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Agenda Report
May 5, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Planning & Community Development Department
SUBJECT: ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION EXTENDING AN INTERIM
UNCODIFIED ORDINANCE THAT TEMPORARILY SUSPENDS/
MODIFIES ZONING DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND PROCESSES
FOR REBUILDING STRUCTURES DAMAGED DUE TO THE EATON
FIRE AND TEMPORARY EXTENSION OF CERTAIN LAND USE
RELATED DEADLINES FOR ENTITLEMENTS AND PERMITS
GRANTED IN COMPLIANCE WITH TITLE 17 (ZONING CODE), TITLE 16 (SUBDIVISIONS) AND TITLE 14 (BUILDINGS AND
CONSTRUCTION)
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Find that the action proposed herein, extension of an interim uncodified ordinance to facilitate the rebuilding of structures destroyed by the Eaton Fire, is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to California Public Resources Code Section 21080(b)(3) and Executive Order N-20-25, related to projects to maintain, repair, restore, demolish, or replace property or facilities damaged or destroyed as a result of a disaster in a disaster-stricken area in which a state of emergency has been proclaimed by the Governor pursuant to the California Emergency Services Act, commencing with Section 8550 of the Government Code, and find that the action to extend land use related deadlines for entitlements and permits is exempt from CEQA pursuant to California Public Resources Code Section 15061(b)(3)(Common Sense Exemption);
2. Approve the Resolution extending Interim Uncodified Ordinance No. 7444 for an additional 22 months and 1 5 days and find that there is a current and immediate threat to the public health, safety, or welfare from the Eaton Fire, which resulted in the destruction of structures and displacement of residents, and that current zoning code requirements on the rebuild would exacerbate the existing threat to public health, safety, or welfare by delaying the rebuild of structures and homes.
MEETING OF.05/05/2025AGENDA ITEM NO.10
Extension of an Uncodified Ordinance that Temporarily Suspends/Modifies Development Standards/Processes and Time Extensions
May 5, 2025
BACKGROUND:
On January 7, 2025, the City of Pasadena was struck by severe windstorms and destructive fires, causing widespread damage to private property. In Pasadena, the Eaton Fire destroyed 185 structures. The overwhelming majority were single-family dwellings and accessory structures in the Upper Hastings Ranch, Victory-Rose, Dundee Heights and NATHA neighborhoods.
To help support the reconstruction and restoration efforts, on February 22, 2025, the City Council approved the preparation of an Interim Uncodified Ordinance (the "Ordinance") that would suspend or modify certain development standards and procedures of the Pasadena Municipal Code to simplify the rebuild process. The Ordinance incorporated requirements of the Governor's Executive Orders (N-4-25 and N-20-25) related to rebuilding and provided additional local flexibility and options to support rebuilding efforts.
ANALYSIS:
On March 24, 2025, the City Council adopted the Ordinance pursuant to Government Code Section 8634 and alternatively 65858(b). The Ordinance was adopted as an urgency measure and it is only valid for 45 days, unless the City Council extends it.
The City Council can extend the Ordinance by 22 months and 15 days, to March 23, 2027, for a total validity period of 24 months. In extending the Ordinance, the City Council will find that there is a current and immediate threat to the public health, safety, or welfare from the Eaton Fire, which resulted in the destruction of structures and displacement of residents, and that current zoning code requirements on the rebuild would exacerbate the existing threat to public health, safety, or welfare by delaying the rebuild of structures and homes. The finding is provided in the body of the continued ordinance and resolution being considered with this extension.
Before or when the Ordinance lapses in 2027, the City Council could adopt a permanent ordinance to continue supporting reconstruction and restoration efforts.
COUNCIL POLICY CONSIDERATION:
The project is consistent with the City Council's strategic planning goals to ensure public safety and to promote the quality of life and the local economy.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS:
The action proposed herein is not subject to CEQA pursuant to California Public Resources Code Section 21080(b)(3), Executive Order N-20-25 and Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption).
Extension of an Uncodified Ordinance that Temporarily Suspends/Modifies Development Standards/Processes and Time Extensions
May 5, 2025
FISCAL IMPACT:
The fiscal impact associated with this action is negligible when compared against the impact of damage to private property caused by the emergency. The proposed action is intended to help support the reconstruction and restoration of Pasadena's neighborhoods.
Respectfully submitted,
JENNIFER^AIGE,
Director of Planning & Community
Development Department
Prepared by:
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Lj4^ Roch^f
^fanning Manager
Approved by:
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MIGUE4=-^ARQUEZ
City Manager
Attachments: (2)
Attachment A: Interim Uncodified Ordinance No. 7444
Attachment B: Resolution