Planning Commission Synopsis, November 12, 2025 Page 1 of 4
SYNOPSIS
PLANNING COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 12, 2025
SPECIAL MEETING
6:00 P.M.
NORWALK CITY HALL/COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Linda Lopez, Chair
Kim Apodaca, Vice Chair
Rosa Barragan, Planning Commissioner
Chris Macias, Planning Commissioner
Lisa Vernola-Salas, Planning Commissioner
Public Comment: The public is encouraged to address the Planning Commission on any matter listed on the agenda or on any other matter within its jurisdiction subject to the rules and proceedings described in Section 2.16.060 of the Norwalk Municipal Code. If you wish to address the Planning Commission, please complete the card that is provided at the rear entrance to Council Chambers and hand the card to the Secretary. The Planning Commission will hear public comment on items listed on the agenda during discussion of the matter and prior to a vote. The Planning Commission will hear public comment on matters not listed on the agenda during the Oral Communications period.
Pursuant to provisions of the Brown Act, no action may be taken on a matter unless it is listed on the agenda, or unless certain emergency or special circumstances exist. The Planning Commission may direct staff to investigate and/or schedule certain matters for consideration at a future Planning Commission meeting.
Please adhere to the following procedures when addressing the Planning Commission:
Comments should be limited to 3 minutes or less.
Comments should be directed to the Planning Commission as a whole and not directed to individual Planning Commission members.
Americans with Disabilities Act: In compliance with the ADA, if you need special assistance to participate in a City meeting or other services offered by this City, please contact the Community Development Department, (562) 929-5744. Assisted listening devices are available at this meeting. Ask the Secretary if you desire to use this device. Upon request, the agenda and documents in the agenda packet can be made available in appropriate alternative formats to persons with a disability. Notification of at least 48 hours prior to the meeting or time when services are needed will assist the City staff in assuring that reasonable arrangements can be made to provide accessibility to the meeting or service.
Note: Any writings and/or documents provided to a majority of the Planning Commission regarding any item on this agenda after it has been posted will also be made available for public inspection.
Writings and/or documents are available for inspection in the Community Development Department, City Hall, 12700 Norwalk Boulevard during regular business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., every other Friday; telephone (562) 929-5744. You may also contact the City Clerk via e-mail at [email protected] Planning Commission Synopsis, November 12, 2025 Page 2 of 4 CALL TO ORDER6:00 P.M.
FLAG SALUTECommissioner Vernola-Salas
ROLL CALL OF MEMBERSCommissioner Barragan, Commissioner Macias, Commissioner Vernola-Salas, Vice Chair Apodaca and Chair Lopez
1. MEETING MINUTES – Staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve the minutes of the Special Planning Commission Meeting of October 22, 2025.
Planning Commission Action: Approved
PUBLIC HEARING
2. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (CUP) NO. 2025-03
Beth Aboulafia of Hinman & Carmichael, LLP (“Applicant”) for Target Corporation; a request to allow the off-site sale of beer, wine and distilled spirits for consumption off the premises where sold (Type 21 ABC license) and ancillary instructional tasting (Type 86 ABC license) within an existing 141,077 square foot department store (Target) within a 10.71-acre shopping center. The subject property is located at 12051 Imperial Highway also known as Assessor’s Parcel Number(s) (“APN”) 8024-024-033) within the General Commercial (C-3) zone.
Environmental: Consider and find that the proposed project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities).
Staff Recommendation: That the Planning Commission:
(1) Adopt Resolution No. 25-22 to approve Conditional Use Permit No. 2025-03 subject to the Conditions of Approval contained in Exhibit “A”’; and (2) Consider and find that the proposed project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities).
Planning Commission Action: Approved staff’s recommendation by a vote of 5-0.
3. ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT (ZTA) NO. 2025-03
To amend various sections of Title 17 of the Norwalk Municipal Code (NMC) as it relates to standards for convenience stores, discount stores, personal use – laundromats, vehicle/automobile washing, payday loan establishments, mixed-use development, emergency shelters/low barrier navigation centers, group homes, residential care facilities, and tandem parking in residential zones.
