planning commission meeting DATE: September 15, 2022
AGENDA ITEM NO.: xx
ITEM Description
Case Number
PR-2022-001414
Request
To receive and file an update on a retroactive policy change to the Planning Division standard Condition of Approval on Tentative Maps related to Grading Permit Issuance.
Project Location
Citywide
Wards
All
Staff Planner
Judy Egüez, Senior Planner
951-826-3969
[email protected]
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission receive and file an update on a retroactive policy change to the Planning Division standard Condition of Approval on Tentative Maps related to Grading Permit Issuance.
BACKGROUND/Discussion
Development projects that include parcel maps (1-4 lots) or tract maps (5 or more lots) to subdivide property have historically included a standard Planning Condition of Approval requiring that, prior to issuance of grading permits, the Final Map be recorded for the project. Typically, this condition states:
Prior to Grading Permit Issuance:
Parcel/Tract Map No. X shall be recorded.
Based on discussions with developers, the condition, as imposed by the City, sometimes delays them moving forward with their projects. In most cases, the process to record a map takes longer than the process to issue a Grading Permit because of the requirements for map recordation (recording CC&Rs, hiring of a professional consultant to prepare the tentative map, securing financing, preparing bond documents, scheduling for City Council).
For all future projects, the Planning Division will modify the standard Condition of Approval as follows:
Prior to Building Permit Issuance:
Parcel/Tract Map No. X shall be recorded.
Modifications to the timing of recordation of Maps, as outlined above, will allow development projects to move forward while ensuring compliance with the Zoning Code and Subdivision Map Act by holding building permits until the Final Map is recorded.
To implement this policy, at a minimum, staff will require that an “at-risk” letter and bond be submitted to ensure the site is stabilized and secured if grading and site development is not completed. City staff will review each case individually on a case-by-case basis to determine the specific requirements.
To streamline the development process and align with the Streamline Riverside Program and the Build Riverside Initiative, staff will request that City Council allow staff to retroactively modify this Condition of Approval for any Tentative Map for active and entitled projects.
Staff anticipates submitting this request to City Council at their September 20, 2022 meeting.
STRATEGIC PLAN
This item contributes to the Envision Riverside 2025 City Council Strategic Priority 5 – High Performing Government and specifically: Goal 5.2 - Utilize technology, data, and process improvement strategies to increase efficiencies, guide decision making, and ensure services are accessible and distributed equitably throughout all geographic areas of the City.
This item also aligns with the following Cross-Cutting Threads:
Community Trust: The retroactive change will benefit the public interest in implementing an efficient process that streamlines development in the City.
Equity: The retroactive change will be implemented to all Tentative Maps approved in the City.
Fiscal Responsibility: Implementation of the retroactive change does not impact the City’s financial resources.
Innovation: The retroactive change is a result of collaboration with developers and adapting processes to the City’s development needs.
Sustainability and Resiliency: The retroactive change reflects how the City is committed to protecting the present needs without compromising the future.
Prepared by: Judy Egüez, Senior Planner
Approved by: Mary Kopaskie-Brown, Acting Deputy Director and City Planner
September 15, 2022
September 15, 2022
Planning Commission
Memorandum
Community & Economic Development Department Planning Division 3900 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92522 | Phone: (951) 826-5371 | RiversideCA.gov