Planning Commission Synopsis, October 14, 2026 Page 1 of 4
SYNOPSIS
PLANNING COMMISSION
OCTOBER 14, 2026
SPECIAL MEETING
6:00 P.M.
NORWALK CITY HALL/COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Kim Apodaca, Chair
Rosa Barragan, Vice Chair
Linda Lopez, 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, October 14, 2026 Page 2 of 4 CALL TO ORDER 6:00 P.M.
FLAG SALUTE Commissioner Lopez
ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS Commissioner Lopez, Commissioner Macias, Commissioner Vernola-Salas, Vice Chair Barragan, and Chair Apodaca.
1. MEETING MINUTES – Staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve the minutes of the Regular Adjourned Planning Commission Meeting of September 23, 2026.
Planning Commission Action: Approved.
PUBLIC HEARING
2. ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT (ZTA) NO. 2026-03
A City-initiated request to add Sections 17.03.400 through 17.03.470 under new Article V - Objective Design Standards to Title 17 (“Zoning”) of the Norwalk Municipal Code to implement Housing Element Program 3.3 by establishing objective design standards for attached multifamily and townhome residential developments.
Environmental: The project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption), in that it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the proposed objective design standards will have a significant effect on the environment. The multi-family residential densities will not be changed, building heights will not be increased, and the objective design standard amendments will not result in any environmental impacts. Future development projects subject to the proposed ordinance would be reviewed for potential environmental impacts.
Staff Recommendation:
That the Planning Commission:
(1) Consider and find that Zoning Text Amendment No. 2026-03 is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) 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; and (2) Adopt Resolution No. 26-17 to recommend approval to City Council for Zoning Text Amendment No. 2026-03.
Planning Commission Action: Approved staff’s recommendation, as revised, by a vote of 5-0.
3. ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT (ZTA) NO. 2026-04
For the Planning Commission to consider and make a recommendation to City Council to amend Title 17 (the Zoning Code) of the Norwalk Municipal Code to:
(1) Update the Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance to be in compliance with state law; (2) To allow Low Barrier Navigation Centers (LBNC) in the multi-family and mixed-use zones and to correct LBNC land use inconsistencies in the M-1, M-2, and I zones, in accordance with Program 3.5 (Special Needs Housing) of the 2021-2029 Housing Element and Government Code Section 65660; and
(3) Update land use and development criteria for Special Needs Housing in accordance with Program 2.1 (Special Needs Housing) of the 2021-2029 Housing Element.
Environmental: ZTA No. 2026-04 is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §15061(b)(3), (Common Sense Exemption), where 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 Synopsis, October 14, 2026 Page 3 of 4 Staff Recommendation:
That the Planning Commission:
(1) Consider and find that Zoning Text Amendment No. 2026-04 is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §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; and (2) Adopt Resolution No. 26-18 to recommend approval to the City Council for Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) No. 2026-04.
Planning Commission Action: Approved staff’s recommendation subject to revised conditions by a vote of 5-0.
4. GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT (GPA) NO. 2026-01
For the Planning Commission to consider and make a recommendation to City Council to amend the 2021-2029 Housing Element (“HE”) in accordance with the obligations set forth in Section 22.a.iv of the Stipulated Final Judgment and Order (Case No. 24STCP03551) filed on September 5, 2025. This is to ensure continuous certification of Norwalk’s HE, which was recertified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) on September 19, 2025.
Environmental: The project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §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. The Housing Element is a policy document and therefore, no development is being proposed as part of this project. The amendment to the Housing Element to comply with the Settlement Agreement would not result in physical environmental impacts.
Staff Recommendation:
That the Planning Commission:
(1) Consider and find that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §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; and
(2) Adopt Resolution No. 26-19 to recommend approval to the City Council for General Plan Amendment No. 2026-01.
Planning Commission Action: Approved staff’s recommendation by a vote of 5-0.
REPORTS
5. FINDING THE CITY’S LEASE OF A PORTION OF 12105 PIONEER BOULEVARD (APN NO. 8016-029-005), TO BE IN CONFORMITY WITH THE GENERAL PLAN.
Environmental: The Finding of Conformity is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption), which states that an activity is covered by the common sense exemption that CEQA only applies to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA review. The adoption of the Finding of Conformity is limited to legal findings and will not result in a physical change in the environment and none of the exceptions under CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 apply.
Planning Commission Synopsis, October 14, 2026 Page 4 of 4 Staff Recommendation:
That the Planning Commission:
(1) Consider and find that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption); and (2) Adopt Resolution No. 26-20 finding that the City of Norwalk leasing of a portion of 12105 Pioneer Boulevard (APN No. 8016-029-005) to be in conformity with the General Plan.
Planning Commission Action: Approved staff’s recommendation by a vote of 5-0.
6. FINDING THE CITY OF NORWALK ACQUISITION OF 10921 FIRESTONE BOULEVARD (APN NO. 8020-025-800), TO BE IN CONFORMITY WITH THE GENERAL PLAN Environmental: The Finding of Conformity is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption), which states that an activity is covered by the common-sense exemption that CEQA only applies to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA review.
Staff Recommendation:
That the Planning Commission:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 26-21 finding that the City of Norwalk’s acquisition of 10921 Firestone Boulevard (APN No. 8020-025-800) in the City of Norwalk (the “Subject Property”) to be in conformity with the General Plan; and
2. Consider and find that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15061 (b) (3) the “Common Sense Exemption” in this case it can be seen with certainty that this land acquisition (activity) will not have a significant effect on the environment.
Planning Commission Action: Approved staff’s recommendation by a vote of 5-0.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
The City’s new Director of Community Development, Brad Johnson, shared his career background information with the Planning Commission, and stated that he is looking forward to working with the Commission.
The Planning Commissioners welcomed Mr. Johnson.
Deputy City Manager Hamilton expressed his respect and admiration for the Planning Commissioners for their knowledge and dedication, and he commented on a few projects that are coming to Norwalk, including Dutch Bros.
ADJOURNMENT 7:00 P.M.