City Council Agenda Report
November 7, 2023
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager
BY: John P. Ramirez, AICP, Director of Community Development Jill Ann Arabe, AICP, Development Services Manager
Andrew R. Arellano, Assistant Planner
SUBJECT: ORDINANCE NO. 23-1746 – ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 2023-02 TO AMEND VARIOUS SECTIONS OF TITLE 17 OF THE NORWALK MUNICIPAL CODE TO STREAMLINE THE PRECISE DEVELOPMENT PLAN PROCESS.
Background:
The Precise Development Plan (PDP) requirement was adopted by Ordinance No. 757 in 1972 and intended to achieve a reasonable level of quality in harmony with precise plans and community objectives for social, economic and physical well-being, and to protect existing and potential developments and uses on adjacent and surrounding properties. A precise development plan involves a set of plans conforming to the zoning code that is subject to review and approval by the Planning Commission. It does not grant provisions to deny any use already permitted by the Norwalk Municipal Code (NMC) nor grant an unpermitted use in any zone. The application is prompted with new construction or the relocation of structures in any zone other than single-family residences and accessory buildings in residential zones.
On October 11, 2023, the Planning Commission conducted a duly noticed public hearing on the aforementioned project and with a 5-0 vote, recommended approval to City Council for Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) No. 2023-02.
Discussion
The request consists of (ZTA) No. 2023-02 to amend various sections of Title 17 of the NMC to streamline the PDP process. It will serve as a proactive approach of enhancing economic development and encouraging a positive image of the City.
City Council November 7, 2023
Ordinance No.23-1746 - ZTA No. 2023-02 Page No. 2
6 4
8 Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), this project is exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 15061(b)(3). The project will not involve any construction nor have a significant effect on the environment.
Fiscal Impact:
N/A
Citizens Advised:
Notice of this public hearing was published in The Norwalk Patriot on October 27, 2023, and posted at the City’s three designated posting sites and the City website on October 26, 2023.
Strategic Plan 2023 Implementation:
The recommended actions will further the City’s Strategic Plan Goals 1 and 3 to provide high quality customer service to the community and to create and sustain a resilient and economically prosperous city.
Recommended Action:
Staff recommends City Council introduce by title only Ordinance No. 23-1746, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NORWALK AMENDING TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE NORWALK
MUNICIPAL CODE AUTHORIZING THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR TO INITIATE AND MAKE DECISIONS ON PRECISE DEVELOPMENT PLAN APPLICATIONS and schedule for adoption.
Attachments:
1. Ordinance No. 23-1746 (Zoning Text Amendment No. 2023-02)
2. Planning Commission Staff Report dated October 11, 2023 (without attachments)
3. Zoning Text Amendment No. 2023-02 – Redline Version