Staff Recommendation: That the Planning Commission:
(1) Adopt Resolution No. 25-21 to recommend approval to the City Council for Zoning Text Amendment No 2025-03; and
(2) Consider and find that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) Common Sense Exemption) where it can be seen with certainty there is no possibility that the activity in question may have significant effect on the environment.
Planning Commission Action: Approved staff’s recommendation by a vote of 5-0.
4. GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT (GPA) NO. 2025-02
GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT (GPA) NO. 2025-03
ZONE CHANGE (ZC) NO. 2025-02
ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT (ZTA) NO. 2025-04
SPECIFIC PLAN AREA (SPA) NO. 18
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (FEIR) SCH NO. 2024040140
Planning Commission Synopsis, November 12, 2025 Page 3 of 4 City of Norwalk (“Applicant”); a request to establish the Heart of Norwalk Specific Plan (“Specific Plan”). Under the Specific Plan the following is anticipated: (i) 3,087 residential units and a net increase of 2,285,418 square feet of residential development; (ii) 275,747 square foot reduction in commercial uses; (iii) 18,310 square feet reduction in industrial uses; and 53,011 square feet reduction in institutional uses. The project site consists of approximately 615 acres, roughly bounded by Imperial Highway to the north; I-5 Freeway to the east; Rosecrans Avenue to the south; and Pioneer Boulevard to the west. Regional access to the Specific Plan Area is provided by I-5, I-605, I-105, and U.S. Route 91. Local access is provided by Imperial Highway, Pioneer Boulevard, Rosecrans Avenue, and Norwalk Boulevard/San Antonio Drive. The project includes a request for:
(1) GPA No. 2025-02 - to amend the General Plan to add a Specific Plan land use designation and change several land use designations of the project area to Specific Plan (SP); (2) GPA No. 2025-03 – to amend the General Plan Circulation Element to reclassify several street classifications within the Specific Plan area;
(3) ZC No. 2025-02 - to amend several zoning designations to Specific Plan area; (4) ZTA No. 2025-04 – to establish Specific Plan Area No. 18, “Heart of Norwalk Specific Plan”; (5) Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) No. 2024040140 to address the potential environmental effects of the Heart of Norwalk Specific Plan and impose mitigation measures to reduce potential impacts resulting from project implementation.
Staff Recommendation: That the Planning Commission:
(1) Adopt Resolution No. 25-16 recommending City Council approval of General Plan Amendment No. 2025-02;
(2) Adopt Resolution No. 25-17 recommending City Council approval of General Plan Amendment No. 2025-03;
(3) Adopt Resolution No. 25-18 recommending City Council approval of Zone Chage No. 2025- 02;
(4) Adopt Resolution No. 25-19 recommending City Council approval of Zoning Text Amendment No. 2025-04, to establish the “Norwalk Transit Village Specific Plan”; and (5) Adopt Resolution 25-20 recommending City Council adopt environmental findings pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act, certify the Final Environmental Impact Report (SCH #2024040140) for Specific Plan No. 18, the “Heart of Norwalk,” approve a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program and adopt a Statement of Overriding Consideration.
Planning Commission Action: Approved staff’s recommendations by a vote of 4-0 with one abstention.
5. ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT (ZTA) NO. 2025-02
To amend Title17 of the Norwalk Municipal Code (NMC) to add a new chapter for Lot Consolidation Incentives.
Environmental: Consider and find that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 153061(b)(3) of the Guidelines.
Staff Recommendation: That the Planning Commission:
(1) Adopt Resolution No. 25-15 to recommend approval to City Council for Zoning Text Amendment No. 2025-02; and
(2) Consider and find that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines in that it can be seen with certainty there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment.
Planning Commission Action: Approved staff’s recommendation by a vote of 5-0.
Planning Commission Synopsis, November 12, 2025 Page 4 of 4
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Acting Director Hamilton thanked the Planning Commissioners and acknowledged their deep understanding of all the topics presented to them. He also shared that the Heart of Norwalk team has done an excellent job.
ADJOURNMENT 7:33 P.M.