer will be provided by Western Municipal Water District and the project is conditioned to install the necessary infrastructure prior to occupancy. Water and sewer lines are currently located on Los Alamos Road and are available for connection. Electricity is provided by Southern California Edison Company and gas by the Southern California Gas Company. Waste Management provides residential and commercial waste disposal services in the City of Murrieta. The Project site is located in an area where existing public safety and services are readily available.
The proposed use would not create significant noise, traffic, or other conditions or situations that may be objectionable or detrimental to other allowed uses in the vicinity or adverse to the public convenience, health, safety, or general welfare, or materially injurious to properties and improvements in the vicinity of the subject property.
FACTS: The Project will not have an adverse impact on the environment because the proposed site improvements can be implemented without creating a significant impact on the neighboring land uses and the operation of self-storage facility is not anticipated to create any long-term significant impacts related to noise, traffic, air quality, lighting or other resources. Additionally, the Project is conditioned to comply with applicable standards specified within the Development Code that pertain to noise and other development standards.
SECTION 3. Pursuant to the above findings, the Planning Commission of the City of Murrieta adopts the environmental determination and adopts this Resolution approving Development Plan 2021-2359 and Conditional Use Permit 2360 for the construction and operation of a self-storage facility on Parcel 3 and 4 of PM 7654 (APN: 949-220-013 and -014) subject to the conditions of approval in attached Exhibit A and B and the Operations Statements in Exhibit C, all of which are incorporated herein as if set forth in full.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED THIS DAY OF 13th NOVEMBER, 2024. ______________________________
Planning Commission, Chairperson
ATTEST:
______________________________
Carl Stiehl, City Planner
I, Carl Stiehl, City Planner, City of Murrieta, California do hereby certify under penalty of perjury that the foregoing Resolution was duly adopted at a regular meeting of the Planning Commission on the 13th day of NOVEMBER, 2024 by the following roll call vote:
MOTION MADE BY COMMISSIONER ____________________________ SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER _______________________________ AYES:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstained:
__________________________
Carl Stiehl, City Planner
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