ATTACHMENT 3
Planning Commission
Agenda Report
October 11, 2023
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: John P. Ramirez, AICP, Director of Community Development BY: Andrew Arellano, Assistant Planner
SUBJECT: CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING - Zoning Text Amendment No. 2023-01 / Zone Change No. 2023-01 To amend various sections of Title 17 of the Norwalk Municipal Code (NMC) as it relates to the Automobile Parking (“P”) zone. Environmental:
Consider and find the project exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3).
RECOMMENDATION
That the Planning Commission:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 23-28, to recommend approval to City Council for Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) No. 2023-01;
2. Adopt Resolution No. 23-29, to recommend approval to City Council for Zone Change (ZC) No. 2023-01; and
3. Consider and find that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).
AUTHORITY
6 1
6 Section 65855 of the California Government Code states that the Planning Commission shall make a written recommendation on the adoption or amendment of the Zoning Ordinance.
Section 17.02.260.D of the NMC stipulates that the Planning Commission render its recommendation on a Zoning Text Amendment, including the reasons for the recommendation, to the City Council.
Section 17.02.290.D requires a written recommendation of approval by the Planning Commission to City Council for Zone Change applications.
INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND
The Automobile Parking (P) zone was adopted by Ordinance No. 114 in 1959 with the intent to serve as setbacks/buffers for incompatible uses. There are 275 parcels that contain a P zoning either exclusively or within the parcel. The P zoning primarily prohibits construction of a building; however, 43 existing sites contain structures.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The request consists of Zoning Text Amendment No. 2023-01 to amend various sections of Title 17 of the NMC as it relates to the P zone and Zone Change No. 2023-01 to remove the P zone from the zoning map.
The proposed update will simplify the list of permitted land uses and zones, minimize conflicts between zoning code requirements, and serve as a proactive approach of enhancing economic development.
ANALYSIS
A key objective of the proposed project is to expand development opportunities throughout the city. The project will allow property owners to build on respective parcels, while still conforming to requirements such as setbacks and building height. Additionally, it will remove redundant provisions that are outdated from current conditions and that conflict with goals to increase economic development. Recently approved projects, such as the Alondra-Maidstone mixed- use development and the Rosecrans-Norwalk commercial building are examples of vacant 6 1
6 sites that remained dormant for a long time and were difficult to redevelop due to the P zone.
Summarized below are proposed changes to the Zoning Code and Zoning Map.
Zoning Text Amendment
To simplify the code, staff proposes to delete the Automobile Parking (P) zoning and related provisions. The P zoning significantly hinders development, where other design features and code standards can apply and allow for development in a responsible manner. In consideration that the P zoning created a buffer between potential incompatible development, a minimum five feet setback and maximum 35 feet building height are imposed to provide protections to adjacent residential zones. New development proposed to reduce the minimum setback or exceed the maximum building height would be subject to review and approval of a conditional use permit.
Zone Change
Of the total 275 parcels that will be affected by the zone change, 52 parcels will completely revert to either residential (41) or commercial (11) zoning to match the underlying General Plan land use designation, and 223 parcels will remove the partial P zoning buffer, which is 15 to 50 feet wide, and revert to the corresponding zoning. The 223 split zoned parcels will be re- designated as follows: 34.08% (76 parcels) as residential, 40.77% (95 parcels) as industrial,
20.18% (45 parcels) as commercial, and the remaining 3.14% (7 parcels) as open space or specific plan. The ZC will encourage development by expanding developable area on the sites and providing the property owner more development opportunities. Consistency between the zoning map and General Plan land use map will occur as a result of this proposed project.
Public Notification
Notice of this public hearing was published in The Norwalk Patriot and posted at the City’s three designated posting sites and the City website on September 14, 2023. All 3,444 property owners within 300 feet of impacted parcels were also notified.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
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6 The project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3). The project will not involve any construction nor have a significant effect on the environment.
SUMMARY
The proposed ZTA and ZC involve removing the Automobile Parking zone and related provisions from the Norwalk Municipal Code, and corresponding zone on the City Zoning Map.
With the amendments, development opportunities will expand consistent with the General Plan, conflicts between zoning code requirements will be minimized, and the list of permitted uses and zones will be simplified. Staff recommends that the Planning Commission recommend approval of the project to City Council.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Resolution No. 23-28 (Zoning Text Amendment No. 2023-01), including Exhibit “A” Draft Ordinance
B. Resolution No. 23-29 (Zone Change No. 2023-01), including Exhibit “A” Draft Ordinance C. Zoning Text Amendment No. 2023-01 – Legislative Draft